《Young Noble Be Monster Slaying》


 Chapter 1: Chu Liang

    <h4>Chapter 1: Chu Liang</h4>


    "Greetings, I''m Chu Liang," the young man seated in the chair introduced himself with a warm, gentle voice and a charming smile.


    The young man was dressed in fine clothes, with his sleeves folded into cuffs. He had a slim stature and long hair that draped down from his temples to his shoulders, framing his wlessly fair face. Apanied by his clear and lucid eyes, he appeared to have a bit of a babyface.


    "Pleased to meet you, Master Chu. This humble servant''s name is Yi Nianhong[4]."


    A captivating woman with soft features, whose beautifully lush hair was pinned up with a golden hairpiece, was seated opposite him. Her delicate face was reminiscent of peach blossoms¡ªsmooth and fair with a blush of pink.


    She covered her small smile with her sleeve, allowing only her limpid eyes to be seen.


    Between them was a table full of sumptuous dishes with a variety of colors and aromas, and around them were the elegant furnishings of the room. The incandescent glow of candles cast a bright light over the paintings of mountains and rivers on the folding screen, and a red canopy made of muslin hung loosely around the bed.


    "Your name is... rather refined, Miss," Chu Liang remarked with a smile.


    "Is it your first time visiting a ce like this, Master Chu?" Yi Nianhong asked softly while observing his expression.


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded. "My elders barred me froming here all this time, insisting that I was still too young..."


    Upon hearing that, Yi Nianhong immediately queried, "Master Chu, how old are you?"


    "Seventeen," Chu Liang answered.


    "<i>Ah. </i>Well, you''re not that young anymore. You should havee over earlier to have a taste." Yi Nianhong chuckled. "Once you''ve experienced it, you''ll no longer be a child."


    "I... have actually experienced it many times before but only in the vicinity of my home, and they were all... younger..." Chu Liang admitted with an embarrassed smile. "It is indeed my first time meeting someone as mature as you."


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" The woman''s gaze lingered on the young man. "Youngsters like you don''t know the pleasures of being with an older woman."


    Chu Liang said earnestly, "Please pardon me if I show any signs of inexperienceter, Miss. And I hope you... will match my pace. I thank you in advance."


    "Rest easy. There''s no need to be so polite," Yi Nianhong replied. She gently raised her fair hand, poured a cup of wine, and pushed it toward Chu Liang. "I guarantee that I''ll send you to heaventer."


    "<i>Um...</i>" Chu Liang blinked in surprise. "Shouldn''t I be saying that? I promise to send you to heaven, Miss."


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Yi Nianhong giggled and rolled her alluring eyes. "Young fe, you''re talking rather boldly. I guess you must be quite confident in your skills."


    "My skills... may not be perfect yet, but I can make the most of my tools topensate for my ws," Chu Liang said.


    "Oh? You even use tools?" Yi Nianghong raised her eyebrows. "I couldn''t tell at all from your noble and proper appearance, but you really know how to y, don''t you? What did you bring? Take them out, and let me have a look."


    "Sure, let''s just start early then," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    He reached into a pocket at his waist and pulled out an item, setting it down on the table with a ng.


    Surprisingly, it was half a lustrous golden brick that seemed to radiate the splendor of an otherworldly object.


    Yi Nianghong''s smile disappeared. "I have no idea how to use this... If you want to y games that indulge some bizarre fetish of yours, I want no part in it."


    "<i>Hm...</i>" Chu Liang murmured. Then he pointed at something behind the woman and asked, "What''s that?"


    "What?"


    Yi Nianhong turned to look behind her.


    The gentle young man suddenly jumped up. He swiftly grabbed the brick from the table and smashed it into the back of the woman''s head!


    <i>Thud.</i>


    A beam of golden light rippled out as the golden brick fell from Chu Liang''s hand. Immediately after that, ck smoke emerged from the woman''s head at the spot where it had just been struck!


    "<i>Aaaaaaah!</i>" Yi Nianhong screamed while clutching her head in pain.


    "You... You deceived me!" she cried out, taking two steps backward.


    The ck smoke continued to surge out from her head like a fountain, giving her an intense demonic aura! Her radiance was gone.


    She then transformed into an enormous spider around one zhang[1] long! On the spider''s abdomen was a human face¡ªthe face of Yi Nianhong, the woman who had been standing there just a moment ago. However, her peach-blossom-like beauty had faded, reced by malevolence and rage.


    The spider demon hadn''t expected that this young man, who had seemed so harmless to the extent that he wouldn''t even hurt a fly, would behave so ruthlessly. The intense wrath that she felt toward him was written all over her face.


    Her true form had been revealed with a single hit from that golden brick!


    By this point, Chu Liang had already ced the golden brick back in his pocket.


    He calmly gazed at the terrifying demonic entity before him and said with a smile, "I didn''t lie. This is indeed my first time killing a demon by myself."


    "<i>Hieeek!</i>" the giant spider demon shrieked repeatedly. "Where did this brat evene from? I''m going to rip you apart into thousands of pieces!"


    "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. We received a report that there is a demonic entity taking the lives of humans while disguised as a prostitute in a brothel. I''ve been ordered by the sect to y it!" Chu Liang stated loudly.


    "A disciple of the Mount Shu Sect?" the spider demon uttered.


    She immediately felt fearful. The Mount Shu Sect was one of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine[2]. Its reputation had declined somewhat in recent years, but its name still struck fear into the hearts of ordinary demons!


    The spider demon opened her mouth and shot out a ball of red light, which unfurled into arge web in midair as it flew toward Chu Liang. Her human face then turned toward the door. She focused her power in her eight legs and scuttled toward the exit with the intention to flee.


    However, the ruse she''d used in an attempt to hinder her enemy had failed.


    Chu Liang swiftly dodged the spiderweb. He extended his left hand with just his index and middle fingers pointing forward.


    Then he shouted clearly, "Sword Maniption Technique, activate!"


    The bracelet on his left wrist glimmered splendidly before turning into a beam of light, shooting toward the spider demon. Lastly, the beam of light transformed into a sword!


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    It was just one sword, but the spider demon, with its massive body, was unable to avoid Chu Liang''s attack. The sword pierced the spider demon.


    "<i>Aaah!</i>"


    The enormous spider demon let out a blood-curdling scream and fell, crashing noisily through the floor to the ground floor of the building. She smashed into the floor as shended, revealing the countless bones she''d hidden beneath the floorboards. It was clear that the spider demon had taken many lives here.


    A ball of golden light that ordinary people couldn''t see flew out of the demon''s corpse and into Chu Liang.


    Satisfied, he withdrew his sword, and it transformed back into a bracelet on his wrist.


    As the dust settled, Chu Liang finally let out a breath of relief.


    This had indeed been Chu Liang''s first time... descending Mount Shu alone for a demon extermination mission. Despite his calm expression, he had been quite nervous.


    The spider demon hadn''t had a high cultivation level, but it had been skilled in camouge. The demon had assumed a human form, making it difficult to distinguish the demon from humans. Without the urate information he''d been provided and his enchanted artifact, it was likely that Chu Liang would not have been able to deal with it so easily.


    ...


    The battle was over, but Chu Liang didn''t rush to leave. Instead, he sat down and closed his eyes in meditation.


    His consciousness sank and entered a dark space. It was empty except for a lofty white pagoda up ahead.


    The pagoda was majestic and imposing; it was nine stories tall and had a hexagonal structure. It was covered withplex and cryptic inscriptions and drawings, giving off the stateliness of an ancient era long passed.


    Chu Liang entered the White Pagoda and found that it was filled with cells fenced off with vertical ck iron bars. The pagoda was essentially a prison! He walked past cell after cell; they never seemed toe to an end. However, the cells were all empty... except for one.


    Inside that cell was a golden phantom of what seemed to be arge spider.


    The cell had no door, only a wall with the word "Refine" engraved on it in red. Chu Liang stepped forward and touched it gently.


    <i>Booom!</i>


    There was a burst of red light, and the golden phantom disappeared.


    A ball of white light appeared in its ce and floated out of the cell.


    Every time Chu Liang yed a demon, a phantom of the demon would appear in this pagoda. He could obtain valuable items by refining these phantoms. They were basically rewards for his efforts in exterminating demonic entities.


    Chu Liang reached out and caught the ball of white light. Its radiance soon faded, leaving behind a bundle of red rope in his hand. He felt something change inside him.


    [Demon-Binding Rope?: When used against an enemy, foundational qi is required to activate the Demon-Binding Rope. Then the rope will tightly bind the enemy with the tortoise-shell bondage method[3]. It incapacitates the enemy inbat as well as breaks down their mental defenses and even reveals hidden personalities. This makes the Demon-Binding Rope incredibly powerful.]


    1. Approx. 3.3 meters ?


    2. It''s a ranking. There are nine top sects referred to the Divine Nine. ?


    3. Apparently it''s bdsm... Enough said, rofl. ?


    4. A variety of tree peony (a flower). ?

 Chapter 2: Silver Sword Peak

    <h4>Chapter 2: Silver Sword Peak</h4>


    <i>At the Silver Sword Peak on Mount Shu...</i>


    Chu Liang''s eyes snapped open, gleaming with a piercing intensity.


    As he nced at the time outside, he noticed that it was still very early. The fiery red sun had only just begun to ascend over the mountains, casting the sky in hues of red.


    He had been in this world for more than half a year and he had gotten used to waking up early.


    Indeed. He was not of this world but a recent high school graduate who had justpleted his college entrance examination. Just a day earlier, he had received news of achieving the third-highest score in the entire province. However, the very next day, as he stepped out of his house, he was sent hurtling into the air by a drunk driver.


    When he woke up again, he found himself in a bizarre and wondrous world.


    This world could be described as bizarre due to the rampant presence of demonic entities, the flying dragons and serpents, and the overarching power of gods and spirits that transcended the heavens. Human lives were as fragile as grass and chaff. Peace in the human world was achieved by the immortal sects, led by those within the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, who worked together to subdue evil forces.


    In this world, human cultivators were simrly powerful. Martial artists could split mountains with their bare hands, and schrs disyed a demeanor rivaling that of an army of thousands. Daoist grandmasters couldmand the winds and rain, while high Buddhist monks were said to have subdued dragons with a mere touch of a finger...


    The previous host of this body was an orphan. His entire family had been in by demons and monsters, leaving him as the sole survivor. He was rescued by someone, who has since be his teacher. His teacher had recognized his innate talent for cultivation and brought him back to the mountain.


    As a result, the previous host harbored an intense hatred for evil entities and a burning desire to master the divine arts and techniques, with the goal of leaving the mountain and eradicating demonic entities. However, his excessive eagerness and impatience disrupted his Daoist state of mind. During an attempt to achieve a breakthrough, he lost control, resulting in the dispersion of his soul.


    One could only sigh and say that life is truly unpredictable.


    When Chu Liang''s soul first descended into this world, he felt a sense of panic. He was a young man who had grown up in an era of peace, so finding himself in a world overrun by demons and monsters left him deeply unsettled.


    Especially within the inherited memories, he witnessed heart-wrenching scenes of the previous host''s parents and loved ones killed by monsters. The toll on his psyche was indeed substantial.


    But he soon realized that the fear stemmed from insufficient strength.


    Weak individuals inevitably dwelled in a perpetual state of fear. To break free from this anxiety, the only path was to be stronger. Given this body''s innate talent for cultivation and its affiliation with Mount Shu Sect, a top-ranked immortal sect, the beginning of his journey was considered favorable.


    Even more remarkable was the fact that, after his transmigration, he discovered a subtle change in his spirit.


    It was the appearance of that pagoda.


    Whenever he would meditate, a massive white pagoda would materialize in his mind. Each time he sessfully yed a monster, the pagoda would bestow upon him a reward. This phenomenon had not existed in the previous host''s memories; It was as if the pagoda had apanied him into this realm. Could this pagoda be the legendary golden finger[1]?


    Initially, Chu Liang didn''t dare to hunt greater demons. Instead, he searched ces like unmarked graves and burial grounds in viges and towns around Mount Shu, where he then yed somentern monsters.


    Lantern monsters were evil entities born from the lingering grudges of the deceased, manifesting as ghostly mes that clung tonterns. During the night, they would float around and bump into living humans. When this urred, thentern monster would disperse into thin air. The person who had been bumped might, at worst, fall ill briefly. Lantern monsters were utterly powerless before cultivators.


    In fact, they were so weak that they were rather endearing.


    The reward for purifying antern monster was a Qi-Gathering Pill that bolstered cultivation. While this pill was not considered rare, amassing an ample amount of them would significantly enhance his cultivation speed.


    Once, he stumbled upon a bulky stone statue demon with formidable defenses that was in the act of killing people. After a protracted and grueling fight, Chu Liang sessfully wore it down and killed it.


    That was the first time the White Pagoda rewarded him with an enchanted artifact¡ªthe golden brick thatpelled the spider demon to reveal its true form.


    [Demon-Revealing Brick: When this brick strikes a person''s head, itpels any concealed demonic entity to instantly reveal its true form. If the individual is not a disguised demonic entity, they will experience pain and to some extent, dizziness. This artifact ensures a definitive differentiation between truth and deceit.]


    Regarding this artifact, Chu Liang considered it highly practical.


    In the world of cultivation, pills, enchanted artifacts, and divine arts were considered extremely valuable... Even disciples of the Mount Shu Sect had toplete missions on behalf of the sect before they could exchange for resources and valuable items.


    However, Chu Liang could obtain these valuable items simply by ying demonic entities. As he killed progressively more powerful demonic entities, the rank of the valuable items he received improved, further enhancing hisbat prowess.


    Thus, in this very moment, Chu Liang found himself entangled in the paradoxical logic of ying monsters out of fear for them. From a certain perspective, he had, in fact, fulfilled some of the former host''s wishes.


    ...


    Chu Liang took his time dressing up and tying his hair before fetching water to wash up. Only then could it be considered that he had officially gotten out of bed.


    He pushed open the door, stepped out of his small wooden cabin, and cast his gaze on the vast sky and serene clouds. It waste spring in April, and a mild breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees. He followed a path adorned with bird songs and fragrant blossoms, winding around half of a hillside, until he reached a pavilion perched at the peak.


    He was here to see his teacher.


    The main doors of the pavilion stood wide open, and as he walked beyond the doorway, he saw an alluring figure lying in front of the altar in a rxed and carefree pose.


    It was a woman with long, flowing hair. Strands of hair cascaded down her face, partially covering it, yet revealing the other half in all its delicate radiance. Her facial features resembled finely drawn ink paintings, graced with a subtle rosy hue, while her neck exhibited finely sculpted contours akin to porcin.


    She was draped in a ck robe with ovepping panels, and even in her reclined posture, the fullness of her bosom was easily perceived, resembling a full moon. Her chest rose and fell in rhythm with her breathing and an eye-catching jade pendant with a crimson glow nestled amidst her bosom. Her waist was elegantly cinched with a satin ribbon, while below, her hips widened, revealing two long, fair thighs that extended outward, exuding a creamy and delicate softness.


    Beside her hand, arge wine gourd hung suspended. As Chu Liang stepped past the door, he even heard a faint snore. These were indications of herck of decorum. Despite being deeply asleep, the moment Chu Liang''s footsteps resounded, the woman snapped awake, her eyes springing open in an instant.


    "Esteemed Teacher," Chu Liang called out at the door.


    Indeed, this woman was Chu Liang''s teacher, Di Nufeng[2], the peak master of Silver Sword Peak, one of Mount Shu''s thirty-six peaks.


    "Oh, it''s morning already?" Di Nufeng eximed as she rolled over and sat up. Her clothing, in disarray, revealed part of her shoulders. This scene appeared as if a crime had taken ce.


    Rather than tidying her disheveled attire, she scratched her head and fixed a hazy gaze on Chu Liang as she asked, "Why are you here?"


    She was clearly still in a daze.


    "Hmm..." Chu Liang raised his gaze and answered, "Esteemed Teacher, you sent me a paper crane message, requesting my presence upon my return."


    "Did that happen?" the woman asked, clearly still sobering up from a night of drinking. She scratched her head before suddenly eximing, "Oh! I remember now!"


    With a couple of tugs, she adjusted her clothes before standing up, revealing her tall figure and incredible curves, which hadn''t been particrly impressive when she was lying down.


    "The sect leader held a meeting of the peak masters yesterday to discuss preparations for the Mount Shu Summit that urs once every ten years. You''ve heard of it, right? It''s the event where disciples from all peakspete for the title of Head Disciple."


    "I know about it."


    "I ended up in a heated argument with that old fe Wang Xuanling at the meeting. I couldn''t stand his arrogant demeanor as he boasted about how the title of Head Disciple would undoubtedly go to Jade Sword Peak. As if!" Di Nufeng''s anger red up again as she recounted the incident. "Obviously, I argued with him, exchanged a few heated words, and then made a bet.


    "If a disciple from Jade Sword Peak secures the head disciple position, I will gift him the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade. On the other hand, if a disciple from my Silver Sword Peak manages to win the title of Head Disciple, Wang Xuanling will step down as grand peak master and pass the position to me."


    With this, Di Nufeng turned her gaze toward Chu Liang. "I called for you here to ask who from our Silver Sword Peak would you rmend participating in the Mount Shu Summit?"


    "..." Chu Liang felt speechless for a moment before he spoke softly, "Esteemed Teacher, am I not the only disciple in our Silver Sword Peak..."


    "Excellent!" Di Nufeng pped and eximed, "I am delighted that you are willing to rmend yourself!"


    1. Golden finger is a term in Chinese popr culture that means an unexpected advantage or cheat-like ability that helps someone progress or seed. ?


    2. Her name in Chinese is µÛÅ®·ï, which means Empress Phoenix. ?

 Chapter 3: Sword Exchange Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 3: Sword Exchange Pavilion</h4>


    Chu Liang gazed at his teacher confusedly, almost as if he had a question mark on his forehead.


    He couldn''t help but express, "Esteemed Teacher, Jade Sword Peak is the most powerful among all the peaks in our sect. They have nearly a hundred disciples, and they have a few members who are well-known for having reached the Golden Core Realm. They do indeed have the highest chances of bing the head disciple. As for me... I only just broke through the Spiritual Awareness Realm a few days ago."


    The head disciple represented the face of every new generation of disciples in the Mount Shu Sect. Thepetition for such a position was undoubtedly intense.


    Meanwhile, having the position of grand peak master meant being the most prestigious, respected, and powerful figure among the thirty-six peak master. If the situation were to arise that the Four Guardian Elders were unable to be the sect leader, the grand peak master would be the next in line to be the new sect leader.


    As for Di Nufeng... she was infamous as the scourge of the Mount Shu Sect¡ªa heavy drinker who was skilled inbat and had an extremely fiery temper, so much so that she was well-known all over the martialmunity for it.


    Despite that, Di Nufeng had stubbornly fought for and won the position of a peak master with the powerful abilities she had cultivated. However, Mount Shu''s Sect Leader had been reluctant to assign her any disciples, fearing that she might be a bad influence on them.


    Later on, she descended the mountain to perform heroic deeds, and that was when she personally selected and took in Chu Liang, who had the aptitude for cultivation, to be her disciple. No one could say anything about it since she''d brought him back to the sect herself. Then once she discovered that there wasn''t much fun in having a disciple, she never took in another disciple.


    Now, Di Nufeng suddenly wanted her sole disciple topete for the position of head disciple, and she even wanted to take the position of grand peak master...


    Chu Liang was somewhat astonished.


    <i>How could she even dare think of attempting such a thing?</i>


    Di Nufeng walked over and patted Chu Liang''s shoulder. "You don''t need to feel so pressured. You should have at least half a year before the summit. Just make sure to prepare for it thoroughly. If you manage to be the head disciple, your teacher, I, will be sure topensate you fairly. You can ask for anything you want."


    Upon hearing that, Chu Liang nced at Di Nufeng''s chest.


    "Hey..." Di Nufeng''s gaze suddenly sharpened menacingly as she pointed her finger at him. "What are you thinking about?"


    "Esteemed Teacher, please don''t misunderstand," Chu Liang said. "I was just thinking about how you''ve staked such a precious treasure, the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, for the bet. So, I will definitely prepare for the summit to the best of my abilities. That''s for sure. It''s just that... it will be quite difficult to win the position of Head Disciple. I hope Master won''t me me if I were to fail."


    "Oh, you''re just looking at the jade."


    Di Nufeng touched the jade pendant hanging from her neck down to her chest and chuckled mischievously.


    She continued, "Anyway, just do your part. If you were to be the head disciple and I be the grand peak master, we would have ess to a great quantity of resources... Then we could divide those resources between us 30-70. Wouldn''t that be wonderful?"


    While fantasizing about her bright future, she couldn''t help but let out a greedyugh.


    "<i>Heheheheheh...</i>"


    ...


    Chu Liang walked out of the pavilion and calmed his emotions, preparing to head to his next destination.


    It was Mount Shu''s main peak, Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Heaven-Reaching Peak was where the sect leader resided in the Boundless Pce. It was a ce of great importance for the Mount Shu Sect, much like what a capital city was to a country. It was where the major matters of the sect were handled.


    With a flick of his fingers, Chu Liang''s bracelet transformed into a flying sword and hovered in a horizontal position in front of him. He stepped onto it, and the sword swiftly departed from Silver Sword Peak.


    He rode the sword through the air!


    The wind roared in his ears, and beneath the sword was an endless sea of white clouds. The thirty-six peaks emerged from the sea of clouds with a mix of majestic and rugged peaks, resembling hotpot ingredients bubbling to the surface of the boiling hot soup.


    There were many trails of light streaking through the mountains; they were all disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, who were rushing to and fro. Those who couldn''t fly would have an extremely difficult time moving around the peaks. asionally, there were disciples zipping by on the backs of spirit birds and immortal beasts, and the disciples riding flying swords had to make way for them. Those who could raise such creatures as their mounts were generally either a peak master or an Elder of the sect or individuals with an impressive background. It wasn''t worth taking the risk of offending any of them.


    In the Mount Shu Sect, disciples needed toplete missions on behalf of the sect so that they could make trades for daily necessities and cultivation resources. Sword Exchange Pavilion was where they went to receive their missions.


    In the cultivation world, gold, silver, and jewels held no significance for most cultivators. Themon currency in the martial world consisted of spirit stones, which were used for smelting and forging, pills that aided with cultivation, talismans for a wide range of uses, and other simr items.


    Among them, spirit stones were the most widely epted.


    It was for the same reason that the Mount Shu Sect smelted and forged spirit stones into coins that could be used as a currency within the sect.


    In the early days, the manufacturing process of the coins was rather crude. They just ground the spirit stones until they were round and then split them in half. Due to their shape, the coins were then named steamed bun coins.


    However, the steamed bun coins were too easy to make, so it wasn''t long before some disciples made low-quality counterfeits, which created issues within the sect''s economy. Therefore, the sect improved the design and carved the spirit stones into an intricate and exquisite butterfly form. These were named butterfly coins.


    Despite being an improved version, butterfly coins were problematic too. The design was too intricate, making it difficult to mass produce. This meant the sect couldn''t meet the growing demand.


    Ultimately, it was the Sect Leader at the time who came up with the solution. It was to carve the spirit stones into the simple shape of a small sword and then infuse them with a special sword qi, making them easy to manufacture but impossible to replicate.


    The Mount Shu Sect had been using these sword coins for thousands of years since then. This was the origin of the name of the exchange center, Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    ...


    On the second floor of the Sword Exchange Pavilion...


    Despite its grand appearance, the imposing Sword Exchange Pavilion only had three floors. However, it did have arge square footage and a high domed roof, giving it a rather impressive appearance. Most of the affairs were handled by the attendants[1], but there were a few supervising elders who supervised them from upstairs. Additionally, these elders were asionally needed to resolve the more problematic matters.


    Chu Liang arrived at the quiet office of one of the supervising elders.


    "Elder Shen, I''vee to be a bother to you again," Chu Liang greeted with a smile as he entered the room.


    "<i>Ha!</i> Oh, young Chu!" said Elder Shen, the supervising elder inside the room who was dressed in loose robes with wide sleeves.


    He was a portly and balding elderly man. Nevertheless, he seemed to present himself with a remarkably noble and refined demeanor as he smiled wholeheartedly at Chu Liang.


    Elder Shen expressed, "It''s no bother at all! You''ve returned so quickly... I guess you must havepleted your mission without a hitch."


    "It went rtively smoothly thanks to you, Elder. So, I''m here today to report thepletion of the task," Chu Liang replied.


    "Sure. Well, there''s no hurry for that. Let''s have a match first."


    Elder Shen waved his sleeves, and a Go [2] board appeared on the table before him. Apanying the board were two small bowls of ying pieces, one ck and the other white.


    "I managed to win against you by chance in ourst match. It seems you''re dissatisfied about that," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He sat down right away, without the slightest intention of rejecting Elder Shen''s proposal.


    "Of course! I went home and mulled over it for a long time, but I found a way to break your strategy."


    Elder Shen made the first move.


    "In that case, just like we''ve always done... If you lose, you''ll have to share some inside information with me," Chu Liang replied with a hint of yfulness.


    An hourter...


    The angle of the sunlight shining in through the window had shifted slightly.


    The young man withdrew his hands into his sleeves. He watched the old man opposite him stare fixedly at the Go board, racking his brains toe up with a move that could turn the tables in his favor.


    "Elder Shen, it is indeed a deadlock," Chu Liang stated with a smile.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Elder Shen scratched his glossy balding head and nced at the board a few more times before finally tearing his gaze away.


    He shook his head and said, "You little rascal... You''re always smiling, looking so innocent as if you wouldn''t hurt a fly. Yet, on the Go board, you''re unwaveringly ruthless, each move made with the intention to kill."


    "Well, it''s just luck, really. There were a few times mid-match when my game n almost fell apart," Chu Liang responded modestly.


    "Oh,e on... I can''tpete with the keen minds of young folks like you," Elder Shen said. He leaned back, patted his belly, and continued, "In addition to reporting about yourpleted mission, I assume you''re here to pick up a new mission, right?"


    "That''s right. However, there are too many missions for disciples of the Spiritual Awareness Realm; it''s the category with the highest number of listings. There are hundreds of them, and I''m not sure which one I should choose," Chu Liang remarked.


    "Let me think for a moment... You prefer demon-ying missions. Hmm, one of the better ones..." Elder Shen muttered to himself.


    Then he raised his hand, and an inscribed bamboo stick flew out from amid the row of bamboo tubes behind him. Itnded on his palm, and he handed it to Chu Liang.


    "Have a look at this one," Elder Shen said.


    Chu Liang took the bamboo stick and saw a line of words written on it in a small font.


    <i>Hunt the demons at Official Ming''s residence in Xingzhou City.</i>


    1. They are disciples who work as attendants in the Sword Exchange Pavilion ?


    2. It''s an abstract strategy board game that originated in China as ‡úÆå weiqi, but it''s more famous in the English-speaking world under the name Go, the Japanese name for the game. ?

 Chapter 4: The Official’s Residence

    <h4>Chapter 4: The Official¡¯s Residence</h4>


    The progression of human cultivators in their practice was divided into three phases of cultivation in the form of gates, with each gate leading to three realms.


    Among them, the Mortal Gate emphasized self-cultivation, epassing the following realms: Body Refinement Realm, Qi-Concentration Realm, and Spiritual Awareness Realm. In the Earthly Gate, cultivators went beyond their physical body, and this phase included the following realms: Golden Core Realm, Realm of the Five Elements, and Transcendence Realm[1]. Lastly, the Heavenly Gate involved the cultivation of the Great Dao and included the realms: Dao Attainment Realm, Heavenly Origin Realm, and Profound Realm[2].


    Despite the various cultivation systems practiced by the three major schools of thought[3], martial artists, demonic entities, and other minor sects, they all shared fundamental simrities.


    In the Mount Shu Sect, there existed a system where members worked in exchange for resources. While it might seem cruel, it was established as a means to train disciples. In reality, the sect held a strong protective stance towards its disciples. For example, those in the first and second phases of cultivation were restricted from undertaking quests outside the mountain. They could only handle various chores within the sect, including tending to spirit nts, caring for spirit birds, assisting with tasks at the gateway, and handling other misceneous duties.


    As for those in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, when they ventured into the world, they were regarded as highly skilled cultivators. However, within the Mount Shu Sect, they were only deemed worthy of meeting the requirement for descending the mountain to hunt demons.


    While everyone was descending the mountain to exterminate demons, missions came in various forms with significant distinctions. Among them, the most favored missions were the enigmatic cases in wealthy households.


    Firstly, there were generally fewer high-level demons lurking within the city walls, making it less dangerous. Secondly, cities were vibrant centers of life, offering opportunities for leisure and entertainment alongside demon hunting. Lastly, wealthy households were known for their generous rewards. In addition to the fees paid to the sect, the subsequent rewards were often substantial and went directly to the demon hunter, making it a highly profitable endeavor.


    This was precisely the kind of mission that Elder Shen had selected for Chu Liang.


    "Good day, Young Hero Chu!" greeted Official Ming.


    "Greetings, Official Ming."


    "Young Hero Chu, thank you for your hard work!"


    "It''s my duty to serve the people."


    "..."


    Chu Liang arrived at the gates of Xingzhou City on the flying sword. Upon his arrival, he made his way to Official Ming''s residence in the city and introduced himself. His presence was met with a warm and enthusiastic wee.


    Official Ming, a slender middle-aged man with a refined demeanor, had a short beard under his chin, leaving a favorable impression. However, the dark circles under his eyes and his exhausted expression indicated that he had been through quite the torment.


    Official Ming led Chu Liang over to the main hall[4] of the Ming residence, where they sat down. He then directed his servants to serve them tea.


    With deep emotion, Official Ming voiced, "With your arrival, young hero from the Mount Shu Sect, peace will return to our home."


    "Why don''t you give me a brief overview of what happened first?" Chu Liang asked with a smile.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Official Ming sighed. He responded, "The Ming Family has been a family of virtue for generations. I don''t understand why these strange urrences are happening..."


    "Three days ago, mournful and bone-chilling cat cries began echoing outside the residence, filling the air with a mournful, haunting presence. By the second day, those unsettling cries had reached our front yard. Some servants even imed to have seen a demonic creature within the residence, exuding a powerful and menacing aura. And just yesterday, those unsettling cries reached our backyard. My wife was greatly disturbed by the sound..."


    "Young hero..." Official Ming stared at Chu Liang with utmost sincerity, "If you don''t stop it, I fear it may enter my house and harm someone tonight."


    Official Ming acted swiftly. On the second day, he sought help from a Daoist temple outside the city.


    Flourishing Daoist temples, blessed with a thriving supply of incense and offerings from devoted worshippers, typically had a garrison of cultivators or were affiliated with an immortal sect. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have risen to such prominence. The Daoist temple outside Xingzhou City shared a close connection with the Mount Shu Sect, which was why the request for this mission was promptly forwarded to the Sword Exchange Pavilion of the Mount Shu Sect.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang responded, lost in thought for a moment.


    <i>The kind of entity that only appears at night, cautiously probing forward step by step, doesn''t seem like a demon. It''s more akin to a spirit, or what wemonly refer to as a ghost.</i>


    <i>After all, if the demon had achieved a certain level of cultivation, their intelligence would be no different from humans, and they wouldn''t behave in such an unpredictable manner. Ghosts with lower-level cultivation, who lose their rationality after death, are the only ones who may be driven by lingering grudges from their past lives to engage in some peculiar behaviors.</i>


    <i>This cat demon would be an example of that ...</i>


    <i>It might have been the spirit of a dead cat.</i>


    As Chu Liang thought about this, he asked, "Has anyone in the residence killed a cat during the past few days?"


    "Of course not," Official Ming said, shaking his head. "My wife is verypassionate and has always been kind to animals. We even instructed people to care for and feed the stray cats and dogs in the vicinity."


    ...


    It had already been afternoon when Chu Liang arrived at the Ming residence. By the time he was done inquiring about the situation and inspecting the residence, dusk was fast approaching.


    The people at the residence promptly arranged avish banquet to extend their hospitality.


    After all, if they held it anyter, the cat demon might appear.


    At the banquet table, the sumptuous feast of exquisite delicacies was a given. Official Ming and Chu Liang sat there, each attended by a maid. This was a level of treatment Chu Liang had never experienced at Silver Sword Peak.


    However, even after waiting for a while, not everyone was present at the banquet. Then, a maid came to report, "Master, Mistress says that she is feeling unwell and her condition is deteriorating. She is unable to attend the banquet and hopes that Young Hero Chu and Master won''t me her."


    "Oh, no..." Official Ming immediately appeared deeply worried. He stood up and turned to Chu Liang, apologizing, "Young Hero Chu, please excuse me. I need to check on my wife. I''ll be back shortly."


    With that, he scampered off to the backyard, leaving Chu Liang behind.


    Chu Liang wasn''t bothered by it at all.


    He smiled and remarked, "Official Ming and his wife have such a strong bond."


    "Yes," a nearby maid said with some envy, "Our master and mistress have been married for ten years and are still stuck together like glue. A few years ago, when Mistress couldn''t have children due to illness, she even suggested to the master that he take a concubine and have a child, but Master has always refused to do so."


    Another maid sighed and remarked, "Only a woman as beautiful and kind-hearted as our mistress deserves the deep affection and loyalty of our master."


    After a while, Official Ming returned in a hurry.


    "Is your wife alright?" Chu Liang asked.


    "No worries, it''s just that because of the evil entities wreaking havoc these past few days, my wife has been greatly disturbed and feeling unwell. As long as we can rid ourselves of this demonic creature, everything will be fine," Official Ming exined.


    "I will try my best." Chu Liang said.


    Before they could finish the banquet, they heard the wind howling outside.


    A ghastly gust of wind, carrying a demonic aura, roared and surged forth, forcefully blowing open the doors to the hall and causing the bowls and chopsticks at the banquet to tter.


    "It''s that cat demon! It''s here again!" Official Ming gasped and shouted.


    Chu Liang quickly darted to the door, carefully sensing the aura of the entity.


    There was a strong aura of death. This indicated the presence of a ghost. However, the smell was mixed with a strong demonic wind. Perhaps...


    "This is a little strange. You all should hide..." Chu Liang turned back and was about to advise the nobatants of the Ming Household to hide.


    As he looked back, he noticed the entire banquet hall empty, with not a person in sight.


    Carried over from a distance by the wind, Official Ming''s voice echoed, "We are counting on you..."


    <i>Cool.</i>


    <i>They certainly made a swift escape.</i>


    At first, he had been worried about the safety of the Ming Household, but he now realized that his worries werepletely unnecessary. Judging by how fast they had escaped, they would be safe even if the entire Xingzhou City were under attack by the monster.


    "<i>Meow¡ª</i>"


    Before he had time to think, a shrill and piercing scream erupted. It was a truly eerie and chilling sound.


    "Hey!" Chu Liang shouted loudly.


    With a wave of his wrist, the flying sword bracelet transformed into a long sword, which he held in his hand as he walked out of the hall.


    With a single nce, he noticed the towering air of bloodlust outside!


    A monster with the face of a cat crouched on the walls of the courtyard. It had a pair of eerie, lifeless white pupils, and its entire face was covered in ck fur stained with blood. It looked very small and young. The strangest thing about this creature was that, although it had the head of a cat, its body resembled that of a human infant. Its entire body was covered in blood but devoid of any fur.


    It was grotesque and horrifying!


    As Chu Liangid eyes on the creature, an icy shiver raced down his spine, and an ominous foreboding gripped his heart.


    This creature... was a vengeful spirit, born from overwhelming resentment¡ªa spirit of an unborn child. Due to the circumstances of its death, its vengeance was ten times stronger than that of ordinary spirits. Moreover, this creature was also a demonic spirit, formed after the death of a demonic creature.


    No wonder it was so eerie. Vengeful spirits, infant spirits, demonic spirits¡ªthese types of spirits were each considered a rather unique entity among ghosts.


    However, the creature before Chu Liang was clearly... an amalgamation of them all!


    1. Longer version: shaping of the Golden Core, mastery of the five elements, and transcendence of the physical form. ?


    2. Longer version: the pursuit of Dao, the attainment of heavenly origin, and the understanding of the profound and mysterious. ?


    3. The three schools of thoughts are Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism ?


    4. The Western equivalent would be a drawing room. ?

 Chapter 5: Mistress Ming

    <h4>Chapter 5: Mistress Ming</h4>


    "<i>Meow¡ª</i>"


    The cat spirit appeared to be searching for something as it prowled about with its eerie, lifeless, and terrifyingly strange eyes. With a light leap, it stirred up a swirling gust of chilling wind, heading straight for the private quarters of the Ming Residence.


    Chu Liang obviously wouldn''t allow it to advance any further. If allowed to remain in this world, an entity with such strong vengeance would undoubtedly harm people.


    "Sword Maniption Technique! Activate!"


    Chu Liang pointed the sword toward the sky, and the flying sword transformed into a streak of flowing light, swiftly shooting away.


    "<i>Meo¡ª</i>"


    The moment the sword light shot out, the cat demon let out a strange cry. It fixed its strange eyes on Chu Liang and swiftly transformed into a ck shadow, dodging the flying sword. Then, it turned back and pounced towards Chu Liang.


    In retaliation against Chu Liang''s strike, the cat spiritunched a fast and fierce assault with a strong surge of bloodlust. It was aggressive and relentless!


    Chu Liang dodged in a sh, narrowly evading the pounce, but a tear appeared in his clothing.


    The cat spirit''s bodynded on the ground, leaving two bloody marks as it scratched the surface.


    However, a beam of swordlight had already caught up to the monster. It was Chu Liang''s flying sword!


    <i>Swish!</i>


    The swordlight swiftly shed past, but the cat spirit''s body contorted at a strange angle, narrowly dodging the fatal strike.


    "<i>MEE-ROOOOW.</i>"


    The cat dodged, but its evasion was not entirely sessful.


    The swordlight left a deep wound on the cat spirit.


    In an instant, ck blood gushed from the wound, intensifying the surrounding surge of bloodlust around the cat spirit!


    <i>This is bad!</i>


    Chu Liang frowned.


    This cat spirit, a unique amalgamation of entities, possessed the characteristics of an infant spirit. Any damage it received could be converted into attack power, making it even more powerful with the ability to deal greater damage. If it were not killed in one single strike, its opponent should be prepared to face an even stronger enemy!


    This effect was immediately evident in the cat''s increased speed!


    <i>Swish!</i>


    Like an invisible streak of ck light, it reappeared behind Chu Liang in the blink of an eye, leaving behind two lightning-fast afterimages.


    Chu Liang reacted quickly, summoning his flying sword back into his grasp, but there was no way to defend against the impending attack from behind!


    His hair stood on end. Although it was silent, he knew that the cat spirit''s sharp ws were about to strike!


    In the nick of time, Chu Liang''s right hand suddenly rxed, and he shouted, "Bind!"


    A streak of red light shot out from his sleeve like a spirit snake, instantly securing the cat spirit that had been about to strike Chu Liang''s back.


    Tortoise-shell bondage method!


    Demon-Binding Rope!


    "<i>Meow-raaar¡ª!</i>" The cat spirit let out a painful cry, but its body plummeted to the ground uncontrobly.


    What¡¯s the most effective method when dealing with a highly agile foe? A movement-restricting tool!


    And Chu Liang just so happened to have gotten the Demon-Binding Rope the day before yesterday in his hand.


    Despite having an enchanted artifact, there was no guarantee he could hit the target. That''s why he had taken the risky move of allowing the cat spirit to approach, all in order to use the Demon-Binding Rope at a closer range.


    If the speed at which he hurled the Demon-Binding Rope had been any slower, the oue of this fight would have beenpletely different. Had he not been patient enough or if the distance hadn''t been close enough, the cat would have dodged the Demon-Binding Rope.


    Nevertheless, he had won. With a casual flip of his body and a confident wave of his hand, the sword rose and fell.


    With a single sh, the demon was yed.


    The spirit had no form. Once the demonic entity was in, nothing remained but a golden silhouette, glimmering as it descended upon Chu Liang''s body.


    Just as the dust settled, the situation was resolved.


    It had been a brief yet perilous battle. Compared to the spider demon he had encountered just the day before, this cat spirit, an amalgamation of various creatures, proved to be an even more formidable adversary.


    He let out a deep breath. Before he could even notify the Ming Household, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from one direction. Led by Official Ming, a group of Ming Household servants rushed out.


    "Oh, Young Hero Chu is truly formidable!"


    "I had no doubt that Young Hero Chu would seed."


    "Young Hero Chu''s skills are truly remarkable; he killed that evil entity in just a few strikes!"


    "..."


    The air was filled with everyone¡¯s ttering words.


    As Chu Liang watched this group celebrating, he was surprised by how adept they were at disappearing and reappearing suddenly.


    ...


    The next morning, after a full night of rest, Chu Liang awoke feeling refreshed. Once he had washed up, a maid arrived to inform him that Official Ming had prepared a celebratory feast to honor Young Hero Chu''s victory.


    "I''ll be there shortly," Chu Liang responded in a gentle tone.


    Afterward, he took a leisurely stroll around the backyard and along the veranda before stopping in front of a splendid-looking door. Beyond ity the bedroom of Official Ming and his mistress.


    <i>Knock-knock!</i> Chu Liang knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?" A soft and gentle voice from within inquired.


    "It''s Chu Liang. I''ve heard that thedy of the house isn''t feeling well, so I''vee to pay my respects," he responded.


    There was a moment of silence before thedy''s voice sounded from inside, "<i>Ah,</i> Young Hero Chu from the Mount Shu Sect. I appreciate your kind gesture, but I''m not in a state to host guests at the moment. Please, return."


    In stark contrast to the warmth of Official Ming, Mistress Ming''s voice was chilly.


    "I have a special technique from the Mount Shu Sect that may help with your condition, madam. I can wait here until you are prepared for my visit."


    After a brief pause, the sound of footsteps filled the air, followed by the creaking of the door as it swung open.


    Mistress Ming emerged, her face showing traces of weariness. She was without makeup and wearing a simple home robe. Nevertheless, herplexion retained its fairness, and her features remained delicately beautiful.


    Her presence was indeed captivating.


    She led Chu Liang to a seat in front of a folding screen. The room was dim, so she lit a crimson candle and poured two cups of tea before saying, "I was simply startled. With Young Hero Chu defeating that creaturest night, I''ll be fully recovered by tomorrow. You needn''t concern yourself further."


    "Very well." Chu Liang nodded. "But... I''d like to discuss the matter of the cat spirit fromst night."


    "Oh?" Mistress Ming frowned and asked, "Young Hero Chu, what do you wish to discuss?"


    "It''s a matter of spection," Chu Liang exined slowly. "The presence of that cat spiritst night was quite peculiar. It was an amalgamation of a vengeful spirit, a demonic spirit, and an infant spirit. This uniqueness piqued my curiosity. I''m wondering what could have drawn it to your residence..."


    "Evil entities are meant to harm people. Is there a need for a reason?" Mistress Ming responded.


    "There is a need. If it was a vengeful spirit, it would first seek the person who had taken their life... If it was an infant spirit, it would first seek its mother..." Chu Liang said, "However, this cat spirit has been lurking about in the Ming Residence for three consecutive days. Yet, it didn¡¯t harm anyone. It¡¯s as though it has been searching for something..."


    "Searching for what?" Mistress Ming asked as a hint of hostility gleamed in her eyes.


    "Official Ming said that your family has been doing good deeds for generations. Your family would never torture and hurt animals. In that case, was the entity searching for its own mother? It is a demonic spirit. Could its mother also be a demon?"


    "Since that cat spirit emerged, you...seemed to be the only person in the Ming Residence who didn¡¯t dare to show up," Chu Liang said, looking at Mistress Ming with a gentle gaze.


    Mistress Ming scoffed and asked, "Young Hero Chu, are you saying that I am a demon?"


    "We will find out the answer once we test it out," replied Chu Liang.


    "Do you have a Demon-Revealing Mirror?" Mistress Ming said as she lifted her brow, appearing doubtful.


    To discern the true form of a demonic entity, the demons themselves typically had to either willingly employ their demonic techniques, which would unleash their demonic aura, or some special divine spells. However, Chu Liang''s cultivation level was not yet advanced enough to learn to cast divine spells.


    It was either that or special enchanted artifacts and the most famous one would be the demon-revealing mirror.


    Nevertheless, Demon-Revealing Mirrors were exceedingly rare. Rumors had it that one was housed in the mortal world''s imperial pce and another in the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. The Mount Shu Sect possessed one as well, but would the higher-ups ever allow a junior disciple to take the mirror off the mountain? Hence, the question lingered, casting doubts upon whether Chu Liang truly possessed a demon-revealing mirror.


    "No," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head, "But it''s close enough."

 Chapter 6: What Are You Doing With My Wife?

    <h4>Chapter 6: What Are You Doing With My Wife?</h4>


    The room was filled with silence.


    Then, after an awkward pause, they both burst out with a unanimous exmation, "What''s that behind you!"


    Chu Liang and Mistress Ming simultaneously pointed their left hands behind the other person while keeping their right hands hidden behind their back.


    Neither of them turned back.


    They identally used the same trick!


    This was a little awkward...


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Mistress Ming chuckled, "Well, in that case, I won''t waste any more words. Since you entered this room, I''ve concealed a hallucinatory poison within the candle I lit. If you wish for the antidote, just leave quietly, and don''t meddle any further."


    "Since I dared to step into this room, I naturally took precautions. In fact, from the moment you lit the candle, I held my breath and controlled my internal qi so as to prevent inhtion of the poison," Chu Liang replied.


    Mistress Ming''s smile faded. In this very moment, she came to the stark realization. Despite considering herself a person with a wealth of tricks up her sleeve, this young man possessed a greater repertoire of schemes than she ever could.


    "I''ve never harmed anyone. I just hope to live a stable life with my husband. Now that you''vepleted your mission, could you please pretend that nothing out of the ordinary happened and let us be?" she asked, her voice taking on a pleading tone.


    Chu Liang remarked, "But this isn¡¯t appropriate."


    In the next second, the situation changed dramatically.


    The apparently delicate woman before him swiftly sprang into action. With a swift motion of her right hand, a long ck whip coiled toward Chu Liang, resembling a snake spirit extending its forked tongue, aiming to seize him!


    Chu Liang¡¯s left hand quivered, and the bracelet on his wrist transformed into a sword, blocking Mistress Ming''s whip. He then rotated his sword, coiling the whip around its de, attempting to slice the whip apart.


    However, the long whip appeared to be crafted from an unusual material, for the flying sword made by the Mount Shu Sect couldn''t cut through it at all!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Each of them pulled on opposite ends of the whip, turning it into a brief contest of strength.


    The bedroom was small, and as their foundational qi surged, a continuous cracking sound echoed throughout the room as furniture and decorations were reduced to shattered remnants.


    After a momentary standoff, Mistress Ming raised her left hand, which instantly transformed into razor-sharp ws, and unleashed three ck rays of incredible sharpness.


    Chu Liang moved with remarkable speed, skillfully dodging her attack and raising his left arm to emit a red light.


    Mistress Ming, equally agile, managed to evade the red light. Yet, the light seemed to possess an uncanny sentience. As she sidestepped to dodge the light, it swiftly bent and curved, rapidly enveloping her entire body.


    Tortoise-shell bondage method!


    Demon-binding rope!


    Given the proximity of the attack, it was extremely difficult to escape the control of the demon-binding rope. Despite Mistress Ming¡¯s level of cultivation being significantly higher than that of the cat spirit, it took just one strike for the rope to trap its target!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Mistress Ming, securely bound in a manner resembling a tortoise shell by the tightly coiled red cords, lost her bnce immediately and tumbled to the ground. Her ck whip slipped from her grasp and dropped on the ground.


    Nevertheless, she looked up and gnashed her teeth, her gaze fixed intensely on Chu Liang.


    "You..." she seethed.


    As the fight in the room came to an end, a voice calling from outside the door could be heard.


    "Wifey? What was that noise? Are you alright?" Official Ming shouted as he stepped into the bedroom.


    But then...


    He witnessed the scene before him.


    The room was very messy and his wife was being tied up in a strange posture, lying on the ground.


    "Oh." Official Ming took two steps back, held his forehead with his hand, looking a bit bewildered. He couldn''t help but mutter, "Did I...e at the wrong time?"


    ...


    Chu Liang quickly stopped Official Ming from leaving and reassured him that he had indeed arrived at the right moment. He gestured for Official Ming to take a seat to calm down and then asked him to help Mistress Ming, who was still lying on the ground, to sit up.


    Mistress Ming, with her beautifully contoured figure, did appear quite seductive while being tied up in this manner. And so, Chu Liang didn¡¯t dare to help at all.


    "Young Hero Chu, do you not intend to untie my wife?" Official Ming asked.


    "<i>Erm...</i>" Chu Liang answered, "I am afraid I can¡¯t do that."


    Then, he revealed the truth of Mistress Ming being a demonic entity.


    "What?" Official Ming was extremely shocked. "Did you just say that my wife is a demonic entity? How is that possible? You...You mustn¡¯t make such unfounded ims!"


    Chu Liang responded, "Official Ming, if you don¡¯t believe me, I have ways to make your wife show her real form."


    "That would not be necessary!"


    Mistress Ming had been silent ever since Official Ming entered the room, but she suddenly shouted at this moment, causing Chu Liang to retrieve the half a block of brick he had already taken out.


    "My husband... Actually... I have never dared to tell you this," Mistress Ming said in a serious tone, "I am indeed a demon."


    "What? How...how can this be possible? You are so gentle and kind..."


    Official Ming still couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    Mistress Ming responded, "Who told you that all demons are evil?"


    When Mistress Ming looked up again, tears could be seen streaming down her face.


    "Since I was young, I lived with my parents and older brother in the mountain area outside the city. Although we are demons, we never dared to harm a single soul. This is how we''ve lived for almost a hundred years. But one day, I met you..."


    "Me?" Official Ming was momentarily bewildered.


    "Yes, it was you," Mistress Ming looked at him gently, "Of course, you wouldn''t remember, who would recall saving a little mountain cat twenty years ago?"


    "That was you!" Official Ming eximed in realization.


    "Yes. Back then, I had not yet achieved sess in my cultivation. I encountered evil wolves in the mountains and nearly lost my life. I escaped to a forest but got caught in a hunter''s trap. That''s when a young boy passed by and rescued me," Mistress Ming spoke tenderly.


    "I was still very young back then. One day, I felt no inclination to study, so I sneaked out of school and ventured into the mountains for some fun. That''s when I stumbled upon an incredibly adorable young mountain cat... I can still recall it vividly!" Official Ming nodded vigorously. "I even considered bringing you home to care for your injuries, but as soon as you were free, you dashed off."


    "In the years that followed, Imitted myself to cultivation, and it took a further ten years to master the art of assuming a human form," Mistress Ming said, her gaze fixed on her husband. "Without telling my elder brother, I descended from the mountain to have fun in the human world. But fate had other ns, and unexpectedly, I crossed paths with you again. You had grown up, yet there was something about you that remained unchanged."


    "I thought that was our first meeting, but turns out... it was the second time," Official Ming said in realization.


    "Yes, and from that moment on, I fell in love with you. We got married, and everything felt like a dream. I couldn''t believe how happy life as a human could be," Mistress Ming reminisced with a wistful smile as she recounted the story. "Until one day, I found out I was pregnant."


    "You... can be pregnant?" Official Ming was taken aback.


    "Of course, it''s possible, but I didn''t dare to..." Mistress Ming exined, "Because I can''t truly attain human form, I would have been carrying a demonic child... So, I kept it a secret and lied to you about going back to my family''s home. In reality, I went to the mountains to secretly terminate the pregnancy."


    "My beloved wife..." Official Ming held her hand, his eyes welling with tears. "Even if you were a demon, what would it matter? Throughout these years, our love and loyalty have run deep. Whether you''re human or demon, it could never diminish the authenticity of our love."


    "I didn¡¯t expect our child to be a vengeful spirit..." Mistress Mingmented, her voice filled with sorrow. "And my true identity was exposed. This must be karma."


    "No!" Official Ming cried, "What wrong have you done? If there is retribution, it should be upon me!"


    "I am content to have shared ten years of this life with you," Mistress Ming then turned her gaze towards Chu Liang and said, "If there is to be death or punishment, let it be upon me."


    "No! No!" Official Ming suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching onto Chu Liang, "Young Hero Chu, I''m willing to give you all my wealth in exchange for sparing our lives. Please, I implore you! Spare my wife!"


    With a deep and thoughtful gaze, Chu Liang observed the loving couple in front of him.


    It would still be justifiable for him to take Mistress Ming''s life. The world would never forgive a demonic creature residing within human society.


    He would even receive a reward from the White Pagoda.


    But if he spared her and departed with Official Ming''s wealth, it would still be a wise choice. Even for an ordinary mortal, the wealth umted over several generations was not easily acquired.


    Either way, he would make a bloody good profit.


    But... Chu Liang shook his head without any hesitation.


    Just as the couple''s eyes had begun to fill with despair, he added, "If Mistress Ming has truly never harmed anyone, then both of you shoulde with me to the Mount Shu Sect. Perhaps... I can request an official title for Mistress Ming."

 Chapter 7: The Seven Stars Gazette

    <h4>Chapter 7: The Seven Stars Gazette</h4>


    "Mistress, you wouldn¡¯t want your husband to end up losing everything too, right?" Chu Liang said as he looked at Mistress Ming, who was still bound with the red rope.


    "Young Hero Chu... you''re willing to request an official title for me?" Mistress Ming asked.


    Official Ming might not have fully understood what Chu Liang meant, but Mistress Ming did, and she was greatly surprised. She couldn''t believe that the young man before her was willing to help her.


    She immediately wanted to kneel down with her husband to show her gratitude to Chu Liang. However, Chu Liang noticed that and quickly released her from the Demon-Binding Rope and put it away. Otherwise, that would make for quite a strange scene.


    Requesting an official title wasn''t referring to the ancient way of recognizing a demon as being more than just a demon. It meant requesting for an official title to be bestowed upon a benevolent demon¡ªa title that would allow it to live freely in human cities, essentially granting it citizenship.


    Demons without titles were like illegal residents. If they were to sneak into human cities and get discovered by cultivators, they could be killed on the spot. This was the reason why Mistress Ming had trembled with fear earlier; she was afraid that her true identity as a demon would be discovered.


    The power to grant titles to demons was only held by the ruling dynasty of the human world and the immortal sects in the Divine Nine. Even the immortal sects in the Terrestrial Ten, which were only a rank lower than those in the Divine Nine, didn''t possess that authority. So, obtaining such a title was an extremely challenging task for demons.


    The currently reigning dynasty was the Yu Dynasty, and it had been in power for over six centuries, enjoying an era of peace and prosperity. However, every demon living in a human city was a potential threat to this era of tranquility. People often had the notion that those of a different race thought differently¡ªlet alone demons, who were of a different species.


    Be it the imperial court or the Divine Nine, bestowing a title to a demon was akin to providing an endorsement for them. If the demon were to ever rebel in the future, the person that granted the title would have to take responsibility for the consequences.


    Nevertheless, junior disciples in the Mount Shu Sect like Chu Liang did not have the authority to make such a decision. This matter had to be handled by his teacher, Di Nufeng.


    A series of techniques would have to be performed, such as Qi-Reading and Mind-Reading, to confirm that Mistress Ming was indeed a benevolent demon who had never taken human life and that the likelihood of her rebelling in the future was extremely low. A title would only be granted once that was confirmed.


    Afterward, Mistress Ming would need to regrly visit Mount Shu to pay her respects. Additionally, she would have to let the Mount Shu Sect cast a tracking spell on her.


    Typically, disciples of the sects in the Divine Nine rarely bothered with such troublesome matters.


    It made things much simpler to just y demons and vanquish evil.


    This method of resolving everything with the slice of a de did mean that Chu Liang could save himself the trouble and effort of the whole process as well as avoid taking responsibility for the potential consequences. However, he couldn''t stop the matter from weighing on his conscience.


    Even after thinking it through carefully, Chu Liang still wanted to help them.


    As for Official Ming''s assets, Chu Liang obviously couldn''t ept them.


    Such an excessive expression of gratitude was unnecessary.


    Later that day, Chu Liang took them with him when he returned to Mount Shu. Xingzhou City wasn''t far from Mount Shu. Otherwise, Official Ming''s plea wouldn''t have made its way to the Sword Exchange Pavilion on Mount Shu.


    Upon arriving at the mountain''s entrance, Chu Liang headed to Silver Sword Peak and reported the matter to his teacher. There was nothing much that Chu Liang needed to do after that.


    Di Nufeng was a hero of justice, so she praised Chu Liang''s actions greatly. As for the matter of requesting a title for Mistress Ming, the Heaven Reaching Peak wouldn''t dare to neglect the matter, as Di Nufeng was keeping a watchful eye on it.


    Chu Liang then returned to his small wooden cabin on the mountainside. He rxed into a meditative state, letting his consciousness sink and bring him into the White Pagoda. It was time to collect his rewards!


    Inside arge iron cell, there was only the ethereal golden phantom of a Cat Spirit floating about.


    Having done it many times before, Chu Liang pressed the word "Refine" without thinking.


    <i>Boom</i>¡ª<i>!</i>


    There was a sh of red, and a ball of light flew out. Chu Liang caught it with his hand and realized the item was a talisman.


    Simultaneously, a message appeared in his mind.


    [Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman: When activated, this talisman allows a cat spirit to temporarily possess your body, greatly increasing your agility for fifteen minutes. If you lick your hand unconsciously, it is a normal side effect. Please do not panic.]


    "A talisman?"


    This was the first time Chu Liang had gotten a talisman as a reward. Pills and single-use talismans were certainly not as valuable as reusable enchanted artifacts. However, on second thought, he surmised that they would likely have greater effects since they were single-use items. They might even prove to be incredibly effective when used at critical moments.


    With that in mind, he happily kept the talisman away.


    ...


    "<i>Kaaa~</i>"


    Just after Chu Liang had collected his reward, he heard the resonant bugle call of a bird from outside. He raised his gaze and looked out the window to find a massive white cranending outside his cabin.


    The crane was covered in snow-white feathers, without a single plume out of ce. It stood taller than an adult man and had limpid jet-ck eyes. With just a nce, it was obvious that this was an extraordinarily intelligent creature.


    Hanging from the crane''s long neck was a basket. The crane used its pointed beak to extract a booklet from the basket and ce it on the stone table outside.


    It turned out that this month''s edition of<i> The Seven Stars Gazette</i> had arrived.


    Chu Liang leaned out the window and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you."


    The white crane raised its neck and let out another bugle call as if in response to Chu Liang.


    "<i>Kaaa~</i>"


    Then it pped its wings and soared into the sky, heading toward its next destination.


    The white crane was Mount Shu Sect''s messenger bird. It had been specially trained to deliver letters to the many disciples living on the peaks of Mount Shu.


    The thing that the crane had just delivered was this month''s <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    Among the immortal sects in the Divine Nine, there was a sect named the Celestial Pivot[1] Pavilion.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s main business was in divination, making it the sect that was the closest to figuring out the mysteries of the future known only to the heavens. They were not adept inbat, but they had always been respected by the major forces. Their rank as one of the Divine Nine was the best evidence of this.


    Their side business was to makeptions of fantastical stories of unusual happenings in the mortal world, which they distributed in the form of a monthly publication¡ª<i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. It had been extremely popr all throughout thends ever since its first publishing centuries ago. <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> appealed to a wide array of people, ranging from the immortal sects in the Divine Nine to ordinary children in the streets; all of them eagerly discussed the contents of the monthly gazette.


    Chu Liang picked up the booklet, brought it into his cabin, and perused its contents.


    <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> consisted of three sections: Umon Tales of the Martial World, Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, and Chronicles of the Nine Provinces.


    Among these, the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures was aprehensive ranking list of the world''s treasures. There weren''t many changes each month, but for the convenience of the readers, there was always an apanying article on the ranking changes for the month. Most of the changes urred in the lower rankings of the list. In the past several hundred years, the top-ranked treasures had very rarely changed in ranking.


    For instance, the top-ranked treasure had always been the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, a divine artifact of the mortal world. However, there was a line of text in small print after the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda''s ranking that read: <i>Originally belonged to the Mount Shu Sect but currently missing.</i>


    The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda was the whole reason why the Mount Shu Sect had been able to enter the ranks of the Divine Nine. They had even once held the prominent position as the top immortal sect and had be the leading role model for the right way to live. However, the Mount Shu Sect lost this supremely powerful divine artifact during a major upheaval five hundred years ago.


    This led to the steady decline of the sect over time. At present, it was likely that the top-ranking sects in the Terrestrial Ten had already surpassed the Mount Shu Sect purely in terms of the power of their forces. Consequently, the voices in the martial world insisting that the Mount Shu Sect was unworthy of its rank in the Divine Nine were growing louder.


    The treasure that was ranked second on the list was the Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s Seven-Star Sword, an ancient divine sword known for its power to move mountains and drain seas.


    However, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion had always stayed out of worldly affairs and seldom got involved in the conflicts of the martial world, so the Seven-Star Sword had not been wielded for many years. Thest recorded use of the sword was a hundred years ago when the Monstrous Beast Sect, which followed the Diabolical path, awakened the ferocious beast Qiongqi[2] and attempted to attack the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. The Seven-Star Sword was unsheathed, suppressing the monster in one strike and ying three hundred devils with a second strike. The branch of the Monstrous Beast sect was wiped out.


    It was rumored that the Celestial Pivot Sect had to pay a tremendous price every time they used the Seven-Star Sword. However, the details of that price were secrets that were kept within the sect, so no one knew for certain what it involved.


    The third-ranked treasure was the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, which belonged to the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. The mirror was a major gateway to divine power and could be used in boundless ways.


    Just like the previously mentioned sects, the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was a sect in the ranks of the Divine Nine. The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was said to be a divine artifact that had fallen from the celestial realm. It was widely rumored in the martial world that the reason why the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams ranked below the Seven-Star Sword was merely because the ranking had been decided by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. There was no doubt that the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams ranked higher than the Seven-Star Sword in terms of actual power.


    These divine artifacts were treasures that Chu Liang would nevere in contact with in his daily life, so they didn''t mean much to him. Nevertheless, there was one divine artifact in the ranking that he saw very frequently. It was the one ranked at fifty-seven¡ªthe Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade.


    The jade was made by condensing the blood of an ancient divine phoenix. Whoever wore it as an essory would be supplied with warm and nourishing qi. Additionally, their divine power would be boosted with the qi from the divine phoenix''s blood, greatly enhancing theirbat abilities.


    This precious item was currently resting on the bosom of Di Nufeng, Chu Liang''s teacher.


    1. It''s referring to a star, Alpha Ursae Majoris. There are two names for it in Chinese, one of which is ÌìÊà Star of Celestial Pivot.


    <u>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Ursae_Majoris</u>


    ?


    2. ÇîÆæ: One of the Four Great Beasts in ancient Chinese mythology. It was described as resembling a winged tiger the size of an ox. ?

 Chapter 8: Teaming Up

    <h4>Chapter 8: Teaming Up</h4>


    The Chronicles of the Nine Provinces described the major events that had urred in the world of cultivation.


    The biggest news that happenedst month was the story of Immortal Jiuyi, the leader of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, concluding his closed-door cultivation and engaging in a fierce battle with the Left and Right Guardians of the Dark King Sect at Mount Ember. In this epic fight, Immortal Jiuyi killed the White Silver King and inflicted severe wounds upon the Violet Gold Marquess, who managed to escape.


    The Dark King Sect, a prominent sect that followed the path of evil cultivation, had been steadily gaining formidable momentum, hinting at a potential ascent into the limelight. Immortal Jiuyi''s sudden attack was a heavy blow to the Dark King Sect. The question remained as to how the sect leader of the Dark King Sect would respond.


    In addition, a new female disciple had emerged from the Valley of the Three Absolutes, one of the Terrestrial Ten. Thisdy was named Luo Yao and was infamous for her ruthless ways of doing things. Within a mere month, she traversed the southern territories and obliterated three cults that practiced the shamanic technique and raised cursed bugs.


    The Valley of the Three Absolutes had established its presence in the world through the use of shamanic techniques and poison. The sect was neither strictly good nor purely malevolent. However, in the wake of Luo Yao''s fearsome and unrelenting pursuit of all that is evil, one couldn''t help but wonder if her fellow disciples within the sect trembled in fear.


    The Mount Shu Sect also made an appearance in the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces for this month, albeit briefly. Wang Xuanling, the peak master of Mount Shu Sect''s Jade Sword Peak, had recently in a troublesome sea dragon in the East Sea, which had been wreaking havoc for fishermen.


    As Chu Liang saw this news, a wave of concern washed over him. His teacher''s rtionship with Wang Xuanling had always been bad. Given her temperament, if Wang Xuanling had done something that garnered public attention, it would be impossible for her not to react.


    He wasn''t worried about his teacher''s safety. He was merely concerned for the ecosystem of the East Sea.


    It was as though he had a psychic connection. The moment this thought entered his mind, a fiery pir shot up not far away, its trajectory set to the southeast.


    In the wind, a voice transmission reached him, saying, "I''ll be away for a few days; take care of yourself."


    "..." Chu Liang felt speechless for a moment.


    As expected of the teacher who had always wanted to be strong!


    Lastly, there was the Umon Tales of the Martial World, the most beloved source of entertainment among themon folk.


    Compared to the serious news reported in the Chronicle of the Nine Provinces, the Umon Tales of the Martial World reported mostly gossip, scandals, rumors, or trivial events.


    For instance, the first piece of news concerned the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty. During his visit to the Ascending Dragon Academy, he attempted to arrange a marriage between his youngest daughter, Princess Jingyang, and the chief disciple of the academy, Zhang Chen. To everyone''s surprise, Zhang Chen rejected the proposal.


    Zhang Chen''s reasoning was that being in a rtionship could interfere with his studies.


    The Ascending Dragon Academy held a prestigious position as the foremost Confucian school, closely entwined with the imperial court, and was ranked highly even in the Terrestrial Ten. Zhang Chen, serving as the academy''s chief disciple, had been on the path to a promising future, whether through dedicating himself to furthering his cultivation or by entering imperial service. However, this rejection had cast a shadow of uncertainty over his future.


    It wasn''t just the Emperor who had been concerned about his daughter''s marriage ns.


    The Lord of the Thunderbolt Stronghold, which was a sect in the Terrestrial Ten, also sent out a message offering ten precious treasures as a dowry to attract a worthy son-inw for his only daughter, Huang Ling''er. To everyone''s surprise, none of the exceptional talents from the nine provinces dared to ept the offer.


    Of course, there were underlying reasons.


    Clearly, there were numerous young and talented individuals with both exceptional character and high-level cultivation skills vying to be the son-inw of the Thunderbolt Stronghold''s leader. They would even be willing to marry into the family to secure such an opportunity.


    However, no one dared to ept the offer because Huang Ling''er had released a cruel statement. She said that the person who wanted to marry her better had achieved a higher level of cultivation than her. If not, that person would be eaten up by her Mammothdagon on the first day of marriage.


    Among the various news events, one piece of news from the Mount Shu Sect grabbed the headlines.


    It centered around Jiang Yuebai, known as Fairy Jiang within the Mount Shu Sect. She had been seen having dinner at the Drunken Moon Delights in Jiangnan with Feng Chaoyang from the Celestial King Sect. The two were suspected to be in a romantic rtionship.


    Of course, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion would never write about groundless ims. Since Jiang Yuebai and Feng Chaoyang had yet to confirm their rtionship, the news writer cautiously used the word "suspected."


    Nheless, one could easily imagine how such news broke the hearts of Fairy Jiang''s devoted fans.


    ...


    "Impossible. Definitely impossible!"


    "It''s impossible for that scoundrel from the Celestial King Sect to steal my beloved Jiang away!


    "Fairy Jiang! I beg you! Please choose someone in the Mount Shu Sect to love!"


    In the vast, white square in front of the Boundless Pce, cries of despair echoed from time to time.


    asionally, the voices of female disciples retorting sounded.


    "Even if you like Fairy Jiang, there''s no need to belittle Feng Chaoyang, right? Feng Chaoyang is a hardworking and kind embodiment of human ideals!"


    "Yeah, that''s right! At the age of neen, he''s already the top contender for the chief disciple position in the Celestial King Sect. When will you sour grapes evene close to someone like him?"


    Not everyone shared the same joys and sorrows. In Chu Liang''s opinion, these people were just creating noise.


    He calmly navigated through the crowd, traversing the entire square. The four halls of the Mount Shu Sect encircled the square''s perimeter.


    Aside from the Hall of Discipline, responsible for the sect''s disciplinaryws, there were the Hall of Weapons, overseeing enchanted artifacts and weapons; the Hall of Conservation, dedicated to divine techniques; and the Hall of Alchemy, dealing with pills and talismans.


    These three halls frequently disyed various items avable for purchase using the sword coins of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang had managed to save up twenty sword coins afterpleting a few tasks. While it might not be sufficient for acquiring enchanted treasures or manuscripts, it provided enough to buy some cultivation-enhancing pills.


    He arrived at the Hall of Alchemy and purchased four Spirit-Concentration Pills for the cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. With these pills, he believed he would soon reach the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    Compared to the other disciples, he was able to save up all his sword coins in exchange for pills. This was quite an advantage.


    He came out from the Hall of Alchemy and made his way to the Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    His journey ofpleting tasks and hunting demons couldn''t be put on hold. With the White Pagoda in his possession, he needed to fully harness its benefits.


    It wouldn''t be very nice of Chu Liang to seek out Elder Shen whenever he wanted to choose a new mission. This time, he was ready to select a task independently. Inside the grand hall of the Sword Exchange Pavilion, several jade tablets hung high, each disying rapidly changing missions. The array of missions on the tablet for individuals at the Spiritual Awareness Realm made the scene quite dizzying.


    He had barely taken a few nces of the missions when he heard someone call out, "The mission is to harvest Human-Faced Jade Essence Flowers! Generous rewards! We are missing just one fellow disciple who has reached the Spiritual Awareness Realm! This group is led by a Gold Core Realm senior, so it''s absolutely safe!"


    "The mission is to harvest Human-Faced Jade Essence Flowers..."


    The voice that was calling out belonged to a young disciple dressed in a ck silk robe, distinguished by his thick eyebrows, bright eyes, and a robust, vibrant aura.


    Behind him were three other disciples, a mix of male and female. Together, they formed a group of four.


    Human-Faced Jade Essence Flowers...


    Chu Liang briefly pondered. He wasn''t entirely certain about the location for harvesting these flowers, but he understood that tasks requiring multiple participants often indicated higher difficulty or the need to face numerous demons.


    Missions involving many demons were typically promising.


    With a smile, he stepped forward. "Hello, I can join you."


    Despite not knowing these people personally, they were all fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, akin to an extended family where barriers rarely existed.


    "Really?" The young disciple in the ck robe beamed with enthusiasm and pulled Chu Liang closer. "That''s great! Come on, let''s quickly secure the mission request. I''m Lin Bei, what''s your name?"


    "Chu Liang."


    "Brother Chu, let me tell you, this mission is in high demand."


    With the group now assembled, Lin Bei adeptly stepped forward to assist several members in obtaining the mission slips and then returned to distribute them among everyone.


    After handing one to Chu Liang, he asked eagerly, "Chu, my friend, we''re from the Jade Sword Peak. Which peak are you from?"


    Chu Liang replied, "I''m from the Silver Sword Peak."

 Chapter 9: There’s No Need For a Rotation

    <h4>Chapter 9: There¡¯s No Need For a Rotation</h4>


    The atmosphere at the Sword Exchange Pavilion was far from rxed.


    The moment Chu Liang responded, an abrupt wave of awkwardness swept through the surroundings.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect functioned as a cohesive family, except for two notable factions within the sect: the Silver Sword Peak and the Jade Sword Peak.


    These two peaks were part of the Mount Shu Sect''s Five Peaks of Swordsmanship and had always maintained a close connection, akin to branches of the same tree throughout the sect''s history. However, the Peak Master of the Jade Sword Peak, Wang Xuanling, held the esteemed position of Grand Peak Master and had always possessed an imposing and stubborn nature. On the other hand, the Peak Master of the Silver Sword Peak, Di Nufeng, was young and in her prime, unwilling to ept anyone surpassing her in status. As a result, the two would engage in heated arguments whenever they crossed paths.


    The two Peak Masters had showcased their rivalry, providing an example for their respective disciples to emte. Especially since the recent gambling wager between Wang Xuanling and Di Nufeng had spread throughout Mount Shu, the disciples of the Jade Sword Peak naturally regarded the Silver Sword Peak as their enemy.


    However, they hadn''t had many opportunities to encounter the only disciple of the Silver Sword Peak in their daily lives, so they didn''t know Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang showed no change in his expression. He still wore that faint smile on his face. In moments like this, as long as one didn''t show any awkwardness, it would be the others who felt awkward.


    The facial expressions of the Jade Sword Peak disciples appeared rather stiff.


    After an awkward pause, Lin Beiughed, "<i>Heheheh!</i>"


    He wrapped his arm around Chu Liang''s shoulder and added, "I heard that there''s only one disciple in the Silver Sword Peak, and we happen to meet the one today. What a coincidence!"


    "Yeah, it''s quite a coincidence," Chu Liang replied with a smile and nodded.


    "We''ve already epted the mission slips, so let''s set off quickly," Lin Bei said loudly, looking at his fellow disciples from the Jade Sword Peak.


    It might have seemed like he was urging them to depart quickly, but the underlying meaning was that since they had already epted the mission slips, there was no turning back. They might as well continue as nned.


    Upon hearing this, the other three disciples of the Jade Sword Peak nodded and walked out. Their expressions seemed unnatural, and they didn''t spare Chu Liang a second nce.


    Their demeanor was rather cold.


    Chu Liang didn''t mind and walked alongside Lin Bei. To him, it didn''t matter who he was with as long as they could y some demons.


    Lin Bei, with his big eyes and thick brows, was very friendly. He introduced Chu Liang to the other three disciples of the Jade Sword Peak.


    Leading the group at the front was Fang Ting, a tall and imposing young disciple with a stern and aloof expression. He carried a broad longsword on his back and was currently at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    Chu Liang nodded. It was just as he had expected.


    Ordinary disciples of the Mount Shu Sect typically wore the Flying Sword Bracelet, which had been specially crafted by the sect. This bracelet could transform into a sword and be worn on the wrist. Those who carried their own swords were generally more skilled in swordsmanship and often wielded more power.


    Although the Golden Core Realm might seem to be only one major level above the Spiritual Awareness Realm, in reality, there existed a significant gap that many individuals couldn''t breach in their lifetimes. It was a barrier positioned between the Mortal Gate and the Earthly Gate, signifying a substantial difference.


    The young female disciple next to Fang Ting donned a short goose-yellow jacket with a pure white inner lining and pants adorned with tassels. She possessed a petite and adorable figure, with a delicate face that retained a youthful appearance. Her eyes were soft and gentle, presenting a somewhat timid and vulnerable demeanor that readily invoked a protective instinct in others.


    "This junior sister is Xu Ziqing, and we''ve mainlye to apany her on her first mission down the mountain," Lin Bei said with a smile. "Her older brother is our eldest senior brother, Xu Ziyang, from the Jade Sword Peak. Eldest Senior Brother Xu has been in closed-door cultivationtely, which is why we''re here to apany her down the mountain."


    Upon hearing the name Xu Ziyang, Chu Liang immediately grasped the significance.


    The Mount Shu Sect had experienced a decline for many years, and the number of exceptional young disciples, inparison to other immortal sects, was notably lower. Among the select few who had gained recognition in this generation were figures like Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang.


    Xu Ziqing, simr to Lin Bei, had recently advanced to the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    In practice, disciples who had just attained the Spiritual Awareness Realm generally embarked on team missions like this during their initial descent from the mountain, apanied by senior disciples. Those who, like Chu Liang, were keen to venture down the mountain and obliterate demons on their own from the very start, belonged to the minority.


    As for the final male disciple, he had reached the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. He had an unremarkable appearance, and his name was Lu Ren.


    ...


    The group left the Sword Exchange Pavilion and reached the edge of the Heaven-Reaching Peak. Xu Ziqing raised her hand and called out loudly, making a gesture.


    She lifted her fingertip high, and it emitted twinkling, star-like lights, resembling a guiding rope.


    A clear and resonant cry immediately echoed in the distant sky.


    Following that cry, a massive white bird, measuring several dozen chi[1] in length, emerged from the sea of clouds. Its entire body exuded a frosty mist, which dissipated as it folded its wings.


    This girl had a spirit animal as her mount. Given her current level of cultivation, it would have been impossible for her to afford such a pet. It was evident that her older brother doted on and pampered her.


    "<i>Kaa...</i>"


    The white bird promptly lowered its head and, with its soft-feathered neck, emitted a melodious cry, nuzzling Xu Ziqing. The young girl smiled, gave it a hug, and then invited everyone to climb onto the bird''s back.


    However, after summoning the disciples from the Jade Sword Peak, she didn''t invite Chu Liang. She simply turned and boarded the bird.


    Chu Liang didn''t mind and followed suit, boarding the bird.


    During long-distance flights, even if one used a flying sword for transportation, it could be both tiring and cold. Having a mount at this time was undoubtedly advantageous.


    He stayed seated on the white bird''s back and protected by its long, soft white feathers. As the wind gently rustled in his ears, they swiftly ascended into the sky. Their destination for this trip was a ce known as Southern Bastion Mountain.


    Southern Bastion Mountainy at the boundary between the Southern Regions and the Central Lands, extending for eight hundred miles like a towering barrier that separated the two regions. It was and of towering mountains, deep valleys, and vast, dense forests, harboring numerous legendary demons and monsters. Even powerful individuals wouldn''t dare to venture into the deepest areas of Southern Bastion Mountain.


    Nheless, the destination for their current journey was a forest situated on the periphery of Southern Bastion Mountain, which was not particrly dangerous. What''s more, with a disciple at the Golden Core Realm leading them, this mission shouldn''t be overly challenging.


    Fang Ting, Xu Ziqing, and Lu Ren upied the front of the bird''s back, while Chu Liang and Lin Bei took seats at the rear, a considerable distance away from them.


    "The Human-Faced Jade Essence Flowers referred to a pair of flowers that shared amon stem. A senior at the Mount Shu Sect happened toe across these flowers. However, at the time, the flowers weren''t mature and couldn''t be collected. Therefore, that senior assigned this task to the Sword Exchange Pavilion. Days have passed, and the flowers'' maturation date draws near. That''s why we''re undertaking this mission..."


    Lin Bei continued to talk incessantly beside Chu Liang, offering him information about the mission. Yet, Chu Liang realized that this fellow disciple wasn''t trying to be cordial; he was just a chatterbox.


    Lin Bei hadn''t stopped talking since they met, as if he suffered from some peculiar condition that made him uneasy when he didn''t speak.


    Chu Liang even suspected that the reason the three people in front of them had opted to sit so far away was not to iste him but to iste Lin Bei.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    After about half an hour, the white bird descended at the foot of Southern Bastion Mountain, causing a gust of strong winds. The group safely touched down.


    "Southern Bastion Mountain is filled with many demons and fierce beasts. We can''t continue flying openly. From now on, we must proceed on foot," said the leader, Fang Ting, finally breaking his silence.


    "In this forest, there are many peculiar creatures, and it''s shrouded in miasma even during the daytime. We''ll need to hold our breath and circte our internal qi as we advance. This means our foundational qi won''t be replenished. Hence, if we engage inbat, we must exercise restraint."


    "I need to conserve my cultivation energy, so the task of clearing the way will be rotated among you three¡ªLu Ren, Lin Bei, and Chu Liang. Any objections?" he ordered with an expressionless face.


    While miasma filled the forest, cultivators of a certain level had clear and unobstructed meridians, allowing them to hold their breath for an extended period without issues. However, the drawback was that they couldn''t replenish their foundational qi without more air going into their bodies, making their qi a precious and limited resource.


    But if there were more of those nt demons obstructing the way, someone would need to clear the path.


    As the one with the highest cultivation level, Fang Ting needed to conserve his cultivation energy for potential emergencies and couldn''t afford to waste his foundational qi on clearing the path. Meanwhile, as the weakest in cultivation and on her first trip down the mountain, Xu Ziqing was to be protected in the middle of the group. The remaining three would take turns.


    This arrangement was undoubtedly fair and reasonable.


    However...


    Chu Liang, who had been standing at the back of the group, suddenly spoke up. "I have a suggestion."


    Fang Ting frowned at him. "Yes?"


    Every eye in the group was locked onto his smiling face, harboring a touch of suspicion. They were unsure of the intentions of the disciple from the Silver Sword Peak.


    Then, they heard Chu Liang say, "I can handle the task of clearing the path and obliterating the monsters on my own. There''s no need for the rotation."


    1. The Chinese measurement unit "chi" is an ancient unit of length traditionally used in China and other East Asian countries. It is approximately 0.333 meters ?

 Chapter 10: Hundred-Flower Antidote

    <h4>Chapter 10: Hundred-Flower Antidote</h4>


    "What?"


    Everyone was surprised by Chu Liang''s words.


    In such a forest where demons ran rampant, they couldn''t easily replenish their true essence, and they didn''t know what dangers they would encounter. This meant that the more cultivation energy they conserved, the better their chances of escaping would be if they were to fall into peril.


    They were all aware of this, so there was no way any of them would want to use up all of their foundational qi on clearing a path for the group. That was why Fang Ting had proposed having a three-person rotation to split the load fairly.


    So, when Chu Liang said he had a different idea, they had thought that he would suggest something that would allow him to get out of being part of the rotation or that he''d drag Fang Ting and Xu Ziqing into it too.


    However,pletely contrary to their expectations, the young man who was smiling warmly before them voluntarily suggested that he should take on the task of clearing the path by himself.


    He was only in the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, so his willingness to shoulder such a great burden was truly unexpected.


    "Brother Chu, this isn''t the time to joke around." Lin Bei was the first to try to persuade Chu Liang. "Moreover, this route could take many hours to traverse. If you were to exhaust your foundational qi during this time, it would make our subsequent mission of gathering the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower more challenging. Let''s just take turns to clear the path."


    Chu Liang replied with a smile, "It''s all right. I''m confident I can do this. But if I''m about to run out of foundational qi, I''ll step down and let someone else take over. My cultivation level is low, so there aren''t many things I can help with. Just let me make my contribution by doing this."


    His earnest words and sincere expression touched the hearts of everyone present.


    "Since you''re determined to do this, you can clear the path first. It''s gettingte. We need to enter the mountain as soon as possible," Fang Ting said as he turned around. He paused before adding, "Just remember that once your foundational qi drops below half, immediately switch with someone. It would be toote if you wait until your foundational qi has been fully depleted."


    "I understand," Chu Liang said with a nod.


    The youngdy, Xu Ziqing, looked at him and pouted her lips.


    Xu Ziqing''s spirit pet, the white bird, hadn''t been given to her by her elder brother but by her teacher, Wang Xuanling. Wang Xuanling had always doted on her, so she developed a deep attachment to him. This meant that she had a poor impression of Silver Sword Peak because of its peak master, who was at odds with Wang Xuanling.


    Xu Ziqing had been secretly treating Chu Liang as an enemy ever since she found out that he was the disciple of Silver Sword Peak''s peak master, Di Nufeng. She had felt rather angry about letting him ride her spirit pet, so she had deliberately sat at the front to iste him.


    However, the youngdy was soft-hearted. She realized that Chu Liang''s willingness to take on more of the group''s burden was because he wanted to build better rtionships with everyone. Thinking this, she suddenly felt that it hadn''t been very nice of her to iste him earlier.


    Moreover, Senior Brother Chu Liang... was taciturn and rather handsome. He even had a charming smile... She could tell at one nce that he was a good person.


    Xu Ziqing straightened her clothes and ran a few steps to catch up with Chu Liang. She stopped in front of him and took out a small bottle.


    "Senior Brother Chu, there are three Qi-Gathering Pills in here. Keep them, and use them if you need to," Xu Ziqing said.


    Qi-Gathering Pills allowed for the swift recovery of foundational qi, so they were very useful at such times when it was difficult to replenish one''s foundational qi. However, their primary use was a cultivation booster. They were normally taken before a cultivation session, but at present, they weren''t in a situation where they could just sit around and cultivate. It seemed like a bit of a waste to use them only for replenishing foundational qi.


    "Junior Sister Xu, this..."


    Chu Liang was about to politely decline, but he saw the youngdy look at him withrge, teary eyes filled with guilt. It seemed like she would cry if he didn''t ept the pills.


    This left him quite puzzled, so he just epted the pills in the end.


    "All right, thank you very much," Chu Liang said.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, it''s nothing. I have plenty more," Xu Ziqing replied, breaking into a sweet smile.


    Chu Liang transformed his flying sword bracelet into a wieldable form and grasped it in his hand. He didn''t have time to think deeply about what the disciples from Jade Sword Peak felt about him.


    He volunteered to clear the path for a very simple reason. The person clearing the path could fight the demons.


    ...


    "<i>Hiss...</i>"


    The dense forests in the expansive and lush mountain area were filled with ancient trees that were several zhang high. Vines coiled through the treetops and filled the gaps, hiding the sky and covering the earth¡ªso much so that not even a sliver of sunlight could get through.


    Fang Ting held antern-like enchanted tool in his hand. It emitted a soft light that shrouded the whole group and illuminated their path.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang was walking at the front of the group, with his divine sense extended several zhang ahead. Every step he took was taken with caution and vignce.


    Just as his divine sense picked up a trace of demonic qi, a strange sound rang out from up ahead.


    One of the many vines coiled around a wide ancient tree suddenly sprung up like a giant green and spotted python. At the tip of the vine was a flower the size of a fist. It was colored in stunning and alluring hues of red.


    This was a flower demon!


    Right when the vine charged toward them, its red flower opened up abruptly with a hiss and revealed a ravenous mouth filled with sharp fangs.


    The thing that had been concealed behind those beautiful petals was actually a man-eating mouth!


    "Be careful," Chu Liang warned the others softly.


    Simultaneously, he stepped forward, keeping his back straight. A powerful three-chi[1]-long sword aura surged from his sword as he thrust it into the flower''s center.


    <i>Pssssht.</i>


    Once the long sword pierced through the soft heart of the flower demon, Chu Liang immediately pulled his sword out, apanied by a few sshes of nt liquid that carried an unpleasant odor.


    The flower was left with a gaping hole. Its red and delicate petals went limp, no longer able to close back up ever again.


    In just half an hour, Chu Liang defeated a total of four flower demons. As they''d expected, Southern Bastion Mountain was teeming with demons. Even in this remote forest on the fringe of the territory, danger lurked around every corner. The flower demons that Chu Liang had fought had been indistinguishable from normal vines and flowers. If they weren''t practitioners who had already awakened their divine senses through the Spiritual Awareness Realm, they would have beenpletely consumed, bones and all, after taking just a few steps.


    "Let''s take a break," Fang Ting said from behind.


    Chu Liang was the only one clearing the path ahead, but everyone else behind him had activated their divine senses as well, keeping vignt of their surroundings. With Chu Liang doing the fighting, the rest of the group members were able to conserve their foundational qi and keep their bodies in optimum condition, but leaving their divine senses activated for an extended period was mentally exhausting.


    For cultivators, they couldn''tck even one of the three energies¡ªvitality, qi, and spirit.


    "Withdraw your divine senses and rest for a bit. I''ll stand guard for now," Fang Ting told the others.


    While the rest of the group sat down, Fang Ting took on his role as the only person in the group who had reached the Golden Core Realm. He guarded them alone, keeping a watchful eye over their surroundings.


    Lin Bei moved toward the front of the group and asked, "Are you all right, Brother Chu?"


    "I''m still in a pretty good condition," Chu Liang answered with a nod.


    He was telling the truth. His foundational qi was still at full capacity thanks to Xu Ziqing''s Qi-Gathering Pills. He had no intention of conserving the pills. After all, he could easily get a Qi-Gathering Pill just by fighting a singlentern monster.


    As long as Chu Liang could keep obtaining rewards from the White Pagoda, fighting demons would always be profitable for him.


    While thinking of that, he closed his eyes in meditation and entered the White Pagoda with anticipation.


    Four of the White Pagoda''s iron cells were upied, each one with a golden phantom of a flower. Chu Liang approached one of the cells and pressed the word "Refine."


    <i>Boom¡ª!</i>


    There was a sh of red, and Chu Liang reached out his hand to catch the ball of light that drifted out of the cell. On his palm was something wrapped in greased paper. It seemed to be medicinal powder.


    Then a message appeared in his mind.


    [Hundred-Flower Antidote: This is an antidote made from the essence of a hundred flowers. Half of it should be consumed orally, and the other half applied externally. It is capable of neutralizing a hundred types of poison. Whoever uses this powder will have a lingering floral fragrance with top notes of jasmine, middle notes of rose, and base notes of photinia[2]. It is a strong and longsting scent.]


    1. Chi = approximately 0.3 meters ?


    2. Full name: Photinia serratifolia. Also known as Taiwanese photinia, Chinese photinia. Fun fact I found while looking up the flower name, this flower is known to have a strong scent simr to that of human semen... ?

 Chapter 11: Chu Liang! What an Awesome Dude!

    <h4>Chapter 11: Chu Liang! What an Awesome Dude!</h4>


    Xu Ziqing might have found the ground dirty and preferred not to sit down. Instead, she stood at the side. As the young girl had been walking in the middle of the group all along, being protected by everyone, she wasn''t tired and didn''t need to catch her breath.


    While the others sat down to meditate and activate their qi cirction, she started to feel a bit bored. Her lively eyes roamed around, scanning the scenery in the dense forest.


    Suddenly, there was a slight rustling in the leaves up ahead, as if something was moving there. Feeling slightly curious, she took a good look at it.


    Then, a series of soft rustling sounds followed, and in a sh, a palm-sized, mottled green toad jumped out from beneath the leaves! With its bulging eyes, it appeared ugly and ferocious.


    This creature wasn''t a demon, so it hadn''t been detected by Fang Ting''s divine sense. It hade close to the area where the group was situated.


    "<i>Ah!</i>"


    However, even though there was no immediate danger, the terrifying appearance of this creature greatly disturbed the young girl. She was so frightened that she stumbled backward several steps.


    During this step backward, she unintentionally moved out of the range covered by thentern''s glow.


    It was just one step.


    Just as everyone''s attention was captured by this spectacle, a vine at the edge of the area suddenly shot up with a hiss, revealing a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth!


    <i>Swish!</i>


    The young girl was caught off guard as the flower demon bit down on her lower leg.


    "Junior Sister Ziqing!" Fang Ting eximed in shock, swiftly drawing his longsword from behind.


    With a series of sharp strikes that resembled a golden dragon dancing through the air, a surge of lightning sword qi gushed out, instantly consuming the flower demon''s body. It also left behind a deep trench more than ten yards long, cutting through the vines, giant trees, and arge portion of the dense forest.


    Chu Liang had already heard from Lin Bei that the sword on Fang Ting''s back was named the Thunderstrike Sword, and the Golden Core he was trying to cultivate was the Heavenly Golden Core of Five Lightning, specializing in lightning sword qi.


    Witnessing the tremendous power of this sword, it was indeed awe-inspiring.


    However, despite the shockingly immense power of this strike, its trajectory passed right next to Xu Ziqing without grazing a single thread of her clothing. The level of control disyed was truly astonishing.


    There was clearly a significant difference between a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm and a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    However severe Fang Ting''s retaliation might be, it couldn''t change the fact that Xu Ziqing had already been bitten by the flower demon. The young girl stumbled and sat down, quickly employing her cultivation technique to stop the bleeding.


    Soon after, she panicked and cried out, "This flower demon is venomous!"


    Upon closer inspection, her pale and delicate leg, between the knee and ankle where she had been bitten, was oozing dark, ckish blood. The skin around the wound had been tainted by the dark aura.


    "The Green-Vine Flower Demons in this forest are non-toxic. The one earlier...must be a mutated form of the Green-Vine Flower Demon, the Purple-Vine Flower Demon," exined Fang Ting.


    "This is bad," Lin Bei said, "The detoxification pills we prepared are meant to counteract the forest''s miasma. This Purple-Vine Flower Demon is very rare and we didn''t bring any antidotes for this type of flower demon. There''s only one solution now."


    "What?" Everyone stared at him as they inquired.


    Lin Bei wore a determined expression as if he was ready to make a self-sacrifice. He dered, "Junior Sister Ziqing, seal off your blood flow and slow down the spread of the poison. I''ll practice qi cirction and suck the blood out for you."


    With those words, he bared his teeth and contorted his mouth, appearing ready to act.


    "Nonsense!" Fang Ting scolded with a frown, "Your cultivation level is about the same as Junior Sister Ziqing. If you were to suck the blood out, what if you were also poisoned? Hm... My cultivation level is higher. I will do it."


    Until this moment, the usually quiet and reserved Lu Ren finally spoke up, "Senior Brother Fang, you have a significant responsibility, and it''s not advisable for you to take any risks. Junior Brother Lin''s cultivation level is lower, so it''s best if he doesn''t act recklessly. I think I should be the one to do it.


    With this, he licked his lips.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" The young girl held her delicate foot, her voice tinged with a whimper. The current situation was something she hadn''t anticipated.


    While the three of them were arguing, Chu Liang interjected, "Everyone, I..."


    Lin Bei raised his head to look at him. "What''s the matter? You want a bite too?"


    "No," Chu Liang shook his head, "I wanted to say that I have a type of antidote with me, which might be able to counter the flower demon poison in Junior Sister Xu."


    "What?" Xu Ziqing''s eyes sparkled with hope as though she had caught a lifeline. "Senior Brother Chu, do you really have the antidote?"


    "That''s right. Although it''s not specifically for the flower demon poison, it should have some effect," Chu Liang said as he took out the Hundred-Flower Antidote.


    "It''s not a dedicated antidote, so there might be some risk," Lin Bei seemed reluctant, ncing at Xu Ziqing. "Junior Sister Xu, you should think..."


    "In the current situation, there are only two choices. Do you want to let one of them suck the poison out with their mouth or do you want to take the medicine?"


    "I will take the medicine!"


    Xu Ziqing said without hesitation.


    Chu Liang then handed the Hundred-Flower Antidote to her and said, "Take half of it orally and apply the other half on the wound."


    "Alright. Senior Brother Chu, thank you." Xu Ziqing was so grateful that tears welled up in her eyes.


    "Ah," Lin Bei sighed, looking guilty. "I feel bad that I am not helping with anything. Since I can''t help you suck the poison out, why don''t I help you apply the medicine?"


    But this question only earned Lin Bei a big roll of the eyes from Xu Ziqing.


    Following Chu Liang''s instructions, Xu Ziqing divided the Hundred-Flower Antidote into two halves, applying one half to the wound and ingesting the other half with water. Then, she activated her qi cirction and adjusted her breathing.


    Within less than the time it would take to brew tea, the ck aura around the wound hadpletely faded away, and the wound, which was as big as a bowl, was visibly healing at an astonishing rate.


    The strong vitality inherent in cultivators was furtherplemented by the significant impact of the Hundred-Flower Antidote, resulting in an even faster healing process.


    "Senior Brother Chu, your medicine is so effective!" Xu Ziqing eximed with pleasant surprise.


    "I am d it''s working," Chu Liang said with a faint smile.


    For cultivators, as long as there''s no demonic poison involved, minor flesh wounds hardly have any impact. After applying some external wound ointment, Xu Ziqing immediately stood up, appearing as if nothing had happened, and she was full of vitality.


    Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she felt that after applying the medicine provided by Chu Liang, her body began to emit a fragrant aroma. This scent appeared to change, starting as a subtle hint of jasmine, shifting into a sweet rose fragrance, and eventually evolving into a strange and rather intense scent that she had never experienced before.


    Perhaps it was some sort of floral fragrance.


    After regaining her mobility, she gracefully approached Chu Liang and asked in a soft tone, "Senior Brother Chu, how can I ever thank you?"


    "No worries." Chu Liang smiled and said, "You gave me the Qi-Gathering Pills, and in return, I gave you the Hundred-Flower Antidote. It''s a fair exchange of gifts."


    "But..." The young girl tilted her head and continued, "How can the Qi-Gathering Pillpare to your Hundred-Flower Antidote?"


    Chu Liang waved his hand, saying, "We''re fellow sect members and friends. There''s no need to keep such close tabs."


    "Are we friends..." Xu Ziqing froze for a moment. Suddenly, a bright smile appeared on her face as she said, "Alright."


    At this moment, Lin Bei, who was at the side, asked, "However, Brother Chu, weren''t you at the Sword Exchange Pavilion when we invited you? Do you always carry antidotes with you?"


    "It''s better to be prepared." Chu Liang answered nonchntly.


    Soon, Fang Ting gathered the team to continue the journey. Chu Liang immediately walked to the front, resuming his role in clearing the way.


    The group stared at his back this time with a much more gentle gaze. At this moment, the disciples of the Jade Sword Peak all felt that this disciple of the Silver Sword Peak was someone worth having as a friend. When there were demons, he would y them. If he had medicine, he would give it to them.


    Chu Liang! What an awesome dude!

 Chapter 12: Proud Senior Brother Fang

    <h4>Chapter 12: Proud Senior Brother Fang</h4>


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed softly and sheathed his sword.


    In thetter part of the journey, the harvest was modest, with only two encounters of flower demons. While most might view a smooth journey favorably, for those with the goal of obliterating demons, it was somewhat disappointing.


    Nheless, this slight disappointment was swiftly swept aside by the breathtaking scene ahead.


    As each person emerged from the narrow forest path one by one, their initial reaction to the sight was pure astonishment.


    Though still within the forest''s confines, the towering tree canopies extended over ten meters high, resembling the lofty dome of an ancient pce, dispelling the previously oppressive feeling. Before themy the entrance to a mountain valley, with rugged, overhanging cliffs and twisting vines where flora and vines sprawled across dark rocks. Exotic flowers were in full bloom, and faint bioluminescence danced up and down, creating an intermittently dazzling light.


    It was an entirely primitive and mysterious otherworldly realm of demons.


    "This..." Lin Bei stammered, appearing as though he wanted to say something.


    However, the moment he said something, his voice echoed through the verdant valley, causing him to hold his words back. They almost felt as though they shouldn''t speak loudly, for fear of disturbing the celestial beings in the heavens[1].


    Fang Ting deepened his voice as he said, "ording to the guide, the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower is located in the valley areas right ahead. Although there will no longer be any flower demons here, this area is much more perilous... So be careful."


    "Yes!" Everyone nodded in agreement.


    It followed a straightforward principle. If a purified area suddenly appeared in and infested with demonic entities, it would only indicate that this was the territory of some greater demonic entities.


    As mortals ventured into the vast and deste expanse, they couldn''t help but feel small. Upon entering the rugged, ckish valley, they soon stumbled upon a colossal stem of flowers thriving in an open expanse at the valley''s edge, not too far from their path.


    A pair of colossal flowers, sharing a single stem, graced their path. Each bud, as enormous as a human head, adorned itself with tightly closed, pure white petals. Encircled by long, straight leaves, this stem of flowers exuded an air of purity that felt entirely out of ce in the rugged valley.


    "So this is the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower... It looks exactly the same as the picture,"mented Lin Bei.


    Fang Ting lifted his gaze to the rugged overhang above them and instructed, "I am guessing that it just turned evening. When the gentle moonlight bathes this flower during the night, that will be the very moment it blooms. Until then, do not touch it."


    Chu Liang had learned the process of harvesting a Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower while they were on the way here.


    This item possessed a rather divine and peculiar quality; if it were harvested at any other time, it would lose its spiritual nature. It had to be carefully collected at the precise moment of maturity and blooming to absorb the essence of the moonlight. When plucked during this specific instant, its spiritual nature would be preserved.


    Nheless, at that very moment, anyone whoid their eyes upon the flower would find themselves ensnared by a bewitching illusion. This illusion, it seemed, served a purpose, perhaps to safeguard the flower itself.


    During the exact moment when the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower reached its full bloom, a designated individual would hold a copper mirror in front of it, and the flower would be ensnared within its own illusion. While this was happening, another person would carefully pluck the flower from its rear. Only under these circumstances could the flower be sessfully harvested.


    In this scenario, the flower could be harvested with just two individuals. The reason for involving five people in this mission was to assign the additional three members to create the Trinity Sword Formation on the periphery. Their role was to fend off any other demonic beasts guarding the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower nearby.


    "Junior Sister Ziqing, you can take the human position. Junior Brother Chu, you can assume the earth position. I will be in charge of the heaven position. Lu Ren will carry the mirror, and Lin Bei will be responsible for plucking the flowers," Fang Ting issued clear and concise orders with determination.


    The Trinity Sword Formation was not simply a one-to-one guard setup. The person at the human position would guard only one direction, while the person at the earth position would cover two directions. The heaven position primarily guarded one direction but also provided support for the other two cultivators as needed.


    This distribution of responsibilities ced the greatest burden on the most powerful cultivator, helping to bnce the uneven strength among the cultivators in the formation.


    There were obviously no objections as everyone swiftly assumed their positions around the flower.


    They didn''t have to wait long. A beam of moonlight managed to pierce through the dense obstructions, casting its radiance onto the earth. In a deste valley where daylight was a rarity, this moonlight was extremely precious.


    The moonlight steadily crept closer to the center of the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower.


    "Concentrate your spirit!" Fang Ting suddenly shouted.


    Chu Liang, Xu Ziqing, and Fang Ting promptly took their ces within the established formation. With swords in hand and their backs erect, they faced away from the flower, no longer fixating their gaze in its direction.


    Because...


    As the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower matured, the valley came to life with rustling and stirring. Some of the creatures that had been coveting this flower for a long time could no longer restrain themselves.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The first creature to leap out of the bushes was a Fierce ck-Spotted Tiger, its thunderous roar causing the forest to tremble. It bore menacing patterns all over its body, and to everyone''s astonishment, it possessed flesh wings under its ribs. Indeed, it had clearly undergone years of diligent cultivation.


    This forest-dwelling creature was notorious for its cunning nature, and the moment it appeared, it charged in Xu Ziqing''s direction.


    The young girl clenched her teeth tightly, and it was apparent to all that she was truly scared. However, she remained resolute, ready to draw her sword and confront the enemy.


    In that critical moment, a lightning sword qi surged from a diagonal angle, streaking through the air like a golden dragon gliding through the ocean.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As the torrential sword qi surged through, the demon tiger''s form dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind only drifting traces of ash.


    Naturally, it was Fang Ting who had taken swift action.


    Chu Liang witnessed the scene and marveled at the formidable power of the Golden Core Realm. Simultaneously, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly.


    <i>What a wasted opportunity...</i>


    <i>If only Fang Ting had allowed him to attack once...</i>


    Fang Ting, who was keenly observing his surroundings, also noticed Chu Liang''s sigh and remarked, "Junior Brother Chu, there''s no need to sigh. With dedicated cultivation and time, you can reach the same level of mastery as me."


    <i> Eh... Did he think that I felt inferior after seeing his level of cultivation?</i>


    Chu Liang froze for a moment and then nodded in response to Fang Ting.


    <i>Sure. Yes. Indeed.</i>


    There was no time for further conversation as the appearance of the tiger demon seemed to signal the arrival of more threats. It was followed by a thick python, a radiant golden falcon, a three-eyed jackal...


    And monstrous beasts that emerged from all directions!


    Chu Liang''s eyes immediately lit up.


    However, he then heard Fang Ting shout, "Lightning Gale!"


    With his left hand forming a seal and his right hand raising the Thunderstrike Sword, he shouted loudly. A burst of thunder rumbled, and the sword''s light shed as it circled around aggressively. In an instant, sand and stones were sent flying, thunderclouds swirled around him, and a powerful wave of qi swept out for an attack.


    <i>Rumble~</i>


    With a single sword strike, several approaching demons werepletely obliterated by gale and thunder, reduced to mere dust.


    Annihted.


    "Hmph!" Fang Ting sheathed his sword and snorted coldly, casting a disdainful gaze over the surroundings. He exuded a formidable aura and then nced at Xu Ziqing and Chu Liang, holding his head high. Although he wore an expression of indifference, his eyes seemed to sparkle with anticipation.


    He was like a golden retriever that had caught a mouse and was waiting for praise but still had to maintain an air of aloofness.


    In stark contrast, the gleam that had just appeared in Chu Liang''s eyes quickly dimmed.


    His eyes no longer sparkled...


    The more ferociously Fang Ting slew, the more pain he felt...


    Xu Ziqing either had grown ustomed to her elder brother''s abilities, making her unimpressed, or she was too nervous to focus on anything else. She didn''t praise Fang Ting for his heroic performance.


    As a result, Fang Ting maintained his pose for an extended period but didn''t receive the response he desired. He blinked and eventually muttered to himself, "Junior Sister Ziqing, Junior Brother Chu, with diligent practice, one day you may also perform a sword technique like this."


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Chu Liang smiled.


    As the battle on the periphery progressed smoothly, the moonlight was gradually encroaching upon the center of one flower, an eagerly anticipated moment for the two tasked with plucking the flowers.


    "The flower is about to bloom!" Lin Bei immediately shouted.


    Lu Ren hastily lifted up the huge copper mirror.


    As the moonlight scattered, therge Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower unfolded its petals as if an awakening beauty, revealing a purely white face!


    Indeed, when the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower bloomed, the face it revealed genuinely resembled a human''s face! The face had skin as white as snow, and its beauty was of an androgynous nature.


    The face of the flower, newly revealed, held an otherworldly and watchful gaze. However, the moment it noticed therge copper mirror ced directly before it and beheld its own reflection within...


    Its eyes rapidly transformed, showing an enraptured expression.


    1. The author is referencing a poem by Li Bai called Ò¹ËÞɽËÂ, which means A Night Lodging in a Mountain Temple. ?

 Chapter 13: The Terrifying Human-Faced Xiao

    <h4>Chapter 13: The Terrifying Human-Faced Xiao</h4>


    When a Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower bloomed, anyone who looked at it would be bewitched, including itself.


    That was why the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower in question was enchanted the moment it looked at its reflection in the copper mirror.


    Wanting to take advantage of this moment when the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower was distracted, Lin Bei drew his sword and prepared to cut the flower''s stem from behind. Once the flower was picked, their assignment would be as good as done.


    However, an unexpected change urred right then!


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    A white figure suddenly dropped from the sky andnded right beside the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower and Lin Bei. It swiped ruthlessly at Lin Bei''s throat!


    This attack was swift and vicious, aiming to end Lin Bei''s life in one strike!


    Fortunately, Lin Bei reacted quickly, promptly pulling his sword into a horizontal position to block the attack. nging sounds rang out and sparks flew all over as the white figure''s hand collided with Lin Bei''s sword. The force of the collision even pushed Lin Bei backward a few steps. Had he been a bit slower, he would certainly have been killed.


    The three members at the periphery of the sword formation finally turned at this moment. Once they got a good look at what was happening, they realized it was all due to a small, child-sized creature with an oversized head and a body that had the color of white jade.


    "It''s a Human-Faced Xiao[1]!" Fang Ting eximed.


    His expression turned grim, and he swiftly drew his sword.


    He had not expected to encounter this extremely elusive creature.


    However, the creature''s actions were extremely swift.


    After pushing Lin Bei away, the Human-Faced Xiao quickly reached out and snapped off the bloomed Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower. It turned around and fled at once.


    Nevertheless, Fang Ting''s movements were quick too. He raised his Thunderstrike Sword high with his right hand. He ced his left hand in front of his chest and made a divine hand gesture. His index and middle fingers were pointed upward toward the sky, with the rest of his digits folded. In an instant, sword qi in the form of a golden dragon covered the area, making a cage! That creature was now trapped in the middle of what looked like a pool of lightning!


    However, the creature didn''t even evade the sword qi at all. Instead, it leaped straight up, bing transparent for a split second. In that split second, it had passed through the sword qi cage and leaped high into the sky. Then the creature jumped onto an overhanging rock and leaped again, soaring into the air.


    In the blink of an eye, it was already over ten or so zhang away.


    "Evil creature, don''t you leave!"


    With a surge of urgency, Fang Ting stepped on his light sword. It instantly transformed into a raging golden dragon and chased after the creature.


    The ravine was covered with overhanging rocks that extended horizontally and vertically, leaving no clear route to pass through. However, the white figure was incredibly nimble. It forged ahead, easily picking out a route through the rugged terrain.


    <i>Boom boom boom boom!</i>


    Flying on a sword provided incredible speed, but it was more suitable for covering straight routes and long distances. Fang Ting wasn''t able to rotate to weave through horizontal spaces or make abrupt turns to dodge obstacles. Consequently, he repeatedly rammed into and brokerge rocks as he made his way through the ravine.


    If they were ordinary rocks, it wouldn''t be an issue for him to bash and collide against them. However, these rocks were extremely hard, so it was really dangerous to repeatedly ram into them while riding the sword at high speed. Even someone like Fang Ting, who was in the fourth realm of cultivation, found it challenging to endure.


    After a while, he changed his approach and switched to riding the wind himself, instead of riding his sword. He sent his Thunderstrike Sword splitting through the air toward the creature. He intended to use the sword like a flying dagger to y that creature without the need to get close.


    However, doing this slowed him down significantly. In the blink of an eye, the distance between him and the creature had widened greatly once more. The flying sword continued to chase after the extremely agile creature, but it never seemed to be able to catch up.


    All of this transpired in an instant¡ªin the same duration as a sh of lightning.


    With both parties forging ahead at lightning speed, Fang Ting wasn''t even aware that they had entered the deeper part of the ravine. His focus remained on the white figure up ahead, and he failed to notice a thunderous rush of wind overhead. A massive shadow loomed over him.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Fang Ting came to an urgent stop and realized that the shadow was of a massive tree branch! He had stopped right in front of an enormous tree that rose high into the sky!


    The colossal tree, which was at least several tens of zhang tall, stood in the middle of the ravine. Its branches had extended out with a wide reach, supporting a vast treetop that hid the sky and covered the earth. This tree seemed to have given rise to the lush nt life in the ravine.


    There were numerous branches surrounding the tree. Any living creature that approached it would be subjected to the branches'' attacks.


    It was clear that this ancient and gigantic tree was the demon king of this ravine!


    Fang Ting managed to dodge the first branch, but he failed to do so for the second branch that came at him from the right.


    <i>Wham!</i>


    This attack hurled him over ten zhang away!


    Fang Ting ended up rolling on the ground, and once he came to a stop, he raised his head to look at the creature. Even amid the thrashing branches, the white figure continued to leap about and effortlessly evaded the giant tree''s attacks. Not even a single leaf managed to touch that white figure.


    It was ridiculously nimble!


    The sword qi of Fang Ting''s Thunderstrike Sword was swift, but it only utilized simple and broad strokes.


    If Fang Ting were chasing the Human-Faced Xiao in an open space with even ground, he was confident that he would be able to catch it within a short time. However, it seemed impossible for him to catch the creature at all in this rugged andplex ravine.


    Now, he didn''t even dare continue chasing the creature because of that colossal tree.


    All he could do was watch as the Human-Faced Xiao leaped further and further away in the blink of an eye.


    "Damn it!" Fang Ting cursed angrily.


    Despite having a Golden Core Realm practitioner as their team leader, the group had failed their assignment.


    <i>If we go back to the mountain like this, what will Teacher think of me? What will Senior Brother Ziyang think of me? What will Junior Sister Ziqing think of me... Eh? </i>Fang Ting thought to himself.


    <i>Swooooosh</i>!


    While Fang Ting was wallowing in self-pity, a practically indiscernible shadowy figure shot past him and chased after the creature.


    The shadowy figure was even faster and more nimble than the Human-Faced Xiao! The branches of the giant tree didn''t attack the shadowy figure at all because it had passed by before the tree even realized what had happened!


    <i>Swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh!</i>


    ...


    The Human-Faced Xiao was an extremely rare type of mountain spirit. It was the result of a supernatural being devouring a Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower right after it bloomed. The supernatural being would then grow a physical body, bing a Human-Faced Xiao.


    Their main characteristics were their incredible speed and agility.


    This specific Human-Faced Xiao in the ravine had been waiting around for quite a long time for the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower to bloom. So, of course, it wouldn''t hesitate to kill everyst human who dared to touch the flower it had found.


    However, this group of humans had a formidable level of cultivation, so the Human-Faced Xiao could only snatch the flower and run.


    The Human-Faced Xiao just needed to get back to its cave and consume the flower. By eating the flower, Its cultivation level would increase significantly.


    Once that happened...


    "<i>Heheheheheheheh...</i>"


    The Human-Faced Xiao couldn''t help butugh creepily upon envisioning itself bing more powerful.


    As for the human cultivator who was chasing it persistently, the Human-Faced Xiao felt nothing but disdain toward him. It didn''t matter how powerful the cultivator was; he would always be trailing behind the Human-Faced Xiao, eating the dust that it left behind.


    The Human-Faced Xiao knew this ravine like the back of its hand, so it could easily shake the cultivator off its tail.


    <i>So, you think you can ride your flying sword here, hmm? Heheh. Just wait till I smash your head to pieces!</i>


    The Human-Faced Xiao knew it would be safe once it reached the colossal tree''s branches.


    It knew that there was no other demonic creature but itself could move about freely on this giant tree, not to mention those humans!


    The Human-Faced Xiao nimbly maneuvered between the tree''s many branches as if it were a human taking a stroll in their garden. At some point, it thought it should turn around and get a look at the human practitioner''s flustered and exasperated expression. After all, it wouldn''t be able to see the human''s face once the distance between them grew wider.


    With that in mind, the Human-Faced Xiao sneered and turned to look behind it.


    Right then, therge eyes on its human face suddenly widened. It seemed to have seen something incredibly horrifying!


    <i>What''s that?</i>


    The Human-Faced Xiao, with its underdeveloped intellect, struggled frantically to figure out what was going on.


    What it saw when it turned around was a shadowy figure following very closely behind it, just an arm''s length away.


    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>


    In the blink of an eye, the shadowy figure leaped over the Human-Faced Xiao. Now, the shadowy figure was running beside it, keeping pace with it!


    <i>How could this be?!</i>


    <i>Have I encountered a ghost?</i>


    <i>Wait, that''s not right. I''m the one who''s a ghost!</i>


    Throughout its whole life, the Human-Faced Xiao had never encountered any being who could match its speed!


    <i>Just what is going on?</i>


    The Human-Faced Xiao and the shadowy figure were both maintaining the same rapid pace. So,pared to their blurred surroundings, they seemed stationary to each other. As such, the Human-Faced Xiao was able to get a good look at the shadowy figure.


    The shadowy figure turned out to be a handsome young man dressed in fine robes; he seemed refined and affable.


    <i>Why does he have such a terrifyingly fast movement technique?</i>


    Noticing the Human-Faced Xiao''s gaze on him, the young man raised his gaze and looked at the Human-Faced Xiao.


    Then... the young man stuck out his tongue and licked the palm of his hand... His eyes gleamed with an intense passion; he seemed to be really enjoying this hunt.


    The creepy grin on the Human-Faced Xiao''s face immediately crumbled.


    <i>My goodness, this guy''s a pervert!</i>


    1. A mountain spirit that appears in Chinese folklore and mythology. ?

 Chapter 14: Our Hero Chu Liang

    <h4>Chapter 14: Our Hero Chu Liang</h4>


    Previously...


    The Human-Faced Xiao escaped without any worries.


    This was not what Chu Liang had envisioned happening.


    Initially, they hadgged behind Fang Ting by a considerable distance.


    Then Chu Liang saw Fang Ting being struck to the ground by the huge branch and heard Lin Bei cry out, "<i>Ah!</i> It seems like Senior Brother Fang can''t catch up to that demonic entity! We are going to fail our mission."


    Chu Liang sighed and, in a calm demeanor, stated, "Since Senior Brother Fang can''t do it, I''ll have to give it a try."


    "<i>Eh??</i>"


    Lin Bei, standing beside him, found Chu Liang''s words somewhat unusual. Then, he saw Chu Liang take out a talisman.


    Indeed, if Fang Ting could catch up to the Human-Faced Xiao, he wouldn''t squander the only talisman bestowed by the White Pagoda.


    Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman!


    It was said to have the effect of significantly enhancing agility.


    Chu Liang held the talisman with two fingers in his left hand and, with a wave, a burst of mes erupted,pletely consuming the talisman with a resounding bang.


    <i>Pop!</i>


    With the talisman activated, Chu Liang immediately felt a feline spirit awakening within him. His body started moving in a straight line involuntarily.


    With slight effort, he easily leaped several meters,nding gracefully.


    The Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman was truly remarkable!


    Its effect exceeded all expectations.


    If the White Pagoda had a customer review system, he would unquestionably give this talisman a five-star rating.


    It took him a couple of movements to adjust to this power. Then, he exerted all his energy, fully activating his movement technique as he pursued the Human-Faced Xiao. If observed from above, one would witness a ck streak of afterimage and a white streak of afterimage racing at an astonishing speed. In fact, the gap between the two was closing rapidly.


    Gradually, he caught up to the Human-Faced Xiao, and a sense of exhration overcame him. He felt the feline spirit within him growing excited from the thrill of the chase.


    Fortunately, the effects of the talisman would onlyst for fifteen minutes. If it persisted any longer, he might experience some adverse consequences.


    Nheless...


    When the Human-Faced Xiao turned back and saw him, itsrge face disyed a shocked and terrified expression. In that instant... Chu Liang couldn''t contain his excitement, and almost instinctively, he licked his palm.


    Unbeknownst to him, that gentle lick inflicted significant damage on the young Human-Faced Xiao''s psyche.


    The Human-Faced Xiao had already noticed that there was something really weird about this person. It continued to focus ahead, desperately yearning for an additional pair of legs to make a swift escape.


    But could it escape?


    It would be very difficult~


    Suppressing the urge to continue teasing it, Chu Liang rushed forward with his sword in hand. Then, he swung his sword, and a three-chi-long radiance emanated with the swing.


    The Human-Faced Xiao seemed to have noticed. Its silhouette blurred and became transparent, dodging this close-range attack!


    This creature was incredibly agile, but itsbat strength was not formidable. Its only divine talent was the ability to phase through objects for a brief moment. That was how it had managed to crawl out of the cage Fang Ting had constructed with his sword aura.


    Unfortunately, its phasing ability onlysted for a brief moment.


    For an opponent who could match its speed, this ability held little significance.


    As its form was restored once more, Chu Liang had already raised his left hand and a red beam of light flew out from his sleeves.


    Demon-Binding Rope!


    As he was so close to the Human-Faced Xiao, there was simply no way for the Human-Faced Xiao to dodge.


    And as the Human-Faced Xiao happened to be in its human form, the binding waspleted within that instant.


    At that moment, it felt as though a thousand horses were galloping in its mind, and a voice was screaming...


    <i>F*ck!</i>


    <i>I knew this dude was a pervert!</i>


    <i>I knew it!</i>


    Countless demons and monsters inhabited the forest of this Southern Bastion Mountain and every demonic entity was mentally prepared for the possibility of death at any time.


    Even though...the Human-Faced Xiao could ept death, it had a really difficult time epting that it would die in such a humiliating manner.


    But Life was just like that; many things that couldn''t be epted had to happen anyway. It was like the autumn wind that had caused a hundred flowers to wither, and the great river that had carried the departed souls to the east. In this vast and indifferent world, one could only sigh and ept what hade.


    Before the darkness came, all that the Human Faced Xiao could see was the light of the sword.


    The Human-Faced Xiao was restrained and killed right away.


    <i>Slice!</i>


    ...


    When the group saw Chu Lianging back with the Human-Faced Jade Spirit Flower in hand, they couldn''t believe their eyes.


    It was truly unexpected. When they thought they would fail this mission, he had been the one who stepped up and saved the day!


    Fang Ting furrowed his brows in a serious manner and asked, "Junior Brother Chu... how did you do it?"


    Xu Ziqing was pleasantly surprised. She asked, "Senior Brother Chu, I didn''t know you were this powerful. Why didn''t you tell us?"


    Lin Bei asked in admiration, "Brother Chu, how are you so skilled with your hands? <i>Tsk</i>... Can you teach me these techniques?"


    "<i>Hm?</i>"<i> </i>Xu Ziqing, feeling puzzled, looked to Lin Bei and asked, "What techniques are you talking about?"


    Obviously, the young girl couldn''t recognize the peculiarity of this Demon-Binding Rope.


    "Oh. I meant the movement technique! Body movements!" Lin Bei hastily rephrased.


    "It''s nothing..." Chu Liang said with a smile. "I just used a rather powerful talisman. Once I use it, it''s gone, and I am sad about it."


    "I see," everyone said in realization.


    This was exactly what they had guessed. With Chu Liang, having achieved the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, it was simply impossible for him to disy such physical techniques. If he had such divine techniques, he wouldn''t have kept it a secret.


    And so, they guessed that he must have used some pills or talisman that he had reserved for a crucial moment.


    As for the origin of this talisman, no one asked a single question about it.


    In the world of immortal cultivation, it was taboo to ask people about their enchanted tools, talismans, pills, and divine items...


    The logic was quite simple: one''s cultivation level was visible, and unless there was a significant gap, it was challenging to conceal this. On the other hand, these items could be hidden and, at crucial moments, couldpensate for differences in cultivation levels.


    Everyone had their little secrets, and some of these were utilized for self-preservation; naturally, they didn''t want others to know. Sometimes, keeping a small piece of information hidden could be the key to saving one''s life.


    Regarding the origin of treasures, it was rtively less problematic for well-known and good sects like the Mount Shu Sect. Yet, many unaffiliated cultivators in the martial world had not obtained a single item through entirely legitimate means.


    Regardless of where they were, asking about these matters directly was not very tactful.


    Furthermore, as Chu Liang was the only disciple of Silver Sword Peak, and all the resources provided by the Peak Master of the Silver Sword Peak were for him, it wasn''t at all surprising that his teacher had bestowed him some valuable items to keep himself safe.


    At this moment, the cultivators were thinking about the value of that talisman. If this talisman had been capable of making Chu Liang, who was at the third realm of cultivation, quicker than Fang Ting, who was at the fourth realm of cultivation, it must have been very costly.


    This might have been the life-saving item he had preserved.


    And the sword coins earned from this mission definitely wouldn''t be enough to buy such a talisman.


    And for the sake of the team''s sess in this mission, he used this precious treasure with great pain, without hesitation!


    Through this brief journey, those who initially harbored some hostility toward Chu Liang due to his Silver Sword Peak background had now drastically changed their views of him.


    This was a testament to his personal charisma.


    If the Mount Shu Sect were to select a model disciple now, they would undoubtedly cast their votes for Chu Liang without hesitation!


    Xu Ziqing, being the considerate youngdy, smiled and said, "Senior Brother Chu, since you''ve used such a precious talisman, you can have my share of the reward for this mission topensate for your loss."


    She truly didn''t care about the reward as she had her Teacher and older brother looking out for her. Her primary purpose for undertaking missions was to gain experience.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang smiled and said, "That doesn''t seem appropriate..."


    Fang Ting, upon hearing this, also chimed in, "Indeed. You have sacrificed so much for the sess of this mission and the least we can do is to ensure that you don''t bear too much of a loss. Take my share of the reward as well."


    His main reason foring on this mission was to apany Xu Ziqing, and he didn''t care much about thepensation. Moreover, when the Human-Faced Xiao had stolen the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower earlier, he thought that he would be shamed. Chu Liang''s heroic intervention had truly saved the day for his team, and his gratitude for Chu Liang at this moment was beyond words.


    As Chu Liang was about to politely decline, Lin Bei interjected, "Brother Chu, you shouldn''t refuse! We all can see the extent of your contributions! You''re our hero. How can we allow you to leave feeling unappreciated? I will give you Lu Ren''s share of the reward too! And if you don''t ept, it''s like treating us as outsiders!"


    "<i>Erm...</i>" Chu Liang smiled again. In the end, he had no choice but to say, "I feel bad..."


    Lu Ren opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, but as he opened his mouth, he thought something was a little strange... It was as though there was no longer any need for him to say anything.


    "<i>Eh?</i>"

 Chapter 15: Qi-Circulation Puppet

    <h4>Chapter 15: Qi-Cirction Puppet</h4>


    The sun shone brightly, and cheerful flowers bloomed.


    Silver Sword Peak once again awoke to the beauty of a perfect morning, featuring clear skies, pristine waters, the fragrance of the flowers, and the melodious songs of birds.


    Chu Liang emerged from his humble wooden cabin. He stretched his bodyzily and loosened his muscles.


    With his Teacher away for the past two days, he was effectively the acting Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak. This gave him a sense of authority and responsibility, even though he would remain an Assistant Peak Master when Di Nufeng returned.


    After basking in the sun for a while, he returned to his room, carefully closing the door behind him.


    There were still tasks he needed toplete.


    When he came back from the Southern Bastion Mountainst night, it was already quitete. He had parted ways with the disciples of Jade Sword Peak and returned to Silver Sword Peak by himself. Upon returning to the Silver Sword Peak, he immediately went to sleep.


    Now, it was time for him to reward himself.


    Allowing his divine sense to sink into his consciousness, he arrived inside the White Pagoda, where the enormous golden phantom of the Human-Faced Xiao''s head was imprisoned in an iron cage. Chu Liang stepped forward and pressed his palm against the word "Refine."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A crimson radiance shed.


    Chu Liang caught the shimmering light that drifted out and immediately received a message in his mind.


    [Qi-Cirction Puppet: The puppet practices Qi-Cirction Technique[1] to aid in cultivation. It consumes one Qi-Gathering Pill during the day and two at night, enabling continuous cultivation throughout the day. All progress achieved in cultivation will be transferred to the host. Please be aware that this puppet is to be used strictly as a cultivation aid, and there is a risk of damage if used inappropriately.]


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang held the three-chi-tall doll with arge head and felt pleasantly surprised.


    Its appearance bore a resemnce to the Human-Faced Xiao, both having small, featureless heads that resembled white jade.


    Possibly due to itsck of expression, it looked somewhat adorable.


    But Chu Liang''s excitement didn''t stem from its cuteness.


    It was because... this doll was a cultivation helper that would operate relentlessly, day in and day out, all year round without breaks. Every bit of cultivation progress it achieved would be credited directly to him. Wouldn''t this imply that his cultivation speed could potentially double?


    No, it might even exceed a doubling effect.


    The path of cultivation was structured into three phases, each of which contained three realms. The ultimate phase, the Heavenly Gate, demanded progress through enlightenment. Even a single moment of enlightenment could result in advancements equivalent to decades of practice. In the second phase, the Earthly Gate, the emphasis was ced on resources, with personal cultivation taking a secondary role. On the other hand, in the first phase, known as the Mortal Gate, personal cultivation held paramount importance.


    The Body Refinement Realm focused on toughening the physical body, while the Qi-Concentration Realm centered on expanding one''s Dantian[2] and Sea of Qi[3]. In contrast, the Spiritual Awareness Realm emphasized the refinement of one''s divine senses. At this level, cultivation progress was dependent on meditation, contemtion, and the activation of energy cirction, often referred to as the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    Nevertheless, everyone had limited avable cultivation time. Excluding daily necessities like eating and resting, one could devote a maximum of sixteen hours to cultivation each day. Additionally, a practitioner couldn''t focus exclusively on qi cultivation; they also needed time for practicing divine arts and, in the case of Mount Shu Sect, forpleting missions to earn treasures and pills, among other responsibilities.


    Under normal circumstances, a cultivator who could maintain eight to ten hours of energy cirction and cultivation was already considered exceptionally hard-working. For someone like Chu Liang, who would often leave for missions, they could only dedicate four to six hours per day.


    It was crucial to emphasize that cultivation time had to be spent productively, and idling or cking off would not be added to the progress of cultivation.


    But...


    With this Large-Headed Doll in his possession, Chu Liang now had an additional twenty-four hours of cultivation time.


    This meant that the speed of his cultivation progress would increase by four to five times!


    This also meant that he would be able to spend more time and energy on hunting and killing demons. This doll was perfect for his current needs.


    As Chu Liang thought about this, he couldn''t wait any longer. He ced the Large-Headed Doll on the ground, positioned himself in front of it, and administered a Qi-Gathering Pill to the doll.


    Then, he ced his hand on the doll''s head.


    Activating the Qi-Cirction Technique...


    The cultivation technique that Chu Liang practiced was the most orthodox method of the Mount Shu Sect, known as the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Spiritual Awareness.


    The Mount Shu Sect''s cultivation technique was renowned for itsck of uniqueness but helped build a solid and stable foundation. As long as one diligently cultivated, disciples of the Mount Shu Sect often exceeded others of the same cultivation level in overall strength.


    While Chu Liang practiced the Qi-Cirction Technique, the Large-Headed Doll''s body became transparent. Intricate white lines moved alongplex paths, shimmering as they advanced.


    By the time Chu Liangpleted the Qi-Cirction Technique and withdrew his palm, the Large-Headed Doll''s face and features astonishingly transformed into his likeness. It continued to emit a radiant aura, signifying it had entered a state of cultivation.


    Chu Liang understood that the doll had be a mirror image of him, inside and out.


    At a cost of three Qi-Gathering Pills a day, the expenditure wasn''t insignificant, but neither was it exorbitant. Compared to the output of an entire day of strenuous cultivation, it was indeed a worthwhile arrangement.


    Chu Liang made a silentmitment never to let the Large-Headed Doll cease its cultivation.


    <i>At worst, I will feed you by yingntern monsters.</i>


    However, it was rather peculiar that this Qi-Cirction Puppet possessed no intelligence. It was a mere cultivation machine, devoid of emotions. It consumed Qi-Gathering Pills day and night, yet it still had qualities that set it apart from a human.


    It consumed one pill during the day and two pills during the night... It seemed as though the puppet was being paid double for working overtime.


    <i>Sigh. This was really unreasonable.</i>


    As Chu Liang thought about this, he suddenly hoped that this Large-Headed Doll was a human.


    If so, he could set unattainable performance targets for the doll, like reaching the Golden Core Realm within three days, punishing it for not achieving the goal by deducting Qi-Gathering Pills. If it failed, it would have to work additional hours, and eventually, it might work overtime voluntarily, sparing Chu Liang from bearing the cost.


    In such a case, he wouldn''t need to pay double. In fact, he wouldn''t even have to pay the doll the regr daytime rate. Just one Qi-Gathering Pill would be enough for it to work for twenty-four hours.


    If it didn''t achieve the target, Chu Liang would then deduct more Qi-Gathering Pills.


    In the end, it might even end up owing Qi-Gathering Pills despite working for such long hours.


    ...


    Chu Liang chose not to take the Large-Headed Doll out, leaving it to work in the White Pagoda.


    After all, this item looked rather strange. Since it wouldn''t be suitable for others to see, he decided to leave it in the White Pagoda.


    The space in the White Pagoda was quite peculiar and marvelous. Chu Liang hadn''t fully explored its capabilities yet. All he knew was that the White Pagoda could serve as a storage ce for enchanted tools, but only items that the White Pagoda had bestowed could enter and exit the White Pagoda.


    Then, Chu Liang set off for the Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Afterpleting the mission at Southern Bastion Mountain, the fellow disciples from Jade Sword Peak thought that Chu Liang had suffered a significant loss. However, in reality, he had earned so much that he felt rather numb.


    Although the Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman was precious, it hadn''t cost him a single dime. He had acquired a few Hundred-Flower Antidotes that could heal one hundred types of poison and a highly useful Qi-Cirction Puppet. It was undeniably a lucrative gain.


    Besides that, he had received a wage of fifty sword coins.


    Usually, he would receive ten sword coins for one mission. If hispanions hadn''t given him their share of the reward, he wouldn''t have ended up with so much money. In fact, this was the first time Chu Liang had ever possessed such arge sum.


    Now, as a formerly penniless individual, he had suddenly be wealthy, and he knew he needed to spend his money.


    He first arrived at the Hall of Alchemy and purchased a gourd of Qi-Gathering Pills, enough to sustain the Large-Headed Doll for a while. After leaving the hall, he turned left and headed to the Hall of Weapons.


    The Hall of Weapons oversaw the enchanted artifacts and flying swords of the Mount Shu Sect. When Chu Liang entered the hall, he made his way to the section that specialized in selling swords.


    1. The act of circting vitality and qi within the meridians ?


    2. Dantian refers to an energy center within the body where foundational qi is cultivated, stored, and circted. There are three main Dantian points in the human body: the upper Dantian (in the head), the middle Dantian (around the chest or heart area), and the lower Dantian (located in the lower abdomen). ?


    3. Sea of Qi is located in the lower abdomen and is considered a central area for the storage and cirction of qi. ?

 Chapter 16: Hall of Weapons

    <h4>Chapter 16: Hall of Weapons</h4>


    [Unstainable de: It was forged using Wind-Eroded Steel as the base material and engraved with twelve enchanted formations. It is an easily maneuverable de designed for swift movements. Product of Taotie City. Priced at 300 sword coins.]


    [Mountain-Destroying Sword: It was forged using Nature-Refined Steel as the base material and engraved with fourteen enchanted formations. It is a thick, heavy, and durable de. Crafted by Swordsmith Xuan Chengzi. Priced at 500 sword coins.]


    [Enigmatic Darkness Sword: It was forged using Millennium-Frosted Iron as the base material and engraved with thirty-six enchanted formations. It is an extremely sharp and chilling de. The origin is unknown. Priced at 800 sword coins.]


    ...


    Chu Liang felt as though a gust of autumn wind had blown past, sweeping up the fallen leaves and chilling his heart.


    He nked out in front of the counter of the Hall of Weapons.


    He had never visited the Hall of Weapons before. However, after seeing Fang Ting''s Thunderstrike Sword, Chu Liang now had the desire to buy a weapon.


    He initially thought he had made a small fortune. Yet, inparison to the prices of these swords, the amount of money he had was rather insignificant.


    After looking at these prices, Chu Liang suddenly thought that... the standard-issue Mount Shu Flying-Sword Bracelet was quite useful. It would be good enough tost him many years.


    Generally, it was difficult for a disciple like him, who had reached the Spiritual Awareness Realm and frequentlypleted missions, to earn even a hundred sword coins in a month. Furthermore, there were still other expenses to take into consideration, such as enchanted tools, supplements, talismans, and divine techniques...


    <i>Just when will I be able to afford a sword??</i>


    Right when Chu Liang turned away to leave the hall, the attendant at the counter noticed him and approached him cordially.


    The attendant was a very talldy. She smiled brightly and held onto Chu Liang, stopping him from leaving.


    She said, "Junior brother, I''m guessing that you''re interested in buying a flying sword of your own?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang answered with a nod.


    "In that case, have you already chosen one?" the attendant asked.


    Chu Liang didn''t feel embarrassed about it.


    So, he said nonchntly, "I''m just having a look. I can''t afford any of them."


    "That might not be the case. Tell me what your budget is, and I''ll help you find one," the attendant replied with a smile.


    "I only have fifty sword coins," Chu Liang stated. "But from what I can see, even the cheapest ones cost three hundred sword coins..."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>"


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s budget, the attendant seemed a bit troubled. However, her expression brightened again soon after.


    She said, "It''s not a problem, <i>haha</i>. You''vee at the right time. We have just introduced a new method of payment as part of a promotion. You can pay in installments."


    Chu Liang blinked. "Installments?"


    <i>Wow. The Mount Shu Sect has this sort of thing now...?</i>


    The attendant exined, "It means you can make an initial payment of fifty sword coins and then make a monthly payment of ten sword coins until the remaining bnce is paid off. The payment n wouldst for fifty months. What do you think? Isn''t it a method of payment that''s very considerate of the customer?"


    <i>After the initial payment of fifty sword coins, there would be a remaining bnce of two hundred and fifty sword coins. If I pay ten sword coins a month for fifty months, that would amount to a total of five hundred sword coins...</i> Chu Liang quickly calcted in his mind. <i>In other words, it''s a four-year loan with a 100% interest rate... How unscrupulous.</i>


    "It does sound tempting, but I''ll pass for now," Chu Liang said with a smile. "I''lle back to have another look next time."


    <i>Forget it. I should go hunt some more demons. Maybe I will be rewarded with a flying sword.</i>


    "Oh,e on. Let''s not stress so much about the price. This is your first ever flying sword. That means a lot! It shouldn''t matter that it''s a bit expensive!" the attendant urged, still trying to convince him to make a purchase.


    However, Chu Liang had already turned away, making it very clear that he wasn''t interested.


    Just as he was about to exit the hall, he unintentionally stepped in front of a petite person, who almost bumped right into him.


    "Hey," the person, a lovely youngdy dressed in a light green dress, uttered in annoyance.


    However, she was pleasantly surprised when she saw that the person she had almost bumped into was Chu Liang.


    She immediately called out happily, "Senior Brother Chu?"


    "Junior Sister Xu?"


    Chu Liang was surprised to see her too. She was Xu Ziqing, the junior sister from Jade Sword Peak whom he had justpleted a mission with.


    "I can''t believe I''m running into you here. We must be tied together by fate," Xu Ziqing expressed, smiling so gleefully that her eyes looked like crescent moons.


    "Yes. Are you here to buy a flying sword as well?" Chu Liang asked warmly.


    "Yeah! This was my very first mission, yet I managed toplete it. So, my older brother said he would reward me with a flying sword. He''s letting me pick one out myself," Xu Ziqing said with a grin.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think about how he needed to put so much effort into ying demons to obtain the rewards from the White Pagoda. It waspletely unlike how easy and straightforward it was for Xu Ziqing to be rewarded by her older brother.


    "That''s great," Chu Liang said sincerely.


    "Hey, Senior Brother Chu, have you bought a sword yet?" Xu Ziqing asked.


    "I haven''t bought one yet. The flying swords here are too expensive. I don''t have enough sword coins to buy one," Chu Liang answered honestly.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" the girl murmured, tilting her head. Then she suddenly said, "Which one do you like? I can give it to you as a gift."


    "No, I can''t possibly ept that." Chu Liang immediately waved his hand in refusal. "Flying swords are so expensive. How could I ept one as a gift?"


    <i>Wow.</i>


    <i>This youngdy is really generous.</i>


    <i>There was once a distinguished predecessor in Mount Shu whose surname was Lu. </i>


    <i>He said, "Women will negatively affect the speed at which I draw my sword... but a rich woman can get me a better sword."</i>


    <i>That predecessor wasn''t lying.</i>


    "Why not? We''re good friends," Xu Ziqing, the rich youngdy, said while tugging on Chu Liang''s arm.


    "No, I cannot ept rewards without merit," Chu Liang insisted, shaking his head resolutely.


    He could ept things of low value like Qi-Gathering Pills, but he absolutely could not blindly ept such an expensive flying sword.


    "All right..." Xu Ziqing relented, pouting unhappily.


    "Well, then. Junior Sister Xu, take your time in choosing a sword. I''ll be heading back now," Chu Liang said.


    "You''re still addressing me as Junior Sister Xu... Since you''ve said that we''re friends, just do the same as the others do. Call me Ziqing," the youngdy voiced.


    "Alright, Junior Sister Xu," Chu Liang agreed in the end.


    While the two people were conversing, there was someone who walked down from the upper floor.


    When that person saw Xu Ziqing, he immediately greeted her, "Junior Sister Ziqing!"


    Xu Ziqing and Chu Liang turned toward the person and saw that he was a slim young disciple with high cheekbones and long, narrow eyes. He was wearing a schr''s attire, but hepletelycked the demeanor of an intellectual.


    There were two male disciples following behind him. They were dressed simrly and seemed to be like hisckeys.


    Upon seeing the person who had called out to her, Xu Ziqing immediately furrowed her brows.


    Nevertheless, she responded reluctantly, "Senior Brother Shang."


    She put up a cold front, but that was no match for Senior Brother Shang''s fiery passion.


    Senior Brother Shang took a few steps and stopped in front of Xu Ziqing.


    He smiled and said, "I can''t believe I''m running into you here. It must truly be fate."


    "Oh, yes. Are you here to buy a flying sword too?" Xu Ziqing replied despite averting her gaze.


    "<i>Heh!</i>" Senior Brother Shang puffed out his chest smugly. "Yesterday, I led a team to exterminate the water monsters in Huali River. My dad''s rewarding me with a new flying sword. He''s letting me choose it myself."


    "That''s nice..." Xu Ziqing replied, nodding expressionlessly.


    Then she tried to leave.


    Senior Brother Shang hurriedly blocked her way.


    He smiled and asked, "Junior Sister Ziqing, what kind of sword did you buy?"


    "I haven''t bought one. I''m just looking," Xu Ziqing answered.


    "Oh?" Senior Brother Shang pped his hands. "In that case, which one do you like? I''ll give it to you as a gift."


    "No, I can''t possibly ept that." Xu Ziqing furrowed her brows and shook her head repeatedly. "Flying swords are so expensive. I couldn''t possibly trouble Senior Brother Shang to spend that much money on me."


    "Why not? Aren''t we... good friends?" Senior Brother Shang asked with a sly grin.


    "No! I can''t ept a reward without having worked for it," Xu Ziqing said indignantly.


    Her refusal to ept Senior Brother Shang''s gift was written clearly on her face.


    "Alright..."


    Senior Brother Shang had no choice but to give up.


    "Anyway, Senior Brother Shang, we''ll be leaving first!" Xu Ziqing said.


    She decided not to buy a sword either and turned to walk away, dragging Chu Liang along with her.


    However, Senior Brother Shang went after them. "You''re still addressing me as Senior Brother Shang. You make it sound like we''re strangers... But we''re good friends. You can just call me Big Brother Ziliang."


    "Understood, Senior Brother Shang!"


    By the time she yelled that out, Xu Ziqing had already walked quite far into the distance with Chu Liang...


    "<i>Haa...</i>" Shang Ziliang let out a heavy sigh. "Tell me, I''m such a handsome, dashing, elegant, and talented young man, yet Ziqing always treats me with indifference. Does that make any sense?"


    Shang Ziliang''s twockeys, who were standing behind him, answered him quickly.


    "It''s illogical!"


    "Absolutely illogical!"


    "So, why?" Shang Ziliang wondered as he gazed up at the sky.


    "Boss, do you think there''s a possibility... that Junior Sister Ziqing already likes someone else? That could exin her indifference toward you," Lackey A suggested.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Shang Ziliang frowned. "Is that so?"


    "I think it''s quite possible that it was the person who was next to her," Lackey B added. "There was something a little unusual about the way she looked at that guy earlier."


    "It wasn''t just her expression that was odd. I even smelled a strange scenting from both of them..." Lackey A muttered, not daring to borate further.


    "<i>Hmph...</i>" Shang Ziliang scoffed. He thought about it for a moment and then said, "Investigate him. Find out his full name and which peak he''s from. I want to know who he is... this man who dares to snatch Junior Sister Ziqing away from me..."

 Chapter 17: Asking For Money

    <h4>Chapter 17: Asking For Money</h4>


    "That is Shang Ziliang, the son of Peak Master Shang from the Cloud Horizon Peak," Xu Ziqing muttered to Chu Liang as soon as they left the Hall of Weapons. "Because his father is the peak master, he has always acted like he''s remarkable. And so, I never liked him. Even so, he still keeps approaching me. I hate it."


    <i>I see.</i>


    <i>The Peak Master of Cloudy Horizon Peak, Shang Shuwen, is a Confucian cultivator of Mount Shu. He was once a distinguished figure whose name was inscribed at the Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan. He is famous in the martial world. His son, on the other hand, doesn''t seem to live up to his reputation.</i>


    As Chu Liang was thinking about this, he saw a streak of firelight descending from the southeast like a shooting star, heading towards Silver Sword Peak.


    Chu Liang''s eyes immediately lit up.


    "Junior Sister Ziqing, that must be my teacher. She''s back. I have to go greet her, " said Chu Liang.


    "Oh..." The young girl nodded, her gaze lingering as she watched Chu Liang''s retreating figure.


    Flying on his sword, Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak, and as expected, he saw his teacher in the peak master''s pavilion. Dressed in a dark red robe ented with ck trim, Di Nufeng sat there exuding an imposing aura. Her chest heaved with each breath, suggesting she was quite agitated.


    She was so angry that the brilliance of the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade was shing.


    "Esteemed Teacher," Chu Liang greeted while approaching Di Nufeng, "Now that you have returned, I''m here to wee you back."


    "<i>Hmm</i>, nothing much happened these past two days, right?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "No, Ipleted another mission, and it went rather smoothly," Chu Liang replied and then asked, "And how was your journey?"


    "Don''t get me started," Di Nufeng grumbled, her eyebrows furrowing, "I was in the East Sea looking for any misbehaving monsters, and those people from Peni Supreme Sect insisted on intervening, using me of harming the East Sea''s ecosystem. They practically forced me to leave! If it weren''t for my considerations for the entire Mount Shu Sect, I would''ve had to fight them."


    Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    His teacher''s behavior turned out to be just as he had predicted.


    While she casually mentioned she was looking for monsters, Chu Liang could imagine her actions were far from calm.


    In times when monsters wreaked havoc, Di Nufeng could help eliminate the danger. But in the absence of such disturbances, Di Nufeng herself would be the danger.


    It seemed that her actions had caused turmoil in the East Sea, catching the attention of the members of the Peni Supreme Sect. As a result, the Peni Supreme Sect intervened and stopped her.


    Peni Supreme Sect was one of the Divine Nine too and had their territory in the East Sea, so they obviously wouldn''t tolerate her wrecking havoc in their territory.


    Their behavior seemed justifiable and reasonable.


    Even though this was what he thought, he still said, "The members of the Peni Supreme Sect are so rude!"


    Di Nufeng nodded angrily. "Yes!"


    As she was talking about this, she thought something was amiss.


    She raised her brow and nced at Chu Liang, asking, "You, boy, aren''t this well behaved normally. Did you greet me upon my return for a reason? Do you need something from me?"


    "Isn''t it my duty as your disciple to wee you home?" Chu Liang said with a smile, "But... I do have some matters to discuss with you."


    "<i>Psh.</i>" Di Nufeng scoffed and said, "Tell me."


    "During myst mission, I coincidentally worked with disciples from Jade Sword Peak. Among them, there''s one who has achieved the Golden Core Realm and whose cultivation level far surpasses mine. He wields exceptionally powerful flying swords and divine techniques. However, this person isn''t even a core member of Jade Sword Peak. I''m concerned about how we canpete with them at the uing Mount Shu Summit," Chu Liang exined.


    "You still have time to grow stronger. You must believe in yourself," Di Nufeng said nonchntly.


    Chu Liang continued, "Therefore, I am asking how I can improve and be stronger. Aside from needing to cultivate diligently and increase my level of cultivation, I think I''mcking in divine techniques as well. And so, I am asking if you can teach me some powerful divine techniques."


    "Divine techniques?" Di Nufeng froze, then continued, "How would I have any to teach you?"


    She was telling the truth.


    Back then, the leader of the Mount Shu Sect didn''t allow her to take in any disciples because she was not only stubborn and disobedient but also a physical cultivator.


    Physical cultivation, in contrast to martial arts practice, was dedicated to enhancing the body''s strength and resilience using specific principles and techniques. It didn''t incorporate martial arts techniques but instead concentrated on developing a robust physical constitution.


    Di Nufeng cultivated the body of a reigning fire phoenix, pursuing the path of physical cultivation. Her power was undoubtedly formidable.


    But people who followed the path of physical cultivation were extremely rare. It required luck to achieve sess in this path, and she wouldn''t be able to teach her disciple any of her cultivation techniques.


    But... There were two ways disciples could acquire divine techniques. Aside from inheriting from the teacher, they could get it from the Hall of Conservation. If Chu Liang wanted to learn divine techniques that his teacher had yet to master, he could just buy them from the Hall of Conservation.


    And so, Chu Liang smiled and said, "Therefore, I would like to buy some from the Hall of Conservation."


    Di Nufeng, sensing potential trouble, narrowed her eyes slightly and replied, "Buy them then."


    "But I, your disciple, is... a little short on funds," Chu Liang said softly.


    "Heh," Di Nufeng sneered and said, "Oh boy! I see you have resorted to desperate measures for money... You chattered about this and that for the sake of money?"


    "It''s all for your great cause," said Chu Liang in an earnest manner.


    He was constantly practicing the art ofmunication.


    "Hm..." Di Nufeng leaned her chin on her hand and her sleeve slipped down, revealing her fair wrist. She then said, "You need divine techniques and enchanted artifacts... I can help you think of ways to get them... but as for the money you are asking for, I really have none."


    "Esteemed Teacher, don''t you get a generous monthly stipend? And aren''t there extra allowances for peak masters?


    Actually, this was something he had been wondering for a long time. The Silver Sword Peak had always seemed poor. He had experienced it from a young age, so he hadn''t thought much of it.


    But as he grew older and saw the wealth of the other peaks, he obviously found it weird, especially considering that there was only one disciple in the Silver Sword Peak and there was no need for allocation of resources.


    Even if his teacher could give him a little bit of allowance per month, he would have saved enough to buy a flying sword.


    "<i>Sigh.</i>" Di Nufeng sighed and said, "What can I do with that little bit of money... Not only am I broke now, but I also owe a lot of money."


    "Why is that?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly.


    Di Nufeng patted the wine gourd at her waist. "Do you think you can purchase the kind of wine that can make a cultivator of my level drunk for a cheap price? One gourd of this Drunken Immortal Brew costs five hundred sword coins."


    "What?"


    Chu Liang had seen Di Nufeng drinking this same liquor since he was young, but little did he know that it cost as much as a flying sword?


    He was shocked.


    This wasn''t just excessive drinking; it was burning money.


    "I have told you the truth. I have nothing but debts right now. Despite all my travels throughout the years, aside from this Phoenix Blood Jade, I have never owned a single enchanted artifact or weapon. I relied solely on my physical prowess." Di Nufeng shrugged, adopting an attitude that seemed impervious to adversity. "Even if you were really in a rush for money, I have nothing I can sell. If I really have to sell something, it would have to be my body."


    Chu Liang raised an eyebrow as he asked, "Have you ever thought about doing that?"


    "Get lost."


    ...


    As Chu Liang was walking back to his wooden cabin, he felt really disheartened. His n of begging for money was unsessful, and he had learned the dreadful news that Di Nufeng had no intention of quitting drinking for the next century.


    It seemed that in the future, he would have to rely on himself.


    He knew he would have to rely on his own strength to earn the money he needed, saving up to purchase the flying swords, enchanted artifacts, pills, dowry, and talismans that he desired.


    Alternatively, he could choose not to make any purchases and simply wait for these items to materialize as part of his rewards for ying monsters.


    As he circled the hill, he saw an unexpected figure.


    With thick eyebrows, big eyes, a splendid robe, and a radiant countenance, it was none other than Lin Bei, the disciple of the Jade Sword Peak.


    Seeing Chu Liang, Lin Bei immediately greeted him with a gleefulugh. "<i>Hehehehe!</i>"


    Lin Bei eximed, "Brother Chu, my friend, you''re finally back!"


    "Brother Lin, why are you waiting for me here? Is there something you need?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Of course," Lin Bei said with a bright grin, "I''ve stumbled upon a highly rewarding mission that requires two disciples in the Spiritual Awareness Realm with exceptional skills, quick wits, and dashing looks to coborate. Of all the disciples in the Mount Shu Sect, it has to be us, right?"


    Ignoring Lin Bei''s praises, Chu Liang asked, "Where are we going?"


    "The South Mountain Academy near Yanjiao City."

 Chapter 18: The Bizarre Case of the Academy

    <h4>Chapter 18: The Bizarre Case of the Academy</h4>


    It was nighttime. The moon hung high in the dark sky, and the wind howled through the air.


    The South Mountain Academy was situated outside Yanjiao City. It was constructed next to the South Mountain, hence its name. Behind the academy, there was a smallke. It was serene and secluded, often frequented by young men and women in the past on summer nights. However, no one dared to approach this area now because someone had died there recently.


    Yet, two schrs were visiting this ce tonight.


    As they approached the edge of theke, a chilling breeze pierced through their clothes, causing an involuntary shiver.


    "Brother Shao''an, why do we have to meet here? Isn''t this... where Situ Yanmitted suicide?"


    As they approached the edge of the darkke, the frail and skinny schr at the rear trembled, not daring to take another step closer.


    The schr in front was more robust, tall in stature, and had a deep, resonant voice.


    He replied, "If we wish to settle this matter once and for all, we have toe here."


    The wind rustled through the surrounding trees, creating a soft, rustling sound like someone passing by. The frail and slim schr turned around in a panic, ncing in all directions, but found no one. A sigh of relief escaped him.


    He continued to mutter, "I don''t know what there is to settle. I had nothing to do with that incident. When you all bullied Situ Yan, I hardly participated... At most, I just called her ugly a couple of times. Now that she''s dead, what can we do?"


    The frail schr''s mouth didn''t stop moving. He kept talking as if to alleviate his fear.


    "Well, you didn''t do much..." the tall schr said, his deep voice sounding sinister.


    "Come on, stop beating around the bush!" the frail schr urged, growing increasingly agitated.


    "Then..." the tall schr began, slowly turning his head. Under the eerie moonlight, half of his face was illuminated, revealing a visage that appeared extremely fierce and aloof. He continued, "Do you recognize me?"


    "Wu Shao''an!" The frail and slim schr seemed frightened by the tall schr''s tone, but he was also a little angry. He shouted, "What are you trying to achieve here? If you have nothing to talk about, I won''t stay in this spooky ce with you any longer. At worst, I''ll relocate my entire family from Yanjiao City tomorrow to escape this constant dread."


    "Zhang Cong, do you... really not recognize me?" the tall schr asked again, suddenly turning around and revealing his entire face.


    The right half of his face remained a normal visage, while the left half disyed an extensive, grotesque scar like that of a terrible burn. Even the eye socket had lost its shape.


    That left half of the face bore an eerie resemnce to a woman''s!


    "<i>Ah!</i>"


    Witnessing this shocking sight, the frail and slim schr let out a piercing scream and took two steps backward. His legs gave way, and he copsed on the ground.


    Then, the tall schr''s previously intact half of the face also began to shed skin like dry, peeling paint from a wall to reveal the bloodless, ghostly visage of a woman beneath.


    "Situ Yan... spare me... spare me..." the frail and slim schr mumbled as he retreated.


    Then he turned around, scrambling to escape the woods.


    As he ran, he continued to shout, "Help! Ghosts! Help!"


    He finally halted at the edge of the small forest, feeling out of breath. He looked back at the dense woods. It appeared that no one was pursuing him.


    "<i>Phew...</i>"


    Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, his own hands suddenly sped his throat, and his eyes bulged outward. The left side of his face began to dry up and peel, revealing thick burn scars.


    "Spare me... please, spare me..."


    "I''m begging you... <i>ah...</i>"


    ...


    "Why were we invited to the South Mountain Academy when it''s haunted?"


    On the bustling streets of Yanjiao City, Chu Liang asked Lin Bei.


    At first, Lin Bei hastily led him to ept the mission slip and descended the mountain. Because Lin Bei imed that this mission had substantial reward, he didn''t delve into the specifics. It was only now that Chu Liang was getting a clearer picture of the situation.


    This ce was not far from Mount Shu, and the disciples of Mount Shu were generally familiar with Yanjiao City. When there were mysterious incidents in the city, it was usually the duty of Mount Shu disciples to investigate and resolve them.


    However, there were a few exceptions.


    Temples, for instance, were the responsibility of Buddhist practitioners. Simrly, for institutions like South Mountain Academy, cultivators who followed the Confucian teaching would be the ones in charge.


    In most cases, cultivators of the three schools of thought avoided interfering in each other''s affairs unless there werepelling reasons, as it could lead to unnecessary trouble and tensions between sects.


    "<i>Hehehehe...</i>" Lin Beiughed. With a warm smile, he exined, "Regarding the situation at the academy, it naturally should be addressed by cultivators who follow Confucianism. Our role is primarily to protect a student."


    He pointed at the grand entrance guarded by imposing stone lions, with a que reading "Li Residence."


    "Master Li is a well-known figure in Yanjiao City, and his only son, Li Jue, is a student at South Mountain Academy. Recently, the academy has been gued by mysterious urrences, and two students have tragically lost their lives.


    "He''s concerned for his son''s safety. And so, he has requested for Mount Shu Sect to dispatch someone to protect his son for a while. Our mission will be consideredplete once the haunted case is resolved."


    "We will bepensated on a daily basis for our services," added Lin Bei.


    Upon hearing thest sentence, Chu Liang felt a wave of relief.


    Master Li offered significantpensation in gold and silver, while Mount Shu Sectpensated its disciples with sword coins. For Chu Liang, who had been diligently working towards saving enough for a flying sword, this high-paying mission was precisely what he needed.


    As the idiom went, a pillow came when one felt sleepy. This was exactly the situation.


    "Ah, the two young heroes from Mount Shu Sect have finally arrived," Master Li personally greeted them, apanied by his entire family. Their disy of respect was indeed considerable.


    One of the advantages of being a cultivator was that even the wealthy and influential mortals would exhibit a certain level of respect when encountering you.


    "No need for such formality; we''re just junior disciples of Mount Shu Sect," Lin Bei responded warmly. "My name is Lin Bei, and this is my fellow disciple, Chu Liang. You look a few years younger than my father, so please allow me to act in a friendly manner and address you as Uncle Li and let me address your son as a brother."


    With this, he turned to Chu Liang and said, "Don''t feel obligated to be overly formal here. Just treat this ce like it¡¯s your home."


    Chu Liang offered a faint smile.


    With someone as socially adept as Lin Bei at his side, he could effortlessly navigate many of theplexities of social interactions.


    He couldn''t help but notice that behind Master Li stood a quiet young man, dressed in home clothes and appearing to be about sixteen or seventeen years old. He had a fairplexion but prominent dark circles under his eyes, appearing very weary.


    This must be Li Jue, Master Li''s son, and it was evident that he had a lot on his mind.


    As they entered the spacious mansion and arrived in the inner hall, Lin Bei and Master Li were already acting like friends.


    "Uncle Li, rest assured that we will take good care of your son. I promise to ensure his safety. We''ll be watching over him all day from this point forward. If you ask around in the Mount Shu Sect about Lin Bei..."


    Master Li chimed in, "Boy, there''s one more thing... While you''ve been asked to protect my son, can you also keep this a secret from others?"


    "Keep it a secret? What do you mean?" Lin Bei and Chu Liang were confused.


    "Just... well, I will arrange for you to be enrolled in the academy, and you will be taking sses at South Mountain Academy. By then, all you have to do is to keep an eye on Li Jue and go home with him after school. That''s all you have to do. But during this time, make sure nobody figures out that you are specifically protecting him, alright?" Master Li requested as he rubbed his hands.


    "Master Li, we will certainlyply with your request. But if you don''t mind, can I ask...why?" Lin Bei inquired.


    "It''s a bit difficult to exin." Master Li smiled and gave an evasive reply.


    <i>He wants people to protect his son... but he doesn''t want outsiders to notice...? </i>Chu Liang thought.


    He cast a nce at Li Jue, who remained silent, and Master Li, who was rubbing his hands.


    <i>Why are they feeling guilty?</i>

 Chapter 19: The New Student at South Mountain Academy

    <h4>Chapter 19: The New Student at South Mountain Academy</h4>


    Confucianism wasn''t very popr in the rtively remote southwestern region where Mount Shu was located. However, this waspletely different in the prosperous northern and southeastern regions.


    In the vast southwesternnds, there were only a few renowned Confucianism academies, and South Mountain Academy was one of them. Historically, it had never produced candidates who managed to get the top or second ce in the Imperial examination.


    However, there was one candidate who had scored third ce. Unfortunately, that person waster arrested and thrown into jail, causing the South Mountain Academy to lose some of its glory.


    Nevertheless, high-ranking officials and nobles still saw the South Mountain Academy as the best academy for their children in Yanjiao City.


    Now, the South Mountain Academy was weing a new student.


    "Dear students of the 37th ss, let us wee Chu Liang."


    The elderly teacher standing on the podium at the front of the ssroom raised his hand. Then a finely dressed, elegant young man entered the ssroom, capturing the attention of everyone present.


    The young man had well-defined and dazzling facial features, giving him a neat and handsome appearance. As such, he stood out even though he was wearing the same robe as the other students. In response to the teacher''s introduction, the new student walked into the ssroom, giving a slight nod to the students below the podium.


    Behind him was a book boy with thick eyebrows,rge eyes, and copper-brown skin. He was dressed in a book boy''s attire¡ªa small ck hat and ck clothes. The book boy seemed somewhat disgruntled as he shouldered a heavy basket of books.


    "Chu Liang, please find a vacant seat and sit down. We''re about to start today''s lesson," the teacher instructed after introducing him to the ss.


    "Understood," Chu Liang said while bowing to the teacher.


    Then he walked toward the back of the ssroom.


    There were approximately twenty male students and ten female students in the ss, each with their own desk. After looking around, he chose an empty seat toward the back. Seated on his right was Li Jue, who seemed to be spacing out.


    Just as Chu Liang and his book boy were about to sit down, the teacher chided, "book boy, you are not to enter the ssroom. Go wait outside. If you have an interest in learning, you may listen quietly by the window. Do not disturb the ss."


    The book boy behind Chu Liang froze and then put down the basket of books.


    "Yes, sir..." the book boy replied before leaving the ssroom dejectedly.


    The book boy was none other than Lin Bei.


    Lin Bei stood outside by the ssroom window and peered inside. He happened to make eye contact with Chu Liang, who could tell that Lin Bei was a little angry.


    <i>Both of us came here for the mission, so why are you a student, while I''m a book boy?? </i>Lin Bei silently conveyed his frustration through his eyes.


    <i>It''s probably because we have different temperaments. Roles aren''t distinguished based on ss, </i>Chu Liang responded with his eyes.


    Lin Bei still couldn''t ept it. <i>I don''t understand.</i>


    <i>All right, look. It will be easier for you to gather information as a book boy. So, why don''t you inquire within the book boy circle? You might pick up some clues about this mysterious case, </i>Chu Liang suggested.


    With that, Lin Bei finally dropped the topic. He turned around and mingled with the group of book boys.


    The students of South Mountain Academy were mostly children of the rich and powerful or of government officials. That meant that they would, of course, be apanied by book boys who attended to them. However, it wasn''t possible for the students and their book boys to all fit in the ssroom, so the book boys were given a separate space to rest in until the lesson was over. Furthermore, they could stand by the ssroom window and listen from the outside if they were interested in the lesson. They wouldn''t be restricted from doing anything as long as they didn''t make any loud noises.


    The sses at South Mountain Academy ran for quite a long duration. By the time the first ss ended, the students were all a little tired. Chu Liang was the only one still in high spirits. He had been an excellent student during his school days, so being in a ssroom made him feel nostalgic.


    His former teachers had said that hecked dedication. If he were to concentrate fully on studying, then no one would be able to surpass him, and he would be able to achieve limitless sess. The problem was that he had been interested in too many things¡ªall kinds of sports, board games, and video games. However, he excelled in everything he spent time and energy on.


    That was why he had only ranked third in his province.


    It appeared that Li Jue, who was seated beside Chu Liang, had not slept wellst night as he had fallen asleep early on during the lesson. As such, Chu Liang did not feel the need to worry about him. He nced around, looking for someone he could strike up a conversation with.


    Right then, the girl sitting on his left, who had small freckles on her face, turned toward him.


    Her eyes sparkled as she asked curiously, "Chu Liang, where are you from?"


    Students were always curious about attractive transfer students.


    "I''m from Xingzhou City," Chu Liang answered, sharing part of the profile that he had prepared in advance.


    "Xingzhou City? In that case, why did you enroll here?"


    "It''s because of family reasons. My whole family moved over to this region, so I had to transfer to this academy," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang smile, the youngdy giggled and said, "<i>Hehe,</i> South Mountain Academy is quite nice. It''s one of the best academies in this part of the southwest."


    "I thought so too beforeing here, that perhaps it would be good for me to enroll here," Chu Liang expressed with slight concern. "But now, I''m a little worried..."


    "About what?" the young girl asked at once.


    "I heard that there have been sightings of ghosts here recently," Chu Liang said quietly.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" the youngdy uttered. Her expression quickly turned grave. She nced around before lowering her voice to say, "Yes, there have been such incidents, but you don''t need to be afraid. It''s only those troublemakers who¡ª"


    "Li Chunxia!" a loud reproving voice suddenly rang out nearby. "Are you gossiping again?!"


    Li Chunxia, the youngdy who had been talking to Chu Liang, quivered in fear. She quickly shook her head, not daring to say a word more.


    The person who spoke up was a muscr and robust young man. He was standing by his seat and ring at Chu Liang and Li Chunxia with a hostile expression.


    Despite his seat being a few rows away, he had somehow overheard what they had been talking about, and it seemed to be a very sensitive topic for him.


    The robust young man pointed at Chu Liang and warned him, "New guy, if you want to study here in peace, don''t ask around about that. Got it?"


    Faced with this aggressive warning, Chu Liang merely smiled and nodded without saying anything in response. It was as if nothing had happened.


    At this moment, a gentle voice rang out behind them, "Yan Xiaohu, why are you being so aggressive again?"


    "Ms. Song..." the robust young man, Yan Xiaohu, uttered.


    As soon as he heard the gentle voice, he immediately became docile and turned around to sit back down.


    Then a woman, the owner of that gentle voice, walked in.


    Her tall, graceful, and rather slender figure was draped in a in blue dress, with a short green coat over the top. She had her hair tied up in a simple hairstyle, revealing her porcin-white ears and neck. Her face was made beautiful by her well-defined facial features and skin as fair as snow,pleted by a stunning pair of glossy ck eyes.


    The woman wore a serious expression and put on a front to appear older than she was, but it was obvious at first nce that she was quite young.


    "She''s a teacher at this academy...?" Chu Liang muttered in surprise.


    This woman looked much too young to be a teacher.


    Ms. Song walked further inside the ssroom and stopped by Li Jue''s seat. She shook him gently to wake him up.


    Once Li Jue was awake, Ms. Song slowly walked up to the podium.


    She said softly, "Let''s begin the lesson."


    Li Jue had a rare moment of alertness as he gazed at this female teacher.


    The elderly teacher from the previous ss had tried his best to wake his students by speaking at the top of his lungs, but it had been to no avail. Compared to him... Ms. Song''s voice was soft, gentle, and soothing, almost like a whisper. Yet, her voice made all the students, male and female alike, more alert; none of them were dozing off.


    "I heard we have a new student today," Ms. Song began. She looked at Chu Liang and continued, "So, let me introduce myself. I''m Song Qingyi, and I teach poetry and literature here at the South Mountain Academy."


    When Chu Liang gazed directly into Song Qingyi''s gentle eyes, he felt something was a little off.


    Despite her young age, Song Qingyi was deeply knowledgeable about poetry and literature. She delivered the material in an interesting and engaging way, by breaking downplicated concepts into simple terms.


    Once the ss was over, it was time for a lunch break.


    Chu Liang met up with Lin Bei on the way to have lunch.


    "How did the investigation go?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I''ve found out everything," Lin Bei answered excitedly. "That teacher, Song Qingyi, is a native of the Jiangnan region. Like us, she''s new to the South Mountain Academy and arrived just a few days ago. She seems to be eighteen or neen years old, so she''s around our age... and she''s unmarried!"


    "...?"

 Chapter 20: The Heir of the Black Tiger Gang

    <h4>Chapter 20: The Heir of the ck Tiger Gang</h4>


    Chu Liang stared at Lin Bei.


    And Lin Bei stared at Chu Liang.


    This went on for a while and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.


    Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Lin Bei scratched his head and said, "Right. My main duty is to investigate the bizarre case."


    <i>Cool.</i>


    <i>Good for you for finally remembering that.</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t resist a moment of silent mockery.


    Lin Bei continued, "Regarding the South Mountain Academy being haunted, there are quite a number of rumors. I was told that it all started because a girl named Situ Yan took her own life by drowning in theke behind the academy as she had been bullied at school."


    "Situ Yan..." Chu Liang mumbled her name.


    "Then, seven dayster, the bodies of two other students were found in theke and their deaths were extremely gruesome and terrifying." Lin Bei exined, "And now, there is a rumor going around in school that Situ Yan''s ghost had transformed into a vengeful spirit and she has returned to seek revenge on her former tormentors."


    "If it were truly a vengeful spirit, this isn''t a difficult situation." Chu Liang nodded and said, "But why is Li Jue so frightened? Did he bully Situ Yan in the past?"


    No matter what, Chu Liang still felt that Master Li and his son weren''t behaving like normal people.


    "Do you see how sullen he looks? Is he even capable of bullying anyone?" Lin Bei pouted as he remarked, "He''s more likely to have been the one bullied."


    As they spoke, they noticed Li Jue being cornered in the near distance.


    Li Jue was cornered by a young man named Yan Xiaohu and his two book boys.


    Despite being called "book boys," they stood at a height of eight chi and appeared remarkably robust, resembling hired brawlers with stern expressions and a threatening presence.


    Even as Li Jue was being pushed against the wall, he didn''t say much. Instead, he took out a silver ingot from his pocket, which appeared to have considerable weight.


    Yan Xiaohu took it and weighed it in his hand for a moment. Then, he smiled before departing with his twockeys.


    The scene appeared to validate what Lin Bei had mentioned.


    "Should we help?" Lin Bei wanted to get up and stop those people.


    "No need." Chu Liang shook his head gently and sat there, eating his meal.


    "We shouldn''t do anything about that?" Lin Bei asked, feeling irritated.


    "Judging by how smoothly Li Jue handed over the money, it''s likely he''s been bullied for quite some time," Chu Liang responded. "If we intervene now, our rtionship with him might be exposed. Also, we don''t know much about Yan Xiaohu, so let''s avoid causing any unnecessary troubles that might hinder us frompleting our main task."


    "Alright." Lin Bei turned and said, "Well, these people better not mess with me... If not..."


    <i>p!</i>


    Before he could finish his sentence, he was pped hard on the back of his head, and several dark shadows surrounded them.


    It was Yan Xiaohu and his two burly book boys.


    "Hey, Newbie," one of the robust book boys said as he patted Chu Liang on the shoulder. "Since it''s your first day, you are probably not familiar with the rules at South Mountain Academy, right?"


    "What rules?" Chu Liang asked.


    "If you want to stay safe here, you have to pay a monthly fee of five taels of silver. If you pay the fee, my master will protect you," the other burly book boy said.


    "Five taels of silver?" Lin Bei raised his head and shouted, "You might as well just say you are robbing us!"


    As cultivators in an immortal sect, Lin Bei and Chu Liang rarely used gold and silver. Yet, they knew that five taels of silver could cover a normal household''s expenses for several months. It was no small sum.


    The children enrolled in South Mountain Academy were from wealthy families, but this amount was a bit too much even for them.


    "Do you have any objections?" the other muscr dude said and smacked the back of Lin Bei''s head again.


    Lin Bei was about to lose his temper. "Fuck¡ª"


    "Hey!" Chu Liang quickly raised his hand to soothe hispanion''s temper. With a smile, he produced a ten-tael silver ingot and handed it to Yan Xiaohu. "Since it''s the rule, of course, we will follow it. I''ll pay two months'' worth for now, and in the future, please take care of us, Brother Xiaohu."


    Yan Xiaohu chuckled and epted the silver with warmth.


    "You''re quite sensible," he said. "Rest assured. From now on, you''re my brother at South Mountain Academy. Just mention my name, Yan Xiaohu, and you''ll have a smooth ride."


    "Brother Xiaohu! Such a domineering presence!" Chu Liang praised and asked, "I wonder, Brother Xiaohu, if you''ll still be able to protect us in Yanjiao City after we leave South Mountain Academy?"


    "Rest assured," the muscr man behind chimed in. "Our young master is the heir to the ck Tiger Gang. You can ask around. Our ck Tiger Gang falls under the Whale Gang''s umbre. You understand what I''m saying, right? If you befriend our young master, you can do whatever you want in the entire Yanjiao City."


    "Oh. So you are the heir of the ck Tiger Gang! Please ept my apology," Chu Liang said, pretending as though he had heard of the heir of the ck Tiger Gang.


    After a few exchanges of conversation, Chu Liang sessfully sent Yan Xiaohu on his way in high spirits.


    After they left, Lin Bei reflexively touched the back of his head and asked in a solemn tone, "Although those individuals might have some martial arts skills, they are likely only at the Body Refinement Realm. I could have swiftly dealt with them using just a few moves. Why didn''t you let me fight them?"


    "The situation is uncertain, and for now, it''s best not to cause trouble. This ck Tiger Gang seems to be influential in this area. If we provoke them and attract the attention of someone from the Whale Gang, it couldplicate our mission," Chu Liang exined, "Let''s collect more information before we act."


    Lin Bei still felt bad about the money lost as he replied, "Okay. I lost ten taels of silver even before I received the mission reward..."


    "We''ll just request reimbursement from Master Liter," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    The Whale Gang, also known as the Four Seas Whale Gang, stood as one of the Terrestrial Ten, the sole gang among both the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, which showcased its formidable influence, achieving ranks simr to those of immortal sects.


    With tens of thousands of members, the Whale Gang held sway over various enterprises, particrly in the shipping and harbor industries. Undoubtedly, they were a colossal entity.


    If the ck Tiger Gang was truly connected to the Whale Gang, Yan Xiaohu''s disy of such brazen audacity wouldn''t be surprising.


    Nevertheless, after returning to the ssroom, Chu Liang leaned in to ask Li Jue, "Are you alright? Do you need us to deal with Yan Xiaohu?"


    "No need." Li Jue shook his head gently and whispered, "I''m used to it, and besides... he won''t live long anyway."


    Chu Liang was about to leave when he heard Li Jue saying something surprising, which made him suspicious. He asked, "What do you mean by that?"


    Li Jue quickly shook his head and fell silent, leaving Chu Liang with growing doubts.


    The whole afternoon passed without any trouble. When it was time to leave school, Chu Liang and Lin Bei followed Li Jue from a distance as he headed down the mountain toward Yanjiao City.


    Lin Bei reported the information he had gathered to Chu Liang, saying, "The ck Tiger Gang, iming to be part of the Whale Gang, is mostly just for show. No one has ever seen the Whale Gang work with them."


    Lin Bei then continued, "In Yanjiao City, they are indeed considered a major gang. They have around a few dozen martial cultivators, but they are mostly cultivators in the first realm. A few of their hall masters have achieved the second realm of cultivation, but the gang leader is the only one who has achieved the third realm of cultivation."


    Chu Liang nodded thoughtfully.


    In a ce like Yanjiao City, this level of influence did grant its members the power to act oppressively.


    Permanent local powers and hired mercenaries were not the same. Even though families like Li Jue''s could afford to hire cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm to oversee things for a few days, they couldn''t afford to keep them at home for an extended period. The Mount Shu Sect typically focused on resolving supernatural issues and upholding justice, but they wouldn''t help with other matters.


    If a gang could support dozens of martial cultivators and was overseen by an expert at the third realm of cultivation, it was indeed formidable.


    But that was all it could achieve.


    Once Chu Liang had a clear understanding of the situation, he looked around and quickly spotted Yan Xiaohu, who had just made his way out of the academy.


    "Brother Xiaohu," Chu Liang said, approaching with a bright smile.


    Lin Bei followed behind him.


    "Hey there, Little Chu, what''s going on?" Yan Xiaohu inquired. He regarded Chu Liang as a clever individual and was quite fond of him, seeing his potential to be one of his loyal followers.


    Chu Liang, maintaining his smile, responded, "Didn''t you tell me to ask around about the ck Tiger Gang? I did some investigating."


    Yan Xiaohu, feeling that Chu Liang''s smile was somewhat eerie, asked, "So what are you nning on doing now?"


    Chu Liang, still smiling, said, "So I am going to take our money back."

 Chapter 21: A Brawl

    <h4>Chapter 21: A Brawl</h4>


    As Song Qingyi passed by the main gate of the academy, she faintly heard amotion outside.


    The elegant female instructor gracefully walked out and saw a group of students gathered not far from the gate, their attention fixed on something. There were unmistakable sounds of fists and kicks, along with the anguished cries echoing from the center of the crowd.


    Song Qingyi quickly tensed up, and she swiftly moved toward the source of the disturbance. She pushed her way through the students while asking, "Who''s fighting? What''s happening here?"


    The crowd was tightly packed, so she painstakingly made her way through, inch by inch.


    "Ms. Song!" the students on the fringes of the gathering called out when they noticed Song Qingyi.


    They quickly made a way for her and answered respectfully, "It''s Yan Xiaohu and a new student we don''t know."


    "Yan Xiaohu..." Song Qingyi muttered his name and immediately called out, "Yan Xiaohu, stop this immediately! You shouldn''t bully or beat up your ssmates!"


    Despite her warning, the fighting and the agonizing cries from within did not stop; in fact, the noises intensified as she drew closer.


    As Song Qingyi listened to the sounds of thuds and smacks, she frowned and raised her voice, "This is your final warning! Yan Xiaohu, if you don''t stop, I will have the headmaster expel you!"


    The moment she shouted, the students in the crowd recognized her voice and quickly made way for her to reach the center of themotion.


    And there, in the midst of the chaotic scene, Song Qingyi saw Yan Xiaohu, his face smeared with blood, sprawled on the ground in a pitiful state. He could only open one of his eyes, and it was filled with a painful mixture of blood and tears.


    He mumbled feebly, "Ms. Song, I''ve already stopped long ago! I didn''t dare to fight back at all! I''ve been beaten up like this, and you still want to expel me..."


    Song Qingyi was taken aback, her bewilderment in on her face. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    In her memory, Yan Xiaohu had been the tyrant of South Mountain Academy, a perpetual tormentor of his ssmates. When she first heard about a brawl involving him, she naturally assumed he was the aggressor.


    <i>However, Yan Xiaohu is a martial cultivator and always has two thugs following him around. Who could have inflicted such severe injuries on him?</i>


    <i>Hold on...</i>


    <i>Are those two thugs the two burly individuals kneeling at the side, their hands over their ears in apparent submission?</i>


    <i>Where''s the person who beat up Yan Xiaohu?</i>


    Song Qingyi pondered the situation and quickly scanned the surrounding crowd, confirming that everyone present was a student. There was no sign of any other individuals involved in the incident.


    Song Qingyi then issued a sternmand, "Who was the one involved in the fight? Step forward!"


    Despite her demand, no one in the crowd dared toe forward.


    But all the onlookers collectively took a step back, leaving only two individuals standing where they were. Their behavior drew her immediate attention.


    One of them was a young and handsome boy with a warm smile, clearly a new student who had just arrived that day. His name was Chu Liang. The other person was his book boy, sporting thick eyebrows and big eyes, who stood beside him.


    Both Chu Liang and his book boy appeared to be pretending to be mere onlookers in the crowd.


    Song Qingyi''s brow furrowed as she fixed her gaze on Chu Liang. "You two did this?"


    "<i>Haa...</i>"Chu Liang sighed as he shook his head.


    He didn''t expect the students of the South Mountain Academy to be so coordinated.


    He quickly lowered his head, offering an apology, "I''m sorry, Ms. Song. I just arrived today, and Yan Xiaohu demanded ten taels of silver from me as protection money. I had no choice but to refuse, which led to this confrontation, viting the academy''s rules. Please punish me."


    Song Qingyi fell into a moment of contemtive silence.


    She found herself at a loss for words, unable to scold them as she had initially intended.


    After a brief moment of silence, she said softly, "No matter what, resorting to violence is uneptable..."


    Chu Liang added earnestly, "My initial intention was to settle the matter by paying the money. However, it was my book boy who, consumed by anger, lost control and got into a fight with the other three. Rest assured, I will take strict disciplinary action upon our return."


    With this, Chu Liang shot a meaningful nce at Lin Bei.


    Lin Bei, quick on the uptake, let out a convincing cry of pain, "<i>Owh!</i> Young Master, his face hit my hand so hard... My hand seriously feels broken. I need immediate medical attention!"


    "Is it that bad?" Chu Liang appeared visibly concerned and turned to Song Qingyi, stating, "Ms. Song, I must seek medical treatment for my book boy right away. If we dy..."


    "Very well. Both of you should seek medical attention," Song Qingyi conceded, her exasperation evident. She cast a final nce at Chu Liang before addressing Yan Xiaohu and hispanions, who were sprawled on the ground. "I''ll have the headmaster address all of this when you are back to school tomorrow."


    Without further ado, Chu Liang, apanied by his "injured" book boy Lin Bei, and the two thugs supporting the battered Yan Xiaohu, set off toward the medical facility.


    However, the two thugs of the ck Tiger Gang, supporting Yan Xiaohu, had barely walked far when they heard a shout from behind.


    The two turned around to find the same troublemakers from earlier! They didn''t dare to advance any further as they promptly dropped Yan Xiaohu to the ground and knelt down, clutching their ears.


    "No need to be so nervous," Chu Liang said, smiling as he looked at them. "I wanted to say that even though you are at fault for what happened today, we are not unreasonable people."


    Saying this, he extended his hand toward Lin Bei and asked, "Give me a sword coin."


    Lin Bei couldn''t understand what was happening but he took out a sword coin from his pocket and handed it over to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang handed the sword coin to one of the thugs and instructed, "Take this and give it to your gang leader. Tell him it''s for his son''s medical fees. Make sure you deliver it personally to your gang leader."


    "Understood," the two thugs nodded vigorously and hastily made their escape.


    "Hey! You''ve left your young master on the ground," Lin Bei called out.


    "Thank you, thank you," the two thugs quickly returned to pick up the battered Yan Xiaohu and then departed once more.


    As they watched the thugs recede into the distance, Lin Bei inquired, "Why did you give them a sword coin?"


    "To prevent any potential future trouble," Chu Liang exined. "If we beat up the young one, the old one mighte after us. By giving Yan Xiaohu''s father the coin, he should be less inclined to cause problems for us."


    "Then why did you have to give them my sword coin?" Lin Bei asked.


    "I need my money for other uses." Chu Liang answered in a serious tone.


    Lin Bei: "?"


    ...


    It was night time.


    Chu Liang sought out Li Jue in his room, thetter lost in contemtion about something.


    ording to the information Chu Liang had gathered earlier today, Li Jue had once been a diligent student, buttely, something had changed, leaving him in a despondent state.


    When Li Jue saw him enter the room, he snapped out of his thoughts and inquired, "What''s going on?"


    Chu Liang ced five taels of silver on the table and said, "This is the money I managed to recover from Yan Xiaohu today. You won''t have to pay him today... and you probably won''t have to pay him anymore."


    Li Jue remained silent for a moment and then said, "I saw you teaching him a lesson today... Thank you."


    "Those on the path of cultivation should act with righteousness; it''s our duty," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "<i>Erm...</i>"


    Li Jue seemed to have thought about something as he drifted back into his thoughts.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang asked, "Why did you say he won''t live long?"


    "Huh?" Li Jue was taken aback by the question, his gaze shifting, but he didn''t respond.


    "Is it because of Situ Yan?" Chu Liang pressed further.


    Li Jue shook his head. "I don''t know..."


    Chu Liang continued, "Do you know about this because you know that they used to bully Situ Yan?"


    Li Jue seemed somewhat agitated as he stared at Chu Liang. "Please, don''t ask any further."


    "Your father paid a substantial price to have us protect you and invested a lot in Mount Shu Sect. The longer we stay here, the higher the cost. It would be in your best interest to resolve this matter sooner rather thanter," Chu Liang spoke calmly yet persuasively. "Let me ask you directly. Is the vengeful spirit Situ Yan?"


    "..." Li Jue furrowed his brows, deeply lost in thought, before finally lifting his head. "Yes, it should be her."


    "Then, are you terrified... because you''ve bullied her?" Chu Liang continued.


    "I haven''t!" Li Jue shook his head firmly. "I never have."


    "So, who are those bullies?" Chu Liang inquired.


    Li Jue clutched his head as if there were many things he didn''t want to mention. However, he eventually responded, "Zhang Cong, Wu Shao''an, Yan Xiaohu, Chen Da... It''s them. They were the ones who often bullied Situ Yan..."

 Chapter 22: A Nighttime Encounter by the Lake

    <h4>Chapter 22: A Nighttime Encounter by the Lake</h4>


    Li Jue told Chu Liang a story.


    The protagonist of the story was Situ Yan. She had been an ordinary girl with average looks, but she had a wealthy family and livedfortably. She had everything she needed to live a blissful life.


    Unfortunately, a massive fire broke out in Situ Yan''s home two years ago. She managed to survive, but the fire had burned half of her face and left it disfigured with unsightly scars.


    Situ Yan had been just another student in the South Mountain Academy''s 37th ss. However, things changed after the incident.


    Situ Yan''s ssmates were frightened of her scarred face. She covered her face with a veil and even styled her hair with a thick fringe on the left side of her face to conceal her scars, but it was impossible to hide thempletely.


    Several rambunctious and mischievous ssmates bullied her regrly, wanting to pressure her into leaving South Mountain Academy.


    Zhang Cong would shout "Freak!" at her every day... Wu Shao''an would frequently throw balls of paper at her... Chen Da would often set some straw alight and use it to frighten her, despite being well aware that she had be extremely afraid of fire after the incident... Yan Xiaohu would demand five taels of silver from her every month...


    Situ Yan thought about giving up. She didn''t want to attend the academy anymore. However, Li Jue encouraged her to persist.


    That''s right. Among all the students in Situ Yan''s ss who either bullied her or didn''t dare to look at her at all, Li Jue was the only one who was genuinely kind to her. Li Jue, who was typically taciturn and reserved, and Situ Yan, who had gradually be socially withdrawn after the incident, seemed to share mutual understanding as if they were kindred spirits.


    Li Jue would keep encouraging Situ Yan to be brave and continue attending the academy. He would also help her with any lessons she missed and stand up for her when the bullies targeted her... He persisted with all of that even though it often resulted in the bullies targeting him too.


    Before the fire, Li Jue and Situ Yan had been casual friends, but after her disfigurement, they became close friends. Li Jue thought that by being a good friend to her, he could gradually help Situ Yan pull herself together.


    However, something he''d never expected urred one day. They were reading by thekeside, and Li Jue dozed off... He woke up to find that Situ Yan had tied him up!


    Situ Yan bound Li Jue''s hands together and pulled out a knife. There was a frightening glint in her eyes.


    She told Li Jue that she had fallen for him... and that once she ruined his face and made him a monster too, they could be together forever.


    Li Jue tried to dissuade her, but she seemed to be in a state of hysteria andpletely ignored his words. All she wanted to do was make him just like her¡ªa freak, a monster...


    After struggling frantically, Li Jue managed to break free just before Situ Yan''s knife got too close. He pushed Situ Yan away and called her a lunatic. Then he turned and fled, too afraid to look at her ever again.


    The next day, Li Jue heard that Situ Yan had drowned herself in theke.


    Li Jue was perplexed. He didn''t know whether what he''d done was right or wrong... or why treating her sincerely had led her to reciprocate in such a way. Nor did he know if calling her a lunatic had been thest straw that broke her.


    Seven dayster, the bodies of Wu Shao''an and Zhang Cong were also found in theke.


    Everyone at the academy was specting whether it was the work of Situ Yan''s vengeful spirit returning to get revenge.


    Li Jue thought the same way.


    <i>It has to be her! She must have returned to deliver retribution to all the people who had bullied her.</i>


    However, Li Jue didn''t know... if he was a target of her revenge.


    He was very afraid.


    ...


    Chu Liang walked out of the room with mixed emotions. The story he''d just heard was indeed a grim tale. Nevertheless, he had his duties as a cultivator.


    Lin Bei was waiting for him outside.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang emerge from the room, Lin Bei asked, "What did he say?"


    "Ever since Zhang Cong and Wu Shao''an died, Chen Da hasn''t been to the academy. He''s been hiding at home all this time... Yan Xiaohu, on the other hand, has been going about his business as usual, but he shouldn''t be able to leave home for the next two days...


    "If Situ Yan has indeed be a vengeful spirit, then that means she will probably appear at theke by the hill behind the academy...


    "I''ll go check that area. You should stay here and watch over Li Jue."


    After briefly exining to Lin Bei what he had found out from his conversation with Li Jue, Chu Liang prepared to head over to the hill behind the academy to investigate.


    "All right, I''ll take care of things here," Lin Bei said. "Be careful when you deal with the vengeful spirit."


    "Don''t worry. Situ Yan didn''t cultivate at all while she was alive. So, even if she has be a vengeful spirit, she won''t be too difficult to handle," Chu Liang replied.


    His flying sword glowed with a dazzling radiance. Chu Liang chose to use a simpler but slightly slower wind-assisted form for his flying sword this time.


    By now, the city gates had already been locked for the night. However, this was actually more convenient for cultivators. If they flew during the daytime, they would have to worry about potentially rming normal people, so flying at night was a simpler affair.


    By the time Chu Liang arrived at the hill behind the academy, the night was dark, and there was not a soul in sight. Amidst the howling wind, the shadows of the trees stretched across thend. Yet, it also seemed as though many people were hiding and rustling about in the darkness. It was a perfect night for a haunting.


    Chu Liang hid in the thicket and concealed the flow of his qi, fearing he might alert the enemy. He waited there silently until midnight.


    However, he didn''t have to wait until then because he soon heard something whoosh by.


    <i>Is there someone here?</i>


    Chu Liang extended his divine sense. Then he noticed a shadowy figure nearby.


    <i>That looks like the back of a woman. She arrived quite early.</i>


    Chu Liang carefully withdrew his qi and leaped forward with his sword in hand. Yet, when he arrived at the spot where the woman had just passed, he found no trace of her.


    <i>Huh? Even if it''s a ghost, it wouldn''t suddenly disappear...</i>


    There were no traces of an aura of death in the surrounding area either. Chu Liang was puzzled by the situation.


    Then just as hended on the ground, he heard a burst of air above him.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A streak of emerald green light descended from the sky. It seemed to be swordlight, yet it also seemed to be a beam of augmented qi!


    "Who are you?" Chu Liang questioned as he raised his sword to block the attack.


    His sword collided with his opponent''s weapon with a ng, bringing about a surge of wind that crushed the fallen leaves within a range of several zhang!


    This was when he finally got a good look at his opponent''s weapon. It was not a longsword but a jade ruler. There was no doubt that, inparison to his flying sword, the jade ruler was a superior weapon. He knew this because his sword was trembling under the force of the jade ruler even though his cultivation level was on par with his opponent''s.


    Chu Liang''s opponent stopped after that one strike. They leaped backward, somersaulting in midair beforending one zhang away.


    However, Chu Liang did not chase after them, as their foundational qi gave off an aura of virtuosity. They were clearly not a supernatural being.


    His opponent turned out to be a tall woman in ck form-fitting clothes, entuating her lithe figure and the size of her breasts. Her fair and delicate skin glowed under the moonlight.


    "Ms. Song?"


    "Chu Liang?"


    The two people uttered in surprise.


    So, the one who had attacked Chu Liang was Song Qingyi, the female teacher whom he had met during the day.


    However... Song Qingyi''s breasts hadn''t seemed thatrge during the daytime, yet they had grown dramatically in size within just half a night... It was extremely odd.


    After looking at each other for a moment, they both asked simultaneously, "Are you a cultivator too?"


    They paused.


    Then they once again asked each other simultaneously, "What are you doing here?"


    Song Qingyi blushed.


    She then put on a stern expression and chided, "Don''t imitate me!"


    Chu Liang just offered a small smile and raised his hand, politely gesturing that she should go ahead and speak first.


    "I knew something was off about you when I met you earlier. Where are you from?" Song Qingyi asked.


    "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. I''vee to the South Mountain Academy to... Well, actually, I epted a request to provide protection for one of the academy''s students," Chu Liang answered truthfully. "What about you, Ms. Song?"


    "I¡¯m from the Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan..." Song Qingyi replied. "A strange incident urred in the South Mountain Academy. Naturally, it should be handled by us since we''re followers of Confucianism. However, we were concerned about inadvertently alerting the culprit, so I entered the academy in the guise of a teacher."


    <i>I see.</i>


    <i>No wonder the young age.</i>


    Chu Liang said, "Indeed. This matter shouldn''t involve the disciples of Mount Shu Sect, but I''m just trying to do my best to fulfill a task that was entrusted to me. In the process, I acquired some information, so I came to investigate theke by the hill behind the academy. Ms. Song, since you''re here, I assume you must also be aware of the matter involving Situ Yan."


    Song Qingyi nodded and said, "Yes, I''ve been keeping watch over this ce for the past two nights, but I haven''t seen any sign of activity... That is, until today when I saw a figure lurking around. That''s why I attacked you. I hope you''ll excuse me for that..."


    "No worries," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head slightly. "In that case, since we have amon goal of wanting to resolve this strange case, shall we share with each other the information we''ve gathered?"


    He suspected that Song Qingyu, recently employed at the academy, might have ess to confidential information that Li Jue, a student, wasn''t aware of.


    Song Qingyi agreed to Chu Liang''s suggestion and nodded gently.


    "What do you want to know?" she asked.


    "I want to know..." Chu Liang stared at Song Qingyi''s bust curiously and gestured at its curvy shape with his hands. "Ms. Song, were you wearing a chest binder earlier in the day...? Why do you look... so different now that it''s nighttime?"

 Chapter 23: Painted Skin Ghost

    <h4>Chapter 23: Painted Skin Ghost </h4>


    "I was concerned that I wouldn''te across as respectable and serious while teaching in ss...and so..." Song Qingyi stuttered as she exined. Suddenly, her expression shifted; she frowned and questioned, "Why am I telling you this? If you''re not going to talk about the enigmatic case, you should head back!"


    "I am sorry," Chu Liang apologized, a slight smile gracing his lips. He then wasted no time and delved into the pressing matter. "You must have examined the two students'' corpses. Are you certain they were victims of a vengeful spirit?"


    "Their corpses look dreadful and gruesome." Song Qingyi answered, "There''s a strong aura of death about them. I''m certain they were killed by a ghost."


    She then paused and continued, "But... I just don''t think it''s a vengeful spirit. It seems like a ghost of a higher level."


    Vengeful spiritscked intelligence and were incapable of coherent reasoning. They would usually appear in the same location, and despite harboring very intense grudges, they wouldn''t show anyplicated behaviors.


    The act of luring two students from their homes to thekeside to kill them didn''t seem like something vengeful spirits would do, unless it was an extraordinary coincidence.


    "But Situ Yan is just an ordinary girl with no cultivation skills," Chu Liang remarked.


    An ordinary person without cultivation skills possessed a limited soul strength, and even if they harbored deep-seated grudges, they would be nothing more than a marginally stronger vengeful spirit.


    If anyone could transform into a malevolent ghost, with unlimited strength, wouldn''t it mean they could be incredibly powerful immediately after death?


    Higher-level supernatural entities came into being as a result of deceased individuals'' continued growth in strength, facilitated by abination of luck and dedicated cultivation practices, or they were individuals with robust spiritual power and well-honed cultivation skills during their lifetime. This was an undeniable truth.


    However, Situ Yan, who had recently passed away, clearly did not meet either of these two criteria.


    "Therefore, these students must have been killed by other ghosts," Song Qingyi said. "It could also be the evil work of Diabolical cultivators."


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    Certain Diabolical cultivators would deliberately refine human souls entrenched in grudges, shaping them into weapons or cultivation-enhancing tools. These practices were exceedingly cruel and ran counter to the principles of humanity.


    As an example, the Dark King Sect, a group that followed the Diabolical path, that was currently on the upswing in terms of poprity, wields several weapons crafted through the refinement of ghosts.


    Chu Liang then shared some of the stories Li Jue had told him with Song Qingyi. He deliberately avoided mentioning the incidents involving Li Jue and Situ Yan, opting to only provide her with the names of those who might be at risk of Situ Yan''s vengeance.


    "Chen Da and Yan Xiaohu..." Song Qingyi nodded and said, "I will visit both of them tomorrow."


    Following a brief conversation, Chu Liang left from the rear side of the mountain.


    He went back to the Li Residence in Yanjiao City.


    "So Ms. Song is a member of the Noblemen''s Hall!" When Lin Bei found out about this, he was a little surprised.


    In the ranking of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, there were only two Confucian sects. The first was the Ascending Dragon Academy, closely affiliated with the imperial court, dedicated to nurturing talents within Emperor Yu''s territory. The second was Noblemen''s Hall, operating as a rtively independent group.


    The Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan had its origins in the efforts of a few eminent Confucian schrs. During that era, several prominent schrs would frequently assemble at the Misty Rain Pavilion in Jiangnan to engage in schrly discussions and share their knowledge. This assembly garnered widespread recognition and admiration. Subsequently, other distinguished Confucian schrs who gained their approval were invited to join this organization, thereby transforming it into a hub for intellectual exchange.


    In due course, a suggestion was put forward to christen the establishment as the Noblemen''s Hall. It was decided that any Confucian schr who received acknowledgment for their integrity, erudition, and cultivation skills could have their name inscribed at the Noblemen''s Hall. This gesture aimed to ensure that their legacy would be perpetuated for posterity and endure for all time.


    Since then, the Noblemen''s Hall became a hall of legacy for Confucianism. Countless Confucian schrs aspired to have their names inscribed in the Noblemen''s Hall as a lifelong goal. Eventually, the Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan cultivated its unique legacy and ascended to the ranks of the Terrestrial Ten.


    "The Confucian sect is dealing with the mysterious case at the academy, so we won¡¯t have to worry too much about it, " Chu Liang remarked.


    "Confucianism is great." Lin Bei seemed to have thought of something as a strange smile appeared on his face as he added, "I love Confucianism."


    ...


    "Chen Da died?"


    The following afternoon, Song Qingyi sought out Chu Liang and Lin Bei, bearing unsettling news.


    After she hadpleted her morning sses, she visited the home of the student, Chen Da, iming to be fulfilling her obligation as a teacher. There, she bore witness to a scene of destion and gloom at the Chen family residence.


    "This case is rather strange," Ms. Song began with a solemn expression.


    As she recounted the story, Chu Liang and Lin Bei listened attentively.


    "ording to the individuals in Chen''s household, since the deaths of Zhang Cong and Wu Shao''an, Chen Da had been too scared to leave his room, hence why he had locked himself in the room. His parents only got to see him when they delivered food to him."


    "Last night, as Chen Da''s father was delivering food to his son, he witnessed his wife entering the room with a tray in hand. Chen Da''s father found it peculiar because he had been instructed by his wife to bring the meal to Chen Da. Therefore, he couldn''t fathom why she would be delivering the food herself.


    "But as Chen Da¡¯s father returned to his room, he saw his wife lying on the bed."


    "Immediately, Chen Da¡¯s father realized that something bad had happened. He ran to Chen Da¡¯s room and discovered Chen Da lying on the ground with his entire body charcoaled ck. He was clearly burnt to death."


    "However, there was no trace of a fire-rted smell in the room, and it bore no signs of any burn damage. Remarkably, Chen Da never called for help; he was simply burnt to death, with the source of the burn remaining unknown."


    "I have checked his body. There was a strong aura of death. The culprit is clearly a ghost."


    Song Qingyi exined the entire situation without concealing any secrets. In her view, it was preferable for this case to be resolved sooner, and it was clearly beneficial if more people could offer assistance.


    "The wife who walked into Chen Da''s room, the one that Chen Da''s father saw... was a ghost in disguise," Chu Liang contemted for a moment before he continued, "There aren''t many ghosts who can assume the appearance of others."


    The technique of camouge, transforming into a human, was not particrly challenging. In fact, many evil entities could aplish this. However, it was exceptionally difficult to shapeshift into someone else''s appearance.


    One would either need to possess the divine talent of myriad transformations, or they would require some unique inherited ability. This ability wasmon among the fox demons and a type of ghost known as...


    "Painted Skin Ghost!" Lin Bei suddenly eximed.


    "Indeed. Only a Painted Skin Ghost can shapeshift into whomever they wish to be. The two students must have been lured to theke by a Painted Skin Ghost," Song Qingyi remarked.


    But how did Situ Yan, who had recently passed away, be a Painted Skin Ghost, endowed with such a potent divine talent?


    If the entity responsible for these deaths wasn''t Situ Yan, then why were all the victims individuals Situ Yan sought vengeance against?


    The Painted Skin Ghost assumed many forms and was difficult to locate. This was a hundred times more difficult to deal with than a vengeful spirit.


    Song Qingyi furrowed her brow, clearly vexed by the situation.


    "Ms. Song, you needn''t worry! As disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, we''ve always taken pride in our duty to eradicate evil and uphold justice. We won''t allow this evil entity to continue its murderous spree unchecked. We''ll try our best to assist you!" Lin Bei assured, patting his chest as he made his pledge.


    When Chu Liang and Lin Bei returned to the Li Residence, Lin Bei fixed his gaze on Chu Liang.


    "Handsome boy, brainstorm for ideas!" he implored with anxiety. "I purposely brought you along on this mission because I knew you were clever."


    "But you''re the one who made the promise to Ms. Song. Why are you turning to me?" Chu Liang inquired with a smile. "I thought our task was simply to protect Li Jue."


    "Don¡¯t you want to see Ms. Song¡¯s beautiful and sweet smile?" Lin Bei asked swiftly.


    "I just want to beat up some evil entities." Chu Liang responded ruthlessly.


    Chu Liang obviously was willing to help. After all, the presence of a Painted Skin Ghost posed a significant threat to the world and needed to be eradicated as soon as possible.


    After a moment of contemtion, he continued, "Regardless of the identity of this Painted Skin Ghost, its movements align with the individuals Situ Yan sought vengeance upon. Given that we understand its pattern, we can certainly capture it by safeguarding its intended targets."


    With that, he rose to his feet and stated, "Keep an eye on Li Jue. I am going to see Yan Xiaohu."


    "Why do you always get to go out? You went outst night and just happened to run into Ms. Song. I want to go out today!" Lin Bei protested as he stood.


    Chu Liang replied, "I have a tool to identify the Painted Skin Ghost. Do you?"


    Lin Bei fell silent, then settled back down and remarked, "Well, in that case, bring back somete-night snacks for me."


    Chu Liang then proceeded to Yan Xiaohu''s residence. He introduced himself as a friend of Yan Xiaohu''s, there to inquire about his injuries. However, the servant at the Yan Residence informed him that Yan Xiaohu had gone out for some fun.


    Given the severe beating Yan Xiaohu had endured the previous day, Chu Liang assumed he hadn''t returned to school and was still recovering at home. Yet, to his surprise, Yan Xiaohu was already out enjoying himself.


    <i>This guy must have an incredibly strong constitution. </i>


    Chu Liang mused to himself before asking another question he probably shouldn''t have.


    "Where did Yan Xiaohu go for fun?"


    The servant responded with a smile, "You must not know my master very well. Of course he went to the Rainbow Luna Parlor!"

 Chapter 24: You Are In Great Danger

    <h4>Chapter 24: You Are In Great Danger</h4>


    The Rainbow Luna Parlor was Yanjiao City''srgest courtesan parlor, a favored gathering ce for the cultured and well-educated in the city.


    In this world, the distinction between a courtesan parlor and a brothel was significant. A brothel was a straightforward, specialized establishment for the exchange of physical intimacy, typically smaller in scale and discreetly located. Like the brothel for spider demons that Chu Liang had raided before, it had been situated inconspicuously just outside the city.


    Conversely, a courtesan parlor leaned more toward the sale of artistic talents, with arger scale and a more pronounced social and entertainment aspect. The refineddies within were there to apany patrons in savoring drinks and enjoying performances.


    Of course, if someone insisted on making other requests, provided the finedies were willing, it was not entirely impossible.


    However, those highly sought-after virtuousdies would not easily agree to such requests. Even with a substantial expenditure, one might, at most, secure opportunities for refined conversations and convivial gatherings. Deeper and more meaningful interactions were not readily attainable.


    Recently, Yan Xiaohu has been courting this popr entertainer[1] in the Rainbow Luna Parlor named Rouyi.


    Chu Liang had gleaned this information from the Yan Residence''s guard. The uncle was an amiable man, and when Chu Liang inquired politely, he willingly shared everything he knew.


    Chu Liang, out of respect, had offered two taels of silver before posing his questions.


    Nightfall was fast approaching.


    Upon reaching the Rainbow Luna Parlor, the first floor came alive with melodious music and elegant dancers. Severaldies, d in delicate gauzy attire, swayed gracefully to the musicians'' apaniment.


    On the ground floor, guests sat at various tables, relishing their meals while being serenaded by the music, in the delightfulpany of the elegantdies. The second floor boasted tasteful seating arrangements, with beaded curtains demarcating privatepartments. The third floorprised private rooms, often patronized by the most generous or audacious individuals.


    Yan Xiaohu, without a doubt, fell into both categories.


    So, as soon as Chu Liang entered, he ascended the stairs.


    Without dy, a maturedy holding a fan approached, her eyes glistening. "My goodness, it seems we have a neer here," she cooed. "Would you be interested in requesting thepany of one of ourdies upstairs?"


    "Hello, I''m here to find someone," Chu Liang said calmly. "Is Yan Xiaohu upstairs?"


    "Oh, a friend of Young Master Yan''s, I see. Please wait; I''ll have someone take you there," the parlor manager replied.


    Chu Liang''s handsome appearance, refined demeanor, and air of sophistication likely yed a part in her willingness to assist. He appeared to be a well-mannered gentleman, indicating that he was unlikely to cause trouble.


    She signaled for a young servant toe forward and instructed him to escort Chu Liang to the third floor, outside a private room.


    Two robust men with prominent temples stood guard outside the private room, clearly serving as Yan Xiaohu''s new bodyguards. Their cultivation levels were evidently higher than the two thugs Chu Liang had encountered.


    "Please wait a moment, sir. I''ll go in and inform them," the servant said.


    "No need. I can go in by myself," Chu Liang kindly declined and approached the room unapanied.


    The two bodyguards emanated such a threatening aura. When they saw Chu Liang approaching, they immediately showed an imposing manner that sent a clear message to keep strangers at bay. However, Chu Liang wasn¡¯t scared at all. He still approached and asked in a respectful manner, "Hello. I am here to see Yan Xiaohu. I am his ssmate."


    "ssmate?" The left bodyguard furrowed his brows. "The young master said he won''t see anyone."


    The right bodyguard was more straightforward, stating coldly, "Get lost."


    "I see..." Chu Liang replied with a faint smile.


    ...


    "When will Lady Rouyi show up?" Yan Xiaohu inquired inside the private room, disying his displeasure. He was apanied by two youngdies in vibrant dresses, both looking anxious and fearful, as though they were on edge, fearing the young tyrant might lose his temper at any moment.


    "Rouyi is currently engaged in a conversation with another guest. She''ll be here shortly. Young Master Yan, please have a little more patience."


    "I''ve spent several thousand taels of silver on her. Can''t they expedite my turn?" Yan Xiaohu grumbled, his facial injuries still evident. Angrily, he continued, "I''m extremely frustrated right now."


    Frustrated due to the humiliation he had suffered the previous day when he was beaten at South Mountain Academy, he had initiallye here for some amusement. However, upon his arrival, he was informed that Lady Rouyi wasn''t avable and that he would have to wait.


    He was venting his anger when he suddenly heard a series of loud bangs at the door. The door burst open, and the bodyguards tumbled inside.


    "Who''s there?" Yan Xiaohu immediately rose to his feet and demanded.


    "Young Master, he insisted on barging in, and we... we couldn''t stop him," one of the bodyguards, who had managed to get back on his feet, exined.


    "In Yanjiao City, who dares to challenge me, Yan Xiaohu?" He was on the verge of losing his temper.


    At that moment, Chu Liang entered the room nonchntly.


    "<i>Yikes...</i>" Yan Xiaohu''s anger instantly dissipated. He first appeared puzzled for a moment, then a polite smile graced his face. "Brother... Brother Chu, it''s you."


    He was now afraid of Chu Liang, not just because he couldn''t defeat him, but also because his father, upon seeing the sword coin Chu Liang had sent, directly told him they couldn''t afford to provoke someone like this. Revenge was out of the question.


    When the person who could beat you up turned out to have a more powerful background than you, it would indeed feel quite frustrating.


    "I came to pay you a visit, but they told me to leave," Chu Liang stated calmly.


    "They are really impolite!" Yan Xiaohu frowned and shouted, "Both of you, get out!"


    The two bodyguards, scolded for no apparent reason, had no choice but to leave dejectedly, closing the door behind them as well.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, Brother Chu, please have a seat," Yan Xiaohu said with a sycophantic smile.


    "Thank you," Chu Liang approached and then nced at the two girls beside him.


    Bothdies were quite young, and in their understanding, Yan Xiaohu was already the most feared young tyrant in Yanjiao City. They never expected this handsome young man to make him so fearful.


    As a result, they became even more afraid.


    However, Chu Liang''s gentle smile quickly dispelled their fear.


    A young man with such a pleasant smile couldn''t possibly be a bad person, could he?


    "What''s that behind you two?" This handsome young man pointed behind them, appearing puzzled.


    "What?" The two youngdies turned around to look.


    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>


    Two muffled bangs resonated, and the two youngdies copsed to the ground, one after the other.


    Chu Liang was behind them, holding a shiny golden half-brick and looking rather disappointed.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Yan Xiaohu, who had witnessed the entire process, opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.


    He was somewhat stunned.


    The members of the Yan Family were all experts at gambling and visiting brothels. Since Yan Xiaohu''s childhood days, he had apanied the elders on trips to the red-light districts, where he had encountered a wide range of props.


    However, a brick was a first for him.


    <i>What kind of weird fetish is this?</i>


    He then observed Chu Liang examining the golden half-brick in his hand.


    Afterward, Chu Liang stored the brick and said, "Don''t worry. They are fine. This brick merely triggered a dizziness effect. But do you know that you''re in great danger? Are you aware of that?"


    "In great danger?" Yan Xiaohu paused for a moment and nodded. <i>Yes. With you being here, I am obviously in great danger.</i>


    "Chen Da diedst night. Among the people who bullied Situ Yan, you are the only one left," Chu Liang stated bluntly. "Situ Yan might have transformed into a Painted Skin Ghost and gained the ability to assume the appearance of someone else. She could disguise herself as anyone around you."


    "Ah?" Yan Xiaohu was shocked.


    He had heard about the stories of Situ Yan bing a vengeful ghost, but he hadn''t paid much attention. After all, he considered himself different from those people. He was a cultivator, protected by higher-level cultivators. It seemed impossible for any vengeful ghost to harm him while in the ck Tiger Gang.


    But...


    If Situ Yan had indeed be the legendary Painted Skin Ghost, she could easily threaten his life as a cultivator in the first realm.


    No matter how threatening Chu Liang might be, all he could do was inflict physical harm. But if it was a ghost, it could take his life.


    He immediatelyprehended the seriousness of the situation and realized that Chu Liang hade to help him. He swiftly inquired, "Brother Chu, can you assist me?"


    "I''m here to save you," Chu Liang assured him. "I suspect that the Painted Skin Ghost has targeted you, which is why I came to find you. I have a method to detect the Painted Skin Ghost. I will examine anyone who approaches you tonight."


    "Very well." Yan Xiaohu nodded eagerly, then gestured towards the two girls on the ground. "Brother Chu, please quickly examine them."


    Chu Liang paused and responded, "...I''ve already examined them."


    1. They are basically like geishas ?

 Chapter 25: Be Their Doormen

    <h4>Chapter 25: Be Their Doormen</h4>


    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>


    Someone was knocking on the door again.


    "Come in," Yan Xiaohu called out, sounding a little tense.


    "Young Master Yan..." the manager of the parlor greeted. She walked into the room, with her hips swaying gracefully like a willow tree in the wind. "Goodness, our dear Rouyi sure is unlucky. It just so happened that an official requested to see her, so she just went in to meet him. Then you arrived right after. Unfortunately, we can''t rush them... We are a business after all. We''ll just have to trouble you to wait a little longer. Rouyi will be with you as soon as she''s done over there."


    As she spoke, the parlor manager walked toward Yan Xiaohu. However, it seemed that Yan Xiaohu had not heard a word she''d said. His eyes were fixed on her feet, watching her every step. He seemed afraid that she would get too close.


    Just as the parlor manager was about to sit down beside him, Yan Xiaohu immediately scooted to the side, widening the distance between them.


    He then pointed to a seat that had its back facing a folding screen and said, "You can sit there. Just don''t get too close to me."


    "All right, all right..." the parlor manager replied with a smile. "We''ve known each other for so many years, but you''re still behaving like we''re strangers. I can assure you, Miss Rouyi definitely has you on her mind. During thest two days that you didn''te to see her, she often talked about you to me in secret..."


    Upon hearing that, Yan Xiaohu perked up and asked, "Rouyi talks about me?"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" the parlor manager murmured as she looked around. She voiced confusedly, "I called two girls toe and serve you earlier... Where have they gone? How unprofessional."


    "You''ll see them soon..." Yan Xiaohu murmured with an unconvinced tone.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the parlor manager uttered puzzledly.


    Right then, she felt a sharp pain at the back of her head, and her vision went ck.


    The beautifully dressed woman went limp, copsing to the floor.


    Chu Liang put away the brick he had used to strike the parlor manager.


    He shook his head and stated, "It''s not her either."


    Yan Xiaohu automatically got up to drag the parlor manager behind the folding screen. He was going toy her down neatly beside the other two women.


    While dragging the parlor manager over, Yan Xiaohu asked, "Brother Chu, why do I have to lure the Painted Skin Ghost here? Wouldn''t it be fine if I went home right now and had my men protect me?"


    "Sure. Everything will be fine as long as you never step outside your home ever again," Chu Liang said. "Thieves can rob homes for a thousand days, but it''s impossible for people to constantly guard their homes against thieves for that long. If we don''t capture the Painted Skin Ghost as soon as possible, you''ll always be in danger. Are you okay with that?"


    "In that case, forget it..." Yan Xiaohu relented.


    Right then, the mor of a fight rang out suddenly.


    In what seemed like the blink of an eye, the door banged open, and two bodyguards tumbled into the room.


    "Young Master! She insisted oning in. We couldn''t stop her!" one of the bodyguards cried out in anguish as he staggered to his feet.


    Yan Xiaohu was about to get angry. However, when he raised his head to look at the person who had barged into the room, he stopped and stared nkly at her.


    "<i>Huh?</i> Ms. Song?" Yan Xiaohu uttered.


    Song Qingyi furrowed her eyebrows, somewhat angry. "Don''t you realize how much danger you''re in? Yet you''re even fooling around in a ce like this¡ª"


    She suddenly froze mid-speech.


    That''s because the moment she looked over at Yan Xiaohu, she saw that he was dragging away an unconscious woman. There were even two other women lying unconscious on the floor.


    And standing beside Yan Xiaohu... was Chu Liang.


    "What... atrocities are the two of youmitting?!" she immediately questioned with a raised voice.


    "It was Brother Chu who told me to do it!" Yan Xiaohu yelled, quickly letting go of the parlor manager.


    <i>Cool. </i>


    <i>He sure is quick to pass the buck.</i>


    Chu Liang was silent for a moment.


    Then he exined to Song Qingyi, "Simr to you, I thought that perhaps the Painted Skin Ghost might try to get close to Yan Xiaohu. So, I came here to protect him."


    Song Qingyi nced at the three unconscious women on the floor. Then she looked back at Chu Liang with the same expression as before; she still thought he was a pervert.


    Chu Liang quickly exined, "I tested them to see if one of them was the Painted Skin Ghost. This is just a minor side effect."


    "Forget it. Firstly, the two of you, get out!" Yan Xiaohu told his two bodyguards, chasing them out of the room. After that, he asked, "Ms. Song, why are you here?"


    "I''m here to protect you too," Song Qingyi answered. She was still quite puzzled, so she questioned Chu Liang, "Is your way of testing if they are the Painted Skin Ghost... to beat them up and see if they fight back?"


    "..." Chu Liang had a dispirited expression.


    ...


    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>


    "Come in," Yan Xiaohu called out, suddenly feeling nervous again.


    "Young Master Yan..."


    This time, a delicate and charming young woman in the prime of her youth walked into the room with a gentle demeanor. She wore a simple pce dress and had beautiful eyebrows and soft facial features that moved the hearts of those who looked at her.


    "Rouyi, you''re finally here," Yan Xiaohu said.


    The moment he saw the woman, his eyes immediately locked on her. Most of the nervousness in his gaze was gone.


    "I was dyed for quite long. I hope you''re not angry with me...?" Rouyi asked sweetly as she slowly walked over.


    "How could I be? As soon as I saw you... my anger was gone," Yan Xiaohu said with a smile, scratching his head shyly.


    "I knew it. You''re the only one who truly loves me and treats me well. You''re different from those jerks."


    Rouyi pouted as she sat down in a seat that had its back to the room door.


    "<i>Um...</i>" Yan Xiaohu murmured hesitantly, clenching his jaw. Nevertheless, he still ended up pointing at the seat that had its back to the folding screen. "Rouyi, sit over there."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Rouyi stared nkly at him for a moment. Then she chuckled. "<i>Hehe</i>, why are you acting so strangely today?"


    "No, it''s just that I want to look at your face from the front so I can see your beauty more clearly," Yan Xiaohu said.


    "All right, all right," Rouyi reluctantly agreed. As she got up, she asked, "Today''s not break day[1]. Why aren''t you at the academy?"


    "Just... didn''t feel like it."


    Yan Xiaohu obviously couldn''t say that he had been beaten to a pulp at the academy and felt embarrassed to return.


    ...Especially since the perpetrator was currently standing behind the folding screen.


    "You said that the new teacher at your academy, Ms. Song, is only half as beautiful as I am, and you even admitted to feeling very excited whenever you see her in ss. Yet, you can''t be bothered to go see her now?" Rouyi remarked. "Sure enough, men are always looking for someone new."


    "No way..." Yan Xiaohu immediately sat up straight. "Rouyi, you mustn''t speak such nonsense."


    "All right, all right," Rouyi relented again. Then she noticed the injuries on Yan Xiaohu''s face and gasped. "Young Master Yan, you''re injured...? What happened, did you get into a fight with someone?"


    "<i>Um...</i> more or less..." Yan Xiaohu stammered.


    After all, it was difficult to distinguish between a fight and a beatdown.


    "Seeing you like this really makes my heart ache! I''ve never seen you injured before," Rouyi expressed. She pouted and continued, "The person who hurt you is so vicious! I''ll curse him for you¡ª"


    "No, no, no!" Yan Xiaohu said hurriedly. He truly wished he could just cover Rouyi''s mouth with his hand. "Don''t say all these things..."


    "<i>Hmph</i>, I guess it''s unnecessary anyway," Rouyi continued. "By now, the person who did this to you must be in a miserable state. Didn''t you mention that before that your father issued a warning? That anyone who dares touch even a single hair of yours has to either kneel and apologize or kill their whole family. Otherwise, your father will never let them off. I''m terrified even just thinking about it..."


    "There was no such thing..." Yan Xiaohu hurriedly waved his hand in denial. "All six generations of my family have beenw-abiding citizens..."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Rouyi uttered, feeling dumbfounded.


    Yan Xiaohu seemed to be getting impatient.


    He got straight to the point and told Rouyi, "It might hurt a bit; just bear with it."


    Rouyi blushed and coquettishly pretended to be angry.


    "Annoying¡ª"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    There was yet another indistinct cry.


    The beauty had fainted.


    Chu Liang and Song Qingyi, who had been hiding behind her, now reappeared. They stood side by side and looked at Yan Xiaohu silently with cold smiles.


    Yan Xiaohu put on an innocent face in response.


    At this awkward moment, the mor of a fight once again rang out from outside the door...


    Soon after, two skilled bodyguards tumbled in adeptly after having experienced it before. They got up and cried out in anguish, "Young Master, he insisted on barging in. We couldn''t stop him!"


    "Couldn''t stop him, couldn''t stop him..." Yan Xiaohu muttered right before he snapped. He berated them furiously, "You should just pack up your things and get the hell out of here. Don''t bother working as bodyguards tomorrow. Go find a hotel and be their doormen. I guarantee their business will thrive!"


    1. Day of the week where they''re given a break, simr to the weekend. ?

 Chapter 26: The Emergence

    <h4>Chapter 26: The Emergence</h4>


    "Chu Liang, something terrible has happened..." Lin Bei burst into the room.


    He appeared flustered as he rushed in, his eyes widening as he took in the scene.


    Lin Beimented, "Oh, Ms. Song is here too! Well, it''s quite lively here, isn''t it?"


    The individuals who were standing and those who were lying down could have formed separate groups for a game of mahjong.


    "Why are you here? And where is Li Jue?" Chu Liang inquired.


    "Li Jue is missing!" Lin Bei responded urgently.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang eximed.


    Lin Bei then exined, "I was keeping watch outside, and for a long while, there was no sign of any activity from inside. I found it strange, so I knocked and realized the window was open. I have no idea where Li Jue went, so I hurried over to see you."


    "Did you hear anything unusual?" Chu Liang asked.


    "No." Lin Bei shook his head. "There was absolutely no sign of strange auras or sounds. I suspect he might have sneaked out on his own, but I don''t understand why he would do that."


    Chu Liang''s thoughts raced, his brow furrowing in deep contemtion, as he replied, "Maybe he''s keeping something from us. Li Jue could also be Situ Yan''s prey... We''re unsure of his whereabouts. What''s our next move?"


    "I... I might be able to help," Song Qingyi suddenly offered.


    "Do you have a way to locate Li Jue?" Both Lin Bei and Chu Liang looked at her.


    "Yes," Song Qingyi said as she gently nodded. She then raised her hand and took out a half-sheet of aged golden paper, seemingly nk but radiating a subtle aura of vitality.


    With her right hand, she mimicked the movement of writing with a brush and lightly moved her fingers across the half-sheet of paper. Suddenly, a vermillion light emerged, and as her fingertips danced, words began to form.


    <i>Li... Jue...</i>


    After writing the name, Song Qingyi tossed the half-sheet of paper into the air. It spun three times in the sky and appeared to find its direction. It descended with a bright glow, flying out of the window in the indicated direction.


    "Follow it," Song Qingyi instructed as she chased after the guiding light and flew out of the window with the half-sheet of paper.


    "Someone should stay behind to keep an eye on Xiaohu." Chu Liang pointed at Yan Xiaohu.


    "I''ll stay." Lin Bei volunteered this time.


    Chu Liang nodded, and then he followed Song Qingyi, flying out as well.


    In the room, only Yan Xiaohu and Lin Bei remained, looking at each other.


    After a brief silence, Yan Xiaohu cautiously asked, "So... what should we do now?"


    Lin Bei pondered for a moment and said, "Let''s start by ordering some food."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Yan Xiaohu was taken aback.


    Lin Bei casually reclined in his chair. "Then we''ll wake them up, resume the music, and keep dancing!"


    "Is that a good idea?" Yan Xiaohu scratched his head and asked, "Aren''t I still in danger?"


    "With me here, don''t worry!" Lin Bei patted him on the shoulder and said, "Although something happened to the person I was watching over... It was just an ident. I hope this one will end sessfully..."


    ...


    Meanwhile, back at the previous scene, a different story unfolded.


    Chu Liang and Song Qingyi followed the half-page golden paper, flying through the air and out of the city.


    Along the way, he couldn''t help but praise, "Ms. Song, this enchanted artifact of yours is so convenient. As long as you know the person¡¯s name, there isn¡¯t anyone you can¡¯t track."


    "Not necessarily. My cultivation level is not high enough, so I can only track within the range of Yanjiao City," Song Qingyi exined.


    "That''s still amazing," Chu Liang replied.


    Song Qingyi added, "This Half-Page Golden Script is a protective tool my teacher gave me for this mission. It has many wonderful uses, but I haven''t fully mastered it yet."


    Chu Liang fell into a brief silence.


    <i>She has such a nice teacher. Eh? Why do I feel sad?</i>


    However, Chu Liang understood that it wasn''t just Di Nufeng''s problem. In the Mount Shu Sect, unless a disciple was exceptionally talented or had achieved great deeds, receiving enchanted treasures from their teacher was quite rare. This remained true even if he wasn¡¯t in the Silver Sword Peak.


    But in other immortal sects, the gifting of enchanted artifacts was a very normal thing.


    The core issuey in the divergence of cultivation paths among the various sects, particrly those aligned with the three schools of thought.


    Within these sects, cultivators who followed Confucianism stood out as distinct from those who adhered to the teachings of the other two schools. Apart from the cultivation of divine abilities, Confucianism ced a stronger emphasis on knowledge and moral character, a characteristic particrly evident in the Noblemen¡¯s Hall.


    With Song Qingyi''s cultivation level, she might not have garnered as much attention in other immortal sects. Nevertheless, within the Noblemen¡¯s Hall, her outstanding knowledge and moral character had the potential to earn her recognition from the elders and senior disciples.


    The Half-Page Golden Script wasn¡¯t flying fast.


    After some time, it found its way to a familiar location. It was theke behind the hill at the academy.


    "There''s Li Jue," Song Qingyi whispered. "Let''s not rush. We should observe first."


    Once they confirmed Li Jue¡¯s location, Song Qingyi stowed her enchanted artifact, and the night sky settled into silence as the two of them advanced cautiously. Soon, they spotted a slender figure by theke.


    "Why..." the slender figure muttered to the water.


    Judging by the voice and appearance, it was indeed Li Jue.


    "Why did you take so many lives..." Li Jue''s voice was filled with anguish. "Your death was at my hands. You could havee to kill me directly. Why did you keep taking the lives of others?"


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up as he discreetly observed him. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    It was just as he had expected. Li Jue had been hiding secrets.


    Li Jue said, "You tied me up that day and attempted to scar my face. I was too terrified. I struggled and identally pushed you into theke. Overwhelmed by shock and fear, I fled home.


    "Only muchter did it ur to me that you might have been in danger after falling into theke... When I wanted to return to check on you, I heard from others that someone had drowned in theke.


    "It was an ident, but I caused your death.


    "I''ve been living in constant fear these days, avoiding the truth... But I can''t run from it any longer.


    "Situ Yan, if you truly became a ghost, seek retribution from me. Spare others from your vengeance."


    His voice, intermittent, carried on the wind, reaching the ears of Chu Liang and Song Qingyi.


    It became evident that Li Jue had directly caused Situ Yan''s drowning, rather than Situ Yan taking her own life by jumping into the water.


    No wonder Li Jue was so fearful; he had been tormented for days by the guilt of unintentional killings and the fear of a vengeful spirit. Today seemed to be the day he could no longer bear this torment, leading him to this spot.


    However, even after speaking alone for an extended time, nothing out of the ordinary urred.


    Li Jue nced around and muttered, "Are you not here, or are you unwilling to reveal yourself? Well... in that case, I''ll go and atone for my sins myself..."


    Murmuring to himself, he stood up and headed towards theke below.


    It appeared as though he wanted to end his own life.


    "Li¡ª-"


    Song Qingyi was about to intervene, but Chu Liang dragged her back.


    "Wait a bit more," Chu Liang whispered.


    Just as Li Jue reached the edge of theke, he hesitated for a moment. This moment of hesitation didn¡¯tst long as he soon made a fateful decision and leaped into the water!


    Just as Song Qingyi was ready to intervene, a chilling wind suddenly swept through the area.


    The gusts created ripples on the previously calmke''s surface. Icy winds seemed to converge from all directions, surrounding Li Jue in mid-jump and pushing him back to the shore.


    <i>Thud! </i>


    Li Jue fell to the ground but swiftly got up. "Situ Yan, is it you?"


    The turbulent cold winds finally gathered in one ce, taking on a human-like form in front of him, only to dissipate in the blink of an eye.


    A faint, ghostly silhouette remained in its original position.


    It was a woman in Confucian attire, half her face marred by prominent scars. She could be none other than the rumored Situ Yan.


    Li Jue met the ghost he had feared for such a long time.


    He showed a sense of relief, saying, "You''ve finallye to see me."


    Chu Liang and Song Qingyi were now on high alert.


    The intense aura of death suggested that this wasn''t an ordinary vengeful spirit, a fact confirmed by its solidified form. Although they didn''t know what had transpired to bestow her with such power...


    They were sure of one thing. Situ Yan was indeed the Painted Skin Ghost!

 Chapter 27: Destroyed

    <h4>Chapter 27: Destroyed</h4>


    The chilling wind rustled, and the ghostly figure loomed.


    The dead girl stood before him once again.


    However, Li Jue faced it all surprisingly without fear. Perhaps, whether it was death or supernatural entities, neitherpared to the torment of inner questioning.


    The ghostly incarnation of Situ Yan finally spoke in a serene tone.


    "I don''t resent you, and I can''t kill you." Her voice was icy, like a breeze from the underworld.


    "I..." Li Jue stared at her, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Then, Situ Yan suddenly shouted urgently, "You must leave!"


    "What''s wrong with you?" Li Jue was frightened and seemingly frozen, still sitting on the ground without escaping.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" Situ Yan cried out, and the eerie wind howled around them, making thekeside bone-chilling, like the realm of the dead.


    Her eyes gradually emitted a crimson glow.


    However, she struggled and managed to utter, "No..."


    She raised her head and shouted at Li Jue again, "You must go!"


    Only then did Li Jue realize something was amiss. He stumbled backward, trying to run.


    However, as he moved away, Situ Yan''s ck hair suddenly stood on end, revealing an entire terrifying, vein-covered, ghastly face!


    "Stay!" Her voice transformed into utter chilling menace.


    Her attitude changedpletely.


    As she lifted her hand, she instantly rushed toward Li Jue.


    Meanwhile, Song Qingyi, who had been observing in secret for a while, stopped standing idly by this time. She said to Chu Liang, "I''ll deal with it."


    After saying this, her figure flickered, and a burst of green light radiated from the jade ruler in her hand.


    The Noblemen''s Hall possessed an ancient divine weapon that ranked among the top hundred in the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures, known as the River-Measuring Jade Ruler. Song Qingyi''s weapon was a replica of the River-Measuring Jade Ruler, known as the Heart-Measuring Ruler.


    In the cultivation realm, numerous such replicas existed, and typically, only the original owner of a treasure could create them. High-quality replicas often matched the original in grade.


    The Heart-Measuring Ruler brimmed with righteous aura and swiftly found its mark. Situ Yan was about to attack Li Jue but was caught off guard and nearly struck by the ruler.


    Fortunately, as a ghost with its ethereal body, it could instantly move several feet to the side just in time to avoid the attack.


    However, Song Qingyi''s attack followed immediately. She hurled the jade ruler forward, and it struck Situ Yan''s waist, producing a muffled sound.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The Painted Skin Ghost''s ethereal form took a hit, and its body emitted a burst of ck smoke before falling heavily to the ground.


    The ruler flew back into Song Qingyi¡¯s palm.


    Song Qingyi was about to seize this advantage and pursue the ghost when a figure suddenly shed forward, blocking her path.


    With both of his arms stretched out, Li Jue blocked Song Qingyi, pleading in a mournful tone, "Ms. Song, please don''t kill Situ Yan. She''s not evil. She''s pitiable..."


    "Li Jue!" Song Qingyi eximed hastily, "Situ Yan is dead! She is a ghost. The only way to help her in entering the normal cycle of reincarnation, like any other ordinary spirit, is to dispel her spirit. If we allow her to persist like this, she will never attain reincarnation!"


    "What?" When Li Jue heard this, his body trembled.


    Song Qingyi wasn''t lying. Themon belief in the cultivation realm was that, regardless of the ghost''s nature, dispelling their souls and sending them into the cycle of reincarnation was an act of great kindness.


    During this brief pause, Situ Yan, who had been lying on the ground, regained her senses and let out a shrill scream. She raised her hand and released a burst of ck energy toward them.


    The ck energy surged forth, instantly transforming into boundless ck mist, shrouding the entirekeside.


    "Trying to escape?" Song Qingyi immediately leaped high into the air, evading the coverage of the ck mist. She held the Half-Page Golden Script above her head, ensuring that its radiant glow continuously enveloped the area below, preventing the Painted Skin Ghost within the ck mist from escaping.


    However, there was no sign of a figure emerging from the ck mist.


    After some time, as the wind crept in, the ck mist at thekeside gradually dissipated, and Song Qingyinded back on the ground.


    What she saw next left her in astonishment.


    Li Jue was sitting on the ground, looking dazed, apparently bewildered by the recent events.


    Beside him, another Li Jue also appeared bewildered and nced around.


    Indeed, there were two identical Li Jues by thekeside!


    "What... what''s happening?" Li Jue A was in a state of panic.


    Li Jue B, with the same expression of fear, immediately distanced himself from the other and then looked towards Song Qingyi. "Ms. Song..."


    Song Qingyi, faced with two identical Li Jues, furrowed her brows.


    <i>Who is the real one?</i>


    "I''m the real one..." Li Jue A and Li Jue B simultaneously dered.


    Song Qingyi was momentarily at a loss.


    At that moment, footsteps were heard from the nearby bushes, and a handsome young man with a smiling face slowly walked out.


    Chu Liang made a dazzling entrance.


    He approached Li Jue A and said with a smile, "I have a way to determine this. The fake Li Jue has never met me. Whichever one of you can correctly say my name is the real Li Jue."


    "You are Chu Liang!" Li Jue A, who was next to Chu Liang, immediately replied.


    Li Jue B was momentarily stunned and unable to utter a word.


    At that moment, Chu Liang, Song Qingyi, and Li Jue A all stared at Li Jue B.


    It was precisely at this moment that Chu Liang sprang into action. He swung half of a gold brick with precision,nding a powerful blow on Li Jue A''s head, creating a resounding thud!


    With that single strike, ck energy surged, and Li Jue A clutched his head in pain, instantly transforming back into the appearance of the Painted Skin Ghost.


    Chu Liang didn''t give it a chance to struggle. He forced Li Jue A to reveal its true form with the brick in his left hand and instantly shed it with the gleaming sword in his right hand.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    As the long sword pierced through the Painted Skin Ghost''s body, cracks started appearing all over its ethereal form.


    "Situ Yan..." Li Jue called out gently.


    The Painted Skin Ghost looked back and fixed its gaze upon Li Jue, its eyes hinting at a sense of freedom.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The ethereal body of the ghost shattered and turned into dust.


    "You..." Song Qingyi was slightly curious as she asked, "It said your name, so how did you know that wasn''t the real Li Jue?"


    "I didn''t really know. I just thought that the ghost might have been lurking within the academy daily and might have heard my name at some point," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "Asking a question was just a way to get closer to it. Giving it a good whack with a brick was a more secure approach."


    "We truly have to thank you for this," said Song Qingyi.


    If Chu Liang hadn''t been here, the Painted Skin Ghost would have caused her quite a lot of trouble.


    "We are all cultivators who follow the path of righteousness. It is our duty to obliterate evil entities," Chu Liang said, shrugging off the thanks.


    In all honesty, he had to thank the Painted Skin Ghost for causing a bit ofmotion at the end. If it had been easily captured by Song Qingyi, he wouldn''t have had an opportunity to intervene, especially considering it happened within the territory of the Confucian sects.


    The Painted Skin Ghost had given him the chance to snatch the final kill logically. Song Qingyi even needed to thank him. This was an excellent ending.


    The only one left in the area who seemed lost and bewildered was Li Jue, staring nkly at the spot where Situ Yan had disappeared, feeling uncertain of what to do.


    Chu Liang came up to him and said, "If you really want to make things right, you should go to the authorities and confess to what happened with the idental killing. Trying to end your life won''t make the consequences go away."


    "Yes..." Li Jue nodded slightly.


    There was a hint of sorrow in Song Qingyi''s eyes, as she couldn''t help but feel sorry for Situ Yan. Her life had been pitiable, but she had alsomitted numerous wrongs, leaving Song Qingyi uncertain about how to judge her.


    The calmke waters, ruffled by the night wind, left them all with a sense of powerlessness.


    ...


    "Damn it!"


    In a guesthouse not far from this location in Yanjiao City, a figure in ck robes suddenly smashed themp on the table, where a burnt-out ck candle stood.


    <i>Crash!</i>


    Themp hit the ground, shattering into pieces, and the person in ck gnashed their teeth.


    "I spent so much effort refining and creating this Painted Skin Ghost. I was counting on it to collect more human souls for me so that I can secure my top spot in the next soul-gathering event. It was a chance for me to be promoted!


    "It has only been a few days, and it has already been destroyed...


    "Those people should be damned!


    "Let me see who has the audacity to harm my Painted Skin Ghost."

 Chapter 28: Crisis

    <h4>Chapter 28: Crisis</h4>


    When Chu Liang returned to the Li Residence, Lin Bei had yet to return. So, Chu Liang sat cross-legged to meditate, seizing the opportunity to collect his reward.


    Upon entering the White Pagoda, he saw a faint golden phantom imprisoned inside a cell.


    Previously, Chu Liang had wondered whether the White Pagoda was an evil enchanted tool that refined souls to exchange for valuable items. However, heter discovered that wasn''t the case; the White Pagoda didn''t interfere with the death and reincarnation of souls. The golden phantoms that the pagoda refined were more like an imprint. They were only used as markers to prove that he had indeed in those evil entities.


    The best evidence of that was the Painted Skin Ghost that was currently in front of him and the cat spirit from before. After turning into supernatural entities, they were just souls¡ªessentially bodiless entities.


    If the White Pagoda had indeed extracted the souls for refinement, then their appearance and state inside the White Pagoda should be no different from when they were outside the pagoda. Nheless, there were only golden phantoms without consciousness inside the White Pagoda.


    The White Pagoda was merely meant to be a beacon of positivity to encourage him to keep ying monsters and wiping out evil.


    With that in mind, he casually pressed the word "Refine."


    <i>Boom¡ª!</i>


    There was a burst of light. After that, he caught the reward item in his hand and found that it was a translucent, crystalline white jade talisman.


    [Soul-Swap Spell: This item allows you to swap souls with another being with a physical body for a very short time¡ªthe duration of three breaths. It is rmended that you only use it on beings of your species, as entering the body of a different species will not be a pleasant experience. The duration of just three breaths is very short, but sometimes that is all that¡¯s needed.]


    Chu Liang pursed his lips. He was quite disappointed by this reward.


    Strictly speaking, this type of jade talisman couldn''t be considered a talisman. It was more like a stored spell.


    Cultivators used aplicated method to securely store one of their divine techniques inside the jade talisman. Jade talismans made with a higher level of craftsmanship would yield a better storage ability. Ones like the white jade talisman in Chu Liang¡¯s possession could retain at least eighty percent of the technique''s power.


    These jade talismans had some amazing uses. For instance, they could be used to instantly castplex spells or to store protection spells for children.


    Despite that, using jade talismans had many limitations, and the intermediate costs were high, so they weren¡¯tmonly used.


    <i>Just like this jade talisman, which has the Soul-Swap Spell stored inside it...</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t see much of a use for it. Even an empty white jade talisman would be better than this. It was a rare material that could be sold to the Hall of Weapons for a considerable amount of sword coins. However, this specific white jade talisman, which had a trash spell stored inside it, wouldn¡¯t be worth much.


    Lin Bei returned just as Chu Liang finished collecting his reward.


    "How did it go?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Very smoothly. The Painted Skin Ghost has been eliminated," answered Chu Liang.


    Lin Bei said with a smile, "That''s good. Everything went really smoothly on my end too. Yan Xiaohu even treats me as his sworn elder brother now. And he swore that he would repent and turn over a new leaf starting today."


    Chu Liang nodded.


    He then told Lin Bei what had happened.


    "Though... isn¡¯t there something strange about this?" Lin Bei expressed puzzledly after he got the full picture from Chu Liang. "All of her victims were people who had bullied her. So, why didn¡¯t Situ Yan resent Yan Xiaohu? He was so scared, but in the end, he wasn¡¯t even on her revenge list."


    "It could be... because Yan Xiaohu hadn''t discriminated against her because of her appearance," Chu Liang spected. "He had extorted money from Situ Yan, but he had done the same to other people and even extorted the same amount from them. In this regard, he had treated her the same as everyone else. The ones who had truly hurt Situ Yan had been those who treated her differently."


    "That makes sense..." Lin Bei said with a nod.


    Then he let out a long sigh.


    ...


    In the dead of night, a time that should be spent in silence...


    Song Qingyi returned to the South Mountain Academy. There, she sat down to meditate and activate her qi cirction. After cultivating for a while, shey down to sleep.


    Cultivators in the Mortal Gate needed to sleep to recover their energy. Nevertheless, once they reached the peak of the Spiritual Awareness Realm and achieved satisfactory levels of vitality, qi, and spirit, they could rece sleep with cultivation. Nevertheless, doing that was not asfortable as winding down and having a good night''s sleep.


    A short timeter, she was suddenly awoken by a string of sobs as daybreak approached.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Song Qingyi sat up and confirmed that there was indeed a faintly discernible sound of cryinging in through the window from outside.


    She quickly put on her clothes and leaped outside.


    Song Qingyi¡¯s amodation had been specially arranged for her by the South Mountain Academy. It was quite far from where the other teachers stayed, and there were only a few other people living in the area.


    <i>Who''s crying?</i>


    She looked for the source of the crying and found a small figure, whose hair was tied up in two little buns, curled up in a corner nearby. The child was crying with their back to her.


    "Little one?" Song Qingyi called out as she hurried over. "What''s wrong?"


    At this point, the matter with the Painted Skin Ghost had already concluded, so she wasn''t on high alert. When the child turned around, Song Qingyi¡¯s senses were assaulted by a heavy aura of death. She tensed up and swiftly retreated!


    It was a bit toote though.


    She still saw the child''s face. It was jet-ck and horrifying, with hideously twisted and knotted bulging veins¡ªresembling a rotten watermelon that had be soft and cracked. A resonating ng rang in her mind, like a heavy hammer striking the deepest parts of her spirit.


    Song Qingyi reacted very swiftly, but she failed to guard against this attack and was suddenly frozen in ce.


    Right then, there were sounds of something bursting by her feet. Around seven or eight bony ghost hands with bulbous joints and long ck fingernails broke through from under the ground, grabbing her ankles simultaneously!


    Song Qingyi bit the top of her tongue hard to snap out of her stunned state. She drew the Heart-Measuring Ruler to chop off those ghostly hands.


    However, a wave of bone-chilling cold swept over her from behind! She felt extremely cold and stiff, unable to move at all.


    Yet, if someone were to look at her from the side, they would see that a white-robed female ghost with long hair covering her face had, at some point,tched onto Song Qingyi''s back with a tight grip on Song Qingyi¡¯s shoulders.


    "Who are you?" Song Qingyi asked seriously.


    Despite being restrained, Song Qingyi didn¡¯t panic. She knew it couldn¡¯t be a mere coincidence that so many ghosts appeared at once. There had to be someone manipting them.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, so it''s the youngdy from the Noblemen''s Hall..." a hoarse, grating voice rang out from the side.


    A tall hooded figure dressed in a ck robe slowly emerged. His voice sounded like that of an elderly person, but his build and posture suggested otherwise. There was something very odd about this person.


    "You really, <i>really </i>shouldn''t have touched my painstakingly crafted Painted Skin Ghost," the ck-robed person said in a tone filled with resentment and fury. "I promised her that she could kill three of her enemies here before focusing on collecting fresh souls for me. Who would have thought... that right when everything was over and she was ready to leave with me... you just had to kill her..."


    "I''m very angry..."


    "You must pay the price..."


    In this darkness just before dawn, the ck-robed person spoke with a sinister tone that would send chills down the spine of those who heard it.


    Song Qingyi didn''t say anything else. Instead, she suddenly made a hand seal with just her left hand, and a golden light rose and hovered overhead. It was that Half-Page Golden Script.


    The Half-Page Golden Script rose higher while casting a bright light over her. All the ghost hands that had wrapped around Song Qingyi immediately gave off ck smoke, apanied by an incessant hissing as the hands were burned by the light! Blood-curdling screams and anguished wails suddenly filled the air.


    "<i>Aaaaah</i>!!"


    The ghost hands and the white-robed female ghost retreated, and Song Qingyi immediately regained the ability to move. However, she didn''t try attacking the ck-robed person. He had already demonstrated in the earlier battle that his cultivation level far surpassed hers and was at least at the Golden Core Realm... Moreover, his strange methods indicated he was a cultivator of the Diabolical path.


    Nevertheless, right now, her priority was to escape. She turned around and ran.


    Yet, the person in the ck robe didn''t chase after her. He just smiled eerily and pulled out a huge ck iron slingshot. He firmly gripped the slingshot with his right hand and pulled it taut.


    Then hemanded softly, "Go!"


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A streak of lightning cut through the night scene.


    Song Qingyi was in midair when she suddenly shook. There was what seemed like the muffled sound of a sharp object piercing her, but she had no visible injuries. Yet, she suddenly froze and then fell to the ground with a heavynding.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    Song Qingyi felt extremely cold and stiff all over. Even just moving her fingers was incredibly difficult.


    A name suddenly appeared in her mind¡ªSoul-Piercing Nail.


    It was a Diabolical enchanted tool belonging to the Dark King Sect. The nail was invisible and traceless, designed to pierce a human¡¯s soul. Once struck with the nail, both the soul and the body would be immobilized.


    The sound of the footsteps approaching from behind grew closer as the ck-robed person slowly made his way over. Then he flexed his fingers and seemed to pull on an invisible thread around Song Qingyi, as she was suddenly forced into an upright position.


    "Come with me," the ck-robed person said.


    He let out a creepyugh and headed toward his destination. Song Qingyi, who was extremely stiff and unable to escape, was forced to follow behind the ck-robed person.


    In an unnoticed corner, the Half-Page Golden Script that had protected Song Qingyi quietly disappeared...

 Chapter 29: Have You Seen Yanjiao City in the Early Hours

    <h4>Chapter 29: Have You Seen Yanjiao City in the Early Hours</h4>


    Lin Bei was having a beautiful dream tonight.


    In his dream, he found himself back in Rainbow Luna Parlor. There, a gentle and lovely youngdy had ced him on a bed with red gauze curtains surrounding it. With care, she began to remove his clothes, one by one, until...Then, she sat on him and immediately started...


    pping his face.


    A series of sharp, resounding ps, one after another.


    <i>Smack, smack, smack...</i>


    "Hey? What''s going on?" Lin Bei eximed, struggling with his hands, before suddenly opening his eyes.


    It was only then that he realized it wasn''t just a dream. Something was actually hitting him!


    A half-sheet of golden papery before Lin Bei, deceptively thin in appearance. Nevertheless, it struck with an unexpectedly powerful force, leaving Lin Bei''s face throbbing with pain.


    "What''s this?" Lin Bei called out twice before tightly gripping the Half-Page Golden Script. They noticed a faint radiance on it along with a scribbled, crooked name.


    <i>Lin Bei.</i>


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang was awakened by the noise and pushed the door open, entering from the adjacent room. Upon seeing the Half-Page Golden Script, he eximed, "Isn''t this Ms. Song''s enchanted artifact?"


    Lin Bei had witnessed Song Qingyi using this item the previous night and now recalled what it was.


    Puzzled, he sat up and asked, "Why would Ms. Song send this to me?"


    Chu Liang stared at Lin Bei, and their eyes lit up as they both eximed simultaneously.


    "She''s in danger!"


    "She has a crush on me!"


    "..."


    <i>A moment of silence.</i>


    After this brief pause, Lin Bei asked, "How can you be so certain that she''s in danger..."


    Chu Liang responded, "You would know if you just think about it. The Noblemen¡¯s Hall gave her this enchanted artifact for self-defense purposes. It wouldn''t be sent out so easily. It must indicate that she has encountered some danger and couldn''t escape, resorting to this method for help. The only cultivators she knows in Yanjiao City are the two of us, which is why she reached out to us."


    Lin Bei retorted, "Even if she''s in danger, why did she write my name and not yours? Perhaps she loves me..."


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Could it be because... your name has fewer strokes?"


    Looking at how crooked "Lin Bei" was written, it was evident that Song Qingyi hadn¡¯t written it under normal circumstances. It was clear that the situation had to have been dire.


    Lin Bei quickly changed the subject, no longer dwelling on this matter. "What should we do now?"


    Chu Liang contemted and then solemnly said, "Even though she¡¯s the inheritor of the legacy of the Noblemen¡¯s Hall and possesses an enchanted artifact, she was still captured and unable to escape. I believe the one who captured her must be at the fourth realm of cultivation. As for our current n, I suggest we split up. You should return to the Mount Shu Sect to seek reinforcements, while I go to find Ms. Song and assess the situation."


    Lin Bei frowned. "You''re going alone? But based on what you''ve told me, if the enemy has the power of the fourth realm, what use would you be on your own?"


    Chu Liang exined, "I''ll just verify the situation. If there''s any immediate danger, I can at least dy it. You should go back to Mount Shu immediately and find my teacher at the Silver Sword Peak. Among the elders at the Mount Shu Sect, she''s probably the least upied. If you seek out someone else, it might take a while and waste precious time, but with her, I''m certain she hasn''t even woken up yet at this hour!"


    His tone was filled with conviction and confidence.


    Lin Bei contemted for a moment, realizing that if one person were to return to Mount Shu, and the other were to locate Song Qingyi, the one seeking her would probably be in greater danger.


    So he suggested, "Since we''re asking your teacher for help, why don''t you be the one to return to the mountain to request reinforcements, and I''ll go to assess the situation."


    Chu Liang shook his head, saying, "My cultivation level is higher than yours, so it''s better for me to go."


    "Huh?" Lin Bei was puzzled. "Aren''t we both in the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm? You..."


    Chu Liang didn''t say much and released a burst of qi that was noticeably stronger than before.


    "You''ve already reached the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?" Lin Bei was astonished.


    When he first met Chu Liang, Chu Liang had only recently broken through to the Spiritual Awareness Realm. At that time, Lin Bei''s cultivation level was even slightly higher than Chu Liang''s.


    <i>It''s only been a few days; how did Chu Liang manage to achieve a breakthrough when he was still quite far from reaching the middle stage?</i>


    If Chu Liang had been in seclusion for intensive cultivation, it would have made sense, but they had spent these days together, working on missions, eating, sleeping, and attending sses simultaneously. When could he have found time for cultivation?


    Chu Liang, of course, couldn''t reveal that he possessed arge-headed doll that was doing all the hard work, making one day of cultivation equivalent to several days. This was how he had achieved the breakthrough the previous night.


    So, he simply asked in a profound tone, "Have you seen Yanjiao City in the early hours of the morning, before the sun has even risen?"


    "Uh?"


    "Enough with the questions. Let''s hurry and set out," Chu Liang waved his hand, urging them to get going.


    ...


    In a dimly lit grass hut outside Yanjiao City, Song Qingyi stood in one corner of the room, her beautiful eyes filled with fear and despair, yet she couldn''t utter a sound.


    The figure in a ck robe stood in the center of the room, using ink mixed with a bloody hue to draw something, then lighting one ck candle after another, casting eerie and unsettling shadows.


    Near the doory several dead ck chickens, still warm with fresh blood.


    "Hehe, there''s no rush," the figure in the ck robe cackled as he continued to draw.


    "It''s rare to capture a soul at the level of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. If I can capture your soul and bind it within the Netherworld Codex, it would more thanpensate for the losses of my Painted Skin Ghost... In fact, I should say it''s a significant gain.


    "If I were to employ a more brutal method, by first killing you and then extracting your soul, I could retain at most eighty percent of your divine spirit power.


    "But if you can exercise a bit more patience and allow me to prepare the Yin-Yang Soul-Capturing Formation, I can then trap your soul within the Netherworld Codex and preserve the full strength of your divine spirit."


    Song Qingyi''s breathing nearly stopped.


    She knew that the Netherworld Codex was the most sinister artifact of the Dark King Sect, specifically designed to plunder living souls for the enhancement of the user''s cultivation. For each soul captured, the Netherworld Codex would gain another page, and the owner''s cultivation would also improve.


    However, the souls captured through this method could not enter the cycle of reincarnation; they would remain trapped within the Netherworld Codex, enduring endless suffering.


    The figure in the ck robe said, "Furthermore, you''re a Confucian cultivator. I''ve never encountered anyone like you before...


    "They say that Confucian cultivators possess the purest and most transparent divine souls, to the extent that they can even move around during the daytime after bing ghosts.


    "With your beauty, I could refine you into a captivating seductress... No, you exude an air of elegance, so you could be a ghost within a painting, unpredictable and difficult to guard against, or..."


    "No... No, please..." Song Qingyi struggled to speak, making an effort to break free.


    However, with the Soul-Piercing Nail stabbing her, she could only muster enough strength to twitch a finger. How could she escape the clutches of this evil creature?


    Desperately, she cast her gaze toward the outside. Herst struggle had been to use the Half-Page Golden Script to send a message. Yet she was uncertain whether the two disciples of Mount Shu could decipher her intent or if they had any means to rescue her.


    But now, a terrifying darkness hadpletely enveloped her.


    "Bound in the mortal flesh, eternally in theherworld..."


    The figure in the ck robe raised his hand, and with a gentle flick of his finger, thest ck candle was ignited.


    With the formationplete, he slowly started the activation of a ck jade book.


    "My precious,e and embrace your new life..." His eyes glinted with eerie satisfaction, and heughed maniacally, "<i>Hehehehehehe...</i>"

 Chapter 30: Spiritual Awareness Realm Versus Golden Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 30: Spiritual Awareness Realm Versus Golden Core Realm</h4>


    The Half-Page Golden Script twirled through the air, casting a radiant light, while Chu Liang followed closely behind.


    Locating Song Qingyi proved to be a simple task for Chu Liang. All he had to do was erase Lin Bei''s name from the Half-Page Golden Script and inscribe Song Qingyi''s name onto the script using his foundational qi.


    Upon using the enchanted artifact, Chu Liang came to the realization that in order to locate someone, he needed more than just their name. He had to visualize their physical appearance within his mind, employing divine intent. Only through this process could a mystical connection be established.


    In hindsight, this requirement seemed entirely logical. Without it, dealing with numerous individuals who shared the same name would have proven to be an incredibly challenging task.


    The Half-Page Golden Script soared out of the city. The day was just breaking, and the surroundings took on an eerie appearance.


    Shortly after, the Half-Page Golden Script reached a thatched grass hut near a riverbank, causing Chu Liang to promptly cease his steps.


    He crouched down to closely inspect the thatched grass hut, noticing its closed windows and doors, and an overall eerie appearance. As Chu Liang sniffed the air, carried by the wind, he detected a faint hint of a bloody odor.


    <i>Something doesn''t feel right.</i>


    However, Chu Liang didn''t advance recklessly. Instead, he cautiously approached and extended his divine sense inside, intending to quietly investigate the situation.


    For cultivators in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, activating their divine sense allowed them to see and hear anything within its reach. In fact, their perception through divine sense was often clearer than what their physical eyes could perceive. Fortunately, Chu Liang had recently reached the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, significantly expanding the range and rity of his divine sense.


    Yet, the very instant his divine sense prated the thatched grass hut, he witnessed the scene within, featuring an enigmatic formation, a mysterious figure shrouded in a ck robe, and Song Qingyi, tightly bound and in distress.


    Simultaneously, he detected a subtle dark aura fluctuation.


    <i>Oh no!</i>


    Chu Liang immediately heightened his alertness, recognizing that his opponent had established a method to detect the intrusion of his divine sense.


    Unfortunately, it was already toote.


    The figure in the ck robe inside the thatched grass hut swiftly turned his head, his gaze as piercing as starlight.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    Far outside the grass hut, Chu Liang swiftly flipped away andmenced his escape.


    With a deafening bang, the door of the grass hut swung open wide, and a ghostly figure darted out, moving with astonishing speed. Within a few shes of its afterimages, it rapidly closed the gap, and was now right behind Chu Liang.


    Sensing the bone-chilling wind closing in behind him, Chu Liang''s mind sounded a warning. Recognizing that escape was impossible, he rapidly grasped his sword and thrust it backward!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A brilliant white sword aura surged with even greater power than before. However, the ck-robed figure appeared unfazed. Using his two left fingers, he effortlessly pierced through the sword qi without suffering any harm and mped Chu Liang''s sword in a vice-like grip.


    <i>Snap!</i>


    The sword qi was instantly extinguished, rendered motionless by the figure''s grip.


    Chu Liang shouted, "Watch my finger!"


    He formed a seal with his left hand, and his fingertip gleamed with a frigid light as he aimed it at the ck-robed figure.


    However, just as the ck-robed figure was poised to counter Chu Liang''s attack, a sudden red light shot forth from Chu Liang''s sleeve.


    Demon-Binding Rope!


    His exmation of "watch my finger" had served as a diversion to distract the ck-robed individual. Chu Liang was well aware that his opponent was, at the very least, in the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm, and he had no hope of prevailing in a direct confrontation. His strategy involved using the Demon-Binding Rope to gain control over his adversary.


    Unfortunately, when confronted with sheer overpowering strength, such a trick proved utterly inconsequential.


    With a swift motion, the ck-robed figure grasped the Demon-Binding Rope in his palm. Simultaneously, a spectral, skeletal hand extended from his chest, clutching Chu Liang''s neck!


    Moreover, a second ghostly hand materialized, clutching a long, faintly glowing nail, which was then thrust into Chu Liang''s chest.


    <i>Crack¡ª</i>


    Soul-Piercing Nail!


    "Uh!" The moment the nail pierced Chu Liang''s soul, an icy sensation enveloped his entire body, rendering his limbs and torsopletely rigid.


    However, this transpired in the blink of an eye, leaving him no means of escape or resistance. He found himself wholly subdued, devoid of the energy to mount any counterattack.


    Being a cultivator in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, his battle against an opponent in the Golden Core Realm culminated in a resounding and disastrous defeat.


    At this moment, he truly understood the insurmountable gap between the third and fourth realms. The idea of challenging an individual from a higher realm was, in reality, entirely unrealistic.


    The ck-robed figure emitted a brief chuckle, then turned and strolled back into the grass hut, casually discarding Chu Liang onto the ground.


    "Heh heh, are you here to rescue her?" He cast a nce at Chu Liang and then at Song Qingyi. "I didn''t anticipate a buy-one-get-one-free offer. Two souls of cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm; this trip was certainly not in vain..."


    "Chu... Chu Liang..." Song Qingyi, upon witnessing Chu Liang''s capture, fought to speak, tears streaming down her face. She med herself for putting someone else''s life at risk with her plea for help.


    Chu Liang maintained aposed demeanor, unyielding even as he was thrown to the ground. He continued to summon every ounce of his strength in a persistent effort to free himself from the grip of the Soul-Piercing Nail, though his attempts were feeble. Despite his utmost exertions, he could only manage to turn halfway.


    "Just give up. There''s no way you can break free," the ck-robed figure dered, observing Chu Liang''s futile efforts without any intention of intervening. He tauntingly added, "Once I''ve sealed her in the Netherworld Codex, it''ll be your turn. You two won''t feel lonely, as the pages holding your souls will be adjacent to each other."


    With that, he directed his gaze towards the sky outside, his countenance growing solemn as he readied himself to activate the formation.


    Cultivators who embrace the Diabolical path were shunned as they journeyed through the world. Consequently, they learned to exercise extreme caution and discretion.


    For instance, he had arranged a formation that would activate when probed by any divine sense. Such tactics were among the strategies they employed to ensure their survival.


    Regarding these two Spiritual Awareness Realm cultivators, he could undoubtedly capture them with ease. However, he was aware that there might be more adversaries on the way, and he needed to expedite the soul-capturing ritual and leave this ce as soon as possible.


    And so, he stopped talking.


    With a wave of his hand and swift, intricate hand signs, all the ck candles surged upward, merging into a towering cluster of dark mes that coalesced in mid-air, gradually taking on the shape of a gateway!


    "Come... My precious..."


    He fixed his icy and frenzied gaze upon Song Qingyi and raised his hand slowly.


    Just at that moment, Chu Liang, positioned to the side, suddenly shouted, "Sissy!"


    Chu Liang¡¯s cultivation level was higher than that of Song Qingyi. Although he couldn''t free himself from the grip of the Soul-Piercing Nail, he found it considerably easier to form coherent sentences.


    The ck-robed man froze, briefly ncing at Chu Liang, but he chose to ignore him and continued to raise his hand toward Song Qingyi.


    "You rotten butt!" Chu Liang cursed.


    "Eh?" The man in the ck robe shot a re at Chu Liang once more. He furrowed his brow and persisted in ignoring him.


    After all, he would be dealing with Chu Liang shortly, so why argue with a dead person?


    "Your mama is dead.


    "I am your daddy.


    "You deceitful, treacherous, and loathsome individual. Did your family engage in interbreeding? Your parents must have amassed a wealth of negative karma in their previous existence to bring forth someone like you¡ªa short-lived person, cursed with infertility, in this life..."


    Chu Liang maintained aposed expression, appearing indifferent, as he continued to hurl derogatory words at the ck-robed man. He wore the most polite expression while delivering the most impolite words.


    Initially, the ck-robed man ignored him, but as Chu Liang persisted, the anger within him boiled over. He pointed at Chu Liang with a trembling hand and demanded, "You... You... You... which sect or faction do you belong to? Why do youck proper etiquette?"


    "Your papa here is from the Mount Shu Sect," Chu Liang replied nonchntly.


    The ck-robed man chuckled with a tinge of anger. "Do you think you won¡¯t feel anything after death? I shall extract your entire soul now and seal it within the Netherworld Codex. Then, I will subject you to forty-nine days of torment with the Ghostfire Yin Saber! Let''s see if you can maintain this stubbornness with your words!"


    With that threat, he extended his hand toward Chu Liang.


    "No!" Song Qingyi screamed with all her might, tears streaming down her face.


    In the face of impending death, Chu Liang''s countenance remained eerily calm.


    <i>Crack!</i>


    The ck-robed man''s hand gesture triggered a burst of ck light from the ck jade codex, immediately enveloping Chu Liang''s form.


    In an instant, a bundle of light and shadow was extracted from Chu Liang''s body and drawn into the gateway formed by the eerie mes. The ck jade codex began to radiate intensely.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    As the radiance subsided, Chu Liang''s eyes were hollow, devoid of vitality. His body had be a lifeless shell, his soul irrevocably lost.

 Chapter 31: Happily Searching the Corpse

    <h4>Chapter 31: Happily Searching the Corpse</h4>


    "Chu Liang!" Song Qingyi called out sorrowfully.


    She ran a few steps toward Chu Liang, whose eyes had lost their light.


    Song Qingyi was about to cry when she realized something odd.


    <i>Huh? I can move now?</i>


    Right then, she watched as Chu Liang¡¯s dead eyes came back to life, regaining their limpid and spirited appearance.


    "Ah..." Chu Liang heaved a long sigh of relief and fell to the ground.


    That moment, which passed by like a spark of lightning, had been arguably the most perilous moment of his life.


    ...


    Previously...


    When the ck-robed figure brought Chu Liang into the thatched grass hut, Chu Liang saw the soul-stealing formation. That was when a bold idea sprang into his mind.


    Faced with a Diabolical cultivator at the level of a Golden Core Realm, Chu Liang had no way of fighting back. He was pretty much doomed.


    Song Qingyi and Chu Liang wouldn¡¯t have been able to do anything about it if the ck-robed person decided to kill them straight away. However, the ck-robed figure chose to absorb their souls so he could acquire all of the power in their divine souls.


    Normally, it wouldn''t have made a difference. But at this moment, Chu Liang suddenly remembered that disappointing reward he had received from the White Pagoda¡ªthe Soul-Swap Spell! If there was even the slightest possibility of turning the situation around, then... he would need to depend on that spell.


    So, he struggled relentlessly. However, it wasn¡¯t a pointless final effort to do something before he died. Instead, he twisted and turned just so he could inconspicuously ce one of his hands behind his back and retrieve that jade talisman with the stored spell from the White Pagoda without being detected.


    It was for this same reason that when the ck-robed person was about to target Song Qingyi, Chu Liang provoked and enraged the ck-robed figure into absorbing his soul first.


    The ck-robed figure fell into Chu Liang¡¯s trap. Just when the ck-robed figure was about to absorb Chu Liang''s soul, Chu Liang activated the white jade talisman.


    The jade talisman shattered immediately, and the Soul-Swap Spell took effect. Chu Liang''s and ck-robed figure''s souls were temporarily swapped.


    After entering the ck-robed person''s body, Chu Liang was momentarily deprived of his senses and bodily control. Then even after he regained his senses, he was still unable to move.


    This sensation was like when a person fell asleep on their arm, causing it to go numb and feel like it wasn¡¯t a part of their body. That sensation was what Chu Liang was feeling, except it was all over his body; he wasn¡¯t able to move at all. Fortunately, this stiffness would onlyst for a duration of three breaths.


    Meanwhile, the ck-robed figure was horrified to find that his soul had inexplicably entered Chu Liang''s body. However, the beam of darkness that the Netherworld Codex emitted was already shining on what was now his body.


    The Netherworld Codex absorbed the ck-robed figure¡¯s soul before the duration of three full breaths had even passed by. In other words, he died.


    With his death, the Soul-Piercing Nail, which had been formed using his divine abilities, disintegrated, allowing Song Qingyi to regain her mobility. She then rushed to Chu Liang''s side.


    After the duration of three breaths passed by, Chu Liang''s soul swiftly returned to his body, bringing an end to this thrilling and perilous soul-swapping journey.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    In the wake of the ck-robed figure¡¯s death, the ck jade book dropped to the ground, and the mes of the ck candles in the formation went out in session.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and picked up the ck jade book. As he touched it, he sensed an intense aura of death, and an indescribable feeling surged within him. The enchanted tools of the Dark King Sect were indeed dark and creepy.


    He then reached into the ck-robed figure''s robes in search of the Diabolical cultivator¡¯s possessions. Chu Liang found a dark gold token engraved with the words "Soul Subjugator" and several small porcin bottles that presumably contained a variety of supernatural beings...


    Song Qingyi, whose tears had yet to dry, was bbergasted when she saw Chu Liang¡¯s actions.


    "What... What are you doing?" she asked.


    "Just searching the corpse," Chu Liang exined calmly.


    "I know, but..."


    Song Qingyi knew that Chu Liang was searching the corpse, and she knew it was standard procedure after killing an enemy.


    <i>But... how did you know it is a corpse?</i>


    There were various signs indicated that the ck-robed figure was indeed dead, but it seemed way too abrupt. Her eyes were still brimming with tears, and she had no idea what had just happened. Moreover, Chu Liang had just managed to escape death. How could he be that calm and immediately proceed to search the body?


    In any case, the situation just seemed strange to her. Song Qingyi thought about it for quite a while, but there was something she couldn¡¯t figure out.


    Ultimately, she asked, "How did he die?"


    "He most likely lost control or something went wrong while he was using his divine ability," Chu Liang replied without hesitation.


    There was no need for him to mention that he¡¯d used a Soul-Swap Spell... as it might just cause Song Qingyi to get suspicious.


    Of course, he wasn¡¯t being serious when he mentioned the possibility of the Diabolical cultivator dying because he''d lost control. He knew Song Qingyi wasn''t foolish and wouldn''t believe that. However, by giving her this exnation, Chu Liang implied that there were things he didn''t want to reveal.


    As he expected, Song Qingyi didn''t continue pursuing the matter. Nevertheless, Chu Liang''s evasion only solidified her conjecture that it was indeed Chu Liang who had killed the ck-robed figure.


    Despite only being at the level of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, Chu Liang had stealthily killed a Diabolical cultivator who had reached the Golden Core Realm... This realization left Song Qingyi indescribably shocked.


    Chu Liang removed the ck-robed figure''s robe and revealed the face of an ordinary-looking middle-aged man of around thirty to forty years old.


    At first nce, it was unimaginable that this man would be a Diabolical cultivator who had no regard for human life. It was also hard to believe that this was the face behind that hoarse, elderly voice.


    The reason behind this strangeness was that Diabolical cultivators usually employed secret techniques to conceal their appearance and alter their voice. So, it might be that their true appearance could only be seen once they were dead.


    Chu Liang lifted the corpse and searched it thoroughly, then he ced it back down and proceeded to remove the corpse¡¯s shoes.


    After that, Chu Liang said, "Ms. Song, let¡¯s do a 50-50 split of whatever gains can be earned from theseter."


    "N-No, there¡¯s no need for that..." Song Qingyi replied, hurriedly waving her hand. "I¡¯m already extremely grateful that you came all the way here to rescue me. Whatever gains there are, you can keep them."


    "Oh, I couldn¡¯t do that..." Chu Liang expressed with a slight smile.


    Song Qingyi looked at the young man smiling gently in front of her, and she was suddenly a bit dazed.


    Chu Liang was a well-mannered gentleman, yet he was also the foul-mouth from before. Now, that same foul-mouthed gentleman was happily searching a corpse... Song Qingyi found him rather unpredictable.


    Then Chu Liang reached into the ck-robed figure''s boots and found a stack of silver banknotes. He pulled them out and stuffed them into his pocket without hesitation.


    He even muttered, "I need to hurry. I don''t have much time left."


    "Huh?" Song Qingyi grew nervous again when she heard that. "Are there more enemiesing?"


    "No..." Chu Liang shook his head. "But it won''t be long before my teacher arrives."


    A sharp cry of a bird rang out just before Chu Liang finished his sentence.


    It seemed like a phoenix was soaring high above the heavens, and its cry resonated throughout the four seas. The birds within a radius of a hundred li felt an overwhelming pressure¡ªan instinctual fear that ran down to the bone. Those in flight dropped to the ground involuntarily, while those on the ground couldn''t help but gaze at the sky in worship.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The sound of a massive explosion suddenly reverberated throughout Yanjiao City. A mushroom cloud rose from the riverside, apanied by billowing smoke. The heavens and the earth shook.


    After quite a while, silence finally returned to the area. However, the thatched grass huts, riverbank, and grasnds... were all gone. In their ce was just an enormous and deste crater.


    However, there was a small spot in the crater that had been left untouched. Song Qingyi¡¯s eyes widened with confusion when she saw what was standing on it.


    Chu Liang stood up helplessly with his gaze fixed ahead. He was shocked.


    In the center of the crater, amidst the dust and smoke, stood what appeared to be a human figure engulfed in mes. Adorning their back was a pair of colossal wings crafted from zing fire, boasting a wingspan of one zhang.


    The fire wings were retracted with a whoosh. The wind blew away the dust, revealing Di Nufeng and her apathetic gaze. Dressed in a ck robe with a redpel, her tall figure had an incrediblymanding presence. She seemed like a raging inferno, yet she also seemed like an iceberg.


    Held in Di Nufeng¡¯s right hand was the back of Lin Bei¡¯s shirt cor. She was carrying him as if carrying a chick by the neck. Lin Bei¡¯s eyes had rolled back, and his face had turned a dark reddish purple. It appeared that Di Nufeng¡¯s flying speed had been too much for him to handle.


    Di Nufeng scanned her surroundings with a cold gaze for a moment before throwing Lin Bei onto the ground.


    She asked, "Where¡¯s the enemy?"


    "Teacher..." Chu Liang said, "The enemy is already dead..."


    "Oh. They''re dead?"


    Di Nufeng immediately rxed. She shook her head and reverted to her usualzy demeanor. She took a few glugs from her wine gourd, and her murderous aura dissipated entirely.


    The heavy pressure weighing on her surroundings suddenly lifted. That was when Chu Liang¡¯s tense shoulders finally loosened up. Meanwhile, Song Qingyi, who hadn¡¯t dared to even exhale this whole time, finally let out a sigh of relief.


    The terrifying pressure and world-destroying presence from earlier were merely the aftereffects of Di Nufeng¡¯snding. Her aura was so powerful that it had made even Chu Liang, who had known that it belonged to his teacher who wasing to his rescue, instinctively hold his breath.


    Thebat mode of an Eminent one, who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm, was truly terrifying. The pressure of just one nce from her could suffocate anyone!


    Di Nufeng walked over with long strides. Her snow-white thighs were faintly discernible from the side without the full cover of her robe.


    She walked over to the ck-robed figure and kicked him twice.


    "Indeed, he¡¯s dead. I thought there¡¯d be a fight," she said, sounding rather disappointed. Then she looked at Chu Liang and asked, "So, the two of you killed a Diabolical cultivator who is at the level of the Golden Core Realm?"


    Chu Liang had no intention of revealing the secret of the White Pagoda to anyone until he understood it fully. He trusted his teacher somewhat, but he didn''t see the need to share it with her either.


    So, he replied, "The circumstances of this person''s death are quite odd. I''m more inclined to think it was a set up..."

 Chapter 32: Undercover

    <h4>Chapter 32: Undercover</h4>


    Clear white clouds drifted across the sky, and the bright sunlight bathed the sea of clouds, bestowing a tranquil and serene atmosphere upon Mount Shu.


    For those who had recently confronted a life-threatening ordeal, the beauty of the scene was all the more enchanting.


    Upon returning to Mount Shu and taking a brief rest, Chu Liang resumed his busy day around noon.


    His first stop was the White Pagoda, where he discovered that the cage was empty.


    Two potential exnations arose: either the White Pagoda didn''t bestow rewards for vanquishing the ck-robed man, as it had a history of only rewarding for the elimination of demons and monsters, or, despite his use of the Soul-Swap Spell, the ck-robed man''s actions were technically deemed as suicide, and thus an imprint wasn¡¯t supplied.


    The correct answer would have to await further verification in the future.


    Nheless, this venture was not entirely fruitless. Chu Liang had obtained several small items from the ck-robed man that warranted further examination.


    Although he hadn''t been rewarded for killing a human, he had possibly gained more from this, for humans were inherently distinct from evil entities. Each practitioner essentially represented a chest of riches.


    Even though the enchanted artifacts of a cultivator who followed the Diabolical path were often malevolent and sinister, providing little use to him, he could still derive value from these items. The Mount Shu Sect rewarded disciples with sword coins for surrendering diabolical artifacts, so these items were not without purpose.


    He began by unsealing the small porcin bottles containing captive ghosts.


    The most formidable defensive assets of the Dark King Sect''s disciples were the ghosts they had refined and summoned. From Chu Liang''s perspective, while he couldn''t control these spirits, he could dispel them individually with a single stroke of his sword, guiding them towards the cycle of reincarnation. Simultaneously, he could exchange this aplishment for rewards at the White Pagoda. This way, he intended to reap substantial gains!


    However, upon uncorking the porcin bottle, his anticipation quickly turned into disappointment.


    It appeared that the ck-robed man had casted a curse during the process of refining the ghosts, ensuring their loyalty and obedience. With his demise, all these ghosts had dissipated.


    <i>What a pity...</i>


    Chu Liang sighed silently.


    Every one of the small porcin bottles proved to be empty, leaving a sense of emptiness in his heart.


    There were some materials associated with the Diabolical cultivation methods, which Chu Liang was not familiar with. He had a feeling that these materials wouldn''t be of any use to him, and he''d probably need to hand them over to the Hall of Weapons.


    Then there was the infamous dark and malicious artifact known as the Netherworld Codex, which elevated one''s cultivation through acts of murder. It was a profoundly sinister artifact.


    As Chu Liangid his hand on the book, he could sense the anguished cries of the souls trapped within it. It was evident that this was something he had no intention of using.


    There was also a small pouch that the ck-robed man had carefully preserved.


    When Chu Liang unfastened it, he discovered three small hollow dark copper spheres, each roughly the size of a walnut. They felt extremely cold to the touch, emanating a palpable aura of dread.


    <i>This must be some sort of evil enchanted artifact.</i>


    <i>I''ll ask my teacher about itter.</i>


    Finally, there was the dark gold token bearing the inscription "Soul Subjugator," which also appeared to be an enchanted artifact.


    Chu Liang struggled to discern the purpose of this item. Nevertheless, considering the original owner had perished, he felt there wasn''t much risk in experimenting with it. To understand this item, he sent a strand of his divine sense into the item.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    His divine sense sank into the token, revealing a dim and shadowy space.


    Within this space, there were no living entities, only several lines of golden text suspended in the void. It appeared to be an enchanted device designed for transmitting information.


    [Fiend]: "I have achieved a breakthrough and reached the third level of the Realm of the Five Elements. For my forting cultivation, I require the Profound Netherworld Essence or any demonic creatures from the Netherseas... As you all journey through the world, kindly be vignt and on the lookout for these resources."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Congrattions, Esteemed Fiend! We will do our utmost to locate them for you."


    [Sixtieth]: "Congrattions, Esteemed Fiend! As your subordinate, I will try my best."


    [Fiend]: "<i>Eh?</i> Why hasn''t Fifty-Eighth replied for such a long time? Did something bad happen?"


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "It''s been another two hours. Did something happen to Fifty-Eighth?"


    [Fiend]: "Fifty-Eighth, if you see this message, please respond."


    Chu Liang read the messages carefully and recalled a particr type of enchanted device he had heard before. Such a device served as an interdimensional domain for housing souls. Through the connection of their souls, a limited number of individuals could transmit information across space.


    The Mount Shu Sect didn''t have expertise in soul-rted techniques andcked enchanted artifacts that could function as interdimensional soul domains. Consequently, Chu Liang had never seen such a device before. The disciples of the Dark King Sect, Diabolical cultivators who specialized in soul-rted techniques, often possessed such artifacts as part of their practices.


    However, there appeared to be only these four individuals within the interdimensional soul domain.


    The person going by Fiend, along with Fifty-Eighth, Fifty-Ninth, and Sixtieth, seemed to form a group. Just by their names, it seemed obvious that Fiend was probably the leader.


    Since Fifty-Eighth didn''t respond, it implied that the token belonged to him.


    <i>What should I do?</i>


    <i>Should I respond?</i>


    Since there was no imminent danger, and it seemed unlikely they could reach him through the interdimensional soul domain to cause harm, Chu Liang decided to take a chance and give it a try.


    Carefully, he sent a response using his divine sense.


    In the span of a heartbeat, that message materialized within the domain.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Esteemed Fiend, Congrattions! As your subordinate, I''ll do everything I can to locate them for you."


    The more he talked, the higher the chance he''d mess up. When unsure, he tended to just agree with the previous statement; responding with a simple "me too" seemed like the safest bet.


    Since there weren''t any responses, Chu Liang set the Soul Subjugator Token aside and proceeded to organize the other items.


    Soon, he felt the Soul Subjugator Token vibrate.


    <i>Wow. It even vibrates.</i>


    He picked it up and saw a new reply in the interdimensional soul domain.


    [Fiend]: "What were you doing earlier? Were you in danger?"


    Upon seeing the leader''s inquiry, Chu Liang paused for a moment. He didn''t have much time to think, as prolonged silence would raise suspicion. Yet, saying the wrong thing could also draw attention.


    He needed a reasonable exnation for his prolonged absence.


    However, he didn''t know much about this "Fifty-Eighth," and lying could potentially reveal inconsistencies.


    He thought about it and decided to tell the truth.


    "I was in a fight earlier. I managed to capture a Confucian cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm and sessfully trapped her soul within the Netherworld Codex."


    [Fiend]: "A Confucian cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm? Excellent. If you managed to refine that soul, it would be able to move freely during the day and be of great help to you."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Impressive."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I wish I had that kind of luck."


    [Fiend]: "Fifty-Eighth has extensive experience in the martial world. It''s more than just luck. The two of you should learn from him."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Yes. Yes."


    Chu Liang managed to fool them with a simple lie and quickly exited the interdimensional soul domain.


    Clearly, the one referred to as Fiend had already achieved the third stage in the Realm of the Five Elements. He was definitely considered a powerful cultivator in the Dark King Sect. The one referred to as Fifty-Ninth seemed to be rather idle. He was always ready to respond and appeared to have a lot of free time. The one referred to as Sixtieth rarely appeared and Chu Liang didn¡¯t know much about them.


    Following the brief exchange, Chu Liang resolved to report this matter to his teacher.


    When he arrived at the pavilion, Di Nufeng was awake, which was a rare urrence. She was immersed in a popr romantic picture book. These stories featured lovesick characters, and it was somewhat surprising to envision a valiant woman like her engrossed in such tales.


    "Teacher, I have something to report," Chu Liang politely greeted her.


    "What is it?" Di Nufeng asked in a casual manner, putting the book aside.


    "These are the enchanted artifacts I retrieved from the ck-robed individual." Chu Liang presented the three dark copper spheres and inquired, "I''m not familiar with these items. Can I keep them?"


    "Oh?" Di Nufeng cast a casual nce at them and remarked, "These are Shadowburst Thunder Bombs."


    "Shadowburst Thunder Bombs?"


    "They¡¯re small toys that can cause an explosion while inducing fear." Di Nufeng exined.


    She then went on, "I can''t believe that guy at the Golden Core Realm had three of these! Clearly, he kept them as life-saving measures. You can use them, and you should be able to exchange them for some sword coins at the Sword Exchange Pavilion. The decision is yours."


    "I understand," Chu Liang nodded, then continued, "There''s another matter I need to report."


    He proceeded to provide Di Nufeng with a brief ount of his experience when entering the interdimensional soul domain.


    "Oh?" Di Nufeng was immediately captivated, sitting up more attentively.


    "A few days ago, Immortal Jiuyi from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals engaged in a fierce fight with the Left Guardian and Right Guardian of the Dark King Sect. The White Silver King was killed, and the Violet Gold Marquess managed to escape with severe injuries. The Violet Gold Marquess'' subordinates consist of eight Guiders, twenty-four Fiends, and seventy-two Soul Subjugators..."


    "In the past, he relied on these Soul Subjugators to capture souls, harm the innocent, and enhance his cultivation. The ck-robed individual should be one of these Soul Subjugators."


    "Each Guider oversees three Fiends, and each Fiend supervises three Soul Subjugators; that''s the structure under the Violet Gold Marquess."


    "The interdimensional soul domain is formed by everyone leaving a fragment of their soul seed entwined to create a formation, enabling long-distancemunication. However... if one person''s soul dissipates, this soul-subjugating token should no longer be able to ess the soul domain. I''ve never heard of anyone being able to rece the previous owner of the token after killing a Soul Subjugator from the Dark King Sect..."


    Di Nufeng appeared somewhat perplexed.


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and suggested, "Is it possible that even though the Soul Subjugator died, his soul didn''t truly dissipate... Perhaps he made an error while activating the incantation and inadvertently ensnared himself within the Netherworld Codex..."


    Chu Liang then retrieved the Netherworld Codex and presented it to Di Nufeng.


    In fact, upon further thought, it was clear that the secretmunication method employed by a Diabolical sect could not be simply used by anyone. Under normal circumstances, if a Soul Subjugator died, their token would immediately lose its function.


    A situation like that of Fifty-Eighth should be considered extremely rare.


    Di Nufeng examined the codex and roughly understood the situation.


    Suddenly, a smile appeared on her face.


    "Nice..."


    "Give this Netherworld Codex to the Hall of Weapons so that all the innocent living souls, except the soul of that Soul Subjugator, can be released and dispelled."


    "As for you, you should lurk within that interdimensional soul domain and try your best to blend in..."


    "The Violet Gold Marquess is now in hiding with severe injuries. The Righteous cultivators are not the only ones seeking him. Within the ranks of the Diabolical cultivators, there''s a frenzy of infighting and bloodshed. He doesn''t dare to return to the Dark King Sect and must be hiding somewhere..."


    "If you manage to infiltrate a faction that is directly subservient to him, there''s a chance you might uncover his hiding ce..."


    "When I, your teacher, single-handedly eliminate the Violet Gold Marquess, it will be a tremendous achievement. At that time, what can Wang Xuanling, that old man, do to rival me?"


    As Di Nufeng indulged in fantasies of a glorious future, her smile grew even more unrestrained.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, sensed a heavy burden on his shoulders.


    <i>Comrade Chu Liang, your mission is to remain undercover!</i>


    "Esteemed Teacher, if you were to kill the Right Guardian of the Dark King Sect, would the sect offer substantial rewards?" Chu Liang inquired cautiously.


    "Fear not, my dear. Any rewards thate our way will be divided with a 70-30 split, and you will certainly receive your due," Di Nufeng replied with a shaky chuckle. Herughter gradually turned eerie, "<i>Hehehehehehe...</i>"

 Chapter 33: The Three Problems of Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 33: The Three Problems of Mount Shu</h4>


    In the Mount Shu Sect, a well-known saying revolves around the Three Problems of Mount Shu. These three problems represent the shared desires of themunity: mahjong, hotpot, and Di Nufeng[1].


    In the southwesternnds, mahjong was a renowned pastime, and the Mount Shu Sect was no exception to this tradition.


    In the past, the Mount Shu Sect was infamous among the sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten for their love for mahjong. During the peak of the Mount Shu Sect''s influence, when they were at the forefront of the other sects in the immortal realm, there were even those who questioned whether mahjong could somehow enhance one''s cultivation¡ªa notion that was rather absurd.


    As the Mount Shu Sect''s influence waned, the sect''s leaders began imposing restrictions on leisure activities that often led to the neglect of cultivation. Despite these restrictions, people continued to indulge in mahjong.


    Even now, mahjong continued to be one of the most beloved pastimes within the Mount Shu Sect, kept in check to ensure it didn''t be excessive.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, which took ce every decade, in addition to formal events like various peakpetitions, there were also entertainment activities such as the Mount Shu Mahjong Tournament, the Flying Sword Racing Competition, the Spirit Pet Combat Tournament, and more. Among these, the mahjong tournament consistently stood out as the most intense in terms of entertainment.


    As for hotpot, it enjoyed poprity in the southwesternnds, and the Mount Shu Sect was no exception to this culinary trend.


    But why has hotpot be a problem?


    This problem stemmed from the all-epassing nature of hotpot dining, encapsted by the saying within the Mount Shu Sect that anything could be cooked in a hotpot.


    Over time, the hotpot at Mount Shu had developed two distinct characteristics: <i>The spicier, the better</i> and <i>the more exotic, the better</i>.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect embraced an anything-goes mentality when it came to hotpot ingredients. Birds, beasts, demons, and monsters¡ªall had found their way into the hotpot.


    There was a time when Mount Shu disciplespeted fiercely, trying to catch rare demonic creatures to spice up their hotpot experience.


    It became a case of "Today, dragon liver; tomorrow, phoenix marrow," and things got out of hand. With each esction, more demonic creatures ended up in the hotpot.


    In those days, there was a saying that disciples of the Mount Shu Sect would consume anything.


    While disciples of other sects contemted whether to sell or y demonic creatures when they encountered them, disciples of Mount Shu pondered whether to prepare them in spicy oil or a clear broth.


    Ultimately, the sect leader intervened and issued a decree to stop this hical behavior, putting an end to the practice.


    The first two issues had persisted for a considerable period, but the third problem, Di Nufeng, was a rtively recent addition.


    When Di Nufeng was young, she had been a tyrant at Mount Shu, disying arrogance and frequently bullying others. Regrettably, she also happened to be an exceptional fighter. Consequently, many of the disciples in her cohort fell victim to her bullying.


    When she vied for the position of peak masterter on, she had garnered no support from her peers. Nevertheless, they were powerless against her, given that she had attained the cultivation level of the Dao Attainment Realm.


    Most of the thirty-six peak masters in the Mount Shu Sect were at the sixth realm of cultivation, known as the Transcendence Realm. Only around ten disciples had attained the level of Dao Attainment Realm. In terms ofbat strength alone, Di Nufeng would rank among the top three rather than the top ten.


    In fact, not a single one of the peak masters had ever dared to im that they could defeat Di Nufeng.


    Fortunately, since Di Nufeng assumed the role of peak master, she had exhibited greater restraint. In recent years, reports of Di Nufeng causing disturbances had be infrequent, to the extent that some younger disciples were unaware of why she was regarded as one of the three problems in the Mount Shu Sect.


    ...


    On this particr day, a few young disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were engaged in a game of mahjong, relishing hotpot, and engaging in conversation about Di Nufeng.


    "Boss, are you seriously considering a direct confrontation with him? You mustn''t do that!" eximed Lackey A.


    Within a wooden cabin on Cloud Horizon Peak, a pot of simmering spicy oil filled the air with a tantalizing aroma as slices of meat and fishballs floated in it, bobbing up and down.


    Lackey B deftly scooped a spoonful of beef tripe, skillfully maneuvered the meat with his chopsticks, and then transferred it into his bowl.


    Shang Ziliang sat upright, a deep frown etched across his face, and his expression radiated sadness and worry as he inquired, "Why can''t I do that? Haven''t you investigated already? Chu Liang is merely a low-level cultivator at the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. I have already reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, and I am currently in the process of forming my Golden Core. I''m on the verge of a breakthrough. If I were to confront him directly, I would surely emerge victorious, wouldn''t I?"


    Shang Ziliang had previously observed Xu Ziqing and Chu Liang appearing unusually close in the Hall of Weapons. A peculiar scent seemed to linger on both of them, further fueling his suspicions.


    Following some thorough investigation, he uncovered that the two had recently embarked on a mission together, forming a strong bond during their journey. Shang Ziliang felt so agitated that he contemted paying Chu Liang a visit to warn him to stay away from Xu Ziqing.


    "Boss..." Lackey A advised, "The only detail you''re aware of is Chu Liang''s status as a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, but you should also know that his teacher is Di Nufeng!"


    As for Lackey B, he was busy scooping up a generous portion of fatty beef, expertly dipping it into sesame sauce, and relishing the vors.


    Shang Ziliang retorted, "And so what if his teacher is Di Nufeng? My father is a peak master. Do you think my father will be intimidated by her?"


    Lackey A fell silent for a moment. However, the look in his eyes left no room for doubt... Shang Ziliang''s father might indeed be fearful of Di Nufeng.


    Among the various peak masters, Shang Ziliang''s father, Shang Shuwen, didn''t stand out for his cultivation prowess. He was known for his schrly and gentle nature, a stark contrast to Di Nufeng, who was almost hisplete opposite...


    "If it were any other peak master, they might show some respect for your father and spare you from any trouble. But Di Nufeng... has never shown anyone respect. If you provoke her, who knows what might happen?" advised Lackey A, who was genuinely concerned.


    As for Lackey B, he was busy scooping up a few pieces of tofu and yellow croaker.


    "Then what do you suggest we do?" Shang Ziliang inquired.


    "Boss, the fear of his teacher is not the only reason we are avoiding a confrontation. If you visit him without a valid cause, order him to stay away from Junior Sister Ziqing, and if things escte to a physical altercation... In any light, our actions wouldn¡¯t be justified," Lackey A said, analyzing in aposed manner. Then he advised, "In my opinion, it''s safer to handle this discreetly."


    Lackey B had just scooped up arge piece of vegetable from the pot.


    "Act discreetly? But I still want to warn him. How can we achieve this discreetly?" Shang Ziliang frowned as he contemted.


    Lackey A suggested, "By employing a bit of schemes, we can make him suffer. Then, we''ll send him a warning message, stating that if he ever approaches Junior Sister Ziqing again, he will suffer even more... This way, our identities will stay concealed. Even if his teacher decides to advocate for him, she won''t be able to find us. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Lackey B rose from his seat and scooped up some remaining meat from the bottom of the pot.


    Shang Ziliang chuckled and asked, "That works. How do you propose we make him suffer?"


    Lackey A smiled and replied, "I thought about this already, Boss. Do you remember Baize?"


    Observing the sly expression on Lackey A''s countenance, Shang Ziliang momentarily froze. Then, a knowing smile adorned his face as heplimented, "You are exceptionally smart."


    In a few brief exchanges, the two devised their n. Shang Ziliang''s mood improved, and his appetite returned. He reached for his chopsticks, preparing to serve himself some food...


    But to his surprise, the pot was empty.


    "<i>Eh?</i> Where did the food go?" he asked.


    "Yeah! Where did the food go?" Lackey A also hadn''t noticed.


    "I have no idea," Lackey B, appearing puzzled, shook his head and remarked, "I feel like the food vanished even before we started eating."


    ...


    Chu Liang returned to his cabin and engaged in meditation and energy cirction for a while. Even with the Large-Headed Doll in his possession, he persisted in his cultivation whenever he had spare moments. After all, real and diligent cultivation was of utmost importance.


    Approximately four hourster, he retrieved the Soul Subjugator Token to check for any new messages.


    It seemed that when the person known as Fiend remained silent, the interdimensional soul domain would be exceedingly quiet.


    It made sense, considering that these ruthless Diabolical cultivators typically operated in the shadows and focused on life-or-death matters. They shouldn''t have much time for leisure or casual interactions.


    Chu Liang then noticed a letter on the stone table outside, presumably delivered while he was cultivating.


    He reached out to retrieve the letter. Upon opening it, he found only two lines of small text.


    <i>Senior Brother Chu, I will be waiting for you at the Treasure Pagoda Peak...</i>


    <i>Xu Ziqing.</i>


    "<i>Eh?</i>" When Chu Liang saw this letter, he was confused.


    <i>Did Xu Ziqing write this letter?</i> He thought to himself.


    <i>If Junior Sister Xu really wrote this letter, then...</i> Chu Liang pondered and continued, <i>She has really ugly handwriting.</i>


    1. There is a joke here that cannot be tranted. Author is saying that there are three things that disciples love to ´ò, which means beat up. "´ò mahjong" means ying mahjong. So the author is really saying ying mahjong, eating hotpot and beating up Di Nufeng. ?

 Chapter 34: The Baize Youngling

    <h4>Chapter 34: The Baize Youngling</h4>


    There were many mountain peaks in Mount Shu, but only the thirty-six peaks with established history made it into Mount Shu''s official list of peaks. Over a hundred more deste peaks were hidden amid the endless sea of clouds shrouding Mount Shu.


    Treasured Pagoda Peak was one of them. It was currently uninhabited, but it was actually one of Mount Shu''s most famous peaks. This was because Treasured Pagoda Peak used to house the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, the top-ranked divine artifact in the mortal realm!


    Five hundred years had passed by since the pagoda had disappeared, and this ce was now a scenic paradise covered in lush green hills, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls.


    Mount Shu''s current generation of disciples hadn''t even been born yet when the pagoda had been on the Treasured Pagoda Peak, so they hadn''t seen the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda in person. Nevertheless, they had seen drawings of it.


    The drawings depicted an incredibly majestic and massive bronze pagoda standing tall between the heavens and the earth. A chilling wind raged around it, and a wave of demons stormed overhead. Nevertheless, the pagoda managed to suppress it all. It was just like a miracle.


    That massive bronze pagoda had brought glory to Mount Shu for thousands of years. However, the Treasure Pagoda Peak was now a ce filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, and Mount Shu was no longer the same as before.


    While Chu Liang gazed at the scenery around him, he couldn''t help but feel moved.


    As for why Xu Ziqing had invited him here, he didn''t think much about it. He didn''t know the reason why, but of course, he had toe meet her purely out of courtesy.


    Nevertheless, he thought there was something odd about the letter she''d sent him. It was quite possible that Xu Ziqing hadn''t written it. Perhaps it was someone else ying a prank. In that case,ing here meant he''d be able to find out who was behind it.


    Chu Liang wasn''t behaving recklessly. He just wasn''t particrly worried that someone would want to harm him. After all, he didn''t have any enemies among the immortal sects.


    Besides... this was Mount Shu, and his teacher was Di Nufeng. She didn''t do much for him, but she did make him feel really safe. There was a general consensus among those at Mount Shu that Di Nufeng''s disciple was a pretty decent guy as he didn''t torment others. So, who would dare change that by provoking him?


    With these thoughts in mind, Chu Liangnded on the ground and surveyed his surroundings.


    Suddenly, he heard a series of hasty footsteps from the forest ahead. It didn''t sound like the footsteps of a human but rather some kind of wild beast.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang observed that area with some vignce. Soon after, he saw a majestic white figure darting out of the forest!


    This figure was about seven and a half chi tall, with apletely silver-white body. It had a head like that of a dragon, antlers like that of a deer, and a neck covered in a pure white mane. It also had a long tail like that of a tiger and hooves like that of a horse. The white scales all over its body glistened in the sunlight.


    "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>" the creature cried out.


    Its scream was simr to that of a deer. The creature ran out from the forest at an incredibly fast speed like a streak of silver lightning!


    Chu Liang paused for a second to get a good look at the creature.


    He uttered bewilderedly, "Baize?"


    Indeed. This creature was a youngling of Baize, Mount Shu''s guardian celestial beast.


    He had no time to react. The streak of silver lightning charged straight at him! There was no way he could evade it in time!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    ...


    "Yeah!"


    On arge tree in the distance, there were three figures covered in leaves and tree bark quietly letting out cheers. They were Shang Ziliang and his twockeys.


    Upon seeing the celestial beast Baize collide with Chu Liang, Shang Ziliang grinned triumphantly.


    "<i>Hehe.</i> Even if Di Nufeng is powerful, would she dare to provoke Baize?" he said.


    "Boss, be careful," Lackey A whispered as he crouched down. "It could be dangerous if Baize picks up on our trail."


    "Of course, I know," Shang Ziliang replied in annoyance.


    They had decided to lure Chu Liang to this ce because of the great defeat they had suffered recently.


    Every major immortal sect had a guardian celestial beast. These celestial beasts were manifestations of the Great Dao of the world. They were devoted and powerful, and they had long lifespans. Once they established an agreement with a sect, they usually protected it for thousands of years.


    For the Mount Shu Sect, their guardian celestial beast was Baize. Of course, it wasn''t the one before them now. An adult Baize understood humannguage, knew the bnce of yin and yang, couldmunicate with supernatural beings, and possessed celestial power. It was an entity that was quite simr to a deity.


    The ancient Baize guarding Mount Shu had been responsible for overseeing the Demon-Suppression Pagoda. When the pagoda went missing, the ancient Baize was ridden with guilt. It had been cultivating in seclusion for many years since then, without ever emerging.


    The one they were looking at now was Baize''s offspring, a youngling that was almost six hundred years old.


    That''s right. For celestial beasts that had extremely long lifespans, a hundred years was likely equivalent to just one year for humans. So, this youngling was indeed just a child.


    Guardian Peak was a peak that Mount Shu had specially assigned as an abode for its celestial beasts. Disciples were prohibited from visiting and disturbing the celestial beasts, and the celestial beasts generally would not leave that peak.


    Despite that...


    A few days ago, Shang Ziliang and his twockeys were bored, so they went to Treasured Pagoda Peak for fun. However, the moment they arrived, they faced a frenzy of attacks from the Baize youngling.


    Even if they dared to retaliate against this creature that Mount Shu greatly valued and protected... they wouldn''t be able to do so at all because all Baize were born with a level of power that was almost equivalent to that of the fifth realm.


    Consequently, what came next became a painful memory...


    The Baize youngling violently trampled on the three of them and sent them flying with a hit from its antlers.


    Upon returning to Cloud Horizon Peak, all they could do for a good four to five days was sleep on their stomach.


    Afterward, Shang Ziliang asked his father about it and found out that recently, the Baize youngling had been going to Treasured Pagoda Peak every month, where it would run around for a few days. Additionally, when it was on the peak, no one could approach the peak, as the youngling would be extremely aggressive.


    Shang Ziliang could only ept that he had been unfortunate. That was why he and his twockeys were so ted to see someone else experience the misfortune they had gone through.


    However... the three men''s joyous expressions onlysted a moment before slowly stiffening and then... turning into expressions filled with astonishment and disbelief. They seemed to have seen an unfathomable scene.


    Shang Ziliang''s eyes were filled with confusion as he muttered, "Did something go wrong?"


    bbergasted, Lackey A said, "I don''t understand."


    Lackey B didn''t say a word, but he too had a confused gaze.


    All three of them wore baffled expressions.


    ...


    "Baize..."


    The moment the Baize youngling pounced on him, Chu Liang felt that something was amiss.


    This was his first time encountering this celestial beast, but every disciple of the Mount Shu Sect had been taught from a young age that the celestial beast Baize was the sect''s most precious friend and that they should never harm it.


    So, even if the youngling were to attack Chu Liang, he could only suffer in silence. Moreover, the youngling''s speed and strength far surpassed his own. So, there was no way for him to fight back anyway...


    Chu Liang fell to the ground. He even closed his eyes in preparation for the painful experience that was toe.


    Yet, there was no pain. Instead, he felt something hot and sticky on his face.


    <i>Lick, lick...</i>


    When Chu Liang opened his eyes again, he saw a long pink tongue.


    <i>That iparably majestic Baize... is licking my face?</i>


    Moreover, at close range, he could see that the youngling had an unconceble sense of excitement in its eyes, as well as a strong sense of familiarity. It was as if the youngling knew him.


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang was a bit puzzled.


    <i>It can''t be that the youngling is just pretending to be close to me... but I''ve never met it before. Moreover, even if I did encounter it by chance, what could I have possibly done to earn the favor of a celestial beast?</i>


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and came up with the most likely possibility.


    <i>Could it be because... I''m quite handsome?</i>


    "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>" the youngling let out a cheerful cry.


    <i>It seems like it''s trying to talk to me...?</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t understand thenguage of beasts, so it was hard for him to grasp the youngling''s intentions. The only response he could give was to rub its neck with his hand.


    "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>"


    The young Baize happily ran around Chu Liang twice. Then it approached him and lowered its head and upper body.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang murmured, furrowing his brows.


    <i>Could it be that it wants me to ride on its back?</i>


    Celestial beasts rarely allowed humans to ride them. If a celestial beast permitted a human to do so, then it meant the celestial beast had acknowledged them as worthy.


    Faced with this rare opportunity and the youngling''s enthusiasm, Chu Liang couldn''t refuse. So, he got up and slowly approached it.


    Fearing that he might have misinterpreted the youngling''s intentions, he moved slowly and cautiously. This way, he could immediately retreat... if the youngling suddenly turned hostile.


    <i>I''ll just pet it. I won''t get on.</i>


    Fortunately, it seemed that he had understood the youngling''s intentions correctly.


    Chu Liang eventually climbed onto the youngling''s back, and once he was seated properly...


    "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>" the youngling cried out cheerfully again.


    It stood up and straightened its legs, immediately breaking into a run!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In an instant, the youngling was running as fast as lightning. Its speed surpassed that of Chu Liang''s flying sword at full power several times over. In the blink of an eye, they had already charged into the dense forest ahead.


    The surrounding trees appeared as if they were rushing past them, heading in the opposite direction. The passing scenery was just a blur in Chu Liang''s eyes.


    Then he suddenly felt like he was leaping, and a silver waterfall appeared before him! This was the enormous waterfall on Treasured Pagoda Peak!


    Legend had it that after the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda went missing, it left in its ce a massive crater, whichter turned into ake.


    The waterfall Chu Liang was looking at cascaded vertically into the middle of thatke, producing a powerful rumble like that of thunder.


    Theke was now within Chu Liang''s sights, but the youngling was still showing no sign of slowing down. Instead, it suddenly charged straight toward the waterfall ahead.


    "Hey!" Chu Liang couldn''t help but call out.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    As the sound of the waterfall drowned Chu Liang''s ears, the youngling carried him straight into the waterfall. What he saw beyond the curtain of water was not a mountain wall but an empty cave.


    It turned out a whole other world was hidden here!


    <i>So, it''s a waterfall cave?</i>


    They had passed through a dense forest and entered a water-curtain cave, but the journey wasn''t over yet... It appeared that the youngling wanted to take Chu Liang to the end of the cave.


    The pitch-ck cave before them seemed like an abyss. Nevertheless, the youngling moved speedily, continuing to charge forward with Chu Liang on its back.


    They traversed countless li in the blink of an eye. Then they saw a gap in the cave wall. The youngling leaped once more.


    Chu Liang finally saw the end of this waterfall cave. It was a cavern, and within it was...


    <i>A woman?</i>

 Chapter 35: The Levitating Youth and the Noodle-Slurping Girl

    <h4>Chapter 35: The Levitating Youth and the Noodle-Slurping Girl</h4>


    <i>Gurgle, gurgle.</i>


    The sound of gurgling echoed through the cave as red oil bubbled and sizzled in a small copper pot, filling the entire space with its tantalizing aroma.


    It was a girl. With her long hair loosely tied back, she sat beside the pot, holding arge bowl and slurping noodles. As she slurped a mouthful of noodles, a silver streak of lightning streaked into the cave, and she gazed up in astonishment.


    <i>Shocked.</i>


    This was the sight that greeted Chu Liang as he entered.


    The cave, hidden behind a waterfall, was not very spacious, yet it remained surprisingly dry. Its walls were adorned with luminescent jade stones, and a series of venttion openings ensured the cave was well-lit and airy.


    There were no borate furnishings in the cave, just a table with a copper pot and small wine cups, creating afortable atmosphere. Next to the table was a white stone bed with soft cushions.


    The strikingly beautiful woman had one foot on the ground while the other was curled up on the bed.


    She wrapped her left arm around her knees and held them close to her chest. At the same time, she clutched the chopsticks with her right hand and was just about to slurp down a mouthful of noodles. When Chu Liang charged into the cave, she was momentarily frozen in surprise, with her noodles suspended in midair.


    The noodles resembled the cascading waterfall outside.


    Her hair was elegantly tied back, with a few strands framing her ears. Her profile resembled an ink painting, with clear and delicate features, and her skin emitted a soft, radiant glow. Perhaps due to the spiciness of the food, her cheeks had a rosy tint.


    With each graceful movement, her long, slender legs hinted at her considerable height, while her figure remained impably proportioned. She was dressed in a light, white casual outfit that revealed no hint of excess fat. Her body''s alluring curves swayed gently, reminiscent of the meandering contours of mountains and rivers.


    She was a girl of extraordinary beauty. Even as she sat casually, with noodles in her mouth, and with an absent-minded gaze... her stunning beauty remained undiminished.


    Upon seeing everything clearly, Chu Liang realized he was still suspended in the air, with the young Baize creature carrying him in a leap.


    The levitating youngd and the noodle-slurping girl locked eyes for the first time ever.


    Then...


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The Baize younglingnded on the ground, clearly brimming with excitement. With Chu Liang still on its back, it approached the girl, joyfully prancing around her in pure delight.


    Thedy finally came back to her senses as she hastily slurped down a big mouthful of noodles.


    <i>Slurp~</i>


    Having finished that mouthful of noodles, she wiped her mouth before turning around.


    During this time, Chu Liang patted the Baize youngling on the neck, signaling it to stop. He then somersaulted to the ground,nding on his feet.


    The two of them exchanged a nce, both feeling a bit awkward.


    However, the Baize youngling, seemingly devoid of any social decorum, continued to spin happily at their side.


    "I''m sorry," Chu Liang began, "The Baize youngling unexpectedly carried me on its back and took me up. I''m not sure why it brought me into this room. Sorry for disturbing you."


    The girl had obviously been disturbed, as no youngdy would want her enthusiastic noodle-slurping time to be observed by someone.


    "It''s alright..." The girl was also caught off guard. When she saw how polite Chu Liang behaved, she couldn''t help but reciprocate politely.


    However, when she turned to look at the Baize youngling, her expression revealed a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.


    Upon receiving the re, the Baize youngling, which had been joyfully prancing around, suddenly froze. Its expression stiffened, and it looked around as if contemting what it might have done wrong.


    Chu Liang fixed his gaze on the woman and suddenly asked, "Senior Sister, are you perhaps Jiang..."


    Throughout Mount Shu, when it came to breathtaking beauty, the first name that inevitably came to mind was that of the renowned Fairy Jiang, Jiang Yuebai.


    Chu Liang had previously seen Jiang Yuebai from a distance on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, and the girl before him bore an uncanny resemnce to her.


    However, the Jiang Yuebai he had seen back then had an air of aloofness and a goddess-like demeanor, a far cry from the casual, noodle-slurping girl before him.


    He only recalled after a few more nces.


    "No!" The girl immediately raised her brows and denied loudly.


    Chu Liang blinked.


    <i>But I haven''t even said the name...</i>


    ...


    "That shouldn''t happen?"


    "Why?"


    "That doesn''t make sense!"


    Shang Ziliang and hisckeys huddled together amidst the bushes, all three of them bearing a deep sense of confusion.


    Many days had passed, yet the excruciating torment they had endured at the hands of the Baize youngling on that day remained vividly etched in their memories.


    At that time, they had barely taken a few steps on Treasured Pagoda Peak when a silver streak of lightning shot out from the side, knocking them down and subjecting them to relentless trampling.


    It continued to stomp on them until all three were pleading for mercy on the ground, then it flung them into the air with its horn, sending them hurtling out of Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    But they had noints.


    After all, this was the legendary guardian celestial beast of the mountain, the descendant of Mount Shu''s guardian deity. It was destined to grow and be a protector of the Mount Shu Sect.


    <i>It''s fine if you beat us up...</i>


    <i>But...it''s crossing the line if we''re the only ones you beat up!</i>


    <i>After all the effort we put into leading Chu Liang here, and now... look at how unimpressive you seem!</i>


    <i>Are you still that cranky guardian celestial beast of the mountain?</i>


    When they witnessed the Baize youngling pouncing at Chu Liang, their excitement grew. But what followed waspletely unexpected


    They watched in astonishment as the Baize youngling began to fondle and lick Chu Liang. Every time it licked Chu Liang, Shang Ziliang felt as if the Baize youngling had stomped on his face all over again.


    And it didn''t stop there...


    The youngling willingly offered Chu Liang a ride.


    This was a celestial beast!


    The significance of a celestial beast allowing someone to ride it was entirely different from that of a regr mount. Broadly speaking, it could be seen as carrying the destiny of the Mount Shu Sect, even though this interpretation might be a bit far-fetched for a Baize youngling.


    Nevertheless, it was still challenging to ept this reality.


    "<i>Haa...</i>" Shang Ziliang sighed deeply and questioned, "What could be the reason?"


    Lackey A contemted for a while and said, "Boss, do you think it''s because...he''s handsome?"


    After careful consideration, it seemed the only possible exnation he could think of.


    <i>Whack!</i>


    Shang Ziliang quickly raised his hand and delivered a resounding p. "Are you suggesting that he''s more handsome than me?"


    "Of course not! It''s just..." Lackey A, with his hand covering his face, rified, "You might simply not be Baize''s type."


    Clearly irritated, Shang Ziliang turned to Lackey B and asked, "What''s your opinion on this?"


    Lackey B scratched his head and responded, "I''m hungry."


    "Screw you." Shang Ziliang raised his foot and kicked Lackey B to the side.


    As the three of them grappled with this bewildering situation, they suddenly noticed a looming shadow above, and a colossal dark cloud descended from the sky.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Shang Ziliang looked up and saw a menacing, scaly ck cloud approaching.


    It seemed as though a gigantic demonic beast was about tond on the ground.


    "Treasured Pagoda Peak still carries the residual aura of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. No demonic beast has ever dared to approach this ce. What''s happening?" Shang Ziliang mused aloud.


    "Boss, perhaps we shouldn''t dwell on this right now," Lackey A suggested, his gaze fixed on the approaching dark cloud.


    "What should we do, then?" Shang Ziliang inquired.


    "Take cover! What if itnds on us?" Lackey A said.


    "<i>Hmph!</i> Why don''t you ask it if it dares?" Shang Ziliang scoffed and added, "Throughout the entire Mount Shu, whose mount would dare tond on my head..."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The trees copsed, and the earth shook.


    It seemed to be a colossal lizard-like creature, measuring about seven to eight zhang in length and towering over two zhang in height[1]. It featured prominent fleshy horns on its forehead, long wings on its back, and thick, intricately patterned scales of a dark hue.


    As it crashed onto the ground, it moved forward with remarkable agility and speed, a stark contrast to its bulky physique. It appeared to glide just above the ground, vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    What was left behind was a ttened mess where it hadnded, along with human-shaped holes, as if they had been hammered into the ground by the impact.


    One, two, three...


    Three human-shaped holes!


    1. 1 zhang is around 3.33meters ?

 Chapter 36: The Fierce Fight in the Cave

    <h4>Chapter 36: The Fierce Fight in the Cave</h4>


    "My name is Chu Liang and I am a disciple of the Silver Sword Peak..."


    Chu Liang contemted for a moment and decided to introduce himself first.


    The youngdy, her cheeks puffed with anger, replied, "I''m Jiang... Jiang Xiaobai." She shot another re at the Baize youngling before continuing, "I stay here asionally. It promised me that it would help me stand guard. I don''t know why it brought you here today, right in the middle of my meal..."


    And she was witnessed vigorously slurping her noodles.


    As Chu Liang gazed at Fairy Jiang, who remained reluctant to reveal her true name, he couldn''t help but find the situation rather amusing.


    <i>You could have at leaste up with a name that''s less simr to your real name.</i>


    The Baize youngling seemed to realize it had made a mistake. It nced left and right before resolutely lifting its hoof and then turning around, galloping back the way it hade.


    It escaped!


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang raised his hand and called out.


    <i>You escaped so quickly... You should have taken me with you...</i>


    "Since the Baize Celestial Beast has acknowledged you as worthy, you must be someone kind. I hope you won''t tell a soul about seeing me here today. Can you promise me that?" Jiang Xiaobai pleaded.


    Chu Liang promptly agreed. "Of course."


    If he were to reveal that he had coincidentally encountered Fairy Jiang in this cave with a cascading waterfall at its entrance, her fans would undoubtedly flock to fill the entire ce.


    Seeing that Chu Liang appeared kind and behaved courteously, Jiang Xiaobai formed a positive impression of him. She then offered a slight smile and said, "Well, thank you for that."


    Chu Liang was just about to bid farewell politely when a sudden explosion echoed from outside.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Jiang Xiaobai''s gaze shifted to the side, her eyes suddenly sharpening.


    Before the words had fully left her lips, she sprang into the air, her robes billowing. Her entire presence resembled a drawn sword, exuding an unyielding air of determination.


    In this fleeting moment, her qi surged to an explosive level, suggesting a cultivation level that could very well be at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm. It was difficult to gauge her exact level, but Chu Liang spected that she could kill the Soul Subjugator who had previously tormented him in just three moves!


    As Chu Liang observed her retreating figure, he suddenly felt that this woman...instilled a sense of security.


    <i>Rumble~</i>


    Then, he heard a rumble resounding at the cave entrance, followed by an explosion. Debris and stones were sent flying, and amid the dust and smoke, the Baize youngling''s silvery figure was sent hurtling backward, crashing onto the ground.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    "<i>Hreoorh!</i>"


    The Baize youngling swiftly rolled to its feet, its face brimming with anger. As a celestial beast, its body radiated with colorful lights, and its once gentle calls had transformed into deep, menacing growls, a stark contrast to its previous yful demeanor.


    Chu Liang''s expression turned serious.


    The celestial beast, the Baize youngling, possessed power equivalent to that of a cultivator at the fifth realm, if not greater. While it couldn''t rival cultivators in terms of divine skills and artifacts, its speed and strength were undoubtedly superior. Furthermore, it hailed from a powerful bloodline and possessed innate divine abilities.


    In general, ordinary demonic beasts of a certain cultivation level were often weaker than cultivators of the same level. Conversely, celestial beasts of a particr cultivation level were usually stronger than cultivators at an equivalent level.


    However, this was a generalization. The actual situation could be far more intricate, and factors such as luck yed a significant role.


    Nheless, despite the intricacies, whenpared to Chu Liang, a cultivator at the third realm, the Baize youngling''s strength was undeniably overwhelmingly powerful.


    Yet, this celestial beast, despite being at the fifth realm of cultivation, had been beaten up and sent rolling on the ground.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The cave quaked once more.


    Finally, a massive head emerged from the cave entrance. It was the head of a gigantic lizard with unusual, fleshy horns.


    This enormous creature was simply toorge. The moment it entered the waterfall cave, it rampaged and forcefully expanded the cave entrance by nearly half its size. Even so, it barely managed to squeeze through.


    As it forced its way through the cave entrance, the space suddenly expanded, and it immediately disyed its wild and aggressive nature.


    Especially when it spotted Jiang Xiaobai suspended in the air, the giant lizard''s eyes ignited with fiery crimson-gold mes, and its enormous pupils brimmed with greed and madness.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The giant lizard emitted a deafening roar, and along with the sound waves, a torrent of ck mes spewed from its mouth.


    The overpowering ck mes filled the cave, surging toward Jiang Xiaobai like a tidal wave.


    The Baize youngling, brimming with determination, charged at the giant lizard with such speed that it seemed to transform into a white radiance. However, the lizard''s scales were thick and sturdy, and their lightning-fast collision with the Baize youngling resulted in nothing more than a dull thud.


    Jiang Xiaobai let out a soft rebuke. As her hands formed seals, a radiant light suddenly burst around her, and the shadows of numerous swords sprang into existence. They flew up into the air, forming a protective wall resembling a lotus tform. The wall of swords blocked the surrounding ck mes, and the sound of swords'' energy nging and shing together reverberated continuously.


    Chu Liang watched from the corner of the cave. The giant lizard appeared to bepletely oblivious to his presence and did not consider him a target.


    Looking at the current situation, it was apparent to Chu Liang that this gigantic lizard was likely an adult demonic beast approaching the sixth realm of cultivation. Clearly, the celestial beast youngling at the fifth realm was rather inexperienced inparison.


    <i>Jiang Xiaobai, who is at theter stage of the fourth realm, has not revealed her full strength, but she is obviously not strong enough to fight this giant lizard.</i>


    <i>If I, a handsome boy in the third realm of cultivation, were to help...</i>


    <i>Uh... honestly, it wouldn''t make much difference...</i>


    The situation was extremely urgent and perilous.


    Chu Liang looked around, trying to find an opportunity to escape.


    Attacks from demonic creatures of such scale were rare on Mount Shu. If the senior members of the sect were alerted, dealing with this giant lizard would be rtively easy.


    Unfortunately, the cave had only one entrance, and it was currently blocked by the giant lizard. This made it very difficult for Chu Liang to leave and report the situation.


    "<i>Roar!</i>"


    The billowing ck mes raised the temperature inside the cave to an extreme level. The giant lizard then let out another furious roar as it deftly maneuvered its entire body into the cave, showcasing astonishing agility!


    Its seemingly massive and bulky body was just a deceptive facade.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    The giant lizard leaped into the air, opening its enormous mouth with a momentum that suggested an impatient desire to swallow Jiang Xiaobai in a single gulp.


    But the girl suspended in mid-air showed no fear. Her fingers danced through intricate patterns, forming numerous hand seals, while countless sword shadows around her merged into a surging sword energy.


    With a flick of her finger, the surging sword energy plunged abruptly into the gaping maw of the giant lizard.


    <i>Sizzle~</i>


    When the giant lizard was on the brink of swallowing the sword energy and about to engulf Jiang Xiaobai, her body suddenly flickered. In an instant, she appeared in the air, ten zhang behind her previous position, without any warning.


    She executed a swift and instant retreat.


    Chu Liang, observing from the side, recognized the technique immediately.


    An immortal technique! These techniques represented the pinnacle of immortal art, said to be a part of the ancient heritage passed down by members of the immortal realm. They were incredibly challenging to master but wielded immense power.


    In the immortal sects, a greater proficiency in multiple immortal techniques indicated higher skill and prowess.


    The Dimension Compression Technique was part of a unique immortal art belonging to the Mount Shu Sect.


    While many sects possessed their own immortal techniques, very few cultivators at the Golden Core Realm had the capability to master them. It could be said that the woman before Chu Liang was not only extraordinarily beautiful but also an astonishing prodigious talent in cultivation!


    Despite her rtively low cultivation level, she couldn''t employ this divine skill over long distances. Nevertheless, even a short-distance maneuver provided her with an effortless means of escape.


    This exemplified the charm of immortal arts.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The giant lizard crashed heavily onto the ground.


    Having pounced at nothing, it felt irritated and angry. Its fiery pupils burnt with a deep crimson hue.


    At this moment, the Baize youngling remained undeterred. With a swift whoosh, it charged forward with its horn, appearing to transform into a radiant streak of white.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    The scales of the massive lizard proved to be remarkably resilient, rendering it an effective defense against such attacks.


    The Baize youngling, still in its youth andcking mastery of many innate divine skills, had no choice but to crash into the lizard. The massive creature only shuddered slightly before it swung its colossal tail, sending the Baize youngling flying once more.


    Then, the lizard locked its gaze onto Jiang Xiaobai.


    Meanwhile, the woman, her back against the stone wall, shot an icy re. She subtly raised her finger, forming a hand seal, and whispered softly, "Heavenly Sword Seal."


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Suddenly, a burst of white light radiated from the lizard''s mouth, contorting its expression in pain. As its jaws widened, the white light transformed into a trailing, rosy-hued radiance...


    It turned out that the flying sword it had swallowed earlier had now transformed into an immensely massive sword radiance, shing out from its body.


    The majestic and grand Heavenly Sword Seal!


    This was one of the most powerful sword techniques within the Mount Shu Sect, a top-ranked divine skill just below immortal arts. Yet, Jiang Xiaobai wielded it effortlessly.


    If not for this technique, with her cultivation level at the fourth realm, she wouldn''t have stood a chance against a demonic beast at the pinnacle of the fifth realm.


    As Chu Liang watched her effortlessly wield these extraordinary divine skills, he found himself both awestruck by her remarkable prowess and tinged with a hint of envy.


    <i>She has learned so many divine skills. Why do I feel sad again?</i>


    <i>Eh?</i>


    <i>Why did I say "again"?</i>


    <i>Rumble~</i>


    The Heavenly Sword Seal''s power was truly formidable. As the sword soared out of the lizard''s body, it unleashed a cascade of ckened blood that resembled moltenva. Everywhere the blood sshed, a sizzling, ominous sound echoed.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The giant lizard writhed in agony as the sword cut through its body from within, but the creature did not die.


    Instead, the attack only stoked its fury.


    Its fiery blood flowed, but the creature paid no heed as it charged directly at Jiang Xiaobai.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The massive lizard violently mmed its head into the solid rock wall.


    In an instant, Jiang Xiaobai''s figure reappeared over ten zhang away. However, this time, uponnding, it became apparent that her steps were somewhat unsteady.


    The activation of immortal techniques depleted a substantial amount of foundational qi. The fact that she could employ them consecutively twice indicated her strength, but this was not a sustainable solution.


    However, the giant lizard''s colossal size and lightning-fast speed rendered it challenging to evade without the use of immortal arts.


    But...


    Chu Liang, observing from the side, noticed the giant lizard''s relentless charge had cleared the path, unblocking the cave''s entrance.


    With unwavering determination, he called out, "Senior Sister Jiang, make your escape through the cave opening!"


    With that, he swiftly rose and soared in that direction.


    Jiang Xiaobai had indeed noticed the unblocked cave opening, but she remained ensnared by the relentless grip of the giant lizard.


    How could she possibly escape?


    As she ascended into the air, she responded, "Leave first!"


    In the split second it took her to utter these words, the giant lizard had swiftly reversed its direction and charged back towards her. When a creature of this magnitude unleashed its full wrath, the earth trembled and the mountains quivered. Those with weaker nerves might be too terrified to even muster the courage to flee, often sumbing to sheer fear.


    The activation of the Heavenly Sword Seal had inflicted near-fatal damage on the lizard. Yet, inexplicably, the lizard appeared even more frenzied now, as if consuming Jiang Xiaobai could somehow save its own life.


    Nheless, Jiang Xiaobai remainedposed. It became evident that she couldn''t use the Dimension Compression Technique for a third consecutive time. Raising her index finger, her longsword transformed once more, manifesting thousands of sword shadows that coalesced into a shield resembling a blossoming flower, effectively obstructing the giant lizard''s path.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    However, the multitude of sword shadows scattered upon the slightest contact, and the lizard''s charge proved to be unstoppable!


    "What an abomination!" At this crucial moment, Chu Liang eximed from the sidelines.


    Instead of abandoning Jiang Xiaobai to escape on his own, he hurled three bronze balls, the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs he had taken from the Soul Subjugator.


    As Chu Liang contemted a solution, he recognized that the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs were likely the only items in his possession capable of harming a demonic beast at the pinnacle of the fifth realm.


    The Soul Subjugator, a cultivator at the fourth realm, had preserved these life-saving items with the belief that they possessed enough power to affect beings at the fifth realm. However, considering the lizard''s formidable defenses, Chu Liang was unsure of how many he should use to ensure the attack''s effectiveness.


    And so, he made the decision to hurl all three Shadowburst Thunder Bombs.


    After these days, he had learned a simple truth... one should not skimp on gadgets.


    If one was unsure of how many to throw, the answer was simple¡ªthrow them all. Nothing would go wrong with this choice.


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    The lizard''s full attention remained fixed on Jiang Xiaobai as the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs, thrown by Chu Liang,nded on its head. Subsequently, three simultaneous explosions of ck radiance urred above the giant lizard''s head.


    The sound of the explosions was apanied by a defining roar that seemed to emerge from the depths of theherworld. The giant lizard''s body was catapulted into the air, suspended in mid-flight. For what felt like an eternity, the lizard remained motionless.


    When the ck light vanished, the giant lizard still maintained the same posture. The fiery glow in its colossal pupils had been extinguished, leaving only boundless anger and fear.


    Chu Liang stood in astonishment as he witnessed a golden phantom emerge from the lizard''s body and merge into his own.


    <i>Goodness! Is this item truly that powerful? Had it managed to obliterate the giant lizard?</i>


    He had originally intended to buy some time for Jiang Xiaobai, to create an opportunity for her escape.


    Little did he know...


    There was an unexpected gain?

 Chapter 37: Transcendent Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 37: Transcendent Spirit </h4>


    As the dust settled, the blood and fire in the cave gradually dissipated.


    The Baize youngling bounced about vivaciously as it approached Chu Liang and then started running circles around him again. The youngling looked very excited, so much so that it didn''t seem to be in much pain from the beating it had received earlier.


    Jiang Xiaobai also floated down to Chu Liang and gently asked, "Are you hurt?"


    "I''m fine," Chu Liang answered, shaking his head. "What about you, Senior Sister Jiang?"


    "I''m fine too."


    Jiang Xiaobai''s expression was still as calm as before. It was as though she hadn''t just experienced a life-and-death crisis.


    Seeing that, Chu Liang now believed that the giant lizard hadn''t even been powerful enough to kill her.


    Typically, a demonic beast at the peak of the fifth realm would have no trouble killing a cultivator at the fourth realm. However, this person was Jiang... uh, Jiang Yuebai, a senior sister who didn''t want to reveal her real name.


    She was undoubtedly the most brilliant genius of the current generation of disciples in the Mount Shu Sect. She was a true genius, andmon sense didn''t apply to geniuses.


    Be it in terms of her mastery of various immortal arts, her superb divine techniques, or her adeptness in utilizing a flying sword and enchanted tools, she was able to effectively implement them topensate for the difference in cultivation level.


    In the battle earlier, Jiang Xiaobai had already used the Heavenly Sword Seal to inflict severe damage on the giant lizard before Chu Liang even made his move. He believed that if he''d left things to y out for a while longer, the giant lizard would have died from its wounds.


    As for the desperate attack the giant lizard had made in its final moments, it wouldn''t have worked. Jiang Xiaobai hadn''t even used any enchanted tools in that brief battle.


    No one would believe that the Mount Shu Sect''s most brilliant genius disciple didn''t possess at least one or two treasures capable of saving her life. Therefore, it''s possible that she simply hadn''t felt the need to use them.


    After all, not everyone was like Chu Liang, just casually throwing away their precious life-saving treasures as if they were of little value.


    Jiang Xiaobai nced at the giant lizard''s corpse and then looked closely at Chu Liang. She was somewhat surprised by Chu Liang''s unexpected strike.


    "What enchanted tool did you use? It was quite powerful, and... it exuded an extremely cold and malevolent aura," she asked.


    "They''re Shadowburst Thunder Bombs. I took them from a Soul Subjugator of the Dark King Sect," Chu Liang answered truthfully.


    "I see. It''s said that the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs are difficult to make and quite valuable. If you present them to the Hall of Weapons, you should be able to exchange them for a pretty good amount of sword coins," Jiang Xiaobai said.


    <i>Who was the one who said otherwise... </i>Chu Liang wallowed in regret.


    When he asked Di Nufeng earlier, she''d spoken in a rather disdainful tone and referred to the bombs as "small toys." So, Chu Liang thought they might just be ordinary,monly used items.


    <i>Thinking about it now... maybe what Teacher considers "small" may actually be really big for me.</i>


    These three <i>small</i> toys had managed to kill a demonic beast at the peak of the fifth realm with an explosion. The demonic beast had already been severely injured before Chu Liang used the bomb, but the instant death of the demonic beast showed the terrifying prowess that the bombs possessed.


    Chu Liang didn''t know that there were no weak points in the giant lizard''s physical defense, strength, and speed. So, of course, he didn''t know that its only vulnerability was its mind. However, it just so happened that Shadowburst Thunder Bombs specialized in mental attacks. This was the key reason why Chu Liang managed to kill the giant lizard with one strike.


    It seemed that Jiang Xiaobai sensed Chu Liang''s regret.


    She put on a small smile and offered, "Let mepensate you with some sword coins. You helped me so much. I can''t just let you suffer losses without getting anything in return."


    "It''s fine," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head. "We''re fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. So, there''s no need¡ª"


    Jiang Xiaobai saw through his weak bluff and stated bluntly, "Still, I must express my gratitude to you."


    "In that case, how about this?" Chu Liang said, suddenly changing the subject. "Instead ofpensating me with some sword coins... Senior Sister, could you teach me a few Divine Techniques?"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Jiang Xiaobai was taken aback. "Are you talking about techniques like Dimension Compression and Heavenly Sword Seal? I don''t think you need to aim that high..."


    She was implying that Chu Liang might not even be able to learn them...


    "No, just some general ones will be enough." Chu Liang smiled embarrassedly. "My teacher... is a Physical cultivator."


    "Is your teacher Peak Master Di Nufeng? I admire her elegant demeanor."


    Jiang Xiaobai recalled the Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak, and a sympathetic smile formed on her face.


    In the Mount Shu Sect, there were perhaps only a few disciples who knew who Chu Liang was. However, most of the disciples in the sect did know that Di Nufeng had an unlucky disciple.


    "<i>Haha...</i>" Chu Liang responded politely with a forced smile.


    "Come here tomorrow at around noon. I''ll be here waiting for you. I''ll teach you some techniques then," Jiang Xiaobai replied.


    Chu Liang was ecstatic.


    He nodded and expressed, "Thank you, Senior Sister Jiang. But this ce is..."


    Chu Liang looked at the mess around them and was quite bbergasted.


    <i>Can you even continue staying here?</i>


    "No matter," Jiang Xiaobai said. "Once you leave, can you not tell anyone about what happened here?"


    "But the demonic beast attack urred inside the sect. Don''t we need to report it?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly.


    "I will take care of it," Jiang Xiaobai answered. "Today''s incident was a bit unusual..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang didn''t understand what Jiang Xiaobai meant, but he nodded anyway.


    Seeing his puzzled expression, Jiang Xiaobai hesitated before exining, "You suffered an unexpected misfortune with me today, so I should let you know the reason why. Baize''s so close to you, you must be a good person. In that case, there''s no harm in telling you this...


    "I was born with a special constitution¡ªthe legendary Transcendent Spirit. My cultivation progress has been remarkable since I was a child, but there''s one problem...


    "Demonic creatures are naturally greatly attracted to my blood... It seems that they can gain a drastic rise in power if they consume me.


    "Every day, I always have to be careful to keep a distance from the sect''s spirit pets and mounts, and I have to be cautious at all times to ensure I don''t get injured and bleed, as I fear the scent of blood may attract demonic creatures."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang was slightly intrigued.


    <i>A constitution that can attract demonic creatures...</i>


    <i>It sounds a bit like how monsters sought to eat Monk Tang</i>[1]<i>''s flesh to gain power. In that case, her constitution is very dangerous indeed.</i>


    <i>However, if I had such a constitution... I could use my body to attract demonic creatures, kill them, and use them to get rewards from the White Pagoda. Then I could use those rewards to be stronger and attract even more powerful demonic creatures...</i>


    <i>And a healthy industry chain</i>[2]<i> would be formed!</i>


    While Chu Liang was lost in thought, Jiang Xiaobai continued, "However... as I am a woman, there are times when bleeding is unavoidable..."


    As she said that, a blush crept into her cheeks.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, was unperturbed. The topic didn''t make him feel ufortable at all. He didn''t think there was a need for it to be a taboo.


    It was indeed difficult to avoid demonic creatures while living on Mount Shu. The Mount Shu Sect kept many spirit pets and mounts. They couldn''t possibly banish them all just because of Jiang Xiaobai. However, those docile domesticated demonic beasts would go berserk the moment they caught a whiff of her blood. This made things very difficult for her.


    Seeing him remain nonchnt, Jiang Xiaobai resumed her tale.


    "Ultimately, I starteding to Treasured Pagoda Peak every month to hide away for a few days. The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda used to be located here. Even after five hundred years, its lingering presence still deters demonic beasts from setting foot on thisnd. Thend here is pure.


    "Moreover, with my darling Baize driving away intruders for me, I''ve been able to temporarily stay here in peace every time.


    "That is, until it suddenly brought you back today..."


    Chu Liang nced at Baize youngling circling them incessantly and thought that this celestial beast didn''t seem particrly intelligent. So, it didn''t seem that odd that it would do some strange things.


    "And it''s also really strange that this giant lizard appeared here. Why did it suddenly appear on Treasured Pagoda Peak, where no demonic creature has dared to set foot? Furthermore, how was it able to locate this cave so precisely...?" Jiang Xiaobai said, furrowing her brows slightly.


    The beauty''s frowning face resembled a mist shrouding a whiteke.


    Chu Liang instantly figured out the conjecture Jiang Xiaobai was making.


    It was supposed to be a secret that Jiang Xiaobai had the constitution of the legendary Transcendent Spirit, yet she had shared it with Chu Liang so easily. This indicated that it wasn''t a very well-kept secret, so it was likely that many people in the sect''s inner circle knew about it.


    <i>It''s strange that the demonic beast just appeared out of nowhere and discovered her location so urately. It seems like it could be the work of someone in the sect. </i>


    <i>Perhaps... someone close to her.</i>


    Chu Liang''s heart felt heavy just thinking of that.


    Jiang Xiaobai paused and then said, "That''s my situation, so I request that you won''t disclose this information to anyone. I need to report this incident to my teacher first before considering in detail what to do next."


    "I understand," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    After wrapping up the topic, Jiang Xiaobai asked, "Is there anything else you want to ask me?"


    "I want to ask..." Chu Liang muttered, pondering for a moment. Then he raised his gaze and asked, "The Seven Stars Gazette reported that you''ve got something going on with Feng Chaoyang of the Celestial King Sect. Is it true?"


    1. The monk from Journey to the West. Any demon who eats the monk bes immortal ?


    2. In this context, the concept of an "industry chain" is used metaphorically to describe a self-sustaining cycle or system where Chu Liang''s actions create a loop of attracting, defeating increasingly powerful demonic creatures, and growing stronger. ?

 Chapter 38: Crimson Executioner

    <h4>Chapter 38: Crimson Executioner</h4>


    "It''s fake!"


    "The stories are nothing but fiction!"


    Jiang Xiaobai furrowed her brows, and her typically gentle gaze now bore a hint of irritation. Even when she had been abruptly attacked by the giant lizard, she hadn''t appeared this angry.


    "Those disciples from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion cling to me like glue! They bribe their way into the Mount Shu Sect and nt spies within the Sword Exchange Pavilion to gather information about my mission itineraries. Then, they would follow me and make up stories about me.


    "At the time, I was on a mission in Jiangnan. Given the fame of the Drunken Moon Delights, I felt it necessary to pay it a visit. However, on my way there, I crossed paths with Feng Chaoyang. Despite reserving the entire ce, he insisted on following me into the restaurant. Out of consideration for the sect''s reputation, I couldn''t kick him out. Instead, I had the restaurant owner arrange a separate table for him, and I covered the expenses.


    "It was incredibly ufortable to have someone observe me while I''m eating! Ugh!"


    Jiang Xiaobai was seething with frustration.


    Chu Liang smiled, realizing that her anger was partly fueled by the gossip andrgely by the disruption of her dining experience.


    As Chu Liang pondered it, he agreed. The fact that Fairy Jiang hadn''t missed the opportunity to visit a renowned local eatery during her mission indicated that she was likely a food enthusiast. However, her eating style was far from graceful...


    She couldn''t enjoy her meal the way she wanted with someone watching.


    After listening, he asked slowly, "But... this is news about Jiang Yuebai. You are Jiang Xiaobai, aren''t you?"


    "..." Jiang Yuebai remained silent for a moment before adopting a stern expression as she said, "I have no idea what you''re talking about. If you don''t have any more business here, please leave. I''m still busy."


    Since Chu Liang still depended on her to teach him divine techniques, he didn''t dare to tease her anymore. He bid her farewell and departed.


    As he departed, the Baize youngling appeared reluctant to see him go, apanying him all the way out of Treasure Pagoda Peak.


    After returning to Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang retreated to his wooden cabin to reflect on the battle scene he had witnessed today.


    He couldn''t help but shudder with fear.


    Jiang Yuebai, at the pinnacle of the fourth realm in her cultivation, and the demonic beast, at the pinnacle of the fifth realm, had fought for only a few brief rounds. However, any single blow from either side could have ended him within seconds.


    He was still too weak.


    After the significant event that transpired today, he came to the realization that even if he had stayed on Mount Shu and never ventured beyond its borders, he wouldn''t bepletely free from danger.


    The likelihood of encountering attacks by demonic beasts on Mount Shu was very low, but it was not zero.


    True safety could only be achieved by bing genuinely strong.


    His teacher embodied this belief. She was more carefree than anyone else on Mount Shu, yet she never had to worry about her own safety.


    Those who see her are the ones who need to worry...


    However, achieving strength couldn''t happen overnight. As long as he remained diligent and persistent, with the White Pagoda in his possession, he believed he wouldn''t fall behind others.


    Nheless, a significant challenge loomed on the horizon¡ªthe forting Mount Shu Summit.


    Chu Liang doesn''t have senior brothers or sisters in the Silver Sword Peak, hence why hecked some understanding of the strength of those cultivators at the Golden Core Realm.


    Back then, when he met Fang Ting, he thought Fang Ting was very powerful.


    When he encountered the ck-robed individual, he felt even more inferior in strength.


    And today, he saw Jiang Yuebai...


    Was he going to have topete with people like her in the future?


    No way!


    The most formidablepetitor for the title of the head disciple at Mount Shu Sect should be Jiang Yuebai from the Azure Falls Peak and Xu Ziyang from the Jade Sword Peak.


    Jiang Yuebai was more well-known in the martial world and was considered one of the top figures. Not only was she a cultivation genius, she was very beautiful, which was why she garnered more attention.


    However, within the Mount Shu Sect, these two individuals had always been ranked equally.


    Even if there were differences in their strength, the gap shouldn''t be too big.


    <i>Teacher, if you have a conflict with the Jade Sword Peak, you should just fight him. Why would you force me to step into thebat field?</i>


    <i>When will the cycle of revenge end?</i>


    ...


    After pondering for a while, Chu Liang cleared his mind.


    Regardless, he needed to engage in something that brought joy.


    By inadvertently iming the kill from Jiang Yuebai and sting the giant lizard to death, he had secured another opportunity for a reward!


    His frequency of collecting rewards had been on the rise, bringing him immense joy and contentment.


    In addition...


    From his past experiences with reward unboxing, he had learned that the type of treasure received was associated with the type of evil entity defeated, while the treasure''s value was directly linked to the strength of the evil entity.


    This implied that the more powerful the evil entity vanquished, the more potent the treasure acquired!


    It was Chu Liang''s first time killing a demonic beast of this caliber.


    And so, he eagerly anticipated the potential rewards he might unbox.


    Chu Liang gazed out of the window and suddenly felt a touch of anxiety. Perhaps, in the future, he should consider raising a koi fish on Silver Sword Peak. Offering a prayer before unboxing a reward might work some miraculous effect.


    After a moment of meditation, he quickly arrived inside the White Pagoda.


    The golden phantom of the giant lizard in the iron cell hovered in the air, its imposing presence mirroring that of its living form.


    Chu Liang took a deep breath before he moved forward to press the "refine" button.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A red light shed. This time, the red light endured for about two breaths, slightly longer than usual, before fading away.


    As the radiance reappeared, it had already arrived in front of Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang reached out and grabbed the light. In his hand, a in yet weighty longsword materialized.


    <i>A sword?</i>


    Chu Liang was ted; this was precisely what he had hoped for!


    Then, a message appeared in his mind.


    [Crimson Executioner: This sword serves as a symbol of righteousness. When confronting an enemy tainted by great evil and their qi suffused with blood, the sword undergoes a surge in power. Against regr foes, it remains an ordinary iron sword. If you ever feel off, consider changing your target, and you might discover yourself in prime condition.]


    <i>Eh? </i>Chu Liang gazed at the ancient longsword in his hand, lost in thought.


    He slowly unsheathed the sword and observed that the de bore numerous cracks and blemishes, as if it had weathered countless battles. The de didn''t seem as sharp, and the sword itself felt exceedingly heavy.


    Crimson Executioner...


    Though it was considered a treasured sword, its power would only be boosted when it confronted individuals who hadmitted heinous deeds and whose qi had been saturated with the stain of blood.


    <i>Is this sword exclusively used to kill major wrongdoers?</i>


    Chu Liang had a vague understanding of the concept of qi saturated with blood. Every living being in the world has qi, whether it was demonic, ghostly, or human in nature. The actions they undertook in their daily lives could significantly influence their qi.


    Individuals whomitted mass murder were often enveloped by a cloud of resentment and qi saturated with blood.


    Nevertheless, eliminating evildoers wouldn''t lead to increased resentment. Instead, it would foster an umtion of righteous qi. Despite its seemingplexity, this could be understood with a simple principle: one''s qi mirrored one''s character.


    For cultivators that mastered the "Qi-Reading Technique," determining a person''s moral character as good or evil based on their qi was a straightforward task.


    Mere acts of killing a few individuals would not saturate one''s qi with blood; it would necessitate the massacre of many innocent lives.


    Therefore, meeting the conditions required for the sword to unleash its explosive power was no easy feat. Among the adversaries Chu Liang had encountered, the Soul Subjugator appeared to be the sole individual who might fulfill these requirements.


    In other words, most of the time, this was just an ordinary iron sword...


    Chu Liang emerged from the White Pagoda with a neutral disposition, his facial expression reflecting the same neutrality. Although the sword of righteousness didn''t fill him with exhration, he was not disappointed at all. Ever since the talisman, which he had initially considered worthless, had saved his life, he had resolved never to hastily assess the value of treasures based on his own judgment.


    Nheless... he nced outside the window.


    <i>The windowpane is a good spot for a fish tank.</i>

 Chapter 39: Hundred Swords Seal

    <h4>Chapter 39: Hundred Swords Seal</h4>


    The next morning, the sun shone brightly.


    As usual, Chu Liang got up slowly. He freshened up and meticulouslybed his hair in the manner of an adult before donning a handsome outfit.


    Today, he had ns to meet with Senior Sister Jiang for their lunch appointment.


    As he made his way towards Treasure Pagoda Peak, following the same path he had taken the previous day to the waterfall cave, the Baize youngling failed to make an appearance.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel puzzled by this.


    Upon his arrival at the cave''s entrance, he heard Senior Sister Jiang''s scolding voice from within.


    "I just bought a new mattress yesterday, and you''ve already chewed it up! Keep this up, and you''ll see me taking action next time!"


    The Baize youngling whimpered softly, making sounds like "<i>Hreohhh.</i>"


    Using his divine sense, Chu Liang peered inside the cave and discovered that the mess from the previous day hadpletely vanished, and the cave had been restored to its usual state.


    At that moment, Jiang Xiaobai could be seen sitting cross-legged on the bed, radiating with anger.


    The Baize youngling stood beside her on its hind legs, tilting its head upward with a brick bnced on its nose.


    Fresh bite marks marred the recently reced mattress.


    <i>Impressive! This Baize youngling certainly has a knack for dismantling things.</i>


    Suppressing a chuckle, Chu Liang cleared his throat and said, "Senior Sister Jiang, I''ve arrived."


    "Oh. Come in," Jiang Xiaobai replied, beckoning him in.


    When Chu Liang entered the cave, he saw her standing tall, adorned in an elegant gown with delicate tassels and her hair intricately arranged. Bathed in the cold light from all around, she resembled an otherworldly goddess who had resided in the mountains for millennia.


    The astonishing speed at which her demeanor transformed in the blink of an eye left him awestruck.


    "<i>Erm...</i>" Chu Liang nced at the Baize youngling, who promptly discarded the brick and darted toward Chu Liang.


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Jiang Xiaobai furrowed her brow.


    "<i>Hreoohh...</i>" The Baize youngling came to an abrupt halt, its expression seemingly conveying a sense of injustice and mistreatment. It sidled over to the wall and stood there, even using its hooves to pick up the brick and bnce it on its nose.


    It attempted to appear on its best behavior.


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "Whatever urred can''t be that serious. After all, it''s just a child."


    Jiang Xiaobai responded, showing no signs of giving in, "If you don''t work hard in your learningter, you''ll receive the same treatment."


    The Baize Youngling looked around before it cast a sideways nce at Chu Liang, revealing a hint of anticipation.


    <i>Okay.</i>


    <i>Do you want your friend to join you in standing by the wall as a punishment?</i>


    Chu Liang quickly changed the subject, asking, "Why is the guardian celestial beast of Mount Shu so obedient to you?"


    "I don''t know," Jiang Xiaobai replied. "When I was very young, the Baize youngling would oftene to y with me. It practically grew up alongside me. Do you have any idea why it''s close to you?"


    Chu Liang shook his head.


    He waspletely clueless.


    If it were solely due to his cultivation talent, he wouldn''t be unique at all. Jiang Xiaobai would be the one considered talented in cultivation. If it were because the Baize youngling found him to be kind, many people could qualify as kind.


    "Maybe it just enjoys being around people who look good." This was Chu Liang''s eventual response.


    "True," Jiang Xiaobai agreed.


    After some small talk, Jiang Xiaobai got straight to the point. "Today, I n to teach you the Hundred Swords Seal. You''re familiar with it, right?"


    <i>Hundred Swords Seal?</i>


    Of course, Chu Liang was well aware of it.


    This divine skill was among the Mount Shu Sect''s most fundamental sword skills. Despite its foundational nature, it undeniably possessed great power and offered significant room for improvement.


    Starting from a hundred to a thousand, and from a thousand to ten thousand, once one sessfully masters the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, it bes a top-ranking divine skill on par with the Heavenly Sword Seal.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, I appreciate your dedication and efforts." He rose to his feet with a show of respect, disying the reverence one typically reserves for a teacher.


    "The essence of the Hundred Swords Seal lies in the fusion of qi and sword. The key is to turn your qi into a sword, merging the two."


    Jiang Xiaobai then proceeded to exin the mnemonic chant and hand seals that corresponded to the Hundred Swords Seal.


    Although advanced cultivators could activate their divine skills with a mere thought, beginners had to follow a step-by-step process.


    Thebination of the mnemonic chant and the hand seals would result in more effective oues.


    Chu Liang fixed his gaze on Jiang Xiaobai, who exined with great earnestness. Her hair swayed gently, and her eyes sparkled. Her skin exuded a soft radiance. As he observed her, he found himself somewhat lost in his thoughts.


    After Jiang Xiaobai finished her exnation, she observed that Chu Liang appeared to be in a daze. She furrowed her brow slightly as she called out, "Hey?"


    "I''m listening," Chu Liang responded quickly, snapping back to attention.


    "What did I say? Repeat it," Jiang Xiaobai demanded, her gaze bearing a hint of hostility.


    Chu Liang proceeded to recount her previous exnations, including the finer details, word for word.


    Upon hearing him, Jiang Xiaobai appeared mildly surprised. "Your memory is truly exceptional... <i>Hmph</i>, your ability to multitask is also quite impressive, which makes you well-suited for learning the Hundred Swords Seal."


    "Thank you for thepliment, Senior Sister Jiang," Chu Liang replied calmly, as though nothing out of the ordinary had urred.


    "In any case, you''ve retained the key elements of the Hundred Sword Seal. One crucial aspect to keep in mind is not to chase quantity blindly. It''s better to exercise precise control over each sword shadow and then aim to increase the countter. A hundred swords that can be easily managed and manipted at will will be far more powerful than ten thousand swords that move chaotically," Jiang Xiaobai added.


    "I will keep that in mind." Chu Liang nodded.


    "The typical time it takes for Mount Shu Sect disciples to master the Hundred Swords Seal is usually around seven days. However, given that I''m instructing you one-on-one, my expectations are higher. I''m giving you three days. If you manage to master it within this time, I''ll teach you another divine skill in the future. But if you haven''t learned it within three days, there won''t be a next time," Jiang Xiaobai dered.


    "Sounds great," Chu Liang responded with evident enthusiasm.


    He had initially assumed this instruction would be a one-time event, but now the prospect of an ongoing mentorship excited him. He was obviously happy to do this.


    He then began making attempts based on Jiang Xiaobai''s guidance. He activated the flying sword bracelet, formed the hand seal, and circted his true qi.


    "Dividing light and skimming shadows! Heed my will! Activate!"


    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>


    In an instant, the flying sword split into a hundred sword shadows, creating a dazzling and bewildering spectacle. Chu Liang closed his eyes and, with a single thought...


    <i>Swoosh...</i>


    The flying swords in the air descended to the ground one by one, and the sword shadows rapidly dissipated into nothingness.


    "This isn''t right," Chu Liang dered, not waiting for Jiang Xiaobai''s instructions. He sensed that he had made a mistake earlier and continued to himself, "It''s impossible for me to disperse my divine sense onto every single sword. A person can only have one will. Instead... each sword should have its own will, and I just need to give them orders.


    "They are not lifeless flying swords, but a living army.


    "Dividing light and skimming shadows! Heed my will! Activate!"


    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>


    Once again, the sword shadows dispersed in all directions. This time, the radiance of the hundred swords encircled Chu Liang in an orderly fashion, as if they had formed an array.


    "Go!" Chu Liang''s fingers formed a seal, and the flying swords immediately ascended into the air, their des slicing through the air with a constant cacophony.


    With the slightest movement of his fingertips, the swords at times aligned into a straight formation and at other times took on configurations resembling the shape of a person.


    Observing Chu Liang''s proficiency with the Hundred Sword Seal, Jiang Xiaobai couldn''t help but widen her eyes, disying a degree of surprise.


    Normally, disciples of the Mount Shu Sect followed a step-by-step progression, starting with converting one sword into two, then ten, and finally a hundred swords. They would gradually delve into the crucial aspects of the sword seal.


    Initially, Jiang Xiaobai had intended to wait for Chu Liang to gain insights through a few failures before providing guidance, believing it to be the most efficient approach. However, she hadn''t anticipated that Chu Liang woulde close to sess right from the start, experiencing only one initial failure, and that he had grasped the divine skill on his own.


    She had initially considered the three-day deadline she set for Chu Liang to be rather stringent.


    Although she had mastered the fundamental Hundred Swords Seal within a single day, it was important to remember that she was, by all means, an individual with the constitution of the legendary Transcendent Spirit, blessed with talents far beyond those of ordinary people.


    Her perspective was that if he could master it within three days, it indicated his potential as a talented disciple who had, regrettably, been under the guidance of a teacher whose actions left people speechless. In such a case, it was only fair for her to extend help to a fellow disciple with promise. However, if he failed to achieve this, there would be no reason for her to waste her time teaching him, given the abundance of average disciples within the Mount Shu Sect.


    But what on earth was going on with the speed at which Chu Liang was learning this?


    If ordinary disciples took seven days, core disciples took three, and gifted disciples mastered it in only one day...


    How long did it take him to master this divine skill?


    It took him two times!


    This was almost too unbelievable. If it weren''t for his previous behavior not resembling someone pretending, Jiang Xiaobai would even suspect that he had always been proficient in the use of this divine skill and was deceiving her.


    Chu Liang directed a group of sword shadows, practicing for a while before excitedly calling the flying swords back. He opened his eyes and said, "Senior Sister Jiang, I believe I''ve grasped some aspects of this skill."


    <i>Hehe.</i>


    <i>Just some?</i>


    Jiang Xiaobai chuckled and remarked, "You''re quite clever, aren''t you?"


    "If I''ve made any progress, it''s all thanks to Senior Sister Jiang''s excellent teaching," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    <i>Am I really clever?</i>


    He had seriously contemted this question during his younger years, genuinely believing he was exceptionally intelligent. However...


    Later, he came to realize that he was merely average.


    After all, his performance in the college entrance examination had only ranked third in the entire province.

 Chapter 40: Missing

    <h4>Chapter 40: Missing</h4>


    Chu Liang managed to learn the Hundred Swords Seal without a hitch. He bid farewell to Jiang Xiaobai and arranged a time to learn new divine skills from her the next day.


    However, the moment he returned to Silver Sword Peak, he discovered he''d received a letter containing some bad news. The letter was from Official Ming in Xingzhou City. He had written to say that his wife had gone missing.


    That''s right. It was that cat demon whom Chu Liang had recently helped request for a title from the sect.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang sighed softly.


    It seemed that he would have to postpone learning new divine skills for now.


    He immediately sent a message to Jiang Xiaobai. Then he went to report this matter to his teacher.


    This was the kind of trouble that could follow after requesting a title for a demon. It was an act of kindness, but if anything were to happen to the demon, the person who requested the title would be responsible for resolving the matter.


    ording to the sect''s rules, Mistress Ming was not permitted to leave the city where she resided for an extended period, and she had to visit Mount Shu every couple of months. However, she had mysteriously disappeared.


    Considering that she was a demon who had been bestowed a title by the Mount Shu Sect, it could be seen as a provocation to the sect''s authority if she had been subjected to malicious intentions. In that case, the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect would be responsible for ensuring justice was delivered on her behalf.


    On the other hand, if she were the one who had developed wicked intentions, then the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect would still need to intervene and minimize the negative consequences of her actions. Ultimately, any trouble she caused would reflect on Chu Liang.


    When the members of the sect were young and impetuous, they all felt they had a duty to be virtuous. However, it was precisely because of experiencing troublesome situations like this numerous times that they gradually lost their impetuousness.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang was still fine with it for now. He did feel it was a bit of a pity that he was missing the opportunity to learn new divine skills, but regarding the trouble that Mistress Ming might cause him... he had already mentally prepared himself for them when he offered to request a title for her.


    When Chu Liang arrived at the pavilion, Di Nufeng was, as he''d expected, reading a picture book.


    Ever since Chu Liang became her disciple, there hadn''t been a single moment when he saw her cultivating. He had no idea how she had trained her body to end up with such powerful fighting prowess.


    The seventh realm, the Dao Attainment Realm, focused on gaining enlightenment on the Dao. Once a cultivator reached this realm, they could no longer use rigorous training as their main way of cultivating to a higher stage.


    <i>But what could youprehend about the Dao if you''re reading picture books all day? The Dao of a book?</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t figure it out.


    "Esteemed Teacher..." he called out as he approached Di Nufeng. "There''s an issue with the demon from the Ming Family in Xingzhou City¡ªthe one I requested a title for recently."


    "Hmm?" Di Nufeng murmured and sat up.


    Chu Liang then told her about the letter from Official Ming.


    "I''ve met that little cat demon. She didn''t seem like a bad person. It''s unlikely that she would stir up any trouble. If she has disappeared, then it''s most likely that something has happened to her," Di Nufeng said, stroking her chin.


    "I think so too," Chu Liang agreed with a nod.


    "Here, take this."


    Di Nufeng raised her hand and threw something to him.


    Chu Liang caught it and realized that it was a jade talisman inscribed with a tracking spell.


    "That cat demon left a trace of her divine sense with us. You''ll be able to locate her with this jade talisman," Di Nufeng exined.


    This was the reason why the sect ced tracking spells on demons after bestowing them with titles. It was to save the sect from needing to exhaust extensive manpower to search for the demons if any unusual circumstances were to ur.


    "Keep the jade talisman with you. If you encounter any unexpected situations, just shatter it. I''ll sense that and go rescue you at any time." Di Nufeng smiled. "You mentioned before that you''recking divine skills, and I agree. But I think this will be enough to make up for that. It''ll be your life-saving divine skill."


    <i>Awesome! A life-saving divine skill... This is a mighty summoning spell.</i>


    As Chu Liang held the jade talisman in his hand, he suddenly felt as if it bore a much heavier weight. Being able to summon a formidable seventh-realm cultivator at any moment with this jade talisman made it much more powerful than many enchanted tools.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, it was rare for teachers to give their disciples items like this. One reason was that most teachers had their own matters to deal with, and there was no guarantee that they could respond in time.


    For instance, what if a disciple was in a life-threatening situation and their teacher happened to be engaged inbat with someone else? The summoning spell would be useless. Or what if their teacher was in the midst of daily activities like having a meal or doing their business on the toilet?


    The teacher would have to be prepared to leave at any time, departing in a hurry at the first moment that they sensed the jade talisman had been shattered. It seemed like it would be a very insufferable experience.


    Another reason was that if the disciples'' elders were always stepping in to resolve their problems, then the disciples might be dependent on them instead of developing the skills that could only be gained by learning through experience. A teacher could protect their disciple once, but they couldn''t do it forever.


    However, Di Nufeng, the great educationalist, didn''t care about such reasons.


    "Esteemed Teacher, will you really rush to my rescue at any time?" Chu Liang asked, still feeling rather doubtful.


    "I''ll certainly rush over immediately..." Di Nufeng replied. Then she paused and added, "Hm, well, if I''m not drunk at the time."


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent.


    <i>It''s as I thought.</i> <i>I can''t hope for a drunkard to always stay reliable.</i>


    ...


    After obtaining the jade talisman with the tracking spell from his teacher, Chu Liang rushed to Xingzhou City with utmost urgency.


    When he arrived, it was already evening. Official Ming and his whole family came out to wee Chu Liang.


    "Greetings, Young Hero Chu."


    "Greetings, Official Ming."


    "It''s been hard on you, Young Hero Chu!"


    "It''ste, so let''s spare the formalities. Hurry, give me the details of the situation," Chu Liang said.


    "All right, all right," Official Ming replied, letting out two forcedughs out of courtesy.


    He''d already brought Chu Liang to the main hall, so he wasted no time and proceeded to fill Chu Liang in on the situation.


    "Thanks to you requesting a title for my wife, we thought we would be able to live in peace from then on, and these past few days have indeed been filled with great joy. However, two days ago, my wife suddenly burst into tears in the middle of the night.


    "I asked her why she was crying... and she said she''d dreamt of her parents. She thought of how she hadn''t dared to return to the mountain where her parents and siblings lived... She hadn''t gone to visit them for ten years, out of fear that her identity as a demon would be exposed. But now that she''s able to live in peace, she wants to reunite with her family.


    "<i>Sigh... </i>Humans love their families, so why wouldn''t demons? That''s why I agreed to let her return to her family home. I even asked her to allow me to apany her, but she was afraid that I would be frightened by her family, so she said no.


    "Who knew that she''d leave and never return..."


    Official Ming pleaded earnestly, "Young Hero Chu, my wife would never abandon me. Something must have happened to her. Please, you must save her."


    "Official Ming, please rest assured that I''ll do my best," Chu Liang replied with a nod. Then he asked, "Where''s Mistress Ming''s family home?"


    "It''s the East Mountain outside Xingzhou City. Her family of mountain cats used to live and cultivate there. I even tried searching the mountain yesterday, but I couldn''t find any trace of her on that massive mountain.<i> Sigh</i>, ordinary people like me are truly powerless," Official Ming answered, sighing repeatedly.


    Seeing Official Ming in such a sorrowful state, Chu Liang felt quite sorry for him.


    Official Ming and his wife were truly the perfect couple; their love for each other was deep and unwavering. Unfortunately, their life together seemed to be gued with trials and tribtions. It could only be said that the road to happiness was strewn with setbacks.


    Chu Liang stood up and said, "Official Ming, don''t worry. I will go to the East Mountain now to search for Mistress Ming. I have the jade talisman that has a connection to the tracking spell that my sect ced on her. I should be able to find her very quickly."


    "Young Hero Chu... why don''t you rest for the night before setting out?" Official Ming asked.


    <i>In such a situation, there''s no need to be so courteous. I doubt you''d be able to sleep if I were to rest here for the night,</i> Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    Chu Liang smiled and replied, "The situation is urgent, so there''s no time to waste on such things. We''re pretty much friends now, so you don''t need to be so courteous with me, Official Ming. I''ll just leave right away!"

 Chapter 41: The East Mountain Cat Clan

    <h4>Chapter 41: The East Mountain Cat n</h4>


    As night fell, the mountains and forests grew silent.


    Chu Liang strolled alone along a narrow path in the outskirts.


    The East Mountain wasn''trge, but its terrain was rugged and few people ever ventured there.


    The nighttime breeze carried a chilly, moistureden hint, hinting at the possibility of impending rain.


    Chu Liang gripped the jade talisman tightly in his hand. The vermilion glow on the talisman acted as his guiding light, offering a rough sense of direction and distance. As long as a great sorcerer didn''t dispel the tracking spell on Mistress Ming, she would remain bound by the jade talisman''s tracking.


    Chu Liang proceeded with caution, moving steadily forward. With the moon high in the night sky, he eventually reached a concealed cave dwelling.


    The location that the tracking spell led him to was hidden behind the steep cliffs of the mountains and dense forests. Were it not for the guidance of the tracker, he would have struggled to spot it. It''s no surprise that Official Ming''s search had been in vain.


    Now that he had found Mistress Ming''s location, relief washed over him. With a few agile leaps, he reached the entrance of the cave dwelling.


    As a show of courtesy, he didn''t barge in immediately. Instead, he knocked on the door.


    <i>Tap, tap, tap!</i>


    <i>Tap, tap, tap!</i>


    After knocking for a while, a sound emerged, resembling something between a beast''s growl and a yawn. Soon after, the stone door was pulled open, unveiling a sizable cat''s head.


    "Who is it?"


    The being had arge cat head adorned with striking ck spots, and its face bore a perpetually drowsy expression. His fur and tail were still visible, but his body had taken on a humanoid form, d in coarse attire. It was clear that he was a lesser demon, capable of taking on a humanoid form, yet unable to transform his head and tail.


    With a smile, Chu Liang spoke, "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, and I havee to meet Mistress Ming from Xingzhou City. Kindly ry my message."


    "It''s Mount Shu..."


    The lesser demon turned aroundzily.


    Then, he suddenly froze and raised his head abruptly, eximing, "Mount Shu?"


    "Yes. Mount Shu."


    Chu Liang nodded.


    "Oh, goodness!" the lesser demon cried out in a bizarre, high-pitched tone. His entire body leaped up about one zhang and he retreated frantically, as if escaping for his life. All the while, he shouted, "Great King! Great King! Trouble is here! A disciple of the Mount Shu Sect hase knocking! Meow-ow!"


    "<i>Meow-ow</i>!"


    "Hey!"


    "<i>Meow</i>"


    The entire cave dwelling resonated with a cacophony of cat cries.


    It was unclear how many demonic creatures were roused from their sleep.


    These low-level demons held a deep-seated fear of the sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Chu Liang stood by the cave entrance, maintaining his polite demeanor. After some time, a tall and slender man with disheveled, fluffy hair emerged, apanied by a retinue of low-level demons. Given his resemnce to Mistress Ming, Chu Liang assumed that he was her brother.


    A group of approximately a dozen lesser demons trailed behind him. Many of them, with their feline heads and humanoid bodies, had notpletely assumed human form. Some remained in their full cat-like state, presenting a variety of colors¡ªorange, white, and adorned with various patterns.


    "I am the Demon King in these parts," the Demon King proimed, fixing his gaze on Chu Liang.


    He then inquired, "What has brought you to my cave dwelling at thiste hour?"


    "I apologize for the intrusion," Chu Liang replied. "I''vee in search of Mistress Ming from Xingzhou City. She was granted an official title by the Mount Shu Sect, but she has recently disappeared. I have been tasked with finding her."


    "Who is this Mistress Ming or Mistress Dark[1] you speak of? We do not know her!" The Cat King responded with an unfriendly tone.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang continued in a friendly tone, "To be honest, our sect employs a tracking spell, and it indicates that she is here."


    "Your tracking spell must be mistaken." The Cat King frowned and retorted, "Let me make it clear; everyone within this cave dwelling is a benevolent demon who does not do anything evil. If you persist in causing amotion in the dead of night, I won''t be intimidated!"


    "I have no intention of causing any trouble. If it''s convenient, may I enter and conduct a search?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It''s not convenient!" The Cat King tly refused.


    Chu Liang smiled and responded, "I see..."


    ...


    "Heeel... help... Young Hero, spare me!"


    After a short while, the Cat King cried out in despair as he found himself bound by the Demon-Binding Rope, assuming a ssic tortoise-shell pattern.


    Being a heroic demonic creature who had grown up in the wild, he had never feared capture or death. Pleading for mercy was simply unthinkable to him!


    However, being bound in such a manner before his subordinates left him utterly terrified!


    If even a whisper of today''s events were to get out, the Cat King''s reputation in the vicinity would be irreparably damaged, and he would no longer be able to hold his head high.


    "So, I''ll pose the question again: Can you grant me permission to search for Mistress Ming?" Chu Liang asked politely.


    "Escort the young hero to meet my little sister now!" the Cat King roared.


    The surrounding timid demonic creatures, who had been reluctant to approach, promptly guided Chu Liang into the cave, leading him to a stone chamber within.


    Upon entering the cave, Chu Liang didn''t forget to bring the Cat King along with him.


    Upon pushing open the door to the stone chamber, he caught sight of Mistress Ming, who was simrly bound, though with restraints that were not as meticulously crafted as the Demon-Binding Rope, but rather rudely restricting her movements.


    Mistress Ming''s eyes lit up when she saw Chu Liang."Young Hero Chu?"


    In contrast, the Cat King released a deep sigh.


    "I was informed by Official Ming that you had returned home to visit your parents and older brother. Could you please exin what has urred?" Chu Liang inquired as the young demons released Mistress Ming from her restraints.


    "It''s a rather long story..." Mistress Ming began, casting a disappointed nce at the Cat King.


    "Our family used to reside here in the East Mountain as a modest mountain cat n. We never shed with humans, nor did we inflict harm on anyone. We led peaceful lives," Mistress Ming exined gradually. "However, a few days ago, upon my return, I discovered that both my parents had already passed away, and my older brother... he had established this cave dwelling and assumed the position of the mountain king."


    "When I returned, the demon king from a neighboring mountain happened to be visiting," Mistress Ming continued. "The moment the Tiger Kingid eyes on me, he insisted on taking me as his wife..."


    "I swore I would rather die than agree, so my older brother tied me up and locked me here," Mistress Ming exined.


    "Wow!" Chu Liang gazed at the Cat King andmented, "I now understand what kind of brother you are!"


    "I am not!" the Cat King retorted angrily. "You two don''t understand anything!"


    He turned to Mistress Ming and said, "Haven''t I already exined how our parents passed away? In recent years, an increasing number of demonic creatures from distant regions have migrated to the East Mountain. We''ve had topete for territory and sustenance due to the limited space in the area. We couldn''t risk relocating to human cities, which is why we had to contend with each other for resources. Our parents lost their lives in battles against other demonic creatures.


    "Do you think I wanted to be the king of this mountain? I constructed this cave dwelling and weed all the wandering cats so that the cats in the East Mountain could have a ce to call home!"


    With a tone heavy with sadness and anger, the Cat King shed tears as he went on, "When I had just established my cave dwelling, we were a mere dozen or so demonic creatures with seven or eight weapons..."


    "I''ve worked tirelessly for years just to barely get by here. Then, a few days ago, I crossed paths with the Tiger King from Hidden Forest Mountain. He was far more powerful and influential than I, and he was open to forming an alliance with my n. I thought that by befriending him, we could avoid fearing other demonic creatures encroaching on our East Mountain territory. So, I went to great lengths to win his friendship and invited him to our cave for a feast."


    "Who could have foreseen... who could have foreseen that my younger sister would return at that very moment?"


    "That Tiger King is terribly lustful, and he was immediately entranced by my younger sister''s beauty. He promptly proimed that as long as my younger sister married him, he would eternally protect the East Mountain Cat n. If we refused, he was likely tounch an attack!" exined the Cat King with a sense of helplessness.


    "But didn''t you mention that your younger sister already has a husband?" Chu Liang asked.


    The Cat King nodded emphatically. "I certainly did!"


    "And how did he react?" Chu Liang inquired.


    The Cat King replied, "He became even more excited."


    1. Ming means light. Who is this Mistress Light or Mistress Dark... So this is a pun... ?

 Chapter 42: Hidden Forest Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 42: Hidden Forest Mountain</h4>


    Chu Liang was left puzzled, a question mark figuratively hovering over his forehead.


    <i>Great... They have encountered the Cao Mengde</i>[1] <i>of the demonic realm.</i>


    "It''s beyond my control. The Hidden Forest Mountain is a formidable force, and I had no choice but to yield," the Cat King exined. "I didn''t want to force my younger sister. However, before the Tiger King departed, he mentioned that he would begin preparations for the wedding upon his return to Hidden Forest Mountain, and he intends toe here to marry my sister in three days. If he doesn''t find her here, he will unleash his anger..."


    Chu Liang cast another nce at Mistress Ming and asked, "You never mentioned that you had been granted an official title by the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "My younger sister suggested that I could seek help from the Mount Shu Sect, but... I was too afraid to do so," the Cat King shook his head and continued, "Low-level demons like us, dwelling in the mountains, feared cultivators like you the most... We wouldn''t dare harm humans. In fact, if we encountered someone who was lost, injured, or in distress in the mountains, we rushed to their aid. We were concerned that if anyone were to die in the mountains, humans might unjustly use demonic creatures andunch a hunt against us."


    Chu Liang could sympathize with his dilemma to some extent.


    The prevailing view among humans continued to regard demonic creatures and devils as foes, and they were quick to kill any demonic creatures they encountered.


    Moreover, there were unscrupulous cultivators who regarded demonic creatures as raw materials for alchemy, soul refinement, and various other purposes, unjustly ending their lives. While taking human lives was uwful, there was no legal protection for the lives of demonic creatures.


    These incidents only heightened the fear of demonic creatures towards cultivators.


    But wasn''t the human race''s fear of demonic creatures and devils deeply ingrained as well?


    The wrongdoings of a few individuals within a group often became associated with the entire group, leading to the entire group bearing the consequences together.


    Many demonic creatures, such as the members of the East Mountain Cat n, grappled with the challenge of survival.


    "I don''t know about the other sects, but at least our Mount Shu Sect is reasonable." That was all Chu Liang could say.


    "s..." the Cat King shook his head once more. "Take my younger sister away tonight. When the wedding procession for the Tiger King arrives tomorrow, the East Mountain Cat n will surely be ughtered. If you genuinely wish to help us, then take my younger sister and leave promptly. We might have a bit more time to escape."


    He raised his head and nced at the underling behind him as he said, "I''m uncertain whether we''ll survive after departing from this territory."


    Chu Liang fell into contemtive silence.


    For humans, leaving their hometown and familiar surroundings might merely be emotionally challenging. However, for demonic creatures, it meant searching for a new habitat, often entailing the risk of engaging in bloody warfare, which was exceedingly perilous.


    They required food, shelter, and a suitable environment. They couldn''t merely survive anywhere in the wild.


    In addition...


    Chu Liang suddenly asked, "Does the Tiger King have many subordinates?"


    The Cat King answered, "The Hidden Forest Mountainmands the most significant force of demonic creatures within a radius of a hundred li from Xingzhou City."


    "What is the Tiger King''s cultivation level?" Chu Liang asked.


    "He possesses a cultivation of seven or eight hundred years. ording to human ssification, he should be considered a demonic creature at the fourth or fifth realm," the Cat King exined.


    "If..." Chu Liang began slowly, "If I were to assist you in defeating the Tiger King, would that resolve all your issues?"


    "<i>Ehhhhh...</i>" The Cat King seemed surprised and skeptical, uncertain about Chu Liang''s intentions.


    Chu Liang might have been strong enough to defeat the Cat King, but he couldn''t possibly match the Tiger King''s power.


    Obviously, Chu Liang had no intention of recklessly risking his life.


    The primary reason he dared to consider this n was the jade talisman his teacher had given him. As long as he could summon the Di Nufeng, it wouldn''t matter if the Tiger King had numerous subordinates. He believed he could decisively defeat the Tiger King, leaving thetter with no escape and no chance of survival.


    Chu Liang wouldn''t be gaining anything from this trip. This wasn''t a mission, and he hadn''t in any demons.


    The members of the East Mountain Cat n were benevolent demonic beings, and Chu Liang couldn''t recklessly kill a few of them in exchange for rewards.


    This meant that his trip would be a waste of time.


    Taking Mistress Ming away would indirectly harm these little cat demons.


    Considering all these factors, it appeared more reasonable to proceed directly to the Hidden Forest Mountain and eliminate the demonic creatures residing there. They were notorious for their tyrannical behavior, and if he could y a few of them in exchange for rewards, this trip wouldn''t be in vain.


    Of course, the reward was not the most important thing. The primary objective was to punish the evil and promote the good.


    Indeed.


    With these thoughts in mind, he smiled at the Cat King and said, "Since I''ve presented it this way, I naturally have confidence in dealing with him. If you''re willing to assist me, we can save your sister. What do you think?"


    "I''m willing!" Seeing Chu Liang''s calm andposed demeanor, the Cat King considered this person trustworthy. With earnest gratitude in his eyes, he nodded emphatically and added, "But Young Hero, could you please untie the ropes first?"


    ...


    In the Hidden Forest Mountain...


    Located one hundred and twenty li to the east of Xingzhou City, this mountainous region was renowned for its towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. It was a ce that was easy to defend but challenging to attack.


    In earlier times, it had served as a haven for bandits and ouws. However, as the nearby roads gradually became deserted, the powerful men inhabiting the mountains also began to disperse. At some point, it had be a gathering ce for various demons and monsters.


    Today, deep within these vast mountains, an uproarious atmosphere prevailed, with the sound of drums and gongs echoing even in the peripheral areas.


    If someone were to ascend the steep slope to the mountaintop, they would behold arge open area below, teeming with hundreds of morous and raucous lesser demonic creatures. Some of them were even dressed in festive red outfits and carried drums and gongs.


    The scene was brimming with joy and celebration.


    The lesser demons of the Hidden Forest Mountain were not the only ones present; it appeared that the demon kings within a radius of a hundred li who had good rtions with the Tiger King had alsoe here to offer their congrattions. After all, today marked the day of the Hidden Forest Mountain''s Tiger King getting married.


    The Tiger King was incredibly powerful and had risen to be the most dominant demon king in the vicinity within just a few years. He was notorious for abducting women and had already amassed dozens of wives in hisir, yet this time, he was orchestrating a grand wedding.


    The nearby demon kings were aware that the Tiger King had been traveling aroundtely, endeavoring to unite the scattered demon forces in the vicinity. This gathering was less about a wedding and more about demonstrating the Tiger King''s power.


    Before long, a grand procession approached.


    Leading the way was a colossal elephant adorned with arge red flower on its head. Seated atop the elephant''s back was a giant of a man, towering over ten feet in height, sporting a ferocious beard. Though he was dressed as the groom, he couldn''t conceal the menacing aura he radiated.


    This was none other than the Tiger King himself!


    Following the elephant were two rows of lesser demons, ying music and instruments. In the middle of the procession, eight lesser demons carried a grand red bridal sedan.


    Inside the bridal sedan sat the bride, rumored to be a little cat demon from the East Mountain Cat n. However, hardly anyone in attendance had ever heard of this East Mountain Cat n.


    The several demons following at the rear of the bridal procession appeared to be from the East Mountain, presumably the bride''s family. The leader of the group, the Cat King, appeared rather dejected, while those following behind him seemed unremarkable.


    They were likely to be some unknown lesser demons.


    However... among the lesser demons from the East Mountain Cat n, one stood out from the rest.


    He maintained a sleek and upright posture, possessing the same fur and cat-like appearance. However, as he moved, he radiated an air of sophistication and amiability.


    Moreover... his gaze toward the surrounding demons differed significantly from the fear, admiration, and awe that marked the expressions of the other cat demons.


    His eyes gleamed with anticipation, as though he were looking at a treasure.


    1. Cao Mengde is a prominent warlord and politician in ancient China during thete Eastern Han Dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period. He has fifteen concubines and ten of them were married women. He has a fanatical passion for married women. ?

 Chapter 43: Divine Envoy

    <h4>Chapter 43: Divine Envoy</h4>


    "The Hidden Forest Mountain is very strictly guarded. You can''t just wander around in their cave. Chu Liang... you should be carefulter," the Cat King told Chu Liang nervously.


    The wedding was being held inside the rock cave in the belly of the mountain. The interior space was vast, but after setting up a wedding hall and seating for the numerous wedding guests, there wasn''t enough space to amodate the rest of the demons residing on the mountain.


    So, the lesser demons, who had weaker abilities, were seated outside.


    ording to those arrangement rules, the East Mountain Cat n, who were weak, should be seated in the gully at the foot of the mountain. Fortunately for them, they were honored as the family of the bride, and that was the only reason they were allowed to sit inside in a specially designated area.


    However, the demons walking about around them were all greater demons whom the Cat King usually treated with reverence. So, he couldn''t help but feel very fearful and on edge... especially since he knew that someone in his group hade here intending to cause trouble.


    "I''ll y it by ear," Chu Liang whispered as he pretended to look around curiously. "You''re too nervous. Anyone can tell at a nce that you''ve got something to hide. Loosen up a little."


    "Oh, all right..." the Cat King replied with a nod.


    Then he began to untie his belt...


    "Hey, hey, hey, brother." Chu Liang held back the Cat King''s arm. "Loosening up a little and loosening your clothes are two different things..."


    "No... I''m just taking out the wedding gift that I''m giving the Tiger Kingter," the Cat King exined.


    He searched his clothes for quite a while before finally pulling out a fine pearl, about the size of a chicken egg. It seemed like it was worth a lot.


    Considering the living standards of the East Mountain Cat n, it could not have been easy for them to obtain a jewel like that. So, it was probably a family heirloom. It was no wonder that the Cat King looked like he was in pain.


    He turned to the several young cat demons he''d brought with him and said, "At the banquetter, you should all eat more than usual. Eat your fill! If you can''t finish the food, take the rest away. Don''t leave any of it behind!"


    The other wedding guests also brought generous gifts. Most of the demon ns living in the mountain were not wealthy, but the demons present were all respected and influential figures in the region, so they weren''t that poor.


    At the side, there was an elderly fox demon, with a little hat on his head, who was acting as the master of ceremonies. Every time he made a record of a wedding gift and its gifter, he loudly announced what the gift was and which demon king it was from.


    Among the gifts, there were many precious items like pearls, jades, and coral agates. This was when Chu Liang realized for the first time that demons cherished the same things that humans found exquisite.


    After the Tiger King picked up and brought his bride over, he went to the back of the hall to change his clothes.


    When Chu Liang saw the Tiger King for the first time, he sensed the Crimson Executor, which he''d left in the White Tower, stir restlessly. It seemed as if this sword of righteousness had finally spotted a malevolent being shrouded in a blood-stained aura[1]. There was a murderer that the Crimson Executor wanted to execute!


    It turned out that the Tiger King was indeed an evildoer. This made Chu Liang feel more confident about his n.


    Amid the lively scene filled with chatter, a shout suddenly rang from the cave''s entrance, "The honorable divine envoy has arrived!"


    The demons in the cave immediately fell silent; not a single voice could be heard. Every demon shifted their gaze to the entrance.


    Standing there was a tall figure dressed in a ck cloak and a bronze mask.


    "Who is that?" Chu Liang asked the Cat King in a whisper.


    "I don''t know," the Cat King replied, shaking his head.


    "Then why did you suddenly stop talking?" Chu Liang said puzzledly.


    "Everyone stopped talking... so I got scared," the Cat King said with an honest expression.


    "..."


    Hearing that reminded Chu Liang of a scene from the past when a horrifying human face had appeared at the rear window of his ssroom. The moment someone fell silent midspeech, everyone else followed suit. However, most of them hadn''t even seen what had happened.


    The ck-cloaked man who was referred to as the divine envoy swiftly stepped into the cave. Following behind him were four lesser demons. They were each using a shoulder in abined effort to carry a very long object that was covered with red silk and bound with a string of crimson flowers, making it hard to discern what it was.


    "Oh, my! Sir, we are honored by your presence! I humbly apologize for noting to wee you earlier. Oh, honorable divine envoy, please forgive me!" the Tiger King said after immediately rushing over from the back of the hall.


    He presented himself with an extremely respectful attitude, without the slightest hint of his arrogant and despotic demeanor from before.


    "There''s no need for you to be so polite, Tiger King," the divine envoy replied calmly with a slight smile. "I heard that you''re getting married today, so I''m here to bring you a gift. Come, have a look!"


    The divine envoy waved his hand, and the lesser demons behind him pulled the red silk off the gift with a whoosh.


    Whaty beneath the red silk was a 1.8-zhang-long[2] halberd with a dark golden luster. It had the air of something very ancient. With its chillingly sharp des, the halberd had an indescribably divine gracefulness.


    "Wow!" The crowd of demons broke into amotion.


    Any demon could tell that this was a very powerful weapon.


    It was undoubtedly an ancient divine weapon!


    "This..." The Tiger King''s eyes suddenly lit up. "This truly is a divine weapon..."


    "That''s right. This is the World-Dominating Halberd. It''s an ancient divine weapon ranked 140th in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures," the divine envoy said with a smile. "Tiger King, as a hero of the present age, you should wield this divine weapon so you can dominate the world!"


    <i>World-Dominating Halberd?</i>


    Chu Liang finally realized why he felt the divine weapon seemed familiar. It was because he had seen it in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    However, he remembered clearly that the catalog had stated that this weapon belonged to the Great Astral Sect, one of the Divine Nine.


    <i>How did this divine envoy manage to steal that divine weapon from the Great Astral Sect? It''s rather puzzling.</i>


    "This divine weapon... How did you manage to obtain it, sir?" the Tiger King asked.


    Naturally, the Tiger King knew that having an ancient weapon could boost his power tremendously. He caressed the shaft of the halberd, loving it so much that he didn''t want to let it go.


    "Haha, it was quite the coincidence, actually. On my way here, I happened to encounter a talented mortal who was skilled but not very bright. I used a little trick and snatched away his weapon. When I saw this treasure, I thought it would be a perfect wedding gift for you," the divine envoy answered.


    "Wonderful! Thank you, honorable divine envoy!"


    Tiger King exerted some force and gripped the World-Dominating Halberd with one arm. He gave it a few swings, splitting the air with a booming whoosh.


    All the demons present shivered when they felt the cold aura from the divine weapon.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Once the Tiger King was satisfied, he rested the halberd heavily on the ground in an upright position. Even this simple action carried the imposing air of gales and thunder.


    As expected, this was the mighty prowess of an ancient divine weapon.


    "In that case, why don''t we take the opportunity to announce that other piece of news as well?" Tiger King asked while looking at the divine envoy.


    "Yes, that''s the other reason why I''m here," the divine envoy replied with a nod.


    "Very well!" the Tiger King eximed. He walked onto the stage and announced loudly, "My fellow demons, aside from celebrating my wedding, there''s another reason why we''re gathered here today. I have some important news to share!"


    "Recently, I''ve been traveling to various mountains and spoken with many demon kings about my proposal to have you all be part of my n, the Hidden Forest Mountain." The Tiger King''s gaze swept over his audience with imposing pressure, so much so that the demons below the stage didn''t dare to make eye contact with him. "With me as your leader, we can aplish something great!"


    "Now, it''s time to tell you what this great thing is!" the Tiger King said and then suddenly turned to the side.


    He bowed and invited the divine envoy to step onto the stage, relinquishing the stage to him.


    The divine envoy climbed onto the stage and stood there with a dignified and imposing air.


    "My fellow demons, some of you may know that Ie from the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings to the west of the Western Regions. I and my fellow envoys are traveling throughout the mortal realm to deliver a message to all of you.


    "God... is returning!"


    1. Qi saturated with blood. ?


    2. It''s around six meters long. ?

 Chapter 44: Password

    <h4>Chapter 44: Password</h4>


    "God" was the term of address that demons used to refer to an ancient being.


    In the human world, the path of cultivation was divided into three stages, eachprising three realms. The ninth realm, known as the Profound Realm, had always been a realm of legend. Those who reached this realm were truly a once-in-a-millennium urrence.


    Three thousand years ago, a peerless Demon Emperor of the demons achieved this unparalleled stage, bing the world''s first demon to reach the Profound Realm. He became the first demon god in the world and the only cultivator in the human world at the Profound Realm.


    This brought about a cmity for cultivators in the human world.


    The demon god initiated a massacre in all directions. Many members of the Immortal Sect stepped forward one after another, but none of them could stop the demon god from advancing. Faced with an unparalleled power, no number of people could fill the void. It seemed inevitable that the demons, under the leadership of the demon god, would conquer the nine provinces and four seas.


    In the face of this crisis, seven elders of the Mount Shu Sect, all of whom had reached the Heavenly Origin Realm, emerged with the formidable divine artifact known as the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. They paid a steep price by sacrificing six of their own to finally seal the demon god within the confines of the pagoda.


    And this battle was what elevated the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda to the highest-ranked treasure in the human world.


    The reason was straightforward: Cultivators at the Profound Realm were regarded as gods. There existed an unbridgeable chasm between gods and all other living beings¡ªgods were untouchable, invincible, and beyond surpassing.


    However, the presence of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda bridged this divide.


    It stood as the sole artifact capable of this feat, earning its status as the top-ranked divine artifact¡ªan undeniable fact recognized by all.


    However, a legend persisted, suggesting that the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda couldn''t kill the demon god; it could only seal it. Consequently, for centuries, members of the demon race relentlessly attempted to infiltrate the Mount Shu Sect, hoping to unlock the pagoda and release the former demon god.


    Regrettably, the demons who tried, whether openly or covertly, found themselves trapped within the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    It wasn''t until five hundred years ago that the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda vanished.


    The Mount Shu Sect had yet to provide a definite exnation. Perhaps they themselves remained unaware.


    At first, there was a rumor in the martial world, suggesting that the demon god had shattered the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and escaped. The Mount Shu Sect chose not to reveal this information due to concerns about potentially causing widespread panic among the human world.


    However, five hundred years had passed since then, and there were no reports of the demon god''s return. Consequently, these rumors gradually faded away.


    Three thousand years was an exceptionally long period, and so, humans today hadrgely forgotten about that terrifying era.


    But... the demons never forgot!


    They deeply yearned for that era when the demon race ruled the world, and the human race cowered in fear.


    To the west of the Western Regionsy the vast and deste Far West¡ªa harsh and brutalnd that housed the world''srgest demon force.


    This force was established by the seven Great Demon Kings, who had escaped all the way to the Far West after the remnants of the demon god were relentlessly pursued.


    And that ce was known as the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings.


    The Mountain Range of the Seven Kings had always been dedicated to the revival of the demons and had never given up hope of weing back the demon god. For the demons living in the territories of the human nations, the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings was more like a distant and revered sacred ce.


    And the divine envoy here today hade from the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings.


    The room immediately filled with gasps of shock and amazement, including Chu Liang, who was quite surprised.


    He hade to settle a romantic dispute. Who would have thought there would be such an unexpected revtion?


    The demon god would soon return?


    If this news was true, it would be significant enough to shake the Nine Provinces and the Four Seas!


    The divine envoy continued with a voice filled with devotion, spreading his arms.


    "We of the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings sent out the Tiger King to expand our territory within the human realm. We were gathering our own forces within the boundaries of the human territories, waiting for the day when god truly returned...


    ¡°This is the moment when we answer his call!


    ¡°Those willing to follow in the footsteps of the god, join the Hidden Forest Mountain. Of course, if you are not willing, we won''t force you. God loves every member of the demon race."


    ...


    He didn''t say much, but his words sent shockwaves through the room.


    Their god would soon return!


    And by joining the Tiger King''s forces, one would have been aligning themselves with the demon god''s army in advance. Instantly, many demon kings in attendance felt tempted.


    Back when the Tiger King had been traveling and persuading individuals to join their forces, many demon kings had their doubts. After all, even though the Tiger King''s influence was considerable, they were leadingfortable lives.


    There was no necessity to be subordinates of the Tiger King.


    Yet with the name of the god involved, things were very much different.


    There was a chance that many of those demon kings, who had been hesitating or had intended to reject the offer, would change their minds in this very instant.


    Even the Cat King seemed a little breathless.


    Chu Liang cast a slightly worried nce at him, fearing that he might suddenly develop a burning heart for the demons and stand up to denounce him.


    Thankfully, it seemed like the Cat King''s mind was still clear, and he hadn''t forgotten the purpose of this mission.


    As the room grew noisy again, with all the demonic creatures discussing the words of the divine envoy, the Cat King leaned in and said, ¡°Young Hero Chu, we must act quickly. If we wait any longer, the Tiger King will be back in the bridal chamber.¡±


    The wedding of demons would not have as many rituals as human weddings. When the divine envoy finished talking, he had other tasks at hand and hurriedly left with his subordinates.


    After he left, the Tiger King waved his hand and announced the start of the feast. He then lifted arge wine jug and went table to table, toasting and drinking heartily.


    Chu Liang looked around and also rose from his seat.


    ording to the n they had devised, Mistress Ming, who was already in the bridal chamber waiting, was supposed to poison the candles and the wine. When the Tiger King was inebriated, she would deceive him into drinking the poisoned wine.


    Chu Liang, concealed in the shadows, would thenunch a sudden attack with his sword, aiming to kill him.


    If it were a cultivator at the fourth or fifth realm, Chu Liang wouldn''t act this way. But since this was a demonic creature of a higher cultivation level, it was worth the challenge.


    If anything went awry, he could simply crush the jade talisman and summon his teacher. Chu Liang was familiar with Di Nufeng, and at this hour, she likely hadn''t consumed too much alcohol. She could rush over in the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. This sense of reassurance allowed him to dare such a risky n.


    Before the Tiger King returned to the bridal chamber, Chu Liang needed to slip in and hide.


    So, he got up and quietly moved towards the back of the cave.


    The back hall was where the Tiger King and some senior demons resided within the Hidden Forest Mountain, much like the backyard of a wealthy household. The bridal chamber was located there too.


    Typically, demon caves were not tightly secured, and casual movement was not a problem.


    However, the Tiger King maintained slightly stricter control over his domain, and there were quite a few junior demons patrolling the back hall.


    At that moment, all the junior demons around were quite drunk, and the guards were not very focused, so it seemed like Chu Liang was about to slip into the back hall.


    However, a bull demon with tworge horns on its head suddenly approached from the front, patted Chu Liang''s shoulder, and demanded, ¡°Password!¡±


    ¡°<i>Eh?</i>¡± Chu Liang felt his heart in his throat.


    <i>There''s a password?</i>


    The Tiger King, havinge from the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings, had indeed implemented strict security within the Hidden Forest Mountain.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but touch the flying sword bracelet on his left hand while improvising, "The King of Heaven covers the Earth Tiger.[1]"


    He was already prepared to make a move with his sword as soon as the other party challenged him. He would strike down a demon immediately and then summon his teacher without hesitation.


    But... the result was unexpected.


    To his surprise, the bull demon, after hearing the password, nodded and walked past Chu Liang without a care.


    <i>Eh? </i>


    Chu Liang was momentarily baffled. Did he guess the password right? If he did, it would be quite absurd.


    Because he was so surprised, he couldn''t help but stare at the back of the bull demon a bit longer. He noticed that the bull demon swaggered confidently into the back hall and encountered two patrolling junior demons along the way.


    One of the demons shouted at him, asking, ¡°Password!¡±


    Then, the bull demon answered confidently, ¡°The King of Heaven covers the Earth Tiger!¡±


    The two demons immediately unsheathed their weapons and shouted, ¡°Spy!¡±


    At that moment, the bull demon turned to look in Chu Liang''s direction. He hesitated and tilted his head so much that one of his horns came loose halfway...


    That expression resembled that of a ssmate who had copied his incorrect answers during an exam.


    The look in his eyes was a mixture of bewilderment and astonishment as if he had been deceived.


    1. "The King of Heaven covers the Earth Tiger (ÌìÍõ¸ÇµØ»¢)" is part of a well-known coded dialogue intended for Chinese scammers to identify each other and avoid scamming fellow scammers. The full sequence goes like this: ÌìÍõ¸ÇµØ»¢£¬Ð¡¼¦ìÀÄ¢¹½¡£±¦ËþÕòºÓÑý£¬Ä¢¹½·ÅÀ±½·. The King of Heaven covers the Earth Tiger (ÌìÍõ¸ÇµØ»¢), Chicken Mushroom Stew (С¼¦ìÀÄ¢¹½). Treasure Pagoda Suppresses the River Demon (±¦ËþÕòºÓÑý), Add Chili to Mushrooms (Ä¢¹½·ÅÀ±½·). It''s a form of secretmunication where one person says the first line, and the other responds with the corresponding second line. This serves as a covert way for scammers to verify each other''s identities. ?

 Chapter 45: You called this the Hundred Swords Seal!

    <h4>Chapter 45: You called this the Hundred Swords Seal!</h4>


    "A spy!"


    A loud shout immediately drew the attention of the surrounding demons, and over a dozen lesser demons wielding sharp des swiftly closed in on them.


    The Bull Demon couldn''t bother to look at Chu Liang anymore.


    A lesser demon, shouting loudly, demanded, "Which mountain and which cave do youe from?"


    They were poised to attack if he gave the wrong answer.


    "I came from your grandmother''s cave!" The Bull Demon retorted angrily, taking everyone by surprise as he initiated an attack by throwing a punch.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    His punch carried tremendous force, striking the lesser demon''s chest with a heavy blow that sent him hurtling a dozen zhang, crashing into the cave wall. The impact was so intense that he seemed embedded in the wall like a mural.


    In a literal sense, it was like hanging a painting.


    The Bull Demon''s punch packed a formidable punch. As he twisted his body, his tworge horns came off, revealing that this Bull Demon was merely a disguise.


    Another voice shouted even more loudly, "It''s a human!"


    "So he''s also a human?" Chu Liang finally understood the Bull Demon''s actions just now.


    He likely aimed to infiltrate the inner chambers but was unaware of the password. Therefore, he tried to take the initiative and extract the password from a random lesser demon.


    Unfortunately... This clever fellow ended up approaching the wrong person.


    "Indeed, your grandpa Bull is a human!"


    Seeing that he was already exposed, he simply stopped pretending, ripping off the fake hair and horns on his head. Then, with a shake of his arms, he shattered the fake fur on his upper body, revealing a strong and muscr body like a golden arhat.


    His clothes ripped!


    Surrounded by the little demons who shouted and rushed forward to attack, he effortlessly dealt with them, delivering one punch after another and kicking multiple demons at a time. He sent them flying, causing them to cough blood and break bones, leaving behind a path stained with blood.


    However, the knives and spears of those lesser demons couldn''t touch him at all.


    Chu Liang observed from behind and noticed that this individual appeared to be employing genuine martial arts techniques.


    Martial artists in the early stages of their cultivation concentrated on fundamentalbat techniques. If two individuals have simr speed and strength, the one who has received martial arts training might have an advantage in a fight, potentially leading to a more decisive victory.


    The augmented qi they generate through their inner strength differs slightly from the qi used by cultivators of the three schools of thought. While the augmented qi mayck some versatility, it is more robust and powerful.


    Martial artists at the same level of cultivation typically possess greaterbat prowesspared to cultivators from the three schools of thought.


    If cultivators from the three schools of thought could concentrate on seeking the Dao rather than mastering techniques and focusing solely on cultivation, the martial arts cultivators'' approach to cultivation would be less intricate. Their primary objective in training is to bebat-effective.


    One of the Divine Nine, the Great Astral Sect, was a sect dedicated solely to the practice of martial arts. The disciples of this sect have always been renowned for theirbat abilities.


    The divine envoy had mentioned that his World-Dominating Halberd was taken from a disciple of the Great Astral Sect. After some contemtion, Chu Liang had a rough idea of this tough guy''s background.


    The man didn''t appear to be old, yet his martial arts cultivation level was at least the fourth realm. Even if he wasn''t the chief disciple of the Great Astral Sect, he would still be regarded as a core disciple.


    In the blink of an eye, he had injured and killed several dozen demons. The tough guy continued to ughter his way to the back hall, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. There, heid his eyes on a huge halberd.


    That was indeed his target.


    As Chu Liang observed the lesser demons on the ground, many of them badly injured, he felt a strong urge to deliver a final blow. If it weren''t for the uncertain situation, which made it unwise to reveal his identity, he might have leaped into the fray and fought alongside the tough guy¡ªmainly to contribute those extra stabs.


    "How dare you, human, to wreak havoc in our Hidden Forest Mountain!"


    A furious tiger''s roar resonated, causing the cave to vibrate incessantly, and even some of the lower-cultivation lesser demons stumbled and fell.


    It was none other than the Tiger King, who had rushed here in a fit of rage!


    The demon king seized the World-Dominating Halberd and swung it vigorously, thrusting it downward towards the advancing enemy.


    The scorching halberd wind swept over the surroundings, sending all of his own lesser demons within a ten-zhang radius flying!


    "You abomination, give me back my divine weapon!" the tough guy shouted in fury. He suddenly raised his arms, and his palms opened up like a palm-leaf fan as he took a step forward.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    He advanced, astonishingly catching the massive halberd with his bare hands, sessfully halting this mighty and powerful strike.


    "<i>Hah¡ª</i>"


    The tower-like Tiger King and the rock-solid tough guy both let out resounding shouts, entering into a fierce struggle for the halberd. The ground quivered, and the cave started to shower loose rocks, as if it might crumble at any moment.


    The demon kings and some lesser demons who had been part of the banquet sensed trouble and hastily fled in panic.


    As the saying went, when immortals fought, mortals would suffer.


    With these two giants locked in a wrestling match, anyone in their vicinity was undoubtedly in for a rough time.


    Chu Liang also intended to escape and was on the brink of withdrawing when he noticed the tough guy was losing ground.


    It turned out that while the Tiger King and the tough guy both had a tight grip on the halberd, the Tiger King craftily raised something from below.


    That''s right! It was his tail.


    The tiger''s tail, whip-like and with formidable force,shed out across the tough guy''s waist.


    <i>Bang! Crack!</i>


    This strike sent him flying horizontally, tumbling several times.


    But the tough guy disyed remarkable resilience, disregarding his injuries, and rolled once more from the ground, rising to his feet. However, the Tiger King''s pursuit was swift, and a frigid gleam descended from the sky as the halberd once more shed down.


    "<i>Roar</i>!" The tough guy suddenly let out a mighty roar and raised his right fist to waist height, thrusting it powerfully upward toward the sky. A colossal fist charged with formidable energy met the halberd head-on.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, it seemed as if he had employed his right fist to cleave open the heavens, morphing into a dragon!


    His body soared, and he executed a high kick in mid-air,nding his foot squarely on the Tiger King''s chest.


    Visible golden radiance surged, and the air brimmed with demonic energy.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The Tiger King bellowed in fury and contorted his body, morphing into a massive beast in midair.


    He revealed his true form, a ck tiger!


    In the blink of an eye, a ck tiger, which nearly upied half of the cave, appeared with gleaming golden eyes and fangs resembling swords. The tough guy, who had been confronting the Tiger King, suddenly appeared tiny inparison.


    The Tiger King lowered his head and unleashed an innate divine ability.


    The Tiger Roar!


    This sudden transformation clearly caught the tough guy off guard.


    "<i>Roar!</i>"


    A fierce sonic st waspletely absorbed by the tough guy from the front. The malevolent aura was overpowering, and it appeared as though he had fallen prey to a psychic attack, momentarily stiffening.


    In that very moment, the colossal was on the brink of being devoured by that gaping jaws of the ck tiger!


    <i>Thud!</i>


    However, it resulted in a muffled noise.


    The anticipated scene of blood and flesh being sent flying did not materialize.


    As it turned out, the tough guy regained his senses just in time, pushing with both hands, and incredibly managed to resist the Tiger King''s upper teeth with one foot on his lower jaw, forcefully... stopping that bite.


    "<i>Grrr!</i>"


    The Tiger King continued to produce furious growls, but he couldn''t manage to swallow this unyielding opponent due to his resistance.


    "<i>Ugh!</i>" The tough guy released a muffled cry as his muscles bulged to a terrifying extent.


    Faint blood-red tattoos appeared on his back, as though he were imbued with some divine blessing.


    In this deadlock, he remained trapped and couldn''t break free for a while.


    This colossal ck tiger, the Tiger King''s true form, possessed the power to shatter mountains and split rocks. The mere fact that a human could withstand the Tiger King''s attack was already highly remarkable.


    Observing the situation once more regress into a struggle between the two, it became evident that if things persisted this way, the lesser demons who had recently fled might return and potentially encircle them once more. Such a scenario would be highly disadvantageous for the tough guy.


    Chu Liang, who had been secretly watching the battle, finally couldn''t just stand by any longer.


    With a single thought, he promptly retrieved the Crimson Executioner from the White Pagoda.


    Ever since he first encountered the Tiger King, the Crimson Executioner had been transmitting agitated emotions to him, and it had disyed considerable patience with him.


    Chu Liang invoked the Crimson Executioner and immediately used his most powerful divine skill.


    "Dividing light and skimming shadows, heed my will..."


    Following an intense one-on-one confrontation between the two, employing a divine skill like the Hundred Swords Seal suddenly appeared somewhat less grandiose.


    Chu Liang''s aim wasn''t to y the Tiger King. He only needed to have a minor impact on the Tiger King.


    As long as he could get the Tiger King to loosen his grip even a little, the tough guy would have an opportunity to retrieve the dropped giant halberd and make his escape.


    "Hundred Swords Seal!"


    As Chu Liang called out, the Crimson Executioner multiplied, breaking into many sword-like lights that moved swiftly.


    While the Tiger King was absorbed in the physical confrontation with the adversary in front of him, he suddenly caught the distinct sound of the Hundred Swords Seal being invoked from the side.


    He spotted the approaching sword energy out of the corner of his eye.


    He really wanted tough.


    After centuries of existence and experiencing so much, he was well aware of the Hundred Swords Seal.


    <i>Did this cultivator believe that such a feeble divine skill could harm me, the Tiger King?</i>


    However, in the following moment, a flicker of fear suddenly emerged in the corner of his eyes.


    <i>Wait a minute...</i>


    <i>Are you teasing a tiger that never attended school?</i>


    <i>You called this the Hundred Swords Seal!</i>

 Chapter 46: Yun Chaoxian

    <h4>Chapter 46: Yun Chaoxian</h4>


    The Tiger King departed this life serenely.


    ...


    Previously...


    When Chu Liang activated his divine abilities, he genuinely believed he was using the Hundred Swords Seal.


    However, the moment he invoked the Crimson Executioner, he felt something strange.


    It was a surge of emotions that had been suppressed for countless years¡ªwrath, hatred of evil, and impatience. It was the long-sealed sword of righteousness going wild with joy now that it could finally strike down evil again.


    This was the awakening of the sword of righteousness!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Under Chu Liang''s will, the Crimson Executioner began to split. The one sword split into ten, ten into a hundred, a hundred into a thousand, and a thousand into ten thousand...


    A mysterious force suddenly erupted and propelled him straight up toward the sky. It was as if a gust of wind was lending him its power.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    There was a sudden burst of sword qi in midair, producing an explosive noise. A myriad of swords filled the sky; there seemed to be no end to them!


    Even Chu Liang was immensely stunned by the sight.


    <i>Is this the Ten Thousand Swords Seal?</i>


    Perhaps, it was a technique even greater than that. If it were an ordinary Ten Thousand Swords Seal, there wouldn''t be so much power contained in each of those swords. The ten thousand Crimson Executioners rained down on the colossal ck tiger.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...</i>


    When a beam of swordlight shed the Tiger King, it only grazed him. Demonic qi seeped out from the wound, but there wasn''t a single drop of blood. However, there were over ten thousand of these swords, so the result would be magnified greatly.


    The first wave of attacks caused the Tiger King to let out a pained roar!


    "Aoooo¡ª"


    The tough man seized the opportunity to leap backward. While doing so, he didn''t forget to pick up the World-Dominating Halberd from the ground. Now with the halberd in hand, the power of his qi changed immediately, bing five times stronger than before!


    Nevertheless, there was no need for him to take any further action. The torrent of swordlight rained down a second wave of attacks.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...</i>


    The beams of swordlight swirled around chaotically like bees returning to their hive. They revolved around the ck tiger, flying in and out of his massive body. It appeared as though he was shrouded in a dazzling halo of light and color.


    The process seemed lengthy, but in reality, the myriad of swords had rained down many waves of attacks on the Tiger King in the blink of an eye. Tiger King''s eyes had dimmed, and he was glowing strangely.


    "<i>Aaaaahhhh!</i>" the Tiger King roared strangely.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    As a result of the myriad of swords piercing him, the Tiger King exploded with a loud bang and a fountain of blood! The blood sttered onto the ground!


    Blood was all that remained of the Tiger King, as even his bones had been destroyed. He had been obliterated.


    A golden phantom floated into Chu Liang.


    Immediately after, the Crimson Executioner flew back to Chu Liang, gleaming with the red of a bloodbath.


    Chu Liang suddenly remembered the weapon''s description... <i>This sword serves as a symbol of righteousness. When confronting an enemy tainted by great evil and their qi</i> <i>suffused with blood, the sword undergoes a surge in power.</i>


    <i>That said, this boost in power... Isn''t it a bit too much?</i>


    Going from the Hundred Swords Seal to the Ten Thousand Swords Seal was an increase of at least a hundredfold!


    He hadn''t seen the divine swords spoken of in legends. However, he had seen valuable swords in the Mount Shu Sect, and not a single one of them was in the same league as the Crimson Executioner.


    The Crimson Executioner was outrageously powerful. Even Chu Liang, its owner, was astounded.


    So, of course, the shirtless tough guy was extremely shocked. He stood in ce for quite a while before he finally walked over to Chu Liang with his huge halberd in hand.


    Composure returned to his gaze as he said, "I am Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect. Thank you very much for your help, sir!"


    "Chu Liang, Mount Shu Sect," Chu Liang replied.


    "So, you''re a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. It''s an honor to meet you," the tough guy expressed very politely with his hands cupped together in respect.


    "So, you''re from the Great Astral Sect. No wonder you are so brave and powerful," Chu Liang immediately responded courteously.


    He could see the tough guy''s appearance clearly now. Yun Chaoxian wasn''t just tall and robust; he was also rather handsome with straight, tapered eyebrows, round eyes, and sharp facial features.


    Yun Chaoxian''s gaze was filled with reverence as he looked at Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang was about to have an exchange of pleasantries with Yun Chaoxian, but he suddenly recalled something, and his expression turned serious.


    "Hang on...!" Chu Liang uttered.


    With that, he immediately turned and ran outside.


    Yun Chaoxian wasn''t sure what was going on, but he followed Chu Liang out with his halberd in hand.


    Chu Liang rushed out of the cave to find the surrounding area deserted, without even a glimpse of a demon''s shadow.


    These lesser demons cherished their lives greatly. As soon as they saw their king was dead, they scattered in all directions like birds and beasts before an impending disaster, deathly afraid of fleeing too slowly. Chu Liang onlygged a little behind them, but it was indeed toote for him to capture any of them.


    "Ah..." Chu Liang sighed disappointedly. "They''ve escaped, all of them..."


    Yun Chaoxian asked curiously, "Brother Chu, why are you concerned about those lesser demons? They can''t do much anyway. You''ve in that ck Tiger Demon. That''s enough to suppress the rebelling demons in this area."


    "I..." Chu Liang began and then paused. He continued, "I''m just doing my part to eradicate evil."


    Yun Chaoxian cupped his hands together in reverence again and expressed, "Brother Chu, you are so awe-inspiringly righteous. I truly admire you."


    ...


    Since all of the lesser demons had already fled, Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian descended the mountain together and had a chat along the way.


    Actually, Chu Liang already knew a bit about what Yun Chaoxian was telling him. It had been reported in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> that the Great Astral Sect''s four most outstanding core disciples specialized in using the saber, spear, sword, and polearm respectively.


    The most famous one was, of course, Senior Disciple Ren Hongdao, and Yun Chaoxian turned out to be the one who specialized in using the polearm.


    "The Great Astral Sect is located in the northwest. This time, when those four divine envoys came from the far west and entered the territory of the Yu Dynasty, it drew my sect''s attention," Yun Chaoxian said. "So, the sect ordered the four of us to each kill one of the four envoys."


    "But little did I know that the man I was hunting down was extremely cunning..." Yun Chaoxian continued, sounding rather resentful at this point. "He challenged me to a fight. He drew a circle and said that neither of us should bring weapons into it. Whoever stepped out of the circle first would lose and be at the mercy of the other.


    "I agreed and entered the circle to fight with him. I only punched him once. Who knew that he would use that as an opportunity to fly out of the circle, hoist my World-Dominating Halberd onto his shoulder, and run away!


    "I said he had lost. But he just said that I could deal with him however I liked if I could catch him. That''s just hical!"


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    He remembered the divine envoy from earlier mentioning that he had encountered a disciple of the Great Astral Sect. He''d said that the disciple had been skilled butcked intelligence. It was indeed an objective assessment.


    Judging by Yun Chaoxian''s cultivation level alone, he was indeed a formidable opponent. He managed to stand his ground in a passionate showdown against the true form of a fifth-realm demon king. Moreover, he had trained with a polearm since childhood, so all of his skills were focused on that kind of weapon. Yet, when he fought against the Tiger King, he had done so barehanded!


    Weapons were of utmost importance for martial artists. Without a suitable weapon, Yun Chaoxian could only unleash about sixty percent of his true power at most. Yet, he still managed to show such mighty prowess. When he was wielding the World-Dominating Halberd, it was likely he was no weaker than the geniuses from the average immortal sect.


    <i>Purely in terms of cultivation level, it''s uncertain if Senior Sister Jiang Yuebai would be able to defeat Yun Chaoxian easily since they follow different cultivation paths. However... in a real fight, Senior Sister Jiang may be able to find a hundred ways to defeat him.</i>


    <i>After all, it''s pivotal that a cultivator can use their brain well.</i>


    "Brother Chu, what do you think of going with me to hunt down that asshole?" Yun Chaoxian asked, suddenly inviting Chu Liang to join him.


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang was surprised. "Brother Yun, why do you want me toe along?"


    "That demon divine envoy is treacherous and cunning. He specializes in schemes to jeopardize humans. He must be eliminated by all means. But I may not be strong enough to deal with him alone," Yun Chaoxian exined, gazing at Chu Liang with a face full of reverence. "Brother Chu, with the extraordinary powers you''ve cultivated, you should be called a genius. If you help me, we can definitely y that evildoer!"


    "My extraordinary powers..." Chu Liang muttered while hesitating about what his decision should be.


    "Yes! Ever since I was a child, I''ve never been awed by anyone. But I was truly impressed when I saw your divine abilities today!" Yun Chaoxian nodded repeatedly, his eyes beaming with admiration. "Actually, your aura seems pretty ordinary and unremarkable. I wouldn''t have even imagined that you''d be this formidable if I didn''t witness you use the Ten Thousand Swords Seal!"


    <i>Oh, yes.</i>


    Chu Liang smiled.


    <i>It''s not just you... Even I had no idea I was this powerful.</i>

 Chapter 47: Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill

    <h4>Chapter 47: Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill</h4>


    Kaoshan City was situated next to the towering Southern Bastion Mountain. This city experienced the morning sun''s arrival slightlyter than usual and its sunset came a bit earlier.


    On this day, as the evening sky dimmed, two outstanding young men entered the city just before the gates closed.


    One of them possessed a refined and handsome appearance,plemented by a friendly smile on his face. The other stood tall and robust, bearing a long weapon on his back, its de concealed beneath a cloth cover.


    These two individuals were none other than Chu Liang from Mount Shu and Yun Chaoxian from the Great Astral Sect.


    When Yun Chaoxian extended an invitation to Chu Liang to join him in confronting the demon envoy, Chu Liang initially contemted refusing. After all, Yun Chaoxian''s admiration and respect for him had grown after witnessing his use of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal. Nevertheless, Chu Liang remained keenly aware of his own capabilities.


    A battle of this magnitude exceeded his capabilities.


    However, Yun Chaoxian persisted in his persuasion, even offering the promise that any rewards from the mission would be entirely given to Chu Liang. Yun Chaoxian emphasized that all he needed was for the sect''s mission to be sessfully executed by eliminating the divine envoy.


    And so, Chu Liang found himself tempted to reconsider.


    Indeed, it was Yun Chaoxian''s sincerity that prompted him to reconsider. There were no other factors at y.


    <i>Yes.</i>


    Chu Liang hadn''t used the jade talisman for summoning his teacher yet, which meant that he still had an opportunity to utilize a mighty summoning spell. This is why the slightly risky endeavor wasn''t entirely ruled out.


    Perhaps by grinding and taking a risk, he might ascend from a bronze-tier yer to a gold-tier yer.


    Certainly, he hadn''t forgotten to return to the cave residence of the Cat n in the East Mountain, where he reunited with the Cat King and Mistress Ming. After confirming their safety, he felt reassured.


    After the demon hordes in the Hidden Forest Mountain learned of the Tiger King''s defeat, they scattered like birds and beasts. The siblings seized this opportunity to make their escape. From that point on, the Tiger King wouldn''t be able to trouble them again.


    Mistress Ming conveyed her immense gratitude to Chu Liang, and then she returned home to enjoy her days with Official Ming. After all, her trip back to visit her family had unexpectedly led to her being forced into a second marriage, and she had longed to reunite with her true love.


    With their safety confirmed and the issue involving Miss Ming satisfactorily resolved, Chu Liang set out with Yun Chaoxian.


    As for Yun Chaoxian''s n to track the divine envoy...


    When Chu Liang inquired about this, Yun Chaoxian chuckled.


    "Previously, when I struck him, I left something behind. I imnted our sect''s secret technique, The Heavenly Sound Wave, on him.


    "I can track his location for three days. However, to pinpoint his exact location with the Heavenly Sound Wave, I have to wait for the reverberation. This process takes some time, so he might have already left by the time we arrive. However, if he stops somewhere, he won''t escape my grasp.


    "I had relied on the Heavenly Sound Wave to track him to the Hidden Forest Mountain. Thest reverberation from the Heavenly Sound Wave led me to a location near this Kaoshan City. If he enters the city, he probably won''t be leaving quickly. By tonight, I''ll be able to pinpoint his exact location."


    As Yun Chaoxian said this, he clenched his fists with confidence.


    Chu Liang didn''t anticipate that Yun Chaoxian had taken such a precautionary measure. He quickly praised, "Brother Yun, your wisdom is truly remarkable."


    Yun Chaoxian smirked and replied, "Of course, within our Great Astral sect, I''m renowned for my sharp mind."


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    At the same time, Chu Liang couldn''t help but worry about the future of the Great Astral Sect.


    ...


    After entering the city, the day had already turned into night. They found an inn to rest, booking two rooms and agreeing to meet again the next morning.


    Chu Liang returned to his room, freshened up, andy down on the bed, finally allowing himself some well-deserved rxation.


    Previously, after defeating the Tiger King, another tiger''s phantom had materialized inside the White Pagoda.


    "Refine."


    Without hesitation, he pressed the refinement button.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As the radiance floated out, Chu Liang took it and found what appeared to be a white pill in his palm.


    [Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill: A high-grade pill infused with the essence of an innate fierce tiger. Consuming it can enhance one''s strength by the power of ten tigers, boost vitality, improve sleep, and revitalize a man''s sexual vigor.]


    "Wow," Chu Liang couldn''t help but exim, sensing the effects of the pill.


    It was incredibly powerful.


    Although it appeared to have multiple effects, the most immediately beneficial one was clearly the revitalization...


    It was clearly the enhancement of one''s strength by the power of ten tigers!


    The power of ten tigers!


    In contrast to martial arts cultivators, practitioners from the three schools of thought would primarily concentrate on strengthening their physical bodies in the first realm, the Body Refinement Realm, and the sixth realm, the Transcendence Realm.


    Nheless, the Transcendence Realm doesn''t solely emphasize the training of physical strength. Instead, its goal is to imbue the physical body with a distinct spiritual quality.


    Hence, in the entire cultivation path, the most substantial increase in physical strength usually took ce at the first realm.


    Naturally, after achieving clear and unobstructed meridians, your strength would be powerful as long as your cultivation level is high.


    However, it still wouldn''t be purely physical strength.


    Many Eminent Ones who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm were capable of easily moving mountains. However, without using any qi, their physical strength might not exceed that of cultivators several levels weaker than them.


    This power of ten tigers would be purely added to his physical body.


    After taking this pill, Chu Liang''s raw power might surpass that of many martial artists.


    For martial arts cultivators, using such strength-boosting pills might require careful consideration. Gains in external power can be challenging to control and could potentially deplete one''s true potential.


    However, Chu Liang wasn''t a martial artist, so obtaining the strength of ten tigers was like a windfall for him. He didn''t need to concern himself with whether it could continue to grow in the future, so he didn''t overthink it.


    After a brief contemtion, he didn''t hesitate much and swallowed the Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill.


    <i>Woah!</i>


    Upon swallowing the pill, a fiery energy surged through his abdomen, coursing through his limbs and body.


    Chu Liang''s joints emitted a series of cracking sounds, akin to a real tiger awakening inside him, stretching its muscles and bones.


    "<i>Ah!</i>"


    After a while, Chu Liang released a low growl and opened his eyes.


    If he didn''t pay close attention, he would have felt as though nothing had changed inside his body. He was simply overwhelmed by extreme thirst and physical exhaustion, drenched in sweat.


    Chu Liang stood up to pour himself a ss of water. However, as he grasped the ss with his left hand, he heard a distinct crack.


    The white porcin teacup shattered into fine pieces, sshing water onto Chu Liang''s pants.


    "This..."


    As he sensed the changes in his palm strength, he believed he had been holding the cup with what he considered normal strength, yet his grip had crushed it.


    It appeared that the increased strength from taking the pill wasn''t easy to control.


    He clearly needed some time to adapt to this new power.


    He would have to be extremely cautious during this period, especially when washing his face or patting it.


    Just as he was contemting this, he suddenly heard an urgent inquiry from outside, "Brother Chu, are you alright?"


    It was Yun Chaoxian standing outside the door.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang opened the door and inquired, "Brother Yun, what''s going on?"


    "I heard you shouting," Yun Chaoxian began exining, but as he spoke, he noticed Chu Liang''s condition.


    He had heard Chu Liang''s deep growl from the adjacent room, which had prompted him to check what was happening.


    However, upon seeing Chu Liang drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, looking exhausted, and with unexined water stains on his pants, Yun Chaoxian quickly grasped the situation.


    His expression became awkward as he said, "Brother Chu, sorry for interrupting!" He promptly apologized and turned to leave.


    "<i>Eh...</i>" Chu Liang rushed to call him back, but he didn''t manage to do so.


    <i>You clever fellow, what do you think you''re interrupting?</i>


    Just as he raised his hand, he felt a slight vibration from his pocket.


    Chu Liang''s thoughts raced.


    The Soul Subjugator Token! There was a message!

 Chapter 48: The Trade Between Cultivators

    <h4>Chapter 48: The Trade Between Cultivators</h4>


    Because he was apprehensive about missing any messages and arousing suspicion, Chu Liang didn''t have the time to bother with Yun Chaoxian. He closed the door and retrieved the Soul Subjugator Token to check.


    As his divine sense entered the interdimensional soul domain, he observed the bright golden messages.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I have acquired an Ancient Ape Demon''s Soul, but I am unable to use it myself. I am interested in trading it for other treasures. Any takers?"


    <i>Oh?</i>


    So, this group also featured a trading function.


    Following that,ments appeared from the one referred to as Fiend.


    [Fiend]: "An Ancient Ape Demon''s Soul is exceptionally rare and cannot be produced without the perfect alignment of time and ce. When fed to battle-oriented yin spirits or ghosts, it can significantly enhance theirbat prowess. How old is this soul essence?"


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "It''s approximately three hundred years old."


    [Fiend]: "That''s quite valuable. Let''s first see if the two of them are interested. If not, I can assist you in posting it in other interdimensional soul domains to inquire."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Thank you, Honored Fiend!"


    Fiend''s exnation was thoughtful, allowing Chu Liang to understand the effect of this item.


    Within the realm of spirits and ghosts, there existed a diverse array of entities, ranging from benign ones like the Painted Skin Ghost and Soul-Luring Ghost tobat-oriented entities such as the Sword-Wielding Ghost and Rakshasa Ghost. This Ancient Ape Demon''s Soul likely served as a potent enhancement for them, akin to how the Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill would be for him.


    Whatever its function, Chu Liang had no need for it if it was intended for ghosts.


    However, as he was currently posing as Fifty-Eighth, he wasn''t sure whether... he could use it or not. So, he opted to remain silent for the time being.


    Soon, another response materialized.


    [Sixtieth]: "I want it. What would you like in exchange?"


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I haven''t decided yet. As long as it''s a fair trade and useful to me, it''s eptable."


    [Sixtieth]: "How about I offer you two Mi Luo Green Leaves?"


    [Fiend]: "A Mi Luo Green Leaf can store numerous ghosts, providing a far more convenient methodpared to our conventional containment techniques. Moreover, ghosts can reside within them, cultivating themselves and boosting their advancement. They provide significant benefits. Two Mi Luo Green Leaves should suffice as an exchange for your Ancient Ape Demon''s Soul."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Honored Fiend, since you rmend it, this trade is eptable. Where are you currently? Is there a nearby Taotie Pavilion?"


    [Sixtieth]: "Yes, it''s the Taotie Pavilion in South Gate City."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Then, send the Mi Luo Green Leaves to the Taotie Pavilion in Hundred Flowers City, and I will send the Ancient Ape Demon''s Soul to South Gate City."


    [Sixtieth]: "Alright."


    In just a few words, the deal was amicably settled.


    At this point, Chu Liang showed up.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Oh dear! He beat me to it."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "<i>Haha!</i> Senior, perhaps next time."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Alright."


    With this simple exchange, he made his presence known and then logged off, sessfully withdrawing from the interaction.


    The entire process involved a straightforward exchange of treasures with minimalmunication. However, Chu Liang managed to deduce some crucial information from it.


    Firstly, it appeared that the seventy-two Soul Subjugators were not close to each other.


    This could be amon issue among dark sects like the Dark King Sect, where internal conflicts among fellow disciples tended to be particrly intense, leading to mutual distrust even among sect members.


    The fact that they resorted to conducting their business through the Taotie Pavilion, rather than in person, hinted at ack of trust among them. It was possible that they had never even met face-to-face.


    For Chu Liang, who was undercover, this was good news.


    Moreover, their trade provided Chu Liang with an idea.


    If the White Pagoda ever rewarded him with items he didn''t particrly fancy, he could consider trading them for things he genuinely needed.


    There was a small market within Mount Shu where disciples were permitted to set up stalls. However, it was rumored that most of the items sold were quite ordinary, and true treasures were seldom found there. Chu Liang had never participated in it, but he might visit the small market in the future.


    Another option was the Taotie Pavilion, which existed outside of Mount Shu.


    All the Taotie Pavilions across the world were affiliated with one of the Terrestrial Ten, the Taotie City located in the northern region.


    ...


    Over a thousand years ago, Taotie City was merely an ordinary third-rate immortal sect, founded in history tobat the demon race. Following the demon race''s retreat, the sect gradually waned.


    The city was located in the barren northern regions and possessed no distinctive characteristics beyond its size.


    However, during a period of decline for the sect, the newly appointed city lord came up with a brilliant idea.


    Given the city''s expansive area, he decided to exploit its size by initiating a campaign of posting recruitment notices, inviting individuals from various sects and backgrounds to journey to Taotie City... formercial endeavors.


    Indeed, he aimed to recruit merchants.


    He sought to bring people to Taotie City for trade-rted purposes.


    Due to the unique nature of cultivators, most exchanges were conducted via barter rather than the use of currency.


    They engaged in exchanges to obtain the items they required, as money was usually useless.


    Nevertheless, the primary challenge with barter was the existence of information gaps.


    For instance, Zhang San in the Southern region might require something that Li Si in the Northern region owned, while Li Si might require something that Wang Wu in the Eastern region had. They might not have been able to effectivelymunicate with each other, resulting in none of them acquiring what they needed.


    These information gaps existed also because many cultivators were unwilling to disclose their treasures.


    Amon saying went, "An innocent man with a treasure in hand is as guilty as a thief."


    If someone openly unted the treasures they possessed and what they wished to trade them for, they were more likely to attract bandits and thieves instead of traders.


    In summary, due to several constraints, trade among cultivators in the past was notably inconvenient.


    Taotie City provided a central hub where cultivators from across the world could openly list their possessions and requirements for all to see, streamlining the process.


    With Taotie City''s reputation serving as a guarantee, the confidentiality of all traders'' information was strictly upheld, and both parties entrusted their traded items to Taotie City. After the city confirmed that everything was in order, the exchange would bepleted.


    This entire process was straightforward and secure, despite Taotie City charging a highmission. Most cultivators were willing to pay this fee to circumvent the risks of fraudulent dealings.


    Mainstream cultivators like Chu Liang, who were part of sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, couldn''t truly rte to such needs.


    Mainstream cultivators like Chu Liang, affiliated with sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, found it challenging to rte to such requirements. These major sects possessed ample internal resources and a substantial membership, rendering them self-reliant and enabling them to establish their internal trade systems. For example, the Mount Shu Sect had the Sword Exchange Pavilion and the four halls, which facilitated resource cirction.


    Even if they wanted to trade with external parties, they didn''t have to worry about being deceived because they were backed by a major sect.


    However, for non-mainstream cultivators, who were often fewer in number, these concerns were a persistent source of frustration.


    The existence of Taotie City was akin to a godsend.


    Naturally, the reputation of Taotie City wasn''t established overnight.


    It took generations and hundreds of years for Taotie City to evolve into a recognized global trading hub, earning its ce among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    In recent years, Taotie City expanded its reach beyond its original boundaries.


    They set up Taotie Pavilions in major cities, allowing both sides to conduct anonymous transactions at any location, with the pavilions managing the delivery process, providing peace of mind for traders.


    As they established these business operations, Taotie City didn''t neglect its own heritage. They used the substantial funds they earned to reinforce their sect and enhance the power of their disciples.


    At present, the disciples of Taotie City were renowned for their abundance of gadgets, and they had earned a reputation for their wealth.


    While the major immortal sectspeted in terms ofbat prowess and technical superiority, Taotie City had built its reputation and leveraged it to establish a tform while focusing on logistics. They utilized their initial returns to boost their strength and constructed the river that protected their city.


    From Chu Liang''s perspective, the ascent of Taotie City was nothing less than professional.


    ...


    That night was tranquil, and early the following morning, Chu Liang, after a quick wash-up, went to the adjacent room to find Yun Chaoxian.


    He heard robust soundsing from the room as Yun Chaoxian engaged in shirtless martial arts practice, throwing punches.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder, do muscr guys just not like wearing clothes?


    Yesterday, after this fellow had torn his clothes in the Hidden Forest Mountain, he had traveled all the way to Kaoshan City shirtless, carrying a formidable weapon. Upon entering the city, he had been stopped by the city guards.


    He had to purchase a piece of clothing somewhere and wrap the halberd before being granted entry through the city gates.


    "Brother Chu, you''re awake!" When Yun Chaoxian noticed Chu Liang entering, he ceased his movements and greeted him with a smile. "I was just about to call you. I''ve already tracked the location of the Heavenly Shock Wave! Let''s go and deal with that guy!"


    "Sure," Chu Liang replied with a smile. After a brief pause, he suddenly inquired, "Brother Yun, do you have any simple and easy-to-learn martial arts techniques? Could you teach me a few moves?"


    He had recently acquired the strength equivalent to that of ten tigers. It would be a waste not to make good use of this newfound physical power. Learning a few swift and straightforward martial arts techniques from Yun Chaoxian would be the most ideal oue.


    Chu Liang would never have requested to learn any high-level secret martial arts techniques. However, when it came to acquiring basic techniques, Yun Chaoxian likely wouldn''t mind teaching him a few moves.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Yun Chaoxian uttered, his curiosity piqued. He asked, "Brother Chu, why the sudden interest in learning martial arts?"


    "Because... I witnessed your heroic and invincible performance in the Hidden Forest Mountain yesterday, and I couldn''t help but admire it. I couldn''t resist the urge to learn," Chu Liang replied earnestly.


    "Hehehehehe..." Upon hearing this, Yun Chaoxian couldn''t hide the delight on his face. He waved his hand and said, "You tter me! If you haven''t practiced martial arts before, I can teach you a few basic moves. What type of weapon do you usually find mostfortable?"


    Chu Liang didn''t hesitate as he responded, "A brick."


    Yun Chaoxian was bewildered.

 Chapter 49: The Horrifying Incident in Kaoshan City

    <h4>Chapter 49: The Horrifying Incident in Kaoshan City</h4>


    The early morning sky overhead Kaoshan City was still a misty gray. Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian set off very early in the morning, and before the sun had risen, they arrived outside a vast residence on the outskirts of the city.


    The high walls of the residence were covered with barbed wire, appearing much like thistles and thorns. From the outside, only the corner of an overhanging eave[1] was visible.


    The area was quiet, and the entrance gate of the residence was shut tight.


    "The Heavenly Sound Wave''s echo ising from inside this residence. Let''s rush in and kill him while he''s unprepared," Yun Chaoxian urged impatiently.


    "Wait," Chu Liang said.


    He grabbed the halberd on Yun Chaoxian''s back, forcing him to stop in his tracks.


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian nked out for a moment. "Brother Chu, why are you grabbing my halberd?"


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent. He took a deep breath and exined, "It''s too quiet. Something doesn''t feel right."


    "Isn''t it normal for it to be quieter at this time?" Yun Chaoxian asked puzzledly.


    Chu Liang shook his head. "I just used my divine sense to scan the entire front courtyard of the residence. It''spletely empty; there''s nothing at all. It''s really strange."


    His divine sense could only extend far enough to scan the front courtyard. He found that it wasn''t just empty of people; there wasn''t a single insect or bird around. Chu Liang found this extremely odd.


    "So, what should we do?" Yun Chaoxian asked.


    He was confused, but at least, he understood what Chu Liang was saying.


    "Let''s just watch for a moment first."


    Chu Liang took Yun Chaoxian with him and hid in a street beside the residence. They crouched down and observed the residence.


    After just a short while, hurried footsteps filled the quiet street like a wind de slicing through the air with a piercing sound.


    Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian turned to look. They saw a group of ck-robed constables with sabers rushing over speedily from the end of the street.


    The constables of Kaoshan City seemed to be second-realm martial artists. Their leader was a third-realm martial artist and was considered an expert in the city.


    The group of constables charged over. Two of them immediately kicked open the entrance gate of the residence, while several others flew over the residence''s walls, getting inside the residence from various points of entry.


    The moment someone stepped into the front courtyard, they felt a wave of demonic energy ripple outward.


    <i>Whoosh</i>¡ª


    The nts in the front courtyard suddenly stretched and transformed into long vines. They wrapped around the government officials who had just entered and swung them about wildly in midair.


    Those with low cultivation levels suffered miserably for a while. Fortunately, more constables entered soon after to provide support, swiftly cutting down the vines.


    "As expected, there''s something strange about this ce," Chu Liang, who was using his divine sense to investigate from outside, whispered.


    These nts were not demonic creatures; someone had used a demonic technique to enchant them, making them simr to an enchanted formation. The nts had been set so that they would be triggered by intruders and attack them.


    Right after that, the officials rushed into the back courtyard. They were instantly overwhelmed by a blood-stained aura!


    The ground was littered with corpses, around a dozen or so. They were all in terrible states; it had been a total bloodbath.


    "Had we rushed in rashly earlier and gotten slightly dyed by the enchanted formation in the front courtyard, the officials who were rushing over would have spotted us at the scene of the massacre," Chu Liang analyzed, finally figuring out the purpose of this setup. "The demon would have been able to escape and even shift the me to us."


    Of course, these officials were incapable of stopping Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian from leaving, but being discovered at the scene of the crime could have made things very troublesome for the two of them.


    For example, if they were to get caught, they might be unable to convince the officials that they were innocent and end up being detained for some time before the investigation was done and the truth revealed. On the other hand, if they were to leave forcefully after getting spotted, then it would only be a matter of time before their sects were tracked down. The imperial court would then pressure the Celestial Prowess and Mount Shu Sects into giving them up. After all, the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten could not possibly allow their disciples to flout thew.


    Regardless, that demon divine envoy would have easily made it out of the city by the time Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian rified the situation.


    "How cunning!" Yun Chaoxian voiced angrily when he understood what had happened. "Brother Chu, if it wasn''t for your quick thinking, I might have fallen into his trap."


    Hearing that, Chu Liang could only smile and reply, "That''s why it''s always good to stayposed when faced with such situations."


    "But..." Yun Chaoxian felt puzzled again. "It seems like this setup was specifically prepared for us...?"


    "It probably was," Chu Liang agreed. "That demon divine envoy must have already gotten news about what happened at Hidden Forest Mountain. You managed to chase him all the way to Hidden Forest Mountain, so it''s no surprise that he guessed you used a divine skill to leave a tracker on him. It''s very unlikely the same method would work twice on such a cunning opponent."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Yun Chaoxian finally realized what had happened. "So, my Heavenly Sound Wave was dispelled? That''s just great. We won''t be able to catch him now."


    "No matter. Let''s head back first," Chu Liang said and turned around.


    ...


    An official notice was issued shortly after the two men returned to the inn.


    <i>A heinous massacre urred in the cityst night. A family of seventeen was murdered, and the perpetrator is on the run.</i>


    <i>The victims were a family of medicine merchants in the city. Some rare and valuable medicinal ingredients are missing from their inventory, with the most valuable being a Nethersea Golden Lotus.</i>


    The preliminary investigation indicated that the motive was robbery. The authorities'' first response to discovering the incident was to ce the city on lockdown. They also offered arge reward for information that could lead them to the perpetrator and the recovery of the Nethersea Golden Lotus.


    Kaoshan City was adjacent to South Bastion Mountain, where many cultivators risked their lives as herb gatherers in search of the treasures of nature. Any valuable herbs they found were then sold in the city. So, there were many medicine merchants like the victims of this tragic incident. The sudden crime put everyone in the city on edge that they would be next.


    The authorities were taking this matter very seriously.


    "Nethersea Golden Lotus..." Chu Liang muttered after reading the notice.


    He seemed to recall Fiend from the interdimensional soul domain mentioning that once he reached the third stage of the Realm of the Five Elements, he would need treasures of nature with yin and water attributes for cultivation. There were very suitable choices among the demonic creatures of the Netherseas.


    The Nethersea Golden Lotus was one of them.


    It could help a cultivator at the fifth realm make a breakthrough, indicating that it was indeed a highly valuable treasure. Furthermore, the treasure''s origin was further south of the Southern Regions. It grew in the southernmost part of the Netherseas, so it was rarely seen near the South Bastion Mountain.


    "I can no longer sense any traces of him," Yun Chaoxian said.


    He''d attempted to track down the divine envoy several times through his Heavenly Sound Wave, but as expected, he didn''t receive a response.


    The echoes at the crime scene earlier had been a trap that the demon divine envoy set to lure Yun Chuxian there.


    "It''s fine. He became a victim of his own ingenuity this time," Chu Liang analyzed. "What most likely happened was that aftermitting the massacre, he reported the incident to the authorities himself, intending to draw the attention of the authorities to you. That way, he could shake you off his trail and escape during the confusion. However... we didn''t fall into his trap. The authorities didn''t catch any suspects yet, so they decided to lock down the city.


    "At the time of the incident, the city gates hadn''t opened yet, so he had no chance to escape. There''s an eighty percent chance that the demon divine envoy has also been locked inside the city.


    "If he attempts to force his way out of Kaoshan City, he''ll surely attract the attention of the authorities unless he''s found some secret passage that leads outside. However, he''s a demon, so he probably won''t do anything too risky in the territory of the Yu Dynasty. Before he attempts anything, we still have a chance to catch him."


    Yun Chaoxian''s eyes were wide with confusion. While listening to Chu Liang calmly make his analysis, Yun Chaoxian initially thought he was only a step behind in terms of understanding, but he quickly found that none of it made sense to him.


    However, when Chu Liang was done with his analysis, Yun Chaoxian immediately nodded and said, "Brother Chu, what you said is right... It''s simr to what I was thinking."


    Then he scratched his head for a while.


    Nevertheless, he still couldn''t stop himself from asking, "So, where are we going to catch him?"


    "Let me think about it. We''ll find a way to get him," Chu Liang replied nonchntly.


    ...


    After Yun Chaoxian left, Chu Liang took out the Soul Subjugator Token instead of racking his brains for an answer.


    Chu Liang and the authorities were both forces of righteousness. That meant that their perspectives were limited. So, to deal with such matters, it might just be necessary to ask for help from his brothers in the criminal world.


    Chu Liang sent his divine sense into the Soul Subjugator Token and sent out a message.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Esteemed Fiend, I''ve found some information on the demonic creatures of the Netherseas. There''s a Nethersea Golden Lotus in Kaoshan City right now. However, I can''t determine its exact location. Is it possible to request help from our fellow sect members?"


    1. A roof edge extending off the side of a building. ?

 Chapter 50: The Dependable Brothers From The Criminal World

    <h4>Chapter 50: The Dependable Brothers From The Criminal World</h4>


    While the horrifying incident spread fear throughout the city, there was a specific corner of a tall building where everything remained tranquil and serene.


    This was a spacious tform that provided a panoramic view of South Bastion Mountain. The mountain scenery was expansive, and the white clouds were scattered.


    On the tform, two individuals sat opposite each other on the ground. To the left, there was an elderly man with wrinkles and lines on his face, a small and slender figure, dressed in in gray-brown attire.


    On the right, a tall figure donned a ck cloak and wore a bronze mask strangely adorned with patterns on his face. It was the very individual who had made an appearance in the Hidden Forest Mountain¡ªthe divine envoy.


    At that moment, he took out a brocade box from his sleeve and slid it across the ground toward the elderly man.


    "I''ve heard that the Elder of the ck Mountain Vige is in the fifth realm of cultivation. Please ept this modest gift as a token of my respect," the demon''s divine envoy said with courtesy.


    When the elder opened the brocade box, he discovered a slightly withered ck lotus flower. However, three golden lines on the lotus body were particrly striking, emitting a radiant glow.


    "The Nethersea Golden Lotus..." the old man mused with a chuckle. "Divine envoy, it seems you''ve gone to great lengths for this small gift."


    "I happened upon it by chance and thought it would be a suitable present. It was a convenient choice," replied the divine envoy nonchntly.


    He didn''t concern himself with the number of lives that might have been lost as a result of his convenient decisions.


    "I will personally present this gift to the Elder, and I''m certain the Elder will appreciate it," the old man nodded and continued, "However, due to your recent actions, Kaoshan City is now under strict lockdown. I won''t be able to return for a while. Nheless, as long as I remain here, even if the officials conduct a thorough search of the city, they won''t find me. Divine envoy, you need not worry about this."


    "I was quite surprised by this development. Initially, I had arranged for a scapegoat that could temporarily mislead the officials. It was truly unexpected that it didn''t work."


    The divine envoy chuckled and remarked, "Nevertheless, the city won''t remain under lockdown for long. Kaoshan City is home to many merchants, and they will surely open the gates within seven days at the most. It won''t have any significant impact."


    "Divine envoy, let me be honest with you. Life in the Southern Regions is getting more and more difficult for us, the malevolent shamans. Acquiring resources to aid us in reaching the fifth realm of cultivation has be exceptionally rare. We haven''t seen an Eminent shaman in the sixth realm for so many years," the old man said. He paused and sighed, then continued with a sense of urgency, "I''m here representing the seventeen united malevolent shaman viges in the Southern Regions, hoping to find a way for us to survive."


    Upon hearing these words, the divine envoy let out a soft sigh and spoke with a touch of dejection, "Those who lived during the reign of the shaman god in his prime would never have imagined the hardships his descendants would face inter times."


    The old man, upon hearing this, could only force a bitter smile.


    The era of the shaman god was a distant legend, dating back tens of thousands of years, if not longer.


    The shaman n, as humans, had significantly shorter lifespans than the demon race, and few remembered the glorious era of the god of shamans.


    "We only want to survive," he said, shaking his head as he continued, "Not only are we in conflict with the light shamans'' viges, but the Valley of the Three Absolutes has also been hunting us down more and more relentlessly. If not for that, we might not have considered forming an alliance with your demon race. However, even so, many vige elders remain concerned..."


    "Concerned about what?" the divine envoy asked.


    "They are concerned because you all are, after all, demons," the elderly man replied. "What if your nse to fruition? Would that mean the extermination of all human races?"


    The divine envoy chuckled and said, "In the era when humans reigned, were we demons ever exterminated? Even if our god were to return, the human race would still exist. By then, we would still need humans to rule over humans."


    "Obviously, we have to obliterate all the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. The human race... should be called the shaman race instead."


    "The seven demon kings all agreed that the friends who helped us before the return of our god will be granted a new world after our god return," the divine envoy dered, his arms outstretched as if he was weing an illusory new world.


    The elderly man remainedposed, clearly not fully convinced by the divine envoy''s words. He listened calmly and said, "The second concern of the vige elders is..."


    The elderly man paused and continued, "They are worried that your god is a fabricated existence."


    ...


    [Fiend]: "Nethersea Golden Lotus?"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Yes. Based on my investigation, it was taken by the divine envoy of the demons... However, I am...unable to find more clues on where it is right now."


    [Fiend]: "Securing the Nethersea Golden Lotus will be my key to breaking through to the third level in the Realm of the Five Elements! I''ll inquire with the others to see if there''s any assistance avable near Kaoshan City."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "I''ll do my utmost as your subordinate."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "What? A Nethersea Golden Lotus! Senior, it''s incredible that you found a creature from the Nethersea within just a few days. You''re truly remarkable!"


    The individual named Fifty-Ninth appeared again, but Chu Liang chose to ignore him.


    He patiently awaited Fiend''s response.


    This decision to inquire through the interdimensional soul domain was made after careful consideration.


    Since the Nethersea Golden Lotus was primarily used in alchemy, medicine refinement, and aiding cultivation, it wasn''t particrly valuable to demons.


    Since the divine envoy of the demons hadmitted a significant crime by forcefully seizing this item, it was unlikely that it had been taken just for amusement.


    Those who required this item for their cultivation were most likely practitioners of dark arts, witchcraft, poison, or other nefarious paths.


    Given the divine envoy''s journey, behavior, and habits, it seemed likely that he aimed to manipte and bribe people with this stolen item.


    It seemed that the demons from foreignnds were ustomed to giving away the items they had stolen.


    While the divine envoy''s whereabouts were untraceable, the people hemunicated with were likely traceable. Even in the shadows, they had their ownwork of connections.


    It didn''t take long to receive a response from Fiend.


    [Fiend]: "I asked other fellow disciples, and there is indeed someone near Taotie City, but he can''t provide you with direct assistance. He''s also not familiar with this matter. However, he provided some information. If you want to gather information in Taotie City, you can go to Second Madam Gu''s tavern."


    Just as he had expected.


    His brothers from the criminal world are the reliable ones.


    Although he had only been given a way to gather information, this was much better than having no clues at all.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: Second Madam Gu''s tavern? Alright. I will head there right now to investigate this.


    [Fiend]: "You have gone through so much trouble for this matter. When I achieve my breakthrough, you will undoubtedly receive your share of benefits. Whether this matter seeds or not, I appreciate your efforts."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Honored Fiend, you need not be courteous. This is what a subordinate should do."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Wowowow."


    Chu Liang put the Soul Subjugator away and immediately notified Yun Chaoxian.


    "I have to go see someone to gather information. Just wait for me here."


    The situation at the tavern was unclear, and it would be unwise to bring Yun Chaoxian along. If Chu Liang had identally exposed something rted to the Dark King Sect, it would be challenging to clear things up.


    Out of curiosity, Yun Chaoxian asked, "To gather information? Where?"


    Chu Liang answered, "A friend of mine has provided me with some discreet leads. It''s better if I go alone."


    "Alright." Yun Chaoxian nodded. He then added, "Make sure to thank your friend properly."


    Chu Liang smiled.


    <i>No need.</i>


    <i>He was thanking me earlier.</i>

 Chapter 51: Second Madam Gus Tavern

    <h4>Chapter 51: Second Madam Gu''s Tavern</h4>


    Second Madam Gu''s small tavern wasn''t particrly well-known in Kaoshan City. After inquiring with an inn worker about the tavern''s location, Chu Liang had a rough idea of where to find it.


    He first bought a ck robe that covered his head and face, disguising himself in the style of those in the malevolent sects.


    Then, he set off.


    The tavern was located in a quiet corner of Kaoshan City, with very few pedestrians around. If it were for legitimate business, this location would be far from ideal. However, for less-than-legal activities, it was just perfect.


    Chu Liang soon arrived at a quaint three-story building. He pushed the door open and stepped into the tavern. The first floor was sparsely popted, with only a few customers present.


    Instead of heading upstairs, Chu Liang passed through a small door beside the main entrance. When he lifted the curtain, he found a staircase leading down.


    This was a three-story building, but the business operation really happened underground.


    Although it was a three-story building, the real business was conducted underground. The subterranean space was dimly lit, withnterns adorning the walls. Several tables were upied by martial artists and warriors exuding a strong air of roguishness. Other tables were upied by individual patrons like Chu Liang, all concealing their identities. Some wore straw hats, while others veiled their faces.


    It appeared that those who came to this ce had simr intentions to his own.


    The moment Chu Liang took his seat, a quick-witted waiter handed him a cardboard menu listing various drinks and their prices.


    "What can I get for you, sir?" inquired the waiter.


    Chu Liang replied with the secret code provided by Fiend, "Two pitchers of Immortal''s Guidance, one for the Madam and one for me."


    "Very well," the waiter said before making his exit.


    Chu Liang was left to wait. He patiently waited for nearly an hour before another individual arrived.


    "Sir, please follow me to collect your drinks," the waiter murmured softly as he approached Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang stood and followed the waiter, navigating through another corridor before entering a room with even dimmer lighting.


    The room was illuminated by a singlemp, positioned at the center of the sole table in the room. Seated behind the table was a woman with shoulder-length hair,rge and expressive features, an ample figure, fair skin, and deep blue eyes that bestowed her with an exotic allure.


    She exuded a mature charm and maintained a rxed expression.


    It was evident that she was the renowned Second Madam Gu.


    The woman extended her hand, inviting Chu Liang to take a seat across from her.


    She asked with a deliberate pace, "You ordered the Immortal''s Guidance for information, correct?"


    Chu Liang nodded in confirmation. "Yes."


    "Very well, I am Second Madam Gu, a fact you must already know since you''vee here," the woman said. She leaned back and continued, "Feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I''ll provide answers to the best of my knowledge. However, once I provide an answer, you must be prepared to offer something ofmensurate value in exchange. This may take the form of a valuable item or a favor. Are you prepared for such an arrangement?"


    "I understand," Chu Liang responded.


    "If you refuse to pay after purchasing the information... <i>Hehe.</i> Well, there hasn''t been anyone who was exempt from following the rules. I hope you won''t take offense to my bluntness," thedy stated, her eyes momentarily gleaming with sharpness as she observed Chu Liang''s face.


    "Second Madam, rest assured. I will definitely adhere to the rules," Chu Liang quickly assured her.


    Chu Liang had no doubt about thedy''s capabilities, considering her position underground.


    "What questions do you have? Please go ahead," Second Madam Gu said, gesturing for Chu Liang to speak.


    ...


    The lighting flickered, and Chu Liang inquired, "I''d like to know... where is the location of the divine envoy of the demon race, the one whomitted a major crime in Kaoshan City?"


    Second Madam Gu chuckled and replied, "Your question is quite cunning, but I''m afraid I can''t answer that. Firstly, I don''t know whomitted that major crime, and secondly, I have no knowledge of the divine envoy''s location."


    Her lips curled slightly as she shook her head gently.


    Chu Liang was mentally prepared for this. Having connections to acquire lots of information did not mean she knew everything. It was normal to have unanswered questions.


    "Then I''ll ask another question," Chu Liang said. He pondered for a moment and continued, "I''d like to know who received the Nethersea Golden Lotus from the divine envoy."


    "Well..." Second Madam Gu began. She thought for a moment before replying, "It seems like you''re quite interested in that demon race''s divine envoy. I might as well tell you everything I know...


    "I only know that the Valley of the Three Absolutes has been hunting the malevolent shamans more and more relentlessly. Seventeen malevolent shaman viges in the Southern Regions have joined forces to form an alliance with the demons to fight against the righteous.


    "They have selected ck Mountain Vige as the representative and dispatched an envoy to meet up with the demons in the next few days. If the demons had sent out an envoy or made any preparations, it must have something to do with the dark malevolent shamans. I have no knowledge of anything else."


    <i>Malevolent shaman?</i>


    When Chu Liang heard this term, he wasn''t surprised.


    The demons aimed to form alliances with various forces, and in the Southern Regions, their only options were the various evil sects and groups that practiced dark voodoo and poison. This was to be expected.


    Chu Liang simply needed to confirm which forces they were allying with.


    The shamans were divided into two categories: light shamans and dark shamans, also referred to as righteous shamans and malevolent shamans.


    For instance, the Valley of the Three Absolutes was known for its practice of the three absolutes: shamanism, the control of voodoo bugs, and expertise in poison. However, the Valley of the Three Absolutes still adhered to the proper cultivation path.


    When it came to the malevolent shamans in the Southern Regions, they had inherited ancient traditions that dated back to ancient times. Their methods were often cruel, and their arts were considered sinister, making them uneptable to righteous individuals.


    Ironically, the most ruthless hunters of these malevolent shamans were the light shamans who shared the same belief in the shaman god but had been in conflict with the malevolent shamans for tens of thousands of years.


    "I want to know... where is the envoy sent by the malevolent shamans?" Chu Liang continued his inquiry.


    If the two envoys were meeting, then by locating the malevolent shaman''s envoy, he should be able to find the demon''s divine envoy.


    "At the Mountain View Trading Hub," Second Madam Gu replied promptly this time, demonstrating her thorough knowledge of the major forces within Kaoshan City.


    "Thank you." Chu Liang nodded and said, "I have no other questions."


    "Alright," Second Madam Gu chuckled and continued, "Now, let''s talk aboutpensation. You''ve asked two questions. What are you willing to offer in exchange?"


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and said, "I know the exact location of a Human-Faced Jade Spirit Flower that is about to mature. It''s in South Bastion Mountain. I can give this information to you."


    He was reluctant to part with any of his precious enchanted artifacts. Besides these items, he possessed few other valuables. As he contemted what he could offer in exchange for the answers to his questions, he realized that his options were limited.


    While on a mission for his sect, Chu Liang and his fellow group members had been assigned the task of harvesting the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower. They had encountered two of these flowers, but they only harvested one. The second one was left behind as it had yet to mature.


    "Although the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower is valuable, the information itself would not be enough to exchange for two questions," Second Madam Gu remarked. "Even if you were to pick and bring it here, it would still fall short. At most, it can be the equivalent of the value of your second question."


    "Alright," Chu Liang replied with a nod, agreeing with Second Madam Gu''s judgment.


    After a moment of contemtion, he proposed, "Second Madam Gu, why don''t you suggest the payment for the first question?"


    "Very well," Second Madam Gu responded.


    Without much ado, she gently ced her slender hand on the table, and a silver-colored chunky bug began to crawl out from her sleeve. The creature resembled a caterpir but was much thicker andrger. Each segment of its body was encased in a shiny shell.


    "This is the Money-Eating Curse Beetle that I have been nurturing," Second Madam Gu exined. "It evolves by consuming wealth. I need you to upgrade this worm from silver to gold within three days. You only need to feed it a small amount of money."


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "Alright."


    The terms seemed quite reasonable.


    Generally, problems that could be resolved with money were not real problems for cultivators.

 Chapter 52: Gao Jin

    <h4>Chapter 52: Gao Jin</h4>


    However, the problem was where could he get the money from.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang sighed.


    Going back to the inn and asking Yun Chaoxian for some money was certainly not an option. That "clever" guy even had to borrow money from Chu Liang just to buy some clothes.


    Frankly, assuming that the information that Second Madam Gu provided was genuine, then the payment she asked for was pretty reasonable. Getting money was an extremely simple matter for those underground cultivators of unconventional paths.


    The ones who were more straightforward would just go and rob someone.


    Those who were a bit more discreet would swindle others of their money. An example of this was one of the criminal activities that the Yu Dynasty had been actively cracking down on in recent years... Cultivators would release the evil spirits they''d raised to cause chaos in wealthy households and then charge the households a fee to drive the evil spirits away. They used this method to gain both fame and fortune.


    Simply put, there were plenty of ways for these unscrupulous cultivators to acquire money.


    However, the city had been on lockdown for the past few days, so tension was high in the city. This was likely the reason why Second Madam Gu needed someone to do such an easy task for her.


    Nevertheless, while it''s easy for unconventional cultivators to obtain money by engaging in illegal activities, Chu Liang could not do the same. Even if he wanted to, he would need to find some evildoers to swindle. Nevertheless, Kaoshan City was such arge city. Where should he even go to search for wealthy evildoers?


    Chu Liang touched the chunky little beetle in his pocket. He felt the little guy''s mouth nibbling his finger incessantly. It seemed hungry.


    As Chu Liang pondered for a moment, his gaze wandered around the street. His eyes suddenly lit up. He had thought of something.


    Chu Liang looked around again and spotted arge fellow whose appearance suggested there wasn''t even the slightest possibility of him being a decent person.


    Chu Liang approached therge fellow and asked, "Greetings, could you please tell me where Kaoshan City''s biggest gambling house is?"


    "Gambling house?" therge fellow said, looking Chu Liang up and down.


    Chu Liang had already removed his ck robe, so he now appeared as an elegant and finely dressed young man.


    Therge fellow asked, "Are you looking to gamble?"


    Chu Liang blinked and replied, "I... just want to have a look."


    "<i>Heheh.</i>" Therge fellow grinned. "I was just thinking of going there to y a couple of rounds. I''ll just take you there then. Brother, these clothes you''re wearing... You look like you''re the son of a wealthy family."


    "No, not at all..." Chu Liang replied with a smile while clutching his pocket.


    Therge fellow led Chu Liang through a long winding path. After a while, they arrived at a small storefront. Hanging in front of its door were two strips of cloth that served as curtains, on which the word "Gambling" had been inconspicuously written.


    There were two guards by the door. They seemed to know therge fellow, as they merely nodded and let him through without any questions.


    Therge fellow led Chu Liang inside, where they were greeted by the sight of a whole other world as Chu Liang had expected.


    Concealed behind the small storefront was a massive gambling house, filled with the mor of raised voices. There were at least one thousand eight hundred people gathered there. They were all flushed with anger or excitement while engrossed in the various games that were being yed at the gambling tables. The ce seemedpletely detached from the outside world.


    "Brother, which game do you want to y?" therge fellow asked enthusiastically.


    "I... I''ll take a look," Chu Liang replied. He shyly swept his gaze over the various gambling tables and even walked around to have a look. As he furrowed his brows, he muttered, "I... don''t know how to y any of these."


    "So, what do you know?" therge fellow asked.


    "I can... y mahjong," Chu Liang answered. "I''ve yed it a few times with the elders in my family during the New Year''s celebrations."


    "<i>Heheh</i>, no problem. There''s a mahjong room here too. But... if you''re ying with small stakes, you might not be able to find anyone to y with. You need to bet with a substantial amount of money," therge fellow said.


    "I... I don''t have much money with me, but I brought this. I''m not sure if it''s enough."


    Chu Liang seemed a little nervous as he revealed the gold brick in his sleeve to therge fellow.


    "Wow!" Therge fellow was so astonished that his eyes nearly popped out. He put on a wide grin. "It seems I''ve run into the god of wealth today. Alright, alright. I''ll go ask for you."


    After that, he brought Chu Liang to the private rooms on the upper floor. He looked for a certain middle-aged man and had a brief conversation with him.


    Then therge fellow turned back toward Chu Liang and waved, saying, "Brother, go inside and enjoy yourself."


    Chu Liang nodded sincerely at therge fellow and expressed, "Thank you."


    Subsequently, the middle-aged man led Chu Liang into a private room. As expected, there was a mahjong table inside, with a game set up ready to go. It was likely that they''d already been informed in advance that a new yer was joining.


    A man stood up and vacated his seat for Chu Liang.


    "This young gentleman is here for the first time, so please take good care of him," the middle-aged man said, patting Chu Liang on the shoulder.


    The middle-aged man directed a smile at the other people at the table. After that, he turned and left.


    Upon exiting the room, the middle-aged man found therge fellow waiting for him outside with a fawning smile.


    "How about it, Venerable Ninth? I should be getting ten percent of whatever they manage to rip off from that kid, right?" therge fellow asked.


    "Dream on." Venerable Ninth, the middle-aged man, red at him. "Even if you''re to get a cut, you''d have to pay off your gambling debt first."


    "Yes, yes. No matter what, we have to keep that gold brick he brought today. Whatever cut I get should be enough to pay off my gambling debt!" Therge fellow sneered. "A whale like him is rare! I put in a lot of effort to convince him toe here!"


    "Alright, I''ll give you credit for that," Venerable Ninth replied with a smirk.


    ...


    Inside the private room, Chu Liang pushed down the tiles in his hand with a naive and confused expression.


    Pleasantly surprised, he asked, "<i>Eh?</i> Did I just win?"


    "Yes, yes, yes," said the skinny man sitting opposite Chu Liang at the table. He nodded repeatedly and continued, "This young gentleman has great luck. It''s only his first round, but he''s already made a big win."


    The shirtless man with tattoos beside himughed mischievously. "It''s beginner''s luck. Since you''re on a roll, you should y a few more rounds, right?"


    "Yeah!" an old woman sitting at the table chimed in, smiling brightly like a blooming chrysanthemum.


    "You''re all so kind..." Chu Liang said as he collected his winnings, tucking the taels of silver into a pouch that the gambling house had provided. He smiled and continued, "I won, yet you''re all happy for me."


    "Oh, that''s how we are when we y mahjong here. We get happier the more we see other gamblers win big," the skinny man replied with a chuckle.


    "Really? That''s wonderful! I''ll definitelye here often from now on," Chu Liang expressed while nodding. "It seems my luck is pretty good today... You won''t run away just because I''m winning a bit, right?"


    "Don''t worry,d," the shirtless man said and pointed to arge chest behind him. "We all have coteral here in the gambling house. You can go ahead and keep winning. I guarantee you''ll win so much that you''ll get giddy with joy."


    "That''s great!" Chu Liang eximed. Then his eyes lit up. "Huh? Did I win again?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the other three people at the table uttered in surprise, feeling something was amiss.


    <i>It''s only the first round of tiles, yet what is this? A season of victories is uring in a game of mahjong...?</i>


    "Beginner''s luck is amazing! Ahaha!" Chu Liangughed with a smile that was warm and pure.


    Then he arranged the tiles, drew more tiles, yed some tiles, and discarded some tiles.


    The smiling faces of the other three people at the table froze.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, had a naive expression as he eximed, "Wow! The feng shui here is really good..."


    After several rounds, the skinny man was the first to escape by using the excuse of needing to pee. He left the room while repeatedly yelling that he was about to wet his pants.


    Venerable Ninth was standing outside the room with a dark expression. "There are three of you, and you couldn''t even defeat one person?"


    "Venerable Ninth, there''s something really suspicious about this kid!" the skinny man eximed anxiously. "I''ve been ying mahjong for so many years, and I''ve never seen anything so strange! Could he be a cultivator ying tricks on us?"


    "No," Venerable Ninth replied, shaking his head.


    All the gambling establishments were tightly monitored, with various items in ce to detect things like enchanted formations. Any fluctuation in a gambler''s foundational qi would be detected immediately. This was to prevent cultivators from using divine techniques to mess with the games.


    However, that might not apply to a cultivator at the level of the Dao Attainment Realm, who had delved into matters rted to thews of the heavens and the earth. Nevertheless, if an Eminent One needed money to use in the mortal world, all they had to do was ask, and numerous forces would gift them some money. They had no need to y around in gambling houses.


    "Then, what''s happening? It''s really bizarre. You said the three of us could form secret signals with the tiles tomunicate, but we need to actually have a chance to y to do that. He keeps winning after drawing a few tiles. How are we supposed to even y like this?"


    After pondering for a moment, Venerable Ninth said, "He probably has brilliant mental prowess that allows him to remember many tiles, which allows him to keep ying a winning hand... He''s an expert."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the skinny man eximed. "Isn''t he pretty much like a deity then?"


    "On the gambling table, he might as well be a deity," Venerable Ninth scoffed coldly. "Today, it seems I''ve underestimated him. It''s been many years since I''ve encountered a worthy opponent. I''ll have a game with him."


    With that, he pushed the door and sat at the table.


    "The game shouldn''t be dyed for so long. I''ll take his ce," Venerable Ninth said with a smile as he gazed at Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang smiled in return and responded, "Sure."


    When Venerable Ninth sat down, the shirtless man and the elderlydy appeared rather nervous. Their expressions seemed forced, and their gazes were fixed on the two pairs of hands on the table.


    Chu Liang''s long, slender fingers exuded a jade-like luster from years of cultivation.


    Venerable Ninth''s hands, on the other hand, were covered in scars; he seemed to have experienced many hardships.


    When his gaze met Chu Liang''s, the air seemed to freeze, with sparks emerging from the tension. There was a shimmering aura of a sh between two experts.


    After an hour passed by...


    "<i>Hmm?</i> I''ve won again," Chu Liang said while pushing down some tiles.


    He was still as pleasantly surprised as when he won in the previous rounds.


    Meanwhile, Venerable Ninth''s expression was like that of a mourner at a funeral.


    A sh between two experts? What a joke.


    Venerable Ninth had entered the scene filled with confidence topete against this naive and inexperienced young man, who didn''t seem to know his ce. However, Venerable Ninth had no idea that he would end up losing several hundred taels in just a few rounds.


    The others at the table, as well as the skinny man who had left earlier, had each lost over a thousand taels.


    They were ying high-stakes games, and nearly every hand ended in Chu Liang''s victory, so his winnings had already exceeded the capacity of hisrge pouch.


    "Lad, that''s enough!" Venerable Ninth yelled, standing up in a rage and smacking the table.


    He could now clearly see that this young man wasn''t just memorizing some tiles; he was memorizing all of them! The young man could clearly have whatever tiles he wanted on the gambling table, which meant he was here purely to amuse himself.


    "What''s wrong? Are you stopping me from winning money?" Chu Liang blinked.


    "You''ve already won several thousand taels. You better leave now and never set foot in our gambling house again. You understand that as a person, you have to get along with others to leave a lifeline for yourself, right?" Venerable Ninth said in a heavy tone.


    "Hey, I just came here to have some fun with you guys. Why are you getting angry?" Chu Liang smiled as he ced the pouch on the table. "All the money is here. I won''t take a single tael. That should be fine, right?"


    With that, he shed a confident and carefree smile and got up to leave.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang step out of the room, Venerable Ninth''s gaze wavered.


    Venerable Ninth said, "Lad, how about telling me your name? If we meet again in the future, we can be friends!"


    Chu Liang didn''t look back.


    He just waved his hand and left a name, "Gao Jin!"


    As they watched him leave with such a free and easy vibe, the people in the room were astonished and speechless. There even seemed to be dramatic sound effects apanying Chu Liang''s departure... until he was out of their line of sight.


    At this point, the skinny man returned and said bewilderedly, "Did he leave without taking his money? Huh? What''s with these silver taels?"


    He emptied the pouch of silver taels only to discover that the silver taels had been swapped with dull and seemingly lifeless gray stones that had the same shape as the taels.


    "What is this..." Venerable Ninth, who was experienced and knowledgeable, immediately guessed what was happening. He turned his head abruptly toward therge chest where they had stored the silver taels. "Quick, check it!"


    When they opened the chest and examined its contents, they discovered that a small hole had been drilled into the side of the box, and all the silver taels stored inside had turned into stones.


    "Ah..." Venerable Ninth uttered. Stunned, he slumped into his chair and muttered in a resentful tone, "Gao Jin, you little thief..."

 Chapter 53: The Forbidden Ground

    <h4>Chapter 53: The Forbidden Ground</h4>


    Chu Liang was naturally oblivious to the curses that the people at the gambling house were saying to Gao Jin.


    As a man of justice who detested gambling and illicit activities, the gambling house that had ruined countless families and lives was the ideal ce for Chu Liang to scam some money.


    By the time Chu Liang had returned the Money-Eating Curse Beetle to Second Madam Gu and shared the new information he learned with Yun Chaoxian, evening had arrived.


    When Chu Liang returned with the information, Yun Chaoxian was surprised.


    Yun Chaoxian asked, "Mountain-Viewing Tower? Is that where the divine envoy is located?"


    "I am eighty percent certain. I can''t say for sure," Chu Liang replied.


    When the Heavenly Sound Wave stopped working, Yun Chaoxian was left in bewilderment. He had prepared for the mission''s failure and never expected Chu Liang to acquire crucial information through inquiries and deduction.


    "Brother Chu," Yun Chaoxian remarked earnestly, "I''ve always considered myself to be quite clever, but today, I must concede that your intelligence surpasses mine."


    Upon seeing the genuine sincerity in Yun Chaoxian''s eyes, Chu Liang felt a mix of emotions, torn between sadness and happiness.


    After a brief pause, Chu Liang replied, "This concerns the location of the malevolent shaman in Kaoshan City. I cannot be certain if the divine envoy is present, but we should investigate to find out."


    "Very well," Yun Chaoxian said. He abruptly rose to his feet and dered, "The malevolent shamans from the Southern Regions are deviously cunning and wicked. They''ve caused substantial harm. Even if it''s unrted to the demons, we should eradicate them."


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    Yun Chaoxian''s unwavering sense of justice was impable. Aside from his intelligence, his other traits were admirable.


    Without dy, the two departed. Yun Chaoxian donned his coat, grasped his formidable halberd, and took the lead.


    In recent days, the city had been under strict lockdown, and the streets were nearly deserted.


    The Mountain-Viewing Tower, a hub for the medicinal herb trade, had ceased its operations due to recent disturbances.


    In the silence of the night, the surroundings were eerily tranquil.


    Chu Liang advised, "For now, let''s avoid acting recklessly to prevent premature alerting. I''ll jump up and investigate. If something happens, I''ll call you for assistance."


    With a graceful leap, hended on the second-floor balcony.


    In truth, Yun Chaoxian, with his superior agility, should have been the one to scout ahead, but... this arrangement appeared to be the better choice.


    The balcony was spacious and devoid of any obstructions. Chu Liang proceeded with caution, extending his divine sense to a distance of about three meters in front of him.


    After his previous encounter with the Soul Subjugator, he learned not to extend his divine sense too far. He meticulously checked one area at a time, ensuring its safety before moving forward.


    On the other side of the wall, it appeared to be arge, vacant room with no discernible signs of anyone present. Chu Liang was on the verge of turning back to call Yun Chaoxian up when suddenly, the scene before him blurred.


    A wave of dizziness washed over him.


    An attack on his mind?


    With a semnce of rity left in his mind, Chu Liang reacted swiftly, biting his own tongue and executing a somersault.


    <i>Thud¡ª</i>


    A resounding thud echoed through the air as a massive, nine-chi-tall skeleton suddenly materialized from the very spot where he had stood just moments ago. It bore a gaping, bloodthirsty maw that snapped hungrily at the surrounding air.


    As Chu Liang looked ahead again, he found himself facing a ck-d figure in strange attire. With a simple wave of their hand, the skeleton transformed into a small, fist-sized skeleton, resting in the palm of the ck-d figure.


    More ck-d figures appeared, with one individual emerging from the left and drawing a knife, which they promptly used to cut their own arm. Once the de was coated with their blood, they hurled it towards Chu Liang.


    <i>Whoosh~</i>


    The knife whizzed through the air with remarkable speed, prompting Chu Liang to leap in an attempt to evade. To his astonishment, the knife seemed to possess a will of its own, executing an abrupt turn at an extreme angle and hurtling directly toward him.


    Chu Liang raised his hand and activated the flying sword, swiftly employing the Hundred Swords Seal. The hundred sword shadows converged, forming a protective sword shield that shattered the airborne knife into fragments that ttered to the ground, narrowly missing its mark.


    An elderly voice resounded from somewhere nearby,manding, "Step back."


    Chu Liang turned his gaze towards the two eerie figures, but they suddenly vanished into thin air, as though they had never been present.


    <i>Malevolent shaman.</i>


    This eerie term was all Chu Liang could think of at that moment.


    ...


    Chu Liang cast a nce downward and realized that Yun Chaoxian had not followed him up.


    Yun Chaoxian must be facing enemies of his own. It appeared that the guards at the Mountain-Viewing Tower had been vignt. They had been detected the moment they intruded this ce.


    Shortly after, a frail, hunchbacked old man dressed in ck ascended to the balcony.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" The old man spoke slowly but with unwaveringposure. "The divine envoy mentioned you to me. He spoke of your use of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal to instantly kill the Tiger King, a demon who had reached the fifth realm. You must be a gifted disciple from one of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten."


    Chu Liang stared at him in silence, offering no response.


    It was possible that some lesser demons had witnessed his battle with the Tiger King, so it wasn''t surprising that the news had spread.


    However, if the opponent here had prepared something specifically to target top-tier experts because they believed he was a gifted cultivator, they would be sorely mistaken.


    Chu Liang swiftly surveyed his surroundings, assessing potential escape routes.


    Until now, he had remained calm, prepared for any situation, ready to summon his dear teacher if needed.


    "I am just a lowly dark shaman in the fourth realm," the old man continued.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think to himself, <i>How modest of you...</i>


    <i>And I am just a lowly cultivator in the third realm.</i>


    "But since I''ve dared to challenge you, I naturally possess the means to be confident," the old man chuckled as he spoke.


    He then raised his hand gently, cut his left index finger, and inscribed two characters in the air as though in prayer.


    Whew¡ª


    A sudden gust of wind swirled around him.


    It was as if he had been cut off from the rest of the world in an instant.


    "I have relied on this shamanic technique to vanquish many cultivators far superior to me in cultivation. Your death here will not be in vain," the old man proimed.


    As he spoke, his voice took on a sudden sharpness. "Forbidden Ground!"


    <i>Thud!</i>


    The atmosphere grew oppressively heavy and Chu Liang found it increasingly difficult to breathe..


    The Forbidden Ground...


    This was a notorious shamanic technique, rumored to be as potent as immortal arts within its range. Its effect was to create a sacred ground where divine powers and enchanted artifacts were forbidden.


    The elder inched closer as he inquired, "How do you feel? You can''t use your divine ability, can you?"


    Chu Liang attempted to activate his foundational qi, but as soon as his divine intent left his body, it dissipated into nothingness.


    "Yes," Chu Liang responded to the old man for the first time.


    "Even if you are an exceptional cultivator, within this Forbidden Ground, you are rendered powerless and reduced to an ordinary person." The old man''s tone gradually became triumphant. "That''s why I chose to confront you instead of the martial arts cultivator."


    "You may be more powerful than him. But unfortunately, you are a physically weak cultivator," said the old man with a smile.


    "Physically weak?" Chu Liang said as he assessed himself.


    Indeed, he had a slightly slender physique, seeming like a young man of slender build.


    But...


    "We, the dark shamans, were raised battling tigers and panthers! We traversed rugged mountains and forests! Even regr martial cultivators are no match for us!"


    The old man bellowed as he discarded his ck robe, revealing a well-built physique, with two short des in his hands. Considering his age, he was indeed quite muscr.


    When the old man had been wearing the ck robe, Chu Liang hadn''t been able to tell that the old man was muscr.


    Immediately, four ck-d individuals emerged from the corners of the balcony. These were the subordinates the old man had scolded earlier. Now, they approached from all sides, clearly afraid that Chu Liang might escape.


    Within this Forbidden Ground, all techniques were forbidden.


    Even though the shamanic technique could not be performed as well, they were ready for the close-quartersbat.


    It appeared that they had been through this scenario before¡ªsurrounding and targeting formidable adversaries in the forbidden ground.


    As the old man observed Chu Liang, a sense of unease began to creep over him.


    Despite losing the divine abilities that cultivators typically relied on, this slender young man showed no sign of fear. Instead, his eyes seemed to hold something different¡ªa sense of amusement? It was as if he wanted tough.


    <i>Heh. He is still pretending to be calm,</i> the old man thought.


    The old man let out a sardonicugh and shouted, "Kill him!"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With a single step, the old man lunged forward, disying the agility of a tiger or leopard.


    But then...


    Chu Liang, who had been right in front of him, suddenly vanished.


    <i>Eh?</i>


    The old man from the shaman n was confused for a moment before he then felt this sharp pain on the back of his head.


    The pain was excruciating...


    A level of agony he had never experienced before in his entire life.


    It seemed like... the pain of death.

 Chapter 54: The Brick Combat Technique

    <h4>Chapter 54: The Brick Combat Technique</h4>


    <i>Thud¡ª</i>


    Even in the throes of death, the old man remained oblivious to what had happened.


    However, the four subordinates who bore witness to the scene had a crystal-clear view...


    As the old man lunged toward Chu Liang, thetter swiftly crouched low and executed a graceful sidestep, appearing behind the old man like magic.


    There was a golden half-brick in Chu Liang''s hand. He forcefully struck the elderly dark shaman''s head with the golden brick, causing the old man''s brains to stter out.


    Clearly, the old man wouldn''t survive.


    Chu Liang gazed at the fallen old man, his expression a mix of calm and sadness.


    "After all that bluster... is this all the power you possess?" Chu Liang asked.


    The old man hadn''t made any mistakes.


    To be fair, Chu Liang''s physique gave no indication that he''d gotten any martial arts training. Who could have anticipated that he could hurl a brick with the strength of ten tigers?


    Moreover, Chu Liang had earlier sought advice from Yun Chaoxian regarding martial techniques.


    During that discussion, Yun Chaoxian inquired about Chu Liang''s preferred weapon. Although Chu Liang was most adept with swords, it was the brick that he found mostfortable to wield.


    It was such a pity that there was no dedicated martial art for bricks in the martial world.


    Fortunately, Yun Chaoxian was well-versed in martial arts. After some contemtion, he taught Chu Liang a set of martial techniques known as the Turbulent Stream Movement Art.


    The footwork techniques in that art enabled the user to move swiftly, darting unpredictably back and forth. Along with a significant boost in strength came a remarkable improvement in the speed of body movements.


    When paired with an indestructible golden brick, thisbination led to a distinctive and extraordinary fighting style known as the Brick Combat Technique. Regardless of how powerful the shamanic technique was, a single brick was sufficient to bring them down.


    The truth was that... the instant Chu Liangid eyes on the elder, he had been ready to crush the jade talisman and call his teacher over.


    After all, dark shamans were known for their cunning and ruthlessness, employing unpredictable methods. Chu Liang was aware that he could be caught off guard, especially when facing an opponent with a higher cultivation level.


    However, he hadn''t expected that the old man would activate the Forbidden Ground. When the Forbidden Ground came into effect, Chu Liang had a genuine concern that the tracking jade talisman might not function within this area that forbade all enchanted techniques.


    Then he had an epiphany...


    <i>If this Forbidden Ground prohibited the use of all enchanted techniques, what should I be afraid of? The old man''s frail body and muscles?</i>


    Indeed, ordinary martial artists might not stand a chance against the dark shamans, who were capable of taking down tigers and leopards. Nheless, the source of Chu Liang''s strength was far from ordinary.


    If the Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill had not only increased his strength but also transformed his physique into a muscr man like Yun Chaoxian, these shamans might have second thoughts. Regrettably for them, that was not the case, so they had assumed he was an easy target.


    Following the old man''s demise, the Forbidden Ground remained, suggesting that the effects of the shamanic technique did not necessarily cease with the caster''s death.


    Chu Liang nced upward and spotted the other four ck-cloaked individuals.


    Initially, they had advanced toward Chu Liang alongside the old man. But as they closed in on him, the old man fell after being struck by a brick.


    The situation had taken on an awkward atmosphere. If they chose not to attack, that meant the tension had reached its breaking point. But if they did attack, there was the risk of losing their lives. What should they do?


    The ck-clothed figures exchanged nces and then simultaneously cried out, "Let''s attack together!"


    After the shout, only the ck-d figure with the long saber charged forward. The other three ck-clothed individuals turned and fled.


    The ck-d figure''s pupils contracted as he gripped the saber. He hadn''t anticipated being the sole gullible shaman in this situation.


    Nevertheless, it was toote for him to feel betrayed. Chu Liang had already appeared behind him with a brick.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    While the other three people dispersed in different directions, Chu Liang, fueled by the strength of ten tigers, possessed a running speed they couldn''t hope to match.


    As they leaped away, Chu Liang swiftly closed the gap with each one, delivering a blow with his brick each time. None of them managed to leave the balcony.


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang had defeated all five of them, making for five perfect victories.


    Even after the fight ended, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think that these dark shamans didn''t deserve such an ending. If they hadn''t regarded him as some gifted cultivator and resorted to shy tricks, he wouldn''t have stood a chance against all five of them together. In that scenario, they would have met their demise at the hands of Di Nufeng.


    <i>Eh?</i>


    As Chu Liang contemted this, he began to wonder if death by brick might actually be the more fitting conclusion.


    ...


    After the battle, Chu Liang skipped his usual post-fight ritual of inspecting the fallen corpses. Instead, he quickly descended the stairs.


    The moment he stepped out of the Forbidden Ground on the second-floor balcony, the sensation of being cut off from the rest of the world dissipated.


    Chu Liang heard shouts and deafening noisesing from the courtyard. Yun Chaoxian was undoubtedly embroiled in a fierce conflict.


    As Chu Liang hurried into the courtyard, he beheld a colossal tree spirit at its center. Its upper body resembled that of a human, adorned with a bronze mask, while its lower half morphed into numerous branches and foliage, stretching out in all directions. The entire courtyard teemed with its robust branches and leaves.


    Yun Chaoxian, on the other hand, had aplished a crucial step¡ªthe ripping of his garments.


    Indeed, he brandished a substantial halberd while bare-chested, with his blood-red tattoos on his back faintly visible. He swung the divine weapon with immense power, cleaving through the thick branches as though slicing through fruits and vegetables, closing in on the true form of the divine envoy.


    Yun Chaoxian appeared to have mastered one of the supreme techniques from the Great Astral Sect, the Profound Augmented Domineering Body Seal. Whenever his strength was at its peak, a divine seal would materialize behind him, allowing him to make instantaneous breakthroughs and grow even more formidable as the battle unfolded.


    A powerful sweep of the halberd summoned fierce winds,ying waste to everything within a five-zhang radius. Regardless of the extent to which the vines and branches had spread, they couldn''t evade the imminent destruction.


    In a mere few strides, Yun Chaoxian closed in on the tree demon divine envoy''s form. Then, he bellowed with thunderous force and brought his halberd down.


    <i>Thud¡ª</i>


    Despite being a cleaving strike, a resounding explosion echoed with the impact.


    The sensation of slicing through flesh was absent because, at the moment his halberd descended, the upper body of the divine envoy abruptly transformed into tree bark, and the strike merely bit into the trunk.


    However, this trunk was not fragile like ordinary branches; it mped down securely on Yun Chaoxian''s halberd.


    The upper body of the divine envoy reappeared at the tip of a branch, sporting a sinister grin. He raised his hand, and countless branches began to converge around Yun Chaoxian, evidently preparing for a coordinated attack with all the branches at once.


    In that critical moment, Chu Liang sprang into action, eximing, "Ten Thousand Swords Seal!"


    The divine envoy was taken aback. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    He was well aware that the Tiger King had met his end due to the activation of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal. He had even cautioned the old malevolent shaman to be wary of Chu Liang.


    Since Chu Liang had made an appearance here, it was evident that the old malevolent shaman had failed.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s invocation of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, he immediately went on high alert, fearing a fate simr to that of the Tiger King.


    He waved his hand, causing most of the branches and vines to surge forth and obstruct Chu Liang''s direction, defending against the impending and dreaded Ten Thousand Swords Seal.


    Despite the numerous wrongdoings he hadmitted, the divine envoy''s qi was not suffused with blood, and Chu Liang, as the wielder of the Crimson Executioner, had no interest in him.


    Chu Liang raised his hand, and a hundred sword lights darted forth, producing a faint clinking sound as they struck the wall of tree branches.


    While the damage was minimal, it significantly diverted the divine envoy''s attention. The pressure on Yun Chaoxian suddenly lessened, enabling him to easily approach the divine envoy.


    By the time the divine envoy realized that Chu Liang had only employed a minor Hundred Swords Seal, it was toote.


    Yun Chaoxian swung down with his World-Dominating Halberd, creating a fierce gust of wind.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    This strike was overwhelmingly powerful, instantly shattering the divine envoy into pieces.


    Amidst the deafening sounds, a handsome man''s faint sigh could be heard.


    "<i>Ah...</i> What a pity..."

 Chapter 55: Purchasing Koi Fish

    <h4>Chapter 55: Purchasing Koi Fish</h4>


    If someone were to do a proper analysis, they would realize that the divine envoy''sbat power was nowhere near that of the Tiger King. It was just that unlike Yun Chaoxian, the divine envoy was rather cunning. Yun Chaoxian would have been able to defeat the divine envoy alone, but it would have taken him a bit longer to do so.


    With a swing of his halberd, Yun Chaoxian cut up the tree demon into pieces. Its erged branches and nts quickly wilted and withered, leaving behind a big mess.


    Chu Liang looked around and extended his divine sense in search of items with a spiritual nature that might have been left behind.


    However, demons were generally not adept in utilizing enchanted cauldrons, and they usually didn''t possess many valuable items. So, after a careful search, he found only two potentially useful items.


    The first was the bronze mask that the divine envoy had worn. When Chu Liang''s divine sense passed over it, he faintly sensed it contained some spiritual energy. It seemed like it might have some special properties, so he picked it up.


    The second item was a green leaf the size of his palm. The ground was covered with fallen leaves, but this leaf was extremely different from the others. It shimmered lustrously with dense spiritual energy.


    "The divine envoy''s a tree demon, so this seems to be a Lifeforce Green Leaf that he refined," Chu Liang remarked. He examined it, flipped it over, and examined it thoroughly before concluding, "It can''t be used in its current state, but it will be an excellent material for making an enchanted tool. I can take it back to the mountain and have someone turn it into an enchanted artifact."


    The Hall of Weapons had specialized services for making enchanted tools. As long as Mount Shu disciples provided the materials and a certain amount of sword coins, they could hire the Hall of Weapons to make an enchanted tool for them.


    Yun Chaoxian, who was topless, walked over while carrying his halberd upside down.


    "<i>Hehe.</i> This time as well, it was all thanks to you helping me, Brother Chu," Yun Chaoxian said, not minding what Chu Liang was doing.


    They had agreed earlier that any profits that arose from fighting the divine envoy belonged to Chu Liang, so Yun Chaoxian had no objections regarding Chu Liang picking up the fallen items. Yun Chaoxian was simply feeling free and happy from having just killed a foe he''d hated.


    "Even if I hadn''te with you, he wouldn''t have been a match for you, Brother Yun," Chu Liang replied.


    "Naturally. But if you had gone all out, I''m sure he would have died with a single strike. Instead, you deliberately spared him to let me deal the final blow..."


    Yun Chaoxian felt quite moved.


    In his view, if Chu Liang had unleashed the Ten Thousand Swords Seal from that day, the divine envoy might not have been able to withstand it even if he were to defend with all of his might. However, Chu Liang had used the much weaker Hundred Swords Seal instead.


    <i>Does heck the ability to do so? Of course not!</i>


    <i>It must be because Brother Chu knows I''ve been chasing this treacherous evildoer for many days, so he didn''t want to steal my thunder and deliberately left it to me to deal the killing to the demon.</i>


    <i>Brother Chu truly... moves my heart.</i>


    Chu Liang could only smile politely in response. "<i>Haha.</i>"


    He was actually thinking, <i>Deliberately let someone else take the credit...? Wouldn''t that just make me a big fool?</i>


    Once Chu Liang was done searching there, he turned and went back up to the terrace on the second floor to search the clothes of the malevolent shamans he''d defeated earlier.


    The malevolent shamans had quite a few misceneous, but they were all somewhat dark and creepy. For example, there was a set of flying knives that required the wielder to cut themselves first before they could throw the knives... There was also a blood-drinking skull that almost bit Chu Liang... a little straw man that had someone''s birth data written on it... and metal nails that were dipped in some mystery blood...


    Most of the items were already bound to the malevolent shamans and needed to be nourished by their blood. The spiritual nature of those items disappeared with the death of the malevolent shamans.


    Some items retained their spiritual nature, but those items were inexplicably strange.


    <i>It seems that they''re not usable. I''ll turn them in when I return to the mountain.</i>


    The most valuable item was a brocade box Chu Liang found among the old man''s clothes. It contained a treasure of nature.


    <i>The Nethersea Golden Lotus?</i>


    This treasure that Fiend longed for had actually fallen into Chu Liang''s hands. It was quite a valuable item. If nothing unexpected happened in the meantime, then this Nethersea Golden Lotus would be Chu Liang''s greatest gain this time.


    Chu Liang persistently looked around a few more times to make sure he hadn''t missed anything.


    Then he stood up, exhaled a long breath, and said, "Let''s report this to the authorities."


    ...


    It appeared that the Mount Shu Sect and the Great Astral Sect still had prominent reputations, as Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian were warmly received when they went to the Kaoshan City''s government office.


    The two of them exined that the demon divine envoy was the perpetrator of the tragic massacre.


    After some investigating, the authorities confirmed that was indeed the case. Seeing as the culprit had already been killed by Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian, the authorities could finally close the case. Putting the city on lockdown to catch the killer had ced immense pressure on the government office, so everyone was ted now that the matter was finally resolved.


    The government office publiclymended Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian and rewarded each of them with five hundred taels of silver. This small amount of money wasn''t even enough for the Money-Eating Curse Beetle to have a meal though. Nevertheless, cultivators wouldn''t normally care about any of that.


    In any case, this incident had a huge impact on the city, so the publicmendation helped Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian be a little more famous.


    Yun Chaoxian wanted to give his share of the reward to Chu Liang, but Chu Liang immediately refused and told him to use the money to buy more clothes instead.


    After leaving Kaoshan City, the two men had to go their separate ways. However, Yun Chaoxian was reluctant to part with Chu Liang.


    "Brother Chu, the world is so vast. After parting here, who knows when we will meet again?"


    "Brother Yun, don''t worry. If fate allows it, we will meet again," Chu Liang replied, cupping his hands together sincerely.


    "That''s right. It will be next year at thetest. After all, you''ll definitely be representing Mount Shu Sect in the Grand Competition of Immortal Sects that''s being held in the capital city. We will certainly see each other again then," Yun Chaoxian said with a smile.


    "Yes," Chu Liang agreed, nodding.


    Simultaneously, he thought, <i>Well, you''d better be able to see me then.</i>


    The Grand Competition of Immortal Sects was conducted every twelve years in the capital city of the Yu Dynasty, and the various immortal sects would send out their most outstanding young disciples to participate in it. The rankings of the results held a rather significant meaning for the sects.


    However, for a disciple to represent the Mount Shu Sect in the Grand Competition of Immortal Sects, they had to first perform exceptionally well at the Mount Shu Summit this year. It was hard to anticipate who would emerge as the representative.


    After bidding farewell to the "super smart" guy, Chu Liang set out on the journey back to Mount Shu.


    Just as his flying sword was about to reach Mount Shu, he made a controlled descent onto the outskirts of a small town¡ªYunhua Town. It was the first town at the foot of Mount Shu, and Mount Shu''s disciples often went there to purchase goods.


    Despite being a small town, Yunhua Town was bustling with activity. Chu Liang went for a stroll through a market that sold flowers, birds, and fish, which was located in a corner of the town.


    He paused in front of a bird-seller''s stall.


    Chu Liang asked, "Sir, I want to buy a koi fish for feng shui purposes. Where should I go to find a good one?"


    That''s right. A few days ago, when he received the reward from Kaoshan City''s authorities, he thought he should buy a koi fish. Now that he had money in his pocket, he was ready to put his n into motion.


    Yet, after looking around, he didn''t see any koi fish of excellent quality.


    The bird-seller pointed enthusiastically and said, "You should go have a look at Shopkeeper Chen''s fish store on the street corner. He has koi fish from the Bombax River, and the quality has always been the best."


    "Great, thank you," Chu Liang replied.


    He turned and walked to the street corner, where he found an inconspicuous shop front. Upon entering, he saw that it was empty of people.


    "Is the shopkeeper here?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Oh, dear..." a groan rang out from the inner room of the store. "Has a customer arrived? Pleasee inside to talk."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang was a bit puzzled as he walked into the inner room.


    He saw a middle-aged man in an undershirt lying on a bed. Half of the middle-aged man''s face was extremely swollen and red, and there was a patch on his leg that was swollen and bruised. He seemed to be in a great deal of pain.


    "I''ve been unwelltely. Please forgive me, dear customer," Shopkeeper Chen greeted. "We''re all neighbors. Just go have a look around. Whatever you want to buy, take it out yourself and show it to me. I''ll tell you the price."


    "Shopkeeper," Chu Liang said, "I want to buy feng shui koi fish, but I don''t think I saw any outside earlier..."


    "Oh..." Shopkeeper Chen couldn''t help but groan again when the topic of koi fish came up.


    It seemed to be a painful topic for him.


    "I don''t dare to sell koi fish now," Shopkeeper Chen replied.


    "But... everyone outside says that the koi fish here are of the best quality," Chu Liang stated.


    "That was before. I''d caught all of the koi fish in my shop from the Bombax River, so naturally, they were of the best quality," Shopkeeper Chen exined sorrowfully. "But two days ago, a swarm of venomous bees suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the Bombax River. Look at me now. I was stung by those bees. It''s already been five or six days, and I''ve seen the doctor, but no medicine seems to work. It''s extremely painful.


    "With those venomous bees there, who would dare to go fishing?"

 Chapter 56: Lin Beis Abstinence Journal

    <h4>Chapter 56: Lin Bei''s Abstinence Journal</h4>


    "Venomous bees?"


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang moved closer and said, "I''m a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. Let me take a look. Perhaps I can help treat the bee sting."


    Shopkeeper Chen immediately showed a respectful expression. "Ah? A young hero of the Mount Shu Sect?"


    The residents of Yunhua Town had seen their fair share of Mount Shu Sect''s disciples, so they weren''t usually this respectful.


    Shopkeeper Chen was most likely hoping that Chu Liang could alleviate the symptoms.


    Chu Liang carefully examined the swelling on Shopkeeper Chen''s face. He could sense a faint hint of demonic aura. It¡¯s no wonder ordinary physicians couldn''t treat it effectively.


    Those venomous bees were likely demonic beasts, which meant their venom should be treated as a demonic toxin. Even if the toxicity was weak, it''s not something that ordinary physicians could treat easily.


    <i>Demonic beasts...</i>


    The moment Chu Liang thought of that, he resolved the conundrum.


    Chu Liang retrieved a packet of Hundred Flowers Antidote and said, "Boss, ingest half of this medicine and apply the other half externally. You should recover soon."


    "Is that so?" Shopkeeper Chen replied.


    His face brightened as he eagerly epted the Hundred Flowers Antidote from Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang poured a bowl of water for Shopkeeper Chen to take with the medicine.


    The Hundred Flowers Antidote was renowned for its effectiveness against various poisons, so the venom from the small bees should pose no challenge to it.


    After a moment, the swelling on Shopkeeper Chen''s face and leg subsided, leaving only subtle red marks.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" Shopkeeper Chen eximed with joy. "The medicine worked like a charm. You truly live up to the reputation of a divine cultivator from the Mount Shu Sect!"


    "It''s not that magical. This just happened to be the right remedy," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "No! No! This is a divine medicine! Young hero, I do not know how to repay the kindness you have shown today," Shopkeeper Chen replied earnestly.


    Chu Liang waved his hand. "<i>Hehe.</i> You don''t have to repay me much. Just give me a fine koi fish, and that will suffice."


    "<i>Erm...</i>" Shopkeeper Chen looked slightly troubled as he exined. "I don''t dare to go to Bombax River anymore, but the quality of the koi fish from other areas is not as good..."


    "Shopkeeper Chen, rest assured. I will visit the Bombax River. If venomous bees are still causing trouble, I will help get rid of them," Chu Liang said.


    "Young hero, your kindness and favor..."


    Shopkeeper Chen was immediately moved beyond words. He stood up, wanting to bow in gratitude.


    "Shopkeeper Chen, rest and recuperate. You don''t have to worry, " Chu Liang said as he pressed his hand on the shopkeeper. He then stood up and left, "I will be right back."


    With that, he left the flower, bird, and fish market, exited Yunhua Town, and headed straight for the banks of the Bombax River.


    After walking for a few li, he arrived at the riverbank, where birds were singing and fragrant flowers filled the air. It was the peak of spring, with lush grass, chirping birds, and fluttering willow leaves. Normally, during this season, there would be many tourists here, but recently, no one dared to approach this riverbank.


    All because of these venomous bees.


    Chu Liang extended his divine sense and soon spotted a ck venomous bee, roughly the length of a segment of his finger. It patrolled amidst the flowers, appearing quite menacing.


    He moved closer, and when he was about one zhang away, the venomous bee became alert and flew toward him with a buzzing sound.


    The venomous bee showed an extremely aggressive nature. Nevertheless, Chu Liang wasn''t afraid of this bee.


    He activated the flying sword and swiftly sliced it in two. When the bee hit the ground, ck liquid dripped from it, emitting a hissing sound.


    If Chu Liang allowed these bees to fly rampage at the banks of the Bombax River, the people around would be in danger. These bees needed to be eradicated.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang had an idea.


    He activated the Hundred Swords Seal, and a hundred sword shadows shuttled back and forth, following what he detected through his divine sense. Using his divine sense to observe the surroundings, he managed to eliminate over twenty venomous bees.


    These extremely weak demonic beasts brought Chu Liang a sense of nostalgia, reminding him of the time he had dealt with thentern monsters. He couldn''t help but feel a bit sentimental.


    <i>When I have time, I should go back and catch up with thentern monsters.</i>


    He didn''t wipe them outpletely, though. He left one venomous bee that was flying in the opposite direction.


    It was clearly trying to escape.


    Chu Liang might as well follow it to find the location of the beehive and obliterate all of them, ensuring these bees would never appear again.


    After pursuing the bee for quite a distance, Chu Liang arrived at a lush valley where several venomous bees had established their hive. This was likely due to the scarcity of flowers, prompting arge number of venomous bees to venture outside.


    Seeing Chu Liang approaching, they immediately swarmed toward him, only to be swiftly cut down by Chu Liang. However, the initial venomous bee managed to buzz and dive into a crevice in the mountain wall, disappearing without a trace.


    Chu Liang stared at the deep crevice, which seemed to extend infinitely, feeling somewhat perplexed. His divine sense couldn''t reach the bottom, and if all those venomous bees came from here, it would be very challenging to eliminate thempletely.


    In this world, the greatest feeling of helplessness was brought about by situations like this¡ªwhen something was unfathomable and out of reach.


    Even a great hero would just let out a deep sigh at this moment.


    ...


    With nobody around, Chu Liang sat down in the wild, rewarding himself on the spot.


    Upon entering the White Pagoda, it was quite lively.


    The tiny silhouettes of the venomous bees had upied several dozen cages. It was unknown how many cages existed within this ck mist.


    In Chu Liang''s opinion, this White Pagoda should have enough space to hold thousands of demons and monsters.


    He then pressed the refinement button.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A beam of white light floated out, and Chu Liang reached out to catch it, discovering that it was a long bamboo tube jar.


    [Honey Syrup Tea: Sweet and delicious.]


    Chu Liang fell silent for a brief moment.


    Even though he knew that the venomous bees were not strong inbat, the White Pagoda didn''t have to give such a half-hearted reward.


    This was the first time in his life that he had encountered a creature that was inferior even to thentern monsters.


    <i>This is too much.</i>


    <i>It isn''t even willing to write a few more words in the description?</i>


    He opened the bamboo tube jar, took a sip, and indeed, it was very sweet and delicious, with a hint of fruit tea vor. It had a natural and refreshing taste.


    It had been a long time since he had tasted something so enjoyable to drink in this world.


    But... that was all.


    <i>I am an immortal cultivator.</i>


    <i>No matter how delicious it is, what''s the use?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang didn''t dwell here for long. After ensuring there were no remaining venomous bees in the vicinity, he began his journey back to Mount Shu.


    The wind on the mountain howled, and the sea of clouds rolled. Yet, Mount Shu remained unchanged, as it had for the past tens of thousands of years.


    Upon reaching his wooden cabin, Chu Liang noticed several small paper cranes neatly arranged on the table beneath his roof. These paper cranes served as amon means of short-distancemunication at Mount Shu.


    As long as one person left a trace of their divine sense with someone else, that second person could send the first a paper crane if they wanted to contact them. However, thismunication method was limited to Mount Shu''s boundaries.


    Chu Liang had only left his divine imprints with a few people. They were his teacher, Lin Bei, and Jiang Yuebai. So, he was surprised to see so many paper cranes.


    He opened the first paper crane and saw that it was from Jiang Yuebai.


    On the day he left Mount Shu, he had sent Jiang Yuebai a letter, informing her that he wouldn''t be able to visit her as he had some urgent matters to attend to.


    Her response was simple:<i> Okay. Take care.</i>


    It was a simple three-word response.


    Chu Liang scrutinized the first letter for a while before putting it away.


    He then opened the second paper crane. It was from Lin Bei.


    In the letter, Lin Bei mentioned that he was preparing to break into the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    <i>This time, with full determination and unwavering focus, I will either seed or meet my end. Next time we meet, brother, I''ll surely be no less than you. Today marks my first day of abstinence. I hope for sess...</i>


    Lin Bei''s letter was lengthy, but the contentcked substance. Chu Liang nced through it and threw it to the side.


    He opened the third paper crane, which was also from Lin Bei.


    The letter stated: <i>First day of abstinence! I feel so energetic.</i>


    Chu Liang opened the fourth paper crane. Once again, it was from Lin Bei.


    The letter stated: <i>Another first day of abstinence. I will definitely seed this time.</i>


    Upon opening the fifth paper crane, Chu Liang found that it was once again from Lin Bei.


    The letter stated: <i>Still the first day of abstinence, sess is imperative.</i>


    "..."


    Chu Liang counted the letters. Each of these letters was probably separated by a day.


    <i>Yes, this young man''s virility is still as strong as ever.</i>


    Chu Liang promptly took up his writing brush and beganposing his replies.


    The letter he wrote to Jiang Yuebai was quite long. He described his recent experiences over the past few days and expressed his gratitude for her teachings on sword techniques. He emphasized that if she hadn''t taught her the Hundred Swords Seal, his journey wouldn''t have been so smooth.


    Chu Liang had stated the truth, and everything he wrote was sincerely heartfelt. Lastly, he politely asked when she might have time to teach him more divine techniques.


    The reply to Lin Bei was much simpler:


    <i>After reading about your situation, I offer my full support, and I have only one piece of advice.</i>


    <i>Cut off the issue at its roots.</i>

 Chapter 57: Making An Enchanted Tool

    <h4>Chapter 57: Making An Enchanted Tool</h4>


    After responding to the letters, Chu Liang took a short nap in his small cabin and woke up in the afternoon. He prepared himself and then headed to report to his esteemed teacher.


    Upon reaching his teacher''s attic, Chu Liang found Di Nufeng sitting there, holding a painting book and shedding tears.


    When she saw Chu Liang enter, she promptly closed the book and wiped her eyes.


    Chu Liang gazed at her silently for a moment before inquiring, "Teacher, are you crying?"


    "No," Di Nufeng replied with her red, puffy eyes, shaking her head.


    "Is the rtionship between the male and female leads in turmoil?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It''s not that severe," Di Nufeng said, shaking her head again. She exined, "The male lead is just dead."


    "Sorry for your loss," Chu Liang offered his condolences solemnly.


    Who would have thought that the feared tyrant of Mount Shu possessed a sensitive and sympathetic side?


    Di Nufeng looked at him again, asking, "Did everything go smoothly?"


    Chu Liang selectively shared what he could with Di Nufeng, stating that things had mostly gone smoothly and that he hadn''t used the tracking jade talisman that his teacher had given him.


    "Nice. You''re capable of handling things on your own," Di Nufeng praised.


    "It''s because you''ve given me the confidence to do so," Chu Liang responded promptly, disying his emotional intelligence.


    "Alright, return the tracking talisman to me," Di Nufeng casually suggested.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang frowned, as if Di Nufeng''s words didn''t quite register. "Return?"


    "You''vepleted your task. Don''t you n to return it to me?" Di Nufeng asked, blinking.


    Chu Liang said, "But didn''t you mention that you have given me this divine artifact to keep me alive...?"


    "<i>Eh</i>, who would''ve thought you''d never use it." Di Nufeng sighed. "I''ve been on edge these past few days, worrying I might receive your call for help toote. Typically, I sleep for fourteen hours a day, but now I wake up after ten hours. If this continues, I might suffer from nervous exhaustion."


    <i>Alright, so you do know you usually sleep for fourteen hours a day. Aren''t you afraid of sleeping too much and turning into a nt? </i>Chu Liang silently remarked.


    Nevertheless, he maintained a smile and said, "Esteemed teacher, I suddenly remembered that I found a delicious beverage down the mountain. I bought some for you to try."


    Chu Liang took out a jar of honey jelly tea.


    "What''s this?" Di Nufeng took it and sniffed it suspiciously. "You''re not trying to poison me, are you?"


    Chu Liang smiled.


    <i>If a poison potent enough to affect your constitution were mixed with water, the mixture could probably drug thousands of elephants. How could this small jar contain that much poison?</i>


    While Di Nufeng spoke, she took a sip, and her eyes lit up.


    "<i>Hm...</i> This tastes really good. I''ve never had such... sweet-tasting water," Di Nufeng mused. Then she added, "It would be even better with a bit of alcohol mixed in."


    "Esteemed teacher, do you like it?" Chu Liang asked.


    Di Nufeng nodded. "It''s not bad."


    "Then I will buy more to show my filial respect," Chu Liang said. He promptly bid farewell, stating, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave. I have some matters to attend to at the Hall of Weapons."


    Chu Liang didn''t even wait for Di Nufeng to wave him off. He departed swiftly, his leaving figure appearing somewhat impatient.


    As Di Nufeng watched him go, she suddenly furrowed her brows.


    "<i>Eh?</i> Have I forgotten something?"


    ...


    Chu Liang hadn''t been lying when he mentioned going to the Hall of Weapons.


    He made his way to the Heaven Reaching Peak, where he exchanged some misceneous items he had acquired but had no use for in return for a few more sword coins. Afterward, he ascended to the second floor of the Hall of Weapons.


    The corridor walls on the second floor of the Hall of Weapons were adorned with numerous ancient painting scrolls, all featuring worldly divine artifacts highly ranked in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    The most prominent of these was the well-known depiction of Mount Shu Sect''s Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    Initially, Chu Liang had wondered whether the white pagoda he possessed might be the long-lost Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. However, the substantial disparity in appearance between his white pagoda and the one illustrated in the scroll hadid those suspicions to rest.


    On either side of the corridor, there were several private chambers.


    Chu Liang entered one of these chambers and straightforwardly stated his purpose, "Hello, I would like to make an enchanted tool," "Hello, Senior Brother. Please, have a seat."


    Inside the room, a junior disciple awaited Chu Liang''s arrival. This disciple seemed even younger than Chu Liang, with fair skin and a somewhat frail appearance. While traces of youthful innocence lingered on the junior disciple''s face, his gaze projected a surprising degree ofposure and maturity.


    Nheless, Chu Liang didn''t underestimate him. Those in charge of crafting enchanted weapons here were disciples of the Weapons Master, the Guardian Elder in charge of the Hall of Weapons, so they had to possess a certain level of expertise.


    The Weapons Master held a position higher than the thirty-six Peak Masters. Those who became his disciples were required to possess both talent and diligence.


    Since this disciple before Chu Liang was rather young, it indicated that he was exceptionally gifted.


    "I''m Wen Yulong. Senior Brother, if you have any requests or questions about tool-making, feel free to discuss them with me."


    The young disciple was very polite and courteous.


    "I happened to acquire a very good material," Chu Liang mentioned as he retrieved the Lifeforce Green Leaf. "I wish to make an enchanted tool. Do you have any rmendations?"


    Wen Yulong epted the Lifeforce Green Leaf, cing it on his palm for careful examination. He then infused a trace of foundational qi into it, causing it to emit a gentle glow.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Wen Yulong nodded slightly. "This green leaf... should be the life-bound item refined by a tree demon at the peak of the fourth realm or higher. The material itself can''t be used by itself, but it is indeed excellent."


    Wen Yulong remained absorbed in his thoughts as he continued, "If you want to make a tool, I rmend two sets of inscriptions. One set is for flight, allowing you to make an enchanted tool that can manipte wind. The other set is for defense, resulting in a defensive enchanted tool. These two sets of inscriptions are morepatible with the material. If you desire other capabilities, you can certainly try, but the effects may not be as satisfactory."


    <i>Flying... and defense... </i>Chu Liang pondered for a moment.


    Both of those aspects were indeed areas in which he currentlycked proficiency.


    However, being unfamiliar with tool-making, Chu Liang inquired, "Which of these two sets of inscriptions do you think is better?"


    "Flight inscriptions are simpler and carry lower risks. You are aware that we bear no responsibility for failed tool-making attempts, right? We only offer a refund for thebor cost; material losses are not refunded," Wen Yulong exined. "Defense-boosting inscriptions are somewhat more intricate but also more practical. Having a defense-boosting enchanted tool during a battle is definitely advantageous."


    With that, he appeared somewhat hesitant, as if he had more to convey.


    Ultimately, Wen Yulong couldn''t resist adding, "Of course, because the first attempt yields the best results, it''s best to include both sets of inscriptions in the initial refinement."


    "Both sets?" Chu Liang was momentarily puzzled. "Well, if that''s the case, I''d like to have them all."


    "Adding both sets is indeed optimal, but it will be more... costly," Wen Yulong whispered. "Furthermore, it''s more challenging, and the failure rate is high. Our teacher typically discourages us from taking this approach..."


    Chu Liang then understood the reason for Wen Yulong''s hesitation.


    Suggesting a more expensive option like this might be perceived as a sales pitch, possibly leading to misunderstandings among the disciples of the Hall of Weapons. Moreover, the rmended option carried a higher risk of failure, which could potentially tarnish the Hall of Weapons''s reputation over time.


    Making simpler enchanted tools that cater to a broader audience might seem like a safer bet.


    However... those mediocre enchanted tools served little purpose and could easily be obsolete as one''s cultivation advances, which would ultimately result in a loss.


    Chu Liang didn''t hesitate as he said, "Then I''ll include both sets to achieve the best possible oue."


    Wen Yulong''s eyes lit up as he asked, "Senior Brother, aren''t you concerned about the risks?"


    "In tool-making, there''s always a degree of risk, and I believe you''ll give it your all, right?" Chu Liang smiled. "How much will it cost?"


    "If you include both sets of inscriptions, it will be one hundred sword coins," Wen Yulong replied.


    The smile on Chu Liang''s face faded instantly.


    Nheless, he recognized that this was a reasonable price for tool-making. After all, if sessful, it could result in a high-quality enchanted treasure.


    So, Chu Liang gritted his teeth and said, "One hundred sword coins is no small sum. I hope it will be a sess."


    "Senior brother, don''t worry. Despite my youthful appearance, I''ve already attempted to make enchanted tools independently twelve times..." Wen Yulong replied. He nodded earnestly as he added, "I too hope for one sessful attempt.¡±

 Chapter 58: Talismanic Sword Seal

    <h4>Chapter 58: Talismanic Sword Seal</h4>


    Chu Liang looked at Wen Yulong with a serious expression. "...?"


    Wen Yulong gazed back at Chu Liang, sweating nervously.


    The atmosphere in the room seemed to freeze for a moment.


    Wen Yulong stammered, "S-senior Brother, I assure you that it''s because I am aiming to maximize the power of the enchanted tool. The effects that I can produce will definitely be stronger than what others can do! So, the risks of failure will inevitably be higher... If you prefer a safer option, you can choose someone else to do it..."


    "Seventy sword coins, and I''ll let you make this for me," Chu Liang said suddenly.


    This business model provided a convenient service for disciples that needed tool-making services as well as a great opportunity for disciples that were gifted in tool-making to gain experience.


    For someone like Wen Yulong, who was young and yet had a long history of failures, to be allowed to take orders from customers... it meant that he was either the sect leader''s grandson or that the Weapons Master had a high opinion of him. Either way, they believed it was worth having him here.


    The Lifeforce Green Leaf was a rather precious material. Nevertheless, it was not that important to Chu Liang, so he didn''t mind taking a gamble with it.


    Still, the service fee had to be lowered.


    Chu Liang knew that a portion of the tool-making fee went to the Hall of Weapons, and this part was non-negotiable. However, the rest of the fee was designated for the disciple, and that was negotiable.


    So, Chu Liang made a small cut to the fee. If the enchanted tool were to be sessfully made, Chu Liang would only need to pay seventy sword coins. If it were to fail, he could still retrieve the item. So, the risk was rtively eptable.


    Wen Yulong didn''t hide his emotions; he immediately became teary-eyed.


    "Senior Brother Chu, the portion of the fee reserved for me is only thirty sword coins..."


    The cut Chu Liang had made struck a nerve with Wen Yulong. However, Chu Liang remained silent and just watched him quietly.


    After some hesitation, Wen Yulong nodded and said, "All right, all right. I''ll take up this request. Please rest assured I will definitely do my best."


    It was evident that he hadn''t received any requests for quite a while, so he was pretty excited for the opportunity to make something.


    Chu Liang nodded softly and replied, "Then I''ll entrust this to you, Junior Brother Wen."


    He left behind the Lifeforce Green Leaf and the payment for the service. Then he stood up and left.


    Despite the small reduction in the fee, the final amount still almost emptied his savings. Additionally, he was running out of Qi-Gathering Pills for his Large-Headed Doll. The urgency of making money suddenly weighed down on him.


    "<i>Sigh</i>..."


    As Chu Liang walked out of the Hall of Weapons, he couldn''t help but sigh deeply.


    Even a great hero, who could overturn rivers and seas, could not escape being hungry, cold, and poor. Money made the man; without money, it was hard to be a man.


    When would Chu Liang finally achieve financial freedom with sword coins?


    Back at Silver Sword Peak, he saw another small paper crane on the table. Chu Liang unfolded it to find a reply from Jiang Yuebai.


    It contained just a few simple words: <i>Today, after the sun has risen</i>[1]<i>, at the old ce.</i>


    ...


    "Senior Sister Jiang, it''s been quite a while. I''ve missed you greatly."


    Chu Liang met Jiang Xiaobai again in the waterfall cave on the Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    Jiang Xiaobai was dressed in a simple wide-sleeved dress with her hair pinned up in a bun, exposing her fair, cloud-like temples. She was still as stunningly beautiful as ever.


    Compared to thest two meetings, Jiang Xiaobai seemed much more rxed in front of Chu Liang now.


    Jiang Xiaobai snorted slightly and said, "Hmph, all I see is that you really want to learn divine skills."


    "Well, isn''t it all for the sake of chasing in the footsteps of my senior brothers and sisters?" Chu Liang replied without a change in expression.


    "Fine, that''s enough," Jiang Xiaobai said, bing a little more serious. "Today, I''m going to teach you something more challenging. Be prepared."


    Chu Liang nodded. "Okay."


    After teaching Chu Liang the Hundred Swords Sealst time, Mount Shu''s Fairy Jiang went through a brief period of self-doubt.


    She knew that Chu Liang''s exceptional innate talent was certainly a good thing. After all, she had discovered a talented disciple with great potential for the Mount Shu Sect. However, Chu Liang was excessively talented, which stirred up some doubts in her mind.


    Before, Jiang Yuebai had always thought of herself as an extremely talented person. She hadn''t beencent because of it, but it had undoubtedly given her a sense of assurance that she was not inferior to any other genius of her generation.


    Yet, witnessing Chu Liang''s shocking feat of mastering the Hundred Swords Seal in just two tries had sown a seed of doubt in Jiang Yuebai''s mind. She had taken a day to master the same technique, so she felt rather mediocre next to him...


    For cultivators, their confidence could be a significant factor in their cultivation and even affect their Dao heart.


    After contemting for a while, Jiang Yuebai felt that she could not let her Dao heart be shaken. She tried convincing herself that perhaps the reason why Chu Liang managed to master it so smoothly was that he''d started learning the Hundred Swords Seal muchter than she had, or maybe he was just naturally suited for this kind of divine skill.


    Therefore, this time, she nned to teach Chu Liang an extremely challenging divine skill to thoroughly test his abilities.


    "Talismanic Sword Seal?" Chu Liang uttered, feeling a bit startled after hearing the name of the technique that Jiang Xiaobai was about to teach him.


    Of course, it wasn''t because he hadn''t heard of it before. Rather, it was because this was an extremely famous technique.


    Divine skills like the Hundred Swords Seal weren''t exclusive to the Mount Shu Sect. Members of other sects and even those unconventional sword cultivators might know them.


    The Talismanic Sword Seal, on the other hand, had been created by the ancestors of the Mount Shu Sect and was a secret technique exclusive to the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect.


    In the Mount Shu Sect, it was apulsory course for disciples at the Golden Core Realm, but usually, only the disciples at the Realm of the Five Elements could master it. As for disciples at the level of the first three realms, they wouldn''t even consider learning this technique because it was still too early for them; they wouldn''t even be able toprehend it if they tried.


    <i>Does Senior Sister Jiang think that highly of me?</i>


    Seeing Chu Liang''s surprised expression, Jiang Xiaobai smiled faintly and asked, "How about it? Do you have the confidence that you''ll be able to learn it?"


    "With Senior Sister Jiang teaching me, I am, of course, confident I''ll be able to," Chu Liang replied, always mindful to reel in his emotions.


    "The Talismanic Sword Seal is said to be profound and difficult to learn, but unlike immortal arts, you don''t need toprehend any principles of the Great Dao, nor do you need to have an extremely high cultivation level. Therefore, it should be possible to master it in the Spiritual Awareness Realm," Jiang Xiaobai exined.


    She added in her mind,<i> Well, theoretically.</i>


    Chu Liang could only nod in response.


    After that, Miss Jiang''s small ssroom was back in session.


    The theory behind the Talismanic Sword Seal was rtively easy to understand. It involved using a sword to write characters[2] in midair tomunicate with spirits. The next step was to execute the Sword Maniption Technique, allowing the caster''s flying sword to charge forth with the innate power of the characters. Thebination of sword qi and a talisman had a formidable destructive power.


    Moreover, as long as the caster was strong enough, one sword seal could have many characters and turn into a Ten-Character Talismanic Sword or a Hundred-Character Talismanic Sword. It was said that a formidable swordsman in Mount Shu Sect oncebined the Ten Thousand Swords Seal with the Talismanic Sword Seal, unleashing a strike that manifested a Hundred-Thousand-Character Talismanic Sword.


    The sword suppressed the heavens and the earth; it had a sword qi that shook the nine provinces and a supreme power capable of destroying mountains and seas. A Talismanic Sword Seal that had been cultivated to such a high level was just as powerful as an immortal art.


    After finding out about that, Chu Liang couldn''t help but yearn to learn the Talismanic Sword Seal.


    However, what Jiang Xiaobai asked next immediately made Chu Liang lose his eagerness.


    "Can you make talismans?"


    "<i>Uh...</i>" Chu Liang uttered.


    He could only shake his head in response.


    Seeing Chu Liang''s bewildered expression, Jiang Yuebai was secretly delighted.


    She had already reached the Golden Core Realm before she started learning the Talismanic Sword Seal. Moreover, she had been familiar with the talisman-making process. So, it had taken her just twelve days to finish learning the technique, setting a record as the fastest one to do so among her generation of disciples in the Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang seemed like a novice in all aspects, so mastering the Talismanic Sword Seal in twelve days would obviously be an impossible feat for him... It would be very difficult just to learn how to make talismans in that short period.


    <i>It seems like I''ve won this time,</i> Jiang Yuebai thought happily.


    Then she suddenly felt rather puzzled by her own thoughts.


    <i>Huh? Why do I care so much about this?</i>


    <i>He''s clearly just a junior brother at the mid-stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. It''s a matter of course that I should win against him!</i>


    Upon realizing that, Jiang Yuebai reminded herself to stay calm.


    Chu Liang noticed the flickering emotions in Jiang Xiaobai''s eyes, but he couldn''t tell what she was thinking about.


    Regardless, he handed her a jar of Honey Syrup Tea.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, thank you for the exnation. Here, have a drink. This is a beverage I bought from the foot of the mountain, and it has a very pleasant taste."


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Jiang Xiaobai took the tea and had a sip. Her eyes immediately lit up. "Indeed, it''s delicious!"


    Seeing Jiang Xiaobai''s happy expression, Chu Liang remembered his teacher''s review earlier and thought that this sweet beverage seemed to be favored by women.


    A light bulb suddenly lit up in his mind.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, if you like it, I can bring this beverage here for you often in the future. However..." Chu Liang said, "can you help me with a small favor in return?"


    1. Period of 7-9am ?


    2. This is referring to Chinese characters, not English ones. They are often words on their own or paired with one or more characters to form a different meaning. ?

 Chapter 59: First Cup Of Fruit Tea in Spring

    <h4>Chapter 59: First Cup Of Fruit Tea in Spring</h4>


    Red Cotton Peak[1] was renowned for its Red Cotton Tree Flowers that bloomed all year round.


    The peak housed a cleared area that was once an altar[2] but had been abandoned over time. On either side stood vacant buildings, and the road was clean and well-maintained. Eventually, Mount Shu''s disciples began setting up stalls in this space, leading to the formation of a small general goods market known as the Red Cotton Market[3].


    Compared to the costly and fixed items avable at the sect''s main entrance, the goods in the Red Cotton Market were set up by the disciples themselves, offering a more diverse range of items and allowing room for negotiation.


    While there was a risk of encountering scams, it was also possible to find great deals, making it a popr spot for many Mount Shu Sect disciples to visit, even if they didn''t intend to make a purchase.


    However, it was Chu Liang''s first time here.


    Upon entering the small market, he noticed that both sides of the road were lined with nkets of various sizes disying an array of items for sale. Elixirs, enchanted artifacts, and hand-drawn talismans were among the items sold.


    The quality varied, and it was evident that these itemscked the same level of quality assurance as those sold at the main entrance.


    Some vendors were even selling spirit pets, amodity not avable at the main entrance. They had various spirit dogs, with fur in different shades, including ck, white, and some with colorful coats. These spirit dogs were cute and cuddly, sitting obediently.


    Upon request, vendors would showcase the talents of their spirit animals.


    If one offered the spirit pet a bit of food to sniff, it could locate the food regardless of where it was hidden.


    Their tracking range extended up to a hundred li, and as the spirit dogs grew, their tracking range could expand even further, reaching distances of thousands of li.


    Some individuals would try using various items, but the vendor would dismiss their attempts with a wave of their hand and remark, "It''s not that it can''t locate non-edibles; it''s simply that they can''t be bothered to search for them."


    At another stall, an enchanted mirror with a unique magical effect caught the attention of passersby. Reciting a specific incantation, "Mirror, mirror, tell me who is the most beautiful person in the world," would cause the mirror to disy the face of the person standing before it.


    A curious onlooker inquired, "But don''t all mirrors reflect faces?"


    The vendor nodded and exined, "The enchantment of this artifact lies in the fact that it doesn''t reflect anything until you ask."


    "So, is this just a broken mirror?" the inquirer said.


    "What are you saying? Move along! If you''re not going to make a purchase, don''t clutter the mirror," the vendor retorted.


    "..."


    At another stall, a vendor offered a cracked bowl known as the Scattered Treasures Bowl.


    When a person ced a precious item of divine quality into the bowl, it would instantly disappear.


    A curious onlooker decided to test it by tossing a stone inside, but there was no response. They then threw a sword coin into the bowl, and it promptly vanished.


    The onlooker marveled at the mystical effect of the bowl.


    However, theyter asked the vendor to return the sword coin. The vendor, raising their hands, imed to have no idea where it had gone.


    The two of them then got into a fight, and disciples from the Hall of Discipline swiftly intervened, kicking them out of the market.


    Such conflicts were a daily urrence, and disciples from the Hall of Discipline were stationed there to manage such matters.


    ...


    Chu Liang found it interesting as he roamed around for a while but didn''t see anything he wanted to buy. Even if he had wanted to make a purchase, he didn''t have any money left.


    Next, he located an empty spot for himself.


    He retrieved a nket he had brought with him, ced a board on it, and arranged six small teacups. Adjacent to them, he positioned a jar of honey syrup tea.


    Then, he set up a signboard with tworge lines of text:


    <i>The first cup of fruit tea in spring.</i>


    <i>Sample.</i>


    Although his stall may have seemed unconventional, it didn''t stand out significantly in a market filled with oddities. However, curious individuals gradually approached after a while.


    "Brother, what are you selling?" a young disciple inquired out of curiosity.


    "Fruit tea," Chu Liang replied, pointing to the jar of honey syrup tea.


    "Tea? Does your tea have any special effects?" the young disciple asked.


    "It tastes good," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The person was taken aback. "That''s it?"


    "It tastes good and doesn''t cause weight gain," Chu Liang added.


    "..." The individual found it somewhat peculiar.


    "You can try it," Chu Liang offered as he poured a small tea cup for the inquirer and gestured for him to give it a taste.


    Since they were cultivators, there was no need to lift a tea cup, so the young disciple gently inhaled, sipping a stream of liquid.


    His lips puckered, and his eyes brightened.


    "<i>Mmm</i>, it does taste pretty good," he acknowledged. Then, he asked, "How much is it?"


    "One sword coin for one jar," answered Chu Liang, pointing to the jar of Honey Syrup Tea, "and it''s quite a big jar."


    "What? One sword coin?" The disciple wore a bewildered expression. "You''re selling this jar of sweet water for one sword coin? You might as well be robbing people."


    "<i>Sigh...</i>" Chu Liang smiled and shook his head, not bothering to argue with him.


    The young disciple cast Chu Liang a nce as if he were looking at a peculiar individual, then he turned and left muttering to himself.


    This process repeated itself with two or three more individuals, and it followed a simr pattern.


    It wasn''t entirely surprising that the disciples were taken aback. Sword coins were quite valuable within the Mount Shu Sect. Even disciples in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, who went on frequent missions, earned around a hundred sword coins per month.


    Those who went on missions at a normal frequency might not even earn a hundred sword coins.


    Disciples in the Golden Core Realm earned more, but their resources were still limited.


    They needed sword coins for various purposes, such as purchasing elixirs, talismans, enchanted artifacts, flying swords, and other items, and they often felt that they never had enough.


    Spending a single sword coin on a beverage that was essentially only tasty and had no other effects did indeed seem a bit extravagant.


    However, Chu Liang remained patient and sat there quietly.


    After a while, amotion began to grow louder further up ahead. Shouts and exmations filled the air and gradually approached him.


    "Fairy Jiang is here!"


    When the cries reached the vicinity, people began to realize that something was happening. They immediately leaned forward to see what was going on.


    As expected, they could see a group of people like stars surrounding the moon, slowly making their way in this direction.


    Jiang Yuebai was here!


    The arrival of one person suddenly ignited a frenzy in the Red Cotton Market.


    Figures like Fairy Jiang rarely visited this ce. She undoubtedlycked nothing when it came to cultivation resources, and she wouldn''t typicallye here for shopping. Furthermore,ing to a crowded ce like this would inevitably attract onlookers, something she usually tried to avoid.


    But for some reason, Jiang Yuebai had unexpectedly appeared at the Red Cotton Market today. Judging by her demeanor, she didn''t seem to have any specific goal in mind. It appeared she hade here purely to stroll around, casually moving from the east side to the west.


    Jiang Yuebai wore a long flowing robe that made her look like a celestial being, radiating grace and elegance with every step as if she were walking on lotus petals.


    A group of Mount Shu Sect disciples had followed her from various directions, all bearing eyes filled with admiration, respect, curiosity, and other intense emotions. Yet, not a single person dared to approach her and talk to her.


    Jiang Yuebai''s gaze roamed in all directions and then paused in Chu Liang''s direction. She exchanged a brief nce with Chu Liang.


    After that... a faint smile appeared on her usually aloof face.


    Immediately, low voices of astonishment and excitement filled the air around Chu Liang.


    "Brothers! She''s smiling at me!"


    "Nonsense! Jiang is smiling at me!"


    "Get lost! Three-fourths of that nce was on me."


    "..."


    Amidst the chaotic sounds, Jiang Yuebai walked toward Chu Liang''s small stall.


    She gently leaned down and inquired, "What is this?"


    "Fruit tea," Chu Liang answered calmly.


    "Oh, there''s a sample. Let me try it," Jiang Yuebai said as she blinked.


    Chu Liang poured her a cup, and Jiang Yuebai inhaled, drawing the tea into her mouth.


    She then smiled and nodded, "Yes! Delicious."


    "Senior Sister Jiang, do you want a jar?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Give me a jar... No, two jars," Jiang Yuebai responded.


    Chu Liang smiled and nodded. "Alright."


    Simultaneously, he said with a gentle but loud voice, "Half-price for the second jar."


    1. Just wanted to tell you guys that the writing for Red Cotton Peak in chinese is ºìÃÞ·å. ? ?


    2. In ancient times, this altar was used to worship the Mountain God.? ?


    3. Red Cotton Market in Chinese is ºìÃÞÊÐ?? ?

 Chapter 60: I Doubt He Will Show Up Everyday!

    <h4>Chapter 60: I Doubt He Will Show Up Everyday!</h4>


    After Jiang Yuebai left, themotion around Chu Liang''s small stall took a while to settle down.


    The crowd in front of Chu Liang''s stall was immense. Many were eager to savor the beverage that had brought a smile to Fairy Jiang''s face. Chu Liang efficiently organized everyone into a line, proceeding to sell the jars one by one.


    A few wealthier individuals waved their hands, proiming, "Junior Brother, how many jars do you have? I''ll buy them all!"


    With a polite smile, Chu Liang declined, "Senior Brother, I''m sorry, but there''s a limit of two jars per person per day."


    After selling approximately twenty jars, a long line of people still patiently waited.


    Standing up, Chu Liang bowed towards the people at the back of the line and conveyed, "I''m sorry, everyone, but I''ve sold out of fruit tea for today. If you''d like to purchase some, pleasee early tomorrow.


    The people at the back of the line started to cry out withints. "<i>Eh???</i>"


    Hearing that, those who had managed to buy a jar were even happier. They savored the delicious drink and asionally expressed their appreciation for this worldly delicacy.


    Despite the customers'' dissatisfaction, Chu Liang remained carefree as he packed up his stall and left.


    There was nothing he could do. He had only killed that amount of venomous bees.


    The rewards from those venomous bees had earned him more than twenty sword coins, surpassing even the value of the Qi-Gathering Pills. Compared to the Qi-Gathering Pill reward from thentern monster, the value of the venomous bees was undoubtedly higher.


    Chu Liang silently apologized for his earlier acts of disrespect toward the bees. These precious venomous bees proved to be superior to thentern monsters.


    Everything that unfolded today had been part of Chu Liang''s n.


    He had conceived an idea after witnessing his teacher and Jiang Yuebai''s profound fondness for the Honey Syrup Tea. It had dawned on him that the potential market for this item might be even more extensive than he initially thought.


    Given that it couldn''t be mass-produced, he had to sell it at a higher price to turn a profit. However, the product alone wouldn''t have justified such a price. If he genuinely aimed to sell the item at a premium, it would necessitate the endorsement of a celebrity.


    Coincidentally, the charming Senior Sister Jiang happened to be the foremost celebrity in the Mount Shu Sect.


    Obviously, Chu Liang had requested Jiang Yuebai''s assistance for the opening day of his business, which exined what happened earlier.


    The daily limited supply also serves to elevate the intangible social value associated with this item, instilling a sense of psychological superiority in those fortunate enough to acquire it.


    "I am too kind..."


    Chu Liang counted the sword coins in his hand and fell into deep contemtion.


    In fact, he had foreseen that even if he sold a jar for ten sword coins, it should be able to sell out. After all, he couldn''t increase production, and he didn''t need to target toorge of an audience.


    For such rare and seemingly useless items, as long as you call them <i>luxury goods</i>, there would still be people willing to pay a premium price, even if it were several tens or hundreds of times the initial price.


    Chu Liang might actually feel a bit guilty doing that though.


    And so, he could only earn twenty sword coins with a regretful heart.


    ...


    When he left the Red Cotton Peak, it was still early.


    Riding on his sword, he headed towards Yunhua Town.


    Upon reaching the Flower, Bird, and Fish Market, Chu Liang paid a visit to Shopkeeper Chen.


    "Oh, Young Hero Chu!" Shopkeeper Chen greeted Chu Liang.


    Shopkeeper Chen''s had fully recovered, but his face was still bruised and swollen.


    "Shopkeeper Chen," Chu Liang said, "has the swelling not gone downpletely yet?"


    Chu Liang was surprised. The Hundred-Flower Antidote had worked quickly on Shopkeeper Chen, but the man was still swollen. Could it be that the bee venom was more potent than the flower poison from the other time?


    "No..." Shopkeeper Chen shook his head and sighed deeply. "The other day, my wife went out to find a doctor for me. When she came back, she smelled something strange in the house and med me for not keeping it for her...


    "So, she beat me up...


    "I have been wronged, Young Hero Chu...


    "I am in my middle age, facing immense life pressures, and long ago...


    "I don''t have the vigor anymore... you know..."


    Looking at Shopkeeper Chen mutter with an innocent expression, Chu Liang could only nod in silence.


    <i>Indeed, she med you for something you hadn''t done. I understand.</i>


    Just consider it as a side effect of the Hundred-Flower Antidote.


    "Also..." Shopkeeper Chen smiled awkwardly again. "I had originally nned to catch koi fish for you once the venom cleared from my system. But when I went there this morning, I discovered that those venomous bees had returned! So, I didn''t dare..."


    "It''s okay; I was just worried that they wouldn''t¡ª" Chu Liang spoke gently. "I mean... I was worried that they mighte back, so I came to Yunhua Town to take a look. If theye back, I will clean them up again."


    "<i>Sigh,</i> if these venomous bees keeping, what should we do?"


    The shopkeeper was slightly worried.


    Although his shop didn''t exclusively sell koi fish, the koi fish from the Bombax River were indeed the signature pets he sold. If they were gone in the future, his business would undoubtedly be greatly affected.


    "Yeah." Chu Liang nodded. "If they keeping back, then I''ll just have to deal with them every day."


    Shopkeeper Chen was so touched that he almost cried. "The fact that the Mount Shu Sect has a young hero like you is truly a blessing for the people of Yunhua Town!"


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "No need to be so polite."


    <i>I think it''s a blessing as well.</i>


    ...


    When Chu Liang returned to the bank of the Bombax River, he indeed saw the familiar-looking venomous bees fluttering among the flowers.


    However, looking at them now, these once fierce-looking venomous bees appeared less ugly than before. In fact, they seemed a little adorable. What happened?


    They were like... flying sword coins.


    Soon, Chu Liang summoned his flying sword, and one by one, he cut down these dark little cuties with stings.


    One, two, three...


    After eliminating about thirty venomous bees, the bank of the Bombax River was once again clean.


    Chu Liang retraced yesterday''s path to the nearby valley and got rid of two more venomous bees. When he could no longer find any bees flying alone, he reluctantly left.


    However, what he didn''t know was that when he left the bank of the Bombax River, he was being silently watched by a pair of big eyes in the calm river water.


    The creature was submerged in the water. Without making any bubbles, it observed Chu Liang in secret.


    After Chu Liang left, thoserge eyes gurgled and sank back into the water.


    A three-chi-long koi fish, adorned with seven colors and exuding a mystical aura, swiftly parted the water ripples and swam toward the bottom of the river.


    Soon, it reached the riverbed, where there was a sandy pit in the center of a patch of water grass, and in that pit was another slightlyrger seven-colored koi fish.


    The smaller seven-colored koi fish opened its mouth and released a string of bubbles. Astonishingly, it spoke.


    "Big Sis, Big Sis! That annoying cultivator from yesterday appeared again! He killed all the venomous bees you worked so hard to summon!"


    "What? He came again," therger seven-colored koi fish said in a deep voice. "Why does the cultivator from the Mount Shu Sect refuse to let the venomous bees by the river live?"


    "What should we do? What should we do? What should we do?" the smaller seven-colored koi fish anxiously asked repeatedly. "If we can''t guard our home, do we have to move away?"


    "Don''t panic," therger koi fish said. "Cultivators with that level of cultivation must be very busy. He can''t possiblye to the riverbank to clear it every day. Tomorrow, I''ll continue summoning the venomous bees. I won''t let those fishermen get close to the Bombax River."


    "Forget about what happened in the past. Since I have cultivated magical powers, I must protect our koi fish n!" therger koi fish dered with great determination.


    The smaller koi fish still had some worries. "But... what if hees by every day?"


    "Don''t worry! Those human cultivators have to cultivate and rob resources. How can they have so much free time?" therger koi fish said,forting the smaller koi fish. "And there are so many venomous bees in the valley upstream; he can''t possibly kill them all. As long as we have enough patience, we can definitely protect the Bombax River!"


    "Yeah! Big Sis, that makes sense!" the smaller koi fish said, finally feeling relieved. "I doubt he will show up every day!"

 Chapter 61: Self-Learning

    <h4>Chapter 61: Self-Learning</h4>


    "I truly hope I cane here every day."


    Chu Liang wandered through the valley again to ensure no venomous bees remained. Once he was done, he left reluctantly and returned to the Mount Shu Sect.


    There were some important matters Chu Liang had to attend to in his small cabin. Earning money was ultimately a secondary priority; he shouldn''t forget to work on getting stronger.


    So, he first collected the rewards for killing the venomous bees. After repeating the reward collection process over thirty times, he focused on studying.


    Unsurprisingly, Chu Liang was studying the Talisman Sword Seal that Jiang Yuebai had taught him.


    The core concept of the Talisman Sword Sealy inbining talismanic script with sword qi. A prerequisite to learning this technique was learning how to make talismans, but talisman-making itself was a deep field of study.


    Talisman-making, alchemy, and tool-making were allplex and self-contained fields of study, and the Mount Shu Sect did not force its disciples to study them. This was why Chu Liang hadn''t even touched on these topics before. However, now that he needed to do so, learning them a little more extensively wouldn''t hurt.


    In the martial world, there was an important saying, "If you learn till you''re old, you''ll live till you''re old." It meant that if a person didn''t continue learning into their old age, it was very likely they wouldn''t live until then.


    During Chu Liang''sst lesson with Jiang Yuebai, Jiang Yuebai taught him the essentials of the sword seal. She couldn''t teach him right from the very basics of talisman-making, so Chu Liang had to go home and study it slowly on his own. She gave him a month to learn how to make talismans.


    Consequently, Chu Liang went to the Hall of Conservation to buy a book called <i>The True Dao of Talisman-Making</i> and went to the Hall of Weapons to buy some basic talisman-making tools¡ªcinnabar powder, yellow paper, ink, and a brush...


    Now, with everything he needed, Chu Liang proceeded to learn from the book.


    Talismans were items that contained the power of talismanic script. Talismanic script was powerful because it utilized characters[1] used in Heavenly Law. Once the talismans were triggered, they could invoke the power of the Heavenly Law.


    However, the Heavenly Law could not be invoked at will. A cultivator needed to concentrate their foundational qi and attach it to the talismanic script. Then they had to send their divine intent into the heavens to trigger the power of the Heavenly Law.


    Cinnabar wasmonly used for making talismans because it was the easiest material to attach concentrated foundational qi to. Once attached, the foundational qi would remain attached to it for a very long time.


    Nevertheless, true masters of the Dao of Talisman-Making didn''t need that, as it was a simple feat for them to use their finger to write talismanic script in the air. This was the level of proficiency a cultivator had to achieve if they wanted to use a flying sword to write talismanic script in the air.


    In the beginning stage of studying the Dao of Talisman-Making, a cultivator only needed to memorize some basic characters used in talismanic script and meticulously write them down. If they could produce the desired effect, then they would be considered to have sessfully made a talisman.


    There was no need for them to understand the reason behind why talismanic script was written the way it was. It was like how elementary school students only needed to know how to use mathematical forms. As for the origin of the forms and the theories behind the talismanic script... those were the kinds of questions that only cultivators in the Dao Attainment Realm and the Heaven Origin Realm needed to think about.


    Nevertheless, just the first step of learning how to make talismans¡ªmemorizing the basic characters of talismanic script¡ªwas very challenging. The characters used in Heavenly Law were obscure andplex. Each stroke embodied the Great Dao, so there could not be even the slightest modification to the characters. This meant the cultivator could not simply flip through a book and copy the characters right before facing an enemy.


    When writing for ordinary purposes, it didn''t matter if a character''s horizontal and vertical strokes varied in length. However, for talismans, the strokes had to be perfectly even and in proportion with the rest of the character; this was the first obstacle.


    That was the reason why the characters were written on paper in the beginning. The shape of the character and the proportions of its lines could be seen more clearly on paper. The cultivator might have to attempt thousands of times on paper before they could write the characters in the air without making any mistakes. A cultivator''s diligence couldpensate for theirck of skill in the Dao of Talisman-Making.


    Chu Liang looked at the basic characters in the book and tried to write the characters in the air with his hand. It was indeed difficult to see if he was writing it correctly.


    The second obstacle was to concentrate one''s foundational qi so that it would not disperse. Foundational qi would always ultimately disperse, so to keep it in a concentrated state, the cultivator needed to have extremely good control over their qi. They had to be able to link up all of their meridians for their qi to flow out smoothly.


    The third obstacle was the activation time of the talisman. Many talismans did not activate immediately, so cultivators had to take note of how long it took from the time they sent out their divine intent to when the talisman activated. To have control over the activation time, the cultivator had to have precise control over their divine intent.


    Yet, Chu Liang already knew from havingbined the three energies¡ªvitality, qi, and spirit¡ªinto one... that none of them were easy to control.


    "This truly isplicated..."


    Chu Liang looked at the first talisman in the book and unconsciously wrote out the characters in that talisman with his finger.


    He nned to memorize the characters first before trying to write them on paper.


    Generally, the first character that cultivators who were new to the Dao of Talisman-Making would learn was the character for fire, one of the Five Elements. Chu Liang was no exception to this. Fire was the simplest word to write in talismanic script, but it was stillplex enough to give beginners a headache.


    After practicing writing the character in the air with his right hand for quite a while, he wrote it down,pleting his first talisman. Then he tapped it lightly.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A zing fire appeared out of nowhere and surged upward, almost setting alight the walls of the small cabin.


    Chu Liang got such a fright that he scrambled to his feet.


    <i>I seeded..? Just like that?</i>


    <i>The book clearly said that writing talismanic script in the air was difficult... and that it required practicing thousands of times on paper first. What''s all that about then?</i>


    Despite his sess, his first reaction wasn''t of joy.


    Instead, he stared at the cinnabar powder and yellow paper on the table and muttered, "What a waste of money."


    ...


    "<i>Kaaaw.</i>"


    Early the next morning, Chu Liang was awakened by some sudden loud and resonant cries outside. He looked out the window and saw a huge white crane descending to the ground.


    It was once again time for the monthly issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    Chu Liang called out to the white crane, "Thanks for your hard work."


    Then he reached out and pulled the booklet inside the cabin. It was time to read the gazette.


    As usual, he flipped the booklet open and read the section on the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures first.


    There was a significant change in the rankings from the previous month. Taotie City had sessfully crafted an enchanted tool called Golden Wings That Brush Against the Clouds. The Celestial Pivot Pavilion had witnessed it in action and entered it into the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures at the rank of ny-seven. This meant that treasures ranked ny-seventh and below would all drop by one rank.


    The top hundred treasures in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures had not changed for many years. So, the sudden appearance of the Golden Wings That Brush Against the Clouds undoubtedly attracted some attention.


    It was generally considered that there was a wide gap between the top hundred treasures and those ranked below one hundred. Regardless of the power they possessed, all the enchanted artifacts and weapons ranked below the top hundred were only considered treasures of the mortal world, whereas those in the top hundred were considered to be more like divine artifacts.


    It was a major event in the mortal realm every time a treasure that was almost at the level of a divine artifact was made or discovered, as it indicated there could be a shift in the bnce of power. In other words, Taotie City, the owner of the new high-ranking treasure, had be even more powerful.


    As a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang should feel a sense of crisis. In recent years, there had been an increasing number of voices iming that the Mount Shu Sect was not qualified to be ranked among the Divine Nine. Most of these voices belonged to the sects who were in the upper ranks of the Terrestrial Ten.


    Those sects had their attention fixed on the Mount Shu Sect¡ªthe bottom-ranker in the Divine Nine¡ªlike a tiger watching its prey, waiting for the chance to take the ce of the Mount Shu Sect. Taotie City was one of them.


    After Chu Liang was done reading about the changes in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, he moved on to reading the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces.


    There was also some explosive news in this month''s Chronicles of the Nine Provinces. The moment he flipped to that section, six words inrge print caught his eye¡ª"The Return of the Demon God."


    Chu Liang had already heard this news in the Hidden Forest Mountain, so he wasn''t surprised by it. Nevertheless, it was easy for him to imagine how shocking this news would be for those who had been living in peace for all these years.


    The Mountain Range of the Seven Kings in the Far West had sent out many divine envoys this time and allied with many forces within the Yu Dynasty. Their goal was to spread the news of the imminent return of the demon god, so it wasn''t a secret at all. Rather, they wanted to raise a storm that would sweep across all nine provinces! Their tant publicizing of the demon god''s return made it seem even more real.


    The anonymous sect leader of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion wrote a profoundmentary telling the world how grim a matter this was. It reawakened a sense of crisis in those who had long forgotten about the terror of the demon race.


    The expression of everyone who read thementary, including Chu Liang who had already known about the demon god''s return, gradually turned grave.


    Then Chu Liang turned to the next page of the booklet and was a little bbergasted. It was because his name was on the page.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion had written an ount of the actions of several demon divine envoys who had been captured. The first one mentioned was the demon divine envoy who hadmitted a brutal massacre in Kaoshan City.


    This sinister demon envoy had been killed by the joined forces of Yun Chaoxian, a core disciple of the Great Astral Sect, and Chu Liang, a young disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. They had also killed a malevolent shaman envoy who had been colluding with the demon envoy.


    Of course, the article''s focus was on Yun Chaoxian, while Chu Liang was only mentioned briefly. Nevertheless, the writer of the article couldn''t be med for that. After all, Yun Chaoxian was one of the four core disciples of the Great Astral Sect, and he had been previously mentioned in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    As for Chu Liang... who was he? No one knew about him.


    Without knowing the specific details, everyone would think that Yun Chaoxian had been the main force in eradicating the evil entities and that Chu Liang had merely tagged along to ride on Yun Chaoxian''s coattails.


    Regardless, Chu Liang still found it quite surreal to see his name in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette,</i> which was read all over the world. If he were an ordinary disciple, he would most likely cheer excitedly in jubtion for a few days.


    Chu Liang made a small smile.


    Then he turned to the next page and saw another familiar name. His smile widened slightly.


    <i>Seriously...</i>


    "Di Nufeng, Mount Shu Sect''s notorious evil tyrant peak master, recently caused a disturbance in the waters near the East Sea and started a fight. The Peni Supreme Sect took action and expelled her from the area. Everyone was greatly satisfied by the result."


    1. Simr to Chinese characters ?

 Chapter 62: Losing Temper

    <h4>Chapter 62: Losing Temper</h4>


    The names of both the teacher and the student from Silver Sword Peak, which was seemingly insignificant, were prominently featured in the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces.


    What qualities made them exceptional in character and skill?


    As Chu Liang read the news, he couldn''t help but recall the past few times Di Nufeng had been mentioned in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. Each time her name appeared in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, it was rarely associated with positive news.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if Di Nufeng had enemies within the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    During Di Nufeng''s younger days, not only was it normal for her to act tyrannically in Mount Shu, but she would also bully the disciples from other sects that she encountered during her travels. Perhaps one of them, all grown up now, was discreetly tarnishing her reputation through the pages of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    If <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>had merely reported the incident, Chu Liang might not have been suspicious. However, the choice of words in the article caught his attention. Phrases like "infamous deeds" and "delightful to the people" seemed excessively pointed, hinting at an underlying motive.


    Upon reflection, this was not strange at all. If one went out to buy things in Mount Shu, one could encounter eight people who held a grudge against Di Nufeng. It was not unusual for her to have a few enemies in the martial world.


    Through this incident, Chu Liang learned a critical lesson: when traveling in the future, he must refrain from mentioning his teacher''s name.


    Otherwise, he risked triggering a potentially disastrous scenario. For instance, if he were to get into a confrontation with just three individuals and happened to mention that his teacher was Di Nufeng, it could easily escte, leading to thirty people rushing in to retaliate against him.


    <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> went on to describe the circumstances surrounding the Four Seas Whale Gang, one of the Terrestrial Ten.


    The Whale Gang ruled supreme over the Four Seas,manding sprawling maritime and canal trade enterprises. The gang boasted a membership reaching tens of thousands and extending its reach across the nine provinces. Such staggering influence naturally led to aplex power structure, distinct from the more conventional hierarchies found in immortal sects.


    The Four Seas Whale Gang derived its name from its unique organizational structure, which divided its main body into four distinct parts: the Eastern Whale Division, the Southern Whale Division, the Western Whale Division, and the Northern Whale Division. Each of these major divisions operated autonomously, functioning as independent gangs. However, this division often led to friction and rivalry among them.


    The Whale Gang''s center of power was the Ocean Tempest Hall, formed by electing highly respected individuals from the four major divisions who had made significant contributions to the gang.


    While the Ocean Tempest Hall typically refrained from meddling in the day-to-day affairs of the four major divisions, it wielded authority over all significant matters within the gang. This included pivotal decisions such as the election of the gang''s chief, demonstrating its overarching influence and role in guiding the collective direction of the Whale Gang.


    Consequently, each of the Whale Gang''s four major divisions endeavored to secure as many of their representatives elected to the Ocean Tempest Hall as possible. This strategic move aimed to sway major decisions within the gang in their favor. However, gaining a seat in the Ocean Tempest Hall was no easy feat. The selection process was stringent, and individuals had to demonstrate alignment with the majority''s interests to earn their ce. Merely upying seats for the sake of numerical advantage was not an option.


    The election for the gang''s chief took ce every ten years, and it was now approaching the day of re-election. The current chief, Xu Bashan, with his profound cultivation, high prestige, and fair governance, had led the Four Seas Whale Gang to a period of prosperity during his tenure. Given his remarkable aplishments, his re-election was not only widely anticipated but also perceived as the natural progression of events.


    However, recently, the vice-chief of the Eastern Whale Division, Jiang Shenting, voluntarily stepped down, passing the position to a trusted subordinate. This, however, sent a very sensitive message.


    Because the vice-chiefs of the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern Whale Divisions were not eligible topete for the position of the chief.


    Jiang Shenting had swiftly ascended as a rising star within the Whale Gang, having led the Eastern Whale Division for only ten years but making it the most powerful among the four major divisions. With a formidable and adept force under hismand, many anticipated Jiang Shenting''s seamless session to the position of chief upon Xu Bashan''s retirement.


    However, Jiang Shenting''s sudden resignation from leading the Eastern Whale Division left little doubt: it strongly suggested his intention to prepare for a chief candidacy, with few other viable exnations.


    To outsiders, this move seemed a bit hasty. In the intricatendscape of power struggles within the gang, the exact intricacies remained obscure to bystanders.


    Chu Liang, however, had only one sinct observation: the fact that news of Di Nufeng''s sea voyage was reported before this event was...simply absurd!


    If it weren''t for the explosive news of the return of the demon god, wouldn''t she have been given a headline on the front page?


    They were genuinely concerned that she wouldn''t provide enough embarrassment.


    The news in this month''s Chronicles of the Nine Provinces were too exciting for Chu Liang, to the point that the contents in the Umon Tales of the Martial World seemed a bit boring.


    No one from the Mount Shu Sect was reported this time. The most eye-catching news would have been the new ambiguous affair of the then sect master of the Sea King Sect, but that wasn''t surprising either.


    Otherwise, it was the uing tour of Xue Lingxue, an inner disciple of the South Melody Conservatory. With summer approaching, the enthusiastic season for the musicians of the South Melody Conservatory was about to begin.


    Both the Sea King Sect and the South Melody Conservatory were among the top ten, andpared to the Divine Nine, the sects in the Terrestrial Ten may have been more down-to-earth. They also appeared in the Umon Tales of the Martial World more frequently.


    Chu Liang ced this month''s <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> down and looked out the window with his eyes gleaming.


    This world was very interesting, full of dangers and opportunities, sorrows, and joys. The world was like a stage exhibiting wonders. It was simply exhrating that he had the chance to be near this stage. Having the opportunity to get close to this stage was truly exhrating.


    The key to stepping onto this stage was to be stronger.


    He cast his gaze once again on the book <i>The True Dao of Talisman-Making.</i>


    As the saying went, one had to nt a seed to reap a harvest.


    Since his experiment of writing talismanic characters in the air had a sessful ouest night, he couldn''t be bothered practicing on paper anymore.


    Instead, he directly attempted tobine the sword maniption and the writing of the talismanic character.


    Compared to the process described by Jiang Yuebai, Chu Liang seemed to be taking faster steps.


    But he was used to it.


    He had always been a bit faster than others... especially in terms of learning.


    After a simple wash, he walked outside and arrived at an open space. As he waved his finger and activated his flying sword.


    <i>Sword Maniption Technique!</i>


    <i>Swish, swish, swish!</i>


    Controlled by his divine intent, the flying sword soared through the air, leaving behind numerousplicated lines of silver light in the sky! Because the lines were appearing so quickly, the radiance hadn''t dissipated before the next one appeared, and the trailing light tails converged into a silver talismanic script!


    <i>Talismanic Sword Seal!</i>


    <i>Activate!</i>


    The talismanic script waspleted, and Chu Liang swept his sword forward.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    The sword light moved, shing through the air.


    A wisp of green smoke rose at the end of the sword.


    "..."


    Chu Liang summoned the flying sword back and pondered as he touched the slightly heated sword body.


    Smoke could be seen but there were no mes. It had failed.


    He thought about what had happened and deduced that it had failed because some of the movements of the flying sword were abnormal as the talisman character was being written in the air.


    Although the Sword Maniption Technique was guided by one''s will, there might still be differences whenpared to a direct control. This might not be evident during regr battles, but when performing the Talismanic Sword Seal, even the slightest instability could lead to failure.


    Chu Liang held the sword in his hands. This time, he didn''t make the sword fly in the air. Instead, he held the sword in his hands and moved it slowly. This way, it would be much more stable when writing characters.


    A talismanic character was once again formed by the beams of sword light.


    <i>Activate!</i>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As he used his divine intent, the sword qi apanied by a surging me erupted in the air,nding on the ground with a loud explosion.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    This was a simple sword qi, but its power had greatly increased due to the apanying mes.


    Chu Liang''s eyes gleamed.


    <i>Is this the Talismanic Sword Seal?</i>


    The fusion of the talismanic script and the sword qi didn''t merely involve a straightforward addition of forces. It resembled the wind leveraging the momentum of fire and fire harnessing the might of wind. This synergy led to a significant amplification of power.


    With this in mind, he had an idea!


    If he could proficiently write a wind talismanic character and unleash a sword qi assisted by both the wind and fire talisman characters, the resulting power would be amplified several times over.


    The Dao of Talisman-making held intricateplexities, capable of amalgamating numerous simple talismanic characters to create an extremely powerful talismanic formation.


    If he could employ such a potent formation in coboration with the sword qi...


    Just the mere thought of that scene was enchanting.


    With this in mind, a surge of enthusiasm filled Chu Liang, and he was eager to continue practicing to solidify his progress.


    Suddenly, an angry roar erupted from the small pavilion, apanied by a loud rumble, and the earth shook as mes soared into the sky.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    This scene did not surprise Chu Liang.


    This was how Di Nufeng behaved when she was furious.


    He had exerted great effort to enhance a bit of his strength, whereas his teacher could unleash such power with just a casual fit of anger¡ªa truly enviable disy.


    If nothing unexpected happened, she must have seen the ount of her seafaring journey in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. Chu Liang had anticipated this scene.


    However... Chu Liang pondered whether he should stop by and advise his esteemed teacher.


    Approaching her while she was angry was not a very good choice. In the past, Chu Liang might have chosen the opposite, opting to avoid the situation.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang worried that if he didn''t talk to her, she might go straight to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and start a fight.


    In the martial world, individuals could engage in various activities, but beating up reporters was an action that should never be done.

 Chapter 63: Hes Too Cooperative

    <h4>Chapter 63: He''s Too Cooperative</h4>


    However, Chu Liang¡¯s worries were somewhat unnecessary. Di Nufeng¡¯s temper didn¡¯tst long.


    Soon after, an azure-colored bird soared by andnded on the roof of Di Nufeng¡¯s pavilion.


    That was the azure-colored bird from the Boundless Pce in the Heaven-Reaching Peak. Every time it appeared, it meant that an important matter had urred that required the peak masters to gather at the Boundless Pce.


    As it wasn''t the day for the peak master''s regr meeting, the sudden assembly was likely due to the return of the demon god.


    When Chu Liang first returned to the mountain, he had already reported this discovery to the higher-ups, but it hadn''t been made public then, and it hadn''t seemed urgent. However, now that everyone knew about it, the Mount Shu Sect needed to develop appropriate strategies in response.


    Ever since the loss of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, the status of the Mount Shu Sect had been on the decline. People no longer looked to the sect as the savior of the world. Nevertheless, all members of the Mount Shu Sect still saw protecting the mortal realm as their foremost responsibility, a duty that had remained unchanged for thousands of years.


    This was the responsibility of a long-standing immortal sect.


    Even if the sky had fallen, there were those of towering stature to hold it up. A storm was still brewing among the higher-ups, and Chu Liang couldn¡¯t bother to waste any effort thinking about things beyond his control.


    Seeing that it was almost noon, he headed to the Red Cotton Peak.


    He had been making money while cultivating, aplishing two tasks at once, just like the old saying went: killing two birds with one stone.


    It was bustling in the Red Cotton Peak. The moment Chu Liang arrived, an observant person immediately recognized him as the one who sold the fruit tea yesterday.


    Someone immediately shouted, "Junior brother, how much fruit tea did you make today? I queued up for half a day yesterday and didn''t get any."


    "Don¡¯t worry," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "Not much."


    The person was stunned as the smile on Chu Liang¡¯s face and the words that came out of his mouth seemed to be conflicting. And so, the person quickly trailed behind Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang proceeded to the identical spot from the previous day, unfurled a small nket, and arranged a sign.


    "The first cup of fruit tea in Spring."


    Promptly, a number of individuals who had missed out yesterday, fueled by curiosity, swiftly joined the queue.


    In reality, only a few of those who had lined up yesterday showed up today. Yet, human nature yed its part¡ªupon noticing an impromptu line forming, the rest inquired with curiosity about what Chu Liang was selling. Such urrences were umon in the Red Cotton Market, after all.


    Subsequently, someone provided an exnation of the events and talked about Fairy Jiang''s smile.


    Before long, more individuals joined the line for fruit tea.


    The thirty-plus jars of fruit tea produced today sold out rapidly. Some individuals remained at the back, and the air was filled withints.


    Chu Liang had no choice but to stand up and bow. "I apologize. Pleasee earlier tomorrow."


    A person approached and asked, "Junior Brother, I''ll offer you twice the money. Can you just sell it to me and save me the trouble from queuing?"


    "No." Chu Liang answered as he shook his head with a smile.


    Breaking the established rules for a few extra pieces of sword coins wouldpromise the brand''s integrity entirely.


    It wasn''t worth risking significant losses for a minor gain.


    However, as Chu Liang was preparing to leave after packing up his stall today, something unexpected urred.


    ...


    Several figures approached and surrounded Chu Liang.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang murmured.


    He looked up and noticed that the one leading was a tall young disciple with an unfriendly expression and a seemingly fake smile on his face.


    These individuals were dressed in clothes embroidered with the emblem of intersecting swords, representing the Hall of Discipline.


    <i>Are they attendants at the Hall of Discipline?</i>


    The Hall of Discipline was responsible for thews in the Mount Shu Sect, and its disciples were stationed in the Red Cotton Market for regr inspections.


    Chu Liang, who had always behaved well, didn''t understand why they had approached him.


    "Junior brother, I''ve been observing you for two days," said the leader of the group, who was just a young disciple.


    While looking at Chu Liang, the leader said, "You''ve been quite well-known these two days, <i>huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang answered calmly, "I am just setting up a normal stall for business."


    "You call this normal? You didn''t even pay the stall fee," the young disciple said as he chuckled.


    "Stall fee?" Chu Liang frowned slightly. "Is there a stall fee in the Red Cotton Market?"


    "Those like them would not need to pay. However, someone like you, organizing queues, upying arge space, disrupting the order of the Red Cotton Market, must report and pay a stall fee in advance," the young disciple said sternly.


    "Is there such a rule?" Chu Liang mused with a frown.


    The young disciple squinted his eyes. "Well, are you questioning the Hall of Discipline?"


    Chu Liang surveyed the situation. The one leading from the Hall of Discipline was probably at the Golden Core Realm. Those behind him probably had simr cultivation levels, likely in theter stages of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    Furthermore, the Hall of Discipline had the authority to address improper behaviors at any time.


    "No, I just arrived recently and may not be familiar with this ce," Chu Liang replied. He smiled gently as he asked, "How much is the stall fee?"


    "The stall fee is originally ten percent of your earnings," the young disciple stated, sneering. "But in your case, there is a penalty due tote payment. How many sword coins have you made these days? All must be handed over. Don''t even think about hiding them..."


    Chu Liang nodded and said, "I made forty-nine sword coins these past few days."


    Under the somewhat cold gaze of the young disciple, Chu Liang actually started fishing out sword coins.


    He had no doubts whatsoever.


    The young disciple froze, appearing surprised. "<i>Erm...</i>"


    Chu Liang took out fifty sword coins and handed them over as he said calmly, "Let''s round it up. Here are fifty coins. Senior brother, you can double-check."


    Not only did he not hide anything, but he also paid a little extra.


    "This..." The young disciple hesitated as he epted the sword coins.


    Upon seeing that the disciple had taken the sword coins, Chu Liang asked casually, "Senior Brother, you look familiar. Have we met before?"


    The young disciple nced at him and huffed. "Don''t you dare try to act like you''re close with me. Even if youe by in the future, you still have to pay a stall fee."


    "I know, but I think I have met you before," Chu Liang replied, scratching his head. He inquired, "Which peak are you from? I think we have been on a mission together."


    "I am from the Cloud Horizon Peak," the young disciple said as he took the sword coins. "I have never met you before."


    "You are Senior Brother Wang of the Cloud Horizon Peak!" Chu Liang patted himself on the forehead. "We have been on a mission together. I knew I wouldn¡¯t remember wrongly."


    The young disciple stared at Chu Liang as though he was looking at an idiot. "<i>Heh.</i> My surname is Zhang."


    "I must have been mistaken. <i>Hehe,</i>" Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He waved his hand courteously and proceeded to leave.


    ...


    After he left...


    The young disciple sneered and said, "Hey! This dude is an idiot. If I had known that he would give any amount I want, I would have asked for more."


    "Senior Brother Zhang, is this appropriate?" another disciple of the Hall of Discipline asked hesitantly. "Aren¡¯t you extorting money using the name of the Hall of Discipline?"


    "<i>Ugh.</i> This dude is an enemy of my junior brother, hence why I am targeting him. Do you think I care about this measly amount of sword coins? Have you ever seen me show the slightest bias when enforcing thews of the Mount Shu Sect?" Senior Brother Zhang said as he casually waved his hand with an uncaring attitude.


    Then, he walked alone towards the side where three people had been waiting for him for a long time. They were Shang Ziliang, Lackey A, and Lackey B. All three of them had bandages wrapped all over their bodies.


    "Senior Brother Zhang, why did you only ask him for a few sword coins?" Shang Ziliang asked, looking a little flustered. "I thought you were going to beat him up and make it impossible for him to continue selling at the Red Cotton Market?"


    "I figured he''d put up a fight, giving me a reason to handle him," Senior Brother Zhang said with a shrug. "But I didn¡¯t expect the kid to be so naive, believing everything and handing over the coins without a fuss. With everyone watching, how could I make a move?"


    "<i>Ah!</i>" Shang Ziliang eximed in indignation.


    Previously, he and his two junior brothers had nned against Chu Liang on the Treasured Pagoda Peak, but who would have thought they were attacked by a giant lizard falling from the sky, leaving them severely injured.


    If it weren''t for their stronger bodies as cultivators, they would have died from that smash. Thankfully, his father, the peak master, treated their injuries, and they recovered within a few days.


    They had decided to take a stroll at the Red Cotton Market yesterday, hoping for some fresh air. Little did they expect to run into that detestable Chu Liang again. If it weren''t for him, they wouldn''t be in such a sorry state.


    Shang Ziliang covertly attributed all the pain and injuries to Chu Liang, feeling as if he were a thorn in his eye and a burr in his flesh. His resentment grew, especially when he saw Jiang Yuebai walking over, smiling gracefully at Chu Liang, and inadvertently boosting the poprity of his fruit tea.


    That was Fairy Jiang, a figure Shang Ziliang wouldn''t even dare to dream of under normal circumstances.


    "If Fairy Jiang smiled at me, why would I botherpeting with others for Xu Ziqing?" he thought, growing increasingly bitter with each passing moment.


    As variousplex emotions intertwined, Shang Ziliang gazed at Chu Liang, whose business was thriving. At that moment, he felt as though he was facing the enemy who had taken his father¡¯s life[1].


    He wished he could rush over and punch Chu Liang immediately.


    However, with his current condition of needing to lean on the wall while walking, Shang Ziliang naturally couldn''t do anything to retaliate. Fortunately, the attendant from the Hall of Discipline in charge of overseeing the Red Cotton Market happened to be a senior brother from the Cloud Horizon Peak with whom Shang Ziliang shared a strong and close bond.


    That''s why Shang Ziliang had sought the help of Senior Brother Zhang to deal with Chu Liang. With Senior Brother Zhang¡¯s identity as a member of the Hall of Discipline, it was a convenient approach. Initially, their n was to find fault with Chu Liang and teach him a lesson.


    Who would have expected Chu Liang to be so cooperative? Not only did he not fight back, but his response had also been very easygoing.


    "Don''t worry," Senior Brother Zhang said and smiled. "If hees again tomorrow, I''ll use other methods to mess with him. Even if he''s foolish, he should lose his temper within two or three days, right? The instant he dares to resist, I''ll be sure to teach him a lesson on your behalf. If he doesn''t resist, I''ll make it so challenging for him that he won''t dare to return to the Red Cotton Market again."


    Shang Ziliang nodded grudgingly. "That''s excellent."


    "But..." Lackey A struggled to speak, his neck wrapped in bandages. "I have a feeling it can''t be this simple... he''s being too cooperative!"


    "What''s soplicated about it? Isn''t he just a fool?" Senior Brother Zhang chuckled. "He even waved at me."


    Lackey A looked at Lackey B and asked, "What do you think?"


    Lackey B looked up at the sky and suddenly said, "I think we should go eat something good."


    1. Shang Ziliang¡¯s father is alive. ?

 Chapter 64: Seeking Justice

    <h4>Chapter 64: Seeking Justice</h4>


    Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak and carefully flipped through the Mount Shu Sect rulebook.


    There were only a few paragraphs about the Red Cotton Market and only one use regarding stall fees. Any vendor who was sellingrge goods, upying a huge area, and/or disturbing the usual order of things at the Red Cotton Market would need to pay ten percent of their profits as a stall fee.


    All Chu Liang''s fruit tea stall had done was draw a queue of people, so this rule clearly didn''t apply to him.


    Regarding fines, a vendor would have all of their profits confiscated as a fine only if they repeatedly refused to pay the stall fee.


    His actions weren''t mentioned in that use either.


    Earlier, Chu Liang hadn''t been aware of these rules and had been concerned that those disciples from the Hall of Discipline might seize the opportunity to start a fight, so he hadn''t argued with them. However, upon returning and checking through the rulebook, it was evident that their conduct and actions had been unreasonable.


    After analyzing the situation, Chu Liang arrived at a conclusion¡ªhe was being bullied. Moreover, he had reasons to suspect that those disciples had been targeting him specifically.


    So, he went to his teacher''s pavilion.


    After Chu Liang waited for around two hours, he finally saw a fire descend to the ground. Di Nufeng had returned with a gloomy expression.


    Her temper had been particrly fiery today. Moreover, every time she attended a meeting between the peak masters, she would always end up arguing with someone. This meant that she was undoubtedly in an extremely bad mood at the moment.


    Consequently, Di Nufeng felt puzzled to find Chu Liang waiting outside her pavilion.


    Whenever she had been in a bad mood in the past, this disciple of hers had always been the first to flee and hide somewhere far from her. So, why was he looking for her today?


    "What''s the matter?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "Esteemed Teacher," Chu Liang said calmly, "I was bullied."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Di Nufeng furrowed her brows in an expression of disbelief.


    Chu Liang briefly exined how he had set up a stall in the Red Cotton Market and had been forced to pay a stall fee without proper justification. He shared with her his analysis of the uses in the rulebook as well.


    Then he concluded, "Without a doubt, their actions were extortion."


    Di Nufeng waved her hand. "I didn''t understand what you said about the rules. Just tell me... are you in the right?"


    Chu Liang answered definitively, "Absolutely."


    "<i>Ah...</i>"


    A sly glint appeared in Di Nufeng''s eyes as she shook her head.


    After a moment, she couldn''t help butugh, "<i>Hahaha...</i>"


    Di Nufengughed for a while more before turning around and walking off withrge strides.


    "The Cloud Horizon Peak?" she said to herself as she walked. "It truly is a rare thing that I get the chance to fight such a justified battle..."


    Chu Liang followed her, taking quick steps to catch up to her.


    ...


    Unlike what she usually did, Di Nufeng didn''t unfurl her wings of fire, soar into the sky, and surge forth like a zing fire. Instead, she flew to the Cloud Horizon Peak at a leisurely pace.


    The teacher and disciple hovered in the midair above Cloud Horizon Peak.


    Cloud Horizon Peak had dozens of disciples, and their small cabins encircled their peak master''s pavilion. Against the backdrop of a red sunset sky and lush green hills, there were elegant buildings nestled between the hills and a river. Cloud Horizon Peak resembled a small town, and it was clearly well taken care of.


    As Di Nufeng stared down at the peak, she took a deep breath and yelled, "Shang Shuwen, I''m going to count to three. Get your ass out here!"


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    At her sudden roar, the leaves of the trees on Cloud Horizon Peak turned from green to yellow, the river immediately stopped flowing, and a wave of heat descended from the sky. For a moment, everyone on the peak felt as if they were in a furnace.


    Di Nufeng dropped from the sky andnded on the vacant area in front of the peak master''s pavilion.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Her descent was apanied by another wave of scorching heat, and countless birds fled from the peak.


    "Di Nufeng?" a bewildered voice rang out as a white-robed figure flew out from the pavilion. "Why are you here?"


    He was a middle-aged man who was dressed in long robes and exuded a refined demeanor. The man had thick and lustrous hair, a fair face devoid of facial hair, and limpid eyes. If it wasn''t for his wise andposed gaze, he wouldn''t seem like someone who was getting on in years.


    This person was none other than Shang Shuwen¡ªthe peak master of Cloud Horizon Peak and Mount Shu''s renowned Confucian cultivator.


    "Your disciple bullied mine. I''vee here to seek justice for my disciple," Di Nufeng dered.


    She stared Shang Shuwen down with a fiery gaze that was imposing and threatening.


    "I see..." Shang Shuwen said, remaining rather unperturbed. Right after that, he asked, "What was the conflict between the disciples? Which disciple of mine was involved? Tell me the details first. If my disciple has done anything wrong, I will certainly punish them ordingly."


    Di Nufeng nced at Chu Liang, who was standing behind her. It seemed that she had forgotten the details of the incident that Chu Liang had informed her of earlier.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and calmly bowed respectfully to Shang Shuwen. "Greetings,<strong> </strong>Senior Uncle[1] Shang. The disciple in question is a senior brother with the surname Zhang, who works for the Hall of Discipline. He targeted me without reason and extorted money from me on Red Cotton Peak."


    "Surname Zhang? The Hall of Discipline?" Shang Shuwen muttered, pondering for a moment. Then he said, "That should be Zhang Xingyuan."


    With that, he gently extended a finger and wrote "Zhang Xingyuan" in the air. Then he pushed his hand forward slowly.


    There was a sudden gust of wind that kicked up the dust and fallen leaves, pulling them into a swirling whirlwind. The wind howled, and a tall figure appeared in the midst of the whirlwind in the blink of an eye. As the wind and dust dispersed, the figure was revealed to be that disciple who had imed to be representing the Hall of Discipline.


    Chu Liang was rather amazed by what had just happened.


    The divine skill that Shang Shuwen had used, which could summon someone just by writing their name, was likely to be a Confucian technique. Techniques like that were rarely seen in the Mount Shu Sect.


    Zhang Xingyuan, on the other hand, seemed frightened.


    Earlier, he had just finished patrolling for the day and returned to Cloud Horizon Peak. He had been resting in his cabin and had gotten a shock when Di Nufeng roared. Nevertheless, he hadn''t thought much of it, as it shouldn''t be something that someone of his status should be concerned about. So, he instead prepared to head out to see what the fuss was all about. Zhang Xingyuan had no idea that he''d be summoned over here by his teacher a secondter.


    Nevertheless, when Zhang Xingyuan saw Chu Liang, he finally realized, <i>So, he''s Di Nufeng''s disciple...? Is she here to get revenge for him?</i>


    A subtle but ominous feeling crept into Zhang Xingyuan''s mind. He realized he might be in trouble.


    "Zhang Xingyuan, I''m going to ask you a question. Answer me honestly," Shang Shuwen said in a heavy tone.


    He felt quite exasperated.


    Disputes between disciples were normal. How could such a matter be considered significant enough to involve their peak masters? If it were another peak master, they might not even care at all.


    However, this was Di Nufeng. Even though Shang Shuwen knew she was overreacting, he did not dare to slight her.


    Shang Shuwen had joined Mount Shu Sect after Di Nufeng, so he hadn''t known much about Di Nufeng''s infamous past in the sect aside from the rumors he''d heard. Nevertheless, he had witnessed her confrontations with the peak masters, especially Wang Xuanling, and how she never showed them any respect. So, Shang Shuwen knew that Di Nufeng was absolutely not one to be trifled with.


    "Yes," Zhang Xingyuan replied, trembling with fear.


    "Did you see this junior disciple on Red Cotton Peak today and extort money from him?" Shang Shuwen asked, pointing at Chu Liang.


    "Absolutely not, Teacher!" Zhang Xingyuan defended himself loudly. "I am an attendant of the Hall of Discipline. Everything I do is in ordance with the sect''s rules! How could I possibly dare... to do such things."


    Hearing this, Shang Shuwen looked at Di Nufeng and suggested softly, "Perhaps there''s a misunderstanding. Why don''t we go inside and sit down to discuss what happened in detail?"


    "<i>Haha...</i>" Di Nufeng tilted her head slightly and looked at him amusedly. "Did you not hear what I just said? I said that my disciple was bullied by yours, so I came here to seek justice for him. You don''t think I came just to verify what happened, do you?"


    "It''s normal for conflicts to arise among the young ones. Moreover, Zhang Xingyuan is an attendant of the Hall of Discipline, so it''s easy for him to get into conflicts with ordinary fellow disciples," Shang Shuwen said slowly. He pointed at the pavilion behind and suggested again, "Let''s go inside, sit down, and carefully go through what happened. We just need to rify who was in the wrong. There''s no need to damage our rtions¡ª"


    Yet, before he could finish speaking... an impatient expression appeared on Di Nufeng''s face, and she snapped her fingers.


    <i>Snap.</i>


    A ball of fire appeared out of thin air in the pavilion, instantly turning it into a raging sea of fire.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    With another snap of her fingers, the pavilion exploded. A mushroom cloud of smoke surged into the sky above Cloud Horizon Peak.


    They could no longer go inside the pavilion.


    "What are you doing?!" Shang Shuwen eximed, his pupils contracting in fright and anger.


    He hadn''t imagined even in the slightest that Di Nufeng would behave this violently.


    "I''m telling you this for the third time. I''m here to seek justice for my disciple," Di Nufeng replied. She tilted her head and stared at him with half-lidded eyes and a deep gaze. "I don''t want to waste any more words on you."


    "But you haven''t even rified what happened. How can justice be served? You..."


    Shang Shuwen was, after all, an intellectual. It was difficult for him to maintainposure in such a situation, but he couldn''t be as hostile as Di Nufeng. Moreover, he knew that even if he did behave aggressively, he wouldn''t be able to defeat her.


    So, Shang Shuwen could only indignantly denounce her, "You arepletely unreasonable!"


    Di Nufeng''s response to that was a sneer. "<i>Pfft.</i>"


    Her disdainful gaze seemed to say, <i>Are you only just finding out today that I''m unreasonable?</i>


    Di Nufeng rubbed her thumb against her fingers as though she was preparing to cause another explosion at any moment. It might have taken a long time to construct the buildings on the mountain peak, but destroying them would only take a blink of an eye.


    "Forget it. I won''t argue with you," Shang Shuwen said, suppressing his anger. He flung out his sleeves and looked at Chu Liang. "How many sword coins did he extort from you? I''ll justpensate you."


    The reason he spoke to Chu Liang instead was that he felt Di Nufeng was simply unreasonable, and he didn''t want tomunicate with her. Her disciple, on the other hand, seemed refined and polite. Chu Liang spoke clearly and coherently and seemed like an honest person, so he shouldn''t be as difficult to deal with as his scoundrel of a teacher.


    Under Shang Shuwen''s gaze, the honest child, Chu Liang, nced at Zhang Xingyuan and then at his teacher, Di Nufeng.


    With a seemingly timid expression, Chu Liang answered slowly, "Fifty... thousand."


    1. In the sect''s hierarchy, Shang Shuwen and Di Nufeng hold equal status and are from the same generation of Mount Shu Sect members. Chu Liang is part of the next generation. Due to his direct connection to Di Nufeng, male members of the same generation as Di Nufeng, who would be considered her senior or junior brothers, should be addressed by Chu Liang as Senior Uncles. ?

 Chapter 65: Splitting the Profit

    <h4>Chapter 65: Splitting the Profit</h4>


    "<i>Pfft¡ª¡ª</i>"


    Upon hearing Chu Liang mention fifty thousand, Shang Shuwen nearly spat out a mouthful of blood right then and there.


    He said, "Look at you, a fine-looking young man. Why is it that you''ve lost your manners the moment you open your mouth?"


    <i>Fifty thousand sword coins.</i>


    <i>The mere fact that these words coulde out of his mouth!</i>


    <i>Even I, a mere peak master, wouldn''t be able to retrieve fifty thousand sword coins at any given moment. Do you, a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, really possess fifty thousand sword coins?</i>


    <i>Even if you do have such an amount, Zhang Xingyuan wouldn''t dare to touch such a substantial sum of sword coins, even if it wereid out in the open.</i>


    <i>What kind of ouw would daremit such a serious crime? Only fools would believe that he had robbed such a significant sum.</i>


    When Di Nufeng heard this, a hint of surprise was revealed in her eyes. She probably hadn''t expected Chu Liang to state a figure even higher than she had anticipated.


    Di Nufeng stared at Chu Liang with a gaze of praise and approval.


    The most distraught individual was undoubtedly Zhang Xingyuan, who was standing behind Shang Shuwen.


    At this point, it was evident to Zhang Xingyuan that the opponent was much stronger than they were. His teacher had intended to settle this matter peacefully, and he didn''t mindpensating as well. But how did things suddenly take such an unexpected and peculiar turn?


    <i>The number fifty transformed into fifty thousand. What kind of outrageous multiplication is this?</i>


    <i>How can a person say such things?</i>


    Zhang Xingyuan quickly shouted, "How is that possible?! Esteemed Teacher, I swear by the heavens and earth! I only took fifty sword coins from him! He''s making things up!"


    Shang Shuwen immediately turned around and red at Zhang Xingyuan.


    So, it was true that Zhang Xingyuan had extorted money, and he had just admitted that they were clearly in the wrong...


    Di Nufeng raised her brows and uttered, "Oh? You are mentioning fifty, and he is stating fifty thousand. That''s quite a difference. Peak Master Shang, how about this?"


    Casting her gaze upon Zhang Xingyuan, the young cultivator at the Golden Core Realm, a mischievous smile yed on the corner of Di Nufeng''s lips.


    Di Nufeng continued, "I will burn him and see how many sword coins survive the mes. If there are fifty thousand, we''ll depart with the money. If not, I''ll offer my apologies with duepensation. How does that sound?"


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Zhang Xingyuan promptly knelt with a resounding thud. His knees met the floor in a muted collision, and his legs quivered, rendering him unable to stand up.


    He didn''t want to look this pathetic. But when Di Nufeng stared at him and casually uttered the word "burn," which perhaps sounded like a threat to others... He couldn''t shake the feeling that she could effortlessly raise her hand and end his existence! For Di Nufeng, it would be just as easy as crushing ants!


    The qi and power emanating from Di Nufeng, an Eminent One at the Dao Attainment Realm, surged forth alongside her murderous aura, which had been honed through a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. None of these were elements he could endure.


    Unbeknownst to him, his face betrayed an expression of extreme fear, tears mingling in the mixture.


    Taking a step forward, Shang Shuwen positioned himself in front of Zhang Xingyuan, hoping to protect his disciple. However, his cultivation level was only considered average among the peak masters of the Mount Shu Sect. While a cultivator at the sixth realm might be powerful enough to establish a sect in the martial world, this level of cultivation was iparable to Di Nufeng''s power.


    As Di Nufeng unleashed the pressure of her power, Shang Shuwen gave a muffled groan and his expression turned serious.


    Shang Shuwen hesitated for a moment before dering, "I am willing to offer a maximum of five thousand sword coins to settle this matter. If you refuse to ept this, then take this issue to the Hall of Discipline and the Boundless Pce. I will notpromise beyond that."


    After all, Cloud Horizon Peak was in the wrong here, and unfortunately for them, the person involved was someone they dared not provoke. Consequently, Shang Shuwen had no choice but to offer arge sum to settle the matter and pacify things.


    Five thousand was already arge sum; the amount of fifty thousand sword coins was absolutely ridiculous.


    "Five thousand?" Di Nufeng said. She narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint shing, appearing to be in contemtion. Then she cast a nce at Chu Liang and asked, "Is this eptable?"


    "Esteemed Teacher, you have always taught me that we of Silver Sword Peak should treat others with kindness," Chu Liang replied, nodding. "Since Peak Master Shang is willing to reconcile with us, let us not disrupt the harmony among fellow disciples."


    Di Nufeng smiled. "That''s correct."


    Instantly, the tense atmosphere dissipated. It was as if the clouds had parted, and the rain had ceased, allowing everyone on the Cloud Horizon Peak to breathe and digest smoothly.


    "Silver Sword Peak highly values kindness toward others. We will consider the loss of that forty-five thousand as the forging of a friendship bond," Di Nufeng said.


    Chu Liang nodded. "The more friends we have, the more options we get."


    Di Nufeng patted herself on the chest as she dered, "From now on, we are all brothers."


    Di Nufeng and Chu Liangughed as they teased each other, and only then did the tense atmosphere be lively.


    However, Shang Shuwen still maintained a solemn expression. He remained silent for a moment before raising his hand and tossing out an emerald-colored jade slip.


    Di Nufeng extended her hand and caught it.


    "Take the sword coins and leave. I still have to deal with personal matters at Cloud Horizon Peak," Shang Shuwen said firmly, trying to maintain hisposure as he dismissed Di Nufeng and Chu Liang.


    Di Nufeng took the small storage jade slip and scanned it with her divine sense.


    Upon confirming the correct value of the sword coins in the jade slip, she swiftly concluded the dispute with a simple "See you!"


    With a triumphant look, the teacher and student immediately went back to their home base cheerfully.


    Shang Shuwen, who remained there, turned around and stared at the disciple still kneeling on the ground, trembling in fear. He then looked at the scorchednd that was once his home but nowy in ruins.


    "What happened?" he asked.


    "It was... Junior Brother Shang," Zhang Xingyuan admitted.


    Realizing that this issue had escted beyond his ability to cover for Junior Brother Shang, he openly confessed about Shang Ziliang''s involvement.


    Zhang Xingyuan continued, "He asked me to help teach that disciple of Silver Sword Peak a lesson. That''s why I did it..."


    Upon hearing his son''s name, Shang Shuwen frowned. "Shang Ziliang?"


    Without hesitation, he inscribed a name in the air, and the wind promptly carried Shang Ziliang to the scene.


    Shang Ziliang had witnessed the unfolding events and knew what had happened. Feeling highly anxious, he blinked, and in the next moment, he found himself summoned by his father, standing before him.


    As Shang Ziliang faced Shang Shuwen, whose expression remained indifferent, beads of cold sweat flowed down his forehead like a waterfall.


    "What happened?" Shang Shuwen asked, his tone retaining its calmness.


    However, Shang Ziliang knew that this was his father''s demeanor when he was the most furious.


    "Father..." Shang Ziliang couldn''t help but shiver in fear, struggling to form a coherent sentence. "<i>Erm...</i> I confess... I will confess everything. But for that, I have to verify one thing, and that is...


    "I am your biological son, right?"


    ...


    In the pavilion at Silver Sword Peak, Di Nufeng praised Chu Liang, "Excellent performance today.


    "I was worried that you might state an amount that was too small, but the figure you mentioned exceeded my expectations. Young man, you are very bold."


    "It''s all because you teach me well," Chu Liang responded humbly, being cautious in his reply.


    Di Nufeng nodded. "Keep up the good work."


    Chu Liang didn''t respond immediately. With his head lowered, he raised his gaze to stare at Di Nufeng in silence.


    "What''s wrong?" Di Nufeng asked, puzzled.


    "Esteemed Teacher, we made quite a profit today, didn''t we..." Chu Liang remarked with a smile.


    "<i>Heh,</i> as expected of you..." Di Nufeng smiled. "Rest assured. You won''t be shortchanged. Let''s do a seven-three ratio split!"


    With that, Di Nufeng raised her hand and tossed out a pouch of sword coins.


    Chu Liang caught it and gauged its weight. Sensing there might be only a hundred or so coins, he scanned it with his divine sense, discovering the true total¡ªone hundred fifty.


    "Esteemed Teacher?" he blinked as he said.


    "A seven-three ratio. You take three percent, and I will take ny-seven. There''s nothing wrong with that, right?" Di Nufeng said shamelessly.


    "..." Chu Liang was speechless.


    Nheless, if it wasn''t for Di Nufeng speaking up for him, Chu Liang wouldn''t have been able to achieve a sessful result. The fact that he''d managed to profit from this incident at all made it an excellent oue.


    Moreover, he was familiar with his teacher''s conduct. If she had gotten her hands on the money, it was as good as gone. The fact that she was willing to give a little bit was already her being very generous.


    And so, he didn''t get hung up on this. As long as he could peacefully sell his fruit tea, he would lead afortable and beautiful life.


    Just as this was happening, he suddenly felt a vibration on his chest.


    <i>The Soul Subjugator Token?</i>

 Chapter 66: Hidden Motives

    <h4>Chapter 66: Hidden Motives</h4>


    [Fiend]: "Hey, Fifty-Eighth, is everything wrapped up in Kaoshan City? Are you okay?"


    Chu Liang checked the Soul Subjugator Token with his divine sense and found this message.


    <i>Heh.</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but smirk.


    <i>I won''t even bother exposing your ulterior motives. Are you truly worried about me, or are you only interested in that Nethersea Golden Lotus? </i>


    With a single nce, he knew Fiend''s ulterior motive.


    The incident in Kaoshan City had wrapped up several days ago, but Chu Liang, under the guise of Fifty-Eighth, hadn''tmunicated with his fellow disciples from the Dark King Sect through the interdimensional soul domain.


    Fiend had likely learned about the news through the <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i> and found out about the death of the demon god''s divine envoy in Kaoshan City. That meant the Nethersea Golden Lotus, which Fifty-Eighth had mentioned previously, had to be in someone else''s possession.


    And so, Fiend got worried.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I''ve also read the reports in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. The divine envoy of the demons was in by two disciples of the righteous path. Senior, you''ve been silent these past few days. I hope nothing untoward has befallen you?"


    Fifty-Ninth, the street-smart individual, might have been fashionablyte, but his presence was as reliable as ever.


    Chu Liang''s hesitation in promptly sharing the news was a result of meticulous contemtion.


    Firstly, as a righteous disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, he had indeed acquired the Nethersea Golden Lotus. However, surrendering such a precious treasure to Fiend was out of the question.


    The purpose of Chu Liang''s undercover presence in this interdimensional soul domain was to uncover the mysterious Violet Gold Marquess. Given the absence of tangible results, revealing his identity by handing over the lotus was simply impractical.


    While the idea of using the Nethersea Golden Lotus as bait to lure Fiend and eliminate him had crossed Chu Liang''s mind, such a tactic would undoubtedly expose Chu Liang''s identity.


    Fiend, one of the twenty-four fiends of the Dark King Sect, was a powerful cultivator at the fifth realm of cultivation. In Chu Liang''s eyes, such a cultivator was terrifying. However, in the eyes of Di Nufeng, such a cultivator was but a small fry. Sacrificing the secrecy of his precious undercover role for someone like Fiend seemed hardly worthwhile.


    Hence, Chu Liang could not give the Nethersea Golden Lotus away, at least not at this moment. Chu Liang would consider using it only if it served another purpose in the future, but he had already made up his mind about keeping it for now.


    Now, he needed to look at the situation from the perspective of Fifty-Eighth, a Soul Subjugator of the Dark King Sect. Considering the perspective of a diabolical cultivator who had gone through immense efforts to secure a valuable item for their superior, Chu Liang questioned whether such an individual would hand over their hard-won treasure in an honest manner.


    The answer to such a scenario was likely a resounding no. Therefore, regardless of whether Chu Liang followed the logic of a bad person or a good person, he still had no intention of handing over the Nethersea Golden Lotus.


    But if he was going to refuse to hand the Nethersea Golden Lotus over, he needed to provide a usible exnation. It had to be convincing enough to make Fiend believe it, or at the very least, it shouldn''t make Fiend lose trust in him.


    If Chu Liang were to simply state that he had failed to seize the item, it would be eptable. However, the drawback was that Fiend''s trust in him would diminish, making it more challenging to extract information in the future.


    Therefore, Chu Liang came up with a story where he not only experienced failure but also suffered severe injuries and had to retreat into hiding to recover.


    He did it this way so that Fiend''s perception of him might improve, even if Fiend might not be fully convinced of his loyalty.


    As an experienced diabolical cultivator, it was unlikely for someone to actively reach out to their fellow disciples after sustaining serious injuries. Chu Liang believed this wouldn''t happen.


    Even the Violet Gold Marquess, when severely injured, dared not return to the Dark King Sect''s mountain gate for fear of covert attacks from fellow disciples. And here was Fifty-Eighth, a small fry inparison.


    Remaining silent was a rational choice.


    As expected, after thetest issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> was released, Fiend couldn''t resist inquiring about the lotus.


    After careful consideration, Chu Liang provided his response.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Apologies, esteemed Fiend. I''m ipetent! I attempted to seize the Nethersea Golden Lotus in Kaoshan City and failed, sustaining severe injuries. Currently, I am in hiding and recuperating."


    [Fiend]: "Injured? Who hurt you? How bad is your injury?"


    Chu Liang had anticipated such questions, allowing him to respond without hesitation.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "The disciple from the Great Astral Sect was very powerful. I suffered significant internal injuries, but I have been gradually recovering over the past few days."


    Thetest issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>had already disclosed that the ones responsible for ying the demonic divine envoy were Yun Chaoxian from the Great Astral Sect and Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect. Emphasizing this information was crucial for credibility.


    Chu Liang couldn''t afford to attract more animosity towards himself, so he had no choice but to attribute the deed to Yun Chaoxian.


    [Fiend]: "<i>Sigh.</i> You are not at fault here."


    Fiend was mentally prepared for Fifty-Eighth''s failure.


    As Chu Liang observed the calm tone of the message, he felt confident that he had sessfully deceived them. Maintaining the current situation was the best course of action, allowing him to continue gathering information from the interdimensional soul domain without offering any additional benefits.


    However, at that very moment, another message unexpectedly appeared.


    [Sixtieth]: "I''m currently near Kaoshan City, and I happen to have a precious medicine for healing internal injuries caused by augmented qi. Let me deliver it to you."


    <i>Eh?</i>


    At this statement, Chu Liang furrowed his brows.


    <i>Why the sudden offer?</i>


    Diabolical sect disciples were typically wary of each other, as evidenced by the past transaction between Fifty-Ninth and Sixtieth conducted through the Taotie Pavilion. These individuals preferred paying high fees to engage in offline transactions.


    Why wasn''t Sixtieth concerned about potential precautions?


    Chu Liang pondered. He had just mentioned his severe injury, and now Sixtieth appeared out of nowhere, offering to deliver medicine. Who would believe such an offer? What if it was a ploy to attack him upon delivery? In the Dark King Sect, such actions wouldn''t be surprising.


    <i>Isn''t this crossing the line?</i>


    But Chu Liang hesitated to reject it immediately.


    Since Sixtieth dared to make such an offer, maybe there was some deep bond or unknown connection between him and Fifty-Eighth. Perhaps there was mutual trust even in times of injury.


    An immediate refusal could raise suspicions and potentially expose his identity, but how could he politely decline? Honestly, the sudden concern of fellow disciples would indeed put him at the highest risk.


    As Chu Liang contemted, a new message arrived.


    [Fiend]: "Very well. Sixtieth, deliver the medicine to him. Guard him safe and take care of him. Fifty-Eighth was injured because he tried to seize the Nethersea Golden Lotus for me. If something bad happened again, I would feel uneasy."


    <i>Hiss.</i>


    Chu Liang stared at Fiend''s message, and his expression tightened even more.


    Despite the seemingly caring words, there was a hidden agenda. As fellow disciples of the diabolical sect, Fiend couldn''t be unaware of the current situation. It was clear that Chu Liang would be safest on his own.


    Yet, Fiend still sent Sixtieth to look after Fifty-Eighth. Why?


    There could only be two possibilities.


    The first possibility was that the Fiend didn''t trust Fifty-Eighth.


    It was likely that the Fiend suspected Chu Liang of obtaining the Nethersea Golden Lotus but not handing it over. Hence, he intended to facilitate a meeting between Sixtieth and Fifty-Eighth.


    In such a scenario, if Sixtieth made a move while Fifty-Eighth was injured, it would provide a pretext for the Fiend to intervene and eliminate the remaining party. If the Nethersea Golden Lotus was present, it would end up in the Fiend''s hands. The Fiend might willingly sacrifice two subordinates to obtain the valuable Nethersea Golden Lotus that could enhance his cultivation level.


    Chu Liang couldn''t be certain, but from the Fiend''s perspective, this line of thinking was highly probable.


    The second possibility was that Sixtieth and Fifty-Eighth indeed shared a deep bond, and Fiend genuinely believed that Fifty-Eighth would be safe under Sixtieth''s protection. However, this would mean that everyone in this interdimensional soul domain shared a deep bond with each other. Chu Liang was doubtful that was the case.


    From his perspective, it seemed unlikely that individuals from the Dark King Sect had a conscience. He was more inclined to believe in the first¡ªa scheme arising from distrust.


    Regardless of the situation, a direct refusal appeared to be the safest option. Meeting face-to-face could potentially lead to exposure, a literal death, and even with a strong backing for safety, revealing his identity would be a loss not worth the gain.


    Yet, how could he reject the offer without raising any suspicion? This was a matter that required careful consideration.


    While Chu Liang was still hesitating and pondering his response, another message popped up in the interdimensional soul domain.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "<i>Eh?</i> Are you all meeting up? Can Ie? Let''s all meet up."


    <i>This guy wants to join the fun too? What''s he up to? Is he afraid of us forming a small group and isting him?</i>


    However, this nonsensical message actually allowed Chu Liang to breathe a sigh of relief. Because of this interruption, a direct refusal became more reasonable.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "No, thanks."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "I''m still rtively safe now, and my injuries are healing. There''s no need for this much manpower."


    ...


    The individuals in this group each harbored their own hidden motives. Chu Liang could make educated guesses about Fiend''s thoughts, but he could only specte about half of Sixtieth''s logic, remaining unsure of the other half.


    As for Fifty-Ninth''s thought process, Chu Liang feltpletely in the dark. He couldn''t figure it out at all and didn''t even know where to start when analyzing his thought process.


    It was truly mind-boggling.


    After putting down the Soul Subjugator Token, he was still contemting whether there were any ws in his recent replies when he heard a calling from outside.


    "Senior Brother Chu?"


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    The sky had already be dark. Who could be visiting him at thiste hour?


    Chu Liang pushed open the door and stepped out.


    There, he beheld a young disciple, who seemed a little timid. The disciple possessed a fairplexion and had an air of schrly elegance enveloping him.


    <i>It''s Wen Yulong.</i>


    As Chu Liang recalled the disciple''s name, his eyes lit up with recognition. A visit from this attendant of the Hall of Weapons could only mean one thing.


    The enchanted tool was done!

 Chapter 67: Was It A Success?

    <h4>Chapter 67: Was It A Sess?</h4>


    Wen Yulong exined, "After receiving yourmission two days ago, I didn''t dare to dy the process even in the slightest. I''ve been working overtime thest few days to get it done, and I''ve now finally finished making the enchanted tool."


    He appeared a bit excited, but there were obvious signs of fatigue on his face.


    Cultivators like him who had reached the Spiritual Awareness Realm would normally feel a little out of sorts at most if they didn''t sleep for a few days. The exception was if they were expending a lot of energy as well.


    Consequently, Chu Liang, who was well aware of that, suspected that Wen Yulong might not have been sleeping at all thest few days.


    <i>This young guy''s a workaholic.</i>


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "Truly, thank you for your hard work, Junior Brother Wen. Judging by your expression, it seems like you''ve seeded?"


    "<i>Mmhm!</i>" Wen Yulong nodded repeatedly. Then he held up a palm-sized green leaf. "This is the first enchanted tool I''ve sessfully made."


    Chu Liang took the leaf and examined it carefully.


    Initially, the Lifeforce Green Leaf had already been quite thick for a leaf, but it was now a little thicker after the tool-making process. The venation [1] on the leaf hadpletely changed, and there were now various intricate inscriptions on the leaf. These inscriptions were even more obscure and unfathomable than that ofmon talismanic script characters, and they had been engraved a hundredfold more meticulously.


    Chu Liang, who had been studying talisman-making these days, couldn''t help but deeply respect Wen Yulong for his efforts and skill.


    "Senior Brother Chu, go ahead and test it out," Wen Yulong said.


    "All right," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    He slowly injected his foundational qi into the leaf and used his divine intent to sense the inscriptions within it. Then he applied power to activate it.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The leaf suddenly rose into the air, hovering in midair in a horizontal position. It transformed into a huge leaf about ten zhang long, looking much like a flying carpet.


    He''d activated the first set of inscriptions engraved on the leaf, which was for flight.


    Chu Liang floated upward and stepped onto the huge green leaf. He felt as though he was stepping on something hard like ceramic tiles.


    <i>It seems rather ufortable...?</i>


    Typically, when cultivators of the same realm as Chu Liang used ordinary flying enchanted tools, they would achieve a flight speed that was somewhere between riding the wind and riding on a flying sword. Flying enchanted tools had slower flying speeds than flying swords, but they provided a morefortable flying experience. This was especially the case for long-distance flights. Using a flying enchanted tool could make the journey a lot morefortable.


    That was why Chu Liang initially thought that the leaf would feel soft and cushiony like a sofa. However, Wen Yulong had made it even several times harder than a flying sword. Nevertheless, that could be attributed to Wen Yulong being inexperienced due to his young age, so Chu Liang had no intention ofining about this minor issue.


    Subsequently, Chu Liang raised his finger, gently prompting the leaf into motion.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Without warning, the leaf suddenly took on the appearance of a crescent-like green light as it instantly shot forward.


    "Wow!" Chu Liang eximed.


    He somersaulted off the leaf, staggering as hended.


    Chu Liang hadn''t actually jumped down though. The green leaf had shot out too quickly, catching him off guard. He''d been so unprepared for such a sudden and rapid movement that his foundational qi at his feet had failed to keep a hold on the leaf. The momentum hadunched him into the air, flipping him over.


    If it hadn''t been for his quick reaction, he might have ended up in an embarrassing situation.


    "Senior Brother Chu!" Wen Yulong called out in rm.


    "Don''t look at me. Look at it!" Chu Liang replied.


    In just a moment, that green light, which had shed past as rapidly as if it were a ghost, had already flown out of their sight. It sliced right through the middle of several thick and solid trees on the hillside, leaving an extremely clean cut on each trunk.


    Chu Liang and Wen Yulong chased after it hurriedly for several li. They continued persistently until they reached the fringe of Silver Sword Peak where they found the huge green leaf embedded in the mountain wall, still shimmering brilliantly.


    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz...</i>


    Fortunately, Chu Liang had been cautious and only injected a small amount of foundational qi into the leaf earlier. Had he injected a greater amount, who knew how much farther it would have flown? It might have even hit something along the way and caused a major ident.


    Normally, Chu Liang could control a flying enchanted tool with his divine intent, but the green leaf had been too swift. When hended on the ground, the leaf had already moved beyond his divine intent''s range of control.


    In short, the leaf was excessively powerful. It was like a sports car equipped with an overpowered engine. Chu Liang had gently stepped on the elerator and had suddenly been faced with a life-or-death crisis.


    He summoned the green leaf back to him and suspended it in midair once more.


    Chu Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief. He then turned to look at Wen Yulong.


    "Junior Brother Wen, this is¡ª"


    "What do you think? Are you satisfied?" Wen Yulong asked with a passionate gaze. "I maximized the material''s potential power and added the optimalbination of inscriptions! I had to rack my brain really hard for thatbination! And its speed¡ªyou''ve just experienced for yourself how amazing it is, right?"


    Chu Liang pursed his lips. "..."


    <i>How should I respond to this?</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t want to dampen Wen Yulong''s passion, so he said slowly, "You''re right. It certainly is amazing. I just have one small concern...


    "This is a flying enchanted tool... but it can''t be used for flying."


    "Why?" Wen Yulong asked, looking confused.


    "You just saw what happened. I couldn''t control it at all..." Chu Liang exined very politely.


    He didn''t think that anyone at the Spiritual Awareness Realm would be able to control the leaf. It would probably be somewhat challenging even for cultivators at the Golden Core Realm to control it.


    "But that''s your problem though," Wen Yulong said with a baffled expression.


    Seeing how Wen Yulong seemed so confident that he was in the right, Chu Liang even thought for a moment that what Wen Yulong had said made sense. However...


    <i>This is themission I gave you, but you made a tool that I can''t control. That''s just a little strange, no matter how I think about it...</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang had to admit that Wen Yulong''s tool-making abilities had far exceeded his expectations. An enchanted tool of this level didn''t seem like the product of amission that had only cost seventy sword coins.


    Wen Yulong pondered for a moment and then said very slowly in an unperturbed tone, "There shouldn''t be any problems with using foundational qi at the cultivation level of the Spiritual Awareness Realm to control it. The issue might be that your control of your divine intent isn''t dexterous enough. This is an aspect that''s often overlooked by cultivators when operating enchanted tools. Senior Brother Chu, if you practice diligently, I believe you will be able to adapt to this enchanted tool soon enough."


    <i>Fine. You''ve convinced me,</i> Chu Liang thought.


    He felt as if he''d wanted to buy a bicycle, but the merchant had delivered a helicopter instead. Then the merchant said that Chu Liang would be able to fly the helicopter once he practiced diligently enough and managed to get a pilot''s license.


    <i>Thanks a lot.</i>


    Chu Liang could only smile in response.


    Then he turned toward the leaf and said, "Let''s test its defensive capabilities."


    Fortunately, Chu Liang had requested for two sets of inscriptions to be added. The leaf''s flying ability was unusable, but there was still hope for its defensive ability.


    "Okay." Wen Yulong nodded eagerly, filled with anticipation. "Senior Brother Chu, activate the inscriptions first. Then I''ll attack you so that you can experience its defensive power."


    After regaining hisposure, Chu Liang used his divine intent to inject his foundational qi into the green leaf again, activating the defense-boosting inscriptions.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A burst of green light enclosed around him.


    The scene before his eyes had changed to a sheet of vibrant green. In front of him, behind him, to his left and right, above and beneath him¡ªthat vibrant green was all around him... It seemed that the huge green leaf had enveloped Chu Liang.


    He wanted to move a bit, but he found that there was no way he could move unless he used his divine intent to deactivate the defensive ability. After wrapping around him, the green leaf had be extremely solid, so much so that he doubted that he''d be able to get it to budge even if he had the brute strength of ten tigers.


    <i>Wonderful. I guess I''ve gotten myself wrapped up like a zongzi</i>[2]<i>.</i>


    Wen Yulong was casting an attack outside the leaf, but there was only a very faint indication of that inside. All Chu Liang could sense were ripples in his foundational qi.


    After a moment, Chu Liang used his divine intent to deactivate the defense. The green leaf suddenly shimmered and returned to its original state.


    Wen Yulongughed and said, "Senior Brother Chu, I just attacked you with my full strength. But I''m sure you didn''t even feel the slightest shock inside, did you? With thebination of inscriptions that I engraved, attacks from an ordinary fourth-realm cultivator have no way of breaking through that defense!"


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    The green leaf had indeed absorbed all of Wen Yulong''s attacks while Chu Liang remained in a tranquil environment inside.


    <i>But...</i>


    Chu Liang said hesitantly, "Junior Brother Wen, this enchanted tool does indeed have a very strong defensive ability. But when I was wrapped up inside there... I couldn''t move at all."


    Wen Yulong scratched his head and replied, "But a maximized level of defense can only be achieved if you''repletely covered¡ªwithout even the tiniest gap left exposed."


    "Isn''t that rather excessive though..."


    Chu Liang had aplicated expression.


    It was true that the green leaf had a formidable defensive ability. After all, if he¡ªthe owner of the enchanted tool¡ªwas unable to break out from the inside, then it would be even more unlikely that someone would be able to break the green leaf''s defenses from the outside.


    <i>However, I can''t just wrap myself up like a zongzi whenever I''m fighting with others, right?</i>


    <i>Wouldn''t I just be imprisoning myself?</i>


    "Additionally..." Wen Yulong continued, smiling mysteriously, "Senior Brother Chu, you may not have noticed, but my two sets of inscriptions can be used together. If you were to find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you could easily save your life by activating both sets of inscriptions simultaneously..."


    Chu Liang imagined that scene for a moment.


    Once he was wrapped inside, he had no way of controlling which direction the leaf would move in. All he could do was supply it with foundational qi.


    So, if he were to find himself in a life-threatening situation... he was supposed to wrap himself up and then soar into the sky. In other words, he''d transform into a zongzi that would fly wildly in an unknown direction...


    That was basically likeunching himself out of a cannon.


    <i>Hm. Was this some kind of new torture device?</i>


    1. Pattern of veins in a leaf ?


    2. It''s this triangr glutinous rice dumpling. The rice is stuffed with different fillings and generally wrapped in bamboo leaves. They are cooked by steaming or boiling. Most importantly, they are yummy, and tranting this made me want to eat some. :( ?

 Chapter 68: Violet and Azure Twin Swords

    <h4>Chapter 68: Violet and Azure Twin Swords</h4>


    The heavens and earth remained vast and boundless, and the sea of clouds stretched out endlessly beneath the gaze of Jade Sword Peak.


    On Jade Sword Peak, a tall and elderly man in a cyan robe and white undershirt stood alone at the summit. With an aged yet imposing appearance, his gray hair and long beard fluttered in the wind, and his garments rustled with each breeze. His eyes gleamed brightly, resembling a lone star in the dark night.


    This was Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master.


    Since ancient times, the Mount Shu Sect had five peaks that were known to follow the Dao of Sword. In the early years of their establishment, these five peaks, which bore the word "sword" in their names, drew in the most courageous and diligent sword cultivators. They had always been known as the elite force of Mount Shu, advocating exploration and progress.


    During the years when the Mount Shu Sect held a dominant role in the world as a righteous authority, those five peaks served as the vanguard against demons and devils, fearlessly charging into battles. Their actions allowed the sect to bask in immense glory.


    However, the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s influence and power eventually waned, and it became inferior to other sects. The once formidable five peaks, renowned for following the Dao of Sword, gradually faded into obscurity. The peaks that had been more reserved inparison then became the major forces of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Over the past five hundred years, the strength and dominance of the five peaks known to follow the Dao of Sword had been all but forgotten. This situation had forced them to be more reserved. Simultaneously, the number of belligerent experts gradually decreased.


    For instance, both Gold Sword Peak and Silver Sword Peak had no one to pass on their cultivation legacies, so their lineages came to an end at one point. Their lineages were now being continued, but they no longer embodied the same spirit as the original five peaks renowned for following the Dao of Sword.


    However, ever since Wang Xuanling became the grand peak master, these formidable five peaks seemed to have returned to the stage. He was considered extremely powerful within and beyond the sect. It was to the extent that the mention of Mount Shu would cause many evil beings and devils to think about the grand peak master, who employed formidable and decisive methods, rather than the leader of Mount Shu.


    The grand peak master''s name, Wang Xuanling, was like a banner¡ªa banner of war!


    To the younger generation of disciples, he represented the person who adhered to the traditional education of Mount Shu, nurturing disciples as though he was raising curse insects[1]. He would recruit many disciples and enforce fiercepetition among them.


    With over a hundred disciples, Wang Xuanling had led Jade Sword Peak and made it the most prominent group within the Mount Shu Sect. All the disciples in this peak had grown uppeting with each other and fighting for their own resources.


    However, since the emergence of the King of Cursed Insects a few years ago, suchpetition had gradually diminished.


    After a while... the mist in the sea of clouds began to churn, suddenly boiling as if a fire had been lit. Rolling thunder echoed throughout the mountains, and a soaring sword qi broke through the clouds.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    The sword qi was like a dragon, descending on the ground. It revealed the tall and elegant figure of a young man. With eyebrows and eyes resembling the sharpness of a sword and a dignified, noble appearance, he exuded a strong sense of determination.


    As soon as the young mannded, he immediately knelt and cupped his hands in salute to Wang Xuanling.


    He greeted, "Esteemed Teacher, I, your disciple, pay my respects to you!"


    "Rise," Wang Xuanling said. He turned his gaze towards the young man and asked softly, "Is it done?"


    "Yes. I couldn''t have disappointed you," the young man calmly responded as he stood up.


    "<i>Haha</i>, well done." Wang Xuanling praised it with augh. "As expected of my most promising disciple. Even when I was your age, I was not as good as you."


    This young man was none other than his most beloved disciple, Xu Ziyang.


    Wang Xuanling beamed with joy, but Xu Ziyang remained indifferent, saying, "All thanks to your teachings. I dare not talk about surpassing my esteemed teacher recklessly."


    "A disciple can ascend and be more powerful than his teacher..." Wang Xuanling shook his head. "If you can''t surpass me, how can you talk about surpassing the predecessors, the geniuses of the Mount Shu Sect from past generations? And how can you aplish the great cause they did notplete?"


    "I, your disciple, understand!" Xu Ziyang said and bowed deeply again.


    Wang Xuanling stated, "In my lifetime, I have two great wishes. One is for the Mount Shu Sect to recover the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda so that the Mount Shu Sect may be the leading force among the immortal sects.


    "The other is to find the Great Dao and reach the realm of controlling the Heavenly Origin...or that my knowledge may transcend to understand the mysteries of the world."


    Wang Xuanling sighed as he remarked, "It''s just a pity that myck of talent and dullness hinder me from making progress. This kind of aspiration might have to be entrusted to you in the future."


    Hearing this, Xu Ziyang''s lips moved, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Upon seeing this, Wang Xuanling said, "Say whatever you want to say."


    Xu Ziyang stopped hesitating and spoke directly. "I want to say that even without recovering the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, the Mount Shu Sect can be the leading force among the immortal sects."


    Wang Xuanling turned his gaze to him. "Oh?"


    "I will be even stronger than the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda!" Xu Ziyang dered in a resolute manner.


    The meaning of his words was very clear. He would reach the Transcendent Realm and be a cultivator of the ninth realm. He would be an existence that surpassed all godly weapons of the world.


    Wang Xuanling stared at Xu Ziyang. From his perspective, Xu Ziyang was like an unsheathed sword. Suddenly, he went into a daze.


    A hundred years ago, he too faced this sea of clouds and bowed before his teacher. He had also made such bold ims during his younger days.


    Through generations, Jade Sword Peak had continued its legacy for a thousand years. The learning of the divine arts and techniques was secondary; the most important legacy to pass on was this sword-like will.


    "<i>Hahaha!</i> Well done." Wang Xuanling nodded lightly. "All geniuses of the world should aim higher than the sky. I hope you can continue showing such sharpness. Be courageous and diligent in your lifetime and wipe out all diabolical influences!"


    Xu Ziyang nodded. "I, your disciple, will keep this in mind!"


    With a sweep of his sleeves, Wang Xuanling turned around gently and said, "Since your closed-door cultivation ended today, there is something I must tell you."


    Xu Ziyang raised his eyes and listened attentively.


    Wang Xuanling continued, "I heard that the demon god will soon return. Also, the Violet and Azure Twin Swords appeared yesterday."


    Xu Ziyang raised his brows. "The Violet and Azure Twin Swords?"


    The Violet and Azure Twin Swords held the seventeenth rank in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. Since the disappearance of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, these swords had stood as the Mount Shu Sect''s most formidable weapons, serving the crucial role of protecting the mountain.


    Unlike other enchanted tools, the Violet and Azure Twin Swords housed sword spirits and possessed a will of their own. During the thousands of years of peace at the Mount Shu Sect, they had remained concealed in a special peak known as the Sword Sheath Peak.


    These swords would only appear when they sense imminent danger threatening the Mount Shu Sect.


    Therefore, the emergence of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords indicated the peril looming upon Mount Shu.


    With the news of the demon god''s impending return, it wasn''t challenging to deduce that significant events were on the horizon.


    "Traditionally, upon the emergence of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, two young disciples of the Mount Shu Sect are chosen to ept ownership of these swords. It is no different this time," Wang Xuanling exined. "Our leader has decided to select the two disciples who performed the best at the Mount Shu Summit to ept ownership of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords."


    Xu Ziyang''s eyes gleamed as he understood his teacher''s intention.


    "I will try my very best!" Xu Ziyang dered confidently.


    "Now that you have sessfully made a breakthrough, I am sure you will be fine," Wang Xuanling said with a faint smile. "Among this generation of disciples, the outstanding ones would be you and Jiang Yuebai of Azure Falling Peak. Besides you two, no others deserve the Violet Azure Twin Swords.


    Xu Ziyang did notment on this. Although he was confident, it was not his style to prematurely dere victory.


    Wang Xuanling continued, "You will showcase your full strength at the Mount Shu Summit. When you be the Head Disciple and are recognized as the master of one of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, I will send a proposal of marriage to Azure Falling Peak."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Xu Ziyang''s expression tightened. "Esteemed Teacher, why are you saying this?"


    "With your talent and character, you deserve the most outstanding woman in the world. On Mount Shu, the most suitable match for you is Jiang Yuebai. If not her, then who else?" Wang Xuanling asserted with conviction. "You''ve reached the age for marriage; it''s time for you to find a wife."


    The grand peak master was known for his swift and decisive way of doing things. Even when it came to matters of the heart, he remained straightforward and decisive.


    <i>It''s time for you to find a wife.</i>


    <i>I think you two are a good match.</i>


    <i>I will help propose a marriageter.</i>


    His reasoning was so smooth and natural that it flowed like drifting clouds and flowing water.


    Even as Xu Ziyang was listening, he felt momentarily confused.


    He paused momentarily before swiftly responding, "I, your disciple, am whollymitted to the revival of the Mount Shu Sect and the pursuit of the Great Dao. I have no interest in matters of romance."


    "<i>Hmph!</i> That was what I thought as well!" Wang Xuanling snorted. "I had always been so focused on revitalizing the Mount Shu Sect and pursuing the Great Dao. I had no interest in romance. And now that I am old... Do you know how much I regret that?"


    "..." Xu Ziyang remained silent for a moment.


    Indeed, he had always regarded his teacher as his role model, which was why he had such aspirations. Now that his teacher had said this, he couldn''t help but feel conflicted.


    "Moreover, the reason I''m telling you this is not just for the sake of romance," Wang Xuanling changed the subject. "The Violet and Azure Twin Swords have not been seen for many years, so there is a little secret unknown to outsiders.


    "ording to legend, the sword spirits contained within the Violet and Azure Twin Swords were lovers. Therefore, the swordmasters that were chosen throughout history have always been lovers. If wielded by individuals who are not in love, thebined power of the twin swords will be greatly diminished. If the two individuals are deeply in love, thebined might of the twin swords rivals that of top-tier enchanted tools."


    He stared at Xu Ziyang as he exined, "This is why I want to propose a marriage for you. It is really for the sake of the Mount Shu Sect! Now that you know the reasoning, will you... still refuse?"


    "<i>Erm...</i>" Xu Ziyang showed aplex expression. After a moment of hesitation, he could only bow his head and announce, "As a disciple, reviving the glory of Mount Shu is an obligation that I cannot refuse!"


    1. Curse insects are raised by having them kill each other and the one that survived would be the curse insect. ?

 Chapter 69: Easy Mode

    <h4>Chapter 69: Easy Mode</h4>


    Two tiny but venomous bees swiftly moved through the flower-filled grove, darting left and right.


    Below that grove stretched a vast valley with hidden forests, meandering green waters, and an untouched expanse ofnd as far as one could see.


    Just then, a bright sh appeared by the creek. Specks of light appeared along with a unique fragrance. The bees nearby were drawn to it right away, buzzing around and forming a group.


    The specks of light began to move, starting off slow and then following the twists and turns of the river. They wandered around the valley, flowing from the creek into a big river, and eventually arrived at a t riverbank.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Suddenly, the radiance dissipated, leaving the swarm of venomous beespletely lost. They buzzed and danced in ce for a while before dispersing and settling down in this area with various flowers and nts.


    "<i>Phew...</i>"


    Arge koi fish gracefully descended back into the water, returning to the sand pit at the river''s bottom.


    A slightly smaller, rainbow-colored koi fish swiftly approached. "Big Sis, you''ve worked hard! I will practice hard to cultivate magical power as well so that I can share this burden with you soon."


    The bigger koi fish sighed and said, "Unfortunately, my magical power is weak. Without any other abilities, I can only perform these minor tasks..."


    The smaller koi fish hastily reassured, "Big Sis, you are already amazing!"


    Therger koi fish appeared rather tired. Her beautiful body swayed with the waves as she said slowly, "I just hope that the big viin won''te again."


    "<i>Um...</i>" the smaller koi fish said, "I will swim up and take a look..."


    Her body swayed as she ascended to the shallow water surface. However, as soon as she looked up, she saw a flurry of sword shadows on the riverbank, cutting down the swarm of venomous bees that her sister had diligently led here.


    "Big Sis..." the smaller koi fish called out, a hint of sorrow in its voice, "not only has he appeared again, but he arrived earlier than before!"


    ...


    Chu Liang carried out his routine tasks of exterminating the venomous bees as usual.


    Feeling unsatisfied, he looked around, unaware of the agitated bubbles on the water''s surface. He then returned to Mount Shu.


    Yunhua Town was very near Mount Shu, so he arrived at the Treasure Pagoda Peak within moments. Senior Sister Jiang had asked him to meet here today.


    Upon entering the waterfall cave, Chu Liang immediately saw the Baize Youngling making "<i>Hreeohh</i>" sounds. The creature joyfully leaped towards him, rubbing its big head against him.


    "Long time no see," Chu Liang said, patting its neck affectionately, and continued walking further inside.


    Jiang Xiaobai, dressed in blue, maintained her graceful figure. Upon seeing him, she stood up to greet him, exuding elegance with her tall and slender stature.


    She exined, "I will be leaving Mount Shuter for a mission, and this mission will take a while. That''s why I came early to check the progress of your talismanic sword seal."


    As a disciple of her caliber, Jiang Xiaobai naturally couldn''t choose her missions based on her mood, unlike Chu Liang and the others. The sect sometimes assigned her to missions, so it was normal for her to find herself with sudden matters demanding attention.


    "Senior Sister, the fact that you were worried about my cultivation progress makes me very grateful," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "Come on! You''re just being a smooth talker. You asked me to help you promote your fruit tea. I''ve heard that your business is thriving and well-known all over Mount Shu. Yet, you''re not giving me any share of the money," Jiang Xiaobai said, ncing at him mockingly.


    "How could this small business of mine be worth your attention?" Chu Liang responded immediately.


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Jiang Xiaobai huffed. She didn''t bother with any more nonsense and cut to the chase. "I asked you to learn the True Dao of Talisman-Making and practice the sword seal. How is your progress?"


    Chu Liang answered truthfully, "Slow progress."


    "Oh?" Jiang Xiaobai''s gaze turned unfriendly. "It''s been seven days. If there''s no progress at all, I might get angry."


    Chu Liang exined, "The True Dao of Talisman-Making is vast and profound. In these few days, I feel like I''ve just scratched the surface. The practice of the sword seal is even more challenging. I''ve only grasped a little bit..."


    Jiang Xiaobai nodded. "That''s understandable. Go ahead and demonstrate for me. Let me see how I can guide you."


    Following her words, Chu Liang stepped back a few paces into the open space inside the cave. He summoned his flying sword, held his breath, and recalled the important points.


    "Rise!"


    With a shout, Chu Liang raised his finger, and the flying sword ascended into the air with a nging sound.


    <i>Sizzle~</i>


    Sizzling sounds echoed as he adjusted his finger gestures. The flying sword emitted a continuous breaking sound in midair, silver light rapidly forming a talismanic character. Then, with a point of his finger, the talismanic character, apanied by sword qi, soared out with a thunderous roar.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With a long tail of mes, his sword qi darted forward like a flying meteor and mmed into the ground ahead, creating a massive crater with a thunderous roar.


    Compared to ordinary sword techniques, the power of this sword seal was astonishing.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Jiang Xiaobai murmured.


    As she observed this scene, her brows furrowed as she plunged into deep thought.


    <i>You call this grasping it just a little?</i>


    <i>He has seamlessly merged the talismanic character and sword qi, unleashing aplete sword seal. He''s clearly mastered it!</i>


    <i>Yet, he imed that his progress was slow. Who was he fooling? That''s why they call men a smooth talker, weaving tales like a trickster!</i>


    <i>But it''s only been a few days! No matter what, this man is too fast!</i>


    <i>Back then, I was already well versed in the Dao of Talisman-Making. Still, it took me twelve days of practice to master this, but he...</i>


    <i>Wait a second...</i>


    <i>This level of progress in cultivation might not have been achieved today. Is it possible that he achieved it in less than seven days?</i>


    Chu Liang sheathed his sword.


    Observing the contemtive expression, furrowed brows, and unhappy expression on Jiang Xiaobai''s face, Chu Liang sensed her dissatisfaction with his cultivation progress.


    In terms of cultivation speed, he believed he had made quick progress, and the execution of the sword seal was consideredplete.


    What could becking in perfection?


    Chu Liang hesitated as he exined, "I achieved this level four days ago. Since then, my progress has been very slow. It is mainly because my understanding of talisman-making isn''t profound enough. Currently, I can only manifest the fire talismanic character in the form of a flying sword. I can, at most, achieve performing a Dual Talismanic Sword of Fire, but not every performance was sessful...


    "But recently, I''ve been practicing this wind talismanic character and have seeded multiple times. I believe that in another two days, I can proficiently perform the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire, significantly increasing its power...


    "Senior Sister, I thought I was given a month? I am confident that after a month, I will master even more talismanic characters than just these..."


    His tone sounded timid, seemingly worried that Jiang Xiaobai would suspect him of cking off and decide not to teach him anymore.


    However, every word he uttered struck Jiang Xiaobai''s Dao heart like an arrow. Her brows furrowed tighter with each passing moment.


    After a moment, Jiang Xiaobai raised her hand and said, "Alright, stop talking for now."


    She even wanted to offer Chu Liang some advice. But what advice could she even give?


    Jiang Xiaobai had merely imparted the knowledge of the sword seal to him. Even without her guidance, he had deciphered the steps and intricacies on his own. As long as he continued cultivating along this path and as his cultivation level increased, mastering a sword seal of ten talismanic characters or a hundred talismanic characters woulde naturally.


    It seemed as though even the mostplicated talismanic sword seal posed no difficulty for him. He could learn it, master it, and use it effortlessly...


    Why did it feel like this person was cultivating in easy mode?


    For the first time in her life, Jiang Xiaobai felt the gap brought about by differences in talent. In previous scenarios, she was the one who earned admiration.


    Yet, ever since she met Chu Liang, she found herself on the receiving end of setbacks.


    "Senior Sister?" Chu Liang called out softly.


    Jiang Xiaobai''s gaze refocused. Then she looked at Chu Liang with a very serious expression.


    "Let me tell you! Since you have called me Senior Sister, you should always refer to me as Senior Sister. Even if you be more powerful than me one day, you should still respectfully address me as Senior Sister! Keep that in mind!"

 Chapter 70: Emerged From Closed-Door Cultivation

    <h4>Chapter 70: Emerged From Closed-Door Cultivation</h4>


    After saying some strange things, Fairy Jiang left the mountain toplete her mission.


    During the next few days, Chu Liang continued to study and practice the Talisman Sword Seal, as well as some other things.


    <i>Whoosh</i>¡ª


    A crescent-shaped green light whizzed through the forests of the mountain, leaving deep gorge-like cuts in all the trees it passed by. In the blink of an eye, this green light had already made its way across all of Silver Sword Peak.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    Just before the green light flew out of Silver Sword Peak, it finally came to a stop, cutting into the mountain wall with a muffled thud. Chu Liang swiftly leaped down from the leaf, avoiding colliding with the mountain too.


    "This is too exciting..."


    Chu Liang stood upright and wiped off the sweat from his forehead. He felt that he''d just experienced a truly thrilling flight.


    The green leaf, which was embedded in the mountain, was still buzzing away with a shimmering radiance. Chu Liang raised his hand, summoned it back to him, and brushed his fingers against the sharp edges of the leaf.


    <i>Even ordinary flying swords aren''t this sharp.</i>


    Chu Liang had to admit that Wen Yulong was indeed a genius at making enchanted tools. However, the thought process of this genius was quite different from that of ordinary people. The things he made were a little odd, but he had reasons to justify the need for every unusual aspect he''d implemented.


    Wen Yulong had pointed out that the issue wasn''t with the enchanted tool he''d made. Rather, it was because Chu Liang and cultivators in general oftencked dexterous control over their divine sense.


    After putting some serious thought into that, Chu Liang realized that there was indeed a lot that he could learn from this.


    The present generation of cultivators was focused on advancing their cultivation level and expanding the coverage of divine sense, so they weren''t particrly concerned with improving the dexterity of their control over their divine sense.


    For example, two people using a sword to travel might fly at the same speed in the open sky. However, if they had to fly through an area withplicated terrain, the more dexterous person would win.


    Simrly, one of two people using the Sword Maniption Technique might only be able to manipte their sword to move back and forth in the same direction without any variation in its trajectory. Meanwhile, the other person was able to manipte their sword dexterously with an unpredictable trajectory. If these two people were to fight, the person who was able to manipte their sword more dexterously would certainly emerge as the victor.


    Chu Liang understood this concept as exercising fine control.


    A cultivator exercising fine control in their sword maniption might not see much impact if they were using only one sword. Yet, they would see a drastic increase in their offensive ability when using the Hundred Swords Seal, in which a hundred swords were used to form a battle array.


    Nevertheless, the current mainstream way of thinking might be, "I just need to work hard to advance my cultivation level. If you use the Hundred Swords Seal, I''ll just use the Thousand Swords Seal. If my cultivation level is higher than yours, I''ll naturally be able to crush you with my strength."


    There was nothing wrong with this way of thinking, but Chu Liang felt that widening the scope and advancing one''s cultivation should not be mutually exclusive. If a cultivator had enough vitality to focus on both simultaneously, it would be better for them to do that.


    Moreover, exercising fine control was not just about controlling flying swords; it yed a crucial role in the utilization of divine techniques.


    So, today, Chu Liang wanted to make use of the green leaf to improve the dexterity of his divine sense and try exercising some fine control.


    After working hard to improve his control of his divine sense, he managed to have a much better flight than the first time he tried using the green leaf. This time, he managed to get the green leaf to fly through the entirety of Silver Sword Peak before he lost control of it.


    Looking at the deep groove in the mountain wall, Chu Liang thought that he''d found a new method of attack.


    If he supplied the green leaf with enough foundational qi and used it to attack an opponent, the offensive power of the green leaf might be even more formidable than a typical Sword Maniption Technique.


    Of course, it would be no match at all for his sword qi when it was boosted by the Talisman Sword Seal.


    Chu Liang had now be proficient in thebined talismanic script characters for wind and fire, allowing him to utilize the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire. It was several times more powerful than a Talismanic Sword of Fire.


    After spending some time deep in thought, Chu Liang saw a swordlight in the distance. It flew over andnded beside his cabin.


    <i>It seems I''ve got a guest.</i>


    Chu Liang put away the green leaf and went to greet his guest.


    ...


    Upon returning to his cabin, Chu Liang found Lin Bei, whom he hadn''t seen for many days, standing in front of his cabin door with a radiant smile.


    "<i>Heheheh!</i>" Lin Beiughed in greeting.


    Chu Liang showed a small smile and asked, "Why do you have so much free time today?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Lin Bei uttered when he heard that. He asked in return, "How did you know I''ve broken through to the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?"


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent for a moment. Then he said, "Congrattions."


    "Recently, I''ve been putting myself through extremely arduous training and suppressing my desires. On average, I abstained for sixteen hours each day. Now, I''ve finally broken through to the next stage." Lin Bei''s expression was filled with self-pity as he mentioned the hardships he''d experienced ofte. "Just thinking about it makes me sad."


    "You''ve worked hard," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    "But fortunately, I''ve finally seeded. Now, I, your bro, am also an expert at the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. We''re finally in the same stage again!" Lin Bei eximed excitedly.


    "Well..." Chu Liang smiled awkwardly. "Actually, we''re not."


    "What?" Lin Bei uttered, feeling startled.


    "It''s rather coincidental. I found out that I''d made a breakthrough when I woke up this morning," Chu Liang said nonchntly. "I''m in theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm now."


    Lin Bei''s smile suddenly stiffened. Then it turned into an expression of utter disbelief.


    <i>What the heck? He had a breakthrough again?</i>


    It hadn''t been that long since they had returned to Mount Shu afterpleting their mission in Yanjiao City, and Lin Bei had only just managed to break through to the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm and bridge the small gap between the stages after such great difficulty.


    <i>You... Was there no bottleneck in your cultivation?</i>


    <i>I''ve been bragging everywhere about how I''ve reached the middle stage, yet you just quietly advanced to theter stage? Doesn''t that make me look really silly?</i>


    <i>Moreover... if you keep advancing at this rate of a stage every two weeks, won''t you reach the Golden Core Realm in a few days? Isn''t that ridiculously absurd?</i>


    <i>And what''s that about waking up in the morning and finding out that you had a breakthrough? Don''t you need to be actively working on your cultivation to advance?</i>


    No matter how Lin Bei thought about it, what Chu Liang had said seemed very fake.


    Yet, Lin Bei could feel the flow of qi that Chu Liang was releasing. The power it contained was clearly of one level higher than his own. This meant what Chu Liang had said was undeniably true.


    After experiencing aplex rollercoaster of emotions, Lin Bei crossed his arms with his lips pursed in a straight line, forming an aggrieved expression.


    "Why?" Lin Bei grumbled. "Bro, I''ve worked so hard for so many days, yet why is the gap between us still getting wider?"


    The further a cultivator advanced in their cultivation stage, the more difficult it would get. This meant that the gap between the beginning and middle stages of the Spiritual Awareness Realm was smaller than the gap between the middle andter stages.


    "Maybe you didn''t abstain enough from your indulgences," Chu Liang said casually like clouds drifting in a light breeze, without much change in emotion.


    The Large-Headed Doll worked tirelessly day and night. It would be stranger if his cultivation speed were slow.


    "<i>Ah</i>, forget it." Lin Bei felt aggrieved for just a moment and was grinning at him again soon after. "It''s a good thing anyway. Now, we''re even more powerful together."


    "Did youe to find me just to let me know you had a breakthrough?" Chu Liang asked.


    "<i>Heheheh...</i>" Lin Beiughed and then said, "Of course not. I came to find you because of something important."


    "Oh?"


    Chu Liang shot Lin Bei a septical nce, doubting that the matter was something serious.


    "Did you know that our eldest senior brother at Jade Sword Peak emerged from closed-door cultivation yesterday?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Xu Ziyang?"


    The terms that the disciples in the Mount Shu Sect used to address their fellow disciples were based on seniority. If there was no significant age difference, seniority was based on cultivation level. The disciple with the higher level of cultivation was considered the senior.


    As a result, the eldest senior disciple of a peak did not necessarily refer to the disciple who had joined the peak earliest. Only those with exceptional talent and a very high level of cultivation could be publicly acknowledged as the eldest senior disciple of a peak.


    Among the thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu, there weren''t many disciples who had the title of eldest senior disciple. For instance, at Jade Sword Peak, the eldest senior disciple was Xu Ziyang, and at Azure Falling Peak, it was Jiang Yuebai. Meanwhile, at Silver Sword Peak, it was Chu Liang...


    Only the disciples who were held in high esteem by the majority of their peers would have the right to be addressed as Eldest Senior Brother or Eldest Senior Sister.


    "That''s right." Lin Bei nodded. "He might cause some trouble for you."


    "Why?" Chu Liang asked, his gaze turning prudent.


    <i>Xu Ziyang is Wang Xuanling''s ace disciple. But if he wants to cause trouble for me, won''t he have to wait until the Mount Shu Summit before he can do anything?</i>


    Chu Liang was thinking about the bet between his and Xu Ziyang''s teachers.


    "It''s because of Junior Sister Ziqing," Lin Bei said.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered confusedly.


    "Junior Sister Ziqing is Eldest Senior Brother Ziyang''s biological younger sister. They''ve been dependent on each other since childhood, so Eldest Senior Brother dotes on her a lot," Lin Bei exined. "Junior Sister Ziqing has been moody and mncholic ever since we got back afterpleting the mission at the Southern Bastion Mountain. Once Senior Brother sees her in such a state, he''ll definitely want to find out why she''s so unhappy."


    Lin Bei stroked his chin and analyzed the situation calmly, "I think Junior Sister Ziqing''s current state is most likely due to matters of the heart. As the saying goes, which youngdy doesn''t think about love?


    "There were only a few of us when we did our mission at the Southern Bastion Mountain. Senior Brother Fang Ting is too old, and Senior Brother Lu Ren doesn''t need to be mentioned. That leaves the two of us, so I feel like the person who Junior Sister Ziqing secretly likes has to be either me or you!"


    "..." Chu Liang was speechless.


    "Eldest Senior Brother cares greatly for his sister, so he won''t be happy when he finds out she''s sad because of matters of the heart. Based on my understanding of him, he''s very likely to cause trouble for the person his sister likes," Lin Bei continued. "So, I think we should leave the mountain and lie low in the meantime."


    "Leave to... do missions?" Chu Liang asked.


    He''d figured out Lin Bei''s intentions.


    Chu Liang considered Lin Bei''s suggestion seriously, seeing as it<i> had</i> been a while since he had taken on any missions after returning from Yanjiao City...


    One reason for this was that he''d been busy working on his cultivation. Another reason was that it simply wasn''t necessary for him to take on missions. The profit he gained from selling fruit tea for a day was equivalent to what he''d gain from going on two missions. As such, he didn''t have any desire to do missions anymore.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang''s circumstances had changed. Jiang Yuebai was currently away from Mount Shu, and Chu Liang didn''t need to rush as much to master the Talisman Sword Seal. Moreover, since he hadn''t done any missions for a while, he hadn''t had the chance to fight any big monsters. It was indeed ratherckluster to just cut down small venomous bees every day.


    Additionally, he was pretty much exclusively using the White Pagoda, such an amazing treasure, like a juicer. It was truly a waste.


    Consequently, he had been considering during thest couple of days whether he should take on a mission.


    "Yes." Lin Bei nodded. "Bro, I just managed to snatch a mission located in the South Gate City. It''s a fantastic opportunity."


    "South Gate City?" Chu Liang asked. "Why do you want to go there?"


    "<i>Heheh...</i>" Lin Bei smiled mysteriously. "It''s because there''s something good there, of course."

 Chapter 71: South Gate City

    <h4>Chapter 71: South Gate City</h4>


    Recently, South Gate City buzzed with two major pieces of news.


    The first news was about Miss Xue of the South Melody Conservatory, who would soonmence her tour. Her first stop was in South Gate City.


    Secondly, there were reports of a demon wreaking havoc in the Li Family Estate, which was located outside the city. It was rumored that several people had died.


    Among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, the South Melody Conservatory held a particrly unique position. Although ranked as one of the Terrestrial Ten, its activities differed significantly from ordinary sects and factions.


    The South Melody Conservatory has a long tradition of inheriting the path of music, making it a sacred ce for musician cultivators. Disciples of the South Melody Conservatory would study music from a young age and spend their entire lives cultivating with their musical instruments. They rarely engaged inbat, but they were powerful cultivators who even had their own unique divine skills.


    Musician cultivators sought to understand everything in nature and society. During the early stages of their musical cultivation, they would aim to resonate with as many people as possible through their music. The greater resonance they achieved, the more sessful their cultivation would be.


    As a result, the South Melody Conservatory would select a few exceptionally talented individuals from numerous outer disciples to be inner disciples. These chosen few were then provided with abundant resources for their tours, propagating the path of music.


    This unique system led to each generation of the South Melody Conservatory''s inner disciples gaining immense poprity and numerous followers. The sect also considered the disciples'' poprity a crucial factor in the final evaluation of the inner disciples.


    After several years of individual tours by each inner disciple, a grand evaluation would be held at the sect home base. At this time, supporters from all corners of the world would gather to aid their favorite musicians, hoping to make them the head disciple of the generation and be renowned throughout the world.


    This system resulted in the South Melody Conservatory having the fewest members among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten yet boasting the greatest influence.


    For the past thousands of years, the South Melody Conservatory''s dedication in the Dao of Music has deepened greatly, attracting numerous seekers of Dao to visit the South Melody Conservatory. As a matter of fact, even cultivators who had attained the Heavenly Origin Realm had visited.


    Therefore, although the South Melody Conservatory''s disciples followed a unique cultivation path, no one dared to look down on them.


    Thepetition among the South Melody Conservatory¡¯s current generation of disciples was exceedingly fierce.


    Two years ago, the exceptionally gifted Yu Xiang''er emerged, nearly securing the position of head disciple in advance.


    However, shortly afterward, Xue Lingxue entered the scene. Even before officially joining the sect, she was renowned for her extraordinary talents.


    Yet, who could have predicted that, within a year, another gifted musician named Shen Qingyan would surface? Shen Qingyan, known for her unparalleled beauty and ancient charm, was another individual with peerless talents.


    Some couldn''t help butment that any one of these three could have easily be the head disciple in previous generations. Fate, however, brought them into the sect during the same era.


    It could be described as an era of intensepetition within the South Melody Conservatory.


    At this point, Yu Xiang''er''s tour had already started, with several performances in major cities in the Eastern Regions.


    Instead of directly challenging Yu Xiang''er, Xue Lingxue chose to start her tour in the Southern Regions.


    However, while the Eastern Regions of the Yu Dynasty boasted prosperity, the Southern Regionprised wilderness mountains and few cities. They were iparable.


    Therefore, it was presumed that Xue Lingxue wouldmence her battle in the Eastern Regions after garnering more poprity in the Southern Regions.


    South Gate City, located at the border between the Eastern Regions and the Southern Regions, was considered one of the most prosperous cities in thetter. This was precisely why Xue Lingxue chose it as the first stop of her tour.


    Although the performance date was still a few days away, the pre-event publicity had been highly sessful. Currently, Miss Xue''s concert was the hottest topic in the entire city. Even the choice of the performance venue and the hosting business association had be popr discussion topics.


    ...


    "Are you two the esteemed cultivators from the Mount Shu Sect?" a middle-aged man with twisted chin whiskers asked, nodding as he bowed. He smiled and greeted, "I am the manager of the Li Family Estate. My surname is Cui, and you can call me Old Cui."


    "Manager Cui, you need not be so formal. We are young. Just treat us like how you would treat your nephew," a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes said, wrapping his arm around the middle-aged man''s shoulder. "He''s Chu Liang, and I''m Lin Bei. If you don''t mind, I will call you Uncle Cui."


    Once again, Lin Bei began his charming efforts to instantly deepen rtionships.


    "<i>Ah</i>, young heroes, you treat me with too much respect," the manager replied, chuckling with a smile. "The head of our vige is busy and has been out of South Gate City. Otherwise, he would have definitely personally weed you two young heroes."


    "It''s all the same, all the same," Lin Bei said as he waved his hand. "We are doing things to eliminate harm for the people. Everything else is not important."


    "Young Hero Lin, you are very eloquent," praised Manager Cui.


    As they were led inside, Lin Bei and the manager continued to tter each other.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but speak up, "Manager Cui, why don''t you tell us the specifics of the mysterious case first?"


    "Oh, right, right." Manager Cui pped his forehead and sighed. "We had no choice but to request the presence of the young heroes from the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Recently, the Li Family Estate has been vying for the opportunity to host the performance of Miss Xue from the South Melody Conservatory. It was nearly a done deal, and sess was within sight," Manager Cui exined.


    The Li Family Estate, situated on a spacious hill outside South Gate City, was not a private residence but a high-end entertainment garden. It catered to the upper ss.


    They wanted to host Xue Lingxue''s performance to boost their poprity and establish a prominent reputation.


    Manager Cui continued, "Our onlypetitor is the Jingyue Pavilion by the Qinnan River. They specialize in the business of pleasure boats and proposed a n to dock a painted boat on the riverbank, where Miss Xue would perform, and the audience would sit along the riverbank. <i>Haha,</i> how ludicrous."


    Even while Manager Cui was providing details, he didn''t forget to take a jab at theirpetitor.


    "Indeed," Lin Bei chimed in at the right moment.


    Manager Cui continued, "However, just as we were nearing an agreement, a strange incident urred in our manor. For several consecutive nights, people encountered a monster! That monster came and went like the wind. It was extremely fast! Even the few martial artists that we raised could not discern its movements. Some guests were frightened and disturbed, and the news got out.


    "Moreover, the monster seems to only scare women and ignore the male guests, for reasons unknown...


    "The matter was initially trivial with no injuries reported. However, Jingyue Pavilion seized the opportunity to spread rumors and sensationalized the situation, iming that several people had died due to the monster. The news has now spread, and our chances of winning the bid for the performance have be extremely unfavorable...


    "So, we sought help from the Mount Shu Sect and requested the assistance of two young heroes to eliminate the monster."


    Manager Cui gazed at them with hope in his eyes.


    "Isn''t the South Melody Conservatory one of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten? Is there a need to ask us for help?" Chu Liang asked in confusion.


    "<i>Hah.</i> You are probably not familiar with the South Melody Conservatory," Lin Bei said, chuckling. "Although the musician cultivators have high cultivation levels, they are not fond ofbat. In addition, the South Melody Conservatory has very few inner disciples, and almost none of them would help anyone with eliminating demons and devils.


    "Someone like Miss Xue, who is here for an important performance, would need to dedicate all her focus to preparing for the performance. If she was distracted by a monster and forced to allocate extra energy to deal with it, her mental state for the performance might be affected.


    "Their path of cultivation is different from other normal cultivators."


    "Young Hero Lin is right," Manager Cui said. "The South Melody Conservatory naturally won''t help us with these matters. In addition, the founder of the Li Family Estate was also a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. Therefore, we offer continuous tributes to the Mount Shu Sect every year, and our rtionship with the Mount Shu Sect has always been very good."


    "Oh, so the estate was built by our senior. That''s interesting," Lin Bei immediately remarked. "Uncle Cui, I''ve got another favor to ask, and I hope it won''t be too much trouble."


    "Young Hero Lin, please feel free to voice out your request," Manager Cui replied courteously.


    "Once we''ve eliminated the demon, the Li Family Estate will naturally have the right to host the performance. When the timees, could we stay a few more days in the estate to explore and have fun? We will leave after the performance ends."


    "<i>Haha!</i>" Manager Cuiughed. "This is of no issue at all. I can promise you this on behalf of the estate owner. If you two can help us solve the problem, we will certainly extend our warm hospitality. Young Hero Lin, are you also looking forward to Miss Xue''s performance?"


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Lin Bei grinned. "My favorite in the South Melody Conservatory is Shen Qingyan, and my second favorite would be Xue Lingxue. But looking across the entire martial world, my ultimate favorite is Jiangjiang of the Mount Shu Sect! Jiang Yuebai!"


    "Oh! Young Hero Lin, you and I share the same interest! My favorite is also Shen Qingyan! I have admired Fairy Jiang of Mount Shu for a long time, but unfortunately, I haven''t had the chance to meet her," Manager Cui said, revealing a sincere smile from the bottom of his heart for the first time. "Qingyan! Qingyan! She is beautiful and has a sweet voice!"


    "My face shines with joy for Qingqing who has my heart!"[1] Lin Bei also responded excitedly.


    As the two spoke with enthusiasm, they joined hands and showed such expressions of joy, portraying the thrill of discovering like-mindedpanions across the expanse of the world.


    On the other hand, Chu Liang was just so confused.


    Lin Bei, with his thick brows and big eyes, could get away with such behavior since he was young. Uncle Cui, on the other hand, had lived for at least four decades, yet he was still interested in such things...?


    <i>What are you two talking about? Salty and sweet?</i>[2]


    <i>Are we really living in the same world? Hm?</i>


    1. "ÇäÇäÎÒÐÄ£¬ÎªÄ㻶ÑÕ (Qing Qing Wo Xin, Wei Ni Huan Yan)" can be tranted into English as "Our hearts are entwined, and I find joy in your smiles." It''s another y on words in which the start of the phrase is Qing and the end is Yan with thebination being Qingyan, the name of their favorite musician in South Melody Conservatory ?


    2. This is another y on words. It''s more like what salt? What sweet? Salt sounds the same as Yan from the name Qingyan, so I guess Chu Liang is really saying who is Qingyan? ?

 Chapter 72: Liu Xiaoyuer

    <h4>Chapter 72: Liu Xiaoyu''er</h4>


    "Young heroes, did you enjoy the banquet?"


    "Absolutely! Especially the white meat dish! It was a true delight in terms of color, aroma, and vor. I dare say it''s the best dish I''ve ever tasted."


    "Haha, that white meat is indeed a renowned specialty of our Li Family Estate."


    After the warm reception, Manager Cui led Chu Liang and Lin Bei on a leisurely tour of the Li Family Estate. The surroundings were picturesque, adorned with elegant gardens, pavilions, and towers nestled among rocks and trees.


    Turning to Chu Liang, Lin Bei whispered, "If you ever decide to leave the Mount Shu Sect, establishing an estate like this would be awesome. Living carefree and unrestrained."


    Chu Liang smiled, replying, "I hope to remain on our mountain forever."


    "That sounds dreadfully dull," Lin Bei retorted. "If my cultivation hits a dead end, I''ll descend the mountain and open a brothel. Not for business, mind you, but just for my own amusement."


    Chu Liang, puzzled and somewhat disdainful, asked, "How is that any different from having multiple wives?"


    Lin Bei confidently exined, "There''s a significant distinction between doing something with your own wives and doing something with someone else''s wives!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang couldn''t believe what he had just heard.


    Their casual banter unintentionally touched upon a more serious matter.


    In each generation, the Mount Shu Sect would have at least a few hundred disciples, with a maximum exceeding a thousand. Aside from the thirty-six peak masters and some core disciples, the remaining ones would ultimately leave Mount Shu after years of cultivation and progress.


    Cultivation resembled a slow and challenging expedition. While the Mount Shu Sect only admitted individuals with exceptional talent, there was an inherent limit to an individual''s capabilities. Some might reach the Spiritual Awareness Realm but never progress beyond the Human Gate stage. Others might stop at the Golden Core Realm, and some might give up at the Realm of the Five Elements.


    Upon reaching the culmination of their cultivation, individuals would often opt for a new life¡ªa concept Chu Liang interpreted as graduation.


    Those with lower cultivation levels might engage in small businesses or be attendants for prestigious families, leveraging the Mount Shu Sect''s reputation for afortable life. Those with higher cultivation levels might establish their own sects and develop small factions.


    The Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten gave rise to countless small sects back in the day. Cultivators in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, as well as those that used to be part of one of those sects, were considered practitioners of conventional paths. Those outside this circle were deemed unconventional.


    However, Chu Liang currently preferred not to leave the Mount Shu Sect. He wanted to break through to the Dao Attainment Realm and be a confident Eminent One. He aimed to achieve freedom from cultivation. In that state, he couldpete for the position of peak master at Mount Shu, mentor a couple of talented disciples, and lead a peaceful life without excessive toil.


    As Manager Cui led them through a corridor on a higher level, they happened to observe a group of young women gathered in a courtyard below, seemingly participating in some form of selection orpetition.


    A couple of judges stood at the front while the young women took turns presenting dances. Most of them possessed graceful figures and light movements, pleasing to the eye.


    Lin Bei couldn''t help butugh as hemented on the spectacle. "It''s livelier down the mountain. When would you ever witness such a scene on Mount Shu?"


    "What are they doing?" asked Chu Liang.


    "Oh," Manager Cui uttered before he started exining. "This is an audition for Miss Xue''s dance partners. When the musicians y differentpositions, there will be singers or dancers boosting the atmosphere on the stage. We must prepare for this. Since the Li Family Estate usually doesn''t have these, we have to do an impromptu audition."


    "No wonder there are so many pretty girls. Not everyone can have the chance to dance for Miss Xue. All the dancers in the city must be present now," Lin Bei said. His eyes lit up, and he remarked, "That girl looks so beautiful."


    Even without Lin Bei pointing it out, Chu Liang noticed the youngdy who had just stepped on stage.


    At this moment, the previous dancer had been berated by several judges, and she left abruptly while wiping tears off her face. Just as she exited, a ssh of bright colors caught their attention.


    The young girl was dressed in a flowing and colorful dress, looking exceptionally vibrant. Her skin was as white as sheep-fat jade. Her lightly tied hair was slightly disheveled, and with delicate eyebrows and big eyes, every blink of her eyes exuded a sense of innocence. Her gaze seemed somewhat hazy, yet her demeanor exuded an irresistible charm.


    The evening had approached and the surroundings had darkened, but her presence seemed to have made the sunlight brighter.


    "My name is Liu Xiaoyu''er..."


    The timidity in her voice conveyed a sense of vulnerability and evoked a sense ofpassion.


    The main judge, a woman in her forties or fifties, held authority as a dance master in South Gate City. Having previously studied at South Melody Conservatory, her demeanor appeared stern and strict.


    However, upon seeing Liu Xiaoyu''er, she instinctively softened her tone. "Little one, what dance can you show us today?"


    "I... I don''t really know how to dance," Liu Xiaoyu''er admitted while blinking with her big eyes.


    "It''s okay. Just perform the dance steps you''ve learned," the judge said gently.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded gently. "Okay..."


    With a graceful intertwining of her fingers, she reversed her hands, swayed her hips left and right, and twisted with each movement.


    Then, she stood still in ce.


    "Alright. Since you''re done warming up, start dancing," another judge encouraged.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er was momentarily stunned, pausing before exining, "That was the end of my dance."


    "..."


    Silence filled the courtyard.


    The main dance judge remained quiet for a while before finally speaking, "Little girl, although I really like you, we are, after all, selecting a dancepanion... Your performance just doesn''t meet the criteria."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er pouted, on the verge of tears. "What should I do then..."


    "Dance skills aren''t something you can master overnight. But your voice sounds really nice. Have you ever considered auditioning as a singer?" suggested the main dance judge, catching everyone off guard.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded gently as she responded, "That works too!"


    The other judge, responsible for singing evaluation, then instructed, "Come. Learn to sing this line with me."


    The judge then started singing, "<i>Candlelight flickers, its mes piercing through the delicate curtain, a gentle chill settling in the aftermath of the rain.</i>"


    "<i>Um...</i>" The girl listened once and then opened her mouth to sing, "<i>Candlelight... flickers, its mes piercing through... the delicate curtain, a gentle chill settling... in th-</i>"


    The singing judge immediately interrupted her. "<i>Stop!</i>"


    "<i>Uh...</i>" the girl stammered, not daring to finish singing the line.


    "Sorry..." The singing judge quickly apologized. "I couldn''t help it when you were singing every word out of tune."


    "It''s okay, even if you held back, I couldn''t have," the main dance judge sighed. "Little girl, this ce is truly not suitable for you. Hurry back and find something else to do."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er immediately covered her mouth again. "Can''t you give me a chance to stay? I can learn..."


    The main dance judge turned away, calling out with a regretful expression, "Guards, escort her out."


    The girl cried while being gently guided out by several guards.


    As Lin Bei observed this scene, he couldn''t help but sigh.


    "What a pity!" He shook his head. "If she could sing or dance like a normal person, she probably would have had a chance to be selected."


    Drawing on his years of experience in the world of entertainment, Manager Cui offered a precise judgment. "Indeed, if this girl could perform on stage, the audience would love her."


    Chu Liang, while the two were engrossed in the talent show, looked up at the sky and whispered, "Am I the only one concerned about when the monsters will show up?"

 Chapter 73: Ghostly Trickery

    <h4>Chapter 73: Ghostly Trickery</h4>


    It was nightfall. Quiet settled over the Li Family Estate, with the asional barks of dogs and birdsong of the birds in the mountain forest ringing out in the distance.


    Some rooms in the estate were still illuminated with candles. Many of the estate''s residents were afraid of sleeping inplete darkness due to the recent incidents involving monsters.


    Several groups of ordinary guards were currently patrolling the estate. A few martial artists worked as live-in guards for the estate, but there weren''t many of them, so the estate still relied on ordinary but robust men to be its main patrol force.


    As the night wind blew a chill over them, they couldn''t help but feel uneasy.


    "Old Four, Old Four!" a guard called out softly from behind Old Four, another guard. "I''m going to go pee over there. Come with me."


    "What? Just go," Old Four replied.


    He had no desire at all to fulfill the other guard''s request.


    "I don''t dare to go alone. Please apany me," the guard behind Old Four pleaded.


    "Fine, fine."


    Old Four yielded in the end and asked the other guards ahead of them to wait. Then he turned around to go with the fearful guard.


    The two men walked to the edge of the forest.


    Then the guard unfastened his belt and aimed at the pitch-ck forest as he relieved himself.


    He rambled, "Who knows when we''ll see better days... We got hired to be this estate''s guards, so it''d be expected that we''re here to guard the estate from burrs and robbers. But why do we have to subdue demons and catch monsters too?? I heard that the family has already invited skilled esteemed cultivators to deal with the monsters, but who knows how powerful they are... Will they be a match for the monsters? <i>Hm?</i> Hey, Old Four, why aren''t you saying anything?"


    As the guard was speaking, he felt something was off. He turned back to look and found that Old Four, who had been standing behind him, was nowhere to be seen.


    <i>Where did he go?</i>


    Filled with fright, he turned back to face the front and thought he should hurry back to his group.


    However, when he shifted his gaze back to the front, he found the huge face of a ferocious-looking ghost right before him!


    "<i>Aaaaahhhhhh!!!</i>"


    Both the guard and the ghost screamed. It was unclear whose voice was louder.


    After screaming at the top of his lungs, the guard finally remembered to pull up his pants, and the malicious ghost raised its ws!


    The guard then turned around...


    He ran! And the ghost gave chase!


    "There''s a ghooost!!!" the guard yelled while fleeing.


    Before the guard finished yelling, a reprimanding shout rang out in midair, "Which evil spirit dares to cause trouble when there are disciples of the Mount Shu Sect here?!"


    After that, swordlight as bright and white as snow appeared with a sh like a shooting star in the dark night sky.


    When the malicious ghost saw the swordlighte toward it in a swift and powerful strike, it immediately raised its ws to block the attack with a loud ng. The impact from the strike sent the ghost flying several zhang away.


    The malicious ghost had no intention of fighting; it quickly turned and swiftly fled!


    Meanwhile, two figures were running behind the ghost, leaping to catch up to it.


    The ghost ran! And they gave chase!


    There was no escape for the ghost!


    "Trying to escape?!" Chu Liang shouted.


    An item burst emerged from his sleeve with a red light like a streak of lightning. He had predicted the ghost''s route and shot the item out a little in advance. The itemnded right in front of the malicious ghost and tied it up!


    It was the Demon-Binding Rope!


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The malicious ghost fell onto the ground and couldn''t get back up.


    It immediately implored, "Have mercy, young hero! Please spare my life!"


    The ghost''s plea was unnecessary. Chu Liang and Lin Bei had already noticed something was off. Despite looking like a ghost, they hadn''t sensed even the slightest aura of death in the ghost''s actions. It was clearly a human pretending to be a ghost.


    When Lin Beinded and saw the ghost tightly bound in the tortoise-shell bondage method, he asked loudly, "Is it big? Does it feel <i>good</i>?"


    Chu Liang and the malicious ghost looked at Lin Bei bewilderedly. "<i>Huh?</i>" [1]


    "<i>Ah...</i> When I saw him bound in that position, I couldn''t help blurting that out..." Lin Bei exined. He quickly apologized, "Sorry. Please, carry on with your questions."


    Chu Liang ignored him and asked, "Are you a human or a ghost?"


    "I''m a human! I''m a human!" the malicious ghost eximed.


    He struggled with the rope in an attempt to reach out his hand. However, he couldn''t untie the binding, so he could only roll about helplessly.


    Chu Liang figured out what the ghost''s intention was. He stepped forward and pulled off the ghost mask.


    As expected, underneath that mask was the face of a man. It seemed that this man was a cultivator too. However, his cultivation level wasn''t high; he was likely only at the start of the middle stage of the second realm. He likely didn''t have any powerful divine abilities.


    "Who are you? Why are you pretending to be a ghost and ying tricks on people at the Li Family Estate?" Chu Liang questioned.


    "I just thought it was fun..." the fake ghost said softly.


    "<i>Heh</i>, don''t even think about lying," Lin Bei sneered. "I believe you can tell that my bro and I¡ªwe''re a little perverted. If you lie, who knows what we''ll do."


    The fake ghost''s expression turned grim. He looked down at the red rope binding him and thought that what Lin Bei said wasn''t just an empty threat. If he lied, the consequences might be unimaginable.


    So, he raised his head in fear and said, "Perv¡ªyoung heroes, please don''t get angry. I''ll confess!


    "It was the shopkeeper of Jingyue Pavilion, situated by the Qinnan River. He was the one that sent me here. He told me... to go to the Li Family Estate and pretend to be a ghost and y some tricks on the people there. And that it would be best if I injured a few people in the process to create a bigger fuss."


    "Jingyue Pavilion?" Chu Liang uttered.


    He wasn''t particrly surprised when he heard that name. He had already thought of this possibility when Manager Cui informed him about what had been happening in the estate. Naturally, Jingyue Pavilion would benefit the most from evil spirits causing disturbances in the Li Family Estate at this time.


    "That''s right. I was just acting on someone else''s orders. Young heroes, how about letting me go? I promise to cut ties with Jingyue Pavilion!" the fake ghost beseeched.


    "Let you go? Dream on," Lin Bei said with a re. He then asked Chu Liang, "How should we deal with him?"


    "Tie him up for the night," Chu Liang answered. "Tomorrow, hand him over to Manager Cui to deal with. The supposed presence of monsters in the Li Family Estate has had quite a negative impact on the estate. He needs the culprit so that he can get the news out there and make it known to all that it''s fake."


    "No! Young heroes, please spare me! It''s my first time here!" the fake ghost begged loudly.


    "Oh, drop the act. Everyone who gets caught always ims it''s their first time," Lin Bei said disdainfully. "Just confess truthfully, and it will all be over. How many times have you done this, with whom, where, who introduced you... Give us more details. If your information is useful, maybe we won''t tell your family and friends about this."


    The fake ghost had a dazed expression as he listened to Lin Bei''s words. Then he quickly replied desperately, "I''m not lying! I truly am here for the first time. The shopkeeper at Jingyue Pavilion thought the previous monster incidents at the Li Family Estate weren''t vicious enough, as no one got injured or died. So, he asked me to make some trouble."


    "That''s not right," Chu Liang muttered to himself. "Earlier, Manager Cui mentioned that the monster only went after women, not men. However, the person whom this guy frightened just now was a guard. Additionally, Manager Cui said that the previous monster moved extremely quickly, so no one got a good look at its appearance. Indeed, this guy doesn''t seem to be that monster..."


    Right then, a woman''s scream rang out from inside the estate, "<i>Aaaahhhh!!!</i>"


    "As I expected, there''s another monster," Chu Liang said. He turned to Lin Bei and told him, "Keep an eye on this one. I''ll head over there."


    "All right!"


    Lin Bei no longer had any objections about ying the role of Chu Liang''s assistant. After all, it was a fact that his cultivation level was lower than Chu Liang''s.


    Lin Bei turned and looked at the fake ghost whoy on the ground, tightly bound.


    With a fascinated expression that revealed his desire to learn, Lin Bei remarked, "This binding truly looks like it was the technique of a professional. <i>Ugh...</i> What''s that smelling from you?"


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" the fake ghostughed embarrassedly. "When I frightened that guard earlier, he just happened to be urinating, and I was standing in front of him..."


    "..." Lin Bei frowned deeply and shook his head. "I don''t think I want this enchanted artifact anymore."


    1. <i>Huh? </i>Indeed. Oh, Lin Bei. What should we do about you? ?

 Chapter 74: Koi Fish

    <h4>Chapter 74: Koi Fish</h4>


    In the tranquil night, a sudden cry pierced the air.


    Chu Liang deftly manipted his sword and was carried by the wind to the scene. There, he found two maidens from the estate, huddled together in a mix of panic and tears.


    Swiftly reassuring them, he said, "Don''t be rmed. What happened just now?"


    "There was a shadow over there..." one of the moreposed maids gestured towards the trees outside the courtyard. "It vanished like a fleeting gust of wind. It was truly terrifying!"


    "Both of you! Go back to your rooms and seek refuge now! I''ll go check it out," Chu Liang instructed before soaring in the indicated direction.


    Unleashing his divine sense, he detected a faint demonic aura in the air. The aura was subtle; the demon must have identally released its qi.


    Following the trail of the demonic aura, Chu Liang soon arrived in another courtyard. There, he saw a bright, colorful figure standing out even in the dark, which exined why the maidens had noticed it so easily.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang approaching, the figure became alert. It quickly spun around and flew off into the distance. It moved with incredible speed!


    Chu Liang immediately pursued.


    However, the figure moved through the air like a swimming fish; it effortlessly swayed left and right, seemingly impervious to resistance. Its speed was truly remarkable. It flew so fast.


    Despite Chu Liang''s full-speed pursuit, the figure was getting farther away in the blink of an eye.


    The creature''s speed rivaled that of the Human-Faced Xiao he''d encountered in the past[1], and even a cultivator in the Golden Core Realm would likely find it challenging to catch up. However, Chu Liang had already used the Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman, making it seemingly impossible for him to have another extraordinary pursuit at the moment.


    Nevertheless, the current Chu Liang was not the same as the one from the past; he had added a new enchanted tool to his arsenal.


    <i>Whoosh</i>¡ª


    A burst of green brilliance erupted as Chu Liang raised his hand, activating the Lifeforce Green Leaf. He stepped onto arge, carpet-like leaf and propelled himself forward!


    Though he hadn''t mastered fine control, Chu Liang had be much better at using the Lifeforce Green Leaf. With the short distances, he figured he could give it a shot. Even if he hadn''tpletely mastered the fine control of the Lifeforce Green Leaf, he couldn''t just watch as the demon escaped. He had to try and stop it.


    Thus, with his feet on the radiant green light, Chu Liang disappeared instantly, leaving only a fleeting afterimage behind.


    The demonic creature appeared surprised by Chu Liang''s sudden speed. As it turned its head and noticed Chu Liang rapidly closing in, it became visibly flustered. Its movements became more frantic as it tried to escape.


    After a brief pursuit, they reached the riverbank¡ªthe Qinnan River outside the South Gate City. Its swift currents and seemingly bottomless depths posed a formidable obstacle for Chu Liang. If the demonic creature were to decide to plunge into the water, Chu Liang would be powerless, as hecked any divine techniques usable underwater.


    At this point, Chu Liang was closing in on the demonic creature. He could almost discern its figure, which resembled that of an elegant girl.


    The demonic creature was as swift as the wind and as fast as lightning! It leaped high into the air, preparing to dive into the water.


    At this critical moment, Chu Liang had an idea.


    He shouted, "Go!"


    Chu Liang somersaulted midair,nding gracefully on the ground. The flying leaf that had just been beneath his feet continued forward due to inertia at an even greater speed. In an instant, it positioned itself beneath the demonic creature.


    Chu Liang immediately formed another hand seal and activated the defensive form of the leaf!


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Therge green leaf curled around the demonic creature, enveloping it. The leaf had transformed into what seemed like a zongzi suspended in midair.


    Chu Liang raised his hand again, slowly summoning the green leaf back.


    "<i>Mmm, mmm, mmm...</i>" Muffled cries and banging sounds echoed from within, evidence of the creature''s struggles to break free from the leaf.


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" Chu Liang snorted.


    <i>Trying to escape?</i>


    <i>I couldn''t even escape when I was the one wrapped in there!</i>


    This situation brought to mind a saying, "Trash is merely a resource misced." That... might not be entirely fitting though. The defense-boosting inscriptions that Wen Yulong had engraved in the leaf proved ineffective for defense but turned out to be excellent for binding.


    Gently lifting the "big zongzi," Chu Liang retraced his steps back to Li Family Estate.


    ...


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei met up in the loft located in the Li Family Estate. Each of them had someone in their grasp.


    "Wow! A new bondage enchanted tool?" Lin Bei eximed with mild surprise, eyeing therge zongzi Chu Liang was carrying.


    "Just... consider it a bondage tool," whispered Chu Liang.


    He briefly recounted what had happened and then ced the zongzi on the ground. Chu Liang and Lin Bei were both brimming with curiosity as they gradually unfurled the green leaf.


    <i>It''s like an unboxing event, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    With a sh of green brilliance, the leaf slowly unfolded, revealing an exquisite and otherworldly face of a girl. Her skin was as white as snow, her hair disheveled, and her big eyes radiated anger, with puffed cheeks amplifying her irritation.


    "Bad guy!" the girl shouted the moment she saw Chu Liang. Upon turning to Lin Bei, she swiftly added another insult, "Perverted bad guy!"


    However, when Chu Liang and Lin Bei saw her face, they were taken aback.


    "Liu Xiaoyu''er??"


    Her name lingered in their memory.


    They had watched numerous talented girls showcase their dance and vocal prowess in the audition that happened during the day. Yet, this naive girl,cking in both singing and dancing skills, was the one who had left asting impression. They remembered her well.


    "You know me?" the little girl asked as she looked around, appearing scared and weirded out.


    "We saw you during the audition... So, you''re a demon," Chu Liang said in a serious tone, frowning. "What was your motive for sneaking into the Li Family Estate during the day?"


    "I am here to find my sister!" Liu Xiaoyu''er shouted.


    "Sister?" Lin Bei raised his hand upon hearing this. "Give us more details."


    The little girl cast a nce at him and then at Chu Liang.


    Her beautiful brows remained furrowed as she asked, "Will you let me go if I tell you?"


    "Miss Xiaoyu''er, you''ve been visiting Li Family Estate frequentlytely. While it has caused some trouble, you haven''t harmed anyone. If you promise not toe again, we won''t make things difficult for you," Chu Liang said. "But regardless of the reason you came, I hope you can exin it clearly."


    "This isn''t fair," said the cultivator that had disguised himself as a ghost. He forcefully rolled over and lifted his neck as heined, "I haven''t harmed anyone either. Why am I being treated differently? Shouldn''t you at least bind her up like me before questioning?"


    "Get lost!" Lin Bei kicked the cultivator away. "Do you think I don''t want to¡ª<i>bah!</i> What do you think we are?!"


    After that, Lin Bei smiled and looked at Liu Xiaoyu''er as he said, "Little one, continue speaking. Don''t be afraid."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" The young girl hesitated for a moment, nced at Lin Bei''s face, then at Chu Liang''s face, as if she was judging whether they were good or bad people. After a while, she began, "My sister and I were originally part of the Koi n in the Bombax River..."


    "Oh... Koi..." Chu Liang rubbed his chin in thought.<i> These koi fish are pretty much our neighbors.</i>


    Liu Xiaoyu''er continued exining, "We used to live happily in the Bombax River, but some bad people always disrupted our peaceful life. My sister cultivated magical powers first, while I was just a little koi fish unable to take on other forms.


    "One day, my sister suggested taking me upstream for fun. We reached the Qinnan River and were suddenly swept into a cave at the riverbed.


    "Inside, we found an Amber Vermilion Grape nt with two mature grapes. Therge one could increase magical power by five hundred years, and the small one by three hundred years. My sister gave me the big one, and after eating it, I gained the ability to transform.


    "We were both overjoyed. We nned to y on the shore since I could now transform. My sister mentioned that by reaching South Gate City through the Qinnan River, we could explore more.


    "But as soon as we left that cave, a big turtle demon sought to devour us. We escaped and got separated. I identally entered a water mansion left by a senior fish demon, where a sitting fish spirit remained...


    "That fish left behind its flying fish soul, which fused with my body. Since then, I have gained the ability to swim very fast."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang murmured.


    He couldn''t help but marvel in awe at what he''d just heard. The two sisters were indeed koi fish. Just by venturing out of their home, they had extraordinary encounters and stumbled upon treasures in their travels.


    "I then remembered my sister mentioning going to South Gate City, and I thought I could find her there," Liu Xiaoyu''er said. "But the city had too many people, and I didn''t dare to enter. While I was passing by this estate, I noticed my sister''s scales outside the gates of the estate and caught a whiff of her scent...


    "I thought she might be in here, so I entered to look for her...


    "But this ce is too big. Even after searching for days, I didn''t find her. I even got caught by you," Liu Xiaoyu''er whispered, looking quite aggrieved.


    "I see," Chu Liang said with a nod. "I will inquire on your behalf tomorrow to see if anyone has seen your sister, but you mustn''t sneak in here at night again. It will frighten people."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked at Chu Liang and Lin Bei timidly. "Will you really help me?"


    "Of course!" Lin Bei promised as he gave himself a pat on the chest. "This big brother loves helping little girls who are lost."


    1. Remember the faceless Xiao? Refer to chapter 12. ?

 Chapter 75: Lord of the Marquessate

    <h4>Chapter 75: Lord of the Marquessate</h4>


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" the girl huffed softly.


    "If you help me find my older sister, I, Xiaoyu''er, would be very grateful. But if you deceive Xiaoyu''er, you will be Bad Guy Number Two and Bad Guy Number Three, and I''ll never forgive you," she threatened them loudly.


    However, her restless eyes revealed her uneasiness.


    "Bad Guy Number Two and Bad Guy Number Three?" Lin Bei asked curiously. "Who is Bad Guy Number One?"


    "Bad Guy Number One is a cultivator who keeps disturbing our lives in our home," Liu Xiaoyu''er said resentfully. She nced at Chu Liang. "He looks a bit like you, but uglier, with a thin and tall body but fat and twisted.... He is like a very terrifying big monster.


    "When I gain more magical powers, I will definitely beat him up if I ever see him again!"


    "Alright." Chu Liang smiled. "If we meet that big bad guy in the future, we''ll help you beat him up. We assure you that we, the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, will never be bad people."


    That night, they called the people of the Li Family Estate to arrange a room upstairs for the young girl so that she could get some rest.


    Chu Liang still kept an eye on the movements upstairs, wondering if the girl might be lying or attempting to escape overnight. However, she slept soundly until dawn.


    Clearly, this koi fish was quite carefree.


    The next day, they sought out Manager Cui.


    "<i>Ohhhh!</i>" Manager Cui eximed.


    He was ecstatic when he found out upon waking up that the two young heroes had caught not only one monster but two.


    Manger Cui praised, "You young heroes truly embody the exceptional spirit of the Mount Shu Sect! In just one night, you solved the issues at our Li Family Estate. Truly remarkable!"


    "We were just lucky," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He went on to provide a detailed ount of the events from the previous night.


    Upon hearing about the cultivator pretending to be a demon, Manager Cui scowled furiously. "That Jingyue Pavilion is truly despicable! They couldn''tpete with us so they resorted to such deceitful methods."


    When the older sister of Liu Xiaoyu''er was mentioned, Manager Cui looked puzzled. "A fish demon? We''ve never encountered such a creature. In all these years, this is the first incident involving a demon."


    "It might not be a demon. Her sister might not have revealed her true form and came here in the guise of an ordinary woman," suggested Chu Liang.


    "Alright. I will look into it," Manager Cui agreed very cooperatively.


    Lin Bei then inquired, "Now that the matter with the monster is resolved, does this mean the Li Family Estate will have a chance to host the South Melody Conservatory''s performance?"


    Manager Cui chuckled. "<i>Hehe!</i> That''s pretty much for certain."


    "Then we will stay a few more days and enjoy the performance before we leave," Lin Bei suggested with a smile.


    "Of course," Manager Cui quickly agreed.


    Chu Liang nced at Lin Bei''s face, shaking his head. He had figured it out from the beginning; this guy hade on a business trip under the guise of dealing with monsters.


    <i>What a cover!</i>


    <i>Demon ying? Oh, that was just to make it convenient for him toe here.</i>


    ...


    Jingyue Pavilion was an establishment offering beautifully decorated boat rides on the Qinnan River as well as food, drinks, entertainment, and even brothel services. It catered to literati and schrs seeking a ce to gather and indulge.


    On this particr day, thergest boat at Jingyue Pavilion had been entirely reserved. A grand feast was in full swing within an exquisitely adorned private room.


    Despite the numerous attendees, there were only two main guests.


    Seated in the host''s position was a seemingly young teenager, dressed in a brocade robe with a jade belt. With red lips and white teeth, his features were strikingly handsome.


    Opposite him sat a tall and robust man exuding a rugged demeanor. Despite the opulent robe he wore, his strong martial aura was extremely strong, especially entuated by a deep scar on his weathered face.


    Apart from these two figures, the rest were attendants andpanions.


    "I''ve heard of the Eastern Whale Division for a long time. Meeting Brother Xue today truly reveals the heroic demeanor of the martial world. Admirable indeed," the young man said with a smile, raising the jade cup in his hand for a toast.


    The robust man responded with heartyughter. Without hesitation, he downed the wine in one go.


    Then, the robust man said, "Lord of the Marquessate, I am a vulgar man. I do not know how to speak those flowery words. If I say anything inappropriate, I hope you won''t take it to heart."


    "<i>Eh? </i>Big Brother Xue, you''re my guest. How can a guest do anything wrong?" the young man, addressed as the Lord of the Marquessate, replied with another smile. His voice exuded a gentle and elegant tone.


    "Recently, there has been a lot of tension within the Four Seas Whale Gang. The Chief''s subordinates have been keeping a close eye on us. The Eastern Whale Division''s leader, Vice-Chief Jiang, has ordered us to restrain all ndestine activities. This is why Master Cheng didn''t dare to show up and has instead sent me over to discuss things," exined the man with the surname Xue.


    He continued saying, "We have absolutely no intention to disrespect the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess."


    The Lord of the Marquessate nodded. "We have heard about the situation with the Four Seas Whale Gang, and we understand."


    The recent tumultuous changes in the Four Seas Whale Gang had been reported in the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces and were naturally known by all. Jiang Shenting of the Eastern Whale Division led the Four Great Guardians that served as his right-hand men. They were prominent figures in the Eastern Regions of the Yu Dynasty. One of the Four Great Guardians was named Cheng Gan.


    The guy present here was named Xue Hu, one of Cheng Gan''s trusted subordinates.


    "But..." The Lord of the Marquessate suddenly changed the topic. "We asked you to deliver the goods to Jiangnan, and you imed that the wind or the rain have been a problem. How long has it been already...?


    "Shouldn''t you give us an exnation? Could it be that Master Cheng is embarrassed to show up, so he asked you to be present here to bear the responsibility."


    "Master Cheng meant to say that after this final delivery, we will temporarily put our business with you on hold," Xue Hu said with a smile. "This is a crucial moment, and we can''t give the chief any chance to threaten us. If that happens, both the chief and Vice-Chief Jiang will not hesitate to hold us ountable."


    Xue Hu made it very clear.


    Currently, the Chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang was entangled in a power struggle with Jiang Shenting of the Eastern Whale Division. Cheng Gan, as a subordinate of Jiang Shenting, needed to ensure that every move made would not leave room for exploitation, given the potentially serious consequences.


    However, the Lord of the Marquessate wore a slightly puzzled expression.


    "Big Brother Xue, isn''t this critical juncture the time when you need support?" The Lord of the Marquessate spoke slowly. "If you stop working with us at this moment, it wouldn''t be advantageous, right?"


    "We are not permanently terminating our coboration. This is only temporary. When this matter is resolved, and Vice-Chief Jiang takes on the position of chief, Master Cheng will reach out to the marquess again," Xue Hu replied.


    "If Vice-Chief Jiang sessfully ascends to the leadership, won''t Master Cheng find himself in a more favorable position? Perhaps, at that point, he will look down on the businesses we are doing?" the Lord of the Marquessate asked with a smile.


    Xue Hu immediately shook his head. "How could that be?"


    "Master Cheng is well aware that our business has flourished in recent years, involving over a dozen royal nobles in the Southern Regions of the Yu Dynasty. The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess is just one representative," the Lord of the Marquessate said.


    He added, "If the Eastern Whale Division were to suddenly terminate this coboration, finding another business partner as big as your faction would be challenging. This would certainly make things very challenging for us, wouldn''t it?"


    "<i>Haha</i>, please forgive me, Lord of the Marquessate." Xue Hu wore a pained expression as he spoke. "Master Cheng tasked me with this final trip to discuss matters with you. Given the current situation, our business has to be temporarily halted.


    "However, there''s a possibility of resuming coboration after some time. If we persist against the wind, no matter who apprehends us, the oues won''t be favorable. You should also consider our challenges. If you pressure me, it will be very challenging for us."


    "Challenging?" the Lord of the Marquessate sneered. "Then, let''s not work together anymore."


    He abruptly stood up, saying, "Brother Xue, you''d better write back to Master Cheng and ry our intentions clearly to Master Cheng. Business isn''t something you can casually engage in or withdraw from as you please. It''s not that easy to leave so suddenly."


    With that, he turned and left the table, leaving Xue Hu sitting with an inscrutable expression.


    ...


    The Lord of the Marquessate, apanied by his entourage, disembarked andter rode a carriage all the way into the city, arriving at a mansion in South Gate City.


    It was the manor of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. The manor was imposing and majestic, with a clean street in front of the gate.


    The Lord of the Marquessate entered the courtyard and, upon doing so, inquired, "Has my father returned?"


    "The marquess has yet to return," someone promptly responded.


    The Lord of the Marquessate nodded without saying much. He headed straight to the backyard garden, turned down a corridor, and arrived outside a room. He then gently knocked on the door.


    "Xia An? Is it you?" a joyful female voice called out from inside.


    "It is I, " the Lord of the Marquessate answered.


    With a creak, the door opened, revealing a surprised face. The young woman inside had fair skin.


    "Why have you been gone for such a long time..." The young woman weed the Lord of the Marquessate inside and spoke with a tone of coyness. "I don''t know anyone here, and I want to leave to find my younger sister..."


    "Be a good girl. The affairs of the marquess household are hectic and South Gate City is big. If you went by yourself, it would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. I''ve already dispatched people to inquire about your sister''s whereabouts throughout the city. We will have news soon," the Lord of the Marquessateforted softly.


    "Alright..." the young woman uttered, nodding gently. She asked with concern, "You have been out for such a long time every day. Did you meet many girls? Have you be fond of someone else?"


    "How could that be? Silly girl," the Lord of the Marquessate said softly as he held her hand. "You are the most special girl I have ever met, and I will love you for the rest of my life."

 Chapter 76: The Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire

    <h4>Chapter 76: The Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire</h4>


    During his free time at the Li Family Estate, Lin Bei was engrossed in watching the auditions. Chu Liang, on the other hand, chose to cultivate on his own.


    Their amodation was in an elegant and serene courtyard separate from the main part of the Li Family Estate. They were being treated pretty well there.


    Chu Liang was currently studying and practicing the Talismanic Sword Seal in this secluded courtyard.


    After cultivating for a period on Mount Shu, he had reached a high level of proficiency with the Talismanic Sword Seal and was now quite good at using the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire.


    Chu Liang wanted to increase the number of talismanic characters that he could use simultaneously to three. However, it would be significantly more challenging to do that, as it was rted to the strength of his divine sense. Nevertheless, his cultivation level was currently at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, so he should be able to surpass the Dual Talismanic Sword soon.


    In this situation, Chu Liang was not content with leaving things as they were, so he proceeded to study and practice more talismanic characters andbinations. He already had the basics down, so if he continued mastering more characters, he would be able to use more characterbinations with the sword seal as his cultivation advanced.


    The talismanic character he was currently practicing was the character for ice.


    Of the five elements, the character for fire was the most fundamental talismanic character, and manybinations could be formed with it as the base. The Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire, which Chu Liang had already mastered, was an example of this. The wind would borrow the momentum of fire, enhancing the power of the wind. He could achieve a significant increase in power this way.


    Simrly, if he learned the character for thunder[2], he would be able to form thebination for a Dual Talismanic Sword of Thunder and Fire or the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Thunder. Making Dual Talismanic Swordbinations with a mix of wind, fire, and thunder would drastically increase the power of the sword seal.


    If he learned the character for wood as well, then he could form the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wood and Fire. He''d be able to use the wood character to expedite the activation of the fire character and unleash an extremely powerful fire from the sword seal.


    Thesebinations had their own distinguishing features, but in Chu Liang''s view, these talismanic sword seals that purely enhanced the power of the elements were quite simr to the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire in that aspect. They would not contribute any substantial changes to his development.


    However, the talismanic character for ice was different.


    Among the Dual Talismanic Swords, there was a special existence¡ªthe Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire. It was different from the sword sealbinations that produced amplified power through a synergy of the elements.


    What made the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire special was itsbination of twopletely different elements. The joint powers of ice and fire produced an incredible force capable of breaking the opponent''s defenses as easily as crushing dry weeds and smashing rotten wood. Such a power was very special.


    Chu Liang had only known that the characters of ice and fire could form such a wonderfulbination after learning about it from <i>The True Dao of Talisman-Making</i>. That''s why the character for ice was the third character he''d chosen to learn.


    The process of mastering the character for ice wasn''t difficult for Chu Liang, as he had experience with learning the previous characters. The character was slightly moreplex, but it was just a matter of practicing it a few more times.


    He tried out the Ice Talismanic Sword once. The sword qi left a chilling gust of cold air wherever it passed by. If someone were to be hit by this sword, the wound would be filled and sealed off with ice, causing even greater damage than an ordinary sword would.


    However, the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire was ten times more challenging to use than the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire. The elements of ice and fire were in opposition to each other, so they couldn''t simply bebined. The moment the talismanic characters activated, they would collide and explode overhead before the elements could even emerge. The collision of ice and fire would produce quite the explosion.


    After pondering over it some more, Chu Liang realized the key was that he could not let the two talismanic characters collide. He had to control them simultaneously with his sword qi. This involved the concept of exercising fine control, which was unsurprisingly connected to various aspects of cultivation.


    Chu Liang had deliberately trained to improve the dexterity of his divine sense, so it might already be better than that of many cultivators who were also in theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. Yet, he still felt that it wasn''t good enough. That was because he was aiming to do much more than was the norm for his cultivation level; his peers wouldn''t have attempted as manyplicated sword sealbinations.


    After a morning of practice, Chu Liang finally managed to sessfully use and see his Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire take effect. The power it brought forth was not at all weaker than that of the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire, but it had a stronger ability to break through things. The destructive power of the alternating bombardment of ice and fire was incredible.


    However, Chu Liang''s rate of sess with thisbination was rather low. He had attempted it ten times and only seeded thrice.


    Chu Liang pondered for a while and felt that he''d done all he could to perfect the execution of thisbination. Nheless, achieving sess still depended partly on luck, so there really wasn''t anything he could do about that.


    "Oh!"


    While Chu Liang was thinking about luck, the image of a person suddenly appeared in his mind.


    He immediately went to the upper floor of the pavilion and knocked on the door of a room.


    "What''s the matter?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked groggily as she opened the door.


    This little girl had been asleep since yesterday evening. It was quite possible that she wouldn''t have wanted to get up at all if it hadn''t been for Chu Liang''s knock at the door.


    "Miss Xiaoyu''er, could you please help me?" Chu Liang requested with a smile.


    He pushed the little girl all the way to the center of the courtyard.


    With the dazzling sunlight shining down on her head, Liu Xiaoyu''er finally opened her eyes fully and said, "What do you want me to do?"


    "All you have to do is stand there," Chu Liang replied. "<i>Um...</i> you could also silently wish me sess."


    The little girl was puzzled. "''Wish me sess''?"


    "Wish Chu Liang sess," Chu Liang said, emphasizing the object of the wish.


    By doing so, he saved himself the trouble of having to discuss with her about the way humans addressed themselves and each other.[1]


    So, Liu Xiaoyu''er just stood there, utterly confused.


    After that, Chu Liang activated his flying sword and continued his training.


    "Ice... and fire... go!"


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª</i>


    The flying sword drew a ghostly streak of silver light through the air, apanied by the sound of a de piercing through the wind. Much like a shooting star, the flying sword led the way for two surging and intertwining streams of red and white and thennded in the distance with a loud rumble.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    After the dust settled, it revealed a charred pit that was covered in frost.


    "It really..." Chu Liang muttered while blinking, "seems to be somewhat effective?"


    He continued to use the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire nine more times in a row, making for a total of ten times. The tenth attempt failed due to his depleted foundational qi, but the other nine times had seeded!


    Chu Liang''s sess rate had improved drastically from thirty percent to ny percent.


    Was this the magic of the Koi fish?


    He looked at Liu Xiaoyu''er and wondered whether his future rewards would have outstanding effects if he had her around.


    Feeling bored, the little girl let out a yawn and asked with narrowed eyes, "Is there anything to eat? I''m hungry."


    ...


    Chu Liang quickly called one of the Li Family Estate''s maids to cook some food for Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Coincidentally, Manager Cui came looking for Chu Liang at this moment to tell him about something.


    "I''ve got some information on that girl you asked me to inquire about yesterday," Manager Cui said in a hushed voice.


    "Oh?" Chu Liang uttered.


    Manager Cui continued exining, "A youngdy with a resemnce to Miss Liu was indeed spotted in the estate two days ago. At that time, the son of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was hosting a banquet in the estate. Some people saw her chatting with the Lord of the Marquessate for a while, but her whereabouts afterward is unknown. If you''re thinking of searching for her, we''ve already done so and could not find her anywhere in the estate. However, the Lord of the Marquessate may know about her whereabouts."


    "The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess?"


    It was Chu Liang''s first time hearing this title.


    Manager Cui then gave Chu Liang a quick exnation as to who the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was.


    After Emperor Yu''s takeover of the throne, he awarded titles to many imperial families, ministers, and influential officials for their meritorious services. Most of them had been from the poor and barren Western and Southern Regions.


    After many years of hereditary session of the titles, those families had long lost any semnce of real authority. Nevertheless, they remained as highly respected families.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess in South Gate City was a genuine kin of the imperial family, and his surname was Xia.


    "I see..." Chu Liang said. "Then let''s go find that Lord of the Marquessate and ask him."


    "I''ve already sent a letter to inquire about the youngdy in question, but considering the esteemed status of the marquess'' family, it might take them quite a long time to respond to such an inquiry. Miss Xue will be arriving in South Gate City tomorrow, and we''ll be holding a banquet here then. Distinguished figures of the city will be attending, and the Lord of the Marquessate is one of them. Perhaps you and the other young hero could attend the banquet as representatives of the Mount Shu Sect and ask him then?" Manager Cui suggested.


    "That sounds good." Chu Liang nodded. "Many thanks, Manager Cui."


    "Oh, it''s no matter," Manager Cui replied with a smile.


    Chu Liang was about to say a few more words out of politeness, but he felt a subtle change in the White Pagoda.


    It was the Crimson Executioner. This righteous sword had emitted its signal.


    Chu Liang''s eyebrows twitched.


    <i>Is there a bad guy around?</i>


    1. This scene here needs a bit of an exnation. In the raw, Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er refers to herself in third person. However, that¡¯s not a normal thing in English, so we¡¯ve tried to minimise the number of times she refers to herself in third person. I can only assume that the author has made it so that demons only refer to themselves by name, which exins Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er¡¯s confusion. ?


    2. This was previously lightning. Chinese authors love using thunder instead of lightning even though the technique really produces lightning. We had on choice but to change this to thunder because the actual character for lightning, which is really electricity, exist as well. ?

 Chapter 77: Ice and Fire Refinement of Turtle

    <h4>Chapter 77: Ice and Fire Refinement of Turtle</h4>


    Just as Chu Liang was about to leave to talk to Manager Cui, a slow-moving elderly man entered the courtyard.


    He wore a coarse linen robe, was hunched over heavily, and had a head of sparse white hair, looking very elderly. His walking pace was frustratingly slow, yet each step exuded an unexpected strength that contradicted the frailty usually associated with old age.


    This seemingly beggar-like elderly man had no reason to be in a courtyard of the Li Family Estate. It was unknown as to how he had managed to slowly make his way into the estate.


    If anyone working for the estate were in the courtyard, they''d find his presence strange. However, there was only a koi fish in the courtyard.


    Fixing her gaze on the peculiar-looking old man, Liu Xiaoyu''er blinked a few times before asking, "Bald old man, did youe to bring me some food?"


    "<i>Hehehe...</i>" The old man emitted a hoarseugh and gradually raised his head, saying, "Yes, little girl, I can''t walk anymore. Can you help me?"


    Without suspecting anything, Liu Xiaoyu''er walked over and offered her assistance, holding onto the old man''s elbow.


    However, the old man''s other hand swiftly extended, deftly flipping over to grab Liu Xiaoyu''er''s arm.


    With a sinister smile, he dered, "I''ve finally caught you."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked at him in confusion, attempting to help the old man walk. After a couple of tries, she realized he remained motionless.


    Puzzled, she questioned, "Bald-headed old man, what are you doing?"


    "Little girl, do you know who I am?"


    The old man grinned, and in a sudden transformation, his aged face expanded and elongated. A neck protruded over a foot, morphing into an ugly, smooth head with sharp fangs!


    It was the head of a turtle!


    In astonishment, Liu Xiaoyu''er stared at the unexpected transformation, immediately recognizing the creature''s true form.


    "You are that wicked turtle demon!"


    "<i>Hehehe...</i>" The old turtle chuckled, "You two little koi fish devoured the precious treasures I painstakingly nurtured for years. Do you think you can just run away like that? Not a chance. As long as I eat you, all those years I spent nurturing the Amber Vermilion Grape and Flying Fish Soul won''t be wasted."


    As it spoke, it opened its menacing jaws, ready to swallow Liu Xiaoyu''er whole.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhh...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er screamed. Although she had the Flying Fish Soul, she was firmly caught and couldn''t break free.


    At the critical moment, amanding voice rang out, "Stop!"


    A green light flew over, enclosing Liu Xiaoyu''er entirely. She instantly became like a huge zongzi. This was the second time the young girl had been wrapped in the green leaf enchanted tool, but this time it saved her life.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    <i>Creak...</i>


    The old turtle bit onto the green leaf enchanted tool, grinding its teeth and producing a harsh, ringing sound.


    After grinding its teeth for a while without any effect, it resentfully lifted its turtle head, ring angrily at the person who had just arrived.


    It was Chu Liang, who had hurried back after sensing the call of the Crimson Executioner.


    This demonic creature in front of him was the source of the sword''s anger, and this old turtle was enveloped by an aura of resentment. It hadmitted great crimes!


    "Kid... you are a cultivator, and this little girl is a demon. You have no business interfering in the affairs between demons," the old turtle said insidiously.


    "She is just an innocent little fish, and thisnd is the territory of humans. I cannot let youmit a crime here," Chu Liang replied firmly.


    "Innocent?" The old turtle''s voice suddenly became sharp. "Are you calling <i>her</i> innocent?"


    "Do you have any idea how much effort I''ve put into cultivating the Amber Vermilion Grape at the bottom of the Qinnan River for over a hundred years?!" the old turtle eximed with frustration. "To speed up its maturation, I nourished it with the blood of countless creatures."


    "My original n was to consume therger grape when its medicinal properties reached five hundred years," the old turtle exined, his voice carrying a sense of fury. "Then, I intended to spend more time nurturing the smaller one. By consuming both, I would gain a thousand years of Dao cultivation, transcending into Dao and finally bing a human!"


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but be secretly shocked by what the turtle just said. No wonder this creature emitted such a strong aura of resentment, catching the attention of the Crimson Executioner. Using the blood of countless innocent creatures, the old turtle had forced the Amber Vermilion Grape to ripen prematurely. This turtle likely had something to do with the frequent drowning cases in the Qinnan River in recent years.


    It was evident that he couldn''t let the old turtle escape today.


    "But just the day before I was ready to harvest, these two fish somehow found their way into the cave," the old turtle continued. "Each fish ate one grape. They devoured my Amber Vermilion Grape! When I discovered this, I intended to eat them, but they managed to escape. I could forgive them for eating my grapes. However, one of them fled into the water mansion that had caught my attention for a long time.


    "The Flying Fish Soul in that mansion had been nurtured by me for hundreds of years. It was finally about to reach the time when it would fuse with my body. Yet, she fused with it!


    "I am a turtle demon. It took me several days to walk here. Do you know how that feels? For the past hundred years, I''ve dreamt of using the Flying Fish Soul to enhance my speed and be a demon that could walk normally.


    "Aaah..."


    Even as the old turtle recounted past events, his anger remained palpable.


    Watching the creature''s expression of pain and frustration, Chu Liang could somewhat empathize with its feelings.


    The feeling was like earnestly singing the birthday song and making a wish, only to have someone blow out the candle before you could open your eyes. The frustration would stick in your throat, impossible to be spat out or swallowed. This kind of grudge could turn you into a zombie if you had died on the spot.


    And this old turtle had been waiting for hundreds of years, so one could imagine how frustrated he felt.


    "If you stop me, I will eat you too!" the old turtle roared angrily, his eyes filled with hysteria. "Can you protect her <i>and</i> yourself?"


    Having said that, he advanced, rushing toward Chu Liang.


    One step, two steps, three steps, four steps...


    After a while, he only walked about ten zhang.


    "..."


    Chu Liang showed a hint of sympathy in the corner of his eye and couldn''t help but say, "Old man, with your walking speed, you shouldn''te ashore to fight people, okay? I''ll draw a circle here, and you can walk towards this circle. I''ll go get lunch. I''ll still be standing in this circle when Ie back. I promise you that I won''t move a step. If you manage to reach here, I''ll fight you."


    "<i>Arggggg...</i>"


    The old turtle became unbearably enraged. This mockery had indeed touched a sore spot. If it weren''t for his slow movements onnd, he wouldn''t have been so eager for that Flying Fish Soul.


    In a fit of rage, he twisted its body, transforming back to its original form!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With a resounding crash, a giant azure turtle, several dozen zhang tall, appeared in the courtyard, almost filling the entire space!


    Even for powerful demons, it was rare topletely reveal their true form on human territory. This was because doing so exposed their demonic aura entirely, making it detectable by cultivators within a radius of dozens of miles.


    However, he no longer cared about such concerns. He just wanted to kill the cultivator in front of it first and then go back to devour the zongzi with fish meat filling!


    "<i>Raaar¡ª</i>"[1]


    The giant turtle roared, lifting his long neck and emitting a ck radiance from his mouth!


    Seeing this, Chu Liang didn''t hesitate anymore. He flipped his hand and summoned the Crimson Executioner from the White Pagoda, activating the sword of righteousness that seethed with anger.


    <i>Sizzzzzzle¡ª</i>


    The Crimson Executioner ascended into the air, leaving afterimages of the sword light behind that merged into two talismanic characters. With a pointed sword, the talismanic characters shot out with the sword qi.


    It was the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire!


    While the Dual Talismanic Sword was a basic technique in the Dao of Talisman-Making, the Crimson Executioner could transform the Hundred Swords Seal into the Ten Thousand Swords Seal. Therefore, even though the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire was not a high-level technique, its power could be amplified a hundredfold when executed by the Crimson Executioner.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    As soon as the sword was drawn, there was a rolling thunder. A frosty white dragon and a fiery red dragon, both swirling, converged into a two-colored violently rotating column of air. The dragons roared and howled, shaking the surroundings.


    The giant turtle lifted his head and spat out a ck beam of light. Without hesitation, Chu Liang unleashed the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire. The ck beam of light collided with the sword tornado, and the ck radiance dissipated.


    The next moment, the sword tornado advanced rapidly, continuing to bombard the giant turtle. The turtle was shocked, realizing the danger. He retracted his head and simultaneously retracted his limbs, sealing himself within his shell.


    He had withdrawn into his shell!


    Relying on this turtle shell, the turtle had roamed freely in the Qinnan River water region for many years. No one had ever breached his defense.


    But now, he encountered Chu Liang''s Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire with the power super amplified.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    The sword tornado struck the turtle shell. The two great forces swirled angrily and entered the shell; they were like a frosty dragon and a fiery dragon roaring and twisting as they pushed into the shell. This was like a punishment from the heavens!


    The forces of ice and fire alternated in their pathway, breaking through the turtle''s extremely tough defense.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The stalemate was brief. The sword tornado then prated the defense of the turtle shell and collided with the retracted turtle head.


    There was ice! Fire! And endless explosions!


    There was not a single turtle head in the world that could withstand such devastation. In an instant, the helmet and armor were thrown off, and pitch-ck blood spilled like a flood. In the next moment, it was frozen by the frost and vaporized by the mes, leaving only a dried-up skeleton to copse softly.


    The turtle head had been refined by ice and fire.


    The battle ended in an instant. Only andscape of emptiness remained.


    1. Can turtles roar? Just pretend they can. ?

 Chapter 78: Shock

    <h4>Chapter 78: Shock </h4>


    A procession of carriages elegantly traversed the mountain road,ing to a graceful halt in front of the Li Family Estate.


    "Master Li," several estate managers said in greeting.


    They assisted a middle-aged man in luxurious robes out of the first carriage. The man, the master of the Li Family, wore a kind smile.


    "Don''t concern yourself with me now; let''s focus on weing Miss Xue," Master Li replied and gestured toward the carriage behind him.


    Under the expectant gaze of onlookers, embroidered curtains were drawn aside, revealing a face with a rosyplexion and a calm andposed expression.


    "It''s Miss Xue..."


    The estate managers and servants of the Li family couldn''t hide their excitement at the sight of this woman. Some of the younger ones even had a gleam in their eyes.


    Xue Lingxue had been popr since her youth, gathering many admirers. The chance to see her in person was a rare and fortunate event, something they would boast about for years.


    "Hello, everyone."


    Despite exuding a slightly cold demeanor, thedy that descended from the carriage smiled politely and greeted the approaching crowd.


    For the inner disciples of the South Melody Conservatory, adhering to basic etiquette towards supporters was an integral part of their training, leaving no room for error.


    She wore a slim, sky-blue gown adorned with a jade belt around her waist, showcasing her tall and graceful figure. Her wless skin, nearly transparent in sunlight, embodied the rity of jade.


    Her name resonated with the natural imagery it invoked¡ªthe falling of frost, and snow covering thend of Jiangnan.[1]


    Among the disciples of her generation from the South Melody Conservatory, Xue Lingxue was hailed as the top instrumentalist. Her stunning beauty never failed to captivate onlookers, yet there was an air of distant reserve about her, casting a subtle chill that seemed to dim the surrounding sunlight.


    Exiting the carriages that followed Xue Lingxue''s were a group of young men and women, each dressed in distinctive attire. They stepped down one by one, some carrying instrument cases while others held luggage. These individuals were the outer disciples of the South Melody Conservatory, who had willingly chosen to act as attendants for the inner disciples. Their role included providing assistance to the inner disciples or performing supporting tasks. In return, if the inner disciples received any benefits, these attendants were entitled to a share as well.


    It could be said that Xue Lingxue''s teamprised these individuals.


    After everyone stepped out of their carriages, Master Li warmly greeted, "Miss Xue and all the musicians from the South Melody Conservatory, let me guide you into the estate to settle down and rest. We will arrange a banquet for youter."


    "Thank you for your hospitality, Master Li."


    Xue Lingxue spared herself from engaging in such pleasantries. One of the musicians from the side stepped forward to greet Master Li, following behind him as he led the way.


    Arge group of people entered the estate in a grand procession.


    "Our Li Family Estate is surrounded by mountains and waters, boasting beautiful scenery. Whether it is the timing, location, or people, everything is perfectly aligned. Miss Xue''s decision to coborate with our Li Family Estate this time is undoubtedly the right choice," Master Li said with a chuckle as he walked.


    One of the musicians from the South Melody Conservatory inquired, "We heard that the Li Family Estate was haunted by some demon a couple of days ago. Has this issue been resolved? If it disturbs Sister Xue''s rest, it wouldn''t be good."


    "Rest assured," Master Li replied, patting his chest. "What demon? It was just someone sent by ourpetitor to y tricks. It was just some despicable means. We requested esteemed cultivators from the Mount Shu Sect here, and the issue was resolved long ago. So, Miss Xue, please rest assured. We have also prepared some performances to wee you. I, Li, guarantee with my life that there won''t be any more demons."


    As soon as he said this, a loud rumble came from not far away. As the rumble sounded, a massive shadow suddenly emerged. It was a huge turtle. Its ck carapace was as tall as a towering building. The turtle''s colossal size indicated that it had cultivated for a few hundred years.


    Shockingly, this turtle had the audacity to reveal its true form in the territory of humans. This was a very rare urrence.


    At this moment, the demon qi permeated the air.


    Xue Lingxue''s brows furrowed, and she gently lifted her two fingers. The musicians beside her immediately spread out, subtly guarding her in the center. They were not just delicate artists; they were real cultivators who were skilled in music.


    Meanwhile, Master Li was momentarily speechless. He instinctively touched his neck, disying a trace of worry.


    Just as the sudden appearance of the giant turtle shocked everyone, another powerful aura surged from another direction.


    First, the giant turtle raised its head towards the sky, its mouth filled with ck light, seemingly about to unleash a dreadful attack. However, immediately afterward, a magnificent sword qi flew up to the sky. Apanied by the swirling frost dragon and fiery dragon on both sides, the power of the sword was incredibly formidable.


    "This..."


    "Is it a great battle between a cultivator and a demon?"


    "It is very rare to see such a battle in ordinary circumstances. I didn''t expect this to happen as soon as we arrived at this estate..."


    "Such powerful sword qi..."


    As the disciples from the South Melody Conservatory engaged in hushed discussions, Master Li''s expression changed rapidly, alternating between fear and embarrassment.


    Swiftly, he beckoned to Cui, his manager, and inquired, "Old Cui? What''s happening? Weren''t the demons supposed to be dealt with already?"


    "Indeed, the previous issue was resolved, but this seems to be something new," Manager Cui replied with a confused expression.


    "This is quite a show..." Master Li muttered resentfully.


    They weren''t rushing to escape for two reasons. First, powerful members of the sect in the ranking of Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were nearby. Second, they quickly figured out what was happening on the other side.


    Although the giant turtle appeared fearsome, the sword qi from the other side dismantled it like a fragile object, almost instantaneously piercing through its shell and destroying it from the outside in.


    Everyone observed from afar how the turtle head was refined by the ice and fire.


    Those who witnessed couldn''t help but feel shocked. "This..."


    "That''s a Talismanic Sword Seal from the Mount Shu Sect," Xue Lingxue remarked with indifference. "Although it''s a basic Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire, the cultivator disyed remarkably potent foundational qi. The intensity of this attack suggests a cultivator at the peak of the fifth realm or even someone from the sixth realm. Which senior from the Mount Shu Sect has graced us with their presence here?"


    As she posed the question, she subtly turned her head toward Master Li and Manager Cui, as if seeking information.


    After all, it was strange that a senior from Mount Shu of that level would appear in a small ce like the Li Family Estate, so Xue Lingxue was curious.


    Master Li was confused as well and turned to look at Manager Cui as well.


    "It''s not a senior..." Manager Cui exined, "There are two cultivators from the Mount Shu Sect, but they''re rather young. One goes by Chu Liang, and the other is Lin Bei. They shouldn''t be considered Miss Xue''s seniors."


    "Young disciples?" Xue Lingxue disyed a slightly surprised expression. She redirected her gaze to the lingering sword qi in the sky and mused, "I wonder who it is..."


    Young cultivators, especially those core members, from sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were acquainted with one another. Despite the South Melody Conservatory being a unique existence, its disciples also kept a keen eye on their counterparts from other sects.


    In this particr generation of disciples from the Mount Shu Sect, figures like Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai were well-known. However, even these two were only at the Fourth Realm of cultivation, making it unlikely for them to exhibit such formidable sword qi.


    Could it be another terrifying young genius? This would be significant news.


    While a prodigious figure might not immediately alter the dynamics of the cultivation world, the potential influence they could exert in the future was undeniable. Thus, from a young age, these individuals garnered attention.


    Then Xue Lingxue, still lost in her thoughts as she grappled with her feelings of surprise and doubt, overheard Manager Cui saying, "The person battling the demon is likely Young Hero Chu. Young Hero Lin got wind of your arrival and insisted on joining the weing party to meet you early... He''s the one at the back with thick eyebrows and big eyes."


    1. Just another y on words with the name. The first phrase (frost fell) starts with Ling and the second phrase (snow covering thend of Jiangnan) starts with Xue. ?

 Chapter 79: Evil-Dispelling Spell

    <h4>Chapter 79: Evil-Dispelling Spell</h4>


    At this moment, Young Hero Chu Liang was astonished too.


    He had previously witnessed the tremendous increase in power when the Hundred Swords Seal transformed into the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, so he had been somewhat prepared to see yet another immense amplification in power when he used the Crimson Executioner this time. However, using it with the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire did not result in an increase in quantity but an explosive boost in quality, shocking those who saw it in a totally different way.


    <i>Shing.</i>


    He withdrew the Crimson Executioner, which had aplished its task. Looking at its simple, unadorned de, he felt even more in awe of it. It seemed that the degree to which this righteous sword detested evil far surpassed what he''d thought.


    <i>It''s such a pity that the sword can''t always maintain this level of power. Otherwise...</i>


    The possibilities he envisioned were absolutely breathtaking.


    After a while, Chu Liang collected his thoughts and checked the massive corpse.


    Unfortunately, the giant turtle''s corpse was severely damaged, including its sturdy shell. The unstoppable Talismanic Sword Seal had cracked the shell all over. There was no value in salvaging it.


    This was an aspect in which monsters werepletely iparable to cultivators; monsters didn''t possess much of value that Chu Liang could take.


    Fortunately for Chu Liang, he had the White Pagoda. He had just collected a golden phantom, so he believed that he could refine a pretty good rewardter.


    Purely in terms of cultivation level, this old turtle seemed to be inferior to the giant lizard and the Tiger King Chu Liang had encountered in the past. Nevertheless, that didn''t mean he couldn''t receive a better reward for killing the old turtle.


    <i>Because...</i>


    Chu Liang shifted his gaze to therge zongzi and grinned.


    He walked over to it and performed a hand seal to release the zongzi filling, Liu Xiaoyu''er, from the zongzi. As the little girl stood up, she looked at the giant turtle with a rather confused expression.


    "Miss Xiaoyu''er, that giant turtle was trying to devour you, but I saved you," Chu Liang said.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er let out a startled gasp. "Thank you."


    "He refused to give up on his evil intentions, so I killed him topletely eliminate any future danger he might have ced you in," Chu Liang added.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" the little girl gasped again. Then she said, "You are really a good person."


    "So, shouldn''t you repay me a little?" Chu Liang continued to coax her.


    Obviously, just ying the part of a good person wouldn''t reap any benefits.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er tilted her head. "What do you want from me?"


    "I want you to..." Chu Liang said with a smile, "close your eyes and silently wish that my wishes wille true."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Liu Xiaoyu''er had no idea what was going on. This was probably her first time ever hearing such a strange request.


    Nevertheless, the obedient little girl did as she had been told. She closed her eyes slowly and silently wished for this good person''s wishes toe true.


    Chu Liang''s consciousness sank with his divine sense, and he entered the White Tower.


    <i>Since I''ve got the help of the Koi fish, why not seize the opportunity to reward myself? There''s no better time than now!</i>


    The golden phantom of the giant turtle filled an entire cell. Chu Liang approached and pressed the word "Refine" without the slightest hesitation.


    Simultaneously, he contemted what sort of reward would be best. He had already received enchanted tools, a talisman, and pills before.


    So, he said soundlessly, "May the koi fish bless me and grant me a divine skill."


    There was a brilliant sh of light. A jade slip wrapped in white light flew out of the cell andnded on Chu Liang''s palm.


    <i>Could it be...?</i>


    Chu Liang was quite surprised. He had anticipated that the blessing of the koi fish would have a positive effect, but he hadn''t expected that it would be this effective.


    [Evil-Dispelling Spell: This divine skill can only be used once a day. Effectiveness is only guaranteed if the spell is cast on someone with a lower cultivation level than the caster. The bewitched person will instantly be rid of all anger and forgive all of the caster''s previous actions for a brief period.]


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    This was indeed a divine skill, but Chu Liang furrowed his brows upon reading its description.


    <i>It''s rather strange. A forgiveness spell that can instantly rid the target of all their anger...?</i>


    <i>This thing doesn''t seem like it''d be very useful in battles. It''d be pretty good for mediating arguments though.</i>


    Just a moment after the jade slipnded on Chu Liang''s palm, the jade slip transformed into a ball of light. It integrated into his body, and a wave of insight gushed into his mind.


    It turned out that the divine skills that the White Pagoda rewarded him with did not need to be cultivated; they could be mastered automatically.


    <i>That''s really a good thing. I can save... just a tiny bit of time spent on studying.</i>


    Before he could ponder on it some more, he heard someone call out, "Chu Liang, did you do this?"


    Chu Liang opened his eyes to see and saw Lin Bei rushing over.


    "I was somewhere quite far away earlier, but I saw a massive turtle scuttling out from here and then getting cut down by a sword. Did you do that?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Yes..." Chu Liang answered with a nod. "That was a turtle demon who hadmitted all sorts of evil deeds. He wanted to devour Miss Liu Xiaoyu''er, so I had to take action."


    "How did you use such a powerful sword seal?" Lin Bei asked. "I witnessed it with some disciples from the South Melody Conservatory, and they were all stunned!"


    "It''s just a one-time thing; I can''t use it frequently," Chu Liang exined nonchntly. "If I could use something that powerful all the time, wouldn''t I be invincible?"


    "I guess so."


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s exnation, Lin Bei no longer suspected anything.


    He had only learned two days ago that Chu Liang had just reached theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, yet the level of power Chu Liang had demonstrated was far beyond his current cultivation level. So, even if Chu Liang were to im that power as his own, Lin Bei wouldn''t believe him.


    As for why Chu Liang had so many life-saving treasures, Lin Bei thought there was an easy answer for that.


    After all, wasn''t Chu Liang the only disciple of Silver Sword Peak? On the other hand, Lin Bei''s peak, Jade Sword Peak, had many disciples, so each person received fairly limited resources. So, it wasn''t baffling at all to Lin Bei that Chu Liang, the sole disciple of Silver Sword Peak, was incredibly wealthy.


    Lin Bei couldn''t help but feel a bit envious of Chu Liang.


    <i>It must be so nice being a disciple of Silver Sword Peak.</i>


    If Chu Liang knew what Lin Bei was thinking, he would probably want to weep.


    After chatting with Chu Liang for a while, Lin Bei turned to look at Liu Xiaoyu''er and asked, "Little Sister Xiaoyu''er, are you all right?"


    Liu Xiaoyu''er pouted and replied, "I''m hungry."


    "<i>Heheheh.</i> Let''s go eat something yummy," Lin Bei said whileughing and beckoning with his hand.


    The three of them headed out to eat. As for the headache of how to clean up the courtyard, they naturally left it to the Li Family Estate''s people to deal with.


    Once the food was ready, the three of them sat in arge hall to have their meal. Lin Bei and Liu Xiaoyu''er were focused on eating, asionally exchanging a few words of conversation.


    Chu Liang was the only one who seemed preupied. His thoughts were entirely focused on his newly acquired Evil-Dispelling Spell.


    <i>What would this weird divine skill be like in action? Is it really that effective?</i>


    Unable to resist his intense curiosity, Chu Liang looked at Lin Bei, who was enjoying his meal, and called out to him, "Hey."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Lin Bei uttered, raising his head.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang reached out and overturned Lin Bei''s bowl, chopsticks, and food with lightning speed, sending them ttering onto the floor in a mess of fragments.


    "What are you doing?" Lin Bei questioned.


    He was startled and very confused. There was also anger showing in his gaze.


    Chu Liang''s other hand stealthily made a move. He cast the Evil-Dispelling Spell!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A green halo that was visible only to Chu Liang descended onto Lin Bei''s head with a dazzling radiance. The moment the radiance of the green halo covered Lin Bei, the anger in his eyes immediately disappeared.


    "<i>Huh...</i>" Lin Bei uttered with furrowed brows, seeming rather confused. He muttered to himself, "Chu Liang suddenly overturned my food for no reason. It made me really angry. But he''s my good friend. There must be a special reason why he did that, right?


    "Of course, I''ll forgive him."

 Chapter 80: Manor of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess

    <h4>Chapter 80: Manor of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess</h4>


    Meanwhile, in a different part of South Gate City, a new scene unfolded.


    Liu Xiaoyu stayed at the Residence of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess for a few days. However, she felt deeply worried and desperately wanted to venture out to find her sister.


    She was a splendid koi fish in the Bombax River, the sole member of the n who had cultivated magical power. Unfortunately, shecked the strength to assume human form. Unexpectedly, during a day of joyous y with her younger sister, they stumbled upon a nt bearing two amber vermillion grapes. She gave her little sister therger one, granting her five hundred years of cultivation. Consuming the smaller one herself, she gained three hundred years of cultivation.


    With this, both sisters had acquired enough magical power to take on human forms.


    Immediately after consuming the Amber Vermilion Grapes, an evil turtle demon appeared out of nowhere, eager to devour them.


    In the midst of their escape, the two sisters got separated and lost each other.


    Liu Xiaoyu had instructed her younger sister to meet at South Gate City, so she decided to head there as soon as possible to await her younger sister''s arrival.


    As she approached the Li Family Estate, located just outside South Gate City, she encountered a very handsome young man. Despite appearing like a noble, he was gentle and friendly.


    He came up to her and asked her for her name and origin.


    She promptly responded that she was Liu Xiaoyu, the daughter of a fisherman by the river. She had lost sight of her sister and was heading to South Gate City to search for her.


    The young man identified himself as Xia An, the Lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, and kindly invited her to stay at his home. He assured her that he could leverage the marquisate''s power to help locate her sister swiftly. Xia An reasoned that it would be like finding a needle in the ocean if Liu Xiaoyu were to search on her own.


    Liu Xiaoyu was a demon who had lived many years, but she had never been out of the Bombax River. Lacking experience in the human world, she was easily convinced by Lord Xia to stay in the manor of the marquess.


    Being in this foreignnd with a considerate and gentle young man, Liu Xiaoyu, who was as naive as a young woman, swiftly found herself falling in love. She thought of herself as one of those female demons in legendary stories, meeting their ideal husband as soon as they stepped foot into the realm of humans.


    Liu Xiaoyu envisioned a future where she would be married to this man, living a happy and blissful life once she''d found her younger sister.


    After a few days passed, Liu Xiaoyu began to sense that something was wrong. The Lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, Xia An, would depart early and returnte daily, his busy schedule leaving only asional moments for visits.


    Regarding any news about her sister, there was none.


    Yet, she didn''t doubt Xia An''s promise. Her concern was for her naive and inexperienced little sister.


    If her sister wasn''t as lucky as herself to encounter someone as good as Xia An, what would happen?


    Unable to endure any longer, she left her room to see Xia An. She wanted to tell him how much she hoped to leave the house and search for her sister. Perhaps, through the connection between sisters, she would instantly locate her missing sister.


    The servants at the manor had be familiar with her during these recent days. She walked unhindered to the periphery of Xia An''s study.


    Upon noticing that the candlelight was still burning brightly inside, she concluded that he was still in the study.


    As Liu Xiaoyu approached, she heard voices from inside the study.


    In the study...


    Lord Xia was caressing a long and ancient sandalwood yaoqin[1] on the table.


    He said in amazement, "The ancient sandalwood demon could totally be used to make a legendary enchanted tool, but it has been used to make this useless qin. This is such a waste of resources."


    "To the Lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, this might seem like a waste, but it is absolutely an invaluable treasure to individuals who love qin. The Marquess has also spent a great amount of effort to acquire this qin. He instructed that you must not let his heartfelt efforts go to waste," the residence''s steward replied with a ttering smile.


    "This sandalwood kite-shaped guqin is just a tool to get close to Xue Lingxue. The effort it requires to win over that pride of the South Melody Conservatory is not just a small amount." Xia Anughed. "My father has already given me a tedious mission."


    "The marquess received secret news from the pce that Shen Qingyan from the South Melody Conservatory might marry the crown prince. If Xue Lingxue, a friend of Shen Qingyan, could marry into our marquessate in the future, your future prospects will be promising," the steward said. He remarked fawningly, "Lord Xia, your methods of charming girls are truly unmatched and are perfect for this task."


    "Don''t make it sound like I am a gigolo living off a woman," Xia An retorted as he cast a nce at the steward. "If it weren''t for Xue Lingxue being an extraordinary beauty, I wouldn''t have agreed."


    The steward nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes."


    The inner disciples of the South Melody Conservatory normally wouldn''t get into a rtionship at this time. Even if there were people they could be romantically involved with, they would only announce their rtionship publicly after the head disciple of this generation had been decided and thepetition had ended. Otherwise, it would have a significant impact on their poprity, a lesson learned through many painful experiences in the past.


    However, despite not announcing it, many had already made private arrangements. After all, being romantically involved with another person privately wouldn''t be known to others.


    Xia An''s determination to pursue Xue Lingxue remained unaffected.


    Despite being a seemingly unattainable goddess for countless people, she wasn''t entirely out of reach for Lord Xia, who was an aristocrat with imperial kin. Anything was possible for him.


    Moreover, ording to Xia An''s past experiences, the more of a goddess someone was, the fewer people would dare to approach her, so it might be even easier to win her over. As long as you could get close to her and be part of her life, charming her might not be as difficult as imagined.


    "By the way, have you talked to my father about the business?" Xia An asked. "He is focused on cultivating to extend his life, but the resources are all provided by the manor. If the Eastern Whale Division really cuts off doing business with us, he might not be able to cultivate so leisurely."


    "The marquess obviously knows about it. However, he is currently at a critical breakthrough point in his cultivation and temporarily has no time to deal with these worldly matters... Lord Xia, you''ll have to handle it for now," the steward said helplessly.


    "<i>Haih.</i> That is the limit of my father''s talent. Even after using up so many resources, he is still unable to advance to the peak of the sixth realm. If it weren''t for the human trafficking business, the entire manor might have been dragged down by him. Why doesn''t he know when to give up?" Xia Anmented with a hint of sarcasm.


    "If the marquess gives up, he would be at the end of his life." The steward didn''t dare to say much. He could only offer a smile. "If he fights for it and achieves the seventh realm, the world he sees will expand even more."


    "At the end of his life..." Xia An sneered.


    The meaning in hisughter was clear. <i>So what?</i>


    The steward obviously didn''t dare toment on the love of a father and the filial duties of a son. All he could do was pretend not to hear and smile awkwardly.


    While they were chatting inside, Liu Xiaoyu was listening outside and felt her heart drop.


    She was naive, but she wasn''t stupid. She could clearly understand the meaning behind Xia An''s words.


    <i>So, the so-called ideal husband I thought I found is actually just a scoundrel with mixed feelings?</i> Liu Xiaoyu thought.


    She wanted to leave this ce as soon as possible.


    However, she turned around and let out a cry of surprise, "<i>Ahh...</i>"


    Unbeknownst to her, a tall and thin figure had appeared behind her. He was dressed in ck clothes and showed a cold and indifferent demeanor. Additionally, he was as quiet as a ghost.


    Seeing that Liu Xiaoyu had discovered him, the man in ck chuckled coldly. "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    Without any hesitation, he raised his hand and smacked her on the forehead.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    As his palm fell, Liu Xiaoyu fainted right away. Even with her hundreds of years of cultivation as a demon, she couldn''t fight back at all.


    When Xia An heard that, he rushed out and eximed, "Master Lu?"


    "Lord Xia..." The man in ck, who was being addressed as Master Lu, spoke with a sinister tone. "I found this girl eavesdropping outside."


    "How long has she been here?" Xia An asked.


    "It should have been a while," Lu replied.


    "<i>Haih...</i>" Lord Xia shook his head and sighed. "It''s a pity. Considering her innocence and naive qualities, I wanted to try a purely romantic rtionship. What a shame."


    "In that case, shall I kill her?" Master Lu asked nonchntly as he pressed down on Liu Xiaoyu''s head with his right hand. It seemed as though he had done this many times.


    "<i>Haih...</i> Don''t be wasteful," Xia An said, waving his hand. "Take her to the cabin outside the city and sell her with the next batch of goods."


    "Yes."


    Master Lu then let go of Liu Xiaoyu and lifted her up. After a moment, he was gone.


    Xia An watched Master Lu disappear into the distance.


    After estimating that Master Lu had gone far enough, Xia An sneered and said, "He is such a weirdo. He''s never interested in women, but he''s in such a hurry to kill them."


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" The steward must have been ustomed to Lord Xia''s habit of talking behind people''s backs. He could only smile and respond, "Master Lu has inherited the Heavenly Star Unusual Art of the Seven Killings Star. He might be ruthless, but as long as he remains loyal to the marquess, he is good."


    "Seven Killings..."


    Xia An turned around to head back into the room.


    Before that, he said, "When I asked him to teach me, he would say that I am not destined to learn it. I don''t even know what that precious legacy is all about. <i>Hmph</i>."


    1. yaoqin is just another name for guqin. Guqin means ancient qin. They are really the same type of instrument. ?

 Chapter 81: Evening Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 81: Evening Banquet</h4>


    The structure of the human cultivation world¡ªthe ranking of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten¡ªactually took shape only in the past five hundred years. If there was a dividing line, it would be traced back to the loss of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda by the Mount Shu Sect.


    Since the Mount Shu Sect lost the divine weapon that protected the sect, its status gradually declined. The position of the number one immortal sect in the mortal realm naturally became vacant.


    At that time, the two most powerfulpetitors were the overseas Peni Supreme Sect and the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, a sect that didn''t follow the three schools of thought.


    The Peni Supreme Sect had operated beyond the continent of the nine provinces for years. With an ancient lineage and abundant resources, it stood as a sect of significant heritage.


    In contrast, the Heavenly Star Divine Cult stood apart from the three conventional schools of thought. At its peak, it could be deemed the fourth school, a huge faction dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Heavenly Star Unusual Art. It served as both a force for good and evil and an overseer of various martial arts lineages.


    In theirpetition for the position of the leading sect of the righteous path at that time, both sects embarked on extensive recruitment campaigns, aiming to enhance their strength as much as possible and surpass each other within a short time.


    In reality, although there were very few individuals with the aptitude for cultivation, it wasn''t as rare as one might think. The main reason major sects always maintained a rtively small scale was due to resource limitations. It would be meaningless to recruit more disciples when there were insufficient resources for cultivation.


    While thepetition between the two sects in the short term seemed evenly matched, as time passed, the disadvantages of the Heavenly Star Divine Cult became apparent.


    The Peni Supreme Sect, based across the seas with abundant resources, effortlessly navigated through this brief period of high expenditure.


    The Heavenly Star Divine Cult, however,cked such abundant resources for cultivation.


    Within less than a hundred years, intensepetition erupted within the sect. Moreover, with different lineages having distinct characteristics, the Heavenly Star Divine Cult wasn''t united. The leader at that timecked full control.


    As a result, the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, despite being such a huge existence, unexpectedly fell apart without any external military intervention.


    Just by looking at the various sects and factions that emerged after the split of the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, one could vividly grasp the magnitude of its former terror.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion, one of the Divine Nine, held a unique position. The Heavenly King Sect, one of the Divine Nine, the Sea King Sect, part of the Terrestrial Ten, and the Dark King Sect, the sect currently leading in the diabolical path, had only started following the diabolical path after the Heavenly Star Divine Cult broke apart.


    Apart from these major sects, there were also scattered small lineages, epassing both righteous and diabolical paths.


    For instance, in the early days of the human cultivation world, there was the Evening Star Sect, which stirred up a small ripple in the sea of the martial world... There was also the Celestial Charm Sect that wreaked havoc in the world... Some martial arts lineages, like the Seven-Killings Star, the Ruinous Star, and the Greedy Wolf Star, were considered more diabolical than righteous...


    In the realm of immortal cultivation, some martial arts styles had stood the test of time while others had been forgotten. But there were those that, although inactive for a while, had the power to suddenly reappear and make a bigeback.


    ...


    "Distinguished guests of South Gate City! Wee! Your presence here brings light to our humble abode. If there''s anything about today''s feast that doesn''t meet your satisfaction, please don''t hesitate to let us know. We''ll make sure to make any adjustments needed."


    With a smiling face, Master Li stood on a tform that was one-step higher and extended a warm wee to the well-dressed dignitaries before him.


    This was the start of the prelude banquet that happened before Xue Lingxue''s performance today. Everyone present was either a wealthy or noble prominent figure in the city. The spacious hall was adorned with several banquet tables with each table amodating only a few guests.


    The open space provided convenience to the uing festivities, allowing people to move around to offer toasts and engage in social interactions.


    The banquet, no matter its original purpose, would soon veer away from its intended focus and turn into a lively social gathering.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei nced around. They felt a bit perplexed as they took their seats at the table closest to the stage, reserved for the chief guests of the banquet.


    Xue Lingxue''s name was also prominently disyed on the same table, emphasizing its significance. Although her time at the table would be brief, it underscored the importance of that particr seating arrangement.


    Seated beside them were the distinguished officials of South Gate City. While Chu Liang and Lin Bei didn''t know the names of these individuals, the respectful behavior of those nearby suggested their esteemed status.


    If the seats were arranged out of respect for the Mount Shu Sect, that would have made sense. However, Chu Liang and Lin Bei weren''t representatives of the Mount Shu Sect; they had merelypleted a mission for the sect and were young attendees who had gotten a chance to attend the concert for free. How had they managed to secure seats near the stage?


    And so, Chu Liang went to see Manager Cui and asked in a whisper, "How did we end up with such prime seats near the front? I feel a bit out of ce."


    "It was at Miss Xue''s request," Manager Cui exined with a smile. "I hadn''t nned on assigning these seats to you, but Miss Xue insisted, so we had toply."


    Chu Liang was somewhat puzzled, but it was toote to rearrange seats, so he had no choice but to sit down.


    While Chu Liang had gone to seek rification, Lin Bei had already started drinking with the two middle-aged men.


    "Uncle Zhang, are you the general of the garrison? The military power of the entire city is under yourmand! That''s impressive!


    "Chen, you are the city''s chief official? Is your position higher or is the general of the garrison more senior?


    "<i>Heheheh!</i> Who am I? I am Lin Bei..."


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile wryly; Lin Bei''s social skills were terrifyingly good. Unless there was a rope around his neck to restrain his movement, he would be capable of striking up a conversation with anyone in an instant.


    Just as they were talking, they heard a voice outside shouting, "Lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, Xia An, is here!"


    All eyes shifted towards the entrance as a handsome young man entered, apanied by a tall, thin figure in ck, presumably his bodyguard. The tall and thin figure in ck was also holding a long box in his hands.


    Without a doubt, the young man was the Lord of the Marquessate, the person Chu Liang intended to inquire about concerning Liu Xiaoyu''er''s elder sister.


    Lord Xia was seated at the foremost table, which meant that he was naturally seated close to Chu Liang.


    However, instead of immediately approaching Lord Xia, Chu Liang appeared cautious, directing his attention to the man in ck.


    The thin, tall man in ck handed the long box to a banquet servant and took a seat towards the back.


    A servant then loudly announced, "Lord Xia presents a gift to Miss Xue! The sandalwood kite-shaped guqin!"


    "Wow!"


    The crowd buzzed with excitement. The sandalwood kite-shaped guqin was known as one of the legendary instruments, believed to be lost for many years. Unexpectedly, the Lord Xia had found it and generously presented this precious instrument to Xue Lingxue.


    As a skilled musician specializing in the art of the qin, one could easily imagine how much Xue Lingxue would love such an exquisite instrument.


    However, Chu Liang''s attention was not on the qin but on the man in ck. The moment he appeared, Chu Liang felt the sudden movement of the Crimson Executioner.


    This ck-d man was enveloped by a cloud of resentment.


    Although the Crimson Executioner was eager to act, Chu Liang couldn''t just leap up and strike with his sword. After all, the situation was different this time; the person in question had a legal and proper identity. Even if he might be a bad person, he could only take action after gathering enough evidence. Otherwise, if he randomly killed that person, he would be the viin instead.


    Moreover, Chu Liang wasn''t certain if he could defeat the man.


    While the Crimson Executioner could boost the attack power, Chu Liang''s strength in cultivation was limited. Even if the attack power was boosted, the strength would only be somewhere between the pinnacle of the fifth realm and the beginning stage of the sixth realm.


    The man in ck exuded a profound aura,pletely undetectable. If he happened to be a cultivator in the sixth realm, Chu Liang wouldn''t be able to fight with him even with the Crimson Executioner.


    Nheless, this person had captured Chu Liang''s attention.


    At this moment, a female musician from the South Melody Conservatory, serving under Xue Lingxue, took the stage. She announced, "Thank you all for being here. Senior Sister Xue is currently preparing backstage. As a prelude to the main event scheduled in two days, she will be presenting a warm-up performance today."


    The audience erupted in enthusiastic apuse.


    The musician continued, "However, Sister Xue''s performance requires a coborator. She intends to choose from among you. Is anyone willing?"


    The crowd responded with a resounding, "<i>Yes.</i>"


    At that moment, Master Li beside them suggested, "Since Lord Xia has just gifted the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin, how about performing with this legendary instrument? Let us hear the melody of this lost ancient qin."


    The female musician hesitated for a moment, looking towards the side. Naturally, she couldn''t make the decision for Xue Lingxue.


    Then, Xue Lingxue, dressed in a in blue gown, calmly stepped onto the stage. With an aloof-looking smile directed at the Lord of the Marquessate, she said, "Of course. Lord Xia, thank you for finding this legendary qin... In this case, I would like to ask Young Hero Chu of the Mount Shu Sect to help me in this performance."

 Chapter 82: Morale-Boosting Melody

    <h4>Chapter 82: Morale-Boosting Melody</h4>


    "...?"


    Upon hearing Xue Lingxue''s words, the people below the stage, including Chu Liang himself, were quite astonished.


    Everyone present was a regr in the upper echelons of South Gate City, so they had long since been well-versed in the basic life skill of having emotional intelligence.


    That was why, after witnessing the young lord Xia An deliberately arrivete to show off his status and give a gift as precious as a sandalwood kite-shaped guqin[1] to Xue Lingxue, almost everyone present could tell that he had intentions toward her.


    Consequently, Master Li''s suggestion that Xue Lingxue should y the guqin had been an indirect reminder that she should choose the young lord to apany her on stage.


    Be it in terms of his status or his gift, the young lord was undoubtedly the top figure of tonight. It had been expected that Xue Lingxue would choose him.


    However, Xue Lingxue hadn''t gone along with the expected choice. She had baffled everyone by calling out a name they didn''t know.


    Chu Liang stood up with a small smile and said, "It''s truly an honor to receive Miss Xue''s invitation, but I have no skills in music... I''m afraid I won''t be able to assist you."


    "No matter," Xue Lingxue replied, smiling gently.


    Someone was already setting up a table in front of her, and they ced the guqin on it.


    Xue Lingxue gently caressed the guqin and continued, "Because the piece I''ve prepared for tonight is the South Melody Conservatory''s ''Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves<strong>.''</strong> The song is imbued with divine skills for assisting in battles. I want everyone to appreciate the magic of my sect''s music.


    "That''s why I need a highly skilled cultivator as my apanist. Young Hero Chu is from the Mount Shu Sect, so you''re naturally the most suitable for this role. Would you do me the honor of joining me on stage?"


    <i>The piece is called "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves"...?</i>


    Chu Liang had heard of the song before, as it was considered one of the ssic songs that the South Melody Conservatory had produced. Nevertheless, he had never heard the song itself.


    Seeing as Xue Lingxue had exined why she''d chosen him, it wouldn''t be right for Chu Liang to embarrass her by declining again.


    So, Chu Liang nodded and epted the invitation, "I''d be honored."


    Lin Bei, who was beside Chu Liang, wore a dour expression as he muttered, "A person who has a high level of cultivation and is from the Mount Shu Sect... Am I not counted as a person?"


    Simr sentiments were shared by the young lord sitting opposite them. Xia An gritted his teeth and forced a smile while anger surged inside him.


    <i>Am I not a person? Do I not have emotions?</i>


    <i>I spent so much money just to win your affection, yet all you did was say thank you. Then you turned away to closely interact with another man.</i>


    <i>You''re even using the guqin I gifted you. Are you just trying to let me feel a little involved?</i>


    Xia An felt really angry, but he had to maintain his elegant demeanor. The young lord''s anger continued to surge uncontrobly while he watched Chu Liang walk onto the stage.


    By the time Chu Liang arrived at the table on which the guqin had been ced, Xue Lingxue had already sat down. She gently raised her hand, indicating for Chu Liang to sit on the floor as well.


    "What should I do?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Young Hero Chu, just calm your mind and activate your cultivation techniques," Xue Lingxue instructed. "If anything odd happenster, there''s no need to be rmed as long as you don''t feel any difort."


    Simultaneously, Xue Lingxue plucked the strings of the guqin one by one, getting a feel for the guqin''s sound.


    "All right," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    In full cooperation, he took a deep breath and used the Qi-Cirction Technique while slowly activating the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique that the Mount Shu Sect had developed.


    Ever since Chu Liang began using the Qi-Cirction Puppet, all he had to do was supply it with Qi-Gathering Pills every day for it to work day and night for him, so he hadn''t spent much time cultivating. Now that he was activating his cultivation techniques again, it gave him the familiar feeling of something he hadn''t done for a long time.


    Chu Liang''s virtuous and cid foundational qi flowed along the established routes in his meridians at a smooth and steady pace. He soon entered a state of calm.


    ...


    <i>Twang.</i>


    Xue Lingxue very swiftly plucked the first note of the song.


    Having Chu Liang apany her on stage was all part of her n. This test, however, was something that she had decided to include on the fly.


    Cultivators who were able to reach the fourth realm of cultivation at their age were considered geniuses. They could be said to be the core disciples of the immortal sects, the cream of the crop of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Naturally, Xue Lingxue, who was an inner disciple of the South Melody Conservatory, was considered a genius in cultivation as well. Her cultivation level wasn''t lower than any of her peers.


    Yet, Chu Liang had disyed a truly formidable sword qi the day before. If he had indeed reached such a high realm of cultivation at his young age, then he would undoubtedly be a peerless genius¡ªthe best of their generation.


    Chu Liang seemed to be such an impressive person, but he wasn''t particrly well known as a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. Xue Lingxue hadn''t met the Mount Shu Sect''s famous disciples Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai, but it seemed impossible their cultivation level would be as high as his.


    As a fellow disciple of an immortal sect, Xue Lingxue was naturally curious about this. Could it be that the Mount Shu Sect had been deliberately concealing their most brilliant disciple?


    Of course, it couldn''t be ruled out that Chu Liang had used some life-saving treasure. He might not have been the one who unleashed that formidable sword seal.


    However, the possibility of that being the case was very low. He couldn''t have used a jade talisman with a stored spell, as jade talismans had a special characteristic that meant the effects of purely offensive spells weren''t that great after being stored. Consequently, it was rarely used to store sword qi. Additionally, while it was possible that he had used some kind of treasure to amplify the power of his sword seal, such treasures were very rare.


    After pondering for a while, Xue Lingxue was unable to reach a conclusion regarding Chu Liang''s cultivation level. So, she decided to just test Chu Liang''s limits, leading to the current situation.


    As Xue Lingxue had said earlier, the song was "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves"¡ªone of the South Melody Conservatory''s most well-known ssic divine songs.


    Aside from being sonorous and beautiful, the song''s greatest effect was indicated in its name. It provided boosts.


    <i>Twang, twang, twang.</i>


    The melody flowing out from the strings of the guqin became increasingly tense like a raging storm. Xue Lingxue was showcasing her exquisite guqin-ying skills without restraint.


    The audience seated at the banquet couldn''t help but feel all fired up as if their vitality, qi, and spirit had been set in motion.


    With a face filled with zeal, Lin Bei slung his arm around the shoulder of the general of the garrison<strong> </strong>beside him and said, "Uncle Zhang, my biggest regret in life is not joining the army! Do you think I still have a chance?"


    Lin Bei then patted the city''s chief official<strong>,</strong> who was also beside him but on the other side. "Old Chen! Just tell me if you see someone you don''t like, and I''ll help you give them a punch!"


    The music was only affecting them at the spiritual level so far, yet Lin Bei was already this zealous.


    Seated beside Xue Lingxue, Chu Liang was receiving the effects of the song head-on, so the effects he felt were even more intense.


    As the notes went up in pitch, he felt his qi cirction speed increase several times over. With the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique, his foundational qi was circting extremely smoothly within him, like surges of great rolling waves.


    This eleration meant that if he were in a battle right now, the recovery speed of his foundational qi would be several times faster than usual.


    Furthermore, he could feel that the music was giving him a holistic boost to his vitality, qi, and spirit. By increasing the cirction speed of his foundational qi, boosting the recovery of his vitality, raising his spirits and in turn his divine intent... the song was able to double hisbat power!


    There was no doubt that the song''s effects would be powerful in an actual battle.


    <i>Such a powerful booster...</i> Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    Xue Lingxue was currently concentrating the power of this song on him, but she could definitely boost more than just Chu Liang alone in a real battle. She was just one person, but bringing her along to a battle was equivalent to doubling thebat force.


    <i>Such formidable power...</i>


    Chu Liang even envisioned it. If he were to find five disciples from the South Melody Conservatory and get them to simultaneously perform the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves," they could boost each other. One person made another person stronger, and that person made a third person stronger. Then the third person would make a fourth person stronger...


    Could this looped chain of mutual boosting form an endlessly escting spiral of increments in strength, eventually allowing all of them to attain a terrifying level of power?


    While Chu Liang was lost in thought, the song reached its climax. The cirction of his foundational qi reached an unprecedented peak in speed and flow, and a strange sensation surged into his mind. Misty clouds filled his head until they overflowed and leaked out of his body.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang radiated with what seemed like the multicolored light of a sunrise!


    As Chu Liang remained seated in a cross-legged position on the tform, he was surrounded by fog and rising clouds of mist as if he were manifesting a sacred presence.


    Everyone present at the banquet was well-versed in cultivation, so they knew what was happening to Chu Liang.


    Someone eximed in surprise, "It''s the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon!"


    It was said that when a top-notch cultivation technique was used perfectly, the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon would ur. This was unrted to the cultivator''s level of cultivation; it only depended on how well the technique was utilized.


    Generally, this kind of wless utilization only existed in theory. It was almost impossible for a cultivator who had yet to reach the Dao Attainment Realm to achieve the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon. Such a feat was rather difficult even for powerful cultivators at the Dao Attainment Realm. In fact, it might only be possible after reaching the eighth realm and attaining the Heavenly Origin.


    Yet, with the support of the morale-boosting melody that Xue Lingxue was ying, Chu Liang was experiencing the magic of the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon for the first time ever at this moment!


    The Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique was running at full power!


    "This..." Xue Lingxue muttered.


    She looked at the misty clouds around Chu Liang with a surprised gaze.


    <i>What a weak phenomenon...</i>


    1. Yaoqin (from the previous chapter) and guqin are the same thing. ?

 Chapter 83: Fake Qin

    <h4>Chapter 83: Fake Qin</h4>


    Indeed, it was disappointingly weak.


    Xue Lingxue embodied a fusion of musical talent and cultivation genius. Her best-performing piece, "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves," showcased extraordinary power during her performances. She had strategically chosen this piece to assess Chu Liang''s true cultivation level.


    While one could mask their aura, controlling the abnormal phenomenon produced during the activation of the Qi-Cirction Technique was nearly impossible. The phenomenon would inadvertently disclose the practitioner''s real cultivation level.


    Xue Lingxue had never yed the "Morale-Boosting Melody" for a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, but she was well aware of the expected phenomena showcased by practitioners of the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique of the Mount Shu Sect.


    The Sea of Qi Phenomenon, the Transformation of Five Qi into One Phenomenon, and the Purity of the Heavens Phenomenon were distinctive urrences for cultivators at the fourth, fifth, and sixth realms, respectively.


    However, Chu Liang disyed nothing more than overflowing misty clouds, indicative of the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon of a cultivator at the third realm. This revtion left Xue Lingxue genuinely taken aback. Regardless of how weak Chu Liang might be, Xue Lingxue had assumed he would, at the very least, be a cultivator at the fourth realm.


    But was this truly the extent of his abilities? Or could it be that Chu Liang possessed some ndestine technique enabling him to suppress his Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon?


    Xue Lingxue''s gaze shifted, a subtle radiance flickering between her fingers as she augmented the foundational qi employed in her performance. Her aim was to unleash the full potential of the "Morale-Boosting Melody," probing deeply into Chu Liang''s cultivation.


    <i>Twang! Twang! Twang!</i>


    The rhythm of the melody quickened, and the performance became more intense. Most of the people in the audience were just regr folks without any special skills, and some of them even felt tears welling up in their eyes because the music touched them so deeply.


    Chu Liang sensed the intensifying effect. Despite feeling subtle shifts within himself amidst the mist and clouds, he didn''t dwell on it too much.


    Yet, at this moment, he detected a slight movement in the White Pagoda within him.


    Using his divine sense, Chu Liang noticed that the cultivation speed of the Large-Headed Doll inside the pagoda had increased several times over, entering a frenzied state.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel intrigued as he wondered if this musical piece could enhance the Large-Headed Doll''s abilities.


    In that case, having a Xue Lingxue doll would be ideal. Chu Liang could have the Xue Lingxue doll perform continuously for the Large-Headed Doll inside the White Pagoda, potentially amplifying its effects to the equivalent of five Large-Headed Dolls.


    However... if there really was a Xue Lingxue doll, it would be a bit wasteful to only use her to perform for the Large-Headed Doll. He could have her earn money by performing at Mount Shu, which would undoubtedly generate a significant ie.


    As the misty smoke swirled around him, the qi within Chu Liang''s body surged. Right at that moment, the White Pagoda trembled ever so slightly, and Chu Liang felt a sense of something unusual happening.


    It was as though something within the White Pagoda was on the verge of awakening.


    Simultaneously, everyone present witnessed the misty smoke surrounding Chu Liang take on the form of a white pagoda. Enveloped in a trance-like state, a majestic aura emanated from it,pelling an irresistible urge to kneel before its presence.


    <i>ng¡ª</i>


    Before anyone could fullyprehend the emanating aura, a ng reverberated through the air, and the music abruptly ceased as three strings snapped simultaneously.


    With a look of shock in her eyes, Xue Lingxue sat in front of the guqin, gazing at her fingers, which seemed as pale as jade. There was a deep cut on her fingertips, and droplets of blood fell, yet she seemed entirely oblivious to the injury.


    She turned to Chu Liang, questioning, "This..."


    Chu Liang locked eyes with her and eximed loudly, "It''s alright if the strings break, but how dare this qin hurt Miss Xue''s finger!"


    ...


    As the stringsy broken, the usual exnation would point to either a fault in the musician or a w in the instrument.


    However, Xue Lingxue couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be another exnation. During that strange phenomenon just now, a terrifying aura seemed to emanate involuntarily from Chu Liang''s body.


    The faint trace of this majestic aura made her heart skip a beat, leaving her arm numb and trembling uncontrobly. The snapped strings were a consequence of the overwhelming and imposing aura at that moment, which the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin couldn''t withstand. But she remained clueless about what exactly had caused it.


    Chu Liang, too, found himself puzzled by the incident. He only knew that this incident was likely linked to the White Pagoda inside him. Just moments ago, the white tower had shown signs of activity, and the misty smoke surrounding him had taken on a different form. This genuinely surprised him.


    Out of all the things he kept secret, the White Pagoda was the most important. If anyone found out about it, it could seriously endanger his life.


    Fortunately, the White Pagoda had only manifested briefly, and it seemed unlikely that anyone had taken notice.


    As the strings broke and the music abruptly halted, Chu Liang''s mind raced. To divert suspicion away from himself, he needed to shift the focus elsewhere.


    However, he couldn''t me Xue Lingxue''s technique for the mishap, so he had to suggest that there was an issue with the guqin itself.


    And so, with a loud voice, he quickly eximed that sentence which hinted at something else.


    Everyone present was sharp-witted, especially after the morale-boosting effects of the melody they had just experienced. With everyone being at their peak mental state, they processed his words extremely quickly.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s words, they concluded that such an incident should not ur during a performance at South Melody Conservatory. It couldn''t be Xue Lingxue''s technique at fault; it must be an issue with the guqin itself.


    But how could there be a problem with the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin? Unless it was fake.


    Immediately, numerous nces converged on the Lord of the Marquessate, Xia An. Although no one spoke, Xia An could already hear the whispers of "Lord Xia of the Marquessate gave a fake qin" in his ears.


    He abruptly stood up, intending to shout at Chu Liang on stage and use him of baseless nder,


    However, he halted mid-sentence, uttering only the word "You..."


    At this moment, Chu Liang had discreetly pointed a finger at him, which Lord Xia had not noticed.


    <i>Evil-Dispelling Spell...</i>


    Chu Liang had keenly sensed Xia An''s hostile gaze from the moment he stepped on stage. In fact, it seemed that Lord Xia was angry at him, and understandably so. Xue Lingxue had chosen Chu Liang to assist with the performance using the qin Xia An had given her.


    Undoubtedly, Chu Liang had stolen his limelight. However, Chu Liang had not had a better option and could only let Xia An be angry.


    If Chu Liang aimed to redirect the me onto Xia An''s qin, he couldn''t allow Xia An to voice any rebuke.


    Observing Xia An on the brink of expressing his anger, Chu Liang recalled the Evil-Dispelling Spell he had obtained earlier. Since the opportunity presented itself, he pointed directly at Lord Xia.


    <i>Whish~</i>


    The moment he cast the spell, a green halo, visible only to Chu Liang, appeared on top of Xia An''s head.


    In the glow of the green light, Xia An''s mindset shifted.


    Lord Xia suddenly thought that Chu Liang likely hadn''t intended to steal his limelight. Chu Liang was unfamiliar with Xue Lingxue, and perhaps she had only sought his assistance because he was a disciple of Mount Shu.


    If he got mad for this, would it seem like he was being too petty?


    Even if Chu Liang suggested there was an issue with the qin he had given, it wouldn''t be unreasonable. After all, once those strings snapped, everyone would have the same suspicion.


    Although Xia An knew that the qin he had gifted was real, others couldn''t be certain. It was natural for them to harbor suspicions, and it was fine as long as he rified the situation properly.


    Moreover, could he really confirm the authenticity of this sandalwood kite-shaped guqin? It might not be real.


    He didn''t possess extensive knowledge of guqins. Although he trusted his father, there was a chance he had been deceived, or perhaps he himself had been misled.


    Regardless of the truth, getting angry wouldn''t serve any purpose. He should extend forgiveness to Chu Liang.


    As this realization dawned on Xia An, he addressed Chu Liang with remarkable gentleness, "Please, my friend, let''s not dwell on that. First, let''s tend to Miss Xue''s injury."


    Those present in South Gate City were well aware of Lord Xia''s temper. As they witnessed him speak so softly at this moment, they couldn''t help but silently exim in their hearts.


    <i>He feels guilty!</i>


    <i>This qin is definitely fake! There''s no way it is not!</i>

 Chapter 84: A Private Meeting

    <h4>Chapter 84: A Private Meeting</h4>


    Observing the sudden gentleness disyed by Lord Xia, Chu Liang could only sigh inwardly. The effectiveness of the Evil-Dispelling Spell, though a bit cunning, had proven to be quite useful.


    However, the effect of this spell could onlyst for a certain period. It was estimated that Lord Xia would regain his senses after tonight, and by then, he might harbor some resentment toward Chu Liang. Yet, once the incident had passed, there was nothing he could do to Chu Liang.


    To conceal his own secret, Chu Liang had no choice but to allow Lord Xia to endure undeserved hardship.


    Watching Lord Xia silently shoulder the me, Xue Lingxue also remained quiet. As a musician, she knew well that this sandalwood kite-shaped guqin couldn''t possibly be fake. When the strings broke, she felt such immense emotional pain.


    The root cause of the broken strings was her attempt to test Chu Liang. It seemed to have triggered an abnormal phenomenon within Chu Liang''s body, resulting in this unfortunate incident.


    Her probing had revealed that Chu Liang''s cultivation level was not high, but there seemed to be something secretive within his body. Perhaps, that was the reason behind his ability to unleash that powerful sword technique.


    In the cultivation world, having some secrets was not umon. Even Xue Lingxue herself had her own secrets. She felt that it would be rather presumptuous of her if she were to identally glimpse into Chu Liang''s secret. Revealing it publicly would be even more inappropriate.


    Therefore, she could only remain silent, allowing the situation to be spected by others, ultimately leading to an unfavorable direction for Lord Xia. For the sake of protecting Chu Liang, she could only let Lord Xia endure this undeserved hardship.


    Lord Xia sat back down in his seat. However, he then felt quite aggrieved.


    After all, he had gifted a high-quality guqin, and now everyone was looking at him as if he were a liar. He certainly didn''t feel happy about it, but he couldn''t express anger either. All his emotions turned into a sense of grievance for the time being.


    Xue Lingxue injured her finger. She gracefully bowed to the guests and then left the stage to attend to her wound. In reality, a wound of this degree meant nothing to a cultivator. Even if left untreated, it would heal on its own after a while.


    It was merely an excuse to exit the scene.


    Everyone was aware of this fact. While the inner disciples of the South Melody Conservatory would be present to provide a prelude performance for the guests, they weren''t expected to mingle like typical musicians or performers or engage in conversations and toast with higher-status individuals.


    After the performance, even if she hadn''t been injured, she would, at most, sit down for a simple meal before finding an excuse to leave.


    After Xue Lingxue departed, it seemed like the banquet was just beginning. The distinguished guests of South Gate City mingled and began socializing, toasting and chatting.


    Chu Liang, watching Lin Bei integrate into the core social circle of South Gate City and engage with the elite members, reluctantly drew him aside.


    "What''s up?" Lin Bei smiled. "I still have some socializing to do over there."


    "Don''t forget why we''re here..." Chu Liang whispered. "If you have a chance, ask the Lord of the Marquessate about the sister of Miss Xiaoyu''er."


    "Why don''t you ask?" Lin Bei was puzzled.


    "I can''t," Chu Liang said as he shook his head, looking at Lord Xia leaving the hall and his figure gradually distancing. "Considering the performance just now, he might resent me."


    "He seemed pretty calm when he was talking to you just now. I think Lord Xia has a good temper," Lin Beimented.


    "Just because he showed a good temper earlier doesn''t mean that his temper will always be good..."


    Chu Liang wasn''t sure about the exact duration of the effect of the Evil-Dispelling Spell, so he would rather not take the risk.


    "Alright, I''ll go find out," Lin Bei replied.


    He waved to Chu Liang and left the hall, chasing after Xia An.


    ...


    Lord Xia walked out of the banquet hall, with the ck-d Master Lu following closely behind, never leaving his side.


    A servant from the Marquess'' residence appeared very anxious outside the hall. Upon seeing Lord Xia, the servant eximed, "Lord Xia, something bad happened at the boat cabin!"


    "What happened?" Xia An inquired.


    The servant lowered his voice as he said, "The woman you had Master Lu send over yesterday escaped!"


    "She escaped?" Lord Xia frowned and asked, "How could a weak woman escape from a tightly guarded boat cabin?"


    "She''s not an ordinary woman; she... she''s a demon!" The servant panicked. "She rescued a cabin full of women. Thanks to our sufficient manpower, we managed to capture the other women promptly. But that demon hasn''t been caught yet. A team of warriors is currently chasing her along the Qinnan River."


    "We mustn''t let anyone know about the cabin. We must capture her, dead or alive! Lord Xia gritted his teeth as he spoke.


    The servant had no choice but to nod in response. "Yes..."


    Lord Xia turned back and said, "I have another meeting with the members of the Eastern Whale Division. Master Lu, you should head back first. I can''t trust others to handle things."


    "Yes."


    Master Lu wasted no words, swiftly vanishing into the vast night.


    After that, Lord Xia continued forward, traversing a courtyard until he arrived at a small pavilion nestled among the trees. He sat down inside the pavilion.


    A burly man stepped into the courtyard. He bore a striking resemnce to Xue Hu of the Eastern Whale Division, whom Lord Xia had met just the other day.


    Xue Hu had indeed infiltrated this banquet for this discreet meeting. It was Xue Hu''s suggestion to use this banquet as the meeting ce. Recently, there has been a lot of tension in the Four Seas Whale Gang. By using the banquet as a cover, their private meeting would arouse less suspicion.


    Xue Hu cupped his hands together in greeting. "Lord Xia."


    Their previous encounter had been far from pleasant, leaving matters unresolved as Xia An departed abruptly, leaving Xue Hu alone. Nevertheless, Lord Xia didn''t cause a scene during theirst interaction, and Xue Hu maintained hisposure and politeness during this second meeting.


    "Brother Xue, how have you been?" Lord Xia carried on as if the unpleasantness from theirst meeting hadn''t urred. He greeted Xue Hu with a smile before inquiring, "What are Master Cheng''s thoughts on the issue I pointed out during our previous conversation?"


    "I conveyed your exact words to Master Cheng. His stance is that, even if the coboration continues, after thepletion of the next shipment, we must temporarily suspend operations for one or two months. Discussions about continuation will be heldter. Xu Bashan''s daughter has been leading a crew to investigate the activities of the Eastern Whale Division and the situation is very tense. We absolutely cannot give her any chance to find evidence that they can use to control us," Xue Hu exined.


    "If it''s a short-term suspension, we naturally have no objections." Lord Xia nodded in agreement. "In any case, we need some time to prepare the goods. At worst, we will simply umte them."


    "Thank you for understanding," Xue Hu expressed his gratitude and then inquired, "So, when is our next shipment scheduled?"


    "It will take ce on the night of Xue Lingxue''s performance. At that time, the entire city''s attention will be focused on the estate, making our river boats highly inconspicuous," Lord Xia decided.


    Xue Hu nodded. "That''s excellent."


    Foregoing further pleasantries, he turned to leave.


    Suddenly, he detected a subtle stir in the nearby woods.


    His gaze sharpened, and a surge of apprehension mixed with a hint of hostility erupted as he sternly demanded, "Who''s there?"


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Almost immediately upon speaking, he darted forward like a leopard, arriving in an instant.


    As a core member of the Eastern Whale Division and a martial artist who had been through countless battles, Xue Hu''s murderous aura heightened as he deftly cut through the bushes in the vicinity.


    Then, he saw a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, seemingly intoxicated, lifting his trousers and looking frightened.


    The young man shook his head, sobering up a bit, and shouted at Xue Hu, "What''s the matter? Haven''t you seen anyone relieving themselves before?"

 Chapter 85: Tailing

    <h4>Chapter 85: Tailing</h4>


    That drunken young man was none other than Lin Bei.


    He had followed Xia An all the way to this secluded pavilion in the woods, intending to approach the young lord and ask him some questions. However, Lin Bei then saw the young lord sit down in the pavilion, seemingly in wait for someone.


    Lin Bei''s face suddenly broke into a sly smile.


    Those who thought alike had an inexplicable connection with each other. Lin Bei could sense that this young lord was certainly a lecherous man too.


    <i>He came here sneakily to wait for someone... Could it be a ndestine meeting with a woman?</i>


    <i>Heading into the woods after drinking... Tailing, peeping...</i>


    A series of words popped into mind, causing Lin Bei to stop in his tracks. Instead of immediately approaching Xia An, Lin Bei stood still. He wanted to see what the young lord was up to.


    Xia An was a cultivator as well. However, his cultivation level wasn''t high, so he usually relied solely on Master Lu''s constant protection. Despite that, Xia An had assumed nothing major would happen and dismissed Master Lu from his duties that day. This had given Lin Bei the opportunity to tail Xia An. If Master Lu had been present, Lin Bei wouldn''t have been able to tail Xia An so easily.


    Afterward, Xue Hu went over to the pavilion, but he didn''t discover Lin Bei either.


    That was because Xue Hu wasn''t a cultivator but a martial artist, and martial artists'' senses were more perceptive to the flow of qi and sound. In other words, they were more perceptive to moving bodies.


    So, despite his high cultivation level, Xue Hu didn''t notice Lin Bei either. That was because Lin Bei had already been hiding and restraining his breathing for a while before Xue Hu arrived.


    Seeing that it was a muscr man who was meeting with Xia An, more words popped into Lin Bei''s mind.


    <i>A gay tryst?</i>


    Lin Bei became even more excited.


    However, after eavesdropping on the men for a while, he found that they were discussing some strange topics. They seemed to be talking about unsavory things but not the kind he had imagined. Lin Bei wasn''t interested in the things they were talking about.


    So, when he saw that their conversation had ended, he turned and left.


    It was precisely at this moment when Lin Bei stepped away that Xue Hu sensed Lin Bei''s presence and swiftly charged over with the intent to kill.


    Lin Bei could tell that Xue Hu''s cultivation level was far above his own, so trying to flee would be futile. He needed another way out. His mind ran at lightning speed; he was suddenly quick-witted now that he was in a crisis. After searching through his memories, Lin Bei decided to rely on a skill that he''d mastered throughout the years, and...


    In the next instant, he took off his pants.


    Coincidentally, Lin Bei had drunk a lot of wine earlier. All he needed to do was squint, and he could pretend to be drunk. So, when Xue Hu found Lin Bei, what he saw was a drunken man relieving himself.


    Lin Bei even gained the upper hand by making the first move¡ªhe loudly reprimanded Xue Hu. The murderous expression on Xue Hu stiffened for a moment and turned awkward.


    Then Xue Hu shouted sternly, "And who said you could relieve yourself wherever you wish?!"


    "Fuck..." Lin Bei cursed as he pulled up his pants and turned to leave. "This motherfucker looks like a gangster, but strangely, he has a sense of public decency..."


    He walked away just like that, cursing as he went. Even as his figure receded, Lin Bei kept up the act and wiped his hands on his pants.


    Xue Hu watched as Lin Bei disappear into the distance. After a while, the murderous tension between Xue Hu''s eyebrows finally dissipated.


    Xia An walked over to Xue Hu and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Nothing." Xue Hu shook his head. "It was just a drunk."


    The two men then returned to the banquet hall separately and fulfilled their respective social obligations. It was as if they didn''t know each other at all.


    Once the banquet was over, Xia An hurriedly returned to the Residence of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. Master Lu was already waiting there for him.


    "How did it go?" Xia An asked.


    "That girl is actually a Koi fish demon. The moment she entered the water, she made a swift escape. I used my divine ability to stab her with a saber from over ten li away. I don''t know if she died, but I''ve already ordered some people to keep dredging all through the night. If she''s dead, they should pull up a body," Master Lu replied.


    "You dealt with her yesterday, yet you didn''t realize she''s a demon?" Xia An chided, feeling rather displeased.


    "Be it a human or a lesser demon, they''re both so feeble that they seem about the same to me. Besides, she didn''t emit a demonic aura, so it was very difficult to tell that she''s a demon," Master Lu exined calmly. "Moreover... if you had let me kill her then, it wouldn''t matter whether she''s a human or a demon."


    The young lord was rendered speechless for a moment.


    He had indeed spared Liu Xiaoyu''s life, but who would have expected things to y out like this? Even so, he couldn''t me Master Lu.


    <i>But who else can I me? I can''t me myself, right? How infuriating.</i>


    "Enough. That lesser demon was struck by your de. She''s unlikely to have survived. Even if she''s still alive, does a mere demon have the ability to expose our secret?" Xia An said.


    He didn''t know if he''d intended those words to be for Master Lu or to convince himself, but he said them anyway.


    Master Lu dismissed himself and left the room, leaving Xia An alone inside.


    Xia An recalled what had happened earlier in the day and felt his suppressed anger surge back up... The more he thought about it, the angrier he felt!


    He had spent so much money just so he could give that sandalwood kite-shaped guqin as a gift to Xue Lingxue. However, he ended up getting overshadowed by that disciple from the Mount Shu Sect. Then when the qin''s strings snapped, that same person even smeared Xia An''s reputation by iming the guqin he''d bought was a fake!


    <i>I didn''t even rebuke that person! What''s wrong with me today? I yielded so easily and epted the me for what had happened with the guqin...</i>


    <i>And there was that incident of the female demon escaping...</i>


    This series of unfavorable incidents made the young lord so angry that it felt like his chest was about to explode from rage. If Chu Liang wasn''t a disciple of Mount Shu, Xia An would have wanted to vent his anger by getting Master Lu to kill Chu Liang that very night.


    Unfortunately, Xia An had no choice but to suppress his bted fury because of Chu Liang''s identity. Killing a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect was too reckless; he would be basically throwing himself into the face of great danger.


    Xia An dered to the empty space, "There''s no need to rush things. Xue Lingxue will definitely be mine!"


    ...


    The next day, Xia An went to the Li Family Estate again and requested a meeting with Xue Lingxue.


    Xia An represented the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, so Xue Lingxue had no choice but to make the time to meet him.


    Seated across from Xia An, the fair and delicate Miss Xue asked softly, "Lord Xia, is there a reason for your visit?"


    Xia An simply sat there for a moment, captivated by Xue Lingxue''s beauty.


    Then Xia An smiled politely and said, "Yesterday, I went home and inquired with my father about the guqin. He had no idea that the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin he''d acquired at a great cost was a fake. It even injured your fingers... My father said he made a grave mistake and instructed me specifically toe and apologize to you, Miss Xue."


    This was the strategy that Xia An had thought of. He''d already missed the best timing to exin and everyone believed the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin was a fake, so he should just admit the mistake. Then he could use it as an excuse to meet Xue Lingxue privately. Xia An was, in essence, taking a step back to take a step forward.


    "It''s fine," Xue Lingxue replied with a smile. "After all, I''m a cultivator too. A small injury like that has long since healed."


    "Miss Xue, it''s so magnanimous of you to say that. But I can''t help but feel guilty about it. As an apology, I''ve rented a pleasure boat and would like to invite you to have dinner with me while we enjoy the scenery of Qinnan River," Xia An offered generously.


    When a man was trying to ask ady out, it had to be done naturally and seemingly without ulterior motives, especially during the early stages of getting to know each other. If a man were to hastily approach ady and invite her to dinner, it would make her feel he was being too bold and in turn stir up other concerns.


    Nevertheless, Xia An was an expert at this. He could smoothly turn every matter into an opportunity for him to get closer to hisdy of choice without any traces of an ulterior motive or a word or movement out of line.


    As long as Xue Lingxue happily epted the invitation, Xia An was confident that he could find a reason for a second meeting during their first meeting. If he repeated this process, sooner orter, she would be ustomed to his presence. By the time she realized what he''d done, it would be toote as she would have already fallen in love with him.


    However, Xia An''s smooth invitation still led to Xue Lingxue shaking her head in refusal.


    "Sorry, Lord Xia," Xue Lingxue declined, "I already have an appointment today."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Xia An uttered. He pondered for a moment and then asked, "I assume they''re from South Gate City. Who is it? I can ask them to free up your time. Miss Xue, if I can''t sincerely apologize to you, I won''t be able to rest or eat in peace. Furthermore, I won''t be able to let my father know I''ve done as he requested."


    "He''s not from South Gate City. It''s Young Hero Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect," Xue Lingxue answered, raising her gaze and looking out the door.


    Just as Xue Lingxue spoke of Chu Liang, he appeared. The remarkably handsome and elegant man was standing outside the door.


    "Miss Xue¡ª<i>huh?</i> Lord Xia is here too?" Chu Liang greeted them with a warm and gentle smile.


    However, when Xia An looked at Chu Liang''s smiling face, a wave of anger surged within him. He had a great urge to punch that face. Fresh feelings of animosity piled onto Xia An''s existing hatred toward Chu Liang.


    Xia An gritted his teeth and asked, "Young Hero Chu, do you have an appointment with Miss Xue today?"


    "That''s right," Chu Liang replied with a nod.


    His gaze shifted toward Xue Lingxue, and after thinking about it briefly, Chu Liang understood what was going on.


    The young lord obviously had romantic intentions toward Miss Xue. He''d shown up yesterday with a gift on which he''d spent a considerable sum, so it was unsurprising that he approached Xue Lingxue today to ask her out.


    Chu Liang did in fact have an appointment to meet with Xue Lingxue today... but it was just for a brief conversation. It seemed that Xue Lingxue had used her appointment with him as an excuse to reject the young lord''s invitation. Nevertheless, Chu Liang wanted to speak with Xue Lingxue to ask her for a favor, so he thought that he ought to help her shoulder the young lord''s resentment.


    <i>However... he probably thinks I stole his thunder yesterday and even tarnished his reputation by implying he''d given Xue Lingxue a fake guqin. Then today, I stole his date... The young lord likely hates me a lot as it is.</i>


    <i>Sigh.</i>


    "Young Hero Chu..." Xia An began.


    There was a noticeably dark expression in his gaze. He wanted to ask Chu Liang to leave, freeing up Xue Lingxue''s schedule for the day.


    <i>If Chu Liang isn''t willing to cooperate...</i>


    <i>Well, we''re in South Gate City! It doesn''t matter that he''s a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect!</i>


    <i>Who in all of South Gate City would dare to offend me, Lord Xia An?!</i>


    <i>If this guy continues to provoke me repeatedly, then I won''t mind settling the new and old scores with him at the same time!</i>


    Upon seeing Xia An''s malicious gaze, Chu Liang could roughly tell what Xia An wanted to say.


    Chu Liang quickly raised his hand and pointed at Xia An.


    <i>Evil-Dispelling Spell!</i>


    The spell, which had just reset for the day, was immediately cast on Xia An. Fortunately, his cultivation level was not as high as Chu Liang''s, so the Evil-Dispelling Spell took effect for the second time.


    With Xia An''s dark and malicious gaze, the atmosphere had been filled with great tension as if they were in a battle with swords drawn and arrows notched...


    But Xia An suddenly put on a bright smile and said, "Make sure to have a good time with Miss Xue!"

 Chapter 86: Perfect Qi Circulation

    <h4>Chapter 86: Perfect Qi Cirction</h4>


    With this remark, Xue Lingxue began to regard Lord Xia with admiration.


    Initially, she thought he was just a debauched and frivolous young noble, but her impression of him changed after these two interactions. It seemed that his temper was surprisingly good. In the midst of the imperial family and nobility, maintaining suchposure was indeed no easy feat.


    Of course, Chu Liang was well aware of the situation. He also understood that Lord Xia''s temper would likely change shortly. So, he took advantage of this uncharacteristic moment of calmness and quickly asked another question.


    "Lord Xia, I have something I''d like to ask," Chu Liang stated.


    "What is it?" Xia An replied.


    He was unusually approachable at the moment.


    "I happened to encounter a youngdy earlier. She mentioned that her elder sister went missing near the Li Family Estate, and the servants in the Li Family Estate imed to have seen you talking to the missing girl thest time you visited. Do you recall this?" Chu Liang inquired.


    Unaware of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess''s illicit activities, Chu Liang assumed Xia An''s interaction with Liu Xiaoyu''er''s sister was a normal encounter and asked about it without reservation.


    Lin Bei was supposed to inquire about this the previous night. However, upon his return, he mentioned that he bumped into Lord Xia discussing secretive matters in the pavilion, making it inconvenient for him to approach at that time.


    With no other choice, Chu Liang decided to ask the question himself.


    Although Lord Xia couldn''t get angry due to the lingering effects of the Evil-Dispelling Spell, he could maintain his rationality. Upon hearing Chu Liang''s question, he tensed up.


    If this question had been asked earlier, he might have simply handed over Liu Xiaoyu, allowing her to return home with her little sister. After all, his current target was Xue Lingxue.


    However, it was currently unknown as to whether the fish demon was still alive. Furthermore, she had gained knowledge of the crucial secrets of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess.


    How could Xia An disclose her whereabouts?


    Maintaining an unchanged expression, he feigned contemtion for a moment before responding, "Throughout my time in this estate, I''ve engaged in numerous social interactions and encountered countless individuals. Remembering every detail is quite challenging. Let me go back and ask my entourage''s servants to see if they have any information."


    "Very well," Chu Liang acknowledged. "I appreciate your assistance."


    Xia An then bade farewell to Xue Lingxue and left the premises calmly.


    Observing his departing figure, Xue Lingxue felt somewhat perplexed and chuckled lightly. "I thought he was about to cause a scene earlier. Surprisingly, he''s a very approachable person."


    Chu Liang nodded. "Indeed."


    ...


    Chu Liang then looked at Xue Lingxue and asked, "Miss Xue, have you made up your mind about what I asked you yesterday?"


    Chu Liang came to see Xue Lingxue today with a specific purpose.


    During his coboration on stage the previous day, Xue Lingxue''s performance of the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves" had triggered the wless execution of the Nine Heavens Profound Heart Technique. The musical piece had elicited a remarkable disy of the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon.


    While this alone was impressive, the pivotal revtion was that the Large-Headed Doll inside the White Pagoda within his body had also been affected by the melody. Its speed of qi cirction had increased several-fold, attaining a state of perfection.


    After the performance came to a sudden stop, the qi cirction naturally returned to its normal pace. Without the apaniment of the musical piece, his current level wasn''t high enough to achieve a Perfect Qi Cirction.


    But...


    To his astonishment, he soon discovered that the big-headed puppet inside his body continued to maintain the Perfect Qi Cirction. In other words, it persisted in sustaining a cultivation speed several times faster than before.


    This revtion pleasantly surprised him.


    After a moment of contemtion, Chu Liang guessed the reason behind it.


    The Qi-Cirction Puppet had utilized the same speed and meridian channels as his own body, akin to copying a temte. Therefore, its prior cultivation speed mirrored his normal cultivation.


    However, upon achieving the Perfect Qi Cirction, the cultivation speed surpassed previous urrences significantly, despite the identical meridian channels. The puppet seemed to have a mechanism where, if a faster cultivation temte existed, it would overwrite the previous one, selecting the optimal cultivation temte.


    In essence, although he briefly achieved a Perfect Qi Cirction and couldn''t replicate it independently, the puppet retained the memory! Now, it could perpetually maintain this state.


    Not only could the Large-Headed Doll cultivate incessantly, but it could also cultivate at a speed four or five times faster. Previously, Chu Liang''s cultivation progress was constrained by his limited talent. Even with the puppet working tirelessly, there was still a gap whenpared to top cultivation geniuses.


    With this enhancement, he might be able to rival any genius in the pure cultivation speed of the technique in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    It was truly a stroke of luck.


    However, there was one minor w with this new blueprint.


    Last night, the Major Qi-Cirction Technique was not executed until the very end. The music came to an abrupt halt, and the Large-Headed Doll had only managed to replicate half of the Perfect Qi Cirction. As the cirction progressed to the middle stage, its speed reverted to the original pace.


    Previously, the Large-Headed Doll resembled an old man pushing a cart¡ªslow but not abnormal. Presently, the speed resembled having eight spirited horses pulling the cart in the first half, only to abruptly revert to the state of the old man pushing the cart in the second half, inevitably leading to a sense of disappointment.


    And so, Chu Liang sought out Xue Lingxue, iming that he had gained insights from the Qi-Cirction Phenomenon and hoped she could y the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves" again to help him recover that state.


    Xue Lingxue agreed and asked him toe back the next day, leading to today''s meeting.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s question, Xue Lingxue smiled and replied, "Of course! It''s just a musical piece. It doesn''t require much effort. Even if Young Master Chu hadn''t asked, I would have practiced more before the performance."


    "Thank you very much, Miss Xue," Chu Liang sincerely expressed his gratitude. "It''s not right to let Miss Xue y this song for nothing. If there''s anything you need, please feel free to let me know."


    He aimed to abide by the principles of the martial world, offering an equivalent exchange.


    Xue Lingxue made it sound effortless. However, being entertained by an inner disciple of the South Melody Conservatory was no ordinary privilege. Moreover, the benefits he gained from this song far exceeded the benefits and knowledge acquired by Xue Lingxue. Naturally, he was reluctant to ept favors without offering reciprocation.


    However, Xue Lingxue simply shook her head lightly and remarked, "I will take this opportunity to use your name to decline those other bothersome invitations. Let''s call this an exchange."


    Xue Lingxue was well aware of the situation. She had used the meeting with Chu Liang as a reason to turn down Lord Xia''s invitation earlier, which would cause Chu Liang to be hated. And now, the act of agreeing to Chu Liang''s minor request seemed to be a fair and reasonable form ofpensation.


    Chu Liang smiled slightly.


    Xue Lingxue was a person who understood the ways of the world. Indeed, individuals in the martial world handled matters with meticulous care.


    Without much preamble, Xue Lingxue opened the case and retrieved her own qin.


    Her chosen qin was also a renowned instrument of the time, not inferior in value to the sandalwood kite-shaped guqin from the previous day. Furthermore, she was more familiar with this one, resulting in a more effective performance.


    <i>Twang! Zing!</i>


    The rapid melody of the qin flowed through the room.


    Chu Liang sat upright in his original spot and started executing the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique, mirroring the process from the previous night. As the Major Qi-Cirction Technique continued at full speed, the Large-Headed Doll inside his body started emanating a golden glow.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Smoke and mist once again spewed forth.


    After he transferred some of his divine consciousness into the White Pagoda, he watched as the Large-Headed Doll''s body glowed with golden light, capturing every detail of the wless execution of the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique while activating the Major Qi-Cirction Technique. He couldn''t help but feel extremely pleased.


    Uponpletion of the recording, his cultivation speed would undergo an even more significant leap¡ªan unexpected delight he had never considered happening.


    At this moment, he couldn''t help but be reminded of the practice of ying music for cows on some ranches to enhance milk production.


    Inviting a disciple of the South Melody Conservatory to y the qin for the Large-Headed Doll today seemed to share simrities with such practices.


    It appeared that improving the well-being of employees was indeed essential to yield positive results.


    On one hand, employers extended benefits, and on the other, they exerted pressure. They engaged in both practices as each held significant importance.

 Chapter 87: Killing Intent

    <h4>Chapter 87: Killing Intent</h4>


    "Do you think there''s any divine skill in this world that could make it so that, no matter how terribly someone treats you, the moment you see them, you can''t feel any anger..."


    "Lord Xia, that''s called love."


    "What bullshit! Your mother was crying on my bed when I loved her!"


    "..."


    In the residence of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, Lord Xia sat behind his study desk.


    A palpable anger radiated from him.


    The steward on the opposite side stood there with a forced smile. He had misspoke a word and was scolded mercilessly.


    "Just leave." Lord Xia waved his hand impatiently.


    The person across from him left hastily as if he was granted clemency.


    And now, Lord Xia remained seated alone, lost in contemtion.


    He wasn''t known for having a good temper, so why did his anger always seem to vanish whenever he crossed paths with Chu Liang?


    There had to be something deeper going on here.


    Reflecting on the events of the past two days, he realized that perhaps if he had let out his fury in the heat of the moment, he wouldn''t be feeling this intense anger now. Upon retrospection, every time he suppressed it, the anger seemed to intensify.


    Now, the Young Lord boiled with unrestrained hatred.


    He stole my limelight... badmouthed my gift... and was the reason for the decline of my invitation...


    Despite the seething rage, Xia An would have remained rational if these were the only urrences. He was well aware that it would be unwise to make enemies over these trivial matters of pride.


    But...


    Chu Liang''s inquiry into Liu Xiaoyu today added anotheryer of concern.


    This concerned the livelihood of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquessate!


    The imperial and noble members assigned to reside in the remote Southern Regions were part of the marginalized branches within the expansive imperial families of the Yu Dynasty. Historically, these branches held titles without real power,cking the authority to govern regions. Moreover, these imperial families in the Southern Regions were never particrly wealthy.


    While their daily life wasfortable enough to maintain a somewhat extravagant lifestyle, Xia An''s father, the current Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, was really into something quite troublesome.


    He was deeply immersed in the pursuit of cultivating and attaining immortality.


    If he possessed extraordinary talent or none at all, it wouldn''t have been such a difficult matter. The most unfortunate scenario was when one''s talent falls short of achieving true sess, yet the limited talent still provided a faint glimmer of hope, hinting that one might be different from the norm.


    This was exactly the challenge facing the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. His cultivation skills were considered ordinary, which meant that he would at best achieve the third or, at best, the fourth realm.


    However, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was unwilling to settle for a lifespan confined to these limits. Instead, he held onto the hope that by investing a lot of resources, he could push himself beyond his current limits and reach the highly sought-after seventh realm.


    But how could things be this easy?


    Over many years, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had nearly used up all the savings that had been amassed by his family over generations.


    Fortunately, in recent years, he started doing a new business.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess initiated contact with more than a dozen declining imperial families in the Southern Regions, capturing women and selling them to people in the Eastern Regions for profit.


    This business was carried out in coboration with a Master of the Eastern Whale Division, and this business and coboration remained a closely guarded secret.


    In recent years, he had almostpletely withdrawn from the business, focusing wholeheartedly on his cultivation. He entrusted the management of this human trafficking business to his filial son, Xia An.


    Lord Xia has been overseeing this operation for several years, and now, for the first time, he faced a crisis.


    If this heinous activity were to be exposed, the entire House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess would be in tremendous danger.


    If the only uncertaintyy in the fate of that demon at this moment, there wouldn''t be much cause for concern. However, if disciples from the Mount Shu Sect were to be aware of this business, it would escte to a grave matter.


    Lord Xia contemted for a long time. In the flickering candlelight, hisplexion gradually darkened.


    "Master Lu," he called out softly.


    A figure dressed in ck immediately appeared behind the Lord Xia.


    "I want them dead."


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, several days passed. On the hillside outside the Li Family Estate, a stage had been erected, surrounded by a dozenrgemps. Below ity a spacious open area,rge enough to amodate the citizens of half of South Gate City.


    People had arrived early. There were enthusiastic fans of the South Melody Conservatory unfurlingrge banners, presenting flowers and colored silk. Meanwhile, moreid-back individuals had already started to secure their spots, worried they wouldn''t get a good spot if they arrivedte.


    Some musicians of the South Melody Conservatory were performing, while singers and dancers were rehearsing nearby, drawing a crowd of spectators and adding to the lively atmosphere.


    Xue Lingxue''s first performance on this stage would begin in the evening.


    Facing the stage on the hillside, a row of premium seats was set up under a canopy with awnings and beaded curtains. These exclusive seats were reserved for prominent figures from South Gate City and patrons who had spent a great deal of money.


    The performances presented by the South Melody Conservatory were open to the public free of charge. However, for those who wished to enjoy the exclusive premium seats, it was understandable for the organizers to charge a fee. In this regard, the South Melody Conservatory chose to turn a blind eye to such matters.


    In this case, due to their connection with the Li Family Estate, Chu Liang and Lin Bei managed to secure a small privatepartment.


    At this moment, Liu Xiaoyu''er was seated in thepartment, facing a table where Lin Bei meticulously arranged small trays of snacks.


    "Preserved fruits, candied fruits, sweets, dried meat..." he said as he arranged the snacks on the table one by one.


    "And my cherished fruit tea." Chu Liang ced the drink on the table.


    "<i>Hmm!</i> You have never even let me taste this before," Lin Beiined.


    "It costs one sword coin per jar. She doesn''t have the currency of the Mount Shu Sect, but you do," Chu Liang exined with a smile.


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" Lin Bei folded his arms and mockingly pouted.


    "Nevermind. You get a jar too." Chu Liang retrieved another jar.


    Lin Bei took it, andughter bubbled out of him, "<i>Heheheh!</i>"


    "When you finish the drink, write an 800-word positive review and share it with the fellow disciples at Jade Sword Peak," Chu Liang continued.


    "Wow! You really take advantage of every opportunity!" Lin Bei eximed.


    "We''re buddies," Chu Liang said, patting his chest in imitation of Lin Bei''s usual mannerisms.


    The two of them chatted andughed, but Liu Xiaoyu''er sat there, visibly unhappy, pouting and looking despondent.


    Seeing this, Lin Bei sighed and said, "Miss Liu Xiaoyu''er, everything you need is here. What else do you want?"


    "I want my sister..." Liu Xiaoyu''er said pitifully.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei found themselves without a better solution. Initially, they had pledged to inquire about the whereabouts of her elder sister, but their efforts yielded no progress. They couldn''t abandon the homeless little girl so they allowed her to stay with them at the Li Family Estate.


    Given her level of innocence, she would have been kidnapped and sold after traveling for less than two li.


    She had been carefree just a few days ago. However, as time passed, the little girl seemed to sense ominous premonitions, growing increasingly despondent.


    As the three inspected the venue, a servant from the Li family approached and delivered a letter.


    "Someone sent a letter, saying it''s for Young Hero Chu," the servant reported.


    Chu Liang took the letter and nced at its contents.


    He couldn''t help but be reminded of how koi fish were considered bringers of good luck. Just as they were contemting this, the thought seemed to materialize.


    "What does it say?" Lin Bei asked.


    "The letter mentions that someone has seen a woman resembling Liu Xiaoyu''er by the Qinnan River. It might be her sister. We''re requested to bring her along to confirm this," Chu Liang replied.


    "As expected of a koi fish," Lin Bei chuckled. "Let''s take her there to check it out so that the sisters can reunite before the performance tonight.


    "I will take her there myself," Chu Liang said, "You can stay here."


    "Why?" Lin Bei asked.


    "I...find this letter somewhat strange," Chu Liang pondered for a moment and said, "If I don''t return in half a day, hurry back to the Mount Shu Sect and report about this."


    "I am the one to report again?" Lin Bei was stunned.


    <i>Eh?</i>


    <i>Why did I say again?</i>

 Chapter 88: Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 88: Assassination</h4>


    On the banks of Qinnan River...


    Chu Liang brought Liu Xiaoyu''er to the location mentioned in the letter. However, they didn''t see the little girl''s elder sister; all they saw was a finely dressed figure standing there.


    "Lord Xia?"


    Chu Liang wasn''t surprised to see Xia An. He had already spected that the letter might have been from the House of Mountain-Subjugating Marquess.


    As the young lord watched Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er walk over, he made no attempt to suppress the sinister smile forming on his face.


    "You''re here..." Xia An said through gritted teeth.


    His eyes had an excited expression. It was like he was finally about to unleash his pent-up rage, which had been umting for a long time.


    Xia An continued, "In my life, only a few people have made me hate them as much as you do. You..."


    <i>How aggressive, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    Upon seeing Xia An''s unconcealed malice, Chu Liang knew that the rage Xia An felt toward him had finally reached a boiling point.


    So, Chu Liang raised his finger.


    <i>Evil-Dispelling Spell!</i>


    <i>You''ll explode with rage sooner orter, so you can just do itter. Let''s rify the situation first.</i>


    The cooldown period for the Evil-Dispelling Spell, which was essentially a forgiveness spell, was over, so Chu Liang made full use of the spell and cast it on the young lord again. It was quite a coincidence that aside from the trial run on Lin Bei to test the spell''s effects, Chu Liang had only ever used this spell on the young lord.


    Xia An could be considered as the "lucky" first person to receive the full unjust effects of the Evil-Dispelling Spell.


    A green halo appeared out of thin air above the young lord''s head. Right when he was just about to arrogantly make some savagements about Chu Liang, Xia An suddenly froze. The connection to his anger was severed once again.


    "You¡ªah, uh, ah, uh..."


    The sudden change caused the young lord''s words to once again get stuck in his mouth before simply disappearing entirely.


    Xia An thought, <i>This familiar feeling...</i>


    Gazing at Chu Liang who was in front of him, Xia An suddenly felt that all of Chu Liang''s actions and conduct seemed reasonable.


    <i>Moreover, I''ve already decided to kill him today. So, why bother getting angry at a man who is about to die?</i>


    Indeed... The Evil-Dispelling Spell could only rid a person of their resentment, so it had little effect on Xia An''s existing intention to kill Chu Liang.


    After all, the young lord''s desire to kill Chu Liang hadn''t been born purely out of anger. The most important reason was that by investigating Liu Xiaoyu, Chu Liang posed a threat to the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess!


    Upon seeing a wave of calm settle over Xia An''s eyes, Chu Liang said, "Lord Xia, you wrote a letter asking to meet with us. Does that mean you know the whereabouts of Miss Liu Xiaoyu''er''s sister?"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Xia An uttered. He shook his head and smiled. Then he replied calmly, "I don''t. But if I did, I would have killed her first."


    Under the spell''s effects, Xia An was in an extremely calm state of mind. Seeing as the two people he was confronted with were going to die soon, he didn''t mind letting them depart as enlightened ghosts.


    Upon hearing Xia An''s words, Liu Xiaoyu''er immediately grew quite anxious.


    She stepped forward and questioned sharply, "Why do you want to kill my sister?"


    "I initially tricked her into returning to my residence. I didn''t intend to kill her at that point. But who knew she would foolishly eavesdrop on my conversation, overhearing my household''s secret? So, I decided to sell her to the Eastern Regions. However, she turned out to be a demon and unexpectedly managed to escape. I can''t let my household''s secret be exposed..." Xia An answered candidly.


    He wasn''t holding back anymore.


    The young lord looked at Chu Liang and continued, "You really... absolutely shouldn''t have interfered in this matter. If a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect were to sessfully locate her, wouldn''t that ce my household, the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, in a state of no reprieve? So, I had no choice but to call you here today to kill you."


    Xia An''s intention to kill Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er hadn''t been within Chu Liang''s expectations. Yet, despite how astonished Chu Liang felt upon hearing that, he showed no signs of panic. Instead, he hurriedly seized the chance to find out more information while the Evil-Dispelling Spell was still in effect.


    Chu Liang asked, "What unspeakable secret is the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess hiding that requires such great protection?"


    His right hand, which was out of Xia An''s line of sight, moved stealthily.


    A subtle crack rang out... It was the faint sound of something breaking.


    "Oh, it''s merely that we run a business selling girls from the Southern Regions to the Eastern Regions," Xia An said, downying the magnitude of what he was actually saying. Then he added, "Now that I''ve told the two of you this secret, it''s time for you to die."


    If it wasn''t for the effects of the Evil-Dispelling Spell, the young lord wouldn''t have wasted any time talking; he would have attacked straight away. It was all thanks to the spell getting rid of his anger that he patiently exined everything. Nevertheless, Xia An''s n to kill Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er hadn''t changed.


    Once Xia An was done talking, Liu Xiaoyu''er felt quite afraid, so she turned to look at Chu Liang forfort. Yet, this one nce led her to see something that terrified her even more, and her eyes filled with great fear!


    Just as Chu Liang caught a glimpse of Liu Xiaoyu''er''s frightened expression, the Crimson Executioner sent him a signal.


    Chu Liang instantly understood what was happening. There was iing danger!


    A split secondter, a green light enveloped him!


    ...


    It turned out that right after Xia An finished speaking, a ck-d arm had appeared out of thin air behind Chu Liang. In its hand was a sharp jet-ck short saber.


    This lone saber-wielding hand had made its sudden appearance silently, without any indication of its presence, and thrust the saber toward Chu Liang.


    It was by a lucky coincidence that Liu Xiaoyu''er had turned her head to look at Chu Liang at that very moment and happened to see that ck-d arm.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang had keen senses. Upon seeing Liu Xiaoyu''er''s change in expression and sensing the Crimson Executioner move slightly, Chu Liang deduced there was iing danger.


    In a sh, he activated the green leaf, his enchanted tool, and had it wrap him up like a zongzi.


    The saber''s strike was seemingly ordinary with no shy moves involved. However, it easily pierced through the green leaf''s robust defense like it was cutting through tofu. The saber didn''t manage to go all the way in, but it had struck its target.


    The hand pulled the now bloodied saber out of the green leaf before stealthily vanishing through an invisible portal.


    A ck-robed figure appeared behind Xia An and scoffed coldly, "One strike didn''t kill him. His enchanted tool is quite extraordinary."


    As expected, this person was Master Lu¡ªa heinous evildoer who had triggered the Crimson Executioner.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang deactivated the green leaf''s defensive wrapping and sat down on the ground, panting heavily. There was a deep wound in his right side. In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang''s blood dyed the grass beneath him a dark red.


    "You were able to survive a strike from Master Lu, who has the Seven Stealthy Killings Transcendent Form... I think you can die without regrets now," Xia An said coldly.


    Master Lu lightly wiped off the blood on his ck saber and gazed at Chu Liang with a rather amused expression, like an old cat observing a young and agile mouse.


    Master Lu had reached the sixth realm of cultivation, the Transcendence Realm, by cultivating the transcendent arts of the Seven Killings Star, specifically the Seven Stealthy Killings Transcendent Form.


    During the Heavenly Star Divine Cult''s era of glory, the Seven Killings Star wasn''t considered a major faction internally, but they were greatly feared by outsiders. The Seven Killings Star was renowned as the strongest assassin faction! They specialized in covert assassinations, making them extremely difficult to guard against.


    Master Lu''s silent attack, which had appeared out of thin air earlier, demonstrated the formidable power of the sixth realm. If Chu Liang hadn''t had that extra bit of luck from Liu Xiaoyu''er''s presence, he would have undoubtedly lost his life.


    In addition to luck, Chu Liang had an enchanted tool capable of defending against a fatal strike from a cultivator who had reached the sixth realm. Without it, his efforts would have been futile even if he had been prepared for the attack.


    The green leaf hadn''t been able topletely hinder the strike... but it was remarkable that it had even managed to hinder it at all.


    "<i>Haa...</i>"


    Chu Liang was breathingboriously as he did his best to endure the pain caused by the injury and used his foundational qi to seal off the blood vessels around the wound. Then he looked at Liu Xiaoyu''er, who was so frightened that she just stood there stunned.


    "Miss Xiaoyu''er, after yound, don''t just walk off. Wait for me to find you," Chu Liang said with much difficulty.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er uttered.


    She didn''t understand what Chu Liang meant at all.


    Subsequently, Chu Liang raised his finger and pointed at Liu Xiaoyu''er. The little girl was enveloped in a green light. This was her third time getting wrapped up like a zongzi with fish filling.


    After being pierced by the strike of a powerful sixth-realm cultivator, the green leaf was stillrgely intact, but it had a hole now.


    Chu Liang gently made a hand seal and said soundlessly, "Launch."


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A beam of green light suddenly shot upward, heading straight for the distant skies!


    "Don''t let her escape!" Xia An shouted.


    Master Lu, who was behind Xia An, raised one of his hands. It then vanished along with half of his arm. He seemed to be using the same divine skill from before. However, when Master Lu pulled his saber back out of thin air this time, there was no blood on it.


    With a grim expression, Master Lu said, "She escaped very quickly. Surprisingly, my divine skill failed to catch up with that enchanted tool..."


    His attempt to attack Liu Xiaoyu''er in the same way as he''d done with Chu Liang had failed. That zongzi had already turned into a star in the distant sky.


    During that brief moment earlier, Chu Liang had filled Green Leaf to the brim with foundational qi, so it would likely keep flying for several hundred li before it would drop from the sky. Chu Liang hoped that Liu Xiaoyu''er wouldnd safely.


    Xia An clearly hadn''t expected such a thing to happen. Despite having such a great way to escape, Chu Liang had given the opportunity to Liu Xiaoyu''er at this critical moment instead of using it himself.


    Xia An growled, "We absolutely cannot let him leave alive!"


    "He certainly won''t be able to get away..." Master Lu replied, appearing calm and collected. He looked at Chu Liang and said, "Foolish disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, I didn''t expect that you''d have such a way of escaping... However, what''s even more unexpected is that you''d give the chance of survival to someone else while you remain here to die."


    Chu Liang, who was sitting on the ground and unable to run because of his severe injury, lifted his head to face the mighty sixth-realm cultivator who was far more powerful than him.


    Yet, contrary to Master Lu and Xia An''s expectations, Chu Liang suddenly revealed a smile.


    Chu Liang asked, "Who told you that?"

 Chapter 89: Counterattack

    <h4>Chapter 89: Counterattack</h4>


    Master Lu passed away peacefully.


    ...


    He used to be an assassin who could deftly move through the shadows through the use of the legacy of the Seven Killings Star. He had killed close to a thousand people in his lifetime, leaving his hands irrevocably stained with blood.


    Later on, as the number of victims increased, it inevitably drew the interest of both the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. He had no choice but to stop and seek refuge at the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. There, he assumed the role of a guardian for the Marquessate, safeguarding the lord while also undertaking some shady assignments.


    The refuge offered a decent haven for someone of his ilk, and the tasks assigned were well within his capabilities.


    Take, for instance, the mission to eliminate a fish and a Mount Shu Sect disciple at the Spiritual Awareness Realm today.


    Initially, he was confident that utilizing the Seven Stealthy Killings Transcendent Form would ensure sess. Being a sixth realm cultivator, he anticipated that employing his expertise in ambush tactics against a third realm cultivator should make the mission foolproof.


    To his surprise, the Mount Shu Sect disciple disyed an unusual level of perceptiveness. The disciple of the Mount Shu Sect swiftly used a defensive tool that actually deflected the attack and escaped. This was something he hadn''t expected.


    What surprised him even more was the defensive tool''s dual functionality¡ªnot only had it blocked the attack but it also served as an escape mechanism. In an instant, the tool wrapped itself around the fish and propelled into the sky.


    Master Lu''s expression darkened with anger at the unexpected turn of events.


    Perhaps he had grown ustomed to an easygoing environment in recent years, losing some of the ruthlessness he once possessed. Upon failing tond the first strike, he should have swiftly followed up with another critical hit. It would be a cardinal sin for an assassin to engage in idle chatter with a living opponent.


    Now, the consequence of the idle chatter was that one out of the two targets had managed to escape. It was a big mistake ording to his standards.


    He was also surprised that the Mount Shu Sect disciple had the audacity to challenge him.


    <i>Who gave him the audacity?</i>


    When Chu Liang asked, "Who told you that?" Master Lu felt confused. Without a second thought, he raised his hand, prepared to draw his saber and confront this bold challenger.


    However, at the same time, he observed Chu Liang summoning an ancient-looking flying sword.


    <i>He even dared to draw his sword?</i>


    <i>This individual''s choice of facing death while standing makes him worthy of being a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect.</i>


    <i>Hold on...</i>


    <i>Is there something unusual about this sword?</i>


    When Chu Liang unleashed his sword technique, Master Lu assumed it was a desperate struggle in the face of impending doom. After all, the difference between the third realm and the sixth realm was enormous and killing Chu Liang would be like crushing an ant.


    Yet, as the flying sword traced a silver light talismanic character in the air, followed by a breathtaking disy of wind and a p of thunder, Master Lu suddenly sensed that something was amiss.


    It was supposed to be an ordinary talismanic sword seal¡ªDual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire.


    Why did it show such overwhelming power?


    The sound of the sword''s energy rang in his ears, causing tremendous pain.


    No, something was seriously wrong!


    Definitely wrong!


    There must be some mysterious urrence. How could a cultivator at the third realm unleash a sword technique with such formidable power?


    He immediately sheathed his sword, made a swift hand gesture, and in an instant, his figure disappeared.


    But it was already toote...


    If he had thought Chu Liang was a fair match and tried to run away while Chu Liang was attacking, he probably wouldn''t have been hit by that strike.


    However, when Chu Liang executed his sword technique, Master Lu didn''t take it seriously enough. By the time he considered dodging, it was just a bit toote.


    As his figure became halfway concealed, almost translucent, a raging fire dragon apanied by a powerful celestial wind, descended with unstoppable force. It felt like it could annihte everything, and ending his life was just a side effect.


    As the sword energy neared, Master Lu looked up with a shocked expression, unable to believe what was happening.


    A cultivator at the third realm, capable of delivering an attack that could y someone at the sixth realm¡ªwhere did this incredible powere from?


    This was fate.


    Those who wronged others would eventually face their consequences. Those who valued life less would lose their own, and those consumed by bitterness would be consumed by the karma spawned from that bitterness.


    Master Lu became aware of the origin of Chu Liang''s power.


    He realized that he himself had been the source of that power.


    ...


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    As the huge storm of wind and fire created by the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire swallowed Master Lupletely, making sure he couldn''t survive, Chu Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    In that brief moment before, he had faced a critical decision.


    When the Green Leaf Enchanted Tool wrapped around his body, he had already been stabbed in the right side of his chest. He was severely injured.


    In the life of a cultivator, unexpected dangers were inevitable, and the decisions made during moments of crisis exposed one''s true character.


    In that critical moment, the most prudent option for Chu Liang was to activate his enchanted tool directly and ascend with it.


    However, if he had done that, Liu Xiaoyu''er would undoubtedly remain on the ground and be killed by the malevolent adversary.


    In a split-second decision, he activated the enchanted tool, redirecting its power to transport Liu Xiaoyu''er to safety.


    This action wasn''t just about sacrificing himself; he still held onto hope for a fighting chance.


    He wielded the Crimson Executioner, which had been yearning for action as it confronted the viin!


    While this choice might not have seemed like the safest option, it was the only way to ensure the safety of both of them. He decided to prioritize protecting one person first and then stayed behind to face the fight with all his strength.


    He was aware that he would only have one chance to attack.


    He needed to execute his sword seal while the opponent still underestimated him and remained careless. Only then would he be able to catch his adversary off guard and possibly deliver a fatal blow.


    Undoubtedly, his most formidable single-target attack was the Talismanic Sword Seal. He opted for the more reliable Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire over the potentially risky Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire.


    His goal was clear¡ªto seed with the first strike.


    And it was a sess!


    This was the power of the righteous sword!


    A massive explosion sent Lord Xia, who was closer to Master Lu, flying dozens of zhang away, crashing heavily to the ground.


    <i>Thunk!</i>


    Lord Xianded and bounced up heavily again. The mental shock he experienced far surpassed the physical pain.


    <i>What on earth? We lost? Even with Master Lu on our side? Is this some nightmarish illusion? </i>


    But as Lord Xia witnessed Chu Liang emerging from the dissipating smoke, covered in blood yet wielding the ancient sword, a chilling realization gripped him.


    It wasn''t an illusion.


    Chu Liang had actually killed Master Lu.


    And it was an instantaneous kill!


    Chu Liang revealed himself as a terrifying beast!


    "<i>Ahhh...</i>" The Young Lord let out a shaky scream. Quickly, he turned around, jumped up from the ground, and ran away!


    He had to escape!


    Despite Chu Liang''s heavily injured state, Lord Xia didn''t dare spare a second nce.


    "Trying to escape?" Chu Liang watched as Lord Xia fled, gritting his teeth and ignoring the pain from his wounds. He leaped once more, determined to catch up with the Lord of the Marquessate!


    Lord Xia was genuinely attempting to kill him. If it weren''t for a bit of luck and various means to counterattack, he would have long since turned into bones at the bottom of a river.


    How could Chu Liang let him escape easily?


    A sword light, resembling a shooting star, swiftly propelled Chu Liang towards Lord Xia.


    "Father... Save me..."


    In this moment, Xia An''s mind echoed with a single word: escape.


    <i>Escape towards the South Gate City!</i>


    <i>Escape towards crowded ces!</i>


    <i>Escape to where my father is...</i>


    <i>Escape...Escape...Escape...</i>


    He raced all the way and swiftly arrived at a hill outside the city. The ce was now teeming with people; half of South Gate City''s citizens had gathered here.


    Xue Lingxue''s performance was about to begin, and the crowd eagerly awaited the musicians to take the stage. All eyes were fixed on them, brimming with anticipation for the uing show!


    In the private room on the front hill, his father, the current Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, would be in attendance today. His father was apanied by many skilled guards, and he himself was a formidable cultivator.


    In this moment, Xia An felt an overwhelming gratitude for his father''s decision to cultivate.


    <i>Father!</i>


    <i>Help!</i>


    However, just as he leaped onto the stage, Chu Liang''s sword light closed in rapidly from behind. Even before Chu Liang had caught up to Lord Xia, he made a sudden move.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    The red light, resembling a snake or lightning, instantly entwined around Xia An''s body, causing him to crash to the ground.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Xia An''s body fell heavily from mid-air,nding squarely on the spacious stage prepared for the performance, creating a stir among the crowd!


    Chu Liang descended and effortlessly lifted Lord Xia in a single, powerful grip.


    Countless spectators below finally saw clearly. The figure bound in a red rope, looking miserable and kneeling on the ground, was none other than the Lord of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquessate!


    A highly respected member rted to the imperial family!


    <i>What''s going on?</i>


    <i>And who is that young man drenched in blood with a sword?</i>


    The crowd erupted in shock.


    Chu Liang, looking down at the countless heads below, realized where he was. He paused with his sword, hesitant to strike recklessly.


    So, he grabbed Xia An''s head, raised the Crimson Executioner in his right hand, and shouted loudly, "The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess in South Gate City has been trafficking women and taking lives recklessly! They havemitted great crimes! I am Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, and I am here today to arrest him!


    "The heavens can attest to this!


    "Xia An, do you admit that you are guilty of these crimes?"

 Chapter 90: Fury

    <h4>Chapter 90: Fury</h4>


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess sat halfway up the hill, a smile ying on his lips as he eagerly anticipated the start of the performance.


    Dressed in a fancy white robe, with some gray in his sideburns, he looked quite elegant. This sense of style seemed to run in the family, passed down to his son, the young lord of the Marquessate. Overall, the members of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess were all quite good looking.


    Among themon folk of South Gate City, it was widely known that the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was obsessed with seeking immortality. They seldom saw him, so many people frequently cast nces in this direction.


    Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, looking down at the crowd below from behind a beaded curtain, suddenly sneered.


    <i>Mere mortals?</i>


    <i>They are nothing more than ants.</i>


    He was born into the noble Xia family, so he had never really known what it was like to struggle or suffer like ordinary people do. But even though he had everything he could ever want, he never felt satisfied with the mundane stuff that people enjoy. His firm belief was that true transcendence could only be achieved through cultivation.


    For someone like him, born into a noble family but not particrly talented, the various sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten held a unanimous stance.He could join as an outer disciple, which meant he could ess some teachings and techniques, but he would never be epted as a core disciple.


    Because of his rtion to the imperial family, they couldn''t make him sacrifice himself for the sect like ordinary disciples or venture into danger to obtain resources for the sect. epting such a disciple was like taking in someone more superior, and no top-tier sect would willingly do such a foolish thing.


    Despite his dedicated pursuit of the Dao, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess remained on the fringes of the mainstream cultivation world. He yearned to be part of it, yet eptance seemed an unattainable dream.


    In his pursuit of immortal cultivation, he traded the family''s generations-worth of umted wealth for resources to support his cultivation and managed to attain the sixth realm.


    At this point, breaking through the Earth Gate had be as difficult as ascending to the heavens, and the distant prospect of reaching the seventh realm seemed unattainable. However, he refused to give up and, in the process, resorted to illicit activities for personal gain.


    He didn''t feel bad about selling women to the Eastern Regions. In his mind, regr folks were no better than farm animals, and even the royal family were just more privileged animals. He wouldn''t hesitate to kill them all, let alone sell them, if they could contribute to advancing his cultivation.


    For many years, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess seldom paid attention to the ordinary activities in South Gate City, dedicating himself solely to cultivation. The reason he was willing to witness Xue Lingxue''s performance today was because he harbored a slight fantasy about her.


    If his son could develop a romantic connection with Xue Lingxue, they would be considered part of the Southern Melody Conservatory''s extended family. Through this association, he could enter the inner circle of the mainstream cultivation social circle, a ce he had been on the outskirts of for years.


    Furthermore, he received information from the pce suggesting that Shen Qingyan of the Southern Melody Conservatory might be the Crown Prince''s consort and possibly the future queen. Since Xue Lingxue and Shen Qingyan were close friends and in the same cohort, if his son could get close to Xue Lingxue, it might open doors to important opportunities down the line.


    The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was "impoverished" mainly because the Southern Region was an extremely remote location. Residing there meant they would never be entrusted with significant roles. Without any influence, they couldn''t gain many benefits and would just stay as minor nobles.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had thought about this a lot. But it wasn''t clear if Xue Lingxue would think his son was a good match. Still, he believed it was possible, especially because his son got his good looks and had a clever side that he didn''t. Plus, his son being noble could work well with Xue Lingxue''s status, making it more likely for things to turn out well.


    This was why he had decided to personally attend today''s performance, intending to meet Xue Lingxue afterward and help his son establish connections.


    With this purpose in mind, he sat there with a smile, eagerly awaiting the start of the performance.


    However, his ns took an unexpected turn when he witnessed a strange scene unfold before his eyes.


    To his dismay, his beloved son, whom he had high hopes for, came rushing onto the stage pursued by a streak of sword light. As his son approached the stage, he was ensnared in a red light, bound, and crashed onto the stage in an awkward and undignified manner. The young cultivator chasing him brandished a sword, demanding his confession.


    The audience below numbered in the tens of thousands.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, typically stoic and expressionless, suddenly wore a visage of shock and anger. He abruptly stood up, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, especially in front of such arge audience.


    <i>I have been waiting for the show.</i>


    <i>And now, my son is the star of the show?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang, with his sword in hand, grabbed hold of Xia An,pelling him to confess in front of the crowd. Xia An''s clothes were stained with blood, adding to the intensity of the scene, and Chu Liang''smanding presence instilled fear in the spectators as they watched on in shock and horror.


    After witnessing Chu Liang''s swift and deadly execution of Master Lu, Xia An''s mind was gripped by fear. Haunted by the memory of the brutal scene, he felt a deep desire to confess his guilt and beg for forgiveness from the heavens above.


    As Xia An was on the brink of raising his head to shout, a familiar and authoritative voice echoed through the air.


    "How dare you!"


    A powerful gust of white wind swept in, revealing the imposing figure of his father, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, standing on the stage.


    In a moment of silence, a dozen skilled martial artists descended from above, all serving as guards of the Marquessate, swiftly encircling Chu Liang.


    With the de of his sword firmly pressed against Xia An''s neck, Chu Liang remained calm, showing no fear as he locked eyes with the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess gazed at the young man drenched in blood. For a moment, he found Chu Liang''s gaze unusually piercing. Frowning, he questioned, "Do you know what you are doing?"


    "Carrying out justice," Chu Liang asserted calmly.


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, with an even more intimidating gaze, retorted, "Spouting nonsense and ndering the royal family. Do you know the punishment for that? Guards, seize him!"


    Surprisingly, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess showed no concern for his son under Chu Liang''s sword. Instead, he issued a directmand to his guards to capture Chu Liang!


    As Chu Liang deftly maneuvered the de, it tightened against Xia An''s neck, leaving a stark blood mark in its wake.


    "Father! Don''t! Save me! Save me!" Xia An''s anguished pleas reverberated through the air


    Despite Xia An''s cries for help, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess remained stoic and unaffected. His mere presence radiated an aura of unwavering authority that pressed down heavily on Chu Liang, like an invisible mountain exerting its immense force upon him.


    Chu Liang gritted his teeth, sensing the overwhelming pressure of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess''s imposing aura bearing down on him. He felt as though he might be crushed under its weight at any moment.


    Without the Crimson Executioner, the disparity between his cultivation level, at the third realm, and that of the sixth realm seemed insurmountable. The sheer intensity of the Marquess''s aura alone rendered him almost immobile, trapped in a state of near-helplessness.


    However, the guards from the Mountain-Subjugating Marquessate were closing in. At this moment, Chu Liang realized he had no other choice. He understood that his only option was to strike down the young lord with a swift sh of his sword. Anything else would be futile against the overwhelming force closing in on him.


    Thankfully, the guards hesitated, not daring to rashly attack Chu Liang. If it weren''t for their hesitation, Chu Liang would have been subdued immediately. Even though the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess behaved as though he didn''t care about his son, No one could guarantee that the Marquess wouldn''t unleash his fury on the first guard to make a move, potentially causing Chu Liang to take drastic action against the young lord.


    So, the guards hesitated to move forward. Regardless, they knew they had to advance.


    At this critical moment, a loud shout echoed from the side.


    "Stop!"


    As a voice, booming like thunder, reverberated through the air, a figurended gracefully in the center of the stage.


    The person, with his strikingly thick eyebrows andrge eyes, exuded an air of youthful vigor and vitality. As hended in the center of the stage, he immediately pressed his hands firmly down on either side in an attempt to stabilize the situation.


    "Marquess, please calm down," he implored to the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess before addressing everyone, "No one move! Don''t attack! Show me some respect!"


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess stared at him with a frown as he asked, "And who are you?"


    The youth replied boldly, "I am Lin Bei.[1]"


    "Get lost!"


    1. In the Chinese dialect hokkien, this is basically saying "I AM YOUR FATHER" ?

 Chapter 91: One Punch

    <h4>Chapter 91: One Punch</h4>


    This young man was, of course, Lin Bei.


    He''d initially been in the mid-level premium seating area, waiting for the performance to begin. Then he saw Chu Liang and Xia Annd on the stage. Lin Bei hadn''t expected to see such a scene.


    Who would have thought that Chu Liang, whom Lin Bei had brought over to watch and enjoy the concert, would end up taking center stage?


    Upon hearing Chu Liang pressure Xia An to confess his crimes, Lin Bei could roughly tell what had happened. He was about to step forward to help Chu Liang, but the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess and his troops quickly surrounded Chu Liang. The situation was now rather grim.


    Lin Bei''s pace slowed to a stop when he realized that he wouldn''t be able to do much to help Chu Liang. He would be more helpful as an observer, ready to rush back to Mount Shu to report about the situation if it were to take a turn for the worse.


    However, that turn came sooner than expected. The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess didn''t seem to care about the hostage; he just wanted to attack Chu Liang. If the marquess wasn''t stopped, it was very likely that a battle would ensue.


    It was time for Lin Bei to make his appearance! After all, he couldn''t let Chu Liang die before his eyes.


    Lin Bei leaped onto the center of the stage and asked the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess to hold off on taking action for now out of respect for him.


    Yet, Lin Bei received two words in response, "Get lost."


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess didn''t simply berate Lin Bei; he''d infused his cultivated power into his voice. Those two words, which were deafeningly loud like ps of thunder, flung Lin Bei backward. The power they contained sent him tumbling off the stage and rolling for another ten zhang before finallying to a stop.


    Lin Bei staggered to his feet and yelled, "We''re representatives of the Mount Shu Sect. Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, do you dare kill disciples of the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess snorted. He was well aware that all eyes were on him and that he needed to bring this matter to a swift and decisive end in his favor. So, he said, "You disciples of the Mount Shu Sect conspired to murder a member of the imperial family, and I intend to do more than just kill the two of you. After I''m done with you, I''ll go to Mount Shu and demand justice to be served!"


    With his cultivation-powered voice, every one of his words rumbled with the force of thunder. Those thunderous sound waves appeared as ripples in the air and surged toward the audience.


    Lin Bei, whom the marquess had directed his reprimanding words at, was sent tumbling again. He rolled over several times before falling t on his back as if a mountain was pressing down on his chest. Lin Bei struggled to get up, but he just couldn''t.


    "Mountain-Subjugating Marquess!" Chu Liang called out. Considering how the situation was ying out, he had no choice but to speak up. "Let my fellow disciple go. This has nothing to do with him. If you let him go, I will let Lord Xia go too."


    "Oh?" The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess smiled coldly upon realizing Chu Liang''s weak spot. "You don''t want me to kill him? Sure..."


    The marquess'' gaze was icy as he said, "But you made a false usation, misled the public with lies, and intended to kill a member of the royal family. Do you admit that you''re guilty of these crimes?"


    The might of the powerful marquess ced immense pressure on Chu Liang''s willpower and body; it was breaking him.


    Chu Liang was on the verge of copse. A major reason for that was the serious injury he''d suffered earlier. The marquess'' pressure caused the wound to rupture again, and blood was trickling out of it.


    "<i>Haa...</i>"


    Chu Liang was breathing heavily, but he did his best to maintain hisposure instead of surrendering immediately. He kept his head held high.


    "The heavens can attest to my innocence. Justice is bound to prevail! Do you think that killing me will erase the crimes of your family? You may be able to silence one mouth, but can you block out this scene from the eyes of the countless people watching right now?!" Chu Liang questioned, each of his words pronounced and resounding.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang point at the sea of people below the stage, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess suddenly felt the countless gazes fixed on him. His heart started to palpitate. It was his first time realizing there was power in a gaze.


    Nevertheless, the marquess had a tough mental state from cultivating for so many years, so how could he possibly waver just because of a few words from Chu Liang?


    "That''s right. Justice lies in the will of the people, and the imperial court will make their judgment knownter. However, today, I must first capture you, an ignorant little traitor who does not know your ce! If you don''t let my son go, I will have your fellow disciple executed on the spot!" the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess shouted.


    He wasn''t going to let things get dragged out any longer. The marquess raised his hand, preparing to crush Lin Bei!


    Lin Bei suddenly panicked and urged loudly, "Hey! You can''t do this! For the sake of protecting your son, you want to kill your father?[1]"


    Chu Liang gazed at the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess grimly. Then he gently lowered the sword in his hand.


    As the sword fell to the ground with a ng, Chu Liang slumped down into a seated position on the floor. His severely injured body had actually been running on empty for quite a while now, so his legs went weak the moment he stopped putting up a fight.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang in a weak state, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess mercilessly issued a coldmand, "Kill him."


    A group of powerful guards, who were as ferocious as tigers and wolves, surrounded Chu Liang while exuding mighty pressure that felt as heavy as if Mount Tai were weighing down on him. It seemed that Chu Liang, who couldn''t even lift his arms, was left with no choice but to await his execution.


    Yet, Chu Liang was smiling.


    When the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess saw the smile on Chu Liang''s face, he was filled with an inexplicable sense of hatred toward Chu Liang. The young man clearly hadn''t said a word, but his smile seemed to be mocking the marquess.


    <i>How loathsome</i>, the marquess thought.


    "Stop right there!" a yell rang out distinctly amid the chaos, just before the guards attempted to kill Chu Liang.


    Feeling greatly displeased, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess turned to look at the person who was getting in his way.


    At some point, a woman dressed in long red and ck robes had descended onto the stage without the marquess noticing.


    She was of a tall stature, so much so that she was even taller than the marquess. Her hair was tied up at the back of her head, with stray strands brushing against the sides of her cheeks. Framed in between them was her gorgeous face, which boasted beautiful features and a glowingplexion, and below it was an eye-catching jade resting on her ample bosom. She had a high waistline, which entuated her slender waist and long legs...


    Simply put, she was very alluring.


    The woman wore an expression that was totally out of ce in this tense scene. She leisurely approached the marquess with an indolent and slightly impatient expression.


    The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was boiling with anger. This was the second time that someone had yelled at him to stop. No matter who tried to intervene, the marquess had to kill that disciple from the Mount Shu Sect today. Otherwise, he would have no way of resolving this matter in his favor.


    When the marquess saw this mysterious woman, he thought she was the same as Lin Bei, just someone weak who hade to disrupt things.


    So, the marquess shouted again, "Get lost!"


    <i>Smoosh.</i>


    The response he got was a muffled sound like that of a rotten watermelon falling and smashing onto the ground. Nevertheless, the marquess probably couldn''t hear it.


    His guards on the stage definitely did though, and so did Chu Liang, Lin Bei, and the many audience members below the stage... That''s why they were all stunned.


    They''d all just watched the womannguidly walk up to the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, raise her fist, and thrust it forward.


    She''d punched him square in the face.


    Well, it would be more urate to say that before her punchnded, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess still had his face... but after itnded, he''d lost his face[2]... and his actual face.


    However, it wasn''t just his face that was gone.


    When the woman swung her fist earlier, it had been enveloped in red and gold mes. The fiery fist had struck the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess with a soft, muffled sound, and his entire head had disappeared!


    It wasn''t that his head had exploded. Rather, it seemed that everything that those red and gold mes had touched had been incinerated and evaporated in an instant, leaving nothing behind.


    What remained of the marquess was his now headless body. The parts of his body that were below the chest were intact, and the site of the burn was quite smooth, with a vacant space above the chest.


    The strangest thing was that the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had been a powerful man. Yet, he''d simply watched the woman approach and let her attack him; he''d made no attempts to avoid the punch. It had been an extremely bizarre scene.


    "<i>Huuu.</i>"


    The woman retracted her fiery fist and shook it, extinguishing the red and gold mes enveloping her fist. Then she blew lightly, dispersing the remaining wisp of azure smoke. She wore an expression of great indifference as if she had done something insignificant.


    The woman then turned around. She looked at Chu Liang, whoy paralyzed on the floor, and shrugged.


    With a confused expression, she pointed at the headless body behind her and asked, "Who''s that? Why was he so rude?"


    1. We think it''s a wordy joke involving Lin Bei''s name. "Lin Bei" sounds "your father" in Hokkien (a Chinese dialectnguage), which is often arrogantly used to talk down to someone, disying/asserting their dominance/superiority. It''s a continuation from Chapter 90, when the marquess asked Lin Bei who he was, Lin Bei answered with "I am Lin Bei", which sounds like "I am your father." ?


    2. This is referring to his image/reputation etc. ?

 Chapter 92: Benevolent Melody of Restoration

    <h4>Chapter 92: Benevolent Melody of Restoration</h4>


    Silence.


    A prolonged silence.


    After a prolonged pause, Chu Liang spoke in a feeble voice, "When he had a head, he was called the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess."


    "Mountain[1]? That''s a weird name..." Di Nufeng eximed.


    "Have you ever thought of the possibility that...this is a title?" Chu Liang said with a smile.


    When Chu Liang was by the river and found out that Lord Xia had intended to kill someone, he immediately crushed the jade talisman with the tracking spell, summoning his teacher.


    Knowing Lord Xia wouldn''t foolishly orchestrate a trap without having someone who was strong enough to kill him, Chu Liang, who had been uncertain of the enemy''s attack formation, very quickly sent out a distress signal.


    Nheless, this was not a teleportation talisman. Even if Di Nufeng had promptly received and acted on the message, reaching the location would still demand a considerable amount of time.


    Chu Liang initially intended to create a dy, but unfortunately, Lord Xia did not give him this opportunity and promptly ordered Master Lu to initiate an attack.


    Fortunately, the Crimson Executioner was powerful enough, Master Lu managed to avoid a punch from Di Nufeng. Considering things from this perspective, Master Lu should even express his gratitude to Chu Liang.


    The ensuing sequence of events unfolded rapidly: Lord Xia fled, Chu Liang pursued, and the Mountain-Subjugating Marquessid siege. It was a long story. In the critical moment when the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess poised to strike the fatal blow, Di Nufeng arrived.


    The reason why Chu Liang had discarded his sword was because he saw his teacher''s arrival. Otherwise, he would have devised alternative strategies to dy things even further. Lin Bei''s presence yed a pivotal role in the attempt to stall. Without Lin Bei''s emergence, achieving the dy until his teacher''s arrival might have proven impossible.


    Every second of Chu Liang''s conversation with the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was, in fact, a decrement to his life points. However, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess remained entirely oblivious at that moment.


    As Chu Liang observed the standing corpse, a wave of emotion washed over him.


    <i>I have been waiting for my teacher''s arrival, but what are you waiting for?</i>


    Regardless, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was a member of the imperial family, inheriting the noble marquess title and cultivating at the sixth realm.


    Yet, Di Nufeng killed him without any inquiry, defying the expectations of everyone present.


    "Oh, a noble marquess." Di Nufeng waved her hand, maintaining a carefree demeanor.


    Even upon learning the individual''s identity, she showed no concern.


    <i>Can she talk about the noble marquess with a bit more seriousness? </i>


    <i>Why would she mention it as though she was talking about inconsequential matters?</i>


    Countless people couldn''t help but feel the urge toin.


    Appearing oblivious to the attention she garnered among the crowd and paying no attention to the gazes around her, she walked towards Chu Liang with ease. The guards from the Marquess''s residence automatically made their way, reluctant to intervene¡ªor perhaps, terrified to act as they stood still in their ces.


    Meanwhile, Lin Bei, who had nearly been crushed by the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess just moments ago, now bounced back with enthusiasm. He leaped onto the stage, shook his head lightly at the lifeless body, saying, "See? This is the consequence of not showing me respect."


    Immediately, he turned around and followed Di Nufeng, disying a fawning smile. "Senior Aunt Di Nufeng, you''re truly amazing. My admiration for you is like the endless flow of a great river..."


    Di Nufeng, examining Chu Liang''s injuries, caught sight of him approaching and asked, "Are you also from Mount Shu? Which peak?"


    "I..." Lin Bei paused as the words reached his lips, then chuckled, "The specific peak doesn''t matter. What matters is that I''m the best friend of Silver Sword Peak. I''ve always considered Senior Aunt Di Nufeng the strongest among the thirty-six peak masters!"


    "Alright. Make sure to spread the word for me when you go back," Di Nufeng chuckled as she responded.


    "An obligation that cannot be shirked!" Lin Bei puffed his chest, expressing some concerns, "But, Senior Aunt, is it really fine to just kill a Marquess without asking any questions?"


    "I saw him trying to kill my disciple the moment I arrived, what else is there to ask?" Di Nufeng justified herself confidently.


    ...


    Hearing his teacher''s words, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel moved. Such a pure act of protecting one''s disciple; anyone who was the protected disciple would have felt moved by such an action.


    After a moment of contemtion, Chu Liang said, "Rest assured! The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess is involved in human trafficking and all sorts of wrongdoing, causing many loss of lives. Esteemed Teacher, your action is undoubtedly justifiable. Even if this matter was brought up to the imperial court, we have justice on our side."


    "I knew it..." His teacher proudly smiled and said, "I, Di Nufeng, am someone who has upheld justice and righteousness throughout my life. How could I randomly kill someone?"


    Lin Bei grinned but dared not speak.


    "I think what we need to worry about now is another issue," Chu Liang said again in a feeble voice.


    "What?" Both of them looked at him.


    Chu Liang continued, "My injuries have not been healing. If this continues, I''m afraid I will die."


    For cultivators, with sufficient internal energy and robust vitality, as long as their external injuries were not immediately fatal, they would heal rapidly. If they used their foundational qi for recovery, the process would be even quicker.


    However, Chu Liang''s attempts to use his foundational qi for healing since the recent events yielded far-from-optimistic results.


    The seemingly ordinary sh from Master Lu carried a devastating force, hindering Chu Liang''s wounds from healing, and the bleeding from stoppingpletely. If this were to persist, even a cultivator would find it challenging to survive.


    "I am not proficient in the art of healing..." Di Nufeng pondered for a while and said, "But don''t you worry! If you are really dying, I am quite skilled at doing cremation."


    This was the way of life for cultivators. Even if they had high cultivation levels, without relevant divine skills, they might find themselves helpless in specific situations.


    "..." Chu Liang gazed at his teacher with tearful eyes.


    Seeing his pitiful expression, Di Nufeng said, "I should take you back to Mount Shu to treat your wounds as soon as possible."


    "Senior Aunt, with your flying speed, he might have passed away by the time you reach Mount Shu," Lin Bei whispered on the side, recalling the hellish experience of flying with Di Nufeng. "I suggest finding a skilled healer nearby."


    As they were discussing, a soft voice came from behind, "Um... I can try to help Young Noble Chu with his injuries."


    They turned around and saw an elegant-looking young woman standing gracefully on the stage while holding a qin case. It was Xue Lingxue.


    Upon seeing her, Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up as she remarked, "What a beautiful youngdy! What''s your name, and where do you live?"


    "Senior Aunt, I know all the answers to your questions. I will tell you..." Lin Bei quickly pulled Di Nufeng aside, "Let Miss Xue try to heal Chu Liang first."


    <i>Well, it turns out that Di Nufeng is a hidden female rogue...</i>


    Today wasn''t the luckiest day for Xue Lingxue. It marked her first-ever tour, and this was the inaugural stop. Filled with ambitious thoughts of making a ster debut, she had envisioned delivering an outstanding performance.


    But then, even before she had gotten on stage, such an ident had urred.


    The disciple of Mount Shu lewdly bound the Lord of the Marquessate, and a red-ddy killed the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess with an explosive attack...


    After such a splendid "performance," the audience below almost forgot why they hade today, and all the limelight waspletely stolen.


    Seeing Chu Liang in such a predicament, Xue Lingxue finally found a chance to step onto the stage. Although the disciples from Southern Melody Conservatory were not professional healers, most of them indeed possessed effective healing techniques.


    Xue Lingxue unfolded her qin case and began to y.


    <i>Zing¡ª</i>


    The melodious sound of the qin filled the air.


    "This piece is called Benevolent Melody of Restoration..." the musician behind them exined to the two from Mount Shu, "It''s the healing masterpiece of our Southern Melody Conservatory and also Senior Sister Xue''s signature piece. Rest assured."


    "Rest assured. I am not worried at all." Di Nufeng praised Xue Lingxue, clicking her tongue in admiration. "I have to say that girls in the field of art look absolutely stunning."


    "Indeed..." Lin Bei nodded in agreement, "Miss Xue''s figure, appearance, inner qualities, and temperament... she''s wless in every aspect."


    "...Truly tasty..."


    "...I''d dly live ten fewer years..."


    The musician behind them, listening to the intermittent discussions between the two, was bewildered, and one ck question mark after another involuntarily appeared on her forehead.


    <i>Nice...</i>


    <i>Are there any good people in the Mount Shu Sect?</i>


    1. There''s a joke here that we can''t trante. Mountain-Subjugating is ¶¨É½ (Dingshan) in Chinese. And the word ëë (Ding) means buttocks. So Di Nufeng thought this person''s surname was buttocks. ?

 Chapter 93: Boarding the Ship

    <h4>Chapter 93: Boarding the Ship</h4>


    As Xue Lingxue skillfully plucked the qin strings, healing melodies permeated the air. The audience, initially captivated by the thrilling scene they had just witnessed, gradually settled into a tranquil state as the music unfolded, bringing about a sense of peace and serenity.


    "The Benevolent Melody of Restoration" differed entirely from the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves," eliciting a wholly distinct emotional response.


    Infused with foundational qi, the divine skill specifically targeting Chu Liang alone conveyed a warm, stream-like energy that moved in harmony with the music.


    It flowed into his body, concentrating on his wounds and countering the continuous harm inflicted on him. This gentle process promoted the healing of his injuries.


    As Chu Liang felt the infusion of life into his body, he gradually regained hisposure.


    While Master Lu was a formidable cultivator at the sixth realm, the power that apanied the sh of the saber could be dispelled by Xue Lingxue. However, the process of dispelling this power proved quite challenging. In fact, Xue Lingxue was secretly surprised.


    The difficulty in neutralizing this force indicated the high cultivation level of the attacker.


    Yet, Chu Liang not only faced such a formidable enemy but also managed to escape alive!


    While enduring such injuries, he confronted the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, a cultivator at the sixth realm, and even withstood the opponent''s pressure with an unwavering spirit.


    This was not an easy task.


    After a while, the music came to an end.


    The evil qi that stuck to Chu Liang''s wounds was finally cleared, and the bleeding stopped. Although the wounds had not fully healed, they were no longer fatal. As long as he could practice self-healing techniques, recovery was only a matter of time.


    "Miss Xue, thank you for saving my life," Chu Liang said, opening his eyes and expressing his gratitude.


    "Don''t mention it. Young Hero Chu''s actions of punishing evil and promoting good are admirable. I just did what I could to help," Xue Lingxue praised, seemingly convinced by Chu Liang''s words after witnessing the earlier scene.


    In fact, all the spectators present could tell that Chu Liang had spoken the truth. The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had indeedmitted such crimes.


    On one hand, the recent rise in missing girls in the Southern Regions lent some credence to the situation. On the other hand, the eyes of the masses were sharp.


    While some might struggle to discern right from wrong and others may resist acknowledging the truth, most people could differentiate between the two.


    "It was indeed wrong of me to disturb Miss Xue''s performance." Chu Liang apologized again, "However, this wrongdoing of mine should ultimately be attributed to the father and son who are guilty of these heinous crimes...Eh?"


    Chu Liang turned his head and found that Lord Xia, who was still nearby a moment ago, had disappeared. He was still bound by the Demon-Binding Rope.


    Where could he have run off to?


    Chu Liang looked up and saw Lord Xia, tightly bound by the tortoise-shell bondage method, crawling on the ground. Like a wriggling maggot, he struggled as he moved forward with his buttocks raised.


    He continued for a long time and managed to inch to the edge of the stage. If he was given the time of another song, he might have escaped under the stage.


    "<i>Heh...</i>" Chu Liang smiled and walked over, pulling him back.


    Lord Xia had hoped to sneak away while no one was paying attention, but unfortunately, it was too difficult.


    Feeling the chill around his neck, he knew that he had been caught again. Instantly, his eyes were filled with despair, and he looked as if he had just lost his father.


    He had indeed just lost his father.


    But he felt even more devastated now that he was caught again.


    "Shouldn''t he be handed over to the imperial court, and have the imperial court deal with him?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Not yet," Chu Liang frowned. "We don''t have specific evidence against the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. If we hand him over to the imperial court and there is ack of clear evidence for the investigation, the Mount Shu Sect might end up taking the me. Let''s find concrete evidence first before turning him in."


    Upon hearing this, Lord Xia suddenly chuckled, "<i>Hahaha</i>, right! You have no evidence at all! You''re falsely using a member of the imperial family! This crime deserves death! I advise you to release me now. I won''t hold you ountable. Otherwise..."


    <i>Smack!</i>


    Lin Bei swiftly delivered a resounding p, knocking out a few teeth. He shouted, "Shut up."


    Following that, Lin Bei flipped his hair. With his chest puffed up, he revealed a proud expression. "Evidence of your crime? Iid my hands on the evidence a long time ago."


    ...


    On the Qinnan River, the setting sun gradually faded away.


    In the distance, melodious music echoed, catching the attention of Xue Hu, whose eyes lit up.


    "Hoist the sail!" He boarded the boat and immediately ordered his subordinates.


    The subordinates of the Eastern Whale Division around Xue Hu immediately raised the sail and steered the boat forward. A total of threerge ships slowly started moving, heading towards the center of the river. Once they exited the Qinnan River and continued east along the Divine Illumination River, they would reach the Eastern Regions.


    That was their territory.


    With the entire South Gate City focused on the performance of Xue Lingxue, the voyage today would be peaceful, calm, and even safer than usual.


    That was what Xue Hu thought as he stood at the bow of the ship.


    As soon as that thought crossed his mind, a sharp cry rang out from high above in the sky, resonating like the majestic call of a divine bird.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Xue Hu looked up.


    In the sky, a burst of mes erupted.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The explosion reverberated, causing Xue Hu''s vision to blur and his ears to ring.


    The burst of mes appeared to have descended onto the deck. He quickly turned around to witness the mes dissipating, revealing the elegant and imposing figure of a beautiful woman.


    He had an inkling about the woman''s identity, as a name vaguely familiar from his travels crossed his mind. However, uncertainty lingered in his thoughts.


    And so, he asked, "Who are you, and why are you on the cargo ship of the Whale Gang?"


    The woman didn''t bother with pleasantries. With a subtle lift of her brows, shemanded, "Kneel."


    <i>Bang!</i>


    A surge of imposing pressure was released.


    The pressure released was like a mighty wave crashing down from the sky, affecting not only this ship but also the other three where all the other Whale Gang members stood.


    Regardless of whether they were martial practitioners or ordinary people, they all heard this voice. It wasn''t loud, but it was enough to make them kneel before her.


    Not a single person dared to hesitate.


    It was more like aw instead of amand.


    <i>Creak...</i>


    Xue Hu was the only one who resisted. After all, he was a martial art cultivator at the peak of the fifth realm with a firm will forged through numerous battles.


    He wasn''t someone who would just yield to the imposing pressure unleashed by a powerful cultivator.


    Although he was struggling and his knees were already making a creaking sound, he persisted in his attempt to resist the pressure.


    When Di Nufeng saw this, she raised her brows slightly and uttered, "Hmm?"


    As soon as the "Hmm" sounded, Xue Hu felt as though his shoulders had been struck by a heavy hammer, and he immediately knelt down with a bang! Then, there was a cracking sound as the force pushing down his knees cracked two holes in the deck.


    He felt an overwhelming fear because the pressure exerted by the person in front of him was different from the usual aura of a powerful individual. It was the pressure unleashed by the legendary divine phoenix![1]!


    It was pure dominance!


    If it weren''t for the intimidating presence of this divine phoenix, how could the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess have stood there obediently, allowing Di Nufeng to strike him down with a punch?


    Indeed, it was that dreadful name, Di Nufeng of Mount Shu. In the hearts of many in the martial world, she was considered a ruthless female devil who killed without blinking.


    He could only me his luck for this unexpected encounter with her today.


    When Chu Liang and Lin Bei boarded the ship, they witnessed a remarkable scene. Di Nufeng stood boldly on the deck in a carefree manner, while the three ships remained anchored in ce as everyone on board knelt before her. It was as though they were weing the arrival of an empress.


    This was somewhat expected. The two didn''t bother wasting any words as they quickly opened the cargo hold. As expected, after removing some items used for concealment, they discovered arge group of women hidden in the hold.


    These women were captured from various ces in the Southern Regions, and thebined total of the three ship holds amounted to hundreds of them.


    Although they were now exposed to daylight, their eyes were filled with fear instead of relief.


    Afterforting them briefly, Chu Liang and Lin Bei returned to the deck to report to Di Nufeng.


    "The cargo holds are indeed filled with kidnapped women," Chu Liang said.


    "<i>Humph...</i>" A glint of killing intent shone in Di Nufeng''s eyes. "You bunch of scum..."


    In the twinkling of an eye, she raised her hand, ready to begin the ughter!


    Xue Hu sensed her killing intent and raised his head, saying, "You can kill me, but can you please tell me how everything got exposed... Otherwise, I won''t die in peace!"


    "Heheheh..."


    As soon as these words were spoken, a strangeughter was heard, and a figure jumped forward, swaying his waist. It was Lin Bei.


    "It''s you!" Xue Hu recognized him instantly, his eyes widening with anger. He couldn''t believe that this was the person who had caused his downfall.


    "Do you think I was really drunk? Did you think my presence there that day was a mere coincidence?" Lin Bei spoke with a wicked smile, "Under the astute guidance of the Peak Master of Mount Shu, Di Nufeng, two capable and intelligent disciples of Mount Shu had long seen through your sinister plot. Our visit to South Gate City was part of an official investigation. When I pretended to relieve myself that day, it was to gather intelligence and undermine your evil n! Every move you made was closely monitored under the watchful eyes of our Senior Aunt Di Nufeng!"


    Di Nufeng gave a heavy nod as she said, "Yes! That''s right!"


    1. Di Nufeng''s name means Empress Phoenix ?

 Chapter 94: Fish-Dragon Dance

    <h4>Chapter 94: Fish-Dragon Dance</h4>


    Chu Liang, who was standing behind them, couldn''t helpughing and shaking his head as he listened to their ridiculous conversation. If their merits were to be evaluated ording to what they were saying now, then Di Nufeng would be the greatest contributor, followed by Lin Bei, and then Chu Liang.


    Of course, Chu Liang was just silentlyining to himself. He would let them continue their little act since his teacher liked it. Chu Liang still had other matters to tend to anyway.


    It wasn''t within the Mount Shu Sect''s disciples'' scope of responsibilities to deal with what followed after resolving the main issue. So, Lin Bei proceeded to volunteer to liaise with the city''s chief official and other authorities and have them take over the responsibilities of appeasing the public, sending the rescued women home, and investigating the facts of the matter.


    Lin Bei had spent a lot of time mingling with the city''s officials during thest couple of days. So, when he made his offer to help Di Nufeng, he did so with gusto.


    Lin Bei confidently patted his chest and said, "We''re all brothers after all!"


    He was indeed well-versed in the life skill of making connections.


    The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had been involved in such illicit activities for quite some time without running into trouble with the authorities. It was likely that it had the protection of some influential figures in the bureaucracy.


    Nevertheless, that wasn''t of much significance, as there was so much noise about the matter that it would soon be widely known all over the world. After that, the imperial court would certainly forcefully intervene.


    In any case, the mastermind of the illicit operations had already been executed, and the young lord had been captured. This meant the remaining involved parties didn''t have the freedom to act recklessly anymore.


    Di Nufeng and Lin Bei were done dealing with official business, so they headed back to the concert venue to resume attending Xue Lingxue''s concert.


    In the meantime, Chu Liang took some time and left the group temporarily to attend to his personal affairs. His condition had stabilized, so he had no problems moving about on his own.


    Chu Liang returned to the riverbank where he''d met with Xia An during the day. It was where Chu Liang had used the power of the Crimson Executioner to kill Master Lu, a powerful sixth-realm cultivator.


    <i>Master Lu wasn''t a conventional cultivator, but he should still have some valuable possessions after that many years of cultivation, right?</i>


    After killing Master Lu, Chu Liang had been urgently trying to kill the young lord too, so he''d forgotten to search Master Lu''s corpse.


    Now that peace had returned, Chu Liang wanted to rush over and ensure that the equipment of the person he''d had exhausted painstaking efforts to kill hadn''t been taken away by someone else.


    It was fortunate that Xia An''s intention had been to kill Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er, so the location he''d chosen had been a deste riverbank where few people passed by.


    When Chu Liang returned to the riverbank, everything looked the same as when he''d left. He arrived at the huge pit that his attacks had made and checked if there was anything that could be salvaged from Master Lu.


    Firstly, he ruled out Master Lu''s corpse itself.


    Normally, sixth-realm cultivators would have cultivated a transcendent form, so their physical body would be far superior to that of ordinary people. However, Master Lu''s transcendent form had prioritized concealment, which meant his physical body wasn''t as strong as that of most sixth-realm cultivators. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been so easily killed with a single strike of a sword.


    Master Lu had been incinerated by the immensely amplified power of the Dual Talismanic Swords of Wind and Fire, so his remains were long gone. A careful search might reveal some ashes though.


    Simrly, the items he''d carried with him had disintegrated, leaving pretty much nothing behind. However, this meant that anything remaining was undoubtedly a valuable item.


    The first thing that Chu Liang found was a jade slip concealed under the remaining half of Master Lu''s scorched ck robe.


    Chu Liang picked up the jade slip and examined it. It seemed to be the kind of jade slip that was used for storing information. Aside from having been made with an excellent base material, there didn''t seem to be anything particrly special about the jade slip.


    He gently probed it with his divine sense and checked out what was stored inside. What he found were streams of white light with words and illustrations. There was a significantlyrge amount of information recorded in the jade slip. Surprisingly, it was aplete cultivation legacy!


    "The Seven Killings Star cultivation technique..." Chu Liang muttered with wide eyes.


    He only took a cursory nce at the information, but he could tell that this was aplete technique for cultivating the Heavenly Star Unusual Art. Furthermore, this was quite possibly the only copy of the legacy in existence. This was obviously a rare and valuable cultivation legacy, but it wasn''t of much use to Chu Liang.


    After all, Chu Liang didn''t need a cultivation legacy. As a conventional cultivator, it was natural that he was able to easily acquire new realm-specific cultivation techniques from his sect each time he advanced to a higher realm of cultivation. This was actually a blessing that only conventional cultivators enjoyed.


    There were many unconventional cultivators in this world who, upon reaching the peak of a realm, had to do extensive searches for realm-specific cultivation techniques for their next realm. In fact, some cultivators couldn''t have a continued path of cultivation using the techniques developed by their sect; they had to cultivate whatever they could find, forming their own cultivation path with techniques from various sources. For such cultivators, they would undoubtedly be overjoyed if they were to obtain such aplete and formidable cultivation legacy.


    In addition to the cultivation technique, there were divine skills mentioned in the manual. Nevertheless, Chu Liang couldn''t use them either because the Mount Shu Sect utilized the orthodox Daoist techniques of cultivation, which differed greatly from the Heavenly Star Unusual Art. They couldn''t be integrated.


    Prior to reaching the seventh realm, cultivators of the Heavenly Star Unusual Art generally progressed faster than cultivators of the three conventional schools of thought, Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.


    However, the Heavenly Star Unusual Art was a simpler cultivation path. So, it was likely due to this that cultivators with simr levels of talent would advance realms faster on that cultivation path than on the cultivation paths of the three conventional schools of thought. Despite that, the cultivators on the path of the Heavenly Star Unusual Art were generally weaker than conventional cultivators of the same realm.


    Nheless, this situation would change once cultivators broke out of the Earth Gate. Cultivators of a cultivation level within the three realms of the Heavenly Gate primarilypeted in the strength of their Dao, not the mastery of their cultivation art.


    After storing away the jade slip containing the legacy, Chu Liang searched the scorched earth and found the de of a saber¡ªthe saber that Master Lu had used to stab Chu Liang. The saber''s handle had been destroyed, but its jet-ck de remained.


    Chu Liang still felt a lingering fear even as he looked at it now. If Xue Lingxue hadn''t been present, Chu Liang might have bled to death from the injury this very de had caused.


    He carefully wrapped the saber in a piece of cloth and put it away.


    Looking around again, Chu Liang discovered a small violet gourd. One side of it had been scorched ck, but aside from that, the gourd was totally undamaged.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    The material of this gourd was really sturdy. It had to be storing something valuable inside. Perhaps Chu Liang''s biggest gain today would be the contents of this gourd.


    He unsealed the gourd and found around five or six small ck pills inside. Chu Liang gave them a sniff, but there was no discernible odor. He decided to keep them for now and have them appraisedter at the Hall of Alchemy.


    Chu Liang searched for quite a long time, but he couldn''t find anything else.


    It seemed that Master Lu hadn''t had an abundance of valuable items despite his high level of cultivation. Nevertheless, this was the norm for unconventional cultivators. They were unlike the cultivators in immortal sects who could acquire the resources they needed at any time from their sect.


    Of course, what was even rarer than that was having a mystical pagoda that could give its owner rewards without any restrictions.


    Chu Liang stood up and carefully scanned the area with his divine sense to ensure he hadn''t missed anything. Then he lowered his head and visually scanned the ce again.


    Chu Liang picked up the remaining half of Master Lu''s ck robe.


    <i>I almost left this behind.</i>


    <i>How could cloth that managed to withstand getting incinerated by the Dual Talismanic Swords of Wind and Fire possibly be ordinary?</i>


    He put it away. Even if he were to bring it home and use it as a mere cleaning rag, it would be a pretty durable one.


    Once he was done searching the area, Chu Liang took stock of his gains: a jade slip containing a cultivation legacy, the de of a saber, a gourd containing pills, and half a ck robe...


    Lastly, although he didn''t get an imprint in the White Pagoda after killing Master Lu, Chu Liang still benefited from Master Lu''s death because it helped resolve his confusion regarding the imprints. It seemed that the White Pagoda only gave rewards when Chu Liang killed evil entities like monsters, demons, and ghosts... There were no rewards for killing humans.


    After having spent quite a long while busily searching the riverbank, Chu Liang reluctantly stood up and finally flew back to the concert venue.


    Even from a far distance, he could hear cheers so loud that they could shake the heavens!


    ...


    "Xue Lingxue! Xue Lingxue! Xue Lingxue!"


    Concerts normally ran for several hours, so it was unsurprising that Xue Lingxue wasn''t going to be the only one performing for the entire duration.


    Usually, the main performer would open the concert with a solo performance. Next, she would perform with other musicians. After that, she would be joined by an ensemble of musicians and their instruments, female dancers and singers,ing together to form a wonderfully vibrant concert filled with a variety of performances. This was the case for Xue Lingxue''s concert too.


    By the time Chu Liang got there, it was already the second half of the concert, and there was a lively and passionate atmosphere among the audience. They had long forgotten the incident that had urred earlier.


    Xue Lingxue was standing on the stage with her guqin set on a tall table. Her hands glided back and forth over the strings, plucking them continuously. Amid the melodic notes of the guqin, there was the buzzing sound of an electric dragon roaming about, apanied by shes of golden light.


    This was a fusion of divine techniques and guqin-ying skills, and the music it produced was much more emotionally resonant than if she''d yed the music without the divine techniques.


    As the guqin''s strings quivered, a gentle radiance fell over the venue from the sky. Under the shimmering starlit sky, countless birds flew over from the hills. They swooped and swirled in the sky as if in dance, highlighting the splendor of the stars.


    Behind Xue Lingxue, her five apanists were immersed in the performance as multicolored lights illuminated their presence. On their left was a golden dragon winding through the air, and on their right was a rainbow shooting over them.


    The entire audience stood up and waved their arms along with the melody as they screamed Xue Lingxue''s name. It was a lively and passionate atmosphere, so much so that it shook the surrounding area. Various phenomena filled the sky as the hearts of those present aligned with their Dao. This was the charm of the South Melody Conservatory!


    In the mid-level premiumpartment, Di Nufeng and Lin Bei were swaying along with the music too. Di Nufeng even asionally whistled, disying the demeanor of a rogue teacher of a sect.


    When Chu Liangnded on the ground and saw the seat of people boiling over with excitement, he felt rather shocked.


    "You''re back!" Lin Bei yelled when he saw Chu Liang walk over. "Hurry up! It''s the climax of the song!"


    "What song is this?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It''s the Fish-Dragon[1] Dance''!" Lin Bei said, "It''s a fusion piece that Miss Xueposed. It''s quite an explosive piece!"


    "Fish-Dragon Dance..." Chu Liang muttered with a smile. Then his smile suddenly disappeared. "Hang on... I seem to have forgotten something."


    1. I think it''s referring to the Dragon Gate myth about a koi bing a dragon. ?

 Chapter 95: Old Man Sikong

    <h4>Chapter 95: Old Man Sikong</h4>


    <i>"Wahhhhhh..."</i>


    "Stop crying."


    "<i>Wahhhhhh...</i>"


    "Please, stop crying."


    "<i>Wahhhhhh...</i>"


    "I will take you to eat delicious food."


    "<i>Wahh...</i>What are we going to eat?"


    "..."


    In the midst of a deste wilderness, a fair-skinned girl sat hugging her knees, pouting, and wailing loudly.


    Chu Liang stood at the side, feeling somewhat helpless. He could only console her repeatedly.


    In order to protect Liu Xiaoyu''er, he wrapped her into a zongzi and sent her flying away. He instructed her to wait where the green leaf enchanted toolnded, but too many things happenedter on, and he almost forgot about her.


    After the green leaf flew out for a few hundred li, it ran out of foundational qi andnded in this destend. The defensive inscription couldn''t sustain itself as well, and the zongzi opened.


    When Liu Xiaoyu''er came out, she waited there like a well-behaved kid.


    She waited and waited...


    When Chu Liang followed the call of the enchanted tool and found her, it was alreadyte at night. The young girl, exhausted and hungry from waiting, had almost fallen asleep.


    As soon as she saw Chu Liang, the emotions of being unfairly treated surged within her, and she cried for a good half a day before she stopped.


    "I will take you back, and you can eat whatever you want." Chu Liang immediately promised her when he saw that her behavior had changed.


    When Chu Liang brought her back to the South Gate City, the performance had ended. In a bustling manner, the crowd made their way out. This grand event was truly spectacr from any perspective, providing a thoroughly enjoyable experience.


    The events that unfolded earlier would undoubtedly spread across the continent of the Yu Dynasty in a short period. In a sense, Xue Lingxue should also thank Chu Liang. Her performance had garnered the level of attention that would have been hard to achieve under normal circumstances.


    When Di Nufeng saw Liu Xiaoyu''er, she immediately showed a loving expression as she asked, "Whose little girl is this? She''s so adorable..."


    "Esteemed Teacher, this is the koi fish that I mentioned earlier, " Chu Liang whispered.


    "Oh! This tiny creature is a demon? That makes it even more fun!" Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up. She wrapped her arm around Liu Xiaoyu''er''s neck and gave her a good head rub.


    It was a good thing that his teacher liked this fish. Chu Liang had nned that if the elder sister couldn''t be found, he would bring her back to the Silver Sword Peak and have her settle there.


    On one hand, he couldn''t bear to let her fend for herself. On the other hand, it was evident that the presence of the koi fish would bestow ayer of blessing on any unboxing and cultivation activities.


    "<i>Mm mm mm...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er''s hair was tousled as sheined, "You promised to help me find my sister and take me to eat delicious food..."


    "No worries." Chu Liang nodded with a smile.


    By this time, everyone had returned to Li Family Estate. Chu Liang first had a meal arranged and then proceeded to share his thoughts with his teacher.


    When Di Nufeng learned about the little girl''s life story, she immediately gave Liu Xiaoyu''er a hug and said, "Come back to Mount Shu with us. I will help you find your sister. If we can''t find her, I will be your older sister in the future!"


    "<i>Ehhh...</i>" When Chu Liang heard this, he immediately said, "Esteemed Teacher, I don''t think that''s suitable?"


    If Liu Xiaoyu''er were to be his esteemed teacher''s little sister, would he have to address her as a second aunt?


    "True. It wouldn''t be appropriate to keep a demon in Mount Shu." Di Nufeng pondered in silence for a moment before she said, "This won''t do. I will take her in as a younger senior sister and make her a member of the Mount Shu Sect."


    <i>Great.</i>


    <i>You just have to give her a status that is one generation more senior than mine, right?</i>


    As Liu Xiaoyu''er enjoyed her meal, she heard this and immediately looked up with a smile, "Okay. Thanks, Elder Sister Feng."


    Chu Liang''s eyebrows dropped.


    <i>Alright. It''s settled.</i>


    ...


    At the Solitude Peak in Mount Shu.


    The Solitude Peak was located on the edge of the sea of clouds, slightly farther away from the other peaks in Mount Shu, seemingly out of ce. It was named Solitude Peak because it stood alone on the outskirts.


    At the Solitude Peak, there was a pool called the Dragon Fishing Pool. Sitting by the pool was an old man with dense white hair, wearing loose white robes. He sat by the shore, holding a long fishing rod, seemingly fishing or dozing off.


    All members of the Mount Shu Sect knew that Old Man Sikong had been fishing here for over a hundred years.


    Among the thirty-six peak masters, he was the oldest in age and seniority. With the same seniority as the four Guardian Elders, he was even a few years older than the leader of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Some of the disciples he had epted during his early years had already be masters of the other peaks. Nowadays, Solitude Peak no longer actively recruited disciples; only a few remained to learn his peculiar divine skills.


    Despite having grown up in Mount Shu, this was Chu Liang''s first time seeing him.


    Because he was the best at performing the ancient art of hexagram divination.


    "Uncle Sikong, I have something to ask of you." With two younger ones, Di Nufeng ran to the Dragon Fishing Pool in a carefree and rxed manner.


    Everyone knew that Old Man Sikong was here, but none of the juniors dared to bother him. After all, Old Man Sikong was considered an immortal in Mount Shu.


    However, Di Nufeng didn''t care about these things.


    Also, because she really liked the little girl, Liu Xiaoyu''er, she came this time to fulfill her promise of locating Liu Xiaoyu''er''s sister.


    The whereabouts of her sister remained a mystery. If it were confirmed that she was in the vicinity of South Gate City, the Daoist method of locating someone by name might be effective. However, given the uncertainty surrounding her current location, hexagram divination and deductive reasoning became the most viable solution.


    To the younger generations like Chu Liang, Old Man Sikong gave off this crazy and entric image. But at this moment, upon seeing him, Chu Liang realized that he was just a kind, unpretentious old man.


    He was like one of those old men who would y chess under the big tree at the vige entrance.


    He sat by the quiet and deep silver pond with a fishing rod in hand. The past hundred years had passed by peacefully.


    The old man smiled as he looked at Di Nufeng and then at Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er who stood behind her, saying, "Are you here to ask about matters concerning this little girl?"


    "And that''s why they say you are a divine being. With just a nce, you already know what we need."


    When requesting a favor, Di Nufeng disyed skill in ttery as she immediately praised Old Man Sikong.


    "This koi fish has flourishing luck. Even without seeking my help, her wishes will stille true," Old Man Sikong trembled as he took out a turtle shell from his pocket and said, "You will eventually cross paths with people that you want to see."


    "Enough with the mystery talk. Just lend us a hand by telling us where her sister is, and we''ll handle the rest," Di Nufeng said, cutting to the chase.


    She was used to being straightforward and couldn''t stand these cryptic sayings.


    "<i>Hehe.</i> You..." Old Man Sikong shook his head helplessly.


    "Grandpa, please, I''m begging you. I just need to know if my sister is safe, even if I can''t find her. I''m really worried," Liu Xiaoyu pleaded, her voice trembling with concern.


    "Alright. Alright." Old Man Sikong nodded as he smiled from ear to ear.


    He lifted the turtle shell and a blue me surged from the tip of his right finger, burning the bottom of the turtle shell. Soon, intricate golden patterns began to illuminate its surface. With each movement of the patterns, the shell emitted a crackling sound as tiny cracks started to form, spreading across its surface.


    As Old Man Sikong observed the cracks, he paused for a moment in contemtion. He then lifted his head and said to Liu Xiaoyu''er, "You are destined to stay in Mount Shu. Remain here in peace and you might have the opportunity of a transformation into something as great as a dragon. Your sister''s destiny lies elsewhere; she must tread her own path and seek her own opportunities."


    "Is..." Liu Xiaoyu''er blinked as she asked, "Is she alright?"


    "Not only is she alright, but she will also live a very good life. You and your sister will reunite soon." Old Man Sikong said with a reassuring and slow voice that made people feel extremely at ease. "If you search for her now, you will disrupt the course of her destiny. It''s better to wait for the right timing."


    "Oh..." Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded gently as she responded, "Okay then."


    She felt a little disappointed. However, the grandpa seemed to be saying that good things will happen. And so, she wasn''t worried anymore.


    The old man spoke in a very trustworthy manner.


    When the questions were asked, the three members of the Silver Sword Peak turned around and were about to leave when Old Man Sikong asked, "Young man, what is your name?"


    "Me?" Chu Liang replied, "I am Chu Liang."


    Old Man Sikong looked at him with a meaningful gaze and an expression of contemtion as well as a hint of doubt. After a while, he nodded and said, "I remember your name now. You may head back."


    Chu Liang was confused. Nheless, he didn''t say much as he turned around and left with his teacher.


    Even after they had walked a long way, Old Man Sikong continued to gaze in the direction they left. His pupils slightly contracted as he was deep in thought.


    Suddenly...


    The fishing rod by his hand trembled slightly.


    "<i>Eh?</i>"

 Chapter 96: The Appraisal of Precious Items

    <h4>Chapter 96: The Appraisal of Precious Items</h4>


    The capital of Yu: Panyang City.


    Legend has it that the one who established the Yu dynasty had no intention of bing the emperor. However, one night, he dreamt of an immortal who revealed the location of an ancient jade hidden within a nearby hill. It was said that possession of this jade could confer dominion over the world.


    The next day, he went to the hill and actually dug up a mysterious ancient jade. This gave him a sense of God-given destiny, and he dered himself emperor.


    In the era of the Yu Dynasty, the hill where the ancient jade was discovered became known as Emperor''s Mound. Atop this revered site, the capital city of Panyang was established, earning the illustrious title of the capital of Yu and the Jade Capital...


    Today, Panyang City has be thergest city on the continent, teeming with an abundance of citizens and exuding an undeniable aura of prosperity.


    As the city continued to expand relentlessly, the once-small Emperor''s Mound found itself epassed within its borders. It became the location of the imperial family''s ancestral temple.


    The imperial court was situated in the imperial city, and the offices of important government officials were all located here.


    If individuals skilled in aura reading were present, they might observe a vast purple energy hovering over this location.


    Further inward was the pce city.


    The most powerful dragon energy in the world remained enclosed withinyer uponyer of high walls and deep moat. Feng shui masters once imed that if the continents were likened to a dragon''s veins, then Emperor''s Mound was undoubtedly the dragon''s head. This pce city symbolized the dragon pearl cradled within the dragon''s mouth.


    It waste at night and lights illuminated within the pce city walls.


    A tall elderly man was hunched over a desk, engrossed in his writing. After a while, he paused, ced the pen on a jade stand, and let out a sigh.


    "Is there anything else?" he inquired.


    "There is an urgent secret report from the Southern Regions," a pce attendant reported with a high-pitched voice, bowing respectfully.


    "Is it that urgent? Read it to me," the tall elderly man requested.


    "This evening, a disciple from the South Melody Conservatory held a performance outside the South Gate City. Before the show began, several disciples from the Mount Shu Sect caused a disturbance at the venue and... they killed the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess on the spot! They also captured Lord Xia and bound him."


    The old man''s brow furrowed, and his breathing grew heavier.


    The pce attendant, visibly frightened, continued, "The cause appears to be collusion between the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess and the Eastern Whale Division in trafficking women. A disciple of the Mount Shu Sect discovered this and that was what initiated the conflict. Subsequent events are still under investigation, and the reports from the South Gate City should be submitted tomorrow."


    "Those cultivators of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects..." The old man closed his eyes briefly, murmuring to himself in a deep tone, "They are disying an increasing disregard for the authority of the imperial court. Even if the criminal hasmitted grave offenses, being a member of the imperial family... How dare they resort to violence andmit murder without adhering to the procedures of the imperial court..."


    The pce attendant seemed to sense a hint of suffocation and immediately knelt down, whispering, "Your Majesty, please don''t be angry..."


    "It appears that we must maintain firm and decisive measures. Otherwise, over time, the immortal sects may act recklessly, jeopardizing the meticulously established order of this world..." The old man contemted aloud. He then paused and inquired, "The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess is also a sixth-realm cultivator. The individual from Mount Shu who took action must hold a high position. Who was it?"


    "It was Peak Master Di Nufeng of Mount Shu," the pce attendant replied.


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    At the mention of this name, the old man''s eyes widened suddenly, gleaming with intensity.


    The pce attendant trembled once again in fear.


    "It was her?" The old man murmured, "Well, besides her, no one else would act this recklessly..."


    After a prolonged silence, he spoke again, "Convey this message: The House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess hasmitted heinous crimes. All members of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess shall be executed tomorrow. Order Jiang Shenting to conduct a thorough investigation. Anyone implicated in this crime shall be beheaded publicly. All co-conspirators, if found guilty, shall face severe punishments! Ensure a thorough investigation, sparing no one!"


    As the night clouds dispersed, the aura of a dragon surged above the pce and a crescent moon revealed itself.


    ...


    "Oh no! This damage is very bad..."


    In the Hall of Weapons, Wen Yulong wore a pained expression as he delicately traced the crack on the green leaf, Chu Liang''s enchanted tool.


    Although this tool had nothing to do with him anymore, it was still his first finished product and a creation he had put considerable effort into crafting. How could he not care?


    "It''s just a small crack..." Chu Liang remarked.


    If the green leaf was unfurled, it would berge enough to amodate multiple people. The crack caused by the saber, however, was only a few cun long. Thus, Chu Liang couldn''t help but perceive Wen Yulong''s reaction as somewhat dramatic.


    "You wouldn''t understand," Wen Yulong shook his head, sighed, and exined, "Although it''s just a small chip, the extent of the damage is quite severe. It''s almost impossible to fully restore it to its original state. If we don''t have good materials to fix this, we can only patch it up, and this w will always be visible in the future..."


    "I see," Chu Liang understood, "It saved my life from a sixth-realm cultivator, which is already quite remarkable. Just try to repair it as best as you can. Restoring it to any functional form will do."


    "You have to pay," Wen Yulong lifted his head and said with caution.


    He still remembered Chu Liang''s hagglingst time, so he made it clear in advance.


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He had saved quite a bit during this period and wasn''t really short of money.


    Moreover, he had gained a lot through Master Lu and believed that he would continue to make a good profit.


    "I''ve also acquired some extra items this time, and I was hoping you could help me appraise these precious items," Chu Liang said.


    "Really?" Wen Yulong''s interest was evident as his eyes immediately lit up.


    Chu Liang then took out the fragment of a saber and asked, "Could you take a look at the material used in this?"


    Wen Yulong took it, felt it, sniffed it, tapped it with his fingers, and then looked up, cautiously saying to Chu Liang, "Ten sword coins."


    "... " Chu Liang chuckled.


    <i>Why was his junior brother so afraid that he might break their deal? What did he do to make such an impression?</i>


    He immediately took out ten sword coins and ced them on the table.


    "Very generous of you," Wen Yulong said with a smile as he epted the payment. Following that, he added, "Having me appraise your precious items is undoubtedly worthwhile."


    "This saber fragment is crafted from ck Meteor Essence Iron. Not only is it lightweight and durable, but it can also conceal the foundational qi attached to it, making it ideal for assassination and sneak attacks. Moreover, it possesses the capability to ovee any defense. If you were to sell the material, the material itself might be worth seven or eight hundred sword coins. It''s a valuable item," he exined in detail.


    "This saber seems somewhat intact. Can you craft a weapon with this?" Chu Liang asked.


    "<i>Mm...</i> forging swords and sabers isn''t my expertise, huh? But if you have materials of this caliber, I can use them to repair... no, to significantly upgrade..." Wen Yulong said as he took the green leaf and said, "I can add another offensive inscription to this weapon and craft a weapon that excels in both offense and defense without any weaknesses."


    As Chu Liang thought about Wen Yulong''s craftsmanship skills, he felt hesitant.


    However, considering that the green leaf had also saved his life, it would be a pity if it couldn''t be repaired. Moreover, given Wen Yulong''s im of a significant upgrade, there might be a pleasant surprise in store.


    Since both items were currently unusable,bining two damaged items into oneplete tool seemed worth a try.


    So, he nodded gently in agreement.


    Seeing his nod, Wen Yulong immediately smiled and said, "Two hundred sword coins."


    "What?"


    "The crafting fee will be two hundred sword coins," Wen Yulong said, "Trust me. It is worth the price."


    "Can you give a small discount?" Chu Liang asked.


    "The price is fixed. Take it or leave it," Wen Yulong said as he firmly shook his head.


    "Junior brother, you''ve changed..." Chu Liang looked at Wen Yulong intently. "You''re no longer the innocent youth with a pure passion for crafting."


    There was a subtle flicker in Wen Yulong''s eyes.


    As if conveying...


    <i>Don''t you know why I have changed?</i>

 Chapter 97: Hand Over

    <h4>Chapter 97: Hand Over</h4>


    "Fine, two hundred it is," Chu Liang said, epting the price. Then he added, "I have two more things. Could you appraise them without charging me additional fees?"


    "No problem," Wen Yulong replied with a smile.


    Chu Liang could tell that Wen Yulong wasn''t happy simply because of the forging fee; he genuinely enjoyed making enchanted tools. It was certainly a joyous asion for him that he could have great materials and enchanted tools to forge with.


    Chu Liang took out the remaining half of a scorched robe and asked, "What material do you think this is?"


    "Oh... "


    This time, Wen Yulong swiftly proceeded to take a look and rub the fabric between his thumb and his fingers.


    Then he said at once, "This is Aura-Concealing Muslin, a material that conceals one''s aura. If it were made into a robe and worn, the wearer''s aura would not be revealed even while they''re moving. It matches well with that saber de from before, which was forged using ck Meteor Essence Iron... Aren''t these part of a set of assassin gear? It seems like you took these from an assassin of a high level."


    Wen Yulong''s analysis was urate.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang just smiled and didn''t say much in response to that.


    Instead, he asked, "Is it valuable?"


    Wen Yulong answered, "This kind of material is certainly valuable as a fabric for clothes. However, this is only half a robe. You won''t be able to sell it off as a finished product, and you''d be making a loss if you sell it as a material... I suggest that you just spend more money and buy another piece of Aura-Concealing Muslin fabric. With that, I would be able to help you make aplete robe that you could use."


    "Oh, I see..."


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and thought that it was a pretty good suggestion.


    He recalled a Golden-Core-Realm Diabolic cultivator whom he''d fought in the past. That cultivator had used a divine skill that had a simr effect to that of the Aura-Concealing Muslin. When the skill was in effect, others couldn''t see his face clearly once he put on a robe. This type of minor divine skill that could conceal the user''s identity was quite essential for those who were traveling the world.


    However, it wasn''t enough just to obscure one''s face; truly powerful fighters could sense the auras of those around them.


    If Chu Liang were to have a robe made from Aura-Concealing Muslin, it would make everything a lot more convenient for him, regardless of whether he intended to engage inbat or covert activities.


    "Can I buy it at the Hall of Weapons?" Chu Liang asked. "How much does it cost?"


    "Our sect doesn''t have this," Wen Yulong answered.


    He worked as an attendant for the Hall of Weapons, so he was well aware of what materials they had in inventory.


    Wen Yulong immediately followed up with, "If you want to buy the muslin, I could contact a friend from the Taotie Pavilion to inquire about it. You can buy most things there. However, the prices may not be as reasonable as they are in our sect. If we help purchase it for you and then convert the price to sword coins... I estimate that the price would be at least five hundred sword coins."


    "I don''t really think the prices here are that reasonable though..." Chu Liang muttered, quietly making a mildly scathingment.


    He still remembered the flying swords he''d seen on a shelf in the Hall of Weapons. Their high prices had dealt quite a big hit to him at a time when he had still been getting a sense for how items were valued in this world.


    Nheless, after having spent a long time outside, he now understood that the items sold by the Hall of Weapons were indeed pricedparatively reasonably for the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Unconventional cultivators had to barter for items most of the time, so if there was something they needed urgently, they would have to offer to pay a much higher price to purchase the item. That was why marketces were filled with customers fighting and scheming against each other to get the items they wanted.


    Much of the time, the most troubling aspect for them was not the high prices but that the items weren''t in stock anywhere. Inparison, the Mount Shu Sect was essentially like a greenhouse.


    After thinking about it for a while, Chu Liang agreed to Wen Yulong''s suggestion, "All right. Help me inquire about it, and let me know once there''s a confirmed price. Thanks."


    "Sure," Wen Yulong replied and wrote down a note about this matter.


    Chu Liang then took out a small gourd and asked, "Can you appraise pills too?"


    "What a great harvest!" Wen Yulong eximed in admiration as he took the gourd. He grinned and said, "You''ve found the right person. I initially started out learning alchemy, but Iter switched to learning how to make enchanted tools."


    "Why?" Chu Liang asked with a smile.


    "The Hall of Alchemy said that pills concocted with even the slightest mistake could be fatal for whoever consumed them, so nobody dared to consume the pills I made. Making enchanted tools is a bit better since they don''t need to be consumed," Wen Yulong exined as he recalled the bitter memories of his past.


    Chu Liang nodded silently.


    <i>Indeed...</i>


    After all, the way Wen Yulong worked was an issue. It was fine for him to be a bit extreme in making enchanted tools. They might turn out a little weird, but they mighte with pleasant surprises. However, if Wen Yulong were concocting pills... Chu Liang wouldn''t dare to consume them no matter what.


    Wen Yulong poured out one of the pills from the gourd and examined it for a moment with furrowed brows.


    Then he said, "I don''t recognize this pill. I''ll do some research on itter. If I still can''t find anything, we might have to take a sample to test its effects, which is more of a hassle. Leave one pill with me, and I''ll inform you once I have results."


    "Sounds good," Chu Liang replied.


    He left the one pill with Wen Yulong and put the gourd away.


    This was a pretty normal process for identifying pills, as pills and enchanted tools were fundamentally different things. To find out the effects of an unknown enchanted tool, a cultivator merely needed to inject their foundational qi into it and test it out. However, no one would dare to lick or taste an unfamiliar pill.


    Once they were done discussing business, Chu Liang got up and bid Wen Yulong farewell.


    Wen Yulong waved goodbye with a smile. It was a stark contrast to when Chu Liang left at the end of his previous consultation.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile in response.


    <i>Of course. Now that he''s earned a significant amount of money, he provides his service with a very different attitude.</i>


    ...


    After leaving the Hall of Weapons, Chu Liang went next door to the Hall of Conservation.


    Compared to the Hall of Weapons and the Hall of Alchemy, the Hall of Conservation had much fewer customers. After all, divine skills were different from enchanted tools and pills, which needed to be purchased to be owned.


    If someone bought a divine skill, they could teach ten people, and the ten people could teach a hundred others. There was no need for each of them to buy the divine skill. Moreover, all of the disciples had teachers... So, except for a certain handsome guy, there weren''t many people who genuinely needed to buy divine skills.


    In reality, the Hall of Conservation''s purpose in the Mount Shu Sect was more like that of a library¡ªa storage facility for cultivation legacies. Consequently, the Hall of Conservation strived to umte as many cultivation legacies as possible. To achieve that goal, it didn''t just sell divine skills; it epted cultivation legacies from disciples as well.


    Unlike the warm and lively Hall of Weapons with its many customers, the much emptier Hall of Conservation was cold and cheerless. Additionally, there weren''t any private rooms to serve clients in, just a small table in the hall.


    Sitting at that table was a young square-faced disciple in a blue sleeveless coat, who was currently reading a book. It seemed that this disciple was the person managing this library.


    Chu Liang approached the square-faced young man and called out, "Excuse me, Senior Brother...?"


    "Oh?" the square-faced young man uttered as he raised his head.


    The square-faced young man had small eyes and a nk gaze. He seemed a bit... dumb? His looks gave him the appearance of a simple and honest young man, with an air of righteousness.


    The square-faced young man looked Chu Liang up and down before asking, "Which divine skill do you want to buy?"


    "I''m not buying any. I''m here to hand over a divine art," Chu Liang answered.


    "Hand over...?" the square-faced young man replied. "Show me. It must be a divine art that the Hall of Conservation doesn''t already have for you to receive a reward for handing it over."


    "Here," Chu Liang said as he took out the jade slip containing the Seven Killings Star cultivation legacy and gave it to the square-faced young man.


    Upon taking the jade slip, the square-faced young man scanned it with his divine sense.


    The square-faced young man nodded and remarked, "Surprisingly, it''s the Heavenly Star Unusual Art of the Seven Killings Star... It hasn''t been seen in the public domain for a very long time. This is a truly precious legacy."


    He now looked at Chu Liang with a more serious expression.


    It seemed that the square-faced young man hadn''t expected that Chu Liang, a disciple who didn''t have a high level of cultivation, could obtain such a rare and valuable legacy.


    Simrly, Chu Liang gazed at the square-faced young man with a slightly surprised expression.


    Chu Liang had initially thought that the square-faced young man was just an attendant guarding the ce. Yet, after the young man had briefly scanned the jade slip with his divine sense, he had managed to determine that the Hall of Conservation didn''t have the legacy that the jade slip contained. This implied that he knew every cultivation legacy that was stored in the Hall of Conservation.


    The Hall of Conservation''s collection of divine cultivation legacies was as vast as the open sea. It would be a little shocking if the square-faced young man truly had all of them recorded in his mind.


    "This legacy is indeed precious. But we only give out fixed rewards in return to disciples who hand legacies over to us. We don''t really buy the legacies..." the square-faced young man said. "So, even for this precious legacy of the Seven Killings Star, we can only reward you with a thousand sword coins."


    "That''s fine," Chu Liang replied.


    He didn''t mind.


    He''d already known that if he sold this legacy in the world of immortality cultivators, he could get way more than the reward money from the right buyer. However, it would be troublesome as well as risky.


    The Seven Killings Star''s legacy was dualistic in nature. How could Chu Liang be sure that the buyer wasn''t going to use it to fulfill their evil intentions? If someone were to cultivate using this legacy, be an assassin, andmit countless murders, Chu Liang would have to bear some responsibility for that.


    Handing the legacy over to the Hall of Conservation meant it probably wouldn''t used for cultivation, so it couldn''t be considered as a purchase. Thus, Chu Liang understood and epted the reason for the amount given as a reward.


    In any case, a thousand sword coins was not a small amount for him at the moment. Aside from the unidentified pills with a mystery effect, this legacy turned out to be the most profitable thing from this batch of gains. The remaining two items had been damaged after all. Chu Liang could use this sum of money to pay Wen Yulong for his services and the extra material that needed to be purchased.


    The square-faced young man made a record of the legacy in a book, handed over the sword coins to Chu Liang, and gave him some additional instructions.


    "Here are your sword coins. Count them. Regardless of whether you made a backup copy of this legacy, you''re permitted toe here and view the legacy for free because you were the one who handed it over to us. I''m Yuan Zhuo. Feel free toe find me in the future if there''s anything you need help with."


    "All right," Chu Liang replied. He took the sword coins and thanked the square-faced young man with a smile, "Thank you, Senior Brother Square[1]."


    1. Because of Yuan Zhuo''s square face ?

 Chapter 98: The Search for Bees

    <h4>Chapter 98: The Search for Bees</h4>


    After departing from the Hall of Conservation, Chu Liang didn''t head straight back to Silver Sword Peak.


    Today was the day Liu Xiaoyu''er would be moving in, and a cabin was under construction for her on the hill. Disciples dedicated to building in wooden cabins for the Mount Shu Sect were readily avable for hire. With the payment of several sword coins, a team of three to five people could swiftlyplete the construction.


    However, the ongoing construction was slightly noisy. And so, Chu Liang soared through the sky on his sword and made his way to the banks of the Bombax River.


    Uponnding, he saw couples leisurely walking along the riverbank, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery, painting a picturesque scene of spring.


    This sent Chu Liang into a daze, and he didn''t move forward immediately.


    <i>What happened?</i>


    <i>What are my venomous bees?</i>


    <i>Where are those small, unattractive creatures that possess the ability to fly, disy a fiery temperament, and are venomous?</i>


    He wandered along the river, both upstream and downstream, and even asked pedestrians for information. Sadly, it was confirmed that the venomous bees hadn''t been seen in the area for several days.


    Chu Liang, feeling disheartened, had no choice but to turn back.


    <i>Did this temporary departure be a permanent farewell?</i>


    <i>One of the loneliest moments urs when someone cannot keep what they desire so deeply.</i>


    The venomous bees were gone, and Chu Liang had no clue when he could resume the lucrative business of selling fruit tea.


    Reflecting on past experiences, it seemed that rewards from killing demonic creatures of the same species and origin were consistent. Could this imply that if he desired simr rewards, all he had to do was hunt down another creature of the same demonic species?


    This theory, however, probably only applied to lower-level demonic creatures.


    Lower-level creatures like thentern monster and venomous bees naturally shared simrities. However, as they matured, changes were inevitable.


    Take the giant lizard as an example. If it had a sibling, they might look identical when they were young, but as they grew and became demonic creatures of cultivation at the fourth or fifth realm, they would be different. Killing one might yield a Crimson Executioner, but ying another would probably not result in a second identical sword.


    But...


    For lower-level creatures with cultivation not too high, like the Human-Faced Xiao, the rewards should be simr.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder if ying another Human-Faced Xiao would yield another Qi-Cirction Puppet. In fact, if he were to kill a few, could he amass a collection of these Large-Headed Dolls? He could arrange them in a row and make these dolls cultivate, thereby enhancing his cultivation level.


    Just the thought of this scene was exhrating.


    Unfortunately, Human-Faced Xiao were rare evil creatures. They were not creatures that you could locate by asking around. Meeting them again would depend on fate.


    As Chu Liang immersed himself in these thoughts on the way back, he had already arrived at Silver Sword Peak.


    ...


    The construction of the wooden cabin wasplete. It was located not far from Chu Liang''s house, just on the slope of the hill that one would pass by when making a roundabout.


    He went to the wooden cabin and saw his teacher chatting with Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang walk in, Di Nufeng appeared sad as she said, "Liu Xiaoyu''er is telling me her past experiences. She''s quite a pitiful little one."


    "It''s not that bad, actually..." Liu Xiaoyu''er didn''t seem unhappy as she exined, "Living underwater with my sister and the other n members was quite carefree. If we hadn''t encountered that number one bad guy, our lives would have been blissfully trouble-free..."


    "The Bombax River that you lived in is right at the foot of Mount Shu. Could that viin you mentioned be a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect?" Di Nufeng asked, "Can you recognize him? When the timees, I can help you seek revenge."


    "Yeah!" Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded vigorously, "As long as I see him again, I will definitely recognize him!"


    "That''s good," Di Nufeng responded, sharing a sense of outrage. Then, she inquired, "I''m curious about which peak that disciple belongs to¡ªwhat kind of person finds killing venomous bees for amusement a worthwhile pursuit?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang, who had been silently listening on the side, suddenly looked up.


    "You weren''t here when she told me what happened. Xiaoyu''er was telling me that her sister summoned some venomous bees to protect her n. But there was a cultivator with an extremely ugly and twisted appearance who woulde over every day to kill those venomous bees," Di Nufeng said, "Who in their right mind would kill those creatures?"


    "..." Chu Liang blinked calmly a few times.


    Then, he exined slowly, "I''m just specting... Is it possible that those venomous bees posed a threat to nearby vigers, and the cultivator wasmissioned to eliminate the demons?"


    "It was in the wilderness. They could have simply avoided areas with venomous bees," Di Nufeng argued. "In my opinion, that person must be a pervert."


    "Yes!" Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded.


    "I am just speaking from a spectator''s point of view..." Chu Liang said, "I don''t think he''s as bad as you think he is..."


    ...


    After chatting for a while, Di Nufeng went back to her residence, and Chu Liang secretly pulled Liu Xiaoyu''er over.


    "Xiaoyu''er, do you know where your sister summoned those venomous bees from?" he asked directly.


    "Well... it was in a dense valley upstream..." the little girl recalled and then asked, tilting her head, "Why?"


    "Nothing. I''m just curious," Chu Liang smiled and said, "I wonder what those venomous bees look like..."


    "The little venomous bees are incredibly adorable," Liu Xiaoyu''er said in a determined tone.


    "I guess so," Chu Liang nodded.


    After discovering the location, he decided not to make any additionalments


    The next day, he departed from Silver Sword Peak and once again headed to the Bombax River in search of the beloved little venomous bee.


    Upon reaching his usualnding spot, he proceeded to fly along the river upstream. After a while, he noticed the river gradually veering into the mountains, with the surrounding terrain bing more secluded and narrow.


    The way ahead was obstructed by trees, rocks, and mountains, forcing Chu Liang to create a path on his flying sword, forcing him to navigate against the current in the water.


    This route was unlikely to be discovered by anyone onnd.


    After a while, he finally saw the dense valley that Liu Xiaoyu''er had mentioned.


    The location was densely covered with trees, disying a vibrant greenndscape¡ªa truly untouched valley. Within the valley, there were no birds, animals, or butterflies; instead, it resonated with the buzzing and dancing of numerous venomous bees.


    It appeared that this was indeed the location of their hive.


    As Chu Liang entered, several venomous bees immediately buzzed towards him, attempting to punish this unwee guest.


    With a sweep of his flying sword, he cut down the bees charging at him.


    <i>Boom! </i>


    The surrounding bees dodged immediately and avoided him.


    Although the adorable little creatures he had long anticipated seeing fluttered through the air, Chu Liang didn''t pursue them. His attention was captured by a concealed cave nestled deep in the valley, where the majority of the venomous bees were entering and exiting.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel curious.


    He could sense this mysterious aura emanating from the depths of the cave. With the use of the Hundred Swords Seal, he cleared a path and defended against the aggressive bees as he flew towards the cave. Ultimately, he arrived at the interior of the cave.


    The cave stretched deeply, with a path extending a considerable distance.


    As Chu Liang continued advancing, he found himself in an seemingly endless journey. The air within carried a pungent and unpleasant odor. It wasn''t the sweetness that Chu Liang had anticipated.


    As he moved forward slowly, he finally saw the hive of these venomous bees deep within the cave!


    To his surprise, he discovered a golden skeleton almost entirely covered!


    Clusters of venomous bees crawled all over the golden skeleton, appearing to be gnawing on the skeleton, yet also using the skeleton as their hive.


    Chu Liang finally understood the origin of these venomous bees. It turned out that they had gained intelligence by gnawing on this skeleton! That was how they had transformed into beings of demonic nature!


    A dark cave, ferocious venomous bees, and a golden skeleton¡ªthe entire scene was truly shocking!


    While he was secretly stunned, a deep and muffled buzzing sound emanated from straight ahead, followed by a strange roar.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A giant-sized bee forcefully pushed aside numerous small venomous bees and emerged from beneath the skeleton!


    It was the queen bee!

 Chapter 99: A Search Inside a Cave

    <h4>Chapter 99: A Search Inside a Cave</h4>


    The queen bee rose into the air. As it stretched its body, its form grew to a length approximately the size of a human. Its wings quivered intensely, releasing a resonant buzz that echoed like distant thunder.


    With her sudden ascent, a flurry of bees, both inside and outside the cave, responded in unison, swirling in a chaotic dance. Previously, they had retained some sense of intelligence and knew to avoid Chu Liang. However, as soon as the queen bee started the summoning call, theypletely cast away the concept of life and death!


    Without a word, the queen bee aimed to take his life upon their first meeting!


    Chu Liang found himself surrounded by a swarm of bees in the cave. In the past, he might have been troubled by such a situation. However, with the addition of a few divine skills and an increase in his cultivation level, he faced this situation without any fear.


    With a wave of his flying sword, it transformed into over a hundred sword lights, filling the cave with dazzling light and forming a protective barrier around him!


    Chu Liang divided his divine consciousness, creating dozens of sword lights to protect himself and prevent the bees from getting close. Simultaneously, he directed dozens of sword lights with precise finger movements, forming an attacking formation against the queen bee.


    The sound of shing metal echoed continuously, as the queen bee''s body proved to be harder than iron and stone. The flying sword relentlessly struck against it.


    <i>Sigh.</i>Chu Liang let out a sigh. His control of the flying swords was still not skilled enough. In the face of more formidable adversaries, each strike birthed sparks that scattered like fleeting stars.


    Yet, he remained unfazed as he had other tricks up his sleeve.


    However, the Queen Bee did not wait for his next move. With a piercing scream, she immediatelyunched a counterattack.


    A ck arrow hissed through the air!


    Sensing the danger, Chu Liang swiftly evaded by leaping backward.


    The ck arrow dispersed in the air, revealing a ck liquid that rained down like droplets, covering the sky and leaving no avenue of escape.


    If Chu Liang had the green leaf enchanted tool, he would not have been afraid of such random attacks. However, with the green leaf gone, Chu Liang had to think quickly on his feet.


    Hebined the hundred sword lights into a single, circr sword light shield!


    <i>Sss¡ª</i>


    As the ck liquid fell on the shield made of sword light, a strong corrosive sound emitted, dissolving even a few holes in the sword light shield.


    The queen beepletely disregarded the fact that the cave was filled with its own subjects. The ck liquid fell on the swarm of bees, instantly killing arge number of its own venomous bees.


    She was indeed ruthless.


    Without any hesitation, she wounded and attacked her teammates.


    As Chu Liang pondered, he formed a seal with his fingers. As soon as his fingers changed, the hundred swords converged and morphed into a flying sword. The flying sword shed through the air.


    As Chu Liang pointed to the front, the sword instantly drew two talismanic characters of silver light.


    Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    The long sword, imbued with both frost and me, fiercely collided with the queen bee''s body.


    Upon first contact, the sword struggled to break through the defense.


    However, as the formidable prating power of the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire manifested, the long sword swiftly pierced through the queen bee''s body, impaling the creature in the cave.


    "<i>Eek¡ª</i>" The queen bee screeched twice.


    It trembled for a while before it finally lost all signs of life.


    A golden mark floated out.


    Upon the death of the queen bee, the swarm immediately lost its sense of direction. With a thunderous sound, they dispersed, and the cave appeared to clear as if a dark cloud had lifted.


    Chu Liang then sheathed his sword, exhaling a sigh of relief.


    ...


    After resting for a bit, he calmed down and started expanding the scope of his divine consciousness again to observe this cave.


    He then realized that it was just a normal cave. The only peculiar thing about this cave was the golden skeleton in a seated posture.


    By gnawing on this skeleton, the queen bee and the countless poisonous bees in the valley gained extraordinary sentience.


    It was no wonder that these venomous bees exhibited such aggressive behavior...


    If they had been normal demonic creatures that followed a typical path of cultivation, they would have possessed basic intelligence and known to strive for gain while steering clear of harm. They wouldn''t have acted like wild animals, attacking humans on sight.


    These venomous bees had be demons by consuming human flesh!


    At the same time, this also meant that the skeleton likely had possessed terrifying power during its lifetime, enabling it to elevate an entire species even after death.


    To be able to cultivate a skeleton of gold, it had to be at least a cultivator at the sixth realm of cultivation, the Transcendence Realm.


    Upon reaching the Transcendence Realm, one could reconstruct their body and achieve this type of abnormal transformation.


    If this corpse possessed a spiritual nature of such magnitude, it was very likely that this was an Eminent One at the seventh realm or, at least, someone who had been very close to achieving the seventh realm.


    However, why would the corpse of an Eminent One be abandoned in this unknown cave?


    The cave was located very near to Mount Shu. Could this be an Eminent One who had been part of the Mount Shu Sect?


    Chu Liang pondered as he started approaching.


    He carefully examined the surroundings first. Upon finding nothing unusual in the vicinity, he then approached the skeleton.


    Despite having existed for an unknown number of years, this corpse''s bones still radiated a golden glow, revealing the presence of extraordinary spirituality.


    Even though countless venomous bees had clung to it and spent days and night gnawing on its flesh, there was no noticeable damage on the skeleton.


    The clothing and flesh might have been devoured by the venomous bees. If not, the remains of the corpse wouldn''t have been so clean. However, there seemed to be nothing left of other belongings, which was a bit strange.


    Would a cultivator of such a high level possess no personal treasures or weapons?


    Upon closer inspection, Chu Liang noticed something unusual.


    A dark golden scroll made of leather was stuck in the center of the skeleton.


    The cave was dimly lit and the scroll shared a color resemnce with the skeleton.


    If Chu Liang hadn''t paid close attention, he wouldn''t have noticed it.


    "Senior, please forgive my disrespect."


    Chu Liang gave a respectful bow before he extended his fingers and gently picked up the leather scroll. He carefully unfurled the scroll and found what appeared to be a drawing of a map or route.


    The material of this scroll appeared to be a dark golden leather, though the exact type of leather remained uncertain.


    Nheless, there was a clear tear at the top of the scroll. Additionally, based on its shape, it appeared to be a quarter of its original size.


    Chu Liang contemted the location where this scroll was stuck...


    The deceased individual had likely swallowed the leather scroll before their death. When they died, their body remained here as a decaying corpse.


    An item for which a powerful cultivator had employed such protective measures...


    Chu Liang stared at the torn leather scroll in his hand and fell into deep thought.


    <i>Could this possibly be a map to some legendary treasure?</i>


    There was no written exnation, and he had no knowledge of the drawings on this scroll, let alone locating the other pieces.


    He nced left and right. After confirming that there was nothing else in the vicinity, Chu Liang stood up.


    It just so happened that there was a hole created by one of his flying swords on the side. In a respectful manner, Chu Liang ced the golden skeleton in the hole and filled it up.


    "Respected Senior, these venomous bees have disturbed your remains for many years, causing, I''m sure, much difort. As your junior cultivator, I hereby bury your body in the hope that your soul may rest in peace. Though I do notprehend the drawing on the scroll, I will take it with me and give it a chance to be rediscovered by the world. I hope my actions do not offend you."


    Chu Liang bowed respectfully before he walked out of this cave.


    ...


    At this very moment...


    On the Azure Falling Peak in Mount Shu...


    On this very peak stood a tall silver tree, its branches reaching upward, winding and curving as if aspiring to reach the sky. It was named the Azure Falling Tree and the peak was named after this majestic tree.


    A figure dressed in a flowing white gown ascended step by step. With each step, a white flower blossomed beneath her feet, as if she were a celestial being ascending to the heavens.


    As she climbed all the way to the top of the tree, a woman, with her feathered robes flying in the wind, awaited her there. She stood against the wind as she gazed upon the sea of clouds.


    The woman dressed in the feathered robes turned around, revealing the crown on her head and the serene expression on her face. Her age could not be determined by her appearance. In fact, there was a sense of divinity about her.


    This woman was Daoist Yan, the peak master of the Azure Falling Peak. Many people in the realm of immortal cultivation might have heard of this name, but very few knew that Daoist Yan was a woman.


    The figure ascending with each step on the floating flowers was a beautiful youngdy. If Chu Liang had been here, he would have instantly recognized her as none other than Jiang Yuebai.


    "Esteemed Teacher."


    When Jiang Yuebai saw Daoist Yan, she gave a gentle bow.


    "Back already?" The voice of the woman in the feathered robe drifted unpredictably with the wind.


    She continued, "How was it?"


    "I guess it went smoothly. There was no actual sessor of the Divine Ruins Monastery," Jiang Yuebai answered. "They were merely junior disciples of the person who abandoned the Divine Ruins Monastery. They have no knowledge of the peculiarities and secrets of the Divine Ruins."


    "Are you injured?" Daoist Yan asked again.


    "I was a little impatient when I was chasing after them and fell into some ambushes," Jiang Yuebai said. "It''s nothing serious."


    "<i>Sigh...</i>" Daoist Yan sighed softly.


    "Your mother came back from the Divine Ruins, only to leave again. Since then, your father has been searching for the location of the Divine Ruins, and no one has heard from him... You don''t have to do this. Now that you''re part of the Mount Shu Sect, why not focus solely on cultivation? The Divine Ruins Monastery is like a curse. Being too close to it will only bring misfortune..."


    "But... I am already cursed." Jiang Yuebai said with a cold and determined expression, "This might be my destiny."


    "Your father was a remarkable talent. He was a star. But now..." Daoist Yan stared at Jiang Yuebai with eyes filled with concern as she said, "I''m just worried you''ll end up like him."


    Jiang Yuebai stared back at her teacher with gentle yet determined eyes as she responded, "I...I can''t escape it."

 Chapter 100: Razor Leaf

    <h4>Chapter 100: Razor Leaf</h4>


    Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak and once again found a paper crane on the table outside his cabin. Upon opening it, he saw that it was a letter from Jiang Yuebai.


    Thest time Chu Liang returned to Mount Shu, he had sent a paper crane to Jiang Yuebai. However, he hadn''t received a reply then, which meant she had yet to return to the mountain at the time.


    The letter was brief. It mentioned that she had returned and that everything had gone smoothly.


    A small smile appeared on Chu Liang''s face when he thought about how he''d be able to learn more divine skills soon.


    Just as Chu Liang was about to enter his cabin, he saw a figure in the sky, flying over unhurriedly. The figure eventuallynded just in front of the hillside.


    It was Wen Yulong.


    <i>Well, that''s quick,</i> Chu Liang thought.


    It hadn''t even been two days since Chu Liang''s visit to the Hall of Weapons, yet Wen Yulong appeared to have alreadypleted his work. Chu Liang couldn''t help but marvel at Wen Yulong''s efficiency. It seemed that whenever Wen Yulong had the opportunity to work on an enchanted tool that interested him, he would work on it tirelessly.


    "Senior Brother Chu..." Wen Yulong began.


    He was beaming with joy. It was obvious from his expression what he was going to say.


    Wen Yulong continued, "Ever since you made that repair request, I''ve been working on it all day and night to get it done. And I''ve just finished repairing it!"


    As he spoke, he took out a green leaf about the size of a palm. It looked more or less the same as before. The only difference was the additional ck pattern in the middle of the leaf''s venation.


    "Oh?" Chu Liang uttered as he took the green leaf.


    The green leaf felt much heavier in his hand than before, but aside from that, he couldn''t tell what had changed.


    Wen Yulong exined, "In addition to repairing the existing enchanted inscriptions on the leaf, I used that ck Meteor Essence Iron to add a set of offensive inscriptions. Now, this green leaf has three forms."


    Chu Liang was already familiar with the defensive and flying forms. So, he immediately activated the green leaf, infused it with his foundational qi, and tried out the offensive form.


    As his foundational qi circted within the green leaf, the green leaf instantly expanded into a crescent shape, with the ck de from Master Lu''s saber running neatly along its curved edge. There was a subtle beauty to it as well as the aura of something dangerous.


    After carefully observing the green leaf for a moment, Chu Liang issued amand to it with his foundational qi. He directed the green leaf toward an area empty of buildings and activated its offensive inscriptions.


    Due to what had happened the first time he tested out the green leaf, Chu Liang exercised great restraint this time and injected only a small amount¡ªperhaps just an eighth¡ªof his foundational qi.


    <i>Whoosh</i>¡ª


    A flicker of a shadow passed by before his eyes. That green leaf had disappeared from his hand at such a great speed that it had been imperceptible to the naked eye.


    "How was it? Isn''t it both fast and powerful?!" Wen Yulong asked excitedly.


    "Let''s not talk about that for now. First, tell me..." Chu Liang said in confusion.


    He was looking at therge tree he had aimed at, which remained undamaged.


    "Where did it go?" Chu Liang asked.


    Wen Yulong pointed at something behind Chu Liang and answered, "Isn''t it in that tree?"


    Chu Liang turned around and found that the de of the green leaf was indeed embedded in a tree far behind him. It appeared that its cutting force was so strong that it had cut through quite a few trees before stopping.


    Yet, this was the green leaf''s prowess with only a small amount of foundational qi.


    "I ingeniouslybined this set of offensive inscriptions with the flight inscriptions, ensuring the green leaf could beunched at an extremely fast speed. To maximize this speed, I reshaped the saber de into an arc. With that, the green leaf even has a rotational force that enhances its destructive power! It''s just as well that I didn''t name this enchanted tool when I made it. Now, I want to name it Razor Leaf!" Wen Yulong presented the name excitedly.


    "But..." Chu Liang took the leaf out of the tree and examined it. "This ended up somewhere way off from my target. What''s the use of increased destructive power if I can''t hit the target?"


    "This..." Wen Yulong scratched his head andughed sheepishly. "The Razor Leaf''s only drawback is that it''s not easy to hit your target... But the leaf''s rotation has a fixed pattern. As long as you diligently practice theunch technique, you should be able to greatly improve the uracy of your attacks."


    "..."


    Chu Liangughed in defeat.


    <i>Fine.</i>


    <i>So, it turns out that I have to learn a new skill for every additional ability you add to this enchanted tool.</i>


    "Moreover, there''s another advantage to this rotational force," Wen Yulong continued. "When powerful fighters engage inbat, they rely on sensing the flow of their opponent''s qi. So, if you target an opponent, there''s a good chance they''ll be prepared for your attack and be able to evade it.


    "But my Razor Leaf can aim toward the east while striking west, head south butnd somewhere north. It has an unpredictable trajectory, making it extremely difficult for enemies to defend against!"


    "Indeed," Chu Liang agreed with a nod.


    <i>That''s true.</i>


    Chu Liang had yet to figure out the trajectory of this thing. If even the wielder of the enchanted tool didn''t know where it wouldnd, how could his enemy?


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang needed to consider if he should even use the Razor Leaf''s offensive ability in the future. It was probably better not to use it at all unless he had practiced so much that he had mastered using it.


    Otherwise, the Razor Leaf might end up hitting a teammate instead of the targeted enemy. Such a scene might just cause the enemy tough themselves to death.


    After checking the enchanted tool, Chu Liang put it away. He decided he would practice using it whenever he had time. The Razor Leaf had saved his life, so it was pretty fortunate that it could even be repaired.


    Subsequently, Wen Yulong took out that small medicinal pill Chu Liang had left with him.


    "Additionally, I have the results for that pill you asked me to identify," Wen Yulong said. "This pill is called the Essence-Concealing Pill. Due to the rarity of the raw materials, it''s now a pill that''s rarely concocted."


    "Essence-Concealing Pill?" Chu Liang repeated.


    "Yes, taking the pill willpletely conceal your aura. Even if you attack someone, the fluctuations in the flow of your qi won''t be visible. The effectsts for around fifteen minutes," Wen Yulong exined. "Like the other things you showed me, this should also be part of a set of assassin gear."


    <i>Completely conceal? This pill''s pretty amazing,</i> Chu Liang thought.


    The robe they''d discussed previously could only conceal the wearer''s aura outside of a battle. The moment the wearer made a move, there would undoubtedly be fluctuations in their foundational qi, and concealing those was beyond the capabilities of the robe.


    However, if a cultivator were to consume the Essence-Concealing Pill, they couldpletely conceal their aura. Coupled with the Seven Killings'' divine skill, they could murder someone without being seen and then leave without a trace.


    That wasn''t all. With this pill, even monsters hiding in human cities could conceal their presence so well that it would be difficult to discover them. Normally, human cultivators would sense the monsters'' presence when they used demonic techniques and skills, as it revealed fluctuations in their demonic qi. However, with a pill like this, their identities wouldn''t be exposed even when they were casting spells.


    Chu Liang carefully ced the small pill into the gourd and stored the gourd away.


    "If you sell those pills, you could probably get several hundred sword coins for each one," Wen Yulong said.


    Chu Liang shook his head. "I''ll spend some more time thinking about it."


    The moment he heard what the pill''s effect was, he''d known it was a rare and valuable item. After all, such a pill could facilitate a perfect assassination or allow someone to escape unscathed from a fatal situation.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang wasn''t particrly in need of money at the moment, so he''d rather keep such a precious thing for himself.


    Wen Yulong continued, "Lastly, regarding the Aura-Concealing Muslin, I''ve already inquired about the price from Taotie City. The offered price is currently very high. It''s equivalent to around eight hundred sword coins. I think that''s too much, so let''s just put that on hold for the time being. The price shoulde down after some time."


    "Thanks a lot, Junior Brother Wen," Chu Liang said, expressing his heartfelt thanks.


    He was unfamiliar with who to contact about the materials for enchanted tools, so it was great that he had someone to liaise with the relevant people on his behalf.


    "It''s nothing. If you pick up any more great enchanted tools or materials like these, just bring them over and let me forge with them, and we''re good," Wen Yulong replied.


    He had finally realized that Chu Liang was a pretty extraordinary person.


    Chu Liang was clearly a disciple at the cultivation level of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, yet he had always managed to acquire rare and valuable items. As long as Wen Yulong could maintain a good rtionship with Chu Liang, he ought to have an endless string of opportunities to forge enchanted tools in the future.


    Chu Liang smiled at Wen Yulong and said softly, "You''ll have to lower your fees though."

 Chapter 101: An Exclusive Interview (End of Book 1)

    <h4>Chapter 101: An Exclusive Interview (End of Book 1)</h4>


    "Xiaoyu''er,e here."


    After bidding farewell to Wen Yulong, Chu Liang approached Liu Xiaoyu''er with a bright smile on his face.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" The little girl blinked and asked, "Big Brother Chu Liang, what do you need?"


    This was the usual scene on the Silver Sword Peak: Liu Xiaoyu''er called Di Nufeng her older sister and Chu Liang her big brother. In turn, Chu Liang referred to Di Nufeng as an Esteemed Teacher. They each used their preferred terms without much thought for the other''s.


    "It''s the usual request. I''m here to seek your blessing," Chu Liang replied.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er tilted her head, finding Chu Liang''s behavior a little strange.


    <i>Why did he ask for blessings so often? Does he need three hundred and sixty-five blessings a year?</i>


    Nheless, the kind little girl closed her eyes and silently wished him sess.


    Seeing that Liu Xiaoyu''er had closed her eyes, Chu Liang set his mind to unbox the reward.


    As his divine consciousness entered the White Pagoda, he witnessed a scenepletely different from usual. Each kill upied its own cage, and the White Pagoda was presently filled to the brim with venomous bees. The cages extended in a direction that couldn''t be discerned at a nce.


    The most conspicuous among them was the queen bee, which had a much bigger shadow than the other bees.


    Despite being the same type of demonic creatures, the stronger ones would result in the unboxing of a different kind of reward.


    Chu Liang first came to the outside of the queen bee''s cage and decisively pressed the "refine" button.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A light shed, and a ball of radiance floated out.


    Chu Liang caught it in his hands and realized that he was holding a round, white object that looked like an egg.


    [Mysterious Beast Egg: Nurture this with foundational qi. When the spirit beast breaks out of its shell, it will recognize its master and be a primordial spirit pet.]


    "Spirit beast?"


    This surprised Chu Liang quite a bit.


    <i>The White Pagoda can create living things?</i>


    The so-called spirit beast was actually a "monster" among demons. They were the kind of monsters that possessed powerful strength but had no need to take on a human form. The distinction between actual spirit beasts and demons that had yet to take on a human form was always ambiguous, leading to frequent confusion between the two.


    Many ordinary spirit pets existed on Mount Shu. However, hand-raised spirit pets were rtively rare.


    To have a hand-raised spirit beast, one would have to first obtain a living spirit beast egg and hatch it. Upon breaking out of its shell, the spirit beast would recognize its master. In terms of temperament and intimacy, hand-raised spirit pets were generally better than those parent-raised.


    Whether this spirit pet was powerful or not would be apletely different story. Nheless, the existence of this spirit pet was a rather novel concept to Chu Liang. He might have no need for this egg, but he wouldn''t mind having one.


    He wondered what kind of pet he would hope to get.


    The image of Senior Sister Jiang shed in his mind, and Chu Liang quickly shook his head, dismissing those impractical thoughts.


    He then looked up and casually pressed the "refine" button next to him.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The phantom of a venomous bee was refined, and another jar of fruit tea appeared in his hand.


    However, Chu Liang noticed that the appearance color of this jar of fruit tea was slightly different. <i>Huh?</i> He took another sip, and indeed, the taste of this jar of fruit tea was different from before!


    <i>A new vor?</i>


    Chu Liang pressed a few more times in session and found that the next several jars of fruit tea looked different and all tasted different.


    But these jars of fruit tea were clearly the same before...


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment. Could this be the charm of the koi?


    With her blessing, he was able to unveil a whole new vor of fruit tea?


    "Are we done?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked softly.


    The little girl sensed that Chu Liang had closed his eyes. Then, she heard his breathing bing quicker and thought it was odd.


    "Okay, I''ll treat you to something deliciouster," Chu Liang quickly thanked her and slipped back into his own wooden cabin.


    Back in his wooden cabin, Chu Liang took out the small white beast egg. Its shell was crystal clear, revealing the golden substance inside.


    He tried to slowly infuse his foundational qi into it, and immediately felt a warm sensation and some subtle movement. It was as if the spirit beast was responding to his offering.


    <i>Hmm...</i>


    <i>No wonder hand-raised spirit pets be more intimate with their masters. It seems that it is already showing its spiritual nature. By continuously incubating it with my foundational qi, it might naturally think of me as its mother?</i>


    <i>Does this mean I have be a mom...</i>


    While he was lost in thought, a strangeugh echoed from outside: "<i>Hehehehe!</i>"


    He recognized theughter instantly.


    Chu Liang put the beast egg away and went out to greet Lin Bei, who looked very excited.


    "Chu Liang! We''re about to be famous!" Lin Bei shouted, unable to contain the excitement in his voice. "People from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion are here to see us!"


    ...


    Whenever a major event urred, as long as conditions allowed, disciples of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion would conduct exclusive interviews with the parties involved, ensuring that the information reported by the <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i> was more urate.


    However, these interviews don''t happen every time. For instance, thest time Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian were featured in the Seven Stars Gazette, no one came to interview Chu Liang.


    The exclusive interview this time likely took ce due to the significant nature of the incident at South Gate City.


    While they were on the way, Lin Bei appeared extremely excited.


    For most cultivators from immortal sects, being featured in the Seven Stars Gazette was indeed a great joy.


    However, Chu Liang remained very calm.


    He held a skeptical attitude toward the rtionship between the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and his own esteemed teacher. [1]


    And so, Chu Liang felt slightly concerned.


    Soon, they crossed the sea of clouds and arrived at the Heaven-Reaching Peak. In a quiet room within one of the towering pavilions, the representative from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was waiting.


    However, there was another person present.


    Both Chu Liang and Lin Bei were somewhat surprised to see her.


    The disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was sitting there, her hair tied in twin ponytails. She possessed a petite figure with a youthful face that seemed to be around sixteen or seventeen. Whenever she smiled, her eyes would squint in a cute manner.


    She was chatting affectionately with ady next to her. Thedy wore a form-fitting long dress and was draped in a thin veil jacket. Her hair was casually tied in a coiled bun, and the untie long strands of hair flowed gently, exuding an indescribable elegance.


    Thatdy turned out to be Jiang Yuebai.


    "Our two young heroes from the Mount Shu Sect have arrived," the disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion announced, standing up and introducing herself first. "I am Zhang Xiaohan, a disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s Wind-Catching Hall. Today, I''vee specifically to discuss the matter of your visit to South Gate City. I''m considered a new member of the Wind-Catching Hall. With limited experience, I hope the two of you will share your insight."


    "No problem! No problem!" After the introductions, Lin Bei patted his chest and said, "We disciples of the Mount Shu Sect are the most amicable people. We also hope that Junior Sister Zhang will be lenient and write favorably of us in the report."


    The Wind-Catching Hall, a branch of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, oversaw the publication of the Seven Stars Gazette. This monthly periodical was produced by the hall, and its disciples often journeyed across the continent of the nine provinces, conducting interviews and gathering a plethora of information.


    If there were a hit list in the cultivation world, the head of the Wind-Catching Hall, Zhou Yijian, would undoubtedly be at the top. Over the decades, countless people, both openly and covertly, sought his demise.


    Chu Liang looked at Jiang Yuebai, wondering how she ended up here.


    Jiang Yuebai smiled back at him.


    Zhang Xiaohan seemed to notice Chu Liang''s gaze. She sat down, held Jiang Yuebai''s hand, and said with a smile, "I''ve known Elder Sister Jiang for a while. I happened to have some matters to discuss with her this time, so I brought her along. You two won''t feel nervous with her here, right?"


    "I can''t help but feel nervous..." Lin Bei answered, "Senior Sister Jiang is the goddess of Mount Shu. It''s usually very rare for us junior disciples to see her."


    As he spoke, he cast a nce at Chu Liang beside him.


    He then realized that Chu Liang had already taken his seat and faced Jiang Yuebai with remarkable calmness.


    <i>Damn! He is acting so natural!</i>


    Lin Bei couldn''t help but curse inwardly.


    Jiang Yuebai nced at Zhang Xiaohan and said softly, "Let''s get the interview started. Ask them the questions first. It shouldn''t be a problem with me here listening, right?"


    "Of course not..." Zhang Xiaohan smiled, then turned to the two and asked, "First of all, I''d like to know, what was the purpose of your visit to South Gate City?"


    "It was naturally because of a demon-ying mission," Lin Bei replied firmly. "As you know, we disciples of Mount Shu always see it as our duty to eliminate demons and uphold justice."


    "But ording to our investigation, you two quicklypleted the demon-ying mission. Yet, you stayed in South Gate City for a few more days. Were you waiting for the performance of Miss Xue from South Melody Conservatory?" Zhang Xiaohan asked.


    It seemed as though this girl had already been to South Gate City, and she knew quite a lot about the situation.


    Chu Liang was about to nod when Lin Bei shook his head and said, "Absolutely not. We were helping a confused girl who had lost her sister. It was during the process of assisting her in finding her sister that we learned about the sinister crimes of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess."


    "<i>Wow</i>, you two are indeed righteous and kind," Zhang Xiaohan praised with a smile before posing another question, "But we heard that you had quite a bit of interaction with Miss Xue. Rumors are spreading in South Gate City that your initial conflict with Lord Xia was due to jealousy, as you were alsopeting for Miss Xue''s affection..."


    Lin Bei was surprised as he asked, "Is that true?"


    Chu Liang emphatically waved his hand and said, "Absolutely not!"


    Jiang Yuebai, who sat opposite, revealed a subtle smile.


    Zhang Xiaohan''s gaze shifted between the two as she mentioned, "I heard from the servants of that mansion that a handsome young hero also visited Miss Xue. With the doors closed, one of you chatted with her while she yed the qin for you..."


    Lin Bei was surprised again as he eximed, "I didn''t!"


    <i>Who would think you did... </i>Chu Liang couldn''t help but remark internally.


    At the same time, he felt a bit of a headache. What kind of information was this disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion trying to inquire about? Instead of asking about the process of fighting against evil and their mental state during the incident, they were fixated on this gossip news.


    And... she was asking these questions in front of Senior Sister Jiang.


    Feeling the weight of every gaze upon him, Chu Liang knew that there was no escape. He let out a quiet sigh and said, "I did visit Miss Xue to listen to her qin performance, but that''s all it was. There was no intimate conversation... Please disregard those baseless rumors."


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Zhang Xiaohan''s eyes sparkled, as if she had unraveled something pivotal. Excitementced her voice as she inquired, "So, with the doors closed, all you did was enjoy her qin performance. There was no intimate conversation?"


    "Yes." Chu Liang nodded.


    "So, Young Hero Chu was able to capture Miss Xue''s thoughts from the music. Words were unnecessary.. In the harmonization of melodies, a connection was formed..." Zhang Xiaohan murmured.


    "Absolutely not..." Chu Liang interjected, putting an end to her unfounded spections. "Miss Xue only yed the qin for me once. Just that once. Don''t make wild spections."


    "Nonsense!" Lin Bei retorted, "She clearly yed the qin for you several times!"


    "The second time was to save my life..." Chu Liang exined.


    "Oh?" Zhang Xiaohan, seeming to have caught onto something, asked eagerly, "Miss Xue saved Young Hero Chu''s life? Hmm... The debt of gratitude owed to a beautiful person[2]."


    <i>Wait a minute.</i>


    <i>Isn''t this phrase used in a different context?!</i>


    Chu Liang found himself at a loss for words. As he pondered how to articte his thoughts, his gaze shifted to Jiang Yuebai, seated across from him. She exuded an ethereal beauty and her eyes sparkled with a charming smile.


    1. In chapter 62, it was mentioned that whenever Chu Liang''s teacher, Di Nufeng, was featured on the Seven Stars Gazette, it was for something bad. Chu Liang couldn''t help but suspect that Di Nufeng had enemies within the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. ?


    2. The phrase is ÃÀÈ˶÷ÖØ and usually this is used when a beautiful person confesses her affection to you and you have no choice but to reject her. However, you are grateful that you have received the love of such a beautiful person. Something I will never experience in my lifetime. ?

 Chapter 102: The Old Man and the Dragon (Start of Book 2)

    <h4>Chapter 102: The Old Man and the Dragon (Start of Book 2)</h4>


    At the Dragon Fishing Pool on Solitude Peak...


    Old Man Sikong was staring at the silvery water of theke with a deep gaze while his aged hands gripped his fishing rod tightly.


    The fishing rod had been shaking more and more frequently ever since the group of people from Silver Sword Peak visited him. Initially, it would only shake once in a long while, but at present, it would shake again after just a short time.


    Old Man Sikong''s eyes had not seen any ripples in the surface of theke for over a hundred years, but they were now shining brightly.


    Calm returned to theke for a moment. Then the fishing rod suddenly shook yet again. This time, it stretched the golden fishing line so taut that it became a perfectly straight line! A massive vortex radiating silver light began to form in the Dragon Fishing Pool.


    As the water spun, the weather suddenly changed. The skies turned gray, and dark clouds gathered!


    Old Man Sikong felt a wave of power flood out from the direction of the vortex. He pulled his elbows back to maintain a better grip on the fishing rod as his torso trembled uncontrobly.


    The vortex was growing increasinglyrger, but nothing had emerged from it.


    Sensing that the wave of power was waning, Old Man Sikong gritted his teeth and bit the tip of his tongue, causing it to bleed. He then spat a mouthful of blood onto the golden fishing rod and pointed at the rod with his right hand.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Golden mes burst from his palm and ran up the rod, engulfing it. The fire then zed down the golden fishing line, extending into the deep unknown of the vortex.


    Old Man Sikong knew that he wasn''t in opposition to whatever was at the end of the fishing line. Instead, they were working together to resist a vast and obscure set of rules!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the golden mes reached the end of the fishing line, the wave of power flooding out from the vortex surged explosively.


    Old Man Sikong raised his aging body to his feet with the selfless bravery of a man in his twilight years. A golden radiance erupted all around him as if he were a deity.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    A thunderous rumble¡ªmuch like that of a massive city wall copsing¡ªrang out from the vortex whirling upward into the sky.


    The rumbling continued, and an enormous head emerged from the vortex with the end of the zing fishing line. This head alone was taller than Old Man Sikong. It had towering horns, shiny scales, and a pair of eyes with golden mes burning in its irises.


    This creature seemed to have charged through a route filled with thistles and thorns to get here. Its ancient scales were broken and covered in cracks as well as bloodstains. It was as if the creature had experienced a great battle against deities and demons.


    Astonishingly, this creature was a dragon.


    "It has been over a hundred years..." Old Man Sikong said with a trembling voice.


    After the dragon head appeared, the weather suddenly changed again... Golden scale-shaped clouds covered the sky within a hundred-li perimeter, apanied by the crackling sound of rolling thunder.


    A long, winding body soared into the air, finally breaking free from the vortex. A white True Dragon was flying majestically in the sky!


    "A dragon... has finally emerged on Mount Shu!"


    Old Man Sikong was tearing up. He had patiently waited for over a hundred years without giving up, so this dragon seemed like a gift from the heavens. Old Man Sikong could finally see the fruit of his efforts!


    However, the massive White Dragon didn''t even spare a nce for the old man who had spent a painful hundred-odd years waiting for it. Despite the mes burning in the dragon''s irises, its eyes contained an extremely cold expression.


    The dragon turned its head and suddenly charged off in the direction of Heaven-Reaching Peak. That seemed to be its target!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The True Dragon soared into the sky, apanied by the wind and the clouds. After making just one turn, the dragon arrived at Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    At this moment, a gigantic hand began to appear in midair! It emerged and reached out from ayer of clouds. Then its five fingers pressed down on the dragon''s head and immediately immobilized this enormous dragon, who was capable of gathering storm clouds and covering thend with rain!


    "Oh, True Dragon, it was truly a blessing for my sect that you were willing to bear the burden of Mount Shu''s fate in the past. However, the weak world of mortals cannot withstand your power. Please rest easy and settle down here. The Dragon Fishing Pool will be your ce of residence from now on," a thunderous voice said, reverberating out in waves.


    The raging mes flickering in the White Dragon''s eyes seemed to say that the dragon was unwilling to do what the thunderous voice said. Nevertheless, the dragon proceeded toply anyway¡ªperhaps because it could not defeat the gigantic hand or because it understood the reasoning behind the voice''s words.


    The dragon swung its tail, weaved through the sea of clouds, and circled back around. Then it vanished into the Dragon-Fishing Pool, which had regained its calm state.


    At this moment, all eyes of those present on Heaven-Reaching Peak were focused on a ce high up in the clouds. The person who had taken action earlier against the dragon hadn''t shown their face, but everyone knew who it was.


    It was the current sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect, Venerable Wen Yuan. He had suppressed a dragon with just his hand!


    ...


    Just a moment ago on Heaven-Reaching Peak, Chu Liang had been going through a moment of awkwardness that he''d never experienced before.


    Upon being interviewed by a disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, Chu Liang had done his best toe up with a way to rify the situation to them. However, after trying to answer several of the interviewer''s questions, Chu Liang realized what the problem was. It was impossible to wake someone pretending to be asleep¡ªor, in this case, get through to someone only pretending to listen.


    Simple tales of punishing evil and doing benevolent and chivalrous deeds, which the Celestial Pivot Pavilion already had a few of in every issue of the gazette, were no longer enough to capture people''s attention. Zhang Xiaohan, the interviewer, clearly only wanted to draw attention to the hot gossip about Chu Liang and Xue Lingxue.


    The South Melody Conservatory was currently on tour, and Xue Lingxue and her group were in the limelight. If an ambiguous news article about a romantic scandal were to be published at this time, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of countless people.


    Zhang Xiaohan obviously wanted to spin what happened between Chu Liang and Xue Lingxue into a headliner!


    Upon realizing this, Chu Liang shifted his focus from trying to rify the facts of what had happened to thinking of how he should deal with Zhang Xiaohan.


    Normally, this was something that Chu Liang wouldn''t even care about. However, Senior sister Jiang was currently sitting opposite him, watching him with a smile.


    Chu Liang felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine. He had a feeling that he would be in great trouble if he were to say something wrong.


    After thinking for a moment, Chu Liang lowered his voice and said, "My appointment with Miss Xue was just an excuse she used to reject a dinner invitation from the young lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. Do you know... why she didn''t want to spend time with the young lord?


    "Do you know... how perverted that young lord is? And do you know the story about the father and son of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess that must be told?


    "Do you know... the story behind how I bound the young lord in public?


    "Was it due to a distortion in human nature or the loss of morality...?


    "Do you know?"


    This series of rhetorical questions instantly made Zhang Xiaohan''s eyes light up.


    She knew that since her curiosity had been piqued, the readers of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> would undoubtedly be interested in these sensational questions too.


    So, Zhang Xiaohan urged Chu Liang, "Tell me in detail."


    "There''s no need to rush," Chu Liang replied with a wave of his hand.


    <i>Listen to me slowly weave a sensational tale for you...</i>


    There was no other way to resolve this. It was useless to try and suppress a sensational story. The best way to divert attention away from it was to throw out an even more sensational tale. This was how trending topics kept changing.


    In order to prevent Zhang Xiaohan from focusing on him and Xue Lingxue, Chu Liang could only throw out something more controversial.


    <i>However... I''ll have to add to the young lord''s grievances again</i>. <i>But he probably won''t mind a bit more, right?</i>


    Just as he was about to speak, Chu Liang suddenly felt his heart palpitate. It was as if something terrifying had ced its gaze on him.


    Chu Liang raised his gaze and found that Jiang Yuebai''s expression was just as tense as his. She had sensed it too.


    Right after that, the weather changed. Rolling thunder filled the sky, apanied by the astonishing roar of a dragon!


    The Mount Shu Sect disciples on Heaven-Reaching Peak rushed out to look. They gazed up at the clouds and saw a shocking scene that made them marvel in awe. A white dragon that had been flying majestically in the sky was stopped by a hand so gigantic that it seemed to cover the sky itself.


    Chu Liang and the others cut their conversation short and flew out to see what was happening.


    When Zhang Xiaohan saw the enormous dragon, she became extremely exhrated! Her trip to Mount Shu had coincided with a major event in the mortal realm!


    "It is said that many years ago, there was a great upheaval in the mortal realm. The True Dragon n left the ancient dragon nest and went to the legendary Abyss of the Hidden Dragons. Since then, there have been no True Dragons in the mortal realm.


    "Only a great fate can draw a True Dragon out from the Abyss of the Hidden Dragons.


    "Presently, there are only two True Dragons in this world that suppress fate: the Azure Dragon of Peni Supreme Sect and the Golden Dragon of the Yu Dynasty. Even if other dragons exist, they would be fate-driven Flood Dragons at most, not True Dragons.


    "Yet, today, the Mount Shu Sect has drawn over a True Dragon to suppress fate... Major changes may ur within the structure of the mortal world!"

 Chapter 103: The Tale of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess

    <h4>Chapter 103: The Tale of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess</h4>


    The White Dragon, persuaded by the sect leader, gracefully returned to the Dragon Fishing Pool. The once turbulent skies and roiling clouds settled in a blink, restoring the calm azure expanse above Mount Shu. The billowing sea of clouds descended, gracefully retreating halfway down the mountain.


    Mount Shu regained its tranquility.


    In the square in front of the Immeasurable Pce, a group of startled disciples watched as the extraordinary events unfolded.


    With her gaze fixed on the spot where the sect leader had intervened, Zhang Xiaohan felt a surge of emotions.


    The True Dragon''s descent and the sect leader''s impressive feat of subduing it would make headlines in the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces"<i> </i>section. Zhang Xiaohan was certain that she hadnded a top spot in the headlines. She had a story to tell, especially with the intriguing details about Jiang Yuebai and the ongoing drama in South Gate City.


    Plus, she was right there on the scene to report it all firsthand. This was a story she would write on her own. Combined with the intriguing information about Jiang Yuebai and the updates from South Gate City, she was set to make a big impact in this month''s "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces."


    This was her moment to shine!


    Unlike traditional immortal sects, such as the Mount Shu Sect, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion relied solely on the <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i> to reap substantial monthly ie. Generous rewards for outstanding disciples were the norm.


    As things settled down, Jiang Yuebai spoke, "I must return to Azure Falling Peak. Xiaohan,e see me afterward. In the meantime, focus on your discussion with Junior Brother Lin Bei and this Junior Brother."


    Chu Liang found himself at a loss for words.


    With that being said, Jiang Yuebai revealed a faint smile as she bade farewell to everyone.


    "Of course, Sister Jiang," Zhang Xiaohan replied with a sweet smile.


    As Jiang Yuebai left, Lin Bei couldn''t contain his excitement, eximing, "Jiang Jiang just smiled at me."


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded.


    <i>She even shot me a side-eye when you weren''t paying attention.</i>


    Chu Liang felt quite frustrated with the situation. He had already tried his best to exin that there was nothing going on between him and Xue Lingxue. Nheless, when a woman was upset with you, she wasn¡¯t particrly interested in your exnations.


    Zhang Xiaohan turned around and said, "Young Hero Chu, please continue sharing the story of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess."


    In her gaze, there was a renewed expectation for the mundane and the vulgar.


    With Jiang Yuebai gone, Chu Liang felt no need to hold back any longer and began to freely recount the story to Zhang Xiaohan.


    "The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess and his son were truly indulgent and utterly filthy..." he began.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Zhang Xiaohan was puzzled. "Lord Xia might enjoy such pleasures, but the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess has always been dedicated to cultivation and has remained distant from worldly desires."


    "Well... think about it. Why has he remained distant from worldly desires?" Chu Liang continued without showing a change of expression. "It''s because he was excessively indulgent in his early years and depleted his energy. Most people don''t know these stories."


    "<i>Oh?</i>"


    Did you know that at one point in his youth, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was casually walking down the street when he unexpectedly got whacked by a wooden stick sticking out of a window? And when he nced up, he spotted a charming youngdy...


    "That youngdy was named Jinlian and already had a husband, who was a diligent man that sold pancakes for a living... And just like that, this unscrupulous and adulterous couple worked together and killed this diligent man...[1]"


    "Do you know that during his youth, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess had a good friend who had a wife named Li Ping''er? Usually, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess would address her as sister-inw. But then, the Marquess schemed and killed his own friend...[2]"


    "Did you know that during the early years of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess''s time at his residence, there was a maid named Chunmei...[3]"


    Even as they returned to the quiet room, Chu Liang continued telling the stories. He spoke for a while. Zhang Xiaohan and Lin Bei listened in astonishment, staring wide-eyed at Chu Liang.


    "<i>Oh my...</i>" Zhang Xiaohan shook her head in amazement. "This is too sensational. I didn¡¯t know the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was such a person..."


    Lin Bei also pped the table and sighed, "That is exactly how a true hero should act!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang and Zhang Xiaohan both stared at him strangely.


    <i>Why the sudden enthusiasm at a time like this?</i>


    "Oh, sorry... slip of the tongue," Lin Bei quickly corrected himself, putting on an indignant expression. "He should be killed!"


    "The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess''s residence has quite a dark history, actually. It''s no surprise they''re involved in such nefarious activities like trafficking women!" Zhang Xiaohan eximed. "What about Lord Xia? He''s young; he couldn¡¯t havemitted so many atrocities, right?"


    "You don''t know about that..." Chu Liang lowered his voice. "Since his childhood days in the academy, he has shown his perverted characteristics."


    "Lord Xia''s academic performance was not ideal..."


    ...


    After Jiang Yuebai returned to Azure Falling Peak, she ascended the ancient tree once again.


    Daoist Yan continued her peaceful meditation at the top of the ancient tree, seemingly unaffected by the upheaval caused by the True Dragon''s appearance at Mount Shu. It wasn''t until Jiang Yuebai arrived that she slowly opened her eyes.


    "Esteemed Teacher..." Jiang Yuebai bowed.


    "What happened?" Daoist Yan, despite usually exuding a divine-like coldness in her demeanor, was always gentle when interacting with this disciple of hers.


    "When the True Dragon descended on Mount Shu, I felt..." Jiang Yuebai frowned and whispered, "At that moment, I felt as though it was staring at me..."


    While on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, she felt the gaze of the True Dragon.


    When the White Dragon came straight in their direction, both her and Chu Liang felt the same thing.


    Moreover, they were the only ones in the room. With her Transcendent Spirit constitution, she believed she would be the most likely target for the True Dragon.


    Many demonic beasts desired to devour her because of her Transcendent Spirit constitution. This had been the case since childhood. So, she couldn''t help but feel a bit worried. She hadn¡¯t shown her anxiety in front of Chu Liang and the others while they were on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, but it was the reason why she had immediately left to see her teacher.


    Daoist Yan frowned upon hearing this. "The True Dragon is not an ordinary demonic beast; it is a true spirit of the world. Would it also covet someone with the constitution of a Transcendent Spirit?"


    "I don''t know..." Jiang Yuebai shook her head.


    "Since this happened, I will pay the sect leader a visitter and bring up this issue," Daoist Yan said sternly. "Even if it''s a True Dragon, it should not be allowed to harm my disciple."


    "Thank you," Jiang Yuebai said, her tone slightly moved.


    Since she was young, she had felt like an orphan. Through her teacher¡¯s support, she had been able to grow to this age. Otherwise, she really didn''t know what would have happened to her.


    While the teacher and disciple were talking, a distant voice sounded, "Yan Zi..."


    As soon as Jiang Yuebai heard this voice, she knew who it was.


    The peak master of the Silver Sword Peak, Di Nufeng, and her teacher had been close friends since childhood. They had been friends for many years. Di Nufeng was the only one who would casually call her teacher by her real name.


    Speaking of female peak masters on Mount Shu, they were rare in numbers. However, the two peak masters who were widely recognized as having the highest cultivation among all peak masters were both women.


    If Daoist Yan weren''t indifferent to worldly matters and didn''t have a cold temperament, and if Di Nufeng weren''t capricious, belligerent, and mischievous, Wang Xuanling might not have obtained the position of the first seat among peak masters.


    Because of the good rtionship between her esteemed teacher and Di Nufeng, Jiang Yuebai initially had a favorable impression of Chu Liang from the Silver Sword Peak.


    But...


    As Jiang Yuebai thought of Chu Liang, she suddenly felt an inexplicable anger.


    <i>Humph.</i>


    <i>Let''s not talk about it.</i>


    Upon hearing Di Nufeng''s call, Daoist Yan''sposed face disyed visible signs of resistance.


    But there was nothing she could do. As a burst of fire and light fell, Di Nufeng¡¯s figure appeared next to her.


    "Yuebai, you may head back first." Daoist Yan had no choice but to dismiss her disciple.


    "Yes." Jiang Yuebai nodded and took her leave.


    Then, she turned her head to look at Di Nufeng and asked, "What are you here for again?"


    "Yan Zi, my little Yan Zi..." Di Nufeng came over with a smile. "You are my best friend. Of course, I have toe and see you often."


    Daoist Yan stared at her coldly. "To scam three to five thousand sword coins from me again?"


    As the only friend of Di Nufeng on Mount Shu, she had indeed endured too much these past years.


    "Hey! If you put it this way, you are not being a real friend." Di Nufeng waved her hand as she said, "How can you call it a scam when I was just borrowing in a straightforward manner."


    "It only counts as borrowing if you do return the money." Daoist Yan refuted without showing any mercy.


    "Yes!" Di Nufeng nodded heavily and said, "And that¡¯s why I came to see you! To pay you back!"


    With that, she took out a bag of sword coins and said, "Of course, I owe you too much, and it''s impossible to repay it all at once. Here are a thousand sword coins. Consider this the interest."


    Daoist Yan felt quite surprised as she took the bag of sword coins. It was as if the sun had risen from the wrong side of the sky to see Di Nufeng returning money. Not knowing how to respond, she suddenly saw Di Nufeng approaching with a smile.


    Di Nufeng continued, "Just that... I have something important to do recently. Can you lend me something?"


    "<i>Heh,</i>" Daoist Yan smirked, "I knew it..."


    It was just as she had expected.


    When in dire straits, the true character emerged.


    "<i>Eh¡ª</i>" Di Nufeng raised her hand and said, "I didn¡¯t return you the money because I need something from you."


    "What do you want to borrow?" Daoist Yan asked cautiously, feeling that it might not be something good.


    "The Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword," Di Nufeng said.


    "Forget it," Daoist Yan stood up and left.


    "No, there''s nothing we can''t discuss. It won''t be damaged if I use it..." Di Nufeng hurriedly caught up. "I''m not asking you to give it to me..."


    Daoist Yan took a step, disappearing in an instant using the Dimension Compression Technique, leaving Di Nufeng shouting from a distance.


    "Yan Zi, don''t go..."


    "Let''s talk about it when youe back!"


    "Yan Zi, how can I live without you? Yan Zi!"


    1. He''s just telling the story of Pan Jinlian, the famous adulteress. She is a minor character in the Water Margin and one of the three main female characters in Jin Ping Mei. Jin Ping Mei is known to be a ssic Chinese lit and explicit content. <u>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Jinlian</u> ?


    2. The second main female character of the book, Jin Ping Mei. This is the concubine of the guy who had an affair with Jin Lian. ?


    3. The third female character in the book, Jin Ping Mei. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Ping_Mei#cite_note-lu408-2 ?

 Chapter 104: The Fastest Man on Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 104: The Fastest Man on Mount Shu</h4>


    Armed with a wealth of knowledge, Chu Liang managed to deal with Zhang Xiaohan.


    Although Zhang Xiaohan didn''t unearth any gossip about Xue Lingxue from the South Melody Conservatory this time, she did discover explosive news about the emergence of a dragon on Mount Shu and the sensational history of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. Overall, she departed with a sense of satisfaction.


    After bidding her farewell, Chu Liang couldn''t help but sigh.


    <i>Reading many books does have its uses.</i>


    Upon returning to the Silver Sword Peak, he first headed to the hill behind the peak to practice wielding the Razor Leaf for a while.


    After several rounds of training, Chu Liang discovered a discernible pattern to it. However, fully mastering it proved to be quite challenging. He could only rely on extensive practice and analyze the patterns through trial and error.


    Observing the characteristics of Wen Yulong''s weapon refining technique during multiple sessions, Chu Liang noted that it prioritized achieving a desired effect directly without considering potential negative consequences. While the resulting weapon was undoubtedly powerful, it was also highly unbnced, making it difficult to control.


    Aiming at a tree in front of him, Chu Liang swung the Razor Leaf dozens of times, leaving half of the forest in disarray, with only the targeted tree remaining intact.


    <i>Great.</i>


    <i>Well, does this count as "protective aiming"?</i>


    As Chu Liang stared at the wounded trees around him, he felt it might be necessary to find a more remote location next time to practice. The trees on the various peaks of Mount Shu served as the sect''s facade, and chopping them down in this chaotic manner wasn''t really aesthetically pleasing.


    He could obtain some growth-stimting powder from Hall of Alchemy and quickly cultivate a new forest...


    But that would cost money.


    After practicing for a while, he spared the remaining trees and returned to his room. As he checked the time, he realized that almost an hour had passed.


    Assuming that Zhang Xiaohan''s conversation with Jiang Yuebai concluded, Chu Liang picked up a piece of paper and started writing a message.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, today I noticed that your expression wasn''t good, as if you were in a bad mood. Did something bother you?"


    After writing the letter, he folded the letter into a paper crane, infused a bit of his foundational qi, and sent the paper crane soaring towards Azure Falling Peak.


    It took quite some time before a paper crane returned.


    Chu Liang unfolded it and saw only three words written on it: "I am fine."


    He couldn''t help but chuckle.


    <i>It would be odd if she was actually fine.</i>


    If she wasn''t genuinely upset, her response should have been more along the lines of, "Oh no, what''s the matter? Today''s weather is so nice. I''m really happy for you. After all, I''ve taught you well..."


    Chu Liang decided not to expose her.


    Instead, he replied, "I''m d to hear you''re doing fine. I was a bit worried. By the way, I just got some new vors of fruit tea. I was thinking of bringing some to you. Let''s meet at the usual ceter."


    This time, the response was quite prompt, and it was a rejection as he had expected. Jiang Yuebai replied with just two words, "Next time."


    Chu Liang then responded, "If you have time, why not today? We haven''t seen each other for so many days. The Baize youngling has been telling me that it misses you."


    Normally, if Jiang Yuebai declined his invitation, he wouldn''t say much. However, since she seemed a bit upset, he knew that his rtionship with her would be ice cold if he had allowed her to calm down by herself.


    Chu Liang needed to put in a little effort.


    After a while, the paper crane flew back with the message: "I didn''t know it could talk... Fine, let''s meet at the usual ceter."


    Seeing this, Chu Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.


    ...


    When Chu Liang arrived at Treasured Pagoda Peak, Jiang Yuebai was already inside the waterfall cave, where the cheerful cries of the Baize youngling echoed.


    "<i>Hreeooorrh~</i>"


    Carrying several jars of fruit tea of different vors, Chu Liang stepped in and said with a smile, "I told you it misses you, right?"


    Upon seeing Chu Liang, the Baize youngling immediately bounced over, jumping around him in circles and nuzzling against him.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Jiang Yuebai gave a light snort and rolled her eyes as shemented. "I think it misses you more."


    Chu Liang ced the fruit tea on the stone table and said, "One jar of each vor. Senior Sister Jiang, please try them."


    "Did you let Miss Xue, the girl who yed qin for you, taste this fruit tea first?" Jiang Yuebai asked casually.


    "Of course..." Chu Liang answered without hesitation.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Jiang Yuebai raised an eyebrow.


    "Of course not!" Chu Liang smiled and said, "You were the first person I thought of sharing this fruit tea."


    Jiang Yuebai then withdrew her unfriendly gaze.


    Chu Liang continued, "I n to have Senior Sister Jiang taste each vor so that I can choose the best one and send it to Miss Xue."


    "You..."


    Even as Jiang Yuebai''s face tensed up, she still looked very pretty.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, of course, I was just joking," Chu Liang said as he sat down. "I don''t know why she keeps asking about Xue Lingxue. Maybe she wants to find some enticing rumors. I don''t really know Miss Xue that well. The situation is just as I mentioned¡ªI helped her with a small favor, and she saved me once. However, it''s impossible for her topare to Senior Sister Jiang in my heart."


    "<i>Tch</i>, as if I care," Jiang Yuebai turned her face away.


    But with this ongoing interaction, the tension in the air eased.


    The two chatted for a while, with Chu Liang recounting his experiences over the past few days, and Jiang Yuebai briefly mentioning what she had been doing.


    It turned out that there was a group in the Eastern Regions pretending to be associated with the Divine Ruins Monastery and lying to people. She went there and dealt with those individuals.


    Chu Liang had heard of the Divine Ruins.


    In this world, those who reached the ninth realm¡ªthe Profound Realm¡ªcould be described as Hallowed Ones, and there were only a few such individuals throughout history. ording to legends, each cultivator at the Profound Realm would enter the Divine Ruins as soon as their life was about to end and never appear in the mortal realm again.


    There were various rumors about the Divine Ruins. Some imed it was the tomb where gods were buried, while others believed it was the only path to ascension.


    In any case, it was a mysterious and unpredictable legendary ce.


    As for what the Divine Ruins Monastery was, Jiang Yuebai didn''t go into detail.


    Seeing her reluctance to discuss that ce, Chu Liang didn''t press further. If he was curious, he could ask otherster.


    After chatting for a while, Jiang Yuebai changed the topic. "How far have you progressed in your cultivation of the talismanic sword seal? Show me."


    As Chu Liang faced the impromptu inspection, he immediately stood up, feeling energized.


    "I can now proficiently perform the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire, and I''ve mastered writing the talisman script of ice, fire, and wind," he said.


    As he spoke, he promptly demonstrated both the Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire and the Dual Talismanic Sword of Thunder and Fire, showcasing incredible progress.


    Seeing Chu Liang''s rapid advancement, Jiang Yuebai found herself less surprised. After all, Chu Liang had consistently surprised her from the beginning until now.


    She felt numb to it.


    Yet, she keenly sensed something unusual about the power of the Dual Talismanic Sword Seal.


    "The power of your sword seal has increased significantly. What''s your current cultivation realm?" she asked.


    "Theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm." Chu Liang said as he revealed his aura.


    As Jiang Yuebai sensed Chu Liang''s aura, she fell silent for a moment.


    When she first met Chu Liang, he had just achieved the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. His cultivation level was rtively low. Within a short period, he had advanced beyond the middle stage and reached theter stage...


    In addition, Jiang Yuebai could discern through his aura that he was indeed at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm; in fact, he was almost at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    If he were to attain the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, it would mean that he hadpleted the cultivation of the third realm and could then start preparing to break through into the fourth realm.


    The method for the breakthrough is to form the Golden core, also known as the stage of Core Formation.


    Once the Core Formation was achieved, it signified that one had broken through the first stage, stepping out of the Earthly Gate and into the Golden Core Realm of the Heavenly Gate.


    Although the formation of the Golden Core would be a formidable challenge for most people, Jiang Yuebai realized that with Chu Liang''s talent, he would likely not be stuck behind this hurdle for long. In fact, she believed that he would soon be at the Golden Core Realm.


    Reaching such a level at his age would be considered outstanding among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects. Of course, even if he reached the Golden Core Realm, there would still be a considerable gap between his cultivation level and that of Jiang Yuebai.


    But...


    Jiang Yuebai thought to herself. <i>Isn''t his progress going a bit too fast?</i>


    Jiang Yuebai pondered. When she was progressing from the middle stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm to theter stage, she was advancing at a much slower speed.


    Jiang Yuebai stared at Chu Liang.


    She knew that this young man was very fast.


    Still, she would often be amazed at how fast he could be.


    In terms of his cultivation speed, he could undoubtedly be considered the fastest man on Mount Shu[1].


    The reason for specifically referring to Chu Liang as a man was because there was once a woman with a cultivation speedparable to Chu Liang''s speed. And that woman was Jiang Yuebai''s teacher, Daoist Yan...


    "Senior Sister Jiang? Is my progress okay?" Chu Liang whispered as he observed Jiang Yuebai, who was lost in thought.


    "It''s okay..." Jiang Yuebai nodded, then suddenly asked, "Chu Liang, you haven''t been secretly cultivating any diabolical techniques, have you?"


    1. In Chinese ng, when a man is being described as fast, it''s not apliment. It means no stamina in bed. ?

 Chapter 105: A Thorny Black Ball?

    <h4>Chapter 105: A Thorny ck Ball?</h4>


    Hearing Jiang Yuebai''s question made Chu Liangugh.


    He felt like a well-behaved child who had suddenly earned a huge sum of money one day. Yet, when he brought it home, his parents'' first reaction wasn''t delight.


    Instead, they asked him, "You didn''t break thew, did you?"


    Jiang Yuebai''s concern wasn''t ungrounded though.


    There had indeed been such a precedent in the past. A disciple of the proper cultivation path had seized diabolical cultivation techniques from a diabolical cultivator and then secretly used them to cultivate. Cultivators advanced much faster with diabolical cultivation techniques than with those of the righteous path, so that disciple went on to gain prominence in the sect as a very talented disciple.


    Unfortunately, the use of diabolical cultivation techniques was apanied by a high level of risk. That discipleter went berserk when they lost focus during cultivation, causing a significant number of casualties within the sect.


    If Chu Liang were truly such a brilliant genius, then why had there been no sign of his brilliance all these years? His rapid advancement in cultivation had only been a recent development. It just didn''t make sense.


    "Senior Sister, you can rest assured that I am full of righteous qi," Chu Liang said with a smile. It didn''t take him long to figure out what Jiang Yuebai was thinking. "I didn''t have anyone to guide my cultivation when I was younger, so perhaps that''s why my progress was a bit slow. Now, I''m working hard to catch up. I absolutely won''t take the wrong path."


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s exnation, Jiang Yuebai finally felt at ease.


    She thought that what Chu Liang said made sense. It was true that such a peerless genius couldn''t have been overlooked, but Chu Liang''s teacher was Di Nufeng, who wasn''t exactly a normal teacher... That could exin even the most absurd things about Chu Liang''s cultivation.


    In any case, Chu Liang couldn''t tell Jiang Yuebai the true reason behind his rapid advancement in cultivation...


    <i>You think I''m advancing too quickly? That''s because you didn''t see the Large-Headed Doll in my White Pagoda working so hard that it''s emitting smoke!</i>


    As for his <i>mediocre</i> performance during all his years in the sect, Chu Liang could only let his teacher take the me for that.


    The sky was getting dark; evening was approaching. The pair parted ways.


    ...


    When Chu Liang returned to his cabin, he took out the spirit beast egg again and poured his foundational qi into it to incubate it. Meanwhile, he proceeded to organize all the items currently in his possession.


    Recently, Chu Liang had taken many things from his defeated opponents, and he''d also received rewards from the White Pagoda. Consequently, the number of enchanted tools and treasures he now possessed far exceeded that of his peers, and he felt that his inventory had be rather messy.


    The first ones he reassessed were his offensive enchanted tools: the Demon-Revealing Brick, Demon-Binding Rope, Crimson Executioner, and Razor Leaf. They were the enchanted tools he was more dependent on in battles and thus used them the most often.


    The strongest among them was, of course, the Crimson Executioner. However, its activation conditions were quite tough to fulfill, so it couldn''t be used all the time.


    Chu Liang''s personal favorite was actually the Demon-Revealing Brick. The feeling of striking someone with a brick felt way more satisfying than doing it with a flying sword, but he didn''t always have the opportunity to use this brick either.


    As for the Demon-Binding Rope, Chu Liang had been feelingtely that the rope was rather weak. The rope was quite a powerful tool for restraining a target, but it was only effective against those with lower cultivation levels. It was useless against stronger opponents.


    This was amon issue for cultivators. Enchanted tools couldn''t be constantly improved to keep up with the speed of a cultivator''s advancement in cultivation. This meant a cultivator could not continually use every enchanted tool they possessed.


    Cultivators would eventually remove some enchanted tools from their inventory. They usually gave those enchanted tools to junior disciples or sold the enchanted tools to acquire other items.


    After reassessing his enchanted tools, Chu Liang realized that his only constantly usable offensive enchanted tool was surprisingly the Razor Leaf. However, it was also constantly inurate.


    <i>There seems to be something that''s not quite right...</i>


    It appeared that Chu Liang was rathercking in offensive enchanted tools.


    Next in his inventory was the Hundred-Flower Antidote, Honey Syrup Tea, and Essence-Concealing Pills... These were single-use consumables.


    Chu Liang still had quite a lot of the Honey Syrup Tea, as thest batch had been a huge one. There were even different vors. Nevertheless, it was unlikely that he could acquire the Honey Syrup Tea again, so Chu Liang wasn''t in a rush to sell off his stock.


    The Hundred-Flower Antidote was very useful because it could neutralize a wide range of moderate-severity poisons. He only had a few doses left, but he could always buy something with simr effects from the Hall of Alchemy if he ran outter.


    As for the Essence-Concealing Pills, those were amazing things that woulde in handy in the future, so he was certainly keeping them.


    The next items in Chu Liang''s inventory were things that he had yet to find a purpose for, but he had no intention of getting rid of them for the time being.


    For example, there was that bronze mask he had taken from the demon divine envoy. Chu Liang still kept it.


    There was that precious Nethersea Golden Lotus too. Chu Liang could sell it for a considerable sum of money, but he might need it in the future, so he decided to keep it.


    The thought of the Nethersea Golden Lotus reminded him of the Soul Subjugator''s token. It had been silent for a long time now, which suggested that everyone in the Dark King Sect was probably doing fine.


    The rest of Chu Liang''s inventory consisted of his cultivation advancement aid¡ªthe Large-Headed Doll inside the White Pagoda¡ªand the spirit beast egg that he was currently holding...


    <i>Oh, that''s right. There''s that one-fourth of a scroll I found too.</i>


    After assessing his inventory, Chu Liang realized he had a wide variety of items, but there weren''t many that he could use at any given moment. The reason for that was probably that he''d either picked up these items from his defeated opponents or received them as rewards; he hadn''t purchased them for specific purposes.


    Of course, everything that he purchased would be good, but there was one major drawback to buying items... It required him to spend money.


    Ultimately, increasing his power instead was the most sensible thing to do.


    ...


    At daybreak, Chu Liang flew down Mount Shu along a mountain ridge that led to somewhere remote outside the mountain. He soon found a forest so dense and secluded that there was no way anyone would be in it.


    Uponnding, he started his practice session. Chu Liang took out the Razor Leaf and locked his aim on the third tree to the left. Then he activated his foundational qi andunched the Razor Leaf toward the right.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    There was a sh of a green crescent-shaped light. It was moving too fast to be seen by the naked eye.


    In the next moment, the Razor Leaf cut through the fourth tree on Chu Liang''s left. Then it cut through a few more trees beforeing to a stop in the distance.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed softly.


    He felt that using this thing was a bit like trying to shoot a basketball into the basket.


    <i>Even if you''ve perfected your technique, you can''t guarantee you''ll make the shot every time.</i>


    After spending thest two days sensing and analyzing the power of the Razor Leaf, Chu Liang had roughly deduced the pattern of its flight trajectory. However, when it came to putting the Razor Leaf in action, there were inevitably still deviations in its flight trajectory.


    How could he ensure a hundred-percent rate of uracy?


    Chu Liang thought of Liu Xiaoyu''er again...


    <i>Guess it''s impossible unless I have a koi fishunch it for me.</i>


    While Chu Liang was still slightly stunned by his failed attempt, he suddenly sensed a golden imprint merging with him.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    He quickly walked over to examine the Razor Leaf.


    Chu Liang looked under the tree in which the Razor Leaf was embedded and found something ck that had been split in half. The thing was the size of an adult human''s head and had the shape of a ball and sharp thorns all over.


    Despite having been split open, it appeared to contain nothing inside. There was no flesh or blood, but there was residual yin qi[1] in the air.


    <i>This thing... Why does it seem a little like abined yin-yang constitution?</i>


    The thing in question had a physical body, but it seemed to have a soul made of yin qi.


    If it were simply a ghost, it definitely wouldn''t have been able to appear in the world of the living during the day. A ghost wouldn''t feelfortable appearing even in this dense forest where the sunlight wasrgely blocked out by the trees. However, this ghost had a physical body, so it could move about freely.


    This ghost was very simr tontern monsters. They were both lonely wandering ghosts that had lost their rationality and attached themselves to objects in the world of the living. Nevertheless, this thorny ck ball seemed a bit stronger than the weakntern monster.


    Chu Liang wondered where the ghost hade from. The whole situation was rather unexpected. He had been very careful in avoiding ces with traces of people, yet he still managed to identally kill something. Fortunately, it was just a ghost, so he could think of it as having helped a wandering soul find peace.


    While he was pondering about the ghost, Chu Liang heard a buzzing sound and felt the yin qi around him gradually be more intense. A group of thorny ck balls had gathered and encircled him...


    <i>Oh. Was this thing part of a group consciousness?</i>


    That was quite rare among ghosts. Wandering souls like these had a low level of rationality and were usually unable to cross over to the other side due to their negative emotions, such as uneptance, anger, resentment, and the like. So, they lingered on in the mortal world with an extremely cold and emotionless disposition. Naturally, that meant they wouldn''t havepanions they cared about either.


    Yet, it appeared that these thorny ck balls hade as a group to seek revenge against Chu Liang because he''d killed one of theirpanions. He could tell from just looking that if one of those thorny ck balls were to hit him, it would surely be very painful.


    Chu Liang swiftly retreated, but the group of thorny ck balls chased after him. With a swing of his hand, Chu Liang threw the Razor Leaf at the thorny ball closest to him.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The thorny ball at the rear of the group and the furthest away from Chu Liang was sliced in half, and it fell to the ground.


    Chu Liang raised his finger and summoned the enchanted tool back to him. He shook his head helplessly.


    <i>This saber technique is truly determined by fate.</i>


    Then Chu Liang made a hand seal, activating his Flying-Sword Bracelet. In an instant, a dense troop of a hundred swordlights rose from the forest.


    <i>Hundred Swords Seal!</i>


    Upon seeing a hundred swords soar into the sky, those thorny ck balls that <i>apparently</i> had eyes somewhere on their bodies collectively paused. Then they turned around like a singr entity with one thought in mind.


    <i>Run!</i>


    No, to be precise, they didn''t even need to turn around; they didn''t have a front or back. So, they just changed from chasing in the forward direction to fleeing in the backward direction.


    Chu Liang pointed at the thorny balls up ahead.


    <i>Go!</i>


    The troop of swordlights whizzed down toward their targets.


    The thorny ck balls fled. Chu Liang pursued.


    It was impossible for the thorny ck balls to escape!


    1. Yin is often associated with concepts rted to death, as it symbolizes darkness, stillness, and the passive or receptive aspects of life. ?

 Chapter 106: Golden Rain

    <h4>Chapter 106: Golden Rain</h4>


    On the Silver Sword Peak...


    When Liu Xiaoyu''er saw Chu Liang approaching with a smile, she knew what he would request even before he had said a word.


    "Requesting another round of blessings, right?"


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    Amused by Chu Liang''s peculiar nature, Liu Xiaoyu''er shook her head.


    Chu Liang quickly arrived within the White Pagoda. The thorny ck balls moved surprisingly fast; after a brief pursuit, he had managed to cut down around a dozen. The rest of them had scattered and vanished into the unknown and Chu Liang couldn''t be bothered to search for them.


    Considering that these little ghosts probably wouldn''t yield anything too valuable, he decided to head home and check his rewards first.


    With the auspicious blessing of the lucky koi, he confidently pressed the "Refine" button.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A tiny radiant white ball emerged in a burst of light.


    [Berry Seed: nting it will yield Golden Vein Flowers and Golden Vein Berries. Consuming them can replenish energy, detoxify, and nourish the skin.]


    "Seed?"


    Given the precedent set by the Spirit Beast Egg as a reward, Chu Liang wasn''t taken aback by this tiny seed.


    However, he silently conveyed a message to those thorny ck balls.


    In ordance with the martial world''s customs, when given a seed, it was customary to utter a phrase of goodwill to the gifter. "May you have a peaceful life."


    Chu Liang didn''t forget this etiquette.


    Chu Liang then pondered his options and decided to nt the seed since there was nothing else demanding his attention.


    He ventured out to a small hill, identifying a t space where he proceeded to dig a hole for the seed. Although it didn''t require much space, it was essential to have an open area. After all, with over a dozen thorny ck balls still locked in the cages within the White Pagoda, this ce could potentially transform into a sizable fruit field in the future.


    However, the duration for the seed to blossom into a flowering and fruit-bearing nt remained uncertain. Therefore, Chu Liang promptly headed to the Hall of Alchemy, where he purchased a bag of Herbal Wood Spirit Powder.


    This particr powder found widespread use on Mount Shu for catalyzing spirit nts and fostering vegetation. It had the capacity to swiftly replenish the spiritual energy necessary for nt growth, promising the rapid creation of a ten-year forest.


    Nheless, its efficacy was limited to regr flowers, grass, trees, or ordinary spirit nts. Rare and precious spirit nts with lifespans spanning several hundred years required optimal conditions for growth. Even with a bucket of medicine powder, stimting their growth proved challenging.


    Nevertheless, this Herbal Wood Spirit Powder was not cheap; a bag would cost three sword coins.


    Having secured the medicine, Chu Liang returned to the spot where he had nted the seed. Methodically, he used his fingers to sprinkle the medicine powder onto the soil and then watered it.


    Now, all that remained was to wait in silence.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er found his behavior strange. She approached, taking a look, and inquired, "Big Brother Chu Liang, what are you doing?"


    "I''m waiting for the seed to sprout," Chu Liang replied.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er, feeling intrigued, decided to join him in watching.


    The two of them squatted on the open ground. With their heads tilted, they fixed their gaze on the barren soil.


    The Herbal Wood Spirit Powder was indeed effective. In just a short span, a small, tender shoot emerged from the soil¡ªpink, delicate, and tiny.


    And it continued to grow at a visible speed. In less than half an hour, it rapidly expanded, sprouting leaves, blossoming, and bearing fruit...


    Soon, a red and hefty fruit,rge and brimming, emerged from the slender stem, weighing down the leaves almost to the ground.


    "<i>Wow...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er eximed, "It actually blossomed and bore fruit."


    "Yeah," Chu Liang was also quite pleased. This could be considered a case of small efforts yielding significant results.


    He gently plucked the Golden Vein Berry. It was about the size of a baby''s fist, with soft skin and visibly full juice. A golden vein adorned the skin, subtly conveying a sense of spirituality.


    This was likely considered a basic treasure of nature, disying a slightly more spiritual nature than ordinary fruits but less valuable than actual spirit nts.


    After plucking the fruit, the veins of the leaves drooped, but the other flowers had already bloomed, indicating that more fruits could be harvested.


    "Not bad at all." Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    This could potentially evolve into a sustainable business.


    Considering this, Chu Liang took a bite. As expected, the juice sttered, and the taste was exceptionally refreshing and sweet.


    It seemed that whether the offerings from the White Pagoda were useful or not, they were undeniably delicious.


    Having taken two or three bites with both skin and flesh, Chu Liang wiped his hands. It seemed like anything could be nted. Even if used as a seasonal fruit on the Silver Sword Peak, it would still be a good thing.


    Considering this, just as he was about to take action, he lowered his head and noticed Liu Xiaoyu''er squatting on the ground, looking up at him with eager eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er blinked as she said, "I want to eat too."


    "Let me taste the first fruit for you." Chu Liang remained expressionless as he said, "If you wish to taste this fruit, we can nt more."


    As he exined, he started digging more holes, pressing the "Refine" button on the remaining dozen or so thorny ck balls, and then nting the seeds in the soil. He then sprinkled all of them with the Herbal Wood Spirit Powder.


    He then handed the water jug to Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    "Do you want to get a taste of these fruits? Then I have a task for you. From now on, you are responsible for watering these Golden Vein Flowers every day. When they bear fruit, you can taste them," Chu Liang said.


    "Okay!" Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded vigorously.


    Soon, arge patch of Golden Vein Flowers sprouted, broke through the soil, leafed, and fruited, forming a vibrant and dazzling field of flowers.


    "<i>Wow...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked, "Can I eat them now?"


    "You can," Chu Liang agreed, then reminded, "Don''t forget to water them in the future."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er frowned. "But what if I forget?"


    "If you forget, then there won''t be good fruits to eat," Chu Liang said in a serious tone.


    After instructing Liu Xiaoyu''er, he was ready to head back.


    No matter how delicious the Golden Vein Berries were, they were just fruits, and they didn''t offer significant benefits to cultivation.


    As he was leaving, he heard Liu Xiaoyu''er holding a small water jug and saying with a sigh, "If only it rained every day."


    Chu Liang smiled and shook his head.


    Before he could reach his room, he saw a dark cloud forming above his head. In a blink of an eye, it actually started to rain.


    He turned back and stared at Liu Xiaoyu''er in amazement. This was shocking to him.


    Overcast clouds were rare on Mount Shu, as the sea of clouds below and the steaming spiritual energy made rain and snow infrequent.


    Moreover, even for regr rainfall, clouds wouldn''t form within one second and result in rainfall within the next second, right? This seemed a bit too fast.


    If this were indeed the result of the lucky koi''s wish, it was simply hard to believe that her words could make miracles happen. It was as though koi fish had the power to make anything appear out of thin air.


    As he marveled, raindrops began to fall on him.


    Suddenly, a slight itch tingled across his body. It wasn''t ufortable; rather, there was a subtle sense of spiritual energy permeating through him.


    <i>What is this...</i>


    He gazed at the rain in the sky, scooped a few drops with his hand, and noticed that the rainwater held a trace of golden light.


    <i>Golden rain?</i>


    After the raindrops fell into his palm, the golden light quickly faded, seeping into his skin.


    <i>What''s going on?</i>


    Though the reason remained unknown, he swiftly pulled Liu Xiaoyu''er under the eaves to hide from the rain.


    Soon, an elderly voice resonated from the direction of the Heaven-Reaching Peak, echoing across Mount Shu.


    "With the True Dragon now dwelling on Mount Shu, it generates this dragon energy that frequently transforms into a cloud of rain. This unique rainwater holds the essence of the dragon and can nourish the physical body and enhance your cultivation progress. It poses no harm. Therefore, disciples of various Peaks, there is no need to worry."


    It sounded like the voice of the Alchemy Master. As Chu Liang heard that familiar tone, he finally understood the origin of this unusual rain on Mount Shu.


    He was almost fooled into thinking that Liu Xiaoyu''er''s wish had summoned this rainfall.


    Since this rainwater was good, there was no need to avoid this rain in the future.


    <i>Wait a minute...</i>


    As Chu Liang gazed at the rainden clouds above, a hint of doubt gradually crept across his face.


    <i>Even if the rainfall formed from the dragon energy was normal...</i>


    While rainfall generated from dragon energy might be considered normal, the strange thing was that this rain cloud appeared to only hover above the Silver Sword Peak. Was this truly normal?

 Chapter 107: Roaming the World

    <h4>Chapter 107: Roaming the World</h4>


    The ethereal and haunting melody of a qin resonated in the distance. Every note seemed to be summoning rain from the heavens.


    The cloud of rain, formed from the dragon energy, did notst long. It gradually dissipated after about an hour, leaving behind clear skies and sunshine.


    However, it had attracted countless gazes from the disciples of Mount Shu.


    The ordinary disciples on the mountain were somewhat puzzled. <i>You told us that this rain was formed from the dragon''s energy and that we should not fear and avoid this rain. We believed you and even anticipated this rainfall, but... where is this rain?</i>


    <i>Why is the rain only falling on the Silver Sword Peak?</i>


    If it were on another peak, there might be disciples rushing over to experience the nourishing effects of this golden rain and dragon energy.


    But it was Silver Sword Peak...


    Thinking of the notorious reputation of Di Nufeng who brought cmity to Mount Shu, very few junior disciples would have the audacity to approach that peak. What if they were caught and forced to pay for a bath? That would be embarrassing.


    As for the senior disciples, they maintained their status and were not interested in joining themotion.


    After all, this rainfall happened randomly, and it was impossible that it would only fall on the Silver Sword Peak. If it rained elsewhere next time, they could then join in the excitement.


    In this case, the two juniors of Silver Sword Peak ended up being the only ones enjoying this first rainfall formed from the dragon energy.


    As for Di Nufeng?


    With her Divine Phoenix constitution, she detested both "rainwater" and "dragon energy." Even before the rainfall started, she avoided this downpour.


    With her physique, she didn''t care about the subtle nourishment from the dragon energy.


    Even if she were to face the True Dragon that suppressed the luck of Mount Shu, she might not necessarily lose.


    Of course, if she did win, she would have to face the wrath of the head of Mount Shu and the four elders.


    Chu Liang had just soaked in the rain and felt the nourishment of dragon energy on his body. It did provide a boost to his vitality, but since he had already acquired the strength of ten tigers, the overall gain in strength was not significant.


    However, Liu Xiaoyu''er appeared to be reaping great benefits from this rain. As she stood in the rain, her entire body was already covered in sparkling and colorful scales, seemingly on the verge of transforming back into her true form.


    When the rain stopped and the sunlight touched the ground, she reluctantly opened her eyes.


    With the steam generated from the foundational qi, Chu Liang quickly dried his clothes. He muttered to himself, "It''s a pity that even if we collect this water, the dragon energy inside will still dissipate. Otherwise, we could store it for bathing."


    If that were to happen, he wondered if people would visit the Silver Sword Peak just to steal bathwater.


    "Hey! The flowers bloomed!" Liu Xiaoyu''er suddenly eximed.


    Chu Liang redirected his gaze to the field of Golden Vein Flowers. After the seeds had been sprinkled with Herbal Wood Spirit Powder and nourished by the rain, some of the Golden Vein Flowers had indeed bloomed. Moreover, one of them had produced arge, juicy fruit.


    And that fruit seemed different?


    Chu Liang walked over, plucked the newly formed fruit, and saw that the golden vein shape on it had changed from a straight line to a curved, scale-like pattern.


    <i>Could it have absorbed the dragon energy in the rain just now?</i>


    Considering that human bodies could absorb dragon energy, perhaps nts, being a form of life, could absorb some as well.


    Thinking about it, Chu Liang took a bite of the fruit. Besides the familiar taste and spirituality, there was indeed a faint trace of dragon energy.


    Now the value of this Golden Vein Berry was even higher. No, it should be called Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berry. Chu Liang silently calcted the worth of this fruit as he finished it in three bites.


    When he was done eating, he wiped his hands and turned around, only to see Liu Xiaoyu''er standing there, staring at him.


    Her big eyes conveyed such grievances.


    "What''s wrong?" Chu Liang asked.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er''s face was full of sadness as she pouted, "I thought you said you would let me eat the second one?"


    ...


    While the rain of dragon energy fell on Silver Sword Peak, capturing the attention of everyone on Mount Shu, no one noticed a figure dressed in white hiding in the corner.


    The figure moved and sought refuge in a cave on a deserted peak.


    This person concealed their presence and sat cross-legged, forming seals with their hands.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    An invisible shadowy figure shot out from their body, instantly arriving at an unknown location millions of Li away.


    This was an immortal art known as Roaming the World.


    In a situation where the body does not move, the divine consciousness can instantly travel to any ce between heaven and earth. However, it must be a ce the caster has visited before or where some kind of mark exists.


    In the blink of an eye, the phantom of the person in white robes had already appeared in a pitch-dark, dimly lit room where another shadowy figure awaited.


    This shadowy figure concealed itself in the lightless darkness, making the facial features impossible to discern. Only a vague silhouette revealed that it was a man.


    "A dragon has appeared on Mount Shu. A True Dragon," the person in white robes hurriedly spoke upon arrival.


    "We''ve already received the information about it," the tone of the shadowy figure''s voice sounded deep, seemingly displeased. "Why would a True Dragon choose to go to Mount Shu, a declining sect, when all the other sects of Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten ranking are trying to attract dragons? This is quite unfortunate..."


    "We must postpone our n," the person in white robes said solemnly. "The arrival of a True Dragon indicates that Mount Shu''s luck has not run out. If weunch an attack recklessly, we are bound to fail."


    After a brief silence, the shadowy figure suddenly asked, "You won''t be staying there for long, will you? Don''t tell me you''ve started considering yourself a member of Mount Shu?"


    "What are you talking about?" The person in white robes was slightly angered. "I''ve said many times that I want toe back, but it''s been you all dying... and now you''re suspecting me?"


    "Sorry," the shadowy figure shook its head in apology and continued, "It''s just that, with your blood feud with Mount Shu, you surprisingly aren''t in a hurry to destroy them. I find it a bit puzzling."


    "The True Dragon has descended, indicating that Mount Shu''s luck is flourishing!" the person in white robes dered.


    "I know, but luck is ultimately not a divine tool." The shadowy figure said, "Among the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten ranking, it''s the only one without a top-tier divine tool, which means that it is destined to be weaker. Besides, we don''t necessarily have to annihte Mount Shu. We just need to ensure its gradual decline."


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The person in white robes did not reply.


    "For now, we only need to target the young generation of Mount Shu so that Mount Shu will lose its status as one of the Divine Nine. It''s our first step to victory," the shadowy figure sighed, "If only the assassination of Jiang Yuebai had seeded..."


    "Although I failed, I learned that Jiang Yuebai is even more talented than we thought," the person in white robes said coldly.


    "<i>Heh...</i>" The shadowy figure chuckled and said, "I''ve contacted the Dark King Sect, and they are willing to take action during the Mount Shu Summit. When all of Mount Shu is rxed during the Mount Shu Summit, that would be the perfect opportunity for us to deal a heavy blow."


    "Did you spend a lot of money on those diabolical cultivators?" the person in white robes asked.


    "Of course, those selfish disciples of the diabolical sects are not so easily satisfied," the shadowy figure said angrily. "As long as we can ensure that Mount Shu loses its status as one of the Divine Nine, the sects with the ranking of the Terrestrial Ten would be the biggest beneficiaries. Each of them will have a chance to rise up and be part of the Divine Nine. Unfortunately, the other sects are reluctant to take action."


    "After all, Mount Shu has a history of thousands of years. Unless someone with a top-tier divine artifact sweeps through, who would have the audacity to provoke it? The sects in the Terrestrial Ten have been lively in recent years. Nheless, even if they were able to take Mount Shu''s ce in the Divine Nine, which of them can guarantee that they would be able to secure their status as one of the Divine Nine?" The person in white robes spoke with a slight disdain.


    "Listen to your tone; it sounds a lot like a proud disciple of Mount Shu," the shadowy figureughed.


    "If you continue with that sarcastic tone, I won''t remain courteous anymore," the person in white robes retorted angrily.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, you can''ty hands on people now that you have traveled here with your divine consciousness," the shadowy figure said.


    "<i>Ptui!</i>" the person in white robes spat.


    "..." The shadowy figure felt speechless for a moment, then said, "You''re already an adult; why y dirty? Anyway, justy low and wait until we coordinate a mission with the members of the Dark King Sect. If everything goes smoothly, we might allow you toe back."


    "<i>Heh,</i>" the person in white robes smirked and responded, "Do you think I''ll still believe you? It''s the same promise every ten years. It has already been thirty years!"

 Chapter 108: Looking For Seeds

    <h4>Chapter 108: Looking For Seeds</h4>


    When Chu Liang opened his eyes early in the morning of the next day, he sensed that something was amiss.


    The first thing he did was put down the spirit beast egg. He had been holding and incubating the egg all night as he slept, diligently and attentively fulfilling his duty as a "mother."


    Then he stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the golden rain drizzling outside...


    <i>Again...?</i>


    <i>Why does this golden rain keeping here?</i>


    Everyone in the Mount Shu Sect was watching the golden rain, and many of its members had someints.


    <i>Why is it raining at Silver Sword Peak again?</i>


    <i>Could it be that the True Dragon is psychic and wants to drown Mount Shu''s tyrant by flooding Silver Sword Peak?</i>


    The disciples of Shu Mountain couldn''t help but pray,<i> Oh, True Dragon, please open your eyes and take a proper look.</i>


    <i>This amount of rain won''t drown her, so why don''t you send the rain elsewhere and let the rest of us experience it too?</i>


    By the time Chu Liang finished washing up, the rain had stopped. Like before, it hadn''t rained for long, and it hadn''t been heavy either. Nevertheless, the raindrops all contained the dragon''s essence.


    Chu Liang went out to look at his small garden of Golden Vein Flowers. He''d nted a batch of Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berry nts the day before, and from those ten or so nts, he harvested a total of thirty-odd berries.


    There was a limit to the nts'' efficacy to produce fruit. Due to the limited fertility of the soil, the nts could not produce fruit every day¡ªperhaps once every seven days at most. That was why the flower garden was currently barren aside from the beautiful but useless flowers.


    Chu Liang surveyed the surroundingnd with his eyes. He thought that if he were to expand the size of the flower garden by seven times, it would be possible to have daily harvests by implementing a rotation system. Moreover, implementing a crop rotation system would make this an ecologically sustainable agricultural development.


    Chu Liang felt very familiar with the whole process, starting from sowing seeds to harvesting the fruit. However, he had no idea why that was the case since he had never done any farm work before.


    After envisioning the appearance of therge flower garden he would have in the future, Chu Liang left Silver Sword Peak. There was something he had to do today.


    He flew straight to Red Cotton Peak and arrived at the Mount Shu Sect''s little marketce. It was still bustling with business as usual with plenty of familiar faces.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang, they greeted him cordially.


    "Hey! It''s been ages since I''ve seen you around here!"


    "Lately, there have been several others selling tea too. Their teas are cheaper than yours but not as delicious..."


    "I just love the way you taste![1] <i>Uh...</i> I mean, the way your fruit tea tastes."


    "..."


    Chu Liang responded to each of them with a smile. It seemed that he''d already built a name for himself as a fruit tea seller, but unfortunately, he was already preparing to phase out his fruit tea business.


    Chu Liang spread out a small nket on the ground and set up the little sign he had prepared.


    "Promotional event: buy a fruit tea, get a free berry.


    "Silver Sword Peak''s special Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries: may nourish women''s skin and boost men''s sex drive."


    Those who had followed Chu Liang over with the intention of buying his fruit tea felt rather baffled when they saw the sign.


    "What does this mean? Berry..."


    "I''m referring to this fruit," Chu Liang replied. He took out a berry and ced it next to the fruit tea. Then he said with a smile, "Buy a jar of fruit tea, and you''ll get a free berry. Try it out."


    "<i>Hehe,</i> that sounds good."


    Everyone expressed their approval.


    After all, they had been nning to buy fruit tea anyway, so it was obviously a better deal with aplimentary gift. Moreover, the free berries looked pretty good; they were nice and plump as well asrge.


    "Wow, there are different vors of fruit tea today," someone eximed, pleasantly surprised as if they had won the lottery.


    The line in front of Chu Liang''s stall gradually became a very long queue. After buying the fruit tea, Chu Liang''s customers didn''t walk far before consuming the Golden Vein Berry in their hand.


    "It''s so sweet! I''ve never eaten such a delicious berry before!"


    "As expected, it tastes really good, and I can even sense that it has a subtle amount of spiritual energy... There''s even a bit of... Is this a dragon''s qi?"


    "It doesn''t have a lot of spiritual energy, but it should indeed be effective for skincare. Moreover, dragon qi can indeed strengthen your qi and blood. It seems these berries truly do have those effects!"


    "..."


    Following the string of surprised cries, more people gathered around Chu Liang''s stall yet again.


    "How much are you selling these berries for? I want to buy some more," everyone requested.


    Chu Liang smiled, shook his head, and said, "Apologies, the berries are justplimentary gifts today. You can only get them if you buy the fruit tea."


    Upon having their request declined,ints rose among these customers. They couldn''t buy any more fruit tea because Chu Liang had ced a purchase limit on it, so there was no way for them to taste those berries again.


    Some of them tried to buy the berries from those who had bought fruit tea after them, but the price that they offered for a single berry wasn''t appealing enough to entice anyone to make the trade. Instead, it made those who had yet to eat a berry even more curious about its taste, increasing their desire to eat one and find out for themselves.


    Before long, Chu Liang had sold all of his fruit tea, but the main topic of conversation being discussed in the market wasn''t the fruit tea. Instead, it was the berries.


    Purely in terms of the amount of spiritual energy it contained, the Golden Vein Berry certainly wasn''t in the same league as treasures of nature like spirit nts and spirit herbs. Nevertheless, Chu Liang hadn''t categorized the berries as being in the same vein as those treasures of nature, nor had he boasted that the berries had some miraculous effects.


    Chu Liang had categorized the berries as health supplements. If a person were to consume the supplements, they might enjoy some benefits. However, if they didn''t consume the supplements, they definitely wouldn''t get any benefits. In such a situation, the words on Chu Liang''s sign, "may nourish women''s skin and boost men''s sex drive," were particrly eye-catching. Who could deny themselves of the possibility that those effects could be real?


    "Apologies, everyone. Currently, I have a very limited stock of the Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries, so I can only provide them asplimentary gifts with the fruit tea. However, I''ll soon be taking steps to increase my supply, so I''ll be selling many more berries here in the future. I hope you''ll look forward to it," Chu Liang announced nonchntly.


    After that, he turned and left Red Cotton Peak.


    Chu Liang had gotten a good response from the market regarding the Golden Vein Berries. So, the next step in his n was, just as he''d mentioned to his customers, to increase the supply.


    ...


    If the thorny ck balls were to gain a sense of rationality many yearster and could remember their history, there would surely be a certain fiend featured in the legends that they passed down.


    <i>There was a forest, not far from Mount Shu, that waspletely bereft of signs of human habitation. In that deste forest, the great ancestors of the future thorny ck balls were brutally massacred. The name of the fiend who had killed them... was the Great Devil King Chu Liang.</i>


    Chu Liang filled the sky with silver swordlights and used them to violently attack the peaceful thorny ck balls, who kept themselves isted from the rest of the world. He pursued them relentlessly, unwilling to let them go.


    The thorny ck balls had reason to suspect that Chu Liang was a psychopath who amused himself with ughter. They would never know... that this great devil killed them just because he wanted some seeds.


    Despite that seemingly trivial purpose, Chu Liang''s serious opinion of these thorny ck balls was that they were much more troublesome thanntern monsters. They ran very quickly and were quite agile too.


    As soon as Chu Liang killed one of them, the rest of the thorny ck balls behind it would immediately treat their back as their front and flee in that direction. Chu Liang chased them into the depths of the forest, where he barely managed to kill over ten of the thorny ck balls.


    Right when Chu Liang was hesitating between continuing the chase or calling it a day, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. He saw a rather shocking scene in the depths of this dense forest.


    In the middle of it was a colossal three-zhang-high ck tree, with an extremely thick trunk and sharp branches that sprawled out without restraint. Its thorn-like branches didn''t have a single leaf, but they were covered with thorny ck balls.


    The tree exuded a ghostly qi all over; it was totally unlike a tree in the mortal world. Chu Liang was unsure of the tree''s species, so he called it a ghost tree for now.


    <i>So, it turns out that the thorny ck balls are actually the fruits of this ghost tree?</i>


    <i>In that case, it''s no wonder the rewards for killing them were seeds. The thorny ck balls were nts to begin with!</i>


    However, the thorny ck balls on the ghost tree''s branches didn''t have a spiritual nature and were incapable of movement. They were very different from those thorny ck balls that were scuttling around in the forest.


    If one were to examine the immobile thorny ck balls closely, they would realize it was because theycked a soul.


    Chu Liang surmised that when the thorny ck balls on the ghost tree''s branches matured, they would fuse with a bodiless ghost. Then they would transform into the scuttling thorny ck balls that Chu Liang had encountered. Another possibility was that the thorny ck balls on the branches needed to fuse with wandering souls to mature.


    In any case, this was where the thorny ck balls were born.


    This tree was a ghost tree. Nheless, it was located far from humans and its surroundings were devoid of animal presence, so Chu Liang had no intention of doing anything to it.


    Firstly, the ghost tree didn''t present any threats, so its presence in this forest was of no consequence. If there was no need for it, Chu Liang had no intention of attacking the ghost tree, which was producing the thorny ck balls. In fact, if it wasn''t because he had been suddenly attacked in the bee cave, he wouldn''t have hastily killed the queen bee, which in turn resulted in the death of his fruit tea business.


    Secondly, Chu Liang had a faint feeling that even if he were to take action, he might not be able to defeat the ghost tree. It appeared to be brimming with yin qi. The ghost tree remained deathly still at present, but Chu Liang had no idea what kind of bizarrely powerful strength it might unleash if it were to get enraged.


    Of course, if Chu Liang were to return to Mount Shu and inform the sect''s elders, they could find a way to deal with this ghost tree. Nevertheless, Chu Liang ultimately chose to leave the tree alone because he wanted to spend more time with the thorny ck balls.


    During every encounter Chu Liang had had with the thorny ck balls, he had appeared as if he wanted to kill everyst one of them. However, if he were asked to root them outpletely, he would definitely be against it.


    <i>That would just be killing the goose thatys the golden eggs.</i>


    <i>I''ll do anything but that.</i>


    1. I guess this person was missing the eye candy. ?

 Chapter 109: Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword

    <h4>Chapter 109: Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword</h4>


    It wasn''t until the sky began to darken that Chu Liang reluctantly bid farewell to the thorny ck balls.


    He always felt that the giant ghost tree in the forest was eerie and somewhat strange. Staying there at night made him feel a bit uneasy.


    The sunlight was sparse in the woods, and as he returned to Mount Shu, dusk was just approaching.


    He impatiently pressed the refine button on all those thorny ck balls and collected all the seeds. Afterward, he nted the seeds in the flower field.


    Today, he had in many thorny ck balls¡ªenough to expand the two small flower fields to the same size as yesterday''s.


    As Chu Liang dug and nted, he calcted the pricing for the Golden Vein Berries.


    In theory, the cost of producing the Golden Vein Berries consisted of thebor work done by Chu Liang, the cost of Herbal Wood Spirit Powder which was valued at three sword coins, and thebor contribution of Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    With the continuous rain over the past few days, Liu Xiaoyu''er''sbor could be considered null. Nheless, she was still eating. Therefore, strictly speaking, the cost here should be considered a natural loss.


    Even though the cost was low, he couldn''t set a very low price for these berries. Otherwise, it would tarnish the reputation he had built for the business and negatively affect his future businesses.


    If the berry production proved sessful, this expanse of blossoming flowers would transform into a thriving orchard of fruits.


    While he was working, he heard someone calling out, "Senior Brother Chu!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang turned around to find Wen Yulong approaching. "Junior Brother Wen?"


    Wen Yulong approached briskly and said, "I have gotten the result for the Aura-Concealing Muslin that I was negotiating for you. The seller from Taotie City has sent a message, and they have agreed to reduce the price. You can get it for around six hundred and fifty sword coins."


    "That''s great," Chu Liang readily agreed.


    This price was already close to the estimate Wen Yulong had given him initially, and it was simply unnecessary for him to quibble over minor differences.


    After chatting with Wen Yulongst time, Chu Liang had also inquired about the price of Aura-Concealing Muslin in other ces and the pricing was simr to what Wen Yulong had reported, indicating that Wen Yulong hadn''t been trying to take advantage of him and had been genuinely helping.


    As long as the price was roughly right, Chu Liang didn''t mind if Wen Yulong had gotten a smallmission or not. Since he was asking for help, there was no need to be too meticulous.


    "Alright," Wen Yulong nodded. "I''ll ry the message and have the seller prepare to send the material over. The cost for sending valuable items through Taotie City is rather high, but it is the most reliable intermediary. It''s better not to skimp on this."


    "No problem." Chu Liang agreed.


    Taotie City was far away, and the process of collecting materials there would be troublesome. With a well-filled coin pouch and the imminent establishment of an industry chain, Chu Liang was feeling quite generous.


    Wen Yulong inquired about the Razor Leaf, prompting Chu Liang to respond with a wry smile. Before he could make ament, shouts erupted from the peak master''s pavilion.


    "Chu Liang!"


    Di Nufeng''s shout carried amanding presence. Even in the absence of any immediate conflict, it created the impression that she might find fault with you in the very next moment.


    "My teacher is calling for me," Chu Liang dered abruptly, turning around.


    Di Nufeng seldom sought him out on her own initiative, leaving Chu Liang to wonder about the major issue that must have arisen.


    "Well, I don''t have any other matters to attend to. I won''t disturb Senior Brother Chu any longer," Wen Yulong hastily added before taking his leave. The earlier shout had caught him off guard, as he had grown up hearing about that one problem guing Mount Shu.


    ...


    Chu Liang immediately rushed to the peak master''s pavilion.


    There, he found Di Nufeng holding a sword box, delicately cing it on the table with a delighted expression. "Look! Do you know what this precious thing is?"


    "What is it?" Chu Liang asked cautiously.


    He doubted that his teacher would bestow him anything of value.


    However, his initial assumption was swiftly disproven!


    Upon opening the sword box, Chu Liang''s pupils contracted sharply.


    Insidey a silver-white sword adorned with cloud patterns, measuring over four chi in length. The entire de exuded a subdued brilliance, and an abundance of Dao''s essence circted around it.


    <i>This is the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword!</i>


    With just a nce, Chu Liang recognized this sword.


    This was the thirty-first-ranked treasure in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures¡ªthe sword of Daoist Yan, the Peak Master of the Azure Falling Peak¡ªthe Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword!


    Legend has it that in ancient times, a renowned swordsmith, captivated by the Dao essence in the clouds, made numerous unsessful attempts to integrate the Dao essence into a sword. Ultimately, he devised a unique solution: He rode a colossal beast and forged the sword amidst the clouds of the ninth heaven. During this process, winds howled, thunder resonated, and heavenly fire burned intensely. After enduring countless hardships, he eventuallypleted the sword and bestowed upon it the name "Heavenly Cloud."


    The Mount Shu Sect relied on the wealth and opulence of its predecessors. Therefore, despite having lost a top-ranking divine artifact, they still possessed a significant number of treasures listed among the top hundred in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    "Didn''t you mention your need for a reliable weapon for the Mount Shu Summit?" Di Nufeng chuckled and continued, "It''s been on my mind, so I thought I should help you. And so, I borrowed Yan Zi''s Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword. Apart from the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, it stands as the highest-ranked sword on Mount Shu."


    Chu Liang was astonished. "You want me to use the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword during the Mount Shu Summit? This..."


    He wasn''t sure whether to be moved or find it absurd.


    "In your dreams!" Di Nufeng retorted, rolling her eyes. "Yan Zi is the type of person who deems the ground dirty just by walking on it. How could she possibly allow anyone else to use her sword..."


    "Moreover, considering your current cultivation level, a single strike with this sword would likely exhaust all your energy. You wouldn''t be able to wield it," Di Nufeng added.


    "<i>Oh...</i>" Upon hearing this, Chu Liang heaved a sigh of relief.


    Had Di Nufeng asked him to wield the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword, he would have declined anyway.


    Not every valuable item is suitable for everyone to use.


    A sword like the Crimson Executioner, capable of being controlled by users of lower cultivation levels and even enhancing their strength, would be a dream weapon.


    Swords like the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, which preferred young disciples as their wielders and didn''t like powerful cultivators at the Dao Attainment Realm, were extremely rare.


    Many of the highest-ranked valuable tools listed in the<i> Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures</i> had specific cultivation level requirements. If used by someone of a lower cultivation level, not only would they struggle to control it, but the tool''s fierce nature might even turn against them.


    Especially regarding the top ten supreme divine tools, trying to wield them without adequate cultivation level would lead to instant death due to the powerful recoil.


    The Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword was no exception to this rule.


    Those who were virtuous would possess valuable tools, and those who were capable would have the power to control such tools. There would be no room for error in this principle.


    "I am thinking of taking you to Taotie City to seek a master swordsmith who can craft a replica of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword. Even if it''s a replica, it won''t be too inferior. This way, you''ll have a flying sword," Di Nufeng shared her thoughts.


    "That''s brilliant," Chu Liang eximed in praise.


    He had encountered Song Qingyi of the Noblemen''s Hall before, who wielded a replica of the River-Measuring Jade Ruler. Its power was also outstanding.


    Replicas crafted by skilled swordsmiths were not umon in the world of immortal cultivation. The quality of these replicas depended not only on the power of the original artifact but also on the expertise and materials employed by the swordsmith.


    For top-tier artifacts listed in the top hundred of the <i>Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures</i>, a meticulously crafted replica could potentially disy powerparable to those within the top five hundred of the catalog. However, replicas couldn''t secure a ce in the official catalog, making many high-quality imitations rtively unknown.


    So Chu Liang asked, "Which swordsmith do you n to find in Taotie City?"


    Di Nufeng replied, "Master Kunwu!"


    "What?" Chu Liang was surprised. "Master Kunwu?"

 Chapter 110: Borrowed Fire

    <h4>Chapter 110: Borrowed Fire</h4>


    Inside Taotie City stood a First-Rate Sword Hut, constructed against the wall of a mountain, upying a vast area with a majestic presence. However, despite the grandeur facade of the Sword Hut, the true residence was merely an extremely simple wooden house situated in front of the mountain.


    In front of the mountain stood a middle-aged man with a weathered face. His hands were behind his back, and his robust, inch-long hair framed sharp features. His deep, profound eyes gave him the appearance of a stone-carved statue, exuding a rock-solid temperament.


    He had the demeanor of a grandmaster.


    This man was none other than the owner of this Sword Hut. He was the revered swordsmith in Taotie City, Xu Kunwu.


    At this moment, a faint worry flickered in his eyes.


    "Father, did you call for me?" A young man in vigorous attire hurried over, bearing a resemnce to the man in front of him. He appeared to be around thirty years old, modest and honest, and with bright eyes.


    He was Xu Kunwu''s only son, Xu Sui.


    "<i>Mmm</i>," Xu Kunwu turned around and said, "Convey my orders: gather all the valuable materials, rare treasures, finished and semi-finished famous swords inside the Sword Hut. Store them all away¡ªnot necessarily hidden, but transport them to another ce in the city for the time being. Ensure that nothing gets lost and bring them back after some time."


    "Why..." Xu Sui was extremely surprised. "What''s going on? We still have dozens of swords in the Sword Hut that are in the middle of production."


    "Just stop all of them for now. Resume when the coast is clear. There''s no urgent work at the moment so it should be fine for the production to stop for now," Xu Kunwu decisively said.


    "But why?" Xu Sui waspletely puzzled. "It''s as if we''re guarding against thieves..."


    Xu Kunwu stared at him and said in a serious tone, "Consider it guarding against thieves."


    "<i>What?</i> What thief would dare steal from our First-Rate Sword Hut? Do they have a dying wish?" Xu Sui eximed.


    "I''m afraid she won''t just steal. I''m worried she might resort to a brazen robbery." Xu Kunwu''s eyes flickered, obviously recalling some unpleasant memories.


    "What exactly happened?" Xu Sui was so confused, not understanding what had transpired. How did his usually calm and reliable father suddenly act as if a great cmity was about to happen?


    "Do you remember twenty years ago when I forged the Jinyang Sword?" Xu Kunwu asked.


    "Of course, that was the most famous sword you crafted," Xu Sui recalled, his eyes filled with pride for his father. The crafting of that sword was very important, as it was this sword that elevated his father to be one of the top swordsmiths of the time.


    "At that time, the Pure Yang Essence Iron contained so much Yang energy that, despite my attempts with a dozen types of divine fires, I could not refine it. I almost failed." Xu Kunwu reminisced, delving back into the past. "Then, after much difficulty and persistent pursuit, I sought and eventually acquired a Samadhi True Fire[1]. That was the key to sessfully refining the material and forging the Jinyang Sword."


    "Samadhi True Fire? Isn¡¯t that the imperial family¡¯s..."


    When the Jinyang Sword was forged, Xu Sui was still young and had no idea of the details. As he listened to his father recount the past, he couldn''t help but be surprised.


    This was an immortal art known as Samadhi True Fire.


    The Samadhi True Fire was renowned as the strongest me in the world and the origin of all fires. Of the five special elemental constitutions, each associated with one of the five types of Elemental Spirits, only those with a Divine Fire Spirit could perform the cultivation of such immortal art. However, those with a Divine Fire Spirit were descendants of the Xia Family, the imperial family of the Yu Dynasty.


    This was a legacy of the imperial family of the Yu Dynasty¡ªthe Xia Family. Only those who were part of this lineage could cultivate this immortal art.


    In this world teeming with gods and demons, the one who could be an emperor was undoubtedly be no ordinary person. Even if the supreme being was not an Eminent cultivator, he should at least be recognized in some way by the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Before the establishment of the Yu Dynasty, the Xia family was already one of the three ancient families existing in the world of immortal cultivation.


    A genius cultivator who could establish a sect might not guarantee that his family would remain powerful for generations. After all, a sect could choose talents to nurture, while a family could not guarantee generations of exceptional talents¡ªunless, of course, the lineage would pass on some supernatural trait, securing asting legacy of extraordinary abilities.


    The three ancient families of the immortal cultivation world were the Xia family, which inherited the constitution of the Divine Fire Spirit, the Ji family, which carried the hereditary trait of the Xuan Yuan Eyes, and the Jiang family, which inherited the constitution of the Transcendent Spirit.


    These three families'' members were not necessarily all extraordinary, but at least one or even several outstanding individuals would emerge in each generation.


    If anyone with such a unique constitution could grow up normally, they were destined to rival the contemporary geniuses. They would be the backbone of the family. The enduring influence of an ancient family could be guaranteed only if a genius was born in every generation.


    During turbulent times, the Xia family rose to prominence,manding an army and dering themselves rulers of the entire continent. They established the Yu Dynasty and became the imperial family. Even today, they continue to adhere to ancestral traditions. To ensure that future emperors would be powerful enough, only those who inherited the constitution of the Divine Fire Spirit were eligible to be the crown prince.


    If the ruler of a country could be easily killed by others, stability within the country would not be attainable.


    The Xia Family carried the legacy of the Divine Fire Spirit, and only those with the Divine Fire Spirit could cultivate the Samadhi True Fire. This fact was widely known.


    However, as the imperial family, the Xia family had their own imperial swordsmith, who happened to be a rival of Xu Kunwu. Logically speaking, it was unlikely for the members of the imperial family to assist his father, who was serving Taotie City.


    "The imperial family members are not the only ones in the world who can cultivate the Samadhi True Fire." Xu Kunwu shook his head and said, "I begged someone else for the Samadhi True Fire and that was how I managed to forge the Jinyang Sword.. But because of that, I owed that person a favor."


    "Now..." he looked into the distant sky as he spoke, "that person ising."


    ...


    "Borrowed fire?"


    Chu Liang froze.


    "That''s right! He borrowed fire from me back then," Di Nufeng said proudly.


    Indeed, Chu Liang was unaware of this. In his perception, he thought that any connections Di Nufeng might have must be her enemies.


    Does she actually have good connections?


    This was too shocking.


    And it was Master Kunwu...


    Currently, the top three swordsmiths in the world were Chen Buyan, an ancient-style swordsmith from the Zhongshan Sword Hut; Baili Tong, the imperial swordsmith in the Yu Capital; and Xu Kunwu, a top-tier swordsmith who is also the first-rank honored ally of Taotie City[2].


    Among these three swordsmiths, Master Chen inherited the ancient-style swordsmithing technique of the Zhongshan Sword Hut. This technique would prioritize the intent during sword forging over the materials used. With a tranquil mind, free from constraints and adopting a mysterious and unpredictable approach, the swordsmith would focus on nurturing the sword''s intent. Every sess would guarantee the birth of a legendary sword.


    Most ancient-style swordsmiths would have forged less than ten swords in their lifetime. Therefore, despite their high status, they couldn''t be hired easily. In terms of skill alone, Master Chen was universally recognized as the number one in the world.


    Master Baili enjoyed great honor serving the imperial family, exclusively crafting swords for both the imperial family and court figures.


    Master Kunwu was a first-rank honored ally of Taotie City. Despite his high status, he was the only one of the three who opened up his business to the public. Obviously, he had to select clients based on the prices.


    And those prices were extremely exorbitant¡ªa level of expense that Chu Liang didn''t even dare to imagine.


    So, when Di Nufeng mentioned that name, Chu Liang''s first reaction was: <i>How dare she? Is she going to sell thend of Silver Sword Peak? It''s probably not even enough; they''ll have to work as tour guides at the door for a hundred years.</i>


    Could the lending of some mes cost this much?


    "I didn''t actually know him well back then. I just wanted to tease some old guys, so I helped him. Who knew he would be famous in recent years as a renowned swordsmith?" Di Nufeng scratched her head and said with a smile, "If it weren''t for contemting where to get you a good sword, I would have forgotten about this.


    "Esteemed Teacher, since you have this connection, why bother borrowing the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword? Just ask Master Kunwu to give us a good sword." Chu Liang asked, feeling puzzled.


    In his opinion, Master Kunwu must have many finished flying swords. They could just choose one from the best; it would be much better than the overpriced swords sold by the Mount Shu Sect. If this was an option, why should they bother visiting with the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword and demand that a replica of it be forged?


    "Well, that would be too easy." Di Nufeng grinned and said, "Since we''ve finally caught a toad, we must squeeze out its poop, urine, and farts together..."[3]


    1. In Daoism, it is said that the union of the primordial qi, primordial spirit, and primordial essence in cultivation can be transformed into a True Fire, which is known as the Samadhi True Fire. ?


    2. ¹©·î is usually used in a more ceremonial context to refer to offerings made, especially in religious or tradition practice. In this case, it suggests a service arrangement withpensation (Taotie City "offering" something in return). However, it is not a formal employer-employee rtionship. It implies a broader sense of duties or contributions in exchange for remuneration, extending beyond a standard employment framework. And so, we have tranted this as an honored ally. ?


    3. TLN: Sigh... Why does Di Nufeng have to talk like this? ?

 Chapter 111: Taotie City

    <h4>Chapter 111: Taotie City</h4>


    "<i>Awooo!</i>"


    The high-pitched and piercing howl of a beast resounded through the long mountain ridges and even dispersed the clouds. The cultivator riding on the beast''s back whipped the huge beast lightly, and it obediently lowered its head, bing extremely docile.


    There was a continuous string of these huge beasts carryingrge quantities of goods and people. It ran for several li, forming a long winding line down the mountain.


    At the end of the line were the towering gates of the city situated at the foot of the mountain. The city''s walls were incredibly tall, and its ancient stone bricks were worn from age, resembling a crouching colossal ancient beast.


    Despite being located in a destend, numerous cultivators flying on auspicious beasts from all over the world converged there. Yet, these cultivators would all automatically descend and queue up outside the city, waiting to be let inside.


    It was the norm for allrge immortal sects to enforce such a rule to control their airspace. Otherwise, the traffic going in and out of the city would be too difficult to manage.


    All of Taotie City''s city gates had two entrances¡ªonerge and one small. Therge gate had been made incredibly wide to amodate huge spirit beasts and groups transportingrge amounts of goods into the city. However, the processing speed of that line was very slow, so there was a very long queue for that gate. The small gate was only for people and small spirit beasts, so that queue could be processed very quickly.


    Obviously, Taotie City wasn''t on the same scale as Panyang City, the capital of Yu, in terms of size and poption. Nevertheless, it was the only city in the world that was primarily inhabited by cultivators, with ordinary people making up less than half of the city''s poption.


    Chu Liang was currently standing in one of the queues, moving forward little by little. He had on embroidered clothes with cuffed sleeves, simr to how a young man from a wealthy family would dress. No one would be able to tell that he was a cultivator.


    Beside him was Di Nufeng, who was wearing a red and white high-waisted dress. As she walked, her exceptional proportions drew everyone''s attention.


    Upon passing through the deep and long tunnel extending from the entrance gate, Chu Liang lifted his head and saw a wide main street with many pavilions with four or five stories on both sides. The various signs hung on the shopfronts showed that these were all stores selling cultivation-rted items.


    From time to time, figures flitted between the pavilions. However, they weren''t flying; they were just making lithe jumps. Flying was prohibited within the city too, so they had to abide by the city''s rule that stated no one could not leap above the tallest of the pavilions in the city. Otherwise,w enforcement would rush over to punish them.


    Taotie City was a huge city, so it was necessary for them to have a high number ofw enforcement officers. A small number of them were Taotie City''s disciples, while most of them were honored allies of the sect who had been recruited with the promise of remuneration.


    Taotie City''s honored allies were divided into nine ranks. Among them, the lower-ranked ones were more like hired thugs inparison to the rest of the honored allies. Taotie City was the only sect in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten where its honored allies, who weren''t actually part of the sect, outnumbered its disciples. That was the power of the wealthy.


    "Let''s go exchange some money first," Di Nufeng called out to Chu Liang from beside him.


    This obviously wasn''t Di Nufeng''s first time in Taotie City. Unlike Chu Liang, who was stunned by what he was seeing, Di Nufeng walked with her hands hangingnguidly in her sleeves.


    The first store anyone would see upon entering Taotie City was a currency exchange store. It had been built there to make it convenient for those entering the city to exchange their money for the local currency.


    Taotie City''s currency was celestial-beast coins. It was more versatile than Mount Shu Sect''s sword coins and had been made more meticulously. The celestial beast coins had been split into four denominations: the Azure-Dragon coin, the Tiger-Head coin, the Vermilion-Bird coin, and the ck-Tortoise coin, ranging fromrgest to smallest.


    One Azure-Dragon coin was equivalent to ten Tiger-Head coins, and the rest of the coins followed the same value conversion ratio of one to ten. The Vermillion-Bird coin, the second smallest denomination, was of equal value to the Mount Shu Sect''s sword coin.


    "Please exchange these for a thousand Vermilion-Bird coins and a hundred ck-Tortoise coins," Chu Liang said as he handed a bag of sword coins to the cultivator in the currency exchange store.


    That cultivator took the bag of sword coins and inspected them briefly before nodding in agreement to Chu Liang''s request.


    Right after that, the cultivator handed Chu Liang a bag of small spirit-stone coins that had been carved into the shape of Vermilion Birds. Chu Liang took one out, and he could indeed sense that there was a unique spiritual nature within it.


    All immortal sects used spirit stones as the material for their money because spirit stones were durable and contained spiritual qi. This made it easy to give them a unique spiritual nature, thus making it difficult for counterfeits to be made, which was especially important. After all, if anyone could make counterfeits by simply carving spirit stones into the shapes of the coins that were being used, it would be difficult to control the flow of money within the city.


    "<i>Oi</i>," Di Nufeng said with a smirk from behind Chu Liang while looking him up and down. "Little rascal, seems like you''ve saved up quite a bit of money, ''ey?"


    Chu Liang stared at her cautiously and replied, "It''s money that I worked hard for."


    As they left the currency exchange store, Di Nufeng saw that Chu Liang still had his hand on the money bag. He seemed to be protecting it unconsciously.


    Di Nufeng chuckled and said, "Rx a little. And don''t act like a country bumpkin visiting a city for the first time... even though you certainly are one. Let me tell you something. The more nervous you are, the more likely thieves will target you."


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Chu Liang let out augh in response.


    <i>Esteemed teacher, do you really think I''m trying to guard against thieves?</i>


    ...


    "<i>Mooooo.</i>"


    A dull roar, much like the bellow of arge bull, rang out behind them.


    When Chu Liang and Di Nufeng turned around, they saw a giant beast lumbering over in the middle of the street. It was as tall as a three-story building, and it had a bald head with thick gray skin. Wrapped around the beast were several dozen lengthy chains connected to the long wooden carriage behind it, allowing it to steadily pull the carriage forward.


    This beast was called a Mountainous Beast. It was diligent and gentle to humans. This demonic beast was mostmonly used to transport heavy loads.


    However, this massive Mountainous Beast wasn''t pulling goods; it was transporting people. It was a carriage that made rounds around the city. Visitors who didn''t want to walk around could get on and look around the city with the Mountainous Beast.


    Di Nufeng pulled Chu Liang into the rear section of the carriage. There was a cultivator sitting at the entrance of the section with a temple offering box[1] beside him. Chu Liang dropped two ck-Tortoise coins into the box, but the cultivator didn''t even bat an eyelid.


    As the teacher-and-disciple duo rode in the carriage, they enjoyed the scenery outside the window with a leisurely and carefree mood.


    Chu Liang noticed that the stores along the street did not cater exclusively to cultivators. There were cultivation-focused stores selling spirit nts, pills, and enchanted tools, but there were many restaurants, inns, teahouses, and gambling dens too... Common establishments that were present in ordinary cities could be found in Taotie City as well.


    While observing the city, Chu Liang and Di Nufeng overheard the conversation of the two cultivators sitting next to them.


    "<i>Eh?</i> Has this month''s issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> been published already?" one of the cultivators asked with an eager smile.


    "Yeah, it''s got some pretty exciting news," the other cultivator replied.


    He was quite engrossed in reading <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> in his hands.


    Upon hearing that, Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up.


    She leaned over and asked, "Hey, buddy. Is there any news about the Mount Shu Sect''s Di Nufeng in this issue of the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces?"


    Ever since the incident in South Gate City, Di Nufeng had been keeping an eye out for any news about it. She would never feel satisfied if she couldn''t squash that old man Wang Xuanling by doing a great meritorious deed.


    "There is!" the cultivator replied with a nod. "The first article is about her."


    He then read the headline aloud, "Shocking news! The Mount Shu Sect''s tyrannical peak master explodes a man''s head with a single punch! Then she discovers he is the marquess."


    Di Nufeng furrowed her eyebrows. "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    She''d thought that she would surely bemended for her glorious meritorious deed this time. Yet, she''d unexpectedly gotten another negative headline.


    "Esteemed teacher, please calm down..." Chu Liang whispered, hurriedly pulling on Di Nufeng''s sleeve. "We''re outside the sect..."


    "I''m not angry," Di Nufeng said with a forced smile. Then she turned to the cultivator and ordered fiercely, "Keep reading!"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" the cultivator uttered.


    He was so frightened that his hand shook and almost dropped <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. However, confronted with Di Nufeng''s terrifyingly mighty appearance, how could the cultivator possibly dare to disobey her order?


    He immediately proceeded to read the article out loud.


    "That day, Di Nufeng, the peak master of the Mount Shu Sect''s Silver Sword Peak, received a call for help from her disciple. She immediately rushed to South Gate City to help him. Upon arriving there, she encountered a simrly enraged middle-aged man. The two got into an argument. Then under the gazes of a huge crowd, Di Nufeng unabashedly punched the man''s head to smithereens!


    "It was only after the fact that she realized the man had been the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess!


    "Why exactly did this tragic incident ur? What secrets lie behind it? The two young heroes of the Mount Shu Sect demonstrated both wisdom and courage when they cracked the mysterious case of the unspeakably licentious father and son of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess...


    "Read on as I tell you about it in detail..."


    Chu Liang, who was sitting beside Di Nufeng, felt a wave of scorching heat hit his face. It seemed that his teacher was about to burst into rage!


    Chu Liang hurriedly made a signal to the cultivator and whispered to him, "Stop reading it..."


    Then Chu Liang urged Di Nufeng again, "Esteemed teacher, please don''t get angry, don''t get angry. Anger opens the door for the devil..."


    While Chu Liang was urging Di Nufeng, he couldn''t help but think, <i>Zhang Xiaohan is really something... Why does she write everything in such a sensationalized manner... </i>


    <i>Even if it''s true, it shouldn''t be written like that. It''s very humiliating for the person in question...</i>


    1. You give money, you get positive karma. ?

 Chapter 112: Dont you Feel Pain?

    <h4>Chapter 112: Don''t you Feel Pain?</h4>


    As the teacher and disciple climbed onto the Mountainous Beast, two silent pairs of eyes discreetly trailed them from the shadows.


    "How''s it going?" a tall figure asked.


    "These two seem suitable..." a short and thin figure replied, "The man has a cultivation level in theter stage of Spiritual Awareness Realm, and the woman...<i>hiss</i>..."


    As he spoke, he inhaled a chilling breath.


    "What''s the matter?" the tall figure asked hastily.


    "Her chest is so big," the short and thin figure marveled.


    His eyes, brimming with foundational qi, slowly returned to their normal state. It appeared that he had employed some divine technique earlier, allowing him to observe others without them noticing. Otherwise, a powerful cultivator could have sensed him secretly observing them through their energy.


    <i>p!</i>


    The tall figure pped him on the back of his head. "I asked you to assess their skills, and you were focusing on their physique?"


    "<i>Ouch</i>," the short and thin figure cried out in pain. "I couldn''t discern the woman''s aura. She might be an ordinary human being, a warrior, or an Eminent One who has reached the Dao Attainment Realm."


    "Nonsense," the tall figure scolded, "Would an Eminent One at the seventh realm ride that Mountainous Beast which cost only one ck-Tortoise coin? Look at how careful that boy is guarding his money! He is clearly a country bumpkin who is entering the city for the first time. Would thepanion of an Eminent One be this poor and embarrassing?"


    "<i>Ah</i>, yes..." The short and thin figure dared not refute.


    "There aren''t many suitable opportunities today. Keep a close eye on them. When you get a chance, do not hesitate," the tall figure said fiercely.


    "Yes, yes..." The short and thin figure continued to nod.


    Wherever people gathered, darkness was bound to be present. In arge city like Taotie City, there were naturally criminals lurking about.


    There were many such thieves who targeted cultivators who had never been in the city before, particrly focusing on those who had recently exchanged a substantial number of spirit-stone coins.


    The short and thin figure opened his eyes and cast a spell again. Suddenly, he said, "Boss, did they just go their separate ways?"


    "<i>Hmm?</i> Then make your move!" the tall figure urged eagerly. "I''m almost able to gather enough resources to achieve Core Formation. I am relying on whatever resources we can get from him now!"


    ...


    As Di Nufeng''s anger appeared to be reaching an unbearable level, Chu Liang found himself in a state of indecision. He wasn''t sure whether he should earnestly attempt to persuade her or keep his distance to avoid getting caught up in the explosion of rage.


    At that moment, the Mountainous Beast came to a halt as they reached the next stop.


    Chu Liang nced at the street and noticed a Taotie Pavilion nearby. He promptly suggested, "Esteemed Teacher, I''ll head to Taotie Pavilion to collect something. You continue on, and I''ll catch up with youter at the First-Rate Sword Hut."


    Immediately after he finished speaking, he hurriedly jumped down from the mountain beast, worried that Di Nufeng might erupt like a volcano at any moment.


    Upon entering Taotie Pavilion on the side of the street, he discovered a serene environment where passersby were extremely cautious. Many were d in ck robes, bearing valuable gold or precious items. Such an atmosphere was not unexpected in a location of this nature.


    In his next visit, Chu Liang would likely don such an outfit if the cloak made of Aura-Concealing Muslin was sessfully made.


    This time, he came to collect a portion of the Aura-Concealing Muslin material.


    Indeed, soon after Wen Yulong mentioned that he would ask the sellers from Taotie City to send the item over, Chu Liang received news from his teacher about the trip to Taotie City.


    And so, he hurriedly went to inform Wen Yulong, saying that there was no need for the delivery, and that he would collect the material himself. It was widely known that the transportation fees imposed by Taotie City were notably high.


    Efforts should be made to save where possible.


    The seller had already stored the goods at Taotie Pavilion and agreed on the pricing in advance. Once Chu Liang presented a sufficient amount of spirit-stone coins and after the inspection conducted by Taotie Pavilion representatives, the item would then be handed over to Chu Liang. The seller could then returnter to collect his spirit-stone coins.


    By leveraging Taotie Pavilion''s reputation, both parties could conduct a secure transaction without direct contact, minimizing the risk of betrayal.


    The process went smoothly.


    Chu Liang handed over seven hundred Vermilion-Bird coins to the staff at Taotie Pavilion. After a brief wait, someone brought a box over. Upon opening it, he discovered a sizable piece of the Aura-Concealing Muslin he had purchased.


    The cost was six hundred and fifty Vermilion-Bird coins, with the fifty Vermillion-Bird coins being Taotie Pavilion''smission, which was equivalent to a handling fee. If Chu Liang had requested for a delivery to the Taotie Pavilion at Mount Shu, it would have incurred an extra fifty coins in expenses. And so, Chu Liang chose to pick it up himself.


    Chu Liang had just put away the Aura-Concealing Muslin and was about to leave when the steward of Taotie Pavilion asked, "For an additional fifty Vermilion-Bird coins, you can purchase a storage artifact. Young Hero, would you like to buy one?"


    <i>They are really...targeting user needs.</i>


    Chu Liang took a look at the rmended storage bracelet. Although it had a coarse exterior and the storage space wasn''trge, it had enough storage space for him to store some ordinary items.


    Normally, this bracelet would have cost him sixty or seventy, which would be just slightly more expensive than the extra charge they were currently applying for the bracelet.


    "I''ll take one," Chu Liang replied.


    While the White Pagoda could store items, Chu Liang could only store and retrieve things that the White Pagoda had specifically rewarded him. Items like the Nethersea Golden Lotus and Aura-Concealing Muslin couldn''t be stored in the White Pagoda, so Chu Liang found it necessary to acquire an additional storage artifact.


    Having donned the storage bracelet, Chu Liang exited the shop. He couldn''t help but think that it was impossible to leave this store unscathed[1]


    ...


    As he moved forward, a short and thin teenager with his head down walked towards him from across the street and identally bumped into his shoulder.


    "Sorry," the teenager quickly apologized in a hushed tone and then swiftly hurried away.


    Chu Liang frowned, cautiously sensing that something was amiss. He patted his body to confirm nothing was missing. Then, he scanned the storage bracelet with his divine sense and discovered that the box containing the Aura-Concealing Muslin had disappeared!


    The advantage of storage artifacts, besides their convenience, lies in their security. How did someone steal something inside his storage bracelet?


    Chu Liang was slightly surprised. Upon turning to gaze at the back of the teenager, he realized that the young man had already disappeared into a nearby alley.


    <i>A thief.</i>


    Chu Liang wasn''t surprised that he had encountered a thief in such a ce. He immediately started chasing after the thief.


    The teenager was very fast, but Chu Liang was using the Turbulent Stream Movement Art taught by Yun Chaoxian, resulting in his body bing exceptionally agile and allowing him to instantly catch up to that teenager.


    Soon after he turned into the alley, he turned another corner and saw the teenager standing at the end of the alley.


    But the teenager was standing there with two other individuals.


    A tall young man with a rugged appearance and a scar on his left face. Judging by the aura, he seemed to be at the peak of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, slightly higher than Chu Liang.


    The other individual was a short and chubby teenager, with a somewhat round body, but possessing robust muscles, resembling a martial artist.


    The third individual was the short and thin teenager, his gaze wandering, appearing somewhat flustered. Judging from his aura, he was in the early stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm and his state of cultivation was not very stable.


    Chu Liang nced at the three and swiftly discerned their cultivation levels. A smile then graced his face.


    "Brother, this is the territory of our Wind and Fire Gang. What are you doing here?" The tall young man asked aggressively, approaching with his arms crossed.


    "He seems to have taken something of mine. I have been chasing after him to check things out," Chu Liang said with a friendly expression as he nced at the short and thin teenager.


    "<i>Heh</i>, what are you talking about?" The tall young man snorted, "You use my brother of stealing from you. Do you have any evidence?"


    "Then I''ll call thew enforcement officers. If that item is found on him, I''m confident that the Taotie Pavilion can provide a record that I had just purchased that item," Chu Liang dered, turning around to leave.


    "Stop!" the tall young man shouted.


    The short and thin, along with the short and chubby, rushed out and blocked Chu Liang''s way.


    "You better know your ce," the tall young man disyed a fierce look. "You''re in the third realm of cultivation, and we''re all at the third realm. Let me tell you! Our brothers have killed quite a few people in Taotie City..."


    "Watch my move!"


    Chu Liang suddenly shouted and raised his hand, releasing a crescent-shaped blue light toward the tall young man!


    In a fight with many opponents, one would have to seize every opportunity to eliminate each opponent swiftly. Chu Liang''s fastest technique, best suited for a surprise attack, would be the Razor Leaf!


    <i>A surprise attack?</i>


    The tall young man dodged and simultaneously released his foundational qi to shield his body.


    However...


    A moment passed, and it seemed like nothing had happened.


    "<i>Hahaha...</i>" The tall young man, furious a moment ago, burst intoughter. "What kind of trick are you ying? Turns out you''re just trying to scare people."


    Seeing the big brotherugh, the chubby one also startedughing. "Haha, he probably doesn''t know about big brother''s ferocious reputation."


    The short and thin one followed with a forced smile.


    Chu Liang suddenly turned his head and stared at the face of the chubby one with a puzzled expression.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    As Chu Liang continued staring, the chubby one started feeling uneasy as he nervously asked, "Everyone isughing. Why are you staring at me?"


    "I am just puzzled that you are able tough..." Chu Liang stared at him and asked in a serious tone, "Don''t you feel pain?"


    1. Probably his wallet. His wallet is hurt. Impossible to leave without hurting his wallet ?

 Chapter 113: Mystic Fingers

    <h4>Chapter 113: Mystic Fingers</h4>


    "<i>Pain?</i>"


    The chubby one heard Chu Liang''s question and nced over his body puzzledly before he turned back to look behind.


    In that nce, he caught a glimpse of a green sharpness.


    Embedded in his back was the unfolded crescent-shaped saber.


    Somehow, the Razor Leaf hadnded on him.


    "It does hurt, <i>Owh...</i>"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The chubby one finally reacted and fell unconscious on the ground without hesitation.


    There were two reasons as to why he had only fainted now. One reason was that Chu Liang did not exert full force and did not infuse his foundational qipletely. Another reason was that the chubby one, being a martial artist, had a robust physical body, which allowed him to survive with severe injuries and only fall unconscious.


    If Chu Liang had unleashed his full power at that moment and encountered an ordinary cultivator with a slightly weaker physique, it was entirely possible for the opponent to have been directly cleaved in half by a single strike.


    "Second Brother!"


    Upon witnessing the fall of hispanion, the tall young man only then realized the power of Chu Liang''s attack.


    His eyes widened as he formed a seal with one hand, causing a dazzling radiance to appear on his right palm. It seemed to be some kind of concentrated foundational qi attack technique that would generate an explosive force. The attack was already heading towards Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang recognized this technique, known as the Lightning Palm¡ªone of the simplest and crudest minor divine techniques in the Daoist sects. The performer of this technique would have to concentrate their foundational qi and hurl the ball of energy at their enemy[1].


    In Mount Shu, only the new disciples who had just started practicing their divine skills would use this technique as the others considered this technique far too rudimentary.


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang raised his finger, activating the Razor Leaf once again. It transformed to another shape, and a burst of green light instantly enveloped the tall young man.


    Just as the tall young man hurled the Lightning Palm, he was enveloped by this green light.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The tall young man was wrapped up like a big zongzi by the green light. Immediately afterward, a muffled explosion sounded from within the zongzi before everything fell silent.


    The short and thin teenager who remained on the spot appeared somewhat dumbfounded. The three of them had the numerical advantage and had been aggressively attacking a lone opponent.


    How did the situation change so quickly? In the blink of an eye, both of hispanions had fallen.


    By now, he no longer had the intention to fight; he just wanted to escape.


    But before he could turn around, Chu Liang struck again. A streak of red light flew from his sleeve, swiftly binding the short and thin teenager. It was the Demon-Binding Rope!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Just as the short and thin teenager was about to use his body technique, he was caught off guard and fell to the ground.


    Chu Liang then heaved a sigh of relief and took a moment to adjust his breathing.


    Despite facing three opponents and managing to strike all three down within a moment, he didn''t even break a sweat.


    This was within his expectations; otherwise, he wouldn''t have taken the risk.


    In the end, it was still the gap between cultivators of conventional and unconventional paths. All four of them were third-realm cultivators, and it might have appeared as though Chu Liang was at a disadvantage.


    However, in reality, Chu Liang, being a member of the Mount Shu Sect, practiced the top cultivation method in the cultivation world, making him stand out among cultivators of the same level. The power of his enchanted tool was also beyond the reach of those unconventional cultivators at the same level. Even when facing someone with a higher cultivation level, there was a chance of winning.


    These three individuals were clearly unconventional cultivators who had struggled and wed their way up from the bottom of the martial world. Their cultivation methods were a mishmash, and they had never solidified the foundations of each cultivation realm. They practiced whatever divine techniques they stumbled upon andcked any decent enchanted tools.


    Although they appeared to be at the third realm of cultivation as well, an insurmountable gap existed between them and Chu Liang.


    The sheer numbers couldn''t ovee the disparity in raw strength.


    Chu Liang believed that with his current cultivation, divine techniques, enchanted tools, and other factorsbined, even facing three ordinary Mount Shu Sect disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, such as Lin Bei, wouldn''t pose a challenge.


    In a fair and just duel, Lin Bei, with a bit more effort, should have been able to defeat the three cultivators of unconventional paths before him.


    Considering all these factors, the result of swiftly defeating them was not surprising.


    After all, a high cultivation level wasn''t achievable without adequate resources, and this gap would only be widened by the enhancement of the cultivation level.


    Take Master Lu, whom Chu Liang had killed, as an example. If he had been a cultivator of the conventional path from one of those Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects, it would have been impossible for him to be killed by Chu Liang, a third realm cultivator. This wouldn''t have happened even if conditions were favorable for the opponent or if the opponent had their power boosted by the Crimson Executioner.


    ...


    With a bright smile on his face, Chu Liang walked over to the short and thin teenager who was currently tied up.


    Of course, this seemingly kind smile appeared extremely twisted in the eyes of the short and thin teenager, especially with the following questions that made the short and thin teenager''s hair stand on end.


    "You wouldn''t want me to report the three of you tow enforcement, would you?" Chu Liang inquired.


    "No..." The short and thin teenager quickly shook his head.


    "Then return what you stole from me, and also..." Chu Liang continued, "I want to know how you managed to take things from my storage artifact."


    "Yes..." A flicker of light shed in the short and thin teenager''s eyes. He seemed hesitant but ultimately had no audacity to lie as he answered, "It''s a divine skill I learned. As long as I have physical contact with you, I can transfer an item from your storage artifact to mine. But the item is random."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang''s eyes brightened. "Can you use it on anyone?"


    It was his first time hearing about this thieving divine skill.


    "No." The short and thin teenager shook his head. "It doesn''t work if the person is of a higher cultivation level, and it doesn''t work on higher-grade tools with built-in storage."


    Many higher-grade tools, such as the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade owned by his esteemed teacher, possessed storage spaces. The anti-theft feature of these superior artifacts should be more reliable.


    It made sense that this skill wouldn''t work on someone with a higher cultivation level.


    "Give me the manual for this divine skill, and I''ll let you go, " Chu Liang stated straightforwardly.


    "This..." A sense of resistance glimmered in the short teenager''s eyes.


    He knew very well that hisbat strength was extremely weak, and this divine skill was the foundation for his survival in Taotie City. Without this skill, not many small factions would be willing to ept him. So, even when his big brother and second brother pleaded with him in every way, he hadn''t taught it to them.


    But, as he looked at Chu Liang, he suddenly had second thoughts.


    Even if he gave him the divine technique, would Chu Liang join the Wind mes Gang andpete with him for the position of third inmand?


    This possibility... probably wasn''t very high.


    On the contrary, if he refused, he might face some sadistic treatment and even end up being handed over tow enforcement.


    "Alright!" After thinking for a moment, he agreed to Chu Liang''s demand.


    Chu Liang thus sessfully retrieved the box containing the Aura-Concealing Muslin and a tattered manual. The reason he asked for the manual was that he couldn''t trust the verbal information provided by the short and thin teenager.


    The manual was inscribed with the words <i>Divine Skill: Mystic Fingers</i>. After a quick examination that showed no signs of forgery, Chu Liang nodded and said, "Thank you."


    The short and thin teenager could only force a bitter smile.


    Their attempt at theft was like trying to steal a chicken but losing the whole farm.


    Having obtained the manual for the divine skill, Chu Liang stayed true to his word. He deactivated the movement-restricting enchanted tool and left.


    The short and thin teenager was left alone to care for his unconscious big brothers.


    After all, Chu Liang has no interest in knowing whether the short and thin teenager would be taking his brothers to a doctor or robbing someone else first before fleeing to another region.


    ...


    He left the alley and returned to the main street of Taotie City, where the bustling and prosperous atmosphere once again enveloped him. Even in a city founded by cultivators,a certain level ofmonality was inevitable; in a ce where there was light, there was also darkness.


    As Chu Liang followed the road and contemted where to inquire about the way to the First-Rate Sword Hut, a storefront on the roadside suddenly caught his attention.


    It was a grand and imposing shop with a signboard bearing the four words <i>Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts</i>. It was a store specializing in selling spirit beasts.


    However, some signs were hung in the empty space outside the storefront.


    "New arrivals today..."


    "Dark Wind Panther," "Six-Legged Wind Roarer," "Sword-Eating Ghost," "Human-Faced Xiao"...


    It turned out that this Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts not only dealt with demonic creatures and spirit beasts but also conducted business involving ghastly creatures.


    <i>Human-Faced Xiao?</i>


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up!


    Immediately, he was drawn towards the entrance. But just as he approached, a loud shout from inside echoed out, "Get out of the way!"


    The words remained unfinished as the roar of a fierce beast erupted.


    A violent gust of wind, shadowy in form, surged outward!


    1. Rasengan? ?

 Chapter 114: Killing A Panther in the Street

    <h4>Chapter 114: Killing A Panther in the Street</h4>


    "<i>Raaaaar!</i>"


    The growl of a beast reverberated through the long street as a gust of dark wind blew over suddenly.


    The beast was arge panther that was six chi tall and almost one zhang long, covered in a glossy ck coat of fur. A dark wind whirled around the panther, giving it a menacing aura.


    If Chu Liang hadn''t dodged in time, the ck panther might have hit him head-on.


    This beast was a fourth-realm Dark Wind Panther, and it had just been transported to the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. The panther had been sedated, so it should have remained asleep when a worker took it out of the cage. However, the panther suddenly opened its eyes, killed its carrier with one bite, and charged out of there.


    The Dark Wind Panther''s forte was speed. In the blink of an eye, the panther reached the main street before the powerful figures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts could even react.


    "A demonic beast has escaped! Take caution, and go hide!" shouted the people who were chasing after the panther.


    The bustling crowd in the lengthy street immediately scattered in all directions to avoid the approaching panther. Most of the residents of Taotie City were cultivators, but many of them were at a cultivation level below the fourth realm. An encounter with a fourth-realm demonic beast could be fatal for them.


    "<i>Raaaaaar!</i>" the Dark Wind Panther snarled as it leaped, intending to ride the wind and soar into the sky.


    "Evil creature, you''re not escaping!" amanding yell burst out from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts right then.


    Someone powerful had finally emerged to take action. The tinkling chimes of little bells rang out as that person opened their fist and threw out a red string strung with small golden bells.


    The string of bells flew through the air and instantly transformed into a huge hexagonal with a golden bell in each corner. The huge spread open, covering the sky and obscuring the sun!


    With its escape route blocked, the Dark Wind Panther twisted and turned, descending back down to the street and sending the people below scattering.


    Several people failed to evade in time. The Dark Wind Panther merely grazed them, but that graze ripped their chests and bellies open and broke their arms and legs...


    Seven or eight figures swiftly emerged from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. A secondter, they reappeared on the rooftops of the pavilions on both sides of the street. They held enchanted tools like long hooks and goldens as they eyed the panther, ring like a tiger watching its prey.


    Nevertheless, the Dark Wind Panther was too fast, giving them no opportunity to act. It charged forward along the lengthy street, transforming into a gust of dark wind!


    "Move aside," a woman said.


    The path ahead of the dark wind had been cleared of pedestrians since the panther''s arrival earlier. Yet, those who looked over there would find that there was now a woman standing there,pletely still.


    In the empty street was a woman wrapped in a vivid red. She wore a flexible form-fitting me-red outfit that entuated her high waist and long legs. The sleeves of her robe fluttered in the wind as she fastened her ck cloak, which was billowing behind her. She had her hair tied up at the back of her head, giving a full view of her snow-white skin and delicate and charming face. Her eyes, however, were fierce.


    The woman was, as the saying went, as beautiful as peach and plum blossoms but as cold as ice and frost.


    As the dark wind continued to whizz forth, the woman flipped over her right hand and suddenly pulled out a qimei staff that featured a relief [1] sculpture made of golden y. The staff shimmered with a golden light, radiating the aura of something extraordinary. In addition to the golden relief sculpture, there was a line colored with a red like that of raging mes.


    The woman took a step forward, and the dust spraying into the air suddenly slowed.


    Then she raised the long staff with both hands, and the red line on the staff suddenly lit up. The red line spiraled upward and formed a three-chi-long scarlet saber de at the top of the head of the staff!


    The woman bent backward at the waist and raised the long staff high. While doing so, she seemed to be muttering something.


    As the woman gradually finished making those movements, the Dark Wind Panther leaped. Its head was now right above her, with a dazzling red reflected in its ferocious eyes.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The long saber rose and descended.


    The ferocity in the Dark Wind Panther''s eyes turned into terror. It was as if the panther had not expected that this seemingly delicate human to possess such terrifying power. The panther''s head was split in two as it passed over the top of the woman''s head. When the rest of the panther''s body passed over, it was split in two right up to its tail in the same fashion.


    The leaping panther was sliced apart with one strike!


    This fourth-realm Dark Wind Panther had a body that didn''t seem to be made of flesh and blood but of something even more solid than metal and stone. If someone were to pluck a strand of its fur, they would find that it was akin to a thorn made of iron. Yet, under the prowess of the woman''s saber, the panther was cut as easily as a mere sheet of paper.


    Blood rained down from the corpse, sshing onto the woman''s red clothes and cloak. Nevertheless, she didn''t even bat an eye. Her gaze remained as fiery as before.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    Carried by the momentum of its leap, the split corpse of the Dark Wind Panther continued to fly out for dozens of zhang before finally hitting the ground, leaving behind a long trail of blood.


    Concerned voices called out to the woman, "Miss!"


    In the blink of an eye, a group of people had crowded around her to check if she was all right.


    "I''m fine. Just take care of this," the woman said.


    Without waiting a moment more, she walked forward with wide strides, giving off an air of arrogance. She walked into the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts majestically, with the group of people and horses apanying her.


    A voice rang out faintly from inside the hall, "Send everyone out of the hall! Close the door! The Young Lady wants to bathe and change clothes."


    ...


    "How domineering."


    Chu Liang had witnessed the whole incident and felt that the woman was very imposing, terrifyingly so.


    He had been with Di Nufeng for many years, but Di Nufeng was rarely that domineering, perhaps because she was getting on in age. Most of the time, she had azy demeanor and didn''t give others much pressure.


    That red-d woman, however... The air around her seemed to turn frigid with every step she took.


    Moreover, her cultivation level was very high. The Dark Wind Panther that she''d killed had undoubtedly been one of the more powerful fourth-realm demonic beasts, with a speed that surpassed that of lightning and ws on par with divine weapons. The reason it had died so quickly was, of course, because it had encountered a harbinger of death.


    <i>When that woman made her move earlier...</i>


    Chu Liang recalled that she and the Dark Wind Panther had been tens of zhang apart¡ªa distance that the panther had taken merely an instant to cover. Yet, in that short amount of time, the woman had taken out her weapon, activated the saber de, raised her weapon, and gathered her power...


    She had seemed toplete this series of movements slowly, without the slightest sense of urgency. Yet, the timing had been so precise that she hadpleted them just as the Dark Wind Panther arrived before her.


    It seemed that the two of them had experienced a different flow of time.


    <i>No... the key to that seemed to be that one step she''d taken after taking out her weapon.</i>


    Something mystical had urred in her surroundings right when she took that step. This reminded Chu Liang of something¡ªformation techniques.


    Intricate enchanted formations usually required the collective efforts of many people to carry out. However, in the cultivation world, there were techniques exclusive to a sect that could simplify the process. They allowed a cultivator to use their foundational qi as a guide toplete the formation on their own.


    This specialized cultivation legacy focused on enchanted formations had been named The Formation Techniques.


    If Chu Liang¡¯s conjecture were right, then that meant the woman had used a formation technique earlier. Moreover, it had been a formation technique that allowed her to execute an instant-cast enchanted formation, which indicated she had a very high level of proficiency in formation techniques.


    Chu Liang had been lost in thought for a moment, and when he looked back up, he saw that the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was just about to shut its doors.


    He immediately became rather anxious.


    <i>Once those doors close, who knows when they''ll open again? What if the Human-Faced Xiao gets taken by someone else before my next visit?</i>


    Chu Liang hurried over and said, "Hold on. Could you let me in for a moment?"


    Before the bandit shutting the doors could respond, a long-bearded old man emerged and replied coldly, "The doors are closing; no customers are allowed inside."


    Chu Liang said earnestly, "There''s something inside that I really want. Could you let me take a look?"


    The old man shot a nce at Chu Liang.


    Before the old man could respond, a woman''s voice rang out from upstairs, "Let him in."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" the long-bearded old man uttered and turned to look upstairs. He seemed quite surprised. Nevertheless, he stepped aside while warning Chu Liang, "You are not to go upstairs."


    "Sure," Chu Liang promised with a nod.


    The Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was extremely spacious. Disyed on the first floor were all sorts of spirit beasts enclosed in numerous iron cages. As for the ghostly entities filled with yin qi, they were ced together in a small corner.


    After searching for a while, Chu Liang finally found a counter that had a sign with the words "Human-Faced Xiao."


    The shop assistant behind the counter seemed a bit surprised. He had no idea how Chu Liang had gotten into the store.


    Nheless, when he saw Chu Liang walk over, the shop assistant disyed his habitual smile and asked, "Young hero, what are you looking to buy?"


    "I want to take a look at the Human-Faced Xiao," Chu Liang said.


    Ghosts were different from demonic beasts. The demonic beasts could be kept in cages, while ghosts had to be sealed in small porcin bottles, on which talismans had been stuck, and further confined within cages.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang point out his object of interest, the shop assistant responded, "Sure thing."


    As he spoke, he made a quick hand seal, and the talisman on the chosen porcin bottle instantly fell off.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A ghastly aura of death filled the air as a white light swiftly shot out from the bottle. The entity that made a sudden appearance was an ash-gray ghost with a small child-like stature and an oddly enormous head.


    "<i>Ahhh!!</i>"


    The moment the Human-Faced Xiao leaped out from the bottle, it exuded an intense murderous aura. Its two hands grabbed at the bars of the iron cage frantically, trying to tear them apart. The Human-Faced Xiao was clearly eager to break free.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang watch it from the outside, the Human-Faced Xiao even bared its fangs at him. If it wasn''t for the bars of the iron cage, the Human-Faced Xiao would have surely already pounced on Chu Liang.


    <i>How malicious!</i>


    "This creature doesn''t have a high level of cultivation, but it''s quite a rare creature. Moreover, it''s vicious and cunning. We exhausted quite a lot of effort and resources to capture it," the shop assistant exined.


    Chu Liang gave a slight nod, well aware of how difficult it was to deal with Human-Faced Xiaos. The shop assistant likely mentioned this as a lead-up to the price.


    So, Chu Liang asked directly, "What''s the price?"


    "Eight hundred Vermilion-Bird coins," the shop assistant answered.


    Chu Liang considered it briefly. Eight hundred Vermilion-Bird coins were equivalent to eight hundred sword coins in the Mount Shu Sect, which was quite substantial. The Human-Faced Xiao had an unimpressive level of cultivation, but it was indeed a rare creature and had been difficult to capture. Moreover, the market prices for goods in Taotie City were generally quite high to begin with, so that''s why the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts could sell the Human-Faced Xiao at such a high price.


    Nevertheless, to Chu Liang, the Human-Faced Xiao had a far greater value than that.


    After considering the purchase for a moment, Chu Liang said, "I''ll go make an exchange for more Vermilion-Bird coins right now. Can you reserve it for me? Please don''t sell it to someone else."


    This creature was something Chu Liang absolutely needed, so instead of trying to haggle down the price, he requested to reserve it.


    "Sure," the shop assistant replied with a nod. "But you''ll need to pay a deposit. Additionally, we''ll only reserve the creature for you for a maximum of three days."


    "That''s fine," Chu Liang readily agreed.


    He then walked out of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, unable to stop a grin from forming his face.


    Chu Liang would soon be able to see a wonderful scene of the Large-Headed Dolls sitting in a row while cultivating for him!


    1. It''s a sculpting method that refers to a sculpture done on a background ne, i.e. a wall. Please check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief for more info. ?

 Chapter 115: Going the Extra Mile

    <h4>Chapter 115: Going the Extra Mile</h4>


    "Excuse me, sir?"


    Chu Liang was about to leave the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts when someone approached him on the roadside.


    This person was dressed in a blue and white robe with a long jade belt, and his handsome face exuded an air of elegance. Holding a folding fan, he disyed a carefree demeanor.


    When Chu Liang heard the call, he responded, "What is it?"


    The man came closer, lowering his voice, "I wanted to ask how you managed to get in just now?"


    He gestured towards the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, which was now off-limits.


    Chu Liang recalled and said, "I just... I told them there was something inside that I really wanted to see. They were quite amodating and let me in."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" The man was slightly surprised, muttering to himself, "It was that easy?"


    After a pause, he thanked Chu Liang, saying, "Thank you, sir."


    "You''re wee." Chu Liang replied politely.


    The man then walked towards the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, and Chu Liang continued on his way.


    The man d in white stepped forward. In an attempt to enter the building, he knocked on the door. But then, the staff from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts stopped him again. When the elderly guard, who has a lengthy beard, saw him, he immediately frowned and scolded, "Anyone who is not here for business purposes should stay away!"


    The white-d man smiled and bowed, saying, "There''s something inside that I really want to see. Can I take a look..."


    "Lecherous scoundrel! How dare you!" The elderly man with the long beard reacted furiously and instantlyunched a fierce attack with his palm!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Luckily, the white-d man was not someone of low cultivation level. When he saw the sudden attack, he immediately unfolded his fan, revealing arge "Sea" character on the fan and creating a sound resembling waves crashing.


    As the fan unfolded, a whirlwind formed in front of the man, deflecting a significant portion of the elderly man''s palm strike.


    Even so, there was still a substantial difference in their cultivation levels. The wind still struck the man and sent the man flying several zhang away!


    Chu Liang was walking on the road when he heard a loud explosion from behind. A white figure then flew over his head and crashed heavily in front of him.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    He froze in surprise. Then, he looked again and realized that it was the man who had asked him for directions just moments ago!


    Chu Liang turned around again and saw that the people from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts had no intention of pursuing the white-d man. It seemed they only wanted to prevent him from entering. But was the use of such force really necessary?


    "Spit¡ª" The white-d man lifted his head. He stared at Chu Liang and was about to say something. But at that very moment, he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Brother? What happened to you?" Chu LIang approached and inquired.


    The man, as if hanging by a thread, weakly uttered, "Sir, if you''re a kind-hearted person, please take me to a medicinal hall."


    ...


    "<i>Sigh...</i>" In thergest medical hall in the southern part of Taotie City, a man in whitey on a sickbed as he sighed deeply.


    Chu Liang had brought him here for medical treatment, and he didn''t need to exin much. All cultivators would have known that he had suffered a serious internal injury. While waiting for the doctor''s prescription, Chu Liang even paid for the medicine, which cost a few Vermilion-Bird coins.


    Seeing Chu Liang approaching, the man in white struggled as he cupped his hand and said, "May I ask for your name?"


    "Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Nice to meet you, Brother Chu. I am Wenren Mo from the Sea King Sect."


    "The pleasure is mine."


    The two exchanged polite greetings.


    Chu Liang felt somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected the severely injured person he had picked up from the street to be a disciple of the Sea King Sect, a sect that was one of the Terrestrial Ten.


    Moreover, this Brother Wenren seemed to have a high cultivation level and was likely a core disciple within the Sea King Sect.


    Feeling curious, Chu Liang asked, "Brother Wenren, how did you end up like this?"


    "Brother Chu, you might not be aware..." Wenren Mo sighed again, "s, all this happened because a few days ago, I encountered a woman and fell in love with her at first sight. I wanted to pursue her."


    "<i>Oh...</i>" Hearing this, Chu Liang suddenly remembered that the current sect leader of the Sea King Sect was known for being a yboy. It seemed like this disciple was following in his leader''s footsteps.


    In any case, the reputation of the men from the Sea King Sect has never been good among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects.


    "Thatdy is Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Four Seas Whale Gang," Wenren Mo added.


    Chu Liang had heard of the name Xu Hongqiu, but he didn''t know much about her. He only knew that she was the daughter of Xu Bashan, the current leader of the Whale Gang.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but guess that Xu Hongqiu was the woman who had killed the panther.


    "The Young Lady of the Whale Gang is like an untamed red-maned horse that is very difficult to control," Wenren Mo continued, "I tried every method, but I couldn''t get close to her. She treated me with indifference and even kicked me out several times."


    "But I, upholding the spirit of perseverance, followed her all the way from the Southern Regions to Taotie City. When she had finally settled down, I wanted to visit her and engage in a good conversation with her. That''s why I asked how you were allowed in that building. But even when I gave the same reason as you..."


    "..."


    Chu Liang suddenly realized...


    <i>You are after a girl who had just settled down, which meant that she was showering and changing her clothes. No wonder you got beaten after saying that there was something you really wanted to see inside.</i>


    <i>What I said hadpletely different intentions.</i>


    While suppressing hisughter, Chu Liang changed his tone and said, "Brother Wenren, you are indeed persistent."


    "Brother Chu, you don''t understand. I have a lifelong love for this kind of woman. Since Iid eyes on her, I knew I was captivated," Wenren Mo said with an intoxicated expression. "Even if she orders someone to kill me, I would ept it."


    "Brother Wenren, do you like bold and unrestrained women?" Chu Liang asked.


    "No..." Wenren Mo shook his head as he answered, "I like rich women."


    "..." Chu Liang felt so speechless.


    <i>Okay.</i>


    <i>Even if they had beaten you up to death, that would be fair.</i>


    Just when he was thinking about how to excuse himself and leave, he saw Wenren Mo take out a spirit-stone coin from his sleeve. Then, he was given a spirit-stone coin.


    "Brother Chu, you''ve gone through the trouble of inquiring and buying medicine for me just now. Let me repay you for the medicine cost," Wenren Mo said.


    Chu Liang nced down and saw the carving on the spirit-stone coin. It was unmistakably a small dragon head.


    One Azure-Dragon coin was equivalent to ten Tiger-Head coins, which in turn were equal to one hundred Vermilion-Bird coins...


    "Brother Wenren, you''re too courteous. The medicine cost doesn''t require so much," Chu Liang said.


    Chu Liang tightly held the Azure-Dragon coin between his fingers and pushed it back towards Wenren Mo. Despite Chu Liang pushing the coin back, had Wenren Mo attempted to take it, retrieving the coin would have been challenging.


    Fortunately, Wenren Mo hadn''t tried the aforementioned behavior. Instead, he pushed the coin back and said, "Eh¡ªBrother Chu, you''ve brought me here for treatment and looked after me here. It''s already a great kindness. How can I be so stingy?"


    With a slight push, Chu Liang epted the Azure-Dragon coin in a calm and effortless manner before he stood up and said, " I won''t be too courteous then. Brother Wenren, let me collect the medicine for you."


    With that, he stood up and went to the counter outside to collect Wenren Mo''s medicine.


    The urgency to bid farewell dissipated. Having received payment, he concluded it was eptable to extend his care for Wenren Mo a while longer. After all, going the extra mile was amendable practice.


    Unbeknownst to him, as he retrieved a tray of assorted medicinal herbs from the counter and prepared to return, a sudden, loud shout erupted from behind, "Thief! How dare you steal my spirit herb!"


    Upon turning around, he saw a burly man with a curly beard vehemently shouting and reaching out his huge hand in his direction.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang deftly sidestepped to evade the attack. Nevertheless, as the relentless burly man opened his hands, they transformed into ten long vines that entwined towards Chu Liang.


    The sudden attack caught Chu Liang off guard, leaving him confused.


    As the burly man pushed forward, he had no choice but to fight back.


    In the midst of this sudden rush, Chu Liang swiftly shook his hand,unching the Razor Leaf before activating his flying sword to shield himself.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The Razor Leaf shed with a green light, creating afterimages reminiscent of the wind. The burly man with the curly beard was taken aback and instinctively stepped back, only to discover that he was entirely unscathed, leaving him in a state of perplexity.


    <i>Ah.</i> <i>I missed again...</i>Chu Liang sighed helplessly. It wasn''t too surprising. Nevertheless, as long as he managed to dy the opponent''s attack for a moment and seize a chance to ask a question, his goal would be considered achieved.


    Just as he was thinking, a familiar-sounding scream echoed from a corner not far away.


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>"

 Chapter 116: A Harmless Misunderstanding

    <h4>Chapter 116: A Harmless Misunderstanding</h4>


    Earlier...


    In a narrow alley, only the short, thin teenager in the Wind and Fire Gang remained.


    He stared at his Big Brother and Second Brother lying on the ground, contemting if he should just rob them and escape.


    However, after struggling to survive in Taotie City, he finally found good brothers willing to ept him. Leaving now meant facing loneliness once more in the future. After some consideration, he quickly dismissed this thought.


    He brought his elder brothers to the medicinal hall, where the doctor examined and treated them. Later, they were moved to beds in the inner hall. This medicinal hall was thergest in the southern part of the city, with numerous patients. The inner hall contained about ten rooms, each furnished with seven or eight beds.


    The tall young man and the short and chubby teenager had suffered external injuries.


    Since they were cultivators, basic bandaging and medication would suffice for a swift recovery. Therefore, their treatment at the medicinal hall proceeded quickly.


    After the two woke up, the tall and burly young man continued toin to the short and thin one, "Third Brother, you know our situation. Why did you send us to the medicinal hall when this is just a minor injury? How long will we need to work to pay for the medical expenses again?"


    "Big Brother, your injury is not serious, but Second Brother was on the verge of death..." the short and thin teenager weakly uttered.


    "Nonsense!" The short and chubby teenager lying nearby raised his neck. "I''ve trained my muscles and bones. How can I be afraid of such a small injury? Don''t talk about just being shed; even if another stab happened, I''ll be fine!"


    As a martial artist with robust vitality, once his wounds were bandaged, he quickly recovered. At present, he indeed showed considerable vigor.


    Despite making the effort to take his brothers to the medicinal hall, the short and thin teenager ended up receiving a scolding instead, leaving him with no choice but to bow his head silently.


    Upon noticing the short and thin teenager''s drooped posture, the tall young man stopped his scolding and uttered, "Alright, alright." He then patted his two brothers on their shoulders and dered loudly, "We''re all facing challenges, and now we even have to worry about medical expenses. I vow to lead us to a better life, where in the future, we won''t have to fret over medical costs, no matter how tough the challenges we encounter!"


    "Big Brother, I believe in you!" The short and chubby one eximed with enthusiasm.


    The short and thin teenager said hesitantly, "Big Brother, if we really make it big one day, can we avoid getting beaten up again?"


    "..." The tall young man was stumped for a moment, then scolded, "You talk too much! Go get the medicine!"


    The short and thin teenager, feeling a bit dejected, was shooed away to fetch the medicine.


    However, he quickly returned, eximing, "Big Brother! Second Brother! I saw the person who attacked us!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Both the tall and chubby young men were startled. They got up and stealthily followed the short and thin one''s guidance, peeking out to observe.


    Just at that moment, they coincidentally spotted the young man in embroidered clothing who had attacked them earlier. He arrived with another man in white, seeking treatment in the front hall under the doctor''s inquiry.


    "How should we handle this?" The tall young man nervously turned back and said, "We''re definitely not his match, forget about revenge. What do you say? Should we run away?"


    "Big Brother, I have an idea," the chubby one suddenly said, his small eyes gleaming with wisdom.


    ...


    After the young man in embroidered clothes took the white-d man into another room, the three of them quietly sneaked out.


    After waiting for a while in the lobby, they saw a burly maning to buy medicine. Despite being at the third realm of cultivation like them, he appeared imposing and domineering.


    "This seems to be a tough one. Let''s choose him," the tall young man urged the slender one.


    The short and thin one shrank a bit but still forced himself to approach. While the burly man had just finished his purchase, he immediately pretended to bow his head and bumped into him.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" The burly man raised his eyebrows.


    This burly man was indeed someone with a quick temper.


    "Sorry! Sorry!" The short and thin teenager quickly apologized before he swiftly ran into the inner hall.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The burly man snorted and ignored the teenager as he strode towards the exit. Just as he reached the door, he was suddenly stopped by someone.


    "Hey, Big Brother, did you lose a spirit herb?" A chubby guy approached, whispering.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The burly man, feeling puzzled, checked his storage artifact with his divine sense and found that he had indeed lost a spirit herb. He immediately asked, "What''s going on?"


    "I just saw someone over there secretly putting your herbs into their tray. You didn''t notice, but it happened right there. He''s about to walk away with it!" The chubby guy pointed discreetly.


    The burly man turned around and indeed saw a well-dressed young man who had just picked up his medicine from the counter, carrying a tray with his spirit medicine among the items.


    "Damn! Which little thief would dare to steal from grandpa?" The burly man roared in anger and chased after the person.


    Behind him, the three young men immediately huddled together, peeking out from a corner to watch the spectacle. They saw the burly man, without any hesitation, engage in a fierce fight with Chu Liang.


    The tall young man chuckled, "Second Brother! Of course it has to be you who came up with this idea! Truly the clever one in our Wind and Fire Gang."


    "Of course..." The chubby guy''s words stopped abruptly before he could finish the sentence.


    Because he saw that Chu Liang had raised his hand again and released the sharp crescent moon-shaped green light. He saw the sh of that saber. For some reason, a foreboding sense of danger shrouded his heart.


    "Big Brother! Third Brother! Can you guys check if there''s a saber stuck on my back?" the chubby guy asked calmly.


    The tall young man and the short and thin teenager nced at each other and nodded silently.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" The chubby guy screamed and once again fell to the ground immediately, causing a muffled thud.


    "<i>Oh no!</i> Don''t attract that person here." The tall young man, worried that Chu Liang might notice them, gnashed his teeth and said, "Let''s go!"


    With that, he pulled the Razor Leaf out from the chubby guy''s back and threw it to the side. He did this out of concern that Chu Liang might track them using the artifact and seek revenge.


    As the saber was pulled out, arge cross-shaped cut was left on the chubby guy''s back, and blood started gushing out.


    <i>Ssh.</i>


    ...


    After Chu Liang activated the flying sword for protection, the burly man with a curly beard, who had attacked him, hesitated and stopped attacking.


    "A Mount Shu Sect disciple?" he asked.


    "Indeed," responded Chu Liang.


    "I am a disciple of the Jovian Sect..." the burly man began, then asked, " Why did you, a disciple of a sect in the Divine Nine, steal my spirit herb?"


    "Why would you say that?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly.


    Chu Liang had heard of the Jovian Sect, which was a small sect that branched out from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult. It was a sect that wasn''t widely known.


    The burly man with the curly beard then stepped forward and pointed at the golden spirit herb as he said, "This is clearly the spirit herb I just purchased. Why is it in your tray?"


    It was only at that moment that Chu Liang realized there was a nt on his tray that the doctor hadn''t mentioned. Given the modest amount he had paid, it seemed unlikely that he would be provided with a spirit herb of such a level of spiritual nature.


    Chu Liang shook his head calmly and said, "I don''t know. The medicinal hall employee might have made a mistake. If it is yours, take it back. There is no need to resort to violence."


    The burly man with the curly beard stared at him as he nodded in response, "That should be the case. I let my emotions get the better of me. I was just too eager to retrieve the spirit herb. I apologize for my mistake."


    "No harm done."


    "Good."


    With that, he retrieved the spirit herb and left.


    Observing the burly man''s departing figure, Chu Liang felt that despite the man''s impulsiveness, he appeared reasonable... by exercising restraint upon realizing Chu Liang''s affiliation with the Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang then went to inspect the direction where the Razor Leaf had fallen, finding only a bloody weapon and no injured person.


    He had heard screams earlier and he was worried that the Razor Leaf had injured someone unintentionally. However, it seemed the injured person had left without asking forpensation.


    This...


    What a truly kind-hearted individual.


    When he returned to the inner hall, he then started concocting the medicine.


    Wenren Moy there and asked, "There was amotion outside. What happened?"


    "It was just a minor and harmless misunderstanding," Chu Liang shook his head and added, "Brother Wenren, let me put your medicine here. I''ll be taking my leave now; there are some matters I need to attend to."


    "Alright, I''m very grateful for your help," Wenren Mo sincerely expressed. "Fate has brought us together. We should consider ourselves friends from now on."


    "That''s great." Chu Liang smiled.


    After bidding farewell to Wenren Mo, he left the medicinal hall. He then noticed that it was alreadyte during the day. He had spent his whole day in Taotie City and had yet to make it to the First-Rate Sword Hut.


    However, he still nned to goter, intending to exchange some Vermilion-Bird coins first before heading to the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts to buy the Human-Faced Xiao. The cultivation puppet was a crucial matter, and he wanted no dys.


    Chu Liang had spent seven hundred Vermilion-Bird coins on the Aura-Concealing Muslin, and now he needed eight hundred more. In total, it amounted to one thousand five hundred. Without Wenren Mo''s financial support of Azure-Dragon coin just now, his savings wouldn''t have been enough.


    After exchanging some Vermilion-Bird coins at the city gate, he returned to the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. It was alreadypletely night by then, but there was no curfew within Taotie City, and the atmosphere became even livelier at night.


    The lights of numerous households illuminated the city, resembling a gxy.


    When he arrived outside the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and was about to knock on the door, he suddenly sensed this abnormal aura.


    <i>Roar!</i>

 Chapter 117: He Chased It, It Chased Him

    <h4>Chapter 117: He Chased It, It Chased Him</h4>


    Inside the main hall of the pavilion in the rear courtyard of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts...


    A strikingly beautiful woman in red was sitting in a chair. Her expression was cold, but her gaze was fiery.


    Two men were standing beside her. On her left was a middle-aged man in a long robe who carried a noble air, and on her right was an elderly man with a long beard.


    "Second Uncle, what were you doing earlier?" the woman asked after observing one of the two men for a moment.


    Her tone was amiable as if merely exchanging pleasantries, yet she seemed to be questioning him.


    The middle-aged man in the long robe smiled and said, "Oh, Hongqiu, as you know, our Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts is always booming with business. As such, I often have business engagements in Taotie City. Your arrival was so sudden, but I rushed back as soon as I received the news."


    A gust of wind blew through the hall, causing the candle me to flicker.


    "The Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts is booming with business...?" The woman in red gasped. "Then why have you been turning in lower and lower profits in recent years?"


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" the middle-aged man chuckled. "It seems you don''t know how things work in business. Even if a store is doing well, profit margins will fluctuate..."


    "<i>Ahem,</i>" the long-bearded elderly man coughed, interrupting the middle-aged man. Then the old man said in a deep voice, "Xu Nanling, you need to be aware of who you''re talking to. The Young Lady is currently touring the Four Seas with the chief''s arrow banner ofmand. Say what needs to be said, but show some respect and refrain from saying what shouldn''t be said..."


    It seemed that the middle-aged man revered the elderly man greatly.


    Upon hearing the elderly man''s words, the middle-aged man immediately nodded gently and said, "I will heed your reminder, Elder Cangxing."


    The three people in the hall were Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Four Seas Whale Gang, Elder Cangxing, from the Northern Whale Division, and Xu Nanling, the manager of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts in Taotie City.


    With the approaching election for the next chief of the gang, it was the usual practice for envoys to carry the chief''s arrow banner ofmand as they toured the Four Seas. The purpose of the tour was to take advantage of the chief''s authority and use it to investigate if any shady activities were being done within the four divisions of the Whale Gang. They could then use their findings as bargaining chips to increase their leverage in the uing election.


    The home base of the gang''s current chief, Xu Bashan, was the Northern Whale Division. In the past, he had stepped down as the vice-chief in charge of the Northern Whale Division to take part in the election to be the next chief of the gang.


    The Northern Whale Division operated several stores in Taotie City, and they were key businesses for the gang. The Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was one of them. It had always been managed by Xu Nanling¡ªXu Bashan''s n junior.


    The very purpose behind Xu Hongqiu''s visit was to inspect Xu Nanling''s activities.


    After Elder Cangxing admonished Xu Nanling, Xu Hongqiu said slowly, "Second Uncle is from my n after all, so I don''t mind whether he''s polite with me when we''re talking in private. However, Second Uncle, I hope you can give a proper answer when we''re in public."


    "<i>Haaa,</i>" Xu Nanling sighed helplessly. "It''s normal for profits to fluctuate when you''re running a business. During thest two years, Taotie City has seen a great increase in the number of stores selling spirit beasts. Topete with them, we''ve had to make many price cuts. I''ve been working hard to continue bringing in profits¡ª"


    "I know you''ve been working hard, Second Uncle. Why don''t you take out the store''s ounts ledger and let me have a look? Everything will be clear at a nce," Xu Hongqiu suggested suddenly.


    Xu Nanling looked surprised. He raised his eyebrows and asked, "Do you suspect me?"


    "This is one of our gang''s businesses. I''m here under the chief''s authority to check the ounts. I''m acting fairly and reasonably, so why would you say that?" Xu Hongqiu replied, staring at Xu Nanling coldly without any hesitation.


    "I''ve always been sending the ounts ledger to the chief for review at the end of the year, and there has never been a problem. Yet, you''ve suddenlye here to say you want to check the ounts... You''re obviously suspecting me..." Xu Nanling said, his anger seeping into his tone.


    "Yes," Xu Hongqiu answered indifferently with a nod.


    The meaning behind her answer was very clear...


    <i>I do suspect you. What about it?</i>


    Xu Hongqiu''s candid admission stunned Xu Nanling.


    After staring nkly for a moment, Xu Nanling squeezed out, "<i>Huh?</i>"


    ...


    The roar of a beast rang out suddenly, shaking the street!


    There had already been an incident during the day involving a Dark Wind Panther escaping from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. It had caused a disturbance to the surrounding area, but the nearby cultivators hadn''t thought much of it. After all, the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts couldn''t possibly continue making such oversights.


    However, this time, an even more astonishing demonic miasma overflowed from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, so much so that it instantly put the whole city in a state of rm.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The demonic beasts imprisoned Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts had cultivation levels ranging from the first to the fifth realm. asionally, there were even sixth-realm demonic beasts that were brought over to the store under escort to be sold. There were at least several hundred demonic beasts in total.


    No one could have expected that all the demonic beasts held in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts would escape that very night! It seemed as if this escape had been premeditated. A nearly two-zhang-high Wind Roarer with sharp scales broke through the doors of the store, and countless shadowy figures fled in all directions!


    At this moment, Chu Liang happened to be just outside the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and saw the stream of shadowy figures rush out of the store.


    Seeing the demonic beasts flee, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think...


    <i>Crap. My Human-Faced Xiao!</i>


    He immediately activated his divine sense to search the area for the Human-Faced Xiao. Luckily for Chu Liang, he noticed there was an ash-gray figure who had the fastest speed among the hundreds of shadows darting around. Chu Liang managed to find the Human-Faced Xiao with just a nce.


    "Stop right there!" Chu Liang yelled, immediately chasing after the Human-Faced Xiao.


    <i>I don''t care about the other monsters, but you can''t go... I paid a deposit to buy you!</i>


    Chu Liang had experienced firsthand how difficult it was to catch a Human-Faced Xiao. In thatplex terrain, even Fang Ting, who was at the level of the Golden Core Realm, had not been able to keep chasing it.


    So, this time, Chu Liang activated the flying form of the Razor Leaf the moment he started chasing the Human-Faced Xiao.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    During that mission with Fang Ting, Chu Liang had been able to chase and keep up with the Human-Faced Xiao solely because he''d used the Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman. Now, Chu Liang was just managing to be on the Human-Faced Xiao''s heels thanks to riding on the Razor Leaf.


    If someone were to look down at this scene from the sky, they would see three figures moving significantly faster than the rest.


    One of them was the shadowy figure who had darted out of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts first. This person was obviously rted to the chaos at the store, but Chu Liang didn''t care about matters that didn''t affect him.


    The second figure was the ash-gray Human-Faced Xiao. This creature made of yin qi was truly crafty. It was unlike the other demonic beasts who were fleeing frantically without much thought. The Human-Faced Xiao seemed to have determined that wherever the ck-robed figure was headed would be the safest option, so it closely followed behind the ck-robed figure.


    That certainly appeared to be the case, as the other demonic beasts had been stopped by the staff of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and the Taotie City''sw enforcement department. The Human-Faced Xiao, who had followed the ck-robed figure, was the only one who had managed to make it out and flee into the distance.


    The third figure was Chu Liang, standing in the radiance of the Razor Leaf''s green light. He stared fixedly at the Human-Faced Xiao, unwilling to rx and drop his gaze.


    It was evident that the direction-focused training he''d done had been effective. He was currently making the Razor Leaf fly at full speed, flying agilely and weaving through the urban terrain of the city. It was a bit strenuous, but he never crashed.


    Chu Liang''s ability to exercise fine control over his divine sense had already surpassed that of many cultivators of the same cultivation realm. He had achieved such a high level of proficiency that he could even consider splitting his focus between using the Razor Leaf to fly andunching an attack at the Human-Faced Xiao with his flying sword!


    The wind roared thunderously in Chu Liang''s ears as he sped forward. As he was still riding on the Razor Leaf, he couldn''t useplex hand seals to activate skills like the Talismanic Sword Seal. All he could do was raise two fingers andmand the flying sword to thrust toward the Human-Faced Xiao like a shooting star.


    Unfortunately, the flying sword kept missing its target.


    The three figures were moving at lightning-fast speed. He chased it, and it chased him![1]


    Chu Liang''s eyes were only focused on the Human-Faced Xiao; he didn''t even notice the ck-robed figure. However, the ck-robed figure overlooked the Human-Faced Xiao''s presence and only noticed Chu Liang.


    The ck-robed figure at the forefront was too preupied to look closely at the situation behind him. He knew through his divine sense that someone had been following him this whole time, but he had no idea that it was just Chu Liang working hard to catch a Human-Faced Xiao. The ck-robed man thought that he was the one Chu Liang was after.


    Consequently, when the ck-robed man passed through an intersection, he suddenly nced to his left and right while shouting, "Stop him!"


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.</i>


    Three people rushed out from the sides of the intersection. Two of the three people raised their hands and held open arge golden while the remaining person formed a seal with both hands and activated the golden, sending it into the air.


    <i>Swish</i>¡ª


    There was a sh of golden light, and therge spread across the intersection in midair, instantly separating the ck-robed man from his pursuers!


    The Human-Faced Xiao let out a strange cry as it did a flip in midair to avoid colliding with the golden. After that, it tried to turn and head in a different direction. However, it realized that it was a bit toote to do that.


    During the chase, there had always been some distance between the three figures. Nevertheless, considering their swift speeds, that distance was basically nothing.


    Chu Liang caught up in an instant while the Human-Faced Xiao was dyed.


    "Go!" Chu Liang yelled.


    To ensure he wouldnd a hit on the Human-Faced Xiao, Chu Liang unleashed all of his enchanted artifacts.


    <i>Hundred Swords Seal!</i>


    Flying swords emerged in a flurry and filled the sky overhead with swordlight.


    <i>Demon-Binding Rope!</i>


    A beam of snake-like red light shot out.


    <i>Razor Leaf!</i>


    The crescent moon Chu Liang had been riding disappeared.


    When the Human-Faced Xiao turned around and saw that it had no way out, it immediately showed a fierce expression to Chu Liang. It wasn''t clear whether the Human-Faced Xiao even remembered the person to whom it had shown a vicious front during the day though. In any case, it was now pouncing toward Chu Liang.


    In the next second, Chu Liang''s overwhelming attack was raining down on the Human-Faced Xiao. He was no longer the same as when he did that mission on Southern Bastion Mountain. The Human-Faced Xiao had no strengths aside from speed. How could it possibly withstand Chu Liang''s attack?


    <i>Shing</i>¡ª


    In practically no time at all, this vicious ghost was killed by the Hundred Swords Seal and returned to being a wisp of yin qi.


    <i>Finally...</i>


    Right when Chu Liang felt at ease, he heard a familiar high-pitched, piercing scream ring out nearby.


    "<i>Aaaah!</i>"


    1. In case you didn¡¯t get it, Chu Liang is chasing the Human-Faced Xiao, and the Human-Faced Xiao is chasing the ck-robed figure. ?

 Chapter 118: You Must Deliver Justice For Me

    <h4>Chapter 118: You Must Deliver Justice For Me</h4>


    <i>It identally injured someone again?</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel his heart in his throat.


    <i>What''s been happening recently? </i>


    No matter where he went, even in ces where no one was visible, the Razor Leaf always seemed to be able to hit someone.


    Before he could carefully examine the situation, he heard the sound of wind behind him, and a swift figure was tailing him.


    "Thief! How dare you cause a mess in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts!"


    This was a middle-aged man dressed in a long robe, with a sharp and imposing appearance. Judging by his aura, he was already at the Realm of the Five Elements!


    "Hold on!" Chu Liang shouted loudly, "I am not..."


    But before Chu Liang could finish speaking, the middle-aged man, with eyes shing of ruthlessness, had already attacked with his palm.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    As the palm descended, wind and thunder rolled, and arge mass of dark clouds rolled towards Chu Liang!


    <i>Something''s not right.</i>


    Chu Liang''s mind raced as he promptly discerned that there was something suspicious about this person.


    If Chu Liang was from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and had erroneously identified someone as a thief who had disrupted the store... If the potential culprit''s cultivation level was much lower, Chu Liang would have felt confident enough to capture and interrogate the culprit to uncover the mastermind.


    However, this person was clearly eager to attack and was almost intent on killing him! It was evident that he wanted to ensure that Chu Liang would never get the opportunity to exin!


    But despite the unusual circumstances, the undeniable reality was that this pursuer was exceptionally powerful, and the force of this palm strike was unquestionably terrifying!


    Chu Liang had no choice but to swiftly summon the Razor Leaf, transforming its shape instantly for defense!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    As the green light shed, Chu Liang was already wrapped up like a zongzi. Nevertheless, the palm strike, apanied by the ck clouds, managed to break the defense of the artifact, leaving it partially deted.


    "<i>Ugh...</i>" Chu Liang felt agitated.


    The zongzi-like Razor Leaf emitted a crackling sound, and extensive cracks began to spread. Not only had this palm attack almost destroyed Chu Liang''s Green Leaf enchanted tool, it had inflicted injuries on Chu Liang.


    He quickly deactivated the wrapping form of the Razor Leaf. The tool was mostly destroyed. At this point, the defense of the tool has be ineffective. In addition, his movements were restricted.


    But what difference would it make if he were able to move?


    In the face of a terrifyingly powerful fifth-realm cultivator, both escape and resistance appeared somewhat futile.


    However, Chu Liang had no intention of sitting idly by. He secretly stimted the flow of his foundational qi, preparing to muster his strongest power for a brief resistance, hoping to seize a chance for survival.


    Just as the middle-aged man was about to strike with his palm for the second time, seemingly prepared to crush Chu Liang on the spot, a sudden clear andmanding female voice echoed from the distant sky.


    "Second Uncle, stop!"


    However, the middle-aged man paid no heed, lifting his palm once again and unleashing a thunderous force!


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    A silvery eight-trigram formation, spanning about a dozen meters in diameter, unfolded in front of Chu Liang, just in time to block the impending strike!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    The middle-aged man''s dark cloud giant palm mmed into the eight-trigram formation, creating ripples thatyered upon each other but failed to shatter the defense.


    With this slight obstruction, an elderly man with a long beard descended from the sky. Chu Liang immediately recognized him; he was the one who had injured Wenren Mo in front of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts during the day.


    "Elder Cangxing, why are you protecting a thief?" The middle-aged man, instead of waiting, confronted him with a stern voice.


    Elder Cangxing remained silent, but a crisp voice from behind sounded.


    "He is not a thief!"


    A figure in red clothing swiftly approached from the end of the street with her garments fluttering in the night wind like mes. Yet, her countenance felt as cold as ice.


    It was Xu Hongqiu.


    The middle-aged man who had consecutively attacked Chu Liang was none other than Xu Nanling, the one in charge of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts.


    The three of them had been discussing matters in the backyard of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts when they suddenly heard a loud noise. The demonic beasts in the front yard had collectively fled, scattering in all directions. The members of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and thew enforcement team of Taotie City immediately started capturing the fleeing demonic beasts. Meanwhile, Xu Nanling went after the supposed thief.


    Sensing that something was amiss, Xu Hongqiu swiftly followed with Elder Cangxing.


    They happened to witness Xu Nanling attacking Chu Liang.


    "I saw him fly out of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and flee all the way here. How could I be mistaken?" Xu Nanling shouted.


    His furious expression suggested that he was determined to execute Chu Liang on the spot to resolve the situation.


    "I do not know whether you are mistaken. However, I know that it is impossible for him to be a thief," Xu Hongqiu approached and eximed while looking at Chu Liang, "If it were someone else, I might have believed you. However, this person is Chu Liang, a young hero of Mount Shu!"


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Chu Liang recognized the woman as Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Whale Gang, from earlier today. Calmly assessing the situation, he spected on the undercurrents at y between these individuals.


    Yet Chu Liang was surprised to hear Xu Hongqiu suddenly mentioning his name.


    "You know him?" Xu Nanling descended to the ground, stepping forward with an unfriendly gaze.


    "When I was investigating the crimes of the East Whales Gang in South Gate City, I managed to uncover the secret activities because of young hero Chu," Xu Hongqiu exined.


    Then she turned to Chu Liang and said softly, "On the day of Xue Lingxue''s performance, I was also present. I witnessed Young Hero Chu interrogating the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess."


    <i>Ah, so that''s why.</i>


    Chu Liang now understood why the old man had allowed him to enter the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts earlier in the day. It wasn''t that they were particrly amodating; it was because he had helped them significantly.


    While Xu Bashan and Jiang Shenting werepeting with each other, he had exposed crimesmitted by the East Whale Division[1]!


    Upon realizing this, he responded softly, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for your timely assistance."


    "Young Hero Chu has done us a great favor. I intended to find an opportunity to express our gratitude. I really didn''t expect us to be the cause of your injury today. I hope you won''t find fault in us." Although Xu Hongqiu maintained her cool and aloof demeanor, she spoke to Chu Liang in a rtively softer tone, especially whenparing her interactions with the others.


    She turned her head once more, directing her cold expression at Xu Nanling. "Second Uncle, should the Mount Shu Sect demand ountability for this incidentter, I won''t protect you."


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Xu Nanling snorted coldly, brushing his sleeves. "I know I did nothing wrong."


    "<i>Eh¡ª</i>" At that moment, Chu Liang spoke up, saying, "I happened to be outside the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts at that time and encountered the escaped demonic beasts. I witnessed a shadow rushing out and assumed that shadow to be the thief causing this chaos. Adhering to the teachings of my sect to punish evil and promote good, I followed closely."


    As he spoke, each word carried conviction, and a sense of righteousness emanated from him.


    "I know this senior has been pursuing the criminal. This was merely a misunderstanding. Both of us had the goal of tracking down the thief. Since I know this, how can I ask my sect to seek ountability?"


    Observing hisposed demeanor and hearing his reasonable words, both Xu Hongqiu and Xu Nanling were somewhat surprised. In the cultivation world, where individuals were often assertive, encountering such a genuinely upright person was rare.


    "Young Hero Chu is truly righteous and courageous. Say no more. You''re injured;e with us to be treated for your wounds," Xu Hongqiu suggested.


    "It''s just a minor injury. Don''t worry about it," Chu Liang waved his hand indifferently. "It would be more convenient if Miss Xu could kindly escort me to the First-Rate Sword Hut. I have some urgent tasks to do there."


    "But you just coughed up blood..." Xu Hongqiu hesitated.


    "Just a few drops." Chu Liang wiped it off casually, shaking his head with a light smile and disying no concern.


    "Fine then." Xu Hongqiu nodded reluctantly.


    Given the short distance, she personally guided and escorted Chu Liang to the First-Rate Sword Hut in Taotie City.


    Inside the First-Rate Sword Hut, Di Nufeng, who had been anticipating her disciple''s return, received the news and emerged to wee him.


    Chu Liang finally felt a sense of relief upon seeing Di Nufeng. Despite Xu Hongqiu mentioning that the Four Seas Whale Gang owed him a favor, he refrained from acting rashly in their presence. After all, they were like a family, and he was merely a rtively powerless outsider. Even if he harbored suspicions about Xu Nanling, he wouldn''t dare to voice them.


    But now, he finally saw someone truly on his side.


    In the next moment, the once calm andposed Chu Liang abruptly bent at the waist, maintaining a hunched posture. His face disyed a mix of pain and anxiety as he clutched his chest with one hand, leaning for support against the wall.


    "Esteemed Teacher, I thought I would never see you again!" he cried out to Di Nufeng in a mournful tone. "You must deliver justice for me!"


    1. Jiang Shenting is part of the East Whale Division so he basically helped Xu Bashan''s re-election. ?

 Chapter 119: Wolf Fang Gang

    <h4>Chapter 119: Wolf Fang Gang</h4>


    Previously...


    After the three members of the Wind and Fire Gang exited the medicinal hall in a state of panic, they arrived at the gloomy corner in an alley.


    "I''ve thought it through," the tall young man said fiercely, "The reason we''ve been sneaking around is because we have no one supporting us! I wanted to be stronger on my own, but I ended up being bullied by everyone."


    "Big Brother, I thought we were the ones robbing others?" the short and thin teenager asked in a hushed tone.


    "Shut up!" the tall young man scolded.


    "Do you think you should talk just because you have a mouth?" The short and chubby teenager chimed in, "We robbed him and he fought back! Did he not bully us?"


    "In fact, the Wolf Fang Gang had approached me a long time ago, but I didn''t want to depend on others at that time, so I rejected them," the tall young man said, "But now I''ve changed my mind. Why don''t we rely on the strength of a big gang first? When we be stronger, we can establish our own faction."


    The Wolf Fang Gang was one of the top gangs in this area of the city, with the gang leader being a strong individual at the beginning stage of the fifth realm. Moreover, he held the position of a fourth-rank honored ally in the city, having influence in both the criminal side and thewful side.


    "I agree." The chubby one immediately raised his hand and added, "But I have a suggestion..."


    "What?"


    "Before we join the Wolf Fang Gang, can we find another ce to treat my injuries first? I think...I am dying," the chubby guy said in a weak tone.


    "Didn''t you say that you could take another stab earlier?" the thin youth asked.


    "Well, isn''t it great that you have a good memory!" the chubby one replied irritably.


    ...


    When the three brothers arrived at the entrance of the Wolf Fang Gang''s hall, they didn''t expect to be weed by the gang leader himself.


    "Well... Awesome! You finally came! I''ve been waiting for a long time! The Wolf Fang Gang is in need of talented people like you three."


    Seated in the main hall was a middle-aged man wearing a refined brocade robe and exuding an air of sharpness and capability. From his elevated point of view, he appraised the three individuals before him while showing a gentle and friendly smile on his face.


    Sitting below him was a middle-aged schr, the advisor of the Wolf Fang Gang, who waved a white paper fan and sported a mustache that looked like °Ë, the character for eight.


    Incredulously, the tall youth asked the Gang Leader, "Have you... heard about us before?"


    <i>Why does it seem like the leader of the Wolf Fang Gang has been anticipating our arrival for quite some time?</i>


    <i>Is the Wind and Fire Gang famous?</i>


    "No," replied the leader of the Wolf Fang Gang, shaking his head as he spoke. He then continued saying, "But your faces... <i>Eh?</i> Why does this chubby one look so weak? It''s as if he''s been stabbed a couple of times."


    While speaking, he abruptly changed the topic and asked with a puzzled expression.


    "<i>Ah</i>, about this..." the tall young man exined with an awkward smile, "My brother does have a minor injury. But rest assured! He''ll be back to full health tomorrow morning and be as sturdy as an ox."


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" The short and chubby one could only force a smile that appeared uglier than a crying expression.


    "Tomorrow morning? That''s toote," the gang leaderughed. "Prior to joining our gang, you mustplete a task for me as a token of submission. I want you to do it tonight."


    <i>Is it really that urgent? </i>


    The tall youth briefly hesitated but ultimately decided that the gang leader''s immediate assignment signified a notable level of trust and recognition. With determination, he sped his fists and dered, "Rest assured! We won''t disappoint you!"


    "I''ll provide you with the details of the taskter. For now, go rest. Procure some medicine to replenish your brother''s strength. Don''t procrastinate on this matter."


    With a casual wave of his hand, the gang leader signaled for them to leave.


    After those three left, the advisor disyed a disdainful expression as he shook his head.


    "Gang Leader, these three don''t look very smart. Why bother meeting them yourself? Just send them off to any branch. I''m puzzled as to why you''re dealing with this kind of riffraff now," the advisor expressed, sounding a bit confused.


    "I haven''t had the chance to update you on the matter rted to the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts," the leader of the Wolf Fang Gang said with a smile.


    "For the past few years, we''ve been discreetly working with the manager of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and selling spirit beasts. We generated significant profits off the books. The current standing of the Wolf Fang Gang owes much to this deal," exined the leader.


    But now, representatives from the Whale Gang are here to investigate, and the ounts at the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts will surely be imbnced. Xu Nanling told me that we would all be in trouble if we failed to incite a significant incident!


    "That..." Upon hearing this, the advisor couldn''t help but ponder. "He wants you, the gang leader, to handle it? Be careful not to be someone he can exploit and discard."


    The leader of the Wolf Fang Gang replied, "All his manpower is under the supervision of the Whale Gang, making it inconvenient for him to act. He has already made all the arrangements for the incident to happen. I just need to set the spirit beasts free tonight. By then, chaos will ensue in the entire city. This way, the discrepancy in the number of spirit beasts will be reasonable."


    "But the Whale Gang can''t simply overlook this, right?" the advisor asked. Before the gang leader could respond, the advisor quickly smiled and added, "And that''s why we need a few scapegoats whom others deemed to have no connection to us?"


    "Exactly," the leader of the Wolf Fang Gang smiled. "Those three fellows have no affiliation with my Wolf Fang Gang. Tonight, Tonight, I''ll task them with obstructing the pursuers from behind, and when Xu Nanling arrives, we''ll dispose of them. By then, with no evidence, who will suspect us?"


    "What a clever n!" The advisor apuded.


    ...


    Soon, it was night time.


    The trio waited at the street corner as ording to the n. They needed to wait for the gang leader to pass by before deploying a golden to obstruct the pursuers behind them.


    The gang leader had not provided them with details about his specific actions, so the three of them were not too nervous at the moment.


    "This task is not difficult at all. Once we''re done, we can join the Wolf Fang Gang. Let''s give it our all!" the tall young man said as he tried to encourage his brothers.


    "But Big Brother, I have an idea."


    Suddenly, the short and chubby one spoke.


    "What?" The tall young man and the short and thin teenager looked at him.


    As the short and chubby one spoke, a glimmer of intelligence shed in his eyes. He remarked, "Wealth and risk are often intertwined."


    "In the gang leader''s bedroom, there''s a concealedpartment and a treasure chest is hidden in that concealedpartment. It likely holds the gang leader''s most valuable collections amassed over the years. We can seize an opportunity to steal this treasure chest and then make a getaway!"


    "Well, that''s not a bad idea," the tall young man said. "But how did youe across such confidential information?"


    "When the gang leader''s wife was sleeping with the strategist, she confided in him about this. The advisor, in turn, shared the secret with the Second Hall Master''s wife while they were sleeping together. The chain continued as the Second Hall Master''s wife divulged it to the Third Hall Master, who then shared it with the wife of the gang''s physician. Upon her return, the physician''s wife disclosed it to the physician. When I was seeking treatment from the physician, he was drunk and revealed this secret to me," exined the short and chubby teenager.


    The tall young man and the short and thin one were left speechless at the revtion.


    While the two of them were momentarily stunned, a suddenmotion jolted them back to attention. Shortly after, a swift ck figure raced towards them.


    The shadowy figure was barely visible, passing by like a gust of wind! Had it not been for the shouts of "Stop him" echoing as the gust of wind passed by, they wouldn''t have been able to discern that it was the gang leader.


    Upon hearing themand, the three of them immediately sharpened their focus. While they weren''t powerful, they were cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm and handling such a small task was well within their capabilities.


    The short and chubby individual, along with the short and thinpanion, positioned themselves on either side of the street and summoned the golden.


    Simultaneously, the tall young man formed a hand seal with both hands, activating the formation inscription instantly.


    The expansive golden unfurled, and the Human-Faced Xiao following behind nearly collided with it! It was forced to slow down, allowing Chu Liang to catch up immediately behind it.


    The moment the chubby one saw Chu Liang''s figure, a warning signal surged within him.


    <i>Shit!</i>


    <i>It''s him again!</i>


    Almost instinctively, the short and chubby one turned and ran! The mere sight of that face made his back feel like it was burning!


    "Second Brother?"


    When the tall young man and the short and thin one saw the chubby one running suddenly, they realized that a section of the golden had unraveled. And so, they went after the chubby one.


    "Why are you running?" the tall young man asked sternly.


    "No, if I don''t run, I''ll be stabbed in the back again!" the chubby one exined while running.


    "But..." The short and thin one whispered, "Second Brother, you''ve already been stabbed in the back again."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The short and chubby one nced back and indeed noticed the familiar green edge on his back. The scream, sounding all too familiar, pierced the night sky once again.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"

 Chapter 120: Golden-Core Puppet

    <h4>Chapter 120: Golden-Core Puppet</h4>


    "You want me to deliver justice for you..."


    That night in the First-Rate Sword Hut, Di Nufeng rubbed her chin and considered the situation for a moment.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang was shocked. "Esteemed Teacher, why are you hesitating? Someone almost smacked your most beloved disciple to death!"


    "First, tell me what happened. You said you were going to buy something, but you were gone for so damn long, and you even almost died on the way back," Di Nufeng said.


    Chu Liang gave her a brief recount of what he''d experienced. Of course, he emphasized how he''d felt so weak and helpless in the face of Xu Nanling''s intense ferocity and ruthlessness.


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" Di Nufeng scoffed disdainfully after hearing what had happened. "He''s merely a manager of the Whale Gang, yet he dared to try and kill my disciple. It seems like he thinks his family has too much money and he''s trying to use up some aspensation... No, it''s more likely that he thinks he''s been alive for too long."


    "<i>Mmhm!</i>" Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    "However, if you want me to move my legs to get revenge for you, you''ll have to let me rest for a day at least," Di Nufeng said. "I used up a lot of energy to forge a sword for you."


    "Didn''t you request for Master Kunwu to forge the sword? Why did you have to do anything, Esteemed Teacher?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly.


    "The esteemed Senior Di Nufeng chose the best material currently avable at the First-Rate Sword Hut¡ªthe Glowing Jade-Gold Crystal," exined the simple and honest-looking young man who had walked out with Di Nufeng, his voice tinged with pain. His heartache over the loss of his family''s smithy''s best material was too difficult for him to hold back. "The Glowing Jade-Gold Crystal can only be forged using the Samadhi True Fire, so esteemed Senior Di Nufeng had to put in a lot of effort for us to forge the sword."


    This young man was, of course, Xu Kunwu''s only son¡ªXu Sui.


    While Xu Sui said that, he was thinking of a totally different scene. He recounted how Di Nufeng had brazenly barged into the First-Rate Sword Hut,pletely disregarding the gazes of the many onlookers.


    ...


    At the time... Di Nufeng had seemed like a thug as she charged toward Xu Sui''s father.


    "Now, I''m letting you help me forge a sword, but I, Di Nufeng, won''t just stand by idly and watch you do all the work. I heard that swords forged using Samadhi True Fire are the best."


    However, the reason why swords crafted with the Samadhi True Fire were the best was because only the most excellent materials were used whenever the Samadhi True Fire was employed. Less exceptional materials would be instantly destroyed by Samadhi True Fire.


    Therefore, it was very clear what Di Nufeng meant.


    <i>I want the best materials. If you dare to brush me off and use ordinary materials, don''t me me for destroying them.</i>


    <i>And if you''re still thinking of saying that you''re not willing to use the best materials...</i>


    A flickering purple ball of SamadhiTrue Fire hovered above Di Nufeng''s fingertips. Who could say a single word of refusal upon seeing that?


    Xu Kunwu could only grit his teeth and agree to Di Nufeng''s demands.


    Like Di Nufeng, Xu Kunwu was at the seventh realm of cultivation, the Dao Attainment Realm. After all, in this cultivation world, it was difficult to excel in any craft without possessing a profound understanding of the Dao.


    However, if Xu Kunwu was a seventh-realm cksmith who specialized in forging swords, then Di Nufeng was a seventh-realm warrior who specialized inbat! They were both at the Dao Attainment Realm, but theirbat capabilities were on entirely different levels.


    Moreover, Xu Kunwu owed Di Nufeng a favor, giving Di Nufeng the upper hand! Even if Xu Kunwu were to gather all the influential figures in Taotie City to support him, Di Nufeng wouldn''t be afraid at all.


    Consequently, Xu Kunwu could only grit his teeth and take out the Glowing Jade-Gold Crystal, a material of the highest quality that he had cherished for many years.


    In any case, Xu Kunwu had never forgotten how Di Nufeng had helped him in the past. This was an opportunity to finally fulfill his wish of repaying that favor.


    Nevertheless, he felt a bit troubled by Di Nufeng''s request. He didn''t understand why Di Nufeng insisted on having him forge a replica of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword.


    If he were to use the Glowing Jade-Gold Crystal and forge it using the Samadhi True Fire to the utmost of his abilities, Xu Kunwu was certainly capable of creating a sword that would easily rank among the top three hundred of the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. It might even have the potential to break into the top two hundred. So, this was indeed an appealing opportunity for a swordsmith of his caliber.


    Making a replica of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword would be a slightly simpler task, and he might be able to make the replica marginally more powerful than the original. However, a replica couldn''t enter the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, and Xu Kunwu wouldn''t gain any fame for making it.


    As for the reason why Di Nufeng wanted a replica, her answer was...


    "My disciple is weak. I simply want to provide him with a quality sword for his protection. However, if his flying sword is ranked in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, it would attract unwanted attention and potential threats from people who covet it."


    Xu Kunwu was a bit surprised to hear that.


    He remarked, "I didn''t expect you to disy a thoughtful side. I guess you thought of this because you cherish your disciple greatly, right?"


    "Not quite," Di Nufeng replied with a smile, waving her hand. "Whenever I covet someone else''s treasure, it''s because their treasure appeared in the catalog. That''s why I thought of it so easily."


    "..."


    Xu Kunwu''s warm feelings about Di Nufeng''s seemingly touching rtionship with her disciple instantly disappeared.


    <i>Fine.</i>


    <i>As expected, this person has always had the mindset of a bandit. It shouldn''t be surprising that she could think of that.</i>


    With that, Xu Kunwu, the owner of the First-Rate Sword Hut, wasted no time in starting up the furnace to forge the sword. Even when nightfall arrived, he didn''t sleep. He just wanted to get the sword done as quickly as possible to send away this great "deity."


    As for whether he would take his work seriously or just ck off, there was no need to even wonder about that. After all, as a first-rate swordsmith of the mortal world, Xu Kunwu had his own set of principles and work ethic. Once he agreed to amission, he would do his best toplete it; he would never tarnish the reputation of his business.


    Moreover, this was a rare opportunity for him to forge with the assistance of Samadhi True Fire, so he very quickly immersed himself in making the sword.


    Consequently, when Chu Liang arrived at the smithy, Xu Sui was the only one who walked out with Di Nufeng to wee him.


    ...


    "I see," Chu Liang said.


    After listening to the whole story, he realized that Di Nufeng had actually put much thought into her response to his request.


    Then Chu Liang concluded, "In that case, let''s wait for you to recover all of your foundational qi. We can find that guy and get revengeter, Esteemed Teacher. It''s not an urgent matter."


    "Indeed," Di Nufeng nodded. "If all I''m doing is dealing with a weak cultivator at the Realm of the Five Elements, I wouldn''t need to rest. But since we''re the ones initiating the attack, we should be in our best condition to cope with any unexpected situations that may arise. For example, striking a young person may prompt an elder from their family to step out to save them...


    "Moreover, with the chaos that urred at the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts earlier, they will surely be heavily guarded now. It would easily arouse suspicion if we go there rashly. Let''s wait for a day and catch him off guard. It will be easier to get him then."


    After hearing his teacher''s analysis, Chu Liang felt that it made a lot of sense.


    This was, after all, an analysis that Di Nufeng, a street-smart war advisor, had formted using the valuablebat experiences she''d gained from the many years she''d spent in the Mount Shu Sect and out in the martial world. There was no need for Chu Liang to consider whether what she''d said was right or wrong; he just needed to learn her ways.


    Di Nufeng might be unreliable in every other aspect, but when it came to fighting, her instincts were always reliable!


    ...


    As the night deepened, Chu Liang found a ce to rest in the First-Rate Sword Hut and retreated to his room.


    As the tranquil stillness surrounded him, he finally seized the moment to step into the White Pagoda within his own mind.


    A small Human-Faced Xiao''s phantom was suspended in one of the iron cells.


    <i>This little guy... It''s so fierce and cunning, but why do I find it so damn likable?</i>


    Chu Liang shifted his attention to the Large-Headed Doll sitting in a corner of the White Pagoda, working diligently. Due to the perfect operation of the Qi-Cirction Technique, there was always a cloud of smoke surrounding the puppet. Yet, despite emitting smoke, the puppet had never asked for Chu Liang to raise its sry by even one Qi-Gathering Pill.


    <i>It''s truly touching. Who wouldn''t want more employees like this?</i>


    Chu Liang nervously pressed the word "Refine." He didn''t know if the White Pagoda would give him the same reward for this Human-Faced Xiao, which was slightly stronger than the first one he''d killed.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but hold his breath as the white light slowly flew out of the cell.


    <i>Judging from its form, it looks simr to a puppet... It has to be a puppet!</i>


    Then the object inside the white light fell into Chu Liang''s hands.


    [Golden-Core Puppet: This puppet boosts the development of the host''s Golden Core to aid in their cultivation. The puppet must first form a Golden Core and then use it to further develop the host''s Golden Core. All progress achieved in cultivation will be transferred to the host. The puppet consumes one Spirit Concentration Pill during the day and two at night. Additionally, duringbat, the puppet can run its Golden Core simultaneously with the host''s Golden Core, but the consumption of Spirit Concentration Pills will double.


    Please be aware that this puppet is to be used strictly as a cultivation andbat aid. There is a risk of damage if used inappropriately.]

 Chapter 121: Taking From and Using For

    <h4>Chapter 121: Taking From and Using For</h4>


    <i>Golden-Core Puppet?</i>


    Chu Liang carefully read the information about this new reward he had gotten, feeling a bit confused.


    Because he was only at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, his knowledge on the fourth realm of cultivation, the Golden Core Realm, was limited. It was challenging for him to determine how powerful this reward truly was. Nevertheless, regardless of the specifics, the effect of this Golden-Core Puppet was undoubtedly beyond his imagination.


    In the realm of cultivation, the phenomenon of a puppet achieving core formation has never urred before.


    ording to the description, even after the puppet had achieved Core Formation, he would still have the capability to form his own core. Consequently, both cores could be activated simultaneously during cultivation or even in the midst of battle. This implied that he could have two Golden Cores.


    Undoubtedly, having two Cores would be better than having just one. If presented with the option, it was indisputable that anyone would prefer having two Cores.


    However, this might also be a burden.


    In the Human Gate of cultivation, the focus would be on enhancing the body''s strength.


    As one step into the Earthly Gate of cultivation, the acquiring of resources to sustain and advance further in cultivation then became necessary.


    The three realms within the Earthly Gate demanded a significant amount of resources, and this expenditure would start during Core Formation.


    To form a Golden Core, a cultivator must adhere to the specific alchemical recipe aligned with their chosen cultivation method. They must gather all the necessary materials for core formation. Subsequently, they need to ignite the three fires of cirction within their meridians with their vitality, qi, and spirit. This mandated process is crucial for the sessful formation of the core.


    The entire process was full of challenges, and the difficulty of forming the Golden Core increased proportionally with its quality. To sessfully form the Golden Core, each cultivator would usually gather experience from the previous three to five failed attempts.


    Cultivatorsmonly adhered to a practice of preparing enough materials for two attempts each time. If the first attempt failed, they could promptly proceed to the second attempt while the insights gained from the initial attempt remained vivid in their minds.


    Nevertheless, the gathering of materials for each attempt would incur a substantial expense.


    This was precisely why many cultivators would halt their progress before reaching the Golden Core Realm. In a path of endless cultivation, people never gave up due tock of talent. Instead, they would give up due to the despair resulting from the shortage of funds needed to acquire the necessary cultivation resources.


    Coincidentally, Chu Liang wasn''t rich.


    He was presently in theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, on the verge of reaching the pinnacle of this realm. As he prepared for his own Core Formation, the pressing question remained: if he hadn''t amassed sufficient resources for his own Core Formation, how could he possibly gather what was needed for the puppet''s Core Formation?


    Nheless, this was unquestionably a substantial reward. For Chu Liang, it was like someone from a poor family achieving the status of a top schr or a seventy-year-old man marrying a young and beautiful wife¡ªa situation where resources werecking but had to be managed nheless.


    There has never been anyone with two cores, and whether the benefits would outweigh the costs remained to be determined.


    Chu Liang ced the new, motionless puppet with its expressionless face beside the old puppet that was emitting smoke. Both possessed oversized heads andpact bodies, functioning in a simr manner, as if they had inherited the same cultivation legacy.


    However, Chu Liang had a preference for the old puppet.


    Putting aside everything else, the old puppet could function for a whole day with just three Qi-Gathering Pills, while the new puppet would require three Spirit Concentration Pills.


    A single sword coin could purchase a gourd of Qi-Gathering Pills, yet the same amount would only cover the cost of two Spirit Concentration Pills. A single sword coin wouldn''t even be enough to cover a full day''s expenses. On top of the additional requirement of paying the new puppet double for working night shifts, the puppet also required double pay during battles, further stretching the budget.


    <i>Wouldn''t the cost of nighttime battles be quadrupled?</i> <i>Is there any justice? Is there anyw? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel that these puppets were pushing the limits by charging more for longer durations and higher intensity; it felt as if he would end up being the one working for these puppets.


    Unfortunately, there was only one of each type of puppet. If he had many such puppets, he could make them allpete for a chance to work for him.


    Are you willing to work for a Spirit Concentration Pill per day? No? Then, get out! There are many others who can take your ce!


    "I know the standard price is three pills a day and double during battles. However, others are reducing their prices instead of adhering to the standard rate. What can we do if you are the only one following the rule? Sigh, I''m really in a dilemma."


    ...


    The next morning.


    Xu Sui prepared a sumptuous breakfast for the teacher and her disciple. However, Di Nufeng was obviously not going to wake up at this time, and no one dared to wake her up. And so, Chu Liang enjoyed it alone.


    Master Kunwu, who crafted swords, remained in the grass hut. Yet, not a sound came from the grass hut.


    This was because the grass hut was no ordinary grass hut. A spell has been casted within the grass hut, creating a small world with restrictions applied.


    This was the effect of an immortal art known as Hidden Mountains and Seas.


    The seemingly small grass hut, upon entering, might even contain a cityrger than the Taotie City. Not a sight or sound of this world could be noticed from outside the grass hut.


    "Thanks, Brother Xu," Chu Liang politely thanked Xu Sui for his hospitality and then asked, "How long will Master Kunwu take toplete the sword?"


    "My father might need another two days or so. If you feel bored, feel free to leave this ce and explore the area. There are many ces to visit in Taotie City," Xu Sui said with a smile.


    "<i>Oh?</i> Brother Xu, any rmendations?" Chu Liang asked.


    Since Chu Liang hade all this way and Taotie City was such a prosperous city, it would indeed be a bit of a loss not to go out and explore.


    He almost died yesterday, but that was an ident.


    "Taotie City is renowned for its cuisine. In the eastern part of the city, there''s a gourmet shop that offers various dishes from all over the nine provinces. At night, the area is bustling with numerous snack stalls, creating a lively atmosphere," introduced Xu Sui.


    "To the slightly north of the Sword Hut lies an alley known as the Alley of Peculiarity. Many cultivators set up stalls there, selling all sorts of strange things, and the prices are not as high as in the shops. It''s often a ce to find cheap bargains," exined Xu Sui.


    "In the western part of the city, there is a street known as the Street of Wind and Moon, where a multitude of brothel businesses operate. There are probably hundreds of them, varying in size. On a day like this, courtesans and musicians might openly perform in the street to attract customers. However, given your prestigious background, you might not be interested in such things," Xu Sui continued exining.


    "The southern part of the city is more chaotic, serving as the main entrance for most peopleing into the city. Numerous individuals from different organizations and cults gather there. Law enforcement is the strictest in this area due to frequent idents. Residents of Taotie City rarely venture into the southern part of the city," Xu Sui borated.


    "I see. No wonder I was in such a mess yesterday," Chu Liang nodded and said, "Thank you."


    "Young Hero Chu, you don''t have to be courteous. If you want to explore, just let me know, and I can arrange for someone to be your tour guide," offered Xu Sui. He had a good impression of Chu Liang, considering him a polite and courteous teenager unlike his teacher, who seemed to have the word ''rogue'' written all over her face.


    "There''s no need to trouble you. I can just walk around by myself," Chu Liang politely rejected with a smile.


    Later in the day, he walked out of the sword hut. He waited on the roadside for a while until a carriage pulled by a Mountainous Beast, heading towards the west of the city, finally arrived.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as he got on the carriage, he saw a few familiar figures, and Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    There were three familiar figures squeezed into the corner of the carriage.


    In the middle was a tall young man with an absent-minded expression, appearing preupied. On the left was a short and thin teenager with an undisguised expression of fear, and on the right was a short and chubby teenager, looking extremely weak.


    "What a coincidence." Chu Liang greeted them.


    "<i>Ahhhh</i>," the three of them eximed in surprise upon seeing Chu Liang.


    Especially the short and chubby youth; he rolled to the ground with a startled expression, then crawled under the seat, muttering strange words like, "It''s already the character ''¸É,'' one more cut, and it''ll be the character ''Íõ,'' can''t take it anymore, can''t take it anymore..."[1]


    He was spouting all kinds of nonsense.


    Chu Liang observed the peculiar behavior of the tall young man and then turned his attention to the remaining two. "What''s going on?"


    "My... my brother has been a bit stressedtely," the tall young man exined, stiffening his neck. "What do you want?"


    The thin and short youth on the side chimed in softly, "Yes, you promised not to hit us anymore."


    "I mean no harm," Chu Liang smiled. "It''s just a chance encounter; you don''t need to be afraid. How about this, let''s shake hands and make peace."


    With that, he extended his hand toward the tall young man.


    "<i>Haha...</i>" The tall young man finally forced a smile and shook hands with Chu Liang.


    At that moment, the beast-drawn carriage stopped, and the two quickly stood up, pulling up the short and chubby one from under the seat, saying, "We''ve arrived. We''re leaving."


    After saying that, the three of them quickly left.


    "Weird," Chu Liang muttered to himself. "And why does that chubby guy''s voice sound strangely familiar?"


    He didn''t think too much about it. With a flip of his hand, an exquisite treasure chest appeared on his palm. The red outer surface gleamed with a lustrous sheen, and the material appeared very sturdy. There was no lock on the outside of the chest, and the intact box was only set with a piece of jade. It seemed that a specific technique was required to open it.


    Last night, he had studied the Mystic Fingers technique and was unsure where to test it. Coincidentally, when he saw these three individuals, he thought of trying it on them to observe the effects.


    Given that he acquired this divine skill from them, it was fitting that he tested it on them.


    It could be considered as taking from the people and using it for the people.


    1. Such a good joke. Iughed right away. So, remember the cross-shaped injury? When the saber shed for the third time, it coincidentally formed a straight line on top of the cross, resembling the character ¸É (gan), which means fuck. If he were to be shed once more on the back, creating a straight line at the bottom of the cross, it would transform into the character Íõ (wang), which means king. And that''s Chinese 101 for you! Please write this 100 times HAHAHAHA ?

 Chapter 122: Why Do You Have to Be So Loud

    <h4>Chapter 122: Why Do You Have to Be So Loud</h4>


    Holding the treasure chest in his hands, Chu Liang examined it for a moment and suddenly felt somewhat awkward.


    If it were items belonging to those three individuals, he wouldn''t feel guilty even if he had casually checked them. After all, those three were not exactly virtuous people. However, this treasure chest seemed to hold considerable value, and those three couldn''t possibly possess treasures worthy of being stored inside it.


    It was most likely a stolen loot.


    If it belonged to someone else, Chu Liang naturally couldn''t im it for himself. However, the three individuals had vanished quickly, making it challenging to catch them and inquire about the rightful owner.


    After some thought, he decided to return to First-Rate Sword Hut first and ask Xu Sui if there was any way to help locate the owner.


    Upon returning to the hut, Xu Sui happened to be absent, likely inside the hut delivering water to Xu Kunwu who was forging the sword.


    And so, Chu Liang waited in the hall for him, idly ying with the treasure chest.


    At that moment, Di Nufeng strolled in casually and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    "I found a treasure chest, but I don''t know how to find the owner. I am going to ask Brother Xu if there''s a way to locate the owner," Chu Liang replied.


    "Why don''t you just open it to see what''s inside? Maybe you''ll figure out who the owner is," suggested Di Nufeng.


    "But this treasure chest seems quite mystical and probably requires a specific technique to..." Chu Liang began.


    "Let me handle it. I''m the best at opening treasure chests," Di Nufeng said confidently.


    With that, she extended a finger, and a golden-purple me, resembling a flying bird, kindled on the tip of her finger , swirling in the air and vanishing in an instant.


    Looking at Chu Liang''s palm, there was now only a thick book left. The chest was gone.


    "Where''s the treasure chest?" he blinked and asked.


    "It''s opened." Di Nufeng stated bluntly.


    "No..." Chu Liang gestured to the empty space, "it''s opened, but where''s the chest?"


    "It''s already opened. Why do you still need the chest?" Di Nufeng asked puzzledly.


    <i>You make a good point...</i>


    Chu Liang was speechless.


    He then shifted his attention back to the thick book in his hand, thinking that something stored in such a precious chest must undoubtedly be of considerable value.


    As they opened and inspected it, they discovered that it was a thick ledger, densely recording financial transactions over several years.


    "All these are..." Di Nufeng also stared at it with a solemn expression as shepleted her unfinished sentence, "Numbers![1]"


    Chu Liang nodded, contemting, "This is a ledger documenting secret transactions between the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and the Wolf Fang Gang, and it''s not the kind that sees the light of day. The proceeds are ultimately taken elsewhere and converted into cultivation resources before being reintegrated into the Wolf Fang Gang."


    "I suspect this involves high-ranking members within the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts making private transactions of spirit beasts. The Wolf Fang Gang must be merely a channel instead of the actual buyer. Logically speaking, given the background of the Whale Gang, especially in a bustling city like Taotie City, they wouldn''t need such high-profit-sharing channels."


    "If it involves high-ranking individuals benefiting at the expense of the public, then it makesplete sense. This ledger is kept securely not because it''s inherently valuable but because its exposure would reveal these dirty dealings."


    In this world, moneyundering was incredibly easy. One could have enjoyed a simple trip outside ande back iming to have found treasures in some hidden realm or dangerous ce. Ill-gotten wealth could easily have been concealed by exchanging it for a rare spiritual item. If someone had the intention of investigating these schemes thoroughly, the only discrepancy would have been the number of spirit beasts possessed by the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts.


    The arrival of Miss Xu Hongqiu from the Whale Gang, the turmoil in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, and the middle-aged man who attacked him hastilyst night... all these connections suddenly clicked in Chu Liang''s mind.


    <i>So that was why...</i>


    He revealed a look of realization.


    Di Nufeng, on the other hand, was still confused. "What can you tell from these numbers? Is there some kind of secret code?"


    <i>Sigh.</i>


    Chu Liang sighed silently. <i>It is not Di Nufeng''s fault.</i>


    If his teacher, being the formidable one, was also highly educated, how would others survive?


    At this moment, Xu Sui returned from outside. Upon seeing the two, he greeted them and asked, "Esteemed Senior, Young Hero Chu, you wanted to see me?"


    "Yes." Chu Liang raised his head and asked, "Brother Xu, I want to ask you about the manager of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. Do you know who it is?"


    "<i>Hmm? </i>The Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts..." Xu Sui paused, pondering, "That is an important industry of the Whale Gang, managed by someone surnamed Xu, I believe his name is Xu Nanling."


    Chu Liang smiled slightly. It was indeed that guy.


    ...


    Later in the evening, the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts weed two unexpected guests.


    Because the reported visitor was Di Nufeng of Mount Shu, Xu Hongqiu put aside her current task and personally came out to greet them. Behind her were Xu Nanling, Elder Cangxing, and two squads of subordinates from the Whale Gang.


    It could be said that everyone capable of fighting from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was present.


    "As your humble junior, I am Xu Hongqiu of the Whale Gang. I have long heard of the Esteemed Senior''s name." Upon seeing Di Nufeng, she first took the initiative to bow and introduce herself.


    Then, she looked up at Di Nufeng with her eyes glimmering, disying a formidable aura as she stared straight at Di Nufeng.


    Di Nufeng didn''t exert any pressure on Xu Hongqiu; instead, she casually put her hands in her sleeves and nced over at Xu Hongqiuzily. Then, she said with a smile, "Oh my, you''re Xu Bashan''s daughter? Despite his ugliness, he managed to have such a beautiful daughter. Truly..."


    "Esteemed Teacher." Chu Liang gently tugged at her sleeve.


    "What''s the matter? Can''t I exchange some polite greetings with her first before getting down to business?" Di Nufeng turned her head back and whispered.


    <i>Well, why don''t you redefine the term "polite greetings."</i>


    "Previously, the incident in South Gate City was resolved thanks to you two cleaning up the mess rted to my Whale Gang. I''ve been wanting to express my sincere gratitude, but recent matters have kept me upied, preventing me from doing so. It''s truly my shoring that the senior has to visit me first. I apologize for the inconvenience."


    Xu Hongqiu maintained aposed expression as she spoke politely to Di Nufeng.


    "<i>Uh¡ª</i>" Di Nufeng waved her hand, indifferent, and remarked, "There''s no need to mention how I eradicated evil. I do around one hundred and eighty of those annually. I came today mainly to inquire about what happenedst night."


    "Last night?" Xu Hongqiu looked at Chu Liang.


    "<i>Oh...</i>" Chu Liang sighed, feigning embarrassment as he said, "I insisted I was fine and that it was just a misunderstanding. However, my teacher insisted that wee here to ask you to exin things clearly... cough, cough, cough!"


    With that, he coughed heavily a few times.


    There was no other choice.


    He had left in such a righteous mannerst night. If he suddenly became hostile, it wouldn''t look good on him. And so, he discussed with his esteemed teacher and the strategy was that one of them would y the good cop while the other would y the bad cop.


    "I have a disciple who is honest and upright," Di Nufeng said with a distressed expression. "Being away from home makes him an easy target for bullying. As his teacher, I must protect him. I just came to ask this. Who attacked my disciplest night?"


    "Senior, we are at fault..." Xu Hongqiu looked uneasy as she pondered how to exin to Di Nufeng.


    However, Xu Nanling''s expression stiffened. He wasn''t a fool and could see that this duo was here to cause a scene.


    They were most likely seekingpensation.


    But he wasn''t afraid at this moment.


    After the chaotic event at the Hall of Ten Thousand Beastsst night, all the deficits in the number of demonic beasts were counted as losses. Although the amount of deficits was suspicious, without concrete evidence, his position remained unshaken.


    Even if Xu Hongqiu brought an imperial edict, she wouldn''t be able to do anything to him.


    In fact, he had always looked down on Xu Hongqiu. He had watched her grow up. She was not even twenty yet, so how capable could she be?


    Upon hearing Xu Hongqiu take the initiative to admit fault, he felt somewhat displeased.


    If she admitted that the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was at fault, it would be akin to acknowledging it was solely his responsibility. This young woman would not only be at a disadvantage but would also likely face extortion. She had also effectively threw him under the bus.


    To say shecked capability was indeed the case. If someone experienced in the martial world were to handle this, they would undoubtedly insist on their innocence and, at most, argue that it was a misunderstanding.


    So, he confidently stepped forward, loudly interrupting Xu Hongqiu, "I was the one who beat him up!"


    As long as he was the first to disy an imposing manner.


    In an instant, he had thought through various scenarios. Regardless of how Di Nufeng questioned or held him ountable, he believed he could refute each point, ensuring that she left empty-handed.


    Unfortunately, the envisioned verbal battle did not take ce.


    Upon seeing him suddenly step forward and loudly interrupt, the smile on Di Nufeng''s face faded. She stomped her left foot, raised her right leg, and then swiftly kicked.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Although this kick seemed neither fast nor heavy, itnded on Xu Nanling''s chest, and his body instantly disappeared from the hall. Subsequently, the walls of the hall produced a resounding boom, followed by another crash from the walls of the courtyard. Afterward, the walls of the shops across the street also echoed with a bang.


    With each booming sound, the people in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts trembled. Finally, after six or seven consecutive crashes, the noise ceased.


    This seemingly casual kick sent Xu Nanling flying three streets away!


    Di Nufeng lowered her leg and scratched the inside of her ear with her left hand. She looked somewhat displeased as she nced in the direction where Xu Nanling had disappeared, asking as if to no one in particr, "Why do you have to be so loud?"


    1. I can''t with her man. WHO DOESN''T KNOW IT''S NUMBERS ?

 Chapter 123: Big Head, Youre The One!

    <h4>Chapter 123: Big Head, You''re The One!</h4>


    Was Xu Hongqiu indeed like what Xu Nanling thought¡ªjust a naive girl, who didn''t have much life experience?


    It was true that it hadn''t been long since Xu Hongqiu started working. Nevertheless, as the daughter of the Whale Gang''s chief, Xu Hongqiu had always held herself to the highest standards and had never been willing to fall behind any of her peers. Thus, Xu Hongqiu was, of course, well aware of how she should conduct herself in public.


    If the person standing before them now were someone else, then Xu Hongqiu would undoubtedly be more assertive than Xu Nanling imagined. However, the person in question was Di Nufeng.


    Xu Nanling was only in his forties, too young to have witnessed Di Nufeng during her active years in the martial world. So, he didn''t know much about Di Nufeng¡ªjust that she was perhaps the most obstinate and truculent of the Mount Shu Sect''s thirty-six peak masters.


    Xu Hongqiu, on the other hand, had carefully studied all the avable information on the Eminent Ones belonging to the sects ranked in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Among the ones who left a deep impression on Xu Hongqiu, Di Nufeng was definitely at the top of the list.


    Wherever Di Nufeng went... countless birds would gaze at the sky in worship, Flood Dragons would hide in the depths of bodies of water, jackals and wolves would bury their heads in the earth, and tigers would cry out like leopard cats...


    <i>Xu Nanling, what makes you think you can raise your voice at her? Is it because she''s smiling right now?</i>


    "Esteemed senior, please quell your anger," Xu Hongqiu said, stepping forward to persuade Di Nufeng instead of retreating.


    "You guys, go bring him back here," Di Nufeng ordered.


    She casually gestured to a couple of Whale Gang members behind her as if she were ordering around servants of her household. Despite that, those Whale Gang members were extremelypliant; they immediately went to carry Xu Nanling over. No one dared to show any sign of defiance.


    Then Di Nufeng reached out and ced her hand on Xu Hongqiu''s shoulder.


    Di Nufeng said, "I''m not angry. It''s just that he gave me a fright when he suddenly shouted at me."


    A momentter, the Whale Gang members brought Xu Nanling, who seemed limp all over, before everyone. Xu Nanling''s bones were broken, and his internal organs were damaged; there was no way for him to escape now.


    Despite his severe injuries, Xu Nanling was still conscious and quite alert. As he looked up at Di Nufeng, Xu Nanling didn''t dare to say a word and even restrained from making any noise while gasping for air.


    "Last night, you attacked my disciple indiscriminately. I came here just to seek justice for him," Di Nufeng stated with an aggrieved expression. "We''ll leave immediately as long as you can give a satisfactory response."


    "Esteemed Teacher, Miss Xu isn''t a bad person. Let''s not bother her so much about it..." Chu Liang tried to persuade Di Nufeng from behind her.


    "Sure. Let''s not bother the uninvolved parties." Di Nufeng nodded and turned her gaze to Xu Nanling, whose qi was now as thin as gossamer. "You struck my disciple with your palm, so I''ll do the same to you. That''s fair, isn''t it?"


    "I¡ª" Xu Nanling began. However, he remembered what happened earlier and hurriedly lowered his voice as he said, "Didn''t you already kick me earlier..."


    "That''s because you yelled at me," Di Nufeng replied with a frown. "I only used half of my strength earlier. The palm strike you''re getting from me won''t be as light as that."


    Xu Nanling''s expression was filled with despair as he hurriedly brought his arms before him defensively.


    Di Nufeng hadn''t lied. She had truly only used half her strength earlier. Moreover, she hadn''t used her fire skills, which were her specialty.


    Xu Nanling''s cultivation level was a bit lower than that of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess... If Di Nufeng had used her fire to attack Xu Nanling, it would have been another instant kill.


    "Esteemed senior!" Xu Hongqiu called out as she stepped in front of Xu Nanling protectively. She looked at Di Nufeng and offered, "We canpensate you."


    Xu Hongqiu couldn¡¯t think of any other solution. Di Nufeng had made it clear that she hade here to ckmail them.


    Xu Hongqiu wanted to see her second uncle punished too, but she absolutely could not allow Di Nufeng to kill him here. After all, Xu Hongqiu currently held the highest authority in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. She was in charge of all the staff here, so she bore the responsibility for their welfare as well. If she were to allow her second uncle to get killed, then she would lose her credibility in the Whale Gang.


    Ultimately, Xu Hongqiu still had to protect her second uncle.


    "This is a bit embarrassing..." Di Nufeng finally smiled. "We''re not unreasonable people. How about this? Justpensate us for my disciple''s medical expenses."


    "Esteemed teacher, we can''t ask them for money!" Chu Liang quickly intervened. "Miss Xu is a good friend of mine. Involving money will damage that bond."


    "Then, what should we request aspensation instead?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "All the beasts in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts are spirit beasts. How about we just take one back with us to the peak and raise it?" Chu Liang suggested. "It just so happens that Silver Sword Peak is stillcking a beast mount."


    "We can''t," Di Nufeng replied, shaking her head. "Don''t you know about the mighty pressure of my Divine Phoenix constitution? Demonic beasts at a cultivation level below the fifth realm instantly die from fright. We can''t raise a spirit beast."


    "Then let''s just take a fifth-realm spirit beast and raise it. It''ll be a symbol of our friendship with the Whale Gang," Chu Liang proposed.


    "Hmm?" Di Nufeng seemed to contemte Chu Liang''s suggestion for a moment. Then she said, "I think that''s a pretty good idea. What do you think, Miss Xu?"


    Xu Hongqiu looked at Di Nufeng and then at Chu Liang.


    Xu Hongqiu couldn''t help but smile as she replied, "All right."


    ...


    There were many demonic beasts in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, but there were only a few that had a high cultivation level. The store might acquire a sixth-realm demonic beast perhaps only once every one to two years, so fifth-realm demonic beasts were usually the store''s most expensive goods.


    At present, there were four fifth-realm demonic beasts in the store''s courtyard.


    Demonic beasts were sold at extremely high prices in Taotie City. Even the fourth-realm demonic beast that Xu Hongqiu killed the other day had been priced at several thousand Vermilion-Bird coins. That meant the price of a fifth-realm demonic beast would definitely exceed ten thousand Vermillion-Bird coins!


    "Take your pick. Once you''ve decided on one, you''re free to take it away," Xu Hongqiu said.


    After guiding them to the courtyard, she stepped back with her hands behind her back. It seemed that she did not intend to provide any exnations about the four demonic beasts in the courtyard. Di Nufeng and Chu Liang had to depend on their abilities to pick the best one.


    The four fifth-realm demonic beasts, which were kept in huge cages, disyed different demeanors.


    The first one Chu Liang and Di Nufeng looked at was a giant ck tortoise, with a pitch-ck body that was stout and rough and a thick turtle shell that resembled a small fortress. The tortoise appeared rather serene as it rested on a small mountain-like artificial rock.


    Next was a massive tree demon with a thick trunk and a lush crown[1]. There seemed to be something mystical about it. Some of the branches had taken on the shape of wild beasts. The beasts had their closed eyes, but as Chu Liang gazed at them, he felt like they would open their eyes at any moment.


    The third demonic beast was a cat demon with spotlessly white fur and three-colored irises. It was lyingzily on its stomach while exuding an air of arrogance. The cat demon saw the humans walk over, but it didn''t even bother to open its eyes fully to take a good look at whoever had approached.


    Thest demonic beast appeared to be a rare beast of an unknown species with long and lustrous golden fur all over. Despite having long fur everywhere else on its body, the demonic beast''s head was covered in short fur, making its head lookrger in proportion to the rest of its body... or perhaps its head was indeedrge to begin with. The golden demonic beast was currently asleep with drool leaking out of its open mouth, appearing rather foolish.


    "Pick an expensive one," Di Nufeng whispered to Chu Liang after having a look around.


    "I don''t even know what they are," Chu Liang whispered back.


    The teacher and disciple were equally clueless when it came to identifying rare beasts.


    "They''re all fifth-realm demonic beasts, but their prices will vary greatly. We need to choose one with the best condition," Di Nufeng said.


    "I have an idea..." Chu Liang replied.


    He approached Di Nufeng and whispered into her ear.


    "Good idea," Di Nufeng said with a slight nod.


    Then she straightened her posture and gazed at the four demonic beasts. Her pupils contracted, and...


    <i>Boom.</i>


    At the very next second, the mighty pressure of her Divine Phoenix constitution poured out in torrents, and the air around her suddenly seemed to be dense.


    The staff of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts standing around in the courtyard were not the targets of Di Nufeng''s pressure. However, that pressure sent their pulse racing, and those with a lower level of cultivation almost fainted!


    The four demonic beasts all reacted differently to Di Nufeng''s pressure.


    The giant turtle swiftly withdrew its limbs and head into its shell. It then closed its shelf off from the world as if to say, <i>Whatever''s going on outside has nothing to do with me.</i>


    All of the wild beasts in the branches of the tree demon immediately opened their eyes. It turned out that the beasts in the branches weren''t merely shapes that the branches had formed; they were living creatures. The moment they opened their eyes, they fearfully and frantically scurried in retreat into the treetop!


    As for that arrogant white cat demon, an expression of fear filled its three-colored eyes, and it was no longer arrogant. The cat demony t on the ground, seemingly in submission.


    On the contrary, the foolish-looking golden-furred demonic beast unleashed a deafening roar.


    "<i>RAAAAAAAAR!!!</i>"


    The golden fur all over its body stood on end like raised des! The golden demonic beast red at Di Nufeng, the source of the pressure, and arched its back with its head raised in a fighting stance!


    Chu Liang raised his hand and pointed at the golden demonic beast, shouting, "Big Head[2]! You''re the one!"


    1. Everything above the trunk of a tree ?


    2. Chu Liang¡¯s nickname for the golden-furred demonic beast. ?

 Chapter 124: Golden-Furred Hou

    <h4>Chapter 124: Golden-Furred Hou</h4>


    "This is the one you are choosing?" Xu Hongqiu asked.


    Immediately, the attendants from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts behind her appeared so happy, as though they couldn''t conceal their joy.


    Chu Liang hesitated for a moment, observing the joyful expressions around him.


    He pondered, <i>Oh, no. These people seemed so happy. Did I make the wrong choice?</i>


    "Then you two can have this Hou[1]," Xu Hongqiu dered, waving her hand to signal her subordinates to open the cage.


    "Hou?" Di Nufeng and Chu Liang both eximed in surprise.


    Distinguishing between demons, devils, monsters, and ghosts posed a challenge.


    Among them, discerning between demonic beasts and spirit beasts that had yet to transform was the most difficult. Generally, the value of a spirit beast exceeded that of a demonic beast.


    As humans were regarded as the most intelligent beings, many monsters that had achieved a certain level of cultivation would choose to take on human forms. This served the dual purpose of blending into human society and facilitating a deeper understanding of thews of heaven and earth, thus advancing deeper in their cultivation.


    Hence, demonic beings that had achieved higher levels of cultivation but failed to take on human form weremonly perceived as less intelligent.


    The reality was that a majority of these creatures, apart from a few unwilling to transform into humans, were not as smart. For instance, creatures like foxes, yellow ferrets, hedgehogs, and snakes could readily adopt human forms as early as the second or third realm of cultivation. In contrast, nt and stone demons needed to attain the fifth or sixth realm of cultivation before they could undergo the transformation into a human form.


    However, spirit beasts were different.


    Spirit beasts, in contrast, consistently retain their original forms due to their possession of innate spiritual wisdom. They possessed a profound understanding of thews of heaven and earth and being as intelligent as human beings rendered any need for transformation unnecessary.


    Therefore, even if a collective of creatures shared the same level of cultivation, the spirit beasts would still be significantly more powerful than demonic beasts.


    Moreover, the Hou represented one of the major families within spirit beasts.


    Among these four, the giant turtle and the peculiar tree were clearly demonic creatures. As for the white cat, it was rather difficult to determine its type. However, the remaining creature with a big head might be the only spirit beast.


    The choice to select this particr beast turned out to be a smart decision.


    Certainly, when describing it as arge family, theparison was made in rtion to other spirit beasts like the Baize family, of which only two were known in the world. Many spirit beasts were part of a singr lineage, making them exceptionally unique. In contrast, the Hou family showcased a rtively wider diversity, boasting a more extensive poption that epassed both righteous and diabolical paths.


    The imperial pce in the capital of Yu was safeguarded by two Heaven-Gazing Hou, renowned for their righteousness. They excelled as formidable protectors at the gates of the imperial pce. In contrast, the mountain-guarding beast of the Dark King Sect was a Moon-Eating Hou. This creature, shrouded in darkness, remained concealed during the day, emerging only at night. It harbored a preference for shadows and held an aversion to all things bright.


    The one before them was called the Golden-Furred Hou.


    "This Golden-Furred Hou is the pride of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts... It has been the pride of our shop for a decade." With Xu Hongqiu''s approval, one of the attendants from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts eagerly introduced the creature to the teacher and her disciple. "It is gentle and friendly as well as diligent. Moreover, it is both brave and skilled in battle. This Hou has been an indispensable guardian for our establishment and could be a reliable mount for travel."


    <i>Crackle...</i>


    <i>Crackle...</i>


    Before he could finish speaking, a jarring noise of metal scraping against metal resonated from the side. Di Nufeng looked over curiously and asked, "What''s that sound?"


    With a swift nce, she noticed that the Golden-Furred Hou was fiercely grinding its formidable fangs against the iron cage! In no time, it had already bitten out cracks in the metal and seemed to be on the verge of crushing it!


    "<i>Um...</i>" The attendant continued, "The only drawback might be that it eats a bit too much. In the past, when it was hungry, it would devour the iron cage... Eventually, it got used to it and would chew on it even when it has nothing else to do..."


    "Are these cages expensive? Do you have to rece them every few days?" Chu Liang couldn''t help but inquire.


    "The cage used for restraining the beast is crafted from Deep Sea Cloud-Grinding Iron. Initially, we had to rece this cage every three days. However, we devised a more efficient method. Now, we only need to reinstall the cage pirs, significantly reducing the cost," the attendant responded truthfully.


    "Cool. It was raised by eating iron cages." Chu Liang remarked before turning to his teacher, staring intently. "Can we even afford this?"


    "Why not?" Di Nufeng smirked and replied, "If it dares to be aggressive to anyone, we''ll just have it for dinner."


    Upon sensing Di Nufeng''s hostile gaze, the Golden-Furred Hou''s entire body quivered, and its golden fur bristled and stood on end, forming a sharp, pointed mane. As it crouched down, the Golden-Furred Hou bared its fangs, fixing its gaze on Di Nufeng while emitting a low growl.


    It seemed like it was ready to challenge at any moment if there were no iron pirs holding it back.


    Chu Liang cast a skeptical nce at the attendant, raising an eyebrow, and asked in confusion, "Gentle and friendly?"


    "<i>Uh...</i>" The attendant wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, "It''s just not familiar with you yet. This might not be a bad thing. Later, when it bes a mount, it will respond when needed!"


    While speaking, another attendant had already opened the beast-restraining cage and guided the Golden-Furred Hou out. Initially, they ced arge sealing cor around its neck and then secured it with a thick iron chain, handing one end of the chain over.


    Typically, such procedures would demand strict control and even the use of formations to hypnotize the creature in advance. However, with Elder Cangxing at the sixth realm and Di Nufeng at the seventh realm present, there was no need for concern.


    "If you take it to the streets, make sure to chain it. This is crucial," the attendant instructed in a serious tone.


    "I understand," Chu Liang nodded and remarked, "Taking a Hou for a walk without a chain is akin to letting the Hou lead the way itself."


    However, Chu Liang hesitated to even touch the chain. He directly handed the end of the chain over to Di Nufeng. In contrast, his teacher disyed no fear. Approaching the fierce beast that stood over one Zhang tall, she looked up, extended her hand, andmanded, "Sit!"


    "<i>Howl!</i>" The Golden-Furred Hou crouched down, assuming abat-ready stance once again.


    "Forget it. We can work on bonding when we get home," Di Nufeng found this quite amusing. She turned around and was about to lead the Golden Fur away.


    Xu Hongqiu promptly led a group of attendants to see them off, preparing to bid farewell to the two aggressive creatures[2] and Chu Liang at the door.


    However, just as they were about to leave, Di Nufeng suddenly turned around. She cast a nostalgic gaze at Elder Cangxing, who stood behind Xu Hongqiu, and asked, "You seem familiar to me. Have we met before?"


    Elder Cangxing had maintained a dignified and restrained demeanor, often being strict and authoritative, especially with Xu Nanling. Throughout the entire process, he seldom spoke. However, upon hearing Di Nufeng''s question, he nodded hastily and said, "Yes, yes, yes," revealing a sudden friendly smile. "I didn''t think you would still remember."


    "Over a century ago, during that Assembly of Immortal Sects, you eliminated four disciples from the Whale Gang in the False Deity Competition with a single punch, and I was one of them." There was a hint ofplex emotion in his tone.


    Whether it was nostalgia or awe, it was hard to tell.


    Chu Liang didn''t feel too surprised about this. Although Elder Cangxing and Di Nufeng appeared to have a rtionship resembling that of a grandfather and granddaughter or father and daughter, in reality, Di Nufeng''s age should be simr to his own.


    The higher the cultivation level of a practitioner before the seventh realm, the slower the aging process, but they still couldn''t achieve eternal youth. It was only upon reaching the Dao Attainment Realm that one could maintain perpetual youth.


    Typically, cultivators at the seventh realm would retain their current looks from the time they entered the Dao Attainment Realm unless they used special techniques to alter their appearance. Di Nufeng appeared remarkably young because she had entered the seventh realm at a very early age.


    Her progress in cultivation is truly remarkable, enviable with every step. She was undoubtedly a true genius. No matter how envious someone was of her, they couldn''t achieve the same level of sess.


    Upon hearing this, Di Nufeng showed a sudden understanding expression, then turned around and walked away side by side with Chu Liang. However, one could hear her patting her chest as she walked, proudly saying, "I told you we are all buddies!"


    "Yeah right." Chu Liang added, chiming in with ttery.


    Xu Hongqiu stood in ce, watching their figures fade into the distance and finally disappear at the street corner. A relieved smile appeared on her face.


    Meanwhile, the nearly dying Xu Nanling also wore a simr expression. Two tears trickled down his face. Those two individuals had finally departed, and his life had been spared.


    ...


    "Teacher, I will go handle some matters first." As they reached the corner of the street, Chu Liang parted ways with Di Nufeng.


    As they strolled down the lengthy street, the two figures clearly stood out. Wherever this teacher and disciple passed, pedestrians avoided them as if creating a clear path. Although there were quite a few people in Taotie City walking with mounts and monsters, this pair was evidently different!


    <i>Is that creature still chewing on the iron chain?</i>


    <i>Does that chain even work?</i>


    <i>Why is that woman still walking so leisurely?</i>


    <i>Judging from the expression of the giant beast, it will probably devour her the moment it breaks free.</i>


    Better keep a distance...


    "Good!" Di Nufeng, leading the Hou and relishing her imposing presence on the street, casually waved her hand to Chu Liang. "Off you go! But don''t let that guy off too easily."


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang reassured, patting the thick ledger in his arms. "I won''t let the person who dares to hit your disciple get away so easily!"


    1. A Hou is said to have ten specific characteristics, each of which can be found on various beasts of the world today: 1. deer antlers; 2. a camel head; 3. cat ears; 4. shrimp eyes; 5. a donkey mouth; 6. a lion mane; 7. a snake neck; 8, an abdomen like an oyster shell; 9, the scales of a carp; 10. the front ws of an eagle and the hind paws of a tiger. ?


    2. HAHAHA Di Nufeng is one of the aggressive creature. ?

 Chapter 125: Brother Chu, I Will Be Your Lifetime Friend

    <h4>Chapter 125: Brother Chu, I Will Be Your Lifetime Friend</h4>


    In the western part of the city, there was the Street of Wind and Moon.


    The Street of Wind and Moon in Taotie City was very famous. This was because it was challenging to hire female cultivators across the vastnd to be entertainers in the brothels elsewhere. However, on this street, most of therger brothels had female cultivators managing them. Of course, the literati qualified to enjoy themselves here were also cultivators and wouldn''t tarnish the value of the youngdies.


    The long street was adorned with colorful flowers, and in the middle of the street, elegant celestial maidens gracefully danced. Their movements resembled the gentle rise and fall of colorful butterflies fluttering around. At intervals, there were new stages and performances, featuring youngdies from the brothels on both sides attracting customers.


    It felt as if one had stepped into an immortal realm of dance and music.


    Chu Liang walked on the street covered in soft petals and slowly moved forward. As a broke cultivator who had transcended lowly pleasures, received advanced education, and upheld noble spiritual principles, he naturally wouldn''t seek enjoyment in a ce like this.


    He walked to a tall building named Moon Embracing Pavilion and leaped up. Since the literati who frequented this ce were also cultivators, Moon Embracing Pavilioncked a main entrance facing the street. Instead, a pure white light screen hung high above the building. Chu Liang''s figure flickered within it, and in the next moment, he arrived in a different world behind the door.


    "Another ascent of an immortal! Wee to Heaven!"


    Upon entering, Chu Liang was weed by two rows of celestial maidens in long skirts, twirling gracefully with misty clouds beneath their feet and a gentle breeze surrounding them. Their attire wasn''t as revealing as that of ordinary youngdies but rather ethereal, revealing only their fair skin on their shoulders and a portion of their waist and legs.


    No wonder it was called the Moon Embracing Pavilion; the design of the suspended door, coupled with celestial maidens weing guests, truly gave the feeling of having ascended to the ninth heaven and embraced the moon.


    <i>Truly professional. </i>Chu Liang couldn''t help butment internally.


    He then waved his hand and said, "I am here to see someone. Is Brother Wenren of the Sea King Sect here?"


    Indeed. The purpose of his visit here today was to see Wenren Mo.


    Even though they had never exchanged terms of address, Wenren Mo, a core disciple in a sect ranked in the Terrestrial Ten, was high-profile and generous. Tracing his whereabouts was not difficult. Chu Liang had asked Xu Sui for help with the investigation, and that was how he discovered that Wenren Mo was staying in the Moon Embracing Pavilion, renting a private room for an extended period.


    This dude was treating the brothel as his house.


    "So you are here to visit Immortal Wenren. He lives in the Yellow Court Pce." The leading "fairy" spoke elegantly.


    "Zhi Yun, convey the message," the leading fairy instructed, prompting one of the fairies to deliver the information. Shortly after, Zhi Yun returned and spoke softly, "Immortal Wenren has extended an invitation for this Daoist friend to visit him."


    "Alright, lead our Daoist friend there," the leading fairy instructed, raising her hand.


    "Thank you," Chu Liang expressed his gratitude as he followed Zhi Yun. They walked along the misty road surrounded by pavilions and towers, eventually arriving at a building constructed in two colors of gold and jade.


    A suspended que with elegant strokes read "Yellow Court Pce."


    <i>Oh, they were really putting in effort...</i>


    Chu Liang was mind blown. He pushed open the door, and finally saw "Immortal" Wenren.


    This guy was currently refining pills in the room, staring intently at a furnace of reddish-gold divine fire. Upon seeing Chu Liang, he smiled and greeted, "Brother Chu."


    "Brother Wenren," Chu Liang greeted and shook his head as he said with a sigh, "You are ying this Immortal character too professionally. You even gave yourself the scene of an immortal refining pills?"


    "What do you mean..." Wenren Mo waved his hand, "I am indeed refining pills. I n to refine a batch of Youth-Retaining Beauty-Preserving Pills as a gift for Miss Xu."


    "This item is my trump card. All girls, regardless of whether they are mortals or cultivators, would desire this. Originally, I intended it as a token of affection for her, but things haven''t gone well from the start, so I can only bring it out ahead of time," Wenren Mo exined.


    Chu Liang looked at his serious expression and curiously asked, "How unfavorable is the situation? Brother Wenren, how far have you and Miss Xu progressed?"


    "If this batch of pills pleases her, maybe we can progress to the stage of exchanging a few words," Wenren Mo confidently dered.


    "..."


    <i>So you haven''t even spoken a word with her. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    As Chu Liang pondered, he realized that it was normal. Xu Hongqiu was undoubtedly a determined and decisive heroine, far from an ordinary girl. Even considering the possibility of her desiring a romantic rtionship, she wouldn''t easily be deceived by a man with ill intentions like Wenren Mo.


    With such a target, it would be impossible for Wenren Mo to harbor any hope, even if a hundred years had passed.


    Of course, if Wenren Mo had even a glimmer of hope, Chu Liang wouldn''t be here today. He came because he was sure that Miss Xu Hongqiu would never be interested in Wenren Mo, allowing him to confidently execute today''s n.


    "I have something here that can allow you to save the pill forter use. It would at least ensure that youplete the first step of talking to Miss Xu," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Wenren Mo became interested and asked, "What is it?"


    "Miss Xu came to Taotie City to investigate the affairs of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. The recent turmoil in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts is also rted to this. However, I know she hasn''t made much progress yet." Chu Liang said, "But I have substantial evidence in my hands that can directly solve the case of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and ensure that she achieves sess."


    "What is it?" Wenren Mo became slightly excited. Naturally, he had heard about the case of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts, as he had been following Xu Hongqiu from the south to the north.


    However, he was surprised that Chu Liang had substantial evidence.


    "It''s a ledger documenting the coboration of internal members of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts in selling mythical beasts to outsiders," Chu Liang exined.


    "How did you get your hands on such an item?" Wenren Mo grabbed Chu Liang''s hand and begged, "If Miss Xu gets hold of this, she will definitely be pleased. Brother Chu, if you give me this, I will be your lifetime friend!"


    "I naturally came here to give this to Brother Wenren." Chu Liang smiled.


    "Brother Chu, you must have paid a considerable price to get your hands on such an item. I mustn''t let you suffer losses for nothing. What can I offer in return?" Wenren Mo immediately began to contemte before he asked, "What can I give you?"


    <i>Brother Wenren, a man who knows exactly what is the right thing to do.</i>


    Chu Liang silently nodded internally. It was certainlyfortable doing business with someone who had high emotional intelligence. Individuals with high emotional intelligence wouldn''t wait for you to ask for a price before considering what to offer. Being fellow participants in the same business, this kind ofmunication gave him a sense of ease.


    "Brother Weren, we have a good rapport. It would be too vulgar to talk about money." Chu Liangughed.


    This statement was also a hint, implying that Wenren Mo shouldn''t offer spirit stones.


    When they went to cause trouble at the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts earlier, Chu Liang had requested a demonic beast instead of money to cover the cost of medicine. The first reason was that if he had asked for spirit stones, the amount he could obtain might not be sufficient to purchase a demonic creature at the fifth realm of cultivation. Another reason was that if he had received spirit stones, the ending would have been easily guessed...


    With his teacher''s involvement in this, any profits might end up being split 97-3 in the end¡ªa painful memory that still lingered in Chu Liang''s mind!


    And so, he requested for spirit beasts or treasures instead. These items were neither valued nor needed by Di Nufeng and they would ultimately end up in his own hands?


    When Wenren Mo heard this, he naturally understood what Chu Liang was trying to imply.


    He knew that Chu Liang didn''t want money.


    However, devising a suitablepensation became more challenging as he was left with a lot of room to maneuver. What could he offer that wouldn''t be a loss and would satisfy Chu Liang? That was indeed a problem.


    After a while, he took out a fist-sized, bright red precious bead that shone with divine light as he held it in his hand.


    "This Crimson Lotus Bead is something I found the other day. While it is extremely valuable, it doesn''t quite align with the cultivation method I practice. I was nning to sell it. If it can be used aspensation for Brother Chu, that would be perfect," he exined.


    He handed the Crimson Lotus Bead to Chu Liang.


    "This item can emit divine light that prates the darkness, illuminating a thousand miles in the ck of night. It can also generate Lotus Divine Fire that is able to counter evil spirits and malevolent entities. If this is of use to Brother Chu, please ept it," he offered.


    "Well, okay," Chu Liang reluctantly epted it.


    After inspecting the Crimson Lotus Bead in his hand, Chu Liang found that Wenren Mo''s words were true. This item was considered an object of supreme yang. When infused with foundational qi, it could emit divine light or divine fire, with its power increasing with higher cultivation. It was a longsting treasure.


    He then handed the evidence he obtained from the three young thugs to Wenren Mo and said, "Brother Wenren, please give this evidence to Miss Xu."


    With the matter concluded, he bid farewell and stood up.


    Before Chu left, Wenren Mo enthusiastically extended an invitation.


    "Since Brother Chu is here, why not choose a fairy and experience the feeling of ascending the heavens?" He said with augh.


    "No, no." Chu Liang quickly waved his hand in refusal, "I will ascend the heavens another time."

 Chapter 126: The Wrath of the Young Lady

    <h4>Chapter 126: The Wrath of the Young Lady</h4>


    When Elder Cangxing saw Wenren Mo in front of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts again, he frowned angrily. "You again?"


    Xu Hongqiu had already instructed that they could use heavy force against this man if he were toe over to bother her again. Elder Cangxing had beaten Wenren Mo up pretty badly thest time he came by, but that still wasn''t enough to keep him away.


    "Esteemed senior!" Wenren Mo shouted with his hands raised. "I have important evidence that can help you figure out what¡¯s really going on behind the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts!"


    "What evidence?" Elder Cangxing asked.


    He gathered power in his palm, ready to strike Wenren Mo if he were to say something wrong. Elder Cangxing wasn''t as friendly to everyone as he had been to Di Nufeng.


    "It''s definitely important physical evidence. I want to present it to Miss Xu in person," Wenren Mo said with a smile. "Please inform her of this."


    Elder Cangxing considered it for a moment and ultimately ordered his subordinate to inform Xu Hongqiu. After a while, the messenger returned and invited Wenren Mo upstairs. Wenren Mo finally got his wish to sit face-to-face with Xu Hongqiu.


    Xu Hongqiu was extremely annoyed by Wenren Mo''s pursuit of her.


    As the daughter of the Whale Gang''s chief, Xu Hongqiu had a high status. Moreover, she was beautiful and had a high cultivation level. There was no shortage of people like Wenren Mo trying to get close to her.


    At first, Xu Hongqiu would turn them down politely with kind words, but she quickly found that was useless. These people saw her kindness as encouragement for them to pursue her even more relentlessly. Then when she tried being a little fierce and shouted at them to stop, they liked that even more than when she was kind to them.


    Some of them would even plead, ¡°Oh, elder sister, please hit me...¡±


    Of course, Xu Hongqiuplied with such requests, but she wouldn''t do it personally. Instead, she would let the irate Elder Cangxing take action on her behalf.


    Xu Hongqiu''s expression remained as icy as ever while looking at Wenren Mo.


    "I heard you want to hand over important evidence about the internal affairs of the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts?" Xu Hongqiu asked.


    "That''s right," Wenren Mo answered.


    Unexpectedly, Wenren Mo showed little emotion despite sitting face-to-face with Xu Hongqiu. He just nodded gently and then casually ced the ounts ledger, which he''d obtained in exchange for a valuable item, on the table.


    Xu Hongqiu flipped through the ledger, and her gaze wavered. The content of the ledger could indeedpletely answer her questions about what was going on behind the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. She was surprised to find that Wenren Mo hadn''t merely told her empty words.


    After a long while, Xu Hongqiu looked up at Wenren Mo and questioned, "Where did you get this from?"


    Wenren Mo smiled and replied, "I have a wide circle of friends. A friend of mine was aware of my feelings for you. He searched for it and gave it to me."


    "Which friend? And how did he get it? Can you tell me more in detail?"


    "He didn''t provide any specific details. Anyway, it was a friend from the Mount Shu Sect. I''m guessing that he just chanced upon it¡ª"


    Before finishing what he had to say, Wenren Mo noticed a sudden change in Xu Hongqiu''s expression.


    "Chu Liang...?" Xu Hongqiu uttered hesitantly.


    It was unlikely there were many members of the Mount Shu Sect present in Taotie City, so Xu Hongqiu immediately thought of that teacher-disciple duo.


    "Do you know him too, Miss Xu?" Wenren Mo asked in return.


    He thought that Xu Hongqiu''s reaction was a bit strange. It seemed there was something that had happened between Chu Liang and Xu Hongqiu that he didn''t know about...


    "So, it is indeed him," Xu Hongqiu concluded.


    She pondered for a moment with knitted brows.


    Xu Hongqiu fell into deep contemtion about why Chu Liang had chosen to hand the ledger over to her through Wenren Mo, instead of giving it to her himself when he came by with Di Nufeng. The ledger would have immediately sent Xun Nanling to death!


    Nevertheless, it didn''t take long for Xu Hongqiu to figure it out. Chu Liang had done it intentionally!


    If he had presented this item during his visit to seek justice, it would have undoubtedly exposed Xun Nanling''s crimes and given him a way out through suicide. Most of all, Xu Hongqiu wouldn''t have protected Xu Nangling!


    It was very likely that Xu Hongqiu would have killed Xun Nanling to deliver justice to the teacher-disciple duo. She would have done right by Di Nufeng and Chu Liang as well as cleansed the Whale Gang of corruption.


    However, if that had happened, Di Nufeng and Chu Liang wouldn''t have been able to ckmail Xu Hongqiu...


    Xun Nanling wouldn''t have had any value as a guilty man. If Xu Nanling were innocent, then Xu Hongqiu needed to protect him. To do that, she had to give Di Nufeng and Chu Liang a fifth-realm demonic beast.


    Then once it seemed like the matter had passed, they could present the ledger to Xu Hongqiu. Xun Nanling''s death was sealed as long as Xu Hongqiu saw the ledger in the end.


    Chu Liang had undoubtedly taken his revenge, and the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts had ultimately given away a fifth-realm demon beast for nothing.


    "Chu Liang..." Xu Hongqiu muttered Chu Liang''s name with conflicting emotions.


    Chu Liang had helped Xu Hongqiu root out the traitor in her gang, resolving the problems involving the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. However... Xu Hongqiu didn''t feel totally happy about the result.


    Wenren Mo couldn''t help but blink in surprise while watching Xu Hongqiu say Chu Liang''s name twice.


    In an attempt to take credit for acquiring the ledger, Wenren Mo said, "Regardless of how Brother Chu obtained it, I paid a high price to get this ledger. The valuable item I gave him¡ª"


    "What?" Xu Hongqiu was startled yet again. "You gave him a valuable item in exchange for this ledger?"


    "That''s right. After all, how could I expect him to give it to me for free..."


    Xu Hongqiu had initially thought that Chu Liang had found an acquaintance to deliver the evidence because he had finished ckmailing the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. Yet, it turned out that he had actually gotten a valuable item in exchange for this evidence too.


    Chu Liang had a grudge against Xun Nanling, so the ledger was something he would have wanted to hand over to Xu Hongqiu no matter what. This meant Chu Liang had managed to achieve his goal and even profit from it.


    <i>This is ridiculous...</i>


    Xu Hongqiu recalled the scene from the day before when she sent the teacher-disciple duo off from the store... Now, she thought that they seemed just like a ferocious tiger and a crafty little fox!


    The youngdy of the Whale Gang clenched her hands into fists and gritted her teeth.


    With nostrils ring in rage, Xu Hongqiu uttered two words, "Chu Liang...!!"


    ...


    "<i>Achoo... Achoo... Achoo!</i>"


    Chu Liang sneezed three times in a row and rubbed his nose, looking puzzledly into the distance.


    Then he turned and entered the First-Rate Sword Hut. He didn''t see Di Nufeng around, so he went to the front hall to look for Xu Sui.


    Chu Liang asked Xu Sui, "Elder Brother Xu, do you know where my teacher is?"


    "Esteemed Senior Di Nufeng..." Xu Sui answered with a slightly amused expression. ¡°She''s having a duel with the<strong> </strong>Golden-Furred Hou on the rear mountain."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    <i>She''s having a duel with the Golden-Furred Hou...? And how''s that going to end up?</i>


    Chu Liang hurried to the rear mountain, but he didn''t make it in time to see the battle. Instead, he witnessed the scene of a gentle teacher and an obedient Hou.


    Chu Liang watched as Di Nufeng raised her hand and instructed the Hou with a bright smile, "Let''s shake hands. That''s right. Now, the left hand! Come here... Sit! Roll over!"


    Up ahead, a massive creature, over one zhang tall, was currently rolling around like a golden ball of fur at Di Nufeng''s everymand. The Golden-Furred Hou hadrge bumps all over its head, but it wore a fawning grin on its face. The Hou looked extremely silly when it smiled, especially with that exceptionallyrge head.


    "Esteemed Teacher, what are you doing?" Chu Liang asked as he approached.


    "I''m just bonding with it," Di Nufeng answered with a smile. "Those guys from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts weren''t lying; this little thing is pretty docile."


    Chu Liang pursed his lips. "..."


    Upon recalling how the "little thing" had been chewing on iron chains earlier, Chu Liang felt he''d been blinded by his prejudice this whole time. It seemed that the people from the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts truly hadn''t lied to them.


    The Hou usually had very close rtions with their owners and their owners¡¯ families, and they were not aggressive toward strangers. However, when confronted with malicious foes, the Hou would unleash an intense desire to fight. The main reason they would do that was to protect their master, as the Hou themselves feared nothing.


    The pressure that Di Nufeng unleashed the day before had caused the Golden-Furred Hou to mistake her for an enemy. That was why it had been very hostile and had a great desire to fight her.


    Despite that... after Di Nufeng''s patient bonding session earlier, the Golden-Furred Hou now acknowledged her as its master.


    <i>What enemy? This is my dear master!</i>


    <i>If Master asks me to spin around, then I must spin twice for her!</i>


    <i>Raar, raar, raar!</i>


    Just as Chu Liang and the two "ferocious beasts" were having a great time together on the rear mountain, a deafening explosion that seemed to rip through the air rang out from the direction of the thatched grass hut.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A pir of qi soared upward, piercing through the clear sky and heading straight for the Ninth Heaven. With an unparalleled momentum, the pir of qi shook the world wherever it went.


    <i>There''s sword qi soaring toward the heavens!</i>


    Of course, Chu Liang knew what this meant.


    "The sword''splete?!"

 Chapter 127: Dustless Sword

    <h4>Chapter 127: Dustless Sword</h4>


    The sword qi soared to the heavens as the Great Dao resonated.


    The entire poption of Taotie City could see this pir of sword qi. This was a familiar sight to them. Everyone knew that Master Kunwu once again forged a legendary sword.


    In Taotie City, there were countless honored allies of different rankings. Without special contributions, even a regr cultivator at the seventh realm could only be ranked as second-ranked. Currently, there were only four first-ranked honored allies.


    Among these four, Xu Kunwu earned his position through his unparalleled sword forging ability. No one dared to question it because the skill of sword forging was crucial.


    The current widely epted view in the cultivation world is that, in terms of impact onbat power, cultivation leveles first, followed by enchanted tools, and then divine abilities.


    In a battle between cultivators, the one with the higher cultivation level would usually win. It would be difficult to challenge someone of a higher cultivation level, even if the difference between cultivation levels was just one realm.


    If the cultivators were at the same cultivation level, the importance of weapons and divine artifacts became crucial and would often determine the oue of the battle.


    The sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would give the best examples.


    The sects in the Divine Nine were able to keep their ce in the Divine Nine because they possessed the most highly-ranked divine artifacts listed by the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. The sects were ranked Terrestrial Ten because they didn''t possess any divine artifacts.


    However, changes were meant to happen over time and even the strongest would eventually be surpassed by the next generation. For the past hundreds of years, shifts in power had urred, and it was not umon for sects that had been in the Terrestrial Ten to surpass certain immortal sects in the Divine Nine in terms of overall strength. However, despite this, the sects in the Terrestrial Ten could not ascend to the top because theycked highly ranked divine artifacts.


    The ranking in the possession of divine artifacts remained consistent over time.


    Those who were able to step into the ninth realm of cultivation¡ªthe Profound Realm¡ªhad been considered as unparalleled and hallowed among the human race.


    Yet such an existence would obviously appear only once in a millennium.


    The ones who achieved the eighth realm of cultivation¡ªthe Heavenly Origin Realm¡ªwould be considered a moremonly seen top-tierbat power in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects.


    Any Eminent Ones at the eighth realm, wielding control over the Heavenly Origin, has already reached a state of transcendence. While two Eminent Ones might differ in their level of power, determining a winner between them would still be challenging. Unless both of them were fullymitted to a fight to the death, a decisive victory was a rare urrence. This statement remained true even if the battle led to the heavens copsing and the earth shattering. However, the presence of a divine artifact wouldpletely change the situation.


    An eighth-realm cultivator,manding the Heavenly Origin, would be able to elevate theirbat power to another level with the use of a divine artifact. Their power would be below that of a cultivator at the Profound Realm but significantly higher than a typical cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm. In the realm of immortal cultivation, this state is referred to as a cultivator at the eighth-and-a-half realm or the Realm of Heavenly Origin Terminator.


    The name of this realm was fairly straightforward.


    If one of the two cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm was empowered by a divine artifact, that cultivator would possess the strength to sever the Heavenly Origin controlled by the other cultivator. Hence, this realm was known as Heavenly Origin Terminator.


    With the Hallowed Ones yet to have emerged in the present era, cultivators at the realm of Heavenly Origin Terminator were considered the most powerful cultivators in the world.


    In the past, the Mount Shu Sect was capable of bing the leading sect of all other righteous sects because the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda that they possessed was the most powerful divine artifact in the world. When the cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm worked together and activated the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, they were able to challenge and defeat the demon god at the Profound Realm. This was an extraordinary achievement throughout history, and naturally, no one dared to underestimate its prowess.


    The reason for the current decline of Mount Shu Sect was not that the sect had weakened, but rather that the Mount Shu Sectcked a top-tier Heavenly Origin Cultivator.


    As a result, while Mount Shu Sect might not necessarily lose in minor disputespared to the other immortal sects in the Divine Nine, it was consistently falling behind in the fiercepetition for the best resources. This gradual decline was inevitable.


    However, with the ancestral foundation in ce, Mount Shu Sect, despite its decline, still possessed a vast size capable of overpowering the sects in the Terrestrial Ten. Hence, it awkwardly maintained its position. The current structure of the cultivation world was traditionally referred to as "Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten," or less favorably as "Divine Eight and Terrestrial Eleven," though thetter sounded rather incorrect.


    A divine artifact was capable of adding the power of half a realm to a cultivator.


    Therefore, a skilled swordsmith was extremely important for a faction. The amount of respect that they deserved was not excessive at all.


    ...


    "Father?"


    Xu Sui led Di Nufeng and Chu Liang into the grass hut. As soon as they entered, there was a grand restriction that concealed the Hidden Mountains and Seas. However, Xu Sui naturally knew the method to bypass this restriction. With some finger movements, ripples started appearing.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The scene before them changed, and upon crossing the threshold, all three of them appeared by the side of a river valley. Beneath the mountain wall was a massive furnace, and from it surged a colossal pir of sword qi.


    Xu Kunwu appeared shirtless, exposing muscles that seemed to be cast from copper. He was overseeing the operation of a vast array beneath the furnace. Sixteen cultivators of rather high cultivation levels moved around the furnace, assisting in manipting the formation. These sixteen cultivators were his disciples and indispensable aides for the swordsmith.


    When the pir of qi had stopped gushing, Xu Kunwu looked excited. With the formation of a finger seal, he shouted, "Lift the sword!"


    Chu Liang was slightly nervous as he whispered, "Have they not sessfully crafted the weapon?"


    "They have sessfully crafted it and they are just finishing up," Xu Sui said with the same excitement. "My father is about to have another renowned sword in his hands!"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The sound of a burst of energy emanated from the furnace, and a flying sword shrouded in crimson light slowly rose from the furnace.


    "Wash the sword!"


    Xu Kunwu shouted again, pointing his finger to guide the sword''s light into the rushing river nearby. Instantly, a thick mist rose!


    <i>Hiss¡ª</i>


    The sword came out of the divine fire and immediately fell into the river. In an instant, a white mist filled the surroundings, and rolling waves shed and vanished, causing the river to almoste to a halt. The people on the river valley could barely see Xu Kunwu.


    The hissing sound finally stopped.


    Soon after, a tall and sturdy figure emerged from the white mist. He was no longer shirtless.


    His eyes looked as clear as the fire in the furnace and there was a sword in his palm.


    The sword was over four chi long and three fingers wide. With a crystal-clear and transparent de, it was almost transparent under the sunlight. Through the golden mist-like ripples on the de, the edge of the sword could be discerned.


    "I finally understand your profound intentions!" Xu Kunwu stared at Di Nufeng and eximed, "The Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword contains the Dao essence captured from the clouds. It is true that I wouldn''t be able to recreate the Dao essence on the original sword. However, when I was crafting its imitation, I managed to grasp certain aspects of the Dao essence. I realized that just imprinting a trace of it is a great fortune for humanity. This is the level of Dao."


    "Borrowing a trace of the cloud''s Dao essence for this sword not only elevated its grade by a notch but also greatly benefited me as I might have made possible advancement in my cultivation. Xu Kunwu sighed with emotions as he said, "You''ve put in genuine and meticulous effort into making this happen."


    Xu Kunwu had reached the seventh realm of cultivation¡ªthe Dao Attainment Realm, and making a tiny step forward in cultivation was considered extremely rare and valuable. With thepletion of the sword in his hand, joy radiated from his expression.


    Di Nufeng pondered for a moment after hearing these words. Then, she nodded and responded, "You are right. That was exactly what I had in mind."


    <i>That was definitely not what you had in mind...</i> Chu Liang muttered silently beside them.


    Based on his understanding of his teacher, if she were aware of it, she would have eagerly boasted about it already, without the need for someone else bringing it up.


    Xu Kunwu didn''t dwell on it too much. Instead, he handed over the sword, shook his head, and sighed, "It''s a pity that this sword is a replica and cannot be listed in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. Otherwise, I think it would have at least ranked within the top hundred, or it would have vied for a position among the lower ranks of the top hundred. If I could forge a sword ranked within the top hundred, it would alleviate a great regret of mine."


    Among the three contemporary master swordsmiths, only the sword crafted by Chen Buyan was ranked in the top hundred. Xu Kunwu and Baili Tong were still in fiercepetition for the second position among the top three master swordsmiths. This rivalry would only end when either of them had sessfully forged a sword that could be ranked in the top hundred.


    "Hey, rx," Di Nufeng patted his shoulder and consoled, "If you weren''t crafting a replica of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword, you wouldn''t be able to forge a sword ranked in the top hundred anyway. Does thinking this way make you feel better?"


    <i>Who would feel better after hearing that?</i>


    Chu Liang hastily dragged his teacher aside.


    <i>The swordsmith had just crafted the sword for us. Show him somepassion.</i>


    When Xu Kunwu heard this constion, his expression stiffened. He didn''t know how to respond for a moment. Chu Liang took the sword handed over to him and smiled, "Master Kunwu''s skill in swordsmithing has already reached a state of pure mastery. With the progress today, I believe that you aren''t far away from crafting a divine sword!"


    "<i>Haha</i>." Xu Kunwu thenughed and said, "This is your sword now. Give it a name."


    Chu Liang shook his head, solemnly saying, "Although I will be the one using this sword, it is meant to be passed down through generations. I am definitely not the only sword master. However, Master Kunwu, who forged this sword today, will forever be its only swordsmith. So, I request for you to give this sword a name."


    Xu Kunwu''s eyes sparkled as he smiled and responded, "Sure!"


    "This sword is forged from transparent jade gold crystal¡ªpure and undefiled, impervious to demonic influences." He contemted slowly. "Let''s name it..."


    "Dustless!"


    ...


    "<i>Phew</i>."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er put down the small water bottle and looked at the clusters of Golden Vein Flower fluttering in the wind. She couldn''t help but feel proud.


    "I am indeed very diligent."


    Since Chu Liang and Di Nufeng left, it hadn''t rained on the Silver Sword Peak, so she had to water the small flower field every day.


    Before Chu Liang left, he had appointed her as the temporary peak master of the Silver Sword Peak. This brought her joy for a while. However, in recent days, she realized that she was the only resident on the entire peak.


    So what if she was a temporary peak master?


    The flowers, grass, and trees on the mountaintop wouldn''t heed hermands.


    In reality, she only had the power to decide if she would water the small flower field or not.


    Before Di Nufeng left, she had given her a thick stack of picture books, suggesting that she could read them whenever she felt bored. The problem was that she was a mere fish who had no reading skills. Just by looking at the pictures, she couldn''t understand the story.


    However, regardless of the circumstances, life here was peaceful and secure. There was no need to worry about basic needs like food and clothing. Life was an improvement from when she was living in Bombax River... The only exception was when she missed her sister.


    <i>But didn''t that grandpa say that my sister would encounter her own opportunity to transform into a dragon? In that case, it didn''t seem like a bad thing, but...dragon... </i>Liu Xiaoyu''er thought to herself. <i>A dragon would be that huge and long worm that suddenly appeared in the sky a few days ago. If her sister had turned into something like that... </i>


    Regardless, Liu Xiaoyu''er thought that her sister would look much better as a fish.


    After lightly watering the flower field, shepleted the day''s work. She casually picked a few fruits on the way back as these were the rewards Chu Liang promised her.


    She had nned to return and lie down on the bed so that she could tightly wrap herself in her small nket and take a nap. This decision stemmed from thefort she discovered after being wrapped like a zongzi a few times.


    Recently, when she slept, she found herself instinctively wrapping her body with the small nket and rolling in bed until she had transformed into a snugly bundled roll.


    As she turned around, the little girl''s pupils suddenly dted.


    In recent days, no other creatures had ventured to the Silver Sword Peak, and she had grown ustomed to being the sole resident. However, as she turned around, she was startled to find a terrifying giant creature in her midst.


    Its half-body rested on the other side of the hill, and Liu Xiaoyu''er couldn''t see it clearly; all she discerned was a sizable, golden head.


    <i>It was so big.</i>


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>"

 Chapter 128: Strange Occurrences at Guardian Peak

    <h4>Chapter 128: Strange urrences at Guardian Peak</h4>


    "<i>Wahhhhh...</i>"


    "Stop crying."


    "<i>Wahhhhhh...</i>"


    "The Golden-Furred Hou is not bad. It is our best friend."


    "<i>Wahhhhhh...</i>"


    "If you stop crying, I''ll take you to eat delicious food."


    "<i>Wahhhh...</i>What are we going to eat?" Liu Xiaoyu''er looked up and immediately showed an expression of anticipation.


    <i>Well, this always seems to work the best...</i>


    When Chu Liang saw that she finally stopped crying, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    When Di Nufeng and Chu Liang returned riding on the Golden-Furred Hou, they were immediately spotted by Liu Xiaoyu''er when they arrived.


    Upon seeing this giant beast arriving at the Silver Sword Peak, the little girl was frightened, bursting into tears as a result.


    When Di Nufeng saw this, she scratched her head and said, "Dealing with a crying woman is very challenging. Console her; I''ll head back to rest."


    Before the words had even settled, her figure transformed into a streak of fire, leaving behind a surprised Chu Liang and an innocent-looking Big Head.


    "We''ll have hot pot," Chu Liang casually replied. However, after leaving Mount Shu Sect for several days, the thought of not having a steaming hot and spicy hot pot was indeed tempting.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er then stood up from the ground, pouting, "I don''t like spicy food..."


    "Half of the pot will be non-spicy!" Chu Liang hastily reassured.


    The Golden-Furred Hou on the side also smiled, seemingly having understood that they would be eating something delicious. Its big head lifted with joy.


    "Why are you happy? The hotpot is not for you," Chu Liang heartlessly said to the Golden-Furred Hou.


    It wasn''t that they mistreated the pet, but the Big Head''s appetite was indeed enormous! When they spent a day in the First-Rate Sword Hut, even the disciples there were astonished.


    They imed to have fed it to a huge meat feast the size of a mountain before bedtime, but the next morning, they caught it sneaking into the storage room to eat iron...


    Chu Liang had a feeling that the amount of money the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts had spent over the past decade feeding this beast probably exceeded the amount Xu Nanling had embezzled.


    Chu Liang raised his hand, and the Golden-Furred Hou immediatelyy down, offering its big head for him to pat while emitting a low, contented growl. Upon recognizing Di Nufeng, it quickly acknowledged Chu Liang as well, along with the newly acquainted Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    The spirit beast, at least, was faring well in terms of intelligence.


    Despite its silly appearance, Chu Liang always had the impression that this big head possessed a certain level of intelligence. If tested, its IQ might be even slightly higher than Di Nufeng''s.


    "Why don''t you feed it?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked.


    She was initially frightened by the presence of this Big Head, but as she observed how gently this giant creature was behaving, her heart softened.


    She reached out and cautiously touched the Golden-Furred Hou''s drooping nose, which felt wet, soft, and warm.


    The young girl and the Big Head exchanged a smile.


    "Because it''s a spirit beast," Chu Liang sighed helplessly.


    Caring for spirit beasts was typically challenging due to their high demand for spiritual qi and energy, surpassing that of ordinary demonic beasts. The Hall of Alchemy provided specialized spirit beast feed, a mixture of spirit meat and spirit nts, with one pellet being enough for a demonic beast''s daily needs. However, the daily consumption of this type of spirit beast might be ten times that amount.


    How could they afford to raise such a creature?


    "Do all spirit beasts eat a lot?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked again.


    "Yes," Chu Liang nodded. Then, a sudden realization shed in his eyes. "Wait..."


    <i>Right. All spirit beasts have huge appetites.</i>


    He looked at Liu Xiaoyu''er and suddenly said, "Thank you, Xiaoyu''er! Golden-Furred Hou, follow me!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er was puzzled, "Thank me for what?"


    <i>Thank you for the casually spoken sentence that solved my dilemma.</i>


    ...


    At the Guardian Peak...


    The green mountains stood tall with lush and vibrant vegetation.


    The Guardian Peak was considered the most primitive and well-preserved peak on Mount Shu as it served as the residence of the guardian spirit beast, Baize.


    The mature Baize had not been sighted for many years and no one knew where it went. Presently, only the Baize youngling resided on Guardian Peak.


    Perhaps driven by loneliness, the Baize youngling would venture outside to seekpanions for fun.


    In the beginning, it only had one sweet-smelling friend, whom it would visit every month on Treasured Pagoda Peak. Later on, it crossed paths with another friend, whose aura felt oddly familiar, as if they had known each other since youth.


    With these twopanions, the Baize youngling was always happy. However, both of them were now in their teens and considered adults. They had many responsibilities to attend to, unlike itself, which was just a cub not even six hundred years old.


    While the Baize youngling felt bored in the forest of its home on Guardian Peak, it suddenly detected a familiar scent, apanied by a shout, "Dear little Baize, are you home?"


    <i>It''s him!</i>


    The Baize youngling immediately recognized Chu Liang''s voice, leaving behind a white afterimage as it appeared before Chu Liang in a sh.


    Chu Liang stood in an open space on Guardian Peak, with the silly Big Head behind him.


    The Baize youngling was about to pounce forward to lick Chu Liang when it noticed the Golden-Furred Hou behind Chu Liang. It paused, appearing somewhat wary, and cast a cautious nce at the Big Head.


    Chu Liang quickly waved his hand and said, "Don''t be afraid. I came today to introduce you to a new friend. Golden-Furred Hou,e, let''s shake hands."


    With thismand, the Golden-Furred Hou immediately and obediently extended its thick right front paw.


    It was behaving in such an obedient and gentle manner because Chu Liang had told it prior toing here that its performance determined whether it would have a ce to eat at Mount Shu.


    Eating was a top priority.


    Shaking hands proactively was not embarrassing at all.


    The Golden-Furred Hou, after all, was a spirit beast, slightly lower in rank than Baize but not too lowly ranked. Witnessing the Golden-Furred Hou being so friendly and coupled with Chu Liang''s presence, the Baize youngling no longer appeared weary as it happily nudged its head against the Golden-Furred Hou''s front paw.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, now that we''ve met, we''re buddies," Chu Liang patted his chest and asked, "How about a meal together?"


    The Golden-Furred Hou nodded repeatedly.


    The Baize youngling also made approving sounds, spinning around Chu Liang with joy.


    "This is your home, so you should treat us," Chu Liang patted its head, coaxing it persuasively.


    "<i>Hreeoohhh!</i>" The Baize youngling swayed its head, seemingly conveying that this was of no issue. It then turned around and led them in another direction.


    "Follow!" Chu Liang leaped onto the back of the Golden-Furred Hou, and the Golden-Furred Hou let out a joyful roar, "<i>Roar...</i>"


    The path to the meal was filled with fragrance and even the wind carried a delightful scent.


    No! The air was already smelling delicious!


    Such a pleasant aroma!


    The Baize youngling led them through a stretch of mountainous forest, arriving at a vast open-air building.


    The building was quite simple, supported by four giant pirs holding up a ceiling, resembling a pavilion. It appeared to be constructed entirely of Han white jade, exceptionally pristine.


    Beneath the paviliony a pile of jade-white medicinal pills, resembling a small hill. Not only did they look full of spiritual qi, but they also emitted a fragrant aroma, filling the air halfway up the mountain. Alongside what seemed to be staple food pills, there was also arge heap of spiritual nts and fruits, all appearing to be in better condition than the berries sold by Chu Liang.


    The Golden-Furred Hou couldn''t contain its excitement as it eagerly reached forward with its big head and frantically dug with its ws.


    The food provided to the guardian beast of Mount Shu was undoubtedly the best in the mortal realm, with both the spiritual energy and taste being of the highest quality. The Golden-Furred Hou has probably never tasted such delicious food in its entire life.


    Not to mention the Golden-Furred Hou, even Chu Liang felt tempted.


    He looked at the Baize youngling and asked, "Can we start eating? After the meal, we can go out and y together."


    "<i>Hreoohhh!</i>" The Baize youngling nonchntly shook its head, signaling for its friends to enjoy freely.


    Chu Liang, no longer holding back, gestured, "Golden-Furred Hou, dig in! Eat heartily! If you can''t finish, just stuff some in your cheeks... It can be a midnight snack!"


    ...


    The early next morning.


    Two disciples from the Hall of Alchemy descended from the clouds and arrived next to the white pavilion on the Guardian Peak. Following the usual practice, one poured out a continuous stream of white medicinal pills from a gourd, while the other took out arge pile of spiritual fruits from an enchanted storage tool.


    However, as they began their work, the two suddenly expressed a hint of confusion.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" said the one on the left, "Normally, little Baize would eat at most half a pool of spirit pills in a day. Why is the entire pool empty today? Not a single pill left!"


    "And these spiritual fruits too!" The one on the right added, "It has never liked to eat these fruits. The Alchemy Master[1] even mentioned its unhealthy eating habits. But today... not only had it finished them all, but it had also licked the tiles clean in the pool!"


    The two disciples from the Hall of Alchemy were left with question marks above their heads. They were both puzzled.


    "Truly a strange urrence."


    1. He¡¯s in charge of the Hall of Alchemy as well as an elder of the sect. ?

 Chapter 129: Inadvertently Making A Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 129: Inadvertently Making A Breakthrough</h4>


    "The Baize youngling''s appetite is increasing...?"


    In the Hall of Alchemy, several senior attendants immediately became nervous upon hearing the news about Baize from two junior disciples.


    The Alchemy Master[1], who was one of the Four Guardian Elders, was in charge of many matters rted to alchemy, spirit nts, spirit beasts, and the like all over Mount Shu. Raising the Baize youngling fell under his responsibility as well.


    However, the Alchemy Master had a high status in the sect, so he didn''t handle such trivial matters personally. He had entrusted the care of the Baize youngling to some trustworthy disciples, and every little thing that happened with the Baize youngling was a big deal to them. Even something like the youngling eating more or less than usual for a meal would put them on alert.


    "It''s definitely abnormal that its appetite is doubling all of a sudden. Could it be that Little Baize is about to break through to the next realm?" one of the attendants spected.


    "That''s possible..." another attendant nodded in agreement. "Let''s increase the quantity of the Spirit-Energy Raising Pills tomorrow to see if Little Baize''s doubled appetite was just a one-time thing. If its increase in appetite isn''t temporary, then it is indeed possible that Little Baize is about to break through to the next realm!"


    The attendant spoke rather excitedly because it would be a great thing if the Baize youngling''s appetite had truly increased. The youngling''s greater need for spiritual energy indicated that it was growing. In that case, the attendants in charge of raising the youngling would receive the credit for having nurtured it well.


    "Is it possible that there''s a thief?" a third attendant asked quietly. "Even if it needs more spiritual energy for a breakthrough, it wouldn''t suddenly double like this, right?"


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" The other attendants considered the possibility for a moment but waved their hands dismissively soon after. "That''s impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    It was unsurprising that they were so certain that it couldn''t have been the work of a thief.


    Baizes were extremely territorial spirit beasts. The Hall of Alchemy''s attendants were only able to deliver food for the Baize youngling once a day every day because the Alchemy Master had repeatedly instructed the Baize youngling not to attack them. Normally, no one in the Mount Shu Sect dared to approach Guardian Peak without careful consideration, as the Baize youngling was very aggressive. The moment it discovered an outsider on the peak, it would ram them with its head.


    Furthermore, there weren''t many people in the sect who had a higher level of cultivation than the Baize youngling. Why would one of them even want to steal Spirit-Energy Raising Pills? Even if they did, the Baize youngling definitely wouldn''t remain calm.


    As for the possibility of one of the youngling''s acquaintancesmitting the crime... Everyone in the Mount Shu Sect knew that the Baize youngling had an arrogant personality. Over the years, it seemed to have only befriended Jiang Yuebai from Azure Falling Peak. Why would Fairy Jiang do something as absurd as stealing feed?


    This ridiculous spection made everyone burst intoughter, and a jovial mood filled the Hall of Alchemy.


    ...


    "<i>Uuuuuurh.</i>"


    Feeling drowsy from eating its fill, the Golden-Furred Houyzily on the ground. It stretched out itsrge head and let out a deeply satisfied burp. The burp was so loud that its reverberation reached the sky.


    Chu Liang furrowed his brows.


    "Go, go, go. Get away from me," Chu Liang said, pushing the Golden-Furred Hou''srge head away. "Go y by yourself."


    Nheless, the Golden-Furred Hou stubbornly continued to push its head toward Chu Liang. It was acting extremely affectionately, even snuggling up and rubbing its head against him.


    Chu Liang''s position in the Golden-Furred Hou''s heart had soared to first ce; he was now the Golden-Furred Hou''s most beloved master. As for the woman who dealt very painful hits... she probably wouldn''t notice that she had been secretly moved down to second ce in the Golden-Furred Hou''s heart, right?


    Big Head turned slightly to sneak a peek at Di Nufeng''s pavilion.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang was currently in his little garden, tending to his Golden Vein Berry nts.


    After a few days of cultivating the area ofnd where the garden was located, the soil in the garden managed to recover its initial level of fertility. He''d sprinkled a powder fertilizer over the nts, and now, he was watering them in anticipation of the harvest.


    There would be dozens of berries for Chu Liang to harvest the next day and sell at the market. Consequently, he was currently contemting the best pricing strategy for that.


    The berries he''d used to test the waters at the market were the Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries. However, the ones he intended to sell the next day were just regr Golden Vein Berries, so there would, unfortunately, be a difference in taste.


    Just as Chu Liang was pondering about this, Big Head lurked closer again.


    This time, it wasn''t to snuggle with Chu Liang but to get close to a newly formed berry. Big Head was panting and whimpering, clearly greedy for a bite.


    The spirit fruits that Big Head had eaten on Guardian Peak earlier were not as delicious as the Golden Vein Berries. So, it was no surprise that Big Head was drooling at the sight of these berries.


    "No touching these." Chu Liang pressed Big Head''s nose, throttling the spirit beast''s criminal intention in advance. "I''ve already taken you to feast on so much delicious food. I''m reserving these berries to sell them. If you dare to eat them, I''ll neuter you."


    "<i>Aoooo¡ª</i>"


    Who knew if the Golden-Furred Hou understood what Chu Liang said, but it quivered, scrambled to its feet, and then ran off into the distance with its hind legs pressed together.


    Nevertheless, the Golden-Furred Hou enjoyed a good life on Mount Shu with lots of delicious foods to eat. Moreover, it lived freely in the outdoors, instead of being locked up in a cage. Its bounding steps showed just how happy it was.


    As soon as Big Head ran off, a continuous string of thunderps rang out in the sky, followed by a drizzle of rain. Against the backdrop of the night sky, the raindrops shimmered like golden threads.


    "Again?"


    Chu Liang felt quite bewildered as he gazed up at the rain clouds in the sky.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er had said that there hadn''t been any rain thest couple of days on Silver Sword Peak, yet the rain came once Chu Liang returned to the peak. He wondered if it was following him...


    <i>It''s really strange.</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t think that the rain was following his teacher because she wasn''t there at the moment. Di Nufeng had just gone to Azure Falling Peak to return the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword.


    Chu Liang gazed in the direction of the distant Dragon Fishing Pond.


    <i>True Dragon, why are you doing this?</i>


    ...


    In front of Di Nufeng was a deep pool of silver water with azure ripples. Under the moonlight, it resembled a piece of smooth white jade. Di Nufeng was indeed at the Fishing Dragon Pool on Solitude Peak.


    She''d initially gone to Azure Falling Peak to return the sword. However, upon learning that Daoist Yan had gone to Solitude Peak, Di Nufeng went over to Solitude Peak too.


    Di Nufeng''s Divine Phoenix fire, which was constantly aze, caused ripples to break out in the tranquil Dragon Fishing Pool.


    Old Man Sikong chuckled and said, "You''d best not disturb the True Dragon with your fiery Divine Phoenix qi."


    Di Nufeng proceeded to give a one-sentence response.


    "True Dragons or fake dragons, if they dare to provoke me, I''ll punch them and make them earless dragons," Di Nufeng dered nonchntly with a voice that was tranquil like clouds drifting serenly in a breeze.


    No one knew if the White Dragon in the pool had heard Di Nufeng''s words, but the surface of the water returned to a calm state.


    "This True Dragon suppressed our sect''s fate[2]. All members of our sect have to be more respectful to the White Dragon than we are to Baize," Old Man Sikong stated. Nevertheless, he didn''t bother arguing with Di Nufeng. He just said slowly, "Did you once again forget the strict orders that the sect leader gave you?"


    "Oh, enough with that. I can''t be bothered with your long-windedness," Di Nufeng replied, casually waving her hand to end the conversation. Then she ced a sword box on the ground. "Yan Zi, I brought your precious sword back."


    Daoist Yan, who was dressed in Daoist robes, was sitting on arge pure-white lotus flower. With a wave of her hand, she moved the sword case over to her. She opened it and saw the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword inside.


    Daoist Yan nodded. "I was truly worried you''d keep the real one and give the fake one to me. It seems you''re not that vile yet."


    "<i>Ah,</i>" Di Nufeng gasped and held her forehead with her hand. "Why didn''t I think of that?!"


    "Good thing you didn''t," Old Man Sikong remarked with augh. "Otherwise, we''d finally have an answer to something we''ve been curious about for so many years. Which of you is the Mount Shu Sect''s top peak master?"


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Di Nufeng rolled her eyes at Old Man Sikong. "I''m so close with Yan Zi. There''s no way I would ever hit her! I believe Yan Zi feels the same way about me."


    All Daoist Yan did was blink; she didn''t say a word.


    "..." Di Nufeng''s smile gradually disappeared.


    "<i>Haha,</i> okay, let''s stop joking around," Old Man Sikong said, shaking his head. "I and Daoist Yan were discussing an issue earlier. You can listen in."


    "What''s the issue?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "We have a traitor in our sect," Daoist Yan answered.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Di Nufeng uttered in surprise.


    "Some time back, my disciple Jiang Yuebai was attacked by a demonic beast despite being on Mount Shu. Obviously, that means that someone had deliberately arranged for this to happen. I investigated the incident, but I couldn''t find out who did it," Daoist Yan exined. "Later on, Old Man Sikong seeded in fishing out a dragon, so I asked him to use divination to look into the matter."


    "The divination results were somewhat vague. I could only see signs of discord and evil intentions being harbored within the sect," Old Man Sikong told them. "Considering that the person in question has such a high cultivation level to prevent me from making aplete deduction, they are very likely a cultivator of a high level, perhaps at the sixth or seventh realm. They might even be as powerful as our sect''s peak masters."


    "In that case, my number one suspect is Wang Xuanling," Di Nufeng stated immediately.


    "Don''t use this as an opportunity to get rid of people you don''t like..." Old Man Sikong replied while looking at Di Nufeng helplessly.


    "Anyone could be the suspect, so I''ll just suspect whoever I want," Di Nufeng said with augh. Then she asked, "Why aren''t the two of you suspecting me?"


    Old Man Sikong didn''t say anything and instead nced at Daoist Yan.


    Daoist Yan exined without reservation, "We unanimously think that... to y an undercover agent, you need to have a brain."


    ...


    Later that night... Chu Liang sat cross-legged on the bed and activated his cultivation techniques, circting his qi.


    He''d been relying on the Large-Headed Doll to cultivate for him, but he''d never cked off on doing it himself. This was because he knew that working on his cultivation would not only advance his cultivation level but alsoy down the foundation for his future cultivation.


    If Chu Liang didn''t have sufficient mastery of his cultivation techniques, then it didn''t matter if his cultivation level was high. It would just be like a castle in the air, a mere illusion that he wouldn''t be able to utilize. He believed that shortcuts could indeed be used for everything, but he still needed to do the groundwork to achieve his goal.


    The Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique didn''t just bring about a sense of peace and harmony; it embodied the profound principles of the Great Dao. Studying it intensively might help him make a breakthrough from the Heavenly Gate to the Dao Attainment Realm in the future.


    However, Chu Liang''s cultivation seemed a bit strange today. There was no advancement in his cultivation progress no matter how he circted his qi. His cultivation had been progressing extremely slowly ofte, but he''d still experienced a clear sensation of his foundational qi beingpressed when it entered the Sea of Qi in his Dantian. Yet, today, it seemed to be dispersing.


    It was the same with the foundational qi that the Large-Headed Doll was circting. The Qi Cirction Puppet was working so hard that it was surrounded by smoke that it emitted, but there was still no progress in Chu Liang''s cultivation.


    Chu Liang did a brief examination of his body and confirmed that he was perfectly fine. There was nothing wrong with his cultivation techniques either.


    In that case, there could only be one reason for the stagnant progression. He''d already reached... the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang let out a soft sigh.


    He''d inadvertently made another breakthrough in his cultivation.


    1. He¡¯s in charge of the Hall of Alchemy. ?


    2. The author didn''t specify what kind of fate this is, but from what was mentioned in ch102 (B2C1), it sounds like it''s a good thing that the sect''s fate was suppressed, so I guess it was a bad fate. ?

 Chapter 130: Alchemical Formula

    <h4>Chapter 130: Alchemical Form </h4>


    The next morning, he arrived at the Hall of Weapons again.


    Wen Yulong was not someone that would sit here every day so Chu Liang had asked for him through a paper crane before he visited the Hall of Weapons.


    The junior brother, Wen Yulong, seemed to have no customers recently as he sat there bored. However, as soon as he saw Chu Liang, a brilliant smile appeared on his fair-looking face. "Senior Brother Chu, long time no see."


    "It hasn''t been that long. It has only been a few days." Chu Liang smiled.


    Their familiarity had grown to the point where initial formalities were unnecessary.


    "Days without ie always feel exceptionally long," Wen Yulong remarked with a smile.


    Attendants like them, serving different halls, had no time for missions. Consequently, they sought to umte sword coins through alternative means. As someone dedicated to refining artifacts, his livelihood naturally depended onmissioned work.


    "It appears that your talent has gone unnoticed by others so far," Chu Liang remarked with a smile as he pulled out the broken Razor Leaf from his pocket. "Take a look."


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Wen Yulong immediately revealed a trace of heartache. He picked it up and examined it closely before rxing his eyebrows slightly. "Fortunately, it''s not too badly damaged."


    "You said it was badly damagedst time when there was only a small hole, but this is what you say when it''s shattered?" Chu Liang expressed a hint of puzzlement.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, you don''t understand," Wen Yulong exined with seriousness. "Last time, it merely punctured a hole, but that damagepletely disrupted the inscription. This time, even though it''s broken, the inscription remains intact. As for the damage to the material itself, this can be easily repaired."


    "I see," Chu Liang nodded. "I was concerned it would be more costly thanst time, but now I feel relieved."


    "<i>Ah</i>," Wen Yulong realized btedly as he remarked, "I should have exaggerated the issue and asked for a higher price."


    "Young man, don''t adopt these dishonest habits. If you want returning customers, you have to treat them with honesty," Chu Liang imparted, swiftly reinforcing the importance of ethical values.


    He then took out the Crimson Lotus Bead and asked, "Let''s see how much this is worth."


    Wen Yulong set the broken razor leaf aside. He took the Crimson Lotus Bead, examined it, and rubbed it for a while. He then said, "This is a good item. It''s a treasure that achieved its current power by just one preliminary refining. If I refine it once more in my hands, it should be even more powerful. By then, its value should surpass two thousand sword coins. After all, it''s a enchanted treasure with both offensive capabilities and enduring function, so it will be a bit pricey."


    <i>Two thousand.</i>


    This price was even higher than what Chu Liang expected.


    In this case, he had earned quite a bit from the trip to Taotie City. Despite the Big Head currently causing some financial losses at the moment, the Big Head was still worth over ten thousand. Its value was unquestionable.


    The value of the Dustless Sword goes without mention. Chu Liang just didn''t dare to take it out in public for fear of attracting unwanted attention.


    In addition to those two, there was also the Crimson Lotus Bead.


    He had made an insane amount of profit.


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Wen Yulong looked at the Crimson Lotus Bead and suddenly suggested, "I can simultaneously repair the Razor Leaf and polish this treasure. I can embed this precious item onto the Razor Leaf and add another inscription. What do you think?"


    "Another one?" Chu Liang was surprised.


    The small leaf already had three forms: flight, attack, and defense... Wouldn''t the addition of another one add too much variation?


    "Yes, by then, I might be able to craft a versatilebination-type tool," Wen Yulong said, his eyes shining with anticipation.


    Chu Liang wasn''t as enthusiastic as him; he silently weighed the pros and cons.


    Suchbination-type tools naturally had both advantages and disadvantages.


    The benefit was that the powers of several tools could be unified, saving a lot of mental effort when manipting them and making the casting more convenient.


    However, the drawback was that with such unification, some functions couldn''t be used simultaneously.


    For instance, the defense-boosting inscription and flight inscription of the Razor Leaf could be triggered simultaneously, but the defense-boosting inscription and offensive inscription couldn''t be activated at the same time.


    If there were too many treasures and inscriptionsbined, it could lead to a wastage of function.


    And so, he needed to analyze the issue in this situation.


    Considering the power of the Crimson Lotus Pearl, Chu Liang eventually decided that the integration of the Crimson Lotus Pearl into the Razor Leaf was feasible. And so, he nodded and said, "Sure."


    "Great!" Wen Yulong was eager to try.


    Whenever Chu Liang visited, he would present Wen Yulong with surprises.


    "I also brought back these two pieces of Aura-Concealing Muslin." Chu Liang took out the materials for the two parts of Aura-Concealing Muslin.


    Chu Liang was ustomed to this routine. Whenever he would return from an adventure, he would organize all the collected resources with Wen Yulong.


    "No problem. The task of refining an enchanted robe is not challenging. I won''t charge you for that. However, the refinement of the Razor Leaf is a huge task; I''ll have to charge you two hundred and fifty." Wen Yulong said with a smile.


    "That''s fine." Chu Liang agreed easily.


    When he had money in his pocket, being frugal would be unnecessary.


    If he had purchased the Human-Faced Xiao at Taotie City, it would have emptied all his savings. However, amidst the chaos in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts and the pursuit of the escaped beasts, he managed to kill the Human-Faced Xiao. This not only achieved his goal but also helped him save spirit stones. And so, he was able to be more generous when dealing with Wen Yulong.


    The two swiftly reached a harmonious agreement for another coboration. After settling their discussions, Chu Liang inquired, "By the way, do you have any knowledge of Core Formation?"


    "<i>Huh? </i>You''ve reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?" Wen Yulong immediately caught on. "Congrattions, Senior Chu."


    "<i>Haih</i>. I don''t know if I should be happy or worried about it." Chu Liang smiled as he shook his head.


    "Indeed. It is not cheap to achieve Core Formation, " Wen Yulong said, "I only know some basics as I haven''t even reached the Golden Core Realm."


    "I know even less. Since you have some knowledge of refining pills, exin it to me, " Chu Liang said.


    "Sure." Wen Yulong nodded.


    "Golden Cores are typically categorized into high-tier, mid-tier, and low-tier. Of course, there''s the legendary ultimate-tier Golden Core, but the formation of such a golden core depends on your luck," he paused for a moment and began to exin.


    "For example, the most basic type of Golden Core formed by people who practice Mount Shu''s Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique would be the Divine Nine Golden Core. The required materials include the six heavenly treasures¡ªQingyun Violet Leaves, Huayang Vermilion Cinnabar, Profound Core Induction, Rootless Rain Essence, Dragon Grass Bearer, and Bead of Nine Merits. These items could be purchased at the Hall of Weapons and cost roughly one thousand sword coins."


    "However, these materials would only aid in refining the most basic low-tier Golden Core. If you wish to have a mid-tier Golden Core, you''d need to incorporate two rare materials¡ªYunque Powder and Supreme Yang Stone. By adding these two materials, you''d be able to form a mid-tier Heavenly Golden Core. These two items are for sale at the Hall of Weapons, and theirbined cost is significantly higher than the previously mentioned ones. Even so, it would still be around 1000 sword coins."


    "Disciples of Mount Shu should aim to at least form a mid-tier Golden Core. As for the formation of a high-tier Golden Core, it would depend on the extent of effort you are willing to invest."


    Wen Yulong pondered as he exined slowly. Clearly, it wasn''t easy remembering these things.


    The formation of a high-tier Golden Core would necessitate the incorporation of materials with Yin-Yang attributes and those representing one of the five elements. For instance, by adding a Fire Lingzhi or one of those fiery nature''s treasures, such as the Yang Seed, one can form a Heavenly Golden Core of Fire. With such diverse spiritual properties, it is ssified as a high-tier Golden Core.


    "These materials are rarely stocked up at the Hall of Weapons. You would have to look for these items yourself." Wen Yulong continued saying.


    "Thest one would be the ultimate-tier Golden Core. On top of what is required for the high-tier Golden Core, elevating the quality of the Golden Core would require an addition of a Celestial Herb of Ascension. However, obtaining this herb is a matter of chance and luck."


    "Senior Brother Chu?"


    The moment he finished talking, he realized that Chu Liang was already in a daze and he hastily called out.


    "<i>Sigh</i>." Chu Liang came back to his senses. He sighed and said, "The process of Core Formation is really troublesome."


    "Though it''s troublesome, it''s worth it," Wen Yulong said, "After all, a cultivator only needs one Golden Core in their lifetime, so it''s not too excessive to put in a bit more effort."


    "Only one?" Chu Liang smiled bitterly.


    ...


    Even after Chu Liang had returned to the Silver Sword Peak, he still felt a sense of heaviness. If he would have to help the Golden-Core Puppet, he would need to do this Core Formation twice.


    If possible, who wouldn''t wish to go through this process of Core Formation only once in their lifetime?


    It would be great if one could cultivate two at the same time.


    Originally, he thought he could rest for a few days, but it seemed that he would have to get busy again¡ªsaving money, searching for herbs, and forming his Golden Cores...


    If he wanted to reach the Golden Core Realm before the Mount Shu Summit, the schedule was indeed very tight.


    While he was calcting the time, he suddenly felt a vibration in his arms. This sensation hadn''t urred for a while, but he immediately realized what was happening.


    <i>Soul Subjugator Token?</i>


    He took out the Soul Subjugator Token and entered into the domain with his divine consciousness. There, he saw a row of conspicuous characters floating.


    [Fiend]: "A Southern Guider has called for a meeting."


    [Fiend]: "Gather outside the Southern Bastion Mountain within the next seven days."


    <i>A Southern Guider...</i>


    The Violet Golden Marquis''s subordinates consisted of eight Guiders, twenty-four Fiends, and seventy-two Soul Subjugators... The Southern Guider was a diabolical cultivator, holding a rank nearly as high as the leaders in the Dark King Sect.


    "Why did he summon everyone? What major event has urred?"


    Chu Liang didn''t have to ask as that usual slick and talkative person promptly replied.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Esteemed Fiend, what happened?"


    [Fiend]: "All will be revealed upon your arrival. The Southern Guider hasmanded the gathering of all Soul Subjugators from each group outside the Southern Bastion Mountain within the next seven days! Immediate departure is imperative upon receiving this message."


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    The news arrived with such abruptness that Chu Liang found himself enveloped in a prolonged silence. After all, the eptance of this direct order meant an inevitable meeting within seven days.


    It was indeed a bit nerve-wracking.


    The suddenness of the summons, after days of nomunication, heightened the pressure considerably.


    While he could inform his sect in advance for a coordinated interception, dealing with cultivators from diabolical sects demanded precision, and he only had one chance to capture them.


    The orchestrator of this assembly was the Southern Guider. As for the Violet Golden Marquis, the target of his teacher''s pursuit, he had yet to make an appearance.


    Chu Liang had to carefully weigh the value of capturing this Southern Guider.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "It seems that some precious and rare treasure in the Southern Bastion Mountain has captured the attention of our esteemed Southern Guider. That likely exins the summoning of this assembly."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "So exciting!"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Noted."

 Chapter 131: The Sword Dao of the Cloud of Determination

    <h4>Chapter 131: The Sword Dao of the Cloud of Determination</h4>


    "Esteemed Teacher, your disciple has something to report."


    When Di Nufeng returned from Solitude Peak, she saw Chu Liang waiting for her in the main hall of the pavilion with a very serious expression.


    She immediately showed an excited expression as she asked, "What''s the matter? Were you beaten up again?"


    "..."


    <i>Even if I did get beaten up, you don''t have to be so happy about it.</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but silentlyin. It seemed as if his teacher was taking pleasure in his misfortune.


    Of course, he understood why Di Nufeng showed such behavior. The past few times of him getting beaten up had conditioned her into believing that his misfortune would bring in extra ie.


    For decades, she had been beating people up and losing money. It was only recently that she discovered she could make money while doing so, and it was all thanks to Chu Liang.


    <i>Sorry. Your disciple wasn''t bullied this time. Sorry for disappointing you...</i>


    "I have received a new message through the Soul Subjugator Token of the Dark King Sect. A Southern-Route Guider has ordered subordinates to gather outside the Southern Bastion Mountain within seven days. They appear to harbor some ulterior motive," reported Chu Liang.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Di Nufeng frowned and remarked, "A Southern-Route Guider? That''s just a small fry..."


    Hearing the disdainful tone, Chu Liang felt wronged.


    <i>Teacher, that so-called small fry can easily kill me. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    He then shared with Di Nufeng what he had been contemting.


    "In my opinion, the Dark King Sect, and especially the Violet Gold Marquess, must beying low and preparing for their next strategic move. However, the Violet Gold Marquess'' subordinate, the Southern-Route Guider, is making a conspicuous move, openly gathering forces to enter the Southern Bastion Mountain. They must be trying to achieve something important by doing this. If we could capture the forces of the Dark King Sect along with their target, we would then make a great achievement..."


    "And if we manage to capture the Southern-Route Guider, there might be a chance to discover the whereabouts of the Violet Gold Marquis," Chu Liang added.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Di Nufeng pondered, nodding. She naturally understood the predicament her disciple found himself in.


    Chu Liang had been undercover as a Soul Subjugator, and once he took action, he would undoubtedly be exposed. Thus, the opportunity for undercover work was essentially a one-time affair. If he refrained from participating in the operation, it would undoubtedly raise suspicions,pelling them to close the in advance.


    "Even if we can''t catch the big one, nabbing a couple of small fries should be eptable, right?" Di Nufeng tilted her head and said helplessly.


    Having said that, she suddenly raised an eyebrow and added, "<i>Oh?</i> Anyway, since that Soul Subjugator Token can be used by anyone now, why don''t I go undercover instead? It saves you from risking yourself."


    Upon hearing her suggestion, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel slightly moved. At least, his teacher was considering his safety. However, the thought of Di Nufeng disguised as a low-level member of a diabolical sect...


    The Soul Subjugator, being the lowest-ranked member, might be subjected to arbitrarymands and could be ordered around at will. If someone were to scold or threaten Di Nufeng even slightly, she might retaliate with a punch, potentially leading to fatal consequences. This would undoubtedly alert the enemies, not to mention jeopardize any hopes of setting up an effective dra.


    "I don''t think so. To be an undercover, you need..." Chu Liang almost blurted out that brains would be required to be an undercover agent.


    "What?" Di Nufeng red, appearing rather sensitive to the statement.


    Thankfully, while the words were on the tip of his tongue, Chu Liang''s reason stopped him. Instead, he said, "One would need to have the ability to disguise themselves. Teacher, your radiance is like a firefly in the dark¡ªso distinct and outstanding. It''s apparent at a nce that you are not part of a diabolical sect. How could you possibly blend in with them?"


    "That makes sense, <i>hehe</i>." Di Nufeng''s lips curled upward as she chuckled. "Then I''ll apany you to the outskirts of the Southern Bastion Mountain. Bring along a tracking jade talisman so that I can locate you easily. If anything goes wrong, crush the talisman immediately, and I''lle to your rescue!"


    "That would be good." Chu Liang nodded.


    "Lastly..." Di Nufeng''s eyes shifted, gazing into the distance. "Make sure to keep that Dustless Sword safe. No matter what happens, you must not lose it."


    "Naturally, I will take good care of the sword bestowed upon me by you. I''ll handle it with utmost caution," Chu Liang replied, a bit puzzled by why Di Nufeng suddenly emphasized this.


    After some contemtion, he still felt that something was off with Di Nufeng, so he asked, "Is there something special about this sword?"


    Without directly answering, Di Nufeng suddenly recited a couple of lines of poetry.


    "The heavens'' divine light, a prism''s art,


    "Splits into nine hues, a celestial start.


    "Above the clouds, the celestial door gleams,


    "Unfolding in sequence, like ethereal dreams."


    Di Nufeng then murmured, seemingly to herself or someone else, and not really talking to Chu Liang. "If my guess is correct, this must be the key."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang expressed his bewilderment, noticing that she seemed to be immersed in some kind of memory.


    <i>When did his teacher learn to speak in riddles? Is something wrong?</i>


    ...


    As Chu Liang came out from the small attic, he descended to the foot of the mountain and retrieved the Dustless Sword.


    Since returning from Taotie City, he had never dared to reveal this sword in front of others. Only in the dead of night, he would cautiously take it out from his enchanted storage tool, touching and wiping it with a heart full of excitement and reverence. It was as if he were handling a pile of gold and silver locked away in andlord''s cer.


    He well understood the principle of not revealing one''s wealth, especially considering his current level of strength being no match for the value of this sword. If he were to unt this sword like how his teacher did with the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, he would likely attract bandits the moment he left Mount Shu.


    The crystal-clear sword body seemed almost intangible under the moonlight, with only the rippling golden mist within revealing its sharpness. Whenever his foundational qi was infused, the golden mist would rapidly spread, filling the entire sword body with a radiant golden glow.


    Chu Liang swung the sword casually, and a tinum-colored sword qi swiftly flew out, making a sizzling sound


    This strike, though as swift and flowing as unrolled white silk, carried an undeniable fierceness!


    In terms of its power, this sword was no less impressive than the Lightning Gale technique that Fang Ting had executed when they were in the Southern Bastion Mountain! One should know that Fang Ting was a cultivator at the fourth realm and formed a high-tier Heavenly Golden Core of Five Lightning and he had performed his best sword technique.


    Is this the power close to that of a divine sword?


    Of course, with Chu Liang''s cultivation, he wasn''t quite at this level.


    Common iron had some resistance to foundational qi. If an ordinary iron sword were used, only about seventy percent of the foundational qi could be channeled to the sword tip. In contrast, the standard flying swords of Mount Shu could channel about ny percent. A sword capable of channeling a full one hundred percent was considered extremely valuable. The swords previously advertised for sale at the Hall of Weapons were examples of this.


    Legendary swords could amplify the power of the sword qi. When the wielder infused ten percent foundational qi, the unleashed power would surge to twelve percent or beyond. As Chu Liang infused ten percent foundational qi into the Dustless Sword, it seemed to unleash fifteen percent, coupled with unique effects.


    Much like Di Nufeng''s Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, weapons require unique effects to vie among the divine swords in the ranking.


    The special effects of the Dustless Sword were evident in the Dao essence blended with the sword qi. As exined by his teacher to Xu Kunwu, this Dao essence, named "Cloud of Determination," was infused into the sword during the forging of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword.


    This was also the primary cultivation path of Daoist Yan.


    The Cloud of Determination Dao focused on soaring to the ninth heaven, with a single sword technique resembling floating clouds, embodying a profound and resolute sword intent.


    Daoist Yan had quietly cultivated on Mount Shu for many years without attracting much attention. Her moment of fame came during a decisive battle when she unleashed an immortal Sword Dao technique called "Heaven-Raising Sword" atop the Azure Falling Peak. The sword energy reached a thousand miles away, striking down demonic forces and astonishing the entire Nine Provinces!


    Since then, even the head of the Endless Sword Sect dered that if anyone in the world could surpass him in the Dao of the sword, it must be Daoist Yan from Mount Shu.


    The power of the Cloud of Determination Dao was evident.


    Initially curious, Chu Liang had also asked his teacher Di Nufeng about the Dao she cultivated. She answered that she primarily cultivated the Dao of Incinerating Heaven, which emphasized the radiant virtue of fire, burning down everything. It was a path filled with fervor and destruction.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel that this cultivation path perfectly suited his teacher. Given Di Nufeng''s intelligence, this path seemed tailor-made for her.


    As Chu Liang thought about it, it seemed that the Dao that each seventh-realm cultivator followed was more or less connected to their characteristics. Perhaps this was one of the keys to stepping into the Heavenly Gate?


    Choosing a Dao that harmonized as much as possible with oneself, or choosing a certain Dao and then embodying it?


    Of course, this was not something Chu Liang needed to consider now. He was still just a handsome guy worrying about obtaining resources for his Core Formation.


    But...


    As Chu Liang held the Dustless Sword in his hand, he felt so confident.


    He was confident that even though he was currently in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, he should be the most powerful cultivator among people of his cultivation level in the nine provinces.


    After all, with a divine sword in hand, coupled with the continuous supply of foundational qi from the Large-Headed Doll, he surpassed others of the same cultivation level in both intensity and endurance.


    Despite being at a lower cultivation level, Chu Liang was confident he could take on someone at the Golden Core Realm, as long as they were among the weaker ones at that level. Although facing someone of a higher cultivation level would be tough, Chu Liang believed he was capable of doing so.


    Under the moonlight, he raised his finger and eximed, "Rise!"


    The Dustless Sword soared into the air, cutting through the sky with a golden radiance, then swiftly rushed forward!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    He practiced the Dual Talismanic Sword of Wind and Fire.


    This was the most powerful attack Chu Liang could unleash with the Dustless Sword. With the gold and white Cloud of Determination sword qi, the sword technique struck the wall, causing a thunderous roar!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Arge section of the mountain wall was shattered by this one sword!


    "<i>Hahaha...</i>"


    Feeling the immense power he possessed, Chu Liang''s chest swelled with pride. Heughed three times at the bright moon and felt that heroes in the world were nothing more than this. Immediately, he decided that tomorrow he would leave the mountain with this sword and use it to challenge some powerful opponents...


    The Thorny ck Balls!

 Chapter 132: You Want To Do Dual Cultivation?

    <h4>Chapter 132: You Want To Do Dual Cultivation?</h4>


    "Boss, do you have new teas?"


    When Chu Liang appeared in the Red Cotton Market again, he was immediately greeted by familiar faces. He had be a little famous there even though he hadn''t been to the market that often.


    Chu Liang responded with a smile, "I''m not selling that anymore. I''m selling something else now."


    Upon hearing that, the person who received the disappointing answer let out a deep sigh of regret. He seemed to be a faithful fan of the first batch of fruit tea that Chu Liang had sold during spring.


    Chu Liang felt quite regretful about it too. After all, it wasn''t exactly easy to build up a brand name. Nevertheless, there had been no other choice. Fortunately, he''d managed to use the fruit teas to promote the berries a bit before ending the fruit tea business. The berries had gotten a pretty good response from the customers in the market.


    Chu Liang walked over to the usual spot for his stall. He spread open a small nket on the ground and put up his little sign¡ªDragon Breath Golden Vein Berries: nourish women''s skin and boost men''s sex drive.


    The sign immediately attracted a lot of attention.


    Some people recalled the promotional event from before and said, "Aren''t these the berries you gave as bonus gifts previously? They''re delicious! Are you still giving them out as gifts this time?"


    "No, I''m selling them now," Chu Liang answered with a smile.


    Then he ced three boxes on the ground, arranged in order of size.


    Some familiar faces approached him and asked, "How are you selling them?"


    Chu Liang took out a sign with prices written on it and pointed at the three boxes.


    He said, "One sword coin for three berries, three sword coins for five berries, and five sword coins for ten berries."


    Upon hearing that, all of the people queueing up in front of Chu Liang''s stall looked confused.


    "Did you say something wrong, or did we hear that wrong?" someone asked puzzledly. "Why does it get more expensive as the quantity increases?"


    "Neither," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "The Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries are very valuable and taste amazing. You can''t buy them at this price anywhere else. I''m not trying to profit from this; I''m selling them out of care for my fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. I want to try and let as many disciples as possible enjoy the benefits of these berries. Unfortunately, this was the only method I could think of that could let me do that. Each person is limited to one box per day, and you are only allowed to purchase one of the three boxes."


    "Out of care...?" everyone uttered, looking at him suspiciously.


    "Simrly, I limited the purchases of the fruit tea because my stock was limited, and I wanted to let as many disciples as possible enjoy the tea. I''ve sold off all of my stock, so there won''t be any more of it in the future," Chu Liang exined earnestly, letting out a deep, heartfelt sigh. "It''s the same with these berries. If I didn''t consider all of you, my fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, as family, I wouldn''t even be selling them."


    "Hang on..." a clever disciple standing to the side suddenly spoke out. "If I want to buy more but don''t want to pay a higher price, can''t I just ask another disciple to buy it for me? You said you''re limiting the purchase to one box per person, but you can''t restrict him from buying it and giving it to me, right?"


    "This... " Chu Liang looked startled as if he realized he''d made a huge mistake. "Aren''t you just trying to exploit a loophole?"


    "Haha," the clever little rascalughed, feeling like he had won. He said triumphantly, "I''ll go ask the disciples from my peak toe and buy the berries! Don''t you dare run away!"


    Themotion drew another crowd over to Chu Liang''s stall. Even those who hadn''t seen Chu Liang before went over to see what the fuss was about.


    The people who had tried the berries during the fruit tea promotion had already started queuing up in front of Chu Liang''s stall earlier. Most of them bought a small box of three berries. After eating the berries, they felt that the berries did have the effects that Chu Liang imed.


    During this time, some people went to gather their friends to buy the small boxes of berries. They sessfully bypassed the purchase limit of one per person and achieved the goal of exploiting the loophole.


    The medium andrge boxes of berries had some buyers too. Those disciples were big spenders; they couldn''t be bothered finding people to buy extra berries for them, so they just bought therger boxes. The medium andrge boxes of berries only cost three and five sword coins respectively, which were actually prices that everyone could still afford. Nevertheless, the bigger spenders enjoyed the gazes of admiration from the other customers.


    After just a morning at the market, pretty much all of the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who frequented the Red Cotton Market got wind of a piece of news. That fruit tea seller had returned to take care of his family!


    ...


    "I heard you''ve started another hot new business but with berries this time. You''re really amazing," Jiang Yuebai said, gazing at Chu Liang with a bright smile.


    "Sigh. As a child from a poor family, I have to take charge early. That''s all it is," Chu Liang replied,ughing softly. "Senior Sister Jiang, it''s all thanks to you for helping me attract customers at the start. Without your help, my business definitely wouldn''t have worked out so smoothly."


    "Even without me, there''s still Senior Sister Zhao and Senior Sister Qian. You''re so clever; you would have found a way to make it work anyway," Jiang Yuebai praised him.


    "In the Mount Shu Sect, you''re the only one I acknowledge as my senior sister," Chu Liang stated staunchly.


    Jiang Yuebai wore a white brocade dress and a short coat, with an azure jade belt at her waist. As she walked over, her slender figure swayed gently like a willow tree swaying in the breeze, and a fragrant scent wafted toward Chu Liang.


    After Chu Liang returned to Mount Shu, he''d exchanged a few paper-crane letters with Jiang Yuebai and found out she had some free time today. So, Chu Liang took the chance to invite her over and ask her some questions.


    Jiang Yuebai sat down and got straight to the point.


    She said, "All right, enough with the corny ttery. What do you want to ask me today?"


    Chu Liang answered, "I want to ask for your guidance on core formation. You''re an outstanding figure at the level of the Golden Core Realm, so I''d like to ask you¡ª"


    Before Chu Liang could finish, Jiang Yuebai looked slightly startled as she asked, "Why are you asking about that this early in your cultivation? Hang on... Could it be that you''ve already reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?"


    Thest time they met, Jiang Yuebai had sensed that Chu Liang had been nearing the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. However, she hadn''t expected him to reach the pinnacle that quickly.


    Hasn''t it only been a few days?


    Just as she thought that, Jiang Yuebai took a deep breath and put on a calm smile.


    I''m not even surprised anymore.


    I''m no longer the same as before. I''ve been out in the world and experienced many things.


    You surprised me time and again in the past. But no matter how fast you are now, I won''t show you any change in emotion.


    "It was a fluke, but I broke through to the pinnacle yesterday," Chu Liang replied, smiling humbly.


    "It''s great that you''ve reached the pinnacle. All right, carry on with what you were saying," Jiang Yuebai said and gestured lightly with her hand for Chu Liang to continue talking.


    Chu Liang picked up from where he left off. "I just wanted to ask if there''s any advice you could give me on how to form my core. It''s ratherplex and difficult, and I don''t have many close connections in our sect..."


    Jiang Yuebai blinked. She thought of something and gave a small smile.


    After a moment of silence, Jiang Yuebai said, "With your great talent andprehension ability, I think you should choose to form a high-tier Golden Core."


    "Mm," Chu Liang uttered, nodding in agreement.


    He had already intended to form a Golden Core of a high tier. In fact, there wasn''t a single disciple in the Mount Shu Sect who didn''t intend to do the same thing. Nevertheless, some disciples might settle on the next best option of forming a mid-tier Golden Core after failing too many times to form a high-tier Golden Core.


    Disciples from sects ranked in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would definitely aim high. Unconventional cultivators in the lower rung of the martial world, however, would choose to form whatever tier of Golden Core they could. It didn''t matter to them how low a tier their Golden Core was as long as they managed to form one.


    "If you don''t usually have a preference for one of the Five Elements when you cultivate, I suggest you choose a Yin-Yang Golden Core. Women are more inclined toward yin, while men are more inclined toward yang. I have no preference for one of the Five Elements, so I chose the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin. But it''s not always the case that women pick yin and men pick yang. Some men like the yin attribute, and they''re able to form the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin as well.


    "With the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin, you wouldn''t be specializing in an attribute, but you''d be able to have an average cultivation level in all attributes that''s greater than that of one of the Five Elements Golden Cores.


    "Each of the Five Elements Golden Cores only strengthens one attribute. A cultivator with one of those cores would be more powerful in that attribute than a cultivator with a Yin-Yang Golden Core. However, the cultivator with a Five Elements Golden Core would be weaker when using their other attributes.


    "Ultimately, ites down to your personal preference as to whether you want one of the Yin-Yang Golden Cores or the Five Elements Golden Cores," Jiang Yuebai exined.


    Chu Liang listened attentively. Such detailed knowledge of the practical aspects of cultivation had not been recorded in books, and it certainly wasn''t knowledge that Wen Yulong would have.


    However, Chu Liang had learned from Wen Yulong the day before that the Nethersea Golden Lotus was a treasure of nature with a pure yin attribute. Moreover, it could be incorporated into a cultivator''s Golden Core to form the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin!


    Even so, Chu Liang thought it would be a bit of a waste to use it that way. After all, the Nethersea Golden Lotus was a treasure of nature that could help cultivators break through theter stage of the Realm of the Five Elements. It seemed like a waste to use such a great treasure on this when it could be used for a much more difficult task.


    Despite that, Chu Liang also thought that it would be fine to use it anyway if he was experiencing too much pressure or he couldn''t find enough treasures of nature to use in forming the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin.


    Jiang Yuebai continued, "As for the ultimate-tier Golden Cores, don''t even bother thinking about it. The Celestial Herb of Ascension is located in the Immortals'' Marsh in the Southern Regions. Every disciple of our sect who has almost formed their core goes there to try their luck, but only a very small number of them manage to bring it back with them. It''s a sess rate of around once in a hundred years. When the timees, you can go try your luck too, but don''t get obsessed with it."


    "I see," Chu Liang said with a nod. Then heughed softly. "I don''t have such unrealistic wishes anyway."


    "That said, who knows? If you''re lucky, you might actually bring back a stalk of it back." Jiang Yuebai smiled. "I''ll be envious of you if that happens."


    "How could I dare to do so?" Chu Liang replied hurriedly with a polite smile.


    Then he pondered for a moment. If I were to have two Golden Cores, they may be able to achieve great synergy.


    Continuing with this line of thought, he wondered if there were anybinations of Golden Cores that were good together.


    So, Chu Liang spoke up again, "I have another question."


    "If¡ªwell, hypothetically, if two Golden Cores were to be cultivated together, are there anybinations that would be good for that?" Chu Liang probed, not expecting to get a definitive answer.


    Unexpectedly, Jiang Yuebai immediately asked, "Are you talking about dual cultivation?"


    "Oh, yes," Chu Liang replied, nodding repeatedly.


    He had forgotten that it was prettymon for couples to cultivate together in the cultivation world. It was said that there were special dual-cultivation techniques that could allow a man and a woman to achieve far greater results together than if they were to cultivate individually. Dual-cultivation techniques were not exclusive to the devil path; they were renowned even in the sect that Wenren Mo belonged to¡ªthe Sea King Sect, one of the Terrestrial Ten.


    "For dual cultivation, goodbinations can be found by looking at the Five Elements'' creation cycle: wood generates fire, fire generates earth, and so on... However, in suchbinations, one person usually supports the other, so it''s difficult for both parties to benefit from the dual cultivation.


    "Nevertheless, the key thing to avoid is having abination that''s part of the destruction cycle. You should go forbinations like yin and water or yang and fire. This way, both parties will benefit, but one attribute will still be considered the primary attribute, allowing one party to benefit more than the other. Ultimately, the yin and yangbination is the only one where there is no distinction in power between the two attributes. This is the bestbination," Jiang Yuebai exined seriously.


    She continued, "Additionally, people don''t usually enter the Golden Core Realm simultaneously. One person enters the Golden Core Realm first, and they will use their attribute as the basis for choosing the attribute of their partner''s Golden Core."


    Then she said suddenly, "You can decide on which attribute you want to dual cultivate with, and I''ll then give you detailed advice on the best attribute to pair with it."


    Chu Liang thought deeply about it. He could use his Nethersea Golden Lotus to form a Golden Core with a yin attribute first and then decide on the pairing attribute ordingly.


    Chu Liang responded truthfully, "The Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin."


    Surprisingly, a slight blush crept onto Jiang Yuebai''s face.


    Jiang Yuebai scolded Chu Liang softly, "What are you thinking of doing?"

 Chapter 133: Stirring Undercurrents

    <h4>Chapter 133: Stirring Undercurrents</h4>


    The atmosphere felt so awkward.


    The moment Chu Liang uttered the words, he realized he had misspoken. Senior Sister Jiang had just mentioned that she formed a Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin. And now, he was saying that he hope to do dual cultivation with a cultivator with a Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin.[1] His statement simply had a weird connotation.


    <i>I mustn''t overthink.</i>


    <i>But I can''t exin.</i>


    <i>Can I say that you totally misunderstood. I am trying to do dual cultivation with this doll and not with a real person.</i>


    <i>Sigh.</i>


    He could only chuckle and say, "It was just a random question. By the way, I have made progress in my learning of the Talismanic Sword Seal these past few days, and I''ve sessfully performed the Three-Character Talismanic Sword."


    "<i>Hmph...</i>" Jiang Yuebai''s gaze casually swept away, as if she had already grown ustomed to Chu Liang''s rapid progress. She calmly said, "Show me what you''ve got."


    Chu Liang stood up abruptly and summoned his flying sword.


    His exploration of Talismanic Sword Seal had never stopped. Recently, he had mastered the character of thunder, which was rather challenging. The art of thunder inherently restrained the sinister and eerie, making this character particrly effective against malevolent forces.


    Soon, he mastered the Three-Character Talismanic Sword.


    Indeed, his previous practice did not yield any progress, not due to ack ofprehension, but rather because he had not advanced deep enough in his cultivation. As he advanced deeper, the number of characters he could perform increased.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    The sword''s radiance filled the air. Chu Liang intended to showcase the results to Jiang Yuebai. He sequentially traced the characters of wind, fire, and thunder, all within an instant. Then, with a pointed finger forward¡ª


    <i>Boom!</i>


    When the three charactersbined, an explosion of heavenly thunder and earthly fire instantly created a massive crater. The power was several times stronger than before.


    As Chu Liang advanced further in his cultivation, the true power of his talismanic sword techniques finally began to show.


    Jiang Yuebai observed without showing much emotion, appearing to have grown used to such a sight. She nodded lightly andmented, "Not bad."


    Chu Liang wasn''t particrly surprised with how indifferent she had reacted. After all, even if he considered his progress and power to be remarkable, it was only rtive to himself. For Senior Sister Jiang, it was nothing more than child''s y.


    Jiang Yuebai suddenly asked, "Weren''t you given a replica of the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword? Why aren''t you using it?"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang smiled as he retrieved the Dustless Sword and said, "I was afraid of this attracting too much attention, so I kept it hidden for now."


    Chu Liang didn''t want the news of possessing such a sword to spread, but Jiang Yuebai already knew about it. After all, it was a replica of her teacher''s divine sword.


    And so, there was no harm in showing it to her.


    Jiang Yuebai gently stroked the transparent de of the Dustless Sword with two fingers. She then said with her eyes gleaming. "It is indeed valuable. You managed to get your hands on a replica when I don''t even have one."


    "After all, it''s just an item. Even with a divine sword in hand, I''m nowhere near as formidable as Senior Sister Jiang," Chu Liang chuckled.


    "As long as you stay focused on cultivation, I believe you''re not too far from catching up to me," Jiang Yuebai said sincerely.


    "Reaching Senior Sister Jiang''s level won''t be that easy," Chu Liang added.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Jiang Yuebai furrowed her brows as she thought this statement sounded a bit strange.


    Chu Liang quickly changed the conversation and said, "I hope when that timees, you won''t see me as a rival and refuse to impart your divine skills."


    "Don''t worry. You should at least have learned most of what you need by then." Jiang Yuebai nced at him with a hint of impatience flickering in her eyes. She then instructed calmly, "Just try your best in your Core Formation. When you reach the Golden Core Realm, I''ll teach you immortal arts."


    Chu Liang''s eyes instantly lit up as he said, "Thank you, Senior Sister!"


    After a while, the two bid farewell. Chu Liang returned to the Silver Sword Peak, while Jiang Yuebai lingered in the area for a while.


    She gazed at the crater created by Chu Liang on the mountainside. Her calm expression was reced by a slightly perplexed look.


    <i>How can he cultivate so quickly? Is my inherited constitution of the Transcendent Spirit fake? That shouldn''t be...I mustn''t remain idle any longer; I should start my closed-door cultivation. Yes.</i>


    ...


    "The Violet Gold Marquess has been in seclusion for months to heal his injuries. The situation within the Dark King Sect is changing rapidly, and it seems we''re about to lose our foothold!"


    In the dense jungle somewhere, two figures in ck robes were meeting secretly.


    Both were dressed in hooded ck robes and both of them had concealed their appearance with the shadow generated by some secret spell. They might have changed their voices as well. This was the rule in the sect. The only proof of their identities was the Soul Subjugator Token they possessed.


    The difference between them was that the ck-robed figure on the left had a golden embroidered "South" on their chest, while the one on the right had "Southwest" engraved on theirs.


    Under themand of the leader of the Dark King Sect, there were the Left and Right Guardians, and the Four Halls of Darkness. The forces under themand of the Right Guardian, Violet Gold Marquess, consisted of eight Guiders, twenty-four Fiends, and seventy-two Soul Subjugators.


    And the two individuals in question were the Southern-Route Guider and the Southwestern Guider and they appeared to be arguing about something.


    "And you still want me to lead everyone into the dangerous Southern Bastion Mountain with you now?"


    The Southwestern Guider was quite agitated and shouted, "If we suffer any losses, we won''t even have the capital to turn the tables in the future!"


    The Southern-Route Guider, on the other hand, remained calm andposed. He said slowly, "Among the Guiders, four have already sided with the masters of the other halls. The ones left must stand together as one. The Northern Abyss Hall has given us the final ultimatum ¨C either submit or die. I believe you''ve received it as well."


    "I received threats from the Scarlet-Robe Hall," the Southwestern Guider said.


    "We don''t want to betray the marquess. However, considering the marquess''s absence at this crucial moment, waiting passively seems like a recipe for defeat?" the Southern-Route Guider said. "I am trying to survive!"


    "You are trying to survive by venturing into the perilous Southern Bastion Mountain and absorbing those powerful souls that might not even exist?" The tone of the Southwestern Guider was filled with heavy skepticism.


    "What do you mean that they might not even exist? I am convinced that there is a dormant powerful soul among them, but I cannot get close to it by myself. As long as we collectively absorb it into the Netherworld Codex, we can definitely refine it into a seventh-realm Battle Soul that can fight for us. By then, even the four Lords of the Halls will have to fear us and we can endure until the Marquesses out of his seclusion," the Southern-Route Guider firmly stated.


    "Are you really acting out of loyalty to the marquess?" The Southwestern Guider''s tone was full of skepticism. "I''m afraid that you could establish your own faction with the power of a seventh-realm Battle Soul.


    "I am loyal to the marquess!" The Southern-Route Guider immediately dered. "If you doubt me, you can store the Battle Soul in your Netherworld Codex whenever it appears. As long as you swear never to betray the Violet Gold Marquess!"


    Upon hearing this, the Southwestern Guider just shook his head. He wasn''t tempted by the immense power and was instead calcting the risks. Deaths within the diabolical sect caused by fellow disciples were nearly as frequent as those caused by outsiders.


    The devilish sect was able to remain strong because there was a constant influx of individuals seeking quick sess and instant benefits continuously joining the sect. The naive ones would quickly be fodder, nourishing the cunning and sly ones.


    The act of not being able to resist temptation was a sign of naivety.


    That was why the Southwestern Guider appeared extremely vignt about this coboration. He was really scared that he might inadvertently fall into some trap and be someone else''s food.


    "I know what you''re worried about," the Southern-Route Guider continued persuading, "I will lead the way with my people. You can conserve your strength and intervene only when necessary. My loyalty to the marquess has always been unwavering, and you can trust in my sincerity."


    "Well..." The tone of the Southwestern Guider eased slightly, "How much do you know about that dangerous area? The danger within the Southern Bastion Mountain is far too great. If we rashly enter those ancient forbiddennds, we won''t even have enough people to sacrifice."


    "To be honest, I don''t know much," replied the Southern-Route Guider immediately.


    His tone sounded cold and chilling as he said, "That''s precisely why I asked you to bring your subordinates."


    The Southwestern Guider instantly grasped his intention. Given their cultivation levels, bringing along a few Fiends would suffice, while the assistance of Soul Subjugators wouldn''t be important.


    The Soul Subjugators were brought along solely for the purpose of sacrificing their lives to explore the more perilous paths!


    "Alright..." The Southwestern Guider contemted for a while before finally uttering a reluctant agreement. However, he muttered anxiously to himself, "I hope this journey goes smoothly."


    The Southern-Route Guider then chuckled, "Absolutely nothing will happen. Once we return with a seventh-realm Battle Soul that can fight for us, by then... <i>hehehehehe...</i>"


    1. The raw here is dual cultivation (Ë«ÐÞ) often implies sexual intercourse. ?

 Chapter 134: Ghost-Slaying Sword of Divine Light

    <h4>Chapter 134: Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light</h4>


    When Chu Liang walked out of the waterfall cave, he realized that it was drizzling with golden rain outside once again.


    He felt like the rain cloud moved with him.


    He felt really eager to seek answers from the True Dragon atop the Solitary Peak regarding the peculiar urrence of being chased by a rain cloud formed from dragon qi.


    Still, he felt a bit afraid to do such a thing. After all, he didn''t know if being chased by clouds formed from dragon qi was a good sign. And so, he decided to observe for a longer period before acting on anything.


    As soon as Chu Liangnded on the Silver Sword Peak, he heard the chaotic sounds of chickens and dogs on the mountaintop, with roars and chatter intermingling, asionally mixed with the voice of Liu Xiaoyu''er saying, "Don''t touch the flower bed!"


    It turned out that they were ying a game.


    A few days ago, in order to entertain the Baize youngling, Chu Liang hired Wen Yulong to engrave a simple inscription on a jade disc. The jade disc has no special power. However, if you rotate it slightly, it would be able to fly very far away.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er was tossing the flying disc, and with a swish, the jade disc spun in the air, gracefully twirling for a while. Then, with a swoosh, the Baize youngling immediately dashed after it, resembling a streak of white lightning.


    The Golden-Furred Hou chased after, panting heavily, itsrge head exerting effort as its four ws iled about However, due to its bulkiness andck of swiftness, it oftengged several body lengths behind the agile Baize youngling, striving to catch up but repeatedly falling short.


    "<i>Hreoohh!</i>"


    The Baize youngling was the first to bite onto the jade disc. It then rushed to Liu Xiaoyu''er and presented the disc to her.


    "Awesome, once again, Xiao Bai wins." Liu Xiaoyu''er patted its head and then smiled at the Golden-Furred Hou, "Xiao Jin, you have to try harder."[1]


    <i>Xiao Bai?</i>


    Hearing this nickname, Chu Liang wanted tough.


    Although he was more familiar with Senior Sister Jiang now and Senior Sister Jiang no longer disguised herself in front of him, he still had a deep impression of this pseudonym[2].


    The nickname of Xiao Jin for the Golden-Furred Hou was even more absurd. It would be more appropriate to give it the nickname "Golden Big Head."


    However, when Chu Liang saw how the three little ones were getting along harmoniously, he felt really happy. At first, he was worried that the Baize youngling would be arrogant and would not want to interact with Liu Xiaoyu''er and the Big Head. But he soon realized that the Baize youngling was willing to have fun with any friends he would introduce it. For the past two days, it had been having so much fun with Liu Xiaoyu''er and the Golden-Furred Hou that it would sometimes ignore Chu Liang when he was present.


    Chu Liang felt somewhat disappointed about this.


    In the past, the Baize youngling was mainly active on the Guardian Peak and the Pagoda Peak. But now, the Silver Sword Peak has be its homebase. For the past two days, aside from returning to the Guardian Peak for food and sleep, it had been frolicking at Silver Sword Peak. It had been having so much fun that it kept forgetting to return to its actual home.


    After a while of observation, Chu Liang noticed something off.


    Although the Golden-Furred Hou couldn''t match the speed of the Baize youngling, it wasn''t far behind. Additionally, Liu Xiaoyu''s flying disc was thrown randomly, and with its spinning motion, there were asions when it came within reach of the Hou.


    But during those moments, it either took a couple of spins initially, as if it hadn''t noticed the flying disc, or it slid as it attempted to grab it, making a skidding motion and missing the perfect opportunity.


    In summary, out of ten attempts, it might win once, with mostpetitions ending in the Baize youngling narrowly emerging victorious after intense rivalry. It was no wonder the Baize youngling had been so thrilled.


    "Good job..." Chu Liang couldn''t help but chuckle.


    <i>This Big Head is indeed wise. It seems to have realized that the Baize youngling is the provider of its food at Mount Shu.</i>


    <i>At such a young age, it has grasped the principle ofpeting with its superior.</i>


    <i>You deserve to eat to your heart''s content.</i>


    ...


    After watching for a while, just as he was about to return to his room, another dazzling streak of light shot down from the sky.


    "Junior Brother Wen," Chu Liang''s face lit up at the sight of the person.


    "Senior Brother Chu," Wen Yulong also smiled, turning his head to nce at the small hill where the spirit beasts were bustling and running. "It appears that Silver Sword Peak is bing more lively," he remarked.


    "These kids just love making a mess..." Chu Liang chuckled as he spoke with a voice carrying a touch of age and authority.


    At that moment, he seemed to have overlooked the fact that these "kids" were well over a thousand years old, while he himself had not even reached his twenties.


    "The livelier, the better." After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wen Yulong took out a green leaf-shaped enchanted tool. "I''ve refined your enchanted tool. Shall we put it to the test?"


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Chu Liang epted it and observed. On the palm-sized leaf, atop the ck pattern, he noticed a small red bead resembling a cinnabar embedded in the center of the inscription.


    "Are you sure I can test it?" He cast a worried nce at the spirit beasts in the distance, feeling apprehensive that this test might result in the same intense attacks as before.


    "There haven''t been any significant changes in the power level. Don''t worry," Wen Yulong reassured hastily.


    Only then did Chu Liang feel at ease. He cautiously infused a strand of his foundational qi into the green leaf. Then, he started to feel the intricate inscription patterns of the razor leaf. Indeed, it was apletely new set of patterns.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    A burst of light shed, and a greenmp materialized in the center of his palm. Composed of green leaves, the radiance flowed as if it were made of ss. It was exquisitely crafted. In the heart of themp was a redmp core, resembling the appearance of a Crimson Lotus Bead.


    This is...


    Chu Liang gazed at the familiar design, and a wave of emotion swept over him.


    <i>A lotusmp?</i>


    <i>No. This is a green leafmp.</i>


    "What do you think?" Wen Yulong said excitedly.


    "Not bad. It looks modest yet elegant and seems to convey such profound meaning." Chu Liang sincerely praised.


    With that, he activated the tool once again with his foundational qi. A red divine light emanated from themp core, and in an instant, the light condensed into a solid column, extending one zhang away and resembling a genuine long sword.


    <i>A light sword?</i>


    Once again, this transformation surprised Chu Liang.


    As he gripped the green leafmp, he felt as though he was holding a sword hilt and the condensed divine light in front resembled a towering sword pir!


    "Junior Brother Wen?" He gazed at Wen Yulong with a puzzled expression, silently seeking an exnation through his eyes.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Wen Yulong chuckled. "This is my finest design. While the divine light from the crimson lotus bead had a broad coverage before, the beam of light was too dispersed, leading to inadequate concentration and minimal power."


    "I couldn''t amplify the power of the Crimson Lotus Bead. However, I came up with an idea. By concentrating its divine light and projecting it over a one-yard area, it might only repel some small evil creatures. But now, with the light condensed into a yard-long divine light sword, it can y even a ghost king with a single strike!"


    "In the future, as you advance deeper in your cultivation, the reach of this light sword could likely extend to nearly a hundred zhang, instantly vanquishing any demonic creature it encounters! I call it the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light!"


    Listening to his exnation, Chu Liang felt like Wen Yulong had altered arge light bulb into a shlight¡ªinfinitely narrowing the scope to concentrate the radiance.


    But Chu Liang had to admit that this was indeed a brilliant design.


    "If you wish to expand the coverage of this immensely powerful Sword of Divine Light to about one zhang in radius, it''s also possible," Wen Yulong added.


    "How do I do that?" Chu Liang asked eagerly. The prospect of maintaining the current concentrated power while erging the coverage of the divine light seemed perfect to him.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    Wen Yulong gave a mysterious smile. He took the green leafmp and stepped back several zhang. Then, he activated the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light.


    Immediately after...


    He began spinning it frantically!


    <i>Chak-chak-chak-chak-chak-chak-chak¡ª</i>


    Countless question marks appeared on Chu Liang''s face.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    <i>Are you okay?</i>


    <i>Are you okay????</i>


    "Senior Brother Chu, as long as you refine your martial skills... mastering this sword technique to the extent that its spin can deflect even a drop of water, you''ll be able to extend the reach of this light to a radius of one zhang."


    Wen Yulong''s entire presence resembled a radiant light bulb, effectively enveloping an area within a zhang with a curtain of light. His voice intermittently emanated from within the light curtain, carrying a sense of pride.


    Chu Liang struggled to find words to express his speechlessness. He endured this speechlessness for a long time and the only thought that upied his mind was: <i>Isn''t this guy a total fool?</i>


    1. Xiao Bai (С°×) means Little White and Xiao Jin (С½ð) means Little Gold. ?


    2. If you guys remember, when Chu Liang first met Jiang Yuebai, she said her name was Jiang Xiaobai. Xiao Bai reminded him of Jiang Xiaobai. ?

 Chapter 135: The Silent Treatment

    <h4>Chapter 135: The Silent Treatment</h4>


    "<i>Huff, huff, huff</i>..."


    Wen Yulong was panting heavily, so he sat down to catch his breath.


    Chu Liang handed him a cup of water and said, "Junior Brother Wen, you worked so hard. You must be exhausted."


    "No... I''m fine." Wen Yulong waved his hand, brushing off Chu Liang''s concern as unnecessary. "It''s just that I haven''t practiced this sword technique for long, so I haven''t figured out how to execute it efficiently. But with more study and practice, I believe... I can do it easily and skillfully."


    "I think condensing the Crimson Lotus Bead to form the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light is an ingenious idea. You''ve done enough; don''t make things more difficult for yourself," Chu Liang urged.


    He was really afraid Wen Yulong''s Orb Lamp Sword Technique might end up only being good for looking shy when he''s confronted with enemies. His enemies would surelyugh themselves silly then.


    All those greater and lesser ghost kings and the like probably wouldn''t even be able to see such a grand performance in the underworld.


    "If you don''t like that feature, then you don''t have to use it for now. But my advice is to be prepared for any situation," Wen Yulong advised.


    He''d finally calmed down and was breathing normally again.


    "<i>Hehe</i>," Chu Liang uttered with a small smile.


    Sensing Chu Liang''sck of interest, Wen Yulong sighed andmented inwardly about how it was so hard to find a like-minded friend.


    Nevertheless, he decided to stop dwelling on this matter and instead picked up the green leafmp.


    Wen Yulong said, "As for the Divine Fire form, there''s nothing special about it."


    He channeled his foundational qi into the green leafmp, and a ball of divine fire burst out from the Crimson Lotus Bead again. It leaped and danced on the green leafmp, resembling a realmp that was zingly bright.


    "This Crimson Lotus Divine Fire is extremely effective against ghosts. If even a wisp of it makes contact with an ordinary ghost, the ghost would be burned until there''s practically nothing left," Wen Yulong exined.


    Chu Liang immediately gave a word of praise, "Excellent."


    The fact that there was nothing special about something Wen Yulong had created made this item very special. Chu Liang was quite moved by this.


    When he thought about the two forms in detail, he realized that both the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light and this Lamp of Divine Fire were pretty impressive.


    <i>Well, as long as you ignore the halftime show...</i>


    "I guess I didn''t let you down," Wen Yulong said with a smile and handed the green leaf over to Chu Liang.


    Then Wen Yulong took out the robe that had been made using the Aura-Concealing Muslin.


    He exined, "It wasn''t much of a challenge to make this Aura-Concealing Robe. It was very simple to make. I added a little enchanted inscription that alters your voice and conjures a shadow that veils your face, so you don''t have to use your skills to conceal them."


    Wen Yulong handed the robe over, and Chu Liang immediately put it on.


    The size and cut were just right; the robe was a perfect fit. It even had details like a cinched waist and slim fit, which were much better made than in ordinary clothes.


    Chu Liang pulled the robe''s hood over his head, and a dark shadow appeared, veiling his face as expected. His vision, however, remained unhindered by the shadow.


    "Junior Brother Wen, your workmanship is really good. If you stop cultivating in the future, you can be a tailor," Chu Liang expressed with augh.


    He didn''t sound like himself though; his voice had turned into the deep and raspy voice of an old man. The voice changer was a very thoughtful feature.


    With this Aura-Concealing Robe, Chu Liang could screen his aura from others and better conceal his presence when he participated in activities involving the diabolical sects. The robe could be a great help to him.


    He was now fully prepared for his trip to the Southern Bastion Mountain.


    "<i>Sigh.</i>" Chu Liang took off the Aura-Concealing Robe and put it away. "You always go all-out whenever you make enchanted tools for me. I really don''t know how to thank you."


    Wen Yulong replied sincerely, "Senior Brother Chu, if you really don''t know how else to thank me, you can always pay me more."


    "It''s gettingte." Chu Liang''s expression suddenly turned cold. "If there''s nothing else, you should head on back. My teacher will wake up soon.


    "And she bites[1]."


    ...


    It was nighttime. Raindrops fell to the ground with a persistent pitter-patter.


    Chu Liang was asleep as the murmur of rain reverberated outside his window.


    Then his eyes snapped open. He had been awoken by a sudden shake of the Soul Subjugator Token.


    That wasn''t surprising at all though. After all, a cultivator''s divine sense was still quite alert even while they were asleep, and Chu Liang had been thinking about the token before he fell asleep.


    His divine sense sank into the Soul Subjugator Token. Once inside, he sawrge golden words floating in the air.


    [Sixtieth]: "I have arrived at the outskirts of Southern Bastion Mountain."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Already? The Guidermanded us to assemble within seven days, but only three days have passed since then."


    <i>This idler... He replied instantly even though it''s the middle of the night. Does he never go offline?</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang had no time to waste on criticizing that guy.


    Chu Liang immediately started to form a n.


    <i>Should I set off too?</i>


    Each Guider had three Fiends under them, and each Fiend had three Soul Subjugators under them. ording to this chain ofmand, each Fiend would probably assemble their small teams before gathering together as arger group.


    That meant the arrivals would be staggered. If so, Chu Liang thought it would be best to arrive there second. He needed to face a member of this diabolical sect alone.


    If Chu Liang were to seed in disguising himself as one of the sect members, then he could consider establishing rtionships with Fifty-Eighth and the other members of the Dark King Sect.


    <i>And well, if the disguise fails, I can just call Esteemed Teacher to capture the sect member and then squeeze some information out of them.</i>


    Furthermore, it would be easier to make up the whereabouts of one person. It wouldn''t arouse much suspicion even if that person were to disappear.


    [Sixtieth]: "I have been active in the area all this time. Nothing''s happening right now, so I just decided toe here."


    [Fiend]: "You got there too early. I still need a day to deal with some matters. I''ll rush down to Southern Bastion Mountain afterward. If you guys get there before me, you can gather on the outskirts first."


    Chu Liang saw the Fiend''s reply while contemting what he should do.


    Some of the members of the Dark King Sect were underground cultivators who wandered the world, while others were seemingly ordinary people with families and jobs. However, thetter group wouldmit evil deeds in secret, so it was pretty normal for the Fiend to have many things to deal with if he were part of thetter group.


    Coincidentally, Fiend''ste arrival meant Chu Liang would have the opportunity to meet the Sixtieth alone.


    So, Chu Liang sent a reply.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "I''ll be there early tomorrow morning. Where should I go to find you?"


    [Sixtieth]: "Look for Wolf-Tail Forest, which is located on the left foothill of the Southern Bastion Mountain. There''s a pile of ck stones at the entrance of the forest. You can find me by following the ck stones."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "All right."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I''ll probably arrive tomorrow night. It seems like there will be some time before we''ll have to meet up with the Guider. Should we head out somewhere together? Let''s have some fun. We''ll go have a meal in the city at the foot of the mountain."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "My treat."


    Chu Liang and Sixtieth had just agreed on the secret signal for the meeting. Then Fifty-Ninth jumped out again and even suggested having a get-together. He''d done the same thingst time too.


    Chu Liang didn''t know a lot about how the members of this diabolical sect usually interacted with each other, but it certainly didn''t seem like they were that close. He didn''t know how to respond, so he just stayed silent, watching to see how the others would respond.


    However, no one said anything.


    Fifty-Ninth got ignored.


    He was ignored for a long time.


    After quite a while, new messages appeared again.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Haha, it seems everyone''s busy..."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Being busy is good."


    Seeing Fifty-Ninth''s lonely string of messages, Chu Liang suddenly felt a little sympathetic toward him.


    <i>In a ce where everyone is very indifferent and you''re the only one who is cordial and excited, you throw out invitations that everyone ignores... In the end, you even smile apologetically to make the situation less embarrassing for you...</i>


    <i>My heart aches just thinking about it.</i>


    1. When money is involved, Di Nufeng''s the most ferocious beast at Silver Sword Peak. XD ?

 Chapter 136: The First Encounter

    <h4>Chapter 136: The First Encounter</h4>


    ording to legend, in the distant Southern Regions during ancient times, an evil deity emerged. Possessing incredible divine powers and appearing extremely ferocious, it led countless demons and malevolent entities, bringing endless bloodshed upon the human realm.


    During this tumultuous period, the immortal realm, which had yet to sever its connection with the mortal world, intervened. A colossal mountain descended from the heavens, subduing the evil deity and its demonic horde, ultimately saving the lives of themon people.


    The mountain was so big and wide that it had been able to subdue the evil deity of the Southern Regions and its minions. Due to the countless evil entities buried within this ce, this mountain range waster named the Southern Bastion Mountain. This was also why the Southern Bastion Mountain was always gued by strange urrences, giving rise to numerous forbidden areas, dangerous spots, and devilish territories.


    Ironically, these eerie locations often concealed valuable treasures, luring countless cultivators to venture into their depths at the risk of their lives. Each year, many individuals would be ensnared within, affirming the truth of the ancient adage: "People die for wealth, and birds die for food."


    ...


    At the left foothill of the Southern Bastion Mountain, there existed a forest called the Wolf-Tail Forest, named for its peculiar and narrow shape.


    On this day, the Wolf-Tail Forest weed a handsome figure d in a tightly-woven ck robe, covering his entire body and face, effectively concealing his presence.


    This person was none other than Chu Liang.


    Upon learningst night that Sixtieth had already reached the Wolf-Tail Forest, he arrived early with his teacher at the Southern Bastion Mountain. At this moment, Di Nufeng was waiting nearby. If Chu Liang were to crush his jade slip, she would immediately reveal herself and take down the target.


    Many interactions with members of the Dark King Sect had uncertain oues. Chu Liang needed to act impromptu, and he was evidently feeling nervous. Nevertheless, from an external perspective, his steps remained firm andposed.


    Sure enough, a pile of ck stonesy at the entrance of the forest.


    At the entrance, the ck stones formed an arrow-shaped guide at the entrance, directing Chu Liang towards a specific direction. Following the trail through the forest, he came across another pile of ck stones redirecting him. After traversing a considerable distance, he finally spotted a moderately sized cave.


    Chu Liang observed the cave entrance for a while before cautiously walking in. The cave was shallow, with no one in sight initially. However, as he ventured further into the cave, a figure suddenly appeared at the entrance.


    "You are here," the person said.


    Their voice sounded deep and hoarse, seemingly altered through a special technique.


    Chu Liang turned around to see a figure standing at the cave entrance, simrly dressed in a ck robe. The attire obscured their head and face, effectively concealing their aura.


    <i>Oh.</i>


    <i>We are wearing the same outfit.</i>


    Chu Liang''s reason for rushing to meet "Sixtieth" first stemmed from his belief that a one-to-one meeting offered the best opportunity for extracting information. He aimed to glean more insights about the Dark King Sect from this individual, intending to better equip himself for the forting major gathering.


    If he said something wrong, he could promptly summon his teacher without alerting the enemy, allowing for the elimination of the person with minimal risk.


    From the moment Chu Liangid eyes on "Sixtieth," he focused on observing the person, hoping to gather more information. Unfortunately, the individual proved to be equally vignt.


    Chu Liang had a feeling that he wasn''t the only one feeling nervous about this unexpected meeting.


    "Sixtieth" had waited until Chu Liang entered the cave before revealing their presence. It seemed that they were also observing in the shadows. If Chu Liang made any mistakes or if someone was following Chu Liang, "Sixtieth" might leave immediately.


    In the ce where shadows and light intertwined, the two stood facing each other.


    However, apart from Sixtieth being slightly shorter than Chu Liang, nothing else could be discerned. In fact, even Sixtieth''s height might not be real.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel puzzled. If disciples of the Dark King Sect were always this cautious during meetings, heavily guarded and reluctant to reveal much, how did theymunicate with each other? Or perhaps, did they simply notmunicate at all?


    "I''m here," he replied to Sixtieth in a simrly straightforward manner, being cautious not to reveal too much.


    "Take a seat." Sixtieth gestured.


    In the cave, two stone stools upied the space. Chu Liang settled onto the left one, while Sixtieth imed the one on the right.


    Though Chu Liang wasn''t sitting far away from Sixtieth, he could not see anything beyond the ck disguise. The figure, shrouded in a robe and concealed within the shadows, bore an uncanny resemnce to himself. Sixtieth''s attire as well as their voice almost seemed like a reflection of Chu Liang, which made it very difficult to understand what was going on.


    <i>Even though I am sitting on your left, it feels like there''s a vast distance between us, as wide as the Milky Way. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    As soon as they both sat down, Chu Liang took the lead and asked, "How did things gost time?" Chu Liang had prepared this opening in advance. The question was intentionally vague so that he could get the chance to gather information provided if the actual Fifty-Eighth and Sixtieth indeed shared knowledge of a specific event. If Sixtieth had asked about something else, Chu Liang nned to use the conversation with Fifty-Ninth in the group to change the subject.


    This question would help him navigate these conversations, allowing him to be assertive or defensive as needed.


    Upon hearing this simple question, Sixtieth paused briefly before responding, "You should be able to guess how it went."


    Chu Liang''s thoughts were filled with uncertainty, and his mind raced like lightning.


    He hadn''t inquired about a specific event, yet Sixtieth''s response hinted at the existence of a particr matter between them. Chu Liang could guess the oue of this matter, but so what if he had guessed it? What would it reveal?


    It would reveal nothing.


    The beginning of the conversation was already rather challenging...


    Chu Liang shook his head and responded with a sigh, "<i>Haih</i>, It has been really tough recently. Many things haven''t been going smoothly."


    Chu Liang had said something vague as well. This statement could be interpreted as himself struggling with that particr event mentioned, leading to further conversation. Alternatively, since he had described that things haven''t been going smoothly, this statement could be interpreted as him expressing hardships.


    For the disciples of the Dark King Sect, especially those following the leadership of the Violet Gold Marquess, life has been rather challenging.


    "True." Sixtieth nodded simply and added, "But you must be in a better state than me."


    <i>Hmm? Why would I be in a better state?</i>


    <i>Was this said because Fifty-Eighth''s cultivation surpassed Sixtieth''s or was it something else? This is another statement with little information. Clearly, I must say something with more concrete information. </i>


    He genuinely needed to trick Sixtieth into sharing some substantial information.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" After a moment''s consideration, Chu Liang chuckled softly and then asked directly, "Tell me about how things have been going for youtely."


    "It''s been rather uneventful for metely," replied Sixtieth, shaking their head. Then, they turned the question back to Chu Liang, asking, "What about you?"


    "Same here," Chu Liang replied.


    The small talk hit a standstill.


    Chu Liang''s patience was nearly depleted. It seemed like Sixtieth was behaving cautiously and unwilling to disclose any information.


    Continuing this conversation would be a waste of time and it might be better to directly summon his teacher to intervene forcefully.


    However, Chu Liang knew that it would be best not to leave any signs of fighting nearby. This ce was too close to the Wolf-Tail Forest. Previously, Sixtieth had reported through the Soul Subjugator Token that they would be here. Any signs of a fight and even the slightest fluctuations of foundational qi might alert the remaining two members.


    Chu Liang was prepared for this. For a situation like this, he nned to use the excuse of discovering a hidden treasure on the way here and invite the other party to check it out together.


    Members of the diabolical sect were always cautious and calctive. Therefore, Sixtieth would definitely be very careful.


    However, if they had managed to leave this location, any precaution would be useless since his teacher would be powerful enough to deal with Sixtieth.


    Chu Liang was just about to say something when Sixtieth suddenly broke the silence and said, "Before you arrived, I found some extraordinary treasures in a valley on a slope outside the forest, but I was worried that there wouldn''t be anyone in the cave if you had arrived so I left that valley quickly. Since the others will arrive a bitter, why don''t we go take a look together?"


    <i>This...</i>


    <i>Isn''t that what I am supposed to say?</i>


    Chu Liang felt a vague sense of doubt. He couldn''t understand the purpose of this sudden suggestion.


    Recalling how Sixtieth had previously tried to lure him into a meeting for the Nethersea Golden Lotus, Chu Liang wondered if this was another instance of internal conflict and scheming within the Dark King Sect.


    However, leaving this ce was ultimately advantageous for him so he decided to go with the flow.


    And so, Chu Liang nodded and said, "Very well."


    Subsequently, Sixtieth stood up and walked forward. However, as they moved, they kept their body slightly turned, facing Chu Liang with half of their posture.


    Chu Lianggged half a step behind, always facing Sixtieth directly.


    Clearly, both were wary of a potential sneak attack.


    In this brief encounter, Chu Liang unexpectedly felt a sense of camaraderie with Sixtieth. Every move resembled techniques from the same instructor. Chu Liang found himself unable to counter Sixtieth''s move in any way.


    <i>What are the chances of Sixtieth being an undercover agent?</i>


    As the thought crossed his mind, Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile at the absurdity of it.


    <i>Regardless of your intentions, the truth will be revealed when my teacher captures you. Even if you''ve mimicked all my moves, you can''t possibly have the same teacher as me, right?</i>


    As they approached the hill and were far away from the Wolf-Tail Forest, Chu Liang was ready to discreetly take out the tracking jade slip.


    <i>Crack.</i>


    However, before he could do so, there was a sudden, faint crackling sound in the air.


    A familiar sensation enveloped Chu Liang, as if some invisible shackle had appeared. A slight gust of dust-like wind ripples spread out, causing subtle changes in the surrounding rules of the heavens and earth.


    <i>A shamanic technique</i>


    <i>Forbidden Ground?</i>

 Chapter 137: A Misunderstanding Resolved

    <h4>Chapter 137: A Misunderstanding Resolved</h4>


    "What are you doing?!" Chu Liang shouted loudly,unching himself into action simultaneously.


    He anticipated the opponent''s move, but didn''t expect the Dark King Sect''s Soul Subjugator to use a shamanic technique as their first move. The Dark King Sect, a faction under the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, followed the diabolical path after a division in the cult and incorporated elements of diabolical techniques into their own skill system. Despite these changes, they did not use any shamanic techniques.


    Within this Forbidden Ground, all forms of enchanted techniques were forbidden. Any divine skills and enchanted tools were rendered useless. The situation was bing somewhat risky for Chu Liang.


    However, since Chu Liang had dealt with the shamanic technique Forbidden Ground before, he quickly moved back to create some space between himself and Sixtieth. He guessed that Sixtieth likely didn''t know about his physical power which was akin to the strength of ten tigers. If a physical fight broke out, he believed he still had the strength to defend himself.


    Despitecking knowledge on the true capabilities of the opponents, Chu Liang prioritized escaping the boundaries of the Forbidden Ground. He intended to inform his teacher using the tracker jade slip. Since the opponent had the audacity to use the Forbidden Ground technique, they definitely possessed formidable means.


    No matter what, Chu Liang needed to make very careful choices.


    Sixtieth remained ruthless and taciturn, not uttering a single word. As Chu Liang retreated, preparing to escape the boundaries of the Forbidden Ground, Sixtieth didn''t just watch him slip away. With a flick of their hand, silvery lights rained down like a shower.


    <i>Hidden weapons?</i>


    <i>Swish! Swish! Swish!</i>


    Faced with the overwhelming silver lights, Chu Liang immediately disyed his body techniques, dodging and retreating, narrowly avoiding all the silver needles.


    Upon closer inspection, those silver needles that fell on the ground quickly softened, transforming into worm-like silver threads that swiftly burrowed into the soil.


    Seeing this, Chu Liang''s scalp tingled instantly.


    <i>Those needles were actually insects!</i>


    <i>Curse insects!</i>


    He didn''t dare to ponder the consequences of curse insects burrowing into his body, nor did he want to stay with this mysterious opponent. As he maneuvered and dodged swiftly, he was on the brink of escaping the boundaries of the Forbidden Ground.


    Meanwhile, Sixtieth appeared puzzled as they muttered to themselves, "Turbulent Stream Movement Art?"


    As Chu Liang was about to escape, Sixtieth didn''t hesitate. They swiftly pursued with such elusive and agile movements and closed in rapidly like a ghost!


    Chu Liang sprinted, nearly breaking free from the Forbidden Ground''s boundaries, when another barrage of silver needles rained down. However, he twisted his body and skillfully avoided the attack once more.


    Then, Sixtieth raised their hand, seemingly dispelling the Forbidden Ground.


    Unlike the deceased shaman elder who died before he could dispel the technique, Sixtieth was still alive, which meant she could effortlessly deactivate the shamanic technique with a raise of their hand.


    Following that, they took out a ck umbre.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the ck umbre unfolded, Sixtieth''s movement paused slightly. Then, in the next second, they appeared to a spot several zhang away as though they had teleported.


    <i>Such swift movement!</i> Chu Liang was taken aback.


    As he observed Sixtieth more closely, he realized that there was a faint ck humanoid shadow beneath the opened umbre.


    It seems to be a conscious soul[1]?


    The ethereal being embraced Sixtieth''s waist and swiftly flew forward, executing that teleportation-like technique.


    Is this the Umbral Spirit Control Technique? How did Sixtieth master such a diverse array of arts and techniques?


    In terms of speed, the ghost, in Chu Liang''s estimation, ranked second only to Fairy Jiang''s immortal art Dimension Compression.


    As Sixtieth approached, Chu Liang held the tracker jade slip in his hand. With just a gentle press, he would have summoned his teacher.


    At this moment, Sixtieth appeared before him and flipped their hand again, taking out this gleaming giant curved saber. The edge of the saber bore a dangerous ck hue.


    <i>Poison.</i>


    This weapon confirmed a suspicion in Chu Liang''s mind. He watched as Sixtieth darted towards him and was about to strike with the chilling edge of the curved saber.


    However, instead of crushing the jade slip, Chu Liang shouted loudly, "You are not a Soul Subjugator; you are a disciple of the Valley of the Three Absolutes! I am from the Mount Shu Sect!"


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The curved saber whistled to a stop just inches above his head. Even so, Chu Liang remained unperturbed.


    If Sixtieth hadn''t stopped, he could activate the green leaf and wrap himself up like a zongzi and fly away to create some distance.


    This brave move stemmed from his confidence.


    Yet, the foundational qi and poisonous aura emanating from the saber nearly grazed his hair, sending a shiver down his spine. He broke out in a cold sweat.


    "You are part of the Mount Shu Sect?"


    Sixtieth questioned while lifting up their hat and revealing a delicate face.


    <i>A girl?</i>


    Chu Liang was slightly surprised.


    Before him stood an attractive yet stern young woman, dressed in a ck robe. Her silver-white hair fell just above her ears, a length that could be considered short for a woman. With a fairplexion, indifferent eyes, and a somewhat doll-like face, her appearance conveyed a lingering innocence that contrasted sharply with her cold demeanor.


    She had indeed faked her height. After she lifted her hat, her stature appeared slightly shorter and her voice took on a higher-pitched yet emotionless tone.


    This petite girl gripped a huge curved saber with an expression suggesting a reserved and ruthless demeanor. The scene seemed somewhat peculiar.


    "Yes," Chu Liang, perceiving her sincerity, lifted his own hat and revealed a harmless smiling face. "Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    He concluded that she wasn''t a disciple of the Dark King Sect, not only based on his initial suspicion but also from the array of techniques she disyed earlier.


    Shamanic arts, the art of curse insects, the art of poison...


    It wasn''t strange for someone to know any one of the three. However, mastering all three would be very odd.


    In addition, the expertise in the Umbral Spirit Control Technique and the use of the curved saber from the Chijiang of the Southern Regions were entirely unique skills of the Valley of the Three Absolutes. She hadn''t executed the Heavenly Star Unusual Art or Soul Techniquesmonly used by the Soul Subjugator from the Dark King Sect.


    And so, he was confident that Sixtieth was a disciple of the Valley of the Three Absolutes. With this realization, all the earlier peculiar behavior suddenly made sense.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" the girl with the curved saber pondered for a while before she nodded and said, "I believe you..."


    Chu Liang smiled. As expected, whenever he would show his righteous-looking features, he could gain the trust of the other party.


    But then, the girl said, "Soul Subjugators of the Dark King Sect must at least be at the Golden Core Realm. You, being a cultivator at the third realm, must be an impostor."


    "..."


    <i>So my lower cultivation level has earned me trust? </i>


    "I''m Luo Yao." The girl sheathed her curved saber and stated her name in a cold tone.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang, upon hearing this name, felt a sense of familiarity. He remembered reading about a ruthless and talented female disciple from the Valley of the Three Absolutes in the<i> Seven Stars Gazette</i>. She had single-handedly ughtered numerous evil shamans and members of diabolical sects.


    <i>This girl was the one?</i>


    Upon reflection, Chu Liang realized that he had narrowly evaded her relentless pursuit earlier. If she had persisted in chasing him, he would have beenpelled to summon his teacher and escape with the use of the green leaf, as hecked any means to fight back.


    With her cultivation level, which was likely as powerful as Jiang Yuebai, as well as the various bizarre and sinister methods she had used, Luo Yao was indeed quite a terrifying opponent.


    Initially, Luo Yao had mistaken him for a diabolical cultivator of the Dark King Sect at the Golden Core Realm, hence why she first activated the Forbidden Ground technique.


    However, Chu Liang managed to escape using the Turbulent Stream Movement Art. If she had known at the start that he was a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, she would have probably attacked with a more lethal force, giving him no chance to fight back.


    "So, you are Miss Luo. I''ve heard of your name," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "Why are you here?" Luo Yao didn''t bother with pleasantries and asked directly.


    "I learned about the Dark King Sect''s actions through the Soul Subjugator Token and came here to eliminate diabolical cultivators," Chu Liang replied, then inquired, "Miss Luo, how did you get to use the Soul Subjugator Token?"


    Previously, the Soul Subjugator trapped his intact soul into the Netherworld Codex, which then provided Chu Liang ess to the domain within the Soul Subjugator Token. It was a fortunate twist of fate.


    Such coincidences should not bemon.


    "I captured a wicked Soul Subjugator. I was going to extract his soul and refine it for some shamanic material. Surprisingly, I found outter that I could use his Soul Subjugator Token," said Luo Yao. "I thought I was the only one who knew how to hack into this token. I had intended to kill a few more diabolical cultivators of the Dark King Sect and seize all their Soul Subjugator Tokens. I didn''t expect you to discover this method too."


    "It was just a coincidence." Chu Liang chuckled.


    <i>I was not as ruthless as you.</i>


    The Soul Subjugator that Chu Liang met back then seemed so fierce and ruthless when he was extracting a conscious soul. Yet, to the girl here, a Soul Subjugator was just a toy to be manipted. A Soul Subjugator wouldn''t even have the power to fight back and resist death.


    "<i>Sigh.</i> What a pity." Luo Yao sighed.


    "A pity for?" Chu Liang asked.


    "The elders of my sect are waiting outside now. I promised them that I would extract a few conscious souls and give them ess to the Soul Subjugator Tokens. This way, we can all infiltrate the Dark King Sect together." Luo Yao said, "This method can only be used once. Once we are exposed, it won''t work again. And so, they are all hoping for a chance to experience this."


    <i>Great. Are you all treating this like it is some sort of recreational activity?</i>


    Chu Liang could only reply, "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. We can work together to deal with Fifty-Ninth and the Fiend."


    Luo Yao casually said, "I can handle that Soul Subjugator myself. As for the Fiend... he''s at the fifth realm and he won''t be an easy opponent. I need toe up with another method."


    1. Previously fresh soul. Now conscious soul, as in a soul that still has their consciousness and rationality. ?

 Chapter 138: Just Take Action

    <h4>Chapter 138: Just Take Action</h4>


    "Miss Luo Yao, do you know a lot about the Dark King Sect?" Chu Liang asked, "I know very little about it, but we could share whatever information we have."


    Ultimately, Chu Liang was happy to find out that Luo Yao was Sixtieth.


    The Valley of the Three Absolutes might not have a very good reputation among the righteous cultivators, but it was still ranked in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten. Amid all the bad guys from the Dark King Sect, Luo Yao was Chu Liang''s unshakeable ally of good.


    The two of them put their hoods back on and returned to the cave. They were now able to converse more easily than before.


    "I don''t know much about it either..." Luo Yao answered. "All I know is only know that the Violet Gold Marquess'' subordinates are managed in levels. Violet Gold Marquess only manages the Guiders and doesn''t know much about the Fiends. Likewise, each Guider only manages the Fiends under hismand and is unfamiliar with the Soul Subjugators.


    "However, those holding positions as superiors do not have much contact with their subordinates. They usually meet only once a month at the Soul-Gathering Meeting to offer fresh souls to the Violet Gold Marquis. Apart from this, they don''tmunicate much."


    "That makes it quite convenient for us to infiltrate them," Chu Liang replied.


    "Yes, the only one who may realize we''re fakes is the Fiend who manages us," Luo Yao said. "So, as long as we find a way to get rid of him after entering the mountain, there''s no one else who would notice we''re not who we''re iming to be."


    After some thought, Luo Yao told Chu Liang, "Some of the divine skills used by my sect are simr to those of the Dark King Sect, such as skills for controlling ghosts. So, it is rtively easy for me to pretend to be one of their members. But once you make a move, it''s unavoidable that you''ll be exposed for having skills from a different cultivation legacy. You must do your best to keep your identity concealed."


    "I understand."


    Of course, Chu Liang had already taken that into consideration. He knew he would have to y it by ear and adapt ordingly.


    "Additionally, my sect''s elders want me to remain undercover for as long as possible for this mission," Luo Yao said. "The fact that the Southern-Route Guider has mobilized all of so many people must mean that they''ve found something valuable enough in the Southern Bastion Mountain that''s worth the risks associated with assembling all of his subordinates. We intend to wait until after they''ve acquired the item before making a move to capture all of them together. Before then, do your best to keep your identity secret."


    Chu Liang nodded. "I will."


    The n that Luo Yao''s party had wasn''t much different from his own, so it wouldn''t be a good idea for him to let Luo Yao know that his teacher was waiting outside too. Doing that could cause an internal conflict. The best course of action was to wait until the valuable item was found. Then, once Chu Liang''s teacher and Luo Yao''s elders showed up, they could decide among themselves who would be taking the item.


    Nevertheless... Chu Liang didn''t know how resolute the Elders from the Valley of the Three Absolutes were. It was quite likely that they were not as headstrong as his teacher, so there might not even be much of a fight.


    Luo Yao continued, "The disciples of the Dark King Sect mainly use soul-controlling and soul-refining skills. Their physical bodies are quite weak, so Forbidden Ground is very effective against them. Earlier, I saw that you have a pretty strong physical body. We could fight them together."


    Chu Liang suddenly realized... <i>No wonder her first move was Forbidden Ground.</i>


    Luo Yao didn''t have a particrly strong physical body, but she was very proficient with concealed weapons. Combined with the use of venomous insects and poisons, she was incredibly capable of injuring and killing others.


    With the addition of Chu Liang''s Power of Ten Tigers and Brick Combat Technique, they would be like the greatplementarybination of a mage and a warrior, with one attacking from the rear and the other at the forefront. As long as their opponent wasn''t a martial artist of Yun Chaoxian''s caliber, their opponent would not fare well.


    With this in mind, Chu Liang took out an Essence-Concealing Pill and handed it to Luo Yao.


    "Miss Luo, this is an Essence-Concealing Pill. It can conceal the fluctuations of your foundational qi when you make a move," Chu Liang said. "Keep it with you for now. You may need itter."


    Chu Liang gave Luo Yao the Essence-Concealing Pill because she had been quite open and frank when she shared the information she had with him. However, Chu Liang didn''t have any information to give in return, so he could only express his sincerity by giving her the pill.


    Meanwhile, Luo Yao didn''t shy away from epting the pill. She knew that the Essence-Concealing Pill was extremely rare, as it was hardly concocted anymore. So, she epted the pill without hesitation and gazed at Chu Liang with a much softer expression.


    Chu Liang had always been deliberately generous to gain a favorable impression early on, and it worked this time too.


    ...


    Chu Liang and Luo Yao stayed in this cave for a while. Luo Yao wasn''t particrly talkative, but Chu Liang matched her pace, so they were able to chat quite harmoniously.


    Just as the sky was getting dark, their Soul Subjugator Tokens vibrated. They''d received a message.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Have you already met up? I''m almost there. Are we still meeting in the Wolf-Tail Forest?"


    Chu Liang read the message, but he didn''t reply immediately.


    He opened his eyes and asked Luo Yao, "Are we still meeting here?"


    Luo Yao nodded gently. "Sure."


    "Okay," Chu Liang said. "Let''s see if we can get some information out of him first. Then we''ll go with what we nned. I''ll follow your lead."


    The two of them had a brief chat to finalize their n to wee Fifty-Ninthter.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "The pile of ck stones at the entrance of the Wolf-Tail Forest is still there."


    [Sixtieth]: "That''s right."


    [Fiend]: "Great. I was worried that the two of you might get into a conflict since this is your first time meeting each other. I guess everything should go smoothly when the three of you meet up. I''ll hurry over early tomorrow morning, and I''ll take you guys to meet the Guider."


    As expected, internal backstabbing was a concern for everyone in the diabolical sect.


    It wasn''t long before a figure appeared at the entrance of the cave.


    Their appearance was apanied by a tone filled with pleasant surprise. "<i>Ah!</i> You''re really here. I''m finally meeting you in person."


    Chu Liang and Luo Yao had already sensed it before looking over, and when they did, they saw the person was dressed in a ck robe, which covered his head and face and concealed his aura...


    <i>Here''s another person wearing the same outfit.</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang was already numb to this.


    Fifty-Ninth didn''t seem particrly guarded, so Chu Liang and Luo Yao should be able to get some information out of him.


    Thinking that, Chu Liang pointed at a block of stone beside him and said, "Sit."


    "<i>Haaa...</i> I finally get to sit for a while. I''m exhausted. You have no idea how long I''ve been traveling for and what route I had to take just to rush over here. I thought I could be the first one to get here, but who knew that I would end up getting here after you guys..." Fifty-Ninth began.


    Without anyone prompting him, Fifty-Ninth rambled on and on about how much he suffered during his journey here.


    Chu Liang listened carefully to Fifty-Ninth''s chatter for a while, but he didn''t find even a little bit of useful information...


    So, when Chu Liang found an opportunity to interrupt, he asked, "Have you had any major gains recently?"


    The Dark King Sect''s seventy-two Soul Subjugators were all collecting souls for the Violet Gold Marquis, so this wasn''t a strange question to ask.


    Fifty-Ninth immediately grinned and answered, "<i>Haha</i>, speaking of my gains... I have to tell you about what I experienced during thest few months. First, I went to the City of A Hundred Flowers...


    "After that, I went to the Noctivagation City...


    "Then I visited the City of Silk Threads...


    "And that''s it. I acquired zero gains."


    Fifty-Ninth concluded by spreading his hands open in a helpless shrug.


    Chu Liang was speechless. <i>How did this guy manage to not provide us with even a single bit of useful information despite managing to talk for more than an hour?</i>


    He couldn''t help but turn and shoot Luo Yao a look that said, <i>Should we stop asking questions and just take action?</i>


    Luo Yao gave an almost imperceptible nod. It seemed to say, <i>My patience reached its limit ages ago. How could someone be so noisy?</i>


    Upon reaching a consensus with Chu Liang, Luo Yao stood up and said, "I found a valley on a hillside over there earlier. It seems to be harboring some treasures of nature. Which one of you wants to go scout it with me?"


    Chu Liang looked to his left and right before answering, "Since we''re together now, let''s not split up. Why don''t we just go together?"


    "Sounds good!" Fifty-Ninth suddenly stood up. He seemedpletely unguarded and even spoke with great anticipation. "Even if we don''t find any treasures of nature, it''d be great for us to head out and be active."


    Upon witnessing Fifty-Ninth''s innocent demeanor, Chu Liang had some doubts about him.


    <i>Could it be that Fifty-Ninth isn''t from the diabolical sect either...? Would a diabolical cultivator be someone like this?</i>


    Fifty-Ninth seemed as pure as a sheet of white paper.


    Chu Liang and Luo Yao stepped out of the cave with Fifty-Ninth and went along the path that Luo Yao had led Chu Liang down previously, going past the hillside.


    After walking for a while, Fifty-Ninth noticed something was off.


    "<i>Hmm.</i> It doesn''t seem like there''s a valley over there, does it?" Fifty-Ninth asked.


    Before he even finished speaking, a loud crack ripped through the air. The Forbidden Ground had been activated again!

 Chapter 139: A Competition of Immortal Arts

    <h4>Chapter 139: A Competition of Immortal Arts</h4>


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    When the boundary of the Forbidden Ground was activated, Fifty-Ninth abruptly turned around. Even if he were naive, he would have sensed that something was wrong.


    Chu Liang and Luo Yao, on the other hand, had no intention of concealing their intentions. Both of them unleashed their attacks simultaneously.


    <i>Attack!</i>


    Chu Liang pulled out a golden half-brick, while Luo Yao raised her hand, unleashing a shower of silver needles aimed at Fifty-Ninth.


    Yet, in that moment, a rainbow-like glow lit up around Fifty-Ninth''s body, revealing a transformation visible through the arm that was not covered by the ck robe.


    Following that, he raised his hand and sent nine golden rings flying[1].


    These nine golden rings spun in mid-air. Then, eight shot towards Luo Yao and one towards Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang didn''t consider whether the opponent''s distribution of attacks was a tant disrespect towards him. Instead, he wondered why this person could use enchanted tools within the Forbidden Ground.


    Luo Yao did a flip and murmured, "Transcendent Dharma Mirror?"


    With a wave of her hand, she deactivated the Forbidden Ground, which had been in effect for less than a second. As shended gracefully, she unfolded a white umbre.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    As the white umbre opened, a milky-white light enveloped her, and upon closer inspection, it seemed like a massive ghostly shadow protected her, shielding her from all harm.


    The eight golden rings nged against this protective white light. Ripples were created but the rings failed to break the defense of this white light.


    Prior to this, Chu Liang had already collided head-on with the single golden ring that flew at him. He fiercely struck it with the golden half-brick, resulting in a ng of metal resonating through the air!


    The golden ring rebounded, and his arm couldn''t help but feel a numbing sensation. It was indeed difficult to resist an enchanted tool with pure physical strength.


    Hearing Luo Yao''s murmurs, he suddenly understood why Fifty-Ninth was unaffected by the Forbidden Ground.


    <i>Fifty-Ninth is using an immortal art! The Transcendent Dharma Mirror! </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    This should be a Buddhist immortal art known as the Transcendent Dharma Mirror. This immortal art granted the caster immunity against all enchantments for a brief period, rendering it an impable defense among immortal arts.


    Theoretically, due to him being on the Forbidden Ground, he shouldn¡¯t be able to use his divine skills. However, immortal arts were ranked much higher than divine skills. And so, Fifty-Ninth effortlessly broke through the limits of the Forbidden Ground with the use of the Transcendent Dharma Mirror.


    The duration of this immortal art was limited and he surely couldn''t sustain the use of it for too long. However, during this brief period, the effects of the Forbidden Ground would only affect Luo Yao and Chu Liang. If the result was that their opponent could use divine skills and tools while they couldn¡¯t, the oue would be uncertain as it was unknown as to how long they could endure in such a fight.


    Therefore, without any hesitation, Luo Yao deactivated the shamanic technique.


    Luo Yao was clearly prepared for a real confrontation as Chu Liang caught a glimpse of a cold gleam in her eyes.


    The nine golden rings spun back. Fifty-Ninth had just retracted his enchanted tool when he saw Luo Yao, who stood on the opposite side, suddenly raise her hand, extend a finger, and softly utter, "Fall."


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Without understanding what had urred, Fifty-Ninth''s body suddenly copsed at a distance, falling to the ground. His limbs struggled to support him, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood!


    "Five Labors and Seven Injuries?" he looked up at Luo Yao, struggling to speak with a hint of surprise in his tone.


    Hearing this name, Chu Liang''s mind immediately shed with rted memories.


    <i>She is using the Immortal Art: Five Labors and Seven Injuries!</i>


    This was one of the few immortal arts used by the members of the shaman n. It was a powerful curse that could make the cultivators instantly reach a state of extreme weakness. It would inflict the target with five stresses and seven injuries, almost rendering thempletely unable to fight.


    If the caster was powerful enough, the Five Labors and Seven Injuries could even entwine the enemy for a lifetime, causing intense emotions and numerous illnesses throughout their existence.


    It was an extremely dangerous immortal art.


    The moment the effects of the Transcendent Dharma Mirror on Fifty-Ninth had ceased, he immediately fell victim to this fierce curse.


    Looking at Luo Yao''s stern expression, Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder if mastering an immortal art at the Golden Core Realm was a characteristic of being a contemporary genius.


    Just when he thought this immortal art would secure their victory, Fifty-Ninthboriously lifted his hands, formed a finger gesture, and suddenly shouted, "Reverse!"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    A resounding explosion sounded in the air.


    Fifty-Ninth stood up suddenly, appearingpletely different from his previous weakened state.


    On the other hand, Luo Yao, who was just standing, suddenly fell heavily to the ground, spitting out a bit of blood.


    "This is the... Heaven''s Reversal?" Chu Liang immediately deduced what had happened.


    Another immortal art known as the Heaven''s Reversal!


    This was a rather rare immortal art that could reverse a specific divine skill back onto the caster.


    The moment it was used, it clearly reversed the Five Labors and Seven Injuries back to Luo Yao.


    <i>Oh no! The situation seemed to have changed.</i>


    In this back-and-forth exchange of immortal arts, Chu Liang found himself unable to intervene. At this moment, Luo Yao was afflicted by the Five Labors and Seven Injuries. if she couldn''t deflect the curse back with the use of Heaven''s Reversal, they would be on the verge of defeat.


    Would Chu Liang be a match for this Fifty-Ninth then?


    Out of confidence for his own cultivation level, Chu Liang took out the tracker jade slip and held it in his hand. He was ready to summon his teacher at any time.


    However, in this critical situation, Luo Yao did not seem to concede. Despite lying on the ground, a hint of indomitable spirit shed in her cold, dark eyes. Then, with a swift motion, she unfolded a red paper umbre.


    The sight of the red paper umbre triggered a noticeable surge in tension within Fifty-Ninth.


    "Don''t..." he raised his hand in an attempt to stop her.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    But it was toote.


    Despite Luo Yao''s seemingly weakened state, she unfurled the red paper umbre. Instantly, a potent and chilling yin energy emanated the entire hillside and half of the mountain forest.


    It was so powerful.


    Chu Liang was surprised as well. He turned his head and noticed that Luo Yao was still lying on the ground. Under the unfolded red paper umbre, a small figure dressed in red had emerged.


    Unlike the man under the ck paper umbre and the woman under the white one, this red-d figure didn''t seem to move around with Luo Yao as the center. Instead, he bowed his head and took a curved saber from her hand.


    Upon lifting his gaze, he fixed his eerie pupils onto Fifty-Ninth, emanating a powerful and ominous aura.


    "This is wrong!" Fifty-Ninth shouted, "Why did you release this thing! I recognize you; you''re Luo Yao from the Valley of the Three Absolutes..."


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Before he couldplete his sentence, a streak of red light shed, and the child disappeared!


    Fifty-Ninth felt a sense of danger. He hastily raised his hand and an illusory jade ss bell materialized instantly, falling down from above to shield him.


    The child in red, wielding the saber, swiftly advanced, ready to strike with a blood-red glow. However, in the next moment, the strikended on the solid bell.


    <i>ng¡ª</i>


    As the saber descended, it cleaved through the illusion of the bell, causing it to shatter into pieces and dissipate instantly!


    Despite being scattered, it effectively blocked the strike, providing Fifty-Ninth with the opportunity to shout the next words, "I am also a good person! Stop now!"


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    As soon as Fifty-Ninth shouted these words, the bloodthirsty saber, seemingly on the verge of reaching him, disappeared along with the figure of the child in red.


    Looking at Luo Yao, Chu Liang realized that she had retracted the red paper umbre at that critical moment.


    If not for that, she might not have been able to stop this fearsome red-d child from killing Fifty-Ninth.


    What kind of formidable and dreadful spirit was this? Despite not being an enemy of Luo Yao, Chu Liang felt a shiver down his spine. The moment the red-d child passed by him earlier, he experienced an inexplicable tremor in his heart.


    Such a terrifying aura!


    Fortunately, Luo Yao swiftly retrieved this entity. Otherwise, had she let this child run rampant, Chu Liang feared that after the red-d child finished off Fifty-Ninth, it might casually turn around and end his life as well.


    The existence of this child was too sinister.


    It was no wonder she had said "It''s a bit tricky but I''ll figure something out" when she was contemting on how they should deal with the fifth-realm cultivator


    With this formidable spirit, she seemed to possess the capability to challenge someone of a higher realm.


    While Chu Liang''s heart rate gradually returned to normal, Luo Yao''s gaze still held a hint of suspicion as she stared at Fifty-Ninth opposite her.


    Fifty-Ninth dared not rx in the slightest, fearing that Luo Yao might unleash the formidable spirit once more.


    He lifted the veil covering his face, revealing a round and shining head,pletely devoid of any hair. The fair skin emitted a precious light, and his features even had a touch of elegance. Surprisingly, he appeared to be apassionate and gentle young monk.


    <i>This Fifty-Ninth is a monk?</i>


    Such an appearance was a stark contrast to the impression of a street-smart dark cultivator that Chu Liang had previously.


    He sped his hands together and nodded gently, "I am Pushan from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. I didn¡¯t expect to encounter two fellow righteous cultivators. This is truly a sin."


    ...


    On the other side of the vast mountains, the Southern-Route Guider and Southwestern Guider met once again, sitting facing each other.


    "My men are all here. How about the people from the Southern Route?" the Southwestern Guider inquired.


    "They are almost ready. Everyone should be here by tomorrow," replied Southern-Route Guider.


    "Good." The Southwestern Guider didn''t borate further. Instead, he shifted the topic, saying, "I''ve gathered some information. To reach the Deep Pool of Dreams, we must pass through the Valley of Bewildering Fog. The valley is filled with dangers, and after this journey, I don''t know how much more manpower we will have left."


    "Compared to the seventh-realm Battle Soul, the sacrifice of a few Soul Subjugators is nothing. Even if casualties ur, we can easily replenish our ranks. If exchanging all my subordinates for this Battle Soul is necessary, it''s still a gain. When the Violet Gold Marquess ends his closed-door cultivation, he will praise us for what we have done," said the Southern-Route Guider.


    "<i>Sigh.</i> I just hope this sacrifice won¡¯t be in vain." The Southwestern Guider seemed less confident and there was a lingering concern in his tone.


    "Just think about how it will look for us when we bring back the Battle Soul. The Dark King Sect is currently in need of talents," the Southern-Route Guider exined, "In addition to the White-Bone Hall, Scarlet-Robe Hall, Northern Abyss Hall, and Vermilion Hall, the sect leader has long been interested in establishing the fifth hall. With the fall of White Silver King, the position of the Left Guardian is now vacant. Plenty of opportunities await us! We, who practice diabolical arts, are already defying the heavens, so let''s be brave and advance further. Why fear the beginning or the end?"


    The voice of the Southern-Route Guider was deep and powerful, like a devil''s whisper in the night, stirring the blood of the Southwestern Guider.


    1. One more ring and it would be a Shang-Chi Movie ?

 Chapter 140: All These People Were Villains

    <h4>Chapter 140: All These People Were Viins</h4>


    "This situation is quite..."


    In the small cave, the three individuals exchanged nces. They felt a bit awkward. One undercover agent sat alone, while the other two faced each other.


    The three undercover agents convened in a circle...


    They even decided not to put on their undercover hats again. Anyway, there were no "outsiders" here.


    With everyone being undercover, it essentially meant that there was no undercover.


    "<i>Ehem.</i>" Chu Liang cleared his throat. He looked at the monk named Pushan and said with a smile, "I really didn''t expect... a high monk from the School of Buddhism to be in our midst."


    "I can''t be considered a Buddhist high monk. I am just a lowly wandering monk." Pushan shook his head repeatedly before he said with a smile, "I have been focusing on silent meditation[1] for many years and rarely interact with people. I don''t know much about the affairs of the world. It''s only recently that I descended the mountain to gain some experience. I never expected such strange things to happen to me."


    <i>Ah?</i>


    Chu Liang could not believe what he had just heard.


    <i>You practiced silent meditation?</i>


    <i>Master, if you spend some time under the sun, even your gums might get sunburned[2]. Are you sure you''ve been practicing silent meditation?</i>


    Seeing the puzzled expressions of the two, Pushan seemed to sense something and hurriedly exined, "It''s precisely because I practiced silent meditation for thirteen years. So now, after I broke my silence, there was a bit of a rebound..."


    <i>So that''s why...</i>


    Chu Liang finally understood.


    Abstaining from speech for thirteen years has led to an outburst of talkativeness.


    The Buddhist sect in this world originated from the far western regions, from an unknown ce west of the extreme west. It has been around for only a millennium, which meant that its foundation was rtively shallow.


    With profound Buddhist principles and robust practices, Buddhism has amassed a considerable base of followers. Its dissemination has been widespread, allowing it to stand alongside Daoism and Confucianism as one of the three conventional schools of thoughts.


    Of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, there were two Buddhist sects¡ªthe Buddhist Cloud Monastery and the Monastery Tower.


    The rapid development of Buddhism as one of the three schools of thoughts within a mere millennium was closely tied to the vigorous support of the imperial family. This was perhaps due to the dominance of Daoism in the previousndscape of the cultivation world, holding significant sway[3].


    Hence, throughout the generations, past emperors of the Yu Dynasty vigorously supported both Confucianism and Buddhism. Institutions like the Ascending Dragon Academy in the Terrestrial Ten and the Monastery Tower were established with the support of the imperial court.


    In fact, the full name of the Monastery Tower was the National Guard Monastery Tower.


    The Buddhist Cloud Monastery, on the other hand, was a sacred Buddhist site renowned for the first transmission of Zen teachings. It enjoyed even greater reverence. Legend had it that this Buddhist sect was really situated above the clouds and represented the zenith of Buddhist doctrine in the cloudy heavens.


    Due to conflicts among certain sects, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion rarely promoted the Buddhist sects. The Monastery Tower was widely known through imperial patronage, but the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, despite being one of the Divine Nine, was rtively less known by people.


    The Buddhist Cloud Monastery was perched high above the clouds and seldom entangled itself in the intricate matters of the cultivation world. This detachment led to young disciples like Chu Liang not knowing much about this Buddhist monastery. They were only familiar with its name but had no idea of why it was important.


    That was why the two could only guess and couldn''t determine Pushan''s origin when he showcased Buddhist divine skills in apetition of immortal arts with Luo Yao.


    "...So, I used a move called Heaven''s Reversal to invert the effect of the soul-capturing divine skill onto that diabolical cultivator and he inadvertently trapped himself in the Netherworld Codex. That evil and ruthless diabolical cultivator finally suffered the consequences of his actions. And that''s how I came into possession of the Soul Subjugator Token." While Chu Liang was momentarily lost in contemtion, Pushan had already ended the story of how he acquired the Soul Subjugator Token.


    Even though this matter could have been exined in two sentences, he insisted on talking for almost half an hour.


    Chu Liang smiled politely and said, "With Brother Pushan joining us, our devil-ying mission will be even more secure."


    Then Luo Yao yawned and said, "I''m tired."


    A cultivator at her level would rarely feel tired. However, it was understandable as she had listened to Pushan''s chatter for half a day.


    "It''s gettingte. We should rest for now." Chu Liang quickly suggested, seizing the opportunity for some relief. "Miss Luo, you are ady, so this cave is all yours. We''ll head outside..."


    "No need." Luo Yao declined. She then flipped her hand, opening a white paper umbre. A soft white light instantly enveloped her.


    It appeared as if a pure white female ghost shadow was embracing her, making her seem very secure.


    "Are we going to rest..." Pushan looked meaningfully at Chu Liang, as if he wanted to chat a bit more.


    Chu Liang immediately responded, "There are challenges awaiting us tomorrow. It''s better for us to rest and rejuvenate."


    "Alright." Pushan nodded regretfully. With a wave of his hand, the illusory image of the luminous ss bell materialized and covered him, forming a sealed space.


    Chu Liang stared at the two of them. He realized that he shouldn''t embarrass Mount Shu. And so, he raised his hand and summoned the green leaf. With a sh of green light, he wrapped himself up into a zongzi.


    <i>Hmph!</i>


    <i>As if I don''t have one too!</i>


    ...


    For the three of them, the so-called "rest" wouldn''t have tost long. If they had slept until dawn, and the Fiend had arrived early, the sight of their enchanted tools would have exposed all three of them.


    Soon, the trio crawled out and sat cross-legged in the cave. Pushan attempted to chat with the two a couple of times, but Chu Liang was the only one asionally engaging in conversation. Luo Yao maintained a stern expression, refusing to utter any unnecessary words.


    These two were like ice and fire. Chu Liang already had a feeling that this journey with them would be quite interesting.


    As the sky gradually brightened, the Soul Subjugator Token vibrated once again.


    [Fiend]: "I am about to arrive."


    [Fiend]: "Prepare yourselves. When I get there, we will meet up with the Guider."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Noted."


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Alright."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Honorable Fiend, I''ve been waiting for your presence."


    The three had a n on how to deal with this Fiend. Firstly, if he didn''t see through their disguise, they wouldn''t act against him. They needed him to lead them to the meeting ce with the main forces. With only the Soul Subjugator Token, they couldn''t bypass the Fiend and contact the higher-ups.


    However, once they met the Guider and integrated into the main force of the Dark King Sect, this Fiend would be their first target. After all, he was the only one who might uncover their disguises.


    The three of them waited nervously for a moment before they saw a dark figure appear outside the small cave.


    The three then walked out in an orderly manner to wee the Fiend.


    Even before Chu Liang saw the Fiend, he felt a vibrationing from the Crimson Executioner within the White Pagoda. In that instant, Chu Liang knew that this cultivator of the Diabolical sect was not an impostor.


    The cultivators of the Dark King Sect, known for extracting fresh souls, should trigger a reaction from the Crimson Executioner. The absence of a reaction when he met the previous two indicated that they were impostors.


    Currently, Chu Liang had to ignore the agitation of the Crimson Executioner as it was not the right time to kill the Fiend.


    The Fiend was wearing a ck robe, but his disguise was not as meticulous as that of the three. He wore a simple ck robe and concealed his face with a few minor divine techniques.


    "Honorable Fiend!" They saluted as they saw him approaching.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, long time no see." The Fiend smiled and then said, "Follow me."


    This further confirmed Chu Liang''s earlier spection that the subordinates under the Violet Gold Marquess were essentially unfamiliar with each other. The Fiend, when facing his direct subordinates, engaged in no pleasantries and simply acted like strangers.


    For lower-ranking members like the Soul Subjugator, the turnover rate was extremely high. If one died, they simply needed to recruit a new one. With a strand of soul fire, one could easily inherit the previous Soul Subjugator''s token.


    However, this meant that the members of different rankings were not familiar with each other.


    While such a management style might enhance efficiency and reduce internal conflicts among lower-ranking members, the drawback was ack of familiarity. If the Soul Subjugator''s token were hacked, it would have been rtively easy for someone to infiltrate.


    The Fiend hurriedly led the three through vast forests and mountainous terrain, arriving at a treacherous valley.


    Standing on a hillside, they could already see shadows below.


    The Fiend instructed them, "Be careful when you meet the Honorable Guiderter."


    "Yes!" the three responded.


    Thankfully, the other two were loud enough that their voices covered up the slight tremor in Chu Liang''s voice. Otherwise, there was a real possibility that he would have exposed himself.


    It wasn''t that Chu Liang had a weak mentality.


    He wasn''t nervous about infiltrating the enemy''s base.


    It was because...of the vibration.


    The Crimson Executioner in the White Pagoda had indeed sensed the group of ck-d men below the hill and started emitting a series of intense vibrations.


    The strong killing intent relentlessly attacked Chu Liang''s mind, as if urging him time and time again to wield his sword and eradicate the evil. The righteous sword''s anger soared to the heavens.


    He felt as though it was on the verge of exploding!


    All these people were viins!


    1. People who cultivate silent meditation cannot speak at all. ?


    2. This is basically saying that he talks so much that even his mouth is never closed so his gum is always exposed to the sun. ?


    3. This is politics. ?

 Chapter 141: Theres A Spy Among Us

    <h4>Chapter 141: There''s A Spy Among Us</h4>


    The fog in the Valley of Bewildering Fog was so dense that it almost seemed solid. It looked as though it was flowing out of the mouth of the vast, deste valley situated in between the two lofty mountains¡ªappearing much like if a bottle filled with sheep fat had tipped over into the valley. On each side of the valley was a mountain covered with luxuriant forests that gave it a dark green peak¡ªall of which concealed dense yin qi.


    This valley was notorious for being one of the most dangerous ces in the Southern Bastion Mountain. Cultivators who frequented the area were well aware of this valley, but no one knew whaty at the end of it.


    With the Dark King Sect''s Southern-Route and Southwestern Guiders leading the way, two groups of ck-d figures and their horses silently walked over to the mouth of the valley. Each of them had a dark gold token, which had been engraved with a number that represented their identity, hanging from their waist. The mood was stiff and heavy, perhaps from the excessive murderous intent that the people were exuding.


    However, the ck-d figure walking at the very rear of the group on the right looked rather strange; he was trembling asionally. Fortunately, the trembling wasn''t severe. It was barely noticeable under his ck robe and did not attract the attention of the people traveling with him.


    <i>Enough. That''s enough. It''s going to be troublesome if you shake any more than that.</i>


    Chu Liang had been continuously suppressing the righteous impulses of the Crimson Executioner with his divine sense, and it made him quite weary. The Crimson Executioner''s impulses only manifested as a slight trembling on the outside, but it was actually about to explode with rage inside the White Pagoda''s space.


    Chu Liang understood that the Crimson Executioner had an urgent desire to y demonic entities, but he had to take his level of strength into consideration. The Crimson Executioner''s amplified power was dependent on his cultivation level.


    Killing Master Lu, a cultivator at the sixth realm, had been an incredible feat. Chu Liang could tell that at his current cultivation level, he would need to exhaust almost all of his power to do that now. Moreover, if he missed the right timing or attempted it at an unfavorable location, he wouldn''t be able to kill an unconventional sixth-realm cultivator.


    The Dark King Sect was a powerhouse diabolical sect. Chu Liang felt that he wasn''t confident he would be able to kill a somewhat vignt fifth-realm cultivator from that sect, let alone a sixth-realm Guider... and two of them at that.


    <i>You want me to jump out and uphold justice at this moment... It seems you want me dead.</i>


    "It''s impossible to get into the Deep Pool of Dreams by flying there. We can only enter it by traversing through the Valley of Bewildering Fog," the Southern-Route Guider said. Then he raised his hand, signaling for his group to stop walking. "The Valley of Bewildering Fog is full of miasma, poisonous fog, Sickle Ghosts, and lingering spirits. Everyone, be extra vignt when you enter."


    The Southern-Route Guider then pulled out a long white bone. He raised his other hand and scratched the bone, and a translucent ball of dark green mes burst into existence with a whoosh.


    He continued, "The only way we can clear a route through the fog and the lingering spirits within it is by using a bone of a Sickle Ghost to form aherworld-fire torch. Once we''ve entered the valley, follow closely behind this ball of hellfire. Do not rush ahead, and do not fall behind. If you were to get separated from the group, you may get taken away by the lingering spirits in the dense fog, doomed to linger here forever as one of them."


    "Understood!" the Guider''s subordinates replied.


    Chu Liang finally figured out why the Guider, who had a high cultivation level, would needpanions just to venture through the Valley of Bewildering Fog.


    <i>So, it turns out that being alone in the valley means you''re at risk of getting possessed by lingering spirits.</i>


    Once the Southern-Route Guider was done warning his subordinates, he took the lead and stepped into the dense fog. The moment the bone torch he held came into contact with the fog, a strange hissing rang out, followed by faint blood-curdling screams.


    At first, Chu Liang was puzzled. <i>What exactly is a Sickle Ghost, and why is it so mystical? This is just one bone of a Sickle Ghost, yet it seems to have a consciousness and can even scream...?</i>


    However, at the next moment, he realized that the screams were noting from the bone but from the fog!


    <i>Is this fog a living thing?!</i>


    Upon thinking that, Chu Liang immediately held his breath, not daring to inhale the fog. Nevertheless, after seeing the people ahead of him enter the fog one by one without any apparent issues, Chu Liang put on a bold face and walked into the fog as well.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly felt like he was under the sea. He heard the muffled sounds of thunderps and roaring wind, as well as blood-curdling screams and murmurs.


    Many voices were beckoning him over, "Come... Come..."


    Those indistinct voices were extremely enticing. It was highly likely that cultivators at a level below the Spiritual Awareness Realm, who had weak mental defenses, would be lured away.


    <i>This is so creepy.</i>


    Stranger still was that Chu Liang''s surroundings were an endless sheet of white. It was difficult for him to see anything beyond three chi around him. He activated his divine sense and spread it as wide as he could, but he couldn''t sense anything. This dense fog seemed to have isted him from everything else!


    After panicking for a moment, he spotted swaying green mes in the distance. The Southern-Route Guider had been right; the fog could only be dispersed by theherworld fire.


    Fearful of being left behind, Chu Liang hurriedly caught up with the group.


    The group trudged through the thick fog for a while. However, before they could get very far, a shadowy figure whooshed past the rear of the group.


    Chu Liang narrowed his eyes tensely, vigntly turning his head back to look.


    "It''s a Sickle Ghost," Luo Yao''s voice rang softly in Chu Liang''s ears. She was using the skill Voice Transmission. "You shouldn''t take action. I''ll take care of the rear."


    Luo Yao pushed Chu Liang forward, allowing him to join the front of the group while she took the rear.


    Both Chu Liang and Pushancked skills that were simr to those of the Dark King Sect. Taking action could expose their identities, so it was best for Chu Liang to refrain from making any moves.


    Luo Yao''s ghost-control skills were somewhat simr to the Dark King Sect''s soul-maniption skills. Moreover, they were in an environment with low visibility. So, even if she were to use her skills, it was highly likely she would be able to keep her identity a secret. Nevertheless, Chu Liang felt rather grateful to her.


    After a moment, Chu Lian stepped forward toward Pushan and heard him mutter an incessant stream of words.


    "<i>Oh?</i> Young Hero Chu, you''re here." Pushan noticed that the person behind him had changed to someone else. He turned toward Chu Liang and used Voice Transmission too to chat with Chu Liang privately. "Good timing. You didn''t get to hear it earlier, but I was just telling Miss Luo about the origin of the Sickle Ghost. It''s recorded in Buddhist scriptures that Sickle Ghosts are ghosts that fled to the world of the living after experiencing the bone-extraction punishment in theherworld. Sickle Ghosts can reconstruct their bodies with bones that have yet to dpose..."


    Chu Liang sighed inwardly.


    He now had reason to suspect that Luo Yao had run to the rear of the group for two reasons. One reason was that she was concerned about him, and the other reason... was that she didn''t want Pushan whispering in her ears anymore.


    As Chu Liang listened to Pushan''s incessant chatter, he wondered, <i>If Lin Bei and Pushan were to have a chat, which of the two chatterboxes would tire out first?</i>


    Then Chu Liang suddenly heard a muffled roar behind him. Much of the sound was reduced by the dense fog; it would have gone unnoticed if it wasn''t nearby.


    "<i>Raaaaaar!!!</i>"


    A towering shadowy figure suddenly rose behind Luo Yao!


    The figure looked like a human, but it also looked like a praying mantis as it stood there with two massive saber-de arms. When its figure came into full view, it turned out that it had a bodyposed entirely of bones!


    <i>So, this is a Sickle Ghost? It''s another ghost that has a corporeal body.</i>


    The Human-Faced Xiao, Chu Liang''s favorite ghost, was a ghost with a corporeal body, which was an extremely rare thing. The Sickle Ghost''s bone body seemed to fall into the same category.


    Luo Yao reacted amazingly swiftly. She had already finished forming a hand seal by the time the Sickle Ghost came into full view. A massive shadowy hand of a ghost emerged from behind Luo Yao, wrapped its fingers around the Sickle Ghost, and squeezed.


    <i>Craaack!</i>


    A string of cracks rang out as the massive ghost hand crushed the Sickle Ghost!


    Chu Liang raised his eyebrows in surprise.


    He could tell that the Sickle Ghost was roughly equivalent to a third-realm cultivator. It had great speed, offensive power, and a tough bone body. However, the Sickle Ghost hadn''t even had the chance to use those things against Luo Yao. The youngdy had yed the Sickle Ghost swiftly and effortlessly.


    This didn''t mean that the Sickle Ghost was weak. Rather, it meant that Luo Yao was very powerful. Had Chu Liang been the one to deal with the Sickle Ghost, he would have needed to put in quite a bit of effort to y it.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" the Southern-Route Guider, who was at the forefront of the group, uttered as he stopped in his tracks.


    The rest of the party stopped too.


    Despite Luo Yao''s battle with the Sickle Ghost ending very quickly, the Guider still managed to notice it had urred. He turned back and looked at the rear of the group. Chu Liang and his twopanions tensed up simultaneously, uncertain if the Guider had noticed that something was off about them.


    With the bone torch in hand, the Southern-Route Guider walked to the rear of the group and inspected the pile of broken bones on the ground.


    "Great job," the Guider said two words of praise to Luo Yao. Then he told everyone else, "Collect these Sickle Ghost bones. We''ll be relying on them to continue our journey. If these bones aren''t enough tost the whole way, we''ll have to take turns to hunt down the Sickle Ghosts. Let''s have the Southern-Route Fiends and their Soul Subjugators be the first ones to do it."


    After what they had experienced so far in the valley, everyone in the two groups understood that in this fog, the Sickle Ghost bones were like firewood¡ªvery important.


    Hunting Sickle Ghosts in the dense fog was a very dangerous task. The Southern-Route Guider was clearly trying to demonstrate his sincerity regarding this partnership by letting his Fiends be the first one to take on such a risky task.


    Hearing that, Pushan felt rather resentful toward the Southern-Route Guider and muttered, "If you want to show your sincerity, why don''t you go instead? What''s the point of sending your subordinates into danger?"


    Chu Liang smiled as he transmitted his voice to Pushan, "It will be good for us to leave the party anyway. It will make it easier for us to take action."


    "I know. I just felt like scolding him anyway," Pushan replied with a nod.


    "..."


    Chu Liang thought that he shouldn''t have bothered saying anything.


    They walked for roughly another hour. Chu Liang had no idea how far they''d walked, but the Southern-Route Guider waved his hand again at this moment, and the party came to a halt.


    The Southern-Route Guider directed everyone to form a circle, enveloping them in the light radiating out from the bone torch.


    Then the Southern-Route Guider said, "Southern-Route Fiends, I want the three of you to take your subordinates out to hunt the Sickle Ghosts. I''ll give two bones to each team. Once the first bone burns out, you have to return to the group, regardless of whether you have anything to bring back."


    The party didn''t have many Sickle Ghost bones left¡ªjust the remainder of the Southern-Route Guider''s stock and the bones from the two Sickle Ghosts that had attacked the party earlier. They had no idea how much longer they had to walk before they could get out of this valley, so they couldn''t wait until they ran out of bones before hunting down more Sickle Ghosts.


    "Understood!"


    The three Southern-Route Fiends obeyed their Guider''smand and left with their subordinates. Of course, Chu Liang and his twopanions made up one of the three teams.


    Their Fiend was at the forefront of their team, leading the way with a bone torch in hand. The three imposters followed behind him, calcting the distance from the main party to determine when they should take action.


    Killing this Fiend was the first objective they wanted to achieve after entering the valley. The conditions were so perfect that it was as if the heavens had nned it.


    While the three of them were silently waiting for the right time to do the deed, the Fiend walking ahead of them suddenly stopped in his tracks, his figure seemingly frozen in the distance.


    "What''s the matter?" Pushan asked him.


    Time was of the essence; they should be searching for Sickle Ghosts urgently. It was rather strange that the Fiend hade to a sudden halt.


    The Fiend turned around, and his icy gaze beneath his hood seemed to sweep over the faces of his three subordinates.


    Then he said grimly, "There''s a spy among us."


    <i>Ah?!</i>


    Upon hearing these words, Chu Liang was a bit stunned.


    <i>Only one spy?</i>

 Chapter 142: Dealing with a Fifth-Realm Cultivator Can Be Quite Challenging

    <h4>Chapter 142: Dealing with a Fifth-Realm Cultivator Can Be Quite Challenging</h4>


    Chu Liang was not to be med.


    Upon hearing the Fiend''s words, his initial thought was, "There are clearly three spies, yet you im that there''s only one. Could the other two have been ced in the group by you?"


    Upon second thought, he knew that this was impossible. Both Luo Yao and Pushan had clear lineages, making it highly unlikely for them to be lying about their identities. This Fiend must have only discovered one, hence the statement.


    "There''s a spy among us."


    "I¡¯mmunicating with you two via Voice Transmission right now. When I make a moveter, both of you should immediately follow suit and attack Sixtieth. I''m worried that they might have a means of contacting the people outside, so it''s critical that we kill them with one attack," instructed the Fiend.


    Chu Liang then understood what was happening. The Fiend must have been closer to Luo Yao just now. He might have contacted Sixtieth before and knew that Sixtieth wasn''t someone with such simple tricks up their sleeve.


    And so, he determined that Sixtieth was a spy.


    As for why the Fiend hadn''t revealed this in the main force, Chu Liang could easily figure this out with some thought. The Southern-Route Guider attached great importance to this operation. If a spy infiltrated the forces led by a Fiend and caused the mission to fail, that Fiend would undoubtedly incur severe anger.


    And so, the Fiend wanted to take Sixtieth out of the group, eliminate Sixtieth quietly, and pretend that nothing had happened.


    Concealing information was a way to evade responsibility.


    He had no idea of the heavy price he would pay for relying on luck to achieve a favorable oue.


    Pushan also received the Voice Transmission from the Fiend. When he heard the message, he nodded gently and immediately shouted, "Attack now!"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" The other three were shocked.


    The Fiend was shocked and enraged because he had only asked for cooperation. He hadn¡¯t asked them to issue themand. If this sudden action ended up alerting the enemy, he would definitely hold Fifty-Ninth ountable.


    But before his anger went away, he noticed that the three individuals had simultaneously and tacitly made their moves.


    Luo Yao, upon hearing the cue, instantly activated the Forbidden Ground. This tactic was specifically designed to restrain high-level cultivators of the Dark King Sect. Today, they were finally able to use it on an actual diabolical cultivator.


    In an instant, the shackles of the Forbidden Ground descended once again.


    Chu Liang, having been ustomed to this, took advantage of his proximity with the Fiend. He immediately took out the golden half-brick, approached the Fiend with the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, and swiftly smashed the Fiend with his brick.


    Meanwhile, Pushan''s entire body radiated a rainbow-like luminescence, akin to colored ss.


    He activated the Transcendent Dharma Mirror! And unleashed a series of powerful divine skills!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A towering illusion of a Buddhist statue manifested behind him, and the colossal figure resoundingly thrust forth a gigantic palm!


    A radiant Mahavairocana Buddha!


    All three of them suddenlyunched their attacks simultaneously.


    The Fiend was caught off guard, as his attention had been solely focused on Sixtieth. He had just been about to express his anger upon hearing Fifty-Ninth''s call to attack when he finally understood what was happening.


    <i>Oh. So, both of you are attacking me?</i>


    Thisbination of attacks was a deadly scheme the three of them had discussed beforehand. It was a killing formation difficult for even a fifth-realm cultivator to escape!


    In the face of such a situation, the Fiend showed no signs of panic. He swiftly moved to intercept the closest attacking from Chu Liang, deftly crossing his arms to block the brick.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The force of this brick, equivalent to the strength of ten tigers, clearly exceeded his expectations. The impact was so powerful that the sound of bones shattering echoed through the air. Utilizing the momentum of the blow, he redirected it, using it as propulsion to propel himself backward through the air.


    He didn''t resist at all; instead, he chose to endure the blow and leveraged the force to escape. He was confident that this brick wouldn''t kill him!


    And that was the case.


    The Fiend had ascended to the third stage of the fifth realm. Prior to sessfully refining both the metal and wood elements, he had already undergone the rigorous process of tempering his physical body in a previous ascension.


    When Chu Liang struck him at full force with the brick, it only broke two of his forearm bones. Once the Forbidden Ground was deactivated, he would instantly recover from such injuries!


    But then, a palm descended from the sky!


    The strike of Pushan¡¯s palm was evidently a hundred times more ruthless than Chu Liang¡¯s brick.


    When the Fiend was covered by the shadow of the palm, he smacked himself on the chest.


    "<i>Spat¡ª</i>"


    With this self-inflicted blow, he spewed out a mist of blood. Astonishingly, this mist of blood quickly entwined into a protective barrier, shielding the Fiend.


    He had even refined his blood!


    Even the mouthful of blood that he had spat out carried an immensely strong spiritual force. This did not belong in the category of the divine arts and skills.


    This wall of blood that emerged blocked Pushan¡¯s palm.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Although the wall of blood seemed to be on the verge of copse, it managed to withstand the blow.


    After these two strikes, Luo Yao shuddered. She could no longer maintain the effect of the Forbidden Ground and the domain broke down with a resounding noise.


    After all, she was just a fourth-realm cultivator. She was already considered rather powerful for being able to use the Forbidden Ground, which was a shamanic technique for cultivators of even higher realms than her. And so, she naturally couldn¡¯t maintain this effect for too long.


    After enduring two strikes, the Fiend appeared to have suffered some injuries. Still, it seemed like his bones and tendons remained intact. In this brief moment, the tenacity of a fifth-realm cultivator was vividly demonstrated.


    As the effect of the Forbidden Ground disappeared, he regained the use of all his cultivation skills and instantly felt much bolder.


    Upon stretching his arms, his bones quickly healed.


    "So, all three of you are spies!" His tone was filled with furious indignation, "All of you will die!"


    If there was one spy in his group, it would have been his mistake. But the fact that the entire team consisted of spies was a great humiliation to him. As he thought about how everyone but him in the interdimensional soul domain had been impostors, his rage felt even more unbearable.


    With a raise of his arms, hundreds and thousands of shadows emerged behind him, all being the ghostly creatures he had nurtured over the years.


    With a flick of his fingers, the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts began!


    At the same time, Luo Yao also unleashed her powers.


    In face of such a formidable enemy, the young girl didn''t hold back. With a cold expression, she made a decisive gesture, and three arms instantly appeared behind her!


    Each of these three arms held a paper umbre¡ªck, white, and red!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As Luo Yao watched the hundred ghosts looming in front, she unfolded three paper umbres, and a tri-color radiance in ck, white, and red burst forth all at once.


    "<i>Ahhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    The opposing ghosts all screamed in terror, seemingly fearful of Luo Yao''s three ghostlypanions.


    Luo Yao''s figure flickered. The ck-d ghost held onto her waist, allowing her to move at incredible speed, while the white-d ghost wrapped her arms around Luo Yao, protecting her from harm. The red-d ghost followed closely behind, disying a killing intent that was not inferior to that of Luo Yao.


    When the Fiend saw her approaching, he felt a sense of anxiousness. He immediately stomped his right foot on the ground and shouted, "Freeze!"


    <i>Hiss¡ª</i>


    In an instant, several ck thorns broke through the soil, spreading rapidly. These thorns immediately trapped Luo Yao. They were like des and spears. These thorns were able to attack one¡¯s soul, which meant that the protection of the white-robed ghost was useless!


    Whether it was the three ghosts or Luo Yao herself, none could move a muscle after being pierced by these thorns.


    Chu Liang had previously witnessed the Soul Subjugator¡¯s use of the Soul-Piercing Nail, and these thorns were evidently an advanced form of that Soul-Piercing Nail.


    These thorns were unstoppable!


    Fortunately, Pushan intervened from a distance, pointing his finger and eximing, "Reverse!"


    Pushan used the Heaven''s Reversal!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With the execution of that immortal art, aplete reversal of prities urred, rendering even the Fiend unable to move.


    Simultaneously, the thorns around Luo Yao instantly dissipated. In the next moment, she teleported in front of the immobilized Fiend and raised her curved saber high up!


    "Die!" The Fiend suddenly let out a wretched scream, and a blood arrow shot out from his chest unexpectedly! Being at such a close distance, Luo Yao couldn''t dodge, and this arrow hit directly into the protective barrier of the white-robed ghost.


    <i>Hiss¡ª</i>


    "<i>Ah¡ª</i>" The ghost in white emitted a mournful and painful cry. The blood arrow possessed immense power, piercing into half of her body in an instant. Yet she was still resisting fiercely to protect Luo Yao.


    The second before the blood arrow approached Luo Yao, she promptly flipped andnded on the ground, evading the attack. Essentially, she had blocked the attack with the use of the white-robed ghost.


    The red-d child approached from behind. When he saw what was happening, he didn¡¯t pursue the Fiend. Instead, he shouted, "Mother!"


    Then, he rushed forward and shattered the blood arrow that had just pierced through the white-d ghost¡¯s body.


    However, when the Fiendunched that blood arrow, the stiffness he felt due to the immortal art instantly disappeared.


    The Fiend finally realized that the three before him...


    <i>Wait...No!</i>


    <i>Fifty-Eighth is just a small fry at the third realm... Although Fifty-Ninth and Sixtieth were both at the fourth realm, they were clearly exceptional talents that possessed techniques and cultivations that couldn¡¯t be casually overlooked. If I continue this struggle with them, I will die! </i>


    As soon as he realized this, he was already flying several zhang backward. A mist of blood exploded around him and released such formidable force. The Fiend appeared to be sacrificing himself in return for a burst of power.


    He seemed to be escaping into the mist.


    At this moment, Luo Yao and Pushan were in a brief pause between the activation of their divine skills, and they couldn''t seamlesslyunch their next attack right away.


    This gap was critical! Even though they were talented cultivators, it was still too difficult for them to kill a fifth-realm cultivator who has numerous tricks up his sleeve, especially considering that they were of lower cultivation level than this Diabolical cultivator.


    "<i>Sigh.</i>"


    At this moment, Chu Liang let out a soft sigh.


    By the end of the day, he still needed to take action.


    The long-suppressed Crimson Executioner was drawn out with a nearly explosive resonance, which indicated how badly it had endured. Without any hesitation, Chu Liang raised his hand and released the three talismanic characters of wind.


    He hadunched this attack for its speed.


    <i>Hisssss¡ª</i>


    With a sh of the sword radiance, the Talismanic Sword Seal, empowered by three characters of wind, moved with the speed of the east wind[1]. Like a roaring dragon, it instantly swept over, swiftly engulfing the Fiend.


    The power of the Crimson Executioner was majestic!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    It was an explosive kill!


    The strike of the sword even dispersed the indissoluble mist in the surrounding, forming a brief vacuum. Luo Yao and Pushan¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of such an immense power.


    A whirlwind of sword qi formed!


    <i>Boom! Rumble! Rumble!</i>


    After engulfing the Fiend and persisting for quite some time, the whirlwind gradually dissipated, allowing the mist to flow back in.


    Before the mistpletely filled the space, Chu Liang recalled the Crimson Executioner and stowed it away.


    It was just as he had expected. As he turned back to face Luo Yao and Pushan, the two were staring at him with expressions of profound shock and disbelief.


    If Chu Liang had given them the impression of being a skilled cultivator earlier, they wouldn''t have been so surprised. However, given Chu Liang''s demeanor earlier, which seemed more like that of ayabout, his sudden emergence to effortlessly kill a formidable foe created a stark contrast.


    The incongruity was too much.


    In response to their astonishment, Chu Liang merely chuckled.


    With a carefree expression, he gestured at where the Fiend had been defeated.


    "Dealing with a fifth-realm cultivator can be quite challenging, <i>huh?</i>"


    1. Just a way to describe incredibly fast ?

 Chapter 143: A Validation of Identities

    <h4>Chapter 143: A Validation of Identities</h4>


    <i>Quite challenging?</i>


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s words, ck question marks popped up over Luo Yao and Pushan''s heads.


    Technically, there was nothing wrong with that statement. The fifth-realm Fiend possessed formidable cultivation and mastered a variety of techniques. They had just experienced a brief and perilous fight with the Fiend.


    But it felt as though these words shouldn¡¯t have been said by Chu Liang... Especially after he had effortlessly killed that Fiend with a single strike.


    When they first met, Luo Yao and Pushan never considered Chu Liang as an equal. They had treated Chu Liang with courtesy. However, being gifted cultivators, they naturally exuded a sense of pride in their behavior.


    Regardless of the circumstances, Chu Liang was a third-realm cultivator. While he might have been impressive for his age, he was not on the same level as them.


    Even at the start of the battle, they instinctively overlooked Chu Liang''s presence. They didn''t expect any significant help from this disciple of the Mount Shu Sect.


    When their attempts proved futile in preventing the Fiend from escaping, they didn''t hold Chu Liang responsible. After all, Chu Liang was a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. What more could they have expected from him?


    The ease with which they overlooked Chu Liang was matched only by the astonishment that swept over them when he suddenlyunched his attack.


    Unlike Yun Chaoxian, who perceived Chu Liang as a formidable expert due to him meeting Chu Liang when he was brandishing the Crimson Executioner, Luo Yao and Pushan viewed Chu Liang as a weakling. Now, their impression of Chu Liang haspletely changed, and the impact was significant.


    Chu Liang''s casual remark, "Quite challenging," uttered after executing a world-shaking sword seal that ultimately vanquished the Fiend, left them utterly bewildered. What could be considered not challenging then? Scaring your opponent to death with a sneeze?


    Chu Liang''s intervention, coupled with his nonchntment, rendered even the usually talkative Pushan momentarily speechless.


    However, Chu Liang genuinely meant every word he said.


    Initially, Chu Liang had nned to stay out of the fight. Even though the Crimson Executioner had be scorching hot due to its vibrations, there was no reward for killing the viin. Chu Liang was willing to let Luo Yao and Pushan take all the credit as long as the Fiend was killed.


    Given their cultivation level and proficiency in divine skills,bined with a carefully nned surprise attack, they were indeed capable of eliminating a fifth-realm cultivator. However, the Fiend, armed with diverse techniques, managed to escape.


    Chu Liang had no choice but to intervene.


    This was why he had found it challenging.


    The hesitation to take action stemmed from the fact that the other two had already identified his cultivation level earlier. Unleashing such powerful force now could only imply that he either concealed his cultivation level before or possessed a precious treasure of considerable power!


    Even though Luo Yao and Pushan didn''t appear to have a penchant for coveting other people''s treasures, Chu Liang couldn''t afford to be careless. In a world full of uncertainties, even unintentional information leaks could lead to unnecessary risks.


    However, now that he had already taken action, it was simply pointless dwelling on these thoughts.


    The task of searching the corpse would be of a higher priority.


    Chu Liang lit a bone torch and soared towards the spot where the Fiend had met his end. He then started searching based on faint recollections.


    Nevertheless, due to the Fiend having exploded entirely, even if his belongings remained intact amidst the expansive fog, they would be scattered and lost.


    Despite having circled the vicinity persistently, he only discovered a ck jade slip, likely containing records of a cultivation legacy.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed deeply once again, truly feeling a sense of loss.


    A fifth-realm cultivator who has been part of the Dark King Sect for many years must be a moving treasure chest. It was simply a shame that all his belongings were lost.


    While he intended to continue searching, he heard the sound of the winding from behind.


    "Careful!" Pushan warned.


    Chu Liang had turned back with his sword brandished. However, he wasn¡¯t holding the Crimson Executioner this time. It was the Dustless Sword.


    Sure enough, as Chu Liang busied himself searching for scattered items, a Sickle Ghost appeared behind him, shamelessly taking advantage of his distraction and attempting a sneak attack.


    With the Dustless Sword in hand, he delivered a shing strike to the skeletal form of the Sickle Ghost,pelling it backward with a resonant ng!


    "<i>Ah!</i>" The skeletal form of the Sickle Ghost bore a deep gash from the strike, emitting a furious roar as it leaped away.


    When the Dustless Sword failed to cut through the Sickle Ghost''s corporeal body, Chu Liang was astonished by its resilience. Of course, the shorings shouldn''t be entirely attributed to the Dustless Sword.


    With a flick of his wrist, he instantly drew a Dual Talismanic Sword of Ice and Fire. With a graceful left-hand gesture and a forceful right-hand push, the Dustless Sword soared through the air, its impact echoing with a resounding boom¡ª


    Finally, the Sickle Ghost was shattered into pieces by that strike.


    The bonesy scattered across the ground, but fortunately, the force of this strike was not as powerful as the previous one, allowing Chu Liang to easily collect them.


    Once again, the two behind him found the situation peculiar.


    While the strike of the Dustless Sword was powerful, it was much weaker than the attack that killed the Fiend.


    Luo Yao remainedposed, but Pushan, unable to contain his curiosity, inquired, "Young Hero Chu, why does the power of your sword qi fluctuate so much?"


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Chu Liang smiled and responded, "I am just someone who detest evil. Whenever I encounter a wrongdoer, I can¡¯t control my anger, which will result in an explosive surge of power."


    "I see." Pushan nodded with a smile. "I understand."


    He hadn¡¯t understood the reason why the power of Chu Liang¡¯s sword qi would fluctuate so much.


    Instead, it was a recognition that when someone resorts to telling an obvious lie to avoid answering questions, there would be no point in pursuing the matter further.


    ...


    In the gathering of individuals who were waiting on the spot.


    The Southern-Route Guider nced at the bone torch in his hand. The second torch had already burned partially. Logically speaking, all three teams that left for the hunt should have returned.


    But now, only two teams have returned.


    Just as he was contemting this, a figure emerged from the fog. It was a Soul Subjugator with a "Fifty-Eighth" sign hanging from his waist, stumbling back as if he had exhausted his foundational qi.


    "What happened?" The Southern-Route Guider abruptly stood up and asked.


    "Honorable Guider!" Fifty-Eighth bowed and said, "The Fiend... the Fiend was killed!"


    "What?" The Southern-Route Guider frowned.


    "We were hunting Sickle Ghosts when suddenly, a figure dressed in a ck robe like ours emerged from the fog. That person possessed an extremely high cultivation level. With the activation of a sword seal, he severely injured the Fiend! In the midst of this panic, we scattered, and it took me a long time to find my way back here!" Fifty-Eighth eximed.


    "Did youe back by yourself?" the Southern-Route Guider asked sternly.


    "Yes!" Fifty-Eighth replied.


    "You''re lying!" The Southern-Route Guider eximed. "This fog is filled with lost souls. Even with the bone torch, if you''re alone, they would still cling to you! How could you possiblye back on your own?"


    "I dare not lie!" Fifty-Eighth trembled, quickly exining, "Indeed, there were numerous lingering spirits in the fog, but I managed to resist all the temptations of the lingering spirits through my sincere dedication and loyalty to the sect and persisted in walking back!"


    The Southern-Route Guider fell into contemtion.


    In fact, he wasn''t entirely convinced that Fifty-Eighth was lying just now. It was just a test.


    After all, with the entire team annihted, it was suspicious that Fifty-Eighth had been the only one to make it back alive. If they were truly hiding something, a bit of intimidation could have made them reveal their true intentions.


    However, Fifty-Eighth''s immediate and loud defense quelled Southern-Route Guider''s suspicions. The Southern-Route Guider was aware that this area marked just the start of the Valley of Bewildering Fog, where the lost souls were not particrly powerful, making it possible for a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm to walk back.


    While the Southern-Route Guider was contemting, another figure emerged from the fog. It was the Sixtieth this time.


    "Honorable Guider!" Sixtieth first nced at Fifty-Eighth and said, "Someone attacked the Fiend in the fog. I became separated from the others. After much struggle, I managed to find my way back to you..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" the Southern-Route Guider stared at Sixtieth and asked, "Did you see the Fiend die?"


    "Yes... I was slow to escape. Thest thing I saw was the Fiend being in by a sword seal attack. After that, I turned and fled," answered Sixtieth.


    The Southern-Route Guider''s gaze lingered between Fifty-Eighth and Sixtieth. The testimonies of these two seemed consistent with each other.


    However, the possibility of collusion couldn''t be ruled out.


    Just as he pondered, shouts and cries echoed from inside the fog, preceding the appearance of a figure. The person wore a tag with the number "Fifty-Ninth."


    "Honorable Guider..." Fifty-Ninth eximed. Their voice trembled with a hint of sobbing as they copsed to the ground. "I almost thought I wouldn''t see you again! A person in ck suddenly appeared earlier and killed the Fiend. We all scattered and fled! Along the way, the fog was filled with lingering spirits, and hordes of Sickle Ghosts. The journey back was incredibly challenging!"


    <i>Another one...</i>


    The Southern-Route Guider scrutinized the three of them, and his suspicions were entirely dispelled. While one person could be lying and two people might conspire to lie, the possibility of three people colluding and lying seemed unlikely.


    It seemed more likely that someone had ambushed and killed the Fiend in the fog.


    But who could this person be? And for what purpose?


    The Southern-Route Guider furrowed his brows for a long time.


    Nevertheless, the journey had to continue. After some contemtion, the Southern-Route Guider ordered, "The three of you! Return to the team for now. We''ll resume the journey. We will go hunting againter. For now, join another Fiend¡¯s team."


    The three Soul Subjugators who had "luckily survived" and were still in shock retreated to the back of the group.


    Luo Yao and Pushan looked at Chu Liang with a touch of admiration in their eyes.


    It was Chu Liang who had advised them moments ago, suggesting that if the three of them went back together and imed only the Fiend with the highest cultivation level had perished, it would be suspicious.


    It would be better to go back individually.


    In this manner, the testimony was effectively divided into three parts. The statements of the three individuals could mutually support each other, creating a more convincing narrative that could be reiterated to gain trust.


    This mutual corroboration also effectively dispelled the Southern-Route Guider''s doubts about them, allowing them to continue participating in the subsequent actions.


    A validation of each other¡¯s identity!


    And his portrayal of depleted foundational qi and overall weakness was not a performance as he had indeed ventured back alone through the dense fog!

 Chapter 144: One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill

    <h4>Chapter 144: One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill</h4>


    Chu Liang''s solo journey through the fog to get back to the main party could truly be described as fraught with peril.


    The journey back to the main party would merely be a bit challenging for Luo Yao and Pushan, who were at the Golden Core Realm. However, Chu Liang was only at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, so his mental defenses were much weaker than theirs.


    As Chu Liang walked through the fog with the bone torch in hand, the fog seemed to get heavier, pressing down on his shoulders.


    Enticing voices called out to him constantly, "Come..."


    More and more illusions appeared around Chu Liang. He saw mountains of gold and seas of silver on either side of him... He also saw hillsides with an abundance of blooming celestial and spirit herbs. Chu Liang even saw Jiang Yuebai waving to him nearby.


    "I can''t go on like this."


    Chu Liang bit his tongue resolutely, stimting his divine sense to keep a clear mind.


    Even without having to fight the Sickle Ghosts, it was likely that he would get lured away by these lingering spirits and be forced to remain in this ce forever if things were to continue like this.


    After thinking for a moment, Chu Liang took out his Green Leaf and activated its Treasure Leaf Lamp form.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Divine mes burst out from the gem in the center of themp.


    "<i>Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!</i>"


    Blood-curdling screams suddenly rang out all around Chu Liang.


    There were indeed countless lingering spirits hiding in the fog, trying to lure away Chu Liang''s soul and possess his body. Apprehension washed over Chu Liang.


    Fortunately, the divine fire was a natural deterrent against ghosts, so it was able to force the lingering spirits to retreat. The Crimson Lotus Bead''s divine fire wasn''t that effective for dispersing the fog, as its radiance could only illuminate and disperse fog within a two-chi radius around Chu Liang. Nevertheless, it had an amazing effect on the lingering spirits.


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and decided to hold the Treasure Leaf Lamp in one hand and the bone torch in the other. With the bright lights from themp and the torch, he could walk forward calmly and in peace.


    <i>Evil forces, stay away!</i>


    "<i>Aaaaaaah!!</i>"


    Nheless, just a whileter, another Sickle Ghost suddenly pounced over from the side. It appeared that it wanted to strike while both of Chu Liang''s hands were upied, thinking that he wouldn''t be able to defend himself in time.


    A cold gleam shed in Chu Liang''s eyes. The divine fire in themp instantly grew in length, forming a condensed beam of divine light.


    <i>Shiiing.</i>


    The divine light had transformed into a sword. In just one stroke, the sword sliced through the incredibly solid Sickle Ghost, splitting it in two at the waist!


    The Sickle Ghost''s broken bones ttered to the ground, and Chu Liang nodded in satisfaction.


    <i>Ultimately, the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light is still the best weapon for killing ghosts!</i>


    However, four more ghostly figures suddenly appeared behind the in Sickle Ghost... It turned out to be a small group of Sickle Ghosts!


    Chu Liang tensed up. He wanted to retreat, but it wasn''t easy to do so in the fog. In the blink of an eye, he found himself surrounded by the Sickle Ghosts. They leaped high into the air as they approached!


    Moving at a lightning-fast speed, the Sickle Ghosts were about to devour Chu Liang!


    Chu Liang roared as he wielded the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light as if in dance, forming an imprable barrier of divine light!


    <i>Shiiing, shiiing, shiiing.</i>


    The deadlymp-sword hacked the four Sickle Ghosts into pieces before they even got close to Chu Liang. They turned into a big pile of broken bones on the ground.


    Chu Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief. "<i>Phew...</i>"


    Then he thought,<i> I''m sorry,</i> <i>Junior Brother Wen. You were right.</i>


    After experiencing all that on his way back to the main party alone, Chu Liang appeared to be in a poor state when he finally met up with the Guider and was able to deceive him perfectly.


    When Chu Liang regrouped with Luo Yao and Monk Pushanter, they showered him with praise. Theyplimented his exceptional wits that allowed them to be free of the Guiders'' suspicion. They alsomended him for making it through the fog alone, especially since they''d experienced it themselves and knew just how difficult a feat it was.


    This further solidified their impression that Chu Liang was an amazing person. They definitely could not treat this disciple of the Mount Shu Sect as an ordinary third-realm cultivator!


    ...


    Walking at the rear of the main party, Chu Liang finally found a sense of calm.


    He withdrew his divine sense and examined the jade slip that had fallen from the Fiend. Upon probing it with his divine sense, he saw lines of words suspended in midair.


    This was a cultivation technique called the Great Blood-Refinement Art: Divine ughter.


    Previously, when the Fiend stepped onto the Forbidden Ground, he''d exploded his blood to block the attacks from Chu Liang''s group. After that, he''d dealt a counter that almost killed them and seized the opportunity to escape. He''d done all of that by relying on his blood, which was filled with powerful spiritual energy.


    Chu Liang initially thought the Fiend had fortified his blood and bone when he broke through to the Realm of the Five Elements, but it turned out that he hadn''t done that through ordinary cultivation. The Fiend had a special blood-refining cultivation technique!


    Chu Liang carefully studied the cultivation manual once through. He discovered that to use the Great Blood-Refinement Art: Divine ughter, a cultivator needed to kill a demonic beast and absorb a bit of its soul''s blood essence at the time of death. The cultivator would then have to extract the spiritual energy from the blood essence and use it to refine their blood.


    The human body contained many secrets, all of which could be used for cultivation. The incorporeal inner parts of a human body like vitality, qi, and spirit were what cultivators cultivated the most to advance through the cultivation realms. The corporeal outer parts like the bones, muscles, and skin were what martial artists¡ªphysical cultivators¡ªfocused on.


    Blood circted through blood vessels, so it was rted to both the incorporeal and corporeal parts of the human body. However, few cultivators would give spiritual energy to just their blood. It was precisely that train of thought that led to the invention of this cultivation technique.


    The cultivation technique consisted of nine revolution stages, corresponding to the nine cultivation realms. The first stage only required the blood essence of some ordinary demonic beasts, but the requirements would be increasingly harder to fulfill with each new stage. The cultivator would need to acquire the blood essence of celestial beasts if they wanted to advance to the seventh and eighth stages. However, to get to the final stage, the ninth stage, the cultivator would have to obtain the blood essence of a beast deity that had reached the ninth realm, the Profound Realm!


    <i>This is truly the stuff of dreams... </i>Chu Liang thought in annoyance.


    That Fiend had most likely cultivated this technique to the fifth or sixth stage at most since it didn''t seem like he''d be capable of killing a seventh-realm celestial beast.


    Thinking about the prowess that the Fiend had disyed, Chu Liang thought that this cultivation technique was definitely worth cultivating. Nevertheless, he couldn''t do so at this time, so he retracted his divine sense and let his consciousness sink into his mental space.


    Chu Liang had just in a few Sickle Ghosts, but he hadn''t collected his rewards. So, he decided to take advantage of this moment of calm and have a look at what the rewards were.


    Upon entering the White Pagoda, Chu Liang saw a phantom of the grotesque Sickle Ghost floating about in one of the iron cages. He approached and pressed "Refine" without hesitation.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    A sphere of white light floated out of the cage. The familiar shape of the light made Chu Liang a little excited.


    <i>Is it another pill?</i>


    The time when the White Pagoda gave him the Tiger Essence Nourishing Pill left a deep impression on him. The pill''s effects appeared to be longsting, as he still possessed the Power of Ten Tigers. He wondered what amazing effects the pill produced from a Sickle Ghost would have.


    [One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill: Taking this pill allows you to select one inch of your skeleton to be fortified. That part of your skeleton will be as solid as gold and stone.]


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang mulled over the pill''s effect. He could fortify one inch of his skeleton and make it as solid as gold and stone... Unfortunately, it could only fortify bone. The parts that Chu Liang wanted to fortify the most had no bones. He was thinking of his internal organs.


    Cultivators generally only cultivated the incorporeal inner parts and corporeal outer parts of their bodies, so the corporeal inner parts of the body, the internal organs, had always been a weakness for them. There were specialized practices to fortify a person''s internal organs, but they would only have a significant impact on an ordinary person.


    For a cultivator, their internal organs would still be considered a fatal weakness, especially inparison to the other parts of their body. If Chu Liang were able to fortify his internal organs, he would be a lot stronger overall, but the One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill could only reinforce bone.


    Chu Liang had killed six Sickle Ghosts, so he could obtain six pills. One inch was around three centimeters.


    He did a quick calction.


    <i>It''s just right.</i>


    The parts of his skeleton that he intended to reinforce were exactly six inches long in total¡ªtwo of his fingers. Fingers were the most dexterous and versatile part of the skeleton, so he should get the greatest benefit by reinforcing them.


    Chu Liang took one One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill and immediately felt a surge of heat circting in his body. He used his divine intent to guide the heat to the tip of his index finger. Soon after, his index finger was fortified up to the first joint[1].


    Flexing his index finger, he felt as though nothing had changed, but he did sense a weak stream of spiritual energy circting through his index finger. The pill had taken effect.


    As always, the White Pagoda did not disappoint Chu Liang.


    The next step was to repeat this process and reinforce all six sections of his index and middle fingers.


    Once he was done, Chu Liang grinned. He now possessed a literal pair of extraordinary golden fingers!


    1. distal phnx ?

 Chapter 145: Why Would You Do This To Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 145: Why Would You Do This To Yourself</h4>


    "Kill all enemies... Kill all enemies..."


    The ghost soldiers, donned in tattered armor and with bone spears in their hands, charged forward as a whole group. Their footsteps sounded steady and heavy.


    When the ordinary Soul Subjugators struck them with their divine skills, it only created ripples on their armor. They were onlypletely eradicated when attacked by the Guiders.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The Southwestern Guider flicked his sleeves and sent out a ck light that went sweeping through, shattering the spectral bodies of the ghosts into dust.


    At this moment, the team had reached the depths of the Valley of Bewildering Fog. The surrounding Sickle Ghosts and lingering spirits were growing stronger. Even though the group traveled together, they still faced the daring attacks of numerous spirits.


    The journey was bing increasingly difficult.


    "Looking at the attire of these ghost soldiers, they seem to be soldiers from the previous dynasty," Pushan casually said through Voice Transmission.


    The transmission of his voice message was rather dyed, but Chu Liang heard it.


    "Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, the former chancellor led the remnants of the previous dynasty and protected the young emperor, who was only a few years old at the time, and fled into the Southern Bastion Mountain. Despite multiple attempts by the Yu Dynasty''s army to search the mountain range, they couldn''t find them and suffered many casualties. Later, they stationed arge army to guard the Southern Bastion Mountain, guarding against the resurgence of remnants from the previous dynasty. However, until today, that army from the previous dynasty has not been seening out of the Southern Bastion Mountain..."


    Chu Liang listened to Pushan''s exnation, nodding in acknowledgment. Throughout the journey, Pushan almost never stopped talking.


    <i>I''m curious to know what else you can share.</i>


    Even after dealing with these ghost soldiers, the Southwestern Guider didn''t rx. Instead, he raised arge white stone tablet, about five chi long, with a single arm.


    The stone tablet appeared weathered and damaged, its age impossible to determine. However, the bright red ancient characters carved on the front showed no signs of fading. It vaguely disyed the characters of someone''s name.


    As this stone tablet was lifted, the tumultuous cries and wails in the surroundings instantly fell silent! Hundreds of ghosts retreated! And none had the audacity to show this stone tablet any disrespect!


    At the same time, Chu Liang could distinctly sense that Luo Yao, who was behind him, emanated this murderous aura! However, as Luo Yao''s face was covered by the ck robe, he couldn''t see her expression and was uncertain of the cause.


    "Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele?" Monk Pushan eximed once again.


    Chu Liang asked curiously, "What is this?"


    "You don''t know?" The monk Pushan said, "In the battle against the demon god years ago, countless cultivators from the nine provinces sacrificed themselves when protecting the human race. Subsequently, an Ascending Immortal Tomb was built to bury andmemorate these heroes.


    "However, a few years ago, the Dark King Sect audaciously invaded the Ascending Immortal Tomb and plundered eight of the sixteen Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles! This incident sparked widespread outrage among cultivators in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects, creating quite a stir for a considerable period."


    Chu Liang vaguely recalled having been told about this matter before, but he didn''t have a deep impression of it.


    He now understood why Luo Yao disyed such intense killing intent.


    It was indeed a heinous act!


    The Ascending Immortal Tomb housed the spirits of the heroes who had defended the Nine Provinces. Without the sacrifice of these heroes, the mortal realm might have long sumbed to the dominion of demons and monsters.


    Yet these Diabolical cultivators of the Dark King Sect, descendants of the human race themselves, showed tant disrespect towards their predecessors.


    How could one not feel angry for such a disy of arrogance!


    They even used this Stone Stele as an enchanted tool?


    Once the Southwestern Guider raised the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, the lingering spirits stopped disturbing them. Wherever stone stele went, it seemed to be enforcing radiantws that suppressed all malevolent forces.


    When the stone stele was disyed, the spirits in the fog retreated. In fact, it made sense why the Guider hadn''t even taken out the Stone Stele earlier as even the ghosts under the control of the disciples of the Dark King Sect wailed in despair.


    Chu Liang nced at the back of the Southwestern Guider and thought that if there was a chance, he would definitely strike him with a sword.


    ...


    As they ventured deeper, the fog thickened, and the bone torches burned more intensely.


    This time, they stopped even earlier.


    "We are approaching the end of the Valley of Bewildering Fog and we are about to reach our destination. Another hunt should be enough to sustain us," said the Southern-Route Guider, signaling the team to stop before addressing everyone.


    Thest hunt was carried out under the Southwestern Guider''smand, so this time, it was the Southern-Route Guider''s turn. However, his team now only consisted of two Soul Subjugators.


    Sending the remaining three Soul Subjugators out hunting was undeniably risky. In the deeper areas of the Valley of Bewildering Fog, such an action was akin to a suicide mission.


    Upon assessing the situation, the Southwestern Guider waved his sleeves and singled out a Fiend beneath him,manding, "You! Lead them on the hunt."


    The Southern-Route Guider nodded and said, "Thank you."


    "Hey¡ª" the Southwestern Guider added, "Since we''vee this far in our coboration, there''s no need to draw lines between what''s yours and what''s mine anymore."


    The Fiend was clearly feeling reluctant as heined inwardly. <i>How can you say there''s no distinction between what''s yours and what''s mine when I am the one being sent on a dangerous mission?</i>


    However, even though he felt reluctant, he couldn''t show his reluctance in front of his superior. And so, as directed by the Southern-Route Guider, he led the three unfortunate Soul Subjugators for another hunt.


    When they entered the fog, the Fiend lit the bone torch before turning back to them and saying, "Be smart. If you don''t listen, don''t expect me to protect you."


    "Yes, yes, yes. We will absolutely follow the orders of the honorable Fiend," the monk Pushan immediately responded.


    Then, he turned back and whispered, "When should we make our move?"


    "Let''s not act recklessly for now," Chu Liang pondered and said, "If every Fiend that is on a mission with us dies, they will surely suspect us."


    "That''s true. Anyway, once we reach the destination and figure out the goal of their mission, the elders from my valley will show up," Luo Yao said, "By then, these diabolical cultivators will not be able to escape at all. There''s literally no rush."


    <i>My teacher will be here as well... </i>Chu Liang silently added.


    The same applied to Monk Pushan. There was no way this dude could venture here without any preparation. The trio seemed to be eagerly anticipating the revtion of whatever valuable treasure sought by the Southern-Route Guider.


    Who knows... Perhaps it would evolve into a scene where representatives from the three sects interrogate the Southern-Route Guider.


    The three of them were in the midst of their conversation, discussing if they should let the Fiend off this time.


    Suddenly, the Fiend turned around in front, raised his hand, and pulled out three green incense sticks from his sleeve. He instantly ignited the sticks and held up a jade pot.


    A green smoke rose gently, and from the jade pot emerged the ethereal soul of an old man with a long beard.


    This wasn''t a soul manipted by soul-controlling techniques; rather, it had been nurtured through incense and offerings. This fundamental distinction set it apart from the techniques employed by the Dark King Sect''s disciples. The mere possibility of treating this soul in such a manner suggested its exceptional power.


    The soul fought for the Fiend because of the offerings. It was not a ve.


    An elder with the long beard fully materialized. As he gradually opened his eyes, a formidable pressure descended upon the entire scene.


    Such a strong ghost! And it wasn''t aggressive!


    The imposing aura emanating from this elderly man''s soul was akin to that of a sixth-realm cultivator! To possess such an intact, pure, and powerful soul, he must have been a Confucian cultivator in his lifetime.


    The Fiend summoned a formidable soul, then grinned at the three and said, "After careful consideration, I still find myself at a loss. And so, I''ll give you two choices.


    "First, hand over all the valuable items you have. If you can offer enough to satisfy me, I''ll think about sparing your lives.


    "The second option is to kill all of you and seize all your belongings.


    "Anyone that dies in this fog will transform into a lingering spirit and be trapped here for eternity. You better think carefully, <i>hehehe</i>..."


    He let out a string of sinister and terrifyingughs.


    The three individuals looked at the Fiend before them withplex expressions.


    It was not surprising at all for something like this to happen in a diabolical sect. Diabolical sects have always exemplified the survival of the fittest, and are known for being ces of piging and violence. Furthermore, this Fiend was not their direct superior; he had no reason to join them for the hunt, harboring grievances and seekingpensation from them.


    In the normal course of events, three cultivators at the Golden Core Realm would be nothing more than three sheep to be manipted by a cultivator at the Realm of the Five Elements.


    Upon careful consideration, it all made sense.


    But...


    <i>Dude... We have just decided to spare you.</i>


    <i>Why would you do this to yourself?</i>

 Chapter 146: Self-Injury

    <h4>Chapter 146: Self-Injury</h4>


    And just like that, the Fiend passed away peacefully.


    ...


    <i>Previously...</i>


    "Haven''t you all heard what I said?"


    His voice carried a subtle hint of anger... because he discovered that the three Soul Subjugators hadn''t made a move even after hearing the threat. Instead of reaching for treasures, they all stared at him strangely, seemingly treating him with an inexplicable sense of disdain.


    "I heard it, I heard it." Monk Pushan waved his hand. "You''re getting impatient, aren''t you?"


    "So why don''t you quickly present your treasures!" shouted the Fiend.


    In truth, he wasn''t particrly inclined to recklessly take lives at this moment, especially given the emphasis on personnel management stressed by the Guider.


    However, if these three individuals continued to be so insolent, he wouldn''t mind eliminating one as a warning for the other two.


    Following that, he saw the three Soul Subjugators opposite of him taking out items.


    Fifty-Eighth unsheathed an ancient, in longsword, while Fifty-Ninth took out a golden ring. Sixtieth, however, took out a finger.


    It didn''t seem like they were about to offer any treasures.


    The Fiend couldn''t believe that these three Soul Subjugators had the audacity to defy him; it seemed like they were all new members.


    The Fiends sneered coldly. He was ready to teach these new members a lesson.


    As soon as he thought about it, he felt an overwhelming pain and feeling of weakness.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Someone used the Five Labors and Seven Injuries!


    Luo Yao''s immortal art took effect first.


    The Fiend swayed for a moment. Just as he was about to mobilize his energy to resist, he saw a golden ring flying towards him.


    Suddenly, as the ring flew in the wind, it transformed into nine rings!


    <i>Bang, bang, bang......</i>


    Nine golden rings,yer uponyer, were sessively looped around his neck and limbs, tightly binding his entire being.


    <i>What is all this?</i>


    This clearly wasn''t a divine skill that a fourth-realm cultivator should be able to unleash.


    It does not resemble the divine skills of diabolical cultivators!


    "Mr. Fei, save me!" the Fiend roared loudly.


    This Fiend was slightly weaker than the Fiend killed by Chu Liang and the others earlier.


    He was only at the first stage of the Realm of the Five Elements and hisbat strength primarily relied on the powerful Battle Soul by his side.


    Upon realizing that he might not be a match for these three, he instinctively cried out for help, while his body transformed into a shadow, swiftly retreating for more than ten zhang!


    The divine skill of bing transparent was very effective. Instantly, the nine golden rings released by Pushan fell off his body.


    Unfortunately, this ethereal form onlysted briefly. In the blink of an eye, the Fiend''s body returned to normal while he was still suffering from the curse of the Five Labors and Seven Injuries.


    Right after that, the Fiend witnessed a spectacr scene as Ten Thousand Swords soared through the air!


    Tens of thousands of glowing swords, each aze with crimson mes, shed through the sky before crashing down in fiery explosions!


    Like a meteor shower cascading from the heavens!


    It was thebination of Ten Thousand Swords Seal and the Talismanic Sword Seal! The Myriad Talismanic Sword!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    Using thousands of fire swords to defeat a diabolical cultivator at the fifth realm might seem excessive.


    After the first attack, the Fiend was already obliterated into nothingness. The remaining attacks merely served to create more craters in thend.


    Chu Liang unleashed his power in such a manner for several reasons. On one hand, he wanted to test the waters. With the strength of the Crimson Executioner, he could employ sword techniques that he normally would never attempt. In addition, it provided him the chance to experience the power of a higher cultivation level sooner than expected.


    Therefore, this time he chose the rather challengingbination of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal with the Talismanic Sword Seal. When he had to control a vast array of tens of thousands of sword lights, executing the attack of a one-character talismanic sword proved incredibly difficult.


    In an instant, Chu Liang felt his divine sense dissipate. It was an unprecedented and immense expenditure of mental energy!


    He stumbled for a moment before regaining his bnce and steadying his stance.


    On the other hand, he had executed these two attacks together to intimidate the long-beard elder.


    After the shower of fiery swords subsided and the dust settled, he turned his gaze towards the soul of the long-bearded elder in the jade pot.


    This long-bearded elder was undoubtedly stronger than the Fiend, which was why he could receive such a level of respect.


    However, the enhancement effect of the Crimson Executioner would only work in a fight against that Fiend whose qi was stained with blood. This was why Chu Liang opted to use his most powerful attack.


    With the attackunched, he turned his gaze to the long-bearded elder and asked, "Mister, now that this person is dead, are you going to seek revenge for him?"


    The current situation clearly surprised the long-bearded elder.


    The Fiend had summoned him with the intention of using him as a means of intimidating his opponents. However, he had never actually nned for the long-bearded elder to take action because if the elder did, there would be additional fees involved.


    Since the long-bearded elder had not received any orders, he simply decided to stand by and observe.


    However, the swift defeat of the fifth-realm Fiend by these three minor characters was something the long-bearded elder hadn''t expected.


    In fact, the sight of the final torrential rain of fire swords made him realize that if he had intervened, he would not have been able to help.


    Therefore, even though the Fiend had cried out "Save me" in the end, he did nothing.


    <i>Why would I risk my life for you when you only provide me a few sticks of incense each month? </i>The long-bearded elder thought to himself.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s question, the old man flicked his long beard and coldly uttered, "I don''t know him well enough."


    With that, he twisted his soul and retracted back into the jade pot, vanishing from sight.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Chu Liang couldn''t help but chuckle; this old guy had more social awareness than he had imagined.


    He picked up the jade pot and then went to inspect therge crater where the Fiend had died. Due to the overwhelming force of the previous attack, coupled with the thick fog, it was difficult to find any belongings for the time being.


    <i>Haih. </i>Chu Liang sighed internally,menting that it was a real waste not being able to get any loot in this Valley of Bewildering Fog.


    Upon returning, he said to Luo Yao and Monk Pushan, "I''ll keep this jade pot for now, along with any other loot we might haveter. Can we redistribute them after we leave?"


    If Chu Liang hadn''t personally intervened when they were killing the other Fiend, that Fiend might have escaped. So, it was reasonable for him to take most of the loot seized in that fight.


    However, this time all three of them had contributed, and Chu Liang thought that it was no longer right for him to keep everything to himself.


    He should, at the very least, ask them about it.


    Monk Pushan, being the magnanimous one, smiled and said, "In both instances of killing the Fiends, it wasrgely thanks to Young Hero Chu''s efforts. I don''t need a share."


    Luo Yao thought for a moment and said, "Technically, I shouldn''t im a share either, but I really want this soul. In my cultivation of shamanic techniques, there''s a method for controlling spirits, and refining this soul could enhance mybat strength. If you have no use for it, I can offer something in exchange after we have returned to where we came from."


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "No problem."


    "But the current situation is quite tricky..." Monk Pushan remarked, "We''ve killed another Fiend and we are bound to be suspected when we head back."


    "<i>Hmm.</i>" Chu Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Given the current situation, we can only take our chances."


    ...


    Typically, they followed a straight path when they were out hunting, which allowed them to remember the approximate direction that they had set off in. Moreover, they would ignite a white bone torch, which burned for a set duration on each hunting expedition. Hence, by conducting calctions based on time and distance, it''s rtively simple to gauge the general location of the other two teams.


    Another hunting party not too far off had already begun preparations to return to the base.


    Simrly, a teamprised of a Fiend escorted by three Soul Subjugators was quietly making their way back to the base.


    Just then, a figure dressed in a ck robe suddenly appeared not far behind them.


    The figure gripped an ancient and in longsword, with no Soul Subjugator Token hanging from their waist.


    They emitted no discernible aura, to the point that nobody had noticed their presence at all.


    The next second, they raised the ancient longsword in their hand, and countless swords filled the sky!


    The meteoric firestorm reappeared, as myriad ming swords descended from the sky.


    The disciples of the Dark King Sect only realized it at this moment, but unfortunately, it was toote! They were caught off guard and had no time to prepare a counterattack.


    They could only scramble to flee in all directions!


    <i>Rumble</i>¡ª


    Those fiery swords brimmed with so much spiritual energy. When viewed from high above, it seemed like these attacks were intended more for dispersing than for fatal blows.


    Aside from one Soul Subjugator who died due to clumsiness, the rest merely scattered beyond the reach of the rain of fire.


    Amidst the chaos, they lost sight of each other.


    When the Fiend turned around to counterattack, he found that the figure had already disappeared. Despite such a powerful strike, there was not a trace of residual energy left behind.


    "This..." He could only exim in disbelief. Despite feeling reluctant, he had no choice but to give up.


    He turned around and rallied his dispersed subordinates.


    Even for a Fiend, being alone in this fog was just too dangerous.


    When they dispersed, there were four people. However, upon regrouping, their numbers increased to six. Among them, three terrified and injured Soul Subjugators from another team joined, while one of the original four was killed by the rain of swords.


    The Soul Subjugators under hismand were also all covered in injuries.


    Under the terror of those fiery swords just now, even if they managed to escape by luck, it was impossible for them to emerge unscathed.


    "A person in ck attacked us moments ago. Our Honorable Fiend fought against him, and we had no choice but to flee. We were pursued relentlessly until we arrived here," exined the three Soul Subjugators.


    The Fiend nced at the Soul Subjugator Tokens of the three individuals and was no longer suspicious. He led the three of them back towards the base. In times of crisis, the more people, the better.


    Upon their return to the base, the Southern-Route Guider immediately rose to his feet upon seeing the group, all of whom bore visible injuries.


    "What happened this time?" asked the Southern-Route Guider.


    The Fiend bowed his head and replied, "Both our teams were attacked by a person in ck and we were all injured. That person unleashed the ''Ten Thousand Swords Seal.'' The sword qi he disyed was so powerful that he might be a sixth-realm cultivator! I could not protect everyone. Forgive me for my ipetence!"


    The Southern-Route Guider examined the wounds on their bodies and the injuries were indeed all caused by sword qi. The strength of the sword qi was evident through their wounds.


    Since everyone was already injured, he didn''t scold them. Instead he said, "Hurry up and treat your injuries. Don''t dy the uing mission."


    "Keep moving forward, and we''ll soon reach the Deep Pool of Dreams."


    While everyone sat cross-legged on the ground to recuperate and heal, the Southwestern Guider asked worriedly, "Who could be following and attacking us in this journey?"


    "I don''t know," the Southern-Route Guider shook his head and said with a resolute and fierce tone. "Even if he''s hiding now, he will have to reveal himself before we arrive at the Deep Pool of Dreams. We will see him sooner orter!"


    The person in ck was none other than Chu Liang.


    The three were concerned that the sequential deaths of Fiends would inevitably raise suspicion. To counter this, Chu Liang devised a strategy. He first located another team, ingested an Essence-Concealing Pill, and subsequentlyunched a surprise attack.


    This way, their team would not be the only team that had been attacked and their injuries would seem less suspicious. To make it even less suspicious, Chu Liang went as far as using sword qi to inflict wounds on himself and his other twopanions.


    They injured themselves!


    After these series of actions, they had indeed sessfully infiltrated another team without arousing any suspicion.


    ...


    As the team continued their journey, they eventually arrived at the end of the Valley of Bewildering Fog. Here, a vast and immense abyss greeted them, stretching out before them as far as the eye could see.


    Rather than descending into the depths, the fog within the abyss surged upward, as if this ce was the source of the fog! Endless wails echoed from the bottom of the valley, serving as an indication of the countless lost souls trapped within.


    On the opposite side of the abyss, a vast, dazzling curtain of lights, resembling colorful ss in the shimmering light, adorned thendscape. It appeared almost like a mirage. Scenes continuously shifted and changed above it in the high sky, reflecting the images from the opposite side of the abyss.


    With lush greenery, a gently flowing stream, and exotic spirit beasts standing quietly, the valley indeed resembled an otherworldly paradise.


    <i>The treasures seen by the Guiders on the opposite side must have been reflected through this curtain of light. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The magnificent and mysterious scenes caused everyone to pause in awe.


    "Is the Deep Pool of Dreams across?"

 Chapter 147: Chaotic Battle

    <h4>Chapter 147: Chaotic Battle</h4>


    "I''m going to open the hidden realm. That may cause abnormal activity here. Please protect me!" the Southern-Route Guider said, leaping forward.


    At their feet, there was dense fog drifting about over the Deep Pool of Dreams. The peach-blossom paradise opposite them seemed like an illusion.


    A shadowy figure slowly approached it, but it was ultimately stopped by an invisible barrier. The figure appeared to touch the pool, stirring up ripples in the surface of the water.


    "Open!" the shadowy figure, the Southern-Route Guider, shouted, pushing forward with both hands.


    As he unleashed his power against the invisible barrier that extended up into the sky, a rumbling like that of thunderps rang out!


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    Intense undting soundwaves swept through the air while raging waves rose from the pool below!


    "<i>RAAAAAR!!!</i>"


    It was the thunderous roar of a dragon!


    The head of a towering ck dragon loomed out from the thick rolling fog. There were two terrifyingly ferocious blood-red eyes staring out from its massive skull!


    The rest of the imposing dragon emerged from the pool soon after. It was in a terrible state. This was a soul with a tattered body.


    <i>A ghost dragon?!</i>


    Nevertheless, a dragon was still a dragon. Even though it had died and be a ghost, it was still extremely powerful, so much so that even the members of the Dark King Sect, diabolical cultivators who had spent many years dealing with spirits, trembled at the mere sight of the dragon.


    Soon after, another dragon emerged. No, there were more than that; a total of six ghost dragons emerged from the pool in session!


    "<i>RAAAAAAAR!!!</i>"


    The Southern-Route Guider''s attempt to open up the hidden realm opposite the pool seemed to have angered these sleeping spirits. The ghost dragons roared as they charged toward him.


    At this moment, the Southwestern Guider yelled, "Retreat!"


    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>


    He lifted the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele[1] with one hand, raised it high, and dropped it over the pool. In the blink of an eye, the stele grew so much in size that it looked like a small mountain peak. The stele mmed down heavily, suppressing the ghost dragons under it!


    <i>Bang, bang, bang.</i>


    Loud sounds rang out constantly as the dragons rammed against the stele. The Southwestern Guider shook violently from the impact each time they rammed it.


    The Southwestern Guider yelled, "Assist me!"


    The Fiends and Soul Subjugators behind the Southwestern Guider obeyed and went over to him. They pressed their hands on the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele and gathered all of their foundational qi to help the Guider press the stele down, keeping the six raging ghost dragons firmly suppressed.


    Chu Liang and the other two were among them, but as for whether they put their full effort into the task, only they knew the answer to that.


    Nheless, the situation was still unstable.


    A faint chanting suddenly rang out overhead. "The nine provinces will be overturned, and civilization will copse. Oh, heavens, what should we do...?"


    The voice brought about the bleakest of moods. It was filled with despair, giving the people present an intense feeling of grief and indignation they had no reason to have.


    Chu Liang and the others looked up and saw the lingering spirit of an elderly man in azure robes walking over in midair from some distance away. In his left hand was a traditional scroll made of bamboo strips. His mighty soul seemed to get more powerful with each step he took toward the pool.


    "Is that the lingering spirit of the prime minister of the previous dynasty?" Pushan said, immediately figuring out the elderly man''s identity.


    "Stop him! I''m about to open the hidden realm!" yelled the Southern-Route Guider.


    Even without that yell, the lingering spirit of the elderly man had already noticed the Southern-Route Guider.


    That elderly man raged, "How dare you thieves invade my Dragon Courtyard! Do you think my court officials and military generals are all dead?!"


    He waved his right hand, and a mor of battle cries rang out from the dense fog. Ghost generals mounted on warhorse skeletons and a scattered army of ghost soldiers charged toward the pool from all directions.


    The Southwestern Guider immediatelymanded, "Fiends,e with me to fight off the enemies! Soul Subjugators, continue to press down on this stele!"


    At the Guider''smand, the remaining four Fiends stood up and left in different directions to block the iing ghost generals and soldiers. Meanwhile, the Southwestern Guider flew up to confront the elderly man.


    "Kill the thieves!" the elderly man roared.


    He raised the scroll in his left hand, and ancient words flew off from the scroll and attacked the Southwestern Guider.


    In response, the Southwestern Guider raised his hands and wielded a string of nine skulls.


    <i>Wham!</i>


    He flung the nine massive skulls upward, and they collided with the stream of projected ancient words. The impact from the collision broke apart the string of skulls instantly! They scattered all over andnded with a loud crash.


    The Southwestern Guider shouted, "What a formidable lingering spirit! I''m no match for him. You need to hurry!"


    Simultaneously, he cut his left palm and squeezed out some blood. The blood was sent flying, and an even amount of itnded on each of the nine skulls. A split secondter, these skulls came alive as if they had been given souls. They charged upward with theirrge mouths wide open, intending to bite the elderly man!


    Nheless, the elderly man continued strolling toward the pool. He just casually waved his hand to direct the ancient characters, effortlessly repelling those vicious skulls


    "I''ll be done soon!" the Southern-Route Guider yelled back.


    ...


    The two Guiders weren''t the only ones in critical situations; the Soul Subjugators left at the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele were in an indescribably painful state. Despite all six Soul Subjugators working together to suppress the six ghost dragons, the stele was shaking violently. It wasn''t long till someone spewed out blood!


    "I can''t do this anymore..." one Soul Subjugator said as he spat out a mouthful of blood. "I don''t think we can stop them for much longer..."


    "Come on, brothers! Let''s give it our all!" Chu Liang yelled. "Just endure this moment, and the Guiders and Fiends will lead us to the treasure!"


    "Grit your teeth and stand firm! If you have ten percent of strength left, give eleven percent. It''s time for you to serve the Dark King Sect!" Monk Pushan yelled as well.


    "That''s right!" Chu Liang added. "Do you want to be cowards for the rest of your lives or the heroes of this moment?"


    "Even if it means burning up your life force and overusing your Golden Core, stand your ground during this moment! Do not speak of giving up!" Monk Pushan urged.


    With Chu Liang and Pushan speaking such passionate words in alternation, they got the Soul Subjugators all fired up, raising their morale greatly. The Soul Subjugators did not hesitate to use their life force and every ounce of strength they had left, overloading their Golden Cores to keep the ghost dragons suppressed.


    Luo Yao nced coldly at Chu Liang and Pushan as they acted out their little y. She felt ufortable, but she choked back the words she could not say.


    <i>These two...</i>


    <i>Those who trick people and lead them to their deaths won''t live long.</i>


    Anyone else would think that Chu Liang and Pushan were extremely devoted members of the Dark King Sect and that they were putting in the most effort to keep the dragons under the stele. Despite that, the truth was that if there were handles on the stele, they would definitely have pulled the stele upward.


    A loud crack suddenly rang out overhead. The Southern-Route Guider used his hands to crack open the void; he ripped open the hidden realm''s invisible barrier, revealing a blinding heavenly light.


    "It''s open now!" the Southern-Route Guider shouted. "I''lle help you!"


    Before he finished speaking, the Southern-Route Guider had already flown over to the Southwestern Guider. The Southwestern Guider was struggling to hold off the former dynasty''s prime minister and was too preupied to turn around to look.


    Then there was a sudden sound of flesh being pierced. The Southern-Route Guider had arrived behind the Southwestern Guider, but instead of assisting as he''d promised, the Southern-Route Guider used his hand to pierce the Southwestern Guider''s heart from the back.


    "<i>Huh...</i>" The Southwestern Guider turned his head to look behind him. Under his hood, his eyes were filled with rage. "You actually¡ª"


    "Thanks for apanying me all the way here, but now that we''ve already arrived... I can''t really give you the Battle Soul, can I?" the Southern-Route Guider sneered.


    Yet, that sneer vanished at the next second.


    The Southern-Route Guider caught a mocking look in the Southwestern Guider''s eyes. His keen senses told him something was amiss. He had to retreat!


    Intending to retreat, the Southern-Route Guider immediately retracted his hand, gouging out the Southwestern Guider''s heart.


    Nevertheless, it was toote.


    There was a loud bang as the Southwestern Guider exploded, turning into a cloud of blood fog! The explosion was apanied by an intense murderous aura that shrouded an area spanning several dozen zhang!


    It hit an unfortunate Fiend nearby, catching him off guard and suffusing his qi with a bit of blood. He immediately let out an anguished wail and exploded, turning into a cloud of blood fog just like what had happened to the Southwestern Guider!


    "<i>Hahahaha!</i>" a different Fiend burst intoughter.


    He suddenly lifted his hood and revealed a face identical to that of the Southwestern Guider, who had exploded just a moment ago!


    "I knew you weren''t sincere about letting me refine the Battle Soul. Unfortunately, you didn''t know I''d already mastered External Manifestation a long time ago!" he grinnedcently.


    He was talking about the immortal art External Manifestation!


    In the cultivation world, there were many supposed cloning techniques. Nevertheless, they were actually more like illusion techniques that allowed the cultivator to create a puppet that seemed simr to them but had no power. They could not replicate their power in the puppet.


    However, once a cultivator mastered the true cloning art, External Manifestation, they would be able to make a proper clone of themself! That was how he had tricked the Southern-Route Guider.


    Both Guiders had harbored their own ulterior motives!


    The spontaneous explosion of the blood fog had been extremely powerful, and the sky was now filled with clouds of blood fog. An apparition suddenly darted out from the blood fog, heading straight toward the crack in the barrier.


    "Trying to escape?"


    The Southwestern Guider had known from the start that a sixth realm expert couldn''t be killed that easily. So, he''d stared fixedly at the blood fog with his divine sense activated, waiting to strike the moment that the Southern-Route Guider fled from the blood fog.


    So, when he saw that apparition trying to escape through the crack, he immediately followed suit and used the nine skulls again. They opened their mouths together to form a vortex with extremely powerful suction!


    Both Guiders had cultivated using the Dark King Sect''s cultivation art, so they''d achieved the Heavenly Star Transcendent Form of Tranquility when they reached the sixth realm. This transcendent form was particrly mystical; if a cultivator with the Heavenly Star Transcendent Form of Tranquility were to get severely injured, they would transform into an apparition, rendering all attacks against their corporeal body ineffective.


    If the Southern-Route Guider''s opponent were someone else, it was very likely that he would have managed to escape by using this method. However, his opponent was the Southwestern Guider. The Southwestern Guider had achieved the same transcendent form, so he undoubtedly knew how to bypass it. He arranged the nine skulls in a huge formation specifically for restraining apparitions of souls!


    When the Southern-Route Guider realized there was no way for him to escape, he turned toward the other Guider and bellowed, "Since you want me dead, I''ll fight with you to the death!"


    He formed hand seals and raised his hands high toward the sky.


    <i>Rumble</i>.


    At the next moment, the sound of what seemed like shackles being unlocked rang out in the sky. Arge pair of ghostly, pitch-ck doors suddenly appeared and swung open!


    Then as a resounding nking shook the heavens, a gigantic ck hand¡ªwith numerous iron chains wrapped around it¡ªextended out from the open doors!


    "You even sacrificed your life force to summon Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha from theherworld!" the Southwestern Guider bellowed.


    Treating the gigantic hand as a formidable enemy, the Southwestern Guider raised his right hand and called upon the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, pulling it upward from where it had been suppressing the ghost dragons!


    <i>Wham.</i>


    The Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele blocked the gigantic hand, dying it for a moment. However, the ck giant hand continued pushing forward, ramming into Southwestern Guider with the stele.


    Blood spurted out from the Southwestern Guider''s mouth. He pressed his hands against the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, barely managing to hold off the gigantic hand for a moment.


    ...


    Just a little earlier...


    After summoning the gigantic ck hand, the Southern-Route Guider''s primordial qi was still severely damaged. Without further dy, he turned and dove into the crack, from which rainbow-colored light was shining.


    The crack was shrinking gradually.


    Down below, the six enraged ghost dragons were free once again, no longer suppressed by the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele. The Soul Subjugators, who had been doing their best to use the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele to suppress the ghost dragons, had suddenly lost the barrier separating them from the ghost dragons. Now, they were facing the ghost dragons directly.


    Their hearts filled with despair. <i>We''re doomed.</i>


    Only the two Soul Subjugators, who had been shouting words of encouragement without contributing even a tiny bit, and theirpanion still retained their full strength. Once the situation took a turn for the worse, they flew off into the distance and escaped.


    The remaining Soul Subjugators, who had already exhausted all of their strength, tried to do the same. Unfortunately for them, they didn''t get very far before they were devoured by the roaring ghost dragons! None of them managed to avoid the tragic fate!


    <i>Wham.</i>


    By sacrificing those Soul Subjugators, the Southwestern Guider managed to use the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele to block the gigantic hand''s attack. Then, just as abruptly as the doors had appeared, the multitude of iron chains pulled the hand back inside, and the doors vanished.


    Nevertheless, there was no time for the Southwestern Guider to catch his breath. The lingering spirit of the previous dynasty''s prime minister attacked the Guider again.


    "You thief!!" yelled the former prime minister.


    A string of projected ancient words struck the Southwestern Guider''s back with a heavy blow.


    "<i>Argh!!!</i>" the Southwestern Guider screamed.


    The heavy blow caused him to collide against the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, and his blood sprayed everywhere.


    The Southwestern Guider knew he was no match for the former prime minister. Once the crack closed off, he would certainly die.


    Consequently, despite the risk of getting attacked by the former prime minister from behind, he stepped onto the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele and rode it frantically toward the crack that was about to close!


    As long as the Southwestern Guider could make it into the hidden realm, he would be fine. He would be able to easily defeat the Southern-Route Guider, who was heavily injured and on the verge of death.


    The treasures and the seventh-realm Battle Soul that might exist in the hidden realm were all within his grasp! Once he had recovered, he would make a move to secure a ce for himself among the higher ranks of the Dark King Sect!


    The divine light seeping out from the hidden realm had be part of the Southwestern Guider''s vision of a beautiful future.


    Just as the front end of the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele entered through the crack, the Southwestern Guider''s right eyelid twitched.


    An indescribable sense of crisis washed over him. Having roamed the world for many years, he was well aware that this was a premonition of imminent danger.


    <i>Who is it?</i>


    The Southwestern Guider''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately spread out his divine sense to scan the area.


    Nheless, it was already toote. Someone standing on the other side of the crack.


    In the hidden realm, a handsome young man, who had just taken an Essence-Concealing Pill, slowly raised his longsword...


    1. tablet/b ?

 Chapter 148: Definitely Not A Cultivator at the Golden Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 148: Definitely Not A Cultivator at the Golden Core Realm</h4>


    Chu Liang used the Talismanic Sword Seal.


    Triple Talismanic Sword of Wind, Fire, and Thunder pierced through the high heavens.


    The vast and mighty sword energy moved like a dragon, whistling through the air. With just a strike, it hit the Southwestern Guider on the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, causing a resounding explosion in the air.


    Boom¡ª


    While the mes were still in the sky, the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele flew into the hidden realm. Due to theck of maniption, it fell from the sky, crashing heavily onto the open ground ahead.


    The cracks on the hidden realm then closed up.


    The Southwestern Guider, struck by the Crimson Executioner, had his fate hanging in uncertainty. Even if the attack hadn''t ended his life, he would be left outside the hidden realm while being severely injured. In face of numerous lingering spirits and ghost dragons, the oue would undoubtedly be unfavorable.


    "Young Hero Chu! Such powerful sword qi! Even the Guider at the sixth realm could not fight back," eximed Monk Pushan in astonishment.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Chu Liang chuckled before he flew forward and arrived at the spot where the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele had fallen.


    The stele, which was now restored to its original size, was deeply embedded on a patch of grass, exuding an ancient and solemn aura.


    Chu Liang pressed on the stele and stored it in his storage artifact. The size of the stele was so big that his storage tool was almost at full capacity.


    The Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele was naturally a very powerful tool. The Southwestern Guider was able to disy such fierceness because of this stone stele.


    Obviously, Chu Liang had no intention of leaving this stone stele here.


    The retrieval of this stone stele was something that must be done.


    "When we get out of here, I n to return this Stone Stele to the Ascending Immortal Tomb. Is that alright?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Of course," replied Monk Pushan, "Young Hero Chu, your noble intentions are truly admirable."


    Luo Yao seemed to be staring at Chu Liang with a look of approval. After a moment, she spoke again, "I hope that one day we can recover everything that the Dark King Sect took away."


    "Did the Dark King Sect take more than just the eight Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles?" Chu Liang asked, as Luo Yao seemed to be hinting that there were additional items.


    "Indeed. They took so much more," Luo Yao said. "During the battle against the demon god back then, cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm from various major immortal sects of the mortal realm died, and only sixteen of their corpses were found. That is why there were sixteen Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles in the Ascending Immortal Tomb."


    "The Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles existed to safeguard the corpses of the eighth-realm cultivators that had sacrificed their lives in this battle. Of the sixteen corpses, eight of them remained intact. The Dark King sect attacked the Ascending Immortal Tomb back then to steal those eight corpses. As for this Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele, they just took it with them out of convenience," Luo Yao exined in a cold tone.


    "I see," Chu Liang responded.


    With Luo Yao''s exnation, Chu Liang finally understood the reason why the Dark King Sect had raided the Ascending Immortal Tomb.


    The golden skeleton he had previously found was most likely at the seventh realm, possessing the spiritual power capable of elevating an entire n. As for the Eminent Ones at the eighth realm, they heldmand over the Heavenly Origin, and their souls and bones were considered treasures. And so, their corpses wouldn''t decay even after their deaths.


    Many eighth-realm cultivators took precautions to avoid posthumous insults. Before the end of their life, they would arrange for a secret ce to be their tomb just to ensure a peaceful eternal rest.


    However, those who died in the battle against the demon god, especially those at the eighth realm, obviously did not have the luxury to make such preparations. And so, the immortal sects crafted these powerful Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles to safeguard the corpses of those heroes.


    The Dark King Sect, being a faction that followed the practice of diabolical cultivation techniques, would take advantage of both souls and the corpses.


    Even so, no one expected...that they would go so far as to extend their devil ws to the corpses of those heroes who had made significant contributions to humanity.


    "They truly deserve universal condemnation," Chu Liang remarked.


    Monk Pushan turned around and said, "Two of their Guiders were defeated here. This ought to have taught the followers of the diabolical sect a lesson. Let''s first assess the current situation."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang stopped thinking about the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Steles. He looked up and stared at the hidden realm in front of him.


    ...


    This area was filled with spiritual qi. It was surrounded by lush green mountains and clear blue waters. There were beautiful mountains surrounding a winding river, and pces sat atop some of the peaks.


    In the expansive grasnd below the mountain, small birds and creatures could be seen.


    Yet there was something peculiar about these animals. It didn''t matter if they were flying or walking creatures as all these creatures appeared frozen in ce.


    They werepletely motionless.


    "What''s going on?" Monk Pushan stepped forward.


    After he examined the situation, he said, "They aren''t dead; it''s like they''re asleep."


    He gently touched a bird on the ground; its body and feathers were vividly lifelike, but it showed no response. With its closed eyes, the bird stood on one leg as if it was in a state of perpetual stillness.


    "Is this the reason why the Deep Pool of Dreams exists?" Chu Liang muttered.


    "Unfortunately, this great battle happened too long ago, and we still don''t know what these followers of the diabolical sect are searching for," Luo Yao said.


    Just as Luo Yao finished speaking, a chilling response echoed, "Let me tell you then..."


    <i>p.</i>


    As the sound ceased, a hand-shaped darkness abruptly surfaced from beneath her, seizing her ankle.


    Luo Yao shuddered. She could no longer move.


    She was very familiar with this sensation. It was simr to the Soul-Piercing Nails or the thorns that had controlled her before.


    It was a restraint at the level of the soul.


    "Who is it?" Chu Liang and Monk Pushan immediately moved defensively.


    A shadow slowly materialized beneath Luo Yao''s feet, morphing into the figure of the Southern-Route Guider. He stood behind her as he clutched the girl''s throat.


    He had been the first to venture into the hidden realm. And so, the three of them thought that he had gone elsewhere. Little did they know, he was still hiding at the entrance!


    What they hadn''t anticipated was that the Southern-Route Guider, concealed at the entrance, harbored ulterior motives.


    If the Southwestern Guider had pursued him inside, he would have swiftly exited the hidden realm before it was sealed shut and escaped the pursuit.


    Instead, he encountered the three at this location.


    "I really didn''t expect..." the Southern-Route Guider chuckled darkly. "The Marquess was always boasting about how secure the Soul Subjugator Token is, yet there are still spies. In fact, there are many spies."


    "It''s just a misunderstanding," Chu Liang said. "Release her, and we''ll leave immediately, without impeding the Honorable Guider''s treasure hunt."


    "Do I look like a fool to you?" the Southern-Route Guider looked at him strangely.


    "<i>Haha!</i>" Monk Pushan suddenly burst intoughter and stepped forward, saying, "Honorable Guider, in truth, I am an undercover observer hidden among these two spies. I was just waiting to reveal their schemes..."


    "Get lost!" the Southern-Route Guider cursed.


    "<i>Oh.</i>" Monk Pushan stopped moving.


    "Don''t y tricks with me. Behave and help me with something, and I won''t hurt this girl," the Southern-Route Guider said.


    "Okay," Chu Liang nodded.


    "Head towards the mountain and make your way to the pce!" the Southern-Route Guider gestured with his eyes toward the pce on the mountaintop.


    Chu Liang and Monk Pushan had no choice but to obey. Both of them started walking toward the mountaintop.


    While clutching Luo Yao in the neck, the Southern-Route Guider walked along and said, "You should be aware that I am heavily injured now. There might be some tricky issuester. <i>Hehe, </i>I''ll need to trouble you to lend me a hand."


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but frown as he said, "Guider, aren''t you overestimating us? How are we supposed to deal with the troubles you can''t even handle?"


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" the Southern-Route Guider sneered and stared at Chu Liang with a smart-looking gaze.


    He then said to Chu Liang, "You don''t need to hide your strength. I know you''re powerful. You were the ck-d figure who attacked my subordinates in the fog, right? Your strength is more than enough!"


    When Chu Liang used that sword against the Southwestern Guider earlier, it was evident that the Southern-Route Guider had noticed. In fact, if he wasn''t afraid of Chu Liang and if he didn''t n on taking advantage of these three cultivators, he would have already killed them.


    Even if he were heavily injured, it wouldn''t be hard for him to kill three cultivators at the Golden Core Realm.


    The only reason he hadn''t made a move was due to Chu Liang''s incredible power.


    This fellow was definitely not a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm.

 Chapter 149: The Great Deception

    <h4>Chapter 149: The Great Deception</h4>


    "Guider, what exactly are you looking for in this ce?"


    "Do you know the mysteries of this hidden realm?"


    "Why do the creatures in this hidden realm appear to be asleep?"


    "Deep Pool of Dreams..."


    On the way up the mountain, Monk Pushan bombarded the Guider with so many questions. He was hoping to know the secrets hidden within this ce.


    "Shut up!"


    Initially, the Guider ignored him, but heter realized that the monk could chatter incessantly even without a response.


    When the Guider couldn''t bear it any longer, he scolded Pushan fiercely.


    "If you don''t want to talk, just stay silent. Why be so aggressive..." Monk Pushan rolled his eyes and muttered quietly.


    After a while, he asked again, "How severe are your injuries now? In fact, in our Buddhist sect, there are several powerful healing techniques that might be very effective."


    The Southern-Route Guider abruptly stopped and shouted, "I came here to refine a seventh-realm Battle Soul that lies in slumber. I stumbled upon this identally and know nothing else. I don''t need your healing; I just need silence. One more word, and I''ll rip this girl¡¯s tongue out. Understand?!"


    Monk Pushan kept his mouth shut and started humming through his nose, "<i>Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm hmm...</i>"


    Chu Liang, who was at the side, then said, "He said he got it and asked you not to hurt Miss Luo."


    "I don¡¯t need you to trante for me!" the Guider roared.


    After enduring a journey of difficulties, they finally arrived at the pce on the mountaintop. They then saw a neatly paved white square with a magnificent golden temple in the center. From a distance, a figure sitting cross-legged on the temple could be vaguely sighted.


    Even as they reached the square, Chu Liang and Monk Pushan did not dare to step forward casually.


    Even without the Southern-Route Guider¡¯s warning, they could tell that there were death traps set up on this square.


    "There is this Five-Element Formation of Celestial Design. If you solve this formation, you can enter the pce," the Southern-Route Guider said gloomily. "I appreciate both of your efforts."


    Chu Liang turned and cast a nce at the Southern-Route Guider, who kept his figure ethereal and hid behind Luo Yao. He was using a young girl as a shield for his own body and leaving no chance for a sneak attack.


    On the other hand, Luo Yao''s gaze was surprisingly calm, as if she didn''t care at all about death.


    "I''ll do my best," Chu Liang responded and forced himself to take a step forward.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    As he took a step, a vortex seemed to materialize at the spot. The surrounding elemental forces instantly began to swirl and converge into a mysterious entity.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    A fierce ball of me suddenly appeared, hurtling towards Chu Liang with terrifying momentum. He swiftly dodged the fireball, but as he moved to a new position, another set of elemental forces was activated. Dozens of earth spikes erupted from the ground, nearly piercing him!


    As he soared into the air to avoid the earth spikes, he hesitated tond. It seemed as if invisible threads in the void were at y, activating yet another vortex.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh!</i>


    The sharp sounds of the wind!


    Chu Liang quickly flipped to dodge the attacks. They were two invisible golden-edged des that nearly sliced Chu Liang into four pieces.


    Before he couldnd, a multitude of water droplets condensed in the void, freezing on contact with his clothes. The ice rapidly encased Chu Liang, immobilizing him in an instant!


    Although he quickly used his foundational qi to shatter the ice, arge number of wooden vines had already sprouted from the earth spikes and water droplets, ensnaring his legs and rendering him helpless!


    The long vines, adorned with thorns, violently hurled Chu Liang several dozen yards away, causing him to crash heavily outside the square!


    After Chu Liang left the airspace above the square, everything that had just urred dispersed entirely, as if returning to the void. The peaceful white square was restored.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Chu Liang, covered in dirt and looking disheveled, stood up, chuckling bitterly, "This formation is quite powerful."


    This formation, guided by celestial design, guarded the central pce from all directions.


    The formation was not meant to kill but to drive the intruder away. Otherwise, given Chu Liang¡¯s cultivation level, he might not have escaped unscathed.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The Southern-Route Guider¡¯s gaze turned cold; he tightened his grip around Luo Yao''s throat. "Don''t act weak. If you can''t solve this formation, I''ll kill this girl immediately!"


    "This is the limit of my strength. If you truly think that I am powerful, there is nothing I can do about it," Chu Liang responded honestly.


    With a very fierce expression, the Southern-Route Guider appeared entirely unconvinced. He sneered and said, "Pretending to be weak won¡¯t work on me. Spare me the act."


    From the Southern-Route Guider¡¯s point of view, Chu Liang was attempting to portray himself as a weakling to lower his guard. His true intention was clearly to find an opportunity to attack. Such a scheme would never deceive this experienced cultivator of the Diabolical path.


    Monk Pushan took a step forward and said, "Never mind. Let me try."


    Before he even finished talking, he walked into the square. But, it wasn''t a regr step forward; it was like he was walking on air, as if there were invisible tforms beneath him, supporting his movement.


    In the blink of an eye, he had taken several consecutive steps, going much farther into the square than Chu Liang.


    It was only at this moment that the formation was activated.


    In a sh, immense waves surged ahead of him. The moment they materialized, they turned into a colossal ice wall, effectively obstructing his path. At the same time, a towering wall of fire appeared behind him and blocked his path behind. Numerous earth spikes and vines shot up from the ground, and golden light descended from the sky resembling chaotic des!


    It might have been because Pushan had been too aggressive and ventured too deep inside the square and too quickly, triggering an unprecedentedly intense response.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Amidst the series of explosions, Monk Pushan hastily summoned the lustrous, crystal, and grand bell to protect himself. He hid within the shadow of the bell, attempting to dash out again.


    However, invisible barriers from all directions blocked his path, leaving him with no way to escape! It seemed he was trapped within!


    When Chu Liang saw this, he controlled a sword from outside the square. The sword flew like a dragon and struck the wall of fire behind Pushan, creating this dazzling radiance. Only then did the lustrous bell, containing Pushan, break through the fire wall and charge out.


    However, it wasn''t over.


    Pushan had just charged out of the boundary of the formation. As soon as he stepped out of the square, five more whips followed and relentlessly went after him!


    Monk Pushan¡¯s bell was already shaky and unstable. Another attack would have shattered the bell with a resounding crash!


    Pushan was clearly about to be exposed to the attacks. And so, Chu Liang raised his hand and controlled his sword qi to block the attacks with him.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The two worked together and blocked the attacks from the formation.


    The Five-Element Formation of Celestial Design was evidently a formidable formation that should not be underestimated. When Chu Liang cautiously tested by stepping into the boundary of the formation, it triggered a series of attacks. However, when Monk Pushan recklessly charged into the boundary, the formation seemed determined to ensure his death!


    After the attacks ended, Chu Liang and Pushan appeared defeated. They had tried so hard to fight back and almost failed to evade the attacks.


    When Chu Liang turned back and looked at the Southern-Route Guider, there was a grim expression on his face.


    "You are really..."


    Chu Liang did not consume the Essence-Concealing Pill this time. And so, when Chu Liang controlled his sword qi earlier, the Southern-Route Guider sensed the aura of a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    The Southern-Route Guider had assumed that this fellow was keeping his identity a secret.


    However, when the Monk Pushan encountered that crisis, Chu Liang urgently swooped in and rescued him.


    Chu Liang evidently revealed that his actual cultivation level was the Spiritual Awareness Realm...


    He was indeed not a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm.


    In a way, the South-Route Guider hadn¡¯t guessed incorrectly.


    The Southern-Route Guider thought to himself. <i>The attack that killed the Southwestern Guider earlier must have been done using some special technique. It clearly wasn''t his real strength. Yet, I somehow expected this small fry to help me break through the Five-Element Formation of Celestial Design... How could that be possible?!</i>


    Southern-Route Guider felt a surge of anger within his chest. It was unclear as to whether this anger had stemmed from the frustration of not being able to solve the formation or the embarrassment of misidentifying Chu Liang.


    He was just very angry.


    If he weren¡¯t heavily injured and reliant on Chu Liang''s help to solve the formation, he would have dealt with these three spies long ago!


    "You are truly a weakling at the Spiritual Awareness Realm..." the Southern-Route Guider pushed Luo Yao away and gestured with his fingers at Chu Liang. "Then, what use are you to me? Die!"


    A ck light burst forth!


    Seeing the Southern-Route Guider making a move at him, Chu Liang was already on guard. In the instant the Southern-Route Guider attacked, he summoned another sword.


    The Crimson Executioner!


    Despite having killed a few diabolical cultivators, this righteous sword was still in a state of agitation. While it might not be effective against formations, it would never show evildoers any mercy.


    The Talismanic Sword Seal! Lightning Talismanic Sword!


    With how urgent the situation was, Chu Liang had no time to execute the Three-Character Talismanic Sword. He swiftly drew a lightning character and unleashed the flying sword seal.


    He had chosen to execute the lightning talismanic character for its speed.


    In addition, the mysterious state of the Southern-Route Guider, who appeared neither real nor illusory, caused Chu Liang to worry that his attack would be ineffective.


    Since techniques of lightning nature had the effect of countering sinister and ult forces, this attack would have been effective against the techniques of the diabolical path.


    And that was indeed the case.


    When the roaring golden lightning dragon charged towards the Southern-Route Guider, it swallowed the ck light midway and instantly collided with the Southern-Route Guider.


    In the moment of being engulfed by the lightning dragon, the Southern-Route Guider had no time to defend and was unexpectedly struck by the sword.


    Before his figure dissipated, he could only express a hint of shock.


    <i>How could a mere ant at the peak of the Spiritual Awareness Realm attack with such a powerful sword qi? Just a moment ago, he seemed on the verge of death when he was solving the formation. How is he attacking me with such vigor now?</i>


    <i>Could it be that his apparent weakness earlier was all an act?</i>


    <i>He was acting?</i>


    <i>It really doesn''t seem like it...</i>


    <i>How could any movements from earlier be a disguise by a powerful individual? Even if he was pretending to be weak, how did he manage to appear as an actual weakling?</i>


    <i>His act of pretending to be a weakling was too convincing!</i>


    As the lightning sword approached, the Southern-Route Guider fell into a state of disbelief. He had no choice but to admit that he had been tricked!


    At first, he was tricked into thinking that they were actual Soul Subjugators. Then, he was fooled again when Chu Liang pretended to be a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. Throughout the journey, this person continuously deceived him.


    "<i>Aaaah!!!</i>" In the final moments of his life, he could only let out a bitterly resentful scream. "You''ve made aplete fool out of me with your tricks!"

 Chapter 150: This Is Miss Luo

    <h4>Chapter 150: This Is Miss Luo</h4>


    "Young Hero Chu, you''re truly vtile. It''s impossible to figure out what you''re really like," Monk Pushan remarked.


    He let out a heartfelt sigh after witnessing Chu Liang kill the Southern-Route Guider in one strike.


    It was unsurprising to Pushan that the Southern-Route Guider cursed Chu Liang right until hisst breath. Chu Liang had disyed such inconsistent levels of power that it was hard to ascertain just how strong he truly was.


    Pushan thought, <i>He''s either super powerful or weak; there''s no in-between. Chu Liang''s essentially Mount Shu''s representative swindler. It''s a good thing he''s mypanion; it would be a huge headache to have an enemy like him.</i>


    In response to Pushan''s remark, Chu Liang merely let out augh, "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    After the Southern-Route Guider died, his body reverted to its corporeal form and fell to the ground, waiting to be returned to the earth just like everything else that died.


    With the Guider''s death, Luo Yao was finally released from the effects of the Soul-Piercing Nail.


    She staggered briefly before standing upright again and saying to Chu Liang, "Thank you."


    However, Chu Liang''s attention had left Luo Yao, and he was staring fixedly at the Guider instead.


    First, Chu Liang used the Dustless Sword to ruthlessly stab the fatal points of the Guider''s body, such as the heart, throat, and head. Then he stabbed the Guider''s lower body several times as well...


    Chu Liang observed the Guider for quite a while. Once he confirmed that the Guider was indeed dead, he searched the Guider¡¯s corpse.


    Seeing Chu Liang do all that, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan couldn''t help but shake their heads in disbelief.


    Chu Liang smiled sheepishly. "These disciples of the Dark King Sect are extremely cunning. It''s always best to err on the side of caution."


    After searching the corpse, all Chu Liang found was a wooden figurine that had a spiritual nature. It could be considered a valuable item.


    When Chu Liang pulled out the figurine, he saw that it had been carved in the likeness of the sinister-looking Ghost-Faced King dressed in the ck dragon robe of an imperial emperor. It seemed to carry an air of malevolence.


    Chu Liang used his divine sense to examine the figurine and concluded that it should be a storage enchanted tool.


    <i>No wonder...</i>


    Instead of opening the storage enchanted tool immediately, Chu Liang stood up and said, "Let''s leave here first. This ce is a bit creepy. I keep feeling kind of uneasy."


    "Me too," Monk Pushan agreed. "We can''t get through this enchanted formation anyway, so there''s no way for us to explore the area and search for hidden treasure. It''d be best if leave now and returnter with people who can dispel the formation."


    "I already used the tracking jade talisman to call for my sect''s elders earlier. I don''t know why they still haven''t arrived," Luo Yao said.


    "Same here." Chu Liang nodded. "I think it''s because there''s no way to fly straight here; it can only be essed through the Valley of Bewildering Fog. So, it will probably take them some time to get here. There''s no need to feel anxious about that. Let''s just descend the mountain and wait there."


    "All right," the other two people agreed.


    Yet, just as the three of them were about to turn and descend the mountain, they were struck with a sudden wave of dizziness. Two thuds rang out as Luo Yao and Monk Pushan fell to the ground in session.


    "What''s going on?" Chu Liang muttered, feeling extremely dizzy.


    However, just as Chu Liang was about to lose consciousness, the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele in his embrace let out a humming noise and neutralized the hold that the seemingly undefiable force had over him.


    "<i>Ah...</i>"


    Chu Liang shook his head with much difficulty, and when he looked up again, he saw the pce up ahead, glowing with the radiance of countless rays of light. It was dazzling and extremely enticing, so much so that anyone who saw it would want to approach it.


    Two apparitions glowing with multi-colored light floated out from Luo Yao and Monk Pushan and slowly walked toward that pce. This time, therge enchanted formation on the square did not stop them from going in.


    "What''s going on..." Chu Liang murmured in rm.


    <i>Are their souls being lured away?</i>


    "Don''t go!" he yelled hurriedly, trying to wake Luo Yao and Pushan up.


    Nheless, it was pointless.


    Chu Liang staggered and swayed as he tried to chase them, but moving was currently a very difficult feat for him.


    At this moment, a clear and sonorous voice rang out beside him, "It''s useless."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang turned his head and saw a man standing nearby. The man was dressed in schrly robes and had aplexion that was as smooth as jade. Chu Liang had no idea when this man had appeared.


    "Whoever stays in this Realm of Eternal Youth even for a short while will fall under the influence of the Immortals'' Dreams, and their souls will be pulled into the dreams. Once yourpanions'' souls reach that pce, they will never be able to wake up again. If it wasn''t for the amazing treasure you''re holding, you would have faced the same fate. Your desire to save them is just wishful thinking," the handsome schr said casually.


    Chu Liang watched on as Luo Yao''s and Pushan ''s souls reached the square. They were moving closer and closer toward the pce, and Chu Liang couldn''t help feeling anxious.


    "Sir, may I ask who you are?" Chu Liang asked the schr. "And is there a way to save my friends?"


    "I could save them..." the schr answered with a small smile, "but you''ll have to help me with something."


    "Sure," Chu Liang agreed without the slightest hesitation.


    "Oh?" The schr was a little suspicious of Chu Liang. "You''re not even going to ask what I want you to help with?"


    "There''s no time for questions. We need to save them urgently," Chu Liang replied. "Didn''t you say that they would no longer be able to wake up once they reached that pce?"


    The schr''s eyes lit up in approval. "<i>Haha,</i> you are indeed a righteous person."


    He then gently raised his hand and pointed his finger at the two apparitions. Luo Yao''s and Pushan''s souls suddenly froze in ce.


    Seeing that, Chu Liang finally felt at ease and told the schr, "Thank you. What do you need my help with? Just tell me. However, my cultivation level isn''t high, so I might not be able to do it if it''s a very difficult task."


    "It''s just a small task," the schr replied. "First, you must not tell anyone that you met me here. You mustn''t disclose anything about me to anyone. Secondly, I want you to deliver a letter for me."


    Chu Liang nodded. "No problem."


    It was indeed just a small task.


    "The task is not difficult. As for whether you will truly keep your word and not breathe a word about me, that depends on your true intentions," the schr said with a smile. "I saw you y members of the diabolical sect. That''s why I was willing to help you as well as ask for your help."


    Chu Liang replied, "We''re all disciples of the righteous path. It''s our duty to y monsters and obliterate devils."


    "Good." The schr nodded. Then he handed him a jade slip. "Help me deliver this letter to the Ji Family. Give it to the thirteenth youngdy of the household, Miss Ji Lianhua. No one else can read the letter except her."


    Chu Liang took the jade slip and vowed earnestly, "I won''t let you down."


    "I can hold off the Immortals'' Dreams for half an hour at most. After half an hour, they will continue toe for you. You must leave the Realm of Eternal Youth before that. Otherwise, you''ll end up staying here as mypanion," the schr warned.


    Then he waved his sleeve.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    A dazzling light shed before Chu Liang''ds eyes, forcing them shut.


    Chu Liang felt like he was waking up from a dream. When he opened his eyes again, Monk Pushan and Luo Yao were standing in front of him like before, as if nothing had changed. The only thing different was that they had just opened their eyes as well.


    "What''s going on?" Monk Pushan muttered. "It feels like I was stuck in a haze for a bit."


    Luo Yao nodded in agreement.


    Chu Liang didn''t say a word. He put his hand to his chest and found the jade slip, which confirmed that everything that had urred earlier had been real.


    Chu Liang said hurriedly, "This ce is weird. Let''s hurry up and get out of here."


    He turned around and flew off first, heading down the mountain toward the edge of the hidden realm.


    Luo Yao and Monk Pushan didn''t know why Chu Liang was in such a hurry. Nevertheless, they felt it wasn''t a good idea to stay here for long, so they flew after him.


    While flying down the mountain, Chu Liang thought about that schr he''d met earlier. The schr seemed to be a fellow cultivator who had gotten trapped in this hidden realm, but his higher cultivation level was than Chu Liang''s.


    <i>Could it be... that he''s the seventh-realm soul that the Southern-Route Guider was looking for?</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t know if that was the case, but the one thing he was certain of was that the schr was in a terrible predicament.


    The schr couldn''t leave, but as a seventh-realm Eminent One, he should have numerous ways to force Chu Liang toply with his request of secrecy. Yet, he had left it up to Chu Liang, hoping that Chu Liang was truly as righteous as he seemed.


    <i>That was too courteous of him.</i>


    Nevertheless, theck of enforced restrictions didn''t mean that Chu Liang wouldn''tply with the schr''s request. The schr had shown kindness to Chu Liang, so Chu Liang would definitely pay back the favor.


    The only problem was that he couldn''t tell Luo Yao and Monk Pushan about what had happened, so they would never know that he had saved their lives.


    <i>What a pity.</i>


    ...


    When Chu Liang and hispanions arrived at the edge of the hidden realm, they were confronted with another problem. They couldn''t make an opening to get out of the hidden realm.


    The sixth-realm Southern-Route Guider had spent a lot of time and effort just to barely open a crack in the barrier earlier. However, that crack had since closed up; the door between the realms had vanished once more.


    Chu Liang was a little anxious." What should we do?"


    Luo Yao, on the other hand, was rather calm. "It seems that all we can do is wait for our elders toe and rescue us."


    Chu Liang looked through the transparent barrier surrounding the hidden realm and saw the Deep Pool of Dreams filled with seemingly endless clouds of dense fog.


    He was feeling really anxious. That schr had said he could only hold the Immortals'' Dreams off for half an hour.


    <i>If neither my teacher nor the elders of the Valley of the Three Absolutes get here within half an hour, what are we going to do?</i>


    Just as Chu Liang was thinking that... he saw a sh of fire-red glow outside the barrier. Relief washed over him.


    The fire-red glow grew closer and closer at an astonishingly fast speed, apanied by a high-pitched whistling like the cry of a phoenix! Upon reaching the barrier, that fire-red glow was revealed to be a fist covered in mes!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The whole hidden realm shook!


    This time, the barrier wasn''t ripped open slowly like the Southern-Route Guider had done. Instead, someone sted it open with a bang, shattering arge section of it into pieces!


    Di Nufeng, with a pair of zing wings spread out behind her, appeared high above them like a deity.


    "Esteemed Teacher!" Chu Liang called out as he stepped forward. "Thank goodness you''re here. We were worried that we wouldn''t be able to get out of the hidden realm."


    Chu Liang then noticed that Luo Yao and Monk Pushan were a little nervous to see Di Nufeng.


    With a smile, Chu Liang said, "You needn''t be afraid. My esteemed teacher is a very warmhearted and friendly person."


    "<i>Ha!</i> I would have gotten here way earlier, but I ran into some old guys from the Valley of the Three Absolutes outside!" the Di Nufeng grumbled, her face flush with anger. "I got into a fight with them and taught them a lesson before making my way here! If it wasn''t for that, I would have gotten here long ago! If something were to have happened to you because of that, I''d never let them off!"


    Upon hearing that, the faces of the three younger ones seemed to freeze. "..."


    Then Di Nufeng noticed the two people standing behind Chu Liang.


    They didn''t seem like bad people to her, so Di Nufeng asked warmly, "Oh, my. Did you make some new friends?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang answered with a nod. He introduced them, "These two have apanied me throughout this mission. We were rather fated to bepanions. This is Monk Pushan from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    "And this is... Miss Luo."

 Chapter 151: Caught Red-handed

    <h4>Chapter 151: Caught Red-handed</h4>


    "Oh, what a cute little girl."


    When Di Nufeng saw Luo Yao, she immediately approached with an affectionate expression and reached out to touch Luo Yao''s gray-white hair in a natural manner.


    When Chu Liang saw this, he felt a sense of deja vu.


    As for Luo Yao, she was clearly unustomed to such physical affection and subconsciously took a step back while staring at Di Nufeng with a strange look.


    Thisdy was here to save them but this samedy had also just beaten up the elders of her sect. No matter how Luo Yao thought about this, it still felt strange...


    Di Nufeng continued to ask in a carefree manner, "Is your hair naturally white? Or did you dye it?" Which immortal sect are you part of? What is the name of your teacher?"


    Chu Liang quickly dragged his teacher to the side and said, "This hidden realm is extremely eerie and evil. It''s better for us to leave first."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Di Nufeng asked, "Aren''t we going to explore here..."


    "Let''s go out first. There''s nothing good here. I will exin everything to you when we get back."


    With some persuasion and deception, Chu Liang managed to convince Di Nufeng to leave this ce.


    ording to that schr, everyone would fall into a deep sleep in the next hour. Even if his teacher could resist the sleepiness, he couldn''t allow her to wreak havoc in this hidden realm and disturb that schr...


    The schr had asked to keep this ce a secret because he didn''t want to be disturbed.


    Therefore, Chu Liang thought it would be better to leave with his teacher.


    During their journey to this hidden realm, there were two Guiders of the diabolical sect that led a group of high-level cultivators. Despite this, the journey was extremely challenging, and they walked for a long time.


    When they left this ce, they were protected by Di Nufeng.


    Di Nufeng arrived so quickly that the lingering spirits outside the hidden realm didn''t even have a chance to show up. As the group exited the hidden realm, they saw the undting fog.


    In the void, the elderly lingering spirit holding the ancient scroll appeared again. He seemed rather unfriendly and was about to recite thement of a doomed nation, "Nine provinces..."


    "Where did this old ghoste from?" Di Nufeng red at him.


    With that said, she unleashed this killing intent.


    The elderly lingering spirit that had previously intimidated the two guiders suddenly paused. Before it had gotten near, it turned around and floated further away. His recital changed to, "...How pleasant it is to have friendsing from afar."


    Di Nufeng withdrew her gaze filled with killing intent and no longer paid him any attention.


    The fog rolled below, and six ghostly dragons revealed themselves, apanied by the resonating chants of dragons. Their intelligence was evidently not asplete as that of the elder, as they had yet to perceive the changing atmosphere in the surroundings.


    As Di Nufeng stooped down, a stream of firended directly on the foremost ghostly dragon''s head.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The dragon, which had been swimming here for an unknown amount of time, met its instant demise. Its head exploded, and its entire massive dragon body was incinerated by the fierce mes.


    The fog in the entire Deep Pool of Dreams seemed to churn and swirl as a tremendous surge of heat rose upwards.


    In this very instant, the five ghostly dragons felt as though they were being boiled in a hotpot. However, none of them dared to fly upward. Instead, they all sank and hid in the deepest areas.


    Not one of them dared to resurface or emerge again.


    Di Nufeng quickly and easily killed one of the ghostly dragons. Upon regrouping, she didn''t even seem out of breath.


    "Let''s go," she said casually to the three of them.


    The three, including Chu Liang, were momentarily surprised but then simply followed her into the fog. They were like three obedient followers, or perhaps ducklings following their mother closely.


    Chu Liang could hear Monk Pushan muttering nervously behind him, saying something like, "That was really scary, so frightening..."


    They moved swiftly, like lightning bolts, the entire way, and before they knew it, they had already soared out of the Valley of Bewildering Fog, leaving South Bastion Mountain behind.


    Luo Yao and Monk Pushan quickly expressed their gratitude and parted ways, promising to keep in touch with Chu Liang. Luo Yao, in particr, was worried for her sect''s elders after she had witnessed how ruthlessly Di Nufeng crushed the dragon''s head.


    Naturally, Chu Liang and his teacher flew back to Mount Shu.


    However, when the twonded on the Silver Sword Peak, they were greeted by Liu Xiaoyu''er rushing towards them anxiously while shouting, "Xiao Jin was taken away!"


    "<i>Ah?</i>"


    ...


    The Golden-Furred Hou was rather unlucky.


    Previously, members of the Hall of Alchemy had noticed a significant increase in the Baize youngling''s appetite. And so, they ramped up their feeding efforts and reported the situation.


    The Alchemy Master had been in closed-door cultivation to refine this great pill and had no time to deal with this. However, his closed-door cultivation ended yesterday.


    He was thrilled that his pill was sessfully refined. When he heard that the Baize youngling was about to achieve a breakthrough, he felt even more ted.


    He rushed to the Guardian Peak to check on the Baize youngling, only to find that there were no signs of the Baize youngling achieving a breakthrough!


    There was no change whatsoever!


    This situation became quite serious.


    The fact that the guardian celestial beast hadn''t experienced a breakthrough was not a concern.


    However, the celestial beast couldn''t possibly consume this much food, so where had the excess pills been going? It was worth noting that the Mount Shu Sect had provided the highest quality Spirit-Energy Raising Pills.


    The Alchemy Master initially thought that a disciple guarding the pills had been stealing the excess Spirit-Energy Raising Pills. And so, he kept his suspicions quiet and went back to the Hall of Alchemy.


    He secretly monitored the Guardian Peak with Heavenly Sight and Hearing, hoping to catch the culprit in the act.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t catch his disciple stealing the Spirit-Energy Raising Pills. Instead, he saw a Big Head plunged itself into the pool of pills and feasted.


    The creature was caught in the act and arrested on the spot


    The Alchemy Master immediately took the Golden-Furred Hou back to the Hall of Alchemy. When the Big Head realized it was about to be taken away, it didn''t resist. Instead, it crazily stuffed itself with Spirit-Energy Raising Pills, bulging its cheeks.


    When Liu Xiaoyu''er finished the story, Chu Liang fell deep in thoughts.


    <i>Oh no. We have been caught.</i>


    When he was leaving Mount Shu, this was one of his concerns. With the Big Head''s frantic behavior for food, there was a risk of being caught if Chu Liang wasn''t there to supervise. And now, his worry has be a reality.


    Being caught by the Alchemy Master was a serious matter.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    While he was pondering on what to do, Di Nufeng mmed on the table and shouted angrily, "How dare that old geezer capture the spirit pet of the Silver Sword Peak! Doesn''t he know that one should consider the owner beforeying a hand on the Hou? I''ll go give him trouble!"


    "Esteemed Teacher..." Chu Liang quickly stopped her and said, "Regarding this matter, we are not in the right."


    "If we''re not in the right, then we''ll just resort to violence. Fighting is all we need to do," Di Nufeng said in a confident manner, "Take advantage of our strengths and avoid showing our weaknesses."


    <i>Great.</i>


    <i>Your understanding of "taking advantage of our strengths and avoid showing our weaknesses" is basically reasoning when we have a valid point and resorting to the use of force when the argument is not in our favor.</i>


    "We don''t necessarily have to go that far..." Chu Liang needed to persuade his teacher, "Let''s go check it out first. Maybe we can negotiate."


    "Alright, let''s talk to them first," Di Nufeng agreed.


    "That''s right, diplomacy before violence," Chu Liang said.


    Soon, the teacher and disciple rushed towards the Hall of Alchemy with determination to free their friend... well, to free the Golden-Furred Hou.


    In a vast open space behind the Hall of Alchemy, severalrge iron cages stood, resembling those seen in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts. Within these cages, severalrge demonic beasts were confined and there was a sign on each cage.


    One of the cages contained a beast resembling a mix between a horse and a sheep, with twin horns spiraling like a dragon. The beast was dozing off. The sign on the cage read, "This beast relieves itself anywhere and dirties Mount Shu."


    In another cage, a massive serpent with azure scales upied the space, and the sign wrote, "Stole precious spirit bird eggs."


    Next to these cages was the one containing the Golden-Furred Hou. The Hou seemed entirely unrepentant as it busily gnawed on the iron bars.


    The Hou appeared quite excited, as if it had found a long-lost chew toy, and perhaps even felt a sense of being back home.


    The sign on its cage read, "Stole and plundered spirit beast rations."


    This was amon practice at Mount Shu Sect. If the spirit pets from various peaks vited the sect''s rules when they were left unattended, they would be detained here.


    They would be locked up here until their owners were here to retrieve them.


    For less severe offenses, paying a fine in the form of sword coins and undergoing a minor punishment would usually be enough for their release.


    An attendant of the Hall of Alchemy stood guard nearby. When Chu Liangnded, he approached the attendant and asked, "Senior Brother, how much does it cost to redeem this Golden-Furred Hou?"


    "Let me check..." The disciple lowered his head to check the records. Then, he looked up and answered, "Eight thousand."


    "What?" Chu Liang eximed.


    "What did you say?!" Di Nufeng, upon hearing this, also rushed forward. She exuded such a fierce aura that the attendant stumbled and nearly fell on the ground.


    The attendant trembled as he said, "Y-yes... it''s true. This beast was personally taken here by the Alchemy Master and that was the fine he set."


    "The consumption of a few of your lousy pills cost this much in sword coins? Why not just rob someone!" Di Nufeng shouted.


    "The Alchemy Master said that this Golden-Furred Hou had taken advantage of Mount Shu''s guardian celestial beast and such behavior was extremely malicious..." The attendant stammered. As he exined, it felt like he was on the verge of tears.


    "Get the Alchemy Master here!" Di Nufeng was not someone that would bully a youngster. She simply waved her hand and instructed the attendant to fetch the elder.


    "Yes..." The attendant turned around hastily, behaving like he had just been reprieved.


    At this moment, a light chuckle was heard.


    "No need for that. I''m already here." A figure in pure white, seemingly untouched by worldly dust, floated over.


    The person wore white garments, had hair as white as snow, a face with a serene appearance, and a posture like that of an ancient pine tree. He truly embodied an ethereal and cultivated demeanor.


    It was none other than Alchemy Master, one of the four Guardian Elders of Mount Shu, a peer of the sect''s head. He held considerable authority within Mount Shu. In the broader realm of cultivation, his status was exceptionally high.


    As Chu Liang observed the elder, he started feeling a bit nervous. As a regr disciple, he normally wouldn''t encounter such high-ranking seniors. To make the situation worse, they were caught taking advantage of the Mount Shu Sect.


    He felt a bit guilty.


    Then, he heard Di Nufeng facing the Alchemy Master and saying boldly, "Old man, you''ve got quite the nerve!"


    Chu Liang felt his heart skip a beat.


    <i>Di Nufeng is so straightforward!</i>

 Chapter 152: What Kind of Merit Would This Be?

    <h4>Chapter 152: What Kind of Merit Would This Be?</h4>


    <i>Oh?</i>


    Hearing Di Nufeng''s disrespectful remarks, Chu Liang immediately felt a pang of anxiety.


    Before he came here, he had hoped that the Alchemy Master would be an amiable elder and that a simple apology might persuade him to release the Golden-Furred Hou.


    And now, there was no longer any need for him to ponder whether the Alchemy Master had a good temper.


    The answer was obvious. The Alchemy Master clearly has a bad temper.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" In response to Di Nufeng''s scolding, the Alchemy Master disyed considerable tolerance. He smiled gently and said, "Upon learning that this spirit pet belongs to the Silver Sword Peak, I knew that you, being the unruly member, would definitely cause havoc."


    "Despite knowing that it was my Hou, you still captured it?" Di Nufeng said, "You are clearly looking down on me!"


    "It stole the rations that belonged to Mount Shu''s guardian celestial beast," the Alchemy Master said. "Considering that it has been stealing and consuming Spirit-Energy Raising Pills for who knows how long, the fine it demands is not much. If you cause any moremotion, it won''t end well for you."


    "Alright then, if it''s not worth discussing, let''s just skip the talk..." Di Nufeng had already begun rolling up her sleeves.


    "Teacher, we are supposed to show courtesy before resorting to violence!" Chu Liang hastily pulled her sleeve and whispered.


    Di Nufeng turned back and said, "I thought I had just shown courtesy?"


    <i>You call the behavior earlier a disy of courtesy?</i>


    Chu Liang, with a wry expression, hurriedly said, "Let me negotiate first."


    "Can you get the Golden-Furred Hou back?" Di Nufeng stared at him dubiously.


    "Let''s try," Chu Liang said.


    What else could be done? Could he really let his teacher fight a Guardian Elder? Regardless of the oue, this wouldn''t be a respectable fight at all.


    Chu Liang then approached slowly. He first bowed and said, "Chu Liang of the Silver Sword Peak pays his respects to the Alchemy Master."


    "You are her only disciple. <i>Sigh.</i> You look like a promising disciple..." the Alchemy Master shook his head with a sigh, appearing somewhat regretful for Chu Liang.


    "Yes, the Silver Sword Peak has very few members. I have always been away for training. This Golden-Furred Hou was the only one left on the Silver Sword Peak to keep my teacherpany. Therefore, my esteemed teacher has a deep bond with this pet. She is behaving this way because she is worried. If her behavior has offended you, I hope you can forgive us," Chu Liang hastily apologized on behalf of his teacher.


    "You have some manners," the Alchemy Master said with a smile. "However, you don''t have to say these things. I watched your teacher grow into who she is today. I naturally know her temperament and character better than you."


    "What''s wrong with the way I conduct myself?" Di Nufeng stood behind Chu Liang with her arms crossed.


    Both of them ignored her and continued talking.


    Chu Liang respectfully said, "As a humble disciple, I should not interfere in matters between my teacher and the Alchemy Master. However, I am confused about something, and I would appreciate it if the Alchemy Master could kindly exin."


    "What is it?" the Alchemy Master stared at him with an intrigued expression.


    Chu Liang said, "You imed that the Golden-Furred Hou stole from the celestial beast. But, as far as I know, the Golden-Furred Hou is a friend of the Baize youngling. When it ate the Spirit-Energy Raising Pills, Little Baize had given it permission. How can that be called stealing?"


    "<i>Heh</i>," chuckled the Alchemy Master. He then responded, "Your point is valid. If the Spirit-Energy Raising Pills belonged to the Baize youngling, it wouldn''t be considered stealing. However, Mount Shu Sect has provided these pills to nourish the Baize as a reward for its service. Other spirit beasts, not having contributed any merit, are prohibited from consuming them. If they did, they are obliged to return them. That''s the rule."


    <i>Ouch. </i>Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    The Alchemy Master demonstrated very clear logic and reasoning. He was definitely winning the argument.


    It was Di Nufeng''s first time witnessing Chu Liang being at a disadvantage in a fight of reasoning. She immediately rolled up her sleeves and said as she stepped forward, "No. I should be the one to do it."


    "No need." Chu Liang raised his hand and said, "I have a solution."


    With that, he stepped forward and, in a resolute and forceful tone, asked, "If you argue that the Golden-Furred Hou has no right to eat the Spirit-Energy Raising Pills because it did not contribute any merit to Mount Shu, does that imply that if it had provided meritorious service to Mount Shu, it would then have that right?"


    The Alchemy Master said with a smile, "It depends on the type of contribution."


    "Then why don''t you be the judge of it? Please take a look at what this is!" Chu Liang raised his hand and pulled out a stone stele from his storage tool.


    <i>Bang! </i>The Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele fell to the ground, causing dust to fly up and Chu Liang''s clothes to flutter.


    At that moment, his eyes were sparkling.


    "The Golden-Furred Hou found this item the other day. It is said to be the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele lost in the past, a memorial to our ancestors. This artifact was taken by diabolical cultivators."


    Chu Liang inquired, "I wonder, what type of merit would the Golden-Furred Hou gain for finding such an item?"


    ...


    In the end, Chu Liang returned to the Silver Sword Peak riding on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou.


    Along the way, the Big Head[1] jumped happily, appearing very pleased. This was the second time they had rescued it from the cage, and in its opinion, it was proof that it was loved by its masters.


    Chu Liang was in a good mood as well. Now that the Alchemy Master agreed to let the Golden-Furred Hou eat with the Baize youngling in the future, he would no longer have to sneak around to feed his Hou anymore.


    The Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele was of great significance. Aside from being a very powerful enchanted tool, it served as a memorial to the ancestors who had sacrificed their lives. It was undeniably a significant achievement for a Mount Shu disciple to find it.


    However, the merit was now being attributed to the Golden-Furred Hou.


    However, this was originally Chu Liang''s n, as the Mountainous Suppressing Stone Stele had previously belonged to the Southwestern Guider. If Chu Liang had publicly donated it to his sect, he could potentially attract hatred from the Dark King Sect. In fact, even his undercover mission would have been exposed.


    Therefore, Chu Liang had intended to anonymously present the item and not disclose it publicly.


    This unexpected turn of events made the Golden-Furred Hou the finder of the item, and they received quite a lot of benefits through this. By the end of the day, it was a karmic reward.


    "Very nice!" Di Nufeng happily patted Chu Liang on the shoulder.


    "Of the four Guardian Elders, he is the one I hate the most. Because he has alchemy skills, he kept looking down on us who only know how to fight. It''s like he''s the only one with brains. During my younger days, I would always challenge him to fights. Butter, when I surpassed him in cultivation level, he refused to fight me, saying he shouldn''t bully a junior. Hehe. Seeing you outsmart him with your intelligence today feels even better than beating him in a fight!"


    As he listened to his teacher recount the grievances between her and the Alchemy Master, Chu Liang suddenly realized that there was something he had missed.


    Di Nufeng was the tyrant of Mount Shu, but she wasn''t known as the fool of Mount Shu.


    Due to Di Nufeng''s usual way of conducting herself, Chu Liang would often worry that she would act too recklessly. He was often concerned that she would cause trouble.


    However, he realized now that he had never heard of her suffering any setbacks despite always acting like a tyrant.


    Today, he kept worrying that she might end up in a fight with the Alchemy Master. However, since she dared to take action, she had to have support somewhere.


    If she were the type to be disciplined and punished easily, the senior members of Mount Shu wouldn''t have indulged her to such an extent.


    Certainly, there must be some undisclosed insider information, in short...


    He really shouldn''t have to worry about her teacher!


    With this realization, Chu Liang suddenly felt rxed.


    <i>Does this mean that I can be even more arrogant on Mount Shu in the future?</i>


    <i>No. I am not the same as my teacher.</i>


    "I still care about my reputation," Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    ...


    As he returned to the Silver Sword Peak, he finally settled down. However, Chu Liang didn''t dare to rest as he still had some matters to attend to.


    He was tasked with something and wanted to fulfill his duty faithfully.


    Earlier, in the Hidden Realm, he had promised a schr to deliver a message on his behalf. Now that he was out of the Hidden Realm, he needed to fulfill this obligation.


    The schr mentioned that the message was intended for the thirteenth daughter of the Ji family.


    There was only one Ji Family in the realm of immortal cultivation. After asking around on Mount Shu, Chu Liang learned the location of the Ji family and promptly flew there on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou.


    The journey was quite long. By the time Chu Liang reached the ancestral home of this esteemed and prestigious family, it was already evening.


    He arrived at the Xuan Yuan Mountain Manor at the Great Emperor Valley.


    1. A reminder that this is the Golden-Furred Hou''s nickname. ?

 Chapter 153: The Ji Family Doesnt Have A Thirteenth Young Lady?

    <h4>Chapter 153: The Ji Family Doesn''t Have A Thirteenth Young Lady?</h4>


    There were old aristocratic families in the immortal-cultivation world.


    Under the current era of the Yu Dynasty, the Xia Family was the imperial family. They were eminent and far removed from the masses as well as rich and powerful, of course. The Jiang Family, on the other hand, had been wiped out, and any possible survivors had all vanished without a trace. Lastly, the Ji Family had always remained mysterious and formidable.


    If someone were to take a close look at the histories of these families, they would discover that the Ji Family had been the first to emerge into the public eye. In the early years, people often said that the Ji Family was the strongest of the three major aristocratic families. Some continued to hold this view even after the Xia Family took over as the ruling imperial family.


    Ultimately, it was simply because the Ji Family was too mysterious. They remained hidden in the Great Emperor Valley, with only a few members of the family venturing out into the world, and they rarely got into conflicts with other forces. Thus, the Ji Family gained prominence for keeping a low profile.


    However, the major immortal sects ranked in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten knew more about the Ji family than the public. Their deepest impression of the Ji Family was not that they kept a low profile but that they were arrogant, and that arrogance was passed down through the generations at a fundamental level!


    The Ji Family had little contact with the outside world. Yet, rather than saying it was because they were unsociable, it was more urate to say that they held everyone else in disdain.


    Of course, that wasn''t of much significance to Chu Liang; he was just delivering a letter.


    Chu Liang looked into the distance at the Emperor''s Great Valley and saw a ce that was known as the Xuan Yuan[1] Mountain Manor. There was a veil of fog shrouding the manor, concealing a seemingly unending strip of towering buildings. This manor was clearly more like a small city hidden in the mountains.


    <i>Is the scale of this manor something that can be achieved by just one family?</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel a little surprised. After all, this was his first timeing here and witnessing just how majestic and dignified this old aristocratic family was.


    He had the Golden-Furred Hou descend to the ground a long way before reaching the manor. This was because all major forces saw the act of flying in their airspace as a provocation. If a hot-tempered person were to see him flying in their airspace, they would be able to just shoot him down, and no one could say it was unjustified.


    Chu Liang walked up to the entrance gates of the manor. There were two lofty white marble pirs, with a stone suspended between them. The stone had the words "Xuan Yuan Mountain Manor" engraved on it in gold, appearing imposing and majestic.


    Chu Liang and the Golden-Furred Hou stopped politely in front of the entrance gates to speak with the gatekeeper, who had emerged to greet Chu Liang the moment he saw Chu Liang approach.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and bowed in greeting. "I''m Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. I was entrusted to deliver a letter to Miss Ji Lianhua, the thirteenth youngdy of the Ji Family."


    The Ji family gatekeeper gave a slight bow in return and then said, "My family doesn''t have a thirteenth daughter. Young hero, might you perhaps be mistaken about the person you''re looking for?"


    Chu Liang was confused. "What?"


    That schr had so earnestly requested Chu Liang to deliver the letter to the thirteenth youngdy of the Ji Family. It couldn''t possibly just be for his amusement.


    <i>What''s the mistake here?</i>


    Chu Liang asked, "Could it be a rtive? It''s very important that I deliver this letter. Please, could you kindly think about it a little more?"


    The gatekeeper frowned and pondered for a while.


    Then he answered, "We do have many rtives of the main family living here, but we don''t have that many youngdies to even get to thirteen... Why don''t you tell me who sent the letter? Leave it with me for now, and I''ll ask the manager of the household."


    "<i>Umm...</i> I''m not at liberty to say who it was, but this matter is indeed important..." Chu Liang said. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it possible for me to meet the manager in person and ask him about it myself?"


    The gatekeeper nodded. "Sure. That''s probably better."


    With that, he led Chu Liang behind the entrance gates to a pavilion that was used for receiving visitors. The vast manor, which resembled a small city, was divided into inner and outer sectors. This area that the gatekeeper and Chu Liang were in was the outermost sector of the manor, so the Ji Family wasn''t afraid to let outsiders enter it.


    After a while, a middle-aged man dressed in embroidered silk robes walked into the pavilion.


    He said to Chu Liang, "Are you the young hero from the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "Greetings, sir. I''m Chu Liang." Chu Liang stood up to greet him. "I apologize for the disturbance."


    "<i>Haha,</i> it''s no bother," the middle-aged man replied and waved his hand, gesturing for Chu Liang to sit down. "I heard that you''re looking for Miss Ji Lianhua, but we don''t have any youngdy in our family who goes by that name. Could you tell me more about who you''re looking for?"


    "s, I don''t know much about her," Chu Liang answered helplessly. "I was entrusted with a task. I have to personally deliver this letter to the thirteenth youngdy so that I can rest easy knowing that I''vepleted the task as requested."


    "Since you can''t leave the letter with us or reveal on whose behalf you''re delivering the letter, that makes it very difficult for us to find out who it is you''re looking for," the middle-aged man stated. "All I can do is ask around to see if anyone has been traveling the world under the alias of ''Ji Lianhua.''"


    "Thank you."


    Chu Liang couldn''t meet the person in question or leave the letter behind, so he had no choice but to get up to leave.


    The Ji Family might have been unable to find the person in question, but that didn''t necessarily mean that Chu Liang hadn''tpleted the request. The root of whaty behind this mystery was probably only known to the schr himself.


    ...


    Once Chu Liang stepped out of the manor''s gates, he mounted the Golden-Furred Hou again, intending to return home before dark.


    Then someone suddenly called out from behind him, "Hey, the one riding the Hou!"


    Chu Liang looked around. "<i>Hm?</i>"


    The only one riding a Hou in this area was a handsome young man... and that man was Chu Liang.


    So, he dismounted and noticed someone hiding behind a tree in the forest a distance away from the manor''s gates. The person, who was d in an emerald green coat, was waving at him.


    Chu Liang felt that was rather odd, so he walked over to take a look. He found a young woman in a white gauze skirt crouching there. The evening sunlight fell on her in patches, making her fair skin glow and shimmer like a gem. She had a delicate and attractive figure and bright and limpid eyes, which surprisingly had golden irises.


    It was a well-known fact that having irises of an unusual color was an indication of belonging to the Ji Family''s divine bloodline¡ªthe Xuan Yuan Eyes. This young woman was undoubtedly a core member of the Ji Family.


    "Miss, did you call for me?" Chu Liang asked.


    "That''s right. Aren''t you the one who came to deliver a letter to the thirteenth youngdy?" the young woman replied.


    Chu Liang nodded. "Yes."


    The young woman extended an open hand. "Give it to me, then. I am her."


    Chu Liang gazed at the young woman''s face, pondering for a moment.


    Then he suddenly smiled. "Please don''t joke around, Miss! You''re not her! I must deliver it to the real thirteenth youngdy."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The young woman looked puzzled. "How did you figure out that I''m not the real one?"


    "<i>Heheh,</i>" Chu Liang chuckled. "I didn''t at first, but I just said it anyway to see what would happen. Now that you''ve admitted it, I know for certain you''re not her."


    "Goodness!" The young woman scrunched up her nose. "You''re so crafty!"


    "This is a task someone has entrusted to me, so I dare not be careless with it. Please forgive me, Miss."


    This young woman was not the person to whom Chu Liang was supposed to deliver the letter, but her Xuan Yuan Eyes indicated she was undeniably an important member of the Ji Family. Chu Liang didn''t want to offend her, so he just smiled and turned to leave.


    However, he heard the young woman say, "I know who you''re looking for!"


    "Oh?" Chu Liang stopped in his tracks and turned back to the young woman. "You do?"


    The look in his eyes carried a very clear message... <i>Tell me.</i>


    "I''m Ji Lingyu, the ninth youngdy of the Ji Family," the girl introduced herself. "I just passed by the Visitors Pavilion and heard that someone was looking for the thirteenth youngdy, so I hurried out here to find you."


    "Is Ji Lianhua your younger sister?" Chu Liang asked.


    "No." Ji Lingyu shook her head. "She''s my aunt."


    Chu Liang furrowed his brows. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Then he thought, <i>Perhaps, could this be why the Ji Family''s manager and gatekeeper had imed there was no such person? Could it be that the thirteenth youngdy was from the previous generation?</i>


    However, that didn''t make sense. Chu Liang hade searching for her by name. Shouldn''t they know her name?


    Ji Lingyu continued, "You came to find Ji Lianhua, but the manager and gatekeeper are rtives who joined the manor muchter, so they don''t know about her. My aunt cut ties with the Ji Family thirty years ago."


    "Why is that?" Chu Liang asked.


    He crouched behind the big tree too, adopting an attitude that beckoned for Ji Lingyu to tell him everything in detail. It seemed that there was much more to this story.


    "<i>Mm,</i>" Ji Lingyu said, "this was something I heard from my elders in private. Back then, my thirteenth aunt was the most favored daughter in the family. She was extremely talented and intelligent, with a bright future ahead of her.


    "Then one year, she ventured out into the world to gain some experience. But unfortunately, when she returned, she said she had fallen in love with a mediocre cultivator who wasn''t from a sect or a conventional school of thought."


    Chu Liang thought, <i>It''s not hard to guess how the rest of this story ys out. </i>


    <i>Under the discerning eye of the Ji Family elders, it''s obvious that an unconventional cultivator couldn''t have been epted as a suitable partner for one of the youngdies of the family.</i>


    <i>This plot is quite melodramatic.</i>


    Ji Linyu continued, "The elders didn''t approve of my thirteenth aunt marrying that person, but she dered that he was the only one she would marry. This led to a lot of arguments and tension within the family.


    "In the midst of the conflict, that mediocre cultivator actually came to the manor and said he wanted to challenge the best of his peers in the Ji Family. He hoped that if he won, the Ji Family elders would not oppose his marriage with my aunt.


    "That day, he challenged seven members of the Ji Family, the best of his peers, and surprisingly won against all of them. However, it appeared that he''d used some dishonorable methods during those fights. So, even though he won all of the fights, the elders still did not approve of him marrying my aunt. In the end, they said that he could only marry her if he became a seventh-realm Eminent One."


    "That person then made a bold deration that he would reach the Dao Attainment Realm within three years and return to marry my thirteenth aunt!" Ji Lingyu said, her eyes lighting up.


    "For thirty years, the Yellow River flows to the east, and for the next thirty years, it flows to the west. Do not treat the youth with disdain just because he''s poor, for times are ever-changing, and you never know what the future holds...[2]" Chu Liang recited aloud unconsciously.


    "<i>Huh?</i> How did you know what he said back then?" Ji Lingyu asked in astonishment.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang smiled sheepishly. "Isn''t that how everyone proposes three-year agreements... It''s fine. Just continue with the story."


    "Unfortunately, the ending to this story isn''t a good one. After making that three-year agreement, he has never returned here even once in thest thirty years," Ji Lingyu said with a note of sadness in her voice. "I heard he went to the Southern Bastion Mountain in search of an opportunity to help advance his cultivation level, but that ce is fraught with dangers, and countless people are buried there every year..."


    "<i>Haaa...</i>"<i> </i>Chu Liang silently let out a sigh.


    In reality, there weren''t that many people who could change their fates.


    "On the day that the three-year agreement was about to expire, my thirteenth aunt snuck into our family''s ancestral shrine, stole the family register, and took it out of the shrine. Then she crossed her name off the register in front of everyone," Ji Lingyu continued. "She said... ''If Gu Qingyuan doesn''te marry me, then I''ll leave the Ji Family on my own and never again return here in this life.''


    "Ever since that day, my thirteenth aunt''s name, Ji Lianhua, became a taboo. The elders forbade anyone from mentioning her and removed her name from the family register. That''s why the younger generations and the rtives who joined the manorter don''t know about her.


    "I''ve never met her, but after hearing about her, I''vee to admire her greatly. She''s my role model!"


    "She is indeed worthy of admiration," Chu Liang agreed. "Do you know where your thirteenth aunt is now?"


    "I don''t," Ji Lingyu replied. "If I knew, I would definitely have gone to find her ages ago. But my guess is that she must have gone to find Gu Qingyuan! A woman like her would never be able to forget the one she loves!"


    "I see..."


    Chu Liang felt rather helpless.


    <i>Could the schr who asked me to deliver the letter be Gu Qingyuan?</i>


    After crouching for quite a while, Chu Liang''s legs were getting a little numb.


    He then asked, "Miss Ji, why did you have to hide here while telling me all this?"


    "I''m afraid they''ll find me..." Ji Lingyu answered. Then she stated with bright eyes, "I''m running away from home!"


    1. This is also the Yellow Emperor''s name, so that could be a link to the valley¡¯s name. ?


    2. From my research, these lines seem to be a mix of a line from a novel released during the Qing Dynasty and a Cantonese idiom that was made famous by a Hong Kong movie. Basically, I guess these lines are well known in modern-day China. ?

 Chapter 154: The Peculiar Duo

    <h4>Chapter 154: The Peculiar Duo</h4>


    <i>Run away from home?</i>


    Chu Liang turned around and stared at the main gate of Xuan Yuan Mountain Manor that was less than a hundred zhang away. The four words on the que were particrly clear...


    Looking at Ji Lingyu again, he couldn''t help but say, "It must have been exhausting to walk such a long way."


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" Ji Lingyu smiled awkwardly and said, "You don''t understand. It''s not that I don''t want to travel far. It''s just that our family has strict regtions on n members leaving the house. I''ve run away from home many times before, but the elders always detected my whereabouts using various divination methods. So, this time, I took a different approach and stayed on the outskirts of Xuan Yuan Mountain Manor. There''s a formation in the Great Emperor Valley that shields divine prediction, making it impossible to track me. This way, I can evade their investigation."


    "Miss Ji is indeed clever," Chu Liang praised, then asked, "But with your approach, staying close to avoid scrutiny means you can''t go far. And if you go far, you can''t escape scrutiny. In the end, you still can''t leave the house. What''s the point of running away like this?"


    "..." Ji Lingyu paused and said, "Oh well, I just need to hide for a few days this time. I won''t exin it to you."


    "Alright." Chu Liang had no intention to pry into others'' private matters, so he stood up and said, "Then I wish Miss Ji a smooth journey."


    Since Ji Lingyu didn''t know the whereabouts of the thirteenth aunt, it was useless to chat with her. Now, Chu Liang had no choice but to return to Mount Shu.


    As he left, he could still hear Ji Lingyu muttering to herself, "This time, I will definitely beat my eighth brother..."


    After bidding farewell to Ji Lingyu, he mounted the Golden-Furred Hou, itsrge head and four limbs galloping away, swiftly leaving the Great Emperor Valley.


    Speaking of which, flying on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou might not be necessarily much faster, but it felt exceptionally prestigious. He couldn''t help but wish to fly a bit lower, so that everyone on the ground could all take a look.


    Having a fifth-realm spirit beast as a mount wasn''t a privilege that ordinary cultivators enjoy! It was a manifestation of status.


    Ordinary cultivators wouldn''t be able to afford the cost of raising one, let alone capture or purchase one.


    It was said that in ces where cultivators gather, such as the three inds of Peni, the Taotie City, or the capital of Yu, there were specialized businesses renting out high-level mounts. Many people were willing to spend some money for such an experience.


    With the purpose of deceiving romantic feelings from fellow cultivators, some even rented mounts at the fifth or sixth realm of cultivation to disguise themselves as young masters of prestigious families or second-generation disciples of immortal sects. There were indeed quite a few sessful cases.


    But after flying not too far, Chu Liang sensed that something was amiss.


    As he remained seated on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou, he had a constant feeling that there were eyes watching him from behind. This sensation of being observed was a result of reaching a certain level in the cultivation of divine sense. It seemed like someone had been spying on him.


    This sensation made Chu Liang feel uneasy.


    But in this vast and boundless sky with no visible signs of any shadows nearby, who could be following him all the time?


    After pondering for a moment, he could no longer endure it. He immediately summoned the Dustless Sword and used the Hundred Swords Technique to encircle himself with swords.


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    Now that he was encircled and protected by the sword lights, he felt slightly more at ease. Following that, he took out the Treasure Leaf Lamp and ignited the Crimson Lotus Divine Fire to illuminate the surroundings.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the divine fire lit up, a faint and elusive shadow was revealed.


    Surprisingly, the figure was seated right on the tail of the Golden-Furred Hou, not far behind Chu Liang!


    "Who''s there?" Chu Liang shouted, and a hundred sword lights were directed straight at the figure.


    "Brother, hold your swords. I am not your enemy!"


    In response, the ethereal figure slowly solidified, transforming into a youth with a fairplexion in the blink of an eye.


    This young man was dressed in a bright yellow robe, with narrow and well-defined eyes. He had very refined facial features, and to some extent, his fair skin resembled the appearance of Ji Lingyu, whom Chu Liang had met earlier.


    The only difference was that his pupils were blue.


    Chu Liang spected that he should also be a member of the Ji family. He remained vignt and said in a deep voice, "State your name."


    "I am Ji Lingfeng, the eighth child of the eldest of the Ji family." The youth gave a slight bow and continued with a smile, "I saw you talking to Little Yu[1] earlier; she''s my younger sister."


    "So, you''re the eighth young master of the Ji family." Chu Liang nodded and continued, "I wonder why you''re following me all the way on this Golden-Furred Hou, Eighth Young Master?"


    "<i>Hehe,</i> it''s like this..." Ji Lingfeng, in response to Chu Liang''s vignt attitude, showed much cooperation. He lifted both hands in a gesture of surrender and patiently exined.


    "I made a small bet with my ninth sister to see who can stay away from the family the longest. While I can sneak out using invisibility, flying away through wind maniption leaves behind foundational qi fluctuations that can be tracked by the family elders. That''s why I wanted to hitch a ride on your mount for part of the journey. If you hadn''t noticed, I would have quietly left soon. I didn''t mean to disturb you. I''m truly sorry," Ji Lingfeng apologized.


    "But don''t they possess the ability to scan the heavens, scrutinize the earth, and unravel the mysteries of the celestial realm? Are you sure you can evade detection so easily?" Chu Liang asked, his confusion evident.


    "<i>Hah,</i> I have this." Ji Lingfeng raised his hand, revealing three old copper coins. "This can help me shield my presence from divination for three days. Even if I''m caught and brought back after three days, it should be better than losing to my ninth sister."


    "Won''t the use of your divine skill of invisibility result in fluctuations of foundational qi?" Chu Liang asked again.


    In fact, as Chu Liang listened, he had a feeling that Ji Lingfeng was not lying. However, since he appeared out of nowhere, Chu Liang cautiously pondered over any suspicious aspects in Ji Lingfeng''s words.


    "This is the innate and mystical talent of the Xuan Yuan Eyes. It''s not some kind of divine skill," Ji Lingfeng exined. "Brother, you may not be aware, but in the Ji family, each color of the Xuan Yuan Eyes corresponds to different mystical abilities. And what I have is the ability of invisibility."


    "I see..." Chu Liang nodded and felt finally at ease.


    He had previously heard about the various mystical abilities associated with different colors of the Xuan Yuan Eyes, but he never learned more about it. It appeared that the blue Xuan Yuan Eyes of Ji Lingfeng corresponded to the ability of invisibility.


    The use of this invisibility wouldn''t reveal any signs of qi fluctuations... Just the thought of this was quite frightening.


    "Alright, now that I''ve exined it to you, I''ll be on my way," said Ji Lingfeng as he waved his hand. "Brother, we may meet again if fate allows."


    Before one had hardly finished speaking, he leaned his body backwards, and his entire body floated into the high sky. In an instant, he disappeared into the clouds, leaving no trace behind.


    "<i>Eh...</i>"


    Chu Liang called out, but before he could react, Ji Lingfeng had already disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    "Do you think a ride on the Hou is free...."


    He added softly before sitting back down. With that, the sense of being spied on disappeared, and his heart finally settled down.


    Thinking about the previous encounter with the siblings from the Ji family, he couldn''t help but find it somewhat amusing.


    These two were no ordinary scions of a prestigious family; one could say they were top-tier second-generation cultivators. Instead of ying other games, they engaged in apetition to see who could stay away from home the longest.


    They were truly peculiar.


    ...


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    On a raised tform in the dimly lit hall, stood over a hundred ck candle holders, some with candles still burning and others now extinguished.


    Another one had just gone out. Nearly all the candle holders positioned in the south and southwest directions had lost their mes, leaving only three flickering lights still persevering.


    "Marquess, it appears that both the Southern-Route Guider and Southwest-Route Guider have perished in Southern Bastion Mountain. The Fiends and Soul Subjugators under theirmand have also suffered near-total annihtion," reported a figure dressed in ck, their tone calm, within the hall.


    And on the seat in the main hall sat a terrifying figure.


    He was a middle-aged man in a tall crown and brocade robe. He should have had a straight posture, but he was currently curled up in that seat with an expression of pain on his face. Upon closer inspection, one would notice that more than half of his chest and abdomen on one side of his body were empty!


    Indeed. The whole left side of this person''s torso was gone, creating aplete semicircr gap. Yet he was still alive! The remaining part of his flesh was constantly trying to spread and grow, but every time new flesh started to grow, a power resembling golden mes appeared and destroyed all the new growth to ashes!


    The entire process emitted a terrifying sound of "<i>Sizzle, sizzle</i>..."


    "<i>Aaaaah!!!</i>" The process was evidently extremely painful. The middle-aged man let out a low, painful groan, gritting his teeth tightly. "They are one of my more loyal subordinates, and now they''re all dead. It seems that by the time I end this closed-door cultivation, there won''t be many useful people left by my side."


    "Marquess, rest assured. Your prestige within the sect is still strong. Once you return after recovering, there will naturally be people responding to your call," the person in ck replied, bowing his head.


    "It''s difficult," the middle-aged man sighed deeply. "In the past, even with the cooperation of the White Silver King, we barely held our ground against the Four Halls of Darkness. Now that the White Silver King is dead, and I, the Right Guardian, am left alone, how can my status be restored to what it once was?"


    The person in ck remained silent.


    After a moment, the middle-aged man nced at the candles on the high tform and said, "Surprisingly, there are three minor ones left. Those who managed to escape from the Southern Bastion Mountain are quite fortunate."


    "There are also hidden talents among the Soul Subjugators" said the person in ck.


    "Didn''t we discuss earlier about seizing the opportunity to infiltrate the Four Halls of Darkness? We should send those three over there as well. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be of any use to keep the few candles that survived," the middle-aged man casually remarked.


    "Yes." The person in ck bowed in acknowledgment of the order.


    "<i>Aaaaarggh!!!</i>" As another round of newly formed flesh was burnt away, the middle-aged man once again emitted a painful roar. However, his gaze remained calm, as if he had be numb to this extreme agony.


    "So this is the power of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. I have truly experienced it," the marquess dered with fierce determination, looking up to the sky. "Jiuyi! If the dayes when I, the Violet Gold Marquess, return, I will make you repay this agony a hundredfold! <i>Aaaaarggh!!!</i>"


    1. Just a nickname. Her name is Ji Lingyu so you take the word Little and add it to thest character, which is yu. We could say her nickname is Xiaoyu, which means Little Yu, but what are we going to do with all the koi named Xiaoyu. lolz. Honestly, I am hoping that the author isn''t trying to set up a joke like the three spidermen pointing at each other. "Xiaoyu?" "Xiaoyu?" "You are Xiaoyu? But I am Xiaoyu?" So just for your information, the koi sisters'' names sound exactly the same but we just added the ''er to Liu Xiaoyu''er so that readers who doesn''t read the Chinese characters can differentiate them. ?

 Chapter 155: Evil Ksitigarbha

    <h4>Chapter 155: Evil Ksitigarbha</h4>


    The next morning, Chu Liang woke up early, feeling refreshed as he leisurely finished his morning routine.


    After spending a considerable amount of time navigating through the Valley of Bewildering Fog with members of the diabolical sect, the sight of the flowers, nts, and trees of Mount Shu Sect made him feel as though he had returned to the mortal realm. They gave off this friendliness and familiarity.


    The swaying Golden Vein Berries above the small flower bed were adorable. Xiaoyu''er, who was busily watering the nts, was cute as well. The Golden-Furred Hou ying around by digging a hole was... well, let''s forget about the Big Head.


    The more Chu Liang stared at it, the more stupid it looked.


    After breakfast, he headed to the Hall of Weapons on the Heaven-Reaching Peak to see Wen Yulong.


    After killing the Southern-Route Guider, he obtained a statue with a storage space containing all the treasures of the Guider. However, Chu Liang couldn''t open the storage tool, so he had no choice but to seek help from a professional.


    Inside the Hall of Weapons, a very energetic young man could be seen.


    "Senior Brother Chu, I''ve been waiting for you for a long time!"


    "What good items did you get back from your adventure this time?" Wen Yulong asked eagerly.


    By now, Wen Yulong had been conditioned that whenever Chu Liang returned from his adventure, something would be brought back for him to showcase his talents.


    Honestly, this was a habit that Chu Liang had developed as well. Although Wen Yulong always managed to surprise him, Chu Liang realized that he would always end up admiring the work done by Wen Yulong.


    The extreme flight, the Razor Leaf, the zongzi defense form, the Treasure Leaf Lamp, the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light, and the Orb Lamp Sword Technique...


    If it were other ordinary disciples in charge of crafting weapons, the product would have matched what he had imagined. It would be absolutely impossible for them to achieve the same powerful effects using the same materials.


    In other words, they would be mediocre.


    "I have nothing for you to refine this time. It''s about something else." Chu Liang sat down and took out the ominous-looking statue as he said, "I confiscated this statue which has a built-in storage space, but I can''t open it. Can you help me open it?"


    "Let me see."


    Wen Yulong took the statue and carefully examined it for a while. His expression gradually became more serious.


    After a while, he ced the statue on the table and said with a hesitant tone, "Senior Brother Chu, this is an Evil Ksitigarbha."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang looked up.


    He had heard of a Evil Ksitigarbha.


    In Buddhist teachings, there existed the legend of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who made a vow to never attain Buddhahood until hell is empty. However, in this world, the Dark King Sect also held a belief in Ksitigarbha, but they believed in the "evil" Ksitigarbha.


    In the legend of the Dark King Sect, Ksitigarbha was an evil deity suppressed by deceitful gods in hell. It was bound by chains infused with 380 million strands of godly power, confined to the depths of the underworld. Thousands of fierce ghosts devoured its flesh daily, yet it remained undying, constantly yearning to return to the mortal realm. Followers of this belief anticipated the day when Ksitigarbha would transform into an evil ghost and return for vengeance.


    As for what this Evil Ksitigarbha looked like and what teachings it had, Chu Liang had no idea.


    "On the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, there is a diabolical enchanted tool that belongs to the Dark King Sect, and that enchanted tool is called the True Body of Ksitigarbha. ording to legends, that item can summon the actual divine power of the Ksitigarbha from the realm of the dead. I am unaware of the authenticity of that legend," Wen Yulong said. "But the statue that you confiscated should be a counterfeit of the True Body of Ksitigarbha and should harbor some kind of power of guidance."


    "I suspect that it can be traced through the legendary Evil Ksitigarbha."


    This was somewhat frightening.


    Chu Liang leaned forward, "Isn''t it dangerous to have this thing in hand?"


    "If I''m correct, this thing has the ability to summon a bit of the Ksitigarbha''s divine power," Wen Yulong exined. "But the effect shouldn''t be too outrageous to the extent that holding it would attract evil spirits. However, I still advise you to dispose of it once the items in the storage are taken out."


    "Are you saying that you can take it out?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It might be a little troublesome, but it should be possible." Wen Yulong said with a smile. "Leave it with me for a while. When it''s about to be opened, I''ll notify you toe over, and we can open it together."


    Chu Liang knew that he was asked to be present during the statue''s opening to prevent any suspicion of Wen Yulong taking valuable items. In the cultivation world, there have been cases of others opening storage artifacts on behalf of someone else, and doing so was considered an industry practice.


    Although he wouldn''t suspect that Wen Yulong would steal anything, there was no reason for him not toply with this industry practice.


    "Alright. Thanks a lot," he said.


    "No need to thank me. This will cost you two hundred sword coins," Wen Yulong said as he held up two fingers.


    "What?" Chu Liang frowned and said, "This should be easier than crafting an enchanted tool, right? Does it cost this much as well?"


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Wen Yulong said, "The price of such tasks are determined by the value of the enchanted tool. This statue of Evil Ksitigarbha is a major item. I am not sure which diabolical cultivator you acquired this from but that diabolical cultivator must be a high-ranked disciple of the sect. The treasures inside this statue are definitely worth the price. In addition, I am most likely the only one among the disciples of the Hall of Weapons who can open such an item. If not, you would have to find someone at the level of an elder and the cost would be much higher."


    "Oh."


    ...


    After leaving the Hall of Weapons, Chu Liang started nning. He realized that he needed to think of ways to earn more sword coins. He still needed to save money for the alchemy materials needed for Core Formation. One could never have enough sword coins.


    As he left the Hall of Weapons, he saw the entrance of the Hall of Conservation and decided to step inside.


    He had just acquired a new manual of divine skills and had been wondering if it was possible to exchange it for some rewards.


    Of the manuals of divine skills he acquired, the Evil-Dispelling Spell was rewarded by the White Pagoda and there was no way he could cultivate this. Obviously, he couldn''t hand this technique over to the sect. The Mystic Fingers technique was meant for thieves and Chu Liang felt reluctant to disseminate the manual for this technique. If the manual for this technique had been disseminated, it would no longer be considered a secret technique. Furthermore, he couldn''t guarantee that this technique would never be recklessly used. And so, he could only submit the art he''d newly acquired¡ªthe Great Blood-Refinement Art: Divine ughter.


    The inside of the Hall of Conservation remained as quiet as ever.


    The young man with the square face, named Yuan Zhuo, was still seated there, quietly reading.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and greeted, "Senior Brother Squ¡ª<i>uh</i>. Brother Yuan[1]!"


    Yuan Zhuo looked up and responded, "Junior Brother Chu Liang."


    Despite having met briefly a long time ago, Chu Liang was somewhat surprised that Yuan Zhuo remembered his name.


    "I have found another technique of diabolical cultivation. I am wondering if I can exchange it for some rewards," Chu Liang said.


    "Let me take a look." Yuan Zhuo reached out his hand.


    Chu Liang then handed over the Great Blood-Refinement Art: Divine ughter.


    Yuan Zhuo scanned it with his divine sense and immediately said, "This is not in our record."


    "Great." Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Yuan Zhuo paused for a moment before advising, "Junior Brother Chu, forgive me for my word of advice. It''s better if you don''t cultivate this technique yourself."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" Chu Liang asked, "Why?"


    If Yuan Zhuo never mentioned this, Chu Liang was nning on practicing this.


    "This diabolical cultivation technique emphasizes refining the essence and blood of living beings just before their death to strengthen oneself," Yuan Zhuo exined. "However, this practice goes against the principles of the Great Dao and inevitably umtes karmic debts."


    Yuan Zhuo continued, "In the diabolical sects, cultivators have ways to bnce out the bad karma they umte. Some even make it their style of practice, seeking to offset the karmic debt as they progress. However, practicing such malevolent artses with consequences. The saying ''evil begets evil'' reflects the inevitable karmic debt. Even if they deceive themselves, they cannot deceive the Dao of Heaven. Attempting to offset the debt through techniques typically results in being trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. That''s just the nature of it."


    With this exnation, Chu Liang understood.


    A ssic example would be the Crimson Executioner. This rule likely had something to do with karmic debt, particrly concerning individuals whose qi was suffused with blood. When the Crimson Executioner encountered such people, it would be extremely agitated.


    In the past, he did take the lives of several beings, but his intent was to rid the world of demons and evil. This action did not increase his karmic debt; rather, it umted merit.


    However, had he killed for the purpose of extracting their essence and blood, there would have been karmic consequences.


    Initially, Chu Liang thought he could hone his divine skills while ying demons and monsters. However, reflecting on the current situation, he realized he had been too naive back then.


    "If you were solely cultivating this particr technique, you wouldn''t have to umte excessive negative karma. However, a cultivator should always exercise caution on their path. It''s best to avoid unnecessary karmic debt. Otherwise, when you reach the Dao Attainment Realm in the future, this mistake may be a significant hurdle," Yuan Zhuo advised. "Furthermore, if you''re interested in blood-refining divine skills, the Hall of Conservation can provide you with alternative options."


    "The Hall of Conservation has such divine skills?" Chu Liang''s eyes sparkled.


    "Of course," Yuan Zhuo said. "This type of divine skill shouldn''t be considered rare, but very few people practice it because cultivators have limited energy. They wouldn''t be able to dedicate significant spiritual energy to enhancing their bodies. Typically, it''s only after reaching the sixth realm that there''s enough surplus energy to refine oneself."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang understood one thing.


    Compared to the disciples of Mount Shu at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, he had mastered numerous divine skills. In fact, even the execution of his Talismanic Sword Seal surpassed the average level.


    He felt like he had learned so little because he hadn''t devoted most of his energy to improving his cultivation.


    The peaceful days he enjoyed were made possible by having the Large-Headed Doll handle the heavy toil for him.


    Typically, a cultivator at this stage would be preupied with refining their cultivation skills and striving for a breakthrough into the Golden Core Realm. After attaining the Golden Core Realm, their focus would shift to breaking through into the Realm of the Five Elements. Each step of the journey primarily revolves around cultivation.


    When it came toplex divine skills and techniques, individuals typically had to temporarily set aside refining their cultivation skills and focus on learning the techniques.


    However, Chu Liang never had to worry about cultivation. He had plenty of time and energy to devote to improving his enchanted tools and divine skills.


    "If you want, you can use the divine skills manual you submitted this time for another technique," Yuan Zhuo said as he stood up and walked towards the back.


    After a while, he came back with a jade slip.


    "It may take a bit more time to advance in the learning of this Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light, but it is a safer and more reliable cultivation method. This is the right way to make progress in your cultivation," Yuan Zhuo instructed.


    Chu Liang epted it and earnestly expressed his gratitude, "Senior Brother Yuan, thank you for your teaching."


    Yuan Zhuo remained expressionless, saying, "It''s not really teaching. I am just sharing some experiences."


    As Chu Liang pondered Yuan Zhuo''s words, he realized that Senior Brother Yuan had spoken with a sense of fairness and amitment to the right path. He couldn''t possibly be just an ordinary attendant.


    Unconsciously, a hint of admiration appeared in Chu Liang''s eyes.


    As they were about to bid farewell, Yuan Zhuo suddenly raised his hand and said, "Wait! Your reward isn''t sufficient for the value of this Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light. You need to offer more to cover the difference."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" Chu Liang widened his eyes, surprised by the fact that he had to pay to make up the difference. He quickly asked, "How much extra do I need to pay?"


    Yuan Zhuo''s gaze flickered as he calcted, then replied, "Seventy sword coins."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>"


    Chu Liang pouted.


    The light in his eyes disappeared.


    1. Forgot to mentionst time. Brother Square''s surname means circle. So it''s basically Brother Circle. ?

 Chapter 156: Why Are You Asking This?

    <h4>Chapter 156: Why Are You Asking This?</h4>


    After leaving the Hall of Conservation, Chu Liang decided to drop by the Hall of Alchemy. He intended to visit all four halls in one day.


    In addition to having areas for selling pills and elixirs, requesting alchemy services, and so on, the Hall of Alchemy had arge room known as the Office of Precious Herbs. It supplied information on various treasures of nature.


    All year round, the Mount Shu Sect''s disciples would report back to the Hall of Alchemy if they saw any treasures of nature outside the mountain or had obtained any information on such treasures. This way, if fellow disciples of the sect needed a treasure of nature in the future, there was a possibility they might be able to find clues about how to obtain it at the Office of Precious Herbs.


    There was no reward for submitting information to the Hall of Alchemy. However, there was a custom among the disciples that if someone found a precious herb due to someone else''s information, they were expected to thank the disciple who submitted that information.


    In particr, there was an immense demand for the natural resources required for advancing through the three realms of the Earth Gate: the Golden Core Realm, the Realm of the Five Elements, and the Transcendence Realm. It was very difficult for individuals to gather all the resources by themselves, so the exchange of information in the Office of Precious Herbs was very important.


    It was Chu Liang''s first time visiting this office. Upon entering, he noticed there were quite a few Mount Shu disciples present. They were gathered around arge rotating disk, and hanging on it were rows of bamboo tablets with the names of precious herbs and their possible locations.


    Chu Liang had already calcted that if he were to develop two high-tier Golden Cores, then the bestbination for dual cultivation would be a pair of yin-attribute and a yang-attribute Golden Cores. For that, he would need a treasure of nature with a yang attribute in addition to the Nethersea Golden Lotus that he already possessed.


    Earlier, Chu Liang had spoken with Wen Yulong and acquired the names of some precious herbs with a yang attribute that he could use. Those were the names Chu Liang was scanning the rotating disk for.


    There was a lot of information on the disk, but it wasn''t hard for a cultivator who had the assistance of their divine sense to take in all of the information on the tablets.


    After a while, Chu Liang locked onto three pieces of information.


    "Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower, possibly located in the ck Whale Mountain along the coast of the Eastern Regions.


    "Three-Hundred-Year-Old Spirit-Ginseng, possibly located in the Mountain of the Roaring Dragon in the Northern Regions.


    "zing Sun White-Deer Snow Lotus, possibly located in the Scorching Sun ins in the Western Regions."


    Out of all the treasures of nature on the disk, these three were the only ones Chu Liang could use for developing his high-tier Golden Core.


    After a moment of contemtion, Chu Liang raised his hand and took down the bamboo tablet for the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower.


    The Three-Hundred-Year-Old Spirit-Ginseng and the zing Sun White-Deer Snow Lotus... were good choices too, but their possible locations were too far away. The Mountain of the Roaring Dragon and the Scorching Sun ins were ridiculously remote ces!


    Since Chu Liang had a third choice of the ck Whale Mountain in the Eastern Regions, he obviously decided to go with that.


    He turned the bamboo tablet over and read a detailed ount that the informant had left about how he''d acquired this information.


    It turned out that the informant had identally fallen into a dangerous area on a mission at ck Whale Mountain, leading to him spotting the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower. However, a powerful treasure-guarding demonic beast then drove him away, so he had no choice but to leave in a hurry without picking the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower.


    The informant''s details were written in a small font below the ount: <i>Jade Sword Peak, Lin Bei.</i>


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    A smile crept into Chu Liang''s eyes. <i>So, it was this guy who found the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower? What a coincidence.</i>


    Chu Liang immediately put away the bamboo tablet and decided to go find Lin Bei to ask for more details about the flower''s location. It appeared that while Chu Liang had been rushing about busily ofte, Lin Bei hadn''t been simply idling about.


    After leaving the Hall of Alchemy, the next hall Chu Liang saw was the Hall of Discipline.


    The entrance of the Hall of Discipline was cold and gloomy. Chu Liang pursed his lips and decided to give it a pass.


    <i>Who would willingly enter this ce?</i>


    The only time he had ever vited the Mount Shu Sect''s rules was when he''d stolen the spirit beast''s food, and even then, the one who had gotten caught was Big Head. Other than that, he had been a very upright and well-behaved disciple.


    ...


    Instead of going to Jade Sword Peak, Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak and sent a paper crane to Lin Bei, asking him toe over.


    Chu Liang didn''t do that because he wanted to order Lin Bei around. It was just that Di Nufeng and Wang Xuanling held long-standing grudges against each other, so if Chu Liang went to Jade Sword Peak, he might encounter some disciples who would use it as an opportunity to pick a fight with him.


    It was totally different when Lin Bei went over to Silver Sword Peak; he had Chu Liang to protect him. After all, Chu Liang was unquestionably the eldest senior brother of Silver Sword Peak... with only one person ranked above him and two below him.


    Chu Liang gazed at Xiaoyu''er and Big Head ying outside, and the corners of his lips raised into a smile.


    Golden rain once again fell outside Chu Liang''s cabin; raindrops filled with dragon qi descended onto Silver Sword Peak with a rhythmic pitter-patter. Yet another newly formed batch of Golden Vein Berries was about to mutate.


    Chu Liang had a great production chain for Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries now. The ghost tree produced thorny ck balls endlessly, so Chu Liang would go there every so often to kill some of them and nt the harvested seeds in his little garden. After that, the White Dragon''s breath would condense into raindrops filled with dragon qi. That rain would fall over the berries, elevating their quality and effects.


    Even though Chu Liang''s crops were being grown in a small garden presently, he could already envision having arge sea of Golden Vein Flowers in the future. He might even have a ntation of Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries!


    When that time came, there might be too many flowers for Xiaoyu''er to tend to by herself. Perhaps Chu Liang would have to find a few more little demons to work on his ntation.


    It was a vision that filled him with great anticipation...


    "<i>Heheheh!</i>"


    Chu Liang''s daydream was suddenly ruined by a string of creepyughs.


    A young man who had thick eyebrows and was brimming with yang qi descended toward Silver Sword Peak. As soon as hended, the Golden-Furred Hou immediately went on alert and took up a crouched position.


    "Don''t worry. We''re all brothers here," Chu Liang said, mimicking Di Nufeng''s manner of speaking.


    He waved at Big Head, gesturing for it to stand down.


    Immediately after seeing that, the Golden-Furred Hou turned and went to y with Xiaoyu''er again.


    "Wow!" Lin Bei eximed upon seeing Chu Liang. "How impressive! It''s only been some days since Ist saw you, and you now have a fifth-realm spirit pet!"


    "It was just a stroke of luck," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "This Big Head¡ªI can tell just from looking at it that it''s a smart one," Lin Bei remarked enviously.


    "You''re spot on," Chu Liang said, giving a thumbs up. Then he changed the topic, "Let''s not talk about that for now. Do you know why I asked you toe?"


    "I do," Lin Bei responded.


    Chu Liang was startled. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Lin Bei smirked devilishly."Isn''t it to congratte me on breaking through to theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?"


    Chu Liang was quite surprised. "<i>Eh...? </i>How did you advance that quickly?"


    "Speaking of that, I think it was fate," Lin Bei said. "Some time ago, there was a mission I wanted to do. I came to find you to do it with me, but Xiaoyu''er said you''d gone to Taotie City City, so I grouped up with someone else."


    Chu Liang nodded. He had not seen Lin Bei since returning from Taotie City.


    "I went to the ck Whale Mountain by the East Sea. Water demons had climbed ashore and were causing trouble for the vigers," Lin Bei recounted with animated gestures. "I chased the water demons and engaged in a thrilling battle. However, in a moment of carelessness, I fell off a cliff andnded somewhere that unexpectedly had several treasures of nature growing there!


    "I only managed to pick a Hundred-Year-Old Fiery Lingzhi[1]. I wanted to gather more treasures, but I was chased away by an old ape.¡±


    Lin Bei sighed, pping his leg in regret.


    "After that, I returned to Mount Shu and consumed the Fire Lingzhi, immediately breaking through to theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm and some! I might even reach the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm before you!" Lin Bei concluded,ughing as he patted Chu Liang''s shoulder.


    "Fiery Lingzhi is indeed a rare treasure that can raise one''s cultivation level without side effects." Chu Liang nodded, still as serene as clouds drifting in the wind. "It was truly a wonderful stroke of luck."


    "<i>Heheh,</i>" Lin Beiughed. Then he asked, "Alrighty. Now, tell me, what exactly did you seek me out for?"


    <i>Right. So, you do know that there was a reason why I was looking for you, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    Then Chu Liang said, "I happened to see the information you submitted to the Hall of Alchemy. I know that you once found the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower, so I wanted to ask you for the details of the location."


    Lin Bei grinned proudly and patted his chest. "<i>Heheh</i>. You''re asking the right person. That Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower is also located below that cliff I fell off. I don''t think there''s anyone else who knows how to find it..."


    However, at the next second, Lin Bei''s smile suddenly faded away as if he had thought of something terrifying. "Wait a minute... Why are you asking about this?"


    1. Also known as reishi mushroom. ?

 Chapter 157: Im Afraid I wont Perform Well

    <h4>Chapter 157: I''m Afraid I won''t Perform Well</h4>


    This was quite embarrassing.


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "This is the main material for the formation of the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yang. I n to search for it."


    Naturally, Lin Bei already knew about this medicine.


    There were many disciples of Jade Sword Peak, including Senior Brother Xu Ziyang who formed the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yang.


    So, he had already known early on about the purpose of this precious medicine, which was why he took the initiative to submit this information to the Hall of Alchemy.


    And so, when Chu Liang mentioned the name of this precious medicine, his heart skipped a beat as he thought of a possibility..


    "Have you reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?" Lin Bei asked with a trembling voice.


    "I identally broke through," Chu Liang said as he smiled with shyness. "Actually, I haven''t cultivated much..."


    That was indeed the truth.


    "You''ve also consumed the Fiery Lingzhi?" Lin Bei eximed in disbelief.


    "No..." Chu Liang tried to exin, "But it might be due to some good luck. I''ve been making rtively quick progress recently."


    Lin Bei scratched his head.


    Normally, it would take much longer to progress from theter stage to the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm than it would from the middle stage to theter stage.


    It seemed to be theplete opposite for Chu Liang.


    He advanced to theter stage faster than to the middle stage, and to the pinnacle faster than to theter stage... How could he be progressing faster and faster?


    If Lin Bei knew that Chu Liang had already reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm several days ago, he might feel even more confused. After all, although Lin Bei''s own aptitude did not grow, the Large-Headed Doll owned by Chu Liang was constantly improving in the way it cultivated.


    If the Large-Headed Doll worked even harder, Chu Liang himself would naturally be better than before.


    "It is impossible for you to reach the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm before me, but if you work hard, you might be able to attain Core Formation before me," Chu Liangforted.


    Lin Bei waved his hand and spoke with an extremely calm tone, "It''s okay. You don''t have to give me a chance either."


    He sighed lightly. He had epted reality.


    When he first met Chu Liang, they were both in the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. Back then, he was slightly ahead of Chu Liang in terms of cultivation. And so, he mistakenly thought that Chu Liang''s aptitude was on a simr level to his own.


    During the past period, he would be at the beginning stage when Chu Liang reached the middle stage and he would be at the middle stage when Chu Liang reached theter stage. He would be at theter stage when Chu Liang reached the pinnacle of Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    In the meantime, despite the supplementation of rare treasures and resources, he stillgged behind. This could only imply that the two of them were unevenly matched opponents from the start.


    Would hepare himself to his Eldest Senior Brother? Or would hepare himself to Senior Sister Jiang?


    He wouldn''t. If so, why would hepare himself to Chu Liang?


    "The more powerful my brother bes, the happier I am. Strive for sess in forming your core, and be a high-level cultivator at the Golden Core Realm as soon as possible," Lin Bei said as a smile slowly spread across his face.


    "If someone else were to ask me about the information on that Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower, I would only provide a rough direction at best. But since you''re the one in need, I''ll personally apany you to retrieve it!" he mused, "After all, it''s a bit dangerous there, and having apanion will offer mutual support."


    "Is it dangerous..."


    Chu Liang rubbed his chin, contemting if he should ask his Esteemed Teacher to help him again with obtaining the materials for the formation of the Golden Core.


    After all, her assistance during his journey of cultivation wasn''t substantial, so it shouldn''t be unreasonable for him to have her asionally act as a henchman. This was particrly evident recently, as he realized the convenience of having the Esteemed Teacher apany him on various endeavors.


    Upon further reflection, he had a change of heart. The quest for the medicine was, in itself, a form of cultivation. Even if he had seeded in forming the Golden Core with the help of the Esteemed Teacher, he would still have been a waste of a cultivator.


    But...


    He cast his gaze outside the window, where the Big Head was busy digging and ying with the soil.


    <i>Bringing this fellow along wouldn''t be a bad idea.</i>


    <i>Seriously speaking, it can handle fights much better than I can. It was definitely a guarantee in dangerous situations.</i>


    While Chu Liang was contemting, he was surprised by a sudden tremor in his arms.


    <i>The Soul Subjugator Token?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang had already Lin Bei on his way, as the matter had already been discussed. The time for setting out to locate the medicine could be discussedter on. Immediately, he opened the Soul Subjugator Token.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Are the three of you still safe?"


    <i>After the Fiend''s death, we became the only three left in this interdimensional soul domain. When did another member enter? It''s another Guider?! </i> Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The Violet Gold Marquess controlled every strand of soul me. Obviously, the Violet Gold Marquess had intervened and reorganized this interdimensional soul domain.


    He added the Eastern-Route Guider into this domain.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Honorable Guider? Is it really a Guider? Is it actually a living Guider? My goodness, a Guider has actually joined us. Are we going to be promoted? Am I going to be a Fiend?"


    [Sixtieth]: "Good day."


    As usual, Chu Liang waited for a while. He only spoke after Pushan and Luo Yao had both responded.


    He aimed to convey to the neer that everyone within this interdimensional soul realm was extraordinary. By speaking after Pushan and Luo Yao, he hoped to leave a favorable impression on the Guider.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Many thanks for the Guider''s concern. This subordinate is doing well."


    The Eastern-Route Guider responded immediately .


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "The forces on the Southern-Route and the Southwest have been nearly obliterated, leaving only the three of you. The marquess is already aware of this and deeply grieved by the loss."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "As a reward for your survival, the Marquis has decided to bestow upon each of you a treasure of nature. When the timees for you to reach the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm, you can use this treasure to swiftly break through to the Realm of the Five Elements."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Provide the location of the nearest Taotie Pavilion to you, and I will ensure the item is promptly delivered to you."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Upon seeing this message, the three individuals froze in front of the Soul Subjugator Token.


    <i>Could there be such benefits?</i>


    The mission was ruined. All their teammates died. Yet, as the sole survivors, they faced no punishment. Instead, they were being rewarded? It seemed unusually lenient in the unforgiving realm of the diabolical sect.


    If they were true disciples of the Dark King Sect, these three sentences would be enough to fill their hearts with warmth for the entire day.


    Unfortunately, this Guider ran into a few hooligans.


    Almost immediately, one after another, they reported the location of the nearest Taotie Pavilion without any hesitation. Only after that did they express their gratitude.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I can never thank the Marquess enough for all the kindness! This subordinate truly looks up to you, like a constant and immense river of admiration..."


    [Sixtieth]: "Grateful to the Marquess."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Thank you."


    After a pause, the Eastern-Route Guider replied.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: " There''s no need for excessive thanks; it is just a reward from the marquess. As long as you continue to remain loyal to the marquess, the marquess will undoubtedly reward you generously!"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Even those who failed him were generously rewarded by the marquess. Just imagine the magnitude of the reward awaiting those who seed!"


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "I am willing to go through hell for the marquess! No matter the cost!"


    <i>Something''s wrong! </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    With the way this Eastern-Router Guider was talking, Chu Liang immediately realized that something was definitely off.


    Indeed, the true motives of the Eastern-Route Guider were then revealed and Chu Liang couldn''t help but sneer.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "That''s excellent. Now, there''s a challenging task that I need you to undertake on behalf of the marquess. Are you prepared to ept it?"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "What''s the task about?"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "The marquess wants to send you into the White-Bone Hall as spies!"


    [Sixtieth]: "White-Bone Hall?"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Exactly. Over time, the Four Halls of Darkness have been steadily eroding the Marquess''s forces. The Marquess is tasking you to infiltrate their ranks directly and act as spies for a future counterattack upon his return."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Spies? This is quite thrilling. Are our cultivation levels high enough for such a task?"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Yeah, I''m worried that I might not perform well..."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Don''t fret. The marquess believes in your abilities and is certain you can fulfill this task."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "For now, be patient. Keep a low profile and await the opportune moment. I''ll notify you when it''s time to proceed."


    [Sixtieth]: "Understood!"

 Chapter 158: Repeat What You Just Said

    <h4>Chapter 158: Repeat What You Just Said</h4>


    <i>Sigh... </i>After withdrawing his divine sense from the Soul Subjugator Token, Chu Liang let out a soft sigh.


    Fate was indescribably marvelous.


    He had gained control of this Soul Subjugator identally and he never expected that he would be given a second chance to be an undercover agent.


    This was an opportunity to infiltrate the internal workings of the Dark King Sect. Naturally, he had no reason to say no. Even if he reported this to his teacher or the higher-ranked members of the Mount Shu Sect, they would likely still support this mission.


    However, that was a story for another time. If the Violet Gold Marquess intended to position his operatives in the White-Bone Hall, it implied that Chu Liang still required some time for preparation. Regardless of the type of danger awaiting him, strengthening himself would be the most crucial task at the moment. He needed to attain Core Formation as soon as possible!


    A new storm was bound to brew, and he needed to continue advancing on this path of cultivation.


    The message earlier also reminded him of something else.


    While at the Valley of Bewildering Fog, Chu Liang obtained a soul in a jade pot from a Fiend. During that time, Luo Yao mentioned that she would trade something with him for this jade pot, which was why he kept it in his storage and hadn''t taken any action with it.


    But they separated very quickly, and both of them forgot about this. Considering that Luo Yao could contact himter on, Chu Liang decided that he should examine the pot now.


    Chu Liang thought that...if he were bound to continue being a spy, he would really need some divine techniques simr to the ones taught by the Dark King Sect.


    That was the predicament in the Valley of Bewildering Fog. He didn''t dare to use any of his techniques in front of anyone because doing so would expose his identity. However, he couldn''t possibly cultivate the wicked divine arts of the diabolical sect. If he could be protected by a powerful soul, he could then disguise himself as someone capable of performing soul maniption techniques.


    As he contemted this, he retrieved the jade pot and set it on the ground. Then, he called out, "Hello? Mister?"


    There was no response.


    Chu Liang tried putting his hand on the pot and infused his foundational qi into it. Yet, the jade pot didn''t show any waves of activation patterns. It was almost as if this pot was just an enchanted storage tool used to house and nurture a soul.


    How could he summon the elder out of the pot?


    When the Fiend summoned this soul, he had lit a few incense sticks.


    However, those incense sticks were not ordinary; they were extremely precious Soul Ambrosia Incense, and acquiring them was extremely costly. Chu Liang obviously couldn''t spend a huge amount just for this test.


    He tilted the pot upside down and shook it up and down. When he realized that there was no response, he ced the pot down and said in a gloomy tone, "I guess I have to try peeing into this pot."


    "Youngster, how dare you?"


    From the jade pot came an angry shout, and then some bluish smoke appeared, revealing the ghostly figure of an old man in blue robes. This ghostly figure looked pretty real, with long robes, big sleeves, and hair that seemed lifelike.


    With his beard standing on end and his eyes widened in anger, he disyed intense fury towards Chu Liang.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, now that the Mister hase out, the junior naturally dares not be disrespectful," Chu Liang said politely.


    At the same time, he thought to himself, "This old man can really hear everything. He purposely didn''t show up earlier just to mess with me."


    Cough. The old man cleared his throat, stood tall with pride, and spoke in a deep voice, "I''m an old man named Fei. You can just call me Mr. Fei."


    "Mr. Fei." Chu Liang nodded.


    "You and I are meeting for the first time, young one. It''s normal if you''re not familiar with my ways. No need to worry, I won''t hold it against you. Let me exin," Mr. Fei said.


    "Alright, Mr. Fei, please enlighten me," Chu Liang remained courteous.


    The elder stared at Chu Liang with some resentment.


    On that day, Chu Liang exuded a mysterious and powerful aura, making his disguise imprable. Moreover, the strike he unleashed to kill the Fiend was exceptionally powerful, instilling such great fear in the old man that he allowed himself to be caught by Chu Liang without putting up a fight.


    However, upon reexamining Chu Liang, it became evident that he was merely a minor figure at the Spiritual Awareness Realm! The sword he had disyed earlier was likely not his true strength, which meant that he must have relied on some external force.


    Feeling disgruntled and extremely embarrassed that he was scared off by such a junior, the old man naturally adopted a tone of indifference in his response to Chu Liang.


    "Firstly, to summon me, you need three sticks of Soul Ambrosia Incense each time," Mr. Fei said. "Otherwise, I won''t appear."


    "Secondly, if you want me to take action on your behalf, you must first determine the extent of my involvement, and then be prepared to exchange with rare treasures that can nourish my soul."


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement as he listened attentively.


    "Thirdly, even if I do nothing, I still require one stick of Soul Ambrosia Incense daily to nurture my soul. As a mere junior in the Spiritual Awareness Realm, I wonder if you can bear such a burden."


    "<i>Mmm...</i>" Chu Liang frowned in contemtion.


    "Fourthly, if you cannot afford it, you may promptly find another master for me. Now that I''ve exined the rules to you, don''t me me for turning hostile if they''re not followed in the future," he concluded with a sinister tone.


    The threat was palpable.


    After all, the power of his soul matched that of a sixth-realm cultivator. Even with the disadvantage ofcking a physical body, he remained considerably more powerful than a fifth-realm cultivator.


    There was indeed no need to be overly polite in front of this junior disciple at the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    "As a junior, I shall remember your words. Give me a chance to think about it. Please go back for now," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" With a wave of his sleeves, Mr. Fei transformed into a wist of green smoke and went back into the jade pot.


    Chu Liang stood up.


    He picked up the jade pot from the ground and left the wooden cabin. After he went around the hill, he arrived at the pavilion where Di Nufeng stayed.


    "Esteemed Teacher," he called out softly, "I have a request."


    Di Nufeng was dozing offzily.


    She then opened her eyes and said, "What is it?"


    "It''s a soul we picked up earlier. Please have a chat with him," Chu Liang walked to the center of the hall and ced the jade pot down again. He then called out, "Mr. Fei!"


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    A wist of green smoke started drifting out of the jade pot. The elder looked really unhappy as he scolded, "Didn''t I just say that you would need three sticks of Soul Ambrosia Incense to summon me? Haven''t you gotten the message?"


    "Yes, I forgot." Chu Liang said with a gentle smile, "Mr. Fei, can you please repeat what you just said earlier?"


    "<i>Hmph...</i>" Mr. Fei snorted coldly. He was on the verge of unleashing his anger when he suddenly sensed that something was amiss.


    The surroundings were different.


    The atmosphere felt different...


    He turned around and saw a woman in red sitting with her legs crossed on the bamboo seat.


    With her eyes squinted, she was staring at him.


    <i>Oh no.</i>


    ...


    "My surname is Fei. Just call me Fei."


    The elder lowered his head and bowed, disying the utmost humility in all his actions as he respectfully hovered in front of Di Nufeng.


    Di Nufeng started scrutinizing him in azy manner.


    Then, she said, "I heard from my disciple that you have set many rules. Tell me about them."


    "No-no-no. Those are just immature suggestions," Mr. Fei said with a courteous smile. "As for how exactly things should run, you should be the judge. Your rules are my rules."


    "If I should be the one to set the rules, then I order you to obey every word my disciple says. If he wants you to head east, you mustn''t head west. If he wants to beat someone up, you have to do it. If you behave yourself and protect him, you will have a meal to eat. If something bad happens to him..." Di Nufeng said as she raised the corner of her eyes.


    <i>Wisp!</i>


    A fire, both purple and golden, red to life at her fingertip.


    The Samadhi True Fire!


    Upon seeing the flicker of this me, Mr. Fei promptly knelt down in mid-air, no longer daring to harbor any reservations.


    Putting aside the fact that Di Nufeng was a cultivator at the seventh realm, the Samadhi True Fire was like the deadliest poison to all ghosts. A mere touch of this fire would lead to theplete incineration of his entire being.


    "I dare not! This humble being shall be at hismand! I won''t dare to make any mistakes!" he cried out.


    "As long as you are aware," Di Nufeng, finally satisfied, then extinguished the spark of fire.


    "<i>Sigh...</i>"


    Mr. Fei lifted his head and said in a pitiful manner, "Actually, it''s not that I''m greedy, but as a being with aplete soul, I''m different from ordinary ghosts. They can absorb power from yin energy to replenish themselves, but the yin energy in the world is filled with various negative emotions like resentment, anger, and suffering. If I inhale yin energy for a long time, I will eventually transform into a true wandering soul or ghost..."


    "But every time I have to leave this jade pot for a mission, a portion of my soul''s power is consumed. If I engage inbat, the depletion is even more severe. With repeated actions without replenishment, I''ll dissipate into dust after a few more times..."


    "So, I usually rest and nurture my soul in this jade pot. Every time I have to show up or take action, I must nourish my soul, it''s just a desperate struggle for survival."


    His words sounded sincere and he didn''t seem to be lying.


    Actually, Chu Liang had long been puzzled about why this old man''s soul was different from other ghosts. Now, hearing him exin, Chu Liang asked, "Mr. Fei, what exactly is your current situation?"


    Mr. Fei released a long sigh, "This is a long story..."


    "Then keep it short," Di Nufeng impatiently demanded.


    "Okay." Mr. Fei replied in a resolute tone.


    He then began to narrate his experiences.


    His name was Fei Qi, and he was one of the renowned Confucian schrs in the northern regions during the Yu Dynasty. He was a member of the Ascending Dragon Academy and had been ssmates with several senior Confucian schrs of the olden days.


    Nevertheless, his cultivation had remained stagnant at the sixth realm for many years, and the threshold of enlightenment for the seventh realm eluded his grasp. While he managed to slow down aging, he couldn''t make himself live significantly longer. As over a hundred years went by, he knew he was running out of time.


    At this stage, Fei Qi became anxious. He began to explore unconventional paths in earnest. Through thorough research, he found that his soul would remain intact even if his body aged. The only problem was that he could not stop the aging of his body. When the body underwent decay, and the soul lost its vessel, only then would it gradually dissipate and vanish from the earth.


    And so, he wondered if he could create a method to allow his soul to exist independently, separate from the decaying physical body.


    But the death of a person meant the extinguishing of amp. This was thew of the heavens and earth. If the candle was burned out, what could the candle me depend on?


    In his quest to explore the Dao of the Soul, he went to great lengths, adopting a different identity and joining various diabolical sects to learn their wicked soul techniques. Eventually, he made an audacious attempt to create apletely new divine ability.


    Fei Qi called it the Dao of the Immortal Soul.


    The goal of this Dao was to separate the soul from the physical body, enabling the soul to exist independently in the world. It was an entirely new cultivation method. Despite his anxiety, he understood that if he didn''t try, he would surely die. With the attempt, there remained a chance at life.


    In this state, he began his attempt for this cultivation.


    His soul detached from his body, maintaining its own existence.


    Remarkably, his soul remained intact, breaking free from the constraints of the natural order, thus avoiding self-dissipation.


    However, at this point, he discovered a fatal problem: he couldn''t cultivate. As a ghost, he couldn''t perform the foundational breathing exercises to circte qi; he could only absorb yin energy. Yet, as he soon realized, within yin energy, there existed an abundance ofplex and tumultuous negative emotions.


    The only difference between him and other ghosts now was his fully conscious intellect. If he were to absorb yin energy for cultivation, wouldn''t he eventually transform into a real ghost?


    The Dao of Soul Immortality might be ssified as a cultivation method, but it was essentially a method of self-destruction.


    Take the ghost of the former chancellor in the Valley of Bewildering Fog as an example. Despite being stronger than him by several times, it wandered aimlessly all day, fixated on a single obsession. How could one call that living?


    If he didn''t want to end up that way, his only way of replenishing his strength was through treasures of nature, such as the Soul Ambrosia Incense or other medicine of yin nature.


    Currently, he appeared neither human nor ghost, which made it particrly challenging to acquire resources. Consequently, he resided in the nurturing jade pot and temporarily acted as a battle soul, fighting for his host in exchange for resources.


    Over the years, he had served more than ten hosts, both righteous and wicked. Eventually, he ended up in Chu Liang''s hands.


    After hearing about his life struggles, Di Nufeng and Chu Liang remained silent for a long time.


    After a while, Di Nufeng said puzzledly, "After all that talk, aren''t you still a ghost?"


    "I am different!" Mr. Fei shouted. "I have my intellect intact! I can still think!"


    Di Nufeng then said, "A smart ghost?"


    Mr. Fei added, "I am not consumed by negative emotions."


    Di Nufeng then said, "A happy ghost?"


    "..." Mr. Fei''s eyes were filled with sorrow and indignation. He felt so furious but he didn''t dare to say anything.


    After a brief pause, Chu Liang said with a smile, "Mr. Fei, since I have to trouble you in the future, I naturally won''t make you suffer any losses. However, just summoning you once would cost three sticks of Soul Ambrosia Incense, and that is too expensive. I am sure you can''t actually use that much. How about we make an agreement for the future? For any soul energy consumed, I''ll replenish the same amount for you. If I be more capable in the future, I''ll certainly help you achieve the Dao of Soul Immortality. What do you think?"


    "Of course, that sounds good." Mr. Fei cast a nce at Di Nufeng and reluctantly agreed.


    If he was being replenished for however much he had consumed, it meant that he would be provided room and board without any pay. Indeed, he would be left with no surplus at all. As long as he stayed by Chu Liang''s side, he would be working for free.


    He could only pin his hopes on the day when Chu Liang would fulfill his promise of soaring to great heights, hoping that he too could enjoy the prosperity alongside him.


    Chu Liang had no choice. Maintaining a ghost at the sixth realm of cultivation required a significant amount of power. Even just replenishing the energy was quite taxing.


    Unless there was an absolute necessity, Chu Liang definitely wouldn''t summon Mr. Fei.


    Upon seeing that they hade to an agreement, Di Nufeng issued a threat in a timely manner, "Since you have made an agreement, you can''t go back on it. If anything happens to my disciple in the future, I will find you no matter where you are in this world...


    "I am the best at beating up old men."

 Chapter 159: Senior Sister Jiangs Phenomenon

    <h4>Chapter 159: Senior Sister Jiang''s Phenomenon</h4>


    As dusk fell, Chu Liang arrived at the top of the hill, weed by the setting sun and the evening breeze. He sat down on the ground and gazed at the glow of the sunset.


    The moment the sunlight was reced by the moonlight, Chu Liang saw a sh of divine light being generated. He then tried to circte his qi in ordance with the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light and integrate his qi with spiritual energy.


    Regardless of what kind of enchanted tool or Battle Soul he possessed, getting stronger was still the most important thing he had to do. The Large-Headed Doll saved him a lot of the time that he was supposed to have spent on practicing foundational techniques, so he should use that time to work harder on other areas.


    This blood-refining technique was a secret technique for improving a cultivator''s corporeal body. It had many wonderful effects, so Chu Liang had to practice it diligently.


    Just like when cultivating other areas of the body, it''s not possible for a cultivator''s blood to suddenly have a spiritual nature. If a cultivator wanted their blood to have a spiritual nature, they had to acquire spiritual energy from somewhere else.


    It was simr to the Great Blood-Refinement Art: Divine ughter, which obtained spiritual energy from the blood essence of other living things. That technique was simple and fast, but as Senior Brother Yuan Zhuo had said, the cultivator might suffer adverse effects after using it.


    Divine Light, the technique that Chu Liang was using at the moment, was a bit slower than Divine ughter. It involved the integration of divine light that was generated at the point between day and night into his blood, making it incredibly pure. The best time of the day to cultivate using this technique was when the first rays of sunlight emerged at sunrise and when the first glimmers of moonlight appeared at sunset.


    Chu Liang closed his eyes and focused, activating his divine sense and connecting with the heavens and the earth. A short whileter, he sensed a boundless, majestic power in the sky¡ªthe beam of divine light he''d been waiting for!


    The divine light was not something that mortals could even approach. All Chu Liang could do was let its rays shine on his divine intent so that he could acquire some spiritual energy from the divine light.


    After that, he activated the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light to integrate that spiritual energy into his blood. He had an incredibly calm expression, but his qi and blood were surging turbulently throughout his body, so much so that there was even the faint sound of sea waves.


    After some time, Chu Liang opened his eyes again and let out a long breath. "<i>Phew.</i>"


    The process of refining his blood was excruciating. Each time a little bit of spiritual energy was integrated into his blood, it felt like a needle was piercing through him, and that repeated throughout the whole process.


    Once the painful integration process came to an end, Chu Liang suddenly felt rxed as a refreshing feeling washed over him. It was like he had been injected with an invigorating energy! This was an uncharted territory for him.


    <i>So, this is what it feels like to imbue my blood with spiritual energy?</i>


    Chu Liang made a shallow cut on his right index finger and let a drop of blood fall out. He noticed a trace of gold inside that drop of red. When itnded on the ground, it rolled twice before seeping into the soil with a hiss. It seemed to be boiling hot.


    This was his first time cultivating with this technique, yet he was already able to see such a significant difference; it was remarkable. As long as he persisted in cultivating with this technique, Chu Liang believed he would be able to achieve a level of control over his blood that was simr to that of the Fiend who had also used a blood-refinement technique. By then, he would be able to transform a mouthful of blood into whatever he wished.


    However, that wasn''t the most important thing. There was a legendary immortal art called Last Drop of Blood. The art allowed a cultivator to die and thene back to life. As long as they still had a drop of blood remaining, their soul would not perish, allowing for a resurrection. That one drop of blood had to possess an unimaginably vast amount of spiritual energy to be able to contain a whole soul inside it.


    The sky had turned dark. Chu Liang tried cultivating some more, but progress was rather slow, so he got up, intending to head back home.


    However, he noticed a dazzling disy of multi-colored light overhead a mountain peak in the distance. Clouds of white fog shrouded the mountain peak like billowing sea waves, and a tinum ball of light was bobbing up and down amidst them. It was like a bright moon rising over the sea!


    Chu Liang was rather astonished by this sight.


    <i>This is... the Sea of Qi Phenomenon!</i>


    ...


    "Is that Senior Sister Jiang?!"


    Amotion broke out among the disciples on the other peaks in the Mount Shu Sect. It was nighttime, and the phenomenon urring above the sea of clouds high up in the sky was simply too dazzling. Many disciples had gathered at the square in front of the Boundless Pce to watch the event y out.


    "That should be Senior Sister Jiang, right? This phenomenon... is clearly the result of a fourth-realm cultivator achieving Perfect Qi Cirction!" someone eximed.


    "It''s definitely her!" someone else agreed. "That''s Azure Falling Peak. Aside from Senior Sister Jiang, which other disciple from that peak could achieve Perfect Qi Cirction at the fourth realm?"


    "Doesn''t that mean Senior Sister Jiang''s pretty close to reaching the fifth realm? She''s a shoo-in for the position of the Head Disciple at the uing Mount Shu Summit!" another disciple eximed.


    "My dear Jiangjiang works so hard!" one of Jiang Yuebai''s fans gushed, feeling rather moved. "I love her even more now!"


    Of course, there were others who were saddened by the news.


    One of them said, "This means the gap between us will widen further, and my attempt at wooing her will be even more hopeless."


    "To begin with, that was just a pipe dream!" someone replied, pouring cold water onto that disciple''s hopes.


    "..."


    As the disciples continued to discuss spiritedly, even the peak masters and the executive members of the sect on Heaven-Reaching Peak took notice of this scene and gazed at Azure Falling Peak in deep contemtion.


    Perfect Qi Cirction indicated that the cultivator had achieved the pinnacle level for the Qi-Cirction Technique. This was an extremely rare achievement. There had only been two precedences of a cultivator achieving Perfect Qi Cirction throughout the Mount Shu Sect''s several thousands of years of history. Those two cultivators were renowned as peerless geniuses of their respective eras.


    Now, during the Mount Shu Sect''s era of decline, a third cultivator capable of achieving Perfect Qi Cirction had appeared.


    "The fate that the True Dragon brought to the sect... It seems that it was meant for her," someone muttered.


    "So, that''s why Senior Sister Jiang didn''t reply to my paper crane. Turns out she was undergoing some tough training in closed-door cultivation," someone else suddenly realized.


    This person was Chu Liang.


    When he saw the dazzling phenomenon urring opposite Silver Sword Peak, he knew that it was caused by a disciple from Azure Falling Peak. He figured out straightaway that Jiang Yuebai was the one who had achieved Perfect Qi Cirction.


    Unlike the other disciples, Chu Liang had achieved it before. So, he knew how difficult a feat it was. If it hadn''t been for Xue Lingxue''s powerful morale-boosting melody assisting him, Chu Liang would never have been able toe close to achieving Perfect Qi Cirction.


    Yet, Jiang Yuebai had achieved it by herself. She was truly amazing. Nevertheless, it was likely in part due to her special constitution, Transcendent Spirit.


    Chu Liang had encountered one of the three major aristocratic families recently, so he had put in extra effort to learn about their mystical abilities.


    The Xia Family''s Divine Fire Spirit was the simplest to understand. It was a fire-attribute blessing; once the strength of the fire reached a certain intensity, it would be a mystical ability.


    On the other hand, the Ji Family''s Xuan Yuan Eyes was the mostplex. There were seven different eye colors, and each one represented a different mystical ability. These powers would be greater as the special individuals who possessed the eyes made advancements in their cultivation.


    The Jiang Family''s special constitution, Transcendent Spirit, was the most mysterious of the three. To this day, no one had fullyprehended all of the mystical abilities that stemmed from the Transcendent Spirit. It was currently known to have an affinity with spirit beasts, elementals, the Great Dao, and so on....


    In short, individuals with this constitution were beloved by the spirit world. It didn''t matter if they were working on mastering their divine abilities or cultivation techniques. Whatever it was, they could put in half the effort normally required and produce results that an ordinary cultivator would have needed to put in twice or even tenfold the effort to achieve. The breath of the Transcendent Spirit that flowed through the qi and blood of individuals with that constitution brought about countless amazing effects.


    The downside of having this special constitution was that it was coveted by demons and evil entities. So,pared to ordinary cultivators, individuals with the Transcendent Spirit faced much greater danger while they were still growing as cultivators.


    There was a view that the Transcendent Spirit was probably the strongest of the three aristocratic families'' powers because it was the rarest. Since ancient times, for every ten babies that were born with Xuan Yuan Eyes, there were five babies born with the Divine Fire Spirit but only one or two with the Transcendent Spirit.


    Nheless... having the Transcendent Spirit did not guarantee that they could achieve Perfect Qi Cirction. The fact that Senior Sister Jiang had managed it just showed that she was also extremely talented and hardworking.


    <i>This is a case of someone who''s not only more outstanding than you but also better looking¡ªno, a harder worker.</i>


    Chu Liang clenched his hands into fists, feeling moved by this realization.


    What he didn''t know though was that Jiang Yuebai had actually been satisfied with her previous rate of advancement in cultivation. However, she felt a sense of crisis after witnessing Chu Liang''s miraculous progress in cultivation.


    Jiang Yuebai ended up undergoing closed-door cultivation and meticulously studying cultivation techniques. That then led to an advancement in her cultivation and the cultivation phenomenon. In other words, it was because of Chu Liang that Jiang Yuebai did not dare to ck off!


    "This must be what is meant by ''The heavens reward the diligent''..." Chu Liang muttered. "I have a long road ahead of me, with many realms left to advance through in my cultivation journey. I have to remember to keep working hard and honing my skills, never cking off for even a moment! Senior Sister Jiang is working so diligently to improve... I have to work harder too!"


    Chu Liang was filled with a ragingpetitive spirit!


    "Large-Headed Doll, keep circting qi for me until it feels like you''re going to die!"

 Chapter 160: Ten Draws

    <h4>Chapter 160: Ten Draws</h4>


    The next day, Chu Liang received a message from the Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    The general content was that Jiang Yuebai, a disciple of the Azure Falling Peak, had achieved the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon at the fourth realm of cultivation. Today at noon, she would hold a lecture for the disciples of Mount Shu. Those who were interested could attend.


    "<i>Wow!</i>" Chu Liang eximed.


    This was indeed a rather rare urrence.


    It wasn''t umon for an outstanding disciple to share their experiences with fellow disciples. However, organizing a lecture on behalf of the Boundless Pce would be considered rather grand.


    In the past, it would typically be one of the four Guardian Elders or a Peak Master organizing a lecture after gaining some enlightenment during a closed-door cultivation session.


    After all, for a cultivator''s words to have weight, they had to have a high level of cultivation.


    Having a fourth-realm disciple give a lecture was likely a first for the Mount Shu Sect. Rather than seeing it as Jiang Yuebai sharing her experiences with the other disciples, Chu Liang felt it was more like paving the way for her to secure a higher position in the sect.


    While it was indeed very impressive that she''d attained the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon, she had the constitution of a Transcendent Spirit. Consequently, she couldn''t possibly share any experiences on ways to reincarnate[1].


    Chu Liang reasonably spected that Jiang Yuebai had gained poprity from the bottom up. This lecture could help establish her reputation from the top down, naturally positioning her as a leading figure among contemporary disciples.


    If she were to be the head disciple in the future, she would be the unquestionable face of Mount Shu. Even if she didn''t achieve that position, she would still have a strong influence.


    When one leaf fell, the whole world would know it was autumn.


    Chu Liang continued to borate on his thoughts and concluded that the reason for their actions must be rted to the return of the demon god.


    In times of peace, the higher-ups at the Mount Shu Sect wouldn''t have needed to elevate a disciple like this. Now, they were doing it because the younger generation of the Mount Shu Sect urgently needed a leader.


    With dark clouds pressing upon the city, a war was bound to start sooner orter. It wouldst for an indeterminate period and potentially im the lives of countless people. The Mount Shu Sect needed to be a cohesive unit, with the older generations and the younger generations united as one.


    The higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect would probably allocate a significant amount of resources to the core disciples, unlike before when the allocation of resources was more casual.


    Chu Liang sighed. He was already seeing signs of the impending catastrophe that the mortal realm would face.


    However, very few people would make such associations. Everyone in the Mount Shu Sect, from the leaders to the ordinary members, was in a happy mood because of this event. As for Fairy Jiang''s abilities, no one questioned them.


    After all, as long as Fairy Jiang took the stage, everyone would love whatever she talked about, even if it was the postpartum care of spirit beasts.


    ...


    It was still early. Chu Liang decided to stop by the Hall of Weapons.


    Last night, in the middle of the night, Wen Yulong suddenly sent a paper crane message to Chu Liang, informing him that everything was ready, and the Evil Ksitigarbha statue could now be opened.


    The noise outside the window woke Chu Liang up. When he noticed the message, he couldn''t help but shake his head, puzzled about why people working in technology, research, and development never seemed to take breaks.


    When Chu Liang woke up in the morning, he rushed to see Wen Yulong.


    He saw Wen Yulong sitting there, looking lively and alert, showing no signs of fatigue.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but admire him a bit.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, Senior Brother Chu, you finally made it. I couldn''t wait any longer," Wen Yulong said, showing great anticipation for what might be inside the Evil Ksitigarbha statue.


    The owner of this statue was the Guider of the Dark King Sect and a cultivator at the sixth realm. There had to be a small treasure trove inside the statue!


    "Alright. Let''s start," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Wen Yulong ced the Evil Ksitigarbha statue on the table and took out a ck bead that was the size of his fist.


    "I studied it and realized that the Evil Ksitigarbha statue doesn''t have any specific seals. It can only be opened using the foundational qi of yin nature, something that only members of the Dark King Sect cultivate. So, I acquired a Yin Spirit Bead. It''s a bead that can change any infused qi into yin attribute and then transmit it," he exined the principle to Chu Liang.


    "Junior Brother Wen, you are smart as always," Chu Liang immediately praised.


    Everything was ready.


    Wen Yulong ced the Yin Spirit Bead on the Evil Ksitigarbha statue and infused his foundational qi into the bead. As the eyes of the Evil Ksitigarbha statue shed, arge amount of yin energy and resentment aura was released.


    The room instantly turned ice-cold.


    Without Wen Yulong saying anything, Chu Liang sensed that the storage space of the Evil Ksitigarbha statue had opened.


    "Let''s see what treasures we have inside..." Wen Yulong took the initiative to pick out the items inside.


    His eyes were sparkling. He was clearly enjoying the thrill of opening a blind box.


    <i>Cling-ng!</i>


    The first thing he took out was a token, which Chu Liang was not unfamiliar with as Chu Liang said, "This is a Soul Subjugator Token."


    It was a Soul Subjugator Token at the level of a Guider. Unfortunately, this Soul Subjugator Token has be useless as the Southern-Route Guider''s soul has dissipated.


    "It''s useless?" Wen Yulong sighed.


    Clearly, the first item was not a lucky draw.


    "Let me try," Chu Liang couldn''t resist the urge as he reached out to grab one.


    "Do it." Wen Yulong immediately withdrew his divine sense.


    Chu Liang scanned with his divine sense and picked a random item. It was a sachet. Upon opening it, he found three palm-sized dark green leaves inside. The sensation of the leaves felt extremely cold and eerie.


    After a moment of pondering, Wen Yulong recognized the item. "Is this the... Mi Luo Green Leaf?" The name sounded familiar to Chu Liang. He knew that this was a holder for ghosts.


    "This should be what the Guider uses to manipte souls. Unfortunately, the moment he died, all the ghosts he controlled dissipated," Wen Yulong said.


    There was a fundamental difference between nurturing a ghost and controlling a ghost.


    For example, Fei Qi would be asked to help when something happened, which meant that both parties had equal status. This would be considered the nurturing of ghosts. As for those who control and manipte ghosts, they would be refining the ghosts into their ves and exerting control over them. If the master died, all the ghosts controlled by that master would dissipate as well.


    Chu Liang then realized why there was this strong aura of resentment and yin energy the moment they opened the Evil Ksitigarbha statue. They were the remnants of the ghosts before they had dissipated.


    "Then it''s useless too," said Chu Liang.


    "But the Mi Luo Green Leaf is a valuable item," Wen Yulong consoled.


    Then, Wen Yulong stretched his hand and took out another item from the Evil Ksitigarbha statue. It was a round pot. Upon opening the pot, they found five small beads inside.


    When Chu Liang saw this, his eyes lit up as he exined, "These are Shadowburst Thunder Bombs."


    These were good items. Just using three of such beads had created an explosion big enough to kill a heavily injured lizard at the fifth realm of cultivation.


    "Indeed," Wen Yulong said with a nod as he examined the items. "These are Shadowburst Thunder Bombs that the members of the Dark King Sect made. They are very powerful."


    When it was Chu Liang''s turn, he took out another item from the statue.


    It was a pure ck longsword, enveloped in thick blood and resentment. Just by holding it for a moment, Chu Liang felt a sharp pain in his brain. With a slight tremor, the sword fell to the ground.


    Even upon drawing this sword, the Crimson Executioner within the White Pagoda reacted, indicating the profound level of resentment and the copious amount of blood infused within the sword!


    "Oh my! That is a Netherworld Spirit Sword!" Wen Yulong eximed.


    He didn''t pick it up directly with his hands. Instead, he took out a piece of yellow cloth and covered the sword.


    "This is a unique enchanted tool of the Dark King Sect, specifically designed to harvest the souls of the living to enhance the cultivation of the sword owner. The more people the sword owner kills, the more powerful this sword bes," Wen Yulong exined, "Considering how powerful this sword is, it''s hard to fathom how many tormented souls are within!"


    Chu Liang nodded. This must be another form of the Netherworld Codex, another type of enchanted tool of great evil.


    "These diabolical cultivators of the Dark King Sect really deserve to die."


    Wen Yulong carefully wrapped the Netherworld Spirit Sword and ced it to the side. Then, he reached into the statue again and drew another item.


    In his hand was a piece of rose-red silk adorned with several red silk cords and embroidered with a delicately crafted ck lotus flower.


    "This is?" Chu Liang asked in surprise.


    Wen Yulong also looked puzzled. "I think it''s a dudou[2]?"


    <i>I truly had no idea that''s a dudou... </i>Chu Liang was speechless.


    He was puzzled as to why such an item would be in the storage space of the Southern-Route Guider.


    The Southern-Route Guider was a grown man.


    But even if he had an interest in someone, it seemed a bit perverted to be collecting such items.


    "The material is high-quality silk, and it seems to have no spiritual energy... The embroidery work is exceptionally delicate, showcasing stitches in the style of Jiangnan. However, it is a bit dirty, suggesting that it hasn''t been washed since itsst use..." Wen Yulong remarked.


    He observed it carefully, analyzing and doubting himself at the same time. It seemed that, like Chu Liang, he didn''t understand why a notorious devil like the Southern-Route Guider would value such an item.


    Wen Yulong added, "I''m still not sure; let me take another look..."


    1. If you are confused, it means she can''t teach people how to reincarnate into a body of a Transcendent Spirit. ?


    2. Previously belly-band. Decided to keep to dudou as it is more urately tranted. This is an undergarment used by Chinese women. ?

 Chapter 161: Lecture

    <h4>Chapter 161: Lecture</h4>


    The two young men carefully observed a dudou for quite some time, and finally came to a unanimous conclusion.


    It was indeed a dudou[1].


    "Hurry up and draw the next one," Chu Liang said, pocketing the dudou and not wanting to bring it up again.


    He held onto it because a faint hope lingered within him. Perhaps, since Southern-Route Guider valued this item, it might actually serve a purpose?


    Having said that, he took out another item himself.


    The item had considerable weight to it. As itnded on the table with a ng, it revealed itself to be a copper furnace roughly the size of a human head. Its protruding and gilded body was adorned with numerous grotesque carvings.


    Wen Yulong lifted the lid, inspected it, and said, "This is a Soul-Refining Furnace."


    "For souls you want to control, you can put them in this furnace and continuously refine and torment them until youpletely control them."


    "This is also an extremely evil enchanted tool."


    Chu Liang set the Soul-Refining Furnace aside, knowing it was something he definitely wouldn''t need.


    Next, it was Wen Yulong''s turn. He reached in and retrieved half of a ck candle. In its center was a golden thread, giving it a peculiar appearance.


    "What''s this?" After a moment of contemtion, he finally concluded, "This must be the Mind-Reflecting Candle."


    "Mind-Reflecting Candle?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It''s an ancient artifact used by the Dark King Sect to judge criminals," Wen Yulong exined. "The raw materials for this item are very rare nowadays. When the Mind-Reflecting Candle is lit, if someone beneath it tells a lie, their shadow will quiver."


    "That''s rather useful." Chu Liang carefully put the item away as he said, "Unfortunately, there is only half of it left."


    Then he went to retrieve another item, finding a stack of talismanic papers, approximately four sheets.


    "These are Undead-Summoning Talismans!" Wen Yulong eximed in shock. He took a closer look at the papers and said, "They are ancient artifacts as well. This item has been lost for several hundred years."


    "I have only heard of Undead-Sealing Talisman," Chu Liang said.


    "The Undead-Sealing Talismans are used to suppress the undead. The Undead-Summoning Talisman has apletely different effect. These talismanic papers can resurrect corpses, turning them into undead that obey yourmands for a certain period." Wen Yulong exined.


    "I see."


    Chu Liang stored the stack of talismanic papers away. There weren''t many items left in the storage space.


    Wen Yulong reached into the statue once more and drew another item.


    He extracted a jade slip.


    "It''s a legacy technique of the Dark King Sect." This time, Wen Yulong wasn''t too interested. "The Hall of Conservation should already have possession of this."


    When Chu Liang heard this, he lost interest as well. They were already cultivating the techniques of the Mount Shu Sect so it was simply impossible for them to study the Heavenly Star Unusual Art. Since he wouldn''t be able to exchange any reward for this, this item was useless.


    With only one item left in the storage, Chu Liang rubbed his hands together, hoping to draw something exceedingly valuable.


    <i>Unfortunately, the koi is not here today. If not, we might have had better rewards... </i>The thought filled Chu Liang with a tinge of regret.


    Then, he stretched his hand into the storage space.


    This time, he pulled out a semi-circr iron token engraved with mysterious patterns.


    "What is this now?" Chu Liang was confused.


    Wen Yulong examined it for a while but couldn''t identify it. "It seems like half of something. Its purpose should only be revealed when the two halves are put together."


    Half...


    Chu Liang remembered he still had a quarter of a treasure map in his hand, and he wasn''t sure when he would be able toplete it. Once he started collecting various items, it was easy for him to umte misceneous objects.


    "So, these are the things at the bottom of the box..."


    After scanning with his divine sense and finding the storage space empty, Chu Liang sighed and withdrew his hand, feeling a bit disappointed. "Well, there isn''t even a decent enchanted tool."


    Despite hisints, Chu Liang knew he couldn''t me the Southern-Route Guider. The Evil Ksitigarbha, Netherworld Spirit Sword, and Soul-Refining Furnace were, at least, extremely powerful enchanted tools, but he simply couldn''t utilize them.


    He carefully picked out the Mind-Reflecting Candle, five Shadowburst Thunder Bombs, four Undead-Summoning Talismans, an engraved semicircr metal te, the Mi Luo Green Leaves, and a dudou with a ck lotus design.


    As for the Evil Ksitigarbha, the Netherworld Spirit Sword, the Soul Subjugator Token, the Soul-Refining Furnace, and the inherited technique of the Dark King Sect, he opted to leave them behind.


    "These items are valuable, but they aren''t of much use to us at the Mount Shu Sect. We can only refine the resentful souls inside the Netherworld Spirit Sword," said Wen Yu Long. "Why not keep the Mi Luo Green Leaves and sell them? Combined with the rewards you''ve received, I am guessing that the final amount should be close to five thousand sword coins."


    Five thousand...


    This was definitely a huge amount.


    Thest time Chu Liang extorted that particr peak master with his teacher, they obtained about this much.


    However, Chu Liang currently bore the pressure of gathering materials for his Core Formation, and he needed to prepare at least two sets. Just the basic materials for the formation of the high-grade Golden Pill would require around four thousand sword coins. If he failed one out of the two attempts, then he wouldn''t have enough.


    Ordinary disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm would usually remain at this stage for a few years. During this time, they would constantly save money and eventually umte enough funds to gather all the materials for the formation of the Golden Core.


    However, Chu Liang''s time spent being at the Spiritual Awareness Realm was too short, and he didn''t have enough time to save money. Luckily, a good amount of money wasing his way.


    In the end, he packed up several items and paid Wen Yu Long the pay he deserved.


    Then, Chu Liang smiled as he stood up.


    "I appreciate your help this time," he thanked, "I''ll take my leave now."


    "I''ll apany you out," Wen Yu Long stood up as well.


    "Huh, aren''t you halfway through your shift?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It''s fine if I skip work for half a day. Anyway, aside from you, no one else asks me to make enchanted tools," Wen Yulong said with a smile. "There''s something I must attend to today."


    "What is it?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Jiang Yuebai''s lecture." Wen Yulong looked at Chu Liang with a puzzled expression. "How can a disciple of Mount Shu miss out on this?


    ...


    The lecture was arranged beneath the ancient tree at the Azure Falling Peak. Jiang Yuebai would stand on the sturdy branches, overlooking the expansive open space halfway up the mountain below. Disciples from various peaks brought their own cushions and settled on the ground to listen attentively.


    When Chu Liang and Wen Yulong hurried over together, there was still at least an hour before the lecture began. Yet there were already dozens of rows formed, almost reaching the top of the mountain.


    It was hard to imagine what time the first row of brothers arrived here...


    With a sweep of his eyes, Chu Liang spotted a familiar figure sitting in the front row. It was Lin Bei. Just as he was thinking about approaching to see if he could join him in the front row, Lin Bei also noticed him.


    Then, Lin Bei made a teasing expression and gently pointed to a figure in the front.


    Chu Liang instantly understood his meaning.


    The tall figure in front, with a well-defined back of the head, should be Senior Brother Xu Ziyang from the Jade Sword Peak. Since all the members of the Jade Sword Peak were sitting together, it wouldn''t be convenient for him to squeeze through.


    That would be like walking into the lion''s den.


    As if sensing the gaze, Xu Ziyang suddenly turned his head. Lin Bei immediately withdrew his pointing hand, pretending to be an innocent guy.


    Xu Ziyang and Chu Liang locked eyes. His gaze was sharp as a sword, piercing and intense.


    However, Chu Liang remained unfazed, calmly meeting Xu Ziyang''s gaze without backing down. After a tense moment, both sides withdrew their gazes without exchanging a single word.


    Despite feeling helpless, Chu Liang had no choice but to sit at the back with Wen Yulong.


    Gradually, more and more people arrived, and Chu Liang couldn''t help but be astonished by the sheer number of individuals present on Mount Shu.


    In addition to some disciples being in the first four realms of cultivation, there were also numerous disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who had reached the fifth or sixth realm of cultivation.


    These individuals, senior brothers, and sisters who were no longer actively participating in the affairs of the Mount Shu Sect, spent more time traveling outside than staying within the sect. Surprisingly, they had all gathered here, indicating that many were very curious about this event.


    The higher-ups, such as the peak masters, needed to uphold their status and naturally refrained from attending. However, it was probable that some of them were secretly observing from a distance.


    As the time approached, the crowd surged and nearly everyone had arrived.


    "Here shees!"


    With a resounding shout, arge white flower suddenly burst forth from the ancient tree ahead. A figure emerged, stepping gracefully onto the flower and ascending. With each step, a new flower bloomed, capturing her ethereal figure in a mesmerizing disy.


    The conversations below ceased, and everyone watched in silence. Although Jiang Yuebai was well-known on Mount Shu and often drew attention when appearing in public, this was the first time she had made such a formal entrance in front of so many people.


    Yet, she showed no signs of unease, remaining cool andposed as she gracefully descended onto a tree branch, then turned around with effortless poise.


    Her eyes resembled the crescent moon. Her robes billowed with the wind, and flowers embraced her, making her seem like a celestial being descending to the mortal realm.


    1. Previously belly-band. Changed to dudou as this would be the more urate trantion. This is an undergarment used by women in China back in the days ?

 Chapter 162: Having A Private Chat In Public

    <h4>Chapter 162: Having A Private Chat In Public</h4>


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t waste much time talking about unnecessary things. She gave a brief introduction and got right to the main topic.


    "Perfect Qi Cirction just refers to executing the Qi-Cirction Technique at the pinnacle level. I managed to do it by relying on my special constitution, but after understanding the method, I realized that it should be achievable without the support of a special constitution," Jiang Yuebai said with a clear, warm, and delicate voice.


    It was rather rare that Jiang Yuebai did not avoid talking about how she possessed the special constitution Transcendent Spirit. After all, although it wasn''t a particrly big secret in the Mount Shu Sect that she possessed the Transcendent Spirit, it could draw unwanted attention if news of this were to get out... especially from those with evil intentions.


    Chu Liang gazed at Jiang Yuebai as she stood on a branch of the Azure Falling Peak''s ancient tree, seeming as pure and cold as an immortal.


    Then he suddenly felt a little disillusioned. He thought back to the first time they''d met¡ªthat moment he''d found Jiang Yuebai in the cave with her arm around her knee while holding a bowl of noodles. It was really hard to think of her as the same person as the one standing on that tree branch.


    <i>For some reason, I feel a little... proud of myself. All of you in the audience have only seen her like this in all her brilliance and splendor. I''m the only one who has seen her slurp up noodles.</i>


    Thinking that way made Chu Liang feel rather strange. Nevertheless, he found himself quickly getting pulled into Jiang Yuebai''s lecture.


    The topic at hand was very thought-provoking. Jiang Yuebai understood the Qi-Cirction Technique as basically creating a vortex in her body. The cultivator using the technique had to produce a vortex with a pull that could draw in spiritual qi from the heavens and the earth and retain it there.


    Of course, this was just an analogy. A human body had as many acupoints as there were stars in the sky. There were countless permutations in a person''s qi-cirction route, so it wasn''t as simple as whirling the qi around. Achieving Perfect Qi Cirction meant exerting the maximum utility of the vortex''s pull, and the fundamental requirement needed for that was to circte with sufficient speed and force.


    Therefore, cultivators should push their limits as much as possible during their training. They should not shy away from danger. Breaking through their limits might just allow them to be on the verge of achieving Perfect Qi Cirction.


    Of course, this was just one method to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction. The heavens and the earth favored Transcendent Spirits, so they were naturally able to achieve a more ideal state of qi cirction.


    However, the question remained as to whether cultivators with ordinary constitutions could achieve this state with hard work. There was one thing that was for certain though¡ªworking hard to improve their qi cirction would hasten their cultivation progress.


    Actually, Jiang Yuebai wasn''t the first one to think of this. The theory that elerating the cirction of one''s qi to the maximum was beneficial for cultivation progress had been spreading within the cultivation world since a long time ago.


    Nheless, Jiang Yuebai did mention some new ideas, such as advising her fellow disciples to extend the duration of their cultivation sessions. This was because, much like normal vortexes, the pull of the cirction vortex would be stronger the longer it continued to exist.


    After the Major Qi-Cirction Technique was executed once, it would be like the vortex hadpleted one rotation. Then when it was executed a second time, the vortex would pull in foundational qi at a significantly faster rate.


    This meant that after using the technique numerous times, a cultivator would eventually be able to elerate their qi-cirction to maximum speed and advance their cultivation at an extremely fast rate.


    In other words, if a cultivator were to execute the Major Qi-Cirction Technique five times in one cultivation session, it would have a much greater effect than executing the technique once in five separate sessions. This was a truly eye-opening concept.


    Chu Liang mulled over it for a moment. If the idea that Jiang Yuebai put forth was indeed feasible, then she would be making a name for herself today. Her discovery wasn''t groundbreaking enough to be a major theoretical breakthrough, but it was as astonishing as someone publishing an innovative academic thesis at a very young age.


    Chu Liang pondered about the matter more deeply. Considering that Jiang Yuebai was the first one to make this discovery, perhaps the method she proposed did not actually lead to a significant growth in cultivation. After all, significance was always prioritized; if the produced effect was insignificant, then the method would be considered useless. In that case, it made sense that it hadn''t been made known in the past.


    Moreover, cultivators were human and had limitations; they could not cultivate continuously all day and night. For most cultivators, the longest they could cultivate without a break was half a day. So, if the cultivation time for one session needed to exceed half a day in order to have a significant effect on the cultivation advancement rate, then that meant Jiang Yuebai''s method would be pointless... unless cultivators could find a way to extend their cultivation time.


    <i>Wait a minute.</i>


    It was like a light bulb went off in Chu Liang''s head.


    <i>People can''t work all year long without taking breaks, but my Large-Headed Doll can!</i>


    <i>I did notice recently that I''ve been umting foundational qi at an increasingly fast rate. In fact, it''s rmingly fast. Could it be rted to this?</i>


    <i>If executing the Qi-Cirction Technique once is the same as the vortex making one rotation, then that means the Large-Headed Doll''s vortex has already be so massive that it''s a tornado!</i>


    Just as Chu Liang came to that conclusion, Jiang Yuebai wrapped up her considerably short lecture. "Fellow disciples, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about this. I will try my best to answer them."


    Amotion immediately stirred in the crowd on the ground. This was an opportunity to ask Fairy Jiang questions and speak with her one-on-one!


    However, no one dared to hastily raise their hand; this was an extremely precious opportunity! If they were to casually ask a pointless question, they would draw the disdain of the crowd and fail to leave an impression on Jiang Fairy.


    The most important thing was that the question they asked couldn''t be too difficult. This was Jiang Yuebai''s first lecture. Wouldn''t her image be damaged if she couldn''t answer the first question she was asked?


    They had to ask a unique, intelligent, and simple yet meaningful question!


    As the crowd fell silent for a moment, a handsome young man at the back of the crowd raised his hand high with a smile.


    When Jiang Yuebai saw who that disciple was, she wore an enchanting smile like that of a fairy.


    Jiang Yuebai pointed to that disciple and asked, "Fellow disciple, what''s your question?"


    Chu Liang stood up and asked loudly, "Senior Sister Jiang, I''d like to ask about what would happen once you''ve already achieved Perfect Qi Cirction. ording to the theory you''ve presented, would you be able to continue raising your cultivation advancement rate? Or is the advancement rate that you acquire upon achieving Perfect Qi Cirction the limit?"


    The crowd broke into an uproar. Almost everyone rolled their eyes condescendingly at Chu Liang.


    <i>What kind of bullshit question is that?</i>


    <i>You''re just a disciple who is merely at the third realm and may not even ever get close to achieving Perfect Qi Cirction in your lifetime. Yet, you''re asking about what happens after achieving Perfect Qi Cirction?</i>


    <i>You''re obviously just dreaming.</i>


    <i>What a waste of Senior Sister Jiang''s time and our precious opportunity to ask questions. How irritating.</i>


    Nevertheless, Jiang Yuebai didn''t treat Chu Liang''s words as merely an unrealistic dream. She thought about it carefully before answering.


    "I was in the state of Perfect Qi Cirction for just a short period. Moreover, I can''t achieve this state all the time, so I don''t have a deep understanding of it," Jiang Yuebai said slowly. "But I surmise that it''s probably impossible to continue raising your cultivation advancement rate. Achieving the state of Perfect Qi Cirction means that your foundational qi has already perfectly filled every meridian and acupoint of the qi-cirction route. So, you wouldn''t have enough room in your body to continue raising your cultivation advancement rate like that."


    "But..." Chu Liang began whilst in thought. "What if we consider the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon as the overflow of the qi-cirction route? If we can use this phenomenon to connect with the world, that would mean there''s unlimited room for growth."


    As he said that, he sent part of his divine sense into the White Pagoda just to observe the Large-Headed Doll. He found that not much was different with the doll, even though it had been in a state of Perfect Qi Cirction for such a long time. The only difference was that it kept emitting more and more smoke!


    The rising clouds of smoke were actually a third-realm phenomenon. Chu Liang hadn''t paid much attention to it before, but looking at it now, he realized it was bing a much more powerful phenomenon!


    Nheless, Chu Liang''s response had angered the crowd around him again.


    <i>This kid actually dares to question Fairy Jiang?</i>


    <i>I don''t know what you were talking about, but you should be taking it as a great kindness and honor that Fairy Jiang even bothered to answer your question. How dare you question her? Her good intentions are wasted on you!</i>


    Yet, they saw Jiang Yuebai nod soon after.


    "What you said makes a lot of sense!" Jiang Yuebai''s eyes lit up. "We''ve always thought of the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon as an indication of an achievement and that it has no practical purpose. However, if we think about it in the way you suggested, the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon would be a transitional realm between the mortal world and the heavens¡ªa manifestation of the union between the heavens and mortals!"


    "That''s it! It''s a union between the heavens and mortals! The perfect state is actually the beginning of the link between a cultivator''s Sea of Qi and the heavens and the earth!"


    Chu Liang was awestruck by what Jiang Yuebai said. He finally understood what that mystical feeling was¡ªthe one he had experienced when Xue Lingxue yed the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves." That was the feeling of connecting with the heavens and the earth!


    As their discussion reached this point, Chu Liang''s eyes lit up brightly. Jiang Yuebai seemed rather excited too.


    Everyone had always thought that the state of Perfect Qi Cirction was a limit¡ªan indication that a cultivator had reached the peak of their cultivation. However, if they thought of the perfect state as an overflow that connected with the heavens and the earth, then it wasn''t a limit but a starting point for much more.


    It was like thinking the sky was the limit and then discovering the endlessly vastnds of immortals above the sky. This was such an overwhelming feeling of vastness that would send people reeling!


    The people in the crowd felt a little dumbfounded as they listened to Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai''s conversation.


    <i>What are they talking about? Why are they getting more and more excited?</i>


    <i>Don''t we all use the same technique? Why does it seem like they''re talking about something unimaginable? I understand every word they''re saying, but their conversation is kind of hard toprehend as a whole...</i>


    There were currently several thousand people on Azure Falling Peak. Yet, it seemed more like there were only two people¡ªjust Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. There was a barrier called intelligence that kept the irrelevant people out of their conversation.


    Jiang Yuebai muttered to herself, "I just don''t know if the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon wille after the Perfect Qi Cirction and continue to increase in power. If it does, then it would prove that our conjecture is right!"


    Chu Liang gave an extremely natural, confident, and smooth reply, "It will."

 Chapter 163: Who Is This Nobody?

    <h4>Chapter 163: Who Is This Nobody?</h4>


    The disciples of Mount Shu around the area couldn''t sit still after hearing these words.


    <i>Even though I don''t know what you guys are talking about, this kid seems to be acting a bit too much!</i>


    <i>How can you talk about achieving Perfect Qi Cirction so casually, as if it was as easy as drinking soup? Senior Sister Jiang had truly achieved the state of Perfect Qi Cirction at the fourth realm, which was an unparalleled achievement! Why are you, a Third Realm cultivator, pretending to be a big shot here? </i>


    <i>Even if it''s to gain Sister Jiang''s attention, isn''t this a bit too much?</i>


    In an instant, someone sarcastically remarked, "Since you''re so skilled, you must have achieved Perfect Qi Cirction as well, right?"


    Immediately, a chorus of mockingughter erupted below in agreement.


    Chu Liang felt somewhat powerless in this situation. His response came almost instinctively, as he had contemted it while observing his Large-Headed Doll emitting smoke. He was not lying, but there was no way for him to prove it to the people present.


    With a subtle smile, Chu Liang raised his arm and responded, "I was fortunate enough to briefly reach the state of Perfect Qi Cirction with the assistance of Miss Xue from the Southern Melody Conservatory, through her Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves. As a result, I''ve gained some modest insights. However, I''m sure the senior brothers are far more knowledgeable on the subject. I humbly invite them to correct me if I''ve misspoken."


    His words hung in the air, causing a momentary silence that caught everyone off guard.


    <i>Oh, so you really achieved the state of Perfect Qi Cirction at the third realm.</i>


    <i>Then it''s fine. Feel free to enlighten us as well...</i>


    Everyone present would know the Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves. Indeed, some might even have had the opportunity to listen to this melody before.


    To have Xue Lingxue of the Southern Melody Pavilion personally y thisposition and assist in one''s cultivation... That was a privilege not easily attained by just anyone.


    Such treatment was certainly not something experienced casually by most cultivators.


    Even if they had received the same treatment, it would have been unlikely for more than ten individuals present to attain the state of Perfect Qi Cirction. Even if they had assistance from others, they needed a profound understanding of the cultivation technique. This was a key point well aware by everyone present.


    Upon deeper contemtion, the question naturally arose: What kind of rtionship did he have with Miss Xue to warrant such special treatment? One wouldn''t even dare to think about the possibilities.


    A group of male disciples red at Chu Liang, their frustration palpable as their teeth gritted in resentment. To them, the notion that a junior disciple at the third realm of cultivation could have such an experience felt more intolerable than facing death itself.


    Furthermore, he had been publicly exchanging encrypted messages with Senior Sister Jiang, understood only by the two of them. It was like having a private conversation in front of everyone, which was simply infuriating to the extreme!


    But when Jiang Yuebai heard him say that, it seemed like she remembered something. She snapped out of her contemtive state and nodded gently.


    "You asked a very good question. I will delve into itter. Thank you, junior brother, please have a seat for now," she said calmly.


    "...Okay," Chu Liang replied.


    "Any other questions?" Jiang Yuebai looked around and asked.


    Just as the crowd was eager to ask more questions, someone in the front raised their hand high into the air. Upon seeing this, everyone abandoned the idea of asking any further questions.


    Because the individual who had raised their hand was Xu Ziyang, the eldest senior brother of Jade Sword Peak, who held a prestigious status within Mount Shu.


    <i>Who would dare topete with him?</i>


    "Please," said Jiang Yuebai.


    With sharp eyebrows and sparkling eyes, Xu Ziyang stood up abruptly. The entire ce fell silent, as his presence resembled that of a sharp sword.


    "You mentioned a special constitution isn''t needed to achieve the Perfect Qi Cirction, and there should be seniors who are able to confirm this. But..." Xu Ziyang furrowed his brow and continued "I have tried executing the cultivation technique after the consumption of cultivation-enhancing pills. I felt like I reached the pinnacle, but I still couldn''t attain that..."


    Most people would feel embarrassed to ask that same question.


    The reason was simple. If an ordinary disciple were to ask... "You imed that anyone with an ordinary constitution would be able to attain that state, but why can''t I?" Everyone would certainly refute and believe that the questioner had intentionally asked this question to cause a scene. They would say that the questionercked talent for cultivation and should reflect on himself instead of ming it on his own ordinary constitution.


    If the factor of the Transcendent Spirit constitution wasn''t taken into consideration, everyone would agree that Xu Ziyang should be the most talented cultivator.


    He was truly a genius.


    If Xu Ziyang couldn''t achieve it even when he had consumed cultivation-enhancing pills, no one else would have been able to achieve this.


    "<i>Mmm...</i>" Jiang Yuebai pondered for a moment.


    This was not an easy question.


    She couldn''t argue that Xu Ziyang wasn''t strong enough, considering that many others hadn''t achieved the state of Perfect Qi Cirction either. With each person having different reasons, it was challenging for her to exin the unique circumstances of each individual.


    And at this moment...


    A voice echoed in Xu Ziyang''s ears.


    "Are you a fool?!," it was the voice of his teacher, Wang Xuanling, that wasing from somewhere unknown, and only Xu Ziyang could hear it. The voice continued, "You''re making things difficult for the girl! How do you expect her to respond?"


    Xu Ziyang''s eyes shed with a hint of surprise as he responded, "Esteemed Teacher, didn''t you instruct me to ask questions?"


    Wang Xuanling responded, "I told you to ask questions so that you can interact with her. Maybe you and her will get to know each other, and perhaps be friends in the future. But what are you doing? Making it difficult for her?"


    Wang Xuanling felt exasperated. He couldn''t help but think that this disciple of his was even more dense than a rock.


    From Wang Xuanling''s point of view, this disciple of his excelled in many aspects and even bore a resemnce to himself in numerous ways. However, when it came to emotional intelligence, he was nothing short of a disaster.


    Wang Xuanling had observed the scene for a while and urged Xu Ziyang to ask questions, hoping that Xu Ziyang would leave a good impression on Jiang Yuebai. However, Wang Xuanling never expected that the moment Xu Ziyang spoke, he would ruin the atmosphere and leave Jiang Yuebai with no chance of salvaging her reputation.


    Although Jiang Yuebai was indeed thinking about the question seriously, the situation seemed to be in a deadlock.


    And so, Wang Xuanling decided that if necessary, he would intervene to help alleviate the situation for Jiang Yuebai. There were certain things that Jiang Yuebai would never be able to say to Xu Ziliang. However, as Xu Ziyang''s teacher, it would be eptable for Wang Xuanling to publicly acknowledge that his disciple''s cultivation level was not up to par.


    As the awkward atmosphere continued to intensify, a clear voice suddenly rang out from the back of the crowd.


    "It should be due to insufficient enhancement."


    In this moment of utter silence, the voice instantly captured everyone''s attention. When people turned to look, they discovered it was the same disciple who had asked a question earlier!


    <i>Why is he standing up again? </i>Everyone wondered.


    <i>Haaa. </i>The truth was that Chu Liang was also sighing. He truly felt reluctant to stand out in this manner as he knew that his behavior would have irked so many people. Nevertheless, he couldn''t bear to witness Senior Sister Jiang in such a predicament and not take any action,


    It just so happened that he had researched this particr question.


    Following the cultivation-enhancement effect he experienced with the help of Xu Lingxue at South Gate City, he returned home still feeling unsatisfied.


    At that time, he had spent a considerable amount of money to purchase pills that could enhance the cirction of foundational qi. However, he found it ineffective. Later on, he discovered the reason after some research.


    "To achieve the state of Perfect Qi Cirction, it''s not just about enhancing the flow of foundational qi; it requires aplete empowerment in essence, energy, and spirit, all merging into one," Chu Liang exined. "Improving the flow of foundational qi alone isn''t enough to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction. It also meant that you would have to enhance the essence, qi, and spirit."


    This was the knowledge he had gained from previous attempts.


    After the failed attempt, Chu Liang realized that simply enhancing the flow of foundational qi wasn''t enough to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction. With Xue Lingxue''s Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves, he seeded and this was because the melody not only elerated the flow of foundational qi but also boosted his essence, spirit, and other attributes like fighting spirit and vitality.


    Jiang Yuebai''s constitution of the Transcendent Spirit had likely achieved the same effects.


    While achieving such holistic empowerment through other methods might pose challenges, there must be a way, considering that predecessors who achieved it must have had their means. At least, that''s what Chu Liang suspected.


    Xu Ziliang''s failure demonstrated that achieving Perfect Qi Cirction couldn''t be aplished solely by relying on one''s own strength.


    Regardless, when it came to disciples with pure cultivation talent, Xu Ziyang stood at the peak. He gave up in the end because it was indeed challenging to achieve that state. Moreover, the cost was too high, even if it could be attained eventually, this was not a sustainable method.


    With the Large-Headed Doll handling the heavy work, Chu Liang didn''t need to exert so much effort himself to achieve this. This exemplified the principle that if one couldn''t be promoted to lead the team, they would have to work themselves to death.


    Upon hearing these words, Jiang Yuebai once again wore a thoughtful expression. She felt puzzled, understanding that Chu Liang wasn''t speaking without reason but was instead hitting the mark.


    Chu Liang asserted that he had only had Xue Lingxue y the qin once, briefly entering the state of Perfect Qi Cirction. However, given his profound understanding of this state, it didn''t seem as brief as he imed it to be.


    And so, Jiang Yuebai began to doubt the number of times Chu Liang had listened to the qin and attempted to achieve this state.


    Xu Ziyang also turned around and looked at Chu Liang with a contemtive gaze.


    He didn''t carry any sense of pride in his status; rather, he found Chu Liang''s words reasonable and wanted to ask one more question.


    "Are you saying that the key is to achieve a holistic empowerment of essence, energy, and spirit?" he asked.


    "Not necessarily. This requires a thorough understanding and mastery of the cultivation technique. If someone fullyprehends and masters the technique and achieves holistic empowerment, sess should follow," Chu Liang replied.


    Xu Ziyang pondered for a moment before nodding, "I''ll give it a try. Thank you."


    "You''re wee," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    After helping Jiang Yuebai out of the predicament, he elegantly took his seat.


    The crowd around him stared with excitement and astonishment.


    <i>Did I hear correctly just now? Was he teaching Senior Brother Xu?</i>


    <i>After teaching Fairy Jiang, he went on to teach Senior Brother Xu.</i>


    <i>Do the two strongest geniuses of Mount Shu fall shortpared to him?</i>


    <i>Oh, my heavens.</i>


    <i>Who is this nobody at the third realm, anyway?</i>


    In that moment of widespread astonishment, dark clouds silently gathered around the Azure Falling Peak.


    Suddenly, it started raining and the rain turned out to be golden in color.

 Chapter 164: Black Whale Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 164: ck Whale Mountain</h4>


    In a gloomy room, a shadowy figure sat upright with their brows furrowed.


    A figure in white robes could be seen right across the shadowy figure. There was a serious expression on his face, devoiding any hint of a smile.


    He was using the Immortal Art: Roaming the World.


    It was clear that he had crossed vast distances through divine arts and celestial methods to meet the shadowy figure.


    "Jiang Yuebai is not the only one of Mount Shu who has achieved Perfect Qi Cirction. There was another third-realm disciple who stood out." The white-d figure spoke with a deep tone, remarking, "The Mount Shu Sect is still nurturing talented youngsters, proving that this sect is still destined for great things."


    "<i>Heh?</i>" The shadowy figure sneered and said, "The Mount Shu Sect is like a centipede that will never really die. With the size of the Mount Shu Sect, they are bound to nurture a few gifted cultivators in every generation. What''s so strange about that? As long as theyck a legendary artifact, they are bound to perish."


    "There are gaps between geniuses as well," the white-d figure said. He paused for a moment before adding, "You may not understand, but the reality is that geniuses who are able to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction are extraordinary."


    "You..." the shadowy figure was somewhat irritated but he couldn''te up with a sound argument. In the end, he could only express his indignation. "I admit that your cultivation level is higher than mine. If not, you wouldn''t have been selected to infiltrate the Mount Shu Sect back then."


    Upon hearing this, the white-d figure''s expression turned grim.


    The two then stopped talking for a while.


    After a brief pause, the shadowy figure finally spoke up, saying, "Come on. Don''t be upset."


    "<i>Hmph</i>," the white-d figure snorted coldly.


    "I understand your concerns. You fear that the Mount Shu Sect still possesses formidable luck and a destined path for greatness. You are worried that our n will go wrong. But rest assured, our intention isn''t to deliver a fatal blow. Instead, we aim to gradually diminish their strength and good fortune. We''ll start by targeting and eliminating their exceptionally talented disciples, then strip away their status within the Divine Nine. Over time, their influence in the world will wane."


    "I cannot intervene again," the white-d figure dered in a decisive voice.


    "Naturally, I won''t allow you to intervene; it''s too risky on Mount Shu," the shadowy figure responded. "Your task is to keep a close eye on these exceptional disciples. If any of them decides to leave Mount Shu, promptly report the news to me. I will then arrange for someone to intercept and eliminate them."


    The shadowy figure continued saying firmly, "Since the Mount Shu Sect prefers sending their disciples out to gain experience, we''ll ensure they face the repercussions of venturing into the world." As he spoke, he gestured his right hand with determination.


    "Handle it with caution," the figure dressed in the white robes instructed.


    "You don''t have to worry when I am the one handling it," the shadowy figure said with a smile. "Take that disciple at the third realm as an example. I will hire cultivators at the fifth realm or sixth realm to kill him. We won''t fail."


    "When I urged you to be careful, I wasn''t talking about the possibility of failure. How could the assassination of a cultivator at the third realm fail?" The figure in the white robes remarked. "What I meant was for you to be meticulous in your actions and ensure that no information slips through. Since the descent of the True Dragon, Old Man Sikong has been rtively idle. I''ve heard that he attempted to read the fate of Mount Shu several times. If I didn''t have an artifact that could hide my presence from divination, I would have been exposed for what I have done."


    "I understand," the shadowy figure nodded and said, "We will make bold moves on the day of the Mount Shu Summit, which is happening soon. Until then, I will be very careful with every move I make."


    "That''s good," the white-d figure said. "By the way, I heard there''s some unusual activity with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. If you decide to take action, it''s best to bring a legendary artifact. Otherwise, I fear there might be changes."


    "Big bro, you are asking me to bring one of the most renowned legendary artifacts in the world. It''s not some cabbage I can pick up from the fields..." the shadowy figure revealed a hint of pain in his voice as he spoke. "If you want the Dark King Sect to bring the True Body of Ksitigarbha, it wille at a different cost!"


    "<i>Heh</i>, I don''t care," the person in white robes shook his head. "That''s something you need to figure out. Anyway, I''ve given you the information. The way you handle it has nothing to do with me."


    "You..." The shadowy figure was once again left speechless.


    The white-d figure waved his sleeves, and his illusionary figure vanished with a whoosh.


    Somewhere a thousand li away on Mount Shu...


    A white-d figure sitting cross-legged suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a radiant gleam within their gaze.


    ...


    The ck Whale Mountain.


    In the local Li tribe, there was a legend about the origin of this mountain.


    A long time ago, this ce was originally a tnd, located close to the East Sea. The hardworking and courageous Li tribe people lived by the sea. They were cheerful and hospitable people with tanned skin, making a living as fishermen.


    However, one day, a terrifying demonic creature, a ck Devil Whale, emerged from the sea. It roamed the ocean like an ind, ferocious and dreadful, frequently attacking fishing boats and devouring everyone on board.


    Due to the presence of the ck Devil Whale, the Li tribe people could no longer find food in the sea, and during that era, they were almost left with no options.


    At this critical moment, a mighty giant wanderer arrived at this ce, and his name was Fang Yi.


    Upon hearing about the tragic plight of the Li tribe people, he decided to help them. However, the ck Devil Whale was almost invincible in the vast sea, and no one could defeat it.


    And so, Fang Yi went to the Southern Regions to cut a branch from the ancient tree on the Azure Falling Peak. He then went to the Western Regions and killed a flood dragon to harvest its tendon. After that, he went to the Northern Regions and located the best artificer[1] in the world. With these materials, the artificer forged an exceptional fishing rod of unparalleled quality for the mortal realm.


    Fang Yi had indeed nned to lure the ck Devil Whale onto the shore.


    Nevertheless, even with the fishing rod ready, there was still a need for bait.


    Luo Sha, the most beautiful and melodious singer of the Li tribe, stepped forward willingly, volunteering to be the bait in the sea.


    So the next day, Luo Sha sailed out to sea on a small boat. Standing at the bow, she sang loudly, and indeed, her beautiful voice attracted the ck Devil Whale.


    This terrifying giant beast immediately swallowed Luo Sha in one gulp, only to be caught by the fish hook entwined on her.


    The giant Fang Yi began to exert all his strength to drag the fishing rod. After three days and three nights of struggle, he finally pulled the ck Devil Whale onto the shore.


    Once the fierce ck Devil Whale was out of the water, it could no longer unleash its ferocity. While Fang Yi kept it under control, the Li tribe people rushed forward and killed the ck Devil Whale on the shore.


    Its carcass transformed into this mountainter on.


    To this day, atop ck Whale Mountain stood a giant statue, and below the giant statue was a woman singing with all her might.


    This was what the Li tribe people crafted tomemorate the giant Fang Yi and Luo Sha.


    ...


    "This legend..."


    Chu Liang pondered after hearing it.


    In this world, any legend should not be taken lightly because it might very well be true. He nervously tapped on the ck rocky ground beneath his feet as he wondered if this mountain would suddenlye to life.


    In front of him stood the towering giant statue that looked vivid and full of heroic spirit.


    "Forget about the legends for now..." Lin Bei, standing beside him, said as he admired the Big Head ying with the ck rocks on the side, "Can''t you lend me a ride on this big guyter?"


    "No," Chu Liang refused without any hesitation. "I can already guess without thinking that you want to use it for something. Are you nning to pretend to be some aristocrat or a genius cultivator from Mount Shu to deceive naive girls?"


    "How can you see through me like that, bro!" Lin Bei protested indignantly. "You''re way too urate, aren''t you?"


    Chu Liang: "..."


    "<i>Haaa.</i>" Lin Bei shook his head and sighed again. "You took the spotlight at Sister Jiang''s lecture, and now the junior sisters at Mount Shu probably all admire you. You won''t have any worries in the future. But as for me, I still don''t have my future secured. Can you bear to see me lonely every day?"


    "I can''t bear it." Chu Liang said, "Didn''t I advise you to cut off the root of the problem long ago?"


    "<i>Uh...</i>" Lin Bei resisted, arguing, "I can remove the grass, but cutting the root is out of the question."


    "If you''re doing something legitimate, I''ll definitely help you. But if you''re going to deceive people for pleasure, how can I help you?" Chu Liang said as he patted Lin Bei on the shoulder. "Stop thinking about these crooked ways. Let''s go find the spirit herb."


    Lin Bei hummed twice, shrugged helplessly, and then led the way forward.


    After passing two statues and walking quite a distance, they arrived at a narrow path within the towering mountain wall. The ce was covered with trees and hidden by weeds, making it almost impossible to see. Looking up, there was a vast mountain wall, with only a faint line indicating the expansive sky.


    "How did you even discover such a small path?" Chu Liangughed. "How did you manage that?"


    "Don''t mention it. At that time, I got separated by ident and was chased relentlessly by a water demon. I couldn''t fly into the sky as it would notice me. So, in my panic, I dodged and hid under this cliff. I thought I was about to be cornered... but unexpectedly, I found this crack here," Lin Bei recounted.


    "Weren''t you talking about a thrilling battle with the water demon?" Chu Liang recalled what Lin Bei said earlier.


    "It did scare me to death!" Lin Bei said with a confident expression.


    It turned out that this thrilling battle was more of a one-sided thrilling experience.


    Since Chu Liang still needed to rely on his brother to locate the spirit herb, he didn''t dare to delve too deeply into the matter. Otherwise, it would be quite embarrassing.


    This journey proved challenging for the Big Head. The crack in the mountain was just wide enough for its body, forcing it to squeeze through the entire way. As they finally emerged from this narrow opening, the surroundings suddenly brightened, unveiling a vast mountain valley adorned with exotic flowers and nts that filled the air with fragrance!


    The path was narrow, allowing only one person to pass through at a time.


    After taking a dozen or so steps, the space suddenly broadened.


    1. Artificers are inventors and craftspeople. ?

 Chapter 165: Old Ape

    <h4>Chapter 165: Old Ape</h4>


    There were butterflies fluttering in the breeze and an abundance of peculiarly shaped flowers and nts in the colorful valley. Spirit nts rarely found elsewhere could be seen at every couple of steps.


    "So, this area truly is filled with a high concentration of spiritual qi," Chu Liang remarked.


    He realized that Lin Bei hadn''t exaggerated. There were indeed treasures of nature all over this ce. However, most of them were seedlings that needed a few hundred years to a thousand years to mature. The rest were dead, either from withering naturally or getting plucked.


    "The treasure-guarding demonic beast here is an old ape that''s very powerful, so be careful," Lin Bei warned prudently.


    These treasures of nature were growing in a remote location, so demonic beasts would find them long before any cultivator could. Nevertheless, the demonic beasts often did not consume the spirit nts immediately because the nts hadn''t matured yet or the demonic beasts were still waiting for the right moment to make a breakthrough in their cultivation.


    During this interim period, the demonic beasts that found the treasures of nature first would attack any other demonic beast or human who found the treasurester. This was why such demonic beasts were referred to as treasure-guarding demonic beasts.


    Nheless, it wasn''t like those treasure-guarding demonic beasts had nted the spirit nts, and the spirit nts didn''t need the demonic beasts'' protection to mature. The treasure-guarding demonic beasts were basically like people who imed "finders, keepers" after spotting money that someone else had dropped.


    Money that had been dropped could be picked up straight away; they didn''t need to be concerned about someone else chancing upon it and making the same im. However, the matter at hand was regarding spirit nts that were still growing in the earth. How could someone im ownership of it?


    Chu Liang nodded. "<i>Mm.</i>"


    He activated his divine sense and spread it out, vigntly keeping an eye on his surroundings.


    When the Golden-Furred Hou entered this fragrant Valley of Spiritual nts, it was immediately entranced. The Hou''s big head turned to the left and right, sniffing intensely for something tasty to gobble up.


    Chu Liang admonished the Hou, "Do not harm these immature spirit nts. You can eat whatever you like when we return to Mount Shu."


    He was only thinking of taking away the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower.


    "This was where I fell from. When Inded, I saw a Fiery Lingzhi right in front of me," Lin Bei said. Then he pointed to the right and added, "That Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower should be over there."


    Lin Bei then led Chu Liang a few steps in that direction. Up ahead was a boulder, and behind it was an eye-catching flower with long, narrow green leaves and stunning scarlet petals.


    Facing the sunlight, the flowers'' stamens and pistils glimmered with a golden light as if swallowing the sun''s radiance.


    "This is an indication that the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower has matured..."


    Chu Liang''s heart skipped a beat. He could gather enough ingredients to make two high-tier Golden Cores from this one spirit nt.


    "The Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower grows by absorbing the sun''s energy. Additionally, the nt contains the spiritual qi of metal spirits. Whenever someone tries to pick the flower part of the nt, the nt''s eight incredibly sharp sword-like leaves will close automatically," Chu Liang recited from memory the key points from his research on how to pick the flower.


    He continued, "To pick this treasure of nature, a long object must first be used to trick the nt into closing its sword-like leaves. Then to acquire an intact Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower, the entire nt has to be uprooted."


    These treasures of nature were inedible nts that had defense mechanisms. Those who did not handle them properly might get hurt in the picking process. In the case of the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower, many people all throughout history had lost their hands when they recklessly tried to pick it.


    Chu Liang continued walking forward and was about to reach that boulder. However, he suddenly heard a whoosh as a gust of wind blew down from overhead!


    <i>It''sing from above!</i>


    Chu Liang looked up and saw numerous vines hanging off the precipitous and barren mountain wall. Swinging down on one of those vines was a huge White Ape that was more than one zhang tall! And it was pouncing toward Chu Liang!


    The White Ape had likely spotted Chu Liang and Lin Bei entering the area with the formidable Golden-Furred Hou quite a while back. It had held off on attacking, lying in wait for this opportune moment tounch a surprise attack.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang wasn''t caught off guard; his vignce paid off. Even when sess was within his reach, he had not retracted his divine sense even in the slightest.


    "Golden-Furred Hou!" Chu Liang yelled.


    He stepped back and made a gesture, signaling for the Hou to attack.


    Judging from the White Ape''s aura, it was probably at the pinnacle of the fourth realm.


    This extremely ferocious ape was approaching Chu Liang with a mighty momentum. It wouldn''t be a good idea to face the ape alone.


    Nevertheless, none of that bothered the Golden-Furred Hou. Even before Chu Liang called for it, the Hou had already noticed the iing White Ape.


    The Hou unleashed a fierce roar that shook the mountains and fields. It charged toward the ape, moving so swiftly that it appeared as a gust of golden wind!


    <i>Whaaam.</i>


    The white figure and the golden figure mmed against each other like twos colliding! The dull sound of two massive bodies mming against each other resounded through the area!


    "<i>Raaaaar!</i>"


    Unexpectedly, the Golden-Furred Hou was the one that was sent flying backward by the impact of the collision!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The Hou crashed into the ground, plowing a deep ditch in the earth. The impact of the collision continued to push the Hou across the ground until a small hill of soil had formed, putting a stop to its momentum.


    Fortunately, the Hou''s greatest strength was its tough body. It wasn''t injured at all. The Hou rolled back onto its feet, ready to attack again with an intense bloodthirst!


    The White Ape calmlynded on top of the boulder opposite the Hou.


    Despite being a demonic beast, the ape wore a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. It had a strong and muscr physique with arms that looked like young coiling dragons, making for a very intimidating appearance.


    The ape took on a stance where it had one hand extending outward, with its palm facing the Golden-Furred Hou. After holding this pose for a while without anything happening, the ape took on a more rxed posture.


    "I don''t know which sect you disciples are from, but this valley is my home. So, leave now!" the White Ape shouted.


    "Senior, we currently require a Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower. If you would be so kind as to let us have it, we will leave. We won''t tell anyone else about the treasures of nature that are growing here," Chu Liang replied.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The White Ape flung his hand out dismissively. "Dream on."


    Chu Liang pursed his lips.


    "Just because we''re being polite, you''re truly treating these treasures of nature as vegetables you nted in your garden!" Lin Bei rebuked. "We''re treating you with too much respect!"


    Chu Liang nodded silently.


    It was as though Lin Bei had taken the words right out of Chu Liang''s mind.


    "<i>Raaaaaar!</i>"


    With a loud roar, the Golden-Furred Hou charged out once more, causing the earth to quake and the mountains to shake!


    The old ape''s gaze turned fierce. Taking on a fighting stance, the ape raised its hands and extended one hand as a fist, leaving the other open with the palm facing outward. Seeing the iing Golden-Furred Hou, the ape pivoted, defending and attacking simultaneously.


    <i>Wham.</i>


    The massive Golden-Furred Hou was once again sent flying. It crashed onto the ground and rolled over three times beforeing to a stop.


    Chu Liang was astonished.


    This White Ape could only be at the pinnacle of the fourth realm at most. Its cultivation level and skills should be worlds apartpared to those of a fifth-realm spirit beast, yet it had managed to withstand and counter the Golden-Furred Hou''s charge. This was because the ape had fought using the leverage principle, redirecting the force of its opponent''s attack to work in its favor.


    <i>Could the White Ape be a martial arts master?!</i>


    Nheless, the Golden-Furred Hou absolutely refused to admit defeat, especially since the White Ape''s heavy punches hadn''t actually caused any damage due to the Hou''s strong defenses. The Hou turned over and got back on its feet, preparing to attack again!


    The White Ape leaped up and dodged the Hou''s charge. Then the apeunched a flying kick, smashing its foot into the Golden-Furred Hou''s head with a whip-like motion!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    The Golden-Furred Hou was a terrifyingly powerful spirit beast, but the White Ape had been born as a demonic beast, so there was no doubt that it was incredibly strong as well. Chu Liang''s Power of Ten Tigers couldn''t even bepared to the White Ape''s prowess.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei grimaced at the thunderous sound of the White Ape''s foot smashing into the Hou''s head. If they were dealt such a blow, their heads would probably explode on the spot.


    The White Ape''s speed and strength were inferior to that of the Golden-Furred Hou, but its martial arts skills far surpassed thebat ability of the Hou. When the two beasts collided earlier, the ape had held the upper hand!


    However, the Golden-Furred Hou''s body had amazing defensive qualities. The Hou turned over and got back on its feet again. It shook its head, totally unfazed by the heavy blow it had just received.


    The Hou''s heavy head weighed 500 jin[1], but at least 400 jin of that was its natural armor!


    <i>Wham! Wham! Wham!</i>


    The two beasts collided violently over and over more than ten times, causing an unending string of thunderous noises to echo through the valley. Their fight sent dust flying all over and destroyed countless nts. Luckily, none of those were precious spirit nts.


    Both beasts emitted a terrifyingly intense murderous aura that rose toward the sky. This was a purely physical confrontation; it was primal and violent!


    During the battle, the White Ape demonstrated many martial arts moves. It was a demonic beast, so it was expected that the ape would possess tremendous strength that could easily split rock and cut into a mountain. The surprising thing was that the ape''s martial arts abilities were very unusual. It was executing martial arts techniques brilliantly and masterfully.


    Chu Liang had no idea where a mere demonic beast could have learned master-level martial arts techniques.


    Nevertheless, the Golden-Furred Hou was no pushover. Even after enduring so many punches and kicks, the Hou was still full of fighting spirit and even fiercer than before! It seemed like an indestructible guardian deity!


    As the battle dragged on, the White Ape was the first to show signs of fatigue.


    Noticing this, Chu Liang yelled, "Stop!"


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''smand, the Golden-Furred Hou stopped in its tracks and turned its huge head toward Chu Liang. "<i>Raawr.</i>"


    The White Ape took a step back, staring at Chu Liang with a dark expression. "What do you mean by this?"


    Chu Liang stepped forward and said loudly, "I can tell that my mount can''t do much to you and that you''re incapable of injuring it as well. It would surely be disadvantageous to you if you were to continue with this fight."


    The White Ape''s gaze turned grave.


    The ape couldn''t help but concede that Chu Liang spoke the truth. Considering the high cultivation levels of the two beasts, it was a given that this battle wasn''t something the two third-realm cultivators could take part in.


    However, the two beasts would eventually be exhausted as the fight dragged on... and it appeared that the White Ape would be the first to do so.


    At that point, Chu Liang''s party of three would have a numerical advantage over the ape.


    "Are you trying to threaten me?" the White Ape asked coldly, refusing to yield.


    "No." Chu Liang shook his head with a small smile. "Since things havee to this, I''d like to suggest that we make a bet."


    "A bet?"


    "This Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower sprouted from the earth here, so logically, it doesn''t belong to either of us," Chu Liang said. "In that case, why don''t we make a bet? Whoever manages to pick the flower barehanded today will own it. What do you say?"


    1. Approx. 250kg or 500 pounds.1 jin is around half a kg/1 pound. ?

 Chapter 166: A Turn of Events

    <h4>Chapter 166: A Turn of Events</h4>


    "Harvesting the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower barehanded..."


    The Old White Ape pondered for a moment, a trace of a cold smile crossing its face.


    Despite its demonic body and resilient flesh, coupled with years of martial arts cultivation, it still didn''t dare to straightforwardly harvest the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower.


    The Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower''s sword-leaves alone could be used to refine formidable artifacts. It was exceptionally sharp! Who would casually attempt to pluck it with bare hands?


    But the Old White Ape was puzzled by Chu Liang''s attitude. If Chu Liang wasn''t confident, why would he say such words?


    Upon reflection, even if there were some divine skills capable of enhancing the physical body, it was undoubtedly not some technique that could be performed by a third-level cultivator like him.


    <i>He was just bluffing! </i>The Old White Ape simply believed that Chu Liang was trying to trick it into plucking the leaf with its bare hands. Once it was hurt, it would not be able to fight the Golden-Furred Hou.


    For a moment, the Old White Ape felt that it had seen through the opponent''s trickery, and a cold smile appeared at the corner of its mouth. "Alright," it responded, "I admit that I cannot harvest the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower barehanded. If you can do it, you can take it with you. If not, leave now."


    The Old White Ape had intended to gain the upper hand with this move, and in its view, this young man definitely would not dare to ept the challenge.


    Yet, Chu Liang, with a slight smile, said, "Alright!"


    Before the words had even settled, he had already stepped forward!


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The Old White Ape''s face, resembling that of a human, showed a hint of confusion.


    Chu Liang ascended arge stone and gazed at the cluster of Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflowers in front of him. The dazzling flowers, as radiant as the sun, were surrounded by several seemingly loosely arranged sword-shaped long leaves.


    Just as Lin Bei and the Old White Ape had directed their attention toward him, he suddenly extended two fingers and grabbed the stem of the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower at a lightning-fast speed!


    <i>Twist!</i>


    The eight long leaves straightened almost simultaneously, transforming into de-like edges and rotating slightly as they closed. Even iron hands would be twisted upon touching them.


    <i>ng!</i>


    But when the sword-leaves wrapped around Chu Liang''s fingers, a metallic ng sounded. The leaves couldn''t close tightly together!


    <i>What? </i>The Old White Ape''s eyes narrowed. It couldn''t believe what it had just seen.


    The fingers of apes and monkeys were incredibly strong, each one robust and powerful. Yet, it couldn''t achieve this with the two of its fingers!


    Upon closer inspection, those sword-leaves had embedded themselves into Chu Liang''s fingers, piercing through his skin and flesh. However, upon reaching his bones, they encountered formidable resistance.


    What could be the reason for this?


    In the perplexed gaze of the Old White Ape, Chu Liang exerted force with his two fingers, breaking and plucking the Dark Sunflower stem. Instantly, scalding liquid flowed out of it.


    "Excuse me," he said as he smiled at the White Ape. Then, hended gracefully on the ground.


    "You..."


    The Old White Ape was unhappy with the oue, but with the Golden-Furred Hou guarding by its side, it couldn''t take any action.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang''s return, Lin Bei approached and asked, "How did you do that?"


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Chu Liang raised his two fingers and gestured, saying, "My fingers are quite extraordinary."


    Back when he was at the Valley of Bewildering Fog, he had strengthened the bones of these two fingers. They were said to be as tough as gold and stone, but this description was merely an estimate of their resilience. With the infusion of spiritual energy, the bones of these two fingers would be even harder than gold and iron.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei didn''t linger around the area. They were constantly keeping an eye out for any sudden moves from the Old White Ape. After they left the valley, they rode on the Golden-Furred Hou and flew away.


    Little did they know that after their departure, the Old White Ape revealed a sinister gaze.


    ...


    After this series of activities, dusk was already approaching.


    The Mount Shu Sect was quite a distance from their current location, and flying back would likely mean traveling well into the night. After a brief discussion, Chu Liang and Lin Bei decided to find a ce to stay for the night and return to Mount Shu early the next morning.


    The area was near Yanzhou City near the East Sea.


    The cities in the Eastern Regions were very different from those in the Southern Regions. Though each city thrived with prosperity, inparison to Taotie City, there were fewer cultivators, and itcked the same bustling atmosphere.


    Thest time Lin Bei was here, he was in a hurry to head back and consume the Fiery Lingzhi, so he didn''t have time to explore. And now, both of them wanted to tour around and check out the scenery of the Eastern Regions.


    However, upon reaching the city gate, they were confronted with a harsh reality.


    "A spirit beast at the fifth realm of cultivation is too fierce," the soldier guarding the city was a martial arts cultivator at the second realm. Despite this, he disyed no fear when facing the Golden-Furred Hou and continued saying, "ording to thews, this creature is not allowed to enter the city."


    To safeguard themon people,rge-scale demonic beasts were typically prohibited from entering cities. Chu Liang and Lin Bei, primarily residing in the Mount Shu Sect and not having owned a mount before, were not very familiar with these rules.


    "<i>Ah...</i>"


    The two were extremely disappointed. It wasn''t feasible to leave the Golden-Furred Hou outside the city on its own, and they couldn''t let its Big Head fly back to Mount Shu alone; they wouldn''t feel at ease on the way.


    As night was approaching, they had no choice but to find an inn outside the city and settle down.


    Sincerge demonic beasts weren''t permitted to enter Misty Waters City, there were naturally inns outside the city that catered specifically to cultivators with suchpanions. The inn they chose had a designated courtyard at the back specifically for amodating these big creatures.


    They tied the Golden-Furred Hou to the courtyard and left it to be taken care of by the dedicated personnel. Chu Liang and Lin Bei then went upstairs to rest.


    After this series of activities, when they finallyy down to sleep, the moon had already reached its zenith.


    However, not long after, a roar echoed! All the demonic beasts in the courtyard were startled!


    Chu Liang instantly woke up; it was the roar of the Golden-Furred Hou!


    He quickly leaped out of the window, only to see that the iron chain around the Golden-Furred Hou''s neck had somehow loosened. The Big Head was now ferociously threatening a small figure, who was sitting on the ground, trembling with fear.


    Beside themy a headless figure and a pool of blood covered the ground


    <i>Oh no!</i>


    At first nce, it seemed like the Golden-Furred Hou had killed someone. However, Chu Liang immediately realized that while it might be fierce towards outsiders, it was not a wild animal. It was a spirit beast!


    With it being a spirit beast, It would never arbitrarily take another person''s life! Something else had happened.


    Chu Liang was not the only one who had gone out to see what was happening. Soon, people from all directions gathered. There were many cultivators in this inn, and a crowd instantly formed.


    Upon seeing more people, the man sitting on the ground quickly mustered his courage and shouted, "This ferocious beast eats people! It''s a man-eating beast! Quickly, go call the officials!"


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    When the man yelled at the Golden-Furred Hou, the creature became even angrier. It opened its mouth and let out a roar that seemed to convey its intention to kill the man on the spot.


    "!" Chu Liang quickly shouted.


    If that person were to die, they would have no way to exin the situation. If the Golden-Furred Hou killed another person in front of everyone, the situation would escte beyond his ability to salvage.


    "What''s going on?" Lin Bei also arrived at his side.


    At this point, nearly all the guests at the inn had emerged. Many were pointing and discussing, while others had gone to report the incident to the authorities. If it weren''t for the recognition of the Golden-Furred Hou''s formidable strength, someone would have likely stepped forward to try to restrain it.


    Regardless of whether it was a spirit beast at the fifth realm or if the owners were disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, ifws were vited, the authorities of the Yu dynasty would not let them off easily.


    In recent years, it was a great taboo for disciples from the sect in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to harm ordinary people!


    Chu Liang was also unaware of what had happened, but the urgency of the situation demanded immediate action. Without hesitation, he raised his hand, causing a red light to swiftly wrap around the man, binding him securely.


    "Golden-Furred Hou, guard the door!" Chu Liang lifted the man bound by the tortoise-shell bondage method and said, "Let''s find out what exactly happened before the officials arrive!"


    In the courtyard, the various cultivators observed as Chu Liang lifted the man into a room. With the Golden-Furred Hou standing guard, no one dared to utter a word of usation. Many of these cultivators had lower cultivation levels and didn''t dare provoke a fierce spirit beast at the fifth realm.


    "Chu Liang, what are you doing?" Inside the room, Lin Bei was also surprised and confused about everything that had just happened. "Isn''t he the victim?"


    "I believe the Golden-Furred Hou wouldn''t harm people without any reason," Chu Liang stated, his brow furrowing. "Our priority is to quickly determine what happened. If he''s truly a victim, we won''t hesitate to take responsibility, but for now..."


    With a thud, he threw the man to the ground and said coldly, "I will ask the question and you will answer."


    While saying this, he also retrieved a ck candle from his pocket and lit it.


    Lin Bei nced at the tightly bound man before turning his attention to the candle in Chu Liang''s hand. He then nced at the Demon-Binding Rope and at the candle again...


    Lin Bei couldn''t help but feel a chill rising from his spine.


    <i>Has Chu Liang''s cultivation reached such a staggering level that it''s shocking even to me?</i> Lin Bei pondered silently.

 Chapter 167: I Have the Closest Relationship with Him.

    <h4>Chapter 167: I Have the Closest Rtionship with Him.</h4>


    "Here you go."


    While in the room, Lin Bei suddenly took off his belt and handed it to Chu Liang as he said, "Here you go."


    "Why?" Chu Liang was so confused by his actions during this moment of seriousness.


    "Bind him up properly. With the candle lit, I just feel like something is missing if you don''t have a whip," Lin Bei said as he handed over the belt.


    "..." Chu Liang felt so speechless as he stared at the pervert standing before him.


    On the other hand, Lin Bei stared at the pervert holding the candle with a humble expression, indicating his eagerness to learn.


    "I''m not using regr candles..." Chu Liang had no choice but to exin. "This is a Mind-Reflecting Candle that can detect if he''s lying."


    With that said, he ced the ck candle on the table, and the flickering candlelight cast a long shadow of the man against the wall.


    The tanned man, in his thirties or forties and of average height, was currently bound to the ground, his expression filled with panic.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang say that it was a Mind-Reflecting Candle instead of the other kind, the man first heaved a sigh of relief, but then immediately tensed up again, his expression growing nervous.


    "Let me ask you now. Did youe here with the guy who is now dead on the ground? Why did youe here?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I don''t know..." The man replied immediately, shaking his head.


    "You have the right to remain silent," Chu Liang said, "but once the officers arrive, I''ll feed you to the Golden-Furred Hou."


    "No, no, no!" The man panicked upon hearing the words and quickly eximed, "I was just... I was just passing by when I saw that spirit beast devouring people..."


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    Even in the absence of any wind, the light from the Mind-Reflecting Candle suddenly flickered the moment those words were uttered. His shadow on the wall became ethereal and mysterious, lingering for a moment before settling down.


    "I am sure you can tell that the shadows suggest you are lying, right?" responded Chu Liang with a stern expression.


    "We..." The man gritted his teeth and then hesitantly admitted, "We actually came to steal the spirit beast. We saw its value and wanted to..."


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    Once again, the light on the Mind-Reflecting Candle flickered wildly.


    Lin Bei frowned and suggested, "Why not just feed this guy to the Golden-Furred Hou? It''s been hungry all day, and that guy from earlier probably wasn''t enough for it to eat."


    "No, please!" The man instantly pleaded. "My family lineage spans nine generations, and I am the only one from my generation. You can''t kill me because I haven''t had the chance to father an heir yet!"


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    The light from the Mind-Reflecting Candle flickered again.


    "..." Lin Bei sighed and remarked, "Even when you are begging for mercy, you are lying."


    "I didn''t," The man felt embarrassed for a moment before admitting, "It''s just that my neighbor has a son who is actually my child. I usually don''t think about that child... I only have that one child who can''t even take care of me when I am old..."


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    The light from the Mind-Reflecting Candle flickered again.


    "What?" The man was so shocked that he was momentarily speechless. Then, his face paled as he eximed, "Could it be that Widow Lin''s child is also mine? I didn''t expect that at all!"


    <i>Well, you really deserve to die...</i> Chu Liang cursed inwardly.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>You truly are a role model for our generation," said Lin Bei with a sigh.


    "I''ll give you one more chance. Don''t waste my Mind-Reflecting Candle," Chu Liang threatened. "If you give me one more lie, and I''ll feed you to the Golden-Furred Hou without hesitation."


    "I..." The man stammered for a moment before finally conceding, "Fine."


    Only then did he begin to speak the truth.


    It turned out that he and the guy who died were both ruffians and rogues in the Misty Waters City. They would often bully widows and dig up graves, attempting to use various means to make money.


    Some time ago, a wealthy elderly man dressed in luxurious attire approached them, asking for their help to steal a spirit beast.


    Though they were bold, they didn''t dare take on such a job. However, the old man offered them a hefty sum of money, promising an additional half once the task waspleted. He even presented a brocade box as an advance.


    He said that as long as they unchained the Golden-Furred Hou and opened this box, the Golden-Furred Hou would follow them obediently.


    Lured by the promise of money and deeming the task easy, they both agreed. They arrived discreetly at night, and when they unlocked the iron chain, the Golden-Furred Hou didn''t show any hostility, as it detected none from the two guys.


    However, as soon as the brocade box was opened, a sudden burst of white light, resembling the head of a beast, emerged. It swiftly bit down on hispanion''s head, leaving behind a gaping hole on the neck as the white light dissipated!


    Only then did the Golden-Furred Hou let out a roar!


    Naturally, he didn''t dare to admit that he hade to steal the spirit beast after attracting a crowd. With the intention of extorting some money, he imed that it was the Golden-Furred Hou that had bitten hispanion to death.


    The light on the Mind-Reflecting Candle remained still.


    <i>So that was what happened. </i>


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang pondered.<i> Someone is obviously plotting against me. This person must have deduced that these ruffians are the type who would conveniently frame the Golden-Furred Hou if one of theirpanions died.</i>


    Chu Liang quickly blew out the candle. After burning for half a day, the candle had already shrunk to half its original size, which wasn''t much to begin with.


    Regardless of who it was that had plotted against him, he needed to deal with the government officials first. Even though sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were powerful, their influence wouldn''t matter much because a spirit beast taking a human life was a serious issue.


    But now that he knew the truth, he could finally set his mind at ease.


    ...


    When he pushed the door open, he saw the sturdy back of the Golden-Furred Hou.


    He had previously instructed this Big Head to keep an eye on the door, and indeed, it diligently stood guard here. It was indeed a reliable guardian.


    As for the government officials, it turned out that they had arrived long ago.


    The incident of a beast devouring a person was significant, prompting a squad of officials with martial arts skills to swiftly respond to the scene. These officials were likely the soldiers stationed at the city gate, exining their prompt arrival.


    Upon seeing the Golden-Furred Hou at the fifth realm, the group of people surrounding it felt intimidated and were scared to approach.


    In arge city like the Misty Waters City, there were likely numerous experts keeping watch, poised to intervene as the situation unfolded.


    At this moment, Chu Liang stepped forward with a smile and addressed the crowd, "Everyone, the situation has been rified. These two individuals were manipted by criminals to frame our spirit beast. This has nothing to do with us and we are innocent."


    Even after he said that, not a single person showed any sign of relief.


    They had witnessed Chu Liang tying up the victim and bringing him into the room. Then, a candle and a whip were used on him for almost half a day. Afterwards, the victim emerged with a changed statement. From the looks of it, it seemed like coercion.


    A soldier, likely the squad leader, stepped forward and shouted sternly, "Don''t act hastily. Wait for the chief officer and the city supervisor. They will make the judgment on this matter!"


    Despite the Yu Dynasty''s efforts to train numerous cultivators, there remained an insufficient distribution of them in each city. Because of this shortage, the imperial court consistently applied the same approach to cases involving cultivators and eerie supernatural elements.


    They could only deal with such cases afterward.


    Faced with the realities of the world, the best the court could do was to deploy the main force to handle the aftermath of the incident and conduct a thorough investigation with utmost rigor.


    While they may not be able to save lives, they would exert every effort to seek justice for the deceased. Only by doing so could they deter those malicious devils and evil spirits.


    The chief officer was a military officer stationed in Misty Waters City, while the city supervisor was a civil officer, typically someone with a schrly background from major academies.


    Almost as soon as he finished talking, a distant howling wind echoed through the sky.


    The two officials, one from the military and the other from the civil service, arrived together.


    "Which wicked creature dares to cause trouble outside Misty Waters City!" With a loud boom, a burly man with sharp eyebrows and piercing eyesnded heavily. d in armor, he exuded an unmistakably martial presence.


    "A Golden-Furred Hou?" the other person questioned, his expression immediately turning serious as he recognized the creature. He was a middle-aged man with a slender figure, dressed in schrly attire, fair-faced, with a slight beard.


    The chief officer and the city supervisor were both powerful cultivators: the former a martial cultivator at the fifth realm, and thetter a Confucian cultivator at the fifth realm. They were expected to be the strongest personnel in Misty Waters City. If cultivators of higher levels were required, they would have toe from another major city or the capital of Yu.


    Even with thebined strength of the two, capturing a fleeing fifth-realm spirit beast would still be challenging.


    "Gentlemen! Please, hear me out!" Chu Liang spoke loudly to calm them down before reiterating the statements he made earlier.


    "Is that so?" the chief officer said to the city supervisor as he furrowed his brows. He then asked, "Official Du, what are your thoughts about this?"


    The city supervisor surveyed the surroundings and said, "It''s not difficult to verify whether what he said is true or not. The lingering resentment of the deceased hasn''t dispersedpletely; we can check if any lingering grievance has attached itself to this spirit beast."


    "In that case, we''ll have to trouble you to cast the spell, as this rough man doesn''t understand these things," the chief officer chuckled.


    "Leave it to me. Martial arts and Confucianism each have their strengths," the city supervisor surnamed Du said. He then proceeded to praise Chief Officer Li, saying, "Chief Officer Li is renowned for his martial prowess and strategic acumen in the military. He''s not just any rough man."


    "No, no, no," Chief Officer Li shook his head and said, "I am quite rough."


    "..." City Supervisor Du pursed his lips, appearing to be a bit speechless. He turned back and began to form hand seals, then lightly pressed them against the ground.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    A gust of wind, like ripples, swept in and quickly enveloped the entire inn. Threads of soul auras gradually gathered from all directions.


    Chu Liang could see that City Supervisor Du was gathering the scattered souls of the deceased. This technique seemed vaguely simr to the summoning technique used by Shang Shuwen, but it was uniquely designed for soul auras.


    As the resentful soul of the deceased gradually formed, there was not a trace of it attaching to the Golden-Furred Hou. The expression on City Supervisor Du''s face gradually rxed.


    The young man who could afford to keep the Golden-Furred Hou was likely either a disciple of an immortal sect or a scion of a prominent family. Regardless of his background, if it turned out that the Golden-Furred Hou was indeed responsible for the killings, holding the owner of the Golden-Furred Hou ountable would undoubtedly be challenging and could potentially lead to trouble.


    Now that the Golden-Furred Hou''s innocence was proven, they could finally rx.


    With this thought in mind, he turned to Chu Liang and Lin Bei and asked, "Which immortal sect do you two belong to?"


    "We are disciples of Mount Shu," Chu Liang replied. "We have always considered it our duty to eliminate evil entities and uphold justice."


    "Mount Shu?" City Supervisor Du suddenly spoke, "The master of Mount Shu''s Cloud Horizon Peak, Shang Shuwen, was once a fellow ssmate of mine. Do you know him?"


    "<i>Oh,</i>" Chu Liang''s face lit up with joy. "So, you are Senior Uncle Shang''s fellow ssmate... I have the closest rtionship with him!"

 Chapter 168: Burning Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 168: Burning Eyes</h4>


    Among the three conventional schools of thought, the way that the Confucian cultivators passed down their cultivation legacies was quite different from the Buddhist cultivators. Most Confucian disciples were taught in academies, and after a period of study, they would leave the academy. They usually did not belong to a specific sect.


    After leaving the academy, the Confucian disciples would venture out into the world in search of their own paths. There were some disciples who stayed on at the academy to teach, but the rest of the disciples would not keep a connection to the academy. If they had a deep attachment to the academy, they might do some things to contribute to the academy if they became famous and sessful in the future. Aside from that, the Confucian disciples had a high degree of freedom.


    As for Buddhist and Daoist cultivators, it didn''t matter if they left their sects to establish their own sect. However, if they were to join another sect, it was inevitable that they would be seen as a traitor.


    Unexpectedly, City Supervisor Du and Shang Shuwen of the Mount Shu Sect used to be ssmates at an academy.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang mention that he had a close rtionship with Shang Shuwen, City Supervisor Du smiled. "<i>Oh?</i> Is that so?"


    Chu Liang nodded sincerely. "Yes, Senior Uncle Shang has truly helped me a lot with my cultivation journey!"


    Even the Mind-Reflecting Candle would not be able to detect any falsehood in these earnest words!


    As Chu Liang and City Supervisor Du chatted for a while, the resentful soul finished forming. A faint shadow hovered over the body of the deceased. This was just a small part of the soul, and it was devoid of any consciousness. Nheless, if the murderer were present, this resentful soul would attach itself to them.


    Yet, at this moment, the innocent Golden-Furred Hou had nothing on its big head except for a shiny patch of moonlight.


    "It seems that it''s true this spirit beast did notmit the murder. It was probably the work of someone evil or a demon," City Supervisor Du said to Chief Officer Li.


    Chief Officer Li looked at the ruffian and asked sternly, "Who is the mastermind that incited you to do this?"


    The ruffian knelt on the ground and pleaded tearfully, "Sir! I really don''t know!"


    Freed from suspicion, Chu Liang calmed down and added his opinion, "It''s likely that he truly doesn''t know."


    <i>After all, he spoke under the illumination of the Mind-Reflecting Candle earlier. If he knew the identity of the mastermind, he would have already revealed it.</i>


    "You''re disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, so you wouldn''t have any enemies here..." City Supervisor Du frowned as he pondered about the situation. "Do you have anyone you suspect?"


    "I suspect it''s¡ª" Lin Bei was about to name a suspect. However, Chu Liang discreetly tugged at Lin Bei''s clothes, and Lin Bei quickly changed what he was about to say. "I suspect it''s his neighbor."


    Lin Bei pointed at the ruffian and said, "His neighbor is raising his child. If I were the neighbor, I''d want to kill this guy too."[1]


    Chief Officer Li and City Supervisor Du looked at Lin Bei with a baffled expression, thinking that his reasoning was absurd.


    They continued with the investigation for a while more, but they couldn''t find anything amiss. By this time, the sky was getting bright.


    The officials decided to call it a day.


    City Supervisor Du said to Chu Liang, "Feel free toe find me if you encounter any more issues in Misty Waters City."


    As the city supervisor overseeing the cultivators in the city, City Supervisor Du was qualified to say such a thing.


    "Thank you, Senior Uncle Du!" Chu Liang said gratefully, making use of his connections to form a friendly rtionship with the city supervisor.


    "You''re young, but you have a cultured and refined demeanor, and you handle things with great poise and judgment. That''s the nobleman way that we of the Confucian school of thought aspire to," City Supervisor Du praised. "It''s no wonder that Senior Brother Shang likes you."


    "It''s because I''m learning from exemry figures like you and Senior Uncle Shang," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    After seeing off the two officials, Lin Bei asked confusedly, "Why didn''t you let me speak? Didn''t you think of that old ape? It''s the only demonic entity we''ve offended in this region."


    "Well, rather than suspect..." Chu Liang grinned. "I''m almost certain it''s him! Look at this."


    He opened his hand, unexpectedly revealing a strand of white monkey hair to Lin Bei.


    Chu Liang had found this strand of hair earlier. It still retained a hint of spiritual energy. That human-devouring white light had to havee from this strand of hair.


    "That..." Lin Bei began, wanting to ask something.


    However, a confused expression suddenly appeared on his face as he realized that if he were to report the Old White Ape to the authorities, they would undoubtedly rush over to that valley where the ape lived to punish it. The imperial court would certainly want to eliminate a demonic creature that treated humans like weeds. In that case, it meant that all the treasures of nature in the valley would be discovered.


    Seeing as a monster had to be yed, Lin Bei and Chu Liang might as well do it themselves.


    ...


    Earlier...


    Back in that dark room, the white-robed man was sitting opposite the shadowy figure.


    "Did you see it?" the white robed-man asked.


    "You''re right. Chu Liang is indeed in Misty Waters City. I scanned around and found him in an inn on the outskirts of the city," the shadowy figure answered with closed eyes.


    His hands were in the position of a hand seal. He was using what seemed to be a divine skill.


    "What do you see?" the man in white robes said next without much thought.


    The shadowy figure began, "I see him in¡ª"


    Then he suddenly stopped, his expression turning strange. He had a look of surprise and then of disbelief. Then he sighed like he''d suddenly aged decades.


    "What''s wrong?" the white-robed man asked puzzledly.


    "<i>Sheesh...</i>"


    The shadowy figure swiftly deactivated the divine skill, lowered his head, and rubbed his eyes with his hands, seemingly exhausted.


    After a while, he finally squeezed out, "My eyes are burning. What an abominable sight.[2]"


    "What exactly did you see?" the white-robed man said curiously.


    "I saw him in a room binding a man into an appalling position. He was even holding a candle in one hand... Beside him was another man, and this man was taking off his pants..."[3]


    The shadowy figure had an astonished look, unable to continue describing what he''d seen.


    "Young people these days..." The white-robed man now looked just as astonished. "Are you sure he was doing those things with a man?"


    "Yes."


    "All three of them were men...?"


    "Fortunately, I can''t use Heavenly Sight and Hearing for long when using from a great distance away," the shadowy figure said, speaking as if he had just barely narrowly escaped disaster. "I don''t know how long it will take me to forget what I saw in just that one nce."


    The immortal art Heavenly Sight and Hearing allowed the cultivator to extend their senses to any location in the world.


    "Thank goodness I don''t know how to use that immortal art," the man in white robes remarked dly.


    "In any case, we''ve already determined that guy''s whereabouts," the shadowy figure concluded angrily. "I want to get someone to kill him swiftly, make him disappear from this world!"


    The white-robed man regained hisposure and said solemnly, "Oh, there''s one more thing,"


    "What is it?"


    "It appears that Xu Ziyang might have gained some insight from Jiang Yuebai''s lecture, as he achieved Perfect Qi Cirction as well recently and produced the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon."


    "The Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon... suddenly seems asmon and cheap as cabbage," the shadowy figure scoffed coldly with hatred.


    "Additionally..." the white-robed man began. He paused for a moment before revealing, "He had another cultivation phenomenon, but it wasn''t the Sea of Qi Phenomenon; it was the Transformation of Five Qi into Essence Phenomenon."


    "What?!" The shadowy figure was truly shocked this time. "Doesn''t that mean he''s already at the fifth realm?!"


    "That''s right," the white-robed man answered. "Now that the Mount Shu Sect has Jiang Yuebai, with her Transcendent Spirit, and Xu Ziyang, a fifth-realm cultivator, it''s pretty much impossible that they will fall."


    "We must kill those two while they''re still developing their abilities." The shadowy figure gritted his teeth. "I want the Mount Shu Sect to never be able to rise again!"


    1. Lol, the poor neighbor. As if his situation wasn¡¯t bad enough... Now, he¡¯s even being suspected of murder. ?


    2. The original À±ÑÛ¾¦. It means something like ¡°eyes burned by spice¡±, basically illustrating that the thing in question is painfully unbearable to look at. ?


    3. Guess Lin Bei¡¯s title needs to be changed to ¡°Master of Taking Off His Pants.¡± ?

 Chapter 169: A Large Club

    <h4>Chapter 169: A Large Club</h4>


    "Outrageous!"


    As the officials and Chu Liang''s group gathered, other cultivators surrounded them to watch themotion. Among them was a tall old man with sharp features, round eyes, and a keen gaze, quietly observing everything from the shadows.


    This was the human form of that Old White Ape in the valley.


    Having lived in the valley for many years, it considered all the spirit nts in the valley as its own possessions. When Chu Liang took away the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower earlier, it felt intense resentment. It followed silently and made ns to frame Chu Liang for a crime.


    ording to its n, the ideal oue would be framing Chu Liang for the murder. If that wasn''t possible, it just needed to wait until the Golden-Furred Hou was restrained before seeking revenge from the two youngsters. It could obviously reim the treasure of nature.


    However, it hadn''t anticipated that Chu Liang would face this dangerous situation with no fear and swiftly investigated the truth of the matter.


    Then, the city official cleared the Golden-Furred Hou of suspicion in front of everyone.


    It had initially nned to witness the sess of its scheme at the crime scene, only to find that the n hadpletely failed.


    And it then felt nervous.


    Those two young cultivators, upon a moment of contemtion, would likely figure out the mastermind behind this incident, and they mighte back for revenge.


    If it had to deal with this situation alone, it would be difficult.


    With these thoughts in mind, it left in a hurry, walking a considerable distance before revealing its true form. Then, like a swirling white wind, it returned to the ck Whale Mountain and retreated to its dwelling in the valley. Yet, it didn''t stop there. It continued on and reached the other end of the valley.


    There was another cave dwelling.


    Inside lived a fox demon who had been cultivating for centuries, also at the peak of the fourth realm. Its cultivation prowess matched, if not surpassed, that of the Old White Ape.


    Back then, the Old White Ape had been a follower of an elder of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. It picked up numerous martial skills and had impressivebat abilities. Among demonic creatures, none could rival its strength.


    Following the death of the elder, the Old White Ape parted ways with the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. While journeying, it stumbled upon this ce by chance. At that time, the fox demon had already been cultivating in the valley and had settled down before the Old White Ape had arrived. However, with its formidablebat prowess, the Old White Ape imed the fox demon''s dwelling as its own.


    The fox demon had a bunch of powerful divine skills, hence why the Old White Ape had not been able to kill itpletely. Additionally, the fox demon threatened to wreck all the medicinal herbs in this mountain. So, in the end, the Old White Ape decided to make an agreement with the fox demon.


    The agreement stated that both demons would coexist in the valley and could use its spirit nts as needed. However, anyone else approaching the valley would face severe attacks.


    Given theirplex rtionship, both demons remained cautious around each other. The fox demon couldn''t live too close to the Old White Ape, prompting it to establish another cave dwelling at the opposite end of the valley. Generally, they upheld a respectful distance, minimizing interference and avoiding direct contact.


    However, the Old White Ape took the initiative to visit today.


    The Old White Ape reached the entrance of the cave dwelling. Even before having to knock, a red-furred fox, standing as tall as a human, jumped out and gave him a cautious re.


    "Why are you here?" the fox demon asked.


    "I have something urgent to tell you and I need your help," the Old White Ape said.


    "What is it?" the fox demon asked.


    "A few days ago, two disciples from an immortal sect came here to steal the treasures of this valley. I was outnumbered, and they took away a Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower. I''m worried they mighte back. When that happens, you have to help me deal with them," the Old White Ape said. "Otherwise, the spirit nts in the valley will be taken away!"


    "Disciples of an immortal sect?" the fox demon shrugged and asked, "They won''t bring any senior members from their sect, will they?"


    As a demonic entity cultivating in the wilderness, it feared nothing more than disciples from conventional immortal sects with powerful backgrounds.


    "No need to panic," said the Old White Ape as its expression became moreposed. "If they bring senior members from their sect, then I''ll ask the Celestial Pivot Pavilion for reinforcements. Currently, they are only supported by a powerful Golden-Furred Hou that is at the fifth realm of cultivation. If it weren''t for that Hou blocking the way, I would have already killed those two cultivators at the third realm of cultivation."


    "A spirit beast at the fifth realm of cultivation?" The fox demon pondered for a moment and asked, "How do you want me to help you?"


    "You are adept at the art of transformation. If you can take on one of their appearances and lure the Golden-Furred Hou away, I can handle the rest in no time," the Old White Ape said confidently.


    "A spirit beast at the fifth realm is extremely sensitive to smells. They are not creatures I can easily deceive." The fox demon still felt slightly uneasy.


    "It''s not a problem," the Old White Ape stated, "I''ll cast some spells to generate a mist in the valley, obstructing their vision and confusing their sense of smell. At that point, you just need to appear and lead that Hou far away so it won''t intervene when I make my move. Once I''ve dealt with those two humans, we can join forces to fight that spirit beast."


    The fox demon still seemed somewhat hesitant.


    The Old White Ape pressed on, saying, "If you refuse to help me, we can resort to what you previously threatened me with and set the whole valley aze. This way, the treasures of nature in this mountain won''t end up in anyone else''s possession."


    Upon hearing this, the fox demon made up its mind and came to a decision. "Alright then!"


    The fox demon had guarded this valley for far longer than the Old White Ape. With the Old White Ape alreadyying im to the valley, it wasn''t difficult to imagine how challenging it would be for the fox demon to relinquish control of its territory.


    ...


    When Chu Liang came to the ck Whale Mountainst time, he had only intended to harvest the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower. And so, he didn''t use any excessive force.


    If not, when the Golden-Furred Hou was fighting with the Old White Ape, he wouldn''t have merely observed from the sidelines. After all, he wasn''t just an ordinary weakling at the third realm of cultivation. With the few cards up his sleeve, he could certainly help.


    However, the dynamics of the situation had changed. The Old White Ape hadmitted murder and framed them for it. When they returned to the valley, both he and Lin Bei were much more serious.


    But as they looked around, there was no sign of the Old White Ape.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Lin Bei wondered, "Where did it go? Could it have guessed that we wereing for revenge and fled in advance?"


    "Definitely not," Chu Liang replied, pointing to several intact spirit nts around them, "If the Old White Ape had escaped, it would have harvested these mature spirit nts. It would have never left it here for us."


    "That''s strange," Lin Bei remarked.


    "Stay alert; it could be avoiding the Golden-Furred Hou and nning a surprise attack from the dark," Chu Liang warned. He then spoke loudly, "If it doesn''t show up, let''s start gathering these spirit nts!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, a sudden burst of white mist appeared from all directions. In an instant, it filled the entire valley. At the same time, a strong wind kicked up, making it hard for anyone to see!


    "Fly up and take a look," Chu Liang sensed something was amiss and immediately signaled Lin Bei and the Golden-Furred Hou to take flight.


    However, just as the two humans and the beast were about to ascend simultaneously, a swift white figure suddenly shot out from the side. It was the Old White Ape!


    With a big club in its hand, it raised it high and swung the club down with a loud roar, shouting, "Down you go!"


    This powerful strike packed a tremendous punch, shaking the very foundations with an incredibly intimidating force that could be felt across the entirendscape!


    The two people going up suddenly felt a strong force pushing them down into the mist below. Yet, the Golden-Furred Hou boldly lifted its head and took the impact with its big skull!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Despite the thick and tough fur of the Golden-Furred Hou, being left hanging in the air with no solid ground beneath its feet resulted in it getting swiftly pushed down by the club, and itnded back on the ground.


    As they moved back and forth, the distance between the two humans and the Hou creature increased slightly. The dense fog made it impossible to see anything within a foot in front of them.


    "Golden-Furred Hou!"


    A voice suddenly called out from among the mist.


    The Golden-Furred Hou raised its big head and saw a figure in the distance that kind of looked like Chu Liang. But because the surrounding was very hazy, it was hard to tell. So, the Big Head decided to move closer to get a better look.


    The figure who was supposedly "Chu Liang" then took a few steps back, creating some distance, which prompted the Golden-Furred Hou to follow. After several repetitions of this, "Chu Liang" eventually led the Hou to the edge of the fog.


    Deep within the dense fog, the real Chu Liang contemted altering his course and trying to escape. Suddenly, a sense of impending danger washed over him.


    He sensed that some kind of energy or presence was focusing on him.


    "You will soon realize how wrong it was toe here." A sinister and chillingughter reverberated through the fog.


    Once again, arge club approached!

 Chapter 170: A Hunting Hou

    <h4>Chapter 170: A Hunting Hou</h4>


    "A third-realm cultivator? A genius?"


    A figure d in robust armor and a face mask emerged, bearing two long sabers crossed on his back. His eyes, the sole visible features, conveyed a perplexing blend of confusion and scorn.


    "Don''t underestimate him. Even though he is at the third realm of cultivation and this level isn''t considered very high, he was able to reach the state of Perfect Qi Cirction, which shocked many at Mount Shu," said a crow that was currently perched on his outstretched right arm.


    Even though the masked man had heard what the crow said, he still sneered and said, "Cool."


    The crow continued exining, "Plus, he has a spirit beast, a Golden-Furred Hou, that is at the fifth realm of cultivation. You mustn''t underestimate him."


    The masked man took another nce at the sketch of Chu Liang in his hands.


    After memorizing the appearance, he gently shook his hand, and the paper turned into countless shreds, drifting away with the wind.


    "Just lead the way," the masked man requested.


    The crow spread its wings, emitting two hoarse calls, and the masked man followed closely, riding the wind.


    After a while, they arrived at the ck Whale Mountain.


    Once again, the crow reminded, "He''s in that valley, shrouded in thick fog. Be careful."


    "Isn''t that even better for an ambush?" chuckled the masked man. "He''s just a third-realm cultivator. I can take him down in an instant. The spirit beast won''t even have time to react."


    "Keep me informed," the crow added before suddenly exploding into a burst of ck feathers and transforming into a puddle of ink that sttered on the ground. It turned out that this crow was not a real living creature.


    With a swift leap, the masked man descended from the air andnded on the ground.


    His codename was Dual Wielder, a specialized assassin within the organization. In the realm of assassin cultivation, he regarded himself as at the pinnacle of this world.


    He couldn''t quite grasp why he was assigned to eliminate a third-realm cultivator. Perhaps that youngster possessed extraordinary qualities and was someone highly valued by the Mount Shu Sect.


    The mysterious leader of the organization harbored a deep-seated grudge against the Mount Shu Sect. After decades of scheming, he gathered a group of orphans who had endured suffering inflicted by the Mount Shu Sect and established the current organization.


    Take Dual Wielder, for instance; his father was just a local tyrant, engaged inmonce bullying, piging, and violence to survive. One day, disciples from the Mount Shu Sect showed up at his doorstep and brutally beat him to death.


    These disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were merciless.


    Most of the people in the organization shared simr backgrounds, entangled in shady dealings in their daily lives while concurrently scheming to undermine the Mount Shu Sect.


    In the blink of an eye, the masked assassinnded in the thick fog of the valley. As he entered the edge of the dense mist, a figure not far away caught his attention.


    The youth perfectly matched the features and stature depicted in the drawing. Behind him stood a massive creature, presumably the fifth-realm Golden-Furred Hou.


    It seemed like an effortless job.


    A smirk graced Dual Wielder''s lips. The moment hended on the ground, he transformed into a shadow with a glinting c light. A chilling aura pierced through the thick fog.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    His shadow sliced through the ethereal silhouette of the youth in the dense mist.


    The Dual Wielder used the technique Shadow sh.


    And with that, Dual Wielder left without looking back. He had executed a lethal strike and retreated a thousand li away. So what if Chu Liang was protected by a spirit beast at the fifth realm?


    <i>I can kill you instantly and retreat safely even before your spirit beast arrives.</i> <i>No difficulty at all. </i>The Dual Wielder thought to himself.


    The youth stood frozen in ce, as if under a petrification spell. After a pause, a circle of blood lines spread from his waist. Following that, his upper body slumped down.


    During the descent, a sh of light appeared, and both his upper and lower halves of the body transformed into an inhuman shape.


    As the youth crashed on the ground, a sudden sh of light illuminated the scene. His upper and lower parts of his body underwent a rapid, profound transformation, assuming a shape utterly unlike that of a human.


    It was the body of a fox.


    The Golden-Furred Hou finally caught up. It approached the corpse and sniffed around.


    <i>No. Wrong person. </i>The Golden-Furred Hou concluded.


    It shook itsrge head and returned to the thick fog to search for Chu Liang, leaving behind a crime scene as if nothing had happened.


    ...


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With no time to dodge this suddenly swinging club, Chu Liang could only wrap himself in a zongzi and brace for the impact.


    The zongzi was instantly sent several dozen zhang away, disappearing into the mist.


    Nevertheless, the Old White Ape followed closely after the sound.


    Having practiced martial arts for many years, it could lock onto the enemy''s position based on the slightest rustle of the wind or the most subtle breath. This was its extraordinary skill!


    Yet, as it pursued, it didn''t detect a sound nor a trace of breath.


    <i>What''s going on? Where did he go? </i>The Old White Ape wondered.


    Just as confusion crept into the Old White Ape''s mind, a faint sound reached its ears, prompting it to swing the club immediately.


    But the Old White Ape found that it was a small copper ball thrown at him, and as he struck it, the copper ball exploded with a thunderous bang!


    The intense explosion dispersed arge portion of the mist. It not only sent the Old White Ape flying but also shook its mind, as if struck by a heavy hammer. An inexplicable fear suddenly overcame it.


    It was the Shadowburst Thunder Bomb!


    Chu Liang then stood up.


    It turned out that, while wrapping himself in the green leaf, he assessed the current situation and immediately ingested an Essence-Concealing Pill.


    As he ingested the Essence-Concealing Pill and held his breath, the Old White Ape could not locate him at all in this thick fog. It was only then that Chu Liang sessfullyunched the surprise attack with this Shadowburst Thunder Bomb.


    The thick fog around them dispersed. The Old White Ape had fallen and Chu Liang remained standing. They could finally see each other clearly.


    "Little thief!" The Old White Ape roared in anger.


    It had finally ovee the lingering fear in its heart.


    It propped up itsrge club and suddenly bounced up, charging at Chu Liang once again.


    Upon seeing this, Chu Liang immediately recognized the movement technique that the Old White Ape was using. It was the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, the same one that Yun Chaoxian had taught him.


    While not a high-level technique, this martial arts technique yielded vastly different oues when executed by practitioners of the third and fourth realms. The variance in their cultivation levels led to a substantial gap in speed.


    If Chu Liang had escaped using the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, he would likely be caught by the Old White Ape in an instant.


    If he had decided to fight, a collision with the club wielded by the Old White Ape could cause his bones to shatter and his tendons to snap, potentially resulting in immediate death.


    As of now, he couldn''t escape and he couldn''t win.


    <i>What should I do? </i>He thought to himself.


    Chu Lian raised his hand, and once again, the green light shed, initiating another defensive process.


    The Old White Ape sneered as it thought to itself. <i>How many times can you use this trick? I will shatter this enchanted tool within three or five strikes!"</i>


    However, in the next moment, it realized it was wrong. This time, the green light didn''t envelop Chu Liang. Instead, the Old White Ape found itself wrapped up in the zongzi.


    Indeed. As the green leaf enchanted tool curled around, it suddenly wrapped the Old White Ape around. The Old White Ape immediately raised itsrge club, attempting to force its way out of the zongzi.


    But with just a slight dy, thunderous explosions rang in its ears.


    <i>Boom! Boom! </i>The explosion sounded like two suppressed thunderps.


    The explosion sounded muffled this time as they happened inside the zongzi.


    The Old White Ape had only encountered two explosions, one more than its previous experience. However, as these explosions urred within the zongzi, the impact the White Ape felt this time surpassed the magnitude of the first explosion by over a dozen times.


    Regrettably, the explosion also inflicted cracks upon the green leaf artifact. Anguished by the damage to his tool, Chu Liang withdrew the green light. With a soft thud, a charred white ape copsed to the ground, its eyes shut in unconsciousness.


    It looked like a ck ape.


    Still, Chu Liang remained vignt.


    If he had killed a demonic creature, there would have been golden light floating towards him. But at this moment, there was nothing, indicating that the Old White Ape had not died.


    He summoned the Dustless Sword, and it flew towards the charred ape, leaving behind a trail of white light. With the sword, he probed the ape''s chest, stomach, and lower body to determine if it was alive.


    With the sword probing, the white ape could no longer feign death. It flipped over and sent the Dustless Sword flying with a swing of its club.


    Severely injured and deeply traumatized by the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs, the ape had no intention of fighting. It flipped over and attempted to escape.


    If it could escape, it nned to return to its sect and seek support from its sect members. It no longer cared if doing so would reveal this location filled the treasures of nature. Even if it had to abandon all the treasures, it was determined to find and seek revenge against this little thief!


    Coincidentally, at this moment, a roar resounded. The Golden-Furred Hou saw its master and rushed over with earth-shaking steps. It was at this moment that the white ape jumped out and collided head-on with the Big Head emerging from the thick fog.


    <i>Crunch!</i>


    The Golden-Furred Hou sank its teeth into the Old White Ape.


    Among all the threats around Chu Liang capable of prating the white ape''s defenses, the fangs of the Golden-Furred Hou stood out as the most formidable.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" The Old White Ape shrieked in agony. Its eyes were filled with resentment as it realized that escape was now impossible.


    It plucked a strand of hair from its fur and spat a mouthful of blood out as it tossed the single strand of hair upward.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    That hair transformed into a streak of white light and flew away.


    When Chu Liang saw that the White Ape was about to be bitten to death, he raised his middle finger and index finger. The Dustless Sword then swept through with its brilliance and pierced through the white ape''s throat.


    Only then did a golden light descend around Chu Liang.


    "You did an awesome job." Chu Liang walked over and gave the Golden-Furred Hou a pat on its head. He showered it with tremendous praise for its timely intervention and for the impressive control it showed in biting without causing fatal harm.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was now considered a qualified hunting Hou.


    With the death of the Old White Ape, the surrounding mist dispersed instantly. At the mouth of the valley, there was also a strong scent of blood, indicating that a battle had taken ce there as well.


    Only then did Lin Bei, who had been absent for a while, hastily emerge. He looked at the fallen white ape and then nced at Chu Liang, exhaling a sigh of relief.


    "That was a close call, but thankfully, everything ended well," he remarked with a grin. "My brother Chu Liang''s strength is truly remarkable!"

 Chapter 171: A Token of Gratitude from Xu Ziyang

    <h4>Chapter 171: A Token of Gratitude from Xu Ziyang</h4>


    "Red Jade Flower Branch."


    "Spirit Snake in Immortal Herb."


    "Seven Veins Flower."


    "Frosty Cloudleaf."


    "..."


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei carefully searched the valley for a while, harvesting the matured spirit nts. When they felt satisfied, they started getting ready to leave.


    "Let''s sell these precious materials at the Hall of Alchemy when we get back, and we''ll split the earnings fifty-fifty," Chu Liang suggested.


    "Oh, that''s really not necessary," Lin Bei scratched his head, saying, "You did most of the work this time; I hardly did anything."


    "But if it weren''t for you leading me to this valley, I wouldn''t have even gotten the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Don''t be courteous with me."


    "<i>Hehehe,</i>" Lin Bei chuckled heartily. "When we go back, I''ll lend you all my privately stored art books[1]."


    "<i>Uh... </i>no need for that," Chu Liang smiled, politely declining.


    Chu Liang was worried that if he had read those books owned by Lin Bei, he would end up writing a journal on sexual abstinence.


    After confirming that they hadn''t missed anything, the two mounted the Golden-Furred Hou and left.


    Although many spirit nts were present in the valley, they all required several decades to several hundred years to mature. Typically, having one such treasure of nature in a valley was already considered a rare urrence.


    Yet, so many matured spirit nts existed in thisnd on the ck Whale Mountain, which was very unusual.


    Chu Liang couldn''t determine the exact value of these treasures of nature, but he was certain the profit would be substantial. Moreover, rare and extraordinary items were usually considered priceless. If he had sold them outside to the Taotie Pavilion instead of the Hall of Alchemy, he would have earned double or even more.


    However, smart disciples of Mount Shu wouldn''t have done such a thing.


    If individuals had been motivated solely by greed for higher prices and allowed resources to leave the Mount Shu Sect, this practice would have be widespread. In the long run, members of the sect would have faced significant challenges in obtaining any resources.


    That was the order of the Mount Shu Sect.


    The human race possessed a significant advantage over the demon race in that human society had already established a well-functioning order, including convenient resource cirction.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei stumbled upon matured treasures of nature. While they might not have an immediate need for them, there was no reason to dy the harvest. They also didn''t have to stay and guard the treasures, as there was no threat of others attempting to seize them.


    Because of the existence of the market, they could trade these treasures of nature and exchange them for the resources they needed. This way, everyone could obtain what they desired.


    The human race''s long-standing dominance over other species was firmly rooted in this foundational structure.


    Order had been established with the intention of benefiting everyone.


    Individuals like those from the diabolical sects, who engaged in burning, killing, looting, and various other nefarious activities for the sake of profit, might indeed benefit in the short term. However, in the long run, once the foundational order was disrupted and everyone no longer abided by it, the pursuit of personal gain would ultimately result in mutual harm for all.


    Therefore, maintaining order was also essential.


    Under the vast expanse of clouds, Chu Liang and Lin Bei returned to Mount Shu in the afternoon.


    ...


    When Chu Liang arrived at the Silver Sword Peak, he didn''t rush to sell the treasures of nature. Instead, he prepared to open his reward first.


    The koi had been bored on her own. When she saw the return of the Golden-Furred Hou, she was really happy.


    Immediately, she bounced over and patted itsrge head.


    With the koi here, Chu Liang felt a bit more at ease.


    He immediately closed his eyes and focused his mind, allowing his divine consciousness to enter the White Pagoda.


    Inside the space within the pagoda, tworge-headed dolls sat side by side. One of them had its eyes closed, while the other had been diligently working for days, emitting magnificent smoke and mist, creating an otherworldly scene.


    The sight of this made Chu Liang worried. <i>Has this thing been performing the cirction of qi a bit too fast? Does it need a rest? </i>He thought to himself.


    He reached out and touched therge head of the doll. Feeling no sign of heat, he became more reassured.


    He stepped before the iron cage and pressed refine.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Radiance shed, and three thin strands of white light floated out.


    <i>So small?</i>


    For a moment, Chu Liang felt puzzled.


    [Golden Hair Strand: Able to transform into an identical clone for three hours. The clone has no autonomous ability and can be used for various scenarios, including daily life andbat. However, some special scenarios are not permitted as they might result in damage.]


    <i>A clonesting for three hours?</i>


    At first nce, Chu Liang was somewhat excited.<i> Isn''t this the same as being able to use the immortal art External Manifestation three times? </i>


    But upon second thought, he realized it was different.


    Those who mastered the immortal art External Manifestation had the ability to split and control two bodies simultaneously, effectively doubling their strength. However, without training in the corresponding divine art, Chu Liang couldn''t control both his body and the clone simultaneously. If he used the clone, it would be equivalent to transferring his divine consciousness from the main body to the clone.


    This was essentially switching bodies.


    In certain situations, such as exploring dangerous terrain, this could be useful. However, inbat, it wasn''t as powerful as the immortal art External Manifestation.


    No matter what, this was a good reward.


    He stowed away the three strands of golden hair and opened his eyes. He was about to head to the Hall of Alchemy to sell the precious materials when he noticed a sword light suddenly descending to the ground.


    A figure appeared before him.


    The individual boasted straight eyebrows reminiscent of the elegance of a finely crafted sword and stood tall and straight. With starry eyes and an intense gaze, he exuded unparalleled sharpness.


    "Senior Brother Xu?" Chu Liang seemed a bit cautious.


    The leading figure of the Jade Sword Peak suddenly appeared in the territory of the Silver Sword Peak. Chu Liang''s immediate reaction was to wonder if this visit harbored any intentions of causing trouble.


    Although Chu Liang himself held the position of the eldest senior brother of the Silver Sword Peak, there was a difference between him and an actual eldest senior brother.


    "I heard from Lin Bei that you came back so I came to see you right away," Xu Ziyang said expressionlessly.


    This marked the first asion Chu Liang engaged in a direct one-on-one conversation with Xu Ziyang. While thetter didn''t initiate any overtly imposing actions, the pressure conveyed through each gaze was truly awe-inspiring.


    That feeling was like... he was too sharp!


    He was like an extraordinary sword without a sheath, quietly hanging in front. Even though this sword had yet to inflict any injuries, there was still a worry about being identally grazed by its edge.


    Despite the feeling of apprehension, Chu Liang still maintained a non-submissive demeanor as he asked, "Senior Brother Xu, do you have something to discuss with me?"


    "I came to thank you," Xu Ziyang replied.


    <i>Hah? </i>Chu Liang was somewhat surprised by this statement. Do the people from Jade Sword Peak all express gratitude with a debt-collector face?


    "Thanks to your guidancest time, I went back and ingested pills that can boost my vitality, qi, and spirit. Finally, I touched the threshold of the Perfect Qi Cirction," Xu Ziyang continued.


    <i>I see. </i>Upon hearing this, Chu Liang felt a sense of relief.


    He smiled and replied, "Senior Brother Xu, your achievements are a result of your exceptional talent. However, achieving the state of Perfect Qi Cirction through this methodes with a high cost and is not suitable for regr cultivation. It doesn''t offer much long-term benefit, so there''s no need for excessive gratitude."


    Xu Ziyang exined, "It''s not advisable to cultivate this way regrly. However, in crucial situations, it is eptable to rely on pills to achieve the desired effect.


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded.


    "And so, I was wondering how I should show my gratitude," Xu Ziyang said.


    "<i>Hehe.</i> Senior Brother Xu, you are being too courteous." Chu Liang waved his hand and said, "As a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, it is my duty to share the insights I gained during cultivation. Senior Sister Jiang is really the person you should thank."


    "You are really the person I should thank." Xu Ziyang stared at Chu Liang as he said, "I heard that you will start your Core Formation process soon and that you are probably going to try your luck in the Immortals'' Marsh. I can be your guardian."


    <i>Ah? </i>Chu Liang once again felt surprised.


    In the tradition of the Mount Shu Sect, before disciples went through the Core Formation process, they would typically venture to the Immortals'' Marsh, hoping that the goddess of luck would bless them with a chance to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension. Since there were usually multiple disciples forming their cores at around the same time, they would often team up for the journey.


    However, the Immortals'' Marsh was filled with dangers. Usually, a fifth-realm disciple would serve as the guardian and leader of the team during such expeditions.


    <i>Is Xu Ziyang saying this because he has already reached the fifth realm?</i> Chu Liang thought to himself. <i>This seemed a bit unbelievable. If that were true, why bother withpeting at the Mount Shu Summit? They should just hand him the award. </i>


    "I also have another question," Xu Ziyang asked when he noticed that Chu Liang was lost in thought.


    "What question?" Chu Liang snapped back to attention.


    Xu Ziyang, disying an unusual hint of embarrassment, hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "I wanted to know, do you have a girl you like?"


    Chu Liang: "?"


    1. Lin Bei''s rated-R manga. ?

 Chapter 172: Is It Okay To Say That?

    <h4>Chapter 172: Is It Okay To Say That?</h4>


    Xu Ziyang definitely wasn''t asking out of personal interest.


    It all began when hest emerged from closed-door cultivation. He''d broken through to the fifth realm, cing him above his peers. However, when he shared the news with his younger sister, Xu Ziqing, she wasn''t as thrilled as he had imagined.


    In the days that followed, Xu Ziyang noticed that his younger sister was depressed. He asked her what was wrong, but she wouldn''t answer him. So, Xu Ziyang immediately sought out Fang Ting.


    Before going into closed-door cultivation, Xu Ziyang had asked Fang Ting to look after his younger sister. However, when he emerged, his younger sister was unhappy, so he went to Fang Ting for answers.


    Fang Ting was evasive about it, hemming and hawing as he surmised Xu Ziqing had probably run into some love problems during their mission at Southern Bastion Mountain.


    Xu Ziyang instantly became enraged. <i>Love problems... Is it Lu Ren or Lin Bei? Neither of them seems like a good guy.</i>


    At that moment, Xu Ziyang touched the hilt of his sword, which he carried on his back. He had the urge to cut <i>something </i>down.


    Fang Ting hurriedly said it wasn''t either of the two that Xu Ziyang suspected and that Xu Ziqing had probably fallen for the kid from Silver Sword Peak. He then gave a brief recount of what had happened during their mission.


    After hearing that, Xu Ziyang finally felt at ease.


    Xu Ziqing had only encountered Chu Liang that one time, so even if she did fall for him, her feelings for him wouldn''t be that deep. In any case, as disciples of the Jade Sword Peak, it would be best for them to maintain a distance from the disciples of Silver Sword Peak. Xu Ziyang decided then that he wouldn''t interfere in this matter.


    Xu Ziyang didn''t know everything that had happened between Xu Ziqing and Chu Liang. Nevertheless, it was true that Xu Ziqing shouldn''t have deep feelings for Chu Liang, as they''d only met a few times. What she felt toward him had probably been a mere crush, so it wasn''t that she was heartbroken.


    The real reason she had gotten upset was that Chu Liang had ignored her disys of affection. After they returned from Southern Bastion Mountain, she had attempted to show some goodwill to Chu Liang, only to be ruthlessly rejected.


    Ever since she was a child, Xu Ziqing had been adored as everyone''s beloved junior sister at Jade Sword Peak. Then when she got older, all of the men she encountered had always been eagerly attentive to her. Getting rejected for the first time made her question her existence.


    It had been a mere crush initially, so even if Chu Liang had responded positively, it wouldn''t necessarily have led to a romantic rtionship. However, this rejection left Xu Ziqing so upset that she had trouble sleeping.


    Many days passed by, and the youngdy was finally in a better mood. However, Jiang Yuebai''s lecture two days ago pulled Chu Liang into the limelight. This stirred up Xu Ziqing''s feelings again and made Xu Ziyang realize how outstanding Chu Liang was.


    Consequently, Xu Ziyang couldn''t help but ponder about the possibility of his young sister getting together with Chu Liang.


    <i>He''s Di Nufeng''s disciple... and hees from a family that''s of a lower status than ours, but he is handsome, talented, and intelligent. He might not be a bad match.</i>


    <i>He''s Di Nufeng''s disciple... yet he has managed to develop such a refined demeanor, indicating that he is a principled and incorruptible person. He truly is worthy of consideration.</i>


    <i>He''s Di Nufeng''s disciple... yet he has managed to make such swift progress in cultivation, to the extent that he''s already nearing the Golden Core Realm at such a young age. He can definitely be considered a genius.</i>


    With these thoughts in mind, Xu Ziyang expressed his gratitude to Chu Liang just so he could use it as an excuse to ask Chu Liang whether there was a girl he liked. If Chu Liang said there wasn''t one, then Xu Ziyang intended to have Chu Liang date Xu Ziqing.


    This was what Xu Ziyang was like; he always did things in a straightforward manner.


    Chu Liang was stunned by Xu Ziyang''s question.


    <i>Well, aren''t you bold?</i>


    Chu Liang smiled awkwardly, keeping silent for a moment.


    Then he said, "I haven''t really thought about that."


    <i>Even if I did like someone, I wouldn''t tell you. We''re not close.</i>


    "I''ll take that as a no." Xu Ziyang nodded upon hearing his desired response. "In that case, you could try dating my younger sister. She has a good impression of you. But... you need to mind your manners."


    He just had to add thatst part.


    <i>Huh? </i>Chu Liang thought. He suddenly realized, <i>He wants me to be his brother-inw?</i>


    This was truly unexpected.


    Lin Bei had warned Chu Liang before that Xu Ziyang had emerged from closed-door cultivation and mighte looking for them because of his younger sister. However, Chu Liang hadn''t expected Xu Ziyang to be this forward.


    Promptly waving off the possibility of the rtionship, Chu Liang said with a smile, "Senior Brother Xu, don''t joke around. What qualifications do I have to date her? Besides, I''m devoted to revitalizing Mount Shu and pursuing the Great Dao. I have no time for romance."


    <i>Eh? </i>Xu Ziyang felt like he''d heard that before. <i>Isn''t this what I said to my teacher after I came out from my closed-door cultivation? The response he gave me was...</i>


    Xu Ziyang told Chu Liang, "My teacher was the same. He spent his whole life revitalizing Shu Mountain, pursuing the Great Dao, and had no interest in romance. And now, he''s old... Do you know how much he regrets it?!"


    Chu Liang was astonished. "<i>Eh??</i>"


    <i>If what Xu Ziyang said gets out, the Mount Shu Sect might just make the headlines in the Umon Tales of the Martial World again.</i> <i>"The head disciple of Mount Shu Sect''s Jade Sword Peak reveals an explosive secret... ''His esteemed teacher has great regrets about living his whole life as a bachelor...'' The grand peak master is an old tree yearning for springtime..."</i>[1]


    <i>Is it okay for him to say all that?</i>


    ...


    After managing to brush Xu Ziyang off with a few words, Chu Liang let out a sigh of relief. Then he tidied up his things and hurried over to the Hall of Alchemy on Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Red Jade Flower Branch, Spirit Snake in Immortal Herb, Seven Veins Flower, Frosty Cloudleaf¡ªthese were all extremely high-grade spirit nts and were normally difficult to acquire. Yet, Chu Liang had presented so many of them at the same time. The attendants in charge of handling treasures of nature were stunned by this sight.


    They couldn''t imagine how a third-realm disciple could have acquired so many spirit nts. It had to have been due to an extraordinary stroke of luck.


    Chu Liang just smiled mysteriously without exining anything.


    In the end, he sold the four treasures of nature for a little over ten thousand sword coins in total. With that many sword coins, he could easily buy another Golden-Furred Hou and still have plenty of sword coins remaining.


    Even so, he''d actually sold the spirit nts at a very low price. If he''d sold them at Taotie Pavilion, the selling price would easily be double or triple that of what the Hall of Alchemy offered.


    Nevertheless, that was just how it was with immortal sects. Likewise, if Chu Liang were to buy the ingredients he needed for forming his golden cores at Taotie Pavilion, the prices would likely be several times higher than if he were to buy them from his sect. In other words, there was no point fussing over the difference in selling price.


    After making a small fortune, Chu Liang went straight to the Hall of Weapons and sought out Wen Yulong.


    "Senior Brother Chu, you''re back so soon. It seems everything must have gone smoothly on your trip. You''re not far from reaching the Golden Core Realm," Wen Yulong said, greeting Chu Liang with a grin.


    Chu Liang quickly rejected the ttery. "Oh, I dare not speak such bold words before the fact."


    He sat down, took out the damaged Green Leaf, and handed it to Wen Yulong.


    "Oh, dear..." Wen Yulong frowned deeply as soon as he saw the Green Leaf. "Why do you always let it get so damaged whenever you leave the mountain? And..."


    He examined it for a moment and then asked, "Why is it damaged on the inside this time?"


    "It got struck by lightning," Chu Liang answered, smiling embarrassedly.


    He then told Wen Yulong about what had happened and how the Green Leaf had gotten damaged.


    Wen Yulong had a heartbroken expression. "How could you use a defensive enchanted tool like that... But I have to say that I''m impressed. This enchanted tool I made is indeed amazing; it could even heavily injure a fourth-realm demonic beast."


    "Indeed," Chu Liang agreed.


    "Just leave this with me. The enchanted formation inscriptions inside the leaf are severely damaged. It''ll be hard to repair itpletely without suitable materials,¡± Wen Yulong said. "I guess we''ll just have to leave it to fate as to what I can find. Regardless, it''s going to be a really big repair job."


    "Will the repair take a really long time?" Chu Liang asked.


    Wen Yulong exined, "Of course. The inside of an enchanted tool is different from the outside. Internal damage is very difficult to repair."


    Chu Liang had asked that question because he was concerned about his uing trip to the Immortals'' Marsh. If the Green Leaf had to be left with Wen Yulong for a long time, that meant Chu Liang wouldn''t be able to take the Green Leaf with him on the trip.


    <i>However, if the Green Leaf can''t be repaired, I won''t be able to use it anyway. In any case, I''m just going to the Immortals'' Marsh to try my luck. There might not even be any battles.</i>


    Upon thinking that, Chu Liang felt at ease.


    He urged, "Go ahead and look for the materials. Use the best ones. Don''t worry about the cost."


    Chu Liang was pretty close with Wen Yulong now and knew that Wen Yulong didn''t care much that much about how much money Chu Liang had. So, Chu Liang didn''t need to worry about whether he was revealing too much.


    "Oh?" Wen Yulong grinned. "It sounds like you reaped great profits during your trip."


    Chu Liang briefly told Wen Yulong about the mystical valley of ck Whale Mountain, as there was no need for him to hide this from Wen Yulong. After all, the mature spirit nts in the valley had already been harvested, and a spirit nt needed at least a few decades to mature. There wouldn''t be any spirit nts that Wen Yulong could take any time soon.


    Moreover, Wen Yulong didn''t care about that anyway. He didn''t even ask for the specific location of the valley.


    Instead, he pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, the legend about ck Whale Mountain might be true."


    "Legend?" Chu Liang asked, "You mean the ck Devil Whale?"


    "Yes," Wen Yulong said. "Logically, a valley shouldn''t have such strong spiritual energy to produce so many treasures of nature simultaneously. Unless... there''s an unimaginably powerful existence buried there, which caused the valley''s ecosystem to change and allow it to produce and nurture more spirit nts. The nts that grow in front of an Eminent One''s tomb are all treasures of nature."


    "I see."


    Chu Liang pondered about it for a moment and thought it made sense. After all, he had seen the skeleton of what seemed to be a seventh-realm cultivator, which caused a colony of bees to evolve.


    If the legendary ck Devil Whale truly existed, it had to have a cultivation level above the seventh realm. Otherwise, the spiritual energy of the corpse in the valley wouldn''t be able to continue nourishing the valley and letting it produce spirit nts even after so many years.


    Perhaps there was somew of the world regarding the conservation of spiritual energy and the like. After all, cultivators worked really hard to gather spiritual energy from the world and contain it inside their bodies. It made sense for there to be aw that made it so that when cultivators died, the spiritual energy they had umted would return to the world, instead of just disappearing into thin air.


    Chu Liang had buried the skeleton of that Eminent One he''d found in the cave. Did that mean spirit nts would eventually emerge by that grave too? That seemed very unlikely, seeing as just the spiritual energy of the corpse wouldn''t be enough. There had to be seeds for nts to sprout from.


    <i>Wait a minute... What if I nt some seeds there?</i> Chu Liang thought, his heart racing a little in excitement. <i>nting some seeds at a burial mound... Hmm... Is it even okay to do that?</i>


    1. Springtime is also thought of as the season of romance. ?

 Chapter 173: Senior, Please.

    <h4>Chapter 173: Senior, Please.</h4>


    "Do you have seeds of spirit nts?"


    After saying goodbye to Wen Yulong, Chu Liang promptly returned to the Hall of Alchemy to inquire information on spirit nt seeds.


    The Mount Shu Sect maintained its own garden of spirit nts, so there were naturally seeds of various treasures of nature avable. However, very few disciples regrly purchased these seeds. Therefore, when the attendant heard Chu Liang''s request, he was slightly surprised.


    "I have a small garden, and I''d like to try nting some seeds to see if they would sprout," Chu Liang said with an innocent and sincere smile.


    The true intention behind seeking these seeds remained a secret, so he had to adopt a subtle approach.


    The attendant stared at Chu Liang as though he was watching a daydreamer on a stroll.


    "Junior brother, if you really need them, we do have some seeds. The price might be expensive though," said the attendant.


    In this context, "expensive" was rtive to the potential oue of obtaining nothing.


    In reality, the spirit nt seeds that he showed Chu Liang were all priced at less than one hundred sword coins.


    After all, in the cultivation world, very few people would purchase and sell spirit nt seeds. After all, even if one had seeds, they wouldn''t be able to guarantee that the seeds would sprout and grow. It was true that one seed would eventually produce many seeds, but even a top-tier sect would not be able to nurture every seed sessfully.


    asionally, some overly ambitious disciples of Mount Shu would ask about these seeds and attempt to grow spirit nts themselves. However, more often than not, the oue would be disappointment.


    "This is Taiyang Grass, and this is..." The attendant began to introduce them to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang raised his hand and interrupted in a straightforward manner. "Senior brother, you don''t have to exin the nts to me. Just show me the most expensive one."


    "<i>Heh.</i>" The attendant smiled and said, "That would be the seed of the Celestial Herb of Ascension."


    "Celestial Herb of Ascension?" Chu Liang asked, "Mount Shu possesses such seeds?"


    "The seniors of the Mount Shu Sect retrieved a Celestial Herb of Ascension in the past, and we kept two seeds from it. One of the senior elders from the Hall of Alchemy attempted to nt one, but despite their efforts, it never sprouted. The reason remains a mystery. The other seed is still here," the attendant exined, gesturing towards therge, milky-white seed.


    "I will take this one then. How much is it?" Chu Liang asked.


    Since he was trying to make a dreame true, he might as well dream big. Growing the Celestial Herb of Ascension would bring him much more value than any other treasures of nature.


    "If you want it, you can have it for one hundred sword coins," the attendant offered.


    "Okay." Chu Liang readily paid.


    "If you aren''t able to grow it, you can bring it back, and we''ll repurchase it for twenty sword coins. It''s the seed of a rare spirit nt so it holds significant collection value," the attendant added.


    "..." Chu Liang was momentarily speechless.


    <i>Alright. Shady merchants.</i>


    After leaving the Hall of Alchemy, Chu Liang immediately rushed all the way and arrived at the cave where the golden skeleton was once buried. When he realized that there were no apparent changes nearby, he felt relieved.


    "Senior, forgive my disrespect," Chu Liang muttered.


    He arrived at the spot where he had previously buried the bones, bowed respectfully, and then dug around to confirm that the golden skeleton was still there.


    He then carefully buried the seed of the Celestial Herb of Ascension among the ribs of the skeleton, covering it with soil and watering it meticulously. Additionally, he sprinkled Herbal Wood Spirit Powder, ensuring every element for its growth was provided.


    After that was done, he stood up and started praying.


    "Senior, if you can assist me in cultivating this seed into a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension, I am willing to make offerings of incense to you every year. I won''t expect this help for free.


    "Senior, I am counting on you!"


    ...


    The following day, Chu Liang received a message from the Hall of Weapons, informing him that the team bound for the Immortals'' Marsh had been assembled. He was asked to confirm his readiness to depart. Without the option to wait for the Green Leaf enchanted tool to be repaired, Chu Liang promptly replied.


    Shortly after, another message came back, directing him to promptly proceed to the Hall of Weapons for assembly.


    The response came quite quickly.


    Chu Liang didn''t require much preparation, so he headed to the Hall of Weapons without any trouble.


    A venture into the Immortals'' Marsh was a ritual every disciple of the Mount Shu Sect undertook during the Core Formation stage. However, the discovery of the Celestial Herb of Ascension had been a rare urrence over thousands of years. Many considered it a matter of luck and held little hope of finding the nt.


    <i>It''s unfortunate that the Immortals'' Marsh poses dangers, and I can''t bring the koi with me. Otherwise, the likelihood of encountering the Celestial Herb of Ascension would be higher.</i>


    When Chu Liang arrived at the Hall of Weapons, he spotted Xu Ziyang, dressed sharply and disying a cold, indifferent expression. He stood there with an upright posture and emitted an imposing aura. Whenever other disciples passed by, they would stare at him.


    That was the case for some people. Even in the darkest night, they would shine like fireflies.


    Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang exemplified that trait. In this moment, Chu Liang harbored a fervent wish to one day be an outstanding figure like them.


    "Senior Brother Xu," Chu Liang nodded in acknowledgment.


    "<i>Hmm.</i>" Xu Ziyang nodded slightly.


    <i>So indifferent.</i> Chu Liang muttered inwardly, wondering if it was because he had rejected Xu Ziyang''s request to be his brother-inw.


    As Chu Liang exchanged greetings with Xu Ziyang, he was unsure of what to say.


    But then, a cheerful voice interrupted. "Senior Brother Xu!"


    A tall, fair-skinned woman in simple attire hurried over from the square. She wore a flowing fringe dress over beige trousers, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, with a few strands delicately framing her forehead. With her fairplexion, soft facial features, and captivating eyes, she exuded a natural allure.


    "<i>Hmm.</i>" Xu Ziyang nodded softly.


    Upon witnessing his indifferent and aloof attitude towards the beautiful girl, Chu Liang felt that Xu Ziyang''s behavior exemplified a sense of fairness.


    <i>This dude clearly treats everyone with this aloof attitude.</i>


    Upon realizing that this girl was a member of the group, Chu Liang politely greeted and introduced himself, "Hello, Senior Sister. I''m Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak."


    The woman appeared to be older than him, possibly even older than Xu Ziyang. It would be correct to refer to her as Senior Sister.


    "<i>Haha</i>, Junior Brother Chu," the girl said with a gentle smile. "I know you. You stood out during the lecture meeting hosted by Jiang Jiang. I don''t think there''s any disciple of Mount Shu at the third realm of cultivation who is more impressive than you."


    "I dare not im such praise," Chu Liang quickly responded modestly.


    "I''m Chen Su from the Spirit Horn Peak," the girl continued. "I am also an alchemy student at the Hall of Alchemy. If you have all the materials ready, I can help you refine the Golden Pill for free."


    "Thank you so much, Senior Sister Chen!" Chu Liang said with a smile.


    The process of Core Formation involved transforming the Golden Pill into the Golden Core. The first step was to refine these prepared materials into a pill.


    While the refinement of pills wasn''t too difficult, those unfamiliar with the art of alchemy would not be able to do it. And so, many sought the assistance of the Hall of Alchemy for refining.


    While they were chatting, another voice from behind caught their attention. "Senior Brother Xu!"


    Everyone turned back and saw a skinny man in schrly attire walking briskly toward them.


    He greeted Xu Ziyang while apologizing for beingte, "Senior Brother Xu, sorry for my tardiness. Senior Sister, excuse me. This..."


    When he saw Chu Liang, he froze.


    Chu Liang also found him quite familiar.


    This person appeared to be Shang Ziliang, the son of Shang Shuwen, the peak master of Cloud Horizon Peak.


    Chu Liang had a brief encounter with him before. Given the somewhat strained rtionship with Shang Shuwen, it was indeed an awkward situation.


    Upon careful consideration, Chu Liang realized that among the current three other members of the team, two were raised by individuals who harbored animosity towards his teacher.


    Shang Ziliang had a very deep impression of Chu Liang.


    He had previously attempted to plot against Chu Liang, but each scheme backfired, resulting in Chu Liang gaining something while he himself suffered setbacks.


    After being ckmailed by Di Nufeng, Shang Shuwen soon discovered that his son had been the mastermind behind the schemes against Chu Liang. Out of anger, he punished Shang Ziliang by grounding him.


    Shang Ziliang was only released due to the uing expedition to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension. Unexpectedly, he found himself on the same team as Chu Liang.


    As a result of being grounded, he missed the lecture event and had no knowledge of Chu Liang''s performance. All he knew was that the first time he met Chu Liang, Chu Liang''s cultivation was only at the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    <i>It hasn''t even been that long.</i>


    <i>He''s able to form his core? Is something wrong? No, did I get the wrong date? Has a day in the cave turned into a thousand years in the mortal world? </i>Shang Ziliang was bewildered.


    Meanwhile, Xu Ziyangpletely ignored his greeting. He turned away and coldly said, "Let''s go." He didn''t even respond.


    Xu Ziyang walked to the edge of the square and let out a sharp whistle.


    A sharp cry sounded as a massive golden falcon, with its entire body glowing, descended.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As itnded, it created this gust of wind that made it almost difficult for people to stand steadily.


    It was a Golden-Winged Falcon at the fifth realm of cultivation.


    Legend had it that Xu Ziyang''s mount was a creature that would evolve into the Majestic Golden-Winged Falcon upon reaching the seventh realm.


    He took the lead in mounting the golden falcon, and the other three followed suit. Then, with a swift sound akin to an arrow leaving the bowstring, they shot out, prompting everyone to quickly grab onto the falcon''s feathers.


    The speed was incredible. After a while, they gradually adapted to this super speed.


    "Now that we''re all settled, let''s get one thing straight. Our destination is the Immortals'' Marsh, and we''re on the hunt for the elusive Celestial Herb of Ascension. Keep in mind, don''t set your expectations too high, or you might end up disappointed. Treat this as a learning experience, and you''ll avoid any disappointments.


    "ording to legend, the Immortals'' Marsh was created through the blood spilled in a fierce battle between the heavenly immortals and the evil gods of the mortal world. They say the Celestial Herb of Ascension appears only upon the death of an immortal.


    "Although this might sound a bit dramatic, it underscores the rarity of the herb. It''s no exaggeration to say it only appears once a century. Moreover, our sect is not the only one in need of this material for the formation of the ultimate-tier Golden Core. Even if we find the herb, we''ll likely have to fight with disciples from other sects."


    It was only when discussing important matters that Xu Ziyang would be more talkative.


    "Of course, the key is to watch out for yourselves," he stressed. "Stick close to me and avoid straying too far. The Immortals'' Marsh presents not only good opportunities but also..." He paused, then added, "Ba."[1]">https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/փ is the link. [/ref]


    1. A mythological creature in Chinese folklore that is often associated with drought. It is believed to have the ability to cause droughts. ?

 Chapter 174: I Need to Do Well

    <h4>Chapter 174: I Need to Do Well</h4>


    Back in that dim room, the shadowy figure was sitting at his desk. Standing beside him was a masked man carrying two des on his back.


    "Did you seed?" the shadowy figure asked.


    "Yes," Dual Wielder answered.


    "Are you sure that Chu Liang is dead?"


    "Of course."


    "Then why did he appear on Heaven-Reaching Peak this morning?"


    Dual Wielder was startled by the shadowy figure''s question. "What?"


    "That disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang¡ªhe returned to Mount Shu safe and sound. He''d even gathered materials for Core Formation, but he''s totally unscathed." The shadowy figure''s words carried an undertone of anger. "Who exactly did you kill?"


    The shadowy figure held a managerial role in the organization and was responsible for liaising with these assassins. When Dual Wielder said he had killed Chu Liang, the shadowy figure had believed him and reported that to their boss.


    However, this morning, their mole in the Mount Shu Sect had suddenly informed the shadowy figure that Chu Liang had reappeared on Heaven-Reaching Peak, seemingly unharmed. Chu Liang''s limbs moved as nimbly as ever, and his face looked the same. He appeared to be healthy both in the mind and body. It seemed like he hadn''t been attacked at all, let alone killed.


    "How is that possible...?" Dual Wielder said doubtfully. "I used the assassination skill Shadow sh and split him in half. He didn''t even have the chance to retaliate... It can''t be fake."


    "Did you confirm the body?" the shadowy figure asked.


    "I..." Dual Wielder began to reply. His voice faltered, and he paused for a moment. Then he said, "The Golden-Furred Hou rushed over very quickly; I didn''t have time to check the body properly. But how could someone at the third realm be revived after being cut in half? Unless... the person I killed wasn''t him...?"


    "Regardless of the reason, he''s still alive," the shadowy figure stated. "The problem is that I''ve already reported to the boss that you killed him. If any news about this Chu Liang gets out in the future, won''t the boss think we lied? You know what he''s like."


    There was a flicker of fear in Dual Wielder''s eyes.


    He immediately said, "I''ll go kill him again!"


    "That''s what I meant," the shadowy figure replied coldly. "The boss went to the Western Regions to deal with some business. You better resolve this issue before he returns. I''m definitely not taking the me for this failure."


    "<i>Mm,</i>" Dual Wielder uttered in response.


    The shadowy figure picked up a brush from the desk, dipped it in ink, and drew a bird on the white paper. Then he flicked he made a hand seal.


    The paper suddenly burst into mes, and when the fire had consumed all of the paper, there was not a speck of ash remaining. In its ce was a vivid and lifelike ck crow. It circled in the air briefly beforending on Dual Wielder''s shoulder.


    "He should be heading to the Immortals'' Marsh to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension right now. Just follow the crow for the exact location," the shadowy figure instructed.


    This crow wasn''t as powerful an ability as the Thousand-Li Locator; it could only allow him to speak remotely. However, he would use Heavenly Sight and Hearing to monitor the target''s location and ry it to the operative through the crow.


    "The Immortals'' Marsh..." Dual Wielder muttered in a tone filled with malice. "If I don''t kill him this time, you can have my head when I get back."


    ...


    "It''s huge."


    As three disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm flew over the Immortals'' Marsh, they couldn''t help but marvel at how vast it was.


    ording to legend, the Immortals'' Marsh had been a seemingly endlesske in ancient times. It had been so vast that it had numerous inds and had been known as thergestke in the world.


    However, over time, the world experienced many changes, and theke was no exception. The water level of theke gradually decreased, revealingndmasses in many parts of theke. What had once been inds turned into mountain peaks.


    At present, the Immortals'' Marsh was a chain of hundreds of interconnectedkes of all sizes sprawled over an area spanning hundreds of li. If the Celestial Herb of Ascension were to appear here, it would be found growing along the shores of thesekes.


    For cultivators seeking the Celestial Herb of Ascension, they had to walk carefully along thekesides, searching through the ces where the herb might be growing. They might overlook the herb if they just did a cursory scan with their divine sense from overhead. Moreover, they might attract the Ba in thekes.


    There was a special type of supernatural being known as jiangshi[1]. Ghosts were typically resentful spirits that had lost their physical bodies, but jiangshi were the opposite. They were physical bodies devoid of a soul, animated purely by their resentment-filled qi.


    Among the jiangshi, the more mystical ones were called Ba. Generally, only the corpses of cultivators could be Ba. The spiritual energy the corpses contained made them very powerful jiangshi, so much so that they evolved into Ba.


    The Ba in the Immortals'' Marsh had at one point run rampant, leading to disastrous consequences. Even the weakest Iron Ba in the marsh possessed the power of a third-realm cultivator. After feeding on the blood and qi of living humans, the Ba could gradually evolve from the Iron tier to Copper, Silver, and Gold tiers.


    The strongest Gold Ba had the strength of a sixth-realm cultivator, but Gold Ba were extremely rare. Therefore, the Mount Shu Sect usually only dispatched a fifth-realm disciple to protect the other disciples from the Ba in the marsh.


    A tier above the Gold Ba was the Cataclysmic Ba, which had power equivalent to a seventh-realm Eminent One. There were a few kinds of Cataclysmic Ba: the Drought Ba, which would make a thousand li ofnds barren; the Flood Ba, which would turnnd into marshes wherever it went; and the Snow Ba, which would make the weather bitterly cold and icy for six months... These Cataclysmic Ba appeared once every one thousand years, but each time they emerged from the Immortals'' Marsh, they would take arge number of lives, making them a huge problem.


    It was even said that after a Cataclysmic Ba had taken enough lives, it could grow into an Immortal Ba or a Divine Ba, equivalent in power to an eighth-realm or ninth-realm cultivator respectively. However, such formidable Ba had never been recorded as having appeared in history; it was just a legend.


    Over two hundred years ago, the Yu Dynasty experienced a terrible disaster that was brought on by a Cataclysmic Ba. Filled with sorrow, the Yu Dynasty made a firm decision to unite the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to exterminate the increasingly rampant Ba in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    However, the first round of ying produced a mediocre result. Thekes were interconnected through underwater passages, so the Ba could escape by going into the water. Unless there was a powerful spell that could envelop the Immortals'' Marsh entirely and y all of the Ba simultaneously, it would be impossible to exterminate all of them.


    An alternative solution was to stop new Ba from forming. Ba were formed from the corpses of cultivators, so it was possible to prevent new Ba from forming if people stopped entering the Immortals'' Marsh.


    Nevertheless, it was extremely difficult to ensure that. The Immortals'' Marsh was filled with spiritual energy, so there were many treasures of nature that cultivators were willing to risk their lives to acquire.


    One of them was the Celestial Herb of Ascension. It was a spirit nt that only grew in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    Thus, it was simply impossible topletely seal off the vast Immortals'' Marsh, so the authorities just let things be.


    Afternding in the Immortals'' Marsh, Xu Ziyang said, "You three should spread out a bit and work your way from west to east, but don''t move too quickly. The Golden-Winged Falcon will be watching from above. It will immediately give a warning if a Ba appears. If you''re faced with a Ba that you can''t handle, do your best to protect yourself and drag things out. I''ll rush over to you immediately.


    "The odds of finding the Celestial Herb of Ascension are very low, but whoever manages to get their hands on it first owns it. You are not to fight over this."


    Sticking together was the safest thing to do when navigating through treacherous terrain. However, everyone was here to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension, so if they were to spot it simultaneously, they would inevitably fight over who would take possession of it. Thus, Xu Ziyang had them spread out a bit. This was a lesson he''d learned from experience, having been a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect for many years.


    Chen Su smiled and said, "I''ll just follow you, Senior Brother Xu. Feels safer this way."


    On the way to the Immortals'' Marsh, Chu Liang had noticed that Chen Su was a total fanatic for Xu Ziyang. It seemed like her purpose for joining this trip wasn''t to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension but to get closer to Xu Ziyang.


    In fact, Shang Ziliang was hoping to do the same. He had deliberately joined the trip so that he could build a bond with Xu Ziyang. If Shang Ziliang could gain the approval of his potential future brother-inw, wouldn''t things fall into ce for him with Xu Ziqing?


    Yet, when Shang Ziliang arrived at the Hall of Weapons before leaving for the trip earlier, he saw Chu Liang there. Putting himself in Chu Liang''s shoes, Shang Ziliang thought that Chu Liang had likely joined the trip with the same intention.


    <i>He must havee to impress Xu Ziyang too!</i> Shang Ziliang thought.


    His resentment for Chu Liang resurfaced with a new surge of animosity.


    With Xu Ziyang around, Shang Ziliang didn''t dare to scheme against Chu Liang anymore... especially after suffering so many defeats in the past. Nevertheless, he still burned with apetitive spirit.


    His gaze burned with the raging mes of war as he vowed inwardly, <i>I must outshine that guy. I need to let my future brother-inw see how brilliant I am!</i>


    While Shang Ziliang was thinking that...


    Xu Ziyang turned back and said coldly, "Are youing or not?"


    It turned out that Chu Liang had taken off on his own. Chen Su had followed Xu Ziyang, and the pair had already walked ahead several dozen zhang. Shang Ziliang was the only one still standing at their starting point, daydreaming with a silly smile. Who knew what obscene things he was thinking about?


    Xu Ziyang warned again, "In the Immortals'' Marsh, one must remain vignt at all times. You may find yourself in mortal danger at any moment!"


    Upon hearing Xu Ziyang''s words, Shang Ziliang snapped out of his daydream and quickly jogged to catch up, nodding repeatedly. "<i>Ah,</i> yes, yes, understood!"


    Seeing Chen Su''s and Shang Ziliang''s behavior, Chu Liang was bewildered.


    <i>Could it be that I''m the only one in this group who is earnestly searching for the Celestial Herb of Ascension?</i>


    1. Known as Chinese vampires. ?

 Chapter 175: I Said the Wind Here Is Quite Strong

    <h4>Chapter 175: I Said the Wind Here Is Quite Strong</h4>


    The Golden-Winged Falcon circled high in the sky, appearing as a mere inconspicuous ck dot to the naked eye. However, through its keen eyes, it could clearly discern the subtle movements of every de of grass and grain of sand, far surpassing the range covered by a cultivator''s spiritual awareness.


    Under its protection, the group advanced briskly.


    Of course, there was no need to meticulously search every inch of the riverbank; the Celestial Herb of Ascension had certain characteristics. For example, some spirit nts wouldn''t coexist with surrounding vegetation and would monopolize all the spiritual energy in a specific area for their own growth.


    The Celestial Herb of Ascension, on the other hand, thrived in the presence of all nts, making the surroundings lush.


    Therefore, the sparse areas didn''t require close inspection; they only needed to carefully examine every densely forested area and grassy field they passed.


    Chu Liang and the other two groups were about a hundred zhang away from each other, meticulously scanning the area with their divine sense.


    However, Chu Liang harbored some doubts. They weren''t walking particrly slowly. Nevertheless, at this rate, even if they had several days, let alone a few dozen days, they would not have enough time to search the entire Immortals'' Marsh.


    <i>"Isn''t this really inefficient?" </i>He thought to himself. <i>"Even if a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension really exist, they might not have noticed it. Hadn''t the seniors of Mount Shue up with a more efficient method over the years?"</i>


    As he pondered, a sharp cry suddenly echoed from the sky!


    "<i>Caw¡ª</i>"


    <i>A Ba appeared?</i>


    Chu Liang immediately became vignt!


    After a brief search, he realized that the Ba was not heading towards him but rather in the direction of Shang Ziliang!


    "<i>Haha...</i>" Shang Ziliang was secretly delighted at this moment.


    As he swept through the edge of the thicket, causing the leaves to rustle lightly, a dark shadow suddenly leaped down from above. Though Shang Ziliang was briefly startled, he quickly regained hisposure.


    "Isn''t this the opportunity I''ve been hoping for?" Shang Ziliang mused. "It came without any effort, just as the saying goes¡ªpivotal urrences happen when one least expects them."


    An Iron Ba emerged from the thicket. Its entire body had ayer of skin resembling raw iron, with tattered clothes hanging on its frame. Its hair was disheveled, and its face so distorted that its features were indiscernible.


    "<i>Rawrrr¡ª</i>"


    The remains of a cultivator who had been buried here for an unknown number of years eventually transformed into this creature, the very one now roaring fiercely and charging towards Shang Ziliang.


    The creature known as Ba sought the scent of blood as this trait was ingrained in its nature.


    Shang Ziliang swiftly dodged, evading the first attack. With his sword in hand, he shouted, "You malevolent creature! It is your unlucky day to be crossing paths with Shang Ziliang of Mount Shu today!"


    After making that deration, he swung his sword horizontally and formed a finger seal. In that instant, a surge of white light erupted!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    "Rawrr!" The Iron Ba, fearless of death, saw only the sweet temptation before it. Without hesitation, it lunged again with astonishing speed!


    Shang Ziliang thrust his sword into the chest of the Iron Ba. However, as his sword qi reached the Iron Ba''s chest, it couldn''t pierce through the skin. Consequently, Shang Ziliang was gradually pushed back!


    <i>So tough!</i> Shang Ziliang thought to himself.


    The two primary characteristics of a Ba were its incredible speed and an extremely hard body. It was both swift and resilient, making it extremely challenging for a cultivator of the same realm to break through its defense.


    As the Iron Ba drew closer to Shang Ziliang, he formed another finger seal with his left hand andmanded, "Back off!"


    The tip of the sword turned, and the surging sword qi suddenly transformed into a gentle breeze. Although the sharpness diminished, this gentle force increased significantly. As the gentle breeze moved with the sword, it left a white mark on the Iron Ba''s body. Simultaneously, the Ba was pushed three zhang away!


    This wasn''t a sword seal of Mount Shu but a Confucian Schr Sword Seal from the Dao of Confucianism. It was a legacy technique passed down exclusively by the Cloud Horizon Peak of Mount Shu.


    "Sword Binding!" Shang Ziliang hurled his long sword, shouting swiftly. Instantly, the long sword transformed into hundreds of sword lights. It was the Hundred Swords Seal!


    The hundred swords spun, weaving together into several long, dragon-like bindings, swiftly entwined the Iron Ba while rotating simultaneously!


    <i>Crackle!</i>


    In an instant, the Iron Ba seemed ensnared by numerous white pythons, while harsh sounds of metals colliding echoed throughout the area, giving the impression that the creature was being sliced and ground.


    "<i>Rawwrrr¡ª</i>"


    It seemed to sense a hint of pain, a sensation it likely hadn''t felt for a long time. The clothing on its body shredded, and numerous tiny wounds appeared all over. If its skin weren''t tougher than iron, it would have been torn to pieces in an instant!


    In this dangerous moment, it also unleashed power several times its usual strength, seizing the sword bindings with its palms and fiercely yanking them!


    <i>Thud! Snap! Thud! Snap!</i>


    It forcefully tore apart the shining sword bindings!


    "<i>Hah¡ª</i>" The Iron Ba let out a deep, muffled sound as it tore apart yet another two sword bindings, dispersing the entwining sword lights.


    The scattered sword light coalesced once more into a flying sword, spinning as it returned to Shang Ziliang.


    In this moment, Shang Ziliang remained calm andposed, raising both hands to activate a glowing mirror.


    This was the enchanted tool his dad had given him to bring along for protection on this journey¡ªthe Yang Mirror of Righteousness.


    He had intended to save this forter use. However, the ongoing struggle with this Iron Ba had already be too challenging. Therefore, Shang Ziliang activated this enchanted tool.


    A beam of sunlight refracted through the bronze mirror, instantly striking the Iron Ba. Immediately, countless hissing sounds echoed as smoke billowed!


    "<i>Rawrrr¡ª</i>" The Iron Ba suffered a heavy blow, tumbling to the ground and emitting painful roars.


    The Yang Mirror of Righteousness could harness the essence of sunlight. For ordinary people, being targeted by the light reflected through this mirror would only feel burning hot. However, creatures of Yin nature would instantly incinerate!


    Seeing the Iron Ba tumbling in agony, Shang Ziliang immediately thrust his finger forward, unleashing another flying sword!


    <i>Snap!</i>


    This sword finally severed the head of the Iron Ba, leaving it motionless. Without its head, the Ba could no longer move, which meant that it was definitely dead.


    <i>Phew.</i> Shang Ziliang heaved a sigh of relief.


    Shang Ziliang stowed the Yang Mirror of Righteousness and the flying sword away. Then, he shed a confident smile, convinced that his potential brother-inw had witnessed how decisively he took down the Iron Ba!


    With a leap, he arrived in front of Xu Ziyang. He was just about to boast of his achievement as he smiled and said, "Senior Brother Xu, my performance in the fight was..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, the Golden-Winged Falcon in the sky emitted another cry.


    "<i>Caw¡ª</i>"


    <i>Another Ba?</i>


    This time, the cry was even higher in pitch!


    Xu Ziyang''s gaze sharpened. The creature that had appeared earlier was an Iron Ba, the kind that disciples at the pinnacle of the third realm could handle easily. Thus, he had no intention of taking action.


    But judging from the tone of this cry, the creature that just appeared was a Copper Ba!


    <i>Danger! </i>Xu Ziyang thought.


    The same word popped up in Chu Liang''s mind.


    Chu Liang initially observed the intense fight between Shang Ziliang and the Iron Ba, contemting the creature''s weaknesses as he watched. As the fight concluded, he was about to turn around and continue moving forward.


    Without warning, a figure shot out from the grass on one side, moving as swiftly as lightning!


    Chu Liang instinctively summoned the green leaf into the form of a zongzi, but then he realized that the green leaf enchanted tool wasn''t by his side. Without any choice, he activated the Hundred Swords Seal!


    The hundred swords formed a protective circle around him, bing his shield.


    Through the gaps in the swordlights, he clearly saw the figure rushing towards him. It had a ck-bronze hue, hollow eye sockets, and was draped in tattered Daoist robes.


    A Copper Ba!


    With a whoosh, it closed in and swung a fist!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The circr shield formed by the hundred sword lights instantly shattered. The swords could not block the attack at all.


    With the strength of the Copper Ba being more than ten times greater than that of the Iron Ba, how could Chu Liang''s Hundred Swords Seal withstand it?


    But all Chu Liang needed was this slight dy, as at that very moment, he summoned another sword¡ªthe Dustless Sword!


    The symbols of Decisive Clouds circted on the Dustless Sword. In the blink of an eye, three talismanic characters were drawn and unleashed, apanied by the radiance of three colors!


    Ice! Fire! Thunder!


    It was a grand spectacle!


    "<i>Rawwrr¡ª</i>"


    As the sword lights approached, the Copper Ba roared in anger!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A violent explosion echoed by thekeside, apanied by the brief illumination of lightning and mes.


    When the Dustless Sword appeared behind the Copper Ba, its massive body was already frozen in ce, with its entire body covered in ice and a gaping ck hole in its chest...


    The ice and fire shattered its defense while the art of thunder eradicated the evil!


    This was the Triple Talismanic Sword of Ice, Fire, and Thunder!


    It was an instant kill!


    The Dustless Sword, crafted by one of the best swordsmiths in the world, unleashed such power that it even surprised Xu Ziyang.


    The destructive force was so powerful!


    As the sword pierced through the Copper Ba, Xu Ziyang couldn''t help but wonder if he could aplish such a feat.


    "What is my cultivation level? What is Chu Liang''s cultivation level?" Xu Ziyang muttered inwardly. "Does this mean that when Chu Liang reaches the same cultivation level as me, his attack power will be significantly greater than mine?"


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    As the sword light retraced, Chu Liang stowed the Dustless Sword away in a calm andposed manner.


    He didn''t find his performance earlier surprising.


    Despite being a cultivator at the third realm, he had mastered a type of sword technique in the Dao of Talismans that far surpassed what an ordinary cultivator of that realm could grasp.


    Moreover, the flying sword he wielded wasn''t the typical weapon used by a cultivator at the third realm; it could easily be ranked as a top weapon in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures! With the enhancement of the Perfect Qi Cirction, his foundational qi was also significantly stronger than that of an ordinary third realm cultivator.


    Thebination of these three factors made what seemed to be an explosively powerful sword strike feel effortless and natural to him.


    Xu Ziyang looked pensive as he reflected on the details of the sword attack that Chu Liang had unleashed.


    On the other hand, Chen Su''s jaw dropped, and she couldn''t conceal her shock.


    Shang Ziliang wore an ashen expression and felt a sense of hopelessness. He couldn''t help but remember that he had initially dismissed Chu Liang''s cultivation as insignificant. Yet, within a short period, Chu Liang had surpassed him by far.


    Without the aid of the Yang Mirror of Righteousness, Shang Ziliang would have struggled to defeat the Iron Ba. However, Chu Liang effortlessly killed the more formidable Copper Ba with a single strike. The thought of this difference filled Shang Ziliang with apprehension.


    He remained silent for a moment.


    When Xu Ziyang turned around and stared at Shang Ziliang, asking, "What did you say earlier?"


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" Shang Ziliang scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly as he said, "I said the wind here is quite strong..."

 Chapter 176: I Havent Climbed Aboard Yet!

    <h4>Chapter 176: I Haven''t Climbed Aboard Yet!</h4>


    It was night time and the four disciples of Mount Shu sat around the bonfire.


    With a serious expression, Xu Ziyang said, "There''s something strange about what happened today. Usually, we only see ordinary Iron Ba on the outskirts of the Immortals'' Marsh. You would only encounter Copper Ba, Silver Ba, and Gold Ba as you venture deeper into the Immortals'' Marsh. You don''t normally see other types of Ba in this region."


    "But today..." Shang Ziliang was puzzled.


    "Right. We encountered both a Copper Ba and an Iron Ba at the same time today. This rarely happens." Xu Ziyang frowned and said, "In the past, such urrences usually only happened during the emergence of the Cataclysmic Ba. When a Cataclysmic Ba was born, arge number of fierce Ba would migrate to the outskirts and move beyond the Immortals'' Marsh. This would be the first cmity that signaled the birth of a Cataclysmic Ba."


    A Cataclysmic Ba was no ordinary creature.


    The Cataclysmic Ba possessed the strength of a seventh-realm cultivator.


    The sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten seldom had many experts at the seventh realm. Powerful individuals across the world¡ªregardless of their sect affiliation or whether they were demons, devils, or evil entities¡ªwould still be subjected to certain rules upon reaching this level of cultivation.


    Regardless of whether they were evil or righteous, they had to follow some kind of rule.


    However, it was different for the Cataclysmic Ba.


    The Cataclysmic Ba came into being for the sake of killing, with its sole purpose being to drain the life force from living beings. This seventh-realm creature was a reckless entity, and just one was enough to cause massive destruction.


    Its mere presence would inevitably lead to the ughter and annihtion of cities and nations¡ªit was only a matter of time!


    "But a Cataclysmic Ba already appeared two hundred years ago. Logically speaking, not enough time had passed to nurture a new Cataclysmic Ba," Xu Ziyang said.


    Xu Ziyang, as the leader and guardian of the team, bore the responsibility for the safety of the other team members. He had to consider a multitude of factors.


    "Maybe it''s just a coincidence?" Shang Ziliang asked with a smile, "We haven''t encountered another Ba since then, right?"


    "Well, let''s observe for a while. If there are any signs of Ba escaping to the outskirts, we''ll head back immediately," Xu Ziyang stated decisively.


    If a Gold Ba had migrated to the outskirts, Xu Ziyang knew he wouldn''t be able to handle it.


    "But if we want to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension, shouldn''t we be exploring the entire Immortals'' Marsh?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly.


    He had been curious about this since the morning.


    "That wouldn''t be necessary," replied Chen Su, who was at the side.


    She then took the initiative to exin in Xu Ziyang''s ce. "The Celestial Herb of Ascension is unlike any other treasures of nature. Typically, spirit nts have an innate instinct to avoid harm and thrive in environments away from human activity, developing protective mystical abilities. However, the Celestial Herb of Ascension is entirely different. It is drawn by human aura and tend to move towards humans. There is no need for us to venture deep into the Immortals'' Marsh. We just need to circle around the outskirts, and it wille to us."


    "The Celestial Herb of Ascension moves? And it actively migrates toward humans?" Shang Ziliang was somewhat surprised. "This is like-"


    "Like it exists to be consumed by humans," Chu Liang continued.


    "Exactly," Chen Su said, nodding gently. "The Celestial Herb of Ascension nourishes the surrounding nts and is an ingredient for refining the Golden Pill in cultivation. It is the kindest treasure of nature."


    "True." Chu Liang agreed.


    In that case, it seemed fitting tomend the Celestial Herb of Ascension.


    After this brief conversation, Xu Ziyang pointed to the Golden-Winged Falcon beside him and said, "Tonight, I will be guarding the periphery. The three of you can take turns resting, with one person apanying me during each watch."


    "<i>Hehe</i>, I don''t need to rest!" Shang Ziliang seized the chance to make an impression. He immediately patted his chest and loudly dered, "Senior Brother Xu, I''ll stay up all night and guard with you."


    "No." Xu Ziyang shook his head and declined in an indifferent manner.


    He then issued a stern warning. "You are all still at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. If you don''t take breaks for an extended period, your vitality, qi, and spirit will be depleted. While it might be eptable on Mount Shu, it is not eptable in this dangerous ce. You must ensure that you are always in peak condition!"


    "Yes, yes, yes." Shang Ziliang''s attempts at ttery had backfired, causing him to timidly agree.


    Despite his unsessful attempt at ttery, Shang Ziliang''s excellent attitude earned him the privilege of being the first to take on the night watch with Xu Ziyang.


    Shang Ziliang couldn''t help but feel a bit happy. He was already nning to seize this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with his potential brother-inw, aiming to subtly showcase his positive qualities and make a favorable impression.


    Meanwhile...


    The Golden-Winged Falcon crouched low, with its talons slightly extended and its wings slightly spread. Its massive body provided ample space, enough to shelter dozens of people lying down to rest.


    With the Golden-Winged Falcon keeping watch, there wasn''t much need to be overly cautious. Xu Ziyang had them take turns standing guard, likely for training purposes. Chen Su and Chu Liang positioned themselves under either side of the wings, while Shang Ziliang and Xu Ziyang sat on opposite ends, remaining vignt.


    While nestled beneath the protective wings of the Golden-Winged Falcon, Chu Liang felt a profound sense of security. At the same time, he pondered the possibility of an entirely new role for spirit beasts. In the days toe, could he too findfort sleeping beside a Golden-Furred Hou when venturing into the wilderness at night?


    As he thought about it, he realized that it would be impossible.


    "The Big Head snores really loudly and has such an unpleasant breath. It would be too difficult to fall asleep next to it. Plus, I might get squashed if it rolled over while it was sleeping. This would not be worth it..." Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    ...


    The surroundings were very quiet.


    Chu Liang didn''t fall asleep right away. He controlled his divine consciousness and entered into the White Pagoda.


    While the others weren''t paying attention, he decided to open his reward.


    In the White Pagoda, smoke and mist poured out from therge-headed doll, nearly filling the space. Across from it, a spectral image of a Copper Ba sat quietly in its cage. Both the doll and the Copper Ba in the cage showcased two very different scenarios, where their joys and sorrows would greatly differ.


    Without any hesitation, Chu Liang approached and pressed the "Refine"mand.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As a light shed, a thin white radiance drifted out.


    [Copper Ba Talisman: Bestows upon the caster the blessing of the Copper Ba, resulting in an equal enhancement of robust physique, formidable strength, and nimble speed. This effectsts for two hours.]


    <i>A Ba Talisman?</i>


    Lately, Chu Liang had been earnestly delving into the study of <i>The True Dao of Talisman-Making</i>. His current focus was mastering the writing of the fundamental talismanic characters before moving on to study the more intricate symbols. To his knowledge, there has never been a talisman in the entire cultivation world named after a Ba.


    asionally, he found himself pondering the origin of these items that the White Pagoda had bestowed him. Could it be that the Pagoda, like himself, doesn''t belong to this world?


    The purpose of this talisman appeared straightforward: it offered a broad improvement to an individual''s strength, speed, and defense, akin to being fully endowed with the capabilities of a Copper Ba. Compared to the Spirit Cat Leaping Talisman that Chu Liang had acquired previously, it could be viewed as aprehensive upgrade.


    A Copper Ba Talisman...


    This inevitably led to endless spection. If he were to y a Gold Ba in the future, would he get a Gold Ba Talisman? What if he defeated a Cataclysmic Ba ...


    Just as he was lost in thought, a rustling sound came from a distance. Suddenly, Chu Liang stood up. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Before he could stand up, Xu Ziyang had already soared into the air, shouting, "A Ba!"


    The Golden-Winged Falcon stood up and spread its wings. These wings served not only as its means of flight but also as its sharpest weapons. The feathers were nearly indestructible.


    Shang Ziliang and Chen Su stood up and assumed a vignt stance.


    Then, they saw several dark shadows swiftly pass by.


    They were groups of Copper Ba, Iron Ba, and all sorts of them. The whooshing sound of the rushing wind continued, but instead of attacking the humans, the Ba flew past on both sides.


    <i>"Eh?" </i>The three cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm were confused at first. After all, Ba had an innate desire for blood and would usually attack if they were at such close proximity.


    When Xu Ziyang saw this, his facial expression immediately changed.


    "Only a higher-level Ba can make these Ba ignore their bloodlust!" He immediately shouted, "Something''s wrong. Aboard the Golden-Winged Falcon now! We are leaving the Immortals'' Marsh!"


    Every feather on the Golden-Winged Falcon stood upright, creating the illusion of a dense array of spear-like swords. Its sharp eyes seemed to prate the darkness in the distant sky.


    It was a clear sign of enemies approaching.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    In the next instant, a golden light streaked towards them!


    "It''s the Gold Ba! Quickly, get them out of here!" Xu Ziyang barely had time to give any instructions. He shouted loudly and swiftly summoned his flying sword to counter the threat!


    A Gold Ba had the strength of a sixth-realm creature.


    And it suddenly appeared here!


    "<i>Caw!</i>"


    The Golden-Winged Falcon quickly followed themand, letting out a long cry. It firmly gripped Chu Liang and Chen Su with its talons as it prepared to take off.


    Shang Ziliang was a bit farther away and was desperately trying to catch up.


    If the Golden-Winged Falcon took off, it would be impossible for him to catch up. Therefore, the Golden-Winged Falcon remained in ce, waiting for Shang Ziliang to climb aboard.


    However, in that brief moment of pause, a violentmotion urred, sending Xu Ziyang''s body flying backward.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As the golden light approached from afar, Xu Ziyang activated his sword. He raised his hand and executed the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    When facing a powerful enemy capable of swiftly killing them, Xu Ziyang had no time to test the waters. His first move had to be the most powerful one!


    The Heavenly Sword Seal he used was even stronger than what Jiang Yuebai executed before. After all, he was a fifth-realm cultivator. A huge sword light, longer than ten zhang, charged towards the iing golden light and collided with it!


    A violent explosion erupted, shattering the Heavenly Sword Seal, and Xu Ziyang was sent flying dozens of zhang away!


    Meanwhile, Shang Ziliang, who was closer to Xu Ziyang, was caught in the explosion! He rolled several times beforeing to a stop.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    However, after just a brief pause, the golden light surged out again, flying towards the Golden-Winged Falcon! Surprisingly, the explosion earlier did not cause any harm.


    It seemed to understand that the Golden-Winged Falcon was the only one capable of escaping its pursuit. If it could handle the falcon first, none of these people would escape!


    "Golden-Winged Falcon! Fly away!" Xu Ziyang ordered without hesitation.


    If he was the only one left, he would still have a chance to escape. However, if the other disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm stayed with him, they would just be his burden, and all of them could end up dying together!


    The speed and strength of this Gold Ba were beyond imagination. All they could see were its afterimages, and no one could see its figure clearly.


    Following Xu Ziyang''smand, the Golden-Winged Falcon took off, soaring like an arrow released from the bow and turning into a streak of golden light!


    On the ground, Shang Ziliang climbed up and chased wildly, shouting, "Hey! I haven''t climbed aboard yet!"

 Chapter 177: The Ba Talisman

    <h4>Chapter 177: The Ba Talisman</h4>


    They were in imminent danger!


    Xu Ziyang had ordered the Golden-Winged Falcon to take off immediately because once the Gold Ba got close, it would very likely injure the Golden-Winged Falcon. By then, no one would be able to escape.


    That was why whoever could leave now should go. There wasn''t a moment to waste. They had to be decisive!


    Meanwhile, the abandoned Shang Ziliang fell into despair as he watched the Golden-Winged Falcon take off from just one step ahead of him. In the blink of an eye, the falcon was already leaving him in the dust...


    If it were Xu Ziyang who was left behind, he might be able to escape by using his divine skills. Shang Ziliang, on the other hand, could only pray for divine protection.


    His father was one of the Mount Shu Sect''s peak masters, but the only defensive item his father had given him for the trip was the Yang Mirror of Righteousness. This was not something that could protect him against a sixth-realm Gold Ba!


    It was a tradition for the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect to make this trip to the Immortals'' Marsh, and fifth-realm disciples had always been more than capable of protecting the disciples they escorted. Who could have imagined that there would be such a sudden turn of events today?


    The Golden-Winged Falcon hadn''t flown that far yet. It was still close enough for Chu Liang to make out Shang Ziliang grimacing so hard out of anxiety and despair that his mrs were visible.


    The Gold Ba behind Shang Ziliang was pretty close too, bringing a gust of foul wind with it as it approached.


    Chu Liang swiftly made a decision. He turned around and broke free from the talons of the Golden-Winged Falcon, falling with a whoosh.


    Then Chu Liang suddenly crossed paths in midair with Shang Ziliang, who was chasing the falcon desperately. There was a clear look of astonishment in Shang Ziliang''s eyes.


    However, before Shang Ziliang could even figure out what was going on, Chu Liang had already maneuvered himself behind Shang Ziliang and unleashed a spinning kick.


    <i>Wham!</i>


    With the Power of Ten Tigers, Chu Liang put all of his strength into this kick and ruthlessly struck Shang Ziliang''s tailbone!


    "<i>Aaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!!</i>" Shang Ziliang screamed.


    A distinct crack rang out from his hip area, indicating his bones had been broken.


    Yet, thanks to this kick, Shang Ziliang''s flying speed increased by several times. He crashed into the talons of the Golden-Winged Falcon a momentter and immediately grabbed onto them with great desperation.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The Golden-Winged Falcon sped across the night sky, looking like a crescent-shaped light.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang floated down to the ground and exchanged a nce with Xu Ziyang from a distance. In the middle of the two was the Gold Ba, which had stopped in its tracks.


    Suddenly, there was a moment of silence. No one could have expected that Chu Liang would switch ces with Shang Ziliang at this critical moment, giving him the chance to escape!


    Despite that, this wasn''t actually a difficult decision for Chu Liang. After all, he had a sixth-realm Battle Soul that he could summon. He just needed to pay the Battle Soul, and he would have the power of a sixth-realm cultivator on his side. With Fei Qi, Chu Liang believed they could be a match for the Gold Ba.


    If Shang Ziliang and Xu Ziyang had been left behind instead, it was highly likely that they would have ended up as casualties.


    Silver Sword Peak did not have a good rtionship with either Jade Sword Peak or Cloud Horizon Peak. So, if both Shang Ziliang and Xu Ziyang were to die in the marsh, that just meant Chu Liang would have two fewer enemies at the Mount Shu Summit.


    <i>However... even if we have conflicts and even end up fighting, all of that happens within our sect. Once we leave Mount Shu, we''re fellow disciples. We''re family!</i>


    Those petty conflicts among the disciples were insignificantpared to life-and-death situations. As long as he could save his fellow disciples, Chu Liang would choose to take the risk. If he were presented with the choice a thousand times, he would choose to do the same thing every time without hesitating even once.


    ...


    When the Gold Ba realized that it couldn''t catch up to the Golden-Winged Falcon, it stopped chasing and hovered in midair.


    It wore clothes made of an extraordinary dark gold fabric, which had remained intact even after all the years that had passed since the Ba''s human self had died. The Gold Ba had white hair, hollow eye sockets, a shriveled face, and vaguely discernible facial features. Its skin was in a much better state than that of the Copper and Iron Ba. Additionally, it was clear that it still had a consciousness.


    The Gold Ba turned toward Xu Ziyang. It was obviously aware that this prey had a higher cultivation level than the other one. As long as it could deal with him, these two living humans would form its meal.


    Xu Ziyang stood with his sword in hand, poised to make a move. Sparks seemed to be flying out from his determined gaze. There was an imposing air about him, which showed he didn''t have even the slightest sense of inferiority toward the Gold Ba. Unsurprisingly, Xu Ziyang didn''t even consider getting Chu Liang''s assistance to defeat the Gold Ba; he was resolute on staking everything on this one move.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang could tell he was being ignored, so he took the chance to stealthily back away from the scene.


    Then he silently took out a jade bottle and called out, "Old Fei, wake up..."


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A stream of smoke slowly emerged from the jade bottle.


    "This is... a Gold Ba from the Immortals'' Marsh?" Fei Qi cried out in surprise the moment he appeared. "This is a big job!"


    "Don''t worry. I''ll pay you well," Chu Liang said.


    When faced with such a fast opponent, it was necessary to y one''s trump card immediately. Waiting even a moment might cause someone to die.


    The situation on the battlefield changed with Fei Qi''s presence!


    Faced with just one fifth-realm cultivator and one third-realm cultivator, the sixth-realm Gold Ba initially had the absolute advantage. It was the hunter. However, when this sixth-realm lingering spirit appeared, the situation was immediately reversed.


    Something seemed to shift in the hollow eye sockets of the Gold Ba, and in the next moment, it retreated swiftly, disappearing into the nearby trees.


    <i>It ran away?</i>


    The Gold Ba seemed to have left, but none of the three people present were fools. They remained vignt for a while. In fact, they were even more cautious of their surroundings now, afraid that the Gold Ba might catch them off guard with a sudden strike. Nevertheless, they didn''t hear any signs of movement even after a long while.


    Just as Chu Liang was about to rx, he heard something burst open by his feet... A dark gold hand reached out from the ground and grabbed one of his ankles!


    The Gold Ba had fled underground!


    The three people were shocked. Naturally, Chu Liang was the most shocked.


    The Ba was using a divine ability that it shouldn''t have control over... unless it had retained some memories of its past life. That''s the only reason why it would be able to use it!


    Moreover, the Gold Ba knew that when fighting a group of enemies, it should target their weak link first! And Chu Liang was, of course, the weakest.


    There was a loud rumbling in his ears as the Gold Ba dragged him underground. The Gold Ba wanted to take its meal to go!


    As the earth rubbed against his skin, Chu Liang felt suffocated and constricted. Before he was pulled underpletely, he turned his hand over and tossed the Ba Talisman that he had just obtained into the air.


    The Ba Talisman turned into ashes, and his body hardened as all the power of the Copper Ba he''d killed was channeled into him.


    <i>The Ba Talisman worked!</i>


    With the power of a Copper Ba, the damage that Chu Liang would suffer from having the dense earth rub against him was now reduced by more than half.


    A cultivator with a slightly weaker body would not be able to withstand the friction and constricting pressure of being dragged underground. Even if they didn''t die from being dragged, they would be seriously injured.


    Just a momentter, a huge beam of swordlight prated the earth, followed by a sword piercing the Gold Ba! It was Xu Ziyang!


    Right after that, a clear voice said, "Thou shalt be restricted within a radius of five zhang."


    It was Fei Qi!


    With thismand, the power of divinew descended inconspicuously, restricting the Gold Ba''s range of movement within a radius of five zhang. It only took the Gold Ba a moment to cross the distance of five zhang, so it mmed into what seemed to be an invisible wall soon after!


    <i>Wham.</i>


    This was the Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law! It was one of the ssic Confucian immortal arts.


    With just one sentence, the Gold Ba was trapped. Xu Ziyang continued to press his swordlight down viciously into the Gold Ba''s back, covering it in sword qi!


    Nheless, the Gold Ba wasn''t just going to sit there and wait for death.


    The Gold Ba suddenly bellowed, "<i>RAAAAAAAR!</i>"


    The earth shook, and the mountains trembled! Cracks opened up in the surrounding earth, and the nearby mountain range shook. It seemed like the Gold Ba wanted to lift the ground itself!


    Fei Qi''s incorporeal form swayed. It was clear that using the immortal art had consumed a huge amount of his energy! The Confucian immortal art The Spoken Divine Law was not an absolute power; it was more like a tool. If the opposing party were to resist the divinew with explosive force that the person using the divinew couldn''t withstand, then the manifestation of the divinew would be broken.


    The Gold Ba''s power seemed inexhaustible, but this wasn¡¯t the case at all for Fei Qi. He possessed an incorporeal form, so he would die once he exhausted all of his energy! He couldn''t suppress this Gold Ba for very long.


    Meanwhile, Xu Ziyang''s Heavenly Sword Seal barely broke through the Gold Ba''s defenses. It managed to pierce a few inches into the Gold Ba''s back, but the sword couldn''t inflict any serious damage. Instead, it just enraged the Gold Ba further!


    In a battle between experts, the speed increased further as the fight got more intense. There were even sparks flying out amid the rapid changes in movement!


    Yet, Chu Liang was the most anxious of the three. He wished he could use the Dustless Sword to strike the Gold Ba ruthlessly, but without the support of the Crimson Executioner, Chu Liang wouldn''t be able to ovee the wide gap between the third and the sixth realms.


    Moreover, the sixth-realm Gold Ba was notoriously tough to fight. A sword might not even be able to scratch the Gold Ba''s golden skin, let alone break through its defenses.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t panic. Instead, he stayed calm and let his mind operate at lightning speed, trying to figure out a way to escape. Right then, he noticed there were rumbling sounds ringing out from his left and right as if there was some sort of force flowing somewhere unseen.


    Chu Liang gritted his teeth and raised the Dustless Sword! Instead of striking the Gold Ba, he struck the dirt wall on the side.


    <i>Wham, wham.</i>


    He struck the dirt wall twice with full force, and it suddenly burst open with a bang. There was a rumbling sound like that of thunder, and in the next moment, a huge stream of water gushed out like a water dragon and engulfed Chu Liang and the Gold Ba!


    Chu Liang had hedged his bet right!


    The underground waterwork of the Immortals'' Marsh consisted of countless intersecting underground rivers. The moment the Gold Ba went berserk, the surrounding dirt walls began to fold under the pressure.


    The Gold Ba''s bellow had sent vibrations running through all of the water in the Immortals'' Marsh and in turn caused the flow of water in the underground waterwork to be turbulent, much like a kettle boiling over! The hole that Chu Liang had made became an opening to release the water pressure, and the water flooded out with tremendous force!


    The Gold Ba was hit! However, it was still under the restraint imposed by Fei Qi''s Spoken Divine Law, so it didn''t get swept very far.


    Chu Liang seized this opportunity to break free from the Gold Ba''s grasp! He was swept away by the turbulent stream of water, crashing through a dirt wall on the other side and into an empty space.


    His mind went nk. The force of the water sent him flying into the air and then ruthlessly mmed him to the ground. It was as though a giant hand was controlling everything.


    It took a long time for things to settle down.


    ...


    When Chu Liang opened his eyes again, he found that he wasn''t underwater.


    Sunlight streamed in from overhead, and he was surrounded by curved walls like those of a rock cave. Dust danced in the rays of sunlight amid the pin-drop silence.


    <i>Where is this ce?</i>


    Chu Liang looked around and got a shock. He saw a little girl, who appeared to be five or six years old, crouching behind him!


    She had long ck hair draped over her shoulders and wore oversized red robes. The girl had a fair and delicate face without a single blemish, appearing very young and adorable. She stared at him curiously with herrge ck eyes that seemed so innocent.


    Chu Liang''s first reaction was to be cautious. A child in such a strange location couldn''t possibly be human!


    Yet, when Chu Liang extended his divine sense and examined her carefully, he found that there wasn''t the slightest fluctuation in her aura. All she was doing was breathing.


    She was just an ordinary little girl! But that was even stranger than if she were a ghost!


    Chu Liang couldn''t stop himself from asking, "Little girl, why... why are you here? Where are your mom and dad?"


    The little girl didn''t say a word. She just silently shook her head.


    "Then, how about I take you out of here?" Chu Liang asked.


    This time, the little girl didn''t shake her head. She didn''t nod either; she just didn''t react at all.


    "How strange..." Chu Liang muttered.


    He sighed and brought his hand up to his forehead to support it. The series of powerful hits he''d suffered earlier left him feeling dizzy.


    After calming down a bit, he pondered about his situation.<i> I was swept here by the turbulent stream of water. It felt like I traveled for just a short distance in a straight line. So, as long as I can get back above ground, it shouldn''t be difficult to return to the scene of the battle.</i>


    He looked around again, carefully observing the cave. It seemed to have been an underwater cave beneath initially, but the water level had dropped. The underwater cave dried up and became an underground cave with no opening in the rock walls all around; it was instead on the ceiling of the cave.


    Right when Chu Liang was looking around for a way to get out, the little girl behind him quietly bared her teeth, revealing a row of beautiful, perfect, white teeth. Among them were two small but rather eye-catching fangs...

 Chapter 178: The Assembly of the Divine Nine

    <h4>Chapter 178: The Assembly of the Divine Nine</h4>


    <i>ng!</i>


    <i>ng!</i>


    <i>ng!</i>


    In a solitary pavilion behind the Boundless Pce on the Heaven-Reaching Peak hung arge bell without a striker or anyone attending to it.


    However, on this day, the bell suddenly rang on its own, its sound echoing through Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    "It''s the Bell of Celestial Hearing," someone from within the Boundless Pce said. "Three tolls signify a disaster in the mortal realm. Guardian elder, please go and investigate."


    "Alright."


    At the same time, these three chimes of the bell resonated in Buddhist Cloud Monastery, Peni Supreme Sect, Great Astral Sect, Endless Sword Sect, Greater-Yin Cult, Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, Celestial King Sect, and so on.


    The Divine Nine all took action!


    When the ranking of the Divine Nine was established, the Bell of Celestial Hearing was created. If one sect rang their bell, the sound would reach the eight other sects, and they would all gather immediately.


    However, the bell would only ring if a major event affecting all the sects was urring.


    At this moment, three chimes sounded, signaling for Mount Shu to dispatch a guardian elder. If it had rung seven times, it would indicate an assembly of all the sect leaders from the Divine Nine!


    The guardian elder was dressed in a fluttering Daoist robe, with a head of jet-ck hair tied up. He appeared to be a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, with clear and sharp eyes, exuding a handsome and refined demeanor.


    He didn''t move, but instead sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion with his eyes closed. His innate self entered a vast and ethereal realm, the exact location of which was indiscernible.


    The immortal aura lingered in this space, resembling the immortal realm.


    It was precisely the realm for the gathering of the Divine Nine.


    It was quite simr to the interdimensional soul domain within the Soul Subjugator Token. However, this realm looked very different.


    There were nine elevated tforms within the space. After just a moment, nine massive figures formed by condensed clouds appeared in this space. They settled into their positions and looked towards the figure at the forefront.


    This time, the one who had struck the Bell of Celestial Hearing was an elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. The cloud-like figure vaguely resembled an elderly, frail man.


    "The Bell of Celestial Hearing hasn''t rung for a hundred years. We''ve alerted everyone because this matter is truly very urgent," he said clearly, adding, "Our sect master just conducted a divination, foreseeing the fate of the mortal realm. He discovered the imminent presence of a Cataclysmic Ba emerging from the Immortals'' Marsh!"


    "What?" The bald monk from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery spoke first. "A Cataclysmic Ba at the seventh realm?"


    "Didn''t something like that already appear two hundred years ago?" asked the guardian elder from Mount Shu Sect.


    "Indeed, in the long years gone by, the Cataclysmic Ba would only appear about once every thousand years," the elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion continued, "but that doesn''t necessarily mean that it would take a thousand years for the Immortals'' Marsh to nurture a new one. Or perhaps this was merely a coincidence."


    "Once it steps out of the Immortals'' Marsh, it will bring forth cmities. It must be killed while it is still in the Immortals'' Marsh!" Someone from the Greater-Yin Cult spoke coldly. It appeared to be a tall woman with loose flowing hair.


    "Kill it," a middle-aged Daoist from the Peni Supreme Sect sinctly uttered in a cold manner.


    "We will simply do what we didst time. Each sect will dispatch a cultivator at the seventh realm and assemble at the Immortals'' Marsh. There''s no need to panic. When the Cataclysmic Ba emerges, the whole world will know. It is very hard for it to hide," a hoarse voice sounded. It was an elderly man from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. Clearly, he had participated in the previous hunt that urred two hundred years ago.


    "Then let''s take action," the man from the Great Astral Sect said without hesitation.


    The individuals from the Celestial King Sect seemed somewhat gloomy and unsociable. They simply nodded without much expression, indicating that they might not be very cooperative, but they would likely participate in the uing actions.


    The sword cultivators from the Endless Sword Sect showed no expression whatsoever. They remained silent, standing there like statues formed from clouds.


    The old man from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion specifically inquired, "Elder Mo of the Endless Sword Sect, did you hear clearly?"


    "<i>Mm</i>," responded the elder with the sword on his back.


    If he hadn''t responded, it would have been really hard to tell if this person was still present...


    "Let us then return and inform our respective sects and start the preparation. We will assemble above the Immortals'' Marsh in one hour," the elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion said atst.


    The cloudlike figures all dispersed instantly.


    ...


    Inside the underground cave in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    A seemingly naive little girl bared her tiny fangs at Chu Liang, but as she approached, she noticed something odd, sniffing with her nose as if sensing something.


    She furrowed her little eyebrows and appeared puzzled.


    Chu Liang swiftly turned back to her and reassured, "Don''t worry, I''ll get you out immediately."


    He gently patted the little girl on the head and released a soft sigh.


    Who would have thought he''d end up picking up a child? Originally, he was in great danger in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    And now, without the support of Old Fei, he willingly shouldered this new burden, though he felt somewhat helpless about it.


    <i>This child can''t speak. She has no idea where her parents were located and she looks a little dumb. Did her parents abandon her here? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    This conjecture wasn''t entirely impossible. After all, simr situations had urred in the impoverished areas of the Southern Regions. It was highly possible that a child who hadn''t learned to speak by several years of age would have been taken to the boundaries of the Immortals'' Marsh and abandoned there.


    If that was the case, the little one would be quite pitiful.


    <i>I wonder if the fight outside has ended. </i>Chu Liang pondered.


    Even when Old Fei and Xu Ziyang worked together to fight the Gold Ba, they still struggled.


    On the surface, their strengths seemedparable, but the Gold Ba possessed a tough and highly defensive body. Their techniques weren''t particrly effective against such formidable defense, especially as Old Fei excelled in Confucian and soul cultivation.


    Although Xu Ziyang was powerful, the disparity in cultivation levels still created a noticeable gap.


    Breaking through the Gold Ba''s defenses seemed challenging for these two. As time passed, Old Fei would be at risk of being drained.


    Considering all this, winning was far from certain.


    Chu Liang hoped that even if they didn''t win, they would still manage to escape the Immortals'' Marsh safely.


    The most challenging part was that there wasn''t just one Gold Ba outside, but also countless Silver Ba, Copper Ba, Iron Ba... The Immortals'' Marsh was in great turmoil, and the thought of numerous Ba wandering on the outskirts gave him a headache.


    <i>How am I going to get out? </i>


    <i>Eh. What if I explore outside with a clone first?</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly remembered those three golden strands of hair.


    "Why not use them now? What better time than this?" he muttered inwardly.


    However, utilizing this item required him to concentrate his entire consciousness on the clone. His main body would remain stationary and entirely unaware of the surroundings.


    He first needed to ensure that he was in an absolutely safe ce. After some consideration, he deemed the current location rtively safe. If there was any danger, it would only be the little girl in front of him.


    The little girl gave off the aura of a normal human being. Her presence here was the only odd thing.


    If she was capable of disguising and hiding herself from his powerful method of detecting evil entities, then...


    Suddenly, Chu Liang raised his hand.


    He pointed behind and called out, "What''s that over there?"


    When the little girl turned to look, a golden brick appeared in his hand seemingly out of thin air. With a gentle whack, he struck the back of the little girl''s head.


    <i>Whack.</i>


    But nothing happened.


    The little girl did not reveal her true form nor did she faint.


    There was a possibility of the dizziness effect of the Demon-Revealing Brick being triggered. In fact, Chu Liang had reason to suspect that it had urred every time in the past because he had simply struck with too much force, resulting in only evil entities strong enough to resist the dizziness being safe from this effect.


    Chu Liang quickly withdrew his hand and looked around with an innocent expression.


    The little girl nced back at him. With a hint of confusion in her eyes, the little girl rubbed the back of her head.


    Chu Liang quickly reached out and massaged the little girl''s head. "What''s wrong? What''s wrong? A stone must have fell and hit you on the head just now. Let me give you a massage. It won''t hurt at all."


    The confusion in the little girl''s eyes deepened. After confirming her identity with the Demon-Revealing Brick, Chu Liang became certain that she wasn''t an evil entity.


    At this point, he had to ensure the little girl''s safe exit from the Immortals'' Marsh.


    He whispered to the little girl, "I''m going to use an enchanted art to scout the road ahead. Be a good girl and don''t wander off. Can you stay here and protect me for a while?"


    The little girl continued to gaze at him with an expression that made it unclear whether she understood his words or not.


    Chu Liang ignored her. He sat cross-legged on the ground and retrieved a strand of golden hair.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    A golden light shed as he activated it with his divine intent.


    The strand of hair transformed into a humanoid figure identical in height, appearance, temperament, and expression to Chu Liang.


    Even those closest to Chu Liang wouldn''t be able to tell that something was off.


    Chu Liang immediately transferred all his divine intent onto the clone, then swiftly flew out along the opening above the cave.


    After he departed, the little girl remained standing there, watching him with a nk expression.


    After a while, her small eyebrows furrowed again, and she started getting closer to him.


    Baring her tiny fangs, she sniffed along Chu Liang''s body, sensing that there was something really strange about this person.


    There seemed to be a savory aroma on this person''s body, making her want to take a bite... but it was mixed with the foul smell of the Immortals'' Marsh, which she found quite repulsive.


    In short, the smells on him were both repugnant and fragrant.


    For a long time, her instinctive consciousness battled over whether or not to take a bite.


    Just as she hesitated, the light from above the cave was suddenly blocked, and a tall figure appeared there.


    The figure wore tattered golden clothes and was missing one arm and half of its torso. There was also a hole in the right chest. If it were a human, they would undoubtedly be dead; however, it could still survive because it was a Ba.


    It was a powerful Gold Ba.


    Indeed, this was the sixth-realm Gold Ba they had briefly fought earlier, the one that escaped from the battle with Xu Ziyang and Fei Qi!


    The Gold Ba exuded a gloomy aura and emanated a strong sense of greed and murderous intent. It stared at Chu Liang with its empty eye socket, seeming to convey, "I finally found you."


    But then, it sensed another presence.


    The little girl lifted her head and gazed up at the formidable Gold Ba.


    "<i>Hiss...</i>" She bared her fangs and hissed at the Gold Ba with a hint of fierceness and a slightly childish tone.


    Upon seeing this, the Gold Ba trembled. Its entire body quivered. Then, without looking back, it fled, leaving a trail of golden light!


    The Gold Ba, which had dared to charge fearlessly at the three cultivators, was actually scared away by the little girl baring her fangs!


    After scaring off that foul creature, the little girl turned her head again to look at the thing in front of her that emitted this pleasant yet repugnant smell.


    She felt conflicted.

 Chapter 179: Heavenly Origin Tomb

    <h4>Chapter 179: Heavenly Origin Tomb</h4>


    "It''s a mess in the Immortals'' Marsh tonight..." remarked a crow as it gazed down at the groups of Ba below.


    Apanied by a crow, the Dual Wielder flew at a low altitude over the Immortals'' Marsh.


    "Well, besides the Gold Ba, there''s nothing that can cause me trouble. If a big one approaches you, just let me know; it won''t affect our mission," said the Dual Wielder.


    "If the target gets killed by the Ba, it would save us some effort," remarked the crow.


    Because the Immortal Art: Heavenly Sight and Hearing consumed a tremendous amount of energy, the crow only activated this technique after they had entered the Immortals'' Marsh. At this moment, the immortal art had just locked onto the target and was guiding them toward it.


    "It better not," the Dual Wielder said with a sinister smile. "For the trouble this Chu Liang has brought me, I must personally end his life to vent my anger."


    "We''re almost there," the crow said. "This time, I''ll watch you do it."


    As soon as the conversation ended, Dual Wielder sensed a cautious figure ahead.


    Chu Liang crouched down as he moved forward cautiously, carefully navigating the surroundings and attempting to find a safe path. He was constantly witnessing groups of Ba passing by as they fled from the Immortals'' Marsh. It reminded him of scenes from the end of the world.


    Along this route, he didn''t encounter too many powerful Gold Ba or Silver Ba. The number of high-level Ba was obviously smaller.


    <i>It seems safe? </i>He thought to himself.


    Just as he was pondering, he saw a dark gust of wind swooping in from a distance, carrying a strong killing intent.


    <i>Who is it? </i>


    Chu Liang had to escape quickly as the clone had no weapons, but the person was quick, catching up to him in the blink of an eye!


    Eventually, he caught sight of the gust of ck wind. The figure had a fierce gaze, wore a mask, and wielded two des.


    Danger loomed as the Dual Wielder unsheathed his des, his figure dissolving into remnants of ck light, swiftly passing by Chu Liang. Beneath the moonlight, a faint shadow was cleaved in two by the ck light.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    At that moment, Chu Liang''s body stiffened, swayed, and then copsed to the ground. His body was cleaved into two. Blood sprayed into the air, and with a heavy thud, the pieces hit the ground.


    The Dual Wielder turned around, ncing at the two severed body parts. After a moment of contemtion, as if unsatisfied, he drew his des again and severed the head from the upper half of the body.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    However, after that cut, he still appeared unsatisfied. Raising his hand again, he pierced the heart.


    He paused for a moment, then swung his twin des, nging and cutting the body several more times.


    "That''s enough," the crow perched on his shoulder couldn''t help but interject, "We''ll have enough meat for dumplings if you keep cutting like that."


    "<i>Phew¡ª</i>" Dual Wielder stopped, took a deep breath, and inquired, "Is he finally dead?"


    "Absolutely," the crow asserted, "If he''s still alive, I''ll take your surname."


    The Dual Wielder finally felt satisfied as he transformed into a gust of ck wind and flew away.


    ...


    "<i>Arggghhhhhhhhh.</i>" Chu Liang eximed, his consciousness snapping back to his body that was drenched in cold sweat.


    Although it was just a clone, the sensation of being killed felt undeniably real.


    He had essentially experienced death!


    <i>Who was the masked man?</i>


    The ruthless attack indicated a clear target, and the divine de technique used by the masked man had not directly touched his body, but had severed his shadows, causing his body to split in two.


    It was all very strange.


    After taking the time to regainposure, he finally shifted his gaze to the little girl in front of him.


    As she approached, Chu Liang noticed a peculiar glow in her eyes. It felt oddly familiar, reminiscent of the glow he had seen in Liu Xiaoyu''er''s and Big Head''s eyes on previous asions.


    "Are you hungry?" Chu Liang asked.


    The little girl hesitated for a moment before nodding gently.


    <i>I knew it. They are all hungry. </i>


    Chu Liang reached into his pocket and retrieved two Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries.


    "Here, have these. It''s all I have," he said, offering the berries to the little girl.


    She looked at the berries, seeming a bit hesitant.


    "They''re very tasty," Chu Liang reassured her.


    The little girl took the berry and gave it a gentle bite. Her eyes lit up immediately.


    The berry tasted exceptionally delicious, delighting her taste buds to the fullest!


    In no time, she devoured the whole berry like a little wolf. Chu Liang gave her another, and she quickly gobbled it up.


    "Look at how hungry this child is," muttered Chu Liang, feeding her four or five more before stopping. "That''s enough for now. Don''t eat anymore; we''ll get you something good after we leave."


    He rose to his feet, taking the little girl''s hand, and with a swift motion, they soared out of the cave.


    Outside, the vast sky was adorned with twinkling stars, while the moon bathed everything in a soft, gentle glow.


    As soon as they stepped outside, all the Ba in the vicinity suddenly vanished, for reasons unknown.


    <i>Are they all gone? </i>Despite feeling a little puzzled, Chu Liang didn''t dwell on it much. The important thing was that they were safe.


    "I''ll get you out of here first, and then we can seek help from the local authorities to find your parents," Chu Liang reassured the little girl as he led her away. He muttered to himself, "If we can''t find them, I''ll take you to Mount Shu..."


    But as he contemted further, Chu Liang realized that taking her to Mount Shu might not be feasible. Mount Shu wasn''t a charitable institution; it typically housed orphaned children with cultivation talents.


    But a dim-witted child like her...


    As they walked along the shore of ake, the little girl suddenly summoned some unknown strength and broke free from Chu Liang''s grasp. With a ssh, she leaped into theke!


    The Immortals'' Marsh was in such chaos tonight that Chu Liang felt as though the water''s surface was boiling. As the little girl jumped in, she was immediately swallowed up by the tumultuous waters.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang eximed before plunging into the water. As he submerged, he felt the spiritual qi surging around him, like a massive underwater volcano erupting, which exined the unsettled state of the water''s surface.


    Surprisingly, the little girl could swim with astonishing speed, descending straight down like a fish. Despite his efforts, Chu Liang found himself unable to catch up for a while.


    At that moment, he decided that he would learn a water-defying technique upon returning to Mount Shu. Otherwise, regardless of his cultivation strength, he would be at a disadvantage underwater.


    After a short while, the little girl slowed down, and Chu Liang hurriedly caught up, intending to grab her.


    Before Chu Liang could grab her, he felt a sudden heaviness in his heart as a massive dark shadow crossed his senses.


    He nced upward and beheld a vast, pitch-ck mouth looming overhead!


    From an aerial perspective, one could discern a colossal, chubby fish adorned with protruding scales, topped by antern-like luminous orb suspended above its head. Its immense body spanned several stories in height, with a gaping mouth resembling a dark abyss.


    The creature''s mouth was filled with sharp, menacing fangs, giving it a demonic appearance.


    "<i>Roar!</i>"


    With a roar, the mouth instantly engulfed arge expanse of water, then closed. Chu Liang, along with the unusually calm little girl, was forcefully pulled into the strong vortex.


    <i>Swallow!</i>


    Chu Liang held the little girl in his arms, trying his best to protect her. They tumbled and eventuallynded on a soft surface. The water that had been sucked in with them poured down from above like a torrential downpour, making a loud sttering sound.


    "You nearly got me killed..." Chu Liang shook his head, intending to give the little girl a piece of his mind, but then he saw the little girl calmly walking forward.


    Chu Liang lifted his eyes and saw a crystal-like pce ahead, crafted entirely from lustrous ss, sparkling and translucent. The inside of the fish belly felt like a vast cave, with walls emitting a gentle purple glow, casting a dreamy atmosphere over the pce, making it appear grand and majestic.


    There was a crystal pce hidden inside the fish''s belly!


    Chu Liang was shocked but dared not make a sound. Seeing the little girl walking straight ahead, he couldn''t help but follow suit.


    The doors of the crystal pce stood wide open, and as Chu Liang stepped inside, he was once again filled with astonishment.


    Upon entering, Chu Liang was met with six bodies scattered across the ss-like floor, each lying in different positions. Despite their varied poses, they all shared a goldenplexion, emanating immense power.


    They were all Gold Ba!


    One Ba was enough to cause them considerable distress, yet there were six here. Upon closer inspection, Chu Liang realized that they had been dead for quite some time.


    It was unclear how long it took for these dead cultivators to level up into Gold Ba since they became Ba, and likewise uncertain how long these Gold Ba had been dead. Nevertheless, these bodies had been lying around for quite some time.


    The little girl remained remarkably calm, her gaze fixed straight ahead as she passed through the corpses of these Gold Ba as though she didn''t notice them. Without a nce backward, she reached the inner hall of the crystal pce.


    However, upon entering the inner hall, Chu Liang found no ss floor; instead, he stepped onto a spacious and smoothwn, with a massive stone monument standing proudly in the center.


    Ancient characters were carved into the stone monument, and although Chu Liang could only vaguely discern their meaning, he grasped the general message.


    The first few prominent characters read: "Tomb of Jiang Kui."


    Following the prominent characters, a line of smaller text continued: "I caused all the Ba and cmities in this marsh. I acknowledge my guilt, but with my lifespan nearing its end, I am incapable of rectifying this situation. I vow that my life''s cultivation will transform into stalks of Celestial Herb of Ascension after my death, nurturing more talented cultivators who will bring pride to the human race."


    Underneath the stone monument stood a leaf,rge and ostentatious, with golden veins spreading out like a spider''s web. Its shape and appearance were identical to the Celestial Herb of Ascension depicted in the illustration!


    Beside the stone monumenty a small crystal coffin. It was already open and the ce was a mess.


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang immediately fixed his gaze on the Celestial Herb of Ascension!


    What one seeks with effort in vain for a long time oftenes effortlessly!


    <i>Haven''t I endured all these hardships for the sake of this very thing?! </i>He thought to himself.


    ording to the message on the stone monument, it seemed that every stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension here was a manifestation of the spiritual energy of the powerful individual buried here.


    The Celestial Herb of Ascension''s willingness to approach humans made sense¡ªit was actually drawn by Jiang Kui''s vow made during his lifetime! Considering this, the individual lying below was likely a powerful cultivator, possibly of the eighth realm.


    There weren''t many cultivators at the seventh realm, but they existed nheless. Yet, there were no rumors of any Eminent Ones emanating such spiritual energy after death. It was likely that only individuals at the Heavenly Origin Realm possessed the ability to make such a wish before their death.


    This was a Heavenly Origin Tomb[1]!


    As his excitement surged within him, he watched the little girl calmly walk straight to the herb and pluck it out without hesitation.


    She pulled out the stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension and started stuffing it into her mouth!


    <i>She wants to eat the Celestial Herb of Ascension raw?! </i>Chu Liang''s eyes widened in shock, and he immediately shouted, "Stop!"


    1. The tomb of an individual at the Heavenly Origin Realm ?

 Chapter 180: Search!

    <h4>Chapter 180: Search!</h4>


    When Chu Liang let out that impulsive shout, he felt nervous and quite uneasy.


    His suspicions about the little girl had been confirmed the moment he saw her swim through the water like a fish. It was clear that she wasn''t an ordinary little girl at all.


    Moreover, she had returned to this crystal pce inside the fish''s belly with such ease and familiarity and then casually pulled out the Celestial Herb of Ascension to eat it raw. Even Yun Chaoxian would be able to tell that the little girl was an extraordinary being, let alone Chu Liang.


    Regardless, the herb she was about to eat was the Celestial Herb of Ascension, the spirit nt that was necessary for the formation of an ultimate-tier Golden Core. This was a ray of hope that was seen only once in a hundred years. It was right in front of Chu Liang, yet the little girl was about to eat it like it was lettuce... She didn''t even bother dipping it in some sauce first.


    The heart of any cultivator would ache upon seeing this sight. It was a pure and utter waste of the treasure of nature.


    After hearing Chu Liang''s shout, the little girl turned around to face him. She gazed at him strangely with her teeth bared. It was a rather disgruntled expression like that of someone protecting her food from getting stolen.


    The little girl cast a sideways nce at the Gold Ba corpses outside and then shot a rather fierce look at Chu Liang, making his heart race in fear. It seemed that the little girl had killed the Gold Ba outside because they hade to steal her food.


    Chu Liang immediately put on a friendly smile and waved his hands as if to show he meant no harm. "I want to eat that too. How about we make a trade?"


    The little girl stood still as she held onto the Celestial Herb of Ascension.


    Chu Liang took out a Golden Vein Berry from his pocket and offered it to the little girl. "You ate this fruit earlier. It''s delicious, isn''t it? Let''s exchange."


    The little girl remained motionless.


    Even Chu Liang thought that exchanging one Golden Vein Berry for the Celestial Herb of Ascension was rather ridiculous, so he took out another berry.


    "How about two berries for one stalk of the herb?" Chu Liang asked gently, patiently trying to persuade the little girl.


    The little girl swept her gaze over the two berries, but she didn''t do anything else.


    "I''ll say a number..." Chu Liang took out tworge boxes and mmed them onto the ground. "There are more than twenty berries in total in these two boxes. Is that enough to exchange for one stalk of the herb?"


    The little girl finally showed signs of hesitation.


    She had eaten this herb many times. It wasn''t that delicious, but she noticed that her strength would increase significantly after eating it. As for the fruit, today was her first time eating it. It didn''t contain a lot of spiritual energy, but it was delicious... Additionally, some of the berries had a special scent that she found extremely enticing.


    However, if she were to say these things to Chu Liang, he would definitely rescind his offer. This was because the Golden Vein Berries only contained dragon breath and qi suffused with blood.


    Apart from the vicious beasts that saw dragons as prey, no one else would crave dragon breath. As for the blood-stained qi, the Golden Vein Berries only contained a trace of it. The biggest source of blood-stained qi was, of course, living creatures.


    If the little girl were to get addicted to the taste of blood-stained qi, it would likely open a door to disaster...


    Seeing the little girl''s hesitation, Chu Liang thought there was room for negotiation, so he raised the stakes and took out two more boxes of Golden Vein Berries!


    "This is thest of my stock. Take it or leave it! Just tell me, yes or no!" Chu Liang said through gritted his teeth. "These Golden Vein Berries have a sweet taste. They nourish your qi and blood as well as your yin qi and skin. They are essential fruits if you stay at home or go traveling!"


    The little girl hesitated for a while.


    Then she opened her mouth and attempted to speak. "<i>Ah, mm, ah, mm.</i>"


    She slowly uttered one word in a stiff tone, "Yes..."


    Right then, Chu Liang realized that this little girl wasn''t mute; it was just that no one had spoken to her before!


    After all,nguage needed to be learned. Even if she were a genius, she wouldn''t know a single word if no one had ever spoken to her.


    <i>Could it be that she has been living ever since she was born? Is this her home?</i>


    Chu Liang''s gaze fell on the small crystal coffin. It was unlikely that an Eminent One at the Heavenly Origin Realm had prepared such a small coffin for themself... Just thinking about it gave him goosebumps.


    Regardless, when the little girl handed over the Celestial Herb of Ascension, he epted it anyway and left the Golden Vein Berries for her.


    Chu Liang said hastily, "It''ste. I should head home. I had a great time with you today. Well, goodbye until we meet again."


    Then he turned around, wanting to leave quickly.


    However, before he could step through the entrance of the crystal pce, he heard a deafening rumble. In an instant, the world around him turned upside down; what was above him switched ces with what was below him. He was hit by a torrential rush of water that gushed in from midair!


    This water was incredibly salty. It was seawater!


    ...


    In the night sky above the Immortals'' Marsh...


    An elderly man in long robes was riding a Spotted Golden Deer. He cut a huge slit in the sky, and a cascade of brilliant golden light poured down from it, enveloping the Immortals'' Marsh. It looked as if a bowl of gold powder had been overturned, leaving its contents to fall onto the marsh.


    At this moment, a wisp of cloud swiftly arrived at the Immortals'' Marsh, revealing someone''s face that looked like dark waters. This person wore a grave expression that was filled with killing intent. He was Wang Xuanling, the Mount Shu Sect''s grand peak master.


    Seeing Wang Xuanling arrive, the elder riding the deer cupped his hands together in respect and bowed. "Grand Peak Master Wang, I''m surprised that the Mount Shu Sect sent you here. It seems that your sect gives great importance to the task of exterminating the Cataclysmic Ba."


    "Elder Sun," Wang Xuanling greeted, cupping his hands and bowing as well. Then he continued, "It''s because my disciple is in the Immortals'' Marsh. I am worried about his safety, so I came to see how he''s doing."


    "Your disciple wouldn''t happen to be Xu Ziyang, would it?" Elder Sun asked.


    He had guessed it from seeing Wang Xuanling''s grim expression. Aside from Xu Ziyang, the famous prodigy of the Mount Shu Sect, Elder Sun didn''t think there would be anyone else who could make Wang Xuanling so anxious.


    "That''s correct," Wang Xuanling answered with a nod.


    "I just opened the Vault of Heaven earlier and used my sect''s treasure, the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, to contain the Immortals'' Marsh and everything within it. So, all of the Ba are trapped here. However, we have yet to find traces of the Cataclysmic Ba. Grand Peak Master Wang, if you''re worried about the safety of your disciple, it would be best for you to make haste and search for your disciple personally," Elder Sun advised.


    The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was the third best legendary artifact in the world, so it couldn''t be taken out of Elder Sun''s sect, the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, whenever someone wished to do so. However, Elder Sun was able to use the divine power of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams by going through the Vault of Heaven.


    "I''m intending to do precisely that. When the Eminent Ones from the Divine Nine arriveter, please inform them of my whereabouts, Elder Sun," Wang Xuanling requested.


    He left it at that and set off swiftly.


    Clouds gathered around Wang Xuanling as he flew through the sky and sent his divine sense sweeping through the Immortals'' Marsh, leaving no grain of sand or de of grass untouched.


    For a seventh-realm Eminent One, using their divine sense to scan a specific area like this was almost as effective as using Heavenly Sight and Hearing.


    Just a momentter, Wang Xuanling spotted Xu Ziyang by ake. Wang Xuanling''s tense expression finally rxed a little.


    Seeing Wang Xuanling, Xu Ziyang immediately bowed respectfully in greeting. "Esteemed Teacher!"


    Xu Ziyang looked rather miserable. His clothes were torn, and there were bloodstains on his cheeks and severalrge wounds on his body.


    "The Immortals'' Marsh is in a turbulent state. Since you''re well enough to move, why haven''t you left?" Wang Xuanling asked with a solemn expression.


    He''d spoken sternly, but it was obviously out of concern.


    "Esteemed Teacher, I came here to apany and protect my juniors. However, one of my junior brothers has gone missing, so I''m searching for him," Xu Ziyang answered.


    "I see," Wang Xuanling replied and nodded slightly, acknowledging his disciple''s sense of responsibility. Then he asked, "Which junior brother?"


    "Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak."


    Wang Xuanling looked surprised. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang was the only child of Silver Sword Peak¡ªDi Nufeng''s sole disciple. When someone had stolen a few sword coins from Chu Liang, Di Nufeng had gone with him to Cloud Horizon Peak and sought revenge for him. This matter was already known all over Mount Shu. There were suspicions that they''d scammedpensation from the peak master of Cloud Horizon Peak, but what was certain was that Di Nufeng was fiercely protective of her disciple.


    <i>If Chu Liang were to die...</i>


    Wang Xuanling was terrified by the mere thought of it.


    He waved his sleeves and uttered without the slightest hesitation, "Search! I''ll search with you! We''ll search through the night!"

 Chapter 181: Whale-Riding Immortal

    <h4>Chapter 181: Whale-Riding Immortal</h4>


    Gazing at the moon overhead, Chu Liang found himself on a small ind in a deste sea. He felt somewhat bewildered.


    Just moments ago, he was still at the Immortals'' Marsh in the Southern Regions.


    He had mistakenly entered a crystal pce in the belly of a giantntern fish and cunningly obtained a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension.


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang quickly flew out of the fish belly as it twisted and turned, with seawater surging,


    <i>Ssh¡ª</i>


    However, he emerged from the fish''s mouth and passed through the deep, quiet water surface. As he ascended into the sky, the scene before him left him feeling dumbfounded.


    He had somehow arrived above a vast expanse of sea that stretched endlessly!


    The bright moon hung high above.


    In the distance was an ind with rugged and strange rocks. On the edge of the ind, sat a man, wearing a conical bamboo hat and a fluttering robe, who was fishing.


    He held in his hand a pure white wooden fishing rod, with a golden thread of fishing line. The material of the line seemed ethereal and luminous, unlike ordinary items.


    His catch was none other than the giantntern fish.


    The towering waves parted, creating enormous sshes in the sea as the massive fish was reeled up into the air. The fishing rod and line bore the weight effortlessly, and with a slight lift of his hands, the man reeled the fish up with ease.


    He pulled the massive fish to the edge of the ind, its body half on shore and half submerged in the water, struggling with its dying breath.


    The man stood up and leapt forward, pressing down with one foot on the fish that was several stories tall, leaving it with no room to move.


    "Come out!" He called, putting away his fishing rod.


    After a moment, the little girl crawled out with a tensed expression, leaping onto the ind. She fixed her pitch-ck eyes on the man.


    She looked a bit fierce and a bit bewildered.


    "A child indeed..." The man muttered andnded gracefully in front of the little girl.


    The little girl remained cautious, but as the man approached, she started to lower her guard. In the end, the man was able to rub her head.


    "This feels really strange..." The man chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Anyway, it''s fortunate that I caught you before you caused a huge disaster. It''s not toote. Let''s make sure that we don''t interfere with each other''s ns."


    The little girl couldn''t understand his words, but when she caught a whiff of the man''s scent, she settled down.


    Chu Liang felt confused watching the scene unfold, but he didn''t need to understand. Clearly, the man before him was not someone he knew or would associate with. He turned around, intending to slip away quietly.


    "Hey, young man." The man suddenly called him, and said, "Are you leaving just like that?"


    "<i>Hehe</i>," Chu Liang turned back and replied with a smile, "I wouldn''t dare to disturb a senior who is busy."


    The man looked up at him, revealing his face under the bamboo hat. His handsome face was like a sculpture marked by the traces of time, with a circle of stubble. A scar ran from his eyebrow to his cheek on his right eye.


    "Which immortal sect are you from?" the man asked.


    "I am from the Mount Shu Sect," Chu Liang answered truthfully.


    Chu Liang had no idea of this man''s intention, but there was no need for Chu Liang to hide anything. Besides, judging from the man''s aura, he didn''t seem like a viin.


    "Mount Shu?" The man blinked, his expression subtly changing.


    Upon sensing this, Chu Liang''s pupils dted slightly. <i>What''s wrong with Mount Shu? </i>He wondered.


    "Do you know Jiang Yuebai?" the man suddenly asked.


    "Well..." Chu Liang pondered for a moment and then replied with a smile, "Which disciple on Mount Shu doesn''t know Senior Sister Jiang? She is the pride of Mount Shu."


    "What is her current cultivation level?" the man asked again.


    "Probably at the peak of the fourth realm? Even if I am wrong, I shouldn''t be too far off," Chu Liang answered.


    Then, the man retrieved a porcin bottle from his robe and tossed it to Chu Liang. He said, "Deliver this to her for me."


    Chu Liang caught it and asked with hesitation, "What is this?"


    "Don''t worry, it''s something useful for her," said the man while waving his hand. "I''m counting on you. I''ll let you go your way; I need to deal with this little troublemaker now."


    "Senior..." Chu Liang inquired, "Should I mention who it''s from?"


    This simple question made the man''s shoulders stiffen. After a pause, he replied, "Just say it''s from the Whale-Riding Immortal."


    "Alright," Chu Liang nodded and turned away, flying towards the distant northern sky.


    Chu Liang guessed that the nearest sea to the Immortals'' Marsh was probably the South Sea. It was already incredible that the Lantern Fish was able to travel to the South Sea within such a short time. If they traveled to other seas, he would have thought that the fish used a technique simr to the Divine Teleportation Technique.


    Shortly after he took off, he heard a rumbling sound behind him, resembling the roar of a tsunami.


    Feeling curious, Chu Liang turned his head and nced behind him.


    Under the cover of the night, the once tranquil sea suddenly stirred with waves over ten meters high, as the ind began moving rapidly!


    He couldn''t help but think of the title of Whale-Riding Immortal.


    Could this ind be a gigantic whale?


    ...


    The distance from the South Sea to Mount Shu was still quite far. By the time Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak, the day had already dawned. Instead of heading to his room immediately, he went to see his teacher.


    Di Nufeng was still in a drunken slumber when Chu Liang''s arrival woke her up. She immediately opened her eyes and asked, "Weren''t you going to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension? How are you back so soon?"


    "Your disciple has indeed obtained the Celestial Herb of Ascension," Chu Liang replied truthfully. "However, there were some unexpected events that happened during my trip that I need to tell you about."


    The little girl, the Heavenly Origin Tomb, and the origin of the Celestial Herb of Ascension were all matters beyond his power to handle. He couldn''t hide these matters from the higher-ups of the sect, as they might convey crucial information.


    "You''ve got the Celestial Herb of Ascension!" Di Nufeng''s face lit up with joy. She instantly sobered up as she eximed, "It''s been many years since someone from Mount Shu found it. Truly, you''re my disciple!"


    "It''s all thanks to my teacher''s guidance," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    <i>If you were a bit more reliable, I would have formed my core long ago and would have then missed out on these opportunities today. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself. As he thought of things from this perspective, he realized that he indeed owed gratitude to Di Nufeng.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Di Nufeng shamelessly chuckled and said, "While my guidance is crucial, you still put in a bit of effort yourself. What unexpected incidents did you encounter? Tell me about it."


    Chu Liang proceeded to tell Di Nufeng all the stories.


    "<i>Wow.</i>" Di Nufeng eximed. After listening, she scratched her head and said, "The Heavenly Origin Tomb created the Celestial Herb of Ascension... and that strange little girl, it does seem like a big deal. I don''t have a deep understanding of the details, but I''ll inform the sect leaderter."


    "Alright, I''ll take my leave now."


    Since Chu Liang had reported the matter, anything beyond that was the concern of the elders; he had no further reason to worry about it.


    "You should go back and rest soon," Di Nufeng advised.


    After Chu Liang left, Di Nufeng gazed out at the sky for a moment before returning to her rest.


    But not long after, her peaceful dream was disturbed by two unexpected guests. She sat up and went outside to find Wang Xuanling and his disciple, Xu Ziyang, standing there.


    Upon seeing her old rival, her expression turned to one of displeasure. Old grudges mixed with morning grumpiness were all visible on her face.


    "What''s the matter?" Di Nufeng asked restlessly.


    Faced with her rudeness, Wang Xuanling surprisingly didn''t retort but pursed his lips and waved his sleeve. "Ziyang, it''s your turn."


    Xu Ziyang took a step forward, mustered his courage, and began speaking, "Senior Aunt Di Nufeng, when we were on our way to the Immortals'' Marsh, we unfortunately encountered the birth of the Cataclysmic Ba, and a disaster ensued at the Immortals'' Marsh. Junior Brother Chu Liang got caught in an ident while trying to protect fellow disciples..."


    "<i>Ah</i>, I see," Di Nufeng nodded in understanding.


    As Chu Liang had already briefed her on these matters just now, she didn''t show much reaction.


    "<i>Haizz</i>..." Wang Xuanling sighed and said, "Since you''ve also received the news, let me be straightforward. idents happened, and no one wished for them. My disciple has tried his best to search, but the Immortals'' Marsh is in aplete mess, and he sustained serious injuries while searching within it. After I arrived, we spent the night searching together until daybreak. You... let''s not dwell on this matter with him. If you have any grievances, direct them at me. Today, I bow my head on behalf of my disciple. Di Nufeng, I''m sorry!"


    The fact that Wang Xuanling bowed was indeed a disy of helplessness.


    If Di Nufeng wasn''t appeased quickly enough, who knew whatmotion she might cause? The Cataclysmic Ba that was still in the Immortals'' Marsh had yet to be found, and the members of the Divine Nine were still searching there. If she caused a scene, it would bring humiliation to the Mount Shu Sect.


    Despite their longstanding rivalry, Wang Xuanling apologized to her, considering the grief she must be experiencing over the potential loss of her disciple. For the first time in years, he bowed his head to someone.


    Upon hearing his words, Di Nufeng, who was still half-asleep, finally snapped fully awake. It turned out that these two were unaware that Chu Liang had already returned, and they thought that her disciple had died in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    As Di Nufeng thought back to the stories Chu Liang told her, she realized the reason why the members of the Divine Nine hadn''t located him. After all, he had entered the sea through an underground waterway.


    Di Nufeng exaggeratedly widened her mouth and eximed, "What?!"


    "My dear disciple! The exceptional student I nurtured with countless efforts, lost in the Immortals'' Marsh just like that? Heavens! I was hoping to rely on this disciple to care for me in my old age, yet today I must bid farewell to my own disciple! Oh Heavens! Why are you so unkind to a delicate woman like myself, blessed with both beauty and intelligence? Oh Great Earth! At least reveal to me the location of my disciple''s resting ce, let not his body remain in a foreignnd! <i>Ah...</i>"


    She cried loudly and it was as though her emotional pain was physically tearing her apart. Her palpable sadness moved everyone listening to tears.


    In the end, Wang Xuanling couldn''t hold back and said, "Don''t cry anymore... Cultivators like us live our lives fighting demons and upholding justice; life and death are not such rare matters. Your disciple is gone, how can your constant grief change anything?"


    Di Nufeng''splexion immediately returned to normal as she interjected, "You have to at least give me somepensation money."


    Wang Xuanling and his disciple fell silent for a moment, shocked by the rapid change in attitude.


    "My only disciple, the one I raised to support me in my old age, is gone. You have to provide for me now!" Seeing no immediate reaction, Di Nufeng pouted andmented, "Oh Heavens..."


    "Okay, okay!" Wang Xuanling hastily waved his hand, asking, "How much do you want?"


    "I''ve raised my good disciple for so many years. I think I should get at least twenty thousand sword coins, right?" Di Nufeng said, her tone suddenly changing.


    "Twenty thousand..." Wang Xuanling took in a sharp breath.


    Despite being the head of various peaks and having ess to abundant resources, Wang Xuanling also had thergest number of disciples. Even though he raised them all frugally, the total expenses were still substantial. Among the peak masters of Mount Shu, he often found himself with the least amount of money, though Di Nufeng was an exception to thisparison.


    "That''s not considered expensive at all in today''s world. The Hou outside my house costs over ten thousand..." Seeing Wang Xuanling''s hesitation, Di Nufengmented once more, "Chu Liang, oh Chu Liang..."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang, who happened to be outside the door, heard her call and quickly stepped in. "Teacher, you called for me?"

 Chapter 182: The Lesser Yin

    <h4>Chapter 182: The Lesser Yin</h4>


    Chu Liang naturally came here for a reason.


    After a short rest back home, he still had a lot of things on his mind, so he got up again.


    Firstly, he sent a flying-crane message to Senior Sister Jiang, but he hasn''t received a reply yet.


    Next was the matter of Core Formation. He needed to refine a pill, and he had already prepared the materials for the Core Formation, including two top-grade materials for the high-tier Golden Core and a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension needed for the ultimate-tier Golden Core.


    Despite making all the preparations, he realized that hecked a cultivation technique for the fourth realm. This technique should also outline the specific methods to execute core formation.


    This realization struck him only at thest moment.


    The foundational cultivation manuals of the <i>Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique</i> for each realm weren''t given to disciples beforehand. Typically, the next manual would be given when the disciple had attained the next cultivation realm.


    This manuals were free and every peak master possessed them. However, Chu Liang had forgotten to ask his teacher for the next manual, which was why he had gone back.


    But then, he heard Di Nufeng crying his name, as if she was in mourning. And so, he quickly stepped inside to see what was happening.


    As soon as he entered, Wang Xuanling and Xu Ziyang were shocked. Thankfully, they were cultivators who could distinguish between a person and a ghost with just a nce. If not, they would have thought that he was a ghost visiting home.


    "Are you alright?" Wang Xuanling was the first to react.


    Although Chu Liang was injured, his injuries were significantly less severe than Xu Ziyang''s. His injuries were not a major concern.


    Xu Ziyang asked, "Junior Brother Chu Liang, when did you leave the Immortals'' Marsh?"


    Di Nufeng''s cries stopped suddenly.


    The atmosphere became a bit awkward. Sensing that something was amiss, Chu Liang quickly exined, "Senior Uncle Wang, Master! Senior Brother Xu! Some idents urred, and I have just stepped foot onto Mount Shu!"


    "Just now?" Wang Xuanling cast a nce at Di Nufeng and immediately knew what had happened.


    Chu Liang must have returned a while ago.


    Otherwise, why would Di Nufeng be so calm? She was trying to scam them using Chu Liang! Truly shameless!


    "Yeah. How did youe back? Tell everyone what happened!" Di Nufeng hastily said, "I was so worried about you!"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang continued, "I need to report this to my teacher. Since Senior Uncle Wang is here, let''s discuss it together."


    With that, he recounted the series of events he had just exined to Di Nufeng. Throughout the entire process, Di Nufeng pretended as if she were hearing it for the first time and gave more exaggerated responses. She would asionally respond with "<i>Hmm,</i>" "<i>Ah,</i>" "<i>Oh,</i>" "Impressive," and so on.


    Hearing about these events actually alleviated the anger that Wang Xuanling had just felt.


    "Heavenly Origin Tomb... Jiang Kui?" Wang Xuanling pondered upon hearing this name, "A surnamed Jiang cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm, the eighth realm of cultivation. He must be from the Jiang Family, one of the three major aristocratic families. There probably aren''t many that share the same name as him. If we go back and check the records of the past ten thousand years, we should be able to find the life story of this senior Jiang Kui.


    "I don''t understand why he imed responsibility for all the Ba in the marsh. His act of using his body to nourish the Celestial Herb of Ascension to help nurture talented cultivators is amendable deed. Thanks to his contribution, we have many sessful cultivators who have formed the ultimate-tier Golden Cores."


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded.


    "But that little girl is really strange. Maybe she is the Cataclysmic Ba in the Immortals'' Marsh!" Wang Xuanling said. He pondered again and remarked, "So they didn''t find her because she escaped through the underground waterways directly to the South Sea."


    When they sealed the Immortals'' Marsh with the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, that giant fish might have already escaped.


    Normally, when the Cataclysmic Ba leaves the Immortals'' Marsh, natural disasters that were world-shattering would often happen. One would just have to search in the specific areas where cmities would ur. It was usually very challenging for them to hide their tracks. And so, the members of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine assumed that the Cataclysmic Ba was still in the Immortals'' Marsh.


    "As for that Whale-Riding Immortal, we don''t know who he is," Wang Xuanling concluded. "I just hope he isn''t using the power of the Cataclysmic Ba to cause trouble in the mortal realm."


    Chu Liang did not mention that the Whale-Riding Immortal had entrusted him with items for Senior Sister Jiang. Even though this information would have helped identify the immortal''s identity, Chu Liang had no intention of sharing it without discussing with Senior Sister Jiang first. After all,pared to Wang Xuanling and Xu Ziyang, his rtion with Senior Sister Jiang was much closer.


    After contemting all these matters, Wang Xuanling looked deeply at Chu Liang.


    "I heard that you had a chance to escape but chose to stay behind to rescue fellow disciples. It might have been luck that granted you this Celestial Herb of Ascension, but it''s also a reward for your righteousness and courage. Focus on cultivation and your future will be limitless," Wang Xuanling sincerely praised. Then, he nced at Di Nufeng, adding, "Don''t learn from your Teacher."


    "Hey!" Di Nufeng red and scolded. "You old man! Bad-mouthing me in front of everyone? Do you think I won''t get mad about it?"


    "<i>Humph.</i>" Wang Xuanling brushed his sleeves. He then turned to the left and said to Xu Ziyang, "Let''s go!"


    Wang Xuanling and his disciple then departed the Silver Sword Peak.


    "<i>Haaizzz...</i>" Di Nufeng sighed with regret as she remarked, "My twenty thousand sword coins flew away just like that."


    Chu Liang chuckled.


    He really needed to learn from his teacher on how to be more shameless.


    ...


    After obtaining the <i>Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Golden Core</i>, Chu Liang went to the Hall of Alchemy to see Senior Sister Chen.


    He remembered how Senior Sister Chen had promised to refine the pill for him at no cost.


    As expected, Chen Su was not at the Hall of Alchemy. Since she had just returned from the Immortals'' Marsh, she probably hadn''t been able to attend to her tasks at the Hall of Alchemy.


    The attendant at the Hall of Alchemy promptly sent a flying-crane message to notify Chen Su that someone was looking for her. Soon after, Chen Su hurriedly arrived. The sight of Chu Liang filled her with a mix of surprise and joy.


    "Junior Brother Chu! You''re safe! That''s fantastic!" Chen Su eximed with a smile. "I heard that the Immortals'' Marsh became chaotic due to the emergence of the Cataclysmic Ba. The Divine Nine have been called to action to resolve this issue. We were worried about your safety!"


    "I was lucky and nothing happened to me. In fact, this disaster blessed me with a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "What? You even found a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension!" Chen Su''s eyes lit up. She then said, "You sacrificed yourself to save your fellow sect members. If there was a stalk of Celestial Herb of Ascension, you should have been the one to take it."


    "I came here to ask Senior Sister Chen to refine a pill for me," Chu Liang stated in a straightforward manner after the brief conversation.


    "No problem!" Chen Su said.


    Chu Liang then took out all the materials he had prepared.


    "Nethersea Golden Lotus?" Chen Su stared at the treasure of nature in shock.


    She then said, "This is far too extravagant for core formation... Do you n to form the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yin?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang answered.


    He intended to form this golden core during his first core formation and give this Golden Core to the puppet. As for himself, it would be better to cultivate the Golden Core of Lesser Yang.


    "It is... very rare for guys to cultivate the Golden Core of Lesser Yin," Chen Su smiled and said, "Aren''t you worried about any side effects?"


    "Side effects?" Chu Liang asked, "What side effects could there be?"


    "When this pill is turned into your inner core, it will be part of your body. The characteristic of this Golden Core will influence your body." Chen Su said, "For guys that cultivate the Golden Core of Lesser Yin, their personality might be more reserved, calm, and even somewhat gentle."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang pondered for a moment.


    <i>The Golden Core will be imnted in the puppet, so it probably won''t affect me. By then, I will have two Golden Cores. Even if there is a side effect, it should be neutralized, so it shouldn''t be a big deal.</i>


    Chen Su stared at him in silence. She then said, "Of course, you may have acquired this Nethersea Golden Lotus by ident and felt toozy to search for other treasures of nature. If you don''t mind the potential side effects, it is doable. After all, this Golden Core of Lesser Yin isn''t a Golden Core of Greater Yin. The effects shouldn''t be too outrageous."


    "There''s a Golden Core of Greater Yin?" Chu Liang stared at her, surprised. He had never heard of this.


    "Of course there is, and the Golden Cores of Greater Yin and Greater Yang are the ultimate types with the strongest effects," Chen Su exined. "But we at the Mount Shu Sect have long eliminated these two types of Golden Cores."


    "Why?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Because these two types of Golden Cores have a significant impact on the human body," Chen Su exined. "Even if a woman cultivates the Golden Core of Greater Yin, she will gradually follow the path of mncholy and be cold and emotionless. If a man cultivates it, it''s even more terrifying; he will gradually be more feminine. The Golden Core of Greater Yang, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, making people restless and aggressive, leading to a path of desire and destruction. The Greater-Yin Cult, which stands out among the Divine Nine, specializes in cultivating the Golden Core of Greater Yin, so they have always kept a distance from other sects."


    <i>I see...</i>


    Chu Liang now understood why there were no Golden Cores of Greater Yin or Greater Yang; evidently, the side effects were too severe that they decided to ban the formation of such cores on Mount Shu.


    After a moment of contemtion, he said, "Senior Sister Chen, please refine the Golden Pill of Lesser Yin for me."


    "Alright." Seeing that Chu Liang still insisted on forming this core, Chen Su stopped saying anything and began preparing for the refinement of the pill.


    The refinement of pills was considered the simplest in alchemy techniques, as it only required the aggregation of medicinal power. After all, upon consumption, they still needed topletely break it down and undergo a process of re-aggregation.


    When Chen Su stared at the materials provided by Chu Liang, she suddenly felt her hands tremble.


    The Nethersea Golden Lotus, as a material for Core Formation, was already extremely expensive. Moreover, there was also a stalk of Celestial Herb of Ascension, typically used to refine ultimate-grade Golden Pills. How many alchemy students at Mount Shu Sect has ever gotten the chance to refine pills with a stalk of Celestial Herb of Ascension?


    Typically, when refining such a pill, a disciple at the Core Formation stage would oversee it. This is because the process is usually short, and it helps prevent any materials from being stolen. Seeing Chen Su nervous, Chu Liang reassured her, "Senior Sister Chen, don''t overthink this. I have prepared two sets of the same Core Formation materials. Even if there''s a mistake, it will be okay."


    Chen Su replied, "Even if you''ve prepared all the materials, if the process fails, how will you get another Celestial Herb of Ascension?"


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang suddenly recalled something.


    <i>Right. What happened to the seed of the Celestial Herb of Ascension that I nted?</i>

 Chapter 183: Youre My Real Brother Now

    <h4>Chapter 183: You''re My Real Brother Now</h4>


    If someone wanted to advance from the Spiritual Awareness Realm to the Golden Core Realm and in turn break through the Mortal Gate to the Earthly Gate, they needed a Golden Pill to use as the foundation for cultivating a Golden Core.


    The method for concocting a Golden Pill involved using alchemical ingredients that werepatible with the cultivator''s Core Formation method. They were necessary for concocting a pill rich with spiritual energy. The cultivator would then consume the Golden Pill, allowing the spiritual fire in their Sea of Qi to break the pill down and spread the pill powder inside their Dantian. This would aid in the formation of a Golden Core.


    Chen Su set up the alchemical furnace and prepared to concoct a Golden Pill for Chu Liang.


    Her furnace wasn''t particrlyrge, and it had flowers and birds painted on it in colors of green and red. This furnace was devoid of the fiery vibe that was normally associated with furnaces. Instead, it looked elegant and beautiful. It was obvious from a nce that it belonged to a woman.


    Chen Su then ced four blocks of Divine Fire Gel under the furnace. This gel could sustain various kinds of divine fire efficiently and economically. It was the type of fuel that alchemists used the most often.


    This was Chu Liang''s first time observing the concoction process, so he made use of the opportunity to study it. After all, it would be best if he could master alchemical techniques and concoct his own pills in the future.


    Chen Su habitually arranged several materials on the side and then ced a golden te used specifically for concocting the Golden Pills on the rack inside the furnace. After that, she lit the Five-Spirit Divine Fire under the furnace. The Five-Spirit Divine Fire wasn¡¯t the divine fire that produced the highest temperatures, but it was the most stable, which made it the best choice for concocting a Golden Pill.


    The five-colored divine mes burst to life, illuminating the green and red paintings on the furnace. With the radiance of the divine light, the flowers were blooming, and the birds were flying. The paintings on the furnace seemed toe alive like the projections of a revolving shadow puppetmp.


    As the roaring fire heated the furnace, Chen Su entered a state of deep concentration and deftly prepared the ingredients. When the furnace reached the optimal temperature, she ced the ingredients into the furnace one by one.


    Chen Su drew her qi to her hands and constantly changed the positioning of the ingredients so that they gained the right exposure to the heat. As she did that, she gradually rolled the ingredients into a ball. When everything seemed about right, she closed the furnace lid.


    "<i>Phew...</i>" Chen Su let out a sigh and wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Just onest step to go."


    With a flick of her fingers, the fire under the furnace suddenly doubled in size. The baking process had finally begun.


    After waiting for precisely fifteen minutes, Chen Su killed the fire. The furnace that had been illuminated by vibrantly colored lights instantly went dark and fell silent once more.


    "Is it done?" Chu Liang asked, standing up immediately in great anticipation.


    "Please wait a moment." Chen Su raised her hand, gesturing for Chu Liang to hold his horses. "Let it absorb the heat a while longer."


    Chu Liang nodded. "<i>Mm.</i>"


    He didn''t understand how to concoct pills, but he had cooked rice before, so he thought it made sense to wait.


    A whileter, Chen Su lifted the lid of the furnace, and the fragrance of the pill filled the air. The sound of fanfare[1] was ying in Chu Liang''s mind as he looked at the Golden Pill. It was the size of a longan[2] and gleaming with multicolored light.


    "So, this is the ultimate-grade Golden Pill?!" Chen Su cried out in surprise and wonder. "This is my first time concocting such an ultimate-grade Golden Pill... and it will probably be thest time."


    She took out a brocade box, ced the Golden Pill inside it, and handed it to Chu Liang.


    "With the Celestial Herb of Ascension as one of the ingredients, this Golden Pill has a very high level of stability, which means you will have an extremely high chance of sessfully forming a Golden Core. Junior Brother Chu, congrattions in advance for forming a rare ultimate-tier Golden Core!"


    It made sense that having the Celestial Herb of Ascension as one of the ingredients increased the sess rate of Core Formation. After all, the usual sess rate was very low, and the Celestial Herb of Ascension was such a rare ingredient that any cultivator attempting to form a Golden Core with an ultimate-grade Golden Pill would likely be able to attempt it only once in their life. So, if the rate of sess didn''t increase even with the Celestial Herb of Ascension as an ingredient, that meant the feat of sessfully forming an ultimate-tier Golden Core was probably one that only urred once every few thousand years.


    "If I manage to seed, it will be thanks to your superb alchemical skills, Senior Sister Chu," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    As Chu Liang was leaving Chen Su''s alchemyb, he saw a tall man in a white robe walking toward him. The man looked pretty ordinary with no remarkable facial features.


    Chu Liang didn''t recognize the man and was about to simply walk past him. However, Chu Liang noticed that the man''s pupils suddenly contracted. He seemed greatly shocked by the sight of Chu Liang.


    Nevertheless, the man didn''t say anything and immediately concealed his emotions.


    Chen Su, who was seeing Chu Liang off, called out from behind him, "Senior Brother Lu."


    "<i>Mm,</i>" the man uttered.


    He nodded in acknowledgment and went on his way.


    Chu Liang furrowed his brows in thought.


    He turned back to Chen Su and asked quietly, "Senior Sister Chen, who was that senior brother?"


    Chen Su exined, "He''s Senior Brother Lu Xun, the Alchemy Master''s ninth disciple. He holds a high position in the Hall of Alchemy."


    "Oh..."


    Chu Liang nced once more at the receding figure before exiting the Hall of Alchemy.


    ...


    Just as Chu Liang arrived at the square of the Heaven-Reaching Peak, he heard a surprised shout ring out behind him.


    "Big Bro!"


    Turning around, Chu Liang saw Shang Ziliang and his twockeys. They had just walked out of the Hall of Weapons and happened to see Chu Liang.


    With wide eyes, Shang Ziliang ran over extremely excitedly. However, it was obvious that his back was still weak... His upper body leaned forward eagerly as he ran, while his lower bodygged behind.


    On the way to Chu Liang, Shang Ziliang kept shouting, "Big Bro! It''s great that you''re okay! Big Bro!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang was puzzled and remained that way until Shang Ziliang grabbed his hand. That was when Chu Liang confirmed that Shang Ziliang had indeed been calling out to him.


    "Senior Brother Shang, what did you call me?"


    "Big Bro!" Shang Ziliang''s eyes were brimming with tears. "If you hadn''t chosen to stay behind in the Immortals'' Marsh and use your life-saving kick to get me onto the Golden-Winged Falcon, I might have died there! You are my savior. From now on, you are my big bro! Xu Ziqing is my sister-inw! I won''tpete with you anymore..."


    "<i>Eh, eh, eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang quickly raised his hand to stop Shang Ziliang.


    <i>Man, this guy''s behaving more and more out of line.</i>


    Thankfully, Xu Ziyang wasn''t nearby, or there would be no way for Chu Liang to exin this.


    "Senior Brother Shang, there''s no need for that at all," Chu Liang said, hurriedly breaking free from Shang Ziliang''s grasp. "I saved you purely because we''re fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. Moreover, I had ways to survive, so there''s no need for you to be this thankful to me. In such a dangerous situation, if our ces were switched, I believe you wouldn''t just stand by¡ª"


    "I would," Shang Ziliang interjected with a nod.


    "..."


    Chu Liang''s exnation came to an abrupt end, leaving him at a loss as to what to say next.


    "I used to see you as my enemy. I wanted topete with you for Junior Sister Ziqing''s affections, so much so that I even hatched petty schemes to harm you..." Shang Ziliang spoke emotionally with tears in his eyes. "When you kicked me that day, I thought for a moment that you were venting your anger at me, but then I realized you were saving me..."


    <i>So, that''s what happened.</i>


    Chu Liang finally realized that Shang Ziliang had seen him as a romantic rival and schemed against him.


    Nevertheless, it''s no surprise that Chu Liang hadn''t noticed. After all, each time Shang Ziliang hatched one of his petty schemes, he''d always ended up hurting himself instead of Chu Liang.


    The first time had allowed Chu Liang to meet Jiang Yuebai, and the second time had allowed Chu Liang and Di Nufeng to extort a huge amount of money from Shang Ziliang''s peak master... Shang Ziliang''s obstacles for Chu Liang ended up being like acts of kindness.


    Seeing Shang Ziliang weep with tears as he repented, Chu Liang thought that he should''ve kicked Shang Ziliang harder. He felt regretful that his kick hadn''t left Shang Ziliang crippled.


    After Shang Ziliang finished speaking, Chu Liang said, "There''s one thing I want to make clear. I''m not close with Junior Sister Xu Ziqing. You can say whatever you want about me, but don''t tarnish a girl''s reputation."


    "Really?" Shang Ziliang asked as he raised his head back up, his teary eyes shining brightly.


    "Absolutely," Chu Liang affirmed.


    "Big Bro, from now on, you''re my real big bro!" Shang Ziliang eximed seriously. "And Junior Sister Ziqing will be your younger sister-inw!"


    <i>You''re thinking too much...</i> Chu Liang chuckled awkwardly.


    Shang Ziliang waved to his twockeys and said, "From now on, I''m your boss, and my big bro is your big boss! Got it?"


    Bothckeys called out, "Big Boss!"


    Chu Liang hurriedly waved his hand to stop them. "No, no, no..."


    <i>This is seriously getting out of hand.</i>


    Chu Liang said, "Senior Brother Shang, there''s really no need for you to be so courteous to me. Let''s just stick to being fellow disciples."


    "Let''s just do what we want. You can call me Senior Brother, and I''ll call you Big Bro," Shang Ziliang insisted.


    Chu Liang couldn''t be bothered arguing with Shang Ziliang anymore. He just said some half-hearted words and left swiftly, returning to Silver Sword Peak.


    Upon his return, Chu Liang found Xu Ziyang waiting for him on the small hillside of his home.


    "Senior Brother Xu?" Chu Liang called out.


    "This morning, I had to leave with my teacher, so there''s something I didn''t get to tell you," Xu Ziyang told Chu Liang. "I have your sixth-realm Battle Soul."


    He offered a jade pot to Chu Liang.


    Unexpectedly, Xu Ziyang had taken Old Fei with him. Chu Liang had pretty much forgotten about that Battle Soul.


    Chu Liang hurriedly took the pot and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother Xu."


    Xu Ziyang shook his head. "No need to thank me."


    Then he added, "Your Battle Soul is quite rebellious. He kept trying to persuade me to take him in. He said he wants to serve me and doesn''t want me to return this jade pot to you."


    "<i>Haha,</i>" Chu Liangughed, unsurprised by Fei Qi''s behavior.


    If Old Fei''s ashes weighed 10 jin, then 9.8 jin of the ashes was rebellious.


    <i>It''s not surprising at all that Old Fei wants to run away from me. After all, before the incident at the Immortals'' Marsh, Old Fei pretty much worked for free all this time he''s been with me. However, at least he put in some proper effort this time. Without him, I might not have had the courage to save anyone.</i>


    "Did he say you had to light three sticks of Soul Ambrosia Incense to summon him?" Chu Liang asked Xu Ziyang.


    "Three?" Xu Ziyang shook his head. "He told me to light two sticks of Soul Ambrosia Incense each time."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang frowned. He suddenly felt angry.


    1. <i>Dun-dun-dun-dah~</i> ?


    2. It''s a fruit that''s roughly in between the size of a cherry and a blueberry. ?

 Chapter 184: Not a Problem! I have more!

    <h4>Chapter 184: Not a Problem! I have more!</h4>


    Chu Liang hadn''t received a reply from Jiang Yuebai''s flying crane and it was hard for him to reach out first.


    <i>If she''s not replying, it must mean that she has other matters to attend to. She would surely respond when she has the time... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The most pressing matter at hand, aside from the items for Senior Sister Jiang, was the Celestial Herb of Ascension nted outside. He nned to take a look and then begin the process of Core Formation upon his return.


    As Chu Liang rushed all the way to the cave, his heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and unease. When he learned of how the Celestial Herb of Ascension came into existence while he was at the Immortals'' Marsh, he didn''t have high hopes that the seed that he nted here would sprout into something.


    But what if?


    As he entered the cave, the first thing that met his gaze was the barren earth.


    <i>Haaa. </i>Chu Liang sighed to himself. There was indeed nothing.


    Wait a minute?


    Suddenly, he turned his nces and realized that something was amiss.


    As he approached, he saw that the area where the bones were buried was no longer a t surface. Instead, there was a small pit in the ground and the seeds inside were nowhere to be found.


    <i>A thief? That''s impossible!</i>


    Chu Liang stood up abruptly and immediately started scanning the surroundings with his divine sense.


    He then soared out and circled around in the cave. Finally, under arge tree, he discovered a small seedling.


    The leaves of the seedling had golden patterns. The patterns looked like the veins in a human body...


    It was clearly a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension!


    <i>How dare this little thing try to escape!</i>


    Previously, Chu Liang had sprinkled arge amount of Herbal Wood Spirit Powder. With ample spiritual energy and suitable conditions, the nt''s leaves, stems, and outer areas would swiftly receive the nourishment they needed.


    The spiritual energy was the only aspect that proved most challenging to replenish through external means.


    And the golden skeleton had managed to provide the spiritual energy needed.


    The seedling of the Celestial Herb of Ascension had most likely absorbed enough spiritual energy.


    Upon sensing human aura, it uprooted itself from its original nting spot and started moving towards the location where the human aura was the strongest.


    Thankfully, Chu Liang had discovered this early.


    If he had arrivedter, this seedling could have wandered off to who knows where.


    What did it mean to have two Celestial Herbs of Ascension? It meant that he would be able to form two Golden Cores! Two ultimate-tier Golden Cores!


    Even as Chu Liang gazed upon this harvest, which would send thrills through anyone who beheld it, he looked very calm.


    He first took out a red string and gently tied this seedling to arge tree on the side.


    He then sprinkled another packet of Herbal Wood Spirit Powder to nourish this seedling even more.


    He then waited for around two hours. During this time, Chu Liang studied the process of Core Formation meticulously, waiting patiently until the seedling grew into a mature Celestial Herb of Ascension.


    He then plucked this Celestial Herb of Ascension and brought it back to the Silver Sword Peak.


    ...


    "Golden-Furred Hou! Stand guard at the door! Don''t let anyone disturb me until I leave the cabin on my own ord. Got it?"


    Chu Liang arranged for the Big Head to stand guard at the door before he started his first-ever attempt at Core Formation.


    He followed the instructions outlined in the manual <i>Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Golden Core.</i>


    First, he examined the pill carefully, analyzing it for a while before gulping it down.


    Immediately, he sensed an intense surge of spiritual energy flooding his stomach.


    Instantly, it felt as though he was choking from overeating.


    "<i>Uh...</i>" He burped out a turbid breath. Without hesitation, he formed a finger seal and began practicing the Qi-Cirction Technique. It felt as though a gust of wind had stirred up the Sea of Qi within his body, igniting a spiritual fire within him.


    The spiritual fire consumed the pill, boiling the immense amount of spiritual energy it contained.


    As the pill vaporized and entered the Sea of Qi, which had previously felt somewhat empty, it suddenly swelled and expanded.


    His Sea of Qi was filled to the maximum capacity!


    Even though he had read many guides beforehand, Chu Liang couldn''t have imagined that the surge of spiritual energy from the pill would be so immense after it started vaporizing! If he were unprepared and tried to withstand it abruptly, there was even a possibility that his Sea of Qi could burst open!


    Chu Liang had no idea that high-tier, mid-tier, and low-tier Golden Cores contained different amounts of spiritual energy.


    As for the ultimate-tier Golden Core, it contained the most spiritual energy.


    Regardless, he had no choice but to continue refining this pill with the spiritual fire within his Sea of Qi. At the same time, he was using his foundational qi to exert pressure from all sides, constantlypressing this pill.


    This process was extremely painful. After all, everything was happening within the Sea of Qi in the Dantian, which could be considered the weakest spot of a cultivator.


    Both the burning of the spiritual fire and the collision of foundational qi would cause intense pain.


    Beads of sweat the size of beans quickly dripped down.


    The surge of spiritual energy was so immense that Chu Liang''s reaction was extremely intense. If one were to get close enough, they would hear the crackling sound of the storming from within his Sea of Qi.


    By relying on his strong willpower, Chu Liang forcefully practiced the Qi-Cirction Technique, which continuously replenished the spiritual fire in his Sea of Qi. He gritted his teeth and endured for who knew how long.


    When the sunlight peeking through the windows turned into a golden hue, Chu Liang finally rxed his furrowed brows.


    As he scanned the Sea of Qi with his divine sense, he saw that the Sea of Qi had expanded into a limitless space.


    Only then did it truly deserve to be called a sea!


    In the center of the Sea of Qi, there was a floating area radiating golden light. Upon closer look, one would see a white and golden sphere suspended within the area.


    It was only today that the Dantian truly deserved its name [1]


    The core was formed!


    Despite the pain, the overall process went smoothly, perhaps thanks to the Celestial Herb of Ascension, which stabilized the surge of spiritual energy and significantly reduced the difficulty of Core Formation.


    As the Golden Core spun, waves rose from the t ground!


    Immediately, a massive vortex immediately came to life, instantly engulfing the entire Sea of Qi! It was cold and chilling!


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    With each rotation of the golden core, the foundational qi stirred up was immensely powerful. The differencepared to before was like heaven and earth.


    From now on, even a casual swing of his sword would unleash sword qi several times more powerful.


    <i>Could this be the power of the ultimate-tier Golden Core? </i>Chu Liang wondered. Suddenly, he opened his eyes.


    <i>Is this the feeling of being at the fourth realm? The feeling of being the only supreme one in the world? </i>He thought to himself.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Suddenly, a Big Head at the fifth realm poked through the window with eyes brimming with infinite pleading.


    The Golden-Furred Hou had been safeguarding the door for a long time so it must be hungry.


    Chu Liang had just reached the fourth realm and was no longer feeling that ambitious. He waved his hand and said, "Go eat. I don''t need you here anymore."


    "<i>Bark¡ª</i>"


    The Golden-Furred Hou barked happily twice, then turned around and leaped away in excitement[2].


    Chu Liang didn''t stand up because his mission had not ended.


    ...


    Once again, his divine sense entered into the White Pagoda.


    Now sat peacefully there was the Golden-Core Puppet, which had never started working since he acquired it.


    Chu Liang stepped forward.


    He pressed the Golden-Core Puppet on the head with one hand. With a flicker of his divine intent, a gleam of light suddenly radiated! The Golden-Core Puppet immediately shimmered with golden veins all over its body, connecting with him seamlessly.


    In that instant, Chu Liang also grasped the technique of transferring the Golden Core. A brilliant tinum light followed the veins'' connection, gradually shifting from Chu Liang''s body into the Golden-Core Puppet''s body.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    As the Golden Core entered into the Puppet''s stomach, its eyes suddenly opened!


    Chu Liang''s facial features appeared on the big doll head.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    With the Golden Core as its foundation, it began to practice the Qi-Cirction Technique, and qi coursed through all the meridians in his body.


    The cirction of qi started, and it was incredibly fast.


    On the other hand, Chu Liang lost the sense of fulfillment brought by the Golden Core.


    However, in the next moment, he felt an inexplicable connection with the Golden-Core Puppet.


    He felt his body being inundated with an abundance of energy, greatly contributing to the progress of his cultivation.


    Before his Sea of Qi was filled to its maximum capacity, his foundational qi would continue to increase.


    If it stopped, it would signify the period of breakthrough into another realm, marking the start of the next cultivation level.


    As for the Qi-Cirction Puppet, it continued working very hard as wisps of smoke billowed from it. However,pared to the fourth-realm puppet that was powered by the Golden Core, the third-realm Qi-Cirction Puppet was like an outdated model.


    Even though the Qi-Cirction Puppet executed a third-realm technique and achieved Perfect Qi Cirction, it remained inferior to a puppet powered by the ultimate-tier Golden Core and practiced a fourth-realm technique.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang was a person of conscience and empathy. Even as the senior employees aged, he wouldn''t dismiss them... As long as the older employees could endure working without any rest for twelve hours, they would remain just as valuable as the younger ones[3].


    The Qi-Cirction Puppet only needed three Qi-Gathering Pills. The new one required three Spirit Concentration Pills...


    And so, the dedication of the senior employee surpassed that of the neer by a significant margin.


    The next time he feeds the Golden-Core Puppet the Spirit Concentration Pills, he should do it without the Qi-Cirction Puppet seeing...


    He should keep their sry confidential so that the Qi-Cirction Puppet won''t feel unfairly treated[4]


    As Chu Liang watched the tworge-headed dolls working vigorously and felt the continuous growth of his Sea of Qi, he felt a sense of fulfillment.


    "Keep up the good work! And I will find you both a wife next year." he muttered.


    ...


    In the evening, Chu Liang once again arrived at the Hall of Alchemy.


    "Junior Brother Chu?" Chen Su stared at him in confusion, "Why aren''t you practicing Core Formation? What brings you here to see me again?"


    "I did," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "You..." Chen Su assessed Chu Liang for a moment and was about toment that he still emitted the aura of someone at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    But then, she suddenly realized a possible reason and asked, "Did you fail? You..."


    "Indeed," Chu Liang smiled as he shook his head. "Unfortunately, I failed. I came to ask you to refine another pill for me."


    "I..." Chen Su immediately looked bewildered.


    Although she wasn''t the one practicing Core Formation, the pill that failed to be a Golden Core had been refined with the Celestial Herb of Ascension, which they had found after countless hardships...


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt like crying.


    Even with the Celestial Herb of Ascension that could stabilize spiritual energy, he still failed the practice of Core Formation.


    Chen Su almost blurted out "Idiot."


    But she knew that Chu Liang must be feeling devastated at this moment and likely forcing a smile.


    It was difficult for Chen Su to me him or say anything harsh.


    However, as she put herself in Chu Liang''s shoes, she couldn''t help but feel sad and remorseful.


    After taking some time topose herself, she clenched her teeth and remarked, "What a waste of those materials."


    Chu Liang replied calmly, "It''s fine. I have more."


    He carefully retrieved the second set of pill refinement materials and continued, "But I only have one Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower left, so I can only refine the Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yang."


    "Golden Core of Lesser Yang would suit you better...but..."


    Chen Su gazed at the array of items before her. It had been the Nethersea Golden Lotusst time, and now it was the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower...


    She couldn''t help but feel bewildered. All the materials required for his formation of a high-tier golden core were incrediblyvish. They were valuable enough for a cultivator at the Realm of the Five Elements to level up twice.


    <i>As a third-realm disciple, where did he acquire such materials? </i>Chen Su wondered.


    She paused for a second, then sighed and said, "It''s a pity that despite having such excellent materials, you''d still only be able to form a high-tier Golden Core. The Celestial Herb of Ascension is something that can only be found through luck and cannot be sought after."


    Immediately, she saw Chu Liang take out a familiar-looking nt.


    He then said in a casual manner, "Not a problem. I have more."


    1. The "µ¤" (dan) in "µ¤Ìï" (Dantian) means pill, while the "Ìï" (tian) means field. So now, his Dantian finally has a pill in the area of growth. ?


    2. TLN: I know it''s weird for a lion-like creature to bark, what can I do when I have to trante a happy roar. ?


    3. Once again, the author ismenting about toxic work culture. ?


    4. Seriously, whichpany hurt our author? ?

 Chapter 185: Strong Endurance

    <h4>Chapter 185: Strong Endurance</h4>


    "Useless."


    "Idiot."


    "What''s the point of having you!"


    "..."


    Within the quiet chamber, a shadowy figure and a figure in white sat facing each other. Below them, the Dual Wielder stood with a bewildered expression, only to be greeted by a stream of insults from the shadowy figure.


    "What...did I do wrong?" the Dual Wielder asked in puzzlement.


    "You tell him what happened!" snapped the shadowy figure at the white-d figure.


    "I saw Chu Liang at Mount Shu again. Not only was hepletely unharmed, but he also acquired a stalk of the Celestial Herb of Ascension. He went to the Hall of Alchemy and refined it into a Golden Pill for the formation of the ultimate-tier Golden Core. Sooner orter, he will be an influential presence," said the person in white with a grim expression.


    "Even after several attempts, you failed to kill that cultivator who is only at the Spirit Awareness Realm. And you dare call yourself an assassin?" The shadowy figure continued to rebuke, "I will report this matter truthfully to our boss, and we will see what he has to say about it."


    "How is that even possible..." The Dual Wielder''s eyes were filled with disbelief as he said, "I killed him with my own hands. I even turned him into minced meat. You saw it with your own eyes!"


    "Don''t throw me under the bus[1]. I have only sent a crow as my eyes and ears. I didn''t know what actually happened," the shadowy figure eximed, waving his sleeves to shirk any responsibility.


    "That''s not what you said then!" The Dual Wielder said angrily. "You said that you would take my surname if he didn''t die!"


    "What is your name?" the shadowy figure asked calmly.


    "Lu Sha," the Dual Wielder answered.


    "What is my name?" the shadowy figure asked.


    "Lu Tong?" the Dual Wielder answered again.


    "So what was the point of taking what I said seriously?" the shadowy figure shook his head and said, "Say no more. I will report everything as it is to the boss. I will not exaggerate your uselessness. However, the boss will surely be unhappy with the multiple failed attempts of the assassination of the Mount Shu Sect''s core disciple. Someone is bound to bear responsibilityter."


    The white-d individual, who hadn''t been participating in this argument, immediately felt targeted as he hurriedly sat up and said, "I only failed once."


    "Don''t worry," the shadowy figure ced his hand reassuringly on the white-d guy. "You''ve been undercover on Mount Shu for decades. You have worked hard and achieved many things. The boss hasn''t even had a chance to reward you, so how could he punish you?"


    "Give me another chance!" pleaded the Dual Wielder. "As long as he leaves Mount Shu Sect again, I''ll go kill him first thing. This time, I''ll bring along an artifact for collecting souls. If I don''t chop him to pieces until his soul disperses, I won''t be back!"


    The shadowy figure stared at him for a while before he said, "Alright. I will try to give you another chance."


    "Our boss has been busy on Evil Demon Mountain with some errands. He will be meeting up with the Eldest Disciple of Thunderbolt Stronghold. He will return, but I won''t report this until he does. You''d better hope that Chu Liang will leave Mount Shu before his return."


    The Dual Wielder gritted his teeth and stared at the white-d individual as he pleaded, "Can you think of a solution?"


    The white-d individual paused, deep in contemtion, before stating, "I will help you this once."


    "Thank you," said the Dual Wielder, his voice low and seething with anger. "Let me see if he truly cannot be killed..."


    "This time, it''s either his death or mine!"


    ...


    "<i>Caw¡ª</i>"


    A sharp, piercing sound apanied by the tearing of air as a hazy figure suddenly swept across the top of the ten-thousand-foot-high mountain which looked nothing more than a half-moon.


    After the fleeting appearance, a slender figure seemed to materialize out of thin air in the valley of wilderness.


    This was a tall man with a darkplexion, limbs elongated like those of an ape, and a face that appeared markedly different from that of ordinary people at first nce.


    He strode through the verdant valleys until, after a moment, he came upon a newly constructed pavilion. Inside the pavilion sat a middle-aged man dressed as a schr, boasting a broad forehead, a clean-shaven white face, and an air ofposed demeanor.


    The middle-aged man was making tea in the pavilion. Upon noticing the tall and thin man approaching, he chuckled and said loudly, "You must be Du Wuhen, the first prodigy of Thunderbolt Stronghold? You are truly a remarkable individual, as expected of the pride of the Thunderbolt Stronghold."


    With a cautious expression, Du Wuhen inquired, "Lu Chengchou?"


    "Young Hero Du, you can call me the Master of Mountain Haters or Mr. Lu." The middle-aged man smiled and extended his arm as he gestured for Du Wuhen to take a seat.


    "Mr. Lu." Du Wuhen nodded slightly and sat down opposite him.


    "I know that Young Hero Du is wholeheartedly dedicated to revitalizing the Thunderbolt Stronghold. And now, a great opportunity has presented itself. I wonder if you are willing to coborate with us?" Lu Chengchou asked in a gentle tone.


    "Mr. Lu, you haven''t exined your background yet. I don''t know if you represent the righteous or evil forces so how can I work with you?" Du Wuhen asked.


    In response, Lu Chengchou posed a counter question, "Is it truly important whether I represent the righteous or evil? What matters is that the Thunderbolt Stronghold currently holds a prominent position among the Terrestrial Ten. Yet, if the Thunderbolt Stronghold aims to advance further and be ranked in the Divine Nine, there are only nine spots avable. By assisting me in this small endeavor, there exists a chance to disce Mount Shu from the Divine Nine. Isn''t this your ultimate desire?"


    "You must be joking. The Mount Shu Sect and our Thunderbolt Stronghold are both righteous sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. There''s no reason for us to sabotage each other?" Du Wuhen said as he shook his head.


    "You don''t have to lie. Beforeing here, I investigated the members of the Thunderbolt Stronghold thoroughly. Among the core disciples of Thunderbolt Stronghold, only you are capable of great things, which is why I chose you for this conversation."


    Lu Chengchou leaned slightly forward, lowering his voice, "When the diabolical sect, the Monstrous Beast Sect, was destroyed by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion years ago, all their assets fell into the hands of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. The rapid development of Thunderbolt Stronghold in the past hundred years owes much to the benefits from this part of the inheritance. I know that there is a Beast Taming Manual for ancient ferocious beasts. You only need to give me the chapter on Taowu[2], and you don''t need to know anything else."


    "Whatever happens afterward, whether it''s righteous or evil, has nothing to do with you, and no one in the world will know that you leaked it. If the Mount Shu Sect suspects the Thunderbolt Stronghold in the future, you can easily push the me to a diabolical sect."


    Du Wuhen remained silent, only furrowing his brows in contemtion.


    Lu Chengchou pressed on, "You are the disciple most likely to inherit Thunderbolt Stronghold in this generation. If the sect can progress further under the leadership of the Lord of the Stronghold in this era, then in the future, you will helm a sect ranked in the Divine Nine! Young Hero Du, you will stand as one of the most influential figures in the world by then."


    Du Wuhen paused for a moment and said, "How can I be sure that you will only use it to attack the Mount Shu Sect?"


    Upon hearing Du Wuhen''s words, a subtle smile formed on Lu Chengchou''s lips.


    The chirping of a cicada startled the birds halfway up the mountain.


    ...


    "There you go."


    It hadn''t been long since shepleted the first refinement. Chen Su would never have imagined that the second opportunity would arise so swiftly.


    And it was for the same person.


    "Senior Sister Chen, thank you," Chu Liang expressed his gratitude repeatedly as he epted the freshly refined pill for the ultimate-tier Golden Core of Lesser-Yang.


    "If you truly wish to express your gratitude, strive to achieve Core Formation," Chen Su couldn''t help but remark. "Don''t break my heart."


    "I will try my best this time," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Observing Chen Su in such evident distress and pain, Chu Liang felt a pang of guilt, yet he couldn''t find the words to exin himself.


    If he mentioned anything about himself having another Golden Core, there would be inherent risks involved. If it wasn''t absolutely necessary, it was wiser to keep such matters concealed.


    Upon returning to the wooden cabin on the Silver Sword Peak, he closed the door behind him.


    He had practiced Core Formation once in the morning and he would be doing it again in the afternoon.


    As the saying goes: Practice makes perfect.


    Chu Liang''s control over his foundational qi and other skills surpassed that of others at his level of cultivation.


    With the aid of the Celestial Herb of Ascension, the second process of Core Formation proceeded smoothly and culminated in sess.


    This time, the duration was considerably shorter. After experiencing some difort, another golden-red wheel appeared above his Sea of Qi, shining like the sun upon the sea.


    With two Golden Cores coexisting, the disparity was palpable.


    The foundational qi generated by these two different Golden Cores carried noticeably different sensations.


    The Golden Core of Lesser Yin exuded a cold and icy aura, operating with sharpness and swiftness. The foundational qi it generated surged forth like razor-sharp des.


    On the other hand, the Golden Core of Lesser Yang emitted a sensation of heat and passion and the vortex circting in the Sea of Qi gleamed brightly like the sun.


    The foundational qi of lesser yin originated from therge-headed doll, while that of lesser yang originated from the Sea of Qi in Chu Liang''s Dantian. The two sources of foundational qi eventually converged into a single location. Initially, there were intense collisions, and they seemed ipatible, like water and fire.


    After a moment of contemtion, Chu Liang attempted to gather the two sources of foundational qi and circte them through the meridians of his entire body. He channeled the two sources simultaneously, employing the state of the Eight Trigrams Yin-Yang Fish, until gradually, they merged into one.


    Only then did the collisions between the two sources of foundational qi cease.


    However, he also observed that there was internal consumption during the merging process of the two sources of foundational qi, resulting in an effect that was less than the sum of its parts.


    Nheless, it was notably greater than either source alone.


    Chu Liang deduced that the reason for this was because he hadn''t yet discovered an effective method tobine the foundational qi of lesser yin and the foundational qi of lesser yang. These two should ideally have aplementary merging technique.


    Such a method has existed since ancient times, typically referred to as "Dual Cultivation."


    Chu Liang fell into deep contemtion and decided that he would head to the Hall of Conservation and acquire a Dual Cultivation technique.


    This way, he could then try merging the foundational qi of lesser yin and lesser yang with the Dual Cultivation techniques.


    Perhaps he would be the first man in the Realm of Immortal Cultivation to sessfully practice Dual Cultivation alone.


    With both Golden Cores coexisting and activated together, and with the puppet performing Perfect Cirction, the foundational qi emanating from these three sources surged forth like the waves of a river, eventually converging into Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi.


    Usually, cultivators who have broken through from the third realm to the fourth realm would take about five to seven days to fill up their Sea of Qi to its maximum capacity.


    It had only been a day, yet Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi was already approaching saturation.


    For the majority of the time it took to saturate his Sea of Qi, he hadn''t even formed the second Golden Core.


    This speed was terrifying.


    It implied that if someone else were expending foundational qi at the same rate as Chu Liang during a fight, Chu Liang''s recovery speed would be a dozen times faster or even more!


    <i>I can freely employ powerful techniques that consume a significant amount of foundational qi to attack you. Naturally, you can do the same. However, after several rounds, you''ll find yourself facing the embarrassing situation of qi depletion.</i>


    <i>As for me, my source of foundational qi is inexhaustible!</i>


    Even without considering this, the sheer power of his divine skills would surpass that of others at the same cultivation level as him. In a true match among peers, he would be akin to a crafty yer employing underhanded tactics.


    He would be a man of strong stamina and high endurance.


    My balls are not only stronger than yours. I have even more balls than you! What can youpete with?[3]


    The two Golden Cores were akin to the sun and moon. After sessfully forming both cores, Chu Liang practiced the Qi-Cirction Technique for a while.


    He then hastened to the hill behind Silver Sword Peak as he impatiently wielded the Dustless Sword.


    He first waved his hand, releasing a surge of foundational qi.


    <i>Huff¡ª</i>


    A crescent-shaped white sword qi shot out in an instant, sweeping past and nearly slicing off half of the mountain wall!


    This seemingly ordinary sword strike proved to be more powerful than the previous sword techniques.


    The sensation of immense power made Chu Liang''s eyes light up, and he immediately attempted to unleash his strongest attack.


    <i>Metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, thunder, lightning...</i>


    With a flick of his finger, he inscribed the eight talismanic script characters with the Dustless Sword, sending them streaking across the sky above his head before fiercely flying forward!


    Having stepped into the Golden Core Realm, he could now unleash eight talismanic script characters with a single strike!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    With the ferocity of a dragon, a chaotic-colored sword qi crashed down with a thunderous roar, soaring through the air like a waterfall!


    Half of the hill appeared to be swept by a real dragon!


    Before Chu Liang could even sheathe his sword, a surprised voice came from behind him: "Such a strong sword qi."


    Without turning back, he immediately recognized the voice and smiled slightly as he called out, "Senior Sister Jiang?"


    1. Or as readers LIMA-PART and Dominos Insanire might say: UNDER THE CARRIAGE! ?


    2. —ƒè» (t¨¢ow¨´) is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology known for its ferocious appearance and immense strength. It is often depicted as having multiple heads, eyes, and limbs, and is associated with chaos and cmity. ?


    3. Yes. Author intended for it to be this way. If you get it, you get it. Don''t ask me what it means inment plssss ?

 Chapter 186: The Jiang Familys Matters

    <h4>Chapter 186: The Jiang Family''s Matters</h4>


    "So, this is the power of an ultimate-tier Golden Core?"


    Under the soft moonlight, Jiang Yuebai was dressed in a beautiful white silk dress that was embroidered with flowers and bound at the waist. With her sleeves fluttering in the breeze, her tall and slender figure looked like an immortal descending from the night sky as shended behind Chu Liang.


    Jiang Yuebai had just emerged from closed-door cultivation when she received a message from Chu Liang saying that he had something urgent to talk to her about. She''d immediately rushed over to find Chu Liang and happened to see him testing his sword behind a hill.


    That was when she witnessed the power of Chu Liang''s strike with her own eyes. She realized that it was far superior to the prowess of her sword qi when she first reached the Golden Core Realm.


    Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang were at the same realm and had the same divine abilities. The only difference was that Chu Liang had the ultimate-tier Golden Core. It was surprising how much of a difference it made.


    She''d always known that ultimate-tier Golden Cores were powerful, she didn''t expect them to be this formidable.


    Chu Liang grinned. "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    <i>To be precise, this was the power of two ultimate-tier Golden Cores...</i> he added inwardly.


    Chu Liang asked, "Senior Sister Jiang, did you just emerge from closed-door cultivation?"


    "Yes." Jiang Yuebai nodded. "I came over after seeing your message."


    "I suppose you''ve made another breakthrough in your cultivation?"


    <i>Senior Sister Jiang was already at the pinnacle of the fourth realm before. Could she be at the fifth realm now?</i>


    "Not yet," Jiang Yuebai answered, denying Chu Liang''s assumption. "Tomorrow is the day when they announce the assignment for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. I need to sign up in person, so I had to emerge from closed-door cultivation."


    "The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony?" Chu Liang uttered.


    He nked out for a moment and then realized that day had indeed arrived.


    The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony was an event that the Mount Shu Sect hosted inmemoration of Mount Shu''s Mountain God. The sect would usually hold it three months before each Mount Shu Summit and pick a treasure for the disciples to team up and locate.


    The treasure would be hidden somewhere on Mount Shu, and disciples would search for it in groups of five. The aim of this activity was to let the disciples deepen their attachment to and understanding of Mount Shu. The winners of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony would be announced at the Mount Shu Summit. It was essentially a fun event for the disciples.


    The moment news of the uing Mount Shu Summit got out, the sect''s disciples had already started looking for team members. However, Chu Liang hadn''t heard anything about it because disciples usually prioritized selecting teammates from the disciples that belonged to their peaks.


    Only those who couldn''t find teammates due to their peakcking in numbers would seek teammates from other peaks. So, it was natural that no one hade looking for Chu Liang to join their team.


    Jiang Yuebai noticed Chu Liang''s expression and immediately realized what situation he was in.


    She exined, "I have no interest in this kind of boring game, especially since it hampers my cultivation. But my teacher warned that I need to strike a bnce between work and rest, so he arranged for me to join the event with a few disciples from my peak. I probably won''t contribute much to their search."


    "Senior Sister Jiang, you''re so devoted to cultivating. You truly are a role model for us all," Chu Liang remarked with augh.


    "Sure, sure. What''s the urgent matter that you wanted to discuss with me?" Jiang Yuebai asked, casually changing the subject.


    Interacting with emotionally intelligent people was indeed the mostfortable experience. There would never be any awkwardness.


    Chu Liang took out the bottle and handed it to Jiang Yuebai.


    He said, "Someone asked me to give this to you."


    "This is..." Jiang Yuebai opened the bottle and inspected its contents. She felt a little bewildered. "The galldder of a Pure Gold Dragon-Snake?"


    Chu Liang had, of course, already checked the content of the bottle before giving it to Jiang Yuebai. It wasn''t because he wanted to pry into what secretsy inside; it was out of caution in case someone was trying to harm Jiang Yuebai. When Chu Liang was at the Hall of Alchemy, he had someone take a look at what was inside the bottle. He hadn''t mentioned its origin; he''d only said that he wanted to have it appraised. That was how he found out what was inside it.


    The galldder of a Pure Gold Dragon-Snake was a gold-attribute panacea of a very high grade. Given Jiang Yuebai''s circumstances, the gifter''s intention was probably for Jiang Yuebai to use the panacea as an aid in breaking through to the fifth realm.


    The Pure Gold Dragon-Snake was an extremely powerful spirit beast, and hunting it down was no easy feat. Considering Jiang Yuebai''s capabilities, she would have no problem acquiring the treasures of nature she needed to help break through to the fifth realm, but it was very unlikely that she would be able to obtain a treasure of this caliber.


    Using the galldder of a Pure Gold Dragon-Snake to reach the fifth realm was equivalent to Chu Liang using the Dark Sea Golden Lotus to reach the Golden Core Realm. Both cases were considered excessive, so much so that it would be a waste of those ingredients.


    "Who asked you to give this to me?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    Chu Liang answered, "It was the Whale-Riding Immortal."


    ...


    A momentter, Chu Liang recounted what he''d experienced that day when he met the Whale-Riding Immortal once more.


    After hearing the whole story, Jiang Yuebai was in a daze as she became lost in her thoughts. She normally had bright and clear eyes that looked like limpid autumn waters, but she now appeared misty-eyed.


    After a long while, Jiang Yuebai muttered, "Is it him?"


    "Senior Sister Jiang, are you okay?" Chu Liang asked concernedly.


    Jiang Yuebai shook her head. Her shoulders trembled slightly. She wrapped her hands around her elbows and gazed up at the moon.


    Chu Liang didn''t disturb her.


    After a while, Jiang Yuebai spoke again. "There are very few people on Mount Shu who know the details of my past."


    Chu Liang''s perked up with interest. "Hm?"


    "I possess the Transcendent Spirit, so many people have spected that I''m from the Jiang Family. But the truth is, I''ve been at Mount Shu since my birth; I grew up here. I''ve never even seen my parents before.


    "My teacher said that my father''s name is Jiang Tiankuo. He was a prominent figure in the Jiang Family many years ago.


    "As for my mother, she emerged from that incredibly mysterious and ancient Divine Ruins. They fell in love and had me.


    "But after I was born, my mother returned to the Divine Ruins. Instead of leaving me with the Jiang Family, my father ced me in the care of Mount Shu''s Azure Falling Peak. He then embarked on a journey to find my mother, but there has been no news about him ever since.


    "The only news that surfaced was that shortly after my father embarked on his journey, the legendary Divine Ruins Monastery took action and wiped out the Jiang Family."


    After the first few sentences, everything else was new to Chu Liang.


    Like many disciples in the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang believed that the Jiang Family had been wiped out except for one survivor, a child who had be an orphan. The Mount Shu Sect had then taken that orphan into their care.


    <i>Thinking about it now... how could a child have survived when her entire family was annihted?</i>


    It turned out that Jiang Yuebai had been sent to Mount Shu right after birth.


    As for the Divine Ruins... Chu Liang knew from legends that cultivators at the Profound Realm, the ninth and highest realm of cultivation, would go there when their long lives approached their end, never to return.


    Chu Liang had tried learning more about the Divine Ruins Monastery after hearing about it from Jiang Yuebai previously. However, there wasn''t much about this sect in the Mount Shu Sect''s records.


    He did asionally find some small mentions about it that indicated the sect was a Daoist monastery that had upied the Divine Ruins for many years. Aside from that, there were no other details.


    If what Jiang Yuebai said was true, then the Divine Ruins Monastery was likely a terrifyingly powerful sect.


    The three major immortal-cultivation families had been passing down their legacies since ancient times. The Xia Family had be and was still the imperial family.


    As for the Jiang Family, they had been an incredibly powerful family, capable of standing on equal footing with the Xia Family. Yet, they had been annihted with no signs forewarning of such a tragic event, nor had there been any traces left behind. Even the top immortal sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten might not have been able to do such a thing so easily.


    Whenever the Jiang Family was mentioned in the cultivation world, everyone knew that it no longer existed. However, no one could exin how it had been wiped out.


    Chu Liang then realized who the Whale-Riding Immortal could be.


    <i>Could he be Senior Sister Jiang''s father, Jiang Tiankuo?</i>


    <i>This...</i>


    <i>Did I identally meet Senior Sister Jiang''s father?</i>


    <i>How embarrassing... No, rather than that, it''s just unbelievable.</i>


    Chu Liang carefully recalled whether he''d shown any impoliteness to the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    <i>It seems like I didn''t.</i>


    <i>Fate is truly inexplicable.</i>


    "From what you said, it sounds like the crystal pce in the Immortals'' Marsh could be rted to the Jiang Family. And if that''s truly the case, then aside from me... he''s the only one who could be a surviving member of the Jiang Family," Jiang Yuebai said.


    There was a glimmering radiance in her eyes; they were shimmering so brightly that it was hard to tell if she was feeling hopeful for a reunion or a chance to act on her resentment.


    Chu Liang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Senior Sister Jiang, I don''t know much about these things, so I can''t give you any advice. However, no matter what happens, you still have us... Your fellow disciples on Mount Shu like you a lot. Mount Shu is your home, and that will never change."


    Jiang Yuebai gazed at Chu Liang with a gentle smile. "Thank you."


    "You don''t need to be so polite with me..." Chu Liang replied with a smile, waving off Jiang Yuebai''s expression of gratitude.


    "Actually, I''ve been investigating matters rted to the Divine Ruins during the past few years. But I couldn''t find out much," Jiang Yuebai said. "My teacher said it''s an inauspicious ce and that misfortune will befall those who get too close. But my mother came from there, and my father vanished there. And I... I was born unlucky. I can''t escape misfortune."


    "I must find out the truth," she concluded softly, so much so that it was more like she was talking to herself.


    As Chu Liang looked at Jiang Yuebai''s figure in the night breeze, he noticed her determined gaze. It was as if there was a fire zing inside her.


    Perhaps this was the real Jiang Yuebai¡ªgentle and cold on the outside but as firm and steady as a rock on the inside.


    ...


    The night passed by filled with sweet dreams.


    The next morning, Chu Liang got up, washed up, and tidied up his ce.


    Then he heard someone shouting outside, "My best bro, are you awake? I have something important to discuss with you."


    That booming voice full of energy¡ªChu Liang could tell straight away that it was Lin Bei.


    Chu Liang opened the door and asked, "What''s the matter? Why did youe running over so early in the morning?"


    "<i>Heheheh!</i>" Lin Beiughed loudly. "Did you know that today is the day when the first puzzle for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony is announced?"


    "<i>Hmm?</i> Yeah, what about it?" Chu Liang asked.


    Lin Bei answered, "I''vee to ask you to team up with me."

 Chapter 187: Welcome to the Team

    <h4>Chapter 187: Wee to the Team</h4>


    "Teaming up with me?" Chu Liang stared at him with a strange expression. He then asked, "Do you not have friends on the Jade Sword Peak?"


    Jade Sword Peak has over a hundred disciples. With Lin Bei''s personality, he shouldn''t be someone who has no friends.


    Logically speaking, no matter what, he wouldn''t have to resort to finding team members on Jade Sword Peak.


    "<i>Hehehe!</i>" Lin Bei chuckled and said, "You are my best buddy."


    "Tell me the truth." Chu Liang said.


    "<i>Sigh.</i> Don''t mention it," Lin Bei sighed and continued, "Everyone on the Jade Sword Peak knows that I have a good rtionship with you. Whenever I ask anyone to team up with me, they get worried that I might be a spy from the Silver Sword Peak."


    "..."


    <i>By the end of the day, I am the cause of this? </i>Chu Liang thought about it and agreed.


    After all, the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony differed from regr missions. It served as apetition among the disciples of various peaks, essentially acting as the appetizer for the Mount Shu Summit.


    During the treasure hunt of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, extensive exploration and decryption will be required. It would be really important to gather information during this time. Actions such as gathering information through other teams or even having spies weremon urrences during every Mountain God Memorial Ceremony.


    The Jade Sword Peak and the Silver Sword Peak were arch rivals, and Lin Bei was quite talkative. If he inadvertently leaked any information to Chu Liang that led to the failure of the team, it would have been disastrous.


    "Actually, they''re not only targeting the Silver Sword Peak. The teams on my peak are on high alert against spies. Every team is worried about spies from another team. They don''t even trust anyone in the peak," Lin Bei says.


    "The Jade Sword Peak isn''t united," Chu Liangmented emotionally.


    "In terms of unity, it is true that we are doing worse than the Silver Sword Peak," Lin Bei said.[1]


    "Actually, they don''t have to worry about you being a spy. If they haven''t kicked you out, I won''t be able to find even one teammate, let alone gather four other people," Chu Liang shrugged indifferently as he spoke. "The thought of participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony never crossed my mind."


    "How can you not participate in such an interesting event?" Lin Bei eximed hurriedly. "And the winners of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony always get very generous rewards, either arge amount of sword coins or an enchanted tool for each person. Such rewards are rare in the Mount Shu Sect!"


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Upon hearing about the lucrative rewards, Chu Liang immediately felt tempted.


    "Now that you have returned from the Immortals'' Marsh, you should be preparing to form your core, right?" Lin Bei suddenly asked.


    "It is done," answered Chu Liang.


    "<i>Oh.</i>" Upon hearing that Chu Liang had be a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm, Lin Bei wasn''t surprised.


    He then asked again, "What core did you form?"


    "An ultimate-tier Golden Core," answered Chu Liang.


    "<i>Oh</i>," Lin Bei responded, unfazed upon hearing that it was an ultimate-tier Golden Core.


    Chu Liang, however, was surprised by Lin Bei''s reaction. He chuckled and asked, "Why such calm reaction this time?"


    "I feel numb to it. You won''t surprise me anymore," Lin Bei said as he shook his head.


    After being surprised time and time again, he had be immune to Chu Liang''s astonishing performances.


    "Is that the case?" Chu Liang inquired. "What if I were to tell you I''ve cultivated two ultimate-tier Golden Cores?"


    "<i>Ah?</i>" Lin Bei''s mouth dropped open as hisposed facade crumbled. "Are you serious?"


    "Of course not," Chu Liang replied, a yful grin on his face. "How could one possibly have two cores?"


    "<i>Phew...</i>" Lin Bei breathed a sigh of relief. "You scared me. I almost believed you."


    Although this matter sounded absurd, Lin Bei would believe it to be true if it were to happen to Chu Liang.


    <i>Could there truly be someone in the world with two Golden Cores?</i> Lin Bei wondered.


    "Alright, let''s get back to business," Chu Liang continued. "With just you and me, we don''t have enough members for a team."


    The Mount Shu Sect likely aimed to enhance their disciples'' teamwork skills through the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. Without adequate team members, registration was prohibited. Exceptions were only made if all other disciples had already formed teams, a circumstance that left only a few exceptional individuals without partners.


    Chu Liang didn''t have many acquaintances on Mount Shu.


    "What''s there to worry about? Each peak couldn''t possibly have the exact amount of people for the event. There must be some extras," Lin Bei said with a smile. "In our team, you represent wisdom and courage. With me in the team, our duo already embodies those qualities. We just need to find a few other idiots to fill the empty spaces."


    <i>Great. I represent wisdom and courage while the other four are just there to cheer me on, right?</i>


    Chu Liang chuckled wryly and asked, "But where can we find the three idiots to fill the empty spaces on the team?"


    As soon as Chu Liang said that, he heard a voice calling from outside.


    "Big Bro! Are you there?"


    ...


    Previously on the Cloud Horizon Peak...


    It had been an early morning.


    Shang Ziliang and hisckeys were eating breakfast.


    "Boss, they''re announcing the topics for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony today. Are we registering?" Lackey A asked.


    "I was grounded for a while and almost missed it," Shang Ziliang said. "Are you asking around for teammates?"


    "<i>Mhm</i>," Lackey B muttered softly, then returned his focus to his meal.


    "I have contacted two," Lackey A said. "Senior Brother Qian, who is at the Golden Core Realm, and Senior Brother Wang, who is at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. These two are the strongest ones the Cloud Horizon Peak could find."


    "Very good." Shang Ziliang praised and said, "With us three in the team, the team from the Cloud Horizon Peak will be the strongest team. Let''s go and challenge the best from the other peaks!


    "<i>Mhm</i>." Lackey B responded and returned his focus on eating.


    Lackey A suddenly said worriedly, "But I heard that the Azure Falling Peak formed a team with all cultivators at the Golden Core Realm. Senior Sister Jiang is the leader of that team. I also heard that Senior Brother Xu of the Jade Sword Peak had gathered a team of cultivators at the Golden Core Realm. If we were topete with them, we won''t stand a chance, will we?"


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Shang Ziliang pondered for a moment and said, "But the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony is not solely apetition of cultivation levels. Intelligence ys a crucial role, and I believe we won''t fall short in that aspect."


    "<i>Mhm</i>," Lackey B responded, then resumed focusing on eating.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Lackey A suddenly said, "Yesterday, I heard that Chu Liang..."


    "Chu Liang? Should you be calling him by his name?" Shang Ziliang red.


    "<i>Oh.</i> Yesterday, I heard that our big bro has already formed the ultimate-tier Golden Core! He might be at the Golden Core Realm," Lackey A said. "He is the only one on the Silver Sword Peak. Why don''t we get him to join the Cloud Horizon Peak''s team?"


    "What a good idea!" Shang Ziliang nodded emphatically. "With his help, the Cloud Horizon Peak might have a chance topete with the Azure Falling Peak and the Jade Sword Peak!"


    "<i>Mhm.</i>" Lackey B responded and continued eating.


    Lackey A suddenly lowered his voice and whispered, "Boss, I''ve been wanting to ask you this all along: are you genuinely considering him as a big brother, or is it some kind of tactic to infiltrate the enemy''s camp?"


    "It''s definitely genuine!" Shang Ziliang dered. "I sabotaged him a couple of times, yet he still saved my life! I owe him."


    "And..." A wise gleam flickered in his eyes, "Do you remember how long it took him to progress from the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm to the Golden Core realm? Now, he has even formed an ultimate-tier Golden Core. I believe he''s no weaker than Xu Ziyang or Jiang Yuebai, the contemporary prodigies! It was incredibly foolish of me to have even thought of opposing him before. I can foresee that he will definitely have a ce in the high ranks of the Mount Shu Sect in the future!"


    "<i>Mhm</i>," Lackey B responded, then resumed focusing on eating.


    "Amazing!" Lackey A eximed, pping his hands in approval. "Indeed, our big bro has already shown remarkable talent, and there aren''t many who have recognized it yet. We should follow him early on. When he rises to power in the future, we will rise alongside the dragon!"


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Shang Ziliang urged, "Finish up your meal quickly. Once we''re done eating, we''ll head to the Silver Sword Peak and invite him."


    "<i>Mhm</i>." Lackey B wiped his mouth and responded.


    "What are we eating?" Lackey A suddenly asked, looking puzzled.


    "Eating? Just the food here," Shang Ziliang, feeling bemused by the question, replied.


    "Where''s the food?" Lackey A looked around, bewildered.


    Shang Ziliang nced down at the table, only to find four or five pristine porcin tes, with no food in sight.


    "Hey, this is weird," he eximed as he red around. "Where''s the food?"


    Lackey B scratched his head. "Did someone steal the food?"


    ...


    Without bothering to search for more food, Shang Ziliang, apanied by his twockeys, swiftly left the room and soared through the air towards Silver Sword Peak.


    Hearing the call from outside, Chu Liang stepped out and saw the trio approaching.


    "What''s going on?" he asked.


    "Big Bro!" Shang Ziliang stepped forward. "We''vee to see you to discuss the team formation for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony."


    "Eh?" Chu Liang lifted his eyes, a hint of surprise crossing his features.


    <i>What a coincidence.</i>


    He then smiled and asked, "You want to team up with me?"


    "Yes." Shang Ziliang said.


    "That would be awesome," Chu Liang said, extending his hand. "Wee aboard! Happy to have you all join my team."


    1. You don''t say? Chu Liang is the only disciple of the Silver Sword Peak. ?

 Chapter 188: A Friend of Mine...

    <h4>Chapter 188: A Friend of Mine...</h4>


    On the small hill of Silver Sword Peak...


    The first assembly of Chu Liang''s team was happening.


    Aside from him and the ambitious Lin Bei, there were the three confused ones.


    Shang Ziliang remained in a daze, trying to grasp the sudden turn of events. He thought,<i> I am a boss at Cloud Horizon Peak. How did I end up bing a member of the Silver Sword Peak''s team?</i>


    For some reason, he felt as though he had been ordained.


    <i>I am the son of the peak master of Cloud Horizon Peak. If I, being the leader of myckeys surrendered, what would the others on Cloud Horizon Peak think of me? </i>Shang Ziliang wondered.


    Initially, he thought Chu Liang would be by himself, and all they needed to do was to recruit him. Who would have thought Chu Liang, despite being all alone, would also try to form a team by himself?


    "<i>Cough</i>." Chu Liang cleared his throat and said, "Happy to have you all join the team at the Silver Sword Peak. In the uing Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, we will berades fighting side by side."


    "And now, I will appoint myself as the team leader, with Lin Bei as the deputy team leader," Chu Liang said as he pointed at Lin Bei.


    Shang Ziliang immediately started protesting, "Big Bro, I am fine with you being the leader, but why does he get to be the deputy team leader?"


    Chu Liang exined, "You three outnumber Lin Bei, who is the sole representative from the Jade Sword Peak. Therefore, I granted him a bit more authority."


    He pressed his palms together and reassured, "Our team operates on absolute democracy. All decisions will be made by voting."


    Shang Ziliang''s face lit up at the mention of voting. If they vote, him and hisckeys would hold absolute dominance.


    "Each of you three members gets one vote, while Lin Bei gets two," Chu Liang said as he made arrangements.


    Hearing this, the three from the Cloud Horizon Peak smiled.


    With theirbined votes, they could easily overpower Lin Bei. Then they hear Chu Liang continue saying, "I get three hundred and sixty votes."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" The three opposite Chu Liang''s jaws dropped in astonishment.


    "Alright. Meeting adjourned, " Chu Liang stood up and said, "Let''s register our team at the Heaven-Reaching Peak."


    While they were flying to Heaven-Reaching Peak, they witnessed a stream of people rushing towards the top, where fellow disciples were crowded, waiting to register.


    As soon as theynded, they heard amotion ahead, and the crowd automatically parted to make way.


    A fierce figure was revealed.


    Xu Ziyang, leading a team from Jade Sword Peak, emerged afterpleting registration.


    Behind him were three cultivators at the Golden Core Realm, which included his sister Xu Ziqing and Fang Ting.


    With news of Xu Ziyang reaching the fifth realm spreading, his prestige on Mount Shu soared even higher. In fact, nearby fellow disciples were even afraid to meet his gaze.


    Lin Bei quietly turned away, not wanting the disciples from the Jade Sword Peak to see him.


    Just then, another shout came from outside.


    "Jiang Jiang is here!"


    "Senior Sister Jiang!"


    Unlike the silent and stressful atmosphere caused by Xu Ziyang, Jiang Yuebai''s arrival ignited the entire square, with the crowd boiling with excitement.


    After herst lecture, Jiang Yuebai''s poprity among disciples had soared. Now, she was not just loved, but even revered by some.


    Chu Liang turned his head and noticed a tall, slender figure dressed in flowing robes. The person exuded a cold demeanor and walked forward while fixing her eyes straight ahead.


    Apanied by four formidable cultivators at the Golden Core Realm, the figure walked directly towards them.


    Being able to reach the Golden Core realm at their age or just a few years older would typically be deemed remarkable. In slightly smaller sects, they would undoubtedly be regarded as core disciples or even potential leaders.


    In the current era of the Mount Shu Sect, there were only a few dozen disciples at the Golden Core Realm or higher.


    However, of the disciples at the Golden Core Realm, nine of them were in Xu Ziyang''s team and Jiang Yuebai''s team.


    It was obvious that the Azure Falling Peak and Jade Sword Peak were extremely powerful.


    Like a gathering storm, wherever the teams from the two peaks passed, crowds retreated. With each entry and exit, their crossing drew the attention of everyone on the entire square.


    Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang''s eyes met briefly. They both nodded in acknowledgment without speaking before they continued on their way.


    The tension in the air was palpable.


    The spectators in the square were all somewhat excited, wishing they could see these two teams fight on the spot! Most disciples had already assumed that the winning team would be either one of them.


    Chu Liang was the only one who mumbled, "Don''t they need to line up?"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Lin Bei as well as the other three froze.


    No one noticed this issue.


    Those two teams squared off like a sh between Mars and Earth, or a needle amidst wheat. They were the center of attention.


    Yet Chu Liang was here questioning why they weren''t queuing up.


    ...


    After registering at Heaven-Reaching Peak, Chu Liang asked them to return first.


    As for himself, he conveniently walked into the Hall of Conservation.


    The furnishings here seemed unchanged for thousands of years.


    Upon entering the corridor, Chu Liang saw Senior Brother Yuan sitting there with his rectangr face.


    As usual, he was reading a book.


    "Junior Brother Chu." When Yuan Zhou saw him here, he immediately ced his book down.


    "Senior Brother Yuan." Chu Liang said, "I am here for a divine art manual. I am wondering if I can find it here."


    "What type?" Yuan Zhou asked.


    Chu Liang, feeling a little embarrassed, showed an awkward smile.


    He then said, "The type that allows two Golden Cores to merge and operate together,plementing each other and mutually helping each other progress in cultivation..."


    "Oh." Yuan Zhuo answered, "Dual cultivation?"


    "Yes." Chu Liang nodded.


    Dual cultivation, as the name suggested, was actually two individuals practicing cultivation together. It was unclear when it became a term specifically used for couples. Nevertheless, Chu Liang still felt really awkward.


    In all seriousness, dual cultivation was indeed the deepest form ofmunication.


    The strongest connection between men and women happened when they deeply understood each other without saying much. It was like there was a strong attraction simmering just below the surface.


    In dual cultivation, both individuals must open their Dantian and Sea of Qi to each other, allowing both parties to merge into each other''s cirction of qi, thereby merging their cultivation together as one.


    In this scenario, being open and taking risks were crucial. It was simr to entrusting one''s life and everything else to someone. Only with such a trusted individual could one feelfortable revealing everything.


    It was no wonder dual cultivation became a technique that represented Daoist couples.


    "You have sessfully formed your core, right?" Yuan Zhuo said as he stared at Chu Liang.


    "What Golden Cores did you and the other person form?"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang said, "I formed the Golden Core of Lesser Yang, while the other person... formed the Golden Core of Lesser Yin."


    "This pair of Golden Cores is a good match." Yuan Zhuo said, "Let me think if there are any dual cultivation techniques suitable for the Golden Core of Lesser Yin and Golden Core of Lesser Yang."


    "By the way..." Chu Liang continued, "I have another question. Is there a divine technique capable of fatally severing a person at the waist simply by slicing through their shadow?"


    Ever since his clone was killed by the masked man in the Immortal''s Marsh, he felt lingering fear in his heart.


    "Light and shadow share a profound connection with the soul. When ites to severing shadows and inflicting harm upon the soul, there are at least seven or eight divine techniques capable of aplishing such feats. However, when ites to cutting through shadows and hurting the actual body..." Yuan Zhuo looked around thoughtfully, then after a moment, he said, "From what I know, there''s only one technique that can do that: the Shadow-Severing Seal: ck Light."


    "Senior Brother, thank you for the information," said Chu Liang.


    "Let me find a suitable dual cultivation technique. Give me a minute," responded Yuan Zhuo.


    With this he stood up and left.


    He then walked to the bookshelves in the back and started searching.


    While Chu Liang was waiting, a crisp voice suddenly sounded behind him.


    "Senior Brother Chu Liang!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" He turned around and saw a charming figure approaching. "Junior Sister Ziqing?"


    "Yes, are you also here looking for martial arts techniques? What a coincidence," Xu Ziqing said sweetly with a smile.


    The two hadn''t seen each other for many days. Chu Liang smiled and said, "Yes, it''s been a while."


    "Of course we haven''t seen each other. You nevere to Jade Sword Peak to hang out with me," Xu Ziqing pouted as sheined.


    Chu Liang said with a smile, "I wouldn''t dare...to go to the Jade Sword Peak."


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The young girl pouted coquettishly. Just as she was about to say something, Yuan Zhuo walked back and interrupted their conversation.


    "Junior Brother Chu, here is the dual cultivation technique you requested."


    He handed over a book instead of a jade slip. It was no wonder he needed to get it himself. The book looked quite old and worn, with yellowed pages.


    Severalrge characters were written on the cover: <i>Yin and Yang Fusion Technique.</i>


    "This technique is the most suitable for dual cultivation of the Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang Golden Cores. It harmonizes yin and yang, connecting one to heaven and earth and benefiting both parties greatly," Yuan Zhuo continued to exin. "However, I must remind you to exercise moderation in the practice of dual cultivation. In the past, countless talented individuals imed to be practicing dual cultivation. The reality was that they depleted the yang in their kidneys every day, thereby dying their cultivation progress and bing mediocre individuals...[1]"


    With each sentence he uttered, Xu Ziqing''s brows furrowed a bit more and gave Chu Liang an odd look.


    "<i>Um...</i>" Chu Liang noticed her stare.


    He grinned awkwardly and said, "This is for someone else. Right! A friend of mine..."


    1. So basically some couples saying that they are cultivating but they are really doing something else. ?

 Chapter 189: Fire On the Tree Demon Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 189: Fire On the Tree Demon Mountain</h4>


    Chu Liang found himself in a very sticky situation.


    Xu Ziqing wasn''t a child, so she obviously wouldn''t believe Chu Liang''s excuse that it was for a friend. She stared at Chu Liang with a judgmental gaze that seemed to say: <i>The friend you''re talking about is obviously you!</i>


    With Xu Ziqing''s eyes focused on him, Chu Liang couldn''te up with a proper excuse, so he just left like a fleeing criminal.


    <i>Sigh.</i>


    After returning to Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang calmed down and opened up the book <i>Yin and Yang Fusion Technique</i>.


    Before reading the book, he hadn''t known this was such an ancient technique. The technique had existed even before the Mount Shu Sect had been established and could be considered one of the oldest dual-cultivation techniques in the mortal realm.


    Unlike the cultivation techniques that were developedter, this dual-cultivation technique didn''t involve any intricate methods. It only utilized the basics of the Great Dao of Yin and Yang, making this dual-cultivation technique rtively straightforward.


    There was one challenging thing though. It seemed that all the qi-cirction routes recorded in the manual had been formed with the base concept that the two parties performing the technique would work together to circte using the same qi-cirction route.


    However, Chu Liang wanted to attempt fusing the foundational qi in the Golden-Core Puppet with the foundational qi in his body. The Golden-Core Puppet could copy the qi-cirction method and cultivate continuously with that, but it could not be expected to act exactly like an actual person and change its qi-cirction route to match Chu Liang''s. Chu Liang only had control over his own cirction... so that made things extremely difficult for him.


    There were other dual-cultivation techniques that required just one person to circte their qi, but only that person would benefit. Such techniques were normally referred to as Yin-Taking and Yang-Supplementing Techniques and were practiced only by those following the diabolical path.


    Chu Liang had already been caught red-handed purchasing a normal dual-cultivation technique. If he were to get caught buying a Yin-Taking and Yang-Supplementing Technique too, his excellent reputation would likely be ruined forever.


    <i>This is tricky.</i>


    Nevertheless, as Chu Liang deepened his understanding of the technique, he realized that this was not an unsolvable problem. The Yin and Yang Fusion Technique did not actually require any alteration of the qi-cirction route. All it required was for one party to connect their cirction route to the other party''s. That was why both parties needed to work together.


    If that was the case, Chu Liang might be able to control the flow of the foundational qi since the Golden-Core Puppet''s foundational qi was actually his.


    Chu Liang considered this idea carefully for a while more. Then he let his consciousness sink into the White Pagoda''s space.


    The two Large-Headed Dolls were sitting side by side. One was shrouded in a haze, while the other was radiating golden light; both were selflessly working hard on Chu Liang''s behalf.


    Chu Liang sat cross-legged in front of the Golden-Core Puppet and ced his hands on its shoulders. He closed his eyes and focused, channeling his foundational qi into the Golden-Core Puppet ording to the method he had just memorized.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    An explosive rumble reverberated from the Sea of Qi inside his Dantian.


    The Golden-Core Puppet''s meridians had been duplicated from Chu Liang''s body, so Chu Liang was undoubtedly very familiar with them.


    He ordered the foundational qi in the puppet to continue circting. As he''d expected, the foundational qi in the puppetplied without any resistance.


    Chu Liang''s and the Golden-Core Puppet''s Minor Qi-Cirction Routes merged to be a shared Major Qi-Cirction Route. The two kinds of foundational qi¡ªone with the yin attribute and the other with yang¡ªfused. In this fusion state, the two kinds of foundational qi no longer depleted each other; instead, they boosted each other.


    With the twoplementing ultimate-tier Golden Cores, the pair''s cultivation speed skyrocketed, and foundational qi surged wildly into them.


    Chu Liang concentrated on this process for more than an hour until he was interrupted by a bit of noise from outside.


    "<i>Phew...</i>"


    He slowly withdrew his foundational qi from the Golden-Core Puppet, concluding his first dual-cultivation session with one of the Large-Headed Dolls.


    Chu Liang had to admit that it had been a wonderful experience. When he opened his eyes, his gaze was much brighter, and he seemed very full of life.


    After a while, he stood up and pushed open the window. That''s when he found a crane-delivered letter on the table outside.


    Chu Liang opened it and read its content. It was from the Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    ...


    "Elder Shen, I''ve had a lot going ontely. It''s been such a long time since Ist visited you... Please don''t hate me for that," Chu Liang said cheerfully when he arrived at a quiet office in the Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    On Chu Liang''s first visit to the Sword Exchange Pavilion to take on missions, he had been unfamiliar with how everything worked. Elder Shen had helped Chu Liang out a few times and selected good missions for him.


    Since then, Chu Liang had gotten a lot busier, so he hadn''te visit Elder Shen for some time. The letter he''d received earlier had been from Elder Shen.


    "At your age, this is the time when you should be putting in full effort and being a go-getter, so it''s normal to be busy," Elder Shen voiced with a beaming smile. "I heard that in the short time I''ve not seen you, you formed a Golden Core. Moreover, it''s an ultimate-tier Golden Core! That''s truly amazing."


    "<i>Hehe,</i> I just got a little lucky," Chu Liang replied.


    "I heard about you from someone earlier, and it just so happens that there''s a mission that requires a disciple at the Golden Core Realm," Elder Shen said. "So, I thought, why don''t I just ask you to do it? You can use it as a chance to test out your Golden Core. If you do well, I''ll frequently rmend you to the elders ranked above me."


    Chu Liang smiled. "I definitely will not let you down, Elder Shen."


    This was a prettymon urrence. When a disciple that was highly regarded by one of the higher-ups in the sect made a breakthrough in their cultivation, the elder would assign the disciple a mission that would allow them to gain experience. It would also serve as a test of their abilities.


    If Chu Liang were to perform well on this mission, he would be one of the first disciples that the Sword Exchange Pavilion considered assigning to important missions.


    Most core disciples did not need to go to the Sword Exchange Pavilion to choose missions. Instead, when the sect had some important tasks that needed to be resolved, the Sword Exchange Pavilion would summon a few suitable core disciples to do the job.


    This was the case for Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and some other disciples at the Golden Core Realm.


    It appeared that Elder Shen intended to give more guidance and support to Chu Liang in the future, which was why he assigned a mission to Chu Liang. So, of course, Chu Liang wouldn''t say no to that.


    Elder Shen handed Chu Liang a mission slip. "Here."


    The slip said: <i>A request for help from the Tree Demon Mountain.</i>


    "Although the Tree Demon Mountain is inhabited by demons, they''re a peaceful bunch, and they have a good rtionship with our sect," Elder Shen exined. "Since they''ve requested we send someone over to help, it must be a rather urgent matter. If you''re not busy with anything else right now, you should depart immediately."


    "Will do!"


    Chu Liang stood up and immediately set off.


    Contrary to his actions, Chu Liang had actually wanted to stay put on Mount Shu for a period.


    The sudden appearance of that masked assassin in the Immortals'' Marsh had left Chu Liang feeling uneasy. He had no idea where the assassin was from or why the assassin had targeted him. Chu Liang should be safe if he stayed on Mount Shu, but if the assassin was targeting him, there was no guarantee there wouldn''t be another assassination attempt once he left the mountain.


    Nevertheless, it was like how the saying went, "Thieves can rob others for a thousand days, but you can''t stay at home and guard against them for a thousand days."


    Trouble had found its way to Chu Liang, and he couldn''t keep avoiding it. All he could do was prepare himself to face it.


    After returning to Silver Sword Peak and picking up the Golden-Furred Hou, Chu Liang set off for the Tree Demon Mountain.


    ...


    Despite being a demon n, the Tree Demon n had always been loving and peaceful. They had long life spans, and their good rtionship with humans stemmed as far back as the era of the demon gods. Some time after that era, the Tree Demon n settled in the Tree Demon Mountain and ceased all rtions with the other demon ns. Instead, the Tree Demon n got quite close with the nearby Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang urged the Hou to speed up, and they arrived at the destination soon after.


    The Tree Demon Mountain was vast, with towering mountains and a deep valley. It was filled with verdant pines and ancient trees, presenting a lush, deep green when viewed from above.


    However, Chu Liang saw an astonishing scene amid the green mountains. A raging fire was zing out from the depths of the valley and spreading outward!


    <i>Is this the reason the Tree Demon n requested for help?</i>


    Upon seeing the gravity of the situation, Chu Liang hurriedly pressed the Hou''s head down.


    At the next moment, theynded at the mouth of the valley like a gust of golden wind. However, all Chu Liang saw around him were trees; there were no people.


    <i>What''s going on? Where is the legendary Tree Demon n?</i>


    Chu Liang was not familiar with the Tree Demon n, and there were no buildings in the mountains to indicate where the n members were living. He had no idea where exactly they were situated on the mountain.


    As he was contemting what to do, Chu Liang heard the voice of an old man ask him, "Are you the young hero from the Mount Shu Sect?"


    Chu Liang was startled by the voice. He sensed a rise in demonic qi, and figures appeared around him one by one.


    The lofty ancient trees surrounding him suddenly emitted a bright radiance and turned into green figures! One, two... In total, two hundred green figures had appeared!


    It turned out that the Tree Demon n lived in the mountains in their tree form. Chu Liang thought about it and realized that made sense.


    The first person that appeared earlier was an old man with the air of a dignified elder and a long fluttering beard. He seemed to have a high cultivation level.


    Chu Liang turned to greet him. "I''m Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Young hero Chu, thank you foring," the old man said. "I am an elder of the Tree Demon n. You may call me Qinghuai[1]."


    "Elder Qinghuai," Chu Liang replied, greeting the elder with a bow. Then he asked, "What has happened to the Tree Demon n? What is the cause of this wildfire?"


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Elder Qinghuai sighed. He exined, "One day, a ball of fire shot over from the west and suddenlynded on our Tree Demon Mountain. After that, this raging wildfire came into existence. We don''t know what happened exactly. We tried to extinguish the fire with spells from a distance, but we couldn''t put it out no matter what we did. Several warriors from our n went further in to investigate, but none of them returned..."


    Chu Liang frowned. "Oh?"


    "We have powerful people in our n, but this wildfire limits us severely. In the face of the fire, we be so weak that we may not even be able to use thirty percent of our power. That''s why we turned to the Mount Shu Sect for help," Elder Qinghuai continued. "All we need is for you to go further inside and investigate to see what happened. Then we can prepare our next steps. Tree Demon Mountain is where our ancestors lived. If it is destroyed by this fire, we will be homeless!"


    "Elder, don''t worry," Chu Liang said. "I''ll go in right now and investigate."


    1. His name means "green Chinese schr tree". ?

 Chapter 190: If I Said I Was Just Passing By, Would You All Believe Me

    <h4>Chapter 190: If I Said I Was Just Passing By, Would You All Believe Me</h4>


    For many years, the Tree Demon n has been passing on its legacy in this area. They were not a weak n.


    While most Tree Demons were typically between the cultivation levels of the first and third realms, there were also stronger individuals at the fourth and fifth realms.


    However, among the five elements, fire was overpowering to wood. The raging fire posed a significant threat to their n members and they had no choice but to ask for assistance.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang felt hesitant to venture into the forest fire.


    None of the Tree Demons who entered the forest had returned. The dangers within the forest were entirely unknown. While he wouldn''t have to worry about fire weakening him as it would the Tree Demons, there was still a chance that the entities inside the forest were much stronger.


    After a moment of contemtion, Chu Liang decided to use the strand of golden hair.


    Such an item was most suitable for exploring unfamiliar and perilous territories.


    He asked the Golden-Furred Hou to stand guard beside him as he sat cross-legged on the ground. Then, as he activated the Golden Hair Strand, the clone appeared in the center.


    The clone had no enchanted tools; instead, it wore a Flying-Sword Bracelet specially crafted by the Mount Shu Sect. This ensured that even in case of loss, he wouldn¡¯t feel any pain.


    As for the Golden-Furred Hou, Chu Liang had no intention of bringing it along inside the forest.


    Instead of having the fifth-realm spirit beast protect his clone, Chu Liang chose to keep it here to safeguard his actual body.


    When Elder Qinghuai saw this, he immediately praised, "Wow! What an amazing divine technique! With this clone, you can explore with peace of mind."


    Chu Liang instructed, "Please take care of my body. I will be right back."


    "Young Hero, please don¡¯t worry!" Elder Qinghuai said.


    As he raised his hand, countless vines immediately sprang up from all around, quickly intertwining to form a dense cluster resembling a treehouse.


    The treehouse shielded both Chu Liang¡¯s body and the Golden-Furred Hou beside him from all sides.


    "As long as I am alive, no one will touch your body." Elder Qinghuai dered solemnly.


    "Thank you." Chu Liang said with a nod.


    "Young Hero, there¡¯s no need to thank me. You are doing the Tree Demon n a huge favor!" Elder Qinghuai eximed.


    Without saying anything, Chu Liang smiled. Then, he turned around and stepped into the sea of fire.


    mes billowed!


    Just as his figure soared to the outer perimeter of the fire scene, he felt an incredibly intense wave of heat rushing toward him. Even without getting close, just the scorching temperature was unbearable for an ordinary person.


    These mes were definitely not ordinary!


    Chu Liang immediately activated the cirction of his foundational qi to protect his body. Only then could he venture deep into the sea of fire and proceed forward.


    Under such intense heat, his foundational qi continuously evaporated, depleting rapidly. For an ordinary cultivator at the Golden Core Realm, they might not have been able to endure for long. Just staying here for a short moment would have depleted most of their foundational qi. If they were to encounter danger, the situation would be very dire.


    With the replenishment of two ultimate-tier Golden Cores, Chu Liang could easily restore the foundational qi consumed at this level. He could maintain his peak cultivation to handle any potential dangers that might arise.


    This highlighted the significance of recovery speed.


    After searching all the way, Chu Liang soon arrived at the depths of the valley. Many charred bodiesy around. Dead wild beasts scattered all around the mountains, their limbs broken and iplete, indicating that they were not killed by fire.


    Chu Liang proceeded cautiously.


    The trees in this areay charred, reduced to mere skeletons of their former selves. Yet, the mes that ravaged them held an ominous aura, stubbornly clinging to rocks, cliffs, and even skeletal remains.


    It was no wonder the Tree Demons were so afraid. Ordinary fire might not have caused them much harm. But just the touch of this type of unknown fire would result in death.


    <i>Hiss...</i>


    Chu Liang was soaring through the air when he suddenly felt a chilling sensation amidst the intense heat, sending a shiver down his spine.


    The feeling of imminent danger struck him, and instinctively, he sprang away from his current position. In the blink of an eye, he beheld a colossal fireball hurtling down from above, its descent apanied by a thunderous boom as it exploded upon impact with the ground.


    <i>Boom! Rumble!</i>


    It was as if a raging sea of mes rippled outwards in all directions.


    Caught in the ferocious shockwave, Chu Liang was flung several zhang away. Despite hastily searching with his divine sense, he found no trace of the enemy''s presence.


    Chu Liang moved with the momentum of the shockwave propelling him and pretended to collide against the side of a nearby rock wall, falling onto his back.


    He closed his eyes andid perfectly motionless, pretending that he had died.


    Chu Liang spected that since all the bodies he had seen earlier were mutted, the enemy in hiding might prefer to torture and kill its prey using its teeth. He reasoned that if he were to pretend that he had lost the ability to fight back, it might lure the enemy out of hiding.


    As long as it revealed itself, Chu Liang would have achieved his goal. After all, he had ventured into this ce solely to investigate what had happened inside. He had no obligation to resolve the matter further.


    For a moment, silence engulfed the surroundings, broken only by the loud crackling of the fire.


    Suddenly and silently, a t and elongated head covered in red scales emerged from behind the nearby rock wall. Despite its entire body being engulfed in mes, its crimson-gold vertical pupils radiated a chilling coldness.


    Then, the creature''s torso undted out, revealing a pair of grotesque red-flesh wings, fully exposed before Chu Liang.


    It was none other than arge winged python covered in red scales! Its massive body stretched over ten zhang long!


    "Winged Fire Python!"


    Chu Liang recognized it at first nce. It was a Winged Fire Python! An extremely ferocious spirit beast!


    ording to legends, there was a Winged Fire Python with eight wings, a mystical beast at the eighth realm of cultivation known as the Heavenly Origin Realm. This creature wreaked havoc and caused immense ughter. If it were to grow another pair of wings, it would ascend to be a snake god at the ninth realm, known as the Profound Realm!


    Fortunately, the immortal sects worked together to eliminate this threat.


    Although remnants of the Winged Fire Python still existed in the mortal realm, they were unable to thrive. They inhabited the western areas of the Evil Demon Mountain and dared not disrupt the humannds.


    How did this Winged Fire Pythone here? Although it wasn¡¯t fully mature, it was a spirit beast at the fifth realm!


    <i>I can¡¯t beat it!</i>


    Chu Liang immediately made up his mind.


    With a ng, his flying sword soared, its sword energy lingering as he himself flew out!


    Although he was in the cloned body, he could feel every sensation. With no intention of dying, he promptly took control of his sword and fled!


    <i>Hiss...</i>


    A trace of coldness flickered in the vertical pupils of the Winged Fire Python as it abruptly spread its pair of flesh wings.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The massive creature soared into the air, transforming into a winged dragon in an instant, engulfed in mes, and fiercely pursued Chu Liang!


    It wasn¡¯t hunting for food. Its cruel and ferocious nature drove it to instinctively rend all living creatures asunder!


    Chu Liang focused and manipted his flying sword to its fullest extent, deftly navigating around the mountain walls twice!


    <i>Crash!</i>


    The Winged Fire Python persisted in its pursuit until it realized that its body was trapped and coiled around a massive and thick pir.


    <i>Hiss!</i>


    Feeling a surge of embarrassment, the Winged Fire Python grew furious. As It struggled violently, its massive body inadvertently crushed the pir into pieces.


    In the meantime, Chu Liang had escaped the sea of fire!


    Since Chu Liang had formed the two ultimate-tier Golden Cores, it was his first time manipting the sword to fly at full speed. All he felt was the rush of wind and sparks, with the constant risk of losing control looming over him!


    If it wasn''t because of his prior rigorous training in fine control, he might have crashed and fallen off his flying sword.


    The speed propelled by the two Golden Cores was terrifyingly fast!


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    The sword light disappeared in an instant, returning to the forest where it had just been.


    After hended, he caught his breath and was just about to exin to the Tree Demon n what he had discovered inside when he felt another bone-chilling sensation.


    Suddenly, he felt this murderous aura!


    <i>The Winged Fire Python caught up? It can¡¯t be! </i>This was Chu Liang''s first thought.


    But the attack came several times faster than the Winged Fire Python, and Chu Liang couldn¡¯t dodge at all. As he turned around, he saw darkness shing at him!


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    Blood sshed, and his head and body separated, lying in different ces.


    Where the darkness emanated from revealed the presence of a masked de wielder with a crow perched on his shoulder.


    "If you are not dead yet this time..." the Dual Wielder muttered coldly.


    Simultaneously, he raised his hand and summoned a ck banner, which he then aggressively nted into the ground.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    It was the Soul-Suppressing Banner!


    If the soul left the body, it would have been caught by this banner and be trapped there.


    However, the banner showed no movement even after several moments had passed.


    "What¡¯s going on?" The Dual Wielder frowned and said, "Why have I never been able to actually kill him? Why?"


    "Maybe it''s just because you are very unlucky?" A voice nearby sounded. Chu Liang¡¯s figure was seen walking over from the other side.


    <i>Another one? How many more times do I have to do this? </i>The Dual Wielder thought to himself.


    The Dual Wielder red at Chu Liang, who appeared suddenly. He didn¡¯t utter a single word but simply tightened his grip on the des, exuding a disy of murderous aura.


    However, at the very next second, his murderous aura vanished.


    As the surrounding light flickered and the aura of demons intensified, towering ancient trees began to morph into humanoid forms. One, two, three... more than two hundred members of the Tree Demon n assumed human shapes.


    The Dual Wielder found himself right at the center, surrounded by them.


    There were over two hundred pairs of eyes staring at him.


    A drop of cold sweat slowly trickled down his forehead.


    In his thirty years as an assassin, it was probably the first time he had encountered such a situation.


    He had thought he had stealthily killed someone, only to turn around and discover himself suddenly encircled by a multitude of individuals.


    It felt really awkward.


    However, he was an experienced assassin. At this moment, he disyed no signs of panic. In contrast, when confronted by the gaze of over two hundred pairs of eyes, he spoke a sentence with cold determination.


    "If I said I was just passing by, would you all believe me?"

 Chapter 191: The Honor of an Assassin

    <h4>Chapter 191: The Honor of an Assassin</h4>


    The Dual Wielder died a peaceful death.


    ...


    Previously...


    Before arriving at the Tree Demon Mountain, the Dual Wielder had the determined mindset of "If I cannot seed, then I will die."


    "You are in such a dangerous situation. You cannot afford to fail this time," pressured the crow perched on his shoulder.


    "I know. I brought the Soul-Suppressing Banner. I will not fail again!" the Dual Wielder eximed with determination.


    As long as someone nearby was killed, the Soul-Suppressing Banner would immediately capture and suppress their dispersed soul, refining it into nothingness.


    It was an enchanted artifact of the diabolical path that gave people no chance of surviving.


    "You have attempted to assassinate him on multiple asions, yet somehow he always manages to escape. It seems he must have been alerted," the crow said. "It was quite a challenge for our spy within Mount Shu to orchestrate this opportunity for you. This time, the target has just formed the ultimate-tier Golden Core. Our spy discreetly mentioned this task to someone at the Sword Exchange Pavilion, giving our target the chance to ept a mission. If you fail in this attempt, he surely won¡¯t leave this mountain again easily."


    "I know!" The Dual Wielder frowned as he snapped.


    Regarding the crow''s persistent nagging, irritation was evident in the Dual Wielder¡¯s tone.


    <i>Enough with the squawking. The more you talk about it, the more annoyed I feel.</i>


    As a proud assassin, it was the first time he had faced such repeated setbacks when assassinating a target. The most frustrating part of this was that he had no idea of the reason for his failures.


    A mere disciple at the third realm couldn''t possibly possess any advanced divine skills or cultivate any immortal arts.


    How did he manage toe back to life every time?


    There must be some hidden mystery.


    The Dual Wielder really wanted to take Chu Liang hostage, torture him, and interrogate him.


    However, upon further consideration, he concluded that it would be prudent to avoidplications and instead opt for a single decisive strike when the opportunity presented itself.


    Soon, he spotted Chu Liang.


    Fire zed on the Tree Demon Mountain, and Chu Liang was fleeing from the raging mes while focusing his divine sense on something behind him. It seemed that something was chasing Chu Liang.


    It was an excellent opportunity for the Dual Wielder!


    As a professional assassin, the Dual Wielder sensed this prime opportunity. Without any hesitation, he drew his des and leaped into action!


    A ck streak of light shed forward with a thunderous roar.


    Swoosh¡ª


    <i>First, Second, Third...</i>


    This was the third time he had cleaved this disciple of the Mount Shu Sect in half.


    At the moment he felt the separation of flesh and blood, the Dual Wielder even offered a small prayer in his heart, hoping that there would not be a next time.


    He flipped his hand to unfurl the Soul Suppressing Banner, yet the banner remainedpletely still, devoid of any movement whatsoever.


    The Dual Wielder felt a sense of despair.


    Then came the most embarrassing moment of his life.


    The towering trees around him all transformed into humanoid forms, with over two hundred tree demons surrounding him in all directions.


    <i>Oh crap! An ambush!</i>


    Dual Wielder wouldn''t believe that it was a mere coincidence.


    It was clear that Chu Liang was already aware and had set up this trap!


    <i>Very cunning indeed! </i>


    Looking at the target right in front of him and therge group of tree demons, the Dual Wielder made a decision.


    As an assassin, he refused to ept such a humiliating failure.


    With his cultivation level, if he had tried to escape, these tree demons might not have been able to stop him.


    Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t escape.


    The Dual Wielder asked, "If I said I was just passing by, would you all believe me?"


    Just when everyone was on the verge ofughter, the Dual Wielder suddenly sprang into action!


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    A streak of ck light shot towards Chu Liang!


    Even if he couldn''t escape, he was determined to kill his target this time! He refused to believe that a person could still survive after having been killed multiple times. He believed that this would be thest time!


    Even if he died in the process, he was determined toplete this mission!


    Indeed, it was the honorable choice befitting an assassin of his caliber!


    However, as Chu Liang faced the swiftly approaching ck streak of light, he remained unusually calm andposed, showing none of the panic he had exhibited during previous encounters.


    He formed a finger seal with his index finger and middle finger as he shouted, "Watch this!"


    The Dual Wielder nced at it and saw a sudden burst of intense light emanating from Chu Liang''s fingers, shining brilliantly like the sun in his hand!


    <i>Swoosh</i>¡ª


    Countless golden rays were blindingly bright. The Dual Wielder eximed in pain as he felt his eyes instantly scorched and stinging.


    No wonder Chu Liang shouted loudly! This technique would only work if it had been seen!


    The intense light not only stung his eyes but also stopped his momentum. In the presence of the sun-like radiance, all shadows were exposed!


    This was the countermeasure Chu Liang had prepared.


    When he was at the Hall of Conservation previously, he asked Yuan Zhuo how he should deal with the Shadow-Severing Seal: ck Light.


    Yuan Zhuo exined that this type of divine skill was most suitable for assassination done in the dark, leveraging shadows that were extremely swift and difficult to defend against. If one''s cultivation was lower than the performer of this technique, achieving victory would be even more challenging. To counter it slightly, one could use the zing Sunlight Seal to emit strong light suddenly and disrupt the maniption of shadows.


    The zing Sunlight Seal was a rtively basic minor skill. Therefore, Yuan Zhuo didn''t even ept payment from Chu Liang; he simply described it, and Chu Liang quickly grasped it after some study.


    It was easy but rather useful.


    This also made Chu Liang realize the importance of mastering various divine skills and techniques. Someone like Yuan Zhuo, who had a vast knowledge of divine arts, could quickly devise strategies against any opponent in a short amount of time.


    However, Chu Liang''s cultivation level was still inferior to that of the Dual Wielder, and even if he managed to withstand the first strike of the shadow, hecked the means to win. If they continued to engage in this fight, he would still inevitably face the oue of being killed.


    Moreover, the tree demon brothers surrounding him were not ones to be trifled with.


    They might not be able to handle the Winged Fire Python, but they wouldn''t be intimidated by a sudden assassin attack like this.


    Especially since Chu Liang had just rendered meritorious service to the tree demon n, the Dual Wielder immediately emerged to try to kill him, enraging all the tree demons.


    Led by Elder Qinghuai, they all shouted angrily, "Capture him!"


    <i>Swoosh swoosh swoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, countless green vines obscured the sky, surging out from the long arms of the tree demons andpletely enveloping the Dual Wielder.


    He wielded his two des, transforming into a ck wind, and in an instant, shattered countless vines with unparalleled ferocity!


    But in the next moment, a huge green dragon formed by the branches and leaves of the green vines followed behind the rampant vines, swallowing the Dual Wielder whole!


    Elder Qinghuai formed a seal with his fingers, guiding the enormous green vine dragon in the air, his robes fluttering, exuding a majestic aura!


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    After swallowing the Dual Wielder, the green dragon stood upright, revealing shes of ck light within its body, with several ck light gaps permeating through its breath.


    The Dual Wielder still attempted to break free from within!


    His des were incredibly sharp!


    In terms of strength, his cultivation level was definitely superior to Elder Qinghuai''s, and the tree demons were not particrly adept atbat. Although they were numerous, their quantity still couldn''t bridge the gap in cultivation level, and it seemed like they couldn''t stop him!


    Seeing that Elder Qinghuai was about to fail to trap him, Chu Liang pointed to the sea of mes not far ahead and said, "Throw him in there!"


    Upon hearing this, Elder Qinghuai waved his hands, and with a flick, he threw the green vine dragon into the sea of mes!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The green dragon instantly transformed into a fire dragon!


    The divine fire from the Winged Fire Python had two main traits: it burned really hot and it stuck to things like glue. Once it touched something, even a rock could keep burning for days until it was all gone.


    The Dual Wielder, trapped within, immediately sensed that something was amiss as the temperature suddenly soared. mes engulfed him, surrounding him as if he was about to be burned to ash! His body transformed into a zing silhouette in an instant!


    "<i>Ahhhhh¡ª</i>" Feeling the excruciating pain, he screamed, yet miraculously, his strong cultivation kept him alive! As the green dragon was consumed by the mes, he burst out, shrouded in a cloak of ck light!


    Just as he was about to leap into the air, two copper balls exploded above his head!


    <i>Boom boom!</i>


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang hurled both of the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs in his grasp!


    The explosions from the Shadowburst Thunder Bombs were extremely powerful and came with terrifying effects. The Dual Wielder''s upward momentum was abruptly stopped.


    In this momentary pause, countless vines wrapped around him, dragging him down into the sea of mes.


    He was bound and burned.


    "<i>Ahhhh!</i> I''ll kill you!"


    The Dual Wielder, severely injured by the intense mes, intensified his already fierce killing intent to an unparalleled level, almost reaching the sky!


    He locked onto Chu Liang with his aura, unleashing the final technique with thest of his cultivation energy. Suddenly, he transformed into a ck de light!


    The killing intent was overwhelming! Chu Liang shuddered as he sensed the de''s presence from a distance. He couldn''tprehend why, but he felt powerless to evade it!


    Was this simply the insurmountable gap in cultivation levels at work?


    But how could he sit back and wait for death? With a swift movement of his sword, he promptly mounted it as he attempted to escape!


    The surrounding tree demon n members swiftly erected one sturdy vine wall after another, each remarkably solid! Yet the de light conjured by the Dual Wielder appeared unstoppable, effortlessly slicing through dozens of vine walls in an instant!


    The intent to kill was resolute!


    If he didn''t kill Chu Liang today, he would never be able to rest in peace!


    "<i>Arghhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    In his almost hysterical roar, Chu Liang''s figure was finally forced closer.


    Chu Liang had managed to escape the pursuit of the Winged Fire Python, but he couldn''t outrun the ck light of the Dual Wielder!


    This strike harbored his deep-seated resentment and came too fast!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Blood sttered everywhere.


    The Dual Wielder''s figure was revealed, falling to the ground in a sorry state.


    He had been burnt beyond recognition, with only one intact eye left. He struggled to prop himself up on the ground. His gaze turned back to Chu Liang, now sliced in half and lying motionless.


    The Dual Wielder grinned triumphantly. He had just managed to kill Chu Liang amidst the blockade of wood demon n members, using up nearly all his strength in the process. It didn''t seem like he''d have the energy to escape today.


    But so what? He had fulfilled his mission and enjoyed the glory befitting an assassin.


    "You''ve met your end at my hand atst," the Dual Wielderughed maniacally, cloaked in ashes and blood.


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" came a response to hisughter, as someone emerged from the distant forest.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The Dual Wielder sensed something awry at the sound of the voice. He turned his gaze, only to see Chu Liang stepping out once more.


    <i>Why? What kind of immortal existence are you?</i>


    The Dual Wielder''s mind reeled in disbelief. "Impossible! I must be mistaken!" he screamed frantically within himself. He rubbed his only uninjured eye with his hand, smeared with dust and blood, hoping to see the distant figure clearly.


    But the more he rubbed, the blurrier it became.


    "Knowing that your cultivation level is much higher than mine and that you can kill instantly, why would I risk facing you in my true form?" Chu Liang met the Dual Wielder''s gaze, followed closely by the Golden-Furred Hou.


    He approached calmly and continued saying, "By now, you can''t move, right? Can you enlighten me on why you sought to end my life? I bear no grudges against you. What motivated you to target me? If you exin well, I might consider sparing you."


    Indeed. The one who had appeared previously was merely a clone who had been given some enchanted tools. It was formed from the third strand of golden hair.


    It was only now, at this moment, that Chu Liang revealed his true form.


    "<i>Hahaha!</i>" The Dual Wielder suddenly startedughing loudly.


    As he stared at Chu Liang, something about him, despite being a new disciple in the fourth realm, seemed almost devilish, like a king of the devils. Could there truly be someone unkible in this world? In that moment, all the pride and convictions of being an assassin shattered within him, reced by a seething resentment.


    "You want to know?" he spat, his voice thick with bitterness. "I''ll never tell you! Even in death, I''ll haunt you!" With those words, he unexpectedly plunged the de into his own chest, choosing to maintain his dignity through self-inflicted death.


    <i>Pierce!</i>


    As he died with bitterness and resentment, he believed he would be a vengeful spirit, seeking vengeance on Chu Liang. Chu Liang was surprised by the assassin''s resolve. He had no idea.


    Under normal circumstances, the Dual Wielder wouldn''t have shown such determination. But his hatred towards Chu Liang blinded him with rage. He even wished to return as a vengeful spirit for revenge.


    Then... the Soul-Suppressing Banner nearby stirred slightly. The Dual Wielder''s soul was drawn into the banner, extinguishing his hopes of vengeance as a vengeful spirit.


    His body, with the de plunged into his chest and covered with burnt wounds resembling charcoal, presented a grotesque and horrifying sight, inducing nightmares. His facial features were indistinguishable, except for one bloodshot eye, which still reflected intense hatred.


    And then, as if on cue, his hatred dissipated into thin air.


    His deathly state appeared eerily peaceful.

 Chapter 192: Lets Feast

    <h4>Chapter 192: Let''s Feast</h4>


    Chu Liang looked at Dual-Wielder''s corpse and couldn''t help but think, <i>This guy''s a true man. He chose tomit suicide so that he wouldn''t reveal who was behind the assassination order.</i>


    Out of respect for the enemy, Chu Liang raised his flying sword and stabbed Dual-Wielder dozens of times[1]. Once Chu Liang was certain that Dual-Wielder was dead, he approached and searched the corpse.


    However, after searching up and down for quite a while, Chu Liang found that Dual Wielder had carried nothing valuable with him except the ck twin sabers. He did not even have a storage enchanted tool, which was an essential item for cultivators.


    This was part of an assassin''s professional conduct. Before each operation, they would discard anything that could prove their identity. Their weapons were all they took with them to execute the operation.


    "<i>Haa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed.


    All he could do was take the twin sabers and the Soul-Suppressing Banner as a constion.


    Chu Liang then stood up and bowed to the Tree Demon n.


    He told Elder Qinghuai, "You saved my life today. I''m truly grateful to your n for helping me."


    "Please," Elder Qinghuai uttered, waving off Chu Liang''s words, "there''s no need for you to be so polite, Young Hero Chu. It was you who first showed kindness to us. How could we just stand by and do nothing?"


    After the two parties exchanged some pleasantries, Chu Liang said, "When I went into the heart of the wildfire earlier, I saw something."


    "Oh?" Elder Qinghuai immediately became concerned. "What was it?"


    "It''s a Winged Fire Python!" Chu Liang said.


    The Tree Demon n members'' expressions turned grim as they voiced their shock.


    "A Winged Fire Python?"


    "That''s a notoriously vicious beast from the ancient times! It''s ruthless and bloodthirsty! Our ancestors even once encountered a Winged Fire Python at the ninth realm¡ªthe Heavenly Origin Realm!"


    "But the Winged Fire Python lives in the Evil Demon Mountain in the southwest. Why did ite here?"


    After a moment, Elder Qinghuai spoke up. "That Winged Fire Python is just a fifth-realm spirit beast, but its fire attribute is in opposition to our attribute. It''s just too difficult for us tree demons to handle. I''m afraid we''ll have to ask the Mount Shu Sect for help again. Young Hero Chu, please go back and report this to your sect elders."


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang replied. "I''ll head back now and report this matter to the elders. I will definitelye back here as soon as possible to eliminate this menace."


    Bearing the weight of the Tree Demon n''s trust, Chu Liang rode the Golden-Furred Hou and hurried back to Mount shu.


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''s report, Elder Shen was quite astonished.


    "The Winged Fire Python left the Evil Demon Mountain? That''s something that hasn''t happened in many years. Many vicious beasts inhabit that ce, but it has always been uneventful. I wonder if anything''s changed over there? I''ll ask the other elders about it to see if we need to send someone to investigate that," Elder Shen said, already focusing on the matter regarding the Evil Demon Mountain.


    As for the situation on the Tree Demon Mountain, it didn''t need as much attention because a fifth-realm Winged Fire Python didn''t pose that big of a problem for Mount Shu.


    After a moment of contemtion, Elder Shen stated, "As for that creature on Tree Demon Mountain, it''s only at the fifth-realm, so it should be easy enough to deal with. I''ll look for a disciple at the sixth or seventh realm with some free time and send them over."


    This was how immortal sects worked. When there was a situation with unknown specifics, they always dispatched the lower-ranked disciples to investigate first. If they could resolve the problem, then that would be the end of it. If they couldn''t, they would return to the mountain to ask the more powerful members of the sect to intervene.


    If Eminent Ones were needed for every little matter, there wouldn''t be enough of them to resolve all the problems. They would be spread too thin.


    "Elder Shen, there''s no need for you to go to such trouble," Chu Liang said with a smile. "My teacher is free."


    "Oh, I forgot about Di Nufeng." Elder Shen smacked his forehead lightly. "If she''s willing to help, that would be best."


    Elder Shen hadn''t actually forgotten about Di Nufeng; rather, he just hadn''t ever thought of asking her to help. Who in the Mount Shu Sect dared to ask Di Nufeng to do anything? It was to the extent that those at the Sword Exchange Pavilion didn''t think about her at all, regardless of whether something good or bad happened. Going through Chu Liang was the only way that had any chance of sessfully requesting help from Di Nufeng.


    However, Chu Liang actually had ulterior motives. The Winged Fire Python was a fifth-realm spirit beast! Even if it were killed, it would still be a treasure trove.


    Its galldder alone was very useful. The Winged Fire Python''s galldder was only a grade lower than the Pure Gold Dragon-Snake''s galldder that the Whale-Riding Immortal had given to Jiang Yuebai. The other parts of the Winged Fire Python, like its scales, blood, and even the flesh, were all valuable as well.


    These treasures would fall into the hands of whoever killed the Winged Fire Python... so Chu Liang volunteered his teacher without hesitation.


    ...


    When Chu Liang went over to Di Nufeng''s pavilion, Di Nufeng was initially half asleep. Yet, the moment Chu Liang told her there were benefits to be had, she immediately felt very awake... especially after Chu Liang said that the spirit beast in question was a Winged Fire Python.


    Di Nufeng sprang up with beaming eyes. "Snake meat! I''ve been craving thattely."


    Chu Liang''s eyebrow twitched uncontrobly. <i>She''s so wild.</i>


    The teacher and disciple rushed over to Tree Demon Mountain.


    When Di Nufeng descended, the tree demons in the vicinity were unable to withstand the pressure she exuded.


    They transformed into their humanoid forms and begged, "Oh, Eminent One, please withdraw your divine ability!"


    Yet, upon sensing the demonic qi around her increase, Di Nufeng unleashed the strongest pressure she could.


    The might of Di Nufeng''s divine fire was far greater than that of the Winged Fire Python. Just the scorching waves of heat from her divine fire were enough to cause great difort to these little tree demons.


    "Esteemed Teacher, these tree demons are all allies. The Winged Fire Python that we''re after is further inside," Chu Liang said, pointing at the zing wildfire that was growing increasinglyrge.


    "Oh," Di Nufeng responded casually.


    She leaped and soared into the air once again. Then she looked down at the divine fire that had left the tree demons helpless.


    With an indifferent gaze, Di Nufeng suddenly took a deep breath, "<i>Huu...</i>"


    With that one inhale, the raging fire on the mountain instantly found its final destination. The mes parted from the earth and rose toward the sky, converging as a massive fireball in the blink of an eye!


    Once the fire was gone, a scene of devastation was revealed. The areas scorched by the wildfire were left with nothing but bare, charred ground. The fire had even spread several zhang underground, burning the underground rock formations. The massive wildfire had damaged the Tree Demon Mountain immensely.


    Meanwhile, the arsonist, the Winged Fire Python, was lying on a pitch-ck boulder. It had been frolicking in the fire, enjoying the sea of fire it had created. Then suddenly, its bed had been snatched away. Even its home had been torn down, exposing it to the gazes of everyone present.


    The python''s eyes flitted to the left and right. It looked a little flustered as well as a little stunned.


    Either way, Di Nufeng didn''t even spare it a nce. With both hands, she lifted the massive fireball in the sky that looked like a sun andpressed it with great force.


    <i>Compress...</i>


    Di Nufeng actually managed topress the fireball, which had appeared to upy half the sky, down to the size of her palm. She held it in her hand and gave it a squeeze.


    Di Nufeng kept squeezing it until it became a hard walnut-sized, violet-gold sphere. The sphere didn''t look like it had been formed from mes; it seemed more like metal.


    She rolled it around in her hand a few times before lowering her head to look at the Winged Fire Python below.


    "Didn''t your elders ever tell you that children shouldn''t y with fire?" Di Nufeng askednguidly.


    The Winged Fire Python opened up its wings. Regardless of whether it understood Di Nufeng''s words, it definitely sensed what kind of situation it was in¡ªa dangerous one!


    With a p of its wings, the Winged Fire Python turned around to flee into the sky!


    However, would Di Nufeng give the Winged Fire Python the chance to do that?


    Winged Fire Pythons were inherently savage and bloodthirsty. They specialized in killing living beings and amused themselves by burning everything in sight. Winged Fire Pythons caused disasters wherever they went, so simply driving them away wouldn''t be enough.


    Di Nufeng didn''t do much else; she just flicked the walnut-sized violet-gold sphere out of her hand.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A streak of purple light chased after the Winged Fire Python.


    <i>Boom! Rumble¡ª</i>


    The sphere exploded instantly!


    Thepressed fireball burst open and engulfed the Winged Fire Python in endless sts of air and zing waves of fire. The fire was the python''s, but the force of the explosion was more than the python could handle.


    A cloud of fire even spread across the sky for tens of li around the Tree Demon Mountain. That massive explosion shook the heavens and the earth.


    "Esteemed Teacher! Make sure you leave its body intact!" Chu Liang called out.


    Di Nufeng waved him off. "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    Chu Liang felt reassured. Di Nufeng might be unreliable in everything else, but when it came to fighting, she could always be trusted.


    <i>As expected...</i>


    After a long while, the smoke dissipated, and Chu Liang saw the charred corpse of the Winged Fire Python on the bare peak of the Tree Demon Mountain. The Winged Fire Python had likely never imagined that after a lifetime of ying with fire, it would end up dying in the mes of its own divine fire.


    The Winged Fire Python''s body had been preserved pretty well, with the only exception being that its scales had been destroyed. This Winged Fire Python had been killed purely by the explosive pressure of the explosion; it hadn''t been blown apart. Di Nufeng had truly used the perfect amount of force.


    "Bring it back. We''ll cook hotpot with it," Di Nufeng said happily as shended.


    "Yes, a snake thisrge can feed us for many days," Chu Liang replied, "or to serve as a meal for many."


    Di Nufeng waved her fist excitedly. "Let''s have a feast!"


    1. So respectful. ?

 Chapter 193: Group Cultivation

    <h4>Chapter 193: Group Cultivation</h4>


    <i>Gurgle, gurgle. </i>The boiling hotpot sizzled and bubbled, with various ingredients bobbing up and down in the richly vored broth, filling the entire cave with a mouthwatering aroma.


    "This Winged Fire Python meat is indeed delicious," Jiang Yuebai eximed happily as she dipped a piece of meat into the bubbling oil and savored the steamy delicacy, her face beaming with satisfaction.


    Today, she was wearing a dark cyan fringe skirt with trousers, which made her fair skin and slender legs stand out. As she enjoyed her meal, she instinctively wanted to curl up one leg in contentment but quickly held back, remembering that Chu Liang was sitting next to her.


    "Yeah, my teacher said that Winged Fire Python meat is spiritually nourishing and invigorates the blood and qi. It''s excellent food," Chu Liang smiled. "I immediately asked you toe and taste it."


    Once Senior Sister Jiang started eating, she lost the elegance of Fairy Jiang and reverted to the carefree and unreserved "Jiang Xiaobai" that Chu Liang had first met. Yesterday, he brought back arge Winged Fire Python to the Silver Sword Peak, and the first thing he did today was invite Jiang Yuebai to taste it.


    "Not bad," Jiang Yuebai smiled brightly, her eyes curving with joy. "It''s nice to see you remembering me when you get good things. My efforts in teaching you divine skills all this time have not been in vain."


    "Absolutely," Chu Liang affirmed with a firm nod. "I will always remember and be grateful for all the kindness you''ve shown me. I won''t stop at just hunting fifth-realm spirit beasts. As I grow stronger, I''ll even hunt creatures from the sixth and seventh realms for you to enjoy."


    "Only meat?" Jiang Yuebai chuckled again.


    "Of course, if you want something else, I''ll get it. I''ll gather various spiritual nts, treasures from heaven and earth, and ensure we have a bnced diet of meat and vegetables," Chu Liang improvised.


    "It seems like you only see me as someone who loves to eat, <i>huh</i>?" Jiang Yuebai felt a bit off hearing that.


    "<i>Hehe</i>," Chu Liang chuckled nervously before changing the subject. "Senior Sister Jiang, have you been studying the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony''s riddle these past few days? Any progress?"


    "Why? Are you trying to gather information?" Jiang Yuebai''s eyes narrowed suspiciously.


    "Just asking," Chu Liang replied. "Your team is the best on Mount Shu, so I''m naturally curious about how you''re doing."


    "But I don''t mind telling you. The riddle this time is really tricky, and we have no idea what the answers are," Jiang Yuebai said.


    Her team wasn''t alone in this. Every team in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony was just as clueless. When all the teams got the riddle, cries of frustration echoed throughout Mount Shu.


    "The theme of this year''s ceremony is to find the White-Jade Porcin Cup that belonged to the Weapons Masters. It''s simr to previous years, where an elder gives a treasure and a general location, and teams then explore to find it." She sighed. "But the clues this time are really vague and hard to understand."


    "Half of December. Peak of the Valley Mountain. Right of the Jinlin River. Manifestation of the Mountain God.[1]" muttered Chu Liang.


    "Yes," Jiang Yuebai said, "It''s only the beginning of summer now, and by December, the Mount Shu Summit will already be over. So why would we be searching for treasure then? And as for this Jinlin River, no one has any idea where it is."


    Her question reflected what all the disciples participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony were feeling. The hints about the date and location werepletely confusing.


    Chu Liang had been busy with other things recently and hadn''t thought about the riddle. Now that he did, he found it quite puzzling.


    "Never mind, let''s not worry about it," Jiang Yuebai said, waving her hand. "After we finish eating, I''ll teach you the Dimension Compression."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Trading a snake meat hotpot for an immortal technique? That''s a fantastic deal!"


    "I told you before that I would teach you immortal techniques once you reached Core Formation. I just didn''t expect it to happen so soon," Jiang Yuebai said with a smirk. "But whether you can master it or not is up to you."


    "Great!" Chu Liang responded eagerly.


    ...


    After they returned to the Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang couldn''t stop thinking about the Dimension Compression. This was the first time he feltpletely lost trying to understand an immortal technique.


    It wasn''t that the technique was especiallyplicated, but it contained many insights into the "Dao," which were still far beyond his current understanding.


    The seventh realm of cultivation was known as the Dao Attainment Realm. Cultivators usually began to explore Dao at the sixth realm.


    It was precisely for this reason that those who couldprehend immortal techniques at the fourth realm were considered geniuses. The technique Jiang Yuebai would be teaching him, Dimension Compression, required an understanding of the Dao of Distancelessness, which pertained to space.


    Before learning this difficult technique, Chu Liang needed to understand the very deep andplex Great Dao of Space, which was quite hard for him. Even after listening to Jiang Yuebai''s exnation, he was still confused.


    Seeing Chu Liang confused for the first time, Jiang Yuebai couldn''t help but smile a little. Finally, she saw him struggle to learn a new skill.


    However, since it took Jiang Yuebai six months to master Dimension Compression during her training, she knew she shouldn''t celebrate too soon.


    Jiang Yuebai advised Chu Liang to take his time and think deeply about it. When he could sense the first hint of the Dao essence from the space around him, he would have understood the basics.


    However, getting from nothing to even a little understanding was really tough, and nobody knew how long it might take for him to sense that first bit of Dao essence.


    Typically, cultivators at the Earthly Gate advance by gathering enough resources, while those at the Heavenly Gate focus on understanding profound concepts like the Great Dao.


    Despite Chu Liang having just advanced into the fourth realm, he was already trying to understand the Dao. This was like trying to reach the doors of the Heavenly Gate despite still being a beginner at the Earthly Gate. Naturally, it was an extremely tough task.


    However, he wasn''t in a hurry. While it would be great to master an immortal technique, he didn''t want to rush and risk messing up his mental state.


    After a fruitless period of contemtion, he immersed his divine sense into the space of the White Pagoda and prepared for the practice of dual cultivation with the Golden-Core Puppet to strengthen his basics.


    As he looked at the two Large-Headed Dolls sitting together, he realized he hadn''t practiced enough. Since he got these dolls, he hardly ever did the Qi-Cirction Technique himself.


    Although the technique of dual cultivation allowed for rapid progress, the limited time spent in cultivation resulted in modest improvements.


    If he were to dedicate a significant amount of time to cultivation every day, it would be somewhat challenging. With the increasing number of divine techniques he had mastered and the frequent busyness of his affairs, time needed to be allocated ordingly.


    Chu Liang honestly wished that someone could practice dual cultivation in his ce.


    <i>Eh? </i>He stared at the two dolls and suddenly fell into deep thought


    Would it be possible for him to let the two dolls practice dual cultivation with each other?


    As he kept thinking, he couldn''t seem to stop his thoughts from running wild. The Large-Headed Dolls moved in a predictable way, and he wondered if they would keep moving like this if he used the dual cultivation method.


    It seemed very likely!


    However, expecting the two dolls to connect with each other using the Qi-Cirction Technique by themselves was unrealistic. Chu Liang understood that he would have to guide the dolls first.


    This meant that he would first practice...triple cultivation.


    In the past, some practitioners tried group cultivation, which was even more intense than dual cultivation. However, seeding in this type of cultivation was very challenging.


    Each person''s foundational qi differed in some way. Even if several people were practicing the same cultivation technique, their foundational qi would still be different, leading to chaos and disorder.


    Synchronizing and smoothly circting foundational qi between two individuals was already an extremely difficult task. Adding another person into this cirction of qi would increase the difficulty by tenfold or even a hundredfold.


    In the end, these people could likely experience qi deviation[2].


    However, this greatest challenge was no big deal for Chu Liang.


    Indeed, the foundational qi generated by the Large-Headed Dolls was identical to his own. This uniformity between them would be impossible if they were real humans. Consequently, he could effortlessly integrate the other Large-Headed Doll into the cirction of qi within his body.


    With that said, Chu Liang started the work.


    He moved the two Large-Headed Dolls together, allowing them to lean against each other. Then, he sat down beside them, cing his hands on the shoulders of each doll.


    <i>Phew.</i>


    He activated the cirction of his foundational qi. Then, he first included the Golden-Core Puppet in his qi cirction. As both he and the Golden-Core Puppet began circting their qi, the vortex expanded. After the cirction stabilized, Chu Liang then included the other Large-Headed Doll in his qi cirction, causing the vortex to suddenly expand even further!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    <i>Triple cultivation!</i>


    This exhrating sensation far surpassed that experienced during the practice of dual cultivation, causing Chu Liang, who was ustomed to rapid cultivation, to tremble! He could even hear the roaring sound of qi flowing like a river within his body.


    His cultivation speed skyrocketed!


    After a while, Chu Liang abruptly withdrew his foundational qi from the cirction, leaving the Golden-Core Puppet and the other doll to continue circting qi together within their bodies due to inertia.


    <i>It worked!</i>


    As expected, the Large-Headed Dolls continued to operate ording to their previous pattern. With this, Chu Liang''s cultivation speed would significantly increase once again.


    He had been experiencing a speed boost every three days.


    Chu Liang smiled contentedly as he thought back to the group cultivation he had just experienced.


    <i>How exciting! </i>


    1. The raw says Ê®¶þÔ°ë [Half of December] ¹Èɽ֮áÛ, [Peak of the Valley Mountain], ½õÁÖ½­ÓÒ [Right of Jin (½õ) Lin (ÁÖ) River]£¬É½ÉñÏÔÏÖ [Manifestation of the Mountain God]. I need to show you guys the raw because the clues are in some of the Chinese characters. This riddle tells the date and location in which the team members have to gather. I have dropped random exnations of locations in past chapters. I wonder if you guys can figure out the location. ?


    2. ×ß»ðÈëħ. During martial arts practice, we often encounter various effects. While these issues may initially arise briefly and disappear with adjustment, ignoring them can lead tosting psychological and behavioral problems known as "deviation in practice." Carelessness can cause the reversal of qi and blood flow, damage to delicate nerves or meridians, and may even result in vomiting of blood. In severe cases, martial arts skills may bepletely lost or result in death. ?

 Chapter 194: A New Version

    <h4>Chapter 194: A New Version</h4>


    The following day, he arrived at the Sword Exchange Pavilion early in the morning.


    He had been wanting toe here to see Wen Yulong. However, Wen Yulong hadn''t been standing by in the hall for the past two days and he only had time today.


    He hadn''t been standing by in the hall because he had been busy working on the Green Leaf enchanted tool.


    Wen Yulong had poured a considerable amount of effort and energy into crafting thisprehensive enchanted tool. Consequently, he dedicated even more meticulous care to each subsequent restoration.


    Previously, Chu Liang made a small profit, hence why he had told Wen Yulong not to care about the price and just use the materials with the best effect.


    Ironically, it left Wen Yulong in a dilemma, unable to make a decision.


    Since he had called Chu Liang over, he must havepleted the task.


    "Senior Brother Chu," Wen Yulong eximed with a proud smile upon seeing Chu Liang.


    He resembled a Golden-Furred Hou eagerly awaiting praise.


    As he observed the talented craftsman beaming with pride, Chu Liang felt a twitch in his brow... He couldn''t fathom the surprise that awaited him.


    "Initially, I thought that the damage was caused by improper use of the enchanted tool." Wen Yulong said, "But as I thought about it, I realized that it was not your fault. I am the problem."


    Wen Yulong then ced the Green Leaf, which had doubled in size, on the table.


    "You had used the defensive function as a tool to control your enemies because youck the means to exert control. If there was such a function, you wouldn''t have to use your defensive function this way."


    <i>True. </i>Upon hearing this, Chu Liang nodded.


    <i>The Demon-Binding Rope is useful. In a fight against a skilled opponent, it is not powerful enough.</i>


    <i>As my cultivation level bes higher, it is bound to be reced.</i>


    Besides this rope, he didn''t have any other effective tools for movement-restricting.


    "And so, I tried many materials and methods. Eventually, I added a very powerful movement-restricting inscription on the Green Leaf enchanted tool." Wen Yulong pointed at the dummy in the corner and continued, "Because it is so powerful, you should test it with that dummy."


    <i>So powerful? </i>Chu Liang was puzzled. With this being a movement-restricting inscription, what damage could it cause?


    As he thought about this, he carefully took the Green Leaf enchanted tool. In an attempt to activate the newly added inscription, he infused a strand of foundational qi.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    As soon as he infused his foundational qi, the enchanted tool immediately flew out, leaving behind a green afterimage. It elongated and twisted, almost as though it had transformed into arge green snake in an instant.


    "<i>Hiss!</i>"


    With its fangs bared, the enormous snake bit down on the dummy''s head!


    <i>ng!</i>


    The copper-made dummy''s neck was bitten off in an instant, causing even Chu Liang to feel a sudden chill around his own neck.


    <i>What a powerful guillotine! </i>


    The dummy''s head had already fallen off while the green snake remained suspended in the air motionless. Chu Liang then activated his divine intent and summoned the tool back.


    It fell back into his palm, leaving behind a green afterimage.


    "You call this movement-restricting?" Chu Liang stared at Wen Yulong weirdly.


    This was much more powerful than the offensive inscriptions that had existed before.


    "Of course," Wen Yulong continued, "Look at how powerful the movement-restricting function is! I''ve thought about this for quite some time. Humans can be easily restrained. The most vulnerable and crucial part of the human anatomy is the neck. Therefore, Ibined the Green Cloud Lock with the Giant Python Soul, creating this formation tailored to lock onto people''s necks. Its biting force is immense! Once it mps down, even ordinary individuals won''t be able to move!"


    This was true.


    Chu Liang stared at the headless dummy.


    With just one bite like this, anyone would be immobilized.


    The best form of control would be to turn the opponent into a corpse, right?


    After several attempts, regardless of the material of the dummy, this guillotine could bite its head off with no room for negotiation.


    "Not Bad. This movement-restricting is basically suffocating, " Chu Liang said with a nod.


    "<i>Hehe</i>," Wen Yulong smiled and said, "The defensive inscription was damaged too many times and can''t be fixed at all. So, I scrapped it and constructed a new one."


    <i>Indeed, it made sense why the repair took so long. He made quite a lot of changes. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Chu Liang pondered as he activated the defensive inscription.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    As a light shed, the leaf didn''t transform into a zongzi. Instead, an unfolded green umbre appeared in his hand.


    "You mentioned the issue of immobility in the previous defensive form. I pondered over this and came to the conclusion that it made sense. If you''re consistently immobilized and subjected to attacks, even the strongest defense will eventually be breached. Therefore, despite this hurting me, I discarded theprehensive defense and instead concentrated all the power on offense, molding the defensive form into this umbre form."


    "This is amazing." Chu Liang praised.


    The defense in zongzi form was outrageous. And now, Wen Yulong finally crafted a normal-looking defensive form.


    By holding this green umbre, he could defend himself while remaining nimble.


    Wen Yulong instructed, "I even grouped the defensive inscription and the flying inscription into one so that you can dodge the attacks. You can try activating both at the same time."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    While feeling puzzled, Chu Liang activated the defensive inscription and the flight inscription at the same time.


    <i>Whizzz¡ª¡ª</i>


    The umbre suddenly started spinning at an intense speed, stirring up this gust of wind.


    As Chu Liang tried moving his foot, a sudden bam sounded!


    He had instantly moved a few zhang and smashed himself on the wall of the room, creating this loud noise.


    It turned out that holding this umbre while flying could boost one''s speed by a dozen times. As long as he opened this umbre, his speed was faster than flying by sword maniption.


    "This is my newest idea. By spinning the umbre intensely, the foundational qi will be stirred up to aid with flying." Wen Yulong continued, "This way, your dodging speed will improve greatly and the defense will naturally be greater."


    <i>Great. Killing is the best way to restrict someone''s movement while dodging is the best form of defense.</i>


    Wen Yulong''s design concepts had reached a higher level of enlightenment.


    "Not bad." Chu Liang said as he collected the Green Leaf enchanted tool. He then asked, "Nothing else, right?"


    "Nope," responded Wen Yulong.


    "<i>Phew...</i>" Chu Liang finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Overall, this unexpected update could be considered an optimization, resulting in a superior version.


    The two of them sat down again.


    This repair cost a little over a thousand sword coins in total, mainly because some of the materials were quite expensive. Wen Yulong was worried that Chu Liang would find the materials too costly, so he didn''t dare to ask forbor costs this time.


    The effects of the newly added inscriptions were noticeably stronger than before. No matter how skilled Wen Yulong was, he couldn''t change the fact that the quality of the material determined the quality of the tool.


    Honestly speaking, if Chu Liang had money, he would never skimp on any expense that would enhance hisbat abilities.


    After making the payment, Chu Liang took out the items he had found on the Dual Wielder and asked, "Junior Brother Wen, what do you think of these items?"


    "<i>Oh? </i>Another new find?" Wen Yulong immediately perked up.


    He first examined the ck dual des carefully, remarking, "These are quite good. They''re crafted from ck meteorite iron, simr to the material of the previous dagger but more intact and made from even more materials. Even if sold as raw materials, they would fetch a good price."


    ncing at the Soul-Suppressing Banner, hemented directly, "This is an extremely sinister artifact from the diabolical sect. It is called the Soul-Suppressing Banner. It can gather and refine the lingering souls of the dead nearby,pletely eradicating them."


    The Dual Wielder had repeatedly attempted to assassinate him, and now, such an item was found on him, indicating the ruthless nature of the Dual Wielder. However, Chu Liang couldn''t discern the true origins of the Dual Wielder or the number of people hidden in the dark.


    As Chu Liang pondered over this, he felt a chill down his spine.


    It seemed he needed to be careful during this time and refrain from venturing down the mountain.


    "I''ll leave these two items with you to submit to the Sword Exchange Pavilion," Chu Liang said. "Let''s see what rewards we can get."


    "Sure," Wen Yulong responded. He was ustomed to doing such tasks and took the items very quickly.


    As Chu Liang was about to leave, he heard footsteps outside the door, followed by a loud bang as the door was pushed open.


    It was Lin Bei.


    "I finally found you!" Lin Bei said urgently when he saw Chu Liang. "Chu Liang! Hurry back home! Someone just beat up your Golden-Furred Hou!"

 Chapter 195: Hit the Hou

    <h4>Chapter 195: Hit the Hou</h4>


    Seeing Lin Bei''s panicked expression, Chu Liang sprang to his feet and asked, "What happened?"


    Chu Liang had been riding the Golden-Furred Hou just a while ago. Once they reached his destination, he''d told the Hou to head back to their peak on its own.


    Big Head was the second-best fighter in Chu Liang''s arsenal¡ªwith the best being his teacher, of course. He couldn''t let anything happen to Big Head.


    "It''s just outside Heaven-Reaching Peak. You need to see it for yourself. Let''s go," Lin Bei said, leading the way.


    Lin Bei hade to Heaven-Reaching Peak to deal with some matters. On the way in, he''d seen the Golden-Furred Hou fighting with someone outside. So, he''d guessed that Chu Liang had to be here too and quickly found Chu Liang after asking around.


    ...


    Chu Liang flew out behind Lin Bei and saw a crowd gathered around the square, watching something. The square was filled with the incessant roars of an angered beast and the explosive cracks of ashing whip.


    <i>Crack! Crack! Crack!</i>


    There was a white-robed man standing on a white cloud in midair, repeatedly swinging down a long whip. He wielded the whip gracefully and powerfully from above, holding a resemnce to when the White Dragon dominated the skies. Each time the whipnded a hit, an explosive crack would st through the air.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was restrained to the ground. It tried many times to jump and attack the white-robed man, but it was struck down each time. The Hou got so angry that it roared incessantly.


    Chu Liang could see that the Hou''s golden fur was ripped, and there was crimson blood on the ground. This meant it had been inflicted with some serious injuries. Despite having apanied Chu Liang on various adventures, the Golden-Furred Hou had never once shed any blood in a fight before.


    Standing behind the man in white robes was a child, who was five or six years old.


    With an excited gaze, the child pointed at the Golden-Furred Hou and yelled, ¡°Kill it! Kill it!¡±


    Chu Liang vaguely recognized that this child was the great-grandson of the Alchemy Master. The child had great talent in cultivation and had started cultivating before he was even six years old. After developing the ability to sense the flow of his qi, he reached the first realm of cultivation¡ªthe Body Refinement Realm. News of this had recently created a small stir in the sect.


    As for the man in white, he looked to be in his thirties or forties and at the fifth or sixth realm of cultivation. It was obvious that he wasn''t from the same generation of disciples as Chu Liang and the others.


    Chu Liang swiftly flew over and stopped in front of the Golden-Furred Hou, protecting it from the man.


    "Stop!" Chu Liang shouted.


    "<i>Raaaaar!</i>"


    The Golden-Furred Hou was about to charge forward.


    However, Chu Liang pressed its head back and ordered, "Don''t move."


    Despite Chu Liang''s interference, the whip continued moving downward. It was about tosh Chu Liang, but he remained still. He just stood there, ring at the white-robed man with a fiery gaze.


    The whip sent a burst of wind toward Chu Liang. Yet, just as he felt the wind brush against the hairs on his skin, the whip came to an abrupt stop.


    Seeing that the white-robed man had finally stopped attacking, Chu Liang asked, "Senior brother, may I know I what wrong my spirit beast hasmitted to provoke such ruthless treatment from you?"


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" the white-robed man snorted. He said angrily, "This unruly beast almost harmed the Alchemy Master''s great-grandson. I punished it, yet it''s still behaving so aggressively. Giving it a beating was a lenient punishment. If it had harmed the child, I would have killed it right on the spot!"


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" the child snorted too, as if unting the power he had on his side.


    "<i>Grrr</i>..." the Golden-Furred Hou let out a low growl, seemingly irate.


    Distress gripped Chu Liang''s heart as he saw the Hou''s blood continue to drip onto the ground.


    At this moment, Lin Bei jumped out from the side and refuted, "That''s not the case at all! I saw this child throw stones at the Golden-Furred Hou. That was why the Hou thennded and roared at him twice. You took action right after that! You were clearly bullying the Hou!"


    "It''s merely a beast. What''s the big deal if I hit it?" The man in white robes looked down at them coldly with an air of superiority and dominance. "If you dare to allow it to roar freely in Mount Shu ever again, I will report it to the elder and have all of you punished!"


    "<i>Raar!</i>"


    The Golden-Furred Hou''s talons, its front feet[1], dug into the ground. It wanted to tryunching into the sky again and ripping that white-robed man to shreds.


    "Don''t move!" Chu Liang ordered once more.


    Regardless of whether what happened was justified, it was fortunate that the Golden-Furred Hou had not hurt anyone. That meant it would be able to get off with just a beating. However, if it had hurt someone, the sect definitely wouldn''t let it stay alive.


    This didn''t apply just in the Mount Shu Sect. Allws in the world were always biased toward humans. If a human were to injure a demonic beast, no one would hold them ountable. On the other hand, if a demonic beast were to injure a human, it definitely would not be allowed to live even if its actions had been justified.


    Chu Liang tilted his head upward and said, "Senior brother, the child did not get hurt. And my spirit beast has been punished, so it definitely won''t dare to hurt anyone in Mount Shu in the future. Let''s put an end to this matter for now."


    "You¡¯d better discipline it properly when you return to your peak. You kids, don''t you dare think that you''re extraordinary just because you have a mount. If something were to happen, you wouldn''t be able to bear the responsibility for it!" the man in white warned coldly.


    Then he turned around and brought the cloud into a descent, shielding the child as they left. Right then, the child stuck out his tongue at Chu Liang and made a funny face to mock him.


    Once the white-robed man and the child were gone, Lin Bei said angrily, "That little brat really needs to be taught a lesson. If he had been alone, I would have given him a good smack!"


    "Let''s head back first. We''ll talk about it then," Chu Liang replied with a solemn expression.


    He reached out and stroked the Golden-Furred Hou''s neck. The Hou whimpered and nuzzled against him, feeling quite aggrieved.


    ...


    Chu Liang asked Lin Bei to fetch Chen Su. Then he returned to Silver Sword Peak with the Golden-Furred Hou.


    After the incident with the Winged Fire Python demon, the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect became extremely concerned about what was happening at the Evil Demon Mountain. The incident involving the fifth-realm Winged Fire Python hadn''t been a big deal. Despite that, there were many vicious beasts living on the Evil Demon Mountain, and it would be a major problem if they were to leave the mountain.


    As a result, three seventh-realm peak masters were sent there to investigate it. Di Nufeng had been dispatched there as well since she had finished resolving the problem at the Tree Demon Mountain.


    During this time, Chu Liang was in charge of Silver Sword Peak.


    If his teacher were around, he would undoubtedly bring the Golden-Furred Hou to his teacher, weeping andining about what had happened. Then he would follow Di Nufeng to getpensation¡ªno, to get an exnation from the other party.


    Unfortunately, Chu Liang''s teacher wasn''t around, so all he could do was tend to the Golden-Furred Hou''s injuries for now.


    There were no medical professionals in the Mount Shu Sect. Matters of a medical nature were usually handled by the Hall of Alchemy''s attendants. However, the person that Chu Liang had just had a conflict with was from the Hall of Alchemy, so it wouldn''t be a good idea for Chu Liang to go there to ask for help. Consequently, he asked for help from Chen Su, a senior sister with whom he was well acquainted.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was lying on the ground whimpering. It had gaping wounds and seemed to be in a lot of pain. Tofort it, Chu Liang stuffed two berries into its mouth.


    "<i>Raar?</i>"


    The Golden-Furred Hou put two and two together, and it immediately let its body go limp and howled incessantly, making it look like it was dying...


    Seeing this scene made Chu Liang angry and amused at the same time. Yet, seeing as the Golden-Furred Hou was injured, Chu Liang decided to indulge it for once. He stuffed a couple more Golden Vein Berries into Big Head''s mouth one by one.


    Big Head finished one berry in one bite, enjoying its food so much that it was smacking its lips. Its eyes were filled with bliss; it had quickly forgotten about the pain it felt. Big Head probably wouldn''t mind getting beaten up every day if that meant it could just lie down and wait for someone to feed it fruits.


    After a while, Chen Su rushed over.


    "Let me take a look..." Chen Su said. She carefully inspected the Golden-Furred Hou and then stated, "They are all superficial wounds and can be treated by rubbing on some medicine. Don''t worry."


    Chu Liang finally felt at ease.


    Chen Su rubbed the medicinal powder onto the Golden-Furred Hou''s wounds and wrapped its body in bandages. It should have been quite a painful process, but Big Head didn''t resist at all, only shaking a little.


    "This big fellow is pretty well behaved. I wonder how Brother Liu could bear to be so heavy-handed to it," Chen Sumented.


    Looking at the adorable Golden-Furred Hou, Chen Su felt rather outraged on its behalf.


    "Who was the person that hit the Golden-Furred Hou?" Chu Liang asked without much thought.


    "Senior Brother Liu Qin¡ªthe Alchemy Master''s seventh disciple," Chen Su answered. "The Alchemy Master only has one great-grandson, Xiao Tong[2], and he dotes on the boy immensely. However, he doesn''t have time to take care of Xiao Tong all the time, so he often ces Xiao Tong in the care of his disciples."


    "The kid''s a bit unruly," Chu Liang remarked nonchntly.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chen Su sighed. She said, "Xiao Tong doesn''t have parents, and he''s really smart. Because of that, the Alchemy Master has been taking really good care of him, so much so that he¡¯s always spoiling the boy. That''s why Xiao Tong is quite a naughty child."


    After listening to Chen Su''s brief exnation, Chu Liang figured out the gist of the situation.


    He was certain the unruly kid had provoked the Golden-Furred Hou by hitting it. The Golden-Furred Hou wasn''t a mild-tempered beast, but it had likely descended with the intention of just scaring the boy. After all, Big Head knew it couldn''t harm people on Mount Shu; it wouldn''t have attacked the boy in the first ce.


    Nevertheless, Liu Qin had probably been afraid that he would be used of not properly caring for the boy. So, he''d taken a heavy-handed approach to show he was taking his job seriously.


    "All done," Chen Su announced with a p.


    She''d finished bandaging the Golden-Furred Hou''s wounds.


    The Golden-Furred Hou had banadages all over. The ends of the bandages had even been tied into pretty little bows, making the Hou look like an elegant creature.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister Chen," Chu Liang said.


    "Don''t mention it," Chen Su replied with a grin. She hesitated for a moment before reminding Chu Liang, "I know you must be very upset that someone hurt the Golden-Furred Hou, but Xiao Tong is the Alchemy Master''s favorite, and Brother Liu was just protecting him. If you continue pursuing this matter, you may incite the Alchemy Master''s wrath. He could make things difficult for you on Mount Shu in the future or worse..."


    What Chen Su said was true. The Alchemy Master held a high position of authority in the Mount Shu Sect, so offending him would indeed ce Chu Liang in an extremely difficult spot.


    "Don''t worry, Senior Sister Chen." Chu Liang smiled. "Please deliver a message for me when you head back to the Hall of Alchemy. Tell them that my mount frightened the Alchemy Master''s great-grandson today, and I''m extremely sorry about that. I will definitely go over and apologize in person."


    1. In case anyone forgot, a Hou is basically like a chimera and has the body parts of various animals. Its front legs are bird legs. ?


    2. Nickname for Chen Lingtong. ?

 Chapter 196: Lets Go Greet It

    <h4>Chapter 196: Let''s Go Greet It</h4>


    <i>Gurgle~</i>


    On the Silver Sword Peak, a hotpot bubbled with red oil.


    Shang Ziliang sat at the table with hisckeys A and B, alongside Chu Liang and Lin Bei.


    All the members of this Mountain God Memorial Ceremony team gathered together.


    Shang Ziliang asked, "Big Bro, did you call us here because you figured out the riddle given by the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony?"


    "I have some clues on the answer to the riddle. But that''s not urgent," Chu Liang nodded and said, "I managed to obtain some Winged Fire Python meat, so I called you all here to try it."


    He had already hosted a meal at Silver Sword Peak, followed by another with Sister Jiang, and now this was the third meal he was hosting.


    "Life is good being led by Big Bro!" Lackey A immediately eximed, ttering.


    "<i>Mhm.</i>" Lackey B nodded sullenly.


    "We''re simply coborating. No one is following anyone''s lead," Chu Liang smiled, then continued, "However, there is indeed something I''d like your help with this time."


    "Hey!" Shang Ziliang patted himself on the chest as he said, "Big Bro, there''s no need to be so formal with us. You saved my life. Whatever you need, just tell us!"


    "Yes! We promise to give it our all!" Lackey A chimed in.


    "Mhm." Lackey B mumbled while keeping his head down.


    "Thanks in advance." Chu Liang said, "Let''s dig in."


    "<i>Hehe</i>, I''ve heard that Winged Fire Python meat is great for replenishing qi and blood. It is a real tonic. It is all thanks to Big Bro that I have the chance to eat this today..." Suddenly, Shang Ziliang stopped talking.


    Chu Liang lowered his head and saw that the tes in front of him were all empty. Within just a short while, all the food on the tes were gone. There wasn''t much left in the pot either.


    <i>What''s going on?</i>


    He looked around and noticed Lin Bei, who had been unusually quiet, and Lackey B, who had been keeping his head down while eating, staring at each other while holding their chopsticks.


    There seemed to be sparks flying between their eyes.


    It was like two unparalleled swordsmen meeting at a narrow path.


    In the moment when the slices of meat were cooked through in the boiling pot, two pairs of chopsticks darted out like lightning, swiftly grabbing their targets.


    In the blink of an eye, Lin Bei''s chopsticks had snagged arge piece of meat, which he happily dipped into the oil dish before devouring it with gusto, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    On the other hand, Lackey B''s expression turned serious, his demeanor cautious as if facing a formidable foe.


    In the next moment, a hint of murderous intent shed in his eyes as his chopsticks traced a cunning arc, deftly plucking a fish ball from the pot. With a gentle flick of his wrist, the fishball drew a graceful trajectory beforending in his mouth, where he chewed it without flinching from the heat.


    This time, it was Lin Bei''s turn to wear a solemn expression.


    The battle between the two unfolded silently yet intensely, filled with silent determination and excitement at encountering a worthy opponent.


    ...


    Chen Lingtong, at the age of seven, was in the prime of his youthful exuberance.


    With his thick eyebrows andrge eyes, he had a bright and clever appearance. His orphaned background elicited sympathy from others. As a smart kid, he had started sensing Qi and had be a cultivator at a very young age.


    As a result, he received special favor from the elders of Mount Shu since childhood. Even the headmaster treated him amicably.


    However, those elders didn''t have time to supervise him every day, so the only ones apanying him were disciples of the Alchemy Master. Yet, those people didn''t dare to restrain him. Whenever this kid cried, they would be scolded by the Alchemy Master.


    And so, Chen Lingtong led a very carefree life every day.


    The person watching over Chen Lingtong today was the ninth disciple of the Alchemy Master Lu Xun. He was an attendant at the Hall of Alchemy. Cultivators of their level naturally felt reluctant to be assigned the task of apanying children, but they dared not be careless. Lu Xun sat quietly on the side, meditating and cultivating, allowing the child to y on his own.


    Chen Lingtong was chasing the monkeys in the hill area in the back, running around in a frenzied manner.


    He hurled stones at the monkeys, and whenever he would hit one, he wouldugh non-stop.


    He was almost proiming to the world that he was a naughty kid.


    At this moment, the Golden-Furred Hou with its massive size descended from the sky.


    Chen Xun immediately opened his eyes.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and said in a respectful manner, "Senior Brother, I am here to apologize."


    Lu Xun stared at Chu Liang with aplicated expression.


    He paused for a moment before he said, "Be careful not to hurt Xiaotong."


    "I won''t." Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Lu Xun then closed his eyes and no longer bothered to pay any attention.


    Chu Liang brought the Golden-Furred Hou closer to the naughty kid and asked with a smile, "Do you remember this creature?"


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" Chen Lingtong responded with an arrogant and cold expression. "Of course I remember! This big guy tried to bite me yesterday!"


    "It made a mistake. I brought it here to apologize to you." Chu Liang waved his hand and said, "Golden-Furred Hou!"


    Upon hearing the call, the Golden-Furred Hou stood up and bowed repeatedly with its front paws folded together.


    It really appeared to be apologizing.


    The kid immediatelyughed, "<i>Haha.</i>"


    Chu Liang then exined, "Actually, it was just trying to y with you. It is a spirit beast and spirit beasts enjoy it the most when someone is throwing stones at it. It would think that you are ying with it."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" It was Chen Lingtong''s first time ever hearing something like this as he questioned, "Really?"


    "Of course it''s true. If you don''t believe me, just watch!" Chu Liang picked up a stone and threw it at the Golden-Furred Hou.


    The Golden-Furred Hou jumped up and grabbed the stone with its mouth. Then, it started spinning happily.


    "Try it." Chu Liang said to the naughty kid.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chen Lingtong thought it looked fun.


    He picked up a stone and hurled it towards the Golden-Furred Hou.


    "<i>Roar~</i>" Golden-Furred Hou leaped up and grabbed the stone. Then, it did two spins happily.


    Chen Lingtong smiled and remarked, "<i>Hehe.</i> This big guy is so stupid."


    "You did a fantastic job! Your throws were right on target!" Chu Liang gave a thumbs-up. "Put more strength into it. The harder you throw, the more enthusiastic it will think you are."


    Noticing that they were getting along well, Lu Xun decided to ignore them even more. He just nced at Chu Liang from time to time while being deep in thought.


    At this moment, a passerby behind Chu Liang stepped forward and called out, "Senior Brother Lu?"


    He turned around and saw that it was the son of Shang Shuwen, the Peakmaster of Cloud Horizon Peak. He couldn''t recall the name, but he knew that Shang Shuwen''s son was a rather mediocre disciple.


    "I am Shang Ziliang, we''ve met before," Shang Ziliang greeted with a smile.


    "Junior Brother Shang, of course I remember." Lu Xun nodded with a calm expression.


    "I have some questions about pill refinement. Since I passed by you, I am wondering if it''s a convenient time to consult you," inquired Shang Ziliang.


    Lu Xun nced over at the side and saw Chu Liang and the kid ying happily. And so, he didn''t pay much attention. He then turned back and said, "If that''s what you''re here for, feel free to ask. If I know the answer, I''ll help you out."


    He then started talking to Shang Ziliang.


    Another beam of white light descended from the distant sky and raced toward them. It was a mystical beast resembling a horse in size, with antlers like a deer and scales like a dragon. Its body was silver-white. It was the Baize youngling.


    Chu Liang pointed at the spirit beast running over and asked, "Do you know the Baize youngling?"


    "My great grandfather said that it is a Baize and warned me to stay away from it..." answered Chen Lingtong.


    "Baize also loves ying with people, so there''s nothing to worry about," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Let''s go greet it!"


    "Okay!" Chen Lingtong picked up arge stone and threw it towards the Baize youngling''s head.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The stone struck Baize on the head as it joyfully approached. Baize stopped abruptly, fixating on the mischievous child standing next to Chu Liang, frozen in disbelief.


    Chu Liang whispered, "It probably thinks you are not being friendly enough."


    Chen Lingtong swiftly grabbed arger stone and hurled it with force.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Baize narrowly avoided being hit this time. It dashed forward fiercely, leaving a white afterimage trailing behind it.


    The mischievous kid was the one who felt its enthusiasm.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The Baize youngling appeared right beside Chu Liang, while the mischievous kid who had been standing there earlier was knocked flying several zhang away. The kid shouted loudly as he flew so far up into the sky that he vanished like a speck among the stars.


    Chu Liang leaned up against the awning and stared afar as he remarked internally, "He flew really high up in the sky..."


    On the side, Lu Xun red at Chu Liang, his eyes zing with anger.


    <i>Sure enough, whenever this fe shows up, trouble follows!</i>

 Chapter 197: A Letter from Yun Chaoxian

    <h4>Chapter 197: A Letter from Yun Chaoxian</h4>


    "Chu Liang!"


    Lu Xun dashed over and red at Chu Liang. As the current caretaker of the child, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. If anything happened to the child, he knew he would be held ountable.


    "<i>Oh no!</i>" Chu Liang panicked as he nced over at the Baize youngling. While stroking its head, he scolded, "How can you push the Alchemy Master''s great-grandson...I mean use such force on him with your horns? He is still a kid!"


    There was a sense of tranquility and honesty in the Baize youngling''srge innocent eyes. It let out a couple "<i>hreoohhh</i>" and seemed to be saying that it was also a kid.


    "Senior Brother Lu, look at how things turned out!" Chu Liang eximed, opening his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "I did not expect this at all!"


    With a wave of his sleeves, Lu Xun shouted angrily, "You don''t have to put on an act. If something happens to Lingtong, you should take full responsibility!"


    "Why do you say that?" Chu Liang retorted with an innocent expression. "Everyone saw it. He hurled a stone at the Baize youngling, which provoked the Baize youngling to attack him. This has nothing to do with me."


    "True," Shang Ziliang, who stood nearby, hastily nodded in agreement, indicating that everyone had witnessed the incident.


    "If you never taught Lingtong to do such a thing, he wouldn''t have done that." Lu Xun paid no heed to Chu Liang''s eloquence.


    "It isn''t his first time doing such a thing, right? Everyone knew that he has been behaving this way for fun," Chu Liang dered boldly, as though reasoning was on his side.


    "That''s true." Shang Ziliang nodded again as an indication that everyone knew about this.


    "Senior Brother Lu, aren''t you going to check on him? What if he is stuck on a tree? He is still a child." Chu Liang stared at the direction where Chen Lingtong had flew away with a hint of smile on his face.


    "Yeah." Shang Ziliang chimed in, supporting Chu Liang, "There''s a cliff over there. It wouldn''t be good if he fell off."


    "I heard him scream earlier. Why isn''t he making a sound now?" asked Chu Liang.


    "Good lord... If something happens, the Alchemy Master will be really upset," Shang Ziliang added.


    "But the Alchemy Master can''t do anything to the Baize youngling so he will most likely punish the caretaker," said Chu Liang.


    "Well, this is really unnecessary trouble," Shang Ziliang said as he shook his head.


    ...


    The two of them kept bantering back and forth, their exchange resembling that ofedy duos working together. As they continued, Lu Xun''s face darkened. He couldn''t be bothered to argue with these two any longer, so he flew away with a wave of his sleeves.


    He continued flying for several zhang until he spotted Chen Lingtong hanging from a tree, just as Chu Liang and Shang Ziliang had predicted. Chen Lingtong was frozen in disbelief as he clung to the branches.


    Since this kid had gained self-awareness, he had never received such a treatment. At this moment, his initial reaction wasn''t toin about the pain, but rather to question why the Baize youngling would dare to attack him.


    "I was just hitting it with a stone, so how would it dare to attack me?" Chen Lingtong muttered to himself, baffled by the unexpected turn of events.


    It wasn''t until Lu Xun gently lowered him from the tree that Chen Lingtong''s wail pierced the air, his voice trembling with pain as he cried out, "It hurts so bad!"


    Lu Xun carefully examined Lingtong''s entire body. Fortunately, this mischievous youngster had already attained the Body Refinement Realm. His physique was significantly sturdier than that of other children, and he had only broken a few bones.


    If other seven-year-old kids were to endure such a fierce attack from the Baize youngling, there was a high likelihood that they would not have survived.


    "Don''t cry. I''ll take you back to get treated," Lu Xun said soothingly, offering reassurance to Chen Lingtong.


    Lu Xun had no choice but to stabilize Chen Lingtong''s qi and blood with his foundational qi. Then, he leaped up and swiftly carried Chen Lingtong back to the Hall of Alchemy.


    But Chen Lingtong wouldn''t heed Lu Xun''s words. When Lu Xun asked him not to cry, he wailed even more uncontrobly. The pain and the feeling of being bullied flooded over him all at once, especially after he regained consciousness.


    In the Hall of Alchemy, Seventh Senior Brother Liu Qin and Eighth Senior Brother Xu Wen were both present. As soon as they saw Chen Lingtong so severely injured, they were immediately rmed and panicked.


    If the Alchemy Master saw this, he would have surely reprimanded and punished the disciples caring for Lingtong.


    The three scrambled around in panic, hastily administering medicine and treating Chen Lingtong''s wounds. They carefully set his bones and provided pain relief, promoting blood cirction and dispersing blood clots. Given the Hall of Alchemy''s specialization in such matters, they were naturally efficient in handling external injuries. After working tirelessly, Chen Lingtong''s injuries were mostly healed within less than an hour.


    But even as his physical wounds healed, the emotional trauma Chen Lingtong experienced lingered like a shadow.


    Chen Lingtong continued to wail inconsbly. "I''m going to tell my great-grandfather to beat that Baize youngling to death! How dare it knock me off and cause such pain! Boohoo¡ª" His cries echoed with indignation and anguish.


    As soon as Chen Lingtong made his threat, the three disciples of the Alchemy Master fell silent for a moment.


    <i>While you may be pampered and loved on Mount Shu, there are varying levels of adoration. Compared to the Baize, which holds the potential to protect Mount Shu for the next few thousand years, even the Alchemy Master can''t win, not to mention his great-grandson.</i>


    After a moment of contemtion, Lu Xun spoke up. "Lingtong... The Baize youngling is not the one at fault here. The true wrongdoer is the one who taught you to throw stones at spirit beasts! That person named Chu Liang is the real viin!"


    The moment Lu Xun uttered those words, Liu Qin''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    Chen Lingtong stomped his feet in frustration and cried out, "Then I''ll tell my great-grandfather to beat Chu Liang up! I''m so angry!"


    "Lingtong, please don''t tell your great-grandfather about this. We''ll seek revenge for you, alright?" Liu Qin hastily said.


    If Chen Lingtong were to cry andin to the Alchemy Master, those responsible for his care would undoubtedly face punishment.


    "You''ll help me take revenge?" Chen Lingtong''s eyes lit up with a mischievous spark as he shouted, "You must give him a good beating!"


    "Of course." Liu Qin said.


    "Seventh Senior Brother, Chu Liang''s teacher is Di Nufeng..." Xu Wen reminded Liu Qin with a hint of concern.


    "This..." Upon being reminded of this, Liu Qin hesitated.


    But Chen Lingtong started wailing again. "If you don''t dare to do it, I will tell my great-grandfather!"


    "What''s there to worry about? Di Nufeng is not on Mount Shu now," Lu Xun dered, his tone tinged with sinister intentions. "We can take advantage of this opportunity to go to Silver Sword Peak and teach that fe a lesson. If Di Nufeng wants us to take responsibilityter on, we''ll just ask our teacher to deal with it. We''re standing up for Lingtong. If our esteemed teacher finds out about it, the situation will be better than it is now."


    When Liu Qin heard this, he agreed.


    If Chen Lingtong were to cry and report the incident to the Alchemy Master now, they would undoubtedly face punishment. However, if they stand up for him and then have him tell the story to their teacher whileughing, their teacher would likely protect them.


    As for Di Nufeng, their esteemed teacher would surely have his ways of handling her. No matter how highly ranked she was, could she be of higher status than the Guardian Elder?


    Moreover, the strained rtionship between the Alchemy Master and Di Nufeng was widely known among many people at Mount Shu Sect. Considering this, they suddenly felt less anxious about the potential consequences of their actions.


    The biggest task ahead of them was to stand up for Chen Lingtong!


    They might even be praised by their teacher.


    "When your injuries heal tomorrow, we''ll go see that scoundrel from Silver Sword Peak!" Lu Xun dered decisively.


    At the same time, he harbored another thought.


    If he could stir up some internal conflict and cause a bit of trouble for Chu Liang... It would indeed be a brilliant move.


    ...


    <i>Achoo!</i>


    Chu Liang sneezed, rubbing his nose, wondering why he had been the subject of conversations for many people recently.


    After teaching the Alchemy Master''s great-grandson a lesson, he felt a bit uneasy as he knew that there was a possibility of retaliation. With his teacher absent, he wouldn''t have much room to resist.


    The Alchemy Master wouldn''t dirty his own hands in retaliation. However, those core disciples of his were all older than Chu Liang by twenty or thirty years. They were disciples who had participated in the previous Mount Shu Summit or even the one before thest one.


    Such disciples who had participated in the previous few Mount Shu Summit had usually reached the fifth or sixth realm and were busy searching for resources outside. They spent very little time on Mount Shu and maintained a very low profile.


    The Alchemy Master''s disciples were the exception. By relying on the Hall of Alchemy, they didn''t have to venture out to fight for resources. As long as they serve by the Alchemy Master''s side, they wouldn''tck any treasures of nature. Therefore, they would spend a lot of time on Mount Shu.


    Chu Liang pondered whether he should hide out in Azure Fall Peak for a while. With Daoist Yan''s close rtionship with his teacher, she wouldn''t leave him be. Besides, he would have the opportunity to spend more time with Senior Sister Jiang.


    Upon returning to his cabin, he suddenly found a letter delivered by a white crane.


    As he retrieved and examined the letter, he realized it was from the Great Astral Sect, and the sender was someone he hadn''t heard from in a long time¡ªYun Chaoxian.


    <i>I wonder what''s the major event.</i>


    Among the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, there were demonic beasts and flying creatures specialized in delivering letters. However, if it wasn''t for something important, it would be unnecessary for them to make such a trip to send a letter.


    Chu Liang opened the letter and furrowed his brows immediately.


    It turned out that Yun Chaoxian mentioned in the letter that someone from the Great Astral Sect wanted to mess with Chu Liang.


    This matter stemmed from some time ago in ck Whale Mountain, where Chu Liang had killed a white ape. The dying white ape had sent out a white beam of light, and Chu Liang had suspected it was a distress signal. Now, it seemed his guess was correct.


    He hadn''t expected that the white ape was actually a demonic beast that had followed the cultivation of the Great Astral Sect.


    The senior whom the white ape followed had passed away many years ago, but that person has a junior brother, who knew the white ape. This junior brother was named Zhang Juque.


    Zhang Juque was also a famous martial arts grandmaster within the Great Astral Sect. Known for his fiery temperament and hatred for evil, he held the title of "Strongest Sixth-Realm Cultivator" in the cultivation world.


    Despite being a genius and once flourishing greatly, Zhang Juque couldn''t break through to the sixth realm and was stuck within the Earth Gate. Nevertheless, his understanding of martial arts had reached an unparalleled level, allowing him to even hold his ground against some seventh-realm cultivators.


    He was always considered the strongest among those in the sixth realm.


    The information provided by the white ape included scenes of Chu Liang and his Golden-Furred Hound defeating it, as well as its usations of Chu Liang invading its cave and stealing its spirit nts.


    Chu Liang was depicted as an unforgivable bandit, not only plundering treasures but also ruthlessly killing the ape to cover his tracks.


    Upon receiving this information, Zhang Juque was furious. After confirming Chu Liang''s identity, he was ready toe to Mount Shu to teach this utterly sinful cultivator a lesson.


    Fortunately, Yun Chaoxian coincidentally received this information and promptly advised Zhang Juque. He mentioned his friendship with Chu Liang and portrayed him as a brave and loyal cultivator who didn''t seem like someone who wouldmit such an evil act. Yun Chaoxian suggested to Zhang Juque that there might be some misunderstanding.


    However, when Zhang Juque asked if he could vouch for Chu Liang, Yun Chaoxian hesitated because he didn''t understand the situation either. So he quickly wrote to inform Chu Liang, urging him to reply and exin the situation.


    If Chu Liang couldn''t exin clearly, Zhang Juque woulde to Mount Shu to kill him.


    This martial arts grandmaster had spent many years hunting demons and evil spirits, and he was highly respected in the cultivation world. If Chu Liang had truly done something wrong, the Mount Shu Sect might not be able to protect him.


    As Chu Liang stared at the letter, he also read between the lines of Yun Chaoxian''s message. It subtly hinted at Chu Liang, suggesting, "If you really did something wrong, run now."


    After pondering over the letter for a while, Chu Liang picked up a writing brush and wrote a reply.


    "Brother Chaoxian, seeing your letter feels as though I am seeing you in person.


    "I have received your letter, and I appreciate your concern. Regarding the matter of the white ape, there are indeed many twists and turns. If convenient, please have your seniore to Mount Shu, and I will exin everything in person. If there are any lies, your senior can punish me on the spot."

 Chapter 198: Esteemed Senior, Did You Hear All of That?

    <h4>Chapter 198: Esteemed Senior, Did You Hear All of That?</h4>


    The next morning, Silver Sword Peak weed three guests.


    At the front of the group was a white-haired old man with straight, sloping eyebrows and a gaze so bright and intense that it was frightening. He had the air of a man that was as calm as still waters and as immovable as a mountain. The old man even carried a massive sword the size of a door on his back, which was rather attention-grabbing.


    Behind the old man was a handsome young disciple in white robes. His straight posture entuated his slim and tall figure. He also carried a heavy broadsword on his back, but it wasn''t as absurdly sized as the old man''s.


    The person at the rear of the group was a burly man with thick eyebrows,rge eyes, and a huge halberd on his back. It was Yun Chaoxian. He looked a little nervous as he nced at the old man¡ªhis senior uncle, Zhang Juque. Yun Chaoxian seemed really afraid that his senior uncle would get violent the moment he heard something he didn''t like.


    These three men were martial artists from the Great Astral Sect.


    As expected, Zhang Juque was an impatient man. After receiving Chu Liang''s reply yesterday, Zhang Juque charged over to find Chu Liang first thing the next morning. The handsome young man behind Zhang Juque was his disciple and one of the four core disciples of the Great Astral Sect, Li Fujian.


    Yun Chaoxian was tagging along entirely out of his loyalty to Chu Liang. He thought that if things didn''t go well, he might be able to help mediate and ease the tension.


    Chu Liang was very grateful to Yun Chaoxian for that, but he was confident that this conversation would go well.


    Chu Liang raised his hand and said, "Let''s wee our guests!"


    Behind Chu Liang, Liu Xiaoyu''er stood on one side and the Golden-Furred Hou stood on the other. The two of them gave slight bows to the group from the Great Astral Sect. Every living being on Silver Sword Peak hade out to wee them, and even the flower beds had been pruned. It was a considerably grand reception.


    Zhang Juque''s status in the martial world was worthy of such a grand reception. If his visit were reported to the Mount Shu Sect, they would give him a reception that was, at the very least, on par with weing the grand peak master of another sect.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and spoke in a clear voice. "Esteemed senior, upon hearing that you wereing to honor us with your presence, I could not help but fear we wouldn''t be able to treat you with the level of hospitality that you deserve. Please forgive our inadequacies."


    "No need for pleasantries." Zhang Juque shifted to Chu Liang as he cut straight to the chase. "I''m here to investigate the death of the demonic beast White Ape that used to be under the care of my sect. Didn''t you want to exin it to me in person? Tell me about it now."


    "This isn''t a good ce to hold discussions. I''ve prepared a special hotpot we have here at Mount Shu. It''s made with the flesh of a recently in Winged Fire Snake demon. Esteemed senior, why don''t we go inside? You can eat while listening to my exnation," Chu Liang suggested.


    He then led the three men into Di Nufeng''s pavilion. Chu Liang couldn''t possibly entertain these guests in his small cabin, so he borrowed the hall of Di Nufeng''s pavilion.


    Zhang Juque sat down, but he had no intention of dining.


    Instead, he said coldly, "There''s no need to rush. If you are truly innocent, I''m willing to feast with you. But if you are a crafty and evil person, I won''t eat your food."


    "Esteemed senior, you can rest assured that''s not the case," Chu Liang replied with a small smile.


    He recounted the events that had urred on ck Whale Mountain, starting with how he and the White Ape had fought over the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower. Then he spoke of how the White Ape had killed someone just so it could frame him and the Golden-Furred Hou for the crime and that it had ultimately led to Chu Liang killing the White Ape.


    Hearing Chu Liang''s ount made Zhang Juque furrow his brows. "White Ape cultivated in my sect for so many years. Would it really kill someone out of spite? Do you have evidence to prove this?"


    Chu Liang replied, "The Misty Waters City''s chief officer and city supervisor can testify. Moreover, I''d already left ck Whale Mountain that day. Why would I go back? If I wanted to kill to take the treasures, why would I leave and give it time to set up an ambush for when I returned? The White Ape intended to use the power of the Great Astral Sect to get revenge against me."


    Zhang Juque said, "If that''s indeed the case, it wouldn''t be right of me to wrong you. However, I still need to head to Misty Waters City and verify what you''ve said before I can believe it to be true."


    Despite saying that, Zhang Juque was already eighty percent convinced by Chu Liang''s detailed and usible ount.


    The White Ape''s actions had indeed been its final desperate attempts, while on the verge of death, to exact revenge on someone it hated.


    However, the White Ape''s master had died many years ago, so how could the Great Astral Sect offend the Mount Shu Sect because of it? The only person who might do that was Zhang Juque, who hated evil with a vengeance. Nevertheless, as long as Chu Liang was confirmed to be innocent, Zhang Juque wouldn''t do anything to him.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Yun Chaoxianughed. "I told you, Brother Chu''s like me. We both embody justice and wisdom. How could he do anything bad?"


    Zhang Juque red at Yun Chaoxian and warned, "If you dare tomit any crimes in the future, I won''t hesitate to punish you."


    Yun Chaoxian shed a sheepish grin.


    Zhang Juque let out another sigh. "The White Ape had been with my sect since my youth, so you could say that I''d known it for many years. I did not realize that it had such a bad temperament..."


    Chu Liang replied, "Esteemed senior, forgive me if it is inappropriate for me to say this, but... several decades may seem long for humans, but it''s just a short time for demonic beasts. It''s not enough for you to fully understand what they''re like."


    Yun Chaoxian let out a deep sigh. "It''s like if Junior Brother Fujian''s raising a spirit pet, and I grow with it. But Junior Brother Fujian ends up dying before me and then that spirit pet leaves the Great Astral Sect and does some bad things... I''d probably feel the same way as you''re feeling now, Senior Uncle."


    "<i>Mm...?</i>" Li Fujian uttered. He was about to express that he agreed, but just as he was nodding, he realized there was something off about Yun Chaoxian''s words. Li Fujian furrowed his brows and said, "Why would I die before you?"


    "I''m just saying hypothetically. Don''t take it seriously." Yun Chaoxian chuckled. "Besides, your cultivation level isn''t as high as mine, so would it be strange if you went before me?"


    "What bu¡ªwhat drivel are you spouting?"


    Li Fujian had been about to use some rather uncouth words, but he remembered his teacher was present and immediately changed his words.


    Li Fujian retorted, "Even if I do end up dying before you do, it''s because I''m stronger than you! When battles ur, our sect always has our strongest on the frontline! Those who survive are always the weakest!"


    Zhang Juque nced at his rebellious disciple and furrowed his brows disapprovingly.


    As Chu Liang watched the two young men squabble, he merely chuckled.


    However, in his mind, he was mocking them. <i>It''s widely rumored in the martial world that the disciples of the Great Astral Sect share one brain. It seems there''s some truth to that...</i>


    While the squabble inside the pavilion continued, some people were causing a din outside as well.


    Someone called out, "Chu Liang, get out here!"


    ...


    Chu Liang stepped outside and saw three people standing in the spacious clearing on the Silver Sword Peak''s hillside. They were people Chu Liang had met before¡ªLiu Qin and Lu Xun, two of the Alchemy Master''s disciples. Standing in front of them was a disgruntled little brat.


    It was clear they hadn''te with good intentions.


    "Do you have something to discuss with me, senior brothers?" Chu Liang asked.


    Lu Xun replied, "Yesterday, you instigated Xiao Tong to provoke the Baize youngling. We''vee here today to demand an exnation from you about that!"


    "Demand an exnation?" Chu Liang said.


    Chen Lingtong stood arrogantly with his hands on his hips and shouted at Chu Liang, "We''re going to beat you up!"


    "<i>Haha,</i>" Chu Liang chuckled as he looked at the kid. Then he asked, "Do you now know that you shouldn''t throw stones at spirit beasts?"


    "<i>Ugh!</i>" Chen Lingtong uttered angrily.


    Chu Liang''s words immediately sent Chen Lingtong into a rage.


    Chen Lingtong yelled, "Hurry up and beat him up!"


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" Lu Xun snorted. He muttered darkly, "Di Nufeng isn''t here, yet you dare to behave so arrogantly¡ª"


    "Wait a minute!" Chu Liang said loudly, suddenly raising his hands. "You can beat me up, but I want to rify the matter first! Besides, I''m no match for you anyway. Once I''m done talking, I definitely won''t fight back."


    "What do you want to rify?" Liu Qin asked coldly.


    "First, you indulged this child and let him throw stones at the Golden-Furred Hou. Then when the Golden-Furred Hou resisted a little, you beat it up. That''s what happened, right?" Chu Liang asked, pointing at Liu Qin. "I apologized of my own ord for that incident. The child then threw stones at the Baize youngling and suffered the consequences of his bad behavior when the Baize youngling struck back. Yet, instead of going to the Baize youngling, you came to cause trouble for me. This is a fact too, isn''t it?"


    Chu Liang''s voice was sonorous and powerful as he continued, "You''re clearly just using your power to bully others. You step on the weak but fear the strong. Do you admit it? That you''re acting so brazenly just because your cultivation level is higher than mine?!"


    "What a load of nonsense." Lu Xun flung out his sleeves dismissively. "So what if our cultivation level is higher than yours?"


    He leaped forward, eager to attack.


    Lu Xun had no interest in stopping Chu Liang from taking the moral high ground because he hadn''te to fight with words. Instead, he''de to find some opportunities to mess with Chu Liang. After all, Lu Xun had worked hard to incite his senior brother to take action with him. He didn''t want to waste any more time on useless words. With his senior brother here, Lu Xun couldn''t be med if any "mishaps" were to ur in the chaos of the battleter...


    At this moment, Chu Liang suddenly turned slightly to face the pavilion behind him.


    He asked respectfully, "Esteemed senior, did you hear all of that?"


    Before Chu Liang even finished speaking, an old man carrying a massive sword on his back slowly emerged from the pavilion with a dark expression.


    The old man said, "To think that the Mount Shu Sect, which has been prestigious and upright for thousands of years, has produced such unruly disciples like you. It seems that I must teach you a good lesson today on your teacher''s behalf."


    Lu Xun and the others looked at this obviously extraordinary old man and felt rather confused. Where did this persone from? Why hadn''t they ever seen him on Mount Shu before?


    Liu Qin was the first to recognize who the old man was. Looking at the massive sword on the old man''s back, Liu Qin''s eyes filled with fear.


    He raised his hands high, but he didn''t have the time to do anything else except let out a cry.


    "Esteemed senior, it''s a misunderstanding¡ª"


    The screams on Silver Sword Peak were especially loud that day.

 Chapter 199: Teacher, You Are Finally Back!

    <h4>Chapter 199: Teacher, You Are Finally Back!</h4>


    After recognizing Zhang Juque''s identity, there was no thought of resistance in the minds of Liu Qin and Lu Xun. Their first reaction was to escape.


    Although they were both at the beginning stage of the sixth realm while Zhang Juque was at the pinnacle of the sixth realm, it didn¡¯t seem like the gap between them and Zhang Juque would be that significant, especially if they were to attack Zhang Juque together.


    The third and sixth realms were both significant thresholds in cultivation. As one progressed to higher realms, the disparities between individuals in the same realm grew wider.


    The gap between individuals in the sixth realm could be likened to the difference between humans and dogs. This perfectly described the gap between them and Zhang Juque.


    The two individuals swiftly turned around and vanished into the clouds. They paid no attention to Chen Lingtong on the ground as they soared upwards into the sky. With a reputation to uphold, Zhang Juque wouldn¡¯t beat up kids, but his actions towards them remained unpredictable.


    In an instant, the two of them disyed an almost telepathic connection, splitting up in opposite directions without exchanging a word. They instinctively knew to split up.


    However, escaping proved to be no easy task.


    Suddenly, Zhang Juque moved, with almost no visible trajectory, appearing in the air above Liu Qin''s head. The speed at which he burst forth was almost on par with the immortal technique of Dimension Compression! It was terrifying!


    Liu Qin was flying face forward when a t-patterned sole appeared before his eyes.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    In the next moment, this sole was imprinted on his face.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Liu Qin''s body crashed to the ground at a speed faster than his flight, mming heavily onto the mountainside, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    Immediately, Zhang Juque¡¯s body swayed.


    Meanwhile, Lu Xun, who had quickly left the airspace of Silver Sword Peak, was already far away. But the Old Man with the Sword only needed a sh to erase all his efforts.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Arge hand grabbed Lu Xun''s ankle, causing the white-d man suspended in midair to momentarily halt before being forcefully flung to the ground.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    He was smashed to Liu Qin¡¯s side.


    The two were stuck in the same pit.


    It felt as though Zhang Juque had struck them lightly. Though seemingly gentle, those two moves rendered the cultivators unable to rise from the ground. They paused momentarily before struggling to stand upright.


    The old man raised his hefty sword high before descending to the ground.


    He also possessed a sense of restraint in his actions and naturally refrained from directly killing these two disciples of Mount Shu. Instead, he used the back of his broadsword to m down fiercely!


    <i>Bang! Bang! </i>With two heavy strikes, the two disciples of the Hall of Alchemy were knocked down once more.


    Lu Xun was slightly smarter. This time, he remained on the ground and refrained from attempting to get up again.


    However, Liu Qin was a bit slower; despite still trying to struggle to rise, he received another forceful blow from the broadsword with a resounding bang!


    Throughout the entire process, Zhang Juque seemed to employ no martial techniques or profound divine skills. He relied solely on pure speed and strength, overwhelming with sheer force alone! The two Mount Shu disciples, both at the sixth realm, were like toys in his hands, utterly powerless to resist.


    "Taking advantage of one''s position to bully others... Bullying the weak... What''s the difference between this kind of righteous sect and the diabolical sect?" Zhang Juque remarked with a pause. "I wonder who your teacher is. I should have a good talk with him."


    As he spoke, he deftly mmed down twice with the broadsword in his hand.


    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>


    "Yes! Yes! Senior, we know we did wrong!"


    "Senior, please stop hitting us!"


    The two of them cried out loudly for mercy. Zhang Juque wasn¡¯t the only one longing to see their teacher. They themselves wished fervently that their teacher could show up quickly and rescue them from this dire predicament.


    At the same time, Chen Lingtong stealthily retreated, slipping away unnoticed.


    He wanted to escape.


    But suddenly, the sinister Chu Liang emerged, blocking his path to escape.


    Chen Lingtong stared at him fearfully. "What do you want? My grandfather is the Alchemy Master... I-I''m just a child! You can''t hurt me!"


    "Of course I wouldn¡¯ty a hand on you," Chu Liang smiled sinisterly. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers lightly while saying, "But you have trespassed into the Silver Sword Peak. The peak¡¯s guardian beast, the Golden-Furred Hou, does not recognize children."


    <i>Bam!</i>


    The massive figure of the Golden-Furred Hou leaped out from the side, lifting a paw, and mmed down¡ª


    The naughty kid let out a miserable cry of "<i>Ah¡ª</i>" as he was sent flying high once again,nding dozens of yards away.


    Chu Liang leaned on the awry with his hand and looked over.


    "That was quite a height, but still slightly inferior to Baize. Keep up the good work!" Chu Liang remarked.


    ...


    After a moment, Zhang Juque lifted the unconscious disciples of the Hall of Alchemy and headed straight for Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    He intended to bring these two disciples before the Alchemy Master and observe as he educated them properly. Although this was the territory of Mount Shu, and he was slightly inferior in seniority to the Alchemy Master, it didn''t matter.


    Over the years, the Great Hero Zhang had traveled the world, fighting on the side of reason.


    Li Fujian apanied his teacher to keep up appearances, while Yun Chaoxian stayed at Silver Sword Peak with Chu Liang for some time.


    Yun Chaoxian said, "Brother Chu, after returning to the Great Astral Sectst time, I''ve been contemting your Brick Combat Technique and have created a new method," he said.


    "<i>Oh?</i> Brother Yun, please continue," Chu Liang immediately responded.


    "The brick, as a weapon, mainly has two advantages that can be used," Yun Chaoxian analyzed seriously. "Firstly, it''s readily avable and can be found everywhere, but this aspect isn''t particrly useful for you. Secondly, it''s small in size, making it discreet to wield and difficult to notice."


    Chu Liang nodded in response.


    Yun Chaoxian was indeed proficient in closebat.


    He had countless times utilized this point, diverting the enemy''s attention slightly and thenunching a surprise attack with the Demon-Revealing Gold Brick.


    "So, besides close-range Brick Combat Techniques, I think it can also be used as a concealed weapon," Yun Chaoxian said. "I can teach you some throwing techniques for these heavy concealed weapons."


    "Well, that sounds good," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    For martial artists of this level, employing concealed weapons wasn''t as straightforward as merely throwing them with brute force. There were intricate techniques involved.


    Because martial artists were at a slight disadvantage in long-range attacks, some of them would resort to using concealed weapons topensate for theck of long-range offensive capabilities. The concealed weapons they wielded were incredibly fast!


    Inparison, divine skills that allowed cultivators to exert control over objects were much inferior in terms of strength.


    Yun Chaoxian then proceeded to teach Chu Liang some techniques for using concealed weapons, mainly focusing on the maniption of "force" and "qi". Since Chu Liang had previously studied the flight trajectories of the Razor Leaf, he already had some experience and learned quickly.


    In less than half an hour, he was able to hit targets within a hundred zhang urately.


    Compared to simple maniption of objects, throwing concealed weapons required much more uracy and strength. If one could achieve absolute precision, it would be quite formidable.


    In the future, he could formally incorporate a Flying Brick as a legacy technique into his Brick Combat Techniques.


    "Brother Chu, you truly have a talent for martial arts," Yun Chaoxian couldn''t help but admire. "If you ever find it difficult to break through the sixth realm in Qi Refinement, you might as well consider joining our Great Astral Sect. You definitely have the potential to achieve enlightenment through martial arts."


    "<i>Hehe</i>, Brother Yun, you tter me," Chu Liang modestly smiled in response.


    Even if one day he were to switch to martial arts cultivation, he probably wouldn''t consider joining the Great Astral Sect, as their temperaments just didn''t match.


    "Brother Yun, this time you helped me exin to Senior Zhang and also took the trouble to teach me concealed weapon techniques. I really don''t know how to thank you," Chu Liang sincerely expressed his gratitude.


    "Hey!" Yun Chaoxian waved his hand. "We''re friends, and if it weren''t for your honorable conduct, I wouldn''t have been able to exin for you. Plus, your defeat of the demon god¡¯s divine envoyst time elevated my status within the sect."


    "Of the four core disciples, no one but the Eldest Senior Brother can surpass me in ranking," Yun Chaoxian said proudly with a grin. "And my Eldest Senior Brother is not as sharp as me, so I believe I have a very bright future in the Great Astral Sect."


    The Eldest Senior Brother he mentioned was Ren Hongdao, the most renowned among the four core disciples of this generation. Alongside him, Li Fujian, and a spear practitioner, they represented the future of the Great Astral Sect.


    "That is awesome." Chu Liang praised.


    When he first heard Yun Chaoxian boasting about being the smartest within the sect, Chu Liang thought he might have been exaggerating. However, after meeting Li Fujian, Chu Liang suddenly felt there might be some truth to it.


    After a while, Zhang Juque returned with Li Fujian.


    He exined that he had already discussed the matter with the Alchemy Master. The elder promised to take proper measures to discipline his disciple and great-grandson in the future. Therefore, Zhang Juque decided to let the matter rest.


    Chu Liang expressed his gratitude once again.


    With the matter settled, Zhang Juque took the two juniors back to the Great Astral Sect. Before departing, Yun Chaoxian promised Chu Liang that he would attend the Mount Shu Summit.


    ...


    After seeing them off, the Silver Sword Peak fell silent for a moment.


    Now that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Alchemy Master, Chu Liang was not worried about further retaliation. Even if the Alchemy Master wanted to seek revenge, he would surely wait for Di Nufeng to return before taking action, rather than bothering a junior disciple like him.


    Just as he was contemting, a burst of firelight came straight towards them from the southwest.


    Upon seeing this, Chu Liang immediately waved his hand and summoned the Golden-Furred Hou.


    The Golden-Furred Hou¡¯s wounds had healed in just a day, and the bandages had been removed. Now, Chu Liang swiftly rewrapped itsrge head with bandages.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    A loud explosion sounded.


    This lively and urgent atmosphere indicated that Di Nufeng had returned home.


    Her expression wasn''t exactly pleasant.


    Three Eminent Ones of Mount Shu arrived at the Evil Demon Mountain only to find that the ferocious beasts had escaped and wreaked havoc in multiple locations in the surrounding areas.


    Aside from the Mount Shu Sect, other immortal sects had also taken notice and dispatched individuals to investigate the situation.


    And the reason behind all these events was the emergence of the ferocious beast Taowu.


    Hidden within the depths of the Evil Demon Mountainy the legendary Taowu, the king of all ferocious beasts, sealed away. However, not long ago, Taowu broke free from its confines and its current location remained a mystery.


    The oue of their investigation proved unfavorable, and the three Eminent Ones spent another two days assisting in the extermination of the scattered ferocious beasts. It was a busy and hectic time, leaving Di Nufeng with a rather disheartened mood.


    As soon as she returned to the Silver Sword Peak, she saw Chu Liang walking over with the Golden-Furred Hou, its head bandaged. Both of them looked dejected, as if someone had bullied them.


    "What happened?" she asked while frowning.


    "Esteemed Teacher, you are finally back!" Chu Liang cried, "Someone bullied our Golden-Furred Hou!"

 Chapter 200: I Wont Do It Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 200: I Won''t Do It Anymore</h4>


    "What?" Di Nufeng eximed in astonishment.


    Although it was somewhat expected, this incident still felt too extreme for her, challenging her understanding[1].


    "It''s not that kind of bullying," Chu Liang hurriedly exined. "The other day, the Alchemy Master''s great-grandson..."


    Immediately, he recounted how Lingtong had attacked the Golden-Furred Hou, how Liu Qin had beaten the Hou, and howter disciples from the Hall of Alchemy hade for revenge. Thanks to the intervention of Senior Zhang from the Great Astral Sect, they had narrowly avoided a disaster... He narrated the entire series of grievances they had suffered.


    "If it weren''t for Senior Zhang''s righteous intervention, Teacher, I truly wouldn''t know if I could still see you!" Chu Liang''s eyes welled up with tears as he spoke emotionally.


    "Dammit!" Di Nufeng fumed after listening, her anger ring. "I''ve heard about that old guy raising a mischievous great-grandson before. If he isn''t disciplined properly, won''t he be a problem of the Mount Shu Sect in the future!"


    <i>Esteemed Teacher, does your anger stem from the sense of crisis over losing your title?</i>


    Chu Liang mused internally before asking, "Esteemed Teacher, what should we do?"


    "What should we do?" Di Nufeng stared at him strangely as she said, "You''ve worked with me many times before, aren''t you familiar with the procedure?"


    "But that''s the Alchemy Master," Chu Liang pointed out.


    Di Nufeng waved her hand dismissively. "Just watch how I will stand up for you!"


    ...


    "Esteemed Teacher, you must stand up for us!"


    In the conference hall of the Hall of Alchemy, Liu Qin and Lu Xun knelt on the ground and cried bitterly.


    Zhang Juque had beaten them up and then brought them to the Alchemy Master for a stern reprimand. Though their injuries were not severe, the spread of the news would undoubtedly tarnish their reputation and dignity, leaving them feeling uneasy.


    Meanwhile, Chen Lingtong clung to the Alchemy Master''s leg, wailing loudly, "Great-grandpa!! I''m in so much pain! You have no idea how Chu Liang bullied me! Because of him, the spirit beasts hurled me into the sky... twice!"


    The Alchemy Master sat at the center of the hall, his expression dark and serene, resembling calm water.


    Despite his esteemed status, Zhang Juque showed him no respect, bringing his disciples and great-grandson directly to him, forcing him to scold them in person and refusing to leave until he was finished.


    Naturally, this behavior left the Alchemy Master feeling furious.


    But there was nothing he could do. Firstly, Zhang Juque had the backing of the Great Astral Sect, a powerful faction within the Divine Nine, simr to the Mount Shu Sect. Additionally, the Great Astral Sect possessed the Xuanhuang Battle Armor, ranked seventh on the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures, further strengthening their influence. Their strength surpassed even that of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Secondly, Zhang Juque''s actions were justified.


    His great-grandson was mischievous, and his disciples had indeed been caught causing trouble on someone else''s territory. These were undeniable facts. Although he personally might not have considered the act of throwing stones at the spirit beast a big deal, his disciples were perceived as the instigators of the incident, leaving him with no grounds to argue.


    He had no choice but to reprimand these junior disciples in front of Zhang Juque, aiming to swiftly send this esteemed figure of high status out. Then, he intended to resume the conversation in private.


    He paid little heed to the tears of those two inept disciples, but his great-grandson''s cries stirred a sense of distress within him.


    Both his grandson and his grandson''s wife had sacrificed their lives for the Mount Shu Sect, leaving behind only Chen Lingtong, the clever and precious child of his grandson, who always held a special ce in his heart.


    This was his cherished child, whom he had never dared to harm in the slightest. The sight of this precious kid being beaten up outside ignited a palpable fury within the Alchemy Master. However, the situation became somewhatplicated when considering Chu Liang''s affiliation as a disciple of Di Nufeng.


    Di Nufeng was not one to show him any respect.


    "That''s enough! Stop crying!" The Alchemy Master suddenly reprimanded.


    The two disciples immediately fell silent, afraid to shed another tear.


    Chen Lingtong froze in shock. The Alchemy Master immediately embraced the child''s head,forting him, "Xiaotong, don''t cry. I won''t let you suffer."


    "Great-grandfather, will you help me give him a beating?" Chen Lingtong immediately asked.


    "<i>Erm...</i>" The Alchemy Master paused in contemtion before responding, "As an elder, I am restricted in what I can do. When his teacher returns, I will escort you to his peak and demand justice. He will apologize and make amends for what happened, alright?"


    "Just an apology? At the very least, he should be hung from a tree... twice!" Chen Lingtong pouted, ready to burst into tears once more.


    The Alchemy Master felt somewhat helpless. Given his status and position, he could never physically punish a junior.


    At this moment, Lu Xun stood up and said, "Esteemed Teacher, why don''t we, the disciples, handle this matter ourselves? We''ve brought shame upon you this time, and we hope to have a chance to redeem ourselves. This is between us junior disciples, so let us deal with it ourselves!"


    He had surmised that there were certain actions their teacher couldn''t take due to his status, so he volunteered to help share the burden.


    The Alchemy Master red at him and shouted, "Both of you! Leave at once!"


    Despite the harsh tone, it was evident that he had tacitly consented.


    Lu Xun swiftly grabbed Liu Qin, and together they exited the main hall.


    ...


    The next moment, the expression on the Alchemy Master''s face suddenly shifted. He abruptly rose to his feet, positioning himself protectively in front of his young grandson.


    Then, two thunderous sounds reverberated through the air.


    Just as Liu Qin had exited the door, he was sent hurtling back at lightning speed, mming violently into the wall. The force of the impact caused the walls of the main hall to fracture, and his body became lodged in the wall, contorted like a curled shrimp.


    It was evident that he had lost consciousness.


    If the walls of the Hall of Alchemy hadn''t been made of extremely sturdy materials, he might have already broken through several walls and been propelled out to the peaks outside.


    Immediately after, Lu Xun followed, crashing into Liu Qin''s body, and both of them became embedded in the wall.


    However, perhaps because Liu Qin took the brunt of the impact, Lu Xun''s force was slightly lighter, and he didn''t lose consciousness. He could barely manage to open his eyes.


    As he struggled to open his eyes, he saw a tall and voluptuous woman, dressed in a fiery red gown, entering the main hall. With every step she took, the dress swayed, revealing a glimpse of fair legs through the high slit.


    Following behind her was a young man dressed in embroidered clothing. With a harmless smile on his face, he took small and cautious steps as he entered the hall. It was Chu Liang!


    As Lu Xun saw Chu Liang, he felt his blood boiling in his chest.


    <i>This guy is definitely a harbinger of disaster. Ever since I met him, everything''s been a mess. My secret schemes keep flopping, and now I''ve been beaten up twice in in sight... </i>Lu Xun thought to himself.


    "Di Nufeng!" The Alchemy Master''s voice thundered with fury as he shouted, "How dare youe to the Hall of Alchemy and beat up my disciples!"


    "He''s just a nobody, what''s the big deal about beating him?" Di Nufeng replied in azy tone. "Are you trying to cause a scene?!"


    The Alchemy Master''s hair bristled as he raised his hand, summoning a furnace with imposing force, seemingly ready to strike at the slightest disagreement!


    "Hold on." Di Nufeng suddenly waved his hand and said, "I am not here to fight with you. I just came to seek justice because I heard that my disciple and our Golden-Furred Hou were bullied."


    "And my disciples were beaten up by Zhang Juque. And you said that your disciple was bullied?" The Alchemy Master said angrily.


    They were the ones who had suffered a setback and were still contemting how they could exact revenge against Chu Liang. Despite this, Di Nufeng dared to show up at their territory demanding justice?


    This was truly intolerable!


    "Zhang Juque was the one who beat them. What does it have to do with me, Di Nufeng?" Di Nufeng looked puzzled. "I''m not the one whoid a hand on them, am I?"


    As she spoke, her gaze drifted downward toward Chen Lingtong, who was being protected by the Alchemy Master.


    As Chen Lingtong peeked out from behind the Alchemy Master, she suddenly asked while smiling at him, "Was it you who threw stones at my Hou?"


    With that smile, a glint of fierceness briefly flickered in her otherwise rxed gaze.


    <i>Ah... </i>For the first time since birth, Chen Lingtong experienced a fear so profound, it felt as if he had plummeted into the depths of hell. His expression froze for a moment, and his face instantly turned pale white.


    It seemed like he was petrified.


    After a moment, he came back to his senses. Fear was evident in his eyes as he opened his mouth wide and cried out, "I was wrong! I''ll never dare to throw stones at the spirit beast again!"


    "Great-grandpa! Save me!


    "<i>Waaah¡ª</i>"


    1. Do I need to exin what type of bullying Di Nufeng is thinking? ?

 Chapter 201: Thats Fair

    <h4>Chapter 201: That''s Fair</h4>


    "Xiao Tong!"


    The Alchemy Master protected Chen Lingtong, sending a stream of foundational energy into the boy so that he could resist the pressure of Di Nufeng''s might.


    Rather than physical harm, the damage that Di Nufeng dealt to this boy was psychological. The intense fear that the boy felt could lead to something minor like a bad dream or develop into a major problem like negatively affecting his Dao heart in the future.


    Upon seeing his great-grandson get harmed, the Alchemy Master couldn''t restrain his anger any longer and toppled over an alchemical oven. A huge beam of multicolored light poured out and enveloped Chen Lingtong.


    The Alchemy Master pointed at Di Nufeng and said, "If you want to fight,e with me!"


    He was still rational and well aware that they couldn''t fight on Heaven-Reaching Peak, which was an important ce for the sect.


    Hearing the Alchemy Master''s words, Di Nufeng was filled with an overwhelming desire to fight. "All right, you old bastard. It''s been many years since west fought. I''ve been wanting to teach you a lesson for a long time."


    Despite that, the two people didn''t end up fighting.


    At the very first moment when their streams of qi shed, it was like a meteor hitting the earth, and everyone on Heaven-Reaching Peak sensed the terrifying vortex of qi.


    Right after that, several voices rang out.


    "What are you doing, Old Chen?"


    "How dare you fight on Heaven-Reaching Peak?!"


    "Stop it, all of you!"


    Three people appeared on the scene seemingly out of nowhere.


    One of them was an old man in arge white robe. He had a gray beard, ck hair, and a robust figure. His right eye had the colors of blue and gold. It didn''t seem like an eyeball but rather an embedded gem. His left arm was pure ck as if made from meteoric iron.


    <i>He''s the Weapons Master!</i>


    Chu Liang had seen this old man once before. The Weapons Master was Wen Yulong''s teacher.


    The second person was a middle-aged schr that carried the unmistakable air of an intellectual. He was dressed like a schr and had a cultured and refined demeanor. His schrly appearance waspleted by the gentle smile on his face.


    He stood between Di Nufeng and the Alchemy Master like a boulder in the middle of a torrent, effortlessly blocking their shing streams of qi.


    <i>This man should be the Conservation Master.</i>


    Chu Liang had never seen him before, but judging from the identities of the other people present, that was his most likely identity.


    The third person was a tall old woman in ck robes, who had her hair tied up in a bun at the back of her head. She wore a frosty expression on her wrinkly face, but her eyes were as bright as torches.


    <i>She''s the Discipline Master!</i>


    Of the Four Guardian Elders, the Discipline Master had the greatest presence in the Mount Shu Sect. Whenever disciples vited the sect''s rules, she would appear and punish them. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that the Discipline Master, who had always been cold-blooded and merciless, was the person that the disciples of Mount Shu feared the most.


    Whenever Di Nufeng caused trouble on Mount Shu in the past, it had always been on a small scale¡ªsmall fights and minor disturbances. So, the Guardian Elders never paid much attention to them. However, this situation involved two seventh-realm cultivators shing, so it was a very serious issue.


    The moment they engaged in a standoff, the other three Guardian Elders arrived together!


    The Weapons Master looked at the Alchemy Master and asked puzzledly, "Old Chen, why are you fighting with her again?"


    "She took action against Xiao Tong. How could I just stand by?" the Alchemy Master answered grimly.


    "Hey, you old bastard, don''t you talk crap about me. That little bastard did something wrong. I just came to ask him about it. What, does this mean that your descendant can do whatever he wants just because you''re a Guardian Elder?" Di Nufeng retorted loudly.


    After hearing that, even the other three Guardian Elders were unable to remain calm.


    The Discipline Master said coldly, "Don''t say such nonsense. We''re not unreasonable people. If you have any grievances, you can tell us."


    Di Nufeng looked at the Discipline Master and pouted a little. If there was anyone Di Nufeng ever feared while growing up in Mount Shu and still feared now, that was the Discipline Master.


    Di Nufeng gently pushed Chu Liang forward. "It''s time for you to reason with them."


    In the past, this would have been the moment when Di Nufeng be at a disadvantage. However, ever since she took Chu Liang in as a disciple, she had been finding these moments rather delightful.


    Chu Liang looked at the Four Guardian Elders. It''d be a lie if he were to say that he wasn''t nervous. Nevertheless, he remainedposed and bowed respectfully.


    He began, "Esteemed elders, it was just a small matter at first."


    Then he recounted the incidents of Chen Lingtong throwing stones at the Golden-Furred Hou and the events that followed.


    Chu Liang concluded, "I believe the Alchemy Master was unaware of these matters. It was probably just his disciples abusing their power. Had the Alchemy Master known about this, he surely wouldn''t have acted so unreasonably, right?


    "Moreover, Esteemed Senior Zhang Juque is already aware of this matter. If it''s not handled properly and news about it gets out, it will definitely tarnish Mount Shu''s reputation. Esteemed elders, I humbly request that you make a decision for us as to how this matter should be resolved."


    After Chu Liang finished speaking, everyone shifted their gazes to the Alchemy Master.


    The Alchemy Master froze; his expression looked a little strange.


    After a moment, the Alchemy Master said, "I did just find out about these matters. Zhang Juque already punished my disciples, and I was preparing to punish them severely as well. That should have settled it. But before I could do anything, this person barged in and acted extremely unreasonably, even injuring my disciples!"


    The Alchemy Master pointed at the wall on which Liu Qin and Lu Xun were still hanging, clearly disying their injuries.


    Di Nufeng persisted boldly with conviction. "I didn''t see Zhang Juque hit anyone, and I only made one move against them. How can that be considered settled?"


    "Enough," the Conservation Master said, gently gesturing with his hands for them to stop arguing. "It seems this is just a misunderstanding. Since the Alchemy Master was preparing to punish his disciples for their wrongdoing, he should have no intent of shielding them. Di Nufeng was just a bit hasty. At this point, none of your people have suffered any losses, so let''s not argue any further."


    Hearing this, Lu Xun, who had be a mural, felt like he was about to cry.


    <i>What do you mean by that?</i> <i>The two of us apanied one child. We were all beaten up twice, while on Silver Sword Peak''s side, a Golden-Furred Hou was the only one that got injured. Counting only those who belong in the people category, we have suffered huge losses!</i>


    "What do you mean by that?!" Di Nufeng shouted. "They deserved to be beaten. My adorable Golden-Furred Hou was just walking on the road and got beaten up for no reason. Who willpensate it for this tragic incident? The Hou is traumatized. It has shut itself inside Silver Sword Peak. It won''t eat or drink. It''s afraid to go outside. Who willpensate for this long-term damage?"


    The Alchemy Master replied angrily, "You just won''t let it go. I haven''t even held you ountable for harming Xiao Tong¡ª"


    "He deserved it!" Di Nufeng shot him an enraged look. "Do you know why he was beaten up? It''s all because of you! If it wasn''t because an old scoundrel like you had been indulging him at every turn, how could he have grown into a little scoundrel? We''re actually protecting him by beating him up on Mount Shu. It''s to make him understand that when he leaves the mountain in the future, not everyone will treat him like his great-grandfather does!


    "If you still refuse to educate him properly, then getting beat up will be the easiest lesson he''ll ever have..."


    Di Nufeng shifted her gaze and nced at Chen Lingtong again.


    This nce didn''t exert any pressure; Di Nufeng was just looking at him. Yet, Chen Lingtong felt a surge of fear once more.


    The little brat felt that this woman might actually kill him at any moment. His young mind was instantly shrouded in darkness. He didn''t even have time to cry before he cked out!


    The Alchemy Master caught his great-grandson and noticed that the boy wasn''t injured. It was likely that the boy had been overwhelmed by fear, so the Alchemy Master didn''t try to wake him up.


    At this moment, the Discipline Master nodded and said, "You have indeed indulged this great-grandson of yours too much. He has caused a lot of trouble on Mount Shu in the past two years. You should be aware of that."


    The Weapons Master added, "Children need proper discipline. Otherwise, they might go astray despite their great potential for cultivation."


    In fact, many people on Mount Shu knew that the Alchemy Master was indulging his great-grandson too much. Nheless, considering his status in the sect, few were willing to make a fuss over minor matters.


    However, the Alchemy Master and his great-grandson encountered the boorish woman from Silver Sword Peak this time. She made such a big deal out of it that there was no way the Alchemy Master could simply ignore the matter.


    "Fine." The Alchemy Master gritted his teeth and yielded. He knew he was in the wrong anyway. "I will discipline my great-grandson properly in the future, and I will also punish my disciples. You''ve already beaten them up, so let''s just leave it at that for what happened today."


    The whole affair was quite embarrassing for the Alchemy Master, so he just wanted to end this dispute quickly.


    "Did you not hear me clearly?" Di Nufeng asked with a frown. "I hit them just to vent my anger; I gained nothing from it. My mount was injured. How will youpensate for that? At the very least, you have topensate for the medical expenses, right?"


    "As well as the psychological damage," Chu Liang added quietly.


    <i>You still wantpensation... </i>the Alchemy Master thought, inwardly seething with anger as he red at Di Nufeng.


    He was finally experiencing what it was like when someone was unrelenting in pushing a point.


    "Di Nufeng, you shouldn''t go too far," the Discipline Master warned, aiming to smooth over the conflict. She then turned to the Alchemy Master and said, "Your great-grandson and your disciples are at fault, and they should indeedpensate the other party. Since the injured party is a spirit beast, why not give them a Spirit-Enhancing Pill? How about it?"


    <i>Huh? </i>Chu Liang was puzzled. <i>Why does it sound like the Discipline Master is on our side?</i>


    "Aunt Tian," Di Nufeng said, giving the Discipline Master a thumbs up, "That''s fair."

 Chapter 202: The Weather is Nice Today (I)

    <h4>Chapter 202: The Weather is Nice Today (I)</h4>


    When Liu Qin quietly regained consciousness, he found himself lying on a sickbed within the Hall of Alchemy, with Lu Xun upying the bed next to him.


    He asked groggily, "What happened?"


    "Don''t you remember? Di Nufeng came to the Hall of Alchemy and caused a scene. When we were going out, she happened to run into us. She attacked us." Lu Xun reminded him. "She kicked each of us once."


    Liu Qin shuddered suddenly, recalling some fragmented memories. Due to Di Nufeng''s swift and fierce attack, he hadn''t even managed to see her face clearly before losing consciousness.


    After a while, he inquired once more, "So Di Nufeng beat us up when she visited our hall. Our teacher wouldn''t have let it slide easily. What was the oue?"


    "It''s all sorted out now," Lu Xun replied, "Our teacher offered a Spirit-Enhancing Pill aspensation, and Di Nufeng has forgiven us."


    Liu Qin felt so confused.


    <i>Is my brain malfunctioning because I just regained consciousness? Why does this sentence just sound so weird?</i>


    Lu Xun didn''t borate further but rose from his bed, stating, "You rest a bit more. I''ll go to the restroom. I will fill you in on the details when I am back."


    Although Liu Qin held the position of senior brother, Lu Xun''s cultivation level was significantly higher, which exined why his injuries weren''t as severe.


    Lu Xun exited the room, nced around, and then left the Hall of Alchemy. He soared to the rear of a deste mountain peak and discovered a secluded spot to settle down.


    An illusory figure immediately separated from his body.


    He was using the Immortal Art: Roaming the World!


    He sensed a summoning call from the depths of his consciousness, and there was only one person who could directly summon him through his divine consciousness.


    "Boss."


    Lu Xun''s ethereal form materialized in the quiet room. The typically dim space was now illuminated by candlelight, and indeed, there was another person present.


    It was an elegant-looking man dressed in white.


    His name was Lu Chengchou.


    For individuals like Lu Xun, Lu Chengchou was like a foster father. He had raised them since childhood and imparted to them divine skills and techniques.


    This mysterious organization was also founded single-handedly by Lu Chengchou, with the sole purpose of undermining the Mount Shu Sect. Although Lu Chengchou had never revealed the exact reasons behind this grudge, they were very aware that he absolutely hated the Mount Shu Sect.


    Seeing Lu Xun''s arrival, the ck-d man beside Lu Chengchou spoke first. "Why did you take so long? The boss has been summoning you for a while."


    "I got into some trouble at Mount Shu, and... I was seriously injured by someone, so it wasn''t very convenient for me to leave," Lu Xun exined.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Lu Chengchou raised an eyebrow and asked, "Trouble?"


    "It''s unrted to our n..." Lu Xun hurriedly rified, then hesitated before continuing, "Well, I can''t say it''s entirely unrted. If the Dual Wielder had killed Chu Liang, perhaps none of this would have transpired..."


    With that, he briefly recounted the series of conflicts.


    Initially, they had been arguing about who to bear the greater responsibility for the failed assassination of Chu Liang, but with the Dual Wielder dead, the issue was resolved. They could simply me it on the dead.


    It was entirely the Dual Wielder''s fault for not performing this task well.


    "For such a trivial matter?" Upon hearing the exnation, Lu Chengchou pondered for a moment and advised, "You better not provoke her in the future. Let''s put aside the task of assassinating Chu Liang."


    "What?" Lu Xun was surprised. He never expected such a statement from their usually ruthless and decisive leader. He expected Lu Chengchou to boldlyunch a revenge n following the Dual Wielder''s death.


    "I''ve summoned you to let you know that I''ve sessfully lured Taowu out of the Evil Demon Mountain, and everything is proceeding as nned. We simply need to await the opportune moment to attack. During this time, you shouldy low on Mount Shu and avoid getting into any trouble," Lu Chengchou said. "People like Di Nufeng are lunatics, so it''s best not to provoke them anymore. Otherwise, you might suddenly find yourself dead one day."


    Lu Xun hesitated. He wanted to exin but found himself at a loss for words. He had heard that Di Nufeng was fierce but he had no idea she could really disy such fierceness.


    He paused for a moment and eventually said, "Understood."


    "You have been on Mount Shu for a long time. You should know who you can provoke and who you can¡¯t," said Lu Chengchou.


    "I''ve only heard of her fierce reputation over the years. It was my first time interacting with her..." Lu Xun responded with a hint of apprehension.


    "In any case, remember this from now on. There are two absolute lunatics on Mount Shu that you should steer clear of," Lu Chengchou said sternly.


    "Aside from the first problem of Mount Shu, Di Nufeng, who is the other lunatic?" Lu Chengchou asked curiously.


    He had lived on Mount Shu for about thirty years, but he wasn''t entirely familiar with the people and events from the past.


    Lu Chengchou said slowly, "The Discipline Master, Tian Lingxin."


    ...


    "What exactly is your rtionship with the Discipline Master?" Chu Liang finally asked the question.


    Ever since he returned from the Hall of Alchemy, he had been curious about this. Over the years, he hadn¡¯t witnessed his teacher interact or contact the Discipline Master much. Yet, she was addressing the Discipline Master as Aunt Tian in such a casual manner, as though she had been doing so for a long time.


    No one else on Mount Shu dared to address the Discipline Master that way.


    "Maybe it''s simr to ours," Di Nufeng said casually as she sat in the lofty hall of the pavilion.


    She continued, "I lost my mother at birth, and my father didn''t want me either. It was Aunt Tian who brought me to Mount Shu... She faced a lot of pressure in doing so. I heard that even the sect leader was against it at the time, but she stood firm and raised me."


    "Is she your teacher?" Chu Liang inquired.


    Before this, he had never heard Di Nufeng mention her teacher. <i>Does this mean that the Discipline Master is my grandteacher? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    <i>We have a big shot to rely on!</i>


    "No," Di Nufeng shook her head, "I don¡¯t have a teacher. No one on Mount Shu taught me any divine skills and techniques."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang was confused.


    As he pondered over it, he realized that his teacher followed the Dao of physical cultivation. No one on Mount Shu could teach her. Still, even if she had never been taught by the Discipline Master, she should have formalized their rtionship as teacher and disciple.


    Di Nufeng''s background appeared somewhat mysterious. In the past, Chu Liang had asked her about it out of curiosity, but she had always been very vague in her responses.


    But it was understandable why she would keep her background a secret. After all, the fact that his teacher could use the Samadhi True Fire hinted at a possible connection with the imperial family.


    "Anyway, I grew up under her guidance," Di Nufeng said. "I seized this Silver Sword Peak because I wanted to break away from her and establish my own foothold."


    It all started to make sense.


    Chu Liang naturally had no idea of these events from decades ago. And now, it sounded as though the Discipline Master yed at least the role of Di Nufeng¡¯s guardian.


    No wonder she was able to thrive and grow despite her tyrannical behavior on Mount Shu. It turned out that she and the Discipline Master were family!


    Even if the Discipline Master remained impartial in enforcing thew and would handle Di Nufeng''s matters justly, it wouldn¡¯t change the fact that the enforcer and the offender were from the same family. This meant that anyone in conflict with her had to carefully consider their options.


    It was no wonder that she had been concerned about that little troublemaker, Chen Lingtong, stealing her title as the first problem of Mount Shu.


    Every time the seventy-year-old Di Nufeng looked at Chen Lingtong, she must be seeing herself from when she was seven.


    Since his teacher didn''t want to say anything more, Chu Liang obediently chose not to ask any further questions. He turned around and fed the pill to the Golden-Furred Hou.


    When they went to the Hall of Alchemy to scam...impensation, they received a Spirit-Enhancing Pill. This pill was intended for spirit beasts and could assist them in maturing and breaking through to the next realm.


    It was extremely valuable.


    The Baize youngling, which had yet to reach maturity, would naturally progress to the seventh realm. As a celestial beast, it had a chance of attaining the eighth realm without needing the Spirit-Enhancing Pill.


    However, beasts like the Golden-Furred Hou, which were already mature, had little hope of advancing in cultivation level. Even if they could advance to the next level naturally, it might take hundreds or thousands of years. Therefore, they were the kind of beasts that truly needed Spirit-Enhancing Pills.


    Feeding the pill to the Golden-Furred Hou was not difficult at all. Chu Liang simply needed to ce any edible items near its mouth. Even if it was asleep and had its eyes closed, it would extend its tongue and maneuver the food into its mouth.


    Moreover, it was currently full of energy.


    However, shortly after consuming the Spirit-Enhancing Pill, the Golden-Furred Hou began to feel drowsy. The pill didn''t take effect immediately; it required a digestion process that wasn''t short.


    It seemed probable that the Golden-Furred Hou would remain in this drowsy, hibernation-like state for some time toe.


    But once it fully digested the Spirit-Enhancing Pill, Silver Sword Peak would have a spirit beast of the sixth realm!


    At the thought of having a sixth-realm spirit beast, Chu Liang just felt so excited.


    Normally, only the Eminent One at the seventh realm could possess such a mount. However, in the future, he would also relish the prestige of owning a mount from the sixth realm!


    He patted the Golden-Furred Hou''s head.


    This beating was worth it!

 Chapter 203: The Weather is Nice Today (II) [End of Book 2]

    <h4>Chapter 203: The Weather is Nice Today (II) [End of Book 2]</h4>


    The following afternoon, Chu Liang convened the team members for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. The three juniors from Cloud Horizon Peak arrived first, with Lin Bei following shortly after.


    "Big Bro! Have you called us here because you have some ideas?" Shang Ziliang asked excitedly.


    "Actually, I thought of something earlier, but I was worried about you guys leaking the news, so I didn¡¯t tell you," Chu Liang said with a smile. "With the deadline drawing closer, we should investigate together."


    "<i>Ah?</i> So you knew about it a long time ago," Shang Ziliang said, his expression shifting. He seemed to be feeling a tinge of sadness, perhaps because Chu Liang hadn¡¯t shown him full trust.


    Then, he turned around and asked Lin Bei, "Did he tell you?"


    Lin Bei shook his head and replied, "No."


    A grin then reappeared on Shang Ziliang¡¯s face.


    Soon, Chu Liang brought them to the Red Cotton Peak.


    In the hill area behind the deste streets of the Red Cotton Market, there stood an abandoned altar.


    In ancient times, this ce was dedicated to worshiping the gods of Mount Shu. Over the years, it gradually fell into disrepair and waster chosen by the Mount Shu Sect as the mountain gate.


    It''s a dpidated open-air altar made of white stones, upying a vast area. Many pirs surround it, most of which have copsed and are in ruins, leaving only a small portion intact.


    Chu Liang led them to a more secluded spot and had a few of them sit in a circle.


    "Why are we here?" asked Shang Ziliang.


    "The clue we had before was actually just a simple riddle," Chu Liang exined.


    "The Riddle?" someone asked.


    Chu Liang started exining, "Half of December is June.


    "At the summit of valley mountain. The word valley is written as ¹È and the top of this ¹È is the character °Ë, which means eight.


    "Right of Jinlin River. To understand this, all you have to do is rece the right half of the character Jin, which is written as ½õ, with the character wood, which is written as ľ. That would then create the character ÃÞ, which means cotton.[1]"


    "As for the Manifestation of the Mountain God..." Chu Liang continued, dissecting each segment of the riddle until he finally concluded, "Naturally, I considered the Mountain God''s Altar at the highest point of Red Cotton Peak."


    "Today is the eighth of June. Does this mean that there will be an anomaly tonight at this Mountain God''s Altar?" Lin Bei eximed, "No wonder the timing and location seemed so unusual earlier, it all had profound meaning. You''re truly remarkable!"


    The riddle mentioned the half of December, in which the Mount Shu Summit would usually ur had already passed, and mentioned the Jinlin River that no one knew, had indeed stumped many disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. However, upon listening to Chu Liang¡¯s exnation, they felt a moment of enlightenment.


    "Compared to the straightforward hints we''ve had before, this one was just a little trickier, but not too hard," Chu Liangughed. "I''m sure if everyone thinks about it carefully, they''ll get it."


    That was indeed a fact. Once one started connecting the dots in that direction, the riddle didn''t seem all that difficult. The challengey in breaking away from the usual pattern of straightforward hints given in the past.


    However, they didn''t have much time to figure it out.


    "<i>Heh</i>, who knows what clues might show up here today, but we''ll definitely be the first ones to get our hands on them! Advantage is ours!" eximed Shang Ziliang excitedly.


    <i>I don''t think I''m the only one who thought of this...</i> Chu Liang said inwardly.


    ...


    As they were chatting, they heard gentle footsteps approaching from the distance.


    As they nced upward, a group of women approached them. All of them were female cultivators from the Azure Falling Peak and they were all at the Golden Core Realm. At the forefront strode a woman draped in a flowing white gown, exuding an ethereal and graceful air, akin to a cloud drifting from the peak of a mountain.


    Of course it was Jiang Yuebai!


    As they approached, Chu Liang and the others stood up and greeted them.


    "Senior Sister Jiang." He nodded gently.


    Jiang Yuebai smiled and nodded in return. She then asked, "What are you all doing here?"


    "<i>Um...</i> Well, the weather is nice today, so a few of us friends came here for a pic," Chu Liang immediately replied.


    Without knowing the other party''s intentions, he naturally couldn''t reveal any information.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Jiang Yuebai blinked and said, "I see."


    "Senior Sister Jiang, what about you?" Chu Liang asked in return.


    "The weather is lovely today, so a few of my sisters and I came out for a stroll," Jiang Yuebai said calmly.


    "Well, isn''t that a coincidence," Chu Liang chuckled. "We won''t disturb your outing then. Let''s each go on our way."


    "I think the scenery here is quite nice, and the ground is clean," Jiang Yuebai said with a gentle smile. "Why don''t we have a pic together?"


    "Well..." Chu Liang hesitated.


    "You wouldn''t mind, would you?" Jiang Yuebai nced at the others behind him.


    Chu Liang nced behind him and noticed that although hispanions remained silent, their faces were all flushed.


    <i>Hopeless men... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    But who could resist the opportunity to pic with Fairy Jiang?


    As they sat in a circle, with five young men on one side and five young women on the other, the atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.


    Jiang Yuebai smiled and broke the silence, saying, "Did you alle out for a pic without bringing any food?"


    Chu Liang chuckled awkwardly, realizing he only had some Golden Vein Berries with him. Just as he was about to retrieve them to alleviate the awkwardness, Lackey B spoke up.


    Lackey B, who had been standing at the edge, suddenly interjected, "I brought food."


    With that, he unfurled a red carpet in the center and beganying out an array of snacks, fruits, preserves, candies... roast chicken, roast duck, pork trotters, braised beef... osmanthus cake, water chestnut cake, crispy pastries, sweet date cakes... apanied by osmanthus wine, plum wine, and red bean soup.


    As he unpacked, everyone around was left speechless.


    Everyone could infer the size of his storage tool. The sheer quantity of food it contained implied that there wouldn¡¯t be enough space for anything else important.


    This dude was basically a walking pantry.


    Chu Liang silently gave him a thumbs up in his mind... This guy was truly something else!


    Lackey B alone organized this "pic." Everyone was about to dig in andmence the pic when they heard footsteps approaching from the other side.


    As they looked over, they saw Xu Ziyang leading five others from the Jade Sword Peak, walking over from a distance.


    Seeing the lively scene here, Xu Ziyang was also somewhat surprised.


    "You guys..." Xu Ziyang said as he nced around at everyone.


    Chu Liang grinned as usual as he exined, "The weather''s great today, so we decided to have a pic here."


    Initially, Xu Ziyang thought Chu Liang was lying, but seeing all the foodid out, he began to doubt himself.


    <i>Maybe they really were here for a pic... </i>Xu Ziyang mused.


    Jiang Yuebai then asked, "What brings Senior Xu here?"


    Xu Ziyang hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well, the weather is indeed nice today, so my junior brothers and I decided to take a stroll."


    "In that case, we won''t disturb you," Chu Liang raised his hand, indicating they were free to go about their business.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Xu Ziyang pondered for a moment, then suggested, "Since we''ve run into each other, why don''t we have this pic together?"


    Chu Liang had expected that Xu Ziyang wouldn''t leave so easily, so he nced at Jiang Yuebai and said with a smile, "Shall we?"


    Jiang Yuebai nodded with a smile as she said, "Let''s go together then."


    And so, on the deserted altar on the Red Cotton Peak, a lively scene unfolded, unprecedented in the long years of its existence.


    Fifteen young men and women sat together, enjoying each other''spany.


    ...


    In the midst of the group, Xu Ziqing fixed her gaze on Chu Liang, lost in contemtion.


    Ever since she identally stumbled upon Chu Liang purchasing the technique for dual cultivation at the Hall of Conservation, a burning curiosity had ignited within her. Senior Brother Chu had already advanced to the stage of Dual Cultivation with someone... but who could that person be?


    Her desire to explore wasn''t fueled by jealousy, but by pure curiosity.


    Because the Senior Brother at the Hall of Conservation had specifically mentioned the issue of Dual Cultivation between a Golden Core of Lesser Yin and Golden Core of Lesser Yang, she concluded that the woman involved must have already formed her core, and it was a Golden Core of Lesser Yin. Otherwise, Chu Liang wouldn''t have asked any question about this.


    And almost all the women on Mount Shu who had formed their cores were present here. Her eyes wandered among the senior sisters of the Azure Falling Peak, and among them, she noticed that two had formed Golden Cores of Lesser Yin.


    Among the two, Chu Liang seemed to be a bit more attentive to one of them, asionally offering food and drinks, disying a level of thoughtfulness. To those unaware, it might appear merely polite, but to those reading into these actions with other thoughts, such behavior indicated an ambiguous rtionship.


    That senior sister was none other than Jiang Yuebai!


    Little detective Xu Ziqing''s eyes sparkled as if she had uncovered a massive secret, her excitement barely contained.


    <i>Goodness gracious...</i>


    <i>Senior Brother Chu and Senior Sister Jiang...</i>


    <i>No wonder Chu Liang had to do it secretly. With Senior Sister Jiang''s poprity in the world of immortal cultivation, they had to be careful.</i>


    Xu Ziqing had always thought that Senior Sister Jiang and her brother were the perfect match, considering they were the two most outstanding geniuses of their generation on Mount Shu. They were the two unparalleled talents. If Senior Sister Jiang ended up with someone else, she would have felt heartbroken.


    But now, the harmonious interaction between Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai appeared rather natural.


    After all, Senior Brother Chu was also an extraordinary cultivator who had formed an ultimate-tier Golden Core, a rare urrence that would usually ur once in a hundred years. He was a rising star at the Mount Shu Sect. Coupled with his intelligence, good nature, and charismatic personality, Xu Ziqing silently stamped the words "perfect match" in her mind.


    Although Chu Liang had treated her with aloofness, which had caused her some heartache, if he were to end up with Senior Sister Jiang, Xu Ziqing reckoned that her defeat wouldn''t be unbearable.


    She resolved to keep Senior Brother Chu and Senior Sister Jiang¡¯s rtionship a secret, promising inwardly that she would keep this secret safe for them.


    Still, it was a pity her brother wouldn¡¯t have a chance anymore. Butpared to him, Chu Liang indeed had a better way with girls. She nced at Xu Ziyang and noticed him also gazing at Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai with a pensive expression.


    <i>Did her brother also noticed something fishy between them? </i>Xu Ziqing wondered.


    <i>Sigh.</i>


    <i>Well, it seems he has a sensitive side too.</i>


    And at this moment...


    Xu Ziyang''s eyes darted between Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai as his mind raced with thoughts...


    <i>These two couldn''t have just randomly appeared here. They must have also solved the first riddle of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony at the Red Cotton Peak. There''s bound to be a fight!</i>


    <i>I must defeat both of them!</i>


    The Jade Sword Peak will take the top spot at the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony!


    1. There is only one ce that has the character cotton in its name. ?

 Chapter 204: One Moonlit Night [Start of Book 3]

    <h4>Chapter 204: One Moonlit Night [Start of Book 3]</h4>


    The moonlight cast a gentle and enchanting glow.


    The deep sea was incredibly calm, with a solitary ind perched upon it. At the edge of the ind sat a man, wearing a bamboo hat and a cloak that covered half of his face, revealing only a glimpse of his stubble.


    If Chu Liang were here, he would surely recognize this man as the Whale-Riding Immortal he had encountered before.


    By his side was a white coffin tinged with purple hues, its surface gleaming as if it was made of jade. But upon closer inspection, one could see a faint frost emanating from the grass and soil surrounding the coffin. The material used to construct this white coffin was unmistakably ice!


    The man looked up at the sky and fixed his gaze above the moon.


    A crescent moon hung in the sky, casting a delicate and graceful shadow, resembling a peerless beauty dancing gracefully.


    Somehow, as he continued to watch, the shadow of that beauty appeared to draw closer. Her sleeves flowed with the wind, and her garments fluttered. In the blink of an eye, she stood before him.


    It wasn''t as if she was drawing nearer; she was already here.


    When the Whale-Riding Immortal looked back, the surrounding sea had already frozen over. This ind, along with its underwater portions, was indeed massive. When this behemoth moved, even ordinary icebergs would be shattered.


    But at this moment, everything froze.


    From an aerial point of view, one would see that the sea area for tens of miles around had turned into a mirror-like surface of ice! In an instant, the vast sea had turned into an icy expanse!


    This method was simply unimaginable.


    But the Whale-Riding Immortal didn''t panic at all. He merely revealed a hint of helplessness. He chuckled bitterly and said, "Pretty one, why are you still bothering me?"


    "It was bold of you to trespass into our cult''s forbidden ground, the Moon Tomb, and steal our ancient ice coffin. You have chosen the path of death. I havee today to take your life." A cold voice echoed ethereally from a distance.


    As the voice carried over, a figure floated over the ice surface.


    It was a woman with disheveled long hair, dressed in a ck waist-tied long robe, her skin as pale as moonlight. Her lips were red and alluring, yet her eyes were filled with icy killing intent.


    "I already said from the beginning that I wanted to negotiate with you, but you refused. So, I had no choice but to take it myself." The Whale-Riding Immortal continued to grin foolishly, seemingly unaware of the woman''s murderous intent. "You can discusspensation. As long as the price is reasonable, we can negotiate. Why make things unpleasant for everyone?"


    "You have already disrespected our cult. There is no room for negotiation," thedy dered firmly.


    The Greater-Yin Cult was located in the secluded Moon Deity Pce in the Northern Regions. Historically, the cult has been exclusivelyposed of women, with very few members venturing into the outside world. It has been considered one of the most mysterious sects in the Divine Nine.


    However, its power remained unquestionable. Anyone who dared to provoke the Greater-Yin Cult would eventually meet their demise, and news of their death would spread far and wide. Ruthlessness and mercilessness were among the fewbels associated with this cult.


    But not long ago, this man actually went to the Moon Deity Pce and made a rather unreasonable demand.


    He wanted the Ancient Profound Ice Coffin in the Moon Tomb.


    The so-called forbidden ground, Moon Tomb, was the burial ce of all Greater-Yin Cult''s predecessors who had reached the seventh and eighth realms. And this man wanted a coffin inside, which meant that they would have to remove the remains of a predecessor in that coffin.


    It was impossible for the Greater-Yin Cult to agree to such a request.


    However, the unexpected happened.


    The following night, the man broke into the Moon Tomb, bypassing theyers of formations as if they didn''t exist. He seemed to be a man of principle, taking only the ice coffin and not sparing a nce at the more valuable remains of the predecessors and apanying artifacts.


    The people in the Moon Deity Pce were furious.


    The technique "Searching the Heavens and Earth" was unable to uncover his whereabouts. By relying on the secret techniques of the Moonlight Sky Pce, thedy gradually traced his footsteps until she caught up with him.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" sighed the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    Without waiting for him to say anything else, thedy from the Greater-Yin Cultunched her attack.


    With a deafening roar, a dense mist of ice billowed forth like towering waves, sweeping towards the man on the ind.


    Earlier, the woman had considered freezing the man along with the sea, but her powers seemed to falter when it touched the ind and nothing would change.


    She mustered even greater strength, channeling the foundational qi that didn''t touch the ind into a mist of ice. As this mist surged higher and higher, a colossal wave over a hundred feet tall was unleashed in an instant.


    "Your cultivation ismendable even in the Moon Deity Pce. Return and ry this message to the leader of the Greater-Yin Cult leader: I am not taking this ice coffin for no reason. Consider this a favor I owed to her, to be repaid in due time. However, if you persist on showing aggression, I won''t hesitate to take severe action." The voice of the Whale-Riding Immortal reverberated through the icy barrier.


    The moment he said that, the hundred-foot ice abruptly stopped, forming a towering ice wall that stood still.


    In the next moment, the ice wall suddenly extended and instantly engulfed the woman within its confines.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Upon the vast expanse of ice, the ice wall expanded infinitely, swiftly constructing a grand fortress over a hundred feet tall. Meanwhile, the woman found herself trapped in darkness within one section of it.


    Her special divine technique was this ice technique. She really hadn''t expected that the guy would take control, turning the tables and trapping her instead.


    She activated her foundational qi and attempted to regain control over the ice, only to find that she had lost all connection with the ice in this domain. The Great Dao of Ice, which she had mastered, now felt so unfamiliar!


    <i>What''s going on? Has the Great Dao lost its effect? No!</i>


    <i>These ice elements have betrayed me!</i>


    To thisdy, ice was like her weapon, yet now her weapon was just easily dismantled!


    After a moment of contemtion, she understood the origin of her predicament. The man''s affinity with the ice elements surpassed hers, allowing him to easily take away her "weapon."


    <i>How is this possible? I have attained enlightenment in the Great Dao of Ice, and I am a seventh-realm cultivator who dedicated myself to this Dao, </i>thedy thought to herself.


    Without time for astonishment, she immediately gave up on the use of the Ice-Maniption Divine Technique. She leaped into the air, smashing through the thick ice wall with a resounding palm strike!


    As expected, she could easily escape using her physical strength alone.


    However, as she surveyed her surroundings, her gaze suddenly froze.


    In the distance, there stood a lofty mountain that embraced the moon''s radiance, with a silver pce shrouded in mist atop it, appearing ethereal and surreal.


    This scene was all too familiar to her.


    That mountain was none other than the Greater-Yin Cult''s mountain gate, the Brilliant Yin Summit. And the pce atop the mountain was the legendary Moon Deity Pce.


    How could it be that in the blink of an eye, that man had sent the entire ice fortress, along with herself, back to the headquarter of her sect?


    Could someone with such means be an eighth-realm cultivator? A cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm?


    If so, within the sect, besides the leader, Yin Guyue, there wouldn''t be a second person capable of fighting him.


    As she thought about this, thedy looked up and flew towards the Moon Deity Pce confidently.


    ...


    The sea reimed its tranquility.


    The ind glided serenely ahead, its gentle movement stirring subtle ripples that danced in its wake.


    With a sharp yet solemn sound, the lid of the white coffin was soon lifted, revealing a small delicate visage within.


    It was the young girl who had been taken away by the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    This ice coffin was prepared for her.


    "Why did you wake up so quickly?" the Whale Riding Immortal asked with concern.


    ".... Noi-se," the young girl struggled to form the word, her voice hesitant and somewhat awkward.


    "<i>Oh</i>, sorry if I disturbed you earlier," the man said with a chuckle. "Let''s y for a while, shall we? Would you like something to eat?"


    The little girl nodded gently.


    With a flick of his hand, the Whale-Riding Immortal conjured a live eagle out of thin air. The eagle had a fierce expression, perhaps just moments ago it was hunting, but somehow in the next moment, it became a prey. Its expression of fierceness instantly became confusion.


    The Whale Riding Immortal handed it to the little girl and said, "There aren''t many nearby creatures with fresh blood, so try this."


    Furrowing her brow, the young girl puckered her lips in response.


    "Not a fan?" The Whale-Riding Immortal observed her expression and inquired, "Well then, what would you prefer to eat?"


    The girl''s mouth moved a few times, and she struggled to spit out two words, "Fruits..."


    "You mean those berries with the scent of qi, blood, and dragon''s breath?" the Whale-Riding Immortal said. "Indeed, they taste good, but we''ve already finished them. If you want more, we''ll have to go to Mount Shu to get some..."


    The girl''s throat moved as she tilted her face up, looking at him with pleading eyes.


    <i>Haihh... </i>The Whale-Riding Immortal sighed as he ced his hand on her head and gave her a gentle pat.


    "I can''t allow that," he murmured, his hand still resting on her head. "I haven''t found a solution to reverse the cmity you''re causing. We''ll need to continue drifting at sea for a while longer. asionally, I''ll have to use the ice coffin to suppress your powers. Going ashore could result in many casualties."


    The girl humped softly, seeming a bit unhappy.


    Then, the sea around them churned, roiling with an ominous energy.


    The sea had experienced too much tonight. As the massive ice had been released, rumbling sounds began echoing one after another, as if the sea itself was boiling!


    "Alright, alright, hurry up and eat something, then let''s go back and lie down," the Whale-Riding Immortal said in a gentle tone, "If we dy any longer, we might attract attention."


    The girl grabbed the somewhat mysterious giant eagle, which looked so big in her hands... yet so weak. She opened her mouth and gently bit down, breaking the eagle''s neck.


    A fresh stream of blood flowed into her mouth.


    It should have been her favorite taste. However, since she had tasted those incredibly delicious fruits when she emerged into the world, she found herself less fond of the purely fresh blood, which carried a hint of raw scent.


    Suddenly, she found herself missing the person who had given her the fruits.


    ...


    <i>Achoo! </i>Chu Liang rubbed his nose and wondered, <i>Why do I keep feeling like someone is talking about me?</i>


    Nevertheless, he didn''t have much time to dwell on it as he immediately scanned his surroundings.


    As evening descended upon Mount Shu, the sky ignited with the brilliance of the setting sun.


    The three teams had spent the afternoon here. Following the pic, Lin Bei busy organized games for everyone.


    In terms of overall strength, the Silver Sword Peak team was significantly inferior to the other two. However, when it came to social skills, Lin Bei could single-handedly take on both teams.


    The three captains tacitly allowed their team members to participate, while they watched from the sidelines, ready to handle any unexpected situations.


    Amidst theughter and chatter, thest rays of sunlight faded from the sky over yonder.


    Soon, it was night time.


    At that moment, a sudden change urred at the abandoned altar on the side!


    A colossal shadow of light materialized above the altar, vaguely resembling the form of a deity. It hovered in mid-air, its left hand resting behind its back while its right hand pointed forward, its eyes filled withpassion.


    This was the appearance of the legendary deity of Mount Shu.


    The Mountain God had manifested!


    Everyone was startled, stopping whatever they were doing to gaze at the illusion of the Mountain God.


    Chu Liang was the first to turn his head and look in the direction indicated by the Mountain God''s right hand. There, standing prominently, was another peak.


    The Sword Sheath Peak!

 Chapter 205: Breaking Through the Shell

    <h4>Chapter 205: Breaking Through the Shell</h4>


    At this moment, all of Mount Shu''s disciples that were outside saw the Mountain God''s giant figure on Red Cotton Peak.


    "What''s that?"


    "Looks like a projection of Mount Shu''s Mountain God?"


    "Could it be a clue for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony?"


    "Hurry. Let''s go and take a look!"


    This was how the first clue was designed to work. Even if no one managed to solve the first puzzle, they would still get to see this projection and find the location of the second puzzle.


    Of course, those who managed to solve the first puzzle, the riddle, had the advantage and would take the lead.


    Among the elite disciples on Red Cotton Peak, around half of them had realized that the next puzzle might be hidden in the direction that the Mountain God projection was pointing.


    Several beams of swordlight immediately soared into the sky! Dozens more swords lit up in session, streaking across the night sky. Three beams of swordlight swiftly pulled ahead of the rest.


    Xu Ziyang, who was at the fifth realm, burst forth with full force, flying at a terrifying speed. The moment he put one foot onto his flying sword, he pretty much flew out of Red Cotton Peak.


    Jiang Yuebai was proficient in the abilities that came with her Transcendent Spirit, so she would obviously execute the Sword Maniption Technique, which was the most basic technique, much better than her peers. She pursued Xu Ziyang closely without even the slightest sign of falling behind.


    Chu Liang''s performance was the most astonishing. To everyone else, he had just advanced to the fourth realm. They knew he had an ultimate-tier Golden Core, but that didn''t exin why there wasn''t a gap between him and the other two people in the lead.


    After all, Chu Liang was the only one who knew he had two ultimate-tier Golden Cores running inside him! And they were rotating wildly! The vortex in his Dantian was a Yin-Yang Dual Vortex!


    As the dual vortex hit maximum speed, a boom reverberated from his Sea of Qi!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    The three swordlights in the lead drew long rainbow-like trails behind them and swiftly arrived overhead the Sword Sheath Peak.


    This was where the Violet and Azure Twin Swords had been hidden. Sword qi often surged wildly at the top of this peak, so the Mount Shu Sect''s disciples usually knew not to approach this ce.


    Nevertheless, Xu Ziyang, Jiang Yuebai, and Chu Liang weren''t bothered by that. The three of them scanned the area with their divine sense and discovered there were some special spots on the peak. Four gs had been nted in the east, south, north, and west parts of the Sword Sheath Peak.


    Xu Ziyang flew without hesitation toward the g in the east, which was the closest to him. Seeing that, Jiang Yuebai flew in the opposite direction toward the g in the west. Chu Liang didn''tpete with either of them, flying straight toward the g in the south.


    He pulled therge g out from the ground and realized there seemed to be a map painted on it, but the map was iplete... It seemed that all four gs needed to be ced together toplete the map.


    Chu Liang didn''t have much time to think. He folded the g and flew speedily toward thest g in the north.


    The three people had each obtained a g without injury. However, now that they were all trying to acquire thest g, it seemed inevitable that there would be a conflict.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª</i>


    The three of them flew forward simultaneously. They were all around the same distance away from the fourth g, so it was very likely that they would reach it at the same time.


    Yet, just when they were only tens of zhang away, Jiang Yuebai suddenly made a hand seal.


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh!</i>


    She left behind two consecutive afterimages, each one showing she had covered a distance of over ten zhang. Jiang Yuebai arrived in front of the g in the blink of an eye; it was now within her reach.


    She''d used Dimension Compression!


    Chu Liang eximed inwardly, <i>she''s so shameless to use immortal arts at this time! </i>


    Nevertheless, there was nothing he could do about it. Jiang Yuebai had told him about the seal for the Dimension Compression a few days ago, but he hadn''t grasped the elusive Dao of Distancelessness yet.


    Chu Liang wasn''t the only one anxious; Xu Ziyang tense grew tense too.


    Upon seeing that Jiang Yuebai had gained the advantage and was about the grab the second g, Xu Ziyang raised his hand and released a beam of swordlight!


    It was inevitable for the disciples to fight during the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony was part of the Mount Shu Summit after all. Nheless, Xu Ziyang didn''t attack Jiang Yuebai to harm her; he just wanted to impede her momentum.


    Things yed out as expected... With swordlight surging toward her back, Jiang Yuebai had no choice but to turn around and draw her sword to defend herself. Her sword qi shed with Xu Ziyang''s, and their swordlights illuminated the area.


    Jiang Yuebai was momentarily dyed from grabbing the g. That was enough for Xu Ziyang to catch up and reach out from the side to grab the g!


    Still, how could Chu Liang let Xu Ziyang do as he pleased?


    Chu Liang''s Dustless Sword surged with the power of his two Golden Cores and unleashed the Cloud of Determination sword qi, apanied by a deafening burst of wind!


    Even Xu Ziyang did not dare to face Chu Liang''s attack head-on. He swung his sword against Chu Liang''s sword qi, intending to cut through it. Yet, he was instead forced to take two steps back.


    Chu Liang was now the closest to the g. Going by how the three people had shed so far, with Xu Ziyang impeding Jiang Yuebai and then Chu Liang impeding Xu Ziyang, it should be Jiang Yuebai''s turn to stop Chu Liang from grabbing the g.


    Yet, even after Chu Liang grabbed the g, Jiang Yuebai didn''t make a move against him.


    It had all happened so quickly that Chu Liang didn''t have the time to think about why that was the case. However, once he had seeded in grabbing the g, he looked at Jiang Yuebai and felt rather astonished.


    "The map can only beplete if we ce the four paintings together, so it doesn''t matter if you get one or two doesn''t matter," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile. "There''s no need for us to fight each other so seriously over this."


    "Senior Sister Jiang, thank you for letting me have it. This fourth map belongs to both of us; I definitely won''t keep it to myself," Chu Liang replied immediately.


    "That''s good. In that case, we can make a trade to view the other parts of the map."


    "Why don''t our teams form an alliance?" Chu Liang asked, suggesting to take the cooperation with Jiang Yuebai one step further.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Xu Ziyang uttered.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai''s conversation was taking an odd turn.


    Xu Ziyang thought, <i>These two are just talking among themselves. How did the situation suddenly be so strange? I''m still here, you know! </i>


    <i>Are they forgetting I''m a person too?</i>


    He stepped forward and looked at Jiang Yuebai.


    Xu Ziyang asked, "Are you really going to form an alliance with him?"


    Jiang Yuebai responded with a question. "Why are you asking?"


    Xu Ziyang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually, I can form an alliance with you too. We have the two strongest teams, so we can work together to eliminate the other teams first and thenpete against each other."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered.


    It was his turn to feel something wasn''t right.


    <i>There are only three of us here. Who are the "others" you''re referring to?</i>


    All of a sudden, the two young men were now trying to win over Jiang Yuebai.


    Jiang Yuebai couldn''t help but smile and ask, "Why can''t you two form an alliance?"


    Chu Liang and Xu Ziyang nced at each other and spoke simultaneously.


    "That''s true."


    "That would be eptable."


    If all three teams contesting against each other were to form an alliance, then it would be like there was no alliance at all.


    Jiang Yuebai continued, "Regardless of whoever wants to ally with me, I will only agree to make a trade when all four parts of the map are present."


    Chu Liang and Xu Ziyang nodded in agreement.


    Jiang Yuebai was very quick on her feet and had already analyzed the current situation.


    Each party had a part of the map, so the information they possessed did not ovep. That meant each party needed the information the other parties possessed. However, if two parties were to exchange their parts of the map, then they would possess the same information.


    After that, whichever of the two parties that made a trade with thest party first would acquire all of the information. In that case, the party who had yet to make an information exchange with thest party would be kicked out of the alliance, as they wouldn''t be needed anymore.


    To avoid being the party that would get kicked out, there were only two options. One was to fight to be the first of the two parties to exchange information with thest party, but the fight would cause the parties to end up in a mutually disadvantageous situation. The second option was to stand firm and be thest party. They would be able topletely avoid the risk of getting kicked out of the alliance before acquiring all of the information. Nevertheless, none of them were fools, so there would be no way for them toplete the information exchange this way.


    To avoid being in a mutually disadvantageous situation, the best solution was to do a simultaneous three-party information exchange. That way all three parties would acquire all the information at the same time, and no one would be ced at a disadvantage.


    While the three people were conversing, more beams of swordlight descended toward the ground.


    Some of them were the teammates of the three people. They had flown over from Red Cotton Peak in pursuit of their leaders. There were also other disciples of Mount Shu who had rushed over from elsewhere.


    Chu Liang said, "There are too many people around now who might listen in on our conversation. Let''s just head back to our respective peaks and study the parts of the map that we have. We can arrange for a time tomorrow to discuss it further."


    "Sure."


    Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang both agreed to Chu Liang''s suggestion.


    ...


    Upon returning to Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang initially intended to study the two parts of the map first.


    Yet, before he could even take them out, he suddenly felt a slight shift in the White Pagoda.


    <i>Is it that egg?</i>


    Once Chu Liang realized what it was, he took out the mysterious beast egg from the White Pagoda.


    Recently, he had been diligently incubating the egg every day. Whenever he was free, he''d hold it in his hands and infuse it with foundational qi. After doing that for many days, the egg finally showed some signs of change.


    It seemed like something was about to hatch from it!


    Chu Liang quickly activated his foundational qi and gently passed it through the eggshell. The response that he got from the creature inside the beast egg grew increasingly stronger, causing the egg to sway slightly. It was a clear sign of life; the creature in the egg was very eager to break out of its shell!


    However, Chu Liang couldn''t do much to help it. All he could do was stay by its side, guarding it silently. After waiting for an hour, the first crack finally appeared on the eggshell.


    <i>Crack.</i>


    It was a tiny crack that looked as if it had been created by a needle pricking the eggshell. That dot quickly extended into a line that then expanded into a split in the eggshell.


    A green and white liquid flowed out. There was a lot of it, and it quickly made a little pool around the egg. Soon after, a very small creature appeared on the table.


    Chu Liang gasped in surprise.


    <i>It was such arge egg, yet what hatched out of it was this little thing? And this thing...</i>


    The small creature on the table was about half as long as a phnge[1], slightly thicker than a needle, pure white in color, and slightly transparent. It was currently doing its best to wriggle about.


    <i>Isn''t it clearly a... maggot?</i>


    1. A section of the finger. ?

 Chapter 206: The Larva

    <h4>Chapter 206: The Larva</h4>


    <i>Scritch, scritch, scritch.</i>


    On the empty tabley a wriggling, milky-whiterva of some kind... perhaps a maggot? Chu Liang regarded it with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.


    <i>After diligently nurturing it for so many days, did I really hatch a maggot in the end?</i>


    epting this reality was really difficult.


    The sense of aplishment of being a male mommy vanished instantly.


    In the realm of immortal cultivation, whether scouring the skies for five thousand years or delving deep beneath the earth for five thousand years, it was impossible for any cultivator''s spiritualpanion to be a maggot.


    Therva crawled on the table, its movements sluggish, and the short distance seemed like a vast wilderness to it. Nevertheless, it persisted, asionally changing direction as if searching for something.


    <i>Is it hungry? </i>Chu Liang spected.


    <i>But what should I feed a little maggot...</i>


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment, wondering if he should just release this maggot into the toilet and set it free.


    In the moment of distraction, Chu Liang blinked and found that the hardworkingrva had disappeared from the table.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    <i>It had been moving so slowly just now. Did it fly away?</i>


    Chu Liang looked around, puzzled, before finally noticing where it was located. There was a hole in the table that was as small as a needle''s eye and was barely noticeable. With a sweep of his divine sense, he realized that therva had already burrowed into it.


    <i>This little creature is like a needle. It sure likes to burrow into holes.</i>


    Chu Liang smiled and carefully used a strand of foundational qi to gently lift it out. Holding it on his fingertip, he was afraid of identally squeezing it.


    He ced therva on the table again. This time, it seemed to have found a path, immediately burrowing downward on the wooden surface, disappearing into a small hole it created.


    This tiny creature looked soft, and it was a mystery how it could burrow like that.


    However, Chu Liang soon noticed something unusual.


    As its upper half burrowed into the wooden table, there was immediately a small strand of golden dust emitted from its rear. Because it was so tiny, it was scattered around by the slightest breeze in the air.


    But its burrowing action did not stop, and the golden dust continued flying out.


    <i>What is this?</i>


    Chu Liang spected whether it was not actually burrowing but foraging instead. Perhaps it didn''t have anything to eat, so it resorted to gnawing on wood?


    With this idea in mind, he fetched a porcin bowl and once again sucked therva out from the wooden table, cing it into the bowl. He was about to feed it to therva to see if it would do as predicted.


    But therva, once again, burrowed downward.


    It continued gurgling from the beginning until the end at an unexpectedly fast speed. It instantly burrowed through the porcin bowl, with its lower half now inside.


    This time, the golden dust appeared again from its rear, looking more substantial, forming tiny particles that connected into a golden thread.


    <i>It could prate even hard porcin?</i> Chu Liang was slightly astonished.


    <i>Looks like this little thing isn''t an ordinaryrva. It has very strong teeth! </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    <i>Not only does it have very strong teeth, but it can also immediately digest wood and porcin after swallowing them, which is quite a terrifying digestive ability.</i>


    <i>If it were arge spirit beast like a Golden-Furred Hou, it wouldn''t be surprising for it to chew on two pounds of raw iron,</i> Chu Liang mused. <i>Thisrva had just been born and doesn¡¯t seem to show any special characteristics, so it''s quite astonishing that it could suddenly do something like this.</i>


    <i>But even if you are powerful, can you eat something normal please?</i>


    Chu Liang lifted the porcin bowl and ced it on an iron te to prevent it from burrowing through again. But before he could feed it anything else, to his astonishment, therva burrowed through the iron te!


    <i>Ah? It ate through the iron te?</i>


    Chu Liang frowned and took out his green leaf artifact, activating the defensive array pattern and opening the green leaf umbre.


    The umbre surface could even withstand at least the ordinary attacks of a fifth-realm cultivator, unquestionably solid in that regard. Chu Liang ced therva on it, wanting to see what it could do next.


    Therva had just been born and it seemed that its first lesson had been to find food by burrowing downwards. It did so without hesitation as its head had moved straight down.


    Then, its upper body burrowed into the surface of the green leaf umbre.


    <i>It can even do that?</i>


    Chu Liang hastily used his hand to channel his foundational qi to suck it out, afraid it would really damage the array pattern on the surface of the green leaf enchanted tool.


    He lifted this tiny creature on his finger. Worried that it might start burrowing into his fingers, he remained extremely careful. Just the thought of it burrowing into his fingers felt extremely terrifying.


    Upon closer inspection, he found that this little thing had actually grown!


    When it had burrowed through wood, porcin, and iron tes, its size didn¡¯t change much. However, after it had burrowed into the green leaf artifact, its size doubled.


    Of course, because it initially had the width of a needle, it still wasn¡¯t considered big now.


    Yet the speed of its growth was quite astonishing.


    Chu Liang guessed that it was because the material of the green leaf artifact contained a lot of spiritual energy. It seemed to be growing by consuming this spiritual energy.


    He took out a Golden Vein Berry and ced therva on top of it. Without hesitation, therva burrowed into it again. Given the fruit''s soft surface, it could easily pierce through.


    It appeared that it consumed not only hard objects but also soft ones.


    Before long, it had burrowed through the entire Golden Vein Berry. Although it hadn''tpletely consumed it, Chu Liang noticed that the golden patterns on the surface of the fruit had disappeared.


    This meant that all of the spiritual energy contained within this fruit was gone. It was now just a normal, tasty fruit.


    <i>Thisrva can absorb all the spiritual energy while it''s eating the treasure of nature?</i>


    <i>That¡¯s a bit powerful.</i>


    Currently, Chu Liang was thinking that there was nothing this tiny creature wouldn¡¯t eat and there wasn¡¯t anything that it couldn¡¯t bite through.


    If that was the case, where should he keep this creature?


    With how enthusiastic it is burrowing downward, if he had left it on the ground, he might see it emerging from the other side of the world in a few years.


    After pondering for a while, he tried to bring therva back to the White Pagoda.


    As a brilliant light shed, therva actually appeared in the space within the White Pagoda. However, the moment it entered the space within the White Pagoda, it seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep and wasn''t moving at all.


    Chu Liang had assumed that since it was born from the beast egg rewarded by the White Pagoda, it should also be able to return to the White Pagoda. Just like the Golden Vein Berries grown from seeds rewarded by the White Pagoda, they could be stored in the space within the White Pagoda.


    This saved him a lot of trouble.


    It seemed that in the future, he should find more items with spiritual energy to feed it and help it grow quickly.


    The sense of disappointment he felt in the beginningpletely vanished. Arva that could eat anything seemed amazing!


    He looked forward to witnessing the evolution of thisrva in the future.


    <i>It wouldn''t really turn into a fly, would it?</i>


    ...


    After fussing around for quite some time, it was gettingte, so Chu Liang decided to rest.


    The next morning, Lin Bei came knocking on his door.


    Chu Liang looked at Lin Bei with curiosity. "Why are you here so early?"


    "Naturally, there''s something important," Lin Bei said with a smile. "Do you know that I''ve recently be an attendant in the Foreign Affairs Hall?"


    "I had no idea." Chu Liang shook his head and said, "Congrattions!"


    On Mount Shu, besides the four Guardian Elders and their halls, there are actually quite a few other elders and halls in charge of various affairs, although their status may not be as high.


    Take Elder Shen from the Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    Elder Shen would be the supervising elder of the Sword Exchange Pavilion.


    The supervising elder of the Foreign Affairs Hall was the elder ranked right below the four Guardian Elders. The Foreign Affairs Hall, as the name suggested, was the hall for handling affairs outside of the sect.


    Aside from significant events that require the presence of the sect leader and the four guardian elders, the routine matters involving interactions with other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, as well as the minor affairs, were all managed by the Foreign Affairs Hall. This included tasks such as distributing letters from other sects and overseeing construction projects aimed at enhancing the image of the Mount Shu Sect in the realm of immortal cultivation.


    Moreover, inparison to other halls within the sect, thepetition for the position of attendant in the Foreign Affairs Hall was the fiercest. The Foreign Affairs Hall frequently interacted with the imperial court and other immortal sects, making it the sect''s least dangerous hall to serve but one with tasks of high prestige and substantial potential returns.


    Chu Liang stared at Lin Bei and recalled his remarkably impressive social skills. He thought that entering the Foreign Affairs Hall was indeed a suitable cement for him, allowing Lin Bei to make the most of his talents.


    "But I didn''te to bring you good news today. Right now, I''m just on probation, and it''s not confirmed whether I''ll get to stay in the Foreign Affairs Hall permanently," Lin Bei exined. "I''m here to inform you that there''s something that requires your assistance."


    "Why does the Foreign Affairs Hall need me?" Chu Liang asked in confusion.


    "Specifics are unclear. It''s a task assigned by the Foreign Affairs Master[1], and all I know is that the individuals involved are from the Greater-Yin Cult," Lin Bei exined.


    "Greater-Yin Cult?"


    Chu Liang couldn¡¯t fathom any connection between himself and the most mysterious immortal sect. Nevertheless, since this was an order, he had no choice but to apany Lin Bei on this journey.


    "Anyway, we''ll find out what''s going on when we get there," Lin Bei suddenly asked with a mischievous glint. "Do you know why I joined the Foreign Affairs Hall?"


    "Because you talk a lot?" Chu Liang replied.


    "..."


    Lin Bei was momentarily speechless before he answered, "It''s because the Foreign Affairs Hall gives me the opportunity to engage with disciples from other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Naturally, there are sects like the South Melody Conservatory and the Greater-Yin Cult with their assembly of beautiful women. There are too few senior and junior sisters on Mount Shu, and besides, they''re all local beauties. In the future, I''ll need to broaden my horizons."


    "...Hope you get what you wish for." Chu Liang said.


    "My first task today is to liaise with the members of the Greater-Yin Cult. This is a golden opportunity bestowed upon me." Lin Bei said, "Previously, you snatched my chances with Miss Song and Miss Xue. This time, I am determined to be one step ahead."


    Chu Liang immediately looked around and said, "You better not talk nonsense on Mount Shu. What chances did I snatch away?"


    "The chance to know them first? What were you thinking?" Lin Bei responded puzzledly.


    "Nothing." Chu Liang shook his head and quickly changed the topic. "I heard that the members of the Greater-Yin Cult all follow the cultivation path of the Supreme Mind and are extremely cold and ruthless. Are you sure you can do it?"


    "Not everyone can master the cultivation of the Supreme Mind. There were many cultivators of the Greater-Yin Cult who ended up getting married." Lin Bei said confidently, "Even if she''s an ice queen, I''ll just melt her with my warmth," Lin Bei said confidently.


    As they spoke, the two arrived at the Heaven-Reaching Peak, where a quiet room had been prepared for the Foreign Affairs Hall.


    As soon as Lin Bei entered the room, his eyes lit up.


    A young woman, dressed in ck with her hair tied up, sat in the room. Her skin was as fair as porcin, and her features emitted a heroic vibe. Despite the clean appearance of her brows and eyes, she exuded a faint air of indifference.


    Beforeing, Lin Bei hadn''t seen this disciple from the Greater-Yin Cult, but now that heid eyes on her, he couldn''t help but feel that her appearance and demeanor were indeed befitting of her background.


    "<i>Hehehe!</i>" Lin Bei approached with a cheerfulugh, "Hello, hello, hello! I presume you must be the disciple of the Greater-Yin Cult. I''ve heard that the Greater-Yin Cult is renowned for producing beauties, and today, seeing you confirms the rumors are true."


    "This is Chu Liang, the person you are looking for! I''m Lin Bei," Lin Bei approached again.


    He continued smiling as he said, "After we''re done here, do you have some time? How about we grab a meal together? You can''te to Mount Shu and not try our spicy and fragrant hot pot! Or maybe you''d like to enjoy the romantic moonlight on Mount Shu tonight?"


    Chu Liang was very observant.


    He saw her lips move twice, appearing to be forming the word "idiot."


    However, Lin Bei remained oblivious and, seeing her silence, continued with augh, "Don''t be afraid. The disciples of Mount Shu have always been very friendly."


    Thedy in ck finally couldn''t tolerate it anymore. Her eyebrows furrowed tightly as she opened her mouth, and with a deep, manly voice, she coldly spat out every single word, "Get lost."


    1. Please keep in mind that this is also an elder ?

 Chapter 207: Luo Xiaoyong

    <h4>Chapter 207: Luo Xiaoyong</h4>


    "I am the Mortal-Realm Wanderer of the Greater-Yin Cult. I came to Mount Shu Sect to see you." Thedy in ck...Erm...the ck-d individual whose gender remained ambiguous said to Chu Liang.


    The Mortal-Realm Wanderer of the Greater-Yin Cult was like the head disciple of Mount Shu. The sect would have the most talented individual of the generation handle affairs in representation of the sect.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei were both really shocked. The person in front clearly looked like a girl, but their voice sounded a bit hoarse and deep?


    "You..." Chu Liang stared at the ck-d individual as he contemted on how he should ask the question.


    Then, the ck-d individual said with his deep voice, "My name is Luo Xiaoyong.[1]"


    <i>Great. I don''t have to ask anymore.</i>


    <i>No girls would be named Luo Xiaoyong.</i>


    "Brother Luo, I am sorry." Chu Liang apologized as he took a seat, "My friend here misunderstood earlier... It was a bit presumptuous. But your appearance is quite deceiving. Anyway, I apologize for that."


    "It''s alright. It''s not the first time this has happened." Luo Xiaoyong said indifferently, but then added with a change of tone, "Although, among the many lustful individuals I''ve encountered, there aren''t many as presumptuous as him."


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Chu Liang could only smile awkwardly.


    "However..." Lin Bei still had a trace of curiosity, "Isn''t the Greater-Yin Cult known for exclusively epting female disciples? How did you manage to join?"


    Luo Xiaoyong replied, "I came to investigate some matters. I shouldn''t have to exin these to you guys."


    Lin Bei scratched his head as his eyes filled with a gleam of admiration.


    The only male disciple in the Greater-Yin Cult, amidst a sect known for its abundance of beautiful women... That sounded too good to be true.


    Chu Liang asked, "I wonder what Brother Luo came to ask me about?"


    "A few days ago, a man iming to be a Whale-Riding Immortal came to the Greater-Yin Cult. He wanted the coffin that held one of our cult''s predecessors from our forbidden grounds. The elders naturally refused, so he broke into the tomb that night and stole the ancient ice coffin," Luo Xiaoyong exined. "Now, our sect has issued a Mortal-Realm Wanted Notice, seeking this person across the Nine Provinces. I heard you had an encounter with him in the South Sea before. Can you provide any clues?"


    "The Whale-Riding Immortal..." Chu Liang pondered.


    <i>Is he the person who might be Senior Sister Jiang''s father?</i>


    <i>Come to think of it, thentern fish he caught at that time could also be considered the ancient tomb of an Eminent One at the Heavenly Origin Realm. Now he has gone to steal from the Greater-Yin Cult''s tomb... Is he just a professional tomb robber?</i>


    If Chu Liang was honest, there was indeed some information he could provide to the Greater-Yin Cult, such as the mysterious little girl he met, and the Whale-Riding Immortal''s connection with Senior Sister Jiang... but Chu Liang certainly couldn''t reveal everything.


    <i>I need some time to think</i>, Chu Liang thought to himself. And so, he asked, "Before I answer that question, I actually want to know how you joined the Greater-Yin Cult?"


    Luo Xiaoyong looked at him strangely.


    "Everyone knows that the Greater-Yin Cult only epts female disciples. With doubts about your identity, I really don''t know whether I should answer your question," Chu Liang said.


    "..." Luo Xiaoyong pondered for a moment and said, "I guess it is okay to tell you guys about it."


    He exined, "My family was originally andowner in a mountain vige in the north. My parents thought I was talented and didn''t want my life to go to waste, so they hoped I would embark on the path of cultivation. My father spent a lot of money to purchase a set of cultivation techniques from the ck market, iming to be techniques of the first three realms from an immortal sect in the Divine Nine. He brought it back home for me to practice."


    "I studied the techniques on my own and managed to reach the pinnacle of the third realm."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang was surprised.


    Without any guidance and without any ess to cultivation resources, only one out of ten thousand people could grasp the basics of a random set of techniques.


    Those intricate andplex cultivation paths were often iprehensible to ordinary people, let alone to practice. Yet, Luo Xiaoyong managed not only to grasp the basics but also to reach the pinnacle of the third stage all by himself!


    It was simply astounding!


    This level of talent could almost be described as monstrous.


    "After practicing for several years, I began to notice something was off. My appearance became more feminine, and my temperament grew increasingly indifferent. It seemed like this set of techniques was changing me," Luo Xiaoyong exined.


    "But having never ventured out and knowing almost nothing about the cultivation world, I didn''t realize until I reached the end of the techniques that I needed to seek out fourth-stage techniques elsewhere. After wandering around the martial world for a while and joining some small sects, I quickly realized that none of their techniques werepatible with what I had practiced before," he continued.


    Chu Liang began to understand what had happened.


    Most cultivators of unconventional paths practice abination of techniques. Even if they cultivated a blend of methods, they could still make progress in their cultivation.


    Only those practitioners of extreme techniques, like those involving cultivation of greater yin or greater yang, would face difficulty in finding a suitable technique for the next stage of cultivation.


    "It wasn''t until some timeter that I found out the truth. It turns out that the techniques my father bought were indeed from an immortal sect of the Divine Nine... but they were techniques from the Greater-Yin Cult!"


    <i>Pfft</i>. Lin Bei couldn''t help butugh, quickly stifling it.


    "What are youughing at?" Luo Xiaoyong nced at him.


    "It''s nothing. I just remembered something happy." Lin Bei exined promptly.


    Luo Xiaoyong ignored Lin Bei and continued, "So, I climbed the Brilliant Mountain of Yin, which was located in the north, in hopes of asking the Greater-Yin Cult for the manual to the next stage of cultivation. It wasn''t untilter that I found out they only ept female disciples... The elders in the sect were all shocked to see me. They were surprised that I could cultivate to this level and even more surprised that I was a man... They were especially shocked that a man could cultivate the techniques of their cult to this level..."


    <i>Pfft</i>. Chu Liang couldn''t hold back a snicker either.


    This was truly quite a pitiful story.


    A truly unparalleled genius ended up following the cultivation path of greater yin due to learning the wrong cultivation method... This was indeed a rather sad story.


    With Luo Xiaoyong''s talent, if he had cultivated Mount Shu''s techniques, his progress would likely rival that of Xu Ziyang.


    At the same time, this was amusing.


    Thisughter might cost them ten years of virtue.


    "What are youughing at now?" Luo Xiaoyong red at him again.


    "I was just reminded of something amusing," Chu Liang said, covering half of his face with his hand, no longer showing his expression.


    Luo Xiaoyong continued, "They discussed for a long time and ultimately decided to let me stay. They taught me to form the Golden Core of Greater Yin. I didn''t disappoint the elders either; my cultivation quickly surpassed my peers and became unparalleled in the sect. Consequently, I was chosen as the Mortal-Realm Wanderer for this generation."


    This wasn''t surprising.


    From Luo Xiaoyong''s perspective, if he had wanted to switch to another cultivation method back then, he would have had to abandon all his current progress and start over from the foundation. However, such a decision would essentially sabotage his chances of reaching the Golden Core Realm in this lifetime. It meant jeopardizing the potential of a once-in-a-generation talent, cutting off his promising cultivation journey prematurely.


    From the Greater-Yin Cult''s perspective, keeping such a talented individual was obviously a favorable oue.


    Even if he was a male talent.


    But so what?


    Times have changed, and gender shouldn''t matter.


    <i>Chuckle.</i>


    ...


    "Brother Luo, your experiences are truly astonishing. You deserve the title of a peerless genius," Chu Liang said as he adjusted his mood and spoke earnestly.


    "Now that I''ve shared my background with you, I hope you can answer my questions truthfully," Luo Xiaoyong replied.


    "Alright." Chu Liang nodded and answered, "I have met that Whale-Riding Immortal before..."


    "Previously, I went to the Immortals'' Marsh to search for the Celestial Herb of Ascension. I jumped into the depths of the marsh to save a drowning little girl and stumbled upon an ancient tomb inside a fish''s belly, where I unexpectedly found the Celestial Herb of Ascension," Chu Liang recounted, carefully choosing his words. "Shortly after, when I escaped from the fish''s belly, I found myself in the Southern Sea. That''s where I encountered the person who had caught the big fish, iming to be the Whale-Riding Immortal. He then took the little girl with him, while I returned to Mount Shu. We barely interacted."


    Chu Liang''s ount was mostly truthful, omitting only the part about Jiang Shijie. Concealing too much would make his story less coherent, and Luo Xiaoyong might be suspicious. It was better to tell the truth, with strategic omissions.


    Luo Xiaoyong nodded and then suddenly asked, "Do you know anything about the identity of that little girl?"


    "No," Chu Liang immediately replied. "At the time, I was just curious about how a little girl ended up in the Immortals'' Marsh. I wondered if she was some evil spirit in disguise, butter found out she wasn''t. That''s why I went down to rescue her when she fell into the water."


    "So you followed that girl into that tomb in the fish''s belly. You identally entered, but did she?" Luo Xiaoyong continued asking.


    Chu Liang felt a slight pressure; this person was indeed sharp. Instead of dwelling on Chu Liang''s shallow impression of the Whale-Riding Immortal, he focused on the details.


    He answered honestly, "I don''t think she did. It seemed like she had intentionally entered that ce."


    This was the safest answer, as the actual situation was that the little girl seemed to be returning home. Chu Liang also didn''t want to reveal the fact that the tomb''s owner belonged to the Jiang family or disclose the secrets of the origin of the Celestial Herb of Ascension, so he omitted some details.


    "Do you know the owner of that tomb?" Luo Xiaoyong asked.


    "I don''t," Chu Liang said as he shook his head.


    Ripples appeared in Luo Xiaoyong''s eyes. <i>The Supreme Mind makes everything appear as clear as if looking at a mirror.</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong immediately pointed out, "You are lying."


    Chu Liang immediately understood that Luo Xiaoyong was probably able to use a simr method as the Mind-Reflecting Candle.


    He had omitted some crucial details earlier, though the rest of the experience he recounted was true. Consequently, he managed to avoid discovery. However, when he spoke words contrary to his heart, he was immediately caught.


    So he chuckled lightly and said, "Because this matter involves the origin of the Celestial Herb of Ascension, it is an extremely important secret. However, it has no connection with the identity of that Whale-Riding Immortal. Therefore, I feel it would be inappropriate to speak frankly to Brother Luo. Please forgive me."


    Luo Xiaoyong nodded gently.


    Chu Liang immediately admitted to his lie in a straightforward manner, which actually dispelled any suspicion Luo Xiaoyong might have had. After all, he came to request assistance and information, not to interrogate a suspect. The other party was not obligated to disclose everything, especially when it concerned the interests of the sect.


    "You mentioned that he used a fishing rod to catch the big fish. That fishing rod must have been an enchanted tool, right?" Luo Xiaoyong suddenly asked. "Do you remember what it looked like?"


    <i>Such a tricky question... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    But Chu Liang immediately understood why he asked it. It was very rare and peculiar to have a fishing rod as an enchanted tool. As long as it wasn''t a personally crafted item, it wouldn''t be difficult to trace its origin. This meant that they could uncover the identity of the person by tracing the origin of the fishing rod.


    Pursuing someone with such a high cultivation level worldwide and capturing them was practically impossible. However, if they could trace the origin of the fishing rod, there might be a lead.


    Chu Liang didn''t conceal anything as he described it vaguely, saying, "It was a white rod with a golden lines around it. The material looked quite valuable."


    "Alright," Luo Xiaoyong said. "That''s about it. Thank you for your cooperation."


    As he rose to leave, Lin Bei suddenly asked, "Brother Luo, actually, I have another question."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Luo Xiaoyong turned to look at him.


    His gaze seemed to say, "Let''s see what nonsense you''re about to spout..."


    With a sincere expression, Lin Bei asked, "I was wondering, since the Greater-Yin Cult has already epted its first male disciple, which was quite a break from tradition, is there any possibility of recruiting a second one? <i>Um...</i> I don''t have to practice the sect''s techniques, I just want to contribute... because since childhood, I have dreamt of joining the Greater-Yin Cult..."


    Luo Xiaoyong looked at him and, once again, in a deep voice, uttered, "Get lost."


    1. ÂÞ(Luo is the surname) СÓ meaning brave little one. ?

 Chapter 208: Business Opportunity

    <h4>Chapter 208: Business Opportunity</h4>


    On the small hillside of Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang''s team gathered again.


    Lackey A stood in front of them and voiced his opinion loudly like a schr giving a lecture. "Currently, Mount Shu''s disciples are spread across three peaks, and Silver Sword Peak is the weakest of the three. In my opinion, it''s better for us to ally with the Jiang Team against the Xu Team and slowly form a n. If we make sure we''re fully prepared and wait for the right timing to strike, we can dominate thepetition."


    "That makes sense." Chu Liang nodded. "As long as we join forces, we can definitely achieve good results."


    "We will strive to do our utmost to seed, right until deathes for us," Lackey A vowed, bowing deeply.


    "All right. There''s no need for such literary lines." Lin Bei pulled Lackey A down, forcing him to sit. "In my opinion, both Senior Sister Jiang and Senior Brother Xu are good choices as allies; there''s no need to offend either side. We can profit by working both sides. Let''s build high walls, umte abundant provisions, and wait for the right time to take over as king[1]."


    Lin Bei was from Jade Sword Peak, so he naturally didn''t want to be at odds with Xu Ziyang.


    "That makes sense too," Chu Liang replied, nodding again.


    "It''s easier said than done to try and benefit from both sides, my lord. Don''t listen to such drivel!" Lackey A urged.


    Lin Bei red at him. "Who are you saying is talking drivel?"


    "You, of course!" Lackey A replied.


    "Nonsense!"


    "Quite the opposite!"


    "..."


    "Alright, alright." Chu Liang smiled helplessly and stopped the two of them from continuing their fight. "I''ve got my own thoughts on what to do. I''ll change my strategy ordingly as the situation unfolds."


    "They''re here!" Shang Ziliang said, pointing at the sky.


    In the distance, there were numerous beams of swordlight flying over, making a sudden arrival. The two teams from Jade Sword Peak and Azure Falling Peak came from two different directions andnded simultaneously.


    Today was the day that the three teams had agreed to meet to discuss the map. The location was Silver Sword Peak.


    If they had the meeting on either of the other two peaks, it was inevitable that there would be many people watching them. However, that wasn''t a problem at Silver Sword Peak.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, you''re here!" Chu Liang went over and greeted Jiang Yuebai first. Then he turned and gave a light nod to Xu Ziyang. "Senior Brother Xu."


    Xu Ziyang didn''t bother exchanging pleasantries.


    He just said, "Just take out the parts of the map."


    "Sure."


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai took out their parts of the map.


    Chu Liang held out his parts of the map. He had already spent some time examining them carefully before the meeting. They depicted a wooded mountain and various nts, much like a normal map. However, the ink was very thick and had many ovepping parts, so much so that it was difficult to see the details clearly. He hadn''t been able to discern much from them.


    With everyone present, Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, and Xu Ziyang put the four parts of the map together. All of them had the same thick golden ink lines and ovepping features. They vaguely depicted a wooded mountain, but the details weren''t clear.


    "I still can''t tell where this is," Xu Ziyang said.


    Before long, someone on each team had finished making a copy of the map. It wasn''t difficult for cultivators to create a duplicate from memory, especially since they could refer to the original.


    Regardless, having a duplicate didn''t mean much because no one could understand the map at all.


    They''d initially thought that they would acquire a map with the treasure''s location once they put four gs together. Yet, this painting turned out to be another puzzle they had to solve.


    Chu Liang looked at the painting and said pensively, "Let''s just head back to our peaks and think about it. We''re done with the information exchange. As for the answer, that will be dependent on who has the ability to figure it out."


    Jiang Yuebai agreed with Chu Liang.


    Everyone had arrived in a hurry, and they left just as hurriedly to study the painting.


    Before Jiang Yuebai left, Chu Liang stealthily stopped her from leaving and told her about how the Greater-Yin Cult was hunting down the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    Upon hearing that, Jiang Yuebai was extremely calm. She nodded casually, seemingly unbothered by the news.


    ...


    Once the people from Azure Falling Peak and Jade Sword Peak were gone, Chu Liang called his team members over.


    "Come here quickly. I have something to tell you."


    "Big Bro! Did you find something significant?" Shang Ziliang asked excitedly.


    "That''s right," Chu Liang said with a nod. "I found... a business opportunity."


    The others stared at him nkly. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    "There are over a hundred teams participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, but only three teams have obtained the puzzle of the second stage. Based on how the previous years went, this means the other teams will be eliminated in the first stage," Chu Liang said.


    "That''s right," Shang Ziliang agreed.


    He couldn''t help but feel a little emotional. If they hadn''t clung to Chu Liang, they would probably have been eliminated in this stage as well.


    "If someone were to tell them now that they could buy the full puzzle of the second stage for fifty sword coins, do you think they would buy it?" Chu Liang asked.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Lin Bei uttered. "For sure. They''ll definitely buy it. Each person in the team just needs to contribute ten sword coins, and they''ll be able to participate in the game again. But... which of the teams that have acquired the puzzle would be foolish enough to sell it so cheaply? Hey, wait a moment..."


    Lin Bei saw Chu Liang''s smile and seemed to understand what he was thinking.


    "Big Boss, are you nning on selling this painting?" Lackey A was quite surprised. "Wouldn''t that just give us morepetition?"


    Instead of answering, Chu Liang asked, "Can you figure out the secret hidden in this painting?"


    "I... can''t," Lackey A answered quietly.


    Chu Liang gazed at him with bright eyes. "If even you, with your high level of intelligence, can''t figure out the mystery, how could those who lost to us in the first stage possibly surpass you?"


    Lackey A looked stunned for a moment.


    Then, looking as if Chu Liang''s gaze had lit a fire within him, Lackey A nodded vigorously and replied, "Indeed!"


    "But..." Shang Ziliang muttered, feeling there was still something a little off about this idea.


    "There''s no need to hesitate. Just do as I say." Chu Liang patted Shang Ziliang''s shoulder reassuringly. "Head out immediately. Split up and look for the team captains. Have a private talk with them. Just say... it''s secret information you stole from me behind my back and that it shouldn''t be leaked to anyone else. Sell it for fifty sword coins. I believe there won''t be many teams that will refuse. We can earn at least several thousand sword coins through this business."


    That wasn''t a small sum, and there was almost no cost involved for them.


    "But what if other teams sell it too?" Lin Bei asked.


    Chu Liang answered, "That''s why I need you to act swiftly and in secret. Finish making the deals before the news spreads. As for the teams we sell it to, I doubt they''ll sell it. Who would want to increase theirpetition for such a small amount of money?"


    Upon hearing him say that, his four team members looked at him with baffled expressions.


    "..." Chu Liang grinned sheepishly. "This isn''t a small amount to me; it''s a lot of money!"


    Shang Ziliang had witnessed firsthand the way Chu Liang loved money as much as his own life. In fact, Shang Ziliang''s father was withholding more than half of Shang Ziliang''s monthly allowance and would continue to do so until the total was enough to cover the five thousand sword coins that had been given to Di Nufeng and Chu Liang aspensation. One could say that Shang Ziliang was a victim of Chu Liang''s love for money.


    Actually, Chu Liang wasn''t in dire need of money right now, but how could he pass up an opportunity to make money? After all, a disciple could never have too many sword coins. In particr, after reaching Earthly Gate, the fourth, fifth, and sixth realms... all required many resources, so it was always good to save a bit more money.


    Under Chu Liang''s urging, everyone headed out at top speed and got to work.


    ...


    Chu Liang didn''t participate in that work. Instead, he returned to his cabin. Nevertheless, he wasn''t simply going to ck off after ordering his juniors around; he had other work to do.


    He erected the scrolls with the duplicates of the four paintings in a square in the center of his room, arranging them in the orientations of east, south, north, and west respectively.


    The gs had been ced in specific parts of Sword Sheath Peak. Chu Liang couldn''t mess up the cements of the paintings; they had to be ced ording to where they''d been ced on the peak.


    After that, Chu Liang ced a candle in the middle, turning the setup into something like antern. He blocked all light from going into the room through the windows and the door and lit the candle gently.


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    The light from the me shone through the scrolls and projected the paintings onto the walls. The details of theplicated and messy paintings suddenly became clear in 3D. Vivid scenery unfolded before him as if he''d been thrown into a forest.


    The forest was dense with nt life and weirdly shaped jagged rocks. It seemed just like a lush valley surrounded by wooded mountains.


    It turned out that the solution for the second stage''s puzzle had been concealed using such a smart trick.


    Nheless, if Chu Liang hadn''t solved the second puzzle yet, how could he have possibly decided to sell it?


    In fact, Chu Liang had already figured out that this was no ordinary map when he saw that it still made no sense despite beingplete. He racked his brain for a while. Fortunately, he had seen a 3D film before, so he made the connection and thought of the trick to crack the puzzle.


    The duplicates weren''t as good as the originals. If he had used the paintings on the four gs instead, the projection would have given him a magical feeling of having been transported to a whole new ce.


    The second puzzle had indeed been designed ingeniously.


    Chu Liang looked around. The projection was rather blurry, but he could still roughly recognize the valley and the surrounding forest and identify the location.


    Coincidentally, he''d been there before!


    1. A saying from <i>The Art of War </i>that basically means to make ample preparations and bide your time for the right moment to strike. ?

 Chapter 209: Urgent Mission

    <h4>Chapter 209: Urgent Mission</h4>


    Chu Liang once again returned to the Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    This was the spot where Chu Liang frequently met up with Senior Sister Jiang in private, hence why he was much more familiar with this ce. However, aside from the secluded waterfall cave, there were many other ces on this peak.


    The peak''s most striking feature was a huge valley, said to be the very site where the formidable Demon-Suppressing Pagoda once stood. When the pagoda went missing, all that remained here was a huge crater. Over time, this crater unexpectedly evolved into a valley.


    Many disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were believed to have visited this site and admired the remnants of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and its surroundings.


    The answer to the second puzzley in this area as the paintings bore a striking resemnce to the scenery observed in this valley.


    Chu Liang descended, casting his gaze left and right as he sought out the location. He scanned the surroundings with his divine sense as he slowly advanced.


    Atst in the heart of the dense jungle, he figured out the rough location.


    There stood a massive stone and it seemed like he would have to push this stone aside.


    Chu Liang raised his arms and effortlessly pushed the massive stone aside. Despite its weight, he moved it with ease. Such a task might pose a challenge for a third-realm cultivator.


    Even if Chu Liang''s cultivation energy were to suddenly surge, it wouldn''t be necessary, as his physical strength alone was sufficient to move the massive stone.


    With a rumble, the massive stone was shifted to the side.


    As Chu Liang had expected, a dark openingy before them, surrounded by soft, dark soil. It was evident that this hole had been recently excavated specifically for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony.


    As he was about to venture inside, he heard a rustling sound nearby, followed by a lightning-fast streak of silver light racing towards him, seemingly about to collide.


    <i>Whizz¡ª</i>


    Just as the streak of lightning was about to collide with Chu Liang, the creature suddenly recognized him and abruptly halted, leaving two deep tracks on the ground.


    "Why are you here?" Chu Liang burst out with a question as he embraced the Baize youngling that crashed into him.


    As the Baize youngling lifted its head with a proud expression, it called out, "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>"


    Chu Liang stared at it and burst intoughter. "Did the elder assign you to guard the third puzzle? This seems like quite a bully move, doesn''t it?"


    This has be quite a conundrum.


    If anyone else were to push the massive stone open, the Baize youngling would emerge and block their path. For ordinary disciples at the third and fourth realms, they wouldn''t stand a chance against it. Even if they joined forces to fight it, who would dare to act ruthlessly against the celestial beast of Mount Shu?


    Perhaps this had been the intention of the one who came up with the challenge.


    To prevent a single small team from easily gaining ess to the next puzzle, they arranged for the Baize youngling, which required the effort of many to drive away, to stand guard here. This would then force several teams to unite for the sake of securing the third puzzle.


    Luckily, this stage posed no challenge for Chu Liang whatsoever.


    He gestured towards the opening ahead and calmly instructed, "Lead the way!"


    "<i>Hreeooorrh!</i>" The Baize youngling immediately cried out as it bounded forward cheerfully, disying no hesitation as it defied the elders.


    With it leading the way, the journey into the tunnel became really remarkably smooth. There were some enchanted formations set up along the path, but their attacks simply collided with the Baize youngling. Due to its incredibly thick and robust skin and flesh, it effortlessly walked by the formations.


    The higher ups of the Mount Shu Sect wouldn''t have expected that the second challenge they had set up would ruin the third challenge.


    They reached the end of the tunnel and discovered a wall adorned with intricately carved jade.


    There was a picture carved on the wall, depicting a moon suspended in the center of the sky. In the center of the moon was a white translucent ss cup.


    It was a White-Jade Porcin Cup.


    <i>What is the meaning of this carved jade wall? Is it saying that the White-Jade Porcin Cup is on the moon? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Chu Liang recognized that this was the third puzzle to figure out, and solving it sessfully would lead him to find the White-Jade Porcin Cup[4]. However, this puzzle was even more difficult to unravel than the previous one.


    After dedicating some time to pondering and ensuring that any additional clues hadn''t been overlooked, Chu Liang decided to leave the tunnel.


    He could have destroyed the jade wall before departing. By doing so, he would have been the only one at Mount Shu to see this third puzzle.


    However, that was an action he hadn''t done.


    ...


    Two dayster, the entire Mount Shu Sect was engulfed in a fervor.


    Everyone delved into deciphering the puzzle at the second stage of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, contemting the meaning of the four paintings if they were assembled together.


    In the beginning, the people who had gotten their hands on the puzzle thought it was a secret and analyzed it quietly. However, people soon realized that all the teams participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony managed to purchase this painting[1].


    However, it didn''t matter as the fact that everyone knew about it made discussing this puzzle convenient. As a result, many of the people who should have been eliminated long ago found joy in participating.


    Throughout the generations of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, there had never been a first round where nobody was eliminated. Thanks to the selfless dedication of a handsomed, everyone was able to advance to the second round.


    "<i>Wow...</i> So many sword coins."


    Chu Liang and the team members participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony gathered together, marveling at the sword coins resembling miniature mountains. This time, almost all the teams from Mount Shu had purchased the puzzle, resulting in earnings totaling nearly seven thousand sword coins.


    The amount was much more than what Chu Liang had imagined.


    Such remarkable achievements werergely thanks to Lin Bei; he alone sold more than half of the drawings. Some teams, initially uninterested and considered hopeless business opportunities by the threeckeys from the Cloud Horizon Peak, only agreed to purchase the drawings because Lin Bei sought them out for a second time and sessfully persuaded them into making the purchase[2].


    As Chu Liang watched Lin Bei''s excited demeanor, he felt that if Lin Bei were to be in real estate, he could probably single-handedly sell all the units in a building.


    "Since everyone has put in a lot of effort, everyone should get this amount," Chu Liang said as he lifted his hand and gestured the number two.


    Everyone felt exhrated.


    If everyone was getting twenty percent, this meant that this amount would be equally distributed among the five of them. This was a substantial amount.


    Upon further thought, they felt slightly embarrassed.


    This was particrly true for Lin Bei. He had received an equal share of the earnings from the mission at ck Whale Mountain and had already made a fortune. If he had taken advantage of Chu Liang again this time, it really wouldn''t sit right with him.


    He then asked, "Is that really okay? You''ve been leading the entire time. If each of us is taking that amount, wouldn''t it be unfair to you?"


    "I think it''s fine," Chu Liang said with an honest expression. "Ny-two percent is already a lot for me."


    "...I see how it is." Lin Bei no longer felt that sense of shame.


    However, even if it was a mere two percent, each of them would get over a hundred sword coins. To the disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, this amount was already a lot. If they weren''t following Chu Liang, it would have taken them a long time to earn this much sword coins.


    Lackey A said, "Actually, we didn''t put in the same amount of effort. Brother Lin Bei sold much more than us."


    "<i>Hehehe</i>," Lin Beiughed as he waved his hand and said, "Let''s not dwell on these matters."


    "Yeah," Chu Liang also said, "You three can just work harder next time."


    "<i>Uh...</i>" Lackey A nodded, suddenly sensing that something was wrong. "What do you mean by <i>next time</i>?"


    As they were happily splitting the earnings, they suddenly heard the cry of a white crane from outside. Once again, it was a letter for Chu Liang from the Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Chu Liang opened it and discovered that it was a summons from Elder Shen.


    Recognizing the urgency in the tone of the writing, and with matters settled here, he hurried over.


    Upon arriving at the Sword Exchange Pavilion, he saw Elder Shen waiting there with a weing smile.


    "Do you know why I called you here this time?" he asked Chu Liang.


    "I suppose there''s another challenging task for me?" Chu Liang replied.


    "Very smart." Elder Shen nodded and said, "It''s no small matter this time either. Signs of the diabolical sect, the Soul Destroyer Sect, were discovered in the Misty Waters City near the East Sea and almost ten mortals already died. Their deaths were suspected to have been caused by the remnants of the Soul Destroyer Sect, the ones at the third realm. Therefore, we need a disciple at the Golden Core Realm to lead the team and capture the remnants. You were the first on my rmendation list."


    "Thank you for the rmendation," Chu Liang hastily expressed his appreciation.


    Chu Liang was not very familiar with the name Soul Destroyer Sect because it had been destroyed a few hundred years ago. asionally, remnants of the sect would surface only to be swiftly crushed and attacked by the sects in the Divine Nine.


    When diabolical sects were involved in harming citizens in mortal cities, addressing the issue became of paramount importance.


    For a task this important, a rmendation would certainly bring Chu Liang to the attention of the higher-ups in Mount Shu Sect. However, he had already caught their attention by following his esteemed teacher around and scamming people.


    Sessfullypleting this mission would offer him an opportunity to improve his reputation.


    Elder Shen added, "Put your best effort intopleting this mission. If you sessfully lead the team and aplish the task, you might get the same type of treatment as Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai."


    If his treatment within the sect matched that of Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai, he would be treated as a core disciple.


    "I will try my best!" Chu Liang dered.


    "You will need two to three disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. Are you going to recruit them yourself or would you like me to handle the recruitment?" asked Elder Shen.


    When Chu Liang heard this, he couldn''t help but feel emotional. Not long ago, he had been the one supporting the team. But now, he had be the disciple at the Golden Core Realm that led the team.


    He pondered for a bit before he answered, "Let me ask two of my fellow disciples. It''s easier to work with people you know."


    "Alright," Elder Shen agreed.


    After Chu Liang went back home, he asked Shang Ziliang and Lin Bei to visit him.


    "We''ve been assigned an urgent task from the higher-ups, and we need two cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. If you''re free, join me," Chu Liang said.


    Shang Ziliang was at the peak of the Spiritual Awareness Realm and was preparing for Core Formation. Lin Bei was only at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, but he yed a significant role when traveling.


    Lin Bei could save him a lot of trouble on the road.


    Since they were familiar with each other, Chu Liang chose them without any hesitation.


    Lin Bei readily agreed, while Shang Ziliang suggested, "Going on a mission? How about I bring my two brothers along? Having more people makes us stronger."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang pondered for a moment and replied, "With your two brothers, our overall strength might not necessarily increase significantly, but the increase in food expenses will be quite significant[3]. Maybe next time."


    Shang Ziliang had no choice but to nod and say, "True."


    1. Not gonna lie. I was so confused when I was tranting this. I was like "bought?" Is this even right? What''s going on?? Until I realized that this fker is an entrepreneur seizing business opportunities. I have been getting to know Chu Liang for such a long time. How did I not realize that??? Shame on me. I think I am just so used to the OP MC getting the second puzzle and instantly winning it all that I still can''t get used to this MC''s unique way of doing things. I am really loving it. lol. ?


    2. Business 101. Don''t give up on the first try. ?


    3. NOOOO! NOT YOU DISSING LACKEY B''S LOVE FOR FOOD ?


    4. Refer to Trantor''s Thought on what they look like. It''s very pretty. ?

 Chapter 210: Hostility

    <h4>Chapter 210: Hostility</h4>


    The Misty Waters City, located near the East Sea, was a prosperous ce in the Eastern Regions that bustled with activity. Chu Liang and Lin Bei had passed by here recently, but hadn''t entered the city.


    They merely spent the night outside the city walls.


    This time, however, they had the opportunity to explore the city as part of their mission.


    The Golden-Furred Hou, having consumed its Spirit-Enhancing Pill, was now in a drowsy state and had been left behind.


    The trauma Chu Liang experienced from the recent assassination attempt by the Dual Wielder lingered in his mind. He wondered if he had any aplices.


    With some time having passed since then, he was hoping that the danger had subsided.


    After all, while it was important to remain vignt, Chu Liang couldn''t spend his whole life confined to the mountains due to the possibility of assassins. With Fei Qi, the Battle Soul at the Sixth Realm, tucked into his embrace, he had some confidence.


    And so, apanied by Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang, the trio made their way to Misty Waters City.


    The city appeared vast, yet an oppressive atmosphere hung over it. People in the streets and alleys whispered about the recent series of mysterious incidents. The flow of merchants and travelers at the city gates was notably reducedpared to what one would expect in a major city of the Eastern Regions.


    These consecutive mysterious incidents had impacted the Misty Waters City greatly. With a diabolical cultivator on the loose, who would dare to enter the city, knowing that they might not even escape alive?


    However, it was also strange to note that ordinary diabolical cultivators, if they were killing for cultivation purposes, wouldn''t confine their crimes to one location. Typically, they wouldmit a crime in one ce and then immediately flee to another, making it harder to track them down.


    In the case of the incidents in Misty Waters City, seven people had consecutively died, each victim gruesomely having their hearts ripped out of their chests, with no more than three days between each urrence. Naturally, this instilled fear and anxiety among the citizens.


    While ordinary homicides might not have sparked such widespread panic, the involvement of cultivators made the situation far more perilous for ordinary people, who were vastly weakerpared to cultivators. Encountering one could mean instant death.


    A hypothesis had been formted for this case: that the crimes had beenmitted by a diabolical cultivator at the pinnacle of the third realm from the Soul Destroyer Sect.


    The Soul Destroyer Sect was one of the diabolical sects that inherited the most ancient cultivation legacy. Historically, this sect would rise when chaos ensued in the world, only to quickly fade away upon the return of peace and prosperity.


    This was because the defining feature of the sect was its use of human lives in recement of resources.


    It wasmonly understood that cultivation demanded substantial resources. This was true even for diabolical cultivators. For example, even the Fiends from the Dark King Sect, with whom they had interacted previously, had to worry about securing natural treasures.


    That was not the case for Soul Destroyer Sect.


    For cultivators of the Soul Destroyer Sect to achieve Core Formation, the primary materials required for refinement of the pill were nine live human hearts.


    The founder of the Soul Destroyer Sect was indeed innovative. Initially, he may have only wanted to find an alternative to traditional cultivation resources, and he did seed... Otherwise, he wouldn''t have met such a tragic end.


    Obviously, such cultivators would be killed immediately upon being sighted.


    When Chu Liang and his twopanions entered the city, they went straight to the city supervisor''s office. After all, they had been summoned by the city supervisor, Du Ce.


    In a city, the government cultivators usually consisted of military generals and officials from the city supervisor''s office. The military generally wouldn''t participate in investigations of city mysteries like these, as the city supervisor''s office was short-staffed. When a major case would happen, they would request assistance from the capital of Yu. When manpower was tight in the capital of Yu, they would seek help from the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten. This was not umon.


    Du Ce shared a good rtionship with the Mount Shu Sect, which was why he had asked disciples from Mount Shu toe to the Eastern Regions to help with the case.


    Of course, the disciples of Mount Shu weren''t the only ones he had requested.


    ...


    Young Hero Chu, Young Hero Lin, it''s good to see you again," Du Ce greeted warmly. "Haha, and Nephew Shang, you''re here too."


    Du Ce was still dressed like a schr.


    Shang Ziliang''s arrival this time was quite timely, as Du Ce happened to be his father''s junior brother. They had exchanged visits several times over the past few years and were quite familiar with each other.


    "City Supervisor Du," Chu Liang greeted with a bow.


    "Uncle Du!" Shang Ziliang called out loudly.


    Lin Bei nced at him, then immediately sped his hands and said, "Big Brother Du."


    But then, Shang Ziliang pushed him away.


    Chu Liangughed and exined, "It''s just some yful banter among fellow disciples, City Supervisor Du, please don''t mind them."


    "No worries, they''re just young people," Du Ce said, with a good temper, not minding at all.


    With such warm greetings, everyone walked into the hall of the city supervisor''s office.


    Inside, there was a young man sitting.


    The young man appeared to be around eighteen or neen years old, with aplexion resembling smooth, radiant jade, emitting a lively aura. He tied his hair into a simple bun, with some strands framing his face. His eyes exuded vitality, indicating that he wasn''t some ordinary person. He wore a long robe made of blue and white silk brocade, with a white tiger pendant hanging from his neck. There was a pearl-adorned hairpin on his head, adding to his dignified presence.


    He nced at Chu Liang and his group as they entered, his expression remaining indifferent. Instead of standing up to greet them or offering any words of wee, he continued to sit there in azy manner.


    The three didn''t bother as well.


    Du Ce ushered the three from Mount Shu Sect into the hall and gestured for them to sit down. He then took his seat at the main position and introduced, "These are three young heroes from Mount Shu Sect, here to assist in capturing the diabolical cultivators. And this is a young hero from the Peni Supreme Sect, Yang Yuhu."


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but nce at the person opposite him.


    The name Yang Yuhu was frequently featured on the<i> Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    Though there wasn''t a strict ranking among the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, the Peni Supreme Sect of the East Sea was widely recognized as the top immortal sect. With deep heritage and numerous powerful cultivators, they had dominated the righteous path for centuries.


    Among the disciples of Peni Supreme Sect in this generation, the most famous were a pair of brothers, Yang Shenlong and Yang Yuhu.


    The duo were known as the twin stars of Peni Supreme Sect.


    This was particrly true for Yang Shenlong, the elder brother who had been recognized as a genius since birth. His path of cultivation was marked by relentless determination, never encountering a worthy opponent. He consistently defeated foes of higher cultivation realms, earning widespread fear and respect. Few dared topare him to others of simr status. While the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten housed many talents, his name stood out as the most frequently mentioned when discussing the foremost talent of their generation.


    Due to his elder brother''s towering reputation, Yang Yuhu, the younger brother, though also a genius, was often overshadowed, often appearing as a mere apaniment to his elder brother.


    Upon seeing him today, it was clear that he was indeed from the prestigious Peni Supreme Sect, as he exuded the typical arrogance associated with his sect.


    After hearing Du Ce''s introduction, Yang Yuhu simply nodded lightly in greeting to the three from Mount Shu.


    Chu Liang smiled in response but remained silent.


    When interacting with members of other immortal sects, if they appeared distant, it was natural not to be overly warm in response.


    This was not merely a matter of courtesy. If their attempts at friendliness were met with indifference, it would only bring embarrassment to the Mount Shu Sect.


    "Young Hero Yang is a disciple of Elder Huang Long from the Peni Supreme Sect. He has long been famous since his youth. I am sure you have heard his name before," Du Ce said as he observed the tension. He then chuckled and introduced, "This is Young Hero Shang, the son of my senior brother. He is undoubtedly talented. This is Young Hero Lin, the disciple of the grand peak master of Mount Shu. I won''t bother stating the obvious. And this is Young Hero Chu, the top-notch disciple of Di Nufeng. They have all traveled a long way here. I hope that you can put your utmost effort into this coboration..."


    Du Ce had good intentions. When he noticed that both sides weren''t engaging in conversation, he immediately sought to facilitate a deeper connection between them and foster mutual understanding.


    Yet, even before he finished talking, Yang Yuhu appeared to be frowning.


    Yang Yuhu nced over at Chu Liang and asked, "You are a disciple of Di Nufeng?"


    "Indeed I am," Chu Liang nodded in response.


    Yang Yuhu went silent for a moment before stating, "For this peculiar case, we will each handle it individually. I''m overlooking the fact that you all have low cultivation levels. Just don''t cause me any trouble."


    When Chu Liang heard this, he frowned as well.


    The hostility was so obvious.


    Wait a second...


    Yang Yuhu had been just slightly arrogant.


    However, he suddenly started speaking harshly. It seemed to have started when he heard Di Nufeng''s name.


    Chu Liang instantly connected the dots.


    The Peni Supreme Sect had long resided in the East Sea for generations, establishing the coastal areas as their sphere of influence and making it natural for them to handle matters in Misty Waters City. On the other hand, the involvement of the Mount Shu Sect members, invited due to Du Ce''s connection with the sect, seemed out of ce. Hence, Yang Yuhu''s aloof attitude was understandable.


    However, Yang Yuhu''s attitude must have be worse because he found out that Chu Liang was a disciple of Di Nufeng.


    Previously, when the esteemed teacher went to the East Sea to gather resources, the members of the Peni Supreme Sect drove her away. She imed to have handled the situation sensibly without much conflict, but the actual process was likely not as peaceful. Something unpleasant must have happened.


    <i>Sigh. City Supervisor Du, it''s all because of you...</i>


    <i>Whenever I am out, I would never even dare to mention my teacher''s name, but you just exposed me like that...</i>


    <i>When I go back next time, I must remind my teacher...not to mention my name if she caused a scene outside.</i>


    Regarding Yang Yuhu''s attitude, Chu Liang''s first course of action couldn''t possibly be apologizing for his teacher.


    He simply shrugged, not bothering to nce at Yang Yuhu. He then smiled at Du Ce and said, "We''re here to capture the diabolical cultivator, whether we coborate or not makes no difference."


    Du Ce gave a wry smile, seemingly puzzled by Yang Yuhu''s sudden hostile attitude, and replied, "Then, you all can proceed independently as you see fit."


    He promptly signaled for an attendant to bring two sets of documents and presented them to both sides.


    "Here are the case files for this investigation. Take your time to go through them and see if you can find any clues. He still needs two more hearts toplete the refinement of the pill, and we suspect that he''ll strike again within three days. Therefore, we''ll need to patrol the entire city at night. If our City Supervisory Office is short-staffed, we''ll rely on your assistance to monitor the city''s activities. You''re free to act as you see fit; I won''t give you anymands."


    "Alright!" Everyone responded in agreement.


    ...


    As dusk arrived, Du Ce lifted his head from the documents, closed his eyes for a moment, and then regained his focus.


    Administrative tasks were particrly draining, even for a fifth-realm cultivator like himself.


    Dealing with these matters daily left him quite exhausted. Lately, with the recurring mysterious incidents within the Yu Dynasty''s borders, the tasks of various city supervisory offices had be increasingly burdensome, and his pressure was greater than ever before.


    Since the rumors of the demon god''s return and the recent surge in mysterious incidents across thend, it seemed as though a storm was brewing.


    As the local city supervisor, he couldn''t help but feel anxious.


    He pushed the door open and called out to the attendant waiting outside, asking, "Have the cultivators from the Mount Shu Sect and Peni Supreme Sect set out?"


    The cultivators of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten were ustomed to their freedom and generally disliked beingmanded by the imperial court.


    And so, he didn''t assign any rigid tasks to the youths, only letting them act as they saw fit. However, while notmanding them, it was still necessary to monitor their movements to prevent any instances of actualziness on the job.


    In the past, some young cultivators sent by their sects to assist with tasks would sneak off to brothels as soon as they entered the city,pletely disregarding their responsibilities, which was extremely bad.


    The attendant replied, "Young Hero Yang from the Peni Supreme Sect left early and headed to various locations where bodies were found, seemingly to investigate the lingering fluctuations of foundational qi."


    "What about the members of the Mount Shu Sect?" Du Ce inquired.


    The attendant hesitated for a moment before answering, "<i>Um...</i> Young Hero Chu left just now, and before he left, he inquired about the best brothel in the city. He might have made ns of his own..."


    <i>What? </i>Du Ce was confused.

 Chapter 211: The Vendor

    <h4>Chapter 211: The Vendor</h4>


    Misty Waters City had a curfew. Once the night fell, people were not allowed to walk about freely in the streets and markets. The only exception was Chui[1] Lane. The wholene was filled with brothels and other simr establishments, so it was known as a red-light district.


    Speaking of which, it appeared that every city had its own red-light district, and Chu Liang had visited the red-light district of every city he''d been to, which was rather odd...


    "I have transcended such vulgar interests. You don''t have to look at me with that expression," Chu Liang said helplessly.


    Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang had been looking at Chu Liang with a very amazed expression ever since he inquired about the location of the red-light district and made his way there. It was an expression that seemed to say... <i>I didn''t expect that you, with your prim and proper appearance, would be this sort of person</i>.


    "<i>Ah</i>, true, true." Shang Ziliang nodded repeatedly. "We may be visiting brothels, but we must do so with a critical eye."


    Lin Bei nodded as well and chimed in, "That''s right. The whole street here is filled with pitiful poverty-stricken women that don''t have enough clothes to cover their bodies. What''s wrong with us spending money to help them?!"


    "..." Chu Liang was rendered speechless for a moment.


    Then he quickly said, "We''re here on official business, so put away your lecherous faces."


    After that, Chu Liang entered thergest brothel.


    There were very few people out at night due to the recent bizarre incidents of people being found dead with their hearts gouged out. Consequently, the brothel was quite empty of customers. So, when the beautiful young women standing by the brothel''s entrance saw the three young men, they greeted the men warmly and weed them inside.


    Chu Liang hurriedly waved his hand to refuse their services. He instead found a table and ordered a fruit tter and some snacks. The three of them just sat at the table for the time being.


    Once things got quiet at the table, Lin Bei said, "You''re the one who speaks the most virtuously, yet you were the one who entered the fastest. I usually hesitate before going to a brothel, afraid of being seen by someone I know. But you don''t seem bothered by that at all."


    "It''s my first time at a brothel. My father never lets mee to ces like this." Shang Ziliang''s eyes were bright with excitement as he looked around. "Big Bro, I''ll follow you for the rest of my life!"


    "Let''s not talk about that for now." Chu Liang lowered his voice and beckoned his twopanions to lean toward him. "I''m here to investigate a diabolical cultivator."


    "Oh, you don''t need to pretend. It''s just us here after all," Lin Beimented with a smirk.


    "I went through all the casefiles this afternoon, and I found that although the victims had been found in various parts of the city, all of them had been killed at around midnight. Misty Waters City is under curfew at this time, so it''s unusual for people to be wandering outside," Chu Liang exined. "Those that roam around outside alone at that time of night are most likely people of a certain ss."


    Lin Bei immediately added, "Literati! Men of culture!"


    Chu Liang continued, "That''s right. Moreover, the brothels here charge extra for overnight stays, but most people wouldn''t need to stay here for such a long time..."


    "If it were me, I definitely wouldn''t die since I''d stay here until dawn," Lin Bei muttered.


    "Me too," Shang Ziliang chimed in quickly.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang let out a soft sigh, interrupting their digression.


    Shang Ziliang promptly resumed his previous train of thought and asked, "So, does that mean they go home at night?"


    "Yes. There are soldiers patrolling during curfew, but experienced literati can usually evade them. Earlier, I asked the soldiers guarding the city gates about it. Even if the literati get caught, they''ll just get let off with a fine as long as they haven''tmitted a crime," Chu Liang said. "This makes the literati perfect targets for the diabolical cultivator."


    "That damn diabolical cultivator!" Lin Bei eximed angrily, showing a deep sense of empathy for the literati.


    "He''s targeting literati that are on their way home, so he definitely won''t be surveying the whole city looking for them. That''s why the red-light district must be his starting point," Chu Liang said quietly. "He may even be doing the same thing as us, waiting here until nightfall."


    Hearing that, Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang suddenly tensed up, and their breathing became heavy.


    ...


    Li Si was standing in the middle of the street at his stall, selling beef offal. He tended to the boiling pot of the offal in front of him.


    Li Si was short, thin, and seemingly weak. Passersby paid no attention to him. Nor did they notice the murderous glint in his eyes.


    Business was unexpectedly good today. There were fewer people visiting the red-light district, but the number of vendors that dared to set up stalls had also decreased drastically, so Li Si''s stall was the only one in the area.


    No one could have imagined that such a seemingly honest and hardworking street vendor would turn actually be a heart-gouging fiend that had killed seven people.


    Even Li Si himself couldn''t have imagined it.


    For the past thirty years, Li Si had lived a simple life. He had a small house that wasn''t very sturdy, and he lived in it with his rough and ferocious wife. Every evening, he would push a cart into the city and sell snacks in the red-light district. Then he would hurry home at dawn and sleep during the daytime.


    His heart had remained unmoved even as he watched extravagant customers visit the brothels every day. Li Si had felt that he was living in a totally different world from the finely dressed noblemen and the beautifully dressed women, who looked like blossoming flowers swaying in the breeze. They had been so close yet so far.


    Li Si''s feelings had stayed the same until one day ten years ago.


    That day, a thunderstorm ran rampant in the sky, which had turned ck like ink. On his way home, Li Si pushed his little cart into a cave to seek shelter from the storm. However, he identally fell into arge river.


    It wasn''t the first time he had sought shelter in this cave, but he hadn''t known there was such a dark and cold river in it. Li Si was swept along by the currents of the river, and when he was finally able to climb ashore, he found himself in a strange ce.


    It was dark, cold, and empty. Bones were scattered everywhere, making it seem like theherworld.


    This was where Li Si found a book, which surprisingly contained information on cultivation. It was for a cultivation technique! Moreover, the technique didn''t require the cultivator to have a high level of aptitude for cultivating; anyone could use this technique.


    Li Si couldn''t believe that he was this lucky. Was the heavens trying to save this insignificant life of his?


    However, the cultivation technique was an extremely evil one. The first step was to kill a person.


    Li Si''s heart pounded as he read the book. He realized that this was probably the rumored diabolical cultivation technique. He couldn''t let anyone else find out about it.


    When Li Si stopped reading and raised his head, he realized that the thunderstorm had ceased. Furthermore, there was no sign of a river anywhere. He was in a graveyard on a barren mountain.


    Everything else had changed, but the book was still in his hands.


    When Li Si returned home, his wife hit and scolded him for losing the cart. Li Si was enraged, and a viciousness rose from the depths of his heart. He killed his wife straightaway, using her as a stepping stone for his cultivation.


    Thus, Li Si embarked on the path of cultivation. The diabolical cultivation technique allowed him to advance very quickly. Furthermore, he didn''t need to acquire any resources to advance; he just needed to keep murdering more people. During this process, Li Si''s mind became increasingly twisted.


    Li Si had rarely ever gotten angry during thest few decades. Yet, had been filled with hatred ever since he began cultivating this diabolical technique. He hated his ugly wife, high-ranking officials, literati, beautiful women, his low status... However, this hatred might not have been caused by the technique; it might have stemmed from the seed of hatred that had already been growing in his mind. Li Si hadn''t even realized that he hated these bright and beautiful people so immensely.


    Now, he had power as well as fury.


    It had taken him ten years to get to the Core Formation stage. During those ten years, he had killed continuously, taking the lives of many. He''dmitted all those murders in the vige beside the city and left long intervals between the murders. That had allowed him to escape getting caught despite all those mysterious deaths. In fact, his existence hadn''t even been discovered yet.


    Li Si derived a great sense of pleasure frommitting this ongoing massacre.


    Nevertheless, the massacre did arouse some suspicion. Many people moved away from the vige where Li Si resided, and those who remained didn''t dare venture out alone.


    Li Si needed to kill more people to form his core, so he decided to choose his victims from the city, targeting the people he had always loathed.


    He had managed to stay undiscovered by being careful and discreet with his murders. Nheless, without a storage enchanted tool, the best Li Si could do was preserve the hearts he had extracted like he preserved pork. They couldn''t be kept for very long before they went bad.


    Li Si needed to speed things up. He still needed to kill two more people¡ªjust two more and he would have an opportunity to form his core. Then he would be able to leave Misty Waters City and venture into the world.


    His gaze turned dark and icy as he stared straight ahead at two people. One was a wealthy big-bellied man, and the other was his servant, who wore green clothes and a small hat. The servant was driving a carriage, taking his master out of the red-light district.


    Li Si thought, <i>Once I''m done with these two, I can stop.</i>


    1. It means the arrival of spring (the season), which can also mean youth, love, and lust. ?

 Chapter 212: I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful (I)

    <h4>Chapter 212: I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful (I)</h4>


    "Hey, you three. Even though our business isn''t great today, this isn''t a hangout spot. You''ve been here a while now, not ordering drinks or requesting for thedies. Are you treating this ce like a teahouse?"


    The middle-aged woman, wearing heavy makeup, approached them with a look of dissatisfaction. She was likely the parlor manager.


    The three young men were dressed nicely, giving the impression that they were from wealthy families. However, they had been sitting here for quite some time without ordering any drinks or requesting thepany of girls.


    They didn''t seem like paying customers at all, so the parlor manager approached them with the intention of urging them to leave.


    In a brothel like this, idle guests were not weed. It was only because business was slow today that they had tolerated their presence for so long.


    "You don''t like that we aren''t spending any money, right?" Chu Liang lifted his gaze, looking at her calmly.


    And he then spoke slowly, enunciating each word: "Bring us a fruit tter."


    <i>Pfft.</i>


    Upon hearing this, Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang couldn''t help but smile awkwardly.


    <i>"Bro! The fruit tter is the cheapest item on the menu. Yet, you''re ordering it with such arrogance and aloofness."</i>


    Shang Ziliang whispered, "Big Bro, why don''t we request thepany of a few good girls, or at least order some drinks and snacks? My treat."


    Despite having his sword coins deducted, he remained a second-generation rich kid with plenty of gold and silver.


    Chu Liang was about to say something when he felt the Crimson Executioner within the White Pagoda starting to vibrate.


    His rxed gaze instantly sharpened as he nced toward the door.


    A carriage was slowly passing by outside, trailed by a vendor pushing a cart home. The vendor looked inconspicuous. Both the carriage and the cart passed in front of the brothel in session.


    How could a mere vendor exude the blood-stained aura capable of stirring the Crimson Executioner?


    It wasn''t easy to provoke the Crimson Executioner''s wrath. Chu Liang had estimated earlier that it would take at least twenty or more innocent lives to umte the necessary blood-stained aura to incite it.


    "Something''s wrong," Chu Liang whispered. "Lin Bei,e with me quietly."


    "Shang, stay here and keep an eye on the surroundings in the red-light district," Chu Liang said in a low voice before immediately rising to his feet and heading outside.


    Upon hearing these words, Shang Ziliang suddenly snapped to attention, sitting up straight.


    It was Lin Bei who patted him on his shoulder, reassuring him, "Don''t worry. Even if the sky falls, Chu Liang and I will hold it up. Just keep calm and pay attention to the surroundings."


    He exuded the demeanor of a protective older brother.


    Chu Liang stepped outside and followed the vendor closely.


    As he felt worried that the vendor might catch on, he avoided using his divine sense to observe and refrained from staring for too long. Instead, he walked casually, asionally ncing in the vendor''s direction.


    Some cultivators were highly sensitive to being observed through divine senses. If someone spied on them for too long without them knowing, they would eventually be aware of it.


    After some time, Chu Liang noticed that the vendor was indeed following the carriage. Upon realization, Chu Liang shifted his focus away from the vendor and began to follow the carriage.


    Meanwhile, Lin Bei followed Chu Liang from a distance. He was ready to provide support whenever needed, awaiting only a signal from Chu Liang.


    The carriage continued out of the red-light district and turned onto quieter streets. Eventually, they were enveloped by silence, with no one else in sight. The vendor disappeared as well..


    However, Chu Liang, who had been trailing them all along, knew that the vendor was lurking in the darkness, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.


    He was eighty or ny percent sure that this vendor was a cultivator from the diabolical sect.


    Chu Liang had no intention of waiting any longer. Even if the vendor wasn''t the actual heart-extracting murderer, he was definitely up to no good. Fighting him here wouldn''t alert anyone in the red-light district.


    Almost at the same moment he decided to make his move, the vendor also made a move!


    Like a ck arrow, he lunged out of the darkness and swiftly leaped onto the carriage, his movements light as if he were arge gecko clinging to the top.


    He was very careful, revealing only a hint of foundational qi fluctuations, barely detectable by anyone.


    If it weren''t for Chu Liang spotting him, the two people on the carriage would have been dead today!


    As the vendor was about to strike, Chu Liang''s attack shot out from the darkness.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    A silent streak of green light traced an unpredictable path andnded behind the target.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    It was the Razor Leaf!


    Of all Chu Liang''s divine skills, this one was the most covert and ideal forunching a surprise attack.


    The reason he didn''t use the Crimson Executioner to take the life of the vendor immediately was because its power was too great. Not only could it have killed the diabolical cultivator, but it could have also harmed the civilians nearby. Additionally, there was a high probability that the force would damage the items this vendor carried.


    Moreover, when conditions permitted, capturing alive was a better choice than direct killing, as it allowed for a better understanding of the situation.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!</i>"


    The vendor who had just been crouching on the carriage let out a miserable cry as he was deeply shed from behind. Only then did he notice Chu Liang''s figure behind him and attempted to flee by flipping over!


    At this point, he didn''t care about revealing fluctuations of his foundational qi as he leaped up and attempted to escape by flying away!


    Obviously, Chu Liang couldn''t let him get away. He called the Razor Leaf back only to hurl it away again.


    Suddenly, the Razor Leaf transformed into a ferocious green snake in mid-air!


    He activated the movement-restricting inscription!


    <i>Hiss~</i>


    The green snake opened its enormous mouth, its fangs biting into the vendor''s neck. Blood spurted out! If he hadn''t blocked the attack with his arms, that bite would have surely bitten off his head!


    But now, he found himself trapped between the jaws of the green snake, unable to move at all.


    Chu Liang dashed to his side. Upon sensing the vendor''s aura, he knew that the vendor was indeed at the peak of the third realm.


    This vendor was clearly the serial killer!


    He was an unconventional cultivator who wasn''t considered strong, making him an easy target for Chu Liang even at his current level.


    But even as an unconventional cultivator, he possessed the ability to easily ughter mortals. What would this world be if it lost its protectors? It was simply unimaginable.


    ...


    Yang Yuhu sat on a pavilion facing the street, releasing white spots of light from his hand. They drifted and spread throughout the city as he sat quietly, deeply immersed in his sensing.


    This was the Mirage Flutterbug, a type of insect native to Peni''s territory. This Mirage Flutterbug could sense every subtle fluctuation of foundational qi.


    During the day, Yang Yuhu visited all the crime scenes, capturing traces of the culprit''s foundational qi. If the culprit were to use their divine skill, regardless of how subtle the fluctuation of their foundational qi, Yang Yuhu would be able to sense it.


    He sat quietly on the pavilion, calm andposed. When the moon reached its zenith, he suddenly opened his eyes!


    <i>There it is!</i>


    His figure flickered, like a white light, and in an instant, he had already crossed half the city!


    He was as swift as lightning!


    Despite moving swiftly, when he arrived, all he saw was Chu Liang restraining the diabolical cultivator with the Razor Leaf, which was in the form of a green snake.


    <i>What?</i>


    Yang Yuhu was taken aback and filled with suspicion. <i>How did this disciple from Mount Shu arrive faster than him?</i>


    <i>How did he do it?</i>


    The shock onlysted for a moment when another change suddenly urred.


    A shadowy figure swept by like a gust of wind, arriving next to the vendor.


    With a quick strike of their palm, they pushed the green snake back, carried the vendor, and swiftly departed!

 Chapter 213: I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful (II)

    <h4>Chapter 213: I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful (II)</h4>


    Someone came to rescue the vendor!


    "Who is it?" Chu Liang shouted.


    He quickly stowed away the green leaf enchanted tool and went after the shadowy figure.


    Once more, moving with the swiftness of a gust of wind, the shadowy figure turned and unleashed several ck starlights. Immediately, Chu Liang opened the green leaf umbre and sessfully deflected all of the attacks.


    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>


    The ck starlights exploded in the air, morphing into a sudden shower of ck blood. Upon hitting the ground, they emitted a distinct hissing sound. As they struck the wall, they left behind minuscule ck holes.


    The horse, left unshielded, was sttered, causing it to instantly go into a frenzy, galloping forward uncontrobly.


    In the next moment, bloody wounds filled with pus began to form all over half of its body and it died!


    <i>Such vicious methods!</i>


    <i>Could this person be a high-level member of the Soul Destroyer Sect,ing to rescue their disciple?</i>


    Chu Liang had no time to put the green leaf umbre away as he swiftly pursued the shadowy figure!


    Yang Yuhu followed suit, chasing after the gust of ck wind straight into the sky, leaving a trailing white afterimage.


    Both of them knew that if they had allowed this diabolical cultivator to escape, innocent civilians were bound to suffer! They needed to keep this diabolical cultivator inside the Misty Waters City!


    The cultivation level of the shadowy figure was higher. However, as long as they could maintain this pursuit, they would buy enough time for the city supervisor and the powerful soldiers from outside the city to arrive and provide support.


    The wind howled, and in the blink of an eye, three beams of light flew out of the city.


    Lin Bei attempted to catch up, but right from the start, he fell behind by about a hundred zhang.


    He then paused for a moment and stopped. He simply turned around and headed towards the city supervisor''s office.


    Considering that the city supervisor would have already sensed the fluctuations of foundational qi in the city and would be heading towards the fluctuation of qi, Lin Bei decided that he would head back and be the guide.


    By doing so, they would at least save some time.


    ...


    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>


    The ck wind howled as it rushed out of the city.


    Yang Yuhu embodying the white light followed closely, while Chu Liang''s sword aura continuously trailed behind.


    In the blink of an eye, all of them had moved a hundred li.


    When the shadowy figure, moving with the swiftness of the wind, realized they couldn''t shake off their pursuers and that the men of Misty Waters City would soon arrive, they turned back and hovered in mid-air.


    This gust of ck wind was really a middle-aged man with a broad face and some beard. His gaze looked cold and sinister. As soon as he stopped, he raised his hand!


    Yang Yuhu was swiftly chasing, but he quickly stopped in his tracks, making a sharp sound in the air.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The middle-aged man lifted the vendor with his left hand and conjured a bone pike out of thin air, which he hurled towards Yang Yuhu with his right hand.


    The spear approached in an instant, creating this sonic boom. Yet, Yang Yuhu remained fearless in the face of danger. With hands forming seals, a stream of qi surged out from behind him, abruptly transforming into a dense fog tiger head. With jaws wide open, it engulfed the bone pike!


    <i>Screech!</i>


    The tiger head swallowed the spear with a screeching sound. It wasn''t at a disadvantage at all!


    There was something extraordinary about this fog. Instead of dissipating after swallowing the spear, it materialized into something harder than gold or iron. It actually disyed the immense strength of a true dragon and tiger.


    "Immortal Fog of Mirage Mountain! You are from the Peni Supreme Sect!" eximed the middle-aged man.


    But in this brief pause, Chu Liang''s sword energy had already arrived.


    Upon seeing this, the middle-aged man grimaced. He realized that unless he dealt with these two individuals, he would not be able to escape today. He couldn''t care less about which immortal sects these disciples belonged to! He simply knew that he must act decisively!


    His right hand trembled, and the veins on his wrist ruptured, causing a stter of bloody mist.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    A ck dragon emerged from the bloody mist and charged forward, smashing the white tiger immortal mist with a single strike!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Yang Yuhu, sensing the danger, swiftly dropped to the ground, evading the ck dragon''s subsequent attack. However, hundreds of bone spears immediately shot up from beneath his feet!


    The bone spears gleamed with a white-golden light so bright that it seemed as though the edges were imbued with invincibility.


    "<i>Hah!</i>" Yang Yuhu shouted, his fingers swiftly forming a series of hand seals. Suddenly, two ck vines shot out from under his feet, wrapping around his body and forming an armor of vines.


    <i>ng ng ng¡ª</i>


    The sharp bones stabbed against the vine armor but were blocked from prating deeper. Yet, the heavy impact still caused Yang Yuhu''s qi and blood to surge violently.


    Just then, the ck dragon above his head transformed, bursting into mes and morphing into a dark green fire dragon!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    While the vine armor was impervious to sharpness, it was particrly vulnerable to fire. The middle-aged man''s cultivation level surpassed that of Yang Yuhu, and his divine abilities were equally formidable. It was evident that he intended to exploit this vulnerability by using the fire dragon to break through Yang Yuhu''s vine armor!


    In the brief span of a finger snap, both sides had already engaged in several rounds of divine techniques. At the critical moment when Yang Yuhu was in imminent danger, Chu Liang sprang into action!


    He employed no shy divine techniques. With a simple lift of his hand, he unleashed a Talismanic Sword Seal of five wind characters and five lightning characters! However, he used the Crimson Executioner!


    <i>Rumble~</i>


    The blood-stained aura emanating from the middle-aged man was even stronger than that of the diabolical cultivator at the third realm, intensifying the rage of the Crimson Executioner even more fiercely.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    The ten-character talismanic seal, unleashed at random, intertwined, giving rise to a violent storm of sword qi that swept through the surroundings.


    The middle-aged man was shocked beyond measure at the sight, utterly bewildered as to how a disciple who seemed to be only at the beginning stage of the fourth realm could unleash such a powerful sword strike!


    Whose disciple was this?


    In the moment of life or death, with no time to ponder further, the whites of his eyes turned bloodshot, reddening with intensity. With a loud shout, he eximed, "<i>Ahhhh!</i>"


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The storm of sword qi instantly engulfed his figure, finally subsiding after a long while.


    Simultaneously, the fire dragon and bone spears he had summoned disappeared. Yang Yuhu broke free andnded, but he didn''t rx; instead, he looked up and shouted to Chu Liang, "Be careful! It''s the Sacrificial Substitute!"


    Hearing this, Chu Liang was just about to be on guard when a roaring sound came from above.


    Suddenly, the sky darkened, as if a giant, overturned pot had mmed down on them!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    This was the immortal art known as the Sacrificial Substitute.


    It could have been cast in moments of crisis, causing other living beings to die in one''s ce. However, those living beings had to have been previously prepared through ritual sacrifice. Those who practiced the Sacrificial Substitute must have carried several substitutes with them.


    Chu Liang had used the Crimson Executioner sword so many times, but this was the first time someone had escaped.


    But thinking back to when he had used the Crimson Executioner sword to kill experts at the fifth and sixth realms across borders before, he had mostly seeded by catching them off guard with sudden attacks.


    When cultivators of this level were on guard during a fight, even if your sword qi was powerful, the attack might never hit the target.


    ...


    <i>Snap. </i>


    In the darkness, a speck of white light sparked to life, casting illumination across the entire space.


    If one were to look from outside, they would see a ck iron alms bowl, the size of a house, overturned on the ground, trapping both Chu Liang and Yang Yuhu underneath.


    The middle-aged man, likely startled by the power unleashed by Chu Liang''s Crimson Executioner, feared a direct confrontation. In his apprehension, he abandoned his enchanted artifact and fled.


    He fled, but ended up trapping both of them under a massive alms bowl.


    Chu Liang stared at Yang Yuhu, uncertain of what to say.


    Yang Yuhu stared at Chu Liang and felt really awkward.


    Due to Di Nufeng, he had spoken words of hostility toward the disciples of Mount Shu. However, Chu Liang''s intervention in the earlier fight, freeing him from the predicament, made him reconsider his previous stance.


    In addition, the power that his sword unleashed was too terrifying.


    If the diabolical cultivator hadn''t mastered the immortal art Sacrificial Substitute, he would not have escaped the fate of being instantly killed.


    Was this truly the power that a cultivator at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm could disy?


    It was utterly beyond belief.


    As Yang Yuhu reflected on the words he had said, he couldn''t help but feel embarrassed.


    He even wondered if his elder brother, whom he had always looked up to as a god, could unleash a sword qi of this level when he was at the same age as Chu Liang.


    After a prolonged silence, it was Yang Yuhu who finally spoke up.


    He hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly, "I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful..."

 Chapter 214: Keep it Up! Little Maggot!

    <h4>Chapter 214: Keep it Up! Little Maggot!</h4>


    Chu Liang and Yang Yuhu found themselves trapped within the dim, enclosed space.


    An awkward tension hung heavy in the air.


    When Yang Yuhu suddenly broke the silence, Chu Liang chose not to pursue the matter further. He chuckled softly and remarked, "No harm done."


    Those who had encountered Di Nufeng couldn''t be med for holding a negative impression of Mount Shu''s disciples.


    "If it weren''t for your help, I would have been in trouble." Yang Yuhu said.


    As the core disciple of the Peni Supreme Sect, he wouldn''t have been instantly killed by that fire dragon.


    However, he would have no choice but to use some of his life-saving trump cards, which would be rather troublesome.


    Thankfully, Chu Liang saved him from the predicament.


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "We are all here to eradicate evil and uphold justice. It is our duty."


    They stayed there for a while. When their qi had been restored, they stood up and started scrutinizing this ck iron alms bowl.


    Yang Yuhu drew his sword and thrust forward, causing the sword to radiate brightly. Yet, there was not even a scratch on the iron wall.


    "It''s really hard," he said with a frown.


    Chu Liang thrust his sword to the ground to test if it was possible for him to dig out from below. Nevertheless, it was useless.


    <i>ng! </i>The Dustless Sword only managed to scratch the surface of the ground.


    The ck iron alms bowl had likely entrapped them beneath its surface through the enchanted formation of suppression carved upon it, ensuring that its effects would be triggered wherever the alms bowl was pressed. Naturally, it wouldn''t allow any possible escape routes. Any area underground would be influenced by these formation inscriptions, making it extremely hard to escape.


    "It looks like we will need to wait for someone to rescue us." Yang Yuhu said, "The city supervisor and his men should arrive soon."


    "Haven''t you noticed theck of venttion here?" Chu Liang asked.


    Upon realizing the issue, Yang Yuhu started panicking.


    Only cultivators who had reached the seventh realm of cultivation could have the ability to create their own world, which meant that for cultivators below the level of seventh realm, they still needed breathe air to live.


    Even if they could use some breath-holding divine skill, they would need to have stored enough air before they held their breath.


    Normally, the amount of air that cultivators need to breathe would not be less than that of ordinary people, and it might even be several times more as cultivators'' breaths were longer and more powerful, with a greater volume in each breath.


    If Chu Liang were to fully activate his Golden Core, he would have easily inhaled all the air in this space with one gulp!


    How much longer could they both breathe in such a small space?


    Two hours? Or a mere one hour...


    In addition, the strongest cultivator in the Misty Waters City was at the fifth realm and it remained uncertain as to whether they could flip this alms bowl over.


    It was at this moment that they realized they were in the midst of a life-threatening crisis.


    Yang Yuhu had just thought of it, but Chu Liang had noticed the problem long ago.


    Even so, he remained calm.


    "Do you have any ideas?" Yang Yuhu couldn''t help but ask.


    "Not yet," Chu Liang replied.


    <i>Then why are you so calm... </i>Yang Yuhu thought to himself.


    Yang Yuhu pondered for a moment when he suddenly said, "I have an idea."


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Chu Liang nced over at Yang Yuhu.


    "I can use the immortal art Roaming the World to go back to Peni and ask the elder of my sect to save us."


    "That sounds great." Chu Liang nodded.


    However, Yang Yuhu started hesitating.


    This was because his body would be left defenseless here while he was performing Roaming the World.


    Although Chu Liang had no reason to do anything to him, but...what if? After all, they were mere acquaintances who had met by chance. Could he really trust Chu Liang?


    But these thoughts onlysted for a moment before he cast them aside.


    This was their only means of survival. If not, would he passively wait here with Chu Liang, doing nothing?


    In the end, Yang Yuhu decided to trust this disciple of Mount Shu Sect.


    He sat cross-legged and started forming seals with both his hands. His soul instantly left his body in the firm of an apparition and returned to the Peni Supreme Sect in the East Sea.


    ...


    Chu Liang gazed at Yang Yuhu, whose divine consciousness had ascended outside his body. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of emotion as he pondered, <i>Oh, how I wish I could master immortal arts as well.</i>


    <i>If I had mastered the Dimension Compression immortal art, I would have been able to teleport away instead of enduring this suffering here.</i>


    <i>The diabolical cultivator earlier had also relied on the immortal art Sacrificial Substitute to escape the fate of receiving that fatal attack.</i>


    <i>I must study hard when I get back.</i>


    With its strong foundation, the Mount Shu Sect ranked top in the world of immortality cultivators for the amount of immortal arts saved in the sect.


    Since he had ample resources at his disposal, there was no reason not to spend more time studying this.


    Chu Liang lifted his hand and touched the iron wall on his side. Aside from being extremely hard, this wall disyed no other properties. There was only one enchanted formation of suppression carved on the alms bowl.


    However, this enchanted formation was rather effective.


    <i>Eh?</i>


    He touched the surface twice and suddenly recalled something.


    Inside the space of the White Pagoda, the little maggot with its very hard head was still hibernating. If he were to use it, would it be able to drill through this iron wall?


    As Chu Liang thought of this, he stretched his hand out and summoned the little maggot.


    <i>Scritch.</i>


    Sitting on Chu Liang''s palm, the little maggot stretched its body and shook its milk-white head. It seemed to have slept too much, appearing rather hazy.


    Chu Liang stared at it for a long time. For some reason, he found this tiny creature slightly adorable.


    The little maggot could burrow through anything, be it earth or sky, with ease. Yet, it remained remarkably well-behaved as it nestled in Chu Liang''s palm, never attempting to drill through his palm.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder if this little maggot had already regarded him as its mom.


    Chu Liang ced it gently on the iron wall of this huge alms bowl and softly uttered, "It''s mealtime."


    <i>Scritch, scritch, scritch.</i>


    The little maggot wriggled in ce for a moment, then promptly started to lower its head, its body undting.


    In the blink of an eye, half of its body had vanished into the iron wall, making the process seem as effortless as drilling through tofu.


    <i>It was just as I had expected!</i>


    The little maggot lived up to Chu Liang''s expectations.


    Furthermore, it appeared quite excited, its tiny body wriggling eagerly as it impatiently burrowed deeper, while golden threads flowed out in strands from its behind.


    During this process of eating and excreting, its body also slowly grewrger.


    It appeared that its size only increased when consuming materials imbued with spiritual energy.


    It would have pained Chu Liang to feed it materials infused with spiritual energy if those materials belonged to him, which was why he had the little maggot hibernate for such a long time.


    But this time, he would not only be able to feed his spirit pet but also free both him and Yang Yuhu from being trapped. It was truly killing two birds with one stone.


    <i>Go on, little maggot, keep eating!</i>


    ...


    To the east of Misty Waters City, beyond ck Whale Mountain,y the vast ocean.


    In the deeper regions of the East Seay the three inds of Peni. Shrouded in mist and clouds, these inds were collectively regarded as the most blessednd in the mortal realm.


    The Peni Inds contained abundant spiritual qi, and the vast expanse ofnd gave birth to numerous treasures of nature that supported arge number of cultivators.


    Back in ancient times, indigenous people living on various inds in the East Sea also discovered this ce. Over time, more and more people started settling here.


    Among these indigenous people, there were also cultivators. However, their cultivation practices were diverse andcked a systematic approach.


    During the chaotic era when the demon god wreaked havoc, a group of cultivators from the continent of the nine provinces sailed eastward to seek refuge. These cultivators discovered the mystical three inds of Peni as well as the indigenous cultivators who resided there.


    The indigenous cultivators weed them warmly, eager to learn powerful divine skills and techniques from the cultivators from the continent of the nine provinces.


    Using some minor divine techniques and enchanted tools, the cultivators from the continent of the nine provinces managed to trade for highly valuable treasures of nature from the indigenous people.


    They also grew fond of thisnd, deciding to stay and live here, integrating with the indigenous cultivators.


    These cultivators from the continent of the nine provinces were small in number, but they were strong and ambitious.


    Under the guise of teaching divine techniques and skills, they gathered everyone together and formed a huge sect called Peni.


    Peni was divided into the Peni Supreme Sect and the Peni Secondary Sect.


    The Supreme Sect held great power, residing atop the Mirage Tower Mountain, monopolizing the most privileged ess to resources. The members of the Peni Secondary Sect remained scattered across the territories of the three inds below Mirage Tower Mountain, under themand of the Supreme Sect.


    The Peni Supreme Sect was essentially dominated by cultivators from the nine provinces, while the numerous indigenous cultivators were mostly relegated to the Peni Secondary Sect, losing their leadership over the three inds of Peni.


    During this period, some members of the Peni Secondary Sect became aware of the situation and sought to unite all the indigenous cultivators to banish these outsiders, hoping to restore their idyllic way of life. However, at this point, the Peni Supreme Sect had wielded enough power and ruthlessly dealt with the group of dissenters.


    Since then, the fate of the supreme and secondary sects of Peni were determined.


    Several thousand years had gone by and only the Peni Supreme Sect became known to the world.


    Many people who inherited the legacy of the Peni Secondary Sect were putting in their utmost effort to cultivate, hoping to stand out one day and earn a ce to join the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Amidst the misty clouds, Mirage Tower Mountain stood tall and aloof, appearing both real and illusory. On its immensely towering and expansive peaks, countless splendid pavilions and pces resembled a heavenly realm on earth.


    Yang Yuhu''s apparition appeared before a grand hall and he called out, "Esteemed teacher, save me!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" A daoist with yellow whiskers in the grand hall opened his eyes.


    From a young age, his hair had been different from others, appearing golden in color. And so, he called himself Daoist Huang Long[1]. He was also a respected elder of the Peni Supreme Sect.


    When he saw Yang Yuhu''s apparition rushing over, Daoist Huang Long abruptly stood up and asked in a concerned tone, "What''s wrong?"


    "I was hunting diabolical cultivators in the Misty Waters City when a powerful cultivator appeared and trapped me in an enchanted tool. I will die of suffocation in 1 hour and 45 minutes!"


    When the Daoist Huang Long heard this, his expression grew grim. With a wave of his sleeve, he asked, "Misty Waters City?"


    He flipped his hand and held Yang Yuhu''s apparition in his palm. Then, he leaped up and his body instantly transformed into a golden light!


    He used the immortal art known as the Golden Path!


    Of all the divine skills and techniques known in the world, the Golden Path was undoubtedly the best in terms of flying speed!


    Inparison to the Golden Path, the immortal art Dimension Compression, which was basically teleportation, could only allow teleportation within a short distance. It couldn''t be used continuously for long distances.


    There were other divine techniques and teleportation skills that could achieve the same function as the Golden Path, enabling users to traverse vast expanses such as mountains and seas, However, they often required a preset guide for navigation, making them inferior to Golden Path.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    When the golden light shed, Daoist Huang Long had already crossed the vast sea and arrived outside of the Misty Waters.


    Daoist Huang Long then revealed his true form. With Yang Yuhu''s guidance, he moved again and found the location outside the city.


    He scanned the location with his divine sense and muttered in confusion, "What ck iron alms bowl?"


    "It''s there!" Yang Yuhu pointed in a direction when he suddenly uttered, "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Daoist Huang Longnded gracefully beside Yang Yuhu''s apparition. Surveying the deste wilderness, he spotted Yang Yuhu''s body seated nearby, guarded by a handsome young man with clear distinct features and dressed in brocade.


    As Yang Yuhu''s divine consciousness returned to his body, he opened his eyes.


    Chu Liang immediately smiled and said, "Brother Yang, you are awake."


    When Chu Liang saw Daoist Huangnd on the ground, he stood up to greet the elder, offering a bow.


    Yang Yuhu asked in confusion, "Where is that ck iron alms bowl?"


    Chu Liang looked up as he responded, "<i>Ah?</i>"


    1. Huang Long means yellow dragon ?

 Chapter 215: Evolution!

    <h4>Chapter 215: Evolution!</h4>


    Yang Yuhu had used the Immortal Art: Roaming the World to return to Peni, and Daoist Huang Long had hurried over to the East Sea using his Golden Path. All of that had happened in a mere moment; the tiny maggot couldn''t possibly have finished eating the massive ck iron alms bowl in such a short time.


    Earlier, the little maggot dug into the alms bowl and ate at a maddening pace. As the little maggot expelled golden threads, its size grew increasinglyrger. Therger the maggot got, the faster it ate... and the faster it ate, therger it became.


    Once the moment was over, the tiny maggot had grown into a white wormlike creature the size of Chu Liang''s palm!


    Chu Liang could finally get a proper look at the creature now that it had grown a lotrger. It turned out that the creature wasn''t actually a maggot. The creature had several pairs of short golden legs and a golden mouth, and its plump body had distinct sections.


    Rather than a maggot, the creature was more like a silkworm, especially since it could expel threads... from its rear end.


    The white and golden silkworm had eaten arge chunk of the iron, leaving a dip in the smooth interior surface of the alms bowl. That meant the engraved enchanted formation was damaged, and the suppression effect was lifted.


    The owner of the enchanted tool had already left, so the alms bowl was now an ownerless damaged enchanted tool.


    Chu Liang injected his foundational qi into the enchanted tool, having "reluctantly"[1] decided to keep it.


    The enchanted formation was damaged and no longer usable; it would definitely be difficult to repair. Nevertheless, the alms bowl was excellent as feed for the little silkworm.


    Just as Chu Liang put away the damaged ck iron alms bowl and the little silkworm, he noticed a beam of golden light flying over the horizon. Daoist Huang Long had arrived with Yang Yuhu.


    This was when Yang Yuhu asked about the alms bowl.


    Hearing Yang Yuhu''s inquiry, Chu Liang let out an "<i>Ah.</i>"


    His mind raced for a moment.


    Then Chu Liang replied simply, "I managed to break the enchanted tool. With its enchanted formation inscription damaged, it can''t suppress anyone anymore, so I stored it away."


    He had the alms bowl appear briefly on his hand. Then he stored it away again.


    Yang Yuhu once again felt astonished. "What?"


    He had felt just how hard and dense that alms bowl was. It was so solid that it might not get damaged even if he were to use his sword and strike it with full force. Chu Liang was only at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm, so how could he possibly...


    However, Yang Yuhu recalled Chu Liang''s shockingly powerful sword strike that had almost ended the life of the diabolical cultivator. It seemed that it was possible that Chu Liang might actually be telling the truth.


    <i>How terrifying!</i> Yang Yuhu thought. <i>He certainly isn''t an ordinary boy!</i>


    While Yang Yuhu was amazed by Chu Liang, his teacher, Daoist Huang Long, was rather displeased.


    <i>Yang Yuhu, if you''re truly in a life-threatening crisis, I, as your teacher, am more than willing to use my Golden Path to rush over and rescue you. However, a disciple who is clearly at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm managed to break free. You, on the other hand, couldn''t do it. Instead, all you knew how to do was run back to the sect and ask to be rescued...</i>


    Daoist Huang Long shot a dark look at Yang Yuhu.


    He thought, <i>It seems my disciple is rather weak...?</i>


    Daoist Huang Long had been at a critical stage of his understanding of his Dao. For a seventh-realm Eminent One like him, missing a moment of enlightenment could mean having to spend several more years cultivating. Yet, he''d disregarded that and rushed over to save his disciple... only to find his disciple had been in no danger at all. It was only natural that Daoist Huang Long felt quite displeased.


    Of course, if Chu Liang knew about that, he''d probably find it strange... and think, <i>Oh, so even cultivators at the seventh realm need to spend time understanding the Dao?</i>


    <i>It seems this teacher is rather weak...?</i>


    Yang Yuhu immediately sensed Daoist Huang Long''s re. Nevertheless, he didn''t know how to exin the situation to his teacher. It was true that he was at theter stage of the Golden Core Realm, which meant his cultivation level was higher than Chu Liang''s. However, it was also true that the prowess of Chu Liang''s terrifying sword qi greatly surpassed the level of the Golden Core Realm.


    Consequently, Yang Yuhu could only look at his teacher with a pitiful expression, unable to voice his misery.


    He felt so wronged.


    ...


    Seeing as Daoist Huang Long was already here, he followed his disciple and Chu Liang to Misty Waters City''s government office.


    On the way there, they ran into Du Ce and his troops. Du Ce''s group had rushed over with Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang.


    It turned out that after Du Ce''s group left the city, they were intercepted by a group of diabolical cultivators and engaged in a battle with them. Ultimately, Du Ce''s group killed three of the diabolical cultivators and captured one alive. However, the captured diabolical cultivatormitted suicide by self-detonation, causing a huge disturbance to the area.


    Du Ce''s group had no idea that those diabolical cultivators had exchanged their lives just to dy the Misty Waters City''s soldiers, giving the middle-aged man time to flee.


    Upon hearing what had happened, Chu Liang furrowed his brows in pensively.


    Du Ce was extremely courteous to Daoist Huang Long. He escorted Daoist Huang Long the whole way to the government office, where he then respectfully offered the seat of honor to the Daoist.


    As a fifth-realm Confucian cultivator, Du Ce was indeed far inferior to Daoist Huang Long, a seventh-realm Eminent One who possessed real power in the Peni Supreme Sect. It didn''t even need to be said as to whether any members of the imperial court were supporting Daoist Huang Long. Even the regent in the capital of Yu had to be respectful toward Daoist Huang Long.


    Daoist Huang Long didn''t bother with courtesies and sat in the seat of honor.


    He then said, "Misty Waters City is located in the flourishing Eastern Regions. There have always been very few signs of diabolical cultivators here, so where exactly did those peoplee from? They dared to act so arrogantly!"


    "The Soul Destroyer Sect," Du Ce answered. He paused and then added, "The perpetrator thatmitted the string of murders and dug out his victims'' hearts¡ªhe''s probably a disciple of the Soul Destroyer Sect. As for the powerful cultivator who took him away, it''s probably Chen Wuyin, the current sect leader of the Soul Destroyer Sect and a major criminal wanted by the imperial court. Aside from him, there''s no one else who could mobilize that many diabolical cultivators."


    Despite being heavily suppressed for many years, the Soul Destroyer Sect tenaciously continued to exist. Nevertheless, it was no longer what it used to be.


    Its current sect leader, Chen Wuyin, was only at the fifth realm of cultivation, and he was the only fifth-realm cultivator in the sect. Despite that, he was clearly much stronger than the fifth-realm diabolical cultivators of the Dark King Sect that Chu Liang had killed at the Southern Bastion Mountain.


    As cultivators advanced through the realms, the potential gap in between cultivators of the same realm would continue to widen.


    This wasn''t a difficult concept. For example, if the widest gap that could exist between two cultivators at the Spiritual Awareness Realm were to be quantified, it would be the difference between 11 and 19. For the Golden Core Realm, it would be the difference between 101 and 199, and for the Realm of the Five Elements, it would be the difference between 1001 and 1999.


    Daoist Huang Long snorted coldly. "They''re just the dregs of a diabolical sect, still struggling to exist even on the verge of death. Yet, they dare to behave so arrogantly as if they''re something to be feared!"


    At this moment, Chu Liang stood up and said, "Esteemed senior, I think there''s something strange about this."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Du Ce shifted his gaze to Chu Liang and nodded. "Go on."


    On the way to the government office, Lin Bei had already told Du Ce about how Chu Liang had swiftly discovered the murderer in the red-light district. It made Du Ce look at this outstandingly quick-witted disciple of the Mount Shu Sect with newfound respect.


    Now, seeing that Chu Liang had something to say, Du Ce gave Chu Liang the floor, showing that he respected Chu Liang''s opinion.


    Chu Liang said, "That diabolical cultivator who got rescued was only at the pinnacle of the third realm, and his foundational qi was quite heterogenous... But those cultivators from the Soul Destroyer Sect that you killed¡ªthere were only four of them, and one of them had even been at the Golden Core Realm. It doesn''t seem very likely that they would go to such lengths if all they wanted to do was rescue a member of their sect."


    This was a very simple reason. Abandoning four strong people to rescue one weaker person just wasn''t something any rational person would do.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" City Supervisor Du uttered, surprised by Chu Liang''s train of thought. Then City Supervisor Du said, "So, the rescued diabolical cultivator might be an important figure in the Soul Destroyer Sect..."


    "It''s possible, but it''s unlikely," Chu Liang replied. "I fought with him briefly... Although he''spletely inferior to me in terms of power, he didn''t even use any divine skills or enchanted tools. The flow of his qi was a total mess. He''s essentially... an unorthodox cultivator."


    The diabolical cultivator in question hadn''t seemed like a cultivator who had been taught by a teacher in a sect. In fact, even if he were a genuine diabolical cultivator, he wouldn''t have needed to do the atrocious acts he''dmitted in Misty Waters City.


    The actual Soul Destroyer Sect that Chen Wuyin led had long had since developed a system that allowed its members to grow even under the attacks from various righteous sects that were trying to kill them.


    "<i>Hmm,</i>" Du Ce mumured. He pondered for a moment, furrowing his brows. "There are indeed some points of suspicion. Let''s do a detailed investigation tomorrow before drawing a conclusion."


    ...


    A p of thunder rumbled from the sky as heavy rain poured down. It was midsummer, but this was the rainy season in the Southeast Regions.


    Not far from the city, there were several people taking shelter in a dpidated temple.


    A sh of lightning illuminated the person standing with his body facing the temple doors and his head tilted up as he looked at the sky. It was the middle-aged man who had escaped from the Crimson Executioner.


    He was the current sect leader of the Soul Destroyer Sect, Chen Wuyin.


    On the altar behind Chen Wuyin, the street vendor was lying on a woven bamboo mat with his eyes closed. There was a terrifyingly deep wound in his neck; his flesh was badly mangled.


    Two disciples of the Soul Destroyer Sect were beside the street vendor, sweating profusely as they tried to save him.


    ¡°Sect Leader!¡± one of the two disciples appeared very distressed. "This man is severely injured. It will be very difficult to save him!"


    "That''s right!" the other disciple agreed. "With the cirction of his qi and blood severed, even immortals wouldn''t be able to save him!"


    Chu Liang had hit the street vendor with a movement-restricting attack[2]. One could say that the street vendor was pretty lucky, considering that he hadn''t suffocated to death on the spot.


    Moreover, Chen Wuyin hadter carried the vendor as he fought and fled, constantly jolting the vendor for quite a while. It was no surprise that he was beyond recovery.


    "In that case, let''s just give him a drug to give him a final moment of lucidity before dying! We must make him speak!" Chen Wuyin''s expression turned dark and icy. "If he doesn''t speak, kill him and extract his soul. Have his soul speak instead!"


    There was another sh of lightning, followed by a p of thunder. Chen Wuyin''s sinister expression was illuminated for all to see.


    ...


    Seven hundred years ago, the world was in a chaotic state.


    The Soul Destroyer Sect once made a resurgence with a sect leader known as the Elder Reaper. The Soul Destroyer Sect thrived under his leadership for some time, taking advantage of those chaotic times when people behaved like animals to spread their influence.


    Nevertheless, when the Yu Dynasty was established and peace was returned to the world, sects like the Soul Destroyer Sect were met with destruction. Several powerful figures of the righteous path worked together to hunt down the Elder Reaper, and he ultimately died near the East Sea.


    However, there was reliable information that the Elder Reaper hadn''t died at the hands of the righteous cultivators. Instead, he''d disappeared after sustaining severe injuries. At that time, he''d carried with him the most important treasures and the cultivation legacy of the Soul Destroyer Sect. The sect lost all of them together with the Elder Reaper.


    ...


    So, when news emerged of the Soul Destroyer Sect causing trouble in Misty Waters City, Chen Wuyin had immediately figured it out. The person causing trouble in Misty Waters City had probably acquired the sect''s cultivation legacy from the Elder Reaper''s resting ce!


    Chen Wuyin had then promptly led his subordinates and killed their way to Misty Waters City. Like the righteous cultivators, Chen Wuyin had been closely monitoring news about the perpetrator of the murders, waiting for him to reappear.


    Unfortunately, he had been one step behind Chu Liang...


    Chen Wuyin let out a deep bellow, "Our Soul Destroyer Sect was already weak, and now we''ve lost four of our brothers just so that we could bring this man back with us. I will never give up until we can extract the location of where the Elder Reaper is buried!"


    1. It''s a politeness thing. GT: Like if your aunt gives you money and you pretend you don''t want to take it but you actually do. So, Chu Liang made an excuse about how the bowl is ownerless and damaged so that he can take the bowl for himself. LD: As expected of Chu Liang the profiteer. ?


    2. Referring to the Razor Leaf''s snake form. See Book 3, Chapter 9 ?

 Chapter 216: Only Half Left?

    <h4>Chapter 216: Only Half Left?</h4>


    The heavy rain continued until noon on the second day before finally stopping.


    Chu Liang followed the officials from the city government office to a vige outside the city.


    Groups of vigers gathered around a thatched cottage, blocked by officials from the government office, discussing animatedly.


    "I can''t believe it. Li Si was such an honest and straightforward person. Who would have thought he''d be a diabolical cultivator? My goodness..." remarked one viger.


    "Back in the day, he said his wife ran off with someone else. I even felt sorry for him for a while, but it turns out he killed her and buried her in their backyard..." another viger added.


    "And that''s not all. Look at all the skeletons they dug up. Who knows how many people he''s killed over the years... All those people who went missing in the mountains around the vige, they probably fell victim to him..." a third viger chimed in.


    "How did such a decent person fall into the path of the dark side?" wondered another.


    "Truly terrifying," murmured someone else.


    "..."


    Chu Liang stood among the crowd and listened to the discussions, forming a rough impression of Li Si.


    Li Si was an honest vendor, barely noticeable on ordinary days. He would push his cart into the city to sell goods in the evening and return home at dawn. Since his wife''s death, no one cared about his whereabouts.


    He was almost living in in sight yet unnoticed by anyone.


    His entire life trajectory could be clearly outlined. Perhaps he stumbled upon some diabolical cultivation technique by chance and practiced it ordingly, but he couldn''t possibly be a hidden disciple of a diabolical sect for many years.


    <i>Why would the actual Soul Destroyer Sect, which had remained hidden for many years, invest so much effort in abducting him?</i>


    Chu Liang stepped forward, while Lin Bei stood nearby, clicking his tongue in disapproval. "We''ve unearthed more than thirty sets of bones in total, but it might not be all the victims of his crimes. To ascend to the third realm, a diabolical cultivator would have to take so many lives. This sect is damned!"


    "But do you know that this cultivation method did not originate from a diabolical sect?" Shang Ziliang interjected.


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Chu Liang really had no idea.


    "During the chaotic era when the demon god wreaked havoc and demons invaded, countless people in thend of the nine provinces were being defeated. The human cultivators couldn''t fight back against the power of the demon race. It was not until the founding father of the Soul Destroyer Sect stepped forward and created this cultivation method," Shang Ziliang exined. "This cultivation method doesn''t require a huge amount of resources. You just need enough humans to sacrifice. It enabled them to quickly train powerful cultivators who could join the battle."


    "Is that so?" Chu Liang was shocked.


    "I read it in the secret Confucian teachings hid away by my father, so it must be true," said Shang Ziliang. "After the great cmity passed, those who continued to practice this technique were immediately killed. And the founding father of the Soul Destroyer Sect, who had been hailed as a hero by humans initially, was thenbeled as a devil and executed. Since then, the Soul Destroyer Sect became a diabolical sect."


    "<i>Haih</i>," sighed Chu Liang.


    The search here was reachingpletion.


    Aside from some ancient-looking books in Li Si''s house, there were no other items that seemed to belong to a cultivator. He could be considered really broke even among cultivators of unconventional paths.


    Chu Liang took a stroll to a hillside. He then took out the little silkworm and ced it on the leaf of a huge tree, curious to see if it would eat leaves.


    The little silkworm gradually woke up, shaking its head and wiggling.


    Suddenly, it turned its big head, plopped onto the ground, and started crawling in a certain direction.


    <i>Scritch, scritch, scritch.</i>


    Its pace wasn''t sluggish, but it was undeniably cuter when it moved forward without its legs visible.


    But it was the first time it wasn''t burrowing into the ground but instead moving steadily in one direction. Chu Liang nced at it and decided not to stop the little silkworm, but rather to follow its path.


    The little silkworm was picking up speed, its wriggling movement conveying a sense of anticipation.


    It was clearly in a rush!


    <i>Where exactly do you want to go?</i>


    ...


    The path ahead gradually became rugged, winding downwards, passing through a crevice in the mountain valley and revealing a huge underground cavern below. It appeared to be andslide caused by heavy rain, eventually exposing an underground hollow.


    Surprisingly, there was a huge, swiftly flowing river into the cavern!


    The water of this river felt extremely cold, emanating a bone-chilling qi, seemingly carrying a hint of eeriness.


    Except for the section exposed on the surface, the entire river flowed in the underground cavern. The little silkworm wasted no time in burrowing down, turning along the riverbank and crawling along.


    Chu Liang had just been worried if it would dive deep into the water, but now he heaved a sigh of relief; it seemed the tiny silkworm had no intention of swimming.


    They then turned into an underground cavern. Thankfully, the ceiling of the cavern was high enough and Chu Liang, despite having no foothold, could still manage to move forward while hovering in the air.


    The little silkworm crawled along the wall for what felt like an eternity. The gloomy river ahead had shifted its course, leaving behind a vast, empty riverbank. They were already so deep underground that he had no idea of their depth.


    <i>This is...</i>


    Chu Liang formed a Bright Light Seal with his right hand, illuminating the path ahead. In the faint glow, he could discern only a dark stone residence, its features obscured byyers of mud and sand. The door frame and que were barely visible,pletely blocked off by the umted debris.


    It seemed this ce was once an underwater residence, hidden beneath the murky depths of the river, now unveiled by the shifting currents. Water had seeped inside, leaving behind traces of its intrusion. Decayed and broken cups, books, and other itemsy scattered outside the residence.


    There was a strong smell of death.


    Could it be that this is the residence of some lost cultivators, and the little silkworm has sensed valuable items in this ce?


    <i>Can this tiny creature really search for treasures?</i>


    Chu Liang''s confusion didn''tst long, as the silkworm decisively burrowed into the sealed gate crafted from mud and sand.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang certainly couldn''t use his head to burrow through; instead, he wielded the Dustless Sword, cutting open a path with its radiant sword qi.


    Upon stepping through the entrance, a sharp whistling sound echoed. Beneath his feet, the mud concealed a swamp, from which dozens of bone spears suddenly emerged!


    Thanks to Chu Liang''s quick reflexes, he swiftly propped up a green leaf umbre, holding it downward to block the onught of bone spears with a ng.


    It was evident that this enchanted formation had been hastily arranged, and over the years, its power had likely diminished significantly; otherwise, it wouldn''t have been so straightforward.


    After traversing the swamp and enduring several broken formations along a corridor, Chu Liang finally arrived at a spacious cave dwelling partially buried in mud. Everything, including a set of skeletal remains partially concealed by the earth,y hidden.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang felt the Crimson Executioner vibrating in the expansive space of the White Pagoda.


    Chu Liang furrowed his brows.


    It was the first time the Crimson Executioner felt agitated over a corpse.


    What heinous crime had this individualmitted during their lifetime to provoke the Crimson Executioner''s urge to whip this corpse?


    The individual to whom these skeletal remains once belonged must have had a high cultivation level. Yet, the residual spiritual essence within the remaining bones was far from intact.


    In fact, his corpse was highly fragmented, with only about half of the body remaining... or even less.


    It appeared that the injuries sustained in life were of an unimaginable magnitude.


    With just this minuscule amount of spiritual energy left, it was likely impossible to use such a corpse to cultivate any valuable treasures of nature.


    When this thought crossed his mind, Chu Liang was terrified by the fact that he was even thinking about such things.


    His immediate reaction upon seeing the corpse of an Eminent One was to consider its potential for cultivation of nts...


    Behind the corpse stood some shelves disying various books and scrolls, but most of them had already decayed beyond recognition, with only a few remaining intact. There didn''t appear to be any visible treasures among them.


    The only item of interest was a bronze cauldron ced on the table, emitting a faint divine light. It appeared to be a powerful enchanted tool.


    Chu Liang''s gaze wasn''t as quick as the silkworm''s short legs; he had just noticed the bronze cauldron when the tiny silkworm''s head popped out from the surface of the cauldron. It had already chewed a path out.


    <i>Good lord... </i>Chu Liang felt so much pain.


    <i>We don''t even know the level of this enchanted tool and you are already eating it?</i>


    Nevertheless, this item had indeed been discovered by the silkworm itself. Chu Liang didn''t fight with it for the cauldron.


    Compared to the joy of finding an enchanted tool, he was even more pleasantly surprised that the silkworm was really capable of finding treasures.


    If he trained this silkworm, wouldn''t he potentially amass a fortune in the future?


    So while the silkworm was busy eating, Chu Liang searched around and set his sights on a certain finger of the corpse.


    This finger was markedly different from the others, appearing rather shiny.


    <i>You have a golden finger too? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Chu Liang approached with a smile and confirmed that it was indeed a bone with mystical abilities.


    Considering the individual''s evil past, Chu Liang wasn''t courteous in his actions. With a snap, he broke the finger off.


    He took the phnge in his hand and examined it for a while.


    Then, he tried to infuse it with foundational qi.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    The wall behind the corpse suddenly moved!


    <i>This peculiar phnge is a key? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Chu Liang entered the space revealed by the moving wall and found only a small area. Inside, therey a golden skull, likely a refined enchanted tool.


    Within the skull''s mouth, there rested a scroll made of sheepskin scroll.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang murmured, a hint of suspicion creeping into his voice. <i>This skull looks familiar...</i>


    But since Chu Liang was uncertain of what the skull represented, he did not want to act rashly.


    As he hesitated, Chu Liang heard a nging sound from outside, apanied by shouts.


    <i>Something happened? </i>He thought to himself.


    Hastily, Chu Liang grabbed the silkworm, which was munching away happily, and darted into the narrow space. As he rotated the distal section of the phnge, the wall sealed shut.


    In just a short moment, the silkworm had grown a couple of sizesrger again. Whether it was due to the spiritual energy contained within the cauldron or its own astonishing growth rate, Chu Liang wasn''t certain.


    ...


    Not long after, a somewhat familiar voice sounded from outside, "So this is the burial ground of the Elder Reaper! Finally found it!"


    It was the diabolical cultivator fromst night!


    The current leader of the Soul Destroyer Sect!


    From the sounds of the disorderly footsteps, there should be a few underlings trailing behind him.


    Chu Liang''s heart skipped a beat. He held his breath, fearing that his qi might give him away.


    Even with the Crimson Executioner boosting his power, he wasn''t certain he could defeat such an opponent. It was best to wait and observe for a while.


    After a pause, the leader of the Soul Destroyer Sectughed again and said, "It looks just like the drawing in the manual! This is the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno! For the past several thousands of years, this has remained the most treasured possession of my Soul Destroyer Sect. The Elder Reaper of our sect lost it here! Today, I''ve found it again! I can only refine the Great Pill of Mortal Sacrifice! <i>Hehehe...</i>"


    A ng then sounded, indicating that he had most likely grabbed that bronze cauldron and held it up.


    But then, hisughter abruptly ceased.


    Immediately, a voice tinged with confusion followed. "<i>Huh?</i> Why is it only half?"

 Chapter 217: Dont Panic, Lass.

    <h4>Chapter 217: Don''t Panic, Lass.</h4>


    Chen Wuyin stared at the cauldron in his hand, deep in thought.


    <i>Hmm... What went wrong?</i>


    The Soul Destroyer Sect practiced a unique cultivation method that involved the use of human lives as resources. As one progressed further in their cultivation, the demand for human lives naturally increased.


    To break through to the sixth realm, countless lives must be sacrificed. Their blood and flesh must be ced into the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno for the refinement of the Great Pill of Souls.


    However, ever since the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno disappeared with the Elder Reaper, the Soul Destroyer Sect hasn''t had a single sixth-realm cultivator for many years.


    But he has found the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno today.


    The size, inscriptions, and material were all identical to the treasure recorded in the sect''spendium. The only difference was that in thependium, the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno was depicted asplete.


    But here, the cauldron in his hand showed only half of it.


    <i>Could the other half be hidden somewhere? </i>Chen Wuyin thought to himself. <i>This gap doesn''t seem like it can be pieced together... It''s more like something gnawed on it.</i>


    After a long silence, he finally uttered a word: "Search!"


    "Sect Leader, what do we search for?" The two disciples behind him were momentarily confused.


    "Of course, we search for the other half of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno! How can we refine the pill with only half?" Chen Wuyin eximed angrily.


    "Yes!" The two disciples immediately began searching vigorously.


    However, the phnge on the corpse had already been taken by Chu Liang, so even if they searched thoroughly, they would find nothing.


    Even within the secret room, Chu Liang could hear themotion outside. He was really hoping that they would soon feel discouraged and leave, preferably leaving without taking the remaining half of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno...


    If the little silkworm can''t finish eating, he could even pack up the leftovers.


    Unfortunately, Chen Wuyin seemed to have no intention of giving up.


    Not only that, but he also noticed the wall!


    The residence had remained hidden underwater for many years, resulting inyers of mud covering the surrounding walls. However, only one particr wall hadrge patches of mud fall off due to the opening of the secret room door just now.


    "Why is this wall so clean?" Chen Wuyin''s eyes showed suspicion. He paused before adding, "Break it open and take a look!"


    In the secret room, Chu Liang felt his heart in his throat as he listened to the conversation unfolding outside.


    If he were to directly confront them, he wasn''t sure if he could escape. Chen Wuyin had once encountered the Crimson Executioner, and facing him head-on would only make things more difficult. Aside from the Crimson Executioner, Chu Liang only had Old Fei to rely on.


    Last time in the Immortals'' Marsh, he had called out Old Fei and asked him to engage at his full strength. When Chu Liang summoned him back into the vase, he had to spend several hundred sword coins to buy spirit nts for replenishing the qi of death and to help Old Fei recuperate to his normal state.


    Every time Old Fei engaged in a fight, it was like burning money.


    However, if it was a critical moment, Chu Liang naturally wouldn''t hesitate to call him out.


    Just as he held his breath nervously, anothermotion erupted from outside.


    Sessive triggers of the enchanted formation at the entrance of the residence echoed, apanied byughter reminiscent of silver bells.


    The two Soul Destroyer Sect disciples, who were about to break the wall, were drawn to theughter behind them and turned to look.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A gust of fragrant wind swept through the residence.


    When they looked up again, they saw a young woman in a red dress with a tightly cinched waist appear in the chamber. She had ck hair that flowed like a waterfall and skin as white as snow. With the bright red dress contrasting her skin, she exuded an irresistible charm.


    She hovered in mid-air, seemingly finding the mud beneath her feet too dirty.


    "Sect Leader Chen, quite a skill you have. Within only a few days, you managed to find the burial ground of the Elder Reaper. I am surprised," thedy in the red dress said with a charming smile.


    "And who are you?" Chen Wuyin replied in a grim tone.


    The arrival of this woman was strange, and the reason he didn''t immediately take action was because her aura was faintly superior to his own.


    "I am Yi Qiushui from the Dark King Sect."


    Thedy in the red dress didn''t hide a single thing. With a smile on her face, she boldly announced her identity and her sect.


    "Enchantress Yi? One of the Four Enchantresses from the Scarlet-Robe Hall?" Chen Wuyin immediately recalled.


    Within the Dark King Sect, there existed the Left and Right Guardians, alongside the infamous Four Halls of Darkness. Among these, the Scarlet-Robe Hall was governed by four disciples, collectively known as the Four Enchantresses. Among them, Yi Qiushui held the lowest rank.


    Chen Wuyin, despite leading a diabolical sect, had never crossed paths with Yi Qiushui before.


    In the secret room, Chu Liang couldn''t shake the feeling that this female cultivator from the Dark King Sect wasn''t entirely diabolical. Typically, those deeply entrenched in such sects would have their qi suffused with blood. Yet the Crimson Executioner showed no reaction toward thedy who had just arrived.


    It was only feeling agitated toward the corpse buried in this residence and Chen Wuyin.


    "It is I," Thedy named Yi Qiushui stared at Chen Wuyin as she replied. "There is something that the Elder Reaper has that my teacher wants. And so, I have beenmanded to follow you. I hope you don''t find offense in that."


    "The Scarlet-Robe Hall is interested in the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno?" Chen Wuyin shrugged and raised his hands as he continued, "Well, I dare not refuse... However, I can only offer you half of it, as I don''t know where the other half went..."


    "<i>Heh.</i> Why would my teacher want the cauldron that is used to cook human flesh?" Yi Qiushui shook her head as she replied.


    "The Elder Reaper is an ancestor within our sect. How can I not know of any other valuable items he possessed?" Chen Wuyin asked, feeling puzzled.


    "It''s nothing particrly valuable. It just has some connection with the Dark King Sect. Since you have found the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno, why don''t you simply leave and allow me some time to search this ce?" Yi Qiushui asked.


    "Sure," Chen Wuyin readily agreed. "Whatever the Scarlet-Robe Hall wants, you may take it. We only hope that in the future, as fellow diabolical cultivators, you will support our Soul Destroyer Sect."


    "No problem!" Yi Qiushui readily agreed.


    "Let''s go." Chen Wuyin, apanied by his two subordinates, strode toward the entrance of the residence.


    Yi Qiushui stood aside, bidding them farewell.


    With a swift hand gesture and a sudden movement, Chen Wuyin unleashed an attack resembling a ck dragon from his sleeve. The attack, its aura tinged with blood, viciously lunged towards Yi Qiushui!


    The opponent Chen Wuyin faced was neither dumb nor naive. Even before he made a move, Yi Qiushui had alreadyunched herself towards him, leaving behind a red afterimage.


    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>


    The twopleted their first exchange of attacks!


    Yi Qiushui hade here in search of the valuable item. Ever since Chen Wuyin entered Misty Waters City, she had kept her eyes on him. Driven by her eagerness for sess, she had no intention of letting him leave easily.


    She had followed closely so that Chen Wuyin wouldn''t leave her sight. It wasn''t a matter of testing him. If he imed there were no valuable items, could that really be true? Regardless of its truth, Yi Qiushui had to kill him before verifying it.


    Since the beginning, her intentions had been clear. She would kill him and steal the treasures. Both had to be done.


    And Chen Wuyin''s urge to kill was even stronger.


    If Yi Qiushui had never mentioned another valuable item, he would have simply searched the ce and left with half of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno. But upon learning of other valuable items, it became impossible for him to simply give up and leave.


    The treasure coveted by the Scarlet-Robe Hall must not be some ordinary item. It might be even more valuable than the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno! If he could kill Yi Qiushui, Chen Wuyin would be willing to dig up the entire ce if necessary to find the item!


    The two individuals from the diabolical sects harbored sinister intentions. As if engaging in a prearranged duel, they bothunched their attacks at the first opportunity!


    Both attempted to ambush each other, effectively nullifying their efforts.


    It was an open and straightforward collision!


    Although the residence was spacious, it was still too narrow for the fight between these two individuals!


    A resounding bang and sh echoed through the room as shards of red light scattered everywhere, and cracks appeared on the walls of the residence.


    Instead of helping their sect leader, the two disciples of the Soul Destroyer Sect tried to leave. However, when Yi Qiushui clenched her fist in mid-air, the two disciples suddenly froze in ce.


    Then came two muffled sounds. <i>Crunch, crunch.</i>


    Blood fog exploded from their bodies, causing them to wither and dry up, resembling dried grass as the blood drained from their bodies. From the blood fog emerged a ghostly w that lunged toward Chen Wuyin.


    Chen Wuyin clenched his fist and summoned his white bone spear. Gripping it firmly, he pressed it against the center of the ghost w palm. The moment their weapons made contact, a ring green ghostly me erupted!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    It was another explosion!


    The walls around them, including the wall to the secret room, copsed.


    The Elder Reaper had likely escaped in a hurry and hadn''t constructed this underwater residence sturdy enough. Even this secret room, though somewhat concealed, couldn''t withstand such a powerful impact and copsed in an instant.


    Amidst the flickering sparks of the copsing walls, a sword qi reminiscent of a dragon whistled past Yi Qiushui, heading straight for Chen Wuyin! It caught him off guard!


    <i>This sword again! </i>Chen Wuyin thought to himself.


    Chen Wuyin, having narrowly escaped the previous sword attack, felt a surge of fear as he faced it again. Before he could even process his thoughts, he instinctively attempted to use the immortal art, Sacrificial Substitute!


    But just as he was about to act, he suddenly felt his blood flow stagnate throughout his body, as if something were obstructing the cirction of his qi and blood.


    It was the Blood-Controlling Technique from the Scarlet-Robe Hall!


    Chen Wuyin immediately realized the reason. Yi Qiushui had cast this technique on him to disrupt his normal state. With his cultivation level, this type of technique would only make him feel ufortable and hinder the smooth activation of his divine skills.


    However, at this critical moment of life or death, even a slight dy in the cirction of qi could determine his fate.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    This terrifying sword qi engulfed Chen Wuyin directly, mercilessly crushing his entire form into dust, leaving nothing behind for a long time.


    This sword also startled Yi Qiushui, sending shivers down her spine.


    With a face full of shock and doubt, she turned back and saw a mysterious figure in a ck robe retracting the sword light. The figure slowly emerged from behind the crumbling wall, speaking with a hoarse and elderly voice.


    "Don''t panic,ss. I won''t kill you."

 Chapter 218: Esteemed Senior Dugu

    <h4>Chapter 218: Esteemed Senior Dugu</h4>


    Chu Liang had panicked a little when Yi Qiushui first arrived.


    Even though another powerful diabolical cultivator had joined the scene, the Crimson Executioner could only deal with Chen Wuyin, not Yi Qiushui.


    Once Chu Liang exposed his presence, he would inevitably be the primary target for the two diabolical cultivators. Regardless of any grudges they had with each other, they would definitely first kill off the righteous cultivator that walked out of the secret chamber.


    So, when the two diabolical cultivators started fighting, Chu Liang breathed a sigh of relief and hoped they would both end up injured. Nevertheless, that wasn''t because he wished to be like an old fisherman getting the catch after waiting patiently, reaping the benefits after the two diabolical cultivators had fought it out. Chu Liang just wanted to escape unharmed.


    Yet, before either of them got hurt, the wall unexpectedly started to crumble. Once that wall copsed... Chu Liang would no longer be able to hide.


    He promptly decided that he had to fight his way out!


    Chu Liang flipped his hand over and stored away the golden human skull containing the ancient sheepskin scroll. Then he consumed an Essence-Concealing PIll and put on his Aura-Concealing Robe.


    Just before the wall copsedpletely, he charged out with his sword, poised to attack!


    <i>Chen Wuyin, right?</i>


    <i>The sect leader of the Soul Destroyer Sect, right?</i>


    <i>The immortal art Sacrificial Substitute, right?</i>


    <i>Once the Crimson Executioner has locked onto you, you''d better prepare to repent for your crimes. Just because you haven''t been served retribution doesn''t mean you''ll never get it. It''s simply because the right time for it had yet to arrive!</i>


    With Yi Qiushui''s assistance, Chu Liang killed Chen Wuyin swiftly with a formidable strike that was like the wrath of Heaven.


    When the smoke cleared, Chu Liang and Yi Qiushui were the only ones still standing. A brief silence fell over them.


    Chu Liang was extremely fearful of Enchantress Yi. The Crimson Executioner showed no interest in her, so summoning Old Fei[1] was the only way he could possibly be a match for her.


    However, just like how Chu Liang was fearful of Yi Qiushui, Yi Qiushui was in great awe of Chu Liang. That terrifying sword strike earlier... If it hadnded on her instead, she might have met a swift demise. Who was this ck-robed person whose flow of qi remained a mystery?


    After a moment of hesitation, Chu Liang spoke up first. "Don''t panic,ss. I won''t kill you."


    He gained the advantage by taking the first move and setting the flow of the conversation.


    Yi Qiushui nced at the wall behind her and noticed there was a secret chamber behind that crumbling wall.


    <i>Has this ck-robed person been in there all this time, watching us?</i>


    Yi Qiushui said softly, "I did not know you were here, esteemed senior. Apologies for my mistake."


    "No worries," Chu Liang replied, deliberately lowering his pitch. "What happened here must stay a secret. I should have eliminated both of you, but I know your teacher, so I only took action against that one. You should leave quickly before I change my mind."


    Upon hearing that, Yi Qiushui immediately wanted to turn and leave this dangerous ce.


    Nevertheless, she gave it some thought and ultimately said, "I''m grateful for your mercy, esteemed senior! Since you know my teacher, may I ask what your name is? I will tell my teacher about you. I''m sure she will want to express her gratitude to you, esteemed senior."


    "You''ve seen that sword strike of mine, yet you don''t recognize who I am?" Chu Liang asked, feeling rather baffled.


    "I''ve only been cultivating for thirty-odd years, and I haven''t experienced much of the martial world... Please forgive me, esteemed senior," Yi Qiushui said hurriedly with her head bowed.


    "<i>Hahahaha!</i>" Chu Liang suddenly burst intoughter. "I don''t me you! I''ve been living in seclusion in the mountains for decades... People around the world must have long forgotten my name¡ªSword Devil Dugu Qiubai[2]! What a pity!"


    "So, you''re Esteemed Senior Dugu!" Yi Qiushui''s eyes lit up. "My teacher did indeed mention your name when I was younger!"


    "Oh, really?" Chu Liang uttered. Hidden under the shade of his hood, his lip twitched. He asked, "What did she say about me?"


    "<i>Uh...</i>" Yi Qiushui stammered, pretending to recall that memory. "It was many years ago, so I can''t remember her words clearly. But the gist of it was that she greatly admires your cultivation principles..."


    "<i>Ah,</i> that''s thoughtful of her," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head with a sigh. He then reminded Yi Qiushui, "It''s fine for you to tell your teacher about what happened today. However, you mustn''t tell anyone else. Got it?"


    "Yes!" Yi Qiushui hurriedly agreed.


    "If news of my return were to spread, it would inevitably lead to another bloodbath," Chu Liang muttered. "I shouldn''t have let anyone know about my whereabouts..."


    Hearing that, Yi Qiushui felt quite afraid and said, "Then I shan''t disturb you any longer, esteemed senior. I''ll leave first!"


    She swiftly transformed into a beam of red light and left the cave dwelling.


    Yi Qiushui left at a speed that was ten times faster than the speed she had used to get to there.


    Chu Liang wasn''t sure if Yi Qiushui was truly gone or if she was still observing him from the shadows. So, he calmly left the underwater residence inrge strides.


    As Chu Liang walked, he recited, "Heroes of this world that emerge from our generation¡ªthey join the martial world with grand ambitions, only to find themselves in a relentless fight with time...[3]"


    His sonorous voice was bold and imposing!


    ...


    Meanwhile, Yi Qiushui flew over a province in a beam of rainbow-colored light and arrived at a deep crimson pool.


    "Esteemed Teacher! I, your disciple, have returned!" she eximed loudly.


    After a moment, there was a rumbling sound as bubbles gushed up from the surface of the pool. Green roof tiles and red walls slowly emerged from the water, eventually revealing a pavilion!


    Once therge pavilion fully emerged from the pool, it floated steadily on the surface of the water as if the water''s surface was solid.


    Then a voice called out from inside the pavilion, "Come in."


    Hearing that, Yi Qiushui pushed open the door of the pavilion and entered. At the center of the ground floor, a woman dressed in an extremely gorgeous crimson robe was sitting quietly with her hair down. She had her back to Yi Qiushui as shebed her hair and groomed herself in front of a mirror.


    The hall was furnished beautifully. However, everything was crimson; it was a dizzying disy of red.


    Yi Qiushui immediately lowered her head, afraid to look at the mirror.


    ording to legend, the master of the Dark King Sect''s Scarlet-Robe Hall was the incarnation of a malicious ghost. Anyone who even nced at her would die suddenly in the night!


    Before Yi Qiushui could speak, the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master said, "You failed?"


    "Your disciple is ipetent! Please punish me, Esteemed Teacher!" Yi Qiushui said, immediately dropping to her knees.


    "Don''t panic. First, tell me what happened," the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master said leisurely as she continued tob her hair. "You should have been able to deal with Chen Wuyin. Did something unexpected ur?"


    "Yes," Yi Qiushui replied. "After Chen Wuyin opened up Elder Reaper''s cave dwelling, I fought with him. However, a mysterious ck-robed man suddenly appeared and killed Chen Wuyin with a single sword strike! The man said he should have killed me too, but he spared me because he knows you, Esteemed Teacher."


    "He knows me?" the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master uttered.


    Her fair wrist suddenly froze. She seemed to have realized something.


    The Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master said, "I instructed you to seize the the Divine Ruins'' scroll because of a certain person... It''s quite possible that he took it. He''s disappeared for so long. Has he finally reappeared in the mortal realm?"


    "Yes!" Yi Qiushui nodded. "That esteemed senior said that his return to the world this time has to be a total secret. The moment news gets out about his return, it will undoubtedly lead to a bloodbath, so it''s crucial to keep it a secret."


    "Of course. Back then, even the Jiang Family, such a monstrous family..."


    The Scarlet-Robe Hall seemed to recall something and trailed off, leaving her sentence iplete.


    Then she sighed and asked, "Did he say anything about me?"


    "He said..." Yi Qiushui began. Having sensed the anticipation in her teacher''s tone, Yi Qiushui paused for a moment before saying, "He said that you are a thoughtful person, Esteemed Teacher."


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" The Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master smiled sadly. "Of course, I am. I wonder who is the heartless one... Well, anyway, since the scroll is in his hands, it saves me some trouble. But I thought I would have a chance to meet him because of this."


    She let out a soft sigh.


    Yi Qiushui lowered her gaze.


    After a long while of silence, she finally dared to speak up. "Esteemed Teacher, you will surely have the opportunity to meet Esteemed Senior Dugu again."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master was stunned. "Who is Esteemed Senior Dugu?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Yi Qiushui was confused as well. "Esteemed Teacher, weren''t you talking about Sword Devil Dugu Qiubai?"


    "Sword Devil? Dugu what? Qiubai? Who dares to have such a provocative name[4]?" The Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master stood up. "Just who exactly took the the Divine Ruins'' scroll??"


    ...


    "<i>Achoo!</i>"


    Chu Liang, who had returned to the office of the Misty Waters City''s city supervisor, suddenly sneezed.


    Then he rubbed his nose and turned back to face Shang Ziliang and Lin Bei.


    Chu Liang said, "There''s no way you guys can guess what I just experienced. It was so exciting."


    1. Fei Qi, the Battle Soul ?


    2. A fictional character from Jin Yong''s novels. Jin Yong is the author of <i>The Legend of the Condor Heroes</i>. ?


    3. It''s the first line of the poem "ÈËÉú¡¤½­ºþ", which trantes to "Life, jiang hu (the martial world)". The poem is basically about getting hit with the pain of reality after entering society with grand ideals and dreams and then regretting how short life is. It''s written by renowned lyricist and songwriter »Æë•(»ÆÕ´) Huang Zhan, also known as James Wong. ?


    4. In Jin Yong''s novels, the character Dugu Qiubai''s basically this OP undefeatable guy who hopes to find someone that can defeat him. That''s the exnation for the Qiubai Çó°Ü part. Dugu ¶À¹Â means alone/lonely. So, his name can be interpreted as he''s lonely being at the top by himself, which seems arrogant and like he''s asking for a beating. Well, he is <i>literally</i> asking for one. ?

 Chapter 219: Drink Til We Are Drunk

    <h4>Chapter 219: Drink Til We Are Drunk</h4>


    Upon returning to Misty Waters City, Chu Liang opted not to mention his encounter in the underwater residence. He simply exined that he had crossed paths with Chen Wuyin again and narrowly escaped by luck.


    If news of him killing Chen Wuyin got out, he might be famous. Such an event would undoubtedly warrant a special feature in the <i>Chronicles of the Nine Provinces</i>. However, the moment this news spread, he would never be able to step out of his door. Yi Qiushui, upon realizing she had been deceived so miserably, might seethe with fury and await revenge at the foot of Mount Shu.


    It was better to keep a low profile and make a fortune quietly.


    The Scarlet-Robe Hall showed no interest in the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno. Hence, Chu Liang spected that they were searching for the golden skull and the scroll within it.


    The golden skull likely served as some kind of seal. Chu Liang dared not attempt to break it but instead intended to return to Mount Shu and seek Wen Yulong''s help to unlock it.


    As for the remaining half of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno, Chu Liang had not forgotten to pack it up and take it away. This could serve as nourishment for the little silkwormter.


    After consuming half of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno, the tiny silkworm appeared shinier, hinting at an imminent breakthrough. This was a metamorphosis that Chu Liang eagerly anticipated.


    Due to uncertainty regarding the departure of members of the Soul Destroyer Sect, Misty Waters City remained on high alert for a while. This vignt status was only lifted after a few days. During this time, disciples of the Mount Shu Sect patrolled at night and leisurely strolled during the day.


    Yang Yuhu from Peni Supreme Sect also stayed in Misty Waters City during this period and interacted with them. He maintained his arrogant attitude towards Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang but was rather friendly towards Chu Liang.


    During his free time, Chu Liang had been continuously contemting the Dimension Compression, and finally gained some insights.


    Seven dayster, Du Ce announced the end of the vignce. The disciples from the Peni Supreme Sect and Mount Shu Sect who hade to support could now return with peace of mind.


    On the day before their departure, Yang Yuhu suddenly approached Chu Liang with a jug of wine.


    "Brother Yang, what''s this for?" Chu Liang asked with a smile. "I never drink."


    He was speaking the truth. Not only would he abstain from alcohol, but he also held an aversion towards it. After all, many struggles happened because of alcohol. If Di Nufeng hadn''t been an alcoholic, Silver Sword Peak wouldn''t have fallen into such a state.


    "This is immortals'' wine made from Immortality Peaches, a specialty of the Peni Inds. Drinking a sip can enhance one''sprehension skills for three days, greatly benefiting cultivation and allowing one to be enlightened," said Yang Yuhu.


    "Let''s go! Today I shall drink with you until we are both drunk!" eximed Chu Liang boldly.


    "<i>Hehe</i>," chuckled Yang Yuhu.


    He pushed the cup over, filled it for Chu Liang, and poured one for himself as well.


    "I didn''t greet you when you came inside earlier, so I''ll punish myself by drinking three cups first," said Chu Liang as he raised his cup and downed it in one gulp. After a single sip, he felt a surge of rity rushing through his mind and body. His whole being felt lighter, and his thoughts became clearer.


    <i>Refreshing.</i>


    It was as expected of the immortals'' wine. Chu Liang''s eyes suddenly lit up with rity.


    "Brother Chu, no rush. We can drink this jug of wine slowly." Yang Yuhu shook his head as he chuckled and said, "I have no intention of bringing this home."


    Chu Liang responded with a smile, "Brother Yang, you wouldn''t have brought this fine wine here for nothing. What''s the matter?"


    "Alright. Let''s not beat around the bush." Yang Yuhu said, "I want to invite you to join the Peni Supreme Sect."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    His words caught Chu Liang off guard for a moment.


    As the current leading immortal sect, the Peni Supreme Sect has an inclusive atmosphere, weing cultivators from all walks of life to join.


    Of course, those with mediocre talent and cultivation had to join the Peni Secondary Sect and wait until they had made outstanding contributions before being promoted to the Supreme Sect. However, there were also some geniuses who could join the Supreme Sect as soon as they entered the sect.


    The Peni Supreme Sect would also extend equal treatment to the geniuses who joined the sect halfway.


    Ultimately, the Peni Supreme Sect just had better resources.


    The never-ending source of treasures from the three inds of Peni gave them the confidence to attract talents from the nine provinces.


    However, Chu Liang never expected to be invited by Yang Yuhu. "Brother Yang, what do you mean?" He was slightly confused.


    "To be honest, I have seen a few geniuses in the sects ranked in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Each was unique with their own strengths," exined Yang Yuhu. "But the ones who have surpassed the level of genius and are worthy of being called a genius at the pinnacle of the world would be just you and my elder brother."


    <i>Hah?</i> His awesome praise surprised Chu Liang. "Brother Yang, you''re really too kind. How could I dare topare myself with your elder brother?" He hadn''t expected this guy toe out with such lofty praises over wine.


    "In the past few days, I''ve looked into your background and found that you''ve made remarkable progress in the past six months, advancing from the beginning stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm to forming the ultimate-tier Golden Core," Yang Yuhu said. "Your recent trajectory of development even surpasses that of my elder brother."


    "I was just lucky." Chu Liang said.


    "Many people have luck, but only one in a million can seize the opportunity and rise as you have. You don''t need to be overly modest," Yang Yuhu continued. "But it is truly peculiar that someone like you, only rose to prominence in the third stage after years of mediocrity on Mount Shu."


    "<i>Heh...</i>" Chu Liang could only smile.


    "It''s probably due to resources. Mount Shu treats all disciples equally, and everyone needs to contribute to the sect in exchange for resources, which means that there is a scarcity of resources in the beginning," Yang Yuhu said. "But for someone like you, if you had been given enough support early on, I believe you would have soared to great heights much earlier!"


    Listening to his increasingly exaggerated praises, Chu Liang hastily said, "Brother Yang, you''re exaggerating. The treatment we receive at Mount Shu is still good. My slow progress in cultivation previously was just because I had yet to achieve enlightenment."


    Yang Yuhu shook his head again. "You would think that Mount Shu is good because you have yet to see the other immortal sects in the Divine Nine. Not to mentionparing it with my Peni or even with the Great Astral Sect and the Endless Sword Sect, which are considered less prestigious within the Divine Nine, Mount Shu is far inferior."


    Chu Liang was well aware of what Yang Yuhu said. Among the Divine Nine, Mount Shu provided the least resources to its disciples, who had to work for their resources. In essence, it was because they were poor.


    Without top-tier divine artifacts, they couldn''tpete for major resource points. Over time, they naturally fell behind. So Mount Shu disciples had to exchange arge amount ofbor for their resources, while disciples of other immortal sects in the Divine Nine could receive plenty of assistance without lifting a finger.


    "If you join our Peni Supreme Sect, I can rmend you to join my teacher''s lineage, and you''ll be my senior brother," Yang Yuhu earnestly said. "Then, you won''t need to spend time on mundane matters, just focus on cultivation, and all resources will be provided without limit. I guarantee that you''ll reach the Dao Attainment Realm ten years or even more ahead of the time it would take at Mount Shu. This is thedder to sess, Brother Chu."


    He spoke earnestly and seemed sincere. As for the promise of unlimited resources, Chu Liang believed that Peni could indeed deliver.


    Still, Chu Liang shook his head firmly.


    "Brother Yang, I can see that you are sincere with me, so I will also speak frankly with you," Chu Liang said seriously. "I have been in Mount Shu since I was a child, and that is my home. The fellow disciples and elders of Mount Shu are all my family.


    "Being in this sect has its disadvantages. I have conflicts with some people in the sect as well..." Chu Liang appeared aloof as he looked to the side as he spoke, "But the thought of leaving it has never crossed my mind."


    Chu Liang continued saying, "Mount Shu has its drawbacks, but I''ll find ways to improve it. If there are things I need for cultivation, I''ll find a way to obtain them myself. While everyone knows Peni is great, I know it''s not paradise for me. Every sect has its pros and cons. If I were to leave Mount Shu because of its ws, what if I discover ws in Peniter? Where would I go then?


    "I would have no other way, because I would have already lost my roots."


    "Brother Yang, I''m sorry." Chu Liang said firmly, "I''ll never leave Mount Shu in this life."


    "But..." Yang Yuhu listened to his words, equally moved, and finally said, "But your esteemed teacher is Di Nufeng!"


    "<i>Eh.</i>" Chu Liang''s brow furrowed at the mention, "Let me reconsider."


    ...


    The next day, Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    The familiar scenery of flowers and grass greeted him, each sight at home.


    He saw Liu Xiaoyu''er busy in a field of Golden Vein Flowers. Chu Liang had maintained the habit of tending to thorny ck balls, and the garden had grownrger, bringing his dream of a ntation closer.


    Seeing Chu Liang return, Liu Xiaoyu''er immediately greeted him, "Brother Chu Liang, what am I doing?"


    "<i>Heh heh</i>, working hard again, little fish? That''s amazing!" Chu Liang raised his thumb, "What''s the most honorable thing?"


    "Working hard!" Liu Xiaoyu''er responded loudly.


    Chu Liang praised her and continued forward.


    Around the corner of the garden was arge wooden shed, the home of the Golden-Furred Hou, Big Head, who was sleeping soundly inside. It had been sleeping a lottely to umte energy for its advancement to the sixth stage.


    Chu Liang was about to greet his esteemed teacher when a streak of fire shot over from the pavilion.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Di Nufeng suddenly appeared before him. She seemed to still be half-asleep but some unknown force motivated her to fly here.


    Although her eyes were closed, her nose twitched as she sniffed around, finally widening her eyes, "Yes, it''s the aroma of Peni''s Immortality Peach Brew!"


    "Yes..."


    Chu Liang blinked, surprised that the scent of alcohol from the previous day could still be detected. In terms of discerning scents, his esteemed teacher''s skills were not inferior to the Golden-Furred Hou.


    "You-you disobedient disciple, wandering outside and drinking such good wine behind your esteemed teacher''s back..." Di Nufeng pouted, looking aggrieved, "Not considering the poor esteemed teacher at home, who has never had such good wine..."


    <i>Even if you want to drink this, will the people of Peni even sell it to you? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    "Esteemed Teacher, don''t you drink the Drunken Immortal Brew at home anyway..." He chuckled as he spoke, "That drink is not cheap too, right?"


    "I don''t care." Di Nufeng red, "Next time you see Immortality Peach Brew, you must bring it back for me to taste, otherwise you''re unfilial!"


    Chu Liang looked at the woman before him, who was being stubborn and unreasonable, and suddenly doubted his decision.


    Maybe...he should reconsider talking to Yang Yuhu...

 Chapter 220: The Final Challenge

    <h4>Chapter 220: The Final Challenge</h4>


    "When heaven and earth were first created, there was no separation or distance."


    "As the energies of yin and yang are thoroughly separated, everything reverts back to the primordial chaos of the universe"


    Chu Liang took a deep breath, slowly opening his eyes to find the sky outside had turned to dusk, with a brilliant sunset.


    He remembered that after returning to Silver Sword Peak, he had spent the entire night contemting the Immortal Art: Dimension Compression. Now, as the sun was setting again, he realized that another full day and night had passed.


    Later, he learned that the Immortality Peach Brew from the Peni Supreme Sect, also known as the brew of enlightenment, indeed greatly benefited cultivation.


    Unexpectedly, he entered into a state of enlightenment after drinking andpletely lost touch with time.


    As he stood, stiffness and numbness gripped his limbs and joints. But with the activation of his foundational qi, his blood flow normalized, and his body aches vanished.


    This realization marked a turning point. Despite days of earnest study, his grasp of the Immortal Art: Dimension Compression had remained frustratingly vague and abstract. But in a single moment of enlightenment, everything clicked into ce, dispelling the confusion and bringing rity to his understanding.


    The Dao of Distancelessness was essentially about returning to the original state ofpleteness, where there remained no separation or division.


    Legend has it that in the primordial chaos of the universe, when all things were just beginning to evolve, the cosmos was merely a point, like an egg, with the yin and yang energies merging in chaos.


    Later, after undergoing tremendous changes, the currentyout of the heavens and earth emerged. So, no matter how long the distance, in reality, everything originally existed at that one point.


    Only one step was needed to cross over that one point.


    As the yin and yang energies dispersed and evolved into a myriad of things in the world, the distances began to expand. As long as one returned to the original state of yin and yang energies, they could instantly traverse any obstacle.


    Indeed, theoretically speaking, the "Dao of Distancelessness" allowed one to truly go wherever they desired. Wherever their mind wandered, they could instantly teleport to that ce.


    However, that level of ability required at least reaching the seventh realm. At Chu Liang''s current state, he only needed toprehend that same concept and would not have to achieve that level. As long as he could apply the same principle to cross the distance of one zhang, his learning of the Dimension Compression would be considered a sess.


    Yin and yang energies...


    Chu Liang could feel the true essence of qi within the atmosphere. Compared to others, he had more advantage in the learning of this immortal art as he could simultaneously activate the cirction of the Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang, which meant that theprehension of the true essence of qi became rtively easy.


    Navigating theplex yin and yang energies within the void, which shape heaven and earth, was like traversing a convoluted mountain road that could take an entire day. Yet, by constructing a bridge, one could swiftly cross this straight-line distance in a mere moment.


    Yet divine abilities would be needed to traverse this straight line.


    Between the Great Dao of yin and yang, there existed a narrow gap. By crossing over this gap, one would gain rity.


    Chu Liang once again attempted to executed the Dimension Compression, but unlike before, he could see this time. The world seemed like lines of ck and white, with everything mixed within the lines, yet there was an extremely clear path.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang stepped onto this path.


    In the blink of an eye, when he looked again, his figure had already moved one zhang to the left out of thin air.


    "So, this is the Dimension Compression. This feeling is quite..." he murmured. Aside from the wrong direction, everything else was a sess.


    He had thought the path was to the right.


    Oveing the usual way of understanding direction should also be a significant challenge of this immortal art.


    But for Chu Liang, it wasn''t too difficult, because he had practiced how to use the Razor Leaf...


    This discovery surprised him greatly. The feeling of finding the correct direction from aplex mass of lines was surprisingly simr to the extensive practice he had done with the Razor Leaf technique!


    <i>As expected, efforts would never go to waste.</i>


    <i>Junior Brother Wen, listen to me as I sing you a thank you song.</i><i>[1]</i>


    ...


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    In the dead of night, a shadowy figure suddenly shed on Silver Sword Peak, darting left and right.


    The use of Dimension Compression would deplete a significant amount of foundational qi. At Chu Liang''s current cultivation level, he could probably only perform this immortal art four or five times before exhausting his foundational qi. However, with his double ultimate-tier Golden Core actively operating, he could swiftly replenish his foundational qi, enabling him to practice extensively.


    Combined with his previous foundation of practicing the Razor Leaf technique, by the time the moon reached its zenith, Chu Liang had already be proficient in executing the Dimension Compression.


    Wherever he pointed, he would sh in that direction but just a zhang away.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    He suddenly appeared in front of arge rock.


    When he previously didn¡¯t understand the divine abilities that allowed him to walk between reality and illusion, Chu Liang was worried that he might get stuck in a wall or a mountain if he couldn''t traverse far enough.


    Now that he understood, he realized that if he couldn''tpletely traverse through a cluster of lines, he would be blocked outside, unable to enter that chaotic mass.


    In simpler terms, he would be teleporting and hitting a wall.


    Once again, he had depleted his foundational qi. Chu Liang leaned against the massive stone, taking a moment to rest.


    As he gazed up at the sky, Chu Liang noticed that the moon seemed exceptionally full that evening. It was the fifteenth night of the lunar cycle.


    A flying bird glided beneath the moonlight, casting a solitary shadow that melded into the glow of the moon, reminiscent of an ink painting unfurling on a scroll.


    <i>Hm?</i>


    Upon witnessing the scene, a sudden realization dawned on Chu Liang. With the lingering effects of the Immortality Peach Brew, his normally sharp mind was unusually clear.


    He thought of something in an instant!


    He soared into the air, carried by the wind, gliding effortlessly until he reached the valley of the Treasured Pagoda Peak,nding gracefully beside the towering rock in front of the cave. In the stillness of thete hour, he was the only one here.


    With his arrival, the forest echoed with the distinctive calls of "<i>Hreeooorrh</i>," and swiftly, the figure of a Baize youngling emerged from the shadows, drawn by his presence.


    <i>The little thing is quite dedicated.</i>


    Chu Liang gently patted its head, wondering what benefits the high-level members of Mount Shu had promised it, to make the usually unruly Baize youngling diligently guard this ce.


    With a light leap, Chu Liang settled himself atop therge rock.


    In this moment, the moon hung suspended in the center of the sky, its luminous glow resembling a translucent jade disc. Beside the Treasured Pagoda Peak stood the Azure Falling Peak, the highest peak of Mount Shu.


    The ancient tree on the Azure Falling Peak reached upward, its branch appearing as if captured within the jade disc.


    The wall adorned with intricately carved jade within the cave behind him portrayed a White-Jade Porcin Cup set against the jade disk. This scene perfectly mirrored the image in the painting! It wasn''t the moon itself, but rather the area where shadows intertwined.


    Chu Liang ascended once more, soaring straight towards Azure Falling Peak. Hended on the huge tree branch that appeared to be captured within the moon''s glow.


    All disciples of Mount Shu knew that the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak was Daoist Yan''s cultivation ground. Aside from Jiang Yuebai, none of the other disciples of Azure Falling Peak would dare ascend this tree so recklessly.


    But Chu Liang boldlynded there at this moment. He settled himself on that branch, surveying the emptiness around him.


    <i>Empty? It can''t be...</i>


    Just as he thought so, there came a sound of wind above.


    Turning his head, he saw the aloof figure of Daoist Yan, standing indifferently there.


    "Senior Aunt Yan!" Chu Liang immediately greeted and said, "It is indeed rude of me to visit you at thiste hour. Please forgive me."


    Chu Liang had always held respect for this senior, one of the few friends of his teacher on Mount Shu. Being able to befriend Di Nufeng for many years without being harmed by her was indeed a skill.


    "You knew it''ste at night, and it''s rude to visit, yet you still had the guts toe to the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak. What''s the reason for your visit?" Daoist Yan calmly inquired.


    "I..." Chu Liang looked around, asking, "Shouldn''t there be something here?"


    "What something?" Daoist Yan''s expression remained unchanged.


    Chu Liang asserted, "The White-Jade Porcin Cup that belonged to the Weapons Master!"


    Chu Liang was confident that his observation was urate.


    ording to that wall adorned with intricately carved jade, the White-Jade Porcin Cup should be here.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Daoist Yan suddenly smiled slightly and said, "You are indeed remarkably clever. You''ve truly outsmarted all the other disciples of Mount Shu."


    "Senior Aunt Yan, thank you for your praise, but it''s just a lucky guess," Chu Liang modestly replied.


    "But if you want the White-Jade Porcin Cup, one final challenge remains," Daoist Yan''s tone suddenly became somewhat sharp.


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Chu Liang frowned. "I''ve already solved three puzzles. ording to how the event went in previous years, shouldn''t I have found the valuable item by now?"


    The first puzzle led to the Red Cotton Peak. The second puzzle led to the Treasured Pagoda Peak. The solving of the third puzzle led to the Azure Falling Peak. ording to how the event went in past years, the final valuable item should be hidden here. Why did they add another step?


    "Are you not embarrassed of yourself for asking such a question?" Daoist Yan said in an irritable tone. "In previous years, none of the disciples solved the puzzles so quickly, nor did any act recklessly by selling the answer to the puzzle for people to progress to the next stage... As a disciple of the immortal sect, what kind of conduct is this?"


    "... " Chu Liang immediately understood.


    His act of selling the second stage''s puzzle answer had displeased the elder and senior members who devised the puzzles. They had intended to train the disciples through this event, but they never expected a disciple to profit from it, especially with zero cost.


    However, this action didn''t vite Mount Shu''s regtions in any way. The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony activity already granted a considerable degree of freedom, and they couldn''t find grounds to penalize Chu Liang.


    They were really angry about this, but they could not stop Chu Liang!


    And thus, they likely made the spontaneous decision to introduce an additional challenge solely for Chu Liang, given that he would most likely be the first to solve the final puzzle. It was a unique question tailored specifically for him. Had another disciple discovered it, they wouldn''t have faced this additional challenge.


    And now, Chu Liang probably felt exactly what the elders of the sect had felt when they found out that he had sold the second puzzle.


    He could only ask, "What is thest challenge? Senior Aunt, please tell me."


    "I wasn''t the one who came up with this challenge, but the task is simple," Daoist Yan said slowly. "You just need to bring me a high-grade Green Pill in exchange for the White-Jade Porcin Cup."


    1. He was referencing an actual thank you song in Chinese ÌýÎÒ˵ллÄã by Àîê¿ÈÚ but it''s the meme version. Discord if you want the link cause it''s only on douyin. ?

 Chapter 221: The Five Elements Talismans

    <h4>Chapter 221: The Five Elements Talismans</h4>


    At Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang quietly remarked in annoyance, "I wonder which crazy guy came up with these things..."


    Pretty much all of the renowned master alchemists would have their own unique alchemical recipes that they kept confidential. Naturally, the Mount Shu Sect''s Alchemy Master also had quite a number of unique pills that he''d created to be used exclusively within the sect.


    The Green Pill[1] was one of them. This pill was notmonly sought out, as its effect was that it would increase the cultivator''s affinity with the spiritual qi of wood. After taking a high-grade Green Pill, the cultivator could hide in a forest by bing one with it, blending in like one of the trees.


    No one had much use for it except in special circumstances, so no one would concoct them in advance. If a cultivator needed the Green Pill, they would have to ce an order with the Hall of Alchemy for the pill to be made.


    However... considering the bad rtionship that Silver Sword Peak had with the Hall of Alchemy, this was a tant move against Chu Liang.


    He couldn''t purchase a Green Pill himself. Asking someone else to do it definitely wouldn''t work either, as he was the only one who had reached this stage of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. The other disciples were still trying to figure out the mystery hidden in the four paintings.


    If the Alchemy Master wanted to stop Chu Liang from winning, all he needed to do was prohibit all sales of the Green Pills. After all, the Green Pill was rarely used. This made it obvious that if there was anyone wanting to purchase it in the next couple of days, it would undoubtedly be Chu Liang.


    It wasn''t even that the other disciples were slow. There was still some time before the Mount Shu Summit. The treasure hunt had been deliberately nned so that the disciples would spend a few days on each stage, bringing the event to an end just before the summit... It was Chu Liang who was too fast!


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang still held onto some hope and went to ask Chen Su if she could help him concoct a Green Pill.


    Chen Su looked troubled. She wasn''t capable of concocting high-grade Green Pills. That was something that only the Alchemy Master and a few of his disciples could do. Moreover, that very day, the Alchemy Master had already given out strict orders forbidding Green Pills to be sold in the short term.


    This scheme was definitely the work of several of the sect''s elders. Their goal was to punish Chu Liang for selling the second stage''s puzzle for profit.


    "<i>Haaa,</i>" Chu Liang sighed.


    <i>Who would want to sell the information they''ve attained unless they were left without a choice?</i>


    Prior to this, Chu Liang had shown some restraint. However, since he was being targeted now, he might as well go all out.


    At noon that day, his team for the treasure hunt gathered at Silver Sword Peak once again.


    "Big Bro! Did you already solve the puzzle?" Shang Ziliang asked excitedly.


    He felt that he had followed the right person. Despite racking their brains for so many days, none of the other disciples had managed to solve the puzzle. Yet, Chu Liang had only been back for two days, and he''d already made a breakthrough.


    "<i>Mmhm.</i>" Chu Liang nodded. "We can sell the solution for the second stage''s puzzle now."


    Everyone was astonished. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    <i>He still wants to continue selling information?</i>


    "Big Boss!" Lackey A said anxiously. "This is already the second stage, and we''re so close to the final answer. I don''t think we should sell this information."


    Chu Liang looked at him with a smile. "This is great. Keep that attitude."


    ...


    In just one afternoon, news spread all over Mount Shu that someone from Silver Sword Peak would be selling the solution to the second stage''s puzzle that evening at the Red Cotton Market.


    In the evening, a continuous stream of several hundred people arrived at Red Cotton Peak. Chu Liang had set up a tform there and was standing on it.


    Upon seeing that most of the disciples had arrived, Chu Liang said loudly, "My fellow disciples, after solving the second stage''s puzzle, I spent time in careful deliberation. I''ve decided to do something that will go against our predecessors'' wishes¡ª"


    "Big Boss! You mustn''t sell the information!" someone yelled.


    That person dashed up onto the tform to stop Chu Liang. It was Lackey A.


    He said, "This is already the second stage. If you share the information with others and they somehow end up solving the next puzzle, won''t they get their hands on the White-Jade Porcin Cup before us?!"


    "So what? We''re all disciples of Mount Shu; we''re family. What boundaries are there among family?!" Chu Liang shouted.


    "No, you can''t do this!" Lackey A replied. "I''m in your team, and I want to win. You can''t sell that information!"


    "<i>Ha,</i>" Chu Liang let out a coldugh. "I can''t sell it? Since you won''t let me sell it... Okay, I won''t."


    "Really?" Lackey A asked.


    Chu Liang waved his hand and dered, "I''ll give it away for free! Let''s see how you''ll stop me! Men, drag him away!"


    Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang rushed up and pulled Lackey A off the tform.


    Kicking the air in a fit of anger, Lackey A bellowed, "You''ll regret this!"


    Their little show piqued everyone''s interest.


    Chu Liang then said, "I''ll be giving away the solution to the second stage''s puzzle to you, my fellow disciples!"


    He waved his hand, and Lackey B walked up with a box of berries.


    Chu Liang exined, "These Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries are the specialty of my peak, Silver Sword Peak. I''m sure that those of you who oftene to Red Cotton Peak know what these berries are and that they''re worth buying. This box of three berries costs only one sword coin. That has always been the price, and I''m sure all of you know that. This time around, I''ll be giving away the answer to the puzzle with the sale of these berries!"


    Chu Liang opened the box of berries and took out a small copper talisman.


    He continued, "We''ve made character talismans for each of the five elements¡ªmetal, wood, water, fire, and earth. There''s one of them in each box of berries. As long as you can collect the character talismans for all five elements, you can trade them for a copy of the answer!


    "Seven dayster, we''ll give out copies of the answer to everyone at the same time. Anyone with the full set of character talismans of the five elements will get a copy!¡±


    "My dear family! This is a chance not to be missed!"


    At this moment, Lackey A suddenly dashed up again. "You weren''t even profiting from that price! And now you''re giving away the answer! You worked so hard to grow these berries... You''re going to suffer a great loss by doing this!"


    Chu Liang pushed him away and said angrily, "Why are you getting in my way again? All right, since you think the price is low, I''ll lower it even more! My dear family! I''m holding a seven-day promotional event! You can get two boxes of berries for one sword coin! This is half the usual price!"


    Hearing that, even Lin Bei stepped forward to try and persuade Chu Liang. "Chu Liang, you shouldn''t make yourself suffer such a great loss in earnings just because you''re angry at him."


    "Leave me alone!" Chu Liang raised his hand to stop Lin Bei. "I''m a temperamental guy!"


    ...


    Fortunately, Silver Sword Peak''s garden was adequatelyrge and had a production rate that could amodate such a huge number of sales.


    On the first day, arge quantity of berries was sold out in less than two hours.


    Chu Liang was almost submerged by the crowd of people wanting to buy the berries. He raised his hands and gave his assurance that he would continue selling the berries at the same price the next day. After that, the crowd finally allowed him to leave.


    The Golden Vein Berries had always been high in demand in the Red Cotton Market. Chu Liang had only put the berries up for sale a few times, but the berries had always sold well. Yet, Chu Liang was selling the berries at such a great discount this time and even giving away the solution to the second stage''s puzzle. This was a ridiculously good deal!


    In any case, it didn''t matter even if there were usually only a few people interested in the Golden Vein Berries. After all, there were many people interested in the solution to the second stage''s puzzle. Lackey A''s words reminded many of them that if they could get their hands on the second stage''s answer, then all they needed to do was solve the final puzzle. After that, they could emerge as the winner of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony!


    The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony was held once every ten years. If they could be a dark horse and clinch the first ce, wouldn''t it be such a glorious achievement?


    For just one sword coin, they could buy one character talisman and six berries... Moreover, six berries usually cost two sword coins. This was a deal that was hard to say no to.


    After three consecutive days of sales, there was an additional reason driving the disciples to buy the berries¡ªthe desire toplete their set of talismans.


    Once someone possessed the character talismans for metal, wood, water, and fire, they would have an intense desire for the Earth Character Talisman. Consequently, a craze of trading Five Elements Talismans emerged on Mount Shu.


    The first question everyone asked the moment they headed out in the morning was, "Do you have the character talisman for earth?"


    If the Five Elements Talismans had been evenly spread among the boxes of berries, then theoretically, each team would only need to purchase five boxes of berries and trade the talismans with each other to gather the full set of five.


    However, there seemed to be rtively fewer Fire Character Talismans given with thetest batch of berries, and there were even fewer Earth Character Talismans. There were plenty of character talismans for the other three elements though. Everyone was missing the same character talisman, so all they could do was buy more berries.


    The Earth Character Talisman became a hard currency. There were even people who conducted private sales and sold the Earth Character Talismans for a very high price. Before long, this became amon practice.


    This craze that Chu Liang had created went beyond what he''d predicted. Over the past few days, he''d harvested more thorny ck balls in a rush, nted the berry seeds, and added a great amount of Herbal Wood Spirit Powder to speed up the nts'' growth. That was how he had barely managed to keep up with the high level of demand.


    ...


    "<i>Argh! </i>This is so annoying!" Jiang Yuebai scowled. "Why is it that I just can''t get the Earth Character Talisman?! Did you only put in four types of talismans?! You despicable merchant!"


    Chu Liang refused to admit it. "How could that be? Perhaps the five types of talismans weren''t evenly spread among the boxes, and the Earth Character Talismans are all in theter batches?"


    Even Jiang Yuebai had gotten pulled into the craze. She had bought several tens of boxes of berries but hadn''t gotten a single Earth Character Talisman. She was so angry that she punched Chu Liang.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, if you want the Earth Character Talisman, I can just give it to you." Chu Liang disyed the aura of a mastermind manipting everything from the shadows. "I can just tell you the answer to the second stage''s puzzle too if you want."


    "What''s the point of that?" Jiang Yuebai blinked. "And how could I take advantage of you like that?


    "Senior Sister Jiang, you taught me divine skills and immortal arts without asking for anything in return, so why would I hold anything against you over such a trifling thing like this?" Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "Oh, right. I forgot to ask you something," Jiang Yuebai said, smiling too. "How''s it going with Dimension Compression?"


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed, shaking his head. "I''m reallycking in aptitude for this..."


    Jiang Yuebai was about to tell him some words offort.


    Then Chu Liang continued, "I practiced for quite a number of days, but I can only use it to cover a distance of one zhang at most."


    Jiang Yuebai''s smile vanished, and she fell silent for quite a while.


    Noticing that, Chu Liang asked, "Senior Sister Jiang? What''s the matter?"


    Jiang Yuebai mumbled for a bit under her breath before bellowing, "You swindler!"


    1. It''s extremely dark and close to ck, but it''s not ck. It¡¯s like a super, super dark green. ?

 Chapter 222: Cocoon

    <h4>Chapter 222: Cocoon</h4>


    Chu Liang had surprised Jiang Yuebai countless times. Every time she thought she wouldn''t be surprised again, Chu Liang would find a way to astonish her once more.


    She couldn''t help but recall what it had been like for her when she first started practicing Dimension Compression.


    Back then, she had just reached the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm. When her esteemed teacher taught her the immortal art, there was no expectation of her mastering it quickly. Her esteemed teacher simply hoped that she would try toprehend the Great Dao.


    However, Jiang Yuebai studied really hard. She spent days and nights learning to understand this and eventually understood the existence of the Dao of Distancelessness within less than three months.


    Half a yearter, she was able to practice the Immortal Art: Dimension Compression with ease.


    Back then, her teacher even praised her constitution of the Transcendent Spirit, saying that it was as expected of someone with a constitution beloved by the spirit world.


    But what does it mean when Chu Liang is progressing at such incredible speed?


    <i>It has only been a month since I taught him Dimension Compression, yet he is already able to move swiftly and appear in different locations, </i>Jiang Yuebai thought to herself.


    After mastering the Dao of Distancelessness, she recalled needing to practice for an entire month to control the direction. Why did it seem like he didn¡¯t need to do the same?


    Even though he mastered it so quickly, he still appeared really unimpressed and dissatisfied.


    This was maddening.


    As Chu Liang faced Jiang Yuebai¡¯s anger, he appeared innocent.


    Jiang Yuebai paused for a moment and said, "Nevermind. I won¡¯t bother with these things. I came here for a serious matter. I heard that Yang Yuhu of the Peni Supreme Sect has sought you out before."


    "Yes," Chu Liang responded as he nodded.


    It wasn''t surprising that his movements in Misty Waters City had been noticed by others. After all, Lin Bei had been with him at the time.


    "He probably wanted you to join Peni, right?" Jiang Yuebai asked, "Did he promise that all resources will be provided without limit? Did he mention that you could focus solely on cultivating, free from worries, and achieve the Dao Attainment Realm twenty years ahead of schedule?"


    "<i>Eh? </i>Senior Sister, how did you know?"


    Chu Liang froze for a moment. He did not mention his conversation with Yang Yuhu to Lin Bei.


    "The member of Peni had said the exact same words to me. But in reality, they would try to recruit every talented figure in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten," Jiang Yuebai exined.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Chu Liang pondered. The truth was not exactly what Jiang Yuebai had said.


    What Yang Yuhu really said was that he would be able to achieve the Dao Attainment Realm ten years ahead of schedule...


    <i>He¡¯s looking down on me... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    "I''m just reminding you, don''t get caught up in this trap," Jiang Yuebai continued. "Peni may offer enticing conditions, but if your progress slows even a bit once you''re in, and you don''t advance as swiftly as before, all the special treatment will disappear. Plus, as an outsider, they won''t show you any patience. Countless geniuses have ended up as mere mediocrities there."


    "I see." This was the first time Chu Liang had heard about this.


    Everyone¡¯s growth in cultivation was different. Some might advance from the Spiritual Awareness Realm to the Golden Core Realm at an incredible speed and once they reach the Golden Core Realm, they would disy mediocrity. It was also normal for the Peni Supreme Sect to not show any more patience toward an outsider.


    As long as they could recruit talented cultivators from the other immortal sects and ensure that these talented figures wouldn¡¯t weaken the ranking of their own sect in the future. As for the future development of this person, they wouldn¡¯t care much.


    This was a very cunningpetitive strategy.


    Peni''s primary concern wasn''t acquiring another talented cultivator for their sect; rather, they aimed to diminish the talent pool of theirpeting sect.


    There wasn''t much to discuss about those who departed for their own interests and were subsequently forsaken for the same reasons.


    Mount Shu Sect wouldn''t abandon a disciple simply because they remained at a certain cultivation level for an extended period, unless the disciple decided to leave the sect on their own terms. However, if one were an outsider initially, equal patience and treatment might not be extended. As Chu Liang previously remarked, leaving one''s ce of origin could make him someone who had lost his root.


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang smiled, "I won''t leave Mount Shu. Does Peni Supreme Sect have such a beautiful and gentle senior sister like you?"


    "<i>Heh</i>, Xi Miaoxian from Peni is renowned for her unparalleled beauty. Some even im she''s the most stunning woman of our generation," Jiang Yuebai remarked with a yful blink and a smile.


    "Is that so?" Chu Liang''s expression shifted to one of deep contemtion. "Yang Yuhu never brought this up to me..."


    Jiang Yuebai''s smile gradually sharpened, as if concealing a hidden saber within.


    "<i>Haha</i>, just kidding," Chu Liang interjected hastily. "How could I not have heard of Xi Miaoxian? I''ve long known that she and Yang Shenlong grew up together. Who would dare have eyes on her? Besides, I firmly believe there''s no woman more beautiful than Senior Sister Jiang in this world! As long as you remain at Mount Shu, so shall I!


    "With a loyal soul ignited by fervent blood, I shall remain a part of Mount Shu forever."


    ...


    After descending from the Treasured Pagoda Peak, Chu Liang inspected the progress of the garden before retiring to his room to resume cultivation.


    He retrieved the tiny silkworm that had now grown to the size of a palm, and ced both it and the remaining chunk of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno on the table, allowing the silkworm to chew and feed.


    While he was about to start his cultivation, he decided to feed the silkworm as well.


    He then closed his eyes, entering the space within the White Pagoda, where he joined the two Large-Headed Dolls already entrenched in dual cultivation every day and night. Together, all three of them synchronized their cirction of qi as they practiced the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    As Chu Liang immersed himself in cultivation, he couldn''t sense the passing of time. It was only when the chirping of birds startled him awake that he realized it was already afternoon.


    A white crane threw a book on the table outside before hastily departing, offering a brief greeting before its departure. It turned out that thetest issue of the Seven Stars Gazette had arrived.


    As he stood up to retrieve the book, he suddenly noticed that the little silkworm had devoured thest chunk of the Immortal''s Cauldron of Inferno. What''s more, it had already woven a sturdy golden silk cocoon and nestled itself within.


    <i>Wait...</i>


    <i>Is this a cocoon?</i>


    It seemed his guess was correct. After consuming material with sufficient spiritual energy, the little silkworm had begun a new cycle of evolution.


    He wondered what form it would emerge in this time.


    After observing for a while, Chu Liang returned the golden cocoon to the space within the White Pagoda.


    Even though he had hatched the little silkworm himself and has be a parent, he didn''t know much about how the child might perceive the world nor much about the child at all. Apart from providing enough food, he couldn''t do much to help and could only hope it would grow up healthy.


    After stowing away the cocoon, he retrieved this month''s issue of the <i>Seven Stars Gazette </i>from outside and brought it indoors.


    As he opened the Gazette, prominent headlines caught his eye: "Monsters Rampant Across the Nine Provinces! Righteous Forces Stand Ready!"


    During such eventful times, even the atmosphere conveyed by the<i> Seven Stars Gazette</i> took on a solemn tone.


    As usual, he first looked at the "Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures."


    In this issue of the catalog, there were no major changes, only a solemn deration.


    In Winding Mountain City, a new master swordsmith emerged, proudly presenting a legendary sword worthy of ranking among the top one hundred treasures. It was said that upon its creation, the sword sessfully vanquished a greater demon of the world.


    However, when disciples from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion arrived to verify it, they discovered that the sword did not possess the formidable power imed, and the im of ying greater demons seemed to have been fabricated.


    Therefore, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion announced that they would never include any works of this master swordsmith in the rankings.


    Initially, the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures ranked enchanted tools solely based on rumors, without requiring verification. However, as the influence of the catalog grew, numerous unscrupulous individuals began exploiting it for personal gain.


    For instance, individuals would im to have defeated renowned enchanted tools listed in the catalog using ordinary ones, falsely promoting their own items. As a result, the ordinary enchanted tools would also receive high rankings, allowing them to profit from their sale.


    Not every purchaser of enchanted tools possessed the ability to discern their authenticity. When buyers realized they had been deceived, they might hold the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures partly responsible. Over time, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion decided that every enchanted tool listed must undergo verification to maintain trust and integrity.


    If anyone were to engage in false promotion or attempt deceit to manipte their item''s ranking, they would face permanent banning.


    This news caught Chu Liang''s attention because the description of that sword reminded him of the Crimson Executioner.


    The Crimson Executioner had helped him, a third-realm cultivator, kill a strong cultivator at the sixth realm. This meant that the Crimson Executioner definitely deserved the title of "legendary sword." However, if someone were to verify its power, the likely oue would be his own banning as well.


    As he flipped through the pages past the "Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures," he delved into the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces." To his dismay, he found that there were quite a few major eventsst month, and none of them were good.


    Leading the list was the emergence of Taowu[1].


    In the world of spirit beasts, there existed celestial beings like Baize alongside vicious creatures like Taowu, which thrived on malevolent qi and were feared for their terrifying, bloodthirsty, and cruel nature.


    For years, Taowu had resided in the Evil Demon Mountain, a gathering ce for vicious beasts, without venturing out. However, for reasons unknown, Taowu suddenly departed from the Evil Demon Mountain and went missing. This caused the vicious beasts in the Evil Demon Mountain to fall into a chaotic state, resulting in widespread devastation in the surrounding areas.


    Following the news regarding Taowu, the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces then shifted focus to Cataclysmic Ba.


    1. —ƒè» (t¨¢ow¨´) is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology known for its ferocious appearance and immense strength. It is often depicted as having multiple heads, eyes, and limbs, and is associated with chaos and cmity. ?

 Chapter 223: The Upheavals

    <h4>Chapter 223: The Upheavals</h4>


    On that fateful day, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion conducted a hexagram divination to forecast events in the mortal realm, revealing the ominous emergence of the Cataclysmic Ba. The Eminent Ones[1]in the sects within the Divine Nine then gathered at the Immortals'' Marsh with the intention of capturing the Cataclysmic Ba.


    However, they failed as the Cataclysmic Ba escaped through the water out to the South Sea.


    In the past, when the Cataclysmic Ba would emerge, it would relentlessly pursue ughter and sought ascension. An escape like this has never happened before and this unprecedented escape has raised rms among both the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten. Wherever the Cataclysmic Ba roamed, cmity was bound to happen. It was likely that casualties would ur and people would suffer.


    However, no such cmitous events happened. The Cataclysmic Ba was instead intercepted by a solitary cultivator known as the Whale-Riding Immortal, who whisked it away to an undisclosed location. Subsequently, its whereabouts remained shrouded in mystery. In response, the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten issued a stern warning to the Whale-Riding Immortal, cautioning against any attempt to manipte the power of the Cataclysmic Ba for malevolent purposes within the mortal realm.


    As Chu Liang read this, his brows furrowed.


    He had been the source of some of the information in this report, particrly regarding the young girl and the Whale-Riding Immortal. He had reported this to the senior members of Mount Shu, and Mount Shu Sect had likelymunicated with the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Still, he wasn''t sure about the little girl''s identity.


    <i>Is the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sure that she is the Cataclysmic Ba? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    When Chu Liang saw the next thing on the news, he then realized why they were so sure.


    The next thing on the news was the Mortal-Realm Wanted Notice posted by the Greater-Yin Cult, offering valuable rewards for the assassination of the Whale-Riding Immortal, as well as any information or clues provided.


    This was the Greater-Yin Cult''s way of doing things. They had always remained isted and disliked participating in the disputes between immortal sects. However, if a conflict were to arise, they would never hold back.


    This was especially the case. They had not provoked anyone. Even so, their ancestors'' graves were dug out and the coffin was stolen. Considering what had happened, their anger was indeed reasonable.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion deduced that the Whale-Riding Immortal had snatched the ice coffin to suppress the cataclysmic qi in the Cataclysmic Ba. The article wrote that this method was not sustainable and would eventually backfire.


    It all made sense now.


    The series of behaviors disyed by the Whale-Riding Immortal could all be exined now. The Whale-Riding Immortal first took the Cataclysmic Ba from the South Sea and went to the Northern Regions to rob an ice coffin to suppress its karmic cmity and temporarily keep that cataclysmic qi under control.


    As for why the Whale-Riding Immortal had captured the Cataclysmic Ba, Chu Liang didn''t think that it was because he had the intention of using the power of the Cataclysmic Ba. It was more likely that the little girl was part of the Jiang Family and the Whale-Riding Immortal might also be surnamed Jiang...


    When they have the answer to this, they would then know the cause of these series of events.


    The next article was a major piece of news.


    Xu Bashan, the chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang, had gone missing.


    Currently, thepetition for the new chief of the Whale Gang was bing more intense. Jiang Shenting from the Eastern Whale Division surprisingly stood toe-to-toe with the current chief Xu Bashan, which caught many off guard.


    During this period, while Xu Bashan was traveling by boat to the West Sea, a vicious beast, the Heaven-Devouring Python, suddenly emerged and swallowed the ship he was on in one gulp.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python harbored immense power and could devour everything in its path.


    However, with Xu Bashan being a powerful Eminent One at the seventh realm, it was expected that he would be able to easily crawl out of that huge python. Yet, he vanished without a trace, leaving everyone wondering what had happened to him inside the python.


    Many suspected Jiang Shenting to be the mastermind of this incident, but Jiang Shenting quickly issued a statement, expressing shock, anger, and sorrow at the disappearance of the current chief. He emphasized that the Eastern Whale Division had no involvement in the matter and that his men were actively searching for Xu Bashan as well.


    As for whether people believed this statement, it was hard to tell.


    Chu Liang then recalled Xu Hongqiu, thedy he met at Taotie City.


    <i>How is that generous girl?</i> Chu Liang wondered.


    During times when there weren''t many major events in the mortal realm, news often revolved around the younger generations in the world of immortality cultivators.


    However, amidst the current upheavals, the younger ones weren''t deemed important enough to warrant attention. There was one exception, though: thetest piece of news.


    On the Cloud-Gazing Mountain, Wei Tiandi, the second senior brother of Thunderbolt Stronghold, and Feng Chaoyang, head disciple of the Celestial King Sect, shed fiercely, wreaking havoc to the mountain areas. Despite the intensity of their fight, it ended in a deadlock, with neitherbatant winning.


    Disputes over treasures of nature, secret techniques, enchanted tools, and the like had always urred frequently in the past, especially when both parties represented their sect''s best interests. Such events were nothing new.


    The three core disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold were extremely famous. The eldest senior brother Du Wuhen was known for his loyalty and courage, second senior brother Wei Tiandi for his wit and bravery, as well as the third brother for his smile and extraordinary strength.


    Many outsiders believed that they represented the generation destined to lead the Thunderbolt Stronghold into ascending to the ranks of the Divine Nine.


    Of course, the disciples of Mount Shu were not one of these believers.


    After all, the disciples of Mount Shu knew that if one sect within the Divine Nine ranking had to be ousted and the Mount Shu Sect agreed, none of the other sects would request it to stay.


    Now, even a mere second senior brother of the Thunderbolt Stronghold could rival the head disciple of the Celestial King Sect, demonstrating the true strength of the new generation.


    The future looked promising!


    ...


    Thetest issue of the "Umon Tales of the Martial World" was rather uneventful. Apart from the uing tour organized by Shen Qingyan, there was no other noteworthy news.


    With the Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s limited manpower, it was unlikely for them to cover everything, especially since the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces" section involved investigating major news. This meant there was naturally less energy and effort left for the "Umon Tales of the Martial World."


    Chu Liang ced the <i>Seven Stars Gazette </i>down and left the house for a breath of fresh air.


    Amidst the current upheavals, the sense of impending winter grew. Names like Taotie, Cataclysmic Ba, and Sky-Swallowing Python, which rarely appeared or hadn''t surfaced for a long time, were now emerging all at once. Yet, everyone knew that these were not the most terrifying...


    The most terrifying existence was the demon god.


    That was an existence that the humans could not win against at all. After all, the mortal realm had yet to witness the emergence of another human cultivator at the ninth realm.


    Throughout the long ages, the Hallowed One[2] would emerge once every thousand years. This meant that a ninth-realm cultivator, regardless of the race and species, would appear once every thousand years.


    In the history of the human race, there were two Hallowed Ones.


    One such figure was Hallowed Li from ancient times. Because it happened so long ago, stories about him had be obscure. Legend has it that in the past, the highest cultivation level humans had ever achieved was the seventh realm. Back then, the seventh realm, known as the Dao Attainment Realm, had been considered the peak of cultivation.


    It was Hallowed Li who first broke through to the ninth realm, thereby elevating the highest level of cultivation for humanity to the Profound Realm. It was only after him that the path to the heavens was opened for future generations.


    Hallowed Yang, from over four thousand years ago, was a woman who had achieved sanctity. She wielded unparalleled prowess in battle, dominating the world as she advanced in her cultivation to the Profound Realm. She established the human race''s control over the continent of the nine provinces and shaped the human-dominated world that everyone knows today.


    During her lifetime, demons and other races scattered far and wide to the four seas. Evil entities in the world revered her not only with awe, but almost as if she were a deity. Even beyond the four seas, there were still some ancient demon races that worshiped statues of the Hallowed One of the human race.


    Various signs indicated that there had been more than just these two Hallowed Ones within the human race. However, for some unknown reasons, the stories of the other Hallowed Ones were not passed down. In fact, there wasn''t even a single word written about the other Hallowed Ones in historical records.


    In the past three thousand years, since the demon god appeared, there hasn''t been another human cultivator at the ninth realm. Some specte that it was because the demon god had remained alive all this time, preventing the birth of new Hallowed Ones.


    Some had even suggested that Mount Shu should have unsealed the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda a long time ago and released the demon god so that the humans could y it for good. This would have allowed the Destiny of the Profound to be diverted for a new Hallowed One to emerge.


    Mount Shu only regarded such remarks as words of wisdom.


    And now, there was a high chance of the demon god returning, causing the people in the continent of the nine provinces to tremble in fear, hoping that this was fake news. As for those who boasted that they would y the demon god and reim the destiny, they had remained very quiet since the news came out.


    ...


    Chu Liang found himself lost in thought when suddenly, he noticed a cloud descending from the distant sky, followed by a slightly stooped figure approaching slowly.


    The visitor turned out to be Old Man Sikong.


    Chu Liang quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Senior Granduncle!"


    Despitecking actual power on Mount Shu, this old manmanded great respect due to his seniority and esteemed status. His recent sess in luring the dragon for Mount Shu had further elevated his honor, and now, no one dared to show him disrespect.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, it''s been years since Ist visited Silver Sword Peak, and it seems to be flourishing," Old Man Sikong looked at the vast orchard before him and Liu Xiaoyu''er toiling in the garden, smiling.


    "Just nting some fruits casually," Chu Liang chuckled.


    "These fruits nurtured by the dragon''s breath are quite good. Someone brought them to me earlier, and they tasted delicious," Old Man Sikong praised.


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    If Old Man Sikong tried the fruits and liked them, this meant that he would likely have another big figure advertising for him.


    "Senior Granduncle, if you like it, I can supply you with the fruits whenever you want," Chu Liang immediately offered.


    "<i>Haha!</i> No need for that," Old Man Sikong said with a smile as he waved his hand. "Actually, I came here for an important matter. I am not here for your fruits."


    "Should I inform my esteemed teacher?" Chu Liang asked.


    He was confused. If Old Man Sikong came here for important matters, why wouldn''t he head straight to the pavilion? Why would hee to this orchard for a casual chat?


    "I am not here for Di Nufeng. I am here for her." Old Man Sikong raised his hand and pointed forward.


    Chu Liang gazed at the tiny figure, currently watering nts. Under the brilliant sunlight, the mist sprayed from the small watering reflected rainbow colors.


    The sunlight, the rainbow, and the little girl created a picturesque scene.


    He was surprised as he asked, "You are here for Xiaoyu''er?"


    1. Just a reminder. Eminent Ones are cultivators at the seventh and eighth realm ?


    2. Cultivators at the ninth realm are referred to as Hallowed Ones. ?

 Chapter 224: Bestowing A Cultivation Legacy

    <h4>Chapter 224: Bestowing A Cultivation Legacy</h4>


    "I believe you''ve also noticed that when the White Dragon''s breath turns into rain, that rain always seems to only fall on Silver Sword Peak," Old Man Sikong said slowly.


    "It is indeed rather strange," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    Of course, he had noticed it a long time ago. In fact, he felt that the dragon-breath rain wasn''t actually focused on Silver Sword Peak... Rather, it was targeting him. The golden rain had fallen on him even when he was away from the peak, and it had happened more than once.


    However, Chu Liang didn''t dare to make that fact known. After all, he wasn''t sure if it was a sign of good fortune or misfortune.


    Normally, when someone was being favored by a True Dragon, it could mean that they were the bearer of Mount Shu''s great destiny[1], which should be a good thing. But Chu Liang was hiding a secret¡ªthe White Pagoda. He was afraid that if it became known that the True Dragon favored him, his secret would be uncovered.


    The True Dragon had a very unusual spiritual nature. Who knew if it had sensed something?


    Moreover, although the Mount Shu Sect revered the True Dragon, they didn''tpletely trust it. So, they might not necessarily see it as a good thing that the White Dragon was targeting Chu Liang.


    "After I noticed that, I asked the True Dragon about it once," Old Man Sikong continued. "Its answer was basically that it had sensed that there was a bearer of great destiny on Silver Sword Peak."


    Chu Liang muttered, "Is that so..."


    Old Man Sikong then pointed at Liu Xiaoyu''er. "I remembered this little girl whom I once did a divinity reading for. Her innate constitution is that of a koi fish; she is indeed a bearer of a great destiny[2]. Moreover, the True Dragon only showed a reaction after you brought her over there. Perhaps, she is the person that the True Dragon sensed."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang thought it made sense. Liu Xiaoyu''er was a koi fish, which meant she had been born with a great destiny. This meant she was more likely to be the True Dragon''s target than him.


    "So, I n to take her to see the True Dragon. Like the True Dragon, the youngdy is also an aquatic creature. If she could receive the True Dragon''s cultivation legacy, she may even reach the Dragon Gate[3] in the future," Old Man Sikong said.


    "This is a great opportunity, but... She won''t encounter any danger, will she?" Chu Liang asked.


    "<i>Haha,</i> that''s unlikely," Old Man Sikong answered with a smile. "The True Dragon helped suppress our sect''s fate, but it hasn''t gained our total trust yet. The elders of our sect keep a close eye on it, so it''s impossible for it to harm anyone on the mountain."


    Chu Liang nodded. "That''s good."


    As long as Liu Xiaoyu''er''s safety was guaranteed, it was indeed an excellent opportunity.


    Chu Liang waved to Liu Xiaoyu''er, beckoning her over. "Xiaoyu''er,e here for a moment!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er uttered.


    The little girl turned her head to look behind her and found there were two people standing there. She recognized the old man as the grandpa that had done a divinity reading for her to find out about her elder sister.


    Liu Xiuyu''er then ran over with a small water watering can in hand.


    She greeted Old Man Sikong politely. "Hello, Grandpa."


    "Hey there." Old Man Sikong''s smile softened, bing much kinder. "In a moment, I''ll take you to see a dragon. You need not be afraid."


    "A dragon?" Liu Xiaoyu''er tilted her head puzzledly. "Why do I need to see it? Does it need watering too?"


    "You mustn''t do that." Chu Liang hurriedly took the small water can from Liu Xiaoyu''er. "The dragon is the maker of all the rain that falls on our peak. It''s basically the grandmaster of watering. You should go learn from it."


    "Wow. That''s amazing."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er had been benefiting from the golden rain that fell on Silver Sword Peak, so it was of great significance to her.


    The golden rain benefited her in two ways. The first was that the dragon''s breath nourished her body; as an aquatic creature, it had extremely beneficial effects for her. The second was that when it rained, she didn''t need to water the nts, so she could take a day off... She valued the second one a bit more.


    So, the little girl followed Old Man Sikong and left the peak for a while to learn advanced watering techniques.


    ...


    At the Dragon Fishing Pool on Solitude Peak...


    This was the second time Liu Xiaoyu''er had visited this ce. Her first visit had merely consisted of talking to Old Man Sikong on the side of the pool. However, this time, Old Man Sikong was bringing her onto the pool itself.


    The calm surface of the pool was as smooth as a mirror, without a ripple in sight. Old Man Sikong and Liu Xiaoyu''er stepped onto the pool. It was surprisingly solid as they steadily began making their way to the center of the pool.


    "<i>Eh...?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er uttered.


    As they walked, Liu Xiaoyu''er gazed at the water beneath her feet in amazement. She knew water extremely well, but it was her first time seeing water in such a state.


    Upon arriving at the center of the pool, Old Man Sikong smiled and said loudly, "Noble White Dragon, please appear before us."


    "Noble" was used as a title of respect for all of Mount Shu''s celestial beasts. For example, the celestial beast Baize, who had been protecting Mount Shu for many generations, was addressed as "Noble Baize."


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A blurry streak of massive gold-white scales shed through the water, giving off a terrifyingly strong pressure.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er''s heart skipped a beat. But when she looked down, she saw nothing.


    Then there was a sshing sound. She raised her head back up and found the head of a towering gold-white dragon right before her!


    Half of the enormous dragon emerged from the water. It stood tall with its head up high and looked down at Liu Xiaoyu''er, who stood far below!


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    Liu Xiaoyu''er hadn''t felt scared when she first arrived at the pool. However, she was, after all, an aquatic creature. The blood vessels of Liu Xiaoyu''er''s innate constitution constricted with great force the moment she saw the True Dragon, and it became difficult for her to breathe.


    An indescribable fear washed over her from the depths of her heart.


    Old Man Sikong ced his hand on her shoulder, pressing gently. A cool breeze seemed to blow past, and Liu Xiaoyu''er almostpletely stopped trembling in fear.


    "Earlier, you mentioned sensing that there''s a bearer of a great destiny on Silver Sword Peak. I assume it is this little girl, is it not?" Old Man Sikong asked. "Now that I''ve brought her here... If there''s a destiny you''d like to bestow upon her, please go ahead and do it."


    The majestic White Dragon had eyes with pupils that looked like vertical slits and golden mes that burned in its irises. Despite that, it gazed down icily at the old man and little girl.


    Seeing Liu Xiaoyu''er, an expression filled with confusion and displeasure shed across its face. Then the White Dragon suddenly paused, and his confusion and displeasure quickly disappeared.


    The White Dragon nced in the direction of Silver Sword Peak. After that, it moved its head forward, leaning closer to Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er unconsciously took a step back.


    The White Dragon suddenly let out a deep roar, "<i>Raaaar...</i>"


    A stately voice rang out in Old Man Sikong''s and Liu Xiaoyu''er''s minds.


    ¡ªToday, I shall bestow my cultivation legacy unto you. You cannot cast off the inexorable catastrophe you''re destined to face in the days toe.


    Neither Old Man Sikong nor Liu Xiaoyu''er understood the true meaning of those words. Liu Xiaoyu''er looked rather nk as she nodded, while Old Man Sikong''s pupils contracted, revealing a pensive expression.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    During this moment of silence, a beam of white light shot out from the White Dragon''s forehead and hit the center of Liu Xiaoyu''er''s forehead.


    The white light shone out of the girl''s eyes.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Countless ancient characters exploded into her mind.


    ...


    "What''s that voice?"


    Chu Liang, who was on Silver Sword Peak, got a fright.


    That very same deep, stately voice that sounded like it belonged to a deity... was ringing in Chu Liang''s mind as well.


    ¡ªToday, I shall bestow my cultivation legacy unto you. You cannot cast off the inexorable catastrophe you''re destined to face in the days toe.


    <i>Who''s talking to me?</i>


    Chu Liang took on a guarded posture, poised to fight. He looked around, but he couldn''t find the person that was talking to him.


    <i>Could it be an Eminent One using the divine skill Long-Distance Voice Transmission? Perhaps the message was transmitted to the wrong person?</i>


    He shook his head. <i>This isn''t a phone call. It''s not like it could be a case of dialing the wrong number.</i>


    Right when Chu Liang was feeling bewildered about the whole situation, Liu Xiaoyu''er flew back to the peak. Afternding, she seemed to be lost in thought as she walked, and her eyes were filled with confusion.


    Chu Liang quickly set aside his bewilderment and went to greet her. "Xiaoyu''er? You''re back."


    "<i>Mm,</i>" Liu Xiaoyu''er uttered, giving a slight nod.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked like she was about to faint. Seeing that, Chu Liang reached out to support her.


    She raised her eyes, and white light shone out from them.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Just like what had happened to Liu Xiaoyu''er, countless ancient characters exploded into Chu Liang''s mind. Those characters were scattered among imposing,plicated drawings that had lengthy and curved strokes. Altogether, they looked like talismanic script, indicating the presence of Heavenly Law.


    <i>This is...</i>


    Chu Liang immediately understood why Liu Xiaoyu''er looked so dizzy. Anyone would need quite a long while to process such a huge amount of information streaming into their mind. Moreover, the little girl wasn''t a particrly fast thinker to begin with, so she was actually doing pretty well seeing as she hadn''t fainted straight away.


    Even Chu Liang had his divine sense darting around in his mind for quite a long while before he could finally digest the information.


    Afterward, his eyes opened wide with shock.


    <i>It''s a dragon n''s secret cultivation method!</i>


    He looked in the direction of Solitude Peak.


    <i>So, those words I heard in my mind earlier... The True Dragon said them for me...?</i>


    <i>What is it afraid of?</i>


    1. Destiny is influenceable by actions; fate is concrete, set by the heavens. ?


    2. I interpret this as she has a lot of luck, so her actions will positively influence her destiny. ?


    3. It''s a mythical gate where carp (koi fish are amon carp breed) transform into dragons. ?

 Chapter 225: Breathing: A Form of Cultivation

    <h4>Chapter 225: Breathing: A Form of Cultivation</h4>


    In this world, True Dragons could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with celestial beasts. However, most celestial beast species were scarce in number and had difficulty reproducing while the dragons held a significant numerical advantage, which was also one of their strengths.


    This numerical advantage might be due to a characteristic of dragons. In the human world, there was this saying, "Dragons are naturally promiscuous," and this saying was not unfounded. Compared to other celestial beasts, dragons were more enthusiastic about reproduction.


    The reasoning was simple: treating it as a mission would make sess elusive, while approaching it as a hobby would pave the way for effortless excellence.


    That was how reproduction worked[1]


    The races that had found joy in this were the humans and dragons and these races stood at the pinnacle of the mortal realm. This proved that the love for reproduction was a characteristic of a higher being.


    ...


    As for the existence of celestial beasts, there was one thing that many had misunderstood. They thought that celestial beasts wouldn''t need to cultivate and that they would naturally grow to have the power to understand heaven and earth.


    This was obviously impossible.


    Celestial beasts possessed terrifyingly great talent for cultivation, but they needed to cultivate to advance farther. It was precisely due to this factor that there were differences in strength among celestial beasts. However, their way of cultivation was different from humans. It was not the same as the general divine techniques practiced by cultivators in the mortal realm.


    If humans could understand some of the innate divine abilities of celestial beasts, they would be gaining ess to a huge wealth of knowledge. For example, the very famous immortal art Invoking the Tempest was one of the divine techniques created after gaining understanding of the divine abilities of dragons.


    However, the innate divine abilities of celestial beasts were ultimately just some normal skills for them.


    Their way of cultivation was much more fundamental than that, stemming from their primal instincts. This way of cultivation could also be referred to as "Dao."


    As the white light shed and entered Chu Liang''s mind, he was overwhelmed by a flood of information. He recognized that this knowledge was simr to the dragons'' most fundamental cultivation principles! It was like the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique, yet it was not just a technique. It was profound and mysterious.


    <i>I''ve never heard of anyone being imparted with such primal cultivation principles. It''s possible that someone had been imparted this knowledge, but their stories were simply never told.</i>


    Chu Liang realized that the white light not only imparted the cultivation legacy but also seemed to be a symbol of permission received.


    If Chu Liang had shared this way of cultivation with another person but that person had not received this beam of white light, they would not have been able to practice it.


    Chu Liang opened his eyes slowly.


    After processing all the information just now, he noticed a small tinum-colored scale on his left wrist. It appeared inconspicuous, yet it contained powerful spiritual energy.


    This should be the original form of that white light.


    He lifted Liu Xiaoyu''er''s arm and discovered that there was also a white scale on her wrist.


    <i>I must be the True Dragon''s target. </i>Chu Liang concluded within himself at that moment.


    <i>A True Dragon is spiritually connected with the heavens and the earth and could suppress fate, so it must have sensed something mystical within me. That''s why it bestowed upon me this gift.</i>


    However, he wasn''t exactly happy because the dragon chant that echoed in his mind mentioned that he would have to repay it in the future.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er also noticed the white scale on her wrist and eximed with surprise, "<i>Eh?</i> What''s this? How did my scale change color? <i>Hehe</i>, it looks quite nice."


    Chu Liang looked at her and sighed.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er, being still a young fish, had no idea that every dragon scale bestowed by fate had already been secretly marked with a price.


    <i>I don''t think there''s anything wrong with the dragon scales. Otherwise, Old Man Sikong would not have allowed the True Dragon to bestow it upon us</i>, Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Regardless of the True Dragon''s expectations for him in the future, he had no choice but to ept this gift. As of now, it was definitely right of him to strengthen and improve his abilities.


    And so, Chu Liang attempted to activate the scale.


    The dragons'' primal cultivation principles didn''t have a name, so he named it the Secret Dragon Blood Technique.


    ...


    Othermon techniques typically involved aplex execution method to cultivate specific aspects of the body, often focusing on one of the three energies¡ªvitality, qi, and spirit¡ªor otherponents of the body.


    However, the Secret Dragon Blood Technique was simple and straightforward. It first required the opening of the meridians throughout the body. Then, by inhaling and exhaling spiritual qi, transforming the inhaled qi into dragon breath, and using this dragon breath to purge the meridians within one''s body, it simultaneously boosted vitality, qi, and spirit.


    Breathing was a form of cultivation.


    The white scale functioned as the key to transforming the qi into dragon breath.


    Without the white scale, one would only be able to understand the cultivation method, but never be able to practice it.


    After his first sessful attempt, Chu Liang couldn''t help but marvel that it was no wonder the dragons were born powerful. They could cultivate simply by breathing, and their cultivation could simultaneously strengthen their entire body.


    With such conditions, how could they not reign supreme over all other lineages?


    After just two hours of opening his meridians, Chu Liang distinctly sensed the fortification of his physical body and divine intent, areas in which he had previously felt weaker.


    He couldn''t sense much growth in his Sea of Qi, as the cultivation of his foundational qi was already at a high level. With the two ultimate-tier Golden Cores, he had been able to advance very quickly in his cultivation, which was why he couldn''t perceive any noticeable strengthening in this aspect.


    Aside from this, Chu Liang realized something...


    As he stood up and activated the Secret Dragon Blood Technique throughout his entire body, golden mes suddenly ignited in his eyes.


    Golden irises!


    With the Dustless Sword in hand, he swung it effortlessly.


    <i>Swish!</i> A sword qi swept out, carrying white and golden hues, fiercely tearing through the air!


    It was unstoppable!


    As he channeled foundational qi throughout his body to employ the divine skills, he caught a faint whiff of dragon breath. The scent was subtle for now, but he knew that as he continued cultivating with the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, it would undoubtedly grow stronger.


    Dragon Breath carried powerful effects of burning, breaking defenses, and dispelling illusions. It could even enhance the power of one''s divine skill.


    The casual brandishing of the sword not only showcased the power of the foundational qi, already formidable on its own, but also the augmented power through the sword intent of the Cloud of Determination, dragon breath, and various other elements. Thisbined power far surpassed the typical strength unleashed by a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm.


    The Secret Dragon Blood Technique was indeed very powerful!


    Chu Liang then spent the entire night studying this technique.


    The following morning, Chu Liang ran into Liu Xiaoyu''er once more and promptly inquired, "How''s your cultivationing along?"


    "Cultivation? What cultivation?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked in confusion.


    "The cultivation legacy imparted by the True Dragon. How far have you progressed in your cultivation? Have youpleted the opening of your meridians?" Chu Liang asked again.


    "Cultivation legacy?" Liu Xiaoyu''er scratched her head and said, "Are you referring to the words in my mind? I haven''t finished reading them yet!"


    "..." It was only then that Chu Liang remembered that for ordinary people, processing so much information wasn''t an easy task, let alone for someone like Liu Xiaoyu''er, whose mind wasn''t particrly sharp.


    <i>Haaaa...</i> He sighed, resolving to assist Liu Xiaoyu''er with opening her meridians next time. After that, she would simply need to focus on breathing, a task that should be well within her capabilities.


    As he contemted, a letter in the shape of a paper crane drifted slowly towards him.


    It was a message from Wen Yulong.


    When Chu Liang returned to Mount Shu, the first thing he did was deliver the golden skull to Wen Yulong. Now, atst, it has been opened.


    ...


    "Thankfully, I did not let you down," Wen Yulong said as he ced the golden skull down carefully. Beside the skully an unopened scroll made of sheepskin.


    He then smiled and said, "It was quite challenging."


    "Junior Brother Wen, I knew you could solve it, no matter how difficult," Chu Liang said with a grin.


    "I spent days and nights studying this. Eventually, I asked a few seniors for help and finally managed to unlock it. It is truly outrageous that they turned the skull of a seventh-realm Eminent One into a sealing enchanted tool!" Wen Yulong remarked. "If I wasn''t smart enough and found the key to unlock the enchanted tool, you probably wouldn''t be able to open it with brute force."


    "Thank you for your hard work," Chu Liang quickly responded.


    In fact, Wen Yulong being able to open it was already a pleasant surprise. Chu Liang simply wanted him to give it a try.


    "Could I perhaps request a slightly higher fee for my efforts this time?" Wen Yulong asked cautiously.


    As the saying went, when at the end of one''s resources, one would have to use whatever was at hand.


    However, Chu Liang didn''t argue with him; instead, he waved his hand and said, "No problem, I''ll double your pay."


    These days, he established a thriving berry-selling system. Each day, Liu Xiaoyu''er toiled in the garden, while Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang oversaw the picking and transportation of the berries to Red Cotton Peak for sale. Lackey A managed the ounts behind the scenes, while Lackey B attracted customers at the market by enthusiastically munching on berries.


    Everyone had their own tasks.


    As for Chu Liang, he didn''t need to do anything. All he had to do was take away eighty percent of the profits each day.


    Chu Liang stowed the golden skull away since it was, after all, an enchanted tool. He needed to figure out how to use itter on.


    The item retrieved from within the skull was a torn piece of scroll made of sheepskin.


    As Chu Liang observed this torn piece of scroll carefully, he realized it was just as he had expected that this piece connected with the torn piece of scroll he found in the cave.


    It was quite remarkable. The scroll had been divided into four pieces, and Chu Liang hade across two of them by chance. He remained unaware of the scroll''s purpose. However, the sealing of even a mere quarter of the torn scroll with an enchanted tool crafted from the skull of an Eminent One suggested its value was immensely significant.


    Having dealt with this matter, Chu Liang inquired further, "Do you happen to have any enchanted tools at the Hall of Weapons designed specifically for empowering spirit beasts? The stronger, the better."


    "Are you nning to buy enchanted tools for the Golden-Furred Hou?" Wen Yulong asked.


    At this moment, he realized that Senior Brother Chu had made a fortune.


    In the world of immortal cultivators, many bought enchanted tools for spirit pets and mounts. However, these enchanted tools were typically just toys or some other minor items. Powerful enchanted tools specifically designed for powerful demonic beasts were rare. After all, even cultivators oftencked powerful enchanted tools, and only those who had amassed considerable wealth and were exceptionally generous would even consider buying equipment for their demonic beasts.


    "No," Chu Liang shook his head and answered, "It is for Little Baize."


    1. I mean... it''s true that it should be fun ?

 Chapter 226: How Could They Possibly Bypass?

    <h4>Chapter 226: How Could They Possibly Bypass?</h4>


    Seven days passed.


    Red Cotton Peak was overcrowded, with most of the teams attending the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony present. In recent days, they had gradually purchased a considerable amount of berries from Chu Liang. Now, they had all gathered the Five Elements Talismans to exchange for clues and answers.


    As they watched the smiling and seemingly harmless youth slowly approach the stage, the gazes below were filled withplex emotions.


    Many among them harbored both love and resentment towards Chu Liang.


    When the team representing Silver Sword Peak first started selling clues, they did it discreetly, taking advantage of the information gap. However, when someone realized this and attempted to profit by selling the answers they purchased, they discovered that nearly everyone had already made their purchases.


    They were given absolutely no chance to profit from reselling.


    When Chu Liang decided to sell clues and answers for the second time, some people were cautious and wanted to buy early to resell at a lower price, so that they would at least break even.


    There were some who had already agreed to share the answers freely to prevent this unscrupulous merchant from profiting.


    However, they didn''t expect him to change the sales format this time around.


    The final form of exchanging answers by gathering the Five Elements Talismans made everyone uncertain of whether they could obtain the answers, yet it also made everyone eager to give it a try.


    Unknowingly, they all fell into the trap.


    The purchase of a box in exchange for potentially obtaining the answer from the legitimate source was structured such that the cost of one box was only one sword coin. Additionally, it came with aplimentary Golden Vein Berry that was valued at two sword coins. Essentially, this arrangement meant that the box was free.


    Moreover, the attractive design of the Five Elements Talismans was enticing, and by buying five boxes, they could potentiallyplete the collection...


    In theory, several individuals just had to pool their resources andplete one collection in exchange for theplete answer. However, what actually happened was theplete opposite.


    The act of collecting these cards became somewhat addictive. Later on, many even began offering high prices to buy Earth Character Talismans, forgetting why they had started in the first ce.


    In the final two days of the sales, the Earth Character Talisman that had high rarity started appearing frequently in the boxes of berries sold. As a result, many were able toplete their collection of the Five Elements Talismans.


    This proved that Chu Liang''s im that there was an even distribution of Five Elements Talismans was indeed true. However, most of the Earth Character Talismans were found in the final batch of berry boxes. This umtion at the very end might have been the reason why the sales of the berries multiplied several times over what was expected.


    With all this going on, there was almost no chance for those intending to resell the clues and answers.


    Chu Liang had been the only one making a profit and it was inevitable that people would be jealous of him.


    But even if they were envious, they had to wait, as indeed only he held the answers to the second stage clues.


    In fact, during past Mountain God Memorial Ceremonies, the first stage would still be ongoing at this time. It was quitemon for people not to have solved the clues of the second stage yet, and there was no need for anyone to feel impatient.


    Those with integrity could choose to continue contemting the puzzle at their own pace.


    However, Chu Liang had already solved the puzzle and made the answers avable for purchase. If you chose not to buy them while others did, any clues you managed to solve would just be meaningless.


    They had no choice but to helplessly follow along what the others were doing.


    "Dear fellow disciples," greeted Chu Liang with a smile that resembled the spring breeze.


    "After seven days of diligent effort, all of you here have managed to collect the Five Elements Talismans. Now, as promised, I will share the answers to the second stage puzzle with you all."


    With this, he took the four drawings and hung them around likenterns. Then, he positioned a candle in the center.


    "That is the answer!"


    At this moment, it was a sunny day outdoors, so there were no shadows to be cast.


    However, the disciples of Mount Shu were not stupid. With his arrangement, they naturally grasped the meaning behind it.


    "So, it seems these four paintings aren''t meant to beid t on the ground, but to be set upright! No wonder they didn''t fit together like a puzzle!"


    "You''d need toyer them together and shine a candle through to reveal the actual image!"


    "..."


    As realization dawned on the crowd, cries of astonishment echoed continuously.


    In an instant, some rushed back, eager to experiment with the discovery. Soon after, the bustling Red Cotton Peak had cleared out.


    Only the members of the Silver Sword Peak team remained.


    Lin Bei turned to Lackey A, who managed the ounts, and inquired, "How much have we earned altogether these days?"


    With a sinct response, Lackey A replied, "We made a killing."


    ...


    Chu Liang did not directly reveal the location indicated by the second puzzle. Instead, he merely demonstrated the method to solve it.


    Subsequently, members of other teams returned to their respective locations, endeavoring to solve the puzzle independently. Eventually, they realized that it led to the valley at the Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    This distinctivendmark was recognizable at a nce to most people, and even for those who couldn''t identify it initially, they were able to locate it by asking around.


    After all, there was already a growing swarm of people heading in that direction.


    The initial group to reach the valley at Treasured Pagoda Peakprised approximately a dozen individuals. They arrived swiftly and quickly pinpointed the location of the massive rock.


    Just as they were about to push the rock, a series of "<i>Hreeooorrh</i>" cries resonated through the air! A silver streak darted forward like lightning!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The young Baize wasn''t as gentle with others, especially those not named Chu Liang. This behavior was particrly evident since the task had been assigned by the higher-ups of Mount Shu, granting it permission to assertively bump into individuals without facing repercussions!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>" eximed the disciple closest to it, who was headbutted into the sky and promptly transformed into a mere speck in the sky.


    It''s the Little Baize!" someone shouted.


    "Even Mount Shu''s guardian celestial beast is guarding the checkpoint?"


    "Don''t panic, Little Baize isn''t good at fighting. There are plenty of us here, we can totally... Wait, what''s that?!"


    As the Baize youngling came to a stop and revealed its entire body, the exmations suddenly ceased.


    Because at this moment, its appearance waspletely different from the usual.


    In addition to its original scales, it now sported ayer of lightweight and resilient silver chain armor, likely an enchanted defensive equipment. Its horns were adorned withyers of golden talisman paper, appearing to be some giant spirit talismans that could greatly enhance its force of impact...


    Clouds of qi enveloped its hooves, each bound with a whistling-wind bead that was specially used to enhance the speed of spirit beasts. Additionally, it was equipped with some other less obvious enchanted tools.


    The Baize youngling was fully equipped!


    It possessed extremely powerful innate talent. Even in its youth, it possessed the speed and strength akin to a creature at the fifth realm. However, itcked skill inbat, knowing only a single headbutt.


    While individual disciples of Mount Shu would be far from a match for it, thebined efforts of one or two teams would be enough to drive it away.


    Under normal circumstances, there should only be three to five teams remaining at this stage, and these teams are typically top-notch in their strength, unlikely to be stumped by this challenge.


    When the higher-ups of Mount Shu were organizing this event, they would have never expected that almost all the teams participating in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony would gain ess to this puzzle. And now, all these noobs were rushing toward Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    Meanwhile, the Baize youngling had undergone a powerful upgrade.


    How could they possibly bypass the Baize youngling?


    With the Baize youngling equipped with this array of enchanted tools, its speed and strength have been elevated to an unprecedented level. This changed the situation entirely.


    Even if a sea of third-realm disciples swarmed toward it, they wouldn''t be able to harm it in the slightest.


    <i>Thud, thud, thud, thud¡ª</i>


    The dull thuds of headbutts striking their targets rang out continuously, and the initial group of around a dozen Mount Shu disciples who rushed over seemed to disperse like raindrops, their morous echoes fading into the distant forest.


    Among them, a chubby youth fell to the ground. Although not heavily injured, he found himself unable to get up for a moment.


    At that moment, a hand reached out from the side and helped him to his feet.


    "Thank you," the chubby youth expressed his gratitude immediately.


    "No need. As fellow disciples, we should help each other," the other disciple responded.


    The chubby youth raised his head and saw a young man with thick eyebrows,rge eyes, and slightly tanned skin. At a nce, he exuded a vibrant aura.


    It was indeed Lin Bei.


    "Senior Brother, you... look familiar?" the chubby youth frowned.


    "I''m from the Silver Sword Peak team. I sold you the answer to the first puzzle before," Lin Bei smiled.


    "Oh yeah, I remember you!" The chubby youth stood up, rubbed his sore bottom, and said, "We also got the answer to the second puzzle from you."


    "Now that you''ve gotten the answers, why aren''t you going in?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Haven''t you seen it? Little Baize is guarding over there and it''s not letting anyone get close!" The chubby youth replied. "It hurts like crazy if you get headbutted by it."


    "It''s truly frustrating to have the final puzzle right in front of you but be unable to solve it," Lin Bei said with a sigh. "What can you do? Oh? How about I help you distract the young Baize, and you take the opportunity to get the third puzzle?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The chubby boy was surprised. "Can you do that? And even if you can, I feel bad..."


    "What''s there to feel bad about? We''re bros, right?" Lin Bei patted his chest and said, "How about thirty sword coins?"


    "Well..." The chubby youth hesitated for a moment.


    He had already spent several dozen sword coins on the first and second puzzles... He had invested quite a sum, but with the third puzzle right in front of him... If he takes the risk and is fortunate, he could potentially emerge as the champion of this year''s Mountain God Memorial Ceremony.


    The chance for fame and fortune was right there!


    After much deliberation, he clenched his jaw and said, "Fine! I''ll give it to you!"


    Lin Bei immediately flew boldly and confidently towards the central crater, where the Baize youngling was wreaking havoc. Despite the chaos, he exuded unwavering confidence.


    He flew straight to the giant rock. At this moment, the Baize youngling had just knocked away a new group of disciples who came to explore.


    Lin Bei stepped forward and shouted, "Hey, look here! It''s an enchanted artifact!"

 Chapter 227: Hes Come For Me!

    <h4>Chapter 227: He''s Come For Me!</h4>


    "Hey, look! It''s an enchanted artifact!" Lin Bei shouted.


    He shook his right hand, and silver light that looked like a full moon shot out.


    The chubby guy behind him vaguely saw that the silver light was actually an enchanted tool that had the shape of a disc. However, the enchanted tool didn''t seem to contain powerful spiritual energy... Instead of flying toward the Baize youngling, the enchanted tool went whirling into the thicket at the side.


    <i>Instead of going straight, it turned...? And then itpletely missed the target!</i> the chubby guyined inwardly.


    Amazingly, when the enchanted tool flew into the distance, the Baize youngling chased after it. The Baize youngling left like the wind, disappearing at lightning speed!


    "<i>Eh?</i>" the chubby guy uttered.


    He was astonished; he didn''t understand the point of the enchanted tool.


    "What are you doing? Hurry up! Go in and find the puzzle!" Lin Bei yelled, hurriedly pointing at the boulder.


    "Oh, <i>oh!</i>"


    The chubby guy ran over, exerting all his foundational qi to push the boulder. Rumbling reverberated through the ground as he rolled the boulder, revealing a corner of the cave entrance.


    The chubby guy was sweating profusely, but he didn''t bother wiping his sweat off. He just squeezed into the gap he''d uncovered and entered the cave.


    There were enchanted formations inside, and the Baize youngling wasn''t there to destroy them this time. Still, if nothing unexpected happened, the disciples should be able to sessfully view the third puzzle with no issues.


    When Lin Bei was done with his task, he wore a small smile. Then he turned and left in the direction that the Baize youngling had sped off to.


    Hiding in the surrounding forest, Chu Liang crouched down and petted the Baize youngling. "You did really well. Keep being that fast, urate, and ruthless! But try controlling your strength a little more precisely..."


    Beside him was Shang Ziliang and his twockeys.


    Seeing Lin Bei return gleefully, Shang Ziliang went up to him and said, "You''re done? It''s my turn now!"


    Shang Ziliang took the flying disc and set off to wait for the next target.


    After a while, the Baize youngling suddenly quivered. It stood up and cried out "<i>Hreeooorrh~</i>" twice. Then it whooshed away, looking like a streak of lightning.


    As Chu Liang watched the Baize youngling leave, he waved. "Go, Little Baize!"


    Actually, his initial n had only consisted of selling the second stage¡¯s puzzle; he hadn''t intended to include the Baize youngling in his scheme. However, his scheme ended up drastically increasing the number of teams still actively participating in the treasure hunt. That, in turn, indirectly gave the Baize youngling a lot more work to do... Chu Liang felt rather guilty about that.


    The Baize youngling would initially have only needed to deal with a few teams, but now most of Mount Shu''s disciples were on their way to the cave.


    Chu Liang had pondered about how he shouldpensate the Baize youngling. Then he had another thought, <i>Why don''t I strengthen it?</i>


    That gave him yet another idea.<i> Why don''t I give it such a big boost that it will be powerful enough to keep everyone from getting into the cave? Then I''ll offer to help them for a fee!</i>


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Chu Liang was surprised by his own thoughts.


    <i>I wasn''t even intending to rake in more money. Why did my train of thought unconsciously shift in that direction...? It seems to be bing instinctual.</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t get involved in the action this time. Instead, he asked the rest of his team to handle it. Additionally, he didn''t intend to have them share the earnings with him; he was going to let them have it all.


    These guys had been really busy working for so many days, so much so that they could be considered experienced entrepreneurs by now. It was only right that Chu Liang let them profit too.


    Moreover, this trick that involved the Baize youngling couldn''t be used too many times. After all, everyone was working smarter now. It wouldn''t be too long before the puzzle in the cave was spread among the rest of the disciples.


    Furthermore, even though the Baize youngling was fully armed, there were some teams that wouldn''t need any help to get past it. Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang were powerful enough to take on the Baize youngling alone. Just by following them, other teams would be able to get into the cave too.


    So, Chu Liang estimated that his team wouldn''t be able to earn much from helping the other teams get past the Baize youngling. His teammates would probably only earn a few hundred sword coins at most.


    Thinking that made Chu Liang feel a little sad. A few months ago, he''d thought that a flying sword that cost three hundred sword coins had been too expensive. Now, a few hundred sword coins was chump change.


    Nevertheless, running their little business was still the better choicepared to doing missions. Even if they did their missions diligently, it would take ages to save up even a few hundred sword coins.


    The sound of the flying disc whizzing through the air rang out once again. The disc flew over to where Chu Liang was, with the Baize youngling running speedily behind it.


    Shang Ziliang had justpleted his turn. He gleefully headed back to the group in the forest and looked at Chu Liang with an adoring gaze.


    <i>I really wonder how Big Bro''s brain developed. Why does he have so many ingenious ideas?</i>


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the snowynds of the Northern Regions, two people were in a deadlock.


    "Eat a little. Even though you''re a Ba, you still have to eat; you can''t keep starving yourself," a middle-aged man wearing a bamboo hat coaxed. "And you even refuse to sleep in the ice coffin. Moving about outside will use up your spiritual energy. You have to replenish it at least a little. Otherwise, you won''t be able to run if we encounter any trouble."


    The little girl in front of him pouted, shaking her head stubbornly. "No..."


    On the ground before themy the corpse of arge bear. The blood gushing out of its wounds was frozen instantly by the frigid weather.


    The two people in question were none other than the Whale-Riding Immortal, who had been mentioned in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette,</i> and the little girl he''d taken from the South Sea.


    Heavy snowfall pelted thend, apanied by a biting wind. It was so cold that life could not exist in this ce. Even the beasts with the thickest of furs would be turned into ice sculptures by such a frigid wind that prated their fur like des.


    Yet, these two people were dressed simply. It seemed like the word "cold" wasn''t even in their vocabry.


    "Do you really have to eat fruit?" the Whale-Riding Immortal asked, feeling rather helpless.


    He wouldn''t be ruffled at all dealing with a seventh-realm Eminent One. Yet, dealing with this little girl caused his feelings of helplessness and exasperation to be written all over his face.


    This time, the little girl nodded repeatedly. "<i>Mm!</i>"


    "Didn''t I already find some fruit for you?"


    The Whale-Riding Immortal pointed at the two golden fruits on the ground. They seemed to be the fruit of an extraordinary spirit nt.


    "Wan... dewi... fru."


    The little girl was probably trying to say that she wanted to eat delicious fruits, but she was having difficulty forming the words with her mouth.


    "What am I supposed to do...?" the Whale-Riding Immortal said, rubbing his hands exasperatedly. "Those youngdies from the Greater-Yin Cult are on my trail, and they''re not far behind. You witnessed that yourself that day. We can''t even fly now, in case we get spotted. All we can do is travel on foot in these icynds. How am I supposed to find that kind of fruit for you?"


    "You... no scare."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal chuckled loftily. "<i>Heheh.</i> Of course, I''m not afraid of them."


    Then he said helplessly, "But you should be. Once your whereabouts are exposed, people from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten will hunt you down. Then there won''t be any delicious fruit for you to eat then."


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" the little girl huffed, seemingly very angry.


    The more she thought about their situation, the angrier she got.


    Ultimately, she plopped down into the snow on the ground, hugging her shoulders. The snow was so thick that when she sank into it, it almost swallowed her whole, turning her into a small ck dot in the snowfield.


    "Be good." The Whale-Riding Immortal patted the little girl''s head. "I promise you that I''ll take you to Mount Shu to search for the delicious fruit once it''s safe, okay?"


    The little girl pouted for quite a while before she finally nodded in eptance. "<i>Mm.</i>"


    "Let''s go! We have to go to the Holy Mountain that''s up ahead. It might have a treasure that can dispel your cataclysmic qi. Then you can y outside freely like a normal child."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal took off his hat and picked up the little girl. He sat her on his shoulders and set off toward the mountain.


    "I''ve been trying to think of what name I should give you. Since you love fruits so much, let''s call you Jiang Guo[1].


    "It''s really hard to raise a girl. If you were a boy, I definitely would have given you a beating earlier. I would have hit you until you ate something. <i>Haaa,</i> but you''re a girl. How could I not spoil you?


    "I have a daughter. I haven''t seen her since she was little, but I assume she''s probably simr to you.


    "All the girls of the Jiang Family have a temper like yours. It runs in the blood.


    "Oh, I guess she takes after you."


    Jiang Guo: "..."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal prattled on the whole way. He forged ahead through seven chi of wind and snow, climbing toward the center of the snowy regions where the Holy Mountain¡ªwhich was as lofty as a cloud¡ªwas situated.


    ...


    Once the situation on Treasured Pagoda Peak was stable, Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak and continued focusing on his cultivation.


    The number of divine skills and arts he could use had gradually increased over time. He could use the Secret Technique of Dragon Blood just by breathing, but he needed to actively practice the other skills and arts.


    However, just when he started working on them, someone came looking for him.


    Chu Liang opened his eyes and looked outside. There was a gentle-looking elderly man dressed in white robes standing quietly on the hillside.


    <i>The Conservation Master?</i>


    Chu Liang was still in a bit of a daze and felt baffled as he looked at the elderly man''s face. Nevertheless, ording to Chu Liang''s memory, this was indeed the Conservation Master he''d met in the past.


    Consequently, Chu Liang rushed out to greet him.


    He bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Conservation Master! Are you here to see my teacher?"


    "No, I was looking for you," the Conservation Master replied nonchntly.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Chu Liang was confused.


    However, before Chu Liang could ask why, the Conservation Master continued speaking.


    "I don''t know if you''re aware, but I''m in charge of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony this time."


    "Oh," Chu Liang uttered.


    His heart dropped.


    <i>Crap.</i>


    <i>He''se for me!</i>


    1. Guo means fruit. ?

 Chapter 228: But Your Esteemed Teacher is Di Nufeng!

    <h4>Chapter 228: But Your Esteemed Teacher is Di Nufeng!</h4>


    "I was thinking that this Mountain God Memorial Ceremony was designed exceptionally ingeniously. It turns out that the Conservation Master is the mastermind for this event. No wonder.." Chu Liang quickly praised with a smile.


    "You have quite the silver tongue, and you''re very smart too. Unfortunately, you chose the wrong path, but you do share some simrities with..." the Conservation Master remarked with a smile.


    He was about to draw aparison between Chu Liang and his teacher Di Nufeng when he hesitated. This didn''t seem like Di Nufeng''s usual style, suggesting Chu Liang might not have learned from her.


    He paused for a moment before continuing, "With the unscrupulous Shang Jiaqi from Taotie City."


    "<i>Hehe</i>," Chu Liang chuckled a few times.


    While Taotie City has undoubtedly facilitated the world of immortality cultivators, it has also fostered a wholly profit-driven and negative atmosphere.


    Many traditional cultivators still uphold the belief that the pursuit of immortality should exude an ethereal and detached aura. They deeply disdain the profit-seeking aura of merchants.


    "As representatives of the traditional immortal sects, Mount Shu naturally boasted a higher proportion of old-school cultivators.


    "To be honest, you''ve really given the elders quite a headache," remarked the Conservation Master with amusement as he looked at Chu Liang. "The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony has been held for thousands of years, and it''s rare to see a disciple behaving so recklessly."


    What he said was indeed true.


    Chu Liang engaged in selling clues, conducting arge-scale sale of talisman collection... All themercial activities were able to make profit because of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. However, he didn''t vite any rules.


    Chu Liang was like an ouw skirting the edges of the sect''s regtions.


    Ultimately, the only option remaining was to implement further conditions to discipline him, as no other effective method seemed viable in managing his behavior.


    Just as Chu Liang was feeling slightly nervous, the Conservation Master spoke again.


    "Nevertheless, I do have high hopes for you. This cunningness could also be described as extraordinary intelligence. However, mere cleverness isn''t sufficient for sess. You require guidance to steer you onto the correct path..." He paused, then smiled at Chu Liang. "Would you consider joining the Hall of Conservation?"


    <i>Huh? </i>This turn of events left Chu Liang momentarily stunned.


    <i>Did the Conservation Master visit me to extend this invitation?</i>


    Among the four halls, the Hall of Conservation recruits the fewest attendant disciples. At least, Chu Liang had only encountered that square-faced Senior Brother. Perhaps it was because the Hall of Conservation had rtively fewer affairs to manage, or maybe because the position was considered more valuable.


    If you were an attendant in the Hall of Weapons, you couldn''t casually use all the avable enchanted tools; if you were an attendant in the Hall of Alchemy, you couldn''t casually consume any pills. However, as an attendant in the Hall of Conservation, you could almost casually peruse all divine arts.


    After all, divine arts manuals were different from enchanted tools and pills; just seeing them was already a gain.


    Chu Liang asked somewhat puzzledly, "Does the Hall of Conservation need attendant disciples?"


    "I am not referring to attendant disciples. I am asking if you would be interested in being my disciple," the Conservation Master said slowly.


    "What?" Chu Liang was even more surprised.


    An attendant disciple of a hall stationed at the entrance of the hall resembled more of a paid apprentice. Take Chen Su, for instance. Though she was a member of another peak and followed another teacher, she would use her spare time to learn the art of refining pills.


    A disciple of a teacher would be someone like Liu Qin and Lu Xun from the Hall of Alchemy. Acknowledged by the guardian elder as his disciples, they would be imparted knowledge of his legacy.


    Obviously, you could only join one lineage and acknowledge one person as your esteemed teacher.


    Chu Liang''s first reaction was to nce towards the direction of the pavilion where Di Nufeng was, feeling guilty as he said, "This is not something I dare say on Silver Sword Peak..."


    "<i>Heh.</i> I wouldn''t be intimidated by someone from the younger generation like her..." The Conservation Master chuckled lightly and continued, "I''ve already sealed off this entire area with my secret technique. Not a soul will overhear our conversation."


    "That''s good." Chu Liang heaved a sigh of relief.


    He knew very well that Di Nufeng never held back when beating up old men.


    Chu Liang has been recruited by others before. However, it was the first time someone had dared toe boldly to Silver Sword Peak to recruit him.


    Chu Liang contemted it for a while. Then, he tactfully replied, "I am deeply honored by your high regard for me. However, regardless of where I go, I remain a disciple of Mount Shu. What reason wouldpel me to change my allegiance?"


    When the Conservation Master heard this, he said, "That is true. But your teacher is Di Nufeng?"


    This was basically deja vu. It was almost as though Chu Liang had heard this exact line before.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. However, he maintained aposed demeanor and replied, "My teacher saved my life and epted me into the sect. She''s like a second parent to me. How could I betray her?"


    The Conservation Master gazed at Chu Liang and suddenly nodded, a clear hint of admiration shining in his eyes.


    The hierarchical system of the peaks on Mount Shu meant that even if a disciple was exceptionally talented, it would be difficult for them to receive direct attention from the higher-ups. The most crucial figure in their growth would be their esteemed teacher. However, Di Nufeng was evidently an inadequate esteemed teacher, providing little assistance to her disciples and often causing more harm than good.


    But facing such a figure, Chu Liang also couldn''t bear to betray, instead revealing his deep sense of loyalty and righteousness.


    The visit today by the Conservation Master wasn''t exactly about recruiting. Instead, it felt more like an evaluation. If Chu Liang indeed entertained the idea of joining another lineage, regardless of his intelligence, he wouldn''t be deemed worthy of being a future leader of Mount Shu.


    It was at this moment when the Conservation Master really considered Chu Liang as one of the future leaders of the Mount Shu Sect.


    In this era, there were initially only two individuals with such esteemed status: Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai. They, too, had to endure numerous trials to achieve their current positions. However, Chu Liang''s appearance has captured the interest of the upper ranks of Mount Shu, once more offering them a fresh seedling to consider.


    <i>An strange one... but he is a promising seed for the future.</i>


    "You also have a strong sense of loyalty and righteousness," the Conservation Master smiled and nodded. He waved his hand as he said, "Oh, by the way, the Alchemy Master wanted me to deliver a message to you. He said that the price of one high-grade Green Pill will be ten thousand sword coins."


    Chu Liang naturally remained unaware of the Conservation Master''s inner thoughts. He merely noted the shifts in the elder''s expression and vaguely sensed that he had made the correct decision.


    Upon hearing that the high-grade Green Pill was priced at ten thousand sword coins, Chu Liang''s brow furrowed immediately as he sensed that the situation was far from straightforward.


    <i>Ten thousand? You might as well just rob me!</i>


    <i>Why bother giving me a pill? </i>


    However, upon further contemtion, Chu Liang realized that this was likely a strategy by which the higher-ups of Mount Shu used to take back a portion of his profits from this venture.


    He had earned approximately fifteen to sixteen thousand sword coins, and they would be reiming a significant portion of the earnings while disregarding the remainder. By doing so, he could still im first ce at the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. After all, he deserved it.


    To achieve first ce, sacrifices inevitably had to be made...


    As the Conservation Master departed, Chu Liang found himself alone, deep in contemtion.


    ...


    As night fell, the Soul Subjugator Token suddenly vibrated.


    Chu Liang had previously helped Liu Xiaoyu''er unlock her potential, aiding her in mastering the path of the Secret Dragon Blood Technique. Just as he had settled down to sleep, he was abruptly awakened by the token''s vibration.


    This item had not vibrated for a long time and he had almost forgotten about it.


    The sudden vibration made him feel a bit nervous.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "The marquess has summoned you all."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "<i>Ah, ah, ah,</i> is it finally happening? Is it about the undercover mission at White-Bone Hall? I''ve been looking forward to this for so long, and now the day has finally arrived. The moment to serve the marquess has finallye, how exciting..."


    [Sixtieth]: "When? Where?"


    Chu Liang looked at the responses of the two individuals who replied before him, feeling like he was caught between two extremes. Inparison, whatever he said would seem like the words of the only sane person in the group.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Honorable Guider, I have received your message. Please instruct on the next step."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "There''s news that White-Bone Hall will undergo significant changes and is expanding its manpower. This will be an opportunity for you to infiltrate White-Bone Hall. Someone will rendezvous with you for assembly in three days. Be prepared."


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Oh my heavens!!! Is it about to start? I am feeling a little nervous. Honorable Guider, do you have any advice for us? Who will rendezvous with us? Has someone already infiltrated the White-Bone Hall? If we made aplishments, will we get to see the marquess? Has he recovered from his injuries?"


    The Eastern-Route Guider remained silent.


    Message read but no response.

 Chapter 229: The Righteous Qi of a Mount Shu Disciple

    <h4>Chapter 229: The Righteous Qi of a Mount Shu Disciple</h4>


    The next morning, the brilliant rays of sunshine casted a warm glow over the room.


    Chu Liang woke up early, washed, and tidied himself before heading out to clean the surrounding areas, trimming any unruly vegetation.


    Two of his friends were visiting the Silver Sword Peak today.


    After their discussion in the interdimensional soul domain within the Soul Subjugator Token, Chu Liang sent a letter to Luo Yao and Pushan to arrange for a visit here. They had previously agreed that if there were any major issues, their team of undercover agents would gather at the Silver Sword Peak of Mount Shu for the discussion.


    The Mount Shu Sect and the Valley of the Three Absolutes were both located in the Southern Regions, conveniently essible for cultivators. In contrast, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery resided near the heavens.


    However, the Valley of the Three Absolutes was in a deste and eerie area within the Southern Regions, making it the more remote location. Inparison to the other two, Mount Shu Sect emerged as the most suitable gathering ce.


    Chu Liang took the initiative to clean up the ce before theirpanions'' arrival, aiming to leave a good impression.


    By noon, Luo Yao had arrived first.


    Dressed in her usual ck attire, Luo Yaonded on the Silver Sword Peak. Her glossy white hair and icy gaze were unmistakable. Carrying three umbres on her back, she remained silent until Chu Liang spotted her standing there and greeted her.


    "Miss Luo, you are here! It''s been a while! How are you?" Chu Liang waved.


    "<i>Mm.</i>" Luo Yao nodded gently in response.


    Chu Liang didn''t find her response impolite either, knowing well that she had always been this cold-faced.


    "How have you beentely?" Chu Liang asked again.


    "Fine," replied Luo Yao.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chu Liang ushered her to the table, where he presented a te of Golden Vein Berries and poured some tea¡ªa gesture of proper hospitality.


    Still, the atmosphere remained awkward.


    Being in the same room with a fierce person who didn''t speak much brought a certain amount of stress, and Chu Liang couldn''t help but hope that Pushan would arrive soon. At least with him around, the atmosphere wouldn''t feel so cold.


    As he pondered this, he heard a voice outside chanting a Buddhist mantra, "Sadhu sadhu sadhu. It''s my first time at Mount Shu. The atmosphere on the thirty-six peaks is quite remarkable!"


    Chu Liang rushed outside and immediately spotted the handsome bald figure. A warm smile graced his face as he stood d in a white monk''s robe.


    "Master Pushan, we''ve been waiting for you," Chu Liang greeted with a smile.


    "<i>Oh</i>, Young Hero Chu and Miss Luo, it''s been too long! I''ve missed you both dearly!" Pushan''s smile grew even brighter upon seeing them, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth that had clearly always been exposed to the sun[1]


    He pulled out a box, saying, "These are specialties from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery called the Buddha''s Blessed Fruits. I brought some for you to taste."


    "<i>Haha</i>, you''re too kind. You''vee all this way; you didn''t need to bring anything," Chu Liang said, taking the box. "You should learn from Miss Luo here; it''s nice toe empty-handed."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" remarked Luo Yao.


    After exchanging pleasantries, the three gathered and sat down to discuss the matter at hand.


    "When we parted ways, I went back and contemted for a while about this. If we want to infiltrate the deepest parts of the Dark King Sect, we must know how to use some diabolical techniques. At least we need some techniques that appear to have simr effects, so that we can act effectively in battles," Luo Yao said.


    When it was a discussion about a serious matter, Luo Yao would usually talk a bit more.


    "Indeed, I''ve thought about that too," Pushan nodded in agreement. "That''s why I specifically practiced several forbidden palm techniques of our temple, which should be good enough for the disguise."


    The Buddhist Cloud Monastery passed on ancient cultivation legacies and naturally had some divine techniques of eerie nature.


    "In this aspect, I haven''t made any preparations, although I''ve thought about it..." Chu Liang furrowed his brows as he spoke. "The techniques of Mount Shu Sect are too righteous[2] that it would be too difficult to practice any diabolical techniques, even if I had ess to any. So, if necessary, I can only rely on some tricks and the Battle Soul I obtainedst time to support me.


    The techniques of each immortal sect are of different nature. For example, Luo Yao from the Valley of the Three Absolutes wouldn''t even have to disguise herself as the techniques that she uses would be eerie and dark. As for Pushan''s Buddhist sect techniques, they were quite diverse as well.


    <i>The Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique of the Mount Shu Sect is just too righteous!</i>[3] Chu Liangined inwardly.


    "<i>Haaa</i>. We, the disciples of Mount Shu, are filled with righteous qi." Chu Liang said as he sighed. "It is simply too difficult for us to hide our identities."


    "I do have a minor divine technique that you can learn." Luo Yao said as she handed over a jade slip.


    Chu Liang took it and found it to be a minor divine technique called "Skill of Yin-Nature Talisman."


    With the use of some talismanic script of yin nature, yin energy could be condensed to strike the enemy. The execution of this technique resembled diabolical techniques.


    This technique was very suitable for Chu Laing as it could be used inbination with the Talismanic Sword Seal.


    "Miss Luo, very thoughtful of you," Chu Liang and Monk Pushan expressed their gratitude promptly.


    This minor divine technique wasn''t too difficult. After scanning it with his divine sense a couple of times, Chu Liang basically memorized the talismanic script. Since he was already quite adept at drawing talismans, the three decided to leave the house so that Chu Liang could test out the power of this technique.


    The moment they stepped out, they saw Liu Xiaoyu''ering over with her hand massaging her waist. She yawned and said, "Big Brother Chu Liang, I feel so tired after you helped me open up my meridiansst night. My back feels sore. I won''t be working at the garden today. Would that be okay?"


    "Sure, take a rest," Chu Liang replied.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er was a demon, but in terms of her physique, she was much weaker than Chu Liang. When Chu Liang opened his own meridians, he didn''t feel a single thing. On the other hand, Liu Xiaoyu''er felt as though she had been taken apart.


    Even after resting for an entire night, she still hadn''t fully recovered.


    Chu Liang was fine with it as he could always water the ntster.


    As Chu Liang turned around, he noticed Pushan and Luo Yao looking at him with subtle, peculiar expressions. It was as if they thought he was a scumbag.


    "That girl doesn''t seem very old, does she?" Monk Pushan blinked and asked.


    "And you are even forcing her to do farm work..." Luo Yao added.


    "It''s not what you think," Chu Liang hurriedly exined. But he couldn''t reveal the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, so he could only say, "I was helping her with her cultivation!"


    Seeing the disbelief on their faces, Chu Liang continued firmly, "As a disciple of Mount Shu, I uphold righteousness. How can I be one of those people who deceives innocent girls? You have to believe me!"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a voice called from afar, "Chu Liang, my best bro! Please save me! Let me hide here for a while!"


    Like a streak of ck smoke, Lin Bei appeared and dashed into Chu Liang''s house.


    Lu Ren appeared behind him andnded slowly.


    Chu Liang had met Lu Ren before. He was a senior brother from the Jade Sword Peak.


    "What''s going on?" Chu Liang asked with a frown.


    "Don''t even get me started. This dude deceived an innocent girl and got caught!" Lu Ren, who followed after, said indignantly. "While he was distracting and luring the Baize youngling yesterday, he met this junior sister from the Bamboo Sea Peak. He refused to take the junior sister''s money and wanted to arrange a secret meeting with her at night. The senior brothers and sisters of that girl found out about it. Sincest night, they have been trying to seize him. And now, they are all causing a scene at the Jade Sword Peak so he escaped here for a while."


    While Lu Ren was talking about Lin Bei, Chu Liang felt the weight of Luo Yao and Pushan''s gaze on him growing heavier.


    Luo Yao sneered as she asked, "Aren''t you Mount Shu disciples supposed to be righteous?"


    Pushan turned to look inside the room. "You are his best bro..."


    "Actually, I don''t know him very well..." Chu Liang said with a solemn expression. "In fact, I strongly condemn such behavior. He''s the exception, a disgrace to Mount Shu! He does not represent the general popce of Mount Shu. I am not like him. My reputation in Mount Shu has always been good."


    While he was talking, another beam of sword light descended from the distant sky.


    As he spoke, another sword light fell from the distant sky.


    It turned out to be Shang Ziliang. However, the expression on Shang Ziliang''s face was really gloomy. He looked really sad and carried a small bundle on his back.


    "What''s up with you now?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Our business has grown so big that my father found out about it," Shang Ziliangmented. "My father said that the members of the Silver Sword Peak are all shameless and scrupulous people. He criticized me for befriending you. He wants to disown me. Big bro, I just ran away from home!"


    <i>What the heck is going on today... </i>Chu Liang thought as he smacked himself on the forehead.


    Luo Yao and Pushan, who were behind him, became even more certain as they stared at him.


    Pushan said, "Righteousness, <i>huh?</i>"


    Luo Yao said, "Good reputation, <i>huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang: "..."


    1. It''s saying that he never keeps his mouth shut. ?


    2. This should be talking about the righteous qi used when practicing the techniques of Mount Shu. ?


    3. Hi friends. Let me exin. In the Mount Shu Sect, disciples would start cultivation by using this technique to absorb righteous qi to build up their dantian and Sea of Qi. With their Sea of Qi being filled with righteous qi, it is more difficult for them to practice techniques of eerie nature. Take Luo Xiaoyong, the disciple of the Greater-Yin Cult, as an example. He takes in qi of greater yin, which is why it is hard for him to practice other techniques too. Also, sidetracked a bit. There''s an interesting thing that I noticed about the cultivation system in this world: It was mentioned that when cultivators die, they give back the spiritual energy that you have umted during your lifetime as a cultivator back to the world, starting the whole cycle of the next generation of prodigies/monsters appearing. That''s why there were mentions of the Hallowed Ones appearing once every thousand years and the karmic cycle. It is also the reason why people want the demon god to be killed so that the spiritual energy that the demon god had umted in its lifetime can be released to the world, giving humans a chance to reach the level of Hallowed Ones. These were the little details I put together when reading this novel and I thought it was pretty cool. ?

 Chapter 230: Im Not Interested In Women

    <h4>Chapter 230: I''m Not Interested In Women</h4>


    Three dayster...


    On a remote hilltop, Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Monk Pushan¡ªall dressed in their identical robes¡ªwalked toward the meeting ce in unison. They were out in broad daylight and extremely eye-catching. If they hadn''t worn their ck robes, they wouldn''t have stood out as much.


    ording to the Eastern-Route Guider''s instructions, if they waited here, someone woulde take them to the White-Bone Hall.


    "My temple''s elders said that if the White-Bone Hall makes any unusual moves, we should just observe them first. As long as nothing significant urs, it''s also a good option to wait until we have the hall''s location before we take action to destroy it," Monk Pushan said as they walked.


    In the current era, the righteous path was clearly superior to the diabolical path in the mortal realm. Diabolical sects were strong, but thebined forces of the Yu Dynasty and the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were powerful enough to wipe them out.


    Despite that, one diabolical sect had managed to continue existing for a long time¡ªthe Dark King Sect. One of the most important factors contributing to the Dark King Sect''s longevity was its extraordinary concealment methods.


    That meant it would be a huge merit for Chu Liang, Luo Yao, Monk Pushan, and their sects if the three of them could arrive at the White-Bone Hall safely and determine its location.


    The White-Bone Hall''s master was the Elder of White-Bone Mountain, and he was just as important a figure in the sect as the Violet Gold Marquess.


    Luo Yao spoke next. "My valley''s elders said the same thing. We should all work together to wipe out the White-Bone Hall."


    Chu Liang thought about the conversation he had with his teacher before leaving Mount Shu...


    Di Nufeng had patted Chu Liang''s shoulder and told him, <i>"The Elder of White-Bone Mountain is my prey! Mark my words, even the heavens won''t be able to save him!"</i>


    So, Chu Liang nodded. "My teacher said pretty much the same thing. We just need to make sure that we destroy the White-Bone Hall. We''ll have to y it by ear for the rest of the details."


    The three righteous cultivators temporarily reached a consensus on the aim of this trip.


    Once they neared the meeting ce, all three of them kept silent to avoid being overheard by anyone malicious. Restricted to silence, Monk Pushan paced to and fro restlessly, presenting an obviously anxious expression.


    The moment they arrived at the meeting spot, there was a sh of light at a ck tree on a hillside in the distance. That ck tree gradually took on a human form. It turned out to be a diabolical cultivator that had been in disguise.


    The diabolical cultivator was thin and tall. He was also dressed in ck robes like Chu Liang and the others, but his face was left uncovered. He had narrow, nted eyes, giving him an extremely chilling appearance.


    The diabolical cultivator walked over, looked at the three people in ck robes, and said, "The Eastern-Route Guider?"


    "United under the marquess," Chu Liang responded with a secret phrase.


    "<i>Mm</i>." The man with the narrow and nted eyes nodded. "I''m Liu Sen. The Eastern-Route Guider once saved my life, so I decided to pledge my loyalty to the marquess instead of the White-Bone Hall. However, I hit the limit in my cultivation, so I don''t have a high position in the White-Bone Hall. I''m taking you to join the hall today in hopes that you can climb to high positions in the future."


    "We will not let the marquess down," the trio replied, nodding in unison.


    Liu Sen waved his hand wide, unfurling a huge ck leaf that looked like a rug. He and the trio stepped onto the leaf, and they flew up into the sky.


    Then Liu Sen gave the trio an introduction of the White-Bone Hall. "The White-Bone Hall is purported to have eight hundred chambers and an army of a hundred thousand diabolical soldiers[1]. The actual numbers aren''t that high, but the White-Bone Hall is indeed our sect''srgest hall. The chain ofmand is rtively rxed here, and there''s no restriction on your activities. You just need toe when you''re summoned."


    The trio were not surprised by this. It was, after all, not possible for diabolical sects to function like righteous sects.


    For righteous sects like those ranked in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, they usually had a fixed base on a mountain, and that''s where most of their disciples would cultivate.


    However, for diabolical sects, there was always the crisis of imminent destruction. If a diabolical sect''s disciples were always convened in the same location, they might all get wiped out at the same time. That''s why they usually moved about on their own.


    Compared to the rest of the Dark King Sect, the White-Bone Hall was considered to be quite unbridled and arrogant. It had the most members, so they had always acted ostentatiously.


    The other halls¡ªlike the Scarlet-Robe Hall or the Vermillion-Azurite Hall for example¡ªonly had a few disciples.


    That''s why the trio had chosen the White-Bone Hall. With its high number of disciples, it was the easiest of the four halls for the trio to infiltrate without being conspicuous.


    "The one I''m taking you to and having you join is the Chamber of Loyalty. The chamber master is Hei Yu[2], also known as General Hei Yu. He''s one of White-Bone Hall''s most outstanding members, and he''s been rising up the ranks pretty quickly in the recent years. I''ve been with him for the past two years."


    "Loyalty?"


    The trio found the chamber''s name rather strange.


    ...


    After flying for over a thousand li, they finally saw a dense dark cloud in the distant sky. Liu Sen ordered the ck leaf to rush forward, plunging straight into the dark cloud.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    The moment they entered the cloud, roaring thunder filled their ears.


    However, a momentter, they flew through to the other side of the dark cloud, and their view opened up. Before them stood an enormous imposing and majestic mountain peak suspended high up in the sky. It was a feast for the eyes! The most shocking thing about this mountain peak was that it had been formed from a huge skull!


    More urately, it was a skull that was the size of a mountain peak. Over the years, it had been covered with rocks, nts, and trees that could be found on mountains, which gave the skull some semnce of a mountain.


    Now, there were numerous pavilions on this floating mountain, and small ck figures were constantly ascending and descending it. The hollows of the skull, where the orifices used to be, were still visible, and there were buildings inside them that looked like they were part of a pce.


    The gloomy pce buildings looked much grander than the pavilions outside. They were presumably where the Elder of White-Bone Mountain stayed.


    It''s hard to imagine what kind of person could have had such a gigantic skull!


    Dark clouds surrounded the skull, and streaks of lightning shed about. There were even beams of golden light revolving around the skull, making it look like the realm of gods and demons.


    It was no wonder that the righteous cultivators hadn''t been able to find where the Dark King Sect was located. It seemed the sect''s other halls had to be like this White-Bone Hall. Hidden amid dark clouds, they could move their base at any time, making it impossible for anyone to locate them.


    "This White-Bone Mountain can move at any time..." Chu Liang said as he looked at the mountain. Curious, he asked, "Then how do the troops find their way back to the mountain after leaving it?"


    Liu Sen nced at Chu Liang and answered, "The White-Bone Mountain moves along a preset route. Every time there''s a change in that route, it ismunicated to the troops. We''ll all know in advance which area the mountain will move to next. So, we''ll be fine regardless of when the mountain may suddenly disappear, just as long as we remember the name of the new area it has moved to."


    The closer the flying leaf got to the gigantic White-Bone Mountain, the more terrifying it seemed to the trio. Moreover, there were waves of intense pressure shrouding the mountain, making it difficult for anyone who approached to breathe.


    Feeling the difort sink deep into him, Chu Liang realized that this pressure was malevolent qi. It would cause righteous cultivators like Chu Liang who were used to the righteous qi in their sect to feel unwell, but it would be the opposite for the disciples of diabolical sects.


    Consequently, Chu Liang concealed his difort.


    Liu Sen led them through the mountain pass where many pavilions were situated. They eventually arrived at a chamber with a signboard hanging outside that read "Chamber of Loyalty."


    The neighboring chambers all had names like Mountain of Corpses Chamber and Sea of Blood Chamber, so the sudden appearance of a Chamber of Loyalty was rather out of ce in a diabolical sect.


    Liu Sen''s leafnded, and the trio and Liu Sen disembarked.


    However, before they could even enter the Chamber of Loyalty, a loud shout rang out overhead. "Enchantresses, we wee the two of you to White-Bone Mountain!"


    The group of four turned to look and saw two women in red robes in the distance, descending from the sky with a trailing beam of scarlet light that looked akin to a waterfall.


    A dozen or so envoys carrying banners flew out from the eye sockets of the skull. They yelled as they emerged from the inner pce, giving the two women a very grand wee.


    Meanwhile, everyone on the mountaintop was sticking their head out, trying to catch a glimpse of the women''s beautiful faces. It seemed that the two women were quite popr among the members of White-Bone Hall.


    "They are the Enchantresses from Scarlet-Robe Hall. I''m sure you''ve heard of them, right?" Liu Sen gave the trio an introduction of the Enchantresses. "These two women should be Enchantress Liu, who is ranked second, and Enchantress Yi, who is ranked fourth. They have many fans in the diabolical sects. After all, there aren''t many women in diabolical sects, and it''s easy for those who are beautiful to have their good looks ruined. It''s quite rare to see women in diabolical sects be famous like them¡ªhuh? Why are you turning away?"


    Liu Sen had turned his head to look at the trio when he was speaking and noticed that one of the three neers was behaving strangely. The neer was turning away, making it so that his back faced the two Enchantresses instead. He looked rather out of ce.


    "Oh," Chu Liang uttered, turning away in fear that the two Enchantresses would notice him. Simultaneously, he replied, "I''m not interested in women... Even just ncing at them annoys me."


    1. Disciples of the diabolical sect ?


    2. It means ¡°ck Feather¡±. ?

 Chapter 231: Black Lotus

    <h4>Chapter 231: ck Lotus</h4>


    The dark clouds loomed overhead.


    A mountain created with a giant skull could be seen.


    This was the eerie and terrifying White-Bone Mountain, where diabolical cultivators were cunning and vicious and one wrong step could put one''s life in danger.


    After waiting outside for a short while, Liu Sen led the three youngsters into the Chamber of Loyalty. The constant calls and greetings along the way indicated that the members of this chamber were rather close with each other.


    As they passed through a spacious corridor, they caught sight of General Hei Yu, lounging in azy, tilted posture high up in the great hall.


    With a youthful appearance, General Hei Yu didn''t look old at all. Even as he was draped in a thick ck cloak, it was obvious that he was skinny. When one stared at his brows and eyes, they would feel a sinister aura.


    Upon seeing the three youngsters brought over by Liu Sen, General Hei Yu smiled and asked, "Are these the new brothers you wanted to introduce? Why are they hiding their faces?"


    "Chamber Master, please forgive them. They were part of another diabolical sect, inheritors of a minor cultivation legacy. They heard about General Hei Yu of the White-Bone Sect and joined out of admiration for the renowned General Hei Yu. As they felt embarrassed of their original lineage, they hid their faces." Liu Sen exined with a bow.


    A diverse array of cultivation legacies existed within diabolical sects. It wasn''t strange for members of smaller sects to leave their sect for a bigger sect.


    The words of ttery seemed rather effective as General Hei Yu immediately smirked, appearing rather pleased as he dered, "Very good! We are just in need of capable people. You three came at the perfect time. Bring the bowls!"


    With this, a subordinate brought a few big bowls. One of the bowls was filled with liquor.


    While Chu Liang and the other two were puzzled about his intentions, General Hei Yu leaped up abruptly andnded before them. Then, with his right hand, he plucked a ck feather off his cloak.


    The edge of the ck feather was as sharp as a saber. He gripped it with his left hand and pulled the feather up with his right hand.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    Blood spurted out and flowed into the bowl. Immediately, the bowl of white liquor took on the color of blood.


    "Since you have joined the Chamber of Loyalty today, let''s swear brotherhood in blood. From now on, we are brothers for life!" General Hei Yu dered loudly, brimming with enthusiasm.


    <i>Great... </i>


    <i>No wonder it''s called the Chamber of Loyalty. This is an actual mafia gang.</i>


    <i>Even if we are swearing blood brotherhood, you don''t have to be this rough to yourself. This dude is too honest. He mixed up so much blood with the liquor that it has thickened up.</i> Chu Liangined internally.


    The three exchanged nces and stepped forward. Each of them pricked their fingers and dripped a drop of blood into the bowl.


    As Chu Liang had practiced the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light as well as the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, the color of his blood was almost golden. As the drop of blood dripped into the liquor, a faint fragrance emanated.


    Fortunately, it was only a drop of blood so its uniqueness wasn''t obvious in the mixture of liquor and blood.


    The mixture of liquor and blood was portioned into therge bowls. General Hei Yu then lifted the bowl up and announced, "I will drink first as a toast!"


    With that, he emptied the bowl in one gulp.


    At the sight of his boldness, Chu Liang and the others trembled. They lifted the bowl and lightly grazed the liquor with their lips.


    "<i>Hahaha!</i>" General Hei Yu guffawed, not giving a damn about how much these three had drunk. He turned back and wobbled around as he returned to his seat.


    He then announced, "A few days ago, the Lord of the White-Bone Hall issued an order, stating that the White-Bone Hall will soonmence a grand conquest. When the timees, a hundred diabolical soldiers will be called upon to act. This will provide us with a significant opportunity to establish our reputation!"


    "We are willing to serve!" They all dered as they nodded in agreement.


    With the blood oath concluded, General Hei Yu waved them off, allowing them to disperse. "You can go for now and familiarize yourself with the White-Bone Mountain.


    "In the next two days, I will have Cang Ying find a mission for you three. Consider this a test of your abilities and be sure to show your worth when the timees."


    "Yes!"


    The process of infiltrating the White-Bone Hall turned out to be simpler than the three had imagined, with the only difficulty being the unsanitary mixture of blood and liquor.


    Like what General Hei Yu had mentioned, turbulent changes were happening within the White-Bone Hall and they definitely benefited from this as they did join at a time when the White-Bone Hall was expanding their forces.


    "Alright. Now that I have made the necessary arrangements, you three are free to move around," Liu Sen, the one who had rmended them, said. "There are very few restrictions in the Chamber of Loyalty. As long as what you do doesn''t interfere with the official matters, you are really free to do whatever," Liu Sen exined. "Just make sure not to enter the inner pce of White-Bone Mountain."


    ...


    The three of them then wandered in the Chamber of Loyalty, appearing to be familiarizing themselves with this new ce. In reality, they were really observing and gathering information on the enemy forces.


    The atmosphere in the Chamber of Loyalty was quite different from other ces in the diabolical sect. The cultivators in this chamber walked around shoulder to shoulder. The people here were boisterous and lively and gave off characteristics of a normal martialmunity. Clearly, General Hei Yu, the leader of this chamber, held a significant influence on the subordinate members of the chamber.


    While they wandered around, Monk Pushan wouldment on every single thing he saw without stopping, while Luo Yao remained as taciturn as always. Chu Liang walked casually between them, appearing very carefree, though his body would asionally tremble.


    "What''s with the asional tremors?" Monk Pushan finally couldn''t resist the urge to ask.


    "It''s nothing." Chu Liang could only respond with a smile.


    Since they entered the White-Bone Mountain, the Crimson Executioner reached a frenzied state!


    It was vibrating so much that it was almost dancing within the White Pagoda. Chu Liang could feel this intense vibration that represented the righteous sword''s strong urge to obliterate evil.


    The vibration was so intense and frequent that Chu Liang couldn''t even figure out the target of the sword.


    The Crimson Executioner could distinctly identify the source of the blood-stained aura. However, this ce was saturated with an amalgamation of blood-stained auras from different people.


    It was like trying to identify one frog call amidst a cacophony of frog calls.


    Chu Liang had no choice but to suppress this urge. After all, no matter how powerful the enhancing effect of the Crimson Executioner was, he couldn''t possibly rely on this sword to handle everyone in the White-Bone Hall.


    At this moment, a suddenmotion outside caught their attention, and they faintly heard someone exim, "Enchantress Liu!"


    Upon returning to the great hall, a woman dressed in a ming red dress walked in gracefully.


    In the Scarlet-Robe Hall, Enchantress Liu held the rank of second. With the visage of a middle-aged beauty, she appeared much older than Enchantress Yi. Her brows resembled the mountains of spring, her eyes the waters of autumn, and the corners of her eyes and eyebrows exuded countless charms.


    Her figure was voluptuous and graceful, d in a tightly-waisted red long dress with a slit at the waist, revealingrge swaths of fair skin. A ck lotus was tattooed at her waist, extremely eye-catching.


    Upon seeing the tattoo, Chu Liang muttered softly and wondered to himself why this ck lotus tattoo looked so familiar.


    When General Hei Yu saw the girl, he immediately stood up.


    With a loud guffaw, he said, "Enchantress Liu, what an honor to have you grace us with your presence! Why didn''t you notify us of your visit beforehand! I missed the chance to host you properly!"


    "<i>Heh</i>, I came unannounced, Chamber Master Hei Yu. I hope my sudden visit isn''t too rude," Enchantress Liu''s voice sounded gentle, soft, and alluring.


    "Of course not! The Scarlet-Robe Hall and the White-Bone Hall are like branches of the same tree. You are always wee at the Chamber of Loyalty," General Hei Yu responded in a straightforward manner.


    "<i>Oh</i>, it would be rude of me to simply disturb." Enchantress Liu chuckled and said, "<i>Heh</i>, to be honest, I came here because I need you to help me with something."


    "<i>Oh?</i>" General Hei Yu was confused. "Enchantress, what do you need help with?"


    It was normal for him to feel surprised. In terms of hierarchy, he was technically at the same level as Enchantress Liu. However, the Scarlet-Robe Hall only had four enchantresses. They were the sole disciples of the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master, who held an exceptionally high status and had reached an extremely advanced level in her journey of cultivation.


    The White-Bone Hall was said to have eight hundred chambers, and General Hei Yu was just one of the eight hundred chamber masters working under the Elder of White-Bone Mountain.


    His own value in the hall was iparable with that of the enchantress,


    "It''s nothing major, just that we''re short-handed in the Scarlet-Robe Hall and can''t spare any manpower," Enchantress Liu exined. "I met up with the Elder of White-Bone Mountain Elder, and he asked me to seek you for help."


    "So it''s an order from the hall master! Then of course, I''llply!" General Hei Yu eximed.


    He hardly ever saw the hall master throughout the year, so if this task was entrusted to him by the Elder of White-Bone Mountain, he naturally had to take it seriously.


    "My sisters and I are hoping to get our hands on a batch of Eternal-Youth Pills but we couldn''t figure out where we might find a suitable alchemist. And so, we are hoping that you can help us find one," said Enchantress. Liu


    "Alright. Count on me!" General Hei Yu said as he patted himself on the chest.


    "In that case, thank you in advance," Enchantress Liu said. She gave a gentle bow and turned back, walking away in the usual alluring manner.


    The men of the Chamber of Loyalty watched her swaying figure depart, reluctant to let her leave their sight.


    Chu Liang was one of those men.


    When Luo Yao noticed his behavior, she humphed coldly and asked, "I thought you said just a nce at women annoys you?"


    "Maybe the second nce calmed him down," Monk Pushan added with a sly grin.


    "I am not looking at her. I am looking at the tattoo on her waist," Chu Liang exined.


    "So that''s the style that Young Master Chu likes, <i>huh?</i>" Monk Pushan nodded knowingly.


    Luo Yao frowned with disdain revealed in her eyes.


    "..." Chu Liang felt so speechless.


    He had been staring at the tattoo on Enchantress Liu''s waist because the tattoo looked familiar. After a moment''s thought, he remembered that he had taken out a dudou[1] from within the Evil Ksitigarbha owned by the Southern-Route Guider.


    <i>The exact same ck lotus tattooed on Enchantress Liu''s waist was embroidered on that dudou</i><i>[2]</i><i>!</i>


    <i>Could Enchantress Liu be the owner of that dudou?</i>


    <i>But the Southern-Route Guider was a subordinate of the Violet Gold Marquess, while Enchantress Liu is a disciple of the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master. Although they are of the same level, the Left and Right Guardians of the Dark King Sect are at odds with the Four Halls of Darkness...</i>


    <i>If the two were a couple, it might not be as simple as having an affair...</i>


    He was pondering this earlier.


    But now, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan misunderstood again. Even if he wanted to exin, he couldn''t take the dudou out. If he had done that, it would only further confirm that he was indeed a pervert.


    Anyway, to them, he no longer held a positive image. Chu Liang could only shrug and let them be.


    <i>Think whatever you want.</i>


    <i>Whatever you two say is right then.</i>


    1. Previously belly-band. Changed to dudou as this would be the more urate trantion. This is an undergarment used by women in China back in the days ?


    2. Refer to Chapter 160 and 161 ?

 Chapter 232: A Formal Attestation of Abilities

    <h4>Chapter 232: A Formal Attestation of Abilities</h4>


    "What the chamber master meant to say was that he wants the pills, but he doesn''t want to pay." A man dressed in a sturdy ck garment said with a grim expression. "Do you three understand?"


    "Understood!" Chu Liang and the other two said.


    At this moment, they stood outside a valley shrouded in thin mist, within which loomed a gloomy mountain manor.


    To understand why they hade here, the story must start from when Enchantress Liu visited the White-Bone Mountain.


    While meeting with the Elder of White-Bone Mountain on behalf of her teacher, Enchantress Liu mentioned some personal matters. In response, the Elder of White-Bone Mountain instructed her to seek General Hei Yu''s assistance, granting her permission to assign any task.


    Enchantress Liu wanted to find someone capable of refining a batch of Eternal-Youth Pills.


    For female cultivators, eternal youth was often more important than anything else. Aging was inevitable for all cultivators within the first six realms, and only those who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm could evade this fate. Although the aging process for cultivators within the first six realms was much slower, it was still happening.


    Previously, Chu Liang had encountered Wenren Mo of the Sea King Sect attempting to use Youth-Retaining Beauty-Preserving Pills to deepen his rtionship with female cultivators. Among the pills developed by the righteous sects, the Youth-Retaining Beauty-Preserving Pill was considered one of the more effective anti-aging pills.


    While the Youth-Retaining Beauty-Preserving Pill was effective, it was inferior to the Eternal-Youth Pill. The Eternal-Youth Pill was a type of diabolical pill, concocted through sinister means by cultivators of the diabolical sect.


    After spending considerable effort, General Hei Yu managed to find an alchemist skilled in refining the Eternal-Youth Pills and expressed his intention to purchase such pills.


    The Eternal-Youth Pills wouldn''t increase one''s cultivation energy and wouldn''t elevate one''s cultivation level. Yet, they were incredibly valuable.


    When Enchantress Liu asked him to find an alchemist, she naturally left him a substantial amount of money that was more than enough for the pills. However, General Hei Yu wanted both the pills and the money.


    Coincidentally, he needed to test a few new recruits. And so, he assigned this task to Chu Liang and hispanions.


    The man in the sturdy ck garment was named Cang Ying. He was General Hei Yu''s right-hand man and the one leading this operation.


    "I''ll be watching your every move from the shadows, but I won''t intervene. If I need to step in, it means you have failed this mission," Cang Ying said coldly.


    With a raise of his chin, he instructed, "Off you go."


    Upon acknowledging the order, Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan flew towards the mountain manor with serious expressions.


    This mission would be like a formal attestation of their abilities, and they needed to excel.


    <i>Knock-knock, knock-knock.</i>


    Monk Pushan stepped forward and knocked on the huge door of the mountain manor.


    An enchanted formation was set up within the mist. If the people inside the mountain manor refused to open the door, they would never be able to barge inside.


    "Who is it?" The voice of a child sounded inside.


    "Subordinates of Hei Yu." Chu Liang answered in a low voice.


    <i>Creak</i>¡ª


    A tiny figure pushed the door open.


    It was a child with a topknot hairstyle. He had rosy lips and white teeth, appearing rather adorable.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but cast a few extra nces at the child.


    "Pleasee in. My teacher has been waiting inside for a long time," said the young Daoist apprentice. His voice sounded clear and crisp.


    The child turned around and led the three into the mountain manor. Along the way, they encountered peculiar flowers and special nts, their delightful appearance adding to the refreshing fragrance in the air. They then arrived in front of the main hall that was connected to the courtyard.


    The reality was that this alchemist was not part of any diabolical sects. He had built this mountain manor and formed a faction of his own. In the world of immortality cultivators, he was rather famous.


    If Chu Liang and the others hadn''t learned through the diabolical sect that he was selling the Eternal Youth Pill, they wouldn''t have expected that a renowned alchemist would be secretly refining diabolical pills.


    ...


    A middle-aged alchemist dressed in pristine white robes sat quietly in the main hall. Upon seeing them, he smiled and greeted, "The Eternal-Youth Pills are ready. Have you brought the agreed-upon amount of Vermillion-Bird coins?"


    In the world of immortality cultivators, transactions that didn''t involve direct bartering were mostly conducted using the currency of Taotie City. After all, Taotie City was where resources were most concentrated, which was why its currency became the most widely epted.


    "I have the money," Chu Liang said as he took out a jade slip. He then asked, "Where are the pills?"


    The alchemist pped his hands gently, and the young Daoist apprentice brought over a red gourd, cing it carefully on the table.


    "I have refined these Eternal-Youth Pills many times, and there is definitely no issue," he chuckled, saying confidently.


    Chu Liang stared at the pills and fell silent for a moment...


    <i>There must be over a dozen human lives in this gourd. </i>He thought to himself.


    Chu Liang suddenly asked, "Are the people who purchase these pills all members of diabolical sects?


    "Diabolical sects?" Upon hearing this, the alchemist was taken aback. He then shook his head and said with a smile, "There aren''t that many female cultivators in diabolical sects. Most of the people who buy these pills are high-ranking officials, nobles, and renowned figures from the righteous path. Ordinary people would never be able to afford them."


    Chu Liang nodded, then with a flip of his hand, he stowed the jade slip away.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" The alchemist''s pupils dted.


    "The chamber master meant to convey his hope to befriend you," Chu Liang said.


    "Of course, I''m fine with being friends, but what''s the meaning of this?" the alchemist asked, ring at him with a hostile expression.


    "Friends should not talk about money," Chu Liang answered.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" The alchemist was so angry that he startedughing. He said coldly, "I have investigated your chamber master. With eight hundred chambers in the White-Bone Hall, he hardly holds a significant rank. Even so, he still has the guts to scheme against me? If anyone were to make a move, it would be the Elder of the White-Bone Hall. General Hei Yu alonecks the qualifications, especially with his mereckeys dispatched..."


    The fact that the alchemist has been dealing with both the good and evil working on such a business that couldn''t be publicly known meant that he was someone with tricks up his sleeves. As soon as he spoke, the mist outside the hall thickened.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As the wind howled and thunder pped, the entire hall instantly felt like an isted ind. It seemed as though the spiritual qi within this area was boiling!


    The peculiar flowers and nts in the courtyard burst forth, transforming into demonic creatures!


    <i>Roar!</i>


    The moment this major formation activated, Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan also sprung into action.


    He raised one finger and summoned the Crimson Executioner. Instantly, he drew several yin-nature talismanic scripts and suddenlyunched an attack towards the side hall!


    <i>Prick!</i>


    The intense yin qi left a trail of icy frost wherever it passed. However, unlike the talismanic script of ice, it emitted more than just bone-chilling coldness; it also carried a heavy aura of death.


    <i>Pierce!</i>


    The sword attack resembled a yin-nature dragon, piercing through the wall and unveiling the ultimate target ahead.


    It was that young Daoist apprentice!


    Upon seeing the powerful strike, the young Daoist apprentice stood stunned. Amidst his panic, he managed only to hastily form a finger seal to block the attack.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Instantly, an apparition of a deity materialized before the young Daoist apprentice. With hands sped together, it assumed the stance of seizing the yin-nature dragon barehanded.


    In this life-or-death moment, the young Daoist apprentice, appearing to be only a few years old, unexpectedly unleashed powerful cultivation energy!


    Nevertheless, the brief moment of dy had resulted in the Crimson Executioner shing through his body.


    With the attack enhanced by the righteous sword, how effective could the unprepared and sudden block be against the attack?


    Chu Liang''s move had not only surprised the alchemist and the young Daoist apprentice, but also Luo Yao and Pushan. They had no idea why Chu Liang had suddenly made a move against this child.


    However, the moment they saw the outburst of cultivation energying from the young Daoist apprentice, they figured out Chu Liang''s intention.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    As the Crimson Executioner recoiled, the young Daoist apprentice copsed to the ground, his eyes reflecting intense hatred and an unwillingness to ept defeat.


    He had no idea what had revealed his identity.


    "How... how did you know he''s the actual alchemist?" The alchemist trembled as he stood up.


    When the young Daoist apprentice died, the alchemist started panicking. His anxiety intensified as he realized that Chu Liang''s power far surpassed his expectations.


    "<i>Heh</i>," Chu Liang sneered, offering no response.


    The first glimpse of the young Daoist apprentice triggered an intense reaction from the Crimson Executioner. Thus, Chu Liang realized that the child before him exuded a blood-stained aura.


    Yet, upon seeing the alchemist, the Crimson Executioner was silent, disying no reaction whatsoever.


    Something was obviously wrong.


    Upon seeing the three drawing closer and closer, the alchemist hastily said, "You can take the pills. I won''t collect the money. My teacher is dead... I... Just let me go please! We can be friends!"


    <i>Prick.</i>


    Without a moment''s hesitation, the sword light pierced through his body.


    Chu Liang''s gaze appeared cold and indifferent.


    It would be ideal to use this opportunity to erase this darkness concealed within the light.


    After Chu Liang killed the alchemist, he searched the alchemist''s body and found a storage tool that he could open. However, there was nothing valuable inside.


    He then turned his attention to the young Daoist apprentice, running his hands around the waist until he discovered a small jade gourd.


    This small jade gourd was also a storage tool, but of a more advanced level, requiring a special inscription seal.


    Since Chu Liang wasn''t in a hurry to open it, he decided he would seek out professionals to unlock it when he returned to Mount Shu.


    The three then searched around and found some alchemical tools and rare spirit nts. They also discovered a substantial amount of human skin and bones in the many undergroundirs hidden within the hill at the back.


    "Damned him!" Luo Yao cursed softly.


    When they returned to the main hall, Cang Ying also entered. Ever since the enchanted formation in the vicinity was activated, he couldn''t observe the situation unfolding inside. The fight ended swiftly. He waited for a while before daring to step in.


    Upon witnessing what had urred inside, he was quite surprised.


    He didn''t expect the three to resolve this in such a clean and straightforward manner.


    General Hei Yu had intended to send them here for a test. Despite dering all chamber members as brothers, it was evident that he intended to use these new recruits as cannon fodder.


    When Cang Ying saw the bodies on the ground, a hint of approval gleamed in his eyes.


    <i>Quite ruthless. They didn''t even spare the child. </i>Cang Ying thought to himself.

 Chapter 233: Ancient Dragon Lair

    <h4>Chapter 233: Ancient Dragon Lair</h4>


    "I''m surprised you managed to acquire it this quickly, Chamber Master Hei Yu. You are indeed very efficient as expected. It''s no wonder that the White-Bone Hall''s master holds you in high regard," Enchantress Liu remarked with a bright smile.


    General Hei Yu gazed at this woman who was exuding charm continuously and felt very happy to hear her words of praise.


    He patted his chest and said, "<i>Haha,</i> it was nothing."


    General Hei Yu spoke the truth. He hadn''t expected that the alchemist would be dealt with so easily. His n had been to let the neers have a go doing whatever they could. After all, he didn''t care if they died.


    Unexpectedly, they''d acted without hesitation; they''d seized the treasure, killed those involved, and set the ce on fire. They hadpleted the mission cleanly and efficiently. This gave General Hei Yu a good impression of them.


    Of course, he couldn''t tell Enchantress Liu that he''d actually gotten someone else to do the job.


    "The White-Bone Hall has many chamber masters, but only a few are outstanding. It appears that Master Hei Yu is definitely one of them," Enchantress Liu praised General Hei Yu highly.


    "Oh, no, no. How could I dare ept such praise?" General Hei Yu replied humbly, hiding that he actually felt very pleased. Nevertheless, he couldn''t hold back a grin as he said, "The three principles that I, Hei Yu, stand by are that a person should always be ruthless, loyal, and have many brothers! That''s all that matters."


    Enchantress Liu then changed the topic. "Acquiring the Eternal-Youth Pills is indeed just a small matter. There''s a matter of much greater difficulty. I wonder if you would be willing to work with me on it, Chamber Master Hei Yu?"


    "Oh?" General Hei Yu uttered, his expression turning serious. He asked, "What is it?"


    "I discovered a hidden realm with someone. Each of us had half of the key and agreed to explore it together in the future," Enchantress Liu exined slowly. "However, that person has died, but I have no idea where that happened. So, all I have is my half of the key.


    "But it''s a rare ancient hidden realm. I''m unwilling to let it go. So, I asked a formation specialist for help. He can attempt opening the hidden realm with the half key, but seventy-two cultivators are needed for the Major Enchanted Formation of the Earthly Evils[1]. What I''m asking is... could you have your subordinates help form the enchanted formation? I can pay you generously..."


    General Hei Yu considered the offer for a moment.


    The woman''s eyes were extremely captivating, but there was no way General Hei Yu would not let her feminine wiles cloud his judgment.


    General Hei Yu had a high level of self-awareness. He knew that at least ny percent of the men in the diabolical sects desired to be with this Enchantress. There was no way she would be interested in him romantically.


    Even though she had expressed that she admired him, it was surely just a means to persuade him to help her.


    General Hei Yu thoughts were focused solely on what he could benefit from this situation.


    After that moment of contemtion, General Hei Yu asked, "I assume that opening an ancient hidden realm won''t be an easy task, right?"


    "As expected, you''re an intelligent person, Chamber Master Hei Yu." Enchantress Liu smiled again. "I won''t hide it from you then. There is definitely some danger for those involved."


    "Everyone in the diabolical sects know that I, Hei Yu, prioritize being loyal the most. I have always treated my brothers like they''re part of me," General Hei Yu said. He paused before saying, "Yet, you want me to lead my brothers into danger..."


    Enchantress Liu added, "I will pay you more."


    "Which hidden realm is it? When are we going?" General Hei Yu asked, no longer hesitating.


    Enchantress Liu answered, "In two days. We''re going to the Ancient Dragon Lair!"


    ...


    Afterpleting their first mission, Chu Liang''s party and hispanions intended to leave.


    They all carried tracking jade talismans, but the White-Bone Mountain was constantly in flight. Their senior sect members wanted to wipe out all of the White-Bone Hall members at one go, but it was highly likely that their senior sect members would rush over only to find nothing. Moreover, they didn''t have knowledge of the situation, so they definitely wouldn''t have brought enough manpower to take down the White-Bone Hall.


    Anyway, the White-Bone Hall did not ce any restrictions on its members'' activities; they just needed to arrive promptly when summoned. This meant the trio just needed to make note of the names of the areas in the White-Bone Mountain''s flight route and leave calmly. Upon returning to their respective sects, they could assemble arge force of righteous cultivators and then destroy the White-Bone Hall in one fell swoop, dealing a heavy blow to the Dark King Sect.


    However, just as the trio were about to leave, they received a message that there would be a mission in two days. Everyone was to stay inside the Chamber of Loyalty and await further instructions.


    The message made the trio a little uneasy. They were from righteous sects, so staying on White-Bone Mountain for even just a few more moments was torture. Luo Yao was a little better off than the other two, as the qi surrounding the Valley of the Three Absolutes consisted of both righteous and diabolical qi.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang felt the worst. The Crimson Executioner was shaking so much that he almost wished he were dead. He had a great urge to draw the sword and go on a killing spree.


    The pavilion that the Chamber of Loyalty upied had many rooms, so the trio casually picked three rooms and stayed there for two days. When the day of the mission finally arrived, General Hei Yu assembled his troops and valiantly charged off White-Bone Mountain in high spirits.


    "I heard this is a secret mission. Only the core members of the Chamber of Loyalty are allowed to take part in it," whispered Liu Sen, the person who had gotten the trio into the hall. "You did a great job on your first mission. That''s why Chamber Master Hei Yu decided to take you along this time. Excellent work."


    <i>Heheh, </i>Chu Liang inwardly let out a bitterugh. <i>So, that''s why?</i>


    <i>If I had known, I wouldn''t have acted so ruthlessly during the mission. That way, I might have already returned to Mount Shu and would be enjoying hotpot with Senior Sister Jiang by now.</i>


    General Hei Yu rode on the back of arge ck-feathered bird, with his brothers following closely behind. They flew northwestward for most of the day.


    This baffled the Chamber of Loyalty''s members.


    Where exactly were they going? If they flew further west, they would be flying out of the Yu Dynasty''s territory.


    After about an hour, General Hei Yu announced loudly, "Today''s mission requires strict confidentiality. Our destination is just up ahead!"


    Ahead of them was a seemingly bottomless abyss. It looked like a gaping wound that ran to the center of the earth. Even from a bird''s-eye view, they could not see an end to the abyss.


    It was the Ancient Dragon Lair!


    Chu Liang had heard of this legendary realm long ago, but today was his first time venturing to this location.


    Their had been left abandoned for countless years. Yet, when he looked at their, he felt a mighty pressure weighing down on him, sending his heart racing in fear.


    General Hei Yu led the team straight into the abyss. asionally, loud roars rang out from the sides of the abyss, but no creature actually dared to attack the group.


    The upperyer of the abyss consisted of pitch-ck ramparts with no discernible colors. However, after descending very deep into the abyss, they were surprised by the sudden appearance of lush green grass, trees, and beautiful flowers with vibrant purples and reds. When they finallynded, they found themselves in a luxuriant jungle!


    It was totally unexpected that a world like this actually existed deep in a seemingly bottomless abyss. Anyone who saw it would undoubtedly gasp in surprise.


    There was a captivatingly beautiful woman in a ming red dress standing at the entrance of a jungle valley. Beside her was a ck-robed man with a weathered face and an icy gaze.


    <i>Enchantress Liu?</i> Chu Liang thought.


    Seeing the woman, Chu Liang was reminded once again of that ck lotus flower.


    ...


    "This is Master Mu, the formation specialist I invited," Enchantress Liu said. Then she stepped forward and gestured toward General Hei Yu. "And this is the Chamber Master Hei Yu of the White-Bone Hall."


    General Hei Yu hurriedly greeted Master Mu. "Master Mu, it''s an honor to meet you atst."


    Master Mu was rather cold and indifferent.


    He just gave a slight nod and uttered, "<i>Mm.</i>"


    Nevertheless, General Hei Yu didn''t get angry.


    Instead, heughed. "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    Master Mu was renowned among the diabolical sects. He didn''t belong to any major cultivation lineage, but he had a very high status in the diabolicalmunity.


    A cultivator never knew when they might need the help of a specialist like Master Mu, just like how cultivators asionally needed the services of alchemists and artificers. Specialists had a widework of connections and usually possessed considerable power and influence, so it was always wise to treat them with respect.


    As for why it didn''t matter that Chu Liang''s trio had killed that alchemist in their operation, it was because the alchemist wasn''t a member of a diabolical sect. That meant General Hei Yu wouldn''t have had any further dealings with the alchemist anyway, so he didn''t care about the alchemist''s death. However, General Hei Yu might need Master Mu in the future.


    Everyone was somewhat proficient in enchanted formations, but a formation specialist¡ªsomeone who specialized their cultivation in the field of enchanted formations¡ªwas extremely rare. Formation specialists were even rarer than alchemists, artificers, and the like, so they possessed a much higher status than specialists of other fields.


    Master Mu swept his gaze over the seventy-two people behind General Hei Yu and asked, "Do all of them have a cultivation level that''s at the third realm or higher?"


    General Hei Yu answered, "Yes. As you requested, all of my brothers here are powerful cultivators at the third and fourth realms."


    Master Mu raised his hand and tossed out a sheet of paper. A diagram of an enchanted formation had been drawn on it.


    "Stand in ordance with the positions for the qi-cirction route mapped out in the diagram for the Major Enchanted Formation of Earthly Evils. Assist me by activating the underground channels of yin qi. Aim toplete the formation within two hours."


    "Sure!" General Hei Yu nodded. "Leave it to me."


    He turned around, showed the formation diagram to his subordinates, and exined it to them. Major enchanted formations like these consisted of at least a dozen minor enchanted formations. It was an extremely deep field of study. Nevertheless, Master Mu''s diagram was detailed and concise, making it rtively easy to understand.


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Monk Pushan were among the top disciples of their respective sects, so they probably understood what they needed to do with just a nce. Meanwhile, General Hei Yu was still racking his brain, engaged in a serious discussion with his brothers of the criminal world.


    Chu Liang couldn''t be bothered teaching them, so he just silently retreated to the rear of the group. Then he nced furtively at the two people standing on the side, away from General Hei Yu''s group.


    Master Mu and Enchantress Liu were whispering to each other. After they had a brief conversation, Master Mu turned around and scanned the deep valley that was surrounded by lofty trees with a height of ten zhang. Then he used his palm to strike the tangle of vines on the mountain wall!


    <i>Wham!</i>


    "It should be here," Master Mu said resolutely.


    He finished talking just as a burst of dust fell, revealing a section of the mountain wall that was covered with strange carvings. In the center of the carvings was a stone disk with a hollow center, appearing to be missing something.


    Master Mu raised his hand toward Enchantress Liu.


    Enchantress Liu handed over a semicircr iron te that was engraved with strange patterns. Master Mu then set the iron te into ce, perfectly filling up the hole in the stone disk halfway.


    "Fortunately, the half of the key you possess is the Yang te, we can use the yin qi in the underground channels as the other half of the key. We might not be able to do it if you possessed the Yin te instead," Master Mu said.


    Enchantress Liuughed, "<i>Hehe,</i> it''s fortunate that you''re here, Master Mu."


    The pair weren''t trying to hide what they were doing, so Chu Liang had witnessed everything. His pupils contracted a little as a realization surged through his mind.


    That iron te... he had one too!


    1. Daoists believe that among the stars of the Big Dipper, there are 72 Earthly-Evil Stars, each with a deity. Collectively, the deities are known as the 72 Earthly Evils. ?

 Chapter 234: Doing the Opposite of an Escape

    <h4>Chapter 234: Doing the Opposite of an Escape</h4>


    After almost two hours, Master Mu stepped forward and asked General Hei Yu, "Are we good?"


    <strong>"</strong>Almost," General Hei Yu said. "Just let my brothers practice a few more times and we should be good toplete the formation."


    "Sure," Master Mu responded before he turned and left.


    With a flip of his hand, he retrieved this ck python that was as thick as his arm. When he took the python out, it was asleep.


    As he gently caressed the python, the python suddenly lifted its head and opened its eyes, revealing a pair of vertical pupils.


    <i>Plop.</i>


    When Master Mu set the python down, it immediately burrowed underground.


    With a plop, its entire body submerged inside and disappeared in the soil.


    As the python disappeared, Master Mu closed his eyes in meditation, fully immersing himself in his senses. After a while, the python burst out of the ground several dozen zhang away.


    He then opened his eyes and said, "We can start."


    Immediately, General Hei Yu waved his hand and called out, "Brothers! Set up the formation!"


    His subordinates in the Chamber of Loyalty had already studied the formation diagram. When they heard this, they immediately dispersed. With the location where the ck python broke out of the ground as the focal point, they organized themselves ording to the major and minor positions and positioned themselves within the formation.


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan had secretly chosen positions at the very edge and on elevated ground, allowing a broader view and easier observation of the entire area.


    Master Mu stood on the focal point of the formation and shouted, "Activate!"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The seventy-two diabolical cultivators activated their foundational qi at the same time, moving the energies of the world ording to the method of activation outlined in the enchanted formation. This would then gather the Earthly Evils and activate the Earthly Evils'' channels of yin qi which existed underground.


    Human abilities might have their limitations, but the vastness of the universe would be boundless.


    The core of this formation technique would involve using humans as both the lock and the key to harness the boundless energies of the heavens and earth, achieving what man alone could not aplish.


    Xu Hongqiu, whom Chu Liang had met previously, inherited the legacy of righteous formation techniques, and her cultivation focused on mastering these techniques. By the fourth realm of cultivation, Xu Hongqiu could manipte the flow of time within a designated area.


    These were feats unimaginable for other arts and techniques but possible for those who had mastered formation techniques.


    <i>Whizz!</i>


    To move a mountain, one must start with small stones. At this moment, the diabolical cultivators would serve as the leverage. With the collective effort of the group, they activated the underground channels of yin qi.


    The cirction of cultivation energy within the diabolical cultivators reached a frenzied state, and foundational qi flowed out of them like a river.


    With the roar of thunder, the power of the Earthly Evils surged like terrifying waves in the underground channels, transforming into a ck dragon swirling around.


    Instantly, a dark mist billowed, and the entire ce was shrouded in chilling ck fog that seemed endlessly vast.


    Everyone felt the weight of this heavy power pressing down on them.


    The burden that Master Lu bore was the greatest. He served as the core of the formation and all the energy converged within his body before flowing outward from him.


    As the terrifying pressure emanated from all around his body, his clothes fluttered, and he soon began to tremble.


    How could the body of a human being handle such immense power?


    In fact, Master Lu was not the bearer of this power as he merely served as the bridge.


    He held the ck-colored half-circle jade que in his grip, the shape appearing rather simr to the missing piece on the mountain wall.


    It should be the replica that was made to open this hidden realm.


    At this moment, Master Lu was infusing power into this jade que.


    Halfway through the activation of the enchanted formation, Chu Liang nced over at Luo Yao and Pushan, secretly telling them to be careful through Voice Transmission.


    There was something wrong with this enchanted formation.


    He had examined the formation diagram. The normal activation of this formation would not have required this much foundational qi. Could Master Mu, being the core of the formation, be intentionally absorbing their cultivation energy?


    Initially, Chu Liang thought that they could simply get by no matter what they had to do. However, from what was happening now, it seemed like the situation was about to deviate from what would be expected.


    While he was hesitating on whether he should remind General Hei Yu about this, he noticed Enchantress Liu flying over and whispering something to General Hei Yu.


    At this moment, the Major Enchanted Formation of the Earthly Evils started operating at an increasingly rapid pace.


    Something''s not right!


    As the Major Enchanted Formation approached the end of its operation, it should have started to slow down. Yet, instead of slowing, the speed continued to increase.


    This meant that the power they would have to bear would continue to grow. They would be unable to stop it!


    "Stop!" He shouted as he immediately stopped practicing the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    Upon hearing his shout, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan quickly stopped what they were doing and exited the formation.


    However, the other members of the Chamber of Loyalty didn''t know them and naturally chose not to listen. Instead, they hesitated, casting nces toward General Hei Yu.


    Master Mu, serving as the core of the formation, heard the warning. Immediately, his eyes narrowed as he withdrew the infusion of foundational qi.


    The immense Power of the Earthly Evils resembled a vortex propelled into action by everyone. If the members of the Chamber of Loyalty stopped first, he, as the core of the formation, would have to bear all the recoil. Conversely, if he stopped first, the others executing the major enchanted formation would bear the consequences of the recoil.


    As the one orchestrating this formation, he had propelled for the vortex to spin rapidly and fiercely.


    At this moment, the enchanted formation abruptly ceased its operation, followed by a sudden recoil and the sound of an explosion.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    When the underground channels suddenly exploded, clouds of ck qi surged upward and the Power of Earthly Evils, manifested as the gigantic ck dragon, shattered.


    Master Mu, who was already prepared, retreated swiftly by flying back.


    However, the diabolical cultivators trapped within the enchanted formation had no means of escape. The diffused Power of the Earthly Evils enshrouded the diabolical cultivators and some died, while others were injured.


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan were the only exceptions. They had already flown back and taken cover.


    The remaining diabolical cultivators that survived had depleted all their foundational qi. They were severely injured and copsed on the ground.


    In this instant, the Chamber of Loyalty suffered heavy casualties.


    ...


    On the other side, Enchantress Liu had been talking to General Hei Yu.


    With an alluring smile, she said, "General Hei Yu, you are young and capable. I really made the right choice asking you for help."


    As she spoke, her arm casually edged closer to General Hei Yu, gently brushing against him. There was something ambiguous about her actions.


    Instead of moving closer, General Hei Yu stepped back, creating some distance between himself and Enchantress Liu.


    "Enchantress Liu, you don''t have to be so courteous. This was a happy coboration. We will coborate again next time."


    Enchantress Liu was about to say something when she suddenly heard Chu Liang''s yell, causing her expression to twist into a fierce grimace.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" General Hei Yu looked over.


    In the blink of an eye, Enchantress Liu shouted sharply and raised her hand, delivering a swift palm strike!


    This palm strike is apanied by a dense blood-stained aura, as swift as lightning! Moreover, it was so close that it''s practically impossible to dodge!


    In the midst of panic, General Hei Yu only lifted half of the ck feathers on his cloak. Instantly, the ck feathers hardened, transforming into armor-like thorns and spikes, effectively blocking Enchantress Liu''s palm strike. Upon impact, the feathers shatteredpletely!


    Enchantress Liu had already reached the sixth realm, while General Hei Yu remained at the fifth realm, significantly weaker than her. A sneak attack from a cultivator at a higher level was not easily countered.


    <i>Puff! </i>His blood vessels exploded.


    General Hei Yu felt as if half of his body''s blood had been forcefully expelled by this palm strike!


    The blood-controlling divine techniques of the Scarlet-Robe Hall was extremely devious and malicious!


    "I was doing my best to help you, but you wanted to harm me!" General Hei Yu shouted, enduring the severe pain of his injuries as he retreated backward with the momentum.


    "You were just too naive." Enchantress Liu sneered coldly as she exined. "Do you know what hidden realm this is? It''s the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. How would I possibly allow a living witness to such a secret?"


    While she was talking, General Hei Yu lifted the remaining half of the ck feathers on his cloak, transforming it into a huge pair of wings. He spread the wings open and prepared to leap into the sky to escape!


    As he fled for his life, he moved at an incredible speed. However, Enchantress Liu made no attempt to pursue him, simply watching as he was about to make his escape.


    "Trying to escape?"


    Suddenly, General Hei Yu heard a shout from above.


    General Hei Yu waspletely focused on Enchantress Liu. Upon hearing the voice from above, he was startled and quickly looked up.


    A ripple appeared in mid-air, and Master Mu materialized above him. The air behind him had transformed into a barrier resembling a ck mirror.


    They had already set up a secret enchanted formation here!


    Both Enchantress Liu and Master Mu had nned to discard them after they had served their purpose.


    General Hei Yu finally understood why Enchantress Liu, despite her high level, had been eager to coborate with him. It was simply because it would be easier to silence them forever!


    Upon considering this, General Hei Yu realized that the request for him to find the Eternal-Youth Pills was likely just a pretext, intended to make this invitation for coboration seem as if it had urred naturally.


    Such intricate schemes!


    Despite General Hei Yu''s realization, it came toote.


    Master Mu was able to attain the status of a formation specialist, holding an extremely high position within the diabolical sect.


    His cultivation level was at the sixth realm, higher than that of General Hei Yu.


    Even if all members of his chamber were in perfect condition, they might not have been able to escape thebined efforts of the two sixth-realm cultivators. Moreover, having fallen into a trap, they had already lost their ability to fight.


    Clearly, their fate was sealed¡ªthey could only wait to be ughtered...


    <i>Bang!</i>


    As Master Mu''s palm descended, General Hei Yu once again used the other half of his cloak to block. Even so, he still suffered severe injuries and was ruthlessly knocked to the ground.


    "<i>Ahh...</i>" General Hei Yu coughed up a mouthful of blood and roared angrily, "Aren''t you two afraid of the Elder of the White-Bone Hall?"


    "Heh, you think too highly of yourself. The Elder of the White-Bone Hall would never offend the Scarlet-Robe Hall for your sake," Enchantress Liu said with a charming smile. "Besides, do you think I would return to the diabolical sect after exploring the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm?"


    She fluttered as she flew over. She was just about to take General Hei Yu''s life and enter the hidden realm in peace when Master Mu suddenly shouted, "Thief! How dare you!"


    ...


    Within the blink of an eye, the situation changed drastically.


    As Chu Liang had warned in advance, the team of undercover agents retained their fullbat strength.


    They watched as the situation unfolded.


    Master Mu and Enchantress Liu worked together and ughtered the remaining injured members of the Chamber of Loyalty.


    While Chu Liang possessed the Crimson Executioner, its effect would only be effective against Enchantress Liu, who was at the sixth realm.


    Even with the Crimson Executioner, there was still a possibility of defeat.


    When it came to Master Mu, the Crimson Executioner showed no reaction.


    This meant that although Master Mu was involved in the diabolical sect, he hadn''t taken the lives of many innocent people.


    Instead, the Crimson Executioner targeted the injured ones on the ground, as well as General Hei Yu.


    It would be easy for him to dispatch each of them with a single strike.


    At this point, Chu Liang even wondered if he could earn a chance at life by turning against his fellow members of the chamber and joining Enchantress Liu''s side.


    Since they couldn''t win, their first choice was to run.


    While Enchantress Liu and Master Muunched a joint attack on General Hei Yu, the three ascended into the sky. However, their path of escape was abruptly blocked by a barrier in the form of a ck mirror.


    Luo Yao waved her palm, but was then sent flying backward by the recoil.


    It would not be easy escaping from an enchanted formation carefully set up by a powerful formation specialist.


    Chu Liang could bypass the barrier using Dimension Compression, but his two teammates would remain trapped inside, unable to escape.


    And so, he decided to temporarily abandon the idea of escaping alone.


    The first thing the three did was to crush the tracking jade talisman and request assistance from their respective teachers and sects.


    However, they were currently at the Ancient Dragon Lair, which was located far away. It would take some time for the elders to arrive.


    It would be nearly impossible for them to withstand thebined attack of two experts at the sixth realm.


    Even if he had summoned Old Fei, as a fragmented Battle Soul, he wouldn''t be powerful enough to fight against either of these two sixth-realm cultivators.


    With thoughts racing through his mind, every scenario shed before Chu Liang''s eyes.


    Finally, he caught sight of the half-circle iron que with inscriptions on the mountain wall, with Enchantress Liu''s already embedded on the wall.


    At that moment, Enchantress Liu and Master Mu were on the opposite side, leaving this area empty.


    Chu Liang''s eyes gleamed with determination as he eximed, "Follow me!"


    Instead of moving outward, he dashed inward.


    His body shed!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In his urgency, he used the Dimension Compression and materialized before the mountain wall in an instant. Then, he retrieved the other half of the inscribed iron que and forcefully mmed it into the missing piece on the wall.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    With both iron ques attached to the mountain wall, the missing shape was now ced and the entire wall wasplete.


    At that moment, a brilliant white light illuminated the surroundings, apanied by faint dragon chants.


    The mountain wall transformed into a massive vortex.


    Back then, the Southern-Route Guider was concerned about the potential risks within the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    He was determined to obtain the seventh-realm Battle Soul before embarking on the exploration.


    However, this dy resulted in his efforts and sacrifices benefiting someone else instead. And the one who benefited from this was the individual who caused his demise.


    Master Mu immediately detected the anomalies in this area. The two sixth-realm cultivators hadn''t anticipated this development at all! They had viewed these individuals as trapped prey.


    Yet, who would have expected that they would be able to unlock this door?


    Not even Luo Yao and Monk Pushan had expected this turn of events, let alone the two sixth-realm cultivators.


    Even though they recognized Chu Liang''s extraordinary abilities and his capacity to achieve feats beyond the reach of ordinary individuals...


    They still found themselves surprised by the unexpected turns events took.


    Enchantress Liu and Master Mu unleashed a surge of cultivation energy as they rushed towards them.


    However, it was already toote. In the blink of an eye, the three were sucked into a massive vortex on the mountain wall and disappeared.


    The two exchanged nces and simultaneously bellowed, "Follow them!"

 Chapter 235: We Are All Good Friends

    <h4>Chapter 235: We Are All Good Friends</h4>


    "What is this?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Descendants of dragons," answered Luo Yao.


    "It is the youngling of a draconic demonic beast. With double wings on its back and a body resembling a lion and a tiger, fully covered in scales, this should be a Winged Draconic Beast. Although it is a youngling, it is very fierce. It should have the strength of a sixth realm upon reaching adulthood. The purity of dragon blood in a Winged Draconic Beast is rather high. On the other hand, it looks hungry," exined Monk Pushan.


    When the three entered the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm through the vortex, they felt as though the world was spinning. They flew swiftly and suddenly arrived in a ce of unknown origin.


    There was a dense forest as vast as the sea, with trees towering ten zhang high. The depth of the dense greenery was beyondprehension, and there was a very strong sense of a primitive atmosphere.


    Before they could fully observe their surroundings, a small creature approached them.


    This was the youngling of a draconic demonic beast. It stood at the height of one chi. Its entire body was covered in dense green-ck scales that didn''t leave a single gap between them. Its small legs and limbs looked very sturdy, and its feet appeared very thick. It had a pair of tiny wings on its back, which seemed rather too small and shortpared to the size of its body. Even if they were spread open, they wouldn''t be able to lift its chubby body into the air.


    The pure-blooded dragons were known as the True Dragons. However, True Dragons were rare in numbers. The offspring produced by breeding of True Dragons and other species were collectively referred to as the draconic descendants.


    "This little thing is quite adorable," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    The young draconic descendant sniffed at Chu Liang, its head tilting slightly as if it had caught a whiff of something.


    "It seems friendly." Monk Pushanmented with a smile as well.


    Seemingly in response to his words, the young draconic descendant turned towards him, immediately baring its teeth and hissing: "<i>Hiss¡ª</i>".


    It was so fierce.


    The cry sounded sharp yet endearingly cute. It had three rows of fangs, clearly indicating that when fully grown, its teeth would be terrifying like a jungle of halberds. However, at this moment, its teeth were not yet fully grown, and it was not fierce enough.


    "Why is it so fierce to me?" Pushan said with a frown.


    "Move." Luo Yao, who was at the side, lifted the young draconic descent by the neck and threw it to the side.


    She didn''t use much force, but still, she sent it flying. It tumbled on the ground, then got up again, turned its head, and ran into the depths of the dense forest.


    "<i>Heh.</i> There are draconic demonic beasts in this hidden realm. We must be careful," Monk Pushan said with a smile as he watched the youngling clumsily retreat.


    Chu Liang looked back and saw that the vortex that had transported them here had disappeared. The location was random, and it was impossible for them to return the way they came.


    Thankfully, there wasn''t just one straight path. If there had been, Enchantress Liu and Master Mu would have followed it and caught them within moments.


    "There must be a way out. Let''s find it," he said.


    They weren''t familiar with this forest, so they dared not recklessly charge forward. They didn''t dare to fly high in the sky as they might overlook surrounding dangers and be targets of some demonic beasts that were more powerful.


    The three had no choice but to take slow steps forward, spreading out their divine senses to remain vignt against any dangerous auras.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    They had barely taken a few steps when they heard the trees on the side copse, revealing a massive dragon head!


    They then saw its towering body, standing three zhang tall. Agile and powerful like a lion, it had enormous wings that seemed to be crafted from ck iron, spanning over ten zhang and capable of cutting through anything.


    It had a pair of fiery golden eyes, resembling torches of mes.


    It was a Winged Draconic Beast and this one was a thousand times bigger than the youngling they saw earlier!


    The big one is here!


    The tiny youngling of the Winged Draconic Beast perched atop the creature''s head, its eyes gleaming with pride and arrogance.


    <i>Wow, did this little guy call in the parents so quickly? Is there really a need to hold a grudge like this?</i>


    <i>Bang!</i>


    When the gigantic Winged Draconic Beast stomped on the ground, it felt as though half of the mountain trembled.


    It crouched down and started getting closer to the three people.


    "It''s your fault. Who told you to bully the kid? And now, its parent is here. Apologize to it," Monk Pushan said to Luo Yao.


    Luo Yao replied in an indifferent tone, "If I apologize, will it forgive me?"


    "I am guessing no," answered Chu Liang.


    "Then why aren''t we running?" Monk Pushan shouted and immediately turned around to escape.


    The other two didn''t hesitate either. They turned around, ready to fly away.


    Flying on swords in this dense forest wasn''t convenient. However, considering the Winged Draconic Beast''s massive size, it shouldn''t be agile enough to catch them easily. This meant that as long as they were fast enough when flying through maniption of the wind...


    "<i>Raaarrrrrr!</i>"


    The three descended on the ground.


    They were just about to flip over and escape when they suddenly noticed the head of an even bigger Winged Draconic Beast behind them. Its teeth and ws were even sharper, and the fury in its golden eyes burned even brighter!


    The one earlier was clearly the mom while the one before their eyes was the dad! The Winged Draconic Beasts were clearly a family of three!


    The male Winged Draconic Beast advanced stealthily, concealing its breath and aura. The three had no idea when it had maneuvered behind them. These creatures weren''t clumsy demonic beasts; they were cunning, bloodthirsty apex hunters!


    "<i>Rawrr!</i>" The female Winged Draconic Beast in front responded with a low growl.


    The three youngsters were trapped in the center as the two Winged Draconic Beasts closed in on both sides.


    Even if they had wings, they couldn''t escape!


    "<i>Eeekk!"</i> The young Draconic beast emitted a high-pitched cry.


    "It looks like we can only split up and run. They will at most catch two of us and at least one will escape and survive," Monk Pushan said.


    "Why don''t we try fighting?" Luo Yao suggested. Her eyes sharpened like a saber, as if she had a secret trump card hidden in her pocket.


    "Wait..." Chu Liang raised his hand and stopped their discussion.


    He felt as though the family of three were not as hostile as they initially perceived.


    If the apex hunters intended to kill them, they wouldn''t have bothered with warning roars. They could have simply pounced and killed one of them.


    Yet, nothing like that happened.


    They seemed to be testing the waters.


    There was one reason that came to mind.


    Chu Liang suddenly drew in a deep breath and swiftly performed the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, maximizing his cirction before exhaling a mouthful of dragon breath.


    His irises turned into a golden color.


    They were the golden irises of dragons.


    When Monk Pushan saw this, he was shocked, shouting, "You switched sides a bit too fast!"


    "Quiet!" Luo Yao frowned and scolded.


    "Mmm-mmmm-mm-mmm..." A series of muffled words escaped from Monk Pushan''s mouth.


    Chu Liang felt the dragon blood within him burning fiercely. He unleashed his dragon breath, which was really the dragon breath of the White Dragon on Mount Shu...


    The White Dragon, as a pureblooded True Dragon, would certainlymand some authority and respect among these Draconic descendants.


    <i>I knew it. </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The situation unfolded just as he had predicted. Upon sensing the powerful dragon breath of the White Dragon, the two Winged Draconic Beasts gradually began to show signs of friendliness.


    They approached Chu Liang with lowered heads. Instead of baring their fangs, they gently sniffed him.


    Chu Liang reached out and gently touched the top of the male Winged Draconic Beast''s nose, attempting to convey that he meant no harm.


    As he turned around to touch the female one, he suddenly sensed the male Winged Draconic Beast growling.


    "Sure. I won''t touch your wife." Chu Liang chuckled.


    The dragon bloodline of the two Winged Draconic Beasts was very pure and they were both sixth-realm demonic beasts. In regard to their muscle density, they were nearly on par with a seventh-realm demonic beast.


    They were so close that they could potentially tear him apart in the time it would take to draw a single breath.


    These creatures were so docile because of the dragon breath that the White Dragon of Mount Shu bestowed upon him.


    This was the power of bloodline. Through it, purebloodedTrue Dragons could dominate their Draconic descendants.


    "We are friends." Chu Liang said as he pointed at himself and the Winged Draconic Beas in front. Then, he patted Luo Yao and said, "They are my friends."


    "We are all good friends." He said as he gestured.


    Although he wasn''t certain if the three creatures wouldprehend him, he figured that descendants of dragons would likely be quite intelligent. Even if they couldn''t grasp humannguage, they should be able to interpret the general meaning of his gestures.


    After he finished speaking, he nced at the two Winged Draconic Beasts, but they showed no reaction.


    Chu Liang then dragged Luo Yao and Pushan, who were next to him, and cautiously took a step back, moving his foot slowly.


    "<i>Rawrrr...</i>" the female Winged Draconic Beast emitted a deep roar. It sounded like she was trying to say something.


    Chu Liang could sense her emotions. She seemed to be protesting the injustice that her child had experienced.


    And so, Chu Liang raised his hand and tossed out two berries.


    "Here, consider this our apology."


    <i>Pop!</i>


    His aim was wless, and the young dragon descendant caught the berries skillfully. As it began munching on the berries it caught, joy and satisfaction radiated from its small, vertical pupils.


    This was a lesson Chu Liang had learned since his encounter with the young girl who might be the Cataclysmic Ba. The Golden Vein Berries held no special powers; they were merely tasty snacks. However, such snacks proved highly effective against these small creatures with limited intelligence.


    Upon sensing the joying from the young draconic descent, the female Winged Draconic Beast gradually felt better.


    Their footsteps eventually lightened and quickened, progressing from a leisurely pace to a brisk stride, then transitioning into a jog, and finally bursting into an all-out sprint...


    The three of them were like three gusts of wind, whirling out of this dense forest.


    "<i>Phew~</i>"


    When Chu Liang executed the Secret Dragon Blood Technique at full force, he could sense the forest emanating the unique dragon breath of the Winged Draconic Beasts, strongly suggesting that this area was their territory.


    As they emerged from the dense forest, Chu Liang could sense the concentration of the Winged Draconic Beast''s dragon breath gradually diminishing until it eventually vanished altogether.


    Before entering the territory of another powerful draconic demonic beast, there would typically be a buffer zone. The three stopped in this untouched area, exhaling a sigh of relief in unison.


    "Young Hero Chu, it''s good that you are here. They seem very close to you?" Monk Pushan asked.


    "A few days ago, a True Dragon was drawn to Mount Shu to suppress its fate. You heard about that, haven''t you?" Chu Liang asked. "It frequently transformed its dragon breath into rain as a gift for the disciples of Mount Shu, and this rain likely affected my aura."


    The rain formed by dragon breath couldn''t possibly have such an impact, but there was no need for Chu Liang to exin this in detail to Pushan and Luo Yao. After all, neither of their immortal sects had been visited by True Dragons.


    <i>So what if I was talking nonsense? Are they going to doubt me? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    "You get such benefits when a True Dragon guards your sect? I am so envious," remarked Monk Pushan.


    Luo Yao then said, "In that case, we shouldn''t have to worry too much about the draconic demonic beast in this hidden realm."


    "Not necessarily," Chu Liang said. "This family of three seems to have a good temperament. If the little Winged Draconic Beast wasn''t bullied, they might not havee out at all. And if there''s one with a bad temperament, I might not even have time to unleash the dragon breath. After all, I barely touched it and the dragon breath I possess is not strong enough."


    As the three discussed countermeasures, they heard rustling from the woods opposite them, and two figures emerged.


    Chu Liang''s heart skipped a beat when he saw them.


    Apart from Enchantress Liu and Master Mu, who else could be in this hidden realm?


    "<i>Hehe</i>, you two escaped very quickly. It took us a while to find you three," said Enchantress Liu as she smiled in an alluring manner.


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan had seen that alluring smile before. It was the same smile she wore right before she killed General Hei Yu in the next moment.


    And so, they immediately became cautious.


    Master Mu, who stood to the side, turned his gaze towards Chu Liang with a serious expression. "I want to know how you opened this hidden realm," he asked.


    After Chu Liang ced the inscribed half-circle iron que, a vortex immediately formed on the mountain wall.


    Master Mu did not see what had happened so he was curious.


    "You have no idea. The hidden realm holds a secret," Chu Liang exined. "You just have to shout ''open sesame'', and a gate of mystery will reveal itself."


    "<i>Ptui.</i>" Enchantress Liu sneered and said, "Do you think we are kids who will believe such stupid lies?"


    "You don''t believe me? Look!" Chu Liang said as he pointed at the hill behind them. Then, he shouted, "Open sesame!"


    Although Enchantress Liu and Master Mu didn''t believe him, they still subconsciously turned their gaze. It was just a brief moment.


    During that fleeting moment, Chu Liang executed a flip and bolted!


    Luo Yao and Pushan followed suit. Having experienced some things together, they could naturally anticipate each other''s moves.


    Luo Yao immediately opened the ck umbre and that ck ghost appeared. It held her up and carried her away like the wind! Monk Pushan strode forward, moving several dozen zhang away, an action reminiscent of the great divine technique, the Buddha''s Heavenly Steps!


    Chu Liang was the one that escaped the slowest. Still, when he opened the Green Leaf Umbre, he was extremely fast as well.


    In the blink of an eye, the three disappeared amidst the dense forest!


    "How cunning!" Enchantress Liu said angrily.


    They had pursued for a while now, but theseckeys kept slipping away! Each of them were cunning enough to cause mischief on their own!


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" Master Mu humphed coldly and a formation diagram materialized below his feet.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>

 Chapter 236: No Path to the Heavens (I)

    <h4>Chapter 236: No Path to the Heavens (I)</h4>


    <i>Run!</i>


    The real identities of the undercover trio had not been exposed, but it was obvious that the two people pursuing them would not let them go. It would be a fight to the death the next time they met.


    Chu Liang went back the way he came and returned to the ce where he and hispanions had encountered the family of three Winged Draconic Beasts. However, the only Winged Draconic Beast left in that clearing was the hatchling.


    The hatchling was smacking its lips, seemingly still savoring the taste of the Golden Vein Berries. The little beast was thinking that it would be wonderful if it could have two more.


    <i>Thud, thud.</i>


    Right then, two Golden Vein Berries fell from above out of nowhere and hit the little creature''s head, stunning it for a moment.


    "Help me call your parents over!" Chu Liang shouted as he rushed past.


    He had no idea if the hatchling heard him. Nevertheless, after staring nkly for a moment, the hatchling scooped the berries into its mouth and scampered off.


    A secondter, Master Mu appeared at the clearing.


    The way he moved was extremely strange. It seemed like he was not actually making any movements.


    There was a projection of a formation diagram under his feet. It expanded rapidly, spreading a hundred zhang across the ground in all directions. Then he disappeared from the center of the formation and reappeared at the frontmost point of the formation, moving forward over a hundred zhang in a sh.


    With him at the center, the formation diagram expanded repeatedly, and he would be shifted to the frontmost point of the formation each time. This method allowed him to move very quickly.


    After repeating this process several times, he caught sight of the three people up ahead.


    Like Master Mu, Enchantress Liu was at the sixth realm, but she was slower than him. Nevertheless, the difference wasn''t significant, and she appeared as a trail of red light following closely behind him.


    The pair of sixth-realm cultivators only needed a short time to catch up to Chu Liang''s group.


    Suddenly, the sky turned dark.


    "<i>Raaaar!</i>"


    As an angry roar rang out, a Winged Draconic Beast''s huge wings that seemed to cover the sky swung down toward Master Mu. The enormous Winged Draconic Beast opened its huge mouth, revealing three rows of terrifying fangs. It intended to devour Master Mu in one bite!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Master Mu''s figure flickered again, disappearing and then reappearing in another corner of the formation. His gaze remained cold andposed as he avoided the sudden attack.


    This sixth-realm Winged Draconic Beast might seem extremely fearsome in the eyes of others, but to Master Mu, the Winged Draconic Beast was not a problem at all.


    "<i>Raraaaar!</i>"


    The Winged Draconic Beast''s attack struck empty space. Nevertheless, it immediately swung its huge wings again, attempting to strike Master Mu again!


    Master Mu formed two-handed hand seals and grasped the empty space.


    Two formation diagrams appeared in midair. One was in front of him, blocking the Winged Draconic Beast''s wingstrike. The other appeared in front of the Winged Draconic Beast, smashing into it with tremendous force!


    <i>Wham!</i>


    The formation diagram reflected the force of the Winged Draconic Beast''s attack! Master Mu injured the beast by using its own attack! The Winged Draconic Beast was sent staggering backward several tens of zhang.


    Right after that brief exchange of moves, Enchantress Liu arrived and sprang into action. She pointed at the Winged Draconic Beast, and a scarlet blood sword materialized out of thin air. It went piercing toward the Winged Draconic Beast.


    However, Enchantress Liu suddenly felt a murderous aura surging beneath her feet. It was an ambush!


    rmed, Enchantress Liu stepped backward, but she failed to avoid the oing attack. A mouthful of ck dragon breath struck her, shrouding half of her body.


    <i>Hiss¡ª</i>


    The dragon breath permeated her flesh. It dissolved one of her arms and one of her legs into a pool of blood, leaving her bones bare. It was a gnarly sight.


    The pair of Winged Draconic Beasts had used a strategy¡ªone drew the enemy''s attention from the front while the other gathered its breath tounch a sneak attack from behind. Coupled with their familiarity with the terrain, this was undoubtedly a tried-and-true strategy!


    Enchantress Liu flew up, with blood dripping from her injuries. A red light appeared at the gaping wounds and slowly covered the bare bones of her fleshless arm and leg, gradually wrapping her bones with new muscle and skin.


    In the blink of an eye, she had fully recovered and regained her limbs.


    Her ruined clothes could not be repaired, so her newly grown arm and leg were left exposed. The limbs were shapely and covered with fair and radiant skin¡ªseemingly even more beautiful than before.


    Enchantress Liu had used the Immortal Art: Last Drop of blood!


    Legend had it that this immortal art allowed a cultivator to resurrect themself even with just a drop of blood, pretty much giving them a body that could never die. Enchantress Liu''s situation was not that extreme, but she used the powerful spiritual energy in her blood to recover her limbs, showing the incredible prowess of Last Drop of Blood.


    Enchantress Liu flew over to Master Mu and hovered in midair with him.


    The pair of Winged Draconic Beasts converged as well. They crouched down with their fierce gazes locked onto their targets.


    A great battle was about to begin.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang''s group had already fled in another direction and left the jungle. They did not know how long the pair of Winged Draconic Beasts could hold off the two diabolical cultivators, so they did not dare to pause to rest even for a moment.


    Compared to demonic beasts, human cultivators had way more tricks up their sleeve, such as divine skills and enchanted tools. Even if Master Mu and Enchantress Liu could not harm the pair of Winged Draconic Beasts, it should not be difficult for them to escape. That meant the Winged Draconic Beasts would not be able to hold off Master Mu and Enchantress Liu for very long.


    Yet, not long after Chu Liang''s group fled from the jungle, they encountered a new crisis.


    "<i>Screeeeee!</i>"


    A screech ripped through the air. This was a sign that this crisis was much more dangerous than the one before, and it was thirsty for blood.


    A beam of red light suddenly shed by, almost grazing Monk Pushan. Fortunately, he swung hisrge hands at just the right time. His fair palms smacked the creature invading his personal space, sending it to the ground easily like he was swatting a mosquito.


    The fallen demonic beast''s appearance was a bit different after getting hit. Nevertheless, the trio could vaguely tell that the demonic beast looked like a bat covered in scales. It was small in stature, about the size of a child, and had a hideous face.


    "Vampire Bat-Dragon! This demonic beast isn''t strong alone, but they always live in a colony. Seeing one means there could be hundreds or even thousands more!" Luo Yao said from midair.


    Before she even finished talking, three beams of blood-red light shot up from below, attacking her from all sides!


    Luo Yao flipped her hand over and summoned her white paper umbre, opening it immediately. A white ghostly figure appeared and embraced her. It blocked the three Vampire Bat-Dragons from attacking Luo Yao.


    Luo Yao suspended two paper umbres in the air behind her. Meanwhile, her right hand reached for herrge curved saber. In a sh, she struck down the three Vampire Bat-Dragons!


    The fight was over in an instant. It appeared that the three Vampire Bat-Dragons had not caused much harm to the trio.


    However, the sound of pping wings then filled the air as a vast expanse of red clouds that seemed to stretch over the sky and the ground rose from the middle of the mountain. There was an oing swarm of Vampire Bat-Dragons!


    Chu Liang put his full effort into using the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, wanting to block the swarm of Vampire Bat-Dragons for hispanions.


    Unfortunately, things did not y out as he had expected. These Vampire Bat-Dragons were inferior to the Winged Draconic Beasts in both strength and intelligence. They did not attack Chu Liang, but they still charged at hispanions, trying to suck their blood.


    "I''ll hold them off. The two of you should go first!" Chu Liang yelled.


    He wielded the Dustless Sword and performed the Hundred Swords Seal. In an instant, hundreds of glowing swords enshrouded with dragon breath and the Cloud of Determination sword qi flew about, forming a defensive barrier of sword qi!


    <i>Swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang continuously struck down the Vampire Bat-Dragons. Many of them were not fatally wounded, but they were unable to keep pursuing Pushan and Luo Yao.


    The Vampire Bat-Dragons outnumbered Chu Liang greatly, yet they did not dare attack him. They just wanted to move around him, just like a sea of blood wanting to flow around a reef.


    Chu Liang did not just stay in one spot. As he used the Hundred Swords Seal to kill the Vampire Bat-Dragons, he hurried after Luo Yao and Pushan.


    The Vampire Bat-Dragons were chasing after them too. That meant the Vampire Bat-Dragons were constantly in the range of Chu Liang''s beams of swordlight, allowing him to kill over a hundred Vampire Bat-Dragons in just a short time.

 Chapter 237: No Path to the Heavens (II)

    <h4>Chapter 237: No Path to the Heavens (II)</h4>


    Meanwhile, Luo Yao and Pushan passed through a forested area, and the Vampire Bat-Dragons'' pursuit came to an abrupt halt.


    "<i>Screee, screee, screeee!!"</i>


    It seemed as if there was an invisible barrier. Thousands upon thousands of Vampire Bat-Dragons crowded outside this barrier and emitted shrill cries,pounding into an ear-splitting cacophony. Yet, not one of the creatures dared to stick even a foot into the pool of lightning.


    "What formidable demonic beast upies the territory we''re in now?" Chu Liang wondered as hended.


    He then turned around and observed the Vampire Bat-Dragons'' odd behavior. Chu Liang hadn''t lowered his guard in the slightest.


    Judging from the Vampire Bat-Dragons'' behavior, it was clear to Chu Liang that he wasn''t the one they were afraid of. It had to be something even more powerful than him.


    "It might not be a demonic beast. Instead, it''s..." Monk Pushan pointed at a mountain peak. "Well, see for yourself."


    ...


    Peeking through from behind the lofty green mountain was a gigantic dragon skull that was fully ck. The crevices in the skull had been filled with a material simr to rhodium. It was used to turn the skull into a pce-like structure.


    The workmanship was really rough. Yet, this building made for a rather terrifying sight. This dragon skull obviously belonged to a pure-blood True Dragon!


    What incredible existence could turn an adult pure-blood True Dragon into a building and put it on disy here?


    It seemed that this Dragon-Bone Pce was probably what the swarm of Vampire Bat-Dragons were afraid of. If the trio left this area, they would probably still encounter attacks from more descendants of dragons. So, the trio didn''t rush to leave; instead, they slowly approached the pce.


    Once the trio went around the mountain, they could see the gigantic dragon skull in full and found that its seemingly endlessly long body trailed behind it. Like the skull, the rest of the skeleton was covered in a rhodium-like material.


    The dragon skeleton¡ªstarting with a skull that was as high as the mountain and continuing on with a winding body that seemed to stretch on endlessly behind it¡ªwas like a long city wall made of rhodium!


    The inside of that gigantic dragon skull¡¯s gaping mouth was pitch-ck like an abyss in the mountains.


    "Shall we go in and take a look?" Monk Pushan asked. His curiosity was piqued. "It seems to be a rather special ce. If this hidden realm has an exit, it might just be in there."


    "Sure," Luo Yao agreed.


    Chu Liang didn''t object to the idea. After all, they were in an awkward situation. If they were to head back out, they would be attacked by draconic descendants. And if they were to simply wait here, Enchantress Liu and Master Mu would eventually catch up, leaving the trio with no escape. They might as well just go inside the dragon skull and explore.


    Looking at that tail that seemed to stretch on endlessly, Chu Liang also thought that there might be an exit hidden in there.


    So, the trio entered the skull.


    This dragon skull was as high as a mountain, so its gaping mouth seemed like the massive entrance gates of a city. As humans, the trio felt extremely small when they entered.


    Once inside, they saw a dark, long passageway. The rhodium fillings in the dragon bone had been done roughly on the outside, but the engravings inside had been done very meticulously. With ck and gold painted over them, they looked stately and magnificent.


    On the tall walls of the passageway, there were relief paintings[1] depicting profound scenes. They were very likely scenes of wars that had urred in ancient times.


    "These are murals from the era of the ancient Dragon God. My sect, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, has a collection of these too. I can roughly figure out what''s being depicted," Monk Pushan said.


    Then rays of divine light shone out from his eyes, piercing through the darkness. As he walked through the passageway, he looked closely at each mural.


    "The first mural seems to depict a young dragon, whose parents were killed by an enemy¡ªan evil dragon..." Pushan exined slowly as he interpreted the murals. "The young dragon was in turmoil. It had always had a deep fear of being alone in this world; it was determined to avenge its parents and rtives. It felt a little sorrowful as well. ''I was nothing at birth, and after I was born¡ª''"


    "Hang on," Luo Yao interrupted. "You can interpret all that from the first mural alone?"


    "<i>Uh</i>, I did make some conjectures about its emotional state," Monk Pushan admitted.


    "Don''t make conjectures. There are so many murals here. By the time you''re done making conjectures about all of them, Enchantress Liu and Master Mu would have already had a kid and even spent a month in confinement after childbirth[2], and we''d still be here for them to catch us," Chu Liang remarked.


    Pushan sighed. "Fine..."


    "The second mural depicts the young dragon growing up, venturing out into the world and gaining experience, and following a powerful... Dragon God?" Pushan said bewilderedly.


    "How do you know that''s the Dragon God?" Chu Liang asked as he looked at the mural.


    Pushana exined, "The murals of the ancient dragons were painted with some rules. The painting style may be rough, but only the Dragon God was allowed to be depicted with divine light. Any other True Dragons would not have been painting with this divine light."


    Chu Liang nodded. "I see."


    In the distant past, a ninth-realm Hallowed One emerged among the dragons. It was known as the Dragon God.


    Under its leadership, the dragons once ruled over the mortal realm. Dragons had a long lifespan that surpassed even that of demons, so the dragons could have flourished for thousands of years under the lead of the Dragon God. Yet, the dragons'' rule over the mortal realmsted for less than a thousand years before it came to an abrupt end.


    Thousands of yearster, the Ancient Dragon Lair fell into ruin, and the remaining pure-blood True Dragons fled to the Abyss of the Hidden Dragons.


    These were all secrets from the distant past, and the reasons behind the events had long been forgotten by the world.


    The next dozen or so murals depicted the same young dragon apanying the Dragon God on expeditions, battling not only other dragons but also other powerful demonic beasts and even humans.


    During the period depicted in the murals, the young dragon grew into an enormous dragon with an indomitable spirit. Enchantress Liu had called this ce the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. In that case, the dragon that was featured in the murals should be the Blue Dragon, the owner of this hidden realm.


    The next mural showed the Blue Dragon growing under the instruction of the Dragon God. The Blue Dragon eventually became extremely powerful and returned to its hometown. It killed the evil dragon, avenging its parents and rtives. The Blue Dragon then used the bones of the evil dragon to build a pce that served as an evesting memorial.


    So, it turned out that the Blue Dragon had built this long wall of dragon bones using the bones of its enemy.


    The trio continued walking ahead and found several more murals. These depicted violent, bloody wars that ended with the Dragon God facing an endless stream of lightning clouds descending from the heavens.


    It looked like there were faint figures of celestial soldiers standing on the clouds. Yet, it also looked like it might just be a giant hand. The details were quite blurry. Perhaps it was because the artist hadn''t gotten a clear look at the scene. It was obvious from the mural that the artist had been in a state of fear and confusion.


    "Is this... a tribtion for a breakthrough in cultivation?" Monk Pushan guessed.


    "It looks more like a battle where both sides fought till theirst breath," Luo Yao said.


    "What''s this?" Chu Liang asked.


    He noticed that there were several blurry little human figures in one of the bottom corners of the mural. Humans rarely appeared in these dragon murals, but it didn''t seem like those people were simply bystanders.


    Monk Pushan shook his head. He couldn''t figure out what had happened in the scene depicted in the mural.


    The trio moved on to the next mural. The Dragon God had disappeared, leaving a huge nk space in the middle of the picture. All that remained in the mural were True Dragons looking dejected as they soared into the sky. It was a scene of madness and chaos.


    There was also aplicated character written on the mural. It seemed to be from thenguage of dragons.


    "Dragon script went extinct a long time ago. I don''t recognize this character," Monk Pushan said.


    Chu Liang looked at it. It was expected that he wouldn''t recognize it either. Yet, a stream of information rushed into his mind, allowing him to instantly understand the meaning that this character held.


    It was veryplicated and represented a sorrowful state of mind like that of a hero at the end of his road bellowing at the heavens.


    Simply put, what it said was: <i>There is no path to the heavens.</i>


    1. It''s that same style I exined in a previous chapter. It''s basically a painting with 3D textures. ?


    2. It''s a Chinese tradition. Women have to be confined for a month after childbirth for recovery. ?

 Chapter 238: This Humble One is Fine

    <h4>Chapter 238: This Humble One is Fine</h4>


    These dragon murals were created in ancient times. The dragon script was cryptic and intricate, and the scenes depicted wereplex. Although the three had encountered numerous such murals, they could only glean a vague understanding of the life of the Blue Dragon. There were still a lot of stories they couldn''t figure out. So, as they kept looking, they just quickly nced at them, like travelers passing by.


    During this time, Chu Liang also diverted his attention to another matter.


    With a portion of his divine sense sunk into the space within the White Pagoda, Chu Liang set about the task of refining almost one hundred Vampire Bat-Dragons he had killed. Given the unpredictable dangers ahead, it would be good if he could unbox any valuable items that could help.


    After attaining the Golden Core Realm, Chu Liang''s divine sense strengthened to the point in which he could effortlessly multitask. He could advance without a change of expression while refining the imprints within the White Pagoda.


    The only issue was that he had always been used to refining the imprints in a very quiet and safe environment.


    Now, as he rewarded himself with each step he took, it felt rather strange.


    Inside the White Pagoda, the imprints of the Vampire Bat-Dragons had already been arranged in cages, patiently awaiting his inspection. With time pressing, Chu Liang approached the cages without hesitation.


    Refine!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A long-lost radiance shed by, and a white light floated in front of Chu Liang.


    It was a reddish-golden rhombus-shaped crystal, with mes flickering faintly within the crystal.


    [Dragon-Blood Crystal: Formed through the condensation of dragon''s blood essence, this crystal, when melted and infused into one''s bloodstream, significantly boosts qi and vitality, elerates blood formation, and intensifies bloodlust and battle intent. The effectsst for two hours and do not umte with repeated use.]


    Upon sensing this message in his mind, Chu Liang became clear of the use of this item.


    This wasn''tplicated. He could infuse a single crystal into his bloodstream and experience a holistic enhancement of his abilities. In the world of immortality cultivators, there were a few pills designed specifically to enhancebat abilities. These pills would asionallye in handy, especially since the power gap between experts was almost negligible.


    The enhancement of vitality was achieved by an increase in foundational qi and strength, which then allowed for a stronger outburst of power. The eleration of blood formation was the same as the improvement in replenishment, which meant that injuries would recover at a quicker rate. The strengthening of bloodlust and battle intent sounded somewhat cryptic... But it likely meant the same as the strengthening of the mental state.


    As for how strong the effect might be, he would only find out by giving it a try. Nevertheless, anything that could boostbat ability was wee.


    As Chu Liang continued advancing, he refined all the imprints.


    He had been unboxing the rewards for a very long time. After around one hundred or so attempts, he finallypleted thest refinement, and his arm felt a little sore.


    He had umted a huge pile of Dragon-Blood Crystals and intended to melt one now to test its effects. There wasn''t a fight at the moment, but whether there was a fight or not, it didn''t matter because the effect was just a straightforward improvement. With such arge pile, he wasn''t worried about wasting any.


    It would be easier to determine its usage once he had tested its effects.


    He withdrew his divine sense from the space within the White Pagoda. With a flip of his hand, he took out a Dragon-Blood Crystal. As his foundational qi swirled like a whirlwind, he melted and infused the crystal into his bloodstream.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The effect was fiercer than he had anticipated.


    In that brief moment, he felt as though a bomb had been hurled into his bloodstream, stirring up tumultuous waves. A massive wave of heat surged upward to his brain and downstream to his heart and he felt as though a formless ball of fire enveloped his body.


    "<i>Puff...</i>" Chu Liang exhaled a breath of hot qi.


    The effect of this crystal was so strong.


    He couldn''t even control his battle intent. The tremendous strength constrained within his body, which he couldn''t fully exert, was driving him crazy. At that moment, he wished for an evil entity to leap out so he could punch it and kill it!


    But his mind was still clear. He knew that this was a change brought about through the Dragon-Blood Crystal. He mustn''t let this surge of heat wave take his rationality away. As he activated his foundational qi and suppressed the urge, attempting to return back to normal.


    At this point, Monk Pushan sensed something amiss. He turned around and asked out of concern, "What''s the matter with you?"


    "This<i> humble one</i>[1] is fine!" Chu Liang roared.


    Monk Pushan was so confused.


    ...


    "Something''s off with the cirction of my foundational qi. Just let me adjust my breathing for a bit," Chu Liang said as he quickly sat cross-legged on the spot, making adjustments to suppress the strong urge.


    Monk Pushan and Luo Yao thought he was acting weird, but it wasn''t the first time they had thought Chu Liang was odd. In fact, it had happened on numerous asions.


    When someone is consistently weird, and they continue to act strangely, you wouldn''t find it unusual anymore.


    While Chu Liang was adjusting his breathing, he sensed erratic movements within the White Pagoda.


    The golden cocoon spun by the little silkworm earlier suddenly began vibrating anxiously, emitting a buzzing sound.


    The cocoon was likely about to burst open.


    Chu Liang muttered inwardly, "It''s bad enough that the Crimson Executioner is vibrating inside, but now you''re vibrating too. Are you both trying to deprive me of peace?"


    He couldn''t do anything, so he ignored the cocoon, allowing the little silkworm to break free from the cocoon inside the White Pagoda on its own.


    After a moment, he stood up again, his gaze returning to calmness. "Sorry for the interruption. Shall we continue?"


    The three then continued moving forward.


    As they walked past this vast corridor, they stopped seeing any more murals. Instead, a spacious tform appeared ahead. At the forefront of the tform hung various types of heads. As many years had passed by, the spiritual energy in these skulls had long since dissipated. Yet, they were obviously once very powerful demonic beasts.


    This should be the Blue Dragon''s loot.


    Among these arrayed skulls, there was a pathway ahead. However, the pathway was extremely narrow. Hanging in front of that pathway was a corpse.


    This corpse differed from the other loot. It was dressed in an ancient-looking cloak that showed no signs of decay despite the passing of countless years, indicating its supreme quality. The figure had the head of a dragon but the body of a human, which was covered entirely in scales. A long golden-colored string was hanging from its neck.


    It had died by suicide!


    After countless years had passed, even those incredibly formidable beings from before hadpletely lost their spiritual energy. Yet, this corpse showed no signs of decay, appearing as if it was alive.


    It was rather eerie.


    Luo Yao said, "The corpse doesn''t show any signs of decay. It must have been refined using Soul Techniques and sacrificed. Be careful."


    Monk Pushan said, "With a dragon head and human body, it looks like a Jimeng in the legends."


    Chu Liang said, "Its clothes doesn''t show any sign of decay so that must be valuable..."


    The three muttered to themselves. Suddenly, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan both turned their nces at Chu Liang.


    Sensing the stares, Chu Liang hastily said, "I was just saying nonsense. Can you borate?"


    Without wasting any words, Luo Yao immediately exined, "Considering the time depicted in the murals, the fall of the Blue Dragon happened countless years ago. Yet, this body shows no signs of decay. Even the Eminent Ones, who have reached the Dao Attainment Realm, cannot achieve this. Such preservation can only ur if the body was refined and sacrificed using Soul Techniques before death. The body can only remain undecayed if its conscious soul[2] remains within the same space as the body."


    "The conscious soul is still here..." Chu Liang muttered with a frown.


    Apart from them, is there truly someone else in this cold, empty, and silent pce? Are they being watched from somewhere?


    Such thoughts sent a slight chill down his spine.


    Luo Yao turned to Monk Pushan and inquired, "What do you think the identity of this person is?"


    Monk Pushan responded, "During the prime of the dragon race, there were diverse types of dragon descendants, including the dragon-human hybrids. The main lineage among these dragon-human hybrids takes on the form of humans with dragon heads. They were considered the most intelligent lineage among all draconic descendants and had made significant contributions to the dragon race. The Dragon God bestowed upon this lineage the name Jimeng."


    "It was during that time when the True Dragon would recruit draconic descendants as their attendants. To the draconic descendants, this was considered the utmost honor. During that era, Jimeng was the most favored type of attendants and would often serve beside the throne of every True Dragon."


    Monk Pushan stared at the body and continued, "There is no doubt that this is a member of the Jimeng n and is most likely the Blue Dragon''s servant."


    "I see..." Chu Liang nodded. He then said, "But we have already made it here. We can''t go back. Even if a Jimeng is currently guarding here in the form of a conscious soul, we have to continue advancing."


    "Yes." Luo Yao agreed with Chu Liang, saying, "Let''s go with the flow."


    With this, the three gently bowed to the corpse of the dragon servant and went around it, stepping into the narrow passageway.


    This time, there were no murals on either side of the wall. Instead, the walls were made of smooth, polished, glistening ck jade material. As the passageway was very narrow, the three could only proceed single-file.


    They continued advancing with the guys on both sides and the girl in the center.[3]


    The passageway was eerily quiet, devoid of even the slightest sound of the wind. They could only hear the sound of their footsteps echoing in unison.


    There were no abnormalities.


    The passageway was very long and they walked for a very long time. It was such a long time that Chu Liang felt as though if he walked to the end of the pathway and looked up, he would see Mount Shu.


    Nevertheless, the three remained patient.


    Remaining calm andposed was a crucial trait, especially in times of danger lurking in the surroundings.


    Suddenly!


    Chu Liang noticed something wrong.


    The walls on both sides were made of ck jade, resembling blurry mirrors that faintly reflected their silhouettes... Even though they were blurry, the number of silhouettes could be easily counted.


    But when he nced sideways just now, he saw four distinct silhouettes on the wall to the right.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    He had no idea how long the shadow had been silently trailing behind them. Despite having spread out their divine senses, they hadn''t sensed its presence at all, which showed how eerie the situation was.


    The fourth shadow remained elusive to their divine senses, likely visible only to the naked eye.


    But any attempt by Chu Liang to look back might alert the shadow. So, instead, he quickly nced to the left and counted.


    Yet, there were only three silhouettes reflected on the left.


    <i>Eh? What''s going on?</i>


    1. In the ssic Chinese novel "Water Margin, there is a character named Wu Song who uses the term "È÷¼Ò" (s¨£ ji¨¡), which means this humble one, quite frequently. Wu Song is a famous character known for his strength and courage and his use of "È÷¼Ò" reflects his rough and straightforward demeanor. This is the vibe the author is trying to convey. ?


    2. Previously fresh soul. Term changed to conscious soul, as in the soul that still has their consciousness and rationality. Just thought this to be more fitting. ?


    3. Let me show you how the author described this formation. He used the word ¡°æÕ¡± and ÄÐ means male while Å® means female. Lolz. So the guys on both sides and the girl in the center. I am Dead. ?

 Chapter 239: It Said Yes

    <h4>Chapter 239: It Said Yes</h4>


    But was it three or four? Chu Liang had no idea.


    Chu Liang couldn''t nce to the right again. For some existences, constant gazes might still alert them.


    He had a million thoughts running through his mind.


    Suddenly, everything changed. It had only been a moment since he noticed the eerie shadow, yet he had already made up his mind.


    He abruptly shouted, "Be careful!"


    As he spoke, he released a burst of green light!


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Razor Leaf!


    For stealth attacks, the Razor Leaf was always Chu Liang''s first choice. Although he raised his hand and was throwing forward, the green light shed and struck the wall behind Monk Pushan.


    The trajectory of the Razor Leaf waspletely unpredictable.


    Even ghosts couldn''t predict the trajectory, let alone humans.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    As the green curved saber embedded itself in the wall behind the fourth ck shadow, a crisp sound, like the tearing of silk fabric, resonated.


    This was the result Chu Liang had expected. When the ck shadow appeared on the left but not on the right, it suggested that it wasn''t a reflection. It was on the wall!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhh¡ª</i>" A furious scream erupted from the wall, indicating it had been hurt. Then, the ck shadow vanished into the wall.


    By then, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan naturally noticed the dark silhouette as well.


    However, they weren''t weaklings.


    In an instant turn of events, Monk Pushan, being the one closest to the scene, swiftly reacted to the unexpected change, unleashing a devastatingly powerful attack.


    With a flick of his wrist, he thrust his palm forward, conjuring a three-chi tall white jade palm print that mmed into the ck wall with tremendous force, shattering it into countless pieces.


    Yet, Monk Pushan''s strike missed its mark. The dark silhouette had vanished without a trace.


    Where they weren''t noticing, an eerie shadow of a dragon''s head and body materialized beneath Luo Yao''s feet, seemingly lying t on the ground.


    The shadow, dressed in the ancient-style cloak, had the head of a dragon and body of a human. It looked identical to the corpse of that dragon servant!


    As its body materialized, it suddenly stretched out its hand and grabbed Luo Yao by the ankle, clearly about to drag her underground!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    However, as it grabbed Luo Yao, another hand swiftly caught it.


    It turned out that Luo Yao had opened her red paper umbre.


    Of the three present, Luo Yao was the most skilled at controlling ghosts, and she was the only one who had sensed this ghost''s movements.


    This was her area of expertise.


    Luo Yao had already predicted its movement and decided to use herself as bait to lure it into action. Simultaneously, she opened her red umbre.


    The entire space was instantly filled with a killing and bloodlusting aura.


    "<i>Heh...</i>" An icy cold sneer sounds.


    The small ghost child bent down and grabbed the wrist of the ghost dragon servant with his small hand, while the corner of his mouth curved into a sneer.


    The ghost dragon servant seemed to have felt fear as it shed and attempted to disappear again.


    Nevertheless, the ghost kid stood up and pulled with all his might!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    He forcefully dragged the ghost dragon servant out from the floor.


    Chu Liang felt his eyebrows quiver.


    He had seen this ghost kid before and knew this kid was fierce. However, he hadn''t seen this kid for a while. It was only now that he realized that this kid had grown fiercer. This caught him off guard.


    The ghost dragon servant had remained here for a long time. It was ancient and powerful. Yet, in the grasp of the ghost kid, it seemed like nothing more than a toy!


    The ghost kid seized the ghost dragon servant with both hands and seemed to be ready to tear it apart!


    "Don''t kill it yet!" Chu Liang suddenly shouted.


    "Stop!" Luo Yao immediately shouted.


    As the shout echoed through the air, the ghost kid''s arms froze in mid-action. His smile vanished, reced by a look of unhappiness. Nevertheless, he obediently turned toward Luo Yao, awaiting her next instruction.


    Chu Liang had asked the ghost kid to stop as he sensed that the ghost dragon servant wasn''t emanating very strong hostility.


    Even before Chu Liang initiated any attack on the ghost dragon servant, it had been following them for some time without making any hostile moves.


    As Chu Liang stared at the ghost dragon servant held by the short ghost kid, he inquired, "Are you the guard stationed here?"


    The dragon spirit nced at him, its eyes betraying a mix of emotions. After a moment, it let out a soft roar, "<i>Raaar...</i>"


    The ghost dragon servant emitted low, rumbling dragon chants.


    Sometimes, a single sound would contain vast amounts of information. Chu Liang was the only one who could decipher this sound and the trantion of the roar automatically appeared in his mind.


    "He says... he is a ghost dragon servant serving under the Blue Dragon and volunteered to be sacrificed and have his soul be refined so that he can remain here forever as a conscious soul[1] to guard the Blue Dragon''s Orb. He warns that any non-draconic descendants entering this ce would face death for sure," Chu Liang tranted the information for everyone.


    "<i>Oh</i>, it''s the Living Sacrifice Ritual," Luo Yao immediately said.


    This was an evil sacrificial ritual practiced during ancient times, often urring in certain tombs.


    If the ghost dragon servant wanted to guard the Blue Dragon''s tomb, he would only be able to do so for a few centuries until the end of his lifespan. However, by sacrificing himself using this Living Sacrifice Ritual, his soul would retain its intelligence and perpetually guard this location.


    In the great tombs during ancient times, the position of tomb guardian would be passed down, and asionally, this type of Living Sacrifice Ritual would take ce.


    Chu Liang then asked again, "Then can I enter?"


    "<i>Roarrr...</i>" The ghost dragon servant emitted low, rumbling roars again.


    The message rang out in Chu Liang''s mind.


    ¡ªSince you possess the bloodline of a True Dragon, you are naturally permitted to enter. Inside lies the location where our Lord, the Blue Dragon, stores its Dragon Orb. Our Lord, the Blue Dragon, wishes to bestow this orb upon a new draconic descendant to revive the glory of the dragon race. If you inherit the Dragon Orb belonging to our esteemed Blue Dragon, you must heed its final instruction... Dragons must never approach the sacred burial ground!


    Chu Liang pondered in silence for a while.


    The Dragon Orb served as the source of power for a True Dragon, often considered the greatest treasure they could leave behind after their death. Typically, True Dragons would choose to pass down the Dragon Orb to their descendants or kin, thereby preserving their power and legacy.


    It was still a mystery how the Blue Dragon met its demise without even having the chance to pass on its orb.


    Regarding the Blue Dragon''s final request, Chu Liang was left feeling confused.


    <i>What is the sacred burial ground? Could this be the Divine Ruins from the legends? </i>Chu Liang pondered. <i>What kind of power resides there that even beings like the Blue Dragon would fear? </i>


    When Monk Pushan noticed Chu Liang lost in silent contemtion, he asked out of curiosity, "What did this lengthy chant convey?"


    Chu Liang replied simply, "It said yes."


    ...


    Monk Pushan''s thoughts wandered as he pondered the implications. <i>Could it be that in thenguage of the dragon race, the more they speak, the less they truly convey?</i>


    He pondered further.<i> Does this imply that I am considered taciturn among the dragon race?</i>


    After Chu Liang dismissed him with just one word, Luo Yao released the dragon servant ghost, and the three continued their journey.


    As they continued walking, Chu Liang sensed something amiss again.


    He sensed some strange movements in the White Pagoda.


    As he immersed a portion of his divine sense into the White Pagoda, he was immediately greeted by a fluttering golden light within the space.


    Remnants of the golden cocoony scattered across the floor, a clear indication that the little silkworm had indeed emerged from its cocoon.


    As the golden light in the air swiftly caught sight of him, it immediately flew towards him, exuding a sense of familiarity and intimacy.


    Chu Liang stretched his hand out and a golden butterflynded on his palm.


    Upon closer inspection, Chu Liang realized that this butterfly looked markedly different from ordinary ones. Its entire body was adorned with intricate patterns, and the soft, chubby appearance hinted at remnants of its initial maggot form. Its body now emitted a soft tinum radiance,plemented by a pair ofrge golden wings.


    It actually emerged from the cocoon as a butterfly!


    The golden butterfly appeared very anxious, continuously swirling atop Chu Liang''s palm in an attempt to convey its emotions.


    It wanted to get out.


    Chu Liang recalled the golden butterfly''s ability to hunt for treasure and wondered if it had sensed the presence of some hidden treasure.


    He wanted to keep the golden butterfly there, but he noticed it bing increasingly agitated, flying up and down as if it might tear the house apart if it remained in the White Pagoda. Given its destructive potential, there was a high chance it would damage his belongings.


    Everything stored in the White Pagoda was very much cherished by Chu Liang, especially the two Large-Headed Dolls who practiced dual cultivation every night. He absolutely couldn''t bear any mishaps happening to these dolls.


    And so, with a flick of his wrist, Chu Liang took out the butterfly.


    A burst of golden light flew from Chu Liang''s palm, catching Monk Pushan''s attention. He quickly inquired, "What''s that?"


    "It''s my spirit pet," replied Chu Liang. "It can hunt for treasure and will lead us to it." He paused for a moment before adding, "Follow closely."


    <i>If we don''t stick close, the treasure it finds might end up not being ours.</i>


    As they followed the streak of golden light, they sped along until they abruptly found themselves entering another vast open space.


    The space was incredibly vast, with a pitch-ck dome stretching endlessly overhead. Directly ahead stood towering and massive coiling dragon pirs.


    This architectural style was greatly favored by dragons. For beings of immense dragon-like form, these coiling pirs served as their thrones.


    This should be the main hall of the Blue Dragon.


    With a quick nce, they watched as the golden light flew unhesitatingly towards the top of the coiling dragon pir, and Chu Liang swiftly followed suit.


    As they continued flying to the very top of the coiling dragon pir, they discovered a waist-height stone tform. On the tform, there was a square stone box adorned with carvings of the Blue Dragon.


    <i>Is the Dragon Orb hidden here?</i>


    Chu Liang examined the stone box from all angles and realized that there were no openings. There was simply no way for him to open it.. When he attempted to lift the stone box and take it away, he realized it was firmly lodged into the coiling dragon pir beneath. A powerful force bound them together, making it impossible to separate them.


    <i>How do I even remove this?</i>


    After the golden butterfly flew up the coiling dragon pir, it disappeared.


    <i>Is this stone box not its target? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    As Chu Liang puzzled over the situation, shouts echoed from the entrance of the main hall. Faintly, he heard the cries of the dragon servant ghost.


    Panic immediately gripped the three of them.


    "The people from the diabolical sects are here!"


    1. Previously fresh soul. Now conscious soul, as in a soul that still has consciousness and rationality ?

 Chapter 240: Mine Isnt That Round

    <h4>Chapter 240: Mine Isn''t That Round</h4>


    <i>Shit,</i> Chu Liang cursed inwardly.


    <i>If everything''s as it should be, that means the legendary Blue Dragon''s Orb[1] is in this small stone box. But I don''t know how to open it. That ghost dragon servant''s to me. It could have conveyed a lot of information with just one roar, but it kept rambling about some nonsense...</i>


    <i>Why didn''t it just tell me how to open this box?!</i>


    <i>And now, it''s impossible for me to go back and ask that. I don''t even know if it''s still alive. Enchantress Liu and Master Mu don''t have the aura of a True Dragon, so the ghost dragon servant will try to stop them. However, they won''t be as merciful as me.</i>


    <i>What are we going to do?</i>


    <i>If those two monsters charge in here, the three of us definitely won''t be a match for them. But we can''t take the stone box. The Coiling-Dragon Pir is ridiculously enormous; it''s impossible to uproot it.</i>


    <i>I can''t think of any solutions right now.</i>


    <i>Will we end up having to cup our hands together submissively and yield to them?</i>


    <i>The greatest treasure of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm is right in front of me. I''ll be in for a world of hurt if I can''t take it with me.</i>


    Seeing Chu Liang lost in his thoughts, Monk Pushan called out urgently, "Chu Liang! Move!"


    Chu Liang''s heart ached at the thought of leaving the treasure behind. Nevertheless, he turned around without the slightest hesitation and flew toward the exit at the other end.


    Humans often desired the unattainable, much like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. So, it was natural for Chu Liang to covet treasures. If he couldn''t obtain them, it just meant it wasn''t in his destiny to do so.


    Monk Pushan and Luo Yao, on the other hand, had no idea that the stone box contained a Dragon Orb. They just thought it was some strange box. Nheless, even if they knew it contained treasure, they wouldn''t think much of it.


    The trio flew out swiftly, escaping through the exit on the other end of therge hall.


    Ahead of them was another extremely long and narrow passageway. The trio flew for a long time without hearing any sounds behind them.


    Chu Liang knew that the two monsters might get dyed by the stone box. After all, they''d opened the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm to search for the treasures thaty within it. Their target might very well have been the Dragon Orb to begin with, so they wouldn''t just pass by the stone box.


    This was good news for the trio though. It meant that the two monsters wouldn''t be in such a rush to chase after them, allowing them to avoid the two monsters easily.


    The Blue Dragon''s Secret Realm was so vast; just how long did they have to stay in hiding for?


    However, if the two monsters were to get their hands on the Dragon Orb, it might give them control over the entire hidden realm. In that case, they might not even need to search for the trio; they would be able to sense the trio''s presence and catch them straight away.


    The trio would truly be doomed then, with no path to the heavens and no door into the earth[2].


    Chu Liang was deeply worried about that. Then he saw a patch of daylight shining in from overhead. There was a massive gaping hole in the ceiling of the passageway, a split in the sealed skeleton.


    The trio flew out and looked down at the skeleton. It turned out that the evil dragon had been split in two at the waist. This was probably the site of the fatal wound that led to its death.


    Despite having traveled for so long, the trio had only traversed through half of the evil dragon''s corpse. It was easy to imagine how enormous the evil dragon had been during its lifetime.


    The trio left the memorial. Their current location was far from where they had encountered the Vampire Bat-Dragons. Moreover, without the Enchantress Liu and Master Mu on their heels, the trio could take the time to cautiously explore the area without attracting the attention of the draconic demonic beasts in their surroundings.


    Just as the trio entered the jungle, Chu Liang suddenly gasped inwardly.


    <i>Did I forget something?</i>


    <i>What happened to that little golden butterfly that just emerged from its cocoon?</i>


    ...


    "What''s this?" Enchantress Liu asked.


    She stood gracefully on the Coiling-Dragon Pir, tucking her hair back with a look of anticipation.


    Master Mu''s gaze was fully focused on the stone box as he caressed it very great affectionately with both hands.


    He answered casually, "This is an enchanted tool with a locking mechanism that the ancient dragons made. The enchanted formations engraved on it are simple, but Heavenly Law is concealed within them. Their workmanship is vastly superior to those of mortals."


    Enchantress Liu asked another question. "Will the Blue Dragon''s Orb be inside?"


    Master Mu sounded even more nonchnt as he replied, "We''ll know once we open the box."


    "Once we have the Blue Dragon''s Orb, we''ll havemand over the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. The countless draconic descendants and treasures of nature will be ours. Then we can choose a secluded ce for cultivation."


    "We?" Master Mu turned and shot her a nce. "Didn''t we agree on a sixty-forty split between you and me? Don''t worry. I won''t take more than what we agreed on. Your sect, the Dark King Sect, is too powerful. I do not dare to take more than what''s my share."


    "Oh..." Enchantress Liu uttered as she leaned over to Master Mu, pressing her body against his. She ced her hand gently on the stone box and whispered in Master Mu''s ear, "I''ll give all of this to you... I''ll give myself to you too. How about that?"


    "You''re blocking my view," Master Mu said, thoughtlessly pushing Enchantress Liu''s hand away.


    Enchantress Liu frowned, feeling a little angry. "You¡ª"


    "I know about your romantic affairs. You''ve had over twenty lovers from diabolical sects, but they''re all dead now." Master Mu injected his foundational qi into the stone box, slowly probing it. "You said you''ll give all of this to me, what you really meant is that you want to take all of it for yourself."


    "I didn''t kill them!" Enchantress Liu eximed, her eyes widening in shock. She froze for a moment before adding, "Well, not all of them."


    Enchantress Liu added inwardly, <i>The Southern-Route Guider''s death wasn''t my doing.</i>


    "Regardless, you''re as vicious as snakes and scorpions. There''s no way I would dare to touch you. This time, you used my skills to open it, and I used your key to enter the hidden realm. Let''s call it a fair trade. I just hope you''ll keep your promise."


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" Enchantress Liu snorted coldly.


    Seeing how Master Mu was so engrossed in studying the enchanted formation inscriptions on the stone box, Enchantress Liu reckoned that he wouldn''t even notice if someone snuck up and attacked him from behind. She really wanted to try doing that.


    Nevertheless, since the box hadn''t been opened yet, she still needed this man''s skills.


    After a while, Enchantress Liu asked impatiently, "Can you open it or not?"


    "I can," Master Mu answered confidently.


    Enchantress Liu pursed her lips, keeping mum. After all, she had never met a man who said he couldn''t do something. Nheless, the truth would eventually reveal itself.


    Master Mu seemed to be an exception though. After a while, he started circting his qi at a maddening pace, and green steam rose from the bones in his limbs!


    With great effort, he managed to unravel the enchanted formations. Without unraveling the enchanted formations first, it was likely that even a seventh-realm Eminent One wouldn''t be able to open this stone box with brute force.


    A momentter, white light shone out from the stone box!


    A breath that seemed to have been sealed for tens of thousands of years, going as far back as the ancient primordial times, escaped from the stone box. The box had opened a crack!


    "Open!" Master Mu shouted and pried the box open with his hands!


    Harsh bright light burst out of the box, but the two monsters didn''t even let themselves blink. They looked inside the box with intense excitement.


    Even to diabolical cultivators of their caliber, the hidden realm of an ancient True Dragon was an incredible ce. And now, they were about to possess that realm. How could they not be excited? How could they not be overjoyed?!


    When the light finally dissipated, they saw that inside the stone box was a round... ck hole.


    They were stunned.


    After a long silence, Enchantress Liu reached inside the box and felt around, concluding that the box was indeed empty.


    She looked at Master Mu. "What''s going on?"


    Enchantress Liu''s initial reaction was to suspect that this guy had done something sneaky while he was opening the stone box!


    However, Master Mu was just as surprised. He probed the hole with his divine sense, checking it more deeply than Enchantress Liu had done. Master Mu swiftly reached a conclusion as to what had happened.


    He exined, "Someone made a hole that starts at the bottom end of the stone pir and extends all the way up here. They took the content of the box and left... How did they do that?"


    Master Mu was even more astonished than Enchantress Liu. He was well aware that the Coiling-Dragon Pir had been made with an extremely solid material.


    <i>Just how incredible was this person''s cultivation prowess that they managed to dig their way through the pir?</i>


    ...


    <i>What about the little golden butterfly?</i>


    Just as Chu Liang had that thought, a beam of dazzling golden light approached him from behind.


    It turned out that the little golden butterfly had been following right behind Chu Liang all along.


    <i>But...</i>


    Chu Liang looked at the little golden butterfly and thought that there was something really strange about it.


    The little golden butterfly looked bloated, its belly bulging because of the round object inside. Its originally fleshy white body had distended so much that it was now reduced to just a thin membrane wrapped around the object. The little golden butterfly looked just like a snake that had swallowed an elephant.


    The spherical object inside its belly shed constantly. With that luminous golden light shining through the little golden butterfly''s thin white membrane, the little golden butterfly looked like arge firefly as it flew over to Chu Liang.


    "Is that your spirit pet?" Monk Pushan asked.


    "<i>Mm</i>..." Chu Liang uttered hesitantly.


    <i>I really want to say that my spirit pet isn''t that round.</i>


    <i>This glutton.</i>


    <i>If I''m not mistaken, it seems to have swallowed the Blue Dragon''s Orb.</i>


    <i>How on earth did it manage to do that?!</i>


    1. GT wanted Dragonball. ?


    2. Basically saying that they have no way to escape, even by flying or digging into the earth. ?

 Chapter 242: Hush Money

    <h4>Chapter 242: Hush Money</h4>


    Enchantress Liu departed this world peacefully.


    ...


    When she heard Chu Liang say that he wouldn''t need to use the Dragon Orb to kill her, her first reaction was anger.


    Even though she would usually seduce people with her beauty, she was still a powerful cultivator at the sixth realm. There was no doubt that she would have her own pride.


    And when she heard that an insignificant being with lower cultivation level wouldn''t need the Dragon Orb to kill her, she thought it was absurd.


    <i>If it wasn''t because of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, do you think you would even be qualified enough to boast in front of me? </i>Enchantress Liu thought.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Enchantress Liu sneered and said, "Give it a try then."


    She had injured herself when she used the blood shield, but after a brief regtion of her breathing, she somewhat recovered.


    At this moment, she activated all of her cultivation energy, and a radiant glow emanated from her body.


    However, Enchantress Liu still retained some rationality. Through their first two interactions, she realized that the young man in front was extremely cunning, which was why she had not justunched a direct attack.


    She was worried that it might be some trap awaiting her.


    He imed he didn''t need the Dragon Orb, but would he truly stick to his words? What if this was just another ploy to lure her into a trap?


    However, Chu Liang didn''t move at all.


    When someone makes you feel like they might have a trap, but they actually didn''t have any trap at all, that in itself could be a trap.


    Enchantress Liu found herself trapped between reality and deception. Chu Liang''s boastful words deterred her fromunching a direct attack, prompting her to await Chu Liang''s next move.


    As she directed her qi towards Chu Liang, another curse descended upon her.


    Luo Yao was stealthily approaching from the peak of the hill.


    While she was still afar, she pointed at Enchantress Liu.


    She used the Immortal Art: Five Labors and Seven Injuries!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    There was no way to avoid this curse. Enchantress Liu immediately felt the effect of this immortal art. If this curse was to befall upon Luo Yao and the others at the same realm as her, it would be powerful enough to make them lose all theirbat strength.


    Yet, when the curse descended upon Enchantress Liu, it merely made her injuries more severe.


    "<i>Ugh...</i>" Enchantress Liu grumbled and detected Luo Yao''s presence with her divine sense.


    She almost forgot that this dude had helpers.


    But ackey''s helper is also ackey. What significant difference would that make?


    Enchantress Liu was intimidated by the Dragon Orb in Chu Liang''s hand.


    However, if it were Luo Yao, a cultivator at the fourth realm, there would be nothing to fear.


    Immediately, she transformed into a radiant stream of blood, hurtling towards Luo Yao, who was halfway up the mountain! If she could capture Luo Yao, she could use her as leverage to force the young man into opening the hidden realm and allowing her to escape. That was her n.


    However, as she approached the area, she suddenly felt her cultivation energy being suppressed once again.


    It was the Forbidden Ground!


    This was one of Luo Yao''s shamanic techniques.


    Chu Liang had experienced this before and could only dodge with his physical strength back then. But when Enchantress Liu encountered this, she felt her cultivation energy being suppressed, but it did not entirely prevent her from using any techniques.


    This was the advantage brought by the opponent''s significantly higher cultivation level. In situations where there was a fundamental disparity in strength, the weaker cultivator''s divine skills and techniques would greatly diminish in effect on their target.


    But no matter how much the effect has been weakened, it would still exist.


    At this moment, a huge fist mmed down from the sky! It wasn''t affected by the Forbidden Ground. The punchnded on Enchantress Liu!


    As Enchantress Liu effortlessly deflected the fist with a raise of her hand, an onught of negative emotions and thoughts bombarded her mind. Waves of sadness, bitterness, grief, and resentment crashed against her consciousness.


    This strike was obviously done by Monk Pushan, who had been waiting at the side for a very long time. Using the Transcendent Dharma Mirror, he entered the Forbidden Ground. This was a coordinated effort between him and Luo Yao, each employing their respective techniques. Upon entering the Forbidden Ground, he unleashed a Forbidden Hand Technique of the Buddhist sect, a skill he had mastered for this mission.


    It was the Maelstrom Misery Fist!


    In the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, these rather dark divine techniques were referred to as Forbidden Hand Techniques, not because they were weak, but because they were excessively powerful. Such techniques would unleash immense power and result in extensive injuries and fatalities, which contradicted Buddhist principles.


    As Enchantress Liu felt the punch, she experienced a surge of anxiety and frustration that was difficult to suppress in the moment. Her mental state was profoundly affected.


    Although not severely injured, she sensed a gradual weakening overtaking her.


    Her gaze turned cold as she stared at the two in front of her. Suddenly, she raised both her hands.


    She intended to use the renowned Blood-Controlling Technique of the Scarlet-Robe Hall.


    She was confident that she could drain all their blood and transform them into dry corpses in the blink of an eye!


    <i>Puff!</i>


    With a deafening roar, bursts of blood-red blossoms erupted across the sky.


    Yet Luo Yao and Monk Pushan weren''t the ones that had exploded. It was Enchantress Liu.


    Unlike the intricate divine skills previously witnessed, this technique incorporatedyers of thunder talismans. As the attack emanated the sword qi of a golden dragon, it whistled through the air and instantly sted Enchantress Liu to death.


    It was simple and straightforward!


    This was the disparity in power. Once the foundational qi reached a certain level, even the easiest method could achieve the desired effect.


    It was an explosive kill!


    The sword qi of the Crimson Executioner spread far and wide, nearly scraping the entire hill! Chu Liang understood why it was disying such excitement. Since he joined the White-Bone Hall, the Crimson Executioner had been suppressing this urge, and now it finally had the chance to unleash it!


    It was as though a volcano erupted!


    The series of earlier attacks were just a part of the n devised by the trio. While Luo Yao and Monk Pushanunched sudden attacks to distract Enchantress Liu, Chu Liang prepared to unleash the most powerful killing technique, aiming to strike down Enchantress Liu in a single blow!


    For a figure like Enchantress Liu, if Chu Liang had directly used the Crimson Executioner, it naturally would not have achieved such a sessful oue.


    While she was engaged in attacking someone else, she would still be in defensive mode. However, even if she had extended her divine sense outward at that very moment, she wouldn''t have been able to react. The brief second of dy was just what was needed to defeat such a powerful expert using the Crimson Executioner.


    When Luo Yao and Monk Pushannded on the ground, they felt their qi and blood shifting and they were severely injured. Blood trickled from their eyes, mouth, ears, nose, and all meridians of their body, instantly transforming them into two terrifying figures soaked in blood.


    Enchantress Liu had already activated her divine skill. Although the effectsted for a brief moment, the effect already felt overwhelming. If Chu Liang had unleashed the strike a second slower, they would have died!


    This showcased the terror of an Eminent One at the sixth realm of cultivation.


    While your divine technique or immortal art might only have minimal effects on her, her divine skills would wreak havoc if you were to face them.


    "Hurry, infuse this into your bloodstream. It will speed up your recovery," Chu Liang said urgently as he handed them two Dragon-Blood Crystals.


    The twoplied, immediately sitting cross-legged and regting their breathing on the spot.


    While this happened, Chu Liang extended his divine sense around and started searching. Eventually, he found a blood jade bracelet on the field.


    This was a valuable item left behind by Enchantress Liu, most likely a high-grade enchanted tool capable of storing items. Inside, one could expect to find all of Enchantress Liu''s life possessions.


    ...


    After some time, Luo Yao and Monk Pushanpleted regting their breathing. Though full recovery was impossible, they managed to stabilize their injuries. With no more enemies around, they could naturally take their time to recuperate.


    As they opened their eyes, they found Chu Liang approaching them, pushing two enchanted tools their way.


    In addition to the blood jade bracelet they had just picked up, there was also an old-fashioned ck pendant, made of a material that appeared neither like wood nor jade, which belonged to Master Mu.


    Chu Liang handed the pendant to Monk Pushan and the blood jade bracelet to Luo Yao, stating, "These items were left behind by members of the diabolical sects. Since I''ve benefited greatly from this journey, it''s only fair to divide these among you."


    He wasn''t trying to be generous. Since their time at the Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions, Chu Liang had consistently imed the lion''s share of the loot from their undercover missions. Although he had put in the most effort, Luo Yao and Pushan''s participation in this mission was absolutely necessary. Without Luo Yao and Pushan''sbined effort in battling Enchantress Liu, he wouldn''t have had the opportunity to deliver the decisive blow.


    Chu Liang understood the principle well: hoarding wealth alone rarely leads to prosperity.


    During this journey, he had already obtained the Blue Dragon''s Orb, granting him control over the entire hidden realm¡ªa substantial reward. If he were to monopolize these additional gains, no one would be interested in an adventure with him again. If he continued chasing after these small gains, he might not find anyone willing to go on adventures with him.


    He also put some thought into distributing the spoils.


    Luo Yao belonged to the Valley of the Three Absolutes, a sect neither strictly righteous nor wholly evil. There was a higher chance that she would find items from the diabolical sects useful, which was why Chu Liang gave her Enchantress Liu''s bracelet.


    Monk Pushan, being from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, wouldn''t find items from the diabolical sects particrly useful. Considering Master Mu''s expertise in formations, there was a higher chance that his items would be useful to Pushan.


    "I feel bad." Monk Pushan scratched his bald head as he spoke. "You were the one who killed all the enemies."


    "It''s not for free," Chu Liang said with a smile. "I hope you two can do me a favor."


    "What?"


    Chu Liang''s tone turned serious as he said, "I hope that you two can keep my ownership of the Dragon Orb a secret."

 Chapter 242: Hush Money

    <h4>Chapter 242: Hush Money</h4>


    Enchantress Liu departed this world peacefully.


    ...


    When she heard Chu Liang say that he wouldn''t need to use the Dragon Orb to kill her, her first reaction was anger.


    Even though she would usually seduce people with her beauty, she was still a powerful cultivator at the sixth realm. There was no doubt that she would have her own pride.


    And when she heard that an insignificant being with lower cultivation level wouldn''t need the Dragon Orb to kill her, she thought it was absurd.


    <i>If it wasn''t because of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, do you think you would even be qualified enough to boast in front of me? </i>Enchantress Liu thought.


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Enchantress Liu sneered and said, "Give it a try then."


    She had injured herself when she used the blood shield, but after a brief regtion of her breathing, she somewhat recovered.


    At this moment, she activated all of her cultivation energy, and a radiant glow emanated from her body.


    However, Enchantress Liu still retained some rationality. Through their first two interactions, she realized that the young man in front was extremely cunning, which was why she had not justunched a direct attack.


    She was worried that it might be some trap awaiting her.


    He imed he didn''t need the Dragon Orb, but would he truly stick to his words? What if this was just another ploy to lure her into a trap?


    However, Chu Liang didn''t move at all.


    When someone makes you feel like they might have a trap, but they actually didn''t have any trap at all, that in itself could be a trap.


    Enchantress Liu found herself trapped between reality and deception. Chu Liang''s boastful words deterred her fromunching a direct attack, prompting her to await Chu Liang''s next move.


    As she directed her qi towards Chu Liang, another curse descended upon her.


    Luo Yao was stealthily approaching from the peak of the hill.


    While she was still afar, she pointed at Enchantress Liu.


    She used the Immortal Art: Five Labors and Seven Injuries!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    There was no way to avoid this curse. Enchantress Liu immediately felt the effect of this immortal art. If this curse was to befall upon Luo Yao and the others at the same realm as her, it would be powerful enough to make them lose all theirbat strength.


    Yet, when the curse descended upon Enchantress Liu, it merely made her injuries more severe.


    "<i>Ugh...</i>" Enchantress Liu grumbled and detected Luo Yao''s presence with her divine sense.


    She almost forgot that this dude had helpers.


    But ackey''s helper is also ackey. What significant difference would that make?


    Enchantress Liu was intimidated by the Dragon Orb in Chu Liang''s hand.


    However, if it were Luo Yao, a cultivator at the fourth realm, there would be nothing to fear.


    Immediately, she transformed into a radiant stream of blood, hurtling towards Luo Yao, who was halfway up the mountain! If she could capture Luo Yao, she could use her as leverage to force the young man into opening the hidden realm and allowing her to escape. That was her n.


    However, as she approached the area, she suddenly felt her cultivation energy being suppressed once again.


    It was the Forbidden Ground!


    This was one of Luo Yao''s shamanic techniques.


    Chu Liang had experienced this before and could only dodge with his physical strength back then. But when Enchantress Liu encountered this, she felt her cultivation energy being suppressed, but it did not entirely prevent her from using any techniques.


    This was the advantage brought by the opponent''s significantly higher cultivation level. In situations where there was a fundamental disparity in strength, the weaker cultivator''s divine skills and techniques would greatly diminish in effect on their target.


    But no matter how much the effect has been weakened, it would still exist.


    At this moment, a huge fist mmed down from the sky! It wasn''t affected by the Forbidden Ground. The punchnded on Enchantress Liu!


    As Enchantress Liu effortlessly deflected the fist with a raise of her hand, an onught of negative emotions and thoughts bombarded her mind. Waves of sadness, bitterness, grief, and resentment crashed against her consciousness.


    This strike was obviously done by Monk Pushan, who had been waiting at the side for a very long time. Using the Transcendent Dharma Mirror, he entered the Forbidden Ground. This was a coordinated effort between him and Luo Yao, each employing their respective techniques. Upon entering the Forbidden Ground, he unleashed a Forbidden Hand Technique of the Buddhist sect, a skill he had mastered for this mission.


    It was the Maelstrom Misery Fist!


    In the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, these rather dark divine techniques were referred to as Forbidden Hand Techniques, not because they were weak, but because they were excessively powerful. Such techniques would unleash immense power and result in extensive injuries and fatalities, which contradicted Buddhist principles.


    As Enchantress Liu felt the punch, she experienced a surge of anxiety and frustration that was difficult to suppress in the moment. Her mental state was profoundly affected.


    Although not severely injured, she sensed a gradual weakening overtaking her.


    Her gaze turned cold as she stared at the two in front of her. Suddenly, she raised both her hands.


    She intended to use the renowned Blood-Controlling Technique of the Scarlet-Robe Hall.


    She was confident that she could drain all their blood and transform them into dry corpses in the blink of an eye!


    <i>Puff!</i>


    With a deafening roar, bursts of blood-red blossoms erupted across the sky.


    Yet Luo Yao and Monk Pushan weren''t the ones that had exploded. It was Enchantress Liu.


    Unlike the intricate divine skills previously witnessed, this technique incorporatedyers of thunder talismans. As the attack emanated the sword qi of a golden dragon, it whistled through the air and instantly sted Enchantress Liu to death.


    It was simple and straightforward!


    This was the disparity in power. Once the foundational qi reached a certain level, even the easiest method could achieve the desired effect.


    It was an explosive kill!


    The sword qi of the Crimson Executioner spread far and wide, nearly scraping the entire hill! Chu Liang understood why it was disying such excitement. Since he joined the White-Bone Hall, the Crimson Executioner had been suppressing this urge, and now it finally had the chance to unleash it!


    It was as though a volcano erupted!


    The series of earlier attacks were just a part of the n devised by the trio. While Luo Yao and Monk Pushanunched sudden attacks to distract Enchantress Liu, Chu Liang prepared to unleash the most powerful killing technique, aiming to strike down Enchantress Liu in a single blow!


    For a figure like Enchantress Liu, if Chu Liang had directly used the Crimson Executioner, it naturally would not have achieved such a sessful oue.


    While she was engaged in attacking someone else, she would still be in defensive mode. However, even if she had extended her divine sense outward at that very moment, she wouldn''t have been able to react. The brief second of dy was just what was needed to defeat such a powerful expert using the Crimson Executioner.


    When Luo Yao and Monk Pushannded on the ground, they felt their qi and blood shifting and they were severely injured. Blood trickled from their eyes, mouth, ears, nose, and all meridians of their body, instantly transforming them into two terrifying figures soaked in blood.


    Enchantress Liu had already activated her divine skill. Although the effectsted for a brief moment, the effect already felt overwhelming. If Chu Liang had unleashed the strike a second slower, they would have died!


    This showcased the terror of an Eminent One at the sixth realm of cultivation.


    While your divine technique or immortal art might only have minimal effects on her, her divine skills would wreak havoc if you were to face them.


    "Hurry, infuse this into your bloodstream. It will speed up your recovery," Chu Liang said urgently as he handed them two Dragon-Blood Crystals.


    The twoplied, immediately sitting cross-legged and regting their breathing on the spot.


    While this happened, Chu Liang extended his divine sense around and started searching. Eventually, he found a blood jade bracelet on the field.


    This was a valuable item left behind by Enchantress Liu, most likely a high-grade enchanted tool capable of storing items. Inside, one could expect to find all of Enchantress Liu''s life possessions.


    ...


    After some time, Luo Yao and Monk Pushanpleted regting their breathing. Though full recovery was impossible, they managed to stabilize their injuries. With no more enemies around, they could naturally take their time to recuperate.


    As they opened their eyes, they found Chu Liang approaching them, pushing two enchanted tools their way.


    In addition to the blood jade bracelet they had just picked up, there was also an old-fashioned ck pendant, made of a material that appeared neither like wood nor jade, which belonged to Master Mu.


    Chu Liang handed the pendant to Monk Pushan and the blood jade bracelet to Luo Yao, stating, "These items were left behind by members of the diabolical sects. Since I''ve benefited greatly from this journey, it''s only fair to divide these among you."


    He wasn''t trying to be generous. Since their time at the Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions, Chu Liang had consistently imed the lion''s share of the loot from their undercover missions. Although he had put in the most effort, Luo Yao and Pushan''s participation in this mission was absolutely necessary. Without Luo Yao and Pushan''sbined effort in battling Enchantress Liu, he wouldn''t have had the opportunity to deliver the decisive blow.


    Chu Liang understood the principle well: hoarding wealth alone rarely leads to prosperity.


    During this journey, he had already obtained the Blue Dragon''s Orb, granting him control over the entire hidden realm¡ªa substantial reward. If he were to monopolize these additional gains, no one would be interested in an adventure with him again. If he continued chasing after these small gains, he might not find anyone willing to go on adventures with him.


    He also put some thought into distributing the spoils.


    Luo Yao belonged to the Valley of the Three Absolutes, a sect neither strictly righteous nor wholly evil. There was a higher chance that she would find items from the diabolical sects useful, which was why Chu Liang gave her Enchantress Liu''s bracelet.


    Monk Pushan, being from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, wouldn''t find items from the diabolical sects particrly useful. Considering Master Mu''s expertise in formations, there was a higher chance that his items would be useful to Pushan.


    "I feel bad." Monk Pushan scratched his bald head as he spoke. "You were the one who killed all the enemies."


    "It''s not for free," Chu Liang said with a smile. "I hope you two can do me a favor."


    "What?"


    Chu Liang''s tone turned serious as he said, "I hope that you two can keep my ownership of the Dragon Orb a secret."

 Chapter 243: All of You, Kneel

    <h4>Chapter 243: All of You, Kneel</h4>


    When Chu Liang requested for Pushan and Luo Yao to keep the fact that he possessed the Blue Dragon''s Orb a secret, he was, of course, not asking them to lie to their sect elders. That wasn''t a realistic request.


    Chu Liang just hoped that the people who woulde to know about this matter would be limited to a small number among the higher-ups of their three sects. He didn''t want this information about him to be spread any further than that.


    The Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm was immensely significant to the world. Once the news of its discovery spread, <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> would surely release an article about it. Then the whole world would know about it too.


    The situation would then be like the saying, ¡°An ordinary man is innocent, but if they possessed a treasured jade ring, they would be a wanted criminal.¡±[1]


    Chu Liang''s cultivation level wasn''t that high. If news were to get out that he had obtained the Blue Dragon''s Orb, it was likely that many people, with good and bad intentions, would try to get close to him in hopes of getting him to spit out the Dragon Orb.


    Some might even force him to spit it out, just like how he''d forced the little golden butterfly to do it. The saying "You reap what you sow" might very well apply to Chu Liang in this case.


    That''s why Chu Liang made that request.


    Luo Yao nodded and immediately agreed, "Sure."


    She was fairly ustomed to witnessing others using shady methods, perhaps due to her background. From her perspective, if Chu Liang were worried that they would leak information about this matter, he could have silenced them by killing them while they were tending to their injuries earlier! That was what Enchantress Liu and Master Mu had tried to do, and it might even be the safest choice for Chu Liang.


    Luo Yao was lost in her thoughts for a moment.


    Noticing this, Chu Liang responded to her unsaid concerns. "Miss Luo, I''ve never been worried that you would leak the information."


    Monk Pushan frowned. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Feeling a little like his righteous character was being doubted, Pushan''s bald head moved up and down without the slightest hesitation. "Rest assured, Young Hero Chu. Since I''ve benefited from this, I will, of course, keep my mouth shut like a closed bottle."


    Chu Liang nodded with a smile.


    <i>You''d better.</i>


    The trio had formed a deep bond after spending this short time undercover together. Chu Liang chose to trust that they would keep their promises.


    Just as their negotiations ended, a booming crack rang out from the sky! It sounded as if the sky was being ripped open!


    The Dragon Orb inside Chu Liang shed, indicating that an enemy had charged into the hidden realm! The draconic descendants with keen senses let out terrified cries!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A ball of fire descended from the sky and crashed into a nearby mountain, causing the mountain to crumble. The trio watched as the mountain disintegrated. Just like that, its existence was erased from the hidden realm.


    Debris fell all over them like rain.


    The ball of fire gradually subsided and transformed into wings of fire that spread open behind a tall woman. She was covered in mes and wore a fierce expression.


    The woman shouted, "Where''s my disciple?"


    "Esteemed Teacher, I''m right here," Chu Liang was trembling as he stood up hurriedly. "You almost crushed me to death..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Di Nufeng shifted her gaze to the front. Upon seeing that it was indeed Chu Liang and that he was unscathed, she gradually withdrew all the mes covering her body.


    Di Nufeng sighed in relief and said, "I thought you were in a life-threatening crisis."


    "Things did get pretty bad earlier, but fortunately, I had the help of my friends. We defeated the diabolical cultivators together."


    Di Nufeng shifted her gaze to Luo Yao and Pushan and smiled. "We''ve met before, right? You''re both really good kids."


    Luo Yao and Monk Pushan quickly stood up. Their eyes were filled with rm and fear as they bowed respectfully to Di Nufeng.


    After seeing someone nearly crush three people to death just bynding, it would be hard for anyone not to revere her, especially if they''re one of those three people.


    Right then, something else appeared through the rip in the sky that Di Nufeng had made. A beam of light descended andnded swiftly. It then transformed into a young monk dressed in a white robe.


    He appeared to be around the same age as Monk Pushan, but his profound andpassionate gaze proved that he definitely wasn''t an ordinary monk.


    When Monk Pushan saw this monk, he immediately walked over.


    Monk Pushan called out, "Master."


    It turned out that this young monk was actually Monk Pushan''s teacher, Dhyana Master Shenyou[2]¡ªa renowned high monk of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, one of the sects in the Divine Nine.


    He was considered an outlier in the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. The monastery was far removed from worldly affairs, and its disciples rarely ventured into the world. Yet, Dhyana Master Shenyou liked to travel the world under the guise of various identities, leaving behind many legends of a saint appearing in the mortal realm. However, those legends originated from over a century ago. It had been some decades since Dhyana Master Shenyoust appeared in public.


    Afternding, Dhyana Master Shenyou turned toward the people before him. He smiled and bowed in greeting.


    "I have to say, you monks of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery sent someone to save lives but couldn''t even send someone who can speak. Does your sect not treat your disciples as important?" Di Nufeng said with a frown. "If we had cooperated outside, we could have broken into this hidden realm a long time ago."


    Di Nufeng had always been impatient, and encountering the unhurried Dhyana Master Shenyou had undoubtedly made her furious. She had used up a lot of energy ripping open the hidden realm alone.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Monk Pushan scratched his head andughed sheepishly. "My esteemed teacher has been practicing silent meditation for thirty years."


    Luo Yao watched herpanions reunite with their teachers and then looked up at the crack in the sky. Right then, she saw an elderly man poke out of the crack, behaving rather furtively. He was an elder from the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    The elder gestured to Luo Yao, beckoning her over. Then he disappeared as abruptly as he''d appeared, not daring to enter the hidden realm.


    Luo Yao nced over at Di Nufeng and roughly figured out why her elder was behaving so timidly.


    Di Nufeng had always been ruthless when she beat up old men.


    In theirst encounter, Di Nufeng had taken on three elders from the Valley of the Three Absolutes all by herself. Despite that, she had beaten them up so badly that they had cried out to the heavens and the earth about the great injustice they were facing.


    This was why that elder had behaved like a mouse seeing a cat when he saw Di Nufeng again.


    "Master, shall we get out of here?" Monk Pushan said.


    Dhyana Master Shenyou gave a light nod. He turned to Chu Liang and smiled. There was a deep expression in his eyes. It was as if he had figured out what Chu Liang had experienced with just one nce.


    Luo Yao and Pushan left the hidden realm with their teachers. However, the remaining teacher and disciple from Mount Shu were in no rush to leave.


    Chu Liang needed some time alone with Di Nufeng so that he could tell her in detail the events that had urred in this hidden realm. He proceeded to give her a rough ount of the perilous adventure he''d been on. Once Di Nufeng heard that Chu Liang had obtained the Blue Dragon''s Orb, she was extremely shocked.


    "You killed those two powerful diabolical cultivators and even became the master of this hidden realm?!" Di Nufeng eximed. She paused and then added, "You''ve truly proven yourself to be my disciple!"


    "Technically, I can''t be considered its master yet," Chu Liang said with a chuckle. "I have to keep training until my cultivation prowess is strong enough that I can haveplete control over this hidden realm."


    "Well, doesn''t that still mean it''s yours? It''s just that it will continue to exist here for now." Di Nufengughed jovially, patting Chu Liang on the shoulder. "This hidden realm is really valuable. Looks like I can rely on you to provide for me when I''m old and retired."


    Chu Liang smiled along with her. However, he couldn''t help but think that if she hadn''t sted that huge hole in the sky of the hidden realm, this ce would have been even more valuable.


    Fortunately, Dhyana Master Shenyou would help Chu Liang resolve this problem.


    Chu Liang and Di Nufeng left the hidden realm and returned to the valley beneath the dragon''sir.


    The vortex by the mountain rampart had disappeared quite a while ago. After Chu Liang took possession of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm wasn''t supposed to have any entrances or exits anymore, and Chu Liang was the only one with the authority to ess the hidden realm. Yet, Di Nufeng had used her brute force to st open the illusion barrier that had kept the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm concealed.


    Once Dhyana Master Shenyou saw that Chu Liang and Di Nufeng were out, he gently waved his hands, and a white light slowly filled the crack in the hidden realm''s barrier.


    Di Nufeng was an expert at destruction, but for repairs, they had to rely on this Buddhist monk who was also an Eminent One.


    All three pairs of teacher and disciple stood in the valley at a short distance from each other. Just as they were about to bid each other farewell, there was the rumble of thunder and faint waves of diabolical qi soaring into the sky.


    The group of teachers and their disciples quickly concealed themselves. They then saw a dark cloud descend from the sky with over a hundred diabolical cultivators standing on top it. At the forefront of these troops was a pale-faced General Hei Yu.


    Earlier, Master Mu and Enchantress Liu hadn''t forgotten to deal a fatal blow to General Hei Yu before they chased the three youngsters into the hidden realm. However, having spent many years in White-Bone Hall, General Hei Yu had acquired some life-saving divine skills.


    He used those skills to feign his death, barely managing to survive and escape. The first thing he did upon returning to White-Bone Hall was gather troops to seek revenge for his brothers.


    Arriving at the valley with his troops, General Hei Yu behaved blusterously, totally different from the pitiful man who had feigned his death and then fled.


    General Hei Yu shouted, "Let''s block them off here! That devious couple must not have emerged from the hidden realm yet! They dared to scheme against my Hall of Loyalty. This time, I''ve brought brothers from eight halls. Let''s see if they can kill us all!"


    It seemed that General Hei Yu had been worried that Enchantress Liu and Master Mu would run away once they''d gotten their hands on the hidden realm''s treasures. So, he''d gathered some troops with great urgency and charged back over here. Every minute counted when it came to seeking revenge.


    Unfortunately for General Hei Yu, he would never be able to meet the people he was waiting for.


    The group of diabolical cultivators surrounded the valley. There was a gloomy, eerie, and chilling atmosphere like that of an area filled with ghosts.


    A woman suddenly emerged from the valley.


    She was tall and voluptuous with breasts that looked like full moons, followed by a slender waist and long legs. This beauty, who carried an air ofnguidness, had the face of a valiant yet charming woman.


    Many pairs of eyes filled with wicked desires immediately locked onto her. Yet, this woman felt nothing.


    Under the gazes of the many diabolical cultivators, she raised her head and shouted, "Hey! All of you... kneel."


    1. In other words, everyone will go after him because they want the ring. ?


    2. Dhyana Master is a title used for a monk who is a master of meditation. Shenyou''s name could be tranted to ¡°going on a mental journey.¡± ?

 Chapter 244: Trap and Annihilate

    <h4>Chapter 244: Trap and Annihte</h4>


    General Hei Yu knelt on the ground with impable posture¡ªhis back straight, chest puffed up. With eyes wide open, he attentively followed Di Nufeng''s every movement as she paced back and forth.


    He appeared very well-behaved.


    It was no wonder he felt terrified. The woman in front of him had waddled out and nonchntly ordered them to kneel.


    Although themand carried a dominating presence, the diabolical cultivators of White-Bone Hall were fierce characters who would kill without hesitation. With their resilient and stubborn souls, they managed to hold their ground, resisting the overwhelming pressure with great effort.


    Due to his severe injuries that had yet to heal, General Hei Yu''s spirit was weaker than ever. He couldn''t resist for even a second. In a fleeting moment, his knees gave way, and he knelt down on the ground.


    As he fretted over the potential loss of respect among his men, thedy vanished.


    She appeared among the group of diabolical cultivators.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    She resembled a phoenix spreading its wings amidst the zing fire. The mes immediately consumed everyone, each touch of the fire apanied by resounding booms.


    General Hei Yu had gathered this group of people to fight against the two sixth-realm cultivators, which meant that this group of people wouldn''t be too weak. Of the eight chamber masters he had called over for help, four of them were at the sixth realm. Additionally, these chamber masters had brought along their most skilled subordinates.


    The collective strength of these people was enough to challenge a small immortal sect.


    But how long did theyst in Di Nufeng''s hands?


    A second.


    The moment Di Nufeng''s purple-golden mes emerged and engulfed everyone, resistance became futile. It was an onught thatsted only a second.


    Anyone who touched the fire died.


    Not only were the diabolical cultivators affected, but even members of the righteous path, including Chu Liang, felt such shock that their brows trembled in fear.


    This was no ordinary fire.


    This was the Samahdi True Fire!


    Even the Eminent ones who were of the same cultivation level as Di Nufeng felt themselves retreating, not to mention these diabolical cultivators. It wasn''t strange that theseckeys faced their death within an instant.


    The use of such divine fire would exhaust a great deal of foundational qi, hence why they would usually appear as a wisp or a spark. Rarely would people just unleash this fire so extravagantly as if it costs nothing.


    Chu Liang had never seen Di Nufeng exert her full strength in a fight. As far back as he could remember, she had never lost a battle. During the few times she had protected him, she had only used simple punches and kicks without applying much force[1]


    Therefore, he was amazed at this moment as well.


    Although it might be urate to say that she has exerted full strength, it was his first time witnessing her fighting with a divine skill.


    At the same time, Chu Liang felt somewhat lucky. Thankfully, killing these evil diabolical cultivators wouldn''t increase one''s bloodstained aura and negative karma. In fact, it even counted as a meritorious deed. If not, with how fast his teacher burned people to death, the sight of her would have driven the Crimson Executioner mad.


    Regardless, it all happened in the blink of an eye.


    Di Nufeng single-handedly dispelled the sinister aura that filled the sky. In an instant, the sky cleared, and the sun shone brightly.


    General Hei Yu remained kneeling on the ground, feeling a dyed surge of fear rush into his mind. If his knees had been a little stronger, he couldn''t imagine what might have happened.


    Earlier, he was concerned about losing face.


    And now, he was just d that he at least still had a face.


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Di Nufengnded on the ground and strode towards the only obedient diabolical cultivator. She fell into silence, seemingly contemting how to deal with this man.


    Chu Liang didn''t reveal himself. While he remained hidden, he said to his teacher with the use of Voice Transmission, "Esteemed Teacher, we have left the White-Bone Hall for a while. The location we remembered previously might have changed. Ask him to give you the new location."


    "<i>Oh</i>, right." When Di Nufeng heard this, she nodded and said nonchntly to General Hei Yu, "Give me the location of the White-Bone Hall and I might consider sparing your life."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" General Hei Yu''s expression changed drastically. Panicking, he said, "I can''t do that! The Hall Master has a mysterious Soul Tormentor that seems to know everything in the world. Anyone who reveals the secrets of the White-Bone Hall will never get to live!"


    "<i>Oh</i>, then you don''t get to live." Di Nufeng said as she rolled up her sleeves.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to tell you, but this... No matter what, it would mean my death. Just spare my life!" General Hei Yu begged, kowtowing repeatedly as he spoke.


    At that moment, Dhyana Master Shenyou fluttered as he moved in front of General Hei Yu with a smile. Suddenly, he locked gaze with General Hei Yu''s gaze.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Just then, a sh of white light appeared in Dhyana Master Shenyou''s eyes as he gently ced a hand on General Hei Yu''s forehead.


    General Hei Yu''s expression immediately rxed, and he slowly closed his eyes before speaking, "The White-Bone Hall''s next destination is in the Southern Regions..."


    Chu Liang observed the scene and nodded in silent acknowledgment.


    "It appears that Buddhist divine abilities do have their merits after all," Chu Liang remarked.


    ...


    At a certain location in the Southern Regions...


    The sky was cloaked in dark clouds, yet it was not raining. Gradually, the dense mass of dark clouds drifted away from the area.


    From the ground, it appeared so. However, from an aerial perspective, one would witness a golden dragon entwined with purple lightning streaking through the dark mass of clouds at high speed.


    The skull that formed the White-Bone Mountain was hidden within the dark mass of clouds.


    Just then, from afar, a sharp, piercing sound tore through the air as a massive sword beam cleaved through the white clouds, hurtling towards them! Upon the swordlight were numerous figures.


    It was a massive sword carrying countless cultivators!


    Ahead of the dark clouds, a sudden shower of golden Buddha light descended, revealing a multitude of figures descending from the sky!


    From another direction emerged arge enchanted tool resembling a beehive. Instead of bees within each dark orifice, there were cultivators.


    They were members of the Mount Shu Sect, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    The forces of the three factions simultaneously appeared, surrounding White-Bone Mountain in the center, assuming a nking position!


    It all happened so suddenly. Many of the diabolical cultivators on the White-Bone Mountain within the ck cloud had no idea what was happening.


    However, the original form of the White-Bone Mountain reacted intensely. Suddenly, divine light shot up from within the empty eye sockets of the skull, and white radiance emanated from its mouth. The ck clouds surrounding it were instantly sucked into the skull''s mouth, leaving everything around it exposed!


    When the diabolical cultivators of the White-Bone Hall, who had been moving amidst the shadow of the ck cloud, were exposed to daylight, they were extremely shocked and started to panic.


    In the next second, the divine light within the eye sockets of the skull pierced through the void, illuminating the entire sky. Then, the skull attempted to force itself into that curtain of light, emitting a series of explosive sounds.


    It wanted to break through the void and teleport away!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    At that moment, a massive sword beam from Mount Shu swept downward, sending a shudder through everyone above. The sword beam then erupted with dazzling brilliance, transforming into countless ribbons of light that pierced through the air!


    In the instant the skull squeezed into the void, the sword beam thrust into it, resulting in a deafening thunderous roar that reverberated for a thousand li!


    Because both the skull and the sword were extremely massive, they appeared to be of normal proportion in contrast.


    The immortal art: Heaven-Raising Sword!


    It pierced through the White-Bone Mountain.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    The White-Bone Mountain still disappeared in the void and the sword light flew back.


    ...


    This news story was reported in the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces in the <i>Seven Stars Gazette </i>for this month.


    For the first time, the righteous heroes discovered the location of the White-Bone Hall belonging to the Dark King Sect. The Buddhist Cloud Monastery, Mount Shu Sect, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes worked together to trap and annihte the evil force.


    In the end, the White-Bone Mountain broke through the void and fled. However, Daoist Yan from the Mount Shu Sect pierced it with a sword, causing unknown damage.


    There was another piece of news.


    The Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm had reappeared in the Ancient Dragon Lair. Enchantress Liu of the Scarlet-Robe Hall and Master Mu, a formation specialist of the diabolical sect, had seized control of this hidden realm. The two killed numerous members of the White-Bone Hall and made their escape.


    In this world, only the White-Bone Hall had suffered.


    1. Didn''t use much strength but kick someone to the air! ?

 Chapter 245: Unboxing Again

    <h4>Chapter 245: Unboxing Again</h4>


    It has been two days since Chu Liang returned to the Mount Shu Sect. Since then, he had been trying to familiarize himself with the mystical ability of the Blue Dragon''s Dragon Orb.


    He had expected that the n to trap and obliterate the White-Bone Hall would fail. With its eight hundred chambers and ten thousand members, keeping the location secret despite the most stringent efforts was nearly impossible.


    There would definitely be countermeasures in ce for dealing with such external threats.


    The massive White-Bone Mountain was like an enchanted tool that had been refined. It actually had the power to break through the void, which meant that it had the potential to be ssified in the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    Clearly, the White-Bone Hall had always kept this trump card hidden.


    The encirclement and attack mission by the three immortal sects couldn''t be considered aplete failure, as they seeded in uncovering this life-saving measure of the White-Bone Hall. In any future attacks on the White-Bone Hall, they would be able to devise more suitable tactics.


    In battles involving suchrge-scale forces, delivering a fatal strike was exceedingly challenging. It often necessitated repeated struggles, with each side pressuring the other to reveal a trump card or tactic. This exchange would continue back and forth until the final oue was determined.


    The ongoing conflict between the righteous path and the diabolical sect hassted for so many years, so it was nothing strange.


    The White-Bone Hall hadn''t retreated without receiving any damage. The Heaven-Raising Sword unleashed by Daoist Yan had undoubtedly dealt severe damage to the White-Bone Mountain.


    Through the bond between the three spies, the Mount Shu Sect, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes also formed a peculiar connection. Despite not having interacted much before, working together on this operation helped them understand each other better. It was as if they were forming alliances.


    Of course, there was no formal alliance, just mutual goodwill being exchanged. For example, regarding the matter of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, both the Buddhist Cloud Monastery and the Valley of the Three Absolutes cooperated by remaining silent.


    However, someone had anonymously leaked the information to the news, and now rumors were spreading that Enchantress Liu and Master Mu had escaped with the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    As for General Hei Yu, who was held captive, he suddenly died a dayter.


    General Hei Yu''s im about the Soul Tormentor that belonged to the Elder of the White-Bone Mountain was probably true.


    The Elder of the White-Bone Mountain had likely identified the subordinate that leaked the secret location and used some unknown methods to kill General Hei Yu.


    General Hei Yu suddenly died as his flesh and blood corroded away, leaving behind only a skeleton.


    But when this happened, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel worried. If the Elder of the White-Bone Mountain had such terrifying abilities, would he be able to find a way to locate him, Luo Yao, and Pushan?


    Di Nufeng, however, waved her hand nonchntly, telling him not to worry. For high-ranking figures like General Hei Yu, who held the position of chamber master, the Elder of White-Bone Mountain surely had something nted in their bodies. This way, upon discovering their betrayal, he could punish them regardless of the distance.


    The Elder of White-Bone Mountain couldn''t possibly do this to everyone.


    Chu Liang thought about it and agreed. With this reassurance, he stopped worrying unnecessarily.


    As he gradually became more familiar with the mystical abilities of the Dragon Orb, he grew increasingly eager to see what its power would be like at a higher cultivation level. The Blue Dragon''s Orb was like a key that could unlock the door to the divine power of the dragons. However, he would need the strength to push this door open.


    If he could tap into all the mystical abilities of the dragons, it would mean that he had fully inherited the powers of the Blue Dragon. At that stage, summoning storms, moving mountains, and controlling the seas would no longer be a dream.


    While he was studying the Blue Dragon''s Orb, he didn''t forget the major contributor who helped him obtain the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    "Want some?" Chu Liang teased, holding the Golden Vein Berry in his hand. "The Blue Dragon''s Orb is round, and this fruit is round too, so they''re practically the same thing," he remarked yfully to the little golden butterfly.


    Yet, the little golden butterfly hid its face with its shiny wings, refusing to look at Chu Liang.


    She was very angry.


    "<i>Oh</i>, you are still holding a grudge. How many days has it been?" Chu Liang said as he poked the butterfly with his finger.


    It turned around, emitting some fluttering sounds, and faced Chu Liang with its rear end.


    It was as if it was saying, I am holding a grudge indeed.


    "<i>Hehe.</i>" Chu Liang could only chuckle awkwardly.


    The little thing had quite the temper.


    The little golden butterfly wasn''t easily fooled. Despite the deliciousness of the Golden Vein Berry, itcked significant spiritual energy. Regarding this fruit, it felt nothing but disdain. Its taste was simple. All it desired to consume was something powerful in spiritual energy.


    From its perspective, anything chewable was considered edible regardless of its actual edibility.


    Even if it couldn''t bite into it, it could simply swallow it and digest it slowly.


    But very few people could afford items with powerful spiritual energy. Although Chu Liang had more than enough money, he wasn''t extravagant enough to feed his pets with items that contained spiritual energy.


    Even some discarded enchanted tools, if recycled for their materials, wouldn''t be cheap at all.


    Clearly, he needed to take it out and let it find its own food.


    Just when he was in a dilemma facing this little golden butterfly, Wen Yulong''s flying-crane letter arrived.


    ...


    When he had previously gone for that formal attestation of abilities, Chu Liang killed an alchemist who had been secretly refining diabolical pills. When he killed that alchemist, he obtained a storage enchanted tool, which he handed over to Wen Yulong after he had returned to Mount Shu, requesting for him to open it.


    Chu Liang then made his way to the Hall of Weapons. Upon arriving, he greeted Wen Yulong with a smile and said, "You are quite fast this time,<i> huh?</i>"


    "There are no tricks here. It''s just a matter of practice; the more you do it, the better you be," Wen Yulong responded with a chuckle.


    Indeed. Whenever Chu Liang returned from an adventure, Wen Yulong would have to unlock items for him. He sessfully opened the Evil Ksitigarbha, which was even more difficult to unlock, as well as the skull of the Eminent One. Inparison to those items, this enchanted tool was child''s y.


    The tiny jade gourd was ced on the table.


    "Let''s see what we''ve got." Chu Liang opened it eagerly.


    This time, instead of blindly taking out each item one by one, he took everything andid them out in the open.


    The most conspicuous item was a green alchemical furnace the size of half a human and coated in gold, engraved with a map of mountains and seas, shining with a warm and lively luster. As one observed closer, they would hear the surging waves inside the furnace.


    "This should be an alchemical furnace," Wen Yulong said as he felt around and lifted the lid to take a look inside. He then confirmed, "It''s a good item. High-quality alchemical furnaces have always been in demand, and this one is definitely worth a good price."


    "So this is an alchemical furnace," Chu Liang remarked, unsurprised considering the original owner was an alchemist.


    Next to it was a small jade puppet, about the size of a palm. There was no clear indication of whether this was a boy or girl, but this puppet looked very smooth and was crafted with exquisite detail.


    Wen Yulong picked up the puppet again. As he took another nce at it, he smiled and said, "Thankfully, I used to study alchemy. If not, I wouldn''t have recognized this. This is a Pill-Testing Puppet. You can use it to test any pills you refine. If the pill is harmful to the human body, the puppet will turn ck."


    "I see." Chu Liang learned something new.


    Then, they looked at this jade slip. As Chu Liang scanned it with his divine sense, he saw that this jade slip stored several hundredplicated alchemical recipes.


    Wen Yulong took the jade slip and scanned it as well and remarked, "Most of these are widely circted alchemical recipes, with a small portion being lessmon. There are also some diabolical pills. If you take this to the Hall of Conservation, you should be able to exchange it for some rewards.


    The remaining items consisted of gourds, pills, and materials. As Wen Yulong examined each one, hemented, "This is the Eternal-Youth Pill, a diabolical pill that should be destroyed. Here we have the Qi-Restoring Pill, which could be considered a miraculous healing medicine in battle... And this is the Dragon-Head Raising Pill, a remedy for men struggling in bed..."


    "These few treasures of nature are alchemical materials and should be worth quite a bit altogether. Congrattions, Senior Brother," Wen Yulong said with a smile. "They say alchemists are the wealthiest, and it seems to be true. Selling these items together could definitely bring in a tidy sum."


    In the world of immortal cultivators, alchemists were renowned for their wealth. While there might be Eminent Ones at the Dao Attainment Realm who were impoverished, there were never any poor alchemists.


    At this point, Chu Liang had clearly met both the impoverished Eminent One and the wealthy alchemist.


    In response to Wen Yulong''s congrattions, he shook his head slightly and replied, "Sell? Not so fast. I may have a use for some of the items in here."

 Chapter 246: First Attempt At Concocting

    <h4>Chapter 246: First Attempt At Concocting</h4>


    It was said that in ancient times, immortality cultivators of all cultivation levels needed to be proficient in making tools, concocting pills, making talismans, and drawing enchanted formations. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be considered proper cultivators.


    However, as the world of immortality cultivators evolved, this model standard for cultivators was gradually phased out. Cultivators realized that they would need to exhaust a considerable amount of time and resources to study any one of those fields deeply.


    Ultimately, being proficient in everything really meant being mediocre in everything.[1]


    A cultivator might not be able to achieve a high level of mastery in alchemy even if they spent a lot of time studying it. Moreover, most people would only need to concoct pills a few times in their lifetime. It made more sense for cultivators to pay a master alchemist for their services, which would be much more reliable and convenient than doing it themselves.


    Alchemists, artificers[2], formation specialists, talisman specialists, and beast tamers eventually emerged in the world of immortality cultivators... and were now considered mainstream professions. Among them, alchemists were the highest earners.


    Like alchemists, having a high level of precision and skill was necessary for those who wanted to be artificers. However, artificers earned significantly less than alchemists.


    The reason for that... was probably simply because concocting pills was more difficult than making tools. Seeing as concocting pills was more difficult, that meant there were fewer alchemists, and because there were fewer alchemists, they were paid more.


    There was probably just one reason that made concocting pills more difficult than making tools. If a cultivator failed to concoct a pill sessfully, then their efforts and the ingredients they used would all go to waste. They wouldn''t be able to salvage much from the failed pill. Whereas, if a cultivator''s attempt to make an enchanted tool failed, the materials could usually be salvaged for the next attempt. They would just need to put in the effort to engrave the enchanted formations again.


    That''s why extremely talented young cultivators interested in these two professions usually started studying alchemy. If they couldn''t seed in concocting pills, they would then study how to make enchanted tools instead.


    That was, for example, what a certain Mount Shu Sect disciple with the surname Wen had done. Of course, Wen Yulong''s failure with alchemy wasn''t because hecked talent for alchemy. Rather, it was simply the wrong path for him.


    And now, Chu Liang was sitting in front of an alchemical furnace.


    ...


    "A branch of Jade-Green Flowers that''s one chi and two cun long[3], a section of Brightly-Lit Bamboo, three drops of fluid from a Blue-Eyed Centipede, one chunk of crystallized wood spiritual qi... these are the four main ingredients."


    "Three White-Lake Narcissus petals, five Qi-Condensing Lotus petals, three qian[4] of spirit sand, five qian of Water-Ink Alchemical Sand, and a pinch of Light-Circting Powder... these are the five auxiliary ingredients."


    Chu Liang was reading the alchemical recipe for the Green Pill that he''d asked from Chen Su.


    He had been interested in alchemy for a long time. Well, he was interested in all potential avenues of ie.


    Facing the obstacle of needing a high-grade Green Pill just gave him greater motivation to kickstart his self-study of alchemy.


    After all, if he didn''t have skills in alchemy, he would ultimately be subjected to the whims of others who did.


    Coincidentally, Chu Liang had picked up some ingredients suitable for alchemy from that alchemist he''d killed. So, Chu Liang decided to just try them out.


    The alchemical recipe for the Green Pill wasn''t considered particrly precious, and Chu Liang had even prepared some gifts to give to Chen Su. So, Chen Su ended up secretly giving Chu Liang the alchemical recipe.


    It didn''t matter that much anyway. The alchemical recipe was considered exclusive to their sect, but the fact was that only the Alchemy Master and a few of his disciples were capable of concocting a high-grade Green Pill.


    Chu Liang didn''t think he would be able to concoct a high-grade pill on the first try. He just happened to have inexpensive ingredients suitable for beginners in alchemy, so he decided to use them for his first attempt at concocting a pill.


    First, Chu Liang ced the captured cyan alchemical furnace with a gold ovey. Then he ced four blocks of Divine Fire Gel underneath the alchemical furnace and used them to ignite a Five-Spirit Divine Fire.


    The Five-Spirit Divine Fire Seal was a fairly easy one to learn. Chu Liang had mastered it after only practicing for a short while.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The moment the five-colored mes of the divine fire burst into existence, they emitted bright but hazy rays of divine light. The paintings of mountains and seas on the alchemical furnace seemed toe alive. There was even the sound of sea waves rolling ashore!


    Chen Su had previously exined to Chu Liang that the divine-light enchanted formations engraved on the alchemical furnace were not just to make it look good or cool... Well, perhaps that might be part of the intended purpose.


    The main purpose of the divine light was to provide a visual indication of the fire''s intensity, allowing alchemists to have better control over the temperature of the fire.


    After all, alchemists couldn''t use their hands to urately gauge how hot the fire was. An alternative was to use the intensity of the foundational qi they had poured into the fire as the gauge, but it wasn''t a beginner-friendly method.


    Ultimately, the light show was the best option for beginners. It served as a system to separate the intensity of the fire into different levels for ease of use.


    Chu Liang let the fire grow for a while before putting the first ingredient into the alchemical furnace¡ªthree drops of fluid from a Blue-Eyed Centipede.


    The three drops of turquoise fluid fell into the alchemical furnace, evaporating immediately in the heat. However, instead of rising out of the alchemical furnace as steam, the evaporated drops transformed into a cloud of green qi that stuck to the bottom of the alchemical furnace.


    This was the mystical property of the fluid from the Blue-Eyed Centipede; it became adhesive when heated.


    The green qi at the bottom of the alchemical furnace was akin to having anotheryer of partitioning at the bottom of the furnace. With that, the other ingredients wouldn''t have direct exposure with the intense mes of the divine fire.


    Chu Liang then ced the chunk of crystallized wood spiritual qi.


    The wood attribute of the crystal was in conflict with the fire, so direct exposure would cause a loss in the ingredient''s quality and effects, which was why a buffer was necessary.


    Shrouded in the green qi, the crystal gradually melted into a liquid, and droplets of it dripped down.


    Chu Liang then added the Brightly-Lit Bamboo. The translucent green bamboo absorbed the wood spiritual qi as it was heated, bing increasingly transparent until it nearly disappeared. That was when Chu Liang added the final main ingredient, a branch of Jade-Green Flowers.


    This ingredient was addedst because it was the least heat-resistant of all the main ingredients. It was now the perfect time tobine it with the other ingredients.


    After adding all four main ingredients, Chu Liang slightly stirred up his foundational qi in the furnace a little to increase the intensity of the fire.


    <i>Whoosh. </i>


    Chu Liang had trained a lot in exercising fine control over his foundational qi, and it was not at all inferior to the average alchemical apprentice. He was able to make even minute changes to the intensity of the fire.


    Every action Chu Liang had taken so far had been done meticulously ording to Chen Su''s instructions. This was his first attempt at concocting a pill, but he had yet to make even the slightest error. If Chen Su were present to guide him, she would surely exim in admiration that Chu Liang was astonishingly talented.


    In the short time of just a few breaths, the main ingredients in the alchemical furnace broke down one by one,bining into a dense and intensely fragrant cloud of green spiritual qi.


    Chu Liang then began adding the auxiliary ingredients. As soon as the three White-Lake Narcissus petals were added to the mixture in the alchemical furnace, they turned into white qi amid the green qi.


    He used his foundational qi to manipte the white qi, stirring it gently to evenly distribute the medicinal properties contained within the green qi. This was the purpose of adding the White-Lake Narcissus petals. They acted as a catalyst that agitated the spiritual qi without causing damage to the medicinal properties.


    After that, Chu Liang threw in a substantial amount of spirit sand, the mostmonly used type of alchemical sand. The alchemical sand hung in midair, surrounded by the green qi inside the alchemical furnace.


    Next, Chu Liang put in the Qi-Condensing Lotus petals. As they fell into the furnace, they immediately absorbed the surrounding green qi and started condensing it. The alchemical sand acted as a binder, and the spiritual qi was slowly condensed with it.


    Once all of the spiritual qi had integrated with the alchemical sand, Chu Liang threw in the Water-Ink Alchemical Sand¡ªa substance that was as pliable as water. He controlled it with his foundational qi and instantly enveloped the spirit sand, forming a protectiveyer.


    The next step was the most important one.


    Chu Liang could form a pill at this stage without doing anything else, but it would be an ordinary medium to low-grade Green Pill. To produce a high-grade Green Pill, he needed to move swiftly at this moment and add a small amount of Light-Circting Powder, ensuring that it was evenly dispersed in the Water-Ink Alchemical Sand.


    If a cultivator were to consume a medium to low-grade Green Pill, they would be able to blend in with nts, hiding amid their spiritual qi. If they were to consume a high-grade Green Pill that had Light-Circting Powder, they would be able to connect with the spiritual qi of the surrounding nts, which was a truly impable result.


    The thing that made it difficult to produce a high-grade Green Pill was that the Light-Circting Powder was an extremely unstable ingredient. The slightest exposure to light could cause it to explode.


    Ultimately, the key to sessfully concocting a high-grade Green Pill was to have fine control over their hands, working swiftly and precisely.


    Just as Chu Liang was preparing to put his fine control to good use with his hands, he felt something vibrate inside his storage enchanted tool. It was the Soul Subjugator Token.


    <i>Crap.</i>


    Chu Liang got a little distracted.


    It was just for a moment. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn''t matter, but when it came to adding ingredients to concoct a pill, it was absolutely crucial to add the ingredients at the right time.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    ...


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "The White-Bone Hall was besieged by three immortal sects. Are you all okay?"


    [Sixtieth]: "I''m fine."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Thank you for your concern, sir. The three of us weren''t on White-Bone Mountain at the time, so we''re rtively safe. However, our chamber master, General Hei Yu, is dead. We''re now stranded outside and don''t know how to return to the White-Bone Hall. Although we''ve only been with the White-Bone Hall for a short time, we''ve acquired some useful information. It turns out that Enchantress Liu of the Scarlet-Robe Hall and the Southern-Route Guide were lovers! They were initially going to explore the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm together, but the Southern-Route Guide died, so Enchantress Liu worked with Master Mu instead."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "What? That''s unexpected..."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "That reminds me... Before all this, only a few of the Marquess'' and the White Silver King''s subordinates knew about their locations. If what you''re telling me is true, then it''s very likely that the Southern-Route Guider was the one that leaked the information about their locations to the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals! I never expected him to collude with the Scarlet-Robe Hall!"


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Heavens! The Marquess held him in such high regard, yet he betrayed the Marquess? What a despicable person!"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I''ll report this matter to the Marquess. You''ve done well. Since your true identities haven''t been discovered, I''ll find a way to arrange for you to join another chamber soon."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "What about Fifty-Eighth? Why hasn''t he sent any messages? Could it be that something has happened to him?"


    A short time passed by before the Guider finally received a response.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "I''m fine..."


    1. Basically ¡°jack of all trades, master of none.¡± ?


    2. Artificers are inventors and craftspeople. If you''re a very advanced reader, you might remember that we had this profession as ¡°artifact crafter¡± previously. However, we realised with this chapter that it wasn''t quite right for the profession. So, we discussed for quite a while and ultimately decided on ¡°artificer¡± after seeing DND''s description for it. It seems pretty spot-on for this profession in YNS. ? </a>


    3. One chi is one-third of a meter, and one cun is one-tenth of a chi, so around 30cm. So, the branch should be around 360cm long. ? </a>


    4. One qian = 5g ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 247: A Smack On the Head

    <h4>Chapter 247: A Smack On the Head</h4>


    Time passed by slowly in the mountains.


    In the blink of an eye, it was already August. Chu Liang arrived at Treasured Pagoda Peak to meet with Jiang Yuebai.


    Recently, a new hidden realm[1] emerged. Nearly ten major immortal sects sent their disciples to explore it, and Jiang Yuebai, as a representative of the Mount Shu Sect, also entered this hidden realm.


    This was a rule established in the world of immortality cultivators. Besides extremely important resources, thepetition for most hidden realms and valuable items usually happened between the representative disciples of the immortal sects.


    In this way, it would not only train disciples but also allowed conflicts to be resolved in a manageable manner. No matter how intense thepetition became, it would not result in a huge conflict between immortal sects.


    At this point, the Mount Shu Sect had not yet selected their head disciple. Therefore, Jiang Yuebai or Xu Ziyang were typically the ones dispatched to participate in suchpetitions. They served as the temporary representatives chosen by the higher-ups.


    Jiang Yuebai had been away for several days, and Chu Liang hadn''t seen her during that time.


    As he beheld Jiang Yuebai at that moment, Chu Liang could faintly discern that she had made progress in her cultivation. She wore a in blue blouse and a long skirt, her slender waist and long legs entuating her radiant beauty. In her gaze, a divine light flickered, adding to her refined aura of strength.


    It wasn''t unusual for Senior Sister Jiang to achieve a breakthrough every once in a while.


    Although Chu Liang had made rapid progress in his cultivation recently, he never dared to be proud as he knew how terrifying these talented figures blessed by the heavens were. If he didn''t have the Large-Headed Doll toiling day and night, he would never actually be talented enough topete with them.


    "It''s been a while. I''ve missed you so much," he said with a smile as he approached. "Senior Sister, you''ve finally returned."


    "I''ve missed Mount Shu very much as well," Jiang Yuebai brushed her hair back, revealing her delicate-looking face, and smiled. "It feels really good to be back home."


    "Oh, it seems like you''ve achieved something during this time?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I did gain something from this adventure in the hidden realm," Jiang Yuebai exined concisely. "Although I didn''t get the biggest opportunity, the trip wasn''t a waste of time."


    The Mount Shu Summit was about tomence, which might be why Jiang Yuebai decided to keep some things a secret.


    It was the same for Chu Liang. He couldn¡¯t be honest with Jiang Yuebai about his actual cultivation level. All his hidden strength would reveal itself as a trump card on the day of the Mount Shu Summit.


    He didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong with being cautious of each other. Even though they shared a rtionship, it was still apetition. Besides, this meant that Jiang Yuebai considered him an opponent on her level, which was a form of mutual respect.


    This would be showing respect to each other.


    If his opponent were Lin Bei, he wouldn¡¯t need to hide anything.


    "I am already looking forward to seeing Senior Sister Jiang''s performance at the Mount Shu Summit," Chu Liang said with an unabashed smile.


    "I am really looking forward to yours as well," Jiang Yuebai replied with a wink. "I know you''ll be drawing a lot of attention."


    "Oh? Really?" Chu Liang was surprised.


    Jiang Yuebai retrieved a pill box from inside her robes and nudged it towards Chu Liang. When he opened the pill box, he saw a green pill shimmering with spiritual energy inside.


    This was a high-grade Green Pill!


    "Senior Sister Jiang, this..." Chu Liang was astonished.


    "You deserve this," Jiang Yuebai said with a hint of humor. "Last month, I discovered that the answer to the third clue of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony was on the Azure Falling Peak. I sought out my teacher, and she told me about you."


    "You were already way ahead of everyone in solving the mysteries, yet the elders used this high-grade Green Pill to prevent you from winning first ce. I was furious about it. When I returned from exploring the hidden realm this time, I asked the Alchemy Master for one."


    Chu Liang held the pill in his hand, touched by Jiang Yuebai¡¯s intention.


    <i>She is clearly trying to protect me... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    <i>Senior Sister Jiang has already solved three puzzles. She could have taken this Green Pill andpleted the final stage. Yet, because she thought I was being unfairly treated, she gave me this item.</i>


    The Alchemy Master probably never expected Jiang Yuebai to give Chu Liang this pill. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have given it out so easily.


    The higher-ups of Mount Shu likely intended to trap him at this stage with this pill and force him to surrender a significant portion of his undeserved gains. From the elders'' perspective, such actions weren¡¯t unjust; this was their method of maintaining control.


    In actuality, the elders of Mount Shu did not expect Chu Liang to be this stubborn. They did not expect that he would rather forfeit first ce in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony than lose money.


    The sum of ten thousand sword coins was substantial, but it was uncertain whether the prize for first ce would be even more valuable.


    If other disciples had requested the high-grade Green Pill, the Alchemy Master would have been more cautious, wondering if they were acting on behalf of Chu Liang. But when it was Jiang Yuebai, he showed no caution. After all, she was a leading contender to win first ce.


    As of now, besides the detective Xu Ziqing, no one on Mount Shu knew that Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were secretly on very good terms. Of course, Xu Ziqing had wandered off in her imagination.


    "I don''t need it," Chu Liang dered after the surge of emotions, pushing the pill box back to Jiang Yuebai. "The elders intend to punish me. If you stand up for me, it will only reflect negatively on you."


    "You don''t have to worry about that," Jiang Yuebai said, trying to persuade Chu Liang. "This belongs to you anyway."


    Chu Liang grinned at her and replied, "Senior Sister Jiang, you don''t have to worry. They can''t stump me."


    ...


    When Chu Liang went back to the Silver Sword Peak, he sensed something amiss.


    As he passed by the hill, he saw what he had expected. A ruckusy before him!


    Half of the flower field was in disarray, seemingly trampled by someone... Trees in the mountain forest had toppled, leaving holes in the ground... Several houses also showed varying degrees of damage...


    He frowned.


    <i>An enemy attacked?</i> This was his first reaction?


    <i>That¡¯s not possible! Who woulde to the Silver Sword Peak just to trample around?</i>


    <i>Did my teacher tear the house apart again? </i>This was his second reaction.


    <i>Impossible! She would only be ruthless when she¡¯s tearing apart someone else¡¯s house! She treats her own possession with great care.</i>


    <i>Perhaps...</i>


    He flew over to the wooden shed of the Golden-Furred Hou and saw that the entire shed had copsed, and the Golden-Furred Hou, who had been constantly sleeping, was nowhere to be seen.


    Chu Liang was about to rise and search when he heard cheerful "<i>hreeeorhhh</i>" sounds.


    As he looked up, he saw the Baize youngling flying ahead, followed by a massive golden-colored creature. The two spirit beasts streaked through the sky like lightning as they headed towards the Silver Sword Peak.


    This massive creature had golden fur and a ferocious face. Its mouth was always open, revealing a sycophantic smile. If it wasn''t Big Head from the Silver Sword Peak, who else could it be?


    At this moment, its body exuded a powerful aura, shrouded in fierceness. The strength it disyed showed that it was already at the sixth realm!


    If Chu Liang guessed correctly, this Big Head had just woken up from its slumber and realized it had achieved a breakthrough. Immediately, it burst into joy and started wreaking havoc. Suddenly, it recalled that it hadn''t eaten much in the past few days and felt hungry. And so, it rushed to the Guardian Peak to see its friend Xiao Bai.


    Chu Liang had correctly guessed the Golden-Furred Hou¡¯s entire thought process.


    When it saw Chu Liang, it disyed immense joy. It flew and pounced toward Chu Liang, eager to show some affection.


    When Chu Liang saw this spirit beast that had just achieved a breakthrough into the sixth realm, he smiled with pride. Filled with affection, he raised his right hand and gave it a loving smack in the face.


    "I have told you many times not to y in the garden. All the fruits you trampled...are money!"


    "<i>Raarrr...</i>"


    After giving it a stern lesson, Chu Liang finally settled down to examine the Golden-Furred Hou after its breakthrough.


    Previously, the strongest traits of this Golden-Furred Hou were its tough skin and strong body, like it was made of steel. It was difficult to break through its defense. In aggressive moments, its sharp ws posed a threat, and the golden fur on its body was like a weapon that could hurt people.


    While spirit beasts typically possessed innate divine abilities, it seemed this onecked them. It remained unclear whether itcked such abilities due to stupidity or if they genuinely didn''t exist.


    At that moment, the Golden-Furred Hou, being at the sixth realm, disyed glimmering eyes as if it possessed mystical abilities.


    "Did you learn any divine abilities? Show me," Chu Liang said as he patted Big Head.


    "<i>Raaaaarrr...</i>" At the mention of this, the Golden-Furred Hou immediately became excited. It excitedly leaped into action. It crouched down and suddenly lifted its head, emitting a roar that shook the sky!


    "<i>ROAR¡ª</i>"


    When the roar resounded, tangible golden ripples of light spread out. Despite the effect being aimed at Chu Liang, he still experienced a moment of dizziness upon feeling the sound wave.


    After all,pared to the Big Head, his cultivation level was far too weak.


    Chu Liang sensed that this loud roar likely unleashed some kind of special power. It could get rid of evil entities, control devils, and make illusions disappear. The feeling of dizziness was just a side effect.


    It was extremely powerful. If it were to participate in the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament, which happened during the Mount Shu Summit, Chu Liang was confident that it would easily be a dominating presence.


    The Golden-Furred Houpleted its performance and rushed toward Chu Liang, eagerly awaiting praise.


    But then, a streak of fire shed by. It was Di Nufeng, who looked very grumpy. She swung her arm in a circr motion and gave the Golden-Furred Hou a smack.


    "I was in the middle of a deep sleep. What''s with the noisy roar?" Di Nufeng shouted.


    <i>Smack!</i>


    The smack on the head left the Golden-Furred Hou feeling dizzy.


    <i>Can''t this world be a bit kinder?</i> Its eyes conveyed such innocence as it pondered.


    1. Just to be clear. This is not the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. ?

 Chapter 248: Which Pill Is the One

    <h4>Chapter 248: Which Pill Is the One</h4>


    The Golden-Furred Hou was smacked in the face. It looked pitifully at Chu Liang, hoping he would seek justice for it.


    Chu Liang simply blinked in response.


    Di Nufeng''s morning temper was always fierce, and he wouldn''t dare provoke her.


    However, since he was the one who had asked the Golden-Furred Hou to perform, if he hid away at this moment, it would show his irresponsibility. If that were the case, how could he expect the Big Head to toil away for him in the future?


    So he stepped forward, cleared his throat, and addressed, "Esteemed teacher, it''s alreadyte in the day. Now that you''re awake, it''s just in time for lunch."


    He subtly hinted that it was broad daylight, implying that if someone was disturbed by the Golden-Furred Hou''s noise, it might not entirely be the Hou''s fault.


    Di Nufeng rubbed her sleepy eyes and grumbled, "What do you know? I was working hard for our Silver Sword Peak all night and only went to sleep at dawn."


    "<i>Oh?</i>" Chu Liang asked curiously. "But esteemed teacher, weren''t you drinking all nightst night?"


    "Of course not!" Di Nufeng replied. "There''s a new event at the Mount Shu Summit this time and I was preparing for it!"


    "What event?" Chu Liang asked.


    This was probably something discussed at the assembly of peak masters the other day, and the news hadn''t yet reached the regr disciples. Moreover, since the peak masters could participate, it was likely some kind of recreational event, not the mainpetition.


    Sure enough, Di Nufeng raised her head proudly and announced, "The Wine-God Contest!"


    <i>Great. Perfect for what you have been training for your entire life.</i>


    Chu Liang found himself staring at the smirk on Di Nufeng''s face, a smirk that seemed to convey the message, "I have fulfilled my lifelong ambition." It left Chu Liang feeling puzzled.


    <i>Why would the Mount Shu Summit host such an event?</i> He wondered.


    If the event were a Mahjong Tournament, it could be rationalized as a mental exercise.


    But regardless, this was good news. When it came to alcohol consumption on Mount Shu, if Di Nufeng imed second ce, no one would dare to im first.


    Even if this was purely entertainment, the reward was likely to be substantial.


    He even wondered if his teacher had offered fruits or used various methods to convince the higher-ups of Mount Shu to include this event.


    "But isn''t a Wine-God Contest just about drinking?" Chu Liang said to himself.


    It was unknown whether the Golden-Furred Hou could understand humannguage. At this moment, it was pouting. Even as its expression was filled with suppressed anger, it did not dare to emit a single roar.


    ...


    During lunchtime, the team for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony gathered together.


    On the table were several simple dishes, mainly consisting of delicious and affordable home-cooked meals, as Chu Liang was treating them[1].


    He said to Lin Bei, "Have you spread the news that the answer to the third puzzle is avable for sale?"


    Lin Bei nodded. "Yes, I''ve spread the word. I told them I went against my team leader''s decision and decided to sell the answer to the final puzzle."


    Shang Ziliang looked a little worried. "Big Bro, are you sure this is alright? If we sell the answer to the third puzzle, wouldn''t we lose our advantage..."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll head out and im the White-Jade Porcin Cup first," responded Chu Liang.


    "<i>Ah? </i>We''re finally getting it!" Lackey A eximed, excitement evident in his voice. He continued, "I haven''t heard of anyone iming the prize. If we get it now, we''ll be in first ce!"


    Yet, Chu Liang did not share the details with them, and they were unaware of Chu Liang''s conflict with the higher-ups.


    They simply thought that Chu Liang had unsolved questions.


    But what Lackey A said was spot on. The first three teams to win in the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony would receive rewards, with just the rewards having variations in size. Before teaming up with Chu Liang, they had hoped for, at most, a third ce. They had never expected toe in first.


    Chu Liang nodded gently.


    Even though Chu Liang did not take the Green Pill, Senior Sister Jiang, with her pride, would never im the prize before him.


    This was why Chu Liang had to act quickly. As time went on, more and more people would solve the final puzzle. While he could take his time iming the prize, no one else would be waiting.


    If he still hadn''t imed the prize, Senior Sister Jiang would be waiting for him to do it first, and her ranking would be affected as a result.


    "But how do we sell this third clue?" Lin Bei asked again. "Although many people are interested, if too many people buy it, those who expressed their interestter might choose not to purchase. After all, only the top three will be chosen, and buying itter would be meaningless."


    Chu Liang said with a smile, "An auction."


    "<i>Ohhhhhh!</i>" eximed the team members in unison.


    This idea had not crossed anyone''s mind.


    The answers to the three puzzles were sold using different methods, all chosen to maximize Chu Liang''s profit. If it were anyone else, even if they had the same answers to the three puzzles to sell, they wouldn''t achieve such a favorable oue.


    Chu Liang waved his hand and said with a smile, "Let''s not be surprised. Let''s eat..."


    As he spoke, he lowered his head and realized that all the tes were empty. "Eh? I remember ordering food?"


    ...


    Not long after, Chu Liang arrived at Azure Falling Peak once again.


    The ancient tree of Azure Falling Peak still towered into the clouds.


    As hended on the branch he had once visited, he called out loudly, "Senior Aunt Yan, I''m here to disturb you again."


    In a sh of white light, a figure appeared before him¡ªit was none other than Daoist Yan, the master of Azure Falling Peak. d in a robe of blue and white, she disyed a cold and aloof demeanor.


    With her perpetually indifferent gaze sweeping over Chu Liang, she asked, "You''re here again. Do you have the high-grade Green Pill?"


    "Yes, I do," Chu Liang said with a smile. He took out a small pill box and, with a raise of his hand, sent the pill box floating upward to hand it over.


    Daoist Yan epted the pill box, nced at it, and remarked, "Then I''ll have one of the disciples from the Hall of Alchemye and verify it."


    Even if she could discern the grade of the Green Pill, such matters must be verified by disciples from the Hall of Alchemy to be considered valid, which was also a necessary process for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony.


    With that said, she raised her hand and released a beam of white light. The light swiftly vanished, instantly arriving at the Hall of Alchemy on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, where it transformed into two lines of white characters in mid-air.


    "A disciple from Silver Sword Peak has presented a high-grade Green Pill. Send someone for verification."


    Upon receiving the message, a member from the Hall of Alchemy promptly arrived. To Chu Liang''s surprise, it was none other than the seventh disciple of the Alchemy Master, whom he had met before.


    It was Liu Qin.


    Liu Qin, wearing a loose white robe, soared over, deftly manipting the wind as he approached. As hended, his expression remained indifferent.


    To prevent Chu Liang from securing first ce, the Hall of Alchemy had invested the most effort. Therefore, they became the most anxious when Chu Liang went silent. They were eager for other teams to reach this stage as soon as possible. So, when Jiang Yuebai came to ask for the high-grade Green Pill, they practically gave it away for free and even delivered it to her doorstep. Their sole desire was for a team to im first ce as soon as possible.


    Who would have thought that the first person toe and verify the pill would be Chu Liang himself?


    For such a major event like the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, it was normal for a sessor of the Alchemy Master toe and verify the pill. However, the fact that the one who came happened to be someone who had a grudge against Chu Liang indicated the attitude of the Hall of Alchemy.


    They were certainly not nning to give him any chance to slip through the cracks.


    "Senior Brother Liu," Chu Liang greeted with a smile nheless.


    Liu Qin looked at him, pursed his lips, and remained silent.


    Previously, Chu Liang had gained an advantage, so he could act as if nothing had happened.


    However, for Liu Qin, it wasn''t the same. Having been beaten up and suffered some losses, he obviously still harbored some resentment.


    "This is the high-grade Green Pill he submitted. Take a look," Daoist Yan instructed, handing over the pill that Chu Liang had submitted to Liu Qin.


    "Yes," Liu Qin said as he respectfully took the pill box from Daoist Yan''s hand.


    As he turned around, a faint smirk appeared on his face. It seemed he didn''t believe Chu Liang could obtain the high-grade Green Pill, and he was contemting how to expose Chu Liang''s deception.


    But soon, his expression turned grim, and he scrutinized the pill closely, as if he wouldn''t let even a speck of dust on the pill escape his gaze.


    After a while, his eyes were full of suspicion.


    Liu Qin looked at Chu Liang, seeming to realize something, and eximed, "This must be the pill we gave to Jiang Yuebai!"


    "What?" Daoist Yan, upon hearing her beloved disciple''s name, inquired softly.


    Liu Qin exined, "Recently, the Hall of Alchemy only gave out one high-grade Green Pill, and we gave it to Junior Sister Jiang Yuebai. It''s obvious where he got his pill from!"


    Daoist Yan looked at Chu Liang and asked, "Did Jiang Yuebai give you this pill?"


    "No," Chu Liang immediately said as he shook his head.


    "Obviously, she didn''t give it to you. Junior Sister Jiang would never relinquish first ce to someone else," Liu Qin said. "You must have obtained it using shady methods. You either stole it or used some cheating method!"


    Daoist Yan remainedposed as she stared at Chu Liang. While the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony had no rule against stealing or taking by force, if Chu Liang had indeed stolen the pill from her beloved disciple, she wouldn''t be pleased.


    Chu Liang regarded Liu Qin with a strange expression as he asked, "How many high-grade Green Pills did Senior Sister Jiang get from the Hall of Alchemy?"


    "Of course, there''s only one," Liu Qin replied. "You took it, and Junior Sister Jiang now has none!"


    In front of Daoist Yan, Liu Qin tried to quietly create tension between Chu Liang and Azure Falling Peak.


    But Chu Liang did not defend himself.


    With a flick of his wrist, he took out another shimmering high-grade Green Pill and asked, "If you want me to return this high-grade Green Pill to Senior Sister Jiang, you''ll need to tell me which of these two is the one you gave her."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Upon seeing the second high-grade Green Pill, Liu Qin and Daoist Yan were stunned.


    The Hall of Alchemy chose this as the final challenge because they were confident that no Green Pill was circting outside. Obtaining even one was already difficult, so where did Chu Liang get a second pill?


    What happened next exceeded their expectations even more. With a flick of his wrist, Chu Liang took out another high-grade Green Pill and asked, "Is this the one the Hall of Alchemy gave to her?


    "What about this one?


    "Or is it this one?"


    He seemed almost like a magician. Each time he turned his wrist, another high-grade Green Pill appeared in his palm. In just moments, he was holding five or six pills in his hand.


    In the days leading up to this, Chu Liang had been immersing himself in the art of alchemy. In actuality, he had already concocted pills that were nearly up to the standard of a high-grade Green Pill. Though the effects of these pills were on par with high-grade ones, there were some imperfections. To avoid any potential criticism, he kept refining his technique until he finally produced a few perfect Green Pills.


    And now, all the high-grade Green Pills he had refined were here. The surprise on Liu Qin''s face grew more and more intense. Finally, Chu Liang grabbed a jade gourd and tossed it to him without any second thoughts.


    "Senior Brother Liu, please search carefully and tell me which pill is the one you gave to Senior Sister Jiang?"


    1. He says this because home-cooked meals are cheaper. ?

 Chapter 249: All Members Must Participate

    <h4>Chapter 249: All Members Must Participate</h4>


    The top three winners of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony had already be known across Mount Shu.


    The results weren''t going to be officially announced until a few dayster at the start of the Mount Shu Summit. However, the Mount Shu Sect wasn''t thatrge, so the news had spread quickly about the three people who had obtained the White-Jade Porcin Cups.


    The person in first ce was Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak. Many people were surprised by this.


    The way Chu Liang had rushed to sell the puzzle answers had given them the impression that he hadn''t wanted topete for the position of first ce at all. They''d all thought that his only focus had been to make money.


    The first part of his strategy was that his team had to sell the answers faster than everyone else could solve the puzzles. Otherwise, no one would buy them. The second part was that he had to solve the puzzle for the next stage faster than his team sold the answers for the previous stage. That was how he''d managed to confidently maintain his lead in thepetition.


    In other words, Chu Liang had been two steps ahead of everyone else. He was simply terrifying!


    Previously, he''d gotten a little famous within the sect for selling teas and fruits on the Red Cotton Peak. After the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, all of Mount Shu now knew about this fellow disciple who was an extremely intelligent profiteer.


    The person in second ce was Jiang Yuebai from Azure Falling Peak. This was within everyone''s expectations.


    Before the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony began, everyone had predicted that Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai wouldpete to be ced first and second, with the majority leaning a little more toward Xu Ziyang getting first ce.


    If Xu Ziyang had won first ce, it would be easy for the other disciples to ept the result of Jiang Yuebai getting pushed down to second ce. However, first ce had been taken by that profiteer instead. This result made the disciples feel resentful toward Chu Liang.


    The person in third ce was Zhao Zhizhuo from Heavenly River Peak. Many people hadn''t heard of this name, and there wasn''t anything surprising about that.


    The reason why this junior brother even had a name at all was that he''d outbidded everyone else at the Chu Liang''s auction with a bid of 2,200 sword coins and acquired the answer for the third puzzle.


    Chu Liang had even thoughtfully gifted Zhao Zhizhuo a high-grade Green Pill as a bonus and made an exchange on his behalf for the White-Jade Porcin Cup.


    That led to all three White-Jade Porcin Cups having owners.


    That was the extent of the spotlight that the third-ce winner received. There weren''t as many gazes directed toward him as those directed at Jade Sword Peak.


    The most shocking news was that Xu Ziyang didn''t have a ranking. His team hadn''t even made it into the top three!


    Of course, this was also rted to Chu Liang.


    Xu Ziyang had been too prideful to buy the answers from Chu Liang. When the rest of the disciples had already advanced to the next stage, Xu Ziyang remained immersed in his thoughts. By the time the treasure hunt ended, he was still contemting the intricately carved jade in the cave on Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    It wasn''t that Xu Ziyang had solved the puzzles too slowly; it was just thatpared to Chu Liang, Xu Ziyang had been pretty far behind.


    All Xu Ziyang could do was ept the loss rationally. A loss was a loss. Everything would be fine as long as he won at the Mount Shu Summit.


    Considering that even Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai had been unable to solve the questions as quickly as Chu Liang, some Mount Shu disciples had even suspected that he''d stolen a copy of the puzzles beforehand.


    After all, he was Di Nufeng''s disciple. It wouldn''t be surprising if he did something that shameless.


    Nevertheless, that suspicion was swiftly shut down because Mount Shu''s higher-ups wouldn''t have let such a thing happen. So, the disciples then suspected that perhaps Chu Liang had connections among the higher-ups and received special treatment.


    Chu Liang had earned such arge amount of sword coins from selling the answers... Did the higher-ups have a share in it? In particr, the Hall of Alchemy seemed very suspicious because of the way they had intervened the auction at thest minute. Could it have been to guarantee Chu Liang''s victory?


    Some disciples of the Hall of Alchemy cursed at those negative spections.


    The young detective Xu Ziqing, with her keen eyes, was the only one who managed to see through the web of rumors and figure out the truth of the matter.


    She felt a bit sad because her and her brother''s teams hadn''t gotten into the top three. Nheless, seeing Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai take first and second ce put a small smile on Xu Ziqing''s face.


    <i>In all of Mount Shu, I''m the only one who knows how they got first and second ce.</i>


    <i>But I won''t tell.</i>


    <i>Hehe.</i>


    ...


    On Silver Sword Peak...


    Di Nufeng erected a board in the hall of her pavilion and gave all the members of her peak a pep talk before they headed into battle.


    "The Mount Shu Summit, held only once a decade, is a rare opportunity for us. The first-ce winners of the recreational events will each receive a prize of around three thousand sword coins. As for the mainpetition, the disciple who wins the title of Head Disciple will acquire immeasurable resources! We must treat this with utmost seriousness."


    Di Nufeng picked up a bamboo rod and pointed at the name "Chu Liang" on the board.


    "First of all, you''re the only one who can participate in the mainpetition, so I won''t give you extra pressure. As your teacher, I don''t have high expectations for you. You just need to defeat Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai," Di Nufeng said nonchntly.


    Chu Liang responded with a warm and innocent smile.


    <i>Hehe. Sure.</i>


    "Do you want to participate in a few other events?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "Esteemed Teacher, I, your disciple, will respond to your call for action! When you summon me, I''ll rush over promptly, and once I''ve arrived, I will fight!" Chu Liang answered. "I''m nning to sign up for the Flying-Sword Race and the Mahjong Tournament!"


    "Very good. Your fighting spirit to vie for first ce is verymendable," Di Nufeng remarked. Then as she turned to Liu Xiaoyu''er, she said, "You set a great example for the <i>other members</i> to learn from."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er blinked. Her eyes were filled with confusion.


    Seeing Liu Xiaoyu''er remain motionless, Di Nufeng cleared her throat. "<i>Ahem.</i> Xiaoyu''er, are you not nning to participate in an event?"


    "Can I participate?" Liu Xiaoyu''er asked.


    Strictly speaking, she wasn''t a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, but she couldn''t be considered a spirit pet either. Nevertheless, the recreational events didn''t have rigid regtions. So, as a humanoid demonic beast, Liu Xiaoyu''er could participate in all of the events except the mainpetition.


    "You can certainly participate in the events. You just need to choose the right event," Chu Liang exined. "The Wine-God Contest is where people like my esteemed teacherpete in drinking wine... The Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament is where demonic beasts like the Golden-Furred Hou fight... The Flying-Sword Race is where people like mepete in using a sword to fly..."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er swiftly made a decision. "Then I''ll participate in the Mahjong Tournament."


    "You know how to y mahjong?" Chu Liang asked doubtfully.


    <i>Ever since she came to Mount Shu, I''ve never seen her leave our peak to y. Did she learn how to y mahjong in the river?</i>


    The little girl''s expression remained as calm as before. "I don''t."


    Chu Liang: "..."


    It went without saying that the Golden-Furred Hou would be participating in the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament. Big Head was napping outside the pavilion, totally unaware of the heavy responsibility that had been ced on his shoulders.


    Peak Master Di Nufeng set three objectives for them to achieve in thepetitions.


    "Be stylish, shine brilliantly, and win sword coins."


    She then gave each member of Silver Sword Peak warm words of reassurance and encouragement.[1]


    ...


    After the pep rally, Chu Liang returned to his cabin.


    Soon after that, someone came looking for him. When Chu Liang saw who it was, he was genuinely surprised.


    "Alchemy Master?" Chu Liang uttered, hurrying to bow to the Alchemy Master.


    Chu Liang''s past encounters with the Alchemy Master hadn''t been particrly pleasant. Nheless, the Alchemy Master was, after all, one of the Mount Shu Sect''s Four Guardian Elders, so it was still necessary for Chu Liang to treat the Alchemy Master with proper etiquette.


    The Alchemy Master gave a slight nod. "<i>Mm</i>."


    Then, with his bright eyes, the Alchemy Master scrutinized Chu Liang for quite a while, until Chu Liang became visibly ufortable.


    Right then, the Alchemy Master finally spoke. "That high-grade Green Pill in the gourd¡ªdid you concoct it yourself?"


    <i>So, that''s what he came to ask about?</i> Chu Liang thought.


    "Yes," Chu Liang answered with a smile and a soft nod. "Actually, the high-grade Green Pills in that gourd were produced from my practice attempts. Pretty much all of them have some sort of defect. Only thest few I made can be considered perfect."


    "As long as pills can deliver the desired effect, what does it matter if there are some minor defects?" the Alchemy Master asked, shaking his head. "Do you have previous experience with alchemy?"


    "No." Chu Liang shook his head. "I just had some interest in it. I have the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony to thank for giving me the determination to try concocting pills myself."


    "So, you''ve never concocted any pills before, and it only took you a little over a month to concoct your first high-grade Green Pill?" the Alchemy Master asked with a seemingly casual demeanor.


    Chu Liang nodded. "Yes, that''s about right."


    Actually, he''d taken even less time than what was mentioned.


    "I came to ask you..." the Alchemy Master suddenly said, "if you¡¯d like to join the Hall of Alchemy and be my disciple[2]? Moreover, you¡¯d be my sessor[3]."


    <i>Huh?</i>


    When the Conservation Master tried to recruit Chu Liang previously, Chu Liang hadn''t expected it, but the offer hadn''t been that big of a shock.


    However, this time, the Alchemy Master''s offer was truly astonishing. After all, the two parties harbored animosity for each other due to what had happened in the past.


    The Alchemy Master noticed Chu Liang''s expression and figured out what he was thinking.


    Then the Alchemy Master said softly, "There were some conflicts between the Hall of Alchemy and Silver Sword Peak in the past, so perhaps you bear some grudges against my hall. You must understand that it is impossible to avoid having conflicts between disciples of the same sect. However, when ites to truly important matters, such conflicts are insignificant.


    "I saw the Green Pill you concocted. I''ve never in my life seen someone who is as gifted in alchemy as you. If your talent isn''t fostered to reach its maximum potential, it would be an absolute waste of such rare talent. I am confident that I can train you to be the best alchemist in Mount Shu... perhaps even in the whole world.


    "I''m old and nearing the end of my life. I hope to leave behind an alchemist who can be a pir for Mount Shu after I''m gone. My disciples are still nowhere near that level... So, for some years, I''ve been looking for my sessor. I never imagined it would be you. Nevertheless, as long as you agree to be my disciple, all past conflicts will be forgotten, and I will bring all members of the Hall of Alchemy over to apologize to you."


    His words were sincere and rather heartfelt.


    Chu Liang could hear it in the old man''s tone. The old man genuinely wanted to take Chu Liang as his sessor.


    Compared to potentially leaving behind a world-best alchemist for Mount Shu, all the conflicts they had previously were indeed trivial.


    "Esteemed elder, I''m grateful that you have such high hopes for me. I am sincerely honored and humbled," Chu Liang said. "If Mount Shu needs me to, I am, of course, willing to further my studies in alchemy... But is it really necessary for me to be your disciple? Can''t I remain as a disciple of Silver Sword Peak and serve as an attendant at the Hall of Alchemy?"


    "Do you not want to change your teacher?" the Alchemy Master asked with a frown.


    It wasn''t odd at all that a disciple would choose not to change teachers, but the Alchemy Master seemed rather surprised to hear thating from Chu Liang.


    "Isn''t your teacher Di Nufeng?"


    1. Just a reminder that yes, Silver Sword Peak only has three members, and that''s including their mount, good old Big Head. ?


    2. We''ve tranted Ç×´«(personal)µÜ×Ó(disciple) simply as "disciple" because it''s usually used with a pronoun to indicate whose disciple they are. The teacher imparts some of their knowledge, skills, and techniques to their disciples. ?


    3. We''ve tranted ¹ØÃÅ(close-door) µÜ×Ó(disciple) as "sessor". It literally means the teacher will "close their doors" and stop epting new disciples after this disciple. The teacher will impart all of their knowledge, skills, and techniques to their sessor. The sessor has a special status among the other disciples of the teacher and enjoys privileges the others don''t. ?

 Chapter 250: The Commencement!

    <h4>Chapter 250: The Commencement!</h4>


    The sky stretched endlessly above, painted with soft, drifting clouds. A gentle breeze carried a refreshing coolness through the air.


    In the delightful, golden September, Mount Shu once again weed the Mount Shu Summit that happened once every ten years.


    The team from Silver Sword Peak could be seen walking forward with a majestic and vigorous demeanor. Comprised of three human-like creatures and a Golden-Furred Hou, they looked confident and energetic as they made strong, elegant strides.


    "Why are there so many people?" Liu Xiaoyu''er nervously whispered, tugging at Chu Liang''s sleeve from behind.


    Since she had joined the Mount Shu Sect, she had never once encountered such a grand scene, and it was only natural for her to feel a bit timid.


    Not only had she never seen such a spectacle, but Chu Liang had also never seen such a scene as well. Yet, he maintained a calm facade, his eyes widening imperceptibly as he whispered to her, "Just stand quietly. There are already so few of us from Silver Sword Peak. If you didn''te, how could it be eptable when I would be the only one at the bottom when the esteemed teacher goes up on stage to observe the ceremony?"


    On the public square on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, the disciples of Mount Shu assembled in several formidable teams, each led by their respective peak masters. Some groups had over a hundred members and the sheer size and coordinated movements of these teams cast an imposing shadow. Their presence exuded such dominance that it overshadowed the teams around them.


    In stark contrast, some teams only had a few people...and even had to rely on demonic beast mingling among them to bolster their presence.


    A high tform had already been set up at the front of the square, with the Four Guardian Elders of Mount Shu seated at the top. Alongside them were guests from the other sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, as well as officials from the capital of Yu, all gathered to observe the ceremony.


    This ceremony, being ingrained in the legacy of the Mount Shu Sect for millennia, held immense importance. It was a tradition for guests from other sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to attend, a gesture of respect towards Mount Shu and an opportunity to witness the new generation. Typically, only individuals of status were chosen to represent their immortal sects, while younger members could join if they were interested.


    Chu Liang looked afar and saw a few familiar figures.


    Amidst the designated seating area for the Great Astral Sect, there was a muscr and rough-looking dude. It was obviously Yun Chaoxian, who had promised toe by. There was a girl next to him but Chu Liang didn''t recognize her.


    Yun Chaoxian stood there without any regard for his image, waving his arms at Chu Liang. His well-developed arm muscles bulged rhythmically, resembling an enthusiastic gori.


    <i>That girl next to him is definitely not someone he likes...</i> Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    Amidst the designated seating area for the Valley of the Three Absolutes, there was a white-haired girl. That was naturally Luo Yao.


    Amidst the designated seating area for the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, there was a baldie whose teeth could be seen reflecting sunlight. Obviously, that was Pushan.


    Since they parted ways in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, they hadn''t seen each other. This event provided the perfect opportunity for them to catch up.


    Amidst the designated seating area for the Greater-Yin Cult stood Luo Xiaoyong, who was all alone. Chu Liang had met him once before. As the Mortal-Realm Wanderer of the Greater-Yin Cult for this generation, he was responsible for attending any event that required someone''s presence.


    Chu Liang spotted these few familiars as he scanned the spectators'' stand. However, he quickly averted his gaze as everyone on the raised tform ahead stood up.


    A fluttering figure descended.


    This was a middle-aged man at the age of around 40. His face had a smooth, paleplexion, his sideburns were long, and his eyes were sharp, making him quite handsome.


    As he stood there, he didn''t seem out of ce. However, the moment he appeared, he became the center of attention. Everyone around couldn''t help but look at him.


    Most disciples on Mount Shu didn''t recognize him, but judging by the amount of respect shown to him by the Four Guardian Elders, it wasn''t hard to guess his identity.


    It was the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect¡ªVenerable Wen Yuan!


    The presence of the sect leader was required for only a few matters, and the Mount Shu Summit was naturally one of them.


    Observing the faint surge of excitement among the crowds, Venerable Wen Yuan made a downward gesture with his hand, as if gently lowering something, and a quiet calmness settled over the entire square as though carried by an unseen breeze.


    As he spoke, a clear-sounding voice spread throughout the all thirty-six peaks of the mountain. He wasn''t loud but spoke every word clearly.


    "The qi of the heavens is vast and boundless, my Dao will continue to flourish as the day goes by!"


    ...


    The speech that Venerable Wen Yuan shared was very short and concise. It was mainly a very diplomatic speech about the Mount Shu Sect flourishing, saying that he trust the disciples of this generation to make Mount Shu better and better.


    After the speech, the Conservation Master stepped in and assumed the role of the host.


    As the host of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, the Conservation Master first announced the prize for the winners of the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony.


    The prize for first ce was the Five Elements Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap.


    When they announced the prize, there was a small uproar. The Mountain God Memorial Ceremony that happened had always been a game. In the past, there had been valuable enchanted tools rewarded, but very rarely would there be items of this level.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, precious enchanted tools or divine techniques were absolutely necessary for anyone seeking to challenge individuals of higher realms of cultivation.


    After all, challenging someone of a higher realm was an extremely difficult feat. Only those who could achieve this were considered powerful. For example, the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda remained the top-ranked legendary artifact because it was the weapon used to challenge the demon god, who was at a higher cultivation level.


    The Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap of Five Elements was capable of subduing individuals of higher cultivation levels as long as they were below the seventh realm. With the activation of five cultivators at the Golden Core Realm, this formation diagram could overpower a cultivator at the Realm of the Five Elements. This was why it was precious.


    When Chu Liang heard about this reward, he felt a flutter of excitement. However, upon realizing that the reward would be divided among the five of them, and that he would have to always activate this formation diagram with his top-tier team, he felt that the prize was just okay.


    However, even if the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony had no prizes, he had gained more than enough through this event. The financial gain was the minor achievement. The most important thing he gained out of this was the Alchemy Master''s approval, which he earned through the pills he refined. He had already made a deal with the Alchemy Master that he would spend more time and effort to follow the standard teaching on the Dao of Alchemy offered at the Hall of Alchemy.


    The thought of being a professional alchemist had never crossed Chu Liang''s mind. However, the Alchemy Master spoke in such an earnest manner that he couldn''t say no. It was better to learn a skill so that he would have other options in the future. With this in mind, he agreed to be an attendant at the Hall of Alchemy.


    The prize for second ce was a White-Jade Sword Formation that also required five people to activate.


    All of Jiang Yuebai''s teammates were her senior and junior sisters at the Azure Falling Peak. And so, this technique would be easily used by them.


    Surprisingly, the prize for the team that won third-ce was five spirit pets: five spirit beasts born from the same litter with telepathic connections, capable of disying exceptionalbat prowess if they join forces in a fight.


    Zhao Zhizhuo, the auction winner who received the puzzle answer from Chu Liang, was a chubby kid. At this moment, the grin on his face stretched so wide that his wrinkles resembled the creases on a big stuffed bun. Even if they sold the five spirit pets for money, they would earn several times the sword coins they had invested in purchasing the answers. Those whoter hesitated and did not continue bidding felt such intense regret that their stomachs churned.


    Then, the Conservation Master announced the start of the preliminary round of the Mount Shu Summit.


    "ess to the Stairway to the Heavens will open at this time tomorrow. It will be a test of Dao heart for all Mount Shu Sect disciples and only the top sixty-four disciples will acquire the right to participate in the fighting tournament. All disciples of Mount Shu, be prepared for it."


    Chu Liang could understand the necessity of this preliminary stage. During every Mount Shu Summit, there would be at least a few hundred disciples, or at most thousands, participating. If all of them went straight to the fighting tournament, the number of eliminations would be excessive. Therefore, having a preliminary round was considered normal.


    <i>But what is this Stairway to the Heavens? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    ...


    "Stairway to the Heavens is a mountain path and you just have to keep moving forward," Di Nufeng exined.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang blinked.


    After the grand opening, he wanted to ask his esteemed teacher, who held a high status on Mount Shu, if she had any valuable experience to share. However, Di Nufeng''s answer was very simple.


    "During every Mount Shu Summit, the elders would set up apletely different illusion. There''s no point in me telling you what I saw," Di Nufeng exined nonchntly, waving her hand. "Just remember, the one who walks the farthest within the shortest time ranks the highest. Anyway, it''s just a test of Dao heart. My Dao heart guides me to beat up whoever I see, whether they''re real or fake. A punch is the first thing I do. And as I continued throwing punches, I passed the preliminary round."


    Chu Liang frowned dubiously.


    <i>Could the Test of Dao Heart that the elders had specially set up be as simple as my teacher said?</i> Chu Liang wondered.


    <i>Could this be what''s known in legends as... the fool who defeats the expert?</i>


    As Chu Liang walked out of his esteemed teacher''s pavilion, he saw two people waiting for him on the small hill.


    It was Yun Chaoxian and that girl who had been with him earlier.


    The girl looked quite young, with her hair tied up in double buns wrapped in cloth. Standing next to Yun Chaoxian, she appeared petite and charming. She wore a neat blue and white satin dress, and herrge eyes sparkled with a divine light.


    She carried a long weapon wrapped in cloth on her back, which appeared to be a legendary weapon passed down through generations.


    "Brother Chu," Yun Chaoxian greeted warmly, "I''vee to cheer you on."


    "Thank you, Brother Yun," Chu Liang replied with a nod of gratitude before turning his attention to the girl. "And who might this be?"


    Yun Chaoxian chuckled heartily. "This is my junior sister, Tang Shi," he said. "She is also a core disciple of our Great Astral Sect."


    The Great Astral Sect has four core disciples: one skilled in saber techniques, one proficient in spear techniques, one adept in swordsmanship, and one proficient in halberdbat.


    Chu Liang couldn''t believe that the girl before him was a spear wielder as he stared at her in shock. It was difficult to associate her petite figure with the long, imposing spear.


    Yun Chaoxian said to Tang Shi, introducing, "This is Chu Liang, the one I mentioned to you before. He''s the Mount Shu Sect disciple who''s more intelligent than me."


    <i>You really didn''t have to add thatst sentence,</i> Chu Liang remarked inwardly as he chuckled awkwardly.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!" Tang Shi eximed, blinking her big eyes. Her voice sounded soft and gentle.


    Great. It seems like this girl isn''t very bright either.


    Chu Liang was just about to host them when he spotted a silver light flying over. It was Xiaoyu''er, Big Head, and Baize ying with a flying disc.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    A gust of golden wind suddenly swept over.


    Yun Chaoxian and Tangshi felt the wind behind their heads. Before Chu Liang could reassure them not to panic, the two had already reacted even faster than he did.


    They both flipped over and drew their weapons simultaneously. Yun Chaoxian wielded a halberd, his expression fierce and determined.


    Tang Shi swiftly drew the Hegemon King''s Spear, towering over her figure by two heads. Then, her entire body surged upward with her muscles bulging and sleeves rustling crisply, and a golden light radiating all around her! Like a vajra-warrior incarnate, she bent her knees, twisted her waist, and shouted, "What evil creature are you!"


    Her deep and hoarse voice stunned Chu Liang, causing his pupils to dte. He hastily shouted, "It''s a spirit pet from Silver Sword Peak. There''s no need to panic!"


    Chu Liang wasn''t the only one startled. Even the Golden-Furred Hou was taken aback by her furious roar, causing its entire body of golden fur to bristle. It mped onto the flying disc and moved left and right... before quietly retreating step by step.


    "Oh! So it is you who''s ying around," Yun Chaoxian eximed. Having encountered the Golden-Furred Hou before, he immediately withdrew his halberd and waved his hand with a smile.


    Tang Shi''s body, which had erged by three sizes, instantly returned to normal. Once again, she acted like a soft and gentle little girl, pursing her lips and chuckling lightly as she said, "Tang Shi was so scared... <i>Hehe...</i>"

 Chapter 251: Run!

    <h4>Chapter 251: Run!</h4>


    A huge stone obelisk was constructed on the Heaven-Reaching Peak


    The stone obelisk faced the wall. Currently, there was nothing disyed on the monument. In a few moments, the ranking of the top sixty-four disciples on the Stairway to the Heavens would show up on the monument.


    With their backs facing the observation tform, a stretch of dense fog hovered above. By concentrating their divine intent, the observers could see the climbing status of anyone they wanted to see.


    Thirty-six peak masters gathered on the tform. Wang Xuanling, as the grand peak master, had to entertain guests from the other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Only after fulfilling this duty was he able to take his seat.


    One of the peak masters on the side said, "Grand Peak Master Wang, thanks for your hard work."


    "It''s not hard when I''m doing it for the sect," Wang Xuanling responded with a steady calm tone.


    At that moment, a sharp voice rang out. "Thanks for your hard work indeed. With your old bones, you should step down as soon as possible and let the younger, more talented people take your position."


    "Di Nufeng..." Without looking back, Wang Xuanling knew that it was the troublemaker of the Mount Shu Sect speaking. He dered firmly, "Stop dreaming. You will never have the chance to be the grand peak master."


    "<i>Heh.</i> Then watch how my disciple will crush your disciple," Di Nufeng said arrogantly.


    "Such arrogance," Wang Xuanling scoffed disdainfully.


    He had been keeping an eye on that young disciple from Silver Sword Peak. Admittedly, the boy was exceptional, butpared to his own disciple Xu Ziyang, he was still too weak.


    Regarding this, Wang Xuanling was very confident.


    "Let''s wait and see," Di Nufeng, snorted, muttering under her breath, "If I can''t fix you, all these years of study would''ve been for nothing."


    Wang Xuanling''s eyebrows, which were usually looking stern, started twitching. It took him great effort to suppress the burning rage.


    Clearly, the Stairway to the Heavens was not only testing the disciples'' Dao heart, but also his own...


    ...


    At that moment, a group of Mount Shu disciples stood on the other side of the square, gazing up at the ethereal stairway emerging from the clouds in front of them, marveling at its sight. This ce, the Stairway to Heaven, was only opened during the Mount Shu Summit. This was a sight they would never have a chance to see during ordinary days.


    The Heaven-Reaching Peak was already the highest point of Mount Shu. Where would this Stairway to Heaven lead to? Would it really live up to its name?


    The Conservation Master stood in front of the clouds and transmitted his voice, "This test is just the preliminary stage. Only the top sixty-four people will be granted the chance to join the fighting tournament. However, this is a rare chance to test yourself. All you have to do is continue advancing forward. Don''t think about the ranking. During the test, you will not be able to see other members. Just concentrate."


    The group of disciples nodded in agreement.


    The Mount Shu Summit that they had been looking forward to for a long time finally started. Obviously, everyone was very excited.


    The Conservation Master gazed at the group of energetic youngsters. Without further dy, he waved his hand and dered, "Then, ascend this Stairway to Heaven!"


    At hismand, countless figures surged forward, swiftly rushing into the mist, fearing to fall behind even a fraction.


    On the other hand, Chu Liang was in no rush.


    As he contemted this preliminary round, he figured this Stairway to the Heavens wouldn''t possibly be some race. What would be the purpose of scrambling now for a temporary advantage?


    As he stepped into the clouds, he felt his body momentarily blurred. Immediately, everything in front of his eyes changed dramatically. Having entered the hidden realm many times, he was very familiar with this sensation. Clearly, he had stepped into another realm.


    The crowd before him vanished, leaving only a deste and towering mountain. Along the mountainside, a winding path could be discerned, faintly visible for several levels before disappearing into the clouds above.


    He wanted to soar upward, manipting the wind. But then, he suddenly realized that there was no wind around him.


    Clearly, a restriction was ced in the space between heaven and earth and flying was not allowed.


    <i>I have to walk up one step at a time?</i>


    He carefully observed the surrounding before he strode forward.


    Just as he set foot on the walkway, the scenery ahead suddenly shifted, and several figures appeared before him in a flurry of light and shadow.


    Di Nufeng, Liu Xiaoyu''er, Jiang Yuebai, Lin Bei, and even the Golden-Furred Hou¡ªseven or eight figures in total appeared. These were all people that were extremely close to Chu Liang.


    They all stood together, blocking the path ahead.


    <i>What''s going on? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    Chu Liang stopped in his step. He hadn''t been pondering deeply when the Conservation Master''s voice sounded from behind him. "They are all people that you care about."


    The Conservation Master, being a tall and elderly figure, wore in robes that day. His long beard flowed in the air as his eyes smiled. He said to Chu Liang, "To proceed through this level of the stone walkway, you must kill one person from this group."


    Chu Liang stared at the group of figures before him. Although he knew that they were illusions and that he could just simply kill Lin Bei without bearing much psychological burden...


    But could things truly be as simple as they seem?


    ...


    "What is this?"


    Xu Ziyang calmly stared at the people before him.


    His esteemed teacher, his sister, numerous fellow disciples... Dozens of them stood before him, blocking his path.


    The voice of the Conservation Master sounded behind him, "I didn''t expect that you care about so many people. Nheless, you must kill one of them in order to move onto the next level of the stone walkway."


    Xu Ziyang stared at him and contemted for a moment before he asked, "If I kill one at this level, will I have to kill another one in the next level? And I will have to make a choice every time?


    The Conservation Master smiled and said, "You are very smart."


    Xu Ziyang turned around and summoned his flying sword.


    <i>Swoosh...</i>


    With a swift burst of blood, he mercilessly ughtered all the people before him without so much as blinking an eye.


    "All of them hold equal weight in my heart. Since they are mere illusions, I might as well kill all of them instead of just one. This would save me the trouble of making more choicester on," Xu Ziyang stated emotionlessly.


    It didn''t matter who he killed. None of them would be pleased about it. In that case, he decided to treat them all equally and eliminate them all.


    The Conservation Master nodded and remarked, "People like you are rare..."


    However, Xu Ziyang didn''t care about hisment as he had already strode forward to the next level.


    ...


    On the stone obelisk erected in the square, Xu Ziyang''s name was prominently disyed at the very top, indicating he was currently first.


    Wang Xuanling still maintained a serious expression.


    "<i>Hahahaha...</i>" Di Nufengughed loudly as she remarked, "Look at your fine disciple. Did you see how ruthlessly he killed you? He probably wanted to do that for a long time!"


    "It''s just an illusion. There''s nothing wrong with acting decisively," Wang Xuanling said.


    "But why do I feel like he''s using this opportunity to vent his frustration?" Di Nufeng said, intentionally provoking and attempting to sow discord between Wang Xuanling and his disciple.


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Wang Xuanling retorted. "It''s better than your disciple sitting there motionless. Who knows? Maybe he''ll end up choosing you to eliminate first!"


    Di Nufeng raised her eyebrow sharply as she scowled, "He wouldn''t dare!"


    ...


    Jiang Yuebai looked at the two blurry figures before her, feeling somewhat perplexed.


    The Conservation Master behind her also found it odd as he asked, "Do you really...not care about anyone? These two blurry figures are not really people. They are more like your lingering attachments."


    Jiang Yuebai stared at him emotionlessly. "What should I do?"


    "Just step forward. This stage can''t stop you," said the Conservation Master.


    Without showing any hesitation, Jiang Yuebai, dressed fully in white, started walking up the stairs.


    The scene returned to the square.


    Her name alternated with Xu Ziyang''s in the lead, with the two of them neck and neck.


    As Luo Xiaoyong from the Greater-Yin Cult observed the scene through the misty clouds, he was taken aback. He found it peculiar andmented, "Those who are naturally indifferent and ruthless are most suited to follow the Dao of the Supreme Mind."


    The elder of the Greater-Yin Cult who was in front of him shook his head as he exined, "Just because they don''t care about anyone does not mean that they are absolutely indifferent and ruthless."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The words prompted Luo Xiaoyong to enter into contemtion.


    These core disciples of Mount Shu attracted significant attention, being the focal point of people''s interest. However, beyond them, each individual had their unique circumstances and experiences.


    ...


    "Junior Sister Zhao... Junior Sister Qian... Chu Liang... Junior Sister Sun... Junior Sister Li..."


    Lin Bei stared at the figures in front of him and was on the verge of tears.


    "How can I decide? No matter who I choose to eliminate first, once they find outter, it will be hard to prevent a break up when I''m out.


    "Oh Heavens, why are you so cruel to me!"


    ......


    "Crystal pig hock... Sweet and sour pork ribs... Steamed sea bass... Four-joy meatballs...


    As Lackey B stared at the dishes appearing before him, his eyes were filled with agony. He was in immense pain and suffering.


    "If I have to abandon one, what should I do?"


    The Conservation Master behind him massaged his temples, clearly irritated. "I don''t care which one you abandon. Do it quickly. The sooner you climb the Stairway to the Heavens, the quicker all of this will end. Stop embarrassing the Mount Shu Sect."


    ...


    "You''ve already pondered this for quite some time. If you dy any longer, you''ll fall far behind the others," the Conservation Master reminded.


    Chu Liang sat cross-legged on the ground and pondered for a long time.


    As he gazed at the people closest to him in this life, a pained expression crept across his face. "Must one of them die?" he asked.


    Although they were all fake, each one of them felt incredibly real.


    "Yes," the Conservation Master said. "If you don''t kill one, you can''t ascend the staircase. That''s why they say it is difficult for indecisive people to achieve great things."


    "Alright then..."


    Chu Liang showed a fierce expression. Immediately, he summoned his flying sword.


    <i>Whoosh!</i> With a swift motion, blood sttered everywhere! The Conservation Master''s body copsed to the ground.


    A smile crept onto Chu Liang''s face.


    His guess was correct. The Conservation Master had to tend to hundreds of disciples attempting to pass this stage simultaneously, meaning that this clone wouldn''t possess very strong spiritual energy.


    In addition, heunched a sudden attack. There was no chance for the Conservation Master to fight back.


    When faced with such a difficult choice and if he truly had to eliminate someone, he would choose the person who posed the question, provided he had the capability to do so.


    As he watched the Conservation Master copse on the ground, he shouted toward all the illusions of his friends and family, "Run! While this old man is gone, let''s make a run for it!"

 Chapter 252: Wang Xuanling, where have you gone? Say something!

    <h4>Chapter 252: Wang Xuanling, where have you gone? Say something!</h4>


    The illusions found the scene that had just yed out before them tooplex to process. They didn''t seem to understand at all what Chu Liang had shouted at them.


    However, when Chu Liang leaped forward and climbed onto the first nk walkway of the Stairway to the Heavens, the illusions followed him anyway.


    Right then, Chu Liang felt as though he was lugging something that weighed a thousand jun[1] behind him. Each illusion was like a huge and heavy iron ball and chain shackled to him... imposing an enormous burden on him!


    <i>What''s going on?</i>


    Chu Liang continued moving forward, but he couldn''t increase his speed at all. Then that white-robed elderly man showed up in front of Chu Liang again.


    The Conservation Master didn''t seem to be in a good mood. Well, no one¡ªeven if it was just their clone¡ªwould be happy about getting killed all of a sudden, seemingly without rhyme or reason.


    "I believe you''ve realized it, haven''t you?" the Conservation Master said slowly. "It''s not that I''m forcing you to kill one of them. These attachments manifest as sources of resistance against your ascent, and as you climb higher, the resistance will keep getting stronger. If you don''t let go of your attachments, you won''t be able to catch up with the others."


    Chu Liang responded with a smile, "Then let''s talk about it when I can''t walk forward at all."


    He continued climbing the Stairway to the Heavens, with the heavy pressure weighing down on him.


    Chu Liang''s physique, strengthened by the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, had surpassed the level of the Power of Ten Tigers a long time ago. The strength he possessed now was much closer to that of a half dragon. The pressure weighing down on him was immense, but it was not enough to hold him back.


    Chu Liang was unwilling to kill the illusions because he had this nagging feeling that this trial couldn''t be that simple.


    <i>Choosing to kill one of the illusions is an admittedly simple decision to make, but what about afterward? Will I have to kill an illusion every time I can''t move forward? And what would happen after I''ve killed them all?</i>


    This trial was meant to test their Dao hearts. In that case, shouldn''t taking a slow climb be one of the ways they could make it to the top of the mountain?


    Of course, Chu Liang didn''t know if it was right or wrong to persist with this. Nevertheless, he decided to follow his heart.


    <i>This is probably what the saying, ¡°Stay true to your Dao Heart and not let external factors influence it¡± means, right? </i>he thought.


    <i>Thud, thud, thud</i>...


    Chu Liang appeared to be strolling leisurely, but in reality, every step he took was extremely heavy.


    ...


    Unlike Chu Liang, most of the other people in thepetition hadn''t killed the Conservation Master''s clone. Yet, surprisingly, there was actually someone else who had.


    Like Chu Liang, Lin Bei was gritting his teeth and persevering despite the immense resistance.


    "Excluding my good bro, the others are the loves of my life," Lin Bei muttered. "I can''t bring myself to let go of any of them. I must take them to the top of the Stairway to the Heavens."


    He bent forward and did his best to keep walking.


    Lin Bei also had a group of illusions following him, but he seemed to have even more illusions than Chu Liang. Nevertheless, Lin Bei was obviously nowhere as strong as Chu Liang, so this trial was probably unimaginably difficult for him.


    "Such wishful thinking." The Conversation Master shook his head. "With the strength you possess, it''s absolutely impossible for you to climb all the way to the top while bearing such immense weight."


    "<i>Ha.</i>" Lin Bei bitter smile. "A real man emerges after being tempered by the world[2]. Knowing something is impossible but still doing it¡ªthat''s what it means to be a true hero."


    "Well said. Then why don''t you step forward? Why are you just standing there with those shaking legs?" the Conservation Master asked, mocking Lin Bei at just the right time.


    It turned out that Lin Bei had only walked till midway of the first level of the winding mountain path. Now, he was just standing there, stuck. His legs were shaking with strain and fatigue; moving forward had be a monumental task.


    Despite that, Lin Bei showed no signs of backing down.


    He raised his head high and loudly proimed, "My legs are weak!"


    "There''s no need for you to be so prideful," the Conservation Master remarked in annoyance.


    ...


    Lackey B was in the same situation as Lin Bei.


    All the dishes that had shown up were Lackey B''s favorites, and he didn''t want to give up any of them. Yet, the moment he tried climbing the Stairway to the Heavens and felt the weight pulling him down, he was unable to take a single step.


    Lackey B turned around and gazed at the delicious dishes with conflicted emotions. He couldn''t decide.


    "What should I do?" Lackey B uttered.


    The Conservation Master rolled his eyes. He hoped that his fellow immortality cultivators attending the Mount Shu Summit wouldn''t pay any attention to Lackey B.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Xu Ziyang had sped through the winding mountain path and was already on the sixth level. On the obelisk, his and Jiang Yuebai''s names were at the top. They were on levels far above everyone else.


    Then when Xu Ziyang stepped onto the nk walkway for the seventh level, he felt a sense of resistance.


    As he''d expected, this trial wasn''t as simple as it seemed. He''d killed all of his attachments, but there was still something hindering him.


    Regardless, this level of resistance was too weak to cause him any problems. He raised his qi output and continued charging forward like a gust of wind. It looked as if he hadn''t been slowed down at all.


    Outside the hidden realm, Wang Xuanling watched as his disciple''s name repeatedly alternated with Jiang Yuebai''s name in the rankings for first and second ce. Nheless, Xu Ziyang took the lead in the end, and Wang Xuanling nodded in satisfaction.


    He hadn''t participated in designing this trial, so he didn''t know what woulde next. However, he believed in his disciple. Moreover, Xu Ziyang had already gained a significant lead. Wang Xuanling thought that it was impossible for anyone to surpass Xu Ziyang now.


    Di Nufeng, on the other hand, had a rather displeased expression.


    The obelisk only disyed the names of the disciples ranked in the top sixty-four, and Chu Liang''s name hadn''t appeared on it.


    Nevertheless, Di Nufeng could see the disciples in action. Many of them had already in several of their illusions and were moving swiftly along the mountain path.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang had only just leisurely arrived at the third level of the mountain path. His steps were slow like those of an old man pushing a heavy cart.


    At that speed, he was highly likely to fail the preliminaries.


    <i>He''s my only disciple. He won''t really get eliminated in the first round, will he? </i>Di Nufeng thought worriedly.


    Right then, Wang Xuanling spoke serenely beside her. "Di Nufeng, you were pretty lively earlier. Why aren''t you saying anything now?"


    ...


    "The resistance is getting stronger."


    When Jiang Yuebai reached the tenth level, she was surrounded by an intense pressure that was like a strong tide pushing against her. If she stopped pushing back even a little, she wouldn''t be able to make progress and might even get pushed backward.


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t know how many levels there were above her, but it was clear to her that she hadn''t reached the top yet. She didn''t have great physical strength, so she couldn''t keep advancing by just using her physical strength alone.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Jiang Yuebai frantically circted her cultivation energy, transforming it into a great strength that allowed her to advance. Her white robes, which had been fluttering ethereally in the breeze, were now billowing as if a st of wind were sweeping past, and her cold, limpid eyes took on a grave expression.


    Right then, she felt strength spread from her shoulders to the rest of her body.


    She realized it wasing from her illusions¡ªthe two blurry figures from before. The two figures had ced their palms on Jiang Yuebai''s shoulders. The force they were sending into her body was weak, but it was undeniably real.


    Jiang Yuebai was stunned.


    These illusions had been formed from her obsessions. She hadn''t paid much attention to them during the earlier part of her ascent. However, they were now giving her a hand.


    <i>Could they actually help me?</i>


    Jiang Yuebai wore a pensive expression as she contemted this.


    Ever since she was a child, she had yearned to find the Divine Ruins. To find her parents'' whereabouts, she''d avoided the secr world and always sought to have a state of mind that was free of attachments. She didn''t want to and didn''t dare to have any bonds that would hinder her.


    Yet, at this moment, she suddenly wondered, <i>Is this really the right path?</i>


    ...


    <i>Thump! Thump! Thump!</i>


    Chu Liang''s steps grew heavier and heavier, leaving behind a footprint with each step. He was drenched in sweat and about to reach the sixth level of the mountain path.


    He flipped over his hand and melted a Dragon-Blood Crystal into it.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Great power surged through Chu Liang, giving him a tremendous boost. He then continued on his path inrge strides, headed toward the top of the mountain.


    With his strength replenished by the Dragon-Blood Crystal, Chu Liang now had a burst of energy. He sped through the sixth level, swiftly arriving at the seventh level of the mountain path.


    The moment he stepped onto the seventh level, the pressure on his shoulders suddenly became lighter, and the massive burden he''d been lugging around didn''t seem so massive anymore.


    At first, those changes were very subtle. However, the further Chu Liang climbed, the lighter his steps became.


    He continued walking forward and felt a sense of resistance in the air around him. It was right then that he felt a hand suddenly on his shoulder.


    Chu Liang turned his head to look and found the illusions of his friends and loved ones cing their hands on his shoulders resting on his shoulders, pushing him forward!


    The illusions supported Chu Liang with great power, counteracting the resistance around him.


    Chu Liang turned to look at the Conservation Master, seemingly in contemtion about the situation.


    The Conservation Master smiled, gazing at Chu Liang with a look of approval. "You made the right choice."


    <i>I see.</i>


    Chu Liang immediately understood the deeper meaning behind the trial. In the first half, everyone they cared about had been attachments that they needed to let go, so they manifested as obstacles that hindered their advancement. However, in thetter half of the Stairway to the Heavens, each illusion would be a source of support. The more illusions they had left, the stronger the support they would receive!


    The bonds they had once thought of as hindrances would ultimately be sources of strength to help them continue walking forward on their paths.


    With all his illusions pushing him forward, Chu Liang''s steps became lighter and faster. In theter stages when everyone else''s advancement was hindered, Chu Liang''s speed rose unexpectedly, and his ranking went up rapidly.


    Soon after, Chu Liang''s name appeared at the bottom of the obelisk with the ranking of sixty-fourth!


    Then it continued to rise!


    At an unbelievable speed, his name rushed into the top fifty, thirty, ten... and eventually into the top three.


    At the next moment, Chu Liang''s name took second ce. It seemed that there wasn''t much distance left between Chu Liang and Xu Ziyang!


    Chu Liang''s name rose with such fierce momentum that the spectators were in an uproar. Aside from Chu Liang''s small number of friends and acquaintances, no one had paid much attention to him earlier. Yet, at this moment, practically everyone''s gaze was focused on him.


    As Chu Liang''s name rose on the obelisk, Di Nufeng''s eyebrows rose as well.


    She smirked and let out a light cough. "Wang Xuanling, where have you gone? Say something!"


    1. 1 jun is around 15kg, so 15,000kg...? Damn, that''s heavy. ?


    2. A famous line from a ssic ancient Chinese novel, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. ?

 Chapter 253: How Powerful Could This First Place Be?

    <h4>Chapter 253: How Powerful Could This First ce Be?</h4>


    "<i>Huff... huff...</i>" Xu Ziyang felt his blood racing in his chest, powered by his inner energy. As he tapped into his cultivation with fervor, a misty aura surrounded him, like a cloak of flickering mes.


    With his fists clenched tightly, Xu Ziyang pushed himself to take each step forward, each one a struggle, but he persisted nheless.


    Standing on the fifteenth level of the Stairway to the Heavens, Xu Ziyang knew he was among the elite few who had reached this height. Each step he dared to take was a personal challenge, a testament to his own determination rather than apetition with anyone.


    Upon the towering mountain, along the steep stone pathway, Xu Ziyang''s solitary figure stood like a stalwart banner. Despite the relentless force he faced, his back remained resolute and unbowed.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With each determined step, he shattered the rocks beneath him.


    Just as his vision started to blur, a glimmer of dawn appeared in front of him.


    <i>Finally... Is that the end of the path?</i> He wondered.


    He gnashed his teeth and charged forward with all his might.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    With a sh of brilliance, he emerged atop Heaven-Reaching Peak, standing before the shadows of the stone obelisk.


    As Xu Ziyang lifted his gaze, the towering stone obelisk greeted him, and one name on the very top of the obelisk stood out prominently, seeming as if it had been etched into the very essence of the stone, immutable and resolute.


    The name was Chu Liang... Beneath it, Xu Ziyang''s own name was engraved.


    <i>I lost again?</i>


    As Xu Ziyangid eyes on Chu Liang''s name, disbelief washed over him. Despite severing all attachments and pushing forward relentlessly, he still lost?


    Lowering his gaze slightly, Xu Ziyang spotted Chu Liang standing before the stone obelisk. It appeared Chu Liang had arrived not long ago and was still taking in the surroundings.


    Chu Liang appeared much moreposed than Xu Ziyang, exuding an air of elegance and calmness, as if he hadn''t exerted much effort at all.


    <i>How is this possible? </i>Xu Ziyang wondered as he furrowed his brows.


    Xu Ziyang wasn''t the only one taken aback. Even the sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, observing from the high tform, were equally astonished.


    Previously, only a few had paid attention to the name Chu Liang. Most of those gathered at Mount Shu for the ceremony had focused more on Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai''s names.


    But at this moment, a junior disciple, who wasn''t really famous, hadpletely stolen the spotlight from Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai, boldly securing first ce in this preliminary round!


    How powerful could this first ce be? The representatives of the immortal sects, realizing this btedly, turned their gazes towards Chu Liang. Seeing his innocent and harmless smile, they all made a mental note of this figure.


    Wang Xuanling''s expression, in particr, grew even more solemn.


    Having watched the entire process, he could clearly see where Xu Ziyang had lost to Chu Liang.


    In terms of cultivation, his own disciple was undoubtedly stronger.


    However, from the very beginning, Xu Ziyang had severed all attachments and advanced without any lingering ties. Chu Liang, on the other hand, had indeed carried all his attachments forward, facing difficulties at every step of the way.


    As climbers reached the midsection of the Stairway to the Heavens, the external pressure intensified, and attachments transformed into powerful support, aiding their progress.


    At this point, Xu Ziyang started to fall behind.


    Chu Liang, propelled by numerous illusions, found thetter half of the climb almost effortless, smoothly reaching the highest point of the Stairway to the Heavens.


    Since he was the first to reach the peak, his name naturally remained unchanged on the stone obelisk, securing the first ce.


    It wouldn''t be entirely urate to say that Chu Liang won purely by luck.


    Other disciples, like Lin Bei, also chose to hold on to their obsessions. However, theycked the strength to carry their attachments to the midsection of the stairway.


    Chu Liang secured first ce due to abination of capability, intelligence, and a bit of good luck.


    Wang Xuanling quicklynded beside Xu Ziyang and ced his hand on his shoulder. Immediately, Xu Ziyang felt a warmth flow through his body, washing away all his tiredness.


    "Esteemed Teacher..." Xu Ziyang said, his expression filled with shame.


    "It''s alright," Wang Xuanling said, seemingly understanding what was on his mind. He shook his head gently. "As long as you gain some insight from today''s Test of Dao Heart, winning or losing doesn''t matter."


    "I''ve always told you that winning or losing doesn''t matter, haven''t I? How could you casually snatch the first ce?" Di Nufeng flew over to Chu Liang, speaking loudly. "What about the person who worked so hard to earn second ce? What happens to their pride?"


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Wang Xuanling snorted coldly, brushing his sleeve dismissively.


    ...


    In the dimly lit room, the apparition of the figure in white was once again having another meeting with the figure in ck.


    "The Mount Shu Summit has finally started," the figure in ck remarked with a smirk. "I imagine it''s quite lively up there, right?"


    "It''s only the first day of the preliminary round, and Chu Liang has already imed the top spot again. It''s infuriating to watch," the figure in white said, gritting his teeth in resentment.


    "No rush. When we execute our n, Mount Shu will be thrown into chaos. You can deal with him then," the figure in ck said.


    "Let''s just forget about it," the figure in white replied after some thought, shaking his head. "There''s something eerie about that kid. Even the Dual Wielder failed to kill him several times. I don''t have that kind of confidence."


    "<i>Heh</i>, you''re actually afraid of a kid who''s barely out of diapers," the figure in ck chuckled.


    "Have you noticed the peculiarities surrounding him?" the figure in white retorted.


    After a brief pause, the figure in ck replied, "Nevertheless, he won''t be able to change the oue of our boss''s grand n."


    "When does he intend to execute the n?" the figure in white asked. "He still hasn''t given me an exact time."


    "Because we''re still waiting updates from the Dark King Sect. The Mount Shu Sect is not any ordinary sect, and there are certain preparations we''re relying on them to manage," the figure in ck exined. "The closer we get to this pivotal moment, the more patience we must exercise."


    "You aren''t in a rush, but I can''t wait to leave this ce," the figure in white said grudgingly. "Do you know that the Alchemy Master finally chose his sessor[1]?"


    "<i>Oh? </i>The one who will inherit his legacy?" the figure in ck asked. "I thought you were eyeing this position for a long time. Has someone with even greater talent emerged after all?"


    "Yes," the figure in white nodded as he answered, "And that person is Chu Liang."


    "Again?" The figure in ck was astonished.


    Suddenly, he realized that this name had appeared too frequently.


    <i>Why is he always mentioned? </i>The figure in ck wondered.


    "Not only does this dude''s cultivation progress feel diabolical, he can also refine pills?" The figure in ck could not believe what he had just heard.


    "It took him only a month to refine the high-grade Green Pill, which caught the Alchemy Master''s attention. The most infuriating part was that..." the figure in white gritted his teeth as he continued, "He rejected the offer."


    The Alchemy Master had been seeking an official sessor to inherit the position of head alchemist of Mount Shu upon his passing. His disciples were well aware of his intentions and had been diligentlypeting for this title in recent years.


    The figure in white was no exception.


    To everyone''s surprise, the Alchemy Master ended up choosing a disciple from outside the Hall of Alchemy. Adding to the shock, this individual then declined the offer!


    The disciples of the Alchemy Master had spent yearspeting for this title, only to see it being offered to someone who didn''t even care about it. This naturally stoked even more fury than anything else.


    "It seems I should inform the boss and emphasize the importance of this individual over Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai," the figure in ck muttered to himself.


    "A genius in alchemy is undoubtedly more worthy of attention than a mere cultivator."


    ...


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhh-choo</i>." Chu Liang sneezed again, but he shrugged it off. He had grown used to being the subject of gossip.


    Moreover, he had more pressing matters to attend to at the moment.


    Before him stretched a vast open square, with hundreds of tables arranged at intervals of several yards. This time, it wasn''t just the disciples from various peaks participating; even the peak masters and some elders were personally present, seated at the tables with serious expressions as they prepared for action.


    In front of Chu Liang, three individuals sat with serious expressions, their attention fixed on the table before them. Spread across the surface were numerous white jade mahjong tiles, tightly packed together.


    It was now the second day since he had won first ce on the Stairway to the Heavens event and the Mount Shu Mahjong Tournament was happening today!


    The atmosphere felt even livelier than the Stairway to the Heavens event that took ce yesterday!


    On Mount Shu, many would tolerate remarks about their weak cultivation energy, but they couldn''t ept any criticism of their mahjong skills.


    In the first round of the Mahjong Tournament, participants were randomly assigned to tables of four. Each table yed sixteen rounds, with the yer holding the most chips at the end advancing to the next round, while the other three were eliminated.


    The other three disciples were unfamiliar to Chu Liang, whom he had never met before. However, it was clear that these three were familiar with Chu Liang. Following the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony and the Stairway to the Heavens event yesterday, Chu Liang had be a well-known figure on Mount Shu.


    "Senior Brother, you are here to attend the Mahjong Tournament too?" a disciple greeted.


    "I''m just here to check things out," Chu Liang said with a faint smile. "I don''t know how to y."


    Upon hearing this, the other three immediately broke into smiles.


    One of them reassured him, saying, "No worries. Beginners always seem to have the best luck."


    Chu Liang widened his eyes innocently and asked, "Really?"


    1. We''ve tranted ¹ØÃÅ(close-door) µÜ×Ó(disciple) as "sessor". It literally means the teacher will "close their doors" and stop epting new disciples after this disciple. This disciple is the teacher''sst disciple, the teacher will impart all of his knowledge, skills, and techniques to the sessor. The sessor has a special status among the other disciples of the teacher and enjoys privileges the others don''t. ?

 Chapter 254: On the Holy Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 254: On the Holy Mountain</h4>


    "It''s true!"


    Chu Liang''s eyes were filled with naive surprise as he nced around at everyone and pushed his wall of tiles down.


    The implication in his gaze seemed to suggest, "Beginner''s luck is real!"


    All in One Suit[1]! A Floating Win[2] Winning Draw![3]


    In an instant, he swept away a significant portion of the chips in front of the other three yers. What''s more, the game ended just as they were entering the third round of discarding tiles, barely giving them time to organize their own tiles.[4]


    This was already Chu Liang''s fourth consecutive win and they had only yed four rounds in total.


    <i>Was this beginner''s luck? He must be lying!</i>


    "In our entire lives of ying mahjong, we''ve never seen anything like this," one of the yers remarked. "This guy is clearly pretending he has never yed mahjong before but he is secretly really good at ying mahjong!"


    The other three disciples from Mount Shu, who had immersed themselves in the game for years, naturally didn''t buy into Chu Liang''s nonsense. They exchanged nces and silently reached a consensus.


    In the first stage of the Mahjong Tournament, one out of every four participants would advance. After sixteen rounds, only one yer from each table would move on to the next stage. With four rounds yed and Chu Liang having won all four, he naturally became the target.


    The other three were determined to advance to the next round, but more importantly, they wanted to ensure that Chu Liang gave back all the chips he had won!


    <i>Do you think you can still win if it''s the three of us against you alone?</i>


    <i>Bam!</i>


    "Is this called Pure Seven Pairs of Dragons[5]?"


    Chu Liang had only yed two rounds of tiles when he pushed his wall of tiles down again, wearing a bewildered expression as he looked around at everyone. The winningbination of tiles he revealed was indeed shocking to see.


    "What?" The three were so astonished that their jaws dropped in disbelief.


    If this weren''t the venue of the Mount Shu Mahjong Tournament, they would have undoubtedly suspected that this person was cheating using divine abilities.


    However, the venue of Mount Shu''s tournament had been shielded by enchanted tools and formations, ensuring that any cheating methods involving the maniption of foundational qi would be rendered ineffective. The person before them relied solely on either luck or skill.


    But could such magical mahjong-ying skills really exist?


    As cultivators, they were well aware of the strength of their mental faculties. They understood that achieving such a level without relying on divine abilities was almost impossible.


    Even if the three of them were determined to target one person, they still needed opportunities to make their move! Now, it seemed like all the tiles were listening to hismand. How could they even continue ying?


    When Chu Liang consecutively won the tenth round, one of the disciples couldn''t hold back any longer and stood up suddenly!


    He stared at Chu Liang for a while before saying, "Senior Brother Chu, I don''t want topete against you anymore. Please ept me as your disciple! I want to learn how to y mahjong from you!"


    Chu Liang quickly waved his hand and said with a smile, "I was just lucky."


    "You can''t possibly do all this relying on luck!" the disciple shouted loudly.


    "Why not? Look at her..." Chu Liang raised his hand and pointed to the table next to them.


    The disciples then realized that he was not only focused on the game but also keeping an eye on the table beside theirs. He pointed at a naive-looking girl who appeared clean and fair. She nervously clutched the tile she had just grabbed.


    "Can you guys take a look at this? Did I just win again?" the girl asked nervously.


    She was feeling scared as she sensed the growing anger radiating from the three in front of her.


    Their anger intensified further when she effortlessly grabbed some tiles and achieved the Heavenly Winning Hand.[6]!


    The girl was obviously Liu Xiaoyu''er from Silver Sword Peak. At this moment, she looked at the gloomy expressions of the three people at her table and cautiously asked, "Did I do something wrong?"


    "No," a male disciple across from her managed to force a smile. "You did great."


    Chu Liang looked at the towering stacks of chips in front of Xiaoyu''er, taller than her head, and nodded approvingly. "Indeed, she''s a true representative of Silver Sword Peak!"


    Upon witnessing this, the others at the table felt a sense of unease creeping into their hearts.


    <i>Is Silver Sword Peak the birthce of the god of gambling? Are all its disciples so terrifying when they y mahjong?</i>


    The moment this thought crossed their minds, they heard a thundering roar.


    "DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO PLAY!"


    Upon hearing that, Chu Liang looked over in shock. "Esteemed Teacher?"


    He saw Di Nufeng stand up and point at a timid disciple in front of her, shouting at the top of her lungs, "You clearly knew the person after you wanted the bamboo tile, yet you still discarded it? Are you colluding with him secretly? Where is the elder? There''s corruption at my table! I refuse to be eliminated like this! <i>AHHHHHHHHH</i>¡ª"


    Seeing Di Nufeng about to explode in anger, Chu Liang hurriedly stepped forward to restrain her, repeatedly advising, "Teacher! Calm down! You still have me and Xiaoyu''er here; we can definitely win for the Silver Sword Peak! Don''t get angry! Don''t get angry!"


    But Di Nufeng lost her temper and started wreaking havoc, sending people and tiles flying in all directions.


    The scene momentarily descended intoplete chaos.


    ...


    The Holy Mountain of the Northern Regions.


    In the far north, beyond the Northern Regions, lies a range of snow-capped mountains. Among them towers the tallest and grandest peak, piercing the icy sky like a sharp sword.


    In the Northern Regions, there existed a legend. It was said that atop this Holy Mountain resided the most revered figure of the Buddhist sect in the mortal realm.


    Every year, countless youngsters set out northward to hike up this mountain, seeking to catch a glimpse of the noble one mentioned in the legend.


    ording to legend, only the talented ones would be given the opportunity to see the dharma seat of the noble one and be a disciple. Thosecking in talent would only behold a cold and frosty, empty snowy mountain, gaining nothing from the journey.


    Aside from religious devotion driving people to hike up this Holy Mountain and be disciples of the venerable one, another major reason was the famous deeds of this revered figure.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, most people knew that this Noble Dharma was a human cultivator who had lived the longest and had taught so many famous disciples.


    Five hundred years ago, a disciple who was taught by him descended this Holy Mountain and went to the capital of Yu, the most prosperous city of human societies, and built a temple outside of that city. That temple was named the Monastery Tower.


    Indeed, it was the Nation Guard Monastery Tower, one of the sects in the Terrestrial Ten.


    Two hundred years ago, a disciple who had learned the art of the saber from him descended this Holy Mountain and established his own sect by the North Sea.


    When the human world fell into turmoil, this sect rose to prominence, bing one of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. This sect was called the Night-Saber Sect.


    The members of the sect would cross the North Sea at night, wielding their sabers.


    The leader of the Night-Saber Sect was now known as the Celestial Saber of the North, renowned and unmatched in the entire Northern Regions. Many years ago, he was also one of the youngsters who hiked up this Holy Mountain to seek the venerable one as his teacher.


    How could future generations resist the urge to follow in their footsteps?


    However, without the legend and the famous figures in the world, this mountain would just be an ordinary snowy peak.


    On the snowy mountain, there sat a simple, pure white temple, hidden amidst the mist and clouds, making it difficult for ordinary people to see.


    The side hall of the temple was filled with abundant spiritual qi.


    A young girl, appearing rather youthful, sat upright in the hall with her eyes tightly closed. Her face revealed a pained expression, and several chains were wrapped around her body. The entire ground was drawn withplex enchanted formation diagrams.


    The enchanted formation shed red. Whenever it did, the chains around the girl''s body trembled, and ck qi flowed out of her.


    Outside the side hall, the Whale-Riding Immortal, wearing a bamboo hat, observed the scene inside with great concern. A hint of worry shed in his eyes as he murmured, "It''s been forty-nine days... Will this really work?"


    He brought the girl who came out of the Immortals'' Marsh to the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions to find the way to resolve the karmic cmities within her. He did find the way, but even as this process was reachingpletion, he felt somewhat nervous.


    "So far, everything seems to be going smoothly," remarked the slightly balding middle-aged monk standing beside him. He was of shorter stature and a bit overweight, d in a thick cotton monk''s robe with a face bearing a hint of kindness.


    Faced with the Whale-Riding Immortal''s question, the monk answered in a very gentle tone, "I have already cleansed the deathly qi umted in her body. However, Ba are beings of yin energy that have transformed into yang energy, gaining life from death. As long as she continues to live, she will umte deathly qi. Wherever she goes, she will attract and activate the evil yin of the heavens and earth, thereby unleashing various cmities. By invoking these cmities, her blood-stained aura will grow stronger. If we seed this time, she should remain on the Holy Mountain."


    "Should we stay here?" The Whale-Riding Immortal pondered.


    Just then, a sharp cry echoed from the hall... "<i>Ahhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    The young girl''s brows furrowed tightly, as if she were on the verge of opening her eyes. The iron chains around her seemed to tightly suppress her soul, preventing her from awakening fully. Every struggle caused the iron chains to tremble violently, and with each tremor, the recoil grew stronger against her body.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The flickering of the enchanted formation abruptly ceased, reced by a steady glow that filled the area with the scorching heat of red light, resembling a sea of fire! Amidst this sea of fire, the girl screamed in agony, exhaling arge cloud of ck qi.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The ck qi surged dangerously towards the dome of the side hall, almost breaking through. However, it was ultimately refined by the pervasive red light, dissipating into nothingness.


    The iron chains, depleted of their spiritual energy, lost their power to bind the girl who had just exhaled the cloud of ck qi. They crashed to the ground as the little girl herself slumped backward and copsed.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal hurried into the side hall and assisted the little girl to her feet. "How are you feeling?" he asked with concern.


    "<i>Ahhh...</i>" the little girl mouthed.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal asked caringly, "what do you want to say?"


    The little girl opened her eyes slowly and uttered a word with much difficulty, "Fr-ui-ts..."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal fell silent for a moment.


    <i>Great. Still thinking about food at this time.</i>


    1. Refers to a winning hand where all the tiles belong to the same suit in Mahjong. This means that all the tiles in the yer''s hand are either bamboo, characters, or dots. ?


    2. In the Mahjong rules of the northeastern region of China, if a yer''s hand contains four consecutive sequences, each with the same point value, and there''s also a pair of identical tiles, then the yer can win by a "Floating Win" (Æ®ºú). ?


    3. Refers to a winning hand that is dered immediately after a yer has drawn a tile toplete a set of four tiles in a melded triplet (And you will shout ''Peng!'' or ''Gang!''). This action allows the yer to dere a win without needing to wait for their turn to discard a tile. ?


    4. To exin this round. The yers are supposed to take turns drawing and discarding tiles in clockwise order. On their turn, a yer can either draw a tile from the wall or im a tile discarded by another yer toplete a set of tiles that they can organize. So they only did this three times when Chu Liang won. ?


    5. It''s abination of tiles where a yer has seven pairs, and each pair consists of a dragon tile (red, green, or white). ?


    6. Tranted Ììºú as Heavenly Winning Hand. This refers to a special winning hand in Mahjong. It is when a yer wins the game immediately after drawing the initial set of tiles without needing to draw any additional tiles. It''s considered a rare and highly fortunate urrence, often associated with luck or divine intervention. ?

 Chapter 255: Truly, Its Just One

    <h4>Chapter 255: Truly, It''s Just One</h4>


    ¡°Wow!¡± Lin Bei eximed as he looked at the scene before him.


    It was the first day of the Mount Shu Summit''s mainpetition, and there was an extremely lively atmosphere in the spectator stands. The mainpetition was much grander than the previous day''s Mahjong Tournament after all.


    The public square on Heaven-Reaching Peak was crowded. There was only one fighting stage in the center, ensuring that all the duels would receive maximum attention. Every candidate for the position of head disciple had to be acknowledged by their fellow disciples before they could rise to the position!


    This was the first round of the mainpetition, where the sixty-four candidates would be reduced to thirty-two. Chu Liang would be taking the stageter.


    Lin Bei was stronger than some of the top sixty-four, but he had failed to make it past the first three tiers of the Stairway to Heaven due to being burdened by his many attachments. So, he, unfortunately, did not make it through the preliminary round.


    The same was true for Lackey B.


    Among Chu Liang''s team members for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, Shang Ziliang was the only one who had made it into the first round of the mainpetition.


    Now, he was about to step onto the stage.


    Earlier, Lin Bei had run out to discreetly inquire about the duel.


    Upon his return, he told Chu Liang, ¡°Shang Ziliang''s opponent is named Ling Ao. He is Solitude Peak''s only disciple, and he''s at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.¡±


    <i>Solitude Peak... So, that''s Old Man Sikong''s disciple?</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but take a closer look at Ling Ao, who was currently standing on the fighting stage.


    Dressed in ck robes, Ling Ao was of a medium build and had a fringe that covered one of his eyes. He had a rather nonchnt expression.


    In recent years, Old Man Sikong had been focused on finding a dragon for Mount Shu, so he hadn''t put much effort into training disciples. He only had one disciple that was part of the current generation of the Mount Shu Sect''s disciples. Consequently, that one disciple, Ling Ao, entered the mainpetition.


    Ling Ao was only at thete stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, so theoretically, Shang Ziliang, who was at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, should have no problem defeating him. Yet, when Chu Liang saw Ling Ao, his heart jumped like he''d sensed a threat.


    <i>Could it be that this guy has some peculiar abilities?</i>


    Right then, an old man in long robes stepped onto the stage and gave the order for the duel to begin.


    Without any dy, Shang Ziliang formed the hand seal for the Hundred Swords Seal several times.


    Simultaneously, he shouted, "Rise!"


    His flying sword flew out of its sheath with a ng and transformed into several hundred beams of swordlight aimed at Ling Ao.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect often used the Hundred Swords Seal, which could be used for both offense and defense, as a way to test their opponent''s abilities.


    Ling Ao narrowed his eyes. Without even drawing his sword, he darted forward, facing Shang Ziliang''s multitudinous beams of swordlight head-on!


    The sight of Ling Ao charging over so dauntlessly startled Shang Ziliang, weakening his resolve to attack. After all, this was just a spar between disciples of the same sect. He couldn''t make a lethal move against a fellow disciple.


    Seeing Ling Ao face the flying swords with just his body, Shang Ziliang couldn''t help but hesitate. Nevertheless, he quickly regained hisposure, focusing on controlling the beams of swordlight.


    Since Ling Ao seemed determined to charge through the sword formation, Shang Ziliang would do his best to avoid striking Ling Ao''s vital points and only injure him enough to make him incapable of fighting back.


    Yet, while Shang Ziliang was worrying that he might unintentionally deal Ling Ao with fatal injuries, Ling Ao suddenly sped up. Looking like an evil spirit, he darted through the multitudinous beams of swordlight in the blink of an eye! He was so fast that he even left behind a trail of afterimages!


    The spectators were stunned. <i>What''s this insane speed??</i>


    Shang Ziliang witnessed that speed up close. Ling Ao suddenly appeared before him, setting off his rm bells. Shang Ziliang swiftly formed a different hand seal, and an invisible breeze enveloped him and transformed into a solid protective barrier.


    For the fighting tournament, disciples were only allowed to use one enchanted tool in addition to their flying sword, and they had to report it to the sect elders for approval before the tournament. Using any other enchanted tools would be a vition of the rule.


    This rule prevented participants from using numerous powerful enchanted tools to overpower others, ensuring fairness in the tournament. After all, the aim of the Mount Shu Summit was to select the most outstanding disciples, not the wealthiest.


    The problem was that this rule left disciples like Shang Ziliang in a bad position. He had chosen an offensive enchanted tool for this duel.


    In fights against an opponent of the same cultivation level, offense was undoubtedly more important than defense, so he hadn''t made the wrong choice. Nevertheless, that meant Shang Ziliang couldn''t do what he was ustomed to¡ªuse an enchanted tool for defense.


    That ced him at a significant disadvantage in this situation where his opponent was closing in on him much quicker than expected. The best Shang Ziliang could do was rely on the Cool-Breeze Barrier for the time being.


    However, Ling Ao charged over to Shang Ziliang and punched him.


    <i>Wham.</i>


    Shang Ziliang''s barrier was shattered instantly, and in the next second, he was sent flying high into the air.


    Then he crashed heavily onto the ground.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The duel ended in an unexpectedly straightforward and efficient manner.


    Ling Ao had charged straight through Shang Ziliang''s beams of swordlight and punched Shang Ziliang, defeating him in one simple move.


    That ending left the spectators bbergasted. <i>Is this the speed and power of a cultivator at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm?</i>


    Chu Liang muttered, "He probably had some fortuitous encounter..."


    It certainly wasn''t normal for someone at theter stage of the Spiritual Awareness Realm to possess such great speed and power.


    In fact, it was likely that Ling Ao hadn''t even used his full strength against Shang Ziliang, yet the physical strength he disyed seemed to be on a simr level to Chu Liang''s. Chu Liang was at the Golden Core Realm and even had additional enhancements. How could Ling Ao be as strong as Chu Liang?


    It appeared that there were some unknown but talented individuals participating in the Mount Shu Summit. Chu Liang had made significant progress in his cultivation, but he couldn''t afford to becent in the slightest.


    ...


    "Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang!"


    "Knowledge Keeper Peak, Cheng Jian!"


    After waiting for a long time, it was finally Chu Liang''s turn to take the stage. He''d been itching to get on with it this whole time.


    Chu Liang''s opponent was a youthful-looking disciple from Knowledge Keeper Peak. He seemed to be a couple of years older than Chu Liang, but his cultivation was only at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, which was the average for his age group.


    Despite that, Chu Liang didn''t dare to underestimate his opponent.


    He respectfully cupped his hands together in greeting. "Senior Brother Cheng, I look forward to receiving your guidance."


    Opposite Chu Liang, Cheng Jian returned the courtesy. "Junior Brother Chu, same here."


    After the exchange of pleasantries, the sect elder in the middle gave themand for the duel to begin!


    Chu Liang took the initiative to attack. He raised his hand, and a beam of green light emerged!


    "<i>Hiss</i>sss."


    A slithering green snake soared through the air, aiming ruthlessly for Cheng Jian''s head!


    Seeing as Chu Liang could only take one enchanted tool into the duel, he had obviously picked the Green Leaf.


    Chu Liang raised his hand to control the green snake. The sight of its massive fangs sent shivers down Cheng Jian''s spine!


    Cheng Jian quickly raised his hand as well and conjured a golden jade talisman. A curtain of light immediately appeared in front of him, stopping the snake''s attack with a steady block!


    <i>Bang</i>.


    As the green snake bit the light curtain, it made some unhappy sounds.


    It turned out that Cheng Jian had brought a defensive enchanted tool with him into the duel.


    After blocking Chu Liang''s attack with the jade talisman, Cheng Jian immediatelyunched a counterattack, unwilling to miss the opportunity to fight back.


    He raised his right hand, with his index and middle fingers pointing toward the sky. A split secondter, nine beams of ck swordlight shot out like streaks of lightning! They flew toward Chu Liang from all directions, leaving him no way to dodge them!


    However, the green snake had already returned to Chu Liang. There was a sh of light, and the green snake transformed into arge green umbre, continuously blocking the barrage of ck swordlights.


    Then Chu Liang raised the green umbre high into the air and leaped.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    He was rushing toward Cheng Jian like a gale!


    Astonished by Chu Liang''s speed, Cheng Jian recalled his flying sword. The nine beams of swordlight merged into one, forming a slender ck longsword. With it in hand, Cheng Jian prepared to unleash a sword seal.


    Yet, before Cheng Jian could act, Chu Liang stopped in his tracks. There was another sh of light, and a curved saber suddenly appeared in his hand. He hurled the curved saber forward, and it flew so swiftly that an afterimage was all that could be seen!


    Greatly rmed, Cheng Jian instinctively conjured the jade talisman again, forming a curtain of light in front of him.


    However, at the very next moment, he felt a sharp pain in his back.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Cheng Jian paid more attention to what he was feeling and confirmed that it was indeed pain.


    "<i>Aaahhh!!</i>" Cheng Jian finally cried out in agony, falling forward onto the ground.


    There was a radiant object embedded in his back. It was the Razor Leaf!


    Attendants from the Alchemy Hall surrounded Cheng Jian at once. They stopped the bleeding and treated the wound, swiftly healing the simple saber wound.


    Cheng Jian had lost the match, but he was unwilling to ept the loss.


    He approached the sect elder on the stage and asked, "Aren''t we only allowed to use one enchanted tool? He clearly used three!"


    The sect elder''s expression darkened. "I can confirm that Chu Liang only used one enchanted tool."


    When Chu Liang informed the sect elders of the Green Leaf earlier, it had sparked a dispute among the sect elders. Some thought that the Green Leaf had too many abilities, making it unfair to the other disciples. Nevertheless, others argued that the rule about only allowing one enchanted tool meant to prevent disciples from taking legendary artifacts or annihtion artifacts into the fighting tournament. Normal enchanted tools made frommon materials should not be restricted.


    Ultimately, when the sect elders discovered that the Green Leaf was the work of a junior disciple from the Hall of Weapons, they decided not to intervene any further. If even the enchanted tools that had been made by the Mount Shu Sect''s very own disciples couldn''t be used, then what should they allow to be used?


    However, the sect elders had no idea that the Green Leaf would allow Chu Liang to have such an easy victory.


    Cheng Jian looked at Chu Liang in disbelief. "Is that truly just one enchanted tool?"


    "Senior Brother Cheng, please forgive me." Chu Liang wore a humble smile. "Without putting my enchanted tool''s abilities to good use, I would indeed have had a hard time defeating you. But this is... truly just one enchanted tool."

 Chapter 256: The Sword God of the Falling Waterfowl Peak

    <h4>Chapter 256: The Sword God of the Falling Waterfowl Peak</h4>


    As Cheng Jian gazed at the smile on Chu Liang¡¯s face, an indescribable pain washed over him.


    The news of Chu Liang forming an ultimate-tier Golden Core had spread throughout all of Mount Shu. Furthermore, his victories during the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony and the Stairway to the Heavens event, where he surpassed Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai to im first ce, had solidified his reputation.


    Therefore, there were high hopes for Chu Liang among the disciples of Mount Shu. Although he had recently formed the ultimate-tier Golden Core and despite his inability to match Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai inbat skills, many thought that a swift victory wouldn''t be strange as he was fighting a disciple at the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    Cheng Jian himself could ept this defeat.


    However, Chu Liang opted for a strategy that some might deem as cunning. He used a versatile enchanted tool with multiple functions, which included the ability to execute sneak attacks.


    This made Cheng Jian feel terrible. He felt as though he had just eaten a fly.


    Simultaneously, doubts arose among the audience. Was Chu Liang resorting to such methods because hisbat skills weren''t strong enough?


    It could be said that Chu Liang''s victory actually tarnished his own reputation.


    However, Chu Liang remainedposed. He gave a slight salute, then leaped down from the tform, preparing to leave with an air of nonchnce.


    It was as though he waspletely oblivious to the discussions happening behind him.


    The mainpetition of the Mount Shu Summit and the recreationalpetitions were held concurrently. Today marked the first round of the fight tournament, while the preliminary round for the Flying-Sword Race was scheduled for tomorrow.


    Chu Liang had entered the Flying-Sword Race and needed to head back home to prepare for it.


    At that moment, Lin Bei stopped him and asked, "The next fight is Senior Sister Jiang''s. Aren''t you going to stay and watch?"


    "Is it really necessary to watch Senior Sister Jiang''spetition? She will definitely win within the blink of an eye," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Although he said that, he still paused in his footsteps.


    <i>I guess I can wait a bit, </i>he reasoned.


    At that moment, the stark contrast in poprity became evident.


    Although it had been lively earlier, many disciples from Mount Shu and other immortal sects had yet to arrive. However, as Jiang Yuebai''s match was about to begin, it suddenly became significantly more crowded.


    In an instant, a sea of people filled the area.


    For the disciples of various immortal sects, Mount Shu had amodations arranged. However, the Mount Shu Summitsted several days and it was impossible for them to stay the entire time. Many disciples from nearby sects returned home after the opening ceremony and only came back for matches they were particrly interested in attending.


    Jiang Yuebai''s match clearly sparked a lot of interest.


    Even some who hadn''t attended the opening ceremony showed up. Mount Shu rarely held celebrations that were opened to the public and there was no harm in attending.


    Beneath the tform stood a tall and slender young man dressed in white sword attire. His eyes were as dark as ink, sparkling like bright stars. With his arms folded across his chest, he seemed rather nonchnt. Even so, he was like a vortex, attracting all attention just by standing there.


    When he saw Jiang Yuebai step onto the tform, he even cupped his hands and shouted, "Fairy Jiang, you''ve got this!"


    "That''s Feng Chaoyang from the Celestial King Sect. I heard he''s been eyeing Senior Sister Jiang," Lin Bei exined, casting a hostile nce at Feng Chaoyang. With a disdainful snort, he turned and shouted, "Senior Sister Jiang, let''s keep the romance within the Mount Shu Sect!"


    When Chu Liang nced over, he observed that the audiences from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had split into two distinct groups.


    With Feng Chaoyang at the forefront, the Celestial King Sect, Celestial Pivot Pavilion, the Sea King Sect, as well as the other sects that had branched out from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, stood together as a single group.


    It has been many years since the Heavenly Star Divine Cult had split up. In the early years, there were intense conflicts between the factions that had branched out. However, the current division had stabilized, and several sects had regained a sense of being branches of the same tree, due to a natural sense of kinship.


    However, this might not just be a result of natural kinship, but a result of the reality in this world. In the world of immortal cultivators, the Peni Supreme Sect was a dominating force that could only be slightly suppressed through the unity of the few immortal sects that branched out from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult. After the dissolution of the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, the sects that branched out from the cult went on to develop and thrive independently. This resulted in the current united forces of these immortal sects bing even stronger than the Heavenly Star Divine Cult was back then.


    This was something the Peni Supreme Sect could not ignore. These sects were like scattered stars filling the night sky.


    However, the Peni Supreme Sect was not the group vying with the one formed with Feng Chaoyang at the forefront. In fact, the core disciples of the Peni Supreme Sect did not even attend the ceremony, likely due to their arrogance or their disregard for the Mount Shu Sect, which was in its declining state.


    At the center of the other group stood a mighty and vigorous young man.


    Indeed. Just by the brows and eyes of that person, he looked rather young, likely around the age of seventeen or eighteen. Yet, he sported a neatly trimmed thick beard around his face.


    There were disciples of the sects in the Terrestrial Ten, such as the Ascending Dragon Academy and the Monastery Tower, standing around him. This group of people faced off with Feng Chaoyang''s group, appearing to demonstrate equal strength.


    "That person is Deng Yixiao, ranked third among the three core disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. In recent years, the Thunderbolt Stronghold has been aligning itself with the imperial court, hence why it should be rather close to the Ascending Dragon Academy and Monastery Tower, both of which were built relying entirely on the Yu dynasty," exined Lin Bei.


    "It looks like they don''t have a good rtionship with the Heavenly Star faction[1]?


    "To put it simply, Feng Chaoyang just had an intense fight with Wei Tiandi, the second eldest disciple of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. There is obviously conflict between them," Lin Bei exined. "If we talk about this issue on arger scale, it''s because the imperial court has been trying to win over the Peni Supreme Sect, a sect of a higher ranking, as well as the Thunderbolt Stronghold, a sect of a lower ranking. However, the imperial court has always struck down the Heavenly Star faction as these sects would always defy the imperial decree. Naturally, there would be conflict between them."


    As Lin Bei finished exining, he even whispered, "Fight, fight, fight!"


    Chu Liang nodded. Duringplicated situations, having someone well-informed about gossip and aware of everything could indeed save him a lot of effort.


    He had only heard a little about these internal strife among the higher-ups, and he didn''t know much about it. After all, he has never been the one representing Mount Shu. He understood that Mount Shu''s stance would likely align with the Heavenly Star faction. The Mount Shu Sect was in a situation simr to that of the Heavenly Star faction. Aligning with the Heavenly Star faction would allow them to maintain some dignity in the face of pressure from the Peni Supreme Sect and the Imperial Court.


    But...


    As Chu Liang cast a nce at Feng Chaoyang and then at Senior Sister Jiang, who was fighting on the tform, he suddenly realized that he was just a small figure. As a small figure, he wouldn''t have to always share the same stance as the Mount Shu Sect.


    With the hidden strife happening below the stage, Senior Sister Jiang''s match suddenly seemed less interesting.


    In previous years, disciples at the Golden Core Realm were able to directly advance to the next round as seeded yers. This year, however, due to the considerable number of disciples at the Golden Core Realm, the system of seeded yers has been abolished.


    However, this led topetition where there was a significant disparity in strength.


    For instance, the opponent against Jiang Yuebai in this fight was a disciple at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm. Reasonably speaking, he wasn¡¯t weak.


    However, he wouldn¡¯t evenst through a single move from Jiang Yuebai.


    The moment Jiang Yuebai¡¯s sword qi reached its target, his flying sword fell to the ground. Thankfully, he wasn''t injured because Jiang Yuebai had shown mercy.


    The highlight of the fight was his speech afterward.


    "I lost..." he muttered as he stared at the sword on the ground. Suddenly, he lifted his head and said, "But Senior Sister Jiang, I want to tell you...I have admired you for a long time!"


    ¡°<i>Boooooo¡ª</i>¡±


    The crowd''s immediate chorus of boos forced him off the stage. If he had uttered a few more words, bricks or eggs might have been hurled at him.


    ...


    After watching Senior Sister Jiang¡¯s match, Chu Liang didn¡¯t care about the fights that happenedter on. He returned to Silver Sword Peak to prepare for the Flying-Sword Race tomorrow.


    He wanted to practice for a bit for the Flying-Sword Race.


    The preliminary round involved a course circling the mountain several times. He was confident in his fine control of sword.


    With a bit of practice, he believed it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to make it to the next stage.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    His foundational qi surged forth as he rode on the Dustless Sword. In the blink of an eye, he had flown around the entire Silver Sword Peak, leaving behind a crisscrossed white trail of foundational qi that resembled a dragon.


    When hended on the ground, he heard a voice saying, "Too slow."


    ¡°<i>Eh?</i>¡± Chu Liang looked over in a frown.


    Chu Liang then saw Wen Yulong appear in a sh from the side, shaking his head as he said, ¡°Senior Brother Chu, why didn¡¯t you tell me you signed up for the Flying-Sword Race? I could have helped you prepare for it. I just saw your name on the list in the Hall of Weapons. Unfortunately, it''s toote now.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Wen! I was just about to visit you to express my gratitude,¡± Chu Liang said with a smile. ¡°Thanks to the enchanted tool you made, I won the fight very easily. But are you saying that my sword maniption speed is not fast enough?¡±


    This took Chu Liang by surprise. He considered himself the top of Mount Shu in terms of cultivation energy and exercising fine control. Although his flying sword maniption might not have been the best, it seemed unlikely to disappoint Wen Yulong.


    "With your abundant cultivation energy, this is still too slow," Wen Yulong said. "The control of the sword during the Flying-Sword Race is different from the usual flying by sword maniption. The sword you usually use is forbat purposes and was crafted with the purpose of killing. However, in a Flying-Sword Race, the goal is the high speed, which means the sword itself is not the same as what you would use duringbat."


    "What do you mean? Are you saying there are flying swords specially crafted for the Flying-Sword Race?" Chu Liang instantly understood what Wen Yulong was trying to say.


    "Of course there are!" Wen Yulong said. "In the Mount Shu Sect, there are the Five Peaks of Swordsmanship¡ªAstral Inferno Peak, Falling Waterfowl Peak, and others¡ªall of which possessed strong legacies in flying-sword racing, passing down many techniques and specially designed flying swords with the purpose of racing for generations."


    The Silver Sword Peak was one of the Five Peaks of Swordsmanship.


    Regardless, Chu Liang had never received any teachings or advice.


    After all, the legacy of the Silver Sword Peak had ended many years ago. When Di Nufeng assumed leadership, the peak had long ceased to have any association with the Five Peaks of Swordsmanship from its past.


    As for the other peaks, their legacies never truly came to an end, with some items and knowledge continuing to be passed down from one generation to the next.


    For instance, there were flying swords specifically crafted for races. Unlike those intended forbat, these flying swords likelycked enchanted formation inscriptions for battle. Instead, they were madly engraved with enchanted formations for speed boosting.


    The Dustless Sword was powerful, but it would still lose to these flying swords that were specially crafted for speed.


    But Chu Liang had no idea about this.


    "It is probably toote to use another sword..." Chu Liang said in contemtion.


    Just because a flying sword was fast didn''t necessarily mean it was better, and familiarizing oneself with the sword was essential. If he attempted to ride an unfamiliar flying sword and flew too quickly, idents could happen.


    "You can''t switch swords now. Let me get you some enchanted tools. With your abundant cultivation energy, it will ensure you stand out," Wen Yulong said considerately.


    After so many interactions, his bond with Chu Liang has deepened so much.


    With this, he took out four silver bracelets and said, "These are the Hands of the Azure Dragon and the Feet of the Azure Dragon. Try them on."


    "The Hands of the Azure Dragon and the Feet of the Azure Dragon?" Chu Liang said, puzzled, as he took the four silver bracelets.


    He followed Wen Yulong''s instructions, wearing two around his wrists and two around his ankles. With some foundational qi, he activated the bracelets.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Suddenly, silver light shot out from the four silver bracelets. An iron chain shot out from each of the bracelets, wrapping around whatever was in front.


    "In a Flying-Sword Race, the immense speed can generate tremendous force. Relying solely on foundational qi to stay attached to the flying sword might result in you falling off, causing an ident. Therefore, use the Feet of the Azure Dragon to secure yourself onto the flying sword. Once that''s done, you can elerate with one less worry," Wen Yulong exined.


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    He had experienced the struggle of flying too fast and nearly falling off his sword. In a fight, it would be impossible for him to tie himself onto the sword with four chains. However, in a simple racingpetition, this could definitely be of great benefit.


    Then, Wen Yulong took out four yellow talisman papers and said, "These are the Wind-Maniption Talismans.


    "I thought the Flying-Sword Race banned the use of talismans?" Chu Liang asked.


    Although he didn''t understand the tradition of the races, he did read the rules.


    "You aren''t supposed to stick these on the sword. Stick them on your body," Wen Yulong exined. "In a race between experts, even a slight difference in weight can significantly affect their chances of winning. Therefore, they would use Wind-Maniption Talismans to lift their body up and reduce their weight, which is allowed by the rules. The four Wind-Maniption Talismans would be just enough for you to use."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" As Chu Liang listened to his exnation, he couldn''t help but say, "You really have to think about every factor."


    "These preparations are done to ensure that you won''t fall behind at the start. However, victory ultimately depends on your skills," Wen Yulong said. "Legend has it that there was a sword god from Falling Waterfowl Peak who didn''t rely on such items. They say he could win even while holding tofu with both hands. It was said that when he crossed the finish line, the tofu still remained intact."


    1. All the sects that branched out from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult are referred to as Heavenly Star faction. ?

 Chapter 257: Flying Sparks of Fire

    <h4>Chapter 257: Flying Sparks of Fire</h4>


    "I have heard of the sword god from Falling Waterfowl Peak," Lin Bei eximed, equally excited. "It would be understandable if he was only defeating disciples at the same cultivation realm as him. However, back then, he was only at the Golden Core Realm. Yet, in the art of flying sword maniption, he overpowered everyone. There was no one worthy of being called his opponent."


    "What is the name of that sword god from Falling Waterfowl Peak?" Chu Liang asked.


    Yesterday, Wen Yulong had mentioned this sword god, and today, the same person was being praised by Lin Bei. Yet, his name remained a mystery to everyone.


    "I have no idea," Lin Bei answered. "Which is strange. This has been told as a legend for years, yet his name was never known on Mount Shu. But he should be around the same age as your teacher and Daoist Yan. Why don''t you ask your teacher?"


    Wen Yulong stroked his chin as he spected, "Perhaps an ident happened to that senior. Otherwise, with his talent, it''s impossible that his identity would remain unknown on Mount Shu today."


    "Then I won''t bring it up with my teacher for now," Chu Liang said, looking up and gazing into the sky.


    A dozen beams of white light streaked back at lightning speed, producing a series of sonic booms.


    Today marked the preliminary round of the Flying-Sword Race, with over a hundred participants ready topete. They were divided into ten groups of eleven, each vying for advancement to the next stage. Only two from each group would advance to the next stage in the Flying-Sword Race.


    And the race for Chu Liang''s group would be happening soon.


    Wen Yulong, standing nearby, advised, "I just checked, and only Chen Zheng from the Astral Inferno Peak is exceptionally strong. Even if you can''t beat him, your advancement to the next stage is still secured."


    Chu Liang nodded gently as he looked over at Chen Zheng, the guy that Wen Yulong had pointed out.


    There, by the hill, stood a disciple of short and diminutive stature. With deeply tanned skin and bright eyes, he emanated a robust and vigorous aura.


    A few disciples of the Astral Inferno Peak cheered him on, one of whom held a sword box. Inside should be the flying sword specially crafted for racing, known as "Flying-Stars Sword," part of the legacy of the Astral Inferno Peak.


    "Hey, no need to admire others and undermine our own strength right now," Lin Bei encouraged, giving Chu Liang''s shoulder a reassuring pat. "With a little effort, you''ll surely surpass him!"


    "I will try my best," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    This was just a recreationalpetition, and he didn''t feel much stress about it.


    "Yeah, just give it your all," Wen Yulong added. "It''s just a recreationalpetition. You''ll only win some sword coins. No need to stress about it."


    <i>Yes! </i>Chu Liang thought.


    The moment Wen Yulong said that, Chu Liang suddenly straightened his back, as if a zing me of determination had ignited within him!


    "<i>Oh, no,</i>" Lin Bei muttered, covering his face. "By saying that, you''ve got him fired up to race like his life depends on it."


    ...


    "All participants, please line up and await the signal. When themand is given, activate your swords simultaneously! No rushing ahead; anyone who vites this rule will be disqualified."


    An attendant from the Hall of Weapons raised his hand high and scattered a sparkling herbal powder into the air, which fell evenly onto each disciple.


    They were currently on the cliff with a sea of clouds right ahead. However, at this moment, the sea of clouds had been cleared away, revealing a specially designated path of white clouds. During the race, participating disciples would have to navigate their swords along this cloud path. If they strayed from it for even a moment, some of the sparkling powder scattered on them would fall off their bodies.


    If all the sparkling powder fell off their bodies by the time they reached the finish line, their performance in this race would be considered invalid.


    This rule was set to ensure that the participants followed the designated path. Without it, with the sea of clouds around, there would be no way to determine if the participants had attempted to take shortcuts.


    "Fly!"


    At a singlemand, over ten disciples, with their hearts pounding with anticipation, simultaneously infused their foundational qi and activated their flying swords.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...</i>


    Suddenly, a steady stream of flying sword sounds echoed through the air, as if rending through the fabric of space itself!


    The first streak of sword radiance shed through the vast sky! Leaving behind a long trail of mes!


    It was Chen Zheng from the Astral Inferno Peak.


    He rode on the Flying-Stars Sword, his ankles securely tied to the sword with the Feet of the Azure Dragon. As his sword soared forth, the sword qi trailing behind him seemed to ignite into mes!


    Flying sparks of fire!


    Chu Liang activated the Dustless Sword and followed closely behind. With the Cloud of Determination sword qi that also contained the dragon breath, he instantly caught up to the Flying Star. It almost seemed as though he would overtake Chen Zheng in the blink of an eye.


    The speed was crazy!


    He was extremely fast!


    If it weren''t for the Feet of Azure Dragon tightly coiled around his ankles, Chu Liang might have been thrown off the sword the moment he took off!


    In a normal fight, flying his sword at this speed would have been impossible! If he were even briefly distracted, he would have lost control of his sword! Even though he was securely tied onto the sword, it wasn''tpletely safe.


    Both of his ultimate-tier Golden Cores were operating at an incredibly rapid pace. Within a split second, there were no more flying swords in front of him.


    "That dude is not that skilled," Lin Bei said as he watched the fight. "Look! Chu Liang has already overtaken that Flying Star, right?"


    "Senior Brother Chu has abundant cultivation energy, which is why he has the upper hand when it''s a full propulsion. But just going fast in a straight line doesn''t mean much..." Wen Yulong said, shaking his head. "The real skill is being fast around turns."


    ...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The race track for this preliminary round wasn''t very long orplicated. In this path of clouds, Chu Liang just had to fly around four peaks. He only needed toplete one loop around each peak to reach the finish line.


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang arrived at the first turn. With full concentration and using his divine intent, the chains from the Hands of the Azure Dragon popped up, and the four silver chains wrapped around his wrists, securing him to the flying sword, allowing him to navigate the turn!


    With the intense speed, he was almost thrown off the path of clouds by the centrifugal force. In fact, he felt his body being torn by thebined forces. [1].


    However, in this very instant, a flying sword of fire appeared in front of him.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    The Flying-Stars Sword didn''t slow down; instead, it suddenly elerated. With the sword''s tip pressing down, carving out a semicircle, Chen Zhengpleted the overtaking maneuver in an instant!


    When the Dustless Sword and the Flying-Stars Sword both returned to the straight path, Chu Liang was already a dozen zhang behind!


    Flying such a short distance would typically take less than a blink of an eye. However, with Chen Zheng also flying at a high speed, overtaking him despite being only a dozen zhang ahead, it felt like an eternity for Chu Liang!


    He exerted all his strength, causing his two Golden Cores to stir up massive waves in his Sea of Qi, creating a roaring surge!


    Finally, he managed to reduce the distance by half.


    However, the next turn was already approaching.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    The Flying-Stars Sword executed a deft maneuver around the corner, swiftly widening the gap once again!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Every time Chu Liang made a turn, he had to grapple with the immense force, frequently on the brink of slipping off the sword. He exerted all efforts to adjust his foundational qi, struggling to stabilize it. As a result, he had to slow down.


    Yet Chen Zheng, riding the Flying-Stars Sword, seemed to effortlessly glide through every turn, showing no signs of such struggle.


    Chu Liang was certain that there must be some secret technique or trick that he didn''t know about.


    After four turns, the gap between him and the Flying-Stars Sword had widened to several dozen zhangs. By the time theypleted the finalp around the peak, it was impossible for him to catch up.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    With a trail of fire and lightning, the Flying-Stars Sword zoomed past the finishing line, clearly securing the first ce in the race.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The Dustless Sword crossed the finishing line just a second after the Flying-Stars Sword, securing the second ce.


    After a moment, the participants behind him crossed the finishing line. Streaks of light shed across the horizon.


    "<i>Phew...</i>" Chu Liang sheathed his sword andnded on the ground,


    <i>This was too exciting.</i>


    Unknowingly, Chu Liang''s clothes were drenched in sweat. The race, with its lightning-fast flying swords, required him to constantly control the wildly speeding sword, leaving him oblivious to the intense feeling of nervousness.


    As he turned around, he realized that Chen Zheng was right behind him. He had no idea when he appeared.


    "You''re quite fast," he remarked, smiling as he stared at Chu Liang. "I can tell you''re new to flying sword races. Keep practicing. I look forward topeting with you again in the final round."


    "Absolutely," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    Chen Zheng then left with the other disciples of the Astral Inferno Peak. At this moment, Wen Yulong and Lin Bei gathered around Chu LIang.


    "We were close," Lin Bei said. "Just try harder next time, and I''m sure we will win."


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment before exining, "It''s not as simple as it seems. He was using the momentum from the turns to drift along the trajectory while elerating with the fire enchanted formation inscription. His speed was incredibly fast. If I can''t bridge these gaps, I''ll never stand a chance against opponents of this level in the race."


    As he was just about to head back and contemte further, he heard noises ofmotioning from the public square of the Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    He nced over and heard someone shouting, "The members of the Celestial King Sect and the Thunderbolt Stronghold are fighting!"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Lin Bei was taken aback. "Are they really fighting?"


    1. Physics time? I hate physics but let''s talk about it. So Chu Liang is making a turn. The chains should be pulling him inward and keeping him moving along the curved path so I guess that''s the centripetal force? And then, we have the centrifugal force. From Chu Liang¡¯s perspective, this feels like there''s an outward force pushing him away from the center of the curve. And the third factor should be the resistance due to inertia, causing his body to continue moving in a straight line tangent to the curve. This is really just contributing to the centrifugal force. These factors creates the forces trying to tear his body apart. ?

 Chapter 258: A Massive and Chaotic Fight

    <h4>Chapter 258: A Massive and Chaotic Fight</h4>


    The Flying-Sword Race had just ended, so the crowd of disciples at the race location proceeded to flock toward the square upon hearing themotion. They sped over on their flying swords, producing a gust of wind that was illuminated by dazzling and vibrant colors of their swordlights.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help clicking his tongue at the sight. <i>If they had possessed such great vigor and enthusiasm for the Flying-Sword Race instead, half of them could have participated in the race and even done well in it.</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang stood up and hurried over to the square too with Lin Bei and Wen Yulong. The cliffside was not far from the square, so they arrived there in a sh and saw a heated battle taking ce.


    "Woah!" Lin Bei eximed in surprise.


    ...


    This whole incident had begun with Feng Chaoyang and Deng Yixiao''s previous confrontation.


    Feng Chaoyang and Deng Yixiao had disliked each other for a long time, and they ran into each other after the fighting tournament ended the day before. It''s unclear who approached whom first, but they likely said some crap like "The hell you lookin'' at?"


    Nheless, everyone was watching, so they didn''t get physical with each other. Xu Ziyang took it upon himself, as a disciple of Mount Shu, to step in and break up the fight, putting a temporary end to the conflict.


    Unfortunately, after the mainpetition ended the day before, neither Feng Chaoyang nor Deng Yixiao left Mount Shu. They both stayed on at the amodations that the Foreign Affairs Hall had arranged for them.


    Then after spending the night on Heaven-Reaching Peak, they met again at breakfast the next morning. This time, there was no one to intervene. They had another verbal spat, which evolved into a heated and violent sh like a strike of lightning setting greenery alight.


    The cultivation art that Feng Chaoyang cultivated was the Celestial King Sect''s Heavenly Star Unusual Art. The moment he activated his divine ability, he was enveloped by divine light, transforming into a divine figure that radiated sparkling golden light!


    Deng Yixiao was from Thunderbolt Stronghold, so instead of activating a divine ability, he whistled. His spirit pet, a Five-Fire Divine Ape, began rushing over to him.


    His spirit pet had always apanied him, but it wasn''t appropriate to bring it into the dining area on Heaven-Reaching Peak, so he''d left it nearby. However, he needed his spirit pet now, so he summoned it.


    Yet, Feng Chaoyang didn''t give Deng Yixiao the chance to rely on his spirit pet. Taking advantage of the Five-Fire Divine Ape''s absence, Feng Chaoyang leaped forward and ruthlessly swung a punch of divine light at Deng Yixiao.


    Many beast-taming sects had existed since ancient times, but it was rare for them to sessfully make a name for themselves. The Thunderbolt Stronghold was the only beast-taming sect that had managed to be renowned across the nine provinces, so it was undoubtedly an extraordinary sect.


    The biggest difference between ordinary beast-taming sects and the Thunderbolt Stronghold was that the Thunderbolt Stronghold followed a philosophy that emphasized the need for tamers and their beasts to cultivate alongside each other. It meant that if their spirit beast was powerful, their tamer had to be strong as well. By following that philosophy, they eliminated the greatest weakness of beast tamers.


    Feng Chaoyang charged toward Deng Yixiao with a powerful momentum. Yet, Deng Yixiao remained unafraid. His hands grasped at the empty space before him, and a chain of lightning appeared like a golden dragon roaming the skies.


    As the lightning crackled and buzzed, it was condensed into a pike! The lightning had been turned into a legendary weapon!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Feng Chaoyang''s fist collided with Deng Yixiao''s weapon, resulting in a blinding explosion of light.


    Deng Yixiao''s spirit pet, the ferocious and powerful Five-Fire Divine Ape, arrived at this moment, leaping over with a roar!


    This spirit beast was a giant red-haired ape over one zhang tall. It had muscles that bulged all over its body like little mountains, and its eyes were filled with a vicious intent to kill.


    The moment the ape went into battle mode, raging mes ignited all over its body. Then it threw an explosive punch!


    Feng Chaoyang was shrouded in divine light, so no one could see his reaction clearly. Nheless, at the next moment, the divine light around him flickered, and a golden copy of Feng Chaoyang split off from him!


    It was the Divine-Light Clone! This divine skill was different from the Immortal Art: External Manifestation, but they produced the same result.


    Both versions of Feng Chaoyang were shrouded in divine light, making the real Feng Chaoyang indistinguishable from his clone. Yet, they both possessed equally greatbat prowess!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The Divine-Light Clone caught the Five-fire Divine Ape''s zing fist, causing a blinding explosion and a terrifying shockwave!


    Despite fighting two opponents, there were no signs at all that Feng Chaoyang was losing.


    It wasn''t long before people began rushing over.


    The fight was taking ce at the dining area assigned to the visiting disciples of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Groups of disciples had already gathered there for breakfast, so when they saw the fight, they decided to join in.


    A disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion summoned a circle of jade talismans around him, and they spun rapidly around him several times. Then he raised his hand and hit one of them, sending it flying like a bolt of lightning toward Deng Yixiao''s weak spot!


    <i>Whack</i>.


    Nevertheless, a cultivator from the Ascending Dragon Academy, who was dressed like a schr, stopped the jade talisman midflight.


    He snorted coldly. "You''re ganging up on someone and attacking them from behind... How is that the conduct of a righteous cultivator?"


    That cultivator then summoned a golden brush and drew four talismanic characters in the air.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The four ancient talismanic characters wereid over each other,bining to produce a divine intent that harnessed a level of power simr to that of divinew.


    The disciple from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of heaviness that was like a thousand jun weighing down in him. His body felt so heavy that he didn''t even have the strength to move his little finger!


    The Ascending Dragon Academy disciple drew another string of talismanic characters and bombarded the Celestial Pivot Pavilion disciple with it. However, it was intercepted by dense foundational qi that was like a tide of torrential sea waves. The string of talismanic characters swirled around in the air before redirecting and heading back the way it came!


    This was the work of a disciple from the Sea King Sect. Seeing that two sects from the Heavenly Star faction[1] had joined hands, he''d rushed over to join the opposing side.


    Then came a young monk from the Monastery Tower. He joined the battle with a shout, lifting his robe to reveal his muscr body. The young monk looked just like a glowering vajra warrior!


    In recent years, the Monastery Tower had been the representative Buddhist sect in the north, well known for their warrior monks who trained in martial arts!


    This battle was just a continuation of the conflict between the Heavenly Star faction and a faction of those who opposed them. Up to this point, no one else had gotten involved.


    The Great Astral Sect''s Yun Chaoxian and his junior sister Tang Shi were among those watching the battle.


    Yun Chaoxian''s eyes lit up when he saw the monk fighting. "He''s a warrior monk from Monastery Tower! For years, they''ve said that the Great Astral Sect''s martial arts legacy is inferior to that of the Monastery Tower and that we only hold a position in the Divine Nine because of our legendary artifacts! I''ve long wanted to challenge one of their monks!"


    "Senior Brother Yun, I''m afraid..." Tang Shi murmured.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll be right back!" Yun Chaoxian shouted as he left.


    He didn''t even take his weapon. Leaving his halberd to one side, Yun Chaoxian jumped into the fight barehanded!


    He didn''t attack the monk stealthily though. Instead, he approached the monk from behind and waited for when the monk was taking a breather.


    Then Yun Chaoxian yelled, "Watch my fist!"


    He threw a punch toward the monk with a loud whoosh.


    The monk was caught off guard by the sudden attack from behind, but Yun Chaoxian''s warning gave him just enough time to react.


    Receiving the punch with his palm, the monk asked, "What are you doing?"


    Before Yun Chaoxian could answer, Deng Yixiao, who was fighting without restraint, shouted, "The Celestial King Sect wants to fight us, and now the Great Astral Sect hase to get in on the action! Sure, let''s fight!"


    Covered in a dazzling disy of divine fire, the Five-Fire Divine Ape was in the midst of pressuring Feng Chaoyang''s clone to retreat. However, upon receiving Deng Yixiao''smand, the ape charged toward Yun Chaoxian instead!


    Yun Chaoxian was now fighting three opponents simultaneously!


    Someone bellowed viciously, "Don''t you dare hurt my senior brother!"


    A muscr figure in female clothes charged over and punched the ape from the side with a force of ten thousand jun[2].


    Despite being extraordinarily strong, the Five-Fire Divine Ape couldn''t withstand the punch at all and was sent flying backward dozens of zhang!


    Upon seeing the face of the person who just joined the fight, the other people cried out in surprise, "Is that a woman??"


    Tang Shi, the little vajra warrior, looked majestic and imposing!


    "Since you disciples of the Divine Nine want to abuse your power and pick on us, we, the disciples of the Terrestrial Ten, won''t stand for it!" someone else shouted from the side.


    Apanied by a howling ck wind, a slim youngster used his hand as a saber and intercepted Tang Shi''s next punch.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    "Even Guo Zhanlei from the Night-Saber Sect is getting involved? This a great opportunity!" a disciple from Taotie City eximed. Unable to stay on the sidelines, the disciple leaped over as he yelled, "I support the Terrestrial Ten, but I''ve disliked the Night-Saber Sect for a very long time!"


    Bright and colorful enchanted tools whizzed about in midair!


    Seeing a disciple of Taotie City join the fray, disciples of several traditional immortal sects that disliked Taotie City, such as the Endless Sword Sect and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, joined in as well. These disciples wanted to take the opportunity to teach a lesson to a disciple of the upstart sect Taotie City.


    Despite that, there were conflicts among the disciples of the traditional immortal sects too. They saw each other as they approached the disciple from Taotie City and couldn''t hold back from attacking each other first!


    The disciples of the Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan initially stayed out of the fight. Nevertheless, upon seeing their fellow Confucian cultivators from the Ascending Dragon Academy get beat up so badly, they couldn''t help but join in to help.


    The disciple from South Melody Conservatory was a young musician. The South Melody Conservatory didn''t have many disciples, and this year, the older ones were all making preparations for their tours, so they sent a youngdy.


    The youngdy''s eyes filled with excitement as she watched the massive and chaotic fight. It was a rare sight for her. She wanted to join in, but she didn''t dare to.


    After pondering for a moment, she ced her guqin on the ground and gently plucked the strings.


    <i>Twang~</i>


    It was the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves"!


    Chu Liang had experienced the power of this song before. Upon hearing it, even a disabled person would want to grab a crutch and charge into battle!


    The parties in the fight were already beating each other senseless. With this battle song ying, it would be even harder to stop the fight now.


    It would be a very hard task to try and find a sect among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten that had never wronged another sect, so pretty much all of them harbored a desire to get revenge against one sect or another. They usually kept some self-restraint, but it was now time for vengeance and settling scores. There was no holding back anymore.


    Even the Greater-Yin Cult, the most reclusive sect among them, was no exception. Luo Xiaoyong was enjoying the fight as a bystander. He had no grudges or animosity against the disciples engaged in the fight or their sects, and he had no intention of participating in the fight.


    Yet, at this moment, an oblivious disciple approached Luo Xiaoyong and stood in front of him.


    The oblivious disciple yelled, "Dear beauty, do not be afraid! I will protect you!"


    He even turned back to show a confident and greasy grin to Luo Xiaoyong with some bonus winks.


    A moment ago, the oblivious disciple had noticed a beautiful woman sitting alone as she watched the fight. Spotting an opportunity to make a move, he''d rushed over in a frenzy to showcase his masculine charms.


    However...


    <i>Wham.</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong did not hold back; he sent the oblivious disciple flying with a kick. Consequently, Luo Xiaoyong joined the fight as well.


    ...


    Meanwhile, on the other side of Heaven-Reaching Peak...


    Lu Xun, who was dressed in a white robe, had just buried an object in the ground. He formed a hand seal, and a burst of darkness shed past him from the ground.


    In that instant, he sensed a fluctuation in the qi around him. Then an enchanted formation descended to the ground.


    Everyone on Heaven-Reaching Peak had their attention focused on the chaotic fight, so no one was aware of Lu Xun''s actions.


    He nced indifferently behind him, making sure no one had noticed him. After that, he flew up and headed toward the square.


    When Lu Xunnded and saw the chaotic scene, he put on an enraged expression and shouted, "Stop fighting!"


    1. Celestial King Sect and Celestial Pivot Pavilion both originated from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult. See ch81 for more details. ?


    2. Reminder that 1 jun = 15kg... so... lol. ?

 Chapter 259: Shameless Punk

    <h4>Chapter 259: Shameless Punk</h4>


    Everything happened so quickly.


    The brawl between the disciples of the immortal sectssted only a short while, but it resulted in significant destruction. Within a short while, they wrecked the entire hall and the fight spread across half of the public square.


    The disciples of Mount Shu, whose cultivation energy wascking, didn''t dare to step in and stop the fight¡ªbesides, most were enjoying the spectacle.


    "<i>Wow... ouch</i>... that person hit way too hard," Monk Pushan remarked, shaking his head in disapproval as he stood next to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang stared at him and asked, "Aren''t you going to join them?"


    "Monks arepassionate and do not engage in violence," replied Monk Pushan.


    Before he could finish speaking, a figure was hurled from the fight, crashing to the ground and sliding several zhang beforeing to a stop. It was a disciple from the Monastery Tower, his bald head standing out.


    "He''s a warrior monk," Monk Pushan quickly added.


    Chu Liang nced at Pushan and at the warrior monk, thinking that there was indeed a stark difference between a warrior monk and a monk who practiced silent meditation.


    Themotion didn''tst long. Soon, a terrifying pressure of authority descended upon the area, immobilizing all the disciples of the immortal sects. Whether they were talented or ordinary, every single one of them was rendered motionless as they looked up at the sky.


    An old woman in ck, with a frosty demeanor, descended from the sky. She red at the disciples of the various immortal sects, who were in a state of chaos, and said, "You might be used to acting freely in your own sects, but here on Mount Shu, you must abide by the rules of the Mount Shu Sect. Any act of causing a scene or disying violence will not be tolerated. If this happens again, you will be banished from Mount Shu without exception."


    It was the Discipline Master!


    With just a few light and casual words, she instantly brought the situation under control. She didn''t bother to investigate the reason behind the brawl, clearly not wanting to judge the disputes between the disciples of these immortal sects.


    In reality, it was impossible for the elders of the sect to notice the brawl only after it had been happening for a while. They likely didn''t intervene initially, thinking it wasn''t a big deal, but decided to step in once they saw things getting out of hand.


    This aligned with their usual attitude towards their disciples.


    Feng Chaoyang withdrew his divine light, his body spotless, as if he had never been in a fight.


    He looked at Deng Yixiao and snorted coldly, "If you want to continue, let''s set a time at the foot of Mount Shu. I''ll be ready anytime."


    Deng Yixiao had clearly suffered some minor injuries, with bloodstains on one of his brows. Yet, he remained unfazed. In fact, the bloodstains made him look even fiercer.


    As Deng Yixiao faced Feng Chaoyang''s re, he remained calm and said, "When the Mount Shu Summit is over, I will settle this with you."


    The grudge between Feng Chaoyang and the three brothers of the Thunderbolt Stronghold now seemed irrevocable.


    Both sides departed with their own groups.


    As Chu Liang watched Deng Yixiao''s retreating figure, he suddenly sensed that something was odd.


    Rather than being someone who would impulsively start a fight in another immortal sect, Deng Yixiao appeared to be more reserved and introspective in nature.


    Could it be simply because of the existing grudge between his second elder brother and Feng Chaoyang?


    However, since Chu Liang wasn''t familiar with either side and didn''t know much about the matter, he didn''t dwell on the confusion and moved on.


    After all, he had many other things to do.


    ...


    The following day arrived.


    In light of yesterday''s events, the Mount Shu Sect prepared separate viewing areas for the disciples of the other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, hoping to prevent further encounters between them.


    As for the disciples of the other immortal sects, they were more well-behaved. After the incident blew up, they had likely received warnings from their elders and didn''t dare to cause a scene again.


    Chu Liang would be spending his entire day watching the fighting tournament matches.


    The tournament had advanced to the stage where participantspeted to move from the top thirty-two to the top sixteen. Every winner today would secure a ce in the top sixteen, and all of them were exceptionally strong. It was crucial for Chu Liang to study his opponents at this stage.


    Currently, the match on the stage featured Ling Ao, a disciple of Solitude Peak.


    Even with the lock of ck hair covering his eyes, he moved with the agility of the wind. Multiple afterimages trailed behind him as he effortlessly evaded his opponent''s strikes, then shattered their defenses with a single, powerful punch.


    This was exactly how he had defeated Shang Ziliang before.


    Apart from disying his powerful physique, Ling Ao revealed nothing else. Yet Chu Liang grew more convinced that Ling Ao had not yet shown his full potential.


    In the past few days, rumors about Ling Ao had been spreading wildly throughout Mount Shu. Previously, he wasn''t famous, and with so few disciples from Solitude Peak, almost no one was familiar with him. Now, with his sudden rise to prominence, he naturally attracted a lot of attention.


    Such urrences were not unusual. Every year at the Mount Shu Summit, one or two dark horses whose strength exceeded their reputation would emerge into prominence.


    Insiders revealed that he wasn''t this strong six months ago, and his sudden surge in power suggested a lucky encounter. Given his origin from Solitude Peak and his immense physical strength, the most epted theory was that he had received a gift from a True Dragon.


    There was even spection that he might have received theplete legacy of a True Dragon.


    But Chu Liang knew this guess was entirely wrong as he was the one who had received the legacy of a True Dragon.


    And from Ling Ao, he felt no trace of dragon breath.


    "The next match: Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak versus Fang Ting from Jade Sword Peak!"


    "<i>Wow¡ª</i>"


    Excitement rippled through the crowd like a wave.


    So far in the mainpetition of the Mount Shu Summit, this was the first sh between two Golden Core Realm cultivators. Typically, cultivators at this level would have secured a spot in the top sixteen, but now one of them would have to be eliminated early.


    One of them was going to be the unlucky one.


    Fang Ting stepped onto the stage with a confident smile.


    He was sure that the unlucky one wouldn''t be him.


    "Senior Brother Fang," Chu Liang greeted him with a smile, sping his hands in salute.


    The two were quite familiar with each other. Fang Ting had led Chu Liang on his first mission to the Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions. At that time, Fang Ting was in the early stage of the Golden Core Realm, and to Chu Liang, he seemed incredibly powerful.


    But now, it only took half a year for Chu Liang to stand proudly before Fang Ting as an equal.


    "Junior Brother Chu," Fang Ting said, cupping his hands in a salute. "I know you''ve had many fortuitous encounters and progressed rapidly over the past six months, even forming an ultimate-tier Golden Core. You''ve been standing outtely, taking first ce at both the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony and the Stairway to the Heavens event.


    "But I haven''t been idle either. Today, I''ll show you what true strength is!"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With these words, a powerful surge of foundational qi burst forth from him, like a raging inferno.


    Fang Ting was at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm!


    It seemed Fang Ting had also made significant progress recently.


    Many people were aware of the bet between Silver Sword Peak and Jade Sword Peak. They oftenpared the eldest senior brothers of each peak, pitting Chu Liang against Xu Ziyang.


    But Fang Ting believed that they would know the result of this bet today.


    He had seen how weak Chu Liang was when he first descended Mount Shu and always thought that no matter what lucky encounters he had, he couldn''t have grown that strong in such a short time.


    <i>Even if you formed an ultimate-tier Golden Core, so what?</i>


    <i>Can your physical body keep up? Can your divine abilities match the challenge? Is your mental state strong enough?</i>


    <i>Regardless of the tier of your Golden Core, you stepped into this stage toote. It hasn''t been that long since you formed your core. On the other hand, I have been at the Golden Core Realm for a long time. I have reached the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm.</i>


    <i>I will show you the true power of the Heavenly Golden Core of Five Lightning today!</i>


    These were the thoughts running through Fang Ting''s mind.


    As he drew the Thunderstrike Sword with his right hand, it seemed as though there was a golden dragon coiling around the de, suppressing the powerful flow of qi coursing through the sword! Clearly, Fang Ting was eager to showcase his abilities through this fight. He couldn''t wait!


    He had been itching for a thrilling fight ever since he reached the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. His opponent in the previous round was too weak to bring out his full strength. Chu Liang, however, was the perfect match.


    <i>Let''s do this!</i>


    <i>A full-on fight!</i>


    As he shouted inwardly, thunder seemed to roar within his heart.


    "<i>Ha! </i>I''ve been eagerly anticipating this match as well!" Chu Liang retorted with enthusiasm. "Let''s do this! And let''s give your teacher Wang Xuanling, who''s watching from below the stage, a show to see whose disciple is stronger!"


    As he spoke, his gaze shifted behind Fang Ting.


    Hearing the name Wang Xuanling, Fang Ting shuddered.<i> Is my teacher really here? </i>He thought to himself.


    <i>I didn''t hear about himing to spectate the fight?</i>


    Instinctively, he turned to look, but saw nothing.


    <i>sh.</i>


    It was the dull sound of a saber piercing into flesh.


    Chu Liang''s hand was in a position as if he had just thrown a hidden weapon, and a gleaming curved saber was embedded in Fang Ting''s chest.


    "..."


    The crowd became silent.


    Fang Ting turned back, his lips trembling in disbelief. He couldn''t speak as he fell backward with a thud. Disciples from the Hall of Alchemy then rushed to his aid. Though the wound looked severe, Chu Liang had avoided all vital points. For a cultivator, such wounds on the flesh would heal very quickly.


    Inparison, healing the wound in Fang Ting''s heart might be more challenging.


    After a long moment, a weak but clear voice expressed everyone''s thoughts: "Shameless!"

 Chapter 260: The Economic Potential of Tourism

    <h4>Chapter 260: The Economic Potential of Tourism</h4>


    Fang Ting felt the urge to cry, but not a single tear could be shed.


    He had intended to use this fight to show the capabilities at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    He wanted to show everyone on Mount Shu the power of his Heavenly Golden Core of Five Lightning! This was meant to be the fight that would make him famous!


    Yet, he was suddenly defeated in such a manner.


    The injuries were of minor concern. It was mainly the feeling of something being lodged in his throat that he couldn''t swallow or spit out.


    But as Fang Ting spent more time pondering what had just happened, he realized that the moment of distraction shouldn''t be the reason why he couldn''t react to the sneak attack.


    It was really because Chu Liang''s attack was too swift, fierce, and precise, allowing him to defeat his enemy with one strike.


    Clearly, Chu Liang wasn''t weak.


    As Fang Ting cast his nce over at Chu Liang, he saw Chu Liang smiling and cupping his hands while saying, "Senior Brother Fang, thank you for letting me win."


    <i>Pfft.</i>


    He had just calmed down, but now he felt his qi and blood boiling with anger again. He wanted to spit a mouthful of blood in Chu Liang''s face and shout, "Your mama should be thanking me Ahhhhhh..!"


    But ultimately, he had lost. The elder hosting the fight announced in a stern tone, "Chu Liang from the Silver Sword Peak...won!"


    As the elder said this, he averted his gaze downward, clearly showing some unwillingness.


    The area around buzzed with quiet chatter.


    "Hey, isn''t that the guy from Silver Sword Peak who took the top spot in the Stairway to the Heavens event? I thought he was pretty tough. Why does he keep pulling moves like that?"


    "Well, it hasn''t been too long since he formed his core. He''s no match for Fang Ting in sheer strength yet. Guess that''s why he went for those tactics."


    "But there are so many people watching. How can he be so..."


    "His teacher is Di Nufeng..."


    "<i>Ah</i>, that exins it... So he''s a shameless punk."


    Chu Liang, however, remained nonchnt. Hended gracefully as Lin Bei approached, giving him a thumbs up and remarking, "You''re the first to earn a bad reputation point with every victory."


    "It can''t be helped," Chu Liang said with a chuckle. Without dwelling on the matter, he changed the subject, asking, "How are sales?"


    "I sold out long ago. Not sure about the others," Lin Bei answered with a smile.


    A new match soon started on the stage, drawing the audience''s attention. Chu Liang moved over to a corner of the square and a few figures immediately gathered around him.


    Along with Lin Bei, there were Liu Xiaoyu''er, Shang Ziliang, Lackey A, and Lackey B¡ªcore members of Chu Liang''s team.


    Each of them wore a basic storage enchanted tool, filled with candied fruits, sweetened tea, and boxes of Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries..


    These candied fruits, sweetened tea, and snacks were perfect to eat while spectating the fight. These snack choices were specially made by Chu Liang after he descended the mountain and did a survey of the surroundings. He then made arrangements with the vendors nearby.


    The Dragon Breath Golden Vein Berries were considered high-end specialties of the Mount Shu Sect, perfect gifts for disciples from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten immortal sects to take back to their family and friends. The Golden Vein Berry brand had already made a name for itself within Mount Shu; fellow disciples recognized it as a premium product.


    When the disciples of the other immortal sects saw these berries, they asked the disciples of Mount Shu and found out that the berries were good. And soon, word began to spread.


    The Mount Shu Summit organized by the Mount Shu Sect provided Chu Liang and his team a rare opportunity.


    "Lin Bei sold out the earliest today, so he is undoubtedly the sales champion for the day," Chu Liang remarked. "How about the rest of you?"


    "I''m almost sold out too," Liu Xiaoyu''er said with a smile, raising her hand.


    The little girl looked adorable and charming. She didn''t have to exert much effort in selling her items as people naturally gravitated towards her, eager to make a purchase.


    Shang Ziliang and Lackey A didn''t fare as well, only managing to sell about half of their stock.


    Lackey B was the only one left to answer. He blinked his eyes and uttered, "Mine is gone too..."


    "Sold out?"


    "Ate it all..."


    Chu Liang gazed at Lackey B and let out a sigh. "If you keep doing that, I can''t pay you," he said.


    Ever since they teamed up for the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, Chu Liang decided to officially organize the crew for future convenience. He discussed it with Shang Ziliang and the others, and they were all willing to follow his lead. Now, they were considered unofficial members of Silver Sword Peak.


    When they were eliminated from the fighting tournament, Chu Liang shared his n with them.


    Chu Liang proposed taking advantage of the Mount Shu Summit organized by the Mount Shu Sect to start a small business. If they agreed to be his seller, he would pay them a base wage of fifty sword coins per day plus a twenty percentmission on sales. Additionally, the top seller each day would receive a bonus of fifty sword coins.


    If anyone consistently performed well, they could be promoted to partner, allowing them to share in the overall profit with Chu Liang. This excellent offer was very enticing to the group members.


    Sales for the first two days were mediocre, and Chu Liang had to pay their wages out of pocket. However, as they gradually tapped into the market, he anticipated making a profit today. ording to his calctions, in a couple more days, once they had fully established their foothold in the market, his daily ie could reach several hundred sword coins.


    Chu Liang came up with this idea after seeing visitors from far and wide converging to celebrate the Mount Shu Summit with the sect. Yet, the Mount Shu Sect had neglected to harness the economic potential of tourism, which pained Chu Liang deeply.


    The snack business was small-scale. These items were not worth much and couldn''t be sold for a high price. However, they were just what people needed, and Chu Liang could use this business to create a good impression. The real money-makers were the gift boxes of berries, which had low costs and high profits. The deluxe gift boxes were almost pure profit. The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect knew the original price of the berries¡ªalthough it was already quite high, the gift boxes were priced even higher. Naturally, the locals wouldn''t buy the gift boxes themselves. After all, these gift boxes were meant to scam... no, to be bought as gifts for the families of the tourists visiting Mount Shu.


    Mount Shu currently didn''t have any must-try foods or must-buy items for visitors. Chu Liang nned to turn the Golden Vein Berries into a renowned brand of the Mount Shu Sect. In the future, people who visit would want to buy a few boxes home for their friends and family, ensuring a steady stream of profits in the future.


    "By the way," he reminded them, "Make sure to tell them that there''s a discount if they use Mount Shu Sect''s sword coins."


    This puzzled Shang Ziliang and the others.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, the mostmonly used currency was the Taotie City''s Four-Animals coins[1], followed by Peni Supreme Sect''s Peni coins. The former was widely epted because Taotie City was the most convenient ce for transactions, while thetter was considered the safest to hold due to the Peni Supreme Sect''s immense power.


    As for the sword coins of the Mount Shu Sect, these coins generally circted within Mount Shu itself.


    "Those disciples from the other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten don''t have sword coins. If they need to exchange them, it will be quite troublesome," Lin Bei added.


    "Even though it might be a hassle, we must advocate for the use of our coins. We''re on Mount Shu after all. What else would they use if not sword coins?" Chu Liang remarked. "But let''s not rush into it. Let''s take our time."


    As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with hope.


    ...


    Chu Liang then sent them all out to sell more items. Suddenly, he felt a tremor in his enchanted storage tool.


    Chu Liang''s expression tightened. He exchanged knowing nces with Monk Pushan and Luo Yao, each understanding what weighed on the others'' minds. Without a word, they all took off towards Silver Sword Peak, gathering there with a shared purpose.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I have found a new way to infiltrate the White-Bone Hall again. Time is tight; can you all gather by tomorrow?"


    The three of them took out their Soul Subjugator Tokens and saw the message.


    "Good timing," Chu Liang said as he nodded, appearing rather pleased with the timing. "The Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament is tomorrow, and I won''t need to participate."


    "Alright." Luo Yao nodded and sent a reply.


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Wow, here we go again! Another thrilling undercover mission! It feels like ages since ourst raid on White-Bone Hall. Honorable Guider, you''re incredible. Always finding a way to infiltrate."


    Chu Liang nced curiously at Monk Pushan, wondering how he managed to send such a long message within such a short time.


    After a moment, he replied as Fiftieth-Eighth.


    [Fiftieth-Eighth]: "Noted."


    Fortunately, the Soul Subjugator Token didn''t show the sender''s location. Otherwise, it would be hard to exin if all three of them were shown to be at Mount Shu.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Alright, meet tomorrow at the usual ce. My subordinate will meet up with you."


    1. The collective term for the Azure-Dragon coin, the Tiger-Head coin, the Vermillion-Bird coin, the ck-Tortoise coin ?

 Chapter 261: The Ideal Job

    <h4>Chapter 261: The Ideal Job</h4>


    The Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament was held the next day, but it was significantly less popr than the fighting tournament. After all, fights between demonic beasts were all about attacking with their teeth, biting and tearing at each other. They weren¡¯t as interesting and exciting as the battles between human cultivators.


    Only a dozen or so of the spirit pets on Mount Shu had been registered for the tournament, so there was no preliminary round. The tournament started as a knockout tournament and continued that way until the end.


    The attendants led all the spirit beasts away to wait for their turn. Their owners were left together in one ce, filling the air with fierce tension and the desire to win.


    Amid thosepetitive owners, there was a little girl sitting in a corner, trembling in fear.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" a fierce-looking tough guy uttered when he turned around and saw her. He asked, "Little girl, weren''t you selling food yesterday?"


    "<i>Ah,</i> yes, that''s me," Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er answered, quivering as she hurriedly straightened her posture.


    She seemed very nervous.


    Di Nufeng was attending a meeting as Silver Sword Peak¡¯s peak master, and Chu Liang suddenly had something urgent to attend to. So, Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er had be the temporary peak master of Silver Sword Peak and had to shoulder the important task of bringing the temporary deputy peak master, the Golden-Furred Hou, to the tournament.


    The little girl was truly terrified.


    This was totally different from the Mahjong Tournament. All she had needed to do was arrange her tiles in a row and push them down; it had been extremely simple.


    However, the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament involved fighting!


    Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er wouldn''t actually be fighting, but she and Golden-Furred Hou had be great friends. She would be very sad if the adorable Big Head were to get hurt.


    "<i>Heheh,</i> don''t be afraid," the tough guy said. He¡¯d noticed that Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er was quite scared. "I''ll look after you, so you can rx."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er nodded repeatedly. "Thank you!"


    "What kind of spirit pet do you have?" the tough guy asked. Then he made a guess based off Liu Xiaoyu''er''s appearance. "A little butterfly? A little bee? A flower fairy?"


    "It''s a very cute little spirit beast. It''s called¡ª"


    Just as the little girl was about to answer the tough guy¡¯s question, an attendant called out loudly.


    "Huang Jingzhu from Iron Sword Peak and Liu Xiaoyu''er from Silver Sword Peak, get ready to fight!"


    "I''ming!" Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er replied.


    She scrambled to her feet and hurried over to the stage with small steps.


    The tough guy and the little girl stepped onto the stage and stood on opposite sides.


    Huang Jingzhu, the tough guy,ughed heartily. "So, I got matched up with you? <i>Hahaha,</i> what a coincidence."


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked at him with a rather pitiful expression, feeling that this was an unfair situation.


    <i>This man looks so fierce. His spirit pet must be very ferocious. I wonder if Big Head will get bullied.</i>


    "Hey, don''t cryter," Huang Jingzhu said quickly. "I''ll make sure my spirit pet holds back a bit. I promise it won¡¯t kill your spirit pet, so don¡¯t worry."


    Then a roar ripped through the air. "<i>Raaaar!</i>"


    Arge mountain-like ck bear climbed onto the stage. Its bloodshot eyes gleamed with bloodthirst, matching the tough guy¡¯s disposition perfectly.


    It was a Boorish ck Bear at the pinnacle of the fourth realm!


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked at therge ck bear and pouted in fear, tears welling up in her eyes. "So scary..."


    "You..." Huang Jingzhu began.


    He was thinking about what he should say tofort the little girl and what he should do to go easy on her. However, before he figured out what to say, the attendant brought out the little girl¡¯s spirit pet...


    The words that the tough guy had been about to say changed right then. "You didn¡¯t make a mistake, did you?"


    Huang Jingzhu was now looking at a massive golden-furred spirit beast that had anguid expression. It was several heads taller than his Boorish ck Bear, and it was shrouded by divine light. Despite itsnguidness, the spirit beast seemed to be suppressing its ferocious nature, making it much like a dormant volcano. It didn¡¯t seem particrly interested in fighting... yet it was chewing on the iron chain holding it down!


    Huang Jingzhu thought, <i>Silver Sword Peak... No wonder I thought it sounded familiar.</i>


    <i>I heard that Silver Sword Peak got a Golden-Furred Hou recently. Could this be the one?</i>


    <i>This adorable little girl is raising this monstrous beast...?</i>


    <i>There must be some mistake!</i>


    Liu Xiaoyu''er stroked the Golden-Furred Hou''s fur and said tearfully, "Xiao Jinjin[1], you mustn¡¯t get hurt."


    <i>Shouldn¡¯t you be saying that to my Xiao Heihei[2] instead?</i>


    Huang Jingzhu waspletely thrown off.


    Now, he wasn''t hoping that his spirit beast wouldn¡¯t get hurt but rather that it wouldn¡¯t get killed.


    ...


    Chu Liang and his twopanions arrived at a corner of Southern Bastion Mountain and saw the same ck tree from thest time they were there.


    It was Liu Sen.


    He had given them a referral to join the Chamber of Loyalty, but he had not participated in the operation involving the Blue Dragon¡¯s Hidden Realm and thus luckily avoided that cmity. Later, when General Hei Yu died suddenly, the Chamber of Loyalty was disbanded, and Liu Sen joined another chamber.


    Now, Liu Sen had finally regained a stable standing in White-Bone Hall.


    "You actually survived," Liu Sen said. He was quite surprised to see the trio alive. "Thatst trip to the hidden realm ended in total annihtion. Even General Hei Yu didn¡¯t make it back."


    "We were on the edge of the group at the time and noticed the situation quickly, so we managed to escape with our lives," Chu Liang recounted. His voice shook a little, a sign of his lingering fear. "Later, we heard something happened on White-Bone Mountain. However, we couldn¡¯t find our way back, so we hid for a while."


    "That¡¯s right. Three immortal sects set up a blockade around White-Bone Mountain, resulting in major casualties for White-Bone Hall," Liu Sen exined angrily. "Daoist Yan killed over a hundred of our brothers with one sword strike. White-Bone Hall still hasn¡¯t recovered from the battle. The hall master has ordered us to spread out and lie low and that we should prepare for an important event in a few days."


    "What important event?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I''ll take you to meet my new chamber master first. He''ll tell you then." Liu Sen got ready to leave. "I''ve now joined the Ghost-Face Chamber. The chamber master is rather temperamental. He¡¯s not as good-tempered as General Hei Yu, so be careful."


    "Understood," the trio replied.


    The four of them sped off somewhere. This time, instead of going to White-Bone Mountain, they arrived at an inn in a small town.


    In a room upstairs, they met a man with a shocking face. He was tall and burly and dressed in ck clothes. His face was covered in horrific burn scars that made it look as though numerous ck poisonous insects were crawling on his face.


    <i>No wonder his chamber was called Ghost-Face Chamber,</i> Chu Liang thought.


    Liu Sen introduced the trio to the man. "Chamber Master, these are the brothers I told you about. We were in the same chamber before. Now, they¡¯d like to join us and be your subordinates."


    "Very good. We¡¯re in need of people right now. You¡¯vee at the right time," the scarred-faced man said with a smile. "Those in my chamber call me Ghost Face. From now on, you¡¯ll be with me. Do well, and you may get a fixed position in my chamber in the future."


    Ghost Face looked strange, but he seemed more normal than General Hei Yu. At least, Ghost Face didn¡¯t make them to do any bizarre and unhygienic blood-oath rituals.


    The trio bowed their heads and replied, "We will serve you faithfully like dogs!"


    "We''ve been taking in anyone who wants to join us because there¡¯s a major operationing up," Ghost Face exined. "You''vee just in time to join in. You¡¯ll be paid very generously."


    The trio raised their heads. "Oh?"


    Ghost Face continued, "The hall master said that each participant in this operation will receive a thousand Vermilion-Bird coins. If you¡¯ve contributed by killing, you''ll get an additional five hundred for each person you kill. If your contributions are significant, you¡¯ll even be rewarded with diabolical artifacts."


    Even righteous sects had to offer spirit stones as a reward when they sent their disciples out on missions, so it¡¯s obvious that diabolical sects, which ced greater value on receiving gains in exchange for their efforts, would offer even more. Without enough incentives, none of their members would be willing to participate in the sect''s operations.


    The Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had their own currencies made from spirit stones, but it was very difficult for the diabolical sects to implement their own. They had to stay concealed in the shadows, so they wouldn''t be able to convert their spirit stone currency to those of the righteous sects. Even if the Dark King Sect did make its own currency, its own members wouldn¡¯t support its use, as it wouldn¡¯t have any value outside their sect.


    That¡¯s why they used Taotie City¡¯s currency.


    Chu Liang thought, <i>A thousand Vermilion-Bird coins for one mission... This is an incredibly high-paying job. My sect never has missions with such great rewards. Moreover, that amount is just what we¡¯re getting. The chamber master will probably take a cut, so the original pay must be even higher.</i>


    <i>People in the criminal world are really generous.</i>[3]


    Chu Liang inquired, "Chamber Master, may I ask what the operation entails?"


    "I can''t reveal the specifics yet. Just hang around somewhere in the southwest, but not too far away. And be ready at all times." Ghost Face threw out three jade talismans. "It''s an unusual time right now, so it¡¯s inconvenient for so many of us to gather in the same ce. Take these tracking jade talismans. I¡¯ll summon you here when you¡¯re needed."


    When Chu Liang took the jade talisman, he was grinning inwardly.


    <i>A thousand Vermilion-Bird coins for one operation... We don¡¯t need to do anything for now... We just need to hang around in the southwest, which is basically at Mount Shu''s doorstep, and be ready to rush over at any time.</i>


    <i>It¡¯s a high-paying job and requires little work. Just those two conditions make it a great job... but it¡¯s close to home too.</i>


    <i>It''s the ideal job.</i>


    1. Another version of the Golden-Furred Hou¡¯s nickname, Xiao Jin. This one is just a cuter version. ?


    2. Hei as in ck. It¡¯s the guy¡¯s nickname for his ck bear. ?


    3. Lol... Someone¡¯s getting tempted. ?

 Chapter 262: Wanderers of the North and South

    <h4>Chapter 262: Wanderers of the North and South</h4>


    As the Mount Shu Summit progressed further, more and more guests from other immortal sects came to spectate. In a tournament with a rtively long duration, theter matches naturally be increasingly exciting, featuring true showdowns between strong opponents.


    As time went by, these matches were gaining more and more attention.


    In fact, even the arrogant members of the Peni Supreme Sect were unwilling to miss out on the chance to get a glimpse of the strength of thesepetitors.


    Aside from the representatives of the other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten who were invited since the beginning of the ceremony, there were many other cultivators who came on their own initiativeter on. A big group of these cultivators were minor sects ranked below the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Recently, older cultivators were seen apanying younger cultivators, whose cultivation energy still felt fresh, as they wandered around Mount Shu, marveling at everything they saw.


    There were some visitors who had visited before and they felt that the service on Mount Shu was much better this time. There were snacks and drinks being sold, making the viewing experience of the matches even better. There were specialties being sold.


    This way, they could gift their friends and family some items when they head back.


    Two important figures also visited Mount Shu today.


    ¡°Schr Sun[1] and Elder Huang, please forgive me for not greeting you sooner.¡± The Weapons Master personally stepped out to meet them. With his gray beard, white robe, sturdy build, piercing blue-gold eyes, and hands of ck meteor iron, he seemed almost like a deity.


    "It''s an honor to have one of the Four Guardian Elders wee us personally," said the old man standing in front, cupping his hand and smiling. "We wouldn''t darein."


    On the left stood a man dressed in white robes with a jade belt, looking like a schr. His hair was a mix of gray and white, neatly groomed. With a round belly, he was slightly overweight. As he smiled in a nonchnt manner, he gave off this air ofziness.


    This person''s surname was Sun and he was a renowned Confucian schr.


    On the right, a man in a simple yellow robe stood out with his ruddyplexion and head of ck hair. His eyes appeared bright and alert as he walked, scanning the surroundings with a lively gaze.


    This man, with the surname Huang, was an elder of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    If they were just a schr and an elder, there would be no need for a guardian elder to personally wee them. Recently, many distinguished guests from the sects of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten had visited and all of them were hosted by the Foreign Affairs Hall without any special treatment.


    However, the influence of these two individuals was extraordinary.


    The elderly man with the surname Sun was a preeminent Confucian schr of his time. His name had been disyed in the Noblemen''s Hall for many years, and he taught at the Ascending Dragon Academy. Although he consistently declined official positions offered by the imperial court, he remained vocal in his critiques of current affairs, often shocking the world with his writings.


    He was the type of person that refused to take office but intended to give the world a piece of his mind.


    Now, his students were everywhere. He had retired from the Ascending Dragon Academy and spent his days traveling the world.


    As for the elderly man surnamed Huang, he had been the master of the Wind-Catching Hall in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and had achieved remarkable sess. The <i>Seven Stars Gazette </i>had always held significant influence among immortality cultivators. However, it was under his leadership that this publication gained widespread recognition across the nine provinces. Today, the <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i> was known by everyone,rgely thanks to his substantial contributions.


    The current master of the Wind-Catching Hall, Zhou Yijian, was his sessor. Although Elder Huang was still an elder of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, he no longer participated in the sect¡¯s affairs and was instead traveling and enjoying the scenery.


    Schr Sun and Elder Huang had been close friends for years. For the past several years, they had traveled the world together, earning the nickname "Wanderers of the North and South."


    asionally, they would write an article together, which would attract immense attention.


    With such renowned figures visiting Mount Shu, they obviously didn''t dare to show any negligence. Since the Weapons Master knew them well, he came personally to wee them.


    "Time flies. It''s been thirty years since Ist attended the Mount Shu Summit. It seems the Mount Shu Sect has only grown more prosperous," Schr Sun remarked with a smile.


    Elder Huang shook his head and replied, "I''ve always told you how lively the Mount Shu Summit is! It is different from the grand events of other immortal sects. I suggested we visit more often, but you always said no."


    "Don''t nder me," Schr Sun quickly retorted. "Twenty years ago, I suggested wee here, but you were the one who insisted on following the tour with the South Melody Conservatory disciples."


    "Wasn''t it you who was in a hurry to find a fragment of an ancient book ten years ago?" Elder Huang retorted, ring at him.


    "Alright, alright, it''s good that both of you are here this time," interjected the Weapons Master with a smile. "It just so happens that the mainpetition of the Mount Shu Summit is happening today, so you can both evaluate our newer generation of Mount Shu disciples." He waved his hand in a gesture of mediation, clearly used to their banter.


    "The new generation of Mount Shu disciples is, of course, exceptional," Schr Sun responded politely to the Weapons Master, smiling warmly. "We''ve heard a great deal about Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang from this generation."


    "Jiangjiang will surely win!" Elder Huang eximed, pumping his fist in the air as he heard Jiang Yuebai''s name.


    Schr Sun discreetly rolled his eyes and subtly moved two steps away as he felt embarrassed to be associated with Elder Huang.


    As they continued their conversation, the three made their way to the viewing tform and settled into their seats. Staring at the stage in front, the Weapons Master chuckled and said, "Aside from Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang, there are a few other new disciples who has shown great potential. Take Mu Yueting and Chu Liang, who just stepped onto the stage¡ªthey both have shown remarkable promise. Why don¡¯t you two guess who will win this match?"


    Schr Sun stroked his beard and observed for a while. He then contemted for a bit before saying, "If we base our judgment solely on the qi they''ve revealed, assuming that neither is concealing their true power... this young girl is approaching theter stage of the Golden Core Realm. She''s incredibly talented for her age, and her sword qi is very fierce. The young man is in the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm, but his qi... Does he have an ultimate-tier Golden Core? That is very rare. No wonder you mentioned that he has great potential. An ultimate-tier Golden Core could indeed set him up as a key figure in Mount Shu in the future. But he is behind by a stage of cultivation and we don''t know if his ultimate-tier Golden Core canpensate for the disparity in their cultivation levels."


    "I bet on Mu Yueting to win," Elder Huang said without hesitation, flipping through a small booklet in his hands.


    "How can you be so sure?" Schr Sun asked.


    "<i>Ha</i>, this is a notebook written by a disciple of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion a few days ago," Elder Huang said, waving the booklet. "Mu Yueting has shownprehensive skills in her two fights so far, especially her impressive swordsmanship. As for Chu Liang, he relied on various enchanted tools to surprise his opponent in one fight and used cunning tactics in another. He hasn''t shown any real strength."


    Hearing this, Schr Sun pondered for a while.


    "And the most important point," Elder Huang continued, "is that Mu Yueting''s teacher is Daoist Yan, while Chu Liang''s teacher is Di Nufeng."


    "In that case, I am also betting on the girl," Schr Sun said without hesitation.


    ...


    For the past two days, Chu Liang had been quite busy. He had signed up for many events and had to participate in one almost everyday.He also had to handle tasks for the undercover operation.


    If there were scheduling conflicts, he could always discuss it with the sect. However, since he wasn''t the designated participant in yesterday''s Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament, it wouldn''t matter if Liu Xiaoyu''er went in his ce.


    When Liu Xiaoyu''er returned, she seemed unhappy. When Chu Liang asked her about it, she revealed that she had met a tall, burly, kind man at the event who cried really loudly because the Golden-Furred Hou had bullied his spirit pet. He cried for a while and Liu Xiaoyu''er spent quite some time consoling him before she could make her way back.


    Normally, it was already considered exceptional if there were fourth-realm spirit pets at the Mount Shu Summit. Those at the fifth realm of cultivation would be a strong contender for the championship. Prior to joining the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament, the tall and burly guy likely never expected that there would be a sixth-realm beast participating in the tournament.


    Although the Golden-Furred Hou had just reached the sixth realm of cultivation and had yet to consolidate the knowledge in this realm or master all of its innate divine abilities, it could still easily bully a spirit pet at the fourth realm.


    Thankfully, there were no urgent demands for the undercover operation, allowing Chu Liang to return in time for the mainpetition today.


    His opponent today was yet another powerful one.


    From the round of sixteen to the quarterfinals, most of thepetitors were at the Golden Core Realm, making it difficult to encounter a weak opponent. Nevertheless, Mu Yueting was among the strongerpetitors.


    If it weren''t for Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang, she would be a top-tier candidate for the head disciple position.


    The opponents for each match were decided by a draw the day before. Chu Liang felt that his luck in the draws had been average and wondered if he should let Liu Xiaoyu''er draw for him next time.


    Mu Yueting was dressed in a white sword outfit with a high cor that covered her neck, creating a sharp and pristine appearance. She had short hair cut to her ears, fair skin, single eyelids, and a tall, slender build. A four-chi-long, thin sword was strapped to her back.


    She stood there, emanating an aura that unmistakably revealed her powerful qi at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    Jiang Yuebai was powerful, but she relied on her Transcendent Spirit constitution, which allowed her to master divine techniques and skills easily. However, on the Azure Falling Peak, Mu Yueting was the one who resembled Daoist Yan the most. Mu Yueting focused purely on the art of the sword. She was two years older than Jiang Yuebai, and before Jiang Yuebai became well-known, Mu Yueting was thought to be the sessor of Daoist Yan.


    Chu Liang''s aura indicated that he was at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm, which made him seem less powerful. However, having the ultimate-tier Golden Core would at least help narrow the gap between them.


    To the spectators, it probably appeared as though both fighters were evenly matched. Although Chu Liang was slightly less powerful, he still had the ability to fight against Mu Yueting.


    However, Jiang Yuebai saw things differently.


    Standing beneath the stage, she watched Chu Liang intently, her thoughts swirling. It had been some time since shest evaluated his progress in cultivation, and considering his astonishingly rapid growth, she pondered what strides he might have made since then.


    Would he have stopped or slowed down his progress during this time?


    She should feel a stronger bond with her senior sister. Yet, for some reason, she found herself not wanting Chu Liang to lose.


    This inexplicable feeling was difficult to describe, but a whispering voice in her mind seemed to be saying... Chu Liang definitely wouldn¡¯t lose.


    1. This is not Elder Sun from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. This is another surnamed Sun person who is a Confucian schr that teaches at the Ascending Dragon Academy. ?

 Chapter 263: I Will Take My Leave First

    <h4>Chapter 263: I Will Take My Leave First</h4>


    "Chu Liang definitely won¡¯t lose. Rest assured," Lin Bei said, patting his chest confidently.


    Shang Ziliang and his twockeys stood behind, looking rather worried. Shang Ziliang said, "Big Bro has always shown remarkable feats, but Senior Sister Mu is no ordinary disciple. I''m not sure if he will really win if he has to reveal his true strength."


    "Although I don''t know how he''s going to win, I know he will," Lin Bei said confidently, emphasizing each word. "I have absolute faith in him."


    Seeing how much confidence Lin Bei had in Chu Liang, Shang Ziliang was shocked...


    <i>If Lin Bei has this much faith in my big bro, how can I lose against Lin Bei? </i>Shang Ziliang thought to himself.


    And so, Shang Ziliang looked up and cheered loudly, ¡°Chu Liang! Chu Liang! Strongest in Mount Shu!¡±


    Chu Liang hastily gestured for Shang Ziliang to keep his mouth shut, feeling speechless. Turning back to face Mu Yueting, his expression became serious.


    "Senior Sister Mu, I''m looking forward to this fight with you," Chu Liang said earnestly.


    ¡°Likewise.¡±


    The two sped their hands and bowed.


    Then, the supervising elder in the center waved his hand, signaling the start of the match.


    "Start!"


    As the match began, Mu Yueting''s attention zeroed in on Chu Liang''s hands, while her own sword emitted a dazzling radiance.


    She had seen Chu Liang fight before and knew he relied on a strange enchanted tool that took on various forms. His attacks were extremely fast and powerful.


    Nevertheless, as long as one maintained full concentration, his attacks wouldn''t be hard to deflect.


    Once she blocked his initial strike, she just needed to make the first move and not give him another chance to use his enchanted tool!


    Yet, Chu Liang did not take out the Green Leaf. Instead, he pulled out a jade talisman¡ªan art-storing jade talisman.


    The Mount Shu Sect had set very strict rules regarding the types of enchanted tools participants could bring on stage. Each participant was allowed to bring only one item, which had to be approved beforehand. Tools like the art-storing jade talisman were permitted but with specific limitations: only one item could be brought on stage, and the divine skills or abilities stored within it could not exceed one realm higher than the participant''s cultivation level.


    This meant that if Chu Liang had taken the art-storing jade talisman on stage, he wouldn''t be allowed to bring the Green Leaf. Additionally, the jade talisman could only be used once and could only store divine techniques and skills that a fourth-realm cultivator could perform.


    Despite the numerous restrictions, Chu Liang still brought it on stage. Within this jade talisman was a shamanic curse technique cast by Luo Yao.


    The Forbidden Ground!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    As a breeze swept by, the curse was cast.


    Mu Yueting suddenly felt her control over her foundational qi being suppressed by the rules of heaven and earth. Realizing the effect of this shamanic technique, her expression changed immediately.


    She had spent her entire life cultivating the art of sword and nothing else. If she couldn''t use her foundational qi, she wouldn''t be able to control the sword qi.


    Yet, she didn''t sit idly by. Instead, she fully activated her cultivation energy. Her sword flickered unpredictably, unleashing a sharp and resolute aura!


    She knew that as long as she exerted all her force, the duration of this Forbidden Ground would be greatly shortened. It should take her only a few seconds to break free from the restrictions of the Forbidden Ground. By then, Chu Liang wouldn''t have any enchanted tools left to use, while she would have the advantage of greater cultivation energy and still possess an enchanted tool.


    She just needed to survive these few seconds! But could she make it?


    ...


    Chu Liang had already dashed toward her with the speed as fast as a gust of wind.


    From observing her previous two battles, he had seen all of Mu Yueting''s attacks. He knew that her entire cultivation was focused on sword techniques, making her attacks extraordinarily ferocious. If she were to go all out, even a fifth realm practitioner wouldn''t dare to guarantee they could walk away unscathed.


    Simrly, her weaknessy in herck of proficiency in defense.


    While offense might indeed serve as the best defense, what if she were unable tounch an attack? Throughout the previous two battles, Chu Liang had never observed Mu Yueting using any divine skills that solely relied on her physical abilities.


    And so, he deduced that Mu Yueting, as a woman who purely cultivated the art of sword, never paid much attention to the cultivation of her physical abilities.


    In fact, this was simr to Fang Ting, whom Chu Liang had fought in the previous match. Both Fang Ting and Mu Yueting were disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who purely cultivated the art of sword. They were perfect examples of individuals with high offense but weak defense.


    The only difference was that Chu Liang was more familiar with Fang Ting. He knew how to distract Fang Ting and cause him to lower his guard, allowing Chu Liang to win the match with an even simpler method.


    As for the fight with Mu Yueting, it would obviously be more difficult.


    He only had a few seconds to attack before she would break free from the restrictions of the Forbidden Ground.


    Since Chu Liang had started cultivating the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, his physical prowess had advanced far beyond that of other disciples at his cultivation level.


    He strode forward, arriving in front of Mu Yueting within a second.


    Mu Yueting lifted her longsword, preparing herself for the attack.


    Despite her weaker physique, Mu Yueting was still a fourth-realm cultivator, and she wouldn''t be left without any strength to attack. Even if she relied solely on her sword skills, she could likely defeat a martial arts cultivator at the third realm. Therefore, she wasn''t panicking at this moment.


    Even if Chu Liang had some martial arts[1] foundation, how powerful could he possibly be?


    As Chu Liang faced Mu Yueting''s longsword, he didn''t even draw his des. In a sh, he instantly appeared behind her with an indifferent expression.


    A gleam of brilliance shed in his eyes.


    <i>I have studied all your abilities, but you know nothing of my methods. The oue of this battle was decided before it even began, </i>Chu Liang thought to himself<i>.</i>


    While executing the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, he delivered a blow with the edge of his hand!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Mu Yueting''s body copsed without resistance, losing consciousness. In the span of two breaths, the battle came to an end.


    ...


    "<i>Hehe</i>, Old Huang, say something, eh?" Schr Sun grinned from the viewing tform.


    "What are you grinning about? Didn''t you guess wrong as well?" Elder Huang looked a bit frustrated. He couldn''t believe this kid had managed to win the contest so easily by pulling off another trick.


    "I guessed he''d lose simply because of my bias against Di Nufeng. But, putting that aside, I actually like this young man with an ultimate-tier Golden Core," Schr Sun said, shaking his head. "The result wasn''t surprising. I was not the one who analyzed it in detail with a notebook, and still ended uppletely wrong."


    "<i>Hmph</i>." Elder Huang threw the book in his hand aside, snorting. "It was just luck this time. Without real strength, he won''t get far."


    "He knows how to use his own advantages and target the enemy''s weaknesses. I quite like that," Schr Sun''s eyes lit up as he suddenly suggested, "How about we make a bet on his next match?"


    "Oh?" Elder Huang asked, "What do you want to bet?"


    "If he wins the next match, you''ll let me borrow Omniscience from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion for three days," Schr Sun proposed.


    "I''ve long noticed your interest in ''Omniscience.'' You''re really showing your true colors," Elder Huang said with a cold chuckle. "And if he loses the next match, you''ll give the Celestial Pivot Pavilion the honor of doing the calligraphy inscription this year."


    "Deal!" Schr Sun said with a smile.


    The two old men were chatting andughing when they heard amotion nearby. It was the Weapons Master, trying to stop someone.


    "Don''t make a scene. Is the Mount Shu Summit the time for you to act recklessly?" the Weapons Master said sternly.


    "I don''t have any other intentions. I heard that the old man with the surname Huang is here?" the person shouted. "I''ve been meaning to ask him something. His disciple has been badmouthing me in the Seven Stars Gazette all the time. Was it under his orders?"


    The fiery voice startled both old men, and they turned to see a tall, beautiful woman in a robe, looking fierce and eager to rush over.


    Elder Huang''s expression changed drastically. He quickly got up and said, "Just tell her my house is on fire. I''ll take my leave first!"


    1. Just in case anyone gets confused, martial arts typically refer to physical cultivation, as seen in practices like kung fu. It''s not about cultivating qi but rather about improving fighting techniques using the body. It''s the type of fighting style that Yun Chaoxian studies. ?

 Chapter 264: The Great Berry Bandits (I)

    <h4>Chapter 264: The Great Berry Bandits (I) </h4>


    Elder Huang ran off quickly, disappearing in a sh. Schr Sun reacted a bit slower, so he ended up having to stay behind and face Di Nufeng.


    Despite being a renowned figure in the world of immortality cultivators, Schr Sun felt rather nervous to see her.


    "<i>Eheh.</i> Ah Feng[1], it''s been a long time."


    "Old Sun, it truly has been many years since west met up," Di Nufeng said when she arrived. Seeing that Schr Sun was the only one here, she asked loudly, "Where did Elder Huang go?"


    "He said his house is on fire." Schr Sun scratched his head and moved his feet anxiously. "If there''s nothing important you want to talk about, I''ll go help put out the fire."


    "Sit down."


    "Aye."


    At Di Nufeng''smand, Schr Sun obediently sat down, not daring to make another attempt to flee.


    The Weapons Master was watching them from behind. He felt rather amused, so he didn''t interfere.


    Di Nufeng had a special rtionship with the Wanderers of the North and South, but they didn''t have much of a rtionship with the Mount Shu Sect. So, it was not appropriate for the Weapons Master to get involved.


    "Thest time the two of you came to Mount Shu was thirty years ago, right? You didn''t visit for so many years... Was it because you''re afraid I''ll beat you up?" Di Nufeng asked bluntly as she looked at Schr Sun.


    "How could that be..." Schr Sun, who had a very good temper, smiled in response. "We have always been extremely concerned about you. We wanted to visit you ages ago, but we''ve been too busy. That''s why we didn''te over to see you."


    Di Nufeng rolled her eyes. "Oh, drop the act. What could you two idle old men possibly be busy with?"


    "The world is not peaceful, so how could we be idle?" Schr Sun said with a sigh.


    "Anyway, since I''ve caught you this time, you''ll have to give me some benefits, right?" Di Nufeng pondered for a moment. "Write an article praising me, like those ones that are intriguing and also tear-jerkers. And have Elder Huang publish it in the gazette."


    "I have no problems with that!" Schr Sun immediately agreed. However, he added mischievously, "It''s just that I don''t know if Old Huang would be okay with that. He''s secretly biased against you. Just as you''ve already found out, his disciple heads the Wind-Catching Hall, and that guy is constantly ndering you more and more every day.<i> Hmph, hmph...</i>"


    Seeing as Elder Huang wasn''t around, Schr Sun diverted Di Nufeng''s attention to Elder Huang and maddeningly stoked the mes of Di Nufeng''s rage.


    "Precisely!" Di Nufeng punched the palm of her other hand, feeling extremely furious. "They''ve been ruining my image. It''s practically a crime! I''ve long disliked Zhou Yijian. One of these days, I''m going to storm into the Celestial Pivot Pavilion!"


    "It''s about time you did that. Are they taking you for a fool just because you haven''t shown them your rage?" Schr Sun said indignantly, echoing her anger.


    "That is exactly it!" Di Nufeng nodded in agreement. "The more I think about it, the angrier I get."


    "I''m getting angry too just from putting myself in your shoes. Wait here. I''ll go catch Old Huang and drag him back for you to beat up until he confesses!"


    After saying that, Schr Sun stood up and disappeared in a sh.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Di Nufeng uttered as she looked in the direction that the two old men had disappeared.


    She blinked nkly, sensing there was something amiss.


    Nevertheless, Di Nufeng didn''t dwell on it. After all, she was there to watch Chu Liangpete. She had, by chance, heard that the Wanderers of the North and South were there too, so she just went over to see if that was true.


    Seeing Chu Liang win so easily put Di Nufeng in a good mood, so she was unbothered by the strange situation with the old men and let the matter go.


    The next day, it was time for Di Nufengu''s favorite event, the Wine-God Contest.


    It was the first time this contest was held at the Mount Shu Summit. There weren''t many participants, and there were no preliminaries or finals. Everything would happen in one match.


    The contest stage consisted of some long tables, and there were rows of earthen jars filled with strong liquor lined up on each one. The contest was a very simple one. The contestants had to drink ten jars of Drunken Tiger Wine in the first round, ten jars of Raging Inferno Brew in the second, and ten jars of Drunken Immortal Brew in the third. The fourth round and onward would continue in the same fashion.


    The contest was designed so that a significant number of contestants would get eliminated in each round. The contestant whosted until the end would be the winner.


    This was a contest where Di Nufeng could drink for free, gain fame, and make money. How could she possibly miss out on such a great opportunity?


    However, when she arrived at the contest venue, she saw someone she never expected to see there.


    "Aunt Tian?" Di Nufeng stared at the person in question with wide eyes. "You''re here to take part in the contest too?"


    "Yes, and?" the person in question replied.


    She was the Discipline Master. Dressed in ck robes, she was standing among the contestants, but no one dared to look at her directly.


    "You, a distinguished Guardian Elder, are taking part in the contest...? This..."


    Di Nufeng was speechless.


    "Who do you think suggested adding this event?" the Discipline Master asked. "And who said a Guardian Elder can''t participate in a recreationalpetition?"


    "But who would dare try to win when you''re participating?" Di Nufeng muttered.


    "If you''re capable of outdrinking me, don''t hold back." The Discipline Master sneered. "It seems you''ve forgotten who taught you how to drink."


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Di Nufeng put on a devilish smile. "Aunt Tian, times have changed."


    ...


    "Mount Shu sure has changed a lot."


    A weathered man wearing a conical bamboo hat sighed deeply.


    He was gazing at Mount Shu, which was over thirty li away. Yet, he seemed as if he could see every de of grass and tree in the seemingly unending mountain range.


    The man was holding the hand of a little girl, who was struggling hard to break free from his grip.


    They were the Whale-Riding Immortal and the little girl who had emerged from the Immortals'' Marsh.


    "Calm down. We can''t go straight to Mount Shu. There are too many people around. If we draw a lot of attention, I may not be able to protect you," the Whale-Riding Immortal said. He coaxed the little girl, "Didn''t we talk about this before? I brought you here to get the fruit you want. After that, you''ll have to be good and return to the Holy Mountain with me. But if we''re doing this, you''ll have to listen to me and behave."


    "Fruit..." the little girl uttered, pointing upward.


    "You''re pointing in the wrong direction¡ª<i>huh?</i>"


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had been about to say that Mount Shu couldn''t be in the sky. However, he saw a beam of swordlight suddenly pass by overhead.


    It was a sunny day and still daytime. That made it very difficult to see the beam of swordlight flying past high up in the sky, looking like just a narrow streak of green qi.


    Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly extremely easy for the Whale-Riding Immortal and the little girl to see it.


    "Come on down," the Whale-Riding Immortal said.


    He pointed at the green qi and flexed his finger a little. That green qi dropped from the sky rapidly, plunging toward them.


    The sword-riding cultivator seemed to be fighting to stay in control of his flying sword and managed to slow his descent somewhat. However, the Whale-Riding Immortal flexed his finger again, and the swordlight instantlynded in front of them.


    "When ites to ying with flying swords, I''m your ancestor, yet you still think you can escape?" the Whale-Riding Immortal sneered.


    The cultivator that got dragged down appeared to be a middle-aged man. He didn''t have a high cultivation level and was likely to be at the beginning stage of the fourth realm. Judging from his appearance, he was probably a high-ranking teacher from a small immortal sect.


    He''d left his mustache to grow out into the shape of the character for eight °Ë,pleting his rather imposing appearance. Nevertheless, the two people before him were not intimidated in the least.


    "This mountain is mine, and these trees are mine. If you want to pass through here, leave the fruit behind!" the Whale-Riding Immortal bellowed.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the middle-aged cultivator uttered, taken aback.


    He had been flying in the sky when a powerful force suddenly overwhelmed him and dragged him down. Realizing he had encountered a formidable cultivator, he had no intention of resisting at all. In fact, he had decided he wouldply regardless of whether the formidable wanted to rob him or vite him... as long as he could keep his life.


    Unexpectedly, all the formidable cultivator wanted was fruit.


    <i>But I don''t have any fruit...</i>


    "Esteemed heroes[2], I''ll give you whatever you want. But what fruit do I have?" the middle-aged cultivator asked, feeling quite bewildered.


    "You don''t have any?"


    The Whale-Riding Immortal then looked at the little girl.


    The little girl pointed at the middle-aged cultivator. "Fruit... has..."


    The middle-aged cultivator became nervous. "This... little hero, what fruit are you talking about?"


    The little one in front of him looked young. Yet, when she pointed at him, she emanated a powerful bloodthirst that caused a chill to run down his back and his legs to shake.


    The adult wasn''t the only formidable one; the little one was formidable too!


    The middle-aged cultivatormented inwardly that he had experienced too little of the world. If he had encountered more powerful cultivators, he would have known at a nce that these two were not simply formidable cultivators but monstrous beings on the same level as Eminent Ones!


    "It''s a red berry with golden veins," the Whale-Riding Immortal added, rifying for the little girl.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" the middle-aged cultivator eximed, suddenly remembering something. He took out two gift boxes. "Are you talking about this Mount Shu specialty?"


    These were gift boxes he had bought on Mount Shu for several sword coins. He had intended to give them to his friends once he was back at his sect. They weren''t particrly valuable, but they couldn''t be bought outside Mount Shu. They could be easily purchased on Mount Shu though.


    It never even urred to the middle-aged cultivator that the berries might be so valuable that two incredibly powerful beings would want to steal them from him.


    1. Ah Feng is referring to Di Nufeng. Chinese people like to add "Ah" to a person''s name/second part of their name. It''s basically like a nickname. ?


    2. ¡°Hero¡± is just like amon respectful term of address people use for cultivators/martial artists etc. ?

 Chapter 265: The Great Berry Bandits (II)

    <h4>Chapter 265: The Great Berry Bandits (II)</h4>


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Before the middle-aged cultivator even finished his train of thought, the little girl suddenly darted over to him, snatched the two boxes of berries, and darted back to her spot next to the Whale-Riding Immortal. It all happened in an instant.


    <i>That speed...</i>


    <i>She could have killed me ten times over in the time it took for her to snatch the berries from me.</i>


    It only took a moment for the middle-aged cultivator to be drenched in cold sweat.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal said, "We''re not taking them for free. Here."


    He tossed a sparkling stone to the middle-aged cultivator. The moment itnded in the middle-aged cultivator''s hand, he felt a surge of spiritual qi. The small crystal contained a turbulent spiritual qi.


    <i>Could this be the precious sea-spirit stone?</i>


    <i>A sea-spirit stone of this size is probably worth at least a hundred Vermillion-Bird coins, which is more than enough to buy ten boxes of those berries.</i>


    The middle-aged cultivator instinctively declined. "How could I ept this..."


    "Just take it. There''s no need to be polite," the Whale-Riding Immortal replied.


    Then he waved his hand, and the scenery around the middle-aged cultivator warped.


    When the middle-aged cultivator was able to see his surroundings clearly again, he realized he was now dozens of li ahead from where he''d been stopped.


    <i>What amazing divine abilities...</i>


    The middle-aged cultivator was stunned. He felt that the abilities of the people he''d encountered were beyond hisprehension, and thus, he did not dare linger there. He set off for home without dy.


    Meanwhile, the Whale-Riding Immortal looked at the little girl and grinned. "We''re pretty lucky. Someone delivered the berries right to us. Are you satisfied now?"


    The little girl pointed at the distant sky. "Fruit."


    ...


    In the upper level of the pavilion on Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang sighed deeply. "Oh, what a pity, what a pity."


    <i>Who would have thought that an alcoholic who drank every day for decades, nearly drinking her family to destitution, would be unable to drink at the Wine-God Contest?</i>


    Chu Liang''s eyes were filled with disappointment.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er sat still on a small stool nearby, with an upright posture and a serious expression. However, she didn''t really understand what Chu Liang and Di Nufeng were talking about. The little one was actually just spacing out.


    The Golden-Furred Houy outside with its big head by the door. Its ears were perked up, and it seemed to be listening in on the meeting, afraid that its name might get mentioned.


    Di Nufeng, on the other hand, was sitting in a corner with her head hung low, looking dejected.


    Hearing Chu Liang criticize her, Di Nufeng raised her head.


    To defend her loss, she muttered, "Well... I had no idea that drinking different types of alcohol would get me drunk so easily. And who could have expected that Aunt Tian, a Guardian Elder, would join the contest... It''s not fair!"


    Chu Liang shook his head. "<i>Haaa.</i>"


    Learning from Chu Liang, Liu Xiaoyu''er and the Golden-Furred Hou did the same. Liu Xiaoyu''er''s small head and the Golden-Furred Hou''s big head shook at the same time.


    After getting reprimanded twice, Di Nufeng''s bad temper finally emerged.


    She red at Chu Liang and barked, "Since when did you have the right to lecture me? Who''s the teacher here?!"


    "Esteemed Teacher, it''s just that we had such high expectations for you," Chu Liang said. "We''d hoped you would set a good example for us and win. Instead... you were eliminated from the Mahjong Tournament... and even caused so much trouble that you got banned for life from entering the tournament. Now, you''ve suffered a defeat in the Wine-God Contest as well. On the other hand, look at us."


    Chu Liang pointed at Big Head. "The Golden-Furred Hou hasn''t lost in the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament."


    Then he pointed at Liu Xiaoyu''er, "Xiaoyu''er hasn''t lost in the Mahjong Tournament."


    Finally, he pointed at himself. "As for me, I haven''t lost in any of the events I participated in."


    "There''s a reason for my losses. It''s not that I''m weak; I was targeted," Di Nufeng argued with conviction.


    Seeing Chu Liang''s profound gaze focused on her, Di Nufeng ultimately waved off her excuse. "Failure is the mother of sess. So, it''s right that I failed, and you seeded."


    <i>Sure, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>You lost, but you''re still taking advantage of me.</i>


    Chu Liang ignored Di Nufeng''s shamelessness and said, "Esteemed Teacher, to motivate us to do even better, I think you should do something to make up for your losses."


    "Do what?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "Since you lost in the Wine-God Contest, how about we cut our peak''s alcohol expenses by half from now on?" Chu Liang suggested.


    Di Nufeng narrowed her eyes.


    The peak''s alcohol expenses... but among the members of Silver Sword Peak, Di Nufeng was the only one that drank alcohol. That meant Chu Liang was basically trying to persuade her to cut back on buying alcohol.


    <i>No wonder this kid suddenly called for a meeting this evening. He''d already had this all nned out.</i>


    <i>With his n in motion, I can see the dagger now.</i>[1]


    <i>He''s showing his true intentions.</i>


    <i>This kid has been waiting for me to fall into his trap this whole time.</i>


    Di Nufeng pondered for a moment.


    Then she suddenly turned around and cried out, "<i>Ugh!</i> My head hurts! My whole body hurts!"


    ...


    Di Nufeng had too much experience in being shameless, so Chu Liang lost in the end.


    The main reason was that hisbat power was inferior to hers. Di Nufeng threw all three of them out with one hand. Words did not work with her.


    <i>It appears that the possibility of being able to reason things out with someone more powerful than you is just a beautiful dream.</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t dwell on the matter. It just so happened that it was about time to draw his lot for his match tomorrow in the mainpetition, so he had Liu Xiaoyu''er help him draw his lot.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er drew Shen Qiongguang from Jade Sword Peak to be Chu Liang''s opponent.


    The mainpetition was now at the quarterfinals, and there was one disciple at the Realm of the Five Elements, six at the Golden Core Realm, and one at the Spiritual Awareness Realm[2]. That sole disciple at the Spiritual Awareness Realm was Ling Ao from Solitude Peak.


    Chu Liang would rather face a normal disciple at the Golden Core Realm than encounter Ling Ao this early in thepetition.


    Ling Ao was simply too strange.


    The remaining participants included Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai, so the lot that Liu Xiaoyu''er drew was an excellent one. In fact, Shen Qiongguang seemed a little weaker than Mu Yueting, Chu Liang''s opponent from the previous round. This meant Shen Qiongguang wouldn''t be a difficult opponent for Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang thought that this was a great result.


    Unexpectedly, there was something even better toe after that.


    The next morning, Chu Liang received news that Shen Qiongguang had withdrawn from thepetition due to injury, giving him a bye[3]!


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Everyone was quite shocked when they heard the news. How could Shen Qiongguang get injured at such an important time?


    ***


    It turned out that, besides participating in the Mount Shu Summit, Shen Qiongguang had spent thest few days getting to know the youngdy from the South Melody Conservatory, and they had been getting along pretty well. Feeling he had a chance with her, Shen Qiongguang had been very attentive to all of the youngdy''s needs.


    Then something popped up, and the youngdy needed to return to her sect that very night before Shen Qiongguang''s match with Chu Liang. Shen Qiongguang decided he would escort the youngdy back to her sect anyway.


    However, the moment the pair left Mount Shu, they ran into trouble. Two bandits jumped out and tried to rob them. Shen Qiongguang wanted to impress the beautiful youngdy, so he felt this was a heaven-sent opportunity.


    Without a second thought, he drew his sword to strike.


    Then he was half-beaten to death with one punch.


    It''s said the one who struck him was a little girl who looked only a few years old. Fortunately for Shen Qiongguang, the adult apanying the little girl had held her back.


    Nevertheless... the part that was hardest for Shen Qiongguang to ept was that after sending him flying, all the bandits took from the youngdy from the South Melody Conservatory were two boxes of Mount Shu''s specialty berries. Then they left.


    Shen Qiongguang thought, <i>Oh, so that''s all you wanted?</i> <i>Why didn''t you say so earlier?!</i>


    ***


    Shen Qiongguang had only taken one punch, but that one punch had given him severe internal and external injuries. It had broken through his defenses effortlessly as if breaking through something dry and rotten. The adult bandit had even treated Shen Qiongguang''s injuries on the spot, but the damage to Shen Qiongguang''s qi and blood cirction routes couldn''t be healed so easily. He needed at least ten to fifteen days of bed rest.


    It would be pointless to force himself topete in such a state, so he chose to withdraw from thepetition. With only one person withdrawing, the elders couldn''t select another participant to rece him.


    Nor could they select a recement from the eliminated participants. When the sixteen participants had been reduced to eight in the previous round, the eliminated participants hadn''t been assigned rankings. That meant it would be unfair to the remaining seven eliminated participants no matter who was chosen as Shen Qiongguang''s recement. It was simpler to let Shen Qiongguang''s opponent have a bye.


    Consequently, Chu Liang was the lucky person who got the bye. Just like that, the Mount Shu Summit got its first semifinalist!


    Chu Liang was extremely surprised too...


    <i>I was just eating hot pot and singing some songs. How did I suddenly be a semifinalist?</i>


    <i>It truly feels like some kind of divine fate.</i>


    1. Literally ¡°When the scroll is unrolled, the dagger is revealed.¡± It''s a saying that refers to the assassination attempt Jing Ke, a retainer of Crown Prince Dan of the Yan state, made on King Zheng of the Qin state in 227 BC. ? </a>


    2. These are the fifth, fourth, and third cultivation realms respectively. ? </a>


    3. Sports term. Basically a free pass to the next round. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 266: That Would be Really Shameless of Him

    <h4>Chapter 266: That Would be Really Shameless of Him</h4>


    After hearing more rumors about the incident, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think to himself.


    <i>ording to Shen Qiongguang''s description, the robbers were a man wearing a conical hat and a particrly fierce little girl. It was the little girl who had beaten him half to death with a punch.</i>


    After hearing such a descriptive story, Chu Liang couldn''t help but be reminded of those two people.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, there might be more than one man in a conical hat looking after a child. Yet, there wouldn''t be many children of such a young age disying such fierceness.


    Thisbination was especially rare.


    <i>But why would they be robbing fruit outside Mount Shu? Why not simply hike up the mountain and ask me for some fruits?</i>


    Then he thought about the girl''s identity and herplicated ties to the legendary Cataclysmic Ba. Maybe that was why it was inconvenient for them toe up the mountain.


    Chu Liang sighed inwardly, thinking this robbery waspletely unnecessary. After all, they had met once, and it was thanks to the little girl that he had found the Celestial Herb of Ascension. If they had just sent a letter up the mountain, he could have brought them some fruit himself.


    The next day, more news arrived.


    It turned out that Shen Qiongguang wasn''t the only victim. Yesterday, more than twenty immortality sect cultivators were robbed after leaving Mount Shu. The onlymonality was that all of them had their Golden Vein Berries taken. However, after the berries were robbed, they received gifts far more valuable than the berries.


    In fact, even Shen Qiongguang experienced this.


    Although the man in the conical hat didn''t leave him any items, he used his foundational qi to heal him, which also cleansed his meridians and expanded his acupuncture points, greatly benefiting his future cultivation.


    Hearing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel annoyed.


    This was like buying the berries at an even higher price. If he had known, he would have delivered a few hundred boxes himself.


    Why would he let the middleman benefit from this?


    Before he could do anything, Lin Bei and the others came looking for him early in the morning and told him there was a crazy boost in the sale of the berry gift boxes!


    Initially, many people showed no interest in the Golden Vein Berries, feeling that they were not worth the slightly high price. Perhaps only one in ten people would consider them.


    But after this incident, everyone suddenly became interested in the berries.


    Mysterious cultivators at the Dao Attainment Realm were willing to resort to highway robbery to get these magical fruits!


    This gimmick was even more effective than the fruit tea advertisement featuring Jiang Yuebai. After all, in the world of immortality cultivators, more people were inclined to follow powerful figures than beautiful women.


    Some suggested this to likely be a publicity stunt, but many people quickly refuted this theory. Could Chu Liang really have the power to enlist two mysterious Eminent Ones or the money to bribe over twenty cultivators from various sects?


    If he were capable of doing so, he wouldn''t need to bother with these petty profits.


    Today, when Chu Liang¡¯s team went out to sell the berry gift boxes, everything was different. Before, they had to work hard to promote them, but this morning, they were swarmed by people, causing amotion as they fought with each other to buy the gift boxes.


    Usually, it would take them an entire day to sell all their stock, but now, it sold out in the blink of an eye. The group quickly returned to Silver Sword Peak to restock.


    Shang Ziliang said, "Big Bro, this is simply a godsend opportunity. Hurry up and restock so we can go back and raise the prices!"


    If they took advantage of this wave of poprity, even if they increased the price tenfold, the boxes of berries would likely still sell out!


    He was a second-generation heir with a wealthy background, as his father was the peak master of Mount Shu. Money wasn''t new to him. Initially, he joined Chu Liang in business out of friendship, not for profit. But the longer he worked with Chu Liang, the more excited he became about it.


    He had seen money before, but never this much!


    Chu Liang took the lion''s share of the profits, but Shang Ziliang still managed to save over a thousand sword coins from his share of the profits. His father couldn''t give him that much allowance in a year, but he earned it in just a few days working with Chu Liang. And it wasn¡¯t even hard work; all he had to do was set up stalls and sell goods.


    He had fully experienced the charm of selling goods!


    If they raised the price, he could even give his father an allowance after the Mount Shu Summit.


    As he imagined swapping roles with his father, Shang Ziliang couldn''t help but smile wryly.


    But after pondering for a moment, Chu Liang firmly said, "No price increase. In fact, not only will we maintain the original price, but we also won''t restock. You can only sell a limited amount each day."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Lackey A was puzzled. "Once the Mount Shu Summit ends, we won''t have such a good opportunity again. Shouldn''t we take this chance to make more money?"


    "The hardest thing to build isn''t a product, but a brand," Chu Liang exined. "If we eagerly raise prices at the first opportunity, what will our product be? Just a fleeting trend stirred up by the two Eminent Ones. Once the trend is over, no one will remember us.


    "We must have our own style. We should be attracting the Eminent Ones to want to be our customers instead of having to seek their favor.


    "Spread the word. We have sold out all the berries for today. If you want to buy more, pleasee early to Heaven-Reaching Peak tomorrow. Additionally, using sword coins will give you priority in purchasing."


    He didn''t fully exin that for rtively low-value products like the Golden Vein Berry, maintaining a high profit margin required building brand value. If everyone could easily buy and consume them, it would soon be obvious that they weren''t worth much, and people would quickly abandon them.


    The fact that only some people could buy them, while others couldn''t, even if they had the money, would give those who managed to purchase them a sense of superiority, making them feel their money was well spent.


    Lin Bei nodded in agreement. "Makes sense."


    Lackey B looked at him curiously. "Did you understand that?"


    "Not really," Lin Bei admitted. "But I know that whatever Chu Liang says is definitely right."


    ...


    When Chu Liang led his team to Heaven-Reaching Peak, they immediately attracted everyone''s attention.


    Some of the onlookers were those who had wanted to buy the berries but couldn¡¯t. They had heard from other Mount Shu Sect disciples that this handsome young man was the owner of the berry garden and the mastermind behind the berry business. These people looked at Chu Liang with surprise.


    The other group consisted of people focused on the Mount Shu Summit, who were indignant that Chu Liang had already secured a ce in the top four.


    It¡¯s worth noting that Chu Liang had only fought a total of three matches so far, and those three matchesbined had only taken him five seconds.


    Never before had a disciple be one of the top four in the Mount Shu Sect with such minimal effort. The time was so short it wasn¡¯t even enough for a person to relieve themself.


    Moreover, each of his victories seemed to rely on enchanted tools, tricks, or cunning, showing no real strength. Many Mount Shu disciples felt that they could have achieved the same results.


    They were both surprised and jealous.


    Some even secretly spected whether Chu Liang''s opponents were actually injured by him and his teacher working together. Although Shen Qiongguang¡¯s description didn¡¯t match Di Nufeng, who¡¯s to say she couldn¡¯t have hired someone else?


    This was definitely something she would do.


    Schr Sun, who sat on the spectator stand, asked curiously, "Ah Feng, did you really not hire someone to beat up your disciple''s opponent?"


    Di Nufeng rolled her eyes and replied, "Do I need to hire someone if I want to beat anyone myself?"


    "Yeah." Elder Huang hastily nodded as he spoke. "Don''t question her character."


    His left eye was slightly bruised, and there were burn marks on his body, giving him a slightly disheveled appearance. However, his unwavering expression of support for Di Nufeng remained unchanged.


    It was hard to believe that his unwavering support wasn''t influenced by the bruises.


    "I just thought it was weird. Which Eminent One would rob people for some fruits?" Schr Sunughed. Seeing Elder Huang''s bruised appearance put him in a good mood.


    "I can probably guess some of it. Combining some information I got previously, I already have an idea of who did it," said Elder Huang, "But I''m not telling you."


    "Hmph, I can''t be bothered to ask anyway," Schr Sun snorted coldly. "But Chu Liang has entered the top four. Although he didn''t have to fight, this should be considered a win, right? So does this mean that I have won our bet?"


    "In your dreams!" Elder Huang red at Schr Sun as he spoke. "He didn''t lose, but he didn''t win either. I suggest we postpone the bet and wager on his next oue."


    "You''re a cunning one," Schr Sun chuckled. "How can the quarterfinals and the semifinals be the same?"


    Although it sounded like postponing the bet wouldn''t change anything, the opponents Chu Liang would face in the quarterfinals and the semifinals would bepletely different. The disciples who could make it to the semifinals of the Mount Shu Summit were considered the youngsters at the pinnacle of the nine provinces, which meant that Chu Liang''s chances of winning would be much lower in the semifinals than in the quarterfinals.


    Elder Huang immediately looked back and said to Di Nufeng, "Ah Feng, did you see that? This guy doesn''t have faith in your disciple anymore. He thinks your disciple will lose. <i>Hehe...</i>"


    He was clearly trying to provoke Di Nufeng against Schr Sun.


    "Shut up with your nonsense!" Schr Sun shouted when he felt Di Nufeng''s scrutinizing gaze. "I will bet with you. But Ah Feng, remember this. I am betting on your disciple winning, and he is betting on your disciple losing."


    Schr Sun made aeback.


    Feeling the dangerous gaze shift towards him, Elder Huang''s thoughts raced, and he quickly interjected, "Ah Feng, I heard you have a bet with Wang Xuanling of Mount Shu. You''re using your Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade to wager against his position as the grand peak master. Are you that confident in your disciple?"


    "No," Di Nufeng said honestly. "To be frank, when I made the bet with Wang Xuanling, Chu Liang was still very weak. I am proud and happy to see how much he has grown."


    "<i>What?</i>" Schr Sun asked, "And yet you dared to use the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade in a bet? Aren''t you worried about losing?"


    "Can¡¯t I just take back what I said?" Di Nufeng stared at him weirdly.


    "But what if Wang Xuanling doesn''t keep his word as well if he loses?" Elder Huang asked.


    "If he does that, that would be really shameless of him!" Di Nufeng eximed.


    Schr Sun and Elder Huang were so confused.

 Chapter 267: The Air Feels Like its Burning!

    <h4>Chapter 267: The Air Feels Like it''s Burning!</h4>


    Many years had passed since the day Schr Sun, the renowned Confucian schr, first saw Di Nufeng. Nevertheless, whenever Schr Sun looked at Di Nufeng now, he couldn''t help but remember the afternoon when Elder Huang had taken him to see a baby in diapers.


    Back then, he never would have expected that the pure and innocent baby would grow up to be someone like this.


    Elder Huang seemed to be able to tell from Schr Sun''s gaze what he was reminiscing about. Then Elder Huang looked at Schr Sun with a meaningful nce, as if to say, "It''s all because you suggested handing her over to Tian Xinling to raise her. You should have expected this."


    Schr Sun red angrily, his expression seeming to say, "I suggested that solely because of your ambiguous rtionship with Tian Xinling. You didn''t say no to that suggestion, did you?"


    Elder Huang panicked and began blinking furiously, as if to say, "Don''t spout nonsense! We''re just friends!"


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Schr Sun showed a mocking gaze and chuckled.


    Di Nufeng was confused and asked, "Why are you two making these expressions? The match has started."


    "Ohhhhhhhhh."


    The two old men hastily and obediently turned their heads back to the stage, moving in perfect synchrony.


    This was the match that had garnered everyone''s attention. After all, it was Jiang Yuebai''s fight. Many disciples of the Mount Shu Sect and various immortal sects in the spectator stands were cheering loudly together.


    "Jiangjiang will surely win!"


    Elder Huang quickly joined in the cheer.


    Jiang Yuebai was considered a seeded yer. For participants like her, it was rare to exert full effort during the first few rounds, often concealing their true powers. Only matches at this level would be slightly more exciting.


    Her opponent today was Xue Jiang, a senior sister from her own peak.


    Xue Jiang had clean features and, while not conventionally pretty, emanated an aloof and cold aura simr to that of Daoist Yan. In fact, the female disciples of Falling Azure Peak all disyed auras reminiscent of their teacher.


    Jiang Yuebai, dressed in white, looked pristine and ethereal, like a goddess¡ªno further description was necessary.


    Xue Jiang knew Jiang Yuebai well and immediately closed in on her, attempting to win through her close-ranged sword skills.


    She knew she couldn¡¯tpete with Jiang Yuebai in long-range attacks using divine techniques.


    Even as Xue Jiang approached, Jiang Yuebai showed no fear. The two sword cultivators unleashed powerful sword light, engaging in an intense close-rangedbat.


    The scene of the two women fighting was both beautiful and fierce.


    After a few exchanges, the audience, especially the martial arts cultivators from the Great Astral Sect, were surprised. They knew that Daoist Yan¡¯s execution of the Heaven-Raising Sword demonstrated unparalleled fierceness, but they hadn¡¯t realized her profound foundation in the cultivation of sword skills.


    From the series of attacks and counters, it was evident that both disciples had strong cultivation in martial arts, having clearly dedicated time to their training.


    If Chu Liang had tried using the Forbidden Ground against these two, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to defeat them within seconds. He had only seeded against Mu Yueting by exploiting her weakness.


    The sword light intertwined, manifesting in the air and intersecting to form dazzling patterns. Any slight graze could result in missing limbs and broken legs.


    This exchange of attacks and counters continued for forty to fifty rounds, with the sword light bing more fleeting and moving even faster. The spectators held their breath, tense and anxious, fearing that any moment could bring a sudden change.


    The battle between Xue Jiang and Jiang Yuebai gradually reached a critical point. At the moment Xue Jiang performed a mid-air turn, she suddenly drew out another longsword.


    She now held both swords in hand.


    The rules of the Mount Shu Summit stated that only one flying sword and an enchanted tool could be taken up on stage. This meant that her enchanted tool was a flying sword, which aligned with the rules.


    In a long-range fight, having another flying sword wouldn¡¯t mean much. But at this moment, the two were in closebat and evenly matched. Having another weapon gave Xue Jiang an extra advantage!


    Seeing Xue Jiang holding two swords and emanating a fierce sword aura that seemed to immediately overpower Jiang Yuebai, Jiang Yuebai could be seen wanting to back away.


    However, Xue Jiang quickly caught up and fiercely attacked her with both swords.


    This was the advantage Xue Jiang gained by sacrificing the chance to bring an enchanted tool. She was clearly counting on winning through close-rangebat. How could she give Jiang Yuebai the chance to create distance?


    Her sword attacks moved like a dragon!


    "Jiangjiang..."


    Everyone spectating was silent. The crowd supporting Jiang Yuebai grew nervous.


    Although Jiang Yuebai was strong, the senior and junior sisters of Azure Falling Peak were also formidable. With calcted strategies and unexpected turns of events, there were seeded participants in every instance of the Mount Shu Summit who ended up losing earlier than expected.


    Before this fight started, some people worried that the Azure Falling Peak would intentionally have Xue Jiang lose the fight to guarantee Jiang Yuebai''s victory. After all, Xue Jiang was a difficult opponent. The smart strategy would have been for Xue Jiang to give up early so Jiang Yuebai could conserve her strength forter matches. There were peaks that had done this before.


    But it was clear that Xue Jiang had no interest in giving up. In fact, she was demonstrating a strong urge to win!


    While everyone was nervous for Jiang Yuebai, she finally moved in a gentle manner.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    She disappeared.


    When she reappeared, she was several zhang away at the edge of the stage.


    She had used Dimension Compression.


    Xue Jiang remained calm. Gnashing her teeth, her body vanished in a sh.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    She used Dimension Compression as well!


    Immediately, she kept up with Jiang Yuebai''s movements, closing in on her! The spectators below eximed in rapid session with two consecutive bursts of shock.


    It was no secret on Mount Shu that Jiang Yuebai knew how to perform Dimension Compression. However, many visitors from other sects were surprised to see the immortal art being performed so easily.


    But when Xue Jiang also performed Dimension Compression, everyone was astonished.


    Xue Jiang had always maintained a reserved demeanor, never revealing her true strength and techniques.


    No one had any idea she was this strong!


    In the next second, the crowd¡¯s jaws collectively dropped and never closed back up.


    Because Jiang Yuebai moved twice.


    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>


    Her body shed twice, instantly teleporting to the edge of the stage on the other side.


    Xue Jiang was surprised. The person in front of her had disappeared. Immediately, she realized that Jiang Yuebai had appeared behind her.


    Unfortunately, her control of the Dimension Compression was not as proficient as Jiang Yuebai''s. Performing it once within such a short time was already her limit, and she could not catch up again.


    When she turned around, she saw this huge beam of sword light.


    She then realized that Jiang Yuebai was finally no longer interested in continuing this fight. Jiang Yuebai lifted her hand and executed the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    This was a sword seal derived from a simplified form of the immortal art, Heaven-Raising Sword. Among techniques below the level of immortal art, this was considered one of the strongest.


    Xue Jiang had nowhere to hide. She could only form a hand seal and counter with the same Heavenly Sword Seal.


    The two powerful bursts of sword light shed, exploding across the entire stage, filling the air, and spreading to the sky! Within the blink of an eye, Xue Jiang''s sword light was crushed by Jiang Yuebai''s.


    The moment the two sword lights shed, Xue Jiang''s defense shattered!


    Xue Jiang was most adept in close-range sword skills, and Jiang Yuebai was in no way weaker in this area.


    Additionally, Jiang Yuebai excelled in using divine skills, against which Xue Jiang had no way to defend.


    Her defeat was justified.


    Without waiting for the Heavenly Sword Seal to reach her, she flew back andnded below the stage.


    Jiang Yuebai immediately deactivated the sword seal and flew back. She took her senior sister''s hand. Despite their fierce battle on stage, she had a very strong bond with Xue Jiang.


    The two girls left the stage holding hands, while the entire area resounded with cheers for Jiang Yuebai''s name. A wave of excitement swept across the public square, fueled by her excellent performance.


    Even when the next pair of participants took the stage, cheers of "Jiangjiang" continued to echo through the crowd.


    At this moment, Ling Ao stood on the stage, his entire being radiating an intense urge to fight. Facing the Golden-Core cultivator from Jade Sword Peak, he once again demonstrated the explosive power of his physique, defeating his opponent with a single punch[1].


    Since the start of thepetition, he had maintained a record of winning each match with just one strike! With four punches, he made it to the top four.


    That was one more than the number of strikes it took Chu Liang to win three rounds.


    After his victory, Ling Ao still exuded a zing fighting aura. He looked around and suddenly fixed his gaze on Chu Liang.


    For some reason, Chu Liang felt a strong hostility in his stare.


    <i>Why? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    He felt very puzzled.


    <i>I didn''t provoke you.</i>


    <i>Hmm... I don''t think I did?</i>


    ...


    The results of the three quarterfinal matches were not surprising. The semifinalists of Mount Shu were Xu Ziyang, Jiang Yuebai, Ling Ao, and Chu Liang.


    These four had advanced to this stage with clear advantages... if high intelligence could be counted as an advantage. It was foreseeable that the semi-finals would be absolutely spectacr.


    Currently, Xu Ziyang was still the undisputed favorite, but many believed that Jiang Yuebai had the strength to challenge him.


    Despite being at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, Ling Ao, with his mysterious and unpredictable nature, often won against people of higher cultivation realms, gaining a following. Chu Liang, of course, had his supporters, mainly from Silver Sword Peak and the neighboring areas.[2].


    But Chu Liang had no time to worry about this.


    Because the recreational event was happening the day after the mainpetition and it was the semifinals of the Mahjong Tournament.


    And for the first time in his life, Chu Liang encountered a formidable opponent in the game of Mahjong.


    Three familiar faces sat around the table.


    The lively, excited young girl was Xu Ziqing of Jade Sword Peak. The slender, sharp-eyed young man was Lackey A. The stunning girl in fluttering white clothes, sitting like a beauty in a painting, was Jiang Yuebai.


    Xu Ziqing and Lackey A were both somewhat clever, so it wasn''t surprising that they had made it through the preliminaries. But the fact that Senior Sister Jiang was also in this group made things tricky.


    Interestingly, out of the four semi-finalists in the mainpetition, two were at this table, drawing many gazes from around the area.


    Lackey A nced left and right, torn between loyalties. He knew he couldn''t possibly beat Chu Liang, but with Senior Sister Jiang here, should he hope for Big Bro to win or for Jiangjiang to win?


    This was quite the dilemma.


    Xu Ziqing''s eyes sparkled with excitement. <i>Wow, Senior Brother Chu and Senior Sister Jiang at the same table¡ªis this fate?</i>


    <i>Are they going to intentionally give each other the tiles they need?</i>


    <i>I don''t care if I lose, but I''m so curious. If they yed properly, would Senior Brother Chu let Senior Sister Jiang win, or would Senior Sister Jiang let Senior Brother Chu win?</i>


    <i>I think Senior Brother Chu will let her win.</i>


    <i>No matter how I see it, he should be the one to take the initiative.</i>


    "Winningbo." Before three turns had passed, Chu Liang pushed his tiles forward, his expression somewhat serious.


    <i>He has no intention of letting her win!</i> Xu Ziqing thought.


    Jiang Yuebai, sitting opposite Chu Liang, had eyes gleaming with determination.


    In the second round, Jiang Yuebai drew only two tiles before pushing them forward, "Winningbo."


    Chu Liang nodded slightly as he looked at her.


    Both of them were starting to disy a strong fighting spirit through their eyes.


    In the third round, the pace suddenly slowed.


    Chu Liang had always won because of his excellent memory and deduction skills. From the first round, he remembered where the tiles were going, which allowed him to know what tiles he and others were drawing. He would deduce what choices the other three would make under these circumstances and determine how he could achieve his goal the fastest.


    Usually, by the time he finished drawing his tiles, before anyone started discarding, he had already nned which tile he would win with and in which round.


    In this kind of deduction, ying with smart people was easier than ying with fools because a smart person¡¯s discarding path was predictable. A fool, however, might unexpectedly disrupt Chu Liang''s carefully deduced path.


    But there was another scenario: ying against someone extremely intelligent.


    This opponent would have the same mental acuity as Chu Liang, predicting each move just like him, making the game more challenging. It would be like a chess match, where each yer has to n their every move while predicting their opponent''s next move.


    Both yers would be exceptionally skilled at mahjong, able to predict each other''s tiles while disrupting each other''s ns. A long, grueling battle would ensue as both tried to stay one step ahead of the other.


    For the first time, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai felt the pressure of facing a worthy opponent. After subtly testing each other in the first two rounds, the third round became a sudden and fierce exchange of strategies.


    It felt as though mes were burning between them.


    Xu Ziqing and Lackey A were also silently making their deductions about the mahjong game. However, their skills in deduction were worlds apart from those of Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. Though the four of them sat at the same table, it felt like they were in two entirely different realms.


    Feeling the increasing pressure from both sides, Xu Ziqing''s eyes darted around nervously, while Lackey A''s peripheral vision roamed. Both felt a suffocating tension, as if the earth were about to collide with Mars!


    "The air...feels like it''s burning!"


    1. One punch man ?


    2. So six people? Di Nufeng, Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er, Golden-Furred Hou, Shang Ziliang, Lackeys A and B...Idk if Lin Bei counts or not because he should be supporting Xu Ziyang. ?

 Chapter 268: Seriously Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 268: Seriously Shameless</h4>


    The Wanderers of the North and South had yet to leave Mount Shu and were dining leisurely.


    Schr Sun said, "The Mahjong Tournament¡¯s on today. Don''t you want to go watch it?"


    "No. I have always despised gambling," Elder Huang replied righteously.


    Schr Sun snickered.


    He knew why Elder Huang said that. If Elder Huang bet ten times, he would lose nine. If he chose to bet on Big, the result would always be Small. Whatever he bet on, the result would always be the opposite. He was like a guiding light in the gambling scene. It was no wonder he despised it.


    Schr Sun added, "But Jiang Yuebai ispeting too. Aren''t you a fan of that youngdy?"


    "cing small bets can make a person happy, but makingrge bets is bad for their health. How could such a mentally stimting game like mahjong be considered gambling?" Elder Huang said as he stood up.


    His tes were suddenly empty. At some point, he¡¯d cleared off all the food on his te, and he was now ready to leave.


    Schr Sun rolled his eyes.


    When the two old men arrived at the venue of the Mahjong Tournament, they found an unusuallyrge crowd gathered at one side of the venue.


    This was the semifinals, so there weren¡¯t many participants still ying in the tournament. That meant the people in this crowd were all spectators, and they had all gathered there to watch the same game.


    With their keen eyesight, the two old men could see the state of the game without getting closer, so they stood in ce to watch the game.


    The most eye-catching person at the table was a delicate, fair-skinned girl, who had her hair up in a ponytail. Looking innocent and happy, shepleted a hand and immediately pushed the tiles down.


    The girl said, "<i>Huh?</i> It seems I¡¯ve won again!"


    It was the Heavenly Winning Hand.


    "She got the Heavenly Winning Hand for the twelfth time? Heavens! Where exactly did this girle from?"


    "She¡¯s a little demon from Silver Sword Peak. It seems her original form is a koi fish, so she¡¯s overflowing with good luck."


    "Even if she was born as a koi fish, she shouldn¡¯t have such ridiculously good luck, right? Is it perhaps because she has other mystical abilities?"


    "Whatever it may be, she hasn¡¯t used any divine skills, so she hasn¡¯t broken any rules."


    "It¡¯s unbelievable..."


    "Senior Brother Xu is going to be eliminated in the semifinals!"


    The onlookers whispered to each other, expressing their astonishment.


    The person beside Liu Xiaoyu''er was Xu Ziyang, who was sitting perfectly upright. He kept aposed expression, but slight ripples were breaking out in the calm of his mind.


    <i>This little girl... is ridiculously amazing.</i>


    <i>Is she really going to end the game by putting out sixteen consecutive Heavenly Winning Hands?</i>


    Xu Ziyang had great mental and physical prowess, but this was mahjong. Even if he remembered all the tiles¡¯ positions, it would do nothing to affect Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er¡¯s winning streak.


    Every time he arranged his tiles and predicted what tiles each person would draw, he realized Liu Xiaoyu''er would get a Heavenly Winning Hand.


    That powerlessness he felt from knowing this unchangeable fate was sometimes worse than not knowing.


    <i>But why...?</i>


    Xu Ziyang had deliberately shuffled the positions of the tiles, but he only had control over a small portion of them. Ultimately, he had no way of stopping Liu Xiaoyu''s terrifying streak of Heavenly Winning Hands.


    This game had be a tileying game that Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er was ying alone, and the other three at the table were like her tileying tools.


    Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er¡¯s presence continued to draw more spectators over to her table. They all wanted to see the birth of a legend.


    In contrast, the only spectators left at Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai¡¯s table were a few of Jiang Yuebai''s die-hard fans, but they were getting rather sleepy. The game was extremely boring.


    Ordinary people were unaware of the immortal-tier battle that Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were engaged in. All they saw was that it had been a long time since someone at the table had gotten a winning hand. Then just before the round ended, someone got a small winning hand.


    They had been ying extremely slowly throughout the whole game, spending a long time pondering over each tile... However, their wins and losses were all small, which meant neither of them was clearly in the lead even after six rounds. Naturally, the spectators found their game boring.


    Additionally, they were so focused on using their strategies against each other in their intense battle that they let Lackey A have two easy wins.


    Hearing the exmations from the next table, Chu Liang grinned. "Senior Sister Jiang, we''re evenly matched now, but I will definitely win in the end."


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Jiang Yuebai raised her eyebrows slightly. "How can you be sure of that?"


    "Do you want to make a bet?" Chu Liang chuckled. "If I win, you¡¯ll have to let me ask you a question, and you must answer me truthfully."


    "Sure," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile. "Then if I win, you¡¯ll have to answer a question from me, and you must not lie."


    Seeing the sparks flying between Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziqing screamed inwardly,<i> Aaaahhhh... Their interactions are so ambiguous! If I hadn''t seen Senior Brother Chu buy that dual cultivation technique, I might not have realized the truth!</i>


    Listening to Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai¡¯s conversation, Lackey A blinked puzzledly. <i>We¡¯re in a four-yer mahjong game. Why have two of us suddenly been stripped of the right to win? Moreover, aren''t I the one with the most chips right now...</i>


    Nevertheless, Lackey A found out why soon after.


    The neighboring table was in its final round. Xu Ziyang decided to close his eyes as he shuffled the tiles, giving up on memorizing their positions. After all, it was pointless knowing in advance that his opponent was going to get a Heavenly Winning Hand.


    This time, however, Liu Xiaoyu''er didn''t show her hand immediately after drawing her tiles. Instead, she hesitated for a moment and then slowly pushed out a tile.


    Noticing something was different, Xu Ziyang opened his eyes. "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    <i>She doesn¡¯t have a Heavenly Winning Hand?</i>


    Unfortunately, this was already the final round of the game. The chips in front of Liu Xiaoyu''er were piled up like a mountain. Even if Xu Ziyang managed to have a huge win this round, it wouldn¡¯t overturn Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er¡¯s fifteen wins.


    Nheless, winning one round was better than losing all of them.


    So, Xu Ziyang regained his focus and observed the tiles in front of him. Then he carefully selected a tile to y.


    "Hang on..." Liu Xiaoyu''er suddenly called out. "Look at the tile he yed. That seems like the one I need...?"


    She revealed her hand in disbelief.


    Xu Ziyang gradually furrowed his handsome brows. Just after he had decided to focus on winning this round so that he could leave with dignity...


    He gave Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er the winning tile.


    Everyone around them fell silent.


    If it had been someone else, they might have already spat out a mouthful of blood earlier due to the absurdity of this situation. Fortunately, Xu Ziyang was able to remain calm.


    He stood up slowly and exhaled deeply. Then he turned and left.


    All the spectators were now looking at Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er. Their gazes made the little girl extremely nervous, but she couldn''t leave just yet because Chu Liang had given her a task to do.


    Before leaving Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang had told her that if she were to win her game very quickly like before, she should go to his table... to cheer him on.


    ...


    That evening, the remaining participants of the fighting tournament were drawing lots on Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    "He¡¯s seriously shameless," Jiang Yuebai fumed.


    She was thinking about Liu Xiaoyu''er¡¯s presence at the mahjong game earlier in the day, and she still felt pretty angry.


    Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang had been evenly matched. Yet, the moment this little girl went over to their table, Chu Liang''s luck suddenly increased. Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang had simr strategies, so it was obvious that the one with better luck would take the lead and have an easy victory.


    That was how Chu Liang had won the game. He had used this "small" advantage to defeat Jiang Yuebai and the remaining two unimportant yers, advancing to the finals of the Mahjong Tournament.


    Chu Liang was now one of the candidates to be Mount Shu¡¯s Mahjong God.


    Xu Ziyang empathized with Jiang Yuebai greatly. Just the mention of the koi-fish girl left him speechless.


    However, after a moment of contemtion, he said, "Ordinary koi-fish demons shouldn''t have such ridiculously good luck. She must have some mystical ability that enhances her luck."


    Hearing that, Ling Ao¡¯s expression darkened, with a hint of malice shing in his eyes.


    While those three were in conversation, thest participant, Chu Liang, arrived. Unsurprisingly, he had brought Liu Xiaoyu''er with him.


    "You¡¯re here to draw your match from among the top four. Why did you bring her?" the supervising elder asked with a chuckle as he brought over the tube with the lots. "There are no weak options."


    Chu Liang grinned and replied, "No matter what, the name on the lot that Xiaoyu¡¯er draws will definitely be the best opponent for me."


    Jiang Yuebai smiled. "All right. Then, let¡¯s have little Xiaoyu¡¯er go first."


    "Thank you, Big Sister Jiang," Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er said politely.


    Then she approached the tube.


    The supervising elder knew that Liu Xiaoyu¡¯er would be drawing a lot on Chu Liang¡¯s behalf, so he let her reach into the tube.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er pulled a lot out and handed it to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang looked down and saw two words: <i>Xu Ziyang.</i>

 Chapter 269: The Semifinals!

    <h4>Chapter 269: The Semifinals!</h4>


    After drawing lots, Chu Liang asked Liu Xiaoyu''er to return to Silver Sword Peak alone first while he waited outside for Jiang Yuebai for a while.


    When Jiang Yuebai saw him, she wasn''t surprised. The two of them naturally turned and continued walking together for a while, as if they were taking a leisurely stroll.


    After walking for some time, Jiang Yuebai finally asked, "Did youe to ask me that question you''ve been meaning to ask?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang smiled, "Is now a convenient time?"


    "Of course," Jiang Yuebai said as she nodded.


    "To be honest, I''ve wanted to ask this question for a long time, but I''ve never dared to bring it up. Today, I want to seize the opportunity and gather the courage to tell you about it," Chu Liang spoke in a light tone.


    Jiang Yuebai blinked, looking at him with a hint of curiosity, mixed with a barely perceptible nervousness.


    "I want to ask, Senior Sister Jiang, can you..." Chu Liang asked, "tell me your actual cultivation level?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Jiang Yuebai was taken aback for a moment.


    "Even though I sense that your aura is very powerful, I know you''re hiding something more," Chu Liang said, scratching his head. "I really want to know how far you''ve progressed in your cultivation."


    In terms of aura, others could determine your cultivation based on a portion of the qi you unleash. Although the use of divine techniques inevitably releases qi, one could still retain a portion of the foundational qi and conceal their cultivation level.


    "I don''t mind telling you, it doesn''t matter anyway. I''ll probably reveal it all tomorrow," Jiang Yuebai said, shaking her head and chuckling lightly.


    With that, she slowly unleashed her qi.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A powerful and freezing cold qi surged forth.


    She was at the Fifth Realm!


    "Just as I expected," Chu Liang said to himself, appearing as though his spections had been confirmed. He continued, "For someone as gifted as Senior Sister Jiang, it''s impossible to remain at the Golden Core Realm for too long."


    Just as he had concealed much of his own strength, everyone had held back during the previous matches.


    They were all reserving their trump cards for the intense battles ahead, aiming to surprise their opponents during the explosive shes.


    Xu Ziyang was no exception.


    Chu Liang only dared to ask because Jiang Yuebai wasn''t his opponent. If they were to fight tomorrow, even with a truth bet on the line, he wouldn''t take advantage of her this way.


    It was just as Jiang Yuebai had said. Everything would be revealed tomorrow, which was why Chu Liang had casually asked.


    Jiang Yuebai''s current cultivation level was within his expectations. The Transcendent Spirit was a body constitution favored by the heavens and earth, destined to make progress at incredible speed.


    When they first met, she was already at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm.


    And now, Chu Liang had grown so much that his current cultivation level was iparable to what it was back then, which meant that it was even more impossible that Jiang Yuebai had remained stagnant in her cultivation.


    "You must be hiding something as well, right? With the speed of your cultivation progress, it''s impossible that you''re still at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile as she suppressed the flow of her qi.


    "Yeah, I won''t be able to hide it tomorrow either," Chu Liang chuckled. "Even if I tried to conceal my cultivation level, the meager cultivation energy I possess would only serve to make my defeat less embarrassing."


    "You don''t need to be modest. I''ve watched you grow into who you are today, and I know how capable you are," Jiang Yuebai said, looking at Chu Liang with eyes sparkling like the stars in the night sky. "I believe you have the strength to face anyone, and...


    "I would rather see you win than Xu Ziyang."


    Her voice was gentle as she stood in the breeze, her dress fluttering softly. The moonlight cast a gentle glow on her skin.


    Chu Liang looked earnestly into her eyes as their gazes met. He asked, "Is it because you want to fight a weaker opponent in the finals?"


    "..." Jiang Yuebai felt so speechless.


    "I was just kidding," Chu Liang turned and said with a smile. "Senior Sister Jiang, thank you for having faith in me. I believe that you will win tomorrow. See you at the peak."


    "<i>Mhm</i>," Jiang Yuebai nodded gently. "See you at the peak."


    ...


    The wind atop the Heaven-Reaching Peak was particrly strong today, but the gust of wind was constantly blocked by therge crowd. Their clothes were billowing in the air and their dresses fluttering.


    Today marked the semifinals of the Mount Shu Summit, and at this stage, thepetition had intensified, with every match promising to be a thrilling battle.


    "Atst, the semifinals have arrived. Elder Huang, what are your thoughts on today''s situation?" Schr Sun inquired from the spectator stand.


    "<i>Haaa</i>," Elder Huang sighed and shook his head. "In the first match, although I strongly support Jiangjiang, that disciple in the Spiritual Awareness Realm seems to have some hidden secrets. If they''re true... the oue is truly unpredictable, and it''s concerning."


    "As for the second match, there''s little to say. Xu Ziyang will undoubtedly defeat his opponent in a dominating victory," Elder Huang remarked.


    "Oh?" Schr Sun said. He had always been aware that Elder Huang was unreliable, but he also knew that Elder Huang had good judgment. So, he asked, "What secrets does Ling Ao have?"


    "If I am not mistaken, I am seeing traces of his body having been refined by dragon blood," Elder Huang remarked.


    "Are you talking about the legendary ancient secret technique?" Schr Sun asked.


    "Yes. In ancient times, True Dragons would reward their servants by refining their bodies with dragon blood, greatly strengthening them. Although he is only at the third realm of cultivation, through the power of the Dragon-Blood Body Refinement, the overall toughness and strength of his body would reach a terrifying level," Elder Huang said. "If the Dragon-Blood Body Refinement urred while his cultivation level isn''t high, the enhancement of his body would be even greater. For example, martial arts cultivators would be much stronger at lower cultivation levels."


    "Indeed. There is a True Dragon suppressing fate on Solitude Peak of Mount Shu," Schr Sun said. "It seems like he had an extraordinary encounter. Old Man Sikong''s disciple ended up receiving the blessing from the hundred years of fishing for a dragon."


    "It is already strange that a True Dragon was attracted to settle down on Mount Shu," Elder Huang frowned as he said. "All the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were fishing for dragons. The Celestial Pivot Pavilion is doing the same. Even the Peni Supreme Sect wanted to acquire another one. However, the True Dragon is not choosing those immortal sects in the Divine Nine that are protected with legendary artifacts. For some unknown reason, it chose the Mount Shu Sect, a sect that had lost its legendary artifact and was in a declining state."


    "It is true that the Mount Shu Sect had been in a declining state. But looking at the Mount Shu Sect now, it seems like they are on the rise." Schr Sun looked over to the other spectator stand and said, "Venerable Wen Yuan is quite skilled."


    "Among all the human cultivators at the eighth realm, Venerable Wen Yuan is rtively young, yet his strength and capabilities should rank among the top," Elder Huang said, nodding. "Unfortunately, being from the Mount Shu Sect has limited his growth. He has had to keep a low profile and wait for the right moment. If he were to possess a legendary artifact, his power would appear much greater than it is now."


    "Even in Mount Shu''s current state, a figure like him could emerge. This further demonstrates his remarkable abilities," Schr Sun remarked.


    Soon, both parties of the match stepped onto the stage.


    Jiang Yuebai was still dressed in white, her clothes fluttering around her like that of a goddess.


    When she showed up, Elder Huang couldn''t bother to chat anymore. He immediately waved his fists and shouted, "Jiangjiang will surely win! Jiangjiang will surely win!"


    He was not the only one doing this. More than half of the audience started shouting and cheering for Jiang Yuebai.


    Soon, Ling Ao stepped onto the stage. He was still dressed in ck, with his hair covering one of his eyes. His expression remained cold and aloof.


    As he listened to the people at the spectator stand cheering for Jiang Yuebai, he nced around and suddenly sneered coldly. Lifting his head, he ced his index finger on his lips.


    "So arrogant," remarked Schr Sun with a chuckle.


    Ling Ao''s actions were clearly meant to mock everyone at the spectator stand, sending a signal to all of Jiang Yuebai''s supporters.


    Silence!

 Chapter 270: Feeling Relieved

    <h4>Chapter 270: Feeling Relieved</h4>


    "This dude is too arrogant. If it''s not because I can''t win, I would have punched him a few times."


    The entire crowd at the spectator stand was triggered by that one gesture of Ling Ao. Many of them reacted with shock and there were many who reacted with anger. In fact, even Lin Bei was saying words of anger.


    Lackey A frowned and said, "He probably just had an extraordinary encounter. He''s getting ahead of himself, but he''s not that strong.


    Lackey B added, "He has never faced a truly strong opponent before. Otherwise, he would have learned his lesson."


    Shang Ziliang, who was at the side, remained quiet. His expression was horrible. While they were talking, his face was flushing red and paling. It seemed as though he wanted to say something, but was feeling ashamed.


    Chu Liang, standing in the center of the small group, had a smile on his lips.


    He was naturally a supporter of Jiang Yuebai, but he wouldn''t be angered by Ling Ao''s response. After all, he knew that the oue was determined by what would happen on stage.


    There was nothing wrong with being arrogant. This was a mere personality. If he were to win, he would just bebeled as a rebellious and recklessly bold person. If he were to lose, he would just be considered a clown. These were the consequences.


    Chu Liang looked over at Jiang Yuebai and saw that she was still dressed in that clean white attire, untouched by the dust stirred in previous matches. Despite Ling Ao''s taunt to the entire crowd, Jiang Yuebai remained as calm as ever.


    She made only one move.


    She drew her flying sword.


    The three-chi sword conveyed more than a thousand words ever could.


    As the tip of the sword traced a half-circle like a crescent moon, sparks of fire flew. Immediately, there was a sense of danger.


    Seeing this, the Supervising Elder in the center of the arena realized that the atmosphere had reached its peak. With a clear understanding of the situation, he had no desire to steal the spotlight. After shouting amand, he immediately stepped back.


    "The first match of the semifinals! Ling Ao from Solitude Peak versus Jiang Yuebai from Azure Falling Peak!"


    "Start!"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Before the attack started, the invisible shes of qi were already urring. The benefit of a solo match was that one could focus their entire mind and spirit on the enemy before them, with divine intent as sharp as a saber.


    Jiang Yuebai''s eyes gleamed with brightness. Unexpectedly, she attacked first this time, which was very rare in previous fights.


    But she raised her hand not to attack! She sent her sword flying up into the sky, transforming into hundreds of beams of swordlight that formed a shield in front of her with a resounding whoosh!


    All these beams of swordlights stood in front of her like a barrier!


    In the very next second, a shadowy figure shed with that shield of sword.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    From the spectators'' perspective, Jiang Yuebai first used the Thousand Sword Seal as a shield and Ling Ao shed onto it then.


    But in reality, Jiang Yuebai had sensed through the flow of qi that Ling Ao''s fierce qi was charging through the air towards her. It was this awareness of his impending attack that prompted her to set up a defense.


    She formed a shield of a thousand swords!


    Ling Ao continued with his usual tactic, charging forward and then throwing a punch!


    <i>Crack!</i>


    It felt as though lightning streaked across a clear sky. Countless beams of swordlight shed and cracked. The punch shattered the shield of swords.


    As Ling Ao did a flip andnded, he lost his momentum.


    This first attack was just a test. If Jiang Yuebai''s ability had been merely a facade boosted by her fame, she would have been instantly defeated by that punch. However, when she blocked it, Ling Ao finally showed an expression of caution.


    Since he started participating in the Mount Shu Summit, this was the first time he felt unable to break through!


    Her defense was strong, but more importantly, she had constructed the shield of swords before he even began his attack. She had essentially predicted his path of attack!


    <i>Is she just good at guessing?</i> Ling Ao wondered.


    Ling Ao''s eyes were as sharp as a saber. His body moved left and right, leaving two afterimages on the stage, as if two figures had appeared, one on the left and one on the right. At that moment, he dashed toward Jiang Yuebai!


    <i>Which side will you block!</i>


    ...


    The fight began with intense energy. The crowd in the spectator stands widened their eyes, their hearts in their throats.


    In many of Ling Ao''s previous fights, he had always defeated his opponents with a single strike, never using any divine techniques or skills. However, the fact that he used a new technique right from the start this time indicated that he wasn''t a one-trick pony. He simply hadn''t needed to use other techniques before.


    "External Manifestation?" Someone eximed out of shock.


    "No! That''s a martial arts technique of the Great Astral Sect, the Shadow Fighting Style," a petite girl corrected. This girl was Tang Shi, and the person next to her was Yun Chaoxian. Naturally, they wouldn''t miss the semifinals.


    "With only two afterimages, his performance of the Shadow Fighting Style is a bit sad. He clearly started learning at thest moment after an enhancement of his physical strength," Yun Chaoxian analyzed, his eyes gleaming with intelligence. "However, as long as he''s fast enough, it will still be effective."


    The weakness of a Martial Arts cultivator would always be their shorter attack range. Most of the time, a martial arts cultivator would try to close the distance between themselves and their opponents during the fight. If they seeded, it meant victory for them. If they failed, their opponent would win.


    Martial arts cultivators had developed many methods to close the distance between themselves and their opponents for situations like this. The Shadow Fighting Style was one of these methods. It was a technique developed by a senior at the Great Astral Sect. While dashing forward, the user would generate thousands of afterimages, with only one being real. This left the enemy almost defenseless.


    Although Ling Ao only produced two afterimages, he was dashing forward at such a fast speed that the small arena seemed too short for him. He could reach the edge in an instant. Even if Jiang Yuebai wanted tounch an attack, she could only eliminate one of the afterimages.


    If she chose the wrong one, the other one would get close to her!


    If she tried to defend against both afterimages, her strength would be divided, and whether she could truly block this attack would be uncertain.


    What would she choose?


    Jiang Yuebai very quickly gave the answer.


    She raised her hand and swiftly traced intricate patterns in the air with her flying sword, forming the talismanic script of ice.


    Jiang Yuebai had been teaching Chu Liang the Dao of Talisman-Making and Talismanic Sword Seal, so her own mastery was naturally advanced. She immediately unleashed the Thirteen-Character Talismanic Sword!


    <i>Crack!</i>


    With the power of the Thirteen-Character Talismanic Sword, the attack moved at a slower speed. Wherever it touched, frost spread, covering the ground with ice crystals and causing water droplets to condense in the air. Within a radius of several dozen zhang, the temperature dropped sharply in an instant!


    Ling Ao once again lost his forward momentum. He had to twist his body to narrowly avoid the iing sword. As the sword swept toward him again, he struck downward with a fierce punch, hitting the spine of the flying sword!


    <i>Bam!</i>


    The flying sword was driven downward by the impact, its de piercing into the tform. However, it still contained some spiritual energy. In the next second, more than a dozen ice walls rose from the ground,pletely surrounding Ling Ao!


    After this exchange of attacks and counters, all the afterimages on the other side of the arena had already disappeared.


    With just a nce, Jiang Yuebai identified and targeted the real Ling Ao.


    Ling Ao, now trapped within the ice walls, temporarily disappeared from sight. Through the frosty surface, only a shadowy figure could be seen. The walls were not merely confining him; they were continuously closing in, intent on trapping him inside.


    Jiang Yuebai''s divine techniques and sword skills were powerful, but she was also extremely proficient in other forms of techniques. Her Transcendent Spirit constitution naturally attracted spiritual qi, allowing her to manipte it with far greater ease than others.


    However, would Ling Ao be someone easily trapped by a few thick walls?


    Suddenly, the shadowy figure behind the ice wall suddenly unleashed a powerful burst of energy. Instantly, this crimson-gold aura surged up!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The thick ice walls shatteredpletely from all sides! Four figures of Ling Ao burst out, each burning with a crimson-gold aura that smelled like blood, their qi zing like raging mes!


    There were now four of them!


    <i>Choose again! </i>Ling Ao shouted inwardly.


    ...


    "It''s useless. No matter how many afterimages he generates, he won''t be able to get close to Jiang Yuebai," Schr Sun said, shaking his head.


    "The Omniscient Sword State." Elder Huang said with a smile. "It is truly surprising for someone her age to understand this state of Sword Dao, but I guess it¡¯s normal if it¡¯s Jiangjiang."


    "There is a reason why the constitution of the Transcendent Spirit is desired by countless demons and devils. The benefit of the affinity with the heavens and earth might not be obvious, but this benefit is reallyprehensive," Schr Sun exined. "She can practice and learn any divine techniques and skills with ease."


    The so-called affinity with the heavens and earth would include an affinity with spirit beasts, spiritual qi, and the Great Dao... In short, it meant being favored by the heavens and earth throughout one''s life.


    The Omniscient Sword State was the ultimate technique of Daoist Yan.


    Strictly speaking, this was not a divine ability or technique, but a state of Sword Dao.


    A reactive defense happened when you acted after seeing the opponent¡¯s sword strike. However, if the opponent had not yet struck but you could detect where the attack woulde from through their flow of qi, line of sight, divine intent, karma, and other subtle cues, this resulted from being in the Omniscient Sword State.


    Jiang Yuebai, who was currently in this profound state, could clearly identify the real Ling Ao that would attack her. Therefore, no matter how many illusions he generated, they would be meaningless.


    "I was worried about Jiangjiang earlier, but now I feel relieved," Elder Huang said. "She¡¯s not only exceptionally talented but also incredibly dedicated in her training. Her strength undoubtedly ces her among the top prodigies in the nine provinces."


    But just as Elder Huang finished speaking, the situation in the arena changed abruptly.


    The four afterimages of Ling Ao rushed toward Jiang Yuebai from different directions. Just as they were about to close in, Jiang Yuebai''s eyes flickered. With a wave of her sword, the fallen flying sword once again broke through the air, blocking the path of one of the Ling Aos. At the same time, the ice spiritual qi in the air rapidly increased, turning the entire arena as cold as an ice cer.


    Even the audience in the spectator stand far away from the arena started to feel the biting chill.


    Obviously, the one blocked by the flying sword was the real Ling Ao.


    However, instead of dodging, he allowed the sword to stab at him. The sword was about to pierce through his chest when suddenly, he moved and grabbed the sword with his bare hand.


    With flesh and blood, he held the indestructible sharpness in his grip!


    <i>sh¡ª</i>


    The result was just as expected.


    He started bleeding but the blood was crimson and golden, flowing out and instantly staining the sword.


    Jiang Yuebai was not going to show any mercy. She was just about to control the sword and continue attacking when she found herself unable to use her divine intent. It was as though she had lost her divine intent and nothing was responding.


    The flying sword, tainted with golden-red blood, suddenly lost all its spiritual energy, and its divine light dimmed.


    Though Ling Ao''s hand was bleeding profusely as he gripped the sword, there was no pain in his eyes. Instead, they conveyed a sense of satisfaction.


    His blood contained powerful and aggressive spiritual energy. Once it tainted the sword, it immediately overwhelmed the sword''s spiritual nature. The blood on the sword began to boil and burn fiercely, like a poisonous fire.


    Upon seeing this, Chu Liang''s pupils dted.


    No one knew better than him what this was¡ªthe smell of dragon blood!


    After cultivating the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, the concentration of dragon aura in his body increased, causing these changes to his blood.


    Ling Ao indeed had a connection to the True Dragon of Solitude Peak.


    But Chu Liang had no time to ponder further as he focused his attention on the stage. With a swift motion, Ling Ao seized Jiang Yuebai''s flying sword and, in an instant, stepped in front of her.


    She appeared frozen in shock, unable to react in time, as Ling Ao, without hesitation or mercy, thrust the sword through her body!


    <i>Thunk.</i>


    The de pierced through her, making a dull echoing sound.

 Chapter 271: Flow of Time

    <h4>Chapter 271: Flow of Time</h4>


    ¡°Jiangjiang!¡±


    Numerous spectators cried out in shock. Their hearts were tense as they feared for Jiang Yuebai¡¯s safety!


    From the moment Schr Sun saw Ling Ao ce his hand on Jiang Yuebai¡¯s sword and use dragon blood to pull the sword away, his eyes had filled with astonishment.


    Schr Sun muttered, "The Divine Dragons¡¯ Great Blood-Burning Technique...?"


    The Divine Dragons¡¯ Great Blood-Burning Technique was a secret technique that a dragon n had created. The user of the technique burns the spiritual energy in their blood in exchange for a temporary but massive boost in power. However, the user will be extremely weak after each use.


    By using this technique, Ling Ao made it clear that he wanted to end the duel quickly!


    "<i>Yeesh.</i>" Elder Huang''s expression turned from sunny to gloomy. "This young man has a really strong fighting spirit. In contrast, Jiangjiang''s mental state is too peaceful. That puts her at a significant disadvantage when she¡¯s in a fight. She won¡¯t lose, will she?"


    In the time it took him to say that, another sudden change urred on the stage!


    As the sight of the sword piercing Jiang Yuebai pierced the hearts of the spectators, Jiang Yuebai cracked, turning into a shower of shattered ice.


    It was an ice clone!


    There shouldn''t have been ice in the arena. Nheless, with Jiang Yuebai''s continuous spellcasting, the tform had turned into a world of ice in just a short time.


    Her efforts were definitely not futile. In such an environment, her opponent''s movements would be greatly impeded. This was why Ling Ao was trying to use the blood-burning technique to bring a swift end to the duel!


    Unfortunately for Ling Ao, Jiang Yuebai had learned many spells and was very proficient in all of them. Her ice clone had looked so wless that it almost seemed like a perfect copy of her.


    The stage wasn¡¯t thatrge, but Jiang Yuebai wasn¡¯t there. Where did she go?


    Ling Ao raised his gaze slightly. Then he suddenly stomped on the ground!


    <i>Boom! Crack!</i>


    The thickyer of ice on the ground cracked and shattered to pieces!


    Was Jiang Yuebai in the sky? No, she was underground!


    Jiang Yuebai emerged from the other side of the stage, with her white robes still spotless.


    She¡¯d used the spell Underground Escape Route!


    The stage had been constructed with extremely solid materials and had been reinforced with various enchanted formations. This was to ensure its durability and prevent any problems from urring that may disrupt the matches.


    Nevertheless, it also inadvertently limited the use of some divine techniques and spells. For example, if they were fighting on the ground, Jiang Yuebai would have been able to escape through the ground easily by using Underground Escape Route. However, having to go through this extremely solid stage first made escaping into the ground a very difficult feat.


    That was why Jiang Yuebai had continuously covered the stage with ice spiritual qi. It hadn¡¯t been simply to reduce Ling Ao¡¯s speed. She had been waiting for a very thickyer of ice to form on the ground¡ªthick enough for her to move freely within it so that she could use Underground Escape Route!


    It turned out that she¡¯d been strategizing this whole time!


    Ling Ao had a fast reaction speed, so he quickly realized what Jiang Yuebai had been doing. Jiang Yuebai''s actions had caused Ling Ao to waste a lot of time, and now the distance between them had reverted to almost the full length of the tform.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuebai was already forming a sword seal with her hands.


    She wasn''t holding a sword though. That left the spectators puzzled.


    Nheless, a momentter, everyone knew where the sword was.


    <i>Crack, crack, crack...</i>


    In the blink of an eye, the frigid air condensed before her and formed a huge sword of spiritual qi. Despite having been made on the spot, the sword managed to contain immense spiritual qi without shattering!


    Normally, swords that were made on the spot from condensed qi were very fragile and could not be used for sword seals like real flying swords.


    Yet, Jiang Yuebai could do it with hers because she had perfect control over her foundational qi and spiritual qi, allowing her to wlessly execute the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    Shrouded in a tremendous amount of swordlight, the ice sword soared up into the sky!


    Jiang Yuebai was no longer suppressing her aura; she was now unleashing all of her cultivation prowess!


    Everyone present could sense that Jiang Yuebai was at the Realm of the Five Elements!


    It turned out that Xu Ziyang wasn¡¯t the only one at this year¡¯s Mount Shu Summit who had reached the Realm of the Five Elements. Jiang Yuebai had reached this level too!


    Everyone was taken by surprise.


    The enormous beam of swordlight pressed forward with the full power of the fifth realm. Ling Ao seemed so small inparison.


    He didn¡¯t seem to have any way to fight back!


    ...


    "The fifth and third realms are worlds apart," Schr Sun said.


    "Nevertheless, we cannot underestimate Ling Ao. Instead of viewing him as a third-realm cultivator, we should see him as a fifth-realm martial artist. He doesn¡¯t have a strong foundation in martial arts, but after burning his blood, his physique is now on par with a martial artist¡¯s," Elder Huang replied.


    "So, you think he has a chance of winning?" Schr Sun asked.


    "Of course not." Elder Huang chuckled. "It might be different if Jiangjiang hadn''t reached the fifth realm, but she was just hiding her true strength. Now that she¡¯s not suppressing her cultivation prowess anymore, how could Ling Ao possibly win? The power of her Transcendent Spirit will be more prominent as she advances to the higher cultivation levels."


    When Elder Huang was done speaking, another dramatic change urred on the stage.


    For powerful cultivators of their level, it would have been an easy feat for them to figure out that Jiang Yuebai had been concealing her aura this whole time. In fact, they would have found out if they had just activated their divine sense and observed her earnestly.


    However, it was a rather discourteous thing to do, so it was not something the powerful cultivators on Mount Shu would have ever done. Even if they had noticed, they wouldn''t have mentioned it. That was probably how Jiang Yuebai had been able to conceal her true strength all this time.


    Ling Ao hadn¡¯t expected Jiang Yuebai to be at such a high cultivation realm, but it didn¡¯t intimidate him in the slightest.


    After all, Xu Ziyang was in the fifth realm too, and Ling Ao had thought about defeating him before. So, what difference was there?


    As Jiang Yuebai''s enormous Heavenly Sword Seal flew toward Ling Ao from the other side of the stage, its momentum sent a gust of wind over to him. It lifted Ling Ao''s hair, revealing a pair of eyes filled with fighting spirit.


    Ling Ao wasn¡¯t just unafraid; he was excited!


    He ditched Jiang Yuebai¡¯s flying sword and pulled out an enchanted tool instead. Astonishingly, it was a white saber tooth half the length of his arm. It was scuffed, covered in nicks and cracks.


    This was Ling Ao¡¯s first time using his enchanted tool in the fighting tournament. He used the tooth to cut his wrist!


    Blood gushed out of the wound. Nevertheless, not a drop was wasted; the tooth absorbed all of it. Then the tooth radiated a brilliant blue and gold light.


    A dragon''s deep roar suddenly reverberated throughout the venue. "<i>Raaaaaar!!!</i>"


    A blurry apparition rose from the dragon tooth, looming over Ling Ao. It gazed out fiercely with chaos-filled eyes.


    This apparition was actually a dragon Battle Soul!


    The soul itself appeared to be a remnant soul. Nevertheless, with the sustenance of dragon blood, which contained powerful spiritual energy, it might temporarily regain some of its former might!


    The pressure that this remnant soul emitted was incredibly terrifying, so much so that just the pressure alone was enough to make everyone at the venue feel like they were suffocating.


    With a wide swing of his arm, Ling Ao flew forward and gave an order to the dragon soul above his head!


    "Go!"


    The gigantic dragon soul moved even faster than Ling Ao. It collided explosively with Jiang Yuebai''s Heavenly Sword Seal, producing what looked like sparks of lightning and fire!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom.</i>


    Thunderous sounds rang out when the enormous sword struck the gigantic dragon, but the dragon soul was simply too powerful. It was crushing the Heavenly Sword Seal inch by inch. The sword couldn¡¯t withstand the dragon¡¯s overwhelming strength!


    While Jiang Yuebai was preupied with forming hand seals to maintain her sword seal, Ling Ao had already closed the distance between them. Without Jiang Yuebai¡¯s interference, flying the length of the stage was something he could do within the mere blink of an eye.


    Ling Ao''s qi mes were burning so hot that waves of heat radiated from him. All the blood in his body had be so boiling hot that it felt as though it could melt through metal and stone.


    Bathed in the blood-red glow of his aura, Ling Ao looked like a madman!


    In the blink of an eye, the distance between them had reduced to less than a meter!


    ...


    In the spectator''s stand, the Weapons Master muttered, "An ancient dragon tooth? So, he was the one who bought it."


    "What kind of enchanted tool is that?" Elder Huang asked anxiously. "It looks like just a broken tooth. How can it contain such arge dragon soul?"


    The Weapons Master exined, "That is something our disciples found years ago in an ancient dragonir. The tooth is indeed quite extraordinary. A powerful remnant soul is attached to that broken tooth, but it can only be activated with the blood of dragons or draconic descendants. The stronger the spiritual energy of the blood that¡¯s used, the stronger the dragon¡¯s soul will be.


    "Ordinary people can''t use that tooth, so it had been kept in the Hall of Weapons ever since its discovery. But it was bought recently. Ling Ao¡¯s destiny must involve a True Dragon, and that¡¯s why he bought the tooth to enhance his strength."


    Pure Summoned Battle Souls, like Chu Liang¡¯s Old Fei, were not permitted into the fighting tournament. However, Battle Souls like Ling Ao¡¯s were different, as they needed to be sustained with the summoner¡¯s cultivation prowess or blood. That meant the Battle Soul¡¯s power was essentially the summoner''s power, so that''s why they were permitted in the fighting tournament.


    "It¡¯s great that he took it; it¡¯s just right for him. Most people can¡¯t use that enchanted tool, but in his hands, it is quite a powerful tool," Schr Sun said with a nod. "However, this puts Jiang Yuebai in danger.


    "Ling Ao used the Blood-Burning Technique earlier and then summoned the dragon soul. He will certainly copse after sustaining the dragon soul for just a while. Nevertheless, with the dragon soul attacking alongside him, Ling Ao¡¯s offensive power will be tremendous. Will Jiang Yuebai be able to withstand it?"


    "Oh dear, oh dear..." Elder Huang furrowed his brows. "It looks like Jiangjiang is going to lose!"


    The situation on the stage has an ominous atmosphere like dark clouds descending upon a city.


    The dragon soul was about to smash Jiang Yuebai¡¯s Heavenly Sword Seal to pieces. Meanwhile, Ling Ao was nearing Jiang Yuebai and ruthlessly threw out a punch, bringing with it a burst of whistling wind!


    Even from a meter away, Jiang Yuebai could feel the scorching heat of Ling Ao¡¯s qi mes. Her expression finally changed for the first time in this fight. She frowned slightly.


    Jiang Yuebai relinquished control over the Heavenly Sword Seal and formed a different hand seal, switching to another divine skill.


    In the sky, the dragon soul was descending with great force, and on the ground, Ling Ao was approaching with ferocious momentum. All the spectators were breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling anxious for Jiang Yuebai.


    As the enormous shadow of the dragon soul cast over her, Jiang Yuebai finished forming her new hand seal and then made one simple movement. She gently extended a finger, pointing it at Ling Ao.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    It seemed as if there was something rotating in the air.


    One second, Ling Ao¡¯s qi mes were running rampant, and the next, he copsed to the ground. Supporting himself with his arms, he kneeled before Jiang Yuebai.


    The chain of movements was so fluid that it seemed as if this had been his intention from the start¡ªto rush over and greet Jiang Yuebai with great respect.


    Meanwhile, the dragon soul didn''t even have time to let out a roar before it vanished, turning back into a wisp of blue smoke and returning to the ancient dragon tooth.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Ling Ao gasped for breath, panting heavily.


    He tried to stand up, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t get back up.


    <i>What happened?</i>


    Ling Ao was bewildered by the sudden onset of his weakened state. It wasn¡¯t the weakened state that puzzled him though, as it always followed after each time he burned his blood.


    Using his training sessions as a gauge, it should take at least fifteen minutes before the onset would ur.


    <i>So, why did ite so suddenly?</i>


    He tried hard to lift his head. With his sweat clinging to his hair and obstructing his vision, Ling Ao only caught a blurry glimpse of Jiang Yuebai''s swaying skirt as she turned and walked away.


    Ling Ao couldn''t see clearly, and he didn''t understand what had happened.


    <i>She only used one move, but she totally ruined my n. How exactly did she do it?</i>


    ...


    "This is... Flow of Time!" Schr Sun eximed. "Yes, it''s that immortal art!"


    The immortal art Flow of Time could alter the effects of time on a person''s body, temporarily reversing or elerating time.


    "The Great Dao of Time is mystical and elusive. Flow of Time can be said to be one of the hardest immortal arts to master. Has she really mastered it?" Elder Huang said in amazement.


    There were some distinct differences between the various immortal arts. Some featured a Great Dao that was incredibly mysterious and difficult toprehend, while others were rtively simple. For instance, Dimension Compression, the immortal art that Jiang Yuebai had taught Chu Liang, was usually treated as "a youth¡¯s first immortal art" because it was one of the easiest to learn.


    Flow of Time, on the other hand, was on apletely different level.


    "Flow of Time is difficult to master, and it rarely seeds on the first go. So, cultivators usually use it to recover their peak condition during battle," Schr Sun exined. "But she managed to use it on her opponent instead. Moreover, she elerated his time. It was the perfect counter against Ling Ao''s blood-burning technique. A truly brilliant move!"


    "If it wasn¡¯t for the Flow of Time, she would have been in quite a dangerous situation. It¡¯s fortunate that she¡¯d already mastered this immortal art and could actually turn the tables in one move. Truly, it''s a lucky coincidence," Elder Huang remarked, sighing in relief.


    Young disciples of Jiang Yuebai¡¯s age would usually only have a few immortal arts mastered. It appeared to be a lucky coincidence that one of the few Jiang Yuebai had mastered could subdue Ling Ao. In that case, it truly seemed like Jiang Yuebai had great luck.


    Elder Huang had genuinely thought that Jiang Yuebai had been in danger just a moment ago.


    "Luck?" Schr Sun said with a deep gaze. "Rather than that, couldn''t it be that perhaps she has mastered many immortal arts and simply chose the most suitable one from among them?"

 Chapter 272: Double the Arrogance

    <h4>Chapter 272: Double the Arrogance</h4>


    "<i>Ugh¡ª</i>"


    Ling Aoy weakly on the arena stage, face down and unable to move even as a few disciples from the Hall of Alchemy carefully carried him down.


    The exhaustion from burning his blood was intense. Even with a dragon''s strong recovery abilities, it would take time to heal, especially since his body was still fundamentally that of a frail human.


    Old Man Sikong, leaning on his cane, approached Ling Ao and gently ced a hand on his shoulder.


    Ling Ao felt a warm surge of qi flow into his meridians, soothing the pain in his limbs and bones from his extreme frailty. However, the deep-seated weakness in his blood persisted. This would have to heal gradually on its own.


    "Esteemed teacher..." he murmured, unwilling to lift his head, "I''ve let you down."


    "Silly child," Old Man Sikong said with a smile, patting his head. "Making it to the top four is already enough to satisfy me. The only thing you''ve let down is your own ambition."


    Ling Ao stayed quiet, keeping his head bowed.


    Old Man Sikong said no more, letting Ling Ao walk away in his dejection as he himself returned to the spectator stand.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t care about his disciple. He knew Ling Ao was prideful and ambitious, and any extra attention at this moment of failure would only make him feel more dejected.


    This was essential training for strengthening one''s character and mindset. It was something he had to ovee on his own.


    "<i>Haha</i>, your disciple did well! This only disciple of yours made it to the top four. But why does he look so sad? Did you scold him?" Di Nufeng, who sat next to Old Man Sikong on the spectator stand, asked.


    "Why would I scold him?" replied Old Man Sikong. "He''s just struggling to ept the failure himself."


    "Your disciple is still not as good as mine," Di Nufeng said, shaking her head.


    "<i>Hah</i>, your disciple''s chances of winning aren''t that great either," Old Man Sikong chuckled without getting angry.


    "I''m not talking about winning or losing," Di Nufeng replied. "Trust me, even if my disciple spouted arrogant words and was crushed in defeat, he would still step down from the stage with a silly smile, not taking the defeat to heart."


    <i>Isn''t that just being shameless? Why are you so proud of this? </i>Old Man Sikong blinked, thinking to himself.


    Of course, as an old man who had cultivated for several hundred years, he knew that this kind of character was also a form of strength.


    In the long journey of cultivation, who would win every battle? Since ancient times, the truly powerful have had the trait of not being defeated by failure.


    <i>I hope Ling Ao can get through this.</i> Old Man Sikong thought to himself.


    ...


    Ling Ao walked by himself to a corner of the mountain wall outside the public square on Heaven-Reaching Peak. He sat down, leaned against the rock, and gazed at the sky.


    <i>WHY?</i>


    <i>Must I have cultivation aptitude to win?</i>


    He had joined Mount Shu at a very young age and had been following Old Man Sikong ever since. His teacher''s evaluation of him was that he had above-average aptitude. With a lifetime of diligent effort and perhaps an extraordinary encounter, he might be able to touch upon the Great Dao.


    As for prodigies like Jiang Yuebai, she had been showered with great expectations since childhood and was destined to be a future leader of the Mount Shu Sect.


    But Ling Ao refused to ept this fate.


    Why was his life determined to be inferior from the very start?


    With the determination to excel, he dedicated himself to cultivation, striving topete with others. Since achieving the Body Refinement Realm, he had set his sights on matching the prodigies, using them as benchmarks to push himself.


    In the first realm, he could still keep up with them, but by the second realm, the gap widened. By the third realm, he had fallen so far behind that he couldn''t even see their backs in this race.


    When news of Xu Ziyang reaching the fifth realm spread, he was still stuck at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm.


    Actually, at his age, being able to reach the pinnacle of the Spiritual Awareness Realm showed that he wasn''t weak. For instance, Shang Ziliang, who was at the same level as him, was already considered outstanding among the younger disciples of Mount Shu. Lin Bei, on the other hand, had only reached this level due to a fortunate encounter[1].


    But Ling Ao was in so much pain.


    Like what his name meant, he was full of pride, yet he had to endure being more inferior than others.


    Old Man Sikong had tried multiple times to counsel him, saying that cultivation aptitude was predestined. Even if one wascking in natural talent, it was still possible to surpass others through perseverance and hard work.


    That was exactly what Ling Ao believed.


    He continued spending every day cultivating arduously, yet he remained unnoticed.


    But things changed one day¡ªhis teacher sessfully fished a dragon for the Mount Shu Sect.


    That was when Ling Ao felt that his opportunity had arrived.


    If cultivation aptitude was predestined and could only be changed by some extraordinary opportunity or encounter, the True Dragon had to be one of those encounters.


    Ling Ao refused to believe in fate.


    He wanted to fight for his own destiny.


    Being a member of the Solitude Peak, he was near the dragon. Through some ancient books, he found rituals about draconic descendants worshiping True Dragons in ancient times.


    Since then, he prayed to the True Dragon daily.


    Finally, through his persistent efforts, the True Dragon blessed him with the Dragon-Blood Body Refinement.


    The Dragon-Blood Body Refinement was not done by bathing in dragon blood. Instead, the True Dragon would infuse a drop of its blood essence into his body. This essence blood would boil and merge within him, constantly refining his own blood, rapidly enhancing his body''s strength.


    In ancient times, True Dragons used this method to reward and empower their loyal servants. Now, Ling Ao had received such an opportunity, elevating his physical body to an extraordinary level.


    He felt that he had finally returned to the same starting line as those prodigies and was determined to prove that he was not inferior to them!


    But shortly after, another incident urred.


    The White Dragon gave not one person, but two, its primordial dragon scales.


    And those two did nothing to earn it. They didn''t pray to the True Dragon like he did. In fact, it was the True Dragon that begged them to ept the legacy.


    His esteemed teacher instructed him to keep this matter absolutely confidential.


    Still, he couldn''t understand this.


    Why did that person and that fish get better things than him without even doing anything?


    If the Dragon-Blood Body Refinement was a blessing that the True Dragon bestowed to its servants, then the gift of the primordial dragon scale was how the True Dragon imparted its cultivation legacy. If this were an immortal sect, he would be the servant while the others would be the sessors.


    These thoughts consumed him while he had no idea about the Dragon Orb. By the same analogy, obtaining the Dragon Orb would be like receiving the position of sect leader.


    Of course, in this era, there were no longer dragon servants. All of these were just methods to enhance power.


    However, the Dragon-Blood Body Refinement only enhanced the body once, with limited potential for continuous growth.


    The primordial dragon scale was different. With it, one could continue cultivating endlessly just by breathing, promising boundless prospects.


    <i>If you say that I am no better than Chu Liang from the Silver Sword Peak, I can ept that since he does have an ultimate-tier Golden Core. But how am I inferior to a fish? </i>These were his thoughts then.


    Anger surged in Ling Ao''s heart. He began racking his brains, searching for martial arts techniques, seeking enchanted tools that belonged to the dragons, and trying every possible way to increase his strength. He wanted to trample all those prodigies beneath his feet at the Mount Shu Summit!


    To prove that he was not weaker than anyone!


    Then, Jiang Yuebai shattered his dreams effortlessly with an immortal art.


    Anyone with an eye could see that she was keeping up the engagement only to conceal her abilities. With her cultivation and divine techniques, it wouldn''t have been difficult for her to defeat him if she had gone all out.


    She didn''t even take out her enchanted tool.


    And all his painstaking preparations seemed like a joke.


    Was one''s fate truly predestined?


    Just as he was sighing in despair, a figure in white robes suddenly appeared in front of him.


    "Junior Brother Ling, it''s just a minor defeat. Why are you so disheartened?" the person asked with concern.


    "What?" Ling Ao looked up and asked.


    "I have an idea that will give you a chance to be the head disciple of Mount Shu. Are you interested?"


    ...


    "Senior Brother Xu will win!"


    "Senior Brother Xu will win!"


    "Senior Brother Xu will win!"


    When Xu Ziyang stepped onto the stage, chants of support and cheers erupted all around, sounding like the wind on the mountain and the crash of tsunami waves.


    He was also dressed in white, standing with a posture so straight that his back resembled a sword. His handsome face exuded an impressive presence, and his eyes shone brightly like lightning. Yet, his expression remained cold and hard as ice.


    His poprity on Mount Shu was always second only to Jiang Yuebai''s. Given Fairy Jiang''s beauty, it could be said that Xu Ziyang received the most recognition purely based on his strength.


    Most people believed he deserved the title of head disciple.


    Moreover, his opponent was Chu Liang, someone who had very few supporters.


    Only Lin Bei and a few others cheered for Chu Liang from the sidelines, chanting slogans like, "Chu Liang, Chu Liang! Mount Shu''s strongest!" and "Chu Liang, Chu Liang! Handsome and elegant!"


    But their efforts were in vain,pletely drowned out by the overwhelming support for Xu Ziyang.


    Some even shouted things like, "Chu Liang, Chu Liang, insane and deranged," trying to disrupt their rhythm and break their resistance.


    In the midst of overwhelming support for the other side, Chu Liang stepped onto the stage with a confident smile.


    Amidst the mor, he raised his left hand, tilted his head back, and pressed a finger to his lips.


    It was the same gesture Ling Ao had made.


    Silence!


    The entire crowd gasped in shock!


    A brief moment of silence hung in the air.


    Despite the knowledge that Ling Ao had made the same gesture in response to the crowd previously and faced humiliation, Chu Liang boldly replicated it. This act demanded even more courage.


    He disyed double the arrogance!


    1. JUST HAD TO DISS LIN BEI HUH ?

 Chapter 273: Triple Dose of Astonishment

    <h4>Chapter 273: Triple Dose of Astonishment</h4>


    As Chu Liang faced the silent crowd, he ced his finger down and cleared his throat. ¡°Everyone, be quiet for a second and listen to me...¡±


    "Recently, I''ve noticed some gift boxes of spirit fruit iming to be specialty products of Mount Shu circting in the market. We''re not prohibiting others from selling fruits.


    "However, the gift boxes of Golden Vein Berries that the Eminent One robbed from those travelers were exclusively supplied by the Silver Sword Peak. You can¡¯t buy these gift boxes elsewhere. Please make sure to check that the berries are Golden Vein Berries to avoid being scammed.


    "Make sure they¡¯re the Golden Vein Berries from the Silver Sword Peak! Don¡¯t let them trick you!"


    Chu Liang repeated the warning. "Make sure they¡¯re the Golden Vein Berries from Silver Sword Peak..."


    Hearing this, the entire crowd felt speechless.


    For some reason, when he was done shouting, the crowd became even quieter.


    <i>So that¡¯s what you wanted to say?</i>


    <i>What was with the arrogant posture then? What was the point of making that expression?</i>


    <i>Seriously...</i>


    "Hahaha," Schr Sun, who was watching the arena, couldn''t help but chuckle. He then remarked, "This young fe does show the recklessness of Ah Feng, except that he is a bit more cunning."


    Elder Huang, however, looked cautious and murmured, "This fe will surely be a major problem in the future..."


    He seemed to have envisioned some catastrophic scenarios.


    A strange expression even appeared on the face of the supervising elder standing in the center of the arena. He urged, "Stop talking. Just start already."


    "Alright." Chu Liang nodded hastily.


    When he arrived in the morning, he discovered several gift boxes of other spirit fruits being sold, taking advantage of the fame of their own berry gift boxes. They probably saw that their berries were popr and wanted to jump on the bandwagon.


    But Chu Liang, who was building his brand value, had painfully decided not to restock. How could he let others profit off his reputation? Naturally, he needed to seize this opportunity to promote his berries.


    He didn''t dare to say much more.


    Getting a few dozen seconds of advertising on the mainpetition stage, with all eyes watching, was already a big win. It was best to stop while things were still good.


    Then, the Supervising Elder shouted, "Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak versus Xu Ziyang from Jade Sword Peak, begin!"


    Immediately, the supervising elder soared into the air.


    At that very moment, Chu Liang locked gazes with Xu Ziyang.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    It was as if there was an explosion in the air!


    The explosive energies from both sides were about to sh!


    "Wang Xuanling, you won''t be the grand peak master tomorrow. Do you have anything to say?" Di Nufeng loudly taunted from the spectator stand.


    Beside her, Wang Xuanling, the master of Jade Sword Peak, frowned and retorted, "You should say your goodbyes to the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade first."


    Di Nufeng sneered and said, "Don''t worry. It''s impossible for you to win it. To be honest, my disciple is already analyzing the opponent for the finals."


    Wang Xuanling snorted and couldn''t be bothered to respond.


    It wasn''t the first day he knew he couldn''t beat Di Nufeng in trash-talking.


    As for the oue of thepetition, he wasn''t too worried.


    He had absolute confidence in his beloved disciple.


    How could Xu Ziyang lose? Wang Xuanling simply couldn''t imagine it happening.


    "I simply can''t imagine how Xu Ziyang could lose," Elder Huang said with a smile. His tone carried a hint of contempt as he discussed the potential oue of the battle.


    "Oh?" Schr Sun also smiled. "Elder Huang, are you really that confident in Xu Ziyang?"


    "Based on their previous performances, the gap between them is as vast as the difference between heaven and earth," Elder Huang said, shaking his head. "A true expert should be daring enough to make judgment. As long as Xu Ziyang is mindful of Chu Liang''s little tricks, Chu Liang won''t stand a chance of winning."


    "Although I also think Xu Ziyang has a great chance of winning, I still hope Chu Liang can put up a good fight," Schr Sun said. "After all, my bet is on him."


    "<i>Heheh</i>," Elder Huang chuckled smugly, "Sorry, but I''m certain I''ll win."


    ...


    Xu Ziyang stared at Chu Liang, who stood before him, reminiscing about how he was just a minor disciple in the Spiritual Awareness Realm when they first met.


    Back then, he seemed smart, but he wasn''t powerful.


    Who would have thought that in such a short time, Chu Liang would form an ultimate-tier Golden Core and now stand opposite him on the semifinals stage?


    In reality, he had already approved of Chu Liang.


    So when he made his move, he didn''t hold back at all,unching a Heavenly Sword Seal as his initial attack!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Among the techniques ranked below immortal arts, the Heavenly Sword Seal was the strongest sword technique!


    A massive sword beam swept towards Chu Liang with overwhelming force!


    Like everyone else, he believed that as long as he watched out for Chu Liang''s schemes, there would be no issue.


    Therefore, he opted for a powerful and direct divine technique as his opening move, intending to overpower Chu Liang head-on!


    He intended to give Chu Liang no chance to y any tricks or schemes.


    In the face of this powerful move, Chu Liang simply smiled.


    Did he have any tricks up his sleeve?


    The answer was no.


    Chu Liang swiftly drew the Dustless Sword and, with a simr hand gesture, raised his flying sword high!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A massive tinum sword beam roared forth with equally majestic momentum!


    It was also a Heavenly Sword Seal!


    The two massive sword beams collided in mid-air!


    Jiang Yuebai, who had just won her match, sat in the spectator stand. She had intended to watch them calmly as they fought for the chance to face her, but a flicker of surprise crossed her face.


    Most of the divine techniques that Chu Liang knew were the result of her teaching. They hadn''t had much contact recently, so she assumed that Chu Liang had not learned any new divine techniques.


    But now, it seemed he had been secretly learning!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The sword beams shed with a thunderous roar, causing the tips of the swords to disintegrate. Soon, both swords shattered into bright dust in the air, and scattered sword qi filled the surroundings.


    The sh of the two swords left everyone gaping in astonishment, their mouths hanging open!


    They couldn''t believe that Chu Liang knew how to execute the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    His execution of the Heavenly Sword Seal, being on par with that of Xu Ziyang, was enough to shock everyone.


    Before this very moment, their impression of Chu Liang had always been that of someone whocked real strength and fought relying on tricks and schemes!


    This was exactly what Chu Liang wanted them to think!


    Like how Senior Sister Jiang had used the Flow of Time in her previous match and caught her opponent off guard, achieving the effect of defeating the opponent with just one strike.


    If Ling Ao had known she could use that immortal art, would he have been so unprepared and fallen for it?


    Certainly not.


    A duel between masters of equal skill was like a game of cards. The one with more hidden trump cards stood a better chance of winning. Considering Xu Ziyang''s higher cultivation level, he needed to conceal even more of his strength.


    The sh of the Heavenly Sword Seal had yet to finish when Chu Liang swiftly dashed towards Xu Ziyang.


    Xu Ziyang, being at the fifth realm of cultivation, was physically strong. However, in terms of endurance and sheer physical prowess, Chu Liang outmatched him by a significant margin.


    With the Power of Ten Tigers and the enhancement of the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, his strength had reached a level beyond the imagination of others at his cultivation level.


    This scene resembled what happened in Jiang Yuebai''s fight.


    Chu Liang dashed forward to close the distance, while Xu Ziyang attempted to block his advance.


    However, his move waspletely different from that of Jiang Yuebai. Jiang Yuebai used the sword qi from the talismanic character for ice to obstruct Ling Ao''s movement. On the other hand, Xu Ziyang was summoning the sword and unleashing the sword qi from the geng metal!


    <i>Swish! Swish! Swish!</i>


    The first level of the Realm of the Five Elements was the geng metal phase[1].


    Xu Ziyang hadpleted the integration with this level. Currently, his sword qi was far sharper than that of any normal cultivator at the fourth realm! At this moment, if he used the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, the multitude of sword shadows, if grazed or touched, would result in death.


    Furthermore, countless sword shadows formed a cage-like wall, leaving no chance for anyone to dodge!


    As Chu Liang faced the barricade formed by the myriad of sword shadows and sword qi, he didn''t hesitate. With two swift movements, he disappeared into the air.


    He used Dimension Compression!


    Even if Xu Ziyang had a very solid and tough barricade, it couldn''t stop the Dimension Compression from shortening the distance between him and Chu Liang.


    "This dude is able to perform Dimension Compression?" The spectating crowd gasped in shock.


    What surprised them even more was yet toe. Chu Liang''s figure flickered twice in session, appearing in mid-air in front of Xu Ziyang.


    However, when he flickered out, it was as a single shadowy figure, but uponnding, it multiplied into five.


    Five Chu Liangs surrounded Xu Ziyang in an instant!


    Simultaneously, they began to swing their fists and feet.


    All five of them were poised to kick as they encircled him.


    "Clone technique?" Elder Huang hesitated for a moment, but then his expression changed as though he had witnessed something extraordinary. "No! It''s the Army of Beans!"


    "His qi is different now. He is at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. He had been concealing his strength all along!"


    He had concealed both his divine techniques and cultivation levels remarkably well all this time!


    If it were just an ordinary clone technique, the clones wouldn''t exude such a powerful aura.


    If it were the Immortal Art: External Manifestation, and Chu Liang generated five clones, he should have had the ability to fly as well, which clearly wasn''t the case.


    In addition to those two, there was another immortal art called the Army of Beans!


    This immortal art allowed the cultivator to transform any refined tiny objects into puppets that could be manipted. Unlike the Immortal Art: External Manifestation, the advantage of this techniquey in its ability to create a greater quantity of clones. Additionally,pared to the typical clone techniques, the clones generated by this immortal art were moreplete and individually more powerful.


    With proficient mastery, one could even turn a handful of beans into an army of celestial soldiers!


    Chu Liang can use immortal arts!


    And he knows two!


    And he used both in session!


    Heavenly Sword Seal... Dimension Compression... Army of Beans... Abination of moves that sounded almost extravagant. In an instant, Chu Liangpleted the encirclement of Xu Ziyang.


    From the audience''s perspective, Chu Liang had clearly gained a significant advantage!


    This was beyond everyone''s expectations!


    Within moments, everyone in the arena was repeatedly stunned. The feeling of surprise hit them again and again¡ªa triple dose of astonishment!


    With this, it was no longer surprising that Xu Ziyang seemed unprepared. Anyone who had to counter this series of moves by Chu Liang would have undoubtedly suffered.


    Even Wang Xuanling on the high tform looked shocked and puzzled as he turned to nce at Di Nufeng.


    It wasn''t unusual for Di Nufeng''s disciple to possess formidable cultivation energy, as this could be attained through independent cultivation.


    However, mastering immortal arts was an entirely different challenge. Without guidance, learning immortal arts on one''s own would be even more challenging than reaching the heavens.


    Wang Xuanling was familiar with all the cultivators capable of performing the Army of Beans immortal art. If any of these cultivators had taught Chu Liang, there was no way he wouldn''t have heard about it.


    Where did Chu Liang learn this immortal art?


    Di Nufeng had no clue about this either. Nevertheless, as she met Wang Xuanling''s gaze, she smirked knowingly. Her expression seemed to imply, "See? I knew it all along."


    1. Geng Metal is one of the five elemental phases and represents the metal element associated with the Chinese zodiac. It is characterized by attributes such as strength, resilience, and sharpness. ?

 Chapter 274: I Taught Him That

    <h4>Chapter 274: I Taught Him That</h4>


    Seeing Di Nufeng''s triumphant expression, Wang Xuanling looked annoyed.


    He snorted coldly and said, "I wonder which one of our sect¡¯s members was so kind that they taught your student for you."


    It was no wonder that Wang Xuanling was unhappy. His position as Mount Shu¡¯s grand peak master brought him considerable prestige among the thirty-six peak masters. He wasn¡¯t very close with the other peak masters, but at least, his rtionships with them were a hundred times better than his rtionship with Di Nufeng.


    Army of Beans was no ordinary immortal art; only a handful of Mount Shu¡¯s elders had mastered it. Di Nufeng definitely couldn''t have taught Chu Liang this immortal art. The only powerful person she was rtively close to was Daoist Yan, but Wang Xuanling knew that Army of Beans wasn''t part of Daoist Yan''s repertoire of immortal arts, as she focused more on swordsmanship.


    That meant someone else, who was well aware of the bet Wang Xuanling had with Di Nufeng, had secretly helped teach Di Nufeng''s disciple for her. It was clear that the person in question was helping Silver Sword Peak deal with Jade Sword Peak.


    That¡¯s why when he made that remark, he¡¯d raised his voice, ensuring that all the peak masters sitting in the spectator stands could hear him. Wang Xuanling had done it to show them a little of his displeasure, as there was nothing else he could do.


    Right then, a faint voice rang out from above. "I did."


    Wang Xuanling turned to look and found that it was a Guardian Elder sitting in a seat that was even higher up in the spectator stands. It was the Alchemy Master!


    Wang Xuanling''s stern face froze slightly.


    <i>The Alchemy Master taught him?</i>


    <i>Then there''s no issue.</i>


    Wang Xuanling was aware that the Alchemy Master had mastered the Army of Beans, but he hadn''t considered at all that the Alchemy Master might be the one who taught Chu Liang. Everyone on Mount Shu knew that Silver Sword Peak and the Hall of Alchemy had gotten into a conflict a little while back. Di Nufeng had even stormed into the Hall of Alchemy, and in the end, the Alchemy Master had suffered a minor loss.


    After that incident, the enmity that the Alchemy Master harbored toward Di Nufeng was even greater than Wang Xuanling¡¯s!


    Nevertheless, now...


    <i>But why is the Alchemy Master siding with our enemy?</i>


    While Wang Xuanling was feeling stunned, the Alchemy Master actually felt a little surprised too.


    This matter had actually all started when the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony ended. The Alchemy Master had approached Chu Liang, wanting to teach him the Dao of Alchemy. Chu Liang ultimately agreed to be an attendant disciple of the Hall of Alchemy, but it would have to wait until the Mount Shu Summit was over.


    Chu Liang said he wanted to participate in the Mount Shu Summit, but he was still weak inbat. He hoped to use this time to learn more divine skills and spells, especially immortal arts.


    The Alchemy Master then replied that he had an immortal art that he could teach Chu Liang, and Chu Liang was naturally overjoyed about that.


    That immortal art was Army of Beans.


    Of course, the Alchemy Master had his own reasons for teaching Army of Beans to Chu Liang. A cultivator could use Army of Beans to turn a handful of beans into puppets, but how much spiritual energy could beans have?


    Unless the cultivator was an extremely powerful Eminent One, they would have to refine some special materials and turn them into puppets. For instance, the Alchemy Master often used a type of Puppet Pill.


    The Alchemy Master wanted to make use of this opportunity to first have Chu Liang learn how to concoct that Puppet Pill. The purpose of that was to have Chu Liang spend more time understanding the Dao of Alchemy.


    In any case, getting Chu Liang to learn how to concoct the pill was the main objective. As for the immortal art, the Alchemy Master simply didn''t think Chu Liang would be able to master it.


    Army of Beans was an immortal art derived from the Dao of Illusion and Reality, elusive and incredibly profound¡ªso much so that even training for a year or two wouldn¡¯t be enough to master it. Yet, Chu Liang thought he could master it in just a month or two? It was simply wishful thinking.


    The Alchemy Master imparted the immortal art to Chu Liang and gave him a bit of guidance on the key points. Then the Alchemy Master waited for Chu Liang to get stuck and return to him for advice, but Chu Liang never did. However, as a Guardian Elder, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for someone of his status to lower himself and take the initiative to follow up on a disciple, so he let things be.


    Unexpectedly, the Alchemy Master ended up seeing Chu Liang use that very immortal art in the mainpetition today! Moreover, Chu Liang had already concocted four Puppet Pills, which meant he could control four puppets simultaneously!


    No one else knew how much time Chu Liang had spent on learning how to concoct the pills and mastering the immortal art, so they might think that he had been hiding his skills for a very long time. The Alchemy Master was the only one who knew that Chu Liang had spent less than two months on the pills and the immortal art!


    His astonishment quickly turned into delight.


    The Alchemy Master said to the Conservation Master beside him, "Our sect has gained another peerless genius!"


    ...


    "Heavenly Sword Seal... Dimension Compression... Army of Beans..." Elder Sun said in amazement. "Chu Liang is showing an astonishing level of power right from the start."


    Chu Liang was at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. Additionally, he had mastered more than one immortal art. Just these two points were enough to ce him among the best in the nine provinces!


    "Wow," Elder Huang uttered in surprise. "This kid sure hid his abilities well! Pulling off a move like that so suddenly... I bet Xu Ziyang didn''t see iting."


    "<i>Heheh.</i> Are you panicking?" Elder Sun asked.


    "Not yet." Elder Huang shook his head, still feeling confident that he bet on the right person. "Chu Liang is unexpectedly powerful, but if he thinks he can defeat a fifth-realm genius at his level, he¡¯s just dreaming."


    Right then, Xu Ziyang, in the middle of the enchanted formation, finally regained hisposure. He had indeed gotten caught off guard by Chu Liang''s explosive disy of power.


    Even a cultivator who had mastered two immortal arts would find it difficult to use them simultaneously. Chu Liang had used Dimension Compression twice and Army of Beans once. That was the same as if he¡¯d used three immortal arts in the blink of an eye.


    Using immortal arts consumed a frighteninglyrge amount of foundational qi. For the average cultivator at the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm, using three immortal arts in session was enough to drain their Sea of Qi dry!


    Yet, Chu Liang looked asposed as before; it didn¡¯t seem like he was even struggling at all. Was this the power of an ultimate-tier Golden Core?


    Chu Liang had truly gone to great lengths to hide his abilities for so long... but that all came to an end here.


    Surrounded by five Chu Liangs, Xu Ziyang was indeed under great pressure. If it were purely a matter of physical strength, he might not even be a match for Chu Liang, let alone against him and four of his puppets.


    Nevertheless, would Xu Ziyang sit and wait for death?


    Despite being surrounded by the five Chu Liangs, Xu Ziyang remained totally calm. He swiftly formed hand seals, and a split secondter, he was epassed by a shimmering light.


    A second head suddenly sprouted from one of his shoulders! Then it was followed by another on his other shoulder! Simultaneously, two additional arms emerged from each of his shoulders, making his physique muchrger and quite bizarre. This was the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form!


    It was a rather unseemly divine skill. Although it was not an immortal art, it was said that if a martial artist mastered this skill, it would be on par with an immortal art.


    The forte of this divine skill was that it eliminated one of the cultivator''s key vulnerabilities¡ªtheir unguarded back. With three heads and six arms, the cultivator would have three lines of defense, allowing the cultivator to fend off enemies from all directions. The cultivator wouldn¡¯t need to be afraid of getting surrounded by enemies! The Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form was a brilliant choice for a cultivator when they were outnumbered!


    The transformation happened quickly, much quicker than it took to describe.


    At this moment, Chu Liang and his puppets had alreadyunched their attacks on Xu Ziyang. They were punching and kicking him simultaneously!


    Xu Ziyang''s Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form easily fended off the four puppets, but Chu Liang didn¡¯t hold back. He threw a speedy punch, apanied by a burst of wind. The force of his punch was on par with Ling Ao''s in the previous match!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Xu Ziyang managed to catch the punch with his hand. However, the force of the punch wasn¡¯t neutralized, and the collision produced a thunderous bang! It was like a meteor crashing into a towering mountain!


    ...


    Below the stage...


    Ling Ao, who had returned at some point, was standing quietly on the sidelines as he watched the match.


    He realized that if Chu Liang had wanted to, he could have brought the battle to a swift end with his physical strength alone. Instead, he had held back and waited to give Xu Ziyang this huge "gift."


    Ling Ao was the only one who could sense the presence of a True Dragon¡¯s aura on the stage. Chu Liang¡¯s destiny was what Ling Ao had been incredibly hungry for. For the first time, Ling Aopared himself to Chu Liang and wondered if he wascking anything else other than talent[1].


    ...


    After receiving Chu Liang¡¯s punch, Xu Ziyang took two steps back.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang''s right fist was trembling uncontrobly.


    He had already been running the Secret Dragon Blood Technique on full st since a while ago. His qi and blood had gotten so hot that mes of qi were rising from his body. The immense power that his punch contained was absolutely not something an ordinary person could withstand!


    Nevertheless, Xu Ziyang wasn¡¯t physically weak. He had clearly put a lot of effort into the foundation of his cultivation. Moreover, he gained a new mystical ability after entering the first phase of the Realm of the Five Elements.


    His geng metal spiritual qi spread through his whole body, and his skin turned bronze. He exuded a powerful divine light as his body became as hard as metal and stone! This was the Metallic Body of the fifth-realm!


    Chu Liang was more powerful than Xu Ziyang, but Xu Ziyang¡¯s Metallic Body provided incredible defense and prevented Chu Liang¡¯s attacks from dealing any damage to Xu Ziyang. Now, neither one of them had the upper hand.


    At this moment, Xu Ziyang stood tall with his three heads, six arms, and metallic body, looking as imposing as the God of War!


    The five Chu Liangs surrounded Xu Ziyang. With Chu Liang¡¯s real body taking the lead and his puppets assisting him, they fought with reckless abandon at close quarters, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks onto Xu Ziyang!


    No one could have expected that this match would turn into such an intense fight focusing on hand-to-handbat!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom</i>¡ª


    Chu Liang hadn''t learned any special punching techniques, but he had learned the Turbulent Stream Movement Art and the Brick Combat Technique from Yun Chaoxian, so he knew some martial arts principles.


    Xu Ziyang, on the other hand, had obviously studied some martial arts before, specifically for such situations. He was pretty skilled!


    In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged hundreds of blows, each onending a solid hit!


    This was clearly a duel in a fighting tournament, yet it had the atmosphere of a brawl!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom!</i>


    The more they fought, the fiercer their attacks became. It got so bad that the stage beneath their feet actually cracked!


    The spectators were stunned.


    The only exception was a tall and well-built disciple of the Great Astral Sect. He was beaming with joy as he watched the match.


    Pointing at the rather dashing and heroic Chu Liang, Yun Chaoxian said to Tang Shi beside him, "Did you see? I taught him all that."


    <i>Wham.</i>


    Chu Liang was hit with a punch at that moment.


    Seeing that, Yun Chaoxian calmly added, "I taught him a movement art. I didn¡¯t teach him punching techniques."


    <i>Wham.</i>


    Chu Liang was hit with another punch.


    That was when he realized something was off.


    Chu Liang had grown bolder with his attacks as the fight went on, but Xu Ziyang¡¯s attacks had be fiercer as well.


    <i>His attacks are getting more powerful than mine!</i> <i>It hurt way too much when that rock-hard metallic body punched me in the face!</i>


    <i>It seems like he¡¯s gradually implementing a martial arts technique!</i>


    That was indeed the case.


    In the past, Xu Ziyang hadn''t studied punching techniques much. However, having seen Chu Liang use Forbidden Ground to defeat Mu Yueting, Xu Ziyang realized he needed to be more diligent in his preparations for his match with Chu Liang.


    Aware that Chu Liang had that move in his repertoire, Xu Ziyang had to find a way to defend against it. So, he learned and practiced an ancient punching technique before the match.


    Xu Ziyang thought that with his fifth-realm Metallic Body and a special martial arts technique, he would be able to hold out for at least a while regardless of how strong Chu Liang was physically. He just needed to hang on until the effects of Forbidden Ground wore off.


    Chu Liang had no intention of using the same trick twice though. He didn''t even have the Forbidden Ground stored in his art-storing jade talisman.


    So far, Chu Liang had carried out all of his ns sessfully. He had caught Xu Ziyang off guard and closed the distance between them in an instant, engaging in closebat with the smallest possible gap between them.


    Yet, Chu Liang hadn¡¯t expected that he wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Xu Ziyang in hand-to-handbat. If they continued fighting like this, Chu Liang would end up at a disadvantage.


    Of course, this wasn¡¯t the result of Xu Ziyang''s hastily learned martial arts technique but rather Chu Liang''sck of understanding of the fifth-realm¡¯s Metallic Body.


    In the geng metal phase of the fifth realm, Xu Ziyang¡¯s foundational qi enhanced his corporeal body and made it unexpectedly powerful!


    Under these circumstances, Chu Liang could only change to a different tactic.


    When he noticed that the cracks in the stage were deepening, he leaped backward, creating some distance between him and Xu Ziyang.


    Then Chu Liang stomped with one foot!


    <i>Thud!</i>


    The part of the stage beneath his foot broke into pieces instantly. He picked up one of the broken chunks of brick and felt its weight in his hand for a moment. Then Chu Liang revealed a satisfied smile.


    The stage had been made with a very solid material. He was only holding a chunk of it, but it was still quite hefty. This was rather convenient for him.


    Xu Ziyang watched puzzledly as Chu Liang and his four puppets all picked up half a broken brick.


    <i>Their fists should be just as hard as those bricks, so what¡¯s the point of using the brick as a weapon?</i> Xu Ziyang wondered inwardly.


    Nheless, Chu Liang didn''t think the same way.


    Holding the half-brick, his eyes lit up with confidence as he darted forward.


    <i>When I have a brick in my hand, the world is mine!</i>


    With his three heads, six arms, and metallic body, Xu Ziyang braced himself for the oing attack. A momentter, he heard a thud. The back of one of his heads had been ruthlessly smashed with a brick.


    It seemed that Chu Liang''s attacks had suddenly be more fluid.


    <i>Thump, thump, thump...</i>


    Chu Liang didn¡¯t give Xu Ziyang much time to react. He smashed Xu Ziyang¡¯s three heads with the brick eight times in just a short amount of time!


    With a brick in hand, Chu Liang''sbat power had increased by at least fifty percent!


    The spectators wore bewildered expressions as they watched this scene. They had already seen many shocking things in this match thus far, but this scene was way too bizarre for them to watch calmly.


    There was a person with three heads, six arms, and a metallic body. Despite resembling a deity, this person was being chased by a group of youths wielding broken bricks, swinging them wildly. It looked like a street brawl, with heads being smashed with loud thumps.


    It appeared that Chu Liang had done some specialized training in this brick technique, but who would train with such a weapon...? Even if a brick could be called a weapon, wasn¡¯t it too strange to be used as one? What kind of fighting technique was this?


    A certain burly man in the spectator stand grinned proudly. "This is the Brick Combat Technique. I taught him that too."


    1. Yes, more than you could ever imagine. ?

 Chapter 275: A Fight that Shook the World (I)

    <h4>Chapter 275: A Fight that Shook the World (I)</h4>


    As the fight grew moreplex, the audience watched in stunned silence, their hearts in their throats. They didn''t even dare to breathe.


    On the other hand, Di Nufeng, who was on the spectator stand, was getting more and more riled up and active. She was constantly cheering and shouting loudly, "Hit him! Hit him!


    "Do a right hook! Yes! Try to hit the midline of his body[1]!


    "Oh no, be careful!


    "<i>Eh? </i>Why are you picking up a brick? That thing...Oh, nice! Good job, my disciple! That''s the right force! Do a left hook with the brick!"


    As Wang Xuanling sat next to her, he was feeling increasingly annoyed. Yet, the act of shouting at her would just embarrass himself. At this moment, he wished he could just block his hearing.


    It was almost as though Di Nufeng''s blood boiled with a love for battle. The more physical the fights became, the happier she seemed.


    Even Schr Sun, who was watching from a spectator stand farther away, heard her shouts. "Haha! Ah Feng sounds so happy!"


    "You don''t seem to realize the seriousness of the situation, do you?" Elder Huang frowned.


    "She is already a problem of the Mount Shu Sect. If she has a genius helping her..."


    "<i>Yikes.</i>" Schr Sun gasped, feeling the bone-chilling air from the top of Mount Shu enter his lungs. "Given the current situation, it looks like Chu Liang might actually defeat Xu Ziyang..."


    "If he bes the head disciple and Ah Feng bes the grand peak master..." Elder Huang gazed into the distance and continued, "I can''t even imagine how the Mount Shu Sect would turn out in the future."


    Xu Ziyang could never have imagined that, in the eyes of some, he already bore the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the future of the Mount Shu Sect.


    As he tried to counter the sudden explosive power of Chu Liang''s Brick Combat Technique, he found himself overwhelmed. Even with three heads, he couldn''t withstand such repeated strikes.


    He needed to change his tactics and moves now.


    Compared to Chu Liang, his change of moves would have to be much more drastic.


    Suddenly, this explosive force of qi unleashed from within him and he forced Chu Liang back with his six arms, fighting to create that brief opening.


    Then, he formed seals with his six hands at the same time.


    <i>Bam...</i>


    A pale blue ripple spread from his body, as if some kind of shackle had been unlocked.


    Then, a storm started brewing!


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Ziyang''s body expanded in size by several times over, transforming into this colossal golden figure with the height of seven or eight zhang. Still, he maintained the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form.


    If his previous form resembled a celestial deity, he now resembled a real celestial soldier!


    He used the Immortal Art: Form of the Heavens and the Earth!


    The effect of this immortal art was straightforward: it simply resulted in a growth in size! Legend has it that when this art was mastered to the highest level, one could be enormous enough to reach the sky, filling the entire world!


    At this moment, Xu Ziyang was merely seven or eight zhang[2]


    Thankfully, a restriction was already in ce on the arena. As his body grewrger, the arena expanded ordingly, preventing him from stepping into the audience area.


    However, the distance between him and Chu Liang remained the same.


    Chu Liang watched as Xu Ziyang transformed into a giant.


    He didn''t panic or run, knowing that escaping at this moment would be meaningless.


    With his godlike Metallic Body, towering eight zhang high, just one step would allow Xu Ziyang to traverse the distance that would otherwise require several uses of Dimension Compression.


    It was terrifying!


    Some might think that such a giant figure would be clumsy, but this was not a struggle of the Form of Heaven and Earth. He remained agile as he strode forward.


    Chu Liang wouldn''t even consider the childish notion of a mouse ying tricks on an elephant.


    A bigger size didn''t necessarily mean better, but overall, it was countless times stronger than a smaller size.


    With his six hands, Xu Ziyang could form the Heavenly Sword Seal while two of his hands performed the Form of the Heavens and the Earth. While he executed the Heavenly Sword Seal, his body expanded crazily in size!


    The flying sword, which he had yet to summon back, ascended into the sky, transforming once again into a massive beam of light.


    At this moment, the beam of sword light fit perfectly in the giant''s hand.


    With his enormous Metallic Body, Xu Ziyang brandished the colossal sword.


    He swung the sword down with the might of an awe-inspiring divinity!


    This strike was powerful enough to sh gods and devils!


    ...


    When Xu Ziyang, in his divine form, unleashed his full power, Chu Liang stopped concealing his own abilities. With a single thought, he instantly fused a Dragon-Blood Crystal into his body.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    His cultivation level had already reached the peak of the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. With the activation of the Dragon-Blood Crystal, his strength instantly elevated to theter stage of the Golden Core Realm!


    This alone was astonishing. After all, many remembered when he achieved Core Formation. At that time, he was renowned for forming an ultimate-tier Golden Core.


    How long had it been since then?


    He had already reached theter stage of the Golden Core Realm?


    What kind of speed was this?


    However, in the face of the immense power unleashed by Xu Ziyang, even a cultivator at theter stage of the Golden Core Realm would not be strong enough to fight back.


    The audience watched as Chu Liang formed a seal with his hands, and an ancient, profound formation diagram suddenly materialized out of thin air behind him.


    Simultaneously, the four puppets under Chu Liang''s control mimicked his actions, each one conjuring a formation diagram imbued with spiritual qi behind them.


    Metal, wood, water, fire, earth...


    The five formation diagrams materialized and immediately connected, forming lines in the air. As they converged, a huge vortex of spiritual qi formed, trapping Xu Ziyang''s giant body within.


    "It''s the Five Elements Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap!" someone eximed.


    Indeed. It was the Celestial Trap!


    This was the reward they received after winning the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony and this formation was intended to be used by an entire team. However, after Chu Liang sessfully mastered the Army of Beans, he discovered that each puppet possessed a set ofprehensive abilities and he could activate the formation diagram with these puppets.


    The only challenge was that he had to divide his attention five ways to set up this formation while controlling his four puppets.


    However, there were advantages. Since he controlled both himself and the other four, the execution of the formation diagram was as smooth and coordinated as moving his own arms and fingers. This made it far more synchronized than if five separate people were attempting it.


    At the very least, the power Chu Liang could wield on his own was definitely much stronger than leading an entire team with Lin Bei and the others. This was why he had the confidence to challenge a disciple of a higher cultivation level.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    The vortex grew stronger and stronger, gradually forming a barrier of spiritual qi that blotted out the sky and covered the sun. A chaotic mass created from the five elements transformed into a raging storm that swept everything away. Everything on the stage was engulfed, making it nearly impossible to see inside!


    The audience in the spectator stands fell silent in shock time and again, their eyes wide as they watched the shadowy figure within the storm on the stage. No one had expected the fight to reach this level. Regardless of whether Chu Liang won or lost, his performance in this fight had conquered the hearts of every single spectator present.


    As of now, they considered him a prodigy!


    Every spectator knew that his name would undoubtedly stand out among the younger generation of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Xu Ziyang swung the massive sword with both arms, shing fiercely at the chaotic mass within the vortex of the Celestial Trap, causing the ground to shake and the mountains to tremble.


    After a brief stalemate, he brought his other two pairs of arms forward, forming seals with each pair of hands and pushing them ahead.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    It was as though he held a dark golden thunder dragon.


    With a fierce motion, heunched the thunder into the chaotic mass, causing the vortex to rumble and destabilize.


    Chu Liang had all his puppets unleash their foundational qi in unison with his own. He had already exerted himself to the utmost.


    With a fierce shout, he pushed the Celestial Trap forward again, the chaos imbued with spiritual qi shing against the eight-zhang Metallic Body.


    To everyone''s astonishment, this force of attack matched the power unleashed by Xu Ziyang!


    The heavens shifted dramatically! The heaven and earth echoed with a mighty roar!


    Finally, this fierce struggle reached a critical point and exploded violently. A terrifying chaotic storm spread out! If it weren''t for the restrictions in ce, everyone would have had to flee!


    <i>Rumble, rumble, rumble¡ª</i>


    ...


    1. This is a line in Ip Man 2. This phrase,monly used in martial arts, advises against direct confrontation with an opponent. Instead, it suggests finding a strategic advantage by attacking from a different angle. It emphasizes the importance of using tactics and intelligence rather than relying solely on brute force. ?


    2. The height of twenty meters or 65 feet is diabolical lol ?

 Chapter 276: A Fight that Shook the World (II)

    <h4>Chapter 276: A Fight that Shook the World (II)</h4>


    "This is beyond my expectations," Schr Sun remarked. "I can''t believe Chu Liang has managed to fight Xu Ziyang to this point."


    "Even if he loses, it will be an honorable defeat," Elder Huang responded.


    "Oh?" Schr Sun inquired. "You still believe Xu Ziyang will win?"


    "Of course!" Elder Huang replied. "The gap between the fifth realm of cultivation and the fourth realm is significant. It might seem like they are evenly matched, but that''s due to theplexity of the techniques Chu Liang has used. These techniques have allowed him to keep up. The fact that he has fought this far is already remarkable. However, he will eventually run out of foundational qi."


    The giant Metallic Body copsed while the enchanted formation shattered.


    When the storm in the arena calmed and the dust settled, a long while had passed.


    At this point, Xu Ziyang had returned to his original form.


    Even so, he stood on the stage with his usual straight posture. Although his expression remained calm, a hint of surprise was evident in his gaze.


    The simultaneous activation of the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form and the Form of the Heavens and the Earth, as well as the fifth-realm Metallic Body, exhausted a great amount of foundational qi. Thus, he couldn''t sustain this form for too long.


    But upon further contemtion, he realized that Chu Liang''s consumption of foundational qi was even greater. Yet, even after using a series of immortal arts, creating the puppets through the Army of Beans, and utilizing the Five Elements Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap...


    A fourth-realm cultivator wouldn''t have this insane amount of foundational qi in their Sea of Qi.


    Nevertheless, when Chu Liang reappeared, he still looked energetic. He was smiling as well.


    The four puppets had already disappeared. He stood there quietly and said to Xu Ziyang, "Senior Brother, the execution of your divine techniques indeed unleashed great power. I really need to ask you for advice after this fight. Would that be okay?"


    Xu Ziyang stared at him.


    He pondered for a moment and said, "You are trying to buy time by talking, right? For someone at the fourth realm, the amount of foundational qi in your Sea of Qi is very impressive, but there is still a limit. No matter how strong you are, you must have exhausted all your qi by now."


    Xu Ziyang immediately exposed Chu Liang''s little trick.


    No matter how powerful his ultimate-tier Golden Core was, it wouldn''t change the fact that he was still at the fourth realm of cultivation. There was still a limit to how much his Sea of Qi could expand. Even if his qi replenished quickly, he still needed time.


    If it was a normal amount of exhaustion, he could quickly replenish all the qi. However, the sessive use of immortal arts resulted in continuous exhaustion at a terrifying level.


    Even if his Large-Headed Doll toiled to the extreme, it was impossible for it to replenish all his qi instantly.


    On the other hand, Xu Ziyang, being at the fifth realm of cultivation, had a much bigger Sea of Qi than a fourth-realm cultivator as well as a faster replenishing speed. At this moment, he was at a much better state than Chu Liang.


    And now, Chu Liang just wanted Xu Ziyang to reply so that he could buy more time.


    Obviously, Xu Ziyang saw through his scheme and refused to give him this opportunity.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    A beam of sword light shed across the arena.


    Xu Ziyang''s flying sword, Force yer, was a renowned ancient sword with a distinguished battle record. It had apanied several esteemed senior prodigies in the past.


    Immediately, the beam of sword light multiplied into thousands, and the powerful sword qi instantly enveloped Chu Liang.


    He used the Ten Thousand Swords Seal!


    At this point in their fight, Xu Ziyang''s condition wasn''t great either, and his sword light was much weaker than before.


    However, this sword light was strong enough to deal with Chu Liang, who was in an even worse state.


    Yet, Chu Liang countered with the same level of force. He lifted his Dustless Sword and drew several talismanic scripts, controlling his sword light to fly towards Xu Ziyang!


    Instead of setting up a defense, he chose to attack Xu Ziyang!


    An exchange of attacks!


    This was beyond Xu Ziyang''s expectations.


    As the Talismanic Sword Seal approached, he swiftly dodged and narrowly avoided the attack!


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Simultaneously, Xu Ziyang''s sword light advanced toward Chu Liang. At this moment, Chu Liang''s eyes gleamed as he vanished in a sh!


    <i>Swish!</i>


    He used the Dimension Compression again!


    With the same old tactic, Chu Liang broke through the barrier of sword qi, dashing toward Xu Ziyang!


    Even after such intense exertion, he could instantly execute an immortal art!


    At this point, Xu Ziyang found himself continuously astonished by the events of the fight.


    Xu Ziyang had just dodged the Talismanic Sword Seal.


    Before he could regain his bnce, he twisted his fingers, merging the ten thousand sword lights into a single beam, directing it to chase after Chu Liang from behind!


    When Chu Liang heard the whistling sound behind him, he didn''t react at all. He still flew toward Xu Ziyang.


    At this point, both were at their limits, but their fighting spirits burned brighter than ever.


    Neither of them wanted to lose!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang appeared before Xu Ziyang and punched him in the face.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    At that moment, Xu Ziyang had not activated the protection of his Metallic Body, and Chu Liang''s punch immediately sent him flying.


    Chu Liang, disregarding his own safety, was quickly caught by the Force yer!


    <i>sh!</i>


    He only had enough time to dodge slightly when the flying sword shed his right rib from behind, causing blood to stter.


    This exchange of injuries was clearly a loss for Chu Liang.


    While everyone thought that Chu Liang was at the end of his rope, he suddenly smirked.


    Xu Ziyang had just crashed on the ground after being hurled into the air.


    When he saw the smirk on Chu Liang''s face, an ominous feeling gripped his heart.


    The blood that sttered from Chu Liang''s injuries was imbued with his red and golden spiritual energy. As he moved the tip of his finger, the stter of blood transformed into a golden arrow.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    Suddenly, Xu Ziyang felt his chest being pierced!


    When Luo Yao and Pushan, who was at the spectator stand saw this, their eyes flickered.


    When they first encountered this attack, they were fighting the Fiend of the Dark King Sect. At that time, the Fiend used the Great Blood-Refinement Art, which caused them a great deal of trouble.


    They hadn''t expected Chu Liang to master this divine technique.


    After returning home from the Southern Bastion Mountain, Chu Liang had persisted in learning the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light.


    With the Secret Dragon Blood Technique enhancing the spiritual energy in his blood, he had achieved minor sess in the learning of this Great Blood-Refinement Technique.


    At this stage, where both he and Xu Ziyang had exhausted their means, this technique was finally put to use, helping him achieve sess.


    <i>Plop!</i>


    Xu Ziyang''s body fell backward, and Chu Liang also copsed.


    Both of them fell to the ground.


    ...


    "What is going on?" The audience was baffled. "Who won?"


    "It was Chu Liang who won," Schr Sun said with a smile as he sat in the spectator stand. "Chu Liang was able to dodge, preventing Xu Ziyang''s attack from hitting his vital points. However, Chu Liang''s blood arrow intentionally avoided Xu Ziyang''s vital points. If this had been a fight to the death, Xu Ziyang would have been killed."


    "<i>Haaa</i>," Elder Huang sighed deeply.


    The entire audience stared in shock. The disciples of the Hall of Alchemy didn''t even know whether they should rush forward to help.


    Then, they saw someone staggering to their feet.


    To their surprise, it was Chu Liang!


    The wound on his rib had already stopped bleeding, yet despite his unsteady steps, there was no sign that he had just suffered a serious injury!


    What kind of terrifying recovery speed is this?


    Because Chu Liang had been fighting with Xu Ziyang, who was of a higher cultivation level, they hadn''t realized how physically strong Chu Liang was until this very moment.


    Is this the body of a human?


    Chu Liang approached Xu Ziyang, leaning forward with a smile on his face, and offered his hand.


    Xu Ziyang weakly raised his arm and took hold of Chu Liang''s hand.


    <i>p!</i>


    As Chu Liang pulled him up, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the arena. Xu Ziyang looked up and suddenly smiled gently.

 Chapter 277: I Am Not Telling You

    <h4>Chapter 277: I Am Not Telling You</h4>


    "Mount Shu..."


    "For some reason, ever since the Mount Shu Sect lost the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, they have been at a disadvantage in thepetition for resources, and the sect''s strength has been declining. If it were another sect, they would have fallen into such a state of decline that they would lose their title as one of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. This is what should happen ording to Heavenly Law.


    "However, every dozen years or so, a few prodigies capable of restoring the sect''s glory appear in Mount Shu. These prodigies carry the banner of Mount Shu as if defying fate and changing destiny."


    As Schr Sun watched the young men standing on the stage, he suddenly remarked emotionally, speaking at a slow pace.


    Schr Sun wanted to express that this was what generally happened in the world of immortality cultivators. Regardless of how prosperous the sect once was, it would inevitably fade away from the historical stage once its prosperity waned.


    This wasn''t something to feel sad about as this had always been the way of things since ancient times. There were never any immortal sects that would remain standing forever. The story of the Heavenly Star Divine Cult would be the best example.


    Despite experiencing several thousand years of prosperity and enduring severe damage, the Mount Shu Sect should have faded into obscurity. Yet, there were always one or two individuals standing at the foot of the stage, propelling Mount Shu back onto the tform during crucial moments, adamantly refusing to let it exit the spotlight.


    "Yes. Ah Feng, Daoist Yan, and that man appeared sixty years ago. And now, we have Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Chu Liang..." Elder Huang said, nodding emotionally. "The simrity is striking."


    "It''s like the sparks that linger long after the fire has died down. They may seem like mere embers, but even the slightest breeze can reignite their brilliance," Schr Sun added.


    "This must be the spirit of a sect being passed on to the next generation," Elder Huang said, pondering. "A prodigy can guard a sect for a few hundred years, and a legendary artifact can safeguard the sect for several thousand. However, only the spirit of the sect can persist and be passed on to the next generation for all eternity."


    "The spirit of the Mount Shu Sect..." Schr Sun muttered.


    "Wang Xuanling! Where''s Wang Xuanling? Talk to me!"


    "..."


    As the two elders were deep in contemtion, a loud, arrogant shout from the other side abruptly silenced them.


    Di Nufeng tilted her head and looked at Wang Xuanling.


    "Xiao Wang, you don''t need to worry," she said with her chin lifted. "When I be the grand peak master, I won''t be targeting you."


    Wang Xuanling''s expression darkened, and it took him a moment to respond.


    "There''s no need for arrogance, Di Nufeng," he said. "Our original bet was that your disciple would be the head disciple. Only then would I consider passing the position of grand peak master to you."


    As Di Nufeng reflected on their agreement, she realized that Wang Xuanling was right.


    During that heated argument when she made the bet with Wang Xuanling, he had been concerned that if the wager was based on a direct fight between their disciples, Silver Sword Peak disciple might be eliminated before ever facing his own.


    As a result, the bet was made on their disciple securing the position of head disciple.


    Although Chu Liang had defeated Xu Ziyang, Wang Xuanling had merely lost the chance of winning; it wasn''t an actual defeat yet.


    The act of thinking ahead back then ended up giving Wang Xuanling a lifeline.


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Di Nufeng grunted, not going back on her promise as she nodded. "Let''s wait and see."


    After a pause, she turned to Daoist Yan beside her. "But whether my disciple or Yan Zi''s disciple wins, it''s all the same. Our peaks are like one family."


    Daoist Yan''s pupils visibly dted, and her lips twitched slightly, as if the words "Who said we are like family?" were at the tip of her tongue.


    However, she still held back, turning to the side, pretending as though she had not heard Di Nufeng.


    Feeling stifled sitting in the spectator stand, Wang Xuanling flew up andnded beside the stage.


    At that moment, Xu Ziyang, freshly bandaged by the disciples from the Hall of Alchemy, descended the stage with a feeble gait.


    Upon catching sight of Wang Xuanling''s darkened expression, he lowered his head slightly, maintaining hisposure, and said, "Esteemed Teacher, I couldn''t win."


    "How are your injuries?" Wang Xuanling asked.


    "They are just external injuries, nothing severe," Xu Ziyang answered.


    "Good," Wang Xuanling said without a tone of harshness. "This defeat doesn''t mean anything. Don''t take it to heart."


    "I know..." Xu Ziyang said as he looked up at his teacher. But he noticed an expression of unhappiness on Wang Xuanling''s face, even a hint of feeling wronged. It was the first time he had seen this type of expression on his teacher''s face.


    Xu Ziyang''s lips trembled. He didn''t know whether he should say it.


    <i>"Esteemed teacher, you are the one who shouldn''t take it to heart," </i>Xu Ziyang said inwardly.


    ...


    This defeat did not evoke a strong sense of failure in Xu Ziyang. Since he began following this Dao, he had never been defeated before. He was considered the talent for immortal cultivation, destined to lead Mount Shu to prosperity.


    Whether it was the pressure from the world or self-imposed, Xu Ziyang felt immense stress. He constantly felt as though there was a heavy weight on his shoulders.


    As hey copsed on the floor earlier, a scene from his childhood shed through Xu Ziyang''s mind.


    During that time, hey on the grass on the hill near the back area of the Jade Sword Peak, watching the clouds float in the sky, feeling as though he was one of the clouds.


    That was the only time he had ever felt such an emotion.


    As Xu Ziyang''s extraordinary cultivation aptitude became evident, both his teacher and the sect started having higher expectations of him. Sometimes, these expectations felt like a force heavier than anymand.


    It seemed as though his destiny was to revive the glory of Mount Shu.


    As he copsed on the ground, there was a sense of relief. Xu Ziyang realized that he wouldn''t have to be the one to carry the banner for Mount Shu. There were others who could do it, and perhaps even do it better than him.


    Xu Ziyang always had a good impression of Chu Liang.


    Xu Ziyang was a very righteous person, and he never disliked Chu Liang''s way of doing things. In fact, he admired Chu Liang''s creativity and unrestrained ideas.


    Losing to an opponent like this didn''t seem that hard to ept.


    Of course, it was necessary to remain brave after feelings of shame.


    He resolved to work even harder at cultivating. While he hadn''t lost in terms of cultivation level, he had learned a valuable lesson from this fight: never underestimate any opponent.


    Even when a lion hunts a rabbit, it would use its full strength.


    Throughout the entire fight, he was at a disadvantage because he had underestimated Chu Liang, which allowed Chu Liang to deliver a series of sessive attacks. In the end, he wasn''t able to recover in time. In reality, he still had techniques he had yet to reveal.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to use them; he simply never got the chance. Once the fight started, Chu Liang never gave him an opening.


    During this fight on the stage, Chu Liang intentionally avoided attacking his vital points. But if it were elsewhere in the nine provinces, who would show him mercy?


    These were things he needed to reflect on. Without much thought, he continued walking with a straight posture, joining the group of Jade Sword Peak members.


    This was thest fight of the day. The crowd dispersed one by one, leaving only the disciples of the Jade Sword Peak waiting there, staring at him with expressions of concern.


    All the disciples of the Jade Sword Peak knew that their eldest senior brother had never lost before. Today, he was defeated by someone of a lower cultivation level, and everyone was worried.


    As Xu Ziyang approached, he appeared nonchnt as he spoke, "Let''s go."


    "<i>Ah?</i>" Xu Ziqing froze. "Where to?"


    "The Jade Sword Peak of course," Xu Ziyang responded, patting her on the head. He then added, "I want to eat hotpot."


    "<i>Hehe</i>." Seeing that her brother wasn''t feeling devastated by the loss, Ziqing smiled and said, "Yay!"


    The two walked side by side, surrounded by a big group of their peers from the Jade Sword Peak, all heading back together.


    As they walked, Xu Ziyang leaned over to Xu Ziqing and whispered, "Chu Liang is a good guy. If you like him, I approve of this rtionship."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Hearing this, Xu Ziqing raised her eyebrows and said, "What are you talking about?"


    Her reaction surprised Xu Ziyang, leaving him stunned as he asked, "Don''t you...?"


    "How could I possibly like Senior Brother Chu? He already has a partner," Xu Ziqing said confidently.


    "Is that so?" Xu Ziyang asked. "Who is it?"


    "<i>Heh</i>," Xu Ziqing chuckled, a hint of smugness in her voice. "I know who it is, but I am not telling you."

 Chapter 278: A Challenging Operation?

    <h4>Chapter 278: A Challenging Operation?</h4>


    The match had ended, but it left the spectators a lot to think about. In fact, they might even talk about it again after a long time had passed.


    As the visiting members of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten discussed the match, they expressed it was a great pity that Xu Ziyang had lost. However, Monk Pushan was smiling and shaking his head.


    "What''s all this talk about the weak defeating the strong? Do you think that Chu Liang showed everything he had?" Monk Pushan wore an enigmatic expression. "Far from it."


    "What?" Everyone who heard him looked at him. "Does he still have other tricks up his sleeve?"


    Monk Pushan justughed without speaking. "<i>Hehe.</i>"


    Back then, he and Luo Yao had witnessed how Chu Liang, who had been at the third realm, had killed fifth-realm cultivators like they were ants and had probably been capable of challenging even sixth-realm cultivators as well.


    Inparison, what Chu Liang had shown so far at the Mount Shu Summit was at the level of an average genius.


    Nevertheless, Monk Pushan and Luo Yao knew that Chu Liang had likely used some special divine skill or enchanted tool to kill the fifth-realm cultivators. They concluded it was probably that flying sword with the intense murderous intent.


    Considering that Chu Liang had been able to use it to defeat cultivators two levels higher than him, it seemed certain that some stringent requirements had to be fulfilled in order to use that special flying sword. It was impossible that such a powerful weapon could be used casually.


    Nheless, Chu Liang wouldn''t reveal the details, and they wouldn''t ask, so they just kept these spections to themselves. Of course, that meant they wouldn''t leak his secret and publicize it either.


    However, by leaving the details of the secret unsaid, it left the other spectators wondering endlessly about it. They made countless guesses as to what other terrifying hidden powers Chu Liang might possess.


    Previously, Chu Liang had been a bit famous in the Mount Shu Sect, but he had been fairly unknown in the world of immortality cultivators. That would change after today''s match; he was bound to be famous across the world.


    After all, Chu Liang was now one of the top two disciples of a sect in the Divine Nine. No one would dare to underestimate him anymore!


    In addition to the enigmatic Monk Pushan, there was a robust and handsome man walking around, acting a little strange.


    He asked everyone he met, ¡°Friend, have you heard of the Brick Combat Technique?¡±


    Of course, those who were asked that question felt baffled by it.


    Then the man would go on to exin the martial arts technique that Chu Liang had used in the duel.


    When the other party was confused by the exnation, the muscr man would then follow up with, "I created it."


    "..."


    Chu Liang did not hear any of those discussions about him, nor did he linger on Heaven-Reaching Peak. Instead, he returned straight to his cabin on Silver Sword Peak.


    Just like how losing the match hadn''t given Xu Ziyang a great sense of defeat, winning it didn''t bring Chu Liang much joy either. Through this match, Chu Liang gained a deep understanding of the gap between the fourth and fifth realms.


    If they were to fight another ten matches, it was very likely that Xu Ziyang wouldn''t lose a single one of them. While it was true that Chu Liang''s victory wouldn''t be repeated, it didn''t matter, since he didn''t need to fight Xu Ziyang again.


    However, Jiang Yuebai definitely was not inferior to Xu Ziyang. Jiang Yuebai had her fifth-realm Transcendent Spirit, and it was still unknown as to how many divine abilities she possessed. Moreover, it was also a mystery as to how many immortal arts she had mastered. Yet, she knew about all of Chu Liang''s skills.


    The gap between cultivation levels might be unsurmountable, but that wasn''t the case with divine abiilites and skills. Since Jiang Yuebai had seen Chu Liang''s divine skills, she would be able to find ways to counter them. In a way, Chu Liang was now standing in Xu Ziyang''s position.


    Defeating Jiang Yuebai wasn''t as important to Chu Liang as defeating Xu Ziyang, but no one in Chu Liang''s current position would want to lose.


    Besides recovering and preparing for the finals the day after tomorrow, there was something else Chu Liang needed to deal with right now.


    When he, Luo Yao, and Pushan left the Ghost-Face Chamber previously, the chamber master had given each of them a jade talisman formunication, and those jade talismans had just lit up.


    Luo Yao and Pushan met up with Chu Liang on Silver Sword Peak. The trio, who were old partners by now, didn''t say much. They flew out of Mount Shu and found a secluded ce to change clothes.


    Then the three mysterious figures set off together.


    ...


    This time, the meeting ce was close to Mount Shu, so it didn''t take long for the trio to get there.


    The scar-faced chamber master of the Ghost-Face Chamber stood high on a hillside. There were around twenty to thirty ck-d people in front of him, filling the air with dense yin qi. This seemed to be the Ghost-Face Chamber''s entire force.


    "Brothers, the time for us to achieve great deeds has arrived," Ghost Face said darkly, inciting his subordinates to take action. "If we do well with this, our sect''s position within the diabolical sects will be solidified and made as immovable as a boulder! And we, who participated in this operation, will all be famous!"


    As Ghost Face spoke, there were people distributing storage jade talismans.


    Chu Liang received one too. He scanned it with his divine sense and found that it stored five hundred Vermilion-Bird coins and a sword-shaped token that contained spiritual energy.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Chu Liang recognized the sword-shaped token.


    Every cultivator that wanted to attend the Mount Shu Summit had to report to the Foreign Affairs Hall on Mount Shu first. The Foreign Affairs Hall would then issue them this sword-shaped token, which was treated as a visitor''s pass on Mount Shu. This was necessary because, like all immortal sects, the Mount Shu Sect didn''t usually allow many outsiders to freely wander around their sect.


    "First, everyone will receive five hundred Vermilion-Bird coins. After we''vepleted the operation, you''ll get another five hundred. There will also be additional rewards for those who get some kills. Everyone can rest assured. We, the Dark King Sect, will properly reward those who make great contributions."


    There wasn''t much talk of loyalty in diabolical sects, so Ghost Face was relying entirely on the potential benefits to lure these people into participating in the operation.


    Before Chu Liang could express his curiosity, someone asked, "Chamber Master, what exactly is this operation that such great rewards are being offered?"


    "Of course, it''s a rather challenging operation," Ghost Face answered. "The Mount Shu Summit''s final match is being held the day after tomorrow. The Dark King Sect wants us to infiltrate Mount Shu on that day. You just need to hold this visitor''s pass and go to the venue of the final match. That''s the day when Mount Shu gets the most crowded, so no one will pay any attention to you."


    "You want us to infiltrate Mount Shu?" someone else asked, feeling hesitant about participating in the operation.


    For these diabolical cultivators, they were fine with having to lurk in the shadows in their daily life. However, this operation required them, diabolical cultivators who had always been in hiding, to run through the gates of one of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine...


    Knowing that, any diabolical cultivator would hesitate to participate in this operation.


    Chu Liang was puzzled as well. <i>They want to infiltrate Mount Shu...?</i>


    <i>Great. Now, the problem isn''t whether there''s a lot of work or if the job is far from home. Instead, they''re going to be working in my home??</i>


    <i>This is not good.</i>


    <i>Does the Dark King Sect want to make use of the Mount Shu Summit and use this chance to stir up some trouble? Could it be retaliation for that time when three major immortal sects besieged the White-Bone Hall?</i>


    <i>No, the White-Bone Hall had been nning this ever since they increased their forces. They''ve always talked about making a big move. This is probably what they were talking about!</i>


    "What''s wrong with Mount Shu? Are you scared?" Ghost Face gritted his teeth angrily and pointed at his scarred face. "A crazy woman from Mount Shu gave me this scar... Back then, she used the Samadhi True Fire to kill some disciples of our sect. I managed to get away, but I didn''t get far enough. I got singed by the mes and ended up like this. But do you think I''m afraid? I''m not afraid!


    "I''ve waited thirty years for this. I want to tell those righteous cultivators that I will get payback for everything they''ve done to me, interest included!


    "Since you''ve joined a diabolical sect, that means you''ve embarked on a path that goes against thews of the heavens¡ªa path filled with mountains of corpses and seas of blood. If anyone is afraid to go, put down the jade talisman and leave! I won''t me you!"


    Ghost Face''s subordinates felt moved by his impassioned speech.


    Obviously, they hadn''t joined a diabolical sect because they held the beliefs of the diabolical path; it had been purely for their own interests. If it wasn''t because the righteous path couldn''t offer the same benefits, who would be willing to live a life in the shadows?


    Just as Ghost Face had said, the day they joined the Dark King Sect, they knew they were going against thews of the heavens. Their hesitation was just them weighing the pros and the cons, which was a pretty normal thing for diabolical cultivators to do.


    While the diabolical cultivators were hesitating, Chu Liang stepped forward and said, "All we have to do right now is infiltrate Mount Shu. It''s not like Mount Shu is the underworld. What''s so difficult about this? Chamber Master, you have my support!"


    The rest of the trio followed suit.


    "Yeah, mine too!"


    "<i>Mm.</i>"


    Seeing the three new members supporting him enthusiastically, Ghost Faceughed heartily, "<i>Haha!</i> If only all the disciples of our sect were like you, we wouldn''t have to worry about failing to make big achievements!"

 Chapter 279: Back off!

    <h4>Chapter 279: Back off!</h4>


    The master of the Ghost-Face Chamber showered the three new members with praise. Their enthusiasm also inspired the fellow members of the chamber, encouraging everyone to participate as well.


    Upon their return to Mount Shu, Chu Liang promptly informed the higher-ups about the new discovery. While other matters could be dyed, this was deemed too important to postpone.


    The higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect attached great importance to this matter and immediately began a series of discussions. They instructed Chu Liang to remain calm and not divulge any information.


    This was, of course, easy to do. The three of them were veteran undercover agents, so they naturally possessed the basic professionalism required.


    Having reported the new discovery, Chu Liang was no longer worried. The higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect would certainly start preparations. If the Dark King Sect dared to infiltrate Mount Shu to do harm, they would never make it out.


    The next day arrived, bringing with it another day ofpetitions.


    With the final match of the mainpetition of the Mount Shu Summit scheduled for tomorrow, the finals of the three recreationalpetitions were all arranged for today, making the schedule quite tight.


    In the early morning, Chu Liang took his seat at the venue for the finalpetition of the Mahjong Tournament.


    There were four people at the table: the innocent-looking Liu Xiaoyu''er, the smiling Chu Liang, a square-faced young man¡ªsurprisingly, Yuan Zhuo, a Senior Brother from the Hall of Conservation whom Chu Liang had met before¡ªand a middle-aged man in a wheelchair.


    This middle-aged man had a clear and thin face, exuding an air of elegance. With fair and clear skin and a bright gaze, he appeared to possess considerable wisdom.


    His name was Tantai Jing. As the peak master of Rain Cedar Peak, he was renowned as a strategist among the peak masters.


    Some believed that if not for a serious injury in his early years, which dashed his chances of attaining Dao, Tantai Jing would have had boundless prospects. In terms of intelligence, he might have been more suitable as the grand peak master than Wang Xuanling.


    The finalists of the Mahjong Tournament were not simply adept at ying Mahjong. This final game served as a stage for those with extraordinary mental and spiritual prowess.


    As Chu Liang faced these two opponents, he didn''t dare to im any advantage for himself.


    Of course, he didn''t expect to win either.


    Tantai Jing smiled faintly and jokingly remarked, "It''s quite rare to have two young people from the Silver Sword Peak in the final game. You two better not discard the tiles the other needs when it''s your turn."


    Chu Liang smiled back and replied, "Why would we?"


    On the other hand, Liu Xiaoyu''er looked puzzled as she muttered, "Discard tile?"


    ...


    The Mahjong Tournament ended peacefully.


    The game ended quicker than expected, with the result being obvious. This kind of game, akin to "arranging small blocks and then knocking them down," was still too simple for Liu Xiaoyu''er, a lesser demon with normal intelligence.


    Before noon, Chu Liang had already arrived at the venue for the Flying-Sword Race. Unlike the group match, the race track for the final was extremelyplicated.


    Obviously, the finalists were much stronger, being the top yers selected from each group.


    The small team from Silver Sword Peak also came to cheer for Chu Liang. In addition, many spectators from both inside and outside Mount Shu came to watch. There were far more spectators than at the Mahjong Tournament.


    In previous years, the Mahjong Tournament on Mount Shu, while not the most popr recreational event of the Mount Shu Summit, would never have had such a small audience.


    This year, the games at the Mahjong Tournament were simply not entertaining to watch. The audience weren''t the only ones feeling bored. If it weren''t for the fact that four people were absolutely required to start the game, Chu Liang wouldn''t even have wanted to be there.


    The Flying-Sword Race was different. The thrilling race in the clouds was absolutely exhrating.


    Because he participated in the Mahjong Tournament, Chu Liang arrived rtivelyte. Many of the participants had already arrived. There were new faces as well as familiar ones, and they all looked like they were not easy to get along with.


    Wen Yulong came up and asked, "How is it? Did you practice after going backst time?"


    He seemed even more nervous than Chu Liang.


    "I tried a few times, it''s very difficult," Chu Liang admitted, referring to the technique of flying sword drifting. "Because time was tight, I didn''t practice it again."


    After losing to Chen Zhengst time, Chu Liang did study the technique of flying sword drifting around corners. However, the difficulty was too great, and he didn''t have much time to delve into it, so he still didn''t dare to say he had mastered it.


    There was nothing he could do. With so many events he needed to participate, he obviously needed to prioritize the mainpetition.


    "<i>Haaaa,</i>" Wen Yulong sighed and said, "The fact that you managed to make it to the final despite having never tried flying-sword racing before is already very impressive. You shouldn''t be too harsh on yourself with the results."


    There were a total of ten finalists, all standing at the same cliff as before, with the clouds shrouding the pathway ahead.


    This time, the race track was longer. In addition to simple turns, there was also a section of eighteen loops around the Divine Truncheon Peak. Moreover, on the way to the Azure Falling Peak, there would be random showers of sword qi.


    With the length andplexity of the track greatly increased, the challenge was naturally greater. Only in this way could the true strength of thepetitors be determined.


    "This is the final of the Flying-Sword Race! Take off!"


    With themand from the supervising elder, the g waved, and ten sword lights instantly streaked across the sky!


    "Wow!"


    The shouts from the valley resounded through the sky!


    With his hands strapped with the Hands Of the Azure Dragon and his ankle strapped to the flying sword with his Feet of the Azure Dragon, he controlled the Dustless Sword to fly to its maximum speed, instantly taking the lead at the forefront!


    In terms of cultivation energy, he was the first among all the participants.


    Among the ten participants, four of them were at the Golden Core Realm. Of the four cultivators at the Golden Core Realm, two were at the middle stage.


    Considering that having an ultimate-tier Golden Core would amplify his cultivation energy, it wasn''t wrong to say that Chu Liang was ranked first in terms of cultivation energy.


    However, being first in cultivation energy did not guarantee being first in speed. Chu Liang had learned this lessonst time, so he didn''t dare to be arrogant. He fully elerated during the first straight where he had the advantage, hoping to gain as much of a lead as possible.


    However, everyone flying in a straight line was extremely fast, so the gap was not huge. Soon, he arrived at the first turn.


    Chu Liang took a deep breath. He pressed the tip of the sword down and swung the sword fiercely.


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª</i>


    The Dustless Sword traced a graceful crescent arc, smoothly bypassing the mountain peak. However, the turn was still too wide, and in the blink of an eye, four or five sword lights overtook him on the tighter inner loop!


    It all happened in an instant!


    His speed was just not quite enough.


    Chu Liang maintained a steady expression. As he returned to a straight path, he activated both Golden Cores to their maximum speed, trying to make up for the slightg from the previous turn. Nevertheless, he no longer had the lead.


    Five sword lights advanced side by side, creating a curtain of colorful light ahead of him, like a rainbow bridge to the other side.


    "Go, Chu Liang!" Lin Bei shouted loudly from the sidelines.


    Wen Yulong remarked, "Senior Brother Chu''s turning skills are stillcking. It looks like it will be difficult for him to win this time. Still, there''s a chance he will make it to the top five."


    Lin Bei said, "Chu Liang has participated in so manypetitions, and consistently performing at a top level in each one is already extremely difficult."


    Wen Yulong nodded, "Indeed."


    If one were to look at Chu Liang, they might be deceived by his gentle and handsome appearance and think that he wouldn''t show any aggression.


    He wasn''t someone who would stand out too much. However, if one were to check his past records in fights andpetitions, they would feel this sense of fear.


    Even if he couldn''t win every event, he was still...


    It was another abrupt turn in the sky!


    "Wait a minute..." Wen Yulong''s voice suddenly trailed off. "Seems like there''s a change?"


    ...


    <i>Swoosh! Swish! Swoosh!</i>


    As another turn approached, Chu Liang did not fall behind. Instead, he lowered the tip of his sword, leaned forward, and drew an arc on the inside track, keeping pace with the several sword lights.


    However, if they were neck and neck on the curve, once they reached the straight track, they would fall behind Chu Liang.


    The two Golden Cores spun rapidly, generating foundational qi that filled Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi to the maximum. This allowed him to exert explosive power with every eleration!


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    As the straight track tore through the clouds, a deafening rumble filled the air!


    In the blink of an eye, four turns had already passed, and at each curve, Chu Liang kept up with the pace. However, on the straight track, he widened the gap once more.


    In just a moment, he had regained a significant lead!


    In a Flying-Sword Race, participants would focus solely on their own flying sword. After all, thispetition demandedplete concentration, as they used their divine intent to control their flying sword.


    However, he was going so fast that everyone else was left behind. Every participant could see Chu Liang''s back!


    <i>It''s him again... </i>They all thought.


    Chu Liang had been standing out on Mount Shu in recent days, actively participating in every event of the Mount Shu Summit.


    This had left some of the disciples specializing in flying-sword racing feeling a bit displeased.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who practiced flying-sword racing had a tight-knitmunity and took great pride in their skills.


    Even those with exceptional cultivation found it challenging to beat them in races, as this was their specialization, and they had dedicated so much effort to it.


    All of them shared this thought: I don''t care if you are a top cultivator of the Mount Shu Sect! Back off!


    But at this moment, Chu Liang, who had never been part of thismunity, suddenly appeared and trampled on their pride. This sparked a sense of resentment and hostility towards Chu Liang among all of them.


    They elerated and tried to catch up, but to no avail.


    Yet, everyone was thinking the same thing.


    <i>Even if you are in the lead, it''s just temporary as the eighteen loops are right ahead!</i>

 Chapter 280: What Champion Are You?

    <h4>Chapter 280: What Champion Are You?</h4>


    The Divine Truncheon Peak of Mount Shu resembled a pitch-ck, straight steel truncheon, with winding mountain roads spiraling around it. The cloudy racetrack traced these winding roads, forming eighteen intricate loops.


    This was entirely different from the simple curve earlier; this section was the most challenging part of the entire racetrack!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As Chu Liang dashed forward on the Dustless Sword, thepetitors behind him eagerly waited to see him be theughingstock.


    In this section of the racetrack with eighteen loops, attempting to drift on a flying sword would lead to losing control after a few consecutive turns and being thrown off the track with their swords. In previous Flying-Sword Races, even experts often found themselves thrown off from this part of the track.


    Most experts would fail after continuously drifting at full speed. In fact, even the top experts wouldn''t be able to drift ten loops orplete over eighteen loops without reducing speed.


    Only the sword god from the Falling Waterfowl Peak could achieve such a feat.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang had already drifted through the third loop without slowing down.


    Thepetitors behind him had all slowed down somewhat to ensure a stable passage, instantly widening Chu Liang''s lead.


    But no one was worried.


    The faster he flew now, the farther his flying sword would be thrown off from this trackter!


    They waited, anticipating the turn at which his sword would be flung off the track.


    The swordlight moved faster than their brains could process. Asplex emotions crossed their minds, the Dustless Sword had already drifted through the tenth loop!


    <i>I can''t believe he is this powerful... </i>This thought of surprise appeared in many people''s minds.


    As Chu Liang passed the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth loop, the thought of his astonishing power soon grew stronger and more widespread among the onlookers.


    <i>Hey, hey, hey!</i>


    <i>That''s enough!</i>


    Everyone was shouting inwardly.


    But Chu Liang still did not fail. He continued drifting at full speed. He passed the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth loop...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Finally, at the eighteenth loop, his flying sword was flung off. Before the crowd could even revel in that moment, they realized something was amiss.


    <i>Eighteenth loop...</i>


    <i>THERE ARE ONLY A TOTAL OF EIGHTEEN LOOPS!</i>


    Without decelerating, he drifted through all eighteen loops!


    Chu Liang had achieved the same feat as the sword god from the Falling Waterfowl Peak! Had they identally witnessed history happening before their eyes?


    At this point, all of them found themselves approving of Chu Liang''s participation in the Flying-Sword Race. Their minds were so filled with shock that they didn''t even care about their own rankings.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    The path after the eighteen loops was a straight pathway. With full foundational qi, Chu Liang dashed towards the end of the cloudy path in the time it took to inhale a breath of air.


    In the blink of an eye, he reached the section of the track at the Azure Falling Peak.


    Sword qi cascaded down like raindrops!


    The purpose of this cascade of sword qi was to harass the sword riders flying at high speed, so it obviously wasn''t too powerful.


    Chu Liang kept his eyes wide open, enduring the onught and pushing forward with determination!


    Even as the rain of sword qi fell densely, Chu Liang was flying at such a high speed that only two streaks of sword qi scraped him as he flew past the curvy path. Aside from a small cut on the corner of his clothes, he wasn''t injured at all.


    And now, Chu Liang''s body had reached a certain level of resilience that this type of injury would just result in a faint white mark.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    The final section of the track turned towards the base of Heaven-Reaching Peak, culminating in a thrilling dash to the summit. This stretch was the most exhrating ascent race of the year!


    Every year, the spectators watch from the mountain as thepetitors race upwards like lightning, then witness the sword radiance streaking past them, soaring into the sky!


    Unfortunately, this thrilling pursuit did not ur this time.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    On the Dustless Sword, Chu Liang dashed past the cliff and soared into the sky.


    "Woooooo!" Chu Liang eximed.


    After such an exhrating journey on the flying sword, the thrill of extreme speed made his heart beat intensely! As he soared high into the sky, he couldn''t help but feel the urge to shout out loud.


    Still, he controlled himself.


    He sheathed his sword and turned around, staring back downward, which suddenly filled him with shock.


    "Huh?" Chu Liang seemed somewhat surprised because, while flying on his sword, he had been focused on himself rather than paying attention to others. Although he had guessed that he would win, he hadn''t realized he was so far ahead.


    "I''ve already passed halfway up the mountain, why are they all still at the foot of the mountain?"


    ...


    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>


    Beams of swordlight streaked across the sky, soaring to the peak before the spectators'' eyes. However, this ceremonial scene did not spark even a hint of excitement in most participants.


    Because a handsomed had already dashed past earlier.


    Just as Chu Liangnded gently on the ground, he suddenly heard a voice call out from behind, "Junior Brother Chu?"


    He turned around and found that it was Chen Zheng.


    If it weren''t for him, Chu Liang wouldn''t have noticed the techniques of how to drift on a flying sword. So, he smiled back and said, "Senior Brother Chen, can I help you?"


    Chen Zheng was obviously a few years older than him. Chu Liang wouldn''t lose anything calling him senior brother.


    Chen Zheng''s eyes were full of disbelief. Despite the exhaustion almost overwhelming him after thepetition, he stepped forward and asked, "In thest group match, you didn''t know how to drift with a flying sword, but now you''re so skilled... you''re simply impable. How did you do it?"


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "I just practiced a few times."


    "A few times?!" Chen Zheng was shocked.


    Chu Liang might not have been the most skilled at flying-sword drifting, but his cultivation level was higher, and he had abundant foundational qi and strong divine intent. Obviously, he would be more powerful when performing the same technique.


    However, Chen Zheng and the others had such skills in drifting because they had been specially trained for the Flying-Sword Race since they were young. Compared to them, Chu Liang would be considered an unorthodox cultivator.


    He only practiced a few times?


    Chu Liang wasn''t lying. He had practiced a few times before and had a rough idea of the key points of flying-sword drifting, but he hadn''t practiced enough to master it. When he was on stage, he tried it two more times and finally grasped the technique, allowing him to perform flying-sword driftingpletely smoothly.


    Because of Chen Zheng''s surprise and doubtful tone, Chu Liang thought he was asking another question. And so, he pondered for a moment and muttered, "About three times..."


    "But honestly speaking, the first three loops can be counted as practices. It was only after the first few loops that I really grasped the key point. If these three are counted, it should really be six times...Eh? Senior Brother Chen, are you okay?" As Chu Liang was talking, Chen Zheng suddenly copsed and fainted.


    It was unknown as to whether it was due to overexertion of qi or it was too much of a mental blow...


    ...


    Zhang Xiaohan only came to Mount Shu today. As the disciple of the Wind-Catching Hall in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, she was always very busy. If something big happened somewhere, she would need to check to see if there was anything newsworthy.


    However, when she heard news that this year''s Mount Shu Summit was extremely exciting and dramatic, it triggered a sense of urgency. If she waited until the event ended, would all the first-hand interviews be taken by her fellow disciples?


    So she hurried to Mount Shu. Using her familiarity with Chu Liang, she went straight to Silver Sword Peak.


    She came here because the Silver Sword Peak was the biggest dark horse of the Mount Shu Summit despite having only one disciple.


    Before themencement of the Mount Shu Summit, no one expected that this one person would lead in almost all recreational events and nearly be the champion in all of them.


    And Chu Liang was evenpeting for the position of head disciple!


    When Zhang Xiaohan showed up, Chu Liang and Liu Xiaoyu''er had juste back. When they saw the girl, they were slightly surprised and confused.


    "Miss Xiaohan," Chu Liang greeted with a smile. Zhang Xiaohan was indeed one of his familiars. "The Mount Shu Summit has not ended. What brings you here to the Silver Sword Peak?"


    "Haha, I was afraid I won''t be able to catch you after the summit ends," Zhang Xiaohanughed as well. "I heard that almost everyone from Silver Sword Peak has won a championship. I''d like to ask you about this; can I take a moment of your time?"


    "Sure. You are wee to ask any questions."Chu Liang greeted her warmly.


    "Young Hero Chu, you have just won the championship of the Flying-Sword Race..." Zhang Xiaohan said. "Who is this youngdy?"


    "Liu Xiaoyu''er is a member of the Silver Sword Peak. She just won the championship at the Mahjong Tournament," Chu Liang said.


    Although the Silver Sword Peak has only one disciple, there are a few other members. This was something Zhang Xiaohan had heard before.


    Then, he pointed at the Big Headzily lying at the side. "That is the Golden-Furred Hou. It has just won a championship at the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament."


    Aside from Chu Liang''s championship, there were no arguments or disputes on the championship of Liu Xiaoyu''er and the Golden-Furred Hou.


    In the Mount Shu Sect, there were spirit beasts at the sixth realm. However, those were Eminent Ones. They would never join the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament. In the Spirit-Pet Combat Tournament, the Golden-Furred Hou was the only one at the sixth realm.


    In the entire tournament, there were no worthy opponents. When Chu Liang went to watch, he couldn''t be bothered, as victory was guaranteed.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was basically dominating, easily defeating the other spirit beasts.


    "<i>Eh?</i> What are you guys doing here?" Di Nufeng walked over nonchntly. She had just rushed here from Heaven-Reaching Peak and saw a few people gathered here, so she came by to join the fun. "This little girl is so cute. Where is she from?"


    Zhang Xiaohan did not recognize Di Nufeng. When she saw this beautifuldy in azy posture and heard her calling herself cute, she smiled and greeted, "Big Sis, are you also a member of the Silver Sword Peak? What championship did you get?"

 Chapter 281: The Legend of the Berries

    <h4>Chapter 281: The Legend of the Berries</h4>


    Zhang Xiaohan left Silver Sword Peak in tears.


    Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohan was a girl, so Di Nufeng hadn''t made things too difficult for her. Di Nufeng had merely shot her a dark re.


    Nevertheless, as a seventh-realm Eminent One, Di Nufeng could create a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood just by raising her hand. This meant the pressure of that re wasn''t something Zhang Xiaohan, who had a low cultivation level, could withstand.


    Zhang Xiaohan trembled, overwhelmed by the fear that washed over her.


    She had long known of Di Nufeng, the peak master of Silver Sword Peak. However, as she had grown up in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, everything she knew about Di Nufeng had been from <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    It had described Di Nufeng as a savage and barbaric scourge of Mount Shu, so Zhang Xiaohan had imagined Di Nufeng as a hideous and ferocious fiend-like existence. Who would associate that image with the tall and gorgeous woman standing in front of Zhang Xiaohan?


    When Zhang Xiaohan was done crying, she reflected deeply on the matter.


    <i>I didn''t recognize Di Nufeng because, although her name was well-known, I''ve never seen her in person or even a painting of her before. Compared to using words, using a painting would certainly have been a more urate way of informing readers about Di Nufeng.</i>


    In <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, there were usually only paintings included for the items in the "Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures," providing its readers with a rough idea of what the legendary artifacts looked like. The articles and tales in the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces" and the "Umon Tales of the Martial World" were never presented with illustrations.


    Zhang Xiaohan began to wonder, <i>Should I include some illustrations with my future news articles?</i>


    That way, she could convey her observations better and allow readers to have a better understanding of the nine provinces'' influential figures.


    It just so happened that she had some talent and a bit of experience in painting. Thinking of that, Zhang Xiaohan''s sadness turned into joy.


    <i>I''ll be the first person in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to publish illustrated articles! I might even start a new trend with this!</i>


    <i>Let''s begin by making an ount of the scene at the Mount Shu Summit tomorrow!</i>


    That''s right. Zhang Xiaohan had experienced something traumatic, but she had no intention of going home. The finals of the Mount Shu Summit would be held the next day, and it would have the attention of everyone in the nine provinces. As a professional disciple of the Wind-Catching Hall, how could she possibly miss it?


    Zhang Xiaohan was staying in the amodation the Foreign Affairs Hall had arranged for her. It was in the same ce as where the other visiting disciples from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were staying.


    After she rested there for just a short while, a knock came at her room door.


    "Miss Xiaohan?" someone called out softly.


    Zhang Xiaohan was surprised to hear that voice.


    <i>It sounds like Chu Liang...?</i>


    She opened the door, and just as she''d expected, it was indeed Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang stood at the door with an innocent smile, looking as if he wouldn''t hurt a fly. He was carrying many boxes of various sizes.


    Zhang Xiaohan weed Chu Liang in and then asked, "What brings you here, Young Hero Chu?"


    "My teacher was quite discourteous to you earlier. She probably gave you a fright. I''m here to apologize on behalf of Silver Sword Peak as well as check how you''re doing," Chu Liang said warmly. "I''ve brought some small gifts for you as a token of apology. Please ept them."


    "Oh, no. How could I?" Zhang Xiaohan hurriedly waved off the apology. "I was rude to your teacher first. How could I let you apologize to me?"


    "Oh, but we must. You''re a guest here. Besides, you came here to interview me. How could we mistreat you?" Chu Liang sat down andid out the items he''d brought. "This is a gift box of Silver Sword Peak''s specialty¡ªGolden Vein Berries. And this is a ckwater Calming Lotus, which can dispel fear and calm the mind... It can also be used for concocting high-grade Golden Pills..."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Zhang Xiaohan uttered, taken aback.


    She had heard about Silver Sword Peak''s berry gift box when she first got to Mount Shu, but she hadn''t asked around for more information on it. Zhang Xiaohan had assumed that it wouldn''t be that valuable since Silver Sword Peak had produced it.


    However, the ckwater Calming Lotus was an important ingredient for concocting Golden Pills, as it could improve the quality of a Golden Pill and make it high-grade. It was equivalent to the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower that Chu Liang had sought out and used for his Golden Pills. The ckwater Calming Lotus was incredibly valuable!


    In fact, it was especially valuable for Zhang Xiaohan, as she was currently at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. She would need this ckwater Calming Lotus pretty soon. That meant this gift wasn''t just valuable; it would save her a lot of effort too. It was a very thoughtful gift.


    Zhang Xiaohan was astonished that Chu Liang would give the ckwater Calming Lotus as a gift.


    After staying silent for a moment, she ultimately forced herself to shake her head. "Young Hero Chu, this gift is truly too valuable. I can ept the berry gift box, but I really can''t ept the ckwater Calming Lotus."


    Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohan was a disciple of the Wind-Catching Hall. The Wind-Catching Hall was quite well-off and raised its disciples in wealth. If she hadn''t grown up in such an environment, it might have been hard for her to refuse the gift.


    "<i>Hehe</i>, Miss Xiaohan, you don''t need to refuse it so quickly. This is just a small token of appreciation from my peak to show that we want to be friends with you." Chu Liang said with a smile. "Aside from this, I have a really small request to ask of you."


    <i>Oh, so it''s because he wants me to help him with something.</i>


    Zhang Xiaohan finally felt more at ease.


    "Young Hero Chu, please feel free to tell me what it is."


    "It has to do with the berry gift box," Chu Liang exined. "I was selling these berries during the summit... and I''ve got some interesting stories to tell you about what happened during that time..."


    He recounted the story of the Eminent Ones stealing berries from Mount Shu''s visitors.


    This was Zhang Xiaohan''s first time hearing about it.


    Blinking in surprise, she remarked, "This is indeed rather strange. It could be included in the ''Umon Tales of the Martial World.''"


    "That''s right. So, I came to you to ask if you could write about these berries in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>," Chu Liang said slowly. "Additionally, don''t you want to know why that Eminent One stole the berries? I can tell you in detail about the berries'' origin and effects as well as the interesting backstory behind their discovery."


    Zhang Xiaohan was stunned. "Backstory?"


    <i>It''s just a fruit. What kind of backstory could it have?</i>


    "Oh, yes. You have no idea what a tale[1] it is." Chu Liang smiled. "In the previous dynasty, there was a man in Jiangnan named Xu Xian. He was handsome and refined, and his family ran a medicinal herb shop...


    "One day, he went on a boat ride on ake and encountered two young women, one dressed in green and the other in white. Right then, it started to rain.


    "...[2] Shopkeeper Xu believed the monk''s words and gave his wife some realgar wine[8] to drink. Suddenly...[3]


    "... The white and green snakes then broke into the Mountain of Immortals and stole the legendary Celestial Fruit, which can resurrect the dead and restore flesh and bone. They returned with the fruit and forcefully fed it to Xu Xian, shoving pieces of the fruit down Xu Xian''s throat and into his stomach. And like that, he was resurrected. The name of this story is <i>Stealing Fruit From the Mountain of Immortals.</i>"


    Chu Liang''s vivid narration of <i>Stealing Fruit From the Mountain of Immortals</i> left Zhang Xiaohan entranced.


    The youngdy asked eagerly, "What happened next? What happened to Xu Xian and his wife, Madam Bai?"


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "Miss Xiaohan, if you agree to write these tales and publish them in the gazette, I''ll continue telling you the story."


    Zhang Xiaohan agreed to Chu Liang''s request without hesitation. "This story is quite extraordinary. It can definitely be included in<i> The Seven Stars Gazette</i>."


    Consequently, Chu Liang made good on his promise and continued narrating the tale of <i>Stealing Fruit From the Mountain of Immortals</i>.


    "After that, Madam Bai and Xu Xian nted the seed of the Celestial Fruit in the ground, and it bore new fruits. Those new fruits are our Golden Vein Berries...


    "Then Lady Bai got pregnant. Pregnant women shouldn''t get agitated, but Xu Xian just had to...


    "... Jinshan was flooded with stormy waves that never seemed to end! Nevertheless, old Fahai[4] was not an easy opponent...


    "... Xu Hanlin[5] saved his mother, and his family lived happily together," Chu Liang said, finally bringing the tale to an end.


    "That''s wonderful!" Zhang Xiaohan eximed. "Madam Bai''s family finally reunited."


    "That''s right. In celebration of Madam Bai''s courage, unwavering determination, and great willpower to fight the world to be in a rtionship with Xu Xian, this tale is called..." Chu Liang said slowly word by word, "<i>The Berry Legend.</i>"


    "It''s also known as <i>The Legend of the Golden Vein Berries</i>. Miss Xiaohan, you can use this title when you write the story downter," Chu Liang suggested, gently guiding Zhang Xiaohan to fulfill his wishes.


    Zhang Xiaohan furrowed her brows slightly. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    ...


    Early the next morning, Mount Shu was extremely noisy.


    The beats of gongs and drums[6] filled the air, yed in harmony with the music of immortals. As red gs fluttered in the wind, a sea of people flooded Mount Shu!


    They consisted of many disciples from various immortal sects located all over the nine provinces as well as numerous unconventional cultivators. Even though they hadn''t watched the previouspetitions held during the Mount Shu Summit, they weren''t going to miss the final match of the mainpetition. They wanted to see which handsome young man or beautiful young woman would be the next head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect and the representative disciple of this top-tier immortal sect.


    However, the final match of this year''s Mount Shu Summit had gathered more visitors than ever before. All kinds of cultivators rushed over to Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, Mount Shu was made essible to all, and its visitors could roam freely on Heaven-Reaching Peak. There were some important locations, which were guarded by disciples, but visitors were free to explore everywhere else.


    Amidst the bustling crowd, there was a long-haired woman dressed in a veil and a high-waisted dress[7], giving off a rather ethereal vibe. She was wandering around while holding the hand of a little boy who looked rather strong.


    At this time, the final match had not yet begun, and they were casually looking around like the other visitors.


    The woman in the high-waisted dress whispered, "Today, I''ll teach you a phrase: ''Rather than stealing someone''s fish, it is better to steal their fishing.''"


    "La... La..." the child stammered.


    He seemed to have difficulty pronouncing the words.


    The woman continued with her lesson. "And what does this phrase mean? It means that if you steal someone''s fish, you''ll finish eating all of them at some point. But if you steal their, you can catch your own fish, so you''ll always be able to eat fish."


    The child clearly repeated, "Always be able to eat."


    "<i>Ha!</i> Why is it that you always learn so quickly whenever the word ''eat'' is mentioned?" The woman couldn''t help butugh. "You little rascal, there''s really nothing else in your mind, is there?"


    1. This tale that Chu Liang is telling is the Legend of the White Snake, which is focused on the romance between Xu Xian and a female white snake demon. Yes, Chu Liang is shamelessly using this for the berries'' backstory lol. ? </a>


    2. Author skipped a whole bunch of stuff, so this narration doesn''t really make much sense read as is. I added these ¡°... ¡± to indicate he omitted some stuff, and I added refs to fill in the gaps as best I could, so make sure to read them or check out the link in the previous ref. ? </a>


    3. In the legend, the monk told Xu Xian that his wife is a snake. When the wife drank the wine, it revealed her true form. Xu Xian died of shock from seeing his wife as a snake. ? </a>


    4. The Buddhist monk from before. The antagonist in the legend. ? </a>


    5. This seems to be based on the TV series adaptation (China) of the original legend, in which Xu Xian''s son is named Xu Hanlin. The monk trapped Xu Hanlin''s mother (who is a snake demon) under a pagoda(kinda like the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda in that it traps demons), but Xu Hanlin ultimately saved his mother. ? </a>


    6. Chinese percussion instruments ? </a>


    7. You can go </a>here to see what it looks like. ? </a>


    8. It''s a wine that''s traditionally consumed as part of the Dragon Boat Festival and has been used as a repellent against snakes since ancient times. See </a>here for more info. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 282: Werent You Quite Arrogant Earlier?

    <h4>Chapter 282: Weren''t You Quite Arrogant Earlier?</h4>


    Thedy and the boy were actually the Whale-Riding Immortal and the little girl.


    A while back, they robbed some people of their berries outside Mount Shu, which was honestly a very risky move. However, the berries they stole were quickly eaten up, and the little girl started making a fuss again, giving the Whale-Riding Immortal a headache.


    Initially, he believed these berries were exclusive to Mount Shu, perhaps a rare and exotic species, so he intended to take only a few berries and leave it at that. Later, he discovered that Chu Liang had started packing these berries into gift boxes and selling them, indicating that the production volume must be substantial.


    And so, he nned to transnt a few nts to the Holy Mountain to feed the little girl every day.


    Since these berries did not require much spiritual energy, he believed that the soil and water requirements were not that high.


    And that was why he set off to Mount Shu with the little girl.


    However, Mount Shu was a bustling ce with a diverse group of people, and there might be people who would recognize them. After all, a middle-aged man with a ruggedly handsome appearance apanied by a little girl with a speech impediment was still a slightly conspicuousbination.


    But this small dilemma didn''t stump him.


    Obviously, he knew that ordinary camouge wouldn''t work. With many Eminent Ones on Mount Shu, their disguise might be exposed with just a nce.


    Among diabolical sects, there was a divine technique named the Painted Skin Technique, a mystical technique that could change one''s appearance and create a disguise that was hard to see through.


    For instance, the Vermillion-Azurite Hall of the Dark King Sect possessed the most advanced Painted Skin Technique in the mortal realm. It was said that the hall master of the Vermillion-Azurite Hall had a thousand faces, and no one had ever known his true appearance. As long as he had seen someone once, he could instantly transform into that person, making it extremely difficult for anyone to recognize the disguise.


    This was a technique that the Whale-Riding Immortal happened to have some mastery over as well. Transforming into someone else''s appearance was difficult, but altering his own was quite simple.


    And that was what led to the present circumstances.


    Thedy and the boy wandered around for a while until they heard amotioning from the center of the square. Someone shouted, "Jiang Yuebai is here! Jiang Yuebai is here!"


    "Fairy Jiang is about to take the stage!" someone added excitedly.


    "Wow¡ª"


    The crowd immediately surged in that direction, with some of the lighter individuals almost lifted off their feet. Whether they wished to go or not, they were swept along by the wave of people.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal was no exception. He leisurely walked over, holding the little girl''s hand.


    Jiang Yuebai stood on the elevated tform, dressed in a white gown cinched at the waist, her clothes fluttering in the wind. With a figure ethereal like a goddess, she spun around, her eyes shining brightly like the light shining through drifting clouds.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal watched Jiang Yuebai standing in the center of the crowd, radiating immense glory.


    He suddenly smiled, a smirk ying at the corner of his mouth for no apparent reason.


    Then, Jiang Yuebai''s opponent climbed onto the tform opposite her.


    It was that slender young man in the white sword attire, always wearing a harmless smile on this face. Amidst the overwhelming cheers for Jiang Yuebai, there were faint, scattered cheers for Chu Liang.


    When the girl saw this young man, she immediately smiled as well.


    She immediately wanted to rush toward Chu Liang, but the Whale-Riding Immortal seized her hand and whispered, "Patience."


    Chu Liang gazed at Jiang Yuebai and sped his hands together gently. "I owe my presence on this stage to Sister Jiang''s assistance. However, out of respect for you, I will give my all."


    Jiang Yuebai smiled gently and replied, "You''ve reached this point because of your own abilities. I won''t hold back either."


    "I am satisfied with wherever I am in this journey," Chu Liang remarked emotionally. "Half a year ago, I would have never expected to have the chance to fight Senior Sister Jiang in the finals of the Mount Shu Summit."


    Jiang Yuebai was deeply moved by this. When they first met, she never imagined that Chu Liang would one day stand opposite her in the finals of the Mount Shu Summit.


    At that time, she had simply regarded him as a talented junior brother, but the speed of his cultivation progress had surprised her on numerous asions.


    "I am very happy for you," she said softly.


    "If Senior Sister Jiang bes the head disciple, I will be very happy for you," responded Chu Liang.


    The audience below was a bit puzzled. They had never heard of these two knowing each other, but based on how they interacted, they were clearly very familiar and there seemed to be some history between them. Their conversation was just too peaceful.


    Wasn''t he acting quite arrogantly previously?


    The supervising elder in the center of the stage quickly waved his hand to stop their conversation.


    Trash-talk would usually happen before the match, but these two were here to chat!


    He quickly shouted, "The finals of the Mount Shu Summit! Chu Liang from Silver Sword Peak versus Jiang Yuebai from Azure Falling Peak!"


    "Start!"


    ...


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    The announcement electrified the atmosphere, setting off a wave of excitement. The sheer size of the crowd created a wave of heat, even as they held their breath in anticipation.


    On the spectator stand, Schr Sun smiled and remarked, "It seems both of them are quite confident. Elder Huang, who do you think will win?


    Elder Huang considered the situation carefully. "Jiang Yuebai has been famous for a long time, and being at the fifth realm of cultivation does make her the stronger one. She hasn''t revealed many of her trump cards either. However, Chu Liang''s ultimate-tier Golden Core appears topensate for some of the difference in cultivation energy, and his physical strength exceeds Xu Ziyang''s. It will be a tough fight for Jiang Yuebai. This should be an evenly matched fight and it''s really hard to predict who the winner might be... If I have to choose, I think it has to be Chu Liang."


    "Oh?" Schr Sun chuckled. "Why are you finally rooting for Chu Liang this time?"


    "When I didn''t support him previously, I lost. Maybe there''s something magical about him?" Elder Huang chuckled, feeling a hint of pain.


    Upon hearing this, Schr Sun looked very pleased.


    It was because he supported Chu Liangst time that he won the right to use the enchanted artifact Omniscience from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Elder Huang remarked, "With Chu Liang''s physical strength and resilience, as long as he continues to fight in closebat, Jiang Yuebai will have a difficult time. Let''s see how she will counter his attacks. I believe this will be a fiercepetition... Oh?"


    The fight on the stage began.


    "<i>Hah!</i>" Chu Liang wielded the Dustless Sword and unleashed thirteen different talismanic scripts, creating a dazzling and intricate chaotic sword qi. "Senior Sister Jiang, what do you think of my current talismanic sword technique?"


    "Not bad," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile. She raised her hand and countered with a talismanic sword technique, also unleashing more than ten talismanic scripts.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The sh of sword seals in the air caused an explosion, generating a wave of heat that spread far and wide.


    "Ten Thousand Swords Seal!" Chu Liang shouted again, pointing his arm upward.


    <i>Swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    The Dustless Sword flew up into the sky and transformed into hundreds of swordlights, converging towards Jiang Yuebai.


    Jiang Yuebai flipped her hand and activated her flying sword, also transforming it into hundreds of swordlights to counter the attack.


    Her swordlights were slightly more numerous than Chu Liang''s, but Chu Liang''s were more agile, slightlypensating for the numerical disadvantage.


    The collision of swordlights produced countless shing sounds.


    <i>ng, ng, ng...</i>


    After a chaotic exchange of attacks using the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, the swordlight dispersed. With dozens of swordlights remaining, Jiang Yuebai used thest of her momentum to manipte these swordlights toward Chu Liang.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    Chu Liang''s figure shed, suddenly appearing ten zhang away, dodging the bombarding swordlights.


    "My use of Dimension Compression," he mentioned.


    <i>Swish! </i>Jiang Yuebai smiled faintly as she darted forward. In the blink of an eye, she shed forward, moving a distance of ten zhang.


    When Chu Liang used the Dimension Compression, the distance he moved was slightly shorter than her. However, his strength was in the higher frequency of Dimension Compression he was using. Even though the distance was shorter, he was able to make up for it by doing it again.


    Yet, he didn''t dodge. He whipped his sword out and met Jiang Yuebai head-on.


    Unexpectedly, it was Jiang Yuebai who sought closebat with Chu Liang first, which surprised everyone, including Chu Liang.


    However, the exchange of attacks had already silenced the audience.


    The wave of excitement had died. At this moment, they were all very quiet.


    The initial exchange of attacks and counters felt more like a friendly spar than a life-and-death fight. Every move conveyed love and peace.


    <i>Hey! Everyone is watching! You guys were not fighting like this earlier!</i>


    <i>Are you guys here to bond with each other?</i>

 Chapter 283: Shadow of Radiance

    <h4>Chapter 283: Shadow of Radiance</h4>


    ¡°Fairy of the mortal realm! Jiangjiang is here! Evil can never prevail! Jiangjiang will win!¡±


    ¡°I will carry the banner for Jiangjiang! Who would dare fight her?¡±


    "The most beautiful Jiang Yuebai! The most talented Jiang Yuebai! Love of my life Jiang Yuebai!"


    "My wifey!"


    "..."


    If there were ten thousand people watching this match, probably nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine of them were rooting for Jiang Yuebai. The cheers that echoed from the spectator stands were almost one-sided.


    As the wave of excitement surged, gs embroidered with the character Jiang[1] were being waved all over the hill.


    When Chu Liang won the fight with Xu Ziyang, his reputation received a positive boost, and some people started to have a good impression of him. However, even if these people found themselves starting to like Chu Liang, these positive feelings would need time to build before they could be genuine fans.


    Plus, Jiang Yuebai was incredibly popr. Even those who liked Chu Liang would remain neutral the moment they saw that his opponent was Jiang Yuebai.


    As a result, Chu Liang had almost no supporters.


    In fact, even the few people on the team from Silver Sword Peak were pondering on the side.


    "Should we cheer for Chu Liang or Senior Sister Jiang? This is such a difficult choice," Lin Bei said, rubbing his chin.


    "What''s so hard to choose?" Lackey A whispered. "Brothers are like your limbs, but women are like your clothes... you can leave the house without a limb, but can you go out on the street without clothes?¡±


    ¡°<i>Hmm...</i>¡± Lin Bei fell into a deep contemtion.


    On the other hand, Shang Ziliang said, ¡°Big Bro saved my life. He is the one who gave me a second chance. How can I not support him?¡±


    With that, he took out a small g with the word Chu embroidered on it from his sleeve and gently waved it.


    Lin Bei nced at the huge banner with the word Jiang set up behind Shang Ziliang and fell silent.


    The members of Chu Liang¡¯s team were torn, not to mention those who didn''t know Chu Liang. Competing with Jiang Yuebai and her overwhelming poprity would be daunting for anyone.


    Yet Chu Liang remained calm.


    Even though it seemed like he was in Jiang Yuebai¡¯s territory, he didn¡¯t feel nervous.


    Being so close to Senior Sister Jiang, he didn''t think in terms of ownership.


    <i>If we''re this close, aren¡¯t her fans my fans too?</i>


    With this thought, the resounding cheers felt more supportive.


    But then he saw Jiang Yuebai flying toward him. At first, he was as confused as the spectators. Based on the skills and abilities Jiang Yuebai had previously shown, it didn''t seem like she had refined her body to such an extent.


    Her physical resilience and strength were nowhere near Ling Ao''s level.


    <i>What is her intention?</i>


    Obviously, Chu Liang didn¡¯t think she intended to let him win. Immediately, he became more vignt, paying close attention to the divine techniques Jiang Yuebai might employ and the surroundings.


    Just as he expected, he sensed a wave of foundational qi spreading out gently.


    She was indeed executing a divine technique!


    In the next instant, Jiang Yuebai charged forward with a brilliant sword light.


    The beam of sword light charged forth. Instead of dodging, Chu Liang stepped toward the sword light and executed the Turbulent Stream Movement Art. With a twist of his wrist, he swung the Dustless Sword at Jiang Yuebai!


    <i>Swish!</i>


    The sword qi pierced the wind and was about to sh Jiang Yuebai when her figure disappeared in front of Chu Liang in a sh.


    <i>Eh?</i>


    Chu Liang was stunned as he saw Senior Sister Jiang reappear on the other side of the stage, dashing toward him again in the exact same posture as before.


    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>


    He twisted his body and shed forward again, but just as his sword qi was about to touch Jiang Yuebai, she suddenly disappeared again.


    She reappeared on the other side of the stage, dashing toward him once more in the exact same posture!


    Something¡¯s wrong!


    Chu Liang could hear the warning sirens within his mind. He knew he had fallen into the trap of a divine technique.


    But what was the abnormality? He couldn''t tell! No!


    He had spread out his divine sense and secretly extended it beyond the stage. One of the audience members in the spectator stand had repeated the same cheer three times.


    As Chu Liang extended his divine sense further, he realized that everyone was repeating the exact same cheer!


    Jiang Yuebai dashed forward again. As Chu Liang swung his sword, she disappeared once more.


    <i>An illusory technique!</i> This thought crossed Chu Liang¡¯s mind.


    Only illusory techniques could create such a scene, but this was definitely not a simple illusion.


    This was a type of attack he had never experienced before.


    <i>What should I do?</i>


    Chu Liang felt his mind spinning wildly. While he didn¡¯t know much about illusory techniques, there was only one solution to cracking this illusion.


    The solution was to attack with his strongest divine technique. As long as his attack was strong enough to break through the limits of the illusion, the illusion would naturally disappear.


    Chu Liang immediately retrieved the Dustless Sword and activated the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    In terms of divine techniquebinations, the Heavenly Sword Seal was the strongest.


    This was the most powerful divine technique he had purchased from the Hall of Conservation and learned on his own.


    Techniques of greater power than the Heavenly Sword Seal would be considered immortal arts, which were impossible to learn on his own.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    As the massive sword light unleashed explosive power toward the sky, waves of energy rippled through the air.


    Chu Liang infused the Heavenly Sword Seal with foundational qi to the maximum!


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    With a tremendous exertion of force, the sword light broke through the void, and all light around it instantly darkened!


    It was still the same scene. Senior Sister Jiang appeared before him again, and the surroundings remained the same¡ªthe public square.


    It was as though nothing had changed.


    At the same time, it felt as though something had changed.


    A burst of light emanated from the Ten Thousand Swords Seal executed by Jiang Yuebai.


    Countless beams of sword light approached with blinding speed.


    The short moment in the illusion had onlysted about a second in reality.


    Chu Liang quickly snapped back to reality. At this point, Jiang Yuebai¡¯s attack had yet to reach his body, and there was still enough time for him to save himself.


    As Chu Liang watched the beams of sword light crashing on his body soon, he instantly demonstrated the Dimension Compression and moved ten zhang back in a sh.


    <i>Swish! Swish! Swish!</i>


    The beams of sword light missed.


    This was the beauty of Dimension Compression: it allowed the user to instantly move as if the destination was right next to them, regardless of the actual distance.


    As long as he used it before the attack reached him, it would never touch him.


    When Jiang Yuebai saw that Chu Liang had dodged, she did not seem disappointed.


    Instead, she smiled.


    "Shadow of Radiance?"


    Schr Sun, who was at the spectator stand, felt a little surprised as he said, "There are very few illusory-technique experts on Mount Shu. I have no idea where she learned this technique. She doesn''t seem to be very skilled at it yet. Otherwise, her opponent, who has a lower cultivation level, would have had no chance of escaping."


    Shadow of Radiance was an immortal art with illusory effect. It could record an entire scene andter recreate an illusion based on that scene. Compared to other techniques that create illusions, Shadow of Radiance felt incredibly real, like a world constructed inside a mirror.


    If someone suddenly found themselves in a strange location during a fight, even a fool would know they had fallen into an illusion. However, if the scene remained unchanged, it would be difficult to detect without careful observation.


    If it weren''t for Chu Liang''s sharp reflexes, he might have been confused for some time, and his true self would have been eliminated.


    "Using Shadow of Radiance is undoubtedly impressive, but Chu Liang''s ability to escape so quickly is equally remarkable," Elder Huang said. "Had he been trapped even a moment longer, the oue of the fight would have been decided."


    "Eh?" Schr Sun looked at him curiously, "Why are you suddenly speaking up for Chu Liang? Weren''t you always supporting Jiang Yuebai?"


    Elder Huang hesitated for a moment and said, "Old Sun, haven''t you noticed that... whatever I say, the opposite tends to happen? I''m worried that if I keep supporting Jiang Yuebai, she''ll end up losing."


    Schr Sun gave him an insightful look and nodded, saying, "I realized that a hundred years ago."


    "What?"


    As the two of them conversed, the situation on the stage changed once again.


    After escaping from the illusion, Chu Liang realized that Senior Sister Jiang possessed too many divine abilities and immortal arts. Dragging the fight out any longer would not be in his favor.


    And so, he immediately threw out four Puppet Pills and executed the Army of Beans


    These four puppet pills served as auxiliary gadgets for performing divine abilities. Recing them with four beans would achieve the same effect, but the pills were more effective. This was also why the pills did not count as enchanted tools and did not take up a slot for enchanted tools in the fight.


    When the four puppets appeared again, Chu Liang, as everyone had expected, set up the Celestial Trap formation diagram!


    Unlike the previous fight against Xu Ziyang, where he frequently used surprising moves, Chu Liang had now exhausted most of his techniques. There were no more surprises left. On the other hand, Jiang Yuebai still seemed to have countless hidden techniques.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Regardless of how many divine techniques she possessed, she would still struggle when facing absolute power. Chu Liang activated the Celestial Trap with his four puppets, pushing the vortex of chaotic energy generated by the formation towards Jiang Yuebai. The powerful vortex was about to engulf her!


    At this critical moment, Jiang Yuebai raised her right hand in a gentle motion.


    A flying sword soared into the sky, unleashing a terrifying power.


    Heavenly Sword Seal?


    Chu Liang thought the sword qi felt familiar


    He quickly dismissed his initial thought.


    <i>No!</i>


    <i>This is the Heaven-Raising Sword!</i>


    1. Jiang is written as ½ª ?

 Chapter 284: Scoundrel!

    <h4>Chapter 284: Scoundrel!</h4>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder, <i>How many immortal arts has Senior Sister Jiang mastered, exactly?</i>


    He recalled that time in the cave when they''d met for the first time. Jiang Yuebai had struggled greatly against a fifth-realm demonic beast, so there was no doubt that she had yet to master many powerful immortal arts. After all, she wouldn''t have held back in such a critical situation where their lives had been in danger.


    Chu Liang thought about it some more and realized it made sense that Jiang Yuebai could now use numerous immortal arts.


    She possessed the Transcendent Spirit. That made her naturally attuned to spiritual qi and gave her an affinity with the Great Dao, which meant all divine techniques and skills were rtively easy for her to learn.


    It was likely that her cultivation level at the time had hindered her from mastering everything she had learned.


    Then when she broke through to the fifth realm, her foundational qi became much stronger. That allowed her to quickly master some immortal arts she hadn''t been able to use previously.


    <i>After that breakthrough, she went into closed-door cultivation and likely spent her time doing the same as me¡ªexpanding her repertoire of divine techniques and skills.</i>


    <i>That''s why she chose to sh with me head-on!</i>


    The Heavenly Sword Seal was supposed to be the most powerful sword technique, with the exception of immortal arts. However, it was like the poor man''s version of the Heaven-Raising Sword. Jiang Yuebai''s Heavenly Sword Seal was evenly matched with Chu Liang''s, but her Heaven-Raising Sword was a hundred times more powerful!


    Like a roaring waterfall, Jiang Yuebai''s massive swordlight descended with a st of sword qi. It collided with the Celestial Trap that Chu Liang had sent forth!


    It was fortunate for Chu Liang that this formation diagram had been the prize for winning the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony. Otherwise, with Chu Liang''s current cultivation level, he wouldn''t have had any divine skill that could be a match for the power of a fifth-realm cultivator.


    Without that formation diagram, Chu Liang wouldn''t havested till this stage of thepetition. Xu Ziyang would have easily defeated him with overwhelming force.


    Regardless, Chu Liang still had a major problem. His most powerful attack was still weaker than Jiang Yuebai''s Heaven-Raising Sword.


    That was no surprise, as the Heaven-Raising Sword was known as the top immortal art for ying! Daoist Yan had used the Heaven-Raising Sword to y enemies for a thousand li, so how could it be a lie?


    The Heaven-Raising Sword gradually pierced through the chaotic vortex. Before it even reached Chu Liang, its terrifying sword qi exuded such great pressure that Chu Liang felt like he was suffocating!


    <i>How am I supposed to withstand this?</i>


    "Heaven-Raising Sword!" Schr Sun eximed. "Jiang Yuebai has mastered even this! She is undoubtedly the strongest among Mount Shu''s current generation of disciples!"


    "She mastered this sword technique even at an even younger age than when her teacher did," Elder Huang remarked. He smiled and sighed in relief. "Now, I can finally say with confidence that Jiangjiang will win¡ª"


    Before he finished speaking, something unexpected happened in the match.


    Chu Liang looked so small in the face of such a massive and overwhelming force that would have made anyone else despair, but he did not give up.


    The qi around his body suddenly burst into mes.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Intense red-gold mes of qi enveloped him, and his ck pupils were reced with dazzling vertical golden pupils!


    In the spectator stand, Ling Ao was dressed in ck and sitting in a corner as he watched the match.


    "It''s the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique!"


    Ling Ao furrowed his eyes when he saw Chu Liang use the same divine technique he had used. Yet, the power Chu Liang unleashed was far greater than what Ling Ao had produced during his match.


    Ling Ao''s bright gaze turned dim. The sight of Chu Liang''s dragon aura soaring into the sky left Ling Ao gritting his teeth in anger.


    Chu Liang trembled uncontrobly as the incredible power he was gathering by exhausting his blood flooded into him.


    He had indeed stolen this move from Ling Ao. Chu Liang had been inspired to buy this divine technique from the Hall of Conservation after seeing Ling Ao acquire explosive power by burning his blood.


    Chu Liang had known that using the blood-burning technique would leave him in a weak state for a period. He hadn''t had much time before his match, so he never actually tried using it and had kept it as ast resort.


    This was his first time using it, and just as he''d expected, it was a powerful technique.


    Chu Liang had cultivated using the Secret Dragon Blood Technique and the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light for so long that the spiritual energy in his blood was superior to Ling Ao''s in both quality and intensity, so the power he unleashed was naturally far greater than Ling Ao''s.


    As the mes of qi shrouding him raged, Chu Liang turned the Celestial Trap. The five formation diagrams contracted in front of him to form a shield, staunchly blocking the Heaven-Raising Sword''s advance!


    <i>Boom! Rumble!</i>


    ps of thunder suddenly rang out.


    Chu Liang managed to withstand the formidable ying technique!


    Elder Huang was quite surprised. "What''s going on? Do all of Mount Shu''s disciples know how to burn their blood?"


    Schr Sun chimed in, "And the power Chu Liang acquired by burning his blood is even more incredible than when Ling Ao did it. Indeed, the two disciples who made it to the finals are the strongest among them!"


    <i>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    The Heaven-Raising Sword and the Celestial Trap collided and exploded thunderously, wiping each other out. Dazzling waves of qi swept across the stage.


    Just before the effects of his divine techniquepsed, Chu Liang leaped high into the sky.


    He still remembered how Jiang Yuebai had made Ling Ao copse with one move¡ªFlow of Time. So, he didn''t dare to get close to her and continued to use his divine skills from a distance.


    The Dustless Sword rose and turned into a hundred beams of swordlight. Then the beams of swordlight each wrote a talismanic character and flew simultaneously.


    Chu Liang wasbining the Hundred Swords Seal with the Talismanic Sword Seal! He turned them into the Hundred-Character Talismanic Sword!


    Thanks to the blood-burning technique, Chu Liang''s abilities were greatly enhanced, so he could attemptbining these two divine skills.


    Disciples from Mount Shu''s previous generations had done studies on this in the past. They discovered that when a cultivator had drawn more than ten or so talismanic characters for the Talismanic Sword Seal, their drawing speed would slow down. Even if the cultivator had enough foundational qi to sustain more than ten talismanic characters, they would take too long to draw the characters, giving their opponent ample time to prepare a way to counter the attack. That meant increasing the number of talismanic characters to harness more power through the Talismanic Sword Seal would actually result in reduced power instead.


    So, if a cultivator wanted more power than that of ten or so talismanic characters, the best method was tobine the Talismanic Sword Seal with the Hundred Swords Seal. With a hundred beams of swordlight, the cultivator could harness the power of a hundred talismanic characters simultaneously.


    Chu Liang''s one hundred beams of swordlight rained down on Jiang Yuebai!


    Seeing the oing attack, Jiang Yuebai pivoted subtly.


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh.</i>


    Leaving behind two afterimages, Jiang Yuebai moved forward more than twenty zhang in the blink of an eye. She''d evaded the rain of swords and even closed in on Chu Liang!


    Jiang Yuebai had used Dimension Compression yet again!


    Chu Liang immediately stopped using the blood-burning technique!


    Now that he was within the range of effect for Jiang Yuebai''s Flow of Time, he would just be courting death if he were to continue using the blood-burning technique.


    Chu Liang had burned some of his blood earlier to withstand the force of the Heaven-Raising Sword. This technique might work well against others, but it wasn''t that effective against Jiang Yuebai.


    Once he stopped burning his blood, Chu Liang was overwhelmed by an intense feeling of weakness. With just a thought, a few Dragon-Blood Crystals dissolved into his body. He regained some strength and was able to push through, continuing with the duel.


    Chu Liang now saw it as a good thing that Jiang Yuebai had closed the distance between them. He decided to take advantage of it and attack!


    It was time for closebat again!


    "Jiangjiang''s acting foolishly!" Elder Huang cried out. "She''s clearly physically weaker than Chu Liang. Why did she take the initiative to close the distance between them¡ª"


    However, Elder Huang fell silent midspeech when he saw Jiang Yuebai getting covered with ayer of gold[1].


    A cultivator could attain the fifth realm''s Metallic Body by integrating geng metal spiritual qi into their body. If Xu Ziyang knew it, there was no way Jiang Yuebai wouldn''t know it too! She hadn''t used it before, but that didn''t mean she hadn''t mastered it!


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang wasn''t afraid in the slightest. After all, he had fought Xu Ziyang''s three-headed, six-armed, metal-bodied form in the previous match. No matter how strong Senior Sister Jiang''s Metallic Body was, it couldn''t be stronger than Xu Ziyang''s.


    Before Chu Liang''s train of thought ended, Jiang Yuebai''s flying sword pierced through the air, flying toward him at lightning speed!


    Using the Turbulent Stream Movement, Chu Liang darted around Jiang Yuebai like an evil spirit, thrusting his sword toward her from behind.


    Yet, Jiang Yuebai seemed to have eyes on the back of her head. Without looking first, she spun around and countered Chu Liang''s sword strike with her own!


    Chu Liang darted around and attacked her repeatedly, but his sword strikes were intercepted each time.


    Chu Liang felt that Jiang Yuebai seemed to be predicting all of his moves. This feeling reminded him of Daoist Yan''s secret technique¡ªthe Omniscient Sword State.


    Jiang Yuebai had used that secret technique in her match against Ling Ao. Chu Liang had only heard of the technique''s existence and didn''t know much about it, so he hadn''t been able to glean much from what he''d seen in the match.


    However, now that Chu Liang was being subjected to this divine technique, he realized this was that very same technique Jiang Yuebai had used in her match with Ling Ao.


    Jiang Yuebai could predict all of Chu Liang''s moves, making her nearly invincible in closebat. Fortunately for Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai wasn''t particrly fast at attacking. Otherwise, he would have already been defeated.


    Regardless, Chu Liang couldn''t retreat any further.


    He had used up quite a lot of his cultivation energy when he exchanged blows with Jiang Yuebai and burned his blood. It would take time for Chu Liang to recover his cultivation energy.


    <i>But if I widen the distance between us again so that I can recover, who knows what divine skills Senior Sister Jiang may use... Either way, I''m at a serious disadvantage.</i>


    Ultimately, all Chu Liang could do was use Army of Beans and summon his puppets. He was going tounch a group attack on Jiang Yuebai!


    <i>Even if you can predict my moves, you won''t be able to block them as long as I''m fast and strong enough!</i>


    Chu Liang was staking it all on this, hoping to find a way to turn the tables!


    Yet, just as the puppets surrounded Jiang Yuebai, her eyes lit up. She used her left hand to form a hand seal and her right hand raised her longsword, pointing it at the sky!


    <i>Crackle!</i>


    A streak of lightning shed past. Then at the next second, dazzling streaks of purple lightning spread out over an area spanning five zhang with Jiang Yuebai at the center.


    It was like a huge pool of lightning!


    The pool of lightning swallowed Chu Liang and his puppets.


    "Well done, Jiangjiang!" Elder Huang pped his hands. "I knew she wouldn''t act rashly. As I expected, she had it all nned out. She drew close to Chu Liang so that she could use the Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!"


    It was the immortal art Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!


    This immortal art was almost on par with the Samadhi True Fire. Who would have thought Jiang Yuebai had mastered even this!


    Of course, Jiang Yuebai''s control over the lightning wasn''t that great yet, but it was enough to deal with Chu Liang. It was likely that Jiang Yuebai had moved closer to Chu Liang just so she could use this lightning immortal art!


    Chu Liang instantly felt numb all over as rm bells rang in his mind. Fortunately, he had a strong physique and managed to endure getting struck by lightning. If his physique were weaker, he would have just fainted immediately.


    Right when he got struck, his mind was still analyzing the situation to decide what he should do next. He wouldn''t be able to avoid getting struck with lightning again if he moved backward. The nearest spot that was free of lightning was in front of him!


    The pool of lightning had spread out with Jiang Yuebai at its center, but she obviously wouldn''t include the spot where she was standing in the target range for the lightning, so it had to be safe.


    Consequently, Chu Liang mustered thest bit of strength he had left and leaped forward!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Under the illumination of the purple lightning, the two shadowy figures in the pool of lightning suddenly ovepped.


    As the sky filled with lightning, Chu Liang had no time tounch any attacks. All he could do was hastily embrace Jiang Yuebai to escape the pool of lightning!


    However, his embrace was more like a tackle. He threw himself onto her, unable to do anything else.


    At this moment, both of them had a sense of panic in their eyes.


    The venue fell silent as the spectators stared at the pair.


    Chu Liang''s numbness quickly faded, but it was toote for him to take any action.


    Jiang Yuebai, who looked a little annoyed, was already in the midst of dealing a knifehand strike[2].


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The strike was done at such a close distance that Chu Liang''s vision went ck instantly. Yet, even though he''d fainted, he still had his arms wrapped tightly around Jiang Yuebai''s waist, and the pair fell to the floor together.


    That was when the spectators finally burst into an uproar.


    <i>That guy actually hugged Fairy Jiang!</i>


    "SCOUNDREL!!!"


    After falling to the floor, Jiang Yuebai finally managed to break free from Chu Liang''s grip and stand up. She had won the duel, but she didn''t have theposed look of a winner. Instead, she looked rather flushed.


    All the spectators were filled with righteous indignation, rolling up their sleeves with a great desire to charge onto the stage! The venue was about to descend into chaos!


    Seeing that, the supervising elder on duty hurriedly flew onto the stage.


    Raising his hand to calm the crowd, he shouted, "The winner is Jiang Yuebai!


    "Jiang Yuebai will be the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect''s current generation of disciples! Attendants of the Hall of Alchemy,e wake Chu Liang. Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao,e onto the stage as well. The four of you, the top four disciples, will be taken to Sword Sheath Peakter, where you will have the chance to be selected by the Violent and Azure Twin Swords.


    "The rest of you, don''t be impulsive! Stay calm! Quiet! Who dares toe up here? Go back down!


    "Go! Go! Go!"


    1. Xu Ziyang''s Metallic Body was bronze. Both gold and bronze are metal, so I can only assume that they''re meant to represent different levels of strength. ?


    2. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knifehand_strike for more info. ?

 Chapter 285: The Future Belongs to You

    <h4>Chapter 285: The Future Belongs to You</h4>


    When Chu Liang opened his eyes, he felt a bit strange.


    Hey on the ground at the edge of the stage with a nket beneath him, while a disciple from the Hall of Alchemy circted his qi to aid his healing.


    Though he suffered minor injuries, the aftermath of burning his blood left him feeling even weaker than the palm strike delivered by Jiang Yuebai.


    He was, however, in better condition than Ling Ao. When he burnt his blood, he promptly replenished it using the Dragon-Blood Crystal, mitigating the severity of the exhaustion. The two ultimate-tier Golden Cores would help him recover quickly, so he would soon be back in peak condition.


    What puzzled him was the way people around him were looking at him. Their gazes wereplex, subtle, filled with mixed emotions, and carried varying degrees of malice.


    It was as if he had done something unforgivable.


    <i>Wait a minute?</i>


    A sudden sh of memory hit Chu Liang, and the events before he lost consciousness came rushing back to him in a torrent of recollection.


    At that moment, Senior Sister Jiang unleashed the Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky, an ancient art renowned as the strongest method used by qi practitioners in ancient times against demons and devils. This advanced lightning art had the power to destroy the heavens and earth.


    With mastery of this art, even a physically weak cultivator would not have to fear the approach of a physically powerful demon, making it a ssic counter to meleebat. Jiang Yuebai''s deliberate use of this divine ability against him was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.


    Not only would evil entities be restrained within the range of the Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky, but the use of arts and techniques would also be inhibited because the paralysis triggered by the art of lightning would affect both the physical body and dy the flow of qi and the use of divine intent.


    This was the reason why Chu Liang could not teleport using the Dimension Compression.


    Instead, he could only throw himself at Jiang Yuebai to avoid the attack.


    <i>Mm, that was exactly what happened.</i>


    <i>It was all just a simple ident during the fight.</i>


    <i>Why are you all ring at me?</i>


    Sensing the overwhelming hostility from everyone around him, Chu Liang felt very wronged.


    "<i>Haaa,</i>" he heaved a sigh.


    He lost when he was only one step away from bing the head disciple. However, this defeat was justified. Most of the time, such matches were indeedpetitions of trump cards. Jiang Yuebai mastered a multitude of divine techniques, and since she hadn''t revealed any in previous matches, Chu Liang was unaware of the methods she could employ and had no means to defend against them.


    On the other hand, he had unveiled all the methods he could employ during the bout against Xu Ziyang, hence why the oue of this fight was within his expectation.


    Moreover, he was of a lower cultivation level than both Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai. The fact that he reached this level in fights against a fourth-realm cultivator and a fifth-realm cultivator was no easy feat.


    Although he did not win the title of head disciple, he was satisfied with this achievement.


    <i>I will just need to head back and work even harder cultivating. The journey of cultivation is long, and I have only just begun, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± As Chu Liang remained in a daze, a voice suddenly interrupted his train of thoughts. It was the Weapons Master, who was walking over.


    "I''m fine now," Chu Liang immediately stood up.


    "Then get ready to go on stage. In a while, I''ll take you all to Sword Sheath Peak," the Weapons Master called out, turning to walk toward the stage.


    Although the tournament had ended, the audience didn''t leave. They were still waiting for the sword-bearing ceremony, a highlight of the Mount Shu summit.


    Jiang Yuebai, Chu Liang, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao, the top four disciples, stepped onto the stage together. The surrounding area erupted in thunderous apuse and cheers, celebrating these rising stars of Mount Shu.


    Chu Liang stood beside Jiang Yuebai, the gentle breeze lifting her hair and carrying a familiar, sweet fragrance.


    "Senior Sister Jiang..." he called softly, "sorry about earlier..."


    "Let''s focus on the important matters first," Jiang Yuebai said, casting a nce at him. "I''ll deal with youter."


    Chu Liang gave an awkward smile and didn''t dwell on it further.


    From the spectator stand, the sect leader of Mount Shu, Venerable Wen Yuan, gracefully descended andnded on the stage.


    The four promising disciples immediately showed a solemn expression.


    For the past hundred years, Venerable Wen Yuan had been living in seclusion and rarely ventured outside. Among this batch of disciples, some might have caught a glimpse of him during the Mount Shu Summit ten years ago. However, those who joinedter had likely never seen the sect leader before.


    It would have been impossible for them to have met the sect leader face-to-face.


    The sect leaders of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine, even the one from Mount Shu, which was ranked the lowest in the Divine Nine, were considered one of the most powerful and influential figures in the world.


    Even without this status, the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect was an eighth-realm cultivator. He was an Eminent One at the Heavenly Origin Realm...


    The mere fact that he had control over the Heavenly Origin carried immense authority and pressure.


    However, Venerable Wen Yuan did not exude an overwhelming sense of superiority. Instead, he wore a gentle smile and his eyes appeared clear and calm, making those in his presence feel as if they were basking in the warmth of a spring breeze.


    "Whenever this time of the decadees, I feel deeply emotional. Having talented young people in the Mount Shu Sect is truly a blessing," Venerable Wen Yuan said as he gazed at the young woman and young men before him. "The future belongs to you."


    The four disciples nodded and bowed in respect.


    Venerable Wen Yuan turned to address the audience and dered, "From this day forth, Jiang Yuebai shall stand as the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect! The Mortal-Realm Wanderer of our sect! She shall represent the Mount Shu Sect! Fellow cultivators and members of immortal sects from all corners of the nine provinces, join me in witnessing this."


    He wasn''t loud, but his voice, like a stone dropped into the sea and stirred up waves of excitement.


    The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and shouts, banners bearing Jiang Yuebai''s name waving vigorously. This moment of celebration truly fulfilled everyone''s expectations.


    For the next ten years, Jiang Yuebai would serve as the face of Mount Shu, representing the sect in the mortal realm.


    Jiang Yuebai stepped forward. Chu Liang, who was behind her, stood with a warm smile, feeling genuinely happy for her.


    Xu Ziyang''s gaze appeared sharp and steadfast, conveying the same determination and enthusiasm as always.


    As for Ling Ao, his eyes burned with a fierce intensity, filled with a powerful longing and determination.


    With the twist of his wrist, Venerable Wen Yuan took out a white jade token and ced it on Jiang Yuebai''s hand.


    "Guard this Human Authority Token with utmost care. With this token, it will be as though Mount Shu itself stands beside you. As the head disciple from this moment onward, you must work even harder in cultivation, uphold the righteous path, and proudly carry the banner of Mount Shu," he advised earnestly.


    Jiang Yuebai epted the Human Authority Token and responded firmly, "I will heed your teachings!"


    On the Mount Shu Sect, there were three tokens of authority: the Heaven Authority Token held by the sect leader, the Earth Authority Token belonging to the grand peak master, and the Human Authority Token held by the head disciple. All these tokens symbolized the most powerful individuals of their respective generations.


    The sect leader, of course, managed all affairs within the immortal sect. However, the sect leader, being the strongest in the sect, generally would not be the one to venture outside.


    Thus, the grand peak master assumed responsibility for numerous day-to-day affairs and frequently represented the sect leader when they were absent, receiving treatment equivalent to that of the sect leader from other immortal sects. Should the sect leader fall, the grand peak master would be the first in line to seed.


    The head disciple was the face of the immortal sect. They were the Mortal-Realm Wanderer of the sect.


    Jiang Yuebai was undoubtedly a fitting representative in every aspect.


    Venerable Wen Yuan turned around and spoke, "The turbulent times ahead present both opportunity and challenge for your generation. It is within such tumult that the Violet and Azure Twin Swords have emerged. Should these swords select you, you will shoulder considerable responsibility for Mount Shu. Given your outstanding performance during this Mount Shu Summit, the four of you will apany the Weapons Master to Sword Sheath Peak. There, you''ll see if you have been chosen by fate to wield the Violet and Azure Twin Swords."


    "Yes!" The four replied at the same time.


    Even before the Mount Shu Summit began, rumors spread that the Violet and Azure Twin Swords would choose their masters from the disciples who performed exceptionally well.


    Yet, the definition of exceptional disciples remained somewhat flexible.


    While choosing only the two finalists was an option, it might feel like imposing specific masters onto the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, which the notoriously picky sword spirits might not appreciate.


    However, if the Violet and Azure Twin Swords were to choose a master who proved to be too weak, it would undoubtedly result in a loss for Mount Shu. Even if a disciple with only average talent were to acquire the swords, it remained uncertain whether they could effectively safeguard Mount Shu.


    Therefore, after consulting with the sword spirits, the leaders of Mount Shu decided that the top four finalists of the Mount Shu Summit would participate together in the selection process.


    In the martial world, rumors suggested that the spirits within the Violet and Azure Twin Swords were once lovers. It was believed that because of this bond, they preferred to select couples as their masters. The theory was that with both sword wielders in a harmonious rtionship, the power unleashed by the swords would be even greater.


    As for whether this rumor was true, no one knew for certain.


    Back in those times, the most powerful disciples in many Mount Shu Summits were men. If this were the case back then, would these men have needed to make adjustments to align with the preferences of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords? The idea sounded very absurd.


    A more logical exnation was that the two individuals chosen as sword masters would naturally spend ample time together for cultivation purposes and would share responsibilities equally.


    Under such favorable conditions, it was more likely for these sword masters to form romantic rtionships and be couples.


    Over time, this rumor could have arisen, suggesting that the Violet and Azure Twin Swords only select couples.


    Following this reasoning, it suggested that Jiang Yuebai was very likely to be chosen as one of the sword masters.


    However, there were many who envied those who might be the master of the other sword. They envied the guy who would get the chance to perform the dual swordbination with Fairy Jiang so intensely that they were almost going mad!


    The audience observed the three young men on stage, specting which of them would be that fortunate bastard.


    Logically, Chu Liang had advanced the farthest in thepetition, but his cultivation level was somewhat lower. Xu Ziyang seemed like the heroic figure capable of saving Mount Shu, making him the safest choice to entrust with the swords. Ling Ao, on the other hand, had an even lower cultivation level than Chu Liang¡ªa fact that surprised many. Yet, he possessed a mysterious and intriguing appeal, akin to a dark horse candidate with unexpected potential.


    It was hard to predict the preference of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords.


    Many people stayed behind, eagerly awaiting the final news from Sword Sheath Peak.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the Weapons Master transported the four disciples on a cloud, swiftly flying them to Sword Sheath Peak in an instant.

 Chapter 286: A Meaningless Victory?

    <h4>Chapter 286: A Meaningless Victory?</h4>


    "What a pity..." Di Nufeng shook her head repeatedly. "We were so close to winning..."


    "I knew this would happen," Wang Xuanling said with a humph, as though he had anticipated Jiang Yuebai''s victory all along.


    Old Man Sikong, who stood at the side, cast a nce at him and smiled without saying a word.


    Although Wang Xuanling had maintained an upright posture with a stoic expression earlier, his lips had betrayed a slight tremble, and he had secretly clenched the ends of his clothes. It appeared as if he were softly chanting, "Jiang Yuebai will surely win."


    Old Man Sikong had noticed all these signs.


    Wang Xuanling has likely been far more nervous than Di Nufeng.


    If he really lost the position of grand peak master to Di Nufeng, even the founding fathers of the Mount Shu Sect would feel ashamed of him.


    To put it bluntly, if anything were to happen to Venerable Wen Yuan, wouldn''t Di Nufeng be the sect leader of Mount Shu?


    Such a scene was horrifying to even imagine!


    "What do you mean you expected it? Regardless of how weak my disciple might seem, he still made it to the finals after defeating your disciple. How dare you continue boasting?" Di Nufeng immediately retorted.


    "You..." Wang Xuanling felt a surge of rage coursing through him.


    After the head disciple was issued the Human Authority Token, Venerable Wen Yuan flew back to the spectator stand, preparing to leave.


    At that moment, someone from the audience suddenly stood up, leapt onto the center of the stage, and captured everyone''s attention.


    The individual, dressed in schrly attire, with a broad, clean-shaven face and a calm demeanor, smiled as hended on the stage. He called out loudly, "Venerable Wen Yuan, please stay. I have a question for you."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Every member of the Mount Shu Sect immediately rose to their feet, their attention fixed on the individual who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.


    Venerable Wen Yuan raised his hand slightly, signaling for everyone to remain calm. From a distance, he inquired, "Who are you, and what do you wish to ask?"


    "I am Lu Chengchou, a nobody," the schr answered loudly. "As everyone knows, the head disciple of Mount Shu holds the Human Authority Token, the grand peak master holds the Earth Authority Token, and the sect leader holds the Heaven Authority Token. Venerable Wen Yuan, having led Mount Shu for many years, you must have the Heaven Authority Token in your possession, correct?"


    Hearing this, everyone felt puzzled. Wasn''t it natural for the sect leader of Mount Shu to hold the Heaven Authority Token? What was there to inquire about?


    However, the faces of the most senior elders of the Mount Shu Sect, including the Alchemy Master, the Discipline Master, and Old Man Sikong, disyed a subtle change in expression.


    Venerable Wen Yuan asked calmly, "Mr. Lu, why are you concerned about the tokens of the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "<i>Heh</i>, don''t y dumb," Lu Chengchou said, sneering coldly as he looked up. "Today, in front of all the immortality cultivators, I have just one question for you: if you don''t have the Heaven Authority Token, how did you be the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "What!"


    The sudden question elicited gasps and murmurs from the crowd.


    Having led the Mount Shu Sect for many years, Venerable Wen Yuan had earned the respect of everyone. His reputation extended far and wide across the vast world. Yet, today, a nobody dared to question him so boldly. It was no wonder that many considered this nobody remarkably brave.


    After all, Venerable Wen Yuan was a powerful eighth-realm cultivator.


    In a world where the Hallowed One had yet to emerge, eighth-realm cultivators stood at the pinnacle of cultivation. Despite his kind and amiable appearance, Venerable Wen Yuan possessed the power to shatter mountains and part seas with a mere wave of his hand!


    <i>How did you summon the courage to question him so boldly? </i>People wondered.


    But when faced with Lu Chengchou''s questioning, Venerable Wen Yuan remained calm. He paused for a moment before responding, "Indeed, the Heaven Authority Token of Mount Shu was lost many years ago and has yet to be recovered. However, although I do not have the token, I have held the position of sect leader of Mount Shu for many years. If there are any concerns regarding this matter, they should be addressed by the disciples of Mount Shu Sect, not by you, Mr. Lu."


    Hearing this, everyone found it reasonable.


    After all, this was an internal matter of the Mount Shu Sect. The fact that Venerable Wen Yuan was taking the time to exin this demonstrated his good temperament. Moreover, having held the position of sect leader for many years, he no longer needed a token to validate his authority.


    "Hmph, am I not a member of the Mount Shu Sect?" Lu Chengchou shook his head. "My family has upheld a cultivation legacy within the Mount Shu Sect for over a thousand years. Who in Mount Shu dares to argue that the Lu family is not part of the Mount Shu Sect!"


    "The Lu family..."


    Everyone exchanged nces, starting to whisper and inquire amongst themselves.


    Di Nufeng nudged Old Man Sikong with her elbow and asked, "Is that true?"


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Old Man Sikong sighed, "In the early years, the Lu family was indeed the foremost family in the Mount Shu Sect. Among their ancestors, two served as sect leaders, and a third nearly did as well."


    "I see. If you''re a descendant of the Lu family. In that case, you are wee to stay on Mount Shu, and we can discuss any issues in detail," Venerable Wen Yuan responded kindly.


    "So, you acknowledge that I am part of the Mount Shu Sect?" Lu Chengchou sneered again, "Then, take a look at this."


    With that, he raised a white jade token high, infusing it with foundational qi until it glowed brightly. The token felt like an antique, with the character of Heaven[1] faintly visible on it. Its shape and style closely resembled the token just given to Jiang Yuebai.


    "The Heaven Authority Token?"


    Recalling his earlier words, everyone instantly recognized what it was.


    Lu Chengchou enunciated each word clearly: "I am part of the Mount Shu Sect, I stand on Mount Shu, and I hold the Heaven Authority Token. Who dares tomand me?"


    ...


    "The Violet and Azure Twin Swords reside here. If you walk to the very end of this cave, you will see them," the Weapons Master instructed, standing outside a cave on Sword Sheath Peak. "When the timees, the swords will choose their own masters. Those selected will be their sword masters. For those not chosen, please don''t be disheartened. Ultimately, this depends on fate."


    "Yes!" the four disciples responded in unison.


    The cavern ahead was spacious, and they ventured inside together. The lingering remnants of potent sword qi indicated that the Violet and Azure Twin Swords often passed through this area.


    Without the elders'' permission, ordinary disciples wouldn''t dare to enter. Otherwise, they risked having their limbs severed when the Violet and Azure Twin Swords shed by.


    As they ventured deeper into the cave, they suddenly came upon a raised tform with two jade pedestals. Each pedestal bore intricate inscriptions that radiated sword qi, indicating they were the sword beds prepared by Mount Shu for the Violet and Azure Twin Swords.


    However, at that moment, the Violet and Azure Twin Swords were not on the jade pedestals, and the cave was empty.


    "They''re not here?" Ling Ao asked.


    "The twin swords love their freedom. They might have gone out for some fun," Jiang Yuebai replied.


    Chu Liang frowned. For some reason, he sensed that things might not be so simple.


    Just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard a rushing wind behind him. A violet streak of lightning hurtled toward him, immediately followed by an azure dragon-like sh. Two beams of sword light flew straight toward Chu Liang''s face!


    The intense and sharp sword qi made Chu Liang''s scalp tingle, and he instinctively leaped backward. However, the sword light was too fast; it had already surpassed him in an instant.


    As he retreated, he collided with a cold, icy de behind him. The azure sword swiftly followed, and the violet and azure beams of light began to circle around him.


    An ethereal voice echoed in the cavern, carrying a distinct Sichuan ent.


    "I chose him, so find someone else," a deep male voice dered.


    "I chose him too. Why don''t you pick someone else?" a clear female voice responded.


    ording to legend, the Violet Draconic Sword was the male sword spirit and the Azure Ophidian Sword was the female sword spirit. This meant that the male-sounding voice was the spirit of the Violet Draconic Sword and the female-sounding voice was the spirit of the Azure Ophidian Sword.


    "I have to choose a guy. It''s not like there are no girls for you to choose," the male sword spirit said.


    "Who said a female sword spirit has to choose a girl? You can have your eyes on other women, but I can''t find another man? It''s not like I''ve never done that before," the female sword spirit retorted angrily.


    "Don''t do this out of spite. This is a serious matter," the male sword spirit responded.


    "I don''t fucking care! I am choosing him!" the female sword spirit said angrily.


    The two beams of sword light continued to circle around Chu Liang, refusing to leave. They argued back and forth, causing Chu Liang to feel quite perplexed.


    <i>What''s going on here? Are we witnessing a lover''s quarrel? This is why they say colleagues shouldn''t fall in love. Look at how much it''s affecting important matters...</i>


    The remaining three disciples looked at each other, feeling awkward.


    The Violet and Azure Twin Swords were both fighting to have Chu Liang as their swordmaster, ignoring everyone else, which made the others feel quite embarrassed.


    Jiang Yuebai blinked as she stared at the scene. As the head disciple and a girl, everyone thought she would definitely get a sword.


    But the current situation showed that... her victory might be meaningless?


    "I have told you many times that I was discussing serious matters with Baize. Even though she''s a girl, she is a celestial beast. I am a sword... It''s not possible for us to do anything," the male sword spirit said helplessly.


    "Why must you discuss serious matters behind my back? Just tell me," the female sword spirit persisted.


    Chu Liang thought to himself, <i>This is bad. Everyone at Mount Shu was hoping for the dual swordbination, but if this fight can''t be resolved clearly, the twin swords might end up getting a divorce first.</i>


    The male sword spirit sighed and said, "Alright, alright! You leave me no choice. Let me exin to you."


    The female sword spirit said, "I won''t listen! I won''t listen! Exin to another woman!"


    The male sword spirit waspletely baffled.


    Chu Liang, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao were all equally confused.


    Jiang Yuebai couldn''t help but interject, "You need to watch your attitude. She shouldn''t have to force you to exin. You should take the initiative to exin to her."


    The female sword spirit chimed in, "Exactly."


    1. This is written as Ìì ?

 Chapter 287: The Lu Family Causes Chaos, Taowu Appears (I)

    <h4>Chapter 287: The Lu Family Causes Chaos, Taowu Appears (I)</h4>


    During the era when the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda went missing, Lu Yu was the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect.


    At the time, the sudden loss of the sect''s legendary artifact had thrown the Mount Shu Sect into panic. Internal strife and external threats descended upon the sect thick and fast. It was considered the greatest crisis that the Mount Shu Sect had faced since the demon god.


    Under Venerable Lu Yu''smand, the Mount Shu Sect made it through numerous difficult situations while preserving the sect''s manpower as much as possible. The sect had fallen from the top of the ranks to the very bottom. Without Venerable Lu Yu''s perseverance, Mount Shu would likely have faced the same fate as other fallen sects. Unable to rise back up, they had disappeared from the spotlight and be a forgotten part of history.


    However, it was precisely because he had put in so much effort into keeping the Mount Shu Sect afloat that Venerable Lu Yu''s vitality had been in an exhausted state for a prolonged period of time. Consequently, he met an early end. Venerable Lu Yu became one of the sect leaders with the shortest lifespans in Mount Shu''s history.


    Before he died, Venerable Lu Yu was troubled by a difficult decision.


    The Mount Shu Sect was still in a bleak situation. In this time of adversity, what the sect needed was a strong leader. The most outstanding candidate at that time was Venerable Lu Yu''s son, Lu Wuqi¡ªwho wouldter be known as Venerable Wuqi, Junior Sect Leader Lu.


    Ever since Lu Wuqi was a child, he had been extraordinarily talented¡ªa peerless genius. It could even be said that he was more remarkable than his father. He had great influence in the Mount Shu Sect and was the best candidate for the next sect leader.


    Nheless, there had never been a precedence in the Mount Shu Sect where the son of a sect leader would take his ce when he died. The Mount Shu Sect wasn''t a family n, so how could there be a tradition of hereditary session? If Venerable Lu Yu were to pass the position of sect leader over to his son, he would likely be criticized greatly. It would also set a bad example for future sect leaders.


    In a peaceful era, Venerable Lu Yu would definitely have chosen someone else to be the next sect leader, no matter how excellent his son was. Nevertheless, that wasn''t the case. The Mount Shu Sect was still in a precarious position in the Divine Nine, and their plentiful resources attracted the attention of greedy eyes. They needed a leader with great strength and wisdom so that they could turn the tide.


    In the end, Venerable Lu Yu decided not to hand the Heaven Authority Token to his son personally, leaving the choice to the sect''s Four Guardian Elders instead.


    Venerable Lu Yu slowly closed his eyes for thest time. Then the Four Guardian Elders unhesitatingly proimed Venerable Wuqi as the new sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect.


    After Venerable Wuqi took over, the Mount Shu Sect''s continuous decline was swiftly brought to an end. They formed geographically distant alliances and attacked nearby foes, restoring the Mount Shu Sect''s prestige across the four seas!


    Upon bing the sect leader, Venerable Wuqi put forth the idea that the Mount Shu Sect did not need topete against the other sects in the Divine Nine because they no longer had a legendary artifact. He was certain that as long as they could suppress the Terrestrial Ten, they could secure their current position in the Divine Nine. It was far better to rank at the bottom of the Divine Nine than to be one of the Terrestrial Ten.


    The Mount Shu Sect continued to act in line with that idea even to this day.


    It was also during Venerable Wuqi''s time as sect leader that the Mount Shu Sect established their own system of fostering disciples, which was still being used in the present day. This system focused on giving their disciples great autonomy. It was an educational approach that was rare among the older and more traditional immortal sects that ced great value and focus on fostering disciples. Instead, it was a little simr to how diabolical sects fostered their disciples, but they were, of course, very different overall.


    The older immortal sects like the Great Astral Sect and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals still followed the ancient practice where a teacher would only take on a few disciples with exceptional talent. The teacher would provide the disciples with resources and arrange missions as well as opportunities for them to gain experience. One teacher would foster several geniuses simultaneously.


    However, under Venerable Wuqi''s reforms, the Mount Shu Sect established a system where resources and missions were made essible to all disciples in the sect. Enchanted tools, pills, divine techniques and skills... the disciples could acquire anything they needed, but they had to rely on their own abilities to earn those things.


    In this system, a teacher didn''t decide on everything for their disciple. It might seem like a free-range style of fostering, where the teachers didn''t supervise or guide the disciples much. Nevertheless, as long as a disciple was talented and skilled, they could rise to the top. The teachers did not decide how resources should be distributed among their disciples; instead, majority of the resources would end up with disciples who used their talents and skills to earn the resources.


    If it wasn''t for this system, Chu Liang wouldn''t have thrived so well like a fish in water.


    During theter years of Venerable Wuqi''s life, a major event urred in Mount Shu.


    At the time, the Mount Shu Sect had regained stability under Venerable Wuqi''s leadership, and there wasn''t much internal strife within the sect.


    There were two contenderspeting to be the next sect leader: Venerable Wen Yuan and Lu Cang, Venerable Wuqi''s son. Compared to Wen Yuan, Lu Cang wasn''t particrly outstanding. Rather, it could be said that the two were evenly matched.


    Considering everything Venerable Wuqi''s had aplished for the sect, no one could criticize him even if he wanted to pass the position of sect leader to his son. Some might find it inappropriate, but it was unlikely anyone would oppose the decision openly.


    However, that would mean the Mount Shu Sect was truly adopting a hereditary session system. Consequently, a significant number of elders supported Wen Yuan instead.


    Nevertheless, Lu Cang, was very ambitious. He boldly used his father''s name without restraint to gather his own supporters, and some people did indeed support him out of respect for Venerable Wuqi.


    Wen Yuan and Lu Cang continued topete for the role of sect leader for over a decade, fighting in the open and scheming in secret.


    During this time, Venerable Wuqi stayed silent on the matter, and no one could guess what he thought. He maintained his silence until he neared the end of his life.


    It was said that all ninth-realm cultivators would enter the Divine Ruins upon nearing the end of their lives. No one knew if they were responding to the call of a preordained fate or if there was a way to defy the heavens and change their fate hidden in the Divine Ruins. Nheless, even some eighth-realm cultivators at the end of their lives would enter the Divine Ruins as well to try their luck.


    Likewise, Venerable Wuqi decided to give it a shot. He entered the Divine Ruins and even took Wen Yuan and Lu Cang with him.


    Everyone in the Mount Shu Sect spected that Venerable Wuqi intended this trip into the Divine Ruins to be a test for the two contenders. Whoever passed it might just be the next sect leader.


    In the end, Wen Yuan returned alone.


    He imed that Venerable Wuqi had indeed given him and Lu Cang a test, which resulted in Lu Cang going missing in the Divine Ruins. Wen Yuan was the only one who managed to emerge from the Divine Ruins.


    Many of the details of what had happened at the Divine Ruins remained unknown, but Wen Yuan ultimately seeded the position of sect leader without any objections. Soon after, the Mount Shu Sect realized that the Lu Family had mysteriously vanished from the mountain, and no one knew where they''d gone... or if they were even still alive.


    Since then, Venerable Wen Yuan had stayed in power for a hundred and fifty years. He had done a great job at continuing Venerable Wuqi''s legacy and direction for the sect, steadily nurturing the sect''s growth. Simply put, Venerable Wen Yuan was a verypetent sect leader. That was why no one had brought up the controversy surrounding his session to the role even throughout all his years as the sect''s leader.


    ...


    Many of the visiting cultivators were unaware of the story behind Venerable Wen Yuan''s session as the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect. Therefore, when Lu Chengchou suddenly appeared, they just thought he was rather strange. Yet, this man was holding the Heaven Authority Token, which was something that only the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect should possess. It was a truly shocking scene.


    The crowd burst into an uproar.


    Yet, confronted with Lu Chengchou''s domineering attitude, Wen Yuan chose to remain silent.

 Chapter 288: The Lu Family Causes Chaos, Taowu Appears (II)

    <h4>Chapter 288: The Lu Family Causes Chaos, Taowu Appears (II)</h4>


    Then two people stood up.


    One of them was the red-robed Di Nufeng. Just as she was about to say something, she realized the stern ck-robed old woman had stood up as well. So, Di Nufeng decided to stay silent.


    The Discipline Master, the stern old woman, said coldly, "A member of the Lu Family has returned. It is indeed a joyous asion. Furthermore, you''ve even brought back the Heaven Authority Token, which had been lost for so long. You''ve done a great service to the sect. It will be no problem at all for you to be a member of the sect again."


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Lu Chengchou snorted coldly. "Discipline Master, do you think that you can take the Heaven Authority Token from me just by saying that?"


    "It''s not like we''re not giving you anything in exchange. Aren''t we letting you join our sect again? Do you think it''s that easy for others to join our sect?" Di Nufeng chimed in. "If you don''t think that''s enough, how about we give you five hundred sword coins as a reward? And once you''re a member of our sect again, you can join my peak and be Silver Sword Peak''s second senior brother. Wouldn''t that be great?"


    The noisy venue suddenly fell silent.


    Even the uninvolved spectators thought that Di Nufeng had spoken extremely shamelessly.


    "<i>Haha...</i>" Lu Chengchouughed angrily. "It seems all of you are Wen Yuan''s cronies. Your status is too low to say such words. How could I, the rightful sessor of the role of the Mount Shu Sect''s sect leader, be subordinate to you?"


    "Why are you insulting me?!" Di Nufeng roared.


    Her pupils dted, and a threatening aura burst out of her.


    Lu Chengchou shouted, "Everyone''s watching. You want to attack me here?"


    "This is a personal grudge between you and me. It''s got nothing to do with Mount Shu," Di Nufeng said as she flew down to the stage.


    Just as they were about to fight, someone yelled, "Stop!"


    That man suddenlynded behind Lu Chengchou.


    Dressed in white, the man had a medium build and looked to be around forty years old. His eyes were totally white, without even the slightest trace of ck. This man was Enlightened Bai Lin, a visiting elder from the Peni Supreme Sect.


    "The Mount Shu Sect is a prestigious righteous sect, with a legacy spanning thousands of years. If there''s a dispute over who the true sect leader should be, how could that be resolved with a fight? That is simply improper!" Enlightened Bai Lin said loudly.


    "So, you <i>do</i> know that this is Mount Shu." Di Nufeng red at Enlightened Bai Lin. "Since when did you have the right to bark here?"


    "<i>Hmph,</i>" Enlightened Bai Lin snorted coldly. Ignoring Di Nufeng, Enlightened Bai Lin looked up at Venerable Wen Yuan instead. He cupped his hands together and said, "Venerable Wen Yuan, two generations of the Lu Family made remarkable contributions to the Mount Shu Sect during the time they each spent as sect leader. This is a fact that is known to all righteous sects.


    "If what this descendant of the Lu Family says is true and that he is the true sessor of the position of sect leader, then as members of fellow righteous sects, we cannot just sit idly by."


    Venerable Wen Yuan''s gaze shifted back and forth between Enlightened Bai Lin and Lu Chengchou for a moment. Then, as if he''d figured something out, the corners of Venerable Wen Yuan''s lips rose in a slight smile.


    Venerable Wen Yuan replied, "My teacher personally passed the position of sect leader to me. So, the matter of who is the true sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect is, of course, not something that all of you need to worry about. The identity of this descendant of the Lu Family still needs to be investigated further. However, since the Heaven Authority Token has been brought back to Mount Shu, it must not be lost again."


    "That''s nonsense!" Lu Chengchou said sharply. "You killed my grandfather and father in the Divine Ruins. Then you returned to Mount Shu and falsely imed my grandfather passed the position of sect leader to you, but you couldn''t present the Heaven Authority Token to the sect. Precisely because the Heaven Authority Token had been passed to my father along with the position of sect leader! It''s just that it hadn''t been announced to the sect!


    "After returning to Mount Shu, you secretly tried to kill my whole family. That''s why my mother took me and fled. For so many years, I''ve longed toe back here to seek revenge against you. I''ll rip off that mask of kindness and expose your true self! Wen Yuan, today, you''re going to get payback for everything you''ve done to my family!"


    The visiting cultivators had their mouths open, gaping in shock. "Wow."


    <i>What an interesting turn of events, </i>they thought.


    Initially, they had been worried that the wait for news from Sword Sheath Peak might be boring. However, this was great. They didn''t expect that thest event of the Mount Shu Summit would have a halftime show like this!


    Venerable Wen Yuan had been the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect for over one hundred and fifty years, without a single blemish on his record. He had such a good reputation that it wasn''t far off from that of a saint. Who would''ve thought that he''d be used of having used such despicable methods to get his position of sect leader?


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who were present felt quite shaken by the allegations. They didn''t know much about the incident in question, but they knew the Heaven Authority Token in Lu Chengchou''s hand couldn''t be faked.


    Lu Chengchou''s words had sown a small seed of doubt in everyone''s heart. <i>Could what he said be true?</i>


    Actually, everyone was well aware that even if the shocking allegations were true, it was far toote to have any effect. Wen Yuan''s position in the Mount Shu Sect was too secure to be shaken by a dark past. Nevertheless, people loved drama. This controversial copse of Wen Yuan''s saintly image would be a hot topic of discussion for a very long time.


    As Lu Chengchou voice reverberated throughout the venue, he got so worked up that his face was flush with anger.


    Meanwhile, Enlightened Bai Lin, who was standing behind Lu Chengchou, remained expressionless. It seemed like he was just there to ensure Lu Chengchou wasn''t silenced, giving him the chance to make those shocking allegations. As for what happened after, it had nothing to do with the Peni Supreme Sect.


    The astute observers among the spectators could tell that Lu Chengchou''s appearance today couldn''t have happened without him having priormunication with the Peni Supreme Sect. Enlightened Bai Lin was obviously there just to back Lu Chengchou up. This wasn''t the first time the Peni Supreme Sect had used internal strife to weaken other sects.


    Nevertheless, the Peni Supreme Sect didn''t normally intervene directly in such situation, so what was it about Lu Chengchou that brought Enlightened Bai Lin there to back him up? Just what amazing power did Lu Chengchou have that could harm the Mount Shu Sect?


    Despite all that, Venerable Wen Yuan remainedposed, totally unaffected by what Lu Chengchou had said.


    Venerable Wen Yuan said nonchntly, "If you are truly Lu Cang''s son, you would have only been an infant when the Lu Family disappeared. That means someone else must have told you the things you mentioned, so it''s inevitable that there are some incorrect details. However, if you are an imposter, your intent to disrupt the peace here is punishable by death.


    "I already exined what happened to the sect''s elders back then. If there were any doubts about what I said, how could they have allowed me to seed as the sect leader?


    "Men, take him down from the stage first. We will question him furtherter."


    Venerable Wen Yuan deflected the allegations and turned the tables on Lu Chengchou, quelling some of the spectators'' doubts.


    That''s right. Just because Lu Chengchou had the Heaven Authority Token didn''t mean everything he said was true. If Venerable Wen Yuan''s actions hadn''t been thoroughly investigated back then, how could the elders have allowed him to take over as the sect leader?


    "You want to force me into silence?" Lu Chengchou shouted. "Dream on!"


    He made a hand seal, and a burst of darkness shot up into the sky from the public square on Heaven-Reaching Peak!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    When the burst of darkness reached the horizon, a celestial portal opened up, and a huge head emerged from it! It looked like a tiger as well as a leopard, and it had saber-like fangs! The creature exuded a terrifyingly vicious aura, apanied by a chilling and bloodthirsty murderous intent!


    "Taowu!" the crowd cried out in rm.


    This was the vicious beast that had disappeared from the Evil Demon Mountain recently! How did Lu Chengchou summon such a giant creature just by raising his hand? There was no doubt that he had set up an enchanted formation on the Heaven-Reaching Peak in advance!


    It was now clear what power the Heaven Authority Token held. Lu Chengchou wasn''t using it to deal with the members of the Mount Shu Sect; instead, it was for everyone else!


    If he didn''t have the Heaven Authority Token when Taowu appeared, the righteous cultivators from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would step in to help subdue the beast.


    Tobat that, Lu Chengchou had revealed that he possessed the Heaven Authority Token before summoning Taowu, making it clear that this battle was an internal conflict within the Mount Shu Sect. That meant outsiders had no reason to intervene, regardless of what methods Lu Chengchou used.


    The visiting cultivators from various sects immediately retreated like arge flock of mountain birds startled into flight.


    Meanwhile, the disciples of Mount Shu drew their swords, preparing to fight!


    <i>So what if you''re a vicious beast?</i>


    <i>This is Mount Shu, where there are as many powerful cultivators as there are clouds! Even Di Nufeng can''t act willfully here, let alone you¡ªa lone Taowu!</i>


    During this moment of chaos, someone shouted from amid the crowd, "Darkness never dies!"

 Chapter 289: The Master of the Twin Swords

    <h4>Chapter 289: The Master of the Twin Swords</h4>


    The chaos unfolding at Heaven-Reaching Peak remained unknown to the four most talented disciples within the cavern of Sword Sheath Peak.


    At this moment, they found themselves confronted with another issue.


    The fact that there were sword spirits residing within the Violet and Azure Twin Swords wasmon knowledge among the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. However, they had always understood these sword spirits as spiritual energy that was brought to life by the sword qi.


    It was their first time seeing sword spirits capable of speaking and arguing.


    "Please, listen to me," Chu Liang said, sitting on the ground helplessly. "As the saying goes, a couple may quarrel at night but make up by morning. Why don''t you both just sit down and talk about it? If you talk things out, everything will be fine."


    "That is if we can talk things out," the male sword sighed as it leaned against the stone steps beside Chu Liang. "It''s the same thing every time. She turns a small issue into a life-or-death situation. Why can''t she just talk calmly?"


    "Haven''t I tried to talk calmly? Who''s the one not telling the truth and making me angry?" the female sword retorted, not backing down an inch.


    "You see, she''s giving you a chance," Chu Liang said. "Bro, just exin the truth clearly, and there won''t be any more issues."


    "I''ve exined it so many times, but this stubborn woman just won''t listen," the male sword said. "I promised Baize to keep it a secret!"


    For some reason, Chu Liang felt that if the Violet Draconic Sword had hands, they would be spread out helplessly right now.


    "So, you''re saying she shares her secrets with you but keeps them from me? How many other secrets do you have?" the female sword shot back.


    "What haven''t I told you? Anyway, I''ve chosen this boy. You go find someone else," the male sword replied, unwilling to argue further.


    "I don''t care! If you want to fight over this, then let''s fight!" the female sword dered.


    With that, the spirit of the Azure Ophidian Sword transformed into a streak of azure light and shot into Chu Liang''s body.


    "I should never have trusted you!" the spirit of the Violet Draconic Sword shouted, transforming into a streak of violet light and following the spirit of the Azure Ophidian Sword into Chu Liang''s body.


    In an instant, Chu Liang, trying to mediate the argument, felt a chill run through his body as two intense streams of sword qi, one violet and one azure, surged into his meridians.


    Though both sword spirits were careful not to harm Chu Liang, the sensation of their simultaneous entry was far from pleasant. If he had been chosen by just one sword spirit, Chu Liang would have been ted. However, having two sword spirits was overwhelming.


    The azure and violet sword qi visibly shed within Chu Liang''s body multiple times, each sh growing more intense. At one point, the left half of his body turned azure while the right half turned violet. The two colors then fused into a chaotic mass before separating again, leaving his right side streaked with azure and his left side streaked with violet.


    As the battleground for the shing sword spirits, Chu Liang dared not move a muscle.


    Just a moment ago, he had talked about how couples quarreled at the head of the bed and made up at the foot. Little did he know that he would be the bed himself!


    Watching Chu Liang stand there rigidly, Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao fell into silence.


    This situation perfectly illustrates the saying: those who don''t have it, crave it, while those who do, find it burdensome.


    Now, they could only wait for one of the swords to lose the struggle for Chu Liang and emerge to choose a new master.


    If the female sword spirit lost, it would most likely choose Jiang Yuebai. However, if the male sword spirit lost, then Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao would still have a chance.


    Although sharing a sword master with Chu Liang would be strange, they were willing to endure it for the sake of Mount Shu.


    After a long struggle, Chu Liang suddenly let out a loud cry, "<i>Ahhhhhhh!</i>"


    He fell backward, and a muffled thud echoed from deep within his body.


    "Are you alright?" Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang stepped forward, their faces filled with concern.


    "I''m fine..." Chu Liang waved his hand, gasping for breath. "Those two troublesome spirits have finally finished their fight..."


    "<i>Haha</i>, I knew you''d lose to me," the female sword spirit boasted, hovering in the air with a triumphant glint as its azure light flickered.


    "What nonsense are you talking about? Clearly, I won," the male sword spirit retorted.


    "This boy''s meridian system is already mine. He''s my swordmaster now. What did you win?" the female sword spirit dered loudly.


    "If you have his meridian system, then what do I have?" the male sword spirit countered.


    The two sword spirits hovered in the air, stunned for a moment, then suddenly transformed back into beams of swordlight and re-entered Chu Liang''s body.


    <i>Swish, swish¡ª</i>


    After another round of shing sword light, the two sword spirits emerged again, looking somewhat surprised.


    "You''ve got some impressive skills, kid. Multiple sets of meridian systems? That''s quite something," the male sword spirit remarked.


    Chu Liang understood what they meant by meridian systems. It referred to the channels used during the Qi-Cirction Technique. The recognition of a master by the Violet and Azure Twin Swords seemed to require a connection with his meridian system.


    Normally, a person has one Golden Core, and thus only one set of meridian systems when performing the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    However, Chu Liang had two Golden Cores and an additional Qi-Cirction Puppet without a Golden Core, all operating within his body. This gave him a total of three sets of meridian systems.


    Jiang Yuebai, watching from the side as Chu Liang and the two sword spiritspleted their recognition of him as their master, was both surprised and puzzled. "Qi pathways are formed through the Qi-Cirction Technique. How do you have multiple sets? This is..."


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" Chu Liang couldn''t reveal the secret of his two Large-Headed Dolls, so he could only scratch his head and chuckle awkwardly. "That''s my little secret."


    Upon hearing this, the female sword spirit immediately approached Jiang Yuebai and said, "Dear, let me offer you some advice. Never trust men who keep secrets."


    The male sword spirit immediately interjected, "What did you say?"


    The female sword spirit gestured at Chu Liang and replied, "I didn''t say anything about you. Why are you so worked up?"


    "He''s my swordmaster, so I have the right to intervene!" the male sword spirit countered.


    "He''s my swordmaster too, and I can say whatever I want!" the female sword spirit retorted defiantly.


    The two swords started bickering again, and it seemed like another heated argument was about to erupt.


    At this point, Chu Liang felt a terrible headache and he pondered how he could stop this fight.


    Suddenly, Ling Ao, who was standing to the side, shouted, "Enough!"


    He raised his hand, revealing a ck jade token.


    A sudden burst of light emitted from the token, and a celestial portal appeared in the air.


    "Shattering the Void?" The other three eximed in shock upon seeing this.


    There were a few immortal arts derived from the Great Dao of Space. Among them, Dimension Compression, Golden Path, and Shattering the Void were the most ssic techniques.


    Dimension Compression covered the shortest distance but was the fastest and could teleport through anything. The Golden Path was suitable for long-distance travel and was unmatched in terms of range. Shattering the Void, however, could directly break through the barriers of the void, allowing one to descend from afar. Compared to the Golden Path, this form of teleportation was even more straightforward.


    However, the immortal art Shattering the Void couldn''t allow its caster to go anywhere at will. A marked token was required to determine the descending location.


    The higher the cultivation level of the person descending, the stronger the marked token needed.


    For example, an enchanted formation had to be set up in advance if one wanted to teleport a Taowu to the top of Heaven-Reaching Peak. However, in this scenario, the person descending from the void was not as powerful, so a simple portable token was sufficient for the teleportation.


    And Ling Ao was the one who had brought in that token!


    Facing his sudden betrayal, the three were stunned as an outsider descended from the sky!


    "<i>Hee-hee-hee...</i>" A ck-d figure descended from the void, releasing a slow, eerie giggle. He said to Ling Ao, "Well done! From now on, you shall be the only genius of the Mount Shu Sect, and the title of the head disciple will only belong to you. <i>Hee-hee-hee...</i>"

 Chapter 290: Master of the Northern Abyss Hall

    <h4>Chapter 290: Master of the Northern Abyss Hall</h4>


    Long before Ling Ao was defeated by Jiang Yuebai, the spy in the Mount Shu Sect, Lu Xun, came to see him and told him that he would only have to take an item with him to the Sword Sheath Peak.


    By doing so, he could be the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect.


    "A powerful cultivator would descend from the void and kill all three of them and you will then be the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. By then, there will be chaos throughout the entire sect, and no one will know that you helped."


    Lu Xun''s voice, like the devil''s whisper, was full of temptation in Ling Ao''s ears.


    At this moment, he was holding a piece of ck jade in his palm that was engraved, appearing like a ferocious tiny statue.


    Chu Liang had seen this item before. Previously, he had obtained a simr Evil Ksitigarbha from the hands of the Southern-Route Guiders. The Evil Ksitigarbha he had seized was more powerful, while the ck jade in Ling Ao''s hand was merely a marker to guide the immortal art Shattering the Void.


    Anyone who could execute the immortal art Shattering of the Void and descend from the void was definitely not a weak person.


    Jiang Yuebai stared directly at Ling Ao and questioned, "Why did you do this?"


    Ling Ao remained silent.


    Then, a figure slowly appeared¡ªa tall man in a ck robe, with a dark, cold, and indifferent face. Apanying his descent was a dense, vast, and icy aura, as if the other end of the void connected to a cier!


    <i>Northern Abyss Hall! </i>


    A name appeared in Chu Liang''s mind. He had known that the Dark King Sect wanted to make a move against the Mount Shu Sect. When he felt the icy and dark aura, he immediately thought of the Northern Abyss Hall.


    The Four Halls of Darkness in the Dark King Sect were the Northern Abyss Hall, the Scarlet-Robe Hall, the White-Bone Hall, and the Vermillion-Azurite Hall. Among them, the Northern Abyss Hall was considered the strongest. They had fewer members than the White-Bone Hall, but their members were more powerful.


    This was because the Northern Abyss Hall inherited the most authentic cultivation legacy, the Heavenly Star Unusual Art, from the Dark King Sect. The other three halls, on the other hand, held cultivation legacies from various diabolical sects that joined after the Dark King Sect became known as a diabolical sect. Compared to the authentic practices of the Northern Abyss Hall, these were clearly inferior.


    As the man in ck descended, he let out a loud and eerie guffaw.


    The individuals before him were like the sprouting seeds of the Mount Shu Sect, possessing the potential to cultivate immortality. The fact that they were not yet fully grown meant that killing them would be easy. By doing so, it would also deal a devastating blow to the Mount Shu Sect.


    If this group of promising disciples died here, the Mount Shu Sect would never be able to keep its top-ten ranking during the uing Assembly of Immortal Sects. If they failed to be in the top ten for five consecutive times, Mount Shu''s status in the Divine Nine would be revoked.


    And so, the Dark King Sect ced great importance on this operation and even dispatched the Eldest Senior Brother of the Northern Abyss Hall, who was a renowned sixth-realm powerhouse.


    As the three youngsters from the Mount Shu Sect felt the overwhelming pressure from the powerful cultivator, their expressions turned very grim.


    Although Chu Liang had justpleted the master recognition process with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, he was unable to activate these two legendary artifacts. To wield the swords'' full powers, he needed to master a unique sword seal for each, a task as challenging as learning the immortal arts. On top of that, each sword required a different seal.


    This was the greatness of legendary swords: each could only be activated with its unique sword seal.


    During the master recognition process, the two swords were imparting the key techniques of the sword seal into his body. This was the reason why the Violet and Azure Twin Swords required two separate meridian systems.


    This was precisely why the Violet and Azure Twin Swords differed from other legendary artifacts. They could not be activated by adults and could only choose young individuals as their swordmasters. The swords needed to reshape the qi pathways of their wielders, a process that was not possible in the bodies of adults.


    Every unusual urrence has its cause.


    Normally, these two swords would never be able to coexist because they required their own meridian system to execute the sword seal. Chu Liang was the only weirdo with two Golden Cores, which was why it was possible to activate these two legendary swords at the same time. However, at this very moment, he couldn''t achieve this.


    Aside from this, his only trump cards were Old Fei and the Crimson Executioner.


    However, Old Fei, a sixth-realm battle soul, was usually only capable of bullying those below the sixth realm.


    When fighting against a powerful cultivator at the sixth realm, especially a top-tier one, Old Fei would stand no chance.


    As for the Crimson Executioner, it was able to unleash an explosively powerful force. However, while the opponent was still on guard, it would be impossible tond a hit.


    If he worked with Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang...


    Chu Liang quickly ran through the many scenarios in his mind and eventually came to a conclusion.


    In all of the scenarios, they would end up dying.


    As Chu Liang''s thoughts raced, the man in the ck robe had already raised his hand and grasped at the air, as if an invisible weapon existed in his palm.


    Chu Liang and his twopanions felt a sudden and intense sense of impending doom.


    Once this divine ability was unleashed, it would surely result in the death of one of them!


    But just then, an unexpected change urred.


    ...


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A bright white light suddenly rose from beneath, and Ling Ao''s body swiftly appeared at the entrance of the mountain, several dozen zhang away. In his ce stood an elder in a white robe with blue eyes and ck hands.


    It was the Weapons Master!


    He should have been waiting at the entrance of the cave, which was very far from here, yet he arrived in an instant!


    Upon seeing the glowing enchanted formation, Chu Liang suddenly realized that the Weapons Master had not rushed over. Instead, the Mount Shu Sect had already set up an enchanted formation! This was a ssic trap to lure the enemy in!


    He looked at Ling Ao beside him, only to see that Ling Ao remained expressionless.


    <i>Pierce!</i>


    With his ck-iron hand, the Weapons Master pierced through the ck-robed individual without hesitation, prating from his chest to his back as if his body were made of soggy paper.


    In face of death, the ck-robed individual remained eerily calm. His gaze seemed to pass through the Weapons Master, settling on Ling Ao, as he murmured, "It was you..."


    Ling Ao''s gaze looked very cold. "I do want to be the head disciple, but I would never achieve it in a way that would harm the Mount Shu Sect. If you think you can use such tactics to make me betray my sect, you''ve chosen the wrong person."


    "<i>Heh</i>," the ck-robed man sneered, "You will regret your choice."


    Sensing something amiss, the Weapons Master quickly withdrew his ck-iron hand and struck the man, sending him flying through the air!


    The ck-robed individual flew into the air and suddenly transformed into a ck sphere of light, as dark as ink, suspended in midair. From the ck sphere, a head and four limbs swiftly popped out, gradually forming aplete human figure.


    Then, another one popped out, followed by another one.


    Chu Liang stared at this ball of light and suddenly remembered how Feng Chaoyang from the Celestial King Sect had performed the Divine-Light Clone Art, which looked rather simr to the one happening before his eyes.


    It seemed that the immortal sects that branched off from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult truly shared the same origin.


    When the light faded away, two figures were suspended in mid-air. Besides the ck-robed individual, whose body had recovered to its unscathed state, there was another man wearing a tall hat[1]. His expression was so cold and gleaming that it seemed as though he was wearing a mask, and his nted eyes were filled with chilling malice.


    "Chen Mingcang..." the Weapons Master called out.


    The moment he sensed something was wrong, he realized that an Eminent One had descended. If it weren''t for this person''s intervention, the ck-robed individual would have already died.


    With the death of the White Silver King and the Violet Gold Marquess getting severely injured, only one person within the Dark King Sect, aside from the leader, was powerful enough to fight the Weapons Master.


    It was the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall, Chen Mingcang!


    To kill the most promising disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, the Dark King Sect was willing to dispatch such a top-tier powerhouse, a move that the Mount Shu Sect had not expected.


    "I once had a brief encounter with the Weapons Master, but we didn''t have the chance to fight. It seems like today is the day I can witness your skills," the hall master''s voice was eerie and lifeless, hardly sounding human.


    "By wreaking havoc on Mount Shu, you have decided to stay here forever," the Weapons Master dered.


    With his reputation well-established over the years, the Weapons Master showed no fear of the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall.


    "<i>Heh</i>... well... there''s no telling if Mount Shu will still exist after this fight," the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall responded with a coldugh.


    As the qi between these two powerful cultivators shed at such close proximity, the wave of pressure caused immense pain to the nearby disciples.


    With a wave of his left hand, the Weapons Master caused the light of the enchanted formation to flicker, instantly sending the three disciples to the edge of the cave.


    "Hei Shui, go... Kill them," the master of the Northern Abyss Hall said in an indifferent tone.


    "At yourmand," the ck-robed man who had initially descended immediately responded and flew after them!


    The Weapons Master cast a cold nce, a flicker of light shing in his blue-gold right eye.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Before the ck-robed man could make a sound, his entire body exploded!


    The top-tier cultivator at the sixth realm, whom Chu Liang and the others couldn''t defeat, was like a bug to the Weapons Master. That guy was unable to withstand the power that a single nce had unleashed!


    However, as the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall waved his hand, a ck light emanated from the fragments of shattered flesh, causing them to reconnect and transform back into theplete form of a human.


    As the light faded, the ck-robed man floated once again in mid-air,pletely intact.


    This technique was nothing short of miraculous!


    This was like the legendary technique, the Last Drop of Blood, but it seemed to have even more powerful effects.


    "Weapons Master, I am your opponent," the master of the Northern Abyss Hall said in an indifferent tone.


    Suddenly, he opened his mouth and emitted a piercing scream. "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    With his sharp cry, everyone in the cavern felt their souls tremble. If this continued for a few more moments, Chu Liang and the others would have their souls shattered!


    Seeing this, the Weapons Master waved his hand, causing the enchanted formation to shift once more. A glowing light ascended, forming a barrier that contained the destructive power of the hall master''s scream within the enchanted formation. As a result, the Weapons Master bore the brunt of the suffering alone.


    Due to the barrier, the power of the enchanted formation waned, and the Weapons Master could no longer protect everyone.


    The Weapons Master locked down the master of the Northern Abyss Hall with one hand. He couldn''t bother to deal with the ck-robed man at this moment and instead moved forward, throwing a punch.


    The ck-robed man seemed poised to fly towards Chu Liang, but it turned out to be a fake move as he suddenly pivoted and headed towards Ling Ao instead.


    Ling Ao was about to dodge, but he found himself locked in a gaze with the ck-robed individual.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Ling Ao suddenly felt his entire body freeze, unable to move at all.


    Just as the ck-robed man was about to capture Ling Ao, a voice called out from the side.


    "Halt!"


    It was Jiang Yuebai!


    She extended a finger from a distance, pointing at the ck-robed man.


    An immobilization spell!


    Although this wasn''t an immortal art, its usefulness in certain situations surpassed that of immortal arts.


    Once again, Chu Liang marveled at Jiang Yuebai''s mastery of so many divine abilities. Despite having shown so many techniques during thepetition, she had not revealed all her techniques and skills. However, at this critical moment, he had no time to think about it.


    Even before she pointed at the ck-robed man, Chu Liang had already drawn the Crimson Executioner andunched an attack!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Though Jiang Yuebai''s immobilization spell had little effect on the ck-robed man, causing only a brief pause that wasn''t even perceivable, it was enough.


    The moment the ck-robed man appeared, the Crimson Executioner had already been feeling agitated. Now, fueled by deep-seated anger, it transformed into a massive crimson sword light, slicing through the cavern!


    Compared to the usual Heavenly Sword Seal unleashed by Chu Liang under normal circumstances, the Heavenly Sword Seal executed with the Crimson Executioner released sword qi with power several times stronger. Enveloped in crimson karmic mes, the sword of justice burned with righteous anger.


    The crimson mes erupted into a zing inferno, poised to y all evil!


    1. Refer to image in Trantor''s thought for what this looks like. ?

 Chapter 291: The Might of a Legendary Sword

    <h4>Chapter 291: The Might of a Legendary Sword</h4>


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The sound of an intense explosion reverberated from the belly of Sword Sheath Peak.


    The Weapons Master had sent the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall flying with one punch, and the hall master¡¯s chest exploded repeatedly while in midflight. With each explosion, a ball of darkness would quickly condense, restoring the hall master''s chest to its original state. However, there would be another explosion soon after, and the darkness would swiftly gather into a ball once again.


    The Weapons Master had only thrown one punch, yet the impact from that one punch caused the hall master¡¯s chest to explode a hundred times. He crashed throughyers of the mountain rampart before finally falling to the ground with a loud thud.


    These two Eminent Ones had, of course, sensed the chaos that had erupted on Heaven-Reaching Peak. Consequently, the Weapons Master was in a hurry to end the battle as quickly as possible. On the other hand, the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall wanted to keep the Weapons Master on Sword Sheath Peak to let the other members of his diabolical sectplete their tasks.


    Many things could happen in the blink of an eye during a fight between Eminent Ones.


    The two had just exchanged a round of blows, with the Weapons Master ultimately gaining the upper hand with one punch.


    Meanwhile, the ck-robed man had just approached Ling Ao. Nevertheless, Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang attacked him together. One used an immobilization spell, and the other used the Heavenly Sword Seal.


    When Chu Liang used the Crimson Executioner with the Heavenly Sword Seal, the amplified power of the seal was insanely terrifying, so much so that even a powerful cultivator at the pinnacle of the sixth realm wouldn''t dare underestimate it. In fact, Chu Liang had already killed more than one sixth-realm cultivator with the Crimson Executioner in the past!


    The ck-robed man spun around and hurriedly released a ck light shield from his inventory, but the Crimson Executioner shattered it instantly!


    Despite that, the shield had absorbed the brunt of the attack, so the remaining sword qi only knocked the ck-robed man back several zhang[ref]Reminder that one zhang is approximately 3.33m.[ref].


    Still, that alone was astonishing!


    Chu Liang was only at the fourth realm¡ªtwo levels lower than the ck-robed man! This difference in level was like that between the heavens and the earth!


    This was Xu Ziyang¡¯s and Jiang Yuebai¡¯s first time seeing Chu Liang use this move, so they were both stunned. Xu Ziyang was simply surprised by Chu Liang¡¯s explosive power, while Jiang Yuebai''s thoughts on this discovery were a bit moreplex.


    <i>Chu Liang didn¡¯t use this flying sword earlier in our duel, even though it¡¯s several times more powerful than what he did use...</i>


    <i>Was it because he underestimated me, or did he avoid using it on purpose?</i>


    Regardless, Jiang Yuebai had no time to keep thinking about this. The cave was shaking violently.


    "Quick, go!" Xu Ziyang shouted, pulling Jiang Yuebai out of her thoughts.


    It turned out that the battle between the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall and the Weapons Master had resumed at an escted intensity. They fought until half the mountain copsed, and the belly of the mountain was almost hollowed out.


    Darkness exploded from the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall andpressed into a massive pitch-ck orb, bing so condensed that it seemed solid. It was clear from a nce that if this orb of darkness were to explode, the st would raze Sword Sheath Peak to the ground.


    Meanwhile, the Weapons Master used one of his iron hands to press down on the orb, suppressing the immense power to prevent it from exploding.


    One party aimed to destroy, and the other aimed to protect. The second party was obviously at a disadvantage.


    Consequently, Xu Ziyang reminded the others that they had to leave quickly. If they stayed behind, they would only hinder the Weapons Master. Xu Ziyang believed that once they had moved far from the orb, the Weapons Master wouldn¡¯t need to worry about their safety, and he would be free to do whatever he needed to prevail.


    Right then, Ling Ao managed to break free. He immediately used his most powerful divine technique, the Divine Dragons¡¯ Great Blood-Burning Technique, to make a desperate escape!


    However, the ck-robed man had revived again!


    The four most outstanding young disciples of the Mount Shu Sect fled together while the ck-robed man persistently pursued them alone!


    "You little bastard! I¡¯m going to kill you!" yelled the ck-robed man.


    Just as those words left his foul mouth, a beam of purple light shot toward him like a streak of lightning!


    <i>Wham!</i>


    With a hand shrouded in darkness, the ck-robed man smacked the Violet Draconic Sword away!


    The Violet and Azure Twin Swords were still functioning in a masterless state and could not exert their fullbat power. All they could do was strike the ck-robed man a couple of times. Regardless, the ck-robed man''s smack didn¡¯t deal much damage to the Violet Draconic Sword either.


    After that, the ck-robed man transformed into a streak of darkness and rushed out of the cave in pursuit.


    Chu Liang¡¯s group was fleeing swiftly, but the gap between their cultivation levels and the ck-robed man¡¯s was too wide. They were like children to the ck-robed man. It didn¡¯t matter even if he let them have a head start; he could catch up to them easily.


    As the group exited the cave, a burst of wind blew toward them with a whoosh.


    Xu Ziyang shouted resolutely, "I''ll hold him off! You guys should go to Heaven-Reaching Peak for reinforcements!"


    It would only take them a breath¡¯s worth of time to return to Heaven-Reaching Peak, but the ck-robed man was capable of killing a person in the blink of an eye. If someone were to stay behind, it very likely meant they would be sacrificing their life for the others!


    Ling Ao turned back first and said, "I''m the least talented. I''ll hold him off!"


    Jiang Yuebai frowned. "I''m the head disciple. It should be me!"


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed and grabbed the Azure Ophidian Sword, which had just caught up to him. "I have the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. It¡¯s best if I do it."


    While Chu Liang and the others were discussing that, the streak of darkness had already caught up to them!


    If they didn''t leave now, they wouldn''t be able to!


    Jiang Yuebai said urgently, "You haven''t mastered the sword seals for the legendary swords. It¡¯s pointless even if you have the Violet and Azure Twin Swords! You''re the one who should leave first!"


    "I have," Chu Liang replied calmly.


    "What?" Jiang Yuebai uttered nkly.


    She was taken aback, almost thinking she had misheard.


    <i>Those sword seals are on the same level as an immortal art. Moreover, the twin swords selected Chu Liang as their master just earlier. How could he have mastered the sword seals already?</i>


    <i>How is that possible?</i>


    It was indeed impossible that Chu Liang had already mastered both of the sword seals... He had only mastered one of them.


    Ever since he was selected by the twin swords, Chu Liang had been studying the two sword seals. The Violet Draconic Sword Seal and the Azure Ophidian Sword Seal were different, but they led to the same result.


    He realized that the most difficult part of each sword seal was that he needed to let the sword spirit take over his meridians. His meridians needed to be fully linked to the sword spirit when he used the sword seal.


    With his current low cultivation level, the legendary sword would be the master of his Sea of Qi and his qi-cirction routes. Rather than Chu Liang wielding the sword, it would be more urate to say the sword would be wielding him.


    It was very difficult for a cultivator topletely relinquish control over their meridians. The cultivator had to ovee their body repeatedly rejecting the sword spirit and eventually be one with the sword spirit. Any cultivator would require a long time to achieve this.


    However, this wasn¡¯t that difficult a feat for Chu Liang. After all, one of the meridian systems wasn''t actually his...


    To be more precise, he was thinking of the Sea of Qi and the meridian system that the Golden-Core Puppet had formed in his body. That secondary meridian system, which he usually used to run the Qi-Cirction Technique at all times and circte foundational qi into his body, was technically considered foreign to the meridian system of his actual body. So, if the Azure Ophidian Sword Spirit wanted to take over that meridian system, Chu Liang¡¯s body wouldn''t reject it.


    It was essentially something that didn¡¯t concern him.


    Chu Liang¡¯s secondary Sea of Qi and meridian system technically belonged to the Golden-Core Puppet.


    <i>If the Azure Ophidian Sword wants to enter the doll¡¯s meridian system and take over... It¡¯s not like the doll can even reject it, right?</i>


    If it were the meridian system that the Violet Draconic Sword had linked to, it would be a much more difficult feat, and Chu Liang would need to train hard for quite a while. Nheless, he didn¡¯t have to do that with the one the Azure Ophidian Sword had linked to.


    Just before Chu Liang executed the sword seal, the female sword spirit couldn¡¯t stop herself from eximing, "You sure are easy to get along with, kid!"


    Chu Liang took it as apliment. He formed a hand seal with his left hand and raised the Azure Ophidian Sword with his right. Waves of azure swordlight rippled through the air from the sword.


    When the ck-robed man emerged from the cave, he saw Chu Liang brandishing the Azure Ophidian Sword.


    The ck-robed man¡¯s first reaction was that it was impossible.


    <i>How could he have learned the sword seal for that legendary sword so quickly after being selected as its master?</i>


    <i>Absolutely impossible.</i>


    Yet, a beam of sword qi darted toward him like an azure dragon.


    The ck-robed man was truly unlucky.


    Chu Liang had already ruthlessly attacked the ck-robed man with the Crimson Executioner earlier. To the ck-robed man¡¯s dismay, there was still worse toe.


    The Azure Ophidian Sword¡¯s immense sword qi was swift and fierce, and it exuded an intense killing intent as if it wouldn¡¯t stop until it had killed all demonic entities! It sliced through the vast blue sky like a rushing river!


    After unleashing that sword strike, Chu Liang fell from the sky!


    The sword strike had exhausted all of his vitality, qi, and spirit!


    The Crimson Executioner required only one percent of Chu Liang¡¯s strength to unleash ten percent of its power. However, even if he put in five percent of his strength, the power that the Crimson Executioner unleashed might still be capped at ten percent.


    On the other hand, the Azure Ophidian Sword would consume ten percent of its master¡¯s strength straight away to unleash fifty percent of its power! If its master still had strength left after that, the Azure Ophidian Sword could continue increasing the output of its power!


    The difference between legendary artifacts and enchanted tools was that the power of legendary artifacts wasn¡¯t capped!


    Despite being a cultivator at the pinnacle of the sixth realm, the ck-robed man had unexpectedly suffered two fatal vicious attacks from Chu Liang! He¡¯d barely managed to block the attack. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t do the same with the second attack.


    He formed a shield of darkness and tried to avoid the attack. Yet, the Azure Ophidian Sword¡¯s explosive sword qi still managed to strike the left half of his body!


    The might of a legendary sword was truly terrifying!


    The Azure Ophidian Sword had shed down from the ck-robed man¡¯s left shoulder to his chest, and the man¡¯s blood sprayed into the air!


    "Aaaaahhhhh!!!" the ck-robed man screamed in agony.


    Nevertheless, he did not die. Instead, he raised his hand and pointed at the blood that had sprayed out from his wound.


    The blood immediately transformed into a ck vulture, making guttural hisses as it flew toward Chu Liang. "<i>Hroooh.</i>"


    "Chu Liang!" Jiang Yuebai called out.


    She swiftly flew over to catch the falling Chu Liang!


    Seeing the ck vulture about to attack, Jiang Yuebai hurriedly grabbed Chu Liang with her left hand. Wielding her sword with her right hand, she formed a barrier of swordlight!


    <i>Bam.</i>


    The ck vulture collided with Jiang Yuebai¡¯s barrier. Its ck wings smacked the barrier fiercely, causing Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang to go crashing toward the ground.


    The power of the sixth-realm cultivator was far greater than that of a fourth-realm cultivator!


    The two figures wrapped in an embrace fell into the sea of clouds.


    Meanwhile, Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao seized the opportunity to fly to Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    The severely injured ck-robed man hovered in midair, drenched in blood. A burst of darkness tried to extend over the shoulder wound to heal it, but a dense azure qi blocked the darkness from spreading. Since the darkness couldn¡¯t cover the wound, it couldn¡¯t treat it.


    The ck-robed man gritted his teeth furiously and dove into the abyss below the sea of clouds! If he couldn¡¯t at least kill the two people that had fallen into the clouds, he wouldn''t be able to report back to his superior or alleviate his burning hatred.


    He had nothing personal against Chu Liang before this, but he now harbored a deep hatred for the young man. It was going to be a fight to the death!


    ...


    The situation on Heaven-Reaching Peak was bing even more chaotic.


    The colossal vicious beast Taowu descended, crushing numerous buildings. Arge number of the visitors suddenly turned into disciples of the Dark King Sect. Amid the noise and disorder, dark clouds appeared, giving the scene an ominous atmosphere.


    The numerous visiting disciples had no idea of what was really going on. They just assumed it was an internal conflict within the Mount Shu Sect and wanted to leave quickly to avoid being caught in the fight.


    Meanwhile, Lu Xun was standing on the edge of Heaven-Reaching Peak public square, watching all of that unfold. He too wanted to quietly slip away.


    However, someone suddenly appeared before him, blocking off his escape route.


    "E-esteemed Teacher?" Lu Xun uttered fearfully in rm.


    The one standing before Lu Xun was the Alchemy Master.


    Expressionless, the Alchemy Master asked in a heavy tone, "Where are you going?"


    "I am, of course, going to go kill those diabolical disciples..." Lu Xun answered.


    He felt flustered, but he did his utmost to keep a calm expression.


    "In that case, what happened with Ling Ao?" the Alchemy Master asked.


    Upon realizing that the Alchemy Master was aware of the matter, Lu Xun dropped to his knees and pleaded loudly, "Esteemed Teacher, please spare me! Those diabolical cultivators forced me to do it! It was not my intention!"


    The Alchemy Master nced at Lu Xun with a heavy gaze and said, "I''ll deal with youter."


    Then he pressed his palm lightly onto the top of Lu Xun''s head.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    Lu Xun''s vision went ck. He felt like there was a tremendous force pressing against him from all sides. It was scorching hot and solid. There was no sunlight... no air... and no gaps. Everything around him was working to squeeze him into little bits... He couldn''t move even his little finger...


    That¡¯s when Lu Xu realized what was going on.


    This was the immortal art Buried Alive!


    It was an extremely vicious divine skill that could instantly bury a person hundreds of thousands of zhang deep underground! When a person suddenly appeared here, they would be trapped in the earth, unable to move at all!


    If the skill caster didn''t release the target from the effects of the skill, the target would face death very soon after appearing there.


    It would be an incredibly terrible death filled with despair!


    Lu Xun wanted to scream, but he couldn''t even do that. All he could do was yell in his mind.


    <i>HEEEEELP!!!</i>

 Chapter 292: The Cabin in the Forest

    <h4>Chapter 292: The Cabin in the Forest</h4>


    "<i>Roar!</i>"


    As the massive Taowunded on the public square on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, the destruction it brought forth was devastating. The rumbling shockwaves and clouds of dust instantly enveloped the entire peak, continuously spreading towards the sky above the sea of clouds.


    From the Dao of the Major Evils of the Heavens and Earth emerged a beast known to be ¡°Arrogant and Ferocious¡± or the ¡°Untameable<i>.</i>¡± It was the most savage and ferocious creature. Its enormous head, resembling that of a tiger or a leopard, was adorned with a fiery mane around its neck. Its fangs were terrifying, with a biting force capable of crushing mountains!


    Aside from its massive size, this vicious beast naturally emanated a murderous aura. The moment it appeared, it would stir up storms and cause the peaks to tremble. Clearly, it wouldn''t stop until it crushed all thirty-six peaks!


    The moment this beast appeared, Venerable Wen Yuan reacted. As an eighth-realm cultivator and a powerful cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm, he once suppressed a True Dragon with one hand. Naturally, he wouldn''t be weaker than this vicious beast.


    But when Venerable Wen Yuan raised his hand, he saw a mass of dark clouds above him. It was as though the curtains of the heavens had opened.


    A gigantic face wrapped in countless chains, emerged from the clouds. Many present immediately recognized what it was.


    "Evil Ksitigarbha!" countless people eximed.


    Indeed. However, it was not just the Evil Ksitigarbha. It was the True Form of the Evil Ksitigarbha whose presence was like a god and devil.


    This was ranked tenth in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures¡ªthe True Form of Ksitigarbha!


    This diabolical legendary artifact belonged to the Dark King Sect and was the foundation of their power.


    What price did Lu Chengchou pay to convince them to bring this to Mount Shu today?


    This was not just a legendary artifact. No sect would allow an ordinary disciple to leave their headquarters with the legendary artifact.


    If a legendary artifact were to be brought out of the sect, an eighth-realm cultivator must be the one carrying it! No one could bear the consequence of losing such a treasure.


    Given that the True Form of Ksitigarbha appeared, it indicated that the leader of the Dark King Sect was definitely present as well.


    This mysterious figure who couldmand the foremost diabolical sect was undoubtedly a powerful eighth-realm cultivator.


    With a legendary artifact, an eighth-realm cultivator could be considered as having stepped into the eighth-and-a-half realm, capable of ying other cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm!


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Thunder rumbled and clouds swirled chaotically!


    Venerable Wen Yuan''s eyes grew serious as he gazed upon this scene.


    For the first time ever, a solemn sparkle of light was revealed in his eyes.


    For these supreme beings who were in control of their Heavenly Origin, they had one foot in the heavens, leaving only half a step in the mortal realm. Normally, the mundane matters of the world rarely stirred their emotions.


    Thus, Lu Chengchou''s earlier antics were mere trifles in his eyes.


    But this was different. Only another cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm could make supreme beings in control of their Heavenly Origin take things seriously.


    As Venerable Wen Yuan gazed up at the sky, he seemed to see a towering figure in the clouds, overlooking the entire world with an icy gaze.


    The Dark King!


    When the True Form of Ksitigarbha appeared, four colossal entities appeared as well,ing from four directions.


    A ck whale, asrge as a mountain, glided through the clouds as if swimming in the Northern Abyss, casting a massive shadow. On its back stood numerous diabolical sect cultivators, each exuding fierce auras.


    There was also a pavilion adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, with rednterns and colorful banners fluttering.


    The pavilion slowly drifted over. As the door of the pavilion creaked open, a figure in red appeared.


    A skull asrge as the Heaven-Reaching Peak, surrounded by thunderclouds and crackling lightning, appeared. On the back of the skull was a deep fissure that had yet to be repaired.


    The most peculiar sight was a vast azure waterfall flowing from the distant sky. As the waves sshed in the river, one would realize that the river was filled with human faces wailing in agony.


    The Northern Abyss Hall... The Scarlet-Robe Hall... The White-Bone Hall, the Vermillion-Azurite Hall...


    The Four Halls of Darkness had assembled!


    The Dark King Sect''s army had surrounded the Mount Shu Sect!


    Those righteous cultivators from other sects, who initially distanced themselves thinking it was an internal conflict within Mount Shu, now witnessed the arrival of the diabolical sect.


    Obviously, there were those upholding justice feeling the urge to help the Mount Shu Sect.


    But immediately, some people amidst the spectators rushed out while shouting, "Darkness never dies!"


    They then started hacking and killing the people around them!


    Chaos ensued! It became nearly impossible to tell allies from enemies.


    With the legendary artifact''s pressure looming overhead, most chose to retreat further, watching from a safe distance to keep themselves safe.


    However, there were a very small number of people who made different choices.


    "Scum of the diabolical sect! Fucking ask me if I will tolerate your evil actions!" A muscr man shouted as he swung a massive halberd.


    Suddenly his clothes split open with a bang, revealing a set of strong, glistening muscles!


    Who else could it be but Yun Chaoxian from the Great Astral Sect?


    "<i>Ah...</i> Senior Brother, it''s so chaotic, I''m so scared..." Beside him, Little Junior Sister Tang Shi was like a delicate flower in the storm, trembling with fear.


    "Junior Sister, get out of here, don''t get hurt!" Yun Chaoxian shouted amidst the battle.


    "So scary¡ª" Before she could finish her sentence, Tang Shi''s voice suddenly became hoarse and deep.


    It turned out that a diabolical cultivator had targeted Tang Shi behind Yun Chaoxian, seemingly trying to take her hostage to restrain Yun Chaoxian. However, this was a miscalction.


    The seemingly fragile girl instantly transformed, her muscles bulging, into a form no less imposing than Yun Chaoxian''s. She wielded arge spear, and any contact with it would either result in a gaping wound or an explosion of blood and flesh.


    The strange thing was, while she was ughtering her way through the enemies, she kept shouting, "<i>Ah...</i> don''te near me, <i>sniff...</i> don''t hit me, stay away..."


    But with such a rough and powerful voice, it didn''t evoke any sense of weakness, but rather seemed quite bizarre.


    Soon, she had cleared arge area around her.


    Terrifying.


    The Dark King Sect had arge number of members.


    Some elite disciples descended with the enchanted tools of the four halls, while others had already mingled with the crowd watching the ceremony at Mount Shu.


    The disciples of the diabolical sect were not very familiar with each other and had different appearances. To distinguish fellow sect members, they all tied a ck cloth around their waists.


    This was a clue known only to the disciples of the diabolical sect.


    However, as soon as the chaos broke out, the diabolical cultivators immediately sensed that something was wrong.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, controlling their dazzling flying swords, also had ck cloths tied around their waists when theynded. As a result, many diabolical cultivators mistook the cultivators in front of them as allies and were then pierced by their swords.


    The battle had barely begun, and the casualties were already heavy.


    With ck cloth tied around their waists, some elite disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, fighting alone, would shout "Darkness never dies!" as they approached the disciples of the Dark King Sect. They would then swiftly strike them with their swords.


    That was not the end of it.


    There were also groups of disciples from the Mount Shu Sect forming a grand sword formation of forty-nine people. Each with a ck cloth tied around their waists, they shouted "Darkness never dies" to lure the disciples of the Dark King Sect closer.


    But that wasn''t the most outrageous part.


    The most outrageous sight was a tall woman surrounded by crimson-gold mes, with wings of fire forming behind her. She weaved through the crowd, burning every diabolical cultivator she encountered to ashes with a single burst of me.


    Anyone who had been attending the Mount Shu Summit for a few days would know this was Di Nufeng. Nevertheless, she too had a ck cloth tied around her waist. After clearing an area of diabolical cultivators, she loudly shouted, "Darkness never dies! Dark King Sect brothers, gather around me!"


    Not only was it terrifying, but it was also infuriating.


    Who did the Mount Shu Sect think they were fooling?


    ...


    Under the sea of clouds not far away, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were in great danger.


    The thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu soared above the clouds, including the mountain tops and mid-mountain regions. Below the mid-mountain, the lower areas were much bigger and were inhabited by many wild animals.


    The entire area under the clouds was a vast, primitive forest.


    A man in a ck robe, with half of his body missing, transformed into a fierce ck wind that howled past. His divine sense swept over every nt and tree, determined to find the two people he was searching.


    A green energy kept flowing from the wound on his shoulder and chest, stopping it from healing. Normally, this injury wouldn''t be serious for a disciple of the Northern Abyss Hall, but the sword qi from the legendary sword was continuously weakening his divine abilities, making it much worse.


    At this moment, the intense pain was relentlessly torturing him.


    He had been tracking the ce where the two had fallen, convinced they were in this area. The ck wind was also patrolling back and forth, not intending to miss a single de of grass or tree.


    What he didn''t see was that, hidden in an inconspicuous mountain wall, Jiang Yuebai was still holding Chu Liang. The two were stuck tightly together in a narrow gap in the stone wall, inhaling each other''s breath.


    Earlier, when the two had fallen here, the man in the ck robe had pursued them closely. In a moment of desperation, Jiang Yuebai had taken Chu Liang and traversed through the mountain wall.


    The stealth traversal art itself wasn''t difficult, but traversing through the wall while carrying someone would require a very high level of skill. This showed that Jiang Yuebai''s current mastery of the art had indeed reached an astonishing level.


    After waiting for a while, Jiang Yuebai continued to traverse forward. She didn''t dare to retrace her steps and instead traversed through the mountain wall. After traveling more than ten zhang, they suddenly found an open space.


    It was a bright and open area.


    Behind the mountain wall, there was a spacious valley with lush green grass.


    There was even a wooden cabin on the open ground!


    "Is there really such a ce behind this mountain wall?" Chu Liang looked at the space in front of him, quite amazed.


    As they traversed through the stone wall in an instant, they unexpectedly emerged into another hidden valley within the mountain. This ce was already beneath the sea of clouds, and so well-hidden that they might never have found it if not for a stroke of luck.


    "Are there actually people living beneath the sea of clouds on Mount Shu?" Jiang Yuebai was also very surprised. "Let''s go in and take a look."


    "It''s fine to go in and take a look ..." Chu Liang said somewhat embarrassedly, "but Senior Sister Jiang, could you put me down first?"


    Being held in Jiang Yuebai''s arms wasn''t a bad experience, but as a grown man, being carried like a princess by a youngdy was somewhat embarrassing.


    "Can you manage?" Jiang Yuebai, unconcerned with formalities, asked with a hint of concern.


    "I''m much better now," Chu Liang quickly replied.


    In fact, the reason he had been so weak earlier was because the Azure Ophidian Sword had instantly drained all his foundational qi as well as the three energies¡ªvitality, qi, and spirit.


    It wasn''t that he had been injured.


    But through the crazy recovery speed of his ultimate-tier Golden Cores, his Sea of Qi had recovered by half. He had returned to his normal state.


    Nowadays, if there was one thing Chu Liang could boast about, it was his unparalleled recovery speed among his peers.


    Since he said he was fine, Jiang Yuebai put him down, and the two walked side by side towards the wooden cabin.


    "It looks like it has been deserted for a long time," Chu Liang said, looking at the thick dust piled up at the door as they approached the wooden house.


    With that, he gently pushed the door.


    It opened effortlessly, creaking because of its age and decay, and half of it fell off with a push.


    A cloud of dust blew into their faces. Chu Liang waved his hand, and a breeze swept the dust away. Only then did the two enter the house.


    The interior was very simple: a small bed, a desk with writing materials, and a yellowed book. It looked like the rough paper used by Mount Shu children to practice writing.


    Chu Liang leaned closer to look and confirmed it was the familiar paper. Out of curiosity, they flipped through it.


    The first page had the scrawls of a child.


    "Haha, my teacher thinks making me reflect on my mistake while facing a wall is a punishment? Dream on! Who would''ve thought there would be a valley hidden beneath the sea of clouds? From now on, this is my secret hideout, and no one on Mount Shu knows about it!"


    "The monkeys in this mountain are so annoying, always trying to invade my territory."


    "The people on Mount Shu aren''t as good as these monkeys; at least the monkeys are willing to be my friends."


    "Oh no! I think Lu Wuqi found out that I would secretly traverse through the wall to this valley while I am supposed to reflect on my mistakes while facing the wall. How smart of him!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Upon seeing the name, they both eximed in surprise, "Is the disciple who recorded this from the same generation as Venerable Wuqi? That would make him an esteemed senior from at least four or five hundred years ago..."


    It was astonishing that this rough paper had survived for so long. As they continued reading, they saw a mix of childish trivia and teenage concerns. Learning about the growth of an esteemed senior from hundreds of years ago was truly fascinating.


    "The Mount Shu Summit is essentially held just for Lu Wuqi. There''s no realpetition for the head disciple. It is already very good that I was able to get second ce."


    "Teacher said it''s a pity that his father is the sect leader. Otherwise, with his extraordinary talents, he would surely lead Mount Shu. But I think, if his father being the sect leader disqualifies him from bing the sect leader, isn''t that unfair?"


    "So my mother was..."


    "No wonder..."


    "Why...why?!"


    Something must have happened in between, as there was a long gap before the next entry. Chu Liang could tell there was a long gap because the handwriting on the next page was noticeably more mature and steady, indicating years of growth and experience.


    "What should I do?"


    "So, my mother has been trapped within the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda all these years! It was for my sake that she... Caiyi told me that I can only find the way to break the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda in the Divine Ruins Monastery."

 Chapter 293: A Hand on the Back of the Head

    <h4>Chapter 293: A Hand on the Back of the Head</h4>


    Chu Liang''s pupils involuntarily dted, and Jiang Yuebai felt her heart throbbed with a violent swell of emotions.[1]


    They never expected to uncover secrets of such magnitude inside a small wooden cabin in a hidden valley.


    Chu Liang was mainly focused on the diary''s mention of the attempt to break the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda...


    Until now, no one knew the exact reason why the Mount Shu Sect unfortunately lost a legendary artifact five hundred years ago. Could this hidden cabin hold the answer to why it disappeared?


    On the other hand, Jiang Yuebai waspletely fixated on the three words "Divine Ruins Monastery."


    She never expected to suddenly see this name here, and it immediately brought back a flood of memories and emotions.


    Chu Liang quickly turned to another page, only to find it nk with jagged edges.


    "Thest page was torn out," he said slowly, "but the previous pages provided us substantial information."


    Based on the previous pages, they could roughly piece together the life of this Mount Shu disciple.


    He had few friends on Mount Shu since childhood; everyone avoided him. His mboyant and unruly personality often led to punishments from his esteemed teacher.


    He was of the same generation as Venerable Wuqi, and the fact that he could still rank second among them showed that his cultivation talent was top-notch.


    Later, this guy discovered some things.


    He discovered that his mother was trapped within the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, which meant that she wasn''t human.


    Could this esteemed senior be a half-demon?


    Legend had it that children born from the union of humans and demons were half-demons. They might resemble either a human or a demon initially, but regardless of their appearance at first, they would ultimately take on the form of a demon.


    This was due to the demon bloodline being far stronger than human bloodline. The widespread belief was that even a single drop of demon blood in one''s body could result in one bing like a demon. Even if they once appeared human, they would likely be demons in the end.


    And for some reason, the Mount Shu Sect adopted this half-demon child and this hybrid was told the way to break the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda...


    "But the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda is the legendary artifact ranked first in the catalog. How could it possibly be broken..." Chu Liang muttered, "Did someone lie to him?"


    "If it were anywhere else, it might be a trick, but if it''s the Divine Ruins Monastery..." Jiang Yuebai''s eyes filled with bewilderment as she spoke, "it might actually be true."


    "Does that mean he became stronger than a ninth-realm existence?" Chu Liang gasped.


    Even the demon god at the ninth realm could not break the highest-ranked legendary artifact in the world!


    Chu Liang knew little about the Divine Ruins Monastery, having only heard surface-level information through rumors circting in the martialmunity.


    However, Jiang Yuebai clearly knew more. In fact, she had a connection with the Divine Ruins Monastery.


    Previously, Jiang Yuebai had shared some of her background with Chu Liang and briefly mentioned the Divine Ruins, but she never delved into the details.


    She had always felt a sense of apprehension about that ce.


    "Back then, there was more than one eighth-realm cultivator in the Jiang Family. My family held the level ofbat power on par with the immortal sect in the Divine Nine," Jiang Yuebai exined. "But everything changed after that battle. We lost the strongest member and my entire family was annihted..."


    Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    That made sense. In the Jiang family, there were cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm, whose peakbat power was on par with the Mount Shu Sect today. Yet, all of a sudden, they were wiped out without any warning.


    They were such terrifying existences that it wouldn''t be surprising if they had a way to break the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda...


    "Yet, this sort of existence remained hidden within the Divine Ruins for reasons unknown," Chu Liang mused.


    "I''ve been investigating the Divine Ruins Monastery for years, and I found..." Jiang Yuebai said slowly, "that every ninth-realm cultivator would step into the Divine Ruins at the very end of their lifespan. The very few who didn''t enter the Divine Ruins died in great battles of a scale mentioned in mythologies. Traces of the Divine Ruins Monastery can be seen in these battles. However, records of those mythical battles have been erased, existing now only as legends spread throughout localmunities, such as the evil deity of the Southern Regions in ancient times."


    <i>What?</i>


    The legend of the evil deity of the Southern Regions tells of how the Southern Bastion Mountain was formed. ording to this tale, the evil deity and the countless demons it led were crushed by a mountain sent down from the immortal realm.[2].


    Chu Liang had heard of it but never took such exaggerated ancient legends seriously.


    Could it be true?


    As he pondered, he suddenly remembered the mural he saw in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. In the mural that depicted the Dragon God''sst battle, there were a few tiny and blurry human figures...[3]


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang didn''t have much time to think before a violent explosion echoed from the other side of the mountain wall. Two more sts followed, and then the entire mountain wall copsed with a deafening crash.


    A half-destroyed, horribly disfigured man in a ck robe charged through the mountain wall, his eyes zing red. "So you were hiding in this hidden valley. You almost got away!"


    As he stormed into the small valley, Chu Liang shouted, "Old Fei! Come out and do your job!"


    Wisps of green smoke appeared as the disheveled Old Fei materialized with a gloomy expression. "My dear master, this isn''t someone I can handle!"


    "Both of you are halves of a sixth-realm cultivator. He''s missing half his body, and you''re halfway dead inside and out. What can''t you handle?" Chu Liang retorted. "Just hold him off for a while."


    After summoning Old Fei, Chu Liang didn''t hesitate. He raised his hand to the sky, activating another summon.


    <i>Swish, swish¡ª</i>


    Two streaks of sword light, one violet and one azure, flew towards him!


    As of now, as long as he was in the territory of the Mount Shu Sect, he could summon the Violet and Azure Twin Swords with just a single thought!


    Old Fei forced himself to stay alert as he flew out of the wooden house, shouting loudly, "If you want to hurt Chu Liang, you''ll have to get through me first!"


    With that, he raised his hand and pointed at the man in the ck robe. "You shall note within a radius of ten zhang!"


    The Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law!


    The power of this immortal art from the Confucian school was well-known. With those words, the man in the ck robe was stuck ten zhang away, unable to move any closer.


    But the man in the ck robe only grinned maliciously, then raised his hand in a grasping motion and hurled it forward!


    A spectral pike appeared out of thin air, instantly piercing through Old Fei''s soul body!


    "<i>Ah¡ª</i>" Old Fei screamed as his soul was pinned to the mountain wall dozens of zhang away, his form flickering and on the verge of dissipating!


    Despite being a formidable fighter, Old Fei was still not powerful enough to fight a cultivator at the peak of the sixth realm. Even though the man in the ck robe was severely wounded, Old Fei couldn''tpete with him at all.


    Although Old Fei had fallen, the power of the immortal art, the Spoken Divine Law, remained effective, preventing the man in the ck robe from advancing.


    When the ck-robed man couldn''t step forward, he raised his hand.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The entire wooden cabin instantly shattered and fell apart, revealing Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai inside. At this moment, Chu Liang was surrounded by the violet and azure sword lights.


    "<i>Heh</i>, I doubt you can still wield the Azure Ophidian Sword," the man in the ck robe said coldly.


    Earlier, he had witnessed Chu Liang beingpletely drained of his Sea of Qi the moment he swung the sword. Recovering from such a depletion was extremely challenging.


    Chu Liang looked at the man in the ck robe with a perplexed expression, as if he couldn''t understand his confidence.


    This time, Chu Liang formed a sword seal with both hands.


    <i>Not only can I wield the Azure Ophidian Sword, but I can also wield the Violet Draconic Sword...</i> Chu Liang muttered in a low voice, "Dual swordbination¡ª"


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh¡ª</i>


    The two legendary swords sliced through the sky, intertwining as they emitted a mystical light and the sound of the heavens opening echoed around them.


    The ck-d man and Jiang Yuebai were both stunned, their pupils widening in disbelief.


    In such a short time, he had mastered the sword seal of the Violet Draconic Sword? Not only had he achieved this, but he had also learned to perform the dual swordbination¡ªa feat several times more difficult than wielding a single legendary sword.


    He was able to achieve even this?


    Chu Liang''s rapid mastery of new skills constantly redefined Jiang Yuebai''s understanding of how quickly someone could learn a technique.


    Chu Liang''s eyes turned cold as he controlled the twin swords.


    During this period, he had indeed mastered the Violet Draconic Sword Seal. The two sword seals shared many simrities, making the mastery of the second one somewhat quicker after he had mastered the first.


    The reason he controlled both swords simultaneously was out of necessity. With his current cultivation level, wielding just one legendary sword might not have been powerful enough to kill the man in the ck robe.


    If he had attacked with only one sword and failed, he would havepletely lost hisbat capability. In that case, Jiang Yuebai would be left alone to face this man, and her fate would be uncertain.


    Thus, he forcefully initiated the dual swordbination!


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    The twin swords merged, radiating an infinite rainbow of light, resembling divine punishment descending from the heavens. A dazzling divine light fell from the sky, carrying an inevitable force of destruction!


    The man in the ck robe couldn''t dodge. All he could feel was a profound fear emanating from the depths of his soul!


    Such was the power of legendary swords!


    No matter where one fled, being locked on by this force meant certain death!


    And the force descended!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A brilliant light with the colors of the rainbow sted above the head of the ck-robed man, resembling a grand disy of fireworks. As he watched, his pupils quivered madly.


    Then, amidst the fireworks, a cursing voice could be heard.


    "That''s it? Kiddo, youpleted the first seventy-two steps already, but your hands just had to tremble and lose control right at the end??" the voice of the male sword spirit sounded.


    "Don''t me the kid. This was his first time, and it is already remarkable that he was able to continue for such a long time," said the female sword spirit.


    "What do we do now? He definitely can''t do it again," the male sword spirit said.


    Chu Liang sat on the ground, smiling weakly, clearly exhausted.


    At thest moment of unleashing the dual swordbination, he lost control, and the attack burst into an explosion of fireworks in the sky.


    It was likely because this was his first time controlling such a powerful force that was far beyond his cultivation level. The sensation of controlling this power was hard to describe, and any slight misstep would cause him to lose his grip.


    If given another chance, he might have done much better, but there wasn''t another chance.


    The man in the ck robe, having just experienced sheer terror, was now filled with rage. His eyes fixed on Chu Liang, this fourth-realm cultivator whose mere existence he had considered insignificant. Yet, this "bug" had filled him with fear and put him at risk multiple times.


    He was determined to tear Chu Liang apart to vent his anger and settle this grudge!


    Just as he was about to strike and kill the two in front of him, he suddenly felt a hand pressing on the back of his head.


    <i>A hand on the back of my head? Huh? Who could have suddenly appeared beside me?</i>


    As he scanned with his divine sense, he saw a tall woman in red with her hand pressing down on his head.


    The woman heaved a sigh of relief as she muttered, "<i>Phew...</i>I made it just in time."


    The moment Chu Liang saw this woman, he let out a sigh of relief.


    The Azure Ophidian Sword hadn''t been by his side earlier because he had sent it to Heaven-Reaching Peak to call for help.


    Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao had made it back safely, but they couldn''t locate Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. Fortunately, the Azure Ophidian Sword was connected to Chu Liang through his qi pathways and could always locate him if he was on Mount Shu. And so, its presence made it easier for the rescuer to locate Chu Liang.


    And so, when the Azure Ophidian Sword returned, it likely indicated the direction to the rescuer.


    As expected, his teacher arrived.


    Di Nufeng was the woman who had descended from the sky and pressed down on the head of the man in the ck robe.


    The intense premonition of death surged within the man in ck once more.


    Anyone who could subdue him so effortlessly had to be a powerful Eminent One. This Eminent One was capable of taking his life in an instant.


    The man in the ck robe knew he couldn''t fight back; any movement of his foundational qi could provoke a lethal response from her. He quickly raised his hands and shouted, "Don''t kill me! Let''s talk!"


    "<i>Tsk,</i>" Di Nufeng scoffed.


    Purple-gold mes erupted, instantly incinerating the man in the ck robe, leaving no trace of ash behind.


    "Talk to your mama."


    1. Previously on the Young Noble Be Monster ying... the Divine Ruins Monastery was mentioned in a diary. ?


    2. This was mentioned in chapter 136. I was mindblown ngl.


    /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-136


    ?


    3. GUYS ????????????


    /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-237


    ?

 Chapter 294: Riding the Skies on the White Dragon!

    <h4>Chapter 294: Riding the Skies on the White Dragon!</h4>


    "Esteemed Teacher!" Chu Liang called out as he hurried over to Di Nufeng.


    <i>As always, my esteemed teacher never lets me down when fighting''s involved. When I call her, shees over at once. And when she arrives, she goes straight into battle mode. And when she fights, her battles always end in victory.</i>


    "I was having a great time fighting when the Azure Ophidian Sword''s spirit suddenly came over and said you were in danger, so I rushed over." Di Nufeng had a lively, radiant gaze. It was obvious from a nce that she was on a high. "Are you all right? If you''re fine, I need to hurry back."


    There were jumping mes all over her body, revealing just how uncontrobly eager she was to get back to fighting. Her eyes were shining so brightly that it was blinding.


    Chu Liang had never seen his teacher in such high spirits before.


    It seemed that Di Nufeng''s true nature had been released from the depths of her heart upon getting a rare chance to participate in such a grand battle.


    Chu Liang handed over a yellow book and said, "Esteemed Teacher, I found something hidden beneath this sea of clouds."


    Di Nufeng scanned the book with her divine sense and hastily put it away without taking a close look at its contents.


    She remarked, "It has too many words. I''ll find someone smart to read itter."


    Di Nufeng was well aware of her weakness with words, but that wasn''t the real reason she said that. She was just itching to return to the battlefield; she didn''t want to miss out on too much of the battle. Di Nufeng wanted to fight!


    Seeing her impatient expression, Chu Liang hurriedly asked, "How''s the situation on Heaven-Reaching Peak?"


    Di Nufeng answered, "We can''t intervene in the battle in the sky, but we''re gaining the upper hand on the ground. Thanks to the information you gave us, we were able to catch those cultivators from the Dark King Sect off guard."


    The battle in the sky she mentioned involved those at the eighth realm. It was such an elite battle that even Di Nufeng could do nothing except gaze up at it... and dream of being able to participate in a battle like that in the future.


    Nheless, the Mount Shu Sect was dominating the battle involving those at the seventh realm and below.


    Chu Liang was quite satisfied. The time he''d spent working hard as an undercover agent had not been in vain. It was clear that the information he had given to his sect had yed a role in helping them gain the upper hand.


    Chu Liang was only at the fourth realm, so he would only be able to kill a few diabolical cultivators at most on his own. However, with just a small piece of information, he''d managed to help greatly reduce the number of casualties his sect might have suffered.


    Then Chu Liang said, "Esteemed Teacher, if the situation on Heaven-Reaching Peak is stable, why don''t you head to Sword Sheath Peak first? The Weapons Master is currently over there fighting the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall."


    The Weapons Master had the upper hand earlier, but the hall master of the Northern Abyss Hall had been famous for many years as a seventh-realm cultivator. Moreover, he was known to use unconventional methods. If they were to continue fighting, the Weapons Master might end up in danger.


    <i>It would be better to have my teacher go there and team up with the Weapons Master. Together, they would have the upper hand and be able to wipe out one of the Dark King Sect''s key yers. Then the Weapons Master would be free to join the main battlefield on Heaven-Reaching Peak as well, providing greater support to the main forces than my teacher alone.</i>


    "Sword Sheath Peak, right?" Di Nufeng nced over in the direction of Sword Sheath Peak. "No problem."


    Before she even finished talking, she''d spread open her wings of fire. With a loud whoosh, she turned into a streak of fire beelining in the southwest direction, leaving behind a st of scorching air.


    "Senior Aunt Di Nufeng..." Jiang Yuebai blinked in surprise as she looked at the ball of fire in the distance. "She works really hard."


    "<i>Haha.</i>" Chu Liang forced a smile. "She has always done her best to protect Mount Shu."


    He felt a bit embarrassed saying that.


    It was true that when Mount Shu was in danger, Di Nufeng would rush in immediately to neutralize the threat. However, when there weren''t any threats, she might just be the greatest threat to Mount Shu...


    Chuh Liang shifted his gaze to Heaven-Reaching Peak and said, "Let''s hurry over there."


    Looking at Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai asked, "Are you sure you can keep fighting?"


    Chu Liang had used the Azure Ophidian Sword once earlier. Logically, that alone should have drained his Sea of Qi. Yet, he still managed to use the dual swordbination as well after that, which was astonishing. If he could immediately return to Heaven-Reaching Peak to fight even after all that, it meant... he had incredibly high endurance.


    Chu Liang replied, "I''ll be fine. I just need a moment to catch my breath."


    He had two ultimate-tier Golden Cores and the Dragon-Blood Crystals, so he could almost always keep his body in peak condition. His Sea of Qi had been drained yet again earlier, but a moment was all he needed to recover from that.


    "Alright."


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t dwell on the matter. Since Chu Liang had said that he could do it, Jiang Yuebai naturally believed that he could. She knew Chu Liang wouldn''t recklessly pretend to be strong.


    The pair took off for Heaven-Reaching Peak alongside each other.


    However, just as they began flying, a loud boom rang out from Heaven-Reaching Peak. Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were far quite far away, yet they were still able to feel the explosive shockwaves surging outward from Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    At the next moment, they fell into a daze, feeling like sky and the earth were moving around them. The world seemed to have been turned upside down in that instant!


    "This..."


    Chu Liang gazed at Heaven-Reaching Peak with his eyes wide open in shock!


    <i>Is this something that a human is capable of?</i>


    ...


    Ever since that ferocious face emerged from the clouds, a shadow seemed to be hanging over Mount Shu. Dark clouds were gradually descending onto the peak, apanied by immense pressure.


    As thunder rumbled incessantly in the background, the neck, chest, and arms of the True Form of Ksitigarbha gradually emerged from the clouds. There were numerous thick, ck chains, which were covered in talismanic inscriptions, wrapped around the True Form of Ksitigarbha, trying to drag it back into the clouds!


    Nheless, even a thousand chains could not restrict its movements! As the True Form of Ksitigarbha pressed downward, all of Mount Shu''s thirty-six peaks shook. The bases of the mountains quaked, and the mountain peaks crumbled...


    If the True Form of Ksitigarbha were to make a full descent, then the thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu would inevitably be destroyed and its inhabitants killed! That seemingly unending mountain range would be razed to the ground!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom.</i>


    Of course, Venerable Wen Yuan could not let that happen.


    He swung out with his wide sleeves. It was just a simple movement, but he collected all the clouds in the sky with that one movement!


    The sky instantly became clear. There wasn''t a cloud in sight for ten thousand li!


    The True Form of Ksitigarbha was revealed in its entirety. It was ginormous and seemed to cover the whole sky! Its height was almost the same as the length of Mount Shu!


    Fortunately, the chains were still trying to pull the True Form of Ksitigarbha away, so it couldn''t tten Mount Shu yet. The chains themselves ran back to the ck voids in the sky.


    The sight of this frightening enchanted tool left everyone on the ground extremely shocked!


    They now knew why a legendary artifact ranked top ten in the world was so terrifying. Even just the slightest bit of the suppressive force that it emitted could cause an ordinary person''s internal organs to rupture!


    Venerable Wen Yuan stood in front of it, looking as small as a speck of dust inparison. Yet, he fearlessly raised his hand, and he let out all the clouds he had just collected!


    However, they weren''t simply released. They transformed into an enormous sword!


    This sword was a hundred timesrger than the sword Daoist Yan produced when she used the immortal art Heaven-Raising Sword. This enormous cloud sword was the right size to cut down the gigantic True Form of Ksitigarbha!


    Nevertheless, this cloud sword was different from the Heaven-Raising Sword. Instead of tangible sword qi, this cloud sword mostly contained Dao essence.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, it was said that those who at a cultivation level below the seventh realm fought using their divine abilities and skills. Whereas, those at or above the seventh realm fought using the Great Dao.


    There was a huge difference between the seventh and eighth realms. Cultivators at the seventh realm cultivated one Great Dao. Cultivators at the eighth realm, who had attained the Heavenly Origin, had already begunbining various Great Daos to create their own unique world.


    Every time eighth-realm cultivators even bumped into each other, it was like two worlds colliding.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    On this day, if anyone in the southwesternnds looked up, they would witness a grand fight that was like a battle between two deities.


    And so, the battle between the enormous sword and the gigantic statue began.


    When the cloud sword approached, the True Form of Ksitigarbha, which had always seemed like an inanimate object, suddenly moved! It wasn''t simply pressing downward like before; instead, it raised its hands!


    As it moved, extremely loud thunderps rang out in the sky, and the numerous chains wrapped around the True Form of Ksitigarbha nged deafeningly! Shockwaves surged outward, and the earth shook incessantly!


    This was the might of a legendary artifact!


    <i>Wham.</i>


    The True Form of Ksitigarbha mped Venerable Wen Yuan''s cloud sword between its hands. They were in a deadlock for an instant. Then the True Form of Ksitigarbha shattered the cloud sword with a loud smack.


    Nheless, the scattered clouds did not disperse. Instead, they reassembled above the True Form of Ksitigarbha and swiftly transformed into a mountain range.


    That mountain range... looked exactly the same as Mount Shu below.


    In the instant that the cloud mountain range was formed, Venerable Wen Yuan turned his hand over, and the world turned upside down!


    This was the moment Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were witnessing. They were experiencing the shocking power of an eighth-realm cultivator for the first time!


    With his power alone, Venerable Wen Yuan turned the world upside down!


    Everyone on Mount Shu felt dazed for a moment, but they had not been moved at all.


    Yet, the sky had be the ground, and the ground had be the sky.


    <i>He inverted the mortal world?!</i>


    Chu Liang quickly realized that the mortal world couldn''t have actually been inverted...


    <i>It''s likely some great divine ability or skill that used Mount Shu as a base. Perhaps an illusory technique? It just feels like the world really was inverted because Venerable Wen Yuan''s extremely powerful.</i>


    The only thing that wasn''t inverted was the True Form of Ksitigarbha.


    It was initially directing its pressure down at the real Mount Shu, but after the inversion, its pressure was directed at the cloud version of Mount Shu. Thus, the pressure directed at the real Mount Shu instantly disappeared, and the ground stopped shaking, returning to a calm state.


    Venerable Wen Yuan had probably been worried that the battle would destroy Mount Shu, so he used this method to divert the True Form of Ksitigarbha''s pressure from it.


    After the True Form of Ksitigarbha realized it had somehow been flipped upside down, it exerted its force upward instead... It wanted to stand up!


    Every movement it made caused the world to shake. The countless chains were still trying desperately to pull the True Form of Ksitigarbha back, making it incredibly difficult for the True Form of Ksitigarbha to stand up. Yet, after struggling for a moment, the True Form of Ksitigarbha stood up in the clouds!


    The pressure on the world had only just been lifted, and now it was back again!


    However, Venerable Wen Yuan wasn''t simply standing by and watching that unfold.


    He pointed at Solitude Peak and said, "True Dragon, assist me."


    When the True Dragon first arrived at Mount Shu, it had been kept at Solitude Peak to prevent it from causing problems on Mount Shu. Now, with Mount Shu in peril, the True Dragon was no longer willing to sit idly by. It had been restlessly fighting to break free from its restraints, eager to join the battle.


    Once Venerable Wen Yuan pointed at Solitude Peak, all of the True Dragon''s restraints were removed.


    "<i>Raaaar!</i>"


    With a single stride, Venerable Wen Yuan stepped onto the White Dragon''s head, and the White Dragon rushed upward at full speed!


    ...


    Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, a man rode a dragon and soared toward the heavens!


    Venerable Wen Yuan was riding the skies on the White Dragon!

 Chapter 295: The Golden Falcon Emerged Over the Sea of Clouds

    <h4>Chapter 295: The Golden Falcon Emerged Over the Sea of Clouds</h4>


    While the intense battle raged on Heaven-Reaching Peak, two unexpected visitors showed up at Silver Sword Peak.


    "<i>Wow</i>," eximed the Whale-Riding Immortal, who had disguised himself in the form of a woman. He looked around Chu Liang''s garden with genuine surprise and remarked, "I was under the impression that he would have nted a lot, but I did not think it would be <i>this </i>much."


    Meanwhile, Jiang Guo, now in the form of a young boy, was on the brink of a frenzy. Her eyes turned red and she behaved like how Di Nufeng would upon seeing a diabolical cultivator. She squealed with excitement, ready to dash forward and indulge in the feast.


    However, the Whale-Riding Immortal did not stop her. Instead, he said, "Go ahead and have a few bites while no one is around. Just remember, our main goal is to collect some for transnting."


    After speaking, he turned his gaze to the Golden-Furred Hou, which stood nearby with its eyes wide in astonishment. "Behave yourself now," he said gently.


    When there was no one present on the Silver Sword Peak, the Golden-Furred Hou was usually in charge of guarding the peak. It performed its duty diligently, keeping a close watch on potential house robbers the entire time.


    It wasn''t that it didn''t want to protect the garden; it was simply that these two thieves looked too fierce, and it didn''t dare to make a move. If ordinary thieves hade, the Golden-Furred Hou would have definitely shown them the power of a sixth-realm vicious beast.


    "Already at the sixth realm? You already took a Spirit-Enhancing Pill, so your potential for another advancement should be very limited by now," the Whale-Riding Immortal said as he approached the Golden-Furred Hou and patted its obedient head. "I''m not taking his fruit for free. I''ll help solidify your foundation and leave some seeds for potential advancement. It''s a fair deal."


    After speaking, his right hand began to glow with a golden light. He gently traced a line down the Golden-Furred Hou''s back, employing a technique that resembled a soothing massage.


    The Golden-Furred Hou immediatelyy down, closed its eyes, and let out a contented hum.


    "A seventh-realm Golden-Furred Hou is quite rare. If you manage to advance to the seventh realm in the future, remember to thank me," the Whale-Riding Immortal said, patting its big head.


    When the Golden-Furred Hou opened its eyes again, they were filled with gratitude and affection. It gazed at the Whale-Riding Immortal, itsrge tongue poised to offer a lick in appreciation.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had just helped smooth out the chaotic qi pathways within the Golden-Furred Hou, solidifying its sixth-realm foundation and nting seeds that could help it advance to the seventh realm. The cultivation system of spirit beasts differed from that of humans; to advance to the next realm, they wouldn¡¯t need to attain Dao or achieve enlightenment. Instead, the condition to level up was a sufficient concentration of energy. These seeds of energy would allow the Hou to experience power at the seventh-realm, saving it a great deal of effort for leveling up.


    Previously, the Golden-Furred Hou was forcefully elevated to the sixth realm and barely had any potential for further advancement.


    The series of actions by the Whale-Riding Immortal had not only made it stronger, but also gave it the chance to advance to the next realm.


    Having quickly finished his task, the Whale-Riding Immortal was about to enter the garden again to transnt a Golden Vein Flower when he sensed a wave of terrifying qi emanating from Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Venerable Wen Yuan had inverted the mortal world!


    "Impressive," the Whale-Riding Immortal remarked as he observed the scene. "If the enemy didn¡¯t have a legendary artifact, the sect leader would have a higher chance of winning. But looking at the current situation..."


    A hint of hesitation shed in his eyes, as if he was contemting something.


    Just then, a sudden glimmer of dawn brightened the sky. Upon sensing that divine light, his eyes lit up.


    "So they did prepare for this?"


    ...


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The gigantic and fierce Taowu rampaged across Heaven-Reaching Peak, trampling everything in its path.


    "All disciples of Mount Shu, fall back!" roared the ck-d Discipline Master. With a sh, she swiftlynded beside Taowu and pressed on the ground with her right hand.


    Immediately, a golden light encircled Taowu, forming a radiant ring beneath it. When Taowu tried to step forward, it collided with an invisible barrier!


    It was the Immortal Art: Ring of Confinement!


    This technique was somewhat simr to Old Fei''s immortal art, the Spoken Divine Law. However, the Spoken Divine Law could be applied in a wider variety of situations and offered more flexibility. In contrast, the Ring of Confinement was designed purely for imprisonment, making its controlling effect much stronger.


    However, when Taowu''s massive body crashed into the golden circle, it caused a significant fluctuation.


    As the Discipline Master pressed down with both hands, exerting a surge of foundational qi, countless golden chains burst from the ground and tightly bound Taowu''s massive body.


    Finally, she managed to control the ferocious beast!


    But seeing how violently it was struggling and causing the chains to shatter and tremble, it was clear that Taowu could break free in less than three seconds.


    But all they needed was a second.


    In midair, Daoist Yan brandished the Heavenly Cloud Ancient Sword, ready to strike.


    Seeing that Taowu had been restrained, she immediately unleashed her most powerful sword technique: Heaven-Raising Sword!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    As the colossal sword light shed down, Taowu seemed to realize its impending doom and began struggling and twisting frantically. Cracks echoed through the air as the golden chains around it started to split apart!


    But it was toote.


    The sword light sliced into Taowu''s flesh, momentarily slowing it down. Even the Heaven-Raising Sword, which could easily prate the White-Bone Mountain, struggled to slice through Taowu''s body immediately!


    <i>sh¡ª</i>


    With the eroding power of the sword qi and Dao essence, the sword qi finally pierced into Taowu''s body, impaling half of its body!


    However, this strike was not enough to kill itpletely; it inflicted a severe wound, but this only fueled Taowu''s fierce and proud nature!


    "<i>Rawr¡ª</i>" Taowu let out a thunderous roar, shattering the sword light. Blood sttered across half of the peak.


    At that moment, a winding azure river came forth from the sky.


    On the river was a boat with a lone figure on board and as the azure river approached, the person on the boat lifted a huge brush and gently swept it back and forth, sshing a cascade of ck water onto Taowu.


    This only enraged Taowu further, causing it to topple a pavilion in its fury!


    The ck water circled around Taowu before withdrawing and, astonishingly, reformed into the shape of another Taowu. In the blink of an eye, the ck water condensed into an identical vicious beast, indistinguishable from the original.


    This mythical technique executed by the Vermillion-Azurite Hall not only duplicated Taowu''s appearance but also itsbat strength.


    It was impossible to tell that it was fake!


    In a short amount of time, they had created another ancient vicious beast.


    These ancient vicious beasts were incredibly powerful. Although they hadn''t reached the level of the Heavenly Origin Realm, they posed a significant challenge to seventh-realm cultivators. No seventh-realm cultivator could face them alone.


    Even if several seventh-realm cultivators joined forces, there was still a chance they wouldn''t be able to contain the beasts'' destructive power.


    It was as though these vicious beasts were born for ughter and destruction!


    Initially, the Mount Shu Sect had the upper hand in the battle. With more than ten seventh-realm experts, the Mount Shu Sect was considered top-tier among the immortal sects in the Divine Nine.


    The Dark King Sect had recently suffered a major blow, losing its two powerful Left and Right Guardians. This time, only four hall masters from the Dark King Sect, all seventh-realm cultivators, arrived for the battle. If the master of the White-Bone Hall hadn''t unleashed several powerful golden corpses, the battle on the ground would have been entirely one-sided in favor of the Mount Shu Sect.


    These golden corpses were the remains of the Eminent Ones that the Dark King Sect had stolen from the Ascending Immortal Tomb. They were refined and transformed intobatants with the power of a seventh-realm cultivator.


    When these corpses emerged, the sight of them enraged the spectators from the other immortal sects. One after another, they joined the battle.


    While the Dark King Sect had many disciples, they had a limited number of powerful, high-level fighters. In addition, they suffered from an ambush, which led to the members being in a state of chaos. Amidst this confusion, it became difficult for them to distinguish between allies and enemies.


    In no time, many were ughtered and utterly defeated.


    If the leader of the Dark King Sect in the sky could not end the fight quickly, the disciples of his sect would soon faceplete copse.


    Of course, the higher-ups of the diabolical sect did not care about the lives of the lower ranked members. They had probably received sufficient rewards for participating in this battle. In addition, they could always recruit more lower-level diabolical cultivators.


    The diabolical sects allowed many with average talent to cultivate at a speed rivaling geniuses. Through the diabolical ways, they could reach levels they otherwise could not attain. As long as these sects could provide these two benefits, they would always be able to recruit members by inviting people who sought quick gains and had dubious intentions.


    As long as the Dark King Sect could defeat Venerable Wen Yuan, the disastrous defeat on the ground wouldn''t matter to them.


    As the True Form of Ksitigarbha faced Venerable Wen Yuan, who was riding the dragon up into the sky, it stretched out a finger. This finger emanated a murderous aura that surged to the heavens, seemingly destroying the Great Dao of the Heavens and Earth!


    This finger alone could cause the copse of countless mountains!


    The space around the finger cracking and breaking!


    Venerable Wenyuan didn''t face this force directly. Instead, he vanished in an instant while riding the White Dragon. When he reappeared, he was already above the True Form of Ksitigarbha.


    This move was like Dimension Compression, but even more elusive. As one executed this technique, one would feel as though they had been transported to another world.


    It represented the actual Dao of Distancelessness!


    This was why Venerable Wen Yuan chose the True Dragon as his mount. The True Dragon, being a true spirit of the world, allowed him to execute the techniques of the Great Dao with even greater mastery.


    After traversing, he did not attack the True Form of Ksitigarbha directly. Instead, he raised his hand and pressed down, causing the entire space to sink instantly.


    It seemed as though something had locked the space in ce.


    Immediately after, a glimmer of dawn appeared on the horizon, starting as a single beam but quickly transforming into a vast expanse of golden light!


    A Giant Golden-Winged Falcon, capable of carrying mountains and seas on its back, appeared from the distant sky. Numerous monks bathed in golden light sat on its back, along with a massive lotus tform radiating immense Buddha light.


    Seated atop the Dharma Lotus tform was an elderly monk, eyes closed, chanting sutras. His deep voice resonated through the heavens and earth.


    This was the eighth-ranked treasure in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures: the Dharma Lotus tform!


    This legendary artifact belonged to the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, one of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine.


    Knowing that the Dark King Sect would take action, the Mount Shu Sect had naturally prepared a countermeasure for the True Form of Ksitigarbha.


    From another direction, a ck hive-like structure belonging to the Valley of the Three Absolutes appeared.


    The allies of the Mount Shu Sect had arrived to provide support.


    Of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine, the Mount Shu Sect had closer ties with the Celestial King Sect and would typically seek their help first in times of need.


    However, in dealing with the Dark King Sect, the Mount Shu Sect had already coborated with the Valley of the Three Absolutes and the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. Thus, it was easier to seek support from these two sects. Besides, this could be seen as a continuation of the previous battle against the White-Bone Hall. The Dark King Sect''s attack could be considered a retaliation, and this concerned both the Valley of the Three Absolutes and the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    While the Valley of the Three Absolutes and the Buddhist Cloud Monastery might not have assisted due to the bond, their support would still reduce the sacrifices the Mount Shu Sect had to make.


    The support from the Valley of the Three Absolutes was secondary while the intervention of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery yed the key role.


    As one of the immortal sects in the Divine Nine, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery possessed a legendary artifact that would providebat power that would rival the True Form of Ksitigarbha. This was vital!


    With a majestic and dignified presence, a golden light shone brilliantly.


    The Golden Falcon emerged over the sea of clouds!

 Chapter 296: The Spirit of Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 296: The Spirit of Mount Shu</h4>


    At this moment, Chu Liang had just returned to Heaven-Reaching Peak and, alongside Jiang Yuebai, charged into the battle. The battlefield was inplete chaos, with enchanted tools and unleashing of divine abilities flying everywhere.


    They didn''t dare to recklessly charge ahead and instead advanced steadily and cautiously.


    Initially, both sides had many organized teams. The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect formed sword formations, and Dark King Sect disciples formed soul formations, shing fiercely with each other. However, every time this happened, the stronger cultivator from all sides would lead people to charge into the formation set up by the other team, dispersing the crowds. As the battle dragged on, most fought on their own or in small groups of two or three.


    Previously, Di Nufeng was practically invincible on this battlefield.


    She incinerated enemies with the unstoppable Samadhi True Fire. Enhanced by the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, her simple punches and kicks sent sparks of fire sshing, causing intense damage and easily obliterating swathes of enemies.


    When she was called away to save Chu Liang and headed straight to Sword Sheath Peak, the diabolical cultivators finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Although the Mount Shu Sect had the upper hand, the Four Halls of the Darkness had arge number of people. Besides Di Nufeng, who was clearly a formidable force, it wasn''t easy for the cultivators to kill each other. For a time, a stalemate ensued.


    As the Golden Falcon appeared in the sea of clouds and the beehive emerged from the horizon, the situation on the battlefield changed once again.


    At this point, the forces of the Mount Shu Sect had already fought fiercely to this point. When therge contingents from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery and the Valley of the Three Absolutes joined the battle, the tide immediately turned!


    When the petals of the Dharma Lotus tform unfolded on the back of the Golden Falcon, each petal revealed a monk. As these monks descended, they were enveloped in a seven-colored, zed divine light of the Transcendent Dharma Mirror.


    The Immortal Art of the Buddhist sect, the Transcendent Dharma Mirror, originated from the Dharma Lotus tform. Every disciple of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery descending from the lotus tform carried the effect of the Transcendent Dharma Mirror, whichsted for fifteen minutes!


    How could the Dark King Sect fight against that?


    Bear in mind, though it might seem like a long time has passed, the battle had only been going on for fifteen minutes.


    The Dark King Sectcked physical strength, whereas the monks of Buddhist Cloud Monastery were immune to divine abilities and techniques, impervious to all spells. In an instant, they descended like legendary soldiers from the heavens, throwing the diabolical cultivators into chaos.


    However, despite the powerful divine abilities of the Buddhist sect, theycked a certain killing decisiveness. Although their techniques were grand in scale, they didn''t kill many enemies. The truly ruthless ones were the reinforcements from the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    From the ck, beehive-like enchanted tool emerged a swarm of dark shadows. Upon closer inspection, these were not humans but a massive swarm of ck curse insects, their sinister forms writhing and buzzing with malevolent energy!


    These curse insects specially targeted and devoured the diabolical cultivators,tching on and burrowing into their flesh like bloodthirsty leeches. A few might not have posed a threat, but a whole swarm of curse insects, like a ck cloud, left the already disorganized diabolical sect cultivators even more battered and terrified.


    After a brief pause, the cultivators from the Valley of the Three Absolutes emerged, wielding billhooks, curved sabers, and other weapons that gleamed with a green light, to harvest the enemies. Their strikes were swift and decisive, showing not a hint of hesitation.


    The cold, emotionless gaze in the midst of the bloodshed made the disciples of Mount Shu Sect shudder. These people from the Valley of the Three Absolutes seemed to be more ruthless and savage than the diabolical cultivators.


    Among the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, the Valley of the Three Absolutes was infamous for being both righteous and evil. Their methods were so unorthodox that they could never fit in with the other righteous immortal sects. As a result, they were often secretly mocked as a sect in the criminal world.


    It was fortunate that these people were the allies of the Mount Shu Sect!


    Seeing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but give a thumbs up.


    <i>Buddhist brothers are loyal! Brothers from the Valley of the Three Absolutes are reliable! We have connections in both the righteous world and the criminal world; how can the Dark King Sectpete with us?</i>


    <i>Today''s battle will teach you a lesson: the cultivation of immortality is not just about fighting and killing; it''s about building rtionships!"</i>


    ...


    Of course, no matter how much the Dark King Sect lost on the ground, the final oue of this battle depended on the victory in the sky.


    With the arrival of the Dharma Lotus tform, the momentum of the Ksitigarbha was dramatically suppressed. The sky was now a breathtaking battlefield, split between the golden light and the ck light.


    In the golden light, a magnificent lotus tform emerged. Each lotus petal bestowed the Transcendent Dharma Body upon the disciples beneath it, while the old monk seated at the center gained a divine abilityparable to the Form of the Heavens and the Earth. His body grew infinitely, bing a grand and imposing figure that matched the might of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, perfectlyplementing the grandeur of the lotus tform.


    In face of such a formidable enemy, the old monk slowly uttered, "It¡¯s never toote to mend your ways."


    His voice thundered across the heavens and the earth, resonating like a mighty roar. Almost all the disciples of the Dark King Sect felt an overwhelming urge to retreat. Those with lower cultivation levels even started to contemte abandoning their life of darkness for a peaceful existence in the countryside.


    Under the pressure of the lotus tform, the Ksitigarbha swiftly responded.


    It slowly opened its eyes.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    When the eyes of the Ksitigarbha opened, the sun and moon lost their light!


    In an instant, the southwesternnds were plunged into darkness, and the world was shrouded in an imprable ckness. Amid the murky gloom, Mount Shu stood out, crowned by a massive ck sun rising ominously above it, casting an eerie shadow over thend!


    It was like theherworld!


    As the Ksitigarbha opened its eyes, a colossal ck sun materialized above its head. Beneath this ominous sun, all the disciples of the Dark King Sect felt their cultivation energy and bloodthirsty battle intent surge to unprecedented heights!


    In contrast, the righteous cultivators were overwhelmed by a surge of negative emotions, including disgust, fear, and sorrow.


    This was just the beginning; the ck sun faced the Dharma Lotus tform and suddenly ignited it with ck mes! The ck fire clung to the lotus tform like a poisonous sore burrowing into the bones. Even the few sparks that fell to the ground incinerated everything to ashes, defying all attempts to extinguish them!


    This was the Netherworld True Fire, second in lethality only to the Samadhi True Fire. If the Samadhi True Fire embodied ultimate yang, the Netherworld True Fire would represent ultimate yin.


    Seeing the ck sea of mes spreading, the old monk on the lotus tform slowly pushed out a palm towards the sky.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Hepletely ignored the fire beneath the lotus tform, seemingly unaffected by it. One of the most terrifying mes in the world appeared non-existent to him.


    As he thrust his palm forward, the ck sun in the sky began to tremble and retreat. Where it receded, golden light burst forth, flooding the sky. Amidst the golden brilliance, a radiant, rainbow-like glow emerged, illuminating the heavens with a breathtaking spectacle!


    While the two forces shed, Venerable Wen Yuan did not remain idle. Despite being only at the eighth realm and struggling against an opponent at the eighth-and-a-half realm wielding a legendary artifact, Venerable Wen Yuan still yed a pivotal role that could tip the scales in this epic battle!


    Earlier, he had sealed off the entire area, ensuring that the True Form of Ksitigarbha couldn''t escape. Now, with fingers poised like a sword, Venerable Wen Yuan traced a line in the air from a distance.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    On the bronze-like body of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, which stretched across half the sky, a white mark began to appear on its chest, as if it were being sliced by a sharp de.


    If not for the Ksitigarbha''s indestructible form, even a mountain or an ocean would have been cleaved in two by the force of the attack.


    Even so, this level of damage was not something that the True Form of Ksitigarbha could handle. As it faced Venerable Wen Yuan''s attack, it seemed to show a hint of anger.


    Immediately, it opened its mouth.


    Seeing this, the old monk on the lotus tform''s expression changed. He instantly raised his hand, scattering countless lotus petals to surround and envelop the True Form of Ksitigarbha!


    In the next moment, a deep voice uttered, "Die."


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    Petal by petal, the lotus flowers exploded, and in an instant, thousands of petals scattered and vanished!


    If the Ksitigarbha spoke, the living world would transform into theherworld.


    All living beings who heard this word would perish.


    If this sound reached the ground, aside from a few strong seventh-realm cultivators, neither the righteous cultivators nor the diabolical cultivators would survive!


    This was a price the three righteous immortal sects were absolutely unwilling to pay!


    With Venerable Wen Yuan and the old monk from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, both at the eighth realm, along with the legendary artifact, the Dharma Lotus tform, restraining the True Form of Ksitigarbha was not difficult.


    The battle in the sky also seemed to favor the righteous path.


    ...


    Seeing how the tables had turned and that the Mount Shu Sect had long been prepared, it seemed as though today''s n was on the verge of failure.


    Lu Chengchou''s eyes shed with a ruthless glint. Despite also being at the seventh realm, he did not rush to find an opponent. Instead, he remained hidden and observed the situation for a long time.


    Now, he was finally ready to take action.


    Lu Chengchou leaped high into the air, raised the Heaven Authority Token in his hand, and shouted, "Spirit of Mount Shu, heed mymand!"


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    The Heaven Authority Token emitted a dazzling white light, and the various peaks of Mount Shu began to undergo abnormal changes!


    The aura of life began to flow, and Mount Shu seemed to havee alive! Countless rays of light surged from beneath the sea of clouds, converging into hidden streams that conveyed a profound meaning. These streams intertwined, sketching out an ancient and mysterious enchanted formation!


    The grand formation was activated!


    The Human Authority Token, Earth Authority Token, and Heaven Authority Token, representing the three levels of authority in Mount Shu, were not mere decorations. Among them, the Heaven Authority Token possessed the greatest power, and its most important function was to control Mount Shu''s protective grand formation!


    As an ancient and powerful immortal sect, the Mount Shu Sect naturally had its own protective grand formation. This formation was extremely strong, ranking among the top in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Its foundation was tied to the peaks of Mount Shu and the spiritual veins of the heavens and the earth, enabling it to withstand an eighth-realm cultivator for a short time!


    Historically, Mount Shu''s grand formation had rarely been activated, but each activation left asting impact. This formidable defense was a major reason other sects were hesitant to attack Mount Shu, understanding the significant advantage it conferred.


    However, the world would never know that the Heaven Authority Token of the Mount Shu Sect had been lost for many years. During this time, there was never a need to activate the grand formation, and this secret might have stayed hidden forever.


    It wasn''t until the actual bearer of the Heaven Authority Token appeared. Lu Chengchou knew that Mount Shu could not activate the grand formation, which was why he dared to n this audacious attack.


    Sensing the changes in Mount Shu below, Venerable Wen Yuan frowned.


    Lu Chengchou not only possessed the Heaven Authority Token but also knew the enchanted seal to activate the grand formation, which was unexpected. The activation seal was traditionally passed down orally by each sect leader, so even the descendants of the Lu family were not supposed to know it.


    At this moment, Venerable Wen Yuan had to focus on restraining Lu Chengchou first!


    At least the battle between the Dharma Lotus tform and the True Form of Ksitigarbha was evenly matched. However, if he didn''t stop Lu Chengchou, Lu Chengchou, empowered by the grand formation, would be invincible.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    And things transpired just as he had expected. The grand formation was not used to protect Mount Shu. Instead, Lu Chengchou absorbed all its spiritual energy, transforming into a towering figure shrouded in radiant light!


    The Heaven Authority Token in his hand transformed into a seven-colored legendary sword, exuding divine power like that of a heavenly general!


    Lu Chengchou looked up at the sky and shouted, "Wen Yuan! Every grievance has its cause, every debt its debtor! Today, I will settle this grudge with you! Behold my sword!"


    With that, he gathered all his spiritual energy to wield the seven-colored legendary sword, and a mighty aura rose, covering the sky!


    Just as Venerable Wen Yuan was about to counter, the True Form of Ksitigarbha turned its eyes and pointed a finger at his back!


    At this moment, the True Form of Ksitigarbha was being attacked by the Dharma Lotus tform. Yet, it didn''t care! It shuddered as it endured the strikesing from the Dharma Lotus tform and charged towards Venerable Wen Yuan.


    This startled Venerable Wen Yuan. Compared to the attack from Lu Chengchou, the attacking from the True Form of Ksitigarbha''s attack was more dangerous.


    After all, the power of the seventh realm was still significantly different from that of the eighth realm. Even if someone at the seventh realm could control an eighth-realm power, they would never be able to fully disy the true strength of the Heavenly Origin Realm.


    The True Form of Ksitigarbha, however, was a genuine legendary artifact! Capable of ying cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm!


    The True Form of Ksitigarbha endured a heavy blow just to put Venerable Wen Yuan in a dire situation, forcing him to choose between two threats!


    Venerable Wen Yuan spun around and with a powerful sweep of his hand, tore open a void before him. The True Form of Ksitigarbha''s finger strike mmed into the void, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.


    But the force of those ripples caused Venerable Wen Yuan''s face to pale, clearly showing his suffering.


    At the same time, Lu Chengchou, empowered by the spiritual energy of Mount Shu, swung the legendary sword he had condensed from the seven-colored rays of light.


    But he did not aim the sword at Venerable Wen Yuan!


    Instead, he aimed his strike at a nearby peak.


    This time, he gathered forces from all directions tounch a surprise attack on the Mount Shu Sect with the sole purpose of destroying it!


    But merely killing people indiscriminately wouldn''t suffice to destroy Mount Shu. He had three main objectives!


    The third objective was to eliminate several promising talents of Mount Shu Sect. This way, Mount Shu would have no hope at the next Assembly of Immortal Sects, and would fall from its current ranking among the Divine Nine.


    The second objective was to kill Venerable Wen Yuan, which was a challenging task. Although Venerable Wen Yuan was his greatest enemy and the sect leader of Mount Shu, whose death would undoubtedly deal a severe blow to Mount Shu, it was still only the second priority!


    The first and foremost objective was that serene, green peak in the distance!


    That was the Guardian Peak!

 Chapter 297: Kill Taowu

    <h4>Chapter 297: Kill Taowu</h4>


    At Guardian Peak, the residence of Mount Shu¡¯s celestial beast, Baize...


    The Mount Shu Sect had been a leader of the righteous path for many years, leaving behind a deep legacy. Even though the sect wascking in legendary artifacts now, it still had many things that were considered the best in the world of immortality cultivators. Its guardian celestial beast was one of them.


    Most immortal sects did not even have the patronage of a celestial beast. All the sects in the Divine Nine had guardian celestial beasts, but the Mount Shu Sect''s Baize was definitely among the top celestial beasts and was previously as famous as the Azure Dragon of the Peni Supreme Sect.


    However, ever since the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda went missing, the celestial beast Baize had never appeared again. The Baize youngling was left behind like an orphan.


    There was even some spection in the world of immortality cultivators about whether Baize had disappeared along with the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    At this moment, Lu Chengchou redirected a sword strike that he¡¯d initially aimed at Venerable Wen Yuan toward Guardian Peak instead, taking everyone by surprise.


    Upon seeing that multicolored swordlight flying toward Guardian Peak, Venerable Wen Yuan showed a worried expression for the first time. It seemed that this was an even graver matter than if he had been struck!


    Venerable Wen Yuan even wanted to use Dimension Compression to get over there and block the strike!


    But the True Form of Ksitigarbha did not give him the chance to do that. It swung its giant hand down and sealed off the area, just like Venerable Wen Yuan had done earlier when he feared the True Form of Ksitigarbha would escape.


    Now the tables had turned.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The elderly monk on the Dharma Lotus tform ordered the rainbow light to attack the ck sun. The True Form of Ksitigarbha suffered a heavy blow, but it maintained its seal on the area, keeping Venerable Wen Yuan in ce.


    Thus, with the True Form of Ksitigarbha fighting two opponents simultaneously, the seven-colored swordlight was left unhindered. It struck Guardian Peak, instantly splitting the massive peak in half!


    The split revealed a scene that made everyone''s eyes widen in shock!


    Guardian Peak¡¯s interior waspletely hollow. All it contained was a five-colored translucent irregr spheroid object. It looked like a giant egg!


    The egg took up all of the space in the mountain, and curled up inside it was a white beast, peacefully asleep. Who else could it be but Baize?


    It turned out that the Mount Shu Sect had never lost Baize. Baize had been hiding in this form inside Guardian Peak this whole time!


    What was this? Some special cultivation method?


    The sword strike had split the mountain effortlessly, yet when it struck the egg, it only created ripples on the egg¡¯s surface! A hairline crack eventually appeared on the exterior of the egg, but the egg did not crack open.


    Baize seemed to frown as if it had been disturbed from a deep sleep. It was about to wake up.


    "Shatter that egg!" Lu Chengchou yelled.


    His voice was filled with a sense of tion as if he was about to destroy Mount Shu''s hope!


    A group of the Dark King Sect¡¯s members that had thebat ability of seventh-realm cultivators flew swiftly toward the egg!


    "Don''t let anyone near Guardian Peak!" Venerable Wen Yuanmanded from midair.


    The Mount Shu Sect''s powerful seventh-realm cultivators rose in session, bravely intercepting the Dark King Sect¡¯s members!


    Meanwhile, Venerable Wen Yuan finally broke free from the True Form of Ksitigarbha''s seal. He mmed Lu Chengchou into the ground with one hand.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    This was the wrath of an eighth-realm cultivator. Like Venerable Wen Yuan, Lu Chengchou wielded tremendous spiritual energy, yet he had almost no strength to fight back!


    In a maddening rage, Venerable Wen Yuan pinned Lu Chengchou against the ground!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom</i>¡ª


    Venerable Wen Yuan raised a finger and fiercely pressed it onto Lu Chengchou. Explosions rang out continuously from his glowing body! It was clear that once his armor, which had been formed using Mount Shu''s spiritual veins, dispersed, Lu Chengchou''s death would be imminent!


    Nevertheless, Lu Chengchou didn¡¯t care about that and shouted furiously, "Taowu!!!"


    He didn''t even need to do that though. Taowu¡¯s eyes turned red the moment it saw Baize!


    As an ancient giant vicious beast, it had a very long life, but it hadn¡¯t experienced many critical crises. In fact, there had only been one¡ªwhen it was almost killed by Baize!


    Taowu had never forgotten that!


    Seeing the slumbering Baize now, Taowu let out a deep, enraged roar, "<i>RAAAAR!!!</i>"


    The massive Taowu charged forward!


    "You evil creature, don¡¯t you dare!" the Discipline Master yelled.


    With her right hand, she swung a long, snake-like thorny ck whip. It whizzed as it wrapped around Taowu several times, trying to bind it.


    However, Taowu unleashed power that was far greater than before. Instead of getting held back, Taowu dragged the Discipline Master along with it as it charged forward!


    "Damned beast..." the Discipline Master cursed angrily.


    She swung out an identical thorny ck whip with her left hand. Seemingly alive, the whip coiled toward Taowu¡¯s head, bent its tip inward, and stabbed fiercely!


    Taowu¡¯s skin was tough, and its flesh was dense, but its eyes were vulnerable! The whip pierced through one of the eyes in a split second!


    Simultaneously, Daoist Yan''s swordlight arrived in a sh, along with the Conservation Master''s divine light, the Alchemy Master''s divine fire, and more. All the seventh-realm experts who could spare a hand unleashed their strongest attacks on Taowu, covering it in wounds in an instant!


    Despite that, all the attacks did was make Taowu angrier. They could not stop its advance!


    Taowu was determined to kill its old enemy! It was uncontroble, fierce, and ruthless!


    This was the main reason Lu Chengchou plotted to summon Taowu to Mount Shu; it was all for this moment!


    Armed with countless divine abilities, Taowu was poised to pounce on the cracking egg!


    Inside the egg, the eyelids of the beautiful divine being Baize twitched. It seemed like it would wake with just a little more disturbance!


    Venerable Wen Yuan''s eyes showed the despair he felt.


    <i>It has been the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s source of hope for the past five hundred years...</i>


    <i>Could it be destroyed in an instant?</i>


    ...


    The events urring on Mount Shu were beyond what ordinary disciples could have ever imagined. Even Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were unable to intervene. Genius disciples represented potential¡ªthe future of the sect.


    However, they were still too young and underdeveloped to contribute in terms ofbat power. All they could do was watch everything unfold with shocked expressions.


    When the swordlight cut through Guardian Peak, Jiang Yuebai''s shocked expression turned into one of concern.


    She eximed with rm, "Little Baize!"


    "<i>Ah,</i>" Chu Liang uttered, realizing Jiang Yuebai¡¯s concern.


    <i>The Baize youngling might still be on Guardian Peak! Did the sword strike injure it?</i>


    "I''ll go check!" Jiang Yuebai said, immediately setting off.


    She bypassed the chaotic battlefield to check on the situation at Guardian Peak.


    "Senior Sister Jiang..." Chu Liang muttered worriedly.


    A momentter, he decided to follow her to Guardian Peak.


    However, after flying for just a few zhang, he was suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of heaviness.


    As Chu Liang fell into a daze, he heard a voice in his ear.


    "Kid, don''t make a sound. I''m the Whale Rider Immortal. We¡¯ve met once before."


    Startled, Chu Liang blurted, "Esteemed senior?"


    "Don''t speak out loud. Speak in your mind," the mysterious voice said quickly. "I can''t show myself in public, so I need you to help with something."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang then responded in his mind. <i>What kind of help do you need from me, esteemed senior?</i>


    "It won''t work with anyone else. But you¡¯ve linked up with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, right? <i>Heheh</i>..."


    ...


    Taowu was drenched in blood, and one of its eyes had been gouged out from its massive head. It was unrecognizable, looking like a mountain of flesh after being pelted by blood rain.


    Yet, Taowu still flew toward the giant egg containing Baize.


    Born from the world¡¯s Great Dao of Evil, Taowu had been endowed with extraordinary talents. Even with such grave injuries, it would be able to recover from them with some time. That was why none of its enemies had ever been able to push him into dire straits.


    But this Baize had done just that. Baize had nearly killed Taowu. That left a mark on Taowu that it would never forget! Taowu regarded Baize as its mortal enemy!


    Now, that mortal enemy was sleeping right in front of it. Taowu was about to get its revenge!


    Despite being in immense pain, Taowu ignored it. After all, it knew that all of its injuries would be healed once it devoured its enemy. Taowu¡¯s mind was filled only with the excitement of revenge!


    Taowu opened its mouth wide, baring its fangs!


    Its mouth was its most powerful weapon, capable of crushing mountains in one bite. Taowu could definitely bite off the head of the sleeping Baize!


    Everyone else simply watched from behind.


    Without the ability to stop Taowu, the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s Eminent Ones stood by helplessly, and Venerable Wen Yuan¡¯s eyes filled with despair. Despite being on the verge of death, Lu Chengchou was ted. Meanwhile, the countless disciples of the Mount Shu Sect and the Dark King Sect disciples were left confused...


    Some of the people present might not know why this battle had urred, but at this moment, everyone could tell that the oue of this battle would likely be decided in the next instant.


    The scene seemed to freeze.


    The Mount Shu Sect''s defeat appeared inevitable.


    "<i>Ahhh...</i>"


    There were already people letting out sorrowful gasps.


    It was right at this moment that someone appeared before Taowu. He looked so tiny inparison like a mosquito before a person.


    It was a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect¡ªChu Liang!


    Many of those present recognized him. It seemed quite absurd that Chu Liang was attempting to stop Taowu.


    Yet, at the next second, that tiny figure unleashed a terrifyingly immense force.


    Two vibrant beams of light, one violet and the other azure, flew over from afar and converged above Chu Liang¡¯s head like yin and yang flowing together in the primordial chaos before the world was created[1] They lit up with a burst of divine radiance that belonged to the deities.


    Just a while ago, Chu Liang had attempted the dual swordbination beneath the sea of clouds. At that time, he¡¯d used the meager amount of power he had left and almost killed a cultivator at the pinnacle of the sixth realm, two realms higher than him.


    Now, boundless power flowed within him. It seemed to be borrowed from the heavens and the earth, inexhaustible and endless.


    With the experience of his first attempt, Chu Liang would not fail this time!


    The violet and azure swordlights scattered, instantly forming countless interconnected threads like an ocean of sword qi. This ocean ultimately converged in one ce, creating towering waves of sword qi!


    The glorious disy of sword qi shook the heavens!


    "Evil entity, how dare you attack Mount Shu! Violet and Azure Twin Swords, y this monster and defend our Dao with me!" Chu Liang yelled. "Dual swordbination!"


    1. In one of the more popr Chinese creation myths, the world was created from a formless mass. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 298: The Entire World Will Remember My Name

    <h4>Chapter 298: The Entire World Will Remember My Name</h4>


    Taowu left this world peacefully.


    The celestial beast Baize of the Mount Shu Sect has existed for many years, possessing power equivalent to that of an eighth-realm cultivator. Due to its long umtion of power over time, it was often considered stronger than the current sect leader.


    In the years when talented cultivators rarely emerged, there might not even be an eighth-realm cultivator in an immortal sect. In times like this, the guardian celestial beast with its long-lifespan would be very crucial as they would then take on the role of being the guardian of the sect. The guardian celestial beast existed precisely for this reason.


    Since the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda went missing, the Baize has not appeared again before the eyes of humans. There has been much spection in the world of immortality cultivators, but there has never been a definitive conclusion.


    During the chaos at Mount Shu, even when reinforcements arrived, Baize did not appear.


    This led to many cultivators from various immortal sects believing the spection that Baize had indeed disappeared along with the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    However, now that Baize had reappeared in such a strange dormant state, everyone realized that the spection was incorrect.


    However, because their cultivation levels were not high enough, they could not understand why Baize was in such a state. In fact, they weren''t even familiar with the kind of state Baize was in.


    When the old monk on the Dharma Lotus tform saw this, a sharp glint shed in his eyes.


    "No wonder the celestial beast Baize hasn''t appeared for many years," he murmured with a hint of surprise. "It turns out it was achieving the Perfection of the Great Dao, preparing to break through to the ninth realm. The Mount Shu Sect has been showing weakness for years, but if Baize seeds, it will once again be the leader of the righteous path in the human world!"


    The old monk''s words were still somewhat conservative. Every appearance of a ninth-realm existence had always brought about a reshuffling of the world''s order!


    After all, a ninth-realm existence would be the sole ruler of the world. Aside from the demon god, no other ninth-realm beings recorded in history had ever been overthrown by those of lower cultivation levels.


    This precisely showcased the immense power of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    Only those at the eighth realm could discern Baize''s dormant state. They would know that it was not asleep but present in a small, perfected world within itself. Baize had reached enlightenment in the profound and all-embracing Great Dao, existing in another world ever since.


    This could also be defined as Major Perfection of the Eighth Realm.


    When given the opportunity, it would ascend along with its small world, bing a profound existence at the ninth realm.


    Its state of enlightenment was not the only factor; the death of the previous ninth realm was also crucial in providing this opportunity. Only through the death of a ninth realm could another ninth realm be born.


    However, this did not mean that Baize would immediately take the ce of the ninth realm upon the death of the ninth-realm demon god. After all, it was not the only eighth-realm being on the verge of achieving Major Perfection.


    In some hidden corners of the world, there might be another being on the brink of ascension, lying in dormancy and waiting for the moment of opportunity.


    If the demon god dies, these beings on the brink of ascension would then engage in the fiercestpetition.


    By then, it would be a true battle of the top-tiers, with only the victor reaching the summit while the losers would see all their efforts go to waste.


    However, having one on the brink of ascension in the Mount Shu Sect meant that the sect had gotten a golden ticket. It all made sense now. No wonder the celestial beast Baize had never appeared despite any crisis over the past few hundred years.


    This was a bet on the future!


    This was precisely why Lu Chengchou made Baize his first target. If he could awaken it from its brink-of-ascension state, it would not be able to return to that state easily.


    Inparison, humans might have an advantage. Although their lifespans were much shorter, they achieved enlightenment at a quicker rate, making it easier for them to re-enter the state of being on the brink of ascension. However, for beasts, achieving the state of enlightenment was far more difficult. It could take a hundred or even up to a thousand years for them to re-enter this state.


    However, considering the long lifespan of celestial beasts, they might be given more than one opportunity to fight for the position of the next ninth-realm existence upon the death of the current ninth-realm existence. In this case, humans'' quicker rate of achieving enlightenment could be understood as the universe''s way of maintaining bnce.


    For this reason, if Baize''s brink-of-ascension state were sessfully disturbed, Mount Shu would likely miss the uing great opportunitypletely.


    This would have more serious consequences than heavily injuring Venerable Wen Yuan.


    His intention was purely malicious.


    As Taowu was about to crash into the giant egg containing Baize, threatening to destroy the culmination of hundreds of years of painstaking effort, a swordlight appeared.


    ...


    When Chu Liang unleashed that awe-inspiring sword qi with the dual swordbination, his gaze was exceptionally calm.


    The grander the asion, the calmer he became. Ignoring the countless astonished gazes, he simply needed to do what he had done once before.


    When he tried dual swordbinationst time, he failed. But this time, he would definitely seed.


    As for the massive amount of foundational qi infused within the dual swordbination, that was not his concern.


    There was an immortal art called Longevity of Heaven and Earth.


    Its function was to connect the caster with the recipient, allowing the caster''s foundational qi, blood-stained aura, lifespan, and all their power to be unreservedly transferred to the recipient.


    At certain times, this immortal art was useless, but at other times, its execution seemed almost god-like. For instance, now.


    Although the Whale-Riding Immortal''s location was unknown, an intangible and ethereal channel had already formed between him and Chu Liang. The Whale-Riding Immortal''s true essence flowed like a mighty river, surging through Chu Liang''s body and quickly infusing into the brilliant execution of the dual swordbination.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang could even hear the roaring sound in his meridians!


    This feeling was both incredibly surreal and immensely exhrating!


    How many people in the vast world of immortal cultivators could ever have such an opportunity in their lifetime? To wield the legendary sword ranked seventeenth in the world and freely exhaust the power of a cultivator at the Heavenly Origin Realm.


    And to y the ancient, vicious beast that came into being through the Great Dao!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Taowu''s eyes widened with fury; one eye zed with anger while the other bled profusely.


    This creature was born ferocious and unmatched. Even when facing death, it showed no fear or retreat, but instead opened its bloody mouth wider! If this sword strike could not kill it, it would swallow both Chu Liang and Baize whole!


    Then, the swordlight of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords fiercely shot into its mouth, prating from the mouth to the back of its head! The swordlight then shed downwards, slicing through half of its chest!


    This was the power of a legendary sword!


    Without a legendary artifact, even Eminent Ones at the eighth realm would find it difficult to kill this vicious beast so cleanly and swiftly.


    "<i>Rawrrr...</i>"


    This vicious beast, with its overwhelming aura, emitted intense fighting spirit until its death, as if it wanted to devour even death itself. Then, it fell heavily below the sea of clouds.


    It was like a small meteorite crashing down, causing the ground to shake and the mountains to sway instantly!


    <i>Rumble rumble boom!</i>


    In the next moment, a massive mushroom-shaped cloud of dust erupted from beneath the sea of clouds, rising high into the sky with a thunderous roar.


    A colossal golden apparition emerged with the dust, merging into Chu Liang''s body. Finally, a joyful expression spread across his face.


    <i>Well, this is nice.</i>


    It had been a while since the White Pagoda had opened for business, and Chu Liang never expected the first one in so long to be such a significant kill. Although the rewards presented by the White Pagoda were not entirely determined by the imprinted being''s cultivation level, there was certainly a slight corrtion.


    An imprint of Taowu''s level was something he might never have been able to kill on his own, so he couldn''t help but wonder what incredible reward he might uncover.


    Everyone on the mountain peak and foothills, in the sky and on the ground, watched in awe as Chu Liang appeared out of nowhere and killed Taowu with a single sword strike.


    Everyone was left dumbfounded.


    Those unfamiliar with him might have guessed he was a hidden expert from Mount Shu. However, most of those present had just watched the finals of the Mount Shu Summit and knew that Chu Liang was merely a novice disciple.


    Even if he had some talent, it shouldn''t be to this extent...


    Even if he was recognized as the master by both the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, wait... how did one person be the master of both swords? Right! How did he manage to execute the dual swordbination alone?


    Amidst all the overwhelming shocks, this puzzling detail was just a minor surprise.


    A bigger question was, even with the dual swordbination, how could a fourth-realm disciple possess the foundational qi needed to kill Taowu in one strike?


    Anyone knew that if the foundational qi of a fourth-realm disciple was akin to a bucket of water, the qi needed to unleash this strike was like an ocean!


    The difference was as vast as heaven and earth!


    How did he do it?


    While everyone was still in shock and bewildered, Chu Liang moved once more.


    The dual swords that had justbined remained united. Chu Liang raised the brilliant swordlight high, pointing it toward the sky.


    "No way? He still wants to join the battle above?"


    "But with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, it seems possible..."


    "But he''s just a novice disciple from the Mount Shu Sect..."


    "<i>Hah!</i>" Chu Liang shouted clearly.


    Amid countless incredulous gazes, he swung his sword once more, aiming it at the True Form of Ksitigarbha in the sky!


    <i>With this strike, the entire world will remember my name!</i>

 Chapter 299: Di Nufengs Playground

    <h4>Chapter 299: Di Nufeng''s yground</h4>


    In the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures, the Dharma Lotus tform was ranked eighth, the True Form of Ksitigarbha was ranked tenth, and the Violet and Azure Twin Swords were ranked seventeenth.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, the first ten treasures were typically categorized as tier one, the next ten as tier two, and anything beyond the top thirty fell into yet another tier. Therefore, there was a difference in tier between the Violet and Azure Twin Swords and the top two legendary artifacts.


    However, this did not mean that top-tier legendary artifacts were superior in every aspect.


    Take the second-ranked Seven-Star Sword as an example. Compared to the first-ranked Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, the Seven-Star Sword did not possess the unparalleled power to subdue a ninth-realm existence.


    However, in terms of the destructive power of a single ying technique, the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda fell short whenpared to the Seven-Star Sword, which was crafted solely for the purpose of attacking.


    Therefore, although the Dharma Lotus tform disyed many mystical abilities, its absolute offensive power was indeed slightly inferior to the Violet and Azure Twin Swords.


    This was why the Dharma Lotus tform did not inflict significant damage on the True Form of Ksitigarbha despite having attacked twice in session.


    However, the True Form of Ksitigarbha would not dare to underestimate this sword strike from Chu Liang.


    Due to the suddenness of Chu Liang''s sword strike, the Violet and Azure sword lights zed across the sky like a long rainbow. The True Form of Ksitigarbha had no choice but to hastily raise a palm to block the attack head-on.


    As the True Form of Ksitigarbha raised its palm, a rumbling sound filled the air. Countless chains extended from the void, their metallic clinks growing louder as they were pulled tight. Thousands of sealing forces converged, suppressing Ksitigarbha''s palm with immense power.


    Without the terrifying seal, the true power of the True Form of Ksitigarbha was unimaginable. Could it surpass the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and im the title of the strongest legendary artifact, capable of challenging even the mightiest ninth-realm existences?


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The sword qi collided with the palm of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, and in an instant, a brilliant light surged. For a fleeting moment, the light seemed to freeze.


    With the support from the Longevity of Heaven and Earth, the power Chu Liang unleashed with the legendary sword was almost as powerful as the force needed to y a being at the Heavenly Origin Realm!


    When the light dissipated, an obvious hole could be seen in the palm of the True Form of Ksitigarbha. Although no blood flowed from its body, it was clear that it had been injured!


    After the sword strike, the True Form of Ksitigarbha suddenly looked up and let out a thunderous roar, "<i>Raaaaaar!</i>"


    With this earth-shaking roar, the wind and clouds surged violently, and the ck sun reappeared, casting the world into an abyss of darkness. No trace of light remained as a powerful ck hurricane erupted, sweeping from north to south, engulfing Mount Shu in its fearsome grasp!


    Taking advantage of the brief chaos, the disciples of the Dark King Sect fled towards White-Bone Mountain, the ck whale, and other enchanted mounts, desperately trying to escape!


    The righteous cultivators naturally did not want to let them escape, but in this oppressive darkness, the disciples with slightly weaker cultivation levels felt their souls wavering, constantly at risk of being swept away by the hurricane!


    "Sadhuuuuuuu."


    It was only when the old monk on the Dharma Lotus tform started chanting a Buddhist phrase that everyone¡¯s souls began to stabilize.


    However, those at the seventh realm had no such concerns and pursued their fleeing enemies to their heart''s content.


    Especially at this moment, a burst of fire erupted from the southwest, apanied by an indignant roar. "Devils, don¡¯t you flee!"


    Di Nufeng''s fist, surrounded by purple-gold mes and infused with the crimson-gold blood qi of the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, fiercely struck toward the giant ck whale!


    Fortunately, a nearby azure river surged into a giant wave, forming a towering barrier that blocked the punch.


    The ck whale couldn''t risk picking up more disciples of the Dark King Sect. And so, even before all the men of the Northern Abyss Hall had boarded, the ck whale fled in haste!


    Otherwise, if Di Nufeng''s punch hadnded, even this giant whale, that was as big as a hill, couldn''t withstand it and would likely have been killed by a single blow!


    As for Lu Chengchou, he was pinned down by Venerable Wen Yuan''s palm. His eyes suddenly widened in shock, his mouth opened in a silent gasp, and he froze motionless.


    He seemed dead.


    Venerable Wen Yuan frowned.


    This was a secret technique of the Dark King Sect, which extracted one''s soul!


    With Lu Chengchou under his grip, no one in the world could take Lu Chengchou. Yet, the Dark King Sect directly extracted his soul, which was unexpected.


    Venerable Wen Yuan immediately raised his hand to grab the soul back, but the True Form of Ksitigarbha in the sky took a deep breath, instantly sucking Lu Chengchou''s soul into its mouth!


    Even as this tug-of-war happened, the soul still swiftly flew towards the True Form of Ksitigarbha.


    It was still challenging to fight against the power of a legendary artifact.


    Venerable Wen Yuan frowned again.


    Lu Chengchou had reached the seventh realm of cultivation. If he found a suitable body, he might be reborn. However, for an Eminent One, losing the body they had cultivated in meant that their path of cultivation had been severed.


    At best, he would be like Old Fei, an iplete seventh-realm being who could only impress those below the seventh realm. However, his weakness of being an iplete being would be obvious when facing true Eminent Ones.


    This level of cultivation would no longer pose a threat to Mount Shu.


    What Venerable Wen Yuan truly feared wasn''t his cultivation level, but his identity as a Lu Family descendant and his knowledge of the Mount Shu Sect''s secrets. Having such an enemy around made it impossible to sleep peacefully.


    At this moment, a streak of lightning suddenly shot out from the side!


    The Discipline Master flicked her hand, sending out a ck light that coiled around the soul.


    "Scoundrel, do you think you can escape?" she snarled.


    Lu Chengchou, being in the form of a soul, disyed a look of terror. He screamed, raised his hand, and suddenly tore himself apart!


    With a ripping sound, he ripped off the part of his soul bound below his chest, splitting it into two!


    The small part above his chest flew into the mouth of Ksitigarbha, while therger part was yanked down by the Discipline Master. With a swift, powerful palm strike, she crushed it into stardust!


    Now he was missing most of his soul...


    Even if he survived, he might not even have the power of the fourth or fifth realm.


    Only an Eminent One could show such powerful tenacity. If Lu Chengchou wasn¡¯t at the seventh realm, this tug-of-war would have resulted in his soul being torn apart and scattered into thin air.


    Of course, only the True Form of Ksitigarbha had the power to snatch a soul from the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect. After absorbing Lu Chengchou''s soul, it immediately looked up to the sky.


    With countless chains pulling, in an instant, the giant True Form of Ksitigarbha was dragged into the void.


    Venerable Wen Yuan no longer tried to stop it, knowing that no one present had the power to confine this legendary artifact. Even the Buddhist legendary artifact, the Dharma Lotus tform, which wasn''t particrly adept at killing and fighting, would be ineffective.


    The remaining fragments of Lu Chengchou¡¯s soul as well as the True Form of Ksitigarbha departed.


    Venerable Wen Yuan, whose flow of qi seemed disrupted, immediately looked around.


    The members of the Four Halls of Darkness fled on their enchanted mounts, leaving behind many scattered disciples who couldn¡¯t catch up. Only the ck whale of the Northern Abyss Hall was still present as its escape was dyed by the disruption caused by Di Nufeng.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Venerable Wen Yuan snorted coldly, reaching out his hand to grab something unseen.


    The clouds in the void suddenly coalesced into a massive hand that shot down and grabbed the ck whale, squeezing it firmly.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The massive ck whale exploded in mid-air, its flesh and blood ground into nothing by the crushing force of the clouds, leaving not a speck behind.


    The Northern Abyss Hall of the Dark King Sect waspletely annihted.


    This was the wrath of an eighth-realm expert. Against any existence at the eighth-and-a-half realm, he might seem slightly powerless, but against anything below the Heavenly Origin Realm, it was an unquestionable disy of overwhelming power.


    With the departure of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, the ck sun vanished and daylight was restored. The righteous forces then set about eliminating the remaining disciples of the diabolical sect, cleansing the battlefield of their evil presence.


    The Dharma Lotus tform in the sky emitted a radiant Buddha light, enveloping all of Mount Shu and causing everyone to glow with vibrant rainbow colors.


    This made it impossible for any disciples of the diabolical sect to hide!


    The thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu immediately became Di Nufeng''s yground!


    "Little thing, where are you running!"


    "<i>Hehe!</i>"


    A fiery figure with wings spread wide leaped through the air, leaving intense afterimages. Each zing spark imed an enemy, lighting up the battlefield with relentless fury!


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect and various other immortal sects gradually stopped, not daring to approach or pursue further...


    They were all scared that they might be identally injured. These young disciples had only heard of Di Nufeng''s notorious reputation in Mount Shu but did not realize just how terrifying she truly was.


    After witnessing today''s scene, they immediately understood.


    Di Nufeng was both ruthless and exceptionally skilled atbat. No one would want to encounter an enemy like her!


    Venerable Wen Yuan did not participate in the battle on the ground. Instead, he turned around and pointed towards Guardian Peak with a serious expression!


    Amidst thunderous roars, countless rocks rose from the ground, swirling around Baize''s giant egg and rapidly reassembling into a towering mountain. In the blink of an eye, dense trees grew back on the rocks.


    In an instant, a mountain peak was effortlessly rebuilt!


    ...


    Chu Liang did not participate in cleaning up the battlefield. After killing Taowu with one strike and injuring the True Form of Ksitigarbha with another, he felt the power of the Whale-Riding Immortal withdraw from his body. The moment that happened, Chu Liang experienced an indescribable pain in his meridians, bones, and soul.


    Every part of his body had been forcibly and violently expanded by the immense power, far beyond what his body could endure!


    This was the power of the immortal art, Longevity of Heaven and Earth. Under normal circumstances, even a seventh-realm Eminent One infusing foundational qi into the body of a fourth-realm cultivator would be enough to rupture their meridians and flesh, causing them to explode. It didn¡¯t need to be the power of an eighth realm.


    However, after using the Longevity of Heaven and Earth, Chu Liang only experienced the side effect of full-body pain. This was not entirely bad for him; it served as a valuable learning experience. If he were to control a more powerful force in the future, he would be able to handle it more skillfully.


    He wanted to thank the Whale-Riding Immortal, but he could no longer find him. At this point, Mount Shu was in chaos, a state that would likely persist for some time.


    Chu Liang first spotted Liu Xiaoyu''er in the crowd.


    The young girl was squatting in a corner under the stage, terrified by what had just happened, but luckily she was unharmed.


    Chu Liang felt a wave of relief wash over him, which made him ponder why the safety of a koi fish concerned him so deeply.


    Despite his musings, he knew the situation was still unstable. And so, he decided to send Liu Xiaoyu''er back to Silver Sword Peak.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was still guarding the peak, and Chu Liang couldn''t help but worry if the Golden-Furred Hou might be in danger.


    But what he found was beyond his expectations.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was fine, but their home was gone...


    "I''m so stupid. Seriously..."


    Chu Liang stared at the chaos before him. A quarter of the fruits had been devoured, another quartery uprooted from the garden, and amidst it all, the Golden-Furred Hou slept soundly,pletely oblivious to the destruction surrounding it.


    His gaze was lifeless, his whole body trembled, and his heart ached.


    "I always knew the members of the diabolical sect were evil, but I didn''t expect their bottom line to be so low that they wouldn''t even spare innocent fruits!"

 Chapter 300: The Previous Generation

    <h4>Chapter 300: The Previous Generation</h4>


    Chu Liang sat down for a while and calmed down, letting his heartache dull a little. Then he figured out who the real culprit was.


    The idea that the disciples of a diabolical sect had taken advantage of the attack on Mount Shu to steal some fruits to eat was pretty absurd. Chu Liang thought about it for a moment and concluded that it was very unlikely that had been the case.


    An even more ridiculous possibility was that an eighth-realm cultivator had brought a seventh-realm cultivator to Silver Sword Peak to eat the fruits in secret... But it was highly likely that was the truth.


    After all, there had been stories going around the past few days about an adult and a child robbing people of their berries. It wouldn''t be surprising if they had stolen from Silver Sword Peak today. However, if it were truly those two who had stolen the berries, it wouldn''t really be considered stealing.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had just helped Chu Liang,pletely changing the course of the entire battle. In a sense, it could even be said that the Whale-Riding Immortal had saved Mount Shu.


    Even without that as the reason, the Whale-Riding Immortal was suspected to be Jiang Yuebai''s father... Could Chu Liang really ask the Whale-Riding Immortal to pay for the berries?


    <i>Hmm... Even if I were to ask for payment, it would certainly have to be a discounted price.</i>


    There was one more reason that made Chu Liang certain it was the work of the Whale-Riding Immortal and the little girl¡ªthe Golden-Furred Hou.


    Big Head was now a sixth-realm vicious beast. That meant only Eminent Ones could make it behave obediently. If the thieves were of a lower cultivation level than an Eminent One, the Golden-Furred Hou wouldn''t have been so docile.


    Thinking of the Golden-Furred Hou, Chu Liang shifted his gaze to it and found it lying on the ground, sound asleep. He got the feeling that there was something different about the Golden-Furred Hou.


    Chu Liang used his divine sense to examine the Golden-Furred Hou carefully and found that its aura had gotten denser and the divine light around its body was gentler than before.


    It seemed that the Golden-Furred Hou had made another breakthrough.


    Chu Liang wasn''t sure if it had anything to do with Whale-Riding Immortal, but it was certainly a good thing. Now that the Golden-Furred Hou was stronger, it would be able to do a better job of guarding their home.


    Themotion on Mount Shu continued for another hour before Chu Liang''s teacher returned, enveloped in a ze.


    Di Nufengnded heavily on Silver Sword Peak, sending a loud rumble through the earth.


    Sheughed heartily and said, "How satisfying! It''s been so long since I felt this good."


    The Golden-Furred Hou was startled awake with its fur standing on end. Its eyes flitted around warily, then it quietly slinked away.


    "Esteemed Teacher," Chu Liang called out.


    He had never seen Di Nufeng this happy before, not even during New Year''s. She was so happy that she was practically beaming with joy.


    "You did pretty well, you little rascal. You actually managed toplete the dual swordbination alone. That''s unprecedented in Mount Shu." Di Nufeng grinned, patting Chu Liang''s shoulder. "How did you do it?"


    Chu Liang didn''t mention his dual meridian systems; he just said that both the Violet Sword and the Azure Sword had selected him. He then focused on how the Whale-Riding Immortal had used Voice Transmission and assisted him.


    When Chu Liang returned from his trip to the Immortals'' Marsh previously, he''d told Di Nufeng about his encounter with the Whale-Riding Immortal. So, when he mentioned this person again, Di Nufeng remembered who it was.


    "The Whale-Riding Immortal..." Di Nufeng muttered. "When you mentioned him previously, I didn''t think much of it. But I saw that name in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> after that. His style of doing things is quite familiar... There aren''t many people in the nine provinces who can reach or have the potential of possibly reaching the eighth realm. Moreover, he has attained immortality... Could it really be that guy?"


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Chu Liang uttered, looking up at her. He asked, "Esteemed Teacher, do you know that esteemed senior?"


    "It''s just a guess. Hang on."


    Di Nufeng nced in the direction of Azure Falling Peak. She darted out and then swiftly returned in a sh with a painting. It vaguely depicted a high-spirited young man with beautiful thick hair. He was dressed in long robes and standing with a sword in hand.


    "Is this him?" Di Nufeng asked.


    Chu Liang took a close look at the young man in the painting.


    <i>Perhaps if some bead stubble and that knife scar were added to the young man''s face...</i>


    The young man in the painting truly did look around ny percent simr to the Whale-Riding Immortal. The most striking simrity was the wild look in his eyes.


    <i>People will mature over time, but the light in their eyes will never dim.</i>[1]


    It shouldn''t be difficult for an eighth-realm cultivator to change their appearance. Nevertheless, it was likely the Whale-Riding Immortal probably hadn''t disguised himself as someone else, so Chu Liang was able to confirm quite quickly that the young man in the painting was indeed the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    Chu Liang nodded. "It''s him."


    "As I expected." Di Nufeng grinned. "I knew someone who would help our sect at such a critical time couldn''t have just appeared out of nowhere."


    "Does this esteemed senior have a connection with our sect?" Chu Liang asked curiously.


    Di Nufengughed and answered, "It''s not just a connection. He was a disciple of Falling Waterfowl Peak."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered in astonishment.


    <i>So, it turned out that this was why Senior Sister Jiang''s father had sent her to Mount Shu. However, if he''s Senior Sister Jiang''s father, that means he''s a descendant of the Jiang family.</i>


    <i>Why did he be a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect when his family''s n was still an influential immortal sect?</i>


    "Speaking of this guy, he really is quite legendary," Di Nufeng began. "His name is Jiang Tiankuo, a coteral descendant of the Jiang family[2]. His father died early, and his mother wasn''t a member of the Jiang Family, so the mother and son were outcasts in the Jiang Family. When Jiang Tiankuo was just a young boy, he didn''t want his mother to suffer in silence for the sake of his future, so he joined the Mount Shu Sect on his own, vowing that the Jiang family would one day beg him to return.


    "For thirty years, the Yellow River flows to the east, and for the next thirty years, it flows to the west. Do not treat the youth with disdain just because he''s poor, for times are ever-changing, and you never know what the future holds!"


    "Wow!" Chu Liang eximed in admiration.


    "At the Mount Shu Summit that year, he used some despicable methods to defeat me..."


    Di Nufeng got rather angry as she talked about that.


    Although Chu Liang didn''t know what had happened, he could guess that what his teacher meant by "despicable methods" was probably just Jiang Tiankuo using his brain and strategizing.


    Like Jiang Yuebai, Jiang Tiankuo had a Transcendent Spirit, so he probably had a simrly diverse range of divine abilities and skills in his repertoire. Back then, Di Nufeng had yet to fully develop her Samadhi True Fire, so it''s quite possible she had been outyed and defeated.


    "Butter on, he lost to Yan Zi, and Yan Zi became the head disciple of our generation," Di Nufeng continued. "After that, we represented our sect in the Assembly of Immortal Sects in the capital of Yu.


    "There was pretty much no suspense at all as to whether we were going to win the Assembly of Immortal Sects. After we won, the top painter in the capital painted this just for Jiang Tiankuo," Di Nufeng said, pouting in annoyance. "Back then, he was the most popr disciple in our sect, and half of the youngdies in the capital were his fans."


    Although Di Nufeng didn''t say it outright, her tone wasced with jealousy.


    Chu Liang wasn''t surprised to hear this.


    <i>Daoist Yan was the head disciple, but she kept a very low profile. Meanwhile, Esteemed Teacher is beautiful and a powerful fighter, but she has a coarse demeanor.</i>


    <i>As for Uncle Jiang, he was handsome, cool, and powerful. It makes sense that he was popr.</i>


    Looking at this vivid painting, Chu Liang could imagine just how dazzling the most talented and handsome young man in the capital of Yu had been that year.


    Di Nufeng continued, "Jiang Tiankuo stood out a lot back then. The Jiang Family didn''t have any outstanding young members in his generation, so the head of the Jiang Family personally came to invite Jiang Tiankuo back to the Jiang Family, fulfilling a wish he''d had for a long time.


    "At first, Jiang Tiankuo didn''t want to go back. But the Jiang Family must have offered him some generous terms, including grooming him to be the sessor of the Jiang Family. The terms were so good that even the elders of our sect advised him to return to the Jiang Family. Consequently, he did just that..."


    "Yan Zi was heartbroken for quite some time." Di Nufeng grinned slyly. "She thought I didn''t know, but I knew everything, <i>hehe.</i>"


    <i>Did something happen between Senior Aunt Yan and Uncle Jiang?</i>


    Chu Liang nced toward Azure Falling Peak.


    <i>Senior Aunt Yan has remained unmarried all her life and has even been raising someone else''s daughter...</i>


    <i>If what Esteemed Teacher is saying is true, then Senior Aunt Yan must have loved Uncle Jiang deeply.</i>


    "In the following decades, we didn''t see each other much. After all, the Jiang Family and Mount Shu are quite far apart, and we all had our own things to do," Di Nufeng said with a sigh.


    What Di Nufeng was feeling was probably simr to the feeling of when good friends graduated from school and went their separate ways, seldomly keeping in touch.


    Chu Liang sighed deeply as he mocked his teacher in his mind.


    <i>You all had your own things to do...? Uncle Jiang was working hard for the Jiang Family, and Senior Aunt Yan was focusing on her cultivation on Azure Falling Peak. </i>


    <i>And you? Were you that busy getting drunk every night on Silver Sword Peak?</i>


    <i>All three of you had such bright futures...</i>


    "Thest time we met was probably at his wedding banquet." Di Nufeng recalled the scene with a sheepish grin. "I drank too much and caused a bit of a scene."


    <i>Of course, that means she must have made a pretty big scene...</i> Chu Liang thought.


    Di Nufeng exined, "You can''t really me me. Yan Zi insisted on going to the wedding banquet. When I saw her sitting there, I knew she was definitely feeling really sad, so I couldn''t stop myself from drinking a few more cups of wine than I should have."


    Chu Liang silently continued ridiculing her. <i>Stop making excuses. You caused trouble even when Senior Aunt Yan wasn''t sad...</i>


    "His bride was pretty amazing though. I only met her once, but she left a deep impression," Di Nufeng remarked. "Not long after that, a major event shocked the cultivation world. The Jiang Family was wiped out overnight, reportedly by the mysterious Divine Ruins Monastery. One day, Jiang Tiankuo suddenly returned to Mount Shu and entrusted baby Jiang Yuebai to Yan Zi before vanishing without a trace."


    Chu Liang had heard a bit about the subsequent events from Jiang Yuebai. Her mother had emerged from the Divine Ruins, but the legendary Divine Ruins Monastery had targeted her. Ultimately, disaster had struck the Jiang Family.


    Even until now, Jiang Yuebai had never met her parents.


    Chu Liang asked puzzledly, "Didn''t you say the wedding banquet was thest time you saw him?"


    Di Nufeng shook her head and exined, "When he came to Mount Shu for thest time, I had drunk too much and missed the chance to meet with him."


    <i>Oh, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>I see.</i>


    1. Not true, but I''ll let you have your positivity, dear author. ?


    2. He''s not part of the main line of descendants, i.e. he''s like a rtive as opposed to being part of the immediate family. ?

 Chapter 301: Jiuli Soul Armor

    <h4>Chapter 301: Jiuli Soul Armor</h4>


    With his teacher''s story and what Senior Sister Jiang told him, Chu Liang was able to piece together the life story of the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    In the first half of his life, the Whale-Riding Immortal was as carefree and powerful. He was basically like the protagonist of a novel.


    However, heter married a woman with a mysterious background, which led to the annihtion of his entire family. He then roamed around for reasons unknown¡ªwhether he was seeking to find his wife or avenge his family remained unclear.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang wouldn''t be concerned for a powerful being at the eighth-realm.


    After returning to his small cabin, he immediately sat down eagerly, ready to unbox the reward.


    Recently, he had been preparing for the Mount Shu Summit and participating in consecutive matches, leaving him no time to descend the mountain to y monsters and obliterate devils. Naturally, he had no chance to farm for rewards. After such a long time, he was itching with anticipation.


    Moreover, he killed a big one this time.


    As he entered White Pagoda in his divine sense, he saw a huge golden apparition filling up an entire cell. When Chu Liang approached and pressed the refine button, he unexpectedly felt nervous.


    His heart raced with excitement, and his hands trembled.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    After a sh of dazzling light, a white glow emerged, appearing quite substantial. Information about the valuable item then surfaced in Chu Liang''s mind.


    [Jiuli Soul Armor: A powerful armor imbued with the Battle Soul of an ancient vicious beast. This armor craves blood. Besides its strong defensive capabilities, whenever your attack harms a living being, the attached beast soul can absorb some of the blood-stained aura and use it to restore your strength. Additionally, when someone else''s attack harms you, the beast soul can reflect a portion of the attack back to them. Warning: Do not attack yourself.]


    <i>This is a good reward!</i>


    Upon first nce, Chu Liang immediately knew that this was definitely a good item.


    Armor-type enchanted tools were rtively rare in the world of immortality cultivators.


    Defensive enchanted tools were much rarer than offensive ones because they needed to be wless and cover arge area with enchanted formations. Crafting them required significantly more time and energy than creating offensive tools. Consequently, many artificers chose to focus on enhancing the power of offensive enchanted tools instead.


    Most defensive enchanted tools, like the Green Leaf Umbre crafted by Wen Yulong, provided instant defense, requiring you to activate the enchanted tool when facing an attack.


    Compared to instant defenses, clothing or armor that provided continuous defense was naturally more convenient and practical.


    However, crafting enchanted tools with the function of continuous defense was several times more difficult and posed a significant challenge for artificers. If it weren''t so challenging, such useful items would undoubtedly be widely avable.


    Enchanted tools that provide both continuous defense and additional powers were rare treasures, typically obtained by luck and seldom found.


    The Jiuli Soul Armor before him was such a valuable item.


    Its two effects were extremely enticing. The first was that when the wearer injured another person, the armor would absorb some of the blood-stained aura and strengthen the wearer.


    The effect of the blood-stained aura was likely to enhance strength and replenish vitality. This meant that if Chu Liang attacked others, it would increase his strength, and if he were injured, it would also quickly heal part of his wounds.


    The second effect was even more powerful: when attacked by others, the soul armor would reflect part of the damage back to the attacker. This meant that any attack would result in the attacker getting hurt as well.


    Of course, although this all sounded powerful, the effectiveness still depended on the intensity of the attacks.


    To know how strong the defense of this armor was, a test was needed.


    However, Chu Liang couldn''t hit himself¡ªthis was a stern warning in the Jiuli Soul Armor''s instructions.


    This warning made sense.


    If Chu Liang attacked himself, the first effect would be triggered, absorbing some of his blood-stained aura and restoring his own strength and vitality.


    Simultaneously, the second effect would be triggered, reflecting part of the damage back to the attacker... which would be Chu Liang himself.


    Then the reflected damage would trigger the first effect again, repeating the process over and over.


    Although the intensity would gradually weaken, theoretically, it could continue indefinitely. If Chu Liang didn''t take off the soul armor, he could be stuck in an endless cycle of self-harm for the rest of his life.


    As Chu Liang thought about it, he found it quite amusing. While he was pondering, he heard a loudugh outside.


    "<i>Heheheh!</i> Brother, how are you?"


    ...


    Who else could it be if not Lin Bei?


    Having just gone through a major battle, he waspletely unscathed. The Mount Shu Sect had very few casualties this time, and Chu Liang had already confirmed before returning to his cabin that none of his close friends were injured, which gave him peace of mind.


    After cleaning up the battlefield, Lin Bei was eager to see Chu Liang. After all, anyone who witnessed him wielding the Violet and Azure Twin Swords would be astounded.


    Lin Bei, being a close friend of Chu Liang, naturally wanted to check in on him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve really made a name for yourself now. After today, your name will be known by everyone across the nine provinces and four seas,¡± he said enviously.


    "The force unleashed was from an external source," Chu Liang replied with a smile, not saying much more.


    It was fine for him to talk about the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, but he wasn''t sure if he could tell another soul about the immortal art, Longevity of Heaven and Earth.


    If he told Lin Bei, it was basically akin to telling the entire world.


    Lin Bei was Mount Shu''s unofficial spokesperson, spending his days gossiping with the disciples of various immortal sects in the square at Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Of course, he wasn''t just giving out information; he had also gathered a lot of secrets about the other immortal sects.


    "How did you do it?" Lin Bei asked out of curiosity, which Chu Liang had expected.


    "Let me ask the elders and I will tell youter. First, I need your help with something," Chu Liang said.


    "<i>Uh? </i>What is it?" Lin Bei asked.


    "Hit me," Chu Liang said.


    Lin Bei was so confused.


    As he stared at Chu Liang, his gaze shifted from admiration and envy to shock and confusion, then to hesitation and nervousness...


    He vaguely remembered that not long ago, Chu Liang was a master of the tortoise-shell bondage method. What had he gone through in such a short time to undergo such a transformation?


    Seeing his expression, Chu Liang immediately guessed what was on his mind and said, "I just got a defensive enchanted tool and need your help to test its effect."


    "Oh, I see," Lin Bei clearly heaved a sigh of relief.


    With a thought, the Jiuli Soul Armor appeared on Chu Liang''s body.


    It didn''t appear very tight, and the craftsmanship seemed somewhat rough, resembling thick armor woven from some kind of beast hide. However, the dense blood-stained aura and fiendish qi it emitted were terrifying.


    As Chu Liang infused it with foundational qi, he activated the hidden mode with his divine intent. In an instant, a brilliant sh of radiance enveloped him, and the leather armor disappeared from sight, leaving no trace on Chu Liang''s body.


    Although it became invisible, the heavy feeling of wearing it remained, providing a great sense of security.


    As Lin Bei sensed the aura of the armor, he immediately guessed the origin of the enchanted tool Chu Liang was wearing. This was definitely loot he had obtained from the recent battle with the diabolical sect.


    In this great battle, the members of the diabolical sect fled in disarray, leaving behind their helmets and armor. Despite how poor many of the diabolical disciples might have been, they certainly had some savings. There was bound to be a significant amount of loot.


    Although Mount Shu would collect the loot centrally, some useful enchanted tools might be privately kept by disciples, and the sect wouldn''t mind much.


    Chu Liang reminded him, "Just use a tenth of your strength. This armor will reflect part of the attack back to you."


    "Is it really that powerful?" Lin Bei smiled, gathering a tenth of his foundational qi, and smacked Chu Liang on the shoulder.


    Given Chu Liang''s physical resilience, even without armor, Lin Bei''s smack wouldn''t cause him any injuries, so Chu Liang wasn¡¯t worried about any idents happening.


    <i>Bang! </i>A resounding thud echoed through the air.


    Lin Bei''s palm strikended on Chu Liang, and immediately, a powerful wave-like force surged back with explosive intensity!


    <i>Bam¡ª</i>


    Lin Bei was thrown over ten zhang away, tumbling through the air before finally sitting up.


    "What the heck?" he eximed, still somewhat stunned. "I used a tenth of my strength, but at least seventy to eighty percent of it bounced back. This armor is too powerful."


    While Lin Bei was thrown back, Chu Liang felt a trace of blood-stained aura entering his body.


    However, the effect was not significant. It was likely because the damage to Lin Bei was minimal, resulting in low absorption.


    However, the rebound of the force was a pleasant surprise for him.


    The reason for such a strong rebound was likely because Lin Bei used minimal force. If the force had been greater, the enchanted tool''s effect wouldn''t have been as strong. There must be a limit.


    If this armor allowed a rebound of seventy to eighty percent of every attack, it would mean that not even the top twenty weapons in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures could prevail against it. This was simply impossible.


    He quickly helped Lin Bei up and said, "Because you used minimal force, the proportion of the force that rebounded was high. If you used more force, the proportion of the force that rebounded should be smaller."


    "Really?" Lin Bei asked skeptically.


    "It should be true," Chu Liang said with a smile. He paused for a moment before adding, "Do you want to try again?"


    Lin Bei had just taken a hard fall. He rubbed his sore butt and quickly shook his head. "Let''s not. That really hurt!"


    Before Lin Bei could finish speaking, Chu Liang suddenly noticed a figure behind Lin Bei.


    It was Daoist Yan, who was dressed in flowing white robes.


    At this moment, Daoist Yan, who usually wouldn¡¯t show a change of expression, was looking at the two of them with a puzzled and surprised look. She had likely overheard their conversation.


    Chu Liang jumped at the sight of Senior Aunt Yan. "Senior Aunt Yan, what a surprise! What brings you here? We were..."


    "No need for exnations. You have the freedom to do what you want.¡± Daoist Yan interrupted, shaking her head. "The sect leader wishes to see you. I also have questions, which is why I''vee to inform you personally."


    Chu Liang''s brow furrowed deeply as these thoughts raced through his mind.


    <i>Noooooo! What do you mean you don¡¯t need an exnation? What freedom?</i>


    <i>You can ask any questions, but please, can I at least exin?</i>


    <i>Pleaseeeeeeeeee...</i>

 Chapter 302: Crime Scene

    <h4>Chapter 302: Crime Scene</h4>


    "I was just asking him to help me test the effect of a defensive enchanted tool!" Chu Liang said hastily.


    "Yes," Lin Bei said as he quickly nodded, "We''re just friends."


    <i>Just shut up, bro...</i> Chu Liang felt speechless.


    "Alright," Daoist Yan nodded casually, her expression unreadable. It seemed like she didn¡¯t care about Chu Liang''s exnation.


    Even though Chu Liang felt like crying, he could not shed a single tear.


    If he tried exining further, it would seem like he was trying to hide something. And so, he quickly shifted the topic, asking, "What did you want to ask me, Senior Aunt Yan?"


    Daoist Yan cast a nce at Lin Bei.


    Lin Bei immediately took the hint and said, "I''m a bit tired, I''ll go rest. See youter."


    With that, he swiftly departed, eager to leave behind the awkward atmosphere on the peak.


    Daoist Yan then said to Chu Liang, "I heard you met the Whale-Riding Immortal?"


    "To be precise, I didn''t see him," Chu Liang answered truthfully. "Hemunicated through voice transmissions, exining his n to transfer foundational qi using the immortal art, Longevity of Heaven and Earth."


    "Do you not know where he visited Mount Shu?" Daoist Yan inquired.


    "I..." Chu Liang hesitated briefly, then replied, "I don''t know where he was when hemunicated with me through the voice transmission, but it''s likely that he visited Silver Sword Peak."


    As he spoke, he gestured toward the nearby garden.


    "Here?" Daoist Yan floated over and arrived beside the garden.


    She silently gazed at the garden for a moment, then raised her two fingers, forming hand seals. An ethereal glow emerged from the ground, gradually enveloping the entire garden.


    Only then did Chu Liang realize what she was doing.


    She was executing the Immortal art Shadow of Radiance.


    Jiang Yuebai had once showcased this immortal art on stage. However, back then, she had used it primarily as a potent illusory technique.


    When mastered at its highest level, this immortal art could not only conjure illusions but also recreate scenes that had urred at a location shortly before.


    Among the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, few could master the Shadow of Radiance to such a degree. It was surprising that Daoist Yan possessed such capability.


    The world knew her as a master of swordsmanship, but few were aware of her exceptional skills in illusory techniques.


    This was also due to her typically low profile. Chu Liang had just learned that she was the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect during its golden generation sixty years ago.


    No wonder she was so powerful.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had just left not long ago and Daoist Yan likely wanted to see what he looked like using this method.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    In the blink of an eye, ayer of misty light enveloped the garden, conjuring mirage-like scenes on its surface.


    Daoist Yan''s eyes flickered, her thoughts unreadable, leaving one to wonder what she was anticipating.


    Then she saw...


    A middle-aged woman crept to the edge of the garden with a little boy in tow. Without hesitation, she threw the child out to the garden.


    She then used a divine ability to swiftly harvest arge area of spirit nts, shouting something as she worked.


    She seemed to be instructing the child to eat as much as possible while no one was around.


    The scene was quite absurd, almost surreal in its unexpectedness.


    "..."


    Silence. A long, heavy silence.


    <i>Senior Aunt Yan was essentially helping me recreate the crime scene. I must admit, this technique would be quite effective if used by the authorities to solve crimes.</i>


    After a moment of silence, Chu Liang quickly figured it out. The Whale-Riding Immortal and the little girl were currently wanted by the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, so it made sense that they disguised themselves to enter Mount Shu.


    Especially the way the little girl rushed into the berry field and ate ravenously. Which kid but the little Cataclysmic Ba could do such a thing?


    So Chu Liang began to exin, "The esteemed Whale-Riding Immortal might be in disguise..."


    "I know," Daoist Yan said firmly, "That is him."


    Chu Liang knew that she had not recognized the Whale-Riding Immortal but rather the person she was familiar with¡ªJiang Tiankuo.


    Chu Liang then asked softly, "Senior Aunt Yan, how can you be so sure?"


    "No matter how much a person''s appearance and body change, their eyes, temperament, and aura will never change," Daoist Yan said, her gaze distant, as if she were reminiscing about something from long ago.


    <i>What temperament?</i> Chu Liang stared at the illusion for a while as he pondered.


    <i>All I see is a middle-aged auntie stealing fruits.</i>


    As Chu Liang watched this scene unfold, he felt a little angry...


    However, when he saw the Whale-Riding Immortal petting the Golden-Furred Hou, Chu Liang felt convinced that this Immortal was the reason why the Golden-Furred Hou had shown progress in its cultivation.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal still maintained the same way of doing things. If he took something, he wouldpensate by returning something of higher value. This was equivalent to an exchange.


    Momentster, the two figures, one big and one small, had eaten their fill and packed up half the garden before they disappeared from the scene. It was only then that Daoist Yan withdrew her divine ability.


    Her expression lookedplicated.


    As Chu Liang observed her expression, he understood why she felt this way. If someone had been thinking about a man since their youth and then saw him for the first time in twenty years dressed as a woman and stealing fruits, they would undoubtedly have mixed feelings.


    "I hope you keep everything about this person confidential. If anyone asks how you managed to use the Violet and Azure Twin Swords today, just tell them that the elders of the Mount Shu Sect supported you," Daoist Yan advised in the end.


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement. "Alright."


    ...


    "You''re not looking well, are you?"


    In an elegant room filled with the enchanting melody of a guqin, a young nobleman loungedzily on a couch. He looked at the figure in front of him, and spoke with a flippant inquiry and a tone dripping with mockery.


    The young man, around twenty years old, had red lips, white teeth, thick eyebrows, and a broad face, giving him a handsome appearance. Dressed in a loose-fitting green robe with a loosely tied belt, he rested his head on his hand, looking both leisurely andfortable.


    Behind a folding screen, a musician yed the guqin while two maids attended to him. One massaged his calf, while the other fed him green grapes.


    "<i>Hmph</i>!" A cold snort sounded in front of him.


    Yet, there was no one in front of him. Upon closer look, one would notice a wooden puppet of four-cun height sitting on the table.


    The small puppet had flexible joints and lively features. Upon closer inspection, the face was unmistakably that of Lu Chengchou who was on Mount Shu!


    "<i>Heh</i>," the young noblemanughed and asked, "How did you end up like this?"


    "The n was leaked, and the Mount Shu Sect was ready," Lu Chengchou replied in a low voice. "The Buddhist Cloud Monastery and the Valley of the Three Absolutes came to their aid, and the True Form of Ksitigarbha was blocked by the Dharma Lotus tform. Initially, I activated the grand formation of Mount Shu to temporarily hold off Wen Yuan and give Taowu the opportunity to charge into Baize.


    "But then an annoying kid appeared, wielding the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. He killed Taowu and ruined everything."


    "I told you before, your n wasn''t thorough. With so many people in the Dark King Sect, it''s no surprise the n leaked. How can you expect to achieve anything significant by partnering with those diabolical cultivators?" The young nobleman shook his head, clicking his tongue in disapproval.


    "If they hadn''t helped me, were you going to?" Lu Chengchou snorted irritably. "Do you expect me to gather an army of a hundred thousand with your broken puppets?"


    "Look who''s talking," the young nobleman sneered. "You''re nothing more than a broken puppet yourself right now."


    Lu Chengchou was instantly choked with anger, unable to find a retort, so he simply grunted.


    ¡°It is very heartless of you tosh out at me like this. Among the members of the Celestial Charm Sect, only I would treat you so well, even going through the trouble of carving a body for you. If those short-tempered ones encountered you in this crippled state, wouldn¡¯t they just destroy you outright?¡± The young nobleman chuckled once more.


    After a long silence, Lu Chengchou finally spoke, "While this defeat has been devastating, it does have its silver lining. The revtion that Mount Shu has been hiding Baize will prompt others to attempt its destruction. Although I cannot personally extinguish Mount Shu''s hope, I will at least live to see that day."


    "Why don''t you focus on staying alive until that day arrives?" the young nobleman continued to mock relentlessly.


    "You..." Lu Chengchou gritted his teeth in anger, then said, "Despite my body being destroyed and my soul iplete, I still retained my understanding of Dao. If the higher-ups are willing to assist me, I might return to my peak condition in due time."


    "Keep dreaming," the young noble scoffed, shattering his delusion. "The higher-ups warned you about the demon god''s potential return and advised against attacking the Mount Shu Sect now. Yet, you ignored their counsel and went ahead, colluding with the diabolical sect on your own."


    Lu Chengchou was left speechless by the harsh words, his eyes bulging wide with anger.


    His expression seemed to convey, "Will you only be satisfied if I start crying?"


    "I''m just stating the truth. My advice to you is to not contact the higher-ups at this moment," the young noble said with a shrug. "Your cultivation isn''t what it used to be, and most of the secrets you hold about Mount Shu have been exposed. They might decide to silence you for good... I''m serious."


    His expression grew slightly more serious.


    "No, I still know secrets about the Divine Ruins," Lu Chengchou''s eyes gleamed, conveying his unwillingness to admit defeat. "There''s still a chance for me to turn things around!"


    The young noble nced at him, sighed, and abruptly rose from his seat, making his way to the door. "Someone''s looking for me. I''ll step out for a bit. You can leave once you''re recovered. If you linger here too long, I might end up in trouble with the higher-ups."


    As he stood up, the two beautiful maids beside him froze abruptly. A sudden sh of light passed over them, changing them into human-shaped puppets!


    He pushed open the door, crossed a courtyard adorned with rockeries and flowing water, proceeded through a long corridor, and finally reached the main hall.


    Someone was waiting in the hall. A servant boy stood nearby, offering tea. The person clutched their shoulder where an arm was missing, the wound on the stumppletely ckened. With a very pale face, they were clearly not in the mood for tea.


    Upon seeing the young noble arriving gracefully, the injured person''s spirits lifted. They immediately got up and knelt, pleading, "I have long heard of Young Noble Xunyang''s great name! Today, I came seeking your help!"


    "You lost your arm, didn¡¯t you? Come on, get up," the young noble said with a casual smile. "No problem. I''ll craft you a new arm, guaranteed to be better than the real one."


    "Thank you, Young Noble Xunyang!" the injured person eximed, rising excitedly to their feet.


    "However, ording to the rules..." Young Noble Xunyang said, "You owe me a favor."

 Chapter 303: Di Nufeng and the Others

    <h4>Chapter 303: Di Nufeng and the Others</h4>


    "All of Mount Shu owes you a debt of gratitude this time."


    That was the first thing the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect said to Chu Liang when he arrived at the Boundless Pce on Heaven-Reaching Peak, and it left Chu Liang feeling deeply honored.


    "This disciple dares not ept such gratitude!" Chu Liang immediately replied. "Our sect was in a critical crisis. It''s a given that everyone should give their all. As a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, it was my duty to do whatever I could."


    The corners of Venerable Wen Yuan''s lips lifted into a slight smile.


    Venerable Wen Yuan looked at Chu Liang with a satisfied gaze and said, "Baize is in hibernation to break through to the ninth realm. This is of paramount importance to our sect. We could even say that your ying of Taowu has saved Mount Shu''s great hope for the future. And you were also the first to report the Dark King Sect''s attack, right? It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say you contributed immensely to our victory."


    "I was able to y Taowu thanks to the Violet and Azure Twin Swords and the Longevity of Heaven and Earth. I dare not im the credit for it alone," Chu Liang replied.


    Hearing that, Venerable Wen Yuan looked even more satisfied with Chu Liang.


    As the sect leader of the Mount Shu Sect, Venerable Wen Yuan had the highest ranking status in the sect, so he was usually unaware of the matters regarding young disciples.


    Venerable Wen Yuan''s impression of Chu Liang hadn''t been particrly strong previously. He had known that Chu Liang was an outstanding young disciple, and he had been amazed when he found out Chu Liang was from Silver Sword Peak. Venerable Wen Yuan had found it unbelievable that Di Nufeng had been able to produce such an excellent disciple, but that was about it.


    Nevertheless, after the battle with Taowu, Venerable Wen Yuanmitted Chu Liang''s name to memory.


    "You need not be so modest. Our sect''s victory over the invaders was certainly a collective effort, but you definitely had a huge part in it," Venerable Wen Yuan said, praising Chu Liang without holding back at all. "From now on, the sect will focus on your development, and you will receive the same treatment as the head disciple."


    The Mount Shu Sect''s head disciple enjoyed special privileges, such as unlimited ess to the Hall of Conservation, a monthly stipend of five thousand sword coins, priority ess to important resources, the right to represent Mount Shu at major gatherings of the immortal sects, and so on.


    These privileges were initially only avable to the head disciple Jiang Yuebai. Now that Chu Liang would be given these benefits too, it meant he would be treated the same as the head disciple, with the only exception being that he wouldn''t have the Human Authority Token.


    In other words, it was equivalent to sharing the same position as Jiang Yuebai.


    "Additionally..." Venerable Wen Yuan turned his hand over and took a golden jade talisman out from his storage tool. "I stored the immortal art Shattering the Void in here. If you encounter any danger in the future, just crush the jade talisman, and you''ll instantly be moved a thousand li away. This immortal art cannot be stopped by ordinary means, so it can serve as a life-saving talisman."


    Chu Liang raised his eyebrows in surprise.


    This was a genuine life-saving talisman!


    Chu Liang had be really famous, so going outside the sect now would certainly be different from before. He would likely draw a lot of attention, both good and bad. On Mount Shu, he had the protection of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, so he wasn''t afraid anything would happen. However, he couldn''t take the twin sword with him whenever he went down the mountain. If he were to lose them, Mount Shu would see him as a criminal.


    Consequently, Chu Liang really needed some life-saving treasures.


    People usually had methods to counter ordinary art-storing jade talismans or tracking jade talismans. For example, the shamanic technique Forbidden Ground could prevent these talismans from being used.


    Nevertheless, an immortal art that was stored by a powerful eighth-realm cultivator was different. Unless a cultivator of the same level were to intervene, it was very difficult to prevent the immortal art from being used or interfere with it! That meant Chu Liang would be able to instantly escape to a location a thousand li away no matter when or where he was.


    This was an extremely precious treasure. It was unlikely that the head disciples of the other sects in the Divine Nine would have a treasure like this.


    The reason wasn''t that eighth-realm cultivators thought it was beneath them or that they didn''t have time to store an immortal art for the head disciples of their sects. Rather, the capacity of a jade talisman was limited by the materials that had been used to make it. Consequently, jade talismans that had the capacity to store eighth-realm immortal arts were extremely rare.


    "Thank you, Sect Leader!" Chu Liang eximed, hurriedly epting the jade talisman.


    Venerable Wen Yuan said leisurely, "Now that Baize''s location has been exposed, Mount Shu will inevitably be a target. The days ahead will not be easy. As disciples of our sect, you and your peers may be targeted and attacked when you''re traveling out there. I hope you''re prepared."


    He was quite worried for the young disciples of his sect.


    Venerable Wen Yuan was certain there was a mastermind behind the recent battle at Mount Shu. It couldn''t have been Lu Chengchou. He was merely a pawn; he didn''t have the power or influence to have been able to orchestrate such a grand scheme.


    The mastermind was very likely a cultivator at the same level as Baize.


    <i>The enemy is unknown, but we are exposed. We must stay vignt.</i>


    "Yes!" Chu Liang replied, sounding even chirpier after he received the jade talisman.


    The concerns that the higher-ups of his sect had weren''t for Chu Liang to worry about.


    He''d already been rewarded once today by the White Pagoda, and now he''d gotten another reward from Venerable Wen Yuan. Just these were enough to make him happy.


    ...


    Di Nufeng was probably the happiest person on Mount Shu at present.


    It had been three days since the great battle, and the sect had mostly recovered from the damages. Mount Shu''s peaks had already been restored to their original state.


    However, the aftermath of the battle had only just begun. News of the battle gradually reached all four seas across the nine provinces, shocking everyone in the world of immortality cultivators.


    The Dark King Sect had actually infiltrated during the Mount Shu Summit and brazenlyunched a raid! They killed people, set fires, destroyed buildings, attacked spirit beasts, ambushed prodigies, and plundered from a fruit garden...


    The Dark King Sect hadmitted every evil act conceivable!


    There were battles between the righteous and the diabolical sects every year, but it was rare for there to be a battle on such a grand scale! Inparison, the battle that had urred earlier in the year, during which Immortal Jiuyi had killed the White Silver King, seemed significantly less impressive.


    The day before was the day of the month when Celestial Pivot Pavilion would have usually released the monthly issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. The release had been dyed by a day, so the issue was only distributed today.


    This had happened before. It had usually been because some major event had urred, so they had to change the headliner. As for what major event had disrupted the Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s ns this time¡ªwell, that was obvious.


    The first page of the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces" only had these two words printed on it: <i>Mount Shu!</i>


    This time, Elder Huang had written the entire article about Mount Shu himself.


    Elder Huang had previously promised Di Nufeng that he would write an article full of praise for her to help improve her reputation, so Di Nufeng had been eagerly awaiting this day.


    When the white crane delivered her copy of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, Di Nufeng flipped it open with anticipation.


    Compared to the writing style of the Wind-Catching Hall disciples who had written the previous articles, Elder Huang''s writing style was more casual yet vivid, making the readers feel as if they were on the scene.


    The article was divided into three sections. In the first section, Elder Huang gave a brief ount of the events he''d watched at the Mount Shu Summit a few days ago. He talked about how the Mount Shu Sect had quite a few outstanding disciples in the current generation and that they would certainly uphold the Mount Shu Sect''s great reputation in the future.


    Elder Huang used nearly eight hundred words to describe the Mount Shu Sect''s new head disciple, Jiang Yuebai. He praised her without holding back in the slightest, making it obvious he was a fan of hers.


    The next section featured the highlight of the article, the Dark King Sect''s raid on Mount Shu!


    Before writing the article, Elder Huang had probablymunicated with Mount Shu''s higher-ups, as he did not mention the conversation between Lu Chengchou and Venerable Wen Yuan before the battle broke out.


    Aside from that, Elder Huang gave a meticulous ount of everything that had happened in the battle. It was hard for the readers not to wonder if this old man had done nothing during the battle; they suspected that perhaps he''d simply been standing on the sidelines observing it the whole time.


    There had been many twists and turns during the battle. However, the climax had obviously been when Chu Liang used the Violet and Azure Twin Swords and unleashed the devastating blow that yed Taowu. This tale of a young disciple ying an ancient vicious beast with legendary artifacts was thrilling no matter how it was told.


    Elder Huang then used another five hundred words to praise Chu Liang. He brought this rising star of the Mount Shu Sect, who was rtively unknown to the public, into the spotlight.


    At the end of the article, there was a change in Elder Huang''s tone.


    <i>Speaking of Chu Liang, one cannot help but think of his teacher.</i>


    Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up as she held the gazette, eagerly turning to the next page.


    <i>In this battle, the Mount Shu Sect''s Discipline Master, Weapons Master, Alchemy Master, Conservation Master, and the sect''s peak masters¡ªAzure Falling Peak''s peak master Daoist Yan, Silver Sword''s peak master Di Nufeng, and the others¡ªall made significant contributions to the Mount Shu Sect''s victory.</i>


    The article ended there.


    As promised, Elder Huang praised Di Nufeng¡ªwell, sort of.


    Di Nufeng stared at the words "Di Nufeng, and the others" for a while.


    Then she gritted her teeth and spat out three words.


    "You old scoundrel!!!"

 Chapter 304: Fame Across the World

    <h4>Chapter 304: Fame Across the World</h4>


    The thing that Di Nufeng found even more uneptable was an article in the next section of the magazine, titled "Umon Tales of the Martial World."


    The article mentioned that two Eminent Ones plundered the Golden Vein Berries on Mount Shu during the Mount Shu Summit.


    To investigate, Zhang Xiaohan, a disciple from the Wind-Catching Hall, went to Silver Sword Peak for a special interview, exploring the mysteries of Mount Shu''s Golden Vein Berries.


    She wouldn''t have known if she hadn''t tried to look into this, but what she discovered surprised her greatly.


    This seemingly ordinary fruit had the miraculous effects of enhancing male virility and beautifying females.


    The reason for its miraculous propertiesy in its origin...


    Zhang Xiaohan began the story from "Borrowing an Umbre on the Lake" to "Stealing Fruit From the Mountain of Immortals." Due to space constraints, this exciting "Legend of the Berries" wasn''t fully recounted, with the rest promised for the next issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    Upon reading this, Di Nufeng''s chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes burning with rage. Her inner energy roared, and her qi surged as she released a furious scream.


    The subjects of the article were both on Silver Sword Peak.


    It might have been eptable if her disciple Chu Liang had received a thousand-word feature, but even the berries were given a special interview... in a two-part series.


    And she was only briefly mentioned as "Di Nufeng and the others."


    She was so furious that she felt an overwhelming urge to storm over to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, confront that old rogue, and settle this once and for all.


    Just as she was about to leave, Chu Liang walked in leisurely and asked, "Esteemed Teacher, hmm? Are you going out?"


    "Yes," Di Nufeng said angrily.


    "Teacher, what are you in such a hurry to do?" Chu Liang asked.


    "To beat up an old man," Di Nufeng replied curtly.


    Chu Liang''s eyebrows twitched, and he quickly interjected, "I have something to report. Please, calm down for a moment."


    "Speak quickly, or he might get away," Di Nufeng snapped.


    Chu Liang continued, "I''ve made some significant achievements, and the sect leader has rewarded me with the same privileges as the head disciple. I''ll be receiving a monthly stipend of five thousand sword coins."


    Upon hearing this, Di Nufeng''s attention shifted instantly. She said, "As expected of my disciple! But why are you telling me this specifically? Are you nning to give me a share?"


    "Share?" Chu Liangughed. "Share what? I''m nning to give you all the five thousand sword coins every month as a token of gratitude for the effort you''ve invested in me over the years."


    "Huh?" Di Nufeng''s eyes widened in disbelief. "People always told me that raising a disciple would help provide for old age, but I never believed it. So it''s true?"


    "It''s what I should do as your disciple," Chu Liang said. He paused before adding, "But there''s another matter I need your help with."


    "Just say it!" Di Nufeng''s face lit up at the mention of money, and she cheerfully said, "From now on, let''s treat each other as buddies. Don''t hesitate to ask if you need anything."


    "Since the Mount Shu Summit and the promotion done by <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, our Golden Vein Berries from Silver Sword Peak have be famous. There''s bound to be a surge of curious visitors," Chu Liang exined slowly. "I n to expand the garden and create a picking area where visitors can pick the berries themselves and then buy them at the original price.


    "I''ve arranged for Xiaoyu''er to manage the fruit garden and the Golden-Furred Hou for security," Chu Liang finally got to the point. "But both of them are not very smart, so I would like you to oversee things and protect our property at Silver Sword Peak if anything happens."


    This idea had only urred to him today.


    After reading <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, many Mount Shu disciples came to buy berries, and some wanted to visit the fruit garden to see if it really was as half-destroyed by diabolical cultivators.


    With an increasing number of berries being sold, Xiaoyu''er alone couldn''t keep up with the picking. As publicity from <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> spread, more visitors were expected due to the growing fame.


    Chu Liang thought it would be better to just set up a picking area and let people pick the berries themselves.


    This way, he could save onbor costs and let visitors enjoy the experience. He could even add some activities, such as paying fifty sword coins to skip the queue, eighty sword coins for a lucky koi blessing, or a hundred sword coins to ride the Hou for half an hour while picking berries.


    But he couldn''t be there all the time, and security was a concern. Although the theft of berries that had urred this time did not cause a major loss, it served as a wake-up call.


    One must always guard against theft in the martial world.


    The only person he could rely on at Silver Sword Peak was his teacher.


    Although in terms of intelligence, adding another dumbo to the dumb and dumberbination wouldn¡¯t make much sense. However, in terms ofbat power, having his teacher as the watchdog would be much more reassuring than relying on the Hou.


    Spending five thousand sword coins to hire a seventh-realm Eminent One for security was definitely a profitable deal.


    Certainly, there was also the risk of his teacher causing trouble, so it was preferable for Di Nufeng to be present only during critical incidents.


    This way, he would not have to worry about the security of the Silver Sword Peak.


    Di Nufeng''s gaze showed a rare look offort, as though she had finally met someone who understood her deeply.


    "So you came to me for help because of my wisdom?" she asked.


    Chu Liang nodded emphatically as he said, "Of course!"


    ...


    On a lonely ind in the vast sea, a girl in fiery red clothes stood alone, gazing into the distance. At that moment, a bird arrived, delivering a jade booklet. She raised her hand to catch it, opened it, and read for a moment. Her eyes suddenly shifted as if in surprise.[1]


    "Chu Liang?" she murmured.


    This girl was Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Four Seas Whale Gang.


    After the disappearance of Xu Bashan, the Chief of the Whale Gang, the internal situation of the gang changed drastically. The day of the election was approaching. If Xu Bashan still did not make it back, the position of Chief would undoubtedly go to Jiang Shenting from the Eastern Whale Division. Many were already backing Jiang Shenting, while a few held out hope for Xu Bashan''s return.


    Xu Hongqiu had been tirelessly wandering the West Sea in search of her father. She never lost hope.


    Seeing that familiar name in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, she recalled their brief encounter in Taotie City. That impressive young man, who had left such asting impression, had indeed be famous across the world.


    No matter what, being able to kill Taowu was truly astonishing. The Heaven-Devouring Python, which had swallowed her father and caused his disappearance, was equally vicious and formidable as Taowu!


    ...


    In Sris City located in the Eastern Regions, the noise outside had be lively. Xue Lingxue, dressed in an ice-blue dress with her hair still loose, curled upzily in a chair, looking a bit tired.


    She had just finished a tour performance the previous day and traveled through the night to this ce to support her junior sister, Shen Qingyan.


    Each tour performance for a South Melody Conservatory disciple was as exhausting as a battle that drained their true essence. Afterward, they would be left utterly fatigued in both body and spirit.


    Technically, she and Shen Qingyan werepetitors, but they were also good friends. They supported each other in their performances, showing their fans they were on good terms.


    While waiting, she picked up <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>beside her. As she read, she suddenly noticed a name.


    "Chu Liang..."


    Back then, he had amazed the audience with a brilliant performance just before she started her tour, leaving asting impression on her. She was sure he would achieve fame one day. Could that day have finally arrived?


    ...


    ...


    In the depths of the magma-filled underground, the intense heat charred everything around, turning the surroundings into a zing inferno.


    Suddenly, with a ssh, a sturdy figure leapt out of the magma. He moved through the boiling liquid as if he were bathing, and as the magma rolled off him, he shook his hand and put on his clothes.


    This man had high brows and bright eyes, with a face that seemed carved from stone. Though he appeared young, there was a maturity about him. His cold expression was intensified by the fierce and intense gleam in his eyes.


    He picked up <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> beside him, nced at it briefly, and then casually tossed it into the magma.


    "The Dark King Sect has taken a significant hit. It''s time for Inferno Devil Valley to rise up."


    "Chu Liang..."


    1. This is quite convenient. Regardless of where you are, you will get to read the Seven Stars Gazette that you paid for! What a good ad lolz ?

 Chapter 305: Any Friends Who Visit Shall Will be Welcomed With Fine Wine

    <h4>Chapter 305: Any Friends Who Visit Shall Will be Weed With Fine Wine</h4>


    Seven dayster, the Berry Wondend at Silver Sword Peak officially opened.


    Currently, the Berry Wondend offered a few activities, mainly focusing on berry picking.


    Over the past few days, Chu Liang and his team worked diligently to develop the unused half of Silver Sword Peak. They focused on transnting the dense Golden Vein Flowers into the sparse forest, spacing them out so that one had to walk a few steps to find a stalk of flowers with berries, making the berry-picking experience more entertaining.


    After all, the most abundant resource at Silver Sword Peak was the emptynd.


    They had temporarily stopped selling berries a few days in advance, so that the people who were interested in the purchase coulde pick the berries themselves.


    They also widely promoted this inside and outside Mount Shu, mainly by distributing flyers and posting advertisements at various peaks...


    The day before Berry Wondend opened, Chu Liang was worried the event might not be sessful, so he specifically asked Yun Chaoxian to bring some people from the Great Astral Sect to help. They didn''t need to do anything; they just had to stand there and form a queue, making the event seem more popr than it actually was.


    Yun Chaoxian, being a very loyal and faithful friend, brought a group of brawny men. There were a dozen of them, all muscr and robust, with bulging muscles and strong physiques.


    When Chu Liang saw this, he gave a thumbs-up.


    The brothers at the Great Astral Sect truly exemplified the loyalty and faithfulness of brotherhood!


    He also sent a letter to Xue Lingxue, inviting a somewhat famous musician girl from South Melody Conservatory to perform before the opening of Berry Wondend.


    Xue Lingxue responded with much enthusiasm. If she hadn''t been on tour, she might havee by herself.


    Chu Liang gave another thumbs-up, finding the sisters from South Melody Conservatory reliable as well.


    Of course, Chu Liang paid these people for their help, but without connections, it would be hard to hire them even with money.


    The day arrived quickly.


    The event''s poprity exceeded his expectations. Half an hour before the park opened, the queue was already very long. Many interested onlookers saw the line and quickly called their friends toe early and join, making the crowd grow evenrger.


    Surprisingly, half of the visitors were from other regions, mostly drawn by the allure of the garden that even members of the diabolical sects had risked their lives to steal from. While the Mount Shu disciples were familiar with the Golden Vein Berries, they were very interested in the park, eager to see what new ideas Chu Liang had introduced.


    Seeing the growing crowd, Chu Liang quickly called over the men he had asked to line up as fake customers to boost the event''s poprity. He instructed them to change into security uniforms. The group of muscr men then stood in two rows at the berry wondend entrance, looking imposing and formidable.


    The Golden-Furred Hou, a sixth-realm vicious beast, stood obediently to the left of the entrance to Berry Wondend. It had arge embroidered ball hanging from its chest and it looked a bit dazed. On the right stood the Baize youngling, also with a small red embroidered ball, appearing equally confused.


    "Wee to Berry Wondend. Tickets are ten sword coins per person. Once inside, you pay the regr price for the berries you pick. Today, for the grand opening, everything is half off for the first three days! Please store your enchanted storage tools here and trust the security in this wondend. See the person sitting over there? Know who she is? Good..." Lin Bei said, pointing to Di Nufeng.


    "Everyone exiting Berry Wondend will receive a Koi-Blessing Jade Talisman specially crafted on Silver Sword Peak," Shang Ziliang announced, holding up the finely crafted talisman. "Only 500 are avable for the grand opening. Firste, first served!"


    Someone in the crowd eximed, "Wow, this looks so beautiful! Wearing this will make me look respectable!"


    Chu Liang had roped in his small team to help, and by now, they were so ustomed to his somewhat unconventional methods that they hardly batted an eye.


    Chu Liang had Shang Ziliang charge entry fees outside the park, Lin Bei act as a guide inside, Liu Xiaoyu''er and the young Baize serve as mascots, Lackey A direct people at the information counter. As for Lackey B, he was just reminded not to eat secretly[1].


    Everyone performed their duties enthusiastically.


    As the opening time approached, Chu Liang stepped onto a stage they had set up earlier. Seeing the long queue in front of him, he couldn''t help but feel emotional.


    It seemed that some things would never change, no matter where he was.


    Something that initially had little value can be a popr trend and be praised by many through persistent marketing, packaging, and framing.


    Because human values were not as strong as imagined and were often quite fragile, they could be easily influenced or changed.


    He briefly said a few weing words, and then a red ribbon was pulled open on both sides. His teacher, Di Nufeng, stepped onto the stage to cut it.


    Di Nufeng ascended the stage, looking around with an air of arrogance.


    "This fruit garden is run by my disciple and is the property of Silver Sword Peak. Friends who visit shall be weed with fine wine, but anyone with ill intentions looking to cause trouble..."


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The red ribbon was instantly burned to ashes by a sh of purple-gold me.


    Then she added, "Don''t let me catch you."


    Chu Liang''s eyelids started twitching; it was the first time he had seen a ribbon-cutting done so thoroughly.


    He quickly escorted Di Nufeng off the stage and, with a reassuring smile, called out to the crowd, "No need to be afraid, everyone. As long as no one breaks the rules, my teacher is quite gentle and amiable."


    The crowd looked at Chu Liang, then at Di Nufeng, who was baring her teeth at the Golden-Furred Hou, causing it to tremble in fear. For a moment, they felt doubtful.


    Fearing that any further dy would scare people away, Chu Liang quickly waved his hand and announced, "Berry Wondend is officially open!"


    ...


    Obviously, the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect naturally knew about the Berry Wondend that Chu Liang had set up on Mount Shu.


    It was hard not to notice, with Silver Sword Peak''s flyers almost stered on the windows of Boundless Pce; they were visible everywhere.


    However, the Mount Shu Sect''s regtions had no rules regarding the posting of advertisements, so there was no way to penalize him. The Discipline Master was pondering whether to discuss with the sect leader about drafting a new regtion to maintain the sect''s appearance and prohibit random postings.


    Regardless, Chu Liang had already exploited this loophole.


    It must be said that Chu Liang''s presence on Mount Shu had indeed brought many new challenges to the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect.


    These were minor issuespared to the bigger problem.


    Recently, there was a shortage of sword coins!


    There was already a very healthy cycle of sword coins in Mount Shu. The sword coins functioned like contribution points; disciples wouldplete tasks for the sect and exchange the coins for items within the sect.


    Even if disciples engaged in some trading among themselves, such as the trading of enchanted tools and pills, the coins would eventually be used to purchase items in the sect, keeping the cirction of sword coins undisrupted.


    But Chu Liang basically appeared out of nowhere. Since then, he had been using sword coins purely formercial activities. During the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony, he used some clues to earn tens of thousands of sword coins.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, most of the berries were sold for sword coins, and he also converted other forms of spirit-stone payments into sword coins. Over many days, he amassed anotherrge sum.


    In terms of sword coins alone, almost no peak master among the thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu was richer than him!


    Peak masters had to distribute their sword coins to their disciples, ensuring the cirction of sword coins within the sect. However, Chu Liang, apart from buying a few techniques earlier, had hardly spent any. He had been hoarding the coins.


    For the opening of his Berry Wondend, Chu Liang aggressively promoted sword coin transactions by offering attractive discounts. Cultivators from other immortal sects who wanted to visit first had to exchange their own currency for sword coins at Mount Shu. Even before the wondend officially opened, a significant number of sword coins had been exchanged on Mount Shu.


    Although the sword coin reserves of an immortal sect wouldn''t run out immediately, it was foreseeable that they would eventually be depleted if this continued!


    The Weapon Master, responsible for minting sword coins, was troubled and immediately reported the issue to the higher-ups of Mount Shu.


    "This is sheer nonsense," the Weapon Masterined. "If this continues, how many more sword coins will I have to mint? The number of coins minted in the past ten yearsbined doesn''tpare to the amount needed this year alone."


    The Conservation Master smiled, "This Chu Liang is truly interesting."


    The Alchemy Master shrugged and said, "I can''t do anything about this. Back when Di Nufeng and I had a disagreement, you all sided with her. Now I dare not provoke her."


    Of course, the Alchemy Master was just making a minorint. Given his current rtionship with Chu Liang, he certainly wouldn''t target him like before.


    The Discipline Master pondered for a moment and said, "I''m not afraid of Di Nufeng. I''m just wondering... is this a good thing or a bad thing?"


    Venerable Wen Yuan listened to their discussion and, after some thought, said, "Let him be. Weapons Master, mint more sword coins. If ten years'' worth isn''t enough, mint twenty years'' worth. Increase the allocations for all peak masters by thirty percent, so they can give more to their disciples... except for Di Nufeng''s. Raise prices by thirty percent in the Hall of Alchemy, the Hall of Weapons, the Hall of Conservation, and the Sword Exchange Pavilion. If people from other sectse to exchange their spirit-stone coins for sword coins, let them exchange as many as they want. Then, use those coins to buy resources from other sects."


    "This is excellent!" The Conservation Master was the first to agree. "This way, although therge amount of sword coins in Chu Liang''s possession won''t decrease, the value of sword coins will depreciate. Then, more people from other sects wille to exchange for sword coins, and we can trade the extra minted coins for resources. Essentially, we will be exchanging our spirit-stone coins for their precious treasures of nature!"


    For spirit-stone coins to retain their value, they had to be exchanged for resources. No matter how the situation was viewed, using the extra minted spirit-stone coins to trade for external resources would be a profitable exchange.


    "Brilliant!" The Weapons Master eximed, pping his hands in realization. The impact caused his hand to throb with pain from the ck-iron hand, but he grinned and said, "The trouble started by that kid will actually benefit the Mount Shu Sect greatly! This is truly a blessing in disguise!"


    "Did he really not n this?" the Alchemy Master suddenly asked with a subtle smile on his face.


    "Either way, it''s a good thing," the Discipline Master said.


    "Yes, it''s just a minormotion among the disciples." Venerable Wen Yuan shook his head, not wanting to discuss the matter further. He then turned to the Alchemy Master and asked, "Have you finished interrogating your disciple?"


    At the mention of this, the Alchemy Master''s smile instantly vanished.


    It would be a lie to say there wasn''t a bond with the disciple he had spent years training. The realization that this disciple was a spy hit him hard, filling him with a turbulent mix of sorrow and anger he couldn''t easily shake.


    "He confessed everything," the Alchemy Master replied after a pause. "There is indeed a powerful force behind Lu Chengchou. They were the ones who supported him over the years, gathering the orphans of Mount Shu''s enemies to go against our sect. They provided the resources exchanged with the Dark King Sect. However, Lu Xun never had direct contact with the higher-ups and he only heard Lu Chengchou mention the name of this sect...


    "It''s the Celestial Charm Sect."


    1. LD: LOL someone got caught. ?

 Chapter 306: The Celestial Charm Sect

    <h4>Chapter 306: The Celestial Charm Sect</h4>


    It was September 13th, and it was storming in Sris City.


    Once night fell, the atmosphere by the city gates grew stifled, and the only sound that could be heard was the noisy pitter-patter of the rain.


    A group of people and horses suddenly rushed into the empty main street. Despite theirrge, swift strides, their steps didn''t make a sound.


    They were dressed in ck clothes and ck armor and had long swords hanging at their waists.


    As they moved through the street in the dark of the night, they almost looked like ghosts, barely visible to the naked eye.


    There were many more hazy figures in the sky, indicating the troop''s massive size.


    The fewmps that lit up the street died out in session as the ck-d people passed by. Darkness flooded the area with every step they took.


    Still inplete silence, they eventually arrived at a residence. If a person were to look down at the scene from above, they would see that hazy figures hadpletely surrounded the residence, so much so that nothing would be able to slip out.


    The signboard hanging above the entrance of the residence had been inscribed with one word: <i>Xunyang.</i>


    There were very few among themon folk living in Sris City who did not know of this ce. It was home to the extraordinary Young Noble Xunyang.


    He could carve prosthetic limbs from spirit wood, and he would use his divine abilities to make them indistinguishable from the real thing once they were attached to a person''s body. Moreover, he never charged for this service. He only asked that they do him a favor when he needed one. As for what the favor would be, that would depend on what the person who owed him the favor could do.


    For example, the head chef of The Fragrant Cassia[1] had lost a finger while chopping vegetables. After Young Noble Xunyang gave the head chef a new finger, he asked the head chef to prepare a fine meal for his friends. When Young Noble Xunyang gave Landlord Liu from the east side of the city a new leg, he''d asked Landlord Liu to do a charitable deed¡ªprovide porridge to the poor for three days. Then when Young Noble Xunyang gave a poor farmer outside the city a new arm, he''d just asked for a few cabbages in return.


    Over time, the people of Sris City regarded him as a living Buddha.


    Yet, today, these ck figures surrounded the ce like dark clouds looming over the city. In a sh, they had all raised their sabers, their des glinting in the light!


    Before they could charge in, the residence''s entrance doors creaked ajar on their own, swinging wide open to reveal arge courtyard. Past the courtyard was the main hall, where an azure-robed nobleman was recliningnguidly in a chair.


    "Dear friends outside, where have you alle from?" Young Noble Xunyang asked. "I don''t recall offending anyone."


    "We''re the ck-Clothed Guards from the Night Dragon Hall!"


    The person leading the charge held out a token of a ck-iron coiling dragon.


    Young Noble Xunyang narrowed his eyes as he muttered, "People from the capital of Yu are here...?"


    As the prosperous ruling dynasty of the nine provinces, the Yu Dynasty naturally possessed a force of formidable cultivators. At the very least, that force had to be stronger than all the sects. Otherwise, how could the imperial court intimidate the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten?


    In terms of cultivators, the Yu Dynasty had, of course, the reigning imperial family, the Xia Family. They were an old aristocratic n that was also an immortal sect. There were also the sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten that were aligned with the imperial court.


    The imperial court''s exclusive force of cultivators mainly consisted of three divisions.


    The first division was naturally the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau oversaw all the City Supervisory Divisions of the nine provinces¡¯ major cities and appointed the city supervisors to their respective stations. The bureau also had a group of powerful cultivators on standby in the capital of Yu, ready to be dispatched to handle any seemingly unresolvable issues in the cities.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau was headed by the esteemed Imperial Commanding Supervisor. It received orders directly from the emperor to protect the people of the state, making it the most important division of cultivators in the dynasty.


    The second division was the High Heavens Pavilion, located within the imperial city. It was named the High Heavens Pavilion due to the tagline, "The immortal realm has the High Heavens Hall, and the mortal realm has the High Heavens Pavilion.[2]" The cultivators in the High Heavens Pavilion were idle but powerful. Those willing to work for the imperial court could sign on with the pavilion and receive the generous sry of a government official.


    Unlike the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, the High Heavens Pavilion was not fully subordinate to the imperial court, and the cultivators in this division did not need to constantly be on standby for orders. Rather, they were akin to the imperial family''s honored allies.


    Only top-tier cultivators at the sixth realm and above could be part of the High Heavens Pavilion. Most of them were idle Eminent Ones, so the pavilion only had a small number of members. They had joined the High Heavens Pavilion mainly to express their goodwill toward the imperial court.


    The third division was the Night Dragon Hall. The Night Dragon Hall referred to the ce where the emperor did his work at night. There were imperial guards that had to patrol the imperial city on the outside, so over time, the ones that guarded the inside of the city collectively came to be known as the Night Dragon Hall.


    The first two divisions of cultivators were more loyal and devoted to the state, rather than the emperor.


    Governmental departments like the Imperial Supervisory Bureau existed in every dynasty and worked to defend the human territories. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau was a powerful division, but it was primarily used to protect the state. The emperor couldn''t simply order them to do as he wished.


    Inparison, the High Heavens Pavilion was more flexible in the work its cultivators could take on. Nevertheless, the emperor still could not rely on them for extremely important tasks.


    The Night Dragon Hall was the only division that could truly be considered as the emperor''s private army! They obeyed all of the emperor''s orders unconditionally!


    The imperial city''s inner guards consisted of seven units known as the Seven Guards of the Night Dragon, each with its own duties. The ck-Clothed Guards was one of those units, and they were responsible for infiltration, reconnaissance, assassination, and night raids.


    Whenever people across the Yu Dynasty saw the ck-clothed troops of the Night Dragon Hall, they knew something major had happened.


    The ck-Clothed Guard holding the token continued, "We have discovered surviving members of the Celestial Charm Sect here. Everyone in this residence is under arrest. Any resistance will be met with lethal force!"


    Young Noble Xunyang gasped in shock.


    He furrowed his brows and shouted, "We''re innocent!"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The rumble of an explosion reverberated throughout Sris City in the dead of night.


    ...


    "The Celestial Charm Sect?" Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    After the Heavenly Star Divine Cult split up, one of the factions that emerged was the Celestial Charm Sect. It could be said that the Celestial Charm Sect was the main cause of the split.


    The Celestial Charm Sect''s cultivation legacy specialized in manipting people and causing chaos in the world. The other sects that emerged from the split took root in the martial world, but the members of the Celestial Charm Sect dove straight into the imperial court.


    They concealed their identities and infiltrated the imperial court, the imperial city, and even the imperial harem. They worked in secret to wreak havoc, nearly causing a massive upheaval in the Yu Dynasty. Fortunately, they were suppressed in time. Ultimately, the imperial court and the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten joined hands to hunt down the members of the Celestial Charm Sect.


    The Celestial Charm Sect was brutally purged from the Yu Dynasty. Most of the sect''s members were decapitated; only a few managed to escape. In the years that followed years, any disciples of the Celestial Charm Sect that surfaced were immediately struck down.


    The approach that the Yu Dynasty took to suppress the Celestial Charm Sect was far more intense than the approach it had taken toward eliminating other evil forces. In fact, that approach was even harsher than the methods the Yu Dynasty normally used against diabolical sects.


    The root causey in the Heavenly Star Divine Cult''s cultivation method. They practiced the Heavenly Star Divine Arts, aligning themselves with the celestial bodies[3]. The higher their cultivation level got, the more they had to conform to the nature of the celestial bodies.


    For example, the Celestial King Sect embodied righteousness and solemnity, the Sea King Sect acted freely and without restraint, and the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was an information-spreading machine... There were subtle differences between the disciples of each sect, but they all embodied themon traits of their sect.


    The Dark King Sect was all about cold and ruthless massacres, which was why they ultimately became a diabolical sect. The Seven Killings Star was known for its vicious and cunning nature, so its members were best suited to be assassins.


    However, the harm that the Celestial Charm Sect caused was even greater than that of the Dark King Sect and the Seven Killings Star. That was because their cultivation legacy was meant to bring chaos to the world!


    For the members of the Celestial Charm Sect to achieve their full potential, they had to throw the world into chaos and cause rivers of blood!


    They would be agents of chaos no matter where they went. This was why both the imperial court and the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were extremely vignt against them.


    In Di Nufeng''s words, "If the members of the Celestial Charm Sect infiltrate the imperial court, they''ll be like a stick stirring up shit."


    Therefore, when the Mount Shu Sect discovered that Lu Chengchou had been supported by the Celestial Charm Sect, they immediately announced this news to the world. On one hand, it was to alert the nine provinces to be wary of the Celestial Charm Sect''s resurgence; on the other hand, it was to demonstrate that what Lu Chengchou represented was cunning and evil.


    Mount Shu had won the battle against the Dark King Sect, but the things Lu Chengchou had said had been spread around as well. That caused many people outside the Mount Shu Sect to doubt Venerable Wen Yuan''s character.


    Consequently, Mount Shu released the information about the Celestial Charm Sect to prove that everything Lu Chengchou had said had been to throw the Mount Shu Sect into chaos. That included all the personal attacks on Venerable Wen Yuan. Nothing Lu Chengchou had said could be trusted.


    Additionally, the Mount Shu Sect publicly condemned the Peni Supreme Sect for having assisted Lu Chengchou that day.


    The Peni Supreme Sect immediately exined that Enlightened Bai Lin had merely been trying to keep the situation under control at a time when nothing was certain. Later, when Lu Chengchou colluded with the Dark King Sect and attacked Mount Shu, Enlightened Bai Lin led the Peni Supreme Sect''s troops and killed many diabolical cultivators.


    Of course, this level of bickering wouldn''t lead to much of a conclusion.


    After getting a grasp on the general situation, Chu Liang didn''t think much of it, since such matters weren''t for someone of his level to deal with.


    Now, he faced another problem.


    The Mount Shu Sect had issued more sword coins. That meant his riches were depreciating rapidly!


    1. Chinese cinnamon ?


    2. In Daoism, the High Heavens Hall is the Jade Emperor(ruler of the immortal realm)¡¯s throne hall, where he receives the homage of various deities. It¡¯s likely that¡¯s why the one in the mortal realm is named a pavilion, not a hall. ?


    3. Objects in space likes etc. ?

 Chapter 307: Can It Really Be Given Away for Free?

    <h4>Chapter 307: Can It Really Be Given Away for Free?</h4>


    In Taotie City, which was located in the vast Northern Regions, spirit birds and beasts, auspicious clouds, and rainbow lights converged upon the ancient city, infusing it with boundless vitality. The deste mountains surrounding it only enhanced the city''s prosperity, making its very existence seem like a miracle.


    Two inconspicuous swordlightsnded outside the city gate, joining the line and waiting to enter the city.


    Both were young men: Chu Liang, with his handsome, gentle demeanor and perpetual smile, stood in front, while behind him was Wen Yulong, notable for his paleplexion and elegant bearing.


    "It''s truly bustling," remarked Chu Liang sincerely, as he observed the scene of Taotie City.


    "Yes, treasures from all corners gather here," Wen Yulong said with a nod. "Mount Shu is too far away; otherwise, it would be fun to visit often."


    "When we have our own Taotie City someday, we won''t need to visit others," Chu Liang said.


    "That would be difficult to achieve. After all, Mount Shu Sect is a proper immortal sect," Wen Yulong responded as he pondered. "Even if we be stronger, ourpetitor should be the Peni Supreme Sect instead of Taotie City."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang chuckled and said nothing as he turned to enter the city.


    The two went directly to a shop with a signboard that read "Precious Pill Pavilion." Wen Yulong had helped to contact this ce, which was one of thergest pill shops in Taotie City.


    Since Wen Yulong was more familiar with Taotie City, he hade along with Chu Liang.


    With the diverse requirements and materials needed when crafting tools, Wen Yulong would often visit this store to procure materials.


    The reason they didn''t bring anyone else was that everyone else, including the Golden-Furred Hou, was busy working in the bustling fruit garden.


    Nowadays, Silver Sword Peak didn''t support idlers¡ªevery bite of food was earned.


    As they walked through therge doors of Precious Pill Pavilion, they entered a wide room that wasn¡¯t even the main hall.


    In the center stood a pir wrapped with a dragon, supporting stairs that spiraled up to rooms on different floors, reaching what seemed like over a dozen levels. However, from the outside, the building looked like a simple two-story pavilion, revealing it was much bigger on the inside.


    This was amon trick used by many shops in Taotie City. To make management easier, the city''s officials didn''t allow buildings to be too tall. If there were tall buildings everywhere and cultivators flying high, managing the city would be much moreplicated.


    As a result, some shops that wanted to appear grand would use spatial techniques to create arger interior.


    It was indeed necessary for the shops to look grand. Often, an item wasn¡¯t worth a certain price, but being sold in such an impressive ce made people who didn''t know better think it was.


    When a server approached them, Wen Yulong said to the server, "I have an appointment with Elder Sun[1]."


    "Are you the young heroes from Mount Shu? Please, this way." The server immediately bowed and led the way, and the three of them ascended the cloud stairs to a room on the fourth floor.


    It was a quiet, open-spaced room with smoke swirling around. Inside, an older man with long hair and a beard was making tea. When he saw them enter, he raised his hand and said, "Please, young heroes, sit down."


    "Elder Sun," Wen Yulong and Chu Liang greeted before they sat down.


    "Is this the friend Young Hero Wen mentioned who is interested in buying pills?" Elder Sun asked with a smile.


    "Yes," Wen Yulong replied, "This is my senior brother from Silver Sword Peak of the Mount Shu Sect. His name is Chu Liang."


    "Chu Liang?" Elder Sun''s eyes immediately lit up.


    A person''s name carries weight.


    If this was a month ago, the mention of Chu Liang''s name might have only elicited a nod, with little attention paid.


    But now, after the recent battle on Mount Shu, Chu Liang''s name had be well known throughout all nine provinces.


    "Are you that same Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect who killed Taowu and injured Ksitigharbha all with one strike in the battle against the Dark King Sect?" Elder Sun asked.


    This string of des made Chu Liang smile modestly. "I''m not worthy of such praise; I''m just an ordinary disciple of Mount Shu," he said.


    "Oh my, the Precious Pill Pavilion truly feels honored to gain a visit from Young Hero Chu," Elder Sun said, bing noticeably more polite. "What kind of pills do you need? Our Precious Pill Pavilion has aplete range. Even if we don''t have what you need, we can find it for you."


    Chu Liang replied, "I want to buy Spirit-Concentration Pills."


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Elder Sun froze for a moment. He still smiled, but he leaned back a bit.


    Elder Sun initially thought that Chu Liang, the famous genius, might purchase some valuable, rare pills. However, it turned out he just wanted some fairlymon Spirit-Concentration Pills.


    Elder Sun couldn''t help but feel a bit annoyed with Wen Yulong.


    <i>If you needed Spirit-Concentration Pills, why bother contacting me in advance? You could have just bought them from the staff downstairs, </i>Elder Sunined inwardly.


    Seeing Elder Sun''s expression, Chu Liang could guess what he was thinking and quickly added, "Although I''m just buying Spirit-Concentration Pills, I will be buying a huge amount."


    "<i>Heh</i>, it sounds like you are very diligent in your cultivation," Elder Sun praised.


    Elder Sun naturally didn¡¯t have much hope. No matter how much of a genius Chu Liang was, he was still only a fourth-realm cultivator. Normally, one or two pills a day would suffice. Even if Chu Liang were to consume Spirit-Concentration Pills constantly during cultivation, how many more could he possibly use?


    For an elder of his level, this wasn''t worth his time.


    "If I am buying a huge amount, can I get a discount?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Young Hero Chu," Elder Sun said with a smile, "the pills at the Precious Pill Pavilion have always been of excellent quality. We charge a fair price and never offer discounts. However, if it''s just a few Spirit-Concentration Pills, it''s no big deal. How many do you need? We can give them to you for free. Consider this a gift to celebrate our newfound friendship."


    Elder Sun had a different n in mind. There was no point in giving a discount on a few Spirit-Concentration Pills? They only cost a few sword coins each and they wouldn¡¯t actually make a real profit out of this transaction.


    It would be better to give them away for free and build a good rtionship with this newly famous genius. This would ensure substantial purchases in the future.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang''s eyes lit up and he asked, "Can they really be given for free? I need quite a lot."


    "How many do you need?" Elder Sun sipped his tea with a smile, not believing that Chu Liang would need that many.


    Chu Liang blurted out, "One hundred and fifty thousand."


    "<i>Pfft¡ª</i>" Elder Sun spat the tea water he had just drunk.


    ...


    In the Hall of Conservation, Jiang Yuebai dusted off the rows of tall bookshelves, searching for a specific book. After a while, she finally found the one she wanted to read.


    It was one of a pile of jade books long covered in dust, recording the outstanding disciples of past Mount Shu Summits, usually listing the champion of the recreationalpetition and the top four of the mainpetition.


    In thetest volume, Jiang Yuebai''s own name was recorded at the forefront. The ink on her name was still wet.


    After flipping through for a while, she finally found a volume from five hundred years ago.


    Previously, in the small house beneath the sea of clouds, they found a diary recording secrets about the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. After reading it, Chu Liang felt it wasn''t something he should be concerned with and ced it aside.


    But Jiang Yuebai couldn''t be so carefree. It felt like a restless w in her heart, driving her to uncover the truth of the events of those years.


    Even though the elders had advised her and Chu Liang not to delve too deeply into the matter, as it would be handled by others, she couldn''t let go of anything rted to the Divine Ruins Monastery.


    <i>Does the disappearance of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda really has something to do with that disciple? Did he truly obtain the method from the Divine Ruins Monastery? If so... where did he find the Divine Ruins Monastery? </i>These were the thoughts that kept bothering her, and so she decided to take action.


    The diary didn''t mention the name of the writer, but it wouldn¡¯t be too hard to identify him as it was mentioned in the diary that he had won second ce in the Mount Shu Summit of his generation.


    All the past urrences of the Mount Shu Summit were documented in the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s archives. The Mount Shu Summit from five hundred years ago was particrly noteworthy, as it featured Venerable Wuqi''s famous battle.


    She quickly turned to that page and finally found the name that had piqued her curiosity for a long time. The name was written right after Lu Wuqi.


    "Yan Renjie."


    1. This isn¡¯t the same Elder Sun from chapter 180, who was from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. He also doesn¡¯t seem to be Schr Sun. We¡¯re not sure, but there have been three old men with the surname Sun. ?

 Chapter 308: Training Mission

    <h4>Chapter 308: Training Mission</h4>


    "One hundred and fifty thousand Spirit-Concentration Pills..." Wen Yulong couldn''t help but exim as he stared at the gourds filling the entire warehouse.


    Chu Liang stayed calm, waving his hand to store the Spirit-Concentration Pills into his storage artifact one by one. The warehouse would fill up about two of his storage items, and he had brought four more just in case.


    This scene seemed like an exaggeration.


    Finally, Wen Yulong couldn''t help but ask, "Senior Brother Chu, what are you going to do with so many Spirit-Concentration Pills?"


    What''s the point of purchasing this many Spirit-Concentration Pills?


    Chu Liang smiled slightly and did not answer.


    The exnation would have to start two days ago, when the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect decided to mint more sword coins. When Venerable Wen Yuan made the announcement, most disciples were confused and couldn''t understand the reasoning behind the decision.


    However, when the news was released, Chu Liang sensed that something was wrong.


    It was decided that the thirty-five peaks of the Mount Shu Sect would issue thirty percent more sword coins, and the resources for disciples would also increase by thirty percent. Additionally, the Sword Exchange Hall would raise their pay, and all the halls on Mount Shu would increase their prices by thirty percent. With the price increase, it almost seemed as though the influx of sword coins had be meaningless.


    But this meant that the sword coins that Chu Liang was hoarding immediately depreciated.


    He immediately realized that the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect were targeting him. It happened sooner than he anticipated, but he had expected them to use such methods.


    It seemed that although the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect had never studied economics, they had enough wisdom to quicklye up with countermeasures once they recognized the problem.


    However, Chu Liang also had a well-thought-out contingency n.


    If Chu Liang had been heartless, he could have taken advantage of his market foresight and maderge-scale purchases of pills, spirit nts, and other valuablemodities within the Mount Shu Sect.


    With these items having limited stock, the suddenrge-scale purchase would result in the market bing depleted. With the Mount Shu Sect having issued more sword coins, everyone would have money, which would drive prices extremely high.


    While prices were extremely high, he could release the items in batches at those high prices and umte more sword coins. This would lead to the depreciation of the money held by the Mount Shu disciples. With his ample capital, he would maintain control of the market.


    Of course, by doing so, he could anger the higher-ups and bring about more direct sanctions.


    Even if there were no sanctions, Chu Liang felt reluctant to cause trouble on Mount Shu. After all, no matter how much he could scheme, he was doing it to his own sect, which meant that his fellow disciples would be the ones to suffer in the end.


    Mount Shu was just a small pond, and sword coins were merely like sect contribution points, circting only among the few thousand people in the Mount Shu Sect, with a fixed amount at any given time.


    After ying this game for merely half a year, Chu Liang was about to be the richest person on Mount Shu...


    Once a few more batches of earnings from the Berry Park were settled, he would undoubtedly be the richest. Therefore, there was no point in continuing this struggle with the higher-ups.


    But Taotie City was different.


    Taotie City was the hub ofmercial activities, and its currency was recognized by the entire world of immortal cultivators.


    The amount of spirit-stone coins in cirction was sufficient for over a hundred thousand cultivators. In fact, the current trend showed that the currency was even starting to be used among mortals and ordinary people.


    In some locations,moners were even using Taotie City''s beast coins for transactions involving more expensive items.


    If Mount Shu was a pond, then Taotie City would undoubtedly be an ocean!


    Chu Liang had umted significant capital in the small pond, but in the vast ocean of Taotie City, this amount of capital only barely granted him the qualification to step into the game.


    First, he needed to exchange his sword coins for hard currency.


    The people in Taotie City were willing to exchange various sects'' spirit-stone currencies because they could use them to trade for resources at those sects. If they discovered that the same amount of sword coins could be exchanged for fewer resources at Mount Shu, they would definitely lower the exchange rate.


    Fortunately, the market had yet to react to the changes, allowing Chu Liang to expend arge amount of sword coins before the market realized that their value had depreciated.


    However, he needed to carefully consider the type of hard currency he should choose for the trade.


    The obvious answer was pills. Everyone needed them, making pills the easiest item to sell.


    He could easily spend tens of thousands of sword coins on an artifact or a spirit beast, but it would be difficult to sell them.


    For hard currency, pills such as Qi-Concentration Pills and Spirit-Concentration Pills were the best options. However, the quantity of Qi-Concentration Pills was toorge for him to manage, so Chu Liang set his sights on Spirit-Concentration Pills.


    Spirit-Concentration Pills were usually bought in bulk, which meant that even slightly famous alchemists would never bother to refine these pills.


    Most of the Spirit-Concentration Pills in the Taotie City were really provided by the immortal sects in the Divine Nine.


    Only immortal sects could support a hall forrge-scale pill refinement, like the Hall of Alchemy, which had enough disciples to mass-produce lower-level pills like Spirit-Concentration Pills and sell them to Taotie City''s pill shops for profit.


    Chu Liang had firsthand information that, due to the recent battle at Mount Shu, the Hall of Alchemy was destroyed by Taowu and would take at least twenty days to restore its previous production capacity.


    This meant that the supply of Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City would drop by ten percent for a while.


    Under normal circumstances, this wouldn''t have much impact because there would still be enough supply in the market. But what if someone bought up arge portion of that supply?


    The stock of Spirit-Concentration Pills at Precious Pill Pavilion alone wasn''t enough to meet Chu Liang''s needs. They helped him contact several other pill shops, and Chu Liang ended up buying over half of Taotie City''s supply in one go.


    Due to the bulk purchase, he managed to get a discount. The normal price for Spirit-Concentration Pills was two for one sword coin, but he got five pills for two sword coins.


    He set aside a few thousand sword coins as readily avable assets and invested the remaining sixty thousand sword coins, purchasing a total of one hundred and fifty thousand pills.


    "Junior Brother Wen, please stay in Taotie City for a few more days. I''ll take care of all your expenses," Chu Liang instructed before leaving. "Keep a close watch on the prices of Spirit-Concentration Pills in the city. If the prices start to increase, inform me immediately."


    "Alright," Wen Yulong agreed cheerfully, despite feeling a bit puzzled.


    ...


    Chu Liang returned to Mount Shu with a sense of great satisfaction, having achieved a bountiful harvest.


    He wasn''t worried about the purchase of the Spirit-Concentration Pills being a failed investment. He could always use them himself. The Golden Core Puppet needed three pills daily for training and more during fights. He could save them and use them gradually.


    Shortly after returning to Silver Sword Peak and contemting a visit to the fruit garden, he received an urgent summons from Heaven-Reaching Peak, prompting him toe over immediately.


    Chu Liang rushed over and found Senior Sister Jiang, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao already waiting upon his arrival.


    Jiang Yuebai sat gracefully in the front row, her appearance still radiant, but Chu Liang couldn''t help but notice a slight dullness in her eyes.


    She didn''t seem very happy.


    Xu Ziyang was his usual self, unaffected in demeanor. He stood tall, chest out, head held high, radiating confidence. Since his battle with Chu Liang, he appeared even more determined.


    Ling Ao, on the other hand, had undergone quite a change¡ªhe had trimmed his bangs.


    The grand peak master, Wang Xuanling, sat on top. Upon Chu Liang''s arrival, he gave a slight nod and motioned for him to take a seat.


    "After every Mount Shu Summit, the top four disciples will typically embark on a mission together. It serves as both an opportunity for training and a way to foster teamwork," Wang Xuanling exined once everyone had gathered. "This year, due to recent events, the mission was postponed. Now that the Mount Shu Sect has recovered, it''s time to resume this tradition."


    The disciples understood this tradition well.


    The mission''s purpose was to foster teamwork rather than solely for training. With the Immortal Sect Conference scheduled to take ce next year in the Capital of Yu, the four of them would probably represent Mount Shu, provided nothing unexpected urred.


    They needed to cultivate strong teamwork in order to effectively represent their sect in battle.


    "There''s a suitable mission avable here, so I suggested it to the sect leader as your training mission," Wang Xuanling continued. "Go back and get ready. You will leave at noon tomorrow; don''t bete."


    "Yes!" the four responded in unison.


    After leaving the pavilion, Chu Liang caught Jiang Yuebai''s eye, and they exchanged a knowing nce before heading towards Treasured Pagoda Peak together.


    It wasn''t clear if the top four needed to work on their teamwork, but Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai definitely had a strong bond.


    At their usual spot, Jiang Yuebai sat down gracefully.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, are you feeling unhappy about something?" Chu Liang asked.


    Jiang Yuebai lowered her head and whispered, "Chu Liang... I discovered that the person who may have broken the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda was actually my teacher''s great-grandfather."

 Chapter 309: The Martial World Is Very Unpredictable [End of Book 3]

    <h4>Chapter 309: The Martial World Is Very Unpredictable [End of Book 3]</h4>


    It turned out that after Jiang Yuebai found the name "Yan Renjie," she had searched through the registry of the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s disciples and found no other record of him aside from the fact that he¡¯d had a son and a daughter.


    The lineage of his family continued on from there, eventually leading to a person named Yan Zi. That person was the peak master of Azure Falling Peak, Daoist Yan.


    Jiang Yuebai was rather worried. The fact that her investigation into this matter led her to her teacher meant that her teacher¡¯s great-grandfather might have damaged one of the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s legendary artifacts. Moreover, it also suggested that there was a high possibility her teacher might be a descendant of a half-demon person!


    Even after passing through hundreds and thousands of generations of descendants, demon blood was still demon blood. No matter how little of it had actually been passed down, there was always the possibility that the descendants might transform into demons.


    This discovery didn¡¯t make Jiang Yuebai think any less of her teacher. However, she feared what would happen if this matter were revealed because of her. She didn¡¯t want her teacher to be criticized.


    Nevertheless, it didn¡¯t matter even if Jiang Yuebai kept her lips sealed. There was no doubt that the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect would have made headway in their investigation even faster than she had. Her desire to keep what she had discovered a secret was pointless.


    Now, Jiang Yuebai was weighed down by her guilt.


    "I see..." Chu Liang muttered.


    As he listened to Jiang Yuebai express her worries, he finally understood why Daoist Yan had been able to defeat two monstrous talents of her generation, one with the Transcendent Spirit constitution and the other with the Divine Fire Spirit. If they had a peer with the Xuan Yuan Eyes, the Mount Shu Sect would have had all three mystical abilities of the three great powerful families in the same generation of disciples.


    If Daoist Yan were truly half demon, that would exin how she¡¯d managed to defeat Jiang Tiankuo and Di Nufeng. All three of them were freaks of nature.


    It also exined why Daoist Yan kept a low profile despite being so talented. If this matter were discovered, she would inevitably be subjected to the same strange looks that her great-grandfather had gotten.


    After pondering for a moment, Chu Liang asked, "Have you talked to Senior Aunt Yan about this?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Jiang Yuebai raised her head. "How am I supposed to tell her¡ª"


    "You feel guilty because you think she¡¯ll get criticized because of this, but how does she feel about it?" Chu Liang said slowly. "Ultimately, the effect this matter will have on Senior Aunt Yan depends on how she feels about it. So, you might as well just be honest and upfront with her."


    "You''re right." Jiang Yuebai suddenly stood up. "I''ll go talk to her now."


    She hurriedly walked toward the cave¡¯s entrance.


    Just as she got there, she turned back. "Thank you, Chu Liang."


    Chu Liang smiled softly.


    ...


    Chu Liang was about to head to the fruit garden when he suddenly felt something vibrate in the pocket by his chest.


    He took the item out and found that it was the jade pendant the chamber master of the Ghost-Face Chamber had given him. This jade pendant couldn¡¯t be used formunication; it only contained a preset meeting point. Once the members of the Ghost-Face Chamber received their summon through the jade pendant, the jade pendant would lead the members to gather at the meeting point.


    "This guy isn''t dead yet?" Chu Liang was surprised. "He''s pretty lucky."


    After the recent battle between the Mount Shu Sect and the Dark King Sect, Chu Liang deeply realized just how important a role intelligence yed in a war. Now that he had another opportunity to gain more information about the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s enemy, he set off dly.


    At night, Chu Liang flew straight to the familiar meeting point and saw Ghost Face waiting there with a few of his subordinates. This made for quite a pitiful scenepared to when thatrge group of diabolical cultivators had assembled there previously.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Ghost Face uttered when he saw Chu Liang. "You''re still alive."


    Ghost Face had a strong impression of Chu Liang because of his enthusiasm during the meeting they had before the Dark King Sect attacked Mount Shu.


    "It¡¯s all thanks to your great fortune, Chamber Master," Chu Liang said with his hands cupped together respectfully. "I killed two disciples of the Mount Shu Sect that day, but I was injured and fell into a sea of clouds. After waking up, I struggled to climb out."


    Ghost Face looked surprised.


    "What a coincidence..." Monk Pushan spoke at this moment. "I just reported to the chamber master that I killed three disciples of the Mount Shu Sect that day, fell into a sea of clouds, and struggled to climb out..."


    "It is indeed a coincidence," Luo Yao chimed in. "Before the two of you reported to the chamber master, I reported something simr."


    Chu Liang felt a bit awkward.


    This story... ended up getting repeated. It seemed that it had been raining ck-d diabolical cultivators over the sea of clouds that day.


    Fortunately, Ghost Face did not dwell on this.


    Besides the trio, there was only one other member of the Ghost-Face Chamber. That meant Ghost Face only had four subordinates left.


    Ghost Face said, "We''ve waited for a long time. It¡¯s unlikely anyone else will being. There¡¯s probably only the four of you left in our chamber."


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" the trio sighed in unison.


    The remaining member of the Ghost-Face Chamber thought that was strange.


    He wondered,<i> Why do those three seem to move so synchronously? Am I the odd one out?</i>


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan had joined the Ghost-Face Chamber together, but they didn¡¯t pay much attention to each other. It was the same for thest member of the Ghost-Face Chamber; he hadn¡¯t been been concerned about their backgrounds.


    Ghost Face continued excitedly, "But this might not be bad news. Our sect suffered heavy casualties in that great battle! It''s a time when we¡¯re short on members, which means it¡¯s time for us to get promoted!


    "Our honorable hall master is recruiting guards for the White-Bone Hall, and I''ve been fortunate enough to be selected. From now on, I''ll be the hall master''s bodyguard!"


    "Congrattions on your promotion, Chamber Master!" the trio said in unison.


    "<i>Haha!</i>" Ghost Faceughed. "After I be the hall master¡¯s personal guard, the chamber master position of the Ghost-Face Chamber will be vacant. But I don''t wish for the Ghost-Face Chamber to disband."


    In reality, there was no such thing as interpersonal bonds in diabolical sects. There was already grass growing over the grave of the most loyal member of the White-Bone Hall, General Hei Yu[1].


    Despite bing a guard of the White-Bone Hall, Ghost Face didn''t want to give up having his own troops. That¡¯s why he was talking about not wanting to disband the chamber. The other guards of the White-Bone Hall had done the same. In addition to being the hall master''s bodyguards, they all had a chamber¡¯s worth of troops under their control. That way, they had the manpower to support them when they vied for positions of power within the White-Bone Hall.


    Ghost Face announced, "So, I n to select one of you to take over as the new chamber master so that the Ghost-Face Chamber can continue to exist. With the chamber master¡¯s token, you can recruit more members and expand the Ghost-Face Chamber in the future!"


    <i>He wants to select a new chamber master...? </i>Chu Liang blinked. <i>I¡¯m surprised there¡¯s such a great opportunity.</i>


    Ghost Face grinned. "If you want to be the new chamber master,e up here and talk about your ambitions for the chamber. Then the four of you will vote to select the new chamber master. I think it¡¯s best for you to choose among yourselves."


    Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan exchanged nces. Despite feeling quite surprised, they all nodded in agreement.


    <i>Vote to select the new chamber master... Mm, that was fair.</i>


    "Me!" The lone real member of the Ghost-Face Chamber sprang up. "Chamber Master, I want topete for the position!"


    Consequently, they went through a fair and democratic process of appealing for votes and then having the members cast the votes. Chu Liang was voted the new chamber master of the Ghost-Face Chamber, winning by a margin of two votes.


    The lone member of the Ghost-Face Chamber stood there with his head hung low, wondering where he¡¯d beencking in his speech.


    Ghost Face gave the chamber master¡¯s token to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang smiled, feeling a little bewildered.


    <i>This is truly an unexpected turn of events.</i>


    <i>How did I, a proper disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, end up as a chamber master of the White-Bone Hall?</i>


    <i>The martial world is truly full of uncertainties.</i>


    ...


    ording to the legends of the humans living in the nine provinces, the Far West was a wild, deste, and terrifyingnd of evil. Fire fell from the sky, and ice formed on the ground. Earthquakes and tsunamis ravaged thend day and night. Not even a de of grass could grow in that ce. That was where most of the demons living in the nine provinces had fled to after the demon god had been suppressed.


    Yet, the Far West that Young Noble Xunyang saw was nothing like what the legends described.


    After crossing a high mountain ridge, he saw a city!


    Well, calling it a city might be a bit of an exaggeration. It was more of a veryrge fortified vige. There were no tall buildings or bustling streets and markets. Instead, it stretched continuously over a vast in, seemingly without an end in sight.


    It looked just like a human vige. The demons had dwellings, clothing, a writtennguage... and even agriculture. These demons cared about producing grains and vegetables.


    Young Noble Xunyang looked around and saw huge, bulky demons wearing raggedy clothes and carrying hoes. Some were fully humanoid, while others were partially humanoid. Aside from the few demons who needed to carry heavy objects, all the demons tried to live in forms that were as close as possible to that of a human.


    The demon children, however, were still in their natural form as demonic beasts. Despite looking like little white foxes and ck bears, they were chattering away as they learned the humannguage, making for quite a bizarre scene.


    It was hard to believe that this was the legendary Land of Demons!


    "Shocking, isn''t it? It was the same for me when I first came here," said the man standing in front of Young Noble Xunyang with a gentle smile.


    The man was dressed in a tall hat and a schr¡¯s robes. He had soft facial features, which made him look a little feminine.


    Young Noble Xunyang nodded. "It is indeed astonishing."


    "Not every demon king runs things like this. Among the Seven Great Demon Kings of the Land of Demons, Demon King Qingqiu[2] is the only one who is friendly toward humans and ismitted to developing a civilized society in the Far West," the man in the tall hat exined. "She has been in power for over two centuries. However, that is a short period for demons, so the influence she holds is still quite limited. If she¡¯s given a few more centuries, she might actually be able to have enough influence to help the Far West develop into a state like the Yu Dynasty."


    Young Noble Xunyang remarked, "That¡¯s quite a terrifying possibility."


    The strength of the average demon was far greater than that of the average human. Furthermore, in terms of numbers, the demon race as a whole¡ªwith all the various ns included¡ªwas on par with the human race. However, the difference in their stages of civilization was the main reason the humans had always suppressed the demons.


    In an era when neither race had a ninth-realm Hallowed One, the demons had never been a match for humans. If the demons were to develop a more civilized society and shift their focus from the individual to the collective, then they might truly be incredibly powerful in the future.


    "That¡¯s good for us though. In the Yu Dynasty, we¡¯re criminals that the humans cannot leave alive. But here, we¡¯re Demon King Qingqiu¡¯s honored guests," replied the man in the tall hat as he walked. "She wees anyone from the Yu Dynasty. It doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re criminals or convicts. As long as they can bring knowledge of human culture and change the way of life here, she will ept them."


    Young Noble Xunyang nodded with a smile. "That''s great."


    Despite his words, he still looked rather pale.


    He was thinking about how the ck-Clothed Guards hadunched an attack on his residence and almost captured him the other night. He¡¯d managed to escape, but his identity had been exposed, and the imperial court and the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were putting in full effort to hunt him down. He would have a hard time surviving during this time.


    After making some arrangements, he had fled to the Far West, nning toy low for a while. He had thought the Far West would be full of bloodthirsty demons, but he ended up discovering that it was more like a utopia.


    As the two men climbed over a hill, the man in the tall hat pointed at a slender and alluring figure in a green dress up ahead.


    "Look, that¡¯s Demon King Qingqiu," he said. Then he lowered his voice. "She prefers to meet people alone, so I won''t apany you any further. Remember to be polite. Although Demon King Qingqiu likes to appear as a youngdy, she is still a demon king."


    Young Noble Xunyang nodded. "I understand."


    "Also, the demon king likes to be addressed by her human name," the man in the tall crown added a final reminder. "Her human name is... Caiyi[3]."


    1. In other words, he¡¯s been dead for quite a while now. ?


    2. Her name means "a small green hill." ?


    3. It means "colorful ripple." ?

 Chapter 310: Unnecessary [Start of Book 4]

    <h4>Chapter 310: Unnecessary [Start of Book 4]</h4>


    Shaonan Town.


    The river flowed gently, and the wind carried the scent of osmanthus.


    In the distance, a small boat approached the shore. A young man in a long robe stood at the bow, looking refined as he yed a gentle melody on his flute.


    The flute¡¯s melody was clear and elegant, tugging at the heartstrings.


    Under the osmanthus tree by the river, a shy girl in a peach-pink dress noticed the young man staring at her.


    Immediately, she lowered her gaze shyly. Then, slowly, she looked up again, appearing worried that the young man might not approach her.


    Beneath a night sky filled with sparkling stars, the osmanthus flowers overhead swayed in the breeze.


    The young man''s boat soon reached the shore, and with a gentle step, hended on the bank.


    As he approached, his features became clearer, making him appear even more handsome.


    The girl''s eyes sparkled like stars. As she watched the young man approach, her gaze was filled with both anticipation and nervousness.


    She heard the young man''s footsteps approaching, and they did not disappoint her. With a few quick strides, he stood before her and gently asked, "Miss, did youe here alone?"


    "I got separated from my friends near the bridge," the girl murmured softly.


    "Would you like to apany me for a while?" the young man asked politely.


    "<i>Mhmm...</i>" the girl lowered her head and answered softly.


    Seeing this, the young man smiled and reached up to pick a small twig of osmanthus flowers from the tree above. The tree was especially lush and fragrant, with flowers as white as moonlight.


    The girl lowered her head even further, her neck flushing red, making her look like a shy quail.


    Just as the young man was about to ce the twig of osmanthus flower in the girl''s hair, his gaze shifted past her shoulder to a more graceful figure standing under the nearby woods.


    That figure wore a jade-white long dress, cinched at the waist, entuating her slender figure and full chest. Her skin appeared so clear and fair that it seemed almost transparent.


    At that moment, her ck hair and dress fluttered in the breeze.


    She looked so beautiful that she seemed almost unreal.


    Inparison to the white-d beauty, the gentle and cute girl in front of him suddenly seemed ordinary.


    As the young man caught sight of the girl in white, he fell into a momentary daze, leaving the girl with her head lowered wondering why he hadn''t yet ced the flower in her hair.


    Just then, the white-d beauty suddenly waved at the young man, instantly captivating his soul.


    "Miss, I just remembered something I need to take care of at home. I can''t stay with you right now. Please forgive me, and I promise I''ll apany you next time!"


    The young man suddenly apologized, then lifted his trousers and hurriedly ran towards the beauty under the moonlight, taking long strides to cover the distance quickly.


    "Ah?" The girl was stunned by his sudden change. She turned to see the young man impatiently running with the flower twig towards a distant beauty dressed in white.


    "..." The girl''s delicate features twisted in frustration, and her small chest heaved with anger. After a moment, she finally muttered, "What a jerk!"


    Even though the boy had chosen someone else and she felt abandoned, she had to admit that the beauty was indeed alluring and extremely attractive. Even she herself couldn''t help but steal a few more nces.


    She saw the young man holding the flower twig, eagerly approaching the white-d beauty and saying something to her. The beauty nodded lightly in response.


    Then the beauty turned her head, with her back facing the girl so that the young man could ce the osmanthus twig behind her ear.


    As the beauty turned her head, her eyes suddenly met the girl''s. Despite the distance, her eyes were incredibly bright, allowing the girl to clearly see her gaze. The eyes of the white-d beauty held no pride, but were filled with aforting warmth.


    Her eyes seemed to be saying, ¡°Look... this is the man you liked.¡±


    <i>Wait!</i> The girl''s eyebrows suddenly furrowed.


    As the white-d beauty turned her head in the other direction, the girl should have been looking at the back of her head.


    <i>How am I looking at her eyes?</i>


    A chill ran down the girl''s spine. Could this white-d beauty really have two faces?!


    "Ah..." The girl gasped in terror. She wanted to scream, but before she could, something out of the ordinary urred.


    As the young man ced the flower twig behind the white-d beauty''s ear, he heard her ask softly, "Am I beautiful?"


    "The flower is beautiful, but you are even more so. Together, you are the epitome of beauty," the young man replied without hesitation.


    "You didn''t even look before saying that. You''re just speaking with a silver tongue, so you must be lying," the white-d beauty said softly.


    "Then lift your face and let me see clearly," the young man said with a smile.


    Without hesitation, the white-d beauty lifted her face.


    She still had beautiful features and a lovely face shape, but her skin had taken on a porcin-like texture, marred by ck cracks, resembling broken porcin.


    "Am I beautiful?" she asked, her cracked lips parting to reveal not a tongue but a horrifying, blood-filled void.


    "<i>Ahhhhhh...</i>" The young man''s eyes widened in shock as he instinctively felt the urge to scream and flee.


    But the white-d beauty seized him by the neck, pulling him back, and whispered in his ear, "Tell me, am I beautiful?"


    ...


    "The scenery in Shaonan Town is truly breathtaking," Chu Liang said with a smile. "I didn''t expect the town to be so bustling."


    ¡°Shaonan may be a small town, but it¡¯s close to Osmanthus River, which connects to major transportation routes. Naturally, it¡¯s lively and prosperous,¡± Jiang Yuebai replied with a gentle smile.


    As they strolled through the bustling streets, their presence brought a brief hush to every corner they passed. People paused, unable to resist stopping and staring.


    The well-dressed young man was handsome and graceful, with a smile that felt as refreshing as a spring breeze, giving off a friendly and approachable vibe.


    The girl was even more stunning, as if she was a goddess.


    Jiang Yuebai wore a crisp white sleeved dress, her tall figure perfectlyplementing Chu Liang''s beside her. As they walked down the lively street, she looked like a deity who had descended to the mortal world.


    The two walked side by side, like a perfect match made in heaven, a sight notmonly seen on the streets.


    "Hey?" Chu Liang nced at the sugar painting[1] stall and asked, "Senior Sister Jiang, would you like one? It''s my treat."


    "I''m not a child," Jiang Yuebai said, looking away briefly before turning back. "But if you want one, I''ll get one too."


    "Sure," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He had noticed her ncing at the stall several times, which was why he had asked if she wanted to try it.


    <i>This girl... </i>Chu Liang thought.


    The two approached the stall, where an elderly man skillfully crafted intricate sugar paintings. His grandson was right beside him. The stall showcased an array of finished pieces¡ªdragons, phoenixes, qilins, and spirit nts¡ªeach one remarkably lifelike.


    As Jiang Yuebai approached, the young boy stared at her in a daze, clearly having never seen such a beautiful youngdy before.


    "Old man, we''ll take two sugar paintings."


    "What painting would you two like?" the old man asked warmly, gesturing to a menu of designs. "Anything on this list is avable."


    Chu Liang nced at the menu and suddenly asked, "Can I make it myself?"


    Hearing this, the old man froze momentarily. Then, with a smile, he said, "Young noble, I can''t let you do that. We''ve practiced this craft for many years. If you do it yourself, it would ruin the painting. The one rule that has passed down through the generations is to not waste sugar..."


    "I''ll pay extra."


    Chu Liang didn''t hesitate and pped down a tael of silver, instantly showcasing the wealth of the richest man in Mount Shu.


    Of course, a tael of silver meant nothing to cultivators.


    As the silvernded on the table, the spoon was promptly handed to him.


    The old man was straightforward as well.


    Chu Liang took the spoon and scooped up the syrup. As he gently twirled his wrist, he spread the perfect amount of syrup smoothly in one fluid motion.


    In no time, the syrup cooled and a lifelike sugar painting waspleted.


    He held up the sugar painting, revealing an image of a beautiful woman with flowing sleeves that looked incredibly lifelike. At first nce, it was clear that this sugar painting depicted Jiang Yuebai.


    "Oh my, young master, this skill is something I could never catch up to in my lifetime. It''s magical!" the old man eximed.


    He wasn''t exaggerating. The divine control and physical dexterity of a fourth-realm cultivator were iparable to years of practice by an ordinary person. What would take years for him to master, Chu Liang could grasp in just a few nces.


    "<i>Heh</i>, not bad," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile. As soon as she took the sugar painting, she turned and walked away.


    Chu Liang thanked the old man and followed her.


    The young boy was left in a daze. The old man looked down and said, "See that? If you learn how to make sugar paintings well, you too can find such a beautiful wife."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The young boy''s mouth dropped open in shock.


    Just then, two more distinguished-looking young men walked past the stall.


    One had a straight posture, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes. Dressed in a white robe, he looked both handsome and otherworldly.


    The other wore ck, with deep-set eyes, giving off a colder demeanor. For some unknown reason, he often flicked at the air in front of his left eye as he walked.


    These two were, of course, Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao, the remaining two of Mount Shu''s top four disciples.


    Watching the two figures ahead, Xu Ziyang asked in a deep voice, "Why do you always make meg behind by a few steps with you?"


    "Because if Ig behind by myself, it looks like I don''t fit in," Ling Ao answered coldly.


    Xu Ziyang was puzzled. "Then why do you have to intentionallyg behind at all?"


    "Don''t you feel it?" Ling Ao said, looking at Xu Ziyang. "Whenever you walk beside them, you get this strange feeling about yourself."


    "What feeling?" Xu Ziyang asked.


    Ling Ao coldly spat out a few words, "Like you are unnecessary."


    1. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_painting for more info. ?

 Chapter 311: Ill Take on the Task Too

    <h4>Chapter 311: I''ll Take on the Task Too</h4>


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai walked along the street to the station of the City Supervisory Division in Shaonan Town, only to find that the other two people in their group were missing. As they turned around, they saw Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao trailing far behind.


    "Senior Brother Xu, Senior Brother Ling, why are you walking so slowly?" Chu Liang said with a smile.


    The two behind them were silent for a moment, then Ling Ao spoke up, "Tired from walking."


    <i>What?</i>


    <i>If you¡¯re going to lie, at least make it convincing. This street is so short that the old man selling sugar paintings could push his cart from one end to the other and back again in no time</i>, Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Without further discussion, an officer from the City Supervisory Division quickly came out from the office, greeting them with a smile, "Are you young heroes from the Mount Shu Sect? I am Chen He, the officer of the City Supervisory Division in Shaonan Town."


    "Greetings, Officer Chen," Jiang Yuebai said with a slight bow.


    Since she was the head disciple, she was still the representative and leader when all four of them were outside.


    "Pleasee in, I will exin the strange case in detail," Chen He said as he gestured politely.


    On the way, he roughly exined the situation of the station here in Shaonan Town.


    Despite hiring heroes from the nine provinces, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau still faced a manpower shortage. In general, major cities had a City Supervisory Division led by a city supervisor, with surrounding smaller towns having offices managed by deputy officers dispatched from this division.


    Chu Liang and the others were familiar with Du Ce, the city supervisor from Misty Waters City, and Chen He, the deputy officer under his jurisdiction. So, when something happened, they sought help from Mount Shu again.


    Usually, viges and towns like this wouldn''t have a station.


    However, Shaonan Town, located next to the Osmanthus River, was busier and wealthier than most small towns because it was a major hub for water transportation. And so, a station was set up here.


    Chen He and his brother Chen Luo were the only staff at this station, and both of them were merely at the third realm of cultivation.


    After leading them inside and taking their seats, Chen He sighed with relief and said, "Now that you''re here, I can finally rx. The past two days have been incredibly stressful."


    "Officer Chen, don''t worry. Tell us about the strange case first," Jiang Yuebai reassured him.


    Chen He didn¡¯t waste any time and got right to the point, ¡°Recently, it was the Flower Hairpin Festival in Shaonan Town...¡±


    This beloved festival, a longstanding tradition in Shaonan Town, was celebrated every year in mid-September.


    The Osmanthus River was named for the moon osmanthus flowers that adorned its banks, renowned for being more beautiful and fragrant than any other types of osmanthus.


    Every year, as the moon osmanthus flowers by the river burst into full bloom, the city''s residents would gather by the riverside on clear nights, reveling in the enchanting beauty and sweet fragrance of the flowers.


    During this time, people would partake in the ritual of exchanging flowers. Elders would pin flowers on juniors to symbolize hope and blessings, while juniors would pin flowers on elders to show respect and admiration. Businesses also participated in this tradition by pinning flowers on customers, expressing wee and gratitude.


    The most anticipated event was the flower exchange between young men and women. If a young man fancied a young woman, he would ask to pin a flower on her. If she wasn''t interested, she would politely refuse and avoid him.


    Of course, some brave young women would take the initiative to pin flowers on young men.


    However, this flower exchange didn''t imply anything serious. It was just a way for people to show mutual affection and spend some time together, getting to know each other¡ªa charming tradition for meeting someone special.


    "Even epting the flower doesn''t mean anything," Chen He emphasized. "Shaonan Town is not a ce with loose morals."


    Every year, some outsiders would mistake this as an opportunity for romantic encounters, trying to take advantage of the flower-hairpinned girls, only to face severe consequences.


    But on the opening day of the Flower Hairpin Festival, something unusual happened.


    There were three eerie incidents where pairs of young men and women encountered a mesmerizing beauty dressed in white during the flower exchange. Captivated by her, the young men decided to pin flowers on her hair instead. Soon after, they met a tragic and gruesome death.


    Two of them met unnatural deaths and only one survived because he did not approach the white-d beauty.


    "Hold on..." Chu Liang picked up on the crucial detail. "Was the third man spared because he didn''t abandon the person he chose in the beginning?"


    "Not exactly," Chen He rified. "Last night, just as he was about to approach the ghost, my brother intervened. We were patrolling by the river when my brother spotted the ghost and engaged her in a brief fight, ultimately saving the third victim."


    Jiang Yuebai looked around and asked, "By the way, where is your brother now?"


    "He''s bedridden now," Chen He said.


    <i>Oh.</i>


    <i>No wonder they asked for help.</i>


    ...


    The news of the haunting over the past two days couldn''t be kept secret, and the number of people visiting the river had drastically decreased. No matter how ceremonious the Flower Hairpin Festival was, it couldn''tpare to the importance of life.


    There were still a few people wandering around, perhaps those who hadn''t heard the news, but upon seeing the empty streets, they quickly went home.


    Xu Ziyang sat upright on a rooftop by the river, carefully scanning the surroundings.


    Across the river, hidden in the darkness of a dense treetop, Ling Ao, dressed in ck, kept watch.


    The female ghost would only appear when a man was about to pin a flower on a woman, suggesting she might have a lingering grudge about such situations. If she were an ordinary evil entity, her ability to defeat a third-realm cultivator would indicate considerable power, and she wouldn''t behave in such a repetitive and predictable manner.


    But based on the description, the female ghost should be a vengeful spirit, which meant that things were different.


    Vengeful spirits, no matter how powerful, were driven by their lingering grudges. Whenever they witnessed a scene that reminded them of their grievances from life, they would appear.


    But at that moment, with so few people on the streets, the female ghost couldn¡¯t possibly appear.


    As evening fell, they devised a n: two of them would disguise themselves as a young couple, romantically pinning flowers, in a bold attempt to lure out the vengeful spirit.


    There was no debate about who would y the girl; there was only one female member on the team.


    Fairy Jiang was the perfect choice.


    As for the boy, there were three candidates. Chu Liangughed and said, "Why not let the head disciple choose one of us to be her partner?"


    Jiang Yuebai pouted and said, "Choose what? The boy luring the vengeful spirit will be in the most danger. Naturally, it should be you, the clever one who''s always scheming."


    Junior Officer Chen He, who had been standing quietly in the hall, finally spoke up, albeit sounding hesitant, "If that''s how it is, as the junior officer of Shaonan Town, I can''t just stand by. If it''s truly dangerous, I''ll take on the task..."


    "That won''t be necessary," Chu Liang said, standing up abruptly. "We disciples of Mount Shu have always taken it upon ourselves to eliminate demons and defend the way. How can we back down at such a moment? Officer Chen, just wait for our good news with peace of mind!"


    Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao had no intention ofpeting with Chu Liang. Xu Ziyang was wholly dedicated to restoring the glory of Mount Shu, while Ling Ao was fixated on surpassing the three geniuses stronger than him one day...


    Thus, they each found their posts and waited.


    A gust of night wind blew past.


    A small boat sailed on the river, with a handsome young man in brocade standing at the bow. It was Chu Liang. He gazed quietly ahead, where Jiang Yuebai was waiting for him on the shore.


    Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner ording to the n.


    But before the boat could reach the shore, Xu Ziyang¡¯s gaze suddenly shifted to the distance, and his eyes shone with a sharp intensity!


    There''s demonic qi!


    Although their goal was to catch the female ghost, they couldn¡¯t ignore the presence of demons. The second he sensed the demonic qi in the wind, Xu Ziyang flew up several zhang into the sky against the flow of the wind.


    The Force yer was instantly drawn!


    As the Eldest Senior Brother of Jade Sword Peak, he had the most experience in the martial world among the four of them and knew this was different from fighting in an arena on Mount Shu.


    In battles with evil entities, every moment could be a life-and-death struggle. There was no room for hesitation!


    <i>Swoosh</i>¡ª


    The sword light surged forth, piercing towards the source of the demonic qi.


    But the demonic entity fled swiftly, disappearing into the nearby osmanthus trees and seemingly blending in. Following the residual stream of qi, Xu Ziyang''s sharp eyes locked onto it, and he pursued relentlessly.


    "Evil thing, don¡¯t you dare leave!"

 Chapter 312: The Young Madam of the Shen Family

    <h4>Chapter 312: The Young Madam of the Shen Family</h4>


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A fragrant breeze wafted out as the barely visible, floating white figure rushed into the Moon Osmanthus Woods at lightning speed.


    Xu Ziyang gave chase with sword qi radiating from his hand. He moved with an astonishingly fierce momentum!


    Xu Ziyang swung his sword down on the white figure, but the white figure turned into osmanthus flowers and showered down from the sky like rain. The next time the white figure appeared, it was on an osmanthus tree several dozen zhang away. This demonic entity had a demonic spell that transformed osmanthus flowers into its clones, and it had cast that spell very swiftly!


    Nevertheless, Xu Ziyang was no ordinary person. He immediately threw his sword, Force yer, into the air. It transformed into a myriad of sword lights and flooded the woods, forcing the white figure out from amidst the osmanthus trees.


    Once the demonic entity left the woods, it could no longer use the transformation spell from before, so it fled into the distance. Xu Ziyang left the woods too, in close pursuit of the white figure. In a sh, they left Shaonan Town and entered the outskirts of the town.


    There was a massive manor up ahead! It had high walls, spacious courtyards, pavilions, and buildings¡ªall of which had been built using the mountain as the foundation. The manor had probably looked grand in its heyday, but it was all in ruins now, with only broken walls and crumbling structures remaining.


    For some reason, just the sight of this manor gave off a sinister aura.


    The entrance gates of the manor still had half its signboard remaining. Upon closer inspection, it read "Shen."


    The white figure paused briefly outside the manor, seemingly hesitant to enter. Under the moonlight, Xu Ziyang could faintly make out that the white figure was indeed a woman dressed in white.


    Hearing the sound of rushing wind behind her, the woman dared not stay put there and quickly fled into the manor.


    Xu Ziyang dived in after her.


    Upon entering the manor, the air around him suddenly felt different. The gentle night breeze turned into a chilling cold, and the wails of ghosts rang faintly throughout the manor. This was likely a ghostir.


    Shaonan Town was such a prosperous ce. It was surprising that evil spirits were gathering in a ce so near the town.


    With his sword in hand, Xu Ziyang scanned the dark ruins of the manor at lightning speed.


    He was uncertain of the situation he was in. The surging evil yin qi indicated the evil creature that''s the source of all that yin qi had to be extremely powerful.


    Xu Ziyang had initially thought was just an ordinary case, but it now seemed much moreplicated.


    He turned around, intending to retreat for now.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang was still on the small boat on the river, and he had not noticed that Xu Ziyang was gone. His divine sense had only enveloped an area of several dozen zhang around him, so he was only vignt to changes within that area.


    The small boat slowly approached Jiang Yuebai standing on the shore. Her long dress and hair fluttered gently in the breeze as the radiance of thousands of stars shone down on her.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder,<i> If the vengeful spirit were to appear, what form could it take to outshine Senior Sister Jiang?</i>


    Momentster, the boat reached the shore.


    Just as they had nned, Chu Liang jumped ashore and walked over to Jiang Yuebai.


    He asked her softly, "Miss, would you care to join me for a boat ride?"


    The corners of Jiang Yuebai''s lips rose slightly, forming a small smile. She didn''t say a word; she just slowly tilted her head a little.


    The silver moonlight cast down on her slender neck, highlighting its graceful outline. It was so smooth that it looked like her neck had been sculpted from white jade.


    Chu Liang was so entranced by the sight that a moment passed by before he finally remembered to raise his hand and break off a sprig of flowers.


    He was about to ce it in Jiang Yuebai''s hair and tuck it behind her ear. However, a chilly wind suddenly blew past them.


    Jiang Yuebai''s gaze turned cold. She whispered, "It''s here."


    Chu Liang looked up and saw an elegant and beautiful figure standing under a moon osmanthus tree in the distance, slowly beckoning to him.


    <i>Hmm...</i>


    "She is indeed very beautiful. It''s no wonder that she was able to enchant so many people. Still, she''s nowhere near as beautiful as Senior Sister Jiang," Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    "Hurry after her. Don''t let her get away," Jiang Yuebai urged.


    "<i>Ah</i>." Chu Liang blinked. "I was thinking that. How did I identally say it out loud?"


    Jiang Yuebai rolled her eyes at him, feeling happy and amused at the same time.


    Chu Liang then pretended to be enticed by the woman in white and walked toward her.


    As he got closer, he saw the female ghost''s bleak, icy expression. She appeared to be around twenty years old, and she was shrouded in a heavy cloud of yin qi.


    It was obvious at a nce that she wasn''t a normal young woman. If the ghost''s victims had been lucid, it would have been very easy for them to see that there was something off about her. That meant the men had likely been under effects of a spell of sorts, as opposed to being blinded by lust.


    Seeing Chu Liang approach, the ghost stared straight at him.


    Chu Liang asked her, "Miss, are you traveling alone? May I apany you?"


    Just like Jiang Yuebai had done earlier, the woman in white tilted her head slightly too.


    Chu Liang raised the sprig of flowers and brought it toward the ghost''s head. Right then, the sprig turned into half a golden brick.


    It had been quite a while since Chu Liang hadst hit someone with a brick. He had a slight itch he needed to scratch. Thest person he''d hit with a brick had been Xu Ziyang.


    ...


    Xu Ziyang looked cautiously at his surroundings.


    He was sure he''d just exited the manor''s courtyard. Yet, right after he took one step of the entrance gates, a bustling scene appeared before him.


    This was a lively front courtyard of a manor. It looked identical to the courtyard he''d left just a moment ago, but the sun was shining brightly now, and a group of people were busy decorating the manor with rednterns and banners.


    The steward of the household was a man with a mustache in the shape of °Ë, and he was currently directing the servants.


    He said, "Let''s hurry and get everything set up. I''ll check the inside and outside of the manor for any mistakes. The news of our young master''s wedding has spread throughout Shaonan Town. It has to be grand and impressive!"


    As the servants worked, they gave cheerful replies.


    "Got it!"


    "Our young master is finally getting married. We''re all happy about it too, so we''ll definitely do our best to make this a grand wedding!"


    "Yes, the young master always treats us so well. And our young master has helped many poor people both inside and outside the town. He''s wealthy and virtuous; he deserves a good wife."


    Xu Ziyang carefully observed the people around him as they talked and smiled. They seemed so real. If this was an illusory technique, then it had to be at least on the same level as Shadow of Radiance.


    Just like Chu Liang was doing with the female ghost, Xu Ziyang intended to do something to break this illusion. He was going to use his strongest sword technique.


    Xu Ziyang formed a hand seal. He was about to unleash the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    "Don''t do that!" a voice cried out with rm. "Doing that will wake it up!"


    Xu Ziyang immediately paused the execution of the Heavenly Sword Seal and turned to look at the person who had spoken.


    It turned out to be a young woman dressed in yellow. She seemed to be around seventeen or eighteen years old and had light freckles on her beautiful face.


    Earlier, she had seemed no different from the other people in the courtyard. Xu Ziyang had thought she was a servant girl and just a part of the illusion. However, now that she was conversing with him, it was clear that his assumption had been wrong.


    "What did you say?" Xu Ziyang asked.


    He focused his qi on the young woman, ready to strike with his giant sword at any moment.


    "Don''t do that. There''s an evil spirit in the depths of the courtyard. If you do that, you''ll wake it up. Once it''s out, everyone will suffer!" the girl said.


    "Then, who are you?"


    "I am the young madam of the Shen Family.[1]"


    ...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Chu Liang''s brick was anything but ordinary.


    The woman in white had almost no time at all to react before Chu Liang smashed the brick into the back of her head.


    She let out a blood-curdling scream. "AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"


    The woman clutched the back of her head with her hands. ck qi burst out of the head wound, and another face showed itself there behind her hair!


    When the ck qi stopped sting out of her head, cracks appeared on that second face. It seemed like Chu Liang had shattered it.


    This was the power of the Demon-Revealing Brick! He just needed to smash the woman''s head once to get instant results as to whether she was a ghost!


    After getting hit by the brick, the female ghost''s true form was revealed, but she wasn''t severely harmed. Instead, she became more ferocious.


    Clutching the back of her head, she viciously opened her mouth towards Chu Liang and spat out a ball of red light!


    However, Chu Liang had already mastered the closebat Brick Combat Technique to the point of perfection. Using the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, he swiftly moved behind the ghost... only to quickly realize his mistake. He''d forgotten that the ghost had actual eyes on the back of her head.


    As Chu Liang''s right hand swung the brick down toward the ghost''s head, the ghost''s second face spat out another ball of red light. The red light instantly wrapped around Chu Liang''s wrist.


    That was when Chu Liang could finally have a good look at what the red light was. It turned out to be a blood-red tongue¡ªthe ghost''s tongue!


    The other ball of red light turned around in midair and threw itself toward Chu Liang!


    The ghost had two tongues, but Chu Liang had two hands too. He formed a sword seal with his left hand, summoning his Dustless Sword!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    At such a close distance, the Dustless Sword pierced through the ghost without any dy!


    The ghost let out another blood-curdling scream. "AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"


    Another bloody hole had appeared in her body, which had cracked like shattered porcin. Yet, the ghost was still alive!


    The ghost was certainly powerful; it was no wonder that the Shaonan Town''s City Supervisory Division hadn''t been able to deal with her.


    The force of the flying sword sent the heavily injured ghost flying backward several zhang. Then while still in midair, she suddenly twisted! Her neck didn''t move, but the rest of her body turned, and her back became her chest. Then she turned into a beam of white light, intending to flee!


    This was quite surprising. Who knew that there would be an advantage like that with having two faces?


    Nevertheless, just as she began to flee, a ck-robed figure blocked off her escape route! Chu Liang didn''t even need to give chase!


    Ling Ao had dashed over from a distance, swiftly outnking the ghost! He moved so quickly that he looked like a streak of ck lightning under the moonlight!


    The ghost''s scarlet eyes locked onto Ling Ao''s radiant eyes, which were filled with golden mes, and there was a sudden sh of white!


    From Ling Ao''s perspective, the ghost''s grotesque face had transformed into one of exquisite beauty, and her figure had be incredibly alluring. She was no longer a sinister and terrifying ghost but a delicate and frail beauty.


    The beauty was in a panic from being chased down and looked extremely pitiful.


    She called out to Ling Ao in a weak and delicate voice, "Young hero, save me¡ª"


    Ling Ao''s gaze flickered as he looked at this frail beauty.


    His right hand immediately ignited with a burst of golden mes, and he thrust it forward fiercely. He punched the ghost in the face!


    <i>Wham.</i>


    Ling Ao''s punch ttened the ghost''s porcin-like front face!


    The ghost fell to the ground, with both faces letting out screams of agony. Ling Ao''s punch didn''t just leave the ghost''s front face in a recessed state; it had caused her rear face to protrude!


    The powerful attacks that Chu Liang and Ling Ao had dealt the ghost should have been enough to kill a century-old vengeful spirit. However, this ghost still hadn''t disappeared, which was quite strange. Regardless, this made things convenient for Chu Liang.


    He raised the Dustless Sword and went after the ghost, aiming to y it first! His swordlight swiftly descended toward her!


    Chu Liang was in a great hurry. He couldn''t let anyone else take the kill!


    "Don''t kill me!" the ghost wailed.


    Despite that, the swordlight didn''t slow down and was about to cut the ghost down!


    "I''ll take you to find treasure!" the ghost pleaded loudly.


    The swordlight immediately vanished.


    However, the icy tip of the sword''s de was still pointed at the ghost.


    Chu Liang looked down at her. "Oh? Do tell me in detail."


    Seeing that she now had a chance of surviving, the ghost hurriedly said, "Don''t kill me. I''ll tell you everything!"


    Jiang Yuebai quickly stepped forward and raised her hand, cing a talisman on the ghost''s front face. Thinking it wasn''t safe enough, she ced another one on the ghost''s rear face. This way, the ghost could no longer behave malevolently.


    Then Jiang Yuebai asked, "Where did youe from? Why are you killing people here? And what about the treasure you mentioned? Exin everything clearly."


    The three young cultivators surrounded the ghost. With their six eyes staring at her, the ghost didn''t bother making any futile attempts to escape. She just sat down cross-legged, seemingly resigned to her fate.


    The ghost then began telling them her story.


    "I was originally the young madam of the Shen Family Residence just outside Shaonan Town..."


    1. As in the wife of the son, the young master of the household. ?

 Chapter 313: The Ghost Domain

    <h4>Chapter 313: The Ghost Domain</h4>


    "Over a decade ago, the Shen Family was one of the wealthiest in Shaonan Town. They spared no expense in constructing this Shen Family Residence just outside the town," the woman in yellow exined to Xu Ziyang.


    "There was a precious bottle that had been passed down through our family for generations. One day, I identally knocked it over, releasing a terrifying evil spirit!"


    With a look of horror, she said, "As soon as the evil spirit emerged, it turned the entire Shen Family Residence into a ghost domain. Everyone in the family became vengeful spirits, trapped here forever."


    "Because I was closest to it, I gained more power and can still retain my consciousness. But they..." she said as she pointed to the servants, "...keep repeating the same actions from that fateful day, eternally bound to the Shen Family Residence."


    "Evil spirit..." Xu Ziyang said, scanning the courtyard. "If this happened over a decade ago, the City Supervisory Division would have noticed by now. Even if they couldn''t handle it, they would have reported it to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. There''s no reason it should still be like this."


    "They probably visited before..." the yellow-d woman said, her voice trembling as she seemed to recall a terrifying scene.


    "At that time, a powerful force descended and battled the evil spirit from the bottle. The entire Shen Family Residence was on the verge of copse, and our souls were nearly shattered. In the end, the force failed and all their efforts were in vain, but they managed to ce a restriction around the garden, preventing anything inside from leaving and anyone outside from entering."


    <i>Even the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had only managed to seal this evil spirit?</i>


    Xu Ziyang frowned, puzzled, as he had encountered no obstacles when he entered.


    The woman in yellow continued, "But a few days ago, it seemed someone broke the restriction outside and entered this ghost domain. He stole something very important from the evil spirit. If the evil spirit awakens and finds out, it will surely be furious."


    <i>Is that so... </i>Xu Ziyang pondered slightly.


    The woman in yellow continued, "So don''t wake it up. I''ll help you get out of here. Since the restriction is broken, some vengeful spirits have escaped through the damaged areas. As you are a living person, it should be easier for you to leave. Whatever you do, don''t go near the evil spirit! Otherwise, you will be trapped here forever!


    ...


    The ghost with a cracked face bowed her head and recounted softly, "The Shen Family was a wealthy household in Shaonan Town. It''s said that they were a consort family from the previous dynasty. When the dynasty fell, someone escaped from the pce and brought many valuable items with them when they sought refuge here."


    Chu Liang and the other two listened quietly.


    "Among those items was a very mysterious precious bottle from ancient times. When I married into the Shen Family, I was curious about it and identally knocked over that bottle. A spirit appeared from the bottle, iming it could grant me any wish..." the female ghost said.


    "I wished to be more beautiful, and it granted my wish.


    "Later, other members of the Shen Family heard about this and came to make their own wishes," she spoke angrily. "But a young maid, who was in a rtionship with someone outside the residence, leaked this information.


    "That person then sold the information to court officials. The imperial court''s men immediately stormed the Shen Family, aiming to eliminate any remnants of the previous dynasty and seize all treasures. With no cultivators in the Shen Family, the members of the Shen Family were swiftly massacred.


    "Although the precious bottle had powerful magical abilities, it could only grant wishes. Before he died, my husband wished upon the bottle for everything to return to how it was.


    "Who knew..."


    "The bottle transformed the Shen Family Residence into a ghost domain, and those of us who had just died became spirits, bound to the Shen Family Residence, endlessly repeating the past. It''s more of an eternal curse than a rebirth!


    The woman in white said, "The imperial court couldn''t take the precious bottle, so they set up a restriction to prevent anything inside from leaving. A few days ago, the restriction was broken, and I found a damaged spot to escape through. I initially hoped to find someone to rescue us, but once outside, my mind often became clouded, driven by lingering grudges to kill..."


    "But I only killed those who deserved it!" Her tone suddenly turned fierce. "If those men hadn''t been driven by their lust, how could I have lured them?"


    "Anyway, don''t kill me. I''ll take you to the precious bottle. It can grant any wish you desire!" The woman in yellow spoke with a voice full of temptation.


    "Is that so..." Chu Liang said with a nod. "Let''s store this ghost first and report to our seniors at Mount Shu for further decisions. If the court couldn''t handle this treasure, we probably can''t take it either."


    As for the wish-granting im, he only believed half of it. After all, one could never fully trust a ghost''s words.


    "Yes," Jiang Yuebai replied, taking out an enchanted tool. With a swift motion, she raised her hand and captured the vengeful spirit, nning to deal with itter.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" With everything settled, Chu Liang looked around and wondered, "Where''s Senior Brother Xu?"


    Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao were supposed to handle the ambush from afar. The vengeful spirit had been dealt with effortlessly, but Xu Ziyang was still nowhere to be seen.


    Even as Chu Liang expanded the reach of his divine sense and scanned the surroundings, there was no sight of Xu Ziyang.


    "Maybe he went back for something?" Ling Ao said, "Let''s check the station."


    The three of them returned to the City Supervisory Division station.


    Officer Chen He had been in the office all along and said that he hadn''t seen Xu Ziyang return.


    "That''s strange. He left without saying a word. Is he in danger?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Senior Brother Xu is very powerful; he shouldn''t let himself fall into danger so easily..." Jiang Yuebai said.


    A fifth-realm cultivator in one of the sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would indeed be considered formidable in the world of immortal cultivators. They would rarely encounter opponents as powerful as themselves.


    "But there is something eerie about Shaonan Town," Chu Liang pondered. "We should go out and look for him, starting from the riverbank and searching outward."


    Ling Ao said, "Instead of searching aimlessly, it will be much faster using the immortal art, Searching the Heavens and Earth."


    Chen He replied, "But that''s not something that can be done quickly. Our chief officer in Misty Waters City, Du Ce, can do it, but it will take some time for him to get here."


    At that moment, Jiang Yuebai smiled and said, "I can do it."


    ...


    <i>Whew¡ª</i>


    The three returned to the riverside building where Xu Ziyang had previously hidden. There were indeed signs of a struggle.


    Jiang Yuebai formed hand seals, her eyes shining brightly. In an instant, a powerful divine intent swept across the entire Shaonan Town.


    Her Searching the Heavens and Earth technique might not literally search throughout the heavens and earth, but it was powerful enough to scan and detect everything within the small town.


    In her eyes, the whole world turned blue and white, with only the aura of Xu Ziyang, which was turned red by her divine intent, revealing a faint path.


    "This way!"


    Jiang Yuebai immediately led the way, flying ahead, with Chu Liang and Ling Ao following closely behind.


    They passed through the Moon Osmanthus Woods and continued beyond Shaonan Town, eventually spotting an abandoned garden ahead.


    By now, the sky was gradually turning brighter, allowing them to see a "Shen" character on the signboard.


    The three of them paused briefly outside, observing the surroundings.


    Chu Liang frowned and asked, "Could this be the Shen Family that the ghost mentioned?"


    Jiang Yuebai nodded and said, "This is the only garden near Shaonan Town, so it must be the Shen Family Residence. However, I cannot probe further inside the residence with my divine skills. I can only sense that Senior Brother Xu''s aura entered through this location."


    "Then let''s go in and take a look," Ling Ao suggested.


    Chu Liang shared the same thought. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, they were strong enough, so there was no need for excessive caution.


    Just as the three were about to proceed, an old watchman emerged from the side.


    "You can''t go in," the watchman warned in a raspy old voice, "and even if you try, you won''t seed."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang turned and asked, "Why do you say that, old man?"


    "This is the abandoned Shen Family Residence..." the watchman said. "The Shen Family, remnants of the previous dynasty, conspired with demonic forces to rebel against the imperial family. When their plot was discovered, they were all executed by order of the imperial court.


    "The entire family became vengeful spirits, haunting this ce. Experts from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau set up a restriction to prevent the spirits from leaving and anyone from entering. If you approach carelessly, you might get injured by the restriction."


    As he was warning them, before they could even finish their conversation, they suddenly heard a swoosh.


    It turned out to be a flying swording from the direction of Shaonan Town, heading straight into the abandoned Shen Family Residence without any obstruction.


    Chu Liang and the others turned to see this before they looked back at the old man.


    The watchman was momentarily stunned, then scratched his head, "Huh¡ªwhat''s going on here?"

 Chapter 314: With You Here, I Feel Better

    <h4>Chapter 314: With You Here, I Feel Better</h4>


    Xu Ziyang followed the woman in yellow through a dimly lit corridor, the glow of red candles casting flickering shadows. Faint joyous music yed in the background, but in this gloomy and eerie setting, the hoarse and low tones sounded more like mourning music than a celebration.


    "The path ahead will be dangerous," the woman in yellow turned back and warned.


    "Okay," Xu Ziyang said with a gentle nod. A trace of exhaustion and gloominess asionally shed in his eyes.


    After passing through a moon gate, the chilling wind intensified around them. They had taken only a few steps when a sudden coughing sound broke the silence.


    "<i>Cough, cough...</i>" An elderly woman, moving with a staggering gait, was tending to the flowers and nts in the courtyard. When she noticed someone enter, she asked, "Who is it?"


    "Granny Lin," the woman in yellow exined, "I''m here with a friend, just passing by."


    "Oh..." The old woman looked up at Xu Ziyang with a faint smile. "Where did youe from, young man?"


    "Mount Shu," replied Xu Ziyang.


    Immediately after he spoke, he leaped into the air! In the next instant, thick ck vines surged from under his feet, bursting through the ground and swiftly morphing into arms with sharp ws, all reaching out to seize Xu Ziyang!


    The seemingly harmless old woman had actuallyunched a sneak attack while asking questions, revealing her incredibly sinister nature!


    Swordlight swirled around Xu Ziyang, instantly severing the ck ws. When he nced back at the old woman, her left arm had vanished!


    "I didn''t catch you with one hand?" Even though the old woman had lost an arm, she still sneered as she spoke and then shook her remaining arm.


    With a crack, her right arm also shook off and fell to the ground.


    Suddenly, ck hands emerged from the ground inyers, resembling the branches of a tree.


    Seeing the increasing number of limbs, Xu Ziyang wasted no time. He was surrounded by golden light as his geng metal qi filled his body, transforming him into a vajra warrior.


    This was the fifth-realm Metallic Body!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    As a streak of golden light shed by, Xu Ziyang lifted his fingers and formed a finger seal, invoking the art of thunder as he pressed the seal against the old woman''s forehead.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A ck hole formed above the old woman''s head. Her body began to crack into pieces with smoke swirling around. In an instant, she disintegrated into countless specks that dissolved into the world around her.


    The woman in yellow looked on with a flicker of fear in her eyes. Perhaps witnessing Xu Ziyang swiftly and decisively kill the ghost made her realize that she too could end up in a simr fate as that old woman.


    In fact, if she hadn''t warned Xu Ziyang not to alert the evil spirit, Xu Ziyang would have used a more powerful sword technique to eliminate the old woman even more quickly.


    As the ck arms covering the ground disappeared, leaving freshly turned ck soil behind, she sighed and exined, "Granny Lin was the residence butler''s mother, responsible for tending to the nts in the residence. She was always a kind and gentle olddy. But now, she¡¯s met such a tragic end."


    "It doesn''t matter," Xu Ziyang said with indifference, "I have assisted her in finding peace in the cycle of reincarnation."


    The woman in yellow was stunned by Xu Ziyang''s resolute tone that conveyed the message, "I killed her for her own good."


    After a brief pause, she said, "Let''s continue walking."


    They passed through the garden and arrived at a ce with a pond and rockery. They were just about to circle around the rockery.


    The woman in yellow suddenly said, "Be careful of this pond!"


    As soon as she spoke, a giant fish with ck spots leapt out of the pond, its mouth gaping wide like a blood-filled basin, emitting a deep roar.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    In terms of pure yin energy, it was even stronger than the old woman from earlier.


    But this time, Xu Ziyang acted with even greater decisiveness. With a swift horizontal sh of his sword Force yer, his figure blurred as the three-zhang sword light cleaved the ck fish cleanly in half.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the ck fish disintegrated in mid-air, the woman in yellow remainedposed. She led him forward as she exined, "This fat ck fish was originally a pond ornament and it has always been quite clever. It used to y dead to scare the family. Everyone in the family loved this fish... but it transformed into this monstrous form."


    Along the way, they dealt with two or three more ghosts, each being stronger than thest, but it made little difference. In front of Xu Ziyang, getting rid of them didn''t pose much of a challenge.


    After spending some time, the woman in yellow finally led him to a section of the courtyard wall, where there was a gap in the wall.


    "You can get out through this gap," the woman in yellow said, "Once you''re out, run far away and don''te back."


    Xu Ziyang looked at the dark gap, which indeed seemed to lead to another world. He appeared ready to move, but before doing so, he turned back and asked, "Did you see a demonic creature that barged into this ce before I did?"


    ...


    "The area that my divine sense can scan inside is limited, so we must be careful," Jiang Yuebai calmly reminded.


    As the three stepped into the abandoned Shen Family Residence, they immediately felt ghastly winds and became alert.


    After crossing the empty front courtyard, they were startled by shouts and the sounds of fightinging from the other side of the wall!


    Since they weren''t sure if it was Xu Ziyang or the person who had flown in earlier with the sword, Chu Liang, being the closest, was the first to draw his Dustless Sword and swiftly fly to the top of the wall.


    As he peered over the other side of the wall, he saw a green-d cultivator fighting with a ghost who was dressed as a maid. The ghost maid looked terrifying with her long, messy hair and hollow, bleeding eyes. Her ten blood-red ws were ready to strike the cultivator in green, desperate tond a fatal blow.


    It was surprising to see the green-d cultivator, who was at the third realm of cultivation, struggling against this rtively weak vengeful spirit. He seemed to be running out of energy and soon fell into a disadvantage.


    As Chu Liang watched, the ghost''s dark hair suddenly came alive. Thousands of strands sprang up, swiftly entangling the cultivator''s limbs and binding him tightly!


    However, her actions clearly indicated she had no intention of killing the cultivator. Instead, she seemed determined to take him away somewhere.


    At this moment, Chu Liang stopped observing and flew out with his sword.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    With the activation of his two ultimate-tier Golden Cores, foundational qi surged into the Dustless Sword, transforming into powerful sword qi!


    The ghost didn''t even have time to see Chu Liang clearly before being killed with a single sword strike!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    After the ghost disintegrated, the cultivator copsed to the ground, breathing heavily and looking visibly weak.


    "Young hero, thank you for saving my life..." he said, lying on the ground but still mindful enough to express his gratitude.


    "No need for formalities." Chu Liang helped him up, preparing to ask why he had barged in.


    But then, the green-d cultivator noticed Jiang Yuebai and Ling Ao approaching and suddenly asked, "Are you Fairy Jiang from Mount Shu?"


    "Yes, I am." Jiang Yuebai nodded lightly.


    "I''ve seen you in Jiangnan..." the man said with a smile. He looked up and continued, "You must have been invited by my older brother? I didn''t expect him to act so swiftly, bringing three of Mount Shu''s top four disciples to rescue me. I''m truly sorry..."


    Hearing his tone, Chu Liang immediately guessed who he was.


    At the station in Shaonan Town, there were two cultivators: Chen He and his younger brother, Chen Luo. Chen Luo had been injured recently, but the appearance of this person matched the description of Chen Luo.


    Only Chen Luo knew that the top four disciples of the Mount Shu Sect had been sent to handle matters in Shaonan Town.


    "So it''s Officer Chen." Chu Liang smiled and nodded, "No need to apologize, we..."


    "We did note here to rescue you in the first ce," Ling Ao interjected.


    "<i>Uh...</i>" Chen Luo''s smile froze for a moment.


    Chu Liang silently nodded to himself, thinking that while this way of speakingcked social grace... It was quite satisfying.


    Jiang Yuebai timely asked, "Officer Chen, why did you enter this abandoned Shen Family Residence?"


    "<i>Haaaaa...</i>" Chen Luo sighed lightly.


    He took out a half-withered white moon osmanthus petal and showed it to the three.


    "I came to find my lover. Her name is Mu Xi... She is a flower demon who lives in the Moon Osmanthus Woods."


    "Whoa!" Chu Liang eximed slightly.


    This guy, despite his weak cultivation level, hasmendable courage. As a government official of the City Supervisory Division, he dared to defy the norms and fall in love with a demon.


    "Mu Xi gave me this moon osmanthus petal earlier, allowing me to sense her condition and location. I can feel that she is here and in great danger..."


    A Moon Osmanthus Flower Demon?


    The three of them frowned slightly.


    "This abandoned Shen Family Residence should have been inessible, but the restriction suddenly disappeared. This ce is full of dangers. If we don''t find Mu Xi quickly, she will be in danger!" Chen Luo said anxiously.


    "We came here to find Senior Brother Xu from the Mount Shu Sect as well. Maybe they are in danger together." Chu Liang said. "Let''s search together then. Officer Chen, do you know the specifics of this abandoned Shen Family Residence?"


    Hearing this, Chen Luo said, "This abandoned Shen Family Residence was here even before my brother took office in Shaonan Town. It has always been sealed by a restriction, with only some information about it left by the previous officer in charge."


    "The Shen Family was once a wealthy household in Shaonan Town. However, they wereter used of being remnants of the previous dynasty and plotting a rebellion. During the court''s investigation, despite the Shen family having no cultivators, two experts from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau died in their house! Later, it was discovered that not only the court officials but the entire Shen family had died there. This ce became known as and of death."


    "Coincidentally, the master of South Melody Conservatory in the Terrestrial Ten passed by and sealed this ce, iming that there was something demonic within and forbidding anyone from approaching. She said the evil thing would vanish in twenty years. The court also sealed the news, stating that the Shen family rebelled and this ce harbors vengeful spirits, forbidding anyone to approach.


    "It''s almost twenty years now, and the restriction has suddenly lifted..." he said with a worried tone. "I''m uncertain whether it''s a blessing or a curse."


    "Whether it''s a blessing or a curse, we will need to explore and find out." Chu Liang raised his hand and took out a puppet pill.


    <i>Whizz¡ª</i>


    With a sudden burst of light, the divine ability Army of Beans was invoked, and the puppet materialized, leading the way with swift strides.


    "Let the puppet scout ahead, and we''ll follow closely," Chu Liang instructed.


    Jiang Yuebai nced at Chen Luo and asked, "Officer Chen, can you manage?"


    Upon hearing this, Chen Luo wanted to say "yes" immediately, but his weakened body prevented him from feigning strength. He was already seriously injured, and his fight with the ghost earlier hadpletely drained his energy.


    Despite his injuries and his brother''s warning against interacting with the demoness Mu Xi, Chen Luo rushed here alone because Mu Xi was in danger.


    It seemed he was going to be a burden at this point.


    Before he could contemte the decision further, Ling Ao bent down and hoisted him onto his back. "I''ll carry you," he said.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chen Luo sighed, feeling deeply moved. <i>Although this person doesn''t speak in a way that pleases others, he has a kind heart</i>, Chen Luo thought to himself.


    Feeling a bit embarrassed, he added, "Sorry for the trouble."


    "No problem," Ling Ao said, "It''s rare to have someone weaker than me in the team. With you here, I feel better."


    "..." Chen Luo fell silent for a moment, thinking to himself, <i>He has a kind heart, but why does every word he says seem so irritating?</i>

 Chapter 315: Wake Up. Its Time To Work.

    <h4>Chapter 315: Wake Up. It''s Time To Work.</h4>


    Chu Liang used one of his puppets to clear the way. The four people in his group then moved swiftly across the courtyard. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the sheltered walkway that ran through the courtyard, surrounded by mountains and rivers.


    That walkway was split off into several paths.


    "Which way should we go?"


    This question stumped everyone.


    It was impossible for them to split up, and if they chose the wrong path, they might miss the target they were looking for. However, they didn''t have any clues to guide them. Were they going to have to rely entirely on luck?


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment before saying to Jiang Yuebai, "Senior Sister Jiang, release the ghost."


    "Release her?" Jiang Yuebai asked puzzledly.


    Nevertheless, she turned her hand over and brought out the female ghost.


    "So, you''ve already captured her!" Chen Luo eximed in surprise.


    He had been severely injured by that ghost.


    The white-robed female ghost remained silent.


    She and Chen Luo had a grudge against each other. However, at this moment, one of them was on Ling Ao''s back, and the other in Jiang Yuebai''s grasp, so neither of them were in the mood for a quarrel.


    Chu Liang asked the female ghost, "You said you would take us to find the treasure. The treasure you mentioned should be here, right? Where is it? Take us there quickly."


    The female ghost looked around. She seemed surprised that they had managed to enter the courtyard of the abandoned Shen Family Residence by themselves.


    After pondering for a moment, she pointed to one of the paths and said, "This way."


    "Let''s follow her," Chu Liang told the others.


    As the group followed the ghost''s lead, Jiang Yuebai asked worriedly, "Can we trust her?"


    "Of course not," Chu Liang answered calmly. "Everyone else says there are vengeful spirits and evil creatures here. She''s the only one who says there''s treasure. It would be strange if the words of a vengeful spirit could be believed. She''s probably trying to trick us."


    Then Chu Liang''s tone changed. "But... she''ll definitely take us to the most dangerous ce precisely because she''s trying to trick us. If Senior Brother Xu and Miss Mu Xi havended in a dangerous situation, it''s very likely that''s where they are. Even if we know it''s dangerous, we still have to go and check it out."


    Jiang Yuebai nodded slightly.


    Hearing that, the white-robed female ghost leading the way stiffened.


    <i>The things that you two are saying right behind me... I guess you must think I''m very foolish?</i>


    She turned around and said, "Young heroes, there wasn''t a single shred of a lie in what I said. It''s all¡ª"


    "True, right?" Chu Liang interrupted her. "The treasure that grants wishes might be real, but even if we find it, we''ll probably have to pay a heavy cost to fulfill our wishes. There''s no such thing as a free lunch after all. I understand that much.


    "We''re in a hurry, so just take us to find whatever treasure or evil thing, and let''s see what''s so mysterious about it. Otherwise... You know, I have an old ghost. His surname is Fei. If you keep talking nonsense, I''ll throw you in to live with him for a few months."


    The white-robed female ghost stared nkly at Chu Liang. Had he seen through her from the very first word she''d said?


    Regardless, all she could do was behave obediently and do as she was told. So, she turned around and continued leading the way.


    Their journey along the path was quite smooth, and it wasn''t long before they arrived at one of the courtyard''s walls. The middle section of the wall had copsed, leaving a dark, gaping hole that looked like a portal to another world.


    Chen Luo shouted, "Mu Xi is in there!"


    He held out a severely withered moon osmanthus petal, which was emitting a faint glow. The petal had lost its connection with Mu Xi when they entered the courtyard, but the connection had just been restored! This indicated they were very close to Mu Xi.


    Chu Liang looked at the hole. "It seems all we can do is go in and take a look."


    <i>Whoosh</i>.


    Chu Liang first sent one of his puppets into the dark hole. However, as soon as the puppet went in, Chu Liang lost connection with it.


    "It''s a hidden realm...?" Chu Liang muttered.


    The severed connection wasn''t due to an attack but because they were no longer in the same world. Chu Liang had yet to develop the ability to use Army of Beans across realms.


    "Forget it. I''ll go in and take a look myself," Chu Liang said resolutely.


    <i>Senior Brother Xu and that flower demon may be in danger.</i>


    Chu Liang wasn''t sure about what the situation was like inside the hidden realm, but he still intended to go in. It was a dangerous situation, but he had the life-saving jade talisman that Venerable Wen Yuan had given him. That made him a little more courageous.


    "I''ll go with you," Jiang Yuebai immediately told him.


    "I have a way to ensure my survival, so don''t worry."


    "I don''t feel at ease with you going in alone..." Jiang Yuebai shook her head. "Besides, I''m the head disciple. I should be at the frontline in such times."


    Seeing the concern in her eyes, Chu Liang wanted to say something.


    Instead, it was Ling Ao who spoke up. "No matter which of you goes in, the one who remains will worry. It''s better if the two of you just go in together. I''ll stay behind to protect this guy."


    "..."


    Hearing Ling Ao''s blunt words, both Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai blushed.


    Jiang Yuebai turned around. "I would worry about any disciple of Mount Shu."


    Then she hurriedly plunged into the darkness without looking back.


    Chu Liang quickly added, "That''s right, that''s right."


    Then he jumped in too.


    Ling Ao''s upper lip curled in disdain and annoyance. "If there''s nothing going on, why are the two of you feeling embarrassed?"


    With the knowing expression of a person with great life experience, Chen Luo nodded and said, "Indeed."


    ...


    There were red candles, banners with celebratory words, and vibrant red ribbons hung high at the Shen Family Residence.


    A servant girl in yellow clothes was dusting an old storeroom, but she seemed to be lost in thought.


    This was the scene Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai saw when they arrived in the hidden realm.


    It seemed as if they were looking at a shadow y[1], appearing both real and illusory.


    "Why was the young madam born so beautiful, while I was born to be such a in-looking servant girl? Because of that, she''s the object of everyone''s affection... Even Brother Su Qian wants to adorn her with flowers... If she wasn''t married, wouldn''t she have snatched Brother Su Qian from me?


    "We''re childhood sweethearts, yet I''m nothingpared to taking a nce at her?


    "Men..."


    She wiped a shelf absentmindedly and identally knocked off a box. The long wooden box fell to the ground with a thud, giving her a fright.


    Looking down, she saw a pure white, high-necked porcin bottle roll out of the box. It rolled several times over, but fortunately, it wasn''t broken at all.


    The servant girl was about to put the bottle back in the box when the voice of an elderly old man rang out from the porcin bottle.


    "Do you have a wish?"


    "I..." the servant girl uttered, feeling startled.


    Yet, as if bewitched by some power, her first reaction wasn''t a fearful one. Rather, she actually thought about her wish.


    She stated, "I want to be the young madam..."


    "I can fulfill your wish. You just need to drip one drop of your blood in here, and your wish wille true..." the voice said temptingly.


    "Really?"


    The servant girl fell into a daze. After hesitating for a moment, she actually bit her finger and let a drop of her blood fall into the porcin bottle.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A dazzling burst of darkness[2] surged out from the porcin bottle and converged to form a stooping elderly man.


    The elderly man gently ced his hand on the servant girl''s head, and the darkness engulfed her. After a while, the darkness dissipated, revealing that the in yellow-robed servant girl had transformed into a white-robed beauty!


    She now looked identical to the white-robed female ghost!


    <i>So... she went through something like this, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    The lights and shadows suddenly shifted, turning into a young man in luxurious clothes. He looked at the porcin bottle, appearing just as shocked as the servant girl from before. Like her, he too was bewitched and lost his sense of fear.


    "I... I want to be an official of the imperial court..." he said slowly. "The Shen Family''s business is booming, but if I don''t be a government official, that business will be like a duckweed, with no roots toy down[3]."


    "You just want to be a government official?" the ck-robed elderly man asked enticingly in a deep voice. "Don''t you want to dream bigger? I can make anything happen, including... what your ancestors wanted. I could overthrow the current dynasty and ce you on the emperor''s throne..."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" uttered the young man in luxurious clothes, with his mouth opened wide in surprise. After a long pause, he said, "I do not dare to be that ambitious. I''d be very satisfied just bing the prime minister."


    The lights and shadows shifted once again.


    This time, a inly dressed man appeared.


    Looking at the precious bottle, he made a wish. "I wish to own a business asrge as the Shen Family''s and be a wealthyndowner!"


    The lights and shadows continued to change. It showed each member of the Shen Family and their servants enter the storeroom to make a wish and drip a drop of blood into the bottle.


    The darkness from the bottle appeared more and more magnificent like a bubble with a colorful reflection of light. Eventually, it burst with a pop!


    Everything before Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai disappeared in an instant. Only the ck-robed elderly man remained.


    He turned his gaze toward Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai.


    "What is your wish?" the elderly man asked with the same deep, raspy voice from before.


    Jiang Yuebai shook her head.


    Chu Liang looked at the elderly man for a moment.


    Then he suddenly smiled and said, "Well, I do have a wish."


    "Oh?" The ck-robed elderly man looked at Chu Liang. "Tell me. I can grant any wish."


    "My wish is for you to grant me three wishes."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    The ck-robed elderly man stiffened, and his gaze turned dark.


    After a while, he raged, "If you don''t request a wish from me, you will never be able to leave! Good luck to you!"


    Then the elderly man vanished with a swoosh.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai''s surroundings plunged into darkness.


    Chu Liang made a hand seal, activating the Intense Illumination Seal. Light immediately flooded the space. It was about the size of an average room, with curved white porcin walls all around and a smooth porcin floor underfoot.


    "We seem to be inside the precious bottle," Jiang Yuebai said.


    Chu Liang agreed. "That certainly seems to be the case."


    He tried shing through the white porcin wall with his sword.


    <i>ng.</i>


    Chu Liang''s sword qi hit the wall, but it didn''t even leave a mark. It just made a dull sound.


    "It''s so hard," Chu Liang muttered.


    Jiang Yuebai summoned her sword and performed the Heavenly Sword Seal.


    A massive swordlight descended with an explosive smash!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Jiang Yuebai''s sword qi flowed all over the room. Nevertheless, after the sword qi dispersed, the white porcin wall remained unscathed.


    "It seems to be an enchanted tool that we can''t break at our current level," Jiang Yuebai remarked.


    Chu Liang looked up and saw nothing but a pitch-ck shadow overhead. There was no exit in sight.


    "It seems we can''t break out. But if that old man is so powerful, why doesn''t he just kill us? Why insist on us making a wish?" Chu Liang wondered. He thought about it for a moment. "It can''t... be out of kindness, right?"


    "This reminds me of a legend from the Southern Regions," Jiang Yuebai said. "In ancient times, there was a shaman god who created many kinds of evil spirits. One of them was the wish-fulfilling spirit. It gained power by absorbing the desires people had when they told it their wishes. The shaman god let their wish-fulfilling spirits roam the world to fulfill the wishes of their followers."


    "That''s... kind of them?" Chu Liang mused. "But looking at the fates of those who made wishes, there must be a price that has to be paid, right?"


    Indeed, anyone would be very enticed by the idea of having a wish of theirs fulfilled. However, the people whom Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai had seen in the lights and shadows earlier... It didn''t seem like any of them ended up living a good life. That meant there was something odd about that legend.


    "I don''t know about that." Jiang Yuebai shook her head. "But even if he can''t do anything to us, we still can''t get out right now."


    "That''s right. Are we going to die here together?"


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t respond.


    "If that''s the case, I''ll ask him to fulfill my wish. I wish he could let you out and that you''ll live peacefully and happily until you reach a ripe old age," Chu Liang said tenderly.


    Jiang Yuebai stared at him for a moment. "Stop pretending. I know you have a way to get out."


    "<i>Hehe...</i>" Chu Liang stopped his little act and scratched his head. "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"


    Jiang Yuebai smiled. "You''re not someone who gives up easily."


    Grinning, Chu Liang flipped his hand over and took out arge, sleeping butterfly from his storage tool.


    He whispered, "Wake up. It''s time to work."


    1. A puppet show involving the use of light and shadow. ?


    2. I guess it''s like... ck but with glitter? ?


    3. In other words, the business won''t be secure. ?

 Chapter 316: The Descent of the Heavenly God

    <h4>Chapter 316: The Descent of the Heavenly God</h4>


    "What is this?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "That mysterious beast egg I stumbled upon some time ago¡ªthis little fellow hatched from it," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "Don''t be deceived by its size; it''s a master burrower."


    As he spoke, he gently ced the tiny golden butterfly on the white porcin wall beside him, rousing it from its slumber.


    Though still a bit groggy, the butterfly began to nibble.


    <i>Crunch, crunch...</i>


    Faint gnawing sounds filled the air as the seemingly indestructible wall, impervious even to the Heavenly Sword Seal, was gradually worn down by the diligent little butterfly.


    Its bites were small but incredibly fast. Before long, the butterfly had burrowed itself into the wall, entirely absorbed in its task.


    Jiang Yuebai watched with a thoughtful expression as the little golden butterfly worked its magic.


    Soon, it chewed through a hole. Through the palm-sized opening, they could see a simr space on the other side. Inside, a girl in a white dressy softly on the ground, seemingly unconscious.


    "There¡¯s more than one hidden space here?" Chu Liang mused. He then instructed the butterfly, "Chew upwards."


    The little golden butterfly obediently changed direction, gnawing upwards. Despite the enchanted wall being one of the hardest substances in the world, the butterfly navigated through it as if it were swimming in water.


    After a while, a sliver of light suddenly pierced through from above.


    "What are you doing?!"


    A shocked and angry voice rang out, and the ck-robed old man reappeared instantly, his face contorted with ferocity and rage.


    He never expected these two young people to be able to break through the ten-thousand-year-old unbreakable bottle!


    "Stop immediately! If you don''t want to make a wish, I''ll let you out!" he roared repeatedly. "If you don''t stop, I''ll make you suffer eternally!"


    Chu Liang''s eyes narrowed and his mouth twitched as he adopted the familiar expression of Di Nufeng.


    The message was clear: <i>If you dare,e at us.</i>


    At that moment, the ck-robed old man''s vulnerability was exposed. Despite his mystical powers making it difficult for him to be punished, he couldn''t harm anyone who had yet to make a wish.


    "Arggggg! Come and kill them for me!" the ck-robed old man roared.


    The light above the bottle''s mouth intensified, as if a lid had been lifted, revealing bright daylight. Numerous vengeful spirits peered down from above.


    These were all entities that had made wishes to him in the past.


    "I will give you ten times your strength, kill the two of them for me!" the ck-robed old man shouted loudly.


    The vengeful spirits obeyed hismand and charged down fiercely!


    If the opponents were ghosts, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai would never feel afraid. As they both wielded their swords, sword qi erupted forth with powerful intensity!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The two ghosts at the forefront were obliterated instantly, leaving not even a trace of ash.


    However, the sheer number of vengeful spirits was overwhelming, and in the blink of an eye, they surrounded the two of them.


    Jiang Yuebai remained unfazed. With the execution of her hand seals, her entire body transformed into a pool of thunder! As she executed the exorcizing thunder technique, the vengeful spirits instantly evaporated!


    "Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!" she invoked.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang was not far behind. He summoned the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light and swung it rapidly, creating an imprable defense!


    "Orb Lamp Sword Technique!" he called out.


    The surrounding vengeful spirits were swiftly cleared away.


    "If I hadn''t lost the two drops of the shaman god''s blood essence, you would have never had the chance to behave so rebelliously," the ck-robed old man raged. "Fine! Even if I have to use thest bit of my blood essence''s original power, I will make sure you die!"


    With a roar, he waved his hand, and the white porcin walls on both sides disappeared instantly.


    It turned out that this bottle contained three hidden spaces. Besides the ones where Chu Liang and the girl in the white dress were, the third space was filled with ck-gold blood!


    When the wall disappeared, the pool of blood immediately flowed out, emanating a dangerous aura with divine smoke rising from it.


    "Let''s go!"


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai moved in perfect harmony.


    As the blood pool surged out, Jiang Yuebai quickly executed the art of ice and conjured several ice walls. Although they melted almost instantly, they managed to hold back the blood pool for a brief moment.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Chu Liang used Dimension Compression to instantly appear beside the girl in the white dress, lifting her up in one swift motion.


    Immediately, the two of them flew upwards together!


    "Do you think you can escape?" the ck-robed old man sneered as he merged into the blood pool, bing one with it in an instant.


    The blood pool roared and churned, coalescing into a giant human form. The vengeful spirit now had a corporeal body!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai traversed the bottle''s mouth, and with a sh of light, they suddenly appeared outside the copsed wall.


    The scene behind the wall quickly shifted, with light and shadows twisting into the image of arge white porcin bottle.


    Ling Ao and Chen Luo, who were waiting, were both taken aback. When Chen Luo saw the person Chu Liang was carrying, he immediately cried out, "Mu Xi!"


    "She''s fine, run quickly!" Chu Liang shouted as he fled without pausing. "If we don''t hurry, we''ll be in big trouble!"


    Ling Ao reacted swiftly, immediately grabbing Chen Luo and following at high speed.


    As Ling Ao and Chu Liang flew swiftly in coordinated movements, they created a stable space for Chen Luo and Mu Xi, allowing them to maintain equilibrium despite their motion.


    While this was happening, Chen Luo just kept shouting, "Mu Xi, are you alright?"


    Following closely behind Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai, the giant burst forth from the pool of blood, standing seven to eight meters tall and radiating an overwhelming murderous aura!


    ording to his statement, this power came from a single drop of the shaman god''s blood essence.


    Even after countless years, a drop of blood essence from a powerful ninth-realm expert, once capable of shaking the world, still retained its terrifying power!


    The giant transformed into a cloud of blood, enveloping everyone, leaving them with no choice but to flee for their lives!


    But the abandoned Shen Residence was within the vengeful spirit''s domain, and it had boundaries. How could they keep running?


    Seeing that they were nearing the courtyard wall with no way out, Jiang Yuebai turned around, shouted clearly, and unleashed the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    An overwhelming wave of sword qi sted out as the immortal art was executed, shaking the heavens with its power. However, when the sword struck the blood cloud, it was instantly swallowed, not even causing a single ripple!


    "This drop of the shaman god''s blood essence is unbeatable unless we eliminate the vengeful spirit!" Chu Liang''s thoughts raced, and a bright idea shed in his mind. He shouted loudly, "We have to break the porcin bottle that holds him!"


    As he spoke, he unleashed a Heavenly Sword Seal, sting it towards the distant porcin bottle!


    But the blood cloud swallowed it midway!


    Driven by anger and fear, the ck-robed old man knew he had to kill these intruders because they had discovered his weakness!


    After being bitten through by the little golden butterfly, the porcin bottle''s engraved enchantment was no longer intact. It was now breakable. Once the porcin bottle was shattered, his soul would have nowhere to reside and would dissipate into the heavens and earth.


    <i>It''s all this fellow''s fault! </i>The ck-robed old man roared inwardly.


    The ck-robed old man roared, and the blood cloud surged like a waterfall, covering the sky and engulfing everyone!


    "Die!"


    The group was cornered, with no way out in sight.


    But at that moment, the surging cloud of blood suddenly stopped moving!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A dull thud echoed from behind the cloud of blood.


    A towering figure emerged behind them, radiating divine might as if a god had descended!


    Metallic Body of the fifth-realm!


    Form of the Heavens and the Earth!


    Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form!


    Each of the six arms held a Heavenly Sword!


    Instantly, the disciples from the Mount Shu Sect recognized the techniques. It was abination of the Hundred Swords Seal and the Heavenly Sword Seal! First, the Hundred Swords Seal multiplied into six swords, and then each sword executed the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    Executing these sword techniques in thisbined manner was a hundred times more difficult than performing them individually.


    As Chu Liang watched this scene, he realized that Senior Brother Xu''s strength had elevated to another level since theirst fight.


    Indeed! The god-like figure that appeared out of nowhere was Xu Ziyang!


    ...


    Previously, the woman in yellow had attempted to lure him into the porcin bottle, but Xu Ziyang had already sensed that something was wrong...


    "You said you gained more power because you were near the bottle containing the evil spirit," he said with a gaze as sharp as lightning. "But as we''ve continued along this path, the vengeful spirits have been getting stronger. This means we''re heading straight towards the evil spirit, aren''t we?


    "If I''m not mistaken, this entrance doesn''t lead outside but to the space where the evil spirit resides."


    "..."


    And so, Xu Ziyang had been watching from outside all along, waiting for this moment to step forward!


    The ck-robed old man, being in the form of this vast blood cloud, was about to devour Chu Liang and the others. It did not expect such a powerful force to emerge from behind.


    Time seemed toe to a standstill.


    Xu Ziyang was showcasing his full power, wielding six Heavenly Swords andbining their strength into a single strike!


    Destroying the world!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Although the crucial part was done when the little golden butterfly broke the enchanted pattern on the porcin bottle, the remaining parts of the bottle were made of a material that others could not easily break.


    However, Xu Ziyang''s strike was so powerful that nothing could withstand it!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhh¡ª</i>" The ck-robed old man let out a cry, unwilling to ept defeat.


    He had existed for tens of thousands of years, facing countless Eminent Ones. And now, his existence was dissipated by a group of youngsters? Unbelievable!


    How could he ept this without feeling any grudge?


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The giant shattered the porcin bottle, causing the blood cloud in the air to fragment and fall as a cascade of blood. Everyone dodged, not daring to let even a single drop touch them.


    The blood rained down on the ground, making a sizzling sound as if it were burning. Instead of disappearing, it re-coalesced into a fist-sized globule of blood essence.


    The entire illusion cast over the abandoned Shen Family Residence copsed as well.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The violent sound caused the earth to shake and the mountains to tremble!


    The old night watchman outside the abandoned garden stumbled in fright, nearly falling to the ground. He turned back in terror as he cursed, "Fuck! What the heck is going on?"

 Chapter 317: They Are Truly Good People

    <h4>Chapter 317: They Are Truly Good People</h4>


    As the sunlight shone on their faces, they realized that the abandoned Shen Family Residence became entirely different.


    All the ghastly wind and demonic aura had dissipated, leaving only the broken walls and ruins to record the decades of hardship. The once-prosperous scenes were like a fleeting dream.


    At the moment the porcin bottle shattered and the wish-fulfilling spirit disappeared, all the ghostly entities that came into existence through the spirit also vanished. The white-d woman captured by Chu Liang and the yellow-d woman captured by Xu Ziyang wailed loudly as they both dissipated.


    When the white-d woman vanished, the remaining half of a jade pendant fell from the air. This was an item she had left behind.


    Chu Liang caught the jade pendant and found that the character "Shen" was engraved on it. It had been split into two, but it clearly exuded faint spiritual energy. Still, its purpose was unknown.


    Since it wasn''t anything valuable, Chu Liang didn''t bother to share it with everyone and simply stored it away.


    He had acquired iplete gadgets like this more than once, keeping them in case they proved usefulter.


    For example, the half iron te for the Blue Dragon¡¯s hidden realm saved his lifest time.


    However, the floating globule of blood in front of him wasn''t something he could take on his own.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just him. No one present could move this drop of blood.


    Jiang Yuebai stepped forward and attempted to collect the drop of blood into a container. However, as soon as her foundational qi touched it, the blood boiled, instantly dissolving the qi.


    "Can''t collect it?" Xu Ziyang thought for a moment and took out an enchanted tool jade box used for storing spirit herbs. He removed the herbs inside and tried to slowly scoop up the drop of blood with the jade box.


    Sizzle¡ª


    The jade box instantly corroded, leaving arge hole.


    One could easily imagine that if their flesh came into contact with it, extra holes would form in their bodies.


    Moreover, this drop of blood radiated evil, fear, anger, cruelty, greed, and various negative emotions. As they got closer, they immediately felt its influence.


    Fortunately, they were cultivators and sensitive to changes in their mental state, so they quickly distanced themselves from the shaman god''s blood essence.


    "No wonder this wish-fulfilling spirit was so evil. It drew its power from this thing. It would be strange if it weren''t evil," Chu Liang remarked.


    "This drop of blood is able to devour the greed of humans, so every time someone makes a wish to the wish-fulfilling spirit and drips a drop of blood filled with greed into the bottle, the wish-fulfilling spirit would be given more power," Xu Ziyang continued. "He must have just awakened in the Shen Family back then and was quickly fed by the Shen Family¡¯s greed, gaining great strength."


    Through his interaction with the yellow-d woman earlier, he had gained a rough understanding of the Shen Family''s situation.


    The yellow-d maid was the first to interact with the wish-fulfilling spirit and her first wish was to exchange bodies with the white-d madam of the family.


    This was the start of the nightmare for the Shen Family.


    After bing the madam of the family, she told her former lover about wish-fulfilling spirit, which gave outsiders the chance to interact with the wish-fulfilling spirit, which eventually resulted in the wish-fulfilling spirit being reported to the imperial officials.


    A huge disaster then struck the Shen Family.


    What they didn''t know was that once the wish-fulfilling spirit granted their wish, the deal waspleted. They would be ves to the wish-fulfilling spirit, bound to the contract by the drop of blood they had given. When the officers from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau came to take the porcin bottle, the wish-fulfilling spirit sacrificed everyone in the Shen Family Residence, turning them into vengeful spirits and using them as the source of power to kill the two officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Later, an Eminent One passed by. Although she couldn''t destroy the porcin bottle, she took a drop of the shaman god''s blood essence and then set up a restriction around the residence. She estimated that the power of greed that the wish-fulfilling spirit had absorbed would dissipate after twenty years. By then, she would return and store away this porcin bottle.


    ording to the exnation added by Chen Luo, this Eminent One was likely the Master of the South Melody Conservatory.


    Yan Yingluo, the Master of the South Melody Conservatory, was as beautiful as a deity and was famous throughout the nine provinces many years ago. At her peak, it was said that her followers spanned half of the Yu Dynasty.[1]


    But she retired at her peak, announcing that she would no longer go on tours, which caused quite a stir. Shortly after, she took over as the Master of the South Melody Conservatory, and people then understood that she had made significant breakthroughs in both her cultivation and status.


    "But recently, a second person also took a drop of the shaman god''s blood essence. It was because this person lifted the restriction here that the white-d vengeful spirit was able to escape and kill people during the Flower-Hairpin Festival," Xu Ziyang added.


    As for the identity of the person who took the second drop of the shaman god''s blood essence, that remained unknown.


    Regarding the Shen Family, Chu Liang still had some doubts after hearing the story.


    For example, the wish-fulfilling spirit could only make the wish-maker its ve after fulfilling their wish. In the illusion, the young master of the Shen Family wished to be the chancellor.


    If the wish wasn''t granted, he shouldn''t have be a vengeful spirit. If it was fulfilled, he hasn''t heard of a chancellor in the Yu Dynasty with the surname Shen in the past decade.


    Another example was the investigation of the Shen Family by the court due to their status as rtives of the previous dynasty, during which two officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau died. Why didn''t the imperial court take further action? If the Master of the South Melody Conservatory could obtain a drop of the shaman god''s blood essence, surely the many powerful experts in the government could have handled the situation. Why did they allow this ce to remain sealed for twenty years?


    But so many years had passed.


    Chu Liang and the others, being just outsiders who had heard only parts of the story, couldn''t possibly know the entire truth of the situation. However, there was no need for them to dwell on it.


    ...


    In the end, everyone stayed and guarded this ce while Chu Liang went back alone to inform the elders of Mount Shu. The Weapons Master brought a special enchanted tool and finally collected the drop of the shaman god''s blood essence.


    The higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect took this matter very seriously.


    A drop of True Dragon''s blood essence at the seventh realm could grant Ling Ao, despite being at the third realm of cultivation, enough power to be ranked among Mount Shu''s top four. The blood essence of the shaman god at the ninth realm contained power beyond the spiritual¡ªit could be considered divine. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could bring about another disaster.


    Logically, the Shaonan Town outpost should report this matter, and officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau should visit to im possession of this drop of blood essence. In the struggle for such precious items, neither the imperial court nor the immortal sects would act generously, and disputes often arose.


    However, since Chen Luo and his lover were both saved by the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect in the abandoned Shen Family Residence, Chen Luo was too embarrassed topete for the precious item with the Mount Shu disciples. He simply wrote in his report that by the time he arrived, the shaman god''s blood essence had already been taken by the Mount Shu Sect.


    The girl named Mu Xi woke upter.


    She exined that she was worried about Chen Luo''s injuries, so she left the Moon Osmanthus Woods to check on him. Suddenly, someone attacked her from behind. As she was frightened out of her wits, she fled without even looking back.


    In fact, the four from Mount Shu had been on guard at the time, waiting for the evil spirit to appear.


    This was why Xu Ziyang suddenly sensed a demonic aura and went after it.


    From Mu Xi''s perspective, the more she ran, the more that person pursued, and the more they chased, the faster she fled. In her panic, she found herself in the abandoned Shen Family Residence, where the restriction had been lifted and a vengeful spirit then lured her into a porcin bottle.


    The ck-robed old man immediately appeared and asked her to make a wish. However, before she could respond, the timid Mu Xi fainted from fear.


    Perhaps for this reason, when Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai entered again, the ck-robed old man created an illusion. It seemed he wanted to exin the situation to them and prevent them from being too frightened.


    But who was the bad person that chased Mu Xi into the abandoned Shen Family Residence?


    Upon mentioning this, Chen Luo was filled with such righteous indignation while all the other Mount Shu disciples turned and looked away.


    "I suddenly remembered I left my clothes hanging on the hilltop. Brother Chen, I''ll be leaving now," Chu Liang said hurriedly, cupping his hands in farewell.


    "I have urgent matters to attend to at home," Ling Ao said sinctly.


    "Now that this matter is settled, we have many things to report to the sect. We won''t be returning to the station," Jiang Yuebai said in a serious tone.


    Xu Ziyang said nothing and had already flown away on his sword.


    Chen Luo held Mu Xi in his arms, gazing into the distance, and sighed, "Why did they all leave so quickly? I wanted to invite them to a nice meal to thank them! Darling, we really have to thank these Mount Shu disciples. If it weren''t for them, we might never have seen each other again."


    Mu Xi also said, "They are truly good people."


    ...


    Outside Shaonan Town, a luxurious painted boat drifted serenely on the waters of the Osmanthus River.


    On the deck of the boat, there was singing and dancing, with a dozen lightly d dancers swaying gracefully. Around them, guests sat at tables, pping and enjoying the performance, raising their sses in a lively banquet scene.


    However, behind a closed door in the cabin, the atmosphere was thick with an aura of death.


    A tall man with red hair and a beard, dressed in a ck robe that exposed his chest, sat cross-legged at the table. He said with a frown, "The members of the Mount Shu Sect took the drop of shaman god''s blood essence? This really ticks me off."


    Opposite the red-haired man sat a handsome teenager with a silver scale on his forehead. His skin was as white as jade, and his entire presence appeared like a sculpture. His eyes gleamed with a golden hue.


    He gently poured wine into a cup on the table and said with a smile, "You broke the restriction. It''s no surprise that outsiders noticed the abandoned Shen Family Residence and took the drop of the shaman god''s blood essence."


    "Then why did you only let me take one drop?" the red-haired manined. "If we had killed the wish-fulfilling spirit and taken two drops, wouldn''t it have been better? Do you have any idea how beneficial even one drop of the shaman god''s blood essence is for me?"


    "Can you kill that evil spirit? If you can, wouldn''t you have done it?" the handsome young man sneered.


    "If you helped me, we could have killed it," the red-haired man retorted.


    "Why should I help you? That thing is useless to me," the handsome young man blinked as he spoke. "You need to understand, they sent me to watch over you and to make sure that you won¡¯t cause any more trouble. I''m not here to be your subordinate."


    "You..." the red-haired man was speechless with anger.


    "That fool Lu Chengchou couldn''t be patient and started the attack prematurely. Now, all that''s left of him is a fragment of his soul, living a fate worse than death. Young Noble Xunyang took Lu Chengchou in out of kindness, but this only brought suffering upon himself. Now, Young Noble Xunyang is wanted by the nine provinces and has been forced to flee to the Far West, living like a savage," the handsome young man said coldly. "I will not suffer for your foolish actions. If something happens to you, I''ll be the first to run far away."


    The red-haired man was left speechless. After a long pause, he said, "Can''t you drop your attitude? Since we joined the Celestial Charm Sect, we''re considered fellow disciples..."


    "Sigh¡ª" The handsome young man raised his cup and interrupted him, "Let''s get this straight, we''re not fellow disciples; we''re aplices."


    "That''s still fighting side by side..." the red-haired man replied.


    "We are colluding for misdeeds," the handsome young man said coldly. "You''re not seriously going to talk to me about camaraderie, are you? If you did, that would be hrious."


    "Hmph!"


    The red-haired man realized he couldn''t win the argument and felt he had suffered a great loss. In his frustration, he angrily pped the table, causing the food and drinks to ssh.


    The handsome young man gently raised his finger, and the spilled food and drinks stopped in mid-air. They then returned to their cups and tes as if they had a life of their own.


    He continued, "If you had the power to kill me now, would you hesitate to do so?"


    Upon hearing this, the red-haired man''s heaving chest gradually calmed. After a brief moment of contemtion, he shook his head and replied, "Not at all."


    1. So she¡¯s like hatsune miku? ?

 Chapter 318: I Dont Recommend It

    <h4>Chapter 318: I Don''t Rmend It</h4>


    When Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak, he felt like it had been a lifetime ago since he wasst there.


    The reason wasn''t that hisst mission had been particrly arduous. Rather, it was because Silver Sword Peak had been quite empty and unfrequented for decades, but now it was bustling with an endless stream of visitors. It was so lively that the noise from the activities could be heard from all over Mount Shu.


    Seeing how lively Silver Sword Peak was, many members of Mount Shu''s other peaks were so envious that their eyes practically glowed red with anger.


    In their eyes, Silver Sword Peak''s visitors were not people but sources of sword coins! Shiny golden sword coins were flowing into Silver Sword Peak so easily!


    The sect had increased the peaks'' allowances by thirty percent, but that was insignificantpared to Silver Sword Peak''s ie.


    Chu Liang''s creation, the Berry Wondend, was a unique and novel attraction in the world of immortality cultivators, and it had be famous far and wide due to several rounds of advertising.


    However, a berry-picking garden didn''t actually have much practical value; it shouldn''t have been able to be this popr. Chu Liang had predicted that the novelty of the Berry Wondend would onlyst for perhaps ten to fifteen days. After that, therge crowds would reduce to a more regr stream of customers. He would have been satisfied as long as the Berry Wondend could produce a stable flow of ie. Nevertheless, if it ended up being an unprofitable venture, it had been within his ns to shut the Berry Wondend down.


    Yet, even after all this time, business was still booming at the Berry Wondend! In fact, it was doing even better than before! This was beyond Chu Liang''s expectations.


    Then he saw a letter from Celestial Pivot Pavilion outside his cabin, and he finally understood why this was happening. The letter was from Zhang Xiaohan. She''d sent it to Chu Liang yesterday, expressing her sincere gratitude to him.


    Chu Liang''s story, <i>The Legend of the Berries,</i> had been a hit! The first half of the love story between a human and a demon had sessfully captured the interest of the gazette''s readers, and of course, it was human nature to want to read the second half.


    Therefore, arge number of readers wrote to Celestial Pivot Pavilion, urging them to release the rest of the story sooner. It was too painful to have to wait a month.


    Consequently, the higher-ups at Celestial Pivot Pavilion decided to release a special mid-month issue just for Zhang Xiaohan''s piece, dedicated solely to the second half of <i>The Legend of the Berries</i>. This was unprecedented at the Celestial Pivot Pavilion!


    After the second half was published, <i>The Legend of the Berries</i> spread by word of mouth and became extremely popr. Consequently, many immortality cultivators wanted to visit Silver Sword Peak to see the special nt of the fruit that had been mentioned in <i>Stealing Fruit From the Mountain of Immortals</i>. It also made many ordinary people yearn to visit Mount Shu''s Silver Sword Peak just to see the fruit from the legend.


    Chu Liang thought about it for a moment. There seemed to be a deep reason for <i>The Legend of the White Snake</i>''s great poprity across the nine provinces.


    Humans and demons were real in this world; they weren''t just mythical beings. That made the story very rtable and much more significant to the people in this world.


    <i>Imagine just walking along and suddenly encountering a beautiful snake demon who insists on marrying you, helps you with your career, gives birth to your son who bes a top schr... And she still loves you even after being imprisoned under a pagoda for decades... Just the thought of it is quite exhrating.</i>


    <i>It seems that literature and culture are indeed the keys to extending the life of a business!</i>


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and then wrote a reply to Zhang Xiaohan.


    <i>Miss Xiaohan, you needn''t thank me. Thanks to your sect publicizing my peak''s Golden Vein Berries, my business has be much more well known. I should be the one thanking you instead.</i>


    <i>Actually, there are many more stories about the Golden Vein Berries.</i>


    <i>Did you know that in the Far East, there was once a powerful deity dynasty?! And in that dynasty, there was a family ofmoners that one day discovered an unfamiliar fruit growing in their fruit garden. It was the specialty fruit of my peak¡ªthe Golden Vein Berry.</i>


    <i>When the family cut open the berry, they found a chubby little baby crying inside!</i>[1]


    <i>That family''s surname was Meng, and the baby was born from a berry, so they named the child... Meng Jiangnu.</i>


    ...


    After sending the letter to Zhang Xiaohan, Chu Liang shut the door of his cabin and prepared to have a joyous session of rewarding himself once again.


    During this trip to the abandoned courtyard of the Shen Family Residence, he had in more than a dozen vengeful spirits. It had been quite a fruitful endeavor, which meant he could reward himself over a dozen times today and be a dozen times happier.


    Chu Liang entered the White Pagoda''s space in a cheerful mood.


    Outside, the Berry Wondend was flourishing, and inside, the Large-Headed Doll was enveloped in a haze. Chu Liang felt happy to see that he was thriving both inside and out.


    Chu Liang thought,<i> I should find time to visit the South Melody Conservatory again and ask Miss Xue for some help so that I can upgrade my Golden-Core Puppet''s cirction to Perfect Qi Cirction. With my dual ultimate-tier Golden Cores and my dual meridian systems in a state of Perfect Qi Cirction, my cultivation speed will soar.</i>


    Ordinary geniuses could no longerpare with Chu Liang now. Even if Chu Liang were vastly inferior in terms of natural talent, his dual ultimate-tier Golden Cores could make up for the difference and even swiftly help him surpass it. He might be cultivating too quicklypared to his peers, but who wouldin about that?


    Everything was going great for Chu Liang. The only exception was that Liu Xiaoyu''er was busy acting as the fruit garden''s mascot, so it was an inconvenient time for Chu Liang to ask her for help with his rewards.


    Chu Liang gazed at the dozen or so cells containing the phantoms of the vengeful spirits like a stingyndlord inspecting his properties. He smiled for a while before stepping forward to refine them.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    There was a sh of light.


    A long item floated out of a cell, covered in white light.


    [Chain of Resentment: It can silently connect two beings, causing them to harbor strong resentment toward each other for a quarter of an hour. However, the distance between them must be within two zhang. It is ineffective against people at a higher realm and people in the seventh realm.]


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Upon seeing the item description, Chu Liang thought of his other two divine skills, the Evil-Dispelling Spell and Mystic Fingers. Both skills were very unusual and mysterious.


    After gaining some understanding of the Great Dao, Chu Liang knew that the Evil-Dispelling Spell was derived from the Great Dao of the Seven Emotions, and Mystic Fingers was derived from the Great Dao of the Universe. Both of these Great Daos were minor parts of the Great Dao.


    That was why these mystical skills were useless against those who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm. Once a cultivator had reached the seventh realm, they could utilize their immense understanding of their Great Dao to effortlessly cast these mysterious spells. Additionally, they had a certain level of immunity to spells derived from other types of Great Dao[2]. That meant they did not need to fear the spells of other cultivators.


    This Chain of Resentment also seemed to fall within the scope of the Great Dao of the Seven Emotions.


    Chu Liang proceeded to refine the next phantom, and he was given another Chain of Resentment. It seemed the White Pagoda had produced items with the same attribute as the vengeful spirits that the wish-fulfilling spirit had created. However, these special gadgets might have amazing effects if they were used well, so it wasn''t a bad thing to have more of them.


    After rewarding himself, Chu Liang felt refreshed, so he prepared to head over to the Berry Wondend and have a look at how it was doing.


    He''d left it to his teacher to watch over the Berry Wondend for the past few days. Liu Xiaoyu''er, Lin Bei, and Shang Ziliang were busy at work inside and outside the Berry Wondend, while the Golden-Furred Hou and the Baize youngling guarded the ce.


    Chu Liang himself hadn''t gone over there much. He had truly been too busy.


    As soon as Chu Liang stepped out of his cabin, he ran into Chen Su.


    "Junior Brother Chu, where are you headed?" Chen Su asked as she approached.


    Chu Liang replied truthfully, "I''m going to the fruit garden."


    "If it''s not urgent,e to the Hall of Alchemy first. The Alchemy Master heard you were back from your mission and sent me to ask for you immediately," Chen Su said with a smile.


    "<i>Ah,</i>" Chu Liang uttered, smacking his forehead.


    He had forgotten all about his promise with the Alchemy Master.


    Chu Liang had agreed to go to the Hall of Alchemy at least once a week to learn alchemy from the Alchemy Master after the Mount Shu Summit was over. The previous day was a week after hisst session with the Alchemy Master, but he had been unable to meet with the Alchemy Master due to his mission.


    Chu Liang replied, "Okay, I''ll go right away!"


    Since he wanted to learn alchemy, he had to do it diligently.


    However, the Alchemy Master had only taught Chu Liang the theoretical fundamentals of alchemy so far; he hadn''t given any lessons involving practical work. Consequently, Chu Liang found the lessons rather boring.


    Nevertheless, he understood that theory was like the foundation of a building, and the practical work was whatever was built on top of it. The stronger the foundation, the taller the building could be built. Therefore, Chu Liang studied these theoretical fundamentals very seriously and took the initiative to improve his understanding of alchemy.


    Upon arriving at the Hall of Alchemy, Chu Liang found it was emptier than usual. No one was going in and out of the hall, and it seemed that all the disciples were in their rooms practicing alchemy.


    Seeing Chu Liang, the Alchemy Master showed a bright smile that was full of kindness.


    <i>When this kid was only Di Nufeng''s disciple, I truly hated him so much that I would gnash my teeth in anger. But when this genius became my nominal disciple, I just can''t stop grinning from ear to ear.</i>


    These were the Alchemy Master''s true thoughts.


    "I was held back by my mission yesterday. I hope you won''t me me, Elder," Chu Liang said, greeting the Alchemy Master with a bow.


    "It''s fine. That was the sect''s first mission after the Mount Shu Summit, so it''s quite important. I heard you and the others did very well. You killed all the evil spirits as nned and even retrieved a drop of a shaman god''s blood," the Alchemy Master praised. "You always somehow manage to leave us pleasantly surprised."


    "It was a joint effort. I just contributed a small part of it," Chu Liang said modestly.


    That was indeed the truth.


    During the battle at the Shen Family Residence, it had indeed been Chu Liang who released the little golden butterfly, which had been vital in causing major damage to the wish-fulfilling spirit''s precious bottle.


    <i>However, Senior Sister Jiang remained calm and led the team well as the head disciple, so some of the credit goes to her. Senior Brother Xu descended like a god and saved everyone from danger, so some of the credit goes to him too. Ling Ao carried the injured Chen Luo steadily and made sure he wasfortable... so Ling Ao contributed as well...</i>


    <i>In short, it was a team effort.</i>


    Seeing how modest Chu Liang was, the Alchemy Master gazed at him even more fondly.


    The Alchemy Master said with a smile, "Get ready. I''ll teach you how to concoct a pill today."


    Chu Liang grinned. "You''re finally letting me use the furnace?"


    "Yes. You could have started using it much earlier, but I wanted to help you build a solid foundation. Today, I''ll teach you how to concoct a rtively basic pill. You can concoct high-grade Green Pills, so this pill shouldn''t be a problem for you."


    "What is it?"


    "It''s the Spirit-Concentration Pill. You haven''t concocted this pill before, have you?"


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Chu Liang was a little taken aback. "Indeed, I haven''t. But why this pill?"


    "Firstly, it''s one of the pills that''s simpler to concoct, so it''s suitable for you to practice with," the Alchemy Master exined. "Secondly, the price of the Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City has suddenly soared. I''ve issued an urgent order to all my disciples to make Spirit-Concentration Pills. We should concoct more of these pills and sell them in Taotie City for a big profit."


    "<i>Uh,</i> well..." Chu Liang scratched his head awkwardly. "I''m fine with learning how to concoct the Spirit-Concentration Pill, but... I don''t rmend producing them on arge scale."


    "What do you mean?" the Alchemy Master asked puzzledly.


    "What I mean is..." Chu Liang chose his words carefully. "What if the price of the Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City suddenly drops? The martial world is full of uncertainties..."


    1. I think this is probably referencing the story of Momotaro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momotar¨­. GT thinks it might be Princess Kaguya https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_the_Bamboo_Cutter as well. For all we know, it could be a mix of the two. ?


    2. Eminent Ones all pursue different Great Daos. Those at the seventh realm only pursue one. ?

 Chapter 319: The Six Demon-Eliminating Treasures

    <h4>Chapter 319: The Six Demon-Eliminating Treasures</h4>


    Taotie City, Yui Pavilion.


    Wen Yulong, whose face had be slightly rounder, sat at the table and said to Chu Liang, "As you requested, I''ve scheduled their arrival times very close together, and the waiting room is right next door. The walls have been specially treated to ensure they''re not soundproof."


    "Excellent. You''ve worked hard these past few days," Chu Liang said, ncing at Wen Yulong. "You''ve worked so hard that you''ve even gained some weight."


    "Hehe, it''s no trouble at all," Wen Yulong replied with a wave of his hand. "Manager Zhang from Precious Pill Pavilion should be arriving soon. I''ll go greet him."


    Precious Pill Pavilion was the same shop where Chu Liang had previously bought Spirit-Concentration Pills. It was one of thergest pill shops in Taotie City and had assisted Chu Liang in contacting several other pill shops for their stock.


    Later, when they discovered that the market demand for Spirit-Concentration Pills far exceeded supply, they realized the reason why Chu Liang had made that purchase. And so, Elder Sun quickly contacted Wen Yulong, expressing his eagerness to buy back the Spirit-Concentration Pills.


    When Chu Liang arrived in Taotie City today, Elder Sun immediately sent his steward over to negotiate, and Chu Liang dly agreed to the meeting.


    "Young Hero Chu!"


    Before long, Wen Yulong walked over with a middle-aged cultivator. The man had a long, thin face and sharp eyes. Although his cultivation level was not high, he appeared quite shrewd.


    "Manager Zhang," Chu Liang greeted, rising from his seat.


    "Young Hero Chu, your foresight is impressive. I mustmend you for that," Manager Zhang remarked with a smile.


    Even the most oblivious could see that Chu Liang''s purchase was no coincidence. Who would just so happen to buy such arge quantity of Spirit-Concentration Pills for no reason? Considering the consequences, it was clear that he intended for the purchase to influence the market.


    "It was just a coincidence," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "The demand is currently high and urgent. Let''s not beat around the bush," Manager Zhang said with a straightforward approach. "When you initially requested a discount, Precious Pill Pavilion readily offered it in good faith to foster a positive rtionship with you. Now, we are proposing to repurchase this batch of Spirit-Concentration Pills at the original price. Would you consider this offer, Young Hero Chu?"


    The original price he referred to was one sword coin for two pills, whereas Chu Liang had purchased them at a discounted rate of two sword coins for five pills.


    With 150,000 Spirit-Concentration Pills, Chu Liang could instantly make a profit of 15,000.


    However, the discount was mutually agreed upon initially. Without it, Chu Liang would not have made the purchase, and Precious Pill Pavilion had also profited significantly from the deal. However, if Chu Liang mentioned that the Precious Pill Pavilion had also made money, it would seem like he was pressuring Manager Zhang and making Manager Zhang feel uneasy or guilty.


    The market price had increased significantly since Chu Liang''s purchase. Manager Zhang''s mention of good faith was aimed at securing additional profit from Chu Liang.


    But if Chu Liang refused, he might gain a reputation for being untrustworthy. With him being new to Taotie City, this could make things more difficult for him in the city.


    With just a few light-hearted words, Manager Zhang had forced Chu Liang into a state of dilemma.


    Chu Liang smiled as he stood up and walked slowly towards the wall, speaking loudly, "Elder Sun has indeed treated me well. While one sword coin for two pills is much lower than the current market price, it''s not out of the question..."


    "You can''t agree to it!"


    The room door was suddenly pushed open with a bang.


    It was Manager Liu from Charming Pill Pavilion in the city. He had been waiting in the room next-door for his meeting with Chu Liang. Upon hearing Chu Liang mention selling arge quantity of Spirit-Concentration Pills at one sword coin for two pills, he couldn''t remain seated any longer.


    Charming Pill Pavilion had always been the biggestpetitor of Precious Pill Pavilion. How could he stand by and allow Precious Pill Pavilion to gain such a significant advantage?


    "Manager Liu, what are you doing..." Chu Liang said, appearing somewhat flustered. "Weren''t we scheduled to meetter?"


    "I was waiting, but I couldn''t sit still when I heard that you were about to be deceived," Manager Liu said loudly, "One sword coin for two pills may be the original price, but the current price of Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City has skyrocketed. This is practically robbery! Listen to me, Young Hero Chu, Charming Pill Pavilion will certainly offer you a much better price!"


    "We''re in the middle of a business negotiation. Why are you interfering?" Manager Zhang retorted, clearly angered. How could he not be frustrated when the profit that was within his grasp had just slipped through his fingers?


    Manager Zhang continued shouting, "Business is all about negotiation. If Young Hero Chu wants to sell at a low price out of consideration for our friendship, or at a high price, we can discuss it. What''s it to you? Don''t you understand the principle of firste, first served?"


    At that moment, a faint glow suddenly shed between the ankles of the two and disappeared instantly.


    It was the Chain of Resentment...


    Manager Liu, who was already anxious, stared at Manager Zhang''s face and suddenly felt an inexplicable surge of anger. "To hell with firste, first served!" he shouted.


    He actually threw a punch!


    But before he could even swing his punch, the even angrier Manager Zhang had already acted!


    The two of them immediately started brawling!


    Chu Liang and Wen Yulong couldn''t just stand by. They each grabbed one of them, shouting, "Stop fighting!"


    The brawl spread from the private room to the bustling first-floor hall. Immediately, the fight caught the attention of those in the hall, and people began discussing it loudly.


    "What''s going on?" asked many curious onlookers.


    "Hehehe! I know!" At that moment, a helpful insiderughed loudly. "The supply of Spirit-Concentration Pills is getting very low, and those two managers from the pill shops are fighting over buying them!"[1]


    "What?" The crowd eximed in surprise. "Has the supply of Spirit-Concentration Pills gotten this bad?"


    ...


    Meanwhile, three streets away, a crowd had gathered, creating amotion over another matter.


    This ce was called the Pavillion of Celestial Fate.


    The Pavilion of Celestial Fate stood out as one of the premierrge-scale sellers of valuable items in Taotie City. Its wide array of goods rivaled the resources of a major immortal sect.


    A small portion of the goods were sourced or acquired directly by the Pavilion of Celestial Fate itself, but most were consigned by outsiders for sale. At the start of each month, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate hosted an auction where rare and unique items often appeared and sold for very high prices.


    Today, seven days before the auction, was the day when the Pavilion of Celestial Fate disyed the items to be auctioned to the public.


    Each time this urred, a crowd would gather to see if there was anything they desired, while others simply enjoyed the excitement.


    On the white jade board hanging outside the pavilion, rows ofrge characters in golden light described the items, including treasures like the Millennium Jade Lingzhi and the Fiery Qilin Egg.


    But there was one item that was the most eye-catching.


    "The Demon-Subduing Pestle!" someone eximed.


    "Is it Mount Shu''s Demon-Subduing Pestle?" someone asked.


    "How could it be Mount Shu''s? Mount Shu lost it in a hidden realm four hundred years ago. ording to the rules of the martial world, whoever retrieves it from the hidden realm afterward owns it!" someone shouted.


    "This was one of Mount Shu Sect¡¯s six demon-eliminating treasures, a famous item that once shocked everyone. Now all six of these treasured items are scattered all over the continent, which is really sad," someone sighed.


    "..."


    Mount Shu once possessed six demon-eliminating treasures: the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, the Demon-ying Sword, the Demon-Cutting Saber, the Demon-Binding Rope, the Demon-Subduing Pestle, and the Demon-Smashing Hammer...


    Apart from the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, which ranked first, the other five were also among the top hundred in the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures. While the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda achieved glory in subduing the demon god, the other five treasures also yed crucial roles in supporting this achievement.


    Over the years, one by one, the six demon-eliminating treasures disappeared. Eventually, even the most crucial Demon-Suppressing Pagoda went missing.


    And now, only the Demon-Smashing Hammer remained in possession of the Mount Shu Sect.


    In recent years, the Mount Shu Sect had been diligently searching for information about the six treasures, hoping to once again gather them and restore their former glory.


    Who would have thought that they would see the name of the Demon-Subduing Pestle disyed outside the Pavilion of Celestial Fate today!


    1. Just by seeing the Hehehe, I know who this is. ?

 Chapter 320: Fanghu

    <h4>Chapter 320: Fanghu</h4>


    Mount Shu, Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    At this moment, Venerable Wen Yuan and the four Guardian Elders, along with Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master, Old Man Sikong, the peak master of Solitude Peak, and Tantai Jing, the peak master of Rain Cedar Peak, were in the Boundless Pce. There were no more than ten people, all with serious expressions, discussing important matters.


    Apart from the ones at the highest positions of Mount Shu, which included the sect leader and the Guardian Elders, the other three¡ªWang Xuanling, being the grand peak master; Old Man Sikong, being known for his virtue; and Tantai Jing, being known for his wisdom¡ªwere often called upon for important matters.


    These individuals constituted Mount Shu''s current decision-making team. Only for major public matters would all thirty-five peak masters be called to a meeting.


    As for Di Nufeng, she usually disliked attending such gatherings because they interfered with her sleep. If she did attend, it meant that others preferred not toe...


    So she was only called for particrly significant matters.


    "Pavilion of Celestial Fate is unwilling to sell the Demon-Subduing Pestle to Mount Shu in advance but said they would give us a 10 percent discount on the final auction price," Wang Xuanling said in a deep voice.


    "10 percent off?" The Alchemy Master responded, "That''s quite a discount."


    "As expected, it¡¯s not possible for us to get it before the others," the Conservation Master said with a sigh.


    With the Pavilion of Celestial Fate establishing such a significant presence in Taotie City, they had to ensure their credibility remained intact. If the immortal sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten could purchase the disyed items in advance, it would undermine the purpose of holding an auction.


    However, they still had to show some respect to Mount Shu, hence offering a 10% discount as a gesture of goodwill. This decision was understandable.


    "The Mount Shu Sect must get the Demon-Subduing Pestle back," the Discipline Master said firmly. "The Mount Shu Sect has made great achievements through the six demon-eliminating treasures. Since it has resurfaced, we must bring it back!"


    "That''s true, but the people from the Peni Supreme Sect might alsopete with us..." Old Man Sikong said, "After all, they have the Demon-Cutting Saber. They probably want to gather all six demon-eliminating treasures too."


    A few years ago, the Mount Shu Sect had some minor conflicts with the Peni Supreme Sect precisely because of the six demon-eliminating treasures.


    A long time ago, a senior of the Mount Shu Sect entered the Profound Darkness Hidden Realm with the Demon-Cutting Saber and died there, which resulted in the Mount Shu Sect losing the Demon-Cutting Saber.


    A few decades ago, Daoist Chi Niu[1] from the Peni Supreme Sect found this legendary weapon in the Profound Darkness Hidden Realm.


    ording to the customary rules of the immortal realm, if a sect''s members lost a valuable item in a hidden realm for many years, it would be an ownerless treasure. Whoever finds it during their exploration of the hidden realm would get to keep it.


    However, given the extraordinary significance of the six demon-eliminating treasures, the Mount Shu Sect went to negotiate, hoping to exchange other valuable items for the Demon-Cutting Saber. This was quite reasonable.


    But Daoist Chi Niu was deeply fond of the Demon-Cutting Saber and directly rejected Mount Shu''s offer for a trade.


    Even without considering the synergy between the six demon-eliminating treasures, the Demon-Cutting Saber alone could rank among the top hundred in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. Treasures of this level were indeed not something people would easily exchange.


    After some disputes, the matter was eventually left unresolved.


    With the appearance of the Demon-Subduing Pestle this time, there was an eighty percent chance that the Peni Supreme Sect wouldpete for it. After all, the six demon-eliminating treasuresplemented each other, and possessing two together would significantly enhance their power.


    "Yes, such a legendary weapon at an auction will undoubtedly fetch a sky-high price," mused the Supervising Elder. "How can Mount Shupete with Peni when ites to wealth?"


    The emergence of a legendary weapon would inevitably spark a bidding frenzy, and it was no surprise if the final price soared to extraordinary heights.


    The Peni Supreme Sect, renowned for its three resource-rich inds teeming with countless spirit nts, was considered the most blessednd of an immortal sect in the nine provinces. Inparison, Mount Shu''s financial and martial strength seemed somewhat inadequate.


    With sufficient materials, the Mount Shu Sect could make as many sword coins as they desired. However, the downside was that if those sword coins ended up in the hands of others, they could use them to exchange for Mount Shu''s resources.


    If the Mount Shu Sect make arge number of sword coins to purchase the item and intentionally raised the prices of their own resources, they might gain a temporary advantage. However, the consequences would be severe: they would be isted, and their reputation would be ruined.


    This consequence was more severe than missing out on the legendary weapon.


    The Discipline Master pondered for a moment before suddenly saying, "Why not just take it by force?"


    "Pfft¡ª" Tantai Jing nearly spit out his tea and quickly said, "Discipline Master, think carefully. Seizing a legendary weapon by force in Taotie City would ruin Mount Shu''s reputation instantly... it''s not worth it!"


    After a pause, he continued, "We willpete with Peni in this auction. With the right strategy, we might not necessarily lose. We are able to rally the full strength of our entire sect, while Peni is deeply divided due to its factions. At most, we''ll be up against the Fanghu faction."


    The Peni Immortal Realm was a collective term for the three immortals'' inds¡ªPeni, Fanghu, and Yingzhou


    Initially, the Peni Supreme Sect resided on Mirage Mountain, while the members of the Peni Secondary Sect were distributed across the three inds.


    However, after apetition of growth with the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, the number of disciples in the Peni Supreme Sect surged, making Mirage Mountain too small to amodate everyone. Consequently, the sect ordered all its members to relocate to the three inds.


    Now, only those who reached the seventh realm were qualified to establish a cave dwelling on the cloud-covered Mirage Mountain above the three inds, where they could live with their families and disciples.


    This move had an unforeseen consequence at the time: Mirage Mountain was no longer a unified entity. Due to the Eminent Ones who moved to Mirage Mountaining from different locations, the members were naturally split into three factions.


    Each Eminent One wanted to direct resources to their own ind, promoting their young talents to eventually be their right-hand person.


    Over time, the divisions among the three factions deepened further.


    Since the current sect leader originated from the Peni Ind, the Peni faction was currently the strongest. For instance, Yang Yuhu''s teacher, Daoist Huang Long, whom Chu Liang had met, as well as Daoist Bai Lin, the one who visited Mount Shu previously were part of the Peni faction.


    However, the Fanghu and Yingzhou factions were powerful as well. After all, Peni was a huge sect with very deep roots, which meant that Fanghu and Yingzhou also had a strong foundation. Daoist Chi Niu, who possessed the Demon-Cutting Saber, was from the Fanghu faction.


    Naturally, the members of the other two factions wouldn''t assist him inpeting for the legendary weapon at the auction.


    Venerable Wen Yuan listened to their discussion for a while, then slightly raised his hand and ordered, "Weapons Master and Tantai Jing, take out 80% of the sword coins from the treasury and head to Taotie City to participate in the auction. The Demon-Subduing Pestle has been a legendary weapon of Mount Shu for thousands of years; please ensure that you bring it back."


    Tantai Jing and the Weapons Master solemnly epted the order, responding, "Yes!"


    ...


    "I''ve never seen this much money in my life..." Wen Yulong eximed, staring at the several storage enchanted tools on the table.


    These storage enchanted tools were filled to the brim with Vermillion-Bird coins.


    After themotion at the restaurant, rumors about the shortage of Spirit-Concentration Pills spread like wildfire. Many cultivators, who had been holding off in hopes of a price drop, scrambled to make urgent purchases to secure their supply.


    Seeing this, the pill shops immediately and eagerly sought out Chu Liang.


    With so many people surrounding him, Chu Liang naturally couldn''t "in good conscience" sell all the pills to the Precious Pill Pavilion. Instead, he divided his Spirit-Concentration Pills into five portions and sold them to fiverge pill shops at a rate of three pills for two Vermillion-Bird coins.


    However, the portion for the Precious Pill Pavilion was sold at a slightly reduced price.


    The special treatment that the Precious Pill Pavilion received led Elder Sun to personally thank Chu Liang. In his eyes, Chu Liang was a young hero who was both faithful and loyal.


    The other pill shops knew that Chu Liang had sourced his Spirit-Concentration Pills from the Precious Pill Pavilion, so they had no objections. Even at this price, they could still make a considerable profit.


    Eager to make a profit, the pill shops rushed to sell their stock quickly. They knew that the sudden influx of Spirit-Concentration Pills would drive prices down, and anyone who was slow to sell would end up taking a loss.


    Wen Yulong watched Chu Liang''s entire operation in amazement.


    Through this series of maneuvers, Chu Liang turned 60,000 sword coins into 100,000 Vermillion-Bird coins, which were nearly equivalent in value,ting a profit of 40,000. Additionally, he secured the friendship of several major pill shops in Taotie City, ensuring smoother dealings in the future. Chu Liang gained both respect and wealth.


    He made money off them, and they still had to thank him.


    This was quite magical.


    "It was thanks to your help this time. Is there anything you want to buy?" Chu Liang asked with a smile. "I''ll pay for it."


    Wen Yulong''s eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"


    "Well..." Chu Liang thought for a moment and handed over an enchanted storage tool. "Never mind, I''ll just give you a bonus."


    The storage tool contained 1,000 sword coins, which was no small amount for Wen Yulong.


    However, the bonus was merely a drop in the bucket, not enough for the materials that would make his whimsical idease true.


    If Wen Yulong was allowed to indulge in any purchases, Chu Liang might end up crying on his way back to Mount Shu.


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Chu." Wen Yulong epted the bonus withoutint and then asked, "Now that the Spirit-Concentration Pills are sold, what are we going to do? Are we heading back?"


    "No rush. Since we made money, we have to spend it," Chu Liang replied. "There''s something I want to buy. I''m not sure if Taotie City has it."


    "What is it?" Wen Yulong asked.


    "Human-Faced Xiao," Chu Liang replied.


    This ghastly entity enabled the unboxing of Large-Headed Dolls, which, while not as powerful as other enchanted tools, were crucial for Chu Liang¡¯s cultivation growth.


    It was all thanks to the Large-Headed Dolls bearing the burden that he could live such a peaceful life.


    For these hardworking Large-Headed Dolls that worked everyday without taking a break, Chu Liang has only four words: the more, the better.


    However, the Human-Faced Xiao was extremely rare. Despite his long search, Chu Liang had yet to encounter a third one. Now that he was in Taotie City, renowned for gathering treasures from across the nine provinces, he realized it was an opportune moment to resume his quest of searching for this entity.


    "Isn''t that a very rare ghost? What do you need it for, Senior Brother Chu?" Wen Yulong asked with curiosity.


    Chu Liang paused for a moment, then replied mysteriously, "I have a connection with this entity."


    Wen Yulong nced at the figure before him, who spoke in riddles, and decided not to inquire further. Instead, he suggested, "Let¡¯s explore around the area tomorrow. If we can¡¯t find it, we can submit a request at the Pavilion of Celestial Fate. They specialize in finding treasures and will notify us as soon as they have any news."


    Chu Liang smiled as he said, "That sounds perfect."


    1. His name means red cow or maybe hot cow. ?

 Chapter 321: Im Not Bidding For It

    <h4>Chapter 321: I''m Not Bidding For It</h4>


    The Pavilion of Celestial Fate.


    It was the day of the auction¡ªthe pavilion''s busiest day of each month. There was a stage in the center of the pavilion, and the open space around it was spacious enough to amodate tens of thousands of people.


    On the second floor, there was a row of luxurious viewing boxes¡ªrooms for guests to view the auction in private. Important guests or those from major forces like the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten all had their own exclusive boxes.


    Before the auction started, the Weapons Master walked through the corridor on the second floor. He was apanied by a tall white bear standing upright. It was wearing a full set of armor, looking like a majestic general. A wheelchair was strapped to the bear''s shoulder armor, and Tantai Jing was sitting in it.


    The Mount Shu Sect had entrusted these two men to carry out an important mission in Taotie City.


    As they moved through the corridor, a group of people approached from the other end. The person at the front of the group was a tall and burly middle-aged Daoist with bronze-colored skin and a cold, steely expression. He was dressed in a Daoist robe, which had the yin and yang fishes embroidered inside the Eight Trigrams with a fire-red background color[1].


    His gaze met the Weapon Master''s, and both parties slowed down.


    "Greetings, Weapons Master. It''s been ages since west met," the middle-aged Daoist said with a small smile, cupping his hands together and bowing slightly.


    "I heard you were in closed-door cultivation at Fanghu for a long time. So, you''ve finally emerged," the Weapons Master replied, returning the smile.


    The person before him was Daoist Chi Niu of the Peni Supreme Sect.


    "I didn''t have a choice. I have to get the Demon-Subduing Pestle today." Daoist Chi Niu shook his head. "I don''t trust anyone else to do it, so I had toe and do it myself."


    "What a coincidence," the Weapons Master said. "My sect is determined to get it too."


    "<i>Hahaha.</i>" Daoist Chi Niuughed heartily and threw his hands into the air. "In that case, let''s see who will emerge victorious."


    Then someone coughed behind Daoist Chi Niu.


    Looking over, the Weapons Master saw a rather thin man, who wore ck clothes and a jade belt.


    The Weapons Master said, "I guess this must be the recently advanced Daoist Xuan Lu? The Peni Supreme Sect is indeed full of talented people."


    "Greetings, Weapons Master. Yes, that is indeed me, esteemed senior." Daoist Xuan Lu bowed in greeting as well. "No matter who gets the Demon-Subduing Pestle today, it is best for both our sects to maintain our friendly rtions."


    The Weapons Master chuckled. "Of course. All sects following the righteous path share the same qi; it is of utmost importance that we maintain our friendly rtions."


    He waved his ck-iron hand, brushing off the idea that their sects'' rtionship would sour.


    Daoist Chi Niu grinned. "That''s right! Let''s stay amicable!"


    After the exchange of pleasantries, both parties went to their respective boxes and sat down.


    "Some years ago, Mount Shu wanted my Demon-Cutting Saber, and now they want to fight me for the Demon-Subduing Pestle. They''re so irritating!" Daoist Chi Niu said quietly as soon as he sat down. "If it wasn''t because of their intervention, I might have already obtained the Demon-Subduing Pestle."


    Before the auction, Daoist Chi Niu had contacted the Pavilion of Celestial Fate in the name of the Peni Supreme Sect, hoping to offer a price and buy the Demon-Subduing Pestle without going through the auction.


    Normally, the Peni Supreme Sect had a significantly greater influence than Mount Shu, as it was the top immortal sect in the nine provinces. So, under normal circumstances, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate would probably have agreed.


    However, Mount Shu had also made an offer to purchase the item. If the Pavilion of Celestial Fate gave it to another sect before the auction, it would be like giving the Mount Shu Sect a p in the face. Consequently, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate decided not to sell the item to anyone before the auction. Instead, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate promised both sects that they would get a ten percent discount off the price if they won the bid.


    "The six demon-eliminating treasures were in the Mount Shu Sect''s possession for thousands of years, so it''s normal for them to think of the treasures as their own," Daoist Xuan Lu remarked with a lightugh. "Do not be impatientter. Think twice before taking action."


    Daoist Chi Niu nodded. "I know. I''ll follow your orderster."


    He''d brought Daoist Xuan Lu because he was quick-witted and intelligent. Daoist Xuan Lu had not been long since he became a seventh-realm cultivator, so hecked experience as one, but he had been an important strategist in the Fanghu faction long before his advancement to the seventh realm.


    Despite having ample experience as an Eminent One, Daoist Chi Niu did not have an arrogant attitude in front of Daoist Xuan Lu.


    Over in the Mount Shu Sect''s box...


    "If I meet him in a hidden realm someday, I''ll have to teach him a good lesson," the Weapons Master said, clenching his ck-iron hand into a fist.


    His expression was just as dark as Daoist Chi Niu''s.


    Fortunately, the boxes in the Pavilion of Celestial Fate werepletely soundproof, unlike that room Chu Liang had used recently... Otherwise, it would only be too easy for these two groups to start fighting through the wall.


    Tantai Jing''srge white bear was sitting cross-legged, meditating. Its posture and aura were no different from those of a human cultivator.


    As for Tantai Jing, he was seated beside it.


    Tantai Jing smiled and advised the Weapons Master, "Elder, regardless of whether we seed or failter, please control your temper. If you make the first move in such a setting, it will just give them an excuse to retaliate."


    The Weapons Masterughed softly. "Don''t worry. I''m not Di Nufeng.".


    ...


    "An auction?"


    Wen Yulong was looking at the jade signboard at the entrance of the Pavilion of Celestial Fate. That''s when he recalled that it was the day of the monthly auction.


    The public reveal of the Demon-Subduing Pestle had caused a bit of a stir, but it wasn''t enough for the news to spread all over Taotie City. Chu Liang and Wen Yulong had been focusing on the fluctuating market for the Spirit-Concentration Pills, so they hadn''t paid much attention to the news rted to the auction.


    Chu Liang swept his gaze over the vertical signboard, moving down from the top and eventually stopping on thest item.


    He muttered, "The Demon-Subduing Pestle?"


    "It''s one of the six demon-eliminating treasures!" Wen Yulong eximed excitedly. "This was one of our sect''s important treasures. Our sect should have sent someone here. Why don''t we go in and take a look?"


    Chu Liang nodded. "Sure."


    It turned out that the tickets to get auction weren''t expensive. Once they were done paying for the tickets, Chu Liang and Wen Yulong received a long-handled wooden paddle that was marked with their assigned seating area and numbers. They then entered the first floor of the main hall and sat in seats near the back of the hall.


    This month''s auction had attracted thousands of people.


    However, like Chu Liang and Wen Yulong, most of them were there just to watch; they didn''t intend to buy anything. As for the rest of the people, many of them were just there to try their luck. They would only try putting in a bid for an item if they thought there was a chance they could have a winning bid. Therefore, it was unlikely there would be many people raising their signs during the auction.


    Just after Chu Liang and Wen Yulong sat down, there was the loud sound of a gong, and one of the Pavilion of Celestial Fate''s managers walked onto the stage.


    "Fellow Daoists, I thank you all foring to the Pavilion of Celestial Fate and attending this auction. I believe the treasures being offered tonight will not disappoint you."


    A cool breeze swept through the hall, carrying the manager''s voice to every corner of the hall.


    "Without further ado, let''s start today''s auction!"


    <i>Gonnnng. </i>The gong was struck again.


    Two female servants dressed in colorful clothes stepped onto the stage, their skirts fluttering in the breeze as they walked. Each woman carried a golden tray covered with red cloth.


    "Today''s first treasure is a pair of ancient m pearls from the East Sea!" the manager announced.


    He lifted the red cloth of one of the trays, revealing a pair ofrge pearls.


    One was a bright red, and the other was purple-ck. Both were shining brilliantly.


    The manager continued, "The light that the red pearl emits is filled with yang qi, and the light that the purple pearl emits is filled with yin qi. The red pearl can dispel all concealment techniques, making it impossible for anyone to hide or move around stealthily within the range of the red pearl''s light. The purple pearl can detect ghosts, making yin qi visible as something solid."


    "The starting price is two thousand Vermillion-Bird coins. The bids are to increase by no less than one hundred Vermillion-Bird coins." The manager waved his hand. "Please raise your signs!"


    The Pavilion of Celestial Fate had a rule that if a person raised their sign, it meant they were participating in the bid for that item at the base price, increasing the bid by a hundred Vermillion-Bird coins. If they wanted to bid more, they had to call out their bid.


    These yin and yang pearls sounded quite practical, so many people participated in the bid for them. Chu Liang, however, just enjoyed watching the biddingpetition... until Wen Yulong poked him.


    "Senior Brother Chu, those pearls are pretty good. They would be great embedded into an enchanted tool," Wen Yulong said excitedly as he gazed at the treasure on the stage. "Hurry up and bid for it!"


    Chu Liang tactfully rejected Wen Yulong''s suggestion. "Let''s just wait and see."


    The pearls were quickly sold for the high price of four thousand Vermillion-Bird coins.


    Chu Liang did some rough calctions. The base price of two thousand Vermillion-Bird coins for the two pearls had certainly been low, but the winning bid of four thousand was very high. It seemed that more money could be earned through an auction as opposed to a private sale at a set price. Those who really wanted the items had to pay an excessive amount to get them, raising the price of the items significantly.


    <i>Lesson learned.</i>


    At this time, the second treasure on offer was brought on stage. It was a fist-sized chunk of crystalized wind spiritual qi. The crystal emitted a brilliant azure light that made objects within a ten-zhang radius float.


    The manager boasted about the crystal. "This item is excellent forprehending the Great Dao of the Heavens and the Earth or as an auxiliary material for making enchanted tools!"


    "Yes!" Wen Yulong''s eyes lit up in excitement again. "If I had this, I could definitely bring up the quality of an enchanted tool to a whole other level! Senior Brother Chu, hurry up and bid for it!"


    Chu Liang was feeling rather regretful. He realized thating to the auction with this guy was a mistake... Every time the auction staff brought out a new treasure, Wen Yulong would think of a great use for it and get all excited.


    Who could stand that? What kind of family could afford to buy everything at an auction?


    Feeling extremely annoyed, Chu Liang firmly refused to do as Wen Yulong wanted.


    "If you want it, bid for it yourself. I''m not bidding for it."


    1. See the trantor''s thoughts section for an image of this. ?

 Chapter 322: Tricking Fools

    <h4>Chapter 322: Tricking Fools</h4>


    Phoenix Sheep Mountain.


    At the foot of the mountain, a small vige nestled by a riverside where a few women were washing clothes. They scrubbed the garments clean in the gently flowing water, then beat them on stone blocks to wring out the water.


    Children, aged three to five, ran and yed nearby, making the scene appear even more peaceful.


    The small river that flowed down from the mountain looked as clear as a mirror. The water was so clear that the fish scales beneath could be seen.


    "Huh?" One of the women suddenly eximed in surprise.


    "What is it?" the others asked, turning to her.


    "Look at the water..." she said, pointing to the river. The others followed her gaze and immediately noticed something strange.


    The river water had begun to take on a faint reddish-gold color, forming swirling clouds like ink dissolving in water. But it wasn''t ink¡ªit looked like... blood?


    And it was blood with a golden hue!


    The reddish-gold blood spread rapidly, transforming the entire river into a river of blood. To make matters worse, white bones began to surface in the water, creating a terrifying sight!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    Two of the women were so frightened that they stumbled back and fell to the ground. The others hurriedly grabbed their crying children and ran back to the vige. As they fled, the sky turned fiery red, and a flock of birds took off from the forest, flying away into the distance.


    By the time they reached the vige entrance, the mountains echoed with rumbling sounds, seemingly mixed with the roars of some bird or beast.


    "Vige chief! Vige chief!" they shouted as they reached the vige, only to find arge group of people already gathered in front of the ancestral hall.


    "Why the panic?" The elderly vige chief, leaning on his cane, spoke in a deep voice. "Don''t be afraid! Stay calm!"


    "There are monsters on the Phoenix Sheep Mountain!" a child cried out in fear.


    "Don''t talk nonsense! That¡¯s not a monster!" the vige chief quickly corrected. "That''s the celestial beast of Phoenix Sheep Mountain waking up!"


    "Ah?" The younger ones looked surprised and puzzled. On the other hand, the older vigers were not surprised but slightly excited.


    The vige had long-standing legends about ancient celestial beasts.


    It was said that thousands of years ago, a divine phoenix and a mountain sheep[1] mated here, giving birth to a deformed creature known as the Phoenix Sheep.


    The phoenix was an ancient celestial beast on par with the dragons. While stories of draconic descendants weremon, phoenix descendants were theplete opposite. This was because the dragons, being the most numerous among celestial beasts, loved to interbreed with various races.


    In contrast, the phoenixes were not only few in number but also detested interbreeding. The birth of the Phoenix Sheep had been a beautiful mistake.


    The mountain sheep, although a demonic beast, was no match for the Divine Phoenix. It died immediately after giving birth, as the fetus had drained too much of its spiritual energy. The Divine Phoenix did not acknowledge this hybrid creature and left long before its birth.


    The newborn Phoenix Sheep was left unattended in the mountains for seven days, nearly dying from cold and hunger. Eventually, kind vigers living at the foot of the mountain found it. Initially, they thought it was a beautifulmb and took it home to raise.


    To their surprise, as they continued raising themb, it grew wings.


    The vigers were stunned and they thought they had raised a monster. In their fear, they wanted to kill it. However, the family that found the Phoenix Sheep had grown attached to it and decided to protect it with their lives.


    The family eventually sent it back to the mountains, instructing it to run far away and never return.


    It wasn''t until yearster that a wave of demonic beasts swept through the area and several powerful demonic beasts attacked the vige.


    As the vigers faced imminent danger of being ughtered, the Phoenix Sheep suddenly appeared. Over the years, due to its bloodline, it had evolved into a powerful spirit beast and single-handedly fought numerous enemies. After a fierce battle, it sessfully protected the vige.


    The vigers gathered around the Phoenix Sheep and realized that despite it having lived in the mountains, hunting for food, it had never strayed far and had silently watched over the vige all along.


    In the years that followed, it continued to reside on the mountain, which, in honor of its guardian, became known as Phoenix Sheep Mountain.


    The younger vigers were astonished. They had heard the legend of the Phoenix Sheep protecting the vige, but witnessing the legend in real life was truly shocking!


    "The celestial beast Phoenix Sheep has been sleeping in the hidden realm for the past thousand years, awakening briefly every thirty years before returning to its slumber," the old vige chief exined solemnly. "Zhuzi, hurry to the Daoist temple outside the city and inform the priests that the Phoenix Sheep has awakened!"


    ...


    "Next up is the Dragon Embroidered Jade Fan from the distant Fuyao Kingdom across the sea! This exquisite item is exclusive to Fuyao craftsmanship. With a gentle fan, it creates a fragrant breeze that attracts dancing butterflies. When infused with foundational qi and wielded forcefully, it unleashes a powerful wind imbued with dragon''s breath, capable of breaking steel and bending iron! We start the bidding at one thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, with increments of fifty Vermillion-Bird coins."


    The auctioneer on the stage was still trying hard to promote it, but there weren''t many interested in the Dragon Embroidered Jade Fan.


    In auctions, the best items were usually saved forst, with the second-best ced at the beginning to warm up the event, while the items that appeared in the middle were generally mediocre.


    After the initial few valuable items, the atmosphere in the hall had also cooled down.


    Despite its appearance as an exquisite and mystical artifact, the Dragon Embroidered Jade Fan turned out to be merely an ordinary enchanted tool, as revealed during the auctioneer''s demonstration. Its starting price of one thousand Vermillion-Bird coins included at least a fifty percent markup, likely reflecting a minimum standard price required for all auction items. If the price were any lower, it wouldn''t be worthy of this stage.


    Even if it ended up unsold, they couldn''t lower the venue''s standard.


    Of course, it could also have been a test to see how many fools were present in the hall.


    After a brief pause, about eight or nine people raised their paddles.


    Hmm... with thousands of people here, having fewer than ten fools isn''t such a bad ratio after all. Chu Liang thought as he watched coldly.


    Meanwhile, Wen Yulong fumed with anger.


    "I''ve seen this thing before. If I made it, the cost wouldn''t exceed three hundred sword coins," Wen Yulong said angrily. "Selling it at such a high price is daylight robbery."


    "In such arge auction that was held monthly, it''s difficult to guarantee that every item is highly valuable. It¡¯s no surprise that a few cheap items might slip through and appear here," Chu Liang remarked calmly. "If you attach straw to a crab, the straw could still be sold at a crab''s price. Markups are just part of the game."


    In the end, the Dragon Embroidered Jade Fan was purchased by a young man of low cultivation, apanied by two attendants. He seemed to be from a minor immortal sect, likely here to gain experience.


    By simply winning the bid for an exquisite and expensive enchanted tool, he could return home and impress his fellow sect members.


    "Hehe, the next item is quite intriguing," the auctioneer on stage said with a mysterious smile. The two previous maids exited the stage, reced by new ones carrying trays.


    He lifted the cover from the tray held by the first maid, revealing four pills of different colors.


    "Now we invite a few fellow cultivators toe up and taste these pills. Is anyone willing to try?" the auctioneer asked with a mysterious tone.


    Since the Pavilion of Celestial Fate was arge and reputable establishment, the cultivators below had no concerns about potential poisoning. Without hesitation, several eagerly raised their hands to participate and were promptly invited up by the auctioneer.


    "Here, fellow cultivator, try this pill," the auctioneer said, handing over a pill that the cultivator readily swallowed.


    "Hmm?" After taking the pill, he furrowed his brows slightly.


    "Can you tell what kind of pill this is?" the auctioneer inquired.


    "It seems to be just a regr Spirit-Concentration Pill," the cultivator replied.


    "What''s special about it?" the auctioneer asked again.


    "The taste is excellent... I think it¡¯s an apple vor. It leaves a refreshing and sweet aftertaste. What''s particrly special is how delicious it is," the cultivator replied honestly.


    "Excellent!" the auctioneer said with a smile. He then invited another cultivator onto the stage and handed over another Spirit-Concentration Pill.


    This time, the Spirit-Concentration Pill was tangerine-vored, tasting both sweet and sour.


    There were four pills in total, each with a distinct vor.


    After people were given a chance to try the four types of pills, he smiled and said, "These pills were refined by a remarkable alchemist in the city. All of his pillse in delightful fruit vors! As some of you may know, the price of Spirit-Concentration Pills in the city has been skyrocketing."


    He then lifted the cover from the tray behind him, revealing four gourd-shaped storage enchanted tools.


    "Here are four gourds containing Spirit-Concentration Pills of different vors, totaling one thousand pills. We start the bidding at one thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, with each bid increment set at fifty Vermillion-Bird coins!" he announced loudly.


    As soon as this item was introduced, the audience burst intoughter.


    For these cultivators, the unique vors were new and interesting but ultimately useless. However, the existence of these pills were undeniably amusing.


    Even with the current price hike of Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City, it was unlikely for the price to reach one Vermillion-Bird coin per pill. The starting bid of one thousand Vermillion-Bird coins for a thousand pills represented a markup of at least three hundred Vermillion-Bird coins, and that was just the starting price.


    So, while many found it interesting, very few intended to bid. After all, money didn''t grow on trees, and anyone would feel pain if they spent a few hundred coins frivolously.


    Just over half a year ago, Chu Liang, a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, had felt worried for three hundred sword coins! Normally, it would have taken him a few months to earn that amount.


    Perhaps only a few truly wealthy individuals would bid out of curiosity.


    Even Wen Yulong couldn''t help butugh as he remarked, "I don''t know how that alchemist came up with this. Who would pay extra for vored Spirit-Concentration Pills? This is more absurd than thest item. Everyone knows the standard pill prices; even a fool wouldn''t fall for this, right?"


    Immediately after, he heard Chu Liang next to him raise his paddle and bid loudly, "Two thousand Vermillion-Bird coins!"


    1. This animal¡¯s main name is ¡°argali,¡± but we went with its other name ¡°mountain sheep¡± since most people probably don¡¯t know what argalis are. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argali for more info. ?

 Chapter 323: For Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 323: For Mount Shu</h4>


    Wen Yulong: "...?"


    There were a few potential buyers interested in trying the new item, but when Chu Liang doubled the starting price, it immediately deterred allpetition.


    The attendees, hearing the bid, all had the same thought... This guy must be a fool, right?


    Seeing Chu Liang happily collecting the four gourds of "fruit-vored Spirit-Concentration Pills," Wen Yulong was momentarily stunned.


    He had thought Chu Liang to be a smart and frugal person that would never waste any money. But now, it seemed that Senior Brother Chu had changed.


    After all, nobody''s money grew on trees, but Chu Liang''s did.


    Collecting tens of thousands of spirit stones by standing in the wind would be exhausting, but Chu Liang''s method was much easier than that.


    <i>He must have be arrogant. Even his Spirit-Concentration Pills had to be fruit-vored... </i>Wen Yulong thought.


    Seeing Wen Yulong''s strange look, Chu Liang exined, "I have a use for these."


    <i>How refreshing... Isn''t it better to keep your money for other purposes? </i>Wen Yulong secretly mocked Chu Liang and continued watching the auction.


    The subsequent items became increasingly interesting, each one quite tempting, and thepetition grew fierce. The starting bid units changed from Vermillion-Bird coins to Tiger-Head coins, leading up to the final item.


    "Fellow Daoists!" the auctioneer called out, "Next is the final item of this auction! The highly anticipated Demon-Subduing Pestle!"


    "As one of the six demon-eliminating treasures, the Demon-Subduing Pestle was once ranked eighty-second in the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures! Even after its loss, it still holds the eighty-seventh rank. In the past, thebined power of the Six Treasures suppressed a demon god! Against evil entities, it unleashes unparalleled might! Today, at the Pavilion of Celestial Fate, the Demon-Subduing Pestle reappears!"


    Whoosh¡ª


    With that, he dramatically unveiled the long tray.


    On the red silky a four-chi-long gold-embossed short staff. One end was sharp, and the body of the staff emitted a dark luster. The entire object appeared ancient and mysterious.


    At first nce, it seemed unremarkable, but upon closer inspection, it exuded an aura that was as heavy as a mountain!


    The audience collectively gasped in amazement, their eyes widening in disbelief.


    For ordinary cultivators, witnessing a top one hundred legendary artifact from the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures was a rare and extraordinary opportunity.


    "We here at the Pavilion of Celestial Fate have been doing business for decades, and this is the first time we are auctioning a legendary artifact ranked in the top hundred! Everyone, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The starting bid for the Demon-Subduing Pestle is one thousand Azure-Dragon coins, with each increment at one hundred Azure-Dragon coins! The auction begins!"


    The atmosphere in the hall reached a climax with the appearance of the Demon-Subduing Pestle.


    Since the Demon-Subduing Pestle was announced, it had caused a sensation. After all, this was a top 100 legendary artifact. Any small immortal sect that obtained it would definitely keep it as a treasured heirloom; evenrge immortal sects might not have many such items.


    Who would normally put such a treasure up for sale?


    The Mount Shu Sect and Peni were not the only sects here. Representatives from the other immortal sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were also present, all eager topete for this item.


    However, joining thepetition required substantial capital.


    One Azure-Dragon coin was equivalent to ten Tiger-Head coins, and one Tiger-Head coin was equivalent to ten Vermillion-Bird coins. A thousand Azure-Dragon coins would be equivalent to a hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins.


    Chu Liang''s entire fortune was just barely enough to cover the starting bid.


    But he was, after all, an individual, and having this much was already impressive. The Demon-Subduing Pestle was clearly aimed at the major immortal sects!


    "Three thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    A clear voice instantly quieted the heated atmosphere in the hall by ny percent. Many small immortal sects and families that were eager to try suddenly calmed down.


    "It''s an esteemed senior from the Peni Supreme Sect!" the auctioneer shouted, "The bid is now at three thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    A beautiful maid standing outside Peni Supreme Sect''s private room on the second floor just raised the bid paddle. Each private room had a maid responsible for receiving and cing the bids.


    Revealing that the bidder represented the Peni Supreme Sect was also mandatory here. If a bid was made from a private room, the identity was made public. The auctioneer announcing it could deter somepetitors by using the name of a major immortal sect, which was beneficial.


    If an immortal sect in the Divine Nine or Terrestrial Ten wanted to buy something anonymously, they would naturally sit in the main hall below.


    Inside Peni Supreme Sect''s private room, Daoist Chi Niu''s eyes were fixed on the Demon-Subduing Pestle on the stage, filled with greed.


    Daoist Xuan Lu remained calm and said, "This way, we can knock out the insignificantpetitors and see who are the ones that remain bidding."


    Meanwhile, in Mount Shu Sect''s private room, the Weapons Master frowned and said, "They tripled the bid instantly."


    Tantai Jing nodded and said, "It''s understandable. If they hadn''t raised the bid like this, I would have done that. First, we identify the mainpetitors, then we slowlypete with them."


    "The sect leader has allocated us a budget of five hundred thousand sword coins this time. If we exceed it quickly, we might face trouble," Elder Weapons Master said with some concern.


    "Ourpetitors are likely in a simr situation," Tantai Jing mused. "Although other sects might be wealthier, they don''t have the same determination to secure this with the entire sect''s resources as we do. I estimate that very few can afford a budget exceeding five thousand Azure-Dragon coins."


    The representatives of each immortal sect carried only a limited amount of spirit-stone coins, just enough to maintain their liquidity. For the Mount Shu Sect, withdrawing five hundred thousand sword coins significantly impacted their finances, and the entire sect would need to repay this debt in the future. Ordinary sects might not have this level of determination.


    "We can only wait and see," Tantai Jing said calmly.


    "Three thousand five hundred Azure-Dragon coins!"


    After Peni Supreme Sect raised the bid, a bid paddle was also raised outside the private room of Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    The Mount Shu Sect and the Peni Supreme Sect were indeed not the only onespeting for the item. All the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were fighting to have this item as well!


    "Three thousand and eight hundred Azure-Dragon coins!"


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion also raised its bid paddle.


    This move made the other sects frown once more. The Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s wealth was ranked among the top in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. If they were determined to bid, it would be hard for any sect topete.


    The Peni Supreme Sect was rich enough topete for this item, but of the Peni Supreme Sect, only the members from the immortals'' ind Fanghu came[1].


    "Four thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    The paddle outside the private room belonging to the Mount Shu Sect was quickly raised for the first time.


    The auction quickly entered a stage where titans shed. While a few thousand Azure-Dragon coins might not sound like much, tens of thousands of Vermillion-Bird coins piled up to form a small mountain!


    Many cultivators would never see that much money in their lifetime.


    "I suspect Mount Shu Sect''s budget to be between four and five thousand, and while Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s determination isn''t as strong as Mount Shu Sect''s, they have a solid foundation. Their budget should be between five and six thousand," Daoist Xuan Lu mused.


    "Does the Celestial Pivot Pavilion have that much money?" Daoist Chi Niu asked. "We only brought enough money to exchange for five thousand Azure-Dragon coins."


    "It isn''t going to be easy for us to get a legendary artifact of this level," Daoist Xuan Lu pondered. "Judging by the situation, it''s unlikely we''ll secure it with just five thousand. We''ll have topete. If necessary, we can borrow from the Yingzhou faction. We have a good rtionship with them, so it shouldn''t be a problem."


    "So how much should we bid this time?" Daoist Chi Niu asked.


    "Bid the full amount and see if we can kick the Mount Shu Sect out of thepetition first," Daoist Xuan Lu suggested.


    Soon, the bid paddle was raised again outside the private room belonging to the Peni Supreme Sect.


    "Five thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    As Chu Liang and Wen Yulong watched the titans sh from the second floor, they were stunned. As disciples of Mount Shu, they had some understanding of their sect''s situation.


    The Mount Shu Sect had never been particrly wealthy.


    The reason they could muster tens of thousands of sword coins this time was likely thanks to the Dark King Sect.


    When the Dark King Sect attacked Mount Shu, they suffered a crushing defeat. Aside from revealing Baize''s secret, they didn''t cause significant damage to Mount Shu. They left behind many corpses, and the spoils from those diabolical sect members amounted to a substantial windfall.


    However, reaching the amount of five thousand was already staggering and likely the upper limit for the Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang felt a twinge of worry.


    "We can''t give up," the Weapons Master said firmly.


    "Yes," Tantai Jing nodded. "With our 10% discount, we can afford to go slightly over our budget. Our opponents are likely reaching their limits as well. Now, ites down to who has the stronger resolve."


    "I''ll sell off my private assetster. I should be able to raise a hundred thousand sword coins to cover the extra costs," the Weapons Master said.


    Having overseen Mount Shu Sect''s Hall of Weapons for many years, he had naturally umted a wealth of valuable items and materials. In terms of personal wealth, the Weapons Master and the Alchemy Master were the strongest contenders for the title of Mount Shu''s richest. Aside from a few important items that couldn''t be sold, if he were to liquidate his collection, it would be worth a significant amount.


    However, doing so would be tantamount to bankrupting himself.


    "Weapons Master..." Tantai Jing couldn''t help but feel moved.


    He immediately turned his head and said, "Bid seven thousand Azure-Dragon coins."


    "What?" The Weapons Master was shocked. "This..."


    Even with a ten percent discount and his personal contributions, it still wasn''t enough. Tantai Jing''s bid was clearly far exceeding the avable amount.


    "There''s no need to worry," Tantai Jing smiled slightly. "You aren''t the only one. I also have some private assets."


    The Weapons Master went silent for a moment before saying, "For Mount Shu."


    "Yes," Tantai Jing nodded with a smile, "For Mount Shu."


    "Seven thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    As soon as Mount Shu Sect''s bid was announced, the entire audience was instantly stunned.


    It went up by two thousand directly!


    It reached the maximum!


    There had never been an auction for a legendary artifact before, so such a sky-high price was unprecedented.


    What kind of determination does Mount Shu have?


    It seemed that they were unwavering in their resolve to bring back the Demon-Subduing Pestle this time, even if it meant depleting all the resources of their entire sect.


    The amount of this auction has already surpassed any transaction made in Taotie City!


    Bang.


    Daoist Chi Niu mmed the table with great force.


    "How did they get so much money?!" he eximed.


    "It seems Mount Shu is going all out," Daoist Xuan Lu pondered. "Their sect definitely doesn''t have this much stored up. This means they are either taking from their own disciples or borrowing from external sources. Either way, this amount shows their great determination."


    "Should we keep bidding?" Daoist Chi Niu asked, gritting his teeth as his eyes began to redden.


    This number was already making people''s heads spin.


    "Bid," Daoist Xuan Lu said with very calm gaze. "No matter what it takes, Mount Shu has definitely reached their limit. Other sects likely won''t join in their madness. If we borrow money from Yingzhou, we will definitely secure it."


    Soon, a paddle was raised again outside the Peni Supreme Sect''s hall.


    "Seven thousand five hundred Azure-Dragon coins!"


    Hearing this, the Weapons Master''s gaze dimmed.


    Tantai Jing furrowed his brows and sighed, "Peni''s foundation is too strong. Even if Fanghu Immortal Ind can''te up with this much money on their own, they just need to ask the other inds, and they''ll find a way."


    The Weapons Master fell silent.


    Putting in such great determination only to fail would undoubtedly deliver a blow.


    But at this point, gathering more money seemed unlikely. They couldn''t decide for the other sect members and sell off other people''s possessions.


    Moreover, there weren''t that many wealthy people in Mount Shu.


    Not only was he silent, but the entire hall was also silent. Such a number was staggering. It seemed the Demon-Subduing Pestle would end up belonging to the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Daoist Chi Niu heaved a sigh of relief, but his expression remained serious. "Although we''ve won, there will be trouble when we return. We''ll have to deal with the members of the Yingzhou faction."


    "As long as they can help us, it''s fine. Our ind share an alliance with their ind, after all," Daoist Xuan Lu said, shaking his head with indifference.


    As Peni was much more powerful, the other two inds would work together as allies.


    As they discussed how to deal with Yingzhou Ind after retrieving the Demon-Subduing Pestle, a voice suddenly echoed from the main hall on the first floor.


    "Eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins!"


    1. There are three inds of Peni: Peni, Fanghu, and Yingzhou. As mentioned before, the Eminent Ones who stayed on the Mirage Mountain came from different either Peni, Fanghu, or Yingzhou, which means the sect is divided into three factions. ?

 Chapter 324: Its Impossible

    <h4>Chapter 324: It''s Impossible</h4>


    When faced with wealth that could be quantified within their understanding, a person would usually feel that it''s a lot. However, if the quantified amount was so great that they could not understand its true value, then they would be calm instead.


    At this moment, the people watching the auction in the Pavilion of Celestial Fate were thinking simr things.


    <i>So what if you bid eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins?</i>


    <i>Is there any difference between that and seven thousand to me?</i>


    <i>As an ordinary cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm, I might just be able to umte such a huge amount with around eight hundred years of hard work.</i>


    <i>Haaa...</i>


    Nevertheless, most of the observers were still very curious about the wealthy person who had made a bid of eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins. Who exactly were they?


    If it were someone from the second floor where visitors from sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were seated, the observers would have still found the bid shocking, but it would have been easier to ept. Instead, it had been someone on the first floor who made the bid, so it inevitably made the observers curious.


    Countless intense gazes fell on Chu Liang. Nheless, he remained calm and continued holding up his paddle as he gazed at the manager on the stage.


    After all, a person would get used to it after being the center of attention a couple of times.


    It was quite a while before the manager finally showed a reaction.


    Despite the Pavilion of Celestial Fate''s extensive business operations, this was actually their first time holding an auction with top-tier legendary artifacts. They had anticipated that they might be able to sell the Demon-Subduing Pestle at a sky-high price, but they were quite shocked when that number actually appeared.


    After all, the development ofmerce in the world of immortality cultivators was still at quite a rtively early stage. Taotie City was thriving, but that was just one trading hub.


    Most immortal sects were still in a fairly primitive stage ofmerce, where they acquired resources by ying monsters and obliterating devils. They might trade off items they couldn''t use, but that was the extent of it. Any usable items were kept to enhance their own strength. After all, in the world of immortality cultivators, strength was always more important than wealth.


    Likewise, the Demon-Subduing Pestle was only put up for auction because the Pavilion of Celestial Fate and the forces backing it didn''t have someone who could use the Demon-Subduing Pestle. Additionally, they just so happened to needrge quantities of other resources, which required funds to acquire.


    The manager was astonished that someone on the first floor had bid eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins. Nevertheless, he continued with the auction like a true professional.


    The manager yelled, "The fellow Daoist in seat number 88 of the tenth section has bid eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins. Are there any higher bids?"


    The people on the first floor weren''t the only ones astonished; the representatives of sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten on the second floor were just as surprised.


    Daoist Chi Niu''s face had turned purple with rage. He scanned the first floor with his divine sense, and it stopped at Chu Liang, shrouding him.


    Daoist Chi Niu muttered, "Where did this kid appear from?"


    "I have no idea which sect or faction this young disciple belongs to," Daoist Xuan Lumented.


    That was because all the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, the three aristocratic family ns, and the imperial court had private rooms on the second floor... Whenever representatives of a major power in the world of immortality cultivators showed up, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate would arrange a private room for them. There was no favoritism.


    That was why this young man''s identity... was a big mystery.


    With a trembling voice, the manager on the stage asked again if anyone else still wanted to bid for the item.


    "Should we keep bidding?" Daoist Chi Niu asked Daoist Xuan Lu.


    Daoist Chi Niu had actually asked that question through gritted teeth. He knew that if they continued, it would undoubtedly be very challenging for the Fanghu faction to afford the winning bid.


    If they were to borrow arge amount of spirit-stone coins from the Yingzhou faction, there would certainly be a great price to pay for that. It would very likely cause Fanghu to be the lowest-ranking among the three ind factions. In that case, the Fanghu faction''s losses would outweigh the gains.


    If Daoist Huang Long or Daoist Bai Lin were there, they would tell Daoist Chi Niu and the others that the handsome young man below was Chu Liang¡ªthe new champion of the Mount Shu Flying-Sword Race, the runner-up of the Mount Shu Summit, the master of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, the owner of the berry garden that produces Mount Shu''s specialty fruits, and the eldest senior brother of Silver Sword Peak![1]


    This guy was from the Mount Shu Sect!


    If Daoist Chi Niu and the others were to know that the mysterious bidder was from the Mount Shu Sect, they would definitely bid more desperately. They had investigated the Mount Shu Sect and knew roughly how much they had in their budget to buy the Demon-Subduing Pestle. The Mount Shu Sect''sst bid of seven thousand Azure-Dragon coins had been made with the decision that they were going to have to sell their homes andnds to pay for it. They couldn''t bid any higher than that.


    However, at this moment, Daoist Chi Niu and Daoist Xuan Lu couldn''t see through this young man''s intentions. They didn¡¯t have enough time to figure out which major force he belonged to and how many cards they had up their sleeves...


    Daoist Xuan Lu pondered for a moment before finally saying, "Don''t bid anymore... If we bid too little, it would be meaningless at such high stakes. We''d just be causing each other to cough uprger amounts of money and increase the mutual animosity. If we bid too much and the other party suddenly stops bidding, it would not be worth it for us."


    Daoist Chi Niu nodded. "Okay."


    Despite losing the bid, he inwardly let out a sigh of relief.


    Daoist Chi Niu had strongly advocated on Fanghu Ind that they should take part in the bidding war for the Demon-Subduing Pestle. If they acquired it, it wouldplement his Demon-Cutting Saber and produce great benefits.


    Nheless, the price of the bid had exceeded their budget too much. So, the decision of whether they should even continue fighting for the Demon-Subduing Pestle had actually weighed heavily on Daoist Chi Niu.


    The manager announced, "It seems there are no more bids. In that case, congrattions to this fellow Daoist for obtaining the Demon-Subduing Pestle¡ªa legendary artifact that''s ranked in the top hundred in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures!"


    When he made the announcement, he felt that this situation was rather surreal. He''d initially thought this legendary artifact would surely go to one of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    "But, everyone, please do not leave your seats," the manager continued. "We did not verify the funds of those attending this auction upon entry, so we will first conduct a brief verification process for this fellow Daoist to ensure he has the funds for to cover the winning bid. After that, we will announce the end of the auction."


    Chu Liang gave a slight nod.


    This was understandable. In such arge crowd, there were surely crooks mixed in with honest folk. If someone wanted to cause trouble, they could randomly shout a high price, shrug, and then say they had no money. What should Pavilion of Celestial Fate do then?


    For the other treasures, it would be fine to auction them again next time. However, for a legendary artifact like the Demon-Subduing Pestle, could they sell it for as many Azure-Dragon coins next time? They might not be able to.


    So, if Chu Liang were to fail the fund verification process, the Pavilion of Celestial Fate might detain him and hand him over to Taotie City for his punishment. Then they would restart the auction from the secondst bid of seven thousand five hundred Azure Dragon coins.


    ...


    Upon hearing about the fund verification process, the Weapons Master became anxious.


    Earlier, when he heard someone bid eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins for the Demon-Subduing Pestle, the Weapons Master had fallen into despair. However, he then saw that the person who had made the bid was Chu Liang.


    The Weapons Master and Tantai Jing were taken aback.


    How could this kid have so many Azure-Dragon coins? It was impossible.


    They knew Chu Liang had been doing all sorts of things on Mount Shutely, but he could only have umted five or six thousand sword coins at most, which would be five or six hundred Azure-Dragon coins. Even that was a fantasy for disciples at the Golden Core Realm.


    So, what exactly was Chu Liang doing now?


    "Could it be that he''s trying to ruin this auction?" the Weapons Master spected.


    He thought Chu Liang might have shouted a high bid to ruin the auction and give the Mount Shu Sect some time to raise more funds.


    "But the auction house doesn''t know who he is, so they''ll definitely verify his funds before ending the auction. They won''t just let him leave," Tantai Jing said, shaking his head. "Instead, Taotie City will punish him."


    As expected, the manager then announced that the Pavilion of Celestial Fate would be verifying Chu Liang''s funds.


    The Weapons Master couldn''t sit still anymore. "This won''t do. I have to go help him. He''s the master of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. That''s more important to our sect than the Demon-Subduing Pestle."


    At this moment, an attendant had already invited Chu Liang to the backstage area.


    The manager was surprised when he saw the young man''s calm expression. It appeared that the young man knew what he was doing and that his bid had been a serious one.


    However, there was one problem remaining; the Pavilion of Celestial Fate did not know which major force was backing him.


    The Weapons Master, the representative of the major force backing Chu Liang, hurriedly flew from the second floor to the backstage area.


    Meanwhile, the manager smiled at Chu Liang and said, "Young noble, please understand. Eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins is a huge amount. We cannot afford to be careless. So, you see¡ª"


    "I understand." Chu Liang smiled. "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    "<i>Ah</i>, so you''re a young hero from Mount Shu!" the manager eximed, breathing a sigh of relief.


    He felt at ease now that he knew the young man did indeed have a major force backing him.


    Right then, a tall old man barged in while shouting, "He is a disciple of my sect, the Mount Shu Sect! Do not make things difficult for him!"


    When the manager saw the Weapons Master, he smiled brightly. "Oh! It''s the Weapons Master from Mount Shu! Are you here to im the Demon-Subduing Pestle? This young hero has already identified himself. How could we make things difficult for him?"


    Hearing that, the Weapons Master stopped in his tracks.


    Then he looked at Chu Liang and asked, "Why did you act so rashly?"


    "Seeing that the Demon-Subduing Pestle was about to fall into the hands of outsiders, I felt anxious, so I decided to put in a bid," Chu Liang answered.


    "In that case, do you have the eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins?" the Weapons Master questioned grumpily.


    He was rather reproachful because he knew Chu Liang didn''t have eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins. That meant the Demon-Subduing Pestle would ultimately still fall into the hands of outsiders. Furthermore, the Mount Shu Sect would gain a reputation for being sore losers and be theughingstock of the world of immortality cultivators.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Chu Liang eyes widened in shock. "Does our sect not n to contribute anything at all?"


    1. Lol. This sentence is ridiculously long, but oh, well. Chu Liang has way too many titles. ?

 Chapter 325: Heaven-Devouring Bug

    <h4>Chapter 325: Heaven-Devouring Bug</h4>


    The Weapons Master pulled Chu Liang aside and said through Voice Transmission, "What are you talking about? Even if Peak Master Tantai and I use up our entire sect''s budget and sell everything we own, we can only put together seven thousand Azure-Dragon coins! Are you going to cover the extra one thousand Azure-Dragon coins?!"


    "Yes," Chu Liang replied, looking at him strangely.


    <i>I ced the bid, so of course I''ll cover the extra cost. Even if I asked Junior Brother Wen for the money, he doesn''t have that amount to give, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    "You..." The Weapons Master was about to say more but suddenly paused. "What did you say?"


    "I said I''ll cover the extra cost."


    "Where will you get the money to cover the extra cost?" the Weapons Master asked. "The sword coins of Mount Shu are all made by me..."


    What he meant was that since he made all the sword coins of Mount Shu, he knew exactly how many Chu Liang could possibly have.


    <i>How are you going to gather one hundred thousand sword coins? </i>The Weapons Master thought.


    Before he could finish speaking, Chu Liang handed over an enchanted storage tool and said through Voice Transmission, "I coincidentally bought some Spirit-Concentration Pills in Taotie City just as their prices were rising and made a small profit. Here are one hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins."


    The Weapons Master took the tool and, after a quick scan with his divine sense, confirmed it to be true.


    He was stunned for a long while before saying, "You made so much... How many Spirit-Concentration Pills did you happen to buy?"


    "I coincidentally bought one hundred fifty thousand pills," Chu Liang answered seriously.


    The Weapons Master: "..."


    "The elders are all doing their best to raise funds for Mount Shu. Naturally, we juniors will notg behind. I believe that any disciple of Mount Shu would give their entire fortune without any hesitation at a time like this," said Chu Liang.


    The Weapons Master''s gaze gradually softened. He patted Chu Liang on the shoulder, momentarily at a loss for words.


    When Chu Liang made money from his fellow disciples in Mount Shu, causing a shortage of sword coins, the Weapons Master considered him a troublemaker. But now that he had earned money from outsiders and was giving it back to Mount Shu, the Weapons Master suddenly found this young man very pleasing to the eye.


    If he were a hundred years younger, he would certainly want to be sworn brothers with Chu Liang.


    Considering Chu Liang''s feat of ying Taowu with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, the Weapons Master felt that he would even be willing to let Chu Liang be the elder brother.


    After a while, the Weapons Master finally spoke. "Rest assured, Mount Shu will not let you down."


    "The sect saved my life and gave me the opportunity to cultivate and change my destiny. It''s a lifelong debt of gratitude," Chu Liang replied earnestly.


    The Weapons Master also said seriously, "That was done by Di Nufeng. Her deeds must be counted separately from Mount Shu."


    <i>Alright. </i>Chu Liang grumbled inwardly.


    The Weapons Master was so adamant about separating the Mount Shu Sect from Di Nufeng that he considered the good deeds of their esteemed teacher to be unaffiliated with the Mount Shu Sect.


    While the two were whispering, the manager grew apprehensive, wondering if their prolonged discussion meant they didn''t have enough money.


    He would then be in a very difficult situation...


    Just as the manager was worrying, the Weapons Master turned around and said, enunciating each word clearly, "We have the money; now hand over the goods."


    The manager immediately broke into a smile and quickly responded, "Good!"


    <i>Though this old man looked quite strange and intimidating, he is surprisingly handsome when he acts so generously, </i>the Manager thought.


    Not long after, the manager took the stage and announced loudly, "This young hero is from the Mount Shu Sect! Today, this Demon-Subduing Pestle has been auctioned off to the Mount Shu Sect for eight thousand Azure-Dragon coins. Congrattions to Mount Shu!"


    "Wow¡ª" A murmur of astonishment spread through the crowd.


    The Mount Shu Sect was bidding from the second floor while secretly cing hidden bids from the first floor. This was truly unexpected.


    Back in the private room, Tantai Jing was amazed at Chu Liang''s performance. He had always been very proud of his own intelligence. Nevertheless, he found himself unable to figure out how Chu Liang, a disciple at the Golden Core Realm, could umte such great wealth.


    Obviously, he couldn''t ask much here, so he left with his doubts, and the three of them started heading back to Mount Shu.


    As they exited, they saw the team from the Peni Supreme Sect approaching from the corridor on the second floor.


    Daoist Xuan Lu first nced at Chu Liang, then at Tantai Jing before speaking. "First, you openlypeted with us on the second floor, driving the price to an extremely high amount. Then, you ced hidden bids from the first floor, making it hard for us to gauge your strategy. People say that you, Tantai Jing, are smarter than most. Today, I witnessed it firsthand."


    To him, it seemed impossible that Mount Shu would let a junior disciple like Chu Liang make such a significant decision.


    Among these people, the one with such a keen mind had to be the renowned strategist, Tantai Jing.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Tantai Jing gave a mysterious smile.


    He wasn''t sure how Chu Liang managed this or whether it was appropriate to reveal Chu Liang''s role, so he remained silent.


    But in Daoist Xuan Lu''s eyes, the smile on Tantai Jing''s face clearly meant: <i>Exactly, that''s right!</i>


    ...


    When the Weapons Master arrived, he was riding an enchanted tool, a flying device he had spent most of his life modifying. It was an exceptionally luxurious andfortable aerial loft.


    When he left, he was riding on the back of a giant white bear.


    Although Tantai Jing''s giant white bear had a broad back, it was too cramped tofortably carry four people, so they were squeezing together. However, for long-distance flights, having a mount was always better than relying on wind-maniption techniques.


    The two young disciples, Chu Liang and Wen Yulong, were still able to ride their swords.


    However, the two elders had even sold their flying swords...


    "Don''t scooch in any more, or my wheelchair will fall off," Tantai Jing said with a smile to Wen Yulong.


    "Sorry, Peak Master Tantai," Wen Yulong apologized quickly, moving closer to Chu Liang.


    The Weapons Master was the most senior among them, so they left arge space at the front for him. The three of them sat behind him, upying only about half of the avable space. Aside from respect, another reason was the intimidating atmosphere surrounding the Weapons Master.


    "My Mysterious Dragon-Phoenix Pendant..."


    "My Pioneer Sword..."


    "My Sword Formation Diagram: ying Eighteen Lives..."


    "My seventy-two rare materials..."


    For a man to suddenly lose all his wealth at such an old age, it was understandably quite depressing. The other three showed great understanding. After all, the Mount Shu Sect didn''t provide any pension or retirement fund, so fending for himself in his old age would be difficult.


    Although Tantai Jing also lost his fortune, he was younger and not as fond of collecting valuable items as the Weapons Master, so it was not as devastating for him.


    Chu Liang was even less concerned, as he only drained his liquid assets; the business he had built remained intact.


    Moreover, after this incident, Venerable Wen Yuan would surely meet with him to discusspensation. His expenditure of one hundred thousand sword coins might not be a total loss after all.


    Wen Yulong advised, "Esteemed teacher, don''t be too sad. There''s an old saying: wealth lost can always be regained."


    When Wen Yulong was training in the Hall of Weapons, the Weapons Master was his teacher. So, strictly speaking, Wen Yulong would be considered a generation above Chu Liang[1]. However, in Mount Shu, they usually care more about the seniority within their own peak and pay less attention to the seniority of attendants within the chamber.


    "Then go and persuade your grandfather topensate me for all the valuable items I lost," said the Weapons Master.


    But when Wen Yulong heard that this would involve him, he immediately shrank back and said, "I can''t persuade him."


    Chu Liang had heard some rumors about Wen Yulong''s grandfather being Venerable Wen Yuan a while ago. Initially, he had some wild guesses, but he didn''t expect them to be true.


    This kid could be considered the top third-generation immortal in Mount Shu.


    You wouldn''t be able to tell just by looking at him...


    Upon returning to Mount Shu, Chu Liang first went back to Silver Sword Peak.


    He hadn''t had time to rest when he saw a paper crane flying over from Senior Sister Jiang, inviting him to meet at their usual spot after his return.


    Although they could now meet openly as the top two of the Mount Shu Summit, they still habitually met in private at the old ce. Chu Liang quickly replied and then headed to the cave at Treasured Pagoda Peak.


    Jiang Yuebai arrived soon after.


    "What''s wrong?" Chu Liang asked. Senior Sister Jiang rarely came to him in such a hurry, so he wondered what the big deal was.


    "If you remember, I saw your little butterflyst time," Jiang Yuebai said. "It seemed familiar to me then. Later, I checked some ancient books and found out it''s the same kind of creature recorded in them."


    <i>Little golden butterfly? </i>Chu Liang was also very curious about its origins, so he asked, "What is it?"


    "Let me ask you," Jiang Yuebai said, "did it first transform from an egg into a whiterva, resembling a maggot; then from arva into arge green insect, resembling a silkworm; and now from a greenrge insect into a golden flying insect, resembling a butterfly? At every stage, did it have strong pration abilities, able to almost devour anything?"


    Hearing her describe it in such detail, Chu Liang nodded. "Yes, that''s exactly it."


    "That''s it! It really is the legendary Heaven-Devouring Bug!" Jiang Yuebai eximed.


    "Heaven-Devouring Bug?!" Chu Liang repeated. The name sounded very powerful.


    "The Heaven-Devouring Bug has appeared very few times; from ancient times to the present, there have only been two recorded instances. However, each time, it caused quite a stir. It can undergo nine transformations, and after the ninth transformation, it gains the power of the Profound Realm. The Heaven-Devouring Bug that appearedst time was the..."


    She paused before slowly uttering thest two words.


    "Demon god!"


    1. I think the Weapons Master is one generation higher than Di Nufeng. Since Wen Yulong was trained by the Weapons Master, he is on the same generational level as Di Nufeng''s teacher, cing him one generation above Chu Liang, who is Di Nufeng''s disciple. But Chu Liang calls Wen Yulong junior brother because in terms of cohort in their corresponding peaks, Wen Yulong is of a younger cohort. ?

 Chapter 326: How Dare I Ask for Any Reward

    <h4>Chapter 326: How Dare I Ask for Any Reward</h4>


    <i>Scritch, scritch, scritch.</i>


    The little golden butterflyy curled up in Chu Liang''s palm, looking very sleepy. Chu Liang kept poking its tiny fleshy head with his finger. In response, the little creature used its tworge wings to wrap around its head, hoping to be left alone.


    But Chu Liang continued to poke its chunky butt, so it wrapped its wings around its butt.


    Then Chu Liang poked its head again.


    The little creature wriggled around, acting coy.


    Since transforming into a butterfly, its intelligence had noticeably increased, resembling that of some cats and dogs. It recognized Chu Liang as its master and was usually very affectionate with him.


    However, after gobbling that wish-fulfilling spirit precious bottlest time, it had been sleeping in the White Pagoda, unconscious most of the time. This behavior had urred before its previous transformations, suggesting it might soon evolve again.


    Yet Jiang Yuebai''s words made Chu Liang feel a bit wary. Could this little creature really be a Heaven-Devouring Bug?


    ording to ancient texts, the Heaven-Devouring Bug had appeared twice in history.


    The first time was in ancient times. Tens of thousands of years ago, when there were only seven realms in the cultivation system of this world, the Heaven-Devouring Bug suddenly emerged and devoured its way to the seventh realm. Various cultivators tried to trap and stop it, but nothing could contain it. Finally, many Eminent Ones joined forces to annihte it.


    The second appearance was three thousand years ago when a demon god emerged, whose true form was this legendary Heaven-Devouring Bug.


    Although demons had long lifespans, they often had very poorprehension. After reaching the Heavenly Gate, they suffered greatly in attaining enlightenment. Prior to the emergence of the ninth-realm Heaven-Devouring Bug, no other demon had ever reached the ninth realm.


    The reason it became a demon god was not through attaining enlightenment but by devouring everything in its path!


    The first two appearances of the Heaven-Devouring Bug caused a great stir in the world. This creature''s nature was to consume spiritual energy, growing stronger as long as it continued to eat. It wouldn''t stop even after reaching the ninth realm. If it continued like this, it might actually destroy the world one day!


    Unexpectedly, the third Heaven-Devouring Bug emerged from the rewards given by the White Pagoda.


    Chu Liang looked at the little white bug wriggling its butt in his palm and wondered, could this tiny creature really destroy the world? To be safe, he thought, he should immediately hand over this young Heaven-Devouring Bug to the sect and have them kill it right away.


    But...


    Looking at its chubby body acting all coy with him, and remembering how it had saved him several times and helped him a lot, he couldn''t bring himself to do it.


    After much consideration, Chu Liang decided to keep it for now. He gently ced the little creature back into the White Pagoda to continue sleeping.


    From today on, it would be on a diet!


    Even if this cute little thing grew into something terrible, as long as he remained stronger than it, wouldn''t that solve the issue? If it ever showed its fierce nature, he would be the first to kill it.


    After putting it back into the White Pagoda, Chu Liang''s thoughts wandered again.


    The Heaven-Devouring Bug originated from the Mysterious Beast Egg that the White Pagoda rewarded. It was the only living thing the White Pagoda had ever given. What was the connection between these two?


    He had never figured out where the White Pagoda''s valuable rewards originated, but he eventually stopped questioning it since the possession of this White Pagoda was undeniably beneficial.


    This White Pagoda, which contained countless treasures, was definitely considered a legendary artifact. If not for its vastly different appearance and mystical abilities, Chu Liang might have thought it was the Mount Shu Sect''s long-lost Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    But why had it suddenly appeared in his mind? Where did these valuable itemse from?


    In theory, all items in the world should follow thew of conservation. If he received one, another ce should be losing one. However, Chu Liang had checked all the White Pagoda¡¯s rewards and found no reports of missing items.


    Except for the Qi-Gathering Pill dropped by thentern monster at the beginning, none of the treasures could be traced back to their origins in the world of immortality cultivators. Could they really have been created out of thin air?


    ...


    The next morning, Chu Liang arrived at Boundless Pce on Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Venerable Wen Yuan was already waiting for him. As Chu Liang entered, a hint of surprise appeared in the Mount Shu sect leader''s eyes.


    This disciple always seemed to aplish unexpected feats.


    Not long ago, he had achieved the great feat of ying Taowu. He had retrieved a drop of shaman god''s blood from the abandoned Shen Family Residence, and now he had intervened at a critical moment to bring back the Demon-Subduing Pestle.


    Time and again, he astonished everyone. Although he hadn''t reached the highest level yet, his drive reminded Venerable Wen Yuan of someone special.


    That person was his esteemed teacher, Venerable Wuqi.


    Lu Wuqi had been a prodigy from a young age, taking over Mount Shu in times of adversity, repeatedly creating miracles, and always aplishing astounding feats in unexpected ways.


    Chu Liang now gave off that same aura, as if there was something special about him.


    Venerable Wen Yuan had met countless people in his life, and only three had this kind of presence.


    "You spent one thousand Azure-Dragon coins to retrieve the Demon-Subduing Pestle for Mount Shu. This is another significant achievement," he said, smiling at Chu Liang. "What reward do you want?"


    He genuinely asked Chu Liang because he himself hadn''t decided on a reward.


    For disciples like Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang, the Mount Shu Sect typically didn''t give many rewards.


    Ordinary disciples might leave Mount Shu when their cultivation teaued, seeking new opportunities outside the sect.


    But the top four of each Mount Shu Summit were almost guaranteed the position of peak master, as long as they didn''tmit serious crimes and get expelled.


    They were destined to be a core part of Mount Shu''s future, sharing both its fortunes and misfortunes. Thus, the sect''s resources were fully avable to them, and their merits wouldn''t earn much extra reward.


    The monthly stipend of several thousand sword coins was enough to exchange for all the cultivation resources needed at the Hall of Weapons and Hall of Alchemy. The Hall of Conservation was freely essible, representing the sect''s full support.


    However, there were always exceptions. Chu Liang''s expenditure of one thousand Azure-Dragon coins this time was absolutely crucial. If there wasn''t any extra reward, Venerable Wen Yuan himself would feel ufortable.


    Chu Liang sat down and said with a smile, "Sect leader, it''s true that I spent one thousand Azure-Dragon coins, but without the seven thousand provided by the sect beforehand, that thousand wouldn''t have aplished anything. Just like if it weren''t for the great merits of the Weapons Master and Peak Master Tan Taijing, my efforts wouldn''t even be worth mentioning. I am just a part of Mount Shu, like them, so how dare I ask for any reward?"


    "They have made significant contributions to the Mount Shu Sect and will surely bepensated in the future," Venerable Wen Yuanughed. "If there''s anything you want, don''t be shy. Tell me and I''ll see if I can fulfill it."


    "Although Mount Shu has retrieved the Demon-Subduing Pestle this time, we have spent a lot of sword coins, so resources will be tight for a while. How can I ask for anything?" Chu Liang smiled shyly and then turned his hand to take out arge scroll. "So, I wrote a n with a few proposals for the sect leader to consider."


    With that, Chu Liang suddenly stood up, unfurled the scroll in mid-air, and began exining it to Venerable Wen Yuan.


    "The first proposal is a fairly standard repayment n," Chu Liang stated confidently. He stood straight, facing Wen Yuan with a professionally spirited smile, his left hand pointing sideways and his right hand resting on his waist.


    "You can consider the one hundred thousand sword coins I provided for the sect as a loan, which I call the legendary artifact loan. The sect can choose a three-year term with an interest rate of 3%, which means there would be three thousand sword coins of interest each year; a five-year term with an interest rate of 3.5%, adding three thousand five hundred sword coins of interest each year; or a ten-year term with an interest rate of 4%, adding four thousand sword coins of interest each year."


    "In light of my deep affection and bond with Mount Shu Sect, if the repayment is made within one year, the interest can be waived," Chu Liang added generously.


    "..."


    Venerable Wen Yuan looked at the densely written and carefully illustrated scroll and recalled Chu Liang''s earlier words. "How dare I ask for any reward?"


    <i>This kid is really something, </i>Venerable Wen Yuan thought. <i>As expected of Di Nufeng''s disciple...</i>

 Chapter 327: Ill Have A Duel With Him First

    <h4>Chapter 327: I''ll Have A Duel With Him First</h4>


    Chu Liang continued to exin his proposals. "The second option is that the sect doesn''t have to pay me back. Instead, lease a peak to me.


    "I''ve chosen Red Cotton Peak. I propose a lease period of ten years, during which all rights to Red Cotton Peak belong to me, and the sect cannot interfere in its activities. After the ten-year lease ends, the peak will be returned to the sect."


    Venerable Wen Yuan was expressionless, but he asked curiously, "What do you want Red Cotton Peak for?"


    There wasn''t much there. All that was left outside the mountain forest was the neglected Mountain God''s Altar and arge empty clearing. It was usually just a ce for disciples to set up stalls.


    "I have some ideas that I haven''t fully developed yet. Once I''ve decided what I want to do, I will inform the sect about them," Chu Liang said. "I promise that no activities that vite sect rules or public morals will take ce on Red Cotton Peak during the lease period."


    Looking at Chu Liang''s serious expression, Venerable Wen Yuan couldn''t figure out Chu Liang''s intentions.


    So, he just nodded. "What''s the next option?"


    Chu Liang continued with his third proposal. "The third option is to consider the one thousand Azure-Dragon coins as my investment in the Demon-Subduing Pestle."


    "Investment?"


    Chu Liang exined, "Yes, it means I have a share in the Demon-Subduing Pestle and the right to use it. But my share is small, we could say that I will be limited to using it three times a year. That means if I need the Demon-Subduing Pestle, I can borrow it three times and return it to the sect immediately after each use."


    "But with your current level, it''s much too early for you to try wielding the Demon-Subduing Pestle."


    Venerable Wen Yuan wasn''t looking down on Chu Liang. Any of the top one hundred legendary artifacts would be too much for a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm to handle. Their qi might get sucked dry with just one use.


    "It''s true that I can''t use it yet, but my teacher can," Chu Liang said.


    <i>Just think, if the Eminent Di Nufeng, a seventh-realmbat master, were to wear the Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade, which was ranked 57th in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, and also wield the Demon-Subduing Pestle, which was ranked 87th...</i>


    <i>Who could stop her?</i>


    It was already amazing if a seventh-realm Eminent One possessed just one top-hundred legendary artifact. Who was that wealthy that they would possess two legendary artifacts? This proposal would undoubtedly make Di Nufeng invincible below the eighth realm!


    If there was an enhanced version of Di Nufeng, it meant that Chu Liang¡ªthe only one who could summon her¡ªwould have a much more powerful arsenal. From now on, he would never have to bow down to anyone.


    Venerable Wen Yuan, who had attained the Heavenly Origin, had aposed mental state that was as steadfast as Mount Tai. This meant his emotions rarely ever wavered.


    Yet, faced with Chu Liang''s proposals, Venerable Wen Yuan couldn''t help but furrow his brows.


    He''d found Chu Liang''s first proposal improper, but after listening to the other two, it turned out that the first one was the most reasonable.


    The first proposal, which would treat Chu Liang''s contribution as a loan that the Mount Shu Sect had taken from him, had sounded strange to Venerable Wen Yuan at first. However, upon further consideration, he thought it made sense. After all, disciples shouldn''t be contributing to the sect financially without getting anything in return. If it wasn''t possible to give them their desired rewards, then giving them money would be eptable.


    The second proposal was to let Chu Liang rent Mount Shu''snd...


    <i>Does he want to experience the thrill of being a peak master?</i>


    Nheless, the Mount Shu Sect had never¡ªnot once in all of its history¡ªhad a precedent for leasing out itsnd.


    The third proposal was even more ridiculous.


    <i>Let him use the Demon-Subduing Pestle three times a year, but it would actually be for Di Nufeng to use...?</i>


    <i>If she were to wield two legendary artifacts, wouldn''t I be the only one in Mount Shu who is capable of restraining her? </i>


    <i>Then once she leaves the mountain...</i> <i>Wouldn''t she be a huge danger to the nine provinces?</i>


    Chu Liang had stopped talking and was staring at Venerable Wen Yuan eagerly.


    Seeing that, Venerable Wen Yuan asked, "Are you done?"


    "Yes. I only have these three proposals," Chu Liang said shyly. "I do not dare ask for anything else. Sect Leader, please choose one of these proposals if you find any of them suitable."


    Faced with this difficult choice, Venerable Wen Yuan fell silent for a moment.


    Then he said, "I will consider them and discuss with the elders before making a decision. As for you... it just so happens that the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm will open in the next few days. You should go spend some time there, and I''ll give you an answer when you return."


    "The Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm?"


    The name made Chu Liang pause.


    ...


    In the Eastern Region''s Phoenix Sheep Mountain, there was a hidden realm where the Phoenix Sheep, a celestial beast, lived in seclusion. It awakened once every thirty years and then roamed the West Sea for ten or so days before returning to sleep.


    During its slumber, the hidden realm would umte spiritual qi and produce a spirit nt called the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life. It was an extremely rare treasure of nature.


    When the Phoenix Sheep awakened, the hidden realm would open, drawing in a throng of demonic beasts from the nearby mountain forests. The Phoenix Sheep would then devour these demonic beasts to boost its health before heading to the West Sea.


    The first ones to discover this hidden realm had been the Mount Shu Sect, the Greater-Yin Cult, the Celestial King Sect, and the Endless Sword Sect, so it was a joint ownership between these four sects.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, it was customary for the sects that first discover a hidden realm to coborate and extract resources from it. By working together, they could overpower theters and drive them away.


    Consequently, it eventually became the norm that hidden realms were jointly monopolized by several sects. Independently owned hidden realms became a rarity.


    The four immortal sects that shared the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm had agreed that every time the celestial beast Phoenix Sheep woke up and left the hidden realm, they would each send a disciple to the hidden realm to harvest the fruit of the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life nt.


    The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life nt typically bore only one or two fruits every thirty years, so it''s inevitable that not all four sects would get a fruit. That meant their disciples needed topete with each other for the fruit.


    As a medicinal ingredient, this fruit was of excellent grade, as it had the attributes of metal and fire. It was a great choice for breaking through either the first or fourth levels of the Realm of the Five Elements.


    The disciple that the Mount Shu Sect sent this time was Chu Liang.


    Normally, the head disciple would be sent for such an asion. However, Jiang Yuebai happened to be in closed-door cultivation to break through to the second level of the Realm of the Five Elements, so Mount Shu could only send its second best disciple.


    Ordinarily, Xu Ziyang, who had entered the fifth realm even earlier than Jiang Yuebai, should have taken on this responsibility. Nevertheless, Chu Liang''s sudden rise in power had stunned everyone.


    Chu Liang had achieved many great feats in a short period. There was no doubt that the Mount Shu Sect''s higher-ups now ranked Chu Liang above all the other disciples, even Jiang Yuebai. After all, he had been selected by the Violent and Azure Twin Swords, and that was of utmost importance.


    Chu Liang looked into the distance at the unusual natural phenomenon urring at Phoenix Sheep Mountain. The sky was filled withyers of red clouds that looked like raging mes, and gold liquid surged through the rivers winding down the mountain. Demonic beasts were approaching the mountain from all over, bringing with them immense waves of demonic qi.


    The hidden realm hadn''t fully opened yet, but dense spiritual qi was already leaking out.


    The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life nt was likely one of the Phoenix Sheep''s mystical abilities, the Phoenix Sheep used it to lure prey over the moment it woke from its long slumber.


    Chu Liang arrived at a small pavilion on the summit of Phoenix Sheep Mountain¡ªthe meeting ce the four sects had agreed on.


    He saw there were already two people waiting in the pavilion.


    One of them was a petite youngdy with a long ponytail, a small and delicate face, and a lively gaze. She stood elegantly with a long, slender sword on her back.


    The other person was a familiar face. It was a man with an icy expression and a stunning appearance¡ªLuo Xiaoyong from the Greater-Yin Cult.


    Seeing Chu Liang approach, Luo Xiaoyong gave a slight nod as a greeting.


    Returning the greeting, Chu Liang nodded too. Then he looked at the youngdy next to Luo Xiaoyong.


    The youngdy was looking at him too.


    She grinned and asked, "Are you from the Mount Shu Sect or the Celestial King Sect?"


    Chu Liang answered, "I am Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    "<i>Ah!</i>" the youngdy eximed. "You''re the one who killed Taowu some days ago! I read about your story in the gazette! Very impressive!"


    Chu Liang smiled. "I was just lucky."


    "I''m Li Shiyi, from the Endless Sword Sect," the youngdy said cheerfully, appearing rather animated and friendly. "I wanted to go watch the Mount Shu Summit, but something came up."


    <i>Li Shiyi?</i>


    Hearing this name, Chu Liang could make a rough guess about who she was.


    The Endless Sword Sect had a famous lineage of members that descended from the same family¡ªthe Li Family. The current swordmaster of the sect was Li Shi, the current sect leader was Li Jiu, and the most powerful member of the sect, the Supreme Elder, was Li Ba.[1]


    These three people were three generations of the Li family¡ªson, father, and grandfather[2]. So, it was obvious just from hearing the youngdy''s name that she was a descendant of that family.


    Chu Liang chatted with her with a smile while Luo Xiaoyong just listened. Knowing what Luo Xiaoyong was like, Chu Liang didn''t ask him any questions.


    After a short time passed, a beam of light shot over, streaking across the distant sky. Then suddenly, a personnded at the pavilion.


    The neer was tall and had a handsome face, highlighted by sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. He had the confident air and drive of a young genius. This was the head disciple of the Celestial King Sect, Feng Chaoyang!


    The first thing Feng Chaoyang did afternding was look around. When he noticed Chu Liang, his gaze froze there.


    "Why are you here? Where is Fairy Jiang?" Feng Chaoyang asked.


    "Senior Sister Jiang is in closed-door cultivation, so I''ll be handling the hidden realm in her ce," Chu Liang answered with a smile. He paused before adding, "But it doesn''t matter which of uses; it''s the same."


    "Oh, that''s great actually. Because I''ve disliked you for a long time!" Feng Chaoyang said spitefully. "I still remember the time you hugged Fairy Jiang on the fighting stage."[3]


    Feng Chaoyang wasn''t the only one who resented Chu Liang for that. Which disciple from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten wouldn''t call him a scoundrel if they''d seen that hug?


    Nheless, Chu Liang maintained a calm smile. "It''s inevitable that idents happen on the fighting stage."


    Feng Chaoyang swung out his arm, waving off Chu Liang''s excuse. He then said aggressively, "Once we''re in the hidden realm, you girls should step aside. I''ll have a duel with him first!"


    1. Lol, these names. They are numbers, descending from 10. So, they¡¯re basically Li Shi = Li Number 10, Li Jiu = Li Number 9, Li Ba = Li Number 8. Then Li Shiyi = Li Number 11. ?


    2. I.e. Li Shi¡¯s dad is Li Jiu. Li Jiu¡¯s dad is Li Ba. Li Ba is Li Shi¡¯s grandfather. ?


    3. Keke. Someone''s jealous. ?

 Chapter 328: A Person Filled with Passion

    <h4>Chapter 328: A Person Filled with Passion</h4>


    Luo Xiaoyong was not actually someone with a bad temper.


    Having spent considerable time in the Greater-Yin Cult, he had grown ustomed to a cold and reclusive demeanor, avoiding interactions with outsiders and exuding an unapproachable aura.


    His androgynous appearance often led others to mistake him for a woman, a misunderstanding he would patiently rify unless the person approaching was particrly annoying.


    Normally, he didn''t mind being mistaken, especially not by someone like Feng Chaoyang.


    But then, a sh of light in the void, visible only to Chu Liang, connected Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang.


    It was the Chain of Resentment!


    Naturally, it was Chu Liang who did this.


    Given Feng Chaoyang''s aggressive nature, Chu Liang anticipated that he would be antagonized upon entering the hidden realm. Therefore, Chu Liang decided to test Feng Chaoyang''s powers first.


    Both Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang had reached the peak of the fourth realm. They came here to retrieve the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life, a crucial resource for breaking through to the Realm of the Five Elements.


    This level of cultivation was exactly the upper limit that Chu Liang''s Chain of Resentment could influence.


    If they had reached the fifth realm, they would be at a higher cultivation level than Chu Liang, which meant that the Chain of Resentment would then be rendered ineffective.


    As a flicker of light shed, Feng Chaoyang''s words suddenly sounded extremely irritating to Luo Xiaoyong. With a frown, Luo Xiaoyong flew over abruptly, raising his hand to deliver a palm strike!


    "Who did you call a woman?" he shouted.


    Feng Chaoyang quickly raised his hand and countered the strike. As a divine light shed, a resounding bang echoed.


    He flew backward as anger surged in his heart and he questioned, "So you''re a man? If I mistook you, so be it. Why did you have to attack me? Aren''t you being too domineering?!"


    For reasons they couldn''tprehend, the sight of each other felt extremely repugnant, and they began fighting violently.


    Luo Xiaoyong''s foundational qi circted, causing frost to condense in the air around him. As ice crystals fell, he thrust out his palm and a piercing cold instantly enveloped Feng Chaoyang.


    For ordinary people, just this one palm strike would be enough to freeze them to death!


    But Feng Chaoyang was clearly not an ordinary person. As the invasive cold encircled him, he immediately shook his body and enveloped himself in ayer of golden divine light!


    Disciples of the Celestial King Sect mainly cultivated this divine light, which possessed various powers, including the ability to repel cold and heat. He swung a backhand punch, and the divine light shot out like a meteor!


    Seeing this, Luo Xiaoyong did not dodge. Instead, he grasped at the air with his right hand, instantly conjuring a sword of ice in the void. The ice sword glittered with a cold light, aiming straight at Feng Chaoyang''s fist.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    The radiant fist was thrust forward bit by bit, shattering the ice sword into fragments that flew in all directions. The shards embedded themselves with impressive force wherever theynded.


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    Three shards of ice whizzed past the youngdy Li Shiyi, who blinked in terror.


    As the eleventh-generation disciple of the Endless Sword Sect, she had high cultivation aptitude. However, she was too young.


    Being at such a young age, her family was too worried to let her venture out for more experiences. And so, she had little exposure to the martial world. Still, she had worked hard to earn the opportunity to venture in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm.


    Although she had mentally prepared herself, she still panicked when she arrived here.


    She had heard that the world outside was dangerous and she now realized it to be true! These two individuals started fighting to the death over a disagreement?!


    <i>These two both have quite the temper. Is this what the martial world is like?</i> Li Shiyi wondered.


    The next second, the two actually unleashed their rage, and Luo Xiaoyong performed a divine technique by pointing to the sky.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A thunderous roar filled the surroundings as the world changed!


    The clouds above rapidly surged, and in an instant, the clear sky turned into a nightscape! The sun receded, and the moon took its ce!


    The alternation of the sun and moon happened in a single breath!


    This was the Immortal Art: Stealing the Sky and Recing the Sun!


    Chu Liang, the instigator behind the scenes, was secretly startled by Luo Xiaoyong''s divine technique.


    This was clearly the legendary Immortal Art, Stealing the Sky and Recing the Sun, capable of changing the celestial phenomena within a certain range. Luo Xiaoyong used this technique to make the sun and moon alternate over Phoenix Sheep Mountain. He did this because the techniques of the Greater-Yin Cult harnessed the power of moonlight, which meant that they would be stronger as the moonlight intensified.


    By performing the immortal art, Stealing the Sky and Recing the Sun, he essentially buffed himself.


    Sure enough, as the moonlight shone down, Luo Xiaoyong''s aura grew stronger, and the surrounding cold became even sharper. Despite the divine light enveloping Feng Chaoyang''s body, frost still formed on his body.


    He immediately flew back dozens of zhang, his sharp eyes fixed on the moon in the sky. With a wave of his left hand, he condensed the divine light into a bow. Then, with a stroke of his right hand, he drew a long arrow.


    Drawing the bow to shoot the moon!


    Feng Chaoyang had fully drawn the bow, but Luo Xiaoyong obviously wouldn''t let him shoot. He immediately pointed a finger at Feng Chaoyang from afar!


    Whoosh¡ª


    <i>Greater-Yin Cult''s exclusive secret technique, Lunar Deity''s Finger!</i>


    Although this was not an immortal art, its power could rival one in certain situations.


    As he pointed, the yang energy in Feng Chaoyang''s body was violently driven out through his back. A surge of crimson-gold qi expelled from his spine and evaporated.


    With the point of a finger, his yang energy was driven out, leaving only the yin energy remaining.


    Feng Chaoyang enveloped his entire body with divine light, keeping his qi and blood boiling. However, as more yang energy was driven out, his strength was increasingly affected.


    He gritted his teeth and endured the power unleashed by the technique, Lunar Deity''s Finger, as he slowly drew the bow!


    After a long standoff, he finally drew the bow fully and suddenly released the arrow!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A golden light like a dragon shot out and struck the moon created by Luo Xiaoyong in mid-air, resulting in a resonant boom!


    The moon shattered, revealing the real sky once more.


    The rays of sunlight beamed down from the clear sky, causing Luo Xiaoyong''s buff achieved through the moonlight to vanish. Yet he remained in peak condition.


    However, Feng Chaoyang had been significantly weakened during the standoff. His arms trembled, and he struggled to keep his qi and blood boiling.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong''s figure had already flown over, striking with his palm!


    Feng Chaoyang could only raise his divine light in front of his chest, transforming it into a round shield as he prepared to take the palm strike head-on!


    At the sudden moment when they were about to sh again, Luo Xiaoyong''s palm stopped one chi away from Feng Chaoyang''s chest. He frowned and looked at Feng Chaoyang weirdly.


    What puzzled him was that he didn''t seem to be that angry anymore.


    <i>Why did we start fighting?</i> He wondered.


    Feng Chaoyang also felt confused.


    <i>Huh? What just happened?</i>


    The two looked at each other, and Luo Xiaoyong withdrew his hand, saying, "Forget it, I will let it go. Just keep it in mind next time."


    Feng Chaoyang scratched his head and responded, "We are good then."


    Still, he felt somewhat confused. How did the situation go from him suddenly being beaten up to them being in total harmony?


    The two, who had been fighting fiercely just moments ago, suddenly reconciled and stepped back, both looking confused.


    Li Shiyi looked at them, appearing even more bewildered.


    <i>What''s going on? How did they go from fighting to making up so quickly? Is this what it means to be a person filled with passion? The martial world is truly full of uncertainties</i>, she thought.


    Question marks seemed to pop out one after another from the youngdy''s head.


    Chu Liang calcted the time. The effect of the Chain of Resentment seemed tost less than a quarter of an hour. It was likely due to both of them being at a high cultivation level, which somewhat weakened the effect.


    Still, it was very useful.


    This item was almost like a legendary artifact for inciting anger.


    Feng Chaoyang looked at Chu Liang, feeling conflicted, then at Li Shiyi with an uncertain expression. Finally, he said, "Once we''re in the hidden realm, you two should step aside and let me duel him first."


    Chu Liang said with a grin, "I will dly do so."


    Just then, a thunderous explosion echoed, and a golden crack suddenly appeared in the sky above Phoenix Sheep Mountain. Crimson-gold mes then fell from the heavens, like a rain of fire!


    However, the falling mes never reached the forest. Four disciples from the immortal sects intercepted them one by one, preventing any damage to the forest and viges below. This was one of the tasks assigned by their sect before they arrived.


    Next, a huge golden curved horn emerged from the crack, its brilliance dazzling like a legendary weapon from the heavens!


    Then the second horn came into view!


    <i>Boom...</i>


    A massive sheep''s head, engulfed in crimson-gold mes, emerged from the sky. The head alone was asrge as the peak of Phoenix Sheep Mountain!


    Then the body emerged into view. As its enormous back appeared, it revealed a pair of horizontal wings! From the sheep''s head downward, its entire body was covered in fiery feathers!


    A sheep''s body with phoenix wings!


    It took a moment for the giant beast to fully emerge from the crack. Then, it soared into the sky, stretched its body, and let out a clear cry!


    "<i>Screech¡ª</i>"


    The celestial beast, which was known as the Phoenix Sheep!


    The Phoenix Sheep Mountain was reflected in its golden pupils, which burned with mes. Naturally, it noticed the disciples of the four immortal sects. Still, their presence didn''t bother it. After all, it had given them permission to take the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    Otherwise, who would dare to recklessly enter the hidden realm of a celestial beast?


    After a brief pause, the celestial beast Phoenix Sheep spread its wings and flew westward.


    Its destination was the West Sea.


    As for Chu Liang and the others, their destination was the hidden realm that the beast had left behind. Since the crack would close soon, they had to enter the realm before the crack closed fully.


    Although Chu Liang had entered various hidden realms before, this was the first time he came with the purpose of training and treasure hunting.


    Before setting off, Chu Liang had specifically asked his esteemed teacher about the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm.


    Sixty years ago, the head disciple was Daoist Yan. However, because Di Nufeng was closer to the Divine Phoenix bloodline, she was the one who went for this trial.


    This situation was quite simr to the present one.


    At that time, Di Nufeng had paused thoughtfully before saying, "The Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm? It''s a veryfortable ce. It''s like going home. It''s not an exaggeration to call it a paradise in the mortal realm. When you arrive, just have as much fun as you want like you''re on a vacation."

 Chapter 329: Paradise in the Mortal Realm?

    <h4>Chapter 329: Paradise in the Mortal Realm?</h4>


    <i>Rumble¡ª¡ª</i>


    The sky was void of sun, moon, or stars, with onlyyers of ovepping red clouds from which mes continuously rained down. Anyone touched by the mes would quickly realize that these mes were not so easily put out.


    On the ground, there was no tnd, only rivers of burningva flowing sinuously and terrifyingly. Scorching ck rocks scattered between the rivers provided the only ces to step.


    Even the air was filled with a scorching heat. If a piece of raw meat was left here, it would probably be cooked in no time.


    It was practically a hell of mes.


    Chu Liang hovered quietly just above the ground, gazing at the sea of fire and the endless flow of mes.


    He recalled what his esteemed teacher had said.


    <i>A paradise in the mortal realm? Feels like home? Sure enough, I should never trust Di Nufeng for anything other than fighting, </i>Chu Liang thought.<i> </i>


    Of course, in some ways, one had to admit that she was not wrong, as this ce might indeed be a happy home for her.


    "<i>Haaa.</i>" Chu Liang sighed silently and quickly moved.


    Each hidden realm was an independent small world with a Great Dao that would bepletely different upon entry. As a result, when entering a new hidden realm, positions often changed. Even if several people entered together, they would find themselves in different, random locations. Thus, Chu Liang saw no one else in his view.


    A significant amount of foundational qi was consumed every second to resist the fiery qi outside one''s body. If Chu Liang''s cultivation level weren''t high and his recovery weren''t fast, he might have exhausted his Sea of Qi in no time.


    He needed to find the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life as soon as possible and get out of here.


    It was said that the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life had miraculous life-giving powers. One could track the fruit down by following the demonic beasts here, but what could possibly survive in this sea of fire?


    Just as this thought crossed his mind, he heard a whistling wind. A ming bird flew from afar, its wings spanning four to five zhang, a truly frightening sight.


    Looking at the feathers on its head and its long tail feathers, it seemed to bear the shadow of the Divine Phoenix n. However, it didn''t seem to be an actual living creature, which was why Chu Liang wondered if it was a creation of this hidden realm.


    Nheless, Chu Liang didn''t care where it came from. At this moment, all he cared about was that this big creature was flying straight at him, tantly showing a sense of hostility!


    The inferno phoenix''s eyes reflected Chu Liang''s figure, zing with anger!


    <i>Screech¡ª</i>


    It let out a sharp cry and lunged at him with its wings spread wide!


    Chu Liang raised his index and ring fingers, summoning his sword. The swordlight shone brilliantly as it flew, slicing through the center of the inferno phoenix''s body.


    With a hiss, one sword strike split the inferno phoenix into two pieces!


    The body of the inferno phoenix shattered with a bang, turning into a dense rain of fire that fell down, among which was a drop of golden blood.


    Its entire body was made of flowing mes, and only this drop of golden blood contained spiritual energy.


    <i>Is this a creature given life by the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life? It didn''t seem very difficult to deal with. </i>Chu Liang thought.


    Chu Liang was about to move forward in the direction where the inferno phoenix appeared when he suddenly saw a cloud of fire rising rapidly from that direction, surging towards him.


    In the blink of an eye, it had moved closer, allowing him to see the cloud of fire clearly.


    It turned out to be arge flock of inferno phoenixes, all connected with each other in a single fiery mass!


    Handling one was manageable, but there were thousands upon thousands of them¡ªenough topletely overwhelm him!


    Without a second thought, Chu Liang turned and ran!


    He immediately showcased the speed befitting his championship title in the Mount Shu Summit''s Flying-Sword Race, transforming into a streak of light and shadow. The cloud of fire behind him relentlessly pursued, as if it harbored a deep grudge against him!


    A moment of thought allowed him to grasp the situation immediately. This was happening because of the dragon aura on his body!


    His esteemed teacher had mentioned earlier that the aura of that True Dragon was somewhat irritating. She was still human, with some characteristics slightly influenced by the Fiery Divine Phoenix constitution.


    These inferno phoenixes had only a hint of Divine Phoenix spiritual nature, but their entire existence depended on it.


    The less intelligent the creature, the more aggressive it became!


    The chase continued for quite a while until Chu Liang flew over a mountain peak, where the phoenixes finally stopped. They hovered around for a moment, then dispersed into the sky.


    Chu Liangnded on the fiery mountain peak, letting out a sigh of relief.


    As he had been practicing the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, the dragon aura had likely seeped out with every breath. This was beyond his control. If this continued to attract attacks from the inferno phoenixes, it would be impossible for him to take even a single step.


    He had justnded and steadied himself when he suddenly felt the ground beneath him shaking.


    No, the ground was moving up??


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    <i>Clop, clop, clop¡ª</i>


    Heavy footsteps echoed around him, and as Chu Liang extended his divine sense, he made a startling discovery¡ªhe wasn''t standing on a mountain peak but on a gigantic mountain sheep the size of a mountain!


    The massive creature had been lying on the ground, its head tucked into its chest and its back facing up. As a result, Chu Liang thought he hadnded on a mountain peak.


    This mountain sheep might have been the reason those inferno phoenixes didn''t dare approach!


    <i>Clop! Clop!</i>


    Fortunately, the mountain sheep didn¡¯t seem aggressive and didn¡¯t mind Chu Liang using it as a mount. Awakened by the earlier noise, it now rose and continued its journey, stepping heavily on the ground as it slowly moved forward.


    Standing on the mountain sheep''s back, Chu Liang thought for a moment and felt that this was actually quite good.


    Since he was still unfamiliar with the situation in the hidden realm, he decided it was wiser to follow the sheep and observe for a while. Leaving hastily could provoke another attack from those inferno phoenixes.


    As he thought of this, he settled down.


    He immersed his divine sense into the White Pagoda and arrived in front of the iron prison.


    The inferno phoenix he had just in contained a bit of true spirit. Any independent life form, even a weak entity like antern monster, could yield a reward. So, an inferno phoenix would certainly offer something valuable.


    So Chu Liang raised his hand and pressed down, refining the phantom of the inferno phoenix.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    With a sh of a radiance, a small glowing orb floated out.


    [Phoenix Spirit Fire Seed: When infused with foundational qi, the fire seed can ignite the powerful Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire, capable of burning everything in the world.]


    A fire seed?


    Chu Liang gazed at the small crimson-golden orb in his hand, feeling only a faint warmth emanating from it.


    The Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire was the innate me of the Divine Phoenix n, one of the top-tier divine fires in the world. Its power was second only to that of Samadhi True Fire.


    For now, Chu Liang stored this fire seed away.


    After traveling for a while, he noticed the heavy footsteps suddenly sync up with another set. Looking up, he saw another gigantic mountain sheep in the distance.


    When the second mountain sheep appeared, the one Chu Liang was riding suddenly arched its back, raised its head high, and let out a powerful bleat. "<i>Baa¡ª¡ª</i>"


    "<i>Baaaaaaa!</i>" The mountain sheep opposite let out a deep, resonant bleat in response.


    What are they doing? Chu Liang wondered.


    While Chu Liang was puzzled, the two mountain sheep suddenly charged at each other with their massive bodies!


    <i>CLOP! CLOP! CLOP! </i>


    <i>BAM!</i>


    The two mountain-sized rams charged across several hundred zhang and collided their giant horns with a thunderous crash!


    The collision sent mes sshing in all directions!


    Luckily, Chu Liang had flown down early, or he would have been thrown off by the tremendous impact.


    It turned out the mountain sheep wasn''t docile at all. It had likely not reacted because it hadn''t noticed him. No wonder the inferno phoenixes didn''t dare approach it.


    The creatures in this Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm all had such explosive tempers!

 Chapter 330: Young Hero Chu Is Truly A Good Person

    <h4>Chapter 330: Young Hero Chu Is Truly A Good Person</h4>


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The battle between the two mountain sheep was like a collision of two zing mountains, causing the molten rock in the ground to shake. Chu Liang retreated rapidly, afraid of being caught in the crossfire of these two bad-tempered mountain sheep.


    After retreating some distance away, he noticed a beam of swordlight nearby. Someone was evading the mountain sheep in the same direction as him.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    There was a sh of light as the swordlight stopped in front of Chu Liang. The person standing on the sword was the youngdy with a waist-length ponytail¡ªLi Shiyi of the Endless Sword Sect.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang, Li Shiyi uttered, "<i>Huh?</i>"


    She furrowed her brows and blinked her dark brown eyes nervously.


    Chu Liang responded with a greeting. "Miss Li."


    Li Shiyi stared at Chu Liang for a moment before asking weakly, "Are we going to fight?"


    "<i>Ha.</i>" Chu Liang couldn''t help butugh. Then he shrugged. "I don''t think it''s necessary. We haven''t even seen the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life yet. There''s nothing to fight over."


    "That''s good then."


    Li Shiyi''s tense shoulders rxed immediately, clearly feeling relieved.


    The youngdy had left home with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, but she had be much more apprehensive after seeing Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang fight at the slightest disagreement. She was now very afraid that she would encounter someone who would suddenly hit her.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The two mountain sheep collided repeatedly. It seemed they weren''t intended to stop until one of them fell.


    "They are so fierce..." Li Shiyi muttered.


    Not really knowing what to say, Chu Liang just nodded. "Indeed."


    Then suddenly, there was a loud buzzing sound, and a cloud of fire emerged in the distant sky.


    It was another massive flock of inferno phoenixes! And there were even more of them this time!


    Chu Liang''s pupils dted in rm. "Run!"


    The iing flock of inferno phoenixes even caused the two mountain sheep to stop fighting. There were simply too many inferno phoenixes, forcing the huge mountain sheep to retreat!


    <i>Swoosh, swoosh.</i>


    Two beam swordlights, one white and the other pink, shot up. Chu Liang''s flying sword rushed out at full speed, gliding across the sky like a streak of lightning! However, Li Shiyi''s sword-riding speed was pretty simr to Chu Liang''s; she was right behind him!


    Chu Liang was dumbfounded. It seemed this youngdy was more capable than her young age suggested.


    Li Shiyi was feeling very surprised too. Her sword-flying speed was considered unmatched in her generation at the Endless Sword Sect. Yet, this disciple of the Mount Shu Sect was so ahead of her that there could be another person flying between them...?


    The Mount Shu Sect''s swordsmanship had once been renowned throughout the nine provinces. Nheless, the Endless Sword Sect was now acknowledged as the mortal realm''s holynd of swordsmanship! She couldn¡¯t let her sect down!


    So, Li Shiyi put in more effort to try and fly faster so that she could surpass Chu Liang, but Chu Liang still flew steadily ahead of her. They were quickly approaching a lofty volcano and proceeded to go around it.


    Chu Liang made a sharp, low turn around the bend, instantly widening the gap by another ten zhang.


    <i>What a smooth drift!</i> Li Shiyi thought.


    She became even more astonished. She had never seen anyone use that technique before in her sect. Could it be that the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect all had such strong sword-flying skills?


    It wasn''t that the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect had particrly strong sword-flying skills. It was simply that the Endless Sword Sect didn''t have the flying-sword races that the Mount Shu Sect had, so their disciples wouldn''t think about these speed-enhancing tricks.


    In the Endless Sword Sect''s sword-flying style, cultivators had to improve the strength of their foundational qi and the quality of their swords if they wanted to increase their flying speed.


    Of course, the Endless Sword Sect had observed the Mount Shu Sect''s flying-sword races over the years. Nevertheless, in the eyes of this old and traditional sword sect, the techniques that the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect had used in those races were simply a bunch of crafty tricks. They thought those races were merely recreational events for entertainment.


    Chu Liang and Li Shiyi had to maneuver around the mountain, but the cloud of fire didn''t have to. Apanied by whistling wind, the flock of inferno phoenixes rushed over with torrential momentum and pierced through the volcano, almost causing it to copse!


    Li Shiyi was startled by the sound of the crumbling volcano.


    She looked back with her divine sense and eximed, "The inferno phoenixes weren''t like this earlier. Why have they suddenly be so angry?"


    Li Shiyi was panicking. Her breath became erratic, and her sword-flying speed suddenly dropped.


    Sensing a threatening aura behind him, Chu Liang knew those inferno phoenixes wereing for him!


    Normally, the inferno phoenixes would be in a simr state to the mountain sheep he''d encountered earlier¡ªliving in a carefree manner. Even if they fought with intruders, they wouldn''t gather in a flock with such rage. However, Chu Liang''s draconic aura had drawn them over to him.


    Li Shiyi was only suffering now because she was following him. If she continued to flee with him, she might end up in even more danger. However, Chu Liang couldn''t say that his presence had drawn these inferno phoenixes to them, as that would undoubtedly expose his weakness.


    So, Chu Liang suddenly stopped and said righteously, "Miss Li, don''t panic! I will draw away this maddened flock of inferno phoenixes. Let''s split up and head in different directions!"


    Chu Liang raised his hand and pointed at the flock of inferno phoenixes. He shot a beam of swordlight toward them, killing two inferno phoenixes!


    A strange screech rang out from amid the flock, and Chu Liang immediately turned around to flee. The multitude of inferno phoenixes all flew toward him.


    Li Shiyi followed his instructions and fled in the opposite direction, and as expected, none of the inferno phoenixes chased her. Nevertheless, she thought the flock of inferno phoenixes was only chasing Chu Liang because he had just provoked them.


    In reality, that provocation didn''t matter; the inferno phoenixes'' target had always been him.


    Unaware of that, the youngdy was deeply moved by Chu Liang''s altruistic act. She turned around and gazed at the sky, muttering to herself, "Young Hero Chu is truly a good person."


    ...


    The sky was filled with fire clouds. Chu Liang often turned around and used his divine abilities, killing two inferno phoenixes each time. However, their numbers only seemed to increase.


    The problem was that Chu Liang had been flying all over the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm in his effort to flee. The inferno phoenixes throughout the hidden realm were drawn to Chu Liang''s draconic aura and flew toward him. His attempt to escape ended up being a monster-gathering exercise.


    The power of thisrge flock of inferno phoenixes had reached a terrifying level. If they were to catch up with him, Chu Liang would very likely be one of the few core disciples of the Four Great Immortal Sects to die in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm.


    That''s right. The death rate in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm was very low, but it wasn''t zero!


    <i>A paradise in the mortal realm? Take it as if I''m on a vacation?</i>


    Chu Liang thought of his teacher''s words while he was being chased, and he shed glistening teardrops that looked like ice crystals.


    The massive flock of inferno phoenixes seemed to extend across half of the sky. Chu Liang was about to be surrounded.


    He gritted his teeth and reluctantly took out a pill from his chest pocket. It was the Essence-Concealing Pill!


    Alchemists had ceased production of this rare pill for many years. Every pill he consumed was one he could never rece. There were only three left of the pills Chu Liang had found in that gourd.


    The Essence-Concealing Pill was definitely a great thing, especially when he needed to take action in secret. It was the perfect tool for taking action in stealth. Nheless, he had no choice but to take an Essence-Concealing Pill at this moment.


    Chu Liang swallowed the Essence-Concealing Pill, concealing all of his qi and, of course, his surging draconic aura.


    The clouds of fire in the sky suddenly came to a halt. The inferno phoenixes stirred restlessly in unease. The aura of their enemy¡ªthe being their gic memory told them they had to kill¡ªhad suddenly disappeared, leaving only a residual trace of his qi. It wasn''t enough to help them track down the enemy.


    Chu Liang seized this opportunity to flee swiftly. The effect of the Essence-Concealing Pill onlysted for a quarter of an hour, so he had to find a safe ce to hide within this time.


    While he was flying, he swept his divine sense over the peak of a high mountain and sensed the auras of three people.


    <i>Hmm?</i>


    Chu Liang was a little surprised and immediately turned back there.


    Uponnding, he found Feng Chaoyang, Luo Xiaoyong, and Li Shiyi, the disciples of the other three immortal sects, just as he''d expected. They were gathered on the mountain peak, standing apart and across from each other.


    When Li Shiyi saw Chu Liang, she smiled. "Young Hero Chu, it seems you''re fine. That''s great!"


    "It was a fluke that I managed to escape," Chu Liang said, returning the smile. "What are you three doing here?"


    "It''s because of what just happened. Something strange has happened in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm. All the inferno phoenixes have gathered together..." Li Shiyi exined. "So, all we can do is hide here for now."


    "Hide?"


    Chu Liang was puzzled. <i>What was there to conceal them on this bare mountain peak?</i>


    So, he asked, "Won''t the inferno phoenixese here?"


    "You didn''t know?" Luo Xiaoyong looked at Chu Liang with an astonished expression. "The peak of this mountain, the central mountain, is the only safe spot in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm."


    "A safe spot?" Chu Liang uttered, blinking in surprise.


    <i>There''s such a thing?</i>

 Chapter 331: Being the Bigger Person

    <h4>Chapter 331: Being the Bigger Person</h4>


    "Yes," Li Shiyi exined. "The root of the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life lies in the peak of the central mountain, making it the life source for all fire-type spirit beasts in the hidden realm. As these creatures were brought to life by the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life, they revere this mountain as their source of life. My father taught me to seek refuge here in times of danger."


    As Chu Liang listened to Li Shiyi''s exnation, he scanned the mountaintop with his divine sense. Sure enough, he saw a sturdy spirit nt.


    Its roots were embedded deep within the mountain peak, and its thick stem, as sturdy as a pir, reached a height of four or five zhang, twisting robustly toward the sky. At its peak bloomed arge flower resembling a face, yet it had not yet borne any fruit.


    This was the Phoenix Sheep Flower, set to bear the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    "I see..." Chu Liang said as he nodded lightly.


    "Didn''t your sect elders tell you?" Luo Xiaoyong asked.


    "..." Chu Liang was silent for a moment.


    <i>How should I exin this? My teacher thinks of this ce as her happy home. How could she possibly need refuge in a happy home like this?</i>


    <i>When she stepped foot into this hidden realm back then, the inferno phoenixes and bighorn sheep were probably the ones that needed to find a ce that they could hide.</i>


    Chu Liang paused for a moment before changing the subject and asking, "So, do we wait here for the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life to appear?"


    "The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life won''t appear yet," Luo Xiaoyong replied. "We need to kill all the inferno phoenixes and bighorn sheep in this area. Only then will all the golden essence return to the root of the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life, allowing the flower to bear fruit."


    "But since all the inferno phoenixes are currently gathered together, it''s impossible for us to go out and fight them," Li Shiyi said.


    The youngdy was still scared of the countless inferno phoenixes in the sky.


    "I''m sure things will return to normal if we wait a while," Chu Liang said.


    As long as he remained hidden here, the inferno phoenixes would stop gathering. However, he couldn''t disclose this to the others without revealing the secret of his dragon aura. Therefore, he decided to let them discover it on their ownter.


    Before he finished speaking, Feng Chaoyang stepped forward. A smile twinkled in his eyes.


    "In that case, why don''t we have a duel right here?" he said with a smile. "The loser must stop courting Fairy Jiang."


    Chu Liang suddenly looked at him with a serious expression and asked solemnly, "How can you say that?"


    "Hmm?" Feng Chaoyang was taken aback.


    "Senior Sister Jiang is a beloved fellow disciple of Mount Shu, highly respected as our head disciple. She is the pride of our sect. She is not an object! You shouldn''t be using her rtionship as a wager in a duel," Chu Liang said sternly. "You can challenge me, but I expect an apology for your disrespect toward Senior Sister Jiang first."


    "Uhhhh..." Feng Chaoyang was taken aback by Chu Liang''s words. He had spoken earlier as a youth who was eager topete and fight. And now, being reproached by Chu Liang on moral grounds left him momentarily speechless.


    After a moment''s pause, he nodded and said, "Alright. I take back the disrespectful words I said about Fairy Jiang." He adapted very quickly to the situation.


    Not only did he find Chu Liang''s words reasonable, but he also feared that Chu Liang might tattle on him to Jiang Yuebai.


    Chu Liang nodded in satisfaction and continued, "It''s alright for us to duel, but Mount Shu Sect and Celestial King Sect have always shared a close rtionship. I wouldn''t want our duel to strain the ties between our sects. Regardless of the oue, we should uphold mutual peace and respect. Do you agree?"


    His righteous speech, akin to that of a diplomat, left Feng Chaoyang stunned once more. Compared to Chu Liang, his own trivial challenge for romantic reasons suddenly seemed narrow-minded.


    After pausing for a moment, he nodded and said, "Alright, regardless of the oue, it won''t affect the friendly rtionship between Celestial King Sect and Mount Shu Sect."


    "Good, it''s settled then," Chu Liang smiled. "Come, let''s shake hands first."


    With that, Chu Liang extended his hand to Feng Chaoyang.


    After that conversation, Feng Chaoyang had no choice but to be the bigger person and shake hands with Chu Liang.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang used Mystic Fingers.


    ...


    In an instant, an additional item appeared in Chu Liang''s storage space. He then stepped back, increasing the distance between himself and Feng Chaoyang.


    Feng Chaoyang''s eyes glinted with an intense fighting spirit. He spread his arms and urged Luo Xiaoyong and Li Shiyi, "Could you both step back a bit? I don''t want anyone getting hurt identally."


    Before he could finish speaking, a sh of light, visible only to Chu Liang, darted between him and Luo Xiaoyong.


    Luo Xiaoyong''s gaze sharpened suddenly as he looked at Feng Chaoyang. "Who are you looking down on?"


    "Hmm?" Feng Chaoyang looked back at Luo Xiaoyong.


    "As a Mortal-Realm Wanderer of the Greater-Yin Cult, do you think I could be easily injured by someone like you?" Luo Xiaoyong''s eyes shed with anger as he spoke. "You are clearly looking down on the Greater-Yin Cult!"


    As Feng Chaoyang stared at Luo Xiaoyong, the sight of Luo Xiaoyong grew increasingly annoying. He shouted angrily, "You''re clearly asking for trouble! I''ve already endured once!"


    "Hmph." Luo Xiaoyong sneered, "Then don''t endure!"


    He leaped up, his index and ring fingers pointing towards the sky. In an instant, the weather shifted dramatically, plunging the surroundings into nightfall. The moon gleamed high above!


    He executed the immortal art: Stealing the Sky and Recing the Sun once more


    Empowered by the moonlight, Luo Xiaoyong''s energy surged. With a flick of his finger and the activation of multiple seals, the world around him froze once more!


    "You''ve gone too far!" Feng Chaoyang eximed furiously. "Watch as I burn your moon to ashes!"


    He raised his hand and unleashed two rounds of starlight, transforming into two white-gold zing stars in the sky!


    The General''s Constetion Orb!


    Among the Divine Nine Immortal Sects, the top legendary artifact possessed by the Celestial King Sect was known as the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc.


    The General''s Supreme Constetion Disc consisted of a main disc and twenty-eight General''s Constetion Orbs, making its power immensely formidable. However, the General''s Constetion Orbs were consumable, meaning that each use resulted in a permanent loss. If all twenty-eight orbs were used, the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc would be depleted of General''s Constetion Orbs avable for future use.


    Therefore, during the era of the Heavenly Star Divine Cult, this consumable nature prevented the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc from being considered as a top legendary artifact.


    However, after the Heavenly Star Divine Cult split up, the Celestial King Sect branched off as an independent sect. The Celestial King Sect soon developed a method to refine and create General''s Constetion Orbs. Though the creation of one orb was extremely costly, this innovation meant that as long as they could recreate the orbs, the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc would have unlimited potential!


    As a result, the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc ascended to the sixth ce in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures!


    Feng Chaoyang, as the head disciple of the Celestial King Sect, was awarded three General''s Constetion Orbs by the sect. Despite their single-use nature, it would take Feng Chaoyang a considerable amount of time to use up all three of them.


    In his rage, Feng Chaoyang unleashed two General''s Constetion Orbs. However, as he threw them out, he frowned in bewilderment, saying, "Eh? Why are there only two left? I don''t recall using one up before."


    But there was no time for contemtion.


    The two General''s Constetion Orbs rose into the sky, transforming into a star wheel. The orbs'' fierce heat shed with the moon''s soft glow, nearly overpowering the moonlight in the sky.


    Despite being weakened, Luo Xiaoyong retained his sharpness as he lunged forward with a fierce palm strike. The biting cold he unleashed almost instantly encased Feng Chaoyang in an ice block!


    Feng Chaoyang reacted swiftly, activating a divine light to shield himself before delivering a fist of radiance to counter the iing attack.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The mountain peak trembled under the intensity of their sh.


    The sudden shock caused Li Shiyi''s long ponytail to fly upwards. Her eyes widened in fear, her face reflecting a mix of shock and confusion as she tried to grasp what was happening.


    <i>What''s with this fight now? </i>Li Shiyi questioned inwardly.


    Feng Chaoyang''s challenge to Chu Liang was within Li Shiyi''s understanding, at least she couldprehend it as jealousy over Fairy Jiang of Mount Shu.


    But she couldn''t understand how the situation suddenly escted into a duel between Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang?


    <i>They have quite the temper. It''s almost as bad as the bighorn sheep here. Are they really not sick? </i>Li Shiyi couldn''t help but question.


    As Li Shiyi watched the two starting a fight immediately and aiming for the kill with each strike, she couldn''t help but feel that the world was indeed as dangerous as she had feared.


    She couldn''t understand why the people in the martial world had such terrible temperaments...


    Clearly, besides herself, the only other normal person in this hidden realm was Young Hero Chu of Mount Shu.


    If Chu Liang had earned a score of ten in terms of the impression he made when he courageously diverted the inferno phoenixes, his reputation now soared to twenty points due to theparison with these two hot-tempered and fight-crazed individuals.


    The increase in impression score was entirely due to the stark contrast.


    As this thought crossed her mind, Li Shiyi looked around and suddenly realized that Chu Liang was no longer on the mountain peak.


    <i>Where is Young Hero Chu?</i>

 Chapter 332: Do Normal People Exist in the Martial World?

    <h4>Chapter 332: Do Normal People Exist in the Martial World?</h4>


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Feng Chaoyang condensed his divine light into a spear over a zhang long, thrusting it through the air with a sharp whistle!


    Luo Xiaoyong raised his hand and grasped the air, materializing an ice sword to sh with Feng Chaoyang''s radiating spear!


    The two exchanged attacks for only a few rounds, but it caused the peak of the central mountain to shake with flying sand and stones. The sun and moon lost their radiance. The star wheel and moon wheel in the sky collided, teetering on the brink of copse.


    Li Shiyi, trembling with fear as she watched nearby, timidly shouted, "Stop fighting!"


    But the two blinded by their rage and paid her no attention.


    Feng Chaoyang''s hands moved swiftly, forming intricate seals. In an instant, a blinding sh of divine light erupted, conjuring a clone made of divine light. With synchronized precision, both bodies of divine light lunged at Luo Xiaoyong and attacked at the same time.


    Seeing this, Luo Xiaoyong retreated, raising his hands to form a finger seal. The wind and snow around him swirled with renewed ferocity, transforming the entire peak into a frozen, icy world in an instant!


    Feng Chaoyang''s two bodies of divine light slowed to a crawl as dozens of icy beams shot out from all directions, instantly coalescing into multiple clones of Luo Xiaoyong.


    Ice clones!


    When Jiang Yuebai was fighting Ling Ao, she had used simr techniques, creating a clone with ice that was hard to defend and moved extremely fast.


    However, Luo Xiaoyong wasn''t using these clones for mere deception; All the clones raised their arms in perfect synchrony and aimed their fingers directly at Feng Chaoyang.


    It was almost as though Luo Xiaoyong was saying, "You have one clone but I have over a dozen! Let''s see who has more manpower!"


    Each clone performed the Lunar Deity''s Finger, and in an instant, dozens of fingers were aimed at Feng Chaoyang!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    If Feng Chaoyang were struck by this attack, his yang energy would bepletely dispelled and he would need to rename himself as Feng Chaoyin[1]!


    Sensing danger in that split second, Feng Chaoyang reacted instantly. The clone made of divine light transformed into an arrow and shot upward. Just before the dozens of Lunar Deity''s Fingers could reach him, his body and the clone swapped positions in a sh of light.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    This maneuver helped him evade the deadly strike, but the clone shattered in the process!


    Feng Chaoyang''s actual body materialized in mid-air. Without wasting any time, he immediatelyunched a counterattack, hurling a powerful punch downward at Luo Xiaoyong!


    "<i>Hah¡ª</i>" He shouted violently as he descended from the sky.


    His form resembled a celestial meteor!


    Having missed his strike, Luo Xiaoyong immediately raised his palm to the sky, ready to meet Feng Chaoyang''s punch!


    Their sh was inevitable, like a meteor that was about to collide with earth!


    Li Shiyi was so scared that she squinted her eyes shut.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Suddenly, it felt as though a gentle breeze had swept through.


    Feng Chaoyang''s body, suspended in mid-air with his fist poised to strike, remained frozen in ce, while Luo Xiaoyong, equally immobilized, held his palm upward.


    "ß×?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Both of them voiced their surprise simultaneously.


    <i>What''s going on?</i>


    <i>Why did I get so angry just now? Why is it that in the midst of this fight, I suddenly find this person less detestable?</i>


    Feng Chaoyang''s body stiffened for a moment before he withdrew his fist and gently floated to the ground.


    "Well then..." Luo Xiaoyong said awkwardly as his anger suddenly dissipated. "Be more mindful of what you say next time."


    "We''re good now," Feng Chaoyang nodded and added, "But next time, let''s try talking it out instead of jumping into a fight."


    "Alright." Luo Xiaoyong nodded in agreement.


    If a seventh-realm Eminent One was present, Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang would have suspected that they had been mentally manipted. As disciples of immortal sects, they had some understanding of the Dao of Seven Emotions. They were aware that this Dao could be used to manipte someone''s emotions.


    However, there were only four of them present and such divine skill was not something a disciple at the Golden Core Realm could master. And so, they couldn''t figure out what had really happened, no matter how hard they tried.


    The two of them suddenly reconciled.


    They both felt a bit puzzled, but the most confused one was Li Shiyi.


    The youngdy had already started to back away, fearing she might get sttered with blood. But then, suddenly... they made up?


    <i>Are you two just trying to scare people for fun? </i>Li Shiyi wondered. <i>Even if one should stop before things escte beyond control, they wouldn''t usually do it this way... Could this be the unpredictable nature of the martial world?</i>


    "Where''s Chu Liang?" Feng Chaoyang looked around and realized that his original target had disappeared.


    "He probably went out to y the fire beasts in the hidden realm," Luo Xiaoyong said. "Let''s set aside our personal grievances for now. The sooner we kill off these inferno phoenixes and mountain sheep, the sooner the Phoenix Sheep Life Fruit will appear. It wouldn''t be toote to fight by the time it appears."


    "Alright," Feng Chaoyang readily agreed.


    The two of them suddenly became amicable.


    "<i>Haa...</i>" Li Shiyi, standing nearby, looked at the distant sky and sighed silently. <i>Do normal people exist in the martial world?</i>


    ...


    "Normal people shouldn''t have such a high drop rate, right?" Chu Liang said to himself as he held the orb in his hand, carefully examining it. He confirmed that it was indeed the Celestial King Sect''s exclusive treasure, the General''s Constetion Orb.


    Feng Chaoyang had repeatedly provoked him and harbored malicious intentions toward Senior Sister Jiang. Therefore, Chu Liang decided he would no longer be courteous to him.


    But despite his decision, he was in no hurry to challenge Feng Chaoyang to a duel.


    Although Chu Liang wasn''t afraid, fighting in this hidden realm would be exhausting no matter the oue. Additionally, it wasn''t just two sides involved; four sects werepeting for the Phoenix Sheep Life Fruit.


    So, Chu Liang quickly came up with a n: he would take advantage of the handshake to steal something from Feng Chaoyang, then let him fight Luo Xiaoyong while he temporarily escaped.


    The General''s Constetion Orb was extremely valuable and undoubtedly one of the top treasures in Feng Chaoyang''s enchanted storage tool. The fact that Chu Liang managed to steal it on his first try indicated his luck was at its peak.


    However, the precious orb had intricate engraved enchantments, making it difficult to immediately test its various powers. Therefore, Chu Liang decided to put it away for now.


    He then took out five Puppet Pills.


    He used the Army of Beans!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    He created five puppets and had them set up the enchanted formation, while he soared into the air.


    For the Phoenix Sheep Life Fruit to appear, the inferno phoenixes and mountain sheep in the hidden realm had to be killed first. Thus, Chu Liang needed to hurry.


    In addition, killing the inferno phoenixes would also reward him with the highly valuable Phoenix Spirit Fire Seeds.


    Chu Liang had previously tested the Phoenix Spirit Fire Seed. When infused with foundational qi, it could ignite the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire, which would burn for an hour. Although this fire wasn¡¯t particrly useful inbat, it was extremely valuable for alchemy and tool-making.


    Chu Liang had been studying alchemy recently, and the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire would greatly enhance his practice. With this fire, he could refine many spirit nts and valuable items that were challenging to process at his current cultivation level.


    The inferno phoenixes and mountain sheep weren¡¯t real creatures; they were created from a special fruit called Phoenix Sheep Life Fruitbined with the mes in this realm. They exhibited predictable behaviors andcked intelligence.


    Chu Liang decided to use this situation to his advantage.


    He took to the air, and the nearby inferno phoenixes immediately charged at him. Instead of escaping to a safe spot, he led these phoenixes in a circle.


    After drawing nearly a hundred more phoenixes into the chase, Chu Liang changed direction and flew towards the area where his puppets were set up.


    Over a hundred inferno phoenixes followed Chu Liang in a powerful swarm, all targeting him alone.


    But suddenly, a surge of qi erupted from below! The five puppets, each controlling a segment of the Five Elements Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap, activated it simultaneously, unleashing a massive vortex of foundational qi that spiraled upward into the sky.


    <i>Boom¡ª¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, the vortex tore apart dozens of inferno phoenixes!


    Although the five figures managing the formation were just puppets created by the Army of Beans technique, Chu Liang''s multitasking and ample supply of qi made their performance as powerful as if five Golden Core Realm cultivators were activating the formation together.


    Other Golden Core Realm cultivators couldn''t possibly sustain such massive consumption, but Chu Liang, with his two ultimate-tier Golden Cores, had an immense and overflowing reservoir of qi.


    He never had to worry about qi depletion, which meant that it was more efficient for him to deploy the formation by himself. Setting it up by himself would ensure that the qi used was maintained at a high quality. Even if the entire Mountain God Memorial Ceremony team were present, it would still be better for the others to support Chu Liang while he set up the formation by himself.


    As the mindless inferno phoenixes charged at Chu Liang one after another, Chu Liang was not afraid. Instead, he felt thrilled and delighted!


    With so many inferno phoenixes around, he knew he would collect a significant amount of Phoenix Spirit Fire Seeds today!


    1. A y on words. The first time the joke actually works in trantion without a need for any exnation hahaha ?

 Chapter 333: Fighting Feng Chaoyang A Third Time

    <h4>Chapter 333: Fighting Feng Chaoyang A Third Time</h4>


    Luo Xiaoyong left the central mountain and wandered around the hidden realm, encountering a pitifully small number of inferno phoenixes.


    <i>Why are there so few inferno phoenixes here? Things are really strange today.</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong frowned. He just hoped he could get the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life and leave this hidden realm as soon as possible.


    The Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm was overflowing with yang qi, so those who practiced the Greater-Yin Cult''s method of cultivation wouldn''t like it. However, the Greater-Yin Cult insisted on having their disciples temper themselves there. The original purpose had probably been for the disciples to get used to this kind of environment.


    After flying out quite a long way from the central mountain, Luo Xiaoyong finally saw more inferno phoenixes, and he was truly surprised by the sight.


    Up ahead, hundreds of inferno phoenixes had gathered and formed a cloud of fire. They were crying out angrily as they pursued something.


    Curious, Luo Xiaoyong moved to the side to get a better look and saw a beam of white swordlight speeding ahead of the cloud of fire. He noticed that, rather than being chased, it seemed more like the swordlight was leading the flock of inferno phoenixes. When the inferno phoenixes couldn''t keep up, the swordlight would pause for a while and wait for them.


    <i>Chu Liang?!</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong looked at the swordlight and quickly recognized it as Chu Liang''s sword¡ªthe Dustless Sword.


    <i>How does this guy alwayse up with some new trick?</i>


    Luo Xiaoyong followed Chu Liang and watched him lead the inferno phoenixes toward an enchanted formation that was surrounded by a few puppets.


    Chu Liang used himself as bait to lure the inferno phoenixes into the formation. Once they were all inside, he activated the formation and killed them.


    <i>He¡¯s bullying those foolish inferno phoenixes!</i>


    Chu Liang wiped out the flock of inferno phoenixes in just a short time. Then he finally went over to greet Luo Xiaoyong.


    While luring the monsters to the enchanted formation, Chu Liang''s divine sense had picked up Luo Xiaoyong''s presence. However, Chu Liang had been too busy to speak with him.


    "Brother Luo, what a coincidence," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "It''s not a coincidence at all, is it? This is the only ce that had inferno phoenixes," Luo Xiaoyong replied in amazement. "How did you manage to lure over so many inferno phoenixes so easily?"


    Chu Liangughed. "I guess I''ve just got a gift for it."


    <i>A gift for attracting hatred...? </i>Luo Xiaoyong looked at Chu Liang and nodded in agreement. <i>This guy is indeed quite outstanding in this regard.</i>


    "Oh, are there no more inferno phoenixes around here?" Chu Liang asked, wiping his sweat. "I guess I''ve gotten rid of most of them then. Brother Luo, why don''t you go look for the mountain sheep? I''ll go see if there are any inferno phoenixes remaining. Let''s divide the work and quickly take the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life out of this hidden realm."


    Luo Xiaoyong nodded. "Alright."


    He then turned and left.


    ...


    Chu Liang waited until there were no inferno phoenixes in sight before setting off back to the central mountain''s peak. It seemed that he had wiped out all of the inferno phoenixes. If there were even one left, it would attempt to attack him upon sensing his dragon aura.


    Meanwhile, Li Shiyi had just returned to the central mountain. The youngdy had gone out to hunt a few mountain sheep earlier, but after a long and fruitless search, she returned to the mountain to wait for the others.


    Seeing Chu Liangnd on the peak, Li Shiyi rxed.


    After seeing a few strange people, Li Shiyi realized that having a stable temperament was a very important character trait.


    "Young Hero Chu, do you think all the fire beasts have been wiped out?" Li Shiyi asked.


    "They should be, more or less," Chu Liang answered. "Let''s see what the other two say when they return."


    "Those two..." Li Shiyi said quietly. "They always suddenly start fighting out of nowhere. It''s really scary..."


    "That''s just how the people of the martial world are." Chu Liang grinned. "They''re quicker to act out and seek revenge."


    Right then, Luo Xiaoyong returned to the mountain peak.


    Uponnding, he said, "I think this ce is clear of the fire beasts now. Take a look at that rootstock."


    Luo Xiaoyong pointed at the thick rootstock of the nt that would produce the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    Turning to look, Chu Liang and Li Shiyi noticed there was golden light slowly climbing up the thick rootstock. This indicated that all the golden essence was returning to the rhizome[1]. Once the golden essence reached the flower of the nt, it would be ready to produce the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    A whileter, Feng Chaoyang flew over from afar andnded on the central mountain''s peak. His gaze was focused on Chu Liang.


    Feng Chaoyang had gone out earlier to search for fire beasts as well as the General''s Constetion Orb that was missing from his storage tool. He remembered that he''d had it before entering the hidden realm and during his duel with Luo Xiaoyong. He hadn''t used the orb, so he had probably lost it in the hidden realm.


    Feng Chaoyang then searched everywhere he had been in the hidden realm prior to noticing it was gone, but he couldn''t sense it anywhere.


    That meant it was very likely Chu Liang or Luo Xiaoyong had stolen it using some secret method when they made physical contact earlier.


    Consequently, Feng Chaoyang stepped forward and asked them, "Have either of you seen¡ª"


    "We''ve all seen that the nt is about to produce the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life. If you still want to duel with me, we can fight for the fruit after it has been produced," Chu Liang said. "There''s no need for unnecessary fighting before that."


    Feng Chaoyang waved his hand, gesturing that wasn''t what he wanted to talk about. "No, I just wanted to ask you¡ª"


    "No problem." Chu Liang interrupted Feng Chaoyang again. "You''re just asking if I''m willing to ept your challenge, right? I''ll definitely have a great battle with youter."


    Feng Chaoyang said anxiously, "That''s not what I want to talk about! I lost¡ª"


    "You lost the face of the Celestial King Sect, right? Brother Feng, you don''t have to think that way. Our sects have a friendly rtionship, but you picking a fight with me does indeed tarnish your sect''s reputation a bit. However, it''s normal to be hot-blooded and impetuous when you''re young. As a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, I won''t harbor enmity toward my friends from the Celestial King Sect because of this."


    "Seriously!" Feng Chaoyang uttered in exasperation, unable to keep up with the silver-tongued Chu Liang. He stomped his foot anxiously and said, "I''m looking for my¡ª"


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A brilliant sh of light burst forth from the Phoenix Sheep Flower, radiating countless rays of golden light outward. It was as if some exceptional, one-of-a-kind treasure was about to emerge!


    "The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life is emerging!" Li Shiyi eximed in surprise.


    The four of them were drawn to the light. After all, their primary goal was to obtain the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life, an ultimate-grade spirit nt for breaking through to the fifth realm.


    While watching the fruit emerge, they all distanced themselves from each other. They were observing and guarding against one another because they might bepetitors in the very next second!


    The Phoenix Sheep Flower bloomed with golden light, revealing a fruit. The fruit instantly expanded in size, drooping downward. It became a golden fruit with mysterious ancient veins. Then it dropped to the ground heavily with a quiet, dull thud.


    The gazes of the four people were immediately on alert! The fight for the fruit began!


    Chu Liang shook his wrist, hurling out a Chain of Resentment.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Feng Chaoyang was about to turn into divine light and fly toward the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life. However, just before he did that, he nced at the others and saw Luo Xiaoyong was ncing at him right at that moment too.


    They found themselves looking straight at each other.


    mes of anger ignited in Luo Xiaoyong''s eyes. "What are you looking at?"


    Hearing that, Feng Chaoyang got angry too and replied, "So what if I''m looking at you?"


    "Look at me again, and see what happens."


    "Bring it on!"


    "Take this!"


    With just a few words, the two young men were suddenly started fighting again. Luo Xiaoyong was fighting Feng Chaoyang a third time!


    This time, Luo Xiaoyong and Feng Chaoyang were already familiar with each other''s divine abilities, so they targeted each other''s weaknesses right from the start.


    Luo Xiaoyong raised his hand, and a thicket of icy thistles and thorns burst up from the ground. They protected him and prevented Feng Chaoyang from forcing him into closebat.


    Feng Chaoyang responded byunching two of the General''s Star Wheels. That fully illuminated the sky and prevented Luo Xiaoyong from using Stealing the Sky and Recing the Sun.


    Their fight quickly became intense, leaving only Chu Liang and Li Shiyi topete for the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    Despite being apetition, it wasn''t a fierce one. Chu Liang had already flown forward the moment that the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Lifended. Li Shiyi, on the other hand, had been startled by the sudden fight between the other two and ended up falling slightly behind.


    The youngdy wasn''t fond of fighting, but attacking Chu Liang was all she could do to hold him back.


    Li Shiyi activated her sword seal with a ng, and a wall of swords suddenly appeared in front of Chu Liang. Nevertheless, that didn''t hinder him in the slightest.


    There was a whoosh of wind, and Chu Liang disappeared, reappearing ten zhang away. He''d used Dimension Compression!


    Chu Liang plucked the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life off the nt and turned around.


    Smiling at Li Shiyi, Chu Liang asked, "Miss Li, do you still want to fight me?"


    Li Shiyi blinked, "No, thanks."


    Her shoulders sagged with fatigue.


    The youngdy''s delicate little face was filled with confusion as she watched the two people who had gotten angry over a nce fight with blind rage.


    Li Shiyi sighed and said, "I just want to go home."


    <i>The martial world... is so exhausting.</i>


    1. /science/rhizome): horizontal underground nt stem capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new nt. ?

 Chapter 334: Only One Left?

    <h4>Chapter 334: Only One Left?</h4>


    The vast West Sea zed with fire.


    A fiery cloud swept across the sky with incredible might. Only upon closer inspection could one see that it was actually a soaring celestial beast.


    This beast, called the Phoenix Sheep, had the divine feathers of a phoenix and the massive body of a mountain sheep, perfectlybined. It was a rare second-generation bloodline whose talents were on par with the first-generation celestial beast descendants.


    In terms of cultivation talent and strength, none of the draconic descents were on par with the pure-blood True Dragon. However, this celestial beast, the Phoenix Sheep, was not only on par with phoenixes but even surpassed them in some aspects, such as strength.


    "<i>Baaaaa¡ª</i>"


    The Phoenix Sheep let out a low, muffled bleat, filled with anger.


    It would wake up once every thirty years and the first thing it would do was fly to the West Sea for a fight with the legendary Divine Phoenix.


    The phoenixes were few in number, possibly no more than ten, all living on Divine Phoenix Ind in the West Sea. The strongest among the Divine Phoenix n was the Phoenix Sheep¡¯s father.


    Ever since it was fully grown, the Phoenix Sheep would challenge the Divine Phoenix King every time it woke up. Although it was defeated every time, it persistently returned to fight again.


    This was its fury!


    In the past, whenever the Phoenix Sheep flew to the West Sea, its father, who was a Divine Phoenix, would alwayse out to meet it. But this time, its father did not appear.


    At this moment, the Phoenix Sheep was already close to Divine Phoenix Ind, the ce it loathed, but the Divine Phoenix King still did not show up.


    Just as the Phoenix Sheep thought its father was hiding, another figure appeared in the sky.


    Compared to the Phoenix Sheep, this figure looked small. But despite the small size, the figure exuded an extremely strong spiritual energy.


    It was a tall man, dressed in a tattered hemp robe, with disheveled hair, and a worn-out gourd hanging at his waist. His face looked rugged and angr.


    ¡°Are you looking for the Divine Phoenix King?¡± he said with azy smile on his lips, ¡°I am also looking for the Divine Phoenix King. It seems it has hidden, waiting for the opportunity to reach the ninth realm, and the entire Divine Phoenix Ind has disappeared.¡±


    The Phoenix Sheep looked down from above, watching the man with fiery eyes.


    Through its instincts, it sensed ill intentionsing from this person.


    "But I''ve been ordered to make it appear. Since you¡¯re its child," the man continued, "capturing you will surely make the Divine Phoenix King show up, won¡¯t it?"


    He spoke in such a casual tone, yet his words suggested he intended to single-handedly capture a seventh-realm celestial beast!


    However, the Phoenix Sheep, sensing immense danger from the human cultivator, believed he was not joking. So, it decided to strike first!


    "<i>Baaaaaaa¡ª</i>"


    With an enraged roar, the Phoenix Sheep pped its fiery wings and unleashed a st of golden-red mes!


    The fire that the Phoenix Sheep had unleashed was the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire that Chu Liang had just obtained. However, the intensity of this ze far exceeded what hundreds of Chu Liang''s fire seeds could produce!


    <i>Boom¡ª¡ª</i>


    The man raised his hand and shattered the fireball. Water-blue mes swirled around him, and as he concentrated with his divine intent, the West Sea began to tremble!


    ¡°I was sent to deal with the Phoenix Sheep because I can counter your phoenix fire!¡± he shouted, lifting his hand to summon massive waves. In an instant, the seawater formed five spiraling giant dragons!


    The five water dragons surged from the sea, coiling around the Phoenix Sheep. As soon as they touched its zing body, they sizzled and shed violently!


    Amid the chaos of water and fire, the man leaped onto the Phoenix Sheep''s back and stomped down with force!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    ...


    "Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life!"


    After Chu Liang plucked the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life, Li Shiyi conceded and ceased her attacks.


    Instead, Feng Chaoyang and Luo Xiaoyong, who were nearby, stopped fighting and red at Chu Liang with intense hostility.


    The effect of the Chain of Resentment seemed to weaken on the same person over time. Initially, itsted for a while, but now it ended after just a few breaths.


    Feng Chaoyang eyed Chu Liang suspiciously. "Did you use some trick to make us fight each other?"


    Feng Chaoyang¡¯s suspicion was understandable. Although he thought a fourth-realm cultivator shouldn''t be able to manipte such a situation, he recalled the timing of Luo Xiaoyong''s sudden attacks. Both the first and second instances urred while he was challenging Chu Liang, and the third happened right before the fight for the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life.


    Chu Liang was the direct beneficiary all three times.


    "Heh," Chu Liang replied with a faint smile. "The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life is right here. Brother Feng, if you want it, feel free to challenge me now."


    "Great! I have been wanting to do that for a while now!" Feng Chaoyang dered, a surge of energy coursing through him.


    After saying this, he waved his sleeves, instinctively wanting the people beside him to back off. Just as he was about to speak further, his expression suddenly stiffened. For some reason, he forced himself to hold back and avoided ncing at Luo Xiaoyong.


    This time, he had learned his lesson: if he was going to act, he needed to do so swiftly and decisively.


    Chu Liang had studied Feng Chaoyang¡¯s fighting style during their previous encounters and had a rough understanding of his strength. He crouched low and shot forward like an arrow, shouting, "Come on!"


    "Let''s go!" Feng Chaoyang''s body instantly glowed with divine light as he charged forward!


    Chu Liang activated the Dragon Blood Burning Technique, mes surging around him! At the same time, Feng Chaoyang shone brightly, enveloped in divine light!


    In an instant, they shed for the first time!


    Chu Liang grabbed half a gold brick with his right hand. When Feng Chaoyang''s fist approached, he sidestepped using the Turbulent Stream Movement Art, allowing Feng Chaoyang¡¯s punch to graze his chest. Meanwhile, Chu Liang struck Feng Chaoyang¡¯s face with the golden brick.


    <i>Boom boom¡ª¡ª</i>


    Two almost simultaneous thunderous sounds echoed through the air!


    In this collision with Feng Chaoyang, Chu Liang actually used the tactic of exchanging injury for injury!


    As Luo Xiaoyong and Li Shiyi watched from the sidelines, they were shocked. Luo Xiaoyong had fought Feng Chaoyang three times, and none of the injuries he inflicted were as severe as this collision!


    But correspondingly, Chu Liang also took a solid hit!


    As Li Shiyi watched this scene, her pupils dted sharply. She gained a deeper understanding of the fearsome nature of the martial world and the urge to return home increased even more...


    "<i>Ugh...</i>" Feng Chaoyang''s punch struck Chu Liang''s chest, sending him flying back dozens of zhang, but Chu Liang remained upright.


    "<i>Ah¡ª</i>" Chu Liang¡¯s brick hit Feng Chaoyang¡¯s face, sending him tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground.


    Victory was decided in a single exchange!


    Chu Liang exhaled softly, adjusting his boiling qi and blood.


    He had carefully studied Feng Chaoyang''s fighting style before deciding on this strategy. Despite the versatility of the Celestial King Sect''s Heavenly Star Unusual Art, Feng Chaoyang''s personal preference¡ªlikely influenced by his personality¡ªwas for closebat with direct punches.


    And closebat was exactly where Chu Liang excelled.


    Though he could only use the Brick Combat Technique, his physical strength, enhanced by the Secret Dragon Blood Technique and the Blood Burning Technique, was terrifying within the fourth realm.


    By using an injury-for-injury approach, Chu Liang faced few challengers within his cultivation realm. The only exception would be tough martial artists like Yun Chaoxian!


    A swing of the golden brick with a right hook would form a dent on a body forged from meteoric iron! Despite Feng Chaoyang''s divine light protection, he could not fully defend against the hit.


    Yet, even this might have only resulted in a tie. The key to Chu Liang''s decisive victory was the Jiuli Soul Armor!


    The killing of the vicious beast Taowu earned him this reward! The power of this reward was self-evident.


    As Feng Chaoyang punched Chu Liang fiercely in the chest, he absorbed about 30-40% of the impact himself due to the rebound damage. Additionally, the damage inflicted on Feng Chaoyang transferred a portion of blood-stained aura to heal Chu Liang.


    With this exchange, the previously bnced situation turned into a decisive victory for Chu Liang!


    Seeing Feng Chaoyang sprawled on the ground, motionless for a moment, Chu Liang knew he had won with a single decisive blow. However, in a real fight to the death, allowing an opponent to recover could change everything. If Feng Chaoyang managed to get back up, the oue was uncertain.


    Chu Liang approached slowly, bending down to extend his hand to Feng Chaoyang.


    The divine light usually surrounding Feng Chaoyang had been shattered by the rebound force. At this moment, he still felt disoriented. Seeing Chu Liang extend his hand towards him, he also reached out to grasp it.


    Chu Liang pulled him up and said, "Brother Feng, you''ve fought several battles earlier, so I had the advantage. Next time, when you''re at your best, we can have a proper match."


    "No need to say that. A loss is a loss," Feng Chaoyang replied, feeling a flicker of dissatisfaction. He thought that if it hadn''t been for the unexpected rebound force, he might have won by keeping his distance. But hearing Chu Liang''s words, he waved his hand and said, "I ept my defeat. I''ll train harder and win next time."


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "It''s good for usrades on the righteous path to spar, as long as it doesn''t harm our rtionship. Ultimately, we''re improving ourselves to y demons and defend our Dao!"


    Feng Chaoyang also felt this deeply and nodded in agreement. "That''s right!"


    Any hostility he had felt towards Chu Liang was now mostly reced by respect. This person had not only defeated him with a single blow but also showed a magnanimous spirit.


    Just as he was about to speak further, a crackling sound echoed overhead. The sky split open with a huge fissure, and fiery rain began to pour down!


    "What is going on?" The four of them were all shocked.


    <i>Did the master of the hidden realm, the Phoenix Sheep,e back? But it usually stays in the West Sea for a few days. Why had ite back so quickly this time? Is this an anomaly?</i>


    Li Shiyi and Chu Liang immediately summoned their flying swords for protection, while Luo Xiaoyong summoned ayer of mysterious ice shield. All of them were preparing themselves for any danger.


    Feng Chaoyang also summoned the General''s Constetion Orbs, ready to use his divine abilities at any moment.


    But as soon as he summoned the General''s Constetion Orbs, he was shocked.


    <i>Why is there only one left?</i>


    <i>What?!</i>

 Chapter 335: Old Li Ba

    <h4>Chapter 335: Old Li Ba</h4>


    The Phoenix Sheep had fled back to its hidden realm.


    The power of that human cultivator was beyond imagination. The Phoenix Sheep hadn''t expected that it would not be able to fight back. While they were on the West Sea, the human¡¯s water-control abilities were at his peak. He raised colossal waves, forming an endless water prison that almost trapped the Phoenix Sheep,pletely extinguishing its divine fire.


    Despite its severe injuries, the Phoenix Sheep managed to break out of the water prison and fly back to its hidden sanctuary.


    Still, the man was pursuing it relentlessly.


    Upon returning, the Phoenix Sheep immediately kicked out all outsiders and securely sealed the realm. Unless someone of the eighth realm with control over the Heavenly Origin tried to breach it, the hidden realm would remain locked.


    <i>Boom boom boom boom!</i>


    Four muffled sounds echoed as the disciples of the immortal sects were kicked out of the Phoenix Sheep''s hidden realm, still bewildered by the sudden turn of events.


    Landing outside Phoenix Sheep Mountain, the disciples realized that the entire area had bepletely scorched. When the Phoenix Sheep came back earlier, it lost control of its divine fire, reducing everything in its path to ashes.


    The devastation was a stark reminder of the immense destruction a seventh realm Eminent One could unleash if left unchecked.


    As they regained their footing after being thrown out of the hidden realm, a new figure appeared standing on the scorched ground.


    A tall man in a hemp robe, with a wine gourd hanging at his waist, walked over. He frowned as he muttered to himself, "It still escaped in the end. I told you I couldn''t do it..."


    The four disciples of the immortal sects watched him warily, sensing the extraordinary aura emanating from him.


    The aura of this Eminent One felt majestic and carried the weight of a mountain. Having just been in a battle, his entire body was still enveloped in qi mes that he had yet to retract.


    The pressure was quite intense.


    The man nced at them and asked, "Are you the disciples from the immortal sects here for the trial?"


    He hesitated slightly, likely contemting whether to silence them permanently. His expression conveyed a sense of deliberation, as if he was deciding whether to crush a few bugs.


    "What do you intend to do?" Feng Chaoyang raised a General''s Constetion Orb, sending a dazzling light straight into the sky!


    "Oh?" The man looked at him. "Celestial King Sect? This means your sect and mine share the same origin, so I won''t kill you. Just don''t tell anyone when I let you go."


    As he spoke, he nced at the others, his eyes immediately revealing a chilling killing intent.


    Feng Chaoyang quickly said, "They are also disciples of the Celestial King Sect."


    "Do you take me for a fool?" The man sneered. "I know about the four immortal sects doing this trial in this hidden realm."


    With that, he pointed at Li Shiyi, who was reaching for a jade talisman.


    "Watch out!"


    Feng Chaoyang and Chu Liang acted simultaneously!


    Feng Chaoyang summoned a General''s Constetion Orb and a burst of light appeared in front of Li Shiyi, shielding her from the man''s attack.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The General''s Constetion Orb exploded instantly, shattering with a thunderous st. This part of the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc couldn''t withstand a single finger from the man. But on second thought, it was already impressive that it could block an attack from the seventh realm when it was someone in the fourth realm that had activated it.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liangunched his attack, sending the Crimson Executioner sword flying toward the man.


    When the man appeared, the Crimson Executioner began to vibrate violently. This person was undoubtedly a mass murderer who hadmitted countless unspeakable evils!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The Crimson Executioner cut through the air with an overwhelming murderous aura that was incredibly sharp!


    But the man merely raised his hand and caught the de of the Crimson Executioner.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The legendary sword, powerful enough to y a sixth realm cultivator, was utterly powerless before a seventh-realm expert. Despite its furious vibrations, the Crimson Executioner couldn''t move at all in the man''s grasp; justice was utterly useless at this moment.


    <i>ng ng.</i>


    The man struck with his palm, shaking off the sword qi from the Crimson Executioner, and casually tossed it aside.


    This was not an existence they could fight!


    But at that moment, Li Shiyi raised the jade talisman and let out a sharp cry, "Great-Grandpa! Come save me!"


    Her cry sounded utterly pitiful, releasing all her suppressed fear and grievances.


    The next second, a stern voice came from the other side of the talisman.


    "Who dares to touch my great-granddaughter?!"


    <i>Crack¡ª</i>


    As his voice still echoed, thunder struck overhead, splitting the sky open. An incredibly sharp sword qi descended, followed by a gigantic hand wielding a sword striking down!


    An incredibly sharp sword qi descended from the sky, apanied by a huge hand wielding a sword.


    "You little brat, you must be tired of living!" The voice boomed with anger, echoing like thunder.


    "Damn! Old Li Ba!" The man, his expression previouslyzy, suddenly snapped to attention with his eyes widened in shock. He raised his wine gourd high, and a torrent of ck water poured out from it.


    The old gourd appeared small, but the ck water flowing from it was like a mighty river, roaring and spanning the sky!


    As the sword struck down, the ck river instantly transformed into a viscous poison, clinging to the sword and continuously corroding the sword qi.


    <i>ng¡ª</i>


    When the sword was struck down, it sliced half of the mountain peak with extremely fierce and terrifying force!


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    After releasing the ck water, the man swiftly employed a traversal technique and escaped without hesitation, narrowly evading capture. Had he been a moment slower, the Eminent One, a sword cultivator at the eighth realm, would have traversed the nine provinces and descended upon him!


    Thunder continued to rumble, and it seemed as though a gigantic figure was emerging from the crack. Shortly after, a figure floated down from the sky.


    He was a short and stout old man, d in a white robe, with a round face and a long beard, not quite fitting the image of a legendary grandmaster.


    But after witnessing that sword strike, everyone present instantly recognized him, and their hearts swelled with awe!


    This was the previous sect leader of the Endless Sword Sect, a sect in the Divine Nine. Currently, he served as the Supreme Elder and the inheritor of the Li family''s Sword Saint legacy...


    His name was Li Ba!


    "Great-Grandpa!" Li Shiyi ran over, calling out in a way that seemed to convey that she had been wronged.


    "Oh, my little Shiyi." Old Li Ba said as he swept his sleeve, hugged Li Shiyi, and quickly patted her shoulder. "I arrivedte and gave that scoundrel the chance to escape. But don''t worry, I''ll search every corner of the world to catch the viin who dared to harm my great-granddaughter!"


    "Okay..." Li Shiyi nodded gently.


    Li Ba raised his eyes again and looked at the three young people around. "What about them? They didn''t bully you, did they?"


    Luo Xiaoyong, Feng Chaoyang, and Chu Liang all stood at attention and shook their heads in unison.


    <i>Are you kidding me? This is a legendary eighth-realm master of the world! Who would dare not to stand at attention when he red at them?</i>


    "No." Li Shiyi quickly shook her head. "Everyone has been very kind to me, it''s just that the sudden appearance of that bad guy was too frightening."


    Li Ba''s gaze turned solemn as he looked up at the sky and said, "It seems that the Divine Phoenix King from the West Sea is on the brink of ascension and someone is scheming to awaken it from that state. It¡¯s just those on the brink of ascension plotting against each other. But no matter what, I won¡¯t forget those who dare implicate my great-granddaughter... hmph!"


    This cold snort sent a shiver down everyone''s spine.


    Chu Liang looked at this seemingly fragile young girl and made a mental note that she must not be provoked.


    <i>When ites to calling for backup, I have always considered myself quite skilled, butpared to this young girl, I am just an apprentice shaman meeting a grand shaman.</i>


    <i>At most, I can summon a seventh-realm master, but she can summon her eighth-realm grandpa at any time!</i>


    There are only a few eighth-realm experts in the world. If I could summon Venerable Wen Yuan as easily as a familiar, I would be walking around with an air of dominance. Thinking about it this way, this girl has been acting quite modestly.


    "Then I''ll take her home. You should also return to your respective immortal sects. That person has already fled thousands of li away, so there''s no need to worry anymore," Li Ba said.


    "Thank you, esteemed senior!" the three of them said in unison, bowing.


    With the use of Shattering the Void, Li Ba took Li Shiyi and departed, leaving only Luo Xiaoyong and the other two behind.


    Luo Xiaoyong said, "If there¡¯s nothing else for me to do here, I''ll be leaving too. See you next time."


    "I..." Feng Chaoyang opened his mouth, about to say something.


    He came with three General''s Constetion Orbs, and now he''s going back empty-handed. He desperately needed to get an exnation for this matter.


    Before he could say anything, Chu Liang took out two General''s Constetion Orbs and handed them over.


    "Brother Feng, these are the valuable items I took from you earlier. I should return them to their rightful owner," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "<i>Ah?</i>" Feng Chaoyang was startled as he said, "It really was you who took them. How did you do it?"


    "Just some minor tricks," Chu Liang answered as he shook his head. "You wanted to challenge me earlier, so I tried to make you weaker. Now that our sparring has ended, I dare not keep them with me."


    In fact, if it were some ordinary enchanted tools, or slightly valuable pills and talismans, it wouldn''t matter if Chu Liang took them. Feng Chaoyang wouldn''t mind too much anyway.


    But the two General''s Constetion Orbs were too valuable.


    One of them could actually withstand an attack from a seventh-realm cultivator!


    Although that man casually used a divine ability, the fact that an enchanted tool wielded by a fourth-realm cultivator could block it demonstrates the tool''s considerable strength.


    The Celestial King Sect wouldn''t let it go easily, and Chu Liang wouldn''t be able to use them conveniently in the future. If discovered, it could risk disrupting the unity between the two sects. Selling them secretly could be an option, but it was unnecessary.


    Feng Chaoyang did try to protect everyone earlier, and if Chu Liang still stole from him, he would feel ashamed of himself.


    So, after slight deliberation, he decided to return them to Feng Chaoyang.


    Feng Chaoyang took the two General''s Constetion Orbs and stared at Chu Liang for a moment, appearing slightly stunned.


    He admitted that if he had obtained Chu Liang''s valuable items by some means, he wouldn''t have returned them. Moreover, despite his previous provocations, Chu Liang didn''t hold any grudges against him. He really...


    "Brother Chu..."

 Chapter 336: The Golden Age of Immortality Cultivators?

    <h4>Chapter 336: The Golden Age of Immortality Cultivators?</h4>


    The four of them had only spent a short time in the Phoenix Sheep Secret Realm, but the experience had caused all of them to change.


    Feng Chaoyang had been all hot-blooded and rearing for a fight when he first got there, but he ended up leaving after having received several beatings. If Chu Liang hadn''t returned the two General''s Constetion Orbs to him, Feng Chaoyang''s heart would truly have crumbled. He ended up only losing one orb, but he wasn¡¯t sure if that was a fortunate thing.


    Regardless, that''s why Feng Chaoyang''s hostility toward Chu Liang vanished like smoke in thin air and turned into admiration. If Feng Chaoyang gained anything, it was a deep understanding of the idiom "Actions speak louder than words."[1]


    Meanwhile, Luo Xiaoyong reflected deeply on his temper. He wondered if he had been too bad-temperedtely and decided to be kinder to people in the future. Despite that, he and Feng Chaoyang had forged a friendship they would never have formed if they hadn''t fought.


    The most unfortunate of the four of them was Li Shiyi. The youngdy hadn''t gotten injured, but she was the only one who had left in tears.


    Li Shiyi had been cultivating in the Endless Sword Sect all her life. She had great talent and a high level of cultivation for her age, but she hadn''t experienced much of the outside world. This rare outing had left her a little traumatized.


    On the way back to their sect, Li Shiyi kept asking her great-grandfather, ¡°Why are there no friendly rtionships in the martial world, just fighting and killing?¡±


    Chu Liang''s biggest change was that he now had the Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life and a bunch of Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds in his pocket. It could be said that he had a bountiful harvest.


    Without taking into consideration their mental growth, Chu Liang was the only winner out of the four youths who had gone to the hidden realm.


    By the time Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak, the sky was already dark. He didn''t go anywhere else; he just went straight back to his cabin to sleep.


    The next morning, he decided to visit the Berry Wondend.


    As soon as Chu Liang stepped outside, he ran into Wen Yulong, who hade looking for him.


    Wen Yulong said with a smile, "Senior Brother Chu, I heard you were back, so I came to find you first thing in the morning. <i>Eh</i>, where are you going?"


    Chu Liang replied, "I''m going to the fruit garden."


    "Oh. I''m here to tell you that I got the information you were seeking in Taotie City."


    Wen Yulong was quite familiar with Taotie City, so Chu Liang had asked Wen Yulong to enquire around on his behalf.


    "Oh?" Chu Liang uttered. He quickly asked, "Information for which thing?"


    "Both of them," Wen Yulong replied. "The alchemist is willing to meet you, and the Pavilion of Celestial Fate has gathered information on the Human-Faced Xiao."


    "Great!" Chu Liang pped his hands happily. "I''ll check on the fruit garden and then set off for Taotie City."


    After receiving the good news, Chu Liang walked cheerfully toward the Berry Wondend. Even from afar, he could already see that it was bustling with people.


    Just after interest in the tale about Madam Bai faded, the tale about Meng Jiangnu took its ce and captured the public''s interest. In the world of immortality cultivators, the craze for the Golden Vein Berries did not die down; instead, it intensified. There seemed to be an unending stream of people that were curious about the berries.


    This was partly thanks to the Berry Wondend''s visitors spreading the word about it, providing a second round of advertising for free.


    The Golden-Furred Hou and the Baize youngling were running around the fruit garden. They weren''t fulfilling their duties as the Berry Wondend''s security guards. Instead, they were just having fun ying. Yet, that was precisely what made the visitors fond of them.


    The game they yed with the flying disc even drew in some visiting cultivators, and more and more people joined in. From the perspective of the two spirit beasts, they were just happy to have more people to y with.


    Once the news about the Mount Shu Sect''s celestial beast Baize being on the brink of ascension spread through the world of immortality cultivators, the Baize youngling drew even more attention than before.


    This spirit beast might just be the son of a ninth-realm Hallowed One in the future! Now, people could have it fetch a flying disc for them for only several dozen sword coins. Who could resist going there to have a go?


    When Di Nufeng was free, she would patrol the Berry Wondend and re at any visitor who seemed like they might stir up trouble. Just one nce from her made them shiver in fear! Di Nufeng looked just like a mob boss watching over her territory.


    Chu Liang had initially asked Di Nufeng to only check in if there was trouble. After all, it wasn''t difficult for a seventh-realm Eminent One to keep an eye on a ce on the other side of the mountain peak.


    However, once Di Nufeng learned about the revenue the Berry Wondend was bringing in, she paid it way more attention than Chu Liang had expected. It seemed that she intended to rely on this fruit garden to fund her retirement.


    Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoyu''er, an ordinary person¡ªno, an ordinary fish demon, had be a rising star on Mount Shu with tremendous speed. The number of people seeking her blessings was increasing constantly.


    Visitors who wanted to meet with Liu Xiaoyu''er now had to queue for more than an hour, and even then, they could only have a brief conversation to request for a few blessings.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er''s main business consisted of giving blessings and selling small safety talismans she had blessed. Yet, it seemed like she was attracting fans as well, much like the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory.


    Aside from these two idle members of Silver Sword Peak, the other members of Chu Liang''s business team did not spend a lot of time in the fruit garden even though they very much wanted to.


    Lin Bei, for one, loved being a tour guide, and he was extremely good at it. In fact, if there were apetition for it, he would be a gold-medalist tour guide. In the early days of the Berry Wondend, he had pretty much lived in the fruit garden. By working there, he could earn good money and even meet female cultivators from all over the nine provinces and four seas.


    However, after observing Lin Bei do that for a few days, Chu Liang felt that a proper cultivator couldn''t do that as their main job. So, he asked Shang Ziliang to bring in a group of senior and junior brothers from Cloud Horizon Peak to work in shifts at the Berry Wondend with the existing team of people working there. That way, all of them would only need to work seven days a month and could spend the rest of the time cultivating, training, and doing missions to increase their strength.


    Working at the Berry Wondend meant they could have fun, interact with many female cultivators, and earn dozens of times more than what they''d get from doing missions in the same amount of time. Everyone jumped at the opportunity to work there. Nheless, Chu Liang''s strict rule meant they could sadly only work seven days a month.


    At first, the disciples of Cloud Horizon Peak had been hesitant to take up the offer, but once the first batch of disciples returned from working at the fruit garden and revealed their earnings, everyone else eagerly signed up.


    Di Nufeng had gone to Cloud Horizon Peak with her disciple just a few months ago to extort Shang Shuwen. Never in his wildest dreams would Shang Shuwen have even imagined that all of the disciples from his peak would now be working for Silver Sword Peak.


    The twists and turns of life sure were strange and unpredictable.


    ...


    After inspecting the fruit garden, Chu Liang returned to his cabin and saw a message from Heaven-Reaching Peak. The sect leader wanted to see him.


    Chu Liang immediately set off for Heaven-Reaching Peak. He guessed that the sect leader was probably going to give him a response to what they hadst discussed.


    Upon arriving at Boundless Pce, Chu Liang found the sect leader''s room as serene and impressive as ever. Venerable Wen Yuan was already sitting there.


    Seeing Chu Liang walk in, Venerable Wen Yuan asked, "I heard you encountered some danger in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm?"


    Chu Liang had yet to report about the incident at the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm. That meant Venerable Wen Yuan had likely heard about it from one of the other sects.


    "Yes, there was some danger."


    Chu Liang then told Venerable Wen Yuan about the sudden appearance of the seventh-realm Eminent One.


    Venerable Wen Yuan listened attentively and then nodded. "The seventh-realm cultivator you encountered is probably Huo Tianya, a disowned disciple of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals."


    "The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals..." Chu Liang muttered.


    The nine provinces and four seas were vast, but... seventh-realm Eminent Ones weren''t asmon as cabbages; they didn''t just pop up everywhere. Anyone at such a high level of cultivation would certainly be fairly well known, so it was unsurprising that Venerable Wen Yuan could identify the Eminent One that Chu Liang mentioned.


    The Endless Sword Sect was probably leading the investigation. After all, their Supreme Elder had been absolutely furious when he left the hidden realm. He''d vowed that he would grind the person who had frightened his great-granddaughter into dust.


    "He was Enlightened Jiuyi''s disciple. Back then, he ughtered dozens of righteous cultivators to seize a treasure. He used extremely vile methods, so much so that Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was pressured into driving him out of the sect. He has since been on the wanted list of all righteous sects across the nine provinces for dozens of decades," Venerable Wen Yuan said frankly.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but gulp in shock.


    The world of immortality cultivators acknowledged thew of the jungle, that the weak were prey to the strong. So, it was normal for cultivators to get a bit rough when they fought over treasures. asionally, there were even major cases involving deaths.


    However, ughtering dozens of people for a treasure... and doing it with methods so vile that the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had been forced to drive the disciple out of the sect... That just shows how heinous that disciple''s actions had been.


    Some might say that the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had shielded that disciple by merely driving him out. However, for a criminal disciple who had incited public outrage, getting driven out of a sect meant he would no longer be under their protection.


    It was the sect''s deration that the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten could go after him however they liked. They needn''t hold back out of respect for the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    Nine out of ten disciples driven out of their sects like this would get murdered. As for the one remaining disciple, they would escape because they were extraordinarily skilled.


    "As for his purpose behind capturing the Phoenix Sheep, it was probably to force the Phoenix King to emerge," Venerable Wen Yuan muttered as he pondered. "This is simr to what happened with Baize. Someone is deliberately trying to disturb these beings while they are on the brink of ascension. There''s probably someone plotting behind the scenes.


    "Lu Chengqiu was supported by the Celestial Charm Sect. Considering the simr circumstances, it''s likely that Huo Tianya has also joined the Celestial Charm Sect."


    Chu Liang nodded.


    The Eminent One in question had said that he shared amon origin with the Celestial King Sect. He had probably been referring to the Celestial Charm Sect.


    Venerable Wen Yuan continued, "Thinking about it now, there have been celestial beasts reaching the gateway of the ninth realm in session. It seems the demon god has truly fallen."


    In eras when the supreme ninth-realm being was still alive and thriving in the world, no beings would be able to be on the brink of ascension to the ninth realm. Even if the ninth-realm Hallowed One were weakened like how the demon god had been suppressed for several thousand years, there still wouldn''t be any beings on the brink of ascension.


    However, during the past few hundred years, beings on the brink of ascension had appeared one after another. This could be taken as indication that the previous Hallowed One had died. The cultivators of the world could only thrive when the spiritual energy that a ninth-realm Hallowed One had umted returned to the heavens and the earth. It would be much easier for the eighth-realm Eminent Ones to achieve enlightenment, and cultivators in all the lower realms would rise in level as well.


    When the demon god emerged in the past, the Mount Shu Sect had been able to gather seven Eminent Ones at the Heavenly Origin Realm to join the battle against the demon god. Now, the Mount Shu Sect only had two eighth-realm cultivators, and that was including Baize.


    The Mount Shu Sect wasn''t the only one affected. As long as the one being at the ninth realm was still alive, all immortal sects would be limited to the eighth realm.


    If the demon god had truly fallen, then the mortal realm''s cultivation world should soon usher in a golden age[2].


    Naturally, the Mount Shu Sect hoped it was true. After all, if the demon god returned, his first target of revenge would undoubtedly be the Mount Shu Sect.


    Chu Liang just listened quietly. He wasn''t aware of the details of such matters, nor did he have the status to discuss them with Venerable Wen Yuan.


    After a while, Venerable Wen Yuan said to him, "As for the proposals you presented previously, I discussed them with the sect''s elders, and we havee to a conclusion."


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    1. The original line trantes directly to "If you can do it, say less crap." Aptly put. ?


    2. A period when they would flourish and achieve great things. ?

 Chapter 337: Dan Lingzi

    <h4>Chapter 337: Dan Lingzi</h4>


    Chu Liang walked out of the Boundless Pce with a smile.


    Venerable Wen Yuan had just informed him that the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect ultimately decided to go with the second proposal, leasing the rights to the Red Cotton Peak to Chu Liang.


    It was a ten-year lease, which was not an issue. For cultivators of their level, a period of ten years was not very long. However, during this period, if Chu Liang did anything that vited the sect''s rules or resulted in reputational damage, Mount Shu would reserve the right to terminate the contract at any time.


    Chu Liang was not surprised that the elders reached this conclusion.


    The first loan n he proposed was quite ordinary. He wouldn''t lose, but the Mount Shu Sect wouldn''t gain anything out of it either. Although it was the least troublesome option, requiring only repayment of the money, the Mount Shu Sect was unfortunately short of funds and naturally didn''t want to take on more burden.


    When they heard the second proposal, almost all of the four elders rejected it.


    No one knew what Chu Liang mighte up with. Given the current state of Berry Wondend on Silver Sword Peak, there was a chance that he would do something extravagant on Red Cotton Peak. Mount Shu, after all, was a traditional immortal sect. The market Small gatherings among disciples were normal, but anything too grand would be hard to ept.


    The elders unanimously believed that the sect''s reputation was more important than anything else!


    However, when they heard the third proposal, which required lending a legendary artifact to Di Nufeng, all the elders fell silent.


    Currently, Di Nufeng was already unmatched among the thirty-six peak masters, and even the Four Guardian Elders might not be able to tie her down. Once she had her hands on the two legendary artifacts, there would be no one in Mount Shu, except for Venerable Wen Yuan, who could fight her.


    At that moment, all the elders of Mount Shu were reminded of the fear of being dominated by Di Nufeng...


    It would be one thing if it happened on Mount Shu, but what if she went out and caused trouble?


    Di Nufeng was already arrogant and domineering, causing plenty of problems for Mount Shu. If she became invincible among all cultivators below the eighth realm, it would be a disaster...


    The elders unanimously agreed thatpared to this, the sect''s reputation would be less important. The second proposal now became negotiable.


    Compared to his esteemed teacher, Chu Liang, as a young disciple, understood the gravity of situations and would not do anything too outrageous. Even if he did, Mount Shu retained the right to revoke the lease at any time.


    In the end, the elders decided to approve Chu Liang''s proposal to lease Red Cotton Peak.


    This was exactly what Chu Liang had hoped to achieve.


    Of the three ns, the first was actually the one he wanted the least.


    He had spent so much money. Even if he could get some of it back with interest, it wouldn''t mean much over the span of several years.


    Although the third proposal would make his teacher stronger, there was no telling how many times he would be able to call upon his teacher''s strength. Additionally, there were risks involved. Therefore, when he proposed it, he felt slightly anxious.


    The second proposal offered the most flexibility.


    As Chu Liang reflected on how he had transitioned from being the second-inmand of Silver Sword Peak to the leader of Red Cotton Peak, his heart swelled with pride.


    ...


    The next day, Chu Liang headed to Taotie City again.


    Previously, he had purchased the gourds of fruit-vored Spirit-Concentration Pills at a high price andter asked the Pavilion of Celestial Fate to help him contact the seller. The Pavilion of Celestial Fate told him that they could help him send a request to the seller, and if the seller agreed, a meeting could then be arranged.


    The seller''s name was Dan Lingzi, a rogue alchemist from the Northern Regions who spent most of the year living in Taotie City.


    Nowadays, many alchemists and artificers were drawn to settle in Taotie City because it was the most convenient ce for business. Therefore, Chu Liang''s meeting with this alchemist was also scheduled in Taotie City. However, upon arriving at the agreed address, he noticed that the alchemist''s quality of life was not particrly high.


    The small courtyard was cluttered with misceneous items, mostly damaged alchemical furnaces and discarded materials, essentially cultivation trash.


    The main house had only a small hall where Dan Lingzi was waiting.


    He was dressed in a long robe, giving the impression of a middle-aged man. His cultivation level appeared modest, likely at the third or fourth realm, and his face was etched with numerous wrinkles.


    "Senior Dan Lingzi," Chu Liang greeted as he approached. "I have long admired your work, which is why I came to see you today. I hope my visit did not disturb you."


    "No disturbance at all," Dan Lingzi replied with a smile. "I heard that Young Hero Chu is a top disciple of Mount Shu. I read in the reports about a young hero from Mount Shu that killed Taowu with a sword. Was that you?"


    When the Pavilion of Celestial Fate contacted the seller, they naturally provided more details about the buyer''s identity to alleviate any concerns.


    "Yes, that''s me," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "I really didn''t expect one of the top prodigies of the nine provinces to be the buyer of my pills," Dan Lingzi said as his face lit up with pride.


    "Senior Dan Lingzi, I can only say that your fruit-vored Spirit-Concentration Pill is a work of genius!" Chu Liang said earnestly. "You are simply the most talented alchemist I have ever met."


    Dan Lingzi looked as though he had found a real friend who understood him, but his excitement quickly faded into dejection. "s, besides you, no one else appreciates my masterpiece. They all say that my fusion pills are childish and that it''s wishful thinking to sell them at a high price just because of the added vors..."


    "Ignore the idle chatter," Chu Liang said, waving his hand dismissively. "This is a groundbreaking method that can revolutionize the field of alchemy! Geniuses are often misunderstood at first, but people will eventually recognize your extraordinary talent. I am just the first, but I will certainly not be thest!"


    Upon hearing this, Dan Lingzi was greatly encouraged. He asked excitedly, "Young Hero Chu, did youe today to get more of my fusion pills?"


    By fusion pills, he naturally meant the ones with fruit vors.


    "I wanted to ask if you have any other fusion pills aside from the Spirit-Concentration Pills," Chu Liang inquired.


    "There is also the Qi-Gathering Pill," replied Dan Lingzi.


    "Just these two?" Chu Liang asked again.


    "Uh..." Dan Lingzi scratched his head in embarrassment. "I could certainly make other types of fusion pills, but as of now, I only know how to make these two. I haven''t tried fusing other types of pills yet."


    "...¡± Chu Liang felt momentarily speechless.


    It seemed that this alchemist''s skills weren''t even as good as his own, yet he had be a full-time alchemist.


    The fact that he hadn''t starved to death yet really showed how low the cost of living in Taotie City was.


    Still, Chu Liangplimented him, "Esteemed Senior, just with these two blended pills, you have enough to make a name for yourself in the history of alchemy in the Nine Provinces!"


    "Not at all, not at all," Dan Lingzi replied, a bit dizzy from the ttery but remaining humble.


    Chu Liang continued, "Instead of buying more pills, I am more interested in learning the technique to fuse vors into the pills. Esteemed Senior, would you be willing to teach me?"


    At this point, Dan Lingzi looked troubled and said, "This is a unique secret method I have painstakingly developed over half my life. I can only teach it to my disciples. How can I teach it to outsiders?"


    "I am willing to pay five thousand Vermillion-Bird coins," Chu Liang said. "Although this secret method is worth far more than that, it is indeed all the wealth I have at the moment."


    "Young Hero Chu, you are obviously a person of exceptional talent and brilliance. You will surely be able to carry forward my secret method," Dan Lingzi said seriously. "Since you sincerely hope to learn the art, how can I be selfish with it?"


    "Thank you, Esteemed Senior Dan Lingzi!" Chu Liang eximed.


    "However..." Dan Lingzi hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Even if you learn it, you may not be able to use it. I was able to master this secret technique because of a fortuitous encounter I had when I was young, which allowed me to wield Xuan Yang Divine Fire despite being at the fourth realm of cultivation. Without the ability to control a divine fire that is hot enough, you will not be able to do this..."


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Before he finished speaking, a surge of golden-red mes rose from Chu Liang''s palm, flickering dangerously.


    "Esteemed Senior, is this divine fire hot enough?" he asked.


    "This is..." Dan Lingzi''s eyes widened in shock. "Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire!"

 Chapter 338: This Boy Has a Promising Future

    <h4>Chapter 338: This Boy Has a Promising Future</h4>


    "I call this technique the Pill Fusion Technique."


    Dan Lingzi set up an ancient, ornate bronze furnace in his shabby little courtyard, which lookedpletely out of ce with the rest of the surroundings.


    An alchemical furnace represented the dignity of an alchemist. A true alchemist might live in a hovel and eat simple food, but the furnace must be the best item they own.


    Clearly, Dan Lingzi was a dedicated alchemist, even though he only knew how to make Qi-Gathering Pills and Spirit-Concentration Pills.


    As he set up the furnace and prepared the materials, his whole demeanor suddenly became solemn. He steadied his gaze and slowly said, "Watch closely, I will only demonstrate this once."


    Seeing Dan Lingzi suddenly exuding the air of a master, Chu Liang couldn''t help but focus his attention.


    Then Dan Lingzi continued, "If I have to do it a second time, you''ll have to wait until tomorrow because I won''t have enough foundational qi!"


    <i>Oh, so that''s why. So it''s because his cultivation level is too weak. Then you really didn''t have to put on this stern expression and act like you are a master.</i>


    Dan Lingzi, an unconventional fourth-realm cultivator, couldn''t match up to Chu Liang, a prodigy with two ultimate-tier Golden Cores. Evenpared to an ordinary cultivator in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, he was far behind.


    Even Lin Bei, Lackey A, and Lackey B from the Mount Shu Sect, who were not considered exceptional, could still thoroughly overpower unconventional cultivators of the same realm.


    For Chu Liang, he had almost unlimited qi, recovering to maximum in just a moment. But for these unconventional cultivators, the consumption of qi was a luxury.


    Once they exhaust their qi, they would either have to wait for their Sea of Qi to refill slowly or use expensive Qi-Gathering Pills or Spirit-Concentration Pills to recover to full strength.


    Their Sea of Qi wasn''t very vast to begin with. For Dan Lingzi to wield Xuan Yang Divine Fire, which he shouldn''t be able to at this realm, and make a batch of pills, it was normal for him to use up his qi.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª¡ª</i>


    As he spoke, he arranged four pieces of spirit charcoal and performed finger seals. Instantly, a scorching blue-ck me ignited, burning steadily without flickering or making a sound.


    Yet Chu Liang sensed a hint of danger from this quiet me.


    In terms of power, Xuan Yang Divine Fire was only slightly inferior to Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire, both containing extremely terrifying energy. Igniting the divine fire was just the beginning; the alchemist had to control the heat throughout the process, which was a very tiring task.


    <i>Sizzle!</i>


    As soon as the Spirit-Concentration Pill''s materials were ced into the furnace, they immediately began to sizzle.


    Dan Lingzi exined, "We need to use divine fire of extremely high temperature to refine these materials, so the process requires very careful control. Even a small mistake in the control of heat or strength can ruin everything. For example, look at what I just did; I''ve just burnt the materials and will need to start over."


    Without changing his expression, he wiped the sweat from his brow, cleared the burnt materials from the furnace, and prepared a new set of materials for the Spirit-Concentration Pill.


    It seemed his mistake earlier was just a demonstration of a failed attempt for Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang then realized why his Spirit-Concentration Pills were so expensive.


    The base materials with a bit of fruit might not be worth much, but considering his failure rate, doubling the price seemed quite fair.


    "When the pill is about to form, you add the item you want to fuse with it. Right now, I can only add fruits because adding spirit nts would definitely affect the pill''s properties, and I dare not try that rashly. You have to be careful and you mustn''t simply toss it in."


    As Dan Lingzi got into the rhythm of refining, he carefully ced a prepared apple into the furnace.


    "With the use of your foundational qi, you will need to create a fire-repellingyer around the item with the right intensity. When the pill is about to form, add the item at just the right moment so its essence and vor get absorbed by the pill. If you don''t control it properly and add it too early or toote, the fruit will just turn into gas and disappear."


    After a long while, he finally finished refining a batch of Spirit-Concentration Pills.


    Usually, refining a furnace of Spirit-Concentration Pills would yield around twenty or thirty pills. However, due to the precise control required for the Pill Fusion Technique, he was afraid of failing, so he only used enough materials to make fifteen pills.


    Seeing Dan Lingzi''s joyful expression as he took out the batch of Spirit-Concentration Pills, Chu Liang thought of the one thousand fruit-vored Spirit-Concentration Pills he had in his storage tool.


    If Dan Lingzi could only refine fifteen pills per day, excluding the ones he used, it meant that he had umted these thousand pills over a long time.


    He had worked hard umting a thousand pills for such a long time and wanted to make a small profit while the price of Spirit-Concentration Pills was high in the city. Even so, he was mocked by so many people.


    <i>If I hadn''t bought the gourds of Spirit-Concentration Pills for two thousand sword coins, how sad Dan Lingzi would have been</i>, Chu Liang thought.


    "Do you understand the technique I just demonstrated?" Dan Lingzi asked.


    "Yes, I remember most of the steps," Chu Liang said with a nod. "Let me give it a try."


    "Alright, give it a few tries in front of me, and I''ll point out any mistakes," Dan Lingzi said, standing aside with his hands behind his back, looking rxed.


    Finally, it was his turn to watch.


    He watched as Chu Liang set up the alchemical furnace, ignited the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire, and ced the materials into the furnace.


    With the heat of the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire, Chu Liang carefully formed the pill. At the precise moment, he ced the fruit into the furnace and immediately performed the Fire-Repelling Seal. The extreme heat of the Phoenix Spirit Divine Fire instantly refined the fire-repellingyer, sealing everything inside perfectly.


    Soon, a batch of twenty perfect fruit-vored Spirit-Concentration Pills emerged from the furnace.


    Although it was his first time refining this way, he handled the entire process more effortlessly than Dan Lingzi. His higher cultivation level made controlling the fire easy, making the process look effortless.


    Chu Liang took a slight breath and looked at Dan Lingzi. "Esteemed Senior, did I make any mistakes?"


    "Uh..." Dan Lingzi''s gaze froze momentarily. After clearing his throat, he lifted his head and said, "Not bad. There are no major ws with your process. I''d say you have about seventy percent of my skill."


    Chu Liang went along with thepliment, smiling and saying with a nod, "Having seventy percent of your skill is more than enough for me to navigate the martial world."


    Dan Lingzi also smiled.


    Deep down, he was reflecting on how the art of alchemy truly depended on talent. Even though he had spent years developing this Pill Fusion Technique, he still performed it nervously and sometimes failed. Yet, this Mount Shu disciple was so proficient on his first try... one really shouldn''tpare.


    Chu Liang not only demonstrated talent in the art of alchemy but he showed great social skills.


    Indeed.


    This boy has a promising future.


    ...


    After leaving Dan Lingzi''s home, Chu Liang headed to the Pavilion of Celestial Fate. They had arranged for him to meet a cultivator capable of capturing a Human-Faced Xiao.


    Chu Liang arrived first, so the Pavilion of Celestial Fate sent a message to the other party and asked Chu Liang to wait in the quiet room.


    Before long, someone pushed open the door with a bang.


    Chu Liang looked up to see a girl standing at the door. She wore a pale yellow short blouse paired with a green high-waisted dress. She appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with fair skin and two high ponytails. Her bright, bell-like eyes scanned the room as she stood confidently with her hands on her hips.


    Beside her stood arge ck dog, its coat gleaming with a deep, uniform ckness. Its pupils were deep ink-ck with a subtle hint of gray.


    "Are you the one looking for a Human-Faced Xiao?" the girl asked directly. Her voice sounded crisp.


    "Yes," Chu Liang answered with a nod.


    "One thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, no bargaining!" dered the girl. "If you agree, I''ll bring the Human-Faced Xiao to you tomorrow."


    Chu Liang recalled that the price for a Human-Faced Xiao in the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts was only eight hundred Vermillion-Bird coins, which was already a bit overpriced. However, specifying a target for capture was akin to a custom order, so a higher price was reasonable.


    So he asked, "Miss, if you can disclose the location of the Human-Faced Xiao and I capture it myself, could the price be reduced?"


    "No," the girl replied firmly, shaking her head. "It''s a thousand. I will not ept anything less than that."


    "In that case, I will still pay you a thousand Vermillion-Bird coins for the location. I will capture it myself," Chu Liang proposed again.


    He insisted on capturing it himself, not to save money, but out of concern for any potential idents during the capture. What if she identally killed the Human-Faced Xiao?


    A live Human-Faced Xiao was invaluable to Chu Liang, whereas a dead one held no value at all.


    "No," the girl reiterated, shaking her head. "I charge for the job, and since I''m taking your thousand coins, I must capture it myself and bring it to you."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang could only smile.


    She certainly had quite a character.

 Chapter 339: If It Wasnt For the Pressures of Life

    <h4>Chapter 339: If It Wasn''t For the Pressures of Life</h4>


    "It was at the nearby Boundary Marker Mountain of the Northern Regions. When I passed by yesterday, I heard vigers at the foot of the mountain saying that a Human-Faced Xiao has been causing trouble¡ªkilling livestock and even almost killing vigers. It is extremely ruthless and cunning.


    "Last night, I ambushed it in the vige to eliminate it, but this Human-Faced Xiao has already matured. It has a high level of cultivation and is extremely vignt. The Human-Faced Xiao fled the vige. I went after it, but it still managed to escape into the Boundary Marker Mountain. By then, it was already nighttime, so I didn''t venture deep into the mountain, but Hua Hua remembers the Human-Faced Xiao''s scent.


    "Then I arrived in Taotie City just earlier and happened to hear that you''re looking for a Human-Faced Xiao."


    The youngdy briefly recounted what she''d experienced.


    Chu Liang had just received the news about the Human-Faced Xiao the day before. The vigers had probably just spread the news, and the Pavilion of Celestial Fate then immediately passed the information to Chu Liang. That was how Chu Liang managed to have such a timely encounter with the youngdy who had fought the Human-Faced Xiao.


    Chu Liang nced at the imposingrge ck dog behind the youngdy and asked, "Is that Hua Hua?"


    "Yes." The girl nodded. "I''m Ling''er, and this is Hua Hua."


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "But it only has one color all over its body..."[1]


    "Who said that?" The youngdy, Miss Ling''er, huffed. "Hua Hua, stick out your tongue."


    The ck dog had a rather calm temperament. Instead of refusing the youngdy¡¯s request, Hua Hua''s eyes just showed a sense of helplessness and great affection toward her. It stuck out its scarlet tongue briefly to indulge the youngdy''s request and then immediately retracted it.


    That showed that Hua Hua did not have just one color; it had two.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but chuckle at that. "<i>Haha.</i>"


    Miss Ling''er thought for a moment and then added, "Don''t be fooled by its all ck fur. It''s got many ''flowers''[2] in our hometown; it''s intimate with many little female dogs¡ª"


    "<i>Woof woof...</i>" Hua Hua hurriedly barked softly.


    It seemed to be saying... <i>Please stop. That''s enough.</i>


    After leaving Taotie City, Miss Ling''er climbed onto Hua Hua''s back and then patted Chu Liang''s shoulder.


    She said, "Get on."


    Hua Hua was arge dog, but it was ultimately still just a dog. With a teenage girl already sitting on its back, there wasn''t much room left for Chu Liang to get on as well.


    Seeing that, Chu Liang smiled and replied, "It''s okay. I''ll just follow you."


    "Acting like you''ve got it all handled..." Miss Ling''er scoffed before turning away. "Well, up to you. I''ll have Hua Hua fly slower."


    With a swoosh, Hua Hua soared into the sky.


    Once Chu Liang was up in the sky as well, he found that Miss Ling''er hadn''t simply spoken those words out of courtesy. As soon as Hua Hua took off, it turned into a gust of ck wind, flying at an unimaginable fast speed that an average fourth-realm cultivator would not be able to keep up with!


    Fortunately, Chu Liang''s sword-flying skills were far superior to that of cultivators at the same realm as him. He was able to follow Hua Hua on his sword at a steady pace.


    After taking off, Miss Ling''er had intended to pat Hua Hua to have it slow down. However, she swept her divine sense over to Chu Liang and noticed he was following at a steady pace. Feeling quite surprised, Miss Ling''er didn''t get Hua Hua to slow down in the end.


    The Boundary Marker Mountain was not far from Taotie City; they arrived in a short time.


    In ancient times, this ce had been part of a battlefield, and humans had erected a monument there. It was considered one of Taotie City''s outposts. Even after so many years, some ancient ruins and artifacts would asionally be unearthed nearby. Nevertheless, most of them were worthless, so few people went there to search for treasures. It was totally unlike the ancientnds of the Southern Bastion Mountain, which attracted countless explorers every year like moths to a me.


    Hua Hua stopped at the mouth of a valley.


    Miss Ling''er said, "This was where I lost track of the Human-Faced Xiaost night. From here, we can have Hua Hua lead the way as it follows the Human-Faced Xiao''s trail."


    Chu Liang replied, "Then I''ll have to trouble you, Miss Ling''er."


    The youngdy waved off Chu Liang''s courteous words and took out a pill. She fed the pill to Hua Hua, patted its head, and followed it, walking forward inrge strides.


    As she walked, Miss Ling''er grumbled, "I thought I was quite unlucky to encounter this Human-Faced Xiao. I put in a lot of effort, but I ended up failing to kill it, so I didn''t receive a reward from the vigers either. But who knew that I would meet you the moment I returned to Taotie City? It seems my fate is tied to this creature."


    Chu Liang suddenly asked curiously, "Miss Ling''er, why are you doing this job where you exorcize evil from ces for others?"


    He asked that because he didn''t think the youngdy was an unorthodox cultivator.


    To put it simply, the Spirit-Energy Raising Pill that Miss Ling''er had fed to the dog was simr to the ones the Mount Shu Sect fed to Bai Ze. The reward for exorcizing one evil spirit for the vigers wouldn''t be enough to buy one of those pills. This behavior didn''t seem like that of someone from the martialmunity, who were known for their meticulous nning and careful handling of financial matters.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" The youngdy sighed and rolled her eyes. "My father died early, my mother is bedridden, and my younger brother has just reached the age where he has to start going to school. If it wasn''t for the pressures of life, who would want to do this?"


    ...


    As they entered Boundary Marker Mountain through the mountain pass, Hua Hua''s expression became cautious and fierce, its ck eyes gleaming with cold light. Hua Hua picked up the scent of the Human-Faced Xiao and followed its trail.


    Ordinary ghosts didn''t have corporeal bodies and would sometimes disappear during the daytime, reappearing at night. The Human-Faced Xiao didn''t have this issue though, as it was a rare ghost with a corporeal body and thus existed at all times.


    However, those cunning Human-Faced Xiao wouldn''t typically enter human settlements. This particr Human-Faced Xiao hiding in the Boundary Marker Mountain had dared to descend into the human vige to steal livestock because it had already matured. When the vigers tried to stop it, it even injured a viger, almost killing them with one swipe of its w.


    <i>Crack...</i>


    The Boundary Marker Mountain was overgrown with trees. It was to the extent that they blocked out the sun, making it very dark on the mountain. The ground was covered with twigs and dead grass. Each step that the two humans and one dog took was noisy, the dead nt matter crunching underfoot.


    Yet, there were no sounds of insects or birds. There was a saying that this ce had been a battlefield in the ancient past. To this day, it still exuded such an intense murderous aura that ordinary birds and beasts were unwilling to live here.


    After walking for nearly a quarter of an hour, Hua Hua suddenly crouched down and let out a low growl toward a path up ahead that led deep into the mountain.


    "<i>Grrrr...</i>"


    "Be careful. Hua Hua has found the target!" Miss Ling''er yelled.


    Chu Liang had already spread out his divine sense, but he couldn''t detect anything besides the dense yin qi.


    While he was still feeling doubtful, therge ck dog sprang forward! It looked like a streak of ck lightning!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Sand and stone suddenly flew up from the ground!


    Before Chu Liang and Miss Ling''er could go after Hua Hua, a gale sted out from the path with a wave of ck qi, forcing them to keep their eyes closed! The wind was mixed with frigid yin qi that pierced like arrows!


    "Miss Ling''er, be careful!"


    Chu Liang immediately opened up the Green Leaf Umbre in front of him. The sounds of the yin qi hitting the umbre rang out incessantly.


    "I''m fine. Go after Hua Hua!"


    Miss Ling''er darted forward and raised the bracelet of five-colored ropes on her wrist. The ropes immediately turned into colorful clouds, surrounding her and blocking all the attacks hidden in the fierce wind.


    With the Green Leaf Umbre shielding him from the wind, Chu Liang was able to move faster, and he quickly caught up to Hua Hua. He went down that path, venturing deep into the mountain.


    Then he saw a huge egg-shaped nest made of gathered leaves and twigs. It was quite wide and contained many of what seemed like bone fragments of the recently deceased. This was likely the Human-Faced Xiao''s nest.


    Just as Chu Liang stepped inside, he heard someone cry out, "Come save me!"


    He turned to see Miss Ling''er sitting on the ground. There was a bleeding wound on her ankle.


    Chu Liang''s first reaction was not to approach but to ask a question.


    "What happened to you?"


    "Hua Hua has gone mad! It''s being controlled by the Human-Faced Xiao!" Miss Ling''er shouted.


    A beam of ck light suddenly shot out from above the nest. It was therge ck dog, Hua Hua!


    Hua Hua charged out with a flurry of leaves and its mouth wide open. It was ferociously baring its teeth at Miss Ling''er!


    It looked like Hua Hua was about to snap its owner in half with one bite!


    Miss Ling''er hurriedly moved to avoid the attack, but she was toote. Hua Hua bit her thigh, and blood spurted out all over!


    "Save me! Help me hold it down!" Miss Ling''er yelled.


    Hua Hua let out a muffled growl as it bit Miss Ling''er repeatedly, seemingly determined to rip her apart!


    Faced with a decision at this critical juncture, Chu Liang raised his hand, and a beam of golden light suddenly shot out from it!


    <i>Wham!</i>


    It was the Flying Brick Technique!


    The Demon-Revealing Brick swiftly smashed into Miss Ling''er''s head, making her bad situation even worse!


    ck light poured out of her head, and Miss Ling''er instantly transformed into a grayrge-headed Human-Faced Xiao!


    The Human-Face Xiao howled in pain and cursed, "You wretched creature, I will never coexist with you under the same sky!"


    It turned out that this Miss Ling''er had been a Human-Faced Xiao in disguise. The matured Human-Faced Xiao had the ability to change its form, making it hard to identify it. But unfortunately for the Human-Faced Xiao, it had encountered a highly skilled spirit dog! There was even someone who could throw bricks!


    The real Miss Ling''er ran in and chased the Human-Faced Xiao. She raised her hand and shot three beams of silver light toward the Human-Faced Xiao.


    Seeing that, the Human-Faced Xiao gritted its teeth and turned to flee.


    Suddenly, there was the sound of flesh being ripped! The Human-Faced Xiao tore off its own leg!


    <i>ng, ng, ng.</i>


    The three beams of silver light hit empty spots. The Human-Faced Xiao was extremely fast and disappeared into the forest in the blink of an eye!


    At this moment, a beam of white sword qi broke through the air!


    <i>sh¡ª</i>


    It cleaved the Human-Faced Xiao in two with a single strike!


    Behind the Human-Faced Xiao, Chu Liang deactivated the sword seal with full satisfaction.


    He snorted coldly and scoffed, "You think you can escape?"


    1. Hua Hua is literally ¡°flower¡± x2. Basically means pretty and flowery. Stuff with flowers are also usually associated with being colourful, hence Chu Liang''s little joke here. ?


    2. This part here is a word y on the dog''s name again. I assume it''s referring to the term »¨»¨¹«×Ó(hua hua gong zi), which means yboy/casanova. It''s probably continuing on from how the dog''s fur isn''t colourful, just in ck. Despite that, the female dogs find Hua Hua attractive. ?

 Chapter 340: Do None of You Fire-Wielders Have a Brain

    <h4>Chapter 340: Do None of You Fire-Wielders Have a Brain</h4>


    After the golden imprint floated into his body, Chu Liang fulfilled his wish.


    "I remember you preferring for it to be alive, but you killed it yourself, so no discount," the girl named Ling''er stepped forward and said.


    She had only rushed over here because she remembered the requirement of this deal. Because she remembered Chu Liang''s request to capture the Human-Faced Xiao alive, she hesitated to kill it, which gave the creature a chance to escape. After a pursuit outside, it circled back and unexpectedly ran into Chu Liang.


    If it weren''t for Hua Hua and Chu Liang''s sharp senses, the Human-Faced Xiao might have hidden itself into the gust of ck wind and escaped.


    "No worries. I will pay the full amount," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He had gotten the imprint, which meant that he would be able to unbox another Large-Headed Doll. The rest did not matter to him.


    With this, he took out a jade slip and tossed it to Ling''er.


    "Spoken like a real man!" Miss Ling''er caught the jade slip in one hand.


    As the two were about to leave, the big ck dog''s nose twitched, emitting a low growl.


    "Awooo..."


    "An enemy," Ling''er said as her eyes shed.


    Before they could react, the enemy moved with startling speed. In the next instant, a streak of fire surged towards them.


    <i>Boom¡ª¡ª</i>


    A thunderous explosion shattered the air as a figure appeared. It was a robust young man d in red brocade, with prominent brow bones and deep-set eyes. His cold, fierce gaze gleamed with malice, unmistakably revealing his sinister intent.


    He exuded an arrogant aura that filled the space with an oppressive presence.


    "I''ve finally found you," he chuckled darkly, fixing his gaze on Chu Liang as an evil smile crept across his face.


    Upon sensing the malice intent, Chu Liang furrowed his brows and asked, "Who are you?"


    "I am Yang Hong, the young master of the Inferno Devil Valley," the young man stated coldly. "You may not have heard my name before, but I will be infamous tomorrow... because I will kill you."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang sighed inwardly and thought, <i>Incredible... The very thing I fear almost always seems to happen.</i>


    After Chu Liang became famous through <i>The</i> <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i>, Jiang Yuebai had specifically warned him that things would change, and that some people might intentionally approach him out of malice. Venerable Wen Yuan had also reminded him of this and even gave him a jade talisman to activate Shattering the Void for protection.


    Such situations were all toomon. Every prodigy in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had faced sudden hostility during their path to greatness.


    The reason was simple.


    It was all because of fame.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, the quickest path for an unknown individual to achieve fame was by killing someone well-known.


    It was the same for Chu Liang. His path to fame followed two significant milestones. First, he defeated Xu Ziyang, and second, he slew Taowu. In both instances, he gained renown by surpassing a renowned prodigy and a famous vicious beast.


    This was something all new prodigies had to go through. If they were targeted by those from the righteous path, it usually ended in a duel. If the rising prodigy lost, their opponent would use their fame to boost their own reputation.


    If they were targeted by diabolical sects, it could escte into a life-and-death situation.


    Fights between diabolical sects and righteous prodigies had been happening since ancient times and never stopped, and Yang Hong was now involved in one of them.


    "I began cultivating at six years old. After twenty years of rigorous training in the Inferno Devil Valley, I''ve mastered the Immortal Inferno Body. Now that I''ve emerged from my closed-door cultivation, I''m here to take your head," Yang Hong dered as he fixed his gaze upon Chu Liang, disying such an arrogant attitude.


    The Inferno Devil Valley was not a major force within the diabolical sects. Nheless, it was rather famous. Although this sect has few members, they valued quality over quantity.


    This diabolical sect never recruited disciples and kept its headquarters hidden, possibly in a hidden realm. If none of its members showed cultivation aptitude, the sect would remain concealed. When a talented member emerged, they would appear and challenge others to duels, quickly gaining fame through their victories.


    In the past, many of the top diabolical cultivators in the nine provinces were from the Inferno Devil Valley.


    As for the Immortal Inferno Body...


    This physical form was achieved through an art unique to the Inferno Devil Valley. Typically, arts and techniques only allowed for physical form attainment at the sixth realm. However, some arts allowed for quicker progress, allowing cultivation of this physical form as early as the fifth realm. The trade-off was an iplete mastery of the five elements, necessitating focus on training only one element. Nheless, this approach offered a shortcut in one''s cultivation journey.


    In other words, the person facing him was at least a fifth-realm prodigy of a diabolical sect!


    "Okay," Chu Liang nodded calmly, then added, "But I''m the one you''re after. Others needn''t be involved. I''d appreciate it if you allow the youngdy to leave."


    "No problem," Yang Hong replied with a wicked smile, "I need someone to spread the news."


    <i>How arrogant</i>,


    Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The fact that he dared to let Miss Ling''er leave freely without worrying that she would call for backup showed that he was confident that he could kill Chu Liang before any backup could arrive.


    Upon hearing this, Ling''er nodded. Without hesitation, she swiftly mounted therge ck dog and departed like a gust of dark wind.


    She left very swiftly.


    After she left, Chu Liang asked, "I''m curious, though. How did you know where to find me?"


    If the locations of Mount Shu disciples were easily known, they would have been hunted down long ago. The reason some Mount Shu prodigies'' locations were known beforehand was because of that traitor within Mount Shu.


    But now that the traitor was dead, Chu Liang was very curious as to how Yang Hong had found his location.


    "Are you stalling?" Yang Hong sneered. "It doesn''t matter if I tell you. Ever since you appeared in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, I''ve been watching you. I had people in Taotie City tracking your every move. They reported to me as soon as you showed up. It was only a matter of time before you came."


    <i>No wonder,</i> Chu Liang nodded knowingly. If the other party was set on ambushing him, there would always be an opportunity.


    The reason Yang Hong targeted Chu Liang was that he had all the characteristics of a stepping stone.


    Firstly, he was very famous.


    It was too shocking that he had yed Taowu during the battle on Mount Shu. Among the cultivation prodigies of other sects within the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, none had achieved such feats. In terms of fame alone, Chu Liang had be as famous as top prodigies like Yang Shenlong and Jiang Yuebai.


    Secondly, his strength was far weaker than his fame.


    Everyone knew that Chu Liang used the Violet and Azure Twin Swords to y Taowu. Without those swords, he was merely a fourth-realm cultivator. Yang Hong knew it was impossible for Chu Liang to take the Violet and Azure Twin Swords out of Mount Shu. If he had managed to take the swords with him, Yang Hong would not be the only one intercepting him here.


    A tense silence fell, filled with hostility as both of their gazes sharpened.


    Yang Hong''s foundational qi surged into action, engulfing him in dark red mes instantly!


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, flicked his hand, summoning a bluish-green soul. "Old Fei, it''s time to work!"


    "This again..." As soon as Old Fei appeared, he lifted his chin and nced at Yang Hong, clearly taken aback. "Inferno Abyss me! It''s most effective against souls. Why summon me for this opponent?"


    "If it were easy to handle, I wouldn''t have summoned you. Stand by and help me maintain the formation," Chu Liang replied swiftly.


    In the span of this brief exchange, Yang Hong, engulfed in mes, had already drawn near!


    If this was a simple closebat fight, Chu Liang would not be afraid. However, as Old Fei had warned, this Inferno Abyss me could burn both the body and soul simultaneously, which was why it was exceptionally powerful. In fact, even a slight touch of this me would be unbearable.


    Immediately, Chu Liang summoned the Dustless Sword. With a ng, he unleashed the Thousand Swords technique, sending a storm of sword rain hurtling towards Yang Hong!


    But his opponent made no attempt to dodge at all!


    <i>Hiss, hiss, hiss¡ª</i>


    In an instant, hundreds of swordlights pierced through Yang Hong''s fiery body. He made no attempt to dodge, allowing the swordlights to pass through, leaving holes wherever they struck.


    In the blink of an eye, his entire body was covered with holes, yet no blood sttered out. Instead, sparks of fire flew out from each hole where the swordlights had passed through, and the wounds were immediately filled with mes again. It was as though no damage had been done at all!


    Immortal Inferno Body!


    Chu Liang then understood why this physical form had such a name.


    This was not some camouge or puppet technique, but a true transformation into the inferno me, capable of deflecting all techniques!


    But understanding was futile at this moment. His attack had missed, and Yang Hong was rushing toward him, swinging a fist zing with mes!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Amidst the chaos, Chu Liang had no choice but to open the Green Leaf Umbre to block the strike!


    But the punch was truly fierce. Even though Chu Liang managed to block it, he was still sent flying dozens of zhang away. Though he wasn''t injured, his arms werepletely numb.


    What a fierce punch!


    No wonder this person was so arrogant! This person indeed had the right to be arrogant!


    And Old Fei, who had already retreated several zhang away, now pointed at Yang Hong and dered, "The fire you wield is mere mortal fire!"


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Old Fei just used the Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law!


    ording to the rules of the Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law, anything affected by thew must not surpass the caster''s strength. Otherwise, the spell would rebound on the caster. Thus, Old Fei''s best course of action was to transform Yang Hong''s powerful Inferno Abyss me into ordinary fire, significantly diminishing the threat.


    When Yang Hong noticed the changes, he frowned and raised his hand toward Old Fei, unleashing a massive fireball!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Fortunately, this me was no longer the soul-restraining Inferno Abyss me, so Old Fei managed to dodge it. However, the intense foundational qi within the fireball still caused his ethereal form to waver.


    As Old Fei stalled for time, Chu Liang sprang into action.


    A swordlight flew towards Yang Hong, multiplying into a hundred beams mid-flight. These hundred beams of swordlight simultaneously traced a talismanic script in the air!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    The silver light in the air coalesced into a continuous stream and swiftly descended.


    Yang Hong still did not dodge, but his expression changed drastically the next second!


    As the swordlight carrying talismanic scripts pierced his Immortal Inferno Body, it also brought a chilling effect that weakened the mes around him.


    One, two, three... After dozens of swordlights, the mes around him werepletely subdued!


    This was not just a simple Hundred Swords Seal. Instead, it was thebination of the Talismanic Sword Seal and the Hundred Swords Seal¡ªthe Hundred-Character Talismanic Sword!


    In the blink of an eye, a thinyer of frost had formed on Yang Hong''s body, extinguishing the mes! If another wave of sword lights were to strike him, he would end up having as many holes as a sprinkler!


    "How cunning!" Yang Hong cursed angrily as he forcefully lifted his hand and summoned a pir of fire from underground!


    As the pir of fire shot up to the sky, it enveloped Yang Hong''s body, pushing and destroying all the swordlights.


    "Obviously, I need to use the type of divine skills that can counter your physical form. Even a child would know this. How is this cunning?" Chu Liang retorted with a sneer. "Do none of you fire-wielders have a brain?"


    As he spoke, he and his four puppet clones had already surrounded Yang Hong andunched the Celestial Trap!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A powerful vortex of foundational qi surged forward,pressing the fire pir until it weakened, flickering like a candle in the wind!


    "Hmph." Yang Hong showed no fear. Instead, he sneered and said, "Do you intend topete with me in the vastness of the Sea of Qi?"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Suddenly, the sky-piercing fire pir stopped.


    Then, limbs grew out of the pir, following with a head.


    In the blink of an eye, the pir had transformed into a giant inferno devil!


    This was simr to the Form of the Heavens and the Earth but the Inferno Devil Valley''s version. With the addition of mes, the power had undoubtedly grown much stronger!


    If Old Fei had not weakened Yang Hong''s fire, this giant would have beenposed of Inferno Abyss me, making it far more challenging to handle!


    "Then let''s do this!" Yang Hong''s voice echoed from the heart of the giant.


    At that moment, his towering figure, seven or eight zhang tall, loomed over thendscape like a terrifying god of devils. Suddenly, he stomped down with incredible speed!


    The moment that the giant inferno devil appeared, Chu Liang and the four puppets were sted away by the surging waves of qi. The puppets exploded into thin air, leaving only Chu Liang himself flying backward.


    The opponent''s divine ability was too powerful!


    In the end, it was too hard for him to bridge that huge gap in cultivation between him and Yang Hong.


    As the giant''s foot was about toe crashing down, the sky above him suddenly turned red.


    Is it time for me to use the life-saving talisman given to me by the sect leader? Already?


    Chu Liang refused to ept defeat, but facing this life-threatening moment, he had no time to hesitate.


    From the beginning, he had asked Miss Ling''er to leave with the n that if he couldn''t win, he could always escape.


    Just as he was about to activate the talisman used for the technique, Shattering the Void, and escape, a terrifying pressure descended.


    The sky, which had just turned red, suddenly darkened once more.


    Another foot appeared directly above the foot that was about to stomp down on him.

 Chapter 341: Just Call Me Lin Bei

    <h4>Chapter 341: Just Call Me Lin Bei</h4>


    At this moment, the sky above the Boundary Marker Mountain looked like a scene from a painting of ancient gods and devils.


    A giant inferno devil stood tall on the ancient deste mountain.


    He was about to raise his feet and stomp on the enemy in front.


    But a gigantic gray and white mountain appeared above the inferno giant.


    Wait...No! It was not a mountain but a massive elephant.


    It was a giant elephant, nearly as tall as the Boundary Marker Mountain itself. Its entire body was covered in countless gruesome scars and ancient patterns, and its skin was as thick as the city walls. The eyes on its massive head exuded calmness. However, its most striking features were its long trunk and tusks, which resembled towering polearms.


    It was a Mammothdagon[1]!


    In ancient times, this creature was also called the Draconic Elephant. To differentiate this creature from the mammoths in the Northern Regions and the giant elephants in the Southern Regions, it was renamed as the Mammothdagon.


    It was one of the few draconic descents capable of fighting True Dragons at the same realm. If it wasn¡¯t because the Mammothdagon found the Great Dao difficult to understand, it would have be on par with pure-blooded True Dragons!


    This Draconic Elephant was so massive that when Chu Liang looked up, he felt as if the sky had darkened.


    Chu Liang seemed tiny next to the Mammothdagon, and the same was true for the inferno giant. In fact, the size difference between the Mammothdagon and the inferno giant was even greater than the difference between Chu Liang and the giant.


    When the Mammothdagon stomped down, it was as if the sky had copsed onto the inferno giant!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As it stomped its foot down, it felt as though a mountain had overturned, causing the earth to tremble!


    At that moment, Yang Hong had only one thought: Where did this mammothe from...


    Why did this thing fall from the sky?


    The surging waves of qi sent mes sshing, sweeping Chu Liang away and flinging him hundreds of zhang. He barely managed to stabilize himself uponnding.


    <i>Bang, bang, bang¡ª</i>


    Immediately after, the Mammothdagon''s remaining three pir-like legsnded, causing another round of earth-shaking tremors.


    As the Mammothdagon stood on the Boundary Marker Mountain, it seemed as if one mountain had been stacked atop another.


    Chu Liang stood there in a daze, feeling somewhat bewildered.


    Everything that had just happened was overwhelming, leaving him feeling confused.


    It was said that ancient draconic elephants had be exceedingly rare over the ages, with only one known to remain in the world today. This majestic creature belonged to the beast-taming sect known as Thunderbolt Stronghold. The sect''s master entrusted it to his most beloved daughter for her protection.


    <i>Wait...</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly remembered in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>that the daughter of the Thunderbolt Stronghold''s master was named Huang Ling''er?


    <i>Could it be?</i>


    Just as this thought crossed his mind, Miss Ling''er, who had recently departed, descended from the giant elephant on the back of arge ck dog, just as Chu Liang had expected. As shended, she asked, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Chu Liang said, looking at the young girl, his gaze still filled with surprise, "This... this Mammothdagon..."


    "Ah..." Miss Ling''er''s eyes sparkled as she nced to the side and said, "I was just thinking of getting reinforcements to save you when I happened to run into it on the way. I asked if it would be willing to help, and it said yes..."


    "Heh," Chu Liang chuckled, "It truly is a helpful mammoth."


    "Oh, there''s no time to chatter anymore," Miss Ling''er said hurriedly, ncing towards the distant sky. "I saved your life, didn''t I?"


    "I suppose..." Chu Liang nodded.


    "Since I''ve done you a huge favor, you must do me one in return," Ling''er said. "If someone asks about my whereabouts, just say I headed east. Got it?"


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang momentarily puzzled, but he nodded nheless.


    "Then, until we meet again."


    With that, Miss Ling''er mounted her big dog again and sped westward, transforming into a gust of ck wind.


    "Hey¡ª" Chu Liang quickly called out.


    <i>You''re just going to leave this big guy here? From Yang Hong''s perspective, this would count as a hit-and-run.</i>


    He looked up at Mammothdagon, a creature resembling a mountain in its sheer size. It seemed just as curious about him, lowering its massive head to gaze at him with emerald-green eyes that shimmered like a lively, gleamingke, brimming with life.


    Chu Liang swallowed nervously.


    Even though it appeared friendly, the pressure it gave off was overwhelming.


    It didn''t matter if they were a prodigy of a diabolical sect. This creature would just finish them off with one stomp!


    No matter what, Yang Hong, being in the Form of the Heavens and the Earth, could not dodge that stomp, which meant that it was likely a ruthless and instant kill.


    As the giant creature stared at him, the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward. Chu Liang found himself at a loss for how tomunicate with it. Communication with his own mount, the Golden-Furred Hou, was much easier. To be treated as a master by the Golden-Furred Hou, all he had to do was feed it well.


    As Chu Liang thought of this, he took out a berry and held it up.


    "Want some?"


    ...


    A short whileter, Chu Liang had formed a friendly bond with the giant beast.


    The Mammothdagony on the ground with its mouth open and eyes half-closed infort while Chu Liang kept feeding it Golden Vein Berries one by one. If he slowed down, the mammoth would squint slightly in displeasure.


    It easily swallowed each berry, as if they were pebbles dropped into water.


    After a while, a thundercloud descended from the distant sky, and a tall, anxious young mannded nearby.


    The approaching man wore dark, tight-fitting clothes. With tanned skin, thick eyebrows, andrge, bright eyes, he looked at Chu Liang with a puzzled expression and asked, "Where is my little junior sister?"


    Chu Liang nced at him as he shook his head and replied, "Brother, are you looking for someone?"


    The tall young man pointed at the Mammothdagon and asked, "This is my junior sister''s mount. Why are you the only one here?"


    "Oh. You mean this mammoth..." Chu Liang said. Then, realizing something, he asked, "Are you searching for Miss Ling''er?"


    "Yes," the tall young man said with a nod. "I am Wei Tiandi of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. My little junior sister disappeared two days ago, and our entire sect has been searching for her. She suddenly summoned her mount, so I traced it here... Why are you the only one here?"


    "So, Miss Ling''er is indeed from the Thunderbolt Stronghold." Chu Liang nodded, "I wasn''t aware of her identity; we just had some business interactions in Taotie City. Just now, I was attacked by a member of a diabolical sect, and Miss Ling''er summoned this Mammothdagon to help me defeat an enemy. But she left in a hurry right after."


    Her stories about her father being dead, her mother being sick, and her brother studying were clearly lies. She was just a second-generation immortality cultivator who had run away from home.


    Why is it that second-generation immortality cultivators always seem to enjoy ying these games?


    Last time, he encountered the siblings from the Ji Family, who werepeting with each other as runaways. Could it be that families known to cultivate immortality were unable to provide their children with enough love?


    Chu Liang had naturally heard of Wei Tiandi''s reputation as the second-ranked core disciple of the Thunderbolt Stronghold, renowned for his wit and bravery.


    "Which way did she go?" Wei Tiandi asked.


    Chu Liang was about to raise his hand to indicate the direction when he suddenly asked, "How can you prove that you are Wei Tiandi? This concerns Miss Ling''er''s safety, so I need to be sure."


    Without wasting any words, Wei Tiandi raised his hand, causing a sharp whistle to echo from the distant sky as a bolt of lightning struck down.


    In an instant, arge turtle with dark purple markings appeared before him. Its limbs and head protruding from the shell were robust, and its eyes gleamed with fierceness. It was very different from ordinary turtles.


    "If you''ve heard of my name, you should know this Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle," Wei Tiandi said.


    Chu Liang nodded.


    This divine turtle was indeed distinctive. While most people''s impression of turtles was their slow pace, this Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle was renowned for its exceptional speed.


    "Since you are indeed Young Hero Wei," Chu Liang said solemnly, "I can safely tell you which way Miss Ling''er went." With a serious expression, he pointed eastward and continued, "She flew in that direction not long ago. You should be able to catch up if you hurry."


    "Thank you," Wei Tiandi said, "May I ask for your name?"


    "I''m just an unknown junior from Mount Shu. Just call me Lin Bei," responded Chu Liang.


    1. We previously named this Mammothdagon because we thought it would never appear again since it was just mentioned in one line. It appeared in chapter 8. /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-8 The raw for this is ÁúÑÀÃÍáï, which really means Dragon-Tooth Mammoth. ?

 Chapter 342: Colorful Doll

    <h4>Chapter 342: Colorful Doll</h4>


    The Mammothdagon was very reluctant to leave.


    Before leaving to go after Ling''er, Wei Tiandi told the Mammothdagon to return to Thunderbolt Stronghold on its own. However, the big guy didn''t really want to go, probably because it couldn''t bear to part with Chu Liang''s berries.


    Chu Liang couldn''t take the Mammothdagon with him back to Mount Shu, so he left a few boxes of berries and then flew off first.


    As for how the big guy would get back to the Thunderbolt Stronghold, Chu Liang left that for the people of Thunderbolt Stronghold to worry about.


    The Mammothdagon had always been Huang Ling''er''s mount. Nevertheless, its massive size was too conspicuous, so Huang Ling''er hadn''t been able to take it with her when she ran away from home. She had only been able to take Hua Hua with her.


    Earlier, Huang Ling''er showed that she was a person with much integrity. She had ignored the risk of exposing her whereabouts and summoned the big guy for help during that critical moment. As expected, someone from Thunderbolt Stronghold had followed the Mammothdagon with the intention of taking Huang Ling''er back home.


    On top of that, the Thunderbolt Stronghold and the Mount Shu Sect weren''t on friendly terms. The Thunderbolt Stronghold and Taotie City, the two strongest sects in the Terrestrial Ten, had always been eyeing the Mount Shu Sect''s spot in the Divine Nine, constantly wanting to take over that spot.


    Nheless, Huang Ling''er didn''t seem to care about that. She had known that Chu Liang was a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, but she had still helped him. Chu Liang would remember that.


    After returning to the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang told his teacher about this matter.


    Di Nufeng got extremely angry and took immediate action. Those who dared to cause trouble for someone from Silver Sword Peak had better not let her catch even a trace of their tracks.


    In the next three days, she wiped out all the Inferno Devil Valley''s bases that she could find! In total, she took down no more than ten chambers and no fewer than a hundred disciples. Nevertheless, that was a significant loss for the Inferno Devil Valley, which didn''t have many disciples.


    The members of the Inferno Devil Valley were bbergasted. At first, they thought it was because their sect''s young master had killed Chu Liang, so Di Nufeng was retaliating.


    However, they realizedter... <i>Wait. That''s not right. Wasn''t it our young master who died?</i>


    <i>You already killed him, yet you still want to take revenge?</i>


    ...


    As anguished wails rang out all over the Inferno Devil Valley, Chu Liang returned to his little cabin. The first thing he did was shut the door andunch his reward session.


    Upon entering the White Pagoda''s space, Chu Liang saw the Golden-Core Puppet and the Qi-Cirction Puppet. The sight of them sitting together harmoniously made him feel very content.


    "I hope I can give you a newpanion."


    Chu Liang had once envisioned a scene of multiple Large-Headed Dolls sitting in a row, but he hadn''t expected that this day woulde so soon.


    The iron cells contained the phantoms of hundreds of inferno phoenixes. It was inevitable, as he''d killed an excessive number of inferno phoenixes in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm.


    Chu Liang had already refined so many of them into rewards that he had gotten tired. Yet, there were still so many left.


    So, he decided to store them there for now and take them out when he needed to use them.


    Chu Liang quickly walked to the iron cell containing the phantom of the Human-Faced Xiao and pressed the "Refine" button!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    There was a burst of red light in the iron cell, followed by a white glow. Chu Liang was very familiar with the reward process for the Human-Faced Xiao''s phantom.


    [Five-Elements Puppet: A puppet used to cultivate the foundational qi of the five elements and assist in cultivation. The host can infuse it with treasures of nature of any attribute to activate the nurturing of that attribute''s foundational qi, which will be produced continuously day and night. The stronger the spiritual energy contained in the treasures of nature, the longer the puppet will work. It consumes more resources duringbat.


    Please be aware that this puppet is to be used strictly as a cultivation andbat aid. There is a risk of damage if used inappropriately.]


    Chu Liang frowned. "This..."


    In his hand was a puppet that had the same form as the Large-Headed Dolls but with five colors on its body. These colors were currently dull. They would probably light up when the puppet was activated.


    The Human-Faced Xiao phantom did not disappoint him. It produced a new puppet. Moreover, it was a fifth-realm Colorful Doll.


    However...


    <i>It consumes treasures of nature...? That''s ridiculous!!!</i>


    The Qi-Cirction Puppet, Chu Liang''s first puppet, had only consumed Qi-Gathering Pills, so he''d already found it expensive that the Golden-Core Puppet consumed Spirit-Concentration Pills. However, the Five-Elements Puppet actually consumed treasures of nature...?


    <i>What kind of concept is this?</i>


    To break through each level of the Five-Elements Realm, a cultivator needed a treasure of nature with an attribute that corresponded to the respective level. The sheer amount of resources required to break through this realm had many cultivators gritting their teeth in exasperation.


    Now, Chu Liang had to provide for himself as well as the Five-Elements Puppet.


    It was like when he formed a core for the Golden Core Puppet.


    <i>I need treasures of nature for my breakthrough, and now, I need to give them to this thing to let it break through too...?</i>


    <i>This means the resources I need for cultivation will be twice as much as everyone else.</i>


    <i>Fucking hell. Is there any justice left?</i>


    <i>It''s just helping me cultivate, but I have to pay it to help me...? Isn''t this daylight robbery?</i>


    cing the Colorful Doll next to the other two Large-Headed Dolls, Chu Liang suddenly felt very fortunate that the Large-Headed Dolls wouldn''t jump ship.[1]


    The sry inversion among his puppets had reached a ridiculous level. If running the Golden-Core Puppet was quantified as requiring ten times the resources it took to run the Qi-Cirction Puppet, then running the Five-Elements Puppet would need hundreds or even thousands of times that!


    The sries of new employees had to keep up with societal standards and costs of living. If the sries of existing employees were not raised ordingly, then it would inevitably lead to situations like this, where the employees who had been with thepany the longest would earn the lowest. At this point, if the senior employees wanted ie that matched their efforts, the only thing they could do would be to change jobs.[2]


    <i>Hmph.</i>


    <i>Fortunately, it can''t leave.</i>


    Chu Liang knew that it was definitely worth it to supply the puppets with the resources they demanded, but he couldn''t help but feel a bit aggrieved.


    <i>I need employees. They need a job. We''ve been working together from the start. </i>


    <i>This is already an equivalent exchange. Why do I still have to pay them?</i>


    ...


    <i>Buzz.</i>


    While Chu Liang wasmenting the decline of morals in the White Pagoda, he suddenly felt a vibration he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    "The Soul Subjugator Token?"


    Chu Liang withdrew his divine sense from the White Pagoda and redirected it into the Soul Subjugator Token.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I heard that you have now be a chamber master of the White-Bone Hall. Well done."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Sir, it''s all thanks to yours and the Marquess'' brilliant guidance that we were able to escape death on the battlefield of Mount Shu! In the future, we will definitely continue to follow the Marquess'' leadership without the slightest hesitation! By the way, sir, didn''t you mention previously that the Marquess would be giving out rewards..."


    [Sixtieth]: "Yes."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Rest assured. There will be no shortage of benefits for you. The Taotie Pavilion has sent out the treasures of nature. Wait for the delivery."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "Wow! Many thanks to the Marquess! Many thanks to you, sir! Our admiration for the two of you is as endless as the surging river¡ª"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "That''s enough."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I also want to tell you that the Marqess has almost recovered from his injury, and he will return soon. The Four Halls of the Dark King Sect suffered heavy losses this time, and it''s hopeful that the Marquess will regain power in the sect. However, the Four Halls will not sit idly by, so keep an eye on their movements."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "What? What? The Marquess is finallying back? Heavens, we''ve waited so long for this day! Hurry and let him return! We can''t wait any longer!"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Understood."


    [Sixtieth]: "Understood."


    1. Lmao, they probably would if they could. ?


    2. Author be spitting facts as usual. ?

 Chapter 343: Grand Black Celestial Golden Bone

    <h4>Chapter 343: Grand ck Celestial Golden Bone</h4>


    A few dayster, Chu Liang received a gift from the Violet Gold Marquess.


    A long time ago, they had promised to reward him with a treasure for infiltrating the White-Bone Hall. However, the delivery had been significantly dyed, likely due to some scheming.


    The logic was simple. At that time, the Eastern-Route Guider must have known that the Dark King Sect would soon attack Mount Shu, and the three infiltrators would likely die in that battle. If the delivery was dyed and the infiltrators died, they would be able to keep the treasure.


    While the Violet Gold Marquess wouldn''t care about such things, the Eastern-Route Guider would make these small calctions. However, after the battle at Mount Shu, most of the Dark King Sect disciples who were sent there died, but the three infiltrators survived unscathed.


    After confirming their survival, the Eastern-Route Guider could only marvel at their resilience. Then, he sent the rewards to the three of them.


    Chu Liang, of course, didn''t set the delivery address as the branch of Taotie Pavilion nearest to Mount Shu. Instead, he provided an address that was farther away and went to retrieve it himself.


    The infuriating thing was...that the bastard sent the treasures of nature using cash on delivery.


    For some valuable items, the Taotie Pavilion allowed the option of the recipient paying for the delivery. However, if the delivery fees weren''t paid for a long time, Taotie Pavilion would be able to keep the treasure.


    And so, Chu Liang gritted his teeth and paid the high postage of dozens of Vermillion-Bird coins.


    Not long ago, as the richest man in Mount Shu, he wouldn''t have cared about such a small amount of money, but now that his fortune was nearly exhausted, he had to be frugal.


    However, considering that the treasure delivered was real, Chu Liang wasn¡¯t bothered by it ...


    After all, even if he was bothered by it, all he could do wasin inwardly.


    The reward sent by the Violet Gold Marquess was a piece of Grand ck Celestial Golden Bone.


    After opening the box, Chu Liang marveled at the effort that had gone into choosing this reward.


    Previously, the Eastern-Route Guider had only mentioned treasures that could help them break through to the fifth level, so Chu Liang expected they would send some ordinary items.


    Despite having the word bone in its name, this Grand ck Celestial Golden Bone was not actually an animal bone. It was really an ancient divine tree called "Grand ck Celestial Tree" from the Western Regions. This strange and precious item was formed after this tree had been buried underground for thousands of years.


    It appeared to be an extremely hard solid, shimmering with a dark golden luster, but the spiritual energy it contained was astonishing.


    This was an excellent item for advancing to the next cultivation level, especially for practitioners of yin-nature techniques in the diabolical sects.


    In this light, the Violet Gold Marquess was quite generous, though the Eastern-Route Guider was a bit stingy.


    However, this item is somewhat unsuitable for Chu Liang.


    The foundation of his cultivationy in the Golden Core of Lesser Yang, which meant that he did not cultivate any actual diabolical techniques. The amount of yin energy in this Grand ck Celestial Golden Bone was far too strong that it conflicted with the nature of his cultivation. It seemed he could only sell it for money.


    <i>Wait a minute?</i>


    Suddenly, Chu Liang had an idea.


    <i>What if I gave this thing to the Colorful Doll?</i>


    Activation could be done with just treasures of nature. There was no specific mention of whether the treasure should contain yin or yang energy.


    However, he hadn''t advanced to the fifth realm yet. What would happen if it activated the cirction of the foundational qi of the five elements?


    Could he really absorb the qi it cultivated?


    This was a bold idea, but once it urred to him, he couldn''t hold back the thought, and his eyes lit up.


    <i>Why not give it a try?</i> he thought.


    With this thought, Chu Liang immediately took out the Five-Elements Puppet. Since external items couldn''t be brought into the White Pagoda space, he had to take the Colorful Doll outside to fuse with it.


    The fusion process wasn''t difficult.


    With a surge of qi, Chu Liang pushed the Grand ck Celestial Golden Bone towards the Colorful Doll. Instantly, the puppet began to glow with a brilliant white light, eagerly absorbing the ancient treasure with a swift!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The five colors on the Colorful Doll''s body lit up, with the white light flickering continuously as if it was in the middle of digestion.


    Chu Liang then ced the Colorful Doll back into the White Pagoda.


    He then headed to the Hall of Conservation to retrieve a fifth-realm cultivation technique, Divine Nine¡¯s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Five Elements.


    Chu Liang''s cultivation level wasn''t high enough to practice this technique, but activation of the cirction of this qi pathway was not impossible.


    However, since he hadn''t opened the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements within his body, there wouldn¡¯t be any foundational qi of the five elements circting this qi pathway.


    However, his own attempt might be futile, but it might not be same for the Five-Elements Puppet.


    By evening, the flickering white light on the Colorful Doll finally stabilized into a steady glow.


    Chu Liang knew this meant it had fully absorbed the resources and its spiritual energy was replenished.


    So he ced his hand on the head of the Five-Elements Puppet and began activating the fifth-realm cultivation technique.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The qi-cirction route of the fifth-realm cultivation technique was quite extensive, making it very challenging for an ordinary Golden Core Realm cultivator to activate. Luckily, Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi was vast, allowing him to support it without much strain. However, since his Secret Reservoir of Five Elements was not opened, activating this technique did not result in any impactful effect.


    Afterpleting one cycle of the qi-cirction route, the technique was sessfully imprinted onto the Five-Elements Puppet.


    The white light around the Colorful Doll intensified, and a golden light emerged, circting along its body following the qi-cirction route. As the golden lightpleted its first round, Chu Liang immediately sensed something unusual.


    A sharp surge of foundational qi instantly flowed into the Sea of Qi!


    This was Geng Metal foundational qi!


    The Geng Metal foundational qi felt sharp and solid. When infused into sword qi, the sword qi would be indestructible. If this foundational qi was infused into the body, it would transform into a Metallic Body!


    This was one of the Five Elements foundational qi possessed only by those at the fifth realm. Chu Liang had seen it being used by Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai. The greatest advantage of the fifth realm over the fourth, besides the expansion of the Sea of Qi,y in the upgrade in the quality of foundational qi.


    But now, Chu Liang, despite being at the fourth-realm cultivation, had mastered an elemental foundational qi that only those at the fifth realm could wield!


    And it was all thanks to the existence of the Five-Elements Puppet.


    Inparison, the Qi-Cirction Puppet, which could only speed up qi cultivation, and the Golden-Core Puppet, which provided an external golden core, suddenly seemed mediocre even though they had offered amazing advantages.


    The Colorful Doll deserved the highest sry!


    This was really how Chu Liang felt at the moment.


    Before using it, he thought it was too expensive. But after he had employed its services, he couldn''t help but marvel at how incredible the doll truly was.


    At this moment, Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi capacity and recovery speed far exceeded those of his peers, cing him on par with a fifth-realm cultivator. His knowledge of divine abilities was alsoparable to those at the fifth realm. Now, with the upgrade in the quality of his foundational qi, a unique characteristic of a fifth-realm cultivator, what still separated him from being considered an actual fifth-realm cultivator?


    The only difference was that when he was at the fourth realm, he would be on par with a fifth-realm cultivator. And by the time he reached the fifth realm, he would be much stronger than a fifth-realm cultivator. This was the only difference!


    With that, Chu Liang excitedly arranged the three puppets next to each other.


    <i>Keep it up!</i>


    <i>As long as you maintain your current high spirits, I will surely have a brighter future!</i>


    ...


    The time went on peacefully. Two days passed by when Chu Liang suddenly received a letter.


    It was from the Great Astral Sect.


    Obviously, in the Great Astral Sect, only his good friend, the macho man Yun Chaoxian would write to him.


    Chu Liang felt puzzled as he opened the envelope, wondering why Yun Chaoxian had written him a letter.


    His correspondence with Yun Chaoxian had been quite frequent. It urred not only during the Mount Shu Summit but also afterward. After the summit ended, Chu Liang invited a group of macho men from the Great Astral Sect to boost the atmosphere during the opening of Berry Wondend.


    However, both had been busytely, and they hadn''t been in touch for a while.


    "Brother Chu, receiving your letter is almost like having the pleasure of seeing you in pearson.[1]"


    Upon reading the first sentence, Chu Liang smiled slightly. He thought to himself that Brother Yun shouldn''t try to use fancy words if he wasn¡¯t brought up in a culture that used it.


    "Receiving your letter is almost like having the pleasure of seeing you in person" might be a phrase Yun Chaoxian picked up from Chu Liang''s previous correspondence. Considering the cultural atmosphere of the Great Astral Sect, he probably wouldn¡¯t have heard such expressions often.


    Luckily, he only misspelled the word and hadn¡¯t identallymunicated somethingpletely different, such as spelling person as prison. [2].


    The next sentence read:


    "Lately, I... have a favor to ask of you. When do you have time for me toe and discuss with you in detail?"


    1. Not a typo. In the raw, it was mentioned that the expression was ¼û×ÖÈçÎá but he wrote thest character wrongly as Îò ?


    2. I changed the joke so it makes sense in English. The expression here was ¼û×ÖÈçÎò. And the original joke was that thank goodness he didn¡¯t write thest character by breaking Îî apart which would be ÈÕÎá and this means fuck you. So if he had done this, it would be seeing your letter is like fucking you ?

 Chapter 344: Double the Wisdom and Bravery

    <h4>Chapter 344: Double the Wisdom and Bravery</h4>


    In fact, Yun Chaoxian''s request put Chu Liang in a bit of a dilemma. Considering that he had very solemnly written this letter to him, it was clear this was not a trivial matter.


    The issue was Chu Liang has been very busy these days. If this was a matter of importance, he couldn¡¯t say no.


    Regardless, he didn¡¯t remain in this state of dilemma. He promptly replied to Yun Chaoxian, promising Yun Chaoxian that he could always rely on the brothers from Silver Sword Peak on Mount Shu for assistance.


    There was no other reason. Whenever Chu Liang needed help, Yun Chaoxian had never once hesitated to say yes. Regardless of whether it was a big or small matter, Yun Chaoxian would give it his all. The brothers of the Great Astral Sect were known for their loyalty.


    Therefore, when Yun Chaoxian needed help, Chu Liang couldn''t refuse as a refusal wouldn''t be justified.


    However, it wasn''t a lie that Chu Liang was busytely. For the past few days, he had been fully focused on refining pills, fusing Golden Vein Berries with Qi-Gathering Pills to create fruit-vored Qi-Gathering Pills.


    Dan Lingzi, the creator of the Pill Fusion Technique, could only refine one batch a day. But Chu Liang could refine three to four batches a day, with each batch yielding about two hundred Qi-Gathering Pills.


    In this way, over five days, he had refined thousands of Qi-Gathering Pills.


    Even so, if these Qi-Gathering Pills were sold, they still wouldn''t be enough to supply the market, as people were used to buying them inrge quantities in gourds.


    These pills were meant to attract visitors.


    Recently, Berry Wondendunched a new product¡ªQi-Gathering Pills concentrated with several berries. They imed that each pill contained the essence of six berries, enhancing qi replenishment while maximizing the beautifying and virility-boosting effects of Golden Vein Berries.


    The marketing slogan was: If you use your kidneys often, consume six berries.


    But these enticing Qi-Gathering Pills weren''t for sale; they were given away for free.


    Berry Wondend exined that these were free gifts for the visitors'' families!


    The main reason was that only Chu Liang could refine this type of fruit-vored pill in Mount Shu. Even if he worked tirelessly like arge-headed doll, he couldn''t meet the vast market demand. Moreover, besides him, there weren''t many in the Hall of Alchemy who could master the Pill Fusion Technique, as it required an immensely powerful divine fire. Apart from the Alchemy Master, no one else could quickly grasp it.[1]


    And it was impossible for the Alchemy Master to work for Chu Liang, though Chu Liang was really looking forward to the day when it happens.


    The new activity at Berry Wondend allowed each visitor to taste a Qi-Gathering Pill for free, but a Pill Redemption Coupon was required to get a free pill. To obtain this coupon, one had to visit Red Cotton Market and request it from any stall.


    If the tourists wanted, they could visit all the stalls on Red Cotton Peak and collect dozens of coupons in exchange for dozens of Qi-Gathering Pills.


    It didn''t require any spending of money. They just had to take a stroll around the Cotton Red Peak. As it would only take cultivators a moment to fly to and fro the Red Cotton Peak, many tourists were willing to take a stroll around the Red Cotton Peak.


    Chu Liang wanted to direct more traffic to the Red Cotton Peak because he had recently leased it with the intention of managing it well and turning it into an exclusivemercial center for the Mount Shu Sect.


    Obviously, the first step was to make this ce bustling with activity.


    He informed the disciples of the various peaks of Mount Shu that Red Cotton Peak would be very lively these days, encouraging more people to set up stalls.


    Then, he would attract more people and make the tourists visit this ce more.


    Next, Chu Liang nned to invite some official shops from Taotie City to the Red Cotton Market. At the very least, those pill shops that owed him favors fromst time would do him a favor of showing up.


    When the number of businesses and customers increased, a positive cycle would naturally form.


    This activity had only been happening for five days. Even though Chu Liang was working as hard as he could to make pills, he was just barely keeping up with the demand for the event''s giveaways. But if he had to leave Mount Shu, the event would have to be paused.


    ...


    "Brother Chu, I am really counting on you this time."


    As soon as he received the reply, Yun Chaoxian hurried to Mount Shu. Upon meeting, he warmly patted Chu Liang''s shoulder with great enthusiasm.


    Chu Liang dealt with that smack on the shoulder silently. Then, while his shoulders remained uneven, he said with a smile, "There''s no need for formalities between us. Just be straightforward with me."


    It had been days since theyst saw each other, and Yun Chaoxian''s muscles had noticeably grown, making him even stronger.


    "Hey!" Yun Chaoxian waved and said, "It''s about the trials for the head disciple of the Great Astral Sect."


    Most immortal sects holdpetitions among their disciples. Even if it''s not for the title of head disciple, there were other titles avable. Since resources are limited, prioritizing their allocation became essential. Additionally, thispetition would help boost the disciples'' ambition.


    The Great Astral Sect was no exception.


    As a matter of fact, the members of the Great Astral Sect particrly enjoyedpetition.


    In the world of schrs, there was no true first ce, but in the realm of martial arts, there was no room for second ce. As martial artists, they honored the principle that strength spoke louder than anything else.


    Shortly after the Mount Shu Summit ended, the Great Astral Sect began their ownpetition for the position of head disciple. However, their trial was different from that of the Mount Shu Sect as it directly targeted the four core disciples¡ªRen Hongdao, Tang Shi, Li Fujian, Yun Chaoxian.


    Unlike Mount Shu, which required a grand summit, thepetition would end at the end of the matches between the four core disciples. This approach allowed for more freedom, and the trials could take many forms outside of the arena.


    "The trial was divided into three rounds, with an overall evaluation at the end. The first round has already ended, and now the second round is about to begin," Yun Chaoxian exined. "In the second round, each of us can invite a disciple from another immortal sect to assist us."


    "Brother Chu, you were the first person I thought of!"


    As he said this, Yun Chaoxian''s eyes sparkled with confidence.


    "We are both wise and brave. Together, we will be double the wisdom and bravery, and there will be no way we can lose!"


    Alright then.


    So they want a guest performer too, huh?


    Chu Liang smiled, thinking that the rules of the Great Astral Sect''s trial were a bit peculiar.


    He couldn''t help but ask, "Since it''s a selection of head disciple, it''s naturally aboutprehensively assessing the abilities of the core disciples. Why would you ask outsiders for help?"


    ¡°Because the sect¡¯s trial is about assessing our overall strength,¡± Yun Chaoxian exined. ¡°And our sect leader believes that having connections is also a part of our strength!¡±


    Heh. That actually makes sense.


    Upon reflection, the Great Astral Sect has always given the impression of being rough martial artists, yet despite this, they still manage to have good rtionships with many other sects.


    Among the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, from the Peni Sect to the Mount Shu Sect, alliances and rivalries were gradually formed. But the Great Astral Sect was different, with alliances everywhere and almost no enemies at all.


    To be precise, their only strongpetitor was the Monastery Tower, which was known for its warrior monks. Both sects followed the path of martial arts, leading to somepetition. However, this was limited to healthy rivalry, and there was no strong animosity between them¡ªafter all, the Monastery Tower was not quite on their level.


    As Chu Liang pondered, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that the Great Astral Sect indeed knew a thing or two about maintaining connections.


    Chu Liang himself was especially well-versed in this aspect, gaining a deep understanding of the social intricacies in the world of immortality cultivators.


    So what if your cultivation level is higher than mine? I¡¯ll just call someone stronger to take you down. While you¡¯re in closed-door cultivation, I¡¯m out building connections. How can you win against that?


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and then asked, "So what will you be tested on for the second round of the trial?"


    "I am not sure yet," Yun Chaoxian said, shaking his head. "It could be a mission, a hidden realm, or a search for something... the content of the trials varies every year."


    "But in that case, with the content being unpredictable, wouldn''t it depend heavily on luck?" Chu Liang asked, puzzled. "After all, everyone has different strengths."


    For example, the Mount Shu Sect had always categorized the Mountain God Memorial Ceremony as a recreational event rather than the mainpetition because of its randomness. Chu Liang might not beat Jiang Yuebai in a fight, but he would be a hundred years ahead of everyone at Mount Shu when it came to puzzles and treasure hunts.


    "That''s true, but our sect leader said that..." Yun Chaoxian paused before continuing, "luck is also a form of strength."


    1. My thought here is that can¡¯t he let Wen Yulong use the fire seeds that can make the divine fire??? Or is it too secretive??? ?

 Chapter 345: The Members of the Great Astral Sect Arent Fools Right?

    <h4>Chapter 345: The Members of the Great Astral Sect Aren''t Fools Right?</h4>


    Evesting Ind, the East Sea.


    A golden cloud rolled in and swiftly descended toward the edge of the ind, revealing itself to be a Golden-Furred Hou. Sitting on its back was a handsome young man and a robust man with arge halberd at his waist.


    They were Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was now a star in the Berry Wondend, and Chu Liang usually wouldn''t ride it outside the sect for personal matters. Nevertheless, he reluctantly brought the Golden-Furred Hou out for a bit just to make his buddy look good.


    After all, regardless of whom the other three core disciples had invited, it was unlikely they would have a sixth-realm mount. In terms of appearances, Yun Chaoxian and Chu Liang were already a step ahead.


    Located on Evesting Ind was the Ulitmate Martial Mountain Manor. The manor''s master had belonged to the Great Astral Sect''s previous generation of disciples, but he''d left the sect in his early years. Now, he was a little famous in the cultivation world and still maintained a close rtionship with the sect where he''d been born.


    This time, his manor was the location where the four core disciples of the Great Astral Sect would be given the test for the second round of the trial for the next head disciple.


    Uponnding, Yun Chaoxian had his head held high and chest out, while Chu Liang led the Golden-Furred Hou along leisurely. Without stopping once, they walked until they arrived at the entrance gates of the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor.


    The mountain manor was quite impressive. It had been built on an open space that protruded from the mid level of a mountain on the solitary Evesting Ind. With silver-white walls, bricks, and tiles, the manor was quite beautiful.


    At this moment, the manor''s entrance gates were open. The manor''s guards and servants were standing in two straight lines, five steps apart from each other, to wee the disciples visiting from the Great Astral Sect. Judging by the appearances of the guards, each one was a martial artist with hidden skills.


    It was quite a grand wee.


    The manor''s steward walked over to Yun Chaoxian and Chu Liang.


    He asked, "Young heroes, are you here to participate in the Great Astral Sect''s trial?"


    "I''m Yun Chaoxian from the Great Astral Sect," Yun Chaoxian said, introducing himself first. Then he gestured to Chu Liang. "Mypanion is Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Oh! I''ve heard of your great names." The steward''s smile became much more ttering. He nced at the Golden-Furred Hou behind Chu Liang. "Please leave this spirit beast in our courtyard for now, as there isn''t a lot of space inside. There are already four other young heroes waiting in the guest hall. Please head inside."


    "Sure," Chu Liang replied.


    He brought the Golden-Furred Hou into the courtyard and had it stay put there.


    The steward went to get some food to feed the spirit beast. He certainly wasn''t going to mistreat this sixth-realm mount.


    Yun Chaoxian and Chu Liang then entered the guest hall.


    It seemed that not all the participants had arrived, as the master of the manor had yet to appear. Aside from the attendants, there were only four young people in the hall.


    Chu Liang only recognized two of them.


    Of the two people he didn''t recognize, one was a thin young man with a scarlet scabbard at his waist. His ck hair was two fingers long, and his appearance was ordinary. His gaze, however, was sharp and piercing.


    When they made eye contact, Chu Liang felt a stabbing pain in his eyes.


    <i>What powerful divine intent.</i>


    Chu Liang knew that this sharp pain was due to the thin young man having strong mental power. Of the three energies cultivators cultivated, martial artists mainly cultivated vitality, whereas ordinary cultivators, who were also known as qi practitioners, mainly cultivated qi.


    Only Confucian cultivators or cultivators of certain special lineages cultivated the spirit, strengthening their mental power. However, having strong mental power was often extremely important for all cultivators.


    The thin young man was obviously not a Confucian cultivator, but he had probably cultivated using some special techniques to strengthen his divine intent.


    Chu Liang didn''t even need to guess. He was certain that this person had to be the Great Astral Sect''s eldest senior brother, Ren Hongdao!


    Beside Ren Hongdao sat a clean-cut young man in white Confucian robes. His facial features were unremarkable, but he had a gentle gaze and a refined demeanor.


    Just sitting there, he exuded a veryfortable presence. His aura alone made those around him feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze. It was quite a magical feeling.


    Ignoring all that, the first thing that Yun Chaoxian did when he sat down was yell. "Senior Brother, you actually invited Zhang Chen! That''s so unfair!"


    Upon hearing that, Chu Liang knew who the Confucian cultivator was. He was the head disciple of the Ascending Dragon Academy, Zhang Chen!


    In fact, if anyone were to say which sect among the Terrestrial Ten was the strongest, it would undoubtedly be Ascending Dragon Academy. However, the Ascending Dragon Academy had never considered trying to rise to the rankings of the Divine Nine.


    This was due to the sect''s unique structure. Instead of concentrating their forces in the sect, they advocated spreading their members across the nine provinces, which got them the support of the imperial court and an established presence among themon people.


    Taotie City and the Thunderbolt Stronghold had always attempted to obtain a spot in the Divine Nine, but it was very difficult for them to surpass the Ascending Dragon Academy in terms of strength.


    After venturing into the world, the Ascending Dragon Academy''s sessive generations of head disciples had all be renowned figures across the nine provinces. They ranged from great schrs of the present age to high-ranking officials in the imperial court. Yet, Zhang Chen was outstanding even inparison to them when they were his age.


    It could be said that all of the Yu Dynasty was looking forward to what he would do in the future. The head disciple of the Ascending Dragon Academy might normally be quite disconnected from the world of immortality cultivators, but there was no doubt that his strength and status would y a significant role in it.


    Coupled with Ren Hongdao''s strength, this was indeed a formidablebination.


    "Brother Yun, you shouldn''t say that. You invited Young Hero Chu, and Miss Tang invited the ninth youngdy of the Ji Family," Zhang Chen said with a gentle voice. "I, a mere Confucian schr, cannotpare to the two of them."


    That''s right. There were two young women sitting opposite Ren Hongdao and Zhang Chen.


    The delicate-looking girl with the Hegemon King''s Spear sitting beside her was Tang Shi, who had a good rtionship with Yun Chaoxian. Chu Liang had already met her several times, so he obviously knew who she was.


    Surprisingly, the person Tang Shi had invited was someone Chu Liang had met once before. The youngdy had snow-white skin and sparkling golden eyes. She was the ninth youngdy of the Ji Family, Ji Lingyu!


    After greeting everyone, Chu Liang sat next to Ji Lingyu and quietly said, "Miss Ji, it''s been a while. Thatpetition you had with your brother¡ªwho won?"


    Ji Lingyu was a little surprised to hear that and replied, "It''s not over yet."


    Chu Liang blinked. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    "We''repeting to see who will get found by our family first... but neither of us has been found yet."


    "So, you''ve just been wandering outside all this time?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I didn''t want it to be this way, but my eighth brother still hasn''t returned home..." Determination red in Ji Lingyu''s eyes. "I can''t lose!"


    <i>Well, then. I guess she is indeed a woman of the Ji Family¡ªa woman who will be strong-willed for life.</i>


    They only managed a brief conversation before there was the sound of footsteps from outside. Everyone looked up to see two people walking in.


    "Apologies. We''rete."


    The person on the left was a young man in white with a steely face. He wore a jade belt and carried a heavy broadsword on his back. This young man was Li Fujian.


    Chu Liang had also met him before. Li Fujian was Old Man Zhang Juque''s disciple.


    The person Li Fujian had brought with him was a delicate and beautiful youth, who seemed a little younger than Li Fujian. The youth was tall and skinny, and he was dressed in the robes of a young master and had a jade hair essory[1] pinned in his thick, luxurious hair.


    The beautiful youth smiled at the people in the room, his eyes curving into narrow slits.


    Li Fujian introduced the youth to the others. "This is my good friend, Zhuge Guanxing from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals."


    Upon hearing the youth''s name, everyone figured out who he was. <i>So, he''s from the Zhuge Family.</i>


    The Zhuge Family of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was simr to what the Lu Family had been in the past for the Mount Shu Sect. They were an ancient family that had produced sect leaders and elders for the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, so they had always held a high status in the sect.


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was one of the more traditional sects in the Divine Nine. They focused on secluding themselves from the outside world to focus on cultivation, so they lived as mountain hermits.


    They were so withdrawn from the world that they were only second to the Greater-Yin Cult. The disciples of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals rarely appeared outside their sect, and when they did, it was only to travel to y monsters and obliterate devils.


    Therefore, the disciples of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals were usually quite unknown to the world of immortality cultivators. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that they were strong. Every once in a while, one of their disciples would suddenly emerge and achieve some astonishing feats.


    It appeared that the Great Astral Sect had invited some highly capable individuals this time. None of these people would be easy opponents.


    ...


    Once all the participants had arrived, one of the attendants went to inform the manor''s master.


    A short timeter, someone''s heartyugh came through from outside. "<i>Haha,</i> young heroes, you''vee a long way. Please forgive any shorings in our hospitality!"


    That person had broad shoulders that extended into a wide frame and a darkplexion partially covered by a long beard. Burly and tall, this man exuded a majestic and imposing aura.


    However, his face did not reveal his imposing might. Before his lips even curved upward, his smile shone through his eyes. This was Li Zhutian, the master of the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor.


    Li Zhutian walked briskly to the host''s seat and sat down.


    Laughing, he said, "Rest assured. As someone who was born as a disciple of the Great Astral Sect, I understand the importance of this trial to all of you and will ensure absolute fairness and impartiality."


    Li Fujian nodded. "Everyone can rest assured. My second uncle is the most fair-minded person."


    Chu Liang leaned closer to Yun Chaoxian and asked, "Are those two rted?"


    "Yes." Yun Chaoxian nodded. "But it doesn''t matter."


    <i>Indeed.</i> <i>ording to your Great Astral Sect, your bloodline is also a part of your strength, right? </i>Chu Liang mocked inwardly.


    However, since the Great Astral Sect had chosen this person to set the questions, it indicated there wouldn''t be any favoritism and that this shouldn''t be a major concern. After all, the members of the Great Astral Sect couldn''t be fools.


    <i>Eh? Wait a minute...</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly felt a bit doubtful about Li Zhutian''s impartiality. [2]


    Li Zhutiian shot Li Fujian a re and then said, "My manor was chosen for the second round of the trial because something happened here recently that can serve as your test."


    He continued seriously, "Two days ago, Li Feiyu[3], the notorious Jiangnan thief, stole the treasure of my manor, the Baxia Dual Rings. I hope you can help me find Li Feiyu and retrieve the Baxia Dual Rings! Whoever seeds will be the winner."


    1. There isn''t really an English equivalent for this, but it is basically a hair essory for guys. See the Trantor''s thought for an example of what it looks like. ?


    2. In case anyone doesn''t get it, I assume Chu Liang remembered who he was talking to... the very ¡°intelligent¡± Yun Chaoxian. ?


    3. Feiyu (·ÉÓã) means Flying Fish. ?

 Chapter 346: The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea

    <h4>Chapter 346: The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea</h4>


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Before the master of the Ultimate Martial Manor started talking about the theft of the Baxia Dual Rings, he first let out a deep sigh.


    "This treasure is my most reliablepanion while traversing the nine provinces and the four seas. I always keep it in a personal enchanted storage tool, never letting it leave my side easily."


    Chu Liang had heard a bit about the Baxia Dual Rings.


    Legend has it that this treasure was forged by fusing the soul essence of the draconic celestial beast Baxia[1]. When a cultivator wore these rings, their arms gained immense divine power, making them feel as if they could conquer the heavens and the earth.


    Currently, it was ranked one hundred and thirty-three in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    The reason it hasn''t made it into the top hundred was that it has no other abilities aside from enhancing strength. It really couldn¡¯t be considered a top hundred legendary artifact. However, the fact that it was able to be ranked this high just by enhancing strength showed how terrifyingly it could boost one''s power.


    Much of Li Zhutian''s early fame in the world of immortal cultivators was indeed due to this pair of enchanted tools.


    "However, no matter how careful I am, I can''t always carry the storage enchanted tool. The jade ring that contains the Baxia Double Rings is with me even while bathing, except when I''m having...um...with my wife... because it''s just really inconvenient." He said, feeling a bit awkward at this point.


    "So during that short time, my wife would keep the storage ring, and I would put it back on immediately afterward."


    "Why not put the storage ring in another storage enchanted tool?" Yun Chaoxian suddenly asked. "That way, the ring wouldn''t be in the way."


    "But then the other storage enchanted tool would be in the way," Li Fujian exined to Yun Chaoxian in a serious tone. But then, he pondered to himself and added, "But if the other storage enchanted tool was also stored in a storage enchanted tool..."


    "You two, stop embarrassing yourselves," Senior Brother Ren Hongdao said sternly. "No matter how many storage enchanted tools you use, there will always be one storage enchanted tool left to carry... In my opinion, he could have just put it in his pocket and there wouldn¡¯t be need for a storage enchanted tool."


    Zhang Chen, who was beside him, smiled and gently pressed Ren Hongdao on the arm as he whispered, "Brother Ren, it''s not your turn to speak yet."


    Li Zhutian, looking embarrassed, scratched his head and said with a smile, "You can¡¯t wear any clothes when you are doing that..."


    Chu Liang listened thoughtfully from the side.


    Although the previous conversation sounded like mentally ill patients from the Great Astral Sect discussing their problems, it did reflect an issue.


    There would be moments when even the most powerful storage enchanted tools had to be set aside. Only legendary artifacts with their own storage space that could be fused with the soul, such as the White Pagoda, would always be present.


    But the White Pagoda could only store treasures produced by the White Pagoda itself.


    To truly store items invisibly and tracelessly, there would be only two ways. The first was to master the immortal art of Hidden Mountains and Seas, which allowed the cultivator to open up a personal space where any item can be stored and essed at will.


    This way, even if you werepletely naked, you could still retrieve whatever you need with a simple gesture.


    The second method was to create one''s own little world. Those at the eighth realm who had attained the Heavenly Origin, or some seventh-realm experts proficient in the Great Dao of the world, could achieve this. In the world they created, they were like gods. If they were able to create their own little world, they were obviously capable of storing items.


    Chu Liang could not help but think about the security issue with the increasing wealth and resources he would have in the future. This was a significant issue as this world has no banks. Li Zhutian''s incident served as a reminder that the learning of the immortal art¡ªHidden Mountains and Seas¡ªshould be a priority.


    Otherwise, if something were ever stolen, even if he cried about it, he would have no way to recover it.


    After the brief interruption, Li Zhutian continued, "That night, I was sleeping... with my thirty-second wife and thirty-ninth wife. The ring was kept by the thirty-ninth wife in the cab. Unexpectedly, she went out during the process, iming she needed to relieve herself, and took the ring with her.


    "Even after we waited for a long time she did note back, I then realized she was nowhere to be found in the entire estate, and our newly hired gardener went missing as well."


    "So the thirty-ninth wife eloped with the gardener?" asked Zhuge Guanxing from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. "Then why did you say that Li Feiyu did it?"


    "Because weter found this in the gardener''s room," Li Zhutian said, showing an item to everyone.


    It turned out to be a jade talisman with a swimming fish with two fins carved on it.


    "Li Feiyu leaves this behind every time he steals something. Only then did I realize he probably disguised himself, infiltrated my estate, and abducted my wife just to steal the treasure!"


    Li Zhutian said with a sigh, "I never expected that the woman I loved most in my life... my thirty-ninth wife would betray me for a thief! How could she betray my deep affection?"


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang understood why someone like Li Zhutian, who was at the sixth-realm of cultivation, had left the Great Astral Sect.


    No proper immortal sect would ept such a "deeply affectionate" disciple.


    Even the living arrangements for the family members of such a disciple would be difficult to handle.


    Li Fujianforted, "Second Uncle, don''t be too sad. Thirty-Ninth Aunt might have been coerced."


    "<i>Haaaaaa!</i>" Li Zhutian sighed and finally said, "I know you are all eager for your trials and have little interest in a banquet now. I''ve prepared rooms for everyone. You can rest here and think about the ways to locate Li Feiyu. After the trials, I''ll host a grand feast and invite you all to enjoy it!"


    ...


    Everyone immediately settled into four groups and began discussing the n in their individual rooms at the Ultimate Martial Manor.


    When Ren Hongdao and Zhang Chen returned to their room, Ren Hongdao asked, "Brother Zhang, do you have any ideas?"


    With a gentle and confident smile, Zhang Chen nodded slightly and said, ¡°I¡¯m not very skilled at finding objects, but when ites to finding people, there are a few divine skills of the Confucian sect that I can use.¡±


    These were not empty boasts. Chu Liang had previously witnessed Song Qingyi¡¯s Half-Page Golden Script and Shang Shuwen¡¯s Name-Calling Locating Technique. Confucian divine abilities indeed excelled at locating people.


    As he spoke, Zhang Chen flipped his hand, retrieving a white piece of paper and a golden brush, both radiating a faint spiritual glow.


    He then formed finger seals with his left hand and gently wrote a name on the paper.


    "Li Feiyu."


    As the final stroke waspleted, the name on the paper began to emit a faint glow.


    <i>Buzz¡ª</i>


    The paper trembled and flickered, as if it were sensing every utterance of that name under the heavens.


    After a while, a blurry scene appeared on the paper.


    Zhang Chen observed it carefully for a moment and said, "It should be Donghuai City. Li Feiyu is likely there. Let''s go check it out."


    Ren Hongdao replied, "Alright, let''s head out immediately!"


    ...


    Li Fujian and Zhuge Guanxing returned to their room, both deep in thought. Li Fujian asked, "Brother Zhuge, do you have any ideas?"


    Zhuge Guanxing nodded slightly and said, "Brother Li, don''t worry. Let me first perform a divination reading."


    As he spoke, he flipped his hand to retrieve three ck copper coins with golden patterns. Holding them in his right hand and forming finger seals with his left, he meditated briefly, concentrating on the matter he wanted to understand through divination reading.


    <i>ck, ck, ck.</i>


    The three copper coins fell on the table, each showing a different side.


    Seeing this, Zhuge Guanxing smiled slightly and said, "It can be done."


    He then put away the copper coins and took out a sand tray filled with fine, white, pearl-like sand, each grain glistening and looking valuable. Beside the tray was a piece of spirit wood.


    Zhuge Guanxing held the spirit wood twig in his hand, dipped it onto the sand tray, and gently chanted, ¡°Seek.¡±


    After speaking, he closed his eyes again. In the next second, a golden light suddenly shone from the center of his forehead, as if a divine eye had opened!


    His arm began to move spasmodically, drawingplex and mysterious patterns on the sand tray.


    Li Fujian watched from the side, feeling as though he was looking at a celestial being.


    Among the many arts in cultivation, divination reading was one of the most profound and mysterious skills.


    In the world of immortal cultivators, aside from some secret legacies, the most skilled in divination were the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion specialized in astrology, ranking the first in the technique of astrological divination.


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, on the other hand, embraced various traditions and excelled in multiple techniques, such as nchette writing[2], Liu Ren Divination,[3] astrological divination, deity-invoking rituals, physiognomy, and qi-reading fortune-telling.


    Disciples of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals usually choose to study one of these methods based on their personal interests and talents.


    But Zhuge Guanxing was different.


    He mastered all these techniques and excelled in each of them.


    After a while, the divine eye on his forehead disappeared, and he opened his eyes. He looked at the patterns in the sand tray and said two words. "Donghuai."


    ...


    Tang Shi and Ji Lingyu returned to their room, both girls looking anxious.


    "Elder Sister Lingyu, do you have any ideas?" Tang Shi asked as she looked up.


    "Yes! Let me try!" Ji Lingyu nodded, "Let''s go check the gardener''s room."


    At their request, the guards of the Ultimate Martial Manor quickly escorted the two girls to the room of the gardener that had run away.


    As Ji Lingyu stood in the courtyard, she kept a serious expression.


    She had run away from home and wasn''t like Huang Ling''er, who could survive on her own. For the past several days, she had heavily relied on her friends. Of all her friends, Tang Shi had helped her the most.


    Although she was the youngest sister at home, she was still an older sister to Tang Shi, so it was natural for her to want to take care of Tang Shi.


    Furthermore, she had an unusualpetitive spirit.


    Considering these three factors, she very much wanted to help Tang Shi win this challenge.


    She felt even more eager to win than Tang Shi herself...


    Ji Lingyu brought her index and middle fingers together, closed her eyes, and brushed her eyelids, causing a sh of golden light to appear.


    When she opened her eyes again, beams of divine light illuminated the surroundings!


    The Xuan Yuan Eyes of the Ji family possessed various powers, with different eye colors corresponding to different mystical abilities. With her golden eyes, she could see a thousand li away.


    After her subsequent cultivation, her abilities improved. Now she could not only see distant objects but also traces in the void that ordinary people couldn''t see.


    From Ji Lingyu''s perspective, she saw countless mixed and blended colors, among which was the one she sought. As she followed that color, her vision began to extend infinitely.


    "He went to a city in Jiangnan... Let''s hurry and follow the traces before they disappear!"


    ...


    Yun Chaoxian and Chu Liang returned to their room, and Yun Chaoxian also looked up and asked, "Brother Chu, do you have any ideas?"


    Chu Liang spread his hands and said, "No."


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian scratched his head. "What should we do now?"


    "Right now..." Chu Liang rubbed his chin. "I''ll go ask the butler if my Golden-Furred Hou has been fed."


    1. Baxia is a Chinese mythical creature with the head of a dragon and the body of a turtle. It is considered to be a symbol of good luck. ?


    2. The Raw for this is ·öØÀ (Pronounced Fuji) and it is a Chinese automatic writing method that uses a suspended sieve or tray called a nchette to guide a stick writing Chinese characters, either in sand or the ashes of incense. ?


    3. One of the three traditional Chinese fortune-telling methods that involveplex calctions based on celestial stems, earthly branches, and other elements to predict future events and seek guidance. ?

 Chapter 347: Why Are You So Skilled At This?

    <h4>Chapter 347: Why Are You So Skilled At This?</h4>


    "Thank you, everyone," Chu Liang said with a smile as he handed the butler a heavy pouch of Vermillion-Bird coins. By the look of how heavy the pouch looked, there was a significant amount.


    "Ah," the butler patted himself on the chest as he spoke, "It''s our honor to assist Young Hero Chu. No need to be so courteous with us."


    Though he said there was no need to be courteous, he epted the pouch of money without hesitation.


    He then turned around and told the attendants and maids behind him, "Keep this a secret, and you''ll be rewarded."


    "We''ll be on our way then. If we seed, we''lle back and thank you properly," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "You two will surely emerge victorious," the butler said respectfully, cupping his hands in farewell.


    Chu Liang turned back and, along with Yun Chaoxian, mounted the Golden-Furred Hou and took off.


    "Is this really possible?" Yun Chaoxian asked, wide-eyed. "You''re something else."


    It turned out that Chu Liang had previously asked the butler of Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor to keep an eye on the other three teams.


    If they had gone to eavesdrop or spy, they would have been detected by divine senses immediately, putting the others on guard. However, if the attendants and guards of Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor just happened to pass by during their patrols, it wouldn''t raise any suspicions.


    Unexpectedly, the martial arts-trained guards had exceptional hearing. With their ears perked up, they overheard everything and they ryed the information to Chu Liang through the butler.


    It wasn''t surprising that the celestial sect prodigies had overlooked this. In fact, even Yun Chaoxian, who was on the same team as Chu Liang, hadn¡¯t thought of this. He didn¡¯t expect Chu Liang to win over the staff of Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor so quickly.


    "It''s nothing. You just have to give them money," Chu Liang said with a chuckle. "But the helpers that the other core disciples found were much more impressive, managing to locate the thief despite being far away."


    Although their divination and tracking abilities weren''t urate, they were able to determine a general direction shortly after the incident, which was already quite impressive.


    This was an area where Chu Liang always feltcking. In fact, the entire Mount Shu Sect wasn''t very skilled in these abilities.


    For things he wasn''t good at, he had toe up with clever ways to handle them.


    Even if the eavesdropping trick hadn''t worked, he would have found another way to track and follow. No matter what, he couldn''t let Yun Chaoxian fall behind because of him.


    So, the two of them crossed the sea and arrived in Donghuai City.


    Donghuai was an ancient city in Jiangnan, known for its bustling and lively atmosphere. The city was filled with famous historical sites, beautiful gardens, busy markets, and various cultivation spots.


    Even beforending, they could sense the vibrant human activity rising up to the clouds.


    In such arge, human-popted city, the Golden-Furred Hou definitely wouldn''t be allowed to enter. So, Chu Liang decided to let it fly back to Mount Shu on its own. After all, it knew the way and was strong enough that he didn''t have to worry about it getting into any idents.


    As the two walked side-by-side into the city, they gazed at the bustling crowds moving to and fro. However, Yun Chaoxian was in no mood for sightseeing. Instead, he was focused on thinking.


    "With so many people in this city, where should we start looking for Li Feiyu?" Yun Chaoxian asked.


    "Snakes have their paths, and rats have their ways. He''s known as the Heroic Thief of Jiangnan. There must be some way to find him here, right?" Chu Liang said, leisurely looking around with curiosity.


    "Where are these ways you mentioned?" Yun Chaoxian asked, furrowing his thick eyebrows.


    "Ah!" Chu Liang pointed, "Over there."


    Yun Chaoxian looked in the direction Chu Liang was pointing, and saw that it was a medicinal herb shop.


    He immediately felt puzzled and asked, "Brother Chu, what are you nning?"


    "Let''s get us some clothes first," Chu Liang said, pulling him along.


    The two went to a nearby shop and got Yun Chaoxian a ck robe that covered his head and face. Given hisrge size, it took quite a bit of fabric.


    After that, Chu Liang put on his Aura-Concealing Robe and led Yun Chaoxian into the medicinal herb shop.


    "What can I get for you, gentlemen?" The clerk at the counter was momentarily startled by their attire.


    Chu Liang didn''t say much; he simply turned his hand and subtly showed a token in his palm.


    It was the chamber master token of the White-Bone Hall.


    "Oh. Please follow me," the clerk immediately got a jolt and led Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian to the backroom.


    There, a doctor was attending to an elderly man lying on a sickbed. The clerk whispered something in the doctor''s ear, and the doctor immediately stood up.


    Then, the doctor and the clerk left.


    Leaving behind the elderly man, who had sparse hair and a frail body, looking like he didn''t have much time left in this world.


    "Are you the new chamber master of the White-Bone Hall?" the old man croaked. "Please forgive me, as I am heavily afflicted and cannot get up to greet you."


    "No need for formalities. I''ve just arrived and want to ask about something," Chu Liang said coldly.


    "What does the chamber master wish to ask?" the old man asked.


    "I''ve heard there''s a heroic thief named Li Feiyu in Jiangnan. Where can I find him?"


    ...


    After leaving the medicinal herb shop, the two didn''t change back into their regr clothes but continued walking through the streets and alleys.


    However, along the way, Yun Chaoxian kept giving Chu Liang strange looks.


    "Brother Yun, what''s up?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Brother Chu..." Yun Chaoxian scratched his head, puzzled. "Why are you so skilled at this?"


    Earlier, when Chu Liang put on that ck robe and showed the White-Bone Hall token, he gave off the demeanor of an actual chamber master in a diabolical sect.


    The disguise was too convincing.


    It was so convincing that it was frightening.


    Chu Liang smiled slightly, "Practice makes perfect. If the opportunity arises, I can introduce you to join the Dark King Sect as well."


    "What?" Yun Chaoxian was shocked.


    Chu Liang briefly exined his undercover work in the diabolical sect but didn''t go into detail. He had no intention of actually recruiting Yun Chaoxian into the Dark King Sect.


    Although he had the authority to recruit new members as a chamber master, he would never recruit Yun Chaoxian. He still remembered how Yun Chaoxian disguised himself when they first met¡ªthe image of that bull demon had indeed left a deep impression.


    Yun Chaoxian was stunned and could only repeatedly say that Chu Liang was indeed remarkable¡ªa man truly wiser than himself.


    As for the medicinal herb shop, Chu Liang only learned about it after bing a chamber master.


    In the Dark King Sect, the Four Halls of Darkness had outposts of various sizes in the major cities of the nine provinces. These outposts supported their disciples and provided local information.


    These outposts all had a hidden symbol on their facades that ordinary people couldn¡¯t detect.


    He had already reported this to the Mount Shu Sect. If the righteous sects decided to act against the Dark King Sect, they could wipe out all these hidden bases in a single day. However, they hadn''t acted yet to avoid alerting the enemy.


    Now was the perfect time to use thiswork. To gather information under the radar, they needed help from the criminal world.


    The old man earlier had given Chu Liang a location.


    Qingyun Alley.


    "This is the ce," Chu Liang looked around and strode inside.


    It was arge gambling den, filled with smoke and noise.


    Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian didn''t linger and quickly walked through the main hall of the gambling den, arriving at a dim corridor in the back. At the end of the corridor was a dark room where an skilled expert was sitting in the shadows.


    Seeing the two of them, he said in a deep voice, "There''s no one here."


    "We''re here to find a ghost," Chu Liang replied.


    "Which path did youe from?" the man asked again.


    "White-Bone Hall," Chu Liang replied coldly, showing his chamber master token.


    "So it''s the chamber master of the White-Bone Hall. Pleasee in," the man said as he immediately gestured, and a secret door opened with a rumble in the wall.


    Although the Dark King Sect had suffered heavy losses, it was still the most powerful of the diabolical sects. Naturally, these criminal world people were naturally respected members from the Dark King Sect.


    Beyond the secret door was another long corridor, leading to a spacious area.


    It was a space evenrger than the gambling den outside!


    The lighting was still dim, and the ce was bustling like arge market. Many people were setting up stalls to sell goods, while others wandered around. In front of them was a huge ck jade b, inscribed with rows of white characters.


    "Chu Liang?" Yun Chaoxian murmured.


    Chu Liang quickly pulled him aside and whispered, "Didn''t I tell you not to use real names here?"


    "No, I was reading that," Yun Chaoxian pointed ahead.


    It turned out that on one side of the ck jade b, there was a ring line ofrge characters.


    "Reward for the assassination of Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect!"

 Chapter 348: Chu Liuxiang

    <h4>Chapter 348: Chu Liuxiang</h4>


    When Chu Liang saw his name written on the bounty listing, his heart skipped a beat. Then when he saw the amount written next to his name was fifty thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, one word echoed in his mind.


    <i>Crap!</i>


    <i>If I were a fifth or sixth-realm diabolical cultivator, I might get tempted by this.</i>


    After all, diabolical sects were different from righteous sects. They wouldn''t only send their best members out to fight. It was a free for all; even old monstrous cultivators wouldn''t hold back.


    Moreover, this wasn''t limited to Donghuai City. Every major city in the nine provinces would have underground gathering ces like this. The diabolical cultivators would definitely share information on these bounties with each other.


    <i>Won''t I have to be careful wherever I go from now on?</i>


    Given his financial strain, Chu Liang might even consider faking his death to im the reward. Nheless, the strict requirements to verify the target''s death prevented that possibility.


    Yun Chaoxian muttered, "Why is my bounty only twenty thousand while yours is fifty thousand?"


    "What''s wrong?" Chu Liang asked. "Have you also been targeted by the criminal world?"


    "Which notable person in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten hasn''t been targeted before? Well, unless you''re a nobody," Yun Chaoxian said with a smirk.


    <i>Well, then. Seems like you''re pretty proud of it,</i> Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    However, he thought about it some more and realized that any standout talents in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would have inevitably crossed paths with diabolical sects or the criminal world. So, it wasn''t surprising that the criminal world would have bounties out for them.


    Nevertheless, the bounty for Chu Liang''s head was clearly above market price. The person who put it out probably had a deep grudge against him. If that was the case, then it was obvious who put out the bounty.


    <i>Inferno Devil Valley?</i>


    Chu Liang was eighty percent sure it was them.


    <i>After all, their young master came looking for trouble with me and then died. My teacher even went to bother them after that.</i>


    <i>But... what does that have to do with me?</i>


    <i>Your young master was stomped to death by a Mammothdagon, and your outer halls were wiped out by my teacher.</i>


    "Why didn''t you put a bounty on my teacher instead?" Chu Liang muttered.


    "Your teacher is Di Nufeng, right?" Yun Chaoxian said. "Her bounty listing''s over there."


    <i>This guy sure has good eyesight.</i>


    Chu Liang nced over and saw another ck jade board. It seemed to be filled with old, unfulfilled bounties.


    The first row had a name that shone out to him.


    <i>The Mount Shu Sect''s Di Nufeng. Bounty of 1.2 million Vermillion-Bird coins.</i>


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered in shock.


    <i>My teacher is worth more than the Demon-Subduing Pestle...?</i>


    <i>Isn''t this amount a bit excessive?</i>


    <i>Even among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, there wouldn''t be anyone who would use this much money to order an assassination, right?</i>


    On further thought, Chu Liang figured it out... It wasn''t just one person who wanted to kill Di Nufeng! She had made countless enemies in her life. There might have been dozens or even hundreds of people who hade here to put a bounty on her, and that''s why her bounty umted to such a huge amount.


    This couldn''t even be called a reward anymore; it should be called a jackpot! If this bounty continued to umte, it would be a much more astonishing number in the future.


    <i>Damn. If the Mount Shu Sect ever hits rock bottom, just killing Di Nufeng would be enough to support the entire sect for years, </i>Chu Liang thought. Then he suddenly realized, <i>Now it makes sense why Mount Shu''s higher-ups are always indulging my teacher. Could they be ying the long game?</i>


    Nheless, there was no need to worry about his teacher. Even if the whole world put a bounty on her, she would definitely live better than anyone else. As long as the bounty wasn''t high enough to tempt an eighth-realm Eminent One, there was no need to worry about her.


    <i>The person I should be worrying about is me.</i>


    So, Chu Liang said to Yun Chaoxian, "To be safe, don''t call me by my name while we''re still in Donghuai."


    "Then what should I call you?" Yun Chaoxian asked.


    "Just call me by my childhood nickname... Chu Liuxiang[1]."


    ...


    This ck market seemed to sell practically everything. There was a greater variety of items than there had been at the Pavilion of Celestial Fate¡¯s auction.


    Many of the items, including enchanted tools, medicinal pills, and spirit nts, had not been acquired by legitimate means. They were stolen goods that could only be sold at ck markets, as selling them in normal markets would likely draw the attention of the items'' owners andnd the thieves in trouble. That''s why the prices in the ck market were usually lower than those of normal markets.


    There are also many diabolical artifacts and pills that had been produced by diabolical cultivators. It was forbidden to sell such things in the martial world. At Mount Shu, diabolical items would be destroyed upon discovery, yet they could be sold here.


    Unsuppressed waves of malevolent qi were leaking out all over the ck market.


    Regardless, Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian couldn''t deal with this issue right now. Once they were done with the matter at hand, they could report this ck market to the righteous sects and the imperial court of the Yu Dynasty. Thebined forces would then dispatch troops to destroy this ce, which should yield considerable results.


    Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian walked through the ck market and arrived at a counter.


    Chu Liang said, "I want to contact Li Feiyu. I want him to steal a treasure for me."


    "Which treasure?" asked the man in ck behind the counter.


    "The World-Dominating Halberd that belongs to Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect. He is currently in Donghuai. If Li Feiyu can steal the halberd, we negotiate on the fee."


    The man in ck gave a slight nod. "We will contact him for you. You cane back in three days. If he epts the job, we at Qingyun Alley will arrange a meeting for you."


    Chu Liang nodded. "Sure."


    "Please provide us with some proof of your identity," the man in ck said. "We will keep it absolutely confidential."


    Chu Liang understood the reason behind that request. As an intermediary, Qingyun Alley had to verify that both parties were capable of making good on their promises. It was Chu Liang''s first time there, so they would naturally be concerned about his ability to pay.


    As for his proof of identity, it certainly wouldn''t be disclosed.


    Chu Liang showed his chamber master''s token to the man in ck. "I am also working for someone higher up."


    The man in ck immediately replied, "So, you''re an esteemed senior from the White-Bone Hall. In that case, there will be no problem with this job."


    In the underground, the Dark King Sect was like a king.


    Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxiaon swiftly wrapped up their affairs and left the ck market.


    Yun Chaoxian asked worriedly, "Will he take the job?"


    "He might, or he might not," Chu Liang replied.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Yun Chaoxian was confused. "If he doesn''te find us, won''t we have wasted our efforts?"


    "Regardless of whether he epts the job, it''s very likely he will stille find us," Chu Liang said slowly. "Li Feiyu is a very arrogant thief. It''s obvious from his self-proimed title ''Heroic Thief of Jiangnan'' and the fact that he leaves his signature mark after every theft."


    Chu Liang continued, "If he doesn''t suspect we''re luring him out and takes the job, that''s the best oue. But there''s another possibility. Li Feiyu just stole a treasure from the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor and surely knows that Li Zhutian is a disciple of the Great Astral Sect. If we send him to steal from another disciple of the Great Astral Sect, he might guess it''s a trap."


    "Then..." Yun Chaoxian looked bewildered. "Will he stille if he guesses that?"


    "He will," Chu Liang said with a nod, "because he is a very arrogant thief. Since we''ve challenged him, he will likelye to steal your World-Dominating Halberd. That way, we''ll have a chance to capture him."


    "But what if he doesn''te find us?" Yun Chaoxian asked again.


    "Then we''ll try another method. There''s no strategy that will result in guaranteed sess," Chu Liang answered. "As long as the worst-case scenario¡ªwhere he steals the halberd and escapes¡ªdoesn''t happen, we''ll be fine."


    Yun Chaoxian pondered for a while and suggested, "Can''t we have him steal a different treasure?"


    "Do you have any other treasures on you?"


    The disciples of the Great Astral Sect valued weapons the most and rarely used other enchanted tools.


    Yun Chaoxian shook his head. "No..."


    "I do have a few treasures, but I don''t dare risk losing them. Li Feiyu is pretty skilled," Chu Liang remarked seriously. "All of my treasures are still useful."


    Yun Chaoxian: "...?"


    1. Liuxiang means ¡°lingering fragrance¡±. Chu Liuxiang is the fictional protagonist of the wuxia novel series written by Taiwanese writer Gu Long(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Liuxiang). Chu Liuxiang is basically like the Chinese version of Robin Hood. ?

 Chapter 349: The Stories of Zhang Chen

    <h4>Chapter 349: The Stories of Zhang Chen</h4>


    The two walked out of Qingyun Alley and stepped onto the main street. it was only after they had walked another block that they finally took off their robes.


    Just as they were about to find an inn to settle down, they heard amotion from the crowd before they witnessed arge group of people rushing in one direction. Many of them were shouting "Hurry, go take a look!"


    "Don''t let him get away!"


    "Ahhhhhhhhh!"


    "..."


    The two, feeling curious, approached an old man selling melons at a roadside stall and asked, "Sir, what''s happening?"


    The old man chuckled and said, "Oh, I heard that Zhang Chen, the head disciple of Ascending Dragon Academy, is here. Everyone is rushing to get a good look at him."


    "Zhang Chen?" Chu Liang said, turning to look at the growing crowd. "I didn''t expect him to be this popr."


    In fact, this highlighted the limitations of being a disciple of an immortal sect.


    In the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten or the world of immortal cultivators, Zhang Chen wasn''t as famous as those prodigies. However, among themon people of the Yu Dynasty, he had arge and loyal following.


    This was because Ascending Dragon Academy was deeply rooted in themon folk, supported by the Yu Dynasty, and recruited students widely. The best schrs from all over could try to enter the academy. Many of its outstanding disciples went on to be officials, giving back to the people.


    The prodigies of immortal cultivation were still distant figures to themon people, but the students of Ascending Dragon Academy could directly impact their future welfare, thus garnering more attention.


    And Zhang Chen was the most popr head disciple among recent generations of the academy.


    "Hey, of course," the old melon seller said immediately after hearing Chu Liang''s words. "Zhang Chen is exceptionally talented and very kind-hearted. Everyone hopes he''ll be an official in the imperial court in the future and bring us blessings. If it wasn¡¯t because of my stall, I''d go see him myself."


    "Wow."


    Upon seeing their reaction, the old melon seller felt a bit puzzled and asked, "Haven''t you heard his story?"


    "His story?" Both Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian were intrigued.


    "Have you heard the story of ''Searching for the Sheep in the Muddy Path''?" The old melon seller asked, taking on the posture of a storyteller. "This was the story of Zhang Chen finding out an old man had lost his sheep and was heartbroken. And so, he didn¡¯t hesitate to help. To find the sheep, he trudged through a muddy path and managed to return the sheep to the old man. He waspletely unbothered by the fact that his feet were covered in mud.¡±


    "Do you know the story of ''Walking in the Rain in in Clothes''?" the old melon seller continued. "It tells of a rainy day when Zhang Chen saw an auntie walking in the rain. He took off his outer garment to shield her, walking through the rain himself in in clothes."


    Chu Liang listened and nodded slightly.


    It seemed that this head disciple of the academy was indeed a noble and moral person without any low or selfish interests.


    Yun Chaoxianughed and said, "With his poprity, now that so many people are flocking around him, he certainly won''t be able to get anything done."


    "This means that..." Chu Liang smiled as well. "He definitely was not the one who released the news."


    ...


    Zhang Chen sat on a chair in the inn, gently rubbing his forehead with a hint of a helpless smile on his face.


    He had just spent quite some time talking to the enthusiastic townsfolk outside, making sure a group of them went home peacefully. However, more and more residents of Donghuai City who admired him kepting. If he had to appease them all, he wouldn''t have time for anything else in theing days.


    "Someone intentionally spread the news of meing to Donghuai City to slow us down," Zhang Chen said, shaking his head. "It must have been one of your... I mean, one of those helpers invited by your fellow disciples who came up with this idea."


    "So what do we do now?" Ren Hongdao, who was sitting beside him, asked.


    "The people outside came to see me, and I can''t disappoint them. I''ll go out and show my face again, telling them that I''ll be heading to another city soon. After that, let''s try to be careful and not reveal our whereabouts," Zhang Chen said.


    "I didn¡¯t think you would be this popr," Ren Hongdao said, astonished, as he listened to the noise outside.


    "<i>Haaaaih...</i> it''s all fake," Zhang Chen smiled wryly. "The academy intentionally built up my image, so I''m inevitably burdened by fame."


    "So are all those stories about you fake?" Ren Hongdao asked.


    "They aren¡¯t necessarily fake, but they are exaggerated," Zhang Chen replied.


    "Is the story about you finding the old man¡¯s sheep fake?" Ren Hongdao asked.


    "Of course it''s true, but..." Zhang Chen exined, "the old man is the headmaster of the academy, and the sheep was his spirit pet. It wandered into a swamp in the hill area behind the academy, so we had to help find it. Honestly, we were reluctant, but since it was the headmaster''s spirit pet, we had no choice. When the story spread from the academy, it turned into ''Searching for the Sheep in the Muddy Path.''"


    "Really?" Ren Hongdao blinked. "What about the story of you giving your clothes to shield an auntie from the rain..."


    "That''s true too, but the auntie was actually our headmaster''s wife," Zhang Chen said with a wry smile. "The headmaster had secretly apanied some guests to a brothel, and when his wife found out, she stood in the rain, refusing to leave until he returned. As disciples, we didn''t dare say anything, so I covered her with my clothes and rushed to inform the headmaster."


    "The headmaster''s wife didn''t get much rain on her, because the headmaster received the message and returned shortly after. He ended up kneeling in the rain for most of the night, while she had already gone back inside to sleep."


    "When this story spread from the academy, it turned into the story of ''Walking in the Rain in in Clothes,''" Zhang Chenughed.


    "I see," Ren Hongdao said with a nod.


    Rumors were clearly not to be trusted easily. Even if they had some truth to them, they might not be entirely urate. By exaggerating one part of the story and concealing another, the truth could be somethingpletely different.


    ...


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit underhanded?¡± Li Fujian asked, looking at Zhuge Guanxing with concern.


    ¡°We only spread news of Zhang Chen¡¯s location to slow them down,¡± Zhuge Guanxing replied. ¡°We didn¡¯t actually hurt them, so what¡¯s the harm in that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but...¡± Li Fujian scratched his head as he spoke, ¡°I still respect my Eldest Senior Brother very much.¡±


    "In apetition, there should be no distinction between seniors and juniors," Zhuge Guanxing said with a smile. "Rules can be set afterward, but when we''re all facing the same trial, we must give our best to win. Your Senior Brother is the strongest in terms of power, and Zhang Chen is likely the most cunning. Theirbination is formidable. Without a bit of cunning ourselves, how else can we hope to win?"


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Li Fujian agreed. ¡°Can we find Li Feiyu¡¯s location?¡±


    Although they had pinpointed Donghuai City earlier, finding a more precise location was difficult. After all, divination wasn¡¯t foolproof.


    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±


    Zhuge Guanxing took a deep breath, formed a finger seal with his left hand, and tossed three ck-gold copper coins into the air with his right hand. When the coins fell, he tossed them again, repeating the process several times.


    He then opened his eyes gently and uttered the word, ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Fire?¡± Li Fujian was puzzled.


    "The divination reading revealed that the main element is fire. The person we''re looking for will appear in a ce associated with fire tonight."

 Chapter 350: Real or Fake

    <h4>Chapter 350: Real or Fake</h4>


    As night fell, Yun Chaoxian ced the World-Dominating Halberd on the table, staring at it with wide eyes, as if trying to lock it in ce with his gaze.


    "Brother Yun, there''s no need to be so tense. If you keep staring like this and Li Feiyu doesn''t show up for a few days, you''ll tire yourself out first," Chu Liang advised.


    "I''m worried that as soon as I take my eyes off it, the World-Dominating Halberd will disappear," Yun Chaoxian said with some concern.


    "The situation won''t escte to such an extent. No matter how skilled that thief is, there are limits," Chu Liang said. "Based on his past actions, he is able to perform some magical tricks but his greatest strength is his cunning.


    "Cunning?" Yun Chaoxian frowned as he pondered.


    "For example, he might disguise himself as someone you know, confuse you, and then steal the World-Dominating Halberd," Chu Liang exined.


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian stared at Chu Liang''s face for a moment and asked, "Brother Chu, you''re not a fake, right?"


    "Of course I''m real," Chu Liang rolled his eyes and said irritably, "Since we left Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor, I haven''t been out of your sight. When would I switch ces?"


    Yun Chaoxian nced at the bronze mirror on the table, as if to confirm he himself wasn''t fake either.


    Chu Liang chuckled and said, "I''ll go rest next door, but I''ll keep my divine sense over this area. Call me if anything happens."


    Yun Chaoxian appeared a bit nervous, "How about we keep watch together?"


    "Then he won''te. Let''s keep everything as usual," Chu Liang said. "I also want to see what tricks he has."


    "Alright," Yun Chaoxian agreed, then muttered, "If his target wasn''t the World-Dominating Halberd, I''d actually want to see it too."


    Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    Most people, except for the treasure''s owner, would be curious about how a thief managed to steal it under such strict surveince.


    After Chu Liang left, Yun Chaoxian continued to stare at the World-Dominating Halberd. As a cultivator with abundant vitality, he could keep watch for days without needing sleep.


    As the night grew darker, a sudden shout pierced the silence from outside. "Fire!"


    Suddenly, amotion erupted, and a faint glow of firelight flickered through the window.


    "Brother Yun!" Chu Liang called out as he pushed the door open. "Something''s happening at the inn. Let''s go check it out!"


    "Alright!" Yun Chaoxian stood up abruptly and began striding out.


    Chu Liang quickly pushed him back as he shouted, "Take the World-Dominating Halberd with you!"


    "Oh right," Yun Chaoxian remembered, turning back to grab the halberd.


    When he turned around again, Chu Liang, who had been standing at the door, was gone.


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian stepped out and saw Chu Liang emerging from the next room.


    "Brother Chu, where did you just go?" he asked, feeling puzzled.


    "You just saw me?" Immediately, a light flickered in Chu Liang''s eyes as he leaped through two floors and into the air.


    Realization dawned on Yun Chaoxian¡ªthe Chu Liang he had encountered earlier might have been an imposter!


    Chu Liang had not left the room, and his divine sense hadn''t detected anyone else. Unexpectedly, Li Feiyu had a method to avoid divine sense detection!


    So, instead of relying solely on his divine sense, he quickly scanned the surroundings with his eyes. As expected, he soon spotted a vague, ethereal figure.


    The figure stood out not only due to Chu Liang''s keen eyesight but also because it made no effort to hide, seeming to approach deliberately.


    ...


    Yun Chaoxian saw that the figure was identical to Chu Liang in appearance, expression, and posture. It was as though Chu Liang had performed the Immortal Technique: External Manifestation, which would create a clone.


    He locked eyes with Chu Liang from across a rooftop. Then, with a swift motion, he wiped his face, revealing a mask that concealed his true appearance. With a flip of his hand, he drew out a halberd and shouted, "I took the Baxia Dual Rings from Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor out of necessity and have no intention of being enemies with the Great Astral Sect. I came to steal the World-Dominating Halberd this time just to prove my skills. Now, I won''t take this halberd, and I hope you won''t trouble me again."


    This person was indeed Li Feiyu.


    Chu Liang looked at him and smiled before saying, "Did you guess that we had prepared a fake World-Dominating Halberd?"


    "Of course," Li Feiyu replied. "When Yun Chaoxian entered the inn, he wasn''t wearing any storage-enchanted tools. But now, he''s wearing a storage jade ring. Obviously, this ring was prepared to store the World-Dominating Halberd."


    Ancient legendary weapons, like the World-Dominating Halberd, had in countless evil entities and carried a powerful murderous aura. Such items couldn''t be contained by ordinary storage enchanted tools.


    As a result, disciples of the Great Astral Sect typically carried their legendary weapons in hand for easy ess. This way, they didn''t have to worry about finding special storage for these formidable items and could use regr storage enchanted tools for the ordinary items.


    In this situation, for Yun Chaoxian to store the World-Dominating Halberd, he would need a high-level storage enchanted tool. The fact that the thief noticed this small detail was rather surprising!


    "Moreover," Li Feiyu continued, "Yun Chaoxian''s acting wasn''t very convincing. Although he pretended to care, when the fire started outside and I called him, he didn''t pay any attention to the legendary weapon on the table. It was clear he knew it was fake¡ªthat was his w."


    "So, did you steal the real legendary weapon from his storage enchanted tool?" Chu Liang asked again.


    Previously, he and Yun Chaoxian had indeed nned to create a fake halberd, which looked and weighed very simr to the real one. Without being infused with foundational qi, it would be difficult to tell the difference.


    The fact that Li Feiyu could make this judgment and steal the halberd in such a short time showed he was sharp-minded. On the other hand, Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder if Li Feiyu''s method of stealing the World-Dominating Halberd from the storage enchanted tool was simr to his own divine technique, Mystic Fingers.


    "I have no interest in this halberd," Li Feiyu sneered. "If you continue to be relentless, I won''t be so courteous next time."


    "Quite arrogant of you to say that," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "Are you so sure the halberd you stole is real?"


    "What?" Li Feiyu frowned. He quickly infused a bit of foundational qi into the weapon and realized that the legendary halberd in his hand was just a piece of ordinary iron. His expression changed immediately.


    "I anticipated that Brother Yun might expose a w, so I swapped his storage enchanted tool," Chu Liang said, turning his hand to reveal the real legendary halberd.


    Yun Chaoxian appeared behind him, charging towards Li Feiyu. At that moment, Chu Liang tossed the halberd to Yun Chaoxian. As he caught it, the halberd shone with a majestic glow!


    Indeed, this was the real World-Dominating Halberd!


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Yun Chaoxian shouted, swinging the halberd as he chased after Li Feiyu.


    As Li Feiyu''s figure flickered, he moved as swiftly as a rabbit, instantly disappearing from the rooftop in a shadowy blur.


    Chu Liang didn''t hesitate and chased after him! The swordlight he controlled cut through the night sky. Although it might disturb the residents of Donghuai City, this was the least of his worries right now.


    Li Feiyu''s cultivation level wasn''t particrly high, likely at the peak of the fourth realm. However, he specialized in stealth, transformation, and wind maniption. At this moment, his figure flew like a ghost and was about to vanish from sight.


    If Chu Liang''s sword-flying speed wasn''t as fast as a meteor, he might have been left behind like Yun Chaoxian.


    The muscr man shouted loudly as the two in front sped ahead, leaving him hundreds of zhang behind.


    Li Feiyu''s shadowy figure descended into an alley and it seemed as though he had prepared another way to escape.


    But suddenly, a mysterious light illuminated the area around him!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    It was as if a cage of light had suddenly formed, trapping Li Feiyu!


    It was an enchanted formation!


    Even from afar, Chu Liang recognized the Five-Prison Golden Light Formation, a ssic enemy-trapping technique in formation arts.


    However, he hadn''t been the one to set up this enchanted formation.


    A name instantly came to his mind. As expected, the formation was set up by Zhuge Guanxing from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    As the formation lit up, two figures shed into view. One held a heavy sword, while the other gently waved a feather fan.


    Sure enough, it was Li Fujian and Zhuge Guanxing!

 Chapter 351: The Dudou Collector

    <h4>Chapter 351: The Dudou Collector</h4>


    As Li Fujian kept watch over the area with his broadsword in hand, he remarked, "As expected, your divination reading was urate, Brother Zhuge. He truly did emerge from the direction of the fire."


    Zhuge Guanxing just smiled without speaking.


    It turned out that Zhuge Guanxing had divined that Li Feiyu had a connection with fire, and they''d spent the day trying to figure out what that meant. Then in the evening, they noticed a fire had broken out in the city and rushed over, arriving just as Li Feiyu was fleeing. Zhuge Guanxing then swiftly cast a spell, instantaneously activating a formation technique and trapping Li Feiyu.


    At the next second, Chu Liang arrived at the scene and found Li Feiyu was trapped, and he wasn''t making a sound.


    However, the trapped thief obviously wouldn''t just ept his fate. He twisted his body and transformed into a whirlwind of ck wind, spinning upward like a drill. Li Feiyu struck the top of the formation, creating a crack in the barrier!


    Zhuge Guanxing waved his feather fan, swiftly reinforcing the formation with his foundational qi. Nevertheless, Li Feiyu changed his strategy. He raised the ck iron awl in his right hand and resolutely hurled it forward!


    Zhuge Guanxing immediately recognized the item. "It''s the Formation-Breaking Awl!"


    The Formation-Breaking Awl was an enchanted tool specifically designed to counter formations. With just a burst of power, the enchanted tool could instantaneously disrupt the links in an enchanted formation''s patterns, causing the entire formation to copse. Even if the caster were to repair the formation immediately, the wielder of the Formation-Breaking Awl could use that moment to escape.


    The Formation-Breaking Awl was priceless, so Li Feiyu had not intended to use it except as ast resort. Nheless, he hadn''t expected the formation of this disciple of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals would be so hard to break, so he had no choice but to use this priceless treasure. If given some time, he might have been able to break the formation on his own. However, the longer he let things drag on, the lower his chance of escaping would be.


    The Formation-Breaking Awl embedded further into the formation''s golden light barrier, making a small gap in it.


    Li Feiyu transformed into a beam of ck light and swiftly escaped through the gap.


    Nevertheless, Li Fujian was already waiting there.


    He said, "Trying to escape? Dream on!"


    Li Fujian, a core disciple of the Great Astral Sect, swung his broadsword down from above, shing through the air with a fierce burst of wind!


    If Li Fujian''s sword strike were sessful, not even a cultivator with a higher cultivation level than him would be able to emerge away unscathed. However, the ck light twisted like vines, coiling up along Li Fujian''s sword and right arm. Li Feiyu, the ck light, was obviously trying to reach Li Fujian''s face!


    Yet, this crafty move did not faze Li Fujian at all. When it came to fighting, the disciples of the Great Astral Sect had never been afraid of anyone!


    Li Fujian suddenly clicked his tongue, producing a thunderous sound. "<i>DA!</i>"


    <i>Boom.</i>


    This thunderous sound was apanied by a tremendous power that forcefully repelled the ck light!


    Li Feiyu was sent flying backward, and he reverted to his true form in pain. He then did a flip in midair and tried to escape again.


    At this moment, Chu Liang descended from the sky and thrust out his palm!


    In haste, Li Feiyu rose and thrust out his palm as well!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Li Feiyi''s cultivation level was slightly higher than Chu Liang''s, but Chu Liang had the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, allowing him to enhance his strength by burning his blood. On top of that, he had the Jiuli Soul Armor, making him very difficult to beat in closebat!


    Li Feiyu was sent flying again!


    The moment Li Feiyu crashed to the ground, Zhuge Guanxing looked rmed.


    Zhuge Guanxing stomped on the ground and shouted, "Seal!"


    A golden light extended into the ground from under his foot, attempting to seal off the ground in that area... but he was one step toote.


    Li Feiyu sank into the ground as if melting into water. Just like that, he disappeared!


    He''d used Escaping Through The Earth!


    It wasn''t surprising that he had mastered various stealth traversal arts. Stealth traversal arts like Escaping Through The Earth were rtively basic divine skills, so it was natural that Li Feiyu had perfected them.


    Everyone had already known it would be difficult to capture him and had been mentally prepared for this. Nevertheless, they couldn''t help feeling a little regretful that even with such an excellent opportunity to catch him, he still managed to slip away.


    While Li Fujian was sighing, Chu Liang discreetly took a step back and looked at what was in his hand.


    It turned out that the reason he hadn''t drawn his sword and had instead used his bare palm to strike Li Feiyu had been to seize the opportunity toe into contact with the thief''s hand.


    Chu Liang had hoped to steal something from the thief. He''d thought that perhaps he might even be able to grab the Baxia Dual Rings if he were lucky.


    Yet, when Chu Liang took the item out, he could tell just by the texture of the item that it wasn''t an enchanted tool.


    Chu Liang quickly nced at it and saw that it was a bundle of silk with red strings and embroidery.


    <i>It''s clearly another dudou!</i>[1]


    <i>Huh?</i>


    <i>Why did I think "another"?</i>


    ...


    Right after that, Yun Chaoxian flew over.


    Seeing Li Fujian, Zhuge Guanxing, and Chu Liang, Yun Chaoxian eximed regretfully, "Damn it! If I had been here, I wouldn''t have let him escape!"


    "Yeah, so why weren''t you...?" Li Fujian asked weakly. "Was it because you didn''t want toe here?"


    "I couldn''t keep up with them!" Yun Chaoxian stated loudly.


    His tone left them all a bit stunned.


    They were all thinking, <i>It''s fine if you get left behind, but why are you saying it so proudly?</i>


    "Now that he has escaped, it''ll be harder to lure him out again." Chu Liang sighed. "We''d better just call it a day and think up some new ns on our own."


    Zhuge Guanxing nodded. "Agreed."


    The four of them then paired off and went their separate ways.


    Back in his amodation, Chu Liang fell into deep thought as he stared at the flower-patterned dudou.


    <i>Why would Li Feiyu have something like this on him?</i>


    <i>Could it be that he''s not just a cat burr but also a pervert?</i>


    This was the second time Chu Liang had obtained a dudou. The first dudou he''d obtained had been stored in an Evil Ksitigarbha statue. The dudou had belonged to Enchantress Liu from the Scarlet-Robe Hall. It had helped him uncover Enchantress Liu''s romantic rtionship with the Southern-Route Guider, which turned out to be quite useful.


    <i>So, what about this one? Could it also help uncover some of Li Feiyu''s interpersonal rtionships?</i>


    The next morning, Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian made their way to another inn.


    After investigating through the night, they''d found out that Ji Lingyu and Tang Shi were staying there.


    "Senior Brother?" Little Tang Shi was surprised to see Yun Chaoxian and Chu Liang. "Why are the two of you here?"


    "We''d like to work with you," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Let''s team up to track down Li Feiyu."


    "Team up?" Ji Lingyu looked at Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian. "Is there something that you don''t have the right abilities to deal with? Is that why you need us?"


    Otherwise, there would be no need to team up in apetitive trial like this.


    "Miss Ji is indeed wise."


    The four of them then sat down together.


    Chu Liang chuckled and exined, "Last night, I took an item from Li Feiyu. It''s surely stained with his aura. So, I''m wondering if you could see if it''s possible to track down his hiding ce by following the trail of his residual aura."


    Hearing that, Ji Lingyu figured out why Chu Liang hade to her.


    <i>Turns out that he''s aware of the ability thates with my Xuan Yuan Golden Eyes. That''s why he wants me to help him find the thief.</i>


    <i>He''s using me like a spirit dog.</i>


    Nevertheless, Ji Lingyu and Tang Shi didn''t have any leads anyway.


    Since a lead had been presented to them, Ji Lingyu readily agreed to Chu Liang''s request.


    "No problem."


    "Let''s openly share any leads we find this time. If we find anything further on our ownter, we canpete then," Chu Liang said. "The main goal this time is to help the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor recover the Baxia Dual Rings. We can''t waste time; we have to get this done as soon as possible."


    "Agreed." Ji Lingyu nodded. "Show me what you got from Li Feiyu."


    Chu Liang then ced the dudou on the table.


    "..."


    Tang Shi and Ji Lingyu fell silent for a moment.


    "Young Hero Chu, you didn''t take out the wrong item, did you?" Tang Shi asked.


    "What are you talking about? How could I have something like this?" Chu Liang replied hurriedly. "This is the item I took from Li Feiyu!"


    As for how he got it, that wasn''t easy to exin. After all, he couldn''t just admit he had a skill for stealing things.


    The two youngdies'' expressions contained a subtle sense of disgust.


    Ji Lingyu gave Chu Liang a strange look and then nced at the dudou.


    Eventually, she said, "I''ll give it a shot."


    Ji Lingyu closed her eyes and formed a hand seal.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    When she opened her eyes again, they glowed with golden light!


    "This dudou does indeed have a trace of aura..."


    Her gaze followed the faint trail of color out the door.


    Using her mystical ability, Ji Lingyu searched through the streets and alleys of Donghuai City for that same aura.


    "I see it...


    "The same aura is concentrated in the east side of the city...


    "At the Jubnt Melody Hall."


    1. Here¡¯s a reminder that this is the undergarment that women and children wore in ancient China. ?

 Chapter 352: You Also Like Yu Xiang’er?

    <h4>Chapter 352: You Also Like Yu Xiang¡¯er?</h4>


    Jubnt Melody Hall, established by the South Melody Conservatory, had branches in over seventyrge cities across the Yu Dynasty, offering year-round performances. However, its primary mission was to scout and nurture talents for the conservatory.


    Jubnt Melody Hall held auditions every Spring and Autumn, inviting any child interested in cultivating musical skills to participate.


    After studying at Jubnt Melody Hall for three to five years, students would leave as excellent musicians or dancers, receiving the same level of hospitality as noble and royal families. Those who were given a chance to stay permanently at Jubnt Melody Hall were guaranteed to be renowned figures.


    Of course, the best among them¡ªthose who excelled in both cultivation and music¡ªwere sent to South Melody Conservatory to explore the true path of music cultivation.


    The core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory were the top musical prodigies from the nine provinces. One could only imagine the extent of their remarkable talents.


    At this point, Chu Liang had so many questions in mind. Could it be that Li Feiyu has been hiding in Jubnt Melody Hall in Donghuai City all this time? Or perhaps the owner of this dudou[1] is in the Jubnt Melody Hall and she knows Li Feiyu? With these doubts in mind, Chu Liang took the dudou and returned to the inn with Yun Chaoxian. This crucial piece of evidence, obtained with great effort, could not be left with Tang Shi and Ji Lingyu.


    After all, they were stillpetitors.


    Simrly, even though Ji Lingyu could easily find the owner of the dudou by wandering around Jubnt Melody Hall and identifying the person whose aura matched it, she would never take Chu Liang and his group along. Their cooperation ended once they discovered Jubnt Melody Hall.


    As they walked down the street, Yun Chaoxian asked, "What should we do next?"


    He had be ustomed to relying on Chu Liang. With the wisdom he prided himself on in the Great Astral Sect, he concluded that since Chu Liang was wiser, following him would be the right choice.


    "Although Miss Ji won''t help us find the owner directly, knowing the general area makes it easier. At worst, we can borrow a spirit dog from somewhere else, which will serve the same purpose," answered Chu Liang.


    "A spirit dog?" Yun Chaoxian thought for a moment and said, "Thunderbolt Stronghold surely has one. Should we go ask them?"


    "Uh..." Chu Liang smiled guiltily and said, "If we really have to go to Thunderbolt Stronghold, I won''t show up. Do you know anyone there?"


    "Yes, I do." Yun Chaoxian nodded confidently.


    "Who?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Deng Yixiao. I fought himst time at Mount Shu," Yun Chaoxian said with a grin.


    During a massive brawl between the disciples of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten on Mount Shu, the Monastery Tower aided the Thunderbolt Stronghold. As a result, Yun Chaoxian had confronted Deng Yixiao.


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    It seemed Brother Yun couldn''t really distinguish between "acquaintances" and "enemies."


    After a pause, Chu Liang said, "Let''s not rush. We''ll go check out Jubnt Melody Hall first."


    Chu Liang thought that Li Feiyu, being the Heroic Thief of Jiangnan, would often be out and about. If they could find someone suspicious or ask around about anyone who had behaved strangely, visited unusual cesst night, or had close rtions with outsiders, they might find some clues.


    They needed to conduct more investigation before making any decisions. With this in mind, the two arrived at Jubnt Melody Hall.


    The Jubnt Melody Hall in Donghuai City wasn''t veryrge, but it was bustling with activity. Many people were entering and leaving through the main door and main hall. As Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian stepped inside, they saw a square table in the main hall. Behind it sat a middle-aged woman in musician''s robes, seemingly there to greet guests.


    Seeing them approach, the woman looked up and asked, "Here to see the performance?"


    "Uh... yes." Chu Liang nodded immediately. "Can we go in?"


    "Turn left here, go to the end, and line up for tickets," the woman said as she pointed to a nearby corridor.


    "Thank you," Chu Liang said. Then, he headed in that direction with Yun Chaoxian.


    However, after walking through the corridor, they didn''t find a ticket booth. Instead, they saw a door that seemed to lead out of Jubnt Melody Hall.


    <i>What''s going on? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    With doubts in mind, he opened the door.


    "<i>Whoa¡ª</i>" The two eximed in unison.


    Behind the door was arge open space crowded with people. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that they were in a winding queue, with countless heads stretching into the distance. Chu Liang felt that even the entire audience at the Mount Shu Summit couldn''tpare to the number of people gathered here.


    "What''s going on?" The two were bewildered.


    As they wondered, they suddenly saw two people ahead turn around. One was a stern man with a red saber at his waist, and the other was a masked man wrapped in white cloth.


    The stern man was none other than Ren Hongdao, the Senior Brother of the Great Astral Sect, and the masked man, judging by his build and eyes, was Zhang Chen.


    <i>It''s them! Did we identally leak the news? Did we? </i>This was Chu Liang''s first reaction.


    But in the next moment, he heard Ren Hongdao speak, "Junior Brother, Young Hero Chu, do you also... like Yu Xiang''er?"


    <i>Yu Xiang''er? </i>Chu Liang recognized the name because anyone familiar with the South Melody Conservatory would know about the three unparalleled geniuses of this generation. Yu Xiang''er gained fame first, followed by Xue Lingxue, and then Shen Qingyan.


    <i>Yu Xiang''er came to Donghuai City?</i>


    Chu Liang had only heard a bit about her, but Yun Chaoxian knew nothing. Yun Chaoxian, being a muscr man, could only remember who was the best fighter of his generation.


    But both of them nodded and replied simultaneously, "Oh yes, yes."


    Even though they didn''t know who Yu Xiang''er was, they just nodded.


    "I''ve liked Yu Xiang''er for a long time," Chu Liang said seriously, racking his brain to recall the details. "My favorite in the South Melody Conservatory is Xu Xiang''er and my second favorite would be Shen Qingyan. But looking across the entire martial world, my ultimate favorite is Jiangjiang of Mount Shu Sect! Jiang Yuebai![2]


    These were the exact words he had heard from Lin Bei that day; he had only changed one name.


    Upon hearing this, Ren Hongdao¡ªa stern man who had slept with a saber since childhood and whose re could make children on the street stop crying¡ªsuddenly smiled as if he had found a kindred spirit.


    He grabbed Chu Liang''s hand and said, "I also like these two, but my favorite is Shen Qingyan, with Yu Xiang''er as a close second. Since you like them too, we are good friends."


    "Ahaha..." Chu Liang tried to mimic Ren Hongdao''s smile while recalling how Lin Bei had said it. "Qingyan! Qingyan! She is beautiful and has a sweet voice!"


    Ren Hongdao immediately continued excitedly, "My face shines with joy for Qingqing who has my heart!"[3]


    Caught up in Ren Hongdao''s enthusiasm, Chu Liang let out a cheerful shout, "Yay! Yay..."


    It was Zhang Chen who cleared his throat and said, "Ahem, Brother Ren... let''s be mindful of our image."


    Hearing this, Ren Hongdao quickly crossed his arms over his chest, stood up straight, and resumed his stern demeanor. He whispered, "It''s fine. Not many people know me anyway."


    After a bit more conversation, Chu Liang discovered that Yu Xiang''er from the South Melody Conservatory was scheduled to perform here tomorrow. This exined therge crowd lining up for tickets today.


    As core disciples of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, Ren Hongdao and Zhang Chen could have secured high-level seats at Jubnt Melody Hall by revealing their identities, thereby avoiding the queue. However, Zhang Chen had already lied about heading elsewhere to avoid being recognized in Donghuai City and causing problems for the team. Therefore, he joined the queue wearing a mask to maintain his disguise.


    Seeing their appearances, Chu Liang tentatively asked, "Are you two watching the performance so leisurely because you''ve found some clues about Li Feiyu?"


    "Not yet," Zhang Chen replied. "We have no clue at all. It just so happened that Brother Ren is interested in Miss Yu''s performance, so I came with him to enjoy and rx."


    "I see..." Hearing this, Chu Liang felt relieved.


    Zhang Chen then asked, "Isn''t it the same for you two? Have you had any clues?"


    "We haven''t either." Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian immediately shook their heads.


    However, Ren Hongdao started staring at Yun Chaoxian and suddenly asked in a state of confusion, "If you haven''t found any clues, why are you blushing?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Yun Chaoxian became even more nervous.


    Chu Liang, being at the side, answered, "Brother Yun might be feeling shy that he is about to see Miss Yu."


    "Yes, I''m shy," Yun Chaoxian said.


    "That''s understandable," Ren Hongdao nodded. Then, ncing at Yun Chaoxian, he asked, "But why are you not only blushing but also sweating?"


    "Uh..." Chu Liang interjected, "Brother Yun might be feeling a bit hot."


    "Yes, I''m hot," Yun Chaoxian agreed.


    "We who practice martial arts are impervious to heat and cold. How can you be hot? And why are you shaking?" Ren Hongdao pressed further.


    "..." Chu Liang was struggling toe up with an answer at this moment and he couldn''t help but inwardly criticize Yun Chaoxian for his weak nerves.


    But then, Yun Chaoxian answered the question himself.


    "I might be a bit cold..."


    1. This is an undergarment used by women. ?


    2.


    /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-71


    These were Lin Bei''s exact words in chapter 71. ?


    3. "ÇäÇäÎÒÐÄ£¬ÎªÄ㻶ÑÕ (Qing Qing Wo Xin, Wei Ni Huan Yan)" can be tranted into English as "Our hearts are entwined, and I find joy in your smiles." It¡¯s another y on words in which the start of the phrase is Qing and the end is Yan with thebination being Qingyan, the name of their favorite musician in South Melody Conservatory ?

 Chapter 353: Its Her

    <h4>Chapter 353: It''s Her</h4>


    Yu Xiang''er''s performance at Jubnt Melody Hall wasn''t part of a grand tour; she happened to visit and decided to perform here. While it wasmon for disciples of the South Melody Conservatory to perform and support local halls, a visitation from someone of Yu Xiang''er''s caliber was rare.


    This performance wasn''t heavily promoted like her individual tours. As a result, those queuing for tickets were mostly fervent fans from Donghuai City. Despite therge turnout, the crowd didn''t swell beyond that initial group.


    Soon, two women joined the queue from the back.


    "Junior Sister, Miss Ji?" Ren Hongdao looked at them strangely as he asked. "Why are you here too?"


    The two women were none other than Tang Shi and Ji Lingyu, clearly in a situation simr to Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian.


    Upon hearing Ren Hongdao''s question, the two young girls blinked, pondering how to answer. Before they could respond, Chu Liang asked, "You like Yu Xiang''er too?"


    "Ah, yes, yes," Tang Shi and Ji Lingyu nodded eagerly.


    The scene mirrored what had happened earlier.


    "Excellent," Ren Hongdao said with a satisfied nod. "I had no idea there were so many like-minded people in the Great Astral Sect."


    Zhang Chen, standing nearby, watched them with a smile, choosing to remain silent.


    Tang Shi nced at him and asked, "Why is Brother Zhang Chen masked?"


    "Shh," Zhang Chen hushed, raising his finger gently. "Don''t call me by my full name outside."


    Chu Liang chuckled; Zhang Chen''s situation was simr to his own. However, Zhang Chen wore a mask because he was too well-liked, while Chu Liang did so because he was hated by too many people.


    Chu Liang suggested, "I''m in the same situation. Brother Zhang, why not do as I do and use an alias when traveling?"


    "That''s a good idea," Zhang Chen replied.


    "My alias is Chu Liuxiang[1]. Brother Zhang, how about the alias Zhang San[2]?" Chu Liang suggested.


    Zhang Chen: "..."


    The two names were essentially simr, but "Zhang San" sounded less thoughtful and a bit perfunctory inparison.[3]


    That day, they queued for a long time to buy tickets and agreed to watch the performance the next day.


    Back at the inn, Yun Chaoxian said, "This won''t work. My Senior Brother and Zhang Chen are always around. How can we gather information?"


    "Not during the day," Chu Liang suggested. "Why don''t we visit Jubnt Melody Hall at night?"


    ...


    As night fell, Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian arrived outside Jubnt Melody Hall, ready to sneak in under the cover of darkness.


    As they reached the street next to Jubnt Melody Hall and were watching, they saw a shadowy figure climb over the wall and slip inside.


    In the next instant, a melody of a guqin echoed from inside Jubnt Melody Hall.


    <i>Zheng¡ª</i>


    The music was so powerful it seemed almost tangible, and the shadowy figure who had just slipped inside was suddenly propelled back, rolling across the ground.


    Immediately, several guards from Jubnt Melody Hall rushed out through the door.


    They heard shouts from that direction, "These bastards are trying to sneak into Jubnt Melody Hall to lurk around Miss Yu! Beat them to death! Show them no mercy!"


    "Ah! Ah! I won''t dare again!" someone pleaded.


    "..."


    Hearing the person''s screams, Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian both grimaced.


    Unlike ordinary immortal sects, the South Melody Conservatory did not require its disciples to train throughbat. Each core disciple, selected from thousands, was highly valued and not skilled in fighting, so they were typically assigned at least one bodyguard.


    These bodyguards were usually former disciples who had not be core members but possessed high cultivation skills. They were often trained specifically asbat musicians.


    For example, Chu Liang had seen Xue Lingxue before. Although she didn''t appear to have an elder apanying her, there was undoubtedly a bodyguard in her team to protect her in case of danger.


    The person who shouted earlier was likely Yu Xiang''er''s bodyguard. Judging by the strength of the attack, he was probably at the peak of the sixth realm.


    "How do we get in?" Yun Chaoxian asked.


    Chu Liang thought for a moment and said, "To get inside, we need a muscr person to break in through the main gate to distract the bodyguard. Meanwhile, a sharp-minded person should slip in from the side."


    Upon hearing this, Yun Chaoxian hesitated. Then, he asked, "But I''m both strong and sharp-minded. What should I do?"


    "..." Chu Liang paused for a moment before saying, "Then why don''t you give me the chance to be the smart one? Just stride forward and try breaking in."


    Neither of them was one to dawdle; once the n was set, they acted immediately.


    Yun Chaoxian covered his face and, without using his World-Dominating Halberd, charged through the main gate of Jubnt Melody Hall with his fists raised, shouting, "I want to see Yu Xiang''er!"


    "Another one?" The South Melody Conservatory bodyguard inside was furious. The guqin''s sound turned as sharp as a knife.


    <i>Zing! Zing! Zang!¡ª</i>


    Yun Chaoxian was initially frightened and flipped in mid-air twice to narrowly dodge the attacks. "Your attacks were not this fierce earlier!" he eximed.


    "To warn the monkeys, one must first kill the chicken as a warning. If I don''t set an example, everyone will think the South Melody Conservatory is too weak to handle all of you!" Even before the bodyguard appeared before Yun Chaoxian, his voice and the guqin melody had reached him.


    As the melody of the guqin yed, arge formation was instantly set up!


    Yun Chaoxian was now trapped inside, unable to move freely. He could only dodge as best he could, but asionally his tough body was struck a few times. Feeling unlucky, he thought to himself, <i>How did I suddenly be the chicken here?</i>


    Seeing he couldn''t hold on much longer, he suddenly heard a woman''s shout from outside, "<i>Ha!</i>"


    Another person barged into the formation!


    ...


    While the bodyguard was distracted, Chu Liang seized the opportunity to conceal his aura and quietly slipped into Jubnt Melody Hall.


    Once inside, he looked around, hoping to find someone to question and gather information from.


    Though the front of Jubnt Melody Hall seemed small, its interior was quite spacious,plete withndscapes and gardens.


    As Chu Liang was about to cross the garden to reach the area where the apprentices lived, he suddenly heard someone call out from behind, "Young Hero Chu?"


    "Who?" Chu Liang turned around quickly and saw it was Ji Lingyu, letting out a sigh of relief.


    No wonder she recognized him at a nce; Ji Lingyu was extremely sensitive to people''s auras.


    "How did you get in, Miss Ji?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I had Tang Shi create a distraction outside, and I slipped in during themotion," Ji Lingyu said.


    When Chu Liang heard this, he smiled.


    As it turned out, human ingenuity shared a fundamental simrity.


    It was the same with might and vigor.


    "Then, let''s advance together and conceal each other''s presence. Our primary goal is to find Li Feiyu," Chu Liang said.


    "Alright," Ji Lingyu responded softly.


    At this moment, they couldn''t bother distinguishing between friend and foe. All they could do was focus on working together.


    Ji Lingyu was clever and understood the implied meaning of Chu Liang''s words. If she insisted onpeting, Chu Liang would shout, and no one would benefit from the situation.


    The two of them proceeded stealthily together, passing through a garden and reaching arge wooden house. They quietly peeked through a window and saw a hot spring inside, with flower petals floating on the water and the shadows of people underneath.


    Although the water surface obscured their forms and auras, it wasn''t hard to tell through the petals on the water... It seemed that a woman was bathing.


    Ji Lingyu immediately red at Chu Liang and whispered, "Don''t look!"


    Chu Liang quickly turned his back.


    Ji Lingyu nodded in satisfaction and remarked, "You are quite the gentleman."


    "It''s not just about being a gentleman. I suggest you turn around too..." Chu Liang said weakly.


    "I''m a woman too. What''s the harm in taking a look..." Ji Lingyu replied as she turned to take a nce.


    With that nce, she was stunned, frozen in shock.


    It turned out that behind them stood a middle-aged woman in a long purple robe. She held a guqin in her left hand and was ring at them with cold eyes.


    Who else could it be but the South Melody Conservatory bodyguard who had attacked earlier?


    The strength of someone at the peak of the sixth realm was indeed formidable. Even the two core disciples of the Great Astral Sect, Yun Chaoxian and Tangshi, hadn''t managed to dy her for even a moment.


    Ji Lingyu waved her hand and said with a smile, "Esteemed senior, if I tell you we just happened to pass by here, will you let us leave?"


    "<i>Hmph!</i>" The bodyguard snorted coldly and suddenly struck the guqin with her right hand. <i>Zing¡ª</i>


    The sound of the guqin was like a sword, sharp and unstoppable, cutting through the air with indomitable force!


    Chu Liang and Ji Lingyu dodged to either side simultaneously!


    The guqin''s sound naturally disturbed the woman in the hot springs inside the house. She immediately rose from the water and dressed swiftly, all in a single breath.


    A woman exuding a delicate fragrance hurried out of the wooden cabin, asking in shock, "Master Zhao, what happened?"


    The bodyguard replied, "Xiang''er, there''s no need to panic. It''s just two little thieves who sneaked in."


    When she was speaking to this woman, her tone was much gentler.


    In his panic, Chu Liang noticed the woman''s slender figure. Her face was partially hidden by her wet hair, but her beauty was still evident. She exuded an aura of grace, like a lotus emerging from the water.


    On the other side, Ji Lingyu suddenly shouted, "It''s her!"


    1. Chu Liuxiang is the fictional protagonist of the wuxia novel series Chu Liuxiang Series by Taiwanese writer Gu Long. His given name "Liuxiang" literally means "lingering fragrance" and he steals from the rich to help the poor and upholds justice in the martial world. ?


    2. Zhang San is a fictional side character in Chu Liuxiang Series. His existence is kinda like Lackey B. He''s a loyal friend of Chu Liuxiang and he''s famous for being the best at roasting fish, swimming, and loving pearls. ?


    3. Zhang San = Zhang Number Three lol ?

 Chapter 354: Why do you understand it so well?

    <h4>Chapter 354: Why do you understand it so well?</h4>


    "Your names," demanded Musician Zhao of the South Melody Conservatory.


    She sat coldly at the front of the hall as she gazed sternly at the two youths standing in the middle of the hall.


    The youngdy who had just taken a bath sat elegantly on the side, her skin glowing softly in the candlelight. She looked like a lotus flower emerging in a clear pond¡ªso immacte that it was as if she had been carved by deities.


    With long hair draped loosely over her shoulders and limpid eyes reminiscent of a pool of water, the youngdy was the very image of pure and unadulterated beauty.


    This youngdy was Yu Xiang''er.


    There had been rumors in the streets about her. If Shen Qingyan was ravishingly beautiful like a tree peony[1] and Xue Lingxue had a cial beauty that prevented others from approaching her, then Yu Xiang''er was a youthful and gentle beauty that made her seem warm and approachable.


    Chu Liang witnessed it for himself this evening. The rumors appeared to be true.


    Unfortunately, this was not the right moment to appreciate Yu Xiang''er''s beauty... because it was too embarrassing for him to raise his lowered head.


    "Ji Lingyu."


    "Chu Liuxiang."


    Ji Lingyu and Chu Liang gave their names.


    "I attended the Mount Shu Summit. Who are you trying to fool?" Musician Zhao shot Chu Liang a sidelong nce. "I recognize you. You''re Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect. I was there when you killed Taowu."


    "..."


    Chu Liang remained silent for a moment.


    <i>No wonder people fear getting famous like pigs fear getting fattened, especially pigs that have already been caught...</i>[2]


    Chu Liang had to admit, "Esteemed senior, my surname is Chu. My given name is Liang, and my courtesy name is Liuxiang."


    "I don''t care what your real name is, and I don''t care which sects'' prodigies the two of you are. You dared to sneak into Jubnt Melody Hall and peep at a disciple of the South Melody Conservatory. Both acts are disgraceful. I will inform your families and sects and have your elders take you home," Musician Zhao said sternly.


    "No!"


    "Esteemed senior, please don''t!"


    Ji Lingyu and Chu Liang shouted at the same time.


    Ji Lingyu was anxious because she was still running away from home. Everything would be fine if her family didn''te looking for her, but if they did... <i>I can''t go back like this. If they catch me here, they definitely won''t let me leave home for the next ten years.</i>


    Chu Liang was even more nervous than Ji Lingyu. After all, Ji Lingyu was a youngdy. It wasn''t as big a problem for her to get caught peeping at another youngdy, and it would be easier for others to ept her exnation.


    If news were to get out that Chu Liang had gotten caught for peeping at Yu Xiang''er, that would just make his already famous name spread further and even faster across the mortal realm.


    <i>In the future, I will truly have to change my name just so I can live.</i>


    <i>I''m so young, yet I''ve already achieved much sess in cultivation. It would be tragic if I ruined my clean reputation for life because of such a shameful incident.</i>


    Musician Zhao looked at them and asked irritably, "Do you have anything else to say?"


    Chu Liang''s mind raced, and he nced at Yu Xiang''er beside him before revealing the truth.


    "Esteemed senior, please discern the truth. We did note to peep at the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory but to find the notorious thief Li Feiyu from Jiangnan!"


    "Oh?" Musician Zhao uttered in surprise and doubt.


    Chu Liang then told her about the theft of the Baxia Dual Rings from the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor. He also told her how he and Ji Lingyu were helpers in the Great Astral Sect''s trial to select their next head disciple.


    "But what does this have to do with the South Melody Conservatory?" Musician Zhao questioned.


    "That''s because I fought with Li Feiyust night. Esteemed senior, look at this item!"


    Chu Liang turned his hand over, taking the dudou out from his storage tool.


    "..."


    The room fell silent.


    After a while, Musician Zhao questioned quietly, "Do you think I do not know what this is?"


    Chu Liang continued, "I stole this item from that thief."


    Musician Zhao thought that there was something rather odd about this statement.


    <i>You stole this item from a thief... and the item''s a dudou. Doesn''t that make you a scoundrel too?</i>


    <i>He''s a cat burr, and... you''re a perverted thief[3]?</i>


    Chu Liang said, "I won''t go into the details. In short, Miss Ji and I tracked the residual aura on this item to this ce. That''s why we wanted toe in and investigate."


    Throughout his exnation, Chu Liang had kept an eye on Yu Xiang''er and noticed she just sat there quietly the whole time.


    "In that case, your actions are understandable." Musician Zhao finally dropped her stern expression. "However, if there are people connected to the thief in the Jubnt Melody Hall, you could have just informed us. Why sneak in sote at night?"


    "We were still uncertain about the details of the situation. Please forgive us for sneaking in here, esteemed senior," Chu Liang apologized again. Then he stated, "However, Miss Ji did manage to confirm earlier that the owner of this dudou... is Miss Yu."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Musician Zhao uttered, turning to look at Yu Xiang''er.


    It was only then that Yu Xiang''er finally spoke up.


    She gave a slight nod and exined, "I did lose a dudou the day before yesterday. I was too embarrassed to mention it and thought I had just forgotten where I''d ced it. Now, it appears that it might have been stolen."


    As Yu Xiang''er spoke, she nced at Chu Liang.


    Her gaze seemed to be questioning whether the dudou had been stolen by the thief... or Chu Liang. There might even have been someone else in the middle.


    Chu Liang replied, "In that case, it shall finally be returned to its rightful owner today."


    He handed the dudou to Yu Xiang''er. She delicately picked the dudou up with two fingers and put it away.


    "I will conduct a thorough investigation in the Jubnt Melody Hall tomorrow to see if anyone''s acting suspiciously or if there''s anyone who may be connected to that thief," Musician Zhao dered, standing up. "You two can rest assured. If that cat burr is indeed in the Jubnt Melody Hall, we will not let him go unpunished."


    "Esteemed senior, we have full trust in the South Melody Conservatory," Chu Liang said.


    Then Musician Zhao asked, "But didn''t you say that you''re here to assist the disciples of the Great Astral Sect? Why is it just the two of you? Why don''t I see any of them here?"


    Chu Liang answered weakly, "<i>Uh...</i> Esteemed senior, they''re the two people you beat up outside earlier."


    As Chu Liang and Ji Lingyu walked out of the Jubnt Melody Hall, they both let out a long sigh of relief.


    Then Ji Lingyu quickly pointed out, "The dudou led us to a dead end. It will be really hard to find Li Feiyu now."


    "Something''s off about Miss Yu," Chu Liang said definitively. "I''m sure she''s lying."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Ji Lingyu was startled. "Why are you so sure?"


    Chu Liang exined his reasoning with certainty. "Earlier, I deliberately took out the dudou without mentioning what it was first so I could see her reaction. When a woman suddenly sees her lost dudou presented in front of her, her first reaction shouldn''t have been like that, regardless of what situation she was in."


    Recalling Enchantress Liu''s expression from that day and Yu Xiang''er''s expression earlier, Chu Liang slowly analyzed the difference between them.


    Chu Liang continued, "Miss Yu should have shown some embarrassment or anger. Instead, she was very calm. She wasn''t even surprised in the slightest. It was like... she was prepared for it."


    As Ji Lingyu listened to Chu Liang speak, her focus wasn''t on Yu Xiang''er. Instead, she was gazing at Chu Liang with a strange look.


    Ji Lingyu asked, "Why do you understand this matter so well?"


    Chu Liang slowly uttered one word, "Experience."


    That one word made Ji Lingyu shiver. She silently took two steps back, looking at Chu Liang with a terrified gaze.


    ...


    The next day at noon, the Jubnt Melody Hall was crowded with people.


    Unfortunately, the concert they were attending was not part of a tour, so Miss Yu would only perform two or three pieces at most.


    Additionally, the venue wasn''t asrge as what would be used for concerts during a tour; they were only using this hall. The hall wasn''t veryrge, so many residents of Donghuai City stood outside the Jubnt Melody Hall, hoping to hear Miss Yu''s performances.


    When Ren Hongdao and Zhang Chen arrived at the hall, they were surprised to find that Chu Liang, Yun Chaoxian, Ji Lingyu, and Tang Shi weren''t the only ones there...


    Li Fujian and Zhuge Guanxing were sitting with them.


    "Junior Brother, do you also like Miss Yu?" Ren Hongdao asked, pleasantly surprised.


    Li Fujian nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes."


    Standing behind Ren Hongdao, Zhang Chen rubbed his forehead helplessly and decided he had to say something.


    However, when he opened his mouth to speak, he noticed an adorable and innocent-looking little girl sitting on Chu Liang''s right. She hadrge eyes that were filled with spiritual qi. It appeared that she was there with Chu Liang.


    Zhang Chen curiously asked, "This is...?"


    Smiling, Chu Liang introduced the little girl. "Oh, this is Liu Xiaoyu''er, the champion of my sect''s Mahjong Tournament."


    "Miss Liu rushed here all the way from Mount Shu?"


    "Yes, Xiaoyu''er loves singing and dancing. When she heard that Miss Yu was holding a concert here, she made a fuss and insisted oning."


    Beside Chu Liang, Liu Xiaoyu''er''s little head drooped down upon recalling something unpleasant.[4]


    Chu Liang nudged Liu Xiaoyu''er gently. "Isn''t that right?"


    "Yes," Liu Xiaoyu said with a pained expression. "I love singing and dancing the most."


    1. The line directly tranted to ¡°national beauty and heavenly fragrance¡±. It''s another term for the tree peony, which has long been revered as the ¡°king of flowers¡± in China. ?


    2. It''s talking about pigs getting prepared for ughter. In other words, because Musician Zhao knows who he is, he can''t lie his way out of this. So, he thinks he''s screwed. ?


    3. Basically a panty thief lol. ?


    4. Back when Chu Liang first saw Liu Xiaoyu''er, she was auditioning to be one of Xue Lingxue''s dance partners... and failed miserably lol. You can read the scene again here. ?

 Chapter 355: How Dare You Hit Me!

    <h4>Chapter 355: How Dare You Hit Me!</h4>


    The local musicians of this branch of the Jubnt Melody Hall were the first to perform. They were considered the local masters in Donghuai City, with their skills honed to perfection. Paired with singing and dancing, their performance was brilliant.


    Although most of the audience came for Yu Xiang¡¯er and were not very knowledgeable about music, they could still feel the excellence of the performance and responded enthusiastically.


    After the musicians finished their performance, it was finally Yu Xiang¡¯er¡¯s turn to take the stage, and the atmosphere in the venue instantly reached its peak.


    Yu Xiang¡¯er appeared alone, without any apaniment or backup dancers. She walked up the stage and sat in the center of the stage by herself.


    Her long hair flowed gracefully as she wore a blue and white dress that trailed on the ground, revealing her fair-skinned arms. When she looked up, she radiated an aura reminiscent of Jiangnan''s misty rain.


    Before she appeared, the hall was filled with noise, but as she gently walked to the center of the stage, the entire hall subconsciously fell silent.


    Yu Xiang''er specialized in ying a long flute.


    Upon seeing that she had sat down, Chu Liang cast a nce at Zhuge Guanxing.


    Seeing this, Zhuge Guanxing got up and started walking to the exit.


    Before long, Zhuge Guanxing returned, his eyes gleaming slightly, and gave Chu Liang a subtle nod.


    Chu Liang nodded back, then turned to Xiaoyu''er beside him and said with a determined smile, "Wish me luck."


    "Mm!" Xiaoyu''er responded, her brows immediately frowning with nervousness.


    She had been acting as a mascot in Berry Wondend, giving blessings to people every day, which was not tiring. So, when Chu Liang suddenly offered her a day off, she was naturally happy.


    However, when Chu Liang mentioned that he wanted to take her to a music performance, the girl immediately refused.


    She had once failed to sneak into South Gate City because she couldn''t sing or dance at all.


    When it came to the arts of singing and dancing, she had no interest in either.


    She would rather stay at Silver Sword Peak giving blessings than travel a thousand li to listen to a performance. However, when Chu Liang insisted that he really needed her for something important, she reluctantly agreed toe along.


    The little girl was no longer just a helper; now she was an important mascot of Berry Wondend. Her opinion mattered more now, so Chu Liang had to ask her nicely to get her to do anything.


    After all, no matter where you work, being irreceable was the most important thing.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang stood up and said to Yun Chaoxian next to him, "Hit me."


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian''s eyes widened in surprise. He never expected Brother Chu to make such a request in public.


    Chu Liang nced at the stage behind him and said, "Just aim for that direction."


    "With full force?" Yun Chaoxian asked, bewildered.


    "Uh... Seventy percent," Chu Liang replied after a moment''s hesitation. Considering Yun Chaoxian''s rapid cultivation progress, it was safer to hold back a bit to avoid taking a full-force hit.


    Immediately, Yun Chaoxian swung his fist, aiming to deliver precisely seventy percent of his strength, and struck Chu Liang squarely in the chest!


    <i>BAAAAAAM¡ª</i>


    He was surprised to feel at least twenty percent of the force rebound onto himself, twisting his right arm and mming his body back into his chair, instantly crushing it!


    Chu Liang''s body was also thrown forward, flying straight toward Yu Xiang''er on the stage! While he was in mid-air, he didn''t forget to shout, "How dare you hit me¡ª"


    Yu Xiang¡¯er had just started her performance. The sound of the flute was melodious, with a gentle breeze, bright moonlight, and the fragrance of exotic flowers. The entire audience, including her, was immersed in it.


    Suddenly, an unexpected change urred as a figure flew toward her.


    Yu Xiang''er opened her eyes wide in surprise.


    Instantly, the sound of the flute changed. The gentle breeze swirling around the venue transformed into a howling whirlwind, protecting her and preventing anyone from approaching.


    In her haste, this was her quickest response.


    However, Chu Liang not only used the force from Yun Chaoxian''s punch but also his own blood-burning power, crashing through the whirlwind with a bang!


    He collided next to Yu Xiang''er, grabbing her arm and pulling her down to the ground with him.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The ident happened so suddenly that everyone in the audience stood up, trying to see what had happened.


    Yu Xiang''er also tried to stand up, but as soon as she did, Chu Liang quickly grabbed her wrist again.


    "Miss Yu, you are not hurt, are you?" he asked loudly.


    "Let go!" she demanded, shaking off his hand.


    "Oh... Miss Yu, give me a hand," Chu Liang cried out miserably, grabbing her arm once more.


    Yu Xiang''er wanted to p him, but with so many people watching, she reluctantly broke free. Before she could move, she felt her ankle tighten as Chu Liang grabbed it.


    "Miss Yu, sorry for disrupting your performance," he apologized, lying on the ground.


    "Let go of me first," Yu Xiang''er said in a grimaced voice.


    "Oh, okay." Chu Liang suddenly leaped up, stopping his howls of pain as if they had never happened. He gave a bow to the audience and quickly slipped off the stage.


    Yu Xiang''er was left alone, frowning in puzzlement for a long time. It wasn''t until everything was reorganized on the stage that she resumed her performance.


    ...


    Chu Liang and his group did not stay at the Jubnt Melody Hall but went straight back to the inn.


    That evening, a letter arrived from the Jubnt Melody Hall¡ªan invitation from Yu Xiang''er. Chu Liang smiled, as if he had anticipated this.


    Yun Chaoxian, Li Fujian, and Zhuge Guanxing joined him to meet Yu Xiang''er. This was the arrangement between both groups.


    In a quiet room at the Jubnt Melody Hall, Yu Xiang''er sat silently. When she saw them arrive, she stood up and bowed.


    Her expression was calm, with a hint of loneliness that made her appear more fragile. The expression could easily evoke sympathy.


    "Miss Yu," the group greeted her as they gently took their seats.


    "There''s not much for me to say. You have one of the Baxia Dual Rings, which means the evidence is conclusive," said Yu Xiang''er.


    Indeed, Chu Liang had dramatically flown onto the stage to steal one of the Baxia Dual Rings from her. It was a risky move, but there was no better option at the time.


    However, he had made careful ns. He first called on Zhuge Guanxing to perform a divination to determine if the Baxia Dual Rings were with Yu Xiang''er.


    While locating the rings with a general divination reading would have been too difficult for Zhuge Guanxing, the task of divination focusing on a specific item and a specific person would be much easier.


    At that time, Zhuge Guanxing had performed divination calctions from below the stage and confirmed that the Baxia Dual Rings were indeed with Yu Xiang''er.


    However, whether or not Chu Liang could retrieve the Baxia Dual Rings by touch alone depended on luck, but luck just so happened to be the strong suit of a koi fish.


    With the blessing of the koi, Chu Liang managed to grab three items from Yu Xiang''er: a mask identical to the one Li Feiyu wore that day, a pill, and an ancient, heavy golden ring imbued with dragon qi.


    This ring was one of the Baxia Dual Rings, making the evidence conclusive.


    However, Chu Liang did not expose her on the spot. He quietly left. After all, the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory were public figures. If this incident became known to the public, regardless of the reasons, Yu Xiang''er''s reputation would be ruined.


    And so, Chu Liang wanted to hear her reasoning first.


    "Actually, there''s something I don''t understand," Chu Liang began. "Li Feiyu has been stealing in Jiangnan for years. He has always targeted cultivators who bullied themon folk and wealthy households that were unkind. He often helped the poor, earning a reputation for robbing the rich to help the poor. But the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor is far away in the East Sea... Why did you steal from them?"


    "Because..." Yu Xiang''er paused before continuing, "I am not the real Li Feiyu."


    "Hmm?" The group looked at her in surprise.


    "I stole the Baxia Dual Rings to rescue the real Li Feiyu," she exined.

 Chapter 356: Li Family Affairs

    <h4>Chapter 356: Li Family Affairs</h4>


    "Everyone knows that I am an orphan," Yu Xiang''er began her story softly, with a hint of sadness in her tone.


    "I am too," Chu Liang said. There was aforting tone in his voice.


    Yun Chaoxian sighed and added, "Me too."


    Li Fujian also said sadly, "Who isn''t?"


    Although he had some rtives, his parents died when he was young, so he was technically an orphan. This statement struck a chord with him.


    "I am not!" Zhuge Guanxing immediately interjected, widening his eyes. He didn''t dare to follow along on this matter.


    <i>Great. I was just invited here as a helper but they almost made me curse my parents to death.</i>


    The Zhuge family had considerable influence in the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. Not only were Zhuge Guanxing''s parents still alive, but they also held high positions within the Mountain of Immortals. Like Li Shiyi, he came from a long lineage of immortal cultivators.


    The three simultaneously nced at the one who wouldn''t cooperate and follow along. Then, they turned back and said, "Miss Yu, please continue."


    Yu Xiang''er paused for a moment. She had been deeply immersed in her sadness, only to be suddenly interrupted. At this moment, she had lost touch with that sorrow and couldn''t find it again.


    With no other choice, she nodded slightly and said, "Okay."


    Then she continued, "But actually, I have a brother."


    <i>I have never heard about you having a brother</i>, Chu Liang thought. <i>But it''s not like I know much about the core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory.</i>


    "My father was a notorious thief who roamed the martial world for many years, even earning the title of Saint of Thieves. In the end, he met his retribution," Yu Xiang''er said softly. "When my brother and I were still young, he was killed after a failed attempt."


    "Oh?" The people present were a bit surprised.


    Saint of Thieves...


    Everyone had heard of this title. It seemed that there really was a Saint of Thieves in the Northern Regions back then, who specially targeted various immortal and diabolical sects. After every sessful theft, he would leave a symbol of his own.


    This Saint of Thieves was extremely arrogant. Nevertheless, it was said that he died a tragic deathter on.


    "At that time, my brother was only thirteen, and I was only four," she said as she delved into the past, seemingly unveiling some painful memories. "When our father died, his so-called friends turned against us, hunting for my brother and me to seize our family''s secret manual. To avoid being captured, we fled to Jiangnan."


    "My brother''s cultivation level was not high, and he had to care for me, a helpless child who knew nothing of the world. Desperate and out of options, he secretly left me at the entrance of the Jubnt Melody Hall in Donghuai City."


    "That was the day that I lost track of him," Yu Xiang''er continued, her voice tinged with sorrow. "The next day, a master from the Jubnt Melody Hall, with the surname Yu, stepped out of the door and found me at the entrance. She adopted me, and I took her surname. But my actual surname is Li."


    "So..." Chu Liang interrupted, "Miss Yu, your real name is... Li Xiang?"


    "Yes." Yu Xiang''er nodded and continued, "I had no idea that I would be musically talented. As I continued on this path, I eventually joined the South Melody Conservatory. Two years ago, I began to gain some fame and organized my first tour. It was during that tour that I met my brother again."


    Yu Xiang''er exined, "At that time, I found out he had be a thief. However, he aspired to be a heroic thief. He gave himself the name Li Feiyu and was already somewhat famous in Jiangnan.


    "But because of his identity, I couldn''t acknowledge him as my brother. The South Melody Conservatory has strict requirements for us. If it were known that I had a brother who was a thief, I would no longer be able topete for the head disciple position."


    This was also well-known. During their years of touring, the core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory were held to stringent standards. They were not allowed to date, nor could they be caught breaking thew or have any blemishes on their records. In short, any w could disqualify them frompeting for the head disciple position.


    To normal people like Chu Liang and his friends, these requirements were excessively strict.


    For example, if Chu Liang were in that position, being discovered meeting with Senior Sister Jiang in private could lead to harsh criticism, and he might be forced to leave the martial world forever.


    If Yun Chaoxian were in that position, his frequent swearing would already warrant an apology by death.


    In short, the head disciple selected by the South Melody Conservatory each generation had to be someone who was nearly perfect.


    "But because my brother insisted, I began practicing our family''s divine technique with him," Yu Xiang''er continued. "Eventually, I also asionally joined him in his thefts, and the name ''Li Feiyu'' became something we both shared."


    As she spoke, a faint glimmer of light shed in her eyes.


    Chu Liang keenly noticed that Yu Xiang''er had enjoyed the thrill of stealing and might even take pride in the title of a heroic thief.


    Otherwise, when he had previously contacted her through the criminal world, she didn''t actually need to respond.


    The mere thought of this dual life was thrilling. By day, she was a highly respected core disciple of the South Melody Conservatory, bound by many rules. By night, she transformed into the Heroic Thief of Jiangnan, stealing from the rich to help the poor. The contrast was striking.


    Yu Xiang''er exined, "He said he named himself Li Feiyu[1] because, in his time of distress, he was rescued by a Flying Fish Demon. The esteemed Flying Fish Demon brought him underwater to escape his pursuers. Not only did this esteemed senior save him, but he also told my brother that he wouldn''t live much longer. He instructed my brother to return to his water mansion after a few years to refine the Flying Fish Soul that would arise from his remains.


    "A few days ago, my brother returned to that water mansion, but he didn''t find the Flying-Fish Soul Essence. Instead, he encountered a group of aquatic demons. The leader of the aquatic demons had a high cultivation level. If they had been onnd, my brother wouldn''t have been captured. However, it was difficult for him to use his power effectively in the water, and so he was caught.


    "The aquatic demons initially nned to kill him, but when he overheard them talking about their search for the Baxia Dual Rings, he imed he knew where to find them and offered to retrieve the rings for them," Yu Xiang''er said, shaking her head. "But the aquatic demons didn''t believe him, so he had to write a letter to me. They gave me a month to steal the Baxia Dual Rings in exchange for his release.


    "After I stole the Baxia Dual Rings, I felt deeply conflicted," Yu Xiang''er confessed, her eyes flickering with emotion. "We''ve never used Li Feiyu''s name to steal from good people before. This precious item from the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor is an exception.


    "I could inform the sect and ask for help from the South Melody Conservatory to save my brother," she mused. "But if I did that, I''d lose my chance topete for the head disciple position."


    She must have felt genuinely conflicted. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have held onto the Baxia Dual Rings for days without delivering them.


    Apart from the dys caused by her schedule at the Jubnt Melody Hall, the main reason was likely her internal conflict over whether to give away someone else''s valuable item or sacrifice her own future.


    Hearing about her situation, Li Fujian felt a surge of emotion.


    "So you''re actually the Heroic Thief of Jiangnan. I''ve always admired people like you..." Li Fujian said. He paused before suggesting, "Why don''t we hand the Baxia Dual Rings over to those aquatic demons first and get your brother back? Then, the Great Astral Sect can move in and eliminate them. Everything will turn out fine."


    "That''s not realistic. We want to save both siblings, but what if the aquatic demons take the Baxia Dual Rings and immediately escape?" Zhuge Guanxing countered. "We don''t know how strong they are. To ensure we get the valuable item back, we need to notify the elders of an immortal sect in advance."


    "That is indeed not a good idea," Yun Chaoxian nodded. "I think it''s better if I wear the Baxia Dual Rings and go there to wipe out those aquatic demons myself."


    Zhuge Guanxing stayed silent for a moment before turning to Li Fujian. "Why don''t we discuss which elder we should ask for help?"


    "There''s no need to trouble you all," Yu Xiang''er said with a sigh. "Before I invited you here, I had already prepared myself. With my current ability, I might not be able to win the position of head disciple at the South Melody Conservatory. I''ll report this matter to the sect and take responsibility myself."


    As she spoke, she took out the other golden ring and ced it in the center. "This is one of the Baxia Dual Rings. Please return them to their rightful owner."


    As Chu Liang stored the golden ring away, he suddenly suggested, "Actually, I think what they said earlier makes sense. The four of us can keep this secret and rescue your brother. Miss Yu, you won''t have to reveal yourself. This way, there won''t be any negative consequences."


    He wanted to do this for two reasons: firstly, to help Yu Xiang''er, and secondly, because he had heard that there were demons.


    When it came to tasks like ying demons, Chu Liang was always the first to say yes.


    "But this way..." Yu Xiang''er looked at them incredulously, unable to believe they would actually help her.


    "I think this is great." A voice suddenly came from outside the quiet room.


    Everyone was startled and turned to see two figures pushing the door open.


    It turned out to be Zhang Chen and Ren Hongdao, with Ren Hongdao being the one who had just spoken.


    By suspending a sheet of paper over their heads, Zhang Chen and Ren Hongdao managed to conceal their presencepletely. As a result, no one noticed them.


    It was broad daylight, with people passing to and fro inside the Jubnt Melody Hall. Yu Xiang''er''s bodyguard likely didn''t notice them either.


    "Eldest Senior Brother, why are you here?" Yun Chaoxian asked.


    "Brother Zhang and I noticed something was off with you," Ren Hongdao replied coldly.


    Zhang Chen stood by with a smile, not saying a single word.


    "After we left the Jubnt Melody Hall, we kept an eye on you. Sure enough, you came back here to see Miss Yu," Ren Hongdao said as he and Zhang Chen both sat down. "Miss Yu, rest assured. You can count on us to resolve this matter."


    "You..." Yu Xiang''er''s eyes shimmered with emotion, clearly moved by their support.


    Seeing this lineup, Chu Liang chuckled and said, "Since most of us are here, why don''t we invite Miss Ji and Miss Tang to join the fun?"


    "Hmph, we''ve been here for a while!" a clear voice sounded from outside the window.


    With a creak, the window was pushed open, revealing Ji Lingyu and Tang Shi outside the window.


    "When the incident happened on stage, I knew something was off and I have been keeping an eye on you both since then," Ji Lingyu said with augh.


    With her irvoyant eyes, it was indeed impossible to hide from her.


    "All of you have been listening..." Yu Xiang''er felt momentarily speechless.


    "Yes, Elder Sister Yu," Ji Lingyu said as she excitedly climbed in through the window. "I had no idea you were Li Feiyu, the famous Heroic Thief of Jiangnan. That''s amazing! Don''t worry, your secret is safe with us!"


    Yu Xiang''er stared nkly at the people in front of her.


    These people were from the Great Astral Sect, the Mount Shu Sect, the Ji Family, the Ascending Dragon Academy, and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    Members of the Divine Nine, the Terrestrial Ten, and the noble families were all gathered here. It seemed that whether this remained a secret or not was now irrelevant...


    For a moment, she looked at these young and passionate faces, and her eyes suddenly filled with tears.


    "Thank you all."


    1. Feiyu (·ÉÓã) means Flying Fish. ?

 Chapter 357: Fish Connection

    <h4>Chapter 357: Fish Connection</h4>


    Liu Xiaoyu''er looked at the surging Qinnan River in front of her, suddenly feeling rather out of ce.


    After staying on a mountain for so long, she seemed to have forgotten how to swim.


    The little girl could never have dreamed that this task would suddenly fall on her shoulders.


    "Just go and find the general location of that water mansion, and if possible, check out the strength of the aquatic demons inside," Chu Liang said from beside her. "Of course, the most important thing is your safety. Come back immediately if anything unexpected happens."


    To rescue Li Feiyu from the water mansion, the first thing they had to do was to determine its location. Nevertheless, the group of aquatic demons had only told Yu Xiang''er to go to this riverbank one monthter to make the trade. They hadn''t disclosed the underwater location of the water mansion.


    The problem was that the deep waters of the river prevented Chu Liang''s group from scanning the river with their divine sense. Moreover, no one could clearly see the depths of the river from the riverbank. Consequently, their only option left was to dive into the river and search.


    To do that, they would need to constantly use the Water-Repelling Seal. However, they would suffer the negative side effect of having theirbat power significantly weakened, as was the case with using many divine skills in session. If they were to encounter aquatic demons in such a state, they would be at a great disadvantage.


    Right then, Chu Liang thought of Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er was normally just a silly little girl, but her true form was a river fish that had absorbed the Flying-Fish Soul Essence. Onnd, she ran like the wind, and in the water, she swam as swiftly as lightning. Ordinary aquatic demons couldn''t catch up with her.


    The little girl was rathercking in intelligence, but she had exceptional luck, which allowed her to avoid many dangers with ease. She would make the perfect underwater scout.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er hesitated on the riverbank for a moment. Then she dived into the river, turning into a colorful beam of light.


    Chu Liang and the others watched over the riverbank, waiting for Liu Xiaoyu''er to return with some information.


    After some time, Chu Liang began to worry about Liu Xiaoyu''er. <i>She''s been gone for quite a long time. Could something have happened to her?</i>


    <i>It''s just a simple scouting task, but Xiaoyu''er hasn''t experienced many dangerous situations before. What if she found herself in a dangerous situation and didn''t know how to escape? Or what if she encountered some vicious aquatic demons? Won''t I be guilty of exploiting a child...? </i>[1]


    Chu Liang couldn''t sit still any longer and nned to go into the river to find out what happened to Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Just as he was about to dive in, he heard two sshes of water. Two beams of light shot out from the water.


    In the blink of an eye, the beams of light faded and revealed two humanoid figures. One was Liu Xiaoyu''er. Seeing her immediately put Chu Liang at ease.


    The other was a young woman who looked simr to Liu Xiaoyu''er, but she had a denser aura and a rather steely expression.


    <i>Who is this?</i> Chu Liang wondered inwardly.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er excitedly skipped over to Chu Liang and said, "Big Bro Chu Liang, this is my big sis!"


    "Your older sister?"


    "Yes, she is the leader of those aquatic demons."


    "<i>Huh?!</i>"


    The group of elite immortality disciples immediately tensed up and spread out, readying themselves for a fight.


    Yun Chaoxian looked at Liu Xiaoyu''er and then at her older sister.


    Then he suddenly realized, "So, you''re a spy that the aquatic demons sent to Mount Shu!"


    "Brother Yun, do not use that brain of yours[2] to make conjectures about what''s going on." Chu Liang quickly stopped him. "I''ll exin everything to all of youter."


    Chu Liang had long known that Liu Xiaoyu''er had an older sister. However, back then, her older sister had encountered the young lord of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess and nearly died at that cheating scumbag''s hands. Later on, Chu Liang and his teacher sought OId Man Sikong''s help to find Liu Xiaoyu''er''s sister.


    <i>Old Man Sikong said that Liu Xiaoyu''er''s older sister had her own destiny.</i>


    <i>So, that destiny was here?</i>


    It turned out that the leader of the aquatic demons was a koi-fish demon.


    Liu Xiaoyu''er''s older sister looked at Chu Liang''s group with a cold expression, but she only spoke to Chu Liang.


    "I''m Liu Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu''er said you''ve been very kind to her. Come with me."


    The group of people left behind watched Chu Liang dive into the river with the two fish demons.


    Yun Chaoxian muttered, "I knew Brother Chu had extensive connections, but I didn''t expect that he would even have fish connections[3] with such a wide reach. Truly remarkable."


    The others nodded in agreement.


    ...


    During the underwater journey, Xiaoyu''er [4] chattered away, telling Chu Liang about what had happened to her older sister.


    It turned out that when Master Lu injured Liu Xiaoyu back then, the smell of her blood in the water had attracted some demonic beasts. Despite being surrounded by perils, she managed to escape, and it just so happened that the ce she escaped to was an ancient tomb. That tomb turned out to be the legendary Baxia''s tomb!


    Liu Xiaoyu found Baxia''s soul essence, simr to the Flying-Fish Soul Essence that Xiaoyu''er had fused with. Like the Flying-Fish Soul Essence, the Baxia Soul Essence contained Baxia''s physical power. However, Baxia was far more powerful than the Flying Fish Demon. Baxia was a second-generation draconic descendant, carrying the pure blood of a True Dragon.


    Liu Xiaoyu fused with the Baxia Soul Essence. She gained formidable physical strength, and her injuries were healed. However, she discovered that the tomb had a second floor that she couldn''t ess with her current power. She could only do it if she possessed the legendary Baxia Dual Rings.


    After leaving Baxia''s tomb, Liu Xiaoyu swam through countless rivers, subduing many aquatic demons. She formed a force of aquatic demons and brought it to Qinnan River.


    Liu Xiaoyu had lost her younger sister in the Qinnan River, so she chose to stay there to continue searching for her younger sister. Unexpectedly, after many days of fruitless searching, Xiaoyu''er delivered herself right to Liu Xiaoyu.


    It seemed that it was perhaps due to her past trauma that Liu Xiaoyu now had an instinctive aversion to humans and was unfriendly toward them.


    After listening to Xiaoyu''er''s recount of what her older sister had experienced, Chu Liang told Liu Xiaoyu, "Master Lu died by my hands, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was killed by my teacher, and the Young Lord was captured and beheaded in the capital of Yu. Revenge has been served on your behalf, Miss Xiaoyu."


    Hearing that, Liu Xiaoyu looked at him with aplicated gaze. As her gaze softened a little, she turned away.


    She said, "You''re here to rescue that male human, right?"


    "That''s right. His younger sister is our friend, so we want to rescue him," Chu Liang replied.


    "In light of your kindness to Xiaoyu''er, I won''t make things difficult for you, especially since you even got revenge for me."


    At this time, they arrived at the bottom of the river, in front of therge turquoise gates of the water mansion.


    Liu Xiaoyu stepped forward and pushed open the gates of the water mansion. There was a group of shrimp soldiers and crab generals inside. They didn''t seem very strong.


    Seeing Liu Xiaoyu return, they all rushed up and shouted fawningly.


    "Great King, you''re back!"


    "Great King, are you okay?"


    "Great King, is this human also a prisoner?" "..."


    Liu Xiaoyu waved her hand dismissively without responding. She then led Chu Liang around the front courtyard to the back of the water mansion, where there was a ck-d man tied to a pir.


    The young man was thin and handsome. He bore some resemnce to Yu Xiang''er, indicating he was indeed Li Feiyu.


    Upon seeing Liu Xiaoyu, Li Fei softly said, "Can you let me down to move around a bit? I can''t beat you anyway. What are you afraid of¡ª"


    "Don''t worry. I''ll let you go now." Liu Xiaoyu pointed at Chu Liang. "He''s here to rescue you."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Li Feiyu uttered as he looked up at Chu Liang in surprise.


    Chu Liang smiled and exined, "We''re here to rescue you on Miss Yu''s behalf."


    Tears welled up in Li Feiyu''s eyes. "Finally, someone hase to rescue me. Brother, I''ve been here for so many days... I''m about to swell up."


    Fortunately for Li Feiyu, he was a cultivator; an ordinary person would have gotten all swollen and bloated by now, having stayed underwater for so long. Even a cultivator would feel extremely ufortable in such a situation.


    Liu Xiaoyu added, "You should thank Young Hero Chu. If not for him, I wouldn''t release you without the Baxia Dual Rings."


    "About that..." Chu Liang suddenly said. "Miss Xiaoyu, if you need the Baxia Dual Rings just to open the door to the second floor, I can lend them to you this once. After you''re done with them, you can return them to Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor."


    Liu Xiaoyu''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    She only wanted the Baxia Dual Rings so that she could open up the second floor of Baxia''s tomb. Borrowing it once and returning itter would be enough to achieve her goal.


    Chu Liang smiled. "I wouldn''t feel at ease if it were anyone else. But you are Xiaoyu''er''s sister, so you have my full trust."


    <i>That''s how the martial world works. You help me, and I help you.</i>


    <i>Isn''t this how we establish connections with the fish demons?</i>


    1. Yes... your reputation is what''s most important, Chu Liang... ?


    2. GT: LOL | LD: Yes. I had to be quite specific about this phrasing convey the right tone. XD ?


    3. As in like human connection or business connections, but fish version lol. ?


    4. To try and make things a little less confusing with the names, when the younger of the fish sisters is mentioned in chapters where both are present, we won''t be using her surname. ?

 Chapter 358: Dragon Soul of a Baxia

    <h4>Chapter 358: Dragon Soul of a Baxia</h4>


    "I am finally out," Li Feiyu eximed with a heartfelt sigh as he emerged from the water.


    In that moment, he thought to himself that he might as well change his name to Li Feihu[1] or Li Feiniao[2] when he got back. Having the word "fish" in his name seemed to have brought him much misfortune.


    "Brother..." Yu Xiang''er approached him, the worry in her eyes finally dissipating.


    Li Feiyu looked up and saw that arge group of people had gathered around him. He asked nervously, "Are all these people your friends?"


    "Yes," Yu Xiang¡¯er replied.


    "I''m not quite used to seeing so many people all of a sudden," Li Feiyu admitted.


    Chu Liang, who stood at the back, listened and wondered if Li Feiyu''s reaction was due to being underwater for too long or simply a result of his upational habits.


    He then stepped forward and said to the others, "Xiaoyu is not an evil demon. She was hurt by humans before, which is why she isn''t very friendly. She needs the Baxia Dual Rings for something important, which is why all this happened. Now that everything''s out in the open, I want to lend her the Baxia Dual Rings. She''ll return them right after. Is that alright with everyone?"


    The members of the Great Astral Sect exchanged nces before Ren Hongdao nodded and said, "No problem."


    The harmonious resolution of this matter was thanks to Chu Liang''s acquaintance with the koi-fish demon. Lending the rings once was certainly no big deal.


    In fact, Li Zhutian had a straightforward personality. If a friend had asked to borrow the Baxia Dual Rings, he wouldn''t have minded. This entire incident urred simply because there was nomunication between them.


    This further highlighted the importance of connections.


    While everyone else returned to Donghuai City to wait, Yun Chaoxian apanied Chu Liang back to the water mansion.


    In theory, Chu Liang was there to supervise the aquatic demons and ensure they didn''t run off with the Baxia Dual Rings. Yun Chaoxian, in turn, was there to supervise Chu Liang to make sure he didn''t abscond with the rings. Of course, this was just a formality.


    When Liu Xiaoyu took the pair of golden rings, she gently thanked them. Then, she turned around and shouted, "Everyone, follow me!"


    Before she finished speaking, she picked up a pair of massive, drum-shaped weapons known as Drumming Urn Golden Hammers, each several timesrger than her head.


    "At yourmand!" the shrimp soldiers and crab generals responded loudly.


    Seeing her imposing demeanor, Chu Liang couldn''t help but click his tongue in surprise. It was hard to imagine that this formidable figure was Xiaoyu''er''s big sister.


    Xiaoyu''er was equally amazed as she had never seen her elder sister like this before.


    During the time they were apart, both sisters had undergone significant changes. Xiaoyu''er had be an honorable worker, while her elder sister had risen to the position of the great ruler of this water mansion.


    A grand procession of aquatic demons set out immediately.


    Liu Xiaoyu had likely stayed in this mansion, hoping to chance upon her little sister nearby. After all, the Baxia''s tomb, the location in which she had gained the opportunity for the transformation, was some distance away from this water mansion.


    Chu Liang and Yun Chaoxian followed them, swimming underwater for a long time until they finally arrived at a deep, dark underwater cave dwelling.


    Liu Xiaoyu, clutching her Golden Thunder Drum Urn Hammers, led the way and rushed in, with the rest of the group following closely behind.


    As they navigated through the cave, a faint glimmer of light appeared ahead. The narrow passage suddenly opened up into a vast, illuminated space.


    "Wow¡ª" the demons eximed in surprise.


    Before themy a vast underwater valley, encircled by endless green stone walls. At a nce, all that could be seen was the horizon. Directly ahead stood a massive ck statue, worn down and covered in aquatic nts. Despite the erosion, it was clear that this was the body of a giant tortoise. However, the tortoise had a dragon''s head.


    Chu Liang recognized this mountain-like statue. It wasn''t just a giant tortoise; it was the legendary Dragon''s Son, Baxia, the most powerful among the draconic descendants.[3]


    A ck fissure marred the shell of the massive statue. It might have been just a crack on a mountain, but it was a few zhang tall, serving as a passageway for them.


    Liu Xiaoyu led the demons through this passage.


    The inner space was expansive, with ancient dragon carvings adorning the surrounding stone walls. These carvings were simr in style to those Chu Liang and the others had seen in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    Using his divine sense, he scanned the carvings, quickly breezing through their content.


    The carvings told the life story of a draconic descendant. This Baxia was the offspring of a pureblood True Dragon and a giant tortoise, born with extraordinary divine strength. Due to this innate ability, once it reached adulthood, the Baxia was chosen by the great Dragon God to carry its throne.


    Of course, this was a symbolic throne, not one that required Baxia to carry the Dragon God daily.


    But the Dragon God diedter on. The following scenes depicted events that Chu Liang had witnessed in the jade carvings in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, which was why he had some understanding of this part of history.


    However, what followed caught his attention.


    The jade carvings in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm had not recorded the copse of the Ancient Dragon Lair, as it had fallen before then. However, the carvings on the statue of Baxia detailed how it happened.


    The carvings depicted a few small figures watching as the Dragon God died. The Dragon n seemed to harbor great hatred for these individuals. After many years of searching, the king of the dragons finally located theirir and led an army of dragons from the Dragon Lair to attack it.


    However, before the battle couldmence, the enemy attacked the Dragon Lair. None of the carvings depict scenes of a battle between the dragons and those existences, but a fierce battle must have urred, leading to the copse of the Dragon Lair.


    The remaining dragons fled to the distant Abyss of the Hidden Dragons, while others scattered and escaped to various parts of the human world.


    This Baxia was likely a remnant of that battle. It was heavily injured when it drifted to this location. Upon sensing that its lifespan was nearing its end, it hastily built this tomb for itself.


    These carvings, though crude and simple, held a wealth of information. Why did the Dragon God die? What caused the copse of the Ancient Dragon Lair? Why did Baxia refuse to describe the details of that battle, even in its dying breath?


    These questions were indeed thought-provoking.


    Regardless, the aquatic demons didn''t care about these carvings. They hadn''t even taken a close look at them. Yun Chaoxian was equally indifferent. In some ways, he wasn''t much different from the aquatic demons.


    So, despite the lively atmosphere, Chu Liang was the only one paying attention to the story.


    Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoyu was preparing to push open the stone wall.


    Behind the stone wally the second floor of Baxia''s tomb, but it seemed as if the weight of the entire mountain and river was pressing on it. Previously, Liu Xiaoyu couldn''t push the door open by herself, even though she had merged with Baxia Soul Essence.


    However, things were different this time. She now wore the Baxia Dual Rings, which gifted the wearer the divine strength of the celestial beast Baxia.


    With thebined power of the Baxia Dual Rings and Baxia Soul Essence, it was as though the dragon''s child from back then had reappeared!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As Liu Xiaoyu pressed her slender hand against the stone wall, her arms adorned with the golden rings, she exerted tremendous force and pushed forward.


    Suddenly, the stone wall began to rumble! The river water erupted into turmoil, and thend on both sides of the river started to shake!


    <i>Rumble, rumble, rumble¡ª</i>


    The rumbling grew louder and louder, and the surrounding river water surged violently.


    With immense effort, Liu Xiaoyu pushed the entire stone wall back a total of ten zhang! Finally, a hidden doorway was revealed on one side of the stone wall!


    <i>Thud!</i>


    As the stone wall was pushed back, she stepped down, exerting just a tiny bit of strength. Even so, the ground cracked and shattered!


    Even Yun Chaoxian found himself shocked by the scene. At this moment, his eyes were filled with envy.


    Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, a thunderous dragon chant suddenly echoed from within the doorway!


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    It was as though something had finally been set free after being trapped for ages. After a furious roar, a burst of ck light shot out from the doorway, piercing through the river and shooting up into the sky!


    Wherever it passed, massive waves were created, tossing everyone underwater!


    "What is that?" Yun Chaoxian asked in shock.


    "It''s a Dragon Soul!" Chu Liang eximed. The moment it burst out of the doorway, he felt a surge of agitation from the Blue Dragon''s Orb on his body, which immediately made him realize what it was.


    It was the Dragon Soul of Baxia!


    1. Feihu (·É»¢) means Flying Tiger ?


    2. Feiniao (·ÉÄñ) means Flying Bird ?


    3. Check trantor''s thought for picture of stone statue of Baxia ?

 Chapter 359: Hard to Explain

    <h4>Chapter 359: Hard to Exin</h4>


    If one followed the stretch of the river downstream and turned into a tranquil tributary, they would find themselves in calm waters.


    Amidst this serene stretch of the river, a pleasure boat was seen gently floating.


    On the boat, light singing and dancing filled the air, with guests in a state of intoxicated enjoyment. Inside the cabin, a young man with golden eyes and a patch of silver scales on his foreheady on a soft couch, resting with his eyes half-closed.


    Suddenly, a disturbance appeared on the river''s surface, as if distant ripples had reached this calm ce.


    The young man suddenly widened his eyes. At this moment, his eyes sparkled with a beam of divine light that seemed to pierce through the heavens and earth.


    "What''s wrong?" A tall man with red hair and beard, dressed in ck robes, pushed open the cabin door and stepped inside.


    "I sensed dragon aura, the young man replied, his golden eyes still glowing with divine intensity as he peered into the distance. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    With that, he leapt up, transforming into a streak of silver light and vanishing from sight.


    "You told me not to act rashly, but then you go off on your own..." the red-haired man grumbled, pausing to confirm that the young man with golden eyes was truly gone before cursing under his breath. "Damn it."


    ...


    ¡°The Dragon Soul of Baxia is still around?¡±


    In the underwater tomb, a long time passed before things settled down again. The aquatic demons, still in shock, climbed back up, wondering what had just happened.


    Chu Liang voiced his own question.


    Some powerful demonic beasts could sometimes preserve their soul essence.


    As time passed, souls would usually degrade until they eventually withered away. However, unless the soul suffered severe damage, which could shatter the soul while leaving the essence intact, they would follow this gradual decay.


    At that point, they would often leave their soul essence to their descendants, allowing them to merge with their power. This portion of the soul essence carried some of the physical power without any side effects.


    For example, Liu Xiaoyu''er, after merging with the Flying-Fish Soul Essence[1], became incredibly fast, and Liu Xiaoyu, after merging with the Baxia Soul Essence, gained immense strength. These were the powers of the soul essence.


    But the soul was in a more mysterious and mysterious realm.


    If the physical body were to be destroyed, the soul essence would shatter, leaving the soul unanchored and causing it to swiftly dissipate and die. Only a soul that had been specially refined could survive on its own. However, most of these souls were unconscious remnants, essentially lifeless. A fully self-refined soul, like Old Fei''s, was a rare and extraordinary exception.


    Generally speaking, as long as both the soul and soul essence remained intact, it meant the being was still alive!


    But if the Baxia was not dead, why would it hastily build such a tomb for itself? It evenpleted the carvings and separated its soul and essence.


    Had it been that impatient?


    While Chu Liang felt very curious, he continued stepping through the door way into the second floor of the tomb with the group of aquatic demons.


    As they took this step forward, everyone held their breath, involuntarily gasping in astonishment.


    What was this before their eyes...


    The second floor was much bigger than the first. In fact, the majority of the space within the giant tortoise statue seemed to be dedicated to this second floor, designed solely to house one mysterious item¡ªan incredibly massive bronze throne!


    This throne, asrge as a mountain, was meticulously refined from bronze. It was engraved with intricate patterns, seemingly resembling inscriptions of the Heavenly Law, imbued with the primordial power of the Great Dao.


    At the sight of the throne, the aquatic demons immediately dropped to their knees. Those with lower cultivation levels were especially affected, unable to withstand the overwhelming force emanating from it, their bloodlinespelling them into submission.


    Even Chu Liang, influenced by his dragon blood, felt an overwhelming urge to worship.


    The influence of the dragon blood was subtle, but he could feel the Dragon Orb inside him going wild. It was trembling violently within him!


    Inparison to the quivers of the Dragon Orb, the tremors of the Crimson Executioner when encountering ten thousand evil beings were not as intense. Not only was the Dragon Orb trembling, but it was also heating up. In an instant, it drained all of Chu Liang''s foundational qi, leaving him momentarily weak and empty.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The throne, as massive as a mountain, suddenly lifted off the ground, causing a second tremor to ripple through the surroundings. Then, right before everyone''s eyes, it vanished into thin air!


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    As the massive item vanished from the underwater world, the surrounding water instantly rushed to fill the void left by the object, creating a tremendous force that pushed everyone forward.


    The aquatic demons were scattered in all directions, screaming as they were flung high into the air. Liu Xiaoyu quickly grabbed her little sister, preventing her from being swept away.


    Yun Chaoxian, on the other hand, remained unconcerned. While his strength might not match Liu Xiaoyu''s, it far surpassed that of the lesser demons.


    Chu Liang also shouldn''t have been worried, but a moment ago, the Dragon Orb had drained all his qi. His Sea of Qi was now empty and struggling to recover. This sudden emptiness made him momentarily unsteady, and he was suddenly lifted a few chi off the ground.


    He quickly grabbed Yun Chaoxian beside him and used his physical strength to steady himself.


    When Chu Liang finally managed to stabilize himself, he realized that Yun Chaoxian''s face was flushed red.


    "Brother Chu... I understand if you can''t stand firmly, but you didn''t have to choke me..." Yun Chaoxian said.


    ...


    After a while, the current finally settled down. The scattered aquatic demons returned in a disheveled state, and Chu Liang spent a long time apologizing to Yun Chaoxian, who eventually managed to regain hisposure.


    Liu Xiaoyu gazed intently at the vast, empty space that resembled a valley. After the throne disappeared, there was nothing left.


    "What exactly was that throne just now?" she pondered aloud.


    "It''s the Dragon God''s throne..." Chu Liang silently muttered to himself, inwardlymenting that Liu Xiaoyu and the aquatic demons hadn''t paid more attention to the carvings earlier. The carvings had clearly depicted Baxia once carrying the Dragon God''s throne.


    The answer was right in front of them.


    "Why is Baxia''s soul still here?" she asked another question.


    <i>It was because of the power of the Dragon God''s throne... </i>Chu Liang answered silently in his heart.


    Baxia''s soul had indeed dissipated, but because it died in this space, it triggered the mystical power of the Dragon God''s throne. Over the centuries, the throne reassembled Baxia''s soul, which was why its Dragon Soul was soplete.


    However, the dispersal and reassembly of the soul was like a rebirth. The Dragon Soul that had just left was no longer closely rted to the Baxia that died.


    For this reason, the newly formed Dragon Soul was trapped by the wall created by the Baxia that died. Only after Liu Xiaoyu pushed open the wall with the Baxia Dual Rings could it escape.


    "Where did that mountain-like throne go?" Liu Xiaoyu murmured onest question.


    Chu Liang knew the answer to this question as well.


    Even though he knew the answers to Liu Xiaoyu''s questions, he didn''t respond, as doing so would lead to moreplications. The reason was that the Dragon God''s throne was with him!


    To be precise, it wasn''t literally with him. When Chu Liang saw the Dragon God''s throne, the Blue Dragon''s Orb within him unleashed immense power and summoned the Dragon God''s throne away! Obviously, it had to leverage Chu Liang''s own strength as the host of the orb.


    Even with Chu Liang''s vast amount of foundational qi, it wasn''t sufficient to perform such a powerful summoning. As soon as the Dragon God''s thronended in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, Chu Liang sensed that at least half of the draconic demonic beasts within the hidden realm had exploded to their deaths.


    These draconic creatures came into being through the hidden realm. At this moment, they were used to nurture the hidden realm, bing part of the power used to summon the Dragon God''s throne.


    The moment the thronended, the earth shattered and mountains crumbled!


    The entire Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm underwent unprecedented upheaval! It was as if a meteor had struck, bringing the world to the brink of destruction.


    However, Chu Liang, being the host of the Dragon Orb, which served as the core of the hidden realm, was tens of thousands of miles away. Though his heart was heavy with worry, he could not do anything. All he could do was hope that the three winged draconic beasts he cared about were safe...


    Summoning the bronze throne was never Chu Liang''s intention. However, when the Blue Dragon''s Orb activated the summon, he couldn¡¯t stop it. But then, this meant that he couldn''t reveal this to Liu Xiaoyu.


    She had gone through so much effort to open the second floor of Baxia''s tomb, only to find this one throne. Imagine how she would react if Chu Liang suddenly appeared and said, ¡°I just airlifted it to my backyard. Hehehe...¡±


    Even though it wasn¡¯t his doing, it would still be very difficult for him to exin.


    1. Refer to chapter 77.


    /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-77


    Check this link. ?

 Chapter 360: I Guarantee They Are of One Mind With Me.

    <h4>Chapter 360: I Guarantee They Are of One Mind With Me.</h4>


    "The matters of the world sure are mysterious and difficult to fathom. It ismon tobor in vain, so Miss Xiaoyu, you need not feel upset over it," Chu Liang consoled Liu Xiaoyu sincerely.


    Liu Xiaoyu had put great effort into opening up the second floor of Baxia''s tomb, only to see a Dragon Soul escape and a throne disappear into thin air. It was inevitable that she would feel disappointed.


    Chu Liang continued to console her. "Although you gained nothing from Baxia''s tomb, searching for a way to ess the second floor led you to your sister. You wanted to find her the most, so isn''t that a gain?"


    "That''s true," Liu Xiaoyu said.


    She gazed at Xiaoyu''er and regained her spirits. Her younger sister was indeed far more precious than any treasure.


    "The two of you have been separated for a long time. Let Xiaoyu''er stay with you for a few more days so that you can spend some time catching up. Then let her bring you to Silver Sword Peak. You can stay there as our guest for a few days to see what her life is like these days," Chu Liang suggested gently. "From now on, Silver Sword Peak will be your second home."


    He said that because he knew that once things had settled down, Liu Xiaoyu would definitely want to keep her younger sister by her side. However, Silver Sword Peak needed Xiaoyu''er like how tripe was a key ingredient for hot pot.


    It would be useless to forcefully try and stop Liu Xiaoyu from keeping her younger sister by her side. In fact, it would ruin Liu Xiaoyu''s impression of Mount Shu, souring their rtions. It would be better to let Xiaoyu''er stay in Qinnan River with her older sister for a while. Then Xiaoyu''er could take her older sister to Mount Shu and let her have a look at where Xiaoyu''er had been staying.


    Chu Liang thought it would be best to let the sisters decide for themselves what they wanted to do.


    "Yes, Big Sis. In a few days, I''ll take you around Mount Shu," Xiaoyu''er said, holding her older sister''s hand with a bright smile. "There are many people and lots of food on Silver Sword Peak. And there''s the big-headed Golden-Furred Hou and the beautiful little Baize..."


    Liu Xiaoyu looked at her younger sister and then at Chu Liang, still feeling rather hesitant.


    Xiaoyu''er hadn''t experienced a harsh life during the time that she had been separated from her older sister, so she had retained her innocence.


    Liu Xiaoyu, on the other hand, had grown into a little demon king who understood thew of the jungle. Moreover, she had been deceived by the son of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess, so she now found it very difficult to trust humans.


    However, Liu Xiaoyu didn¡¯t have a bad impression of the peak master and disciple of Silver Sword Peak. After all, they had gotten revenge for her by destroying the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess. Furthermore, it seemed that Chu Liang had no intention of separating her from her younger sister.


    Taking all of that into consideration, Liu Xiaoyu''s gaze softened.


    Then Chu Liang added, "By the way, Xiaoyu''er received the cultivation legacy of the True Dragon residing at Mount Shu. Peak Master Sikong even said that she has a great chance of jumping over the dragon gate and bing a dragon in the future."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Liu Xiaoyu uttered, finally noticing the white scales on her sister''s wrist.


    Liu Xiaoyu had fused with the Baxia Soul Essence, but Baxia was only a second-generation draconic descendant of a True Dragon. Her sister, on the other hand, had received the cultivation legacy of a pure-blood True Dragon.


    This was a great destiny for the aquatic race!


    "Alright." Liu Xiaoyu gave a light nod. "Xiaoyu''er will stay with me for a few days, then I will go with her to visit Mount Shu."


    Chu Liang agreed with a smile.


    After that, Liu Xiaoyu returned the Baxia Dual Rings, which Yun Chaoxian took and stored away.


    "Brother Chu, you truly are a man who is wiser than me." Yun Chaoxianughed. "I didn''t expect that the hard work of so many people these few days would end up benefiting you."


    Chu Liang, who was hiding the matter of the Dragon God''s throne, felt a pang of anxiety.


    He forced a chuckle and said, "Brother Yun, what benefits are you talking about?"


    "The Baxia Dual Rings, of course," Yun Chaoxian replied. "You led the entire process of retrieving the rings, so there''s no doubt that we''ll be the winners of the trial. Even if Li Fujian and the others take some of the credit, they can only be second ce."


    "Oh, you''re talking about that..." Chu Liang''s genuine smile returned. "It''s the result of our joint efforts."


    On their way to Donghuai City, Chu Liang suddenly felt something vibrate in his storage tool. It was themunication jade talisman that Ghost Face had given him.


    Ghost Face was going to be a guardian for the hall of the Elder of White-Bone Mountain, and so he had passed his position of chamber master to Chu Liang. He had instructed Chu Liang to strengthen the Ghost-Face Chamber and stay in close contact in the future.


    Recalling all that, Chu Liang pped his forehead. <i>Oh, no.</i>


    He had wanted to ask Luo Yao and Pushan to get some of their senior and junior brothers to make up the numbers for the Ghost-Face Chamber. Nevertheless, he had been too busy recently, so he had put the matter on the back burner.


    <i>If Ghost Face sees that the Ghost-Face Chamber still only had the same few members, would he think that I haven''t been a diligent chamber master? Well, it is true though.</i>


    <i>But without his support, it will be difficult for me to climb up the ranks in the White-Bone Hall in the future. Then my undercover mission may be hindered.</i>


    With these worries in mind, Chu Liang returned to Donghuai City alongside Yun Chaoxian.


    The group of progidies were waiting to hear about Baxia''s tomb from them. Yet, when Chu Liang spoke, he did not mention that.


    Instead, he asked, "Everyone, may I ask a bold question...


    "Would you be interested in joining the White-Bone Hall?"


    ...


    In that old meeting ce on a mountain on the outskirts of the Southern Regions...


    Ghost Face, a guardian of the Dark King Sect''s White-Bone Hall, had waited there for most of the day before Chu Liang arrived with his group.


    This was amon urrence since the chamber members could be spread across the nine provinces, and sometimes they might even need to wait for up to three days just to meet up with everyone. If they didn''t have the time to wait, they would leave a message in a secret spot and then leave.


    When Chu Liang approached the meeting ce, Luo Yao and Pushan were already there, along with the fourth member of the Ghost-Face Chamber¡ªthe only true disciple of the diabolical sect.


    At this moment, Xiao Si[1] was secretly wondering if the new chamber master had died. Then he would have another chance topete for the position of chamber master.


    <i>Surely, I wouldn''t lose again if it''s apetition among three people, right?</i>


    Nevertheless, his dream was shattered when he saw Chu Liang fly over with arge and mighty group in tow.


    There were eight people in this group; no one was missing from the four teams participating in the Great Astral Sect''s trial. After all, which genius cultivator of the righteous path could refuse an opportunity to go undercover in a diabolical sect?


    Before, when Chu Liang asked if they were interested in joining the White-Bone Hall, they had thought that he was being presumptuous. It was quite outrageous that he tried to openly recruit a group of people who would be pirs of righteous sects. However, once they heard it was a thrilling undercover mission, they jumped at the opportunity to join,peting to secure their spot in the mission.


    The siblings, Yu Xiang''er and Li Feiyu, would have joined in too, but Yu Xiang''er had no choice but to turn down the opportunity. She had a touring up, so her sect was keeping a close watch on her. Consequently, her brother, Li Feiyu, turned down the opportunity too since he wasn''t familiar with anyone in the group.


    Chu Liang then briefed everyone else on the essentials of going undercover in a diabolical sect, making sure to advise the disciples of the Great Astral Sect to speak less. Thus, an undercover squad was formed.


    Ghost Face was sitting cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed. When he opened his eyes and saw the group of peopleing over, he showed a satisfied expression.


    <i>They chose the right person to be the new chamber master.</i>


    "Not bad," Ghost Face remarked as he stood up. He looked at the people behind Chu Liang and told them, "Everyone, joining the Ghost-Face Chamber is definitely the right choice."


    He then climbed onto arge rock and said, "My brothers, I''ve called you here for an important operation. Right now, the White-Bone Hall needs people, and you have joined at just the right time!"


    The neers didn''t find these words unusual.


    Meanwhile, the three old members, Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan, felt something was off. They had heard the same words every time they joined a part of this diabolical sect.


    Once or twice was fine, but every time...


    <i>Does the Dark King Sect only have one season throughout the year? The season of needing people?</i>


    Nevertheless, Monk Pushan responded to Ghost Face''s call to action. "Old Chamber Master, just tell us what you need us to do. No matter how many people join Ghost-Face Chamber, we will always follow your lead. It doesn''t matter what the operation is. We will not hesitate to go through raging fires and scalding waters for you!"


    Ghost Face nodded with a smile.


    He recalled how Pushan had chatted with him for a long time before Chu Liang and his group arrived.


    <i>This person talks a lot, but... sometimes the things he says are quite pleasant to hear.</i>


    As the old chamber master, Ghost Face''s biggest worry was that the new chamber master would no longer follow his orders, leaving him isted and without support in White-Bone Hall.


    <i>It seems this kid hasn''t forgotten the kindness I''ve shown him. Well, at least for now.</i>


    Therefore, Ghost Face intended to fight for operations and assign them to his old subordinates, proving that it was still beneficial for them to have him around.


    "In ten days, a local official will be traveling from the Southern Regions to the capital. The hall master wants to send a team to kill him before he gets there. I have secured this operation, and when the timees, you will apany me. If weplete this operation sessfully, it will be of great merit to the White-Bone Hall, and you''ll be known to the hall master."


    "Yes!" everyone responded in unison.


    After giving a brief on the operation, Ghost Face called Chu Liang aside and asked, "You managed to bring in so many subordinates in such a short time... What are their cultivation levels? Are they reliable?"


    Ghost Face had taken in Chu Liang and the other two from the chamber of the deceased Hei Yu, so he had never doubted that they were genuine diabolical disciples of the Dark King Sect. However, he was a bit suspicious of the newly recruited members.


    "Don''t worry. All of them are skilled and have great potential," Chu Liang said confidently. "The most important thing is that I guarantee they are of one mind with me."[2]


    Satisfied, Ghost Faceughed heartily. "I knew I didn''t misjudge you."


    Meanwhile, the only genuine diabolical disciple Xiao Si turned around and coldly snorted at the new recruits.


    "Hey," Xiao Si called out to them, sticking his chin out, In a toneced with hostility, he warned, "You neers better recognize your ce and show respect to your seniors. People often disappear without a trace in this diabolical sect of ours."


    Everyone nodded. "Understood."


    1. Trantes to ¡°Little Four¡±. It''s a nickname for the fourth guy. Sounds pretty weird in English, so we''ll just leave it as Xiao Si. ?


    2. Note this very specific phrasing lmao. They are of one mind with him, not that they are all of one mind. ?

 Chapter 361: Commercial Advertisement

    <h4>Chapter 361: Commercial Advertisement</h4>


    The undercover squad had unexpectedly transformed into a brigade of members from various immortal sects, a twist Chu Liang hadn¡¯t expected.


    However, he, Luo Yao, and Pushan remained the core members. Not only had they beenmended by the righteous forces to infiltrate the diabolical sect, but they were also under orders from the Violet Gold Marquess to infiltrate the White-Bone Hall. With their multiple identities, the three grew increasingly in sync with each other.


    The operation assigned by Ghost Face was scheduled for ten dayster. Everyone then agreed on a time to reconvene and returned home to prepare on their own. After all, everyone had their own matters to attend to, except for Ji Lingyu, whose primary task was escaping from home.


    The second round of trials at the Great Astral Sect ended for now, with Yun Chaoxian winningrgely due to his strong connections. However, the uing trials would be a test of personal abilities, and Chu Liang could no longer assist him.


    As the guest helper for this trial, he hadpleted his duties and fulfilled his role.


    With this matter resolved, Chu Liang returned alone to Silver Sword Peak.


    Upon returning, he saw Lin Bei sighing deeply.


    "Business at Berry Wondend has been quite bad since Xiaoyu''er left," Lin Beiined.


    Not every visitor to Berry Wondend came solely for Liu Xiaoyu''er, but the koi''s blessing was a major part of the Berry Wondend experience. People obviously wanted to experience this unique aspect of the visit. If they were informed that Xiaoyu''er would return in a few days, they would simplye back then. There was no pressing need to visit Berry Wondend immediately.


    As a result, the number of visitors at Berry Wondend has plummeted recently.


    "Well, there''s nothing we can do about it," Chu Liang said with a sigh.


    He was genuinely happy for Xiaoyu''er to reunite with her sister and would never pressure her to return to work. After all, Chu Liang was a person with a conscience.


    Instead, he considered counting these days as part of Xiaoyu''er''s annual leave or aspensatory time off that she would need to make upter. Of course, this was just a joke.


    Xiaoyu''er helped out because of her kind heart and because she considered Silver Sword Peak her home. Chu Liang knew he couldn''t force her to do anything.


    Moreover, if the entire park couldn''t function when one person was absent, it meant that the business model was unhealthy. It would then be better for the business to use this opportunity to develop alternative activities or explore opportunities in other industries.


    In addition, there were only two creatures on Silver Sword Peak, making it impossible for them to perform in a show at Berry Wondend. If he left Mount Shu riding the Golden-Furred Hou, Berry Wondend would lose its security guard. If Xiaoyu''er went to visit rtives, the park would be without its mascot.


    Ultimately, the root problem was ack of manpower.


    In addition, the Baize youngling had been having so much fun at Berry Wondendtely. Due to its young age, it was oblivious to everything. However, if its mother¡ªan existence that had reached the pinnacle of the eighth realm and was potentially on the verge of entering the ninth realm¡ªwoke up and found her child working on Silver Sword Peak as a flying-disc catcher, how would she feel?


    Chu Liang didn''t even dare to imagine.


    Fortunately, Berry Wondend had sessfully diverted traffic to Red Cotton Peak, making this period the most prosperous and bustling that Mount Shu had ever seen. Recently, many tourists were drawn to the area, and the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect who had set up stalls there reaped the benefits.


    However, the merchants on Red Cotton Peak were still operating on a small scale, with limited goods to offer. Typically, their trade was confined to minor exchanges among disciples.


    It was still too challenging for these stalls to handle the sudden influx of visitors. Those tourists who took a short stroll through the Red Cotton Market would quickly find itcking in variety and excitement.


    This created an urgent need for merchants from Taotie City to set up stores on Red Cotton Peak. However, Chu Liang needed to carefully n how to attract them to the area.


    After worrying about these issues, Chu Liang went to the Hall of Conservation to find ancient books and look up information on the Dragon God''s throne.


    Unfortunately, there was very little recorded about it in the texts.


    After all, the Dragon God''s throne existed in ancient times. In fact, there weren''t many detailed records about the Dragon God either.


    asionally, the texts mentioned that the Dragon God once burned the Sky-Supporting Pir and forged the refined bronze into a supreme throne. From this throne, the Dragon God reigned over the nine provinces and four seas, with endlessnds submitting in worship.


    But there was no mention of the kind of power that this throne held.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang was just curious. All he could do was explore and test it out in the future.


    ...


    The next day, another visitor arrived at Silver Sword Peak.


    "Miss Xiaohan?"


    Chu Liang was slightly surprised by the visit.


    It was Zhang Xiaohan, an outstanding disciple from the Wind-Catching Hall of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Previously, Chu Liang had written two short stories to promote his berries, which Zhang Xiaohan had published. Without her help, Berry Wondend wouldn''t have be so popr. However, that was the extent of their interaction.


    He hadn''t done anything noteworthy recently, so why would someone from the Wind-Catching Halle to see him?


    "Young Hero Chu," Zhang Xiaohan smiled, "I''m here because I need a favor."


    After listening to her exnation, Chu Liang finally understood the situation.


    It turned out that his stories "The Legend of the Berries" and "Meng Jiangnu" had caused a huge sensation after they were published in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>. The Celestial Pivot Pavilion had even created a bi-monthly publication for Zhang Xiaohan because of the poprity of these stories.


    Although the Celestial Pivot Pavilion managed to get almost every cultivator to own an edition of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, its reach among the ordinary people of the Nine Provinces was still limited. While the magazine was known by all, mostmoners only heard about it in passing, finding the world of cultivation too distant and irrelevant. Unless the news was particrly interesting, they wouldn¡¯t pay much attention.


    Therefore, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion had been working to make <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>more engaging, aiming to promote it across the nine provinces. The start of the "Umon Tales of the Martial World" was part of this effort. While it had some sess, it hadn''t reached the desired impact.


    Zhang Xiaohan''s bi-monthly publication, however, unexpectedly caused a sensation. While it was merely well-received among cultivators, it became very popr amongmoners.


    The high-ranking members of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion took this matter seriously. They promptly instructed Zhang Xiaohan to make the bi-monthly publication a regr feature, appointing her as the exclusive writer for the series of stories.


    However, when Zhang Xiaohan wrote a story herself, its poprity fell shortpared to the previous ones. Unlike Chu Liang''s two stories, her creation didn''t capture as much attention.


    "I''ve been thinking, Young Hero Chu. Deities, demons, ghosts, and romance were the themes of your stories and these themes might have been the reason why people loved your stories," Zhang Xiaohan said. She frowned and continued, "I couldn''t quite capture that same appeal. Can you write more stories for us? The Celestial Pivot Pavilion will pay you."


    Chu Liang then understood why she hade to visit him. She was here tomission him for more stories.


    When he wrote the stories, his only intention was to promote the berries, so he used a few folk tales he remembered without much thought.


    Hearing Zhang Xiaohan''s words, Chu Liang realized something about these stories¡ªIt was indeed no easy task to write a popr story.


    First, the story had to be simple as not everyone would appreciate overlyplex plots. Then, the key point of the story needed to be captivating and emotionally moving.


    Meeting all three criteria simultaneously was no simple task.


    To write these stories, Chu Liang relied on the works of the writers who came before him.


    After a moment of thought, he said slowly, "We are friends, after all. Since you have this request, I won''t refuse. There''s no need to mention payment. But..." he paused before continuing, "I happen to need some help too. I want to organize arge market on the Red Cotton Peak on Mount Shu and hope to attract some merchants to set up stalls there. I am wondering if you can publish a short announcement for me on <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>."


    Zhang Xiaohan thought for a moment and agreed, "If it''s just a short announcement, that should be fine."


    Previously, <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>had never considered doingmercial advertising. Chu Liang was the first to make such a request. However, after a moment of contemtion, Zhang Xiaohan realized that a short notice wouldn''t take up much space. She deemed this something she could decide on her own.


    "Thank you, Miss Xiaohan," Chu Liang smiled. "As for the story you need, I have one that features deities, demons, ghosts, and romance..."


    "Legend has it that in ancient times, there was a young man who nted berries and everyone called him the Berry Boy."


    "This Berry Boy has an old yellow ox. One day, the old yellow ox suddenly started talking..."[1]">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cowherd_and_the_Weaver_Girl[/ref]


    1. IThis is referring to the folktale The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, with Berry Boy being the cowherd. ?

 Chapter 362: Sword Emperor of the West Sea

    <h4>Chapter 362: Sword Emperor of the West Sea</h4>


    <i>Gurgle, gurgle.</i>


    The underground magma flowed like boiling red oil, asionally bubbling up with one or two gloomy bubbles, exuding an aura of destruction.


    Suddenly, there was a ssh.


    A scarlet-ck fin, sharp like a de, sliced through the surface of the magma, moving forward along the scorching river.


    Could there be traces of life in the deepest areas of the magma inside this volcanic cave?


    And that was not the end of it. As the ck fin moved forward, within the expansive mountain belly, there were signs of construction made by knives and axes. The further in it went, the more exquisite it became, until it reached a grand scarlet pce deep inside!


    Arge que with three characters hung in front of the pce: "Inferno Devil Valley."


    This eerie, dark, and mysteriously solemn hall looked like the domain of devils at first nce, but it was now draped in white mourning cloth, carrying a hint of sorrow.


    Faint sounds of women weeping asionally came from within.


    In front of the white mourning hall, a weeping woman led the mourners. Beside her sat a middle-aged man dressed in ck robes and a dark crown. His expression was solemn and his brows furrowed with grief.


    After a long while, he grunted, "Stop crying, it sounds annoying."


    "Today is the seventh day since Hong''er passed away. Is it wrong for me to cry?" the woman sobbed. "You, as his father, can''t avenge him. As his mother, if I don''t weep, how heartbroken will Hong''er be when hees back and sees this..."[1]


    "If his soul really doese back, I''ll refine it so he can be by your side forever," the middle-aged man said irritably.


    "Yang Heng! What nonsense are you talking about!" the woman shouted as she began to hit him.


    The middle-aged man, feeling helpless, abruptly stood up and walked out of the hall. The guards outside saw this and immediately lowered their heads, not daring to speak.


    This man was Yang Heng, the current leader of the diabolical sect known as Inferno Devil Valley.


    A few days ago, Yang Hong, Yang Heng''s son and the one he had high hopes for, went to assassinate Chu Liang. Yang Hong never returned, and the people of Inferno Devil Valley assumed he was killed by Chu Liang, as they did not know the details.


    But since Chu Liang was a disciple of Mount Shu, Yang Heng did not dare to go there to seek revenge. Instead, he issued a bounty in the criminal world, but it had yet to yield any results in the past few days.


    Since childhood, Yang Heng had designated his most talented son as the young master of Inferno Devil Valley, investing all his resources into nurturing him. Now, on Yang Hong''s first venture out, just as he was about to make a name for himself, he suddenly met with disaster, and even the members in the outer halls of Inferno Devil Valley were all eliminated. How could he possibly feel good about this?


    However, as the leader of Inferno Devil Valley, he had to prioritize the bigger picture. He could not be impulsive. No matter how intense the pain of losing his son, he had to endure it.


    Now, having paid a high price to ce a bounty on Chu Liang, he believed that Chu Liang''s days would certainly be numbered.


    Just as he was thinking this, he saw a ck shark with red eyes leap out of the magma river ahead. The demonic beast jumped up and spat a beam of light onto the shore before twisting its body and disappearing back into the magma.


    Yang Heng raised his hand, and the green light flew into his palm.


    It turned out to be a jade booklet.


    It was the Seven Stars Gazette of this month.


    Yang Heng opened the gazette, intending to read it to relieve his boredom. As he flipped through it, his expression suddenly tightened.


    It turned out that the first entry in the Umon Tales of the Martial World read as follows:


    "The recruitment event at Red Cotton Peak of Mount Shu Sect is currently in full swing, with all matters being handled solely by Chu Liang of Silver Sword Peak. Any immortal sects or fellow Daoists interested in joining can contact him. This is a unique opportunity. Seize this chance while itsts."


    Not only was Chu Liang not suffering, but he was even thriving.


    "Hmph!" Yang Heng spat, throwing the jade booklet into the magma. His teeth clenched in anger as he muttered, "Chu Liang..."


    ...


    "<i>Achoo!</i>"


    Chu Liang rubbed his nose, casually fed a berry to the white crane that had justnded, and sent it on its way.


    He then picked up this month''s Seven Stars Gazette and began to read.


    Last month''s Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures featured no updates on new enchanted tools, only minor ranking changes.


    The established rankings of enchanted tools could still change. They were adjusted based on increased power, disyed battle achievements, or other reasons, with each adjustment rigorously evaluated by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    New enchanted tools would usually go through such adjustments. The rankings of those that have been listed for many years wouldn''t change too much.


    A few months ago, Taotie City sessfully forged a legendary artifact called Golden Wings That Brush Against the Clouds, which initially ranked ny-seventh. Over the past few months, Taotie City has tested it against other top-ranked legendary artifacts.


    Just the day before yesterday, in apetition of precious artifacts, it won against the Sea King Sect''s Cloudcrest Dragon Banner, which was ranked ny-third.


    As a result, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion decided to elevate the ranking of the Golden Wings That Brush Against the Clouds to ny-third ce, causing the Cloudcrest Dragon Banner to drop one rank and shifting the subsequent ranks ordingly.


    Every new legendary artifact on the list would go through such multiple adjustments to finally find its suitable final position.


    Next, he flipped to the section of the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces."


    The first major event featured on the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces was the imperial court''s manhunt for the remnants of the Celestial Charm Sect.


    The rebellion of the Celestial Charm Sect years ago caused huge losses for the imperial court. Even now, no one dared to speak about what exactly happened. Everyone just knew that the imperial court considered the Celestial Charm Sect as evil as snakes. After the battle at Mount Shu, Lu Chengchou was found to have ties to the Celestial Charm Sect, prompting the imperial court tounch its most extensive search ever to capture him.


    This implicated Young Noble Xunyang, who had taken Lu Chengchou in. Both of them were ssified as Heaven-ss Imperial Traitors and relentlessly hunted throughout the nine provinces.


    This was a period of chaos. The widespread panic caused by the news of the return of the demon god had just begun to calm down. But now, there was news of the Celestial Charm Sect reappearing.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but think of Huo Tianya, a member of the Celestial Charm Sect. These people, with their high cultivation levels, gathered in the shadows to stir up trouble. Their presence was truly intimidating.


    Fortunately, the imperial court and the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten paid enough attention to these matters.


    The second major news story was the announcement of the election result for the chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang.


    With the disappearance of Xu Bashan, Jiang Shenting, the vice-chief in charge of the Eastern Whale Division, unsurprisingly won the election for the position of chief. The inauguration ceremony would soon be held, and Jiang Shenting was currently basking in the limelight.


    As for the former chief who had been missing for days, the Four Seas Whale Gang imed they were still searching for him. However, the truth was that only Xu Hongqiu and a few loyal followers of Xu Bashan were actually making any effort.


    As the saying goes, "When the person is gone, the tea cools.[2]" With the fate of the former chief uncertain, most people thought it better to focus on currying favor with the current chief.


    With hundreds of thousands of members and control over waterway transport across thend, the Four Seas Whale Gang was thergest gang in thend of the nine provinces. This election of chief position in the Four Seas Whale Gang could even impact the nation and the livelihood of the people. The Celestial Pivot Pavilion providedprehensive coverage from start to finish.


    But this event had finallye to a close.


    The third news story was about Mount Shu''s sessful retrieval of the Demon-Subduing Pestle.


    If this had been the only event mentioned, it wouldn''t have taken up much space in the papers. However, it was clear that someone from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was present, witnessing the auction''s proceedings. The strategic maneuvers of the various immortal sects and Mount Shu''s final tactic to win the bidding were described in detail and with great excitement.


    Chu Liang''s bid at that critical moment was seen as a clever move nned by the leaders of the Mount Shu Sect and was praised as a ssic tactic.


    The fourth news was the re-entry of the Sword Emperor of the West Sea into thend of the nine provinces.


    In the West Sea, there was an ind called the Sword-Hanging Kingdom. The people there were obsessed with swords and took great pride in forging and practicing with them. The Yu Dynasty had good rtions with the Sword-Hanging Kingdom; in fact, even the imperial swordsmith, Baili Tong, came from this ind.


    The king of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom was titled the Sword Emperor.


    Fifty years ago, the new Sword Emperor of the West Sea reached major perfection in the Dao of the Sword, reaching the eighth realm and dering himself invincible. He traveled to thend of the Yu Dynasty and challenged the top sword cultivators of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten in the capital.


    In the end, he was defeated by Sword Saint Li Ba, who was the leader of the Endless Sword Sect at the time.


    Despite his defeat, the West Sea Sword Emperor was pleased with the fight and returned to the Sword-Hanging Kingdom for closed-door cultivation, promising to return another day.


    Sword Saint Li Ba also seemed to gain something from this encounter. After returning, he passed the position of sect leader to his son, Li Jiu, and became the Supreme Elder, entering closed-door cultivation himself.


    Since then, fifty years had passed and none had seen the face of the one who stood at the pinnacle of the Dao of the Sword during this time.


    But now, the Sword Emperor of the West Sea hade to the capital of Yu and visited the emperor of the Yu Dynasty. It was highly likely that the Sword Emperor had achieved a breakthrough. Spection that he might challenge the Sword Saint of the Nine Provinces again stirred widespread anticipation.


    However, the writers at the Celestial Pivot Pavilion spected that this battle, while likely to ur, would probably be scheduled for the Assembly of Immortal Sects next year.


    After all, every year at the opening of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, there were duels between powerful cultivators. These duels served as a warm-up and were meant to inspire new talents to cultivate diligently. If this year''s duel coincided with the rematch of those at the pinnacle of the Dao of the Sword, it would be perfect.


    Chu Liang was naturally looking forward to this duel between the sword cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm.


    However, their sparring would certainly be restrained andck hostility, falling short of the intensity seen in the legendary battle of artifacts that recently took ce at Mount Shu.


    If it were a real life-and-death battle, there would be no suspense, as the Sword Saint would surely win.


    Chu Liang had met Old Li Ba of the Endless Sword Sect.


    That old man didn''t appear to have the demeanor of a Sword Saint. If he struggled during the fight, he could simply summon the Chunyang Ancient Sword, ranked fifth in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, from thousands of li away.


    How could the Sword Emperor of the West Seapete with that?


    1. In Chinese tradition, the seventh day is when the spirit of the deceased returns home. ?


    2. When someone leaves or is no longer in a position of influence, the warmth and attention they once received also disappears, just like tea that cools down when not being consumed. ?

 Chapter 363: If You Have The Guts, Storm Into Silver Sword Peak.

    <h4>Chapter 363: If You Have The Guts, Storm Into Silver Sword Peak.</h4>


    Thetest issue of the Chronicles of the Nine Provinces didn''t feature any major events, but it still had some rather exciting news that drew a decent amount of interest.


    One of the articles was on the theft of the Baxia Dual Rings from the Ultimate Martial Mountain Manor and how its retrieval had been used as a test for the Great Astral Sect''s trial. However, the article was quite short, and it had mainly mentioned the four Great Astral Sect disciples.


    Chu Liang and the others who weren''t from the Great Astral Sect had contributed significantly to the retrieval of the Baxia Dual Rings. Nevertheless, as the helpers, they had been destined to be supporting characters in the article right from the start.


    Then Chu Liang eagerly flipped to the "Umon Tales of the Martial World" section. He was not disappointed.


    As soon as he got to the right page, the first line on the page was the recruitment announcement for Red Cotton Peak. It seemed that Zhang Xiaohan was someone who kept her word.


    Chu Liang believed that stores in the immortal sects all over the nine provinces and in the world of immortality cultivators in general would now be aware of the recruitment. It didn''t matter if they weren''t interested; it was enough that they knew about it.


    Compared to the serious news in the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces," the news in "The Umon Tales of the Martial World" was much more rxed. The second piece of news in "The Umon Tales of the Martial World" made Chu Liang chuckle.


    The Thunderbolt Stronghold hadmissioned the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to put out a missing person notice. The notice stated that Huang Ling''er, the daughter of the Thunderbolt Stronghold''s lord, had run away from home. Anyone who could provide information that could lead them to finding her and bringing her home would be generously rewarded.


    Huang Ling''er was a pretty decent youngdy, but it was unfortunate that the lord of the Thunderbolt Stronghold was her father. He was often mentioned in the gazette due to his involvement in some strange matters.


    It was quite depressing just thinking about it. How would Huang Ling''er fare in the world of immortality cultivators in the future?


    The next piece of news was a widely circted rumor that Chancellor Su Qian had petitioned the emperor to make Shen Qingyan, a disciple of the South Melody Conservatory, the crown prince''s imperial consort.


    News like this was normally undisclosed to the public until the imperial court had finalized the decision, so the gazette only referred to it as a rumor. However, the rumor had already spread wide across the dynasty, and many of the cab ministers did not refute it.


    The emperor had yet to give his approval, but considering Su Qian''s position and the historical precedents, it was likely that this petition had been made at the emperor''s behest. After all, as the chancellor of the imperial court, Su Qian had no reason to associate himself with a musician from the South Melody Conservatory; there was simply no reason for him to be her matchmaker.


    It seemed that this information had been leaked so that they could see how it would be received by the imperial court and themon people. There had been precedents of the imperial family marrying disciples from the South Melody Conservatory, but it was an unprecedented matter for a crown prince to take a core disciple from the South Melody Conservatory as his consort.


    It was important to note that whoever became the crown princess would very likely be the empress in the future!


    The musicians from the South Melody Conservatory were public figures. The conservatory''s core disciples toured all over the nine provinces and were always in the spotlight. Having someone like that as the crown princess might cause some negative reactions, so the imperial court and the public were now being observed to see if that was indeed the case. If public opinion was favorable, the petition might be put on the agenda for the imperial court soon.


    While thinking about this matter, Chu Liang realized he had already met three of the South Melody Conservatory''s four core disciples. The remaining core disciple he had yet to meet was the youngdy mentioned in the article¡ªMiss Shen.


    After the section on "The Umon Tales of the Martial World," it was Zhang Xiaohan''s bi-monthly release.


    Following the sessful tales of Madam Bai and Meng Jiangnu, Zhang Xiaohan''s original stories weren''t well received. Nevertheless, she wouldn''t give up just because of one failure.


    The story that was released this time was the tale of Berry Boy and Weaver Girl. Chu Liang just changed Cowherd to Berry Boy to fit his berry stuff as usual.. The public embraced it with great passion.


    Chu Liang had told Zhang Xiaohan a very detailed tale, and she had recounted it for the readers of the gazette.


    It started with Berry Boy stealing Weaver Girl''s clothes, which she''d left on the riverbank while she bathed in the river. That led to Weaver Girl having no choice but to marry[2] Berry Boy, a man of a lower social status[3]. Weaver Girl helped Berry Boy ovee many difficulties, and they went on to have a happy life together.


    However, there was a plot twist. The Queen Mother[4] descended and dispatched celestial soldiers to forcefully take Weaver Girl back to the Heavenly Pce. She then used a silver hairpin to rip through the sky, creating the Milky Way to separate Berry Boy and Weaver Girl forever.


    The first half of the story ended abruptly at this point.


    The readers shook their fists angrily and scolded the author, calling the author a swindler for stopping at such a cliffhanger! They would have to wait at least half a month to read the rest of the tale.


    How despicable!


    ...


    A few dayster, the tale of Berry Boy and Weaver Girl had already gained significant traction. As Chu Liang walked the streets of Taotie City, he heard passersby discussing the tale, and he couldn''t help but smile.


    Chu Liang was in Taotie City to finalize the first batch of merchants who would open shops on Red Cotton Peak, including several pill shops from Precious Pill Pavilion. These merchants had good rtions with Chu Liang and the Mount Shu Sect, so the process went smoothly. They finished discussing the rough details of the arrangement in just half a day.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang had spent quite a long time in Taotie City, so it was already evening. He led Big Head through the main street of Taotie City and took off for Mount Shu. The Golden-Furred Hou transformed into a golden whirlwind and flew speedily through the sky.


    Suddenly, a ball of fire descended from the sky!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    "Watch out!" Chu Liang shouted.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was now a sixth-level beast, so its reaction was, of course, not slower than Chu Liang''s. It immediately flipped over in midair to dodge the attack.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The projectile turned out to be an extremely powerful zing feather-fletched arrow. It struck the ground, sting half of a mountain peak to pieces.


    A chill ran down Chu Liang''s spine. He didn''t even want to think about what would happen if he had gotten hit by that.


    Looking around, he realized that a group of people were surrounding him in midair.


    The leader of the group was a middle-aged man in ck silk robes and a ck tall hat[5]. He was staring at Chu Liang with a dark expression. It appeared that he harbored a deep hatred for Chu Liang.


    The other four members of the group were dressed in full-body armor and covered in mes, leaving their faces indistinguishable.


    Sensing the middle-aged man''s unique zing aura, Chu Liang quickly recognized it as the Inferno Abyss mes! These people were from the Inferno Devil Valley.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Chu Liang sighed softly. "I knew you woulde sooner orter."


    "It seems you''ve figured out who I am." The middle-aged man snorted coldly. "I''m Yang Heng, the lord of the Inferno Devil Valley. Dying at my hands won''t disgrace your status as a prodigy."


    Chu Liang said helplessly, "It was your son who came after me first without any rhyme or reason, not the other way around. You can''t me me for that, right?"


    "If you had just let him kill you peacefully, we obviously wouldn''t me you."[6]


    With his eyes locked on Chu Liang, Yang Heng flipped his hand over and gathered another ball of Inferno Abyss mes.


    Yang Heng was at the pinnacle of the sixth realm, so the mes he controlled were a hundred times stronger than Yang Hong''s[7] had been!


    Despite facing a much stronger enemy, Chu Liang didn''t panic. Instead, he gave a slight shrug. "What does intercepting me here prove? If you have the guts, storm into Silver Sword Peak instead."


    If it were on Mount Shu, Chu Liang wouldn''t fear the middle-aged man even if they were to fight one-on-one. After all, Chu Liang would have the assistance of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords.


    Nheless, Yang Heng didn''t bother continuing this pointless conversation.


    He yelled, "Prepare to die!"


    The fireball in his right hand transformed into a long spear, and he hurled it toward Chu Liang with the speed and momentum of a copsing mountain!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    However, the zing spear exploded right in front of Chu Liang!


    Yang Heng now looked rmed.


    The smoke soon cleared, revealing that there was another person present. It was a woman. Her tall figure was highlighted by her bosom, which resembled a pair of full moons, and the pair of zing crimson-gold wings that stretched out behind her.


    Yang Heng had never seen her before, but he recognized the Samadhi True Fire and knew that this woman was the one who had wiped out all of the Inferno Devil Valley''s outer halls!


    She was one of the Three Problems of Mount Shu, runner-up of the Wine-God Contest, and the peak master of Silver Sword Peak¡ªDi Nufeng!


    All official members of the Mount Shu Sect''s Silver Sword Peak were now present![7]


    "So, you''re the small fry who keeps targeting my disciple..." Di Nufeng said as she starednguidly at Yang Heng, looking rather uninterested.


    Famous and powerful diabolical cultivators were merely small fry in her eyes.


    Yang Heng didn''t dare retort. Trembling, he asked, "How did you get here so quickly? This ce is so far from Mount Shu... A seventh-realm Eminent One couldn''t have possibly followed this person all day long just to protect him..."


    Yang Heng had been prepared for Chu Liang to have some life-saving enchanted tool that he could use to escape. However, Yang Heng hadn''t expected that Chu Liang wouldn''t even need a way to save himself; it was Yang Heng who needed to do that!


    Di Nufeng nodded. "That''s exactly the case."


    Yang Heng was stunned. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but grin.


    He had been well prepared for his trip to Taotie City. It was all thanks to Yang Hong having previously nted spies in Taotie City, waiting to tail and ambush Chu Liang as soon as he appeared.


    This time, knowing he would be arriving in the city with great fanfare, Chu Liang predicted what the Inferno Devil Valley would do. If they wanted to kill him, they would likely use the same trick! So, when Chu Liang set off for Taotie City, he asked his teacher to follow him covertly!


    If Chu Liang''s teacher were a normal seventh-realm Eminent One, it would indeed be unlikely for them to do such a thing. Most cultivators at the Dao Attainment Realm were racing against time, preferring to spend every day in closed-door cultivation to pursue the Great Dao. Moreover, they typically held high positions in their sects and had many important affairs to manage.


    The moremon approach that most Eminent Ones would take when they had a disciple that might get attacked on a trip outside the sect was to give them a life-saving enchanted tool. They wouldn''t be so considerate as to apany their disciple to protect them in person.


    Nevertheless, that only applied to seventh-realm Eminent Ones who had proper responsibilities in their sect. There were some Eminent Ones who didn''t focus much at all on cultivation or the matters of their sect. In fact, their daily tasks might just be drinking wine, reading picture books, and patrolling their fruit gardens...


    Chu Liang thought, <i>You should''ve known... my teacher is Di Nufeng!</i>


    The divine light in Yang Heng''s eyes went out. The Samadhi True Fire was something that made cultivators of the Inferno Abyss mes feel a mighty and overwhelming pressure¡ªan instinctual fear that ran down to the bone.


    Furthermore, Di Nufeng''s divine fire didn''t just surpass Yang Heng''s in quality but in quantity as well. Di Nufeng would undoubtedly overpower him.


    Yang Heng froze for a moment. Then he swiftly turned around and fled as a beam of fire!


    He fled without hesitation!


    What about his deep hatred for Chu LIang over his son''s death?


    There was none!


    "Trying to run?" Di Nufeng finally revealed a sinister grin. "Go ahead. Run. The longer you run, the longer you live in fear. The more afraid you be, the more excited I get! Let''s see where you can run to in the nine provinces and four seas!"


    Di Nufeng turned into a beam of fire as well and chased after Yang Heng!


    The dark beam of fire that was Yang Heng seemed to have escaped beyond the horizon, but once the crimson-gold fire that was Di Nufeng went after it, it was swiftly brought back within Chu Liang''s sights!


    The poor lord of the Inferno Devil Valley was totally unable to escape Di Nufeng''s clutches!


    Chu Liang smiled wryly at the sight.


    It would be hard for anyone watching this scene to say for certain who the diabolical cultivator was.


    1. In ancient times, people were a lot more conservative. If a woman were seen naked by a man, that meant her purity¡¯s gone, so no other man would want to marry her. So, Weaver Girl was forced to marry Cowherd/Berry Boy. ?


    2. Weaver Girl is a celestial maiden from the heavenly realm, while Berry Boy/the Cowherd is from the mortal realm. ?


    3. She''s in charge of all the female celestials in the heavenly realm. ?


    4. Reminder that this isn''t referring to the Western tall hat but the ancient Chinese one that has no English equivalent... ?


    5. Lol??? Diabolical logic at its finest. ?


    6. Yang Heng''s son. The guy that died from being stomped on by the Mammothdagon. ?


    7. Reminder that there are only two lol¡ªDi Nufeng and Chu Liang. ?

 Chapter 364: Wine-Jar Monsters

    <h4>Chapter 364: Wine-Jar Monsters</h4>


    The lord of the Inferno Devil Valley left this world peacefully.


    ...


    Previously...


    While both wielded fire, Di Nufeng utterly overpowered Yang Heng in every way¡ªpower, speed, and strength. It was a hopelessly one-sided battle. His only option was to flee and buy himself some time, hoping to repent before the inevitable end.


    <i>Why did I provoke her in the first ce? </i>Yang Heng thought.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang and the four Inferno Devil Valley disciples, their bodies cloaked in mes, stood their ground.


    These diabolical cultivators, wearing the zing Inferno Devil Armor, were well-known within their sect and were called Inferno Devil Armored Warriors. The entire Inferno Devil Valley had only a few dozen of these warriors, and the four with Yang Heng were among the best.


    The four diabolical cultivators were all at the fifth realm of cultivation.


    Logically, Chu Liang, at the fourth realm, should have been like a sheep among wolves facing them. However, Di Nufeng was able to leave him behind and confidently pursue the leader of the Inferno Devil Valley because Chu Liang had assured her, "Esteemed Teacher, I will be fine. Please chase after him without worry."


    After Di Nufeng left, the four diabolical cultivators had no intention of fighting, uncertain when that monster might return. They were more concerned with escaping.


    But it was Chu Liang who wouldn''t let them go.


    Just as the four Inferno Devil Armored Warriors were preparing to escape using their stealth-traversal techniques, they heard Chu Liang shout, "You think you can just leave after showing up here?"


    Indeed, Chu Liang was ready to take on these four fifth-level diabolical cultivators by himself!


    The gap between individuals at the fifth realm could be greater than the difference between a human and a hou.


    If Yang Hong was a prodigy at the fifth realm, then these four were merely elites. The gap was immense.


    And Chu Liang had just refined his Geng Metal foundational qi and was eager to find someone to test it on!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    With a thunderous explosion echoing through the air, Chu Liang shouted, "Old Fei! Keep them here!"


    In that instant, Old Fei''s ethereal blue figure materialized behind him. From a distance, he raised a finger and dered, "Within a hundred zhang, no one shall fly!"


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A ripple-like breeze swept across the area.


    The Inferno Devil Armored Warriors, who were about to escape into the sky, were suddenly grounded by a binding spell. While they were still in shock, Chu Liang had already reached them!


    With the Dustless Sword in hand, the young man before them radiated a golden light. A chilling aura entwined the de as he struck down fiercely!


    With his physique enhanced by the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, Chu Liang crossed a hundred zhang in a single step, arriving in an instant!


    As the Inferno Devil Armored Warrior was targeted, inferno mes were conjured into a shield of fire to block the attack. Sizzle¡ª


    But a sharp edge was hidden within the coldness. When the strike shattered the fire shield, Chu Liang flipped his wrist and struck again, instantly piercing through the sturdy armor!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    This Inferno Devil Armor warrior hadn''t yet mastered the Immortal Inferno Body and was immediately pierced through the chest by the sword. In his final moments, he channeled all his mes through the sword towards Chu Liang, hoping to take him down too!


    But Chu Liang''s body shone with golden light! He had already mastered the fifth-realm Metallic Body and wielded the power of the Jiuli Soul Armor.


    The entire attack''s damage was reduced by more than half, allowing Chu Liang to endure the assault without a scratch.


    Even in death, the Inferno Devil Armored Warrior couldn''t understand how a fourth-realm cultivator could possess such immense strength!


    This was the first time Chu Liang truly realized how powerful this strength was. This was the power of the Geng Metal foundational qi!


    Previously, he lost so badly to Yang Hong because Yang Hong not only possessed the Ding Fire foundational qi of a fifth-realm cultivator, but he had also used this Ding Fire foundational qi to master the Immortal Inferno Body, a technique usually mastered by those at the sixth realm.


    The immense difference in the quality of their foundational qi caused Chu Liang to copse at the first touch. It was too difficult for him to fight back.


    But the situation has changed.


    With the Colorful Doll now in his possession, Chu Liang tapped into the first level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements in the Five-Elements Puppet. The Geng Metal foundational qi generated from its qi cirction continually flowed into his body, allowing him to possess the quality of fifth-realm foundational qi in advance!


    An attack performed with the Geng Metal foundational qi was invincible, while defense using the Geng Metal foundational qi would forge a Metallic Body. The power of the Geng Metal foundational qi was evident from the brief exchange moments ago.


    The moves for offense and defense showcased the sharpness and resilience of the Geng Metal foundational qi!


    When the other three Inferno Devil Armored Warriors saw this, they felt even more determined to escape.


    But then, they heard a furious roar!


    <i>Aoooooooo¡ª</i>


    The sixth-realm spirit beast Golden-Furred Hou blocked their way!


    The three hesitated slightly, and in the next moment, a gust of wind from behind signaled Chu Liang''s pursuit once more!


    Killing a fifth-realm cultivator earlier had only slightly charred his clothes. Now, Chu Liang was filled with an unstoppable murderous aura.


    The members of Inferno Devil Valley had repeatedly underestimated him, considering Chu Liang an easy target and trying to take his life. But how could he let them go now?


    "Brothers, let''s fight him together!" shouted one of the Inferno Devil Armored Warriors.


    Upon hearing this, the other two charged at Chu Liang. But the soldier who had just shouted turned and fled in the opposite direction!


    The two who had charged forward cursed inwardly, realizing there was no turning back. They had no other choice. Their only path to escape was through a bloody confrontation, as they could only flee by defeating this fourth-realm Mount Shu disciple!


    But even as Chu Liang faced two opponents of a higher cultivation realm than him, he showed no fear.


    With the thirteen talismanic scripts of ice written along its de, the Dustless Sword swung in one swift motion!


    When Chu Liang was at a lower cultivation level, he couldn''t fully harness the power of the Dustless Sword. But now, with the Geng Metal foundational qi activating the sword, he could truly unleash its legendary power!


    As the Inferno Devil Armored Warrior twisted its body, it transformed into a fiery tiger, pouncing at Chu Liang with bared fangs. Chu Liang crouched low and performed a sliding sh!


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    The sword cleaved the fiery tiger in half!


    At the same time, the other Inferno Devil Armored Warrior hadn''t stood by and did nothing. He swung his arms, transforming them into two fiery serpents, attempting to entangle and restrain Chu Liang!


    Even while dealing with the fiery tiger, Chu Liang effortlessly handled the fiery serpents. He immediately shouted, "Golden-Furred Hou!"


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    With a deafening roar, the Golden-Furred Hou lunged forward, sinking its teeth into the upper body of the Inferno Devil Armored Warrior who had transformed his arms into fiery serpents!


    This sixth-realm spirit beast was more powerful than Chu Liang, and it couldn''t just stand there blocking the path.


    While Chu Liang was now strong enough to handle a fifth-realm diabolical cultivator, it was mostly due to the sharpness of the Dustless Sword. If the two fifth-realm diabolical cultivators[1] attacked him simultaneously, it would still be difficult for him to win.


    This was when bringing the Golden-Furred Hou along proved its worth.


    "Raaaaaaaaaarrrrrr..."


    The Golden-Furred Hou had just swallowed the Inferno Devil Armored Warrior, but its tongue was burned, causing it to leap around in difort. It quickly spat out the remaining half of the body, sticking out its tongue and iling its massive paws in exaggerated motions as it danced around in pain.


    With its massive form, it looked quite funny.


    But Chu Liang had already turned his attention in another direction.


    Thest Inferno Devil Armored Warrior, having bought time by betraying hisrades, had escaped Old Fei''s restrictive spell and was now flying away as a streak of fire.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang knew his death would be the worst among the four.


    Because...


    A crimson-gold meteor descended from the sky.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The fiery meteor crashed directly onto the escaping Inferno Devil Armored Warrior, causing the ground to shake with a thunderous roar.


    After a while, the smoke cleared.


    Di Nufeng appeared amidst the smoke. With her head tilted, she chuckled and said, "All done!"


    "As expected! When my teacher strikes, the result is remarkable!" Chu Liang quickly praised.


    These words came from the depths of his heart. He had marveled countless times at how Di Nufeng had never once disappointed him in fights and battles!


    "<i>Hehe</i>, anyone who dares to provoke my disciple repeatedly should expect this oue," Di Nufeng snorted proudly.


    As Chu Liang stripped the broken Inferno Devil Armor and searched the belongings of the diabolical cultivators, he remarked, "These members of the diabolical sect keep hiding in the shadows. It''s so annoying. Now that we''ve beaten up the lower-leveled ones, I wonder if the more powerful ones will show up."


    "More powerful ones?" Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up as though she had sensed something interesting. "Will such a good thing really happen to us?"


    ...


    While they were on their way back to the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think back to the state of his cultivation just a few months ago.


    At that time, he was only at the third realm of cultivation. If it weren''t for the power of the Crimson Executioner, the fifth-realm Fiend from the Dark King Sect could have easily crushed him.


    And now, even without relying on the Crimson Executioner, he was capable of killing a fifth-realm cultivator.


    Those times felt like a lifetime ago.


    The sayings that Heaven rewards the diligent and that you reap what you sow were indeed true. The heavens would never disappoint those who toiled earnestly.


    None of the efforts of any Large-Headed Doll were in vain!


    After returning to Mount Shu, he handed over the damaged Inferno Devil Armor and locked storage enchanted tools to Wen Yulong. After several practice sessions, Junior Brother Wen had be quite the locksmith.


    Afterwards, Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak to rest.


    He slept peacefully that night.


    The next day, following his usual routine, he flew to the nearby ck forest to find the adorable thorny ck balls.


    Although he had made great progress recently, he would stille by to harvest thorny ck balls whenever he had free time. By doing so, he acquired more seeds for Golden Vein Berries, which he could use to expand Berry Wondend further.


    With the reputation of the berries already established, there was no risk of them going to waste.


    The more, the better.


    And thus, a pleasant day began.


    But today, upon reaching the edge of the ck forest, Chu Liang sensed something was wrong.


    He had flown around the forest several times, but he hadn''t spotted a single thorny ck ball.


    Where had his old friends gone?


    He decided to venture deeper into the forest, heading towards the ghost tree.


    The ghost tree, which produced the thorny ck balls, still stood there ominously. Although Chu Liang was much stronger than before, he still didn''t dare approach the tree recklessly, sensing the mysterious and dangerous aura emanating from it.


    The ghost tree''s branches swayed,den with thorny ck fruits, but none had fallen.


    Chu Liang immediately realized the problem.


    There were no lingering spirits!


    In the past, the ghost tree attracted lonely wandering ghosts from a few hundred li away, which would thenbine with the fruits on the tree. When the fruits fell on their own, they would transform into these sentient thorny ck balls.


    But now, while the ghost tree remained, the wandering ghosts were gone.


    What was going on?


    Chu Liang had formed a deep bond with the thorny ck balls and couldn''t bear to see them disappear. And so, he decided to investigate the cause.


    However, daytime was not the best period to track down lingering spirits. During the day, ghastly creatures would hide themselves, making them difficult to find even if they were present.


    Chu Liang then returned to Silver Sword Peak and cultivated on his own for a while.


    As night approached, he ventured back to the area around the ghost tree.


    The absence of lingering spirits during the day could be exined by their tendency to hide. However, theck of wandering spirits at night was truly strange.


    In such a spooky, deste ce, the absence of ghosts was eerie in itself!


    Chu Liang immediately extended his divine sense, flying low over the ground and scanning every area in the vicinity.


    He patiently flew until he reached the Bombax River area. It waste at night, with only a few stars apanying the moon.


    After a while, he finally sensed a trace of a lingering spirit.


    Following that trace, he discovered an eerie ck jar resembling a wine jar bobbing on the surface of the Bombax River.


    This jar seemed to emit a strange, cold aura that attracted nearby wandering ghosts more strongly than the ghost tree.


    As unconscious spirits approached, a ck hand would shoot out from the wine jar, grabbing the lingering spirits and pulling them inside!


    <i>This jar is a trap!</i>


    <i>A jar that devours ghosts?!</i>


    1. I was thinking about this story. Another reason why it''s easier for him to fight someone of one cultivation realm higher than him is because these diabolical cultivators are usually unconventional cultivators. It was previously mentioned that unconventional cultivators tend to cultivate techniques from different ces, making them weaker than those who follow an actual cultivation system. ?

 Chapter 365: Fragrance of Intoxicating Spirit Flower

    <h4>Chapter 365: Fragrance of Intoxicating Spirit Flower</h4>


    Under the moonlight, the jar that had just captured a lingering spirit gently trembled in the river, creating an eerie and spooky scene.


    <i>Is it chewing? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    With each quiver, strange, dark energy seeped out.


    Could this jar be a living, demonic entity?


    Unsure of what was happening, Chu Liang decided not to act rashly and silently observed for a while.


    The wine-jar monster floated in the river, capturing and devouring the ghosts it attracted, without doing anything else.


    No wonder the ghost tree could no longer attract lingering spirits.


    Across the Bombax River was a bustling human settlement, while this side was wild and empty. The lonely wandering spirits drawn to the ghost tree came from across the river and from upstream and downstream of the Bombax River.


    Now, with the wine-jar monster intercepting them here, it was stealing the lingering spirits meant for the ghost tree.


    However, it was impossible for this small wine-jar monster alone to intercept all the nearby lingering spirits. Chu Liang flew upstream along the river, and sure enough, he saw nearly ten such wine-jar monsters scattered along the Bombax River.


    It wasn''t until the confluence of the Bombax River and the Qinnan River that he no longer saw any trace of the wine-jar monsters.


    Where did all these wine jars along the rivere from?


    Could it be that someone intentionally ced them here?


    But during his search, Chu Liang saw no one nearby monitoring them; it seemed these wine-jar monsters had their own consciousness.


    After some thought, he attempted to approach one of the ck wine jars. Immediately, a ck hand reached out towards Chu Liang!


    With the Geng Metal foundational qi condensed on his fingertips, his finger became a sword as he pointed at the palm of the ck hand.


    <i>Sizzle.</i>


    Immediately, the ck hand recoiled in pain, retreating swiftly back into the jar. No matter how close Chu Liang got afterward, it stubbornly refused to emerge again.


    "Does this thing really have intelligence?" Chu Liang wondered.


    Out of curiosity, Chu Liang lifted the wine-jar monster out of the water!


    As he held the jar, an intense burst of resentment-filled qi erupted from it. The ck hand reappeared, this time lunging fiercely towards Chu Liang''s face!


    With a swift reverse grip, Chu Liang seized the ck hand by the wrist and pulled!


    To his astonishment, the hand stretched longer and longer, extending several zhang without breaking. It seemed endless, as if there was no body behind the arm¡ªjust an impossibly long hand!


    As the arm stretched further, an even stronger qi emanated from it, a potent mix of murderous and demonic energy!


    "What is this strange thing inside?" Chu Liang wondered.


    Out of curiosity, he smashed the jar with a powerful palm strike!


    <i>Smash¡ª</i>


    A scream came from within the jar!


    After the jar shattered, a ssh of ck liquid spurted out, making an eerie "sizzle" sound mixed with ghostly screams, until it seeped into the ground.


    Chu Liang intended to collect a few drops in a porcin bottle to studyter, but the ck liquid in the porcin bottle evaporated when the screams sounded. It seemed like the liquid could not exist outside the ck jar.


    "How strange..." Chu Liang muttered.


    As all the ck liquid vanished, a golden mark floated up from the ground and merged into his body.


    <i>Huh? Do I get an imprint when I destroy this wine jar?</i>


    The wine-jar monster was indeed considered an independent life form.


    It seemed to be simr to thentern monsters and the thorny ck balls¡ªstrange entities that were formed by spirits merging with something else.


    <i>I can get rewards for killing these things too? </i>Chu Liang thought as he stroked his chin.


    It seemed that to save his dear friends, the thorny ck balls, he would have to fight these evil wine-jar monsters.


    ...


    In the White Pagoda, Chu Liang gently pressed the "Refine" button.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The wine-jar monster was refined by a red glow and, in an instant, turned into a small white light that floated out.


    [Intoxicating Spirit Flower Seed: Can be nted to grow a fragrant Intoxicating Spirit Flower, which is refreshing when it blooms.]


    At that moment, Chu Liang was still by the Bombax River. After receiving the new imprint, he eagerly started opening the reward right there in the forest.


    The reward was unfortunate...


    <i>It seems to be a flower seed that has not much use aside from being fragrant?</i> he thought to himself.


    Although this flower was rather useless, Chu Liang still needed to eliminate all the wine-jar monsters. After all, they intercepted the lingering spirits from reaching the ghost tree, which would stop the production of the thorny ck balls.


    Thus, Chu Liang followed the Bombax River, smashing nearly ten wine-jar monsters in the water and collecting several Intoxicating Spirit Flower seeds.


    Only then did he head back, content and satisfied with his efforts.


    The next morning, Chu Liang arrived at the small garden outside the wooden cabin early. This garden used to be full of Golden Vein Flowers, but as the scale of the Golden Vein Berries production expanded, the flowers were moved to a different area. Now, this garden was empty and ready for something new.


    It was the perfect time for him to try nting the Intoxicating Spirit Flowers.


    When it came to nting flowers, Chu Liang was already quite skilled. It was just a matter of digging a hole, adding some soil, and cing the seeds...


    He nted a few seeds, watered them, and sprinkled herbal powder on one of them. Thend had been fallow for some time, allowing its spiritual energy to recover significantly.


    In less than two hours, a small sprout emerged, followed by the rapid growth of the branches and leaves.


    A one-chi-tall Intoxicating Spirit Flower with red petals and green leaves was fully grown. However, at this moment, the bright red, round bud was still closed, and the fragrance had not yet been released. The flower''s most striking feature was its somewhat gaudy color.


    Chu Liang was not in a hurry and patiently waited for another half an hour.


    Finally, the bud began to tremble slightly.


    Suddenly, theyers of petals unfurled!


    At the same time, a strong and somewhat pungent fragrance suddenly overwhelmed him. Just a whiff made Chu Liang¡¯s mind explode, as if the scent had cleared a mental block.


    He couldn¡¯t help but close his eyes as he slowly immersed himself in this sensation.


    This was more than just refreshing; it was intensely intoxicating!


    After a considerable time, he slowly exhaled.


    When he opened his eyes, he discovered two heads, onerge and one small, in front of him.


    It turned out that spirit beasts had much more sensitive noses than humans. The Golden-Furred Hou and Baize on the peak were drawn to the fragrance. Theyy by the Intoxicating Spirit Flower, closing their eyes and swaying, appearing genuinely drunk.


    The White Pagoda was not lying about this. The im that the fragrance was good was not only true but exceptionally so.


    Moreover, after smelling this fragrance, he felt his meridians unblocking and his mind clearing, as if he had entered a mysterious and profound state. His only thought was how beneficial it would be to cultivate divine abilities and study the Great Dao in this state.


    The effect could vary greatly; if being in this state could indeed help him understand the Great Dao one day, it would be a significant achievement.


    After a long time, the fragrance of the Intoxicating Spirit Flower slowly dissipated. The Golden-Furred Hou and Baize withdrew from their dazed state, looking at Chu Liang with reluctant eyes.


    "Addicted, huh?" Chu Liang said with a smile. Since the flower''s fragrance was harmless, he sprinkled herbal powder on the seeds nted nearby as well.


    After a while, several more Intoxicating Spirit Flowers bloomed!


    The intensified fragrance greatly satisfied the spirit beasts, and they were immersed in it, swaying their heads. Chu Liang sniffed the scent once more, immersing himself in the sensation.


    At this tranquil moment, an unexpected event urred.


    A disciple from Mount Shu was flying overhead on a fire crane. Everything was fine until the fire crane passed over Silver Sword Peak and was suddenly affected by the drifting fragrance of the Intoxicating Spirit Flowers, bing intoxicated.


    The fire crane, with its low cultivation level and intelligence, became dizzy. It followed the fragrance and crashed down into the Intoxicating Spirit Flower garden!


    Several Intoxicating Spirit Flowers were crushed by the impact, their vibrant petals strewn across the ground. The Golden-Furred Hou and Baize were awakened by the noise. When they saw what had happened, they were furious. The two spirit beasts red at the fire crane, their eyes zing with anger.


    "Ahhh!" The Mount Shu disciple who had fallen with the fire crane quickly scrambled to his feet and apologized, "Senior Brother Chu Liang! I was just passing by when my mount identally fell. Please, do not be angry!"


    Chu Liang had not expected the Intoxicating Spirit Flower¡¯s fragrance to cause an ident. He had no intention of ming the fellow cultivator and was about to shake his head to reassure him.


    Suddenly, he noticed that some of the green leaves of the Intoxicating Spirit Flowers crushed by the fire crane had started smoldering. Instead of a sudden ze, the fire spread slowly, ckening the leaves as wisps of green smoke drifted out.


    Chu Liang took a gentle whiff of the green smoke, and suddenly, a sh of insight illuminated his mind. Questions he had previously struggled with now had clear answers!

 Chapter 366: That Is Really Strange!

    <h4>Chapter 366: That Is Really Strange!</h4>


    Three dayster, on Heaven-Reaching Peak...


    "Senior Brother Chu, this is what you asked for."


    "Is the scent pure?"


    "Yes, I guarantee it."


    "Try it."


    Wen Yulong showed a rather pained expression. "Won''t it be a waste?"


    "It''s fine. We can produce more in the future," Chu Liang reassured Wen Yulong.


    Wen Yulong then opened the long, narrow brocade box in his hand. It contained ten slender sticks of incense.


    He gently picked one up, inserted it into the incense burner beside him, and lit it.


    A thin wisp of azure smoke rose into the air. The two young men in the room inhaled the smoke and immediately felt their minds brighten with rity. They seemed to be able to sense the flow of spiritual energy in the world.


    "Not bad." Chu Liang smiled. "The effect is great."


    Wen Yulong carefully snuffed out the incense andughed gleefully. "As always, the spirit nts that you bring to me are the only ones that are truly powerful, Brother Chu. I''ve only heard of a few treasures like this that can enhance a person''s divine intent and aid them in achieving enlightenment, but they are all very precious."


    "It was just a lucky encounter," Chu Liang replied.


    It had been a truly amazing stroke of luck.


    He''d killed some wine-jar monsters and obtained some seeds of the Intoxicating Spirit Flower. Then he grew a few Intoxicating Spirit Flower nts. When the flowers bloomed, they released an intense fragrance that intoxicated beings that smelled it. The scent also made those who smelled it feel mentally clear and physically light.


    However, the flowers only stayed in bloom for a very short period, and the effects were not very strong, so there was nothing notable about that. Then that fire crane identally fell into the garden and ignited the leaves of the Intoxicating Spirit Flower. That was when Chu Liang discovered that burning the leaves of the flower also produced the same effect of having clearing the mind, just without the fragrance.


    Moreover, these leaves were quite slow to burn; one leafsted for a short while. This made the flowers seem rather useless inparison.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang still wasn''t satisfied. So, he found Wen Yulong and asked him to do some research and testing. He wanted to see if the leaves of the Intoxicating Spirit Flower could be made into spirit incense so that the effects produced by burning the leaves couldst longer.


    Of course, Wen Yulong did not disappoint. The incense he made could burn for four hours, allowing the effect of having a clear mind tost through that entire duration. It was a very powerful incense. The long duration of the incense could be very beneficial to a cultivator, regardless of whether they were thinking about something, practicing their divine abilities, orprehending the Great Dao.


    Wen Yulong said, "This spirit incense has never been made before. I n to name it Spirit-Awakening Incense, What do you think?"


    ustomed to naming his enchanted tools, he had already thought of a name for the spirit incense.


    "Spirit-Awakening Incense..." Chu Liang muttered. He then shook his head. "This name isn''t impressive enough; it won''t sell well."


    Wen Yulong didn''t argue. He just asked, "What would you call it, Senior Brother Chu?"


    After all, based on what he''d witnessed in the past, Chu Liang''s ideas were usually good.


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and then suggested, "How about Fragrance of Enlightenment?"


    "Fragrance of Enlightenment?" Wen Yulong uttered, taken aback.


    He considered it for a moment. The name is fine. It''s just... a bit exaggerated.


    It was certain that this spirit incense would aid in a cultivator''sprehension of the Great Dao, but it was uncertain as to just how effective it was in that regard.


    "Keep half of this box as your pay. I''ll take the rest back to test the effects," Chu Liang said. "I''ll give you another batch of Intoxicating Spirit Flower Leavester, and you can turn them all into the Fragrance of Enlightenment."


    These past few nights, Chu Liang had been going to Bombax River. Every day, there were eight to ten wine-jar monsters there catching lingering spirits, and Chu Liang quickly formed a deep bond with them. He would be really sad if there were toe a night when he couldn''t see them anymore.


    As for his initial reason for killing the wine-jar monsters, he had already forgotten about it.


    What thorny ck balls?


    He knew nothing about them.


    After epting several sticks of the incense Fragrance of Enlightenment, Wen Yulong said, "Also, I''ve opened up those storage enchanted tools you gave mest time."


    Wen Yulongid out the storage enchanted tools Chu Liang had taken from the disciples of the Inferno Devil Valley.


    Then he continued, "And here are the several sets of damaged Inferno Devil Armor. The enchanted formation inscriptions are so severely damaged that I can''t repair them. However, I found that by piecing them together, we might be able to make oneplete set. The Inferno Devil Valley''s armors are famous worldwide. If I make some modifications, I''m sure it will be extraordinarily powerful."


    "Hmm..." Chu Liang forced a smile. "Actually, even just restoring a full set of armor will be an amazing feat. You don''t have to persist with the modifications if they''re too difficult to make."


    "Don''t worry, Senior Brother Chu," Wen Yulong said. "We artificers are never afraid of running into difficulties."


    You don''t fear running into difficulties, but I do... Chu Liang muttered inwardly.


    Nevertheless, he let Wen Yulong be.


    After all, Junior Brother Wen has helped me a lot these days. I''ll just let him have this little bit of freedom.


    It was just a set of Inferno Devil Armor. If it got ruined during the modification process, then Chu Liang just wouldn''t wear it. He already had the protection of the Jiuli Soul Armor anyway.


    Nevertheless, if Wen Yulong seeded with the modifications, Chu Liang might be pleasantly surprised by the result. After all, who would mind having an extra set of armor?


    Chu Liang''s divine sense swept through the storage enchanted tools and changed his opinion of those fifth-realm disciples of the Inferno Devil Valley.


    They hadn''t been elite fifth-realm cultivators; they were poor fifth-realm cultivators. They were even poorer than those Fiends of the Dark King Sect that Chu Liang had encountered in the past. These guys had nothing valuable. There were some intact enchanted tools, pills, and arts manuals, but they were all specific to diabolical sects. Chu Liang had no use for them except to turn them in for some sword coins.


    This reminded Chu Liang of a popr joke in the world of immortality cultivators.


    It went like this. Among the nine cultivation realms, the fifth realm, the Realm of the Five Elements, had another name¡ªthe Realm of Financial Strain.


    This was because cultivators at realms lower than the fifth realm didn''t need that many resources, so they could save money. On the other hand, those at the sixth realm and above had much better ways to earn money than those at the fifth realm.


    Fifth-realm cultivators were the only ones that needed to consume precious treasures of nature to advance through every level of realm. This usually ced the cultivators in financial strain, leaving many destitute.


    Of course, that was a distant reality for the elite disciples of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    ...


    Later in the day, Chu Liang arrived at his and Jiang Yuebai''s old hangout on Treasured Pagoda Peak. He was there to meet Jiang Yuebai in private.


    Jiang Yuebai was already waiting for him in the cave.


    She asked softly, "What is it this time?"


    "Senior Sister, I have something good to show you," Chu Liang answered with a smile.


    Jiang Yuebai had been busy studying fifth-realm divine artstely, so it had been quite a while since the two of themst met up. Chu Liang had specifically requested that she meet him today.


    Chu Liang tugged on Jiang Yuebai, gesturing for her to sit down. Then he ced an incense burner on the table and inserted a stick of the incense Fragrance of Enlightenment.


    Jiang Yuebai''s face suddenly turned red.


    She sprang up and questioned, "What are you doing??"


    Huh?


    Seeing her reaction, Chu Liang realized that the way he pulled her over to him with the incense burner in front of them was indeed quite simr to something else... It looked like they were about to pay their respects to someone or something together...[1]


    Chu Liang hurriedly exined, "It''s a new little thing I discovered. I named it Fragrance of Enlightenment. It''s very beneficial for cultivation, and I want you to experience it too."


    Finally understanding what was going on, Jiang Yuebai nodded and said, "Oh, I see."


    Once the Fragrance of Enlightenment was lit, Jiang Yuebai''s eyes lit up as well.


    This spirit incense was indeed extraordinary. The effect of the incense wasn''t very strong, but it was a rare effect other treasures could not produce. That alone made this spirit incense exceptional.


    "Try cultivating in this state, Senior Sister. If it works well, I''ll bring you more in the future," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Jiang Yuebai nodded. "Alright, I''ll give it a try."


    She immediately got into a cross-legged position on the couch and activated the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t realize it, but the fact that she could enter a meditative state and activate her qi cirction without hesitation in front of Chu Liang showed she trusted him greatly. It was rare for her to trust anyone that much.


    Jiang Yuebai had initially thought she would just try out cultivating in this clear-headed state, but once her qi was in cirction, she immediately felt different from usual.


    Herplex meridian system, every wisp of foundational qi, and the intricate workings of her qi-cirction route had all be so clear in her mind. Jiang Yuebai¡¯s control over her qi cirction had gone up a notch.


    She had experienced this feeling before. It was when she was still at the fourth rank. She had used the power of her Transcendent Spirit to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction.


    Some time after that, Jiang Yuebai reached the fifth realm. Nevertheless, she still had yet to reach the threshold of Perfect Qi Cirction.


    Perhaps she had been just a hair''s breadth away this whole time. The effect of the Fragrance of Enlightenment helped her bridge thatst gap, allowing her to understand what she had beencking.


    As Chu Liang watched Jiang Yuebai cultivate, he felt a sudden surge of waves in his Sea of Qi. The Large-Headed Dolls inside the White Pagoda were circting qi at an elerated rate.


    This is... Perfect Qi Cirction!


    Boom!


    A secondter, Jiang Yuebai glowed with lights of five colors. The light illuminated the whole cave and even overflowed outside.


    The five lights condensed into five different qi. The tinum-colored qi was the densest, so much so that it seemed like something of substance. Meanwhile, the other four qi were still a bit dispersed.


    The five beams of glowing qi shot out from Pagoda Peak and headed straight for the horizon! It was the Transformation of Five Qi into Essence!


    This was the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon that urred when a cultivator achieved Perfect Qi Cirction while cultivating the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Five Elements!


    Observing this phenomenon up close, Chu Liang felt inspired and quickly got into a cross-legged position too.


    The urrence of one cultivator''s Perfect Qi Cirction could trigger the activation of another cultivator''s qi-cirction technique if they used the same one. It allowed the secondary cultivator to echo the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon. There had been a precedent where all of the Mount Shu Sect benefited from a seventh-realm cultivator''s Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon.


    At this moment, Chu Liang was the only one who got to benefit from Jiang Yuebai''s Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon. His Sea of Qi surged with raging waves, reaching a peak state.


    Chu Liang absorbed a Dragon-Blood Crystal, elevating his vitality, qi, and spirit to peak states too. He then put all of his efforts into circting his qi.


    Boom!


    A momentter, Chu Liang exuded white waves of qi. In the blink of an eye, the waves reformed as a Sea of Qi. Its huge billowing waves hung in the air like clouds of white fog. A sun-like golden orb bobbed up and down amid the billowing waves, appearing and disappearing.


    As Chu Liang''s five qi transformed into essence, the Sea of Qi Phenomenon gradually rose from the Sea of Qi and ascended toward the sky with the five colored lights. The sky over Treasured Pagoda Peak was filled with the colors of cultivation phenomena!


    ...


    All of the Mount Shu Sect saw this wondrous scene.


    "What is that?!"


    "It''s the Transformation of Five Qi into Essence Phenomenon! It''s the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon of The Book of Five Elements!"


    "In our sect, Senior Sister Jiang''s the only one who would have the ability to achieve that, right?"


    "Yes, it must be her. She has the Transcendent Spirit. Who else could achieve Perfect Qi Cirction¡ªhang on..."


    "Then what''s with that rising Sea of Qi Phenomenon?"


    "It''s the fourth-realm Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon!"


    "In our sect, the only one who could achieve that is probably Senior Brother Chu!"


    "That''s right. It must be him. I remember him showing that he had a deep understanding of how to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction at Senior Sister Jiang''s lecture. So, it''s not surprising that if he''s achieved it."


    "..."


    Disciples and sect members all over Mount Shu''s thirty-six peaks stopped to watch the cultivation phenomena and discuss spiritedly. Of course, it was inevitable that they would have questions about what they saw.


    "It''s not surprising that Senior Sister Jiang achieved a Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon. Likewise, it''s not surprising that Senior Brother Chu would achieve one too. But... why are their phenomena intertwined?!"


    "That''s really strange!"


    1. I assume they''re thinking about the wedding ritual, where they pay their respects to the Heavens and the Earth and their ancestors. ?

 Chapter 367: The Fight for the Control of the Great Dao

    <h4>Chapter 367: The Fight for the Control of the Great Dao</h4>


    On Azure Falling Peak, Daoist Yan sat cross-legged above an ancient tree, her expression cold and aloof. Beside her, Di Nufeng sat casually, legs dangling over a branch as they engaged in conversation.


    "You''re going into a major period of closed-door cultivation?" Di Nufeng asked, surprise in her voice as she looked at Daoist Yan with a puzzled expression.


    At their level, it wasn''t unusual to go into closed-door cultivation. Mastering an immortal art orprehending a bit of Dao essence often required dedicated istion for a period. Typically, closed-door cultivation ranged from ten days to a few months. However, this kind of cultivation did not have a set time limit; it couldst anywhere from a few years to several years. Such extended periods were rare and usually unnecessary unless aiming for a significant breakthrough.


    But at Daoist Yan''s level, another major breakthrough would mean...


    "Yes," Daoist Yan nodded slightly. "If anything happens on Azure Falling Peak, I need you to take care of it."


    Everyone knew that Di Nufeng''s only friend among the thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu was Daoist Yan. However, few considered the friendship from another perspective: Di Nufeng was also Daoist Yan''s only friend. The only difference between Di Nufeng and Daoist Yan was that Di Nufeng was disliked by people, which led to her poor rtionships, while Daoist Yan was too reclusive, spending her days cultivating on the ancient tree of Azure Falling Peak, unwilling to socialize. Di Nufeng had no choice but to have no friends, while Daoist Yan chose not to have any. In the end, the result was the same.


    So when Daoist Yan needed to enter a major period of closed-door cultivation, she could only ask Di Nufeng to look after her peak. As she made the request, there was a hint of unwillingness and sadness in her voice.


    "Don''t worry! You can count on me," Di Nufeng said as she patted her chest confidently. Even so, there was a hint of worry in her eyes as she looked at Daoist Yan and said, "But Yan Zi, you are not...reaching that point, are you?"


    "Yes, I am," Daoist Yan replied straightforwardly.


    "Are you still going to seek the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination?" Di Nufeng asked, her eyes widening.


    "Yes," Daoist Yan nodded again.


    "Are you serious about not changing to another Dao?" Di Nufeng pressed.


    "No," Daoist Yan replied calmly.


    After a while, Di Nufeng finally said, "Alright then. I heard the Sword Emperor of the West Sea ising to thend of the Yu Dynasty again. Even though I have a grudge against Old Li Ba, this time I hope he can beat that bastard from the West Sea to death."


    Daoist Yan''s mouth twitched, as if she wanted tough but was trying to suppress it. In the end, she gently curved her lips and let out a soft chuckle.


    "What''s the point of that?" Daoist Yan said leisurely. "The path of a sword cultivator is to move forward and personally cut down the enemy."


    Despite her light tone, there was an unmistakable sense of severity.


    "You can definitely do it!" Di Nufeng said firmly. After a moment''s thought, she sighed, "I always thought I''d be the second person in Mount Shu to reach the Heavenly Origin Realm, but now you''ve beaten me to it."


    "If only you focused more on your cultivation..." Daoist Yan began, looking at Di Nufeng, but she stopped midway.


    In her gaze, there was a faint hint of regret, as though she was thinking about something that could have happened.


    ...


    The eighth realm in the world was called the Heavenly Origin, and those who reached it were known as Masters of the Heavenly Origin.


    The term "master" was used because cultivators in the seventh realm couldprehend various great Daos and utilize them, as long as they could harness their power. However, none of these Daos belonged to the seventh-realm cultivators; they were merely borrowing the power of heaven and earth.


    For instance, Daoist Yan cultivated the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination, yet she could still use other Great Daos and divine abilities.


    However, to attain the eighth realm, one had to master one of the three thousand Great Daos of the world and be the master of that Great Dao¡ªa Dao Master.


    Being the master of that Great Dao meant that no one else could use that Great Dao in the presence of the Dao Master. The Dao Master would have sole control over it. If anyone tried to exert force through that Great Dao, it could result in a bacsh, with the forceing under themand of the Dao Master.


    By attaining the Heavenly Origin, one would be master of a Great Dao!


    One Great Dao could only have one master.


    Although it was said that there were three thousand Great Daos in the world, far fewer had actually been discovered andprehended. Additionally, with countless cultivators, there was bound to be ovep, as many divine abilities and techniques ultimately led to the same Great Dao.


    If a predecessor had already be the master of a certain Great Dao, there would be only two choices for someone seeking to advance to the next cultivation realm. One would either have to wait for the current Dao Master to die orpete with that Dao Master for control of the Great Dao.


    A fight for control of the Great Dao was more serious than life and death!


    If an eighth-realm expert''s control of the Great Dao was taken away, their cultivation level would drop to an awkward position between the seventh and eighth realms. This stage wasmonly referred to as the "seventh and a half realm." It meant that they were stronger than ordinary seventh-realm cultivators but not as powerful as those at the eighth realm.


    Throughout history, it was rare for challengers to seize control of the Great Dao from their predecessors. After all, the current master of that Great Dao would have been in the Heavenly Origin Realm for many years and would obviously surpass the challenger in terms of cultivation, mindset, and experience.


    How challenging would it be to fight for control of a Great Dao?


    Ambitious and talented cultivators would start paying attention to the Great Daos without masters while they were still in the sixth realm. Great Daos like Yin-Yang, Heaven and Earth, and Five Elements were generally out of the question.


    Throughout history, prodigies had fought for control of these Great Daos, leading inevitably to someone''s defeat.


    By choosing an obscure and unconventional Great Dao, one could ascend to the eighth realm more easily. For example, the Dao of Music followed by the South Melody Conservatory was subdivided into several Great Daos. The number of these Great Daos even exceeded the number of seventh-realm musicians, leaving plenty of Great Daos for musician cultivators to master.


    However, musicians who managed to touch the threshold of the eighth realm were rare...


    Compared to the musicians with many unconventional Great Daos, thepetition among the sword cultivators was extremely fierce.


    In this world, there were three known Great Daos of sword cultivation¡ªCloud of Determination, Severing Void, and Tai''a.


    The Dao Master of the Cloud of Determination was the Sword Emperor of the West Sea!


    The Dao Master of the Severing Void was Sword Saint Old Li Ba!


    The Dao Master of the Tai''a[1] was the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Yu Dynasty!


    These three were all prominent figures.


    Old Li Ba was the first to reach the Heavenly Origin Realm, holding the position of Sword Saint at the Endless Sword Sect for a lifetime. The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner in the Capital of Yu was the second, serving as a stabilizing force for the nine provinces. He rarely took action but was never known to have lost a fight. The West Sea Sword Emperor emerged from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom decades ago, sweeping through the world''s sword cultivators before encountering Old Li Ba, thus iming thest Great Dao of sword cultivation.


    Each sword cultivator was more formidable than thest!


    Thus, for the past sixty years, it was widely believed that the Great Dao of sword cultivation was closed off.


    Fortunately, not every sword cultivator could reach the eighth realm, so most sword cultivators didn''t have to worry aboutpeting with these three for control of the Great Dao.


    But Daoist Yan had to worry about this.


    If one of the three Great Daos had to be chosen, the one controlled by the West Sea Sword Emperor would be the best choice. After all, the West Sea Sword Emperor was the least experienced of the three Dao Masters, and Daoist Yan had always studied the Cloud of Determination, meaning that her cultivation of this Great Dao was much stronger.


    If she chose to fight for control of this Great Dao, her chance of sess would be the highest.


    However...


    There would always be Great Daos left without a master in this world. With Daoist Yan''s talent, if she departed from sword cultivation and delved into another type of Dao, she would still have a chance of attaining Heavenly Origin.


    Still, Di Nufeng would never ask her friend to switch to another Dao as she knew that her friend would never do something like that. After all, the core of Yan Zi''s Daoy in the motion of moving forward relentlessly.


    Thus, with a serious expression rarely seen on her face, Di Nufeng said, "Start your closed-door cultivation without worry. With me here, your disciples on Azure Falling Peak have nothing to fear."


    Before she finished speaking, a five-colored glow rose in the horizon.


    As Daoist Yan watched the five auras converging over Treasured Pagoda Peak, she smiled and said, "It''s Yuebai."


    Di Nufeng looked over. A momentter, another phenomenon was witnessed¡ªthe rise of a profound Sea of Qi.


    She smiled too and said, "It''s Chu Liang."


    Instantly, Daoist Yan''s face turned gloomy, a stark contrast to Di Nufeng''s expression.


    Her expression changed because she saw that the phenomena of Qi Cirction were intertwining!


    "That''s my disciple and your disciple! Could it be that they are doing dual¡ª" Di Nufeng''s excited words got stuck in her throat as she saw Daoist Yan''s gloomy face. She quickly changed her words, "I mean, both achieving breakthroughs? What a coincidence that it''s happening at the same time, huh?"


    Daoist Yan''s gaze flickered gloomily.


    Di Nufeng couldn''t stop smiling.


    After a while, Daoist Yan finally said, "Maybe."


    Daoist Yan had just been told that her disciples on Azure Falling Peak would have nothing to fear. Even so, she was already worried before she started her closed-door cultivation and the person she was worried about happened to be Di Nufeng''s disciple!


    Daoist Yan was even considering her other rtionships. She seemed to have good rtions with Old Man Sikong and Tantai Jing as well, so asking them to look after her disciples wouldn''t be out of the question.


    Everything else could be left unattended, except for one thing that must be strictly managed, and that was...the prohibition of dual cultivation!


    1. The Tai''a Sword is one of the most famous swords in Chinese mythology. ?

 Chapter 368: Damn You

    <h4>Chapter 368: Damn You</h4>


    When Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai opened their eyes, there was a glint of joy in them.


    Jiang Yuebai was delighted to have achieved Perfect Qi Cirction at the fifth realm. She had been studying and attempting this for many days. Previously, she was just a step away, and the use of the Fragrance of Enlightenment helped her make that final leap.


    Simrly, with the Fragrance of Enlightenment and Senior Sister Jiang''s guidance, Chu Liang managed to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction at the fourth realm. For him, it didn''t matter if he couldn''t reach it again next time because the Large-Headed Doll had already memorized it!


    The blueprint of the Perfect Qi Cirction had been conveniently recorded by the Golden-Core Puppet. Now, in addition to the Qi-Cirction Puppet generating misty clouds through the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon at the third realm in the White Pagoda, another cloud of smoke was generated by the Golden-Core Puppet through the Golden-Core Sea of Qi Phenomenon at the fourth realm.


    The Large-Headed Dolls sat in a row.


    Phenomenal phenomena were happening all around![1]


    If anyone walked inside the White Pagoda, they would barely see the Large-Headed Dolls through the dense smoke filling the air. The Qi-Cirction Puppets and Golden-Core Puppets were emitting thick clouds of smoke, which floated up and down, creating a swirling mist. Amidst this, the Five-Elements Puppet gleamed, their light shimmering through the ovepping phenomena created by the two puppets beside it.


    With an ultimate-tier Golden Core and a perfect Qi Cirction Technique, even if this Golden-Core Puppet were given to a pig, it would cultivate at a speed not inferior to that of a prodigy from any sect.


    And such a puppet was sitting obediently in Chu Liang''s White Pagoda, being paid only three Spirit-Concentration Pills a day. Now, Chu Liang felt a tinge of guilt for ever thinking that it was expensive.


    He had already reached theter stage of the Golden Core Realm, and with enhancement provided by the Perfect Cirction Phenomenon, he believed that he would soon be at the verge of advancing to the fifth realm in his cultivation.


    Jiang Yuebai gazed at Chu Liang and said, "I really don''t know how to thank you."


    Considering she had the Transcendent Spirit, it was likely that Jiang Yuebai would achieve the Perfect Qi Cirction Technique even without the Fragrance of Enlightenment. It would just take her a little more time.


    However, for the prodigies of this generation, every bit of progress was crucial as they were racing against time. Achieving Perfect Qi Cirction earlier might give them an edge over others, and this edge could be decisive in next year''s Immortal Sects Conference.


    Chu Liang exchanged a nce with her and smiled warmly. "Back then, you taught me divine techniques and skills with such care and never expected anything in return. There''s no need to mention gratitude now."


    Jiang Yuebai nodded slightly, but her expression suggested she didn''t take Chu Liang''s words to heart.


    Some people have a natural inclination to help others selflessly, yet they struggle to ept help from anyone else.


    After a while, Chu Liang was the first to walk out of the cave.


    As soon as he stepped outside, he suddenly paused.


    "Guys..." Chu Liang''s pupils dted sharply.


    At that very moment, Treasured Pagoda Peak was densely packed with people! Although most Mount Shu disciples didn''t know about the cave behind the waterfall, they knew that the intertwined Heavenly Qi Cirction phenomena were emanating from this area. Naturally, they all gathered here, eager to observe up close.


    Seeing Chu Liang at this moment, all the Mount Shu disciples paused for a moment, then swarmed towards him!


    "Senior Brother Chu!"


    "Senior Brother Chu, have you achieved Perfect Qi Cirction?"


    "Were you cultivating with Senior Sister Jiang?"


    "This is dual cultivation, right?"


    "Damn you!"


    "Scoundrel!"


    "..."


    Amid the chaotic noises mixed with undeniable malice, Chu Liang quickly took off, stepping onto his flying sword. <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    He didn''t fly directly back to Silver Sword Peak but circled around the area, drawing everyone''s attention to himself. With a stylish drift, he led the noisy crowd away.


    The full extent of his Flying Sword Competition champion skills was now on disy!


    He wanted to divert the crowd so that Jiang Yuebai wouldn''t be surrounded when she emerged from the cave.


    But he really underestimated Jiang Yuebai.


    When Jiang Yuebai sensed the noise outside the cave, she immediately realized what was happening. She extended her divine sense outside and realized that Chu Liang was surrounded by people.


    With her ample experience in such situations, she didn''t walk out like Chu Liang. Instead, she used the Earth Escape technique and quickly returned to Azure Falling Peak.


    As a young, famous, and much-admired prodigy, if she didn''t have the skill to calmly escape, she would have been overwhelmed long ago.


    However, upon returning to Azure Falling Peak, she looked up and saw her esteemed teacher, whose expression appeared cold and aloof.


    Jiang Yuebai widened her eyes and gazed at her teacher with an innocent expression.


    There was a hint of pain and sadness in her teacher''s eyes.


    It felt like her cherished daughter, whom she had raised with great care, was being led astray by the mischievous boy next door, whose parents were notorious troublemakers.


    "<i>Haaaa.</i>" Daoist Yan let out a long sigh.


    In truth, she didn''t have a problem with Chu Liang himself, but seeing her beloved disciple get close to another man for the first time stirred these feelings within her, regardless of who it was.


    Jiang Yuebai blinked and said, "Esteemed teacher, let me exin."


    ...


    "Exin what? Oh,e on!" Di Nufeng waved her hand dismissively. "It''s not a bad thing!"


    She looked at Chu Liang with satisfaction.


    It was like her mischievous boy who loved racing flying swords had finally grown up and, in one fell swoop, brought back the model student and beauty from next door, whose parents were her close friends.


    "Not bad at all," she said, giving him a thumbs up in praise.


    "It''s really not what you think. Senior Sister Jiang and I were just cultivating together and happened to break through simultaneously," Chu Liang exined.


    "Yes, that''s exactly how I used to brush off Yan Zi," Di Nufengughed heartily. "No wonder you''re my disciple; your excuses are just like mine."


    Chu Liang could only sigh inwardly. "..."


    It''s no wonder members of the Mount Shu Sect misunderstood; cultivating together was inherently ambiguous. If they didn''t trust each other deeply, how could they perform qi cirction seated together?


    Even if it wasn''t dual cultivation, it wasn''t far from it.


    Besides, just because Chu Liang exined that it was not dual cultivation, doesn''t mean people won''t think otherwise.


    It wasn''t long before Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang showed up.


    Shang Ziliang, eager for the inside scoop, asked what exactly had happened. Lackey A wanted tips on how to talk to female cultivators, while Lackey B was already curious about the number of dishes at the wedding banquet.


    When Lin Bei arrived, he broke down crying, "This is worse than death!"


    On Jade Sword Peak of Mount Shu, Xu Ziyang said with a determined look, "They have all achieved Perfect Qi Cirction. I must work even harder!"


    In a quiet corner of the same peak, Xu Ziqing cheered into the air, shouting, "Yayyyyyyy!" She chuckled to herself, muttering, "I knew they were together! Hehe, I knew it all along!"


    Now that everyone knew, she no longer had to keep the secret. She was ecstatic.


    Soon, a rumor about Chu Liang once going to the Hall of Conservation to buy dual cultivation techniques spread quickly from Jade Sword Peak throughout all of Mount Shu.


    At this time, Chu Liang was still trying hard to exin that it wasn''t dual cultivation, but that they had simply been discussing cultivation and happened to achieve a breakthrough together.


    And now, all his exnations seemed tock credibility.


    After a few days, the situation escted and became increasingly heated, even showing signs of spreading outside Mount Shu. Chu Liang himself didn''t really mind, but Jiang Yuebai was, after all, a youngdy, and it wasn''t good for her reputation to be involved in such rumors. Therefore, he had to take additional measures to address the situation.


    So he "reluctantly" brought out his trump card.


    He released the news that he and Senior Sister Jiang had achieved the perfect Qi Cirction Technique because they discovered a valuable item called the "Fragrance of Enlightenment." This treasure was extremely rare and could significantly enhance one''sprehension.


    With the Fragrance of Enlightenment, everyone could have a Transcendent Spirit!


    Chu Liang exined that he hadn''t wanted to reveal the existence of the valuable treasure, the Fragrance of Enlightenment. However, the disruptive rumors were affecting both his and Senior Sister Jiang''s daily lives. To prevent these rumors from overshadowing more important matters, he made the difficult decision to go against his ancestors'' teachings and reveal the truth.


    If anyone doubted him, Chu Liang was ready to take out the Fragrance of Enlightenment and let them experience its power firsthand!


    But...


    Since it was such a rare treasure, Chu Liang couldn''t just give it away for free. There had to be a fee, and it wouldn''t be cheap.


    No way was he selling it!


    This was absolutely not for sale!


    This was both to prove his innocence and to offer the Mount Shu family a valuable benefit!


    1. We need some phenomenomenomenomena! Raw: ÒìÏóÁ¬Á¬! It''s the only way to trante that vibe into English. ?

 Chapter 369: Wishing For A Hundred!

    <h4>Chapter 369: Wishing For A Hundred!</h4>


    North of Mount Shu was the Bombax River, and the wind was blowing fiercely and relentlessly there. Under the mellow moonlight, a strange ck wine jar emerged from the river and drifted down the river. After a short distance, the wine jar came to an abrupt stop, bobbing up and down as it exuded a chilling aura.


    A whileter, a remnant soul that had lost its rationality approached. The moment it neared the mouth of the jar, the ck hand of a ghost extended out from the jar and dragged the soul inside. Then the wine jar shook with the rhythm of a person chewing their food.


    If someone were to follow the wine jar as it drifted along the Bombax River, they would eventually find themselves in an extremely well-hidden underwater cave. Then if they entered the cave, they would end up traveling through a long, narrow waterway and arrive at a strange pitch-ck area where a mysterious force prevented all living creatures from approaching.


    Whenever aquatic creatures entered this ck area, they would disappear and then reappear at some corner upstream in the river. If they ventured further into this magical ck hole... they would find an underwater cavern.


    The cavern was filled with talismans of gold and silver colors. It looked like a cage where a monster had been sealed, but the only resident of this underwater cavern was an old man with disheveled hair, a dirty face, and raggedy clothes.


    His messy hair and beard had almostpletely covered his face. Peeking out from behind his hair, his pitch-ck eyes shone brightly like stars, still burning with the will to survive. He looked like a cold-blooded beast that had gone mad from being trapped.


    "<i>Haa...</i>"


    The old man exhaled and ced the empty wine jar in his left hand on the ground. Then, treating the fingers on his left hand like a saber, he used them to sh his already cut and bruised right hand.


    <i>Sizzle.</i>


    His veins had almost dried up, but he still managed to squeeze out a few drops of blood into the wine jar. The blood immediately transformed into a ck substance that exuded a chilling aura. The pain of forcing his blood out left him clenching his teeth in agony.


    Something seemed to stir inside the wine jar, causing it to rock gently. The old man shoved the wine jar into the ck hole in the wall with great force.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    As the wine jar was sent out, ripples flickered across the ck hole.


    That was when the old man finallyy down on the ground with satisfaction, his head dripping with sweat. He''d sent out another Spirit-ying Jar into the world.


    The old man''s name was Xuan Yinzi. He had once been a prominent and extremely powerful figure among the diabolical sects, capable of shaking up the whole world. Of his many titles, the most illustrious one was the Sect Leader of the Dark King Sect.


    That''s right. Xuan Yinzi used to lead thergest diabolical sect, the Dark King Sect. He had undoubtedly been the top figure among those in the diabolical sects. However, the glorious first half of his life started to decline when he took on a taciturn and reserved disciple.


    <i>That boy...</i>


    Just the thought of that disciple still had Xuan Yinzi gritting his teeth in rage.


    Xuan Yinzi had imparted his divine arts to that disciple and even made the disciple his trusted assistant. He had no idea that the disciple had harbored ill intentions against him.


    ...


    That disciple had somehow managed to secretly gain control over the True Form of Ksitigarbha. With its power, that disciple went on to snatch away Xuan Yinzi''s control over the Great Dao of the Profound Darkness and became the new Dao Master of the Profound Darkness. That disciple then naturally became the Dark King Sect''s new sect leader.


    Xuan Yinzi''s cultivation level fell miserably to the seventh and a half realm. On top of that, his disciple banished him, forbidding him from returning to the Dark King Sect in this life.


    Nevertheless, Xuan Yinzi did not get discouraged. He wanted to reim everything he had lost, but that was impossible with his current cultivation level. He had to return to the highest level he had achieved in the past... and surpass it!


    Consequently, he set his sights on the legendary Immortals'' Storehouse. However, he got into a fight with someone for the map that had the location of the Immortals'' Storehouse, and that person sealed him here at the cost of their life.


    ...


    Apart from the talismans, the walls of the cavern were covered with horizontal strokes that Xuan Yinzi had drawn. He was unaware of the passage of time in this ce, so he marked the days ording to his qi-cirction cycles. There were tens of thousands of strokes on the wall; he''d been trapped there for a very long time.


    Fortunately, he used to be a great drinker of liquor, and the wine he loved most was the peculiar Soul Wine, which was stored in earthen jars. So, he had numerous wine jars piled up like a mountain in his storage enchanted tool, and he used them to make the Soul-ying Jars.


    After doing his utmost for several decades... Xuan Yinzi finally tore a small opening in the seal. It wasn''t enough for him to escape, but he could send out the Soul-ying Jars that he''d made with his blood essence.


    "The life of a seventh-realm Eminent One is worth trading several decades of my lifespan for..." Xuan Yinzi muttered. "But that''s all I can do."


    As long as the Soul-ying Jars went out, they would quickly capture remnant souls. Once they had umted enough power, the jars would then return to the cavern. If he could recover eighty percent of his power... then it would be an easy feat for him to break out of the seal through this small hole!


    The person who had sealed Xuan Yinzi couldn''t have gone far and had likely perished nearby. Once Xuan Yinzi got out of this cavern, he could easily search for the map to the Immortals'' Storehouse.


    Now, he just needed to send out as many Soul-ying Jars as possible and wait for the jars to return. Then he would be able to reach his peak cultivation level again!


    His foundational qi had dried up a long time ago, and he had exhausted his vitality. The only usable energy he had left was the small amount of spiritual qi in his blood. Using that meager amount of spiritual qi, he was able to make around ten Soul-ying Jars a day. This was his limit.


    He really wished he could make a hundred Soul-ying jars a day! Nevertheless, any more would be tantamount to suicide.


    Even if only three jars returned every day, he would be able to escape within a year!


    <i>I, Xuan Yinzi, swear that once I get out, I will reim everything I lost!</i>


    ...


    "When will you be back?" Wen Yulong asked urgently.


    "Not sure," Chu Liang answered. "It will depend on how things y out."


    He was going to participate in an operation for the Dark King Sect. Diabolical operations were always unpredictable. Chu Liang might never return, or he might return the next day.


    "The members of our sect who won the Fragrance of Enlightenment are all waiting anxiously for you to deliver the incense," Wen Yulong said, pressing for Chu Liang to take action.


    A few days ago, Chu Liang had taken advantage of the rumors about him and Jiang Yuebai to promote the Fragrance of Enlightenment in the Mount Shu Sect. The incense quickly became extremely popr.


    His promotional slogan was especially effective.


    <i>With the Fragrance of Enlightenment, everyone can have a Transcendent Spirit! With berries and incense, you''ll live a long life!</i>


    Many people wanted to buy the Fragrance of Enlightenment, but Chu Liang didn''t have enough stock to meet the demand. He had been waiting diligently by the Bombax River every night, but only ten wine-jar monsters would appear each day.


    That meant there would only be ten Intoxicating Spirit Flowers each day, allowing Chu Liang to harvest forty to fifty Intoxicating Spirit Flower Leaves. Wen Yulong wouldn''t even be able to produce five hundred sticks of the Fragrance of Enlightenment with that amount. Furthermore, it would take a long time for the next batch of Intoxicating Spirit Flowers to bloom because the Herbal Wood Spirit Powder couldn''t be used indefinitely.


    Five hundred sticks of incense might sound like a lot, but the Fragrance of Enlightenment couldn''t be purchased one stick at a time. A cultivator needed to use at least ten for there to be a significant effect on their cultivation.


    However, five hundred was Chu Liang''s limit. He really wished he could kill a hundred each day! Nevertheless, there were never more than ten.


    So, Chu Liang implemented a reservation system. All members of the Mount Shu Sect could put in a reservation to purchase the Fragrance of Enlightenment, and their names would go into a lucky draw. The winners of the lucky draw would get to purchase fifty sticks of Fragrance of Enlightenment.


    Consequently, all of Mount Shu was waiting eagerly. Those who didn''t win awaited the next draw, those who did waited for their shipment, and those who had already received their incense used it up very quickly and wanted more.


    The craze over the Fragrance of Enlightenment even overshadowed the rumors about Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. Everyone forgot about how the Fragrance of Enlightenment was revealed; they just wanted to try it.


    It was an aid inprehending the Dao! Was there a stronger temptation for cultivators? There were extremely few treasures with such effects in the world, so this was the first time there was something that everyone in the sect had a chance of acquiring.


    The berries that Chu Liang sold were popr too, but they were seen as more of a novelty item, whereas the Fragrance of Enlightenment was undoubtedly useful. This was why the sect members had a very different attitude to thetter.


    However, the great enthusiasm of Chu Liang''s fellow sect members left him feeling totally helpless. After all, Chu Liang couldn''t split himself in two. Even if he used the Immortal Art: External Manifestation, he couldn''t send his clones more than a thousand li away. The Intoxicating Spirit Flower Seeds would only be given as a reward if he killed the wine-jar monsters in person, but he couldn''t easily abandon his rare undercover position in the White Bone Hall.


    While Chu Liang was thinking about all that, almost ten top talents from various sects arrived at Silver Sword Peak. They had agreed in advance to meet on Mount Shu before leaving to converge with Ghost Face.


    Of course, the veteran undercover agents Monk Pushan and Luo Yao¡ªthe core members of Chu Liang undercover team¡ªwere there too. They had be quite familiar with Silver Sword Peak, yet every time they went there, they would be amazed to find that it was slightly different from before. It was currently the off-season for the Berry Wondend, but if Pushan and Luo Yao had gone to visit earlier, they would have been even more shocked.


    Next up was Zhuge Guanxing from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. The beautiful young man smiled, and his eyes narrowed into narrow crescent slits, making him seem rather astute.


    As Zhuge Guanxing nced around Silver Sword Peak, he grinned and said, "I heard that Mount Shu had a new fruit garden, but I didn''t expect it to be thisrge.


    "Oh? A sixth-realm Golden-Furred Hou? Well, that''s impressive.


    "Is that Senior Di Nufeng''s residence? Let''s avoid it."


    Ji Lingyu had arrived with the four core disciples of the Great Astral Sect. This runaway youth was actually missing home, but her family hadn''te looking for her. Returning on her own would be too embarrassing, so she decided to stay with this group for now.


    The core disciples of the Great Astral Sect showed no signs of discord. The time for the most important part and most brutalpetition of the trial was soon approaching, but their bond remained strong.


    They all respected their eldest senior brother Ren Hongdao, cared deeply for their junior sister Tang Shi, fully trusted the wise[1] and courageous Yun Chaoxian, and greatly admired the skills of Li Fujian''s second uncle.


    Chu Liang was not surprised by that. It was well known that the Great Astral Sect was of one mind, so they wouldn''t have any problems with unity.


    Zhang Chen, thest member of the undercover squad, wasn''t there.


    "Brother Zhang asked me to apologize to everyone," Ren Hongdao said. "The academy assigned him an important mission at thest minute, so he can''t join us for this operation."


    Chu Liang felt a bit regretful about that. The head disciple of the Ascending Dragon Academy had left a deep impression on Chu Liang. He had a feeling that Zhang Chen was the strongest among them. Even if Zhang Chen wasn''t the best fighter, he was definitely the most reliable.


    "No matter. We have many people in our group; Ghost Face shouldn''t mind that we''re one less," Chu Liang replied.


    It wasmon for diabolical sects to gain or lose a member anyway.


    1. Lol no, this isn''t a trantion mistake. It could also be interpreted as ¡°resourceful¡±, but considering the way the author likes to joke around, it should probably be ¡°wise¡±. ?

 Chapter 370: Are None of You Going to Tell Him?

    <h4>Chapter 370: Are None of You Going to Tell Him?</h4>


    It was indeed true that the diabolical sects did not care about their disciples.


    This stemmed from the principles upon which the sects were founded. In the righteous sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, disciples felt a sense of belonging to their sects, which in turn supported and protected them.


    But such principles did not exist in the diabolical sects. Members joined for profit alone, and the sects exploited their disciples without concern for their lives. Simrly, the disciples felt nothing for the sects. They were willing to abandon their allegiance if they didn''t receive enough benefits.


    As a result, the turnover rate of disciples in the diabolical sects was very high.


    In fact, within the Dark King Sect, it wasmon for disciples to move from one faction to another.


    Everyone in the diabolical sects found the concept of camaraderieughable.


    Nevertheless, people continued to join diabolical sects.


    If these people could be disciples of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects, none of them would join the diabolical sects. However, many were not talented enough topete with the prodigies. In a fairpetition for resources, they would only be able to watch the prodigies'' backs and live as ants in the dust for the rest of their lives.


    Therefore, some chose the crooked path, using various means that harmed others'' interests topete with true prodigies. This was the purpose of the diabolical sects'' existence.


    With the existence ofpetition in this world, there would always be those with insufficient talent and unscrupulous hearts, ensuring the legacy of the diabolical sect would never be cut off.


    The way the diabolical sects sustained themselves and survived created an extreme estrangement between the sect and its disciples. Because of this, the undercover operation led by Chu Liang and hispanions was able to proceed smoothly.


    After leaving Mount Shu, the group dispersed, each heading to the gathering point on the outskirts of the Southern Regions mountains to meet up with Ghost Face.


    Soon, every member of the Ghost-Face Chamber of the White-Bone Hall was fully assembled.


    Ghost Face was dressed in a set of ck armor with a flowing dark luster, exuding a sinister aura. This was a treasured armor, provided to each of the White-Bone Hall''s guardians, and it possessed very powerful abilities.


    "Is everyone here?" Ghost Face coldly nced around.


    "One is missing, probably had an ident. No need to wait," Chu Liang replied.


    Chu Liang stood at the forefront, with the elite members of the Ghost-Face Chamber behind him.


    Xiao Si, a genuine disciple of the diabolical sect, followed closely behind with his head held high and eyes sparkling. He was clearly eager to perform well on this mission and leave a good impression on his superiors.


    "Alright," Ghost Face nodded and said, "Let me exin the mission details to you first."


    "This time, we are going to hunt down an official from Kaoshan City in the Southern Regions. He will be escorted to the capital by the court''s forces, and we will intercept him halfway. Under no circumstances should he reach the capital of Yu alive," he said slowly. "Understood?"


    "Understood," the group responded in unison.


    Monk Pushan quickly asked, "Old Chamber Master, why do we need to kill that imperial court official? This matter is of great importance. If it''s not for something crucial, why provoke the imperial court? And if it''s something important, why do we only need to kill the person?"


    Ghost Face nced at him and replied decisively, "You don''t need to know."


    "And..." Monk Pushan seemed to want to say something else.


    "Shut up," Ghost Face shouted.


    "But..." Monk Pushan opened his mouth again.


    "Speak again, and I''ll pull out your tongue," Ghost Face said viciously.


    "<i>Mm mm mm,</i>" Monk Pushan shook his head repeatedly.


    Ghost Face then got up and flew off while the group followed silently behind him.


    Monk Pushan tugged on Chu Liang''s sleeve and said with Voice Transmission, "There''s a hole in the back of his pants. Are none of you going to tell him?"


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment and replied, "Since he doesn''t like to hear it, we should just keep quiet."


    Monk Pushan looked back at the silent crowd, who were just watching and not making a single sound, and thought to himself, <i>We Buddhist disciples are too kind-hearted.</i>


    ...


    "Official Wei Xi of Kaoshan City?"


    "That is me."


    In front of the government office of Kaoshan City stood a majestic White-Feathered Golden Luan, two zhang tall and five zhang long. Its glossy body and slender, sharp feathers exuded an aura of dominance and pride,manding the center of the long street.


    Passersby could only gaze in awe before detouring around it.


    In the cities of the Yu Dynasty,rge demonic beasts were strictly prohibited, except for a few registered tame ones. Even those registered had to enter the city on foot and were not allowed to fly high. If they had done that, the city supervisors were allowed to shoot them down at any time.


    However, there were exceptions being the Three Golds and Five Banners.


    The Three Golds referred to three types of spirit beasts: the Five-wed Golden Dragon, the Celestial Golden-Winged Horse, and the White-Feathered Golden Luan.


    The Five-wed Golden Dragon needed no exnation. It was the imperial guardian, a beast that carried the fate of the nation. This creature was only ridden by the emperor on very formal outings and might not have left the capital of Yu even once in a hundred years.


    Only imperial family members or high-ranking officials on imperial orders were allowed to ride the Celestial Golden-Winged Horse. Wherever it went, officials andmoners would kneel at its sight.


    Simrly, the White-Feathered Golden Luan also served the emperor, carrying envoys sent out to represent the imperial court.


    The Three Golds represented imperial authority.


    The Five Banners were the military banners hoisted by the five regional military towns. As these banners were hoisted, they signaled a call to action, demanding the unwavering support of every city they passed through.


    And today, the White-Feathered Golden Luan, one of the legendary Three Golds of the imperial city, was stationed in Kaoshan City! This creature represented an envoy sent directly by the emperor, a rare sight that many might never witness in their lifetime.


    Below the Golden Luan, a team of saber-wielding guards in scarlet robes stood ready. These were the Celestial Hunting Guardians, one of the seven elite units of the Night Dragon Hall.


    The leader was a robust and imposing middle-aged man who stared directly at the city official in front of him, exuding a powerful aura.


    "I am Zhou Gu''an, Banner Hoister of the Celestial Hunting Unit,manded by the emperor to escort you to the capital of Yu," he dered with unwavering authority.


    As he spoke, he raised a Celestial Hunting Guardian token.


    "At yourmand!" The official in green robes hurriedly bowed, his face showing signs of age and a habitual humble smile. He added, "Thank you for your efforts, sirs."


    Although his official rank was slightly higher than that of the Banner Hoister of the Celestial Hunting Unit before him, he knew these were the guards of the Night Dragon Hall! They were the emperor¡¯s guardians!


    Court officials held a rank higher than local officials, while the emperor''s guardians stood yet another rank above the ordinary court officials.


    In the imperial bureaucracy, being two ranks lower was like being two generations apart.


    Moreover, the Banner Hoister was here under imperial orders to bring him back to the capital. How could he not be respectful?


    Wei Xi was nearly sixty years old and had always held a low-ranking official position in Kaoshan City. In his youth, he had practiced cultivation, but his progress stopped at the first realm, serving mostly the purpose of keeping him fit.


    He had resigned himself to living out his days in this small city, but unexpectedly, an opportunity had arisen.


    An opportunity that might allow him to rise to great heights!!


    With overwhelming excitement, Zhou Gu''an took Wei Xi up onto the Golden Luan''s back. The White-Feathered Golden Luan does not lower its head to wee anyone; one either flies up themselves or is taken up by someone.


    Whoosh¡ª


    The White-Feathered Golden Luan quickly pped its wings and soared into the sky, leaving the citizens of Kaoshan City gasping and looking up in awe.


    As the Golden Luan flew out of the area designated as Kaoshan City, Wei Xi smiled and asked, "Sirs, please don''tugh at me, but I have never been to the capital of Yu. How long will it take to get there?"


    "We''ll be there soon," Zhou Gu''an replied without turning his head.


    "Ah?" Wei Xi was stunned.


    Even though Wei Xi had never been to the capital of Yu, he knew it was far to the north, while Kaoshan City was in the south. The journey there and back was long.


    How could they arrive soon?


    Was the White-Feathered Golden Luan really that powerful?


    As Wei Xi pondered the long journey ahead, he noticed the Celestial Hunting Guardians around him suddenly turning to look at him. Before he could question their gazes, a voice called out from afar.


    "Wei Xi!"


    The gentle voice seemed to strike his mind like a bolt of lightning. Instinctively, he responded loudly, "Here!"


    In the next moment, he found himself wondering why he had answered this inexplicable call.


    Soon, a young man in a schr''s robe appeared on the back of the White-Feathered Golden Luan, standing tall and graceful, with a kind face and gentle eyes.


    "Zhang Chen, student of Ascending Dragon Academy, greetings to you all," he announced with a gentle smile.


    "Zhang Chen?" Banner Hoister Zhou Gu''an stood up, his hand gripping the hilt of his saber. "Do you know that riding on the Golden Luan''s back without permission is punishable by death?"


    "Oh?" Zhang Chen met his gaze and replied in a gentle tone. "And impersonating the emperor''s envoy is not?"


    ¡°What did you say?!¡±


    The sharp sound of sabers being drawn filled the air, creating a cacophony of steel!


    Wei Xi, paralyzed with fear, copsed on the back of the Golden Luan. This sudden turn of events was beyond anything he had expected. What was happening?


    From what this academy student implied, could it be that these Celestial Hunting Guardians were impostors?


    Were they here to kill him?


    Surrounded by these saber-wielding Celestial Hunting Guardians, the sense of security he had felt just moments ago suddenly turned into a sense of crisis. Fear gripped his heart as he realized he might be in grave danger.


    But Zhang Chen showed no fear, forming a hand seal and chanting, "No staying on the back of the Golden Luan."


    <i>Buzz¡ª</i>


    As soon as he finished speaking, the Celestial Hunting Guardians all trembled as if struck by a heavy blow. Each of them lost control of their bodies and involuntarily flipped backward, jumping off the back of the Golden Luan without hesitation!


    Only Banner Officer Zhou Gu''an resisted the effect of the Spoken Divine Law slightly, but soon he too leaped off!


    As the group of Celestial Hunting Guardians left the White-Feathered Golden Luan''s back, they regained control of their bodies and immediately hovered in midair, ready to attack again.


    But Zhang Chen had already stepped forward, grabbed the copsed Wei Xi by the shoulder, and soared into the sky!


    At the same time, he opened a page of a scripture in front of him, which instantly burst into dazzling light, seemingly opening a portal to a distant ce!


    Just as Zhang Chen was about to escape with Wei Xi, a ck arrow filled with demonic aura suddenly shot from afar!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The arrow, like a ck meteor, shattered the teleportation scripture Zhang Chen had opened and continued straight toward him!


    It was hard for Zhang Chen to dodge while carrying Wei Xi. Nheless, with his quick reflexes, he was able to raise a finger up and activate a row of twelve exquisite jade talismans. The talismans circled in front of him, blocking the formidable arrow!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A thunderous explosion echoed in midair, and Zhang Chen and Wei Xi fell together!


    A valley shrouded in thick mist was right below them!

 Chapter 371: What Are You Waiting For?

    <h4>Chapter 371: What Are You Waiting For?</h4>


    In a valley just north of Kaoshan City, Ghost Facended, leading Chu Liang and the others.


    Ghost Face turned to them and said with a serious tone, "The imperial court''s forces will depart from Kaoshan City, and no matter which direction they take, we''ll see them from here. We''ll intercept them in this valley. I''ll summon a mist that will obstruct their divine sense, ensuring they won''t detect us from the air. As soon as the White-Feathered Golden Luan appears, we strike immediately!"


    With that, he drew out arge banner and waved it through the air, chanting incantations. He then bellowed, "Come to me, Mist!"


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Sure enough, a thick gray mist rose from the ground, quickly engulfing the entire valley and concealing everyone within it.


    All eyes were fixed on the sky, observing secretly from the shadows.


    Before long, a magnificent White-Feathered Golden Luan appeared, soaring gracefully through the heavens. The imperial court''s forces were heading straight north without a hint of precaution.


    Ghost Face looked up at the sky, ready to order his men to attack.


    Behind him, Chu Liang and a few others exchanged nces, silently confirming their intentions.


    Although they were reluctant to lose Ghost Face, a valuable source of information within the White-Bone Hall, they could not in good conscience help the diabolical sect assassinate an imperial court official. Therefore, their n was to let the target go amidst the ensuing chaos, sabotaging the mission without exposing their identities. This would be the best possible oue.


    However, things might not go so smoothly. If necessary, they would have no choice, but to work together and kill Ghost Face and Xiao Si, silencing them forever.


    But before Ghost Face could give the order, a sudden change urred in the sky.


    A beam of white light fell onto the back of the White-Feathered Golden Luan, and immediately, a group of Celestial Hunting Guardians scattered into the air. Someone attempted to escape using a scroll that activated Shattering the Void but was shot down by a terrifying demonic arrow from afar.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye!


    As Ghost Face watched the two people fall from the sky and into the valley, he hesitated for a moment before he ordered, "Go search! Kill the target on sight!"


    The dark arrow just now had sent chills down every spectator''s spine. Ghost Face didn''t choose to dispel the mist as he wasn''t confident he could take the arrow if it was aimed at him.


    He kept the mist to continue obscuring distant detection. It was only in such a scenario that he would dare to strike at the target.


    Moreover, the Celestial Hunting Guardians in the air and the demonic aura from afar were quickly approaching, about to enter the valley in the blink of an eye. Without the mist to obstruct them, those two forces would immediately sh. Ghost Face didn''t know their purpose; if the target were taken by someone else, the task of killing that target would then be difficult to achieve. The mist could temporarily slow them down.


    ording to the order of the Elder of White-Bone Mountain, the target harbored an important secret and must be silenced forever!


    The mist hindered divine sense detection, allowing even Ghost Face to see only within a few dozen zhang. However, as they were very near the valley, he knew that by following the direction of the fall, they would surely find the target, kill him swiftly, and leave undetected.


    The other two groups wouldn''t even know what happened in the mist.


    The undercover agents led by Ghost Face were stunned by what had just urred as they noticed that the person who had just opened a scription in mid-air and was shot down looked a lot like Zhang Chen.


    Previously, Zhang Chen didn''t participate in this mission because he had been temporarily summoned for an important task by the Ascending Dragon Academy.


    How did he end up on the other side?


    Aside from the imperial court and the diabolical sect, there was another group present, and that powerful demonic aura... could they be demons?


    Confusion swept over the group, but they quickly refocused on their top priority: finding the target.


    Just then, Ji Lingyu approached Chu Liang and said through Voice Transmission, "I can see the target''s location. You distract Ghost Face, and I''ll go for the rescue."


    Chu Liang immediately raised his voice to rally the others, "As the chamber master, it''s my duty to tackle the toughest challenge! I''ll intercept the Celestial Hunting Guardians. Brothers, find the target quickly!"


    Hearing this, Ghost Face frowned immediately.


    All these people were new members of the Ghost-Face Chamber. To earn their trust and obedience, a leader had to shoulder the heaviest burdens. Chu Liang''s bold deration and eagerness to perform was a move to establish his authority.


    However, despite stepping down as chamber master, the most authoritative figure in the Ghost-Face Chamber remained him. If Chu Liang seeded in establishing his authority in front of these new members andter defied him, it could undermine his control over the entire chamber.


    <i>No! I must take back the opportunity to establish my authority!</i> Ghost Face thought.


    So he grabbed Chu Liang''s shoulder and said, "It''s just a team of Celestial Hunting Guardians! Leave them to me! Go with the others and locate the target!"


    "Old Chamber Master..." Chu Liang replied, looking moved, "Very loyal of you!"


    Ghost Face then leaped into the air.


    The team of Celestial Hunting Guardians had just entered the mist when they were confronted by a ferocious face!


    "Go find the target!" Zhou Gu''an, the leader, shouted. Without asking the identity of the figure that appeared out of nowhere, he drew his saber and shed at them.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    "Trying to leave?" Ghost Face sneered and changed his finger seals.


    Hundreds of ferocious faces suddenly emerged from the mist, appearing as ghostly apparitions, their bloody mouths wide open, ready to bite the Celestial Hunting Guardians!


    Everyone drew their sabers and shed at the apparitions, but as soon as the apparitions shattered, they immediately exploded!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    The area above the mist was instantly sted open with craters.


    Listening to the intense sounds of battle, Chu Liang couldn''t help but click his tongue in amazement. Ghost Face was indeed worthy of being a guardian of the White-Bone Hall; his strength was formidable, far surpassing their previous leader, General Hei Yu.


    If they wanted to take him down, it would indeed take considerable effort.


    ...


    Wei Xi fell from the sky. Although he had been very close to Zhang Chen in the air, theynded far apart on the ground. For a moment, the old man found himself all alone.


    Fortunately, he was at the first realm of cultivation and was physically strong, so he didn''t suffer any serious injuries from the fall.


    But in the mist of this valley, a cold, murderous aura constantly swirled. Having served as an official in the Southern Regions for many years, Wei Xi was familiar with this aura; it was clearly diabolical qi!


    <i>What should I do?</i> he thought.


    His mind raced, and he quickly realized that in his current situation, running was the only option.


    Wei Xi was an official in Kaoshan City. One day, a vige under his jurisdiction reported finding strangely shaped white bones in the river, suspected to be demonic beast remains.


    He could have just reported the matter to the city supervisors, but he decided to check it out himself and get some fresh air. His wife had been quarreling with him ever since she saw him helping the widow Wang fetch water the previous day.


    Upon arrival, he discovered that the bones on the riverbank were half-human, half-beast... before death, it seemed to be a beast-headed, human-bodied creature.


    He thought it was strange and followed the river upstream to the mountainous regions in the Southern Regions where he found a cave with a crack emanating a malevolent aura.


    Wei Xi didn''t dare to investigate further, so he returned to the city and reported the matter to the city supervisors.


    Somehow, the news reached the capital of Yu and even rmed the Regent and the Emperor, prompting the pce to send the White-Feathered Golden Luan to bring him to the capital.


    After wasting half his life, he thought this was his chance to rise to great heights. Who knew he would fall halfway through the flight?


    <i>Run, run, run. </i>The word echoed in Wei Xi''s mind.


    But after only a few steps, a figure in ck blocked his way!


    Without a doubt, this must be someone from the diabolical sect!


    "A diabolical cultivator!" Wei Xi wailed, trying to turn and flee.


    But the diabolical sect member moved swiftly and was already in front of him!


    <i>My life is over! </i>Wei Xi immediately closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate, thinking that if there was a next life, he would never help a widow fetch water again.


    "What are you waiting for? Come with me!"


    "Hmm?"


    After a moment, Wei Xi, who had closed his eyes and braced himself for death, felt no de. Instead, he heard a voice from the diabolical sect member.


    He opened his eyes and saw a woman with delicate facial features and a faint golden sparkle in her eyes underneath the ck robe.


    "I''m here to save you,e with me!" Ji Lingyu urged, pulling Wei Xi up and fleeing into the mist.

 Chapter 372: Whats going on with the world these days?

    <h4>Chapter 372: What''s going on with the world these days?</h4>


    "Miss, you... Are you not from the diabolical sect?" Wei Xi asked hesitantly as Ji Lingyu pulled him along in a frantic run.


    "You just need to know that I''m one of the good people in the diabolical sect," Ji Lingyu answered hastily. "Don''t ask anything else. I''ll get you out of here!"


    Her Xuan Yuan eyes glowed with golden light. She could now see through the fog, allowing them to avoid running into danger.


    Yet, after running only a short distance, she slowed to a stop.


    A figure shrouded in dense demonic qi had appeared in her line of sight, and despite being quite a distance away, their gaze was locked on her. Ji Lingyu could tell that person also had some divine ability allowing them to see through the fog.


    However, it seemed that the range of that person''s divine ability might not extend as far as Ji Lingyu''s Xuan Yuan Eyes. The flow of that person''s qi remained still, suggesting that perhaps they hadn''t actually seen her after all.


    Ji Lingyu released Wei Xi and pointed somewhere.


    She said, "Run that way. Keep going straight. Turn right at the bend, and you''ll get out of this valley."


    Panting heavily, Wei Xi tried to speak. "Miss, you¡ª"


    "I''ll stop the enemy," Ji Lingyu said and leaped forward.


    The enemy was already nearby. He was dressed in a ck cloak, and his face was covered with a bizarrely patterned bronze mask. His icy gaze, devoid of any emotion, was like that of a wild beast. The incorporeal mes of demonic qi raging around him clearly marked him as a vicious member of the demon race!


    If Chu Liang were to see this demon''s outfit, he would recognize it. The outfit was identical to that of the demon divine envoy he had encountered in the past.


    Ji Lingyu promptly gave up on hiding her presence. Blinding beams of golden divine light burst from her eyes, shooting toward her enemy like arrows!


    In response, the demon unleashed his astonishing power, thrusting his fist toward Ji Lingyu. That fist instantly transformed into an enormous fur-covered fist of a beast and smashed the two beams of golden divine light!


    Meanwhile, Ji Lingyu had already cast a spell and activated one of her enchanted tools¡ªa pair of silver bells. She threw one bell with her left hand and frantically shook the other with her right.


    As the chime of the bells rang out, the demon''s eyes revealed a pained yet fierce expression.


    "<i>Argh...</i>"


    Then he suddenly transformed into a ferocious spotted leopard! His eyes were filled with blood-red divine light!


    The<strong> </strong>Silver Bells'' ability was simr to that of Chu Liang''s Demon-Revealing Brick. They were both enchanted tools that targeted demons and could cause them pain and confusion.


    Ji Lingyu''s attack with the Silver Bells caused the leopard demon to reveal its true form in a rage. It wanted to charge over and kill her!


    However, Ji Lingyu objective had simply been to divert the demon''s attention; she had no intention of fighting to the death. Now that she had achieved her objective, she swiftly retreated just as the leopard demon began charging over!


    ...


    Wei Xi had been running alone for a while, feeling like the world was spinning around him. The fog left him disoriented and unsure of what to do.


    Suddenly, another ck-robed figure appeared in front of Wei Xi. This person was dressed just like the person who had tried to save him earlier.


    "Ah!" Wei Xi cried out in surprise.


    <i>Earlier, I met a good person from a diabolical sect. Is it even possible for me to meet a second one? This one must be here to kill me!</i>


    Wei Xi staggered backward a few steps.


    <i>Has my punishment for helping a widow fetch water trulye for me after all?</i>


    Before Wei Xi could wallow in regret again, the ck-robed figure walked over inrge strides and grabbed Wei Xi by the cor.


    "I''m guessing you must be Wei Xi?!"


    "I.. I... I..." Wei Xi stammered, unsure if he should admit it.


    "I''m here to save you," the person said in a gruff and boisterous voice.


    "Then I am," Wei Xi admitted hurriedly with a nod.


    However, he immediately regretted it. <i>I was so flustered that I admitted it in a rush. What if this man''s deceiving me?</i>


    Nevertheless, when the man stepped closer, Wei Xi looked under the man''s hood and saw an angr face that portrayed a clear image of great strength, highlighted by thick eyebrows and big eyes... The man looked very wise, not at all like a scammer.


    Sure enough, the man scooped up Wei Xi and broke into huge strides, running at an astonishing speed!


    Wei Xi realized, <i>He really is here to save me.</i>


    As Wei Xi jolted about in his rescuer''s arms, he asked, "Are you also from a diabolical sect?"


    "Yes, but I''m one of the good people in the diabolical sect," replied therge man, who was none other than Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect.


    He didn''t have Ji Lingyu''s mystical ability, so he couldn''t see through the fog, but he was quite lucky. He had just charged around blindly and managed to stumble upon Wei Xi.


    Wei Xi blinked. <i>What''s going on with the world these days? Why are all the members of this diabolical sect good people?</i>


    After Yun Chaoxian ran for a while, another figure emerged from the fog ahead. It turned out to be Zhou Gu''an, one of the Celestial Hunting Guardians.


    He had a chilling gaze as he looked at Wei Xi in Yun Chaoxian''s arms.


    Zhou Gu''an said, "This person is an official of the imperial court. Release him."


    Yun Chaoxian nced at him. "A member of the imperial court?"


    Wei Xi whispered in Yun Chaoxian''s ear, "He seems to be a fake..."


    "What?" Yun Chaoxian''s eyes widened as he looked at Zhou Gu''an. "He said you''re a fake?"


    Wei Xi facepalmed. "Don''t say it so loudly..." [1]


    He thought, <i>If I end up in that man''s hands again, there won''t even be the pretense of civility.</i>


    "If you don''t let him go, don''t me me for being rude," Zhou Gu''an said coldly, raising his bloodstained sword.


    Feeling invigorated by those words, Yun Chaoxian replied, "<i>Hah. </i>I, your grandfather[2], am afraid you''ll be too polite!"


    He threw Wei Xi several zhang away and told him, "Run by yourself. I''ll handle him!"


    Yun Chaoxian then pulled out a huge halberd from thin air and charged!


    <i>ng.</i>


    The sounds of a saber and a halberd sing rang out before Wei Xi evennded!


    ...


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The pitiful old man didn''t dare look back. Once he hit the ground, he rolled to his feet and ran. However, after running for a while, he noticed something was off about his surroundings.


    There were signs of a recent battle, and dense demonic qi lingered in the air. It looked like some giant beast had just ravaged the ce.


    Wei Xi then realized that his surroundings looked rather familiar and that this was where he had parted ways with that female diabolical sect member.


    <i>She brought me here, but we encountered a demon. She then took action and drew the demon away so that I could escape.</i>


    <i>After that, I ran really far away and met that strong man who picked me up and ran...</i>


    <i>He ran in the wrong direction!</i>


    <i>He went back instead!</i>


    Wei Xi finally figured it out. Yun Chaoxian had run in the direction that Wei Xi had run from, taking him back to the center of the valley.


    "This..."


    The old man wanted to cry, but no tears came.


    <i>I don''t know if that mighty diabolical cultivator is truly stupid or truly malicious. Regardless, he is most definitely one or the other.</i>


    <i>There''s danger lurking all over this ce. It''s full of people who want to kill me. I almost managed to escape after such great difficulty, only for him to bring me back here in a mad dash.</i>


    <i>I can''t go back in that direction since that mighty diabolical cultivator and Zhou Gu''an are fighting there. I have no choice but to make a detour. But this fog is so thick. Even a slight detoures with the risk of losing my sense of direction.</i>


    While Wei Xi was hesitating, a person approached him from a distance. It was another eerie figure in ck robes. This one looked just like the two Wei Xi had met earlier.


    This time, Wei Xi didn''t try to avoid the ck-robed person.


    Instead, he went over straight away and asked, "Hey, you''re also from a diabolical sect, right?"


    The person was startled. "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Wei Xi got straight to the point. "What are you standing there for? You''ve been looking for me, right?"


    The diabolical sect disciple seemed confused. "You are..."


    "I''m Wei Xi!" the old man said hurriedly, "There''s no time to talk. Just hurry up and take me away!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    The diabolical cultivator had a look of disbelief.


    That was because he was Xiao Si, one of the four senior members of the Ghost-Face Chamber and the only genuine diabolical cultivator in the chamber.


    Like the others, he had been searching for Wei Xi in this valley, but he had quickly fallen behind. So, he had been wandering blindly in the forest, hoping for a stroke of luck.


    Then he spotted someone from a distance and observed them to figure out their identity. However, it turned out that he didn''t need to do that. The person rushed over to him and even introduced themselves as Wei Xi.


    <i>What is this? Is there really such a thing as dumb luck in this world?</i>


    Seeing Wei Xi in such a hurry, Xiao Si was very confused.


    <i>What''s going on with the world these days?</i>


    <i>There''s actually someone who is in such a hurry to die?</i>


    <i>Huh?</i>


    1. XD He must be wondering where Yun Chaoxian''s wisdom has gone. ?


    2. It¡¯s meant to be like an insult to the other party, basically like saying he¡¯s way too young/weak to face Yun Chaoxian. ?

 Chapter 373: There Are Still Many Good People in the Diabolical Sect

    <h4>Chapter 373: There Are Still Many Good People in the Diabolical Sect</h4>


    Confusion spread across Xiao Si''s face.


    In the decade or so since he joined the Dark King Sect, he had naturally killed many people. There were certainly those unafraid of death, but this was the first time he encountered someone so willing.


    Since the other party imed that he was the target, whether it was true or not, he couldn''t let him go.


    So Xiao Si drew his dark silver saber and raised it high.


    <i>Alright, alright. Since you''re so cooperative, I''ll make sure to kill you in one strike and ensure that you leave this world with no pain at all.</i>


    Wei Xi was happily waiting for the other person to take him to safety, but unexpectedly, the person drew a saber.


    <i>There are no enemies around though</i>. <i>Who is he going to sh? Could it be me? </i>These questions shed through Wei Xi''s mind.


    Seeing the deing down, his blood ran cold. It was aimed right at him!


    Wei Xi''s body went limp, and he turned to dodge. But Xiao Si, even at his weakest, was at the early stage of the fourth realm. How could an old man at the first realm escape from him?


    Seeing the target trying to flee, Xiao Si finally smiled.


    <i>This looks correct. If he isn''t even afraid when the saber is upon him, I would suspect it''s a trap.</i>


    The gleaming de rose, catching the light in a dazzling arc.


    This was a mission personally assigned by the Elder of White-Bone Mountain. Anyone who seeded in eliminating the target would undoubtedly earn significant merit.


    <i>Today is my day to earn merit!</i> Just as this thought crossed Xiao Si''s mind, a low, strange roar sounded beside him.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    A sh of green crossed his peripheral vision as arge green python lunged at Xiao Si, biting into his upper body. The sharp fangs embedded into his shoulder and chest, and blood spurted out instantly!


    A shadowy figure in ck robes darted swiftly from the distance¡ªit was none other than Chu Liang, the master of the Ghost-Face Chamber!


    Like them, Chu Liang had been aimlessly searching the valley. Suddenly, the sounds of battle reached his ears, and he sprinted towards themotion. However, by the time he arrived, the fight had shifted elsewhere, leaving behind only a chaotic tangle of broken trees.


    He hadn''t walked far before spotting Xiao Si, poised to strike with his saber, aiming to kill an elderly man dressed in official robes.


    This was naturally the target.


    In a state of panic, Chu Liang swiftly deployed the Green Leaf enchanted tool! The movement-restricting form of the enchanted tool, the azure python, immediately coiled around Xiao Si, restraining him tightly!


    Xiao Si, caught in the python''s jaws, struggled furiously. He shed at its mouth with his saber, only to discover that the creature wasn''t made of flesh and blood¡ªit was solid metal.


    It turned out to be an enchanted tool!


    He frantically channeled his cultivation power, using all his strength to break free, and the azure python disappeared with a sh of light.


    Chu Liangnded softly.


    "Chamber Master..." Xiao Siy weakly on the ground, "Someone ambushed me just now."


    Blood pooled on the ground, and half of Xiao Si¡¯s body was nearly torn apart. Though he managed to break free, he lost the ability to move.


    He might have realized it was Chu Liang who had unleashed the enchanted tool, but in his current state, it was safer to pretend he didn''t know.


    If he exposed Chu Liang, he would surely die.


    Chu Liang looked at him and said with a smile, "It''s okay, take a rest."


    With that, he struck Xiao Si''s neck with a swift knifehand strike, causing him to immediately faint.


    Chu Liang then casually picked him up, turned to the frightened old man sitting on the ground, and asked, "Are you Chief Officer Wei?"


    Hearing this, Wei Xi almost burst into tears. During this sudden ordeal, Chu Liang was the first person to address him by his official title¡ªthe first civilized person he had encountered.


    "I am..." Wei Xi replied. "Are you also one of the good people from the diabolical sect? Are you here to save me?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang nodded, thinking to himself that this old man was quite perceptive.


    Wei Xi felt a wave of relief wash over him as he thought to himself, <i>There are still many good people in the diabolical sect.</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang cautiously moved forward with Wei Xi, making their way to the edge of the valley. Just as they were about to leave, the sounds of battle suddenly echoed from up ahead.


    "Chief Officer Wei, stay here for now and don''t move."


    Chu Liang scattered two Puppet Pills, summoning one puppet to watch over Wei Xi and another to guard the unconscious Xiao Si. Even so, he felt uneasy and bound Xiao Si with the Demon-Binding Rope. Only then did he feel reassured.


    He then approached the site of the battle, peeking to observe.


    In the clearing, he saw three figures.


    He recognized two of them: Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing.


    These two prodigious disciples from Ascending Dragon Academy and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals were working together to battle a demonic entity.


    The demonic creature fighting against the two of them wore a ck cloak and a bronze mask adorned with strange patterns. Its muscr upper body was covered in powerful gray-brown fur, and it had dragon-like arms.


    <i>A divine envoy of the demon race? </i>Chu Liang immediately recognized the familiar attire.


    In its left hand, it held a giant bow as tall as the divine envoy, made of ck meteoric iron. This bow could not only shoot arrows but also unleash incredible power with just its movements.


    The divine envoy''s strength was astounding. Whenever its muscles bulged, a mass of ck light emanated. Each time it drew the bow, the arrows it shot had the destructive power to shatter mountains!


    Anyone who was hit or even touched by it would certainly die.


    What a powerful demon divine envoy!


    Twelve jade talismans whirled around Zhang Chen as he continuously chanted while activating the Spoken Divine Law, skillfully restricting the divine envoy''s movements.


    "Whatever your hands hold is as heavy as Mount Tai!"


    "Your breathing feels as if blocked by lead, affecting your entire body!"


    "Whatever you see will be clouded as if you are seeing through mist!"


    Layer uponyer of restrictions were ced on the demon race divine envoy, weakening hisbat power. Yet, even under so many negative effects, he still disyed considerable destructive power. Whenever he drew his bow, a long trail of murderous aura followed!


    But before he could release an arrow, a starlight would often point to a specific spot.


    "Here!"


    Zhuge Guanxing held a ball of starlight in his right hand. Before the divine envoy could release the arrow, Zhuge Guanxing would point out where it wouldnd using the starlight''s guidance. This allowed the two of them to dodge divine envoy''s attack easily.


    This way, the divine envoy couldn''t do anything to them and could only roar in frustration.


    Simrly, the two prodigious disciples couldn''t defeat the divine envoy quickly.


    At this moment, Zhang Chen was applyingyers of restrictions on the divine envoy, which was crucial for maintaining the bnce of the fight. It was clear to anyone that the divine envoy''s cultivation level was higher than that of the two disciples. The reason he hadn''t overpowered them was that Zhang Chen''s exceptionally strong restrictions were restraining most of his power.


    However, this also meant Zhang Chen was too busy to attack.


    Zhuge Guanxing wasn''t skilled in attacking, so he focused on deploying formation diagrams around the divine envoy, repeatedly activating them to create powerful explosions.


    Yet, the divine envoy''s formidable body gradually withstood these attacks.They could not inflict significant damage on him.


    The divine envoy wasn''t seriously injured, but it was extremely angry.


    With just a few nces, Chu Liang quickly understood the situation. This fight was essentially two support-role yers working together! While they couldn''tunch powerful attacks, their tactics were incredibly annoying and drove their opponent into a furious rage.


    If this dragged on, the two prodigious disciples would likely achieve victory eventually, but it would take a very long time.


    However, once the mist dispersed, their identities would be exposed. Chu Liang realized he couldn''t just stand by any longer.


    After a moment of contemtion, he took out a mask from his storage enchanted tool. This was the mask he had acquired from another divine envoy. He put it on and wrapped a ck robe around himself like a cloak. With his aura concealed, he now looked almost identical to a demon race divine envoy.


    Immediately, he leaped out from the bushes and shouted, "I''m here to help you!"


    The three in the clearing were all startled.


    The demon divine envoy was drawing his bow. Seeing Chu Liang with a familiar mask approaching from the side, it didn''t suspect nor hesitate as it shot an arrow towards Zhuge Guanxing''s back!


    As a battle-hardened archer of the demon race, all his arrows were shot with precision. At such a distance, this arrow was nearly unavoidable!


    But Zhuge Guanxing stood calmly, suddenly motionless, allowing the arrow to pass harmlessly by him like a raging dragon.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª Boom!</i>


    That one arrow caused a section of the mountain wall to copse.


    The arrow was shot with foresight, but Zhuge Guanxing could predict its trajectory, frustrating the elite archer of the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings to the point of rage!


    He had encountered many strong targets in his life, but never someone so elusive that he couldn''t hit them!


    But now its panion" had already arrived beside it.


    Suddenly, thepanion thrust out a sword!


    <i>A sword? </i>The divine envoy''s pupils dted in surprise. Among the four divine envoys of the demon race, none used a sword.


    Only human cultivators from the nine provinces preferred such fragile weapons.


    He raised his giant bow to block, but Chu Liang suddenly flickered a few zhang away.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang had used Dimension Compression!


    In an instant, Chu Liang reappeared behind the divine envoy and drove his sword into its back!


    The Dustless Sword, infused with Geng Metal foundational qi, cut through the envoy¡¯s flesh with brutal force. Thanks to the bronze mask he had acquired, Chu Liang managed a surprise attack.


    The sword pierced through the very body that Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing had struggled for so long to severely injure!


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    Even as the divine envoy''s heart was pierced, he continued to struggle. His powerful muscles mped down on the Dustless Sword as if it were cast from divine iron, firmly embedding it deep within. With a sudden, fierce twist, the divine envoy swung both the sword and Chu Liang around in the air! Chu Liang couldn¡¯t maintain his grip and was flung into the sky.


    In a sh of light, the divine envoy transformed into a massive brown wolf, towering several zhang high. Its sharp eyes zed with a fierce, menacing re at Chu Liang.


    <i>This cunning human scoundrel! He disguised himself as mypanion and inflicted severe wounds on me! I must kill him!</i>


    Demonic creatures from the Far West were inherently fierce, never backing down even in the direst of situations!


    Filled with boundless hatred, the massive wolf leaped into the air, viciously lunging at Chu Liang.


    But Chu Liang wasn¡¯t about to wait around to be killed.


    He immediately ignited blood-red qi mes around his body, activating the Divine Dragons¡¯ Great Blood-Burning Technique and fusing a Dragon-Blood Crystal into his bloodstream, driving his power to its absolute peak!


    Just as the giant wolf was about to devour him, he performed Dimension Compression once more!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    In a flicker, he appeared beside the massive wolf¡¯s back.


    As soon as Chu Liang¡¯s Dustless Sword pierced the demon envoy¡¯s back, the divine envoy revealed its true form. Using its powerful muscles, it mped down on the sword. As a result, its heart wasn''t severely injured.


    Then, by erging its body, the Dustless Sword''s de was no longer big enough to prate its heart.


    This was how it managed to escape death.


    However, with the sword embedded deep in his back, the envoy suffered significant damage and its movements were severely hindered. Chu Liang seized the hilt of the Dustless Sword and infused his foundational qi into the sword.


    "Heavenly Sword Seal!"


    <i>Swish!</i>


    A huge sword light suddenly illuminated around the Dustless Sword.


    At the same time, Zhang Chen, finally free from his previous tasks, pointed a finger at the giant wolf in midair and shouted, "Freeze!"


    In that instant, the wolf was momentarily immobilized.


    This perfect timing coincided with Chu Liang activating the Heavenly Sword Seal, controlling it with precise skill.


    With Zhang Chen¡¯s excellent support, the giant wolf was left vulnerable, unable to resist the relentless attack from the sword embedded in its body.


    Everyone present then witnessed an incredibly shocking scene.


    Chu Liang shed the wolf demon with a massive sword!


    The massive sword light arced through the air, cleaving the giant wolf in two with a thunderous crash! After a brief pause, the sword light continued its relentless path, crashing into the shattered mountain wall and sttering it with streaks of blood.


    Amidst the rain of blood, Chu Liang gently descended to the ground.


    Though he was still wearing the bronze mask, his aura unmistakably revealed his true identity¡ªhe was Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect!


    As Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing, the two prodigious disciples stared at him, they both felt confused.


    <i>This person... Isn''t he an undercover agent within the diabolical sect? When did he also be part of the demon race?</i>


    <i>Is there anything he can''t do?</i>

 Chapter 374: Jiuli

    <h4>Chapter 374: Jiuli</h4>


    A golden imprint merged into his body as Chu Liang sheathed his sword with satisfaction.


    Although the fight had ended swiftly, it was very much a risky one. The divine envoy''s cultivation level far surpassed anyone else''s, but the simplicity and directness of the demons'' divine techniques masked the true extent of this disparity.


    Using the advantage of their divine abilities, Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing continuously weakened the divine envoy, while Chu Liang, wearing a bronze mask, stealthily approached andnded a backstab.


    If it wasn''t for the sharpness of the Dustless Sword, this strike might not have pierced the powerful body of the greater demon.


    Even so, the demon divine envoy had nearly broken free.


    This also made Chu Liang realize Zhang Chen''s strength. If he hadn''t been there to restrain the divine envoy, even if the divine envoy abandoned his bow, Chu Liang would have been crushed in a direct confrontation.


    With Zhang Chen present, even the powerful demon couldn''t rampage.


    Most importantly, Zhang Chen''s decisive action provided his teammates the opportunity to kill the enemy. He was the ideal partner Chu Liang had hoped for!


    Of course, Zhuge Guanxing was also formidable. His ability to predict all attack points alone made him invincible in any battle.


    In fact, to Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing, Chu Liang was equally strong. However, his strengthy in his ability to always deliver some unexpected miraculous performance. As long as he was there, victory seemed assured. This brought a shock that was even more intense than the power of any divine ability!


    "Brother Chu, this mask..."


    As Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing approached, they saw that Chu Liang had removed his mask. Immediately, they were filled with confusion.


    "Just got it by chance previously," Chu Liang said casually as he put the mask away.


    <i>This item is very useful. I must keep it, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    With the giant wolf''s body severed in two, Chu Liang went back to the pool of blood and rummaged around before he finally found a leather-stitched storage bag. It was considered the lowest grade of storage enchanted tools, but for the demon race, whichcked the ability to craft such items, it was already very precious.


    This storage bag didn''t require any inscription seal; a sweep of divine sense revealed its contents. Aside from the bronze mask and the giant bow, there were just some food and water, nothing of value. It seemed that even such powerful demons in the Far West were not wealthy.


    "I''ll hold onto these things for now; we''ll split themter," Chu Liang said immediately.


    It wasn''t that he had selfish motives; this just wasn''t a good ce to divide the spoils. He only wanted the bronze mask; there was nothing else of value. The giant bow was impressive, but unfortunately, he didn''t know how to use it.


    "Alright," Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing nodded, showing their trust in Chu Liang.


    Turning his head, Chu Liang asked, "Brother Zhang, didn''t you say you weren''ting? Why did you suddenly appear?"


    "It''s a coincidence," Zhang Chen replied with a lightugh. "I was dispatched by the academy on an important mission, and it turned out the task was to escort Official Wei Xi from Kaoshan City to the Capital of Yu."


    "What kind of important secret does Chief Officer Wei hold that so many forces are fighting for him?" Chu Liang asked curiously.


    "It''s a long story. Let''s find him first, and then I''ll exin," Zhang Chen replied.


    "I''ve already brought him here," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "What?" Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxing were slightly surprised again.


    <i>Brought him here? So it''s all settled?</i>


    Chu Liang led Xiao Si and Wei Xi out from the nearby bushes. When Zhang Chen saw the target that everyone had been fighting over, he finally felt at ease.


    Looking at Wei Xi, Chu Liang asked, "I''m really curious. Chief Officer Wei, why is everyone fighting over you?"


    Wei Xi responded with a bitter expression, "I wish I knew."


    ...


    "Chief Officer Wei is involved in matters rted to Jiuli," Zhang Chen began.


    <i>Jiuli?</i>


    Upon hearing this name, Chu Liang immediately thought of his Jiuli Soul Armor. Could there be a connection?


    "In thend of the nine provinces, this matter has been so well hidden that very few people are aware of it. In fact, it''s only recorded in a few ancient secret texts," Zhang Chen exined slowly. "ording to legend, there was an ancient evil deity in the Southern Regions whomanded a powerful and malevolent demonic tribe. This demonic tribe was neither fully human nor demon and they were called Jiuli."


    Chu Liang had heard stories about the evil deity of the Southern Regions.


    Legend has it that the Southern Bastion Mountain was brought down from the immortal realm to suppress him and his countless demons.


    Chu Liang used to think it was just a myth, but over time he realized that in this world, legends often contain some distorted truth.


    "The Jiuli tribe was abination of demons and humans, mostly with beast heads and human bodies. Unlike today''s half-demons, they reproduced as a stable tribe, possessing the physical strength of demons and the intelligence of humans," Zhang Chen exined in detail.


    Chu Liang had previously delved into this matter due to Daoist Yan, learning that offspring born from the union of humans and demons were called half-demons.


    Half-demons could live in human form and were often talented prodigies. However, due to their impure genes leading to instability, they could transform into demons at any time. Even if they had never transformed, their descendants could revert to a demon form as well.


    The gics of demons were far stronger than those of humans. Once they transformed into demons, the change was irreversible. This meant that no matter how gentle a half-demon had been, there was always a chance that the gene for transformation into a demon could be triggered, potentially causing a catastrophic outburst.


    Therefore, half-demons were highly detested in thend of the nine provinces.


    Daoist Yan of the Mount Shu Sect was such a half-demon.


    If the Jiuli tribe couldbine the advantages of humans and demons, they would be incredibly powerful.


    Zhang Chen continued, "ording to ancient texts, the Jiuli tribe was brave and warlike, conquering the entire Southern Regions and exterminating all other races. But one day, they were suddenly annihted overnight, with no descendants left. The mysterious force that wiped out the Jiuli has never been definitively identified, and remains of the Jiuli people have rarely appeared. However, Chief Officer Wei recently discovered skeletal remains that seem to be a member of the Jiuli tribe."


    Upon hearing this, Wei Xi finally understood what was happening.


    He had handed over the beast-headed human skeleton to the City Supervisory Division, and this skeleton might have been the source of his troubles.


    The legendary Jiuli...their hallmark was beast heads and human bodies.


    Some demons appear with the head of a beast and the body of a human. However, unlike other beings, these demons revert to their original form upon death, leaving no skeletal remains of a beast-headed human.


    Wei Xi wondered if the crack he had seen was an entrance to a hidden realm.


    As he spected, Zhang Chen quickly added, "As a once powerful tribe that dominated the Southern Regions, the Jiuli had their own glorious civilization. Unlike the demon race, the Jiuli were skilled in tool-making and forging weapons, with unique craftsmanship. It is even said that the Xuanhuang Battle Armor was a legendary artifact forged by the members of the Jiuli tribe in ancient times. Previous excavations of Jiuli ruins have uncovered numerous enchanted tools, enough to arm an entire army of cultivators."


    "Because of this, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau took it very seriously. Fearing that news would leak and attract attention, they immediately dispatched a team to bring Chief Officer Wei to the capital of Yu," Zhang Chen said. "However, the news still got out.


    "The information from Kaoshan City reached not only the demon race and the diabolical sect but also infiltrators in the imperial city. The Celestial Hunting Guards who set out from the Capital of Yu were likely ambushed along the way, allowing the culprits to brazenly pose as imperial guards.


    "My teachers at Ascending Dragon Academy must have anticipated this and sent me to protect Chief Officer Wei, which is why I arrived in such a hurry."


    After listening to Zhang Chen, Chu Liang understood the situation.


    Wei Xi had discovered a crack that might be the entrance to a hidden realm and this hidden realm could potentially hold ancient treasures, making it no surprise that various demons were coveting it.


    This was especially crucial for the demon race.


    The cultivation civilization of humans, including tool-making, alchemy, talismans, and formations, was something the demon race could never fully grasp due to theirck ofprehension.


    However, the Jiuli tribe, with bodies simr to the demon race but skilled in tool-making, could greatly enhance the demon race''s power if their civilization and treasures were found.


    Having said that, Zhang Chen added, "Since that''s the case, I still have a task toplete, so I''ll take Chief Officer Wei back now."


    "Alright," Chu Liang nodded, "Brother Zhang, be careful on your way."


    Getting out of this Valley of Bewildering Fog might still be dangerous.


    "No problem. I have a secret treasure temporarily given by my senior in the sect," Zhang Chen said, opening the golden scroll again. He then looked at Chu Liang and the others, saying, "You all have great merit this time. When we return to the Capital of Yu, I will make sure the academy and the imperial court recognize your contributions."


    Chu Liang quickly said, "It''s better to keep a low profile."


    Recognition was not important; if he was not careful, his undercover status could be exposed.


    Zhang Chen smiled, "I know my limits."


    Chu Liang nodded reassuringly.


    That''s true.


    Zhang Chen wasn''t from the Great Astral Sect; he was reliable. As for Wei Xi, Zhang Chen would instruct Wei Xi clearly so that nothing unnecessary was said.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    With a sh of golden light, a portal opened up.


    Zhang Chen took Wei Xi by the hand and stepped into the portal, heading toward the vast unknown!

 Chapter 375: Purge

    <h4>Chapter 375: Purge</h4>


    The scroll was an enchanted tool that the Ascending Dragon Academy had given to Zhang Chen. It could execute the teleportation skill Shattering the Void three times.


    That scroll was different from Chu Liang''s jade talisman. It required some time to charge up, so it couldn''t teleport immediately upon activation. Therefore, it was risky to use it as a life-saving tool.


    That was what happened earlier in the fight against the demon divine envoy. Zhang Chen had used the scroll in midair, but the demon divine envoy had shot Zhang Chen down before the scroll could teleport him.


    Nevertheless, it was quite useful in the current situation. Zhang Chen quickly escaped the valley with Wei Xi.


    Chu Liang silently pondered about the situation. <i>The imperial court is in such a hurry to ce Wei Xi under their control... </i>


    <i>It probably isn''t just because they''re afraid of outsiders getting hold of him. They''re probably also afraid that he might have some wicked desires of his own. After all, the skeleton might be an ancient treasure.</i>


    Chu Liang immediately set off with Zhuge Guanxing to search the valley. However, instead of searching for Wei Xi, they were seeing if any of their squad members were still fighting the enemy.


    Shortly after Wei Xi left, the deep, loud roar of a leopard rang out from the fog. It seemed to be sending out a message.


    Chu Liang and Zhuge Guanxing rushed over to the source of the sound and saw a leopard demon. It was the one that Ji Lingyu had encountered, but it was now entangled with Ghost Face. As for what had happened in between, no one knew.


    Meanwhile, two more demon divine envoys heard the leopard demon''s call and swiftly rushed over. Ghost Face could hold his own against one divine envoy, but now that he was suddenly facing three, he panicked.


    Seeing that, Chu Liang and Zhuge Guanxing just stayed hidden; they didn''t make any moves to reveal their presence.


    It would be a total joke to even try doing anything. Even one demon divine envoy was hard to handle, let alone three. There was simply no need for them to risk their lives to save Ghost Face.


    Ghost Face could tell that this was a losing battle too. His opponent''s allies had alle to help, yet he had no one on his side. He quickly retreated several dozen zhang, creating some distance between them.


    Then he unfurled arge banner.


    "Disperse!"


    The fog dispersed at once!


    With the fog cleared, the whole valley was now revealed to everyone. The valley was in a sorry state, having been ravaged by the chaotic battle.


    Suddenly exposed to the sunlight, everyone paused, feeling a bit awkward.


    The fake Celestial Hunting Guardians and the demon divine envoys scanned the valley with their divine sense and found that Wei Xi was no longer there. They then abruptly stopped fighting and left.


    Coming to the same realization, Ghost Face frowned.


    He flew into the air and shouted, "Members of the Ghost-Face Chamber, follow me! We''re leaving!"


    The battle in the Valley of Bewildering Fog hadn''tsted long, but it had certainly been chaotic.


    Chu Liang and Zhuge Guanxin waited for a moment before getting up to respond to Ghost Face. If they emerged too quickly, Ghost Face might realize they had been nearby but hadn''t gone to help him. That would be pretty hard to exin.


    Soon after, all the members of the Ghost-Face Chamber gathered and flew to an open space on a nearby mountain. Then they finally took a breather.


    "We let the target escape." Ghost Face looked dejected. "The hall master gave me an operation for the first time, and I failed..."


    Actually, there had been no issues with his n. With the fog obstructing outsiders, the members of the Ghost-Face Chamber should have been able to find and kill the target very quickly.


    If only the members of the Ghost-Face Chamber were all of one mind with him...


    Chu Liangforted Ghost Face. "Old Chamber Master, this isn''t your fault. Who would have thought demons would suddenly appear? Moreover... there''s another crucial reason that the target was able to escape... We have a traitor in our midst!"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Ghost Face narrowed his eyes. "It''s that true?"


    "Absolutely true. This guy''s the traitor!" Chu Liang threw Xiao Si to the ground. "Not only did he let the target go, but he even turned around to stop me from going after the target!"


    Despite Ghost Face''s dejected state, he didn''t immediately believe Chu Liang''s words. Instead, he shot a beam of silver light toward Xiao Si to wake him up for further questioning.


    Xiao Si woke with a quiver and opened his eyes.


    The first thing he saw was Chu Liang.


    Ghost Face yelled at Xiao Si, "Who sent you? If you don''t exin clearly, I will y you and extract your soul, leaving you in eternal torment!"


    While Ghost Face was yelling, a burst of light that only Chu Liang could see shot out from his hand. It was a Chain of Resentment!


    This time, Chu Liang targeted Xiao Si and himself! He couldn''t target Ghost Face with the Chain of Resentment, so Chu Liang simply made himself the second target.


    In a split second, a wave of rage surged in Chu Liang''s heart.


    <i>As a member of a diabolical sect, this piece of crap must have the blood of countless lives on his hands. Just looking at him makes me angry!</i>


    Xiao Si had been lying weakly on the ground in poor health, yet he suddenly flew into a rage too.


    Chu Liang had snatched away Xiao Si''s position as the new chamber master and even ambushed him, causing him to be in such a miserable state. There was no doubt he hated Chu Liang deeply.


    "I''ll kill you!" Xiao Si roared, suddenly jumping to his feet.


    He drew his saber and shed at Chu Liang in front of everyone!


    Chu Liang flipped his hand over and took out a yin-nature talisman from his storage tool. He ruthlessly smacked it onto Xiao Si.


    After that, there were sounds of weapons piercing flesh.


    Chu Liang hadn''t stabbed Xiao Si. Instead, several weapons appeared out of thin air and flew over, stabbing Xiao Si from the side.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    Xiao Si''s corpse fell to the ground.


    The resentment and rage clouding Chu Liang''s mind instantly dissipated. <i>So, that''s what it feels like to be bound by the Chain of Resentment.</i>


    Chu Liang turned to Ghost Face and said, "I intended to keep him alive so that we could interrogate him. I didn''t think he''d be so relentless, choosing death over surrender..."


    Having witnessed the scene himself, Ghost Face didn''t have much to say.


    If Chu Liang had killed Xiao Si first and then returned to say that he had eliminated the traitor, Ghost Face might have doubted Chu Liang''s im. However, Chu Liang had brought Xiao Si to Ghost Face. Then Xiao Si tried tomit murder in Ghost Face''s presence, making it very clear what was going on.


    If Xiao Si wasn''t guilty, why would he make a move in such a situation?


    Ghost Face gave a light nod and said to everyone, "You all saw that, right? This is the fate of a traitor. I hope there are no more among you."


    Chu Liang quickly replied, "Old Chamber Master, please rest assured. All of the brothers we have here now are trustworthy."


    After purging Xiao Si, the Ghost-Face Chamber had be a lot purer.


    A whileter, Ghost Face sighed. "<i>Haaa...</i> You should all go your separate ways for now. I will report this matter to the hall master."


    The members of the Ghost-Face Chamber flew off the mountain one by one.


    Even if they wanted to meet up againter, they had to first create the illusion that they were going their separate ways.


    ...


    By the time Chu Liang made it back to Silver Sword Peak, it was alreadyte in the day.


    He returned to his small wooden cabin, shut the door without a word, andunched his reward session.


    The wolf-demon divine envoy had been so fearsome. Chu Liang should be able to get something good for killing it.


    Inside the White Pagoda, three Large-Headed Dolls sat in a row against the wall. They were surrounded by an incredibly dazzling and hazy Sea of Qi. Chu Liang felt satisfied just by looking at it.


    <i>Oh Large-Headed Dolls, circte more and more... circte to give me a good life.</i>


    Chu Liang stepped forward and pressed the "Refine" button, and there was a sh of light.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    A ball of light floated into Chu Liang''s hands.


    [The Guiding Moonlight of the Heavenly Howling Wolf: These are homing targets made with moonlight and arrows crafted with a wolf''s soul. Once a homing target has been stuck somewhere, the arrows will be guided to always hit the homing target as long as the arrows are released with sufficient force to cover the distance.]


    As the light faded, Chu Liang looked at the reward in his hands.


    One hand held ten long arrows of a dark gold color, with golden wolf heads engraved onto the arrow heads. They gave off a bloodthirsty and threatening aura.


    The other hand held ten sheets of moon-white talisman paper that shimmered brightly. This talisman paper was naturally the legendary homing target. It just needed to pasted somewhere, and the wolf-head arrows would home in on it.


    <i>This seems very powerful.</i>


    <i>Coincidentally, this is the perfect time for me to practice my archery. I''ve got arge bow in that bag I took.</i>


    <i>Oh, I said I would share the items in the bag with Zhang Chen and Zhuge Guanxingter... but now I''m keeping the bronze mask and therge bow...</i>


    <i>Guess if ites down to it, I could let them split the rations and water in the bag among themselves?</i>

 Chapter 376: Off?

    <h4>Chapter 376: Off?</h4>


    After Chu Liang had unboxed the reward, it was already veryte. Even so, he didn''t feel tired, which was why he headed out to the Bombax River to kill another batch of wine-jar monsters.


    These wine-jar monsters behaved like low-intelligence group animals, following certain behavioral rules. For example, only one would live in each part of the river; if there were more, they would move downstream to find a new ce. Also, they would vanish during the day ande out at night to catch and eat ghosts.


    At some point, Chu Liang started suspecting what would happen to these wine-jar monsters if he had nevere to collect them.


    They would probably spread downstream along the river, but what would happen after they devoured enough ghosts? Could they grow infinitely?


    Although he was curious, he didn''t keep a wine-jar monster alive to test his conjecture. After all, there would always be times when he couldn''t be here to kill more of these monsters for rewards. By then, he could juste back here and check things in a few days.


    Currently, the demand for Fragrance of Enlightenment was high, so the more he could collect, the better.


    In the future, once he nted enough Intoxicating Spirit Flowers, the garden would grow big enough to take care of itself, so he wouldn''t have to work so hard anymore.


    Take Berry Wondend as an example. Even though Chu Liang hadn''t nted new Golden Vein Flowers for many days, he could still let the nts rest and recover by rotating the growth in different areas.


    This was the so-called rotational nting system.


    After he killed the wine-jar monsters, Chu Liang still felt unsatisfied, wishing he could sh another ten or eight of them.


    <i>I am really working too hard, </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    He then headed back to the Silver Sword Peak to sleep.


    Upon waking up, he suddenly felt some changes in himself.


    As he worked on activating the Qi-Cirction Technique,bining his qi and spirit, he realized the reason for these changes: he had achieved a breakthrough.


    However, he hadn''t achieved a breakthrough in the cultivation of the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique. Instead, he had achieved a breakthrough in the cultivation of the Secret Dragon Blood Technique.


    Currently, Chu Liang was simultaneously practicing the cultivation techniques of both human cultivators and the dragon race. These two paths did not conflict with each other and neither required him to exert much effort.


    <i>Even without doing anything, I still have everything I need.</i>


    The cultivation method of celestial beasts was straightforward. Ever since Chu Liang acquired the Secret Dragon Blood Technique through the reverse scale given to him by the White Dragon, even breathing equated to cultivation. Today, he finally stepped into a new realm, marked by a new golden streak on the white scales on his wrist.


    He sensed that the purity of the dragon breath in his body had increased. As he condensed a ball of tinum-colored dragon breath in his palm, he noticed that the golden hue within the ball had intensified.


    As Chu Liang stepped outside to an open space, he tried punching the mountain wall. A powerful force instantly created massive cracks in the wall, causing half the mountain to rumble!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    His physical strength had reached a terrifying level. In terms of pure strength, even physical cultivators or martial artists of the same realm might not be his match.


    He was practically a humanoid dragon!


    And this was only the second realm of the dragon race. His physical strength was already equivalent to that of a fourth-realm human.


    Of course, this didn''t mean that the Secret Dragon Blood Technique was superior to the cultivation techniques of the Great Astral Sect. Rather, celestial beasts generally had an incredibly smooth cultivation process in the early stages, easily reaching the peak of their innate abilities.


    The stronger celestial beasts, such as the four divine beasts and the four malevolent beasts[1] were destined to cross the Heavenly Gate as long as they could reach adulthood.


    The weaker ones, such as the Golden-Furred Hou, could reach the fifth or sixth realm even if they were slow-witted, which would be unimaginable for humans.


    However, progressing beyond the seventh realm was particrly difficult for celestial beasts. Theirprehension skills were far inferior to those of humans, making the understanding of Great Dao as challenging as reaching the heavens.


    Thus, in the seventh and especially the eighth realm, humans held an absolute advantage.


    Chu Liang even suspected that it was because humans had to ovee many difficulties, making breakthroughs step by step to reach the Heavenly Gate, that they umted a profound understanding of spiritual qi and the Great Dao, allowing them to seed at the Heavenly Gate.


    Otherwise, many spirit beasts possessed intelligenceparable to humans. Why couldn''t theyprehend the Dao?


    It might be because their cultivation methods were too simple, making it difficult for them toprehend the Dao. This was simr to not being ustomed to thinking; when the need arose, they found themselves unable to do so.


    This gave Chu Liang a wake-up call.


    Although the Large-Headed Dolls were excellent, he couldn''t rely too much on them for cultivation. He needed to have a thorough understanding of his own techniques.


    No matter how busy he got, he should at least practice the Qi-Cirction Technique once a day¡ªno, twice!


    He should strive until he couldn''t anymore and work so hard that his effort would move him to tears!


    He then wondered if he now possessed both the physique of a celestial beast and theprehension of a human.


    This meant that he would be strong in both the early andte stages of cultivation.


    This sounded impressive but wasn''t the Jiuli tribe, as Zhang Chen described, just like this?


    How did such a powerful tribe get wiped out in the past...


    Could it really have been divine punishment from the immortal realm?


    ...


    The next day, Chu Liang returned to Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Wen Yulong had sent a message yesterday afternoon saying that he had finished modifying the Inferno Devil Armor and that it was ready for collection. However, by the time Chu Liang saw the message, it was already evening, so he waited until the next day to pick it up.


    Wen Yulong''s eyes lit up as soon as he saw Chu Liang. "Senior Brother Chu! You''re finally here!"


    Seeing Wen Yulong appearing so eager to show his work, Chu Liang knew that the modifications had been sessful, so he smiled as well.


    "Looks like it turned out well?" he asked with a smile.


    "<i>Hehe</i>." Wen Yulong smiled mysteriously, then took out a palm-sized brocade box. "Open it and see."


    Chu Liang took the box, opened it, and saw a dark red scaly sphere the size of a fist inside.


    Its shape was somewhat simr to a pinecone, but slightlyrger than a normal-size pinecone.


    Fortunately, he had heard about some high-grade armor in the immortal realm that could be stored in this pill-like form, so he didn''t ask what it was.


    Chu Liang picked up the scaly sphere and infused it with qi.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the scaly sphere shimmered and expanded, red scales started wrapping around Chu Liang''s body like a serpent, transforming into a piece of the armor te. In the blink of an eye, his entire body was enveloped.


    As the light faded, it transformed into a set of me-colored light armor.


    Even without considering anything else, its appearance was much better than the original Inferno Devil Armor.


    "So, how is it? The original armor was too ugly, so I redesigned each piece of the armor te. Isn''t it much better?" Wen Yulong said, seeking praise.


    "Fantastic! This is one of the best armors I''ve ever seen," Chu Liang praised generously.


    <i>Though, to be honest, I haven''t seen many high-grade armors up close, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>Only the Jiuli Soul Armor and the Inferno Devil Armor.</i>


    When Wen Yulong heard the praise he was hoping for, he took a few steps back and said, "I didn''t make major changes to its original defensive capabilities, so there''s no need to test that. But I added a new set of formation patterns. You can try activating it."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang checked with his divine sense and indeed felt a newly added formation that required active activation. And so, he gently infused it with qi.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Considering his previous experience dealing with Wen Yulong, he only infused a tiny bit of foundational qi... In fact, he wished he could infuse only a quarter of that.


    The armor suddenly quivered violently, and a burst of Inferno Abyss mes ignited on it! The mes swirled around, covering a radius of a zhang, like a blooming red lotus!


    "Whoa." Chu Liang was startled and quickly asked, "What''s going on?"


    "The activation of the original Inferno Devil Armor could ignite Inferno Abyss mes as well, but the intensity of the fire wasn''t high and was only strong enough to dissolve external foundational qi," Wen Yulong exined. "So while the Inferno Devil Armor was great for defending against qi attacks, its defense against close-range physical strikes was mediocre, if not nonexistent."


    Chu Liang was aware of this.


    The Inferno Devil Armor wasn''t a thick, heavy type of armor but relied on ayer of Inferno Abyss me to dissolve qi. This made it weak in closebat defense, which he had long noticed... after all, he had pierced through several of them himself.


    He never expected one set of armor to cover all bases.


    The Jiuli Soul Armor excelled in closebat defense but was weak against long-range attacks. Itplemented the Inferno Devil Armor well, and this was what he had in mind.


    However, it seemed Wen Yulong had other ns.


    "I was considering how to enhance its closebat defense," Wen Yulong exined. "Given the material limitations of the armor, it''s difficult to improve its defense. So, I decided that the best defense is a good offense. I modified the formation pattern that generates the Inferno Abyss me."


    "Anyone who tries to engage you in closebat will be burned by the mes. This way, you can be immune to all close-range attacks," Wen Yulong said, smiling confidently.


    Chu Liang nodded repeatedly as hemented, "That''s a genius idea."


    It made perfect sense. If no one dares to engage you in closebat, isn''t that essentially defense?


    After experiencing the strength of the new armor, Chu Liang was very satisfied and asked, "Alright, so how do I turn off the mes?"


    He had studied the formation patterns for a while but couldn''t find a way to retract the mes. If it kept burning like this, there was no telling how long it would stay ignited.


    It was just a casual question, but Wen Yulong''s smile suddenly froze, and he showed a puzzled expression. "Off?"


    1. The four divine beasts are the azure dragon, the white tiger, the vermillion bird, and Xuanwu, which would be the ck tortoise. The four malevolent beasts are the Taotie, Hundun, Qiongqi, Taowu. ?

 Chapter 377: That Looks Like Your Place

    <h4>Chapter 377: That Looks Like Your ce</h4>


    The word "off" was the antonym of the word "on." In this context, it meant extinguishing the mes that had been ignited. This was exactly what Chu Liang had conveyed to Wen Yulong using mere facial expressions.


    Wen Yulong smacked his forehead. "I didn''t realize that you''d need to turn off the Inferno Abyss mes during a fight. When the foundational qi runs out, it''ll shut off on its own, right?"


    "And when exactly will that happen?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I designed an inscription pattern to store foundational qi. As long as you save enough, you just need to infuse a little bit to ignite the mes, and they''llst a long time," Wen Yulong exined, grinning proudly. "When I tested it, I didn''t store much qi, so it should burn for another four hours."


    Chu Liang fell silent for a moment. He had to admit that the design of this armor was indeed impressive.


    In prolonged battles, cultivators might fight until they run out of foundational qi. At that point, this qi saved in this qi-storing formation could be life-saving. Wen Yulong''s design was truly thoughtful.


    Although Chu Liang felt touched by such a design, he thought it would have been nice to know these things in advance...


    "If I take it off, will it extinguish?" Chu Liang asked.


    "While the Inferno Abyss mes are still active, the armor can''t be taken off," Wen Yulong exined. "You can only remove it once you''re out ofbat to prevent damage or idental removal during a fight."


    <i>Great. I am stuck, </i>Chu Liang thought as he felt a sense of helplessness.


    With no other choice, he flipped his hand and made a pointing gesture, drawing a couple ice talismanic scripts in the air.


    <i>Sizzle!</i>


    As expected of the Inferno Abyss mes being the essence of the earth fire! It took a total of twelve sts of icy frosts at his own face to extinguish the fire.


    "<i>Cough, cough...</i> This battle armor modification turned out pretty well. Thanks... <i>cough</i>!"


    Chu Liang brushed off the thickyer of ice and frost from his body, sending a cloud of icy dust into the air and making him cough several times.


    After taking off the armor and letting it revert to its spherical form, Chu Liang finally felt at ease and sat down.


    Wen Yulong''s modifications to this treasured armor were a pleasant surprise. The enhancements he made to the Inferno Devil Armor, features that the members of Inferno Devil Valley hadn''t thought of, significantly boosted its power.


    With the Inferno Abyss me extensively enveloping his body during a fight, those martial artists without long-rangebat abilities would be at a severe disadvantage. Unless they were strong enough to kill him in a single strike, there was no way they could withstand the prolonged battle while being continually roasted by the Inferno Abyss me.


    Despite the improvements, the blend of surprise and awkwardness remained the same.


    "By the way, there''s something else," Wen Yulong said. "Dan Lingzi, the alchemist you asked me to contact, sent a message. The first batch of Qi-Gathering Pills is ready for pickup."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    Previously, he had learned the technique of making fruit-vored pills from Dan Lingzi. However, after a few days of intense practice, Chu Liang got caught up in various other matters and wasn''t able to refine more berry-vored pills.


    Now that he had to oversee all the business operations of Silver Sword Peak, it became difficult for him to personally participate in production. So, he decided to outsource the task of making the fruit-vored pills.


    Chu Liang initially searched the Hall of Alchemy for suitable disciples and found two who were capable of learning this technique. He had them practice the technique with the intention of having them refine the pillster on, which he would then buy at a high price.


    However, they weren''t as quick to learn as Chu Liang and still needed more time to master the technique.


    A few days ago, when Wen Yulong went to Taotie City to purchase tool-making materials, Chu Liang asked him to send a letter to Dan Lingzi, requesting his help in refining the berry-vored Qi-Gathering Pills. Chu Liang offered to buy them at a price higher than the market rate.


    Since Dan Lingzi made a living by crafting fruit-vored pills, this request wouldn''t inconvenience him too much.


    Naturally, Dan Lingzi agreed, and Chu Liang sent over a batch of Golden Vein Berries. Now, the first batch of the order was ready.


    The Berry-vored Qi-Gathering Pills were one of the most attractive products of Berry Wondend. As long as there were enough pills, Berry Wondend would always be able to attract tourists to the Red Cotton Market.


    However, the stalls run by Mount Shu disciples alone weren''t enough to handle the influx of visitors.


    <i>The few shops in Taotie City that agreed to open branches here haven''t sent any updates for a while</i>, Chu Liang thought.<i> I need to pay them a visit again.</i>


    ...


    As night fell again, a crescent moon hung in the sky.


    The wind on the ancient tree on the Azure Falling Peak was very strong at night, causing clothes to flutter.


    Jiang Yuebai, dressed in a white gown, stood on a branch of the giant tree as she waited. During this dark night, her eyes sparkled like stars.


    As Chu Liang flew over from afar, he couldn''t help but feel this wave of emotion. Although he had met Senior Sister Jiang many times, he was still stunned by her beauty each time.


    "Senior Sister Jiang, why have you asked me to meet you here?" Chu Liang asked as he looked around, feeling guilty for some reason.


    "My esteemed teacher has entered closed-door cultivation," Jiang Yuebai replied with a faint smile.


    "Oh..." Chu Liang immediately rxed, sitting down on the branch and waving his hand. "It''s not like I''m afraid of Senior Aunt Yan."


    <i>But you are though</i>, Jiang Yuebai thought.


    Of course, she didn''t expose Chu Liang''s little secret and instead said, "Our usual spot was discovered. Recently, people have been disturbing the peace there, but it has be much quieter being on the Azure Falling Peak, so I thought we should meet here instead."


    Chu Liang smiled awkwardly, feeling a tinge of guilt.


    He was partly responsible for this. That ce had originally been Jiang Yuebai''s secret base, but during theirst visit, two Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomena urred simultaneously, drawing arge crowd of Mount Shu disciples to the location. To this day, people still go there to take a look. Even though they had been headbutted by Little Baize multiple times, they still wouldn''t give up.


    However, the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak was indeed a quiet ce.


    It was obviously quiet, as it had been Daoist Yan''s territory. Daoist Yan had spent all four seasons meditating under the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak. Apart from Jiang Yuebai, no one dared to approach. With Daoist Yan now in closed-door cultivation, this naturally became Jiang Yuebai''s ce for solitude.


    Speaking of which, it was strange that Daoist Yan had suddenly moved her closed-door cultivation to an unknown location. Moreover, few people knew that she was even in closed-door cultivation.


    "My esteemed teacher being in closed-door cultivation is something you should keep to yourself," Jiang Yuebai reminded.


    Chu Liang hadn''t thought much of it at first, but her reminder made him understand immediately.


    Daoist Yan was preparing for a breakthrough!


    There was only one reason she needed to be this cautious. Daoist Yan cultivated the Cloud of Determination Great Dao. If she achieved a breakthrough, she would sh with the current Dao Master of the Cloud of Determination. If word got out, it might attract deliberate sabotage from those with ulterior motives.


    For example, there was a scheme to awaken Baize from its state of being on the brink of ascension.


    Thepetition for control of the Great Dao was ruthless, and the methods used in thispetition were extremely fierce, both secretly and openly.


    The two of them sat side by side on the high branch, their silhouettes against the crescent moon looking like a perfect pair.


    "On the first day of next month, the Four Seas Whale Gang is holding a ceremony for the new vice-chief''s session. Representatives from the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten will attend," Jiang Yuebai said softly. "Senior Uncle Wang Xuanling asked me to see if you n to go."


    "The Four Seas Whale Gang..." Chu Liang murmured.


    Whenever the Whale Gang''s new chief assumed their position, they would hold a grand session ceremony, inviting fellow immortality cultivators. Besides celebrating, it was also a way to announce the change of leadership and establish connections with the new leader.


    Given the controversy surrounding Jiang Shenting''s ascension, this ceremony was bound to be exceptionally grand. Inviting representatives from the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten was his way of legitimizing his position.


    As the grand peak master of Mount Shu, Wang Xuanling would certainly attend such an event.


    Naturally, he wouldn''t go alone; a few prominent disciples would apany him. The head disciple couldn''t escape this duty, and Xu Ziyang, being Wang Xuanling''s favorite disciple, was also included. The third person Wang Xuanling summoned was Chu Liang.


    However, Wang Xuanling was reluctant to visit Silver Sword Peak himself, fearing an encounter with Di Nufeng. Knowing that Jiang Yuebai had a good rtionship with Chu Liang, he asked her to ry the message instead.


    "I''m actually quite busy these days..." Chu Liang pondered for a moment before saying with a smile, "But if you are going, then I can''t miss out."


    "Hah," Jiang Yuebaiughed, "I didn''t ask you toe along."


    "There is a mix of all kinds of people in the Four Seas Whale Gang. As Mount Shu Sect''s head disciple, you must not be in any danger. It''s our duty as fellow disciples to apany you and ensure your safety," Chu Liang replied righteously.


    Jiang Yuebai smiled, then turned her head and remained silent for a while. Suddenly, she asked softly, "What if...


    "If I were to go to a very dangerous ce in the future, would youe with me?"


    She seemed a bit nervous.


    "Of course," Chu Liang answered without hesitation.


    Jiang Yuebai turned back to look at him, her eyes shining like evening stars, making Chu Liang feel slightly dazed.


    But he stood his ground, meeting her gaze bravely.


    He even felt a slight urge to lean closer...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    At that moment, a thunderous explosion echoed from afar, so loud it was deafening even from this distance.


    Both of them were startled.


    Jiang Yuebai looked towards the source of the sound and remarked, "That was a powerful explosion."


    Chu Liang replied softly as he tried to restore the atmosphere earlier, "Don''t worry. Someone will handle it."


    "But..." Jiang Yuebai said, ncing over again, "that looks like your ce."


    "What?!" eximed Chu Liang.

 Chapter 378: Am I That Important?

    <h4>Chapter 378: Am I That Important?</h4>


    Chu Liang left in a great hurry.


    ...


    He rushed back to Silver Sword Peak, and intense mes filled his line of sight. Half the hillside was aze with violet-gold mes, and Di Nufeng''s pavilion was gone. All that remained was a crater engulfed in raging mes.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang''s side was unaffected; the Berry Wondend and the Intoxicating Spirit Flower garden were still there.


    Chu Liang let out a sigh of relief.


    <i>Luckily, only Esteemed Teacher''s pavilion was blown up.</i>


    <i>That''s not a huge loss.</i>


    These violet-gold mes were clearly from Di Nufeng''s Samadhi True Fire, so Chu Liang didn''t dare approach. Even with his current cultivation level, it would be really painful if he were to get burned by it.


    After a moment, some of the divine fire gradually subsided, converging and withdrawing to where Di Nufeng''s pavilion used to be... which was now the site of the crater.


    Di Nufeng emerged from the zing crater.


    Dressed in a high-waisted, ck-hemmed red dress as always, she stood nonchntly with her usualnguid expression as the mes danced in the wind. Against a backdrop of the scorched ruins of her pavilion, she appeared especially stunning and imposing.


    Seeing Di Nufeng emerge, Chu Liang finally dared to approach.


    He asked cautiously, "Esteemed Teacher, what happened?"


    It looked like she''d been in a battle, but he didn''t see any enemies... He guessed that they were likely scattered all over the burning hillside.


    "Nothing." Di Nufeng shook her head. "I was cultivating."


    "<i>Ah...</i> What?"


    Chu Liang was about to sigh in relief, but he suddenly realized something was off about what Di Nufeng had said. His eyes widened in shock, and he took a few steps back.


    Chu Liang recalled the various things he''d seen Di Nufeng doing in the past ten-odd years that he''d spent at Silver Sword Peak.


    <i>Drinking wine, reading picture books, ying mahjong, sleeping, and fighting... When have I ever seen Esteemed Teacher cultivating?</i>


    In fact, even those who had been here twenty years before him might not have ever seen her cultivating.


    <i>Why did she suddenly start cultivating today?</i>


    There were only two possibilities. One was that Di Nufeng had a sudden epiphany and decided to cultivate diligently. The other was that the Di Nufeng standing in front of Chu Liang was a fake.


    Chu Liang thought thetter was more likely.


    "Why did you step back?" Di Nufeng asked, giving him a sidelong nce. She said irritably, "Is it that strange that I was cultivating?"


    <i>What do you think? </i>Chu Liang muttered inwardly in silence.


    Nevertheless, he said, "Esteemed Teacher, you are well known for being diligent, so of course, it''s not strange. It''s just a bit surprising."


    These words of courtesy sounded like ttery to Di Nufeng.


    She chuckled and replied, "I wouldn''t say I''m diligent. It''s just that I''ve been feeling more motivatedtely."


    "Esteemed Teacher, did something happen?" Chu Liang asked.


    In his mind, he added, <i>I can''t figure out what could possibly motivate you enough to cultivate...</i>


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Di Nufeng sighed. "Mount Shu is experiencing some turbulent times, so Yan Zi resolutely decided to go into closed-door cultivation to get stronger. I can''t keep staying stagnant like this either..."


    Chu Liang advised, "No matter how difficult the situation is, we should proceed steadily. Considering what happened today... Esteemed teacher, did you experience qi deviation?"


    Di Nufeng hadn''t worked on her cultivation for many years. Her sudden cultivation session had probably caused her qi to deviate. It was a very reasonable conjecture based on the state of the hillside.


    However, Di Nufeng red at him. "What qi deviation? I made a breakthrough!"


    Chu Liang was startled again. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    <i>She cultivates for the first time in eight hundred years</i>[1]<i> and just casually makes a breakthrough?</i>


    <i>What kind of fairy tale is this?</i>


    Moreover, Di Nufeng was one of the top seventh-realm Eminent Ones. It was incredibly difficult for someone at her level to make progress in their cultivation, yet she had made a breakthrough just like that...?


    "This might happen often on our peak in the future. Be mentally prepared," Di Nufeng warned Chu Liang.


    <i>What? Are you nning to make breakthroughs every day?</i>


    Chu Liang found it quite absurd, but it also seemed quite possible since it was Di Nufeng.


    A cultivator''s intelligence and perception were two truly distinct things.


    There were many intelligent people in this world, such as the officials and cab ministers of the imperial court. At least a quarter of them had no cultivation ability at all, yet they were all undoubtedly highly intelligent individuals.


    Then there were some people who could casually make breakthroughs in their cultivation despite not having much intelligence and generally spent their time drinking wine, sleeping, reading picture books, and ying mahjong. This was probably the power of perception.


    Indeed, different people had different fates.


    In any case, it wasn''t a bad thing.


    <i>If Esteemed Teacher gets a little stronger, it just means I can walk a little more boldly outside.</i>


    After finding out that there was nothing wrong at home, Chu Liang felt at ease. He was thinking about whether he should go back to Senior Sister Jiang and let her know everything was fine. Perhaps they could even continue the good mood they had going earlier...


    A secondter, Di Nufeng said, "Oh, dear. My ce has been blown to smithereens. I have nowhere to stay tonight... Guess I''ll go sleep in Yan Zi''s pavilion in the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak. <i>Heheh,</i> I''ve wanted to sleep there for a long time, but she never let me... Now she can''t stop me. Yan Zi''s bed... <i>Heheheh...</i>"[2]


    Chu Liang''s expression froze.


    <i>Esteemed Teacher, do you really have to go there?</i>


    <i>How about you sleep at my ce, and I''ll go there instead?</i>


    <i>If that''s not possible, could you at least go a littleter?</i>


    <i>How about it?</i>


    <i>I''m begging you.</i>


    ...


    In the end, the night passed by peacefully.


    Chu Liang had no idea what Di Nufeng did on Yan Zi''s bed, but when she returned to Silver Sword Peak, her smile looked a little perverted.


    The next morning, disciples specializing in levelingnd, building, and restoring mountains arrived to repair the damaged half of Silver Sword Peak and rebuild Di Nufeng''s pavilion. It was impossible to rebuild the exact same pavilion, but before long, it would look as if nothing had ever exploded there.


    Seeing the disciples work, Chu Liang couldn''t help but marvel at their professionalism. Whenever these disciples were building something, a group of people would go over and enthusiastically watch the creation process.


    Chu Liang would have liked to watch too... if he wasn''t busy.


    Unfortunately, he had to fly to Taotie City early in the morning. He had quite a burdensome task to deal with that day.


    After having breakfast, Chu Liang got on the Golden-Furred Hou, and they flew north.


    Sitting on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou, Chu Liang found time toplete his two qi-cirction cycles for the day. He was deeply moved by his own diligence.


    Upon arriving in Taotie City, Chu Liang went to see Dan Lingzi.


    "Ah, Young Hero Chu," Dan Lingzi said in greeting.


    He was much more cordial this time. He beamed with enthusiasm and warmth that was reserved for his financial backer.


    "Esteemed Senior Dan Lingzi, long time no see," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "I heard you''ve already concocted those berry-vored pills; your speed is truly astonishing. You really do live up to being the genius alchemist who pioneered the Pill Fusion Technique!"


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Dan Lingzi blushed at the praise. "It''s just a few thousand pills. Even if it were a few thousand more, I''d be done making them for you in just a few more days."


    "Really?" Chu Liang asked incredulously.


    He was thinking, <i>If that''s true, then I will certainly ask you to concoct even more pills next time.</i>


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Dan Lingzi chuckled instead of replying. Then he took out a storage gourd and handed it to Chu Liang. "Please check them."


    "Esteemed senior, the pills that you concoct will, of course, be excellent," Chu Liangmented. Nevertheless, he still used his divine sense to inspect the pills and randomly took out a few of them for a taste. "<i>Mm</i>, it''s a very pure berry taste."


    The pills were authentic berry-vored Qi-Gathering Pills. They were slightly less effective than the ones Chu Liang had concocted, but the quality was the same.


    "I used as much of the Golden Vein Berries you sent me, so of course, they have a pure berry taste," Dan Lingzi said. Then he smiled awkwardly. "There are some extra berries left over. Could I¡ªI heard they''re quite valuable."


    From his expression, it seemed he wanted to sell the leftover berries.


    "Of course, esteemed senior. The extras are yours to keep," replied Chu Liang. "Feel free to use them. These are all home-grown spirit fruits. Just let me know if you''d like more."


    "Young Hero Chu, you''re so generous!" Dan Lingzi praised sincerely.


    Chu Liang looked around and continued, "You have such great talent, esteemed senior. It''s a pity that no one in Taotie City appreciates it."


    "<i>Haaa!</i>" Dan Lingzi sighed,menting his unrecognized talent too.


    It was true there wasn''t a market for his fruit-vored pills in Taotie City.


    After all, the cultivators there were regr folks, and few were willing to pay a premium for pills that were essentially just sweet treats...


    Seeing Dan Lingzi''s dejected appearance, Chu Liang immediately asked, "Esteemed senior, have you heard that my sect''s Red Cotton Peak is currently recruiting merchants? Why not set up a shop there? It''s near my peak, so your fruit-vored pills would definitely be in high demand!"


    "This..."


    Dan Lingzi was, of course, tempted by the idea.


    Earlier, he had seen the recruitment announcement for Red Cotton Peak in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette </i>and had considered the possibility of shifting his business there.


    Dan Lingzi fidgeted for a while in hesitation.


    Ultimately, he admitted, "But I don''t have the money to rent a shop."


    "I know the elder who is in charge of this. If you want to shift your business there, I can arrange for you to rent a shop for free for ten years. During this time, if there are any pills that you can''t sell, my sect will buy them from you. How about that?" Chu Liang offered a set of favorable conditions.


    Upon hearing that, Dan Lingzi was inclined to go. Nevertheless, having been in Taotie City for so long, he was still a bit hesitant about moving so suddenly.


    Chu Liang leaned close to him and said earnestly, "Esteemed senior, you have such great talent. If you don''t move to Red Cotton Peak, it would be a tremendous loss for all of Mount Shu!"


    All the ttery was getting to Dan Lingzi''s head, and he was feeling rather dizzy.


    He blinked and muttered, "Am I... really that important?"


    1. We¡¯re not sure if this is a factual number or just a figurative one... Likely thetter. ?


    2. Lol, I can¡¯t tell if Di Nufeng is being perverted or simply like a mischievous child. ?

 Chapter 379: I Took His Place

    <h4>Chapter 379: I Took His ce</h4>


    After dealing with Dan Lingzi, Chu Liang headed straight to the Precious Pill Pavilion.


    Previously, he had negotiated with several shops to open branches on Red Cotton Peak. Nevertheless, it has been many days with no progress at all, so he naturally went to inquire about it.


    But when he met up with Elder Sun, whom he was now well-acquainted with, the elder appeared troubled.


    "Young Hero Chu, Mount Shu is far away, and going through Taotie City... it''s just too difficult," he said slowly.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang fell silent.


    Reading between the lines, it was clear that the distance to Mount Shu had already been acknowledged, so it wasn''t the real issue. What the elder truly meant was thetter part of his statement¡ªtrying to go through Taotie City would be too difficult.


    <i>Could there be some resistance?</i>


    Seeing Elder Sun''s reluctance to borate, Chu Liang didn''t press further. Instead, he stood up and bade farewell. The Precious Pill Pavilion wasn''t the only shop he had negotiated with earlier, so he decided to visit the others.


    As expected, all the shops had backed out.


    Although the managers of the shop wouldn''t reveal the reasons why they had backed out, there were no secrets that could be kept forever. After some probing, Chu Liang managed to get a name¡ªHuyan Bin.


    Huyan Bin was the name of the son of Taotie City''s city lord.


    Chu Liang had heard of him before. Despite his young age, Huyan Bin was quite capable and had already taken charge of many affairs in Taotie City.


    Who would have thought he would interfere with Mount Shu?


    Logically, the market soon to be built on Red Cotton Peak did have simr functions to Taotie City. However, most people wouldn''t see the two aspetitors.


    It was likeparing Chu Liang to Sword Saint Old Li Ba¡ªthe vast difference between them made the idea sound absurd.


    For Huyan Bin to start suppressing the development of Red Cotton Peak now, it was likely because of a personal grudge or he had incredible foresight, predicting that Mount Shu would eventually be a rival.


    But even Chu Liang wasn''t so confident in Red Cotton Peak''s potential.


    Still, if the other party wanted to nip a potentialpetitor in the bud, now was indeed the best time. Taotie City''s market was an ocean, while Red Cotton Peak was just a small pond. If he dered that anyone who chose Red Cotton Peak would be unable to do business in Taotie City, it was clear what choice people would make. After all, merchants were all driven by profit.


    After pondering for a while, Chu Liang realized that this hurdle was unavoidable. He decided to pay a visit to Huyan Bin to discuss the matter.


    It wasn''t difficult to locate the City Lord''s Residence in Taotie City, as it was the most imposing mansion in the city. Chu Liang went there alone, reported his sect and name, and requested to meet the city lord''s son.


    After the gatekeeper reported his arrival, an elegant and graceful maid promptly led Chu Liang to a waiting room, instructing him to wait there. She informed him that Huyan Bin woulde to see him when he was avable.


    There were already two people in the waiting room: a middle-aged man with a distressed expression and an elderly man with white hair. Both of them sat in silence.


    Chu Liang quietly took a seat behind them. Even after waiting for an hour, no one came to inform any of them about a meeting.


    Feeling puzzled, he stood up and looked around.


    The middle-aged man said, "You shouldn''t wait anymore. No one will meet with you."


    Chu Liang turned and asked, "Isn''t it my turn after you two?"


    "After us..." The middle-aged man smiled bitterly. "Then you''ll have a long wait. I''ve been here for seven days."


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang was slightly surprised and looked at the elderly man.


    The elderly man slowly raised his head and cleared his throat, "Let me put it this way. My father started queuing here a year before I was born. I took his ce."


    <i>What?</i> Chu Liang was so confused.


    ...


    Chu Liang finally understood that the purpose of this waiting room was to wear down visitors until they gave up. Even if a demon god had been queuing here since before it entered the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, it still wouldn''t get to see the son of Taotie City''s city lord.


    Realizing this, he immediately got up and left.


    Although he couldn''t think of any ways to counter Huyan Bin, the situation hadn''t developed to the point where he would need to beg for mercy to ensure the growth of his business. Still, suppressing a potentialpetitor without giving any chance for negotiation was excessively tyrannical.


    But since this was a businesspetition, he couldn''t just summon his esteemed teacher here. If he had done that, it would change the nature of things and people would be even less willing to cooperate with Mount Shu in the future.


    Upon closer consideration, Chu Liang realized that Taotie City might secretly harbor hostility toward the Mount Shu Sect, especially since this was a sensitive period with the Assembly of Immortal Sects approaching.


    For the past several years, the Thunderbolt Stronghold and Taotie City had been looking down on the Mount Shu Sect. From their point of view, the Mount Shu Sect was just a declining immortal sect living off its past glory.


    The feat of suppressing the demon god and saving humanity was indeed admirable, but it had allowed them to lead the righteous path for over two thousand years, which was more than enough. The disappearance of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda was a wake-up call that it was time for them to step down.


    If the Mount Shu Sect didn''t hinder the growth of other sects, they could remain a well-respected immortal sect. However, despite theirck of capability, they continued to upy a higher status. This behavior would eventually exhaust any remaining respect for the founding fathers of the sect.


    The status as one of the Divine Nine symbolized not just honor but also significant influence within the Nine Provinces. Many privileges, asions, and top-level resources were exclusive to the Divine Nine Immortal Sects. Matters of slightly lesser importance would be handled by the Terrestrial Ten Sects.


    In recent years, Thunderbolt Stronghold and Taotie City had been developing rapidly. With no more room for upward growth, they could only ambitiously set their sights on this prestigious position. In fact, they were already very close.


    When the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were established in the past, the various immortal sects and the imperial court jointly set a charter.


    One of the rules was that if a sect in the Divine Nine continuously ranked below the top ten in the Assembly of Immortal Sects for five consecutive sessions, it would lose its status as one of the Divine Nine. Simrly, if a Terrestrial Ten sect fell out of the top twenty for five consecutive sessions, it would lose its status as one of the Terrestrial Ten.


    In the world of immortal cultivation, thew of the jungle ultimately prevails. No other sects could tolerate one relying solely on its past glories.


    The rules of the charter were not very harsh. After all, the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten should be exceptionally powerful. The rule of being in the top ten prevented any lower-tier sects from suddenly rising to prominence in any given year.


    Considering that some sects might have very powerful elders but weak disciples, it might have been inurate to determine the status of a sect based on the performance of young disciples. The five consecutive sessions of the Assembly of Immortal Sects spanned a total of sixty years. If a sect still failed to nurture outstanding disciples over such a long period, it would have been fair to judge it as declining.


    This rule also encouraged the elders in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to focus on nurturing young disciples, preventing situations like those in diabolical sects where the higher-ups were selfish and treated the lower-level disciples as less than human.


    But as of now, the Mount Shu Sect has fallen out of the top ten for four consecutive sessions.


    Mount Shu''sst moment of glory in the Assembly of Immortal Sects was during the generation of Jiang Tiankuo, Daoist Yan, and Di Nufeng. The three of them defeated everyone in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, sweeping through thepetition to take the crown, marking Mount Shu''s final triumph.


    Since that generation, Mount Shu hasn''t produced any outstanding talents.


    Thus, between the peak masters and the newest generation of disciples like Chu Liang, there were almost no exceptional young talents in the Mount Shu Sect. Nevertheless, this session of the Assembly of Immortal Sects was crucial.


    There were rumors in the world of immortal cultivation that this session of the Assembly of Immortal Sects would be exceptionallypetitive.


    In the past, a fifth-realm genius disciple would be considered a top expert in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    But this year, many prodigies seemed to have achieved breakthroughs, reaching the fifth realm. This meant that this session of the Assembly of Immortal Sects would be even morepetitive in terms of cultivation level than in previous years.


    "<i>Haaaa.</i>" Chu Liang sighed as he sat on the back of the Golden-Furred Hou.


    <i>This world is toopetitive, </i>Chu Liang thought.<i> I must achieve a higher cultivation level as soon as possible. I can''t always be challenging someone of a higher cultivation level and hope that I can win.</i>


    In actuality, he had made great progress in his cultivation at a speed faster than anyone in the Nine Provinces. Unfortunately, he just wasn''t talented enough for cultivation. Even though he had these rows of Large-Headed Dolls working tirelessly for him, he had only reached theter stage of the Golden Core Realm, still some steps away from the pinnacle of the fourth realm.


    Fortunately, he still had time.


    By the time he returned to Mount Shu, it was alreadyte at night. After running around so muchtely, Chu Liang nned to settle down at Silver Sword Peak for a while.


    <i>Starting tomorrow, I''ll live a leisurely life, tending flowers, growing fruit, and dealing with wine-jar monsters. I will wake up facing Mount Shu and enjoy my peaceful days.</i>


    But the next morning, an unexpected guest arrived.


    "<i>Heheheh!</i>"


    The visitor arrived with a heartyugh as hended outside the small wooden cabin.


    As Chu Liang pushed the door open, he saw what he had expected¡ªLin Bei with his bushy brows and big eyes.


    "What''s up?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Bro, I''m finally about to achieve a breakthrough. I need to start preparing to make my Golden Core Pill," Lin Bei said with a proud smile. "I came to ask for your help."

 Chapter 380: The Fire Dragon of the South Sea

    <h4>Chapter 380: The Fire Dragon of the South Sea</h4>


    Once upon a time, Lin Bei''s cultivation level was on par with that of Chu Liang or perhaps even slightly ahead.


    Thanks to a stroke of luck, he managed to keep up for a while. However, Chu Liang eventually left him far behind. After all, relying solely on fortuitous encounters for cultivation was not sustainable.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, relied on enduring opportunities...


    This time, Lin Bei hade because he was finally ready to advance to the fourth realm and form his Golden Core.


    ording to the process, he first needed to refine a Golden Pill.


    The Golden Core he nned to cultivate was the high-tier Heavenly Golden Core of Lesser Yang. Given his appearance, which at first nce exuded an abundance of yang energy, it was no surprise that he chose this.


    Like Chu Liang at that time, he also needed a treasure of nature with a yang attribute.


    "I found some information in the Office of Precious Herbs, and I need someone to go with me," Lin Bei said.


    When Chu Liang was refining his Golden Pill, Lin Bei had helped him a lot. Now that Lin Bei was refining his own Golden Pill, it was only right for Chu Liang to return the favor and assist him.


    But...


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but voice his confusion. "Why don''t you just buy it?"


    "Buy?" Lin Bei was taken aback.


    As the two stared at each other, they could see a deep gap in their perspectives reflected in each other''s eyes.


    It wasn¡¯t just Lin Bei; most normal cultivators wouldn¡¯t consider buying cultivation resources as their first choice if they could get information about them.


    The main reason was simple: they couldn¡¯t afford it.


    The treasures of nature avable in the market were usually those that cultivators had found by chance and couldn¡¯t use themselves, so they put them up for sale. In such a market, where the seller held the ultimate advantage, prices were dictated entirely by the seller and every single one was outrageously expensive.


    For example, the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess of South Gate City reached the sixth realm entirely by purchasing resources. Even with the entire marquessate and his shady businesses, he could barely afford it.


    It was virtually impossible for an ordinary cultivator at the fourth or fifth realm to umte that much wealth, which was why they had to take risks to locate the natural treasures on their own or wait for the right opportunity.


    Secondly, the process of searching for resources was a form of training in itself.


    For core disciples ofrge immortal sects, the sect could fully support their needs, but they would never do so as they hoped that the search for natural treasures would serve as valuable training for the disciples.


    For cultivators, there were many things aside from making progress in cultivation that they needed to understand.


    But for Chu Liang, the time saved could be used for more meaningful activities that better enhanced his cultivation, such as huntingntern monsters, ck furballs, and wine-jar monsters. This type of training was not as important to him.


    As for the price...


    <i>If the issue can be solved with money, is it still an issue?</i>


    When Chu Liang passed through Taotie City, he even casually bought a top-grade Green Jade Bodhi Branch.


    Although he had not reached the fifth realm, the first level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements, which the Colorful Doll had opened up, had reached a state of stability. This meant that the Colorful Doll was ready to open the second level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements at any time. Therefore, when he saw a wood-element treasure of nature for sale, he bought it without hesitation, deciding to feed it to the Colorful Doll immediately.


    When the Colorful Doll opened the second level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements, it would emit a white and green light, simultaneously providing Chu Liang with Geng Metal foundational qi and Jia Wood foundational qi.


    He spent a total of eight thousand and eight hundred Vermillion-Bird coins, which was considered a lucky number.


    For such a rare spirit nt, the price could range from two thousand to ten thousand coins. This was the kind of spirit nt that one should buy immediately upon seeing it.


    The significant profit he made from the Mount Shu Sect issuing arge number of sword coins was all spent on purchasing the Demon-Subduing Pestle. After that, the value of the sword coins plummeted. Now, sword coins could no longer be exchanged one-to-one with Vermillion-Bird coins and could only be exchanged for eight ck-Tortoise coins.


    This meant that the Green Jade Bodhi Branch would cost over ten thousand sword coins in Mount Shu.


    Even so, Chu Liang paid for the Green Jade Bodhi Branch as if he were buying a simple cabbage. This resulted in the managers and attendants in the shop looking at him with utmost respect and a hint of disbelief.


    Their expressions looked the same as the expressions on Lin Bei''s face.


    After a long pause, Lin Bei shook his head and said, "You have changed. When we first met, you even had to borrow my sword coins to use as tokens."


    "Well, I saved money then so I can spend it now," Chu Liang replied with a chuckle.


    Lin Bei muttered, "No wonder you had us working so hard all the time..."


    "It might have been tough while you were working, but you were pretty happy when you got your share of the profit," Chu Liang responded.


    "That''s true," Lin Bei chuckled.


    As Chu Liang''s second-inmand, Lin Bei wasn''t just a worker; he also got a share of the profits, so he wasn''t exactly broke either. But relying solely on money to buy rare natural treasures would still be a big strain.


    Chu Liang thought for a moment and said, "Since we have a lead on the location of the natural treasure, I''ll go with you. We should save money where we can. But I need to be back in three days for the Four Seas Whale Gang''s celebration."


    It just so happened that he wanted to venture out to gain more experience and test the quality of the Jia Wood foundational qi.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll definitely be back in time," Lin Bei said with augh.


    After a pause, he continued, "So it''s because of the Whale Gang''s celebration... I was wondering why my Eldest Senior Brother hurried into closed-door cultivation, saying he wanted to advance to the second level of the Realm of the Five Elements within the next three days."


    <i>Senior Brother Xu is about to achieve another breakthrough?</i>


    Chu Liang was certainly happy to hear this news. After all, they were no longerpeting, and any improvement would benefit the Mount Shu Sect as a whole.


    <i>The second level of the Realm of the Five Elements. What a coincidence. My Colorful Doll has just reached this level too.</i>


    ...


    The inds of the South Sea were encircled by endless azure waves.


    Legend has it that when the Ancient Dragon Lair copsed, the dragons migrated to the Abyss of the Hidden Dragons.


    The Abyss of the Hidden Dragons was a vast and deep underwater trench. Since dragons generally preferred water, it became an ideal nesting ground.


    But not all dragons were the same.


    One Inferno Dragon, unable to endure life in the Abyss, chose to set out alone, migrating to a new location.


    This was understandable.


    However, a powerful celestial beast like an Inferno Dragon, which left scorched earth in its wake, was not permitted to inhabit the Land of the Nine Provinces.


    The Inferno Dragon ventured to the boundless South Sea, where vast and numerous inds, many asrge as entire nations, provided a new territory to call home.


    Here, it finally found its ce. Over the years, it thrived and multiplied, producing countless offspring and even giving birth to several pureblood True Dragons.[1].


    Thus, the Inferno Dragon n of the South Sea emerged.


    Among the pureblood True Dragons, Inferno Dragons were extremely unique existences with bodily fluids that flowed like liquid mes. Over time, a type of spirit nt, nourished by these fiery liquids, began to grow in the ces where Inferno Dragons roamed.


    These spirit nts, which grew in the Inferno Dragon''s habitat and contained the essence of the Inferno Dragon, even resembling them in shape, were known as Flowing Inferno Fruit.


    The Flowing Inferno Fruit, a fire-element treasure of nature, was exactly what Lin Bei had his eyes on. It was located on one of the inds in the South Sea.


    Mount Shu was located in the southwest, not far from the South Sea. After flying for half a day, the two arrived over the South Sea. Lin Bei checked the map in his hand, found their direction, and after flying for another hour, they finally saw the ind depicted on the map.


    This was arge volcanic ind with a massive crater that resembled a dark, silentke. At this moment, it appeared ck and peaceful. Even so, as they drew nearer, they started sensing the dangerous aura that the crater emanated.


    To the disciples of Mount Shu, it looked like a hotpot with all the base ingredients added but no broth.


    "The growth period of the Flowing Inferno Fruit suggests that the Inferno Dragons of the South Sea might not be active right now. The creature might not be here. Even if it is, it should be hibernating at the bottom of the volcano. As long as we don''t make too much noise, it shouldn''t wake up."


    As theynded, Lin Bei muttered while tiptoeing toward their target.


    While they were still flying, they had already located the Flowing Inferno Fruit with their divine sense.


    Currently, the Flowing Inferno Fruit was on a tall tree of mes at the foot of the volcano.


    A tree zing with mes stood before them, without leaves or flowers, as if the mes themselves were its blossoms. Within one of the fiery spheres was a golden, glowing fruit, about the size of a fist, exuding such powerful spiritual energy.


    Around the fiery tree was a grassywn, with each de of grass flickering like a tiny me.


    The twonded just outside this fierywn.


    "There are plenty of living creatures on this ind. I''m sure it will be fine for us to walk around normally. Why are you so scared?" Chu Liang said,ughing at Lin Bei''s sneaky behavior.


    "Even if we know it won''t wake up, it''s still really scary being so close to something that can turn a person to ashes with one breath," Lin Bei whispered.


    "I guess I''m used to it..." Chu Liang mused.


    Lin Bei didn''t dare respond.


    "To pick the Flowing Inferno Fruit, you must first extinguish the mes with qi of frost. You cannot use water as the fruit will dissolve on contact. Also, don''t touch it directly. You need to cut the branch and catch the fruit in an ice-jade box," Lin Bei recited the harvesting process, having memorized it by heart.


    "And be careful of the treasure-guarding demonic beast," Chu Liang reminded.


    "This ce is barren. How could there be any demonic beasts here?" Lin Beiughed, preparing to pick the fruit.


    Chu Liang looked around and found it to be true.


    He formed a sword gesture with his fingers and drew multiple talismans in the air. In an instant, he unleashed a gust of frosty spiritual energy through the dozens of icy talismanic scripts and extinguished the mes on the fierywn and the tree of mes.


    In the blink of an eye, a thinyer of frost started forming on the fruit.


    "Pick it quickly before the frost melts," Lin Bei murmured to himself as he leaped under the tree, pulling out an ice-jade box.


    Just the small box alone looked quite expensive.


    The Flowing Inferno Fruit, enveloped by theyer of frost, looked like a thin-skinned soft-boiled egg, with the inside seemingly still flowing. With the mes in the outeryer extinguished, the fruit turned out to be in a liquid form.


    Although Lin Bei was surprised, he didn''t have much time to think. He swiftly formed his fingers into scissors and cut the branch holding the Flowing Inferno Fruit.


    <i>Snap.</i>


    The fist-sized Flowing Inferno Fruit dropped neatly into the ice jade box. Just as Lin Bei''s face lit up with satisfaction and he was about to close the box, he felt the world around him suddenly darken.


    "Watch out!" Chu Liang shouted from behind.


    A deafening screech pierced the air as a shadow descended from above.


    "<i>Hroooh!</i>"


    1. Maybe it was already pregnant when it migrated... lol... ?

 Chapter 381: Heaven-Devouring

    <h4>Chapter 381: Heaven-Devouring</h4>


    Arge bird covered in me-colored feathers descended toward the Volcanic Ind, where the Inferno Dragons of the South Sea resided.


    This bird had a head that looked like a dragon''s; it was featherless and had two protruding horns on its forehead. It was unmistakably an Inferno Dragon-Bird!


    The Inferno Dragon-Bird was a descendant of dragons¡ªa draconic demonic beast.


    With wings spanning over ten zhang, thisrge bald bird flew extremely fast. It swooped down from the mountain peak and suddenly appeared above Chu Liang''s and Lin Bei''s heads, looming over them!


    The Inferno Dragon-Bird seemed to consider the Flowing Inferno Fruit as its own.


    <i>No wonder we didn''t see a treasure-guarding demonic beast on the ind. It turns out it was in the sky this whole time!</i> Chu Liang realized.


    He immediately called out to Lin Bei, warning him to be careful.


    However, Lin Bei was in the midst of putting away the ice-jade box containing the Flowing Inferno Fruit when the Inferno Dragon-Bird attacked. It was toote for him to dodge.


    ording to the customs of the martial world, when one person was picking a spirit nt, theirpanion should be assisting by protecting them.


    In this moment of urgency, Chu Liang didn''t bother with using his flying sword. Instead, he lunged forward with his bare hands. He grabbed the Inferno Dragon-Bird''s ws, which were like hooks the size of King Kong, and pulled hard.


    Chu Liang activated the second stage of the Secret Dragon Blood Technique, running it at full power. White dragon breath poured out from all over his body, and explosive cracks rang out from his bones as he moved. Nevertheless, he actually managed to hold the dragon-bird down!


    "<i>HAAA!!!</i>" Chu Liang roared with the voice of a dragon!


    In a panic, Lin Bei had swiftly put away the ice-jade box and was about to flee, but hearing Chu Liang''s roar made Lin Bei look behind him. He was stunned by what he saw.


    While gripping onto the Inferno Dragon-Bird''s ws, Chu Liang activated the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique, and blood-colored qi mes ignited all over him. He then swung his arms with great force!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The swing was so powerful that the wind whistled.


    With one hand gripping one of the giant bird''s ws, Chu Liang swung the bird around twice before hurling it away!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The giant bird was thrown straight into the volcano. It disappeared into theva without a trace, meeting a swift end.


    Lin Bei''s mouth gaped open in shock, and he looked at Chu Liang with great disbelief in his eyes.


    <i>Such immense strength...</i>


    <i>That''s terrifying.</i>


    <i>Are you even human?</i>


    <i>You seem more like a dragon than the draconic descendants.</i>


    Lin Bei had always known that Chu Liang was amazing, but it was still within a range that he could make sense of. So far, Chu Liang had progressed faster in his cultivation, mastered his divine abilities quicker, and had more enchanted tools...


    However, how could an ordinary human cultivator suddenly have the power to contend with draconic descendants? This was beyond Lin Bei''sprehension.


    Even the cultivators from the Great Astral Sect who focused solely on martial artists might not have such immense power at Chu Liang''s age.


    <i>What is this?</i>


    Lin Bei used to think Chu Liang had just surpassed him in the cultivating race, speeding through it at lightning speed. However, Lin Bei had no idea that Chu Liang had been silently running in another race and that he''d already advanced that far.


    Chu Liang knew that the dragon-bird was likely at a level somewhere between the fifth and sixth realms. Demonic beasts were not as powerful as cultivators of the same level, so Chu Liang had known that he could probably handle the dragon-bird if he used all his skills. Still, it shouldn''t have been that easy.


    Yet, the moment Chu Liang''s dragon breath emerged, the giant bird had recoiled. It seemed to fear the True Dragon''s breathing from him.


    These draconic descendants gained great power from being part of the dragon bloodline, but they would also be suppressed by it their entire lives. That could be treated as the price they paid for their power.


    Seeing Lin Bei staring at him nkly, Chu Liang maintained a calm and casual demeanor.


    He shrugged slightly and said, "Everything''s fine now."


    Nevertheless, just as Chu Liang finished speaking, Lin Bei''s mouth ended up opening even wider, and his pupils became extremely dted. He was filled with even greater shock and terror.


    Chu Liang thought, <i>Even if I''m powerful, you don''t need to be this scared, right?</i>


    He was about to tell Lin Bei they should head back when he suddenly felt a st of heat and a wave of cold on his back.


    That was when Chu Liang realized Lin Bei''s shock hadn''t been because of him.


    The heat was from scorching waves, and the cold was from the chill running down his spine...


    Puffs of scorching dragon breath were blowing toward Chu Liang from behind. If Chu Liang''s dragon breath was a pot of water, then the dragon breath being blown at him now was a tidal wave!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    There was a surge of Divine Dragon Fire, and raging mes filled the sky!


    Chu Liang muttered, "All I did was throw a bird in there. No need for you to kick up such a big fuss, right?"


    ...


    In the distance, two people were hovering over the sea.


    One was a tall man with a rugged face. He wore a tattered hemp robe and had arge gourd hanging from his waist. His half-squinted eyes glinted with a cold gaze.


    If Chu Liang were to see him, he would recognize that this was Huo Tianya¡ªthe man he''d met outside the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm.


    The other person was a beautiful youth with a silver scale on his forehead. His skin was so smooth that it looked like he''d been sculpted from fine jade; his appearance was simply otherworldly.


    "Ji Lingjue, you owe me a big favor this time," Huo Tianya said, frowning. "I just stirred up trouble with the Divine Phoenix n in the West Sea, and now I''m here in the South Sea provoking the Inferno Dragon n. Seriously..."


    "You have indeed helped me a lot, but I hope you remember not to call me by that name next time," the silver-scaled youth reminded.


    His eyes shed with golden light as he gazed into the distance.


    "Got it, got it," Huo Tianya replied, his lip curling in annoyance.


    "There won''t be any mistakes, right?" the silver-scaled youth asked. "There is more than one Inferno Dragon in the South Sea. We need to act quickly."


    "It''s the South-Sea Inferno Dragon''s hibernation period right now. That guy is in a deep sleep. Besides, I''ve always restrained these things. How could there be any mistakes?"


    Huo Tianya waved his hand, and the air around him surged violently in a sh!


    He said, "Just watch."


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A ripple broke out in the sea, rolling out from Huo Tianya. It grew in intensity as it moved forward. The ripple swelled with the wind, and in the blink of an eye, the ripple transformed into a towering wave hundreds of zhang high!


    ...


    "Didn''t they say it''s not the active period for the South-Sea Inferno Dragon?!" Chu Liang eximed.


    Lin Bei said, "Maybe that bird you threw in earlier angered it?"


    "That bird isn''t even big enough to fill one of the gaps in between the Inferno Dragon''s teeth. How could throwing that bird in the volcano anger it? It''s not like the bird can curse at it, right?"


    "The Inferno Dragon''s target doesn''t seem to be us though?"


    "Regardless, it''s always better to run far away!"


    "You''re faster on the sword. You go first! If I can''t get away, I''ll go all out!"


    Chu Liang retorted, "You''ll go all out? Risking your life doing what, exactly? Scraping off the que on the Inferno Dragon''s teeth? Forget it. Just keep up with me!"


    Lin Bei: "..."[1]


    On that ind, the enormous head of the terrifying South-Sea Inferno Dragon emerged from the volcano''s crater. With only the top half of its body visible above the mouth of the volcano, it pivoted in a full circle and destroyed everything around the volcano in the blink of an eye.


    In just that one movement, the raging mes of Divine Dragon Fire descended like rain.


    Chu Liang realized, <i>Now it makes sense why it''s said the Inferno Dragon is inactive during the growth period of the Flowing Inferno Fruit. All it needs to do is move, and it will kill off every living being within a hundred li!</i>


    At the low altitudes of the ind, two tiny figures were desperately trying to escape.


    Chu Liang''s sword-flying speed was, of course, as swift as that of a shooting star. In the face of a potential impending death, Lin Bei burst forth with considerable speed. Chu Liang very quickly left Lin Bei far behind, but they were still within range tomunicate through voice transmissions.


    The ind wasrge, but the two of them flew speedily. In just a breath''s worth of time, they had already gotten far from the ind.


    Chu Liang scanned the ind with his divine sense and realized the South-Sea Inferno Dragon had no intention of pursuing them. Instead, it was gazing into the distance.


    It seemed the target wasn''t them.


    Chu Liang was about to breathe a sigh of relief when he suddenly noticed something was off.


    <i>These waves up ahead... What''s going on with them?!</i>


    A circr formation of giant waves was converging from all directions. The speed of the waves increased with the pull of the tide.


    In the blink of an eye, they reached thousands of zhang high, emerging from the sea and bing one in the sky. Therge circle of waves merged into a ginormous sky-blue water ball in the air!


    The water ball then epassed the Volcanic Ind, the South-Sea Inferno Dragon, and the surrounding seawaters.


    Chu Liang and Lin Bei crashed into water ball''s wall of sea waves with a bang and were thrown back by the impact! This massive seawave wall was as solid as metal and stone and heavy as meteoric iron!


    Chu Liang swiftly realized that someone was targeting the Inferno Dragon, and he and Lin Bei had been caught in the middle of it!


    <i>What bad luck.</i>


    <i>The South-Sea Inferno Dragon''s hibernation periodsts a few months each year. Couldn''t you have picked another day to fight it? Why did it have to be today?</i>


    <i>And couldn''t you have cleared the area beforehand??</i>


    Beside Chu Liang, Lin Bei''s tanned face paled. "I suddenly understand the importance of making money..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang uttered, looking at Lin Bei curiously.


    Lin Bei pped his forehead regretfully. "If I had spent money on a treasure of nature, I''d be concocting pills right now instead of dealing with this."


    <i>Indeed, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>Money may not bring happiness, but it can help you avoid many troubles.</i>


    <i>But is this the time to talk about that?!</i>


    Chu Liang ignored Lin Bei and made a hand seal. He summoned the Dustless Sword and forcefully struck the seawave wall!


    <i>Boooom!</i>


    His sword qi was quickly dispersed by the flowing water, neutralizing the force.


    <i>What a solid water prison!</i>


    Considering that the ginormous water barrier had to cover such a tremendous area, it couldn''t be equally strong at every point.


    Chu Liang was certain of this and attacked the seawave wall again with all his might!


    A giant swordlight appeared, filled the sky! It was the Heavenly Sword Seal!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In the face of death, Chu Liang suddenlyprehended a bit of the workings of the Heaven-Raising Sword.


    He had worked onprehending the Heaven-Raising Sword and the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination for a long time, but he hadn''t been able to grasp the sword intent behind them. At this moment, he finally understood that he needed to be resolved to go all in!


    <i>Advance and you''ll live, retreat and you''ll die. The world is vast, and life and death hang in the bnce.</i>


    <i>I have only this one sword! </i>


    <i>Heaven-Raising Sword!</i>


    Suddenly, the giant swordlight shone brilliantly.


    <i>Shiiing.</i>


    With Chu Liang''s renewed resolve, his sword intent upgraded the Heavenly Sword Seal to a true immortal art! It was the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    <i>Boooom.</i>


    The giant sword struck the barrier of flowing water and finally broke a huge hole in it before it could disperse the destructive force of Chu Liang''s sword qi!


    Lin Bei shouted, "It''s open! Quick¡ª"


    He was about to flee with Chu Liang, but his words got caught in his throat.


    They looked outside through the hole in the barrier, and what they saw wasn''t the sky... but a serpent''s head that seemed even bigger than the sky!


    As it approached from afar, it opened its massive mouth, and that mouth became an indescribablyrge ck hole.


    The South-Sea Inferno Dragon was enormous, and when it was curled up, it was like a mountain peak. So, naturally, the volcano housing the dragon had to be enormous too. However, the volcano was just one part of an ind, so that meant the ind had to be evenrger. That in turn meant the spherical water prison, which encased the ind and the surrounding seawater, had to be evenrger still.


    Yet, the serpent''s head''s gaping mouth swallowed the water prison and everything within it in one gulp.


    It seemed as if this ginormous serpent could even engulf the sun and moon!


    Neither Chu Liang nor Lin Bei had ever seen such an incredibly humongous serpent, but the same name popped into their minds simultaneously.


    <i>Heaven-Devouring Python!</i>


    1. The words of a true friend always hit the hardest. ?

 Chapter 382: What is This?

    <h4>Chapter 382: What is This? </h4>


    "Shit, fuck, fuck, fuck... glug, glug... fuck... glug..."


    Lin Bei''s curses mingled with the gurgling bubbles as he struggled in the water, barely audible beneath the deafening roar of the waves.


    The waves were a testament to the mighty power of the Heavens and Earth.


    Such a shocking scene could only unfold on the vast, endless sea. The water prison, along with the surroundingnd, was swallowed whole by the terrifying Heaven-Devouring Python.


    In the vast expanse of the South Sea, the piece ofnd swallowed might seem like a mere corner. However, whenpared to thend of the nine provinces, its surface area was asrge as a huge city. This meant that if the Heaven-Devouring Python wasn''t allowed to rampage, it could easily swallow Taotie City in the Northern Regions and the capital of Yu in the Central Region in a single bite.


    It was unknown as to whether it was due to the caster deactivating the divine technique or simply because the water prison could not withstand the immense force, the wall of waves around the water prison crushed as soon as the water prison entered the giant beast''s mouth. However, Chu Liang and the others could no longer escape; a tremendous suction capable of destroying mountains and pulling up peaks came from the depths of the ck hole, dragging all the endless seawater and everything in it.


    Devouring the world!


    Initially, Chu Liang managed to maintain his bnce above the water. As he scanned his surroundings, all he could see was darkness and the terrified aquatic beasts thrashing in the waves. Suddenly, a giant wave crashed into him from behind, sending him plunging into the churning depths. Each attempt to resurface was thwarted by the relentless current. Finally, he surrendered to the flow, letting it carry him wherever it willed.


    As the pressure of the water flow increased, the ck hole ahead began to narrow.


    Chu Liang''s ears thundered with a drumming sound, and it felt as if his limbs no longer belonged to him. He was like a lone boat tossed about in the torrent of waves.


    Just when Chu Liang thought his cultivation was strong enough to consider himself an expert among immortality cultivators, this encounter swiftly reminded him of his insignificance.


    In the presence of beings who controlled the Great Dao, even a mass of flowing fire could incinerate him, an innocent fish in the pond, in an instant.


    He vaguely heard an angry dragon''s roar again. Could it be the South Sea Inferno Dragon?


    The Heaven-Devouring Python had swallowed the Inferno Dragon along with the water prison. Naturally, the newly awakened Inferno Dragon would not let it go easily.


    Logically speaking, the Heaven-Devouring Python and the Inferno Dragon were both vicious beasts of the same level, but the Heaven-Devouring Python possessed the mystical ability to devour everything. However, if the Inferno Dragon used its mythical abilities, it still stood a chance against the Heaven-Devouring Python.


    But the dragon''s chant did notst long. The wind and thunder roaring in Chu Liang''s ears made it difficult for him to hear anything clearly. He could only focus on activating ayer of foundational qi around his body to protect himself from being pierced by sharp objects in the torrent.


    At the same time, he extended his divine sense in an attempt to locate Lin Bei. Unfortunately, they had been separated when they were swept inside. Finding someone in this chaos was far from easy.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Although he couldn''t detect Lin Bei with his divine sense, he did sense a massive Sword Halberd Shark behind him. Its jaws were wide open, charging at him with the full force of the torrent!


    Who knew how many aquatic beasts had suffered in this mass devouring by the Heaven-Devouring Python?


    If Chu Liang stayed motionless, the giant shark would swallow him in one bite. He was already on his way into the stomach of the Heaven-Devouring Python, and he refused to be a nesting doll¡ªa human nested in a shark nested in a python.


    Chu Liang dared not summon the Dustless Sword; if he lost his grip in this chaotic current, he would lose the legendary enchanted weapon forever. Instead, he activated more foundational qi, lifting his body lightly before executing a swift roll.


    The giant shark swiftly shot past him from below. As Chu Liang rolled back, he found himself positioned behind the shark. Now, it was his turn to use the current''s force to his advantage.


    Drawing power from his Sea of Qi, Chu Liang swung a fist toward the shark''s halberd-like dorsal fin. Though the force was diminished by the water, it still carried immense power.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The giant shark let out a muffled sound before exploding in the water!


    Arge plume of dark blood spread quickly, agitating the surrounding aquatic demonic beasts. Yet, most of them had no way out, struggling to survive in the relentless torrent.


    One demonic beast managed to drift close to Chu Liang. It was a red-scaled creature over ten zhang long, resembling a snake but with four powerful legs.


    The beast''s vertical pupils glinted with a fiery light, hinting at its lineage¡ªlikely a descendant of the Inferno Dragon.


    The red-scaled aquatic beast was enormous, but after witnessing the colossal size of the Heaven-Devouring Python, Chu Liang no longer felt awed by this creature''s size.


    Seeing the long tail of the red-scaled aquatic beast whipping toward him, Chu Liang seized it.


    Just as he prepared to strike, a sudden change urred!


    The torrent burst out of the waterway, and the space suddenly expanded!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    It felt as if the endless seawater had been thrown into the sky, carrying Chu Liang and the red-scaled aquatic beast he clung to by the tail. Amid the chaos, Chu Liang only managed to kick the beast as he used the force to propel himself upward.


    Suddenly, a heavy blow struck him.


    The falling seawater crashed down like a copsing sky, mming Chu Liang downward with relentless force. His entire head buzzed from the impact!!


    <i>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    Whaty beneath him felt like an abyss, as though he were suspended ten thousand zhang high in the air.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A thunderous explosion shattered the air, and then, abruptly, all was quiet.


    ...


    <i>Spat</i>


    After a brief moment of unconsciousness, Chu Liang slowly opened his eyes.


    He frowned and stayed still, maintaining his original posture while extending his divine sense around to scan his surroundings.


    <i>Where am I?</i>


    He found himself on a reef in the middle of ake, his body soaked and asionally submerged by the waves. Beneath him was slick ck rock.


    Suddenly, arge descended, enveloping himpletely.


    Someone was pulling him hard.


    Was it the gray-d girl on the shore?


    She had delicate features and wore a robe made of patched cloth. With her hair simply tied back, she looked around sixteen or seventeen years old. A small bamboo basket was strapped to her back as she struggled to pull therge that had ensnared Chu Liang.


    "Heave ho... heave ho... heave¡ª"


    The girl was struggling and cheering herself on, but she couldn''t move Chu Liang at all. It was as if she was trying to pull a big rock.


    The Sea of Qi was the source of his powerful foundational qi. Though this might not be apparent from his appearance, his true physical strength stemmed from his blood essence. Strengthening his physique to this level had fundamentally altered his body.


    Although he still appeared as a slightly thin, delicate young man, his body was as if forged from diamond, and his weight was no less than that of an ordinary demonic beast.


    "Heave ho... heave ho..." The girl on the shore strained with all her might, pulling with every bit of strength she had. As she tugged, she suddenly noticed something was off. Why did it feel so much lighter?


    She looked up and found that the person in the had already reached her, while her fishing held only some half-dead fish and shrimp.


    "You woke up?" she eximed, surprise lighting up her face.


    "Mm..." Chu Liang replied, staring at the living person in front of him, feeling dazed and disoriented.


    Looking around, Chu Liang noticed the surroundings of theke were bare ck rocks, an unfamiliar material he had never seen before. In the distance, the outline of a city loomed, shrouded in darkness.


    There was no sun in the sky, only a dark purple halo hanging high, casting an eerie glow over thendscape.


    "Excuse me, miss, where is this ce?" Chu Liang asked.


    "This ce is called Python Belly City," the girl answered cheerfully. "You must be unfamiliar with everything since you just arrived from the outside world. Come home with me, and I''ll exin everything in detail along the way."


    Chu Liang smiled wryly. Did this even need exining? The answer was right in the name.


    Python Belly City? It was a straightforward and rather unsettling name.


    They used to say the Heaven-Devouring Python could swallow the world, devouring billions of beings in one bite. Although slightly exaggerated, it wasn''t entirely false. But a giant beast with a city inside its stomach was something Chu Liang had never encountered before.


    Since he was unharmed, Lin Bei likely wouldn''t be either, but who knew where he had ended up after being separated.


    Chu Liang decided to follow the girl back first, settle down, and then n his next steps.


    "Then I shall trouble you, miss," he said.


    "No trouble at all," the girl chuckled. "Every time there''s a white rain, everyone is thrilled. It brings new food, tools, and most importantly, newbor¡ªoh, I mean, neers."


    <i>Heh. </i>Chu Liang smiled again. <i>Laborer it is then.</i>


    "My name is Xu Zhiyin. I grew up in Python Belly City and have never been outside, so I love hearing stories about the outside world," the girl continued. "Every time there''s a white rain, Ie outside the city to fish people out."


    "Miss Xu, you mentioned white rain twice just now," Chu Liang asked curiously. "What is that?"


    Xu Zhiyin exined, "In Python Belly City, we have two types of rain: ck rain and white rain..."


    As she spoke, Chu Liang listened intently, gradually piecing together the reality of Python Belly City. The more she exined, the clearer the picture became.


    They stood on an expansivend, with a bustling city of nearly a hundred thousand people at its center. Surrounding the city was a vast, foreboding ck ocean known as the ck Sea.


    Every drop of water in the ck Sea was highly poisonous. Just a single touch of the water would result in the corrosion of the entire body and flesh would be turned into blood. No one knew whaty at the end of this treacherous sea.


    Tidal flooding of the ck Sea urred at irregr intervals. The poisonous waves would inundate half thend, leaving only the area of Python Belly City untouched. As a result, it was much safer inside the city, while thendscape outside was barren and deste.


    The ck rocks they stood on were the only solid ground resistant to the corrosive nature of the ck Sea.


    But the Python Belly City was not absolutely safe. asionally, ck rain would fall from the sky. The rain droplets are as poisonous as the water in the ck Sea, with the single drop capable of killing a demonic beast


    If there was no cover during the ck rain, death would be certain.


    The other type of rain, white rain, referred to seawater entering from the outside. Along with the seawater, fresh people and items from the outside would alsoe in.


    Therefore, for the people of Python Belly City, the ck rain was a harbinger of destruction, while the white rain symbolized the promise of life.


    Chu Liang listened in amazement.


    The ce had clearly evolved its own unique ecosystem.


    With curiosity getting the better of him, he asked, "What is the source of food here?"


    He nced at the ck rock beneath his feet, which was as hard as meteoric iron, making ntation and farming impossible.


    The sky was devoid of sunlight and it seemed rather impossible that the flood of shrimps and fish from the outside world could support a poption of over a hundred thousand.


    "The primary food source here is ck tree rice," Xu Zhiyin exined. "We have several vast fields of it located just outside the city. These fields have long been a point of fiercepetition among various factions."


    She continued, "In addition to the rice, we also raise livestock and farm fish and shrimp in ourkes. This time, the white rain was exceptionally heavy, so we can expect several new,rgekes to be created."


    Chu Liang surveyed thendscape. The so-calledkes seemed more like natural depressions in the ck rock, filled with seawater to create the illusion ofkes.


    "Won''t these fields be killed by the tidal floods from the ck Sea?" Chu Liang asked, skepticism evident in his voice.


    "No, the ck tree rice actually thrives on the ck Sea''s nourishment," Xu Zhiyin exined. "The ck rain doesn''t dissolve in water, so if you find yourself caught in ck rain or tides outside the city, your best bet is to dive into one of thekes¡ªif you''re not afraid of drowning, of course."


    Chu Liang muttered, "That doesn''t sound too dangerous..."


    Xu Zhiyin''s expression remainedposed as she added, "But you should be wary of demonic beasts. While they have a treaty with the human factions, which means they won''t hunt inside the city, there are often hungry demonic beasts hunting outside the city. They would be the kind of demonic beasts that don''t like ck tree rice and only love meat."


    "There are demonic beasts?" Chu Liang immediately became alert, and he immediately expanded his divine sense, scanning the surroundings.


    "There''s no need to be afraid," Xu Zhiyin said calmly with a smile. "The demonic beast factions are located to the west of the city, so they generally stay away from the eastern regions."


    "Really?" Chu Liang asked, pointing to arge figure behind them. "Then what''s that?"


    In the direction he indicated, a menacing beast with thick legs, a long neck, and razor-sharp fangs had just zeroed in on them. It resembled a deer, but its fangs made it clear that it wasn''t a herbivore.


    Xu Zhiyin''s eyes widened in horror as she saw the beast. Her voice turned to a shriek as she eximed, "Ah! Help¡ª"

 Chapter 383: The Three Major Factions

    <h4>Chapter 383: The Three Major Factions</h4>


    Xu Zhiyin was clearly someone who had practiced martial arts. She was incredibly agile. As she sprinted forward, she didn''t forget to pull Chu Liang along with her.


    The long-necked demonic beast behind them noticed that they started running and immediately galloped forward. Despite its enormous size, its four legs moved with unnerving speed, the ground trembling under its surprisingly light, rapid footsteps.


    "Miss Xu, stop running!" Chu Liang called out.


    "You''re right. We can''t keep running." Xu Zhiyin replied, her mind racing. "We''re too far from Python Belly City to outrun it on t ground. We need to hide!"


    With that, she veered sharply and darted into a cluster of jagged ck rocks. Finding a semi-protruding boulder, she ducked behind it, sitting with her back against the ck rock. She peeked out cautiously, trying to spot the demonic beast.


    The beast was nowhere to be seen, but she didn''t dare rx. Her eyes darted around, scanning every shadow, every crevice.


    At the same time, a long shadow stretched out from above the ck rock.


    Chu Liang''s eyes widened in terror as he found himself face-to-face with the demonic beast.


    Xu Zhiyin also sensed something was wrong. She turned her head, and for a split second, her pupils dted in sheer horror, her breath catching in her throat. She was so scared that she couldn''t make a sound.


    With the long neck, the demonic beast dangled its ferocious head low, its eyes glinting with a predatory greed as it locked onto the two. To their shock, it uttered garbled, almost human speech, "Found you..."


    Chu Liang met its gaze calmly. So what if you found us? This isn¡¯t a game of hide-and-seek where you win just by finding us, he thought.


    "Roar¡ª"


    The demonic beast let out a deafening roar and lunged, its jaws gaping wide to devour them.


    At this moment, Chu Liang made a move.


    No, to be precise, he delivered a kick.


    While maintaining his seated position, heunched himself up with both hands. With his feet up in the air and his body upside down, he delivered a powerful kick straight to the demonic beast''s massive eye.


    <i>BAM!</i>


    The kick was so forceful that it caused the demonic beast''s eyeball to burst, sending vibrant liquid sttering everywhere.


    Yet, not a single drop touched Chu Liang. With a graceful twirl in the air, he soared above the demonic beast''s head and delivered a powerful punch directly onto it. <i>Bang!</i>


    The impact was apanied by the sharp, crisp sound of bones breaking.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The colossal body of the demonic beast crumpled to the ground.


    Chu Liang descended with an effortless grace, his movements fluid and elegant. The entire sequence of actions appeared seamless and easy.


    As for Xu Zhiyin, her entire body was sttered with the colorful liquid, leaving her looking rather disheveled. She sat there, staring dumbfounded at Chu Liang.


    "Ah, Miss Xu, sorry about that," Chu Liang quickly apologized.


    "You''re quite the fighter, huh?" Xu Zhiyin responded. The stter of liquid didn''t bother her at all as she casually wiped her face, inadvertently spreading the dirty liquid even more.


    Chu Liang smiled slightly and said nothing more. In this unfamiliar environment, he didn''t want to reveal too much about himself. Otherwise, he could have simply summoned his flying sword and pierced the demonic beast from a distance.


    Xu Zhiyin stood up and said, "With such impressive skills, the zing Fire Gang will definitely want to recruit you."


    With that, she prepared to head back to Python Belly City.


    Chu Liang pointed at the demonic beast''s corpse and asked, "Aren''t we taking this back to eat?"


    Xu Zhiyin looked at Chu Liang, stunned at how quickly he adapted.


    She immediately shook her head. "If the demonic beasts of the Divine Tiger Hall know that we did that, they''ll definitelye for revenge. They''re very fierce. We''d better leave quickly."


    Chu Liang hesitated. He wanted to tell Xu Zhiyin that it might not be a horrible thing if that were to happen, but he decided to keep silent. The current situation was too uncertain, and he couldn''t afford to make enemies recklessly.


    So, he decided to follow Xu Zhiyin for now.


    On the way back to Python Belly City, Xu Zhiyin exined the distribution of powers to Chu Liang.


    The city was divided among three major factions. The zing Fire Gang, made up of human martial artists, was in the eastern areas of the city. The southern area of the city was controlled by the Sun and Moon Pavilion, which was a faction made up of human cultivators. Lastly, the Celestial Tiger Hall, which was a faction of demon race, was in the western area of the city.


    Of the three factions, the zing Fire Gang controlled the most civilians and ck tree rice fields. With thergest number of members, it was the most powerful force in the city.


    Although the cultivators in the Sun and Moon Pavilion were also human, they were fewer in number and more detached from the general public. Consequently, more civilians chose to ally themselves with the zing Fire Gang.


    As for the demon race, their territory in the western area of the city was off-limits to everyone.


    Law and order gradually took shape among the three factions, but conflicts were inevitable.


    Aside from the civilians governed by the three major factions, the city was mostly filled with ordinary people like Xu Zhiyin''s family, who were not part of any forces and survived in the gaps between these powers.


    Chu Liang''s curiosity got the better of him. "What about the northern area of the city?" he asked.


    "I don''t know," she replied, shaking her head. "Since I was a child, my father warned me that the northern area is the most terrifying ce in Python Belly City because it''s... the territory of the city lord."


    ...


    As they drew closer, the so-called Python Belly City came into view, its walls made ofyers of ck rock, stacked in a primitive manner. It was clear the citycked specialized talents like the disciples from Mount Shu Sect''s Construction Hall.


    The two entered the city through the south gate, where several burly human martial artists stood guard.


    Anyone entering the city would be extorted by them.


    "We have to pay a toll?" Chu Liang asked as he observed the scene from a distance.


    "No need," Xu Zhiyin replied. "They''re just members of the zing Fire Gang. Most people leaving the city today are taking advantage of the white rain to scavenge, so they should have some gains on them."


    As they approached, the martial artists didn''t stop Xu Zhiyin. Instead, they greeted her with smiles. "Zhiyin, what treasures did you find today?"


    Xu Zhiyinughed brightly. "Nothing at all, just a big living person."


    They turned their gaze to Chu Liang, sizing him up with a mix of amusement.


    "The young man looks quite handsome, but who knows how many days he''ll survive," one of them teased.


    Chu Liang didn''t argue with them; he simply smiled and nodded as he followed Xu Zhiyin into the city.


    As Chu Liang wondered why the guards were so lenient with Xu Zhiyin, she led him to her home, and the answer became clear.


    It turned out that Xu Zhiyin''s home was a medicinal hall.


    "My father is one of the few healers in Python Belly City, so everyone respects him," Xu Zhiyin exined.


    Chu Liang nodded.


    It''s no wonder. In a harsh ce like this, no one would dare offend a healer.


    As he lifted the white cloth and stepped into the medicinal hall, a heart-wrenching scream echoed from behind.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wince as he asked, "What kind of illness is this that they are in this much pain."


    "Most likely corroded by the ck rain," Xu Zhiyin said.


    "Isn''t this corrosion fatal?" Chu Liang asked.


    "My father can treat it," Xu Zhiyin said proudly. "As long as the parts touched by the ck Sea are cut off in time, they won''t die."


    <i>No wonder they''re screaming so miserably, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>From the sound of it, they aren''t given any anesthesia at all. If the corroded parts are just being cut off, I could be a healer too.</i>


    Xu Zhiyin had just asked Chu Liang to sit down when amotion erupted outside, and arge group of people rushed into the medicinal hall.


    From the looks of it, they were all robust men brimming with vitality and clearly martial arts cultivators.


    However, every one of them were injured. The more seriously wounded were carried in, looking as if they had barely escaped a fierce battle.


    Xu Zhiyin had mentioned that because their medicinal hall was in the east of the city, they had close ties with the zing Fire Gang, so the injured were often brought here.


    "Zhiyin, where''s your father?" the leader called out as he entered.


    "He''s treating someone right now; you''ll have to wait a bit," Xu Zhiyin said. "Was it another battle?"


    "Not a formal battle. We ran into a group from the Sun and Moon Pavilion while scavenging. They attacked without a word," the leader replied angrily. "I will leave the injured brothers here and head back to report to the vice-chief so we can prepare for revenge! Zhiyin, tell your father to hurry."


    "<i>Haaaaa</i>," Xu Zhiyin sighed. "Got it."


    It seemed that while food wasn''t particrly scarce in Python Belly City, thepetition for other resources was just as fierce. Every outing could turn into a battle.


    ...


    After the leader left, Xu Zhiyin helped the injured get settled in the medicinal hall. She then turned to Chu Liang and said, "I''ll head to the back to freshen up and change my clothes. You can make yourselffortable here for a while."


    With that, she also left the main hall.


    Sitting in the medicinal hall, Chu Liang noticed an unsettling detail: there was no smell of herbs, only the metallic scent of blood lingering in the air.


    It was astonishing to think these people had been living here for so many years. But with the Heaven-Devouring Python rampaging across the seas, sometimes swallowing entire small countries in one gulp, the sheer size of Python Belly City was not strange at all.


    But regardless, this ce couldn''t possibly be inside a Heaven-Devouring Python''s belly. If it were, the entire city would be flipped upside down whenever the python turned. It had to be a self-contained realm, akin to a hidden dimension. The python''s enormous mouth was merely a passage connecting this realm to the outside world.


    But how could he get out?


    He could use the jade talisman with the Shattering the Void immortal art that Venerable Wen Yuan gave him. However, this technically wasn''t a life-or-death crisis, which was why he hadn''t used it. Nheless, staying here indefinitely wasn''t a solution. It would be fine to use it...as he could always head back and request for another one.


    Randomly teleporting a thousand li away might get him out of the python''s body.


    But what if he couldn''t leave this realm and ended up in a dangerous ce like the ck Sea? It wouldn''t be worth the risk.


    Every hidden realm should have its own exit.


    Where would the exit of this realm be?


    He seemed to have fallen from the sky, so could he return the same way? Or perhaps the exity within the mysterious territory in the north of the city?


    As he pondered this, the sound of urgent and heavy footsteps suddenly broke his concentration.


    <i>Thump, thump, thump...</i>


    With a scan of his divine sense, he saw a golden-patterned giant elephant emerge onto the broad, dpidated ck street. Its massive body almost filled the entire street.


    A man in a brocade robe sat cross-legged on the elephant''s back, and dozens of sword-riding cultivators hovered in the air behind him, arriving outside the medicinal hall in the blink of an eye.


    "This is the ce, right?" The brocade-robed manzily nced around, a murderous intent shing in his eyes. He raised his hand andmanded, "Kill everyone here. Don''t let any of them get out alive!"

 Chapter 384: Which Esteemed Cultivator From the Mount Shu Sect?

    <h4>Chapter 384: Which Esteemed Cultivator From the Mount Shu Sect?</h4>


    The owner of the medicinal hall, his daughter, and a few young apprentices, were busy at the back of the medicinal hall. The martial artists from the zing Fire Gang were familiar with the ce, so they just went inside and found somewhere to sit as they waited.


    Chu Liang was the only one sitting in the main hall, and that was why he had witnessed the sudden arrival of the cultivators and heard one of them say, "Don''t let any of them get out alive!"


    Chu Liang raised his eyebrows in shock. <i>What do they mean by that?</i>


    The dozens of cultivators outside the medicinal hall didn''t enter it. Instead, they formed hand seals, summoning their flying swords!


    "Hold on!" Chu Liang shouted, trying to stop them.


    This group was obviously there to exterminate everyone in the medicinal hall. They''d just had a fierce battle, yet they even followed the opposing gang into the medicinal hall to finish the job. They were acting just like criminals!


    Chu Liang had just arrived, so he didn''t want to get involved in the local gang conflicts, and he had no intention of stopping their mutual acts of revenge. Nheless, these people were being extremely rude!


    Inside the medicinal hall, there was Chu Liang, who was an innocent bystander, as well as Xu Zhiyin and her father, both of whom had nothing to do with the gangs.


    With his cultivation level, it would be easy for Chu Liang to leave, but he wouldn''t be able to inform Xu Zhiyin and her father in time. Besides, Xu Zhiyin might be in the middle of a bath; he couldn''t just barge in and take her away.


    <i>Just imagine...</i>


    <i>The youngdy is bathing, and I push open the bathroom door.</i>


    <i>I lift the curtain and yell, "Miss Xu, bad guys areing!"</i>


    <i>That... would be like I''m announcing my own arrival.</i>[1]


    So, all Chu Liang could do was stop the people in front of him.


    However, the group''s leader had already given an order. The dozens of cultivators ignored Chu Liang, and their flying swords spread out, transforming into thousands of swordlights.


    The beams of swordlight shot into the hall!


    A few rounds of attacks from these thousands of swordlights would turn the medicinal hall into a huge sieve. No one inside would be able to survive. If the zing Fire Gang members were uninjured, they might be able to put up a fight, but they had no chance in their current state.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang was there.


    Frowning, he summoned the Dustless Sword. It instantly split into hundreds and thousands of swordlights. Chu Liang had activated the Thousand Swords Seal!


    Under the control of Chu Liang''s powerful divine sense, each beam of swordlight precisely intercepted the swordlights shooting toward the medicinal hall. As the ng of shing metal rang incessantly, the outer walls of the medicinal hall remained undamaged.


    <i>ng, ng, ng¡ª</i>


    After the group''s first round of attacks, their thousands of swordlights shattered.


    Chu Liang''s Dustless Sword returned to his side, its de gleaming brilliantly. However, more than half of the opponent''s flying swords had broken!


    It was a fight of one against dozens, yet Chu Liang emerged victorious! If Chu Liang hadn''t held back, the next round of attacks from the Dustless Sword would have rendered almost all of these cultivators incapable of escaping.


    Even whenpared to the Mount Shu Sect''s standard-issue flying swords, those cultivators'' flying swords were inferior. How could they withstand an attack from a legendary sword like the Dustless Sword? It was natural that the Dustless Sword would cut them in two with one strike.


    Despite their low quality, those flying swords had been extremely rare finds in Python Belly City. This was evident from the pained expressions of the cultivators.


    Seeing their precious flying swords cut down, the group of cultivators became irate and wanted to attack Chu Liang with their divine abilities.


    Right then, someone shouted, "Hold on!"


    It was the brocade-robed man on the elephant''s back.


    He sat up straight in rm and said, "Where did this powerful cultivatore from?"


    The cultivators around him were generally at the third realm. There were even a few at the second realm. So, to them, Chu Liang, who was a top-tier fourth realm cultivator, could indeed be considered a powerful cultivator.


    In Python Belly City, it was normal for cultivators to have low cultivation levels.


    If Chu Liang were considered to be part of the ruling upper ss of cultivators, then the middle ss was made up of the prodigious disciples of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten and the lower-middle ss was made up of the ordinary disciples. That meant the poor lower ss was made up of the sectless cultivators in the martial world, and the cultivators in Python Belly City were undoubtedly part of an even lower ss¡ªthe beggar ss.


    When resources were extremely scarce, a cultivator''sck of talent would be less apparent. The third realm would be an impassible wall for everyone.


    Those who had already been cultivators before entering the Python Belly City would very likely remain forever stuck at the cultivation level they were at when they entered. It was only possible for cultivators to make breakthroughs in cultivation without any resources when they had surpassed the sixth realm and entered the Heavenly Gate[2].


    Chu Liang swiftly moved to the front of the medicinal hall and said loudly, "I am not a member of the zing Fire Gang, nor am I a martial artist. I have nothing to do with your grudges. But today you have provoked me, so you better leave my sight immediately, or else..."


    He took arge stride forward and pivoted,unching into a sudden leap. Then he punched downward, striking the giant elephant''s head from above!


    <i>Boooom</i>.


    Chu Liang''s punch left the several-zhang-tall giant elephant shaking violently.


    At the next moment, the ck rock beneath it cracked. The elephant sank over a zhang deep into the ck-rock ground. It died instantly, with its corpse embedded in the earth.


    A chill washed over the surrounding cultivators, and not one of them dared to make a sound. They were all there together, yet none of them had managed to stop Chu Liang''s punch, so how could they dare to act up again?


    The brocade-robed man on the dead elephant looked up at Chu Liang and unconsciously found himself kneeling before Chu Liang.


    The brocade-robed man trembled for a long while before finally squeezing out one sentence. "And you say you''re not a martial artist..."


    <i>He used such great divine strength to kill the giant elephant with one punch... He can''t be an immortality cultivator that also cultivates martial arts, could he?</i>


    ...


    The Sun and Moon Pavilion cultivators left in utter disgrace, practically fleeing in disarray.


    While watching them go, Chu Liang sighed.


    He had gotten involved in something troublesome so soon after arriving in Python Belly City.


    "What happened?" Xu Zhiyin asked cautiously as she walked up from behind.


    She and the group of martial artists behind her had heard the noises of the shing flying swords and emerged from the medicinal hall to see what was going on. However, instead of a sword fight, what they saw was Chu Liang punching an elephant.


    Chu Liang briefly exined what had happened.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Xu Zhiyin gasped in shock, breathing in a mouthful of the cold, foul air of Python Belly City.


    She and her father had been practicing medicine there for many years and never thought they would one day be the targets of a major faction.


    Xu Zhiyin had lived in Python Belly City all her life. It was impossible for her to be unafraid of what might happen next.


    "You don''t need to be so afraid. Their main target is these martial artists, not you and your father," Chu Liangforted.


    "But..." Xu Zhiyin turned to look at the martial artists behind her. "Normally, no matter how fiercely you fight each other, you never chase the opposing party into the medicinal hall. Why has that changed today?"


    Among the martial artists, there was an older man who had lost half of his arm. That arm had just been bandaged, but judging from the neatness of the wound, it seemed that the amputated half of an arm had been cleanly sliced off with a flying sword.


    That man stood up angrily and said, "Those cultivators are afraid of our chief, so they used to pretend they were noble and virtuous, standing aloof from worldly affairs. But now that the chief¡ª"


    "Old Zhang!" someone called out, reminding the man not to divulge the matter.


    That man then reluctantly closed his mouth.


    The east side of the city was the zing Fire Gang''s territory, so they quickly learned of how the Sun and Moon Pavilion had gone after their members even at the medicinal hall.


    Soon after, arge group of over a hundred martial artists gathered at the medicinal hall, setting a tight defensive formation around it.


    That probably wasn''t even all of the zing Fire Gang''s members.


    The threshold for bing a martial artist was much lower than that for immortality cultivators. Truly talented cultivators were rare, with there being only one in ten thousand, whereas good martial artists were one in a hundred. Moreover, it was much simpler for martial artists at a level below the seventh realm to advance in their cultivation. Therefore, the ratio of martial artists to cultivators in the world was always disproportionate.


    However, there were only two sects practicing martial arts ranked in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten. That was because immortality cultivators held an absolute advantage once they surpassed the seventh realm and entered the peak realms of power.


    The person leading therge group of martial artists was a short-haired woman in a close-fitting outfit. She was tall and robust, with a scar between her brows. The woman looked fierce as well as capable and experienced. Judging by how the others in the group addressed her, the woman had to be the vice-chief of the zing Fire Gang.


    The vice-chief entered the main hall of the medicinal hall and nced at everyone there.


    The first thing she asked was, "Is everyone all right?"


    All of the injured people, including those missing an arm or a leg, replied in unison, "We''re fine."


    Chu Liang knew why they responded like that, but he still found the scene quite strange.


    The vice-chief shifted her gaze to Chu Liang. "So, it was this young hero who saved you all? Indeed, heroes emerge from the young."


    "I don''t deserve your praise," Chu Liang replied modestly. "I am Chu Liang. Miss Xu saved me and brought me back here, so it''s only right that I help when the medicinal hall is in trouble."


    He tactfully indicated that he had only taken action because of Xu Zhiyin.


    The vice-chief immediately said, "Xu Zhiyin and her father aren''t part of the zing Fire Gang, but they''ve saved many of our brothers in the east side over the years. Our brothers have deep feelings of gratitude toward them. We won''t let the Sun and Moon Pavilion get away with this!"


    Chu Liang gave a nod of support, but he didn''t intend to get further involved in the conflict.


    However, the vice-chief added, "Young hero, with your exceptional skills, you''ll be a great help when you join us."


    Chu Liang hurriedly forced a smile. "Vice-Chief, I don''t have such ns at the moment..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The vice-chief looked at him strangely, feeling rather puzzled. "But you''ve offended the Sun and Moon Pavilion, and you can''t join the demons. Where else can you go in Python Belly City if you don''t join us?"


    "I have a senior brother who fell in here with me," Chu Liang answered. "I want to find him quickly and then leave together."


    "Leave?" the vice-chief uttered, her expression suddenly turning odd.


    It wasn''t just her. The expressions of the surrounding zing Fire Gang members also became very odd, as if they had just heard something utterly absurd.


    After a long while, the vice-chief said quietly, "Young Hero Chu, I advise you to give up this idea. I guess you''re unfamiliar with how things work here since you''ve just entered Python Belly City, but you have to know that no one has ever left here alive..."


    "That may be the case in the past, but..." Chu Liang dered in a powerful and resonating voice, "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect!"


    He spoke with a strong sense of confidence that he could get out of Python Belly City.


    Even if Chu Liang didn''t use the jade talisman that contained Shattering the Void, he believed it wouldn''t be long before his teacher and the Mount Shu Sect''s higher-ups noticed that he was missing. They would then go looking for him in the South Sea.


    If he had disappeared quietly, it would be different. However, such a huge event had urred in the South Sea. There was no way they would miss it in their investigation.


    The vice-chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang had been swallowed by the Heaven-Devouring Python and had never been found.


    Nevertheless, the Mount Shu Sect was different from the Whale Gang.


    Every disciple of the Mount Shu Sect held this belief: <i>No matter where you are when you encounter danger, don''t give up. Remember that you have a powerful sect behind you...</i>


    Upon hearing that Chu Liang was a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, the people around him looked surprised.


    There were many cultivators in Python Belly City, but disciples of sects in the Divine Nine were extremely rare.


    Furthermore, they had no idea that Chu Liang was not simply an ordinary disciple of Mount Shu. He had yet to mention his prestigious titles: the eldest senior brother of Silver Sword Peak, the semi-finalist of the Mount Shu Sect''s Mahjong Tournament, the champion of the Mount Shu Sect''s Flying-Sword Race, and the runner-up of the Mount Shu Summit...


    How could the Mount Shu Sect not care that he was missing?


    After getting over her shock, the vice-chief asked, "Then which immortality cultivator of the Mount Shu Sect is your teacher?"


    "Silver Sword Peak''s Di Nu¡ª"


    Being in Python Belly City, Chu Liang had lowered his guard a little and casually mentioned his teacher''s name.


    Midway, he suddenly realized, <i>I can''t mention my teacher''s name as long as I''m outside Mount Shu!</i>


    As expected, before he even finished speaking...


    "Di Nufeng?!" the vice-chief eximed.


    The gazes of the surrounding zing Fire Gang members darkened slightly.


    Their expressions said it all.


    Chu Liang thought, <i>Crap!</i>


    1. The difference between singr and plural is often not distinguished in Chinese, so the joke here is that Xu Zhiyin could interpret it as Chu Liang announcing his arrival as the bad guy who is there to peep at her bathe. ?


    2. The third cultivation gate. Realms 7-9. ?

 Chapter 385: Behave Wisely

    <h4>Chapter 385: Behave Wisely</h4>


    Inside the medicinal hall, the atmosphere was tense and far from harmonious.


    Chu Liang forced a smile and asked, "Do you all have some kind of past with my esteemed teacher?"


    The vice-chief, gritting her teeth, responded, "What kind of people are we to be worthy of having a rtionship with an esteemed cultivator of Mount Shu... Do you even know why we ended up in Python Belly City?"


    "..."


    <i>It couldn''t be that my esteemed teacher actually fed you to the Heaven-Devouring Python, right? </i>Chu Liang wondered. He kept his thoughts to himself, not daring to utter a single word.


    The vice-chief began, "We were once the imperial guards of the capital city..."


    As she exined, Chu Liang started to understand the situation.


    It turned out that the zing Fire Gang weren¡¯t just martial world ouws but actual imperial guards from the capital!


    Twenty years ago, a scandal urred in the capital city of Yu. The only son of the then-chancellor abducted amon girl, leading to her tragic death. The incident sparked outrage among the people of the capital.


    In response, the old chancellor knelt and wept in the Night Dragon Hall, begging for forgiveness day and night. The old emperor, recalling the chancellor''s years of diligent service and significant contributions, decided to pardon his son.


    The old emperor arranged for a death row inmate who resembled the chancellor''s son to be executed publicly, hoping to quell the people''s anger. Meanwhile, the real son of the chancellor was discreetly escorted back to his hometown by a team of imperial guards.


    After this incident, the old chancellor retired and returned to his hometown, withdrawing from court affairs. With his departure, everything seemed to settle down.


    But while the escort team was en route to the chancellor''s hometown, a fire cloud descended from the sky. In an instant, a terrifying figure appeared, engulfing the chancellor''s son in mes and reducing him to ashes.


    The wind roared, leaving not even a trace of ash.


    The imperial guards, despite being powerful, didn''t even catch a clear glimpse of the assant''s face. Fortunately, before departing, she announced her name.


    "He was killed by Di Nufeng of Mount Shu!"


    With a loud shout, she vanished as swiftly as she had appeared, leaving in an incredibly carefree manner.


    The imperial guards were left dumbfounded, unable to process what had just transpired.


    Where did the big figure that was sitting on the horse go?


    Did the chancellor''s son vanish just like that?


    <i>If you said you killed him, you should at least leave a corpse so we can report back. But not even a trace of ash is left. If we are going back and iming that Di Nufeng did it, how can we prove it?</i>


    <i>No one would know if we disposed of him ourselves.</i>


    Even if the emperor believes that Di Nufeng killed him, would he be willing to offend the Mount Shu Sect for the sake of this scoundrel?


    How can this matter be brought to the table?


    In the end, to appease the chancellor''s grievances, the matter would be resolved by killing the team of ipetent imperial guards.


    The imperial guards, well-versed in the politics of the imperial court, quickly realized they couldn''t return to the capital. They had to flee immediately, as far away as possible!


    By fleeing immediately, the imperial court might assume they perished along with the person they were escorting, thereby sparing their families.


    If they attempted to return home to take their family members along, it would be difficult to escape unnoticed.


    Thus, a group of over a dozen fled thend of the nine provinces and went overseas, intending to live anonymously in foreignnds for some time. They nned to return to the capital and contact their families in a few years.


    Who would have thought that upon reaching a small ind to rest, the imperial guards would encounter the Heaven-Devouring Python? The vicious beast devoured not only the ind''s natives but also the imperial guards, the outsiders on the ind.


    That was how the group ended up in Python Belly City.


    In those days, the bnce of power in Python Belly City was a far cry from what itter became, marked by a fierce struggle between the cultivators and the demons.


    This group of imperial guards formed the zing Fire Gang, relying on their hard fists and sharp des to carve out their own territory.


    The chief of the zing Fire Gang was a martial arts expert at the peak of the sixth realm, who remained the strongest person in Python Belly City for the past twenty years. No one dared to challenge him.


    His presence forced the demons, who were once arrogant and tyrannical, to be more subdued andy low for the past few years.


    Still, even the strongest person in the Python Belly City could not leave the Python Belly City.


    These people naturally harbored resentment towards the main culprits of their plight.


    Di Nufeng held a significant weight among them.


    AS Chu Liang listened to the vice-chief''s story, his expression grew increasingly serious. ncing at the hundred or so people outside, he felt a sense of apprehension.


    He had managed to handle dozens earlier because there were no true experts among them.


    Now, with the vice-chief whose martial arts cultivation was clearly formidable, and if everyone joined in, he wouldn''t stand a chance.


    <i>If you had said you had a grudge against my esteemed teacher, I wouldn''t have fought the Sun and Moon Pavilion people just now. At least I could potentially have a group of people on my side.</i>


    <i>What should I do now?</i>


    Should I join the demons'' side?


    <i>Hmm...</i>


    After she finished speaking, there was a brief pause, and the atmosphere remained tense.


    At that moment, Chu Liang suddenly stood up!


    The members of the zing Fire Gang immediately grew wary, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons.


    "Given the circumstances, there''s no other way. Today, I can only... on behalf of my esteemed teacher..." Chu Liang said, looking around solemnly, "apologize to you all."


    "Huh?"


    This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.


    "Vice-Chief, my esteemed teacher is old and somewhat immature in handling matters, inevitablycking consideration in some areas. But her nature isn''t bad. As you said, her intentions were to be heroic," Chu Liang earnestly exined. "Of course, as her disciple, I bear the responsibility for not guiding her properly. However, back then, I hadn''t even been born yet. Rest assured, from now on, I will guide my esteemed teacher properly to ensure such things won''t happen again."


    His words left the zing Fire Gang members with an indescribable sense of strangeness... the more they thought about it, the stranger it felt.


    Some younger members, unfamiliar with outside affairs, werepletely confused. Who exactly was the esteemed teacher here?


    The vice-chief remained silent for a while, then sighed and said, "Forget it. The events of the past indeed have nothing to do with you. We''ll just consider this a misfortune we were destined to face. Since you''re here in Python Belly City, behave wisely. We''re leaving!"


    With that, she turned around and led her subordinates away in a flurry.


    Chu Liang watched their departing figures and heaved a sigh of relief.


    <i>They originally wanted to recruit me, but as soon as they heard my esteemed teacher''s name, they left without a word.</i>


    <i>I really don''t know if this is a good or bad thing.</i>


    ...


    Although the zing Fire Gang left, they still left a few scouts to keep watch in case the Sun and Moon Pavilion caused trouble again.


    Inside the medicinal hall, Xu Zhiyin and her father tended to the injured before turning their attention to Chu Liang.


    Xu Zhiyin''s father was a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a weathered face. His appearance bore the visible weight of many years ofbor and anxiety, making him appear far older than his true age.


    Xu Zhiyin and his father prepared a feast at home for Chu Liang. While it was considered a feast by Python Belly City''s standards, it was quite modestpared to a true banquet.


    The so-called ck tree rice was nothing more than a solid mass of rough, coarse grains. Calling it rice was a bit of a stretch; it was more like a way to make people feel better about what they were eating.


    The dishes, however, were a seafood feast. Thanks to today''s fresh catch, seafood wasn''t rare in Python Belly City. But there wasn''t a single vegetable, and eating like this long-term might lead to gout.


    Today, Chu Liang had saved the medicinal hall. Naturally, Xu Zhiyin and his father were very grateful. Given his exceptional martial prowess, they were more than willing to let him stay for a while.


    Chu Liang had nowhere else to go, and with night approaching, he decided to rest here.


    The night in Python Belly City was truly dark. The dim light in the sky gradually faded, and unlike outside, there were no stars or moonlight to brighten the night. Except for the torch-lit areas in the streets, everything else was pitch ck.


    In the simple house, Chu Liang still didn''t forget to reward himself.


    His divine sense sank into the White Pagoda, which was now quite lively.


    The three Large-Headed Dolls sat in a row, and thetest colorful doll now had white and green bright colors, along with three dark colors.


    The high-quality foundational qi provided by the Five-Elements Puppet included Geng Metal foundational qi, which was sharp and strong, and Jia Wood foundational qi, which was resilient and regenerative. Thus, its effects weren''t as apparent in battle.


    But if Chu Liang were injured, he would appreciate the charm of Jia Wood foundational qi.


    Chu Liang eagerly anticipated the day when all five elements of foundational qi were activated. Even if he hadn''t reached the fifth realm by then, he would still be as strong as an average fifth realm expert.


    Of course, it was still important for him to break through sooner.


    As Chu Liang stepped before the iron prison, he pressed the "Refine" button without hesitation.


    Yesterday, he had killed three demonic beasts: the man-eating shark from the sea, the long-necked red-scaled beast, and finally the giant elephant.


    Rather than killing people, Chu Liang chose to kill the giant elephant to establish his power. Killing people would only make enemies, which would be counterproductive. Additionally, he hoped to unbox more rewards from the giant elephant.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom...</i>


    Three rewards were given to him consecutively, which brought him much satisfaction.


    [Shark Spine Halberd: A unique weapon forged in the shape of an iron shark''s dorsal fin, exquisitely crafted and perfect for waterbat.]


    [Demonic Beast Leather Pouch: Made from the carcass of a demonic beast, wearing it emits a powerful demonic aura.]


    [Giant Elephant Shield: A heavy shield imbued with the spirit of a giant elephant, capable of blocking nearly any attack... though not guaranteed to be able to defend against every attack.]


    These three demonic beasts weren¡¯t particrly strong, so Chu Liang didn¡¯t have high expectations.


    Among the three rewards, two were weapons: a halberd and a shield.


    The Shark Spine Halberd, standing as tall as a person, resembled a shark¡¯s dorsal fin. Its peculiar shape concealed a lethal sharpness, with the de glinting menacingly.


    The Giant Elephant Shield, nearly a zhang high and immensely thick, required great physical strength to wield. If Chu Liang wasn''t as physically strong as he was now, it would have been really difficult for him to use this shield.


    These seemed like weapons suited for a martial artist, which didn¡¯t particrly appeal to Chu Liang.


    On the contrary, the Demonic Beast Leather Pouch intrigued him. It looked like uniquely shaped scale armor and emitted a genuine demonic aura when worn.


    Naturally, he didn¡¯t dare to sleep that night. Instead, Chu Liang spent the hours practicing Qi Cirction Technique, restoring his mental state. He knew he could sleep peacefully once he returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    As the light gradually intensified and noises filled the air, he pushed the door open and stepped outside.


    As soon as he stepped out, a wave of fear and unrest washed over him. The long street was deserted, no one daring to venture out.


    He received news from the people in the medicinal hall.


    The zing Fire Gang and the Sun and Moon Pavilion were going to war!

 Chapter 386: Fight?

    <h4>Chapter 386: Fight?</h4>


    When Chu Liang asked Xu Zhiyin about what was going on, the youngdy''s face was filled with fear.


    "Before dawn, news broke from the south of the city that the Sun and Moon Pavilion had gathered their forces and were marching here. The vice-chief was prepared as she swiftly rallied her troops to confront them. Now, a significant standoff is happening on the front street... it seems to be a Deathmatch Arena instead of a full-scale war. If it were an actual battle, many in Python Belly City would perish," she murmured.


    The term "Deathmatch Arena" piqued Chu Liang''s interest and he only understood after Xu Zhiyin had exined to him.


    In Python Belly City, medical supplies were scarce, and every skirmish resulted in heavy casualties. Cultivators, martial artists, and even demons often met their end. The bnce of power in the city was maintained by these three forces. If two factions were gravely wounded, the third would surely seize the opportunity.


    Over time, the city came up with the Deathmatch Arena rule.


    Minor skirmishes were ignored, but for major disputes, each faction would send three champions to fight in the Deathmatch Arena, with the best of three rounds determining the winner. Each member was only allowed to participate in one match per year.


    The victorious side would be dered the winner and could im the contested item, preventing widespread bloodshed.


    After hearing this, Chu Liang said, "I''ll go check out themotion."


    "Young Hero Chu, it''s very dangerous over there. You had a conflict with the Sun and Moon Pavilion people yesterday..." Xu Zhiyin''s voice wasced with worry as she tried to dissuade Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang gave a reassuring smile. "It''s alright, I know my limits."


    He wanted to check out the scene because thisrge-scale confrontation meant that most of the members from both parties would be present. Lin Bei had arrived with him yesterday, and as a cultivator, it was likely he had been recruited by the Sun and Moon Pavilion. By heading to the scene, Chu Liang might be able to find him.


    Hearing this, Xu Zhiyin relented and urged, "Stay safe then."


    The battlefield of cultivators and martial artists was not one that ordinary people dared to approach. There was a risk of getting caught in the deadly aftermath even if one was watching from a distance.


    As Chu Liang stepped out of the medicinal hall, he extended his divine sense, scanning the surroundings. Soon, he located this street in which the sky was dark, as if covered by gloomy clouds, with mes of qi rising into the air.


    The residents near the long street had already evacuated. Those on the periphery were calmly moving their belongings. The people of Python Belly City were clearly ustomed to such events and well-versed in the course of actions.


    Chu Liang quietly slipped into a house through a window and peeked out from another window at the long street.


    The scene was indeed quite spectacr!


    On the zing Fire Gang''s side, there were five to six hundred people. Arge number of robust martial artists filled half the street, their figures even visible on the rooftops.


    These martial artists couldn''t all be outsiders. Given the scale of Python Belly City''s poption, it was likely that every individual with the potential to master martial arts had joined one of these factions.


    It was a natural oue. Those born with talent in such a ce couldn''t afford to let it go to waste. There was no need for the faction to convince them to join as they would proactively seek to learn for the sake of keeping oneself safe.


    Among the few hundred martial artists gathered, many were true experts. At this moment, their vigorous qi and vitalitybined, sending a powerful surge of yang energy skyward!


    On the opposite side, about a hundred cultivators stood, either bnced on their swords or hovering in mid-air. Their sharp auras matched the martial artists'' intensity, neither side yielding an inch.


    The leader on the zing Fire Gang''s side was naturally the vice-chief from yesterday. Despite being a woman, shemanded this group of strong men with effortless authority.


    She rode a saber-toothed liger beast that was ten zhang tall. With a crimson crescent de strapped to her back, she exuded an air of unparalleled might!


    On the opposite side, the Sun and Moon Pavilion made a grand entrance. Four giant elephants, engulfed in mes, marched forward, carrying a luxurious carriage that resembled a pavilion.


    Constructing such avish carriage in Python Belly City was a testament to their top-tier prestige.


    Four cultivators, their divine light subdued, stood around the carriage. At first nce, they exuded an aura of formidable power.


    From Chu Liang''s perspective, they seemed to be on par with him, if not stronger, at least in terms of cultivation level.


    Yesterday, Chu Liang learned from Xu Zhiyin about Elder Yin, the master of the Sun and Moon Pavilion. Elder Yin, having arrived here a hundred years ago, was the person in Python Belly City who had lived the longest.


    Unfortunately, in this ce, it was almost impossible to advance in cultivation. No matter how long he stayed here, he couldn''t achieve a breakthrough and could only watch his lifespan slowly diminish.


    The Sun and Moon Pavilion he established had a clear hierarchy with four levels.


    The first levelprised various cultivators, most of whom were present at the moment. The second level included the minor leaders. The third level was reserved for four individuals¡ªElder Yin''s most trusted subordinates who were also his adopted sons. Elder Yin stood alone at the fourth level.


    Now, it seemed that the individuals surrounding the luxurious carriage were the third-level experts of the Sun and Moon Pavilion.


    The brocade-robed man from the previous day was among them. He was one of Elder Yin''s adopted sons, which exined his arrogance. However, among the four, he stood at the rear of the carriage, signifying that while he held some status, it wasn''t particrly high.


    Tension filled the air.


    With both sides presenting such formidable formations, it was clear that neither would back down easily.


    After a while, the vice-chief of the zing Fire Gang urged her saber-toothed liger forward and shouted, "Elder Yin, making such a grand entrance into our territory, are you trying to start a war?!"


    A man in white stepped forward from the carriage and replied with disdain, "Tell Hua Zhengshan to show up and talk to my father."


    "Hmph," the vice-chief retorted, "You worthless lot aren''t worthy of our leader''s presence."


    "Is it that we''re unworthy, or that Hua Zhengshan can''te out?" a deep, aged voice suddenly boomed from the carriage.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A light breeze lifted the curtain, revealing an old, withered face inside.


    An old man in loose robes leaned on the carriage, looking lean and weathered, as if he were at death''s door. Yet, his eyes zed with a terrifying brightness, like the final mes of life.


    "If it''s a fight you want, the zing Fire Gang is never afraid!" the vice-chief shouted. "But if you have other nonsense to spout, you may as well leave!"


    "Hehe..." Elder Yin chuckled, then spoke clearly, "Hua Zhengshan tried to escape Python Belly City but was caught by the city lord''s guardians. He''s imprisoned in the northern iron prison. I saw it with my own eyes! No one has evere out of there..."


    <i>"Ah?"</i>


    At these words, the zing Fire Gang erupted in an uproar.


    The vice-chief''s gaze darkened sharply.


    She knew about this, but it had never been made public. Now, with Elder Yin suddenly revealing it, the zing Fire Gang''s formation was disrupted before the battle even began.


    But as the backbone of the zing Fire Gang, she showed no panic. "Even without our leader, we still have over six hundred brothers who can guarantee that you won''t return home! You can test it out if you don''t believe me!"


    It was a very blunt response that avoided any unnecessary chatter. All she did was ask if they had the nerve to fight.


    "Hmph." Elder Yin shook his head lightly. "If we start a full-scale war without Hua Zhengshan, the demon race will surely take advantage of this situation. I came today to discuss something important with you."


    "Is this how you start a discussion?" the vice-chief retorted, raising her crescent de and pointing it at the opposing formation.


    "If I didn''t approach it this way, I fear this discussion would end in failure," Elder Yin replied with a smile. He then added, "A few of my ipetent subordinates went to the medicinal hall to kill some of your zing Fire Gang members, but they were stopped by a young swordsman. If you hand over that young man, we can consider this matter resolved, and I promise not to make things difficult for you anymore."


    <i>Huh?</i>


    A young swordsman in the medicinal hall?


    Chu Liang, who was peeking from the side, blinked in surprise. How did he suddenly get mentioned while he was just watching themotion? This old man seemed to have a sharp eye for picking out people.


    "You said he''s not a member of the zing Fire Gang, so I can''t do this for you," the vice-chief immediately refused. "Even if he were one of us, I wouldn''t hand him over to you. Forget about it."


    "<i>Haaaa...</i>" Elder Yin sighed and said, "Then have your people step aside and let my Sun and Moon Pavilion members enter the eastern area of the city to find him."


    "Dream on!" The vice-chief shouted again, "Today, you have only two choices: either go back to where you came from, or fight!"


    Chu Liang thought that this vice-chief was a person of much integrity. Despite having a grudge against his esteemed teacher, she did not betray him.


    Of course, he knew that the vice-chief was not just protecting him but also upholding the authority of the zing Fire Gang. With their leader absent, the gang''s morale depended entirely on her. If she showed any weakness in front of the enemy, their morale would immediately plummet.


    At that time, the Sun and Moon Pavilion could easily break and dismantle the zing Fire Gang.


    This old man seemed to be discussing things amicably, but in reality, he harbored malicious intentions. Nevertheless, the vice-chief didn''t fall for it.


    "Since that''s the case, I suppose we have no choice...but to fight?" Elder Yin muttered with a helpless expression.


    As soon as these words were uttered, all the cultivators behind him drew their flying swords! In an instant, the air was filled with the deafening ng of steel against steel.


    Sword qi erupted in every direction!


    The vice-chief also shouted loudly, "Fight!"


    On the zing Fire Gang''s side, weapons were unsheathed, and mes of qi burst into the sky, painting the horizon with fire.


    A great battle would happen at any moment!


    At this critical moment, Chu Liang could no longer stay hidden. He sprang into the center of the chaos, his voice cutting through the noise, "Wait!"


    In the blink of an eye, he appeared between the two factions. As he faced the cultivators from the Sun and Moon Pavilion, he called out, "I heard you''re looking for me?"


    Elder Yin nced at the brocade-robed man beside him, the same one who had been taught a lesson by Chu Liang yesterday.


    The brocade-robed man immediately nodded fervently. "Elder Yin, it''s him..."


    He pointed at Chu Liang, only to find Chu Liang''s gaze fixed on him. As their eyes met, he quickly looked away in fear.


    "Impressive," Elder Yin said, smiling at Chu Liang instead of ordering an attack. "For a young man to have such cultivation, it''s truly remarkable. I hear you possess a top-grade flying sword. May I take a look?"


    <i>Hmm? So his target was the Dustless Sword? </i>Chu Liang pondered for a moment.


    He had revealed himself to prevent both sides from starting a war over him. After all, he hadn''t formed any deep grudge with them; he had merely killed a giant elephant yesterday. Surely, there was nothing that couldn''t be resolved through discussion.


    And with his current cultivation, even if negotiations failed and he truly wanted to escape, those cultivators might not be able to stop him.


    But upon hearing this, he realized that the old man was interested in his flying sword,


    This was something he couldn¡¯t give away...


    In actuality, when the group of cultivators returned yesterday, they were too embarrassed to admit that their own cultivation levels were too weak, having had their flying swords broken by just one person. Instead, they told Elder Yin that Chu Liang''s sword was extraordinarily powerful, exaggerating its strength to the point of iming it was one of the top ten treasures in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    Elder Yin then examined the broken swords'' des and sensed a trace of familiar qi...


    This struck a chord with him, aligning perfectly with something that had been weighing on his mind.


    This was why he made such a grand entrance today, hoping to enter the eastern area of the city to locate someone.


    In fact, he was searching for a particr sword.


    Chu Liang had no idea of what had happened behind the scenes. All he knew was that Elder Yin seemed to be scheming in Python Belly City and coveting his Dustless Sword.


    <i>If my teacher were here, she would never allow you to act so presumptuously for such a long time. She would have already broken your cane! How dare you covet my treasure? No way, not a chance! </i>Chu Liang thought. Even though these were his thoughts, he said, "Esteemed Senior, it''s not that I''m stingy. The fact is, I am poor, and this flying sword is my only means of survival after all these years of cultivation. It''s really not something I can easily lend to others."


    Elder Yin frowned slightly and asked, "No room for negotiation?"


    The threat in his tone was obvious. Hearing this, Chu Liang smiled and said, "How about this? Let''s follow the rules of Python Belly City and have a Deathmatch Arena."


    "Hmm?" Elder Yin stared at Chu Liang''s face.


    "I will fight on my own. You can send three people to challenge me one-on-one in three matches. If I lose just one match, I''ll hand over the flying sword. If you lose, then please return the way you came and the Sun and Moon Pavilion people shall not set foot in the eastern area of the city for a year!"


    Even as Chu Liang faced the numerous members of the Sun and Moon Pavilion alone, he remained fearless, issuing his challenge with a smile.


    Elder Yin stared at him for a moment. Then, he nodded gently and said, "Nice one! As expected of the youngsters! Such vigor and energy! Very well. We shall do as you say!"

 Chapter 387: Be Careful of His

    <h4>Chapter 387: Be Careful of His</h4>


    "All right. In that case, we¡ªthe zing Fire Gang¡ªwill serve as witnesses!" the vice-chief said from behind Chu Liang. "Elder Yin, you''ve agreed on a duel. If the Sun and Moon Pavilion doesn''t y fair, then we won''t either."


    "Rest assured," Elder Yin replied softly. "I''ve been around for so many years, but I still want to maintain my image."


    The crowd parted, creating arge area in the middle to serve as a temporary arena. Thousands of eyes were fixed on the arena, making the atmosphere quite intense.


    Chu Liang stood quietly in the center.


    He had proposed to have a Deathmatch Arena match because he had no other choice. The other party clearly wasn''t going to let the matter go, and Python Belly City wasn''trge enough for him to have somewhere to hide. It would be better to settle things right then and there.


    Proposing this challenge might seem bold, but in reality, the other party''s biggest advantage was their numbers. Chu Liang removed that advantage by suggesting to have duels. If Elder Yin refused, the Sun and Moon Pavilion would lose face in front of everyone.


    Elder Yin was obviously determined to get the Dustless Sword, but Chu Liang''s challenge put him in a difficult position. Nevertheless, he didn''t think Chu Liang could win.


    The aura that Chu Liang released when hended was at best that of a cultivator at the peak of the fourth realm. On the other hand, three of Elder Yin''s four adopted sons were at the fifth realm.


    Except for his most disappointing adopted son... the brocade-robed man that Chu Liang taught a lesson yesterday... the others were all at one realm higher than Chu Liang. If it wasn''t for their resources being cut off due to entering Python Belly City, they would have been able to achieve a much higher level of cultivation.


    Elder Yin thought, <i>Even if you manage to win one match by luck, can you win three in a row?</i>


    "Yin Tian, you go first," Elder Yin ordered.


    "Yes, Father!"


    There was a young man in a ck robe with a jade belt standing on the carriage shaft. He immediately epted Elder Yin''s order and looked at Chu Liang with a fierce gaze.


    "Third Brother, be careful of his powerful flying sword!" the brocade-robed man loudly reminded from the side.


    "I know," replied Yin Tian, the ck-robed young man.


    He then flew down to the arena.


    Everyone around held their breath, attentively watching the two people in the arena.


    Chu Liang cupped his hands together in greeting. "I''m Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect."


    "I''m Yin Tian from the Sun and Moon Pavilion," Yin Tian responded coldly. "You go first."


    "Me first?" Chu Liang smiled. "Are you letting me have the advantage?"


    "You''re at a lower realm. I don''t want others to say I won unfairly."


    <i>Seems he is an honest man, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    He then nodded and said, "In that case, I''ll dly ept it."


    Chu Liang summoned the Dustless Sword, and a beam of sword light whistled through the air, transforming into hundreds of swordlights!


    He started with the Thousand Swords Seal to test the waters.


    On the carriage, Elder Yin''s eyes lit up the moment he saw the Dustless Sword. "That''s right. This is the flying sword that''s imbued with the essence of the Cloud Sword..."


    <i>Swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    Countless shadows of swords descended from midair like falling rain.


    Despite that, Yin Tian showed no fear. He stomped his right foot on the ck-rock ground, and his longsword flew out too. It transformed into three thousand beams of swordlights, shing with Chu Liang''s swordlights!


    Yin Tian''s longsword was an excellent flying sword and a rare item in Python Belly City. Nevertheless, it was still far inferior to the Dustless Sword.


    In a situation where both of them had Geng Metal foundational qi infused into their swords, Yin Tian''s swordlights shattered upon making contact with Chu Liang''s. Yin Tian suddenly found himself at a disadvantage, and all he could do was besiege Chu Liang''s swordlights with a greater number of his own.


    The two young men were likemanding generals leading their armies in battle. Onemanded a thousand mounted soldiers, and the othermanded three thousand brave foot soldiers; they were evenly matched.


    Right then, Chu Liang leaped. The general was joining the fray!


    Yin Tian was a little surprised. He had to ce his full focus on manipting his swordlights to fight against Chu Liang''s swordlights, yet Chu Liang was effortlessly controlling the Thousand Swords Seal. On top of that, he evenunched an attack on Yin Tian.


    A feeling of doubt surfaced in Yin Tian''s mind. <i>Is it a bluff?</i>


    Nevertheless, Yin Tian responded cautiously, immediately pulling back three hundred swordlights to defend himself. Simultaneously, he used the sword in his right hand to draw something in the air.


    At the next moment, a powerful whirlwind formed from the ground, surrounding him protectively.


    How would Chu Liang tackle Yin Tian''s heavy defenses?


    He did nothing.


    A moment ago, he activated the Secret Dragon Blood Technique and the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique, causing blood-colored qi mes and smoke to emerge from all over his body. Furthermore, his Geng Metal foundational qi circted throughout his body.


    A fourth-realm cultivator''s version of the fifth-realm Metallic Body was not weak at all.


    Chu Liang charged straight through the Hundred Swords Seal head-on!


    A hint of hesitation shed in Yin Tian''s eyes, but right after that, he ruthlessly directed his flying sword at Chu Liang.


    <i>Swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    Hundreds of flying swords sliced through the air but hit nothing.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly appeared in front of Yin Tian.


    Yin Tian thought, <i>This is... that legendary immortal art? It''s Dimension Compression!</i>


    Chu Liang flitted through the cluster of swordlights. His sword remained in the sky, and in his right hand was instead half a gold brick.


    In a panic, Yin Tian could only concentrate his Geng Metal foundational qi on his head.


    <i>You have a gold brick, but I have a Metallic Body! My Metallic Body is as hard as your brick.</i>


    Yin Tian''s Metallic Body was indeed just as hard as the Demon-Revealing Brick.


    However... Chu Liang''s form as a humanoid divine dragon was famous for a reason.


    Chu Liang mmed his brick into Yin Tian''s right temple with a bang, sending him flying dozens of zhang... Yin Tian crashed through two ck-rock houses beforending in the rubble.


    The crowd fell into a stunned silence. <i>Brutal.</i>


    A momentter, the crowd broke into a mor.


    "Third Brother!"


    "Third Brother!"


    "Third Young Master!"


    "What kind of weapon is that?"


    "It seems to be half a brick? How can it be so powerful?"


    "It actually sent the third young master of the Sun and Moon Pavilion flying... Oh, heavens."


    "..."


    A group of people pulled Yin Tian out of the rubble and treated his injuries by circting his qi. After that, they woke him up.


    Yin Tian had suffered such a heavy blow that when he woke, his head was buzzing, and he felt as if the world was spinning. Nevertheless, he didn''t forget to kneel before Elder Yin''s carriage.


    Yin Tian cried out, "I, your son, have lost. Please punish me, Father!"


    "Victory and defeat aremon in battle. Don''t take it too hard," the person in front of him consoled. "Also, I''m Laosi. Father is to your left."


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Yin Tian raised his head and exerted all his strength to lean closer toward the carriage. He then realized he had indeed knelt in front of the wrong person...


    Elder Yin''s smile disappeared, and he said, "Yin Kuo, go duel him... Don''t underestimate him."


    "That''s right." Yin Tian scrambled to his feet. "Second Brother, be careful of his powerful flying sword and brick!"


    "I know," Yin Kuo replied.


    He was the white-robed man who had been speaking with the zing Fire Gang''s vice-chief earlier. Yin Kuo had high brows and broad eyes on a deep-set face.


    Yin Kuo stepped before Chu Liang, cupped his hands together, and introduced himself. "I''m Yin Kuo from the Sun and Moon Pavilion. Shall we just begin?"


    Chu Liang nodded. "Yes."


    The previous fight had ended too quickly. He had used basically no energy to defeat his previous opponent.


    During the time that members of the Sun and Moon Pavilion spent treating Yin Tian, Chu Liang''s Sea of Qi had already replenished.


    With two ultimate-tier Golden Cores and three Large-Headed Dolls, what seemed like a one-on-one match was actually six against one. Chu Liang alone was an entire army!


    Yin Kuo wasted no time on unnecessary words. He raised his hands and made a series of hand seals, conjuring aplex inscription seal overhead.


    A ck cloud of qi suddenly appeared above Yin Kuo. Golden streaks shed about within it like a golden dragon roaming the skies.


    Chu Liang senses tingled a little, indicating this was something that could be dangerous.


    It appeared that Yin Kuo specialized in lightning techniques. As long as Chu Liang got within three meters of Yin Kuo, lightning would descend from that cloud. Yin Kuo seemed to be guarding against closebat.


    In the face of Yin Kuo''s defenses, Chu Liang did not press forward.


    While Yin Kuo had been making the hand seals, Chu Liang had made good use of his time. He gathered his foundational qi to unleash the Heaven-Raising Sword he had just gained a greater understanding of!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    He started off with an offensive immortal art!


    Yin Kuo narrowed his eyes. <i>How could someone who was clearly at the fourth realm release such a powerful divine sword seal?</i>


    The Heaven-Raising Sword''s power terrified everyone present. They cowered toward the ground, afraid of being harmed by the sword qi.


    Yin Kuo gritted his teeth and pointed upward, summoning his flying sword. He decided to use his strongest sword seal.


    In a split second, a golden lightning dragon[1] coiled around Yin Kuo''s flying sword and flew forth with a whoosh!


    <i>What a swift sword!</i>


    Chu Liang was a little surprised.


    Despite being released after the Heaven-Raising Sword, Yin Kuo''s Golden Radiance Sword Seal reached Chu Liang way before his Heaven-Raising Sword reached Yin Kuo.


    Chu Liang hadn''t even seen the trajectory of the golden light and had to pick a side to dodge on the spot.


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    Using Dimension Compression, Chu Liang narrowly evaded the lightning-fast sword.


    However, Yin Kuo''s sword didn''t stop there. After missing its mark, the sword split into nine golden lightning dragons! They all turned and shot toward Chu Liang!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t just keep using Dimension Compression to dodge the attacks.


    <i>How long will I have to dodge for?</i>


    He raised his hand and summoned the Green Leaf Umbre.


    <i>ng, ng, ng...</i>


    A golden dragon struck the umbre and sent bursts of electricity up Chu Liang''s arm, numbing it.


    Fortunately, the umbre had been made using the Green Leaf as its base, so it absorbed and neutralized much of the electric charge in that golden dragon. If the umbre were an iron umbre, Chu Liang would have been struck by the golden dragon and left paralyzed.


    Meanwhile, Yin Kuo''s situation wasn''t much better.


    When the Heaven-Raising Sword approached him, a lightning storm descended from the ck cloud above him, blocking the giant swordlight. However, this was the top immortal art for ying. How could it be stopped so easily? Chu Liang had not perfected his execution yet, but it was good enough to put Yin Kuo in a dangerous situation!


    In the end, Yin Kuo brought the ck cloud down and leaped back, letting the cloud take its ce.


    <i>Rumble</i>¡ª


    The ck cloud and the Heaven-Raising Sword exploded, causing an earthquake-like tremor that shook half of Python Belly City.


    In the chaos, the two men were suddenly less than ten zhang apart.


    Chu Liang had been deliberately closing the distance between them...


    The umbre in Chu Liang''s hand had disappeared, reced by a beam of green light that looked like a saber de. Then he threw the de into the sky.


    <i>Huh?</i> Yin Kuo''s first reaction was confusion. <i>Where is he throwing the flying saber? It''s just a random throw...?</i>


    Then...


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    The next thought Yin Kuo had was that his back hurt a little...


    "<i>Ah!</i>" Yin Kuo screamed as the Razor Leaf struck his back, causing him to fall to the ground.


    Nheless, that wasn''t enough to incapacitate him.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and manipted the Razor Leaf, pulling it out of Yin Kuo''s back. Then Chu Liang had the Razor Leaf transform into a green snake, intending to use it to restrain Yin Kuo.


    "<i>Hissssss.</i>"


    The green snake soared into the air and bared its fangs!


    At this critical moment, a hand suddenly reached out from behind Yin Kuo and grabbed the green snake, swiftly rendering the enchanted tool immobile. The green snake struggled against the hand''s grip, but it couldn''t break free.


    It turned out that the hand belonged to a tall, broad-shouldered middle-aged man with chiseled facial features. Just looking at him made Yin Kuo feel at ease.


    This man was the first young master of the Sun and Moon Pavilion, Yin Guang!


    "Eldest Brother..." Yin Kuo uttered as he struggled to get up.


    The wound on his back wasn''t serious, but it left him feeling very aggrieved.


    <i>How did things end up this way?</i>


    Yin Kuo couldn''t figure it out.


    "You''re injured. Go tend to your injury. Leave this to me," Yin Guang said in his deep voice.


    With a light flick, he tossed the green snake back toward Chu Liang. The green snake reverted to its original form, the Green Leaf, in midair.


    Chu Liang caught the Green Leaf and gently put it away.


    Before leaving the arena, Yin Kuo reminded his brother, "Eldest Brother, be careful of his flying sword, brick, and flying saber... They''re powerful."


    1. Not an actual dragon. I assume this is lightning in the shape of a dragon. ?

 Chapter 388: Killing on the Street

    <h4>Chapter 388: Killing on the Street</h4>


    As a gentle breeze swept through the venue, it whisked away the lingering dust and smoke, allowing them to drift back down and settle once more.


    "You indeed have extraordinary skills,¡± said Yin Guang. ¡°Even though you were aided by enchanted tools, you managed to consecutively defeat my second brother and third brother. Your cultivation level is remarkable. You must be the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Second," Chu Liang said with a chuckle.


    Yin Guang was taken aback and asked, "Is there a prodigy even more powerful than you in the Mount Shu Sect?"


    He then sighed and said, "It seems I have indeed been stuck in this ce for too long. Back then, Mount Shu was the weakest among the Divine Nine."


    Chu Liang wanted to say that not much had changed and that this might only change after the uing Assembly of Immortal Sects. However, as he thought more into it, he realized that he might not even make it to the Assembly... Regardless, it was better to deal with the current situation first.


    "I''m Yin Guang from the Sun and Moon Pavilion," the man in front of Chu Liang said, cupping his hands together.


    Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of qi pressed forward.


    Chu Liang felt suffocated and immediately sensed the vast difference between Yin Guang and his previous two opponents.


    The previous two were only at the first and second levels of the fifth realm, respectively. They were at the beginning stage of the fifth realm. Yin Guang, however, was at least at the fourth or fifth level of the fifth realm. He had built a strong foundation, and the pressure unleashed by his aura was immense.


    He was a formidable opponent.


    Chu Liang''s expression turned serious as he started observing his opponent.


    Instead of letting Chu Liang attack first, Yin Guang suddenly struck forward... or rather, it was more like a powerful stomp.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As his footnded, the ck rock around him suddenly shattered into pieces, transforming into countless sharp stone arrows!


    This was his legendary weapon made from nature.


    <i>Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    The stone arrows rained down, thousandsunching simultaneously! There was nowhere to hide!


    Chu Liang could no longer rely on the Green Leaf umbre to block them, as each stone arrow carried the immense weight of a thousand jun[1]. The Green Leaf umbre was too fragile to withstand such heavy blows.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    In an instant, a massive shield that towered above Chu Liang appeared in his hands!


    <i>ng, ng, ng, ng, ng...</i>


    The scattered stone arrows struck the shield, producing deep, resonant sounds like the ringing of an ancient bell.


    Even with the massive shield and Chu Liang''s strength, resisting the relentless barrage of stone arrows was a struggle. Each impact pushed both him and the heavy shield back.


    The rain of stone arrows continued for a moment before finally stopping.


    Chu Liang barely had time to catch his breath behind the shield when another thunderous "boom" reverberated through the air.


    Yin Guang stomped the ground once more.


    This time, the ck rock took on the shape of long stone pirs instead of arrows.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The stone pir shot forward like a battering ram, smashing into the heavy shield with tremendous force! It was a sh of two blunt forces!


    The heavy shield was hammered several zhang away!


    <i>I can''t continue this way. No matter how durable the shield is, it would eventually be shattered by the hammering, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    With a determined grit, he leaped out from behind the shield!


    Yin Guang was about to strike again when he saw Chu Liang, Dustless Sword in hand,unching himself from behind the shield.


    With a nk expression, Yin Guang lifted his foot and stomped again, conjuring a stone spear and hurling it towards Chu Liang!


    Chu Liang shed with his sword in mid-air while dodging to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.


    At the same instant, another Chu Liang, wielding half a gold brick, leaped out from behind the shield!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Amidst the sudden changes, Yin Guang remained unflustered,unching another stone spear, which Chu Liang narrowly dodged uponnding.


    From behind the shield, another Chu Liang burst out, gripping a Shark Spine Halberd, with yet another right behind him, wielding the Crimson Executioner sword.


    Although Chu Liang seemed to have many weapons, it still wasn''t enough as each clone needed one. Thest one that charged forward bare-handed.


    The five Chu Liangs lunged forward, surrounding Yin Guang.


    The group assault didn''t faze Yin Guang at all. With a wave of his hands, debris from the battlefield soared into the air, swirling around him like a protective barrier. But as Chu Liang drew closer, Yin Guang abruptly dropped his hands, ready for the real sh.


    A heavy ring of stones flew out once more!


    But then, the five Chu Liangs suddenly unleashed intense waves of qi!


    The wave of qi unleashed was so powerful.


    For the first time in the fight, Yin Guang''s face showed a flicker of surprise.


    He couldn¡¯t hide his astonishment as Chu Liang activated the Celestial Trap formation!


    Thebination of the Army of Beans and the Celestial Trap had always been Chu Liang''s strongestbat method at this stage.


    The air around thempressed suddenly!


    The flying stones dropped one by one as Chu Liang and his clones precisely struck them with their weapons and bare fists!


    Despite Yin Guang''s sturdy physique, he was no martial artist. He sensed something was wrong with the very first hit.


    Why did it hurt so much?


    He had assumed his third brother was struck down because the brick was powerful. Only when he felt the impact himself did he realize it was because this kid was incredibly strong!


    It was absurdly strong.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    It was another punch.


    Yin Guang found himself surrounded by the five Chu Liangs and was knocked down after a flurry of hits, followed by a brutal round of kicks...


    The zing Fire Gang and Sun and Moon Pavilion members around were momentarily stunned, frozen in ce.


    Is this the power of enchanted tools and divine abilities? It was simply overwhelming.


    It was clear to everyone that Chu Liang''s cultivation level was far below Yin Guang''s, yet with his powerful enchanted tools and divine abilities, he had managed topletely knock down the young master of the Sun and Moon Pavilion!


    Not only were the Sun and Moon Pavilion members in shock, but even the zing Fire Gang members couldn''t help but eye him with ill intentions.


    "This kid is loaded with valuable items."


    "Killing one like him would be enough for everyone in the city to feast for half a year."


    The continuous sounds of pounding and thumping echoed. Chu Liang did not hold back. The only thing he had yet to do was stab with the Dustless Sword. Yet, Yin Guang didn''t utter a single cry. He was truly a real man.


    "Enough!"


    After a while, it was Elder Yin from the carriage who shouted and only then did Chu Liang stop.


    With an innocent smile on his face, he retrieved the Puppet Pills and stood calmly on the spot. It was as if the person who had been frantically kicking just a moment ago had nothing to do with him.


    Yin Guangy on the ground, struggling for a long time before getting up. He staggered back to the carriage and slowly said, "Father, I am sorry. He... is really strong."


    The other brothers quickly helped him over and they all sat together to treat their wounds together.


    Elder Yin looked at Chu Liang for a long time before finally saying, "You won. For the next year, none of our Sun and Moon Pavilion members will set foot in the eastern part of the city."


    "Elder Yin, you are a man of your word. I admire that," Chu Liangplimented.


    "But if there''s a chance, I still hope to talk with you..." Elder Yin seemed to want to say something but stopped, finally saying, "Forget it, it''s no use talking here."


    While speaking, Chu Liang looked at the brocade-robed man and curiously asked, "The names of the other threebined mean broad, vast, sky.[2]... What''s your name?"


    The brocade-robed man nced at Chu Liang nervously and subconsciously answered, "My name is Yin Laosi.[3]"


    <i>I see. </i>Chu Liang nodded.


    <i>Indeed. These names truly contained Elder Yin''s hopes for them.</i>


    <i>Even while they stay in Python Belly City, they must keep their sights set on the vast world beyond.</i>


    ...


    Just as the two sides were about to disperse, a shout came from behind: "The Dragon Cavalry ising!"


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>"


    A wave of panic surged through the crowd.


    The previous standoff between the zing Fire Gang and the Sun and Moon Pavilion hadn''t frightened the crowd as much as this did. Now, everyone was extremely terrified.


    What was happening?


    Almost everyone rushed to hide in nearby buildings, and those who couldn''t hide immediately knelt on the ground. In an instant, almost no one dared to remain in the open.


    Although Chu Liang didn''t understand what wasing, he was in the center of the chaos. With a quick movement, he joined a group of zing Fire Gang members in a nearby building.


    "Brothers, what''s happening?" he asked curiously.


    "<i>Shh¡ª</i>" A burly man next to him, his eyes trembling, raised a finger to his lips, signaling Chu Liang to be quiet, and then whispered, "The Dragon Cavalry... they''re the city lord''s guardians and envoys..."


    Although there were over thousands of people hiding here, it was so eerily quiet that you could hear a pin drop.


    <i>Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop...</i>


    The sound of hooves echoed ominously, growing louder with each passing second.


    Chu Liang then saw eight horses appear in his line of sight.


    These weren''t ordinary horses¡ªthey were draconic descendants, covered in ck scales with vertical pupils that burned with mes. In addition, the bloodline of these draconic descendants seemed rather pure.


    The riders on these majestic beasts were anything but ordinary.


    They had dragon heads and human bodies!


    Their towering, muscr frames bore formidable dragon heads. There was a patch of silver scale on their foreheads and their me-flickering eyes exuded this iciness.


    They wore ck armor and strapped a sharp saber at their waist.


    A team of eight knights slowly rode down the long street.


    Chu Liang thought they looked familiar. They seemed to be from the Jimeng n, a legendary lineage of draconic descendants.


    He had encountered a dead one before in the Blue Dragon Hidden Realm.


    Everyone who hadn''t managed to hide in time was already kneeling on the ground, heads bowed low. No one dared to look directly at the Dragon Cavalry.


    The Jimeng nsmen rode their ck-scaled draconic horses to the center of the street.


    One of the riders raised his voice and dered, "Hua Zhengshan of the zing Fire Gang has offended the authority of the heavens. He will be executed here tomorrow at noon."


    "Ah? Chief..." Someone couldn''t help but nce up at the Dragon Cavalry.


    No one pleaded for mercy; they merely risked a quick nce.


    The Dragon Calvarymen suddenly drew their sabers!


    <i>Swish, swish, swish, swish¡ª</i>


    In an instant, four or five men were beheaded by the sh of the sabers. Blood sttered as their heads flew from their bodies. The remaining onlookers didn''t dare to resist; they immediately buried their faces deeply in the blood-soaked ground.


    They didn''t dare to look directly at the Dragon Calvary.


    They were killed on the street.


    Witnessing the brutality and ruthlessness of the Dragon Cavalry made Chu Liang frown.


    After delivering their message and executing the men, the Dragon Cavalry sheathed their sabers, turned around, and slowly headed back to the north of the city.


    The silence felt like death.


    It wasn''t until they had been gone for a while that anyone dared to lift their heads, only to copse to the ground in despair.


    ...


    After seeing off the Sun and Moon Pavilion members, Chu Liang turned to face the zing Fire Gang.


    Winning three rounds against the Sun and Moon Pavilion would have been a cause for celebration. However, this victory was overshadowed by the Dragon Cavalry''s killing spree. It casted a dark shadow over the event and left the zing Fire Gang members mostly silent.


    Chu Liang bowed and said, "Thank you, vice-chief, for not selling me out just now."


    Logically, the vice-chief, being someone who held a grudge against his esteemed teacher, was not obligated to help him out. If it wasn''t because of the zing Fire Gang, the Sun and Moon Pavilion wouldn''t have to agree to a duel.


    The vice-chief nced around and suddenly called out to Chu Liang, "Come with me,"


    She led him toward an intact stone house nearby.


    <i>What for...</i>


    Chu Liang felt a bit uneasy, but since she called him, he had to follow her step by step.


    Inside the stone house, the vice-chief turned around.


    Chu Liang hurriedly offered the Shark Spine Halberd and said, "I have nothing to repay you with, so I present this weapon to your gang as a token of gratitude."


    In the resource-poor Python Belly City, such a fine weapon was a dreame true for many martial artists. To Chu Liang, the Shark Spine Halberd didn''t mean much, but to the zing Fire Gang, it was very valuable.


    The vice-chief took the weapon, set it aside, and then said, "I called you here to tell you a secret. Whether you agree to do it or not, you must not tell another soul about it."


    "Okay," Chu Liang solemnly agreed, a bit nervous inside, not knowing what she wanted him to agree to.


    After all, he had already given his thank-you gift.


    The vice-chief leaned in, her voice low and urgent. "I know you want to leave. Actually, there is a way out of the Python Belly City..."


    1. Jun is an ancient unit of weight and one jun is equivalent to 15 kg. 1000 jun would be 15000kg or 33069.34 lb. ?


    2. Surname Yin. Given names: Guang, Luo, and Tian. Guang (¹ã) means broad. Kuo (À«) means vast. Tian (Ìì) means sky. ?


    3. Surname Yin. Given Name: Laosi (ÀÏËÄ) with the Lao meaning Old and Si meaning four. There are multiple meanings due to the characters sounding like other characters. It can mean old four but it can also mean always dying or dying of old age. So, it could be saying that he wishes for them to be able to leave Python Belly City and grow old and die under the vast sky outside. ?

 Chapter 389: Get The Fuck Out Here

    <h4>Chapter 389: Get The Fuck Out Here</h4>


    Chu Liang''s eyes widened. "Oh?"


    The moment the vice-chief brought up this topic, he became intrigued.


    He had two major concerns on his mind: Lin Bei''s safety and finding a way out of this ce.


    Locating Lin Bei shouldn''t be too difficult. Python Belly City wasn''t that big. If he couldn''t find him today, he would find him tomorrow, assuming nothing bad had happened. With Lin Bei''s ability to blend in anywhere, he''d probably already adapted to life here in just an hour. His knack for fitting in made the chances of him running into trouble pretty slim.


    Most of the city''s inhabitants understood the importance of neers, viewing them as essential sources of fresh energy. They wouldn''t exploit their knowledge to harm the neers; such behavior was frowned upon. Because of this, Chu Liang wasn''t overly worried about Lin Bei.


    However, the prospect of finding an exit was a different story. No one had ever escaped from Python Belly City. What made him think he could be the first?


    When the vice-chief unexpectedly mentioned the possibility, Chu Liang''s demeanor changed instantly and he listened solemnly.


    "It''s not just you. Everyone feels the same when they first arrive," the vice-chief said, her face darkening. "Who wants to spend their entire life in the belly of a python, in this dark, barren ce? But there''s no other choice."


    Chu Liang nodded, understanding the grim reality.


    The vice-chief continued, "Some people have never given up trying to find a way out, and our chief is one of them. He''s been searching relentlessly for twenty years and finally discovered a possible exit. He tried, but he failed."


    "So where exactly is this exit?" Chu Liang couldn''t help but ask.


    "I don''t know," the vice-chief replied, shaking her head. "The chief never mentioned it to us; he was quietly exploring on his own."


    "Only he knows?" Chu Liang looked skeptical. <i>Could she be trying to manipte him into saving their chief?</i>


    The vice-chief seemed to read his thoughts. "This is absolutely true. Anyone caught attempting to escape would be executed by the city lord, and anyone who knows about it but doesn''t report it would be killed too. There have been countless such incidents. The chief feared that if he failed, it would bring disaster to the entire zing Fire Gang. I believe that if he confirms that there''s an exit, he''lle for us all and take us out of this ce."


    As Chu Liang pondered her words, he sensed that she wasn''t lying. If she knew where the exit was, she wouldn''t be stuck here; she would have escaped herself.


    Moreover, under the terrifying rule of the City Lord''s Residence, even if the chief found clues about the exit, he wouldn''t share them immediately. If word got out, someone might betray him. Doubts would always linger in the air.


    In any case, this was his only choice; he had to give it a try.


    "So, if I want to find the exit, what should I do?" Chu Liang asked.


    The vice-chief''s expression turned grave. "You''ve guessed it. I n to save the chief," she said. "I haven''t informed the entire zing Fire Gang, just the brothers who started out with us. If you want to leave,e with us... to grab him from the execution ground."


    <i>Whoa. This was truly the behavior of esteemed heroes.</i>


    Chu Liang immediately asked, "Will we be strong enough to do that?"


    "There are always fewer than ten Dragon Cavalry members when they go out on missions. They''re all at the fifth or sixth cultivation realms. With the high-ranking members of the zing Fire Gang and you, we have a chance," the vice-chief said.


    Chu Liang wasn''t easily convinced. "If it were that simple, wouldn''t the people of Python Belly City have overthrown the City Lord''s Residence long ago?"


    He quickly spotted the w in her n. It couldn''t be as straightforward as she made it seem.


    "The reason the City Lord''s Residence maintains its rule is because the city lord is invincible," the vice-chief exined. "It''s not actually those envoys from the Dragon Cavalry."


    "But the beings swallowed by the Heaven-Devouring Python should be below the seventh realm, right?" Chu Liang wondered aloud.


    The most powerful trait of the Heaven-Devouring Python was its enormous mouth and the world within its stomach; its actualbat strength shouldn''t be particrly formidable. Otherwise, it would have be the world''s most ferocious beast long ago.


    As for the seventh realm beings it previously devoured...


    The Inferno Dragon of the South Sea that was swallowed as well had been trapped by a powerful water prison, which was why it could be swallowed. And now, the Inferno Dragon of the South Sea was nowhere to be seen, which meant that it was likely not trapped here.


    As for Xu Bashan, the chief of the Whale Gang and a master of that level, he was even less likely to be trapped here. There must be other reasons. This ce must be hiding some secrets.


    There must be a limit to how powerful the cultivation of those present here.


    That limit would be the cultivation level of the Heaven-Devouring Python.


    "The city lord wasn''t swallowed by the Heaven-Devouring Python," the vice-chief said as she shook her head. "He is the master of the Heaven-Devouring Python."


    "What?" Chu Liang''s eyes widened in shock. "Is that true?"


    The Heaven-Devouring Python had been a terrifying presence in the immortal realm for over a thousand years. There was only one, and it was never known to have a master.


    "I''ve heard from others that the city lord cane and go as he pleases, spending most of his time outside the city. He rarely shows up, but when he does, it''s a bloodbath." The vice-chief''s voice trembled slightly as she recalled, "The fear of the city lord in Python Belly City was built through countless massacres."


    "So you''re saying..." Chu Liang said as he pondered, "We have to defeat the Dragon Cavalry, rescue your chief, and escape before the city lord arrives. Otherwise, it would be nearly impossible?"


    "Yes," the vice-chief nodded.


    "I agree," Chu Liang said solemnly.


    "Good." The vice-chief finally smiled. "I''ll arrange matters within the zing Fire Gang and contact youter."


    ...


    Meanwhile, on Mount Shu...


    Chu Liang''s disappearance finally caused a stir.


    Since he often went out for tasks, his absence on Silver Sword Peak had be quite normal. Everyone on the Silver Sword Peak grew ustomed to his absence.


    Jiang Yuebai had been the first to notice that something was wrong.


    She had told Chu Liang about the Whale Gang''s grand ceremony, scheduled to take ce in three days, and he had agreed to attend with her. Yet, since then, she had not heard anything from him. Jiang Yuebai even went to Silver Sword Peak to find him, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    With the ceremony happening tomorrow, they needed to arrive a day early, meaning that they would have to leave this afternoon. If Chu Liang didn''t return soon, it would be toote for him to attend the ceremony.


    This was unlike Chu Liang''s meticulous way of doing things.


    It would only happen if something bad happened to him.


    Jiang Yuebai reported this to Wang Xuanling, who immediately sensed that something was wrong.


    His first step was to search for Lin Bei at Jade Sword Peak. Everyone knew Lin Bei spent all his time with Chu Liang and would likely know his whereabouts.


    Upon inquiry, Wang Xuanling discovered that Lin Bei was about to form his core and had gone to the South Sea two days ago to gather treasures of nature. Lin Bei had asked Chu Liang to apany him.


    Could it be that something had happened to them in the South Sea?


    With the team set to depart for the grand ceremony, Wang Xuanling had no choice but to pay Di Nufeng a visit.


    When grand peakmaster Wang Xuanling arrived, Di Nufeng was just about to leave.


    Wang Xuanling met her head-on and asked, "Where are you headed?"


    "I¡¯m going to the fruit garden," Di Nufeng replied.


    Lately, she had been diligently working as the garden''s security guard, patrolling several times a day. With the influx of sword coins into her wallet every month, Di Nufeng had be much more disciplined.


    She realized that Chu Liang''s line of work was making much more money at a faster rate than her previous exploits outside Silver Sword Peak.


    Since Di Nufeng wasn''t causing trouble, Mount Shu had be significantly safer. Chu Liang¡¯s decision to employ her as security in the fruit garden somehow improved the safety of the entire sect.


    Wang Xuanling said sternly, "Do you know your disciple is missing?"


    "Hmm?" Di Nufeng''s eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?"


    Since Chu Liang had be busier, he no longer reported to her every time he went out, so she genuinely didn''t know where he had gone.


    Wang Xuanling then exined the situation.


    "He must have had an ident," Di Nufeng said as she started frowning. "My disciple handles things just like me; he wouldn''t do something as unreliable as beingte..."


    <i>You''ve done far more unreliable things than beingte, </i>Wang Xuanling thought.


    Wang Xuanling''s chest rose and fell rapidly, as if he was about to unleash a torrent of harsh words, but considering the urgency of the situation, he held back.


    "He went missing while helping your disciple find treasures of nature. If something really happened to him, you owe me a new disciple!" Di Nufeng said.


    Wang Xuanling finally lost his temper. "At a time like this, you''re worried about that? Chu Liang is the swordmaster of the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. Losing him would be a huge blow to Mount Shu. Even if I gave you all my disciples, it wouldn''t make up for it!"


    Di Nufeng shook her head. "I don''t want your crooked disciples. How about you be my disciple instead?"


    Wang Xuanling couldn''t be bothered to argue with her. He took a deep breath and asked, "Can you find him or not?"


    "I haven''t sensed the disappearance of the tracking jade talisman, so there shouldn''t be any major issues," Di Nufeng said, looking up at the distant sky. "I''ll go find him now!"


    With that, she took a step, and her entire body turned into a ze of fire heading southeast.


    Although she always sounded indifferent, Di Nufeng was always the first to arrive whenever Chu Liang was in trouble. It was never a coincidence.


    Chu Liang always carried the tracking jade talisman she had given him, so she could vaguely sense his position. She followed the tracking jade talisman and arrived at the South Sea.


    But as she arrived above the South Sea, she realized the spiritual energy she was sensing became a blur. The jade talisman was probably being blocked by some force. She could still sense a general direction but couldn''t pinpoint his exact location.


    "Could he have entered a hidden realm?" Di Nufeng murmured.


    The current situation showed that there was an eighty percent chance he would be in another small world and the barriers of that world were blocking the spiritual energy of the jade talisman from being sensed by people outside urately. This was going to be troublesome.


    No matter how big the hidden realm was, its entrance could be in a tiny, almost impossible-to-find location.


    Di Nufeng then went to the spot on the map where the volcanic ind with the Inferno Dragon of the South Sea was supposed to be, but there was no ind in sight. All she saw was a stretch of blue waves.


    Di Nufeng hovered in the air for a while. Then, instead of continuing the search, she turned around and headed north in a ze of fire.


    Before long, she arrived at a celestial mountain in the Central Region.


    Purple qi swirled through the air, mingling with the floating mist, hinting at the presence of an immortal sect hidden within. Amidst the rolling mountains were clusters of pavilions and towers, with architectural styles blending seamlessly with the surrounding scenery, making it look like a true paradise.


    Mount Reticence of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Legend has it that an esteemed senior of divination once observed the Big Dipper here and understood the world, foreseeing five hundred years of human affairs. To warn himself not to divulge the secrets of heaven, he named this mountain "Reticence" and lived in seclusion here.


    He carved the major human events he saw onto the mountain walls.


    When people inter generations found this mountain, they discovered that the ancient writings of today''s events hade true and realized the mystic nature of the writing. Upon exploring the cave, they found it deste and dpidated, with only the legacy of the techniques and the five words "Be a Reticent Heaven Observer" engraved on a stone que left by the esteemed senior.


    Therefore, the people who inherited his legacy roamed the world and called themselves the descendants of the Heaven Observer. Because they predicted the secrets of heaven, they attracted numerous unfortunate events.[1] Only then did they understand the profound reason why the esteemed senior had written the word reticent before he died.


    Theter generations from the lineage of the Heaven Observer had no choice but to join the Heavenly Star Divine Cult for protection. With this merge, they evolved and became the lineage of the Celestial Pivot.


    After the Heavenly Star Divine Cult split up, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion returned to Mount Reticence. It was as if the cycle hade full circle, back to its starting point.


    The esteemed senior back then would have never imagined that the heaven-observing techniques he left behind for predicting worldly affairs would end up being used mostly for forecasting minor news and martial world gossip.


    Di Nufeng hovered above Mount Reticence. She didn''t descend to the ground. Standing upright in mid-air, she shouted loudly, her voice like the roar of thunder.


    "Zhou Yijian, get the fuck out here!"


    1. There is a belief that revealing divine or mystical knowledge can disrupt the natural order and bring misfortune. In Buddhism, divulging sacred or hidden knowledge might be seen as an action that brings negative karma or divine retribution. ?

 Chapter 390: The Real Deal! (I)

    <h4>Chapter 390: The Real Deal! (I)</h4>


    In the evening, the situation had changed again.


    The vice-chief of the zing Fire Gang had called Chu Liang to the gang''s chamber to discuss the n. When Chu Liang arrived, he found an unexpected person there.


    The thin and withered-looking Elder Yin leaned back in his seat.


    He gazed at Chu Liang with a smile and said, "You''re here, Young hero Chu?"


    "Elder Yin?" Chu Liang uttered.


    He nced at the vice-chief in surprise.


    The vice-chief told Chu Liang, "We are all part of the same human race after all, so I sought help from the Sun and Moon Pavilion too. Elder Yin is willing to help us."


    Chu Liang was quite impressed by the vice-chief''s boldness. Was she not worried that the Sun and Moon Pavilion would betray them?


    Seeing Chu Liang''s confusion, Elder Yin smiled and exined, "The rtionship between our two factions is not as antagonistic as it appears to the outside world. As fellow members of the human race, it is unwise for us to scheme against each other. It is better that we work together so that we can all survive in Python Belly City. We werepelled by our circumstances to put up a front of being in a conflict."


    Upon hearing that, Chu Liang immediately understood the reason behind the unusual rtionship between the two human factions.


    If their dangerous circumstances had urred naturally, the humans in Python Belly City would inevitably have united after a brief struggle. Once the resources in Python Belly City reached an economic equilibrium[1], the remaining people would surely have banded together to seek a way out.


    Yet, they were stillpeting for resources. The reason had to be that a hand of darkness was suppressing them.


    Once a unified human faction emerged in Python Belly City, it would inevitably be ruthlessly purged by the City Lord... so the humans had chosen to remain split as two factions. The only way they could all survive was to pretend to oppose each other.


    The arguments and fights between the ordinary members were real, but the higher-ups of the two factions had a tacit understanding of what they were really doing. This was the real reason that they had confronted each other for so long during the day without actually fighting!


    Then Chu Liang thought of something. "In that case, the Deathmatch Arena..."


    "That''s right." Elder Yin nodded with a smile. "I thought of this method many years ago to preserve our manpower to the greatest extent. For nearly a hundred years, I have been secretly supporting the other human faction so that they canpete with mine. It is all so we can avoid getting purged by the City Lord."


    Chu Liang gazed at Elder Yin with admiration.


    It could not have been easy for the humans to establish themselves in a ce like Python Belly City and survive for a hundred years.


    This old man looked so skinny; he likely weighed around 100 jin[2]. Considering how he had managed toe up with such an impressive scheme, 99 jin of his 100-jin weight had to be his brains.


    "I did not tell the youngsters about these things, so they do not know about our true rtionship," Elder Yin continued. "Yesterday, Laosi chased members of the zing Fire Gang to the medicinal hall in a fit of rage, with the intention of killing them. When he got back home, I severely punished him for it."


    Finally understanding everything now, Chu Liang turned to the vice-chief and asked, "So, will the Sun and Moon Pavilion join us in rescuing the chief of the zing Fire Gang from the execution grounds? If so, our chances of sess will increase greatly."


    Surprisingly, Elder Yin shook his head and replied, "It is pointless to rescue him from there."


    Chu Liang shifted his gaze back to Elder Yin. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    "Who do you think told Hua Zhengshan the location of Python Belly City''s exit?" Elder Yin said softly.


    <i>Judging from your tone... it was you, wasn''t it?</i>


    This was beyond Chu Liang''s expectations.


    <i>So, he knew everything?</i>


    <i>This means that I could find out the location of the exit even without rescuing the chief of the zing Fire Gang. Still, the old man knows where it is, yet he hasn''t left for so many years. There has to be a reason for that.</i>


    The vice-chief exined, "I was still confused about the whole situation until I talked with Elder Yin earlier. I was so puzzled during today''s confrontation... Elder Yin mentioned that he had seen our chief get captured, but even we¡ªthe chief''s close subordinates¡ªweren''t fully aware of what had happened. So, how did Elder Yin manage to witness the incident?


    "Then I suddenly thought of how the chief had been searching for a way out of Python Belly City for years without any results. But then one day, he went to the southern part of the city, and when he came back, something was different...


    "With that in mind, I finally dared to seek out Elder Yin and ask him about it."


    After hearing all that, Chu Liang just asked the question he cared most about. "So... where is the exit?"


    Elder Yin gently raised his finger and pointed straight up.


    Chu Liang paused for a moment, immediately understanding what Elder Yin meant. "So, it''s in that..."


    "That''s right. It is right above that dark sun. The exit is usually obscured by the dark sun, so no one can see it," Elder Yin replied. "I quietly investigated Python Belly City for decades and finally figured out the path that the City Lord uses to leave the city.


    "I have told others about this before. Hua Zhengshan was not the first, but he was the only one who managed to get close to the exit. Through his experience, I was able to confirm that there is indeed a door there... But even if we''ve found the door, we do not have the key for it."


    Chu Liang then thought of his hidden realm, the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    As the master of that hidden realm, he could enter and exit it from anywhere in the realm. However, if others wanted to enter or exit it, they would need to take two iron tes to a fixed location and use them to unlock the enchanted formation. It was probably the same for the hidden realm inside the Heaven-Devouring Python''s belly.


    The "door" and "key" that Elder Yin mentioned did not actually exist; they referred to the enchanted formation locking off ess to the hidden realm and the method to unlock it. It could be an inscription seal or even an enchanted tool.


    "Hua Zhengshan fought the Dragon Cavalry, broke through their defenses, and made his way to the dark sun. But when he got there, he only saw a door that could not be opened..." Elder Yin said, looking a little emotional as he recalled what had happened. "In fact, it was a result that Hua Zhengshan had anticipated."


    "But for the sake of everyone in Python Belly City... even though he knew he would likely fail and perish... Hua Zhengshan still went." Elder Yin''s voice gradually softened. "If not for my withered vitality, rendering me unable to fight, I should have been the one to pave the way. He is still young, and he can pass this information on to the younger generations and those who join arrive at the cityter."


    "But where should we even go to search for the key..." Chu Liang muttered, lost in his own thoughts.


    <i>The zing Fire Gang''s chief efforts in paving the way for the younger generations and future residents of Python Belly City certainly make him admirable, but it is more important right now to spend more energy on figuring out how we can escape. That way, Hua Zhengshan''s efforts will not be in vain.</i>


    "This is why I said it is pointless to rescue him from the execution grounds," Elder Yin stated.


    The vice-chief took over from there. "And that''s why we intend to change our strategy. Perhaps we should just storm the City Lord''s Residence instead!"


    Chu Liang was surprised once more.


    The City Lord''s Residence was located in the northern part of Python Belly City. It was a massive and solid fortress built with ck rock and talismanic spells. The gates of the fortress only ever opened to let the Dragon Cavalry in and out. It was usually impossible for anyone else to even catch a glimpse of what was inside the City Lord''s Residence.


    <i>We don''t even have any idea how many members of the Jimeng Dragon Calvary there are inside that fortress.</i>


    <i>How do they n to break in?</i>


    1. Supply and demand are bnced and will not change due to the absence of external influences. | I took economics sooo long ago... Author is really testing us. XD ?


    2. Around 50kg. ?

 Chapter 391: The Real Deal! (II)

    <h4>Chapter 391: The Real Deal! (II)</h4>


    The vice-chief continued, "First, we want to abduct the Dragon Cavalry escorting the chief and force them to tell us how to open the door of the hidden realm. If that doesn''t work, we''ll use this squad of Dragon Cavalry members to trick the City Lord''s Residence into opening up its gates for us. As long as we find the key before the City Lord returns, there''s still hope for us."


    Elder Yin said, "During this process, members of the Sun and Moon Pavilion will help out but only in secret. They cannot act openly. Because if we fail, the zing Fire Gang will surely get purged. It is necessary for there to still be people to pass on this information. Furthermore, the human race has to keep on existing in Python Belly City."


    Chu Liang understood what Elder Yin meant.


    They had to keep the hope of escaping from getting snuffed out. Moreover, there were demons in Python Belly City. If both the zing Fire Gang and the Sun and Moon Pavilion were wiped out, the remaining ordinary humans would end up as rations for the demons.


    However, Chu Liang thought about it from a different point of view.


    He asked, "Since we''ve found the hidden realm''s door, the demons will also benefit if we can find a way to leave. Why not get them involved?"


    <i>Nevertheless, the City Lord probably sees the demons as being part of that samemunity with shared interests since they are all trapped here.</i>


    <i>So, why not unite all the forces that can be united?</i>


    "I had the same thought in the past." Elder Yin shook his head. "But the current leader of the demons in the western part of the city is a greater demon from the Far West. He calls himself Tiger God.


    "Ten years ago, he conquered all the demons in just three days and established the Celestial Tiger Hall. Now, his forces are as strong as iron tes. These demonic entities from the Far West are all extremely hostile toward humans. It is simply impossible to cooperate with them."


    When Chu Liang heard of the Far West, a sudden thought struck him.


    "Maybe I could give it a try?"


    ...


    Celestial Tiger Hall was located in the western part of Python Belly City.


    Unlike the structured human territories, there were hardly any buildings in the demons'' territory. There had been more buildings there in the past, but they had all been destroyed. The demons'' territory was now just a vastnd of ruins and pits. Many of the demons used the pits as sleeping spots.


    The demons had always scoffed at the humans'' ability to construct buildings, but that was just on the surface. They were actually secretly deeply envious of the humans.


    At the end of a street in the demons'' territory, a rather peculiar figure suddenly appeared.


    The approaching figure had a humanoid form. He was wearing a ck robe and a bronze mask with simple veined patterns, looking very mysterious. The faint demonic qi he emitted was the only thing that indicated what his identity could be.


    He kept walking until he arrived at one of the few intact buildings in the western part of Python Belly City¡ªthe Celestial Tiger Hall.


    Around four demonic beasts approached the humanoid figure, eyeing him with unfriendly gazes.


    One of them, a winged lion-like demonic beast, bared his teeth at the humanoid figure. "Kid, when did you get here? Why haven''t I seen you before?"


    There were not many demons in Python Belly City, and their territory was notrge, so they all had some impression of each other.


    This humanoid figure was naturally Chu Liang.


    Upon hearing the demon''s words, Chu Liang didn''t move a muscle or even nce at the demons.


    Seeing that, the winged lion beast became enraged.


    However, before he could do anything to Chu Liang, someone bellowed from behind them. "You blind fools, how dare you be so impudent in front of the honorable divine envoy!"


    The moment the demonic beasts heard that voice, they knew who was bellowing at them. It was the old ape who had a high status in the Celestial Tiger Hall.


    Several thuds rang out. Then an old ape covered in red hair, looking much like a ball of fire, emerged from the Celestial Tiger Hall. With each step he took, he kicked away one of the demonic beasts standing around Chu Liang.


    Then the old ape looked at the ck-robed masked man in front of him with aplicated gaze full of a variety of emotions. In reverence of the divine envoy''s presence, the old ape was deeply moved and filled with the desire to tter him.


    The old ape shouted excitedly, "Honorable divine envoy!"


    The nearby demons gathered around them in astonishment. "So, this is one of the honorable divine envoys..."


    Regardless of whether the demonic beasts originated from the Far West, they all knew of the existence of divine envoys. It was just that some of them had never seen a divine envoy before, so they would not be able to recognize one.


    Consequently, when they heard the mention of a divine envoy, they all looked over with excited gazes, wanting to see a divine envoy in person.


    "Take me to your hall master," Chu Liang said coldly.


    "Yes!" the old ape replied, immediately leading the way. He shouted, "Make way! Make way! The honorable divine envoy is here!"


    The old ape quickly brought Chu Liang to the entrance of the hall.


    The hall master of the Celestial Tiger Hall, Tiger God, emerged from the hall to greet Chu Liang.


    Tiger God stayed in a building that had been built by humans, so he maintained a humanoid form just to live there. His humanoid form was that of a middle-aged strong man with thick eyebrows and a broad face, dressed in tight-fitting clothes.


    The moment Tiger God saw Chu Liang, he weed Chu Liang excitedly.


    "Honorable divine envoy!" Tiger God eximed. "How did you get in?"


    There was no white rain today, so that meant the passage to the outside world had not opened. Why was the divine envoy making an appearance in Python Belly City now? Tiger God did not understand what was going on.


    Instead of replying, Chu Liang asked, "You''re Tiger God?"


    "Honorable divine envoy, you mustn''t call me that. I''m just a lowly ck Tiger Demon. You can call me Xiao Hei[1]," Tiger God answered with a boomingugh.


    The tiger demon king''s fawning behavior might seem strange, but it was actually expected behavior. Demon divine envoys upheld the will of the demon god, so they always held a high status among the demons. It was a view that was deeply ingrained in them.


    Chu Liang paid the tiger demon king''s behavior no mind. Instead, he just raised his hands and said, "I havee here in ordance with our god''s will."


    The tiger demon king dropped to his knees with a thud.


    His eyes welled up with tears. "Our god... still remembers us?"


    Chu Liang continued speaking slowly. "Our god is about to return and has ordered us to spread the message to every corner of the world where our people reside. So, I came here."


    His spirited tone moved the hearts of those who heard him.


    "Honorable sir, you came here just to rescue us?" the tiger demon king asked, his voice filled with disbelief.


    "Of course." Chu Liang looked down at him. "As long as you follow our god''s will, our god will naturally deliver you from distress."


    Feeling greatly moved, the tiger demon king bowed deeply. "We are the demon god''s people, and we will always heed our god''s will!"


    After a while, Chu Liang left the Celestial Tiger Hall.


    ...


    Inside the Celestial Tiger Hall, there was a scene of great joy and celebration.


    The tiger demon kingughed heartily. "We can finally leave this hellish ce!"


    At this moment, several of his trusted aides were gathered around him.


    One of them, a white crane demon, stepped forward and asked uneasily, "Hall Master, can we be certain that was a real divine envoy? He is asking us to help the humans... Could he be an impostor?"


    "How could that be?!" The tiger demon king waved his hand dismissively. "You haven''t been to the Far West, so you don''t know how divine envoys are born.


    "That bronze mask he was wearing¡ªit is a mask that was blessed by the divine demon god in the temple. There are no more than a hundred of those masks in the entire demon race. Only demons with pure, unconditional faith in the demon god can receive the acknowledgment of the demon god''s spiritual qi. If demons who have not been acknowledged by the demon god wear those masks, there will be no movement in their spiritual qi.


    "Just from this point alone, you can tell if someone is a real divine envoy. And this one... is the real deal!"


    1. This means ¡°little ck¡±. It''s like a nickname. ?

 Chapter 392: Veteran Victim

    <h4>Chapter 392: Veteran Victim</h4>


    There was an unnamed small mountain peak several li away from Mount Reticence. This was just one of the countless earthen hills in the vast nine provinces, but at this moment, it burst into a dazzling brilliance.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A pir of white light shot up several zhang high, revealing a figure d in blue and white.


    The man who emerged was middle-aged, with a slightly rounded figure and an open-front long gown that gave him a leisurely air. Despite being in his thirties or forties, his fair and clean round face made him look younger than his years.


    Panic flickered in his eyes. As the white light vanished, he immediately leapt up, intending to fly eastward. But before he could take off, a slender figure bathed in fiery red light blocked his path.


    "Little fatty, you run quite fast."


    The figure was none other than Di Nufeng, her zing red robe and flowing ck hair entuating her fierce presence. The mes that clung to her body hadn''t yet extinguished, indicating she had just arrived.


    "Ah!" The man eximed upon seeing Di Nufeng, but his surprise quickly turned into a ttering smile. "Big Sis Feng! It''s been so long since I''ve seen anyone from Mount Shu. I''ve missed you all so much!"


    This man was none other than Zhou Yijian, the current master of the Wind-Catching Hall of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    He was famous for knowing all the world''s secrets and spreading them across the nine provinces.


    In terms of being hated, Di Nufeng had few rivals in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, but even she was outdone by Zhou Yijian.


    After all, it was his profession. In the realm of immortal cultivators, the line of people wishing for this little fatty''s demise could stretch from Mount Shu to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Yet, he thrived.


    The more people cursed him, the more he earned.


    "Heh, missed me? More like you want me dead," Di Nufeng said coldly. "Ever since you took charge of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, you''ve smeared me repeatedly. It seems your wings have hardened. I''ve noted everything you''ve published about me."


    "Rumors, absolute rumors!" Zhou Yijian immediately shouted in grievance. "Big Sis Feng, our bond is stronger than meteoric iron. How could I possibly talk bad about you?"


    "If we''re so close, why did you run?" Di Nufeng sneered. "If I hadn''t asked your esteemed teacherst time, I wouldn''t have known you had an enchanted formation hidden here. No wonder I could never catch you when I visited."


    Zhou Yijian''s chubby face twisted in dismay.


    He felt confused as to how Di Nufeng managed to catch him since his escape formation was usually a well-kept secret. He never expected his esteemed teacher to be the one who betrayed him.


    But as he thought about it, he realized it wasn''t so surprising. His teacher had attended the Mount Shu Summit and had likely suffered at Di Nufeng''s hands. It would have been difficult to leave without giving up something.


    <i>Why did you have to get involved in that mess?</i> he thought. <i>At your age, why go anywhere near Di Nufeng?</i>


    Elder Huang had been the one who brought Di Nufeng to Mount Shu, which exined why they had kept in close contact during the early days. Since Zhou Yijian started cultivating, he had seen Di Nufeng many times with his teacher.


    Back then, he was a chubby little boy, and Di Nufeng''s favorite thing to do was pinch his face like dough and force him to call her Big Sis.


    It was exactly like what was happening now.


    Di Nufeng still grabbed him by his fair, chubby cheeks, pinching them hard and tugging without regard for his current status as a seventh realm Eminent One, the master of the Wind-Catching Hall, and a high-ranking member of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch..." Zhou Yijian winced and begged for mercy. "I wasn''t running. I heard Big Sis Feng was looking for me, so I rushed back from out of town."


    Everyone had grown up since then. It was during the Assembly of Immortal Sects sixty years ago that Di Nufeng stirred up a massivemotion in the martial world. He was one of her earliest victims.


    Regardless of whether he was in a hidden realm, training, orpleting any mission... whenever he encountered Di Nufeng, he inevitably got beaten.


    So after he took charge of the Wind-Catching Hall, he intentionally published negative news involving Di Nufeng. But even if the heavens and earth were to bear witness, he would dare to say that he never made up any of those stories.


    <i>She imed he tarnished her reputation, but he only reported what she actually did. How is that tarnishing her reputation?</i>


    Of course, he would never dare say this to Di Nufeng.


    "Hmph." Di Nufeng rubbed Zhou Yijian''s face for a while before pushing him away and saying, "I''m here to settle some scores with you. Over the years, you''ve constantly attacked me, causing a lot of stress. I''ve had to drown my sorrows in alcohol..."


    "Big Sis Feng, you''ve always had that drinking habit," Zhou Yijian argued quickly. "The first time we met, you weren''t even as tall as a wine gourd and you were already drinking straight from the bottle. That can''t be my fault, right?"


    "Drinking for fun and drinking to drown sorrows are two different things!" Di Nufeng retorted, waving her hand. "Later on, I didn''t even dare to leave my house..."


    <i>You don''t leave your house because you''rezy and have too many enemies...</i>


    Zhou Yijian''s face contorted with pain. "Big Sis Feng, please, have mercy. Just tell me what you want."


    "Considering the alcohol expenses andfort fees over the years, asking you forpensation of a hundred thousand or eighty thousand isn''t too much, right?" Di Nufeng said as she nced at him sideways.


    Zhou Yijian''s face twisted even more.


    He could afford the money, but it felt like cutting off half of his flesh. He would rather be killed.


    Seeing his expression, Di Nufeng added, "However, I have a little trouble right now. If you''re willing to help me with a small favor, considering our past rtionship, I won''t ask for yourpensation."


    "Just say it. Whatever it is, I will agree to it. You can just watch me do the work," Zhou Yijian said, immediately standing at attention.


    He realized that Di Nufeng had made a fuss because she wanted him to do something but was worried that he might refuse.


    "My disciple is missing. Help me find out where he is," Di Nufeng said directly, no longer wasting words.


    "<i>Haaaaaa...</i>" Zhou Yijian sighed.


    "Being a Reticent Heaven Observer" was a principle that all members of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion followed. Although they possess the best divination-reading abilities in the nine provinces, they rarely perform divination-reading for others, fearing they might unknowingly reveal the secrets of heaven and get entangled in karma.


    The Great Dao of Karma was always mysterious and profound. One would only know it was karma on the day that disaster struck.


    But considering the current situation, he knew that if he didn''t help, disaster from Di Nufeng would strike much sooner than any heavenly retribution.


    With a sigh, he slumped onto arge stone nearby and said, "Tell me the time and date that he was born, cultivation level, clothing and appearance, ent and physique, and approximate whereabouts."


    "Do you need such specific information when you are doing divination-reading?" Di Nufeng asked, feeling puzzled.


    She had seen divination readings from the descendants of the Heaven Observer lineage in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion before, and it wasn''t thisplicated.


    "I was thinking..." Zhou Yijian raised his eyes and smiled weakly. "Why don''t I publish a missing person notice for you in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>? Maybe we''ll find him right away, and if not, I''ll help youuuuuu... Ahhhhhhhhhh!"


    As he spoke, his voice trailed off as he suddenly flew a dozen zhang away.


    Di Nufeng had kicked him.

 Chapter 393: Can You Do It?

    <h4>Chapter 393: Can You Do It?</h4>


    "Can you do it?"


    "Definitely."


    "This thing of yours is so small..."


    "Just wait a moment, and you''ll see how powerful it is once it starts drilling. Just watch."


    "..."


    In the dead of night in the northern part of Python Belly City, amidst the vast darkness, several figures gathered outside a section of the City Lord''s Residence''s towering fortress.


    The massive City Lord''s Residence was built entirely of ck rock engraved with talismanic scripts, making it incredibly sturdy. Additionally, it was fortified withyers uponyers of enchanted formations. Even with immense force, it was nearly indestructible. Techniques like wall-phasing and earth-escaping were ineffective here.


    It was impossible to break this wall.


    For this reason, the zing Fire Gang''s vice-chief and Elder Yin decided to act when the Dragon Cavalry emerged at noon tomorrow. However, Chu Liang felt that this n was unreliable.


    The zing Fire Gang members, desperate to save their chief, were grasping at straws. But Elder Yin clearly had another agenda. If his goal was to find a way to escape, the act of kidnapping a member of the Dragon Cavalry was too reckless...


    Chu Liang suspected Elder Yin was up to his old tricks again. He was probably using the zing Fire Gang to create a distraction while he pursued another objective.


    However, Chu Liang knew that trying to outsmart the old man would be futile. For dealing with people like Elder Yin, it was best to let his esteemed teacher handle them.


    So, Chu Liang quietly found the vice-chief and proposed an alternative n.


    The n was... to drill a hole in the wall of the City Lord''s Residence and lead them inside to rescue their chief under the cover of night.


    This way, they could rescue the chief of the zing Fire Gang while also finding a method to escape the hidden realm. This n would achieve the same goals as the original but in a much simpler manner.


    However, the vice-chief''s first reaction was disbelief.


    "Do you even know how hard the ck rock walls fortified by the City Lord''s personal enchanted formations are? If you can make a hole in them, why not just break out of the hidden realm directly?" She didn''t believe Chu Liang''s idea at all.


    But Chu Liang understood that while he didn''t know how hard the walls fortified by the enchanted formations of a seventh-realm expert could be, he knew they couldn''t be harder than a bottle reinforced by a shaman at the ninth realm.


    If the ancient bottle that contained the wish-fulfilling spirit could be gobbled up by the little golden butterfly, then this wall could be too... It could only fail because the wall was not tasty.


    As for whether it could break the wall of the hidden realm...


    How could he break it when the hidden realm didn''t have an actual wall? If this wasn''t a small world but the belly of the Heaven-Devouring Python, no matter how hard it was, Chu Liang wouldn''t be deterred.


    He would have already let the little golden butterfly devour its internal organs.


    In the end, because Chu Liang was adamant, the vice-chief decided to bring a few powerful experts from the gang and go with him to try out this method. If this n worked and they managed to rescue their chief tonight, everything would turn out well.


    At this moment, there were nine people behind Chu Liang. Besides the vice-chief and another senior martial artist at the beginning stage of the sixth realm, the remaining seven were fifth-realm martial artists.


    These people¡¯s gazes were filled with such intense focus and anticipation that it almost felt tangible. Everyone stared at Chu Liang as he prepared to drill a hole. If he failed and made them run in vain in the middle of the night, they wouldn''t be pleased.


    Chu Liang then flipped his hand and took out the little golden butterfly.


    The little golden butterfly had been sleeping in the White Pagoda for a long time. Because Chu Liang had been concerned, this little golden butterfly had not been allowed toe out to eat.


    Chu Liang was worried that this little golden butterfly was really the legendary Heaven-Devouring Bug. What if it ate so much and actually became the demon god? But considering the urgency of this situation, he had no choice but to use it.


    <i>A little bit shouldn''t hurt... </i>Chu Liang thought.


    He even considered putting the little golden butterfly on a diet. Not just stopping it from eating, but also making it move constantly to burn off energy, controlling its food and exercise. The goal was to slim it down back to its original little maggot form...


    That would make it look much safer.


    In the pitch-ck night where one couldn''t see their own hand, nine men and one woman huddled at the base of the wall, nervously watching.


    "Is it in?"


    "It should be."


    "Can it really do it..."


    "Look at its head. The head is in. It will be entirely inside soon."


    "It looks so soft, but it really made it inside."


    "But this hole is so small. Will it fit?"


    "The hole will get bigger soon, just give it some time."


    "......"


    "So fast?"


    "That''s how it is."


    As the little golden butterfly gnawed at the walls of the ck rock fortress, it burrowed a holerge enough for a person to pass through. The high-ranking members of the zing Fire Gang were left astonished, marveling at this celestial bug.


    Chu Liang simply smiled and put away the still-unsatisfied little golden butterfly, not letting it absorb more spiritual energy. Despite its chubby body twisting in protest, Chu Liang ruthlessly tucked it back.


    "With this spirit bug, even the bodies of seventh or eighth realm experts can''t withstand its bites, right?" someone eximed in awe.


    Chu Liang nodded. It was true. He had never seen a defense that the little golden butterfly couldn''t breach. But as long as the expert wasn''t paralyzed for years, they could send this soft little thing flying away with a simple flick. It was almost impossible to use this butterfly in realbat.


    Chu Liang then threw a puppet pill to scout the situation inside the wall.


    Through the hole, there was an open space surrounded by ck buildings. They were all made of rough ck rock, not looking much more refined than the exterior of the City Lord''s Residence.


    "It''s okay, let''s go in carefully," Chu Liang said. "The demons will soon start wreaking havoc outside, and the members of the Dragon Cavalry should be heading out to investigate. When the defenses are weak inside, we''ll start the rescue. When we have the chance, we will seize someone who can talk and get some information out of them."


    "Mm!" Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Unknowingly, they had already begun to think of this handsome young man as their leader.


    This status wasn''t baseless; Chu Liang''s series of unexpected performances had made them believe that he truly possessed extraordinary power.


    Three fights with the members of the Sun and Moon Pavilion... invoking the demons... breaking through the city wall...


    He had been in this small world for less than a day and night, yet he had already reached a position they couldn''t touch in decades or even centuries.


    Now that Chu Liang was ready, he took out arge bow and long arrow that exuded a demonic aura. He pulled the bowstring taut and shot the arrow.


    A streak of cold light pierced through the night street!


    This was his way ofmunicating with the demons. He had previously left a Howling Moon Heavenly Wolf Arrow Guide with the demon king. When an arrownded, it signaled that they couldunch their n.


    "It''s done." He put away his bow and turned back.


    The vice-chief took the lead, and the group slowly crawled through the hole into the City Lord''s Residence.


    Chu Liang didn''t forget to cover the hole with a ck cloth, making it difficult to notice in the dark unless examined closely.


    "Be careful," he whispered.


    As the strongestbatant, the vice-chief led the group, cautiously approaching a building''s wall and hiding first.


    In just a moment, a loud bang echoed from outside the City Lord''s Residence.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Something was violently striking the gate of the City Lord''s Residence in the northern part of Python Belly City.


    The demons hadunched their attack.


    Everyone knew this was part of the n, but they couldn''t shake their nerves.


    Chu Liang had instructed the demons not to attack the gate directly, as that would be too dangerous. A direct assault could lead to a crackdown, risking the extermination of the demons in the city and arousing the demon king''s suspicion of his identity as a divine envoy.


    Instead, he gave the demon king four Undead-Summoning Talismans, instructing him to find fourrge demonic beast corpses and use them to ram the gate. Once someone opened the gate, the corpses would flee. When the Dragon Cavalry chased into the city streets, the demons would ambush them. If executed properly, there would be no trace of the culprits by daylight.


    As of now, all the creatures that had died, including the giant elephant Chu Liang killed, were awakened from their deathly slumber and ramming the city gate.


    Since the demonic beasts in Python Belly City often had to hunt outside, their mortality rate was high. Finding a few corpses in the wild wasn''t difficult.


    Those four Undead-Summoning Talismans had been confiscated from the Southern-Route Guider long ago and had been lying in Chu Liang''s storage enchanted tool for a long time. Now, they finally came in handy.


    As the group stayed hidden, they heard amotion inside the City Lord''s Residence, with heavy footsteps sounding in disorder.


    It seemed a squad of Dragon Cavalry had gone out.


    At that moment, a set of footsteps approached, and everyone immediately held their breath.


    The vice-chief gestured to two subordinates behind her, and everyone understood. Robbing was their professional expertise.


    In the next second, the vice-chief suddenly sprang into action!


    The qi of this sixth-realm martial artist peaked instantly. She circled out from behind the wall, grabbed the person''s neck with a dragon-w technique, and flipped them onto the ground. The other two subordinates immediately restrained the person''s limbs, controlling them firmly with fluid motions.


    "Don''t move! If you make a sound, I''ll kill you instantly," the vice-chief threatened coldly.


    "No, no, no..." the person pleaded softly, "Brothers, let''s talk this out. Humans shouldn''t beat up humans!"

 Chapter 394: Why Are You Looking at Me?

    <h4>Chapter 394: Why Are You Looking at Me?</h4>


    The Whale Gang Headquarters, the Giant Whale Mountain Manor.


    Unlike the various isted immortal sects, the Whale Gang was arge gang with branches rooted all over the nine provinces and four seas. The gang''s headquarters was a grand manor three hundred li from the Capital of Yu. That''s where the famous Ocean Tempest Hall was located.


    The manor was situated in the heart of the Central Region, the crossroads of the nine provinces. This made it easier for the headquarters of the Whale Gang to send out orders to their branches across the world.


    That evening, two rows of attendants lined up in front of the Giant Whale Mountain Manor. A tall middle-aged man stood among them. Even from afar, it was obvious this was no ordinary man.


    He was dressed in a long, patterned robe and a coat[1]. There was a jade belt at his waist, from which his sword hung. He had a tall and slender build, a face that had skin so smooth and fair it looked like polished jade, and a pair of bright eyes that gleamed like stars in the night sky. Like dragons, the man had eyes that radiated divine light. This incredibly handsome man would always light up the room with his glowing presence.


    This man was Jiang Shenting, the soon-to-be new chief of the Whale Gang.


    His inauguration ceremony was to be held the next day. The important guests were arriving a day early, so the Whale Gang had to arrange amodation for them. There would also be a banquet this evening, but only the top immortal sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten could attend it. Nevertheless, many figures of the martial world attend the inauguration ceremony the next day, so the guests would be even more varied then.


    A cluster of magic clouds floated down from afar. Gradually, the clouds and mist cleared to reveal a group of people.


    The person leading the group wore a fluttering green robe and a serious expression. He was none other than Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master of the Mount Shu Sect. Behind him were Xu Ziyang and several disciples from Jade Sword Peak, who were all at the Golden Core Realm. They were apanied by Jiang Yuebai and Mu Yueting.


    Initially, Wang Xuanling had nned to take his disciples from Jade Sword Peak, Jiang Yuebai, and Chu Liang. However, Chu Liang had gone missing, so Jiang Yuebai had brought with her another disciple from Azure Falling Peak, a junior sister at the Golden Core Realm.


    Upon seeing this group, Jiang Shenting walked over to wee them. He gave a slight bow and cupped his hands together in greeting. "We are honored by your presence, Grand Peak Master Wang. I am deeply humbled to have you here."


    "<i>Haha.</i> Chief Jiang, there''s no need for you to be so modest," Wang Xuanling said with a polite smile. "It''s your inauguration day tomorrow. Our sect leader has praised you as a promising young man. You are truly admirable."


    "I don''t deserve such praise," Jiang Shenting replied, shaking his head with a smile. Then he said sadly, "If it wasn''t for the previous chief''s sudden disappearance, this opportunity wouldn''t have fallen to me. So, although I''ve invited friends from the various immortal sects to this ceremony, it is not to celebrate my inauguration. It is merely a notification. Please forgive any shorings, Grand Peak Master Wang."


    Wang Xuanling nodded. "Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, Chief Jiang."


    Uponnding, the group from the Mount Shu Sect had already noticed that, although Jiang Shenting weed guests with great fanfare, there were no grand decorations in sight. The manor looked quite unadorned, with a rather solemn atmosphere.


    In the middle of their conversation, a sharp cry rang out in the distance. "<i>Keeew!</i>"


    Jiang Shenting extended a hand, gesturing at the manor behind him. "Grand Peak Master Wang and my fellow Daoists from the Mount Shu Sect, please head inside the manor to rest. There will be a banquetter where we can have a good chat over drinks."


    "Alright," Wang Xuanling responded.


    He and the others followed an attendant into the Giant Whale Mountain Manor.


    In the distance, a massive ck goshawk[2]nded. There were over ten people on its back.


    Upon catching a glimpse of that group of people, Jiang Shenting went to greet them.


    ncing at Jiang Shengting as he left, Wang Xuanling remarked, "It''s no wonder that he can hold such a high position at his young age. He handles everything impably. Ziyang and the rest of you, you should all learn from him."


    Jiang Shenting had been standing in front of the manor all afternoon. He greeted and chatted with everyone who hade to congratte him, regardless of the size of their sect.


    Moreover, Jiang Shenting greeted each of them by name¡ªold and new acquaintances alike. This made all of his guests feel very wee. No one could say he wasn''t diligent.


    Jiang Shenting wasn''t even forty[3], but he was already leading one of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Despite that, he didn''t seem arrogant in the slightest; he remained humble and prudent, behaving with integrity. That was trulymendable.


    "Esteemed Teacher, I will make sure to keep it in mind," Xu Ziyang said.


    "That kid Chu Liang does quite well in this aspect too. Despite being so young, he knows how to conduct himself very well..." Wang Xuanlingmented casually.


    Xu Ziyang nodded.


    In terms ofworking in the cultivation world, Chu Liang was indeed decades ahead of his peers.


    Thinking of that, Xu Ziyang unconsciously nced at Jiang Yuebai.


    He wasn''t the only one. The moment Chu Liang''s name was mentioned, the other disciples of the Mount Shu Sect looked at Jiang Yuebai too.


    With so many gazes on her, Jiang Yuebai felt quite uneasy and slowly lowered her head.


    She wanted to ask, <i>Why are you looking at me?</i>


    Nevertheless, saying that would just make things even more awkward. Moreover, she was worried about Chu Liang''s safety but didn''t know who to turn to...


    After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Yuebai just said, "The man standing behind Chief Jiang earlier had a rather hostile gaze. Senior Uncle, do you know who that man is?"


    She wasn''t just randomly changing the subject. Jiang Shenting had given them a warm wee, but the tall man behind him, who seemed to be a guard, had gazed at them with a rather malicious expression. It had only been for a second, but Jiang Yuebai had still caught it.


    Wang Xuanling snorted coldly. "<i>Hmph.</i> I noticed it too. Just ignore him. That guy''s name is Cheng Gan. Before this, he was one of Jiang Shenting''s subordinates¡ªone of the Four Great Vajra Warriors[4].


    "Some time ago, Di Nufeng uncovered a group of criminals trafficking women. It implicated the Eastern Whale Division and in turn Cheng Gan. The imperial court even executed some government officials and members of the imperial family because of the crime. They also ordered the Eastern Whale Division to conduct an internal investigation.


    "When Jiang Shenting found out about the matter, he killed many of Cheng Gan''s subordinates and punished Cheng Gan severely. Cheng Gan lost his position as a Vajra Warrior, and he''s just working as Jiang Shenting''s bodyguard now."


    "He probably holds some resentment toward Mount Shu because of that," Wang Xuanling said disdainfully. "If he dares to make a move..."


    He didn''t finish the sentence, but it was well-known that the grand peak master of the Mount Shu Sect was not someone who should be provoked. After all, how could someone who had been in opposition with Di Nufeng for many years and still managed to live peacefully, even aging over a hundred, possibly be an ordinary person?


    Cheng Gan might be a notable figure in the martial world, but in the eyes of the Mount Shu Sect''s grand peak master... Well, Cheng Gan should be proud that Wang Xuanling even remembered his name.


    At this moment, one of the other Mount Shu Sect disciples suddenly asked, "Was it the case in South Gate City involving the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess? The <i>Seven Stars Gazette</i> reported about it. I think the article said it was Junior Brother Chu Liang who uncovered the crime. It was a very sensational article..."


    Hearing that, everyone immediately recalled the article too.


    <i>The story of the House of the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess that had to be told...</i>


    <i>The Mountain-Subjugating Marquess'' women¡ªJin Lian, Ping''er, and Chun Mei...</i>[5]">[/ref]


    It was a tale of great passion, and it had indeed been Chu Liang who uncovered everything and shared the details with the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Thinking of Chu Liang, everyone looked at Jiang Yuebai again.


    Jiang Yuebai frowned. <i>Why are you all looking at me for this too?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang said, "Wait a moment. Let me take a look..."


    The zing Fire Gang members all pitched in to pin down the person who was passing by. The vice-chief''srge ornate axe hung in the air, ready to strike if the person dared to utter even one more sound.


    However, after hearing the person''s shout, Chu Liang thought,<i> Why does this voice sound so familiar? His aura''s familiar too...</i>


    Chu Liang quickly pushed aside the zing Fire Gang members and looked closely at the person they had pinned down. Who else could it be but Lin Bei?


    "What are you doing here?" Chu Liang asked in surprise.


    Lin Bei was just as surprised. "Why is it you?"


    "You know him?" the vice-chief asked, looking at Chu Liang.


    "We''re bros!" Lin Bei interjected. "Big Sis, are you Chu Liang''s friend? Then we''re all on the same side, so let me go."


    "This is my fellow disciple from Mount Shu. We got separated when we arrived here. You can trust him," Chu Liang said.


    Only then did the vice-chief release Lin Bei.


    Chu Liang briefly exined how he had met with the three major factions in Python Belly City and that the zing Fire Gang''s chief was trapped in the City Lord''s Residence. He hade with the zing Fire Gang to rescue the chief as well as find a way out.


    "The City Lord''s Residence? What City Lord''s Residence?" Lin Bei said. "This is a prison."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang looked around. "All of it?"


    "That''s right. This fortress is filled with extremely sturdy fortified cells. The Lord of Python Belly City has imprisoned many people here, but he has never actually appeared here."


    Chu Liang asked, "Then what are you doing here...?"


    "The head steward here is my friend. He let me stay here as his assistant."


    Chu Liang wondered, "Since when did you have friends here?"


    "I just befriended him," Lin Bei replied.


    Chu Liang: "...?"


    Lin Bei exined, "After falling here that day, I woke up and saw the head steward of this prison. We had a brief chat and became friends. He said he is a member of the Jimeng n, a n of draconic descendants. He didn''t want to be a calvaryman who had to go out and kill people, so he stayed here to manage the logistics. It just so happened that his assistant was recently burned to death by the South-Sea Inferno Dragon, so he let me stay and help him."


    "Except you, everyone in this prison is a member of the Jimeng n...?"


    "That''s right."


    Chu Liang was dumbfounded.<i> I know that this guy is great at socializing... but I never would have expected that even draconic descendants would ept him so quickly.</i>


    "Do you know how to leave this hidden realm?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Not yet, but I''ve already drunk wine and be sworn brothers with two members of the Jimeng Dragon Cavalry. I think if we have a few more drinking sessions, they''ll tell me," Lin Bei said confidently.


    <i>Good grief, </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>Good thing I got here early. Had I been a bitter, you might have actually joined the enemy.</i>


    Lin Bei continued, "I initially nned to secretly search for a way out. Once I''d found it, I was going to sneak outside to find you and escape together. Who knew you''de to rescue someone and drill a hole."


    Chu Liang quickly corrected, "It''s drill a hole and rescue someone."


    Lin Bei waved his hand, disregarding the correction. "<i>Psht</i>, what''s the difference?"


    "The order is very important."


    Having overheard their conversation, the vice-chief asked Lin Bei eagerly, "Since you help manage things here, do you know where our chief, Hua Zhengshan of the zing Fire Gang, is being held?"


    "I haven''t gotten close with the jailers yet. And it would take at least a few days for me to get to know all the prisoners..." Lin Bei replied. "Also, the cells here only have a small hole for passing food into the cell, so you can''t even see what the prisoners look like."


    "I guess there''s no other option. If we''re to save the chief, we''ll have to open the cells one by one."


    "That won''t work." Lin Bei shook his head. "The cells here are fortified with the City Lord''s talismanic spells. Even the South-Sea Inferno Dragon couldn''t get out. How could you possibly open them?"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang stood up abruptly. "Well, I''d like to see just what it is that can''t be opened."


    1. See trantor''s thoughts. ?


    2. These birds aren''t that big... Just gonna assume the ones in the novel aren''t the normal version lol. ?


    3. This is not a mistake. I double checked. Guess the author thinks people in their 30s are middle-aged lol. ?


    4. The raw is ËÄ´ó½ð¸Õ. The funny thing here is that ½ð¸Õ can be tranted as King Kong. We were discussing if we should name it something other than Vajra Warriors since they are not actual Vajra warriors, and GT said, ¡°No. We can¡¯t do the Four Big King Kongs. No.¡± Me: <iughed for a good couple of minutes</i> ?


    5. The women that the Mountain-Subjugating Marquess was supposedly involved in... ording to Chu Liang''s made-up story.?

 Chapter 395: Thats It?

    <h4>Chapter 395: That''s It?</h4>


    With Lin Bei leading the way, the group''s progress became swift and seamless. The Jimeng Dragon Cavalry members were not many to begin with and most of the members had now been dispatched to tackle the demons that were causing trouble. And so, they did not encounter any Jimeng n members along their route.


    "There are many cells here, but only about ten are upied," Lin Bei said, his tone casual yet confident. "I''ve taken care of delivering food to every single one during the day. Without me, you''d be wandering around for ages."


    "You will be remembered for this great merit," said Chu Liang.


    As they continued, the group arrived at a cell that stood out from the rest.


    The cells here were small and fortified with intricate enchanted formations, far beyond theplexity of the outer walls. Even seventh-realm experts would struggle to break them. Of course, unless they were on the same level as Di Nufeng.


    But if Di Nufeng were involved, there was no knowing who might end up being locked in here.


    The cell was devoid of doors or windows, featuring only a small, fortified hole at the bottom for passing in food. The thick walls were evident through this narrow tunnel, which allowed food to be slid in but offered no visibility from either side.


    As Chu Liang prepared to break through the wall, Lin Bei couldn''t help but remark, "This is not going to be an easy task..."


    "..."


    "Wow, it actually works?"


    A momentter, he couldn''t help but exim.


    The experts of the zing Fire Gang all nodded repeatedly. <i>Yes! Exactly, very surprising, right?</i>


    <i>We were just as surprised earlier, no shame in it.</i>


    The little golden butterfly quickly gnawed a face-sized hole in the thick wall as if it was swimming. It was even faster than before.


    Chu Liang guessed there were two reasons: first, it had just woken up earlier; second, the moreplex formations here meant more spiritual energy. For the little golden butterfly, more spiritual energy meant tastier food.


    As for the hardness...


    It was all crunchy anyway.


    After making arger hole, Lin Bei leaned in to look and saw a young man chained at the limbs. He asked, "Is the zing Fire Gang''s chief in there?"


    "No," the person inside replied.


    "Sorry, wrong cell," Lin Bei said, turning to leave.


    <i>Why are you being polite now? </i>Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    "Hey, hey, hey?" the person inside quickly called out, "Don''t go."


    Chu Liang nced through the hole and suddenly eximed, "Ji Lingfeng?"


    "Ah!" The young man inside also eximed, "You''re that Mount Shu disciple who rides a Hou?"


    His once fine clothes were now tattered, and his previously clean and handsome face was now quite haggard, but his eyes were a mystical blue.


    He was Ji Lingfeng, the eighth young master of the Ji family, whom Chu Liang had met before.


    When Chu Liang went to the Ji family to deliver a message, he first met the ninth youngdy Ji Lingyu, then the eighth young master Ji Lingfeng hitching a ride on the Hou, which was quite an extraordinary experience.


    Later, Ji Lingyu followed Tang Shi and joined his Ghost-Face Chamber, saying she wouldn''t go home until her eighth brother returned.


    So her eighth brother was here?


    If Ji Lingyu insisted onpeting with him on who returned hometer, it would be a prolonged and arduous battle...


    Since Ji Lingyu was an acquaintance, Chu Liang had the little golden butterfly continue gnawing and also chewed off the chains on Ji Lingfeng. During this time, he asked Ji Lingfeng how he ended up here.


    "<i>Haaaa</i>," Ji Lingfeng sighed. "It''s a series of unfortunate family affairs. That day, I left home for a fun trip outside. Initially, I nned to travel overseas to avoid being found. But who knew I''d witness a battle in the West Sea! Someone was ambushing Chief Xu Bashan of the Whale Gang! I tried to escape but was discovered. They wanted to kill me but when they notice that I was a member of the Ji Family, they decided to hold me hostage instead."


    So that was what had happened. He was unlucky to have been caught in the incident where the Heaven-Devouring Python devoured Xu Bashan. The mastermind behind that incident has never been identified, and naturally, they wouldn''t let a witness escape.


    "Did you see the identity of the perpetrator?" Chu Liang asked curiously.


    "That person..." Ji Lingfeng hesitated before answering, "Should be my eldest brother."


    "Ah?" Everyone was shocked again.


    Lin Bei asked in surprise, "You''ve already sworn brotherhood with the City Lord?"


    "No." Ji Lingfeng denied as he wondered how such an assumption could even be formed.


    He then exined, "He is a member of the Ji Family, and he is the eldest male of our generation, named Ji Lingjue. Although we are of the same generation, he is over a hundred years older than me, so I have only heard about him from the elders."


    "Wow," Lin Bei eximed.


    In suchrge families, it was normal for people of the same generation to have significant age differences, but such arge gap was rare and only urred in cultivation families.


    It was likely because there had been a man at the age of a few hundred years old and still going hard at it despite the old age.


    "His father is my eldest uncle from the main house, but his mother was a dragondy from the Jimeng tribe. That was likely just a fleeting rtionship and his appearance was just an ident and he was then abandoned," Ji Lingfeng said as he scratched his head. "With that monstrous talent, he grew up on his own. He had likely suffered a lot. When he achieved a high level of cultivation, he went back to the house of Ji to be recognized as a member of the Ji Family. My eldest uncle went to see him, but then..."


    "When a maid went in to deliver tea, she saw his father lying in a pool of blood and sitting there with a grin."


    <i>Good grief.</i>


    This is basically the saying: The sonughs when the father leaves the world.


    "No one expected things to turn out this way. He fought his way out of the Ji Family and then disappeared without a trace. My family has been hunting him all over the world for many years."


    Lin Bei blinked and said: "He must have killed his mother too because I heard from the chief steward that the lord of the city became their new master by killing the former dragondy of the Jimeng tribe..."


    Everyone fell silent.


    He was indeed a ruthless person.


    ...


    While this conversation was happening, the little golden butterfly started chewing through all the chains, absorbing all the spiritual energy within, leaving only a ground full of golden threads.


    Ji Lingfeng regained his freedom.


    "Let''s go to the next one," someone said and everyone hastily moved.


    ording to Lin Bei, there were not many prisons with people here, and they should be able to open them all within an hour.


    Chu Liang''s mind raced.


    If there were seventh-level beings like Xu Bashan and the South Sea Inferno Dragon here... they wouldn''t need to find a method to enter or exit the hidden realm.


    Even if these beings at the seventh realm of cultivation couldn''t defeat the city lord that had sacrificed both his parents to the heavens, they wouldn''t be beings that the Heaven-Devouring Python could trap. These beings could easily open up a pathway out.


    As long as they were saved, there would be an eighty percent chance of escaping this ce!


    Then, the little golden butterfly arrived at another prison and started chewing.


    There seemed to be a tall and mighty middle-aged man behind the wall. His jaws looked as if they were carved by a saber and his eyebrows were as straight as a sword and his nose was tall like a mountain. He exuded an aura of authority even when he wasn''t showing any anger.


    Although his limbs were locked with rune chains and there were twelve faintly glowing silver scales on his body constantly torturing him, he still sat upright in the center, meditating with his eyes closed.


    When he heard the noise by the wall, he slowly opened his eyes and asked, "Who''s out there? Are you here to save me?"


    "Chief, is that you?" came a sound from outside.


    "It''s me," the man replied.


    Muffled cheers sounded outside.


    Once a round hole was chewed open, the vice-chief immediately peered inside. But upon seeing who was there, she was very disappointed. ''You are not our chief! Who are you?'' she demanded.


    "I am the chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang," the person in the cell said in a voice like thunder.


    "It''s a mistake. This is not our chief." The members of the zing Fire Gang turned back in disappointment, "Time is tight. Why don''t we head to the next one and rescue our chief first?"


    Chu Liang quickly advised, "Since we''re here, let''s save him too."


    <i>Good grief. This one is much more useful than your chief. Even if you guys aren''ting along, we have to take him with us.</i>


    <i>What are you thinking?</i>


    But before a hole that was big enough for a person to pass through was opened, someone with a strange ent shouted, "Who''s there?"


    As they turned over, they realized that a member of the Jimeng n had discovered them!


    This member of the Jimeng n immediately wanted to call for help, but Lin Bei quickly jumped forward and shouted, "Everything is fine! We''re just making a hole in the wall! It''s okay!"


    "Huh? Making a hole?" The member of the Jimeng n paused for a moment, appearing to be on a mental overload. Then, he realized something and said, "Isn''t that breaking someone out of prison?"


    However, in that moment of hesitation, a few burly guys had surrounded the Jimeng nsman.


    The Jimeng nsman guarding the prison was at the fifth realm of cultivation, while the experts in the zing Fire Gang, even the weakest one, was at the fifth realm. Obviously, dealing with this Jimeng nsman was a piece of cake! As the group hurdled forward, they unleashed the force of thunder!


    As the vice-chief swung herrge axe, the Jimeng nsman lifted his weapon to block. But it was useless. That one move sent him flying several zhang high!


    <i>Boom boom¡ª </i>As a few more explosions sounded and a few more strikes, the Jimeng nsman was knocked down. Yet, the explosions caused by the fifth-realm expert caught the attention of some in the distance.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    A dragon chant sounded from afar.


    The trantion of the chant immediately appeared in Chu Liang''s mind and he called out, "He''s calling for backup!"


    "Even though I don''t understand thenguage of dragons, I too know that it''s calling for backup," Lin Bei said. "I don''t think there are many Jimeng nsmen here so I think we can handle it!"


    <i>Bang bang bang bang¡ª</i>


    With that dragon chant, a series of heavy and rapid hoofbeats sounded.


    It was a squad of eight Jimeng Dragon Calvarymen with sharp sabers in their hands!


    This squad was incredibly powerful, with even three Jimeng nsmen among them who had reached the sixth realm of cultivation. As they rode forward, everyone immediately rose and rushed towards them, grabbing their weapons and unleashing their divine abilities.


    As the Jimeng nsmen fought, blood-red smoke of qi emanated from their bodies, making them resemble celestial soldiers. It was clear they were performing the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique!


    Immediately, Chu Liang used the same move. He activated his foundational qi and his body unleashed a surge of dragon aura, which instantly weakened the mes of qi unleashed by the Jimeng nsmen, who were also draconic descendants.


    It wasmon for draconic descendants to battle in this manner. Thepetition was all about the purity of dragon blood. Even if one had a higher cultivation, they could be restrained by someone with purer blood.


    It was thanks to the dragon blood within Chu Liang that he was able to suppress the Jimeng Dragon Cavalry, giving everyone a significant advantage!


    At that moment, the Jimeng n member who had been knocked down staggered to his feet and let out a loud dragon roar, "Roar¡ª"


    "He said to hold on for a while¡ªhe''s going to release that dragon!" Chu Liang eximed. He then immediately asked, "What dragon?"


    "It should be that South Sea Inferno Dragon. The city lord has imprisoned it and is performing some sort of modification on it," Lin Bei answered.


    "Huh? Then stop him quickly!" Chu Liang shouted.


    But it was already toote.


    In the blink of an eye, the Jimeng nsman sprinted to arge prison in the distance. As the silver scale on his forehead lit up, the talisman on the prison began to sh with a red light.


    That prison was indeed different. While the Jimeng nsman couldn''t open the other prisons, he could open this one. This suggested that the creature locked inside was likely an ally, but it had to be locked up because...it''s fierce?


    "Roar¡ª"


    A dragon chant echoed through the entire Python Belly City and reverberated across the hidden realm, like the sound of a legendary sword being unsheathed.


    Chu Liang listened closely to the chant, sensing two somewhat familiar auras within it. Thanks to his own dragon breath, he was particrly attuned to such things.


    Part of it came from the South Sea Inferno Dragon, and the other part... from the Dragon Soul of Baxia from that day!


    Chu Liang was stunned as he realized that the dragon soul released from Baxia''s tomb had been merged with the South Sea Inferno Dragon.


    In that moment, he understood why the city lord was so determined to capture the South Sea Inferno Dragon.


    "This person refined the Dragon Soul of Baxia, captured the South Sea Inferno Dragon, and then fused the two together. Isn''t this..." Chu Liang muttered, trailing off in disbelief.


    "A Xia Sea Dragon?" Lin Bei interjected.


    "Of all the words you could choose from those two names, you had to pick these?" the crowd shouted in unison.


    "Isn''t it a massively vicious beast..." Chu Liang continued, his voice trailing off.


    Such a heaven-defying method!


    The South Sea Inferno Dragon possessed Divine Dragon Fire and immense spiritual energy, while Baxia, a child of the Dragon, was unmatched in power and strength.


    Bybining the body of the South Sea Inferno Dragon with the Dragon Soul of Baxia, an unparalleled vicious beast with terrifying mes and invincible strength would be created!


    <i>Eh?</i>


    As Chu Liang was contemting this, he was reminded of someone..


    <i>Esteemed teacher? </i>he thought.


    <i>Boom boom boom¡ª</i>


    As the giant prison was opened, a sh of red light was followed by a massive explosion that engulfed the entire prison building and the Jimeng nsman who opened it in mes!


    It was the endless Divine Dragon Fire! The blood of those caught in it nearly evaporated on the spot!


    The divine fire was vast, incinerating all life in its path.


    At that moment, Chu Liang briefly grasped a fragment of the essence of the Dao of Incinerating Heaven, but he had no time to reflect on this now.


    A towering figure that lit up the night sky rose from the sea of mes. The Divine Dragon Fire enveloping its crimson-gold scales was so intense that the original form of the South Sea Inferno Dragon was barely visible.


    All they could see were its eyes, filled with bloodlust¡ªbrimming with ughter and madness!


    "What kind of monster did he create?"


    Anyone who witnessed this scene and heard the dragon chant was in deep shock. Even if they didn''t understand dragonnguage, they could feel the anger and madness in the chant.


    It wanted to kill all the living beings it saw!


    The observers trembled in their limbs and souls. They only wanted to escape!


    At this moment, Chu Liang finally understood the feelings of those who had once stood against Di Nufeng.


    It was despair.


    It was suffocating fear and despair!


    "There''s no escape!" Xu Bashan, still in the cell, roared, "Wait until I get out, and I will deal with it!"


    His shout brought everyone back to their senses.


    Indeed. Where could they escape to?


    Python Belly City was vast enough to house hundreds of thousands of humans, but for this unparalleled vicious beast, it was just a small manor.


    It could kill everyone here in an instant!


    The only one who could possibly deal with it was Xu Bashan, a cultivator at the seventh realm. As the chief of the Whale Gang, weak cultivation was definitely not a trait associated with him!


    Staying by his side was the safest option.


    Fortunately, while the entire world seemed to burn like an alchemical oven, and all living beings were in danger, the little golden butterfly was still carrying out Chu Liang''s orders.


    It just kept gnawing.


    Even when the whole world feared the Inferno Dragon, the little butterfly wasn''t afraid. It just kept gnawing.


    Gnawing continuously.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The Inferno Dragon, now dangerously close,unched itself forward.


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    The sound of fire waves echoed, and in that instant, everyone stopped breathing...


    Finally, at this critical moment, the chains binding Xu Bashan''s limbs were released!


    "<i>HAH¡ª</i>"


    A sudden shout erupted from behind. It was like the rumble of rolling thunder!


    A Daoist figure, resembling the Thunder God himself, swept past everyone with great momentum. The mere rumbling left in his wake caused their eardrums to tremble.


    Is this the power of an expert at the seventh realm?


    Everyone was shocked to their core.


    They watched as the thunderous figure collided head-on with the diving Inferno Dragon!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    But just before the impact, the twelve silver dragon scales on Xu Bashan''s body suddenly shed.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...</i>" He let out a painful cry as his connection to the Dao was instantly severed.


    These twelve dragon scales turned out to be an incredibly powerful seal!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    The frenzied Inferno Dragon, bound by no code of martial virtue, crashed directly into Xu Bashan, sending him flying.


    <i>Boom boom boom¡ª</i>


    Stters of Divine Dragon Fire exploded on the gliding Xu Bashan, embedding him almost into the ground. Amidst the ze of fire and smoke, he was clearly unconscious.


    <i>Ah?</i>


    In that instant, everyone experienced a roller coaster of emotions¡ªfrom the despair and fear of being targeted by the Inferno Dragon, to the sudden hope when Xu Bashan broke free, and then back to despair as he was swiftly knocked down...


    It was unbelievable that such extreme ups and downs could ur in the blink of an eye.


    For a moment, everyone was stunned, not knowing what to do. Countless emotions converged in their hearts, ultimately culminating in one thought.


    <i>Is that it?</i>

 Chapter 396: Going Against The Current In The Sea of Fire

    <h4>Chapter 396: Going Against The Current In The Sea of Fire</h4>


    It waste at night.


    Jiang Shenting stood outside the Giant Whale Mountain Manor, his tall figure silhouetted against thete-night sky.


    The grand banquet of the immortal sects had ended, yet he remained there, fixing his gaze on the distant horizon.


    "Chief, it''s alreadyte. Why not return and rest?" a voice beside him urged gently. "We have to rise early tomorrow to prepare for the grand ceremony."


    Jiang Shenting shook his head. "Hongqiu hasn''t returned yet. She said she''d arrive a day early. I''ll wait for her a bit longer."


    "Perhaps the Lady-I mean Miss Xu has been dyed by something?"


    The attendant nearly addressed her as the youngdy out of habit, but quickly corrected himself, recalling that her father was no longer the chief.


    Jiang Shenting sighed, a heaviness in his tone. "It''s possible, but there''s no harm in waiting a little longer. I know she must resent me for taking her father''s position like this. Whether I can resolve that or not, I must at least treat her with the respect she deserves." He paused and added, "Remember, she is still the youngdy of the Whale Gang. Her status remains unchanged. Treat her as you always have."


    "Yes." The attendant nodded in agreement.


    After turning around and retreating back into the manor, the attendant couldn''t help but remark to the others, "The chief is truly too kind."


    The autumn night was cool, with a chill settling into the air.


    After some time, a sharp whistle echoed from the sky, as if a colossal creature had soared overhead before spiraling downward.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A powerful gust of wind swept through, so fierce that people could not open their eyes. Jiang Shenting''s hair and robes billowed wildly, yet he remained unmoved.


    As the wind died down, it revealed a monstrous beast.


    The creature was enormous, with wings that spanned wide and thick, its body armored in scales that shimmered like molten fire. A fiery mane encircled its neck, and its head, resembling a deer''s, bore sharp, intelligent eyes and a pair of antlers that twisted like chaotic des.


    It was extremely vicious.


    As itnded, its gaze locked onto Jiang Shenting, fierce and unyielding, though it made no sound.


    Jiang Shenting recognized this beast at a nce.


    Feilian[1] was a demonic beast, ranked just below the four great vicious beasts of the world. It had once roamed unchecked, feared by all, until it was subdued by Huang Hanshan, Lord of Thunderbolt Stronghold, who made it his personal mount.


    Huang Hanshan had a particr fondness for the beast''s ferocity and rarely parted from it.


    Yet now, the wildness in Feilian''s eyes was unmistakable. Without Huang Hanshan''s control, it would likely revert to its vicious instincts in an instant.


    "Hahaha!" A boomingugh suddenly erupted from behind the fierce creature.


    "Brother Jiang! I didn''t expect to find you outside the manor weing guests at thiste hour! I was waiting for Hongqiu because I wanted to travel here with her, which caused a bit of a dy. I hope you''ll forgive us!"


    The voice was loud and rugged, clearly sounding like a man brimming with dominance and power.


    Sure enough, a group of cultivators descended from Feilian''s back, led by a middle-aged man with a broad, weathered face, a grizzled beard, and fierce eyes that gleamed like a predator''s.


    The man stood tall and imposing like a steel fortress, his broad frame, with muscles bulging visibly even beneath his wide robes. Each stride was powerful, reminiscent of a dragon or a tiger, and hisughter rumbled like distant thunder.


    Even from a distance, an invisible pressure radiated from him.


    As his gaze swept over the gathering, the attendants behind Jiang Shenting¡ªall cultivators themselves¡ªinstinctively lowered their heads, avoiding his eyes.


    All except for Jiang Shenting himself.


    The newly appointed chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang met the man''s gaze with a slight smile. "Lord Huang, it''s an honor to have you personally grace us with your presence. I only regret that I couldn''t escort you all the way from the Southern Regions."


    His gaze shifted as he continued, "Hongqiu, you''re back as well? I was starting to worry about you."


    Beside Huang Hanshan stood a tall young woman, dressed in a striking scarlet robe, her hair tied back with a cloak flowing behind her. She was vibrant and full of spirit. At this moment, her gaze was fixed on Jiang Shenting, her eyes bright and intense. When he called her name, she nodded slightly and responded, "Uncle Jiang."


    Behind her stood the disciples of Thunderbolt Stronghold, including two of the three young masters, Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao. The man with tanned skin, thick eyebrows, andrge,manding eyes was Wei Tiandi, while the man with a long beard and ageless features was Deng Yixiao.


    Huang Hanshan''s favorite disciple, Du Wuhen, however, was stationed at Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    "I heard there were mysterious giant waves in the South Sea a few days ago, so I went to investigate," Xu Hongqiu exined. "I also took the opportunity to visit my uncle[2] at Thunderbolt Stronghold."


    "Oh?" Jiang Shenting''s eyes lit up, "Did you gain anything from the trip?"


    Xu Hongqiu shook her head, a hint of sadness in her expression. "No, it was a wasted trip."


    Jiang Shenting sighed along with her. "<i>Haaaaa...</i>"


    "Brother Jiang, don''t worry. Xu Bashan is my sworn brother. I will find him, alive or dead!" Huang Hanshan dered firmly. "And until I do, you must ensure my niece is well taken care of within the Whale Gang. If anyone dares to bully her, they''ll have me to answer to."


    "Rest assured, Lord Huang," Jiang Shenting replied solemnly. "Hongqiu will always be the youngdy of our Whale Gang. Nothing will change."


    "Hahaha! Now that you''ve said that, I''m relieved." Huang Hanshan stepped forward, patting Jiang Shenting on the shoulder with a bold, reassuring gesture. As he walked away, his voice boomed like thunder, "And if I catch the one who harmed my brother, I''ll make them suffer so much that they''ll find no relief in either life or death."


    His voice carried far, echoing across the manor grounds.


    It was obvious that he hade this time to support Xu Hongqiu.


    A sharp glint shed in Jiang Shenting''s eyes as he turned to walk alongside Huang Hanshan. He then said solemnly, "There''s no need for Lord Huang to trouble himself. The Whale Gang will ensure the culprit is brought to justice. Otherwise, the world might think the chief of the Whale Gang can be easily trifled with, and that''s something that concerns me deeply."


    Huang Hanshanughed heartily, then pointed to Feilian behind him, addressing the attendants of Giant Whale Manor. "My beast will be handled by Thunderbolt Stronghold''s people. Stay clear of it, or it might eat you if it gets angry!"


    ...


    By the time everything was settled, it was already past midnight.


    Jiang Shenting finally returned to his room to rest. He wasn''t staying in the main hall that traditionally belonged to the chief of the Whale Gang yet, but rather in a side chamber where he had resided as the leader of the Eastern Whale Division. He would officially move after tomorrow''s inauguration ceremony.


    As he approached the chamber, he noticed someone already waiting for him.


    "Did Huang Hanshane?" the person asked.


    The man had red hair and a red beard, tall and rugged, dressed in a ck robe with his chest exposed.


    "He and Xu Bashan have been friends for many years. It''s no surprise he came to support Xu Hongqiu this time," Jiang Shenting replied as he sat down.


    "I think you should get rid of the problem entirely. Why not just kill that little girl too?" the red-haired man suggested casually, as if discussing something as trivial as crushing an ant.


    "Going after Xu Bashan was already a risky move. If we target Xu Hongqiu as well, don''t you think people will start to suspect it was me?" Jiang Shenting replied in a deep voice. "Besides, Xu Bashan may be gone, but the forces he built over the years are deeply entrenched. Even after I be the chief, it will take time to fully gain control over the Northern and Western Whale Divisions. Without Xu Hongqiu, those factions will likely scatter, and it will be nearly impossible to unite them again."


    The Four Seas Whale Gang wielded immense power, boasting tens of thousands of members within the gang itself, not to mention the countless affiliated factions that swelled their ranks beyond measure.


    This immense power was also the reason it had ascended to be one of the Terrestrial Ten, despite being merely a martial world faction.


    Having a lot of people does not always mean having real power in the world of immortal cultivation, but having enough people still makes a big difference.


    The connections between these vast factions were intricate and intertwined. The chief could only manage them through a series of key nodes, and if one major node were to suddenly disappear, it would inevitably lead to chaos.


    Of course, Jiang Shenting didn''t exin all of this. He figured that, given the red-haired man''s limited understanding, it would be difficult to make him grasp the intricacies, even if he tried.


    "I don''t understand all the intricacies. Anyway, I''m staying here to keep an eye on you. Once you take office tomorrow, don''t forget our agreement," the red-haired man said.


    "Even if you, Chi Menshen[3], forget, I won''t," Jiang Shenting said, staring at him. Then he asked, "When do you n to kill Xu Bashan?"


    "Heh, no rush," the red-haired man, known as Chi Menshen, alsoughed. "Xu Bashan has been in charge of the Whale Gang for so many years. He must have a lot of important information. The more we get out of him, the more it will benefit you."


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Jiang Shenting sneered.


    He naturally understood the intentions of these people. As long as Xu Bashan was in their grasp, they held a card to keep him in check. As long as Xu Bashan lived, he would be under their control.


    "As long as you don''t mess it up, I won''t go back on my word," Jiang Shenting said. "If Xu Bashan escapes and makes it back here, I will naturally be doomed, and at that time, I will definitely drag you all down with me."


    "Heh, don''t worry." Chi Menshen said as he patted his chest. "Xu Bashan has been locked inside the belly of the Heaven-Devouring Python by Little Ji, with multiple seals added. If he can escape, I''ll take your surname!"


    ...


    Inside Python Belly City.


    At this moment, everyone was looking at Xu Bashan, whoy at the bottom of a pit surrounded by roaring mes. All they were thinking was that he probably wouldn''t make it out alive.


    <i>So what should we do?</i>


    The answer was obvious: run.


    But the Inferno Dragon, which was only momentarily dyed by Xu Bashan, was already charging forward again. Who could possibly escape from it?


    "Split up and run!"


    In this critical moment, Chu Liang could only shout out a desperatemand before turning and flying away on his sword.


    As the old saying goes, "When your father dies and your mother remarries, everyone is on their own."


    In this situation, no amount of sacrifice could stop the Inferno Dragon. It was better to split up and try to give as many people as possible a chance to escape. Though fleeing might only prolong their fear, where else could they hide from the relentless hunt of the Inferno Dragon within Python Belly City?


    Upon hearing Chu Liang''smand, everyone snapped out of their paralyzing fear and scattered like a burst of fireworks, fleeing in all directions.


    As the crazed eyes of the Inferno Dragon reflected the tiny figures fleeing, a hint of cruelty and mockery surfaced in its gaze.


    "<i>Roaaaaaarrr</i>."


    It suddenly opened its mouth wide and let out a muffled roar.


    A surge of vibrant crimson-gold mes burst forth, like a zing red sun emerging from the depths of the sea!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The fireball exploded outward, transforming into countless ming meteors that streaked through the sky, instantly engulfing everyone who hadn''t managed to escape far enough!


    This vicious beast...


    Though consumed by its crazed thirst for ughter, it still remembered the divine abilities of the Inferno Dragon n from the South Sea!


    There was no chance of survival!


    Each burst of me was like a miniature Inferno Dragon, fierce and unstoppable. In an instant, everyone who had just scattered was sted down from the sky!


    No, there was one person who remained unharmed.


    Chu Liang was the first to escape.


    Hearing the chorus of screams behind him, Chu Liang was able to see the entire scene with his divine sense. Strangely, not a single me was directed toward him, as if they were deliberately avoiding him.


    <i>What is going on?</i>


    <i>Could it be...</i>


    A vague suspicion formed in Chu Liang''s mind.


    Before him loomed the image of the ultimate ferocious beast, howling and rampaging, preparing to unleash a sea of mes that would consume everything in its path. The others who had fled with him had already been struck down, their fates uncertain. If he left now, they would certainly perish. For some reason, the Inferno Dragon hadn''t attacked him.


    <i>Should I run?</i>


    A fleeting moment of hesitation shed in Chu Liang''s eyes, but then he turned back, charging forward with resolute determination, unwavering as he faced the fierce dragon head-on¡ªlike a moth flying into fire.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>" The Inferno Dragon unleashed wave after wave of mes, obliterating everything in its path. Even the sturdiest ck rocks crumbled under the relentless burning of the Divine Dragon Fire.


    Yet, Chu Liang, charging headlong, arrived directly in front of those zing golden irises!


    He plunged into the sea of mes, confronting the fierce dragon!


    At this moment, his figure dove into the overwhelming Divine Dragon mes, appearing so small, yet radiating a spark of light.


    Strangely, as his figure was fully reflected in the Inferno Dragon''s vertical pupils, the ferocity in its eyes seemed to wane.


    "<i>Roar...</i>"


    The Inferno Dragon hesitated, its torrent of mes pausing as it let out a low, confused growl. The light in its vertical pupils flickered, as if it were struggling with something deep within.


    Then, Chu Liang raised his hand, revealing a glowing orb! Though small in his grasp, the light it emitted was as bright as the stars.


    <i>I have a shining orb that can illuminate a thousand rivers and mountains!</i>


    1. Check Trantor''s Thought for Exnation. ?


    2. Not blood-rted uncle. Just sworn brother of her father. ?


    3. This name means The Keeper of the Crimson Door ?

 Chapter 397: Run. Go Ahead and Run. (I)

    <h4>Chapter 397: Run. Go Ahead and Run. (I)</h4>


    It was the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    The essence of the ancient Blue Dragon''s cultivation was condensed into an orb. It served as the key to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm and all of its power. As long as the person wielding the orb was strong enough, they could be the god of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    Be it in terms of how vast the hidden realm was or how much spiritual energy it contained, the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm surpassed Python Belly City by a hundredfold. It was just like the difference between the ancient Blue Dragon and the Heaven-Devouring Python.


    Chu Liang''s current cultivation level was not high enough to activate many of the Blue Dragon''s Orb''s powers. Nevertheless, he could at least do one thing: connect to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm and let the aura contained in there flow out.


    All he could do at present was open up a gateway for aura. However, if he reached a higher cultivation level one day... perhaps the sixth or seventh realm, he could even open up a portal that could transport him into the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm whenever he wanted! Then he would never be trapped in situations like the one he was stuck in inside Python Belly City.


    It would be like having a Shattering the Void jade talisman that can be used at any time, but unlike Shattering the Void, Chu Liang would be able to set the destination. The portal to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm would be an incredible life-saving tool. If he were to encounter danger, he could simply open the portal and teleport to his backyard.


    Of course, Chu Liang had to get through today''s challenge first for him to even have a chance at acquiring that power.


    In front of him right now, there was an extremely vicious beast that looked like it had gone mad. Yet, under the light of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, the beast gradually calmed down.


    When the Divine Dragon Fire descended from the sky like rain earlier, it had, for some reason, avoided Chu Liang. That led Chu Liang to suspect something. Considering that this maddened Inferno Dragon had killed even the draconic descendants, it surely did not feel any affinity for the faint dragon breath that lingered on Chu Liang. So, what could be the reason for the difference in treatment?


    The Dragon Soul in Baxia''s tomb had been derived from the Dragon God''s throne and had no consciousness. Therefore, the City Lord of Python Belly City had been able to refine it very easily, making it entirely his own. He then killed the soul of the South-Sea Inferno Dragon and integrated Baxia''s Dragon Soul into the South-Sea Inferno Dragon''s body. With that, the City Lord had made a vicious beast that killed on sight, and he was its only master.


    Nevertheless, if there was anything in the world that could control this Dragon Soul, it would only be its origin¡ªthe Dragon God''s throne! And the Dragon God''s throne was within the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    <i>I''m linked to the Blue Dragon''s Orb, so I''ve long been stained with the aura of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. Could this be why the Inferno Dragon treats me differently?</i>


    Chu Liang decisively turned back and raised the Blue Dragon''s Orb toward the Inferno Dragon.


    As the Inferno Dragon basked in the magnificent radiance of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, its rage gradually died down, just as Chu Liang had expected.


    The Inferno Dragon let out soft growls, "<i>Raar...</i>"


    It sounded like a child whispering helplessly to its mother.


    Chu Liang slowly directed the orb''s light toward the Inferno Dragon''s head.


    Then he softly gave an order. "Withdraw your mes, and stop harming others."


    The Inferno Dragon raised its head and let out a long cry. "<i>Raaaaaaaaar.</i>"


    Chu Liang was so surprised that he nearly turned and ran, but when he looked closely, he realized that the Inferno Dragon''s roar was one of tion. It was happily wagging its super long tail and even identally knocked down several ck-rock buildings in the process.


    Chu Liang noticed there was a figure buried under one of the copsed buildings and wondered who the unlucky person was. They had gotten knocked out by the Inferno Dragon when it was mad and then suffered from its yful actions too.


    <i>Such a small action caused such great harm...</i>


    While Chu Liang experienced an emotional rollercoaster, the Inferno Dragon drew a very deep breath, and the fierce, scorching Divine Dragon mes around them suddenly vanished. The Inferno Dragon had sucked them all up into its mouth!


    The Inferno Dragon''s chest swelled up. Momentster, the Inferno Dragon slowly exhaled two streams of dense smoke from its nostrils.


    The absence of mes revealed a scene of broken and crumbling walls, with bodies strewn about. It was unclear how many of them were still alive.


    Chu Liang was just about to check on the others when he saw one of the bodies move. The person flipped over and stood up.


    "Is everything okay now?"


    That person was Lin Bei.


    "Are you all right?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Before I even had the chance to react and run, they got hit by the fireball. I knew I couldn''t escape, so I just yed dead on the spot," Lin Bei said, scratching his head with a smile.


    "Same." The vice-chief, who was nearby, got up as well. "When it went beserk, it seemed like it would attack anyone who moved, so I figured it might be best to just y dead.


    "Good thing you subdued it, or else we''d have all been burned to death by the Divine Dragon Fire in no time."


    The members of the zing Fire Gang all stood up one by one.


    <i>Well, then. </i>Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile. <i>It turns out that the huge fire didn''t do much harm.</i>


    The Divine Dragon Fire was incredibly mighty, but it was not as powerful as the Samadhi True Fire, which could obliterate everything. Almost everyone present was a martial artist at the fifth or sixth realm, so their corporeal bodies were strong enough that they had managed to endure the fire, instead of dying instantly. They had not been able to avoid getting burned all over, but they had all survived in the end.


    As for the third-realm cultivator Lin Bei, it was fortunate that, although his body had been slow to react, his mind had worked quickly. If that fireball had hit him, he would have been burned to ashes and scattered all over the ce by now.


    The vice-chief said, "We''re very lucky that everyone is okay..."


    "Really?" Lin Bei pointed at the copsed buildings. "Earlier, it looked like several people got buried under the rubble."


    "<i>Ah!</i>"


    The zing Fire Gang members exchanged shocked nces and rushed toward the still scorching rubble, shouting, "Chief! Hold on! Chiiiiiiief!"


    In thatrge charred pity Xu Bashan, who was now pitch-ck from head to toe. Hearing the voices calling for him, his eyelids twitched slightly.


    ...


    Amid the vast East Sea, where there were boundless rolling waves... there was an ind, and the mood there was quite tense.


    Di Nufeng sat with her arms crossed over her chest, looking imposing. She did not say a single word and only asionally nced at the little fatty beside her.


    The little fatty had his gaze fixed on her, and whenever their eyes met, he would give an awkward smile.


    "It should be here soon."


    "Don''t be afraid. I trust in the abilities of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. I''ll wait as long as it takes, until we find the Heaven-Devouring Python," Di Nufeng said softly.


    Zhou Yijian sighed in relief. "That''s good then..."


    Di Nufeng added, "But you''ll have to wait here with me. For each day that the Heaven-Devouring Python doesn''t appear, that''s one more day you''ll have to stay."


    Zhou Yijian wore a pained expression. "Big Sis Feng, I''m swamped with tasks..."


    Di Nufeng shot him a sidelong nce. "Are you the only one that''s busy? Am I not busy?"


    Zhou Yijian blinked, feeling rather puzzled. <i>Is that not the case?</i>


    Seeing Zhou Yijian''s expression, Di Nufeng sheepishly paused for a moment. Then she said in a much quieter voice, "I have a huge fruit garden at home..."


    ...


    The day before, Di Nufeng had gone to find Zhou Yijian, wanting him to help her divine Chu Liang''s whereabouts. Zhou Yijian had no choice but to agree to do as she asked. However, he had not known how huge a task that would be until he actually tried to locate Chu Liang''s whereabouts.


    Zhou Yijian first performed a simple divination to find Chu Liang, but all he saw was a blur.


    Noticing something was up, Di Nufeng questioned him, "Can you do it or not?"


    Zhou Yijian broke out in a cold sweat.


    He then tried to divine the cause of Chu Liang''s disappearance and the vicious beast responsible, but he was once again met with a blur.


    Considering Zhou Yijian''s skills, it might just be a coincidence that he got one blurry reading. But it happened a second and then a third times... The only exnation was that someone had obscured the secrets of heaven!


    Someone had indeed cast spells to obscure the secrets of heaven concerning the Heaven-Devouring Python, and it had been done long before Zhou Yijian''s attempt to locate Chu Liang. Otherwise, how could the Whale Gang have been unable to find Xu Bashan for so long? They had already asked divination experts to locate their chief ages ago.


    Regardless, Zhou Yijian had already agreed to help find Chu Liang, so he could not bring himself to say that he could not divine Chu Liang''s whereabouts. He was too afraid to say it.


    So, Zhou Yijian had no choice but to grit his teeth and return to his sect. He had to request for permission to the use his sect''s legendary artifact, Omniscience.

 Chapter 398: Run. Go Ahead and Run. (II)

    <h4>Chapter 398: Run. Go Ahead and Run. (II)</h4>


    Ranked twenty-first in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, the codex Omniscience was the world''s most powerful legendary artifact for divination.


    Rumor had it that, considering its abilities, Omniscience should rank at least in the top twenty of the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. However, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion feared too many people would seek it out for divination, so they deliberately ranked it lower. Despite that, it still held the twenty-first rank.


    A lot of paperwork was required to apply for permission to use Omniscience. Zhou Yijian was the head of the Wind-Catching Hall, but it wasn''t easy for him to get permission to use it.


    Fortunately, contacting his teacher, Elder Huang, solved that problem. Elder Huang''s status was so high in the Celestial Pivot Pavilion that he could even allow outsiders to use Omniscience, so there was no issue with his disciple using it once.


    Zhou Yijian divined Chu Liang''s whereabouts once more, this time using Omniscience. He finally had a clear vision of a scene. The Heaven-Devouring Python swallowed a towering water prison whole, and at the edge of that water prison was Chu Liang.


    Atst, the culprit of Chu Liang''s disappearance had been found. It was the Heaven-Devouring Python again!


    Back when Xu Bashan disappeared, the Whale Gang paid a huge fee for the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to agree to their request to use Omniscience. The result of the divination was was the same scene that Zhou Yijian just saw. Nevertheless, even after finding out that Xu Bashan''s ship had been swallowed by the Heaven-Devouring Python, they still couldn''t locate his whereabouts.


    Cold sweat streamed down Zhou Yijian''s face.


    Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined that Chu Liang had disappeared in the same way.


    <i>Well, this is a big problem.</i>


    Di Nufeng watched Zhou Yijian with a cold gaze, not saying a word. Zhou Yijian thought that Di Nufeng was even more terrifying when she was silent than when she shouted that she wanted to fight and kill.


    He had always known that when Di Nufeng barked a lot, she wouldn''t bite. It was when she was silent that she would be absolutely ferocious...


    In the end, Elder Huang urgently returned to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, had a meeting with several of the pavilion''s greatest divination experts, and even alerted the pavilion master, Enlightened Wulou. After all that, they came up with a n.


    The Whale Gang had not received such great treatment when their chief went missing!


    Normally, when outsiders went to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to request their help, the pavilion would put in a totally different amount of effort. There certainly would not be a high-ranking member of the pavilion like Elder Huang running around sincerely to help the outsider.


    After analyzing Chu Liang''s situation, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s conclusion was that it was impossible to divine the Heaven-Devouring Python''s location, as someone had obscured the secrets of heaven rted to it. Nheless, the Heaven-Devouring Python''s ginormous size meant it could only roam the Four Seas.


    As long as it moved, there would definitely be a trail of its movements, which might have a regr pattern. A being of the Heaven-Devouring Python''s size would cause the earth to quake and mountains to shake wherever it passed; it was impossible for it to move stealthily.


    So, the group of divination experts made separate divinations of the Four Seas, extracting any possible routes the Heaven-Devouring Python might take. Then they used Omniscience to divine which path it would take next. In the end, they divined that there was a sixty percent chance that the Heaven-Devouring Python would pass by this ind in the East Sea today.


    After that, Di Nufeng dragged Zhou Yijian over there to wait for the Heaven-Devouring Python. Nheless, even after waiting for many hours, the creature still had not appeared.


    "This..." Zhou Yijian uttered, mulling over what to say. Then he said hesitantly, "We put in our best efforts, but we could only divine a 60% chance of the Heaven-Devouring Python taking this path. So, it is possible... that the python may not pass through here."


    Di Nufeng let out a coldugh. "<i>Hah.</i>"


    That nearly made Zhou Yijian burst into tears.


    Right then, Di Nufeng''s knitted eyebrows suddenly rxed, and she stood up swiftly, looking into the distance!


    The breeze was still, and the waves were quiet. However, Di Nufeng had sensed something!


    Zhou Yijian''s expression shifted from sorrow to joy atst. "It''s here! It''s finally here!"


    He sounded like he was crying with joy.


    "Many thanks to your sect," Di Nufeng said suddenly. "Regardless of whether I can save my disciple, I''ll remember the help you''ve given me."


    "We did indeed put in a lot of effort¡ª"


    Zhou Yijian wanted to say something, but Di Nufeng cut him off.


    "Your debt for smearing me¡ªlet''s call it even with this. We''ll owe each other nothing from now on."


    Zhou Yijian was stunned again. <i>Oh, so you counted this request for help as a favor from me?</i>


    At the next moment, Di Nufeng leaped into the air, and a pair of zing wings unfurled from her back! She instantly took on the form of a fiery Divine Phoenix soaring into the sky!


    Di Nufeng looked particrly dazzling as a fiery Divine Phoenix!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    It was a well-known fact that Di Nufeng wasn''t skilled in waterbat.


    So, when she plunged into the sea, she used her raging Samadhi True Fire to immediately evaporate the seawater within a hundred zhang of her, creating a void wherever she passed by! Be it fish, shrimp, or shellfish, everything in the sea around Di Nufeng disappeared!


    A momentter, Zhou Yijian could even smell a foul fishy scent rising from the sea.


    Di Nufeng advanced at full speed through the sea. After the brief time it took to take a breath, she saw an enormous shadow ahead.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python was truly enormous. It was simply impossible for a beingrge enough to swallow a city whole to hide!


    Nevertheless, when this ginormous creature¡ªpossibly thergest creature in the world¡ªsensed the formidable aura charging toward it at full speed, its first reaction was...


    <i>Run!</i>


    The approaching figure was so small yet so terrifying! That aura made the Heaven-Devouring Python tremble with fear!


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    Massive waves suddenly surged in the East Sea as a great force rose from the seabed. The turbulent waves of a tsunami smashed against the shore.


    Normally, the Heaven-Devouring Python wouldn''t dare make any movements that would cause a tsunami because it was afraid of being discovered by humans. It saw its tremendous size as a huge source of distress. Whatever the Heaven-Devouring Python ate¡ªbe it an ind or a small state¡ªwould always end up causing humans to hunt it down.


    Fortunately, the Heaven-Devouring Python had encountered its current master, who obscured the flow of its qi. That had allowed the Heaven-Devouring Python to eat freely.


    However, its eating habits had still led it into ruin in the end. Now, it cared for nothing but to escape!


    In no time, Di Nufeng had already reached the tail of the Heaven-Devouring Python!


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    When the Samadhi True Fire evaporated the seawater, it came into contact with the giant tail of the Heaven-Devouring Python, shooting a wave of searing pain up its body.


    <i>Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot!</i>


    Frightened, the Heaven-Devouring Python shot into the air!


    That''s right. It could fly!


    However, it was a world-shocking event whenever the Heaven-Devouring Python took to the skies, all thanks to its tremendous size. That was why it had always remained hidden underwater in the sea. Nevertheless, the Heaven-Devouring Python was now in a critical moment of life and death; this was no time to be caring about such things.


    In an instant, something that looked like massive ck clouds ascended from the East Sea, blocking out the daylight! It rose from the east and moved to the west! The droplets of seawater that fell from the Heaven-Devouring Python''s body turned into a spurt of torrential rain.


    Following closely behind the Heaven-Devouring Python was a ball of fire with the vague shape of a phoenix. Its radiance shone through the vast ck clouds like the sun rising at dawn.


    On the ground, countless people looked up at the ck clouds. They had no idea what was happening.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python was rathercking in intelligence. There was a great contrast between its tremendous size and its small brain.


    In this intensely dire moment of impending death, the Heaven-Devouring Python did not care at all that its presence had been exposed. It just wanted to find its master!


    <i>Help! Save this python!</i>


    Meanwhile, Di Nufeng was flying behind the Heaven-Devouring Python. The wings of her Divine Phoenix form, which were made of Samadhi True Fire, showed no signs of burning out. It seemed like they would stay aze forever, illuminating the sky with their divine radiance!


    As Di Nufeng drew near to the Heaven-Devouring Python, she reached out, wanting to grab it. However, the Samadhi True Fire was not meant for grabbing things. So, instead of using her fiery wings, Di Nufeng extended a w and sliced off the tip of the Heaven-Devouring Python''s tail! The fastest de in the world was not the sharpest but the one that burned the hottest!


    The Heaven-Devouring Python let out a rare scream of terror. "<i>HIIIIISSSSS!!!</i>"


    It was truly terrified!


    <i>Someone save me! Save me! Save me!</i>


    Di Nufeng said, "Run. Go ahead and run. I want to see if you can escape from my grasp!"


    Her horrifyingughter echoed through the sky, making the Heaven-Devouring Python even more afraid.


    "<i>Kekekekekeke...</i>"

 Chapter 399: Set the Sail!

    <h4>Chapter 399: Set the Sail!</h4>


    As the smoke settled in Python Belly City, the group gathered in a circle, discussing their next steps.


    However, it was difficult for them to focus, as the ferocious Inferno Dragony quietly on the ground behind Chu Liang, its zing golden irises fixed on them. Though it no longer appeared ferocious and evil, its presence was still terrifying.


    Some mes would feel colder as you grow closer to it.


    "Don''t be afraid..." Chu Liang said, forcing a smile. Although he was scared as well, he tried to reassure the others. "We still need to rely on it to get out of here."


    The Dragon Soul of Baxia within the Inferno Dragon was like that of an innocent infant, one that had never seen the outside world since birth. The murderous and bloodthirsty nature instilled by the Lord of the Python Belly City had turned it into a vicious beast.


    But It had calmed down through Chu Liang''s constant soothing.


    To put it simply, it was not very intelligent.


    It had been filled with rage from being imprisoned for so long. When it was finally released, it wanted to destroy everything around it, much like an angry child throwing a tantrum.


    The terrifying part was that it truly had the power to destroy everything.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang had temporarily stabilized the Inferno Dragon with the aura of the Blue Dragon''s Orb. But this was only a temporary solution; there was no telling when the dragon might suddenly be overwhelmed by negative emotions again.


    It could be in a very good mood, wag its tail at you, and then, as a sign of affection, spit out a small ball of mes in your direction.


    Anything was possible.


    "Can we really rely on it?" Lin Bei whispered as he leaned closer. "Isn''t Chief Xu also a seventh-realm expert?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, a hurtful hiss echoed from the side.


    "Owh¡ª" Xu Bashan groaned as he tore a blood-stained silver scale from his body.


    This was the third one.


    The silver scale seal ced on him by the Lord of Python Belly City had caused unbearable pain, and each scale was became even more difficult to remove than thest.


    "Seems like we can''t count on him..." Lin Bei muttered.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Bashan immediately opened his eyes and said, "Give me some time, and I will remove all these silver scales and restore my cultivation power to its peak. Once that happens, breaking out of this hidden realm will be a piece of cake."


    "Jiang Shenting''s inauguration ceremony should be starting soon by now," Chu Liang said as he gazed into the distance.


    "Let''s ride the dragon," Xu Bashan said as he suddenly stood up. "It seems quite docile."


    "The chaos in this hidden realm has not been quelled, so I request that the members of the zing Fire Gang stay here. If Chief Xu and we manage to make it out, we will surely subdue the Heaven-Devouring Python and then take everyone in Python Belly City out," said Chu Liang.


    It was unrealistic to expect everyone in Python Belly City to ride the Inferno Dragon out together. The dragon wouldn''t be able to shuttle back and forth, carrying people out, and there was no guarantee it would even be willing to transport them. Given this uncertainty, Chu Liang decided that he, Lin Bei, and Xu Bashan should leave first.


    By then, whether it be subduing the Heaven-Devouring Python or asking for support from the Mount Shu Sect and the Four Seas Whale Gang, they would be more prepared.


    As for those in Python Belly City, they would have to wait slightly longer.


    The leader of the zing Fire Gang, Hua Zhengshan, had yet to regain consciousness due to the severe injuries he sustained. The building had copsed on him, and he was badly burned while trapped inside. The members of the zing Fire Gang, wanting to stay and care for him, agreed to the n.


    After all, they had been in the hidden realm for many years and weren¡¯t in a rush to leave.


    Ji Lingfeng was tempted to join the first group, but considering the dangers the Inferno Dragon might face while breaking through the hidden realm, he decided to wait a bit longer.


    After all, Chu Liang and Xu Bashan were the ones in a hurry to return home. Why would he be rushing to go home?[1]


    After the n was decided, Chu Liang, Lin Bei, and Xu Bashan climbed onto the back of the Inferno Dragon.


    At first, Chu Liang felt a bit nervous as he mounted the dragon, but seeing how obediently it behaved, he finally rxed.


    Then, Chu Liang leaned down on its head andmanded, "Take off."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the Inferno Dragon soared into the sky, its Divine Dragon Fire surged.


    "Owh... Tell it to put out the fire, it''s burning hot!" Lin Bei cried out in distress, but the Inferno Dragon paid no heed as it suddenly charged toward the dim halo in the sky.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, it crashed into the halo and passed through. The next moment, they caught sight of the faint glow of an enchanted formation behind the halo.


    "Break through it! We''re getting out!" Chu Liang shouted.


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    The Inferno Dragon let out a powerful roar and mmed forcefully into the gate!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Fierce mes erupted from the impact, bursting through the crack.


    ...


    The heavy doors to the great hall creaked open, revealing a spacious hall nked by numerous tables¡ªthis was the Ocean Tempest Hall of the Whale Gang!


    The members of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, who hade to witness the inauguration ceremony, were seated inside the hall in their designated spots.


    Outside the great hall, a wide set of stone steps descended to an expansive public square, where esteemed heroes from various factions had gathered.


    Today marked the inauguration of the new chief of the Whale Gang, and anyone with connections had naturallye to offer their congrattions. Over ten thousand people were gathered inside and outside the hall, eager to witness the event.


    Jiang Shenting slowly ascended the stone steps, pausing at the top to take in the vast sky and clouds. With his back to the Ocean Tempest Hall, he felt a profound sense of pride and aplishment.


    "Everyone!" he called out loudly, his voice carried by the wind to every corner of the square.


    "My cultivation level may be modest, and my experience limited, but today I stand on this high tform because Chief Xu is missing, and the Whale Gang cannot be left leaderless. Secondly, because my brothers in the gang trust me and believe in my character. Today, I promise you all that I, Jiang Shenting, will lead the Whale Gang forward and not disappoint any of my brothers'' expectations..."


    There was some truth in his words; if not for his ambition, he wouldn¡¯t have fought for the position of chief.


    The fact was that the Eastern Whale Division in recent years had achieved remarkable sess through Jiang Shenting''s leadership. On the other hand, the other three divisions had remained stagnant and were left far behind.


    Therefore, Jiang Shenting had the support not only of the Eastern Whale Division but also of the younger factions within the other three divisions. Without the backing of these reformists, he wouldn¡¯t have risen to power, even in Xu Bashan¡¯s absence.


    As Jiang Shenting ascended to the tform, his mind was set on taking the Whale Gang to new heights. From his point of view, the methods he had used along the way were simply necessary steps to remove obstacles and achieve greatness.


    If he failed this time, it could be another ten years before he had another chance. But who knew what the world would look like by then?


    <i>Time waits for no one.</i>


    His ambitions would be set in motion from today!


    Jiang Shenting shared some practical ideas, and his straightforward speech earned the approval of those both inside and outside the Ocean Tempest Hall.


    After all, the Whale Gang was a major faction with hundreds of thousands of members. As long as he could bring benefits to everyone, most wouldn¡¯t care how Xu Bashan had disappeared.


    After his speech, a Whale Gang elder shouted, "Set the sail!"


    The symbol of the Whale Gang''s chief was arge sail, tattered and stained with golden blood, a testament to the countless near-death voyages of the first chief.


    The sail was mounted on a wooden pole, resembling a grand banner.


    Once Jiang Shenting raised this sail, it would signify his inauguration as the Chief of the Whale Gang, and his name would echo across the four seas!


    After each chief raised the sail, it would be returned to the Ocean Tempest Hall for safekeeping, which is why it hadn¡¯t been lost along with Xu Bashan.


    Jiang Shenting grasped the wooden pole of the sail with both hands and gently unfurled it.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª¡ª</i>


    Suddenly, a gust of wind and thunder erupted from the ground!


    Ripples appeared beneath his feet, andyer uponyer of whirlwinds, like towering waves, instantly enveloped him!


    <i>What''s happening?</i>


    Jiang Shenting was startled, immediately sensing a faint spiritual energy emanating from the sail, as if it were some kind of trigger.


    He quickly realized that it was an enchanted formation!


    It hadin dormant until now, but the trigger was on the sail, and it activated the moment he unfurled it.


    Immediately, a clear shout sounded from behind him.


    "Jiang Shenting, I will kill you to avenge my father today!"


    1. Ji Lingfeng ispeting with his sister on who''s going to be thest one to be caught and sent home. ?

 Chapter 400: Killing with Formations

    <h4>Chapter 400: Killing with Formations</h4>


    As the incident unfolded, the distinguished guests from the immortal sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were still seated in the hall.


    The moment Jiang Shenting unfurled therge sail, a storm suddenly erupted in the sky, andyers of whirlwinds instantly engulfed him!


    His entire figure waspletely obscured by the forces generated by this formation!


    The sudden change shocked everyone.


    The elders in the Ocean Tempest Hall were frozen in shock, unsure of how to react. Most remained motionless, while a few sprang up, ready to rush forward to rescue him. But before they could act, a thunderous shout echoed through the hall.


    "Hongqiu!"


    It was Huang Hanshan, the Lord of Thunderbolt Stronghold. As the only sect leader from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten who had personallye to offer his congrattions, he was seated near the head of the hall, far from the door.


    But when trouble arose, he was the first to rush toward the door. While shouting loudly, he made a seal, and three mighty figures, full of murderous qi, descended from the sky!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    One was the mount he had ridden in on the previous day¡ªa bird with a deer¡¯s head and scaly armor.


    The second was a giant red ape, nearly ten zhang tall, with a mane of white hair, unleashing a deathly and fierce aura.


    And the third was a massive nine-headed snake, each head glowing with scarlet vertical pupils, eerie and terrifying.


    Feilian, Zhuyan[1], Xiangliu[2]!


    Everyone present easily recognized these three as legendary vicious beasts. Despite their fearsome reputations, they all shared onemonality: each had been subdued by Huang Hanshan and had be his spirit beasts.


    Didn''t he summon them here a bit too quickly?


    Did he really bring three vicious beasts along just to attend a banquet?


    For a moment, everyone was astonished.


    As these three beasts approached, the murderous qi they emitted grew so thick it seemed to pierce the very sky! Each of these creatures possessed the cultivation of the seventh realm; who would dare approach them easily?


    At this moment, it could be said that Huang Hanshan alone had the power to challenge four Eminent Ones at the seventh realm!


    A few elders loyal to Jiang Shenting immediately prepared to take action, but they were quickly blocked by Huang Hanshan''s vicious beasts. Among these elders, only one had reached the seventh realm, while the remaining three or four were at the peak of the sixth realm.


    To be honest, they still couldn¡¯t match Huang Hanshan, even if they joined forces.


    They could only angrily ask, ¡°Lord Huang, what is the meaning of this?¡±


    "Hongqiu is my niece; I can''t stand by and watch her do something foolish!" Huang Hanshan¡¯s voice boomed like thunder as he shouted outside the formation, "Hongqiu, even though your father was harmed by him, we don¡¯t have evidence yet. Don¡¯t be stubborn! If you stop now, I can ask the elders of the Whale Gang to spare you!¡±


    In the Ocean Tempest Hall, there were more elders supporting Xu Bashan. When they saw that it was Xu Hongqiu who had made a move, they became hesitant.


    As for the elders who maintained a neutral stance, they were surprised and uncertain about whom to support at that moment.


    They knew that allowing the new chief to be killed in front of everyone would be disastrous, regardless of what truly happened. But taking action would mean confronting Huang Hanshan and his three vicious beasts.


    Was it worth opposing Huang Hanshan for the sake of Jiang Shenting?


    Huang Hanshan seemed to be persuading Xu Hongqiu, but his true intentions were highly questionable.


    And the suspicion didn¡¯t end there.


    The inauguration ceremony had been meticulously arranged by Jiang Shenting''s trusted aides, who must have checked everything thoroughly multiple times.


    It would have been impossible to set up such a formation within a day, and only someone from within the Whale Gang could have had the opportunity to do so.


    There were even fewer people who could have ess to the chief''s token.


    Who could harbor such deep hatred for Jiang Shenting that they would n to kill him at the inauguration ceremony, setting everything in motion days ago?


    It had to be Xu Hongqiu.


    Theyers of formation patterns beneath Jiang Shenting¡¯s feet rippled with increasing intensity. The talismanic scripts began to entwine his body like chains, binding him tightly and rendering him immobile.


    This was the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation,posed of three hundred and sixtyyers of intricate formations!


    In the entire world, there were fewer than ten people capable of setting up such a formation. And only one person could have done so with such secrecy and skill.


    That person could only be Formation Sage Dong Futu!


    He was the honored ally of High Heavens Pavilion, the foremost formation specialist of his time. A man of such stature that even when entering the pce to see the emperor, he did not need to bow.


    And he also happened to be Xu Hongqiu¡¯s esteemed teacher.


    Xu Bashan had been on good terms with Dong Futu, and sent Xu Hongqiu to study formation techniques under him when she was young.


    And today, Dong Futu sat among the guests, dressed in wide robes withrge sleeves. He was of short stature, with a ck face and a neatly trimmed mustache. Despite the chaos unfolding around him, he sipped his wine calmly, his expression untroubled andposed.


    Amidst the upheaval, the members of the immortal sects adhered to their principle of staying out of others¡¯ internal affairs, choosing to remain as mere observers. It was reminiscent of when Lu Chengchou acted under the pretext of being a descendant of the Lu n, resulting in that incident being considered an internal conflict within the Mount Shu Sect.


    During that time, the cultivators from the immortal sects who hade to witness the ceremony watched passively. They remained neutral until the Dark King Sect from the diabolical sects made a move, and only then did the righteous forces feelpelled to rise up and attack.


    It was an unwritten rule in the realm of immortal cultivation that outsiders did not intervene in internal sect conflicts.


    Thus, Huang Hanshan¡¯s sudden intervention seemed all the more abrupt.


    In contrast, Dong Futu''s behavior did not seem out of ce at all.


    However, some sharp-eyed individuals began to recognize the intricate design of the formation and couldn¡¯t help but nce toward Dong Futu.


    "Master Dong, this formation..." someone quietly inquired.


    "Hmm?" Dong Futu looked over, then nodded approvingly. "To think she even mastered this¡ªHongqiu¡¯s talent in formation techniques is truly impressive."


    "..." The others were speechless.


    Who could possibly believe that Xu Hongqiu had set up this formation herself? Not even a ghost would buy that story!


    ...


    Within the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation...


    The woman who charged out was dressed in red. Her skin was white as snow and her beauty rivaled that of peach blossoms. She wielded a crimson and gilded saber with both hands, exuding an imposing presence and a murderous aura!


    It was none other than Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Whale Gang.


    Even though she was at the peak of the fourth realm, she dared to attempt to kill Jiang Shenting, someone who had recently entered into the seventh realm.


    By doing so, she was not trying to seek death.


    She had unwavering faith in the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation, which her esteemed teacher had spent forty-nine days setting up.


    Jiang Shenting looked at Xu Hongqiu, who was charging at him with the saber, and groaned, "Hongqiu! What are you doing? Your father''s matter has nothing to do with me!"


    He had expected that Xu Hongqiu might take some action, but he never expected her to attempt an assassination so boldly, right in front of everyone.


    <i>What a ruthless woman.</i>


    "You can deceive others, but not me," Xu Hongqiu shouted as she flew toward him, her voice filled with determination. "My father always said that while you appear upright, your heart is insidious. If something ever happened to him, it would certainly be your doing, Jiang Shenting!"


    As she spoke, she closed the distance, her saber already poised to strike.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    Jiang Shenting summoned all his cultivation power, and several blood-colored dragons emerged around him, writhing and roaring as he attempted to break through the bindings of thousands of Celestial Talismans of Primal Origin. But no matter how much he struggled, he couldn¡¯t break free.


    He had achieved a breakthrough and stepped into the seventh realm, which qualified him topete for the position of chief. Given his age, he was already considered one of the top talents. The fact that he had managed to reach the seventh realm despite spending thest decade managing the Eastern Whale Division, with limited time for cultivation, further demonstrated his exceptional talent.


    But no matter how talented he was, he was still just a newly advanced, unstable seventh-realm cultivator.


    And Dong Futu, being the Formation Sage of this era, could set up formations capable of killing even the Eminent Ones!


    <i>Pierce¡ª</i>


    Xu Hongqiu¡¯s saber pierced into Jiang Shenting¡¯s body.


    With the enhancement effect of the formation, her vitality, qi, and spirit had been elevated to a peak.


    Jiang Shenting could hardly move. His cultivation power was suppressed and his ess to the Great Dao had been cut off.


    It was as if he had already been pinned down and all Xu Hongqiu needed to do was deliver the fatal blow. Yet, this task was far from easy.


    Xu Hongqiu¡¯s saber de had only prated less than half an cun[3] before Jiang Shenting''s powerful physique stopped the pration The skin, flesh, and bones of a seventh-realm cultivator far exceeded those of ordinary people and could not be easily pierced.


    It could be said that even if an Eminent Oney unconscious on the ground, it would still be difficult for a fourth-realm cultivator to kill him.


    But Xu Hongqiu was well-prepared. She gripped the saber with her left hand and formed a hand seal with her right, pressing it two chi down the de.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    The crimson-gold saber suddenly radiated an unusual brilliance, with raised patterns lighting up and rotating, filling the air with a sharp, murderous tension.


    It was another formation technique!


    Jiang Shenting''s eyes narrowed.


    The formation engraved on Xu Hongqiu''s saber was undoubtedly the handiwork of Dong Futu. As it activated, the saber''s power surged, carrying an aura of unstoppable force.


    Jiang Shenting barely had time to twist his body, shifting the point where the saber would strike.


    <i>Sssht¡ª</i>


    The de slid into his scap, and blood spurted out.


    A divine light shed in Jiang Shenting¡¯s eyes, and the drops of blood that sttered out suddenly flickered and then shot towards Xu Hongqiu!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Xu Hongqiu was struck by the blood droplets and was thrown back four or five zhang before crashing to the ground, spitting out blood.


    Although Jiang Shenting¡¯s cultivation power was intensely suppressed by the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation, the spiritual energy contained in his blood was still formidable. Just a few drops were enough to seriously injure Xu Hongqiu.


    This was the insurmountable gap between their realms.


    Today, Jiang Shenting''s encounter with this formation could be seen as a fight between him and the formation-setting Eminent One, Dong Futu. Though Jiang Shenting was currently at a disadvantage, Xu Hongqiu was merely a pawn in this grand game. It would be exceedingly difficult for her to kill him with her own hands.


    But she did not give up. She flipped back onto her feet, leaving the saber embedded in Jiang Shenting''s shoulder. The light of a formation glowed beneath her feet, and in a blink, she was back in front of Jiang Shenting.


    It wasn''t that her speed increased¡ªit seemed that time around her had slowed down?


    The formation under her feet altered the flow of time. She gripped the saber¡¯s hilt without pulling it out, gritting her teeth as she shed horizontally.


    She seemed intent on slicing through her enemy¡¯s shoulder and decapitating him!


    ...


    It all happened in a sh before anyone could react. From the sudden appearance of the formation to Xu Hongqiu thrusting out her saber, it all took ce in just one or two breaths.


    The Whale Gang elders in the hall quickly responded, rushing forward to encircle the scene.


    If the chief were really assassinated on the day of his inauguration, how could the Whale Gang retain any honor?


    An elder in the crowd shouted loudly, "Lord Huang, if you continue to block the way, it will be equivalent to dering war on the Whale Gang!"


    After all, this was an internal affair of the Whale Gang, and Huang Hanshan, no matter how shameless and stubborn he was, could not continue blocking their way as he represented the Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    "Hmph, I''m clearly helping out," Huang Hanshan said as he slowly backed off. "But good intentions are not appreciated."


    His remark made others silently criticize him. He was indeed helping, but who he was helping was far from clear.


    But due to their status, elders like him and Dong Futu could only assist to a certain extent; the actual action had to be taken by Xu Hongqiu herself.


    However, just as Huang Hanshan cleared the way, another sudden change urred.


    A loudugh echoed from mid-air, and a man with red hair and a beard suddenly descended from the sky,nding on horseback. He waved his hand, unleashing a cloud of blood fog!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The blood fog exploded like thunder, spreading to every corner of the hall.


    Immediately, the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, along with the Whale Gang elders, were engulfed in the fog! All they could see was an illusion as relentless and fierce as an Asura.


    Jiang Yuebai, who had been sitting quietly to the side, suddenly frowned as she sensed this aura.


    "Shaman god''s blood essence?"


    Indeed, the aura in the blood fog was unmistakable¡ªit was exactly the same as the shaman god''s blood essence she and Chu Liang had encountered in the abandoned Shen Family Residence!


    1. Another mythical creature. Check TL Note. ?


    2. Not your typical nine-headed snake. Another mythical creature. Check TL Note. ?


    3. This is 3.03cm. ?

 Chapter 401: One After Another

    <h4>Chapter 401: One After Another</h4>


    "<i>Aaaaaah!!</i>"


    Within the grand formation, Xu Hongqiu did her utmost to move the saber, but she found it extremely difficult to shift the saber even a tiny bit.


    Jiang Shenting, on the other hand, resisted with all his might, as if his flesh and blood were made of steel. He was still trying his hardest to break free from the formation''s constraints.


    Right then, someone''s hand suddenly reached out from the side and grasped the hilt of the saber.


    "Miss, let me teach you..." the person said with a softugh. "This is how you should cut."


    His hand easily moved the saber leftward from Jiang Shenting''s shoulder, severing his right arm in one fluid motion!


    "<i>Aaargggh!!!</i>" Jiang Shenting roared in pain. Nevertheless, his gaze remained sharp as he shouted, "You¡ª"


    He had something to say, but he held it back when he saw who the person was.


    The person was a beautiful youth dressed in fine clothes. He had skin that was fair and smooth like jade, a pair of lustrous golden eyes, and a silver scale on his forehead.


    This youth was Ji Lingjue¡ªthe person who had captured the South-Sea Inferno Dragon!


    Xu Hongqiu did not know who this youth was. He had helped her sever Jiang Shenting''s arm, but she felt a strangely sinister vibe from him.


    So, Xu Hongqiu asked him, "Who are you?"


    "Me?" Ji Lingjue uttered, shifting his gaze to Xu Hongqiu. When their eyes met, dark golden rays of light shone out of his eyes. With an extremely entrancing tone, he said, "I am your ally..."


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The dark golden light shone into Xu Hongqiu''s eyes, and her eyes gleamed with that dark golden light. Suddenly, she fell still and seemed very dull and lifeless.


    A momentter, she regained some life in her eyes.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Shenting noticed that the constraints on him had gotten lighter. It seemed that the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation had been broken when his arm got severed!


    For Jiang Shenting, the grand formation had been like incredibly heavy iron chains wrapped around him, impossible to shake off. However, for Ji Lingjue, it was a simple matter that could be resolved with a swing of a saber.


    As cultivators advanced through the cultivation realms, the gap in power between two cultivators at the same realm would widen. It seemed that was precisely the case for Jiang Shenting and Ji Lingjue; Ji Lingjue was much more powerful than Jiang Shenting even though they were at the same cultivation realm.


    Finally free from his constraints, Jiang Shenting surprisingly did not strike at Xu Hongqiu.


    Instead, he retreated swiftly and shouted, "Hongqiu, you should stop persisting down the wrong path!"


    The burly man, Chi Menshen, blocked Jiang Shenting''s path of retreat and yelled, "Jiang Shenting! You still think you can escape?"


    Chi Menshen swung his right fist, and a glowering Blood Vajra Warrior appeared behind him. His fist struck forth heavily!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    Jiang Shenting blocked the punch with one arm, but the force of the punch sent him flying dozens of zhang away.


    Ji Lingjue immediately grabbed him with one hand.


    "That''s Chi Menshen!" someone in the hall shouted. "He used to be a member of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, but he betrayed them. I''ve seen him before!"


    "Ji Lingjue?" someone else quickly recognized the silver-scaled youth. "Isn''t that the traitor of the Ji Family? It appears that they''re all from Celestial Charm Sect."


    The powerful figures from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects broke through the blood fog one after another. There were several seventh-realm Eminent Ones among them.


    Once they saw suspected members of the Celestial Charm Sect appear, they no longer held back. They immediately surrounded the suspected members of the Celestial Charm Sect!


    Ji Lingjue lifted Jiang Shenting with one arm and said to Xu Hongqiu, "Miss, didn''t you say you wanted to kill him? Go ahead and kill him..."


    Upon hearing that, Xu Hongqiu raised her saber.


    Jiang Shenting shouted, "Hongqiu, how could you conspire with those demons from the Celestial Charm Sect to harm me!"


    "Hongqiu?!" Huang Hanshan uttered from amid the crowd.


    He was greatly astonished to see Xu Hongqiu like that. She had told him about her n, but there had definitely been no mention of the Celestial Charm Sect being involved. She couldn''t possibly be colluding with those demons from the Celestial Charm Sect!


    Huang Hanshan keenly sensed that something was amiss. If Xu Hongqiu were to kill someone now, the situation would change drastically.


    So, Huang Hanshan yelled, "Put down the saber!"


    However, Xu Hongqiu could not hear him. At this moment, there was amand echoing repeatedly in her mind like the resounding gongs of a massive bell.


    <i>Kill him...</i>


    <i>Kill him...</i>


    <i>Your enemy is right in front of you.</i>


    Before Xu Hongqiu could take action, Jiang Shenting broke free from Ji Lingjue''s grip!


    With divine light shing in his eyes, he swiftly leaped into the crowd, shouting, "Don''t let those demons from the Celestial Charm Sect escape!"


    Those words were unnecessary though. The powerful figures from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were already attacking the members of the Celestial Charm Sect... but Xu Hongqiu was among them too!


    "Don''t harm Hongqiu!" Huang Hanshan shouted loudly from the side.


    He summoned three vicious beasts, and they thundered over to protect Xu Hongqiu.


    Nevertheless, Jiang Shenting was not going to allow Xu Hongqiu to live any longer. Once he got out, the first thing he did wasn''t treat his wounds. Instead, he took out a long spear and raised it high.


    He locked his stream of qi onto Xu Hongqiu! With this spear, he would root out his problempletely!


    From this moment on, this traitor who colluded with the Celestial Charm Sect to cause chaos in the Whale Gang would disappear along with her father!


    Suddenly, the sky turned dark.


    ...


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    It was still morning, and the sun was shining brightly, so how could the sky suddenly get dark?


    All the powerful figures were too preupied with the battle to notice the darkened sky. Nheless, the tens of thousands of people watching from below the steps all noticed it.


    Only those at the seventh realm or above could get involved in the battle at the top of the steps, so the people in the square could only watch. That was why they were very quick to notice the sky darkening.


    When they looked up, they saw what seemed to be an endless mass of dark clouds.


    <i>What is that?</i>


    <i>It''s... It''s filled with dense demonic qi!</i>


    <i>Could it be...?</i>


    "<i>RAAAAARRRRR!!!</i>"


    A resounding roar[1] filled with feelings of distress and despair ripped through the skies and shook the nine provinces.


    One of the Eminent Ones present yelled, "The Heaven-Devouring Python!"


    Jiang Shenting''s gaze darkened. He cursed Ji Lingjue inwardly, <i>How could someone who seems smart do something so foolish?</i>


    Calling the Heaven-Devouring Python over only confirmed that it was connected to the Celestial Charm Sect and pointlessly drew suspicion to them. After all, could Xu Hongqiu truly have gotten someone to have her father devoured?


    Jiang Shenting could have condemned Xu Hongqiu to death by pinning the crime of colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect on her, but that wasn''t possible now.


    Regardless, Jiang Shenting didn''t care about anything else. He was filled with rage; he had to kill this woman no matter what!


    Jiang Shenting charged up the spear to full power and threw it! As it flew through the air with thunderous force, it was apanied by whistling wind that sounded like a dragon''s roar!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Nheless, Jiang Shenting had no idea... that Ji Lingjue was astonished to see the Heaven-Devouring Python. <i>How did it get here?</i>


    Ji Lingjue had made the Heaven-Devouring Python a tamed beast, so as its master, he could sense the Heaven-Devouring Python''s location with just a thought. However, he had been so focused on the chaos within the Whale Gang that he hadn''t bothered thinking about where the Heaven-Devouring Python might be. It had been precisely because of his deep focus on the situation at hand that he had been able to quickly think of framing Xu Hongqiu.


    However, while he had been doing that, the Heaven-Devouring Python had been moving at a high speed in a panic. Well, to be more precise, it had been fleeing for its life!


    As a tamed beast, the Heaven-Devouring Python knew its master''s location, so that was where it went.


    As a great fearsome beast that dominated the four seas, the Heaven-Devouring Python rarely had moments when it felt scared. But the more fearsome the beast, the more terrified it would be when encountering something that was even more fearsome than it.


    The Divine Phoenix that was chasing the Heaven-Devouring Python was its worst nightmare ever! So, it could only seek its master''s help!


    Nevertheless, it didn''t know that its master was also surrounded at this moment.


    "<i>Raaar!</i>"


    As the Heaven-Devouring Python lowered its enormous head, countless terrified cries rang throughout the Giant Whale Mountain Manor. Its gaping mouth wasrge enough to swallow the whole manor along with the mountain it was on!


    However, the only one who knew that wasn''t its intention was Ji Lingjue. He heard the Heaven-Devouring Python''s roar as a cry for help.


    Di Nufeng had transformed into a Divine Phoenix by using the Samadhi True Fire, so her form was tiny inparison to the Heaven-Devouring Python. Nheless, the difference in spiritual qi was not determined by size.


    "I''ve caught you!" Di Nufeng eximed.


    She waved her hand toward the Heaven-Devouring Python, and the Divine Phoenix''s w swiped through the python''s tail.


    <i>Shhk.</i>


    Another chunk of the python''s thick tail fell to the ground.


    <i>Booooom.</i>


    It crushed a nearby mountain peak!


    The Giant Whale Mountain Manor was located near the capital of Yu, so themotion drew the attention of those in the imperial city. Several streams of qi soared into the sky and flew toward the manor!


    The Heaven-Devouring Python howled in pain. "<i>Raaaaar...</i>"


    Its roar shook the Central Region!


    Ji Lingjue frowned. <i>Why are there so many unexpected things happening today?</i>


    While he was thinking that, yet another unexpected event urred.


    A crimson-gold Inferno Dragon suddenly appeared with a trail of zing Divine Dragon mes!


    It let out a thunderous roar that shook the heavens. "<i>RAAAAAAARRRRRRR!</i>"


    <i>And what is that?</i>


    The members of the various immortal sects present were dumbfounded, feeling overwhelmed by the events.


    As everyone stood in stunned silence, the Dragon Spear that Jiang Shenting had thrown was already flying toward Xu Hongqiu!


    "Hongqiu!"


    Two people called out her name simultaneously. One was Huang Hanshan, and the other person was on top of the Inferno Dragon.


    In an instant, the Inferno Dragon swooped down, darting straight toward Xu Hongqiu. Then it coiled around her, blocking the mighty Dragon Spear!


    The Dragon Spear pierced through the Inferno Dragon''s scales, going halfway in. This showed just how ruthless and malicious Jiang Shenting''s attack was. If it had managed to hit Xu Hongqiu as intended, there was no chance she would have survived!


    While everyone was left speechless by the waves of shocking events, a young man in fine clothes stood tall atop the Inferno Dragon''s head.


    Amid the group of people from the Thunderbolt Stronghold, Wei Tiandi suddenly uttered in surprise, "Lin Bei?"


    1. Okay. So, I know snakes don''t roar. I''ve been avoiding it for the python, but it''s in the raw and fits better for this particr line. It''s not a normal python anyway, so just ignore real life lol. ?

 Chapter 402: Indeed Quite Impressive

    <h4>Chapter 402: Indeed Quite Impressive</h4>


    Capital of Yu, Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Within the capital of Yu, at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, there was a modest backyard garden with flowers and nts. At first nce, the nts appeared ordinary, but the dense spiritual energy lingering in the air hinted at their extraordinary nature.


    An elderly man, his ck hair streaked with gray at the temples, stood quietly among the nts. He seemed to be in his fifties. His face appeared peaceful, and his demeanor exuded a gentle calm. His eyes gleamed with divine light, and wherever his gaze fell, the nts would unfurl as if his mere nce nourished them with spiritual energy.


    Despite thete autumn chill that gripped the Central Region, this small courtyard was imbued with the warmth of spring.


    In the capital of Yu, where every inch ofnd was precious, it was a rare luxury for an old man to possess such a courtyard. But even more remarkable was his identity.


    This elderly man was Qi Yingxuan.


    Few knew this name; perhaps it had not been spoken aloud for over a century. Yet, if one mentioned his titles¡ªImperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Yu Dynasty, Dao Master of Tai''a, Grand Ritualist of Panyang Temple, Guardian of the Abyss of the Hidden Dragons¡ªeveryone would recognize them.


    In simple terms, he was the protector of the Yu Dynasty.


    During the struggle for the throne, the Xia family, one of the three great families, decisively rose in rebellion, ultimately fulfilling their destiny and establishing the Yu Dynasty across the nine provinces[1]. After the nation was founded, disputes naturally arose between the court and the immortal sects.


    The immortal sects supported the Xia family in their struggle for the throne, driven by their desire for greater power in the new dynasty. Given the structure of these sects, their primary needs were public support and resources rather than territorial expansion. Assisting the court in vanquishing evil and upholding the righteous Dao was merely a means to enhance their influence.


    However, the court naturally sought to have the immortal sects obey their orders, intending for them to act as vassals of the dynasty.


    At its core, this was a struggle between imperial authority and divine authority.


    Without the imperial court''s backing, the immortal sects couldn''t extend their influence across the nine provinces; simrly, without the support of the immortal sects, the imperial court couldn''t effectively govern the vast nation. After a period of intense conflict, both sides eventually reached apromise.


    To mediate their differences, an institution known as the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was established, tasked with recruiting cultivators to guard the nine provinces. When the Imperial Supervisory Bureau or the Municipality Supervisory Bureau[2] encountered evil entities beyond their control, they would turn to the immortal sects for assistance.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau thus became a crucial buffer, carrying out the emperor''s orders while coordinating with the immortal sects to eradicate evil in the mortal world.


    In this way, the responsibilities of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner became immensely significant.


    The life of the current Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, Qi Yingxuan, could indeed be described as legendary.


    He was originally named Qi Yingwen[3]. From a young age, he dedicated himself to the study of literature and took the imperial examination at sixteen, but after three attempts, he failed to pass. At twenty-eight, he changed his name to Qi Yingwu[4] and abandoned literature in favor of martial training. He spent seven grueling years honing his skills, only to be beaten by thugs while trying to act heroically on the street. At thirty-five, he renamed himself Qi Yingxuan[5] and joined Panyang Temple in the capital of Yu to cultivate Daoist techniques.


    It was exceedingly rare for someone to begin cultivating at the age of thirty-five, and typically, they wouldn''t achieve much starting sote in life.


    Yet, Qi Yingxuan seemed to have found his true destiny, rising against all odds. Within twenty years, he reached the seventh realm, and within thirty years, he attained mastery over the Great Dao of Tai''a, achieving the Heavenly Origin Realm.


    Throughout history, anyone who could achieve the eighth realm at the age of sixty-five was considered a rare prodigy. Given the rtively short time he spent in cultivation, his aplishments were nothing short of extraordinary.


    To this day, he has served as the protector of the Yu Dynasty for one hundred and eighty years, remaining undefeated.


    This legendary journey inspired countless middle-aged individuals to pursue their own dreams, many of whom spent all their wealth to begin cultivation in their thirties or forties, only to make no progress and lose everything...


    It was just another ordinary, sunny autumn day. After watering the spirit nts in the garden, Qi Yingxuan leisurely sat in a chair in the courtyard, basking in the warm sunlight.


    He wasn¡¯t azy person, but as the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, his moments of leisure were a testament to the peace that reigned over the Yu Dynasty.


    So Qi Yingxuan greatly enjoyed his idleness.


    But then...


    A terrifying giant python that blotted out the sky appeared in his field of vision.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python had emerged above the Giant Whale Mountain Manor, and the capital of Yu, located a hundred li away, offered the perfect vantage point. The citizens of the city only needed to look up to see the enormous creature swimming through the sky, its head descending from the clouds.


    They could even see the scales on the python¡¯s body clearly.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner frowned.


    For such a giant demon to appear somewhere to the left of the imperial capital was a serious matter.


    He softly said, "Chengfeng, go and see what¡¯s happening."


    In truth, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner could easily employ immortal arts to observe the heavens and earth; with just a thought, he could investigate the situation. When he said "go and see," it was clear that he intended to do much more than simply observe.


    "Yes."


    A voice responded from an unknown direction, and in an instant, a whirlwind had already swept hundreds of li away.


    ...


    Currently, the scene was extremely chaotic in the Giant Whale Mountain Manor located hundreds of li away.


    Just moments earlier, the manor had been the site of Jiang Shenting''s inauguration ceremony, and the atmosphere was one of harmony and peace.


    However, the sudden activation of the Grand Primal Origin Immortal-Binding Formation and the arrival of Xu Hongqiu shattered that tranquility. Huang Hanshan''s intervention then caused this disruption to continue further.


    As the crowd began toprehend what was happening, Chi Menshen and Ji Lingjue suddenly appeared, furtherplicating the already tense situation.


    These two seemed to be working with Xu Hongqiu, stepping in only after her assassination attempt had failed.


    But then, the Heaven-Devouring Python appeared, which confused everyone. The giant python seemed to be the beast of someone from the Celestial Charm Sect, as could be deduced from its targeted flow of qi.


    But if the Celestial Charm Sect was on Xu Hongqiu''s side, how could they alsomand the Heaven-Devouring Python?


    Could it be that Xu Hongqiu had conspired with outsiders to kill her father?


    Did she n to kill Xu Bashan first and then Jiang Shenting? But even if she had ten fathers and killed them all, she would never be able to ascend to a high position in the Whale Gang, given that she was only at the fourth realm of cultivation. There seemed to be no logical reason for her to betray her father.


    Among the over ten thousand spectators, at least eight thousand were rugged men of the martial world, and by this point, their minds were already overwhelmed.


    What happened next, however, was beyond anyone¡¯s wildest imagination.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python opened its mouth and spat out a crimson-gold Inferno Dragon!


    <i>What kind of divine ability is this?</i>


    The Inferno Dragon carried three people, one of whom was a strikingly handsome young man dressed in fine clothes, standing confidently on the dragon''s head. His appearance was refined, his body radiating intense mes of qi, and he held a sword in his hand, exuding an extraordinary aura.


    On the dragon''s neck rode a tall, imposing man, as sturdy as an iron tower, exuding a powerful presence. He looked astonishingly like the missing Chief of the Whale Gang, Xu Bashan!


    Those with sharp eyes could see a young man clinging desperately to the dragon''s tail, barely holding on and shouting frantically as the tail seared his hands.


    This strange trio, of course, was none other than Chu Liang, Xu Bashan, and Lin Bei, who had just burst out of the Heaven-Devouring Python''s mouth. They had experienced an intense shock as the Inferno Dragon broke out of a hidden realm. At one point, they encountered immense spatial resistance, but Chu Liang led the charge, wielding the Dustless Sword to sever the void, allowing them to break through!


    As they rode the Inferno Dragon out of the Heaven-Devouring Python''s mouth, the first thing they saw was the chaos unfolding at the Giant Whale Mountain Manor.


    Chu Liang immediately spotted Jiang Yuebai in the crowd and eximed, "Senior Sister?"


    He had never expected to see Jiang Yuebai the moment he emerged from the hidden realm.


    Meanwhile, Xu Bashan''s gaze locked onto a familiar face amidst the throngs of people. "Hongqiu!" he shouted.


    He never imagined that his journey would end right in front of his own home.


    Lin Bei, on the other hand, felt a sudden chill. His eyes widened as he watched in horror.


    "Oh, no," he muttered.


    This was entirely out of his expectations. His belt had been singed mid-flight, and now, to his utter dismay, his pants were sailing through the air!


    The pair of pants was not costly. While the pair of pants flew in the sky, he felt the gust of cold wind against his legs. Thankfully, he still had a pair of shorts underneath, so he didn''t end up exposing himself in front of tens of thousands of people.


    Amidst the turmoil, Jiang Shenting saw an opportunity to strike. He intended to use the confusion to eliminate the confused Xu Hongqiu, silencing her forever and solidifying his ims of her treachery with the Celestial Charm Sect.


    But Xu Bashan''s attention was entirely on Xu Hongqiu, so he naturally saw Jiang Shenting''s intent. If he were at his peak cultivation level, he would have flown over and killed Jiang Shenting directly.


    However, with his cultivation suppressed by eighty percent, he couldn''t reach in time and could only ce his hopes on Chu Liang!


    Luckily, Chu Liang was not one to disappoint.


    In a heartbeat, hemanded the Inferno Dragon. The majestic beast plunged from the sky, its fiery tail wrapping around Xu Hongqiu, pulling her to safety just in time.


    <i>Sssht¡ª</i>


    Jiang Shenting''s powerful spear strike pierced through the Inferno Dragon''s scales, igniting its fury. With a roar, the dragon opened its mouth to unleash a torrent of Divine Dragon Fire!


    But before the mes could reach their target, they were intercepted by the elders of the Eastern Whale Division standing behind Jiang Shenting. The Whale Gang''s First Elder bellowed, "Enough!"


    <i>Why did everything have to unfold all at once, crashing down like relentless waves upon them?</i>


    <i>Who was the Heaven-Devouring Python looking for?</i>


    <i>Why did the dragon breathe fire?</i>


    <i>And how did the Chief return so suddenly?</i>


    <i>What?</i>


    Even the wisest elder of the Whale Gang found himself overwhelmed, his mind struggling to keep up with the rapid session of events unfolding before him. He soared into the sky, shouting for everyone to cease their actions, hoping to bring some order to the chaos.


    He wanted everyone to take a moment together and make sense of the whirlwind of events.


    Meanwhile, the guests from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, who watched from the sidelines, remained calm andposed. As long as they weren''t in immediate danger, they took pleasure in the escting chaos¡ªthe more spectacr the scene, the better.


    Among the onlookers were two core disciples from Thunderbolt Stronghold, Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao. When Wei Tiandi caught sight of Chu Liang, he blurted out, "Lin Bei."


    This was because, on a previous asion, Chu Liang had used the alias "Lin Bei" and misled Wei Tiandi with false directions. The mistake sent Wei Tiandi on a wild goose chase after Huang Ling''er, leading to nothing. It wasn''t untilter that he learned someone had spotted Huang Ling''er heading in the opposite direction.


    Wei Tiandi had been wanting to teach this Lin Bei a lesson the next time they crossed paths, but he never expected to encounter him today, and certainly not in such a grand and formidable manner.


    To be honest, he felt a bit intimidated about approaching him now.


    After all, even if hebined all his spirit beasts, they likely wouldn''t stand a chance against the Inferno Dragon''s searing mes.


    Beside him, Deng Yixiao was puzzled by what he had overheard.


    He had been present at the Mount Shu Summit that day and had witnessed Chu Liang summon the Violet and Azure Twin Swords to y the Taowu¡ªa sight he would not easily forget.


    In fact, he also knew Lin Bei, as Lin Bei had served in the Foreign Affairs Hall, where he had interacted with various disciples from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, enough to be familiar with them.


    <i>But you haven''t been to Mount Shu, so how did you know this seemingly ordinary disciple? </i>Deng Yixiao thought.


    So he asked, "Senior Brother, do you know him?"


    "Of course I know him," Wei Tiandi said with a nod. "He was the one who gave me the wrong directions that day. I was nning to teach him a lesson the next time we met, but I didn¡¯t expect him to be so powerful..."


    He was referring to Chu Liang''s astounding ability tomand the top-tier, seventh-realm Inferno Dragon with such ease¡ªa feat that left even a seasoned beast tamer from Thunderbolt Stronghold in awe.


    But Deng Yixiao''s eyes drifted toward the real Lin Bei.


    <i>Powerful? </i>He thought.


    Lin Bei had barely managed to cling to the Inferno Dragon''s tail. He almost fell off and his legs were exposed as he wore nothing but a pair of ck shorts. He looked thoroughly disheveled. Yet, the moment he touched the ground, he stood tall with an air of confidence, as ifpletely unbothered by the potential embarrassment.


    In fact, he seemed almost proud.


    <i>Hmm... </i>Deng Yixiao couldn¡¯t help but nod. <i>The thickness of his skin was indeed quite impressive.</i>


    The Whale Gang aimed to stabilize the situation before diving into any further discussions, but the two from Celestial Charm Sect couldn¡¯t afford to wait. The moment the Heaven-Devouring Python appeared, Ji Lingjue cursed the beast under his breath.


    Ever since he had tamed the Heaven-Devouring Python, he had kept it hidden in the deep sea, never daring to let it surface for fear of drawing unwanted attention. But now, this colossal demon had chosen to reveal itself just three hundred li from the capital of Yu, soaring through the sky for all to see!


    It was as if the creature was intent on making a spectacle of itself.


    Immediately, Ji Lingjue made a decision. This beast has to die.


    He felt a deep sense of loss for the powerful annihtion weapon that was the Baxia Inferno Dragon. He tried activating the mark he had imprinted deep within the Dragon Soul of Baxia, but there was no response.


    <i>How had that kid at the fourth realm managed to wrest control from him? With just that faint dragon aura on his body? It seemed impossible, </i>Ji Lingjue thought.


    But now was not the time for a brainstorming session. If the righteous heroes managed to regain their footing, their first act would be to unite and take him and Chi Menshen down. It didn¡¯t matter who in the Whale Gang had been working with them; they would all face swift and unforgiving annihtion.


    While others scrambled to distinguish friend from foe, Ji Lingjue and Chi Menshen had no such confusion¡ªfor them, everyone was an enemy now.


    So, taking advantage of the ongoing chaos, he shouted at Chi Menshen, "Let''s go!"


    1. Check Trantor''s thought for more information. ?


    2. The raw for this is ¼à³Ç¸®, which is different from the raw for ¡°City Supervisory Division¡± ¼à³Ç˾. We¡¯re not sure if this was a typo or if it¡¯s just a different name for the same thing, but we¡¯re considering them as separate for now. It seems that City Supervisory Divisions are part of the Municipality Supervisory Bureau, with each city having its own division. However, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau typically holds a higher rank than the Municipality Supervisory Bureau. While city-rted matters are handled by the City Supervisory Division, all these bureaus are part of the same overarching system. ?


    3. Yingwen means "answering the call of literature. ?


    4. Yingwu means "answering the call of martial arts." ?


    5. Yingxuan means "answering the call of the profound." ?

 Chapter 403: Beaten into Nothingness

    <h4>Chapter 403: Beaten into Nothingness</h4>


    Chi Menshen left this world peacefully.


    ...


    If he were given another chance, he would have never chosen to fly eastward.


    No. He would not havee here today.


    He wielded the legendary weapon from the Ocean Tempest Hall and sent a blood fog spreading, causing the experts from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to hesitate in action.


    He then moved to the public square and was attacked by three to four seventh-realm experts.


    Even as he activated the glowering Blood Vajra Warrior and fought fiercely in all directions, he remained unharmed.


    Ji Lingjue shouted at him to leave, then transformed into a golden light and instantly fled westward. He used the immortal art Golden Path.


    Ji Lingjue''s cultivation power was already stronger than most of the seventh-realm Eminent Ones present, so when he was determined to leave, no one could stop him.


    Chi Menshen''s cultivation power was not weak either, and he did not linger in battle but obediently followed Ji Lingjue''smand.


    He immediately shouted, "Back off!"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    As he formed hand seals, the towering Blood Vajra Warrior statue exuding mes of qi exploded with a loud bang!


    After the explosion, a sudden burst of blood-red light spread out. His divine blood was extremely poisonous and anyone whose cultivation level was not high enough to fight back the toxins would instantly dissolve into pus upon contact!


    If this explosion were to spread, at least half of those present would die!


    This was exactly the effect that Chi Menshen was trying to achieve.


    He didn¡¯t care about the number of people that might die. His only regret was not killing more!


    Immediately, the Eminent Ones attacking him were intimidated. In an attempt to save the others, they all worked together and tried to stop the blood light from spreading.


    But this also meant that no one was going to stop Chi Menshen from escaping.


    Although he could not perform the Golden Path, he mastered a powerful Buddhist technique, Heavenly Traversing Foot, which was another top-tier divine technique.


    Escaping to another direction after the misdeeds was a basic survival principle in the martial world.


    Since Ji Lingjue fled westward, he tookrge strides to flee eastward, stepping up to the heavens! If he took a second step, he would disappear from everyone''s sight and escape without a trace.


    But at that moment, a zing apparition of a divine phoenix rushed toward him from the east!


    Chi Menshen instinctively thought this was someoneing to stop him. Immediately, he shouted, "Get lost!"


    He swung a punch at it!


    The Eminent One within the divine phoenix apparition seemed surprised. However, upon sensing Chi Menshen''s diabolical qi and noticing that he not only refused to give way but also attempted to throw a punch, the Eminent One in the form of the divine phoenix saw no reason to be afraid.


    So, they responded with a punch of their own!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In his desperation to escape, Chi Menshen poured all his strength into his punch, channeling sixty years ofbined cultivation from both his Buddhist and Celestial Charm Sect practices.


    His right arm turned entirely blood-red, like some kind of translucent jade. He was confident that this punch could pierce through any living being in the world! The true power wasn''t in the force, but in the divine blood power infused into his fist.


    But...


    For the first time in his life, he lost in a sh of fists.


    And he lostpletely.


    The divine phoenix apparition raised its right w, clenched it into a fist, and met his blow, like thunder striking the earth!


    But the usual scene of bodies melting from his punch didn''t ur; instead, the blood-red color on his arm evaporated wildly, leaving itpletely clean in an instant. The mes surrounding his opponent''s arm were simrly eroded by his divine blood.


    Then it came down to a direct sh of fists.


    At this moment, Chi Menshen had only one thought... was his opponent a celestial beast in human form?


    In his simple understanding, no human could possess such strength.


    Absolutely impossible!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    After the muffled sound of fists colliding, there was an immediate rumble as Chi Menshen was smashed into the ground, sent flying back to where he came from!


    The ground of the public square cracked, and the earth groaned as the people below scattered in panic like birds and beasts.


    They were fortunate. Those below the seventh realm who felt the residual force of this punch would likely have died on the spot.


    The divine phoenix apparition then descended above the square and immediately saw Chu Liang standing atop the Inferno Dragon.


    Chu Liang shouted in surprise and joy, "Esteemed teacher!"


    The figure within the divine phoenix was, of course, Di Nufeng!


    She had been chasing the Heaven-Devouring Python all the way here; although she had just caught up, it took some effort to fly from the python''s tail to its head.


    When Di Nufeng saw her disciple, she immediately smiled, about to speak. But before she could say anything, Chu Liang shouted, "That man is a member of the Celestial Charm Sect, the mastermind behind the assassination attempt using the Heaven-Devouring Python. Don''t let him escape!"


    "Hmm?" Di Nufeng frowned.


    Chi Menshen, who had just been smashed into the ground by her, had regained consciousness. At that moment, he was seen attempting to flip and escape once more.


    A sinister smile suddenly appeared on Di Nufeng''s face.


    <i>No wonder you survived my punch¡ªturns out you are an evil member of the Celestial Charm Sect...</i>


    <i>So you were the ones trying to harm my disciple?</i>


    If Chi Menshen knew what she was thinking, he would probably have knelt down and begged for mercy, loudly exining that it wasn''t intentional, pleading with Di Nufeng to spare his life...


    He would have exined that the Heaven-Devouring Python wasn''t even his pet and that the actual owner of the Heaven-Devouring Python had already escaped. He would have even offered to lead her to the owner of the Heaven-Devouring Python.


    But it was toote for all that.


    In the next instant, Di Nufeng had already turned into a fireball and smashed down!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Chi Menshen had just managed to get half of his body out when he was suddenly stomped down again. Di Nufeng''s foot came crashing down on his chest, driving him one zhang into the ground and creating arge pit around him!


    When had this notorious figure ever been trampled like this?


    Thend of Giant Whale Mountain Manor had never been specially reinforced and simply could not withstand the full power of Di Nufeng''s stomp.


    But this was just the beginning.


    Next, Di Nufeng bent over slightly. As she swung her fists, the mes around her body soared up another zhang high!


    She rained punch after punch down on him!


    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump¡ª</i>


    With each punch, she hit harder, deeper, faster, and with growing enthusiasm. Gradually, her figure disappeared from view, leaving only the surging mes visible. The pit grew deeper and wider.


    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump¡ª</i>


    This flurry of punchessted for who knows how long and what felt like a moment seemed to stretch into ten years. The chaotic scene that even the repeated shouts of the Whale Gang elders couldn''t bring order to suddenly fell quiet.


    Everyone¡ªwhether standing, flying, or sitting¡ªwatched in stunned silence as Di Nufeng relentlessly punched and smashed Chi Menshen like a maniac.


    With every punch thatnded, everyone''s pupils would dte, and their eyebrows would twitch involuntarily.


    The more timid ones were on the verge of tears, though they couldn''t exin why; they just wanted to go home and be held by their mothers.


    This was just too terrifying...


    Even Chu Liang was dumbfounded, his eyelids twitching in fear. He really wanted to say... <i>Esteemed teacher, that''s enough...</i> <i>If you keep digging down, you''ll reach the petroleum deposit.</i>


    But he didn''t dare say it out loud.


    Who would dare stop a rampaging Di Nufeng?


    Considering how fierce she was, even an eighth-realm expert at the Heavenly Origin Realm would likely have to think twice before fighting her.


    After what felt like an eternity¡ªmaybe fifteen minutes or maybe half a lifetime¡ªthe rumbling underground finally stopped. Di Nufeng then leaped back up with a satisfied expression on her face.


    In all these years, Chu Liang had rarely seen his teacher so happy.


    She really was a violent maniac!


    Can beating someone really bring that much joy?


    Everyone present who knew her thought the same thing: thank goodness for Mount Shu''s education. If she''d ended up in the martial world, she''d have been a top-level wanted criminal for sure.


    Whether they were from the diabolical sect or the Celestial Charm Sect, everyone would respectfully call her "Big Sis" upon seeing her.


    When Di Nufeng finally approached him, Chu Liang managed force a weak smile and asked, "Esteemed teacher, are you done?"


    Di Nufeng calmly waved her hand and said, "He¡¯s been beaten into nothingness."


    ...


    As the dust settled and the smoke cleared, no one dared to make a sound or move. All eyes were on Di Nufeng. It was clear to everyone: the only thing that can stop violence is even greater violence.


    Hearing about it is one thing, but witnessing it firsthand is another.


    Most of those present hadn''t lived through the era when the immortal realm was in turmoil because of Di Nufeng, so they had only heard stories of a crazy woman from Mount Shu who was a fierce figure back then.


    But they had no idea just how fierce she really was.


    As for those who had lived through that era, the memories came rushing back all at once. Even the seventh-realm Eminent Ones trembled with fear.


    After all, Chi Menshen had been able to resist thebined attack of at least four Eminent Ones.


    How many opponents as powerful as Chi Menshen could Di Nufeng fight? That was unclear, but how long he could endure her relentless attacks in a one-on-one fight depended entirely on how sturdy he was.


    They vaguely recalled that...Di Nufeng was strong, but they didn''t remember her being this powerful.


    Could it be that she had achieved a breakthrough after being in closed-door cultivation at Mount Shu for decades?


    Could she have already approached the eighth realm?


    She was able to beat a powerful Eminent One from the Celestial Charm Sect into nothingness... quite literally. With the repeated tempering of Samadhi True Fire and her relentless punches, his flesh became so fragile that it disintegrated.


    Under the silent gaze of the entire crowd, Di Nufeng naturally stepped onto the head of the Inferno Dragon beside Chu Liang.


    The previously ferocious Inferno Dragon, which no one dared to provoke, allowed her to step on it without any resistance.


    Humans were not the only ones who feared her.


    Between the teacher and disciple, the disciple had ridden the Inferno Dragon out from the mouth of the Heaven-Devouring Python in a grand and imposing manner, while the teacher descended from the sky, single-handedly killing Chi Menshen with a burning, murderous aura.


    As they stood together, their presence radiated an aura that sent shudders of fear through everyone around them.


    Di Nufeng turned around and finally noticed that no one was speaking; all eyes were on her. She frowned in confusion and said, "Why are you all staring at me? Go do what you''re supposed to do."


    <i>It was was though these insects wouldn¡¯t dare to chirp even if spring arrived, unless she had made a sound first.</i>


    "Yes, yes..." The crowd hastily turned their heads and started moving.


    Whether they had something to do or not, they just started moving.


    Once everyone realized their roles and positions, they began cleaning up the mess.


    Surprisingly, the first to move was Jiang Shenting, who had lost an arm. Regenerating a severed limb wasn¡¯t difficult for a sixth-realm cultivator, and for a seventh-realm Eminent, it was even less of an issue as long as the divine technique¡¯s attack didn¡¯t cause any additional erosion.


    So, instead of tending to his wounds, he hurried over to Xu Bashan, while he himself was covered in blood, and said heavily, "Chief! You¡¯re finally back! The brothers and I were so worried sick about you!"

 Chapter 404: Celestial Official

    <h4>Chapter 404: Celestial Official</h4>


    Everyone watched with their eyes and mouths gaping in shock as Di Nufeng punched Chi Menshen.


    Meanwhile, the Heaven-Devouring Python was hanging around idly in the sky.


    Ji Lingjue had already fled. The Heaven-Devouring Python wanted to escape with its master, but its size didn''t allow for a stealthy retreat... It did its best to try and follow. Its head moved out of the vicinity of the Giant Whale Mountain Manor, but its tail was still within it.


    As the ginormous creature flew overhead, the sky darkened wherever it passed by, and its scales reflected shes of light from amid the clouds.


    The Heaven-Devouring Python was flying in the densely popted Central Region. The sight of it had the people below fleeing in terror.


    Right then, a figure appeared in front of the Heaven-Devouring Python''s enormous head.


    "You''ve got a lot of guts, hey. You dared to act recklessly near the capital of Yu despite your size," the figure said leisurely.


    He was dressed in white, with a jade belt at his waist and a gold hairpin in his lustrous hair. Judging from his face, the man appeared to be around thirty years old. He had distinctively red lips, white teeth, and skin that was fair and smooth like jade. This man seemed to have a rather carefree demeanor, as characterized by his attitude and posture.


    He stood in midair and calmly gazed at the Heaven-Devouring Python. Compared to the ginormous beast, the man in white looked like a speck of dust.


    In the next second, the man in white flipped his hand over, summoning a sword that glowed brightly with divine light. He gave it his all and unleashed an incredibly powerful sh.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A beam of white light appeared in front of the Heaven-Devouring Python and cut into the space. It sliced straight down from the same height that the python''s head reached, creating a very long ck rip in the sky. As the length of the rip grew, so did its width. In an instant, the rip widened into a portal-like ck hole.


    The ck hole was incredibly wide, stretching across the sky. The people gazing up at it from below were scared out of their minds. Yet, even such a massive ck hole seemed a bit narrowpared to the Heaven-Devouring Python.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Due to its tremendous size, the Heaven-Devouring Python couldn''t maneuver nimbly, so it couldn''t veer to the side in time to avoid the ck hole. The Heaven-Devouring Python just crashed straight into it.


    The sides of the python''s head hit the sides of the ck hole. It turned out that the hole was indeed too narrow for the python. Fortunately, the rip in the sky appeared to be stic; it stretched slightly to amodate the python. Once the head was inside, the rest of the python''s body would have no issue entering.


    However, as soon as the python''s head entered the ck hole, it had no desire to continue going inside and immediately tried to pull its head back out.


    It seemed that there was a tremendous force pulling the Heaven-Devouring Python from inside the ck hole. The Heaven-Devouring Python thrashed about in midair, struggling violently against the force. Nevertheless, it waspletely unable to defy the force inside the ck hole.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A thunderous noise rang out as the ck hole finally swallowed the Heaven-Devouring Python. The man in white raised his finger to the sky, and the ck hole slowly closed with a loud rumble, gradually disappearing from the sky.


    Just a momentter, the sky returned to a clear blue, like when dark clouds dissipated after the rain. In fact, the sky was even bluer and clearer than before, as the Heaven-Devouring Python''s collision with the ck hole had dispersed all of the clouds in that part of the sky.


    The rmed people below watched in wonder as the sky suddenly brightened. It was as if the ginormous python had never appeared.


    "It''s gone?" someone cried out in surprise. "That demonic creature disappeared?"


    "You''re making a fuss over nothing!" someone else sneered. "That demonic creature dared to disturb the peace near the capital of Yu, so of course, the esteemed cultivators from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would take action. Isn''t that to be expected? I don''t know what you were all so afraid of."


    "If you weren''t scared, why are your pants wet?"


    "Don''t you know the urine of young boys wards off evil? I was just nning to use this to scare the demonic creature off in case it dared toe down and cause trouble."


    "Stop being stubborn. Just go home and change your pants..."


    "<i>Huh?</i> It seems there''s no need to go home. Why has a pair of pants just floated down from the sky? Is this... a sign from the heavens?"


    "..."


    After dealing with the Heaven-Devouring Python, the man in white didn''t return to the capital of Yu. He transformed into a gust of wind and headed straight to the Giant Whale Mountain Manor.


    At that moment, Di Nufeng was still pounding Chi Menshen into the ground while everyone in the square watched on, dumbfounded.


    Uponnding, the man in white sensed something was strange about this scene and decided not to get involved yet. Instead, he scanned the area with his divine sense until he spotted a familiar face. Then he swiftly flew over to that person''s side.


    "Master Dong, what''s going on here?" the man in white asked.


    That question was directed at a short man with a °Ë-shaped mustache standing on the edge of the crowd. He was Xu Hongqiu''s teacher, Formation Sage Dong Futu.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Dong Futu uttered, turning his head to find the man in white beside him. His face lit up with an amused smile as he said, "Chengfeng? You''re just in time. Look, Di Nufeng is beating someone up again."


    Overhearing the conversation, several people nearby nced at the pair and then nodded respectfully. "Celestial Official Li."


    There was a very clear hierarchy in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. The lowest-ranked personnel were ensigns. The heads of small stations belonging to the City Supervisory Division were<strong> </strong>g-bearing officials, and the heads ofrge stations were senior g-bearing officials. The personnel in charge of the cities were seal-holding officials, and the personnel overseeing the provinces were senior seal-holding officials.


    A senior seal-holding official guarded an entire province and reported directly to the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner. This reflected the strict hierarchy andyered governance.


    An exception to that hierarchy were the celestial officials. They had no subordinates, but their rank was second only to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau Chief, and they answered only to him.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner currently had four celestial officials under hismand, all of whom were undoubtedly powerful.


    Li Chengfeng was one of them. Known as the White-Robed Sword-Wielding Immortal, he was a handsome man who was famous all over the Capital of Yu. During his younger days, he was extremely popr, attracting countless female admirers of all ages. At the peak of his fame, he was as popr as the most popr disciples of the South Melody Conservatory.


    Even the current top disciples of the immortal sects, like Yang Shenlong and Jiang Yuebai, couldn''tpare to him. After all, their main battlefield was in the world of immortality cultivators, so their fanbases would certainly be smaller than that of Li Chengfeng, who had been active in the nine provinces.


    Unfortunately, Li Chengfeng had married young and no longer appeared in public much, so his fanatical fans eventually lost interest in him.


    However, Li Chengfeng had not retired. He had simply stopped handling minor affairs, as his cultivation level had increased. After all, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner relied on the four Celestial Officials the most for missions.


    Li Chengfeng was a sword cultivator, so there were even rumors that he was being groomed by the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner to be the next Dao Master of Tai''a!


    Dong Futu was an honored ally of the High Heavens Pavilion and operated in the Capital of Yu. As fellow members of the cultivators'' circle in the capital, Li Chengfeng was naturally well acquainted with Dong Futu.


    "What just happened here, Master Dong? Could you exin it to me in detail?" Li Chengfeng asked as he joined the crowd in watching Di Nufeng beat someone up.


    "It was quite chaotic earlier," Dong Futu said, blinking in disbelief as he recalled the absurd chain of events. "It was supposed to be Jiang Shenting''s inauguration ceremony, and everyone was preparing to feast. Then... Then suddenly, someone set up some kind of enchanted formation here, and it was extremely powerful!"


    ...


    After everything settled down, Jiang Shenting rushed to Xu Bashan''s side with a concerned expression.


    However, Xu Bashan ignored that and shot him a cold cold re. "Why did you try to kill Hongqiu?"


    Jiang Shenting pointed at Xu Hongqiu. "Chief, it was the Young Lady who conspired with the demons from the Celestial Charm Sect to kill me!"


    At this moment, Xu Hongqiu finally came to her senses.


    The moment she saw Xu Bashan, she threw herself into his arms and cried out, "Father! You''re finally back!"


    "I''m back." Xu Bashan patted Xu Hongqiu. "No one will hurt my daughter again."


    "Chief..."


    "Chief!"


    "..."


    The elders of the Ocean Tempest Hall quickly gathered around Xu Bashan. After bing a huge mess in Xu Bashan''s absence, the Whale Gang finally regained their pir with his return.


    "Everyone, please remain calm," Xu Bashan said, gently nodding to the crowd. Then he looked down at his daughter and asked, "What happened earlier?"


    "I don''t know either..." Xu Hongqiu murmured.


    Realizing the elders of the Whale Gang had gathered around them, Xu Hongqiu pulled herself together. Once again, she hid her child-like demeanor as a loving daughter under a serious expression.


    Xu Hongqiu continued, "I wanted to avenge you, but... the moment that person appeared, I lost consciousness..."


    She lowered her gaze as she sifted through her memories. All she could recall were a few vague images, like fragments of a dream.


    <i>That demon from the Celestial Charm Sect grabbed my saber and cut off Jiang Shenting''s arm... Jiang Shenting threw his spear at me... An inferno dragon coiled around me... and standing on top of the inferno dragon was a young man, who looked familiar even from the back...</i>


    <i>Ah.</i>


    Xu Hongqiu looked to the side.


    In the hazy scene earlier, she had indeed seen Jiang Shenting throw that Dragon Spear at her. She wanted to dodge, but her body wouldn''t obey her. It was as if she were just a spectator. All she could do was watch that long spear approach her with such great momentum that it shimmered with rainbow-colored light. However, just before the Dragon Spear pierced Xu Hongqiu, an Inferno Dragon suddenly descended and blocked the strike, saving her life in the nick of time.


    Her father had been standing on the dragon''s back, while a familiar-looking young man was standing on the dragon''s head.


    <i>That person was indeed Chu Liang! </i>Xu Hongqiu realized.


    When she looked over at Chu Liang, she found he was reuniting with his teacher, Di Nufeng. There was also a certain pantless hairy-legged young man standing beside them.


    The situation was still a total mess in the hall. Xu Hongqiu wanted to go over and thank Chu Liang, but she couldn''t leave yet. So, she turned to look at her father instead.


    Xu Bashan looked at Jiang Shenting with a dark expression and asked, "You said that Hongqiu colluded with the demons from the Celestial Charm Sect to harm me?"


    "I don''t know why, but everyone else saw what happened," Jiang Shenting replied.


    Covered in blood and looking deathly pale, he appeared quite weak.


    "That demon took action, but it was to help you break the enchanted formation!" said an elder that supported Xu Bashan.


    "He was just taking the chance to escape. How could it be that Chief Jiang was the one colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect instead?" retorted an elder that supported Jiang Shenting.


    With the situation more stable now, the Whale Gang gradually returned to its usual state.


    Before Xu Bashan''s disappearance, there had always been overt and covert strife between Xu Bashan''s and Jiang Shenting''s supporters. Now, that familiar tension had returned.


    "I will thoroughly investigate this matter," Xu Bashan dered. "Whoever it was that colluded with the Celestial Charm Sect to harm me, I will not let them off easily!"


    "If you conduct the investigation, won''t it be easy to frame someone?" someone said. "Chief Jiang has already taken the helm; he should be the one leading the Whale Gang now."


    "Don''t forget. He only took over because Chief Xu wasn''t here," someone else countered.


    "Everyone, please stop arguing," Jiang Shenting urged. "Let''s not talk about who is at fault for now. When I agreed to take over as chief, I said that as long as Chief Xu came back, I would return this position to him. If we keep fighting like this, we''ll just end up tearing the Whale Gang apart!"


    His words served as a timely reminder to everyone.


    Someone immediately continued on that train of thought. "Just as well then! Rather than stick around to get falsely used right after experiencing an assassination attempt, Chief Jiang should take the Eastern Whale Division and separate from the Whale Gang!"


    "That''s right. Who knows if this was all just a big scheme by the father and his daughter. Perhaps he just pretended to disappear so that his daughter could pretend to seek revenge. Right when his daughter''s assassination attempt failed, he immediately appeared to save her! How could there be such a ridiculous coincidence?"


    Several of Jiang Shenting''s supporters chimed in one after another.


    Nevertheless, Xu Bashan had just as many loyal followers, and they gave a rational and well-reasoned retort.


    "You''re talking out of your momma''s stinky ass!"[1]


    "..."


    The tension between the two sides escted. If not for Xu Bashan and Jiang Shenting suppressing them, they would have engaged in a physical fight.


    Amidst the chaos, someone said loudly, "Everyone, there''s no need for you to argue among yourselves. It is we, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, who should be thoroughly investigating this matter."


    The elders and members of the Whale Gang turned toward the person who spoke and saw Li Chengfeng was now standing among them.


    "We wouldn''t normally interfere with the internal affairs of the Whale Gang. But since this matter involves the Celestial Charm Sect, we''ll have to intervene," Li Chengfeng dered, looking at Jiang Shenting and Xu Bashan.


    He continued, "All elders and members of the Whale Gang present here today, please do not leave. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau will soon send people to investigate. We will find out exactly who colluded with the Celestial Charm Sect and provide you with an answer."


    Xu Bashan nodded. "Since this matter is being handled by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, I can rest easy now."


    Jiang Shenting smiled. "I agree."


    However, when Li Chengfeng looked at Jiang Shenting, his eyes suddenly lit up in rm. "You''re trying to leave?!"


    1. Much rational. Much reasoning. I did my best to trante it so it''s still funny. Here''s the raw for anyone that can read it: ·ÅÄãÄïµÄ¹·³ôƨ!The direct trantion is something like ¡°your mother''s super smelly fart.¡± It''s basically some nonsense retort. ?

 Chapter 405: Intimate

    <h4>Chapter 405: Intimate</h4>


    Normally, for sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, outsiders would never be involved in internal conflicts.


    But if the Celestial Charm Sect was involved, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had the power to step in. Even the emperor himself didn¡¯t have the authority to do so, but the Imperial Supervisory Bureau did.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau had been established through a coboration between the immortal sects and the imperial court, with the purpose of eradicating the various evil entities that gued the nine provinces. When needed, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau could summon the immortal sects to join the fight at a moment¡¯s notice. Disciples from the immortal sects would often join the Imperial Supervisory Bureau for training. As a result, the two entities shared a mutually dependent rtionship.


    The Celestial Charm Sect, being a group that caused chaos across the world, had always been a primary target of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    The Whale Gang, now split into two factions, was unable to resolve their internal conflict.


    If both sides persisted in their ims and refused to back down, neither side would trust someone from the opposing faction to investigate the matter. It would be ideal if the trustworthy Imperial Supervisory Bureau intervened and conducted the investigation.


    Both the people on Xu Bashan¡¯s side and those on Jiang Shenting¡¯s side would agree to it.


    If anyone was against the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s investigation, it would likely be the one who had actually colluded with the Celestial Charm Sect.


    And so, while Jiang Shenting verbally agreed, he secretly activated a divine technique.


    As Li Chengfeng shouted, Jiang Shenting transformed into a sweeping whirlwind.


    It was only when the others extended their divine senses and scanned the area that they realized this body of Jiang Shenting was a clone!


    He had used the Immortal Art External Manifestation!


    This immortal art not only allowed one to create a clone with cultivation simr to the original body, but it also enabled the clone to remain in ce and maintain its posture while the true form escaped.


    That was exactly what Jiang Shenting did. The moment Li Chengfeng entered the scene, he sensed that something was wrong and had his true form traverse the earth and escape.


    With Li Chengfeng¡¯s sharp senses, he noticed something amiss the moment the clone spoke.


    Immediately, he went after the true form of Jiang Shenting.


    Although Jiang Shenting traversed the earth quickly, Li Chengfeng had transformed into a whirlwind and was even faster.


    In the blink of an eye, he had caught up to Jiang Shenting!


    Though everything happened in an instant, Jiang Shenting had already escaped beyond Giant Whale Mountain Manor, and Li Chengfeng, from mid-air, shed out a ck line on the ground.


    This cut off Jiang Shenting''s passageway underground and he was forced to emerge from the ground.


    As he was injured, he had no intention of fighting Li Chengfeng. In an instant, he multiplied into many clones and countless Jiang Shentings fled in all directions!


    Scattered like stars across the sky!


    Every eminent figure who had roamed the martial world for years possessed a unique escape technique, and this was Jiang Shenting''s divine method of evasion. It wasn''t merely a simple disguise; as long as one of his forms escaped, he could slip away unscathed!


    Unfortunately for him, he ran into Li Chengfeng.


    Li Chengfeng, d in a white robe, suddenly multiplied into countless clones. Each wielded a sword and darted out with incredible speed, leaving behind a blur of afterimages that danced back and forth!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, all of Jiang Shenting''s forms were sliced apart.


    The countless white shadows converged back into a single white-d figure, now standing before thest true form of Jiang Shenting.


    One strike!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Jiang Shenting had no way to avoid it. As the swordlight shed before his eyes, he realized in a daze that Li Chengfeng hadn''t struck him directly but had instead created a ck fissure behind him.


    Then, Li Chengfeng kicked out.


    Bang.


    He sent Jiang Shenting hurtling straight into the fissure.


    After all, Jiang Shenting had only recently achieved the seventh realm and stood little chance against these top-tier Eminent Ones.


    After capturing Jiang Shenting, Li Chengfeng returned to Giant Whale Mountain Manor.


    The elders of the Eastern Whale Division were immediately devastated. Many of them had no idea that Jiang Shenting was colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect; they truly believed him to be a righteous and talented leader.


    As for who among them might have been Jiang Shenting''s aplices, that would have to await further investigation by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    ...


    After handling the situation over there, Li Chengfeng approached Di Nufeng.


    ¡°Elder Sister Feng,¡± he called out.


    ¡°Oh, Little Feng,¡± Di Nufeng said as she smiled warmly at him. ¡°I was the one who chased that little snake here, but it gave you a chance to achieve great merit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your assistance,¡± Li Chengfeng replied with an unusual degree of politeness. ¡°However, since this matter involves you and your disciple, we may need to ask for more details afterward.¡±


    "No problem, I''m happy to stop by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to cooperate with your investigation," Di Nufeng responded confidently. Then, she suddenly asked, "How¡¯s Little Yu doing? Is she okay?"


    "She''s fine," Li Chengfeng replied.


    "Hehe..." Di Nufeng grinned. "It''s been so many years since Ist saw her. I miss her so much."


    Li Chengfeng''s expression immediately became wary as he responded, "We''ve been married for a long time."


    "She''s married now?" Di Nufeng''s smile grew even brighter.[1]


    "..." Li Chengfeng looked utterly shocked and confused.


    Chu Liang, standing nearby, wanted to suggest that his esteemed teacher tone it down a bit. However, as a junior, he knew better than to interject while his teacher was conversing with someone else.


    Just then, Li Chengfeng''s gaze shifted to him, perhaps to steer the conversation or out of genuine interest.


    "This must be your disciple?" he remarked. "I''ve heard of how he yed the Taowu with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords during the Mount Shu battle. And now he''s subdued the South Sea Inferno Dragon. As expected, the heroes of tomorrow are found among the youth of today."


    Chu Liang quickly responded modestly.


    "Hehe," Di Nufeng chuckled as she gave Chu Liang a pat on the shoulder. She then said, "He''s my disciple. Of course he will take after me."


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Li Chengfeng blinked and then said, "I have some matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave."


    Since the Inferno Dragon was mentioned, Chu Liang decided to go take a closer look at this massive creature.


    After having its head stepped on by Di Nufeng, the Inferno Dragon obedientlyy on the ground, not daring to move recklessly.


    In truth, it naturally disliked the aura around Di Nufeng. After all, both the Inferno Dragon and the Divine Phoenix were celestial beasts of the fire path, and they had always been rivals.


    But it didn''t dare to act aggressively toward her.


    Ity there, feeling aggrieved.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and looked into its golden eyes as he asked, "Do you want toe home with me? The Mount Shu Sect is big andfortable..."


    "<i>Roar...</i>" The South-Sea Inferno Dragon seemed to have thought about it with its limited intelligence but ultimately shook its head.


    Chu Liang sighed softly. As expected, it was a proud True Dragon, not something that could be easily subdued. If it had followed him that easily, there wouldn''t be only three sects in the world guarded by True Dragons.


    If he could take this dragon back to the Silver Sword Peak, the Silver Sword Peak would be guarded by two vicious beasts¡ªhis teacher and the Inferno Dragon. Who would dare provoke them?


    Unfortunately, this beautiful vision could only remain a fantasy.


    The Inferno Dragon let out a low hum, then opened its mouth and released a crimson-gold glow that shot toward Chu Liang. He felt a warm current flow through his body, finally settling on his wrist with a sizzling sound.


    Chu Liang raised his wrist and saw a patch of crimson-gold scales on his right wrist.


    This is...


    Did the Inferno Dragon just impart knowledge to me?


    Chu Liang had previously experienced receiving the teachings of the White Dragon, so he immediately recognized what this was. It was the foundation of the Inferno Dragon¡¯s cultivation. With this, he would be able to cultivate the Art of the Inferno Dragon, which was entirely different from the White Dragon¡¯s technique.


    The White Dragon¡¯s technique enhanced his qi and blood, which Chu Liang referred to as the Secret Dragon Blood Technique. The purpose of this technique was to strengthen his physical strength.


    But the Dao of the Inferno Dragon was like a fire seed. This was the cultivation of Divine Dragon Fire.


    In essence, what the Inferno Dragon had given him was like a fire seed.


    It became clear that each True Dragon had a unique cultivation path, much like how humans cultivated different arts and techniques.


    At present, Chu Liang¡¯s cultivation levels were quite varied.


    Roughly, he was at the peak of the fourth realm with Mount Shu¡¯s techniques, the second realm with the White Dragon¡¯s techniques, and the first realm with the Inferno Dragon¡¯s techniques...


    After bestowing the crimson scale upon Chu Liang, the Inferno Dragon raised its head and let out a long cry, then soared into the sky, flying southward.


    Thismotion caught the attention of everyone around.


    On the other side, Xu Bashan had just finished dealing with the gang¡¯s matters. Seeing the scene unfold, he remarked, "It¡¯s all thanks to Chu Liang and that Inferno Dragon that you and I are able to reunite."


    "Indeed," Xu Hongqiu said as she nodded gently in agreement.


    Xu Bashan suddenly asked, "What do you think of Young Hero Chu as a person?"


    "Hmm?" Xu Hongqiu was caught off guard by the sudden question. She hesitated for a moment, lowering her gaze before softly replying, "I don¡¯t really know; I¡¯ve only interacted with him once or twice. He seems gentle and refined, but sometimes there''s a hint of cunning about him, and at other times, he appears quite heroic..."


    "I¡¯d like for the two of you to have a more intimate rtionship. Would you be willing to do that?"


    "Ah, this...?" Xu Hongqiu¡¯s eyes flickered with a touch of panic. "Where did thise from...? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling, but it all feels a bit too sudden. After all, we¡¯ve only met twice... Of course, I¡¯ll leave the decision to you, but..."


    "Oh,e now, we''re people of the martial world. Why overthink it?" Xu Bashan waved his hand dismissively and strode over to Chu Liang.


    As he approached, heughed heartily and said, "Brother Chu, today, you alone saved the lives of my daughter and me. I won¡¯t waste words on thanking you...


    "I, Xu Bashan, propose we be sworn brothers. Even though we bear different surnames, we will be brothers nheless. What do you think?"


    <i>Ha?</i> Xu Hongqiu was utterly bewildered.


    1. Remember that tiger that loves married women? Same situation applies here. ?

 Chapter 406: Hmph

    <h4>Chapter 406: Hmph</h4>


    Chu Liang was momentarily stunned when he heard this.


    It was well-known in the martial world that Xu Bashan, the Chief of the Whale Gang, had a fondness for forming sworn brotherhoods. His reputation as a sworn brotherhood enthusiast was well-established, with at least four or five of his sworn brothers being widely recognized.


    However, those who managed to be sworn brothers with the Chief of the Whale Gang were all prominent figures in the immortal realm, such as Huang Hanshan, the Lord of Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    Chu Liang never imagined he would encounter such a situation himself and could only conclude that this man truly had a deep fondness for forming brotherhoods.


    But he couldn''t find any reason to refuse.


    After all, having an older brother like this in the martial world would certainly boost his confidence when venturing out in the future.


    And so, he agreed without any hesitation.


    However, Xu Hongqiu, who had been silent until now, spoke up from behind, "Father, if you do this, how am I supposed to interact with Young Hero Chu in the future? Wouldn''t he be a whole generation older than me?"


    "Oh, what''s the big deal?" Xu Bashan dismissed his daughter''s concern with a wave of his hand. "From now on, you each address him as you see fit. You can call him Uncle, and he can call you Elder Sister."


    <i>Well then, you are clearly well-versed in the art of swearing brotherhoods.</i>


    Since he had said this, Chu Liang naturally agreed, "Since Chief Xu has extended such a gracious offer, I wouldn''t dare refuse."


    Xu Hongqiu, standing nearby, couldn''t argue any further.


    Today, she and her father truly owed a great debt to Chu Liang and his teacher. If Chu Liang hadn''t rescued Xu Bashan from Python Belly City, or if Di Nufeng hadn''t driven the Heaven-Devouring Python to this ce...


    The oue might have been Xu Hongqiu''s wrongful death, with the added usation of colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect, while Xu Bashan would have remained trapped in Python Belly City for life.


    One had to admit that Xu Bashan''s actions were an excellent strategy.


    Considering that Chu Liang had saved the lives of the Chief of the Whale Gang as well as his daughter, what could he even give to show his gratitude? Although he had lowered himself down to swear brotherhood with Chu Liang and he might need to look out for Chu Liangter on, Chu Liang was not an ordinary person.


    Maybe in a dozen years, Chu Liang would end up being the one looking out for the Chief of the Whale Gang.


    With hundreds of thousands of members in the Whale Gang, anyone who could be the Chief would naturally be well-versed in social matters.


    Immediately, Xu Bashan grabbed Chu Liang. As they stood before the members of the immortal sects and the brothers in the martial world, he dered loudly, "Listen up! Everyone! Today is the day that I, Xu Bashan, swear to be brothers with Chu Liang. Even if we are of different surnames, we shall be brothers! From now on, as long as he doesn''t go against morality ormit crimes, all his affairs are my affairs as well! I ask you all to bear witness!"


    Naturally, the crowd was stunned. Everyone knew Chu Liang had saved Xu Bashan, but none of them expected such an extravagant disy of gratitude.


    However, given that it was Xu Bashan, this sort of grand gesture was entirely in line with his character.


    If this had happened on its own, it would have been the talk of the martial world. But on a day already packed with one dramatic event after another, it merely added to the chaos, causing only a minor stir among the crowd.


    In the blink of an eye, the members of the Whale Gang had already set up the altar, incense, candles, a rooster... and all the other items needed for a brotherhood ritual, leaving Chu Liang momentarily stunned. It seemed this new Big Brother was indeed highly experienced in these brotherhood-forming rituals, as even his subordinates were well-versed in the process.


    After all the chaos, the forces of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau quickly arrived and started questioning everyone present, inquiring about specific details.


    Of course, the observers from the immortal sects received slightly better treatment, being questioned briefly before being allowed to leave.


    It wasn''t until they left the Giant Whale Mountain Manor that Chu Liang finally had a chance to speak with Jiang Yuebai.


    ...


    Chu Liang and Di Nufeng, being the most involved, were thest to leave this session of questioning.


    Since this involved the people in the Python Belly City, Chu Liang reminded the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to check on those people as soon as possible since they had captured the Heaven-Devouring Python. He was concerned that a conflict between the demon race and the human race in the city could result in unnecessary casualties. However, with the Heaven-Devouring Python already in Li Chengfeng''s hands, it was only a matter of time before the people inside were rescued, so there was no need for excessive worry.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau took this matter seriously and immediately dispatched people into the hidden realm to investigate.


    By the time the teacher and disciple came out from the hall, it was already evening. The group from the Mount Shu Sect who hade to attend the ceremony was waiting in an open field outside the manor.


    "Senior Uncle Wang and fellow disciples," Chu Liang greeted as he stepped forward and nodded slightly. He nced over at Jiang Yuebai and said, "Senior Sister Jiang."


    Although Chu Liang appeared fine, Jiang Yuebai still asked softly, "Are you alright?"


    "All is well," Chu Liang replied with a smile, shaking his head.


    On the other side, Di Nufeng greeted Wang Xuanling in a much more straightforward manner.


    With her hands tucked into her sleeves, she walked up to him, frowned, and bluntly said, "Let''s go, old man."


    Wang Xuanling''s expression immediately darkened again, but he was too tired to argue with her. With a flick of his sleeve, he turned to leave.


    Di Nufeng, however, refused to follow behind him, unwilling to let it seem like he was leading her group. She quickly took a few steps to overtake Wang Xuanling.


    Wang Xuanling, not wanting to walk behind Di Nufeng, immediately quickened his pace, taking a few swift steps to overtake her.


    The rivalry between the Jade Sword Peak¡¯s master and the Silver Sword Peak¡¯s master red up, driving them to quicken their pace. What began as a brisk walk soon escted into a full-blown race, until they both unleashed their divine abilities, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.


    "..."


    The disciples who had just started walking exchanged helpless nces. These days, the disciples of Jade Sword Peak, like Xu Ziyang and Lin Bei, got along quite well with those from Silver Sword Peak, including Chu Liang. The old rivalry between the two factions had long since faded.


    Their two teachers were their only worry.


    In any case, the disciples knew their way home, so they let the two go on ahead.


    Just as everyone was about to take off and head back, a voice suddenly called out from behind, "Young Hero Chu!"


    Chu Liang turned around and saw that it was Xu Hongqiu once again.


    "Miss Xu?" He was a bit puzzled as he turned back to meet her. Naturally, he couldn''t call her "niece."


    "Things were quite chaotic earlier, and I didn''t even get a chance to thank you personally," Xu Hongqiu said with a smile. "I wanted to take this moment to express my gratitude before you leave."


    "Miss Xu... Didn''t Chief Xu already swear brotherhood with me?" Chu Liang replied with a smile. "As I travel the martial world, I''ll surely rely on the protection of the Whale Gang, so there''s no need for further thanks."


    "My father and I are not the same person. I truly don''t know how to repay you for saving my life..." Xu Hongqiu said solemnly, her gaze fixed on Chu Liang.


    As she spoke, her thoughts drifted back to that moment of despair, when he descended on the back of the Inferno Dragon and...


    "Cultivators like us should always be loyal and heroic. What I did at that time was something anyone would have done, so it''s really not worth mentioning. If you keep talking about repayment, I''ll start to feel a bit embarrassed," Chu Liang said, waving his hand dismissively.


    But then, with a sudden change in tone, he added, "However... now that I think about it, there is a small favor you could help me with."


    "Hmm... Hmm?" Xu Hongqiu was about to respond to Chu Liang''s generous words when he suddenly shifted the conversation, catching her off guard.


    She quickly asked, "What favor?"


    "Your Whale Gang..." Chu Liang smiled and said, "has quite a few businesses in Taotie City, right?"


    After a brief conversation with Xu Hongqiu, Chu Liang rejoined the group, only to notice everyone watching him with a peculiar glint in their eyes.


    Yet, no one uttered a word.


    The atmosphere seemed a bit awkward.


    Lin Bei¡¯s expression revealed the internal struggle he was facing as he held back a wave of teasing remarks. If Senior Sister Jiang weren¡¯t present, he would have surely teased Chu Liang.


    As they walked together, Jiang Yuebai finally broke the silence. With a soft smile, she teased, "From the way Miss Xu was gazing at you, one might think she''s ready to propose marriage."


    "What?" Chu Liang blinked in surprise. "I can''t believe you guessed it right!"


    Without missing a beat, Jiang Yuebai quickened her pace, putting some distance between them.


    "Hey, wait!" Chu Liang called after her, chuckling. "We were just discussing business, I swear!"


    "Hmph."

 Chapter 407: Everyones Doing Well

    <h4>Chapter 407: Everyone''s Doing Well</h4>


    On Silver Sword Peak...


    Two youngdies held hands as they took a stroll, admiring the scenery of Silver Sword Peak.


    They were quite simr in appearance; both had fair skin and beautiful features. One seemed slightly a little older and taller, with a calm but significantly more guarded demeanor. The other was more lively. She was bouncing around in colorful clothes, looking innocent and carefree.


    They were the koi fish sisters, Liu Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaoyu''er.


    Following their long-awaited reunion, Xiaoyu''er stayed with her older sister in the water mansion on the riverbed for a while. Before Chu Liang left the river, he had invited Liu Xiaoyu to stay at Silver Sword Peak for a while.


    Some time had passed since then, and Xiaoyu''er decided to take her older sister to see her home on Mount Shu. However, Liu Xiaoyu was still quite wary of going to a mountain where human cultivators gathered.


    "It''s just as well that they''re away. I''ve seen enough anyway. There''s nothing special about Mount Shu," Liu Xiaoyu said. "Why don''t we go back to the river?"


    "<i>Hmm...</i>" Xiaoyu''er frowned, looking troubled. "But it''s lively and fun on Mount Shu. It''s always wet and dark in the water. I don''t feel veryfortable there."


    Liu Xiaoyu looked at her sister in astonishment. "Do you know what you''re saying? You''re a fish, you know."


    "<i>Ah.</i>"


    Xiaoyu''er finally realized that unbeknownst to her, she had at some pointe to prefer being onnd over being in the water.


    She hadn''t studied biology before, so her little brain probably couldn''t figure out that it was only natural that being onnd was better than being in the water. Otherwise, the aquatic creatures wouldn''t be the ones evolving and growing legs to go ashore. Instead,nd creatures would be the ones evolving and growing fins to go into the water.


    Nevertheless, Xiaoyu''er quickly lost interest in trying to figure that out.


    Xiaoyu''er hugged her sister''s arm and tried to persuade her. "Pleeeease, Big Sis. Just stay here for a while. Everyone on Silver Sword Peak is really nice, and I''m veryfortable here. I have a huge house. It''s even a little bigger than Big Bro Chu Liang''s.


    "Peak Master Di Nufeng is a warm and friendly and cheerful elder sister. She''s really nice to me. Big Bro Chu Liang is a gentle and kind elder brother. He saved me quite a few times in the past, and he gives me money to buy food every month. Oh, and there''s the Golden-Furred Hou. It''s a very simple-minded and well-behaved spirit beast. It''s super cute!"


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu sighed. "You say that every day."


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Xiaoyu''er giggled. She was just about to say something else, but she suddenly froze and looked around for a while. Then she uttered, "<i>Huh?</i> Where''s my house?"


    When Xiaoyu''er first arrived on Silver Sword Peak, they built her a wooden house next to Di Nufeng''s pavilion, and it became Xiaoyu''er''s little happy ce. However, when Di Nufeng made a breakthrough a few days ago, she had burned up half the mountain peak. So, when the disciples from the Hall of Construction went over to rebuild the houses, Chu Liang had them build Xiaoyu''er''s house a bit farther from Di Nufeng.


    Luckily, Xiaoyu''er hadn''t been in the house at the time of Di Nufeng''s breakthrough. If Xiaoyu''er were still staying beside Di Nufeng''s pavilion the next time Di Nufeng had a breakthrough, Xiaoyu''er might end up as grilled fish... if she''s lucky. If she''s unlucky, she would get burned to ashes and scattered everywhere.


    It wasn''t just Xiaoyu''er''s house that got moved. Chu Liang even had the Golden-Furred Hou''s home moved several li[1] away. Di Nufeng now had a status on Silver Sword Peak of being disliked by humans and feared by the Hou.


    However, no one had informed Xiaoyu''er about this, so she didn''t know.


    Seeing her younger sister in a daze, Liu Xiaoyu asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiaoyu''er stood there for a long time, feeling extremely sad and aggrieved.


    In the end, she said, "My house was stolen..."


    "How could that be? Did you remember the location wrongly?"


    "No way!" Xiaoyu''er eximed with certainty. "I walk this path home from the fruit garden every day. I memorized it a long time ago."


    All she did was leave the mountain for a bit, and when she returned, her home was gone. This left the little fish totally puzzled.


    ...


    While the two sisters were at a loss as to what to do, they suddenly heard a rumbling sound from afar, and a ball of fire descended from the sky.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Frightened by the sound, the sisters turned around to find a tall figure emerging from the dust and smoke. It was, of course, Di Nufeng. She had raced Wang Xuanling back to Mount Shu.


    Di Nufeng''s lips curled into acent smirk. "That old guy still wants to race me? He must have fallen behind by at least thirty li, right?"


    Then she quickly caught sight of the figures ahead, and her eyes lit up. "Xiaoyu''er! You''re back!"


    "Big Sis Feng!" Xiaoyu''er called out warmly as she ran over, pulling her older sister along with her.


    "Oh, I''m guessing this is your older sister? You really do look alike... <i>hehe,</i>" Di Nufeng said, grinning even more brightly.


    "<i>Mm. </i>This is my older sister, Xiaoyu," Xiaoyu''er introduced. Then she told her older sister, "This is the peak master I mentioned, Big Sis Feng."


    "It''s been so long. I''ve missed you sooo much!" Di Nufeng eximed happily.


    She stepped forward to pat Xiaoyu''er''s head, but she abruptly withdrew her hand.


    "What''s wrong?" Xiaoyu''er asked curiously.


    "Earlier, I smashed someone into minced meat with my bare hands and steamed him until all the moisture evaporated. My hands still have a bit of a smell." Di Nufeng sniffed her palms. "I''ll go wash up first, then I''lle back to y with you."


    With that, she zipped back to her pavilion in a streak of fire.


    The sisters were left standing there, their eyes wide with terror. They stood frozen in ce for a long while before they finally came to their senses.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Liu Xiaoyu gasped.


    She had been a demon king for a while now. Yet, even with the experience she''d umted and the mentality that she''d developed in the martial world, she could not withstand even a single blow from Di Nufeng. It wasn''t even an intentional attack, but Liu Xiaoyu''s mental defenses werepletely shattered.


    <i>How could she so casually say something so terrifying?</i>


    <i>What kind of psychotic homicidal maniac is she?</i>


    <i>That wasn''t just the process of killing someone; it''s clearly a recipe for making fish paste!</i>


    <i>Wait, fish paste?</i>


    <i>Aren''t we fish?!</i>


    Liu Xiaoyu gripped her younger sister''s hand tightly.


    With a trembling voice, Liu Xiaoyu said, "T-that''s the warm and cheerful elder sister you talked about? She''s super scary! We should probably run away quickly now. We may not be able to leaveter. She''s too powerful. Just one look from her, and I feel like I''m going to suffocate."


    Xiaoyu''er felt a bit conflicted, not knowing what to say. "Big Sis Di Nufeng is really nice to me. She''s just a bit fierce sometimes... Even if she did kill someone, it must have been a bad person."


    <i>What kind of good person kills people like that?</i>


    Liu Xiaoyu had initially suspected that her naive younger sister was being deceived. However, now she wasn''t worried about that; she was worried that one day her younger sister would get fattened up, smashed into minced meat, and then steamed until dry...


    The two sisters were still arguing when a swordlight fell from the distant sky. It was Chu Liang returning home.


    As soon as hended, he saw the two sisters.


    Chu Liang was pleasantly surprised. "You came!"


    "Big Bro Chu Liang is back!" Xiaoyu''er eximed. "Brother Chu Liang is even nicer to me. He gives me a lot of sword coins every month, and I can spend them however I like!"


    Liu Xiaoyu gazed at Chu Liang suspiciously. "Is he really that nice?"


    "Actually, that doesn''t count," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Xiaoyu''er works at my Berry Wondend, so she earned all of that money."


    Xiaoyu''er chimed in, "That''s right! Brother Chu Liang said that working is the most honorable and glorious thing to do! He gave me a chance to work and even pays me to do it![2] It''s wonderful!"


    Liu Xiaoyu: "...?"


    She didn''t have much experience in the human world, but her instincts told her something was off about what Xiaoyu''er just said.


    Chu Liang hurriedly exined with a smile, "Xiaoyu''er is amazing. There are many people whoe here just because they like her. During the time that she was away, business at the Berry Wondend plummeted."


    Xiaoyu''er chimed in again, "That''s right, that''s right. There are lots of people who like me."


    Liu Xiaoyu keenly caught on to the issue."So, you''ve been working there all this time?"


    <i>If the fruit garden couldn''t do without Xiaoyu''er, did that mean she never left?</i>


    "It''s not like that. Big Bro Chu Liang told me to bnce work and rest. He taught me something called ''big week, small week.'' Work five days and rest two days, then work five days and rest one day. I get a total of six days off a month!"


    Liu Xiaoyu: "..."


    Chu Liang once again hurried to exin. "It''s only because Berry Wondend has just opened. Xiaoyu''er ys a very important role, so she couldn''t leave. But once the other businesses are established, it won''t be like this anymore. Additionally, Xiaoyu''er usually doesn''t have much to do, so she spends her time working instead. If she has something else to do, she definitely doesn''t have to work¡ªjust like how she recently spent some time with you. Everything was fine."


    "Yes, yes!" Xiaoyu''er nodded. "Big Bro Chu Liang is very easygoing. He said I could stay for as long as I wanted as long as I adjusted my work schedule. However many days I take off, I''ll just deduct from my future rest days. Big Sis, I can stay with you for as long as I want. I''ll just work for a year or two straight to make up for it!"


    Liu Xiaoyu: "...!"


    Yet again, Chu Liang hurriedly exined, "No, no, Xiaoyu''er is part of our Silver Sword Peak family. That rule is just in name only..."


    Liu Xiaoyu let out a coldugh, "<i>Hah</i>. A gentle and kind older brother, sure..."


    To her, the person who came up with that nonsense about big and small weeks and schedule adjustments... was even more hateful than that psychotic homicidal maniac. After all, that maniac had only harmed one person. Chu Liang, on the other hand, was harming who knows how many people... and how many fish.


    Chu Liang covered his face with his hand and said, "Since we''re only in the early stages of the business and Xiaoyu''er really likes going to the fruit garden to y with the visitors, I let her go more often. If she didn''t like it, I would never force her to work."


    That was indeed the truth. After all, it''s not like he was a ve driver.


    If Xiaoyu''er didn''t like working there, he wouldn''t force her to do it. However, Xiaoyu''er usually got bored on being by herself on the peak. When she went to the Berry Wondend, she could meet many people who liked her, and that made her very happy.


    Her job was pretty much just to go there and y. All she needed to do was throw the flying disc for Big Head and the Baize youngling to fetch, and the sight of that would attract arge crowd. Xiaoyu''er could earn money and walk about with Big Head; she saw no reason not to do this job.


    On the contrary, Chu Liang often reminded Xiaoyu''er to rest and to focus more on her cultivation. As a demon, Xiaoyu''er had a long lifespan, so she didn''t feel any urgency in that regard. However, considering she had obtained a True Dragon''s cultivation legacy, it would be a waste if she did not cultivate seriously.


    So, if she wanted to, she could take a break from work for as long as she liked. The problem was that she loved her job.


    Xiaoyu''er added, "That''s right. It''s really lively there, and everyone likes me, so it''s really fun."


    Despite that, she noticed that her older sister''s expression seemed to be getting darker.


    Just then, heavy footsteps rang out in the distance. As soon as Xiaoyu''er heard them, she knew the Golden-Furred Hou was approaching.


    She grabbed her older sister''s hand and said, "Quick, let''s go see the adorable Golden-Furred Hou! You''ll definitely like it!"


    Liu Xiaoyu ran with her younger sister to the hillside and saw...


    This "simple-minded," "well-behaved," and "super cute" spirit beast was dashing bounding toward them with its two ws and two paws flying off the ground. Its golden fur was standing on end as it exuded an intense murderous aura!


    Astonishingly, there were two legs sticking out from its huge mouth. They swung up and down helplessly, struggling as hard as they could against the Golden-Furred Hou''s jaws. There were even muffled screamsing from inside.


    The Golden-Furred Hou was holding a person in its mouth!


    1. One li is around 500m, so I guess just take it as the home got moved a few kilometres away. ?


    2. Lmao, I can''t remember which chapter it was, but there was a part when Chu Liang was talking about his Large-Headed Puppets and why should he still need to pay them when he was already fulfilling their need of a job... Seems like he''s been teaching Xiaoyu''er that nonsense. XD ?

 Chapter 408: Empty Promises

    <h4>Chapter 408: Empty Promises</h4>


    "Wahhhh..."


    "Stop crying."


    "Wahhhh..."


    "Everything''s fine, isn''t it?"


    "Wahhhh..."


    "..."


    On a hillside on Silver Sword Peak, a middle-aged man sat hunched over. Clutching his knees to his chest, his head drooped as he cried bitterly. Chu Liang and the koi sisters circled him, their attempts to console him falling t.


    "Senior Dan Lingzi, I''m really sorry..." Chu Liang said, his tone filled with awkwardness. "The Golden-Furred Hou might have mistaken you for a thief."


    He had been chatting with the koi sisters when the Golden-Furred Hou suddenly bolted over. At first nce, Chu Liang was startled. The Big Head had someone mped in its jaws!


    Chu Liang hurried over and forced it to release the person, only to be even more astonished when he saw who it was.


    It was none other than Dan Lingzi from Taotie City.


    At this moment, Dan Lingzi hadpletely lost the air of a master. As he sat on the ground, he looked pitiful and helpless.


    Clearly, the Golden-Furred Hou had scared him out of his wits.


    "Esteemed Senior, please wipe yourself," Chu Liang said as he handed over arge towel.


    Dan Lingzi only stopped crying after being consoled for some time. As he took the towel, he suddenly froze. "Do you all use towels to wipe away tears?"


    "You''re covered in the Golden-Furred Hou''s saliva; that''s what it''s for," Chu Liang exined.


    "..." Dan Lingzi pursed his lips, looking like he might burst into tears again.


    After much back and forth, they finally pieced together what had happened.


    Previously, when Chu Liang visited Taotie City, he had discussed with Dan Lingzi the idea of opening a shop on Red Cotton Peak and offering free rent. Dan Lingzi was intrigued but wanted to maintain his dignified air, so he hesitated, nning to wait for Chu Liang to extend the invitation a few more times before epting.


    But nothing more happened.


    So, he sent a letter, mentioning that a new batch of vored Qi-Gathering Pills was ready and "incidentally" brought up about opening the shop.


    Even after waiting for a few days, Dan Lingzi still hadn''t heard back from Chu Liang. In fact, Chu Liang hadn''t even shown up to collect the newly made vored Qi-Gathering Pills. Dan Lingzi began to panic. Could it be that Chu Liang hadn''t been able to secure the deal and that the higher-ups at Mount Shu had rejected the idea?


    This was very likely.


    After all, Chu Liang was just a young disciple, and decisions like this wouldn''t be up to him.


    And so, Dan Lingzi decided to pay Chu Liang a visit and ask him about it personally. However, when he arrived at Heaven-Reaching Peak, he discovered that Chu Liang wasn''t there. After making some inquiries, he ran into Wen Yulong.


    Wen Yulong, being Chu Liang''s right-hand man, was well-informed about these matters. He told Dan Lingzi that Chu Liang had recently left Mount Shu and might not return for a few days. If he was in a hurry, he could try checking Silver Sword Peak.


    Dan Lingzi then hurried over to Silver Sword Peak, eventually finding himself at Berry Wondend. Although he had helped Chu Liang make numerous batches of berry-vored Qi-Gathering Pills and had seen plenty of berries, this was the first time he had seen a field of Golden Vein Flowers.


    He wanted to fly over the wall for a closer look, but not only was he stopped by a restrictive barrier, he also triggered a thunderous roar.


    The ever-dutiful Golden-Furred Hou mistook him for a fruit thief. How could it allow such a thing to happen? It immediately darted out and caught him in its jaws. The Hunting Hou''s instincts took over¡ªhaving captured the "thief," it intended to bring him straight to Di Nufeng and Chu Liang.


    As Dan Lingzi faced the sixth-realm Golden-Furred Hou, he found himself utterly powerless. At that moment, he was gripped by fear, knowing that just a bit more pressure from the Golden-Furred Hou''s jaws would be enough to snap him in two.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang had repeatedly instructed the Golden-Furred Hou not to kill humans without proper cause. Big Head could also sense that this person was too weak to pose any real threat, so it didn''t bite down hard.


    After hearing the story, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel relieved for Dan Lingzi.


    <i>Luckily, the guardian phoenix of the fruit garden isn''t around today¡ªonly the guardian Hou.</i>


    <i>If it had been the phoenix, we wouldn''t beforting you right now...we''d be mourning over you.</i>


    So, he offered a sincere apology and exined, "I ran into some danger while I was out these past few days and only just managed to make it back today. I had no choice but to keep you waiting. Otherwise, I would have gone to Taotie City long ago to invite you again."


    Dan Lingzi''s expression turned serious once more. He nodded and said, "I''m not in a hurry. I was just concerned that any dy might hinder the development of your Red Cotton Peak, which is why I''ve been keeping a close eye on it."


    "Esteemed Senior, you value promises over profit, I understand," Chu Liang said with a respectful bow.


    The corner of Dan Lingzi''s mouth involuntarily curled into a smile, but he quicklyposed himself and nodded slightly. "This is exactly how cultivators should behave. It''s nothing worth praising."


    Chu Liang then stood up and said, "It''s gettingte today. Esteemed Senior, please rest at Mount Shu tonight. I''ll take you to choose a location for your shop tomorrow. Miss Xiaoyu, why don''t you and your sister join us tomorrow? You can also enjoy the scenery of Mount Shu."


    "Sure!" Xiaoyu''er immediately agreed on behalf of her sister.


    ...


    On Red Cotton Peak, stalls lined both sides of the long street.


    Thanks to Chu Liang''s recent n of offering Qi-Gathering Pills to visitors, the Red Cotton Market had grown more bustling than ever, with at least twice as many Mount Shu disciples setting up shop. The ce thrummed with life.


    Yet, Dan Lingzi frowned deeply.


    The Red Cotton Market was livelier than usual. However, inparison to Taotie City, it was like a small night market to a grand festival.


    The koi sisters, on the other hand, were thrilled. Liu Xiaoyu, who seldom smiled, couldn''t help but let her delight show in this rare bustling scene.


    "Young Hero Chu, surely you don''t mean that the ''shop'' you mentioned is just a mat for me to set up a stall here?"


    Even with the top prodigy of the Mount Shu Sect leading the way and two beautiful girls by his side¡ªwhat he thought was pretty impressive¡ªhe still couldn''t help but look down on the sight of the Red Cotton Market before him.


    Chu Liang wasn''t surprised by this reaction.


    Anyone who had visited Taotie City would naturally makeparisons. That was why Chu Liang had to rely on personal connections to recruit shops. But unfortunately, his attempts were blocked by the young master of Taotie City.


    Hearing Dan Lingzi''s skepticism, Chu Liang smiled and replied, "Of course not. Red Cotton Peak is still in its early stages and hasn''t begunrge-scale recruitment. My n is for your Spirit Pill Pavilion to be the very first official shop on this peak!"


    He pointed to the distance, gesturing as he spoke, "By then, thergest Spirit Beast Paradise in thend of the nine provinces will be constructed there. You will see celestial birds soaring and exotic beasts roaring."


    He then shifted his gaze to another spot, his finger tracing the air. "And right there, the Legendary Weapon Hall will stand¡ªa ce where ancient divine weapons, radiating such powerful murderous auras, will be disyed that even the clouds above will tremble. Your pill shop will be nestled right between these two marvels. Cultivators from every corner of the world will travel great distances just to request a pill from you, forming long lines¡ªso long that even the top talents of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten will have to wait their turn..."


    "Hehehe..." Dan Lingzi, captivated by Chu Liang''s vivid depiction of Red Cotton Peak''s future, found himselfughing out loud.


    Upon realizing that he was behaving improperly, he quickly straightened his expression and asked, "It sounds promising, but can it truly reach that level?"


    Chu Liang replied, "If you don''t join, it definitely won''t happen. But if you do, it might just be possible."


    Dan Lingzi was taken aback by these words as he muttered, "I never realized I was so important..."


    But as Dan Lingzi looked at the rows of stalls ahead, he hesitated again. He had almost fallen for Chu Liang''s empty promises. Chu Liang was like a baker promising cookies he''d only sketched on paper. He didn''t even have the flour to make bread with. At this stage, he was just about to start nting wheat, and the first seed was still in his hand.


    "Young Hero Chu, your storytelling skills are truly remarkable, but I still have to make a living, and this situation..." Dan Lingzi said slowly, his voice tinged with hesitation.


    "Ipletely understand your concerns," Chu Liang said as he nodded with respect. "This matter indeed requires careful nning, and you should take your time to think about it."


    "You''re absolutely right... Hmm? What''s that?" Dan Lingzi suddenly eximed, his eyes widening as he gazed into the distance.


    It wasn''t just him; the crowd on Red Cotton Peak all started murmuring.


    It turned out to be a massive floating ship flying through the air, clearly heading straight for Red Cotton Peak.


    The ship was a striking jade green, with two enormous red sails emzoned with ck whale symbols. One sail bore the character "North," while the other disyed "Whale Gang." The vessel was nearly half the size of Red Cotton Peak in length and as tall as a small mountain, hovering in the sky and instantly casting a shadow over half thendscape.


    In the immortal realm, only the Four Seas Whale Gang was known for using such colossal enchanted flying boats. When these ships weren''t activated, they could be used to navigate the seas; when activated, they could take to the skies, making them ideal for both travel and transporting goods.


    But there were likely only a few ships of this magnitude even within the entire Four Seas Whale Gang.


    It floated above the sea of clouds with an imposing presence!


    As the crowd marveled, a bright red figure appeared at the ship''s bow.


    "Young Hero Chu, I''vee to fulfill our agreement!" a voice rang out.

 Chapter 409: The First Shop is Reserved for You

    <h4>Chapter 409: The First Shop is Reserved for You</h4>


    Yesterday, when Xu Hongqiu mentioned she wasn''t sure how to repay him, Chu Liang casually offered a small suggestion.


    The Whale Gang, being the powerful business group in the realm of immortality cultivation, had influence over all the rivers and seas. They naturally had an advantage. Their presence in Taotie City was unmistakable, with enough shops to fill an entire street¡ªeach one offering a wide array of goods across various categories.


    Chu Liang suggested that the Whale Gang could open branch stores on Red Cotton Peak for all their different businesses from Taotie City. They could just send a few people to manage the shops, with goods moving back and forth between Taotie City and Red Cotton Peak. Even if the profits weren¡¯t huge, they wouldn¡¯t be losing money either. This n alone would temporarily make Red Cotton Peak look impressive, and Xu Hongqiu readily agreed.


    This was no big deal to the Whale Gang. Compared to how Chu Liang saved her and her father''s lives, this was hardly worth mentioning.


    But when Chu Liang saw the scale of the operation today, it was clear she hadn¡¯t just brought a few people to open a branch store.


    A massive flying ship hovered in the air, and Xu Hongqiu descended from it. Chu Liang quickly went to greet her.


    "Miss Xu, what¡¯s all this..." Chu Liang asked, ncing at her and then at the flying ship. He was a bit confused.


    "Didn''t you ask the Whale Gang to open shops on Red Cotton Peak? After I told my father, we spent the night calcting all of our shops in Taotie City and decided that we would move everything we could over here first," Xu Hongqiu said with a smile.


    "Wait a minute..." Chu Liang said as he raised his hand. "What I suggested was... opening branch stores? Just to make Red Cotton Peak look more impressive, that''s all."


    This setup might actually be too overwhelming for Red Cotton Peak to handle.


    "You did say to bring just a few people and some goods to make Red Cotton Peak look more impressive," Xu Hongqiu replied with a smile. "But my father said that now that you''re his sworn brother, if the people in Taotie City don''t respect you, they''re not respecting him. So, why bother with Taotie City anymore? We might as well move everything here."


    "This..." Chu Liang said with a sigh. "Elder Brother Xu is such a good bro."


    But with a quick thought, he immediately grasped the situation.


    When he had initially reached out to those four or five pill shops, Taotie City had responded with a strict ultimatum: either stay in Taotie City or move to Red Cotton Peak, but not both.


    Those shops were definitely afraid.


    They were insignificantpared to the might of Taotie City. Their absence would go unnoticed in the bustling streets, making no difference to the city''s grand presence. Yet, if they left Taotie City entirely, their businesses would be at risk of survival.


    The Whale Gang, however, was a different story. If this massive entity pulled out all its businesses, Taotie City would lose an entire street overnight.


    In that case, it would be Taotie City that had something to fear.


    This would cause a massive scandal and harm their reputation. In addition, if the Whale Gang pulled out all its businesses, Taotie City would also struggle to find another major merchant with such widespread influence and abundant resources.


    Therefore, if Xu Bashan released news of potentially moving the businesses, Taotie City would surely be forced topromise.


    Even though Xu Bashan had significant influence within the Whale Gang, the Ocean Tempest Hall still held power, meaning he couldn¡¯t make decisions on his own. Moving the entire gang''s businesses just because someone saved his life was simply unrealistic.


    In the end, the most likely oue would still be opening branch stores.


    Chu Liang had asked for a small favor, and Xu Bashan had made a small effort, but it ended up being a big help.


    Surely, only those who were experienced coulde up with such an effective strategy.


    <i>This sworn brother of mine really understood the intricacies of human rtions, </i>Chu Liang thought, as he immediately decided that this Big Bro was definitely someone he could rely on.


    When Xu Hongqiu heard Chu Liang call her father "Elder Brother," she felt so weirded out by it. She knew it made sense, but it still made her smile falter for a moment.


    She quickly changed the subject and said, "Let''s get the brothers to start unloading. They don''t have to wait up in the sky. We''ve already registered with Boundless Pce, so everything¡¯s in order."


    There was naturally a need to register such a massive enchanted tool with the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect before it even arrived. Otherwise, they would have already been warned or shot down by now.


    "Great! Let''s get moving then!" Chu Liang said with a grin. "I''ll go contact the brothers in the Hall of Construction to start building the shops."


    When Dan Lingzi saw all of this, he immediately became anxious.


    He hurried over to stop Chu Liang and asked, "Young Hero Chu, didn¡¯t we agree that my shop would be the first?"


    "Weren¡¯t you still thinking it over?" Chu Liang asked.


    "I¡¯ve made up my mind! No more thinking¡ªI¡¯m settling down on Red Cotton Peak for the rest of my life!" Dan Lingzi quickly replied.


    He had hesitated before, but after witnessing the sheer scale of the Whale Gang¡¯s operation, he knew this ce was destined to flourish. Even a fool could see that.


    What was there to hesitate about?


    "Alright, the first shop is still yours," Chu Liang assured him. "But they''re in a hurry, so I''ll help them build the second and third shops first... The first one will stay reserved for you, and we¡¯ll get to itter."


    With that, he rushed off to Heaven-Reaching Peak, leaving Dan Lingzi standing there, mulling over Chu Liang¡¯s words.


    <i>Why does this feel stranger the more I think about it?</i>


    ...


    Meanwhile, on that gently swaying pleasure boat in the Southern Regions, only the silver-scaled youth remained in the cabin.


    Ji Lingjue took out a jade cup, poured a drink into it, and with a flick of his fingers, there was a sharp sizzling sound. The liquid in the cup seemed to encounter something scorching, instantly transforming into a swirling cloud of vapor.


    The vapor in the air began to condense, forming a vague human figure.


    As the apparition gradually solidified, it took on the silhouette of a graceful woman, though her face remained indistinct.


    "Chi Menshen is dead," Ji Lingjue stated bluntly.


    "Hmm?" The vapor rippled as the woman spoke. "Didn''t I tell you to keep an eye on him?"


    "It''s my fault," Ji Lingjue admitted. "The n to control the Whale Gang was already in motion, but when I was capturing the Inferno Dragon, I brought in two Mount Shu disciples, which led to the arrival of Di Nufeng... It was that teacher-disciple duo that ruined everything."


    "Di Nufeng..." The woman mused, as if recalling a distant memory. "The child from eighty years[1] ago, right?"


    "Yes," Ji Lingjue confirmed. "She was the only one who survived after the night of the Dragon Assassination in the capital of Yu."


    "Heh..." The woman chuckled softly. "Last time, it was her disciple who killed Taowu, ruining Lu Chengchou''s n. And now, she''s personally taken down Chi Menshen. Seems like some twisted form of retribution, doesn¡¯t it?"


    "If it weren''t for what we did back then, she wouldn''t even exist in this world," Ji Lingjue replied coolly. "If there''s any retribution owed, it should be gratitude."


    "Sigh, it''s that fool Lu Chengchou''s fault," the woman cursed under her breath. "We had beenying low for eighty years, flying under the radar. He just had to stir up trouble at Mount Shu. Now the situation is tense again, and our other ns will be affected."


    "Where is that bastard now?" Ji Lingjue asked.


    "How could he dare let us know?" The woman sneered. "Besides Xunyang, who wouldn¡¯t want him dead? He¡¯s nothing more than a cripple now, yet he knows too much about the Celestial Charm Sect. When we find him, we¡¯ll make sure his soul and whatever remains of him are utterly destroyed."


    "We have failed to take over the Whale Gang, so I need toy low for a while," Ji Lingjue continued after a pause. "This was my mistake, but I''ll make up for it when I have the chance."


    "It doesn''t matter," the woman replied. "Though the Whale Gang, with its hundreds of thousands of members, was an important piece in our ns, it''s really just a force in the martial world. We have other ways. Ultimately, the key lies within the imperial court."


    ...


    Deep within the sealed underground cavern, a wine jar filled with the aura of death had made its return.


    Xuan Yinzi gently caressed the wine jar. He was so excited that he almost cried. He had been waiting for this jar for too long!


    He had expected a single wine jar to umte enough aura of death in just three to five days, but it had taken so many days before the first jar finally returned.


    He held it tightly, rubbing it for a long time before taking a deep breath and sucking in the aura of death in one gulp. It was like pouring water on parched earth¡ªnot enough to make a big change, but enough to quench the thirst for a while.


    He had been so drained of energy and blood that he had nearly given up, even suspecting that some malevolent force was intercepting his Spirit-ying Jars.


    Now, with renewed strength, he could create more Spirit-ying Jars!


    The first one had returned, so the second couldn''t be far behind.


    As long as even one Spirit-ying Jar returned, it brought him a hundredfold benefit. At this rate, the day he would regain his strength and break free was within reach!


    As Xuan Yinzi thought of this, he couldn¡¯t help butugh eerily, "<i>Heheheh¡ªcough, cough!</i> <i>Cough, cough, cough!</i>"


    ...


    That night, Chu Liang arrived once again at the banks of the Bombax River.


    Even though Red Cotton Peak was abuzz with activity, he couldn''t ignore the pressing matters at hand.


    He hadn''t killed any wine-jar monsters in the past few days to collect more rewards, so they had surely umted.


    Now was the perfect time to clear them all out.


    <i>Haha!</i>


    1. I think Di Nufeng is eighty years old. /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-124 mentioned her attending the Assembly of Immortal Sects sixty years ago. ?

 Chapter 410: Is That All?

    <h4>Chapter 410: Is That All?</h4>


    <i>Sizzle.</i>


    Under the moonlit night, Chu Liang merely flicked his finger, and a crimson-gold spark shot out. Itnded on the wine-jar monster, which was heavily shrouded in yin qi.


    There was what sounded like silk being ripped. The wine-jar monster was suddenly pretty much incinerated, turning into a ball of fire that rose into the sky and then dissipating into nothing. All that remained at the spot where the wine-jar monster had been was a faint trace of dragon breath.


    The yang qi in the Divine Dragon Fire was so intense that it could be considered the nemesis of ghastly creatures like that, which were filled with yin qi. It was extremely effective against them.


    While dealing with the wine-jar monsters, Chu Liang assessed how his cultivation was progressing. He was currently at the fourth realm of the Mount Shu Sect''s cultivation legacy, the second realm of the White Dragon''s cultivation legacy, and the first realm of the Inferno Dragon''s legacy.


    It was a bit chaotic for one person to cultivate three cultivation legacies. In fact, it was rare for people to cultivate two cultivation legacies, and even rarer for there to be someone cultivating three cultivation legacies like Chu Liang.


    The reason was that the enhancements from the different cultivation techniques often ovepped.


    For example, by cultivating the Mount Shu Sect''s Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique to the fourth realm, Chu Liang''s vitality, qi, and spirit had all been elevated to the level of an average cultivator at the fourth realm. The Mount Shu Sect''s cultivation techniques were well bnced; they didn''t bring about outstanding enhancements in specific aspects, but neither were there any weaknesses.


    If Chu Liang were to switch to the Peni Supreme Sect''s cultivation technique now, he would have to start cultivating from the first realm again. However, doing that would not be of much benefit to him, as the enhancements would ovep with the ones he had already gotten from cultivating the Mount Shu Sect''s technique. That meant the enhancements to his vitality, qi, and spirit would be minimal unless he cultivated the Peni Supreme Sect''s cultivation technique to the fourth realm too. It was only at that point that new enhancements might appear. Even then, they would be quite limited.


    Ultimately, it was a waste of energy. It would be much better to spend that energy on advancing to a higher realm with the first cultivation technique. Only cultivators at the pinnacle of the sixth realm who could advance no further would switch to a different cultivation legacy. That was what Old Fei had done in the past.


    On the other hand, it might be more beneficial if Chu Liang were to cultivate the martial arts of the Great Astral Sect. Martial arts focused on enhancing qi and blood, which did not ovep with the enhancements he had gotten from the Mount Shu Sect''s cultivation technique. Thus, some cultivators took up martial arts as a secondary cultivation legacy, but they would not invest the same level of energy in it.


    However, the dragons'' cultivation legacy was quite different. Its distinctive feature was that the dragons'' cultivation techniques didn''t use up a lot of energy, and the enhancements it gave differed greatly from those that could be gained from human cultivation techniques. Chu Liang had benefited greatly just from cultivating to the first and second realms using a dragon cultivation technique.


    Having a human cultivation legacy as the primary cultivation method and a dragon cultivation legacy as the secondary cultivation method made for an exceptional cultivation system.


    So, why had so few people done this before? Well, it''s not that they didn''t want to.


    The reason was that dragon cultivation legacies were too difficult to obtain. There were only a few True Dragons in the world, and those capable of forcefully acquiring a True Dragon cultivation legacy didn''t need one, whereas those who needed one would not be deemed worthy by the dragons. There were very few in history who were like Chu Liang, managing to gain the full favor of two True Dragons.


    Moreover, unlike human cultivation legacies, dragon cultivation legacies provided vastly different enhancements, so it didn''t matter that Chu Liang cultivated the cultivation legacies of two True Dragons. The White Dragon primarily enhanced qi, blood, and spiritual energy, while the Inferno Dragon enhanced divine fire and dragon breath, leaving Chu Liang with a powerful seed of fire.


    The Divine Dragon Fire was a top-tier divine fire on par with the Phoenix Spirit Fire, ranked just below the Samadhi True Fire. The difference was that the Phoenix Spirit Fire''s spiritual nature leaned toward yin, focusing more on the destruction and annihtion aspects of the Dao of Fire. Those who cultivate this Dao to the highest level would find the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven.


    On the other hand, the Divine Dragon Fire''s spiritual nature leaned toward yang, focusing more on the zing and illumination aspects of the Dao of Fire. Those who cultivate this Dao to the highest level would find the Great Dao of Heavenly Radiance.


    Now that Chu Liang was proficient in using these two divine fires, he had gained some insights into the Dao of Fire.


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    After killing thest wine-jar monster, Chu Liang noticed something was off.


    He muttered, "I haven''t been here for four days, so including tonight''s, there should be fifty of them... Why are there only forty-nine?


    "Did one get stolen?"


    ...


    Chu Liang searched up and down the stream, but he still couldn''t find the missing wine-jar monster.


    The pleasant monster-hunting journey ended with disappointment.


    One wine-jar monster could be exchanged for one Intoxicating Spirit Flower Seed. The seed would eventually grow into a nt with flowers. The flowers would bloom and produce more seeds, continuing the cycle for generations. The leaves of the flowers could be turned into Fragrance of Enlightenment, making them worth a fortune altogether...


    The more Chu Liang calcted, the more he felt he had suffered a huge loss.


    <i>How infuriating.</i>


    Chu Liang headed back and rested for the night.


    The next morning, Lin Bei went to find him with some news. The son of Taotie City¡¯s city lord wanted to meet Chu Liang. He had put in a very formal request for a meeting through the Foreign Affairs Hall.


    The person in question was already at Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help butugh. "<i>Heh</i>."


    Just a few days ago, he had gone to the City Lord''s Residence in Taotie City to find the young city lord, only to be led to that ancestral ry waiting room.


    In the blink of an eye, the city lord¡¯s son had nowe looking for Chu Liang instead.


    <i>It''s truly like the saying, "For thirty years, the Yellow River flows to the east, and for the next thirty years, it flows to the west. Do not treat the youth with disdain just because he''s poor, for times are ever-changing..." and you never know who may suddenly find a powerful backer.</i>


    Chu Liang stood up. "I''ll go right now."


    "Didn''t you sayst time that he ignored you and left you hanging? Why not make him wait a bit?" Lin Bei asked.


    Chu Liang shook his head. "No point."


    <i>He could have arranged a meeting time in advance beforeing over, but he just came straight here, clearly intending to let me make him wait a bit to vent my anger.</i>


    <i>So, even if I make him wait a whole day, he''s probably mentally prepared for it.</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t y along. Instead, he swiftly went over to Heaven-Reaching Peak and entered the private room the Foreign Affairs Hall had prepared for them.


    He got there so quickly that the son of Taotie City¡¯s city lord was quite surprised to see him.


    Huyan Bin[1] was dressed in a long brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a folding fan in his hand. He wasn''t particrly handsome, but he had the air of an aristocrat. His cultivation level was neither high nor low, somewhere between the middle tote stage of the fourth realm.


    It wasn''t bad for someone in their early twenties, but considering the near-limitless resources he had ess to in Taotie City, that meant Huyan Bin was considered only averagely talented within the ranks of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Despite his average looks and talent, he had been rumored to have romantic ties with many beautiful female cultivators in the world of immortality cultivators. It was likely due to his outstanding unique talent.


    "Oh? You''re here, Young Hero Chu?" Huyan Bin said, standing up to greet Chu Liang.


    "City Lord Junior, you seem very surprised," Chu Liang responded with a smile, extending his hand.


    The two men warmly shook hands for quite a while before sitting down.


    This left Lin Bei, who was standing behind Chu Liang, stunned. Those who knew them would understand they were rivals meeting for the first time, but those who didn''t might think they were long-lost brothers reuniting.


    <i>Aren''t they treating each other a bit too warmly?</i>


    "To be honest, I knew about your visit to Taotie Cityst time, but I didn''t meet you then. So, I feel a bit ashameding to see you today," Huyan Bin said, addressing his error without any hesitation.


    "Oh!" Chu Liang waved off the notion that it was anything to be offended about. "It''s nothing! Back then, I wanted to see you for a favor, and now you want to see me for a favor. Let''s not bother with trivial matters."


    "You are indeed intelligent, Young Hero Chu," Huyan Bin praised. "I''ve always thought highly of you, and you''ve not disappointed my expectations."


    Chu Liang felt puzzled. "Thought highly of me?"


    "That''s right. I''ve always had many grand ns that I wanted to put into action, but I''ve struggled tomunicate across the nine provinces. When I saw your announcement in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, I suddenly realized that it could be done this way!" Huyan Bin eximed with a p of his hands. "That''s when I took notice of you. After that, I investigated your background, and I got a huge shock. In just a few months, you''ve amassed a fortune using various innovative methods. You''re truly a genius!"


    "Not a genius, just someone standing on the shoulders of a giant."


    Huyan Bin thought the giant that Chu Liang referred to was the Mount Shu Sect, so he smiled and said, "Young Hero Chu, you''re truly modest. While it''s true that the fostering you''ve received from the sect must have yed an important role, not all disciples would have such innovative ideas."


    Huyan Bin''s expression turned serious. "So, when I heard about your n for Red Cotton Peak, I immediately felt a sense of crisis. If it were someone else, a small market like that wouldn''t be a concern to Taotie City. But seeing that you''re the one in charge, I had this inexplicable feeling... that in time, it might actually threaten my family''s position. That''s why I decided to block your efforts."


    "In that case, I''m ttered," Chu Liang replied with a soft smile. "So, what exactly brings you here today? Please speak your mind. I''m all ears."


    "Then I''ll get straight to the point. Taotie City will lift all restrictions and even allow some of our shops to open branches on Red Cotton Peak. However, the Whale Gang''s businesses cannot leave Taotie City."


    After a pause, Huyan Bin added, "I truly didn''t expect that you would be sworn brothers with Chief Xu of the Whale Gang. But even if it''s because of that rtionship, moving all of the Whale Gang''s businesses to Mount Shu would be a huge loss for both the Whale Gang and Taotie City... It''s simply impractical. However, since this issue arose because of me, I''vee here in person to inform you that I will lift all the bans. I just hope to maintain the status quo."


    Chu Liang suddenly asked, "Is that all you have in mind?"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Huyan Bin responded. "Do you have any other ideas?"


    Chu Liang said without hesitation, "Give me another three hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    1. In case any of you remember this guy¡¯s name, we realised that his surname is Huyan, not Hu(It¡¯s not clear in Chinese because there¡¯s no space), so this will be his name moving forward. ?

 Chapter 411: That Is Definitely Not a Rumor

    <h4>Chapter 411: That Is Definitely Not a Rumor </h4>


    Huyan Bin had thought about paying his way out of trouble, but he never expected Chu Liang to ask for such a huge amount right from the start¡ªfar more than he had imagined.


    <i>How can you be so bold? </i>Huyan Bin thought.


    Even Lin Bei, who was standing nearby, was stunned.


    He had heard stories of how Chu Liang had extorted money from Shang Ziliang, which already sounded like highway robbery. But this? This was on a whole new level¡ªthis was like wishing upon a shooting star!


    Despite his reputation for being calm andposed, honed from years of managing his family''s business, Huyan Bin felt his patience wearing thin. The urge to curse was rising fast.


    But before he could unleash his frustration, Chu Liang added, "If you''re willing to pay that amount, I''ll consider it an investment. In return, I''ll offer you ten percent of Red Cotton Peak''s profits every year for the next ten years."


    "You..." Huyan Bin choked on the curse that was about to slip out and quickly countered, "Are you saying Red Cotton Peak''s business will now be part of Taotie City''s operations?"


    "Exactly," Chu Liang replied with a sly grin. "This way, any sess Red Cotton Peak achieves won''t be a threat to you¡ªinstead, you''ll profit from it."


    Huyan Bin furrowed his brow, lost in thought. "This..."


    "Furthermore, I can sign a wagering agreement with you. If this profit share doesn''t double your principal¡ªmeaning it doesn''t reach six hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins in ten years¡ªI''ll cover the difference. So, your investment is guaranteed to double in ten years."


    Huyan Bin''s eyes flickered with surprise. "You really dare to make such a bold guarantee?"


    "It all depends on whether you trust me," Chu Liang replied with a calm smile. "But let''s be clear: you''re not the only one interested in investing in Red Cotton Peak. I''m offering this opportunity because I''d rather avoidpetition with you, not because I need your money. If you wait a couple of years to join, the price won''t be as favorable."


    Huyan Bin fell into deep thought.


    He had just praised Chu Liang for his clever ideas, and now Chu had presented something even more innovative. He hadn''t realized business could be done this way. Partnerships weren''t unusual, but breaking it down into small shares to sell¡ªthis was a new concept to him.


    But there was no reason for him to reject signing this contract.


    If he invested three hundred thousand now, it would be guaranteed to double in ten years...


    And with the backing of the Mount Shu Sect, there was no worry about Chu Liang disappearing¡ªhis credibility was rock solid.


    After a brief contemtion, Huyan Bin responded, "I think this is feasible, but I don''t have the authority to make such a decision on my own. Young Hero Chu, let me discuss it with my father first before giving you a final answer."


    "Alright," Chu Liang replied, "I will be waiting."


    "Then we''ll leave it at that for now," Huyan Bin added. "Brother Chu''s ideas are always impressive. I can''t help but be impressed."


    "Brother Huyan''s courage is truly top-notch," Chu Liang reciprocated with a smile.


    Lin Bei, who had been listening on the side, was dumbfounded. How did it suddenly be Brother Chu and Brother Huyan?


    Just as Huyan Bin was about to rise and take his leave, he hesitated and then sat back down. "By the way," he began, "there''s something I would like to consult you about."


    "Hm?" Chu Liang responded. "Brother Huyan, feel free to say what''s on your mind."


    "Well, I''ve admired Fairy Jiang of Mount Shu for a long time and have always wanted to meet her, but I haven''t had the chance," Huyan Bin admitted with an embarrassed smile. "The other day, I heard that you and Fairy Jiang seem to have some sort of rtionship. Is that true? If it is, I wouldn''t dare harbor any further thoughts. But if it''s just a rumor, could you perhaps introduce me?"


    As Chu Liang listened, his smile slowly faded.


    "Regarding the matter between Senior Sister Jiang and me..." Chu Liang said slowly, "let me rify: that is definitely not a rumor."


    ...


    "It''s all just rumors; don''t listen to that nonsense," Di Nufeng said with a chuckle. "All that talk about closed-door cultivation to break through to the eighth realm¡ªhow could it be that simple? Yan Zi is simply studying some divine techniques."


    Sitting across from her was an elderly man of imposing stature, dressed in a purple-red brocade robe adorned with flying serpents, and wearing a ck crown threaded with gold. Though his skin was wrinkled, with gray hair and white brows, his sharp eyes and the vitality, qi, and spirit radiating from his entire presence were far beyond those of ordinary men.


    "Miss Feng, no need to be nervous; I''m just making a routine inquiry," the old man said with a smile. "For the sword cultivators of the world, there are three Great Daos, each with its own master. His Majesty''s intention is not to see Peak Master Yan Zi''s extraordinary talent wasted on the Great Dao of Tai''a, so he asked me to remind you."


    "What? Is he saying that Yan Zi is no match for the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner?" Di Nufeng retorted as she red at that old man.


    "No, no..." the old man said as he quickly waved his hand. "But even with cultivation power that can ascend the heavens, we should all work together against our actual enemies. The Divine Nine, Terrestrial Ten, and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau are all on the same side. There''s no need for us to fight among each other.."


    "Alright, alright," Di Nufeng said, curling her lips into a faint smile. "I know what you mean. You''re just worried that Yan Zi mightpete with the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner for the control of the Tai''a Great Dao. Rest assured, Yan Zi has no such intention."


    "That''s good," the old man said as nodded with a smile.


    Yet, despite his outward calm, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly.


    Though he had witnessed countless storms throughout his life and served by the emperor''s side for many years, the brief re from Di Nufeng had stirred a flicker of instinctive fear within him.


    <i>Is this the pressure of the Divine Phoenix?</i>


    <i>Or have I just gotten old... and be more timid?</i>


    At that moment, Chu Liang''s figure appeared at the door, calling out in confusion, "Esteemed teacher?"


    It turned out that after returning from Red Cotton Peak, Chu Liang had noticed the fluttering banners on Silver Sword Peak, with two rows of ck-d guards in brocade uniforms lined up in front of Di Nufeng''s pavilion.


    Chu Liang''s heart skipped a beat.


    Could it be that his esteemed teacher hadmitted some major crime and the officials havee here to arrest her? Although he didn''t know what the crime might be, he could easily think about the things she could have done. She must have done something.


    Given how his teacher looked, who would believe she hadn''t broken anyws ormitted any crimes? At the very least, she must have beaten up an old man in the street.


    So Chu Liang hurried over to check, but instead of seeing Di Nufeng resisting arrest, he saw her sitting and chatting with someone. The person across from her seemed to be... a eunuch?


    Yes, an elderly eunuch dressed in the attire of a pce attendant, seemingly of high rank, was sitting across from his esteemed teacher, smiling deferentially.


    "Ah, you''re just in time. I was about to look for you." Di Nufeng waved him over as soon as she saw him. "This is Eunuch Lao from the imperial city."


    "This younger one greets the Eunuch Lao," Chu Liang immediately bowed in respect.


    <i>So you are Eunuch Lao, </i>Chu Liang thought.


    He had indeed heard of this man. There were countless experts in the imperial city. Aside from the masters of the imperial family and the Night Dragon Hall guards, the most renowned were the Four Great Warriors[1].


    These were four great eunuchs who had attained mastery in both martial arts and divine techniques.


    The eunuchs of the Yu Dynasty traditionally practiced a powerful cultivation manual known as the Yin-ying Sutra, an art that could only be cultivated by those who had undergone castration. At its peak, this formidable art granted the ability to move mountains andmand the seas.


    Some of the eunuchs who mastered this cultivation art were honored as Emperor''s Warriors.


    The man before them, Lao Santai, held the position of Terrace-Supervising Eunuch and was recognized as the second-ranked among the Four Great Warriors, surpassed only by Yao Dengxian, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.


    Eunuch Lao was also the Pen-Bearing Eunuch to the current emperor. Having served alongside two generations of rulers, he had be a central figure in the power hierarchy of the Yu Dynasty.


    "This must be Young Hero Chu, the one who killed Taowu with his sword," Lao Santai said and chuckled when he saw Chu Liang. "Not only is your talent extraordinary, but you are also very handsome."


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile inwardly.


    As expected from someone who had long served beside the emperor, his words were indeed ttering. Lately, everyone who met Chu Liang praised him as a "young hero," but Eunuch Lao was different. He was the only one whomented on his appearance.


    The remark was fair, urate, and objective.


    "So, how about it? Will he pass the selection process for eunuchs?" Di Nufeng suddenly asked.


    The Yu Dynasty''s selection for eunuchs was notoriously strict, requiring candidates to meet high standards of elegance and attractiveness. That was why Di Nufeng asked.


    "Definitely top-tier," Lao Santai replied, having given Chu Liang a thorough top-down scrutinization once more.


    Chu Liang''s smile froze on his face.


    <i>Wait, so you''re not here to take away my esteemed teacher¡ªyou''re here to take me?</i>


    Fortunately, Lao Santai quickly stood up and said, "Since Miss Feng has agreed to enter the pce, let''s set off right away. We can still reach the capital before sunset."


    "Alright," Di Nufeng said, rising with casual ease.


    "Esteemed teacher, you''re entering the pce?" Chu Liang asked.


    "The Emperor wishes to see me," Di Nufeng replied.


    "Mainly to inquire about the matters concerning the Whale Gang from that day," Lao Santai added.


    Having observed through her facial expression that it was not a serious matter, Chu Liang nodded.


    As for the inquiry about the Whale Gang, Chu Liang didn''t believe it. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau had already investigated everything from that day, and if there were further questions, they would likely have summoned him as well.


    He didn''t press further about their exact ns.


    Lao Santai''s visit to Mount Shu was not only to summon Di Nufeng but also to gather information on Daoist Yan''s situation. The higher-ups were concerned that Daoist Yan might take a path conflicting with the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, which could lead to unnecessaryplications.


    In fact, a written decree would have been enough to summon anyone else. However, they were worried that if they had only sent a letter, Di Nufeng would refuse to show up. And so, they sent a high-ranking eunuch to extend a personal invitation.


    As Di Nufeng walked out the door, she was still grumbling.


    "You guys handle things in such an unreliable manner. You said you came to fetch me because Mount Shu is far. Why didn''t you seek me out when I was still at the Giant Whale Mountain Manor? Instead, you waited until I returned here, only to make me travel all the way back again."


    "Yes, yes, that was indeed inconsiderate of us," Lao Santai said repeatedly. "The main issue was that by the time this matter was reported to His Majesty, it was already toote. Even if we had sent the summons then, it wouldn''t have reached you in time. By the next day, when we checked, you had already returned to the mountain."


    "What? Are you ming me for leaving too early?" Di Nufeng shot him a sharp nce.


    "No, no, it was just unfortunate timing, and I apologize for the trouble," Lao Santai said with a fawning smile.


    As Chu Liang escorted them outside, he watched from the side and mused to himself, <i>Serving alongside the emperor might be easier than dealing with Di Nufeng.</i>


    As they stepped out, a loud screech echoed through the air, and a magnificent White-Feathered Golden Luan descended from the sky. Its back was adorned with a seat and a brocade canopy.


    Everyone took their seats, and the eunuch at the front gave the signal to take flight. However, the White-Feathered Golden Luan remained on the ground, trembling and shaking in ce.


    "What''s going on?" Lao Santai frowned, causing the guards and eunuchs ahead to stiffen with fear. Their reaction made it clear that this Warrior Lao was far less easygoing than Di Nufeng.[2]


    Chu Liang whispered as he reminded Di Nufeng from below, "Esteemed teacher, could you please control your aura a bit?"


    "Oh, I forgot," Di Nufeng said before she intentionally restrained her imposing aura. Only then did the White-Feathered Golden Luan stand straight and soar into the sky.


    With her Divine Phoenix aura, she was the queen of all feathered creatures. If she didn''t keep her aura in check, even birds with celestial beast bloodlines would cower and tremble before her.


    The giant bird glided slowly across the distant sky.


    1. We named Á¦Ê¿ as Warrior but this really means macho men. ?


    2. In Chinese, "Lao" (ÀÍ) can be a surname, and "Á¦Ê¿" (l¨¬sh¨¬) means "warrior" or "strongman." Whenbined, "Lao" (ÀÍ) with "Á¦Ê¿" sounds like "Rolex" in English due to the simrity in pronunciation. So Warrior Lao also means Rolex. ?

 Chapter 412: Stop Messing Around [End of Book 4]

    <h4>Chapter 412: Stop Messing Around [End of Book 4]</h4>


    Jiang Yuebai sat quietly on the branch of the ancient tree on Azure Falling Peak, frowning as her gaze lost in the distance where birds danced across the sky. A faint mist clouded her eyes.


    She had been feeling a bit annoyed recently.


    At first, it was the gnawing worry over Chu Liang''s sudden disappearance that unsettled her. But after he was found, a new emotion took hold¡ªone she hadn''t expected. Watching him walk too close to Xu Hongqiu sparked a sudden, inexplicable anger within her.


    These were emotions she had never felt in her lifetime before.


    Ever since that day when she firstid eyes on Chu Liang, soaring toward her on the back of the Baize youngling, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this person possessed an unusual charm.


    Back then, he was just an unknown junior disciple, seemingly ordinary in every way. Yet, despite his unassuming appearance, he had a way of stirring her emotions. As events unfolded, it became clear that her instincts hadn''t been wrong¡ªthis person was indeed extraordinary.


    He rose to fame with astonishing speed, quickly bing a celebrated prodigy among the immortal sects across the nine provinces. Yet to Jiang Yuebai, he remained unchanged¡ªno different from the person she had always known.


    What she cared about was never that. As for what it truly was, she couldn''t quite put it into words.


    Her esteemed teacher had taught her all the immortal arts of Mount Shu, but had never taught her what this feeling was.


    "Jiangjiang!" A voice called from behind.


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t need to turn around to know it was her junior sister, Mu Yueting.


    She had never been naturally gifted at socializing. Though she always appeared aloof and distant, it was more out of uncertainty in how to interact with others than a true desire to be solitary. Because of this, few dared to approach her, and even those who tried often found their courage faltering before they could utter a word, leading to awkward encounters.


    Perhaps this was what set Chu Liang apart in her eyes¡ªhis effortless ease with people. He had a way of connecting with others naturally, instinctively earning their trust without even trying.


    Because of her reserved nature, Jiang Yuebai had never had many close friends. The only one bold enough to call her Jiangjiang to her face was this junior sister.


    "Mumu." Jiang Yuebai snapped out of her thoughts and said as she took her junior sister''s hand. "What''s up?"


    "Have you heard? That Red Cotton Peak project Chu Liang''s been working on¡ªthey''ve started building a lot of shops there recently. The disciples on the peak have all gone to check it out; let''s go take a look too!" Mu Yueting said excitedly.


    "Red Cotton Peak?"


    Jiang Yuebai thought for a moment; she was, of course, aware of it. Before Chu Liang began any new project, he would always share his ideas with her, and she could grasp his vision immediately. Over time, the two had developed a quiet but deep understanding of each other.


    She was naturally curious about the bustling activity on Red Cotton Peak. However, whenever she ventured out, she inevitably attracted a crowd. In busy ces like this, it was even worse. While she wasn''t afraid, the attention often became a nuisance.


    After a brief pause, she shook her head and said, "Forget it, I won''t go."


    "It''s okay," Mu Yueting insisted, tugging at her hand. "You need to go out more often; that way, people won''t find it so unusual."


    As Jiang Yuebai looked into her junior sister''s eager eyes, she had no choice but to nod and say, "Alright then. Let''s go have a look."


    So, the two of them set off together for Red Cotton Market.


    Upon arrival, they were met with a scene of transformation.


    What had once been just two rows of modest stalls was now a thriving marketce, with broad roads lined by towering pavilions. Although many of the shops were still preparing to open, some were already bustling with activity, drawing in a steady stream of people.


    The original stalls remained, but with the addition of these new shops, more Mount Shu disciples had been inspired to set up their own stalls, contributing to the lively atmosphere.


    In the center of the marketce, a middle-aged man had imed an open plot ofnd, proudly disying a sign that read "Red Cotton Peak''s First Shop." He had even drawn a circle around it to keep others at bay.


    As soon as Jiang Yuebai arrived, she naturally drew the attention of many onlookers, but she moved through the crowd with a sereneposure, as if the stares didn''t exist.


    As they continued walking, they suddenly came upon another area where a crowd had gathered, piquing their interest.


    As Jiang Yuebai approached, murmurs spread quickly through the crowd, with voices calling out, "Fairy Jiang is here!" The crowd immediately parted, but only to surge towards her, leaving an open space at the center.


    In that newly formed opening, Jiang Yuebai quickly spotted the center of attention: a beautiful woman in a scarlet robe, directing several burly men as they worked on constructing a building.


    She naturally recognized her¡ªthis was Miss Xu Hongqiu, the Young Lady of the Whale Gang.


    Miss Xu was overseeing the construction of the Whale Gang''s new foothold on Red Cotton Peak, where they intended to establish a branch in the future.


    With the crowd shifting around them, Xu Hongqiu turned, and her gaze met Jiang Yuebai''s.


    Jiang Yuebai, moving with the grace of someone strolling casually through the street, yet with an air as though she were descending from the heavens. Her garments billowed like clouds around her, exuding a brilliance that was both captivating and otherworldly.


    The two women exchanged a nce. Although they recognized each other, they did not know each other well. After a brief pause, they both nodded in acknowledgment.


    Just as Jiang Yuebai was about to continue walking down the street, a voice called out from behind, "Miss Jiang!"


    She turned to see Xu Hongqiu quickly making her way toward her.


    "Miss Xu?" Jiang Yuebai asked, puzzled, "What''s the matter?"


    "I... I have some questions to ask you," Xu Hongqiu began hesitantly. "It might be a bit presumptuous, but... I''ve heard some things about you and Young Hero Chu, and... I want to know if they''re true? Because I..."


    Despite being known for her boldness and straightforward nature¡ªeven daring to seek revenge for her father by attempting to assassinate a seventh-realm enemy on her own¡ªXu Hongqiu found herself hesitating as she asked this question.


    But before she could finish, Jiang Yuebai gave a small, decisive nod and simply said, "Yes."


    "I wanted to..." Xu Hongqiu was still searching for the right words when Jiang Yuebai''s unexpected response interrupted her thoughts. She blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, she could only manage a confused, "Huh?"


    Jiang Yuebai nodded again as she said, "Yes."


    ...


    The imperial pce in the capital city of Yu.


    The heavily fortified imperial city stood at the heart of the majestic and vast Panyang City. Within the innermost part of the imperial cityy the golden-bricked, jade-tiled pce city. Theyers of pce walls seemed to carve the sky into perfect squares.


    Although the weather had turned cold, the willows, flowers, and grass within the pce walls never withered, blooming as if it were still spring.


    Lao Santai, apanied by a group of pce attendants, led Di Nufeng into the grand hall, where an elder with clear, sharp features and d in in robes was already seated, awaiting their arrival.


    "You two, please wait here while I inform His majesty," Lao Santai said with a slight bow before excusing himself.


    "Well, well." Di Nufeng smiled upon seeing the elder and greeted him warmly, "Old Qi, it''s been a long time."


    This man was none other than Qi Yingxuan, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Yu Dynasty.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner smiled as he replied, "Indeed, it has been a long time. Miss Feng, I see you have made progress in your cultivation. You are not far off from achieving the Heavenly Origin Realm."


    "Hmph," Di Nufeng scoffed, "I knew it¡ªthis is exactly why they''ve summoned me here. The moment I spend a few days cultivating seriously, these old folks start getting restless."


    Qi Yingxuan smiled but said nothing.


    "And what are you smiling about? Yan Zi goes into closed-door cultivation for a few days, and suddenly you can''t sit still either, can you?" Di Nufeng shot him a pointed re.


    Qi Yingxuan immediately stopped smiling and took on a more serious expression as he said, "I''m not afraid, but I don''t want to see her efforts go to waste while causing a conflict among us who are on the same side."


    "Why are you being so fierce?" Di Nufeng red at him once more.


    Qi Yingxuan blinked, his lips curling into an expression that resembled a smile, though it was clearly not one.


    "Hahaha..." At that moment, a heartyugh echoed from the rear of the hall as a tall elder in a dragon-embroidered robe strode in, nked by pce attendants.


    He looked old, with white hair and high, arched eyebrows. His wide eyes still radiated a strong energy, like a zing me. Even though he was not angry, he still exuded an aura of authority that demanded respect. With a quick flick of his sleeve, he took the foremost seat.


    In the vastnds of the nine provinces of the Yu Dynasty, only one person dared to upy this seat.


    He was the current emperor with the surname Xia.


    Di Nufeng remained standing while the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner rose to greet him, and that was all. Cultivators from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would not have to bow when entering the imperial hall, especially the Eminent Ones¡ªthis was a tradition established when the Yu Dynasty was founded.


    "Stop messing around..." the emperor said with a smile as he settled into his seat. "Second Aunt."

 Chapter 413: Puppet Show [Start of Book 5]

    <h4>Chapter 413: Puppet Show [Start of Book 5]</h4>


    "Elder Brother!"


    "Luoyu..."


    On a simple but spacious wooden stage, two rather stiff human figures embraced each other. One was a man dressed in a robe made from yellow cloth, in the role of the crown prince. The other was a woman dressed in a robe made from white linen, in the role of his younger sister. Their faces looked no different from those of ordinary people, but their movementscked a certain vitality.


    As they embraced, a murmur of voices rose from the audience below.


    "What are they performing?" a woman asked with a frown, feeling slightly displeased.


    Dressed in a green dress, the woman had skin that was as fair as jade and a countenance that held a misty allure. She was clearly a beautiful young woman. However, there was a depth to her eyes like that of a deepke. It gave her the air of someone much older who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.


    There were around a hundred audience members behind her. About eighty percent of them were lively young women with diverse appearances. They were chatting noisily,ining about the story being performed on stage.


    As their discontent grew, the two figures on stage froze. Then a young noble with the air of someone extraordinary stepped out from backstage.


    He was all smiles as he asked, "Your grace, do you not like this tale?"


    "We want to see <i>The Legend of the White Snake</i> or <i>Meng Jiangnu</i>. What is this you''re performing?" a woman in the back asked.


    "Those tales are all fake; what''s so interesting about watching them?" the young man replied with a smile.


    "And this tale of yours is real?" the woman in green suddenly asked.


    The young man answered, "It is, of course, a true story."


    "All right." The woman in green nodded. "Then continue with the performance. I''m curious to see what stories the human imperial family has."


    The young man forced a smile. "Great."


    Instead of returning backstage, he sat down in the audience. He formed a seal with his hands, and the puppets on stage began to move again.


    This man was none other than Young Noble Xunyang, who had wandered to the Far West out of desperation.


    In the past, Young Noble Xunyang sheltered the defeated Lu Chengchou, and that caused the imperial court to pursue him. With the imperial court on his tail, Young Noble Xunyang was rmended to flee to this demon territory, and that was exactly what he did. Fortunately, the queen of Qingqiu, one of the Seven Great Demon Kings, was exceptionally friendly to humans. Additionally, Young Noble Xunyang''s cultivation level wasn''t low, so he was able to use that to find a decent ce to settle down.


    As for why he was using his brilliant puppet divine skill to put on a puppet show, that was because he had ebenmanded to do so by the Demon King of Qingqiu.


    A few days ago, copies of the bi-monthly publication of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> had found their way to the Far West. The demons of Qingqiu were captivated by the iplete tales published in the gazette, and they wanted Young Noble Xunyang to turn the tales into puppet shows for them.


    The reason they enjoyed the tales so much might have something to do with the culture in Qingqiu. Humans viewed all animals that cultivated and turned into supernatural beings as demons, but the demons were not a monolithic race. From the perspective of the various ns of demonic creatures, humans were fundamentally no different from another n of demonic creatures.


    When tigers cultivated, they would be tiger demons. When wolves cultivated, they would be wolf demons. And when humans cultivated, they would be human demons... In essence, they were all the same.


    However, human demons were extraordinarily gifted. There were as many powerful figures among them as there were clouds. Consequently, they ended up dominating the nine provinces. That forced the other demonic creatures to unite as the demon race, while human demons separated themselves from thisbel and gave themselves a unique name¡ªcultivators.


    So, the conflict between the demon race and the human race was essentially a conflict between animal demons and human demons. Additionally, that "Demon God" from several thousands of years ago was actually just a title that the human race had given to a certain demon, but the demon race regarded that demon as their one true god.


    In the Far West, the demon race was free from human oppression, and the Far West had long since be an independent state ruled by the Seven Great Demon Kings. The Seven Great Demon Kings were from different demon ns, and they each ruled a territory of their own. They only gathered when they were summoned by the Demon God Temple.


    The Qingqiu Tribe was led by fox demons. Fox demons were extremely beautiful, and they were experts in transforming their appearance and bewitching others. Most fox demons were female, so they had a particr fondness for tales of love.


    However, Young Noble Xunyang had never read tales like that. Despite being from the nine provinces, he had never paid attention to such things. He had only heard of the tragic love stories that were wildly popr among themon folk.


    Nevertheless, with the Demon King of Qingqiu''smand, Young Noble Xunyang had no choice but to have his puppets act out a love story from his own memories.


    ...


    The puppets on the stage were moving again.


    They yed out scenes of the Crown Prince and Princess Luoyu growing up together. Due to an ident, subtle feelings of affection blossomed between them. They became deeply attached but were eventually forced to part. There were strict rules within the pce walls that made it impossible for them to be together.


    "Why can''t they be together?" a young voice sked from the back.


    It likely belonged to a young fox demon who had only recently taken on human form.


    This time, it was the Demon King of Qingqiu, who was sitting at the front, that answered.


    "Because they are half-siblings," she said calmly. "Humans have their own morals and rules, especially within the imperial family. Such rtionships are not permitted."


    The young fox demon sighed, "<i>Ah...</i>"


    The Qingqiu demons took on human forms, wore human clothes, and spoke thenguage of humans. Nheless, without having experienced life in the nine provinces, they would not be able to fully understand human behavior.


    After bing supernatural beings and gaining divine intelligence, demons avoided having romantic rtionships with close family rtions too. However, that was mainly because they had learned that close inbreeding could result in deformed offspring. Unlike humans, demons did not have the same morals deeply ingrained in them.


    The puppet show continued.


    The Crown Prince and Princess Luoyu lived within the small confines of the pce walls for many years. That was until one day, rumors spread that Princess Luoyu had reached the marriageable age, and the Emperor was choosing a consort for her.


    This news brought sorrow to the Crown Prince and Princess Luoyu.


    At this point, another character appeared¡ªa pce attendant dressed in ck with a small cap[1]. He seemed to cast some kind of dark magic on the Crown Prince and Princess Luoyu. Caught under a spell, they had a true union on a rainy night.


    "<i>Wow.</i>"


    Upon seeing this, the fox demons in the audience pped and cheered for the man in ck.


    Perhaps, in their view, two people who loved each other should be together, so the man in ck had done a good deed. But it was soon revealed that he was not as benevolent as he seemed.


    The man in ck used this incident to ckmail the Crown Prince into doing his bidding. He wanted the Crown Prince to assassinate the Emperor!


    The Emperor puppet on stage was dressed in just a simple yellow cloth, but he still exuded immense power. The moment he appeared, he exuded tremendous pressure.


    At first, the Crown Prince refused toply with the demands of the man in ck. Nevertheless, when news arrived that the Emperor had chosen a consort for the Princess, the Crown Prince gave in. If he could assassinate the Emperor, he would be the new ruler of the nine provinces, and no one would ever control his choices again.


    What followed was the thrilling night of the Dragon[2] Assassination.


    Under the moonlight, the Crown Prince nearly seeded in assassinating the Emperor with the help of the man in ck. Unfortunately, he failed in the end.


    The man in ck''s plot was exposed, and he was killed, along with all his followers. The Crown Prince took his own life. The Princess was married off to a small state in the Western Regions, never to return to her homnd.


    That was the end of the puppet show.


    As the story concluded, curses and shouts erupted from below the stage.


    In the eyes of these fox demons, the human emperor was undoubtedly the greatest evil. The man in ck, on the other hand, was seen as a righteous figure. The Crown Prince and the Princess were tragic lovers, ultimately separated by life and death. The tragic tale evoked deep pity from the fox demons.


    The Demon King of Qingqiu remained silent for a moment, then she asked, "You said this was a true story. So, which dynasty is it set in? And which crown prince is featured in the tale? I have read through many volumes of human historical records, so why haven''t I heard of this?"


    "Historical records are written under the orders of emperors. How could they possibly record the scandals involving their own families?" Young Noble Xunyang replied with a smile. "As for which dynasty... it''s the current Yu Dynasty, and this happened less than a hundred years ago."


    "Humans seem to always find beauty in tragic love stories," the Demon King of Qingqiu murmured.


    Her eyes, like a deep autumnke, gazed into the clear distant sky. She seemed to be thinking of someone, the question was who.


    Young Noble Xunyang smiled and said, "Your grace, it seems you have a story of your own."


    1. Not the western kind of cap. See the trantor''s thoughts. ?


    2. Emperors were associated with dragons. ?

 Chapter 414: The Person in the Painting

    <h4>Chapter 414: The Person in the Painting</h4>


    "Hurry, tell us your story!"


    In a pavilion at Red Cotton Market, Jiang Yuebai sat with Mu Yueting and Xu Hongqiu, who were both leaning in eagerly, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    Fairy Jiang and Chu Liang...


    Rumors about the two had been swirling for ages, but neither had ever confirmed anything. Yet, just moments ago, Jiang Yuebai''s subtle nod had left Xu Hongqiu and Mu Yueting utterly shocked.


    Mu Yueting couldn''t wait and immediately begged Jiang Yuebai to share the details. Despite feeling a little disappointed, Xu Hongqiu''s curiosity got the best of her, and she timidly asked if she could listen too.


    Jiang Yuebai, helpless under the burning gazes filled with the thirst for gossip, finally sighed, "Alright, I''ll tell you."


    With that, Xu Hongqiu quickly found a quiet pavilion where the three could sit down and talk in private.


    "It''s not as exaggerated as the rumors say..." Jiang Yuebai began slowly after they settled in.


    She recounted her first encounter with Chu Liang.


    She emphasized how Chu Liang charged in while riding the Baize youngling, but she quietly skimmed over the part where she had been slurping noodles at the time.


    She went on to describe how she taught Chu Liang divine techniques and skills, and how he would give her curious little things in return... Over time, these simple interactions fostered an unspoken connection between them.


    Whether this connection was what people called "catching feelings," she was uncertain.


    She spoke quickly about these events, so much so that Mu Yueting was still a bit stunned after listening.


    Mu Yueting mulled it over before asking, "So you''re not really sure if Chu Liang actually has feelings for you..."


    "Of course he likes her," Xu Hongqiu interjected firmly. "How could any man not like Fairy Jiang?"


    "Huh?" Jiang Yuebai and Mu Yueting both looked at her strangely.


    They seemed a bit surprised by her change of stance.


    Xu Hongqiu blinked, then hurriedly added, "I just mean, if I were a man, I''d definitely feel the same way..."


    Mu Yueting listened and nodded as she agreed, "That''s true."


    "And from the way you describe it, even though Young Hero Chu hasn''t said anything outright, the way he acts around you ispletely different from how he is with others," Xu Hongqiu said thoughtfully.


    As she spoke, she recalled how Chu Liang behaved around her¡ªalways warm and friendly, yet never with the same quiet attentiveness he reserved for Jiang Yuebai.


    With just a bit of observation, it was clear whom he favored.


    However, Xu Hongqiu didn''t feel too heartbroken. She wanted to confirm things first, which was why she asked. Seeing that the two seemed to share mutual affection, she decided she wouldn''t interfere. As the Young Lady of the Whale Gang, she knew how to gracefully ept defeat... and there was no shame in losing to Fairy Jiang.


    "Is that so?" Jiang Yuebai mused quietly as she whispered. "I feel like there are quite a few women close to him..."


    "Chu Liang is a young prodigy with a heroic spirit. It''s no surprise that many want to be close to him," Xu Hongqiu replied. "But if you truly like him, Miss Jiang, you should act fast."


    "Me?" Jiang Yuebai was taken aback.


    "Who is Jiangjiang? Being liked by her is already a great fortune. Why should she have to make the first move?" Mu Yueting asked, genuinely puzzled.


    "When ites to matters of the heart, you have to seize the moment," Xu Hongqiu remarked wisely. "Who knows what tomorrow might bring?"


    "But if a girl takes the initiative, won''t she be less cherished?" Mu Yueting asked.


    "That''s nonsense. Men aren''t fools." Xu Hongqiu dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "Only people whock confidence worry about things like that. As you said, Miss Jiang is already so remarkable that if she shows interest, it''s a blessing for him! If she''s a bit more proactive, he''ll be worshiping her like a goddess!"


    Mu Yueting nodded slightly. "That... makes sense."


    Jiang Yuebai, still looking a bit bewildered, softly asked, "So, what should I do?"


    "On a night when the moon hangs high, the wind whispers, and the darkness is deep... Uh..." Xu Hongqiu started dramatically, then paused, realizing she might be overdoing it. She quickly pivoted, "I mean, find a romantic spot under a blooming tree, with the mood just right, then take his hand¡ªor better yet, pull him into your arms¡ªand ask him if he wants to spend the rest of his life with you," she dered boldly.


    The other two girls stared at her, wide-eyed. Mu Yueting weakly asked, "Isn''t that a bit too forceful?"


    "My dad said that''s how he wooed my mom back in the day," Xu Hongqiu replied.


    "Is it possible that, um..." Mu Yueting said hesitantly, "Your dad is a man... and your mom is a woman. Even if we should learn from them, shouldn''t we learn how your mom did it, right?"


    "Oh, right!" Xu Hongqiu pped her thigh and immediately corrected herself. "Then just find a romantic spot under the moon and stars, and when the mood is right, get him to hold your hand and then fall into his arms."


    Mu Yueting nodded in agreement. "That sounds better."


    Jiang Yuebai furrowed her brow, feeling unsure. "Will that work...?"


    Before she could think further, the other two girls, more excited than ever, started chiming in with their advice.


    "It will definitely work!"


    "Just ask him to go on a mission together, pick a ce with beautiful scenery, and then... do this and that..."


    "And that and this..."


    "And you''ll seed!"


    "Yay!"


    Jiang Yuebai silently watched the two, an inexplicable feeling stirring within her that she couldn''t quite ce.


    After a while, the two finally calmed down from their excitement.


    Jiang Yuebai then hesitated before asking, "Miss Xu, didn''t you ask me this question today because you also..."


    "Of course not," Xu Hongqiu interrupted before she could finish, shaking her head decisively. "He''s my uncle!"


    ...


    It was a dark and windy night.


    A slender young man, gripping a flickering candle, cautiously stepped into the pitch-ck room.


    "What was that noise..." he murmured, pushing open the door.


    Before entering, he carefully shielded the candle me with amp cover. The room was filled with his father''s collection of famous paintings¡ªone stray spark could lead to disastrous consequences.


    The candlelight illuminated the room, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.


    "Maybe it was just a rat," the young man muttered, preparing to turn back.


    Suddenly, he noticed that something was off.


    Hanging on the wall directly in front of him was a painting his father had recently acquired, titled <i>Ladies of the Eastern Suburbs.</i> It depicted a scene of noblewomen from the previous dynasty, elegantly enjoying a serene spring outing.


    The centerpiece of the painting was a breathtaking woman in pce attire, standing gracefully by the riverbank, her beauty so vivid it seemed to leap off the canvas.


    But now, as he stared at it, he noticed something unsettling¡ªthe riverbank was empty.


    <i>Where did the woman go?</i>


    <i>What''s going on? Did my father get swindled with a fake?</i>


    A wave of panic surged through him, and he spun around to notify his father of this. But as he turned, his blood ran cold.


    Her slender waist, snow-white skin, and full bosom, along with a face as delicate as a peach blossom, exuded an indescribable charm.


    The young man''s gaze locked onto her, his eyes zing over as if in a trance. He slowly asked, "Miss, where did youe from?"


    "Ie from my home. Would this young master care to visit me?" the woman in the red dress whispered.


    The young man nodded numbly, "I... I''m willing."


    With a sudden tter, the candle slipped from his hand, the me snuffing out as it hit the floor.


    The room was plunged into darkness.

 Chapter 415: All The Best To You

    <h4>Chapter 415: All The Best To You</h4>


    When Chu Liang found Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang, they were sitting together and drinking away.


    In a quiet pavilion on Cloud Horizon Peak, the two sat side by side with a jug of wine between them. On the table were a few scattered peanuts and dried fruits as snacks. They sighed heavily as they drank, each taking turns with the jug.


    "What are you two doing here, drowning your sorrows in wine?" Chu Liang asked as hended.


    He had searched all over Mount Shu for them, sending flying-crane messages that went unanswered¡ªonly to discover them hiding away here.


    "<i>Haaaaa!</i>" Lin Bei let out a deep, melodramatic sigh.


    "What is love in this world..." Shang Ziliangmented, staring wistfully at the sky.


    "Since ancient times, love has been a tale of endless regret..." Lin Bei said with a sigh as he ced his arm around Shang Ziliang''s shoulder


    "What on earth happened?" Chu Liang asked, appearing very speechless.


    Shang Ziliang heaved a deep sigh. "I invited Junior Sister Xu Ziqing on a trip, but she said she only sees me as a brother and asked me to stop bothering her."


    Chu Liang had nearly forgotten about this. The initial tension between them had stemmed from Shang Ziliang''s interest in Xu Ziqing... though, to be fair, it had always been a one-sided grudge.


    He hadn''t expected Shang Ziliang to still harbor those feelings.


    In fact, Shang Ziliang had given up at one point. But after spending time with Chu Liang, getting his life back on track, and seeing his wealth and cultivation level soar, he felt like he had be a different person.


    Since he was no longer the same person as before, he decided to try his luck with Xu Ziqing once more.


    Unfortunately, he was met with the same, unflinching rejection.


    Chu Liang struggled to find words offort, and after a moment of thought, he finally said, "Well, if you think about it, being seen as a brother by her might actually be apliment, considering who her actual brother is..."


    Shang Ziliang looked as if he was about to burst into tears.


    Chu Liang then shifted his attention to Lin Bei. "And what about you? Why are you joining him in this?"


    Lin Bei, his face etched with sorrow, replied, "I went to South Melody Conservatory to find Sister Suqiu, and she told me I''m a good person..."


    Chu Liang''s brow furrowed in confusion until he finally remembered who Sister Suqiu was.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, the South Melody Conservatory sent a young girl named He Suqiu as the envoy. When the disciples of the immortal sects got into a fight, she was ying the "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves" to boost morale... If not for her, the brawl would not have been so disastrous.


    Back then, Lin Bei had used his status as a disciple of the Foreign Affairs Hall to get close to her, and it turns out they had kept in touch all this time.


    But it was honestly naive of him to even attempt to woo a disciple of the South Melody Conservatory...


    He Suqin was aiming to be famous across the world one day.


    After a pause, Chu Liang offered some constion, saying, "At least it''s a form of acknowledgment."


    Lin Bei and Shang Ziliang each took another gulp of wine and sighed in unison. "<i>Haaaaaa!</i>"


    Chu Liang patientlyforted them for a while longer until they started to feel a bit better. Shang Ziliang then looked up and asked, "Big Bro, did you need something from us?"


    "There is something," Chu Liang replied. "I have to leave again, but the construction at Red Cotton Peak is critical right now. I need someone to keep an eye on things for me. You two are the ones I trust, so you''ll need to pull yourselves together."


    Besides these two, the only others in the group were Lackey A and Lackey B. Unfortunately, Lackey A was away on a mission and hadn''t been on Mount Shu recently.


    As for Lackey B...


    Wherever he was supposed to be watching, he would end up at a ce to eat, so he wasn''t really trustworthy.


    "What are you going to do?" Lin Bei asked curiously.


    "Oh," Chu Liang said casually, "Senior Sister Jiang invited me to go on a mission with her."


    "Senior Sister Jiang invited you?"


    "Just the two of you?"


    "This..."


    Although the rumors had spread everywhere, those close to Chu Liang knew that he and Senior Sister Jiang hadn''t really established any substantial rtionship. When they heard that Senior Sister Jiang had taken the initiative to invite Chu Liang on a mission alone, both of their expressions stiffened.


    Shang Ziliang and Lin Bei''s jaws visibly tightened, and one could almost see their mrs grinding under the pressure.


    "That''s great... All the best to you..." they said through gritted teeth, their eyes filled with tears.


    Their own failures were hard enough to bear, but seeing a good brother seed was even more painful.


    As they spoke, the two began wailing in each other''s arms again.


    "Brother Ziliang, I want to cry!"


    "Brother Lin, me too!"


    "<i>Waaah¡ª</i>"


    "..." Chu Liang looked at the two and realized they were beyond help, so he began brainstorming for other reliable allies.


    If these guys outside Silver Sword Peak were no good, then perhaps someone from the Silver Sword Peak... But he couldn''t ask his esteemed teacher or Xiaoyu''er, as supervising the construction required someone with a bit more brain power.


    <i>Maybe I should send the Golden-Furred Hou? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    ...


    Jiangnan, Wu''an City.


    The cities of the Eastern Regions were generally prosperous, and Wu''an City was no exception. The streets bustled with activity, and the crowds were vibrant and lively.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai walked side by side through the city, drawing many nces from passersby due to their striking appearance.


    However,pared to their previous trip to Shaonan Town, both of them seemed a bit reserved. This was their first time going out alone together, and they realized that having a few quietpanions along could actually be quite helpful¡ªit kept the atmosphere from bing too awkward.


    Jiang Yuebai appeared preupied and lost in thought throughout their walk. Chu Liang didn''t want to push for a lively conversation, so they ended up reaching their destination in near silence.


    In Wu''an City, there was a painter named Tang Song. He wasn''t very famous but was quite wealthy. He had tried to practice cultivation but only reached the second realm before hitting a dead end, which made him give up. His teacher had been a disciple of Mount Shu, so he always felt a connection to the Mount Shu Sect.


    When something bad happened at home, his first thought was to reach out to the Mount Shu Sect.


    "Oh my, are you Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang, the two prodigies?" Tang Song greeted them personally with his family. Though in his forties, he appeared younger, with a lean, schrly look. He was very enthusiastic. "To think that my humble home could host Mount Shu Sect''s head disciple and Young Hero Chu, who yed the Taowu. This is truly an indescribable honor."


    Chu Liang simply smiled in response. With the head disciple present, it wasn''t his ce to speak first. To be honest, he hadn''t expected this.


    Normally, cases involving evil spirits in arge city like this wouldn''t be too serious and would typically be handled by disciples at the Spiritual Awareness Realm. If a disciple at the Golden Core Realm was dispatched, it would show that the Mount Shu Sect was taking the situation very seriously.


    As a result, Chu Liang was surprised by Senior Sister Jiang''s sudden invitation to Wu''an City.


    He wondered what she had in mind.


    "Official Tang, you¡¯ve always shown great care toward our sect. Given the recent events at your home, we should definitely give it our full attention," Jiang Yuebai replied with a respectful tone.


    Families with close ties to Mount Shu often made regr donations.


    Of course, this wasn''t the usual standard for when immortal sects took action. Even if a family was poor, if they were gued by evil spirits and sought help from Mount Shu, the sect would certainly intervene.


    "I consider myself half a disciple of Mount Shu, so it''s only right that I care for the sect," Tang Song said earnestly.


    As they walked to the main hall, he began to exin the unusual case at his home. In short, his son had disappeared.


    Official Tang continued exining, "My son, Tang Yu''an, has always been kind-hearted and has never made enemies. When he disappeared, I found the door to my painting room wide open and an oilmp overturned on the floor. But what happened next was even stranger..."


    He summoned a servant to bring out a securely locked box, sealed with multiple talismans. It seemed that he only dared to open the box in the presence of Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang.


    With a soft click, he unlocked the box, carefully extracted a scroll, and began to unroll it slowly.


    The scroll disyed a traditional ink painting ofdies on an outing. The brushwork was exquisite, the figures appeared almost alive, and a subtle spiritual energy emanated from the scroll. It was clear that the painter was a highly skilled cultivator with great mastery in the cultivation of the Dao.


    "This is a painting from the previous dynasty titled <i>Ladies of the Eastern Suburbs</i> that I recently acquired, but..." His eyes shifted as he pointed to a spot on the scroll. "This figure wasn''t in the original painting. It appeared only after my son went missing..."


    The spot he pointed to was beneath a willow tree by the riverbank, where a slender young man was depicted. The figure bore a striking resemnce to Tang Song.


    Strangely, while everyone else in the painting wore clothes from the previous dynasty, this young man was dressed in clothes from the current era. Given that the previous dynasty was a few hundred years ago, the contrast was quite striking.


    Unlike the other figures who were gazing at the scenery, he was the only one looking directly out of the painting. The detailed brushstrokes revealed that his expression was one of sheer terror.


    Tang Song immediately eximed, "This is my son, Tang Yu''an!"

 Chapter 416: Huh?

    <h4>Chapter 416: Huh?</h4>


    Neither the front nor back gates of the Tang Residence had been open on the night in question. Furthermore, there were no signs of the courtyard walls having been climbed over. However, Tang Yu''an''smp was smashed inside the collection room, and there was that person who had appeared in the painting.


    <i>Every clue seemed to point to... a living person being pulled into the painting...?</i>


    This matter was indeed strange.


    If it were just Tang Yu''an''s soul that had been drawn into the painting, it wouldn''t be that strange. If there were ghosts in the painting, pulling a person¡¯s soul into the painting was certainly something they could do. Yet, Tang Yu''an''s corporeal body had been pulled in as well, so that meant there had to be a physical space inside the painting.


    The painting could not be a storage enchanted tool, as storage enchanted tools could not hold living beings... The most likely scenario was that the painting contained a small world simr to a hidden realm.


    "Official Tang, could you tell us more about the origin of this painting?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "Sure," Tang Song replied. "This is a famous piece by Lin Bingzhu, a renowned court painter of the previous dynasty. Titled <i>Ladies of the Eastern Suburbs</i>, the painting depicts a scene ofdies on an outing. It is an ancient piece that''s fairly well known. I bought it from Honorable Su, the chief official of Wu''an City, and paid a hefty price for it. Who knew it would lead to such a strange incident?"


    "Since it''s a famous painting, it must have passed through many hands before getting to you," Chu Liang remarked as he pondered about the matter. "Have you ever heard of such an incident urring in the past?"


    Tang Song shook his head. "Never."


    "If there''s nothing wrong with the painting itself, then something must have happened after the purchase that caused things to go awry," Jiang Yuebai mused, lowering her gaze as she analyzed the situation.


    Chu Liang said, "If something attached itself to the painting and pulled a soul in, it would certainly be the work of a ghost. But this matter is quite unusual, as the corporeal body has disappeared as well. Further investigation is probably needed to figure out what happened."


    "The scroll painting must not be damaged. Otherwise, Young Master Tang may be harmed. Skills from the Great Dao of the World should be used to ess it, or... it will need to be reattempted."


    "I''ll attempt it tonight."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Tang Song uttered in confusion.


    <i>After these two young prodigies fell into deep thought, it was as if they suddenly entered another realm. They each seemed to be talking to themselves... How did that end up being a conversation between them?</i>


    <i>And... attempt what?</i>


    If those who had attended Jiang Yuebai''s lecture at Mount Shu were here, they would likely feel a sense of deja vu.


    Chu Liang turned to Tang Song. "Official Tang, seeing as the sky''s already dark now, let''s not rush things. In a while, hang the scroll back in its original spot. I''ll stay there tonight to observe. If there are indeed ghosts harming people, they won''t just appear once. If nothing happens tonight, we''ll take the scroll back to Mount Shu tomorrow and ask an esteemed senior who is an Eminent One to try to ess it."


    "All right..." Tang Song finally understood the two progidies'' n and nodded repeatedly. "I''ll do as you say."


    Jiang Yuebai brought her gaze back up and looked at Chu Liang. "Why are <i>you</i> going? I''m the head disciple. I should be the one investigating."


    "What if it''s a ghost that targets men?" Chu Liang joked with a grin.


    Jiang Yuebai curled her lips in annoyance and muttered, "Look at how eager you are."


    ...


    That night, Chu Liang arrived at the Tang Residence''s collection room. He held a candle and quietly did a walkthrough of the room, looking at Tang Song''s valuable collectibles.


    The painting of the <i>Ladies of the Eastern Suburbs</i> was hung in the center of a wall, but there were no signs of movement from it. Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t feel anxious; he just waited patiently.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuebai was outside the room, in the courtyard. She had her divine sense locked on the room. She nned to rush in the moment she sensed any unusual activity.


    With Chu Liang''s and Jiang Yuebai''s current abilities, they were more than capable of handling things on their own. Naturally, it would be super easy for them to deal with a couple of ghosts.


    The sky darkened as night fell.


    Suddenly, a cold wind swept toward Chu Liang, and his keen senses picked up the presence of yin qi. He swiftly turned his gaze to the painting on the wall, but it seemed unchanged.


    Seeing that, he quickly looked behind him.


    Just as he expected, there was a sh of vivid red clothing by the doorway behind him. A woman in scarlet robes was leaning against the door frame, unting her elegant and captivating figure.


    With a soft and sweet voice, she said, "It''ste, young noble. Would you like a ce to rest?"


    Chu Liang had guessed correctly; it was indeed a flirtatious ghost.


    Chu Liang looked at the alluring ghost and smiled. "Of course, that would be wonderful. Where do you live, Miss?"


    The scarlet-robed ghost slowly approached him. "I''ll take you to my ce..."


    Chu Liang used his divine sense to probe the ghost''s aura and found out that her cultivation level was low. He didn''t dare to use the Demon-Revealing Brick for fear of smashing her to death with a single strike.


    After thinking about it for a moment, Chu Liang decided it wouldn''t hurt to follow her.


    He nodded and replied, "Then I''ll have to trouble you, Miss."


    While Chu Liang was speaking, the scarlet-robed woman had gotten close enough to grab his hand, but Chu Liang quickly pulled it out of her grasp.


    "Miss, just lead the way. There''s no need for this..." Chu Liang said shyly.


    The scarlet-robed ghost giggled. "Look at you, all shy. There''s no one watching. What are you afraid of?"


    "Who said no one''s watching..." Chu Liang muttered, pointing at the painting on the wall. "Aren''t they watching?"


    "Then I''ll take you to meet them."


    With a wave of her long sleeve, The scarlet-robed ghost swung her long sleeve over the painting, and everything inside it suddenly seemed toe alive¡ªthe flowing river, the shady trees, the women by the riverside...


    Then the scarlet-robed ghost grabbed Chu Liang. With a whoosh, they transformed into a beam of light and entered the painting.


    Chu Liang felt dizzy for a moment. He had arrived in another world.


    <i>So, this really is a hidden realm?</i>


    The world he saw had a clear blue sky with light and fluffy clouds and beautiful green willow trees. Astonishingly, it was the scene of a warm spring day.


    A group of women were ying by the riverside. When they saw the scarlet-robed ghost leading Chu Liang in, they burst intoughter.


    "Another handsome young noble hase in."


    "Another?" Chu Liang asked. "Has someone elsee here before me?"


    The scarlet-robed woman suddenly pushed her way into his arms. She clung to him and said, "Why? Are you here to find that person?"


    Chu Liang quickly stepped back. "That''s right. Miss, do you know where he is?"


    "He''s probably enjoying himself somewhere." The scarlet-robed ghost scanned the area around them. Then she raised her hand and pointed in a certain direction. "<i>Ah.</i> There he is."


    Chu Liang looked in that direction too and saw a slender young man walking out of a pavilion with a woman in teal robes. The young man''s steps were unsteady, but he was beaming with joy.


    This young man was Tang Yu''an.


    Chu Liang immediately went over and cupped his hands together in greeting. "Brother, are you Tang Yu''an?"


    "I am. And who might you be, brother?" Tang Yu''an asked, still smiling as he looked at Chu Liang.


    "Your father sent me to find you and bring you back."


    "My father?" Tang Yu''an was stunned. "I just came in for a moment, and he already noticed?"


    "Brother Tang, you disappearedst night. A whole day has already passed."


    "This..." Tang Yu''an was shocked. "How did that happen?"


    "Young noble, time flows differently here," the woman in teal reminded him. "One day in the painting is the same as one year outside."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Tang Yu''an was astonished. Chu Liang was quite surprised too.


    <i>Could this really be a hidden realm where time flows differently?</i>


    <i>That would be a true treasure.</i>


    Tang Yu''an shook his head. "I must have been enjoying myself too much here. I forgot to leave. What a big mistake."


    Chu Liang said puzzledly, "But from outside, you looked absolutely terrified, Brother Tang."


    Tang Yu''an shook his head and smiled. "I was scared when I first came in, but Xiao Cui and the others quickly eased my fears."


    Looking at the bright smile on Tang Yu''an''s face, Chu Liang thought that it indeed appeared that Tang Yu''an''s fears had been thoroughly dispelled.


    <i>Hang on...</i>


    <i>If Tang Yu''an''s initial terrified expression was frozen in the painting for so long, could it be...</i>


    As a feeling of unease sprouted in Chu Liang''s mind, the women gathered around them.


    "Young noble, since you came to rescue him, you must be a cultivator, right?"


    <i>So, they knew?</i>


    Seeing that these women were different from ordinary ghosts, Chu Liang answered truthfully, "I am Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    Upon hearing that, they all knelt down. "Please, young noble, seek justice for us!"


    ...


    Outside the painting...


    Jiang Yuebai entered the collection room.


    She had sensed the presence of the female ghost earlier, but since the ghost''s cultivation level was low, she hadn''t taken action.


    Knowing that Jiang Yuebai had his back, Chu Liang had followed the ghost into the hidden realm within the painting without hesitation. Naturally, Jiang Yuebai understood why he''d done that.


    At this moment, her gaze fell on the painting. She noticed that changes had urred within the depicted scene.


    Tang Song''s expression was no longer one of terror. Instead, he was smiling and holding hands with one of thedies in the painting, enjoying a stroll with her.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang appeared on another part of the riverbank. There was a scarlet-robed woman pressed against his chest...


    Jiang Yuebai slowly furrowed her brows. "<i>Huh?</i>"

 Chapter 417: The Gruesome Case

    <h4>Chapter 417: The Gruesome Case</h4>


    "Our homes are all on the outskirts of Wu''an City..."


    By the riverside with verdant grasses lining the banks, several women gathered around Chu Liang. They knelt before him, begging him to seek justice for them.


    Chu Liang quickly helped them to their feet and urged them to tell him what had happened. The woman dressed in scarlet robes stepped forward and started exining.


    Back when they were alive, they had been locals of Wu''an City. Most of them were daughters of ordinary families, with only two among them being courtesans. They had led separate lives, unconnected in any way, until they encountered the same devil.


    The scarlet-robed woman continued,"That man is Su Wei, the son of Su Shengyan, who is the lord of Wu''an City..."


    As the city¡¯s highest official, the City Lord held almost absolute power, with only the military out of his control. He was often addressed simply as "City Lord," and his son, Su Wei, was the most privileged of his generation.


    Su Wei would abduct any woman he fancied, and after satisfying his desires, he would cruelly murder her. Over the past few years, more than ten women had fallen victim to his wickedness.


    Some of the victims'' resentful souls lingered within the City Lord''s residence, drifting aimlessly, their hatred and sorrow keeping them bound to the mortal realm. On the brink of fading into nothingness, they stumbled upon a hidden realm within a mysterious painting. This realm became their sanctuary, allowing their souls to anchor themselves. The spiritual qi within this hidden world nourished them, even granting them a touch of cultivation power.


    However, time within this hidden realm flowed differently than in the outside world. While only a few days had passed inside, years had slipped by outside. The women dared not stray far from the painting, for fear that the cultivators within the City Lord''s residence would discover their presence and destroy thest remnants of their existence.


    It wasn¡¯t until the other day when Tang Song attended a banquet at the City Lord''s residence. While there, he noticed the painting and became fond of it. Su Shengyan, seeing Tang Song¡¯s admiration for the artwork <i>Ladies of the Eastern Suburbs</i>, decided to sell it to him at a low price as a favor.


    This unexpected turn of events gave thedies a chance to appear before Tang Yu''an, drawing him into the painting with hopes that he might help them seek justice. However, they didn¡¯t anticipate that just expressing their gratitude would cause a whole day to pass in the outside world.


    This led Tang Song to request the assistance of Mount Shu cultivators.


    After briefly recounting their tragic fates, a few of the women began to sob.


    "I see..." Chu Liang murmured.


    It all made sense now¡ªwhy the young master of the Tang family had vanished for a day without anything happening to him. The women had only emerged to seek help.


    Looking at the blissful yet frail[1] Tang Yu''an, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but think that such deep gratitude from the lingering spirits was more than enough; there was no need for them to go to such lengths.


    Tang Yu''an then sincerely pleaded, "Young Hero Chu, since you are a disciple of Mount Shu with outstanding cultivation, you must help them! We can''t let that viin go unpunished! Justice must prevail in this world!"


    Seeing Tang Yu''an''s anxious expression and earnest tone, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel that Tang Yu''an seemed more distressed than the victims themselves.


    Chu Liang nodded thoughtfully. While the lingering spirits'' gratitude was perhaps unnecessary, it was certainly a powerful motivator.


    "If what you say is true, I will make sure justice is served and these evil deeds are not buried," Chu Liang dered with conviction. He then turned to Tang Yu''an, "Young Master Tang,e with me first so your parents won¡¯t worry."


    "Alright." Tang Yu''an turned back to the woman in the green dress and held her hand as he said, "Xiao Cui, wait for me a moment; I''ll be back soon."


    Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but inwardly wonder, <i>They¡¯ve only just met, is there really a need to be so reluctant to part?</i>


    With a respectful bow to the women, he said, "Please wait here."


    The woman in scarlet robes waved her hand, and a portal to the hidden realm opened before them. Chu Liang then led Tang Yu''an through the portal and left.


    They had been able to sense and enter this hidden realm because their souls, being incorporeal, could navigate more easily between different worlds. Over time, the lingering spirits had mastered the pathways within it.


    For those with living, corporeal bodies, however, this perception was much weaker.


    When it came to the understanding of the Great Dao of Reality and Illusion, those in the living world could never match the innate knowledge of ghosts. It was said that when Eminent Ones meditate on certain aspects of Dao, they would use techniques of out-of-body experiences to search for that sense of the unreal existing in the world.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In a sh of light, Chu Liang returned to the painting collection room with Tang Yu''an.


    Immediately, his eyes fell on Jiang Yuebai''s beautiful face, which was as calm and dark as still waters.


    ...


    "Let me exin..." Chu Liang began, already suspecting that his sudden appearance in the painting earlier might have looked rather improper.


    "There¡¯s no need to say more, as long as the person is rescued," Jiang Yuebai responded, her expression stern. "Were the ghosts inside dealt with?"


    "It¡¯s not like that, this matter needs to be exined in detail," Chu Liang quickly rified. "What you saw in the painting was just the first scene after I entered¡ªit was an ident! Everything that happened afterward was not what you think. If you don''t believe me, ask Young Master Tang."


    "Yes," Tang Yu''an chimed in, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face, "The joy that followed is beyond your imagination."


    "..." Chu Liang was speechless.


    <i>If you keep talking like that, no one wille to save you next time, you know?</i> he screamed inwardly.


    Before he could say anything further, the Tang family members, alerted by themotion, rushed into the room. As soon as Tang Song saw his son, he hurried over, fussing over him anxiously.


    The room was suddenly filled with noise and confusion.


    "Father, there''s still important business to attend to!" Tang Yu''an insisted, breaking free from his father¡¯s grip. "We need to help those girls get justice."


    "Leave this matter to us," Chu Liang finally managed to interject, taking the opportunity to recount what he had just witnessed.


    "A hidden realm within a painting..." Jiang Yuebai mused after hearing the full story. "That court painter from the previous dynasty must have been a seventh-realm Eminent One, and also well-versed in both the Dao of Time and Space, to have created such a space within a painting."


    "Yes..." Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    Currently, the known Great Daos rted to time include the Great Dao of Years and the Dao of Infinity, while those rted to space epass the Great Dao of the World and the Great Dao of Distancelessness ¡ªeach with its own unique focus. To craft such an exquisite hidden realm, one would need to master both the Great Dao of Years and the Great Dao of the World and seamlessly integrate them¡ªa feat of immense difficulty.


    Upon hearing about the atrocitiesmitted at the City Lord''s residence, Jiang Yuebai''s expression darkened, her brows knitting together in anger.


    "These poor girls..." Jiang Yuebai said solemnly. "We must help them."


    "Owh..." Tang Song hesitated, his face showing clear difort at the idea. "The City Lord''s son? That¡¯s going to be difficult." "It doesn''t matter who he is; now that we know about this, we can''t just let it go," Chu Liang dered. "Even if he were the son of a marquess, I''ve dealt with that before."


    "I''ve read about Young Hero Chu''s heroic deeds in South Gate City on <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>," Tang Song admitted, "but... the chief official of Wu''an City, Su Shengyan, is not someone a marquess canpare to. He¡¯s being backed by...the current chancellor!"


    "Hmm?"


    Tang Song then began to exin about Su Shengyan.


    Su Shengyan was a man who had climbed the ranks through ttery and cunning maniption. He started as a poor schr, failing the imperial exams repeatedly, and his family name was originally Lu. Desperate to change his fortunes, he married into a wealthy local family and took on the surname Yang. With his father-inw¡¯s influence, he secured a minor position in the local government, and within ten years, he had maneuvered his way up to be the chief official in the city, responsible for legal judgments¡ªa key role in the government office.


    He was essentially the third most powerful person in Wu''an City.


    But that was only the beginning. During a reporting trip to the capital of Yu, he managed to ingratiate himself with Su Qian, who had just be the new chancellor. Despite being a few years older, Su Shengyan brazenly knelt in front of Su Qian and asked Su Qian to adopt him as a son. After that, he changed his surname to Su and adopted the name Shengyan, riding high on his newfound connections.


    With this powerful support, Su Shengyan returned to Wu''an City and quickly ousted the previous city lord, seizing the position for himself. He divorced his wife, remarried, and ruthlessly orchestrated the downfall of his former wife¡¯s entire family¡ªpeople who had once treated him with kindness.


    Today, in Wu''an City, his word had bew and no one dared to oppose him.


    "Good grief," Chu Liang muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "He really has drifted through life..."


    "So, if you want to bring him down in Wu''an City, it will be as hard as climbing to the heavens," Tang Song sighed deeply. "I¡¯m not trying to dissuade you, but you need to be aware of the stakes. You must find concrete evidence and not act recklessly. Although the Mount Shu Sect is one of the Divine Nine, if he catches you on a technicality within imperialw, it will still be difficult to handle."


    "Thank you for the reminder, Official Tang. We will be careful," Jiang Yuebai replied as she nodded.


    Even without Tang Song¡¯s warning, Jiang Yuebai wouldn¡¯t have rushed tobel Su Wei a criminal outright. No matter how convincing the wrongfully treated spirits might be, they were still presenting only one side of the story. Without solid evidence, it would be reckless to jump to conclusions.


    She exchanged a nce with Chu Liang, and they both understood each other''s thoughts without a word.


    But then, as if remembering something, a sh of annoyance crossed Jiang Yuebai¡¯s eyes before she quickly looked away, her expression tightening.


    Chu Liang¡¯s eyelids drooped slightly, letting out a quiet sigh. "<i>Haaaaaa...</i>"


    1. The Chinese character used here is Ðé (empty) which tend to mean someone''s energy being drained and emptied. Basically, he had his sexual energy happily drained. ?

 Chapter 418: Eavesdropping By The Wall

    <h4>Chapter 418: Eavesdropping By The Wall</h4>


    Wu''an City, the City Lord''s Residence.


    The more twisted a person''s heart, the heavier their guilt, and it seemed the City Lord of Wu''an carried a considerable burden. His residence was even more heavily guarded than the ordinary city official''s residence.


    Rows of towering walls loomed,yered with intricate enchanted formations. Martial artists and cultivators, both visible and hidden, patrolled the grounds with unyielding vignce. One wrong move here, and you''d find yourself trapped like a rat.


    Yet, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai decided that they would still investigate first and check on Su Wei''s situation. They had to see for themselves before deciding their next move. The City Lord''s Residence was dangerous, but with their cultivation level, this was a risk that they could take.


    "Over here," Chu Liang murmured in the narrow alley behind the residence. He had slipped on a robe made of Aura-Concealing Muslin and handed another one to Jiang Yuebai.


    Ever since he discovered how effective this robe was at concealing one''s presence, he had bought several more and stored them in his enchanted tool for future use. It was a must-have for slipping through enemy lines, scaling walls unnoticed, and ensuring that those who saw too much would never speak again.


    That was not the end of it. He had even managed to find a few Essence-Concealing Pills, which were rare pills because their alchemical recipes had been lost to time.


    As he handed one to Jiang Yuebai, he said, "If we have no choice but to act, make sure to take one of these."


    These two items were indeed useful; the only downside was their high cost...Regardless, it did not matter to Chu Liang.


    Jiang Yuebai gave him a weird look as if she was saying, "Why are you so experienced at this?"


    Chu Liang met her gaze with a knowing look that seemed to say, "Practice makes perfect."


    With that unspoken exchange, the two wasted no more time and swiftly darted forward.


    The area was denselyyered with enchanted formations, rendering simple techniques like Wall-Phasing or Underground Escape Route ineffective. Leaping over the walls would only draw immediate attention.


    Fortunately, both of them had mastered Dimension Compression. With two swift movements, they slipped through the defenses like a pair of shadows.


    Tang Song had previously visited the City Lord''s Residence. Since he was a painter, he sketched a roughyout of the residence for them. Thus, they were able to head straight for Su Wei''s quarters in the rear courtyard without any detours.


    As they moved stealthily, Jiang Yuebai took the lead. Her Transcendent Spirit was highly sensitive to spiritual qi, allowing her to detect formations and enchanted tools long before they were within range.


    Chu Liang followed closely, paying attention to their surroundings. Though it was their first time scaling walls together, they moved with remarkable coordination, as if they had been partners for years.


    If the top two prodigies of Mount Shu truly lowered themselves to engage in breaking and entering, no one would be able to stop them.


    In a matter of moments, they reached the outer wall of a courtyard and pressed themselves against it. Inside was Su Wei''s bedroom.


    Jiang Yuebai nced at Chu Liang, who gave a slight nod.


    ording to their n, they would wait until Su Wei was alone in the room before they would slip inside together. Jiang Yuebai would then use the illusory technique Shadow of Radiance to coax him into confessing his past crimes.


    As long as they confirmed he was the murderer, everything would fall into ce.


    But before they could act, bursts ofughter erupted from the room.


    It wasn''t just Su Wei in there. The two exchanged nces again, then crouched lower by the wall and continued waiting.


    The sounds ofughter and chatter grew clearer.


    "So, Young Master Su has a taste for this sort of thing? I would''ve never guessed," a woman''s voice purred seductively.


    "Why? You don''t like it?" a deep, masculine voice resonated.


    "I do, I like it very much," the woman replied with a yfulugh. "But don''t tie it too tight; it''ll hurt."


    "I want you to feel the pain," the man said as he chuckled wickedly.


    Suddenly, a muffled groan filled the room, quickly followed by a series of moans.


    Jiang Yuebai: "?"


    Chu Liang: "!"


    Jiang Yuebai''s brows gradually furrowed as she realized the situation was moreplicated than they initially thought.


    Chu Liang''s eyes darted around nervously, thinking they had truly stumbled upon an awkward moment.


    This was way too awkward.


    It was starting to feel like the top two prodigies of Mount Shu had sneaked out in the middle of the night just to eavesdrop on something entirely inappropriate.


    Both of them blushed slightly.


    Jiang Yuebai looked at Chu Liang, her eyes flustered, andmunicated through Voice Transmission, "Maybe we should just charge in?"


    Chu Liang signaled her to stay calm with his eyes and replied, "Wait a moment, we might catch him red-handed."


    Jiang Yuebai shot Chu Liang an impatient re and asked through Voice Transmission, "How much longer do we have to wait?"


    Chu Liang, now regaining hisposure, replied, "Judging by the sounds, not much longer."


    Sure enough, the awkward tension onlysted a moment.


    They soon heard the man let out a long sigh, followed by silence.


    Momentster, there was a faint rustling, and the woman''s voice rang out again, "Huh? Young Master Su, what... what are you doing? Owh!"


    "He''s about to murder her!"


    The two immediately realized the situation, and in a sh, they both entered the room!


    ...


    Inside the room, a gruesome scene unfolded.


    A womany bound on the table, her eyes wide with terror as a man hovered over her and was about to sh her stomach open with the glinting de in his hand.


    "Stop!" Chu Liang shouted in a low voice. Without hesitation, he threw the Demon-Binding Rope toward the man.


    The figure was none other than Su Wei, the City Lord''s son. His eyes widened in shock as he narrowly evaded the rope, scrambling toward the door in a desperate bid for escape!


    This scoundrel had some skill in martial arts!


    But Chu Liang was faster. He surged forward, swinging the golden brick with unerring precision. The impact resonated with a solid thud against the back of Su Wei''s head.


    Su Wei let out a sharp cry of pain as he crumpled to the ground, knocked out by the brick.


    It would have hurt him, but it would not be painful enough.


    Chu Liang wasted no time, swiftly wrapping the Demon-Binding Rope around Su Wei, securing him tightly.


    Behind him, Jiang Yuebai had already freed the woman. She draped a cloak over the woman as she whispered soothing words.


    The two moved in perfect sync, resolving the situation in a heartbeat.


    However, as Su Wei copsed, he let out a scream that echoed through the courtyard, alerting the patrolling cultivators to the unfolding chaos in this room.


    Su Wei''s perverted behavior was something of an open secret among the cultivators at the City Lord''s Residence, so strange noises from his quarters were often ignored. But his scream¡ªone of genuine fear¡ªwas an entirely different matter.


    Instantly, a divine sense swept across the courtyard to investigate the situation in the room.


    The sight it revealed was indeed unusual. Su Wei, usually the one binding others, nowy helplessly bound. It was as if the wheel of karma had turned, and the heavens had decreed that he reap what he had sown.


    And who were those young man and woman standing there?


    "Intruders!"


    With a loud shout, several figures immediately rushed over.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai each seized a person. Without wasting a moment, they leaped onto their swords and shot into the sky, transforming into two streaks of brilliant swordlights as they made their escape.


    Since Chu Liang was carrying Su Wei, an especiallyrge number of cultivators were chasing after him, including a sixth-realm martial artist whose speed was nothing short of extraordinary!


    "You take the woman back first," Chu Liang shouted to Jiang Yuebai, then abruptly veered off in a sharp turn, skillfully shaking off many of the cultivators hot on his trail.


    But after parting ways with Jiang Yuebai, the number of pursuers tailing him only grew. It was extremely difficult to escape carrying someone. Even if he managed to flee the city, he might still be caught.


    It would be much easier to kill Su Wei and then flee. But if it were exposed that a Mount Shu Sect''s disciple had taken thew into his own hands, it would tarnish Mount Shu''s reputation and invite severe repercussions from the imperial court.


    So, Chu Liang swiftly altered his course, making a beeline for the Wu''an City Supervisory Division.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    He didn''t go to the government office because the officials there were surely under the City Lord''s control. In addition, seeking help from the government office would be futile as there were not many cultivators there.


    He kicked open the doors of the City Supervisory Division, his voice booming as he shouted, "Where is the city supervisor? This man has abducted and brutally murdered women repeatedly! I caught him in the act and have brought him here to face justice!"

 Chapter 419: Detained

    <h4>Chapter 419: Detained</h4>


    Inside the City Supervisory Division, several night-duty cultivators rushed out in shock. They watched Chu Liang stride in, carrying the unconscious Su Wei with one hand.


    The group of cultivators working for the City Lord''s Residence were on Chu Liang''s heels, but they hesitated for a moment before swarming in after him. They knew that they wouldn''t be able to do anything to Chu Liang once they were inside the City Supervisory Division.


    Seeing the group of people suddenly burst in, the several cultivators belonging to the City Supervisory Division were quite rmed.


    The person leading them, a g-bearing official[1], shouted at Chu Liang, "Who dares to barge into the City Supervisory Division?!"


    "Why are you shouting at me?" Chu Liang replied. "I''m here to report a crime."


    "Oh..." the g-bearing official uttered. Then he shifted his attention to the group behind Chu Liang and shouted, "Do not behave impertinently inside the City Supervisory Division!"


    "Why are you shouting at me? We''re from the City Lord''s Residence!" the leader of the group shouted back.


    The g-bearing official was taken aback.


    <i>If I can''t shout at either of them, who do I shout at?</i>


    After thinking for a moment, he suddenly turned around and shouted at his subordinates, "What are you standing there for? Go fetch Seal-Holding Official[2] Ma!"


    His subordinates quickly responded, "Yes, sir..."


    However, they were thinking, <i>You can''t shout at outsiders, so you shout at us, huh?</i>


    It wasn''t surprising that the g-bearing official didn''t dare continue raising his voice at the outsiders. Be it Chu Liang or the group of cultivators who followed him in after, they all exuded a formidable presence. The g-bearing official could tell at a nce that they were all at much higher cultivation levels than him.


    Naturally, he was intimidated by those he couldn''t defeat. This was the City Supervisory Division''s domain, but without amanding officer present, the g-bearing official needed to maintain caution.


    Chu Liang, unbothered by the situation, grabbed a chair and sat down in the main hall. He tossed the unconscious Su Wei onto the ground and pinned the guy down with his foot.


    Seeing that, several of the City Lord''s cultivators wanted to charge over. "You¡ª"


    "Who dares to move?" Chu Liang said coldly. "He''smitted serious crimes. Trying to save him means you''re shielding a criminal. If any of you step forward, I will stomp him to death!"


    Those words left the group of cultivators quite bewildered. They couldn''t tell for sure if this young man even cared about adhering to thew.


    Nevertheless, seeing their young master under the young man''s foot, they understood the situation well enough.


    They could only shout with feigned bravado, "If you harm even a single hair on the young master, you''ll never leave this ce alive!"


    "<i>Heh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered.


    He immediately stomped down on Su Wei''s chest with a thud.


    Su Wei was a cultivator of martial arts, yet Chu Liang''s stomp was powerful enough to make Su Wei cough up blood. Despite having been knocked out before the stomp, Su Wei was now grimacing in so much pain that it looked like he was about to wake up.


    Chu Liang had no sympathy for this deranged murderer.


    <i>If the aggrieved souls of the women in the painting hadn''t told me about Su Wei, there would have been another tragedy tonight.</i>


    With Su Wei at Chu Liang''s mercy, the opposing group of cultivators did not dare to provoke him any further.


    Yet, someone shouted from the rear of their group, "If you have the guts, stomp on him again!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang murmured.


    As Di Nufeng''s disciple, how could Chu Liang let such a provocation slide?


    He stomped on Su Wei''s chest again!


    <i>Crack!</i>


    The distinct sound of Su Wei''s bones cracking rang out. Just as Su Wei was about to regain consciousness, he passed out again from the pain.


    The same person from before shouted once more, "You dared to stomp again? I don''t believe you have the guts to do it a third time!"


    Just as Chu Liang was about to deliver another stomp, the leader of the opposing group frantically waved his hands. "Hang on, hang on..."


    He first gestured for Chu Liang to stop, then he turned to the person at the back of the group who had been shouting at Chu Liang.


    The leader asked that person, "Why are you doing that?"


    The man answered, "I''m the janitor here at the City Supervisory Division. I was just curious if he''d dare to stomp again... and he actually did, <i>heh...</i>"


    "Get out of here! Scram!"


    The cultivators from the City Lord''s Residence angrily drove the janitor away.


    ...


    The standoffsted only a moment before a thunderous voice rang out. "Who dares to cause such a ruckus at the City Supervisory Division in the dead of night? I want to see who exactly is so bold!"


    A middle-aged man with piercing eyes, dressed in the white robes of the City Supervisory Division, strode in withrge steps. His fiery gaze swept over the hall.


    The man had a majestic and imposing aura and a high cultivation level, likely the sixth realm. He was Ma Ben, the head of the City Supervisory Division in Wu''an City.


    The chief official, the city supervisor, and the general of the garrison were the three most powerful figures in the city.


    "City Supervisor Ma," the leader of the group from the City Lord''s Residence called out.


    He cupped his hands in greeting, and his group followed suit.


    The group leader said, "You''re finally here."


    "Honored Ally Xue," Ma Ben replied, cupping his hands in return.


    Seeing that the two knew each other, Chu Liang refused to be outdone. He cupped his hands in greeting too and greeted Ma Ben. "City Supervisor Ma."


    "<i>Hmm...?</i>" Ma Ben murmured, turning his head and giving Chu Liang an intense stare. He asked, "And you are?"


    Chu Liang answered, "I am Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. City Supervisor Ma, I''vee here today to ask you to punish evil and uphold justice."


    "Chu Liang?" Ma Ben furrowed his brows. "You''re that Young Hero Chu who yed Taowu?"


    Chu Liang smiled humbly.


    Before arriving at the hall, Ma Ben had already inquired about the situation and decided on a n of action. He just needed to take down anyone who dared to oppose the City Lord''s people. However, upon finding out Chu Liang''s identity, Ma Ben was hesitant to go ahead with his n.


    Ma Ben sat down in the seat of honor[3] and slowly asked, "What exactly happened here?"


    Honored Ally Xue used Chu Liang of breaking into the City Lord''s Residence in the middle of the night and kidnapping Young Master Su. It was a tant disregard for thew and morals.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, imed that Su Wei was guilty of murder and a slew of other crimes. He didn''t mention anything about the female ghosts in the painting though.


    After hearing that, Ma Ben said unhurriedly, "The City Supervisory Division has no authority to judge cases. You should be taking this matter to the Wu''an City government office[4]. Why have youe barging into my division?"


    "You''ll have to ask this madman for that," Honored Ally Xue replied, ring at Chu Liang.


    "Naturally, it was to prevent them from silencing witnesses. There are no powerful cultivators in the government office; how could they stop these people?" Chu Liang asked. "I''m young and weak. Wouldn''t my sect elders worry if I were to get harmed?"


    ncing at Ma Ben, Chu Liang added, "By the way, my fellow disciple has already left. She should be back at Mount Shu and reporting this matter to our sect elders as we speak."


    Hearing that, Honored Ally Xue hurriedly said, "City Supervisor Ma, our young master is Chancellor Su''s adopted grandson. The chancellor is very fond of our young master..."


    Ma Ben''s eyebrows knitted together so tightly that they looked like a baton[5] furrowed tightly. His expression turned grim like dark waters, showing no inkling as to what he was thinking.


    After a long pause, Ma Ben finally spoke. "The specifics of the case still need to be verified. Nevertheless, you will not escape punishment for causing a disturbance at the City Supervisory Division. Men, detain all of them! If any of them resist, pin them down! As for Young Master Su, take him to get treated. We''ll investigate his alleged crimes afterward."


    Upon receiving Ma Ben''s orders, the members of the City Supervisory Division stepped forward and detained Chu Liang and the group of cultivators.


    Ma Ben handled the situation wlessly. In this situation where the facts were unclear, he restrained both parties first, leaving the investigation for afterward.


    Despite getting detained, Chu Liang wasn''t worried. After all, he held a life-saving jade talisman, so there was nowhere he didn''t dare to go. As long as he wasn''t in a vast hidden realm like the Python Belly City, no one could stop him if he wanted to leave.


    As for how everything would be resolved after that¡ªwell, that wasn''t his concern.


    City Supervisor Ma''s attitude made it quite ambiguous as to where he stood, but it didn¡¯t matter, as Chu Liang believed that Jiang Yuebai would make the right decision.


    Before leaving the hall, Chu Liang gazed at City Supervisor Ma for a moment.


    That one look lit the mes of anger in Ma Ben''s heart.


    <i>This kid looks pretty young. How is he exerting such strong pressure?</i>


    <i>I wonder who he learned that from.</i>


    ...


    After Chu Liang and the group from the City Lord''s Residence were taken away, Ma Ben returned to the rear hall.


    Waiting there for him was a handsome and refined middle-aged man dressed in the crimson robes of a court official. This man was Su Shengyan, the chief official of Wu''an City.


    Seeing Ma Ben return, Su Shengyan stood up with a smile and cupped his hands together in greeting. "I''ve caused you trouble, City Supervisor Ma."


    It made sense that Su Shengyan, someone who had used marriage to advance his career, would be an attractive man. Just his smile made others feel like they were being bathed in a warm spring breeze.


    Over the years, Su Shengyan had bribed people at every level of the Wu''an City bureaucracy, including the City Supervisory Division.


    "Old Su, you''ve always been very meticulous in everything you do. How could you be sox in disciplining your son?" Ma Ben sighed. "Today''s incident doesn''t seem fake. Now that it has caught the attention of disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, it won''t be easy to resolve this."


    Su Shengyan sighed as well. "Every family has its own troubles."


    His son hadn''t always been like this.


    When Su Shengyan married into his wife''s family, his father-inw''s family had scorned and humiliated him. Coupled with his wife''s unattractive appearance, Su Shengyan had been deeply discontent. He went on to use his wife''s status to raise his own and attach himself to the chancellor.


    After that, he turned on his wife and her family. He didn''t just divorce his wife and marry another woman. He destroyed the Su Family and left them destitute and homeless. Only after doing all that was he finally satisfied.


    However, not long after that, something terrible happened in the City Lord''s Residence. The beautiful woman Su Shengyan had just married to be his concubine¡ªhis son, Su Wei, had cut her open with a de, killing her!


    It was then that Su Shengyan thought of the indelible impact this incident would have on his son, and the damage was not something he could mend. Over the years, Su Wei continued tomit crimes, time and time again.


    Su Shengyan had been secretly cleaning up his son''s messes this whole time. Nheless, the truth had finallye to light now.


    "It would have still been doable if you had kept all of the disciples here, but you let one escape," Ma Benined. "Once the Mount Shu Sect hears of this, it will be much harder to cover up."


    "I''ve already thought of an exnation," Su Shengyan replied softly. "My son was merely having some fun with a courtesan. Perhaps they were ying a bit too roughly, causing her to scream. This rmed the heroes from the Mount Shu Sect who were passing by. That then led to a misunderstanding."


    "That exnation might work for me, but will it pass with Mount Shu?" Ma Ben asked.


    "That kid from Mount Shu..." Su Shengyan''s gaze darkened, revealing a ruthless expression. "At this point, we might as well go all the way..."


    Ma Ben was shocked. "You''re going to end him?"


    Su Shengyan looked at Ma Ben with a baffled expression. "Obviously I meant we should let him go! He''s a prodigy of an immortal sect who is renowned across the nine provinces. If he were to die here, it doesn''t matter how well you clean up your tracks. You wouldn''t be able to bear the consequences."


    Ma Ben fell silent for a moment as he thought, <i>Then why did you show such a ruthless expression?</i>


    Su Shengyan said quietly, "In any case, my son has already been rescued. As long as they can''t find any evidence, it won''t matter that they''re a sect in the Divine Nine. It''s not like they can falsely use someone without proof, right?"


    1. Head of a small station, second-lowest rank in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. ?


    2. In charge of the city¡ªthe city supervisor. ?


    3. Special seat that''s facing the door. It''s reserved for the host/eldest/guest of honor. ?


    4. In ancient China, the local government office in a city was usually more like a court ofw and jail in one. You can read about them here. ? </a>


    5. It''s not important, but I''ll leave a link </a>here if anyone wants to look at what this weapon is. It''s not the western baton, but ¡°baton¡± was the closest equivalent I could think of. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 420: Chaos at the Prison

    <h4>Chapter 420: Chaos at the Prison</h4>


    With the towering walls, thick barriers, andplicated enchanted formation patterns, the prison at the City Supervisory Division was specially designed to make escape extremely difficult for cultivators.


    But such defenses...


    For Chu Liang in his current state, there wasn''t a barrier he couldn''t breach¡ªso long as it was truly just a wall.


    Ma Ben might have realized this too; if a prodigy from Mount Shu like Chu Liang wanted to escape, it would be very difficult to trap him in a ce like this.


    Typically, cultivators who had reached the fourth realm or higher would have their golden cores sealed, acupuncture point punctured, and be bound with talismanic chains before being confined in solitary cells. However, Chu Liang wasn¡¯t a criminal¡ªhe was merely temporarily detained for talking back to the City Supervisor, so he clearly wouldn¡¯t be subjected to such harsh treatment.


    The City Supervisory Division simply ced him in a cell with dozens of other prisoners, most of whom were minor offenders with cultivation levels at the first three realms. In fact, most were martial artists of the first two realms; anyone at the Spiritual Awareness Realm was already considered exceptional among them.


    Although the supervision wasx, the environment was extremely filthy. Clearly, Ma Ben had deliberately ced Chu Liang in this wretched cell to disgust him.


    "Heh..."


    As soon as Chu Liang stepped into the crowded cell, he heard a sinisterugh.


    In the depths of the cell sat a huge, bald man covered in dragon and tiger tattoos, his height towering like an iron fortress. A few underlings hovered around him, massaging his shoulders and back.


    All of them wereughing weirdly as they cast eerie and mocking nces at Chu Liang.


    There were no chairs in the cell; instead, the burly man sat on a bench made of four prisoners kneeling side by side. His massive body made even four people struggle to hold him steady, their bodies trembling under the weight. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and endure, as any slight movement from them would provoke harsh reprimands.


    It seemed that this bald giant was the boss of this prison cell here.


    At first, Chu Liang ignored them, keeping to himself quietly by the side. But then the giant raised his chin at him and sneered, "Kid, you look pretty handsome."


    "Thanks," Chu Liang replied with a smirk, "You''re not bad yourself¡ªquite human-looking."


    "What do you mean?" The bald giant was taken aback.


    A thin, monkey-like underling beside him quickly chimed in, "Boss, he''s saying you look like a person."


    The giant''s eyes narrowed in anger, and with a casual swing of his massive fist, he sent the underling flying into the wall, where he ttened like a painting. "What do you mean, ''like a person''? Are you saying I''m not human?" he growled, his voice filled with menace.


    "It wasn¡¯t me, boss... it was him..." the underling gasped, slowly sliding down the wall, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to speak.


    "You dare insult me, kid?" The giant snarled, his eyes locking onto Chu Liang with a cold re. "You probably don¡¯t know the rules around here. Neers are expected to choose a grand gift."


    "<i>Haaaa...</i>" Chu Liang frowned as he sized up the giant. After a moment of contemtion, he sighed helplessly. "Alright, what''s the procedure? Go ahead and tell me," he said.


    He had intended to stay quiet and avoid trouble.


    "You either lie down and serve as a bench for three days, or take three punches from our boss. Your choice," one of the underlings said as a wicked grin spread across his face.


    It was clear they had all endured this so-called "grand gift" when they first arrived, and now they were eager to pass on the torment to someone else.


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang¡¯s eyes lifted slightly, and a smile yed on his lips. "Do I even have a choice here?"


    "Looks like you''re a quick thinker," the underling chuckled, kicking away the straw on the ground to clear a spot for Chu Liang to kneel.


    Instead, Chu Liang stepped forward and said, "Go ahead, hit me."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" The other prisoners exchanged surprised nces, clearly taken aback by his unexpected response.


    "Haha, looks like you''ve never been hit before," the giantughed, his voice rumbling like thunder as he stood up. "It''s been a while since I stretched these muscles."


    As the giant rose, the four prisoners who had served as his bench sighed in relief. The weakest-looking one at the end managed to lift his head just enough to warn, "Young fe, he''s no ordinary martial artist. This guy was born with extraordinary strength. One punch from him can kill a demonic beast stronger than himself. Don¡¯t push your luck..."


    Judging by his earnest tone, it seemed he had experienced those punches himself.


    Chu Liang''s smile widened upon hearing this, "Is that so? Then I''d like to see it for myself."


    "You''re really asking for it," the giant snarled, seemingly provoked by the smirk on Chu Liang''s face. He took two heavy steps forward and swung a punch with a roaring wind!


    This was him holding back, using only a tenth of his strength. He was scared that he might actually kill Chu Liang with this punch.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the punchnded, the underlings eagerly anticipated a scene of blood and gore.


    But then, their faces froze.


    They weren''t the only ones. It was as though the two in the center had stopped moving.


    The giant''s fist had mmed into Chu Liang''s chest, yet Chu Liang remained unscathed, not even budging an inch. The faint smile on his lips lingered, as if the attack had never happened.


    As for the giant...


    "<i>Owhhh...</i>" The giant suddenly gasped, staggering back two steps as he clutched his arm, which now trembled uncontrobly.


    The moment his fist struck, a tremendous force jolted up his arm, sending shockwaves of pain through his muscles. For a brief instant, he could not lift his arm at all.


    <i>This kid is something else... </i>the giant thought.


    Before he could process it, Chu Liang grinned and said, "Brother, you may look fierce, but you''re holding back. You barely tapped me."


    The other prisoners, sensing something was off, began shouting as well.


    "Boss, don¡¯t hold back! Hit him like you hit us¡ªmake sure he can¡¯t get up for days!"


    "Use your full strength and kill him!"


    "..."


    Hearing the jeers from the other prisoners behind, the bald giant gritted his teeth. The strength he used in his first punch against Chu Liang was the same he had used on countless others¡ªenough to nearly kill anyone else¡ªyet it seemed to have no effect on Chu Liang.


    It seemed he could no longer hold back. If he did, he would lose all respect and authority in this prison.


    With this in mind, a fierce determination shed in his eyes.


    <i>Even if I kill you, it¡¯s your own fault for provoking me...</i>


    "Kid, life and death are just part of being in this world," he said gloomily, twisting his arm with menace. "Don¡¯t me me when you find yourself on the other side."


    With that, he took a stance, stepped forward with force, twisted his waist, and unleashed a powerful punch!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The force of this punch was truly extraordinary, apanied by the sound of wind and thunder!


    <i>Thud¡ª</i>


    Amidst the heavy thud, the unmistakable sound of bones cracking echoed through the room.


    Yet, just like before, neither of the two moved.


    But someone from the crowd shouted, "Yeah! I heard it¡ªhe broke that kid¡¯s bones!"


    "Hmph, let''s see if he dares act arrogant now."


    "..."


    But after a few cheers, the group quickly sensed something was wrong.


    Why was Chu Liang still standing there with a smile, while their boss¡¯s back was starting to tremble?


    "Uh..." The bald giant staggered back, his right arm hanging limply as he cried out in agony, "Ah... my arm..."


    In that punch, he had put everything he had into it, yet it had no effect on Chu Liang. Instead, the recoil had shattered his own right arm¡ªnot just broken, butpletely splintered!


    <i>Thud!</i>


    He copsed heavily to the ground, howling in pain, "<i>Ahhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    Chu Liang stepped forward and looked down at him as he asked, "Can you handle it?"


    "I was blind and offended you, young hero..." The bald giant actually started begging for mercy, "Please forgive me, young hero."


    "Don''t say that. You still owe me one punch. Let''s finish this," Chu Liang shook his head. "You¡¯d better use your full strength."


    "No more, no more! I wouldn¡¯t dare offend you again," the bald giant cried out. While he was drenched in cold sweat from the pain, he suddenly became much more polite.


    The underlings behind him finally saw the truth.


    Clearly, this youth¡¯s cultivation was extraordinary. Even when the giant was the one attacking, the recoil alone was enough to reduce him to this pathetic state.


    After a brief silence, someone quickly stepped forward, a ttering smile spreading across their face as they said, "I knew from the start that this young hero possessed an extraordinary aura. His skill is truly unmatched."


    "Yes, yes, he must be from some immortal sect. Otherwise, how could he have such remarkable cultivation?"


    "..."


    Ignoring the ttery around him, Chu Liang turned to the giant and said, "You still owe me one punch. So, ording to your own rules, lie there and be a bench for a day."


    "Yes, yes..." The giant, still writhing in pain, dared not defy Chu Liang''smand. He turned towards the wall and knelt down on all fours, not daring to move a muscle as he pressed against the floor.


    Indeed, even the wicked would meet their match.


    "You can get up now," Chu Liang said, gesturing to the four men who had been forced to serve as a bench. "From now on, except for him, none of you have to do this anymore."


    "Thank you, young hero..."


    Amidst the voices of thanks, the frail middle-aged man who had earlier warned Chu Liang stood up. Dressed in silk robes, with a lean face and a slight mustache, he had an air of refinement that set him apart from the others in the prison, suggesting he was a recent arrival.


    "Thank you for your help, young hero," the man said as he approached, offering a respectful bow with a smile. "If I may ask, what is your esteemed name, and where is your teacher from?"


    Chu Liang nced at him. With so many people around, he didn¡¯t want to reveal his true identity.


    Ever since he had encountered enemies after mentioning his teacher''s name, Chu Liang had grown cautious during his travels. He now avoided revealing his true identity unless absolutely necessary.


    After a quick contemtion, he replied slowly, enunciating every word clearly, "Ye Wen, Yong Chun.[1]"


    1. These are the Mandarin equivalents of Ip Man and Wing Chun, which you might recognise from the series of films loosely based on Ip Man¡¯s life. (LD: I highly rmend watching the first one if you like martial arts films.) Wing Chun is a Southern Chinese style of martial arts, and Ip Man is likely the most famous practitioner and teacher of Wing Chun. Most notably, Bruce Lee was one of his students. ?

 Chapter 421: Gathering of the Swords

    <h4>Chapter 421: Gathering of the Swords</h4>


    Jiang Yuebai hurriedly departed.


    After parting ways with Chu Liang, she left the woman in the care of the Tang family and quickly set out to investigate. When she discovered that Chu Liang had been detained by the City Supervisory Division, she wasted no time and returned to Mount Shu without dy.


    It only took her a moment of thought to guess Chu Liang''s intentions.


    Now that she had solid evidence, her only concern was that the city lord might try to use his influence to forcibly quash the matter into nothingness. However, she was confident that as long as an esteemed sect elder intervened, even the city lord, with all his authority and power, would be unable to meddle in matters concerning the immortal sects of the Divine Nine.


    Although the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were merely sects, they held enough power to negotiate with the imperial family¡ªthe Xia Family. The idea that government officials could intimidate these immortal sects was nothing more than a fantasy.


    In a way, these otherworldly cultivators acted as overseers beyond thew, like a sword hanging over the heads of government officials.


    Although the Yu Dynasty had long attempted to control the actions of immortal sect cultivators, the most they could do was encourage them tomunicate with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau and let the imperial court handle matters, rather than taking thew into their own hands to punish wrongdoers.


    It was impossible topletely stop such actions.


    After racing back to Mount Shu, she first went to Silver Sword Peak, only to find that Di Nufeng had yet to return.


    There weren''t many people at Mount Shu who were close to Di Nufeng. The first was Jiang Yuebai''s teacher, who was currently in closed-door cultivation. The second person... was hard to track down, but fortunately, Jiang Yuebai remembered her teacher mentioning someone.


    The Discipline Master, Tian Lingxin.


    Few among the younger generation at Mount Shu knew that Di Nufeng had been raised by the Discipline Master. In truth, the Discipline Master was of the same generation as Chu Liang''s grandmother, and therefore, of the same generation as Xu Hongqiu''s great-grandmother. It was best not to dwell on theplexities of generations and titles too deeply.


    When Jiang Yuebai arrived at the Hall of Discipline, the Discipline Master was already scolding someone, despite it being just dawn. This was her daily routine.


    If a disciple from any peak vited the rules of Mount Shu, the Discipline Master wouldn''t reprimand them directly. Instead, she would summon the peak master and give them a stern scolding. If a supervising elder or disciple in the Hall of Discipline wasn''t meeting her standards, she''d call them in for a rebuke. She would even summon Venerable Wen Yuan for a scolding if he ever behaved improperly.


    When the Discipline Master got angry, even Venerable Wen Yuan wouldn''t dare talk back.


    She always dressed in ck, her hair meticulously tied back, and her eyes sharp as swords. Wherever her gaze fell, all of Mount Shu trembled.


    However, Jiang Yuebai wasn''t afraid of her. She was the kind of girl adored by elders, having grown up showered with their affection. Of course, it wasn''t just the elders who loved her.


    "What''s the matter?" The Discipline Master, noticing Jiang Yuebai''s sudden approach, set aside her current task and immediately focused on her.


    "I have urgent news to report," Jiang Yuebai replied.


    She then recounted what she and Chu Liang had discovered in Wu''an City, including how Chu Liang was now detained in the City Supervisory Division.


    After listening to the story, the Discipline Master nodded calmly and said, "Don''t worry."


    With that, she stood up and led Jiang Yuebai out of the Hall of Discipline.


    Upon arriving at the vast square on the Heaven-Reaching Peak, she raised her hand and sent out a jade talisman. In an instant, a beam of light shaped like a flying sword shot into the sky with a sharp whoosh!


    Jiang Yuebai''s eyes widened in surprise.


    This was the Sword-Gathering Order!


    Many Mount Shu disciples, upon reaching a bottleneck in their cultivation, would leave the sect to explore new paths and seek greater growth. On one hand, Mount Shu''s resources weren''t enough to support so many high-level cultivators; on the other, staying within thefort of the sect often made it difficult to encounter the life-changing opportunities they sought.


    Yet even after leaving, these disciples remained part of Mount Shu. Each one carried a Sword-Gathering Talisman with them, a bond that kept them connected to the sect no matter how far they wandered.


    Only the Sect Leader and the Four Guardian Elders had the authority to issue a Sword-Gathering Order.


    If the sect needed to gather its disciples, all it took was the activation of a Sword-Gathering Order, and Mount Shu disciples from across thend would swiftly return in response.


    However, the Sword-Gathering Order was never issued lightly. The routine tasks were handled by the younger disciples as a means of training and growth, while the more challenging matters were handled by the sect''s powerful elders. This order was reserved for times of war, whenrge numbers of fifth and sixth-realm cultivators were urgently needed.


    Jiang Yuebai recognized the order because one had been issued on the day of the Mount Shu Summit. However, the battle that day had started and ended so swiftly that by the time many of the older disciples returned, it was already almost over.


    The Sword-Gathering Order had different tiers. The one issued during the Mount Shu battle was of the highest tier, summoning all Mount Shu disciples from across the world to rush to aid.


    The one issued now was of the third tier, calling back any avable disciples within a thousand li.


    But for a young disciple like Chu Liang, such treatment was far beyond what his position warranted!


    If he were just an ordinary disciple, he wouldn''t receive such treatment. But as the swordmaster of Mount Shu''s Violet and Azure Twin Swords, his safety was extremely important.


    Thus, the Discipline Master was willing to deploy such a formidable force, likely intending to send a powerful message.


    She unleashed a cloud-piercing sword!


    In just a few moments, over a dozen swordlights descended upon Heaven-Reaching Peak.


    Each of them was a former disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, and they all arrived with eager anticipation, bombarding her with questions.


    "Discipline Master?"


    "Are you going to war again?"


    These former disciples might not match the current younger generation in raw talent, but they had all reached the peak of their abilities. Even the weakest among them were at fifth realm.


    In less than one hour, around eighty to ny people had gathered.


    Though there weren''t a massive number of people, there were still nearly one hundred fifth-to-sixth-realm cultivators of the conventional path! Each of them were capable of fighting independently.


    "We''re not waiting any longer," the Discipline Master dered, swiftly rising into the air. Her voice echoed with authority as she announced, "A fellow disciple in Wu''an City needs our help. Follow me to rescue him!"


    The gathered disciples responded with a thunderous roar.


    The forces gathered were more than enough to rescue someone. In fact, if they wished, they could have easily taken over Wu''an City.


    In an instant, nearly a hundred dazzling sword lights shot into the sky, like a grand rainbow cloud surging toward the southeast!


    Jiang Yuebai followed closely beside the Discipline Master. Though her face remained calm, concern weighed heavily on her heart as she silently urged, "Chu Liang, you must be careful."


    ...


    "Be careful, be careful," the bald giant whispered to his underlings as he leaned against the wall, "Don''t wake up that fiend."


    Everyone in the prison was resting on straw mats at this hour, and Chu Liang was no exception, lying alone on one. The bald giant, however, dared not sleep. He only allowed himself a bit of rxation while Chu Liang was asleep.


    If Chu Liang so much as turned over, the giant would immediately kneel again.


    This bully, who had spent years tormenting others, had ample experience in being bullied, so he knew how to handle himself.


    He had been channeling all his qi and blood to heal his injuries, and after most of the night had passed, he finally managed to stop the bleeding from his broken arm. But with his limited cultivation, regenerating the limb quickly was impossible. He could only let time do its work.


    Just as he was about to catch his breath and perhaps doze off for a moment, a sudden explosion erupted beside him!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The source of the explosion grazed past his eyes¡ªit was an enormous fist,rger than his own head!


    The prisoners in the cell were startled awake, and momentster, the mor of battle echoed from outside. However, the noise quickly faded, suggesting that the prison guards of the City Supervisory Division had been swiftly brought under control.


    The punch had shattered the enchanted formations on the wall, and a massive figure burst through. It turned out to be an actual enormous giant that was even taller than the cell itself.


    His skin was an ashen gray, as if it were carved from solid rock, with muscles bulging like mountain ridges. His features resembled those of a rough, burly man, but they were farrger than those of an ordinary human.


    As he lowered his head and scanned the tiny prisoners on the ground with wide eyes, he called out in a deep, resonant voice, "Advisor?"


    The prisoners should have taken the chance to flee, but with the giant''s gaze fixed on them, not a single one dared to move. They all trembled in silence.


    The frail middle-aged man who had previously spoken to Chu Liang quickly stood up and said, "I''m here."


    "Heh," the giant chuckled as he scooped the man up in one hand. "Let''s move¡ªreinforcements from the City Supervisory Division will be here any minute."


    "Wait..." The middle-aged man, struggling against the giant''s grip, managed to stretch out his arm and point at the bald man. "Take off his limbs."


    "Huh?" The bald man was suddenly struck with terror.


    Who would have thought that this middle-aged man, who had always been so submissive and never fought back when bullied, held such power?


    He wanted to beg for mercy, but it was toote. In the presence of the giant, his pride in his physique and strength meant nothing. Without a word, the giant set the middle-aged man down, grabbed the fleeing bald man with one hand, and with a casual, effortless motion, tore off all his limbs, sending blood sttering everywhere!


    The giant did it as easily as a child tormenting insects, his eyes devoid of any emotion.


    The frail middle-aged man finally looked satisfied. Just as the giant was about to leave with him, the man pointed at Chu Liang, who had been silently watching the scene unfold. "Bring this brother with us too."


    "Huh?" Chu Liang muttered.

 Chapter 422: Wrongly Accused

    <h4>Chapter 422: Wrongly used</h4>


    At the darkest hour before dawn, a screaming gust of ck wind left Wu''an City. At its center was the terrifyingly massive giant and two cultivators with imposing auras.


    As the giant flew through the sky, he held one cultivator in each hand, looking like he was carrying two pets. In the giant''s left hand was the thin and weak middle-aged man, and in his right was Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang was initially quite stunned when the giant grabbed him, but then he thought that this could be a good opportunity for him to get out. He could avoid getting charged with breaking out of prison since he was technically being abducted.


    In any case, it might not be a good idea for Chu Liang to stay behind in the prison. City Lord Su and City Supervisor Ma probably wouldn''t dare harm him, but what if they ended up acting irrationally? In that case, it was probably better to just leave earlier.


    He would just part ways with this group once theynded on the ground.


    <i>Come to think of it, this giant''s grip is pretty tight. It would be really difficult to break out of it. In terms of raw strength, this giant might rival an ordinary draconic descendant, perhaps even a young True Dragon.</i>


    <i>Truly terrifying.</i>


    Chu Liang had never seen giants before, but he had heard of them. This giant man was likely a member of the legendary Kuafu n[1], who were known for their superhuman physiques and insane strength. When they reached the peak of their cultivation, they could move mountains, fill seas, and swallow rivers.


    The Kuafu n had been active during ancient times and were formidable rivals to the dragons during the era of the Dragon God. However, they gradually seemed to disappear from the world after that.


    The reason was likely their difficulty in reproduction. In the struggle among the myriad of races, those with strong reproductive abilities weren''t necessarily powerful, but those with weak reproduction abilities were certainly at a disadvantage. After all, their numbers were limited, and so was thend they could conquer.


    Presently, the nine provinces were dominated by humans, and the avablends that the other races could live in were continuously being reduced.


    Once the ck gust of wind was finally out of Wu''an City''s vicinity, Chu Liang turned to the middle-aged man and asked, "Elder Brother, where are we headed?"


    "Brother Ye, I haven''t told you who I am yet," the middle-aged man replied with a smile. "I am the advisor of the Emerald Sky Waters'' Flying-Dragon Fortress in Jiangnan. I came to Wu''an City on business and was unexpectedly arrested by the City Supervisory Division over a minor issue. If they had discovered my true identity, I''d be dead for sure, so my brothers rushed to rescue me."


    <i>The Emerald Sky Waters, the Flying-Dragon Fortress...</i>


    The Emerald Sky Waters was a vast region of interwovenkes and mountains. It was filled with countless bodies of water andplex terrain, so merchant ships often passed through it. Naturally, that meant the Emerald Sky Waters was also a haven for bandits and pirates.


    Chu Liang knew a little about the Emerald Sky Waters, but he had never heard of the Flying-Dragon Fortress. He imagined they were likely a group of bandits. Nevertheless, they certainly seemed like a powerful group.


    The City Supervisory Division of Wu''an City probably had no idea of the middle-aged man''s true identity. They would not have kept him there otherwise.


    Given the limited manpower of a City Supervisory Division, it would be very difficult to prevent powerful cultivators from breaking into the prison. The best preventative measure was to avoid giving anyone a reason to attempt a prison break, so they would always transfer important prisoners to the capital of Yu.


    Although Chu Liang hadn''t heard of the Flying-Dragon Fortress before, he put on an expression of admiration when he replied to the middle-aged man. "So, you''re the heroes of the Emerald Sky Waters and the Flying-Dragon Fortress! You''re so famous that it''s like thunder piercing the ear! I hear about you everywhere I go!"


    "<i>Heheh...</i>" The middle-aged man chuckled. "We can''t really be called heroes; we''re just keeping ourselves fed."


    "..."


    Amid the mighty roaring winds in high up in the sky, the two "pets" in the giant''s hands continued their conversation as if nothing was amiss.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in Wu''an City, City Supervisor Ma wore a grim expression.


    He had been rudely awakened at dawn with news that the City Supervisory Division had been broken into. His first thought was that it was because of Chu Liang.


    <i>Could it have been people from the Mount Shu Sect?</i>


    However, upon investigating the situation, Ma Ben discovered that it wasn''t the work of the Mount Shu Sect but rather a group of powerful individuals with an unknown origin. There had even been a giant from the Kuafu n among them.


    Finding that out just made Ma Ben''s head hurt.


    All the prisoners in Chu Liang''s cell had been released by the mysterious group, except for one unfortunate soul whose limbs had been brutally ripped off. The rest of the prisoners had scattered in and around Wu''an City, and there was an urgent need to recapture them.


    Ma Ben was at his wits'' end.


    It was right at this moment that Su Shengyan hurried over to him.


    "Old pal, did you release Chu Liang like we discussedst night?" Su Shengyan asked with a frown.


    "He has indeed left..." Ma Ben replied quietly, "but I wasn''t the one who let him go..."


    "It''s all good as long as he''s gone." Su Shengyan sighed in relief. "Keeping him would only have caused more trouble."


    "You didn''t seem this worriedst night. What''s changed?" City Supervisor Ma asked puzzledly.


    "I had people investigate his background overnight and found out that his teacher is the peak master of the Mount Shu Sect''s Silver Sword Peak. She''s Di Nufeng¡ªthe one who recently used her bare hands to beat to death an Eminent One from the Celestial Charm Sect!" Su Shengyan said, raising his voice. "I looked into Di Nufeng''s history. She''s not someone you want to mess with!"


    Ma Ben was equally shocked. "Di Nufeng?"


    As a cultivator, he was well aware of Di Nufeng''s reputation. He had known about Chu Liang too, but he had no idea that Chu Liang was Di Nufeng''s disciple.


    <i>Good heavens, that exins a lot.</i>


    <i>No wonder that kid was so unbridled and arrogant.</i>


    <i>It turns out he inherited it.</i>


    "Anyway, he''s gone now, so let''s not worry about anything else. Just clean up your family''s mess, and make sure there''s no evidence left," Ma Ben said, still feeling a little fearful.


    <i>If Di Nufeng reallyes looking for us, the consequences would be unimaginable.</i>


    Before Ma Ben even finished talking, screaming wind ripped through the skies. He looked up in shock to see a massive array of swordlights blotting out the sky! Nearly a hundred beams of swordlight flew overhead, leaving long arcing trails that illuminated the night sky above Wu''an City!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    In an instant, the swordlights descended like rainfall, all headed for the City Supervisory Division!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The leading beam of swordlight crashed through the gates of the City Supervisory Division. For the second time in the span of a day, those gates were smashed to pieces.


    The rest of the swordlights hovered above the City Supervisory Division, looking mighty and intimidating.


    A stern-looking elderly woman dressed in ck slowly walked into the City Supervisory Division. She was followed by a youngdy whose beauty was like that of a celestial being.


    Although fear gripped his heart, Ma Ben forced himself to step forward and shout, "Who dares to storm my City Supervisory Division? Such audacity!"


    "I am the Mount Shu Sect''s Discipline Master," the elderly woman replied in an icy tone. "I am here today to find a disciple of my sect. Are you the city supervisor here?"


    "That''s right. I''m Ma Ben, the city supervisor of Wu''an City. Have youe here for Chu Liang?" Ma Ben asked. His heart filled with dread the moment he heard that these people were from the Mount Shu Sect. He could only say meekly, "If you wished to pick him up, you could have contacted the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. It''s a vition of the rules to fly over the city on flying swords."


    "Rules?" the Discipline Master uttered, her eyes gleaming with cold light.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A long whip of ck-iron thorns shot out of the ground like a giant serpent. It coiled around Ma Ben and lifted him, suspending him in midair.


    Ma Ben uttered, "You¡ª"


    Despite being a powerful sixth-realm cultivator, he had no way of breaking free. He was extremely tightly bound, and any attempt to resist brought him sharp, intense pain.


    All Ma Ben could do was cry out helplessly, "Chu Liang is no longer in the City Supervisory Division! He left!"


    "He left?" the Discipline Master asked, "When did he leave? Why hasn''t he returned to Mount Shu?"


    "Someone broke into the prisonst night. He escaped along with them."


    The Discipline Master let out a coldugh, "<i>Hah.</i> The prison break could have happened before or after, but no, it just had to happen right when Chu Liang was detained. How could such a coincidence exist?"


    The ck-iron whip tightened around Ma Ben, squeezing him so hard that his joints popped and bones cracked. It looked like he was about to be crushed to bits.


    Jiang Yuebai''s expression darkened.


    From Jiang Yuebai and the Discipline Master''s perspective, it was clear that the two men before them wanted to harm Chu Liang in secret, so they falsely imed there had been a prison break as a cover. How else could such a coincidence have urred?


    Ma Ben cried out, "It really is just a coincidence..."


    Feelings of anguish and indignation were written all over his face as tears welled in his eyes.


    Ma Ben had thought that everything would be fine once Chu Liang left, but who could have predicted that Chu Liang hadn''t returned to Mount Shu yet? Now, they wouldn''t believe anything he said... Mud might fall into his mouth, but if the people from the Mount Shu Sect said he had shit in his mouth, then that''s what it would be...


    Su Shengyan stepped forward to mediate. "Esteemed elder, please don''t act hastily. I am somewhat aware of the situation, and I assure you that City Supervisor Ma harbors no ill intent toward Young Hero Chu. Why not wait a little longer?"


    The Discipline Master turned her gaze to him. "And you are?"


    "I am Su Shengyan, the chief official of Wu''an City."


    "Perfect. We can deal with you both at once," the Discipline Master said with a wave of her hand.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Another whip of ck-iron thorns burst from the ground, tightly binding Su Shengyan and suspending him in midair.


    "The two of you sure have a lot of nerve. Despite being court officials, you shielded a criminal, murdered witnesses to silence them, and plotted against a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. Today, I will execute both of you here, and I am certain the imperial court will have no objections. If anything happens to Chu Liang, it won''t just be the two of you¡ªyour entire families will be buried with him!" the Discipline Master dered, exuding an intensely ferocious aura.


    With the multitude of swordlights hovering in the sky behind her and a whip of ck-iron thorns swaying menacingly, the Discipline Master resembled a fiendish evil god who hade to reap the lives of the two men!


    With teary eyes, Ma Ben was filled with regret and resentment as he red at the man beside him.


    He had been doing his job as a city supervisor. Then out of nowhere, his division''s gates were kicked in during the dead of night, leading to this unexpected cmity.


    Now, looking at Su Shengyan, only one thought crossed Ma Ben''s mind: <i>Why did you provoke them?</i>


    Su Shengyan was also filled with anguish and indignation. He had falsely condemned many people to suffer wrongful deaths over the years. Now, experiencing injustice himself, he finally understood what it felt like to be wronged.


    The two men hung helplessly in the air, too powerless to do anything about their restraints.


    The overwhelming sense of injustice that they felt could only be expressed in loud cries.


    "We are innocent!!"


    1. See the Trantor''s Thoughts for info. ?

 Chapter 423: My Esteemed Teachers Arch-Rival

    <h4>Chapter 423: My Esteemed Teacher''s Arch-Rival</h4>


    The Flying-Dragon Fortress in the Emerald Sky Waters.


    If someone were to gaze down from a high altitude, they would see a vast stretch of water extending for hundreds of li, interspersed with towering mountains that resembled isted inds.


    With endless green mountains and clear waters, the entire area looked like a piece of jade that the gods had dropped from heaven.


    As a gust of ck wind descended upon a spot within theke and mountains, it revealed a huge walled city hidden among the misty hills. It appeared to be arge vige situated halfway up the mountain. However, the squads of burly men armed with sharp des patrolling the area made it clear that this was no ordinary ce.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The ck wind settled in the central clearing of the walled city, revealing the figures hidden within. A towering giant stood out among them, surrounded by several fierce-looking, burly men. Yet, the passing vigers showed no fear; instead, their eyes reflected a mix of respect and admiration.


    It seemed they greatly envied these powerful fighters who had the privilege of going out to battle.


    Long before theynded, Chu Liang had already scanned the surroundings with his divine sense, allowing him to gain a rough understanding of the nature of this ce.


    Over the years, the bandits and pirates of the Emerald Sky Waters had developed their own way of life. They were bandits when they were on the back of horses, but when they dismounted, they blended in as ordinary folk. When the government sent powerful forces to eliminate them, they presented themselves as simple farmers and fishermen. Yet, when merchant ships sailed by, they could instantly transform into bandits, which was why they had never beenpletely eradicated.


    Otherwise, with the power of the court, any group that dared to openly rebel, no matter how strong, would be swiftly crushed.


    Some powerful viges could rival the sects of immortal cultivation and even the most formidable gangs. Among them, the Flying-Dragon Fortress stood out as one of the best.


    "Chief, we''ve brought the advisor back!" the giant shouted as soon as hended.


    "Wu Lei, you could have let us down before calling out to the chief," the frail middle-aged man said, his face twisted in difort. It was clear that the rough journey had shaken him so much that he just wanted to throw up.


    Chu Liang''s cultivation level was much higher, which was why he remained unaffected.


    During the trip, Chu Liang learned that the middle-aged man''s name was Wu Qingfeng. The Flying-Dragon Fortress was primarily made up of people bearing the Wu surname. Although his cultivation wasn''t among the strongest in the fortress, Wu Qingfeng was renowned for his wisdom and strategic mind, earning him the title of advisor, or Mister Qingfeng.


    Though Wu Qingfeng appeared somewhat disheveled when he first met Chu Liang, the moment he stepped onto the grounds of Flying-Dragon Fortress, he straightened up and once again disyed hisposed, strategic demeanor.


    "Oh, Advisor!" A burly, one-armed man d in a thick gray robe emerged from the main hall.


    With a headband tied around his forehead and dark stubble shadowing his rugged face, he exuded a powerful aura of the martial world. As he stepped out, he greeted, "You''re finally back."


    This man was likely the chief of the Flying-Dragon Fortress, known as the One-Armed Flying Dragon, Wu Yinhai¡ªthe very person Wu Qingfeng had mentioned. As a powerful sixth-realm cultivator, his name was renowned throughout the hundred li of the Emerald Sky Waters.


    "Heh, I ran into some trouble in Wu''an City and ended up embarrassing the Flying-Dragon Fortress, Wu Qingfeng said with an awkward smile.


    "Nonsense," Wu Yinhai said, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder before turning to Chu Liang. "Huh? This young man isn''t from our fortress, is he?"


    "This is Ye Wen, a brother I met in prison," Wu Qingfeng said with admiration. "Don''t let his youth deceive you; his cultivation is extraordinary. None of our young ones here can match him. That''s why I had Wu Lei bring him along."


    "Hahaha! This young brother is clearly a gifted talent. Now that you''re here, you must stay!" Wu Yinhaiughed heartily.


    Chu Liang returned the smile, thinking to himself, <i>Those who know you would see this as a friendly recruitment, but to others, it might seem like we have a grudge.</i>


    He sped his fists and politely declined, "Thank you, Mister Qingfeng and esteemed heroes, for rescuing me from the prison. However, I am alreadymitted to a sect and cannot join another. I must return and report to my elders."


    "Sect?" Mister Qingfeng looked at him. "You mean that Yong Chun Sect? I''ve never heard of it; it doesn''t seem like a major sect. Why not join our Flying-Dragon Fortress? We can drink big bowls of wine, eatrge chunks of meat together¡ªwouldn''t that be enjoyable?"


    <i>Great. You want me to drink, eat, and plunder across the nine provinces, huh? </i>Chu Liang grumbled inwardly.


    Then he smiled and said, "There were too many people in prison earlier, so I couldn''t reveal my true identity. Actually, I''m a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. I was out on a mission..."


    Since they had helped him escape, Chu Liang decided not to hide anything. However, as soon as he mentioned "Mount Shu Sect," Wu Yinhai snapped his head around and looked over at him.


    "Mount Shu Sect?" Wu Yinhai''s voice rose sharply. "You''re telling me you''re a disciple of Mount Shu?"


    "Hm?" Chu Liang paused, giving him a curious look. "Chief Wu, is there something wrong?"


    Wu Qingfeng quickly intervened with a strained smile, "Brother, you might not know this, but our chief''s greatest enemy in life happens to be from the Mount Shu Sect... What an unfortunate coincidence."


    Chu Liang immediately considered a possibility, pausing before he slowly asked, "Could it be the Silver Sword Peak Master, Di Nufeng, of Mount Shu?"


    "Exactly!" Wu Yinhai nodded heavily, his chest swelling with anger at the mere mention of the name. "It''s her. Do you know her?"


    "Of course, I know her," Chu Liang nodded slightly, aware of the sharp gazes fixed on him. He let out a heavy sigh and continued, "s! Speaking of her, she is my teacher''s... arch-rival!"


    "Hm?" Everyone stared at him in confusion.


    "You all might not know this, but the thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu Sect are not exactly united," Chu Liang exined. "I''m a disciple of Jade Sword Peak. My name is Lin Bei, and my teacher is the grand peak master, Wang Xuanling. He and the Silver Sword Peak master have been at odds for many years¡ªeveryone on Mount Shu knows this. The disciples of our two peaks are constantly at each other''s throats."


    "I''ve heard a bit about Wang Xuanling''s rivalry with Di Nufeng," Wu Yinhai said. His expression only softened after hearing this exnation.


    Since Wu Yinhai considered Di Nufeng his lifelong enemy, he naturally knew a great deal about her. After all, it was often said that the person who knew you best was your enemy.


    "Hahaha, indeed," Wu Qingfeng said, taking Chu Liang''s hand with a warm smile. "Not everyone on Mount Shu is bad; Brother Lin Bei is a good man."


    Chu Liang then looked up and asked, "Chief, what deep grudge do you have against Di Nufeng? Perhaps you could tell me, and I can spread the word among the peaks when I return, so others may criticize her as well."


    "<i>Haaaa...</i>" Wu Yinhai said, "It''s not really something worth spreading."


    Wu Yinhai then began recounting his story. He had be a sixth-realm martial artist before the age of thirty, with boundless prospects ahead of him as he ventured into the martial world. If he had been part of an immortal sect like the Great Astral Sect, he would have been recognized as someone with the potential to achieve the seventh realm of martial arts.


    At the time, he was young and sessful, with a tendency to act arrogantly. One day, he learned that arge ship carrying precious cargo from the Fuyao Kingdom of the East Sea was about to pass through the Emerald Sky Waters, and he was tempted to rob it.


    Those around him advised against it, pointing out that theycked both the regional advantage and the manpower outside the Emerald Sky Waters. Additionally, the weather conditions were unfavorable, making the endeavor even more dangerous. But he wouldn''t listen.


    Wu Yinhai spoke solemnly, "That day, I led my men to intercept the ship. Just as we boarded and began our attack, a fire phoenix flew out from the cabin! Every brother who stepped on board was incinerated! I tried to flee right away, but a spark of that divine fire grazed my left arm, and it nearly consumed my entire body! If I hadn''t acted fast and cut off my arm, I would have been reduced to ashes by now.


    "With her status as an Eminent One from Mount Shu, she could have simply revealed her identity, and we would have backed down. Why did she resort to killing right away? Our brothers at Flying-Dragon Fortress rob the rich to help the poor, but we''ve never taken lives! That single burst of fire cost us dozens of brothers, and left my body crippled, scarred by divine fire. Since then, any hope I had of reaching the Heavenly Gate has been lost.


    "All of this is thanks to Di Nufeng..."


    Upon hearing the story, Chu Liang didn''t know what to say. He could only sigh in response. "<i>Haaaa!</i>"


    He then added, "What she did does seem excessive. Chief Wu, I won''t stay any longer. As the mountain stands firm and the river flows, so may our paths cross again..."


    Just as he was about to say goodbye, a group of people suddenly burst into the fortress, shouting and rushing over, with some of them looking injured.


    "Chief!" one of them yelled. "A Trifloral Goldgrass showed up in the Green-Fish Pond. Ah Liu and the others tried to pluck it, but they ran into a golden draconic python guarding it and barely made it out alive!"


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up. <i>Huh?</i>


    ...


    While the tension eased on one side, the other side was on the brink of conflict.


    In Wu''an City, dazzling sword lights lit up the sky, leaving the entire city in shock. Every household quickly shut their doors, fearing they might be implicated in the fierce battle between cultivators.


    Meanwhile, hundreds of martial artists from the garrison camp outside the city were mobilized. d in silver armor and mounted on exotic beasts, they advanced in a grand formation through the clouds.


    Such a massive gathering of cultivators was beyond what the City Supervisory Division could manage. And so, the general of the garrison in Wu''an City immediately led his troops to the scene.


    Given the immense strength of these cultivators, he knew his troops stood no chance against them. Yet, he couldn''t just stand by. If he did, the military might of the Yu Dynasty would be called into question, and the people would no longer feel safe!


    And so, the garrison forces of Wu''an City had no choice but to press on. They surged forward like a wave of silver-scaled clouds, moving relentlessly toward the sword lights of Mount Shu!


    "May I ask which immortal sect you belong to, daring to wield such power over Wu''an City? Do you truly believe there''s no one here who can oppose you?" General Meng Yuan shouted.


    Behind him, a row of exotic beasts stood ready, their swords and halberds raised, presenting an imposing show of force.


    These martial artists in the military were carefully trained and nurtured by the imperial court. Most had reached the third realm of cultivation, with some elite members advancing to the fourth or fifth realms. With a sixth-realm general leading the garrison and the support of a ferocious formation, even Eminent Ones would struggle to defeat such a force. This garrison was formidable enough to defend any ind city .


    However, this garrison was clearly outmatched as they faced off against the formation of sword-wielding experts.


    At that moment, a voice rang out from the opposing formation, "We are disciples of Mount Shu, here under themand of the Discipline Master. If the general has any objections, you may take them up with her."


    "Very well!" the general responded loudly. "Then I shall go and see for myself!"


    In reality, General Meng Yuan had a different n in mind. These cultivators were clearly from a righteous sect, so it was unlikely that things would get so bad that both sides would end up burning bridges. A fight seemed improbable. Matters between cultivators were usually handled by the City Supervisory Division, and he was there mainly to show support. By stepping forward now, he might even earn some praise afterward.


    However, when he arrived at the City Supervisory Division and saw the situation, he immediately changed his mind and wanted to leave.


    Unfortunately, it was toote.


    As soon as hended, General Meng Yuan was struck by a chilling sight. The Discipline Master of the Mount Shu Sect exuded an aura of deadly intent. The chief official of the city and the city supervisor dangled helplessly in mid-air, bound by two menacing ck spiky horns. Of the three highest-ranking officials in Wu''an City, two were now suspended in this unsettling disy.


    Seeing this, Meng Yuan realized that these cultivators were ready to burn bridges. In fact, things had escted so far that it felt like they were already lighting the mes to do so! Clearly, he had walked straight into a trap.


    Just as he was about to leave, the Discipline Master shouted, "You''re just in time! I was about to execute them, but I worried there wouldn''t be any witnesses."


    Meng Yuan''s scalp prickled with fear, but he turned back and kept hisposure. "Discipline Master, isn''t this a bit too hasty? Even if you are from the immortal sect of the Divine Nine, you should still respect thews of the Yu Dynasty."


    "Law?" The Discipline Master sneered. "What should we do when the officials of the imperial court are the ones breaking thew?"


    "This..." Meng Yuan hesitated for a moment, then said, "We can hold a court trial and execute them only after they have been proven to be guilty."


    "Okay!" The Discipline Master said, "Let''s arrange for a trial and judge them ordingly!"

 Chapter 424: This Lowly Official Has Come to Beg For Your Forgiveness

    <h4>Chapter 424: This Lowly Official Has Come to Beg For Your Forgiveness</h4>


    In the main hall of the City Supervisory Division...


    At this moment, the master of the ce, City Supervisor Ma Ben, and City Lord Su Shengyan, were both bound and kneeling with their heads lowered.


    Seated at the head of the hall was the Discipline Master from the Mount Shu Sect, with General Meng Yuan of the garrison at her side.


    At this moment, Meng Yuan felt as though a fishbone was lodged in his throat, a thorn was in his side, and he was sitting on pins and needles...


    The Discipline Master raised her hand andmanded, "Bring him forward!"


    Two disciples of the Mount Shu Sect brought forward a young man who appeared weak and frail¡ªit was none other than Su Wei, the City Lord''s son!


    As soon as Su Shengyan saw his son, distress immediately showed on his face.


    Immediately, the Discipline Master asked, "Are you Su Wei?"


    "Yes..." Su Wei had likely been dragged here while he was sleeping. He looked around in panic, fear evident in his eyes as he stammered, "Who are you people? My father is the Lord of Wu''an City! If you dare touch a hair on my head, he won''t let you off..."


    "Son, son..." Su Shengyan lifted his head and whispered from the side, "I''m here."


    "Ah!" Su Wei then noticed his father kneeling right in front of him, and his face instantly paled in shock.


    "Let me ask you. Was it you who tortured and killed innocent women in the City Lord''s Residence, causing their souls to linger in unrest?" As the Discipline Master spoke, her face was as cold as steel.


    "What?" Su Wei shook his head. "I don''t know..."


    The Discipline Master raised her hand, and suddenly, the sky darkened. The sunlight waspletely obscured by a thickyer of dark clouds.


    With a flip of her hand, she summoned the clouds!


    At the same time, Jiang Yuebai, standing beside her, unfurled a scroll painting, and a group of figures floated out from it. The moment they saw Su Wei, deep-seated hatred filled their eyes.


    "Ahhhhh!!!" Su Wei screamed.


    Upon seeing these women, Su Wei was so terrified that he immediately tried to flee, leaping to his feet and running like a trapped beast!


    With his martial arts cultivation and strong yang energy, he naturally had no reason to fear these weak ghosts.


    What he feared was that the truth would be exposed, leaving him with no way to deny it!


    "You still im you didn''t kill anyone?" The Discipline Master scoffed coldly, raising her hand. "Execute him."


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    A sword light descended from the sky, piercing straight through Su Wei! Blood sprayed across the ground with a sharp stter.


    "No!" Su Shengyan wailed from the side, unable to stop it. His eyes were bloodshot as he red at the Discipline Master and muttered, "You dare kill my son..."


    "There''s no need to rush. You''re next," the Discipline Master said.


    Then she ordered him to be brought forward and began another round of questioning.


    "As the official of Wu''an City, did you use your power to cover up for your son?


    "Have you oppressed the people, exploited the vigers?


    "Have you deceived your superiors and caused the ruin of innocent families?"


    "Hmph." Su Shengyan, seeing his son''s death, took a resolute stand. "No need for further questioning. If you have evidence, just kill me. But remember, I hold the position of chief official under imperial decree. You should weigh the consequences yourself!"


    "Heh." The Discipline Master sneered coldly. With her long-standing authority over Mount Shu, she had her own ways of getting people to speak.


    Her eyes gleamed with a cold, piercing light, and suddenly, two beams of dark energy shot directly into Su Shengyan''s eyes.


    Su Shengyan had no defense against the Discipline Master''s power. His entire body shook uncontrobly before copsing to the ground.


    "I''ll ask you one more time. Did you use your power to cover up your son''s crimes over the years?" the Discipline Master demanded.


    "Yes..." Su Shengyan answered faintly.


    The general of the garrison closed his eyes helplessly.


    "Have you oppressed the people and exploited the vigers?" the Discipline Master asked again.


    "Yes..." Su Shengyan nodded again.


    "Have you ever embezzled, abused thew, and caused the deaths of innocent people?" the Discipline Master asked onest time.


    "Yes..." Su Shengyan nodded without hesitation.


    The Discipline Master raised her hand. "Execute him!"


    Meng Yuan''s eyelids twitched as he watched the scene unfold.


    <i>Does she really have the audacity to kill an imperial court official? </i>


    The sword cultivator beside her was about to strike when suddenly, a voice rang out from the distance: "The chancellor has ordered: Spare him!"


    It seemed someone had rushed over to stop them, and for a moment, a glimmer of hope flickered in Meng Yuan''s eyes.


    But then the Discipline Master roared, "Get lost!"


    Her voice boomed like thunder, sending the person flying back several li!


    The figure stood there dazed for a moment before turning and heading back north the way they came.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    With a sh of sword light, a sword pierced through Su Shengyan''s chest, the Lord of Wu''an City, and he died instantly.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    As he copsed on the ground, City Supervisor Ma Ben felt a chill run down his spine.


    <i>These people from the Mount Shu Sect are lunatics... They really dared to kill! They actually killed an official of the imperial court!</i>


    <i>They are maniacs!</i>


    There was no time to think. It was his turn now. He was dragged to the front of the hall and forced to kneel as the Discipline Master demanded, "I ask you, have you ever plotted against a disciple of Mount Shu?"


    Upon hearing this, Ma Ben immediately burst into tears.


    "If you ask me anything else, fine, but if you ask me this, I really haven''t..."


    ...


    In the capital city of Yu, within the Chancellor''s Residence.


    In a quiet chamber, wisps of smoke curled through the air, casting flower-shaped shadows on the windowttice. A man dressed in casual attire sat silently in the hall, his breath calm, forming two streams that spiraled like dragons at his nose.


    His brows and eyes were gentle, his skin fair, with features so delicate they seemed almost feminine, making it hard to believe he was nearing fifty. Despite his delicate appearance, an undeniable aura of authority surrounded him.


    His name was Su Qian.


    He was the current chancellor of the Yu Dynasty, second only to the emperor, and above all others.


    It had been less than twenty years since Su Qian joined the imperial court as an official. Initially, he ranked among the top three in the imperial examination. From there, he rapidly rose to the position of chancellor, advancing steadily at every crucial point in his career. His superiors always made mistakes, his enemies never prevailed, and his allies consistently supported him. Those who knew of his journey could only marvel, perhaps this was what it meant to have great fortune on one''s side.


    But even with such good fortune, one must possess the strength to match that luck.


    Obviously, Su Qian''s abilities were exceptional.


    In the bureaucracy of the Yu Dynasty, a few officials with formidable cultivation had spent decades or even centuries establishing their influence, ensuring that their positions remained unshakable by those who came after them. For instance, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch in the Imperial City, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, the current Grand General of the nation, and the King of the Northern Prison...


    Several chancellors had been overthrown by them.


    Although Su Qian had only held the position of chancellor for a few years, he had already risen to be a formidable force in the imperial court, capable of contending with these seasoned and entrenched officials. His rise was clearly not due to the emperor''s favor alone.


    Now, the factions aligned with him had grown immensely powerful, collectively known as The Chancellor''s Sixteen-Factions Alliance, renowned throughout the capital of Yu. Just moments ago, he dispatched Zhang Kuahai, the eldest disciple of the Mystic Path Sect, to rush to Wu''an City to save someone.


    It turned out that the moment the massive sword lights from Mount Shu descended, Su Shengyan sensed something was amiss. With a swift nce, his trusted aide received the signal and promptly fled back to the City Lord''s Residence to deliver a message to Yu''s capital.


    They had always used themunication channels set up by the imperial court, misusing them for private purposes. But it was precisely this misuse that allowed the message to quickly reach the Chancellor''s Residence andnd in Su Qian''s hands.


    There was no actual bond between Su Qian and his adopted son, who was older by several years. He had simply agreed to take him under his wing because the man was shrewd and capable of governing a city.


    Although Su Qian was unwilling to clean up Su Shengyan''s messes, he now had no choice.


    Everyone in the world knew that Su Shengyan was his adopted son. If he didn''t intervene and allowed this man to be trampled by the Mount Shu Sect, his subordinates would see him as powerless. Over time, he would lose their respect as Chancellor.


    And so, he sent Zhang Kuahai, instructing him to use the Divine Movement technique to rush to Wu''an City.


    The disciples of the Divine Movement Sect dedicated their lives to studying the Great Dao of Distancelessness, and their movement technique was as swift as the Golden Path performed by Daoist Huang Long. In no time, Zhang Kuahai arrived at Wu''an City, just in time to stop the Discipline Master from killing Su Shengyan.


    But with just one shout from the Discipline Master, he was sent flying several li away.


    Zhang Kuahai quickly assessed the situation. Upon realizing that the man was already killed, he decided it wasn''t worth risking further trouble, which was why he then turned back.


    By the time he arrived back in the capital of Yu, Su Qian hadn''t evenpleted the execution of a full Qi-Cirction cycle.


    "Chancellor," he said with a bow, "I announced your name, but it was the Discipline Master of Mount Shu Sect who was there... She sent me flying several li away and insisted on killing Su Shengyan. I could not stop her."


    Su Qian''s brow slowly furrowed.


    "The people of the Mount Shu Sect refused to show me any respect," he said in a grim tone.


    When he became the chancellor, he had sent generous gifts to all the great sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Though there hadn''t been many opportunities to interact since, he had never missed an asion to sendvish gifts during festivals, ensuring they knew he respected them.


    But now, Mount Shu showed him no respect at all, which naturally angered him.


    "It''s not just ack of respect; it''s as if they''re stomping on your face," Zhang Kuahai said indignantly.


    Su Qian suddenly stood up and shouted, "Prepare my horse! I''m going to the pce!"


    ...


    The Chancellor''s jujube-red horse made its way through the streets, apanied by strong martial artists as guards. Wherever they passed, pedestrians quickly stepped aside. In the Yu capital, where officials and nobility weremon, the chancellor''s power and influence were unmatched, and no one dared to stand in the way.


    Su Qian swiftly made his way to the imperial city, moving smoothly through it and passing through the pce city until he arrived at Night Dragon Hall.


    Passing through numerous checkpoints so swiftly required more than mere rank and power; it required the emperor''s unwavering trust. Few in the world received this level of treatment.


    The tant disregard for imperialw by the immortal sects had been a major concern for the emperor for a long time, and in this severe case, Su Qian didn''t need to exaggerate to incite the emperor''s fury towards Mount Shu.


    As for how they should be punished was entirely up to the emperor.


    When Su Qian stopped outside Night Dragon Hall, he saw Lao Santai standing outside with an awkward expression.


    From within the hall, the noise of amotion could be heard, apanied by a woman''s voice shouting curses in a rather vulgar manner.


    <i>How strange. </i>Su Qian thought. <i>Who would dare act so brazenly in the emperor''s hall? </i>


    He couldn''t help but move closer and ask quietly, "Warrior Lao, who is in there? They seem incredibly bold..."


    "It''s an imperial family gathering," Warrior Lao squinted, ncing away as he whispered, "Chancellor, please keep this to yourself. Those being scolded are all royal rtives, and the one doing the scolding is His Majesty''s Second Aunt."


    "I''ve never heard of His Majesty having a second aunt," Su Qian asked, puzzled.


    "She''s always existed, but due to certain reasons, she was raised elsewhere. This isn''t something to discuss in detail," Lao Santai said cautiously.


    The affairs of the imperial family were fraught with many taboos.


    Su Qian was already ustomed to the reticence of these pce attendants, so he stood aside and waited patiently for a moment.


    Finally, there was a loud bang!


    The pce door was forcefully pushed open, and a tall figure d in fiery red suddenly emerged, emanating an overwhelming aura that made Su Qian instinctively lower his head.


    "Miss Feng," Lao Santai immediately bowed and escorted the woman a good distance away.


    As for the imperial rtives who followed, one after another, they were the ones Su Qian recognized. With their heads dropping, they all looked as wilted as frostbitten eggnts.


    He couldn''t ask any questions. However, when those people left and Lao Santai came back, he then asked, "That Second Aunt of the emperor seems quite powerful? Her aura is truly overwhelming."


    "You''ve probably heard her name before," Lao Santai whispered. "She''s Di Nufeng of the Mount Shu Sect. She is an actual seventh-realm Eminent One! If not for... <i>Haaaa...</i> Well, just keep in mind that you should never provoke her."


    Hearing this, Su Qian''s brows started twitching.


    When he turned back, he heard the pce attendant behind him call out, "Chancellor, you may enter to see His Majesty now."


    "Oh..." Su Qian murmured, deep in thought, as he walked into the hall.


    He found the ce in disarray, with shattered objects scattered on the ground and numerous pce attendants busy with the cleanup.


    It seemed that more than just scolding had urred...


    The old man in the yellow robe, seated behind a desk adorned with dragon carvings, looked visibly frustrated. It was unknown what he had experienced. When he saw Su Qian stepping forward, he asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Su Qian hesitated for a moment before kneeling with a thud. "Your Majesty, this lowly official hase to beg for your forgiveness!"


    "Hmm?" The emperor looked slightly taken aback. "What crime have youmitted?"


    "It''s about Su Shengyan, the City Lord of Wu''an, who once called me his adoptive father. I''ve learned today that he''s been misusing my name to oppress the people of Wu''an City for years!" Su Qianmented. "Fortunately, some cultivators from the Mount Shu Sect discovered his evil doings and informed me. I''ve authorized them to arrest him swiftly. If he resists, they have permission to execute him immediately!"


    "I beg Your Majesty to punish me for failing to recognize his true nature!"

 Chapter 425: The Sigh of the Poor

    <h4>Chapter 425: The Sigh of the Poor</h4>


    The Green-Fish Pond was a body of water located more than a hundred li away from Flying-Dragon Fortress. It wasn''t particrlyrge, but it was very deep. The pond was home to a green-scaled fish with tender and delicious meat, making it one of the most popr species of fish in Emerald Sky Waters.


    The people of the Flying-Dragon Fortress had gone down to the pond to fish for these green-scaled fish, and that was when they noticed that the number of green-scaled fish in the pond had decreased sharply. One of their skilled and courageous members went into the pond to investigate what was going on, and he discovered a blooming Trifloral Goldgrass.


    Unfortunately, just as that person was about to pick it, a golden draconic python emerged to protect its treasure. Obviously, this python was the culprit behind the disappearance of the green-scaled fish in the pond.


    The golden draconic python injured several of the men from the Flying-Dragon Fortress and nearly swallowed two of them. The men fled in a sorry state, returning to the Flying-Dragon Fortress to report to their chief. It just so happened to be when Chu Liang was there, and he overheard the report.


    "Chief..." Chu Liang said "I am in need of a treasure of nature for my cultivation, and this Trifloral Goldgrass is perfect for that. How about selling this spirit nt to me?"


    Wu Yinhai was preparing to lead his men to eliminate the golden draconic python and avenge his brothers.


    However, when he heard what Chu Liang said, he looked at Chu Liang in bewilderment. "Sell it to you?"


    Wu Qingfengughed and said, "Brother Lin Bei, it''s not that we look down on you... but you''re a disciple of a sect in the Divine Nine. A spirit nt like this would sell for a drastically higher price than if you were to buy it from your sect..."


    The Flying-Dragon Fortress was mostlyposed of martial artists who needed treasures of nature that could boost their qi, blood, and physique for cultivation. The Trifloral Goldgrass was not one of them, so for the Flying-Dragon Fortress, it was merely something to be sold for money.


    However, the asking price for that spirit nt was not a price an ordinary junior disciple could afford. That''s why they looked at Chu Liang strangely, thinking he probably had no idea how much this spirit nt was worth outside his sect.


    "I know, and I won''t pay you less than it''s worth," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "I''m willing to pay eight thousand Vermillion-Bird coins for it. But I don''t have that much on me right now, so I''ll give you four thousand as a deposit first.


    "I''ll go to the pond myself and take only one shot at retrieving the Trifloral Goldgrass. If I seed, I''lle backter and pay the remaining four thousand. If I fail, you can keep the deposit, and you can try to take the spirit nt for yourselves afterward."


    Everyone around him fell silent.


    The men of Flying-Dragon Fortress looked at each other and finally realized that it wasn''t that Chu Liang didn''t know how much this spirit nt was worth. Rather, it was they who didn''t know how much money Chu Liang had.


    <i>A mere junior disciple of the Mount Shu Sect has that much in savings?</i>


    <i>Eight thousand?</i>


    <i>How could he say it so casually? Did he not value that money at all?</i>


    Contrary to what the members of the Flying-Dragon Fortress thought, Chu Liang had been quite reserved with that offer; he could easily afford eight thousand Vermillion-Bird coins. Nevertheless, he feared that offering a higher price would reveal his wealth and cause these "heroes" to set their greedy eyes on him.


    So, he mentioned that he only had four thousand on him and would pay the rest if he seeded in obtaining the spirit nt. That would greatly reduce the chance that they would harbor bad intentions toward him.


    Nheless, even if they had bad intentions, Chu Liang wasn''t partcrly worried. After all, he still had Venerable Wen Yuan''s jade talisman in his possession. It would allow him to escape instantly if his life was in danger.


    Chu Liang wasn''t being very vignt, but even that low level of vignce was unnecessarily excessive. Wu Yinhai dared to consider Di Nufeng his enemy, but it was likely only in his thoughts. He probably wouldn''t dare make a move even if Di Nufeng were standing right in front of him.


    It didn''t matter if they were confident they were capable of stopping Chu Liang from leaving. Even if they were, how could they, dare to casually kill a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect when they had families to care for and a business to run?


    The imperial court could not use excessive force to control them because it would be uwful, but that was of no concern to immortal sects. Years ago, a disciple of the Valley of the Three Absolutes had been killed in a vige within Emerald Sky Waters. The next day, the entire vige was ughtered, regardless of whether they were innocent. As long as they knew the perpetrator had been hiding among them, they were treated as aplices who harbored the perpetrator and were killed together with the perpetrator.


    Since then, no vige in the Emerald Sky Waters dared to touch anyone from the Divine Nine or the Terrestrial Ten.


    The Valley of the Three Absolutes had both righteous and diabolical aspects, but the Mount Shu Sect was an traditional righteous sect, so it might not act in the same way. Nevertheless, that was something no one knew for certain since the Mount Shu Sect had produced someone like Di Nufeng... If someone were to say that everyone in that sect was a good person, even a child wouldn''t believe that to be true.


    After a brief consideration, Wu Yinhai looked at Mister Qingfeng and asked, "Advisor, is eight thousand... okay?"


    Wu Yinhai wasn''t very knowledgeable about the prices of spirit nts, but he felt that this amount was probably on the higher end.


    Wu Qingfeng, on the other hand, was very familiar with the prices of spirit nts. Spirit nts were sold at high prices in legitimate markets, but the members of the Flying-Dragon Fortress operated in the gray market[1], so the legitimate stores that bought from them always made very low offers. If a store sold a spirit nt for eight thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, the Flying-Dragon Fortress would get at most three thousand for it.


    Of course, the Flying-Dragon Fortress could list the spirit nt for sale themselves and only pay amission for the listing. However, in that case, they''d have to wait for a buyer, so it would take a really long time before they could get the money. After all, there weren''t many buyers who could easily afford eight thousand Vermillion-Bird coins.


    Eight thousand Vermillion-Bird coins were just a number to Chu Liang. However, for these sectless cultivators, it might even take them ten years to save up that much¡ªor even twenty years if they''re unlucky.


    Wu Qingfeng''s long train of thought condensed into one word.


    "Okay!" Wu Qingfeng answered, nodding firmly.


    "<i>Hahaha</i>, great!" Wu Yinhai said. "The enemy of Di Nufeng is my friend, so I''ll tell you the location of the Trifloral Goldgrass. As for what you said about only taking one shot at picking the spirit nt, let''s just take that as a joke. Brother Lin Bei, take as many tries as you want. If you can''t get it, you cane to us for help. We, the Flying-Dragon Fortress, have our doors wide open just for you!"


    "In that case, I thank you, Chief Wu," Chu Liang replied, cupping his hands in gratitude.


    After that, he asked for the location of Green-Fish Pond. Then he gave them a jade talisman and even wrote them a promissory note.


    While seeing Chu Liang off, Wu Qingfeng whispered to him, "Brother, our chief is concerned about his reputation and finds it hard to say some things frankly. The grudge he has against Di Nufeng¡ªdon''t spread it around when you go back. We''ve never thought about seeking revenge in this lifetime. We''ll be doomed if she hears about it and decides toe and kill us all."


    "Mr. Qingfeng, rest assured," Chu Liang said sincerely. "I won''t tell anyone, and even if Di Nufeng knows, she won''t take action... There are at least eight thousand people in the world who consider her an enemy. Can she chase them all?"


    Hearing that, Wu Qingfeng finally felt at ease and smiled. "That''s true."


    Before Chu Liang left, Wu Yinhai had maintained his demeanor as an elder brother. He had not even nced at the jade talisman and instead let his subordinates inspect it.


    Yet, as soon as Chu Liang left, Wu Yinhai''s mouth twisted into a crooked grin.


    He shouted at his underlings, "Quick, let me see! Let me see! Well, damn. There really are four thousand Vermillion-Bird coins in here."


    These pirates were on the fringes between the world of immortality cultivators and the martialmunity. They usually only plundered gold and silver treasures from ships. After all, items from the world of immortality cultivators rarely needed to be transported by ship, so the members of the Flying-Dragon Fortress wouldn''t find them on the ships they robbed.


    Consequently, they were quite wealthy in terms of gold and silver. However, the gold and silver of the secr mortal realm couldn''t be exchanged for Vermillion-Bird coins, let alone legendary weapons or the Great Pill of Qi and Blood.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, the Flying-Dragon Fortress could be described as nothing more than a den of poor men.


    One of Wu Yinhai''s underlings asked, "Chief, what if he sessfully takes the Trifloral Goldgrass and doesn''te back to pay the other half?"


    "<i>Hah,</i> don''t worry about it." Wu Yinhai waved his hand rxedly. "He doesn''t look like he''s short on money. Throwing out such a huge number like it''s nothing¡ªhe''s most likely a foolish second-generation of a wealthy cultivator family."


    "Yeah. Four thousand Vermillion-Bird coins is already a big profit. We couldn''t get that price even if we sold it to a store in Taotie City." Wu Qingfeng nodded in agreement and waved around the promissory note. "Besides, didn''t he leave us this promissory note? He''s got the Mount Shu Sect as his guarantor, and he even wrote these five big words ''Jade Sword Peak, Lin Bei'' and stamped it.


    "Just check the pond tomorrow. If he takes the Trifloral Goldgrass and leaves without paying, we''ll just go to Mount Shu and demand they pay us! They''re a sect ranked in the Divine Nine. Surely they wouldn''t cheat us out of this little bit of money."


    "Yeah, he''s really rich," the giant Wu Lei said gloomily.


    The group exchanged nces and suddenly fell silent.


    After a while, Wu Yinhai let out a heavy sigh, "<i>Haaa!</i>"


    The others did the same.


    The men of the Flying-Dragon Fortress gazed in the direction that Chu Liang had left, and they all let out a collective sigh of the poor.


    1. They deal in both legally and illegally obtained goods. ?

 Chapter 426: Trifloral Goldgrass

    <h4>Chapter 426: Trifloral Goldgrass</h4>


    Beyond the verdant valley, a broad and deep pond that was as clear as jadey undisturbed. Its surface was smooth, unbroken by even the slightest ripple.


    With a sh of sword light, Chu Liang''s figure materialized.


    At present, his cultivation level had reached a bottleneck at the peak of the fourth realm, and breaking through would require more time. While resources were crucial during the Earthly Gate''s cultivation stages, a profound understanding of cultivation was necessary to continue advancing.


    Chu Liang was in no rush.


    He could force a breakthrough by nurturing his cultivation with an abundance of resources. However, even if he seeded, his cultivation would be unstable¡ªlike a building without a foundation, preventing any further advancement in his cultivation.


    Therefore, he chose to temporarily slow the pace of his cultivation.


    In less than a year, he had progressed from the third realm to the threshold of the fifth, surpassing two major realms. For disciples of other immortal sects, such progress might take three, five, or even ten years. Some might never cross this hurdle in their entire lives.


    Chu Liang''s aptitude for cultivation was only slightly above average; he couldn''t be considered a prodigy. In fact, throughout his cultivation journey, he had often not been the one doing the cultivating.


    Cultivation power gained too easily inevitably carried underlying risks.


    Having spent only a short time in the fourth realm, he had not yet mastered the fundamental aspects of the Divine Nine¡¯s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Golden Core.


    The way toprehend The Book of Golden Core was very straightforward. All he had to do was perform the Qi-Cirction Technique repeatedly to understand the Great Dao of the Heavens and Earth embedded within the Qi-Cirction Technique.


    As the Large-Headed Doll performed the Qi-Cirction Technique, the energy generated was used to expand his Sea of Qi, temper his meridians, and increase his foundational qi. However, no matter how wlessly the Large-Headed Doll executed the technique, it was impossible for him to absorb the insights gained during its practice.


    Therefore, it was wiser for him to remain at the fourth realm to consolidate his current cultivation power.


    However, just because his progress slowed, it did not mean that he would not be able to increase his strength. <strong> </strong>


    If it were his own body, he had to be cautious. But with the Large-Headed Doll, he could afford to be more daring in his actions.<strong> </strong>The Green Jade Bodhi Branch he had acquired earlier would soon be fully absorbed. When that time came, he would need to obtain a water-attribute spirit nt for the Colorful Doll to help unlock the third level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements.<strong> </strong>At that point, he would possess three types of fifth-realm foundational qi: Geng Metal, Jia Wood, and Ren Water. In contrast, Xu Ziyang, who had just broken through to the second level of the Realm of the Five Elements, had only two.


    The endless flow of Ren Water foundational qi was the type that could most easily replenish itself and sustain long-term use. For Chu Liang, with his astonishing capacity to store a vast Sea of Qi, gaining the Ren-Water foundational qi would be like adding fuel to the fire.<strong> </strong>Since then, his endurance had reached an astonishingly terrifying level. <strong> </strong>


    If someone else had obtained the Large-Headed Doll, they might not have been able to unlock the levels of the Secret Reservoir of the Five Elements so quickly, as the pressure of obtaining the treasures of nature was immense.<strong> </strong>


    Despite not being extremely wealthy, Chu Liang was now rich enough to buy as much spirit nts as he wanted.


    Getting one for both himself and the Colorful Doll was of no issue to him.<strong> </strong>Back then, when he was being an undercover agent in the Dark King Sect, the Fiend he met went through painstaking effort to get a Nethersea Golden Lotus. Still, he never achieved that breakthrough throughout his lifetime..<strong> </strong>It was hard not to feel sad for the Fiend. And now, Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect had the right to say that he had no interest in money[1].


    ...


    When hended on the ground, he first scanned the surrounding area with his divine sense. But for some reason, he sensed that everything was normal in the waters. If there was anything weird, it was that there was not a trace of fish or shrimp in such argeke.


    Clearly, the golden draconic python was hiding its presence. <strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang didn''t give it a second thought. He quickly located the area where the people from Flying-Dragon Fortress had indicated the Trifloral Goldgrass could be found. With a swift leap, he transformed into a stream of light and plunged deep into the water.


    The Green-Fish Pond was deep. It took him a while to get to the bottom of the pond. As he scanned the surroundings with his divine sense, he discovered a cluster of dazzling golden light in the darkest region of the water.


    A spirit nt stood there, radiating a soft brilliance. Its slender, elongated golden leaf was adorned with delicate, curved patterns that faintly resembled scales. Surrounding it were three shimmering flowers, their light flickering in harmony with the gentle ripples of the water.


    The Trifloral Goldgrass was a unique treasure of nature. Unlike ordinary nts, where flowers were considered the most valued part, its leaf contained the true essence, while the flowers yed a secondary role. Regardless of how big it grew, the nt would only ever produce a single leaf. The quality of the Trifloral Goldgrass was determined by the number of flowers surrounding it.


    The so-called Trifloral Goldgrass with only one flower would be ssified as a low-grade spirit nt. If it had two flowers, it would be considered medium-grade. However, if it bore three flowers, it would be recognized as a high-grade spirit nt.<strong> </strong>Chu Liang nced around before he dived deeper to the left of the Trifloral Goldgrass. When he was just about to pluck the leaf, he heard a deep, muffled hiss of a python.


    "<i>Hisss....</i>" The water surged, and a massive golden python emerged from the murkiest depths. Its waist was so thick that it would take three men to encircle it with their arms. The scales, a deep golden hue, gleamed with an aura of invincibility. Its vertical pupils, filled with fury, burned with fire-type spiritual energy, adding to its fearsome presence. Seeing the ferocity with which the python approached, Chu Liang acted without hesitation. He swiftly swam upward and began executing the Secret Dragon Blood Technique. Even underwater, the mes generated by his qi zed fiercely, creating an impressive disy of power and intensity.


    But just as he unleashed his full aura and prepared for battle, the golden python suddenly froze in the water. As Chu Liang''s image reflected in its eyes, a look of fear emerged within them.<strong> </strong>After a moment, a look of pain shed in its eyes and it turned back and left, giving the Trifloral Goldgrass to Chu Liang. The python did not dare to fight with Chu Liang for the treasure of nature. "Hmm?" Chu Liang blinked but wasn''t too surprised.


    He now emanated the powerful auras of the White Dragon, the Blue Dragon, and the Inferno Dragon. These auras, possessing a high degree of purity, greatly intimidated the draconic demonic beasts.


    Based on the demonic aura of the golden python, it seemed to be at the beginning stage of the fifth realm. While Chu Liang was not afraid of fighting it, it was good that it left on its own ord.


    He then drew his sword and carefully sliced the Trifloral Goldgrass at its base, ensuring not to damage the precious nt. With delicate precision, he ced it into a jade box.


    ...


    When he emerged from the waters, he didn''t rush back to the Flying-Dragon Fortress to give them the remaining amount. He decided that he would first return to Wu''an City to check on the situation. If he handed over the money immediately, his im of only having four thousand would be exposed. He had no intention of deceiving the people from the Flying-Dragon Fortress or evading the final payment; after all, if he did, he would be ruining Lin Bei''s reputation.


    But when he arrived in Wu''an City, he was startled.


    He saw sword lights gathering like clouds over Wu''an City, with countless flying swords hovering in the sky, each one belonging to a formidable cultivator. Opposing them, a vast legion of imperial martial artists and demonic beasts stood poised for battle, their murderous auras hanging thick in the air.


    By the tense standoff between both sides, it was clear that they had been locked in this silent confrontation for some time.


    He didn''t dare to fly in the sky and instead entered the city on foot. As he approached the City Supervisory Division, he found arge crowd of onlookers gathered at the gate. When he pushed his way through, he was met with the sound of agonized screams from within.


    "Brother, what''s happening in there?" he asked someone nearby.


    The man replied, "Word is that City Lord Su Shengyan was corrupt and defied thew, so the chancellor sent men to execute him. Even the City Supervisory Officer is being tried alongside him."


    "Imperial officials?" Chu Liang was momentarily puzzled.


    "What are you even saying?" another person interjected, "Last night, someone broke into the City Supervisory Division''s prison, and many prisoners escaped. Esteemed cultivators from Mount Shu Sect havee to help round them up across the city. They''ve captured most of them already, and now they''re interrogating the remaining prisoners to uncover the others'' hiding ces. They won''t rest until they have caught everyone."


    "People from Mount Shu?"


    At that moment, someone ahead in the crowd spoke up, "Yes, there''s only one wanted criminal left. He''s the only one they are searching for right now. I think the name was... Chu Liang? The Elder from Mount Shu said that if the City Supervisory Division doesn''t find him, they''ll execute all the remaining prisoners."


    1. Author is referencing this billionaire in China who says he''s not interested in money. Check this article to see what he said. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 427: So It Was Me?

    <h4>Chapter 427: So It Was Me?</h4>


    In the City Supervisory Division, a group of escaped prisoners knelt on the ground, tightly bound and trembling with fear, their faces streaked with tears. These were the same prisoners who had shared a cell with Chu Liang.


    When the people from the Flying-Dragon Fortress raided the prison, these prisoners seized the opportunity amidst the chaos and fled. They believed that with the City Supervisory Division being short-staffed, they could make their escape if they got out of the city quickly enough.


    Who would have thought that arge number of Mount Shu cultivators would descend from the sky?


    For reasons unknown, the Mount Shu Sect had deployed such a powerful force to assist with the capture, and by mid-morning, all the escapees had been rounded up. Aside from Wu Qingfeng and Chu Liang, who had gone to the Flying-Dragon Fortress, everyone else was present. If the Discipline Master continued the investigation, it wouldn¡¯t take long to trace the remaining two to the Flying-Dragon Fortress.<strong> </strong>The Discipline Master resembled the judge of the dead, her expression as cold as steel. She spoke with a casual tone that sent chills down the spine. "As escapees, your crimes are undeniably severe. If you cannot provide us with any useful information, I might as well help you start a new life through reincarnation."


    The prisoners below were once fierce bandits and local bullies. However, people only turned evil because they had never encountered someone even more terrifying than them. In the presence of the Discipline Master, they now wept like children who had lost their parents.


    No one believed the Discipline Master''s words were mere bluffs; after all, even the City Lord had been executed at hermand. What chance did these escapees have?<strong> </strong>


    But aside from mentioning that Chu Liang had been taken by a giant, none of them could offer any useful information.


    Fortunately, at that moment, Chu Liang emerged from the crowd, shouting, "Discipline Master! I am here!"


    "Hmm?" The Discipline Master finally raised her eyes.


    Jiang Yuebai, standing behind the Discipline Master, had her eyes light up.


    "I left the prison earlier. Something happened, and I got dyed. I only just managed to make it back now. My apologies for worrying you!" said Chu Liang.


    He truly hadn''t expected such arge-scale operation.


    The imperial court was particrly wary of immortal sects rallying their disciples to storm a city. The repercussions of this incident would not be easily resolved.<strong> </strong><i>Wait. Isn''t that City Supervisor Ma kneeling over there?</i> His eyes then drifted to the two bodies casually tossed in the corner. <i>Wait a minute... They look just like Su Shengyan and his son Su Wei!</i>


    He looked up at the Discipline Master in surprise. "This..."<strong> </strong>


    The Discipline Master''s expression softened slightly, "It''s good that you''re back. Everything here has been taken care of. You don''t need to worry."


    Chu Liang looked at the prisoners crying tears of joy and the bloodstained scene, momentarily at a loss for words.<strong> </strong>


    <i>You call this taken care of?</i><strong><i> </i></strong><i>Isn''t this just killing those who needed to be killed and tying up those who needed to be tied up, leaving all the trouble forter? I couldn''t tell that, at your age, you handle things just like my esteemed teacher.</i><strong><i> </i></strong><i>Ohhhhh!</i>


    At that moment, Chu Liang suddenly realized from whom his esteemed teacher had adopted that way of doing things.


    She had grown up under the Discipline Master''s guidance, who had clearly influenced her in every way. This was a perfect example of how crucial a parent''s influence was on a child''s upbringing.


    Of course, these weren¡¯t matters he needed to concern himself with. The Discipline Master, appearing untroubled, ordered the release of City Supervisor Ma and the remaining escapees once Chu Liang had returned.<strong> </strong>


    She was ready to return to Mount Shu.


    City Supervisor Ma surveyed the mess on the ground and the crowd of onlookers, feeling utterly helpless. These fierce gods from Mount Shu hade and gone as they pleased, causing such amotion, but now that it was over, what was he supposed to do?<strong> </strong>Just as he was pondering, he heard the whistling of the wind, and a majestic, luxurious White-Feathered Golden Luan descended from the clouds,nding gracefully outside the City Supervisory Division, drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd.


    Immediately after, a young pce attendant dressed in fine robes entered with an air of elegance.


    City Supervisor Ma''s face immediately lit up when he saw this. <i>After all thismotion, someone from the pce had finally arrived!</i><strong> </strong><i>It must be that the chancellor had already reported this to the emperor; the matter had surely caught the emperor''s attention, and now, someone was here to back me up!</i>


    He red at the Discipline Master, thinking, <i>No matter how fierce you are, you wouldn''t dare be fierce in front of an imperial envoy, right?</i>


    The pce attendant led a team of imperial guards into the scene, expressionless, and announced in a sharp voice, "The Emperor has a decree¡ª¡ª"


    "Read it!" the Discipline Master shouted coldly, cutting off his long announcement.<strong> </strong>


    The pce attendant immediately fell silent.<strong> </strong>


    <i>How could she even dare to do that...</i> City Supervisor Ma muttered inwardly as he quickly lowered his head. <i>Be reckless! When the emperor''s wrath descends on you, we''ll see how long you canst. Just you wait!</i>


    The pce attendant then unfolded a yellow decree and read aloud, "Su Shengyan, the chief official of Wu''an City, was found to be corrupt,wless, and guilty of heinous crimes. Although he is dead, his family assets will be confiscated, and his aplices will be questioned. City Supervisor Ma Ben of Wu''an City was found to have colluded with him, causing harm to the local area. He is to be brought back to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau for trial. This case is of high priority and must be executed with no room for error. The disciples of Mount Shu who assisted the chancellor in eliminating the traitors will be greatly rewarded. This is His Majesty the Emperor''s decree!"


    With each sentence the pce attendant read, City Supervisor Ma''s smile grew stiffer until itpletely vanished.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Ah...</i>


    <i>So, it''s me who''s meeting my end?</i>


    ...


    The group of former disciples who came to help quickly scattered, leaving only the Discipline Master and the two juniors to head back to Mount Shu. Chu Liang couldn¡¯t hold back his curiosity any longer.


    "Elder, what¡¯s really happening here? How could killing an imperial official result in this instead..." he asked. "I don¡¯t know the details either." the Discipline Master shook her head. "But I¡¯m certain it has something to do with your esteemed teacher. Since she¡¯s in the imperial city right now, it makes even more sense."<strong> </strong>


    "My esteemed teacher?"


    "Indeed," the Discipline Master said, "The rtionship between Mount Shu and the imperial court has never been great, but we haven¡¯t had to worry about it for decades, all because of her."<strong> </strong>


    <i>Shouldn¡¯t having a rogue ouw around make us more concerned?</i><strong><i> </i></strong>


    Chu Liang was even more puzzled. "Does my esteemed teacher really have that much influence?"


    The Discipline Master thought for a moment before saying, "It¡¯s alright to tell you this, but it¡¯s a secret that has to do with the imperial family. You mustn¡¯t spread it around."


    Seeing her serious expression, Chu Liang also became serious.<strong> </strong>


    "In fact, your esteemed teacher''s parents were Crown Prince Mingde and Princess Luoyu of the Yu Dynasty eighty years ago," the Discipline Master said slowly.<strong> </strong>


    Eighty years felt like a long time to Chu Liang, but for her, it wasn¡¯t as significant, so she spoke of it rather casually.


    Although Chu Liang hadn¡¯t heard these names before, he felt that something was off... A prince and a princess?<strong> </strong>


    <i>Could it be that my esteemed teacher was born from a close-rtive marriage?</i><strong><i> </i></strong>


    <i>No wonder her intelligence... um, no wonder she¡¯s of such a powerful bloodline.</i><strong><i> </i></strong>


    The Discipline Master exined, "Back then, the demonic followers of the Celestial Charm Sect caused chaos in the Yu Dynasty''s court. They targeted the Crown Prince and Princess, who had long harbored feelings for each other, and forced the union of the half-siblings. They then used this incident to ckmail Crown Prince Mingde, forcing him to assassinate the emperor at the time..."<strong> </strong>


    <i>Good grief, a family drama.</i>


    Chu Liang''s ears perked up.


    The Discipline Master continued, "No one knows exactly what happened that night. However, Crown Prince Mingde failed to assassinate the emperor, and all the evil members of the Celestial Charm Sect in the imperial court and pce were exterminated. As for Princess Luoyu, she was sent off to the Western Regions as a diplomatic bride.


    "But after Princess Luoyu was sent to the Western Region, she realized that she was pregnant. She didn''t dare to tell people about it as she was worried that someone might harm the child. She only told the leader of the wedding escort team at the time, which was her tutor Sun Shouyu."


    Chu Liang had indeed heard of this name. It was the full name of Schr Sun, one of the Wanderers of the North and South.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, these two old men had also appeared, and he had met them a few times with his esteemed teacher.


    "If this news had reached the imperial court back then, the emperor would have ordered for the baby to be killed. If the wedding escort team had reached the Western Regions, it would be too difficult to hide the baby," the Discipline Master said.


    She paused, showing a disgusted expression before continuing, "And Sun Shouyu then sought help from his scoundrel friend, someone with the surname Huang..."


    Chu Liang struggled to keep a straight face.


    It went without saying that this person with the surname Huang was, of course, Old Huang.<strong> </strong>


    The Discipline Master continued, "Old Huang went to that small kingdom in the Western Regions to perform divination and predict the kingdom''s fortune. Everything he said was spot on. He then told the king that his fate shed with that of Princess Luoyu and suggested building a separate pce at the kingdom''s border so they would never have to meet. This way, they managed to keep Princess Luoyu out of the Pce of the Western Regions and watched over her until Ah Feng was born... This could be considered one of the few decent things they did together."


    "But what followed was far from decent..." the Discipline Master¡¯s tone shifted. "Princess Luoyu couldn¡¯t keep the child with her, and those two old men, not knowing how to raise a child, ended uping to me. If they didn¡¯t know, how could they expect me to know?"<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang nodded in response.


    <i>I believe it when you said you didn''t know how to raise a child. With the way that my teacher turned out, it seems it would be hard to raise her any worse. </i>


    The Discipline Master said, "I reluctantly helped them when they said they were worried that the imperial family might be suspicious of the baby¡¯s identity. I took her in and raised her. From a young age, she was mischievous and stubborn. I can¡¯t even begin to count how much effort it cost me...


    "Twenty yearster, Ah Feng, along with Jiang Tiankuo, Daoist Yan, and their cohort, defeated many at the Assembly of Immortal Sects.[1] They impressed the capital of Yu and became famous. The imperial family naturally took notice of her pure Divine Fire Spirit. They asked me where she came from, and I simply said she was a kid that I picked up somewhere."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang smiled and thought,<i> That answer is truly your style...</i>


    "Then, someone came to Mount Shu..." The Discipline Master gradually lowered her voice. "It was Crown Prince Mingde."<strong> </strong>


    1. Mentioned in 124. Link to the line in chapter. ?

 Chapter 428: Backstory

    <h4>Chapter 428: Backstory</h4>


    "What?" Chu Liang uttered in astonishment.


    <i>The crown prince attempted to assassinate his father and usurp the throne, but he failed. Yet, he''s still alive?</i>


    The Disciple Master began, "At the time, I was very surprised as well. Later on, I found out..."


    At this time, they were nearing Mount Shu, so the Discipline Master slowed their flight. It seemed she intended to finish the story before they arrived at Mount Shu.


    She continued, "It turned out that he had been the most talented prince of his generation. That was why he''d been made the crown prince. After the fateful night of the failed assassination, the emperor did not kill the crown prince. Instead, he temporarily imprisoned the crown prince and purged the followers of the Celestial Charm Sect.


    "Unexpectedly, while Mingde was in despair, he had a breakthrough in his cultivation. He gained a deeper understanding of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven, bringing him to the threshold of the eighth realm...


    "At that time, the vitality of the imperial family''s guardian was declining. Mingde was the only member of his generation who had cultivated to the pinnacle of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven, so only he could take over. To prevent the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven from being lost to someone outside the Xia Family, they ultimately made Mingde the Dao Master of Incinerating Heaven... and the new guardian of the imperial family."


    This information was a lot for Chu Liang to take in.


    To be the emperor of the Yu Dynasty, it was necessary to have a Divine Fire Spirit and be at least a seventh-realm Eminent One. However, he usually was not the Dao Master of Incinerating Heaven.


    That was because a cultivator needed many things to reach the eighth realm¡ªtalent, resources, perception... and most importantly the right opportunities. If this were the standard for choosing an emperor, it would be too difficult to choose one.


    On the other hand, the most important requirement for a guardian was that they had to be powerful. That meant they had to put all of their focus on cultivating, which was definitely not what a good emperor should do.


    Therefore, the imperial family would always have a guardian who controlled the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven. An eighth-realm guardian could oversee the imperial family for hundreds of years, during which several emperors woulde and go.


    The guardian did not get involved in the struggle for imperial authority or politics. During peaceful times, the guardian might stay unknown and perhaps not need to take any action for a hundred years.


    Nevertheless, there still had to be a guardian. If the imperial family did not have an eighth-realm Eminent One to hold the fort, the imperial court, the nine provinces, and the entire human faction built around the imperial family as its pir would be unstable.


    The legacy of a Great Dao was much easier to handle than most people might think. The eighth-realm Dao Master had an inherent advantage; it was nearly impossible for someone to seed in challenging them. However, once the Dao Master''s chosen sessor reached the threshold of the eighth realm, the position of Dao Master could be naturally passed over to the sessor.


    Nheless, if the guardian were to die without a chosen sessor reaching the threshold of the eighth realm, that would ce the imperial family in a very awkward position. Any other seventh-realm Eminent One who had cultivated to the pinnacle of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven could then easily be the next Dao Master.


    If the imperial family were to lose the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven, the whole world would know that the imperial family had lost its power.


    The imperial court would certainly have other eighth-realm Eminent Ones, but no matter how loyal they were, they were ultimately "outsiders." The Xia Family had to have their own eighth-realm Eminent One. This was a matter of utmost importance, so much so that it didn''t matter if he was an unfillial son who had just tried to assassinate his father, the emperor.


    The imperial family had likely put Mingde through a series of tests and trials during this time, but such information was not disclosed to outsiders.


    The Discipline Master exined, "Mingde remained in the imperial city all those years. He cultivated in closed-door cultivation and guarded the imperial family in silence as if to atone for his crime. He never contacted Princess Luoyu and had no idea he had a child. That continued until that day when he saw Di Nufeng at the Assembly of Immortal Sects...


    "He sensed it immediately¡ªthat Di Nufeng was his daughter..."


    Chu Liang thought, <i>Did he even need to sense it? Wasn''t it obvious just from the name you gave her...?</i>


    <i>It''s like the answer was in the question all along.</i>


    <i>He didn''t even need to see her in person. Just seeing the registration form would have made him suspicious.</i>


    The Discipline Master continued, "Ah Feng''s Divine Fire Spirit is exceptionally pure, even within the imperial family. So, he wanted her to return to the imperial family, hoping she could take over his Great Dao in the future.


    "However, he failed to convince her. Ah Feng chose to stay at Mount Shu. But because of her connection with the imperial family''s guardian, the imperial court''s attitude toward Mount Shu became more favorable."


    "I see..." Chu Liang sighed. "What a twist."


    He finally had the answers to the things he had been curious about for so long.


    Chu Liang had always wondered why his teacher could be so unbridled at Mount Shu, with almost no one able to restrain her. She was a powerful seventh-realm Eminent One, but couldn''t those at the eighth realm suppress her?


    He had previously thought it was because his teacher had the Discipline Master backing her up, but now he realized there was a much grander reason than that. It turned out that it was all thanks to Di Nufeng''s connection to the imperial family that the Mount Shu Sect was able to maintain a good rtionship with the imperial court.


    After the Mount Shu Sect lost the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, they kept a good rtionship with the Heavenly Star Divine Cult faction, but their rtionship with the imperial court took a bad turn. The imperial court suppressed the Mount Shu Sect so much that it jeopardized the Mount Shu Sect''s position among the Divine Nine.


    However, the situation had eased in recent years, and it turned out that had been all thanks to Di Nufeng. The imperial court''s support was crucial for the Mount Shu Sect in its current state, so it didn''t matter much to them that Di Nufeng caused a bit of trouble here and there.


    As for Di Nufeng''s Divine Fire Spirit being purer than the other members of the imperial family, that wasn''t surprising at all. She had been born from half-siblings, so it was only natural that the Xia Family bloodline in Di Nufeng hadn''t gotten diluted and had instead be more concentrated.


    In fact, in ancient times, the members of many old immortality cultivation families, including the three major aristocratic families, would marry within the family to maintain the purity of their bloodline.


    This practice carried a very high risk of producing babies with birth defects, but among many such babies, there would asionally be a healthy baby carrying the pure mystical bloodline. The babies with birth defects were considered an eptable price to ensure the continuation of that pure bloodline.


    The descendants of a pure mystical bloodline did not have birth defects, but they often had other innate problems, such as being irascible, being battle-crazy and bloodthirsty, orcking intelligence...


    <i>Of course, my esteemed teacher absolutely doesn''t have any of these ws.</i>


    <i>Mmhm.</i>


    Many of the old immortality cultivation families gradually fell into decline, and that was when they finally opened up to marrying outsiders, gradually evolving into their current state.


    Chu Liang silently calcted in his mind.


    <i>After Crown Prince Mingde was deposed, there wasn''t another prince of his caliber in that generation, so the old emperor selected the most talented among his grandsons and made him the crown prince.</i>


    <i>In terms of generations, the chosen grandson was a generation younger than Crown Prince Mingde, but they were actually around the same age. Ten yearster, the old emperor passed away, and his grandson ascended the throne. Forty yearster, the old emperor''s grandson passed away too. The old emperor''s great-grandson then ascended to the throne. Thirty years have passed since then, and he''s still the emperor now.</i>


    <i>So, that means the current emperor has to call my teacher "Aunt."</i>


    <i>In that case, that means I could call him "Brother."</i>


    <i>Wow.</i>


    They reached Mount Shu soon after, and they could see beams of light flitting to and fro above the sea of clouds, all headed toward Red Cotton Peak and Silver Sword Peak. Mount Shu was now bustling with life thanks to the two businesses Chu Liang had established there.


    Yet, the Discipline Master frowned when she saw this. "It''s bound to get chaotic with so many outsidersing and going."


    After all, the Mount Shu Sect was a traditional immortal sect. Aside from when they held the Mount Shu Summit, it was rare for there to be so many outsiders going in and out of the sect. In terms of security, it was indeed not an ideal situation.


    Chu Liang promptly suggested, "Why don''t we move Red Cotton Peak and Silver Sword Peak to the outermost edge of Mount Shu? That way, we can prevent chaos from breaking out between the other peaks."


    The Discipline Master pondered for a moment and then nodded. "That''s indeed a good idea."


    Moving mountains was not a particrly difficult task for the Mount Shu Sect.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the depths of nearby waters, Xuan Yinzi was shrouded in darkness and had long since lost track of night and day. He only knew that a second Spirit-ying Jar had finally returned to him.


    A tearful expression appeared on his dirty face.


    "You''ve finally returned..." His voice was weary and aged. "I thought you''d nevere back..."


    The wait had been very painful for him.


    If he hadn''t sent out the Spirit-ying Jars, he would have wasted away here for decades or centuries, dying from qi and blood depletion all the same. However, the wait for the return of his jars was pure agony.


    He was like a gambler who had lost everything, save for a few silver pieces. Yet, all he could do was continue betting in the hopes of winning back his money. Unfortunately, it seemed like there was a shameless dealer on the other side who kept swallowing up his meager assets, only to give him a small win just when he was about to give up.


    Having made so many Spirit-ying Jars already, Xuan Yinzi had no option but to continue cing his hopes on the Spirit-ying Jars. Yet, the odds of the Jars returning were too low...


    Days had passed, and only two had returned. After the first one came back, he thought the rest would follow quickly, but they remained out of reach.


    Just when he was about to give up for the second time, another jar finally returned.


    "<i>Ah...</i>"


    He drained the yin qi contained in the jar, replenishing just a minute fraction of his strength. This was a mere drop in the oceanpared to the strength he''d had at his peak. Nevertheless, in his current state, even that little bit of yin qi was enough to invigorate him.


    "Come back quickly. I''m begging you!"

 Chapter 429: That Would Not Be Necessary

    <h4>Chapter 429: That Would Not Be Necessary</h4>


    "I finally made it back."


    Chu Liang raised his hand, unleashing a torrent of sword qi that effortlessly shattered the wine-jar monsters in the river. Upon doing so, a wave of satisfaction washed over him. Although he was now the wealthiest person on Mount Shu, he still very much enjoyed the struggling progress of grinding for rewards. From the firstntern monsters to the venomous bees, thorny ck spheres, and wine-jar monsters... This process of gradually collecting items was addictive.<strong> </strong>


    He hadn¡¯t seen the thorny ck spheres for quite some time, ever since the wine-jar monsters appeared. Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t mind.


    By now, the fruit garden had be self-sufficient. Its slow and steady growth was fine as long as he had no ns for expansion.


    The Fragrance of Enlightenment had be the top priority.<strong> </strong>


    At present, the fields of Intoxicating Spirit Flowers were still limited in scale, allowing for only a few leaves to be harvested each day. Although the production of Fragrance of Enlightenment was gradually increasing, the current rate was still insufficient to meet even the demands of the people on Mount Shu. After all, this item truly helped with cultivation¡ªsomething the berries couldn''t match. While the Fragrance of Enlightenment was far more expensive than the berries, it remained one of the more affordable natural treasures that could help with Dao Comprehension. As soon as a batch of Fragrance of Enlightenment hit the market, it sparked a frenzy among the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. Disciples from other sects, having heard of its effects and eager to purchase some, would arrive only to discover that it was impossible to obtain any.


    The precious resource was obviously first offered to the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect.<strong> </strong>


    Wen Yulong himself could not keep up with the production on his own. And so, he followed Chu Liang''s footsteps, in which he hired two senior brothers from the Hall of Weapons at a high price to get them to help with refining the Fragrance of Enlightenment.


    When Chu Liang learned of Wen Yulong''s actions, he was quite pleased. To Chu Liang, Wen Yulong''s approach indicated that he was ready to take on the role of a business owner.


    The Mount Shu Sect was not developed well enough, which was why its disciples had to take on such production tasks. But Chu Liang believed that these menial jobs could eventually be outsourced to smaller sects, allowing the disciples of Mount Shu to focus solely on their cultivation. <strong> </strong>


    Even if they chose not to cultivate, they could simply rx and do nothing,fortably living off the generous benefits provided by Mount Shu.


    And all of this would be thanks to the foundational workid by Chu Liang''s generation.


    "Huh?"


    Chu Liang made his way up the river, shattering one wine-jar monster after another.


    But then, he noticed that one jar was missing again!


    <i>Why is it that every time I go a few days without hunting, a wine-jar monster goes missing? </i>Chu Liang thought, furrowing his brow in growing frustration.<strong> </strong>


    <i>This wretched wine-jar thief has already stolen two whole wine-jar monsters... The losses it''s caused me are enormous. This is too much! But why does it only steal one at a time? Besides, without the White Pagoda to exchange for rewards, stealing these things is useless, right?</i> Chu Liang pondered, perplexed by the thief''s strange behavior.


    He couldn''t help but begin pondering another possibility.


    <i>The wine-jar monsters seem capable of umting yin qi. Could it be that, once they gather enough of it, they undergo some kind of transformation? Maybe they leave this ce, or even gain intelligence?</i> Chu Liang spected, his mind racing with the possibilities.


    After considering his options, Chu Liang decided to leave thisst wine-jar monster alone, carefully cing a tracking talisman on it. This way, he could always sense its location.


    <i>Let''s see where it ends up</i>, he thought,


    ...


    The next day, a message arrived from the Boundless Pce, summoning Chu Liang. Obviously, it was Venerable Wen Yuan who wanted to see him.


    Chu Liang had no idea what the summons was about, but he quickly set aside his tasks and made his way over. Upon entering the quiet room of Boundless Pce, he found the Four Guardian Elders of Mount Shu already present, smiling as they looked at him.


    "Venerable Sect Leader, esteemed elders," Chu Liang greeted each of them with a respectful bow.


    Venerable Wen Yuan began with a note of praise, "The development at Red Cotton Peak has been progressing welltely. When we entrusted you with the peak, there were some concerns, but it seems those were unfounded. You''ve managed everything with a steady hand."<strong> </strong>


    "It''s all thanks to the Sect Leader''s wise leadership and the elders'' strong support," Chu Liang replied humbly with a smile. "I merely yed the role of executing the tasks."<strong> </strong>


    Venerable Wen Yuan smiled and shook his head. "Credit should go where it''s due. Mount Shu does not encourage ttering your superiors."<strong> </strong>


    <i>Although you say that, you''re still smiling happily... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    "I heard that a few days ago, you let Taotie City invest ten percent? You gave them a share of the business?" the Weapons Master asked bluntly. "That won''t cause any issues, right?"<strong> </strong><i>So this is what they wanted to ask about</i>, Chu Liang muttered inwardly before replying with a smile. "It''s not an issue. The agreement with Taotie City is only for ten years, which aligns with the time Red Cotton Peak is under my management. Once the ten years are up and Red Cotton Peak is no longer under my control, the coboration with Taotie City will alsoe to an end."


    "But I also heard you agreed to some sort of... wagering agreement?" the Alchemy Master inquired, his toneced with concern. "If the business at Red Cotton Peak doesn''t make that amount of money by then, you''ll have to pay them six hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins..."


    The Alchemy Master paused, seemingly too embarrassed to continue, and it was the Discipline Master who stepped in. "If you can''t repay that amount, they mighte to the Mount Shu Sect for it. Isn''t this approach a bit reckless?"


    "Your concerns are understandable," Chu Liang replied calmly. "I was nning to exin everything once things settled down. Rest assured, we won''t face any issues with this wagering agreement."


    "Oh?" The elders all showed expressions indicating they were eager to hear more.<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang continued, "I won''t be relying solely on Taotie City''s investment. There could be three or four more investors, possibly even more if the contributions are smaller. As long as I hold the majority of shares, we''ll be fine. If the subsequent investments cover the debt of six hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, we''re guaranteed to profit. Once Red Cotton Peak flourishes, theter investors will bring in even more funds, and the terms of the agreements will be less stringent. We won¡¯t be signing any more wagering agreements with those investors."


    Chu Liang exined everything in detail.


    "So you''re essentially taking down the east side of the wall to repair the west side of the wall," the Conservation Master was the first to grasp Chu Liang''s strategy. He quickly added, "This means you''d be in perpetual debt. As long as you keep securing more investments to cover previous losses, it won''t matter if the businesses are losing money... It wouldn''t matter as long as we continue to im that we''re making a profit."<strong> </strong>


    <i>Whoa. Conservation Master! Very smart! As expected of the guy who studied the most in the Mount Shu Sect</i>, Chu Liang thought, acknowledging the Conservation Master''s sharp insight. <i>Within such a short time, he figured out that this was a strategy that couldnd someone a seven-year prison sentence.</i>


    "You mustn''t do that," Venerable Wen Yuan said, shaking his head thoughtfully. "You''re not focusing on true development. Resorting to such schemes is not the right path. This will eventually lead to a dead end, and when that timees, the Mount Shu Sect could find itself at odds with the entire world."


    "Conservation Master, your wisdom is indeed remarkable, and Venerable Sect Leader, I respect your vision," Chu Liang ttered them both, then continued, "The most important thing is that Red Cotton Peak <i>can</i> develop. Now that we''ve taken the first step, I''m confident in its sess."


    "The elders and I all have high hopes for you," Venerable Wen Yuan nodded slightly and added, "If you''re short on funds, the sect can also provide support."<strong> </strong>


    Hearing this, Chu Liang immediately grasped the real reason behind his summons today.<strong> </strong>


    The so-called "providing support" was simply a way for the high-ranking members of Mount Shu to get in on the investment action after seeing that Taotie City was able to make a return on their investment. They just didn''t want to say it outright.


    They saw that Red Cotton Peak was thriving and that Taotie City''s investment was yielding returns. Now, the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect wanted to get a piece of the action too.


    After all, Red Cotton Peak still belonged to Mount Shu, and Chu Liang had been leveraging the sect''s credibility. It wouldn¡¯t sit well if all the profits were taken by outsiders.<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang blinked upon hearing this, his smile unwavering, and quickly responded with a wave of his hand, "That will not be necessary."


    The elders, who had been prepared to show an expression of approval, suddenly paused.


    "Hmm? Huh?"<strong> </strong>

 Chapter 430: This Moment

    <h4>Chapter 430: This Moment</h4>


    It was through Chu Liang''s efforts that Red Cotton Peak became so bustling with activity. Given that Red Cotton Peak was a territory of the sect, it was impossible for the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect not to take notice. Ever since they entrusted the peak to Chu Liang, the elders had been keeping a close watch on him, both openly and covertly.


    It wasn''t until Chu Liang sold shares to Taotie City that they began to feel uneasy.


    On one hand, they were concerned that if he couldn''t repay the money in the future, the debt would fall on Mount Shu; on the other hand, if he was confident he could make a profit... Why let outsiders benefit from it?<strong> </strong>


    The Mount Shu Sect could invest as well.


    The sect was currently short on funds, but this was precisely why they needed to invest and generate ie.<strong> </strong>With this in mind, they summoned Chu Liang to ask about it. From their perspective, they weren''t taking advantage of Chu Liang¡ªthey would be investing just like Taotie City and receiving the same amount of shares. What could be wrong with that?<strong> </strong>


    The elders never expected Chu Liang to reject their offer.


    But before they could react, Chu Liang quickly exined, "I''m relying on the sect''s fame and prestigious reputation to conduct this business. How can I ask for more investment? I''ve already set aside a ten percent share for the sect, and quarterly dividends will certainly provide the sect with its due share."


    Upon hearing this, the elders finally broke into satisfied smiles.<strong> </strong>


    <i>You should have said that earlier. Why were you ying hard to get?</i> they thought.


    Yesterday, these elders had discussed among each other for a while as they felt somewhat embarrassed to bring up this to Chu Liang. But now it turned out that Chu Liang had already prepared the dividend for them.<strong> </strong>


    "But..." Chu Liang pondered as he spoke, "If the sect is willing to invest the same amount, I could give an additional ten percent. This way, the sect would hold a twenty percent stake in Red Cotton Peak''s business profits."


    "Twenty percent..." The elders exchanged nces, clearly intrigued.


    They didn''t need to know the exact figures; they only knew it was double what Taotie City would receive.


    "We''ll go with your suggestion," Venerable Wen Yuan promptly agreed.


    "In that case, I have a small proposal," Chu Liang added.


    "Please say what is on your mind," Venerable Wen Yuan encouraged as he nodded with a smile.


    "Since we''re discussing business operations, we should do this more formally," Chu Liang continued. "Proper ounting is necessary. I''d like to propose that Senior Brother Yuan from the Hall of Conservation manage the ounts for Red Cotton Peak."<strong> </strong>


    As Red Cotton Peak''s business ventures grow, ounting will be aborious and vital responsibility. If outsiders were to manage it, Chu Liang wouldn''t feel at ease. However, if a Mount Shu disciple were assigned to handle it, two concerns would arise: first, whether they could perform the task efficiently, and second, that they wouldn''t have time to focus on their cultivation. Unlike physicalbor, this was not a task that could be done by rotating shifts.


    At this point, Chu Liang thought of someone.


    Senior Brother Yuan Zhuo from the Hall of Conservation, the one with the square face.


    He seemed to possess an uncanny ability, almost like photographic memory. Once heid eyes on something, it was etched in his mind forever. He could wlessly recall the precise location of even the most obscure ancient book¡ªdown to the exact shelf, the corner it was tucked away in within the Hall of Conservation, and even the specific page and line where the text appeared.


    This was no ordinary skill, and it made him perfectly suited for the meticulous task of managing the ounts.<strong> </strong>


    "Oh?" The Conservation Master smiled, clearly pleased. "You certainly have a knack for cing the right people in the right roles. Little Square¡ªah, I mean Yuan Zhuo¡ªhas a photographic memory and a keen mind, and his integrity makes him the ideal candidate for managing ounts. From now on, he¡¯ll be responsible for Red Cotton Peak¡¯s finances. I¡¯ll have him meet with youter."


    "Thank you for your support," Chu Liang responded promptly, expressing his gratitude with a respectful bow.<strong> </strong>


    Today, the Conservation Master appeared as a young man in a yellow robe, a stark contrast to his usual form. Yet, as Chu Liang studied him, there wasn''t a shred of doubt¡ªthis was unquestionably the Conservation Master. Everything about him felt just as it should.


    But as Chu Liang''s cultivation level increased, a subtle thought began to creep into his mind: <i>The Conservation Master seems... different from before.</i>


    He had asked about this previously and found out that the Conservation Master was a practitioner of the Great Dao of Reincarnation. This Dao was notoriously difficult and profound, which exined why so few cultivators chose this path.


    As of now, the Conservation Master was at the phase of The Myriad Forms of Reincarnation, which was why he had to be in a different form every day.


    Theplexities of this process were beyond Chu Liang''sprehension.


    ...


    When Chu Liang returned to Silver Sword Peak and noticed that Di Nufeng had alsoe back, he made sure to greet her first.


    "Esteemed teacher, you''re back?" he called out as he entered.


    "Oh?" Di Nufeng smiled warmly as she saw him approach. "I just went looking for you and found you weren''t around. Seems like perfect timing."


    "You were looking for me?" Chu Liang asked, curious. "What¡¯s it about?"<strong> </strong>


    "I took a stroll around the imperial city these past few days and ended up in quite a few arguments... mostly me scolding people one-sidedly," Di Nufeng said with a chuckle. "Then, I made a bet with someone over there..."


    "Hmm?"


    Hearing this, Chu Liang immediately furrowed his brow.


    <i>Why does this feel so familiar?</i>


    He hesitated, then asked, "Could it be... another bet involving me?"<strong> </strong>


    "Heh heh," Di Nufeng chuckled. "Last time, I made a bet with Wang Xuanling because he couldn¡¯t win me in a fight no matter what, so fighting was pointless. This time, I made a bet with someone because I couldn¡¯t win him in a fight no matter what, so fighting was pointless too. In situations like this, who else can I count on but my good disciple?"


    Chu Liang scratched his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Who is it this time?"<strong> </strong>


    "My father," Di Nufeng replied casually.


    Chu Liang raised his eyebrows once more.<i> The guardian of the Yu Dynasty''s imperial family...</i>


    This was a rank well above that of Wang Xuanling.


    Before he could dwell on it further, Di Nufeng continued, "My father... he''s just a pretty formidable old man. He''s currently the guardian of the imperial family, the Xia Family. He''s been the Dao Master of Incinerating Heaven for decades. I never cared much for cultivation or had any interest inpeting with him for the control of this Great Dao¡ªI figured I¡¯d just wait for him to die."<strong> </strong>


    <i>That¡¯s a truly touching disy of filial piety... </i>Chu Liang thought to himself, biting back a response.<strong> </strong>


    "Buttely, Mount Shu has been in turmoil, and with the world finding out that the Baize celestial beast is now on the brink of ascension, those with ill intentions will surely target the Mount Shu Sect..." Di Nufeng trailed off, then added, "At least, that¡¯s what Yan Zi said."


    <i>That definitely sounds more like something she¡¯d worry about than you...</i> Chu Liang nodded inwardly, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    "Yan Zi is the most promising person on Mount Shu to reach the eighth realm. She''s nning to force a breakthrough andpete for control of the Dao with the Sword Emperor of the West Sea," Di Nufeng continued. "I don¡¯t want to ck off anymore either. Since my father stubbornly refuses to die... I''ll have to forcibly break through as well. That explosion you heardst time? That was me hitting the threshold of the eighth realm."


    "Esteemed teacher, you''re truly impressive," Chu Liang said sincerely.


    This wasn''t just empty ttery.


    The threshold of the eighth realm could be reached without even fighting for control of the Great Dao but it was still a stage that countless cultivators could only dream of achieving in their lifetimes. Yet, for Di Nufeng, it seemed as effortless as drinking a bowl of soup.


    Whenever she decided to break through, she simply did it.<strong> </strong>


    Comparing oneself to her could only lead to a jealousy so intense it might drive one to an early grave.


    "Naturally, this made the Xia Family anxious," Di Nufeng said. "My father isn¡¯t worried about me taking control of the Great Dao from him... in fact, he¡¯d love for me to take over the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven. But what he really wants is for me to return to the Xia Family and be the guardian of the imperial family in his ce."


    "But those old men in the imperial family don''t see it that way. They don''t trust me to be the guardian... not that I even want the job," Di Nufeng added, curling her lip in disdain. "I never liked the idea anyway."<strong> </strong>


    <i>Can¡¯t really me them, </i>Chu Liang thought, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. <i>Who wouldn¡¯t be worried in their position?</i>


    "I argued with them a few times, but we couldn¡¯t reach a decision, so I suggested we settle it with a bet," Di Nufeng said. "If the Mount Shu Sect can take first ce in this Assembly of Immortal Sects, I''ll break through andpete for control of the Great Dao with him. He won¡¯t have to hold back, and we¡¯ll let fate decide who bes the Dao Master of the Incinerating Heavens.


    "But if the Mount Shu Sect doesn¡¯t win, I¡¯ll never mention it again."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but give a wry smile. It reminded him of a sunny afternoon nearly a year ago.


    One moment, he was enjoying hotpot, singing songs, and leisurely huntingntern monsters. The next, his esteemed teacher was telling him he had topete against some burly guys from Jade Sword Peak.


    This moment felt eerily simr.


    The level of difficulty in winning at the Assembly of Immortal Sects was no less daunting than when Silver Sword Peak defeated Jade Sword Peak back then.


    Currently, Mount Shu¡¯s core disciples were all quite powerful. The gap between them now wasn¡¯t as vast as the one that had existed between Chu Liang and Xu Ziyang.


    However, back then, the Jade Sword Peak had been the Silver Sword Peak''s only opponent.


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects, on the other hand, was a grand event where all the immortal sects from the Divine Nine, the Terrestrial Ten, and even those from the human realm participated¡ªa fiercepetition among the most outstanding prodigies of the generation!


    The victor''s name would be sung at the Dragon Terrace, honored at the Qinghong Banquet, and celebrated with unparalleled glory under the gaze of all.


    Who could resist the desire topete for such an honor?


    To win, one had to overpower all their peers of the generation.


    How could that be child¡¯s y?


    "You mustn''t think of this as too difficult," Di Nufeng said with a smile. "All that talk about the Dragon Terrace and Qinghong Banquet is exaggerated. In the end, it¡¯s just about fighting. Just beat all your opponents, and that¡¯s it."


    Chu Liang wanted to protest, but when he considered her past achievements, he knew she had every right to say that.


    There was no way he could win an argument with her.

 Chapter 431: What A Coincidence!

    <h4>Chapter 431: What A Coincidence!</h4>


    "This is... a tracking talisman?"


    Inside the deep cave, Xuan Yinzi stared at the third Spirit-ying Jar that had returned... and the yellow talisman that was attached to it. His hands trembled slightly.


    This tracking talisman meant that someone had noticed his Spirit-ying Jars. However, this talisman wouldn''t be able to track down his location because of the seal, so it was unlikely that person would be able to find him. Regardless, this tracking talisman was still the only message he had received from the outside world in years.


    It was a glimmer of hope for his escape!


    Xuan Yinzi''s eyes, which had lost their divine light long ago, lit up with excitement!


    <i>Indeed, the heavens always leave a way out! But how can I get this person to help me?</i>


    His mind raced.


    <i>This ce is near Mount Shu, so the one who found the jars is likely a disciple of Mount Shu, which is a righteous immortal sect. That means I can''t reveal my identity.</i>


    <i>Moreover, even if that person''s willing to help me, they''ll need to give me a high-grade Great Pill of Qi and Blood or a precious herb. But it''s impossible for ordinary cultivators to easily procure such things.</i>


    <i>How can I persuade them to help me?</i>


    Xuan Yinzi thought about it for a while, then he gently pricked his finger. Using his blood, he carefully wrote two startling lines of small words on the back of the yellow talisman.


    <i>I am an eighth-realm Eminent One trapped under a seal due to unforeseen circumstances. Please ce Great Pills of Qi and Blood or precious herbs in the jar. After I am freed, I will share with you the secrets of the Immortal Dao.</i>


    After writing that, he attached the talisman with his blood message onto a new Spirit-ying Jar and sent it out of the seal.


    Xuan Yinzi then drained the yin qi from the third Spirit-ying Jar, slightly replenishing his exhausted reserves of qi and blood.


    He was in high spirits! As long as someone saw his message on the talisman, he would have a chance to see the light of day again!


    The Spirit-ying Jar with the talisman moved along with the current. It slowly drifted into the Bombax River, where it entered the line of sight of a beautiful pair of eyes.


    "<i>Huh? </i>Big Sis, look at this! What do you think it is? It seems like a ghostly thing!" someone said loudly.


    Two colorful koi fish, onerge and one small, spotted the Spirit-ying Jar and quickly swam over. The smaller one had been the first to notice the jar drifting toward them from behind, and it moved closer to take a look first.


    These were none other than the koi sisters, Liu Xiaoyu and Xiaoyu''er. The sisters had been staying on Mount Shu for a while, and on this day, they suddenly felt like visiting Bombax River¡ªtheir old home where they had lived for many years.


    That''s how they ended up witnessing this strange scene.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Arge ck hand suddenly shot out from the Spirit-ying Jar, frightening Xiaoyu''er.


    "<i>Aaaaaah!!!</i>" Xiaoyu''er screamed and swiftly swam several zhang away. "What''s that? It scared the fish out of me..."


    "Don''t be afraid!" Liu Xiaoyu told her sister, dashing toward the Spirit-ying jar.


    She instantly transformed into her human form and threw a punch, smashing through the water!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    That powerful blow shattered Spirit-ying Jar.


    This mighty koi fish was unafraid of ghosts.


    As the jar crumbled into dust, a yellow talisman slowly floated to the surface of the river. Liu Xiaoyu picked it up and took a look.


    "Big Sis, what''s that?" Xiaoyu''er asked curiously as she approached.


    "It seems to be a talisman. But on the back, there are some..." Liu Xiaoyu paused, studying the talisman for a moment. Her expression gradually turned serious. "Words."


    "That''s right. They are words!" Xiaoyu''er confirmed.


    As two koi fish who had never attended school, this was the extent of their knowledge.


    "Forget it. Let''s not look at it anymore. It''s dirty and disgusting," Liu Xiaoyu said.


    She nced at it a few more times before casually smacking the talisman, reducing it to dust.


    When Chu Liang hurried back to Bombax River, he found not only had he lost his tracking talisman''s signal, but several of that day''s wine-jar monsters were also missing. He was so stunned that it was as if he''d been struck by lightning.


    <i>This is no longer a case of the asional missing jar. More than half of them are gone!</i>


    He ran upstream, determined to find the despicable wine-jar thief. That was when he saw the two sisters swimming downstream, casually eliminating any wine-jar monsters they encountered.


    "Stop!" Chu Liang shouted at them.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Xiaoyu''er uttered. She transformed into her human form and emerged from the water. She smiled and called out, "Big Bro Chu Liang!"


    Chu Liang smiled awkwardly. "Xiaoyu''er..."


    <i>So, the wine-jar thief was these two koi fish?</i>


    Chu Liang''s anger turned into a sigh.


    All he could do was warn them prudently. "There are ghastly creatures haunting Bombax River now, so it''s best you don''te here to y at night."


    "I''m not afraid," Liu Xiaoyu stated calmly, showing off her muscles.


    "These wine-jar monsters aren''t very strong, buting into contact with them... will make you stupid," Chu Liang said seriously.


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Xiaoyu''er was shocked. "Oh, no. Big Sis, you just killed quite a few of them."


    Liu Xiaoyu''s gaze wavered in surprise for a moment.


    Ultimately, she stubbornly repeated, "<i>Hmph</i>, I''m not afraid... I''m plenty smart anyway. Whatever. It''s getting cold. Let''s just go back to the mountain and sleep."


    The sisters swiftly flew back to Silver Sword Peak, disappearing from Chu Liang''s sight like a wisp of smoke.


    As Chu Liang watched them go, he let out a long sigh of relief.


    <i>As expected, the less people have, the more they cherish what they do have.</i>


    <i>That was the same for fish too.</i>


    ...


    A few dayster, Heaven-Reaching Peak suddenly sent out a message, summoning all disciples at the Golden Core Realm and above to the Hall of Conservation. The disciples who received the message were all a bit puzzled. They didn''t really know what was going on.


    When Chu Liang arrived, he saw that quite a few people had already gathered in the Hall of Conservation. The front rows were already taken.


    Jiang Yuebai was there too. She was dressed in a pure white high-waisted dress with a peach-pink shawl draped over her shoulders. Appearing dignified and elegant, she was the first person everyone looked at when they entered the room.


    She was sitting in the second seat of the first row, with her junior sister Mu Yueting on her left and Ling Ao on her right. They had all arrived rtively early.


    Ling Ao had been in closed-door cultivation recently, busy with forming his Golden Core. Now, he had finally reached the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    He had faced the most skepticism regarding his position as one of Mount Shu''s top four disciples. Many had said that he had only barely earned his ce thanks to the True Dragon''s blessing and didn''t truly have the talent and potential to rival the other three.


    In response, Ling Ao could only say with disdain... that they had a point. Nevertheless, that wouldn''t stop him from moving forward.


    No matter how much doubt there was about his abilities, Ling Ao always appeared in public with a radiant and confident demeanor.


    Stepping through the door, Chu Liang nced around and realized that the first row was already full. So, he had no choice but to head toward the back.


    At that moment, Ling Ao suddenly stood up and walked over to Chu Liang. This left Chu Liang feeling a bit confused. Just as he was wondering what this guy was staring at him for, Ling Ao... turned around and walked to the seats at the back.


    Ling Ao had deliberately vacated the seat beside Jiang Yuebai''s.


    The hall was suddenly flooded with a wave of "Ooooh!!!"


    It was clear that no one on Mount Shu was unaware of the ambiguous rtionship between Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai.


    Chu Liang smiled awkwardly. <i>This guy... He''s really loyal.</i>


    Right when he wanted to act a little coy, boomingughter rang from the doorway.


    "<i>Heheheh!</i>" Lin Bei burst in and saw that the seat next to Jiang Yuebai was free. "<i>Huh?</i> There''s a free seat in the first row?"


    He walked over inrge strides, intending to take the seat.


    After returning from Python Belly City, Lin Bei experienced a string of events and sessfully formed his Golden Core. He was a newly advanced fourth-realm cultivator, so he was qualified to attend this meeting.


    Chu Liang hurriedly kicked Lin Bei aside and calmly took the free seat.


    After sitting down, he chuckled softly. "What a coincidence. Just so happens that there''s an empty seat right here."


    Jiang Yuebai smiled and responded quietly without looking at him. "Yes. What a coincidence indeed."


    After that, the two of them just sat there in silence. They didn''t need to say a word; just being next to each other brought smiles to their faces.


    A whileter when almost everyone was present, the Conservation Master walked in at a slow pace. This time, he appeared as a feeble elderly man in a white robe.


    Standing at the front of the hall, he slowly said to the crowd, "I''ve gathered all of you here today for a test."

 Chapter 432: The Talisman-Making Test

    <h4>Chapter 432: The Talisman-Making Test</h4>


    "To select the candidates who will attend this trial, we will be testing your proficiency in talisman-making," the Conservation Master said slowly. "I will now demonstrate the effects of different types of talismans, and your task will be to create a talisman that can replicate those effects."


    "A talisman-making test?"<strong> </strong>


    The words sparked a flicker of surprise among those present.<strong> </strong>


    In the Mount Shu Sect, disciples were granted a great deal of freedom in choosing which cultivation arts to study, be it tool-making, alchemy, talismans, or enchanted formations. If a disciple wanted to learn a particr skill, they could easily find manuals in the corresponding halls to pursue it. Unless a disciple showed exceptional talent in a specific area, they were generally not forced to learn it.


    But it was the first time the Mount Shu Sect had ever conducted such arge-scale test of talisman-making. What kind of hidden realm could require such a rigorous selection process? They had many questions, but those were quickly set aside as they focused on giving their all in the test. After all, most of those present were the top-performing disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. A single moment was enough to spark their urge topete.


    Yet, this test...To recreate a talisman based solely on its effect...Isn''t that a bit too difficult?


    Talismanic script was thenguage of the Heavenly Dao, with multiple characters forming a talisman, and multiple talismansbining to create a set of talismanic spell. Theoretically, by observing the effect unleashed upon the talisman''s activation, one could discern the Dao essence it invoked and the specific talismanic scripts used.


    But at best, only a rough idea of the talisman''s type could be deduced through observation. urately determining the precisebination of talismanic scripts within the spell was as difficult as ascending to the heavens, for suchplex talismans could not be easily unraveled with just a few nces.


    It would be even more difficult to recreate that same talisman.


    In <i>The True Dao of Talisman-Making</i>, manyplete talismans were difficult to replicate, even when following a diagram. Drawing aplete talisman required a high level of control over one''s divine intent. If one did not specialize in that Dao, they would struggle to recreate that talisman.


    So, the Mount Shu disciples present were all feeling a bit apprehensive.<strong> </strong>


    But the Conservation Master seemed to not care at all. He led the group to the open space behind the Hall of Conservation and handed each person a piece of yellow paper and a brush dipped in cinnabar.


    "Everyone, prepare yourselves. Let¡¯s begin the test," he announced, raising his hand to reveal a yellow talisman between his fingers.


    With a swift flick, the talisman shed in midair, transforming into several streaks of lightning that shot down from above!


    <i>Crack!</i>


    As the lightning crackled, the crowd instantly recognized the talisman.<strong> </strong>


    "Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings," someone blurted out.


    The Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings was a rathermon yet powerful basic talisman. Though not considered advanced, it was very useful. This was often used by cultivators at the first three realms when countering ghastly creatures as it was extremely effective against such entities.<strong> </strong>


    A demonstration of its effect wasn¡¯t even necessary; anyone who specialized in talisman-making could easily draw this talisman by name alone.


    The crowd quickly got to work, their cinnabar brushes moving with practiced precision, leaving intricate marks on the yellow paper. Each stroke carried a subtle, controlled glow of spiritual energy.


    It was clear, however, that some disciples had little to no experience with talisman-making. They hesitated with their brushes, unwilling to give up but resorting to sneaking nces at others'' work, trying to mimic the strokes.


    But talismans could not be easily copied.


    After a few clumsy attempts, they could only lower their heads in disappointment... a thick-browed, big-eyed disciple from Jade Sword Peak being a prime example.<strong> </strong>


    Meanwhile, some disciples drew their talismans in one smooth, confident motion without hesitation, creating talismans that radiated a subtle, controlled spiritual energy... A certain disciple from Silver Sword Peak stood out as the prime example.


    Momentster, everyone stopped moving their brushes.


    The Conservation Master smiled and said, "Those who haven¡¯tpleted their talismans, please step back. Those who have,e forward and demonstrate your talisman''s power."<strong> </strong>


    One by one, the disciples stepped forward to disy their work.<strong> </strong>


    The first to demonstrate their talisman was Mu Yueting, and her work was rather impressive. In a short time, she managed to create the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings, matching the power of the one the Conservation Master had demonstrated earlier. Clearly, she had devoted time and energy in the study of talisman-making.


    The crowd murmured in admiration, and the Conservation Master nodded, appearing very satisfied.


    But unfortunately for Mu Yueting, Jiang Yuebai was next.


    Jiang Yuebai stepped forward and, with a confident flick of her wrist, unfurled the yellow paper containing her talisman. In an instant, five bolts of lightning surged into the sky, with golden dragons dancing wildly within the storm¡ªtheir power far surpassing that of an ordinary Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings!


    The crowd couldn¡¯t help but blink in astonishment.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Such formidable power!</i>


    The most terrifying thing was that Jiang Yuebai had never shown any strong proficiency in the Dao of Talisman-Making before; she likely hadn¡¯t even specialized in it. Yet, her Transcendent Spirit¡¯s natural affinity with the Great Dao and spiritual qi allowed her to excel effortlessly in talisman-making.


    Was this the power of talent?<strong> </strong>


    As Jiang Yuebai unleashed her talisman, cheers and apuse erupted from the crowd.<strong> </strong>


    In that moment, it seemed to everyone that the remaining participants were merelypeting for second ce.<strong> </strong>


    But Jiang Yuebai disyed no hint of pride. Instead, she quietly stepped aside, her gaze drifting over to Chu Liang, who was up next.<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang wore a confident smile as he deftly unleashed his talisman.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Five tiny streaks of lightning flickered briefly before vanishing.<strong> </strong>


    A moment of silence followed.


    Although no one expected Chu Liang''s talisman to surpass Jiang Yuebai''s, he was at least the disciple who had won second ce at the Mount Shu Summit¡ªsurely, he should have performed better than this?<strong> </strong>But the streaks of lightning were...so thin and short...


    The lightning faded before anyone could even sense its power.<strong> </strong>


    Yet, it couldn¡¯t be denied that it was indeed aplete Five-Thunder Talisman of Evil Banishment. It was technically sessful, but it seemed somehow...cking.<strong> </strong>


    "Hmm..." The Conservation Master hesitated for a moment before nodding, indicating that Chu Liang had also passed.<strong> </strong>


    It was clear that this was Chu Liang''s first attempt at drawing the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightning. He had managed to create the talisman on his first try, relying on careful observation.


    Since he wasn''t very familiar with this talisman, Chu Liang decided to infuse only a tiny amount of foundational qi, minimizing the risk of losing control.


    This wasn''t an entirely unwise approach.


    Afterward, as more disciples demonstrated their talismans, some managed to draw the talisman but failed to produce any lightning¡ªonly a puff of smoke that quickly dissipated.<strong> </strong>


    Naturally, those attempts were deemed failures.


    Xu Ziyang''s talisman, however, once again amazed everyone. In terms of power, it was not inferior to Jiang Yuebai''s. The Eldest Senior Brother of Jade Sword Peak had always been a versatile talent, so it was no surprise that he possessed profound knowledge in the Dao of Talisman-Making.<strong> </strong>


    After the first round of testing, ten disciples had passed. Those who didn¡¯t make the cut stood off to the side, watching the proceedings with no intention of leaving just yet.<strong> </strong>


    "Not bad," the Conservation Master nodded before stepping forward once more. "Let''s move on to the second round of testing, with the same requirements as before."


    As he spoke, he flicked his hand, releasing another talisman.<strong> </strong>


    This time, the talisman''s power was far more intense. As it activated, a deafening roar echoed through the air. Massive lightning bolts, as thick as water barrels, crashed down from the sky, while fierce mes erupted from the ground! The sheer force of the disy was overwhelming, posing a serious threat even to Fourth Realm cultivators.


    Several disciples immediately furrowed their brows.


    "Talisman of Divine Lightning and Earthly Fire..." someone murmured.


    Once again, someone recognized the talisman.


    This talisman was far more powerful, but its difficulty had also increased significantly. Due to the fusion of heavenly thunder and earthly fire, the making of this talisman became far moreplicated and challenging.


    Even among this generation of young disciples, those who had studied talisman-making in depth would find it challenging to handle a talisman of this level ofplexity at the moment.<strong> </strong>


    This time, the reactions of the crowd varied slightly.<strong> </strong>


    Mu Yueting hesitated, her brush pausing mid-air, while Jiang Yuebai seemed lost in deep thought. Xu Ziyang, however, continued to write without hesitation, appearing rather confident.<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, closed his eyes slightly, as if he was reying the scene in his mind.<strong> </strong>


    A few disciples watching from the sidelines couldn''t help but wonder¡ªwas he really attempting to deconstruct the talisman he had seen earlier, deciphering the various talismanic scripts used to create that powerful spell?


    Although it was mentioned that the test would assess one''s ability to decipher and replicate the talisman, many had dismissed this as a mere passing remark.


    Most of those who seeded in the previous round were already familiar with making the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings. However, when they had to draw the Talisman of Divine Lightning and Earthly Fire, which they had yet to master, they found themselves at a loss.


    Momentster, Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang moved in perfect sync, their brushes dancing across the paper. In one fluid motion, theypleted their talismans.


    When everyone finally set down their brushes, only three figures stood with their workpleted: Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Chu Liang.


    As expected, it was those three again.


    These three were the Senior Sister of Azure Falling Peak, the Eldest Senior Brother of Jade Sword Peak, and the Eldest Senior Brother of Silver Sword Peak. The first two had long been recognized as the twin pirs of their era, while Chu Liang had steadily risen to prominence, establishing himself as one of the outstanding talents of this generation.<strong> </strong>


    It seemed that in this generation of Mount Shu disciples, a fiercepetition always existed between these three.


    "Alright," the Conservation Master said with a smile, "Those who havepleted their talismans, please step forward and demonstrate them in turn."<strong> </strong>


    This time, Jiang Yuebai was the first to present her work.


    She stepped forward with graceful confidence, activating her talisman with a flick of her wrist.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, the skies roared with heavenly thunder and the earth zed with fiery mes!<strong> </strong>


    The talisman was already very difficult toplete, but the fact that the power of her talisman matched that of the Conservation Master¡¯s demonstration left the crowd gasping in astonishment.


    "Just as expected of Senior Sister Jiang!" voices of admiration echoed.


    Next, it was Chu Liang''s turn.


    He approached with his usual smile and raised his hand with a gentle motion.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Bang! Whoosh¡ª</i>


    With a muffled sound, a faint flicker of lightning crackled briefly in the air, and a thinyer of mes red up from the ground, only to be snuffed out almost immediately by the wind.<strong> </strong>


    The crowd fell into a stunned silence once more.<strong> </strong>


    Upon seeing the demonstration, the fellow disciples furrowed their brows in contemtion.


    On one hand, if one argued that Chu Liang was not impressive, it was true that he had managed to decipher and recreate the talisman. On the other hand, if he were to be deemed impressive, the power of his talisman appeared far too weak from the perspective of any cultivator.


    In the end, his demonstration left many of the onlookers at a loss for words.

 Chapter 433: Professional Test Taker of Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 433: Professional Test Taker of Mount Shu</h4>


    Chu Liang didn¡¯t mind at all.


    After all, the objective of the test was to recreate the talisman. By reducing the amount of foundational qi infused, Chu Liang had increased his chances of sess. Especially considering that he was not familiar with these talismans, limiting the foundational qi infused made the drawing process more manageable. Naturally, he chose to sacrifice power to ensure sess.


    Had the test included a power evaluation, Chu Liang¡¯s strategy would have been entirely different.


    As for these fellow disciples who didn''t understand his approach, he could onlyment that these people had no idea of the charm of strategies for taking tests.<strong> </strong>


    Next, Xu Ziyang stepped forward and activated his Talisman of Divine Lightning and Earthly Fire.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The disy was equally impressive, though it fell just short of Jiang Yuebai¡¯s formidable power. This difference could be due to Jiang Yuebai having the Transcendent Spirit. In terms of talisman-making, Xu Ziyang was in no way inferior.


    In this round, all three passed the test.


    Aside from Chu Liang¡¯s talismans, which unleashed underwhelming power, the other two demonstrated wless proficiency.


    "Very good," the Conservation Master praised.


    Without further ado, he began the next round of testing.<strong> </strong>


    He wasted no time and promptly activated another talisman.<strong> </strong>


    The apparition of a golden-armored warrior descended from the sky, crashing down with imposing might and zing divine mes!<strong> </strong>


    "Cmity-Suppressing Talisman: Golden Armor?" someone nearby eximed in surprise, instantly recognizing the talisman.<strong> </strong>


    The difficulty had suddenly escted to an unprecedented level!<strong> </strong>


    The Cmity-Suppressing Talisman: Golden Armor was a high-grade talisman, capable of summoning a divine being d in golden armor to banish evil and suppress cmities.


    This kind of talisman was capable of invoking the celestial spirits and was not something that could be created from abination of just a few simple talismanic scripts. Itsplexity rivaled that of an entire set of talismanic spells.


    Looking at the expressions of Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Chu Liang, it was clear they were all deep in thought.


    Obviously, none of them had encountered this talisman before¡ªthey were all mentally deconstructing theplex design they had just witnessed.


    Could they really recreate this talisman?


    After a moment of contemtion, each of the three began to draw once more, their focused expressions indicating that they were piecing together the insights they had gained.


    The watching crowd was filled with awe and disbelief, their expectations rising as they witnessed this unprecedented disy of skill. The level of ability on disy had surpassed their wildest imaginations.<strong> </strong>


    It took the three of them a bit longer toplete their talismans this time. Once they had finished, the crowd eagerly awaited the results.<strong> </strong>


    With the yellow paper in hand, Jiang Yuebai stepped forward and gently activated the talisman drawn.


    <i>Boom! </i>A projection of a golden-armored divine being crashed down with imposing force! While the projection was slightly less powerful than the one demonstrated by the Conservation Master, Jiang Yuebai''s performance was still remarkable. Achieving this level of power was impressive in itself!


    The golden-armored divine being lingered for a moment before vanishing, its presence lingering just long enough to make an impact.


    Next, it was Chu Liang¡¯s turn.


    The crowd had very low expectations for Chu Liang''s performance. Given his previous demonstrations of weak power, it was evident that he had reached his limit. It was only natural if he failed this round.


    Yet, when Chu Liang activated his talisman...


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A sh of golden light burst forth, revealing a tiny, five-cun-tall[1] golden-armored divine being hovering in mid-air. If not for the sharp eyes of the onlookers, its presence would have gone unnoticed.


    The little golden-armored figure wobbled for a few moments before vanishing.


    "..." The crowd fell silent once again.


    <i>What was that?</i>


    <i>A baby golden-armored divine being?</i>


    <i>It was not only tiny but also appeared only briefly...</i>


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang did manage to recreate the talisman, which was very strange.


    Then it was Xu Ziyang¡¯s turn. He stepped forward, confidently throwing his yellow paper into the air.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A projection of a golden-armored divine being materialized, but before it could fully manifest, it shattered in mid-air with a resounding bang.<strong> </strong>


    It was clear he had failed.


    Xu Ziyang shook his head slightly, not appearing too disheartened.


    It seemed he had anticipated the possibility of this talisman failing.


    With that, Xu Ziyang withdrew from thepetition, leaving only Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liangpeting with each other. The scene felt like a rey of the Mount Shu Summit, with these two once again standing as the final contenders.


    Especially since these two were...


    Teasing whistles and murmurs rose from the surrounding crowd.


    Chu Liang smiled, and despite standing beside Senior Sister Jiang, he had no intention of holding back. For him, apetition deserved full effort¡ªit was the greatest respect he could offer his opponent.<strong> </strong>


    Jiang Yuebai felt the same. Having Chu Liang as her opponent only made her desire to win grow stronger.


    The Conservation Master observed the twopetitors and dered, "It seems that the candidate this time will be chosen between the two of you."<strong> </strong>


    With that, he stepped forward again andunched a new talisman into the air.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The power of this talisman was even more mystical. When it touched the ground, a burst of light erupted, giving rise to a vibrant and eerie flower. The nt seemed almost alive, its petals fluttering as though it were observing its surroundings.


    "Spirit-Eye Flower Talisman?" A few in the crowd murmured. This time, fewer people recognized the talisman.


    This talisman not only had to nurture a nt but also required that the nt be erected on the earth and act as the caster¡¯s eyes and ears, rying information back to its creator.


    The difficulty of creating such a living entity was beyond most people''sprehension. Moreover, the nt had to possess mystical abilities, adding anotheryer ofplexity.


    Some spectators even began to doubt whether such a spirit nt could truly be conjured from a talisman alone. It seemed more like a talismanic spell!


    Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang stood before the challenge, contemting for a long time. Chu Liang was the first to put his brush to paper, followed by Jiang Yuebai, who began to draw her talisman.<strong> </strong>


    After a while, both of them hadpleted their talismans.


    Jiang Yuebai stepped forward and activated her talisman. A divine light shed, and a vibrant flower emerged from the ground. However, it remained stationary, quietly blooming without further movement.<strong> </strong>


    She shook her head lightly, indicating her dissatisfaction with the result.


    The Conservation Master didn''t rush to dere a verdict. Instead, he said softly, "Let''s see the next one."<strong> </strong>


    It seemed that despite Jiang Yuebai''s apparent failure, they would still evaluate Chu Liang¡¯s attempt before making a final decision. If Chu Liang couldn¡¯t even nurture the nt, Jiang Yuebai would still be considered the winner.<strong> </strong>


    Among the onlookers, many still believed Jiang Yuebai was the more likely victor.<strong> </strong>


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Chu Liang stepped forward slowly and carefully activated his talisman.<strong> </strong>


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A sh of light hit the ground, and a small nt sprouted from the earth. Though it was tiny, it swayed left and right as if imbued with a subtle spiritual nature.<strong> </strong>


    <i>He did it?</i>


    Immediately, the Conservation Master gave a slight nod and dered, "Chu Liang has won."


    <i>He actually did it!</i>


    The oue was a shock to everyone. Despite the embarrassingly weak effects of his previous talismans, it turned out that Chu Liang was the best among them at talisman-making!


    Regarding this, Chu Liang knew that it was absolutely not true. If they were all asked to draw a talisman, Senior Sister Jiang and Xu Ziyang would have performed better than him.


    However, Chu Liang had frequently deciphered and deconstructed talismans before. When he first began practicing the Talismanic Sword Seal, he delved into talismanic scripts. To master various types of talismanic scripts, he often took apleted talisman and broke it down to understand how each script contributed to the whole.


    Talismanic scripts were like fundamental knowledge points, and each talisman was akin to an exam question. He had practiced a variety of approaches to tackle these "exam questions," honing his skills in ways others might not have.


    This was why Chu Liang could perform the Talismanic Sword Seal faster than others. He had a deeper understanding of individual talismanic scripts and he knew how to betterbine them for a better result.


    Although Senior Sister Jiang and Xu Ziyang were also highly skilled in the Dao of Talisman-Making, they had never practiced talisman-making in this manner.


    Aside from Chu Liang, no one else in the world of immortality cultivators had studied the Dao of Talisman-Making as though they were preparing for an exam.


    A few of his acquaintances gathered around, asking him how he had managed to achieve such a feat.


    Chu Liang looked at their inquisitive faces and replied with a question of his own, "Have you never tried doing practice questions for exams?"


    ...


    As Chu Liang turned around, he saw the Conservation Master approaching with a warm smile.


    "Conservation Master," Chu Liang inquired, "can you tell me which hidden realm we are going to?"


    "This is a hidden realm that the Peni Supreme Sect, the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the Celestial King Sect, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, and our Mount Shu Sect will be exploring together. Each sect will be sending only one disciple into this realm," the Conservation Master exined. "This hidden realm was left behind by the Celestial Talisman Master."


    1. 5*3.33cm=16.65cm or 0.5 feet or 16.56 inch. ?

 Chapter 434: Hidden Realm of Talismanic Scripts

    <h4>Chapter 434: Hidden Realm of Talismanic Scripts</h4>


    Yinlu Mountain used to be the site of the ancient Celestial Talisman Sect. There had been grand halls and towers, resplendent in gold and jade, but now only a ruin of broken walls remained. It was deste as far as the eye could see.


    Additionally, there were remnants of an ancient grand talismanic formation, so even birds and beasts did not dare to approach it. That made the whole mountain deserted, bleak, and eerily silent like thend of the dead.


    That was the depressing scene that greeted Chu Liang when hended.


    Following the instructions given by the Conservation Master, he walked to the half-copsed grand hall at the center of the mountain. That was when he finally saw a few people.


    "Young Hero Chu!" a bald figure called out, greeting Chu Liang with a wave.


    "You''re here too?" Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    This bald person, who had smooth, gleaming skin and a handsome face, was Monk Pushan from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. He was that young monk who had practiced silent meditation in the past.


    "What a coincidence, isn''t it?" Monk Pushan walked over to Chu Liang with a grin. "There aren''t many who study talisman-making in our monastery, so they sent me over here, even though I''m half-baked in it..."


    Chu Liang quickly said with a smile, "There''s no need for modesty between us."


    Buddhism had its own version of talisman-making art, which differed significantly from that of the Daoist sects. In recent years, the two schools of thought had been learning from each other, gradually moving toward a more coborative process.


    Chu Liang looked at the other people present.


    The most eye-catching among them was a tall woman standing to one side. She had a slender, graceful figure, with golden hairpins in her beautiful, lustrous hair. The woman had a strikingly beautiful face, with deep eyes that shimmered brightly. She carried the air of an otherworldly person, who seemed to have nothing to do with the mundane world. Intimidatingly stunning, the woman was like a frost-covered saber shining under the moonlight.


    Purely in terms of appearance, her face was probably the only one Chu Liang had seen that he thought could rival Jiang Yuebai''s.


    Chu Liang quickly added in his mind, <i>Of course, Senior Sister Jiang is still more beautiful...</i>


    Chu Liang had gotten on this mission by defeating Jiang Yuebai. She hadn''t said anything, but it clearly bothered her. Jiang Yuebai went into closed-door cultivation to train intensely in the Dao of Talisman-Making before Chu Liang even left the mountain.


    After all, Jiang Yuebai was the one who had taught Chu Liang the Talismanic Sword Seal. Now, her junior had surpassed her in the Dao of Talisman-Making, so Jiang Yuebai most probably felt like she''d fallen behind.


    Chu Liang could only respond to her strongpetitive spirit with a sigh.


    As for the woman standing before him, it didn''t long for him to guess her identity. She was Xi Miaoxian[1], the most beautiful disciple of her generation in the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Xi Miaoxian was also well known as one of the great beauties of the immortality cultivation world. Some people even imed she was the most beautiful young woman in the nine provinces. However, that was an exaggeration. At least, Jiang Yuebai''s supporters wouldn''t agree.


    Chu Liang wouldn''t agree either. He didn''t think there was much of an issue in saying that Xi Miaoxian was the second most beautiful young woman though.


    Out of habit, Monk Pushan introduced the other people to Chu Liang. "That''s Xi Miaoxian of the Peni Supreme Sect, and beside her is Situ Guanhai from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. You''ve probably heard of them, right?"


    Chu Liang nodded slightly. "Of course."


    Xi Miaoxian needed no introduction.


    As for Situ Guanhai, he was a prominent young disciple from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. He had made a name for himself two years before Zhuge Guanxing and was even more famous than him.


    Situ Guanhai appeared a bit unkempt, with messy hair that was too long to be called short and too short to be called long. He seemed to be around twenty years old, but his face was already covered in stubble. However, his tall stature, angr face, and distinct facial features made him look ruggedly handsome, rather than simply unkempt.


    This young hero, who looked quite dashing at first nce, was standing beside Xi Miaoxian. He was smiling so brightly that his eyes became narrow slits, looking not at all as suave as his appearance suggested.


    Monk Pushan continued, "From what I know, he has the highest level of mastery in talisman-making among all of us here. We''ve all taken it up as a secondary subject of study, but Situ Guanhai specializes in talisman-making. It''s said that his current cultivation level is no lower than that of the elite disciples during the heyday of the ancient Celestial Talisman Sect."


    "That''s indeed impressive," Chu Liang replied.


    He was already aware of that. The one who had briefed him this time was not his teacher but the Conservation Master, so the information he received was quite detailed... In the case of Silver Sword Peak, outsiders tended to be more reliable for such matters.


    "From the looks of it, the disciples from the Peni Supreme Sect and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals will likely stick together. The disciples from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and Celestial King Sect will surely be allies too. Once we enter the hidden realm, we''ll need to look out for each other," Monk Pushan said.


    "That''s how it should be," Chu Liang agreed.


    It was a pity that Xi Miaoxian and Situ Guanhai were already at the fifth realm. Otherwise, once they entered the hidden realm, Chu Liang would definitely have let Monk Pushan see what it meant to have a fallout and be resentful enemies.[2]


    Just as Monk Pushan mentioned the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and the Celestial King Sect, the sound of whistling wind came from afar, and a few figures suddenlynded on the ground.


    When the dust settled, three figures emerged¡ªone old and two young.


    Chu Liang only recognized one of them. It was Feng Chaoyang of the Celestial King Sect.


    Feng Chaoyang looked elegant and charming with a bright and spirited gaze.


    Seeing Chu Liang, Feng Chaoyang greeted him with a joyousugh. "Young Hero Chu, you''re here too!"


    Chu Liang smiled back in greeting. "Long time no see."


    "I won''t lose to you again this time."


    Chu Liang could sense the divine light contained within Feng Chaoyang. The young man exuded an extraordinary aura, indicating that he too had advanced to the fifth realm. That was why he was radiating with confidence from head to toe.


    Standing beside Feng Chaoyang was a rather reserved, thin young man. His face showed signs of maturity as well as youthfulness, making it hard to gauge his age. He kept his head slightly lowered, not looking at the people around him. It was obvious at a nce that this young man was quite introverted.


    Monk Pushan was a bit surprised. "Ye Yongxing? He actually came?"


    "What''s the matter?" Chu Liang asked quietly.


    Chu Liang didn''t have much information about Ye Yongxing, so seeing that Monk Pushan seemed to know something, Chu Liang decided to ask him.


    "This person is the sessor of Enlightened Wulou, the master of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. It''s said that his talent is unparalleled among the descendants of the Heaven Observer. However, his one w is..." Monk Pushan said, suddenly smirking, "that he''s afraid of meeting people."


    Chu Liang was puzzled. "Afraid of meeting people?"


    Monk Pushan exined, "He''s afraid of interacting with people. It''s said that just being looked at makes him ufortable, and he finds it difficult to speak to strangers, so he rarely leaves Mount Reticence."


    <i>Well, then. Turns out he''s got severe social anxiety, </i>Chu Liang thought. He then figured out why Monk Pushan had a wickedly smug smile. <i>You sure are proud of yourself when ites to social interaction, huh.</i>


    What Chu Liang hadn''t noticed was that Ye Yongxing had nced around at the people present, and when his gaze fell on Chu Liang, an expression of shock shed across his face. However, Ye Yongxing then quickly lowered his head again.


    It was probably because of Ye Yongxing''s personality that an elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion had taken on the task of opening the hidden realm himself. He was the only elder who had apanied his sect''s representative disciple.


    The gray-bearded elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion looked around. Then he flung out his sleeves and said, "Since everyone is here, let''s prepare to open the Celestial Talisman Master''s Hidden Realm."


    Everyone stepped forward, greeting the elder respectfully.


    The gray-bearded elder continued, "I imagine your sect elders have already told you about the origins of this hidden realm, but I''ll just remind you once more. The most important cultivation legacy in this realm is the collection of golden talismanic scripts that the First Celestial Talisman Master left behind. You should try toprehend and collect as many of the talismanic scripts as possible.


    "Each script can only beprehended by one person, so there will certainly bepetition inside. But your priority is to improve your perception of talisman-making, so don''t focus too much on fighting each other."


    "We understand," everyone responded in unison.


    The gray-bearded elder then swung his hand as he crushed a jade talisman, causing a thunderous sound to rip through the air.


    A pitch-ck portal suddenly opened in the space before them.


    The gray-bearded elder added, "Well, this old man wishes that you will all have a fruitful trip."


    "Thank you, Elder."


    The young disciples all swiftly stepped into the portal one by one, but Ye Yongxing hesitated in front of the portal.


    The gray-bearded elder encouraged him, "Yongxing, just do your best."


    Ye Yongxing nced back at the gray-bearded elder. Then he turned to the front again and finally stepped into the portal.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A wave of ripples moved across the ck portal. After that, the portal slowly closed.


    ...


    Everything went dark. Then Chu Liang''s feet suddenly touched solid ground.


    When he opened his eyes, he realized he was still in the grand hall. He almost thought he had failed to enter the hidden realm.


    Nevertheless, he looked around him again and noticed the difference.


    The grand hall was no longer in ruins; it was perfectly intact. The hall''s front and back doors were shut tight, and its walls gleamed brilliantly. The hall was still empty, but it was resplendent with gold and jade.


    <i>Could this hidden realm have been constructed with the sameyout as the former site of the Celestial Talisman Sect?</i>


    Before Chu Liang could take a closer look, the roar of a beast rang out behind him.


    "<i>Raaar!!!</i>"


    He spun around to see a ferocious winged flying tiger, over a zhang tall, pouncing toward him!


    This flying tiger had a menacing appearance, but it emitted no demonic qi, only raging mes of qi. It was shrouded in a faint glow, making it look a little strange.


    Regardless, Chu Liang had to defend himself. He summoned the Dustless Sword, and in an instant, a beam of swordlight cut through the air, slicing across the tiger.


    The tiger was sliced open, apanied by the clear sound of something being ripped apart. Yet, there was no blood; instead, some rays of light shone out.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The tigerpleted its pounce, and Chu Liang quickly leaped aside, narrowly avoiding it.


    At this point, he could confirm that this flying tiger was not a living creature. It seemed to have been created from a living creature, but it was not alive.


    Despite not being a true living being, the flying tiger had formidablebat strength. It felt no pain or fatigue.


    After missing its target with its pounce, it swung its tail at Chu Liang, whizzing through the air!


    Suddenly under a barrage of attacks, Chu Liang couldn''t evade in time. All he could do was use Dimension Compression, intending to dodge the attacks.


    However, the moment he tried to use Dimension Compression, his expression turned into one of utter shock. The hidden realm waspletely disconnected from the Great Dao of the Heavens and the Earth, rendering his immortal art unusable.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The powerful swing of the tiger''s tail struck Chu Liang hard, sending him flying more than ten zhang. He smashed into the grand hall''s wall before finally crashing heavily to the floor.


    "<i>Ugh...</i>"


    Chu Liang exhaled a breath of impure qi and quickly climbed back onto his feet.


    Fortunately, he had the protection of three types of fifth-realm foundational qi. The Geng Metal foundational qi reinforced his body to be as sturdy as steel, while the Jia Wood foundational qi rapidly healed any minor injuries. Additionally, his corporeal body was as strong as that of a True Dragon, so the flying tiger''s attacks didn''t end up harming Chu Liang at all.


    It seemed that he could still use the power of his blood and qi as well as his cultivated foundational qi. Nheless, without the Great Dao of the Heavens and the Earth, he couldn''t use his immortal arts.


    After figuring out thews of this hidden realm, Chu Liang switched tactics. Instead of using his flying sword to attack the tiger, he charged at it! With his dragon blood ignited, Chu Liang unleashed an aura that was no weaker than that of the flying tiger!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The flying tigerunched its second attack, but Chu Liang didn''t dodge. Instead, he met the tiger head-on with a punch, striking its jaw and sending the massive tiger soaring into the air!


    Yet, there were no visible wounds on the tiger; there were only ripples in the light surrounding it.


    <i>It can''t be killed...?</i>


    Chu Liang narrowed his eyes.


    <i>I''ll see if that''s really the case!</i>


    He shot into the air and then descended with a powerful punch!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    This punch struck the tiger''s forehead like a lightning bolt from the heavens. Chu Liang smashed his fist through the tiger''s forehead, sinking half his arm into its spirit.


    <i>Pop!</i>


    Finally, the massive tiger shattered loudly like a burst balloon, exploding into fragments of ck and white apparitions before falling apart into dust.


    <i>So, it can be killed after all.</i>


    Chu Liangnded lightly.


    If there was anything truly useful that his teacher had taught him, this would be it... <i>Nothing is unkible. If it seems that way, it just means you''re not powerful enough.</i>


    Gazing at the scattered ck and white fragments, Chu Liang frowned.


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    He sensed a fading aura in the air and was quite surprised.


    "Is this the power of talismanic script?"


    1. Her name Miaoxian ÃîÏÉ means wonderful immortal. ?


    2. I assume he was hoping to use a Chain of Resentment. XD ?

 Chapter 435: Did I Come At The Wrong Time?

    <h4>Chapter 435: Did I Come At The Wrong Time?</h4>


    The Conservation Master had exined in detail the origin of this hidden realm to Chu Liang.


    During the ancient times, there was an extraordinary individual who studied the Dao of Talisman-Making. He traversed the nine provinces and four seas. He was the one who opened up the doors to control the Great Dao of Talismanic Script. He founded the Celestial Talisman Sect and passed down his legacy to the future generations.


    He was known as the First Celestial Talisman Master.


    If members of the Celestial Talisman Sect wished to earn the esteemed title of "Celestial Talisman Master," they would first need to be the sect leader. More importantly, they had to master all talismanic arts of the world and be the Dao Master of Talismanic Script.<strong> </strong>However, this was extremely difficult.


    It was a thousand times more difficult to be a talisman specialist than a cultivator, and it was a hundred times harder to be the Dao Master of Talismanic Script than a Dao Master of other kinds of Great Daos.


    It required not only exceptionalprehension but also top-notch intelligence. This could only be achieved by a once-in-a-millennium prodigy.


    In simple terms, one would need to be smart enough<strong>.</strong>


    Thus, over the thousand years that the Celestial Talisman Sect had passed down its legacy, only six individuals managed to earn the title of "Celestial Talisman Master."


    Although there were few talisman specialists, they possessed immense power. These few individuals alone enabled the Celestial Talisman Sect to remain a top force across the nine provinces, with a statusparable to the current immortal sects in the Divine Nine.<strong> </strong>However, it was precisely because of theck of talisman specialists that the death of even one was a significant loss to the sect. During the chaos stirred up by the Demon God three thousand years ago, the Celestial Talisman Sect was nearly annihted.


    Only a few disciples survived. Although they tried their best to support the sect, the sect only managed to live on for only a few more generations. Eventually, the sect''s legacy waspletely lost, and it vanished from the world.


    Recently, thunder and rain suddenly struck the old site of the Celestial Talisman Sect. The sounds ofndslides and earth cracking echoed through the area, yet the surrounding peaks remained eerily calm.


    This immediately caught the attention of several immortal sects.


    Eventually, six immortal sects discovered the hidden realm together. ording to the custom of the nine provinces, the six sects would explore the hidden realm together.


    In reality, some smaller immortal sects noticed the strange urrences at the old site. However, due to their lower status, the six immortal sects coborated and forced them out of thepetition for this venture. Since these six sects were all part of the Divine Nine and shared the same ranking, they couldn''t exclude each other from this venture.


    The elders who ventured into the hidden realm investigated and confirmed that it was indeed the one used by the Celestial Talisman Sect to select the sessor of the First Celestial Talisman Master''s legacy. The six sects then agreed to each send one disciple to undertake the trial for this legacy.


    This was how the exploration of the hidden realm started.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, this would just be a regr trial, with multiple sects undergoing the challenge together.


    But it was the first time Chu Liang had ever witnessed something like this... Could the entire world truly be constructed from talismanic scripts? He found it hard to believe.


    When he killed that flying tiger, he sensed that the dissipating life force was nothing more than an intricate and incrediblyplex talismanic spell... "Talismanic Character of Illusion, Talismanic Script of Wind, Talismanic Character of Viciousness..." Chu Liang muttered, carefully immersing himself in the power contained within the talismanic scripts.


    When he was at the Hall of Conservation, he could easily deduce and deconstruct each talisman into its individual elements. However, he found himself at a loss when he tried to decipher the lingering aura of the vicious beast after it had shattered into pieces.


    It was tooplex.


    For a talismanic spell capable of transforming into a vicious beast, even if he had the talisman right in front of him to replicate, it would still take him a year toplete it. After a moment of contemtion, he raised his hand and drew the Talismanic Script of Fire in the air.


    In an instant, a ball of me ignited out of thin air! A look of satisfaction finally crossed his face. Just as he suspected, the power of the Great Dao wasn''t forbidden here; it was just that it could only be essed through talismanic scripts.<strong> </strong>Everything here was crafted through talismanic scripts, and all divine abilities had to be executed using them.


    What a grand design.


    He had ventured through numerous hidden realms before, but never had he encountered one that could entirely reshape the rules governing the execution of the Great Dao.


    The profound cultivation of the First Celestial Talisman Master was demonstrated in every aspect of this realm.


    ... After gaining a basic understanding of the fundamental elements of this realm, he was ready to leave. But as soon as he reached the main door, he realized that he couldn''t push the door open.


    Even with the activation of his dragon blood, he couldn''t make the door budge even an inch.


    The same was true for both the front and back doors.<strong> </strong><i>What''s going on? </i>Chu Liang wondered. <i>Since the purpose of this hidden realm is to pass on the Celestial Talisman Master''s legacy, he can''t possibly have designed something to trap the disciple in this space. This sealed door must be another test.</i>


    Chu Liang stepped back a few paces, deep in thought.


    As he carefully observed his surroundings, he realized that the walls were subtly curved at the center of each side.


    With eight distinct edges, it reminded him of the Eight Trigrams.


    "Wait..." A thought shed through Chu Liang''s mind as he delved into his memories, searching for a connection.<strong> </strong>


    "The direction where the vicious beast appeared earlier was..." he muttered to himself, pointing to the side, "There."


    He continued, "That''s Xun of the eight trigrams[1] so it''s the Talismanic Script of Wind?"


    "In that case, the Door of Life should be..." His gaze shifted to another direction, but instead of an open path, he was met with a solid wall. Chu Liang hesitated for a moment, but then determination filled his eyes as he approached the wall and tried to push it. Yet, it was solid and would not move at all.


    He paused to ponder once more. After a moment of reflection, he drew the talismanic script of the mountain and gently pressed his hand against the wall.


    In an instant, a sh of light enveloped him, and his body seemed to be swallowed by the wall. With another flicker, he found himself outside the hall.<strong> </strong>


    The sound of wind and thunder roared in his ears.


    Before him rose a towering mountain peak, seeming to pierce the very heavens. The sky was cloaked in dark clouds, with torrential rain pouring down. Pitch-ck floodwaters swirled around the mountain, turning thendscape into an endless, chaotic marsnd.


    At the edge of the peak, a solitary figure stood with its back to Chu Liang, gazing into the distance.<strong> </strong>


    Someone got out faster than me?


    Chu Liang nced at the figure''s back and recognized it as Ye Yongxing from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.<strong> </strong>


    Sensing someone behind him, Ye Yongxing turned his head. His eyes initially held a trace of anxiety, but upon seeing Chu Liang, he suddenly paused. "Huh?"<strong> </strong>


    Having previously been aided by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, Chu Liang nodded in acknowledgment with a smile. Since Pushan had mentioned that Ye Yongxing preferred to remain socially withdrawn, Chu Liang refrained from initiating a greeting, concerned it might cause him difort.


    However, Ye Yongxing continued to stare at Chu Liang with a puzzled expression for quite a while.<strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang began to feel uneasy under his gaze. <i>Isn''t Ye Yongxing supposed to avoid people? So why is he staring at me like this?</i>


    <i>Am I not a person?</i>


    Just as Chu Liang was about to speak, Ye Yongxing suddenly asked, "Are you Chu Liang?"


    "That''s me..." Chu Liang replied, unsure of where this was leading.<strong> </strong>


    "How strange," Ye Yongxing muttered to himself, his expression distant.<strong> </strong>


    "Brother Ye, you..." Chu Liang chuckled awkwardly. "What''s the matter?"<strong> </strong>


    "My apologies." Ye Yongxing quickly realized he had been a bit rude and said, "When I look at you, I sense something different, something I don''t feel when I see others. That''s why I lost myposure."


    "Huh?" But when Chu Liang heard this, he felt scared.<strong> </strong>


    Didn''t Pushan say this guy was socially withdrawn? So why is he making me feel so scared right now?


    Noticing Chu Liang''s uneasy expression, Ye Yongxing realized how strange his words must have sounded. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Have you ever heard of the immortal art Netherworld Revtion?"


    "Netherworld Revtion?" Chu Liang replied, "I''ve heard a little about it."<strong> </strong>


    It was an extremely powerful and profound immortal art, typically practiced only by the Eminent Ones who had mastered the art of divination. This art allowed one to see a person''s death, roughly predicting the manner and time of their demise, allowing certain Eminent Ones the ability to defy fate and alter destiny.


    "My mother mastered Netherworld Revtion while she was pregnant with me. I... was affected and was born with the Netherworld Eye," Ye Yongxing said slowly.<strong> </strong>


    "Netherworld Eye?"


    "Whenever I look at someone, I can see how they died..." Ye Yongxing said. "Although I am unable to predict the entire story of their death like Netherworld Revtion, but the images I see are extremely vivid and real." <i>Can such things happen? </i>With this exnation, Chu Liang began to understand why he didn''t dare to look at people.


    Since Ye Yongxing was born, everyone he looked at carried a horrifying image of their death. It''s no wonder he didn''t dare to look at people.


    "But the strange thing is..." Ye Yongxing continued, "I can''t see yours."


    "Huh?" Chu Liang was taken aback by what Ye Yongxing said.<strong> </strong>


    But then a thought crossed his mind¡ªit might be something on him that was obscuring the secrets of heaven, like the mysterious White Pagoda...<strong> </strong>


    As they continued their conversation, Monk Pushan approached from the other side.<strong> </strong>


    When Pushan saw Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing talking outside without any apparent difficulty, he was a bit surprised.


    <i>Ye Yongxing didn''t seem as introverted as the rumors suggested. After all, he was chatting just fine with Chu Liang, whom he''d just met, so surely he could talk to me too</i>, Pushan thought.<strong> </strong>


    With a cheerful demeanor, Pushan walked over and greeted them, "You both made it out!"<strong> </strong>


    But when Ye Yongxing nced at him, his expression suddenly turned strange, and he quickly lowered his head, half-turning away, as if refusing to take another look at his face.


    "..." Pushan momentarily froze in ce.


    <i>Oh, so he''s not socially withdrawn. He''s just avoiding me. </i>


    <i>Did Ie at the wrong time?</i>


    1. Xun (wind) is one of the eight trigrams, represented by the symbol ?. It also forms part of the 64 hexagrams,posed of two trigrams. In the eight-trigram system, Xun symbolizes the wind, which blows gently, dispersing and permeating everything it touches. ?

 Chapter 436: Searching For Kun

    <h4>Chapter 436: Searching For Kun</h4>


    The sky was alive with lightning and thunder, fierce winds howling as torrential rain poured down as if the heavens were copsing. The ck floodwaters engulfed thend, their roar mingling with the rolling thunder, creating a scene reminiscent of the apocalypse.


    Amidst the chaos, a lone mountain peak stood tall, unyielding, and atop that peak, a cacophony of noise echoed.


    "It doesn¡¯t make sense, it doesn¡¯t make sense, it doesn¡¯t make sense," Monk Pushan whispered hisint to Chu Liang, "Why does he look like he''s seen a ghost every time he sees me? I''m at least the face of the temple. No matter what, it shouldn''t be¡ª"


    Chu Liang quickly interrupted his rant, saying, "Maybe he <i>did</i> see a ghost?"


    He nced at Ye Yongxing, "Brother Ye, is this something you can talk about?"


    "It''s not exactly a secret," Ye Yongxing nodded to Chu Liang, his expression calm when he looked over at Chu Liang. "What''s the matter?" Monk Pushan asked. "It''s about why Brother Ye doesn''t like seeing people," Chu Liang replied.


    "Then why don''t you exin it yourself," Monk Pushan suggested, turning to Ye Yongxing.


    Ye Yongxing nced at him and immediately appeared as though he had just seen a ghost, quickly turning his head away. "..." Monk Pushan experienced yet another crushing disappointment.


    Chu Liang chuckled and exined Ye Yongxing''s Netherworld Eye, essentially saying that it''s not personal¡ªhe sees everyone as if they were ghosts.


    "So that''s why!" Monk Pushan suddenly understood, and his curiosity was immediately piqued. "So, Young Master Ye, what did I look like at my death?"


    "It''s hard to say," Ye Yongxing replied softly, lowering his head. "My parents warned me from a young age not to share such things with others. Besides, even if I told you, there''s nothing you could do to change it. Unless your cultivation reaches the Heavenly Gate, you can''t defy fate or alter destiny."


    "That''s true," Pushan responded with a calm demeanor. "Life and death have their own destinies. As cultivators, we should focus on how we live rather than on how we die."


    As he spoke, his gaze was filled withpassion, and a serene aura surrounded him, reflecting the deepmitment to his Buddhist cultivation.


    But as soon as he turned his head, his eyes lit up with curiosity, and he eagerly asked, "Young Hero Ye, there''s something else I''m curious about..."


    "Hmm?"


    Monk Pushan asked slowly, "Have you ever looked in a mirror?"


    Hearing this, Chu Liang thought to himself, <i>You''re really bold!</i>


    But he had to admit, he was a bit curious too.


    Ye Yongxing appeared slightly embarrassed, lowering his head as he softly replied, "I can see the heavens and the earth but not myself. The Netherworld Revtion can''t reveal one''s own fate."<strong> </strong>


    "I see..."


    The three of them continued chatting for a while, though it was mostly Monk Pushan doing the talking. Chu Liang habitually chimed in with a few words to keep the conversation flowing, while Ye Yongxing listened quietly.


    As the conversation went on, Chu Liang found Ye Yongxing to be a decent person¡ªperhaps a bit naive and kind-hearted due to hisck of interaction with others. Aside from being somewhat socially withdrawn, he had no major ws and seemed like someone worth befriending.


    After a while, a fourth person finally approached. "So you all got out so quickly," Feng Chaoyang said as he walked up.<strong> </strong><i>Considering the difficulty level of the formation in the hall, it shouldn''t be easy to be trapped inside for this long...</i> The three of them smiled but chose not to mention it.


    Monk Pushan looked behind them and asked in confusion, "The two from the Peni Supreme Sect and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals haven¡¯te out yet?"


    Logically, this shouldn¡¯t be the case.


    He wasn¡¯t certain about Xi Miaoxian''s strength, but if Situ Guanhai was as skilled in the Dao of Talisman-Making as the rumors suggested, he shouldn¡¯t be taking this long.


    "They might have been the first to get out..." Ye Yongxing whispered to Chu Liang.


    "Oh?" Feng Chaoyang was a bit surprised by this. "Brother Ye, you''re taking the initiative to talk to people?"


    Ye Yongxing nced at him, then quickly lowered his head again, looking as if he had just seen a ghost.


    "..." Feng Chaoyang fell silent for a moment.


    <i>Why does he look at Chu Liang one way but act differently when he looks at me? Why is he behaving like Jiang Yuebai?</i>


    ...


    Monk Pushan then said, "If they got out first, where could they have gone? Could they already be searching for the legendary golden talismanic script?"


    "They''ve likely gone to study the seventh talismanic script," Chu Liang replied.


    "That makes sense," Ye Yongxing agreed, deep in thought. "They''ve probably gone to find a ce to study the Kun-Character Talisman and the Li-Character Talisman."


    In this hidden realm, there are only two talismanic script missing. We can only leave this space using the Xun-Character Talisman so search elsewhere," Chu Liang exined.


    "Exactly," Ye Yongxing confirmed. "They must have already gone ahead."


    "Hold on a second..." Feng Chaoyang, thoroughly bewildered, turned to Monk Pushan. "I came inte. What on earth are those two talking about?"


    Monk Pushan''s nostrils red, and his pupils widened as he shook his head vigorously, "I''ve been here the whole time, and I have no clue either!"


    <strong> </strong><i>I thought the three of us were all talking? Why do I suddenly feel left out? </i>Pushan was even more surprised than Feng Chaoyang.<strong> </strong><i>I thought we were all talking? </i>


    "We''re just trying toprehend the talismanic scripts of this hidden realm," Chu Liang exined. "Didn''t you notice? Everything around us is made up of talismanic scripts, and each natural phenomenon embodies the essence of one. By studying them, we can unlock the powerful talismanic techniques of the Celestial Talisman Master."


    He continued, "In this hidden realm, the sky is formed with the Qian-Character Talisman, the rain with the Kan-Character Talisman, the thunder with the Zhen-Character Talisman, the wind with the Xun-Character Talisman, the mountain with the Gen-Character Talisman, and the marshes with the Dui-Character Talisman. The golden talismanic script we''re searching for might be hidden here."


    Hearing Chu Liang exin so nonchntly left Feng Chaoyang utterly confused.


    Monk Pushan fared slightly better, but he was still quite surprised.


    <i>How is it possible to be so close, yet feel so disconnected from Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing? </i>Pushan thought. <i>It''s like I am right next to you, yet worlds apart? </i>


    "So you two have already startedprehending these?" Monk Pushan asked in disbelief.


    "I haveprehended up to the sixth character, which is the Dui-Character Talisman. It should take me a bit more time," Chu Liang nodded as he answered. "Brother Ye, what about you?"


    "I started at the Dui-Character Talisman and now I have only the Qian-Character Talisman toprehend," Ye Yongxing replied.


    "No..." Pushan scratched his round, shiny head, looking puzzled. "But I thought we were just chatting earlier?"


    "Maybe we wereprehending the talismanic characters while you were talking," Chu Liang chuckled.


    At that moment, Monk Pushan felt like a student who suddenly realized his usual goofing-off buddies had secretly been studying all along and aced the exams, while he was the only one left behind.


    <i>So you guys were secretly studying like crazy behind my back! </i>Pushan screamed internally.


    Both he and Feng Chaoyang were certainly talented, butpared to geniuses like Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing, they simply appeared dumber. Now that they were aware of the profound aspects of this hidden realm, they immediately began to study the talismanic scripts hidden within the natural phenomena.


    But before they could dive too deep, Chu Liang announced, "I''ll be heading out first then."


    With that, he swiftly drew a Xun-Character Talisman, and the wind gathered beneath his feet, carrying him away as he vanished into the air.


    It was clear that he had already mastered the rules of this ce.


    Chu Liang pressed on through the storm, soaring far into the distance, yet all he could see was an unbroken expanse of water. The roaring floodwaters engulfed everything like a vast ocean, and without a Kun-Character Talisman to creatend, there was nothing to study orprehend.


    <i>Where had the members of the Peni Supreme Sect and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals gone? Wait... </i>As he looked down at the floodwaters, a sudden realization sparked in his eyes.


    <i>The Xun-Character Talisman isn''t the only one I can use! If I part the floodwaters with the Dui-Character Talisman, I might reveal thend beneath, right?</i>


    With that thought, he sprang into action.


    He drew a Dui-Character Talisman with each hand and beganmanding the floodwaters to part.


    The towering waves obeyed, splitting like two colossal walls rising on either side, slowly unveiling the damp earth below.


    This feat was akin to moving mountains and over!


    The hundred-zhang-high ck water walls surged on either side as Chu Liangnded on the newly revealed ground, immersing his senses in the essence of the talismanic script that formed thend beneath him.


    It was heavy, solid, and capable of bearing all things¡ªa mighty force that upheld everything. Various profound sensations converged into one, ultimately forming the character that resonated with the Heavenly Law.


    <i>I finally found you. </i>A smile appeared on Chu Liang''s face.


    "Kun..."

 Chapter 437: There Were Differences In Intelligence Even Among Fools

    <h4>Chapter 437: There Were Differences In Intelligence Even Among Fools</h4>


    <i>Boom.</i>


    On both sides, the murky ck floodwater surged into hundred-zhang-tall walls. Chu Liang held the floodwater back with the great force of the heavens and the earth. It was impossible for the floodwater to cross the lightning boundary.


    Standing between the two towering walls of floodwater, Chu Liang slowly imprinted the Kun-Character Talisman into his mind. With this, he was only one step away from acquiring the Li-Character Talisman andpleting the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams.


    The greatest difference between the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams and the fundamental Talismanic Script of the Five Elements was the quality. Even though the Great Dao and the sources of spiritual qi that they used were simr, the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams was far more powerful. One of its talismans could unleash the power of hundreds of the fundamental Five Elements Talismans.


    The Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams could be taken as the refined, advanced version of the fundamental Talismanic Script of the Five Elements.


    The Celestial Talisman Master had used the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams as the foundation for constructing this hidden realm. In theory, mastering them would allow anyone to create their own world... assuming they had a hidden realm to create the world in, of course.


    Afterprehending the Kun-Character Talisman, Chu Liang''s understanding of the Dao of Talisman-Making improved greatly. He realized the talismans that the Celestial Talisman Master had made were vastly superior to those others made. The essence of the Dao contained within his talismans was something a cultivator could spend a lifetime trying to understand. However, these talismans might not possess such tremendous power outside this hidden realm.


    As for the golden script that the gray-bearded elder had mentioned, Chu Liang still had no idea where it was. For now, his only lead was to find thest of the Eight Trigrams Talismans¡ªthe Li-Character Talisman.


    Being just one talisman away from collecting all Eight Trigrams Talismans was enough to drive anyone crazy. If Chu Liang were forced out of the hidden realm now, he definitely wouldn''t be able to sleep that night.


    Using the power of the Xun-Character Talisman, Chu Liang once again soared into the sky. He then removed the Dui-Character Talisman''s restraint, causing the towering walls of floodwater on both sides to crash down and form massive waves.


    Just as Chu Liang was about to search for the Li-Character Talisman, he heard explosive sounds and shouts in the distance. They rang loud and clear even through the screaming wind and rumbling thunder.


    <i>Is there a fight going on?</i>


    Chu Liang and the other five righteous disciples were the only ones in this hidden realm, so he swiftly headed over to find out what was happening.


    He didn''t need to fly far before he saw a terrifying monster that was asrge as a mountain!


    From a distance, it looked like there were eight or nine ck slender dragons. However, when Chu Liang moved closer, he realized it was one massive creature with nine heads.


    It was a giant nine-headed python!


    Its ck scales were mottled, and its vertical pupils flickered like dancing mes, yet its gaze was chilling.


    <i>Xiangliu!</i>


    Chu Liang recognized this vicious beast. It was the tremendously fearsome Xiangliu[1], known in legends as a "nine-headed serpentine monster that had devoured countless humans. Everywhere it went would be turned into marsnds."


    <i>To think that this beast resided in this hidden realm?</i>


    <i>Or could it be that the Celestial Talisman Master had been capable of conjuring a creature like that with his talismanic scripts?</i>


    <i>It''s astonishing either way.</i>


    The lower half of the giant python was submerged in the water, but its nine heads emerged fully from the water as it chased two tiny figures ahead.


    They were a man and a woman¡ªSitu Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian.


    The two of them fought while retreating. Unfortunately, the giant python kept pursuing them, and they were unable to shake it off.


    Nevertheless, Situ Guanhai''s mastery of the Dao of Talisman-Making was indeed exceptional. His hands moved simultaneously, casting two talismans at the same time! His left hand drew a circle, and his right hand drew a square.


    Multitasking wasn''t difficult for cultivators who could split their divine intent into hundreds, but drawing talismans while focusing on something else was a totally different level of difficulty. Moreover, Situ Guanhai was instantaneously casting two Eight Trigrams Talismans, which were very difficult to draw. He was truly amazing.


    With his left hand, he drew a Kan-Character Talisman, and with his right hand, a Qian-Character Talisman.


    "Water Arriving From the Heavens!"


    The two talismans were activated simultaneously, instantly summoning a massive wave from below. It then transformed into a towering water dragon that crashed heavily onto one of Xiangliu''s heads!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Watching from afar, Chu Liang felt deeply inspired. <i>So, the Eight Trigrams Talismans can be used like this as well.</i>


    ...


    "<i>Raaaaar!!!</i>"


    Struck with such a heavy blow, the giant python was sent flying. However, it quickly returned even more ferocious and enraged! It opened its mouth and spewed a torrent of pitch-ck mes!


    <i>Fire?</i>


    At the sight of this, Chu Liang thought for a moment that he had found the location of the Li-Character Talisman. However, after observing it briefly, he realized that what he sensed from the giant python wasn''t true fire. Rather, it was some kind of mystical ability that the giant python had developed with its power.


    <i>Hiss¡ª</i>


    Yet, even though it wasn''t real fire, it evaporated the mist and water raining down on the giant python. Everything in the path of the ck mes was incinerated.


    Nevertheless, Xi Miaoxian was no weakling. Her mastery of the Dao of Talisman-Making wasn''t as advanced as Situ Guanhai''s, but she was still capable of holding her own against the giant python.


    Her robes billowed in the wind as she floated in midair. She gently raised her hand and cast a Zhen-Character Talisman.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Lighting descended from the heavens, striking the destructive ck mes head-on!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Unexpectedly, the ck mes weren''t weakened at all. On the contrary, they became even more powerful, soaring tens of zhang higher! The ck fire was now so immense that it seemed to cover the sky!


    Situ Guanhai quickly moved his hands again, drawing another pair of talismans.


    This time, he drew the Xun-Character Talisman with his left hand and the Qian-Character Talisman with his right.


    "Peace to the Heavens and the Earth!"


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    In an instant, the earth and the heavens seemed to merge, and a huge barrier appeared out of thin air, blocking all the ck mes. Nheless, the mes seemed to possess some intelligence. Instead of simply retreating, they clung to the barrier and gradually broke it down.


    Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian seized the opportunity to flee again, but the nine-headed Xiangliu followed closely, relentless in its pursuit.


    It was obvious to Chu Liang that inside this hidden realm, Situ Guanhai was like a fish in water. He was several times more powerful than when he was outside the hidden realm. Xi Miaoxian, on the other hand, was much weaker. If Situ Guanhai didn''t have to save her, he would have already escaped on his own long ago.


    Chu Liang thought, <i>Fine... I learned a trick from you this time, so I''ll lend you a hand.</i>


    Xianglu had broken through the barrier and was once again hot on Situ Guanhai''s and Xi Miaoxian''s heels. Seeing that, Chu Liang stepped in and mimicked Situ Guanhai''s technique.


    Chu Liang drew a Zhen-Character Talisman with his left hand and a Xun-Character Talisman with his right. Hebined and activated them simultaneously!


    <i>The Excitement of Thunder Shakes The Earth!</i>


    <i>Boom.</i>


    An explosive p of thunder rang right next to one of Xiangliu''s heads, shocking Xiangliu to an abrupt halt.


    "<i>Raaaaaaar!!!</i>" Xiangliu roared in fury, turning several of its heads toward Chu Liang.


    After sessfully redirecting Xiangliu''s rage toward him, Chu Liang swiftly changed his stance. He cast the Qian-Character Talisman with his left hand and the Xun-Character Talisman with his right.


    <i>When Wind Meets the Sky.</i>


    In an instant, he transformed into a whirlwind and fled!


    The whirlwind was so swift that Xiangliu couldn''t catch up. It could only watch as Chu Liang disappeared from its lines of sight. Irate, Xiangliu thrashed about in the sea, causing giant waves and unceasing tsunamis.


    ...


    Earlier...


    Not long after Chu Liang left, Ye Yongxing went off in search of the Xun-Character Talisman and Li-Character Talisman too. Only Monk Pushan and Feng Chaoyang remained on the mountain peak to continueprehending the talismanic script.


    They weren''t well acquainted, but they couldn''t help but feel a sense of mutual understanding at this moment.


    "Say..." Feng Chaoyang asked, "are the two of us just massive fools? Why couldn''t I understand a word of what they said?"


    "Young Hero Feng, you''re mistaken. The Dao of Talisman-Making is profound and obscure. It''s normal to not grasp it easily," Monk Pushan said tofort Feng Chaoyang. Then, with a slight change in tone, Monk Pushan added, "Besides, we''re not quite the same. By the time they were done talking, I figured it out. I''ve alreadyprehended five of the talismanic characters."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    <i>Turns out there are differences in intelligence even among fools,</i> Feng Chaoyang thought, feeling a sense of loneliness.


    He couldn''t help but regreting here to embarrass himself.


    It wasn''t really his fault though. The Celestial King Sect didn''t cultivate the Dao of Talisman-Making at all, so none of the disciples in his sect specialized in it. However, since they had obtained ess to a hidden realm with a cultivation legacy, the Celestial King Sect didn''t want to waste the opportunity to acquire the legacy. Moreover, the hidden realm wasn''t very dangerous, so they decided to let their head disciple try his luck.


    Unfortunately, Feng Chaoyang simply had no talent at all in talisman-making.


    Some more time passed by, and Monk Pushan still hadn''t left, but Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian had returned. If the rtionship between the Mount Shu Sect and the Peni Supreme Sect was strained, then the rtionship between the Celestial King Sect and the Peni Supreme Sect was filled with deep-seated enmity.


    So, the two pairs each upied one side of the peak. They didn''t even greet each other.


    Thatsted until Chu Liang returned.


    1. You can read more about it here. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 438: Opening the Heavens

    <h4>Chapter 438: Opening the Heavens</h4>


    After circling around, Chu Liang returned to the central peak of the hidden realm and, sure enough, found that Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian had also returned.


    As soon as hended, the two approached him and formally expressed their gratitude. "Young Hero Chu, many thanks for rescuing us."


    Due to the tense rtionship between Mount Shu and Peni, Xi Miaoxian hadn''t even acknowledged Chu Liang before. Now, having been saved by him, she couldn''t help but feel a bit ashamed of herself.


    Situ Guanhai, on the other hand, appeared somewhat astonished. "I''ve heard my junior brother mention you before, but I didn¡¯t expect you to be this skilled. I had just developed this talismanic technique which integrates elements of the Eight Trigrams so I thought I was the only one who would know it. I really didn''t expect to see you performing it too."


    "Apologies. I learned it from you without your permission while observing the extraordinary power disyed by the talismanic technique you performed," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Both of you really don''t have to thank me. We were just doing each other a favor."


    Although Chu Liang was being modest, his words left Situ Guanhai even more astonished.


    "You learned it just by watching me perform it once?" Situ Guanhai''s eyes widened in disbelief. "This..."


    It had taken him countless hours of practice to perfect the technique, yet Chu Liang had mastered it after a single nce. The realization was both impressive and unsettling.


    "I¡¯ve long heard of Young Hero Chu''s rising fame and extraordinary talent over the past year. Seeing it today, it¡¯s truly remarkable," Xi Miaoxian praised with a smile.


    Beingplimented by a beauty would certainly spark joy, but Chu Liang knew Situ Guanhai clearly had feelings for Xi Miaoxian. Not wanting to steal the spotlight, Chu Liang subtly shifted his gaze to Situ Guanhai and said, "Brother Situ, as the creator of this technique, you are the one with extraordinary talent."


    As they spoke, Monk Pushan and Feng Chaoyang, who had been lingering nearby, approached as well.


    Upon hearing that Chu Liang had saved Xi Miaoxian and Situ Guanhai, Feng Chaoyang couldn''t help but ask, "Young Hero Chu, why did you save them?"


    Chu Liang smiled faintly and felt a sense of apprehension.


    The next series of events turned out just as he had expected.


    Before he could respond, Xi Miaoxian shifted her attention to Feng Chaoyang. She fixed her gaze on him and remarked, "Just because some of you harbor ill intentions doesn¡¯t mean Young Hero Chu should abandon his chivalrous conduct and stoop to your level."


    "Hmph," Feng Chaoyang snorted coldly. "Chivalry, you say? It all depends on who¡¯s on the receiving end. Hasn''t the Peni Supreme Sect often oppressed the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "Stop ndering us!" Xi Miaoxian eximed. "We have always worked closely with Mount Shu; we are allies."


    "Yeah, right," Feng Chaoyang shouted. "We, the Celestial King Sect, are the true allies of Mount Shu!"


    "Regardless of sect, I''ve long admired Young Hero Chu''s reputation," Xi Miaoxian said as she took a step forward.


    "I¡¯ve known Young Hero Chu for a long time!" Feng Chaoyang suddenly eximed, grabbing Chu Liang''s arm with a firm grip.


    "From now on, Young Hero Chu will be my dearest friend!" Xi Miaoxian dered, stepping up and looping her arm around Chu Liang''s.


    "Wait, wait, wait..." Chu Liang quickly pulled his arms free and leaped back in a hurry.


    <i>Well, it¡¯s fortunate the people from Celestial Pivot Pavilion aren''t here,</i> he thought. <i>Otherwise, if this scene reached the Wind-Catching Hall, it would probably end up in The Seven Stars Gazette, and exining it would be impossible!</i>


    Over the years, the disciples of the Peni Supreme Sect and the Celestial King Sect¡ªtwo of the top immortal sects¡ªhad always shed like fighting crickets, squabbling whenever they met.


    Disciples from other immortal sects had long grown ustomed to it.


    But why was that strangepetitive spirit being directed at me?


    "In this hidden realm, let¡¯s stop arguing over pointless things," Chu Liang advised. "How about some healthypetition? Let''s see who canprehend the eight talismanic scripts first or who can obtain the golden talisman."


    "I''m notpeting with her," Feng Chaoyang pouted.


    "Oh? Why not?" Xi Miaoxian shot him a sideways nce.


    Feng Chaoyang loudly dered, "Because I can''t beat her!"


    "... " Chu Liang fell silent.


    <i>Honestly, you really didn¡¯t have to sound so proud of that.</i>


    ...


    Xi Miaoxian, clearly tired of the bickering, turned her focus to Chu Liang and said, "We¡¯ve likely already pinpointed where the golden talisman is hidden."


    "What?" Chu Liang looked over as he spoke. "Then that Xiangliu from earlier..."


    "Exactly," Xi Miaoxian confirmed with a nod. "We stumbled upon an underwater pce guarded by the Xiangliu. It seems we need all of the Eight Trigram Talismans to unlock the entrance. I got impatient and tried it anyway, using a talismanic for each of the seven heads. But two heads were left untamed, and that''s why things turned out the way they did earlier..."


    <i>So that''s what happened.</i> Chu Liang thought back to the earlier scene when Xiangliu had been chasing them; sure enough, only two of its heads had attacked. But even so, that monstrous beast was on par with a seventh-realm demonic beast. Even if it only had two heads left, it was not something that they could handle.


    If they could gather all eight talismanic scripts, the eight heads would allow them entry, and subduing the final head wouldn''t be nearly as difficult.


    This was the actual trial that the Celestial Talisman Master had set up.


    Situ Guanhai then remarked, "But actual fire doesn¡¯t exist in this hidden realm, so there¡¯s no way for us to study the Li-Character Talisman."


    Chu Liang nodded slightly.


    Toprehend the talismanic script, they needed to study something that exist in this hidden realm. It had to be something that came into existence through a talismanic script. They could not summon a fire through a talisman.


    But with the endless rain and wind in this realm, how could even a single spark of fire survive?


    Everyone gathered in a circle, silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.


    Monk Pushan leaned over and whispered to Feng Chaoyang, "What are they doing?"


    "I have no idea. It looks like they¡¯re deep in thought," Feng Chaoyang whispered back.


    Not wanting to stand out, Feng Chaoyang furrowed his brow, pretending to think hard about something, though he had no clue what he was supposed to be thinking.


    Monk Pushan covered his face with a hand and sighed. "Young Hero Feng, you really have it rough."


    "Yeah," Feng Chaoyang muttered. "There¡¯s no sun, moon, or stars here. My Heavenly Star Unusual Art ispletely useless."


    "What did you say?" Chu Liang suddenly looked up.


    "I said..." Feng Chaoyang shivered under Chu Liang''s gaze, blinking nervously. "My Heavenly Star Unusual Art can¡¯t be used here..."


    "The sentence before that," Chu Liang muttered, "There¡¯s no sun or moon here..."


    Suddenly, he stood up and looked to the sky. "This ce isposed of the most primal elements of the Eight Trigrams Talismans. But no matter how primal, there should be one essential thing..."


    "Exactly!" Xi Miaoxian''s eyes brightened, a divine light flickering within them.


    "Thanks to you, Brother Feng." Chu Liang patted Feng Chaoyang on the shoulder before shooting up into the sky.


    <i>Thanks for the casual remark that answered my question. Indeed, there is no fire here. But there should be one important thing¡ªand that is... the sun!</i>


    At that moment, dark clouds rolled across the sky, with winds howling and thunder rumbling, concealing the heavens and blocking all sunlight and moonlight.


    Chu Liang soared higher, his hands tracing intricate patterns in the air as he activated the Qian-Character Talisman, unleashing a powerful, rumbling force.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The sky full of dark clouds slowly parted, as if pulled aside by a pair of giant hands, moving with a thunderous sound to both sides.


    Opening the heavens!


    As the clouds parted, a crimson sun emerged, zing brilliantly in the sky, its radiant light flooding the earth. Divine light cascaded down, illuminating everything in its path and filling the world with a scorching brilliance!


    It was fire.


    An unimaginably zing fire!

 Chapter 439: Entering the Hall

    <h4>Chapter 439: Entering the Hall</h4>


    As soon as the sun appeared, the dark floodwaters that had engulfed the hidden realm of the Celestial Talisman Master swiftly withdrew, evaporating in an instant, revealing vast stretches of solidnd.


    Such a spectacle would defy reality, but here, thews of nature bent to different rules. High above, the Li-Character Talisman hovered, its presence dominating the sky, while the Dui-Character Talisman shrank away, yielding before its might.


    Chu Liang knew he was on the right path.


    The crimson sun zed fiercely, its mes burning with unrelenting intensity, casting a fiery aura around Chu Liang, who stood closest to its radiance.


    This was an overwhelming and intense energy, capable of both illuminating the world and reducing it to ashes. It mirrored the duality of the Great Dao of Fire¡ªone side embodying the Incinerating Heaven, the other, the Heavenly Radiance.


    It was the strongest and most dangerous kind of energy. The Celestial Talisman Master had likely concealed it in the deepest depths, perhaps as a warning for those who sought to wield it¡ªto proceed with the utmost caution.


    Momentster, Chu Liang fully grasped the essence of the talisman.


    Immediately after, he saw the pce that emerged in the center of thend once the floodwaters receded.


    On the vast, t ground, the lone pce stood out, even more so because a massive nine-headed python was guarding it.


    <i>Xiangliu...</i>


    Chu Liang flew swiftly to the front of the pce, with Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian close behind. Both had alsopleted theirprehension of the talismanic script. Almost at the same time, Ye Yongxing appeared, arriving just as the clouds parted, revealing the presence of the elusive Li-Character Talisman.


    Now, everyone had fullyprehended the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams, gaining much from it.


    Well, except for Feng Chaoyang.


    Though Feng Chaoyang finally understood the process, starting from scratch toprehend all eight talismanic scripts had left him far behind the others.


    Monk Pushanforted him from the side, "Young Hero Feng, don''t worry, take your time. Every moment of contemtion here brings its own rewards. There''s no need to keep pace with others."


    "Good thing you''re here with me," Feng Chaoyang said, his voice carrying a trace of emotion. If he had been left alone, the awkwardness and pressure would have been unbearable.


    Immediately, Monk Pushan said, "This is as far as I can apany you. If I don¡¯t make my way over now, I¡¯ll miss out on being part of the first group to enter the pce. Young Hero Feng, I¡¯ll be heading ahead."


    With that, he activated the Xun-Character Talisman and soared toward the center of thend.


    While flying, he didn¡¯t forget to call back to Feng Chaoyang, "Young Hero Feng, take it slow! There¡¯s really no rush!"


    "..." Feng Chaoyang stared after Monk Pushan''s retreating figure in grief and indignation, feeling utterly betrayed. <i>Now I¡¯m the only fool left behind,</i> he thought bitterly.


    Momentster, the group of five gathered at the entrance of the pce without Feng Chaoyang.


    Looking at the massive Xiangliu before them, Chu Liang spoke up, "When we enter the pce to search for the golden talisman, let¡¯s cooperate where necessary andpete when needed, but let¡¯s not harm our camaraderie in the process."


    "Rest assured, Young Hero Chu," Xi Miaoxian responded with a nod. "We¡¯ll each rely on our own abilities. Wins or losses here will be left behind once we depart."


    Ye Yongxing, not one for unnecessary conflict, remained silent as he stared at Xiangliu.


    With its nine enormous heads, Xiangliu''s eighteen vertical pupils gleamed with a fierce, menacing light. It stood utterly motionless as it guarded the pce.


    Having reached an agreement, everyone began casting their Eight Trigram Talismans one after another.


    Qian, Kan, Kun, Dui, Gen, Li, Xun, Zhen... Each talisman floated into the air one after the other. With every talisman cast, one of Xiangliu¡¯s nine heads lowered, and its eyes gradually closed.


    After the eight talismans were cast, only the third head of the python remained raised, its fierce re still exposed and burning with defiance.


    If this were a Xiangliu at full strength, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. But now, with only a fraction of its power remaining, the fear that once gripped them had faded. The beast was still dangerous, but no longer invincible.


    Having been chased earlier, Situ Guanhai¡¯s fury red at the sight of Xiangliu. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, casting the Li-Character Talisman with his left hand and the Zhen-Character Talisman with his right. The two talismans fused as he fiercelyunched his attack. "The Fire and Lightning Devours!"


    <i>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    When it came to sheer destruction, nothing rivaled the power of the Li Fire! A massive ck me ball with streaks of lightning formed in mid-air and mmed violently into Xiangliu''s raised head.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    Xiangliu was struck by the talismans, its scales half-charred and shattered. In a fit of rage, it immediately retaliated, spewing a torrent of ck mes in a furious counterattack!


    But in an instant, two talismans merged from the side. The Kun-Character Talisman traced with the left hand and the Kan-Character Talisman traced with the right formed a dense water sphere that blocked the ck mes entirely.


    "Earth and Water Mastery!"


    The person who cast this talisman wasn¡¯t Chu Liang but Ye Yongxing. He had also mastered the fusion of these Eight Trigrams Talismans. Whether he had figured it out on his own or learned it after watching Situ Guanhai once was unknown.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang''s attack had alsonded squarely on Xiangliu''s head!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Fire and Lightning Devours again!


    Now that everyone could cast the fusion of the Eight Trigram Talismans, theirbined strength surpassed anything they had achieved before. Meanwhile, Xiangliu grew weaker with each passing moment, its power halved, and it couldn¡¯t endure much longer under the relentless pressure of their attacks.


    After being struck by several talismans, Xiangliu raised its head and let out a mournful wail. "Roar..."


    Then, with a final effort, it raised its head to the sky before shattering with a deafening crash!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    As its body broke apart, Xiangliu transformed into a swirling apparition of ck-and-white talismanic energy, revealing that it had never been a living creature, but merely a manifestation of a talismanic spell.


    Even this massive beast had been formed from talismanic scripts. Although the group had already suspected this after everything they had witnessed, the technique was still utterly astounding.


    As Xiangliu¡¯s mountain-sized form crumbled to dust, it unveiled the grand pce hidden behind it.


    ...


    The pce¡¯s exterior was ancient, far simpler than the grand and ornate halls of the immortal sects. The strangest feature of its design was the row of ninerge doors at the front. These were not solid doors but nine pitch-ck openings, each with a small serpent head symbol intricately carved along the edges.


    A piece of text was inscribed on the wall next to the doors.


    "Once you step into this pce, there is no turning back. Choose the wrong door, and you will be immediately expelled from the hidden realm, never to enter again."


    <i>Choose?</i>


    The group stared at the nine dark doorways, uncertainty settling over them like a heavy fog.


    The inscription¡¯s meaning was painfully clear: pick the wrong door, and you would be banished from the hidden realm forever. Each person had only one chance to make their choice, and this decision was of utmost importance to every single one of them.


    No one dared to act rashly.


    After observing for a while, Chu Liang was the first to step forward. "I''ll test the path for everyone," he announced with quiet determination.


    Without hesitation, he boldly strode toward the third door on the left.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Ripples spread across the ck void as he disappeared into the darkness, and after a brief moment, the doorway returned to its original state, as if nothing had happened.


    "What..." The group stared in astonishment, taken aback by how decisively he had acted.


    He had said he would test the way, but they had no way of knowing whether Chu Liang had entered the pce or been expelled from the hidden realm.


    Monk Pushan quickly stepped forward and said, "Then I trust Young Hero Chu."


    Without further hesitation, he followed closely and entered the same door.


    Over the past few days, Monk Pushan had often followed Chu Liang¡¯s lead and had never taken a wrong step. He hade to trust Chu Liang¡¯s path to sess, so in this unfamiliar setting, his first instinct was to continue trusting him.


    With two already inside, Ye Yongxing silently followed suit. Now, only Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxian remained, both of whom had been working together throughout their venture in the hidden realm.


    Situ Guanhai nced at Xi Miaoxian, furrowing his brow, "This..."


    The situation was clear: if Chu Liang had chosen the correct path, they would fall behind if they didn¡¯t follow; but if his choice was wrong, blindly following him could lead them all to failure.


    "Did you figure out the trick behind these doors?" Xi Miaoxian asked, her gaze sharp.


    "I¡¯m not sure," Situ Guanhai replied, "but the doors are marked with serpent heads. These nine doors likely correspond to Xiangliu¡¯s nine heads. Since only the third head was alive earlier, this must be the gate of life."


    This was his conjecture, but he was unsure. After all, there was no remedy for choosing the wrong door. He hadn¡¯t expected Chu Liang to charge in without hesitation.


    "Then let¡¯s go," Xi Miaoxian said decisively.


    She was direct and wasted no time. After hearing Situ¡¯s logic, she leapt forward without hesitation.


    Situ Guanhai had no choice but to follow.


    A sh of ck light enveloped them, and when it faded, they found themselves in a vast space. The others who had entered earlier were already there, confirming they had made the right choice.


    Chu Liang stood tall at the front, and Situ Guanhai couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of admiration.


    In truth, the puzzle of choosing the door wasn¡¯t particrlyplex, but it did test one''s courage. Chu Liang''s willingness to step forward without hesitation gave him an edge over the others.


    But in reality...


    The reason Chu Liang had strode forward so boldly was that he had already swiftly gathered all the necessary information, eliminating any lingering doubts. He quickly deduced that the serpent-head symbol carved on the edge of the door was the key to the puzzle, and the most logical solution was to choose the door corresponding to the head of the Xiangliu that had not been subdued earlier.


    Spending more time thinking about it would have been a waste of time.


    The others hesitated because they were still considering whether there might be other possibilities. They worried they might have overlooked hidden clues, fearing their deductions could be wrong.


    It might have seemed like Chu Liang won because of his bravery, but in reality, it was a victory rooted in intelligence and quick reasoning.


    ...


    Whaty before them now was not the golden talismanic script they sought, but an expansive hall. Eight doors loomed ahead, each as dark and ominous as the ones before.


    At the center of the hall stood a stone sundial, a single beam of sunlight cutting through the shadows and casting the current time with eerie precision.


    Above each of the eight doors, the characters of the Eight Trigram Talismans were clearly engraved.


    It was unmistakable.


    They were now faced with a new choice!

 Chapter 440: Divergence

    <h4>Chapter 440: Divergence </h4>


    Chapter 440: Divergence


    Xi Miaoxian''s beautiful eyes looked around the hall before ultimately fixing her gaze on Chu Liang''s back.


    Stepping toward him, she asked, "Is this another puzzle? Have you figured it out, Young Hero Chu?"


    Chu Liang smiled and replied, "I''m still thinking about it."


    Situ Guanhai hade on this trip to the hidden realm because of Xi Miaoxian, so he had stayed by her side the entire time. Now, with Chu Liang stealing the spotlight and Xi Miaoxian taking the initiative to approach him, Situ Guanhai felt a sense of crisis.


    Fortunately, he specialized in the Dao of Talisman-Making.


    Situ Guanhai stepped forward and said, "ording to the <i>Qimen Dunjia</i>, the Door of Life (Éú) should be at the Gen (ôÞ) position."[1]


    He walked over to the Door of Gen and then turned around. Situ Guanhai found that everyone was watching him, but no one made a move to follow him.


    "Why...?" Situ Guanhai asked sheepishly. "Am I wrong?"


    "You''re right." Chu Liang nodded. "Brother Situ, go on and give it a try."


    Situ Guanhai''s heart thumped hard like a drum. This wasn''t something he could just <i>try</i>. One wrong step, and he''d be expelled from the hidden realm.


    Monk Pushan shook his head. "That line of thinking is too simplistic. Considering all the trials that we had to ovee just to get to this point... If I were the Celestial Talisman Master, there''s no way I''d make this stage so easy."


    "It <i>is</i> the Door of Gen," Ye Yongxing suddenly said.


    Chu Liang smiled in agreement. "That''s right."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Situ Guanhai straightened his posture. "Is it really?"


    However, he was still nervous, wondering if they were trying to trick him into checking out the path... or maybe they were just using this as an opportunity to eliminate apetitor.


    "The problem is that it''s not as simple as just corresponding to the positions of the Eight Trigrams," Chu Liang exined, ncing at Ye Yongxing. "It''s connected to the sundial."


    "Yes." Ye Yongxing nodded. "The qian (Ǭ) character represents the heavens. Using it as the guide, the sundial can be divided into eight parts."


    "And the sunlight is currently..." Chu Liang said, tracing a faint line over the sundial with his hand, "shining toward the Door of Gen."


    "Oh, I see now!" Monk Pushan eximed, nodding vigorously. He quickly added, "Just as I thought!"


    Situ Guanhai''s face grew hot. It turned out that his earlier conclusion had been the result of a very superficial analysis and that it was pure luck that he''d gotten it right, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat.


    Feeling quite ashamed, Situ Guanhai just wanted to get out of there.


    So, he said, "Then I''ll go ahead and give it a try."


    "Wait!" Chu Liang suddenly called out to him.


    Situ Guanhai stopped in his tracks. "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang exined, "The sunlight has now moved to the boundary between the sections, making it hard to judge which position the Door of Life is in. It will likely shift soon, so let''s wait a moment to be cautious."


    Situ Guanhai shuddered with fear and thanked him, "Many thanks for your warning."


    Chu Liang could have remained a passive observer. If Situ Guanhai had indeed chosen the wrong path, there would be one fewerpetitor, which would benefit to Chu Liang.


    However, Situ Guanhai was still the most knowledgeable in the Dao of Talisman-Making among them. The path ahead was unknown, so losing him might not be advantageous in the end.


    There was no doubt they would have topete at some point, but it wasn''t that time yet.


    Initially, everyone was only thinking aboutpeting with each other. Nevertheless, because both Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing were leading the way with such noble behavior, the tense atmosphere in the group became much more rxed.


    After waiting a bit longer, they all passed through the new Door of Life.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The ck light in the door rippled around them continuously until they arrived in the new grand hall.


    They had indeed made the correct choice!


    ...


    This new grand hall was not the final destination. The number of ck doorways ahead had been reduced to five, each marked with the same strange symbol above. It was a simple leftward diagonal stroke and a horizontal line (دһ), resembling an unfinished character.


    In the center of the hall, there was a square stone b covered in a chaotic array of drawings. It looked as if countless talismans had been scattered across it, forming an overwhelming blur of ovepping lines.


    As the group swept their gazes over it, they all frowned.


    "Another puzzle..." Monk Pushan muttered and scratched his head, feeling like his bald head was about to overload.


    Situ Guanhai suddenly said, "This is the Disorderly Board of Talismans."


    "Oh?" everyone uttered, turning to him.


    "When I first began studying the Dao of Talisman-Making, my esteemed teacher would use this to test me," Situ Guanhai exined. As his confidence increased, so did his volume. "Most of the symbols are meaningless. There are only a few valid talismanic characters in there. We''ll have to use divine intent to filter out the useful talismanic characters. Any mistakes will result in punishment.


    "Nevertheless, it doesn''t matter howplex a talisman or talismanic spell it is. After practicing this for such a long time, I can instantly identify the core talismanic characters with just a nce."


    "It seems this method of studying talismans and talismanic spells was passed down from the ancient Celestial Talisman Sect," Chu Liang said. "So, Brother Situ, can you identify the talismanic characters on this board?"


    It was likely that the group could just follow the method that Situ Guanhai mentioned and use their divine intent to solve the board, but they would inevitably be slower than Situ Guanhai. However, their speed wasn''t the main issue; Situ Guanhai had something they didn''t.


    Situ Guanhai had studied using the Disorderly Board of Talismans for many years, so his proficiency and uracy were much higher than the rest of the group''s.


    Situ Guanhai nodded firmly.


    Then he concentrated all of his divine intent on the board. As he held his breath and focused, his eyes lit up with fervor.


    Momentster, Situ Guanhai gave his answer. "This board contains the Five Elements Talismans: four metal (½ð), three wood (ľ), one water (Ë®), five fire (»ð), and two earth (ÍÁ)..."


    "It''s the second door!" Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing eximed in unison.[2]


    The other three were startled. "<i>Huh?</i>"


    <i>How did they identify the Door of Life''s location just by counting a few talismans?</i>


    Chu Liang exined, "This time, the five doors are all marked with the same symbol, with no distinguishing markers. The number of talismans for each element on the board most likely corresponds to the elemental affiliation of each door."


    Ye Yongxing continued the exnation slowly. "The first door corresponds to water, the second to earth, the third to wood, the fourth to metal, and the fifth to fire... The Door of Life is the Door of Earth."


    "Why is that?" Monk Pushan asked.


    Chu Liang replied, "Look at the symbol above each door. It''s not entirely useless."


    Monk Pushan hadn''t connected the dots earlier, but the moment he took a closer look at the symbols above the doors, he finally understood.


    "That symbol (دһ)... whenbined with the character for earth (ÍÁ), it forms the character for life (Éú)!" Monk Pushan cried out in surprise.


    Xi Miaoxian and Situ Guanhai looked over and immediately understood as well.


    If they had been given the time, they would have been able to solve this puzzle fairly easily too. However, the speed at which Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing had figured it out was truly remarkable.


    "Impressive," Situ Guanhai remarked.


    "It was just a lucky coincidence that I happened to think of it," Chu Liang replied humbly. "We solved it thanks to Brother Situ''s solid skills in talisman-making."


    This was true. Without Situ Guanhai, the others, who were unfamiliar with the Disorderly Board of Talismans, might have been stuck at this stage for a long time.


    This confirmed what Chu Liang had thought earlier. Those who became overly focused onpeting too early would never make it to the end.


    "Nothing special, really," Situ Guanhai said modestly.


    Despite that, one side of his mouth couldn''t stop from curving up, so much so that it formed a crooked grin. Situ Guanhai felt quite triumphant, as he had managed to redeem himself after that embarrassing incident in the previous stage.


    Now that they had found the Door of Life, the group wasted no time and ventured inside.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    With a sh of light, they arrived in yet another new space.


    ...


    However, this still wasn''t their final destination. This new grand hall was empty, and the number of doors on the wall ahead had been reduced to two.


    One was engraved with the words "Talismanic Script of Yin," and the other with "Talismanic Script of Yang."


    The only clue was a stone relief mural on the wall.


    The mural depicted what appeared to be a doomsday scene. The sky was filled with dark clouds and shes of lightning as roaring floodwaters approached from afar. Raging mes ravaged the earth, incinerating nts and mountain rocks alike.


    The scene depicted in this mural was simr to ones Chu Liang had seen in a previous hidden realm[3]. It was a doomsday artwork.


    "This..." Monk Pushan frowned deeply. "How are we supposed to choose?"


    Silence fell over the group.


    Situ Guanhai looked at Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing and asked, "Are both of you at a loss as to which door to pick too?"


    "I''m not sure..." Ye Yongxing replied, "but I think I''ll choose the Door of Yin."


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, said, "I''ll choose the Door of Yang."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the others uttered in shock.


    Up until now, Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing had always had the same opinion, so following them had allowed the group to progress smoothly to this point.


    <i>But now... why are they suddenly making different choices?</i>


    <i>Who should we trust?!</i>


    1. See the trantor''s thoughts for info on the Qimen Dunjia. ?


    2. PAUSE HERE. I left a clue for this little puzzle in the paragraph that mentions "<i>Qimen Dunjia".</i> Here¡¯s your chance to go back and look. See if you can figure out the answer as you continue reading. ?


    3. It doesn''t state which hidden realm, but from memory, it should be the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. ?

 Chapter 441: The Talisman of Life Destruction

    <h4>Chapter 441: The Talisman of Life Destruction</h4>


    "This should be the final choice..." Chu Liang murmured, his eyes tracing the apocalyptic mural before him. "I believe the Celestial Talisman Master''s intention is for us to follow our instincts¡ªwhatever resonates with us. That should guide our decision."


    Ye Yongxing nodded thoughtfully, seeming to agree with Chu Liang''s reasoning.


    With that, he stepped forward and leapt into the door underneath the Talismanic Script of Yin.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Light shed around him, and when it cleared, a new scene unfolded.


    Before himy a meditation chamber of modest size, where an elderly man in simple robes sat cross-legged. His hair and beard were white, his attire pristine, and his expression serene.


    He gave off an otherworldly aura.


    Only when Ye Yongxing stepped inside did the elder slowly open his eyes. "You''ve arrived?" he asked.


    As Ye Yongxing stared at the old man in front of him, he didn''t disy the usual unease he felt when facing others. He could tell that this old man was neither truly alive nor marked by the signs of death.


    "Esteemed Senior, my apologies for disturbing you," Ye Yongxing said politely, bowing respectfully despite the peculiarities of the elder.


    "No need for courtesy. I am but a fragment of the Celestial Talisman Master''s spirit, left here as a vessel of memory and talismanic script," the elder said calmly. "Whether you canprehend the talisman or not depends entirely on your own fortune."


    "Understood," Ye Yongxing replied, still maintaining a respectful tone.


    The elder then asked, "Why did you choose this door?"


    "Because..." Ye Yongxing paused before continuing, "I sensed an aura of despair and emptiness. This is why I thought the answer might be tied to the power of Yin."


    When he gazed at the mural, all he saw was despair and destion¡ªheavens shattering, the world copsing, lightning, fire, and floods... all life wiped from the earth. Only destruction remained.


    "Hmm..." The elder''s voice sounded deep as he gently waved his hand. "Come with me."


    As the voice faded, Ye Yongxing''s vision shifted rapidly, and in an instant, it felt as though he was swept into the river of time, moving backward.


    It was a deste, dark era of chaos. He saw a young boy, no more than seven or eight, knocked to the ground in a muddy pool of rain, as several burly officials held him down with clubs.


    There was another young girl at the age of around four to five being dragged out of the house nearby by another official. Both children were crying loudly, their voices lost in the pouring rain, heard only by themselves.


    "It was the twilight of an ancient dynasty, when soldiers were like bandits, and officials like thugs..."


    The elder''s voice echoed from beyond the scene, drawing Ye Yongxing deeper into the memory. "That year, my parents were imprisoned for minor offenses and soon died in prison. The officials came to seize our belongings, and my sister and I were separated, lost to one another."


    Ye Yongxing found himself immersed in the scene, feeling the boy''s crushing despair and helplessness. The boy stood in the storm, his sobs turning to cries of rage, consumed by a hatred that seemed endless.


    The young boy wanted to kill all these officials!


    But he was young, weak, and powerless. Just surviving to the next day was challenging enough, not to mention executing a revenge.


    Yet he swore to take revenge, to kill everyst one of them.


    He had heard tales of immortals beyond the East Sea, so he begged his way to the shore, built a small raft, and set sail. But not long after, a storm capsized his raft, casting him into the sea.


    He was fortunate that the heavens took pity on him. When he awoke, he found that not only was he alive, but he had drifted to an ind where an immortal sect was located.


    However, his talent for cultivation was mediocre.


    "None of the immortal masters on the ind were willing to take him as a disciple. After enduring countless cold stares, he eventually apprenticed himself to an elderly talisman-maker.


    This was the first teacher of his life.


    At that time, the Dao of Talisman-Making was an obscure and underdeveloped path within the vast world of cultivation. There were very few talismanic scripts created, and the execution of these talismanic scripts was crude.


    But soon, the elder discovered that the boy possessed a rare talent for talisman-making. Not only was he quick-minded and intuitive, but he also had a natural gift for creating new applications for talismans.


    In less than ten years, the boy had grown into the strongest of the ind''s younger generation...


    He could no longer be called a boy.


    He was a young teenage prodigy.


    Yet many still looked down on him because he practiced the Dao of Talisman-Making, a path in which advancement was rather restricted. His future seemed predictable¡ªno matter how far he progressed, he would only be a talisman specialist, supporting others in their cultivation.


    But the young man didn''t care.


    For years, he had cultivated tirelessly, always holding onto the hope of returning home to find his sister once his cultivation was strong enough. When that day finally came, he set out on the road back home.


    Ten years had passed, but his homnd remained unchanged.


    The good and kind were still treated like beasts, while wolves sat in high positions. He found the enemies from back then and began to track down his sister''s whereabouts. Along the way, he searched, questioned, and killed, until he finally found where his sister had been.


    It turned out his young sister had been captured and was meant to be sold with other girls. But she had tried to escape multiple times, and not long after, she was beaten to death during one of her attempts.


    The sister he had longed to reunite with had been dead for ten years.


    The young man''s heart broke into pieces.


    He had killed all his enemies from the past, but it still wasn''t enough. He wanted to obliterate this entire world, a world steeped in evil. One word echoed in his mind, over and over: Kill, kill, kill...


    It was a chaotic and maddening Dao essence, simr to the one depicted in the apocalyptic mural. Intense rage and killing intent surged within Ye Yongxing, but he fought to keep his mind clear, ultimately preventing himself from being consumed by the emotion.


    When he opened his eyes again, he was still in the small meditation chamber.


    "This is..." His eyes flickered as he looked at the elder, "The story of the Celestial Talisman Master?"


    "These are the earliest days of his life. It is where it all started," the elder replied. "The wounds from that period, however, never mended, even as he lived on.."


    Ye Yongxing fell into deep thought. After a moment, he raised his hand and gently traced aplex script in the air.


    Where his fingers passed, light gathered, and in an instant, it transformed into a sharp, ck talismanic script!


    The aura of killing intent soared toward the heavens!


    This was the culmination of everything he had witnessed in those scenes¡ªthe talismanic script he had finallyprehended.


    This was the talismanic script that the Celestial Talisman Master created when he was consumed by the overwhelming killing intent.


    The Great Talisman of Life Destruction!


    ...


    When Ye Yongxing stepped through the door under the Talismanic Script of Yin, the others in the group were surprised. They hadn''t expected him, someone who was usually so quiet, to disy such determination.


    But Chu Liang understood.


    "For this trial, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself," Chu Liang said. Then, without any hesitation, he stepped through the door underneath the Talismanic Script of Yang.


    With a sh of light, his eyes opened to the sight of an old man in in robes with sharp and well-defined features.


    When he arrived, the old man asked the same question.


    "Why did you choose this door?"


    "Because..." Chu Liang pondered before answering, "I saw life in that painting."


    "Life?" The elder smiled. "That is a mural of doomsday."


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded. "But after the storm, thend is replenished with water. After the fire, the soil bes fertile. And when nts die, they turn into spiritual qi for the future... What seems like the end of the world is also the beginning of rebirth."


    This was exactly why he and Ye Yongxing had made different choices.


    While some saw destruction in the mural of doomsday, others saw the rebirth hidden within that destruction.


    The elder continued to smile, neither confirming nor denying his words. With a gentle wave of his sleeve, he said softly, "Come with me."


    In the next moment, Chu Liang felt the light and shadows around him shift, as if time itself were rewinding.


    When everything settled, he found himself in a peaceful, serene world. Before him stood a mountain, its summit crowned with golden and jade pces and pavilions. This was the site of the towering Celestial Talisman Sect.

 Chapter 442: None Could Keep Up

    <h4>Chapter 442: None Could Keep Up</h4>


    At this moment, the Celestial Talisman Sect was hosting a grand apprentice eptance ceremony.


    At the very top of the high tform stood a man whose youthful appearance contrasted with the depth of experience in his eyes¡ªhe was the legendary Celestial Talisman Master.


    With his own strength, he revitalized the Dao of Talisman-Making in the mortal realm, single-handedly established the Great Dao of Talismanic Script, and attained the Heavenly Origin. He was one of the three most powerful figures in the world.


    In terms of founding a new school and opening up new paths, his contributions to the nine provinces made him arguably the most influential figure in the world of immortality cultivators.


    The Dao of Talisman-Making today had changed drastically from a hundred years ago, and the Celestial Talisman Sect had be the ce where youths of the nine provinces aspired to join.


    Unfortunately, not everyone was suited for the Dao of Talisman-Making; even the most talented prodigies might fail to grasp its fundamentals and would not be epted by the sect.


    Just moments ago, a youngdy in a flowing green dress had amazed everyone present.


    Her dress billowed gracefully as she demonstrated a talismanic technique she had created on her own.


    This caught the attention of the Celestial Talisman Master.


    The Celestial Talisman Master personally descended and epted her as his sessor.


    "What is your name?" the Celestial Talisman Master asked.


    "Cui Yu''er," she replied with a smile.


    From that day onward, the lively and energetic Cui Yu''er became a part of the Celestial Talisman Master''s life, adding a touch of brightness to his otherwise solemn existence.


    After ten years, the Celestial Talisman Master began to sense that something was wrong.


    He realized that over the years, Cui Yu''er''s feelings for him had changed, and they were no longer just those of a disciple toward her master.


    What frightened him most was discovering that he, too, had unknowingly changed.


    The Celestial Talisman Master had never taken a partner, and many hoped he would one day find someone to cherish and spend the rest of his life with, but that person could never be his disciple.


    So, he sent Cui Yu''er down the mountain for training, unwilling to see her again. He hoped that time would dissolve the unnatural bond that had formed between them.


    Yet, time didn''t heal everything; instead, it deepened his suffering. Cui Yu''er returned to the mountain repeatedly, hoping to see him, but each time, he refused.


    Each rejection caused unbearable pain.


    Just as he began to question whether he should defy everything and give in to his feelings, terrible news arrived from the foot of the mountain¡ªCui Yu''er, in her eagerness to break through the seventh realm, had sumbed to qi deviation and died.


    She left the world like thest whiff of fragrance and a shattered jade.


    When the Celestial Talisman Master rushed to the site, all that greeted him was her cold, lifeless body, still dressed in the usual green dress.


    He felt as though the heavens had copsed.


    In his life, he had endured two soul-crushing losses. The first had driven him to the brink of destroying everything; the second made him want to save everything.


    For the first time in his long life dedicated to the Dao of Talisman-Making, an impossible thought crossed his mind.


    The Celestial Talisman Master wanted to create a talismanic script capable of bringing people back to life.


    It was then he realized how easy it was to take life, yet how difficult it was to restore it.


    In the days that followed, he threw himself into researching this Talismanic Script of Life, even though deep down, he knew it was an absurd pursuit.


    How could it be possible?


    On a certain day a hundred yearster, he suddenly noticed that the yellow leaves were falling, the mountains and the rivers appeared distant, and the world was enveloped in the fading light of dusk.


    He knew then that his lifespan was nearing its end.


    And in that final moment, as death approached, he finally understood the true meaning of life...


    The autumn wind brought death, and soon the snow fell and melted. Only when lightning strikes in winter and snow falls in spring can one sing freely with the wind[1]. The meaning of life would remain hidden in the smallest moments. Though he could never bring his love back, as his fingers gently brushed against the leaf...


    The yellow leaf sprang to life.


    "This is..."


    As the flow of light and energy shifted, Chu Liang slowly opened his eyes, feeling the divine insight he had just gained. He moved his fingers lightly through the air.


    Momentster, a golden talismanic script shimmered into existence.


    The elder''s voice echoed softly, "That is called the Talisman of Life Restoration."


    ...


    After Ye Yongxing and Chu Liang made their choices, the remaining three took a moment to reflect before selecting their own paths.


    Situ Guanhai studied the mural on the wall, pondering deeply before saying, "It seems I must follow my heart and it''s telling me to choose the Door of Yin."


    After a brief hesitation, Xi Miaoxian made the same choice as him.


    They both sensed the stillness of death within the mural.


    But Monk Pushan made a different choice.


    "I''ll trust Chu Liang," he said, after much deliberation, deciding on the door beneath the Talisman of Yang.


    Upon entering their respective doors, none of them encountered those who had gone before. Each was led into their own meditation chamber, where they met an elder in simple robes.


    The elder, smiling warmly as always, took them on a journey back through the river of time, guiding them against its current. As they traveled, each one gained a profound insight.


    In the end, both Situ Guanhai and Xi Miaoxianprehended the ck Talisman of Life Destruction.


    But Monk Pushan was left somewhat stunned.


    "This..." He muttered to himself as he reflected on the Dao essence he had just experienced, "Is way too hard..."


    Although following Chu Liang''s path rarely led him astray, it wasn''t always the correct choice. Compared to the ck Talisman of Life Destruction, the golden Talisman of Life Restoration demanded a far deeper understanding.


    Individuals who did not perceive the hidden meaning of life within the mural would not be able to understand the final talisman even if they managed to pass through the right door and enter the final stage.


    While he did experience personal growth this time, he was unable to master the final talismanic script.


    ...


    "Hmmm..." Feng Chaoyang muttered as he stared at the nine doorways in front of him and fell deep in thought.


    When everyone else sessfullyprehended the Talismanic Script of the Eight Trigrams, he did not. He had not been with them when they defeated Xiangliu and then entered the grand hall.


    He had been by himself, silently reflecting on his own.


    As the head disciple of Celestial King Sect, Feng Chaoyang was certainly no fool. In fact, he had contended with the prodigies of other immortal sects at a younger age than most, and in terms of pure talent, he surpassed many of them.


    However, in this hidden realm of talismanic script, his abilities were of little use, which made him appear somewhat out of ce.


    Once outside, he was confident that in terms ofbat power, he would not lose to anyone.


    Once he understood what was required in this realm, he quicklyprehended the Talismanic Scripts of the Eight Trigrams by observing the celestial phenomena and finally made his way here.


    But upon reaching the pce, the first checkpoint stopped him.


    With Xiangliu already dead, he could no longer see the serpent.


    Still, faced with the nine doorways, he began to ponder using what little wisdom he had.


    "A serpent is drawn above..." Feng Chaoyang muttered. "When you attack a snake, you should strike it seven cun below its head, so I''ll choose the seventh door."


    This was the decision he made after careful consideration. With confidence, he strode through the seventh doorway.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    With a sh of light, he found himself standing in a crumbling, dpidated hall.


    The ce was in ruins, yet oddly familiar¡ªit was clearly the very old site of the Celestial Talisman Sect where they had been when they first arrived to enter the hidden realm.


    <i>Did I already exit the hidden realm? I must have chosen the wrong doorway... </i>


    "You''re out already?" The voice of an elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion sounded behind him.


    Feng Chaoyang turned around to see the gray-bearded elder who had been waiting there. Given the close ties between Celestial King Sect and Celestial Pivot Pavilion, they naturally knew each other. In fact, they had traveled here together.


    "Yeah..." Feng Chaoyang paused, then waved his hand with a wide grin. "Fast, right? None of them can keep up with me!"


    The gray-bearded elder from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion looked at him, utterly perplexed.


    <i>Is being the first to exit really something to be proud of?</i>


    1. Lightning happening in winter and snow happening in spring are things that are rare and go against the natural order. The use of these phrases expresses the idea that only through extraordinary circumstances can one experience something as grand as singing in the wind. ?

 Chapter 443: Theres a Thief

    <h4>Chapter 443: There''s a Thief </h4>


    As Chu Liang felt the golden talismanic script in his palm, he found it strange and peculiar.


    It didn''t seem to contain much spiritual energy at first nce, but that was likely due to his low cultivation level. The talisman itself, however, held unimaginable mystical abilities.


    Simply put, it had the power to grant life.


    "This Talisman of Life Restoration was the final insight gained by the Celestial Talisman Master in thest moments of his life. It contained theplete essence of the Great Dao of the talismanic script for time. Today, it has finally found a sessor," the elder said with a smile. "I hope you will make good use of it, and perhaps... evenplete it."


    "Complete it?" Chu Liang asked, surprised. "It''s still iplete?"


    "The Celestial Talisman Master wished to create a celestial talisman that transcended life and death, one capable of reviving his loved one. But, s, hecked the strength..." the old man exined. "The Celestial Talisman Master of every generation since then has shared this same grand aspiration, but none have been able to break free from the constraints of the heavens and the earth."


    <i>Transcending life and death... </i>When Chu Liang heard this, he chuckled. If this was something that even the previous generations of Celestial Talisman Masters couldn''t aplish, how could he possibly dare to think that he could do it?


    Moreover, the Great Dao of Talismanic Scripts originated from the forces of heaven and earth, a method of channeling these powers into oneself. How could one possibly break free from the constraints of the heavens and earth?


    He raised the Talisman of Life Restoration again and asked, "Esteemed senior, since this talisman can grant life to anything, could it bring you to life?"


    He wasn''t asking to revive the Celestial Talisman Master, but rather, he wanted to grant the fragment of divine intent a chance to live a life of its own.


    "Oh?" The elder chuckled softly. "You''re the first to think of that, but I am merely a wisp of divine intent, without a body of my own. I was never alive, so how could I be brought to life?"


    "I see..." Chu Liang murmured. He wasn''t trying to do a good deed, but having acquired the Talisman of Life Restoration, he simply wanted to test its power.


    But there wasn''t anything convenient at hand.


    First, it would be ineffective if used on objects with too much spiritual energy. The higher the spiritual nature of the item, the greater the power required, and at his current level, it would easily exceed his limits.


    Secondly, he didn''t dare experiment with important items, such as the enchanted tools and flying swords he often used. If something went wrong, the loss would be significant.


    Especially with something like the Large-Headed Doll. If it gained divine intelligence and developed a consciousness, how could it ever be content to work peacefully again?


    After some thought, he decided to take out a berry.


    He slowly executed the Talisman of Life Restoration with his right hand, gradually merging it with the berry. A faint golden glow immediately enveloped it.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Momentster, a surge of life energy burst forth from the berry.


    nts were always beings with life energy. If not, there wouldn''t be so many nts that managed to cultivate and attain the status of demons. The "Life Restoration" part in the name of the talisman referred not just to the restoration of life but, more importantly, to the awakening of or the development of the target''s consciousness.


    As Chu Liang stared at the berry in his palm, a sudden message popped into his mind.


    ¡ª<i>What the fuck are you looking at?</i>


    The berry wasn''t speaking, of course. But since it had developed a consciousness through Chu Liang, he could easily sense the messages it was sending. If it had been anyone else, they would have probably just noticed the fruit twitching slightly.


    <i>This little thing is quite fierce...</i> Chu Liang was just about to smile when the berry spoke to him again.


    ¡ª<i>Wipe that wicked grin off your face! I''m warning you, don''t even think about eating me! I''m poisonous!</i>


    <i>It even sensed my bad intentions? Wait, how did it figure that out?</i>


    Chu Liang asked, "Don''t you know I gave you life?"


    The berry gave a blunt response.


    <i>¡ªWell, thank you. So you won''t eat me now, right?</i>


    "..."


    <i>Logically speaking, since I gave it life, I should be like its dad, right? But why isn''t this fruit showing a bit of respect or gratitude? An unfilial fruit?</i>


    ...


    Mount Shu, Cloud Horizon Peak.


    The intricately carved bronze stove hissed with steam as red-hot coals radiated warmth into the crisp air. Shang Ziliang, with a gleam in his eye, sliced a perfect square from therge b of meat beside him and carefullyid it over the fire to grill.


    "The weather''s getting colder; it''s the perfect time to enjoy something hearty," he said, his face lighting up with satisfaction. "This is premium flying-deer meat from the Western Regions, a gift from one of my father''s associates."


    "Exactly!" Lackey A, seated on his left, chimed in with enthusiasm. "Deer meat is known to boost yang qi. We''re so lucky to be following you, Boss. We get to enjoy this feast!"


    As the deer meat was about to be cooked, Lackey B promptly held up a te for Shang Ziliang to serve the meat on.


    "These past few days have been draining. I really need to recharge," Shang Ziliang sighed, cutting a fresh piece. "Big Bro is always on the move, Lin Bei''s busy with his breakthrough, and I''m stuck managing the business, running between the fruit garden and Red Cotton Peak..."


    "Tell me about it!" Lackey A nodded vigorously. "Managing the fruit garden alone is exhausting. With our business expanding, we should ask Big Bro to hire more help."


    Meanwhile, Lackey B quietly transferred a chunk of grilled meat onto his sauce te.


    "Hiring isn''t that easy," Shang Ziliang replied. "I talked to Big Bro about it. We have to hire disciples from Mount Shu as it''s hard to trust outsiders. But at the same time, we can''t expect Mount Shu disciples to work all day either. Finding reliable people is tough."


    He nced over and noticed that the te was empty, so he cut another piece of meat and carefully ced it on the grill.


    "True!" Lackey A agreed. "Before, it was manageable with just our core group, but now the workload is too much. Just in the fruit garden, without a dozen hands, it''s impossible to keep up. Every day, berries are either stolen or eaten. We''re lucky the losses aren''t too bad yet¡ªotherwise, the business would be dying."


    Lackey B once again held up the te for Shang Ziliang to fill with freshly grilled meat.


    "<i>Haaaaa!</i>" Shang Ziliang sighed again. "I''ve been neglecting my cultivationtely. Everyone at Mount Shu envies our wealth, but no one understands the pressure I''m under."


    "Couldn''t agree more!" Lackey A chimed in. "The members in our core group keeps leaving. If we don''t get more people, we won''t be able to keep everything running. This is bing urgent!"


    Lackey B, looking just as eager, dipped his freshly grilled meat into the sauce, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and quietly savored each one.


    "Exactly!" Shang Ziliang said with newfound resolve. "We have to convince Big Bro to hire more people, or we''ll never be able to keep Red Cotton Peak and Silver Sword Peak running. I''ll talk to him as soon as he''s back from the hidden realm!"


    He nced at the te and noticed it was empty again. He then cut arge piece of meat and ced it on the grill.


    "You''re right!" Lackey A agreed eagerly. "There are plenty of senior brothers at Mount Shu who would jump at the chance to help. Some have even asked me in private. Big Bro really doesn''t need to worry so much."


    The "worries" Lackey A referred to were Chu Liang''s concerns that involving too many Mount Shu disciples might interfere with their cultivation.


    Lackey B again handed over the te for Shang Ziliang to serve the grilled meat.


    "That settles it!" Shang Ziliang said, smiling confidently. "But first, let''s enjoy this meal... huh?"


    When he reached to cut another slice of meat, he realized there was nothing left but a bare pile of bones.


    He turned to the te, but it was empty, with not even a scrap of meat left.


    "Where''s the meat?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the twockeys.


    "I don''t know!" Lackey A stammered as his eyes grew wide.


    Lackey B, wiping grease from his mouth, looked equally shocked and gasped, "There''s a thief?"

 Chapter 444: No Idlers on Silver Sword Peak

    <h4>Chapter 444: No Idlers on Silver Sword Peak</h4>


    As the group stepped out of the hidden realm of talismanic scripts, they saw the gray-bearded elder of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion standing there, waiting for them.


    "Young Master Feng had some urgent matters at home," the gray-bearded elder announced brightly. "So he left ahead of you."


    Chu Liang gave a nod in acknowledgment, understanding all too well. If he had been in Feng Chaoyang''s shoes, he would not have wanted to linger a moment longer after such a disheartening defeat in the hidden realm of talismanic scripts.


    "So, how did it go?" the gray-bearded elder asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Did you gain anything valuable?"


    Ye Yongxing remained silent. Without a word, he raised his hand, summoning the ominous ck Talisman of Life Destruction and demonstrated its power in front of the elder. It drifted forward, and as it did, everything it touched withered¡ªgrass shriveled to dust, trees lost their leaves in a blink, and even the stone walls cracked and decayed, aging centuries in mere seconds. If this were unleashed on a human, the oue would be painfully obvious.


    <i>Such lethal power... </i>Chu Liang silentlypared it with his Talisman of Life Restoration. Although the effects of the Talisman of Life Restoration were more extraordinary, it didn''t seem to offer much practical benefit¡ªaside from making a berry curse at him.


    On the other hand, the Talisman of Life Destruction was a clear and immediate boost tobat power.


    "We gained the same knowledge as Young Hero Ye," answered Xi Miaoxian and Situ Guanhai as they disyed the power of their Talismans of Life Destruction.


    A peculiar expression showed up on Monk Pushan''s face as he said, "My temperament and understanding have both greatly improved."


    "So you got nothing?" the gray-bearded elder remarked.


    Monk Pushan immediately felt a wave of frustration and disappointment, but he couldn''t reallyin. Chu Liang hadn''t asked him to copy his answers. However, he hadn''t expected that he would end up with nothing, while everyone else who made different choices walked away with something.


    He could only me himself for not being sharp enough to figure it out.


    At that moment, Chu Liang summoned a golden talismanic script, instantly drawing everyone''s attention.


    "This is the legendary golden talisman, isn''t it?" Xi Miaoxian eximed in surprise. "Young Hero Chu, you actually got it!"


    "I was just lucky," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "As for its effects, it''s hard to demonstrate since this talisman consumes a significant amount of cultivation energy."


    Hearing this, everyone assumed he was hiding something, so they didn''t ask any more questions. After expressing their amazement, they each went their separate ways.


    In reality, Chu Liang wasn''t intentionally hiding anything from them. The secret of the talisman was secondary. The truth was that activating it truly consumed a tremendous amount of cultivation energy. Even though the berry only contained a trace of spiritual energy, restoring life to it had drained nearly half of his Sea of Qi.


    If he even tried to activate something with higher spiritual energy, it could easily drain all of his cultivation energy. Such heaven-defying feats naturally required an immense amount of power.


    Although the trial in the hidden realm didn''tst long, it had taken a great mental toll on Chu Liang, leaving him feeling quite exhausted. He quickly returned to Mount Shu, intending to rest for a while.


    Unexpectedly, Shang Ziliang showed up soon after Chu Liang returned.


    "What''s the matter?" Chu Liang asked.


    "There''s something important I need to discuss with you. The moment I heard you were back, I came straight over," Shang Ziliang said, his expression troubled. "With you and Lin Bei both awaytely, it''s been just a few of us trying to manage Silver Sword Peak and Red Cotton Peak, and to be honest, we''re barely holding it together..."


    He went on to exin to Chu Liang the challenges they were facing, all stemming from a seriousck of manpower.


    In fact, Shang Ziliang had already suggested to Chu Liang that they recruit more fellow Mount Shu disciples. With more help, they could not only keep everything running smoothly but also expand their operations significantly.


    However, Chu Liang still believed that cultivators should prioritize their cultivation. He worried that involving or allowing too many Mount Shu disciples to join might eventually affect the sect''s overall strength.


    After all, not everyone, like him, had the advantage of a few Large-Headed Dolls working tirelessly day and night, giving them plenty of extra free time.


    "It really has been tough on all of you these past few days," Chu Liang said. "I''ll figure something out."


    Those three from Cloud Horizon Peak had indeed been running around tirelesslytely, and the business couldn''t continue relying solely on them.


    ...


    A few dayster.


    In the fruit garden of Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang stood before a field of Golden Vein Flowers, trees, and rocks, clearing his throat. "Alright, let''s have a meeting," he announced.


    There wasn''t a single person in sight, making his words seem rather odd.


    But in the next second, a chorus of voices echoed back.


    "Another meeting? Why are we meeting every day?"


    "So noisy, so noisy!"


    "A meeting? Did you even fucking water me before calling for one?"


    All these responses came from the flowers, grass, and trees in front of him!


    It turned out that after Chu Liang had considered the issue of being short-handed, he had an epiphany... overseeing the fruit garden and guarding the streets didn''t necessarily require cultivators. Shang Ziliang''s preference for using fellow disciples was simply because they needed "trustworthy" individuals.


    But this meant that as long as they were trustworthy, it didn''t matter if they weren''t human, right?


    And as luck would have it, he possessed the Talisman of Life Restoration, which could grant life.


    However, merely giving life as he had done with that berry wouldn''t be enough. The berry''s spiritual nature was too weak, making it incapable of propermunication.


    So, he set his sights on something greater¡ªthe Golden Vein Flower. Unlike individual fruits, the mother nt of the flower held far more spiritual energy.


    He decided to try giving life to a Golden Vein Flower.


    What followed was an unexpected half-hour of the flower venting its pent-up frustrations... mostlyints about how Chu Liang had been harvesting its fruits for years to sell, trampling the flower beds with visitors every day... Now that it could finally speak, it didn''t hesitate to air its grievances.


    Chu Liang listened, frowning the entire time.


    <i>What''s with the bad temper of everything grown on Silver Sword Peak? Could it be they''re taking after the Peak Master?</i> he mused.


    Still, Chu Liang saw the potential. As long as their spiritual nature is strong enough for normal speech, they could serve as his eyes and ears. By spreading them throughout the entire fruit garden, it would save a lot of manpower.


    Over the past few days, he had worked tirelessly, giving life to dozens of spirit nts in the garden.


    Soon, they would be the eyes and ears that Chu Liang would position throughout the entire Wondend.


    "Quiet down, quiet down!" Chu Liang waved his hand. "The main point of today''s meeting is to tell you: don''t make noise for no reason! If nothing uwful is happening, just stay quiet like other nts and don''t ruin the visitors'' experience. If someonemits an illegal act, then speak up and do your duty.


    "When the Wondend expands and bes bigger, you will be the first internal staff. By then, I will give you arts manuals for cultivation. I will get spirit potions and herbs to increase your cultivation levels. It''s only a matter of time before you all turn into real demons!"


    Chu Liang''s statement struck these nts where it hurt the most.


    Although they had been granted life by Chu Liang, Chu Liang did not give them much spiritual energy, making them iparable to those demonic beasts who hade into existence by cultivating on their own. Only by bing real demons could they truly achieve sess in cultivation.


    Chu Liang remained at the center of it all, as everything still depended on him.


    The creatures he had brought to life had no choice but to ept the tasks he assigned. Watching his group of swaying "employees," a sense of satisfaction filled Chu Liang.


    <i>Thanks to the Celestial Talisman Master''s gift,</i> he thought. <i>I''ve finally found diligent, tireless workers who never need vacations and survive on nothing but photosynthesis. As long as they were originally nts, it''s easy to make this happen.</i>


    He already had bigger ns for the future. <i>I''ll awaken all the nts, rocks, and trees on Silver Sword Peak to act as my spies. Soon, every tree, bush, and stone on this mountain will follow mymand. There won''t be a single idle thing on Silver Sword Peak¡ªnot even the objects.</i>


    Even the trees by the entrance would have tasks, and the stones on the mountain would have to pay rent!


    <i>But this is still small-scale,</i> Chu Liang mused. <i>When my cultivation grows stronger, I''ll grant life to each of my enchanted tools.</i>


    He understood that the key difference between legendary artifacts and ordinary ones, aside from their power, was the presence of a spirit.


    Although simply adding a spirit wouldn''t immediately enhance the quality of an enchanted tool, he could try giving the spirit cultivation manuals to train on its own. As the spirit grew stronger over time, the tool would naturally be more powerful as well.


    When that dayes, he might not need to rece his tools with stronger ones, as they would be able to cultivate and grow stronger on their own. That would be truly magnificent.

 Chapter 445: The Great High Priest

    <h4>Chapter 445: The Great High Priest</h4>


    "<i>Kaw~</i>"


    Hearing a bird''s cry outside, Chu Liang went out to take a look and discovered that this month''s issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> had arrived.


    Many major events had urred in the world of immortality cultivators during the past month, and Chu Liang had experienced the biggest one firsthand.


    He flipped past the section on the "Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures," and it was just as he''d expected. The first article he saw in the "Chronicles of the Nine Provinces" was about the great battle at the headquarters of the Four Seas Whale Gang, as well as the cause of it and what happened after.


    The article started with the Celestial Charm Sect''s plot to harm Xu Bashan. Then it continued with the Mount Shu Sect''s search for their disciple Chu Liang and how Di Nufeng had beaten up Chi Menshen with her fists. Even Jiang Shenting''s conspiracy was revealed. The entire sequence of events was truly full of twists and turns.


    What surprised Chu Liang, however, was that <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> did not criticize his teacher this time. In fact, the author of the article spared no praise when describing Di Nufeng.


    She was portrayed as an Eminent One who cared deeply for her disciple and was filled with righteousness. This was very different from how she was usually depicted in the gazette.


    Chu Liang guessed that when his esteemed teacher asked the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to help find him, she had probably had a little "talk" with them... Or perhaps that had been the main purpose, and finding him had been secondary.


    At the end of the article, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion warned all the immortal sects in the nine provinces about the Celestial Charm Sect''s resurgence. They reminded everyone to be vignt against this powerful group of madmen who wished for the world to descend into chaos.


    The second article was about how there had been another horde of beasts attacking the Western Regions.


    Several thousand years had passed since the scattered survivors of the demon race had fled to the Far West, yet the human race still hadn''t forgotten those terrifying beings. Moreover, with the recent uproar caused by the Demon God''s return, the humans became much more vignt toward the Far West.


    The Western Regions was a buffer zone between thends under the rule of the Yu Dynasty and the demon race, so the slightest sign of trouble in the Western Regions would send a wave of terror through the Yu Dynasty.


    Beast hordes only attacked the Western Regions when major events urred in the Far West. This time, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion used various methods to investigate, but they could not figure out what had been the triggering event. Perhaps the imperial court had intelligence reports with the answers, but those would never be made public.


    Over the course of the past several thousand years, some prosperous cities had emerged along the border of the Yu Dynasty''s western province. They specialized in trading with with the states of the Western Regions and had developed a thriving tradework.


    However, since the news of the Demon God''s return started to spread six months ago,rge numbers of people left the western province and moved closer to the capital of Yu. That caused business in the bordends to plummet.


    "The Demon God..."


    Chu Liang looked at the words and felt there was something very odd about what was reported in the article.


    Previously, the Far West had sent out divine envoys to announce the Demon God''s return to all the demons in the world. They had caused such huge waves of trouble that made everyone believe the Demon God''s return was a certainty. Yet, after all this time, there had been no further news. It seemed like a thunderstorm that rained only a little despite the loud rumbling.


    That made the demons'' previous actions appear quite strange. If there was no confirmed news about the Demon God, they should have quietly searched for it. Why had they made such a hugemotion about it first?


    It was truly perplexing.


    Chu Liang then turned to the section on the "Umon Tales of the Martial World."


    The biggest news was that the final selection for the South Melody Conservatory''s next head disciple was approaching!


    After the recentpetition rounds of concert tours, Shen Qingyan''s poprity was the highest, with Yu Xiang''er slightly behind but not far off, and Xue Lingxue close in third. With such a tightpetition going into the final selection, it was impossible to predict who would be the next head disciple.


    Thepetition would be intense. Fans from all over would rush to the South Melody Conservatory to support their favorites. It wouldn''t be surprising if an someone with fewer supporters but immense talent and skill managed to turn the tide. It was sure to be a very exciting final round.


    Chu Liang wasn''t interested in these things, but he could imagine that it would certainly be a magnificent event. Quite a few disciples from Mount Shu would surely be rushing over to attend it... for example, a certain disciple from Jade Sword Peak with the surname Lin.


    ...


    The Mountain Range of the Seven Kings, the Far West.


    At the peak of a steep mountain range that seemed forged from ck iron stood a modest temple. It appeared rather in and small, with only the word "Temple" inscribed simply on the horizontal signboard hanging above its doors.


    Yet, this small temple was the center of power for the entire demon race in the Far West. The temple''smands had to be followed, even by the Seven Great Demon Kings.


    At this moment, two people were waiting outside the temple.


    One of them was a woman dressed in colorful robes. She was fair-skinned and so immactely beautiful that there was an otherworldly aura about her. It seemed as though she belonged not to the Land of Demons but to the Land of Immortals.


    The other person was a young man. He had long, flowing hair, bronze skin, and the face of a stalwart person. There were three purple stripes on his left cheek.


    "Caiyi?" the long-haired man said, pleasantly surprised. "You''re here too?"


    The woman, Caiyi, replied indifferently, "The Great High Priest summoned me."


    "The Great High Priest didn''t summon the others, just the two of us. Does that mean we''re destined for each other?" the long-haired man asked cheerfully.


    Caiyi frowned in annoyance. She couldn''t be bothered talking to him.


    The long-haired man was Changfeng, the current Demon King of Daze[1] and the leader of the Serpent n.


    Changfeng had nearly two hundred concubines from various ns, yet he constantly sought Caiyi''s hand in marriage, much to her exasperation. She always avoided speaking to him at whenever the demon kings met up, but the temple had unexpectedly summoned only the two of them this time.


    As the atmosphere grew awkward, a divine envoy wearing a bronze mask emerged from the temple and announced loudly, "The Great High Priest invites the Demon King of Qingqiu and the Demon King of the Daze into the temple!"


    Without the Great High Priest''smand, even the demon kings, the pinnacle of the demon race''s power, would not dare enter the temple. That was how much authority the Great High Preist held.


    The two demon kings entered the temple and came face to face with the Demon God''s statue on the altar in front of them.


    It was the only statue of the Demon God in the mortal realm. The face on the statue was indistinct. The body seemed humanoid, with six outstretched wings on the back. Despite being just a statue, it exuded an overwhelming aura that forced even the demon kings to avert their gazes.


    Below the statue stood a very tall figure, nearly one zhang tall[2], wearing a golden mask. In his right hand, he held a scepter woven from the manes and feathers of a myriad of beasts. It symbolized the unity of all demonic creatures and his authority over them.


    Caiyi and Changfeng both greeted him with a bow. "Great High Priest."


    "Demon King of Qingqiu, Demon King of the Daze..." The Great High Priest''s voice was deep and distant as if he were speaking to them from another realm. "I have summoned you to entrust you with an important task."


    "We will obey God''s will," the two demon kings replied in unison.


    "Thest time God''s aura appeared, I dispatched the divine envoys to announce it to the world, but God has yet to arrive. The other demon kings are confused," the Great High Priest said slowly, "and I believe you are too."


    The two demon kings did not reply. Though they dared not question their god, they couldn''t help but have doubts about the Great High Priest.


    As the demons in the Far West increased in number over the past several thousands of years, the prestige of their god gradually faded within the demon race. The temple was still revered by the demon race, but the demon kings no longer obeyed as they once had. Eventually, some internal power struggles emerged.


    As the demons lost faith in their god, the status of the temple and the divine envoys naturally declined. Nevertheless, when news of the Demon God''s return was spread, the temple, which shared the Demon God''s fate, suddenly rose in power once more, regaining its unquestionable authority.


    After that, time continued to pass without further news, and their god still had yet to descend to save the people of the Far West. The demons'' fervent belief in the Demon God gradually died down once. Some demons even suspected that the Great High Priest might have fabricated the story to elevate his own authority. Of course, these doubts could never be spoken aloud.


    Nheless, in thends of the nine provinces beyond the reach of the Demon God''s temple, such rumors had long run rampant. Many humans mocked the demons, iming that their god was a mere fabrication. It turned out that the humans had been pointlessly apprehensive all this time.


    "The truth is, it has indeed appeared," the Great High Priest continued. "However, our Supreme God remains deeply asleep and oblivious inside a chaotic mass. I can sense its presence, but I cannotmunicate with it through the statue. That''s why I sent the divine envoys to announce the news to all the demons in the world, hoping that the collective prayers of our Supreme God''s countless subjects may break through that chaotic mass.


    "This method has indeed been effective. I can feel God''s sleep gradually getting lighter..."


    The Great High Priest''s words moved the two demon kings.


    <i>So, that was the reason?</i>


    The fact that their god needed to be rescued by the demon race obviously could not be made public. It was no wonder the temple had remained tight-lipped, offering no exnation regarding their god''s continued absence.


    "Now, I need an advance force to infiltrate the humans living in the nine provinces and make preparations for the war that will ur once God returns," the Great High Priest said. He paused and then added, "And I wish for you to be the ones to go."


    That was when the two demon kings finally understood the Great High Priest''s intentions.


    It was no surprise that the Great High Priest had chosen them. Among the Seven Great Demon ns, these two young demon kings were the only ones who were part of the new generation of demon kings, so they did not have much power in the Mountain Range of the Seven Kings.


    The remaining five demon kings had all existed since the era of the Demon God, so the Great High Priest couldn''t order them around as he wished. In fact, they might even outright refuse to obey him.


    "Sure!" Changfeng immediately agreed. "It''d be best if the two of us acted together. I may not be familiar with the humans of the nine provinces, but Caiyi knows a lot about them! After all, that great achievement she made back then was because of¡ª"


    His words came to an abrupt halt. That was because Caiyi had shot daggers at him with her eyes.


    In that instant, Changfeng even felt as if she truly wanted to kill him!


    His pupils dted in fear, and he quickly changed his words. "Forget it. Let''s act separately after all."


    ...


    Silver Sword Peak, Mount Shu.


    At the hilltop of Berry Wondend, a thin and short young cultivator was crouched amid an inconspicuous patch of flowers. He was staring at the berries in his basket with a conflicted expression.


    If he took these berries out of Berry Wondend, he would have to pay for them. However, if he ate them now, he wouldn''t have to.


    After thinking it over, he decided to eat a few of the berries right now.


    Just as he was about to do it, a sharp voice suddenly spoke from above him. "What are you doing?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" the cultivator uttered, stumbling backward in rm.


    Looking up, he found himself face to face with a Golden Vein Flower. It swayed back and forth, shimmering splendidly. This flower was clearly the one that had spoken to him!


    "I wasn''t intending to speak to you, but what you''re doing is pretty shameless. It''s like your face left home with its mother. I guess you don''t want your face anymore.[3] If you don''t want to pay, just pick fewer berries. Why did you pick so many? If you want to eat more, just pay a bit more money. Who doesn''t have a few coins to spare?


    "Since you hesitated earlier, I''ll assume you still have a sliver of conscience left, so I won''t shout for someone toe over this time. I see you came with ady friend, right? You don''t want her to think you''re some morally wed guy, do you? Now hurry up and go pay. Let''s not make this a habit. Hey, what are you still standing there for? Get going."


    "<i>Ah, ah... oh.</i>"


    The young man was utterly bewildered by the flower''s barrage of words.


    <i>There''s no demonic qi, so how''s this flower able to talk?</i>


    <i>And even scold me?</i>


    <i>Huh?</i>


    1. This is not the English word "daze". This is pronounced dah-zuh, and it means "great pond/marsh". ?


    2. One zhang is around 3.3 metres. ?


    3. This is referring to the "face" that means something along the lines of dignity. ?

 Chapter 446: Our Great Astral Sect

    <h4>Chapter 446: Our Great Astral Sect</h4>


    Red Cotton Peak, Mount Shu.


    After a period of development and construction, Red Cotton Peak rapidly became one of the most prosperous ces in the world of immortality cultivators, second only to Taotie City. Thanks to the various promotional discounts for the opening period, many cultivators from all corners of the nine provinces visited daily.


    Actually, the main reason was something else. Compared to the enormous number of immortality cultivators, there were far too few shopping districts avable to them. There was only Taotie City, which was in the Northern Regions. That wasn''t enough to cater to such arge customer base.


    Chu Liang and his fellow disciples had faced the same problem in the past. Whenever they wanted to buy something, they had to fly for an entire day to Taotie City. It was really inconvenient.


    However, the sudden rise of Red Cotton Peak greatly alleviated this problem. From now on, all cultivators closer to the Southern Regions could make Red Cotton Peak their first choice for shopping.


    The scale of Red Cotton Peak was still nowhere near that of Taotie City, but at its current rate of development, it was only a matter of time before it caught up.


    Nevertheless, this wouldn''t cause much of a problem to Taotie City, as they had always been overwhelmed with excess demand. Additionally, a portion of the profits from Red Cotton Peak would go to them, so they were more than happy with the arrangement.


    After the cooperation between the two parties was established, Huyan Bin organized the expansion of around half of therger stores in Taotie City. They opened branches on Red Cotton Peak, and business was booming.


    Red Cotton Peak was no longer just a simple Red Cotton Road on a mountain. It had several long intersecting streets, resembling a small town in scale.


    On this particr day, there was an especiallyrge number of people on the mountain. It was the day of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Four Seas Whale Gang''s shops.


    The Whale Gang''s first batch of shops had long beenpleted and operational, but the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony had been dyed. Now that the Whale Gang hadpleted the construction of a street on Red Cotton Peak, they held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of their branch shops.


    The chief of the Whale Gang, Xu Bashan, personally attended the event, significantly raising the status of the ceremony. Many famous figures from the world of immortality cultivators had also been invited, making it a huge event.


    Since the Whale Gang''s chief was present, the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect could not ignore the event, so the grand peak master, Wang Xuanling, made an appearance.


    "<i>Hahaha,</i> Elder Brother Wang! Wee, wee! Since Mount Shu is the host, you should make the first cut," Xu Bashan said warmly.


    As he handed a pair of scissors to Wang Xuanling, he gestured for Wang Xuanling to stand on his left.


    Xu Bashan called out, "Come, Younger Brother Chu! All these shops are here on Red Cotton Peak thanks to you."


    As he handed a pair of scissors to Chu Liang, he gestured for Chu Liang to stand on his right.


    Wang Xuanling: "..."


    He felt extremely awkward, but he could only smile.


    The people from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion were watching, and any misstep in his expression would surely result in a scathing articleter.


    Wang Xuanling had done his homework. Seeing how the rtionship between Di Nufeng and the Celestial Pivot Pavilion had improved, it was possible that the Celestial Pivot Pavilion might target him next. Therefore, he had to behave with extra caution.


    As for why Chu Liang had the right to stand at the center of attention with Xu Bashan and Wang Xuanling, it wasn''t just because he was sworn brothers with Xu Bashan. It was also because he was the one overseeing everything on Red Cotton Peak.


    The fact that he was renting the mountain from his sect hadn''t been leaked, but it was widely known that he had spearheaded the nning and construction. Considering his heavy involvement, it was impossible to keep that a secret. Thus, Chu Liang''s position on Red Cotton Peak was far more significant than that of a mere young disciple.


    From the side, Xu Hongqiu yelled, "Three, two, one! Cut!"


    As Wang Xuanling, Xu Bashan, and Chu Liang cut the red ribbon together, celebratory fireworks shot into the sky.


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    A round of enthusiastic apuse erupted from the guests of the ceremony.


    Many of Chu Liang''s close friends were present.


    Wen Yulong, who was sitting among the many guests, suddenly recalled a few months ago when he had gone to Taotie City with Chu Liang and remarked that Mount Shu could never have such a ce like Taotie City.


    At the time, Wen Yulong truly had no idea... that Chu Liang could establish such a grand Red Cotton Peak in such a short amount of time.


    The only word to describe it was "miraculous."


    After the ribbon-cutting ceremony ended, Chu Liang hurried back to the second floor of the building, arriving at a table in the loft.


    Jiang Yuebai was sitting there, smiling at him. "Peak Master Chu, you''re quite impressive."


    "<i>Hehe,</i> it''s just a small event." Chu Liang humbly waved off thepliment. "Why are you here? I thought you didn''t like these kinds of events, so I didn''t invite you."


    "I''m the one who invited Jiangjiang," Xu Hongqiu chimed in, walking over to sit next to Jiang Yuebai.


    "You two..." Chu Liang uttered, stunned at how they seemed so close with each other.


    As far as he remembered, the two of them didn''t even know each other.


    "Jiangjiang and I hit it off right away, and now we''re besties," Xu Hongqiu said with a grin.


    "Then..."


    Chu Liang trailed off as he nced at Jiang Yuebai and suddenly smiled.


    "I know what you''re about to say. Shut up." Jiang Yuebai shot him an annoyed look. "Keep it to yourself."


    Chu Liang grinned without saying anything.


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Xu Hongqiu scoffed. Her tone shifted as she suddenly said, "Jiangjiang, you''d better keep a close eye on him. He''s richer than you can imagine now. Even if he doesn''t go looking for girls, they''lle looking for him."


    Jiang Yuebai''s face immediately turned red. She snapped, "What are you talking about..."


    "Yeah, what <i>are </i>you talking about?" Chu Liang chimed in. "I would never¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking, a sweet voice called out from the staircase, "Young Hero Chu! We''ve finally found you!"


    Chu Liang turned to look and saw two cute and lovely youngdies running toward him.


    ...


    Sitting upright, Chu Liang said, "Miss Ji, Miss Tang, please exin. Why have youe looking for me in broad daylight?"


    The two lovely youngdies were now sitting across from him. They were none other than Ji Lingyu and Tang Shi.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuebai and Xu Hongqiu sat on the side, watching the conversation with amused expressions.


    Ji Lingyu, clearly unaware of the situation''splexity, looked around with a bright smile. "It''s really lively here today."


    Chu Liang pointed at Xu Hongqiu. "Today''s the ribbon-cutting for the Whale Gang''s shops, so it''s a bit more lively than usual."


    Then he added, "Is there something <i>important </i>you need to discuss?"


    He emphasized the word "important." Normally, he wouldn''t mind chatting with them for a while since they were friends, but given today''s asion, it wasn''t the time for idle talk.


    "It''s like this," Ji Lingyu responded seriously. "Our Great Astral Sect recently..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>"


    Chu Liang thought there was something odd about what Ji Lingyu said.


    <i>It''s already be ¡®our'' Great Astral Sect...?</i>


    "Miss Ji, are you really not nning to return home?" he asked curiously.


    "<i>Hah,</i>" Ji Lingyu let out a coldugh. "Did you know my eighth brother has joined the Imperial Supervisory Bureau?"


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang honestly didn''t know.


    Thest time he met Ji Lingfeng, the eighth young master of the Ji Family, had been in Python Belly City. Ji Lingfeng had stayed behind, but he and the other people in Python Belly City wereter rescued by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    <i>He actually stayed with them afterward?</i>


    With his family background, talent, and cultivation level, it wouldn''t have been difficult for him to join the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. The bureau often recruited talents from various immortal sects, and having Ji Lingfeng among their ranks would be valuable for building future rtions with the Ji Family.


    <i>But...</i>


    "Is your bet still on?" Chu Liang asked.


    "He won''t go home, so how can I admit defeat?" Ji Lingyu replied. "Now I''m already an outer disciple of the Great Astral Sect. In time, I''ll achieve sess in martial arts. Joining the inner sect won''t be a problem."


    <i>Well, well.</i>


    <i>Just because of this bet, one sibling has be a government official, and the other is pursuing martial arts.</i>


    <i>I guess the Ji Family''s desire to win must be made of iron. At this rate, will the two of you refuse to return to your family''s ancestral tomb even in death?</i>


    Thinking this, Chu Liang nced at Jiang Yuebai and then thought of his teacher...


    <i>Could it be that all descendants from noble immortality cultivator families are like this? Is "I can never lose" ingrained in their blood?</i>


    After some small talk, Ji Lingyu exined, "Yesterday, a disciple from the Great Astral Sect was killed in Kaoshan City, on the outskirts of the Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions. That person was Tang Shi''s senior brother. Tang Shi''s esteemed teacher took a group of us to investigate the matter, but we couldn''t find any clues. Then Yun Chaoxian suggested that you have some connections in Kaoshan City. Furthermore, you''re very resourceful, so we came to ask for your help."


    "I see," Chu Liang replied with a nod. He then gazed at Jiang Yuebai and reiterated what Ji Lingyu said. "So, you came to ask for my help regarding the murder of a disciple of the Great Astral Sect."


    "If they''re asking for your help, then help them properly. What are you looking at me for?" Jiang Yuebai said, shifting her gaze away.

 Chapter 447: Blood Moon

    <h4>Chapter 447: Blood Moon</h4>


    Inrge immortal sects, rtionships between disciples often varied. Within the Great Astral Sect, Yun Chaoxian and Tang Shi were not disciples of the same teacher. Though they belonged to the same sect, they were from different branches of disciples.


    The person who died this time was Tang Shi''s senior brother from the same branch, a fellow disciple who shared the same teacher as her.


    Though he had left the Great Astral Sect over a decade ago, the sect remained fiercely protective of its members. No matter how much time had passed, they would always take care of their own.


    While many immortal sects maintained a sense of responsibility toward their disciples, the Great Astral Sect was especially strong in this regard. Whether this was due to all the disciples using one brain together remained unclear.


    When they were unable to uncover any clues, Yun Chaoxian suggested they turn to Chu Liang for help.


    Initially, Tang Shi''s teacher was skeptical. "Is that disciple from Mount Shu truly capable?"


    "He''s reliable," Yun Chaoxian responded confidently. "And if he''s not, I''ll step in myself."


    "Very well," the teacher nodded. "I''ll invite him and see."


    Thus, Ji Lingyu and Tang Shi made their way to Mount Shu to seek Chu Liang''s assistance.


    When it came to the Great Astral Sect, Chu Liang was more than willing to lend a hand. If one were to rank the sects by trustworthiness, the brothers of the Great Astral Sect would undoubtedly be at the top.


    They were fiercely loyal.


    Chu Liang quickly made arrangements for matters on Red Cotton Peak and immediately set off with them to Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions. Thanks to the Talisman of Life Restoration, they had managed to secure many basic workers, so there was no longer an urgent need for additional manpower.


    The journey to Kaoshan City was not far. By evening, the three of them had already arrived.


    By then, Tang Shi''s teacher was already waiting at the inn.


    "Junior Chu Liang, greets the esteemed senior."


    Though he had been invited to assist, Chu Liang, mindful of etiquette, made sure to greet first.


    "Oh, Young Hero Chu, we requested your help. There''s no need to be so formal."


    Tang Shi''s teacher was Yan Qihu. At first nce, he seemed like a rugged, muscr man in his prime, with sharp features and long arms. But in truth, he was already over a hundred years old.


    He personally came down to greet them.


    Just by standing there with his arms at his sides, Yan Qihu[1] exuded the presence of a lurking vicious beast.


    A century ago, there was the Yan Family in the Great Astral Sect. The Yan Family had eight sons, all martial arts prodigies, collectively known as the Eight Tigers of the Yan Family. Yan Qihu was the seventh youngest among his brothers.


    Unfortunately, since then, none of the current generation of the Yan Family came out to be outstanding disciples. Yet, the Eight Tigers from the previous generation still remained the backbone of the Great Astral Sect.


    Yan Qihu, standing before them, was a seventh-realm martial arts Eminent One.


    Compared to other forms of cultivation, advancing through the first six realms was much easier. This allowed Martial Arts cultivators to progress quickly and showcase impressivebat abilities during the first six realms. However, upon reaching the three realms of the Heavenly Gate, they would face greater challenges and be at a disadvantage. This was why far fewer Martial Arts cultivators sessfully reached the seventh realm.


    Yet, every Martial Arts cultivator who managed to reach the seventh realm became a formidable figure.


    "No need for formalities. I''m close friends with several disciples of the Great Astral Sect. Whenever you need me, I''ll be there," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    "That''s great," Yan Qihu responded, giving Chu Liang a firm p on the shoulder. "We martial artists don''t bother with empty words. When the dayes and someone in your family passes away, just watch what we will do."


    "..." Chu Liang first felt momentarily speechless, torn between wanting tough and feeling exasperated.


    <i>You could either go easy with your words or with your grip, either way works, </i>he remarked inwardly.


    Everyone then entered the room and took their seats. Ji Lingyu, one of the few clear-headed people in the group, began exining the case to Chu Liang.


    "The person that died is named Wei Feng, and he was the disciple of Esteemed Senior Yan. He has left the Great Astral Sect several years ago," Ji Lingyu exined. "In recent years, he had been serving as an honored ally outside Southern Bastion Mountain.


    Many who sought to enter Southern Bastion Mountain to gather spirit nts or explore hidden realmscked the strength to do so alone. Without a teacher or elder from their sect to apany them, they would need to hire someone to act as a guardian for the duration of their venture.


    However, this guardian couldn''t be just anyone. Once inside Southern Bastion Mountain, there would be no recourse if they chose to rob or kill you. Ideally, the guardian shoulde from arge, reputable immortal sect with a trustworthy reputation.


    Wei Feng was exactly the kind of honored ally who came from a major immortal sect and had a trustworthy reputation.


    Members of the Great Astral Sect, in particr, were renowned for their trustworthiness and were less likely to harbor ill intentions.


    "Yesterday, an anomaly was reported in Kaoshan City," Ji Lingyu said, pausing before continuing. "Witnesses imed that the moon turned blood-red."


    "A blood moon?"


    "Yes," Ji Lingyu confirmed with a nod. "Soon after the blood moon appeared, three murders took ce in the city. Three of the city''s experts transformed into demonic beasts and started attacking everyone around them."


    Transformed into demonic beasts...


    As Chu Liang listened, the situation grew more puzzling.


    "Wei Feng was one of the three," Ji Lingyu continued. "There was an expert at the pinnacle of the fifth realm and two sixth-realm experts among them. They went on a rampage through the city, and no one could stop them. Then, just moments after the blood moon faded, they all copsed and died on the spot."


    <i>The blood moon happened and they transformed into demonic beasts, and then died instantly. These were fifth- and sixth-realm experts¡ªhow could they have perished so easily? </i>Chu Liang furrowed his brow in deep thought.


    "Rumors are spreading like wildfire in the city," Yan Qihu said. "People are iming that these three must have had half-demon blood, leading to their transformation and the subsequent killings. I can''t vouch for the other two, but I know Wei Feng''s parents, and I raised him myself. He definitely didn''t have any demon blood. There''s something else at y here."


    After listening to them exin, Chu Liang nodded and said, "I understand the situation. Let''s go see the bodies first."


    The three bodies were stored at the City Supervisory Division in Kaoshan City, and Yan Qihu, with his standing in the Great Astral Sect, had unrestricted ess. Even though it waste, he led the group there promptly.


    The City Supervisory Division, overwhelmed by the case, was really hoping that they could figure out the answer to this peculiar mystery. Naturally, they weed the group with open arms.


    Chu Liang then saw the three corpses lying side by side.


    "Wei Feng was a sixth-realm martial artist... This one is Liu Ming, a cultivator at the pinnacle of the fifth realm... And this is Fang Chongshan, a sixth-realm cultivator," introduced one of the City Supervisory Division officers.


    Chu Liang didn''t know much about autopsies, but he could sense the faint demonic qi lingering on the corpses.


    <i>Clearly, the ims of them transforming into demons weren''t exactly lies</i>, he thought.


    "Have you found out why they turned into demonic beasts?" Chu Liang asked. "Any signs of poisoning?"


    "No," the officer said, shaking his head. "The doctors from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau have already examined them and found no signs of poisoning."


    Chu Liang lifted the white cloth and nced at the corpses. Each body hadrge wounds, with their skin torn open and flesh spilling out. The injuries appeared toe from within, as if something had expanded inside them, causing their bodies to burst.


    The deaths of the two martial artists might be somewhat exinable, but not Wei Feng''s. As a sixth-realm martial artist, his body should have been capable of withstanding the pressure of even a mountain.


    What kind of force could have torn his body apart?


    After a moment of thought, Chu Liang shifted his line of questioning. "Who did these three interact with or contact before they died? Were there anymon factors or events in the time leading up to their deaths?"


    "We''re still investigating that, but we don''t have any answers yet," the officer replied, shaking his head. "Wei Feng and Liu Ming were long-term honored allies here in Kaoshan City, while Fang Chongshan was the head of a small sect in the Southern Regions. Individuals like them tend to keep their activities and movements secret, making it challenging for us to track their interactions."


    Chu Liang nodded in understanding.


    Those hired to gather spirit nts or explore hidden realms naturally kept their missions confidential for their employers.


    However, because the mission was kept confidential, the investigation became much more difficult.


    If answers couldn''t be found through official channels, Chu Liang thought about visiting Second Madam Gu''s tavern. Her informationwork in Kaoshan City was likely more extensive than that of the City Supervisory Division.


    As Chu Liang was lost in thought, a sudden shout came from outside.


    "It''s red... It''s red again!"


    "Huh?" Chu Liang looked up to see the moon in the deepening night sky gradually turning a vibrant, blood-red hue.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    A fierce roar followed immediately after.


    "Oh no!" eximed one of the City Supervisory Division officers. "I am afraid someone is turning into a demonic beast!"


    "Let me see what''s going on," Yan Qihu said with a frown, and in a sh, his figure shot into the sky.


    When it came to problems that could be solved with force, the Great Astral Sect was always reliable.


    In the moonlit sky, a monstrous figure with half-scaled skin lunged upward with a roar. It was a half-transformed human! His eyes zed with a blood-red fury, his face contorted in pain as he howled and ascended into the night.


    "<i>Roar...</i>"


    His gaze soon turned entirely bloody red, and he seemed to be on the hunt for his prey.


    But in the very next moment, a sharp crack echoed through the air.


    In an instant, Yan Qihu appeared behind him, grabbing the back of his neck with one hand.


    "<i>Awooo!</i>" The man''s roars intensified, but Yan Qihu''s grip remained firm.


    As Chu Liang and the others rushed over, they saw Yan Qihu holding the half-human, half-demon beast with one hand. The man had fully transformed into a lizard-like monster, its body covered in scales and stretching over one zhang in length.


    The man was likely a fifth-realm cultivator, and his transformation into a demon had only amplified his strength. As he struggled, his qi and blood surged with a thunderous roar. Yet, his efforts to break free were futile.


    "What on earth is going on..." Yan Qihu muttered. Even as he could easily lock this person in his grip, he couldn''t make sense of the situation.


    It was Ji Lingyu, with her Xuan Yuan Eyes gleaming with divine light, who seemed to notice something. She suddenly eximed, "A Nightmare Specter?!"


    1. Qihu means "seventh tiger". ?

 Chapter 448: While In the Night’s Rain on the Lake, A Lamp Has Burned For Years.

    <h4>Chapter 448: While In the Night¡¯s Rain on the Lake, A Lamp Has Burned For Years.</h4>


    Nightmare Specters typically referred to evil entities that would appear in dreams.


    Among them were ghosts capable of invading a person''s dream, feeding on their yang qi.


    There was also a kind of demonic monster[1] that fed on dreams. Upon reaching a certain level in cultivation and gaining physical form, they could wreak havoc in the dream world of their victims.


    A unique n of these entities existed in the Far West. They were known as the Nightmare Demon n.


    "There''s a Nightmare Specter on this person?"


    Yan Qihu stared at the man in his grip with a strange expression.


    The man didn¡¯t seem like someone caught in a dream. Instead, he looked as though he was transforming into a demon before his eyes.


    Ji Lingyu''s eyes shimmered with a divine radiance. She could distinctly see a swirling cloud of lurid red demonic qi festering within the man''s head¡ªa clear sign of possession by a Nightmare Demon!


    Suddenly, the crimson glow red, intensifying with a menacing brightness!


    "Watch out!" Ji Lingyu cried out in warning.


    The man was nearly fully transformed into a demon and his entire body glowing with an eerie red light.


    Suddenly, a deafening explosion echoed through the air as demonic qi erupted in all directions.


    Fortunately, Yan Qihu was the closest to him. His quick reflexes kicked in, and with a swift movement of his palm, this Martial Artist at the seventh realm suppressed the shockwave.


    The man''s demonic form vanished, leaving behind only a lifeless corpse that had exploded from the inside out... identical to the ones ced at the City Supervisory Division.


    "This..."


    Everyone stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock at the bizarre scene before them.


    Although the immortality cultivators were used to such strange events, witnessing something of this magnitude for the first time left them feeling speechless.


    The blood-red moon in the sky slowly dimmed, as though its only purpose had been to stir the evil spirit slumbering within the man.


    "It¡¯s Chunyu Tu!" someone cried out in shock.


    The City Supervisory Division officers rushed over, surrounding the corpse. In no time, they recognized the cultivator who had died.


    Momentster, they confirmed the deceased¡¯s identity. He was Chunyu Tu, a renowned guide in the region near Southern Bastion Mountain, frequently hired at a high price by those looking to venture deep into its treacherous terrain.


    "Nightmare Demons do have the ability to influence reality through dreams," Chu Liang said thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the body. "But these cultivators were all at the fifth and sixth realms. It would take immense cultivation power for a demon to control them through their dreams, forcing them to transform and lose their minds..."


    "At the very least, it would need to be a seventh-realm greater demon..." Ji Lingyu added, her voice filled with concern. "Legend has it that during the chaotic age of the Demon God, there was a Nightmare Demon King under hismand, an eighth-realm greater demon who could drive the people in an entire nation to ughter one another. What we''ve witnessed here bears a striking resemnce to that legend."


    "The Nightmare Demon King was killed during the War against the Demon God," Yan Qihu interjected. "After that, the n of Nightmare Demonic Monsters vanished, and there hasn¡¯t been a sign of them since. Could it be that another greater demon has emerged, causing havoc in Southern Bastion Mountain?"


    "But why would it kill these people?" Chu Liang continued to ponder.


    Regardless of how evil a demon or spirit might be, there was always a motive behind its actions. The idea that a greater demon would enter human territory just to kill at random seemed far-fetched.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter who they are or what kind of evil entity they might be..." Yan Qihu growled, clenching his fist tightly. "If they daremit murder in the territory of humans, if they dare kill a disciple of the Great Astral Sect, they will pay the price!"


    His voice rumbled like thunder, each word reverberating with power, before he fixed his intense gaze squarely on Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang looked up, realizing that Yan Qihu had been staring at him intensely the entire time.


    <i>Oh. So you are talking to me? Alright, alright. I got it. I will try my best.</i>


    ...


    The next day, Chu Liang donned his ck robe once again and made his way to Second Madam Gu¡¯s tavern.


    Previously, he had been able to track down a demon divine envoy thanks to the valuable information provided by Second Madam Gu. In the underground world of Kaoshan City, she acted as a crucial node in thework of information, often being the one who knew many secrets that themoners and officials would never know.


    After following the same steps as before and waiting for a long time, he found himself once again in the dim chamber beneath the tavern.


    Second Madam Gu sat behind the flickeringmplight, as alluring as ever, her light blue eyes glowing faintly.


    Chu Liang stared at her eyes, lost in thought.


    Previously, he had not seen someone with Xuan Yuan Eyes before, so he had merely thought that Second Madam Gu''s eyes were of unusual color. But after seeing Ji Lingfeng''s eyes, he noticed a striking resemnce between them.


    He couldn¡¯t help but connect the dots...


    "Have you been here before?" Second Madam Gu asked.


    "I have," Chu Liang said with a nod. "I know the rules."


    "Good. What¡¯s your question?" Second Madam Gu asked bluntly.


    "Do you know anything about the blood moon killings in Kaoshan City?" Chu Liang inquired.


    "I don¡¯t," Second Madam Gu answered very quickly, shaking her head without hesitation.


    Still, Chu Liang wasn''t discouraged by this. After a brief pause, he changed his question and asked, "Do you know if the people who died had any connection? Why were they the ones killed?"


    "You¡¯re investigating this case, aren¡¯t you..." Second Madam Gu pondered for a moment before replying, "I can tell you what I know. I¡¯ll share half the information, and then we¡¯ll discuss the terms of exchange."


    "Agreed," Chu Liang nodded.


    "Wei Feng, Liu Ming, Fang Chongshan¡ªthese were all top experts in Kaoshan City. Chunyu Tu was the city¡¯s best guide," Second Madam Gu began slowly. "All I know is that a woman from the Far West gathered these men three days ago to explore a hidden realm in Southern Bastion Mountain. After they returned, they died one by one."


    "A woman from the Far West?"


    "I don¡¯t know who she is or which hidden realm they explored, but I do know that there¡¯s one survivor who hasn¡¯t died yet," Second Madam Gu added.


    Chu Liang¡¯s eyes flickered with interest.


    "Alright, now we can talk about the price," Second Madam Gu leaned back. "What do you think this information is worth?"


    "This information is, of course, very important. But before we discuss the price, I have another question..." Chu Liang cautiously asked, "Do you have any connection to the Ji Family?"


    "None whatsoever," Second Madam Gu answered coldly.


    "I see..." Chu Liang scratched his head and continued, "When I was in a hidden realm in the Southern Bastion Mountain, I found a man trapped there. He entrusted me with a letter for the thirteenth youngdy of the Ji Family. But when I went to the Ji Family, I found out she had left long ago and has been missing ever since¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Second Madam Gu suddenly stood up as she mmed her palms onto the table. "What did you say? Who was the person that gave you the letter?"


    Seeing her intense reaction, Chu Liang knew that he had guessed correctly.


    After seeing Second Madam Gu again and noticing her eyes seemed to resemble the Xuan Yuan Eyes, Chu Liang had a hunch. Ji Lianhua had left her family for love, presumably to search for Gu Qingyuan. And since she hadn¡¯t returned for so many years, could she have settled at the foot of Southern Bastion Mountain?


    And it seemed Second Madam Gu was indeed that person.


    "He said his name is Gu Qingyuan," Chu Liang replied.


    <i>Bang.</i>


    The table beneath Second Madam Gu¡¯s hands creaked as she left two deep handprints, a clear sign of her agitation.


    "I am... Ji Lianhua," Second Madam Gu said softly.


    She had finally admitted her identity.


    Chu Liang stood up and respectfully bowed. "Esteemed Senior Gu once assisted me in the hidden realm, and I epted his request. I don¡¯t doubt your identity, but to fulfill my duty properly, I ask that you share some of your story, so I can fully confirm it."


    As for the matter of the survivor, he wasn¡¯t in a rush. Once this issue was settled, he was confident Second Madam Gu would provide the information.


    Second Madam Gu then started sharing parts of her story with Gu Qingyuan, which matched what Chu Liang had heard from the Ji Family. What she added was that after leaving the Ji Family, she stayed near the outskirts of Southern Bastion Mountain, using her information-gathering business to try to find out about what happened to Gu Qingyuan.


    After all theplications, she had spent decades watching and waiting.


    Even after so many years, as she spoke of it now, there was still a distant glow in her eyes.


    The mes on the table flickered, casting shadows that danced endlessly.


    While in the night¡¯s rain on theke, amp has burned for years.[2]


    1. Demonic monster is the umbre term of both demon and monsters. These are not the typical demons and monsters that you see in Western culture. They are really yaoguai and yaojin. These are really not trantable but demon and monsters are the most fitting trantion. ?


    2. This is from a poem written by Huang Tingjian titled <i>To Huang Jifu(¼Ä»Æ¼¸¸´)</i>. It basically talks about how Huang Tingjian misses his friend Huang Jifu. If you are interested, the exnation of the full poem in Trantor''s Thoughts. ?

 Chapter 449: Another Visit to the Deep Pool of Dreams

    <h4>Chapter 449: Another Visit to the Deep Pool of Dreams</h4>


    After leaving her family, Second Madam Gu spent decades searching for Gu Qingyan. Now that she had finally received news about him... Chu Liang could not even imagine how she felt at this moment.


    He handed over the letter and obtained the name he wanted, then he quietly took his leave.


    Chu Liang and Second Madam Gu had made an agreement. Once the case that Chu Liang was investigating was resolved, he would take her into the mountains to search for Gu Qingyuan. Chu Liang only vaguely remembered the location of the Deep Pool of Dreams, but he was confident they could find it with some careful searching.


    Upon returning to the inn, Chu Liang told Yan Qihu, "I''ve learned that there is one survivor who entered the hidden realm with them, a man named Xue Ziyang. We need to find him quickly, or he might meet the same fate as the others once night falls."


    Hearing that, Yan Qihu wasted no time in leading the group straight to the location that Second Madam Gu had provided¡ªXue Ziyang''s residence.


    Xue Ziyang was a well-known schr in Kaoshan City. He ran a free private school, where he taught children from impoverished families. It had earned him the nickname Master Ziyang among the townspeople.


    Xue Ziyang wasn''t in the business of escorting people into the mountains, so it was unclear why he had participated this time.


    When Chu Liang''s group arrived at Xue Ziyang''s school, they found the gates locked and the ce deserted.


    Just then, a neighbor happened to walk by, and Chu Liang stepped toward him to inquire about the situation. "Brother, do you know where Mr. Xue might have gone?"


    "Oh, you mean Master Ziyang?" the neighbor responded warmly with a big smile. "I have no idea."


    Chu Liang remarked inwardly, <i>Why are you so happy if you don''t know...?</i>


    "But my child goes to his school, and from what I''ve heard..." the neighbor continued, "Master Ziyang seems to have run into some major trouble. He rarely cancels sses, and whenever he does leave, he always gives a return date. But this time, he said he doesn''t know when he''ll be back..."


    Chu Liang asked, "Did he leave in the past couple of days?"


    "Yes, just yesterday," the neighbor answered. "He took a day off, then he came back and taught for one day before leaving indefinitely. <i>Haaa,</i> Master Ziyang is such a good person; I hope nothing bad happens to him."


    "Thank you."


    He then turned back to discuss with the group from the Great Astral Sect.


    Chu Liang spected, "The first time he left was likely to join the expedition into the hidden realm. The second time must have been because he panicked after hearing about the deaths of the other three. At this point, he''s probably seeking refuge somewhere."


    Ji Lingyu chimed in, "Before we arrived, I asked the City Supervisory Division about him. Xue Ziyang studied under Wei Lang, a renowned schr from the Noblemen''s Hall in Jiangnan."


    "Then it''s highly likely he''s returned to the Noblemen''s Hall," Chu Liang guessed.


    Yan Qihu said decisively, "Let''s head over and look for him there."


    ...


    The Noblemen''s Hall was located in the Misty Rain Pavilion in Jiangnan, and it was not far from the Southern Regions. This was why when trouble urred at the South Mountain Academy, Song Qingyi[1] had gone over to resolve it.


    Chu Liang''s group traveled swiftly and soon arrived at the Misty Rain Pavilion.


    It had been a long time since the Noblemen''s Hall expanded. They were no longer contained in just one ancient building; instead, they upied numerous pavilions and towers scattered across the mountainside. The Misty Rain Pavilion was relegated to being a ce of symbolic significance, only used for the ceremony to formally acknowledge their disciples as new distinguished schrs¡ªConfucian masters¡ªand inscribe their names in the pavilion.


    Unlikerge immortal sects with many disciples, the Noblemen''s Hall housed only a few resident Confucian masters and their remaining disciples.


    The Noblemen''s Hall was quite empty most of the time, but when trouble arose, the Confucian masters whose names had been inscribed in the Noblemen''s Hall and even Confucian masters belonging to other Confucian halls across thend would all lend a helping hand. Their influence should never be underestimated.


    Yan Qihu held a high status in the Great Astral Sect, so the moment he introduced himself at the Noblemen''s Hall, a disciple emerged and respectfully led them inside. A short whileter, a Confucian master came out to greet them.


    The Confucian master wore a loose robe with wide sleeves. Though his hair was white and his face aged, he was broad-shouldered and he had a glowingplexion with a healthy amount of red in his cheeks. It was clear at a nce that he was brimming with vital energy.


    The Confucian master cupped his hands in greeting. "I am Wei Lang. I hear you''vee looking for my disciple?"


    "Mr. Wei," Yan Qihu replied politely and quickly exined why he and his group were there. "We wish to find out which hidden realm your disciple and hispanions ventured into and what they encountered there."


    "<i>Haaa</i>..." Wei Lang sighed. "My disciple hasn''t been in a good condition since his return. I''ll take you to see him."


    He led the group to a room in the rear courtyard. Upon opening the room''s door, they saw a middle-aged schr lying on a bed with his upper body bare. He appeared haggard and weak. There were talismans all over his body and dozens of steel needles embedded in his head.


    "He returned yesterday, saying he had encountered danger and hoped to avoid disaster by staying here," Wei Lang exined. "But at nightfall, he became violent and went berserk. There was even demonic qi seeping from within his body. I had no choice but to suppress him and put him into a deep sleep."


    "Mr. Wei, did a blood moon appear over the Noblemen''s Hallst night?" Chu Liang asked.


    Wei Lang shook his head. "No, we didn''t see anything like that."


    Chu Liang nodded slightly.


    It seemed the blood moon''s influence was limited to the area around Kaoshan City, most likely because the source was in the Southern Bastion Mountain. The further away the target was, the less they were affected... though only to a certain extent.


    Judging from Xue Ziyang''s current state, it was likely he would have met a tragic endst night if Wei Liang had not intervened.


    "To save him, we need to find out exactly what they encountered. Could you wake Mr. Xue?" Chu Liang asked.


    Wei Lang hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. "Very well."


    With a gentle wave of his hand, a faint blue light seeped from the talismans and steel needles, instantly releasing the seals on Xue Ziyang.


    "<i>Aaaaahhhhh!!!</i>" Xue Ziyang screamed, jerking upright!


    He gasped for breath for quite a while. With Wei Lang''s help, Xue Ziyang finally calmed down. He still looked quite dazed, but he gradually returned to his normal self.


    That was when Chu Liang and the others thought it was safe to begin questioning him.


    "Esteemed Senior Xue, who exactly did you enter the Southern Bastion Mountain with that day? Which hidden realm did you explore, and what did you encounter?"


    Xue Ziyang sighed deeply and said, "<i>Haaa</i>, it''s a long story...


    "I usually just teach in Kaoshan City and would never rashly venture into the Southern Bastion Mountain. But a few days ago, Chunyu Tu came to me. He told me that the precious herb I need to reach the pinnacle of the sixth realm seems to be in a hidden realm.


    "It just so happened that there was a very wealthy woman from the Western Regions who was forming a group to venture into the Southern Bastion Mountain, so Chunyu Tu asked if I would like to join them."


    <i>So, it was about treasures of nature, after all,</i> Chu Liang thought. <i>Money might not buy happiness, but it sure helps you avoid a lot of trouble.</i>


    Xue Ziyang continued, "The others were all prominent cultivators from Kaoshan City, so I thought it wouldn''t be a very challenging expedition and ended up agreeing to go with them.


    "At first, the journey went smoothly. We passed through the Valley of Bewildering Fog, where many lingering spirits and Sickle Ghosts wandered, but they posed no real threat to us. Later, our path was even blocked by ghosts from the previous dynasty..."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang was a bit surprised. "Esteemed Senior, the ce you went to... Is it the Deep Pool of Dreams that''s at th e end of the Valley of Bewildering Fog?"


    "That''s right," Xue Ziyang confirmed. "Do you know of it?"


    "I''ve been there as well..." Chu Liang said puzzledly, as he hadn''t encountered the same situation as Xue Ziyang. "Beyond the Deep Pool of Dreams, isn''t there a hidden realm that is filled with dense spiritual energy and has a pce on a mountain peak?"


    "No..." Xue Ziyang shook his head. "After we passed through the Deep Pool of Dreams, we entered a gloomy ghost domain. It was a battlefield littered with piles of white bones and battered corpses."


    <i>Huh?</i>


    This description struck Chu Liang as rather strange.


    He recalled the time he, Pushan, and Luo Yao had followed a diabolical cultivator through the Deep Pool of Dreams. The hidden realm they''d entered had beenpletely different from Xue Ziyang''s ount.


    <i>That hidden realm is probably the ce where Gu Qingyan is trapped, which means it should be a ce of lush mountains and serene waters, with pce halls and towers.</i>


    Xue Ziyang continued, "As soon as we entered, we knew something was wrong. We kept hearing a voice calling out, but we couldn''t find the source... The further we went, the clearer it became, until finally, we heard the voice calling out the name of that woman!


    "Her name is Caiyi."


    1. The youngdy that went undercover as a teacher at the South Mountain Academy in Book 1. Lin Bei¡¯s book boy era. ?

 Chapter 450: Even Dogs Wont Go Back

    <h4>Chapter 450: Even Dogs Won''t Go Back</h4>


    "Caiyi?"


    When Chu Liang heard this name, he thought it sounded very familiar.


    During the Mount Shu Summit, he and Jiang Yuebai had fallen into the sea of clouds and found a small cabin beneath Mount Shu. It was at that ce that they found a diary that belonged to the ancestor of the Yan family. The name, Caiyi, was mentioned in the diary.


    It was a woman named Caiyi who had revealed to that ancestor of the Yan Family the method to break the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.


    But five hundred years had passed since then. This Caiyi might not be that same person... And so, although Chu Liang was inwardly surprised, he kept this thought to himself.


    Xue Ziyang continued, "The murmuring sounded like a demonic melody, and the weakest among us, Chunyu Tu, began hallucinating and nearly lost his mind. I had to use a secret Confucian technique to restore his sanity, but even I myself was barely managing to hold on. We could feel that something was gravely wrong. The demonic qi around us thickened, and most of it seemed to being from that Lady from the Western Regions.


    "I was the first to suggest turning back. The hidden realm was far too strange. This was not a ce that people of our cultivation level could explore. While the others were still hesitating, the woman told us that now that we had reached this point, she no longer needed us... and allowed us to leave.


    "By then, we understood that her cultivation was likely far superior to ours. She had only needed some people who were familiar with the Southern Bastion Mountain to guide her way in here. So, one by one, we left the hidden realm."


    "But even after returning to Kaoshan City, I felt incredibly sick, as if... something was affecting my soul," Xue Ziyang said as he pointed to his head. "Sure enough, on the first night after our return, when the blood moon rose over Kaoshan City, I felt countless voices calling out to me. I felt like my head was being split apart and I nearly lost my mind.


    "Although I barely survived the first night, I could feel the calling getting stronger and stronger. That''s why I rushed to my teacher for help."


    "It seems that the moment you entered that hidden realm, your souls were imnted with Nightmare Specters," Wei Lang exined.


    Nightmare Specters, mysterious and eerie entities, remained iprehensible and known only as something indescribable.


    Ji Lingyu asked, "Can a Nightmare Specter be imnted in a person, like a curse insect?"


    Wei Lang, being a renowned Confucian master of the current age and highly knowledgeable in matters of the soul, exined, "A Nightmare Specter exists somewhere between reality and illusion. The real world and the illusory world are entirely separate dimensions. Though in the real world it may seem a million li away from Ziyang, in the illusory world, it could be right next to him.


    "In ancient times, humans developed the Dream Techniques, a cultivation legacy tied to the Great Dao of Reality and Illusion. They explored it extensively, but with the disappearance of its creator, the Great Noble Dream Immortal, the Technique of Dreams was lost. Later generations could only gather a limited understanding from the fragmented records that remained."


    The Great Dao of Reality and Illusion was a profound concept, and Chu Liang had only a limited understanding of it.


    He understood that the illusory world existed independently from the real world, yet could still exert influence over it. For example, the Dark King Sect''s Soul Subjugator Token could send messages through this illusory realm.


    Something that seemed distant in the real world could be right at hand in the illusory world.


    That was all he knew and anything beyond that was a knowledge gap.


    Wei Lang continued, "To lift the curse, we must find its caster. To end the threat of the blood moon, we''ll need to return to the hidden realm and destroy its source. To save your life, I have no choice but to go."


    Yan Qihu nodded. "I''m going too."


    Chu Liang observed the two of them. With Wei Lang''s schrly wisdom and Yan Qihu''s martial prowess, there was a high chance that they could resolve this issue if they ventured into the mountains together. It was also the perfect opportunity for Chu Liang to fulfill Second Madam Gu''s request.


    So, he spoke up, "If you two esteemed seniors are going to explore the hidden realm, I know someone exceptionally knowledgeable about Southern Bastion Mountain. She could join us."


    ...


    Yan Qihu was naturally reluctant to bring his juniors along, but with Xue Ziyang in his current condition, there was no way he could return to Southern Bastion Mountain. Their previous guide had died, leaving Chu Liang as the only one capable of leading them to the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    If it were only for the Great Astral Sect, Chu Liang wouldn''t be willing to risk his life like this. But he owed Gu Qingyuan a favor, and he had to bring Second Madam Gu to find him, no matter what.


    With two powerful experts apanying them, this was his best opportunity to join the expedition.


    After carefully questioning Xue Ziyang, Chu Liang confirmed that the ce they had followed the Lady from the Western Regions to was indeed the Deep Pool of Dreams¡ªthe same one he had visited with the Southern-Route Guider. However, why the hidden realm beyond the abyss looked so different remained a mystery, one that could only be solved upon arrival.


    When Ji Lingyu heard that Chu Liang had found her thirteenth aunt, she immediately demanded toe along. Seeing her join, Tang Shi naturally didn''t want to be left behind either.


    In the end, Yan Qihu had no choice but to bring along all these juniors.


    Fortunately, they were all among the top of the younger generation, so they might not be a burden.


    "When we enter that treacherous realm full of demons and monsters, stay close and don''t charge ahead," Yan Qihu reminded them cautiously, worried that the younger ones might fall prey to the Nightmare Demon and meet the same fate as those who had perished before.


    Nevertheless, with Wei Lang joining them, Yan Qihu was brimming with confidence.


    A Confucian master from the Noblemen''s Hall was bound to be intelligent, and with this, the only shoring in the Great Astral Sect''s n was now resolved.


    The great confucian schr was well-prepared, even bringing a Soul-Pacifying Scroll from the Noblemen''s Hall, specifically designed to counter strange and malevolent spirits that target the soul.


    Upon returning to Kaoshan City, Chu Liang immediately went to see Second Madam Gu.


    And he brought Ji Lingyu along with him.


    "Done with your business already?" Second Madam Gu asked upon seeing Chu Liang.


    Previously, Chu Liang had told her that he needed to handle matters with the Great Astral Sect first, so she had expected to wait a few more days.


    But when she noticed Ji Lingyu''s Xuan Yuan Eyes, her expression turned a bit wary.


    Upon seeing her wary expression, Chu Liang realized she might have assumed he had informed the Ji family and that Ji Lingyu hade to confront her. He very quickly rified, "There has been a change of ns. It turns out the members of the Great Astral Sect are heading to the same ce, so I figured you could join us. With two powerful figures from the Great Astral Sect and the Noblemen''s Hall, it''s quite safe. And as for this youngdy, Ji Lingyu... well, she ran away from home."


    Upon hearing this, Second Madam Gu''s expression softened slightly.


    Ji Lingyu timidly approached and said, "Thirteenth Aunt, I''ve heard your story..."


    Chu Liang was certain the two would get along¡ªafter all, in a way, Second Madam Gu was the reigning champion of the Ji family''s "runaway contest" from the previous generation.


    After some conversation, the aunt and niece quickly hit it off. Ji Lingyu was captivated by her aunt''s story, while Second Madam Gu grew fond of Ji Lingyu''s sharp wit and cleverness.


    After a while, Second Madam Gu turned back to Chu Liang, "Since we already have two powerful figures joining us, I won''t bother gathering more people. We''ll head into the mountains tomorrow."


    "That sounds good," Chu Liang agreed.


    Since it was alreadyte, venturing into the mountains was out of the question, so they chose to stay in Kaoshan City for the night. Whether Xue Ziyang would make it through the night at the Noblemen''s Hall remained uncertain, but with so many Confucian masters watching over him, Chu Liang felt a flicker of hope.


    Ji Lingyu stayed with Second Madam Gu, and the two seemed to share a few drinks, their conversation stretchingte into the night. The cool night breeze drifted through the city, carrying their voices in soft echoes. The phrase that lingered the most was...


    "Even dogs won''t go back to the House of the Ji Family."

 Chapter 451: Being Noble Alone

    <h4>Chapter 451: Being Noble Alone </h4>


    By the time dawn broke, Chu Liang had already led the group to the edge of the Valley of Bewildering Fog.


    Wei Lang, a distinguished Confucian master from the Noblemen''s Hall, and Grandmaster Yan Qihu of the Great Astral Sect took the lead. Ji Lingyu, Tang Shi, and Chu Liang followed closely behind, with Second Madam Gu and her mysterious attendant trailing at the rear.


    The attendant was a small but sharp-eyed man. He kept his face concealed beneath ck cloth.


    Second Madam Gu introduced him to the group. "Chabu is from a mysterious vige on the Scorching Sun ins. The people of his vige carry a bloodline that can suppress malevolent spirits. He might be of use when the timees."


    Chu Liang had briefly mentioned Second Madam Gu''s background with the others, and both Wei Lang and Yan Qihu found themselves having so much respect for this extraordinary woman. With that, the group stepped into the fog.


    As the guide, Chu Liang took on the responsibility. The moment they entered the mist, faint whispers seemed to swirl around them, echoing in his ears.


    Recalling what happened when he was herest time, he warned the group, "This fog is filled with lingering spirits and Sickle Ghosts. Stay sharp. We''ll need to hunt down the Sickle Ghosts. Their bones can ignite a fire, which will help disperse the mist..."


    As Chu Liang spoke, Wei Lang raised his hand, summoning an azure scroll that glowed faintly. In an instant, a soft light enveloped the group, and the whispering spirits dissipated.


    "Let''s get going," Wei Lang said calmly.


    Chu Liang''s rambling stopped abruptly.


    <i>Ah, going with an Eminent One is the best.</i>


    Previously, Chu Liang thought the two Guiders of the diabolical sect were quite formidable. Yet, they couldn''t protect the entire group, forcing everyone to hunt down Sickle Ghosts just to stay alive.


    <i>Now that I''m going through this again, the difference is so obvious. Is this why they say people are afraid topare themselves with others in the same field?</i>


    As soon as the Soul-Pacifying Scroll was activated, the fog retreated, and all the lingering spirits vanished. The arduous task of hunting Sickle Ghosts was no longer necessary.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but think, <i>Sometimes, the manager''sck of ability is truly the reason the workload bes so heavy and difficult.</i>


    The group continued forward at a steady pace.


    Before long, the shadowy figure of a Sickle Ghost emerged in the distance. Yan Qihu, with a flick of his sleeve, readied himself to attack.


    But Chu Liang couldn''t hold back any longer. He leaped forward and shouted, "I''ll clear the path for everyone!"


    "Hey," Yan Qihu stopped Chu Liang with a firm hand on his shoulder. "Just focus on guiding us. There''s no need for you juniors to concern yourselves with such trivial matters."


    "Esteemed senior, it''s precisely because it''s such a small matter that we juniors should handle it," Chu Liang said earnestly. "There are greater dangers ahead. You and the others should conserve your strength. Please, allow me to take care of this!"


    Sensing the sincerity in Chu Liang''s words, Yan Qihu released his grip and nodded. "Alright then, but be careful."


    Yan Qihu stepped back twice and whispered to Wei Lang, "This kid is really something. It''s a shame he''s a disciple of Mount Shu... and that his teacher is Di Nufeng. Otherwise, I''d love to recruit him into the Great Astral Sect."


    "Indeed," Wei Lang agreed. "Our little friend Chu Liang here has a kind heart and a strong sense of righteousness. Such qualities truly make people love him."


    Chu Liang''s intentions were genuinely heartfelt.


    He was genuinely wanting to y a few Sickle Ghosts so that he could open up some rewards in the White Pagoda.


    Thest time he hunted Sickle Ghosts, he was rewarded with a One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pill, which granted him two indestructible "golden fingers."[1] If he could earn a few more pills this time, he might even be able to forge a golden right hand.


    When he was here previously, these Sickle Ghosts could still somewhat threaten his life.


    If it wasn''t for the Ghost-ying Sword of Divine Light, he wouldn''t have killed these ghosts so easily.


    But he no longer had to exert so much effort this time. With a simplemand, his sword flew through the air, effortlessly slicing through every ghost in its path.


    The seemingly tough bones of the Sickle Ghosts crumbled under even the faintest sweep of his Dustless Sword''s sword qi.


    As he collected the golden imprints visible only to himself, Chu Liang''s smile grew wider with each one.


    Behind him, Yan Qihu watched Chu Liang happily ying ghosts and said to Tang Shi, "Look at him. He''s able to feel such joy from deep within while he is contributing to the group. It shows that his nature is truly noble... What an example worth following."


    And so, Tang Shi drew her spear and said resolutely, "I can''t let Young Hero Chu bear all the burden alone. I''ll help him clear the way."


    Chu Liang''s smile vanished instantly, reced by a stern expression.


    "That won''t be necessary!" he dered.


    There was a gleam in his eyes, as if he were protecting something precious.


    Tang Shi, still gripping her spear tightly, suddenly felt awkward. She fidgeted with it, feeling a bit wronged.


    <i>Why is he being so mean?</i>


    <i>Howe he gets to be noble but won''t let us act nobly too?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang cleared the path wlessly, aplishing the task with ease. Compared to the previous time he ventured here, this journey was infinitely smoother.


    Of course, he himself was the biggest obstaclest time.


    With no sense of time in the dense fog, it felt as though they had walked for ages. Finally, the group reached the depths of the Valley of Bewildering Fog, where the vast and mysterious outline of the Deep Pool of Dreams emerged before them.


    The sound of shing armor began to echo once more.


    It was the undying, tireless soldiers of the former dynasty again.


    As they charged over from all directions, they shouted, "Kill the enemy!"


    This time, Chu Liang didn''t insist on facing them alone, knowing it was too much for him to handle by himself.


    But as soon as Yan Qihu made a move, things became different.


    The Martial Artist at the seventh realm let out a thunderous shout, stomping the ground beneath him, and in an instant, his figure vanished from the spot.


    At the same moment, thousands of Yan Qihu''s silhouettes flickered into existence, appearing before every lingering spirit of the former dynasty''s soldiers. Each one delivered a punch or a palm strike.


    <i>Thud, thud, thud...</i>


    A series of muffled sounds blended together, and in the blink of an eye, when Yan Qihu reappeared in his original spot, the soldiers of the former dynasty had all been obliterated.


    <i>"..." Chu Liang ground his teeth. Not even one left for me, huh?</i>


    Just as he was about to continue forward, countless figures suddenly dashed out toward them.


    Ten times more soldiers than before appeared out of nowhere. They came from all directions, charging toward them like an unstoppable tide!


    "Hmm?" This overwhelming sight caught Chu Liang by surprise.


    At that moment, an earth-shattering dragon roar erupted from the depths of the abyss.


    "Roar¡ª"


    Several skeletal dragons soared upward,unching their attack alongside the mass of soldiers. Flying beside the bone dragons was a seemingly insignificant figure¡ªthe astute chancellor of the former dynasty.


    It was clear that the lingering spirits from the Deep Pool of Dreams wereunching an all-out assault!


    As the group braced themselves for the oing battle, they suddenly realized something strange¡ªthe lingering spirits weren''t heading toward them. Instead, they rushed right past.


    "They don''t seem to be attacking us..." The Great Confucian Wei Lang raised his hand. "They''re fleeing!"


    In the blink of an eye, countless lingering spirits, apanied by the booming sound of thunder, fled from the Deep Pool of Dreams, including the powerful skeletal dragon and the chancellor of the former dynasty.


    The group realized that something was wrong. Although their destination was the Deep Pool of Dreams, something weird was clearly happening inside.


    They couldn''t recklessly advance.


    Yan Qihu quicklymanded, "Retreat for now!"


    A rainbow-colored barrier appeared in their line of sight, and the group immediately understood why the spirits were fleeing.


    The Deep Pool of Dreams was expanding, and the multicolored barrier surged toward them, the dark abyss widening like a massive maw, threatening to devour all life in its path.


    "Go!"


    Wei Lang waved his sleeve, and the halo from the Soul-Pacifying Scroll above his head condensed into a radiant orb, enveloping the group as they swiftly retreated.


    Behind the rainbow barrier, the abyssal mist coalesced and morphed into a giant hand that reached out, attempting to grasp them!


    Just as the light orb was about to overtake the fleeing spirits, the chancellor of the former dynasty suddenly turned to face them.


    "Thend of the nine provinces shall sink...the vast heavens...You officials who did not die for your country are all traitors!" the chancellor chanted. Every word he said sounded eerie.


    As he spoke, a scroll materialized in his hand, unleashing countless talismanic characters into the air!


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    <i>What''s happening?</i>


    The group behind was shocked¡ªcould the Confucian divine art that Wei Lang had activated have provoked the chancellor intounching such a fierce attack?


    The talismanic characters shot toward them, but with a sweep of his sleeve, Wei Lang exhaled a breath of righteous energy, dispersing them all.


    The chancellor of the former dynasty may have been powerful, but as a lingering spirit, he was no match for this Confucian Eminent One.


    However, that brief dy allowed the misty giant hand to catch up!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Yan Qihu had already sprung into action, delivering a powerful punch that shattered the giant hand.


    Yet, the dispersed mist still engulfed them, and the rapidly expanding abyssal barrier surged forward, swallowing the group whole.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In an instant, they were forced into the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    Everything went dark as a hurricane-like force swept the glowing orb into a ck vortex, pulling everything along with it.


    ...


    A faint floral aroma wafted through the air as he breathed in.


    Chu Liang opened his eyes.


    Several kind but unfamiliar faces hovered around him. "You''re awake?"


    "Uh..." Chu Liang was startled, quickly asking, "Who are you... Where is this?"


    One of them answered, "This is the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal."


    1. A reminder that golden fingers typically is a Chinese ng for cheat codes. So he has two literal golden fingers but also he does have a golden finger, which is the White Pagoda. I believe this is what the author is trying to convey. I did think about naming it as metal since it means metal as well but that would mean losing the term golden finger. Therefore, even though gold is not the strongest, we will keep it as golden. ?

 Chapter 452: Utopia

    Chapter 452: Utopia


    When Chu Liang woke up, he found himself inside a medicinal hall. Upon stepping out of its doors, he was greeted by a peaceful and idyllic scene.


    A long street with an old-fashioned charm stretched out before him. A few elders sat on the side of the street, leisurely chatting while fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans. Groups of children ran by, leaving behind a trail of cheerfulughter. Teahouses lined half the street, filled with people casually sipping tea and chatting. There was even the faint cking of mahjong tiles.


    Anyone who stayed in such a ce would not be able to help but feel very rxed and content.


    Chu Liang asked, "This is the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal¡­?"


    He turned back into the medicinal hall and looked at the white-bearded elderly physician in confusion.


    In Chu Liang''s memory, his group had been searching for the Deep Pool of Dreams when there was a sudden shift in the abyss. Caught off guard, the abyss pulled them in.


    <em>I thought we were going to fall into the abyss. How did we end up here in the blink of an eye?</em>


    "That''s right," the elderly physician answered with a kind smile. "Some people who had gone for a hike in the mountains found the two of you and brought you here. Why, are you not from the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal?"


    "The two of us? Who is the other person?" Chu Liang asked in return."This youngdy," the physician answered, pulling back a curtain to reveal Tang Shi''s small figure.


    Perhaps disturbed by Chu Liang''s and the elderly physician''s voices, Tang Shi''s eyelids fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes.


    She soon found herself as confused as Chu Liang.


    Tang Shi asked, "The Kingdom of the Dream Immortal? What is this ce?"


    The elderly physician exined warmly, "This is an Immortal''s Land that the Noble Dream Immortal established. It''s said to be very far from the outside world. No one has ever left, and no one from the outside has ever entered..."


    It seemed that even though he had never seen outsiders before, he harbored no animosity toward them.


    "Well, this is..." Chu Liang muttered, scratching his head, "quite unexpected."


    He had assumed that once they went beyond the Deep Pool of Dreams, they would find the pce on the mountain where he had met Gu Qingyuan. However, he then heard from Xue Ziyang that what he''d found were the deste remains of a battlefield...


    <em>Why has that now changed to the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal??</em>


    As for the Deep Pool of Dreams or the Southern Bastion Mountain, the elderly physician knew nothing about them. He had never heard of such ces existing in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal.


    At a loss, Chu Liang decided to walk around with Tang Shi first to try and figure out the situation they were in.


    The kind elderly physician at the medicinal hall offered that if they had nowhere to stay, they could return and stay at his ce. Chu Liang thanked him.


    Afterward, Chu Liang and Tang Shi stepped out of the medicinal hall and nced around the street.


    The city seemed the same everywhere they looked. People were drinking tea, enjoying wine, ying mahjong, and eating hotpot. Children were ying games, and elders were chatting. Even the younger adults in the prime of their lives were behaving simrly, passing their time idly.


    Tang Shi whispered, "Nothing seems strange..."


    "No, everything''s very strange." Chu Liang shook his head. "Didn''t you notice... no one here is working?"


    Tang Shi was taken aback. "<em>Huh?</em>"


    Having grown up in an immortal sect, the concept didn''t resonate much with her.


    However, Chu Liang found it extremely odd. <em>Regardless of their age, not a single person in this whole city was working. It was really strange. How do they sustain themselves?</em>


    Filled with curiosity, Chu Liang and Tang Shi returned to the medicinal hall.


    Chu Liang asked the elderly physician, "Uncle[1], I walked around the city, but I didn''t see a single person working. Why is that?"


    "Working?" the elderly physician uttered, blinking nkly.


    It seemed he was unfamiliar with the word.


    Chu Liang was perplexed. "If no one works, where do you get all your food, clothing, and supplies?"


    "Whenever you want something, you just go to the Holy Mountain and make a wish." The elderly physician pointed eastward. "There are holy envoys who cultivate the Dream Techniques on the mountain. They will send whatever you wish for straight to your home."


    Chu Liang''s gaze followed the direction of the elderly physician''s finger to somewhere beyond the distant buildings, and he indeed saw the outline of a vast towering mountain.


    <em>A ce like this actually exists?</em>


    Chu Liang blinked in surprise.


    He couldn''t help but feel a little envious.


    ¡­


    "<em>Huu... Huu...</em>"


    Tang Shi sat obediently on a cushion with a cup in her hands. She gently blew at her tea as wisps of steam slowly rose the cup.


    Chu Liang and the elderly physician were sitting there too. They were sipping tea as they talked.


    The elderly physician was exining the origins of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal in detail.


    It was said that thousands of years ago, the ancient Noble Dream Immortal established this Immortal''s Land and led over a group of people, the ancestors of those currently residing there. Thus, the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal was formed.


    In the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, there were no kings, ministers, or officials. Nor was there a wealth divide, segregating the rich from the poor. Everyone was born into a life of leisure, where they livednguidly and died content with the life they had lived.


    Whenever someone died, a baby would be born. Thus, the poption of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal remained constant.


    Some of its residents were gifted in cultivating the Dream Techniques, so they were chosen to be holy envoys. The Dream Techniques was said to be an immortal art that the Noble Dream Immortal had left behind for them. With it, they could create anything from nothing.


    If anyone needed anything, they would go to the Holy Mountain to ask the holy envoys to create it, and someone wouldter deliver it to their home. Of course, if they wished for something outrageous, the holy envoys wouldn''t make it.


    While listening to the elderly physician''s exnation, Chu Liang thought about it. He had previously heard Wei Lang mention the ancient Great Noble Dream Immortal.


    Of course, Noble Immortals were not true immortals. During the era of the Immortal Dynasty, ¡°Noble Immortal¡± was a title given to some eighth-realm cultivators who had attained the Heavenly Origin. The Immortal Dynasty had conferred the title of Noble Immortal to nine cultivators, all of whom were among the top eighth-realm cultivators in the world.


    The Great Noble Dream Immortal had made a name for himself throughout the nine provinces with his Dream Techniques. Could it be that he had created the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal with his divine ability?


    When the elderly physician was done exining, Chu Liang sighed. "This ce is a total utopia. There''s no danger, no war, no oppression, no work... You just need to make wishes, and you will have anything you want. It''s truly a ce that can only be found in a dream..."


    "<em>Hmm...</em>" The elderly physician''s expression suddenly turned serious. "The Kingdom of the Dream Immortal is not entirely free of danger. In fact, I was just about to warn you about it."


    "Oh?"


    Chu Liang and Tang Shi listened attentively.


    The elderly physician said, "Perhaps the original Kingdom of the Dream Immortal truly was a Pure Land[2],pletely free of danger. But three thousand years ago, a massive demon descended from the sky... The holy envoys called it the Nightmare Demon, and that demon transformed into a mountain of demons."


    "Since then, every full moon, the moon turns blood-red, and Nightmare Beasts descend from the Demon Mountain to devour people." Fear appeared on the elderly physician''s face for the first time. "Those Nightmare Beasts can take on countless forms and are extremely terrifying. Fortunately, we have the holy envoys protecting the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, so as long as we stay vignt, we can avoid catastrophe."


    "Blood moon... Nightmare Beasts..." Chu Liang muttered.


    Hearing these familiar words made him furrow his brows.


    This ce seemed isted from the outside world, yet it seemed to be linked to the outside world in countless ways. A seed of doubt sprouted in his mind, but he couldn''t confirm it just yet.


    "Oh, dear," the elderly physician uttered suddenly. "It seems we''ll be having the blood moon tonight. You must stay in this medicinal hall. Do not sleep. And no matter what sounds you hear, do not leave. As long as you don''t sleep and don''t go outside, the Nightmare Beasts won''t be able to harm you."


    "And why is that?" Chu Liang asked.


    "That is what we''ve learned from experience having fought the Nightmare Beasts for three thousand years," the elderly physician answered with a grim expression. "If you sleep, the Nightmare Beasts will emerge from your dreams. If you go outside and the blood moon''s light falls on you, you''ll immediately go mad! You''ll be just like the Nightmare Beasts!"


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang was struck with a sh of insight.


    He figured out why Xue Ziyang''spanions had died so suddenly!


    1. Polite but informal form of address for an older man. ?


    2. In Buddhism, it''s believed to be a paradise where beings are reborn after death, free from the suffering and impurities of the physical world. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 453: This Is What Martial Artists Are Like

    <h4>Chapter 453: This Is What Martial Artists Are Like</h4>


    The blood moon would transform those it shone upon into beings like the Nightmare Beasts. This was so simr to how Xue Ziyang''spanions had died!


    But others in Kaoshan City who saw the blood moon were unharmed, indicating that the blood moon only had this power in the illusory world and did not possess mystical abilities in reality.


    The only people affected were those who had visited the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    Their bodies might have escaped, but part of their souls had been left behind in the illusory world! When the blood moon reappeared, they would still go mad in the illusory world.


    That blood moon appearing over Kaoshan City suggested that the beings in the virtual realm now had the ability to affect parts of reality, at least extending from the Deep Pool of Dreams to the outer cities of the Southern Bastion Mountain.


    As Chu Liang thought of this, he couldn''t help but feel concerned.


    He had initially thought it was just an ordinary hidden realm. As the two Guiders from the diabolical sect had previously led teams there, he thought it would be a piece of cake for the two cultivators at the seventh realm.


    But the creator of the Deep Pool of Dreams had clearly mastered the Dao of Reality and Illusion, which meant that they were at least at the seventh realm and likely possessed some eerie power.


    As of now, he was unsure of whether Yan Qihu and Wei Lang could even handle this Nightmare Beast.


    As for the origin of this hidden realm... was it the ancient Noble Dream Immortal, the Nightmare Demon King of the demon race, thest emperor of the previous dynasty, or perhaps Gu Qingyuan? With so many possibilities for who might have created the Deep Pool of Dreams, it was difficult to piece everything together and form a conclusion.


    Fortunately, the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal remained a sanctuary, a ce of respite for now. The uproar in the Deep Pool of Dreams was so great that, even if the two Eminent Ones couldn''t handle it, surely more powerful and righteous individuals would step in.


    For now, he just needed to ensure his own safety.


    "<i>Huu...</i>" Tang Shi continued to gently sip her tea, seemingly enjoying herself.


    Seeing this, the elderly physician smiled and asked, "Does Miss Tang like tea?"


    "Not really..." Tang Shi smiled awkwardly, "We can''t sleep tonight, right? So I''m drinking more to stay awake."


    There was a subtle difference between martial artists and cultivators: martial artists needed sleep to restore their qi and blood after tempering their bodies, whereas many cultivators could forgo sleep entirely, relying on meditation instead.


    Still, if it was just for one night, it should be fine.


    The elderly physician said, "As long as you don''t drink too much tea and ruin your appetite for dinner, it''s fine."


    "Don''t worry, that won''t happen," Tang Shi replied confidently, shaking her head. "I can eat two whole cows in one meal."


    Hearing this, the elderly physician''s eyelids twitched slightly.


    Luckily, Tang Shi didn''t need to eat two cows at every meal. Martial artists were like that: when they could eat, they ate in abundance to replenish their qi and blood. When they couldn''t, going hungry for ten days or even half a month was no big deal.


    Compared to the outside world, the cuisine in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal was much simpler. While there was no shortage of vegetables or meat, there was ack of seasoning and refined cooking techniques. If this kingdom had truly been isted since the era of the Noble Dream Immortal thousands of years ago, then it made sense that it was in a rather primitive state.


    After dinner, the three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking, allowing Chu Liang and Tang Shi to learn all about the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal.


    As dusk settled in, the streets grew restless. People hurried through the narrownes, banging gongs and shouting, "Tonight is the blood moon! Every household, shut your doors and windows tight! Stay cautious! Don''t sleep! Don''t go outside!"


    The sight of these people rushing around suddenly turned the once peaceful and serene atmosphere in the city into one of tension.


    Since sleep wasn''t an option, the elderly physician didn''t arrange separate rooms for them. Instead, he led them to a quiet room and sealed the doors and windows, making sure they could remind each other to stay awake throughout the night.


    "On the night of the blood moon," the elderly physician exined, "it''s best to have someone nearby. If you fall asleep without realizing it, you wouldn''t even know."


    Chu Liang simply smiled in response.


    <i>As a cultivator with a strong divine soul, I can go a month without sleep without a problem. Tang Shi, being a martial artist, had vitality, qi, and spirit that burned like a zing sun, so she shouldn''t have an issue either...</i>


    <i>Wait a minute? </i>Just as he was thinking this, Chu Liang noticed the Tang Shi''s head was already drooping, her body swaying... She was already starting to doze off!


    The sun hadn''t even fully set yet!


    "Wake up..." He quickly patted Tang Shi on the shoulder, "Miss Tang?"


    "Ah." Tang Shi jolted awake, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "Sorry, I tend to get sleepy as soon as night falls..."


    "Napping now is fine, just don''t fall asleepter," Chu Liang reminded her.


    "It won''t happen!" Tang Shi shook her head firmly, then grabbed the teapot and took several big gulps before mming it back down. "I definitely won''t give those Nightmare Beasts a chance!"


    ...


    Night fell.


    The houses in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal were specially designed, with tightly sealed doors and windows,yered with thick curtains to block out any moonlight and muffle sounds from outside. Inside, the rooms were cloaked in a deep, calming quiet.


    Chu Liang sat cross-legged on the ground, sinking his divine sense into the White Pagoda, beginning to unbox the rewards.


    This time, he had in far more Sickle Ghosts than before¡ªabout thirty in total. If he could refine them all into One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pills, crafting a golden right hand seemed well within reach.


    With some free time, he began refining the imprints of the Sickle Ghosts, one by one.


    After he hadpleted the refinement, he withdrew his divine sense and took a nce at Tang Shi, intending to take the pills while she wasn''t paying attention.


    But when he looked over, he saw the young girl sitting there, her eyelids drooping, about to fall asleep!


    "MISS TANG!"


    <i>Good grief, is staying awake for just a short while really that hard? You''re only in your teens, and you can''t even stay up for one night?</i>


    Chu Liang hurried over, pressing on Tang Shi''s shoulder and giving her a firm shake to wake her up.


    "Ah!" She gasped, her eyes snapping open in surprise. "I almost fell asleep again!"


    "Yes," Chu Liang replied with a wry chuckle. "Is it really that hard?"


    "I''ll stand up. Maybe that''ll help," Tang Shi muttered as she stood up straight. "Since I was young, I would always doze off. Sometimes I would even fall asleep during training, and every time I dozed off, my esteemed teacher would make me stand as punishment..."


    "Martial artists are like that. It''s tough for you, I know," Chu Liang said, trying tofort her. "But during times like this, we have to endure."


    Seeing Tang Shi standing there with a determined look, promising not to sit down, Chu Liang finally felt reassured.


    He sat down by the table and began taking the One-Inch Golden Ghost Bone Pills one by one. Following the familiar process, he refined the spiritual qi after each pill, channeling it into his right hand.


    Momentster, he felt his entire palm bing extremely hard.


    The golden right hand wasplete!


    Chu Liang clenched his fist, noticing that the toughness of his right hand now matched the hardness he had achieved when fortified with Geng Metal foundational qi. If he fortified it again with Geng Metal foundational qi, it would likely reach an even higher level.


    Unfortunately, it wasn''t convenient to test its power now.


    Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard the sound of steady breathing.


    He turned his head and saw that Tang Shi, at some point, had started swaying and was now leaning against the wall.


    Her eyes were already closed!


    She can sleep while standing?


    Chu Liang truly hadn''t expected this challenge. They hadn''t even reached the part where they needed to fight the Nightmare Beasts, and she had already nearly surrendered several times.


    "Miss Tang..." He hurried over and shook Tang Shi awake once more.


    "Ahhh!" Tang Shi eximed as she woke up, her face flushing with embarrassment. She lowered her head and mumbled, "Sorry, I... I... I guess I''m just too nervous. And when I get nervous, I get sleepy."


    "It''s fine. Martial artists like you sometimes behave this way," Chu Liang replied, indicating that he understood. Then, he suggested, "How about propping your eyelids up?"


    Tang Shi was quite obedient and immediately agreed to the suggestion.


    Without hesitation, she carved two small wooden sticks on the table and propped them between her eyelids. With a martial artist''s physique, not blinking for a while wouldn''t be a problem. But if she fell asleep again, there was a real risk of the Nightmare Specters invading her dreams, which could be disastrous.


    ording to the elderly physician, exposure to the blood moon would cause one to transform into a Nightmare Beast. If the Nightmare Specter entered their dreams, they would start hallucinating and it would be extremely difficult to get rid of this Nightmare Specter.


    Many people would be tricked by their hallucination into leaving their rooms and bathing in the moonlight. They would be attacked both in their sleep and in their wake and there would be no chance for survival.


    Chu Liang watched Tang Shi intently for a while.


    It wasn''t until she smiled at him, showing no signs of sleepiness, that he finally sat back down, feeling reassured.


    He wanted to say something, to keep her engaged and prevent her from rxing too much and drifting back into sleep. However, they had already talked for most of the day, and now, he found himself at a loss for words.


    <i>If only Lin Bei or Pushan were here</i>, hemented.


    As Chu Liang pondered, a distant, beastly roar suddenly echoed through the air, apanied by faint shouts. It sounded like some kind of ferocious beast had descended the mountain.


    <i>Are there still people out there? Could it be the envoys from the Holy Mountain, practicing the Dream Techniques? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    Out of curiosity, Chu Liang extended his divine sense to investigate, but the sound was too distant. Before his divine sense could reach that far, he suddenly heard a soft snoring sound beside him.


    "<i>Zzz... Zzz...</i>"


    <i>Hmm? </i>Chu Liang was startled.


    Turning back, he saw Tang Shi standing there, her eyes wide open, softly snoring!


    What kind of girl can sleep with her eyes open?


    <i>Oh my heavens.</i>


    "Miss Tang..."


    He was about to rush over and wake her when she suddenly turned her head toward him.


    Her eyes were filled with a crimson hue!

 Chapter 454: Could It Be Fake?

    <h4>Chapter 454: Could It Be Fake?</h4>


    At this moment, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think that Yun Chaoxian''s im of being smarter than everyone else in the Great Astral Sect might not be without reason.


    At the very least, Yun Chaoxian had stood by his side in battle countless times and had never once dozed off at a crucial moment!


    Chu Liang caught a glimpse of Tang Shi turning her head toward him, her eyes gleaming a disturbing crimson. It was clear a Nightmare Specter had invaded her dream! He knew what had to be done: she must be subdued until dawn!


    He could not let her leave the room.


    But restraining a core disciple of the Great Astral Sect wouldn''t be easy.


    "Demonic entity, how dare you!" Tang Shi bellowed.


    With a swift leap, her petite frame hurtled forward. As she soared through the air, her body swelled, expanding with a sudden, fierce intensity.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, her body swelled, muscles rippling as veins snaked across her skin like dragons. She looked every bit the part of a wrathful Vajra.


    "Miss Tang, snap out of it..."


    But words were futile in her current state. Since words could not do anything, Chu Liang had no choice but to fight!


    As Tang Shi''s massive fist hurtled toward him, he raised his right palm to intercept it.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Their fist and palm collided with a resounding crash, like muffled thunder rolling through the room.


    Both Tang Shi and Chu Liang took two steps back from the sheer force of their sh.


    Chu Liang was cultivating more than one cultivation legacy; including the ones from the dragon race, he was cultivating three in total! His physical strength had reached a terrifying level! Furthermore, he was wearing the Jiuli Armor, which would reflect a portion of the attack back to the attacker.


    Yet, Tang Shi was on par with him!


    Yun Chaoxian had once mentioned that Tang Shi possessed Vajra blood. As the temperature of the blood in her veins rose, she would transform into a formidable Vajra battle form. Witnessing it now, Chu Liang realized just how incredibly strong she had be.


    However, even with their strength being equal, Chu Liang was at a clear disadvantage in closebat. Tang Shi had been practicing martial arts since childhood, which meant that herbat techniques far surpassed his Brick Combat Technique.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In an instant, she drew a spear, and her aura intensified, surging to a whole new level.


    Chu Liang sighed inwardly. With no other option, he used the Army of Beans technique. Five figures materialized, swiftly encircling the Tang Shi, who was in the form of a Vajra. At the same time, he activated the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique, causing his qi to re violently within him.


    "<i>Hah!</i>"


    As Tang Shi faced five opponents on her own, she let out a fierce shout and thrust her long spear forward like a striking dragon!


    Chu Liang made a step forward and executed the Turbulent Stream Movement Art. In the blink of an eye, he was already three chi in front of her, dodging the long spear.


    But Tang Shi, well-versed in martial arts, was not one to be caught off guard.


    It happened in a sh, like a bolt of lightning.


    She spun around suddenly, charging toward the clone of Chu Liang behind her. Just as she closed in, she swung her spear in a sweeping arc!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With a single, crushing blow, she smashed the clones back into its pill form.


    Sensing Chu Liang closing in from behind, she twisted her body, arching backward as her spear whirled around.


    A back-thrusting spear!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Fortunately, Chu Liang caught the subtle shift in her shoulder, instantly sensing danger. Immediately, he used Dimension Compression, narrowly dodging the ferocious spear. In the same heartbeat, he closed in on Tang Shi, his golden right fist fused with the power of Geng Metal foundational qi!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    He swung his punch, forcing Tang Shi to abandon her spear and meet his blow head-on with her own fist.


    The sh echoed like andslide, causing the entire room to tremble!


    As the fight raged on, Tang Shi''s Vajra blood burned hotter, her entire body radiating with a golden light as her blood aura surged. Her bones had be harder than legendary weapons. Fortunately, Chu Liang had just fortified his right hand, allowing him to hold his ground!


    After a brief stalemate, two more clones lunged from behind, attempting to seize Tang Shi''s arms and restrain her.


    But sheshed out with her right foot, kicking the spearhead into the third clone, turning it back to its original form. The two clones holding her arms stood no chance against her raw strength and were flung away in an instant!


    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>


    She now resembled a humanoid beast; unless someone had a body as terrifyingly powerful as hers, anyone who dared touch her would be crushed and meet their end!


    Chu Liang sacrificed all his clones to disarm her of the spear, and that was enough.


    Now, with both of them bare-handed, they lunged at each other,unching into a brutal, fist-to-fist, foot-to-foot brawl!


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    But soon, Chu Liang felt something was off¡ªhow was it that every time he managed tond a punch on Tang Shi, she had already struck him four times? Competing in martial arts techniques with a disciple of the Great Astral Sect was truly out of his league!


    Thankfully, the Jiuli Armor''s bacsh effect made sure Tang Shi felt the impact of every strike shended, leaving her just as battered.


    Gritting his teeth, Chu Liang activated the Inferno Devil Armor.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    <i>Crackle¡ª</i>


    As the pill wasunched into the air, it instantly transformed into pieces of armor that attached itself on top of the Jiuli Armor, enveloping his entire body.


    mes then surged around him!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Inferno Devil Armor, built to counter martial artists in closebat, zed with the power of Chu Liang''s foundational qi. Within a one-zhang radius, the Divine Dragon Fire ignited, its scorching heat forcing Tang Shi to stagger back!


    Seeing how difficult it would be to defeat Chu Liang, Tang Shi suddenly flipped backward and bolted toward the door, trying to escape the room.


    <i>I can''t let that happen! </i>Chu Liang thought, his eyes narrowing. If she went outside and was exposed to the blood moon, she might never regain her senses.


    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, summoning the Chain of Resentment. In a sh, it shot out and linked him to Tang Shi.


    "Hah..."


    A surge of anger filled Tang Shi''s heart, and in her current state of confusion, she became even easier to manipte.


    She stopped in her tracks and turned around, ready to engage in a fight to the death with Chu Liang!


    The provocation done with the Chain of Resentment was wless!


    However, as she closed in, Chu Liang''s Divine Dragon Fire scorched her Vajra body. She tried to reach her spear, but Chu Liang blocked her path at every turn. With no other option, she channeled her augmented qi to fend off the mes and continue the fight.


    This strategy was draining. After a few intense exchanges, Chu Liang, protected by his Jiuli Armor, remained mostly unscathed, while Tang Shi''s vitality and qi began to show signs of weakening.


    Seizing the moment, he used Dimension Compression to slip behind her. In one swift motion, he employed his most familiar move¡ªswinging a brick at the back of her head!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Tang Shi was finally struck down by the brick, copsing to the ground in a daze.


    Chu Liang rushed forward, quickly pinning her down. Leaning close, he shouted into her ear, "Wake up, Miss Tang! It''s time to eat..."


    "Hmm?" Tang Shi''s eyes twitched, a faint sign of consciousness returning.


    ...


    The next morning, the elderly physician, apanied by four white-robed holy envoys, finally dared to approach their room.


    The noises fromst night had been so loud that neighbors several li away heard them. It sounded like a fierce battle between two savage beasts, echoing for hours before finally subsiding. Naturally, the people nearby began to specte whether the two neers had turned into Nightmare Beasts and met their doom.


    However, as soon as the footsteps approached, Chu Liang had already opened the door.


    "Good morning, Uncle," he greeted with a warm smile.


    "Good morning," Tang Shi added, nodding obediently beside him.


    "Hmm?" The elderly physician nced at the two who seemedpletely fine. He was feeling confused as he shifted his gaze to the room behind them.


    The scene inside was shocking. The floor was cracked and littered with debris, scorch marks etched into every corner. It was unmistakably the aftermath of a fierce fight.


    He couldn''t help but say, "Last night..."


    "There were some issues," Chu Liang replied with a calm smile, "but they''ve been taken care of."


    Tang Shi blushed in embarrassment and lowered her head.


    "I see," the elderly physician said, finally letting out a breath of relief. He turned to the holy envoys and bowed respectfully. "I apologize for making youe all this way."


    "It''s alright," the leading holy envoy replied, eyeing Chu Liang and Tang Shi. "You seem to possess remarkable power. Would you be willing to apany us to meet the Noble One?"


    The Noble One was the leader of all holy envoys on the Holy Mountain and the most powerful practitioner of the Dream Techniques in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal.


    Given that they were on someone else''s territory, Chu Liang and Tang Shi could not really refuse.


    And so, they followed the holy envoys toward the nearby Holy Mountain.


    As they walked, Chu Liang noticed fresh signs of battle along the streets. Feeling intrigued, he asked, "Do you fight the Nightmare Beasts during blood moon nights?"


    "Yes," the leading holy envoy replied. "As long as the Nightmare Beasts exist outside of dreams, we can kill them."


    "Then, aren''t you afraid of being exposed to the blood moon?" Chu Liang asked again.


    "Those of us who have mastered the Dream Techniques do not fear the blood moon," the holy envoy responded calmly.


    Chu Liang nodded slightly and asked no more.


    When they reached the foot of the Holy Mountain, they found no path leading upward. The holy envoy raised his hand, and a sh of light burst forth, transforming into arge white bird.


    The group mounted the bird, which soared into the air, carrying them toward a grand hall nestled halfway up the mountain.


    Chu Liang gently stroked the bird''s feathers and realized it was truly alive, pulsating with a lifeforce. This wasn''t some summoned creature; it was a living mount conjured out of thin air.


    He had never seen or heard of such a divine ability in the outside world.


    This was life created from nothing¡ªa miraculous feat! Yet, it seemed almost casual here.


    Momentster, the birdnded, and the holy envoys led them into the grand hall.


    When they were inside, they saw a middle-aged woman in a luxurious white robe. She was slightly plump, with a kind face, and seemed fully absorbed in her work. As they entered, she looked up and immediately smiled. "So, these are the powerful young people from the outside that you spoke of?"


    Evidently, the envoys had somehow ryed information ahead of time. But as Chu Liang thought back, he couldn''t recall any of them taking action to send a message.


    He had no idea how they had done it.


    The Dream Techniques seemed to follow an entirely different cultivation system, filled with mysterious elements.


    "Noble One," Chu Liang and Tang Shi both greeted her with a nod.


    "Ah, young ones from afar," the Noble One said cheerfully. "The moment I saw you, I knew you were the two mentioned in the prophecy!"


    "Prophecy?" The two exchanged puzzled nces.


    The chubby Noble One turned around and took out an ancient, weathered stone tablet, clearly eroded by the passage of time. A line of half-faded text was carved into it.


    <i>A powerful couple from afar shall arrive to eliminate the Nightmare Specters that have tormented the Dream Immortal Kingdom for three thousand years.</i>


    The Noble One handed them the stone tablet and said, "This is a prophecy left by the Noble Dream Immortal himself! A prophecy from five thousand years ago!"


    "Huh?" The two were utterly astonished at the sight of the stone tablet.


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment before speaking, "Noble One, I''m afraid we might not be the people in the prophecy. We''re not a couple; we''re siblings."


    "Oh? Is that so?" The Noble took back the stone tablet, examined it, and said, "Perhaps you misread it. It says siblings."


    When she showed them the stone tablet again, the ancient text had indeed changed to: <i>Two powerful siblings from afar shall arrive to eliminate the Nightmare Specters that have tormented the Dream Immortal Kingdom for three thousand years.</i>


    "Heh." Chu Liang chuckled. He then said, "Actually, I was joking earlier. We''re just travelingpanions, not siblings."


    "I see..." The Noble One nced back at the stone tablet. "That seems urate as well."


    When she ced the stone tablet down again, the ancient text had changed once more: <i>A pair of powerfulpanions from afar shall arrive to eliminate the Nightmare Specters that have tormented the Dream Immortal Kingdom for three thousand years.</i>


    "Wooow!" Tang Shi marveled, "The prophecy was actually right."


    "..." Chu Liang paused before saying, "Actually, we''re not justpanions; we''re twins with different moms and different dads. We didn''t know each other but felt like we had known each other for a long time from the moment we met."


    The Noble nced at the stone tablet and looked troubled.


    After all, the tablet was not that big, and there were far too many words...


    They couldn''t fit on it.


    Seeing her silence, Chu Liang added, "You made this up using the Dream Techniques, didn''t you? You can just say whatever you want; no need for tricks like this."


    "Huh?" Tang Shi gasped in surprise. "It''s... actually fake?"

 Chapter 455: Charging into the Demon Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 455: Charging into the Demon Mountain</h4>


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" The Noble One let out a long sigh and slowly sat back down in her seat. "Since you are so intelligent, I will tell you the truth."


    Chu Liang thought silently, <i>There''s no need to tter me. Even our resident Hou at Silver Sword Peak wouldn''t be fooled by such a trick. In fact, even my esteemed teacher wouldn''t fall for it.</i>


    "Although the prophecy is fake, there is one thing that is true," the Noble One exined. "The Demon Mountain is a foreign being, so the only ones who can destroy it are people who are foreign beings. No matter what we do, we, the people of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, cannot destroy it."


    "Why is that?" Chu Liang asked. "Aren''t those who cultivate Dream Techniques immune to the Nightmare Specters and capable of restraining them?"


    "In the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, each sessive Noble One has passed down a secret, the biggest concealed truth of our kingdom. But I suppose this doesn''t count as a secret to you outsiders."


    Chu Liang had a rough guess of what the Noble One wanted to say. "You mean..."


    "The Kingdom of the Dream Immortal... and the whole world we live in... It''s all just a grand dream," the Noble One said grimly.


    Her expression darkened slightly.


    It was clear that she found this to be an extremely cruel truth. No one would wish for their world to be a mere dream. Everything was an illusion. The view of the world that the Noble One had believed to be true for the first half of her life had copsed.


    Chu Liang, however, was not surprised; this was exactly what he had suspected.


    The people staying in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal had been born here, so they believed everything in the world they had grown up in was the same as everywhere else. It was normal to them, and they never had any reason to doubt it.


    However, it had been easy for someone like Chu Liang, who was from the outside world, to figure that out.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Tang Shi was utterly astonished, Her eyes widened with shock as she looked around. "This ce is actually a dream?"


    It seemed the situation was a bit too difficult for the youngdy to understand though...


    "The Noble Dream Immortal was a powerful... cultivator from the outside world. That''s what you call people like him, right? Cultivators?" the Noble One said. Then she continued, "When his lifespan was nearing its end, he chose to use his lifetime''s worth of cultivation energy to create this grand dream, a dream containing his ideal world."


    "The Kingdom of the Dream Immortal is indeed an ideal world." Chu Liang nodded in agreement. "The people here live happy, blessed lives. So what if it is just a dream?"


    In fact, how could anyone be certain that the outside world wasn''t merely someone''s grand dream too? The affairs of the world were as fleeting and illusory as dreams; the only things that were real were the emotions that the people felt. As for everything else, who could say for certain what was real?


    The Noble One replied, "That was how we lived in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, and it was indeed a great way to live. However, that ended three thousand years ago when the Demon Mountain descended. Its true form is a powerful demon called the Nightmare Demon King... It might not be much weaker than the Noble Dream Immortal. Fortunately, the Nightmare Demon King was heavily injured and on the brink of death when it arrived. Otherwise, it would have destroyed our kingdom straightaway."


    The Noble One''s eyes gleamed with anger. "However, Nightmare Specters are creatures that feed on dreams. By parasitizing the Noble Dream Immortal''s dream, the Nightmare Demon King can devour everything within it. The Nightmare Specters that the Nightmare Demon King spawns continually invade the kingdom and ughter our people..."


    "In our world, whenever a person dies, a baby is born, so the poption never decreases..." The Noble One looked earnestly at Chu Liang and Tang Shi. "But ever since the Nightmare Demon King descended, our poption has dwindled by more than half in these three thousand years."


    Chu Liang thought, <i>So, the Nightmare Specters can kill the people of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal? The elderly physician from the medicinal hall didn''t mention this. If this news spread, it would undoubtedly cause massive panic. Those Nightmare Beasts... they truly have the power to destroy this world!</i>


    The Noble One continued, "The Nightmare Beasts feed on the people of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, and those they kill can never be reborn. After killing our people, the Nightmare Beasts grow even stronger. They are devouring the power of this dream world!"


    The more she exined, the more upset she got. "We''ve worked hard to fight back against the Nightmare Beasts, but people still get killed. If this continues, we won''t have many years left until they''ve devoured the entire world. By then, the dream-devouring Nightmare Demon King will awaken fully and return to the outside world.


    "That''s why we''ve tried numerous times to eliminate the Nightmare Demon King, but our Dream Techniques be ineffective as soon as they reach the vicinity of the Demon Mountain. Moreover, our holy envoys are not skilled inbat."


    She finally confessed, "That''s why only cultivators from the outside world can eliminate the Nightmare Demon King. And the two of you are cultivators from the outside."


    Chu Liang and Tang Shi fell silent for a moment.


    Chu Liang was contemting their next move, while Tang Shi was processing all the information they had just received. This much information was probably overloading her little brain.


    After a moment, Chu Liang replied slowly, "You may not be aware of this, but a demon king is incredibly powerful. Even if it''s heavily wounded and on the brink of death, it''s not something we can easily contend with. I do wish to help you restore peace, but I''m afraid I don''t have the capability to do so."


    The Noble One continued, "Even if you don''t do it to help us¡ªyou want to get out of here, don''t you? That Demon Mountain is the only way out of this world."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang was a bit skeptical. "Are you trying to trick us again?"


    "Absolutely not; I''m telling you the truth," the Noble One said solemnly. "This dream world has many levels. You can only leave it by getting to the highest level.


    "In the past, there was a gateway connecting the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal to the outside world, but the residents of the kingdom cannot survive once they leave, so no one has ever ventured out. When the Nightmare Demon King descended, that gateway shifted to the top of the Demon Mountain.


    "The Nightmare Demon King has a dream world of its own, rooted within our dream. If you wish to leave, you must enter the Nightmare Demon King''s dream... and you''ll have to do the same if you want to destroy the Nightmare Demon King."


    "I see," Chu Liang said, pondering for a moment. "If what you say is true, we will give it a try. I promise that even if weck the power to destroy the Nightmare Demon King... as long as we manage to leave this world, we will certainly call upon our sect elders toe and y the Nightmare Demon King."


    ying the Nightmare Demon King was a feat that was easier said than done. Even if the powerful eighth-realm demon king were asleep, they still wouldn''t be a match for the demon king. However, finding the gateway should be a feasible task.


    Chu Liang did, in fact, believe the Noble One''s words, as the situation was in line with what he knew. His concern was whether they could actually find the gateway by entering the Nightmare Demon King''s dream.


    Was the Deep Pool of Dreams really only two dream levels deep?


    "Oh, that''s it!" the Noble One eximed, nodding with a grin.


    Then she lifted the stone tablet again.


    The stone tablet now read: <i>A powerful teacher from a distantnd will rid the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal of the three-thousand-year nightmare.</i>


    "Give it a rest," Chu Liang said, waving his hand speechlessly.


    ...


    The Noble One''s stone tablet was useless, but that wasn''t the case with the Noble One herself.


    Before Chu Liang and Tang Shi set off, the Noble One gave them each a sacred jade pendant, made using Dream Techniques. It could help them stop the Nightmare Specters from invading their souls. However, it was a consumable item and could only protect them for a limited time.


    Nevertheless, that was enough. At least, it would allow Chu Liang and Tang Shi to fight side by side. Chu Liang definitely didn''t want to end up having to fight Tang Shi while dealing with the Nightmare Beasts as well.


    After listening to the Noble One''s detailed exnation of the Nightmare Beasts'' powers, Chu Liang and Tang Shi set out on their journey to save the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal and, while they were at it, find their way back home... Though, the reverse was just as true.


    When they arrived at the foot of the Demon Mountain, they already sensed an eerie and sinister aura before even ascending.


    Demon Mountain was a towering mountain. It was barren, with not a single de of grass in sight, and covered in pitch-ck rocks, looking as if it was made of ck iron. The mountain waspletely out of ce in this otherwise peaceful and serene world.


    All they did was approach the mountain, and they could already hear sinister whispers in their ears. It was the same soul-luring whispers from the void they had heard in the Valley of Bewildering Fog. There were lingering spirits at the Demon Mountain too.


    The jade pendants resting on Chu Liang''s and Tang Shi''s chests grew warm, helping them maintain mental rity.


    "We need to hurry," Chu Liang said.


    "Got it!" Tang Shi took out her long spear, her little face tensing. "I know the pendants have a limited time of effect."


    "No," Chu Liang replied, "I mean if we dy any longer, you''ll start getting sleepy again."


    Tang Shi''s face immediately flushed red, but she couldn''t refute it.


    The two of them leaped onto the Demon Mountain. ck winds howled, and evil entities sprang up all around them! Specters filled with malevolent qi had emerged!


    These were Chimei Wangliang[1], the specters residing on the outermost part of the Demon Mountain. They had a mystical dream-maniption ability, but they were not particrly strong inbat.


    Chu Liang summoned the Dustless Sword, and it instantly split into hundreds of sword lights, crisscrossing through the air. In the blink of an eye, all the Chimei Wangliang that had surrounded them were in.


    Tang Shi had raised her long spear into the air, but the fight was already over before she could even make a move.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''ll handle it," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    These Chimei Wangliang were evil entities, so killing them would produce phantoms for Chu Liang. They were weak and unlikely to yield anything valuable, but even the smallest gain was still worth something.


    After wiping out the Chimei Wangliang, Chu Liang and Tang Shi continued climbing the mountain. Before they even reached halfway up, rumbling rang out above.


    A ck cloud emerged overhead, blocking out the sky!


    No... it was a massive flock of crows!


    "<i>Caw, caw, caw!</i>"


    The crows'' shrill cries ripped through the sky. Those who heard the cries would suddenly feel irritated, so much so that anything they looked at would make them feel angry.


    Chu Liang swiftly realized that this was a mystical ability pretty much the same as one of his items, the Chain of Resentment. It made people angry, causing them to lose their sense of reason.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang and Tang Shi had the jade pendants protecting them, so the crows'' cries didn''t have much effect on them. They just found the crows noisy.


    So, Chu Liang raised his hand and unleashed a stream of crimson-gold mes that filled the sky! It was Divine Dragon Fire!


    In an instant, the sky was aze. The flock of crows scattered in an attempt to flee, but it was toote. With the Divine Dragon Fire and the countless sword lights chasing them down, not a single crow could escape this cmity.


    Chu Liang wiped them out with a clean finish.


    After hearing the crows'' screeches of agony, Tang Shi couldn''t help but furrow her brows with a hint of pity.


    <i>Chu Liang is always so excessive when dealing with such small monsters.</i>


    Done with the crows, Chu Liang and Tang Shi moved on and finally reached a cave at the mountain''s peak. The Nightmare Demon King''s true form was inside this cave...


    "Once we''re inside, be careful," Chu Liang urged.


    Tang Shi nodded firmly. "Understood!"


    Then they leaped down!


    The cave seemed like a bottomless pit. They fell for a long time... The fallsted for so long that Tang Shi almost fell asleep before they finallynded.


    <i>Thud, thud.</i>


    Before they could even take in their surroundings, they heard a surprised voice. "Young Hero Chu, why are you here?"


    Tang Shi shifted her gaze toward the voice and found that it belonged to Ji Lingyu.


    Chimei Wangliang are monsters of the mountains and monsters of the rivers. ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 456: Papa Has Leveled Up

    <h4>Chapter 456: Papa Has Leveled Up </h4>


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Before Tang Shi could get a clear look at Ji Lingyu''s face, Chu Liang had already swung his brick, sending her crashing to the ground.


    A surge of ck qi erupted instantly.


    Fear began to creep into Tang Shi''s eyes, but before it could take hold, Ji Lingyu suddenly burst apart, morphing into a blood-colored crow that crashed onto the ground. It was a Nightmare Beast in disguise!


    "So it was a fake," Tang Shi breathed a sigh of relief.


    "These Nightmare Beasts can mimic people from our memories," Chu Liang exined, showing off the brick in his hand. "But they can only copy the form, not the essence. With my Demon-Revealing Brick, their true form will be revealed."


    "That''s impressive," Tang Shi remarked, eyeing the brick with curiosity. Suddenly, a faint throb pulsed at the back of her head. She muttered in confusion, "Why do I feel like I''ve been hit by that brick before..."


    "Maybe you dreamt about it," Chu Liang quickly stowed away the golden brick and nudged her forward. "No time to waste. Let''s go."


    Tang Shi only remembered a Nightmare Specter invading her dreams before Chu Liang woke her up. As for how he had done it, she couldn''t recall, and Chu Liang saw no reason to tell her he had knocked her out cold.


    <i>Just think of that night as nothing but a dream.</i>


    The cave was a windingbyrinth, dimly lit and full of twisting paths that slowed their progress. Not long after they ventured further, a figure suddenly darted out from the side.


    "Brother Chu! Junior Sister!"


    It was Yun Chaoxian.


    <i>Bam! </i>


    Without a second nce, Chu Liang swung his brick mercilessly. The strike was so fierce that Tang Shi''s eyelids twitched. If that had been the real Yun Chaoxian, it would have left him in serious pain.


    "You two..." They hadn''t gone much farther when Yan Qihu suddenly appeared.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    "<i>Heheheh...</i>" Lin Bei sprang out next.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Without blinking an eye, Chu Liang lifted his brick and knocked down more than ten Nightmare Beasts along the way.


    "Chu Liang?" A voice called out as Jiang Yuebai stepped into view from a side path.


    Dressed in white, she was breathtakingly beautiful.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang hesitated, his hand pausing mid-swing. "I think I need to take a closer look at this one."


    "Even I can tell this one''s a fake!" Tang Shi shouted from the side, unable to hold back.


    "One must act with caution," Chu Liang replied.


    <i>You weren''t this cautious when you were smashing your way through the monsters...</i> The youngdy''s eyes were filled with doubt.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    In the end, Chu Liang brought the golden brick down, knocking the fake Jiang Yuebai out cold.


    The blood crows they encountered along the way wielded formidable illusionary powers. Without the jade pendant given to them by the Noble One to protect their divine souls and minds from these illusions, they might have easily fallen into the trap.


    After some time, the two finally reached the end of the cave. Sitting there, cross-legged, was a massive demonic creature.


    It wore bronze armor, its body cloaked in jet-ck feathers. Behind it, a pair of enormous blood-red wings stretched outward. Its head was that of a giant bird, its eyes gleaming with an eerie intelligence.


    This had to be the leader of the blood crows they had faced earlier.


    Behind the creature loomed a pitch-ck gate, leading to an unknown destination. This was likely the gateway to the Nightmare Demon King''s dream world, just as the Noble One had described.


    As Chu Liang and Tang Shi approached, the creature slowly opened its eyes.


    "I am the Commander of the Blood Crows, a loyal servant of the Nightmare Demon King. You dare defy the Demon King''s authority? Your fate is to be eternally trapped in nightmares." The Blood Crow Commander''s voice boomed through the cave, though its beak remained still.


    Sensing its aura, Chu Liang could feel the oppressive power of a sixth-realm demonic beast. He knew that fighting this blood crow wouldn''t be easy.


    "Such a mighty blood crow," Chu Liang muttered.


    With a quiet breath, Chu Liang called out the Dustless Sword and wore the Inferno Devil Armor.


    The gate was right in front of them. All they had to do was take down this blood crow¡ªthere was nothing more to say.


    <i>Boom¡ª </i>


    The fightmenced in a sh as Chu Liang charged ahead. In the blink of an eye, both the Divine Dragon Fire and blood mes surged into the air. His aura stood strong, not the least bit inferior to that of the Blood Crow Commander!


    The Blood Crow Commander spread its wings wide, releasing a massive flock of blood crows from its back that swarmed toward Chu Liang and Tang Shi like a dark cloud.


    However, they were instantly incinerated by his Divine Dragon Fire.


    <i>Boom! </i>


    Tang Shi followed closely behind, her spear thrusting forward with deadly precision. Her Vajra blood ignited, instantly putting her into a fierce state.


    <i>St, st¡ª </i>


    But as the two closed in, a faint stream of blood and qi started to ooze from their bodies, drifting toward the Blood Crow Commander. And it didn''t stop¡ªit flowed endlessly!


    Themander raised an ancient bronze pike in its ws and struck fiercely at Chu Liang!


    <i>ng¡ª </i>


    Chu Liang brought up his sword to block, sessfully deflecting the blow. Yet, even as he did, more of his blood and qi seeped from him. The Divine Dragon Fire around him flickered, its strength visibly waning.


    Meanwhile, the swirling mass of blood crows around the Commander grewrger!


    "Something''s not right..." Chu Liang flipped backward, retreating as he shouted, "It''s absorbing our blood and qi!"


    Tang Shi found herself in the same predicament. Although she was powerful, charging forward to reach the Blood Crow Commander, she was quickly surrounded by a swarm of blood crows. The harder she struck with her spear, the more the blood and qi leaked from her body!


    When her spear struck the Blood Crow Commander, piercing through its bronze armor and leaving a deep gash, the wound sealed up almost instantly.


    It was continuously absorbing their blood and qi to heal itself.


    If they continued fighting, they would be killing themselves.


    "Retreat!" Chu Liang shouted, leaping backward to create some distance.


    Tang Shi obeyed instantly, pulling back in a swift motion.


    The Blood Crow Commander made a move to pursue, but in a sh, Tang Shi twisted mid-air, delivering a back-thrust with her spear that drove straight through its chest!


    <i>Boom¡ª </i>


    The Commander recoiled in shock, and a swarm of blood crows swarmed in to separate it from Tang Shi.


    The muscr girl, her veins bulging like coiled dragons, seized the opportunity and leaped out.


    Seeing they had gained some distance, Chu Liang summoned the Dustless Sword.


    "Heaven-Raising Sword!" he shouted, attacking from afar.


    <i>Boom¡ª </i>


    A massive sword light filled the cave''s depths, slicing straight toward the Blood Crow Commander!


    "<i>Caw, caw, caw¡ª</i>" It summoned an endless swarm of blood crows to block the attack, intercepting the sword lightpletely. Though the crows were obliterated, they were nothing more than expendable creations.


    As the dust settled, the two figures at the cave entrance had already disappeared.


    ...


    Chu Liang and Tang Shi retreated to the midsection of the cave, finding a secluded spot to n their next move.


    "That Blood Crow Commander is unbelievably strong," Tang Shi muttered, her small brows knitting together.


    "It''s not just a sixth-realm demonic beast. It absorbs our blood and qi whenever we get close," Chu Liang replied. "Fighting it up close is out of the question. We need to attack from a distance."


    "But..." Tang Shi hesitated. "If we can''t fight up close, I won''t be of much use."


    "That''s fine," Chu Liang reassured her. "I''ll take it one-on-one."


    "But the power of your immortal arts didn''t seem to hurt it earlier. Are you sure this is doable?" Tang Shi''s concern was evident. "Shouldn''t we fall back and rethink our approach?"


    "No," Chu Liang said firmly, gritting his teeth. "As the saying goes, there''s only been one path up Mount Hua since ancient times. We''vee this far. If we don''t break through today... who knows how much stronger that Nightmare Beast will be next time?"


    As he spoke, he pulled out a jade box from his robe, opening it to reveal a glowing, golden fruit. It was clearly a spirit fruit, though Tang Shi couldn''t quite identify which kind.


    "What... What are you nning to do?" Tang Shi asked, eyes widening in confusion.


    "To defeat it, I have to break through to the fifth realm," Chu Liang replied calmly.


    "Huh?" Tang Shi was stunned by his words, feeling that something was off.


    <i>Sure, everyone knew that breaking through to the fifth realm would make someone stronger. But why did he make it sound as easy as drinking soup? Countless people spend their entire lives striving to reach that level, yet here he was, acting like all it took was dering it. </i>


    <i>Shouldn''t he at least consider what reaching the fifth realm truly entails before making such a bold statement?</i>


    In fact, Chu Liang actually could.


    He had already reached the pinnacle of the fourth realm. With enough treasures of nature, he could easily achieve a breakthrough. He had stayed at this level only to solidify his foundation.


    But now, it seemed he had no choice. Facing this demonic beast required a boost inbat strength.


    The Phoenix Sheep''s Fruit of Life had been prepared for a long time. While refining it into a pill would have yielded greater effects, there was no time for that now. A simpler, riskier approach would have to do.


    Chu Liang opened his mouth, swallowed the glowing fruit, then sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, focusing on refining its power.


    "That''s it?" Tang Shi blinked in shock. "This is too..."


    <i>Too reckless, isn''t it? </i>shepleted the sentence inwardly.


    Even for martial artists, who had an easier time with breakthroughs, it was never this easy!


    <i>You didn''t even wash the fruit!!! Can you really achieve a breakthrough?</i> Tang Shi thought.


    She started feeling more and more worried, but before she could voice her concerns, Chu Liang had opened his eyes and said with a smile, "It is finished."


    "Huh?" Tang Shi asked confusedly, looking as if she had question marks popping up over her head.


    <i>So, cultivators could achieve breakthroughs even more easily than martial artists? </i>Tang Shi muttered to herself. She felt as if her understanding of the world had been shaken.


    If Chu Liang hadn''t already started striding confidently toward the depths of the cave, she might have thought he was just messing with her.


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang stood once more at the entrance of the Blood Crow Commander''s cave.


    "You dare return..." The Blood Crow Commander''s voice echoed, now tinged with fury.


    It had taken a significant hit from Tang Shi earlier, and recovering from the wound took it some effort and time.


    It was even angrier that it actually let these two pests escape.


    And now, they had the audacity toe back.


    "We haven''t simply returned; we''ve returned to end you," Chu Liang dered, summoning the Dustless Sword. He formed a seal with his hands, lifting them toward the sky.


    "Foolish delusions!" the Blood Crow Commander roared.


    Through the fight earlier, it had gauged their strength. This time, it was confident it could finish them off!


    But something felt off.


    Chu Liang''s flying sword shot into the air, instantly transforming into tens of thousands of zing sword lights, sweeping across the sky in a brilliant disy of mes.


    Back then, he had relied on the Crimson Executioner Sword to perform the Ten Thousand Swords Seal¡ªa technique far beyond his level at the time. But now, he had grown strong enough to wield it on his own.


    If the Crimson Executioner could see this, would it feel a sense of pride and relief?


    <i>Boom¡ª </i>


    The myriad swords filled the sky, exploding with thunderous force!


    Relying solely on his own power, Chu Liang now wielded the Ten Thousand Swords Seal with far greater mastery. He even executed the Talismanic Sword Seal at the same time.


    This was the power of thebination of the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, Myriad Talismanic Sword as well as the Divine Dragon Fire!


    <i>Rumble¡ª </i>


    A fiery storm swirled like heavenly mes descending. The Blood Crow Commander summoned a massive flock of blood crows, forming a ck cloud to intercept the attack.


    Yet, upon contact, the crows were instantly engulfed and dissolved, unable to withstand the assault.


    They disintegrated on impact.


    Now that he had reached the fifth realm, the capacity of his Sea of Qi had expanded, and the quality of his foundational qi had greatly improved.


    With the duality of Geng Metal qi, the piercing power of his sword light had now ascended to an entirely new level.


    It was truly indestructible!


    Combined with the Divine Dragon Fire, which naturally countered the crow swarm, the relentless barrage of fiery swords pierced through the Blood Crow Commander''s true body in an instant.


    The mes cast an eerie glow on Tang Shi''s face, her eyes widening in sheer disbelief.


    <i>This is... too powerful, </i>she thought.


    Before this, the strongest person she had seen among the younger generation was her Eldest Senior Brother, Ren Hongdao. But now, looking at the Myriad Talismanic Sword Seal before her, she doubted even he could withstand it.


    She was doubtful.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh</i>!" The Blood Crow Commander was equally shocked. As the ten thousand beams of swordlights struck, it let out a desperate caw, "Why... why has your strength suddenly increased so much?!"


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! </i>


    A series of explosions erupted from its body. Blood-red light and mes burst forth, leaving nothing but a heap of dust on the ground.


    "The great Nightmare Demon King will not spare you! The day the Demon King awakens will be the day of your demise¡ª"


    Its voice continued to echo through the empty cave.


    To its final question, Chu Liang could only respond silently in his heart.


    <i>Didn''t see thating, did you? Papa has leveled up. </i>

 Chapter 457: The Blue Pills

    <h4>Chapter 457: The Blue Pills</h4>


    Chu Liang moved forward with determination.


    ...


    With the defeat of the Blood Crow Commander, the greatest obstacle vanished, leaving only a pitch-ck, void-like portal before them.


    Tang Shi gazed at the darkness ahead, still feeling a hint of apprehension. In contrast, Chu Liang didn''t bother at all.


    "Even if we hesitate, this will still be the only way forward. So, we might as well go in sooner," he said inly. "But let me catch my breath first."


    "Okay," Tang Shi said with a nod.


    Whenever Tang Shi was done with fighting, she would immediately revert to being timid and obedient. It was hard to imagine that she could transform into the glowering Blood Vajra Warrior at any moment.


    In truth, the Myriad Talismanic Sword, despite its immense power, hadn''t drained much of Chu Liang''s energy. With the two Golden Cores and the Ren-Water foundational qi, his endurance was nearly limitless. Even if his Sea of Qi was depleted, it would refill in mere moments.


    However, before stepping into the unknown, he decided to im his reward. If he could obtain something useful, it would give him an extra trump card.


    He appeared to be meditating, but his divine sense had arrived in the White Pagoda.


    No matter their form, the Nightmare Beasts all dissolved into a mass of crimson smoke upon being in. It seemed that life in this dream world differed from that of the outside world; there were no distinctions in strength. Even the powerful imprint of the Blood Crow Commander was indistinguishable from that of the lesser blood crows.


    Perhaps it was because, at their core, they were nothing more than illusions born from the dream itself.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and casually pressed the "Refine" character.


    <i>Boom¡ª </i>


    A familiar radiance shed, and a shimmering blue light floated out.


    [Illusion Dispelling Pill: A pill that keeps the mind clear, stabilizing the soul. Upon ingestion, it grants immunity to any illusionary disturbances for a quarter of an hour.]


    "This... is a key item."


    Chu Liang held the small blue pill between his fingers, feeling it was worth every bit of effort. It was kind of the White Pagoda to grant him such a reward of such level just for wiping out a swarm of blood crows.


    For a moment, he even considered going back for another round.


    But, with the death of the Blood Crow Commander, all the other blood crows had vanished.


    The effect of this pill was simr to that of the sacred item given by the Noble One in the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal, which ensured mental rity.


    Though the pill''s effect onlysted for half an hour, the sacred jade pendant was also a consumable. Half an hour might not seem long, but it would suffice if he took a few pills.


    He had no way of knowing how many Nightmare Specter imprints had umted in the prison, but there were certainly more than enough for him to use freely within this dream. Even if he faced illusions again after leaving this dreand, these pills would prove invaluable.


    Of course, the true extent of its power remained uncertain.


    It might counter ordinary illusory techniques, but would it be effective against illusions created by immortal arts, such as the Shadow of Radiance? That was yet to be tested.


    Upon breaking through to the fifth realm, every aspect of his vitality, qi, and spirit surged. His soul felt perfected, his qi and blood brimmed with vigor, and his Sea of Qi overflowed with energy.


    Although he already possessed the Geng Metal, Jia Wood, and Ren Water foundational qi of the fifth realm, thistest enhancement wasn¡¯t particrly significant.


    However, the Geng Metal foundational qi that he himself generatedbined with the Geng Metal foundational qi provided by the Colorful Doll greatly amplified the strength of both sources of Geng Metal foundational qi.


    Chu Liang had never felt so powerful before.


    After he had collected all the rewards, he suddenly stood up and turned to Tang Shi. "Miss Tang, have you finished regting your breathing? Let''s move."


    This question stunned Tang Shi.


    <i>Regting my breathing for what? I didn¡¯t even get a chance to do anything this whole journey. Wasn¡¯t it all you fighting solo? </i>Tang Shi thought. She had never met anyone quite like Chu Liang.


    In the past, when members of different sects joined forces to y monsters and obliterate devils, they often held back, preserving their strength and leaving others to take action. Even when some took the lead, it was usually just for show.


    The people of the Great Astral Sect frequently suffered losses in such situations.


    But Chu Liang was different; he truly loved the business of monster ying.


    Not only did he insist on fighting alone each time, but he would also panic if someone else tried to take his turn. After putting in great effort to y the demons, he would show a genuine, joyful smile of satisfaction.


    He carried a noble radiance of his own.


    This certainly broadened the youngdy''s perspective.


    ...


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    After diving into the ck portal, there was a sh of light. As the surroundings settled, an ominous and eerie aura immediately swept over them.


    "This is... an ancient battlefield?"


    Chu Liang scanned his surroundings. The ground beneath his feet was pitch-ck, barren, and rugged. When he peered into the distance, there wasn''t a single nt in sight¡ªonly colossal bones, towering like mountains, under the eerie glow of a massive blood-red moon.


    A deste silence hung in the air.


    Eerie whispers filled their ears once more. Thankfully, the sacred item against his chest emitted a faint warmth, pushing back the strangeness. Yet, both of them could clearly feel the jade pendant¡¯s energy draining faster than before.


    The Nightmare Demon King''s dream was far more bizarre than the world outside, though this was to be expected.


    "Let''s quickly search for an exit on this level," Chu Liang urged.


    In this unfamiliar world, they didn¡¯t dare fly recklessly, fearing they might attract unwanted attention. Instead, they sprinted across the ground, their eyes scanning their surroundings.


    With bodies brimming with qi and blood, like fierce beasts, they ran almost as fast as if they were flying, leaving two blurred afterimages in their wake.


    As they approached a rocky hill, the dense sound of footsteps suddenly echoed ahead.


    "Wait."


    Chu Liang quickly signaled for Tang Shi to stop, then crouched behind the rocks to observe.


    In front of them, a group of soldiers d in armor from the previous dynasty marched forward, halberds in hand, exuding a formidable, murderous aura.


    Amidst the formation was a carriage, and seated within it was the chancellor of the former dynasty¡ªsomeone Chu Liang had seen many times and could not possibly mistake.


    If it weren''t for this old man, they wouldn''t have been swallowed by the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    <i>How could soldiers from the previous dynasty appear here? Have they been swallowed up as well? </i>Chu Liang pondered.<i> From the look of things, they seem fully recovered. They don''t seem to be in a daze anymore like how they were outside. </i>


    In fact, the aura of these soldiers was now much stronger, resembling that of an elite force.


    <i>What is going on? </i>Chu Liang muttered inwardly.


    Since the chancellor had regained his true form as a powerful seventh-realm cultivator, Chu Liang didn¡¯t dare to probe further with his divine sense. He chose to observe cautiously with just his eyes.


    As he retracted his divine sense, he didn''t notice a figure sneaking up on them.


    Someone had discovered them!


    "Huh?" A surprised voice broke the silence. "Young Hero Chu, Tang Shi, what are you doing here?"


    The two of them turned around in shock, only to see someone standing nearby¡ªfair-skinned, sharp-eyed, and undeniably beautiful. It was Ji Lingyu.


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    Without saying a word, Chu Liang appeared behind her with the use of Dimension Compression and smacked down with a brick.


    <i>Bam!</i>

 Chapter 458: Truly a Person of Passion

    <h4>Chapter 458: Truly a Person of Passion</h4>


    "Why did you hit meee???"


    Ji Lingyu pouted, her golden eyes welling up with tears, looking as delicate as a flower caught in a spring storm. She had never been hurt like this in her life.


    She had just greeted them when she was knocked out cold with a brick. The two didn''t even bother saying a word.


    She reached back to touch her head, wincing at the sharp pain even from the lightest touch. "Can you check if it¡¯s swollen?" she asked.


    Tang Shi nced at it and saw a noticeable bump that looked quite rming. She winced and whispered, "Just a little."


    "Really?" Ji Lingyu asked skeptically.<i> </i>She thought, <i>The swelling certainly feels much bigger... </i>


    "Sorry, Miss Ji," Chu Liang apologized, rubbing his hands with an awkward smile. "We''ve run into too many Nightmare Beasts disguised as people, so I tapped the back of your head out of reflex.


    "Couldn¡¯t you at least <i>check</i> first?" Ji Lingyu snapped.


    "Well, I just did..." Chu Liang nodded. "Now I know you¡¯re real."


    After Chu Liang smacked her with the Demon-Revealing Brick, Ji Lingyu passed out instead of emitting ck qi. That was when Chu Liang realized he had made a mistake and knew that things were bad. He quickly woke her up, which was what led to the current situation.


    "It''s fine to be cautious, but you acted way too fast..." Ji Lingyu muttered again.


    "The speed is just fine. Practice makes perfect," Chu Liang replied with a humble smile.


    "You think I''m <iplimenting </i>you?!" Ji Lingyu shouted as she stomped her foot in frustration.


    Seeing her reaction, Chu Liang quickly changed the subject. "Miss Ji, are you wandering through this level of the realm alone?" he asked.


    "No," Ji Lingyu replied. "I joined up with Grandmaster Yan and Thirteenth Aunt. We just ran into a squad of imperial soldiers from the previous dynasty. They''ve somehow regained their peak strength and are far more powerful now. Grandmaster Yan fought the former chancellor and got injured. Luckily, Thirteenth Aunt stepped in, and we managed to escape. I came up here to get a better view since my eyesight is sharp."


    <i>So, those imperial soldiers from the previous dynasty were actually searching for them?</i>


    "Then let''s hurry and regroup with them," Chu Liang suggested.


    The three of them descended the mountain together. Halfway down, they spotted three figures approaching¡ªYan Qihu, Second Madam Gu, and her attendant, Chabu.


    It seemed they had noticed Ji Lingyu was gone for a while and hade searching, worried she might be in danger.


    Yan Qihu showed no signs of injury, suggesting he was fine. However, Chabu, the attendant, looked pale and drained of blood.


    When they saw Chu Liang and Tang Shi, they were somewhat surprised.


    "We searched everywhere for you and couldn''t find you. Where did you go?" Yan Qihu asked once everyone settled at the foot of the mountain.


    "It''s a long story," Chu Liang replied. "This dream world has multiple levels. We fell into the lower level and had to put in quite a bit of effort to reach this one."


    "Multiple levels in this dream world?" Yan Qihu was taken aback by this information.


    It seemed they hadn''t been informed about this yet.


    However, Second Madam Gu''s eyes sparkled as she spoke. "In the letter Gu Qingyuan sent me, he mentioned cultivating the Great Dao while living off the former emperor''s dream. Could that be another level in this dream world?"


    "That''s right," Chu Liang immediately confirmed. "The ancient Great Noble Dream Immortal''s dream lies at the deepest level. The Nightmare Demon King fed on that dream and created its own dream within this dream world. The young emperor of the formery dynasty, in turn, lived off the Nightmare Demon King''s dream and probably constructed his own dream inside it."


    The first time Chu Liang ventured into the Deep Pool of Dreams, he must have entered the dream on the uppermost level¡ªthe young emperor''s dream. In that dream, he glimpsed vast mountains, winding rivers, and grand pce halls. It was there that he had encountered Gu Qingyuan.


    But this time, something had changed. The Deep Pool of Dreams had been thrown into chaos, and when it engulfed Chu Liang¡¯s group, it scattered everyone across the different levels of the dream world.


    <i>This anomaly must have something to do with the woman named Caiyi, right? </i>Chu Liang pondered.


    With the limited information he had, Chu Liang couldn''t grasp Caiyi''s true intentions. However, one thing was certain¡ªthey had to ascend another level if they wanted to escape.


    "We need to find the true form of the young emperor," Chu Liang said decisively.


    Yan Qihu frowned. "It won''t be easy. That imperial army from the previous dynasty is troublesome to deal with."


    Chu Liang then briefly learned about their situation.


    Yan Qihu, Ji Lingyu, Second Madam Gu, and Chabu had all been scattered within the Nightmare Demon King''s dream. Fortunately, with his seventh-realm martial arts cultivation, Yan Qihu quickly found the others.


    But his boldness hade at a cost. They crossed paths with the imperial soldiers from the previous dynasty. Yan Qihu shed with the former chancellor, who fought at full strength, and was forced to retreat after suffering minor injuries.


    Beneath the blood-red moon of this twisted realm, ordinary people would soon fall into madness.


    Luckily, they had Chabu.


    His mystical bloodline allowed him to dispel illusions caused by Nightmare Specters by smearing his divine blood between a person''s eyes, shielding them from the blood moon''s sinister influence. However, while doing this once or twice was manageable, they had relied on Chabu alone for far too long. It was bing increasingly insufficient.


    That exined why Chabu had appeared so pale when Chu Liang first saw him.


    "Chabu, you''ve worked hard," Chu Liang said sincerely.


    The brother from the Western Regions, though small in stature, was undeniably tough. He raised his head and replied, "It''s fine. Just let me catch my breath, and I''ll take care of you two next."


    Chu Liang nced over, noticing that Chabu''s hands were covered in cuts.


    "No need," Chu Liang said. "The two of us are protected by the sacred jade pendants we obtained earlier, so we can hold out a bit longer. Plus, I have some pills to stabilize our souls. I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll work here, but it''s worth a try."


    With that, he took out a few small blue pills and handed them around.


    They each swallowed the pills, and after a moment of adjusting their breaths, they nodded in relief. "These pills are effective; the whispers under the blood moon have be much fainter!"


    Chu Liang felt a wave of relief wash over him. <i>At least they worked, </i>he thought.


    He then looked at Chabu, who raised his head and said, "I don''t need it."


    "It''s not a pill." Chu Liang quickly handed him a cup. "Drink some brown sugar tea[1] to replenish yourself."


    "Heh," Yan Qihu chuckled. "You really came prepared. How do you even have something like that?"


    Chu Liang nced at him and smiled without saying a word.


    Instead, Second Madam Gu startedughing. She then asked, "Grandmaster Yan, I take it you haven''t married?"


    "No, I haven''t." Yan Qihu blinked, looking puzzled. "How did you know?"


    Everyone exchanged a knowing smile, leaving Yan Qihu even more perplexed.


    ...


    After a brief rest, the group set off once more.


    To ascend to the dream on the level above, they had to find the former emperor¡¯s true form, which meant starting with the imperial army of the previous dynasty.


    ording to Yan Qihu, the former chancellor practiced the Confucian divine skills, making him a challenging opponent. Yet, in terms of sheerbat strength, he wasn¡¯t particrly formidable.


    The real threaty in the thousands of martial artists in the imperial army, capable of forming a battle formation with a murderous aura and terrifying power that could shake the heavens. Under the chancellor''smand, they could y gods and demons alike.


    "If we can''t defeat them by force, could we outsmart them?" Chu Liang pondered aloud, ncing at everyone around him. "With Miss Ji''s Xuan Yuan Eyes, she should be able to see a thousand li away. Madam Gu can hide our tracks. Could we first identify the location of the former emperor''s true body and then find a way to sneak in?"


    "This n is feasible," Second Madam Gu said with a nod. "As long as we know where the target is, I can move freely."


    "I''ll give it a try..." Ji Lingyu nodded in agreement.


    With that, Ji Lingyu moved to a higher vantage point, her eyes gleaming as she scanned the distantndscape.


    "I see them stopping in front of a pce made of bones," she muttered. "That must be their headquarters. I can¡¯t see any further inside..."


    "Then let''s go take a look," Yan Qihu said, standing up immediately.


    Following Ji Lingyu''s guidance, the group quickly made their way to another stone mountain, gazing out into the distance.


    On an open in stood the massive skull of a demonic beast, towering as high as a mountain. The army had transformed this skull into a pce-like fortress.


    Thousands of imperial soldiers from the previous dynasty stood in orderly rows around the pce.


    It was obvious they were no longer alive. Each one bore the unmistakable marks of death. At the front, the former chancellor even had tworge, gaping holes in his chest.


    He must have been pierced through the heart by arrows.


    Arrows capable of killing an Eminent One could not have been shot by ordinary people.


    Yet, these soldiers were unlike the lingering spirits they had faced before. They possessed both intelligence and cultivation, their auras brimming with a distinct and unsettling power.


    The former chancellor dismounted from his carriage, rising into the air as he addressed the assembled soldiers in amanding voice, "Soldiers, the world has changed! Be patient, for the time of our restoration is near!"


    "Restore the kingdom! Restore the kingdom!" the soldiers roared in unison.


    Chu Liang clicked his tongue in astonishment. Now, this was true conviction.


    Even with gaping holes in their chests, they were still clinging to the dream of restoring the kingdom instead of being concerned with fixing the holes in their chests.


    It had been over a few hundred years since the fall of the previous dynasty.


    Momentster, the former chancellor turned and entered the pce made of bones.


    Seeing this, Second Madam Gu stood up carefully and said, "I''ll go take a look."


    "Be careful," everyone warned.


    Second Madam Gu gave a faint smile before her figure turned ethereal and vanished from sight. In an instant, even her aura faded away.


    Chu Liang had seen Ji Lingfeng conceal his presence before, but he would always sense remaining traces of his aura. Second Madam Gu, however, was on another level. No wonder she was so confident, moving in and out of ces with ease. This wasn''t just simple invisibility. She had be part of the void, existing in a different dimension.


    It seemed that as one''s cultivation advanced, the mystical abilities of the Xuan Yuan Eyes could develop further, revealing an incredibly high potential.


    "Such an impressive technique." Yan Qihu couldn''t help but marvel.


    "Of course," Chabu added. "If our boss hadn''t had her state of mind disrupted by that man, she might have already reached the seventh realm by now."


    "Truly a pity," Yan Qihu sighed. "Romance is but a fleeting passion, yet it has dyed her for half her life. Truly, a foolish¡ª"


    "Watch what you say," came Second Madam Gu''s irritated voice from the void. "I''m still here!"


    Without missing a beat, Yan Qihu kept a straight face and smoothly changed his tone. "Truly, a person of passion."


    1. brown sugar tea is known to be good for girls during their period. ?

 Chapter 459: A Humble Servant in Plain Clothes

    <h4>Chapter 459: A Humble Servant in in Clothes</h4>


    "Your Majesty...


    "I was but a humble servant, plowing fields on Cow Dung Slope in Gou Family Vige, barely surviving the chaos of war. Fame across the nine provinces was never something I sought..."


    Inside the pce, carved from the enormous skull of a demonic beast, the elderly chancellor, dressed in the attire of the previous dynasty, spoke as he walked through the smooth corridor, arriving at a vast hall.


    The hall was empty, with only a semi-transparent coffin in the center, resembling white jade. Inside was a faint outline of a small figure d in a yellow robe.


    Even with no one else around, the chancellor of the previous dynasty still bowed respectfully before standing up.


    He then fixed his gaze on the jade coffin and began to speak, his voice carrying a solemn weight.


    The marks of death had vanished from his face. He was no longer a mere lingering spirit but an elderly statesman, burdened with sorrow andpassion.


    He had utterly devoted his entire life to this nation.


    "Yet, before thete emperor could even rule the country halfway, the foundation was ruined. Thend was engulfed in mes, and the nation was in a state of decline. On the day the nation fell, not even the entire court of officials could turn things around. I could only take Your Majesty and escape to this destend. But eventually, we were still overtaken by the rebels, and all our forces were annihted.


    "We exhausted every effort to preserve Your Majesty''s life. Fortunately, within this dream world, we could revive as lingering spirits. By staying on in this state of the living dead, we can allow Your Majesty to sleep and wait for the right moment. But...


    "I hear that centuries have passed in the outside world, and the Yu Dynasty now reigns in peace. The dream of restoring our kingdom might end up being just a dream.


    "Not long ago, I may have missed our only chance for restoration."


    A hint of struggle and pain crossed the chancellor''s face, but not a trace of regret remained.


    The elderly chancellor continued muttering, "The female demon king promised that if we helped awaken the Nightmare Demon King from three thousand years ago, she would reinstate Your Majesty when the Demon God descended. In our current state, we are neither human nor ghosts. We can''t even leave this dream world. There will be no greater opportunity than this...


    "But I deceived her in the end.


    "I directed her to the most dangerous ce in this hidden realm, the Blood Crow Cave. With her cultivation level, I don''t know how long it will dy her. Perhaps, soon she will return to kill us all.


    "Your Majesty, I do not regret it."


    The old man''s back gradually straightened as he resolutely said, "Restoring the kingdom has been our lifelong wish, and we refuse to die in peace even as lingering spirits. We are still waiting for that day..."


    "But no matter what, we are the rightful rulers of the divine continent, and what we seek to restore is the reign of the human dynasty! How can we be ves to the demon race? Even if we die in defiance, it is better than living in humiliation!


    "Your Majesty, today, I must bury you deep underground once again to prevent that female demon king from finding you. When you wake up, all your loyal subjects might not be with you anymore... Perhaps the human race might not even exist anymore. When that timees, I hope Your Majesty will not forget the dream of restoring the kingdom.


    "Even in theherworld, we will raise our banners for you, and in our next lives, we will be reborn as your loyal officials again!"


    After finishing the speech passionately, his voice quivered, and he could no longer hold back the tears. Tears, hot and unbidden, streamed down his weathered face.


    In the vast, empty hall, it was just him and the slumbering figure within the jade coffin.


    The soldiers outside, despite having regained their peak physical forms in this dream realm, were mere shadows of their former selves. In life, their cultivation had not been strong enough, and their consciousnesses were now fragmented and iplete.


    The harsh truth was that the chancellor alone had been carrying the weight of the entire force.


    For hundreds of years, they wandered back and forth on both sides of the Deep Pool of Dreams as lingering spirits, without any sense of rationality or awareness of their situation. Only when they reentered the dream realm within the Deep Pool of Dreams would theirplete form be restored.


    Back then, to allow the young emperor to wait for the right moment, the chancellor and a handful of trusted aides had sealed him within the jade coffin, casting him into a deep slumber. And so, to this day, the young emperor remained the only one who was actually alive.


    But when he wakes up, would his loyal subjects still exist in this world?


    "<i>Haaaa...</i>" The chancellor let out a long sigh as he gazed up at the sky.


    The years of solitude had gnawed at his spirit, and perhaps, he thought death would be a good way to free himself from this torment. In those words he had just uttered, he had poured out everything that had weighed on his heart.


    As for his unwavering loyalty to the human race...


    Even if no one knew, so what? It was merely a matter of staying true to one''s conscience and not being sorry to the rest of the world.


    His gaze shifted toward the Deep Pool of Dreams, a flicker of agitation sparking in his eyes. Suddenly, he raised his finger, trembling with fury, as if he were pointing across the vastnd of the nine provinces. "You traitors will never know what this old man has sacrificed... <i>Haaaaaa!</i>"


    ...


    "He gave up the promise of restoring the kingdom, just to dy that female demon king from resurrecting the Nightmare Demon King?"


    After listening to Second Madam Gu exin what she had heard, everyone felt a deep respect for the elderly chancellor of the previous dynasty.


    It was truly admirable that the elderly chancellor had endured the circumstances he was in for hundreds of years while staying steadfast to his beliefs, remaining loyal to the human race.


    Meanwhile, a flicker of realization sparked in Chu Liang''s mind.


    Caiyi was a demon king with formidable cultivation powers. Could she have been the one who appeared on Mount Shu five hundred years ago? The same one who tricked the Yan Family''s ancestor into breaking the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda...


    As he connected the dots, the entire story became clear. The disappearance of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda on Mount Shu was no coincidence¡ªit was a conspiracy nned by the demon race to rescue the Demon God.


    And now, Caiyi sought to wake up the Nightmare Demon King from three thousand years ago.


    Back then, the Nightmare Demon King, gravely wounded and on the brink of death, had entered the dream of the Noble Dream Immortal, using it as a sanctuary to keep itself alive. There, it fell into a deep slumber. Under normal circumstances, it would need to fully devour the entire Kingdom of the Dream Immortal to gather enough spiritual energy to regain consciousness.


    But if the demon race awakened it prematurely, they must have discovered a way to rapidly restore its power. And if that happened, they would face yet another formidable demon king that would be extremely challenging to defeat.


    "We must hurry," Ji Lingyu urged. "The female demon king was deceived by the former chancellor and led elsewhere in this dream world. That means this might be our only chance. We need to quickly reach the dream in the upper level, escape, and contact people even stronger than us to handle this threat."


    "The problem now is that we can''t get close to the young emperor. How can we enter his dream?" Yan Qihu asked.


    "Why don''t we talk to the chancellor?" Chu Liang suddenly suggested. "It seems that we share the same enemy when the demon race is involved. Perhaps we can discuss it with him."


    Everyone looked at him. "Discuss?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang said with a nod. "We don''t have to resort to fighting all the time."


    Momentster, someone with a warm smile on his face approached the outskirts of the pce made of bones.


    As he faced the soldiers of the previous dynasty whockedplete divine intelligence, he loudly dered, "Chu Liang, disciple of Mount Shu, requests to meet with the Chancellor!"


    From within the army formation, a wave of murderous aura surged, and thousands of soldiers turned their res toward him. The pressure descended like an invisible mountain, weighing heavily on Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang quickly understood why even Yan Qihu, an Eminent One of the Martial Arts, had struggled to break through their defenses. Thebined strength of so many martial artists, united in a formidable army formation, was on par with the top figures of the cultivation world.


    This type ofrge-scale military formation was not something that the disciples of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten were familiar with, but the Yu Dynasty''s army was well-versed in these techniques.


    Momentster, the former chancellor walked out from the Bone Pce. His gaze was cold andmanding as he uttered two words. "Step forward."


    The soldiers parted, creating a clear path to the pce.


    If Chu Liang called out from outside the army formation, he could escape at any moment. However, once he stepped into the formation, retreating would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens.


    Yet, he resolutely stepped forward.


    As he stepped deeper into the formation, an oppressive force seemed to descend upon him, growing more suffocating with every step. For those with even slightly lower cultivation levels, they would have been forced to their knees after taking only a few steps.


    It was clear that the elderly chancellor was intent on making a disy of power.


    Despite the heavy pressure weighing down on him, Chu Liang''s expression remained calm. He still smiled as he walked to the front of the hall and respectfully bowed.


    "Mount Shu was once the foremost immortal sect favored by the Great Qian Dynasty," the elderly chancellor said coldly. "Yet, it turned its back on divine grace and sided with the rebels."


    The Qian Dynasty was the name of the previous dynasty.


    In the current Yu Dynasty, mentioning the Great Qian Dynasty was strictly forbidden.


    The final years of the previous dynasty had been marked by corruption and chaos, with the divine continent engulfed in mes of war. Immortal sects, including Mount Shu, had abandoned the regime.


    At that time, the Mount Shu Sect still had the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and maintained its status as the foremost immortal sect, wielding considerable influence in the world of cultivation. Had Mount Shu chosen to support the imperial court back then, many forces in the world of immortality cultivators would probably not have turned against it, or at least would have waited and observed for a while longer.


    Mount Shu''s betrayal was undeniably a crucial factor in the copse of the previous dynasty.


    Therefore, when the elderly chancellor brought it up, his voice carried an undertone of deep-seated resentment.


    "Since it was the foremost immortal sect, Chancellor, I assume you have visited Mount Shu?" Chu Liang asked nonchntly, steering the conversation in a different direction.


    "Naturally," the elderly chancellor answered.


    "The sect leader of Mount Shu from back then has long since passed away, but the guardian celestial beast, Baize, is still alive. I''m curious. Did you ever meet Baize?" Chu Liang inquired further.


    "The celestial beast Baize is proficient in the profound truths of yin and yang and the teachings of the three schools. I would even consider it a friend," the elderly chancellor said, his voice softening with nostalgia.


    "Speaking of the celestial beast Baize," Chu Liang continued smoothly, "you might not be aware of its current situation. While I''m not particrly close with Baize itself, I''m a friend of its child...


    "Now that they shared amon acquaintance, Chu Liang''s tone grew animated. He stepped forward and said, "Recently, at our Mount Shu Summit, we had a group of fierce attackers causing trouble...


    "And do you know who came to Baize''s rescue? It was none other than this junior right here. Before you could even blink..."

 Chapter 460: Oh

    <h4>Chapter 460: Oh</h4>


    "It worked just like that?"


    Everyone arrived in front of the Bone Pce with genuine surprise.


    When Chu Liang went to negotiate with the elderly chancellor, the others had been waiting some distance behind him, ready to charge in and rescue him at any moment.


    They hadn''t expected that his talk with the elderly chancellor would go so smoothly.


    <i>This is a group of lingering spirits who have been holding onto their obsession for hundreds of years! Did they really treat you with the usual social etiquette and norms?</i>


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "It''s all thanks to the chancellor''s great sense of righteousness and duty. He understands that the current priority is to thwart the demon race''s scheme."


    However, the elderly chancellor''s expression remained stern. It seemed he was still resentful toward the group of traitors from the Mount Shu Sect.


    Nevertheless, he turned around, flung out his sleeves, and said, "Follow me."


    It wasn''t exactly Chu Liang''s forte to quickly forge friendships with others; he wasn''t Lin Bei after all.


    However, having been friends with Lin Bei for so long, he had seen Lin Bei in action plenty of times. He picked up some of Lin Bei''s socializing tricks like making a connection through mutual acquaintances and sharing stories about them... In short, it was about quickly breaking the ice and reaching a level where there was no hostility.


    As for the subsequent negotiations regarding the conditions of their agreement, that was where Chu Liang truly excelled.


    Once the negotiations were over, the elderly chancellor agreed to open the gateway leading to the next dream level for them.


    Soon after, he led Chu Liang''s group to the jade coffin.


    Radiant light swirled inside the jade coffin, where the young emperor had been lying in slumber for hundreds of years.


    Although born into the imperial family, he happened to be born during the final years of his family''s dynasty. At the mere age of six, he was forced to ascend the throne and waster exiled. He was just a pitiful child with a tragic history.


    With a wave of the elderly chancellor''srge sleeve, the lid of the jade coffin slowly slid open, releasing a burst of brilliant light that shone an arc of light into the air.


    Within the arc of light, there was a faint outline of a portal.


    "This level is His Majesty''s dream. Be extremely careful when you enter. Do not disturb His Majesty," the elderly chancellor warned.


    Everyone agreed they would do as the elderly chancellor said. Then they stepped into the light one by one, their figures disappearing in an instant.


    Chu Liang was thest to go.


    The elderly chancellor told him, "I hope you will keep your promise."


    "Rest assured, Chancellor," Chu Liang replied. "Since I''ve made a promise, I will not break it."


    The elderly chancellor nodded. "Good."


    Chu Liang then leaped forward, stepping into the arc of light.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    There was a sh, giving light to the scene before him.


    He was in a beautiful paradise with rolling verdant hills and flowing limpid rivers. However, there was something strange. All the birds and beasts seemed to be asleep, frozen in ce without even the slightest movement.


    It was the very same mountain that Chu Liang, Luo Yao, and Pushan had visited previously.


    Normally, crossing through the Deep Pool of Dreams would lead to this ce¡ªthe first level of the dream world. It was likely due to the chaos in the Deep Pool of Dreams that Chu Liang''s group had fallen into the lower levels this time.


    ording to what Chu Liang experienced thest time he was here, if they stayed in this paradise for too long, their souls would be pulled into the Immortals'' Dreams... Chu Liang now guessed that this meant falling into the lower levels of the dream world.


    However, the cultivation levels of Chu Liang''s group members were much higher than when Chu Liang was here the first time, so he wasn''t worried.


    With Chu Liang''s guidance, they made their way toward the cluster of pce halls at the mountaintop.


    They swiftly arrived at a vast white public square, spanning a hundred zhang. It was adorned with the intricate Five-Element Formation of Celestial Design.


    This was where the Southern-Route Guider had taken Luo Yao hostage. He''d threatened to kill her to force Chu Liang and Pushan to break through the enchanted formation. However, even with Chu Liang and Pushan working together, they had only managed to take a few steps past the edge of the enchanted formation...


    Nheless, things were different this time.


    Yan Qihu took the lead, takingrge strides into the enchanted formation without hesitation.


    The enchanted formation around him rumbled, but it didn''t shake him in the slightest. The others followed closely behind, unfazed by the enchanted formation.


    In fact, even just Chu Liang alone would probably have no trouble breaking through the enchanted formation now.


    <i>Rumbleee.</i>


    They continued breaking through the enchanted formation as they walked to the pce entrance, where they finally stopped.


    Inside the main hall, there was a thin man sitting with his back facing the entrance.


    At this moment, Second Madam Gu, who had been suppressing her emotions, could no longer restrain herself. She pushed through the group and rushed forward, grabbing onto the frame of the hall''s doorway for support.


    "Qingyuaaan!" she cried out, her sobbing voice reaching the man before she did.


    After thirty years of waiting and searching, she had finally found the ce that had upied her thoughts for so long. Her countless feelings that had piled up over the years finally erupted like a torrent.


    As her sorrowful call echoed through the hall, the man slowly turned around... revealing the familiar face of an elderly man.


    He smiled and said, "Second Madam?"


    ...


    "Mister Wei, why were you sitting here when you don''t have any reason to do so?"


    "And you were even facing away from the entrance. If you had just sat facing the doorway, it would''ve saved us the misunderstanding."


    "Exactly, you wasted Thirteenth Aunt''s feelings."


    "..."


    It turned out that the one sitting with his back facing the hall entrance was Wei Lang, the Confucian master from the Noblemen''s Hall. He had previously gotten separated from the group.


    The pce hall was very spacious, simr to the pce halls of an imperial pce. At the end of the hall, the imperial throne of the emperor sat vacant. Wei Lang had been sitting in the center of the hall, leading everyone to mistakenly think that he belonged to this hidden realm.


    Wei Lang scratched his head awkwardly. "There just so happened to be a meditation cushion here, so I didn''t think much of it."


    Second Madam Gu''s gaze became rather dead. The overwhelming emotions that had almost burst forth earlier had been plugged, and it was obvious she didn''t quite know what expression to have anymore.


    Wei Lang had no idea that just sitting there for a moment would earn him suchints.


    After a while, the group asked him about what he had experienced during the time that they were separated.


    Almost a full day had passed since they fell into the Deep Pool of Dreams. The old man couldn''t have been sitting in this hall the whole time.


    Wei Lang sighed deeply. "The situation here is not good."


    "<i>Hm?</i> Mister Wei, why do you say that?"


    "Look outside..." Wei Lang replied, pointing toward the outside.


    The group turned around to look and found that the initially transparent barrier around the Deep Pool of Dreams had turned into a solid white wall, resembling a dense cocoon.


    "I''ve tried breaking it, but with my strength, I can''t break this restriction," Wei Lang said. "I encountered another Confucian cultivator here. He told me that a powerful demon queen hade by earlier and sealed the entire Deep Pool of Dreams. She''s the casue of the crisis we''re facing. We are all trapped here now, and we can''t send any information out."


    The group fell silent for a moment.


    They had already guessed that Caiyi might be a powerful demon at the eighth realm, so no one had even considered fighting her head-on. Instead, they wanted to escape this ce and seek out formidable cultivators to deal with her. Unfortunately, it seemed she had anticipated that and sealed off the Deep Pool of Dreams in advance.


    How were they supposed to break the seal of an eighth-realm greater demon? No one had the confidence that they could do it. Despite his usual bravado, even Yan Qihu of the Great Astral Sect didn''t dare make any bold ims.


    At this moment, someone called out from the entrance of the pce hall.


    "Lianhua!"


    They turned to see a handsome young schr in a green Confucian robe.


    Who else could this young man be except for the schr Chu Liang had met here in the past? He was, of course, Gu Qingyuan.


    Gu Qingyuan looked at Second Madam Gu, his beloved who had upied his thoughts for thirty years and had never abandoned or forgotten him. Unable to hold back his overwhelming emotions any longer, he had called for her in a sobbing voice!


    Second Madam Gu uttered, "Oh."

 Chapter 461: Trapped

    Chapter 461: Trapped


    In the Nightmare Demon King''s dream realm, the blood moon was eerie, and the Bone Pce was somber.


    The former dynasty''s army set up a formation around the Bone Pce, relying on their surging murderous intent to resist the chaos and evil brought on by the blood moon.


    After sending off Chu Liang and the others, the elderly chancellor quietly sat cross-legged at the entrance of the Bone Pce, seemingly in wait for something.


    A long while passed, and a figure descended from the distant sky.


    It was a woman dressed in a brightly colored silk dress. She had a slender figure, smooth and fair skin, and a pair of seductive fox eyes. However, those eyes were not flirtatious in the slightest. She had a deeply imposing and wise gaze; she had the eyes of someone who had seen the vicissitudes of life. Those who met her face to face usually avoided her gaze, not daring to harbor a single impure thought about her.


    She walked lithely toward the Bone Pce.


    The soldiers of the former dynasty turned their halberds toward her, intending to stop her. Yet, the moment they gazed at her, they copsed to the ground.


    The sound of the soldiers hitting the ground rang out continuously, and by the time she arrived in front of the pce, arge number of the former dynasty''s soldiers were already lying in a huge pile behind her.


    She hadn''t nced back even once."I respected your loyalty, so I believed your words, but you deceived me," Caiyi stated calmly, looking at the elderly chancellor.


    The elderly chancellor fearlessly met Caiyi''s gaze with a smile. "I am loyal to my fallen kingdom and to the human race, yet you expect me to assist the demon race? That is wishful thinking."


    "But by doing this, you havepletely destroyed any hope of restoring your kingdom."


    "If our descendants are going to have to kneel as ves under the rule of the demon race, then that means the Land of the Divine will no longer exist. What is the point of restoring our kingdom then?" The elderly chancellor shook his head. "How could you beasts in human form ever understand?"


    Caiyi fell silent for a moment before speaking. "I do admire the... integrity of you humans. Your will power is intangible, yet it is the key distinction between humans and the other demonic ns. The reason humans have long ruled over the nine provinces is because there are so many like you."


    She paused and then said, "I will give you onest chance. If you are willing to serve me, I promise that I will allow you to establish a kingdom. Even if the demon race returns to the nine provinces, you will have an independent territory.


    "You must know the situation you''re in. Once the Nightmare Demon King awakens and this dream world shatters, you will immediately revert to being irrational and uncivilized lingering spirits... And if the people of the Yu Dynasty rush over here, they <em>will</em> annihte you. In other words, I''m the only one who can save you now."


    "It seems you still don''t understand," the elderly chancellor replied.


    He shook his head again and then closed his eyes.


    The expression on his face conveyed a single message: <em>Do what you will.</em>


    Caiyi sighed and stopped trying to persuade him.


    She just leaped. Ripples instantly appeared in the air, and she disappeared into them.


    The barriers between the dream realms were imprable for Chu Liang and the others, so they needed to find the connecting portals to get to the next dream realm. However, Caiyi was a greater demon at a cultivation level that might even be on par with the creator of this dream world, the Dream Immortal. So, she was able to enter and exit the dream realms effortlessly.


    As for these remnants of the former dynasty, she was unwilling to kill them herself, nor did she need to do so.


    As she had said earlier, if she seeded in awakening the Nightmare Demon King, the dream world would shatter, and these people would be lonely wandering ghosts again. Even if she failed, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Yu Dynasty, and these remnants of the former dynasty would face the most brutal purge.


    Yet, even under such circumstances, the elderly chancellor refused to serve her. This was indeed outside her expectations.


    Humans were always like this.


    Caiyi hadn''t been a part of the Demon God War, but she knew of what had happened back then. Despite facing a god-like ninth-realm being, the humans had resisted relentlessly and ultimately achieved the miracle of ying a god.


    Caiyi believed this was the power of civilization, so that''s why she had been studying human culture in the Far West. Nheless, how long would it take for the demon race to be like the humans?


    She did not know.


    ¡­


    "Qingyuan..."


    "Lianhua..."


    In the main hall, Gu Qingyuan and Ji Lianhua sobbed as they embraced each other. Their reunion after thirty years was deeply moving.


    "Lianhua, you''re finally here," Gu Qingyuan said, holding Ji Lianhua''s hand. "It must have been a difficult journey."


    "It''s my fault foring sote." Ji Lianhua shook her head vigorously, looking at her beloved with pity. "You poor thing. You''ve been living all alone in the deste mountains, waiting for me for a long thirty years..."


    Watching their heartfelt reunion, the others found it hard to interrupt the couple.


    After the initial burst of emotions, Gu Qingyuan nced back at the group.


    "Lianhua, time is running out," he said seriously. "All of you must escape from here and gather reinforcements."


    "Right!" Ji Lianhua responded. "Let''s leave together!"


    "I..." Gu Qingyuan uttered, suddenly hesitant. "I can''t leave..."


    Ji Lianhua narrowed her eyes. "What are you saying?"


    Hearing Gu Qingyuan''s words, the group turned to him with serious expressions.


    "You must have noticed. Right now, I am merely a primordial spirit..." Gu Qingyuan exined. "My corporeal body is beneath this hall, suppressing the Nightmare Demon King."


    "<em>Huh?</em>"


    Ji Lianhua had indeed sensed that something was off, but she hadn''t had the chance to ask earlier. Nevertheless, as a seventh-realm Eminent One, Gu Qingyuan''s primordial spirit appearedplete and showed no obvious anomalies, so the others hadn''t noticed anything either.


    "Years ago, I obtained an ancient map and ventured into the Southern Bastion Mountain in the Southern Regions to search for the hidden treasures of the Great Noble Dream Immortal. I was hoping to find something that could give me the opportunity to break through to the Heavenly Gate[1]. However, once I entered this hidden realm, I realized something was wrong.


    "I was not the first to arrive here. The Nightmare Demon King and the young emperor of the former dynasty hade in before me, and they were already in a dream state, adding to the levels of this dream world. The dream I entered was that of the young emperor. But at the time, the true self of the Nightmare Demon King was on the verge of awakening."


    Hearing that, everyone immediately understood what Caiyi hade searching for.


    In some dreams, the dreamer viewed everything from a third-person perspective and did not get involved in anything. In other dreams, there was a true self in the dream that experienced everything firsthand. If this true self encountered a strong enough shock, it might wake up from the dream.


    For beings at the level of the Great Noble Dream Immortal and the Nightmare Demon King, leaving their true self in the dream was a matter of choice. It was evident that the Nightmare Demon King had deliberately left its true self in the dream to prepare for its eventual awakening.


    After three thousand years, the consciousness of the Nightmare King''s true self had gradually developed, and it was now preparing to awaken.


    Fortunately, around that time, a group of intruders also entered its dream. It was the army that the former dynasty''s chancellor led.


    The Nightmare Demon King''s true self was not as powerful as its corporeal form. In the dream, its cultivation level was only at the seventh realm, so the two parties were evenly matched.


    Gu Qingyuan continued, "At that time, I chanced upon the chancellor fighting against the Nightmare Demon King''s true self. I stepped in to help, and in a moment of desperation, I restrained its true self with my bare hands. The chancellor then sealed both my consciousness and that of the Nightmare Demon King in ice, temporarily preventing the demon from awakening.


    "With the chancellor''s help, my primordial spirit left my corporeal body and has continued to exist here. I also found the cultivation legacy of the Great Noble Dream Immortal¡ªthe Dream Techniques."


    He smiled bitterly.


    Sighing, he told Ji Lianhua, "How ironic. My lifelong wish was nothing more than to reach the seventh realm, impress your family, and then ask for your hand in marriage. But after breaking through to the seventh realm, I still couldn''t go find you. I endured an agonizing wait here for so many years until I finally found someone who could help me send a message."


    Chu Liang felt rather ashamed. If he had realized earlier that Second Madam Gu was Ji Lianhua, perhaps they could have arrived sooner and been one step ahead of the female demon king.


    However, after hearing the whole story, Chu Liang understood why the elderly chancellor of the previous dynasty refused to even consider helping Caiyi awaken the Nightmare Demon King.


    It turned out that the elderly chancellor had sealed the Nightmare Demon King''s true self with his own hands. Even if he were to help awaken the Nightmare Demon King now, it would not end well for him. So, rather than betray the human race again, he chose to stand firm in his integrity.


    Of course, this was just a dark conjecture. Regardless, the elderly chancellor was worthy of respect.


    Gu Qingyuan urged, "The most important thing right now is for all of you to leave here. This matter is of great importance. As long as you can find a Master of the Heavenly Origin to take action, the crisis will be resolved."


    "Yes, you must leave quickly," Ji Lianhua chimed in. Then she turned to Gu Qingyuan. "But I won''t go. I''ll stay here with you."


    "Lianhua..." Gu Qingyuan uttered, still thinking of trying to persuade her.


    Hearing that, Chu Liang smelled trouble. Were they going to drag things out?


    Fortunately, Yan Qihu flung out his sleeves and pointed out, "It''s not about whether you want to leave; it''s about whether we can! Let''s first see if we can even break through that barrier! If we can''t, we''re all dead!"


    His loud, gruff voice shattered the dismal atmosphere between the two, pulling everyone back to reality.


    The group stopped wasting time and flew to the edge of the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    There was a thick cocoon-like barrier overhead. It seemed like countless strands of white thread had been densely wrapped around the hidden realm, blocking off the view of the outside world from every possible nook and cranny. The Deep Pool of Dreams waspletely enclosed.


    This white cocoon not only blocked corporeal bodies but also all spiritual energy from passing through. No divine abilities or techniques could move through it, including Dimension Compression.


    "Mister Wei and I studied it for a long time," Gu Qingyuan replied. "But even with ourbined strengths, we still couldn''t break open the cocoon."


    Long before the group arrived at the hall, Gu Qingyuan and Wei Lang had already tried multiple times to break through the cocoon and send a message out. However, while Confucian divine skills might be profound, theycked the power to break through such obstacles.


    If a seventh-realm cultivator wanted to break open this cocoon, they would probably need a sword cultivator like Daoist Yan.


    "Let me try," Yan Qihu said resolutely.


    Channeling his qi and blood, he gathered all his strength and threw a fierce punch at the barrier!


    <em>Boooom.</em>


    Unexpectedly, the white cocoon, woven from an unknown material, was incredibly sticky and tough. Yan Qihu''s punch was strong enough to shatter a mountain, yet it only made the barrier bounce a little.


    Then countless strands of white thread shot out, trying to bind Yan Qihu to the cocoon-like barrier!


    Fortunately, he was agile and swiftly moved out of the way. The threads extended more than ten zhang into the air, hovered for a moment, and then retracted back into the cocoon.


    Yan Qihu''s punch didn''t just fail to damage the cocoon; it had the side effect of inadvertently rming the enemy. The loud boom had echoed across the mountain peak, ringing out several times.


    Soon after, an etherealugh drifted over from afar.


    "Trying to leave, are you?" It was a soft female voice. "Just tell me where the Nightmare Demon King is, and I''ll let you go..."


    1. The third andst cultivation gate, realms 7 to 9. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 462: Escape

    Chapter 462: Escape


    <em>Caiyi.</em>


    This was not the first time Chu Liang had heard the name of this demoness; he knew her to be both mysterious and powerful. Yet, seeing her in person made it hard to think of her as a monster.


    Dressed in vibrant robes that fluttered in the wind, she descended gracefully from the distant sky. Her eyes seemed to pierce through time, appearing indifferent and devoid of emotion.


    If she had concealed her demonic qi, she would seem just like a human. Unlike the demonic entities Chu Liang had encountered before, there was something uniquely distinct about her, though he found it hard to pinpoint exactly what that was.


    Among those present, Yan Qihu, Wei Lang, and Gu Qingyuan were all Eminent Ones at the seventh realm. Second Madam Gu was at the pinnacle of the sixth realm, and she possessed the Xuan Yuan Eyes. As for the three juniors, Chu Liang, Ji Lingyu, and Tang Shi, they were top talents from their respective immortal sects and noble families.


    Together, they formed a powerful group that could stand against any sect below the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten. Yet, as they faced this woman, all of them felt this overwhelming sense of powerlessness.


    Though she wasn¡¯t trying to disy her aura, her mere presence radiated an unmistakable essence of the Great Dao. It brought a sense of weight to the air, making everyone aware of her power. They all felt they were in the presence of someone who had reached the Heavenly Origin.


    For a demon, reaching the eighth realm was much more difficult than for a human, once again proving just how extraordinary she was.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>A gentle breeze stirred as Caiyinded gracefully before the group.


    Wei Lang stepped forward, breaking the silence. "There are only a few eighth-realm demons in the world, so I guess you must havee from the Far West?"


    "I am the King of Qingqiu," she replied calmly. "My name is Caiyi."


    "So, the Demon King of Qingqiu..." Wei Lang nodded slightly.


    In recent years, humans had known little about the Far West and were unclear on the session of demon kings.


    After a brief pause, he continued, "While the King of Qingqiu is indeed powerful,mitting murder in human territory could reignite the war between our races. I urge you to consider this carefully."


    His words carried weight. The reason humans did not wage war on the Far West was not just because it was difficult, but also because it served little purpose. Even if they invested heavily to eradicate the demon race, they would gain nothing of value. The remnants would simply flee, and they would never be able topletely wipe out the monsters in this world.


    The human race was not united in this matter either, allowing the demons of the Far West to continue existing in their secluded corner.


    However, if the demon race ventured into the heart of the nine provinces and caused trouble, it could ignite public anger and provoke a campaign against them, leading to heavy losses.


    In the presence of an eighth-realm expert, they could only attempt to exert pressure this way.


    Caiyi simply smiled and said, "I don¡¯t wish to kill anyone. I¡¯m here to awaken the Nightmare Demon King. If you assist me, I¡¯ll spare you and even reward you. But if you choose to stand in my way¡­ who would know if I was the one who made you all disappear?"


    The pressure from an eighth-realm being was tangible, weighing heavily on everyone. No one wanted to risk their lives, and the atmosphere grew thick with silence.


    Despite the overwhelming pressure, Yan Qihu was the first to leap forward. "Demoness! I don''t know what you''re nning, but if you want to kill me, go ahead and try!"


    With that, he leaped into the air, his qi and blood surging to a terrifying level!


    It appeared he had unleashed a blood-burning divine ability.


    But Caiyi simply waved her hand, and a burst of colorful light surrounded Yan Qihu. Within that glow, he shouted and swung his fists and feet like thunder, as if engaged in an imaginary battle with the air.


    It was an illusory technique.


    Being the Demon King of Qingqiu, she was clearly a member of the Fox n, known for their exceptional skills in illusory techniques.[1]


    Even though Yan Qihu had taken Chu Liang''s Illusion Dispelling Pill and possessed the cultivation power of the seventh realm, he easily fell for the illusion. It appeared that the pill was ineffective against higher-level illusory techniques.


    Wei Lang raised the Soul-Pacifying Scroll, casting a beam of light toward Yan Qihu in an attempt to help him.


    However, as light flickered in Caiyi''s eyes, a gigantic apparition of a nine-tailed celestial fox materialized behind her.


    "<em>RAAAAAR!</em>"


    With a powerful roar, the nine tails swayed, and the Soul-Pacifying Scroll shattered with a thunderous crash!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    This was a renowned enchanted tool from the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, and yet it had been destroyed in an instant!


    Wei Lang felt the bacsh, groaning as he stumbled back several steps, blood oozing from his seven orifices.


    Her power was so overwhelming that even the two seventh-realm experts couldn¡¯t withstand a single round against her.


    "I don¡¯t want to waste any more time," Caiyi dered, casting a cold nce over the gathered crowd. "Three breaths. That''s how long you have to reveal the Nightmare Demon King''s whereabouts. If no one reveals the Nightmare Demon King''s location, I''ll kill the men first, then the women. If I still hear nothing, I''ll destroy the entire dream realm. The ending won''t change.."


    She could certainly destroy the Nightmare Demon King''s entire dream realm, but awakening the Nightmare Demon King in this manner would cause a great disturbance and surely attract the attention of an eighth-realm human expert.


    This was something she wished to avoid.


    As her words faded into silence, Chu Liang suddenly sprang up and shouted, "Caiyi... do you remember Yan Renjie?!"


    ¡­


    "Hmm?" Caiyi''s eyes suddenly sharpened.


    As soon as her gaze fixed on him, Chu Liang felt his blood run cold, almost freezing his voice in his throat.


    But he pushed through, clenching his teeth as he said, "I am a disciple of Mount Shu. I came across Yan Renjie''s diary; it detailed everything about him and a woman named Caiyi... that was you, wasn¡¯t it?"


    The truth was, the diary merely mentioned Caiyi once, and the remaining pages had been torn away.


    Yet at this moment, Chu Liang had no choice but to take the risk and step forward.


    His tactic seemed to have an effect, as Caiyi went quiet for a second before shaking her head and saying, "I don¡¯t know what you''re talking about. Since you were so quick to jump out, I''ll start with you."


    With that, she raised her hand, reaching out toward Chu Liang.


    In that instant, Chu Liang felt death closer than ever. A burst of radiant light plummeted from the heavens, just about to crash down upon him...


    This moment of life or death was utterly horrifying.


    Chu Liang suddenly shouted, "It''s done!"


    With a crisp crack, he vanished in an instant!


    Shattering the Void!


    The jade talisman given to him by Venerable Wen Yuan, which Chu Liang had carefully kept for so long, finally came into use. In a blinding sh, he disappeared and reappeared a thousand li away.


    Caiyi remained where she stood, a subtle furrow appearing between her brows.


    Her restriction was powerful enough to block all spiritual energy; not even a talisman created by an eighth-realm expert should have been able to activate.


    In the following second, she spotted a dark, fist-sized gap where Chu Liang had vanished. The gap didn''t need to be massive; just a tiny crack could allow spiritual energy to slip through.


    He had sessfully opened a gap!


    Had he jumped out earlier just to divert her attention and buy time to break the restriction? But how had he managed to do it?


    At the exact moment Chu Liang shouted, Wei Lang pulled out an old yellow paper that was nk at first. As his mind focused, words rapidly appeared on the paper as the paper started burning brightly before vanishing in an instant.


    Now that the restriction had been lifted, he could finally get a message through to the Noblemen''s Hall.


    Caiyi''s expression turned grim. She had thought sess was within her reach, yet in an instant, the tables had turned. With the message already sent, powerful humans would arrive soon, making it impossible for her to secretly take the Nightmare Demon King out of here.


    She swiftly turned around, and the nine-tailed celestial fox apparition on her back started bing bigger and bigger, transforming into a towering monster that reached into the heavens.


    Then, she unleashed a roaring cry.


    "<em>Aooo¡ª</em>"


    <em>Rumble¡ª</em>


    The atmosphere around heaven and earth shifted, as the wind and clouds suddenly changed!


    The peaceful dream realm at the uppermost level disintegrated instantly, turning everything into pure nothingness. Not only that, but the dream realm below started to fracture as well; the blood moon shattered, and the Nightmare Specters ceased to exist.


    At the Bone Pce, as everything crumbled into nothingness, the soldiers of the former dynasty underwent a rapid transformation. Their formation, once brimming with a murderous aura reaching the heavens, turned into hideous, lingering spirits and malevolent ghosts.


    The old chancellor knelt before the jade coffin, bowing his head in deep reverence. With a loud voice, he dered, "Your Majesty, the kingdom has fallen beyond repair. I fear we would never be able to restore it. I wish Your Majesty well on the journey ahead. My support, as your old minister, ends here."


    With that, he pushed the jade coffin with one palm, and it disappeared in a sh.


    Immediately, the copse of the realm reached this spot, and the old chancellor reverted to the pitiful state of his death¡ªhis body smeared with blood, his face distorted in agony.


    He transformed back to a lonely wandering ghost.


    At the same time, the ground quaked within the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal.


    All the citizens were startled from their peaceful state, eyes widening in terror as they turned toward the Demon Mountain...


    "The Demon Mountain... it''s alive!"


    1. Qingqiu (The Land of Green Hills) is the territory of the Nine-Tailed Foxes, mythical beings celebrated for their shapeshifting abilities, allowing them to disguise themselves as both men and women. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 463: Arrival of the Master of the Heavenly Origin

    <h4>Chapter 463: Arrival of the Master of the Heavenly Origin</h4>


    "This great dream hassted for three thousand years...


    "The tides of time turn oceans into fields..."


    The violent quake tore through thend, shattering mountains and rivers, causing the heavens and earth to copse. The once-tranquil Kingdom of the Dream Immortal could not escape the cmity. People scattered in terror, like startled birds and beasts, rushing toward the Holy Mountain, the only ce that might offer refuge in this catastrophe.


    Amidst the violent shaking, the demon mountain erupted in the distance, unleashing a dense ck mist that engulfed half of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal in the blink of an eye.


    Within the dense mist, a crimson shadow appeared to be taking shape.


    In that ancient era three thousand years ago, none had ever seen the Nightmare Demon King''s true form. Some legends imed that its divine power spawned every Nightmare Demon, making the entire n its mere puppets. Others believed that the true form of the Nightmare Demon King existed in the illusory realm with just a projection appearing in the real world.


    During the past three thousand years, it had lived as a parasite in the dream world. The Kingdom of the Dream Immortal had sent countless warriors to search for the source of the Nightmare Beasts, yet they never located the Nightmare Demon King within that Demon Mountain.


    It seemed to exist without any true form or substance.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Suddenly, a blood-red glow lit up within the crimson silhouette! Was it the blood moon? No... it was the eye of the Nightmare Demon King!


    This demon had atst awakened, and the blood moon that had tormented this world for a few thousand years turned out to be its eye!


    In the copsed dream realm at the highest level, arge block of ice was discovered under the debris of the pce.


    Inside the block of ice, Gu Qingyuan''s silhouette was faintly visible, his hands pushing down with all his might. His palms were pressing on yet another blood moon.


    As the blood moon in the dream realm at the second highest level glowed, the blood moon here also emitted a brilliant glow. The seal could no longer hold back its radiance!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the ck mist surged forth, two blood moons shone with brilliant intensity. The three dream realms shattered and fused together instantly. A giant figure rose from the dark mist, stretching high into the sky!


    The nine-tailed celestial fox looked up at the massive silhouette and cried out, "Awaken!"


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    Two rays of light shot straight into the sky, tearing through the clouds and disturbing the serenity of the Heavenly Pce!


    The murderous aura, built up over three thousand years, surged forth like a sharp de, lighting up the world. Almost every eighth-realm Eminent One across the nine provinces sensed this ferocious energy.


    As the shattering came to an end, all that remained above the swirling sea of clouds of the Deep Pool of Dreams was a dense mass of ck mist. The crimson silhouette within the mist and the two blood moon arcs began to merge, forming a giant and terrifying shadow.


    Even the nine-tailed celestial fox seemed somewhat small inparison. While the fox existed in one dream realm, the ck mist came into existence through the fusion of the three dream realms.


    Gu Qingyuan''s body was far too close to the blood moon, causing it to disintegrate in an instant.


    Even though he was an Eminent One at the seventh realm, there was no chance he could resist this.


    As his body disintegrated, his primordial spirit quickly weakened. Ji Lianhua held his hand tightly, seemingly unwilling to ever part from her beloved one in the midst of this disaster..


    It had been thirty years since theyst saw each other, but nothing could separate them anymore.


    The others stood in disbelief as they watched the chaos unfold. It happened in the blink of an eye, leaving them no opportunity to flee. All they could do was observe, their hearts heavy with shock. How many times in one''s life does one get to witness such a rare natural phenomenon?


    In the midst of the chaos, Yan Qihu stood oblivious to everything happening around him.


    Enveloped in the glow that Caiyi had cast upon him, he tirelessly swung his fists and feet. It was uncertain what visions the illusion presented to him, but he fought with great passion.


    He was the only one present who did not fear the awakening of the Nightmare Demon King.


    ...


    The message that Wei Lang sent earlier now seemed rather pointless.


    However, the earlier message gave them a bit of a head start. At least the first to arrive was an Eminent One from the Confucian school.


    "What demon are you¡ª" A powerful voice echoed, and golden light filled the sky. A figure, much like a distant projection, gradually appeared.


    Even though the Noblemen''s Hall did not have an actual eighth-realm expert, it ranked all the renowned Confucian masters of the world. Clearly, they kept close connections. The first to arrive at this moment was Shentu Yang, Vice Headmaster of Ascending Dragon Academy.


    Within Ascending Dragon Academy, there was a well-known saying: the Headmaster was the most knowledgeable, while the Vice Headmaster was the most capable inbat.


    As a distinguished Confucian master, Shentu Yang was renowned for his deeds, all of which had something to do with fighting. For instance, when he was young, he engaged in a debate and ended up beating up his opponent in a fit of anger; in his middle age, he engaged in a debate and ended up beating up his opponent in a fit of anger; in his old age, he engaged in a debate and ended up beating up his opponent in a fit of anger...[1] In his life of debates, he had never been defeated.


    The figure that traversed the void had long ck hair, a tall hat, and a wide belt, exuding a sense of righteousness and awe.


    Facing two demon kings radiating monstrous auras, this Vice Headmaster showed no fear. He immediately attacked with a move to suppress the mountains.


    With a swift turn of his hand, he pulled up two peaks surrounding the Southern Bastion Mountain and sent them crashing down toward the Fox Demon King and the Nightmare Demon King!


    Clearly, the Great Dao that Shentu Yang mastered in the eighth realm had nothing to do with Confucianism. He was the Dao Master of Houtu[2] in the Great Dao of Earth.


    With just a wave of his hand, he could uproot mountains and lift peaks!


    While a typical mountain peak might not intimidate an eighth-realm demon, Shentu Yang''s attack was exceptional. If they were trapped under the peak, it would take them at least five hundred years to break free.


    Having just awakened, the Nightmare Demon King had not yet achieved its full power. Nevertheless, Caiyi was not an easy opponent.


    The nine-tailed celestial fox''s apparition waved its tails through the air, gathering the surrounding ck mist. In an instant, it shattered into countless streams of light, bursting forth like fireworks in every direction.


    She was trying to get away!


    As she escaped, the two mountain peaks narrowly missed their target.


    Even Shentu Yang found it challenging to identify the true Fox Demon King among the streams of light. He raised his hand, summoning sharp rocks that shot into the air like rain, attempting to block all the escaping streams of light.


    Ultimately, he couldn''t keep up with their speed.


    Just as everyone expected the two demon kings to escape without consequence, a sword aura exuding suffocating power suddenly descended from the distant sky.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A massive sword light, imbued with the overwhelming weight of heaven and earth, plummeted from above!


    It struck right at the very end of one of the seemingly insignificant streams of light.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    In an instant, blood sttered, and a white fox tail fell from the heavens, crashing heavily on the fractured ground.


    "Imperial Supervisory Commissioner!" Caiyi shouted from afar, her voice resonating in the sky. "I will never forget what you did to my tail!"


    "This old man will be here waiting," an old-sounding voice drifted through the air as the swordlight slowly vanished.


    Throughout the nine provinces, aside from the eighth-realm Confucian master who got the message from Wei Lang, the next to arrive was the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Yu Dynasty. After all, his cultivation and responsibility far exceeded those of others.


    The source of the sword light witnessed earlier obviously came from the Great Dao under the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner''s control. It was the Tai''a Great Dao!


    While a thousand li apart, he was able to cut off a portion of the nine-tailed celestial fox''s tail.


    If an eighth-realm Eminent One intended to escape, they would be nearly impossible to capture, even with a legendary artifact. The fact that they could cause such injury was already an impressive achievement, especially considering how hastily they arrived.


    Suddenly, Imperial Supervisory Commissioner Qi Yingxuan appeared in midair. He nodded toward Shentu Yang ahead, saying, "I didn''t expect the Vice Headmaster to arrive before me."


    "Hmph," Shentu Yang retorted coldly. "I only regret not being able to capture these two demons."


    He didn''t even bother looking at the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner.


    Within the capital of Yu, there had long been open and hidden rivalries between the main factions that were closely connected to the imperial court. These factions were the Ascending Dragon Academy, Monastery Tower, and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    After all, in any gathering of people, power struggles were inevitable, especially in the center of the nine provinces.


    In recent times, the rise of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s power led the Ascending Dragon Academy and Monastery Tower to ally against it, which resulted in strained rtions between the groups.


    While others may have upheld a fa?ade of harmony, Shentu Yang did not care at all.


    This Vice Headmaster had devoted his entire life to study and never felt the need to engage in social pleasantries.


    ...


    While the great battle in the dream realm came to an abrupt and anticlimactic stop, Chu Liang found himself in an unknown location.


    Venerable Wen Yuan could easily have programmed the talisman with the immortal art of Shattering the Void to transport him to Mount Shu. However, this would allow others to discern the teleportation patterns, which could work against weaker foes but would be pointless against an eighth-realm enemy like Caiyi.


    If the teleportation patterns were predictable, the enemy could swiftly intercept and locate them. Therefore, a randomly teleporting jade talisman was the safest option.


    As soon as hended, Chu Liang didn''t take the time to observe his surroundings. His gaze was immediately drawn to his palm, where a tiny golden butterfly nestled snugly.


    1. Author was using the same Chinese words to describe this incident in his youth, middle-age, and old-age. ÓëijÈËÂÛµÀÅ­¶øŹ֮. It''s just 9 characters but bes such a long sentence in English. ?


    2. Houtu is the deity of allnd and earth in Chinese religion and mythology. Simr to the Mother of Earth, Gaia, in Greek Mythology. ?

 Chapter 464: What a Mess

    <h4>Chapter 464: What a Mess</h4>


    This little creature had saved him from danger countless times.


    A vague sense of dread had always lingered in his heart, warning him not to let it eat too many items that contained a lot of spiritual energy. Yet, no matter what, this little foodie remained his most dependable trump card in times of trouble.


    Just moments before his escape, Chu Liang had snatched up the little golden butterfly that had gnawed its way through the barrier, ensuring it wouldn''t be left behind in Southern Bastion Mountain. But in the span of a heartbeat, when he took it out again, the tiny creature was already wrapped in a golden cocoon.


    It had be a golden cocoon, roughly the size of a fist.


    This wasn''t the first time it had wrapped itself in a cocoon. Every time it emerged from a cocoon, it transformed into something new. What might it be next?


    As Jiang Yuebai previously mentioned, the Heaven-Devouring Bug''s power increased with every transformation, with each transformation equating to an increase of one realm. By the seventh realm, it would be exceptionally hard to control, and at the ninth realm, it would be like the legendary Demon God.


    It started out as a little maggot, evolving into a silkworm and then into a radiant golden butterfly... Should it undergo another change, it would likely reach the fourth realm of the Heaven-Devouring Bug.


    The most terrifying trait of this creature was that it could devour endlessly, advancing without understanding the Great Dao. All it had to do was eat.


    While the amount of spiritual energy needed to advance to the next realm would increase, it would eventually reach that realm through slow, steady consumption.


    It was still quite dangerous.


    However, this little creature had saved him countless times and had never disyed any signs of defiance. Chu Liang couldn''t bear to kill it just like that. Had it not been there, he would have met his doom on numerous asions.


    After much contemtion, he decided to wait and see.


    He would wait until the little golden butterflypleted its transformation, observe what it became, and then determine its fate. For now, with the White Pagoda in his possession, he could still keep it under control.


    Having ced the golden cocoon inside the White Pagoda, he finally looked up to look around, ready to make his way back to Mount Shu.


    He seemed to be deep within a dense forest, tucked away in a valley and nestled against the mountainside. The Southern Regions were rugged and mountainous, with terrain like this all around, making it hard to pinpoint his exact location.


    Just as he was about to step out, he heard the cheerful sound ofughtering from outside, as if men and women were frolicking nearby.


    With a swift extension of his divine sense, Chu Liang investigated, but what he found made him hesitant to step outside.


    ...


    It turned out that a man and a woman were locked in an embrace outside. The man wore a snug purple outfit and looked to be middle-aged, while the woman, slightly younger, had a seductive figure and fair skin. They had engaged in yful banter all the way here, which resulted in their clothing being disheveled.


    He decided to keep himself hidden for now, nning to wait until they were gone before stepping out.


    While they were cultivators, their auras indicated they had only reached the third realm. Additionally, it was clear they had practiced various cultivation methods. Compared to Chu Liang''s current strength, they were much weaker, which meant they naturally wouldn''t be able to detect him.


    To his surprise, the two suddenly stopped moving forward. Chu Liang could hear their breaths growing heavier.


    "You''re so naughty," the woman said coquettishly. "Out here in the wilderness, what do you intend to do?"


    "With the sky as our nket and the earth as our bed, wouldn''t we be enjoying the same pleasures that the ancients did, embracing nature?" the manughed heartily.


    <i>I really don''t rmend doing that... </i>Chu Liang silently frowned.


    <i>Great... Even after being teleported to a random location, I''ve stumbled upon this thrilling scene. Unbelievable.</i>


    "Don''t mess around; I''m already pregnant," the woman said softly.


    "Huh?" The man looked taken aback.


    "Rx, it''s not yours," she replied with a snort.


    "Well..." His surprise quickly turned intoughter. "I was just shocked! If it were mine, I''d be thrilled! After all, the child would be the future leader of our Red River Sect."


    "<i>Haaa</i>, don''t even mention it," the woman sighed as she replied, a hint of resentment in her voice. "This child has really put me in a difficult situation."


    "How so?" the man asked gently.


    "Old Zhao did the math and realized the timing doesn''t add up. He seems to suspect I had an affair with Elder Chen, and he''s been questioning him for days," the woman said, feeling wronged. "But the child is clearly Elder Bai''s!"


    Chu Liang: "?"


    After listening to just a few sentences, he could hardly wrap his head around what he was hearing.


    As for the Red River Sect, he did have some impression of it.


    This small sect was not well-known and had connections to both righteous and the diabolical sects.


    Various sects that were neither strictly righteous nor evil, such as the Red River Sect, were scattered across the Southern Regions, and the reason why Chu Liang knew of this particr one was because this sect guarded an area known as the Myriad Poison Mountain.


    The mountain was home to numerous poisonous creatures, making it a ce ordinary people dared not venture near. More than a dozen sects of various sizes surrounded it, carefully monitoring for any potential escape of these dangerous, venomous creatures beyond the mountain''s edge.


    To reward their efforts in protecting the Myriad Poison Mountain, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau provided these sects with resources and subsidies. In addition, the sects made substantial profits by capturing and selling poisonous creatures.


    The most famous of these sects was the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    It was only because of his connection to Luo Yao that Chu Liang became somewhat familiar with the sects near the Myriad Poison Mountain.


    "I really envy how lucky Old Bai is," the man said with a chuckle.


    "Quit the sarcasm," the woman chided. "Would you actually wish for this kind of ''luck''?"


    "Heh," the manughed awkwardly.


    Before he could say anything else, a loud roar echoed from the distance. "You shameless woman! You actually have other men besides me and the sect leader?!"


    This time, the voice sounded old and weathered.


    Chu Liang had no intention of spying, but his curiosity got the better of him, so he extended his divine sense to take a peek.


    He saw an elderly man with white hair and a long beard in a flowing robe, chasing after them and hurling insults like "adulterous couple" and "shamelessness."


    "Elder Bai!" The man from before was startled and quickly protested, "It''s not what you think..."


    "I saw it with my own eyes, so what else could it be?" Elder Bai retorted angrily. "You dare say that this is not adultery?"


    "No... wait?" The man was about to argue but suddenly paused. "Aren''t you in the same situation as me? Why are you scolding me?"


    He was panicking, but as he thought it through, everything clicked.


    <i>Even if we''re both having an affair... How does it make sense for you, an adulterer, to use another adulterer? Does being involved with the same woman automatically turn us into enemies?</i>


    "Uh..." Elder Bai was taken aback.


    He felt his chest swell with anger but struggled to find the words to argue back.


    After a pause, he shouted, "You two have conspired in adultery! I''ll take it upon myself to clean up the sect for the sect leader!"


    <i>Excellent. Finally, the old man realized he shouldn''t confess to being involve</i>d, Chu Liang remarked inwardly.


    In the next moment, the sharp shing of metal echoed as both sides drew their weapons.


    However, since their cultivation levels were both at the third realm, the fight was far from spectacr. Elder Bai was slightly stronger, pushing the man in purple back after just a few exchanges.


    The woman felt she could no longer stand idly by and watch, so she joined the fight. With two against one, Elder Bai soon found himself on the losing end.


    With a loud shout, he hurled something, gritting his teeth as he yelled, "Die!"


    "Ah!" the man in purple cried, "A Scarlet Demon Spider! You dared to bring poisonous creatures out of the Demon Spider Forest! The sect leader will not forgive you if he finds out!"


    "I''ll kill you both today and im my reward. Why would the sect leader me me?" Elder Bai retorted.


    "Old Bai! The child I''m carrying is yours!" the woman cried out, her voice filled with despair.


    "What?" Elder Bai''s voice trembled, and the flow of his foundational qi halted abruptly.


    But almost immediately, he cried out in pain, "Ah! You wicked woman, you dared to attack me with the Five Poison Sword! You..."


    "The child is yours, yes, but you just tried to kill me. Do you expect me to show you mercy?" the woman replied coldly.


    "Even if I die, I''ll take you both down with me!" Elder Bai roared furiously.


    "Run!" the man in purple''s voice echoed from several hundred zhang away. "He took a Fiery Heart Pill! He ns to drag us down with him before he dies!"


    "Trying to escape?!"


    A whooshing sound followed, and the group seemed to chase one another, vanishing from sight in an instant.


    ...


    After waiting for a while and confirming that they wouldn''t return, Chu Liang finally stepped out.


    It wasn''t that he was afraid of these third-realm cultivators; it was mainly too awkward. If he ran into them, what would he even say? May this family of yours soon be blessed with a noble child. Harmony brings wealth?


    In just a few moments, it felt like he had watched a drama unfold over dozens of episodes.


    All the words that could describe what he had just seen could be summed up in a single sentence: What a mess!


    Chu Liang stepped out and was about to leave when he suddenly sensed a faint demonic aura on the ground.


    Looking around, he spotted palm-sized red spiders with ck markings scuttling quickly through the fallen leaves. They appeared fierce and terrifying.


    There were about four or five of them.


    As they sensed the presence of a living person, they moved toward him. However, when they got closer and detected his powerful aura, they hesitated and stopped.


    These were likely the "Scarlet Demon Spiders" the man had mentioned earlier. In their frantic chase and escape, they had left these creatures behind.


    <i>They really have no sense of responsibility</i>, Chu Liang thought.


    Although Chu Liang didn''t know much about these creatures, he knew these were dangerous and venomous creatures from the Myriad Poison Mountain. And so, he decided to eliminate them to ensure the safety of others.


    He didn''t even reach for his sword; instead, he raised a finger and made a gentle pointing motion.


    <i>Puff!</i>


    A burst of Geng Metal Sword Qi shot out from his fingertip, instantly obliterating several of the Scarlet Demon Spiders.


    Even if these Scarlet Demon Spiders had cultivated a bit, they were merely second-realm creatures. Their venom was their greatest threat, but they were no match for Chu Liang.


    However, when their bodies burst open, ck blood oozed into the soil, instantly turning a patch of earth ck. The leaves in the vicinity immediately withered and corroded, leaving only hollow spots.


    It was clear that their venom was highly potent.


    Since no one else was around, Chu Liang casually refined their imprints. As his divine sense entered the White Pagoda, a red glow shimmered, and a slender strand of light emerged.


    [Scarlet Venom Silk: Silk infused with Scarlet Demon Venom. Upon contact with human skin, they emit toxins that cause paralysis and loss of consciousness. The venom is so strong that it can''t be blocked by clothing.]

 Chapter 465: Lighting the Candle

    <h4>Chapter 465: Lighting the Candle</h4>


    By the time Chu Liang returned to Mount Shu, it was already evening.


    The first thing he did upon returning to Mount Shu was to send a flying-crane message to the Noblemen''s Hall and the Great Astral Sect to check on everyone''s safety. Although he had opened a breach before leaving to allow Wei Lang to send a message out, he didn''t know if the demon would fly into a rage and start a killing spree.


    If an eighth-realm being was intent on killing, it would be extremely difficult for even another eighth-realm being to ensure everyone''s safety.


    He then made his way to the Hall of Weapons to see Wen Yulong.


    "Senior Brother Chu."


    "Junior Brother Wen."


    They exchanged slight nods of greeting. They knew each other so well that they could often sense what the other was thinking. As soon as Chu Liang arrived, Wen Yulong knew there was new work to be done.


    "Can you take a look at this enchanted tool for me?" Chu Liang asked as he pulled out the Demon-Binding Rope.


    As one of the first enchanted tools he had acquired, the Demon-Binding Rope had always been Chu Liang''s weapon of choice for capturing thieves and subduing demons. The tortoise-shell bondage method of the Demon-Binding Rope not only physically restrained the enemy but also crushed them psychologically.


    It could be called an essential tool for home and travel.


    Unfortunately, as his cultivation level increased, the effectiveness of the Demon-Binding Rope began to wane.


    First, its release speed was no longer fast enough to catch enemies off guard. Second, even if it seeded in restraining someone, those with higher cultivation levels could easily break free.


    This was a challenge every cultivator had to face. The enchanted tools they had relied on could no longer keep pace with their increasing cultivation levels, forcing them to give up on the old ones and acquire new ones.


    Typically, they would repair these tools and pass them down to the next generation of cultivators as a legacy item.


    However, the Demon-Binding Rope was not the type of tool that seemed appropriate to pass on to the next generation.


    When he acquired this Scarlet Venom Silk today, he suddenly had an idea. Perhaps he could enhance his old enchanted tool and make them effective enough to be used in future battles.


    Wen Yulong just happened to be an expert in this field.


    Any enchanted tool that has been in his hands would receive a significant "enhancement."


    "I want to enhance this tool by incorporating this material. Is that possible?" Chu Liang ced the Demon-Binding Rope and the Scarlet Venom Silk on the table and added, "Just a reminder: it''s poisonous."


    "Let me take a look." Wen Yulong carefully examined the two items for a moment, then frowned and said, "Why didn''t youe earlier?"


    "Huh?" Chu Liang couldn''t help but ask, "What''s the matter?"


    "My shift ends now," Wen Yulong replied with a grin.


    <i>Oh, so I''m holding you up from leaving after work. </i>Chu Liang thought as he heaved a sigh of relief. He thought that there was something wrong with the Demon-Binding Rope.


    After a moment, Wen Yulong looked up and said, "The inscriptions on this enchanted tool are quite intricate, and this silk contains a potent paralyzing poison. Combining the two would definitely make for a valuable enhancement. I already have a few ideas in mind."


    "Just stick to your simplest idea," Chu Liang quickly suggested. The daring ideas Wen Yulong came up with were not something he could handle.


    "Leave it to me. Don''t worry," Wen Yulong said confidently.


    One could say that all of his confidence had been restored thanks to Chu Liang.


    Previously, he had faced failure in alchemy and lost the trust of those around him. Even his tool-making skills hade under heavy scrutiny, as his unconventional ideas were often misinterpreted. He thought he might have to change his career again during that time.


    It was Chu Liang who made all his outrageous idease to life. Regardless of how outrageous they seemed, their implementation always met the desired oue.


    As Chu Liang''s reputation soared, Wen Yulong, as his exclusive artificer, also began to gain recognition on Mount Shu.


    The remarkable thing was that when those who wanted Wen Yulong to make a tool for them set aside their pride, showed Wen Yulong the respect he deserved, and followed his instructions, they often achieved outstanding results.


    Now, Wen Yulong was highly sought after among the younger generation of attendants in the Hall of Weapons, with his value nearly matching that of some of the older artificers. Yet, requests for his tool-making services were few and far between, much like scattered snowkes.


    At this point, he didn''t care about money and only chose the tasks that intrigued him the most.


    All of this was made possible because Chu Liang had trusted him from the very beginning.


    After thinking for a moment, Wen Yulong added, "But this amount is too little. It won''t be enough for even one enhancement."


    "How much do you need?" Chu Liang asked.


    "The more, the better," Wen Yulong replied.


    ...


    Upon returning to Silver Sword Peak, he received messages from Noblemen''s Hall and the Great Astral Sect, informing him about the events that followed in the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    Caiyi did not try to kill them again and everyone made it back safely. It was probably because she was too busy to take further action, having awakened the Nightmare Demon King at that crucial time.


    The Vice Headmaster of Ascending Dragon Academy and the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau both arrived. If she had been any slower, she could have ended up trapped in the center of thend of the nine provinces.


    Even so, she was still struck by the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner''s Tai''a Sword, resulting in the loss of one of her tails.


    For the nine-tailed celestial fox, tails were the most important parts of their body. Having one severed meant a serious loss of cultivation power, and the time needed for recovery was unknown.


    The most severely injured was Gu Qingyuan. His physical body had been suppressing the core consciousness of the Nightmare Demon King, and when the king awakened, it turned his body to ashes.


    However, he had inherited the Great Noble Dream Immortal''s cultivation legacy, the Dream Techniques. That allowed his primordial spirit to remain intact and his life to be preserved.


    At this point, Ji Lianhua had taken him back to Kaoshan City, and with the resources and techniques they had, making a new physical body for him wouldn''t be challenging.


    If Eminent Ones at the seventh realm had reached a level that allowed their primordial spirit to exist outside their body, they would be incredibly difficult to kill.


    Even in the face of great danger, they could abandon their physical form and typically find a way to escape alive.


    Ji Lingyu had initially nned to stay in Kaoshan City with her Thirteenth Aunt, Ji Lianhua, for a while. However, after seeing her aunt and uncle reunite after a long separation, she tactfully decided to return to the Great Astral Sect. Although Ji Lianhua wanted her to stay, Ji Lingyu was firm in her decision to leave, assuring her that she would visit again soon.


    When Caiyi left, Yan Qihu''s illusion was dispelled. When he opened his eyes, he thought that he had been the one to drive away the two greater demons.


    If he had not spotted the Vice Headmaster and the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, he likely would not havee to his senses so quickly.


    As the dream realm shattered, Wei Lang''s disciples were also freed from the influence of the blood moon.


    Everyone was quite satisfied with this oue.


    Only those who originally resided in the depths of the Deep Pool of Dreams¡ªthe remnants of the former dynasty, the people of the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal¡ªwitnessed the copse of their world.


    It was unknown as to whether the Kingdom of the Dream Immortal still exists.


    Deep down, Chu Liang wished that the tranquil paradise could exist forever. Even if it was merely a dream, it provided a glimpse of fantasy in the world.


    After reading the two letters, Chu Liang finally felt at ease.


    Right now, his n was to go to the Myriad Poison Mountain and the Demon Spider Forest to hunt some venomous creatures for Wen Yulong to enhance the Demon-Binding Rope.


    However, before that...


    He had one more thing to do.


    Chu Liang left Mount Shu overnight, setting off once again for the Southern Bastion Mountain. As he passed Bombax River, he took the opportunity to y the wine-jar monster.


    Once that was done, he continued his journey, feeling satisfied.


    By the time he arrived at Southern Bastion Mountain, it was alreadyte at night. Instead of heading toward the Deep Pool of Dreams, he flew in the opposite direction, flying close to the ground to avoid waking anyrge evil beings that might be hidden among the peaks.


    Atst, with dawn breaking on the horizon, he arrived at his destination. It was an incredibly serene deep pool. The water was like a wless mirror, perfectly still, as if it had been crafted and set in ce.


    <i>Ssh.</i>


    Chu Liang unhesitatingly leaped into the water.


    The bone-chilling coldness of the pool made even his strong physique shudder. This pool was anything but ordinary. As he circted his foundational qi to warm himself, he dove straight to the bottom of the pool.


    There, he discovered a dark cave hidden beneath the water, covered by aquatic nts, revealing almost no trace of its entrance. After searching meticulously for a while, he finally located the entrance among the foliage.


    With both hands, he pushed aside the water nts and stepped inside.


    To his surprise, the cave felt warm. As he ventured deeper, it gradually dried up, and by the time he reached the innermost part of the cave, there was no sign of water at all.


    At the end of the cave, therey a jade coffin.


    It appeared almost transparent, glowing softly in the darkness. Inside, a small figure dressed in bright yellow could be seen faintly.


    It was the jade coffin containing the young emperor of the previous dynasty!


    It had somehow ended up here, a hundred li away from the Deep Pool of Dreams.


    But Chu Liang was not surprised at all. Clearly, he hade all the way here for this jade coffin.


    He quickly approached the jade coffin, ready to open it, when a sudden thought made him step back a few paces.


    He then lit a candle in the southeast corner of the cave. Only after the me flickered to life did he move forward once more.


    As the saying went, humans light candles, while ghosts extinguish mes.[1]


    Only after that did he open the coffin.


    1. This refers to the practice in tomb raiding where one should light a candle in the southeast corner of the tomb chamber. If the candle suddenly extinguishes, it means that the tomb''s owner is displeased with what you are taking. At this point, you should return the item to its original ce, bow three times, and exit the tomb to ensure your safety. ?

 Chapter 466: Origin

    <h4>Chapter 466: Origin</h4>


    Chu Liang''s promise to the former dynasty''s chancellor was to be fulfilled at this ce.


    The elderly chancellor had known that he would not be able to retain his consciousness and that he had no hope of restoring the former dynasty''s kingdom. However, the young emperor had been asleep for hundreds of years. It was still possible for him to restore the kingdom, but even then, it would be far in the indefinite future.


    Consequently, the elderly chancellor had Chu Liang promise to find a good ce for the young emperor to settle down.


    Initially, Chu Liang was concerned it would be a difficult task. The young emperor was a young child, so it would not be hard to arrange a ce for him to stay, but the problem was that he had a special identity. If he were to stir up trouble in the future when he was older, Chu Liang could very easily be implicated.


    The elderly chancellor assured Chu Liang that staying in a frozen state for such an extended period would cause the young emperor to lose all his memories from before his slumber. As long as his true identity was kept a secret, he would just be an ordinary six-year-old child.


    It was only after that exnation that Chu Liang finally agreed to do it.


    After all, only the two of them knew about this. As long as the young emperor didn''t pursue any grand n of restoring the former dynasty''s kingdom in the future, there wouldn''t be a problem with taking in an orphan.


    Thus, Chu Liang and the elderly chancellor made a promise.


    The elderly chancellor had informed Chu Liang of this location in that conversation. It turned out that after fleeing to the Southern Bastion Mountain and sealing the young emperor in ice, the elderly chancellor had prepared this as an escape route. He had nned to use it to safely send the young emperor out one day. And just before the dream world shattered, the elderly chancellor finally used this escape route.


    Of course, there was some risk involved for Chu Liang as well.


    After all, it could be seen as minor or major matter. If it''s a minor matter, then he would just be taking in and caring for an orphan. If it''s a major matter, he would be harboring a survivor of the former dynasty. However, the elderly chancellor had resolutely refused to assist the demons and cut off his own escape route in the process. That was indeed an admirable act.


    With that in mind, Chu Liang felt that he should help the elderly chancellor this once.


    Thus, he came to this ce.


    The jade coffin glowed softly as Chu Liang formed a seal with his hands, following the method the elderly chancellor had taught him. He slowly pressed his hands onto the coffin lid.


    <i>Swoosh.</i>


    In an instant, the light intensified, and the coffin lid slowly slid open, revealing the small figure inside.


    Having been frozen for hundreds of years, the child''s appearance had not changed at all. He was a little boy who looked like he had been delicately carved from jade. His small form was dressed in the loose dragon robe of an emperor, looking unnaturally mature.


    His breathing was even, truly resembling someone who was simply asleep. It was just that his sleep hadsted a very long time.


    Chu Liang didn''t rush to wake the boy. Instead, he gently lifted the boy out of the coffin and changed him into some regr clothes.


    Then Chu Liang tossed the boy''s old clothes into the jade coffin and used a ze of Divine Dragon Fire to burn thempletely. The jade coffin was made of precious material, so it took quite a while to burn.


    It was quite valuable, and Chu Liang''s ached at having to incinerate it. Nevertheless, many people had seen the jade coffin. If he tried to sell it, it would inevitably leave risks of leading danger to them.


    Perhaps he could keep it for personal use... but he was not even twenty years old yet, so there was no rush for that.


    After erasing their traces from that location, Chu Liang carried the boy out of the deep pool and flew out of the Southern Bastion Mountain. He then arrived at a remote valley in the southern bordends and tossed the young emperor onto the ground.


    Chu Liang kicked him lightly twice. Seeing that the boy still wasn''t waking up, Chu Liang used a bit more strength and smacked the boy twice.


    Without the seal on the jade coffin, the boy finally awoke from his long slumber and slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was clear but filled with confusion.


    "You''re awake," Chu Liang quickly said.


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" the little boy murmured, groggily raising his head.


    It was impossible that anyone who had slept for as long as he had would wake with a clear mind.


    "A demonic beast chased you, and you ended up falling off a cliff. I was the one who saved you."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    The boy stood up and looked around, finally starting to make sense ofthe situation.


    Chu Liang asked, "Where do you live? I''ll take you home."


    "I..." the boy began. He thought hard, but his mind seemed nk. He muttered, "I only remember a mountain... with arge pce on it..."


    Chu Liang knew where that was. It was the pce in the first level of the dream world in the Deep Pool of Dreams. The young emperor had been in that great dream for hundreds of years. Now, in his confusion, he thought of it as his home.


    "Then, do you remember your name?" Chu Liang asked.


    The boy spent a while trying to recall what it was, but he ultimately shook his head.


    Seeing that the boy truly seemed to have no memory of his identity, Chu Liang finally rxed.


    If the boy had retained even the slightest memory of his life before his extended slumber, Chu Liang wouldn''t dare to take him back to Mount Shu.


    "This ce is deste and uninhabited for a hundred li; you were probably brought here by the demonic beast that was chasing you. But since you don''t remember your name or where you live, how can I help you find your parents?" Chu Liang said slowly. "You seem to have good potential. Why don''t youe back with me and be an immortality cultivator?"


    The little boy looked at Chu Liang, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly nodded. "Okay."


    Chu Liang patted the boy''s head with satisfaction.


    This way, Chu Liang was the only one who would know the boy''s background, and there would be no trouble.


    <i>However...</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly felt a sense of familiarity with the series of actions he had justpleted.


    <i>When the Discipline Master adopted my teacher back in the day, what did she say about my teacher''s background? And when my teacher took me up the mountain, her excuse was pretty simr to the one I made up... Now, it''s my turn to take the young emperor to Mount Shu.</i>


    It all seemed like a cycle of reincarnation.


    <i>The fact is that they all haveplicated backstories. So, what about me?</i>


    Nevertheless, on second thought, it might have been a bit too difficult for his teacher toe up with an borate lie to fool Chu Liang''s childhood self.


    ...


    "This little thing..." Di Nufeng looked at the little boy in front of her and then cast a suspicious nce at Chu Liang. "Where did hee from?"


    "He was chased by a demonic beast and fell off a cliff. He''s lost all of his memories," Chu Liang said. "I found him pitiful, so I decided to bring him back to the mountain to stay for a while. If he has talent, we can keep him as a disciple. If not, we can send him down the mountain and have him settle down elsewhere."


    Di Nufeng nodded. "I see."


    The little boy sat on the chair, his posture perfectly straight like a pen. He gazed up timidly at this big sister.


    Seeing the little boy''s fair face and bright eyes, Di Nufeng couldn''t help but pinch his cheeks.


    She smiled and remarked, "This little thing is quite cute. Does he not have a name yet?"


    "He doesn''t remember his name," Chu Liang replied.


    Di Nufengughed. "<i>Hehe,</i> I''m the best ating up with names."


    Chu Liang immediately smelled trouble.


    "Let''s call him Chu Yi[1]," Di Nufeng dered with a wave of her hand.


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    Chu Liang considered the name for a moment and thought it was surprisingly good.


    So, he asked, "Why did you choose this name, Esteemed Teacher?"


    Di Nufeng gave a mysterious smile. "When I saved you back then, you were hiding from a demonic beast, lying motionlessly on the ceiling beam [2] of a house. So, I thought I''d just call you Chu Liang.


    "He''s currently sitting motionlessly on a chair, but calling him Chu Yi[3] doesn''t sound good..."


    <i>Well, then. After more than a decade, I finally find out how my name came about.</i>


    Chu Liang tilted his head downward and asked the little boy, "Do you like this name?"


    The little boy''s expression turned serious, and he solemnly cupped his hands. "Thank you very much for giving me a name, Big Sis."


    "You can''t call her Big Sis," Chu Liang quickly advised. "You should call her Peak Master for now. If you be a disciple of Silver Sword Peakter, you should call her Esteemed Teacher."


    "Hey." Di Nufeng waved her hand and rubbed the boy''s cheeks. "What''s the harm? Just let him call me that from now on; I like it."


    Chu Liang could only sigh in silence.


    <i>Is my seniority going to drop every time someone joins Silver Sword Peak?</i>


    "Also, you came back just in time... The peaks are about to submit next month''s expenses. Since you''ve just broken through, we''ll need to make some changes... " Di Nufeng turned around, took out a bill, and began reading it aloud. "The pill allowance for fourth-realm disciples is five hundred sword coins each... For the fifth realm, it increases to eight hundred, and the talisman allowance goes from two hundred to three hundred sword coins per person... Altogether, there are eight items. Calcte how much more we can im."


    By the time Di Nufeng was done speaking, Chu Liang had alreadypleted the mental calction.


    He was about to speak when a small voice answered from beside him first. "It''s one thousand two hundred and sixty."


    1. This ¡°Yi¡± is Òà. It means ¡°also, too, likewise¡± etc. ?


    2. The character for this is the same character that''s used for Chu Liang''s given name, Liang. ?


    3. This ¡°Yi¡± is ÒÎ. It''s from ÒÎ×Ó, which means chair. In Chinese, it''s pronounced differently from the name she decided on. ?

 Chapter 467: Corrupting the Kid

    <h4>Chapter 467: Corrupting the Kid</h4>


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Chu Liang looked at Chu Yi beside him, slightly surprised.


    This wasn''t a particrly difficult arithmetic problem, but it was still challenging for his eighty-something-year-old teacher, let alone a six-year-old child. Even Chu Liang''s mental calction speed was justparable to the boy''s.


    <i>This kid is really intelligent.</i>


    Di Nufeng looked at Chu Liang and asked, "Is that correct?"


    "Absolutely," Chu Liang answered.


    "This little thing sure is something." Di Nufeng beamed with joy. "Let me test him."


    Chu Liang had the same thought.


    Di Nufeng leaned forward, thinking hard for a moment. Then she asked extremely seriously, "What does three... plus three equal to?"


    Chu Liang: "...?"


    "Six...?" Little Chu Yi answered hesitantly.


    He even looked a bit unsure of himself, as if this was more difficult than the previous calction. The question was so simple that it made his little brain wonder if he had made a mistake.


    Chu Liang quickly stepped forward. "Esteemed Teacher, let me test him instead."


    <i>How did I actually believe that someone who is pretty much illiterate coulde up with an adequate question to test a prodigy?</i>


    He said to Chu Yi, "I''ll ask you some questions. What is four hundred forty-three multiplied by two thousand two hundred?"


    "Nine hundred seventy-four thousand six hundred."


    "Four thousand three hundred ny-six multiplied by two thousand seventeen?"


    "Eight million eight hundred sixty-six thousand seven hundred thirty-two."


    "If a person shakes their shoulders three times a day, how many times would they shake their shoulders in two and a half years?"


    "Two thousand seven hundred thirty-nine."


    "..."


    Using mental calction to answer the series of questions, Chu Yi delivered his answers without hesitation, and they were all correct without a single error. Such a feat wouldn''t be unusual for cultivators that specialized in the power of the mind... but Chu Yi was still just a child!


    Di Nufeng asked in surprise, "Did you have some special training in this?"


    "I don''t know..." Chu Yi answered timidly. "It seems that the moment I hear the numbers, the answer appears in my mind..."


    Looking at Chu Yi, Chu Liang remarked, "His calction skills are indeed amazing. How about we test something else? Let¡¯s see how well he can memorize things."


    "Sure." Di Nufeng casually pulled a book from her bed and handed it to Chu Yi. "Read this once, then recite what''s written on it."


    Chu Yi took the book, obediently nced at the page, and quickly handed it back.


    "Done?" Di Nufeng asked.


    "Yes," Chu Yi answered with a nod. Then he obediently recited, "That rich young master wrapped his arms around Ping''er''s shoulders. Sliding his hand inside her sleeve, heughed lewdly and said, ''My dearest¡ª''"


    Chu Liang hurriedly interrupted Chu Yi, "All right, all right. That''s enough."


    Then he shot a sharp look at Di Nufeng.


    <i>Goodness. What kind of unhealthy things have you been reading all day?</i>


    <i>You almost corrupted the kid.</i>


    Di Nufeng''s face flushed as she said, "Grabbed the wrong one."


    She walked over to the bookshelf and flipped through them, wanting to find a normal book. However, after flipping through one book, she set it aside. Then she flipped through a second and set that aside too. She repeated this process for quite a while. Di Nufeng didn''t have a single book that could be given to a child to read.


    Chu Liang buried his forehead deep in his hands. He couldn''t help but wonder if bringing this child to Silver Sword Peak was actually harmful to him.


    <i>Such an intelligent child could probably easily seed under the care of any normal guardian, right? But if he stays here... It''s hard to say how well he''ll do.</i>


    Ultimately, Chu Liang took out a foundational cultivation manual, <i>The Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique,</i> from the inner chest pocket in his robe and handed it to Chu Yi to read.


    Little Chu Yi took the manual and nced through it once.


    Then he put it down and recited from memory. "The Divine Nine''s Profound Apertures lie within a person''s body, within the Gate of the Profound..."


    As he recited, his gaze grew brighter, and a mildly warm air expelled from his nose.


    Naturally, Chu Liang and Di Nufeng knew what was happening.


    <i>He''s already developing qi sensitivity...?</i>


    A person''s potential for cultivation was measured by seeing how long they needed to cultivate for before they could sense the existence of foundational qi.


    Some people could spend their whole lives cultivating and would still be unable to open up their apertures. There were some that needed two or three years to develop qi sensitivity, but people who needed that long wouldn''t have much of a future in cultivation.


    Meanwhile, there were others that only needed a few months to develop qi sensitivity. This was considered the average standard in the world of immortality cultivators. However, those who could unlock their qi sensitivity in just three to five days would likely be prodigies in cultivation.


    The talent a person had at the start wasn''t an absolute factor in determining how much they could achieve in cultivation, but very few people could break through their innate limitations. The speed at which a person unlocked their qi sensitivity was a strong indicator of their level of perception and affinity with spiritual qi.


    Chu Liang only knew of one person in the Mount Shu Sect who had unlocked their qi sensitivity just by reading through the cultivation manual once¡ªJiang Yuebai. However, she possessed the Transcendent Spirit.


    Of course, there was the possibility that the child had been cultivating since a long time ago, making it easier for him to develop qi sensitivity. Nevertheless, the boy was only six years old, so even if that was the case, this was still astonishing.


    The Alchemy Master''s grandson had developed qi sensitivity at the age of seven, and he was hailed as a rare prodigy. For children, even a year''s difference could make a huge difference in their innate development.


    After considering Chu Yi¡¯s situation, Chu Liang suggested, "How about... we find a school for the child? We shouldn''t disrupt his development by letting him stay on our peak."


    However, Di Nufeng was eager to handle things herself and replied, "Is that necessary? I can teach him myself."


    Chu Liang thought, <i>That''s exactly what I''m afraid of...</i>


    <i>If Esteemed Teacher teaches Chu Yi nothing, he''ll probably just end up like me. So, I guess that''s not too bad. But if she were to be serious about teaching... he''ll probably get ruined.</i>


    Of course, Chu Liang hadn''t really meant it when he suggested sending Chu Yi away.


    After all, he had been entrusted with the child and wouldn''t feel at ease unless he was the one taking care of Chu Yi. Given the boy''s sensitive background, Chu Liang needed to stay by Chu Yi''s side and observe him for at least a year before letting him leave Mount Shu.


    "We should observe him for a while longer. Taking in a disciple is a big decision and shouldn''t be based on talent alone," Chu Liang advised. "Let''s take some time to assess his temperament and then consider epting him as a disciple."


    "That''s true." Di Nufeng nodded. "My disciple must not only match my talent but also have a character like mine."


    <i>Well, that''s not necessary...</i>


    This made Chu Liang worry about how bad Silver Sword Peak''s reputation could be in the future.


    Nheless, seeing how little Chu Yi was so well-mannered andposed, seemingly wise and mature well beyond his years... Chu Liang thought it was unlikely that Chu Yi would grow up to be a troublemaker like his teacher.


    Chu Liang ruffled the little guy''s hair and smiled. "Stay by my side for now. I''ll see which areas you can improve in, and while I''m at it, I''ll teach you some interesting things like..."


    Chu Liang''s smile widened, his eyes narrowing into slits as he finished his sentence in a soft and gentle tone.


    "Reviewing the ount book."


    ...


    The shopping district on Red Cotton Peak was bustling with activity; people were streaming in and out.


    Most shops in the world of immortality cultivators were dignified and proper, with an old-fashioned charm. The signboards hanging above their doors, inscribed with the shops'' names in gold, tended to look pretty simr, so they rarely stood out visually.


    However, there were some shops on Red Cotton Peak that stood out from the rest. For example, there was a shop named Spirit Pill Pavilion. Under therge golden words on its signboard, there was a line of small words with an arrow: <i>The first shop on Red Cotton Peak.</i>


    This unusual addition attracted many passersby to check out the shop. Coupled with the fact that the berry-vored pills it sold were in high demand, business quickly boomed for the Spirit Pill Pavilion.


    Not wanting to be outdone, the weapons shop next door that belonged to the Whale Gang had added a line under its name too: <i>Our shop''s the real first shop.</i>


    This dispute was quite amusing. Both shop owners stuck to their ims, attracting many visitors toe and check out the spectacle.


    Seeing that, the surrounding shops followed suit, adding notes below their shop names.


    <i>They''re all fakes; ours is the real first shop.</i>


    <i>Let them fight over being first. We''re the second shop anyway.</i>


    <i>The shop next door¡¯s talking nonsense. We are the real second shop.</i>


    <i>Regardless of what number you are, ours is definitely thest shop.</i>


    <i>The shop across the street is shameless.</i>


    <i>Right back at you.</i>


    These childish antics became quite the spectacle, and the visitors found them rather amusing.


    Many cultivators from the nearby provinces visited Red Cotton Peak. In terms of scale, it was still iparable to Taotie City, which had expanded in size over many years. Nevertheless, Red Cotton Peak had already surpassed all of the other markets in the world of immortality cultivators.


    With various factions joining and establishing shops on Red Cotton Peak, everyone was convinced that it would only be a matter of time before Red Cotton Peak would stand shoulder to shoulder with Taotie City.


    Due to the great distance between them, Taotie City wasn''t as heavily impacted as expected. Moreover, they received a share of the profits, so they were happy to see Red Cotton Peak''s growth.


    Meanwhile, the Mount Shu Sect, a recipient of an evenrger share, became more amodating and granted Chu Liang various conveniences, wishing he could rapidly further Red Cotton Peak''s development. After all, his lease period was only ten years, and Red Cotton Peak would still belong to the Mount Shu Sect in the future. That meant Chu Liang wasying the foundations of a great business that could be passed down for generations within the sect.


    Initially, the shops on the mountain were all built by the Whale Gang. Now, disciples from the Mount Shu Sect''s Hall of Construction were fully stationed on Red Cotton Peak. Shops could be applied for one day and erected the next. With the extra source of ie on Red Cotton Peak, the disciples from the Hall of Construction made a fortune during this period, and they wore beaming smiles as they worked.


    Red Cotton Peak offered a rent discount for Mount Shu disciples, so many of them were inspired to open shops of their own. However, even with the discount, the cost of opening a shop was still quite high, and most disciples on Mount Shu were rtively poor. Thus, those who were bold enough to try mostly did so through partnerships.


    Shang Ziliang, along with Lackey A and Lackey B, teamed up to open a small shop. The three of them had saved quite a bit while working for Chu Liang, so this investment was naturally within their means.


    Their shop was called Ink Treasures. It specialized in selling calligraphy and paintings by famous Confucian masters of the current era. With his father Shang Shuwen''s connections, it was easy for Shang Ziliang to acquire those precious works.


    Lin Bei didn''t open a shop, but he quickly built an extensivework in a short period and became quite well known on Red Cotton Peak. He took on a broker-like role, helping shop owners develop business rtionships and securing resources for them. He made a considerable ie from that.


    The thirty-six peaks of Mount Shu gathered their strengths to open shops on Red Cotton Peak. Initially, it was the higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect that had called upon the peaks to set up shops to bolster Chu Liang''s reputation, but everyone had been quite hesitant to do so.


    Yet, it hadn''t even been two days since the opening, and Red Cotton Peak had already be a sensation. Now, everyone wanted a piece of the action; there was nothing left for them to hesitate about.


    By establishing Red Cotton Peak, Chu Liang had effectively created arge tform for all the peaks of the Mount Shu Sect to take advantage of. As long as they had the ability to set up and run a shop well, they had the opportunity to prosper financially.


    For this reason, Chu Liang had even reminded Venerable Wen Yuan that while it was a good thing the peaks had a strong interest in running businesses, the disciples shouldn''t get too invested in it. After all, cultivators should still prioritize cultivation as their main pursuit.


    He hadn''t needed to say that though. The higher-ups of the Mount Shu Sect had already warned all the peaks of that. The result was that disciples from each peak would take turns working in the shops, ensuring it didn''t affect their cultivation.


    Everyone was eager to work in the shops. They got to enjoy the liveliness and excitement of Red Cotton Peak and earn money at the same time. The amount they earned just working there for a few days each month was more than what they would get frompleting ten missions. The rest of the time could then be dedicated to cultivation.


    Without needing to go on so many missions, they ended up having more time for cultivation and more money to buy resources. This arrangement was actually beneficial to them, so why not take advantage of it?


    Despite that, there was no concern that the disciples wouldn''t go on missions anymore. After all, once the Mount Shu Sect became wealthy, the rewards for missions would naturally increase. Ultimately, the profits the sect gained from Red Cotton Peak would be passed on to benefit the disciples.


    As for Chu Liang, he kept only a tiny bit, just a sliver, of the profits for himself.


    That''s right. That''s how he had exined it to Di Nufeng.


    As Chu Liang walked through the streets with little Chu Yi, he shared the key points about Red Cotton Peak.


    Then they arrived in front of a grand restaurant.


    Chu Liang was here today because Jiang Yuebai nned to open a shop too.

 Chapter 468: Red Moon Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 468: Red Moon Pavilion</h4>


    "What''s a good name?" Jiang Yuebai wondered aloud, resting her chin on her hand as she stood in front of the still-empty restaurant that had yet to open.


    Beside her were Xu Hongqiu and her junior sister, Mu Yueting. This restaurant was a joint venture, a coboration among the three friends.


    Initially, it had been Jiang Yuebai''s idea, but she didn''t have the time to manage it on her own. When Xu Hongqiu heard about it, she immediately volunteered. Since the Whale Gang had already opened numerous shops, adding one more wouldn''t make much of a difference, so they decided to partner up.


    However, Jiang Yuebai''s idea was to open a restaurant due to her secret love for food.


    However, food businesses were less likely to make a profit in the marketces of the world of immortality cultivators.


    Ordinary ingredients wouldn''t sell for much; no one would waste spirit stones on simple beef, mutton, or vegetables. Therge restaurants in Taotie City served medicinal feasts, spirit nt feasts, or spirit beast feasts. To justify their high prices, the dishes had to be truly extravagant.


    This also required highly specialized sources of ingredients and advanced cooking techniques, neither of which could be arranged quickly.


    The thought of starting this restaurant business was still in its early stages, with many specifics yet to be discussed. After a brief discussion, the three of them thought they would ask Chu Liang for advice as he was very smart. There was a chance he could offer some useful ideas.


    Chu Liang came over with Little Chu Yi.


    After hearing their ideas, Chu Liang smiled and suggested, "Since you and Miss Xu are partners, why not call it Red and White Celebrations[1]?"


    <i>It could even specialize in open wedding and funeral banquet services...</i> he silently added.


    Jiang Yuebai immediately red at him.


    "Hmph!" Hongqiu Xu scoffed, clearly disapproving of the name Chu Liang had suggested. However, she quickly changed her mind and added, "How about we take one character from each of our names? We could call it Red Moon[2] Pavilion?"


    "That works..." Jiang Yuebai said with a gentle nod.


    "Heh," Chu Liangughed, "That''s a great name for an elegant hot pot restaurant."


    "Hot pot?" The group looked at him.


    In the world of immortality cultivators, there really hasn''t been a specialized hot pot restaurant.


    Generally, if a business wasn''t already being done, the first question to ask was: why hadn''t anyone else tried it yet? Instead of assuming you were clever enough to have discovered an untapped market.


    They had talked about this before. Compared to the extravagant dishes made with rare spirit nts and beasts, hot pot didn''t seem particrly special. Every Mount Shu disciple knew how to make hot pot, so why would they bother visiting a restaurant for it?


    Chu Liang said, "Hot pot has a long history at Mount Shu; it''s a trademark of our sect. Every disciple knows how to make it, so why would theye to a restaurant for it regrly?"


    "But think about people from outside Mount Shu," he deduced with a smile. "They might not have the habit of eating hot pot. Visitorse for the sights, but if they could also try our signature dish, wouldn''t that be great? Food is a part of our culture too."


    "As for the problems you mentioned," Chu Liang continued, "we don''t have to use ordinary hot pot ingredients. Instead, we can use premium spirit nts and beasts. We can source them from the market or even grow them ourselves. It''ll take some effort in the beginning to find high-quality ingredients, but fortunately, I have a friend who specializes in this.


    "He knows what''s safe to eat, what isn''t, and what tastes good. With his help, choosing ingredients in the beginning will be easy."


    "Oh, you mean..." Jiang Yuebai''s eyes widened as the realization hit her. "That fellow disciple from Cloud Horizon Peak!" she eximed.


    "Exactly." Chu Liang nodded.


    Chu Liang was indeed referring to Lackey B.


    With such a wide variety of hot pot ingredients, choosing the right ones was crucial. Lackey B had always been a foodie, so if he were tasked with taste-testing, he''d likely be more than willing.


    "With that key issue solved, our main focus for everything else should be the service," Chu Liang added.


    "Service?"


    "Exactly." He continued, "Our biggest worry is that hot pot alone might not be worth the spirit-stone coins. But good service can change that. If we can train a team to make guests feel truly at home¡ªweing them with smiles at the door, serving tea and snacks attentively, offering dried fruits and sweets, providing games for fun, doing even things like eyebrow shaping, nail painting, and hosting celebrations..."


    "If we can perfect all these aspects, then even if the guests are eating the most ordinary ingredients, they won''t mind paying a bit more," Chu Liang exined.


    As he spoke, the three friends listened intently, feeling as though they had been enlightened. Everything Chu Liang said made perfect sense.


    As they listened, little Chu Yi also nodded along with a serious expression on his face.


    Seeing this, Xu Hongqiu couldn''t help but find it amusing. She teased, "Does this little one understand as well?"


    "This little brother of mine is quite smart," Chu Liang replied.


    Chu Yi sat upright on the stool, cupped his hands respectfully, and said, "Ladies, I, Chu Yi, am already six years old. I am not some mere three- or five-year-old child. I do understand these matters."


    ...


    Chu Liang provided them with the ideas, but the specifics would be up to them to implement.


    In fact, Chu Liang believed that they could run the restaurant sessfully even without his help, as they were all smart and capable individuals.


    Not to mention, with Senior Sister Jiang''s reputation alone, cultivators from all over would surelye to try it.


    While surveying Red Cotton Peak, he shared various bits of knowledge with little Chu Yi before dropping him off at the Hall of Conservation.


    Whenever he wasn''t around, he would have Chu Yi learn from the square-faced Senior Brother Yuan.


    Senior Brother Yuan''s square-shaped head was filled with knowledge, and even the smallest bit he shared could keep Chu Yi learning for a long time. Moreover, he was a man of integrity, and setting a good example for a child was far more important than many words.


    It was certainly better than staying on Silver Sword Peak and picking up bad habits from a certain someone.


    That very day, Chu Liang arrived at Myriad Poison Mountain in the southwestern region.


    The mountain wasn''t far from Mount Shu, so he made it there quickly. Hovering in mid-air, he could already sense the sinister, eerie aura rising from below.


    This ce in the Southern Regions was even more terrifying than Southern Bastion Mountain.


    While Southern Bastion Mountain was shrouded in mystery, filled with hidden realms and treacherous spots, its dangers were uncertain. Myriad Poison Mountain, however, was different¡ªits danger was predictable. It was poison.


    Almost every venomous creature in the Nine Provinces and Four Seas could be found here. Even the records kept by the Divine Nine sects, the Terrestrial Ten, and the Yu Dynasty''s pce couldn''t list every venomous and poisonous being lurking in its depths.


    Even seventh-realm Eminent Ones wouldn''t dare venture into the depths of Myriad Poison Mountain. There was a real chance that they could die.


    Years ago, the immortal sects joined forces to seal off Myriad Poison Mountain, stopping its poisonous miasma from spreading. Without this barrier, the miasma would have spread, wiping out all life within a thousand li.


    Only then did the immortal sects set up outposts around Myriad Poison Mountain, killing any venomous and poisonous creatures that managed to escape its borders. On rare asions, they ventured into the mountains to hunt, but they only dared to stay near the outskirts.


    Chu Liang''s destination was the Demon Spider Forest, which was on the westernmost edge of Myriad Poison Mountain and the nearest to the Red River Sect.


    Before venturing into the mountain, he made thorough preparations, bringing along more than a dozen antidotes. These should be enough to handle the danger in the outermost area of the Myriad Poison Mountain.


    With a rustling sound, Chu Liangnded in the eerie forest.


    Contrary to what he had imagined, the Demon Spider Forest wasn''t crawling with Scarlet Demon Spiders. Instead, they hid among the dark red trees and foliage, spinning webs of silk that blended seamlessly into their surroundings.


    It was difficult to detect any anomalies even when he was scanning the area with his divine sense.


    These Scarlet Demon Spiders hunted not only insects but also birds and beasts. Anyone who touched the webs of the Scarlet Demon Spider would immediately feel dizzy and faint.


    They would then be wrapped in arge cocoon-like structure and left to corrode, leaving not even a skeleton behind.


    Although the Scarlet Demon Spiders weren''t very powerful on their own, when they worked together, they could inflict significant damage on powerful demonic beasts.


    Facing such cruel and cunning venomous creatures, Chu Liang decided to go with a more cautious way of hunting.


    He first activated the immortal art Army of Beans. He then had the clone he created move slowly through the forest.


    After the clone had moved only a short distance, faint hissing sounds reached his ears.


    The clone''s limbs had already brushed against two strands of spider silk. Even though it was merely a clone created from a bean, the surface of its limbs started turning a darker shade of color.


    Momentster, two Scarlet Demon Spiders emerged from different directions.


    After a brief standoff, the smaller spider turned and scurried away.


    Therger spider crawled closer, preparing to wrap the clone in a cocoon.


    <i>Swoosh. </i>


    In that moment, Chu Liang sprang into action, unleashing a wave of sword qi that struck down both Scarlet Demon Spiders.


    The eerie atmosphere made him cautious; he didn''t dare let his Dustless Sworde into contact with the venomous creatures, fearing it might be contaminated with poison and he would end uping into contact with the poison.


    With the same method, he killed seven or eight Scarlet Demon Spiders on the same spot.


    However, that number was probably not enough for Wen Yulong to do enhancements on the Demon-Binding Rope, so he decided to move on in search of another location.


    Just then, he heard faint criesing from deep within the forest.


    "Helpppppppppppp..."


    "Helppppppppppppppppppp..."


    1. The "bai" in Jiang Yuebai means White and the "Hong" in Xu Hongqiu means Red. ?


    2. Because "Hong" in Xu Hongqiu means Red and "Yue" in Jiang Yuebai means Moon ?

 Chapter 469: Are You Sure?

    <h4>Chapter 469: Are You Sure?</h4>


    In the deste wilderness, where few humans ventured, a sudden cry for help echoed through the air.


    Chu Liang''s mind immediately shed with images¡ªa baldie, a mischievous monkey, and a child wearing a stomach apron.[1]


    But after a moment, he shook his head. He wasn''t Monk Tang, and he certainly wasn''t weak. There was no harm in investigating. If someone was truly in danger, he couldn''t just stand by and do nothing.


    So, he cautiously made his way toward the source of the sound, extending his divine sense ahead to scout the area.


    It wasn''t long before he located the source of the cry.


    Deep within the Demon Spider Forest, a massive,yered web stretched between the trees. Each strand of spider silk was as thick as a wrist, weaving together to ensnare dozens of towering trees. The web''s strands gleamed with a menacing red hue, dotted with eerie ck spots, making the sight all the more terrifying.


    At the center of the giant web was a colorful butterfly, roughly the size of a palm, with flickers of divine light shimmering around it.


    In a desperate human voice, it cried out, "Help..."


    The butterfly''s voice was hoarse from its relentless cries, but the moment it saw Chu Liang, its tone shifted to one of excitement.


    "A young hero of the human race! Please, save me!" it pleaded desperately.


    Chu Liang did not look at the butterfly. He looked around carefully as he tried to locate the owner of the spider web.


    As he kept his guard up, he asked,"How did you even get caught when the poisonous web is so big?"


    "I was being chased by a vicious evil eagle in the sky, and in my panic, I flew straight into this poisonous web!" The butterfly pped its wings frantically, struggling against the sticky strands.


    "And where is the spider that wove this web?" Chu Liang asked again.


    "The evil eagle got caught in the web too. The spider wrapped it up and dragged it away, probably to feed on it somewhere else," the butterfly replied anxiously. It pped its wings weakly, pleading, "Young hero, please save me quickly, or I''ll be poisoned to death!"


    Chu Liang hesitated. A part of him suspected the butterfly might be a trap, while another part remained on edge, wary of the spider he still hadn''t located. He didn''t dare step forward recklessly.


    After all, to weave such arge poisonous web, the spider must be the Demon Spider King of the area, and its power was certainly formidable. Even with his higher cultivation level, one careless move could leave him vulnerable to its deadly poison. He couldn''t afford to take this lightly.


    Thus, Chu Liang was extremely cautious.


    As someone who had ventured into the martial world for a long time, he couldn''t help but remain cautious.


    After observing for a moment, he summoned his flying sword. With a few swift strokes, he severed the web surrounding the butterfly, setting it free. Yet the moment the butterfly was released, it fell to the ground.


    Its wings were still paralyzed by the poison of the Scarlet Demon Spider, so it couldn''t move at all. Chu Liang had no choice but to lift it with his flying sword. After double-checking to make sure all traces of poison were gone, he gently cupped the butterfly in his hand.


    "I''ll get you out of here," Chu Liang reassured in a low voice as he slowly moved back. "Once the poison wears off, you''ll be flying free again."


    "Young hero, you must hurry..." the butterfly whispered, its voice faint. "The Scarlet Demon Spider can sense everything through its web. Now that you''ve cut it, it''ll being for us!"


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang stopped in his tracks upon hearing the butterfly''s warning. "It wille after us?"


    "Oh no, why did you stop?" The butterfly pped its wings frantically. "The Scarlet Demon Spider King is the deadliest creature in this ce..."


    Before it could finish its sentence, a crimson shadow dropped from the sky!


    A massive Scarlet Demon Spider, as tall as a person, soared through the air! The cunning Scarlet Demon Spider King had silently circled behind Chu Liang while he was focused ahead, preparing for a sneak attack!


    But Chu Liang reacted as if he had eyes in the back of his head. Just before the spider could strike, he whirled around, and a fierce surge of Divine Dragon Fire erupted from his palm!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The zing Divine Dragon Fire instantly incinerated the Scarlet Demon Spider King, reducing it to ashes in the blink of an eye.


    Chu Liang had only been careful because he was worried about touching the poison. But now, the Scarlet Demon Spider King brazenlyunched a sneak attack instead of fleeing. How could he tolerate such actions?


    He had been on high alert, scanning everywhere around him with his divine sense. And so, when he acted, he effortlessly annihted the spider.


    If he couldn''t even handle a lesser demon king of this level, he wouldn''t deserve to be called one of Mount Shu Sect''s prodigies.


    ...


    "Thank you, young hero, for saving my life," the butterfly said gratefully.


    After a short while, the poison finally wore off, and the butterfly fluttered up into the air once more.


    "It was nothing, no need for thanks," Chu Liang said casually. "Just be careful on your way."


    "Your kindness is too great to repay," the butterfly insisted. "I happened to know of a hidden treasure of nature nearby. If you''d like, I can guide you to it if it happens to be something you need."


    Chu Liang''s eyes lit up at the mention of a treasure. "A treasure, you say?"


    "Yes," the butterfly continued, "just a several li from here, hidden behind a waterfall, there''s a cave filled with spiritual qi. There is an unimed spirit nt growing inside."


    "Lead the way," Chu Liangmanded with a wave of his hand.


    With that, the butterfly darted ahead, and Chu Liang followed closely behind. Soon, they arrived at the said location.


    In front of Chu Liang was arge, beautiful waterfall, its water pouring into a deep pool below like a shining silver curtain. The constant roar of the rushing water filled the air, masking the cave thaty hidden behind it. The butterfly had once been chased by a demonic beast and, in a panic, stumbled upon a narrow crevice that led to this secret cave.


    Inside, the butterfly had found a faintly glowing spirit nt that only had a little bit of spiritual qi. It was unknown as to how many years it would take for the nt to fully mature and be ready to harvest but that was why the butterfly had left it untouched.


    Chu Liang looked around carefully and sent a clone ahead to check for any danger. Once he was sure it was safe, he dove straight into the waterfall.


    <i>Ssh¡ª</i>


    Upon entering, Chu Liang saw ripples of divine light dancing around. Inside the waterfall was an empty cave, with wide stone walls and a crystal-clear pool resting in the center.


    In the center of the pool stood a tall, vibrant nt, its glowing green leaves casting a soft light that filled the entire cave.


    It appeared delicate and beautiful.


    "Jade Pot Celestial nt!" Chu Liang eximed, instantly recognizing the rare spirit nt.


    This nt was a precious water-element treasure that only thrived in areas rich with spiritual qi, taking centuries to mature.


    The cascading waterfall and nourishing pool had created the perfect jade-pot-like fengshui[2], allowing this rare nt to grow undisturbed.


    Moreover, it hadn''t been discovered yet, making it even more precious.


    Chu Liang turned to the butterfly and said, "It seems this is exactly the treasure I''ve been looking for. I should be the one thanking you."


    "Young hero, there''s no need for such words," the butterfly replied, hovering nearby. "You saved my life, which is far more valuable than this spirit nt."


    Chu Liang smiled and nodded. "Let''s call it even. We helped each other."


    <i>I sincerely hope that all grateful demonic creatures will take this as the standard. If what they have is false gratitude, they''ll offer their body, but if it''s true gratitude, they''ll offer treasures of nature.</i>


    Without another word, he flew to the center of the pool, forming a de with his fingers. With a gentle motion, he carefully sliced off half of the Jade Pot Celestial nt''s stem, taking only part of the nt.


    Since the fengshui of the area remained undisturbed, the Jade Pot Celestial nt would continue to thrive. Spirit nts like this should never be uprootedpletely.


    He nned to report the location to the Office of Precious Herbs upon returning to Mount Shu.


    A hundred years from now, disciples of the sect coulde here and harvest this nt.


    After carefully harvesting part of the nt, he ced it into a jade box. Just as he was about to put it away, he suddenly heard two soft thuds from behind, followed by a loud shout: "Stop!"


    Chu Liang certainly would not stop. He quickly closed the jade box and put it away before turning to look at the people who just stepped inside.


    Three cultivators entered the cave. They were two men and one woman.


    The young man at the front wore a white robe with cloud patterns. His sword, along with a few enchanted tools, hung from his jade belt.


    He looked noble and rich.


    Beside him stood a delicate-looking woman with fair skin and striking features.


    Behind them was a young man in yellow clothes, dressed simply, appearing like a servant as he closely followed the pair.


    From the way they approached with clear ill intentions, it was obvious they had their eyes on the Jade Pot Celestial nt as well. However, Chu Liang remained calm. In the world of immortality, when a natural treasure was imed or cultivated by someone, it would be tied with a red string and have a namete ced beside it, even if it was left unattended. Taking it afterward would be considered a direct challenge.


    But since there was no red string or namete around the Jade Pot Celestial nt, it was clear that it was unimed. If these people wanted to take it, they would have to fight for it.


    So, Chu Liang cupped his hands and said, "I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. I found this unimed spirit nt and harvested part of it. Is there any problem with that?"


    This time, he was smarter. He only mentioned Mount Shu, without giving his name, and he didn''t mention his esteemed teacher.


    The young man in the white robe thought for a moment before saying, "This is the territory of our Red River Sect. My father, Zhao Duanyang, is the sect leader. We cultivate treasures of nature here. Even if you''re from Mount Shu, you can''t juste into ournd and take our spirit nts, can you?"


    The truth was that they were just wandering nearby.


    When Chu Liang entered the waterfall, a small surge of spiritual qi leaked out, allowing them to sense it and enter the cave, where they saw him harvesting one part of the spirit nt.


    Seeing that Chu Liang was young and seemingly alone, they felt tempted to fight for the nt.


    To Chu Liang, the Jade Pot Celestial nt was likely just one of many treasures of nature. But for disciples from small sects like them, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    Naturally, greed began to stir in their hearts.


    Upon hearing that Chu Liang was a Mount Shu disciple, they felt a bit scared. However, conflicts over treasures of nature between disciples from different sects weremon, and sects usually wouldn''t get involved. It was an unspoken rule in the world of immortality.


    With that in mind, they became even more confident.


    However, when Chu Liang heard the words Red River Sect, it reminded him of something that he witnessed yesterday. Though the sect wasn''t very big, it was known for having plenty of tricks up its sleeve.


    The Red River Sect''s leader, Zhao Duanyang, was likely the "Old Zhao" that the woman from yesterday had mentioned. And the young man standing before him must be his son...


    After the young man in the white robe finished speaking, he expected several possible responses¡ªperhaps Chu Liang would threaten him with the status of the Mount Shu Sect, ignore him entirely, or even attack outright. However, the reply he received was something he had never expected in his life.


    "So, you''re the son of the Red River Sect leader Zhao..." Chu Liang asked with a hint of doubt in his tone. "Are you sure?"


    1. Referencing <i>Journey to the West</i>. The baldie being the monk, the monkey being the Monkey King Sun Wukong, the child wearing the stomach apron being Red Boy. What usually happens in Journey to the West is that a girl (often a demon in disguise) would shout for help. Monk Tang, driven by his kindness, would send Sun Wukong to help her. However, this usually leads to Monk Tang being captured, as the demons intend to cook and eat him for his flesh is said to grant immortality. ?


    2. A jade pot symbolizes purity, refinement, and auspiciousness. If <i>fengshui </i>is like a jade pot, it means that the environment oryout is harmonious, bnced, and brings good fortune. ?

 Chapter 470: Dont Blame Us for Leaving First

    <h4>Chapter 470: Don''t me Us for Leaving First</h4>


    "Huh?" The young man in white was taken aback by Chu Liang''s question, unsure of how to respond at first.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he furrowed his brows and said, "What do you mean by are you sure? Do you think I would lie to you? Zhao Duanyang is my biological father, and who around Myriad Poison Mountain doesn''t know that?"


    Chu Liang thought to himself, <i>Well, you might not be lying, but whether your father has been deceived is another story.</i>


    Of course, this was something Chu Liang couldn''t say aloud, as it woulde across as offensive. Instead, he calmly replied, "This spirit nt clearly grew here naturally, and I was the first to discover it. If you want to fight for it, I will dly fight with you for it."


    "<i>Hmph...</i>" The young man in white sneered, "Then don''t me us..."


    From his point of view, this man looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old. Even if he was a disciple of the sects in the Divine Nine, how strong could he be? Could he possibly fight all three of them?


    Before the young man could finish his sentence, a deafening roar echoed from behind.


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    <i>Kaboom! Ssh!</i>


    The waterfall split violently and the cascade of water stopped flowing.


    The entrance to the cave was suddenly revealed, exposing an uninvited guest as terrifying as a god of devils.


    A massive, sinister python''s head emerged from the cave, its cold scales glistening. Its vertical pupils, brimming with cruelty and rage, fixated on the cave entrance like a predator eyeing a mouse''s hole.


    "Ah!" The three young cultivators were startled. "The Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python! This is a poisonous beast from the depths of Myriad Poison Mountain! How did it get here?!"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The python flicked out its tongue, the bright red forked tongue extending over one zhang long, scaring the three cultivators at the entrance so much that they rushed over to Chu Liang''s side.


    The cave was far too small for the Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python. Its massive head couldn''t even fit through the entrance, leaving it to unleash furious roars from outside. Its vertical pupils swept the interior relentlessly, as if searching for something.


    Seeing the python''s agitation, a sudden realization dawned on Chu Liang. The Jade Pot Celestial nt wasn''t unimed after all. Its guardian beast had merely been away and likely only returned periodically to check on it.


    The Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python was clearly here searching for the Jade Pot Celestial nt!


    "It''s fine, stay calm!" The young man in white waved his hand dismissively after ncing at the python. "It can''t get inside."


    "Even if it can''t get in, what if it spews poison fog inside?" the young man in yellow asked, his voice trembling with panic. "The fog it exhales can cause instant hallucinations, and in just minutes, we''ll dissolve into liquid!"


    The Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python had been roaring furiously at the entrance, but as if it understood the young man''s words, it suddenly lifted its head, opened its massive jaws, and unleashed a thick, blood-red fog!


    "Why did you have to remind it?!" the young man in white shouted angrily.


    With no other exits, the blood-red fog quickly spread through the cave. The group was trapped, and within minutes, they would be dissolved alive!


    Chu Liang observed in silence for a moment. At this moment, he knew he could no longer stand by and do nothing.


    He raised his hand and tossed a few pills to the others, saying, "Take these to prevent hallucinations, and follow me!"


    With that, he leaped out of the cave, cutting through the thick blood fog.


    The python''s massive head blocked the cave entrance. As Chu Liang darted out, it opened its gaping jaws, ready to swallow him whole!


    But Chu Liang was prepared. In midair, he swung a powerful punch,nding it squarely on the python''s upper jaw!


    <i>Bam¡ª</i>


    The punch was so strong, way beyond normal human strength, that itpletely caught the Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python by surprise.


    Its huge head jerked backward, and a visible lump quickly formed on its cheek.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>" It crashed backward with a heavy thud, letting out a cry of pain.


    Chu Liang shot up into the sky, now free to unleash his full strength. Earlier, in the cave, he had to be careful not to hurt the others or the little butterfly, which had held him back.


    He flipped his hand, summoning the Dustless Sword. With a pinch of his fingers, a massive swordlight crashed down from the sky with a thunderous roar!


    The giant python, still angry that it had been punched heavily, opened its huge jaws and spewed a torrent of toxic fog, trying to engulf Chu Liang.


    But as Chu Liang''s sword came down, it sliced through the blood fog in an instant!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Even with its tough scales, the python couldn''t withstand the Heaven-Raising Sword, strengthened by geng metal foundational qi. The powerful sword light sliced its head in half!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The python''s huge body, now split in half, crashed into the river, and dark red blood quickly spread through the water.


    The move was swift and decisive¡ªa merciless strike that ended the battle in a single blow.


    The three Red River Sect disciples, who had just rushed out in time to witness the scene, were left utterly dumbfounded.


    The Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python was not an actual descendant of dragons, and no one knew how it earned the name "venomous dragon-python." Still, it remained a powerful greater demon at the fifth realm, capable of surviving in the deepest part of the Myriad Poison Mountain.


    But Chu Liang killed it with just one strike, whichpletely changed what they thought of power.


    For disciples from small sects like them, they knew the geniuses from the immortal sects were powerful, but they never truly grasped how powerful. Now, after seeing this, they realized the gap between people could be as vast as the distance between heaven and earth.


    Once the dust settled, the river resumed its flow, and the waterfall continued its course again. The blood was quickly washed away, but half of the python''s enormous body remained on the ground while the other half was in the water.


    The scene appeared rather gruesome.


    Chu Liang turned to the young man in white again and asked, "You didn''t finish earlier. What was that about not ming you?"


    "Haha..." The young man in white forced a smile, though he looked more like he was about to cry. "Young hero, we owe you our lives. We''ll repay this debt one day! But for now, I hope you won''t me us for leaving first."


    With that, the three of them hurried away, worried that Chu Liang might hold them responsible.


    They were definitely overthinking it.


    With Chu Liang''s current wealth, robbing these three and selling their organs wouldn''t evene close to what he would make in a day. He had no interest in fighting them.


    After saying goodbye to the little butterfly, he quickly hurried back to Mount Shu.


    Time was precious.


    He still had to kill wine-jar monsters in exchange for rewards tonight.


    ...


    Myriad Poison Mountain was truly a special ce. Although it was extremely dangerous as demonic creatures roamed freely and poisonous beasts lurked everywhere, it was a paradise to Chu Liang. The mountain was rich with hidden natural treasures and was a prime location for demon ying.


    For Chu Liang, it was now a new area he could explore.


    He first visited Heaven-Reaching Peak and handed over all the Scarlet Poisonous Silk to Wen Yulong, instructing him to begin upgrading the Demon-Binding Rope. Only then did he return to Silver Sword Peak.


    Upon his return, he found a flying-crane message from Jiang Yuebai.


    Without dy, he hurried over to Red Cotton Peak.


    The signboard for Red Moon Pavilion was already up, though the official opening hadn''t yet happened. Inside, a tasting event was in full swing.


    Thanks to her connections with the Whale Gang, Xu Hongqiu had managed to secure sources for hunting demonic beasts. The first batch of raw ingredients for the hotpot restaurant had arrived. But many of these ingredients were untested, so they needed to be tried out to determine if they were edible.


    Lackey B sat solemnly at the table, facing a steaming hotpot filled with red oil.


    With chopsticks in hand, his serious expression was like that of a focused and dedicated craftsman.


    "The first dish, Changling Grass," Xu Hongqiu instructed, signaling for the first ingredient of the day to be brought out.


    Changling Grass was considered a spirit nt, but it wasn''t particrly rare. It grew in many areas abundant in spiritual qi and often appeared alongside more valuable natural treasures.


    It was useful for medicinal purposes and alchemy, but its suitability for hotpot was still unknown.


    Lackey B carefully picked up a piece, dipped it in the pot a few times, and began chewing.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, he slowly shook his head. "It can''t be cooked and the texture is too rough."


    After hearing the verdict, Xu Hongqiu waved her hand decisively. "Eliminate it."


    "Second dish, Yellow-Scaled Tiger."


    This meat came from a demonic beast that had been hunted, sold to a store, andter bought by the Whale Gang.


    For example, Chu Liang could have sold the Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python he had just in if he wanted to.


    It was just too inconvenient. Its size was too massive to fit into his enchanted storage tools. It would be too troublesome to carry it back as the python''s body was filled with poison. In the end, he gave up on the idea of bringing it back.


    Lackey B picked up a slice of meat, dipped it in the pot, and tasted it.


    After savoring it for a moment, he nodded and dered, "Dip for thirteen breaths¡ªsix up, seven down¡ªfor perfect texture. This one is good."


    "Take this to the back kitchen," Xu Hongqiu immediately instructed her staff.


    "Third dish, Blood Puffer of Mount Yue."


    Another dish was swiftly ced on the table, and Lackey B once again picked up his chopsticks.


    After dipping and tasting it, he calmly stated, "This one definitely cannot be approved. The meat is tender, the vor''s decent, but it''s poisonous."


    With that, he copsed onto the table with a heavy thud.


    "Hey! Quick, save him!"

 Chapter 471: Ill Go Call Him Back for You

    <h4>Chapter 471: I''ll Go Call Him Back for You</h4>


    Lackey B left with pride.


    ...


    After being poisoned by the Blood Puffer, he was given the best emergency treatment. Thanks to their thorough preparations and the fact that the poison was rtively mild, he was able to clear the toxins from his body swiftly.


    In fact, if the ingredient had contained obvious toxins, the Whale Gang would never have brought it up on the table. It must have gone through basic inspections before being sent over.


    The Blood Puffer of Mount Yue was a strange creature. Its flesh was not poisonous while it was alive, but after it died, it slowly became toxic. That was how Lackey B got poisoned.


    When Lackey B woke up after being treated, the first thing he said was, "I think it''s still safe to eat... it just needs to be prepared right."


    "Let''s not think about eating just yet..." the group said, looking at him with concern. "Are you feeling okay?"


    "I''m fine," Lackey B said, shaking his head calmly. "We can continue."


    "Continue?" The others were surprised.


    "It''s just a Blood Puffer. It''s nothing worth mentioning," Lackey B said, flicking his hair with the confidence of a master.


    Even Chu Liang couldn''t help but give him a thumbs-up.


    <i>Nice, you''re really cut out for this task.</i>


    That day, Lackey B tested nearly thirty different ingredients. He eliminated thirteen of them and found seventeen that were good for the menu. With some basic ingredients, the hotpot restaurant was ready to open.


    Even though these spirit nts and spirit beast meats were rare, theirrge sizes were a big advantage. A single spirit beast could be several zhang tall, and some were even as big as a small mountain.


    As long as they were safe to eat, they could keep the restaurant running for quite a while.


    This also gave them another benefit: the ingredients at Red Moon Pavilion could change regrly or even daily, giving customers a fresh experience. When premium ingredients were avable, they could be promoted heavily.


    For ingredients with great vor, the Whale Gang could focus on buying them and restocking them regrly for the menu.


    The next morning, Red Moon Pavilion officially opened its doors to customers.


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t want to use her influence to attract customers, so the new shop''s opening was rather low-key. She didn''t even show her face, quietly observing from a private room on the second floor with a few others.


    But in this world, there was no such thing as a secret.


    During the store''s preparation days, word had already spread around Mount Shu that Fairy Jiang was about to open a shop on Red Cotton Peak.


    Additionally, Xu Hongqiu had been very high-profile in her actions. All the people handling the deliveries were members of the Whale Gang. And so, the reputation of the Young Lady of the Whale Gang helped boost the business.


    Thus, many people showed up on opening day to show their support.


    While many came just for the social asion, they were pleasantly surprised by the service as soon as they entered.


    To the left, a dozen burly Whale Gang men stood, all smiling enthusiastically in their rolled-up aprons, loudly shouting, ''Wee to Red Moon Pavilion! Three gentlemen here!''"


    On the right stood a dozen elegant women in flowing red robes. As soon as they noticed female guests arriving, they sprang into action, stepping forward with warm smiles. "Wee! How many are in your party?" they asked, guiding the guests to their seats. "As for our menu, in addition to the basic ingredients, we have something special today: Yellow-Scaled Tiger and Spirit-Spotted Deer. What would you like to try?"


    The shop had only two floors, yet both upstairs and downstairs were packed with people.


    The slow opening day that they had worried about never happened.


    However, most of the guests came because they had some connection to the owners. Therefore, if the experience wasn''t good, there was no chance they would keep returning just for fun.


    But once the first group of diners finished their meals and left, word of mouth started to spread like wildfire.


    "A hotpot restaurant just opened on Red Cotton Peak! I heard it''s co-owned by Fairy Jiang and the Whale Gang''s eldest daughter, so I had to check it out," one person excitedly told their friends. "It''s absolutely authentic¡ªtruly top-notch!"


    "Unbeatable!" another friend chimed in.


    "..."


    Chu Liang watched the bustling scene from the second floor and turned to say, "As long as we keep up this level of service, I believe Red Moon Pavilion''s reputation will spread quickly. It might even be another signature spot on Mount Shu before long."


    "It''s not that simple," Jiang Yuebai replied calmly. "If we be popr, other shops around here will definitely try to copy us, and they might even offer lower prices. This excitement won''tst forever."


    "Who dares to copy us?" Xu Hongqiu boasted confidently. "I''ll make sure they can''t stay on the Red Cotton Peak!"


    Given the Whale Gang''s history and status, she certainly had the right to be arrogant, but...


    "What if it''s a sect from the Divine Nine or the Terrestrial Ten?" Chu Liang said with a helpless smile. "What if they open a shop in Taotie City or the capital of Yu? We can''t always rely on brute force to solve our problems."


    "Then what do you suggest we do?" Xu Hongqiu asked, sensing he had an idea.


    "I think..." Chu Liang began, "we could summarize our ingredients, recipes, and business methods into a business model and promote it. If someone wants to open a simr store, they can franchise with us, and we''ll support them as much as we can."


    "Franchise?" The women exchanged puzzled looks, clearly hearing the term for the first time. "Isn''t that just helping ourpetitors?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang continued with a smile. "As long as they pay a franchise fee, they can use the name, experience, and resources of Red Moon Pavilion. We can''t avoidpetition, but I believe more shops would prefer this arrangement than a cutthroat rivalry. After all, it''s all about making money.


    "Imagine our name spreading across the nine provinces! The main store here on Mount Shu will thrive even more. And even if our main store''s business slows down, we''ll still earn from the franchise fees.


    "Isn''t that wonderful?"


    ...


    While Chu Liang was busy at Red Cotton Peak, unexpected visitors arrived at Silver Sword Peak.


    A whirlwind touched down, revealing over a dozen figures d in the official uniforms of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. Leading them was a man with a graceful presence, dressed in flowing white robes¡ªnone other than Li Chengfeng, the chief of the Four Celestial Officials.


    As they arrived at Silver Sword Peak, Li Chengfeng nced around while his subordinates dispersed to search the area.


    Li Chengfeng approached the pavilion where Di Nufeng resided.


    Di Nufeng obviously sensed the intruders immediately, but she remained seated with her arms crossed, her expression hostile as she watched them enter her pavilion.


    "What''s this about?" Di Nufeng narrowed her eyes slightly. "You didn''t even give a heads-up before barging into my Silver Sword Peak. What are you here for?"


    "Big Sister Feng..." Li Chengfeng looked a bit troubled as he slowly exined, "The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner has already sent a letter to Venerable Wen Yuan. There''s indeed a case that requires Silver Sword Peak''s cooperation."


    Di Nufeng fell silent for a long moment.


    Her mind raced, thoughts buzzing as she tried to remember. After almost half a day, she finally asked, "Which case?"


    "Huh?" Li Chengfeng was surprised by her tone.


    "No matter what the case is, I won''t say anything until our Discipline Master arrives," Di Nufeng replied firmly.


    "It''s not about you," Li Chengfeng quickly said upon noticing her reaction.


    "You should''ve said that sooner!" Di Nufeng eximed, finally breaking into a smile.


    Earlier, she went through all the crimes she''dmitted in her mind, wondering which might show she was guilty. She hadn''t even made it through ten percent of them, and it had already taken nearly half a day.


    There were just too many.


    Since it wasn''t her own case, she felt relieved and chuckled as she asked, "Who else at Silver Sword Peak could havemitted a crime? That big dumb Hou or the little silly fish?"


    "Neither," Li Chengfeng replied. "It''s your one and only disciple, Chu Liang."


    "Chu Liang?" Di Nufeng was genuinely surprised.


    After all, her disciple was arguably the most dependable person at Silver Sword Peak. She had thought of everyone else, but Chu Liang hadn''t even crossed her mind.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''tmit a crime, but if he did, it was unlikely he would leave any evidence behind...


    "What crime did hemit that makes it necessary for you, a celestial official, toe personally and arrest him?" Di Nufeng''s smile faded, reced by a serious expression.


    "Well..." Li Chengfeng began exining the situation.


    "I see." After listening to the exnation, Di Nufeng nodded casually. "Then have a seat... I''ll go call him back for you."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With that, Di Nufeng suddenly transformed into a ze of fire, shooting through the air with a loud whoosh.


    "Huh?!"


    Seeing this, Li Chengfeng realized something was wrong and turned into a whirlwind to chase after her.


    A peculiar scene unfolded on Mount Shu.


    Di Nufeng''s fiery trail shot across half of the mountain, closely pursued by a swirling wind, faint shouts echoing in the distance.


    "Big Sister Feng...


    "Thew is like a vast that doesn''t miss! You shouldn''t try to challenge thew!"

 Chapter 472: I Trust You (I)

    <h4>Chapter 472: I Trust You (I)</h4>


    At this moment, Chu Liang was about to reward himself.


    Everyone was in the private room on the second floor, observing the situation below. After discussing the idea of franchising, the conversation quickly shifted, and soon the youngdies were chatting and joking among themselves. Chu Liang''s presence eventually became almost unnoticeable.


    At that moment, he even missed Lackey B. If Lackey B had not left, there would have at least been one more male in the room. Even if they were awkward with each other, it would have felt a bit better than being alone.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang did not sit idly. He split off part of his divine sense and sank it into the White Pagoda to have his reward session.


    The massive Blood-Fog Venomous Dragon-Python had transformed into a small golden phantom, floating in an iron cell. Chu Liang stepped forward and activated the refinement process.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    There was a sh of red light, and a long, thick white beam of light floated out. Chu Liang grabbed it.


    [Poison-Expulsion Whip: If a person''s corporeal body is poisoned,sh them with this whip, and the toxins will be expelled in the form of mist. It is effective against most poisons.


    Note: This whip is only for detoxifying purposes and is not rmended for use in other scenarios.]


    This item gave Chu Liang quite the surprise.


    <i>This is pretty much a legendary artifact for detoxification!</i>


    <i>Most poisons were paired with a unique antidote made specifically for each type of poison. So, no matter how prepared you are, you could still fall victim to unexpected poisons.</i>


    Chu Liang recalled how he had acquired the Hundred-Flower Antidote on his first trip to the Southern Bastion Mountain. The antidote was supposed to be able to detoxify a hundred types of poisons, so it was extremely useful. Unfortunately, it was a consumable; once it was used, that was the end of it. He had not encountered such a useful antidote since.


    The Poison-Expulsion Whip was not an antidote, but it was effective against most poisons, making it clearly superior to the Hundred-Flower Antidote. Moreover, it could be used repeatedly for a long time. It was such a great item that it could even be considered a legendary artifact.


    <i>As for the warning about other scenarios... It''s probably referring tobat situations, right?</i>


    The whip was long and dense and looked much like a huge ck python, but it probably was not suited forbat. After all, it already had such a miraculous function; it could not possibly do everything.


    Who would be willing to use such a precious item in battle anyway? If it got damaged and could not be repaired, they would be too stunned to even cry.


    Right now, he could not wait to test out the Poison-Expulsion Whip. It was unfortunate that Lackey B had already been treated. Otherwise, Chu Liang could have whipped out the Poison-Expulsion Whip and given Lackey B a goodshing to detoxify him.


    While he was thinking about that, a burst of fire suddenly crashed through the window,nding with a boom!


    Everyone was startled.


    A sh of red filled Chu Liang''s vision, and he found his teacher standing before him.


    She eximed, "Your crime has been discovered!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang was stunned by her sudden appearance. "What did I do?"


    "<i>Argh!</i>" Di Nufeng groaned. She said urgently, "There''s no time to exin. Just go to the inds of the South Sea and lie low. That''s outside the Yu Dynasty''s territory, so the Imperial Supervisory Bureau won''t make a big fuss looking for you. Just hide for three to five years. When things have calmed down, you cane back under a new name.


    "If you get bored, I can arrange for you to go to Fuyao Kingdom in the East Sea. I''ve got a few friends in Canng City from the criminal world. They specialize in helping out esteemed heroes who have broken thew."


    Question marks filled Chu Liang''s mind.


    <i>What on earth is going on?</i>


    <i>Why does it sound like Imitted some massive crime? And... why do you seem so familiar with all this?</i>


    <i>This is the escape n you''ve always arranged for yourself, isn''t it?</i>


    Whenever it came to anything illegal, his teacher''s mind seemed to work at lightning speed¡ªso fast that even Chu Liang could not keep up with her.


    However, Chu Liang did not have time to ask about that. His mind raced, going over everything he had done recently.


    <i>Could it be rted to taking in the young emperor from the previous dynasty?</i>


    Chu Liang was not sure how the Yu Dynasty viewed the previous dynasty, but it would be understandable if they regarded him as part of the rebel faction because he took in Chu Yi. After all, matters rted to the previous dynasty were always a sore spot for every dynasty.


    He had no idea how the Yu Dynasty had found out, but fleeing now seemed like the safest move.


    As Chu Liang prepared to leave with his teacher, a whirlwind swept in, and Li Chengfengnded with a shout.


    "Chu Liang, do not persist in your foolishness! Killing to seize a treasure may notnd you a death sentence, but if you keep resisting, there will be no room for negotiation!"


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered and stopped in his tracks, no longer flustered. He turned back and said, "Oh, it''s about killing someone? You should''ve said that earlier."


    Naturally, Chu Liang was calm because he had notmitted the grave crime of murder.


    However, it lookedpletely different to those watching him.


    <i>What''s that supposed to mean? Did youmit an even bigger crime?</i>


    <i>You''re truly worthy of being Di Nufeng''s disciple.</i>


    ...


    On Mount Shu''s Heaven-Reaching Peak...


    Inside the Hall of Discipline, Li Chengfeng sat stiffly, feeling a heavy pressure weighing down on him.


    It was always like this when he had to handle cases involving the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. If the involved party was unwilling to cooperate, the case became extremely difficult to handle, especially when the case involved elite disciples. This case, in particr, involved Chu Liang, who far surpassed the typical elite disciple. So, the chance of the Mount Shu Sect willingly cooperating with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was close to none.


    Nevertheless, dealing with difficult cases was precisely what the work of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau entailed.


    The Discipline Master, Di Nufeng, and Jiang Yuebai had alle to the Hall of Discipline, filled with concern about what crime Chu Liang hadmitted. Xu Hongqiu wanted to go over as well, but since she was not a Mount Shu disciple, she was asked to wait for the news.


    Li Changfeng said, "The wife of the Red River Sect''s leader, a sect elder, and a disciple of the sect died two days ago in a remote valley near Myriad Poison Mountain in the Southern Regions. Their bodies were just discovered yesterday.


    "Also yesterday, the son of the Red River Sect''s leader and two of his fellow disciples were found dead in Demon Spider Forest, which is in Myriad Poison Mountain."


    Li Chengfeng slowly exined, "Regarding the first case, someone testified that they witnessed Chu Liang at the scene of the crime that day. As for the second case, several eyewitnesses testified that they saw the killer and described his appearance. We used the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s divine technique to acquire a visual of the culprit, and the culprit was revealed to be... Chu Liang."


    When Li Chengfeng was done talking, the room fell into a tense silence.


    Chu Liang, on the other hand, actually rxed a little. He had been ready to run earlier, but once he heard that the crime was unrted to him having taken in the young emperor, he felt relieved.


    However, the cases that Li Chengfeng had presented were truly quite bizarre.


    Regarding that first case, Chu Liang had seen the Red River Sect''s feuding family express love and the desire to kill each other before leaving together that day. Chu Liang had, of course, left as well. He did not remember seeing anyone else on his way out, so there should not have been anyone who could have seen him there that day. Where exactly did these supposed eyewitnessese from?


    As for the second case, it was even more absurd. Those Red River Sect disciples that Chu Liang had encountered the day before had been seen fleeing Demon Spider Forest in panic. ording to the eyewitnesses'' ounts, Chu Liang had chased after the three Red River Sect disciples, striking one down with his sword, punching the second, and then using his sword again to sh the third one.


    After he killed the three Red River Sect disciples brutally and mercilessly, he searched their corpses, stealing away a spirit nt.

 Chapter 473: I Trust You (II)

    <h4>Chapter 473: I Trust You (II)</h4>


    The second case had urred at the entrance to Demon Spider Forest, where more than a dozen people from small sects had witnessed it. It was impossible for all the witnesses to have colluded to frame him.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau acquired a visual of the culprit by using Shadow of Radiance to make a recording of the culprit directly from the witnesses'' souls, so there was no way it could be falsified.


    <i>Could someone have disguised themselves as me tomit the crime?</i> Chu Liang wondered inwardly. <i>But if it was just a simple illusion trick, it could not have escaped the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s detection.</i>


    In the world of immortality cultivators, it was not umon for there to be disputes over the ownership of valuable items. In fact, the disputes sometimes got so bad that people ended up dead. However, when the Yu Dynasty''s reign began, the Yu Dynasty strictly forbade people from killing others to seize treasures. They could fight, but they could not use malicious methods to induce harm.


    Chu Liang''s cultivation level was clearly far above that of the three Red River Sect disciples. So, in a situation like this where it was imed that Chu Liang had mercilessly killed three righteous sect disciples in front of witnesses, there was no doubt that he would be punished severely.


    In the end, it all came down to one word¡ªjustice.


    The immortal sects encouragedpetition among their disciples. Nevertheless, they did not wish for their disciples to resort to unscrupulous methods and ruthless killings, plunging the world of immortality cultivators into the darkness that was thew of the jungle.


    Therefore, the immortal sects had always supported the Yu Dynasty''s policies and punished those whose actions were brutal and showed a tant disregard for humanity. If it had not been for the pressure from the Yu Dynasty, how could the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals have so easily expelled a disciple as talented as Huo Tianya?


    Six of the Red River Sect''s members were dead, including the sect leader''s wife and son, and the killer was suspected to be the same person. Naturally, the Red River Sect''s leader found it hard to bear. However, he could not personally take revenge on a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, so he had rushed to the Imperial Supervisory Bureaust night, crying for justice to be served.


    The Red River Sect was one of the many sects that guarded the Myriad Poison Mountain from the outskirts of the mountain. Guarding the mountain was aborious task that was of great merit to society, so both the Yu Dynasty and the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had always treated these smaller sects with care and consideration. That meant these serious cases, which involved multiple murders, could be easily brushed aside.


    "Furthermore, in the first case, one of the three victims was punched to death and the other two were killed using sword qi, specifically the sword qi of the Heaven-Raising Sword. These arebat tactics that Chu Liang uses regrly," Li Chengfeng said. Then he turned to Chu Liang and stated, "All the evidence points to you, so I must take you to stand on trial for these cases."


    "No way!" Di Nufeng red. "I know how you people are. You''ll do whatever it takes to get a confession. My disciple is so well-behaved. What if you torture him and force him to confess? If you want to hold a trial, do it here at Mount Shu!"


    "..." Li Chengfeng gave Di Nufeng a deep look before saying, "Big Sister Feng, he''s your disciple. Who would even darey a hand on him, <i>hmm?</i>"


    The Discipline Master spoke slowly. "There is no doubt he has been framed for the murders. As for how it was done, that requires some investigating to uncover. Our venerable sect leader is of the same opinion. Chu Liang... must not be harmed."


    Thosest four words carried a great weight.


    After all, Chu Liang was far too important to the Mount Shu Sect. If he were simply a prodigy of the sect like Huo Tianya had been for his, a long-established immortal sect like the Mount Shu Sect might be willing to give him up for the sake of justice and maintaining appearances.


    However, Chu Liang was connected to two major parts of the Mount Shu Sect, the Violet and Azure Twin Swords and the flourishing Red Cotton Peak¡ªboth of which were crucial to the Mount Shu Sect''s future. The sect''s higher-ups were convinced that it would not be long before Chu Liang became one of the pirs of the sect.


    Yet, it was at this time that the Imperial Supervisory Bureau wanted Chu Liang to pay for his crimes of murder with his life. How could the Mount Shu Sect possibly ept this death sentence? Even if Chu Liang had indeedmitted those crimes, they could not let him be harmed.


    Chu Liang, who had been silent this whole time, suddenly spoke up. "It''s fine."


    Everyone''s gaze immediately turned to him.


    He stated calmly, "I definitely did not kill those people. That much I know for certain. But there are many suspicious points in these cases that I can''t make sense of yet. I need to investigate them further before I can understand what exactly happened. However, Mount Shu stands for justice and righteousness, so I will go with you to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to stand on trial. But I will only do it on two conditions."


    "Name them," Li Chengfeng replied.


    The young man before Li Chengfeng was merely a junior disciple, but his words carried remarkable weight, far heavier than that of the typical disciple of an immortal sect.


    Chu Liang began, "Firstly, my esteemed teacher must be allowed to visit me at any time of the day to ensure my safety."


    He was not familiar with how the Imperial Supervisory Bureau handled cases and what methods they used to resolve them. Nevertheless, they were still a government office of the imperial courts, which worked differently from immortal sects, so it was naturally difficult for him to ce his trust in them.


    Laws could technically be a pure representation of justice and righteousness because they were not living things, which in turn meant they were free from influence and bias. However, that was not the case for people, as they were alive.


    In this era, government offices did not have sophisticated investigation methods. The normal process began with the detained getting thrown into a cell, after which they were given a severe beating. Even if a person imed they were innocent, who would believe them unless they persisted with their im even on the brink of death? The officers thought it was better to wrongfully convict a thousand people than to risk letting a criminal go and losing their job.


    Luckily, Chu Liang had some backing; he was not an ordinary criminal. With his teacher and the Mount Shu Sect supporting him, his personal safety should be guaranteed.


    Chu Liang continued, "Secondly, I hope my sect can participate in the investigation. Any evidence or clues should be shared with each other."


    Li Chengfeng furrowed his brows slightly.


    This was practically an insult to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. It seemed that Chu Liang had no faith in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s abilities or reputation.


    Chu Liang quickly added, "I haveplete trust in the Bureau''s abilities and reputation. But since this concerns my life and death, I hope you will understand, Celestial Official Li."


    The Discipline Master sneered, while Di Nufeng stared Li Chengfeng down with a scowl. If he did not agree now, it would seem like he was being unreasonable.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" Li Chengfeng sighed. "Fine. However, you can''t have many people take part in the investigation. Just one person cane to the Bureau as a temporary officer. Is that eptable?"


    If he were to allow the entire Mount Shu Sect to go over and criticize and meddle in the affairs of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, it would be utterly humiliating.


    "Good!" Di Nufeng stepped forward boldly. "I''ll go. My cultivation level is high, and I''m quick-witted."


    Chu Liang immediately looked rmed, and he hurriedly said, "Esteemed Teacher, you should just visit me regrly. Let''s leave this task to someone else."


    <i>My esteemed teacher, let''s not trouble you with taking part in the investigation. When ites time to break me out, I''ll let you know, okay? You''re more suited tomitting crimes than solving them.</i>


    At that moment, Jiang Yuebai stepped forward with a determined gaze. "I''ll go."


    Chu Liang turned to look at her, and Jiang Yuebai met his eyes.


    She said, "I trust you... so I will get to the bottom of these cases and clear your name."


    The two gazed at each other, and the air seemed to grow still, with only the faint rustling of the breeze.


    Chu Liang''s lips slowly spread wide into a smile. "I trust you too."

 Chapter 474: Trust

    <h4>Chapter 474: Trust </h4>


    Chu Liang had never expected that his first time visiting the capital of Yu would be under these circumstances.


    He had always thought he woulde here during the Assembly of Immortal Sects, carrying the glory of Mount Shu. Who would have guessed he¡¯d arrive earlier than expected, at the risk of tarnishing Mount Shu¡¯s reputation?


    As he followed Li Chengfeng straight to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, Chu Liang didn¡¯t even get a chance to marvel at the splendor and vastness of the greatest city in the nine provinces.


    Despite bearing the responsibility of overseeing the entire empire, the headquarters of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau in the capital was surprisingly modest. It consisted of a simple courtyard with ck eaves and weathered tiles. As one ventured further inside, they would find there wasn¡¯t much more to it.


    Perhaps, given the high cost ofnd in the capital and the rtively small number of cultivators stationed here, such extravagance simply wasn¡¯t necessary.


    This was Chu Liang¡¯s first time meeting the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner.


    Just a few days ago, the Commissioner had intervened in the Southern Regions, but by the time he arrived, Chu Liang had already left, with the use of Shattering the Void. And so, they never met.


    The first sight that greeted him was an old man basking in the sunlight of the back courtyard. His appearance was refined and serene, yet he exuded an air of mystical power. The nts and spirit flora around him thrived with unusual vibrance, as if their vitality was drawn toward him, flourishing in his presence.


    There was no doubt about the identity of this man.


    He was Qi Yingxuan, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner.


    "Back already?" Qi Yingxuan greeted them with a smile as he saw Li Chengfeng leading Chu Liang over. Without a visible gesture, two chairs drifted out from within the house. "Sit."


    Li Chengfeng and Chu Liang each took their seat.


    Chu Liang felt a slight sense of relief. The attitude of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was, surprisingly, quite weing.


    "It went smoothly, but I agreed to let Mount Shu''s disciple, Jiang Yuebai, assist in the investigation," Li Chengfeng reported.


    "That''s good to hear," Qi Yingxuan said cheerfully, his gaze shifting to Chu Liang. "I too refuse to believe that you killed those people."


    "Sir, you trust me?" Chu Liang asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.


    "Of course," Qi Yingxuan replied. "I know quite a bit about you. I''m aware of the great deeds you''ve aplished, including saving countless lives in the Southern Regions just a few days ago. Nothing in your actions suggests you''re a ruthless killer."


    "I am honored," Chu Liang replied respectfully.


    He had heard rumors that the Imperial Supervisory Bureau investigated all exceptional disciples from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. All these findings were presented directly to the Commissioner.


    After all, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau needed to select some of them for official positions.


    Oftentimes, the Mount Shu Sect would send its disciples to serve at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. As a matter of fact, some would even stay for a long period of time. Chu Liang had never imagined he¡¯d find himself here so soon¡ªespecially under such unexpected circumstances.


    However, despite the Commissioner having read his profile and record, Chu Liang knew it wouldn¡¯t matter much. After all, it was still rare for a young disciple to leave asting impression on someone like Qi Yingxuan, who had reviewed the records of countless disciples throughout his lifetime.


    "Still, no matter how much I trust you, I cannot allow personal judgment to sway the course of this case," Qi Yingxuan said solemnly. "We will work with the Mount Shu Sect to uncover the truth, but if all the evidence continues to point to you, I cannot let you walk free. That is our duty."


    "I understand," Chu Liang replied calmly. "I believe that as the investigation unfolds, the truth will reveal itself."


    "Well, since you''re here, let''s not waste the opportunity," Qi Yingxuan said with a smile as he stood up. "Come with me."


    With that, the old man turned and strode back into the house.


    Chu Liang cast a nce at Li Chengfeng, who smiled and said, "When the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner calls for you, you should go. Not everyone is allowed entry into that quiet room."


    Chu Liang, feeling puzzled, followed the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner inside.


    This appeared to be where the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner handled official matters. Stacks of documents were piled high on the desk, resembling a small mountain of paperwork.


    Qi Yingxuan sat down at the desk, his gaze sweeping over the scrolls before him.


    "In the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, there are 268 cultivators at the sixth realm, 19 at the seventh realm, and only 2 at the eighth realm," he began. "Yet, every day, thousands of letters pour in from across thend of the nine provinces, each one requesting aid."


    Though the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was huge, it was always short-staffed; otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have to continually request that the immortal sects dispatch personnel.


    "My subordinates must assess each case, determine how to allocate manpower, or request assistance from nearby sects," Qi Yingxuan exined. "The cases thate to me are the most challenging. They dare not make any judgments on their own, so the final decision ultimately rests with me."


    Qi Yingxuan looked up at Chu Liang, his gaze tinged with a hint of expectation.


    "Your records indicate that you''re a highly intelligent individual. Since you''ll be here for a few days, would you like to take a look?"


    ...


    Chu Liang was indeed a highly intelligent person.


    Even if he truly intended to seize a treasure, he would never do so by killing in broad daylight. Not only did the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner believe this, but so did the people of Mount Shu, which included Jiang Yuebai.


    Their belief in his intellect was one thing, but their trust in his status was another.


    After these days of business dealings, the disciples of his generation had no idea of how much wealth Chu Liang had amassed. Yet, one thing was certain: he was the richest person on Mount Shu.


    The disciples of Mount Shu were renowned for their frugality among the sects in the Divine Nine. Aside from expenses rted to cultivation and enchanted tools, even the Guardian Elders found it difficult to save any extra wealth.


    But Chu Liang was different. After bringing about such significant changes on Mount Shu, he had transcended the traditional means of earning sword coins through tasks. He could lounge about all day, and still, piles of spirit stones would roll into his pockets.


    While the Jade Pot Celestial nt was undoubtedly valuable, for Chu Liang, the effort required to make a trip to Myriad Poison Mountain was nearly equivalent to what he could automatically earn in that time.


    It wasn''t that wealthy individuals wouldn''t kill for treasures; rather, there was simply no need for someone like him to resort to such drastic and risky measures.


    Of course, beyond his wealth and intelligence, the most important factor was their trust in his character.


    Though he sometimes seemed sly, like a cunning little fox, he always stood firm on matters of principle.


    That was why Jiang Yuebai trusted him.


    Dressed in white and appearing like the radiant light of the full moon, Jiang Yuebai¡¯s presence illuminated the shadowy gloom of Myriad Poison Mountain.


    Jiang Yuebai gracefullynded on the ground.


    Her trust in Chu Liang, while unwavering, was of little use. She needed to find the evidence to prove his innocence as quickly as possible.


    Before Chu Liang left, he took the time to exin his thoughts and insights from the past two days, sharing the key points and uncertainties surrounding the case.


    Chu Liang suspected that his involvement in the case was purely coincidental.


    On the day of the first incident, Chu Liang had been randomly teleported near Myriad Poison Mountain. Even he had no idea where he would end up, making it unlikely that the killer had specifically targeted him.


    His encounter with the "loving" family of three from the Red River Sect had been pure coincidence. They were then killed that day, and the killer employed methods that mimicked Chu Liang''s.


    The sect leader''s wife had been killed with a single punch, while Elder Bai and a male disciple were cleaved in half by the sword qi of the Heaven-Raising Sword...


    The odds of such a coincidence were incredibly small.


    This suggested that the killer was intentionally imitating Chu Liang.


    If it had been just this one case, Chu Liang would not have been used of murder. However, in the second case, the framing was executed with even greater meticulousness.


    In the second case, the killer had taken on the appearance of Chu Liang.


    However, Chu Liang¡¯s trip to Myriad Poison Mountain was known to no one, meaning his presence in Demon Spider Forest was purely coincidental.


    The simrity between the two casesy in the fact that he happened to encounter members of the Red River Sect by chance both times.


    That was likely the reason the killer chose to frame him.


    Since he had actually been to those locations and met those individuals, there was no alibi to prove his innocence.


    After a quick analysis, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai concluded that both cases had targeted the Red River Sect, and the framing of Chu Liang was likely incidental¡ªsimply a consequence of his presence at both scenes.


    Perhaps the killer had a personal grudge against Chu Liang or Mount Shu.


    However, those matters could be addressedter. There was a straightforward way to prove Chu Liang¡¯s innocence.


    The witnesses in the second case imed to have seen Chu Liang kill the victims and then take the Jade Pot Celestial nt he had scavenged from their bodies. Given that the nt was indeed in his possession, it was difficult to refute their statements.


    In truth, however, Chu Liang had harvested the Jade Pot Celestial nt himself from behind the waterfall.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau employed the Shadow of Radiance technique on the divine souls of the witnesses, recreating the scene of what had happened during the crime. However, since several days had passed, the members of the Bureau were unable to recreate the moment when Chu Liang plucked part of the Jade Pot Celestial nt from the cave behind the waterfall.


    But there was another witness present at the time.


    The little butterfly Chu Liang had saved.


    Without it, Chu Liang wouldn¡¯t have even known the location of the Jade Pot Immortal nt. The butterfly had witnessed him picking the nt firsthand.


    If they could prove that Chu Liang had indeed picked the Jade Pot Immortal nt himself, it would reveal that the scene described by the witnesses was fake, thereby establishing his innocence.


    When Chu Liang spoke with the butterfly, he asked where it was from. It had replied that its home was on the outskirts of Myriad Poison Mountain, several dozen li away from Demon Spider Forest, in a ce known as Butterfly Fairy Valley.


    Now, Jiang Yuebai has arrived at Butterfly Fairy Valley, searching for the little butterfly.

 Chapter 475: Breaking Out from the Cocoon

    <h4>Chapter 475: Breaking Out from the Cocoon</h4>


    The amodations at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were not great.


    It was just a small, seldom-used guest room in the courtyard, with bedding that carried a faint scent of dust.


    Still, it was better than a prison cell.


    By the time Chu Liang returned, it waste at night, and he was very exhausted.


    He had always believed in making the best use of both people and resources, ensuring that no one on Silver Sword Peak remained idle.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to take this principle to a whole new level.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had dragged Chu Liang along to review bizarre cases reported from different provinces, tasking him with analyzing each one, identifying the key issues, and determining the best course of action.


    At first, it seemed like themissioner was trying to mentor him, guiding Chu Liang¡¯s thought process. But after half a day, when themissioner realized how quickly Chu Liang was picking things up, the old man started cking off.


    He left everything for Chu Liang to analyze. He asked Chu Liang to propose solutions and would only step in at the end to approve the final decisions.


    This made things easier for themissioner, but Chu Liang¡¯s stress kept building. These were important matters for the nine provinces, and he knew he had to be careful. After all, this likely concerned the lives of many others.


    The more carefully Chu Liang handled things, the more satisfied themissioner seemed. By the end of the day, Chu Liang had been used as freebor,pletely worked to the bone by the old man.


    However, it wasn¡¯t without its benefits. Chu Liang realized that strange and evil events were constantly happening across thend of the nine provinces. Even in what seemed like peaceful times, these cases were asmon as cow hair.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau and the City Supervisory Division formed the first line of defense, while the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten made up the second, working together to maintain the current peace.


    The demonic creatures and evil entities had never stopped in their desire to bring chaos and destruction to the world.


    ording to themissioner, things had never been this chaotic before. Ever since rumors of the Demon God¡¯s return started to spread, demons and viins across thend of the nine provinces had grown more active, plunging the Yu Dynasty into turmoil unlike anything seen in hundreds of years, leaving the bureau overwhelmed.


    Chu Liang realized that the demonic race¡¯s divine envoys hadn¡¯t spread these rumors without a purpose. There had to be arger, more sinister n behind it all.


    Even before the rumors of the Demon God¡¯s return, the chaos within the Yu Dynasty had already started to unfold.


    Just as this thought crossed his mind, Chu Liang felt a sudden, strange movement within the White Pagoda.


    He focused his divine sense inward and saw the golden cocoon, formed earlier by the little golden butterfly, beginning to crack. Thin beams of golden light seeped through the cracks, and the cocoon trembled, as though something inside was fighting to break free.


    It seemed that breaking out of the cocoon this time was much more difficult than before.


    As Chu Liang pondered this, he suddenly heard a series of cracking sounds, and then a small hole appeared in the cocoon.


    <i>As expected. It''s easier to use teeth,</i> Chu Liang thought.


    Momentster, a tiny head poked through the hole in the cocoon, its two bright ck eyes locking onto Chu Liang¡¯s.


    Chu Liang blinked.


    She blinked back.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang''s brows furrowed slightly.


    ording to the ancient book Jiang Yuebai had found before, the Heaven-Devouring Bug evolved through several stages: maggot, silkworm, butterfly, snake, dragon... ultimately reaching the ninth realm, in which it would transform into a fearsome nine-headed demonic insect, said to be the form of the Demon God in the past.


    But the small head poking out now clearly belonged to a chubby little human girl.


    She appeared to be no more than one or two years old, with smooth, tender skin that looked as soft as a freshly peeled boiled egg, both in texture and size.


    After exchanging nces with Chu Liang, the little one suddenly broke into a smile, her eyes squinting with joy as she babbled, ¡°Ah ba... ah ba...¡±


    She couldn¡¯t speak yet, and her eyes were filled with the pure innocence of a newborn.


    But...


    What¡¯s going on here?


    While Chu Liang was still trying to make sense of it all, the little girl wriggled her chubby neck and stretched out her pudgy arms, attempting to push the golden cocoon off herself.


    It was only then that Chu Liang understood why breaking out of the cocoon had been so difficult.


    In her previous forms, she had always bitten her way through the cocoon. But now, in this tiny human form, she didn¡¯t know how to use her hands properly, and they were clumsy and uncoordinated.


    "<i>Umm.</i>.." After struggling for a bit, the little one seemed to grow frustrated. Her chubby face scrunched up, and then she let out a soft, babyish cry, "<i>Wahhh¡ª</i>"


    Then, the crackling sounds started up again.


    Soon, the little one had eaten through half of the golden cocoon. Only then did she finally crawl out, fully revealing herself to Chu Liang.


    Therge golden butterfly wings hadn¡¯t disappeared; instead, they had be whiter and more translucent. Her body was now the size of a small palm, with tender white skin and a chubby little face. She wore a dress-like garment woven from golden threads, draping around her like a delicate, gauzy skirt.


    At a nce, she looked like a finely crafted porcin doll.


    "Ah ba, ah ba..." she babbled, awkwardly freeing herself from the cocoon. With clumsy arms stretched wide, she toddled toward Chu Liang as if she was trying to hug him.


    But since she couldn¡¯t walk properly yet, she immediately tripped and tumbled to the ground.


    "Ouch..." The little girl didn¡¯t cry or fuss after falling. Instead, she simply picked herself up and began crawling toward Chu Liang on all fours.


    Chu Liang gently lifted her into his palm, and the little girl instantly broke into a wide, joyful grin and started giggling.


    Upon seeing her behavior, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but recall something he had once heard¡ªthat newborn animals often regard the first thing they see after hatching as their mother.


    This little one had seen him first every time she emerged from her cocoon. Could it be that she thought of him as her mommy?


    As Chu Liang watched her dance around adorably in his palm, his confusion deepened. This wasn¡¯t at all what the ancient texts had described.


    Could it be that the Heaven-Devouring Bug¡¯s evolution involved some kind of mimicry, transforming into the form of whatever species it lived with?


    If it could evolve into a human form, could it also be taught like a human and be a true member of the human race?


    Chu Liang''s thoughts were all over the ce. It was too difficult to settle on any definitive answer based on the current situation.


    For now, Chu Liang decided it was best to give the little one a name.


    "Since you have such a big appetite..." Chu Liang thought for a moment and said, "I¡¯ll call you Tuntun[1]."


    ...


    The moonlight bathed Butterfly Fairy Valley, wrapping the entire ce in a tranquil silence.


    Every creature that called Myriad Poison Mountain home carried some form of poison or venom. The further one ventured into the heart of the mountain, the more potent and lethal the toxins became. In such a ce, a being without poison wouldn¡¯tst a day.


    Yet, there was one exception: the butterflies in Butterfly Fairy Valley.


    They were non-toxic and harmless, yet had somehow managed to thrive for ages within the deadly environment of Myriad Poison Mountain.


    The butterflies in the valley, though non-toxic, thrived in the presence of countless poisonous nts. Over time, as they pollinated these dangerous nts, they absorbed the toxins little by little, eventually building a strong resistance that allowed them to live in this valley for a very long time.


    Unlike the other areas with vicious and bloodthirsty creatures, Butterfly Fairy Valley was a rather peaceful ce.


    When Jiang Yuebai arrived, she immediately caused quite a buzz.


    Some butterflies immediately sensed the outsider''s presence and fluttered into the air in a flurry.


    Meanwhile, certain sentient nts became wary, swaying nervously even though there was no wind.


    Jiang Yuebai quickly released her qi in the air.


    With the constitution of a Transcendent Spirit, she shared an exceptional bond with the things in the world around her. Greedy demonic beasts perceived her blood and qi as a valuable spirit herb, while gentle spirit beasts would take an instant liking to her.


    Such was the wondrous nature of the Transcendent Spirit constitution.


    As her aura spread, the spiritual qi in the surrounding area grew incredibly vibrant. The nts and spirit herbs thrived, stretching upward, whilerge swarms of white butterflies fluttered around her, swirling in a joyful dance.


    Her robes were like the bright moon, and the butterflies danced like falling snow, making the valley resemble a paradise on earth. And she, of course, was the sole fairy in this scene.


    As Jiang Yuebai approached the heart of the valley, beneath a towering ancient vine tree, a beautiful woman d in a gauzy white gown descended. Therge, white wings on her back revealed her true identity.


    "Are you the leader here?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "I am thergest butterfly demon in Butterfly Fairy Valley," the woman said softly as she gazed at Jiang Yuebai. "Beautiful cultivator, is there something I can help you with?"


    "I¡¯m looking for a butterfly," Jiang Yuebai replied. "It¡¯s gained some sentience and can speak. There shouldn¡¯t be many like it here."


    As she spoke, she took out a painting.


    It was a painting of the butterfly, drawn by Chu Liang from memory.


    But the butterfly demon nced at the painting in Jiang Yuebai¡¯s hand and immediately shook her head. "Beautiful cultivator, this butterfly is not from here."


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Jiang Yuebai frowned slightly.


    "We, the butterflies of Butterfly Fairy Valley, are all white. When exposed to a poison we cannot neutralize, ck spots appear on our wings¡ªthat''s how we know a member of our n need healing," the butterfly demon exined. "But the one you''re searching for..."


    She examined the painting once more and then said, "It appears to be a butterfly from the East Sea."


    1. ÍÌÍÌ (ÍÌ pronounced Tun) means gulp or devourer ?

 Chapter 476: I Am Grieving on Behalf of the Sect Leader

    <h4>Chapter 476: I Am Grieving on Behalf of the Sect Leader</h4>


    "Madaaaaam!


    "How could you leave like this! Leaving me... and the sect leader all alone in this world...


    "A lonely grave thousands of miles away, with no ce to speak of sorrow¡ª[1]"


    At the Red River Sect estate just outside Myriad Poison Mountain, white funeral banners fluttered in the air as everyone dressed in mourning clothes attended a funeral.


    An elder with a long beard knelt before the coffin, his wails of grief filling the air, his heart clearly shattered. Those around him couldn''t help but nce his way, sighing with sympathy.


    "Elder Chen and the sect leader''s wife... they must have shared an unbreakable bond."


    Seated quietly in the ce of honor for the bereaved family was Zhao Duanyang, the leader of the Red River Sect. He was a quiet person who appeared to be in his forties or fifties with a very darkplexion. Anyone who could lead a sect in the dangerous Myriad Poison Mountain had to be ruthless and cold.


    Watching Elder Chen''s disy of grief, Zhao Duanyang held back for a while before finally letting out a cold "hmph."


    There was nothing wrong with mourning for the sect leader¡¯s wife, but six people had died in total, and the fact that Elder Chen was only crying for the sect leader¡¯s wife seemed a bit odd...


    It was as if Elder Chen had heard him, for he then wailed, "And my pitiful... young sect leader! You were only in your twenties, never even had the chance to see the world, and now you''ve fallen to such a cruel fate..."


    "Why must the heavens make the old bury the young...?"


    Someone nearby, unable to watch any longer, quietly approached and whispered, "Elder Chen, the sect leader is watching right there."


    "<i>Ah¡ª</i>" Elder Chen suddenly snapped out of it, hurriedly shouting, "I am grieving on behalf of the sect leader!"


    "Hmph!" Zhao Duanyang flicked his sleeve. He wanted to stand up and leave.


    He had always suspected that something was going on between his wife and Elder Chen, but he couldn''t prove it. Just as he started digging for answers, the unthinkable happened, and now, there was no one left to confirm the clues he''d found.


    But judging by Elder Chen''s behavior, anyone would be suspicious.


    One might have thought it was Elder Chen¡¯s own wife and child who had died.


    Just as he was about to stand up, someone rushed in and announced, "Sect Leader, Jiang Yuebai from Mount Shu is at the gate, requesting to see you."


    "Someone from Mount Shu?" Zhao Duanyang''s eyes shed with anger at the mention of the name, and he instinctively wanted to refuse her entry. But after a moment of thought, he said, "Let her in."


    The Mount Shu Sect was, after all, one of the sects in the Divine Nine. Even if they relied on the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to punish the culprit, the Red River Sect would still have to coexist with the rest of the cultivation world in the future.


    It would always be difficult for small sects to stand firm in the cultivation world.


    Upon being announced, Jiang Yuebai gracefully approached the funeral chamber, offering a respectful bow to the row of coffins.


    Elder Chen, upon seeing her enter, angrily stood up and shouted, "How dare someone from the Mount Shu Sect set foot in the Red River Sect! The murderer of our sect leader¡¯s wife and the other fivee from your sect! You¡ª"


    "Old Chen!" Zhao Duanyang scolded sharply before stepping forward. His gaze locked on Jiang Yuebai as he continued, "I wonder what brings Fairy Jiang here today. I¡¯ve heard that the criminal Chu Liang has already been captured by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, yet he has not been punished. Until justice is served, we have no interest in any dealings with Mount Shu."


    "I am here today precisely for this matter," Jiang Yuebai responded. "The Red River Sect tragedy has caused outrage throughout Mount Shu as well. If Chu Liang truly is the culprit, Mount Shu will not protect him. But we want to thoroughly investigate the situation to determine who the real murderer is."


    "What¡¯s there to investigate!" Elder Chen wailed. "So many people saw it, the evidence is irrefutable! Who else could the murderer be but Chu Liang? You talk about investigation, but you¡¯re clearly here to cover for him! Don¡¯t think we don¡¯t know¡ªeveryone¡¯s heard about your rtionship with that boy! He should pay with his life! You should feel the pain of losing a loved one too!"


    As he spoke, his lips trembled, his beard quivered, and he clutched his chest, looking as though he might faint at any moment.


    It seemed he was truly overwhelmed with grief.


    "Are you really in that much pain?" Zhao Duanyang asked coldly from behind.


    "I...," Elder Chen gritted his teeth, tears in his eyes, "I¡¯m grieving on your behalf, Sect Leader!"


    "In that case, take a rest." Zhao Duanyang rolled his eyes and instructed the people around him, "Take Elder Chen away to rest!"


    Several disciples obeyed and led Elder Chen away, and as he left, he continued shouting, "Sect leader! Don¡¯t give in to Mount Shu¡¯s threats and bribes! Madam and our young leader must not have died in vain¡ª"


    ...


    Watching Elder Chen grumble as he walked away, Jiang Yuebai sighed and remarked, ¡°It seems Elder Chen shares a deep bond with your family, Sect Leader Zhao.¡±


    "..." Zhao Duanyang was silent for a moment before nodding. "Old Chen has been with Red River Sect for many years. Our two families have always been close."


    After the small talk, Jiang Yuebai returned to the matter at hand.


    "Sect Leader Zhao, I believe you don''t wish to be enemies with Mount Shu but rather want true justice for your family and disciples. If Chu Liang is being framed, surely you wouldn''t want the real murderer to roam free, right?"


    "But right now, all evidence points to Chu Liang as the killer. That seems undeniable." Zhao Duanyang frowned. "So many unrted witnesses saw it with their own eyes¡ªsurely they couldn''t all be conspiring to frame him."


    Jiang Yuebai shook her head. "Sect Leader Zhao, you don¡¯t really know him. Anyone familiar with Chu Liang knows he wouldn¡¯tmit such acts. Besides, there are still doubts about this case.


    "From Red River Sect''s perspective, haven¡¯t you considered? Chu Liang had no past grievances with your sect, no recent conflicts either, so why would he strike twice? If the second killing was for treasure, then what was the reason for the first?"


    Zhao Duanyang''s expression darkened. "Why should I care what the killer was thinking?"


    To him, Jiang Yuebai was simply trying to find excuses for Chu Liang.


    "My guess is that this is a vendetta against the Red River Sect," Jiang Yuebai said. "Chu Liang just happened to be there and was made the scapegoat. If we don¡¯t uncover the truth, the real enemy of the Red River Sect will continue to exist. Even to eliminate future threats, shouldn''t you give us a chance to investigate?"


    Zhao Duanyang was silent for a moment before responding, "As long as you aren¡¯t trying to protect him. After all, what can my small sect do against Mount Shu? But with so many witnesses, how can I not believe them?"


    "Sect Leader Zhao, you should understand that what one sees with their own eyes isn¡¯t always the truth," Jiang Yuebai said, suddenly turning. "Just as I stand before you now¡ªam I really here?"


    "Hmm?" Zhao Duanyang was slightly startled.


    He saw Jiang Yuebai¡¯s form shimmer and disappear, leaving only a white butterfly fluttering in ce, circling a few times before drifting away.


    Then Jiang Yuebai reappeared from the side, saying, "What you saw earlier was an illusion. None of your people noticed. Simrly, the Chu Liang whomitted the murders could also be a false image¡ªperhaps the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s methods failed to see through it. It¡¯s difficult, yes, but not impossible."


    Zhao Duanyang could only sigh inwardly as he looked at the young woman before him.


    As the sect leader of Red River Sect, he had reached the beginning stage of the sixth realm in cultivation. Yet before this junior, he was utterly outssed.


    The strength of these immortal sect prodigies was truly astonishing.


    Although Jiang Yuebai was only in the fifth realm, if it came to a fight, he wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d be a match for her.


    "Chu Liang''s cultivation is certainly no weaker than mine. If he had truly wanted to kill the sect leader¡¯s son and hispanions, he wouldn¡¯t have let them escape so far from the Jade Pot Celestial nt. And as for treasure, his wealth far exceeds what you might imagine; he has no reason to kill for it," Jiang Yuebai continued. "These may not be solid proof, but they are points worth questioning. That¡¯s why I hope Sect Leader Zhao can help me¡ªand help yourself¡ªfind the real culprit."


    "What can I help you with?" Zhao Duanyang asked in a deep voice.


    "I came here to ask¡ªdoes Red River Sect have any enemies?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    Since they believed that Red River Sect was the murderer¡¯s target, they naturally had to start by investigating the sect¡¯s enemies.


    "We make our living around Myriad Poison Mountain, and daily disputes are inevitable, but none should escte to such murderous intent..." Zhao Duanyang thought for a moment. "If I had to name a mortal enemy of Red River Sect, it would be ck Pine Ridge."


    Jiang Yuebai listened quietly, her gaze firm and determined.


    As she thought about Chu Liang suffering in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, Jiang Yuebai''s heart clenched with worry. No matter the obstacles or dangers ahead, she knew she had to uncover the truth as soon as possible.


    1. This is a line from a poem written by Su Shi (ËÕéø) during the Song Dynasty, titled "Song of River City - The Year I-mao, 1st Month, 20th Day". Su Shi wrote this poem in memory of his deceased wife, who was buried in Meishan, Sichuan, which was approximately a thousand miles away from his office in Mizhou, Shandong. It is a mourning poem written specifically for a deceased wife, so it is highly inappropriate for anyone other than the husband to use it. ?

 Chapter 477: Maddddd

    <h4>Chapter 477: Maddddd</h4>


    "Please, let me go..." Chu Liang looked troubled, appearing to be in pain as he waved his hands repeatedly.


    "That''s not possible. Here at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, we have rules to follow," replied a group of burly men opposite him, all wearing mischievous smiles. "Hurry up, hurry up."


    <i>Burp</i>. Chu Liang let out a small hup and said, "I really can''t drink anymore. I really can''t handle how strong the liquor is."


    They were in one of the guest halls within the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s courtyard, and those present were trusted aides of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner. The most prominent among them sat directly across from Chu Liang.


    This man appeared youthful, tall and broad-shouldered, with sharp and chiseled features. His eyes sparkled like stars, exuding a fierce energy that seemed to burn with intensity.


    The most striking feature was his pupils, which were a deep shade of dark purple.


    This was Ji Zidian, one of the Four Great Celestial Officials under the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner.


    The others sitting around were all officials, the lowest rank being that of a seal-holding official, each wielding significant power outside. But within the Imperial Supervisory Bureau in Yu Capital, such figures weremonce.


    "Hey," Ji Zidian said, "It''s tradition for neers to go through a process. If you can''t even handle a bit of liquor, how are we supposed to ept you?"


    <i>Who asked for your eptance?! I''m a criminal suspect, for heaven''s sake</i>, Chu Liang screamed inwardly.


    Chu Liang''s mind was racing¡ªhe had never imagined the absurdity of what was happening since entering the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    First, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had pulled him in to do some work. Chu Liang had thought of it asbor reform, which made some sense. Then, after another full day of work, the Commissioner suggested he get closer to his subordinates.


    After the day''s work, Ji Zidian and a bunch of the Bureau staff dragged him along to join a banquet and insisted on round after round of toasts.


    <i>What is this? Do you guys even throw wee banquets for criminals now?</i>


    "Brother Chu, do you find the in winecking vor?" one of the seal-holding officials chuckled. "How''s this? I will host tomorrow, and we''ll go to the east of the city to enjoy some flower wine. Since you haven''t been to the Capital of Yu before, you should experience its charms."


    "No, no, no..." Chu Liang waved his hands in rm.


    <i>Goodness. How can I do that when Senior Sister Jiang is still out there, working hard on my case. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau sure is... amodating.</i>


    He quickly added, "I''m still a suspect. It''s not appropriate to act too recklessly."


    "Don''t restrain yourself," Ji Zidianughed as he said. "To be honest, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner has taken a liking to you over the past few days and doesn''t think you are someone who wouldmit such crimes. Once the case is resolved, you''ll be free again. After you participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects next year, I''m sure he''ll send a request to the Mount Shu Sect to have you work for the Imperial Supervisory Bureau temporarily."


    After he said that, another round of drinks and toasts followed.


    With Chu Liang''s current physical strength, his alcohol tolerance wasn''t low. However, everyone around him had cultivation levels far surpassing his, and the spirit wine they drank was no ordinary brew. If he let loose, he''d likely be overwhelmed, and getting too drunk might lead to him identally saying something he shouldn''t.


    When it came to the murder case, he had done nothing wrong. However, there were plenty of other matters he couldn''t discuss.


    So, his strategy was simple: when sober, he would pretend to be tipsy; when tipsy, he would act as though he were very drunk; and when moderately drunk, he would act as if he had drunk so much that he cked out.


    After a few rounds, everyone was feeling a bit tipsy, and Chu Liang started changing the topic of conversation to be about someone else.


    "Brother Ji, you must be from the Ji Family, right?" Chu Liang asked. "Do the children of noble families also serve at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau?"


    The Jiang family had already fallen, and the Xia family was the imperial family, so the Ji family was one of thest remaining noble cultivation ns in the martial world. But the Ji family had always been reclusive, rarely allowing its members to leave, which was why Chu Liang asked.


    To his surprise, Ji Zidian scoffed with disdain. "The Ji Family?"


    Hearing his tone, Chu Liang instantly recognized the sentiment. "So, you''re a runaway too?"


    "Heh," Ji Zidian sneered again. "The Ji family? Even dogs won''t go back there."


    <i>Yep, that''s exactly it. </i>Chu Liang nodded to himself, thinking, <i>That''s the vibe. This is basically a legacy of the Ji Family.</i>


    Afterward, with more exnations from others, Chu Liang finally understood.


    It turned out that Ji Zidian was a coteral branch member in the Ji family and held a very low status.


    In the Ji family, children born with the Xuan Yuan Eyes would either have them from birth or, at thetest, awaken them by the age of three to five.


    Typically, the stronger the mystical ability, the earlier the awakening.


    But Ji Zidian was different. His Xuan Yuan Eyes was not awakened until he was eight. Before that, because of his low status and unawakened mystical ability, he and his parents endured much humiliation and relocated to the Capital of Yu.


    Although the Ji family was strict and rigid, they didn''t really care about such struggling coteral members of the family.


    Who could have expected that at the age of eight, hints of purple started flickering in Ji Zidian''s eyes, and he awakened the power tomand lightning after a night of sleep?


    Among the many colors of Xuan Yuan Eyes, there were also varying degrees of power.


    For instance, the golden and blue eyes Chu Liang had seen before were fairlymon, but purple eyes were the rarest¡ªand by far the most powerful. Those who possessed them, even at the same cultivation level, were significantly stronger.


    With his purple eyes, Ji Zidian had the potential to rise to the top within the family.


    At the time, his father wanted to bring him back to the Main Residence of the Ji Family, but both Ji Zidian and his mother refused. Later, as he grew older, Ji Zidian was discovered by the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, who brought him into the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, where he grew into the person he was today.


    One could say that he had long since severed all ties with the Ji family.


    Chu Liang shook his head as he listened, thinking that after thousands of years of development, the Ji family still clung to its old ways¡ªa system that now felt somewhat outdated.


    ...


    The banquet ended, and by the time he returned to his residence, it was alreadyte at night.


    As Chu Liang thought about how he never had to drink to socialize during business deals, but had to in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, he realized that dealing with bureaucracy was harder than doing business.


    Chu Liang seemed drunk, but once he returned to his residence and did a sauna with the Divine Dragon Fire, the alcohol vapors quickly dissipated.


    This unique skill was one he had learned from his esteemed teacher.


    Afterward, he eagerly unleashed a streak of golden light from the White Pagoda.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The golden lightnded on the table and quickly transformed into a tiny figure, no bigger than a palm. She rubbed her eyes, pouted, and after babbling for a moment, finally said, "Mad..."


    The good news was that the child had learned to speak in just one day; the bad news was that her first word was, "Maddddddddd."


    Chu Liang naturally knew what she was upset about.


    During the day, when he was busy and couldn''t bring her along, he had to lock her back inside the White Pagoda to sleep. If he left her to y in the room alone, who knew what kind of chaos she might cause before dinner. There was a chance that not a single tile would remain intact in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Having been locked up in the pagoda all day, the little one woke up suddenly and remembered that she was mad.


    But Chu Liang had a solution.


    He chuckled, pulling out a food package wrapped in oiled paper. As he carefully unwrapped it, he teased, "Look here! Do you know what this is?"


    Tuntun''s nose twitched, her eyes blinking with curiosity. She caught the scent of something rich and savory, though it was entirely new to her.


    "Come on, give it a try," Chu Liang said, spreading the paper wide across the table. "Delicious braised pork knuckle..."


    This was one of the solutions he hade up with.


    When Tuntun was still in her various spirit beast forms, fasting wasn''t a problem¡ªshe could go without food for as long as needed. But now that she could cry, fuss, and talk, denying her food was a whole different challenge.


    But if he continued giving her food that contained spiritual energy, she might end up bing an existence that he could not control. And so, Chu Liang came up with a clever workaround.


    He would just give her plenty of tasty food that contained zero spiritual energy. With no nourishment in the food, she could eat to her heart''s content without gaining any cultivation power.


    In other words, it was like feeding a child junk food during their years of growth.


    The only concern was whether she''d actually enjoy it. After all, she used to crave food rich in spiritual energy. Now that she had taken on a human form, would her taste buds follow suit?


    With Chu Liang feeling a bit anxious, Tuntun picked up a piece of braised pork knuckle and took a cautious bite.


    Her first reaction was to frown, as if the food tasted bad. But as she chewed, her expression gradually softened, as though it tasted better than expected. Then, a look of confusion crossed her face, as if she couldn''t quite decide whether it was good or not...


    So she took another bite.


    And another...


    Before long, the little one had devoured an entire piece of braised pork knuckle, and her eyes began to sparkle.


    She decided that it was delicious.


    "Yay..." She happily spread her arms and dove into the package,nding in a sea of braised pork knuckle.


    "Hehe." Chu Liang chuckled, finally feeling satisfied. "Go ahead, eat up. Tomorrow, I''ll get you some stinky tofu."

 Chapter 478: Why Are You Here?

    <h4>Chapter 478: Why Are You Here?</h4>


    The ck Pine Ridge was a once-vast forest located seventy li west of Myriad Poison Mountain. It was a ce where tigers prowled and wolves howled beneath the moon, a haven for vicious beasts. It was a wild, untamednd teeming with life¡ªuntil the arrival of the first poison specialist.


    Drawn by the abundance of materials, this poison specialist made ck Pine Ridge his home. He had moved here so that it could be easier for him to catch poisonous and venomous creatures to concoct poison and hunt wild animals as living subjects to test the potency of his deadly creations.


    In just a few short years, the wild animals that once roamed the mountain vanished, driven to extinction by his ruthless hunts. The once-lush vegetation withered away, leaving only a type of ck pine that could withstand extreme poison. Over time, it turned into this eerie and terrifying ck Pine Ridge.


    These days, ck Pine Ridge has be home to far more than just one poison specialist. In fact, over a hundred of such poison specialists had moved here, each belonging to different lineages and legacies.


    Poison specialists had long been a despised lineage in the world of immortality cultivation. Though they were weak in directbat, they were sinister and unpredictable. It was nearly impossible to know when one might fall victim to their invisible traps or deadly schemes. As they were shunned and ostracized wherever they went, they would usually stuck together to survive and protect each other.


    ck Pine Forest was just such a ce.


    The surrounding sects near Myriad Poison Mountain grew increasingly wary of such arge congregation of poison specialists. However, they mostly just kept their distance and avoided interacting with them.


    The Red River Sect was likely the only sect that had a deep, mortal grudge against ck Pine Ridge.


    The conflict started as small arguments over the natural treasures in Myriad Poison Mountain. The poison specialists, determined to protect their treasures, would set deadly traps of poison around these rare items, killing several Red River Sect disciples. In response, the Red River Sect struck back, sending groups of disciples into the mountain to hunt down the poison specialists from the ck Pine Ridge.


    Poison specialists themselves were not strong in directbat. When faced with well-prepared cultivators, they would often find themselves at a disadvantage. After suffering several losses, those poison specialists from the ck Pine Ridge started cing deadly poisons at various entrances to Myriad Poison Mountain, creating problems not just for the Red River Sect but for other sects as well.


    Eventually, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had to step in and mediate the conflict. They punished the disciples from both sides who were responsible for the most deaths, finally bringing an end to the fighting. However, the grudge between them had already formed, and small shes continued.


    If the members had died from methodsmonly used by poison specialists, the Red River Sect would have immediately suspected ck Pine Ridge.


    That night, a thin mist clung to the ridge, casting an eerie veil over thendscape.


    A figure in white descended gracefully.


    After hearing Zhao Duanyang exin what had happened at the Red River Sect, Jiang Yuebai decided to investigate the ck Pine Ridge while it was night time, searching for any clues that might link this ce to the case.


    But the moment her feet touched the ground, a chill ran through her. Something was off.


    The air was thick with the stench of blood, hanging heavy in the mist.


    Her expression grew grim. As she stepped into the moonlight, she seemed to vanish, bing one with the shadows. Silently, she made her way toward the heart of ck Pine Ridge, where the poison specialists would typically gather.


    The ground was stained crimson,rge pools of blood seeping into the earth. Severed limbsy scattered across the buildings and open spaces. The blood was still fresh, warm to the touch, suggesting that the ughter had only just taken ce.


    She closed her eyes slightly, extending her divine sense to epass the entire hillside. Every scene she sensed was filled with horror and violence. At least a hundred lives had been lost here, but there were no intact bodies, only dismembered limbs and scattered remains. The earth was marred by massive w marks, as if a vicious beast had torn through the area in a savage rampage.


    What kind of vicious beast could have single-handedly killed so many poison specialists?


    Jiang Yuebai nced around. She knew she should use Shadow of Radiance to recreate the scene, but even though she understood the divine technique, it was still difficult to perform as it required a great deal of cultivation energy.


    But for Chu Liang, she had to give it a shot.


    She swiftly crushed the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s tracking jade talisman, summoning the powerful members of the department. Then, with a quick twist of her wrists, she performed the hand seal.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the divine technique activated, her body suddenly radiated a brilliant white light, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to tremble violently!


    What she had unleashed wasn''t Shadow of Radiance, but an even greater immortal art¡ªOne with the Heavens!


    Once One with the Heavens was activated, the practitioner''s body would be connected with the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, making their Sea of Qi limitless in this state. At the same time, their understanding of the Dao deepened significantly.


    However, this state onlysted for a very short time. Jiang Yuebai could use it, but she could only maintain it for two or three breaths at most.


    After activating One with the Heavens, she quickly began to activate the Shadow of Radiance.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    She had no choice. A higher level of cultivation than what she currently possessed was needed for her to activate the Shadow of Radiance.Though it had seemed effortless when Daoist Yan used it earlier, Jiang Yuebai knew she couldn''t achieve the same without first enhancing her cultivation power.


    In an instant, a brilliant white beam, like a shimmering mirage, enveloped half of the hillside. Scenes of light and shadow started flickering rapidly before her eyes.


    Though the images were somewhat blurred, she could still make out a massive beast¡ªtiger-like in form, with two horns on its head and wings on its back. It rampaged through ck Pine Ridge, its ws and fangs tearing through people with terrifying ease, killing them instantly.


    The time of three breaths passed quickly. The state of being One with the Heavens vanished, and the light screen created by Shadow of Radiance copsed in an instant.


    Jiang Yuebai withdrew her hand, her face appearing slightly paler.


    After a brief moment of rest, she returned to normal. Reflecting on the scene she had just witnessed, the beast resembled the legendary Qiongqi, a vicious creature of myth...


    As she waited for the powerful members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to arrive, a rustling sound suddenly broke the stillness nearby. Her gaze snapped toward the source, sharp as a de.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    Without hesitation, she activated Dimension Compression and instantly shed toward the sound. As expected, a shadowy figure had been startled and quickly turned to flee, moving with astonishing speed.


    Jiang Yuebai surged forward, closing in on the fleeing figure, but just as she was about to catch up, the shadow slipped into the Myriad Poison Mountain. As she continued her pursuit, countless screeching noises suddenly echoed, and a horde of venomous bats erupted, swarming toward her like a living storm, blocking her path with their venomous wings.


    Jiang Yuebai activated the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, sending a thousand swordlights shing through the horde of bats, cutting them down in a storm of light. The creatures fell to the ground in pieces, but in the blink of an eye, the shadowy figure had already disappeared into the depths of the mountain, leaving her no choice but to stop.


    By the time she returned, a member of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had arrived.


    "You must be Jiang Yuebai from Mount Shu? I''ve heard of you."


    The person who arrived was a young woman, seemingly in her early twenties, dressed in light blue robes. Herplexion was as fair as white jade, and her eyes, clear as a tranquil pool, radiated a quiet beauty. She wasn''t breathtaking at first nce, but the longer one looked, the more captivating her presence became.


    The woman raised her celestial official¡¯s token toward Jiang Yuebai.


    In response, Jiang Yuebai gave a slight bow and greeted her respectfully, "This junior greets Celestial Official Xue."


    Although Jiang Yuebai had never met Celestial Official Xue before, the woman''s identity was easy to deduce. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau had four celestial officials: Li Chengfeng, Xue Muyu, Fang Donglei, and Ji Zidian. Among them, only Xue Muyu was a woman, making it obvious that this was Celestial Official Xue.


    She was also Li Chengfeng''s wife[1], and someone a certain peak master of the Mount Shu Sect had repeatedly tried to befriend¡ªthough it seemed this friendship was mostly one-sided.


    After exchanging greetings, Jiang Yuebai briefly exined the situation, though Xue Muyu could already see what had happened.


    After Jiang Yuebai described what she had seen through Shadow of Radiance, Xue Muyu activated a divine technique of her own, and like Jiang Yuebai, she also used the Shadow of Radiance.


    With a powerful roar, the light screen of heaven and earth materialized once again.


    Compared to the Shadow of Radiance Jiang Yuebai had activated earlier, Xue Muyu''s version was far more refined andplete. Not only could they clearly see the vicious beast''s destructive rampage, but the appearances of the poison specialists were also vividly revealed.


    The murdered poison specialists appeared very sluggish, as if they had been poisoned before their deaths.


    As the light and shadows faded, Xue Muyu''s expression grew serious. "There''s more to this case than we first thought. I''ll report this to the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner. You shoulde back with me."


    "Alright," Jiang Yuebai said as she nodded lightly.


    It was the perfect opportunity for her to visit Chu Liang.


    <i>I wonder how he''s doing after two days of imprisonment? </i>Jiang Yuebai thought.


    ...


    "I can''t do this anymore, really," Chu Liang said, waving his hands in exasperation. Before himy a grand feast spread across the table.


    Not only was Ji Zidian present, but Li Chengfeng had also joined. He chuckled as he said, "The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner said you should feel right at home. We can''t let it seem like the Imperial Supervisory Bureau is treating you poorly."


    "My brothers, I don''t ever do this at home," Chu Liang replied with a bitter smile. "Maybe next time my esteemed teacheres, she will drink with you all?"


    As soon as he said that, everyone''s expressions changed.


    "No need to trouble your esteemed teacher with that," Ji Zidian said awkwardly, forcing a smile.


    Their attitudes conveyed a clear message: drinking and cheering were eptable at this table, but mentioning Di Nufeng was a definite no-no.


    Chu Liang paused, quickly realizing that these people were peers of his teacher and likely knew each other well. They had probably endured a lot together over the years.


    It seemed especially true for Li Chengfeng. After all, his teacher seemed to have a particr fondness for his wife.


    Who would dare invite a wolf into their home?


    As theyughed and chatted, a woman''s voice rang out from outside, "I''m back!"


    In an instant, two beautiful figures stepped into the guest hall.


    Chu Liang and Li Chengfeng both jumped to their feet, eximing in unison, "Why are you here?"


    1. The person that a certain peak master referred to as Little Yu when she saw Li Chengfeng. ?

 Chapter 479: I Am a Criminal

    <h4>Chapter 479: I Am a Criminal</h4>


    Upon seeing Li Chengfeng appear in such a state, Xue Muyu''s face immediately darkened. "Oh, isn''t this lovely? I''m on duty tonight, and you sneak out here for a drink?"


    "I only drank a bit..." Li Chengfeng quickly exined, rushing forward to grab Xue Muyu''s hand and gesturing toward Chu Liang. "Look, we''ve got a new member! It''s a tradition to wee him, isn''t it?"


    "What about our house rules? Have I not told you before¡ªno drinking allowed!" Xue Muyu scolded, sounding very unhappy.


    "Let''s discuss this outside, shall we?" Li Chengfeng grinned awkwardly, attempting to usher her out.


    The citizens of Yu''s capital would never have imagined that the elegant, dashing White-Robed Sword-Wielding Immortal was, in fact, a wife-fearing man who''d be scolded for sneaking a mouthful of wine.


    Beside them, Jiang Yuebai cast a stern look at Chu Liang. "So, this is how you¡¯ve been spending your time here? Drinking and making merry?"


    "Just a few drinks..." Chu Liang scrambled forward, whispering hurriedly, "I didn''t want to, but the others insisted it''s tradition here..."


    "Hmph." Jiang Yuebai furrowed her brows.


    She had been worried that Chu Liang wasn''t doing well here, but now it seemed he was living a little toofortably.


    For some reason, anger welled up inside her.


    Here she was, running back and forth, worrying for his sake, while he was sitting here eating, drinking, and having fun. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt...


    "Let''s talk outside, let''s talk outside," Chu Liang muttered, quickly pushing Jiang Yuebai toward the door, doing exactly what Li Chengfeng had done.


    Now, only Ji Zidian and a few of the seal officers were left at the table, chuckling as they watched the two men being dragged off by their women.


    "No authority at home, huh?" Ji Zidian teased. "Can''t even drink in peace."


    "We''re the lucky ones," another seal officer grinned. "No wives to scold us for drinking; we''re free men."


    The moment those words left his mouth, theughter around the table faded.


    "Yeah, really great..."


    "Mm..."


    "Right?"


    For some reason, the wine in their cups suddenly didn''t taste quite as sweet.


    ...


    Chu Liang led Jiang Yuebai along the narrow path behind the main courtyard of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, away from the bustling guest hall. Here, the night was quiet and still, the air filled with a serene calmness.


    "You''ve had a rough time these days," Chu Liang began softly, his voice tinged with concern. "Running back and forth because of me."


    "Fortunately, it wasn''t all in vain," Jiang Yuebai replied.


    When she had managed to calm herself down, she then started sharing with Chu Liang what had happened at the Red River Sect and the ck Pine Ridge, detailing every encounter and discovery.


    "The ck Pine Ridge got annihted?" Chu Liang muttered, furrowing his brows in deep thought.


    This was far more serious than the issue with the Red River Sect.


    Although there was no concrete evidence linking this to the Red River Sect''s case, the timing was too suspicious to ignore. It was hard not to draw connections between the two incidents.


    And that little butterfly he had saved... could it have been deceiving him all along?


    A butterfly species native to the East Sea, iming it came from Butterfly Fairy Valley¡ªit was all a ploy to gain his trust and lead him straight to the Jade Pot Celestial nt.


    If so, this seemed more like a premeditated framing.


    "Celestial Official Xue mentioned that the vicious beast Qiongqi has been on Wugen Ind in the East Sea for years now, closely monitored by Peni. It shouldn''t have had the chance to cause chaos in thend of the nine provinces," Jiang Yuebai exined. "They n to investigate the East Sea tomorrow. Even if we can''t directly link this to the Red River Sect''s case, it points to other hidden factors at y. Just wait a few more days, and the truth will surely surface."


    Chu Liang looked at Jiang Yuebai. "It''s all thanks to you..."


    He was clearly touched by her effort and dedication. A great deal of effort must have been invested to uncover so much in such a short time.


    He was about to say something when a sudden uproar broke out outside. Arge group of people rushed in chaotically, d in armor and wielding sabers. If it weren''t for the guards from the residence of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau apanying them, he would have thought they hade to raid the bureau.


    "Where are the celestial officials?" the leading armored soldier bellowed, his voice urgent and strained. "Please, you must help save my brother!"


    Chu Liang''s gaze shifted to the group, where they were carrying another armored soldier. His entire body had turned an ominous shade of ck. He was trembling violently and had lost consciousness.


    As the chaos unfolded, a sh of lightning cut through the air, and Ji Zidian appeared beside the injured man in an instant.


    He grasped the injured man''s wrist as he asked, "What happened? Where are you soldiers from?"


    "I am Banner Hoister Zhou Li of the city patrol guards," the soldier replied hurriedly. "We were out patrolling the area when my brothers and I spotted a strange shadow. We went after the shadowy figure, but to our shock, it¡ªthough human-like¡ªfought with the ferocity of a wild beast. That shadowy figure bit my brother, and he ended up like this! In our panic, we rushed here for help. Celestial Official, please help us!"


    After he finished speaking, Ji Zidian''s expression darkened further, a deep frown creasing his brow.


    "This doesn''t seem like an injury from an evil entity. He has been poisoned," Ji Zidian remarked. "I can suppress his meridians to keep the poison from spreading for now, but Celestial Official Fang, the one most skilled in detoxification, isn''t here. We''ll need to find another physician capable of clearing the toxins."


    Before he could finish speaking, the injured man suddenly convulsed violently. His eyes turned blood-red, and he let out a guttural howl, thrashing about as if desperately searching for something to sink his teeth into.


    However, Ji Zidian was there. With a swift jab of his finger, something resembling a golden dragon seemed to swirl within the man''s body. As it did, the man could no longer move. Yet, despite this, the toxins in his body had yet to be cleared.


    "Poisoned?" The leading armored soldier blurted out in panic. "Considering his appearance and behavior, the poison has likely reached his heart. How can he possibly hold on until the physician arrives?"


    Even if a physician arrived, they would first have to recognize the poison. If not, they would still need time to analyze it. In this situation, could this man even survive that long? But every trade has its specialty, and poison treatment was not within the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s expertise.


    At that moment, Xue Muyu rushed over. With a swift motion, she cast a spell, and a divine light enveloped the injured man, seeping into his body. Instantly, his condition seemed to stabilize temporarily.


    Still, Xue Muyu''s face remained tense. "I can only sustain his life for a short while," she said gravely. "The poison has infiltrated deep within his body. If the toxins aren''t cleared soon, he will not survive."


    Her divine technique could heal injuries, but detoxifying was an entirely different matter from healing wounds.


    In the midst of the chaos, a young man in brocade suddenly spoke up, "How about I give it a try?"


    Everyone turned to look, only to find it was none other than Chu Liang, who had been silently observing themotion from the sidelines.


    ...


    Originally, if the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had the means to save the man, he would have preferred not to intervene. But seeing that no one present was proficient in detoxification, he realized he had no choice but to step forward and give it a try.


    After all, time meant everything for the injured; every passing second could mean the difference between life and death.


    "You can detoxify?" Ji Zidian asked.


    "I can try; there''s always a chance," Chu Liang replied, gesturing for the others toy the injured man down. Then, he pulled out the Poison-Expulsion Whip. Since acquiring this treasure, he hadn''t had the opportunity to use it in practice, so he was not very confident. Whether it would work or not now depended on the injured man''s fate.


    <i>Snap¡ª</i>


    Though a flicker of hesitation crossed his mind, his hands moved with practiced skill,shing the whip onto the injured man.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª" The poisoned armored soldier let out a gut-wrenching howl of pain


    "You¡ª!" The leading banner hoister cried out in panic.


    <i>Weren''t you supposed to save him? Why are you punishing him instead?</i> he thought frantically.


    But he had only managed to utter that single word when he suddenly froze.


    Because, in the very next second, a wisp of ck mist spewed out of the injured man''s mouth!


    "Spread out!" Ji Zidianmanded, prompting the crowd to dodge out of the way.


    Seeing that it was effective, Chu Liang wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, heshed out with the whip a second time, striking like lightning!


    <i>Snap! Snap, snap, snap!</i>


    In an instant, five lightning-fast whips struck the poisoned man consecutively and ck mist billowed around him. Yet, as the mist dissipated, the ckness on his skin had beenpletely cleared.


    By the time the sixth whipnded, no more ck mist emerged¡ªonly the soldier''s agonized cries filled the air. Seeing this, Chu Liang stopped his movement.


    The poisoned man on the ground, after enduring the beating, began to show signs of recovery. His once darkenedplexion had returned to normal, and his breathing grew steady and smooth.


    "Is he really cured?" The banner hoister of the city patrol eximed with joy as he stepped forward. "Your detoxification technique is truly remarkable! Brother, what is your rank and name? When my brother wakes up, I''ll have him personallye to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to thank you for saving his life! We might even have to craft a silk banner and report your merits to our superiors!"


    "No need for a silk banner; it was hardly any trouble," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "I don''t hold any official rank."


    "You''re not a member of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau?" The Banner Hoister asked in surprise.


    From the banner hoister''s point of view, Chu Liang was both young and remarkably skilled, possessing a high cultivation level and extraordinary divine abilities. Naturally, he assumed Chu Liang was a rising young talent of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, currently at the stage of his career where building fame and achievements was needed.


    "For now, you could say I''m part of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau," Chu Liang replied with a faint smile, "but... I am a criminal."

 Chapter 480: Presenting the Captives

    <h4>Chapter 480: Presenting the Captives</h4>


    The next morning, as the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner entered the bureau, he greeted Chu Liang with a smile. "I heard you saved a poisoned city patrol guardst night?"


    "To be honest, I wasn''t entirely confident," Chu Liang replied modestly. "It just happened that I was there, so I had to give it a try."


    "You did well," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner praised, nodding in approval. "If someone had died within the walls of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, our reputation would have taken a hit."


    <i>When did it be "our" reputation... </i>Chu Liang silently grumbled to himself. <i>I haven''t even seen a single penny from you as payment for the work I''ve done.</i>


    Standing beside Chu Liang was Jiang Yuebai, her expressionposed. She had just returned from investigating the situation at ck Pine Ridge and now had to report her findings to the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner since she was still officially handling the case on behalf of the bureau.


    "This matter..." the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner muttered, his expression darkening as he listened to Jiang Yuebai''s ount.


    The annihtion of a major sect was not a small matter. Incidents of such a heinous nature hadn''t been seen in the nine provinces for quite some time.


    <i>Thest time something like this urred was over a decade ago, during the Jiang Family''s annihtion.</i> When the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner thought about this, he nced briefly at Jiang Yuebai and chose not to bring it up.


    Instead, he said, "This matter is indeed perplexing, and there are still hidden truths that need to be uncovered. Miss Jiang, your swift capture of the key points shows remarkable talent. How would you feel about working with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau for a period in the future?"


    Chu Liang smiled upon hearing this. <i>This old man truly never misses a chance to recruit people.</i>


    "Let''s wait until Chu Liang''s matter is resolved first," Jiang Yuebai replied calmly.


    "It should be soon," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner said. "After this incident, the Red River Sect should realize that this case is far from simple. They probably won''t hold him responsible anymore. In a few days, even if there are no further developments, he can leave."


    <i>That would be great,</i> Chu Liang thought, a flicker of delight crossing his face as he heard the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner''s words.


    He said, "Sir, having received your teachings these few days, I''m almost reluctant to leave."


    "After you¡¯ve represented Mount Shu in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, you¡¯re wee to stay as long as you wish," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner replied. "The capital of Yu is far more vibrant than those secluded immortal sects of yours; it''s the perfect ce for young people to mingle and thrive."


    "Indeed," Chu Liang said as he nced out the window. "I heard quite amotion early this morning. It¡¯s not a festival, so what could they be bustling about?"


    "Tomorrow is the day when the East Sea General presents captives in the capital of Yu. The citizens have been preparing to line the streets for the wee," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner exined. "After that, there will be a grand court assembly in the pce, which I will attend. For today, handle the documents from various ces. When you are done with them, ce them here, and I will review them when I am back."


    "..." Chu Liang was inwardly shouting a string of curses, but he still managed to keep a warm smile on his face. He replied calmly, "Alright."


    "Don''t worry." The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner smiled as well. "I won¡¯t let your efforts these past days go unrewarded. Here, these are for you."


    As he spoke, he raised his hand, casting out two beams of light.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai each caught one, revealing two identical pieces of jade in their palms. The jade was smooth and lustrous, warm to the touch, and brimming with spiritual energy¡ªenchanted tools, without a doubt.


    "What is this?" Chu Liang asked.


    "These two pieces of jade are called the United Hearts Jade," the Commissioner exined. "With these, two people canmunicate their thoughts across thousands of li through the domain within the jade. I thought they would make the perfect gift for you two."


    "United Hearts Jade..." Jiang Yuebai murmured, her gaze lowering slightly.


    Chu Liang, however, casually slipped the jade into his chest pocket and shed a warm, innocent smile. "This is truly too much... I feel so embarrassed to ept the gift."


    ...


    Once everything was settled, Jiang Yuebai set off to return.


    After seeing her off, Chu Liang went back to the office of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to continue his tasks. Now that he had received some benefits, his attitude toward the work assigned to him hadpletely changed.


    Previously, Imperial Supervisory Commissioner Qi Yingxuan had been more than satisfied with Chu Liang''s work efficiency. But now, he was stunned to realize that Chu Liang had only been using half of his potential before. With his current speed, even the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner¡ªwho was no stranger to witnessing genius¡ªwas left in awe.


    "Haha," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner chuckled. "If you keep honing yourself like this for a while longer, I might as well hand over the position of Imperial Supervisory Commissioner to you."


    Chu Liang simply replied with a calm smile, "That woulde at a different price."


    The reason he was working at full throttle was simple¡ªhe wanted to finish his tasks quickly so he could finally use the United Hearts Jade.


    As his divine sense delved into the jade, a lush green space unfolded before him, shimmering like emerald waves.


    This object worked on a principle simr to the Soul Subjugator Token he had confiscated earlier, though it was much more advanced. Naturally, he used it with ease. With just a thought, words began to form within the space.


    [Chu Liang]: "Have you arrived? Rest for a bit afternding, no need to rush. Take care of your health."


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "Arrived, busy now, will talkter."


    [Chu Liang]: "..."


    Since Senior Sister Jiang was busy, Chu Liang chose not to disturb her further. He wandered around the headquarters of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau for a while. Though stepping outside the gates was inconvenient, no one here kept a close watch on him, so he was free to take in the scenery from where he stood.


    The headquarters of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was located near the imperial city, a ce seldom visited by ordinary folk. The broad street out front usuallyy empty, save for the asional official carriages and horses passing through during court assemblies.


    But today was different.


    Outside, countless passersby bustled back and forth, busy setting up something. It seemed preparations were in full swing, likely in anticipation of the East Sea General¡¯s arrival to present the captives, just as the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had mentioned earlier.


    This was no small affair for the Yu Dynasty; it was a significant event. Chu Liang had already heard whispers about it during the banquets over the past few days.


    The situation in the East Sea had always beenplex, and the captives to be presented this time were from the Roupu Kingdom of the East Sea.


    Although the nine provinces fell under the rule of the Yu Dynasty, it was not the only nation in existence. The Western Regions alone had thirty-six nations, and after centuries of conflict and war, their numbers had only grown. The seas in all directions¡ªeast, south, west, and north¡ªwere dotted with countless inds ruled by different kingdoms, some of them as vast as an entire province.


    Yet, as long as they were ruled by humans, they were required to revere the Yu Dynasty as the imperial power, paying tribute and allegiance year after year. In times of natural disasters or cmities, the Yu Dynasty would also extend its protection to its vassal states..


    Things would have remained peaceful. Yet, turmoil had begun brewing in the East Sea, and at the root of this chaos was the rise of the Fuyao Kingdom.


    The Fuyao Kingdom was originally home to local natives who, two thousand years ago, still lived a primitive lifestyle. However, this was a region with a mild climate, fertilend, and an abundance of spiritual qi. Whenever war and chaos erupted in thend of the nine provinces, countless people would cross the sea to seek refuge there.


    Over time, these migrants integrated with the local natives, forming a unique society of their own. More than a thousand years ago, the people of sixteen inds united and established a kingdom, naturally preparing to pay tribute and allegiance to the dynasty of that era.


    This happened before the rise of the Yu Dynasty. During the era of the former dynasty, the united sixteen inds had be thergest nation outside its borders. Thergest of these inds in the Fuyao Kingdom was as big as an entire province. At the time, the former dynasty grew wary of their unification and refused to recognize the inds as a single kingdom, insisting that they establish themselves as separate entities instead.


    This shed with the inds'' ambitions at the time. After decades of effort, they finally secured the most powerful backing they could find¡ªPeni.


    Although the immortal sects maintained close ties with the dynasty of the nine provinces, their allegiancey with humanity as a whole, not just the ruling dynasty. In fact, to prevent imperial authority from growing too powerful, the sects with sufficient influence would often lend their support to smaller nations.


    For instance, the Celestial King Sect, Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, and Endless Sword Sect among the Divine Nine Sects, as well as the Night Saber Sect of the Terrestrial Ten, all secretly shared a deep connection with certain nations.


    After all, the allegiance and tribute these smaller countries could offer were things the mighty dynasty could never provide.


    The inds of Fuyao pledged to recognize the Peni Supreme Sect as their nation''s guiding religious authority, offering all their resources and talent to Peni whenever needed. In other words, they fully embraced Peni''s rules as their own.


    And just as they had hoped, this devout allegiance earned them the strong support of Peni, ultimately leading to the sessful establishment of the Fuyao Kingdom.


    For the next thousand years, the two sides maintained a rtionship of mutual support and loyalty, much like that of a kind father and an obedient son.


    Back then, Peni had yet to attain the status of the foremost immortal sect it holds today, and the Fuyao Kingdom was merely an emerging power. Yet, over time, both grew stronger,plementing one another.


    Today, the Peni Supreme Sect stood as the foremost immortal sect, and the Fuyao Kingdom reigned over the East Sea, its dominance in the region firmly established. Yet, it continued to pay tribute and allegiance to the Yu Dynasty. This had never changed.


    But just because the Fuyao Kingdom showed no signs of rebellion on the surface did not mean it wasn¡¯t quietly scheming in the shadows.


    Just over a decade ago, the Roupu Kingdom of the East Sea dered that it would no longer pay tribute to the Yu Dynasty, instead choosing to acknowledge the Fuyao Kingdom as its ruling authority.


    As a small ind in the East Sea, calling the Roupu Kingdom''s territory a "tiny speck" would be an understatement, if not an outright insult to tiny specks.


    The few fish it offered in tribute each year were hardly worth the Yu Dynasty¡¯s attention. However, if such an unfavorable precedent went unaddressed, what would happen if other neighboring vassal states decided to follow suit in the future?


    Thus, the court dispatched a seventh-realm Eminent One as an envoy to confront and rebuke them. Given how small the Roupu Kingdom was, this so-called "envoy" could strip off his outer robe to reveal the insignia of "General of the Eastern Expedition" beneath if the questioning did not go as the Yu Dynasty hoped. The envoy would be the general leading the army to punish the rebellious Roupu Kingdom.


    It wouldn''t be difficult for a seventh-realm envoy to destroy this small kingdom.


    However, when he arrived, the Roupu Kingdom received him with utmost sincerity and respect.


    The Roupu Kingdom subtly pointed out that they were separated from thend of the nine provinces by a vast ocean, yet only a short boat ride away from the Fuyao Kingdom. They hinted that they lived entirely at Fuyao¡¯s mercy, with no choice but to obey itsmands. Between the lines, it was more than clear that everything was dictated by the will of the Fuyao Kingdom.


    The Yu Dynasty had expected this, but dealing with the Fuyao Kingdom was not as simple as handling the Roupu Kingdom. After all, the Fuyao Kingdom had a formidable military and had the support of Peni. It was much more challenging to subdue the Fuyao Kingdom.


    As for the Roupu Kingdom...


    Even if they wiped it out and sent troops to upy thend, the annual yield of two fish wouldn''t be enough to cover the military expenses.


    And so, the matter of the Roupu Kingdom was temporarily shelved.


    Naturally, the tension between the Yu Dynasty and the Fuyao Kingdom in the East Sea only escted from that point onward, and it has persisted ever since.


    But recently, news of the Demon God''s return began to spread like wildfire across the nine provinces and the four seas.


    People that lived near the borders of the Western Regions started migrating ind, and countless citizens of the small kingdoms there fled to the Yu Dynasty in search of refuge.


    Amid this, chaos erupted within the Yu Dynasty itself. Strange incidents urred one after another, and the air grew heavy with resentment.


    In such troubled times, nothing could divert this brewing discontent and boost the people''s morale quite like a war against an external enemy.


    At this moment, the small ind of Roupu, the sole kingdom among the four seas that was no longer paying tribute to the Yu Dynasty, naturally caught the attention of the imperial court.


    The officials within the court exchanged sinister, hee-hee-heeughter as their eyes turned toward Roupu Kingdom.


    When the Roupu Kingdom stopped paying tribute over a decade ago, hardly any of the Yu Dynasty''s citizens took notice. After all, the effect on their daily lives was nothing more than a noble¡¯s dining table missing a single fish. Who would care about such a trivial matter?


    However, with the court''s deliberate propaganda, the matter spread like wildfire within days, as though it had only just urred. The situation with the Roupu Kingdom was elevated to a direct challenge against the dignity of the Yu Dynasty.


    How dare such a tiny speck of a nation act so audaciously?


    Amidst public outrage, His Majesty the Emperor made a sweeping decision. With a wave of his hand, he appointed General Wu Anmin as the East Sea General.


    With thirty thousand elite soldiers, ten towering ships, and several Eminent Ones under hismand, Wu Anmin charged straight toward Roupu Kingdom.


    Though the Roupu Kingdom was small, its people responded with surprising tenacity.


    Their first move? A swift and decisive wave of surrender. What could the Yu Dynasty possibly do now?


    In fact, they had already surrendered long before Wu Anmin and his troops even set foot on their shores.


    As the East Sea General approached the borders with his vast army, he was met with an unexpected sight.


    There, on the beach, arge crowd of Roupu citizens knelt, led by their king. Each had already packed up their belongings, with a small bundle strapped to their back.


    They had evenid out the few pieces of gold, silver, and other valuables on the side, offering them up as travel expenses for the army.


    It was as if they were saying, "No need to lift a finger. All the valuables are right here."


    They were so well-behaved that it made one''s heart ache for them.


    Wu Anmin couldn''t even bring himself to ept these funds.


    <i>You toil under the scorching sun year-round just to sell a few fish. How much could you possibly earn? Just keep it for yourselves,</i> he thought. <i>But you all still have toe with me</i>, he added. <i>The Yu Dynasty needs a grand ceremony of presenting captives to lift public morale. I am sorry for the trouble.</i>

 Chapter 481: The Potion Jar Boy

    <h4>Chapter 481: The Potion Jar Boy</h4>


    The moon hung high in the dark sky, and a cold wind howled through the ck Pine Ridge. On this eerie night, a deathly silence filled the base of the ck Pine Ridge.


    Ever since this ce became a gathering ground for poison specialists, no wild animals had survived here. Now, with the poison specialists themselves gone, an eerie silence had settled over thend. Only the rustling of branches in the night wind broke the stillness, a sound that could send chills down anyone¡¯s spine.


    Earlier in the day, officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau arrived to inspect the area. Although the poison specialists were dead, traces of their poison still lingered, hidden in every corner. There was no telling which patch ofnd might turn deadly with a single step.


    After all, the poison specialists on the ridge weren''t all unified. Each had set up their own protective measures in front of their homes. Preliminary inspections revealed that the lingering poison would take centuries to dissipate. It might be best to use arge-scale method to reshape the entire mountain into a new peak.


    However, this grand n had yet to be carried out. Instead, numerous notices were posted at the mountain''s entrance, warning that the Myriad Poison Mountain was on the verge of copse and advising people to stay away.


    In truth, these notices were rather redundant, as no living creature had dared to venture near this area for years.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    After a long silence, a shadowy figure suddenly darted by, gliding through the area stained with blood from the previous night beforeing to a halt on a tree branch.


    The figure resembled a beast, crouching on all fours, its entire body shrouded in a dark, greenish-ck hue. Its eyes gleamed as they cautiously scanned the surroundings.


    Yet, upon closer inspection, its features were unmistakably human! The dark greenish-ck hue that covered its body was actually a strange pattern, sprawling across its skin.


    "Heh¡ª" A deep, ragged breath escaped his mouth, indistinguishable from the sound of a wild beast.


    In the next instant, he pushed off with all four limbs and sprang forward.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    His figure instantly appeared in the dpidated courtyard, darting through the darkness with such speed that his movements were nearly impossible to follow¡ªswift as lightning.


    But the moment hended in the courtyard, a burst of white light suddenly red beneath his feet.<i> Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the light swirled, a cage instantly enclosed him.


    The beast-like figure sprang up, attempting to break through the white light. However, as his body soared, he discovered the light did not obstruct him; he passed through it effortlessly.


    Yet, after crossing the barrier, he found himselfnding back in the same courtyard.


    It was an illusion.


    "Heh¡ªah¡ª" A deep growl rumbled from his throat as he spun around, attempting to escape in another direction, only to be forced back by a sh of sword light shing toward him!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A figure in white robes descended gracefully, like an immortal from the heavens, forcing the shadowy figure back with a single stroke of her sword.


    It was Jiang Yuebai.


    With her left hand forming a seal, the sword light twisted and instantly transformed into a pool of lightning, crackling with golden dragons and silver thunderbolts!


    The shadowy figure could no longer dodge and was struck by a golden dragon, his body instantly stiffening before copsing to the ground.


    Jiang Yuebai flicked her hand once more, and countless bolts of lightning twisted into several ropes, crackling as they coiled around the shadowy figure, binding him tightly.


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>" The shadowy figure howled, but the more he struggled, the stronger the bacsh from the lightning ropes grew, paralyzing his entire body until he could no longer move.


    Only then did Jiang Yuebai approach, using the light from the lightning to see the figure''s face clearly.


    He appeared young, likely even younger than her, around fifteen or sixteen years old. Dark green patterns covered his body, resembling living creatures that swelled with each of his breaths, as if every pulse inflicted immense pain.


    His eyes were bloodshot, full of chaos and rage.


    After a moment''s thought, she raised her hand and cast a Mind-Pacifying Incantation. A soft white light flickered, spreading across the youth''s body and seeping into his skin, gradually easing the tension in his expression.


    The Mind-Pacifying Incantation was a technique used to clear the mind and bring a calming effect. It was proving quite effective at this moment.


    Jiang Yuebai immediately questioned, "Who are you?"


    ...


    Yesterday, when Jiang Yuebai first spotted the shadowy figure, she lost track of him. However, sheter took some time to reflect on the encounter.


    Why would hee to such a dangerous ce?


    The massacre caused by Qiongqi likely left no survivors, and no one else would dare approach ck Pine Ridge. So, did hee here seeking something? Could it be that there was something here that he wanted?


    The Myriad Poison Mountain was vast, making it unrealistic to track down that person. However, since he had visited ck Pine Ridge once, there was a chance he mighte back.


    Having investigated the case this far, this seemed to be thest clue. So, in hopes of testing her luck, she set uprge enchanted formations, ready to wait for lightning to strike twice.


    If this shadowy figure returned, Jiang Yuebai was determined not to let him escape again.


    And tonight, he did.


    It could be said that her luck was quite good.


    Hearing Jiang Yuebai''s question, the boy, his emotions gradually stabilizing, finally replied in a clumsy ent, "I... I am a Potion Jar."


    "Potion Jar?" Jiang Yuebai was puzzled.


    The boy then slowly began to share his story with Jiang Yuebai.


    It turned out that among the poison specialists of ck Pine Ridge, there was one who stood out as the strongest and most sinister, a man surnamed Song. The others referred to him as Master Song.


    Master Song never used wild beasts to test his poisons; he used only humans. Beneath his courtyard, he had hollowed out a basement where he imprisoned countless children, forcing them to serve as his "potion jars" for his poison experiments.


    These children grew up in this cruel environment. Even if they survived, they would gradually transform into beast-like beings, possessing extraordinary physiques but stripped of their humanity.


    As they grew older, like this boy, Master Song would send them to the Myriad Poison Mountain to gather medicinal herbs and capture venomous and poisonous creatures. Each of them had a strange poison nted in their bodies, forcing them to take an antidote daily. Missing even a single dose would cause them to go berserk and die a violent death. Thus, none dared to run away; they werepelled to return within the allotted time, handing over the spirit nts and poisonous creatures in exchange for that day¡¯s antidote.


    If they returned empty-handed, they would be beaten. If they failed for several consecutive days, Master Song would withhold the antidote as a brutal warning, forcing them to go berserk and die in front of everyone.


    The boy Jiang Yuebai had captured was one of those Potion Jar Kids. That day, he had spent too long in the Myriad Poison Mountain without harvesting anything. And so, he didn''t dare to return.


    Just as he was on the brink of death from the poison within the mountain, he stumbled upon a strange herb that could alleviate the agony of the poison''s onset. After consuming the herb, he managed to hold on a while longer, giving him enough strength to survive and return to ck Pine Ridge by nightfall.


    But upon his return, he was met with the sight of the ridge drenched in rivers of blood. It was at that moment that Jiang Yuebai had found him the previous night.


    He thought Jiang Yuebai was the one responsible for what had happened, which was why he fled in madness. After entering the Myriad Poison Mountain, he found more of that strange herb, which allowed him to survive until now.


    But without the antidote, he could never truly escape his fate. So, he returned to see if Master Song was dead and whether he could find the antidote.


    "I see..."


    If everything he said was true, then he was indeed a pitiable soul.


    However, Jiang Yuebai did not loosen his restraints. Instead, she instructed him to get up and search for the antidote. The boy stood up, kicked open the courtyard door, and pressed a hidden mechanism, revealing an underground chamber.


    The chamber was empty, with only patches of dried blood staining the floor. No one could say how many innocent lives had been lost here.


    "No..." The boy let out a sigh of relief. "They all left... They didn¡¯t die. It must be Master Song; he took them all away!"


    "Didn''t die?" Jiang Yuebai''s mind raced as she processed his words.


    Traces of the massacre at ck Pine Ridge were everywhere. It was entirely possible that a few poison specialists were not among the dead. However, if the children from the underground chamber were among the bodies, they would be easy to identify.


    So, he could confirm that these Potion Jar Kids were not dead.


    But where had they gone?


    As Jiang Yuebai breathed in the air of the chamber, a scent struck her with familiarity.


    <i>This scent... Where have I smelled it before? </i>She wondered.

 Chapter 482: The Walking Jiangshi

    <h4>Chapter 482: The Walking Jiangshi</h4>


    It was rather quiet at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau today.


    Whenever a major event took ce, a group of experts would be called upon to oversee every detail. The guards of the capital of Yu maintained order on the surface, while the Imperial Supervisory Bureau operated in the shadows, ensuring stability behind the scenes.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had already entered the pce, making preparations for the grand court assembly following the presentation of the captives.


    Conquering the Roupu Kingdom was merely a tactic to restore public morale. The officials in the court chamber, however, would not view this as a significant victory. Their thoughts had already turned to the next challenge¡ªdealing with the Fuyao Kingdom. On its own, the Fuyao Kingdom posed little threat to the Yu Dynasty. But with Peni supporting it, the situation became far moreplicated.


    Peni had always maintained a highly ambiguous stance. While it sided with the Yu Dynasty on matters concerning the interests of the human race, it also seemed to wish for the Fuyao Kingdom to grow as powerful as possible.


    After all, if the Yu Dynasty grew too powerful, its imperial authority could eventually overshadow the influence of the immortal sects. On the other hand, no matter how strong the Fuyao Kingdom became, it would always remain loyal to Peni.


    At the break of dawn,motion stirred outside. Along both sides of the main street stretching from the eastern gate to the imperial city, vendors scrambled for the best spots while city patrol guards worked to maintain order. Before long, curious citizens would line the street, eager to witness the day¡¯s events.


    Rumor had it that this time, the presentation of captives would be unlike any before.


    As the Heavenly Dynasty ruling over the nine provinces, the Yu Dynasty had not encountered an foreign enemy in decades. Thest presentation of captives after a war dated back nearly a hundred years, marked by grand sacrifices at the Grand Ancestral Temple and a parade of prisoners in wooden carts.


    However, this time, the people of the Roupu Kingdom were rather submissive. As a result, His Majesty allowed the East Sea General to forgo harsh treatment and transport nearly a hundred members of the Roupu royal family to the imperial city in carriages. A few hostages would be held, while the rest would likely be returned in due course.


    Of course, for the royal family of the Roupu Kingdom, the chance to stay in the capital of Yu as hostages was quite precious, so there would probably be somepetition for it.


    "Brother Chu, this is the Fiery Celestial Grass you requested."


    An official from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau handed Chu Liang a spirit nt sealed inside an ice box. Through the semi-transparent lid, he glimpsed what appeared to be a half-burned de of grass¡ªnothing about it seemed particrly remarkable.


    However, Chu Liang epted it with repeated thanks, "Thank you, Brother Chen."


    He epted the treasure of nature with one hand and handed over a jade talisman with the other.


    Seal-Holding Official Chen received the talisman, scanned it with his divine sense, and startedughing. He then said, "Didn''t I say yesterday, it¡¯s just nine thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, Brother Chu, you..."


    "Of course, I can''t let you run this errand for nothing," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    The jade talisman contained ten thousand Vermillion-Bird coins, with the extra amount serving as payment for the errand.


    "Brother Chu, you..." The official''s smile immediately turned warm and sincere. His gaze toward Chu Liang shifted from that of a friend to a true brother. After a long pause, he could only say, "Very generous of you."


    In fact, the cost of acquiring this spirit nt was eight thousand and eight hundred, and he had rounded up the price when reporting to Chu Liang. He hadn¡¯t expected that Chu Liang would be even more generous than he thought.


    A few days earlier, Chu Liang had noticed that the Colorful Doll had fully absorbed the water-attribute treasure of nature, which meant that he would be able to unlock the fourth level of the Secret Reservoir of the Five Elements. However, as he was now a prisoner in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, it was rather inconvenient to obtain treasures of nature.


    Once he became familiar with the officials in the residence, he inquired and found that the capital of Yu indeed hadrge shops and markets for the cultivation world. He then asked someone to purchase this spirit nt for him.


    In Yu''s capital, everything cost a fortune. Nine thousand Vermillion-Bird coins for a single spirit nt? It was steep, a bit more than the usual price. But if it made him stronger, it was worth every coin. It wasn''t like he couldn''t afford to part with nine thousand. Besides, paying a little extra for the errand wasn''t just about kindness¡ªit was an investment in favors, a promise that someone would lend a hand when he needed it again.


    Last time, he had bought a spirit nt at Flying-Dragon Fortress using Lin Bei''s name. Even after returning to Mount Shu, he wasted no time and settled the remaining payment right away.


    There was no point in skimping on these small sums.


    The initial construction of Red Cotton Peak had been funded by an investment from Taotie City. Now, it was thriving, and all the ie flowed straight into Chu Liang''s pocket. Although he had to share a portion of the profits, the costs were minimal, and he was still raking in a fortune.


    He now held arge stash of spirit-stone coins that couldn¡¯t be eaten or earn interest. The smartest move was to trade them for natural treasures to boost his strength.


    ...


    Once things quieted down, he sank his divine sense into the White Pagoda.


    Tuntun was curled up, wrapped in her wings, sound asleep. Nearby, several Large-Headed Dolls worked frantically, their ovepping phenomena making the inside of the White Pagoda appear ethereal.


    Chu Liang opened the ice box and took out the half-charred de of grass.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The moment the leaf left the ice box, a bluish-golden me erupted! Light flowed within the me, radiating spiritual energy, and in an instant, the missing part of the leaf was restored.


    So this was the marvelous nature of the Fiery Celestial Grass.


    The surge of spiritual qi was intense. Tuntun, off to the side, caught a whiff of it. Jolted awake, she sprang up, muttering, "Ah ba... Ah ba..." She pped herrge wings and wobbled over, mumbling incoherently, "Hungry..."


    It seemed that objects filled with spiritual energy still held the greatest appeal for her.


    "This isn''t for you," Chu Liang said with a smile, pressing down on her small head. Then, he pulled out a bag of steaming barbecue and fried skewers from his chest, each piece coated in sauce and wafting a delicious aroma. "This is for you."


    Tuntun''s nose twitched, instantly lured by the scent.


    "This isn¡¯t for little ones," Chu Liang teased. "Be good, and we¡¯ll have a small barbecue every day to keep you full."


    After pacifying Tuntun, Chu Liang approached the Colorful Doll in the White Pagoda with the Fiery Celestial Grass in hand and embedded the spirit nt into it.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, the tri-colored doll shimmered and gained a new hue. Once the Reservoir of the Five Elements was unlocked, the fourth level¡ªthe Bing Fire Foundational Qi¡ªwould be activated.


    The Bing Fire Foundational Qi was fierce and explosive. Infusing it into divine abilities or sword qi would amplify their destructive power tremendously, significantly enhancing one¡¯sbat strength.


    Initially, Chu Liang had been concerned that Tuntun might gnaw on other items in the White Pagoda. If she ended up devouring the Large-Headed Dolls, it would be a devastating loss. However, over the past few days, he noticed that Tuntun showed little interest in the objects within the pagoda, even those brimming with spiritual energy.


    This allowed him to rx, at least a little.


    Still, he kept a close eye on the little one, ready to intervene should she make any irreparable mistakes.


    As he came out from the White Pagoda, preparing to begin his work, he suddenly felt a faint warmth spread across his chest.


    At the moment, he was carrying several objects that could trigger motion or sensation, so he couldn''t immediately tell which one it was. Without hesitation, he reached into his robes and pulled out a jade ornament. Just as he had guessed, the warmth wasing from the United Hearts Jade he shared with Senior Sister Jiang.


    As his divine sense entered the United Hearts Jade, the green waves within the jade stirred. A momentter, Senior Sister Jiang''s message surfaced, appearing amidst the swirling jade light.


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "I found something."


    [Chu Liang]: "Hmm?"


    Soon, Jiang Yuebai informed Chu Liang of the situation she had uncoveredst night.


    After capturing the Potion Jar Boy, she had followed him to Master Song''s hidden underground chamber, where she caught a familiar scent in the air.


    She then questioned the boy, asking if he knew anything about the Red River Sect. As it turned out, he did know a bit.


    He revealed that he had once overheard someone seeking Master Song¡¯s help to concoct a certain poison. Master Song had agreed, but on one condition¡ªthey had to kill members of the Red River Sect.


    When Jiang Yuebai pressed him further about the visitors, he could only provide a single detail¡ªthey seemed to be a married couple.


    After that, the effect of the poison on the boy suddenly triggered, pushing him to the brink of madness. Left with no other choice, Jiang Yuebai took him deep into the mountains in search of a rare herb known as the Asura Leaf. Only after finding it did the boy finally calm down, though just barely. However, if they couldn''t find Master Song and obtain the antidote, he would be forced to endure this agony for the rest of his life.


    Watching his skin turn a sickly dark green and his features contort into something beast-like, Jiang Yuebai suddenly remembered what that familiar scent was.


    It was the same scent she had detected on the city patrol guard at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. He had been bitten by a strange person during his patrol and was poisoned shortly after. It was only thanks to Chu Liang and his Poison-Expulsion Whip that the poison had been cleansed from his body.


    As the toxic mist dispersed into the air, it carried that same eerie, pungent odor.


    Jiang Yuebai immediately questioned the boy again. He revealed that this strange poison was one of Master Song''s secret techniques, known as the Walking Jiangshi[1].


    Once a person was afflicted with this poison, they would gain immense strength. However, if the antidote was not taken for even a single day, the person would instantly go berserk, descending into madness. Eventually, they would die a violent death and transform into a full-fledged Jiangshi. The longer the poison lingered, the stronger their body would be, but the harder it would be to cure. Most terrifying of all, anyone bitten or scratched by the berserk would also fall victim to the poison.


    It was extremely bizarre and sinister.


    The Potion Jar Kids had been consuming this Walking Jiangshi Poison since a young age. It was the reason they possessed such formidable physiques despite never undergoing proper cultivation. However, the poison had already taken deep root within their bodies, its onset as fierce as a mountain torrent. So far, the boy had only discovered that the Asura Leaf could temporarily alleviate its effects.


    Jiang Yuebai immediately shared all her discoveries with Chu Liang. As he read through it, a wave of turmoil surged in his heart.


    The East Sea, the Red River Sect, ck Pine Ridge... countless pieces of information began to connect in his mind, but there was no time to ponder it further.


    It would have been fine if the poison had stayed within the mountains and territories of ck Pine Ridge. But now, it had reached the capital of Yu¡ªa major city with millions of citizens!


    1. Something like zombies. ?

 Chapter 483: The Grand Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 483: The Grand Ceremony</h4>


    The rhythmic beat of drums and the sh of gongs filled the air at the eastern gate of Yu''s capital. Firecrackers exploded with a deafening roar, red gs pped in the wind, and the streets were packed with an ocean of people.


    With each thunderous stomp, a terrifying giant beast emerged, its mane like a lion¡¯s and scales resembling a dragon¡¯s, as it stepped into the city. Even though it consciously attempted to adopt a posture to make itself appear smaller, it still towered over a zhang tall.


    This was the legendary spirit beast, Suanni¡ªthe mount of the great General Wu Anmin.


    Seated atop the beast, Wu Anmin wore a suit of bright red armor. His brows were sharp as swords, and his eyes keen as an eagle''s, exuding a dignified aura. Despite the thunderous cheers of the capital¡¯s citizens, his expression remained calm, showing no trace of joy.


    It was understandable. For a general of the Yu Dynasty, leading an army of thirty thousand elite soldiers to conquer a small ind with a poption of just over twenty thousand hardly qualified as a true military achievement.


    Wu Anmin yearned to achieve real military aplishments. Now in his forties, he had already climbed to the ranks of the top three generals in the Yu Dynasty. Yet, not once had he tasted the thrill of a true battlefield.


    Generals in times of peace often felt somewhat helpless.


    Moreover, Wu Anmin held a special status¡ªthe eldest son of the Wu Family, a prestigious noble n from the Western Continent.


    For generations, the Wu Family had defended the Western Regions'' border on behalf of the Yu Dynasty and was held in high regard. His elder sister sat on the throne as Empress Wu, while his father had once held the esteemed position of chancellor. However, after His Majesty appointed Wu Anmin as the great general, his father retired and returned back to his hometown.


    There were many rumors among the people, iming that Wu Anmin had climbed to his position solely on the backing of his family, father, and elder sister, without possessing any true skill or capability of his own.


    It was likely that His Majesty had appointed him to lead the expedition against the Roupu Kingdom to help him build some real military merit. Yet, he felt no interest in this sort of achievement¡ªone that anyone could have easily obtained if they had been sent in his ce. Still, he understood that this was a victory the Yu Dynasty needed.


    As of now, all Wu Anmin wished for was to end this charade as quickly as possible. Behind him marched over a thousand sturdy soldiers, some mounted on fierce spirit beasts, guarding hundreds of carriages.


    Each carriage carried a member of the Roupu Kingdom¡¯s royal family, with standards that were nothing short of extravagant. People who had no idea that an expedition had happened would have thought that this was a weing ceremony for the dignitaries in the carriage.


    A grand procession passed through the capital, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the citizens. The crowd, having waited since morning, tossed ribbons and gands to the soldiers, offering fruit baskets and fresh clothes as a gesture of appreciation for their achievements.


    It left the soldiers feeling dazed, as if they had genuinely risked their lives in battle for the nation.


    The procession to present the captives had to maintain a slower pace.


    First, they had toplete the ancestral rites performed ten li outside the city before entering the gates and reaching the imperial city. The entire procession took two hours, providing the citizens with a chance to witness the might of the Yu Dynasty''s military.


    In the center of Heavenly Street, the owner of a silk shop waved his arms, signaling his staff members to present several rolls of brand-new brocade to the marching soldiers. The staff member handed the rolls directly to the soldiers, prompting a wave of cheers from the surrounding crowd.


    However, once the procession had passed, the owner descended from the building, wincing quietly in pain. To gain a good reputation, he had truly made a significant sacrifice.


    He pushed aside the hanging cloth in the courtyard, intending to return to his house, when he suddenly noticed a pitch-ck humanoid figure huddled in the corner behind the fabric.


    "Who''s there?" The owner was startled.


    At first, he thought a petty thief had snuck in to steal something amidst the presentation, and he intended to drive them away.


    But the shadowy figure crouched in the corner trembled uncontrobly, as if suffering from unbearable pain. It muttered, "Help me..."


    "Hmm?" The owner''s hesitation lingered. "What''s wrong with you?"


    He cautiously took slow steps forward, moving closer to the shadow in the corner to see what was wrong with the person.


    In an instant, the small shadow''s eyes gleamed with a fierce blood-red light.


    "<i>Hissssss¡ª</i>"


    Atst, the owner could see the shadowy figure in detail. It appeared to be around ten years old, with a dark greenish-ck body, veins protruding ominously, and covered in grotesque patterns.


    As the owner drew near, the shadow suddenly sprang up and lunged at him!


    "Ahhhhhhhh¡ª" The owner stumbled back, losing his bnce and falling to the ground. The shadow lunged forward like a wild beast, sinking its teeth into the owner''s calf with a vicious bite!


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!</i> Helpppppppp!" The sharp pain and overwhelming fear sent the owner into a frantic scream.


    Several staff members hurried over at the sound of his cries. Upon seeing their owner being mauled, they quickly grabbed sticks, ready toe to his aid.


    However, even as the staff members struck the shadowy figure several times, it didn''t budge at all. It continued to gnaw on the owner''s leg.


    One brave staff member shouted in anger, reaching out with both hands to pull the shadowy figure away. Yet the figure''s body felt as hard as iron, its strength overwhelming. No matter how hard he tried, the shadowy figure wouldn¡¯t budge an inch.


    Suddenly, the shadowy figure did a flip, knocking the staff member to the ground in an instant.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhh¡ª" the staff member screamed as the shadowy figure moved to bite his neck. He felt the impending doom closing in around him!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    In that critical moment, a sh of lightning illuminated the scene, and a powerful figure suddenly appeared, grasping the child by the head. A golden dragon flickered into view, paralyzing the child''s entire body in an instant.


    Behind this powerful man stood several cultivators d in the uniform of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    "It''s just as Chu Liang had predicted. Thank goodness for his timely warning. Someone is truly trying to stir trouble during the presentation of captives..." The powerful man was none other than Ji Zidian, the celestial official of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Upon receiving news that the Walking Jiangshi Poison had spread to the capital of Yu, Chu Liang immediately deduced that someone would take advantage of the presentation of captives to create chaos.


    At that moment, the citizens of the entire city lined both sides of Heavenly Street. If this Walking Jiangshi Poison were to spread on this street, countless individuals would instantly be Walking Jiangshi, leading to unimaginable consequences.


    So, he quickly alerted those at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, including the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, who had already arrived at the pce. Upon receiving the message, they swiftly returned to the scene.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau and the city patrol guards dispatched all their forces, staying alert for any possible emergence of Walking Jiangshi.


    But as the presentation of captives reached the end, screams erupted from both sides of Heavenly Street. Amid the cheering crowds, these cries were swiftly drowned out.


    Ji Zidian''s expression darkened. "Don¡¯t follow me. Split into pairs and use your divine sense to patrol the streets. If you encounter any more evil entities, detain them immediately! Detain anyone who is poisoned or has been bitten, and send them back to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau! Chu Liang can help clear the toxins in them."


    "Yes!" his subordinates behind him replied, epting the order before swiftly setting off on their task.


    ...


    The disturbance in the rear went unnoticed by the procession that had already passed.


    Wu Anmin, riding the Suanni, made his way to the forefront of the imperial city. With a flip, he dismounted and guided his mount to the side. Following his lead, all the soldiers dismounted and began their march into the imperial city to receive their rewards.


    The members of the Roupu Kingdom, who had been in the carriages, got off and followed the soldiers, moving forward slowly.


    At the front was the King of the Roupu Kingdom, an elderly man in his fifties or sixties, wearing traditional white hemp garments. His dark, cracked skin looked like that of an old fisherman weathered by years at sea.


    As he took in the scene before him, he was amazed by the power of the Yu Dynasty. Though he was a ruler himself, there was a vast difference between him and the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty. Inparison, even calling himself andlord felt like an exaggeration.


    The procession soon moved through the numerous pce walls of the imperial city and reached the expansive square in front of the pce. The Emperor of the Yu Dynasty stood on the dragon steps outside the main hall, ready to review the victorious soldiers.


    Behind him stood the current civil and military officials of the Yu Dynasty. Aside from those like the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, who had temporarily departed, everyone who could be there was present.


    A bright yellow figure stood high above. Wu Anmin was the first to kneel, dering loudly, "This humble general greets Your Majesty! I havepleted the Eastern expedition asmanded!"


    Following his lead, those behind him knelt down in unison.


    "Hahaha!" The Emperor of the Yu Dynastyughed heartily from his elevated tform. He waved his hand and dered, "All soldiers, rise! People of the Roupu Kingdom, rise!"


    As they rose, the people of Roupu Kingdom, led by their king, reached into the folds of their garments to retrieve grayish-white bone teeth. Those who witnessed this did not stop them as they knew it was their highest form of respect.


    Whenever the people of the Roupu Kingdom wished to sincerely pledge allegiance to someone and express their willingness to serve as ves, they would use a fish tooth to cut their cheeks, symbolizing their loyalty.


    At this moment, it was clear that they were about to perform this ritual.


    The King of the Roupu Kingdom raised the bone tooth and slowly cut his right cheek, allowing blood to trickle down.


    Most of the royal family members behind him had unmarked faces, but some bore scars, likely indicating their previous pledges of loyalty to another king.


    Now, a new scar would be added to their faces.


    The Yu Dynasty''s civil and military officials in front and the soldiers around them all watched with due respect as theypleted this ceremony.


    However, as the blood trickled down their cheeks, a faint and strange scent began to permeate the air.

 Chapter 484: The Married Couple

    <h4>Chapter 484: The Married Couple</h4>


    "It''s quite a shock, huh? They moved faster than we expected.," the man remarked.


    The soft trickling of water apanied his words as wisps of steam curled up from the teacup, filling the room with a delicate fragrance. With a slight adjustment of his sleeve, he pushed the teacup forward, offering it to the person seated across from him.


    The man''s face was sallow, his frame nothing but skin and bones. He looked ill, exuding an aura that made it seem as though he was on the very brink of death.


    Across from him sat a middle-aged man d in ck. Although it was warm in this room, he remained wrapped in a thick, dark robe. His weathered face showed no expression, yet his brows conveyed a trace of gloom and sorrow.


    "Our Potion Jars did not get the chance to feast..." The man in ck took the teacup first, seemingly unbothered by its scalding heat as he downed it in one swift gulp. Setting the cup down, he continued, "The destruction was far from enough."


    "Master Song, this is not your fault. No one could have foreseen the Imperial Supervisory Bureau mobilizing its entire force before the chaos broke out," the emaciated man said slowly. "It¡¯s just a shame that your Walking Jiangshi Poison could only be used once. I am afraid an antidote for this poison would soon be created."


    "Rest assured, Mister Yang," Master Song, the man in ck, sneered coldly. "As long as you pay me enough, I can develop a new deadly poison very quickly."


    "Master Song, you truly live up to your reputation as the finest poison specialist in ck Pine Ridge," Mister Yang remarked casually, offering a lightpliment.


    Cries and wails echoed outside. The area around their pavilion had be the most chaotic part of the capital of Yu. Dark figures darted about, sinking their teeth into the fleeing citizens. Those who were bitten struggled for a moment before going crazy.


    Amid the dense crowd of the presentation ceremony, many within the inner circle had already been bitten. Those on the outer edges remained clueless about the chaos unfolding and had no time to flee.


    Fortunately, the powerful members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau reacted swiftly. Whenever a citizen went berserk, cultivators would descend from the sky, subduing them in an instant. The citizens newly exposed to the toxins had yet to gain any significantbat strength, making their capture a simple task.


    Soon, it wasn¡¯t just the Imperial Supervisory Bureau; the city patrol guards and various armored forces of the capital joined the battle, assisting in evacuating the crowd and keeping those exposed to the Walking Jiangshi Poison under control.


    Yet, amid the chaos, separated by just a wall, tranquility prevailed here.


    "Most of my Potion Jars have been captured. It seems this won''tst long," Master Song muttered, shaking his head with clear dissatisfaction.


    "That''s already more than enough," Mister Yang replied with a confident smile. "Our main battlefield lies elsewhere."


    "After this, I probably won¡¯t be able to establish myself in thend of the nine provinces anymore," Master Song said suddenly. "Your Celestial Charm Sect... Do you think I can join?"


    "That¡¯s not a decision we can make," Mister Yang replied calmly, seemingly unsurprised by the request. "I can consult the higher-ups. If they¡¯re willing to ept you, we would certainly be pleased."


    "Even with your high cultivation levels, you and your wife can¡¯t decide?" Master Song asked, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.


    "<i>Cough, cough...</i>" Mister Yang cleared his throat a few times before replying, "My wife''s status is slightly higher than mine. If it weren''t for her, I might not even be qualified to join."


    Master Song was genuinely shocked. In their interactions over the past few days, he had sensed the immense and unfathomable power of the man before him. If even he had barely managed to join, just how powerful was this faction?


    No wonder this faction dared to plot against the entire world.


    "Your wife is indeed formidable," Master Song could only remark.


    "Indeed," Mister Yang replied with a nod. "Aside from being a bit ugly, my wife is first-rate in every other aspect..."


    "Yang Bujue[1]!" A stern voice rang out from beyond the door, which was flung open with a bang. A fragrant breeze swept in as the figure entered. "Talking bad about me again, are you?"


    A tall, graceful woman stepped inside, her skin smooth and delicate, her features soft and gentle. An irresistible charm lingered in her gaze, exuding a beauty so striking that it felt unparalleled in the world.


    However, her mannerisms and behavior left much to be desired.


    She wore a purple gauze dress, sleeves rolled up, and without hesitation, grabbed Mister Yang by the ear, yanking it sharply.


    "Wifey..." Yang Bujue cried out in pain.


    Master Song''s eyebrows twitched as he watched the woman thrash the frail-looking Yang Bujue for quite some time. She didn¡¯t stop until he struggled to sit up. With that, a satisfied glint appeared in her eyes and she sat down and took a sip of tea.


    "Madam Xiao, did everything go smoothly?" Master Song asked.


    His expression grew uneasy. This woman, Xiao Wuyan[2], was Yang Bujue''s wife¡ªand she was evidently far more terrifying than her husband.


    "Fairly smooth," Xiao Wuyan said with a nod. "Everything is within the n."


    Beside her, Yang Bujue awkwardly climbed back to the table and asked in a fearful tone, "Wifey, whose face are you using this time?"


    "It''s a concubine''s face," she replied, shooting a cold re at Yang Bujue. "I found it pretty, so I decided to use it for a while."


    Her voice took on a biting edge as she added, "You like beauties, don''t you? How about I keep this look forever?"


    "I still prefer your original appearance," Yang Bujue replied firmly.


    "Heh." Xiao Wuyan sneered. "Such bullshit."


    ...


    "<i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</i>"


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau echoed with cries of agony. Inside, the courtyard was packed with citizens poisoned with the Walking Jiangshi. With no antidote yet avable, they could only be whipped by Chu Liang¡¯s Poison-Expulsion Whip.


    <i>Snap, snap...</i>


    Chu Liang swung the whip, each strikending on the body of a man whose skin had turned a shade of ck. Around him, others were tightly bound, their faces contorted in pain as dark qi seeped out, growing thicker by the moment.


    "If they remain in this berserk state for too long, they¡¯ll die violently and transform into true Walking Jiangshi," Chu Liang warned, turning to the personnel of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. "Once that happens, there''s no saving them. We need to prioritize detoxifying those most affected."


    "It seems like we won''t make it in time..." Xue Muyu muttered, her brows knitting together in a deep frown.


    She extended her hands, channeling her divine abilities to soothe the poisoned individuals. Still, it had little effect. As the Walking Jiangshi entered their berserk state, the only option left was to subdue them by force.


    The timing of the Walking Jiangshi outbreak was truly insidious; it struck during the presentation ceremony when the capital was packed with people. Dozens of those Potion Jars hid among the crowd, and the poison spread to over a thousand people within moments.


    As more people were poisoned, the number of transmitters rapidly multiplied. Had the Supervisory Bureau not acted promptly after Chu Liang''s warning, the poison could have spread to tens of thousands, leading to unimaginable consequences.


    Yet, even with timely intervention, thousands were already poisoned, and more continued to be brought in.


    Chu Liang couldn''t work fast enough on his own; during the wait, many would die as the poison attacked their hearts.


    While everyone was feeling very anxious, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner appeared.


    Qi Yingxuan wasted no words; he simply raised his hand and made a sharp gesture.


    Suddenly, the movements of all the poisoned people in the courtyard slowed to a crawl. Their actions, expressions, and even their breathing became several times slower than before.


    Chu Liang''s eyes widened. It was the first time he had ever seen something like this. Could this be the power of the Great Dao of Infinity?


    Among the various Great Daos, those rted to time were undoubtedly the most mysterious. Although the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner was the Dao Master of the Tai''a Great Dao, he also possessed some mastery over the Great Dao of Infinity, which pertained to time.


    With a single gesture, he slowed the flow of time for all the poisoned individuals. As the poison''s attack on their hearts slowed, Chu Liang gained more time to save them.


    <i>Snap, snap!</i>


    He swung the Poison-Expulsion Whip in rapid circles, as swift as leaves caught in a whirlwind, doing his utmost to cleanse the deep poison from the victims'' bodies. Beside him, Xue Muyu acted swiftly, dispersing the poisonous mist expelled to prevent it from umting and poisoning others.


    While they were urgently working to save people, a shrill shout suddenly pierced the air from outside.


    "Make waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!"


    1. Yang is amon Chinese surname. Bujue means Not Discouraged. And so, Yang Bujue means Yang does not feel discouraged. It conveys resilience or perseverance. ?


    2. Xiao is the surname. Wuyan means Without face or without beauty. It can mean Xiao has no face or Xiao is not pretty. ?

 Chapter 485: You Dare?!

    <h4>Chapter 485: You Dare?!</h4>


    After the captives were presented, a grand celebration banquet was held in the imperial pce''s main hall.


    The emperor was sitting in the seat of honor. His face looked old, but hisplexion was glowing with vitality, looking ever more dignified and imposing by the day.


    His ministers were scattered along both sides of the hall. The first row was filled with the high-ranking military officers who had participated in the expedition. General Wu Anmin was naturally sitting at the very front, closest to the emperor.


    The members of the Roupu Kingdom''s royal family were also seated at the front. They had been given a ce at the Yu Dynasty''s banquet to celebrate their own defeat.


    This time, the Yu Dynasty was adamant about holding a grand celebration, so both civil and military officials as well as members of the imperial family were in attendance.


    There was a table in front of each person, and pce attendants were walking to and fro cing dishes onto the tables.


    During the banquet, the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty was conversing with the King of the Roupu Kingdom, attempting to appease him. That''s when the King of the Roupu Kingdom cautiously asked if his people could all stay in the capital of Yu. Naturally, the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty stated that the capital of Yu weed friends from all states and said nothing else afterward.


    From that, the King of the Roupu Kingdom understood that his people were not wee to stay in the capital of Yu permanently. As a king, he could afford to buy a residence in the capital of Yu, but considering the housing prices there, the other royal family members would not be able to do the same. It was utterly impossible for him to support the expenses of over a hundred people living in the capital; that was simply a fantasy.


    The Emperor of the Yu Dynasty''s silence on assisting with their relocation made it clear they were unwee. They would still have to return to that ind and continue fishing for a living amid battering winds and under the scorching sun.


    Midway through the banquet, there was non-stop music and dance, putting on a grand disy to reflect the Yu Dynasty''s dominant status. The King of the Roupu Kingdom even took to the stage to perform a dance from his region. His movements were slightlyical, elicitingughter throughout the hall.


    The king had created that atmosphere intentionally, to present the Roupu Kingdom as a harmless and submissive existence. He knew that doing this would likely resolve any imminent threats from the Yu Dynasty. After all, the Yu Dynasty had already achieved their goal of showing off their might, so it was unlikely the Yu Dynasty would continue making things difficult for the Roupu Kingdom.


    However, once the King of the Roupu Kingdom returned home, he would have to think about how to deal with the people of the Fuyao Kingdom. Those ind neighbors were not as easy to negotiate with as the Yu Dynasty.


    Just as the King of Roupu Kingdom rxed, a sudden thud echoed in the hall. He turned to see his young son copsed on the ground, convulsing and appearing to be in great pain.


    Then a second member of his family copsed, followed by a third... Numerous other members of the Roupu Kingdom''s royal family copsed in session.


    The King of the Roupu Kingdom panicked.


    His first thought was, <i>Could the Yu Dynasty have poisoned the food and wine? Do they want to wipe us out?</i>


    However, on further thought, he realized, <i>If that''s the case, there''s no reason at all for them to do this. If they wanted to kill us, they could have done so long ago. Why bother to go through all this trouble and waste so much food and wine?</i>


    Upon noticing the situation, the emperor and ministers of the Yu Dynasty hesitated for a moment.


    Then the emperor called out, "What''s wrong with the people of the Roupu Kingdom? Quickly summon the court physician!"


    Just as the pce attendants hurried to summon the physician, an unexpected change urred.


    "<i>Huff, huff...</i>"


    The child who had copsed first seemed unable to withstand the poison any longer. After a few muffled gasps, he suddenly sprang up! His pupils turned crimson, and ck mist surrounded him as he lunged toward the nearest person!


    A shrill yell rang out, "Protect the emperor!!!"


    The poisoning of guests at a state banquet was already a serious matter, but now that someone had violently attacked another person, the severity of the situation quickly escted.


    Arge number of pce guards rushed in, and the hall descended into chaos.


    Yet, the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty''s voice rang out like thunder, cutting through the chaos. "Don''t panic! First, subdue all the people from the Roupu Kingdom. Just capture them; do not kill them!"


    The hall instantly regained a sense of calm.


    The reason the emperor was able to remain soposed was that the hall was filled with powerful figures. There were many formidable cultivators among the civil and military officials alone. Just a few of them would be enough to subdue the hundred or so people from the Roupu Kingdom.


    Furthermore, if the civil and military officials were not enough, there was still the man standing in front of the emperor¡ªLao Santai. Even if Lao Santai were not present, the emperor himself could step up, as he was a seventh-realm Eminent One who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm... So, the emperor found it utterly unbelievable that this group of fishermen would attempt to assassinate him.


    Regardless of the cause behind this chaos, the situation was getting out of control. Only a small number of the royal family of the Roupu Kingdom had some cultivation power. The rest were ordinary people, so they should have been subdued quickly. Yet, for some unknown reason, those who had no cultivation power suddenly exhibited incredible strength.


    The worst part was there were so many of them, and they were in close proximity to the nobles. It meant that when the chaos erupted, they bit some members of the Yu Dynasty''s imperial family.


    Most of the men in the imperial family possessed some cultivation power, so only a small number of them were injured. However, the women of the imperial family had been seated close to the women of the Roupu Kingdom. Consequently, many of them were scratched and bitten.


    Screams rang out over and over as the pce guards made a series of captures. Eventually, they managed to subdue everyone from the Roupu Kingdom.


    The people of the Roupu Kingdom had all transformed into frenzied figures with crimson eyes, including the king.


    Meanwhile, court physicians promptly attended to the injured members of the imperial family.


    "What is going on?" The Emperor of the Yu Dynasty frowned at the appearance of the Roupu King''s royal family. "Have they been struck by some kind of dark magic?"


    "Your Majesty!" a voice called out from below the stairs leading to the emperor''s seat of honor.


    It was Li Chengfeng of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. Before the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner left the hall, he had instructed Li Chengfeng to stay behind in his stead, so Li Chengfeng had witnessed the whole incident.


    He stepped forward and said, "The people of the Roupu Kingdom have been poisoned! Someone afflicted with the same poison was brought to the Imperial Supervisory Bureaust night."


    "<i>Huh?</i>"


    Li Cheng Feng''s words caused an uproar.


    <i>Someone poisoned the food and wine at the pce banquet...?</i>


    This shocked everyone, especially since everyone attending the banquet had consumed the same meal. If the members of the Roupu royal family had indeed been poisoned, then surely all the other attendees could have been poisoned too.


    Li Chengfeng continued, "This poison is quite problematic. Anyone who was injured by the poisoned Roupu family is at risk of going berserk as well. Fortunately, there is someone in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau who can neutralize the poison. Please hurry over there for treatment."


    The emperor nodded slightly. "There are indeed many capable individuals in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau."


    "That person is not a member of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. He is a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect..." Li Chengfeng said, raising his gaze. "Your Majesty may not know him, but you surely know his teacher."


    ...


    In the Imperial Supervisory Bureau...


    A young eunuch in brocade robes¡ªa pce attendant¡ªpushed through the crowd and asked loudly, "Which of you is Young Hero Chu Liang from Mount Shu?"


    "It''s me!" Chu Liang replied without even putting his whipping on pause. "What''s the matter?"


    For a moment, the young eunuch watched Chu Liang swing the whip, eachshing apanied by a loud crack.


    He wondered, <i>Is this really the method for treating those who got poisoned? It''s so violent...</i>


    The young eunuch then raised his voice and announced, "His Majesty the Emperor has passed down a decree. A disturbance has urred in the pce, and many have been poisoned. His Majesty heard that Young Hero Chu Liang from Mount Shu can neutralize this poison, so His Majesty has requested that youe to the pce immediately to provide treatment!"


    "You can see the situation here. I can''t leave," Chu Liang replied. "There are thousands waiting for me to cleanse them of the poison. If I leave now, over a hundred people might be dead by the time I get back..."


    "Young Hero Chu, the people in the pce are more important!" The young eunuch seemed quite surprised by Chu Liang''s response. "This is an imperialmand."


    Chu Liang gave him a strange look.


    The Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten did indeed show respect to imperial authority... but it was only respect.


    He asked, "You don''t think I''m the same as you, do you?"


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner spoke up. "Forget it. It''s a critical situation here. He cannot leave. I''ll go with you to the pce and bring the injured back here for treatment."


    Then he grabbed the young eunuch by the back of his cor. Taken by surprise, the young eunuch was quickly overpowered by the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner and dragged away. In an instant, the two people vanished from Chu Liang''s line of sight.


    The pce attendants who had apanied the young eunuch looked at each other, unsure of what to do.


    After a moment, arge number of carriages and horses emerged from the pce.


    Given the distance from the pce to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, the carriages arrived in no time. The first few carriages contained the injured members of the imperial family and officials, while the rest were all from the royal family of the Roupu Kingdom. The people from the Roupu Kingdom were certainly more deeply poisoned, yet they were all ced at the rear of the line.


    Before the poisoned individuals could get out of the carriages, a tall, burly, and slightly older eunuch with graying hair rushed over.


    He stared Chu Liang down with a fierce gaze. "Are you the young hero from Mount Shu? The injured have been sent here. Please treat them quickly!"


    "Please have them lined up ording to the severity of their poisoning, and I will prioritize treating those who have been poisoned the most deeply," Chu Liang said, furrowing his brows.


    If someone else were to cause a disturbance, the people from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would surely intervene. However, they couldn''t stop these pce officials, as it would only interrupt him further.


    "I am Cheng Hu, head of the Fengyi Bureau[1] in the imperial pce. All of these injured people are members of the imperial family," Cheng Hu, the eunuch, stated in a deep voice. "There''s no need to prioritize them based on the severity of the poisoning. Just treat these nobles first; they are more important."


    Chu Liang nced at Chen Hu indifferently and replied, "Sir, I have to ask that you please follow the rules."


    He had heard of the name Cheng Hu before. Cheng Hu was the third of the Four Great Warriors, ranking after the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch Yao Dengxian and the Terrace-Supervising Eunuch Lao Santai. He was responsible for matters in the inner pce and was under the personalmand of Empress Wu, so he held a high position with great power.


    <i>Nevertheless, as the saying goes... What does this have to do with me, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect?</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t concern himself much with these dynastic powers. Lives were at stake; he needed to prioritize based on severity to maximize the number of lives that could be saved. If everyone insisted on being ced at the front, those in critical condition would undoubtedly lose precious time for treatment and could end up losing their lives.


    Seeing that Chu Liang had no intention ofplying, Cheng Hu''s expression darkened. "Follow <i>your</i> rules? If something were to happen to these nobles, the consequence will be something no one can bear..."


    In his view, it was inconsequential ifmoners died, but any harm to the imperial family would surelynd him in trouble, and that undoubtedly made him anxious.


    Chu Liang couldn''t be bothered to respond.


    Seeing this, Cheng Hu became furious. "So, it''s this treasure that can neutralize the poison, right? Then you need not trouble yourself; just lend me this item!"


    He could tell at a nce that Chu Liang had no divine abilities that could neutralize the poison; it was just the Poison-Expulsion Whip that was extraordinary. Since Chu Liang wouldn''tply, Cheng Hu would just seize the enchanted tool!


    Chu Liang''s gaze sharpened. "You dare?!"


    1. The Fengyi Bureau is an institution in ancient Chinese imperial courts. With the queen being the head of this department, it was primarily responsible for managing ceremonial and ritual practices as well as in charge of maintaining the traditions of the imperial court. ?

 Chapter 486: Dont Think I Wont Hit You Just Because Youre a Eunuch

    <h4>Chapter 486: Don''t Think I Won''t Hit You Just Because You''re a Eunuch</h4>


    Cheng Hu left obediently.


    ...


    Di Nufeng had been quite busy during thest few days.


    Ever since Chu Liang got imprisoned, she had been proactively nning his jailbreak. Taking into consideration how much manpower the Mount Shu Sect possessed, Di Nufeng worked on crafting a huge and incredibly detailed n to rescue Chu Liang.


    Ultimately, it wasn''t just one n but three, divided into three levels based on feasibility: high, mid, and low.


    The high-level n was to leverage the power of the Mount Shu Sect and coerce the Red River Sect into giving up on the cases. They just needed to follow the standard method of using force and heavy threats, and they''d be done with the matter.


    This n was the simplest to put into action, but the downside was that many others had done the same. Itcked creativity... Moreover, It could also draw condemnation from the immortal sects and scrutiny from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, tarnishing the Mount Shu Sect''s reputation.


    The mid-level n involved Di Nufeng taking advantage of her right to visit Chu Liang. She would secretly take Chu Liang back with her and then have him escape to the inds of the South Sea, where he would live incognito for years before returning.


    However, that n had some risks and many variables that might interfere with its execution.


    The low-level n was for the Mount Shu Sect to rise together. Venerable Wen Yuan would lead them in a nighttime surprise attack on the capital of Yu. Di Nufeng, a mole in the imperial family, would bring them into the imperial pce and then behead the emperor. She would take the throne herself, exonerate Chu Liang from his charges, and release him.


    This n posed the least long-term risk, but it would be quite challenging to execute it.


    When Di Nufeng presented the ns to Venerable Wen Yuan, he was taken aback.


    "Did you write these yourself?"


    He looked at the lengthy ns, quite surprised that Di Nufeng could produce something like this.


    "I only spent two hours writing them, so there will definitely be some oversights," Di Nufeng replied calmly. "We can ask Uncle Sikong and Tantai Jing to finalize the ns. After that, we can run some simtions on a sand table to choose the path with the highest chance of seeding."


    Speechless, Venerable Wen Yuan scanned through the ns with an expressionless face. Then he asked, "Which of these ns do you think is best?"


    "I''m leaning toward the third one. It''s got the lowest feasibility of the three, but it''s a permanent solution," Di Nufeng said with great passion.


    She continued, "That emperor¡ªthat old guy''s surname is Xia, and so is mine. If he can sit in that position, why can''t I? When we take the capital, we can get rid of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner and have you take his ce. I''ll grant titles of general and chancellor to the Four Guardian Elders. We''ll feast and drink in the golden pce hall. Wouldn''t that be wonderful...?"


    As Di Nufeng fantasized about the future, Venerable Wen Yuan furrowed his brows even more deeply, and dark creases gathered in between them.


    <i>Goodness. If the Mount Shu Sect were left in your hands, would it even be able to survive for three years?</i>


    <i>There was a time when I thought the Discipline Master had led this girl astray, indulging in her wild behavior. But now it seems that perhaps it was her teachings that saved the girl.</i>


    <i>If she had been raised elsewhere, wouldn''t she have easily be the leader of a major rebellion?</i>


    <i>The problem is that her ns may sound wild and outrageous, but on paper, they are bold, meticulous, and clearly feasible.</i>


    <i>And that''s what makes her even more terrifying.</i>


    <i>She truly is part of the Xia Family...</i>


    "<i>Um...</i> Feng''er," Venerable Wen Yuan began. He hesitated and then said, "Have you considered the possibility that... Chu Liang really is innocent? He didn''t kill anyone, and once Jiang Yuebai and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau figure out the truth, he''ll be fine."


    "<i>Mm.</i>" Di Nufeng nodded. "That''s also a good idea. We can fabricate evidence to prove it was someone else or find a scapegoat."


    Venerable Wen Yuan rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "Forget it. You don''t need to worry about such things. Just don''t be hasty. I assure you that Chu Liang will be fine, so don''t worry."


    "What do you mean?" Di Nufeng looked a bit disappointed. She nudged her ns over to him. "Won''t you consider using one of these ns?"


    "I will think it over," Venerable Wen Yuan said irritably, waving his hand to dismiss her. "Just go back and wait for my message."


    ...


    Di Nufeng waited on Mount Shu for two days without contact from Venerable Wen Yuan. Eventually, she realized that the phrase "wait for my message" was likely the biggest lie in the world, so she could only give up resentfully.


    During this time, she also went to find Old Man Sikong to see if hexagram divination could be used to prove Chu Liang''s innocence. However, that wasn''t necessary, as the people from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had already done precisely that.


    Old Man Sikong performed the divination, but from the moment he started looking into the cases, all he saw was a blur. It was clear that there was something obscuring the secrets of the heavens.


    Then when he tried to find out whether Chu Liang had killed anyone, he was met with the same blur. It seemed that Chu Liang also possessed something that obscured the secrets of the heavens.


    Di Nufeng had no choice but to give up on this method too.


    After those two days, she remembered that she should go check on Chu Liang. She wanted to confirm that he was safe and sound. Furthermore, if she needed to break him out of jailter, she needed to scout the ce first.


    So, Di Nufeng rushed to the capital of Yu as streak of fire. On her way to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, she sawrge crowds and chaos everywhere.


    Di Nufeng put her hands together and sighed in disappointment. <i>If we wanted to attack the city, now would be the perfect opportunity.</i>


    When Di Nufeng arrived at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, she saw Chu Liang swinging a whip wildly. There was a huge line of people in front of him waiting to be whipped.


    "You little rascal. Here I was worried you''d be tortured here, but it turns out you''re dishing out punishment to others," Di Nufeng said as she approached. Then she asked. "Have you joined their gang?"


    Chu Liang saw that his teacher had arrived, but he couldn''t pause his whipping.


    He just stayed silent as he remarked inwardly...<i> For a government institution like the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, even if I were to be one of its members, it would be called "entering the ranks." What''s that about "joining their gang"??</i>


    Chu Liang exined, "It''s a mess in the city. All these people have been poisoned, and I just happen to be able to help detoxify them."


    Di Nufeng was about to ask something else, but she spotted a beautiful woman in the distance.


    Her eyes lit up as she called out, "Little Yu!"


    Xue Muyu[1] was in the midst of helping stabilize the situation. Nevertheless, she smiled when she saw Di Nufeng.


    "Ah Feng," Xue Muyu replied.


    Without another word, Di Nufeng ditched Chu Liang and ran over to Xue Muyu.


    Given the critical situation, Xue Muyu couldn''t leave to spend time with Di Nufeng, but it was clear that the two had a close rtionship.


    The courtyard of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was quiterge. Chu Liang was saving people at the front of the line, while Xue Muyu was at the end of the line. They were quite far apart. The members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau who were moving to and fro between them were too preupied to notice Di Nufeng.


    This was when that pce attendant, the young eunuch, requested for Chu Liang to enter the pce, but he refused.


    Afterward, the young eunuch returned to the pce hall to report Chu Liang''s response to the emperor. Then Li Chengfeng suggested sending the poisoned members of the imperial family and the people from the Roupu Kingdom to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. They could get there with adequate time to spare for Chu Liang to save them.


    Empress Wu was worried about the safety of the imperial rtives, so she ordered Cheng Hu to apany them. However, when Cheng Hu arrived at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, he found that Chu Liang was unwilling toply. Used to being domineering, Cheng Hu decided straight away to simply snatch the Poison-Expulsion Whip from Chu Liang.


    Unfortunately for Cheng Hu, he didn''t know that Chu Liang was an expert in the ways of the world. Even if he was unwilling toply with Cheng Hu demands, he would usually, at the very least, tactfully negotiate for apromise. The reason he was being so stubborn now was that Silver Sword Peak''s esteemed heroes were all present!


    Di Nufeng had been busy clinging to Xue Muyu, so she hadn''t paid much attention to the old eunuch when he entered. However, she did notice when Cheng Hu made a move against Chu Liang.


    Di Nufeng sprang into action.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Cheng Hu was an Eminent One who had reached the Dao Attainment Realm. With the Yin-ying Sutra, his cultivation power surged like the towering waves of tempestuous seas. In an instant, he unleashed an intense murderous aura.


    It was obvious that he released that overwhelming pressure to force Chu Liang into submission. Yet, Chu Liang didn''t even blink.


    In the next moment, a burst of violet-gold mes swooped down with a whoosh!


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Cheng Hu uttered in rm, pushing his palms out to block the mes.


    The violet-gold mes exploded loudly against his palms. Just how much force did the Samadhi True Fire possess?


    The collision left Cheng Hu in a very sorry state. His sleeves had been incinerated in a mere instant.


    Before he could circte his foundational qi again, a ferocious figure charged out from the mes and pressed a hand onto Warrior Cheng Hu''s face.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The two figures moved so quickly that they left brightly colored afterimages. Then when finally stopped, it was because Di Nufeng had mmed Cheng Hu''s head onto a wall.


    The buildings of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were fortified with special enchanted formations, making them extremely sturdy. That was why they hadn''t copsed with a loud crash from the force of Di Nufeng''s attack.


    Instead, Cheng Hu''s head ended up getting embedded into the wall!


    "You old fool..." Di Nufeng, still surrounded by residual mes, narrowed her eyes. "Don''t think I won''t hit you just because you''re a eunuch."


    1. Reminder that this is Li Chengfeng¡¯s wife, whom Di Nufeng is fond of. ?

 Chapter 487: I Dont Know Them Well

    <h4>Chapter 487: I Don''t Know Them Well</h4>


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    A gust of wind swept through, causing the mes of the Samadhi True Fire to flicker and dance, shocking everyone present.


    Even those who had been poisoned and were in a frenzied state calmed down somewhat.


    Chu Liang was the only one who remained the same as before, still exceptionally calm as he continued to cleanse the poison from every person in front of him.


    It was as though he had predicted that this would happen.


    Indeed. He felt damn safe.


    Cheng Hu, trapped against the wall, struggled as he turned his gaze to the side. He then muttered, "Miss Feng?"


    Di Nufeng held no official title within the royal family, and few were aware of her existence.


    However, after she single-handedly insulted several prominent members of the imperial family, she became famous overnight, sparking much spection about her identity within the pce.


    As one of the Four Great Warriors, Cheng Hu was well aware of the truth. He knew that she was the daughter of the Guardian of the imperial family and the current emperor''s second aunt.


    "You know me?" Di Nufeng withdrew her hand and said, "If you know me, how dare you bare your teeth at my disciple?"


    "Esteemed teacher, he was trying to take my whip," Chu Liang said softly from behind.


    "<i>Hmph</i>," Di Nufeng scoffed. "Don¡¯t you have one of your own? Why do you need someone else¡¯s?"


    "Esteemed teacher," Chu Liang added glumly, "it seems he truly doesn''t have one."


    "Just because he doesn''t have one doesn''t mean he should snatch it from someone else," Di Nufeng muttered.


    Cheng Hu continued to struggle, trying to pull his head from the wall. With a loud pop, he finally seeded.


    He quickly moved in front of Di Nufeng and Chu Liang, bowing deeply. "So you are Miss Feng''s disciple. I failed to recognize greatness despite having eyes. Yet, the imperial rtives and people of the Roupu Kingdom are poisoned and desperately need treatment..."


    He leaned close and whispered, "Miss Feng, especially the imperial rtives¡ªthey are your family..."


    Di Nufeng immediately waved her hand dismissively. "I don''t know them well."


    It was obvious from her face that she wanted those people to stay the hell away from her.


    Just then, Chu Liang chimed in from behind, "If you want to save them quickly, you need to follow the proper procedures. If anything goes wrong because of the time you''ve wasted, you''ll have to take responsibility."


    Cheng Hu cast a nce at Di Nufeng and then at Chu Liang before he finally realized that he had no choice in this situation. Immediately, he turned around and ordered the others to help carry the poisoned individuals down from the carriage.


    Only then did the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner stroll out casually. With a smile on his face, he said to Di Nufeng, "Let''s not resort to violence next time. Peace is always the better option."


    He had not shown up earlier because Di Nufeng had appeared. Otherwise, he would have stepped in to help Chu Liang while Cheng Hu was pressuring Chu Liang.


    With Chu Liang''s esteemed teacher present, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner was more than willing to stay in the background.


    Di Nufeng shot a nce at the crafty old man, who chose to appear only after everything was settled, and rolled her eyes.


    As she turned away, she grumbled, "Next time, I¡¯ll hit you too."


    With more than a hundred imperial rtives and citizens from Roupu Kingdom set to arrive, the alreadyrge crowd would soon be unmanageable.


    While Chu Liang worked quickly to detoxify and save those affected, newly poisoned individuals kept appearing, and the crowd showed no signs of reducing.


    Ultimately, regardless of how fast he was, he could only rescue one individual at a time, while the Walking Jiangshi Poison affected many at once.


    With the support of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner¡¯s powerful skills, it still seemed unlikely that Chu Liang could save everyone in time.


    Even though those most severely poisoned were at the front, with more arriving continuously, some had already started to bleed profusely and transform into Jiangshi.


    Chu Liang''s expression grew increasingly grave. The reason for his concern was because many individuals had been poisoned at once, so when one began to die, numerous others would also be on the brink of death.


    At that moment, a golden bird shot through the sky with incredible speed, emitting a sharp cry beforending in a gust of wind.


    The moment Chu Liang saw the bird, he was overwhelmed with joy.


    Two figures jumped down from the back of the great bird. It was Jiang Yuebai and a boy whose entire body was green and ck.


    "Did you bring it with you?" Chu Liang inquired urgently.


    "Yes!" Jiang Yuebai replied with a nod.


    When she saw the thousands of poisoned individuals, she was shocked. She hurriedly opened a small white porcin vial and, with a wave of her hand, scattered a shimmering blue-green powder that sparkled like stars.


    With a flick of her wrist, Jiang Yuebai summoned a gentle breeze that evenly dispersed the powder among all the poisoned individuals.


    The frenzy and agitation disyed by the poisoned individuals began to visibly subside.


    "That really works!" Xue Muyu eximed in surprise. "What kind of medicine is this?"


    "This is Asura Leaf Powder," Jiang Yuebai exined.


    Previously, Jiang Yuebai had told Chu Liang the poison smelled like what she had detected the night before and that there was a strong chance it was already present in the capital of Yu. Hearing about that, Chu Liang had already suspected this was a scheme with widespread implications.


    Without hesitation, he had instructed Jiang Yuebai to gather as many Asura Leaves as she could from Myriad Poison Mountain. Then, he arranged for the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to send their fastest spirit beast to bring her back.


    During this time, they stayed in contact through the United Hearts Jade until the situation became too intense. After Jiang Yuebai had gathered plenty of Asura Leaves, she was asked toe back as soon as possible.


    As she made her way back quickly, Jiang Yuebai crushed the Asura Leaves into powder so that the symptoms brought on by the poison could be alleviated more rapidly, giving Chu Liang extra time to detoxify them.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner smiled at Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. "Thanks to the two of you, this crisis caused by the Walking Jiangshi Poison can be averted."


    "It is my duty as a disciple from Mount Shu Sect," Jiang Yuebai replied, turning back to gesture at the Potion Jar behind her. "I was able to locate the Asura Leaves thanks to his guidance. Furthermore... he knows who is responsible for this incident with the poison!"


    ...


    Within the loft by the street, the couple and Master Song were monitoring the situation taking ce outside.


    "All the Potion Jars have been captured, and the poisoned individuals have been subdued. It looks like this is about to wrap up," Master Songmented.


    His face reflected a hint of regret. If the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had been even a moment slower, the Walking Jiangshi Poison might have spread among the captives and the crowds, potentially affecting tens of thousands. What a chaotic scene that would have led to...


    As the creator of the Walking Jiangshi Poison, he yearned to see a sea of blood. This would guarantee his name was forever recorded as the most terrifying poison specialist in the world.


    "That should do it, <i>cough cough...</i>" Yang Bujue coughed lightly and continued, "We''ve achieved our goal."


    "It seems you¡¯ve got something else nned?" Master Song inquired as he stared at Mister Yang.


    With a mysterious grin, Yang Bujue said, "That¡¯s something I wouldn''t dare to share with you. After all, you are not one of us yet."


    Xiao Wuyan remained at the side, still wearing the face of that charming pce consort.


    She said with a smile, "But I believe Master Song has outstanding potential to join our Celestial Charm Sect."


    As the three chatted leisurely, Yang Bujue¡¯s expression suddenly changed. Out of nowhere, he shouted, "Run!"


    Master Song remained in the same spot in confusion, still unaware of what was happening. Although Xiao Wuyan was equally clueless, a tacit understanding existed between her and Yang Bujue¡ªa connection typically developed between a husband and wife.


    In the blink of an eye, the couple became streaks of light, darting off in separate ways.


    Yet, it seemed as though time had slowed dramatically. With their speed, it would have taken them a split second to make it out of the city. But now, they had only just managed to get past one street.


    Suddenly, a tremendous force, resembling a massive sword, descended from the sky. It was the legendary Tai''a sword.


    A sword emanating heavenly might descended, causing all three of them to freeze in ce.


    This was the fearsome power of the eighth realm. All three were skilled cultivators; in fact, the couple were both at the seventh realm.


    However, beneath the imposing presence of this sword that was far away, they felt powerless, with no means left to fight back.


    "Darling! Don''t worry about me, you escape on your own!" Xiao Wuyan suddenly shouted.


    Gritting his teeth, Yang Bujue raised his hand and pricked his finger. The golden blood that spilled forth ignited into mes, turning into a fierce ze.


    His body was swallowed by the fire, disappearing in a split second.


    He had a way to escape while the other two did not.


    As the power of Tai''a Sword descended, they were all forced to the ground, unable to move.


    Qi Yingxuan''s figure then descended.


    These individuals executed their n meticulously. Prior to the release of those Potion Jars Kids, they had drugged these kids into mindless fools, ensuring that none of them remembered anything.


    Even if these Potion Jars Kids fell into the hands of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, extracting any useful information from their memories would be impossible.


    Yet, unexpectedly, at the ck Pine Ridge, Master Song had left behind a Potion Jar Boy that still remembered everything.


    After Jiang Yuebai brought him back, Xue Muyu swiftly used the Shadow of Radiance, which she had mastered to perfection, to create an image of Master Song from his memories.


    Since they knew what Master Song looked like, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner could easily identify his location with a single thought, as long as he was still in the capital of Yu.


    It was exactly when Yang Bujue sensed that something was off.


    Unfortunately, with the Imperial Commissioner present, no amount of caution would allow them to escape.


    Qi Yingxuan descended, nced at Xiao Wuyan, and said gravely, "It''s the married couple again... So it turns out this mess was indeed your doing once again."

 Chapter 488: The Young Hero with the Divine Whip

    <h4>Chapter 488: The Young Hero with the Divine Whip</h4>


    "You must be exhausted by now, right?"


    "Not too bad, just a bit sore in the arm."


    "How''s that whip?"


    "It''s fine, still quite sturdy."


    "We were lucky to have you this time. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened to all these people."


    "It was my duty."


    "..."


    As twilight fell, the once-bustling Imperial Supervisory Bureau grew quiet. Chu Liang sat on the steps in the courtyard, finally letting out a sigh of relief.


    One after another, members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau approached him with questions. Chu Liang had single-handedly saved the entire city from the Walking Jiangshi Poison¡ªa truly heroic feat.


    Had it not been for his timely warning, the spread of the Walking Jiangshi Poison could have been dozens, if not hundreds, of times worse. Moreover, without his tireless efforts to cleanse the poison from the victims, few would have survived.


    Even so, dozens of people lost their lives in this incident.


    Another hero of the day was Jiang Yuebai from Mount Shu. The Asura Leaf Powder she brought back yed a crucial role in saving lives, including that of the Potion Jar boy from the ck Pine Ridge. Without this sole surviving Potion Jar Boy, they wouldn''t have uncovered the mastermind behind the plot so quickly.


    After capturing Master Song, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau swiftly extracted the antidote for the Walking Jiangshi Poison, which, as expected, contained Asura Leaf. Jiang Yuebai, along with the Potion Jar Boy and the Bureau''s agents, went to Myriad Poison Mountain to gather additional herbs before returning.


    Meanwhile, Di Nufeng went off to y with Xue Muyu again. It seemed the allure of a beautiful married woman was far stronger than that of her own disciple.


    And there she went, deserting Chu Liang by himself.


    Not long after, Ji Zidian approached to brief Chu Liang on the case.


    "Aside from the poison specialist, the main culprits are a couple," Ji Zidian exined. "Yang Bujue and Xiao Wuyan."


    "What a fitting pair of names," Chu Liang remarked upon hearing their names.


    Ji Zidian then gave a brief introduction of their background.


    Yang Bujue was once a disciple of Peni, and even regarded by Daoist Cangsheng, the leader of the Peni Supreme Sect, as hisst disciple and sessor.


    Nearly a century ago, a particrly notorious incident shook the world of immortal cultivation. The leader of the Sea King Sect was ambushed by several powerful demons while exploring a hidden realm in the North Sea and barely escaped with his life.


    After his narrow escape, heunched a thorough investigation into how news of his visit to the hidden realm had been leaked. He discovered that the Peni Supreme Sect was the first to know of his whereabouts, and the information waster spread through the East Sea. The one responsible was none other than the Peni disciple, Yang Bujue.


    His collusion with evil entities to harm a righteous sect leader sparked an uproar, inciting the wrath of both the imperial court and the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Few believed that a mere disciple could have orchestrated this alone, so suspicion quickly fell on Yang Bujue''s teacher, Daoist Cangsheng.


    The Peni Supreme Sect quickly apprehended Yang Bujue, iming he had been led astray by outsiders and said that they would be willing to execute him.


    Of course, this was seen at the time as a sacrificial move to protect the higher-ups.


    However, what happened next made people waver in their judgment. On the eve of Yang Bujue''s execution, a group of Celestial Charm Sect banditsunched a nighttime attack on Peni and rescued him.


    In the decades that followed, Yang Bujue married Xiao Wuyan, another notorious member of the Celestial Charm Sect. Together, theymitted numerous heinous crimes, gradually leading people to believe that he might have indeed been lured by the Celestial Charm Sect into betraying the Sea King Sect''s leader. After all, the Celestial Charm Sect had long been known for secretly and openly stirring up conflicts among various factions.


    Yang Bujue was skilled in stealth traversal techniques, while Xiao Wuyan excelled in illusory techniques. Together, their abilities made them nearly impossible to detect or defend against.


    If not for the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner tracking down Master Song, the poison specialist, and subsequently uncovering their whereabouts, neither the imperial court nor the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would have known what Xiao Wuyan truly looked like.


    With this discovery, the details of the cases that Chu Liang had been framed for became known.


    Shortly after the decision tounch the expedition against the Roupu Kingdom, the Celestial Charm Sect caught wind of the n and learned about the captive presentation ceremony that would happen after the army''s triumphant return. They reached out to Master Song, a poison specialist at ck Pine Ridge, to prepare a deadly poison.


    Since Master Song harbored a grudge against the Red River Sect, he demanded that they first kill a few members of the Red River Sect. When Xiao Wuyan was carrying out the killings, she happened to notice Chu Liang. Perhaps due to Chu Liang''s past conflict with the Celestial Charm Sect, she decided to frame him for the murders.


    She didn''t attack Chu Liang because she needed a scapegoat to divert the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s attention and absolve herself of suspicion. Since Chu Liang had been near the crime scenes twice, he became the perfect target.


    This aligned with the Celestial Charm Sect''s usual methods¡ªthey preferred to sow discord between Mount Shu and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau rather than killing a young disciple.


    If the plot seeded, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would be pressured to take action against Chu Liang, while the Mount Shu Sect would bepelled to protect him. Regardless of the case''s oue, conflict between the two factions would be inevitable.


    In their n, if things escted, the Mount Shu Sect might even attempt to break into the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to rescue Chu Liang. As for Di Nufeng''s n to raid the capital of Yu at night, even the Celestial Charm Sect hadn''t dared to envision such a spectacle.


    While the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had their attention on the Myriad Poison Mountain, they secretly transferred all the Potion Jar Kids to the capital of Yu, nning to strike a devastating blow on the day of the captive presentation ceremony.


    They even tampered with the bone teeth used in the Roupu Kingdom''s ceremonial offerings. Typically, captives entering the imperial city would undergo thorough inspections. If they showed any signs of poisoning, they would not be allowed to even step into the main hall.


    However, the couple from the Celestial Charm Sect and Master Song coated the bone teeth with the Walking Jiangshi Poison, ensuring that the captives were only poisoned during the ceremony, with the effects appearingter at the banquet. This allowed them to carry out their scheme undetected, plunging the pce into chaos.


    The n was meticulously crafted, but unfortunately for them, the person that Xiao Wuyan saw happened to be Chu Liang. Sending him to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau might be the decision that Xiao Wuyan would regret making the most.


    With Jiang Yuebai at the Myriad Poison Mountain and Chu Liang in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, it could be said that the Celestial Charm Sect''s evil n waspletely foiled, thanks to the two of them.


    ...


    After reviewing the entire plot, Ji Zidian couldn''t help but feel a sense of dread as he remarked, "Fortunately, you were the one who was framed and it was you who came here. Had it been someone else, the capital of Yu would likely have plunged into chaos."


    "I believe that even without my help, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner would have found a way to quell the unrest," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    He didn''t believe the sess was solely his; at the very least, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had mobilized immediately at his warning, demonstrating their strict vignce duringrge-scale celebrations.


    "But he wouldn''t have been able to treat the Walking Jiangshi Poison. At the very least, those thousands of citizens would have surely died," Ji Zidian said with a smile. "Oh, by the way, many people have already written thank-you letters to you, and some have even sent banners."


    Some of those saved early had recovered quickly after detoxification and had already prepared their thanks for Chu Liang, sending them to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. However, Chu Liang had been busy, and the bureau hadn''t yet passed them along.


    At Ji Zidian''s call, the staff of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau promptly brought over a stack of thank-you letters and several banners.


    Chu Liang smiled as he unfurled them, revealing golden characters embroidered on the red banners.


    "Skillful Hands and Benevolent Whip..."


    "The Divine Whip that Clears All Meridians and the Sacred Hands Moving with the Spring Breeze..."


    "Thanks to the Divine Whip of the Young Hero from Mount Shu, My Wife Has Found Her Smile Again..."


    Chu Liang''s smile gradually faded as he found the words somewhat odd.


    <i>Wouldn''t it have been better if they had just given some money instead? Real silver or gold, regardless of the amount, would have made much more sense, </i>he thought.


    "You can hang these on your wall at home to let people know of the heroic deeds of the Young Hero With the Divine Whip," Ji Zidian said as heughed heartily.


    The smile didn''t disappear; it simply shifted from Chu Liang''s face to Ji Zidian''s, who now beamed with amusement.


    "Heh." Chu Liang forced a smile. <i>No, thanks. I fear I''ll never be able to hold my head up for the rest of my life...</i>


    As they packed away the banners and letters, Ji Zidian remarked, "It seems you and your teacher are the true nemesis of the Celestial Charm Sect. The imperial court has hunted them for years with little sess; in the past sixty years, they''ve only managed to y a few. Last time, your teacher struck one down, and now, thanks to you, we''ve captured another. You need to be cautious. There''s no telling if they wille after you."


    "I''ll be careful," Chu Liang responded with a nod.


    The imperial court''s current failure to hunt down the members of the Celestial Charm Sect wasrgely due to the brutal chaos that urred eighty years ago. Many members of the sect were killed during that turmoil, forcing the Celestial Charm Sect to maintain a low profile for decades, which made it difficult for the imperial court to capture them.


    Recently, however, their activities had resurfaced with rming frequency. Whether they had regained enough strength or were simply exploiting the turmoil across thend of the nine provinces remained unclear.


    With Xiao Wuyan now imprisoned in the Celestial Northern Prison, there was hope that her interrogation might yield some valuable information.


    In the capital of Yu, prisonsy in all four directions, but the most renowned was the Celestial Northern Prison, known for holding the Eminent Ones.


    In a world where individuals held great power, the importance of secure prisons could not be overstated. Without proper fortifications, they could easily be breached, much like the jail in the City Supervisory Division where Chu Liang had once been held.


    Compared to the prisons across thend of the nine provinces and four seas, the Celestial Northern Prison was the most fortified. It was guarded by the Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison and a Master of the Heavenly Origin from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Both were eighth-realm cultivators, capable of ensuring absolute security.


    As the two were chatting, someone suddenly approached and called out, "Young Hero Chu, an imperial decree has arrived... you and your teacher are being summoned to the imperial pce."

 Chapter 489: Imperial Younger Brother

    <h4>Chapter 489: Imperial Younger Brother</h4>


    Outside the gates of the imperial city stood a towering tform, its grand pirs intricately carved with eight stone dragons. An ancient formation for sound amplification had been etched into its surface, allowing any sound made there to instantly ripple through the capital of Yu, reaching every ear like a distant thunderp.


    During major announcements from the imperial pce, citizens would flock to the tform to hear the announcements made by the pce attendants. On grand asions such as the Shangyuan Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival, the emperor himself would sometimes ascend the tform to deliver a speech.


    Thus, this tform was also known as the Dragon Terrace.


    For the disciples of the immortal sect, the highest honor they yearned for in their youth was to have their names sung upon the Dragon Terrace and to be celebrated at the Qinghong Banquet.


    Those whose names were sung on the Dragon Terrace were the victors of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. They would ascend the terrace and have their names be heard by all the citizens of the capital of Yu, soon spreading across the four seas and nine provinces, bing known to all.


    The Qinghong Banquet was the grand feast that followed, held within the halls of the imperial pce.


    A rare spirit bird known as the Qinghong was raised in the rear garden of the imperial pce. From ancient times to the present, the Qinghong''s numbers had dwindled, nearing extinction at one point¡ªprimarily because its meat was unbelievably delicious.


    Legend had it that the spirit bird was once a creature of the heavens, kept by the deities, until one identally fell to the human world, giving rise to the Qinghong birds of today. By then, the imperial pce had be the only ce where this rare species was kept. Still, they were few in number, which was why even the emperor was forbidden from eating them on ordinary days.


    At the end of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the victorious disciples were granted entry into the pce. A Qinghong would be killed for a grand feast shared by the emperor and the disciples.


    Such were the boundless honors bestowed upon the victors of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Regarding this, Di Nufeng, who had been one of those victors, remarked sharply from within the carriage, "The Dragon Terrace Announcements are so boring; it''s just a crowd staring at you like you''re part of some monkey show. But that bird does taste amazing. When you get to eat it, be sure to pack one for me to take back."


    Seeing his teacher speak so casually with her arms crossed, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but ask, "I thought the emperor would be eating one with an entire group of people. Packing it up before the feast seems a bit inappropriate, doesn¡¯t it?"


    <i>Just imagine it. The emperor waited twelve long years for another taste of Qinghong meat. The prodigies from the other immortal sects would also be eagerly waiting on the side. Then, just as the Qinghong is served, I walk up, open a bag, and pack up the entire bird, saying, "My teacher back home is craving this..."</i>


    <i>If I do that, I''ll certainly get a harsh beating.</i>


    "True," Di Nufeng said, smacking her lips. "Then I''ll find a way to get one out someday. Last time, the preparation was way tooplicated, but I bet just roasting the meat would be delicious too."


    Chu Liang shivered, sensing something was off.


    <i>Even the emperor isn¡¯t allowed to eat it on ordinary days. How are you nning to get your hands on one? Surely, it wouldn¡¯t be through proper or legal means, right? </i>Chu Liang grumbled inwardly.


    "Esteemed Teacher, please mind your words and actions," Chu Liang cautioned.


    <i>Goodness. If you were to sneak into the imperial pce to steal a bird and get caught... what if that criminal record affects the next generation</i><i>[1]</i><i>? It¡¯s definitely not worth it.</i>


    The teacher-disciple duo continued their conversation as the carriage rolled into the imperial city. On the way into the imperial city, a guard lifted the curtain to inspect them, but upon recognizing their status, he quickly bowed and stepped aside, allowing them to pass.


    The gates of the imperial city opened one by one as the carriage slowly made its way into the pce grounds, finallying to a stop before a side hall.<strong> </strong>


    "We''ve arrived at the Night Dragon Hall. Please step out of the carriage," a familiar voice called from outside.


    Chu Liang stepped out of the carriage and saw that it was indeed the familiar eunuch, Lao Santai.


    "Warrior Lao," he greeted.


    Lao Santai responded with a smile.


    As Di Nufeng stepped off the carriage, Lao Santai led them into the hall, speaking quietly, "I heard there was some conflict between you and Cheng Hu at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. He¡¯s an old hand in the pce and was merely concerned about the safety of the imperial family. I hope Miss Feng and Young Hero Chu won¡¯t take it to heart."


    "I don¡¯t mind," Di Nufeng said indifferently. "After all, I wasn¡¯t the one getting beaten up. Just remind him not to hold a grudge."


    Her tone carried a hint of warning.


    "Of course not," Lao Santai replied hastily. "Cheng Hu actually asked me to apologize on his behalf. He wouldn¡¯t dare harbor any resentment." <strong> </strong>


    Chu Liang had nothing to add and merely nced at Lao Santai. He hadn¡¯t expected the two chief eunuchs, Lao Santai and Cheng Hu, to be on such good terms.


    What Chu Liang didn''t realize was that, due to the overwhelming power of Yao Dengxian, the leader of the Four Great Warriors and the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch, the other three chief eunuchs had to band together to maintain their status in the inner court. If they showed any sign of disunity, they would likely end up bing theckeys of Yao Dengxian.


    As they spoke, they soon arrived at the Night Dragon Hall, where the emperor conducted state affairs after court sessions. <strong> </strong>


    The hall exuded an air of antiquity, its worn walls and neglected repairs revealing the character of the emperor.


    Throughout his decades-long reign, the current emperor had always imposed light taxes and kept the government simple. Though he made a few bold moves, he also seldom caused turmoil. For a ruler focused on stability, it wasn¡¯t a poor approach. At least until the news of the Demon God''s return, the livelihood in the Yu Dynasty had been fairly prosperous.<strong> </strong>


    As they reached the entrance of the hall, Lao Santai stopped and said, ¡°Your Majesty."


    Although the door was open and the golden screen visible inside, he didn¡¯t dare to enter.


    Instead, he stood at the threshold and announced, "Miss Feng and Young Hero Chu have arrived."


    A voice promptly called from within, "Please,e in."


    ...


    This was Chu Liang''s first time seeing the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty. At a nce, he appeared to be an elderly man d in a bright yellow dragon robe, his sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes exuding amanding presence.


    Yet, Chu Liang felt no fear. In this world, imperial authority was not overwhelmingly imposing. The leaders of the Divine Nine Immortal Sects could interact with the emperor as equals. Disciples of these sects were granted the privilege to enter the imperial hall without bowing, and in their presence, the emperor would not refer to himself as "we[2]"...


    In any case, they enjoyed many special privileges.


    Chu Liang was someone who had always been able to chat and joke freely with Venerable Wen Yuan, so he naturally did not treat the emperor with reverence either.


    In contrast, the emperor¡¯s expression grew slightly uneasy when he saw Di Nufeng. Forcing a smile, he said, ¡°Second Aunt, you¡¯re here.¡±


    "Yes." Di Nufeng nodded. "What did you call us here for?"


    "The recent turmoil caused by the Walking Jiangshi Poison in the capital was no small matter. Even the pce was greatly affected. Thanks to Young Hero Chu, who turned the tide and saved many lives in the city, " The emperor said as he nced at Chu Liang with an approving look. "Since he is your disciple, Second Aunt, it is only fitting to meet him and grant a reward."


    "There¡¯s a reward?" Di Nufeng''s eyes lit up as she immediately cupped her hands. "Your Majesty is wise."


    <i>Esteemed Teacher, this bted courtesy seems rather unnecessary...</i> Chu Liang thought to himself.


    The emperor turned his gaze to Chu Liang. With a warm expression and a smile, he said to Di Nufeng, "Despite being at such a young age, Chu Liang is very remarkably gifted. He is handsome as well. I have heard about how he yed Taowu. With such outstanding temperament and character, and as a disciple of the prestigious Mount Shu..."


    <i>Hmm?</i> Hearing the emperor''s tone, Chu Liang suddenly realized things were far moreplicated than he had expected.


    Sure enough, the emperor went on, "I have a daughter who has reached the age of marriage. Born with the constitution of the Divine Fire Spirit, she is a rare talent in the imperial family. Why not let the two of you marry? It would bring our families even closer. What do you think?"


    "Your Majesty." Chu Liang quickly cupped his hands. "This would not be appropriate."


    "No need to be so quick to refuse," the emperor continued. "My daughter is quite beautiful. I''m sure you''ll like her once you meet her."


    "I am still young, and now is the time for me to strive for the Mount Shu Sect. I currently have no intention of¡ª" Chu Liang began, intending to mimic Xu Ziyang''s tone to excuse himself.


    "Forget it." Di Nufeng waved her hand dismissively. "My disciple already has someone he likes."


    Chu Liang''s words came to an abrupt stop, his face turning red.


    "Haha," the emperor chuckled at Di Nufeng''s words. "I see. That''s rather unfortunate. I truly believed it would have been a good match."


    "Besides, I am your Second Aunt," Di Nufeng pointed out. "By generational hierarchy, he is on the same level as you. If you let him marry your daughter, wouldn¡¯t that mess up the family order?"


    "..." Chu Liang and the emperor both fell silent for a moment, not knowing how to respond to that.


    After a brief pause, the emperor said, "Since this marriage is not meant to be, I find myself at a loss for how we should reward you. Is there anything you want?"


    Hearing this, Chu Liang perked up.


    He stepped forward and said solemnly, "Recently, the Mount Shu Sect has been managing business operations at a ce called Red Cotton Peak. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of it? If you wish to reward me, there''s no need for anything personal. I simply hope that the imperial court¡¯s shops might be allowed to open a few branches on Red Cotton Peak to help expand its scale. Would that be possible?"


    "Oh?" The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly. This was an unexpected request.


    In the capital, there were many shops catering to cultivators, some indeed operated by the court. However, due to the overt and covert rivalry between the imperial court and Taotie City, there were no court-affiliated shops in Taotie City... at least not openly.


    If they could open a few branches on Red Cotton Peak, it would symbolize the imperial court¡¯s recognition of the peak. The size of the shops was irrelevant; the gesture held far more significance.


    In terms of just a few branches, it was not an excessive request. However, if this precedent were set, who knew what future developments might follow?


    Thus, the emperor hesitated slightly.


    "Is that it?" Di Nufeng suddenly interjected. "Compared to a princess, opening a few shops seems like too small a reward."


    "Esteemed Teacher, it would already be generous of the emperor to grant such a request. How much more would be considered excessive?" Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "Doesn''t that make His Majesty seem a bit stingy?" Di Nufeng retorted. "You saved countless lives in the capital, and all you get is permission to open a few shops? Shops that might even turn a profit for the imperial court. What kind of reward is that?"


    "It would be great if the emperor could grant my request," Chu Liang added.


    "Really?" Di Nufeng said with mock suspicion. "There''s a chance he might refuse this request?"


    ¡°Hahaha..." The emperor on the dragon throne couldn''t help but let out a bitterugh. Watching the teacher-disciple duo''s performance, he smiled and said, "Alright, alright, how could I possibly refuse? I''ll have the Ministry of Internal Affairs handle it. From now on, all the shops that the imperial court opens on Red Cotton Peak will be managed by Chu Liang."


    After a brief pause, he added, "Since marriage is off the table and we are of the same generation, why not grant Chu Liang the title of Imperial Younger Brother? How does that sound?"


    1. In China, a person¡¯s crime could affect their family and descendants. The criminal record might result in their kids being barred from certain government positions. ?


    2. The raw for this is really ëÞ (Zhen), which trantes to I but exclusively reserved for the emperor''s use. Googled that royals tend to refer to themselves as we, so thought I would trante it as we instead? ?

 Chapter 490: Where Did These Poor Relatives Come From?

    <h4>Chapter 490: Where Did These Poor Rtives Come From?</h4>


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Upon hearing the title Younger Imperial Brother, vivid images of a queen, a bald man, a talking pig, and a monkey instantly shed through Chu Liang''s mind.[1]


    However, the people in this world were surely unaware of this story.


    What the emperor said was not entirely wrong; after all, they belonged to the same rank within the generational hierarchy. Thus, granting him the title of Imperial Younger Brother would bring no shame to anyone.


    But the problem was that the whole world had no idea of Di Nufeng''s background, and the imperial family could not publicly disclose her affairs.


    No one would know that Chu Liang had received this title due to his esteemed teacher. They would merely assume that the emperor had whimsically decided to recognize a young talent as his younger brother.


    What was the difference between this and suddenly pledging brotherhood with Xu Bashan?


    In truth, there was no difference at all.


    The only distinctiony in the fact that the emperor could not actually swear brotherhood with Chu Liang due to his status, which was why he bestowed upon Chu Liang the title of Imperial Younger Brother. However, the underlying meaning wasrgely the same.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but wonder if these influential figures derived pleasure from such formalities.


    However, upon further reflection, he began to piece together the underlying connections.


    The exnation was ratherplex.


    Since the rise and rapid expansion of Taotie City, the imperial court have had the intention to acquire the entire city. After all, this city was making so much money. It was practically a money-eating behemoth in the Northern Regions.


    Strictly speaking, Taotie City was built by the imperial court during the rise of the Demon God era as a stronghold for human society against the Demon God. Given its location on the border of the nine provinces, it should rightfully belong to the human dynasty.


    Yet, Taotie City refused toply.


    While they acknowledged their origin as a city developed by the imperial court, they insisted that this imperial authority belonged to a bygone era¡ªthree thousand years ago.


    Over these years, thend of the nine provinces had undergone tremendous changes. In the days when Taotie City struggled to survive in poverty, no one came to their aid. Only after they had prospered did anyone remember them and seek to bring them back under human rule.


    They had no intention ofplying¡ªnot a chance.


    After the chaos brought by the Demon God, the humanndsy in disarray. Many of the city gates erected during the war had long since fallen into disrepair. It was normal that Taotie City was left to die on its own.


    It was indeed rather unreasonable for the imperial court to still seek to im Taotie City as its own after all that had happened. Even the immortal cultivation sects would oppose such a decision.


    Since then, Taotie City severed all ties with the imperial dynasty of human society.


    However, with such a treasure trove lying within their borders, it was difficult for others to resist the temptation to scheme and covet what was not theirs.


    Even though Taotie City had consistently offered generous tributes to the imperial court, it still asionally fell victim to underhanded schemes.


    Fortunately, the immortal sects also refused to let the imperial dynasty take ownership of Taotie City. Together, they united to ensure that Taotie City remained independent.


    Then the Yu Dynasty was established, facing the same issue that gued every great dynasty at the beginning of its reign: ack of funds.


    Themon peoplecked food and jewels, while cultivators sought treasures of nature; it was all just different forms of poverty.


    Despite this, the Yu Dynasty retained some sense of pride.


    While they didn''t target Taotie City directly, they began to devise a n inspired by Taotie City.


    If Taotie City could thrive in the deste northern wilderness¡ªan area where nothing grows¡ªthen surely a simr establishment in the capital of Yu, the prime location in thend of the nine provinces, would attract cultivators to its shops.


    Wouldn''t the imperial court profit handsomely from such ventures?


    With such a grand vision in mind, the Yu Dynasty designated an area in the expanding capital known as the Immortals'' Square, specifically for cultivators to engage in activities and transactions.


    However, they were met with a harsh blow from reality.


    Just because the imperial court had money and resources didn''t guarantee sess in business operations.


    The entire Taotie City was united in their pursuit of wealth. But did such like-minded individuals exist in the capital of Yu?


    When Chu Liang managed Red Cotton Peak, his first challenge was recruiting merchants; the Yu Dynasty faced a different dilemma altogether.


    Their issue was that there were too many people eager to open shops.


    Since the construction of the Immortals'' Square started, various factions had attempted to get involved.


    The imperial family, high officials, aristocrats, schrs, and military generals¡ªall sought to stake their ims. Each wanted their share, openly and secretlypeting against one another.


    It was like marking lines on a cow and fighting over which piece of meat would belong to the calf, even before the cow had been impregnated.


    After the Immortals'' Square was constructed, the Yu Dynasty quickly encountered its first problem.


    If Taotie City already offered a moreprehensive variety of options, why would people choose to shop in Immortals'' Square or set up their businesses there?


    Chu Liang''s strategy for Red Cotton Peak was to waive rent for shops, offer discounts to customers, and heavily promote Berry Wondend. Although this approach required significant initial investment, it ultimately set the Red Cotton Peak on the right path.


    However, the interest groups made up of nobles and high officials at that timecked such foresight; they were eager for immediate profits and unwilling to invest in attracting customers.


    The Immortals'' Squarecked unity, which made it impossible to implement many initiatives.


    There were smart officials in the imperial court who recognized this issue. The emperor couldn''t directly confront these interest groups, so he resorted to subsidizing prices in Immortals'' Square from the national treasury, essentially having the court cover the mounting expenses.


    However, once the various interest groups noticed this, they realized they didn''t even need to sell anything to turn a profit; the money was simply flowing in.


    Whether it came from customers or was allocated from the treasury, did it really matter?


    They pocketed the subsidies and paid even less attention to proper management. The worse they managed, the more continuous support the court provided.


    If customer numbers increased, the imperial court would no longer need to allocate funds. They felt that putting in the effort to handle business operations would be too tiring.


    Without price discounts, scattered customers showed no interest whatsoever.


    During the opening period of the new shops, everyone arrived eagerly to browse but ultimately found that Taotie City was still more affordable.


    They initially tripled the original prices and then imed that all customers would receive a fifty percent discount to celebrate the grand opening. It was nothing more than a trick to deceive the gullible.


    Large immortal sects, such as those in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, were vying for influence against imperial authority at that time. They had no interest in seeing the Immortal Square thrive and seed, let alone conducting business there.


    With obstacles on both sides, it would be weird if the Immortals'' Square even managed to develop and expand at all.


    After hundreds of years of effort from several generations of emperors, a small-scalemercial street has finally emerged, gradually disying some signs of prosperity. However, it remained a far cry from the original vision of Immortal Square.


    Forpetitive reasons, the Yu Dynasty could not openly engage in setting up businesses in Taotie City.


    It was indeed true that the development of the Immortals'' Square was struggling. Consequently, the imperial court secretly set up shops in Taotie City under various identities.


    However, any factions associated with the imperial court maintained a firm stance against coborating with Taotie City, avoiding it altogether out of respect for the imperial authority.


    This illustrated theplex rtionship between the imperial court and Taotie City.


    Red Cotton Peak, managed by Chu Liang, was quite simr to Taotie City.


    Not long ago, the emperormented over the investigation into Red Cotton Peak, wondering how it had reached such a level of development in just a few months while the imperial court had struggled for hundreds of years to achieve even a fraction of that sess.


    If he granted Chu Liang''s request to set up shops in the name of the imperial court at Red Cotton Peak, it would effectively acknowledge the legitimacy of Red Cotton Peak. Consequently, major factions associated with the court would feel less pressure to establish their businesses there.


    This move could bring about significant repercussions.


    The first to arrive would undoubtedly be internal pressure; those with a stake in Immortals'' Square or who had avoided the troubles caused by Taotie City over the years would surely voice their grievances.


    This was why the emperor hesitated.


    But in an instant, he thought of an optimal solution: to grant Chu Liang the title of Imperial Younger Brother and appoint him to manage all the shops.


    In this way, the shops wouldn''t be regarded as businesses of the imperial court in Red Cotton Peak but rather as gifts from the emperor to his younger brother.


    The nature of this arrangement would bepletely different.


    With this, it would effectively silence the gossipers andiners.


    ...


    Although this is all just Chu Liang''s spection, it was likely quite close to the truth.


    After some conversation, Lao Santai came in again to report that General Wu Anmin had arrived.


    The emperor''s expression suddenly darkened. After providing a few more instructions regarding subsequent matters, he allowed Di Nufeng and Chu Liang to leave.


    As the teacher-disciple duo stepped out, they spotted two individuals waiting outside the Night Dragon Hall.


    One was a middle-aged man dressed in purple robes, appearing rather unwell. The other was a handsome young man in bright yellow robes, with sharp brows and bright skin, appearing rather energetic.


    As the two stood together, they shared some resemnce.


    Lao Santai led them out and addressed the middle-aged man, saying, "Great General, you may enter now."


    The middle-aged man nodded, took a deep breath, and then stepped into the hall.


    He must be the Great General Wu Anmin; during this expedition to the Roupu Kingdom, he not only failed to secure what should have been easy military achievements, but the captives he brought back from the Roupu Kingdom nearly caused a mess in the pce.


    Although the trouble was caused by the Celestial Charm Sect, as the person in charge, he would undoubtedly face me for negligence and would certainly be punished.


    The young man in yellow robes smiled and asked Lao Santai, "Who are these two?"


    Lao Santai introduced them, saying, "This is Di Nufeng, a peak master of the Mount Shu Sect, and this is Chu Liang, a young hero of the Mount Shu Sect."


    He then turned to introduce the other, saying, "And this is His Highness the Second Prince."


    The emperor of the Yu Dynasty had many children, but only three were born with the Divine Fire Spirit: the Second Prince, the Sixth Princess, and the Thirteenth Prince.


    The Second Prince, the legitimate son of Empress Wu, held the highest rank among the three and was always regarded as the crown prince.


    From a young age, he was diligent and studious, earning a good reputation both within and outside the imperial court; he was widely considered to be the next emperor.


    As a result, both Di Nufeng and Chu Liang knew about him.


    "Ohhh." Di Nufeng nodded enthusiastically and said, "Little Second Prince, you can call me grandauntie[2]."


    "Eh?" The Second Prince was about to greet her when he was momentarily stunned by her words.


    His reaction clearly conveyed his thought, <i>Why the sudden insult?</i>


    Lao Santai quickly whispered, "Your Highness, she really is your grandauntie."


    "..." The Second Prince finally understood. He had certainly heard about a certain grandauntie who had raged at the royal rtives in the pcest time, but he hadn''t expected his father''s second aunt to look so young.


    After gathering his thoughts, he smiled again and said, "I''ve known the name Di Nufeng, one of the Mount Shu Sect''s peak masters, since I was young; I didn''t realize we had this connection. What a pleasant surprise!"


    Not wanting to dwell on the matter of seniority, he quickly turned his attention to Chu Liang. "Young Hero Chu, you previously yed the Taowu, and I''ve also heard that you were the one who did the detoxification for the recent incident, saving countless lives. I have long been aware of your great reputation. Among the talented individuals in today''s immortal sects, you are undoubtedly one of the best."


    "Oh, no, no, I wouldn''t say that," Chu Liang quickly replied with a friendly smile. "Your Highness doesn''t need to be so formal; we''ll soon be family."


    "Hmm?" The Second Prince nced back at Lao Santai.


    Lao Santai quietly exined, "His Majesty just granted Young Hero Chu the title of Imperial Younger Brother, so he will be Your Highness''..."


    <i>Uncle?</i> The Second Prince looked at his uncle''s youthful smile and then at his grandaunt''s bright and beautiful face. He suddenly felt that he should have never greeted them in the first ce.


    "It''s our first time meeting someone of the younger generation. We should give him some greeting gifts," Di Nufeng said as she nudged Chu Liang with her elbow.


    "I have some," Chu Liang replied, raising his hand to pull out two cards. "It''s just a small gift."


    "Oh, there''s no need for such formalities," the Second Prince said with a quick smile as he epted the cards. With this, he could no longer deny their rtionship and awkwardly added, "From now on, you two... elders, please visit the pce often so we can get to know each other better."


    "Of course, of course," Chu Liang responded with a radiant smile.


    After chatting a bit more, the teacher-disciple duo finally left together.


    As the Second Prince watched them walk away, he nced down at the gifts in his hand. They were two specially made cards that read, <i>Red Cotton Peak Discount Coupon: Spend 10,000 spirit-stone coins to receive a discount of 5.</i>


    The Second Prince felt so speechless. It truly was a "small" gift.


    <i>Where did these poor rtivese from?</i> he couldn''t help but wonder as he observed the two figures moving farther and farther away.


    1. This title references <i>Journey to the West</i>, where Monk Tang, the pig, and the monkey visit the Women''s Kingdom. The queen refers to Monk Tang as ÓùµÜ¸ç¸ç (Yu Di Ge Ge), with ÓùµÜ meaning ''Imperial Younger Brother'' and ¸ç¸ç meaning ''Older Brother.'' Monk Tang holds the title of Imperial Younger Brother because he has sworn brotherhood with Tang Taizhong, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Although the queen is younger than Monk Tang, she calls him ''older brother + Imperial Younger Brother'' while using his title, which can sound very confusing. ?


    2. In Chinese culture, the term grandauntie "¹ÃÄÌÄÌ" (g¨± n¨£inai) can be perceived as rude or disrespectful. ?

 Chapter 491: I Will Never Make Another Spirit-Slaying Jar Again!

    <h4>Chapter 491: I Will Never Make Another Spirit-ying Jar Again!</h4>


    As the sun shone down on Silver Sword Peak, spirit birds were perched peacefully in the warm, cozy shade of the trees. Then two people suddenly descended onto the peak, startling the birds away.


    It was Di Nufeng, the peak master of Silver Sword Peak, and Chu Liang, the deputy peak master and the peak''s eldest senior brothernded. They had returned home.


    However, the moment they got back, Chu Liang said in surprise, "What''s going on here?"


    He walked to his small wooden cabin and saw two tables set up in front of the door. There was a row of people standing there, holding their breath as they watched something.


    <i>Lin Bei, Shang Ziliang, Lackey A, Lackey B, Xiaoyu''er, and Liu Xiaoyu...</i>


    Chu Liang''s entire work team was there, watching the two people seated at the two tables.


    One of the two people was Yuan Zhuo from the Hall of Conservation, with his honest-looking squarish face and determined gaze. The other was Little Chu Yi. The small child needed to sit on an extra cushion so that he reached the right height to use the table properly. His snowy little face was all serious.


    One was big, and the other small, but both boys had a towering pile of books stacked on the table in front of them. They each held a book in their hands, flipping through them so furiously that the sound of the turning pages merged into a continuous rustle.


    Seeing Chu Liang return, Shang Ziliang stepped toward him and said, "You''re finally back. It''s the day to verify our ounts with the sect, but we don''t know how to do it, and you were nowhere to be found. Fortunately, Senior Brother Yuan said we could let Chu Yi give it a try..."


    He spoke very quietly, afraid of disturbing Yuan Zhuo and Chu Yi.


    "Oh, that''s right," Chu Liang muttered, smacking his forehead.


    He had been busy with other matters these past few days, so he had forgotten about the scheduled date for reconciling ounts[1] with Mount Shu.


    Red Cotton Peak was not solely his. Twenty percent of the shares belonged to the Mount Shu Sect and ten percent belonged to Taotie City, so it was necessary to reconcile their ounts regrly. There had been a myriad of financial transactions due to the many merchants and all the promotional events for the grand opening of the shopping district.


    The sheer volume of transactional information meant that even seasoned ountants might take several days to sort through it. Yet, judging from the current situation, it seemed Yuan Zhuo and Chu Yi were nearly done.


    Chu Liang was well aware of how amazing Yuan Zhuo was. Yuan Zhuo was considered to have the most formidable mind in the Mount Shu Sect. Even Chu Liang felt inferior to him when it came to memorization.


    So, that was not what surprised Chu Liang.


    <i>I had no idea that Little Chu Yi''s this amazing. He''s actually keeping pace with Senior Brother Yuan.</i>


    <i>I''ve truly found a treasure.</i>


    After a long while, Little Chu Yi finally closed thest ount book in his hand. He stretched up to ce it on top of the pile that wasrge enough to bury him.


    Then he pulled his hands into his sleeves and let out a long breath. "All done."


    "Yay!" Xiaoyu''er suddenly cheered. "Little Yi won!"


    "<i>Hmm?</i>" Chu Liang was stunned. "Was it apetition?"


    Xiaoyu''er blinked. "Weren''t theypeting to see who could flip through the pages faster?"


    Behind her, Liu Xiaoyu quickly covered her younger sister''s mouth and pulled her away in embarrassment. "All you understood was that they were flipping pages..."


    Next to them, Di Nufeng was shocked too. "Wasn''t that the case?"


    Seeing the teacher-disciple duo return, Little Chu Yi jumped off the stool and walked over to them.


    He greeted them respectfully with a bow. "Big Sis Feng, Big Bro Chu Liang."


    At this moment, Yuan Zhuo put down thest ount book in his hand.


    He walked over, cupped his hands together, and bowed respectfully in greeting. "Peak Master Feng, Junior Brother Chu."


    Chu Liang looked at Little Chu Yi''s actions and then at Yuan Zhuo''s, suddenly feeling they were quite simr.


    He took a closer look at Chu Yi. <i>This little guy has only spent two days in the Hall of Conservation. Yet, why do I feel like the more I look at him, the more I think that his little head has be... a little squarish?</i>


    He couldn''t help but feel a bit afraid for the child. <i>I let you learn from Senior Brother Yuan, but I didn''t mean for you to learn everything...</i>


    After looking Chu Yi over several times, Chu Liang cupped his hands together and bowed respectfully in greeting. "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother Yuan."


    "It wasn''t hard," Yuan Zhuo replied calmly. "Chu Yi is a very talented child. He''s so young, but he''s exceptionally gifted. I hope you can foster him well."


    "Don''t worry." Di Nufeng chuckled. "As long as this child stays with us on Silver Sword Peak, nothing will go wrong."


    Yuan Zhuo looked at her like he had something to say, but he held back. He then continued, "We''re done checking the ledgers. There are no major issues. I''ll go back and report to my esteemed teacher."


    He turned to leave, but after taking a few steps, he turned back.


    Yuan Zhuo said earnestly to Chu Liang, "You have to make sure the child learns good things."


    Chu Liang''s gaze was just as sincere and determined. "I know."


    "Influences are very important."


    "I am the sturdiest barrier."


    After that rather cryptic conversation, Yuan Zhuo finally felt at ease and left.


    None of the lines they said mentioned Di Nufeng, yet every line was about Di Nufeng.


    ...


    That night, Chu Liang went to the Bombax River again.


    He had been staying at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau these past two days, so he had not had the time to y the wine-jar monsters.


    When he got to the river, it was just as he had expected. Yet another one had gone missing.


    However, he was no longer surprised.


    <i>If one''s missing, so be it.</i>


    During this period, the Intoxicating Spirit Flowers had been growing very well on Silver Sword Peak. The second batch of Intoxicating Spirit Flower Leaves was ready for harvest.


    The Fragrance of Enlightenment was still exclusively supplied to the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, but it was no longer as scarce in supply as before. Disciples of other immortal sects had even begun to buy the Fragrance of Enlightenment at high prices from the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect.


    Yet, Chu Liang did not stop those scalpers. After all, the point of selling the Fragrance of Enlightenment was to benefit his fellow disciples, so as long as they were benefiting from the sales, it didn''t really matter to him.


    Strictly speaking, the Fragrance of Enlightenment did not belong to him anyway. It were a gift from nature!


    He just lightly snapped his fingers a few times, and the wine-jar monsters in the river exploded one by one, dissipating in the water.


    Now that he had unlocked the fourth level of the Secret Reservoir in the Colorful Doll, his fifth-realm foundational already epassed four elements: metal, wood, water, and fire. The quality of his foundational qi increased dramatically.


    His foundational qi contained such explosive power that if even just a little bit of it overflowed and seeped out of him, it would be enough to kill small ghastly creatures like the wine-jar monsters.


    Chu Liang walked up and down the riverbank to ensure that he hadn''t missed any wine-jar monsters. Satisfied he had gotten all of them, he finally returned to Mount Shu to sleep.


    <i>I''ll surely have a good dream tonight.</i>


    ...


    Xuan Yinzi has been suffering from severe insomniately.


    As an Eminent One at the seventh and a half realm, he naturally did not need sleep to recover from mental fatigue. Nheless, he was stuck in this sealed underground cave, so going into hibernation could conserve his strength and slow down the loss of his qi and blood. Therefore, aside from making Spirit-ying Jars, Xuan Yinzi would spend most of his time asleep to save his qi and blood.


    However, he recently noticed that his mental state was losing stability, making it increasingly difficult for him to go into hibernation. It was all because of the Spirit-ying Jars... They were truly messing with his mental state.


    <i>If this method doesn''t work, then none of you should return. If nonee back, I will naturally lose hope.</i>


    Yet, every time Xuan Yinzi was about to give up hope, a Spirit-ying Jar would suddenly return. It would replenish his qi and blood a little, filling him with enthusiasm to make more jars. Then there would be another period when none of the jars returned.


    After several days like that, Xuan Yinzi would feel disheartened. Sometimes, he truly felt that this method was not working and didn''t want to waste his blood essence on making more Spirit-ying Jars. That was when another jar would float back into the cave.


    Initially, Xuan Yinzi would be overjoyed at this small return, but now he only felt anguish.


    This monster, who had once been capable of shaking up the whole world, felt rather aggrieved.


    <i>Either it works, or it doesn''t. What does it mean if it keeps stringing me along like this?</i>


    Xuan Yinzi made up his mind.<i> </i>


    <i>I will never make another Spirit-ying Jar again! I''ll think of another way tomorrow!</i>


    Yet, right then, another full Spirit-ying Jar appeared at the cave''s entrance...


    Xuan Yinzi''s weathered face tensed up.


    <i>I guess... I''ll make them for just a few more days?</i>


    1. To check that the numbers for the transactions are correct and the bnces match up. ?

 Chapter 492: Yang Shenlong

    <h4>Chapter 492: Yang Shenlong</h4>


    The sky was devoid of stars, and the moonlight was hidden.


    On a deste mountain in the Southern Regions, there stood a dpidated ornate building, marked with traces of the Great Dao of Years. On this dark, windy night, the mountain winds blew with a faint wail.


    <i>Crack.</i>


    Someone''s foot stepped on a fallen twig, making a crisp crack. Several people appeared in front of the ornate building, gazing at it for a moment before entering it.


    There were five people in total. The most conspicuous of them was a burly man, sturdy like an iron tower. His thin shirt wasn''t enough to cover up his chiseled muscles that seemed to have been carved by a knife or a hatchet. His face looked equally strong and rugged like a rock.


    The person at the front of the group was an old man in in clothes. He had wrinkled skin and a weathered face.


    The old man''s hands were resting on the shoulders of a child. This child seemed simple-minded and robust, but his face had a simrly dullplexion.


    Behind them stood a short, stocky middle-aged man and a youth who was tall and slender like bamboo.


    The group pushed open the building''s entrance doors, revealing arge messy hall with cobwebs and dust everywhere.


    "Is anyone here?" the leader of the group, the old man, called out.


    After a moment, a man responded from deep within the hall, "Well, who do we have here? Which route have youe from, friends?"


    A man and a woman walked out from the back of the hall. The man was tall and had a youthful appearance, but the malevolent qi he exuded gave him a menacing air. The woman was young and beautiful. She clung closely to the man, with her soft and supple body. She watched the group with a gaze that was as alluring as she looked.


    "<i>Hohoh,</i> pardon the intrusion," the old man said as he saw the pair approach. "I heard you take in children here?"


    "Yes."


    The young man who was shrouded in malevolent qi nced at the child. When the child fearlessly met his gaze, the young man furrowed his eyebrows slightly.


    The old man pushed the child forward. "Take a look at this eight-year-old child. How much can you give me for him?"


    The young man looked down, observing the child carefully. He then let out a coldugh and looked back up at the old man.


    "You say this child is eight?"


    "That''s right," the old man answered with a chuckle. "His birthday just passed recently. His family couldn''t afford to keep him, so they gave him a red egg and sent him off."[1]


    "My friend, stop pretending," the young man said loudly. "We only take in humans, not demons."


    "I told you it wouldn''t work," the short, stocky middle-aged man at the backmented. "Even if he''s really a child, human traffickers wouldn''t take a dim-witted child like him."


    The child turned around to retort, "Better than having a mouth that stinks like your momma''s ass."


    "The ve of Mount Tai, attack!" the old man shouted, reaching out to grab the alluring young woman.


    Before the old man shouted, the ve of Mount Tai, the burly man, had already made a move. Hisrge hands spread open like a, about to capture the young man.


    "You dare cause trouble here?!" the young man snarled.


    With a whoosh, he broke free and slid several zhang away.


    His lower body had transformed into the thick tail of a ck-scaled python. Extending upward from its tail, the python split into two upper bodies. One belonged to the young man, and the other belonged to the young woman. The two of them actually shared the same body!


    The python twisted about, revealing the true form of the young man and woman¡ªa giant two-headed ck python.


    "<i>Raaaar!</i>"


    It opened its mouth and spat out a cloud of blood fog that contained an extremely toxic venom capable of dissolving flesh.


    Nevertheless, the group of five was not afraid in the slightest and surrounded the pair.


    The ve of Mount Tai grabbed the python''s tail and roared as he swung it up into the air! The short, stocky middle-aged man and the tall, slender youth rushed forward, each grabbing one of the python''s heads. The three of them held the two-headed python up in midair.


    The old man turned his hand over and conjured a stone sword that seemed to have been made from cliff rock. Its thick, wide de did not have a sharp edge. Yet, it sliced the two-headed giant python in half with just one sh like a legendary weapon!


    "<i>Aaaaahhhhhh!!!</i>" both python heads screamed. "We are all demons. Why are you ughtering your own kind?!"


    Before it was even done talking, it was obvious the two-headed python would soon be dead.


    ...


    <i>Thud, thud.</i>


    The two severed bodies fell to the ground.


    The group of five wiped the dust and blood off their hands, then they moved further into the hall. Soon after, they arrived at the rear of the hall, where a deep cavey ahead.


    The old man continued to lead the way as they ventured into the pitch-ck cave. The cave walls were sticky and slippery, clearly the work of a giant python.


    Momentster, they approached the end of the cave. The old man dropped down to the bottom and found another cave, dimly illuminated by a small candle me. More than a dozen childreny in a deep sleep there.


    The old man swept his gaze over them and then said, "There are children missing from around a dozen or so families. Those missing children should all be here."


    "Luckily, they are all unharmed," the ve of Mount Tai remarked quietly in his deep voice.


    Just as the group was about to move forward to wake the children, the old man shouted, "Be careful!"


    Right then, a boy dressed in a scarlet robe suddenly opened his eyes, revealing vertical pupils that gleamed with ferocity!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    He opened his mouth and spewed out strange sinister mes, knocking down the tall, slender youth. The boy made a twisting motion and transformed into a slithering Fire Python with wings!


    "Protect the children!" the old man yelled.


    The Fire Python went on a rampage, spewing a torrent of raging mes! The small cave was instantly filled with scorching mes of qi!


    The group of five raised their hands simultaneously, and a dense stone wall rose from the ground, shielding the children and preventing the mes from passing through.


    The Fire Python''s cultivation level was quite high, so its mes were extremely powerful. If even just a spark from those mesnded on a person, it could instantly engulf them, incinerating their body and soul!


    After spewing the mes, the Fire Python had no intention of fighting further. It moved upward in a twisting motion. Rumbling reverberated through the cave as the Fire Python drilled through the ceiling, creating arge hole at an amazingly fast speed!


    The Fire Python disappeared from the cave in the blink of an eye.


    The group of five had been focused on protecting the children, so they had no time to attack it. By the time they wanted to pursue, it was already gone.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    After breaking free, the Fire Python and soared into the sky, intending to escape into the distance. However, a white-robed figure suddenly appeared in its path.


    It was a tall young man dressed in white robes, standing gracefully in the wind. He had sleek sword-like eyebrows and long, beautiful hair. His eyes glowed with divine light as he calmly looked at the Fire Python with a piercing gaze.


    The moon could not be seen in the night sky, but this young man had an illuminating presence, making him shine just like a bright moon!


    The Fire Python had no idea why, but the sight of this young man made its heart race in fear, as if it was about to suffer a great cmity. Nevertheless, it was not going to sit around and wait for death.


    It opened its mouth and spewed another st of sinister raging mes!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    This ball of fire was even fiercer than the one in the cave!


    Yet, the young man just casually raised his hand, spreading it open and gently pressing down on the fireball. The zing fireball immediately transformed into a tiny spark under his palm and dissipated in the wind.


    Following that, the Fire Python came under the young man''s palm too and fell, shrinking in size until it turned into a worm-like creature. It scurried around on the young man''s palm only to find that there was an invisible barrier preventing it from escaping.


    The rest of the group emerged from the cave and caught up to the young man.


    The old man stepped forward and said respectfully, "Young Master, in the end, we still needed you to take action."


    "Are the children unharmed?" the young asked.


    "They''re fine," the old man replied. "They should all be here. We can interrogate this serpent demon when we return."


    "Just who are you people?!" the serpent demon, the Fire Python on the young man''s palm, raged, writhing back and forth. "You are all greater demons with cultivation power. Why are you willing to serve this human''s ves?"


    "<i>Hohoh,</i>" the old manughed. "You probably don''t know our young master''s identity."


    "What is his identity? Is it worth betraying your own kind?" the serpent demon snarled.


    The young man nced at the serpent demon, his fingers closing in on it.


    Just before he clenched his hand into a fist, he said, "My name is Yang Shenlong."


    ...


    "Three days after Yang Shenlong emerged from closed-door cultivation, he destroyed a demon hideout in the Southern Regions, rescuing more than a dozen children who had been kidnapped!"


    "He''s truly incredible. He''s handsome and cool, as well as chivalrous and righteous. He even has extraordinary cultivation power. Isn''t he the heroic husband I''ve always dreamed of?"


    "Before going into closed-door cultivation, his cultivation level was already the best among the younger generation. Now that he has emerged from closed-door cultivation with a breakthrough, I''m afraid no one can be a match for him."


    "Most geniuses would not be a match for any one of his Wuyue Mountain ves, not to mention him whomands the Wuyue Mountain ves. He was the one who had subdued those five greater demons by himself! They''re even serving him willingly!"


    "The top spot at this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects will probably belong to the Peni Supreme Sect once again."


    "Of course! Peni''s representatives won first ce for three assemblies in a row. They only got third ce in thest assembly, but there''s no doubt they''ll be determined to im first ce at the uing assembly. With a peerless genius like Yang Shenlong, their win is practically set. There are very few who would be able to challenge them."


    "As for past strong contenders like the Celestial King Sect, the only notable disciple they have in the current generation is Feng Chaoyang; the others are unremarkable. There might be some notable geniuses among the enigmatic younger generation of the Endless Sword Sect, but no one knows about them. So, it seems that there isn''t really anyone among the other sects who canpare to Yang Shenlong."


    "Actually... I think Mount Shu''s got a pretty good chance."


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Mount Shu''s goal this year is just to not fall out of the top ten."


    "But Red Cotton Peak is holding a promotional event again. The things you can buy there are cheap and useful."


    "That''s true. Then I''ll support Mount Shu too."


    With the release of the new issue of <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>, Yang Shenlong''s name returned to the public eye. He had been in closed-door cultivation for nearly a year. The world of immortality cultivators still regarded him as the strongest of the younger generation, but there had been little news about him.


    However, after emerging from closed-door cultivation recently, he destroyed a demon hideout in one fell swoop. It was rumored that this hideout was connected to the demons of the Far West and that Yang Shenglong was investigating leads rted to it.


    As soon as this news broke, it upied the headlines of <i>The Chronicles of the Nine Provinces</i>, highlighting Yang Shenlong''s prominence.


    In reality, this matter couldn''tpare to Chu Liang''s thwarting of the Celestial Charm Sect''s conspiracy in the capital of Yu. However, that incident had been caused, in part, by the imperial court''s negligence.


    The imperial court had organized the Grand Capture Ceremony to boost public morale, but if news of such a major incident were to get out, the public would end up having the opposite reaction. Unrest and chaos would spread across the nine provinces, and that was likely one of the things that the Celestial Charm Sect had aimed for with this incident.


    Therefore, after various consultations, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion did not publish news of Chu Liang''s great merit in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    Only certain citizens of the capital of Yu would remember just how perilous that day had been. And of course, the "Skillful Hands and Benevolent Whip" banner in Chu Liang''s home would serve as a memory of his great service to them.


    As for Chu Liang himself, he didn''t care much about this kind of fame. He was more interested in another piece of news.


    <i>Princess Jingyang Rejected for Marriage Again. Mount Shu Sect Disciple Bestowed the Title of Imperial Younger Brother.</i>


    1. In Chinese culture, red is the color of good fortune and happiness, while eggs are symbols of new life. So, in this context, the red egg could be conveying the message of wishing the child good fortune in his new beginning. ?

 Chapter 493: Tools Used In Combination

    <h4>Chapter 493: Tools Used In Combination</h4>


    At first nce, the news made him chuckle. It seemed that Princess Jingyang wasn''t facing rejection for the first time. Why was it so difficult for her to get married?


    The phrase "Mount Shu Sect Disciple Bestowed the Title of Imperial Younger Brother" undoubtedly referred to him. But what on earth was his connection to the headline "Princess Jingyang Rejected for Marriage Again"?


    As he read further, a realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.


    The sixth princess of the imperial family had the title Jingyang. She was the very princess the emperor had intended to marry off to him!


    <i>So, it was because of me?</i>


    The article recounted thatst year, the emperor had sought to marry Princess Jingyang to Zhang Chen of the Ascending Dragon Academy. However, Zhang Chen had turned down the proposal, iming that romantic affairs would interfere with his studies, and it was even considered a noble tale at the time.


    But after several such instances, the situation took on a humorous twist. Attempts to marry off Princess Jingyang had been made multiple times, only to meet with rejection each time. What had once been a noble tale was now turning into aughingstock. There was a real possibility that she would bebeled as someone unable to find a husband.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but frown.


    If this matter hadn''t been made public, it might not have been an issue. However, now that everyone was aware, he would have been the reason why the sixth princess became theughing stock among the citizens of the Yu Dynasty. Wouldn''t she end up resenting him for it?


    The problem was that only a handful of people had been present in the main hall that day. How on earth did this news manage to leak out?


    As he read further, the article borated on Chu Liang''s reason for refusal. At that time, the emperor had been "adamant about bestowing the marriage," while Chu Liang was described as "hesitant and inarticte." It was his esteemed teacher, both beautiful and wise, who intervened, dering, "My disciple''s heart already belongs to another and cannot marry someone else."


    Moreover, within the court, the emperor, moved by Di Nufeng''s remarkable virtue, wished to honor her with the title of Imperial Teacher. However, she gracefully declined. Left with no other choice, the emperor bestowed upon Chu Liang the title of Imperial Younger Brother as a gesture of respect for his esteemed teacher.


    "..."


    <i>The first part was rooted in truth, but thetter half was pure nonsense... What the heck? </i>


    <i>Did the emperor address you as Second Aunt out of respect?</i>


    However, this did help Chu Liang identify the informant. It had to be a certain unnamed peak master from Silver Sword Peak at Mount Shu.


    Given his esteemed teacher''s reputation, how could the people of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion possibly have praised her like this unless a de had been held to their throats? Just a few days ago, his teacher had snuck away, returning with a beaming smile; so this was what she had been up to.


    However, in reality, Chu Liang had misunderstood his teacher.


    It wasn''t Di Nufeng who had disclosed the marriage refusal to the people of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion; rather, they had obtained the information through other channels. When Di Nufeng visited the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, she hoped that if they reported on the incident involving the Celestial Charm Sect, they could frame her in a more ttering light.


    When she discovered that this significant incident wouldn''t be covered, she felt somewhat reluctant to leave without doing anything. Just then, she spotted her name in another article they were drafting. And so, she seized the opportunity to add a few more words, crafting a portrayal of her glorious image.


    As for Chu Liang being bestowed the title of Imperial Younger Brother, it caused quite a stir. After all, he had recently sworn brotherhood with Xu Bashan, which had already shocked many. Now, he had also be the emperor''s younger brother!


    What kind of charm did this Mount Shu disciple have that attracted so many influential figures to swear brotherhood with him? Could it be that he was destined to bring good fortune to his brothers?


    The most immediate benefit of this event was the further expansion of Red Cotton Peak''s business. When Red Cotton Peak first began its development, merchants from the sects of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten had also started establishing shops there. The only factions that had yet to join were those associated with the imperial court.


    However, now that even the imperial court had opened shops at Red Cotton Peak, the sects associated with the imperial court no longer had any concerns with setting up shops here.


    As a result, sects like Ascending Dragon Academy and Monastery Tower eagerly set up their operations in this thriving marketce.


    The current prosperity of Red Cotton Peak had far surpassed Chu Liang''s initial expectations.


    At the end of Umon Tales of the Martial World, there was another piece of news: Mount Shu''s Red Cotton Peak was starting a major sale, where all goods purchased with Mount Shu sword coins were heavily discounted.


    With Chu Liang''s interactions with Zhang Xiaohan bing more frequent, she had also be much better at drafting advertisement posts. Since this was a new venture for the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, there were few merchants willing to bid for ad cements in the news. Consequently, the cost of the advertisement was much lower than the potential profit the advertisement could bring about.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chu Liang reaped significant benefits. The sessful development of Red Cotton Peak was inextricably linked to the extensive promotion provided by <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>.


    At the end of "The Chronicles of the Nine Provinces," the Celestial Pivot Pavilion issued a warning.


    Historically, the regions most affected by demon activity were the Western and Northern Regions as these two regions were the nearest to the Far West, where demons thrived. In contrast, the Eastern and Southern Regions experienced only asional strange incidents, which were typically minor disturbances.


    However, recently, there had been a noticeable uptick in sinister incidents in the Eastern and Southern Regions, with many cases showing signs of organized activity. For instance, the child disappearance case that Yang Shenlong was investigating involved malevolent entities with connections that ran disturbingly deep.


    As a result, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion urged the people of the Eastern and Southern Regions to remain vignt.


    In cities, where the City Supervisory Division maintained order, strange incidents remained rtively rare. Most troubles caused by malevolent entities urred in remote mountainous areas. While ordinary citizens were often powerless to defend themselves, they could significantly reduce their risk by simply avoiding these dangerous locations.


    ...


    After reading <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i> and spending some time cultivating on his own, Chu Liang received a flying-crane message from Wen Yulong.


    <i>I''m done upgrading the Demon-Binding Rope.</i>


    Although Chu Liang had waited several days for this news, he was not overjoyed. Instead, he remained calm and collected as he made his way to the Hall of Weapons.


    Through his many experiences, he had learned to temper his expectations regarding Wen Yulong''s creations, choosing to remain cautious until he could see the final masterpiece.


    "Senior Brother Chu," Wen Yulong greeted him, "This time, the improvements were made exactly ording to your requests."


    "Really?" Chu Liang asked skeptically. "You didn''t incorporate any of your other ideas?"


    "Not at all," Wen Yulong said as he took out the bundle of the Demon-Binding Rope, which was now ck and gold in color. "I simply followed your instructions,bining the poison threads with the Demon-Binding Rope to add a bit of toxicity. This would strengthen the binding power of the rope, making it exceedingly difficult for anyone below the seventh realm to escape once they were bound."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang''s expression finally brightened with joy.


    It was rare for Wen Yulong not to add his own clever tweaks.


    He picked up the Demon-Binding Rope, feeling its weight. Sure enough, the enchanted formation inscriptions hadn''t changed much. The effect was the same as before. It was just stronger.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Just then, he spotted a purple orb embedded in the back of the Demon-Binding Rope and asked with curiosity, "What''s this?"


    "This is a Lightning Orb," Wen Yulong exined. "It discharges electricity once the rope coils around its target. While its power isn''t overwhelming, I found that the electricity helps the poison spread more quickly and intensifies its effects, making the toxicity a dozen times stronger."


    He chuckled as he added, "It''s just a minor enhancement¡ªnot really an extra idea."


    <i>Wait a minute... </i>


    Chu Liang still felt that something was off.


    The spider demon venom was already quite strong. If its potency was increased by dozens of times, what would the effects be? It could even lead to instant death!


    "How strong is the toxicity now?" he asked urgently.


    "I don''t know," Wen Yulong admitted, shaking his head.


    "You don''t know?"


    This response took Chu Liang by surprise.


    "The ones I tested it on were all wild animals and low-level demonic beasts. They died shortly after being bound, so I don''t know the potency of the venom," Wen Yulong replied. "But it''s definitely strong..."


    "They died immediately after they were bound?" Chu Liang asked.


    "It took a few moments, roughly... I attempted to detoxify them, but there wasn''t enough time for the antidote to take effect," Wen Yulong admitted candidly. "Next time you y monsters and vanquish evil entities, you can test it on various levels of evil entities. That should help you determine its power limit."


    "But..." Chu Liang hesitated, unsure if this was a blessing or a curse. "While having strong toxicity is certainly advantageous, this is primarily a movement-restricting enchanted tool. If the target dies after being bound, what if it''s someone I don''t want to kill?"


    "I thought about that too. Don''t you have a Poison-Expulsion Whip?" Wen Yulong suggested. "After using the Demon-Binding Rope to subdue someone or an evil entity, if you don''t want them to die from the poison, just use the Poison-Expulsion Whip. Its detoxifying power is strong and takes effect quickly. A singlesh should clear the toxins from their body. It''s a perfect tool to use inbination."


    As he spoke, a clever smile spread across his face.


    The meaning behind his smile seemed to say, "I''ve even devised abo technique for your enchanted tools. It''s very considerate of me, right?"


    "..." Chu Liang couldn''t help but visualize the scenario unfolding in his mind.


    He imagined himself shouting, "Where do you think you''re going, evil spirit?"


    Simultaneously, he would hurl the Demon-Binding Rope with precision, ensnaring the entity in an awkward position. Then, without missing a beat, he would whip out the Poison-Expulsion Whip,shing it to prevent an immediate death.


    How absurdly twisted would that be?

 Chapter 494: Granny Meng

    <h4>Chapter 494: Granny Meng</h4>


    "After you finish checking the ounts today,e with me to Red Cotton Peak. We''ll browse the shops and get a sense of the prices. When you return, don''t neglect your cultivation; you must practice for at least four hours every day.


    "Once you''ve absorbed enough spiritual qi into your soul and no longer need sleep, you can increase your cultivation time to six to eight hours a day. For cultivators, cultivation energy is the foundation of our existence. Also, take your studies seriously at the Hall of Conservation every morning. Senior Brother Yuan has high expectations for you. It''s quite rare that he thinks so highly of someone..."


    On Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang was already nning out Little Chu Yi''s entire day early in the morning.


    Although the schedule was quite packed andplicated, Chu Yi still kept a serious expression, listening respectfully.


    If the former dynasty still existed and he became the emperor, he would have been a benevolent ruler.


    Unfortunately, rivals in the same field could not coexist. As the Imperial Younger Brother of the current dynasty, Chu Liang naturally couldn''t encourage him to rebel against the Yu Dynasty and restore the Qian Dynasty. All he could do was guide him in a different direction.


    "You''re already six years old; time waits for no one. You must hurry with both cultivation and learning; you can''t fall behind at the starting line. Your recent performance has been good, but you must be careful not to be arrogant and impatient. You must not becent with your performance. If I see you cking off, I will definitely scold you."


    Chu Liang treated everyone with a gentle smile, but he was a bit stricter with Little Chu Yi.


    There wasn''t much choice; Silver Sword Peak didn''t have many reliable people, and he was the only one truly capable of managing the child.


    "Mm." Chu Yi maintained a serious expression and replied solemnly, "I will definitely follow Big Brother Chu Liang''s teachings."


    "Good." Chu Liang nodded in satisfaction. "Then let''s start today''s tasks."


    "Yes."


    After a round of instructions, little Chu Yi set off to begin his busy day.


    Chu Liang returned to his small cabin. As his divine sense sank into the White Pagoda, he took out a girl the size of a palm.


    It was Tuntun.


    She needed some time outside every day.


    The little creature was fast asleep, using her translucent golden wings to cover herself.


    When Chu Liang brought her out suddenly, she felt a bit dazed.


    "<i>Ding ding ding! </i>Let''s see what we''re having today!" Chu Liang announced as he ced arge bowl in front of Tuntun. "River Snail Rice Noodles!"


    "Wow¡ª" Tuntun''s eyes snapped open. She stretched out her chubby little arms, waving them in excitement.


    She had nowpletely gotten used to all sorts of junk food; although theycked spiritual nature, they tasted good. No matter what, she enjoyed the food.


    As Chu Liang watched her eat happily, behaving in a clumsy and adorable manner, he couldn''t help but grin.


    "Tuntun is simply amazing; she eats and sleeps so well! Where else can we find such a perfect child?


    "Look, we also have some fried stinky tofu.


    "And for dessert, let''s have some durian.


    "You finished so quickly; that''s impressive!


    "Oh, the way you sip that soup¡ªhow delightful."


    No matter how strong Little Chu Yi''s mindset was at such a young age, if he were to witness this scene, he would probably burst into tears on the spot.


    While Chu Liang was feeding Tuntun, the jade talisman in his robes began to vibrate. He took it out and saw that it was the Messaging Jade Talisman given to him by the Ghost-Face Chamber.


    Only the founding members of the Ghost-Face Chamber¡ªhimself, Monk Pushan, and Luo Yao¡ªpossessed this Messaging Jade Talisman.


    Newly recruited members no longer received the Ghost-Face Talisman; it was now Chu Liang''s responsibility, as the new chamber master, to ry messages to them.


    As he was unsure of the situation, he decided not to gather too many people for now. Instead, he tidied up and set off for their usual meeting ce.


    It had been some time since hest received news from the diabolical sect, and during this period, Chu Liang has be so much stronger. Now, he felt more confident in facing Ghost Face.


    ...


    At their usual meeting spot on the outskirts of the Southern Regions, Chu Liang found Ghost Face already seated cross-legged on arge rock, with Luo Yao silently sitting off to the side.


    Monk Pushan had yet to arrive, so the area was eerily quiet.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang, Ghost Face gave a slight nod and said, "We have something important to do today."


    Chu Liang nodded in response and quietly sat down.


    The group remained in silence.


    After a while, another figure descended from the horizon. Even before hended, his voice rang out, "I''mte, I''mte, I''mte! I was supposed to leave as soon as I got the message, but I ran into some trouble on the way. Can you guess what it was? No, you definitely can''t guess. I bumped into a hunting Southern Skyhawk, and it mistook me for a bird! Heh. I had to fight it off before I could continue, so that''s why I''mte. Did I hold everyone up? It''s a pity I don''t have any wine; otherwise, I''d punish myself with three cups. If that''s not okay, I''ll do three somersaults instead. Otherwise, I''d reallyck sincerity..."


    He kept rambling until he finally arrived in front of them.


    Ghost Face''s chest visibly rose and fell, looking as if he wouldsh out at any time. Chu Liang''s eardrums throbbed; it had been a long time since hest saw Monk Pushan, and he found it a bit hard to adjust.


    It was Luo Yao who coldly interjected, "You can just shut up for a moment."


    "<i>Wuwuwu,</i>" Monk Pushan mumbled in agreement, nodding obediently.


    Ghost Face exhaled slowly before speaking at a measured pace, "The elders from your chambers are all here; the others are of no concern. This mission is highly confidential; the fewer who know about it, the better."


    The three of them listened intently.


    "Our sect elder of the Dark King Sect, Granny Meng, has stolen an important treasure from the sect. This time, we need to capture Granny Meng," Ghost Face announced. "This mission is crucial; the Four Halls of Darkness have all taken action, each responsible for a specific area. Since we have arge number of members in the White-Bone Hall, the hall master has ordered us to search the mountains and seas. We will set out tomorrow."


    <i>Granny Meng?</i>


    None of them, including Chu Liang, had ever heard that name.


    However, fearing they might expose themselves as undercover agents, no one dared to speak up.


    Ghost Face continued, "You may not have heard of Granny Meng; she is an old hand at the sect. Back then, it was the previous sect leader Xuan...never mind, let''s not mention that name. She was the widow of the previous sect leader. She is considered as an elder by the current sect leader, but who would have thought she would do such a thing? Now, the sect leader has promised great merit to whoever finds her. That merit will be enough to elevate someone straight to the top!"


    The three knew little about the former sect leader of the Dark King Sect.


    What they did know was that he had likely been a powerful figure in his time, serving as the esteemed teacher to the current sect leader.


    Eventually, the current sect leader seized control of the Great Dao from the former sect leader, and there was no knowing as to whether the former sect leader survived.


    Referring to Granny Meng as a "widow" was like cursing the former sect leader.


    Regardless, internal conflicts in the diabolical sect was always a pleasing sight to see for the members of the righteous sects.


    However, the current sect leader of the Dark King Sect was clearly more powerful. Since he took over, the sect''s power had grown quickly, but their rapid expansion came to an abrupt halt after the disastrous attack on Mount Shu.


    As for the unfortunate former sect leader, no one cared whether he was alive or dead. asionally, some righteous Daoists would reminisce about the weak Dark King Sect that existed under the former leader''smand.


    "Go back and prepare; we will gather here at noon tomorrow, and then I will take you to the area we are responsible for searching," Ghost Face said finally.


    "Yes," the three replied.


    Afterward, they each returned home. On the way, the three discussed what had happened. They knew very little about the situation or who Granny Meng was, and they had no idea what valuable item she had stolen that triggered such a strong reaction from the entire Dark King Sect.


    However, by evening, the long-sealed Soul Subjugator Token vibrated again, bringing new information to everyone.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Granny Meng has stolen treasures and fled; our sect is searching everywhere. You must have received the news as well. This time, the Four Halls of Darkness have excluded us from this operation, so any information you have must be reported to me."


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "The Marquess'' injuries have healed, and he will personally take action in this mission; we will definitely capture Granny Meng!"

 Chapter 495: Top-Secret Operation

    <h4>Chapter 495: Top-Secret Operation</h4>


    The Violet Gold Marquess had made his move!


    Chu Liang and the other two immediately reported this news to their respective sects.


    At that time, they had used various methods to obtain the Soul Subjugator Token, with their ultimate target as undercover agents being the Violet Gold Marquess.


    They had waited a long time for this Guardian of the Dark King Sect to recover and emerge into the open.


    He was finally going to show up.


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "The Marquess is taking action personally? That''s fantastic! We''ve been waiting day and night for this moment. The Marquess has no idea what we''ve endured during this time..."


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Congrattions to the Marquess on emerging from closed-door cultivation. Do you happen to know what valuable item Granny Meng stole?"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I can''t tell you much, but I can say it¡¯s a valuable item rted to the Jiuli Hidden Realm, which is extremely important to our sect. Therefore, whoever captures Granny Meng will be greatly rewarded. The Marquess aims to regain his footing before the sect leader, so failure is not an option this time."


    <i>Jiuli Hidden Realm?</i>


    Seeing these words, Chu Liang immediately recalled the incident outside Kaoshan City.


    At that time, an official from Kaoshan City had discovered the Jiuli Hidden Realm in the mountains. The imperial court wanted to bring him to the capital of Yu immediately, but he was ambushed along the way by a group of diabolical cultivators and a group of demons. If the group dispatched from the diabolical sect hadn''t been the Ghost-Face Chamber, to which Chu Liang and the others belonged, the ambush would have seeded.


    Later on, the official was sessfully escorted to the capital of Yu. What happened afterward remained unclear to Chu Liang. He only knew that the imperial court had taken over the Jiuli Hidden Realm. The enchanted tools for the demon soldiers inside were better suited for military use and held little value for the immortal sects, so no one contested it. In the end, Zhang Chen, representing Ascending Dragon Academy, expressed his gratitude to those who helped, and that was the end of it.


    Could it be that something shady was happening behind the scenes?


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "The Jiuli Hidden Realm? No wonder White-Bone Hall suddenly sent us to intercept that official who found it. So, our Dark King Sect discovered the hidden realm first?"


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Don''t ask questions you shouldn''t. It''s aplicated situation. Just remember to report any information right away. If you make valuable contributions, the Marquess will reward you generously."


    With that, there were no more messages from the Eastern-Route Guider.


    Chu Liang reported this information to Venerable Wen Yuan, who immediately sent a message to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, inquiring about matters rted to the Jiuli Hidden Realm.


    Only after receiving a reply from the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner did they learn that there was indeed a valuable item within the hidden realm. The Dark King Sect had likely mobilized such great forces because of that item.


    In the Jiuli Hidden Realm, there were not only enchanted tools from the Jiuli era, as found in other hidden realms, but also a legendary treasure of heaven and earth¡ªthe Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    ording to legend, when the primordial chaos first split open, a spring containing a blend of yin and yang qi emerged at the center of the heavens and earth,, capable of reversing life and death. However, as the heavens and earth took form, this spring gradually dried up.


    Although the spring water had evaporated, if one could find the spring¡¯s location and condense its essence using Heaven-Reaching Enchanted Powers, the resulting qi would still possess miraculous effects. This was known as the Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    In ancient times, ninth-realm Eminent Ones, who existed long enough, would have the chance to condense the Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    The Jiuli Hidden Realm was initially discovered by White-Bone Hall of the Dark King Sect. They had been secretly extracting the Breath of the Yellow Springs. However, when an official from Kaoshan City stumbled upon the hidden realm, White-Bone Hall promptly sent agents to hunt him down.


    By the time the imperial forces took over, White-Bone Hall had already extracted the Breath of the Yellow Springs from the hidden realm, leaving behind only traces of residual qi. This greatly concerned the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, which has been investigating the matter ever since.


    This was particrly concerning since the Dark King Sect possessed one of the top ten legendary artifacts listed in the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures¡ªthe True Form of Ksitigarbha!


    ...


    The reversal of yin and yang by the Breath of the Yellow Springs was far from omnipotent. If aplete corpse came into contact with it, the person would be resurrected. However, once the spiritual energy within the Breath of the Yellow Springs was depleted, they would immediately die again. Moreover, the higher the cultivation level of the resurrected individual, the shorter the duration they could remain alive.


    In the hands of most, this item posed little threat. However, if it were to fall into the hands of the Dark King Sect''s leader, it would be immensely terrifying.


    The True Form of Ksitigarbha was like the corpse of the Evil Ksitigarbha in the living world. Even though it had been suppressed by countless seals, it could still disy such great power. If it were toe into contact with the Breath of the Yellow Springs, the consequences would be terrifying.


    It could potentially attain thebat power of the ninth realm!


    No one fully understood the true extent of the Breath of the Yellow Springs'' power. Regardless, even if it contained only enough spiritual energy to revive the True Form of Ksitigarbha for a brief moment, that would be more than enough time for it to wreak havoc and bring destruction to the world.


    Such a terrifying power in the hands of the Dark King Sect''s diabolical cultivators could spell disaster at any moment.


    Upon receiving this news, the higher-ups of Mount Shu Sect, Buddhist Cloud Monastery, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes convened for an emergency discussion. They decided to prioritize finding Granny Meng over eliminating the Violet Gold Marquess.


    First, they needed to confirm if the item she had stolen was indeed the Breath of the Yellow Springs. If it was, they absolutely could not allow the Dark King Sect to reim it.


    As a result, the burden on the three undercover agents grew significantly heavier.


    Chu Liang had never expected that the undercover mission that he started identally would lead to such remarkable achievements time and time again.


    Previously, they had uncovered the Dark King Sect''s n to attack Mount Shu, but if they could find the Breath of the Yellow Springs this time, the merit and recognition would be even greater than before.


    The three of them were naturally brimming with ambition and enthusiasm.


    ...


    The next day at noon, the three undercover agents arrived at the usual spot right on time.


    Ghost Face was already waiting. He looked at them solemnly and said, "This mission is for your ears only. You must not reveal it to anyone."


    "Understood!" the three responded in unison.


    "Granny Meng has a son who died years ago. She kept his corpse on Fengya Mountain in the Northern Regions. The sect leader suspects that she might head there after stealing the valuable item. Powerful men have been dispatched there to monitor the area. Our task, as members of White-Bone Hall, is to search outward from Fengya Mountain and track her down."


    "This operation is top-secret, so be sure not to leave any traces," Ghost Face reminded them once more.


    "Understood!" the three responded once more.


    With that, Ghost Face rose and flew toward the Northern Regions. At the same time, the three quickly began sending messages to their sects using their enchanted items through their divine senses.


    "Fengya Mountain in the Northern Regions."


    "We can confirm the valuable item Granny Meng stole is the Breath of the Yellow Springs."


    "Hurry to Fengya Mountain in the Northern Regions. The Dark King Sect''s forces have already arrived."


    Suddenly, Ghost Face turned back, startling the three who were secretly sending messages. They immediately stopped and looked at him.


    "One more piece of top-secret information," he said. "The other three halls are unaware of this information. The person who carries the valuable item will emanate a dense aura of death, like a ghost. When you search for the item, be on the lookout for this. Keep it a secret from the other halls. We must ensure that Granny Meng falls into the hands of White-Bone Hall. Understood?"


    "Understood!" the three echoed loudly.


    As soon as Ghost Face turned and flew away again, the three resumed sending their messages.


    "The one carrying the Breath of the Yellow Springs will emanate a dense aura of death, just like a ghost!"

 Chapter 496: At Least Half

    <h4>Chapter 496: At Least Half</h4>


    Dusk dimmed as heavy snow sealed off the mountain. Before nightfall, snowkes began drifting down from the sky, but strangely, they were ck.


    "Heh, it''s finally here." Ghost Face nced up at the sky, a hint of excitement flickering in his eyes as the scars on his face glowed red.


    "What is this?" Chu Liang asked.


    "This is the sect leader''s divine ability," Ghost Face exined. "Wherever the ck snow falls, it serves as the sect leader''s eyes and ears. If we encounter Granny Meng, there''s no need to fight. As long as we identify her, the sect leader will arrive instantly."


    The three undercover agents immediately realized that this ck snow was the extension of the Dark King Sect leader''s divine sense, granting him an all-seeing gaze over wherever it touched.


    Naturally, thisrge-scale divine ability could only capture surface-level details. If Granny Meng had disguised herself, the sect leader would not have been able to identify her through the ck snow alone. That was why he had to dispatch arge number of people to search the mountain.


    Ghost Face''s reminder was much appreciated.


    The three kept in mind to avoid any overtly rebellious actions within the area covered by the ck snow. Meanwhile, they used their divine sense to quietly ry this information back to their respective sects.


    At this moment, they stood on a vast, snow-covered mountainside, appearing from a distance like tiny ink dots on a nk sheet of paper. Behind them, the towering peak of Fengya Mountain loomed.


    Fengya Mountain looked like an ordinary peak that had been abruptly sliced in half. One side featured rugged, jagged slopes, while the other was a near-vertical cliff, covered inyers of frost, resembling a massive mirror rising from the snowy in.


    "It''s actually a bit cold," Ghost Face muttered. "Let''s start a fire."


    This cey at the northernmost edge of the Northern Regions, bordering the extreme north, where even cultivators could feel the biting chill. Though the cold could be easily dispelled with a quick cirction of foundational qi, the real difort came from the ck snow. It exuded a yin qi that prated deep into the bones.


    What Ghost Face nned to set aze was no simple fire. He pulled out six charred bone rods from his robe and set them on top of each other. Then, he gestured with his hand to activate a divine technique that ignited a vibrant azure-gold spiritual fire.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the fire crackled, a wave of warmth radiated outward, dispelling the lingering yin qi.


    Just moments earlier, Chu Liang found himself on the verge of using his Divine Dragon Fire to start the fire. He quickly suppressed the urge. Sometimes, helping a big bro by lighting a fire wasn¡¯t the most fitting thing to do.[1]


    "From the sect to Fengya Mountain, the sect leader has established multipleyers of blockades. Granny Meng might not even reach this ce, so there''s no need for us to be overly nervous," Ghost Face said with a chuckle.


    "We returned alive from the battle at Mount Shu. What¡¯s there to be nervous about?" Chu Liang replied with a grin.


    "Speaking of Mount Shu, it brings back memories of my lifelong grudge..." Ghost Face''s expression darkened at the recollection. "I did see Di Nufeng during that battle. But when I saw how she was mercilessly taking down everyone around her, I honestly didn¡¯t dare to approach..."


    "She is indeed quite terrifying," Monk Pushan said, nodding in agreement.


    Chu Liang nced at Monk Pushan, contemting whether he should report what Monk Pushan had just said to the sect.


    "Those bald donkeys at the Buddhist Cloud Monastery are also detestable!" Ghost Face cursed again. "They were the ones who blocked the True Form of Ksitigarbha. The Mount Shu Sect doesn''t even possess a legendary artifact."


    "Perhaps those in the Buddhist sect are just very loyal and righteous..." Monk Pushan said awkwardly.


    "Loyal, my foot! They''re just meddlesome!" Ghost Face snapped angrily. "Those bald donkeys will definitely have no descendants!"


    "Which monk even has kids..." Monk Pushan muttered under his breath.


    Chu Liang quickly interjected, "There were too many sects fighting at Mount Shu; it just goes to show that all sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten are up to no good."


    "Right!" Ghost Face gnashed his teeth as he said angrily. "But the most detestable ones are still the Valley of the Three Absolutes. Those freaks are neither righteous nor diabolical, yet they hit the hardest! I was watching from the sidelines and nearly got caught and killed! Truly..."


    "<i>Eh?</i>" Luo Yao, who had been quietly warming herself by the fire, suddenly looked up.


    "We will make them pay for what happened at Mount Shu!" Chu Liang hastily interjected, concerned that Ghost Face''s remarks might infuriate the other two undercover agents and provoke an instant revolt.


    Chu Liang was not lying; they would indeed seek revenge for what happened at the Mount Shu Summit. However, who would ultimately be on the receiving end remained uncertain.


    "Right!" Ghost Face nodded heavily. "Revenge is a must! My greatest wish is to force Di Nufeng to look at my face. Then I¡¯ll tell her, ''This is the face you burned back then. Too bad you didn¡¯t kill me!'' Hahaha! And I¡¯ll take her out with one strike!"


    Just imagining it caused the scars on Ghost Face¡¯s face to glow crimson once more, showing once again how much she hated Di Nufeng.


    "I will do my best to help you achieve this wish!" Chu Liang said firmly, though in his heart, he added silently,<i> Well, half of it.</i>


    ...


    As the night deepened, everyone became more vignt.


    If Granny Meng had truly made her way to the area near Fengya Mountain, she likely wouldn¡¯t dare to force her way through during the day due to the heavy blockade. It was far more likely that she would strike under the cover of darkness.


    Those from diabolical sects often preferred to move in the shadows.


    Suddenly, shouts echoed from the distant mountains, apanied by the eerie roars of demonic beasts. Themotion persisted for a while before gradually quieting down.


    "It seems a demonic beast has intruded upon the mountain," Chu Liang remarked.


    However, just as the area fell silent, a series of heavy footsteps resonated from the ridge behind the mountain.


    There was one on their side too!


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>" In the blink of an eye, a muffled roar sounded.


    A giant icefield bear demon appeared, standing more than three zhang tall. As it stood upright, it obscured the sky and the moon, disying such fierce anger as though it were infuriated by the invaders in its territory.


    This was the season when the icefield demonic beasts would enter hibernation together, so the unexpected appearance of this massive bear caught everyone off guard.


    "Finish it quickly," Ghost Face ordered.


    It was somewhat problematic tounch an attack in front of Ghost Face. When they were in front of Ghost Face, Chu Liang and the others could not use their strongest divine abilities.


    Luo Yao waved her hand and a curved saber appeared in her hand. She was the only one in their group who had no need to disguise her techniques.


    As she raised the saber, a surge of yin qi enveloped her, and a ck phantom emerged behind her, propelling her to the top of the giant bear''s head. With a powerful swing, the curved saber came crashing down.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    The saber nearly severed the giant bear''s neck. Fortunately for the beast, its hide was thick and remarkably tough, resulting in only a deep gash from which blood sprayed onto the snow.


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The pain drove the giant bear to roar even louder, nearly sending it into a frenzy. It spun around, attempting to w at Luo Yao.


    But her figure moved like a drifting leaf, and in an instant, she had soared dozens of zhang away.


    Next, Chu Liang leaped high into the air and came crashing down, delivering a heavy punch to the top of the giant bear''s head.


    Though he had various evil techniques ready for disguise, there was no need for them now. He chose to confront the beast head-on with his raw physical strength.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With a single powerful punch, the giant bear was pinned to the spot, causing the entire battlefield to freeze in that moment.


    When Chu Liang flipped andnded, everyone saw that the giant bear''s legs had been driven several chi into the snowy ground. No wonder ity motionless in death; Half of its entire body was stuck in the ice.


    They used such a variety of divine abilities that if they were still Soul Subjugators serving the Violet Gold Marquess, they would have been immediately suspected. This was because the Soul Subjugators had a cultivation legacy centered around divine abilities, and even with slight differences, all of them were rted to the Dao of Soul.


    However, in White-Bone Hall, the diabolical cultivators had been recruited after joining various other sects, so it wasn''t unusual for them to possess their own techniques. As long as they weren''t using techniques that only proper disciples of the righteous sects could learn, Ghost Face would likely never suspect them.


    After they had killed the giant bear, they heard roars echoing from afar, as if the demonic beasts in the surrounding peaks had all be active.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? At this time of year, most of the demonic beasts in the Northern Regions'' icefield should be hibernating. They shouldn''t be this active,¡± Ghost Face muttered, sounding very concerned. ¡°If the noise catches the Night Saber Sect¡¯s attention, it could mean more trouble for us."


    He was concerned because Fengya Mountain was very near the Night Saber Sect in the Northern Regions. The icefield to the west bordered the Northern Sea while the Night Saber Sect was located at the edge of the sea.


    Compared to the open and inclusive Taotie City, sects like the Greater-Yin Cult and the Night Saber Sect were more representative of the distinct style of the immortal sects in the Northern Regions. They were aloof, ruthless, and fierce.


    On most days, they remained aloof and indifferent to worldly affairs, keeping a rtively low profile. But once provoked, their actions would instill fear in the hearts of many.


    Especially the Night Saber Sect, which ranked at the bottom of the Terrestrial Ten and was known for its ambiguous stance between good and evil. In its earlier years, it even took on assassination jobs to make a living.


    In other immortal sects, there might be na?ve and innocent disciples whom the diabolical cultivators could easily bully with their rich martial world experience. However, every disciple of the Night Saber Sect was a hardened killer, capable of licking the blood off their own sabers. They were forces even the Dark King Sect approached with caution.


    "If the noise from the demonic beasts gets too loud, the Night Saber Sect might actuallye to kill the demonic beasts and disrupt our operation, " Chu Liang said in agreement. "Should we retreat if that happens?"


    "Of course not," Ghost Face replied. "This n cannot fail! The sect leader will not allow us to fail! Even if men from the Night Saber Sect show up, we''ll have to force them away! We might have no choice but to fight then..."


    His expression grew stern as he warned, "If you do end up fighting the Night Saber Sect, be sure to watch out for their Night Saber¡¯s Three Forms..."


    1. Referencing how guys would light the smoke for their big bros but it''s not always appropriate here. ?

 Chapter 497: The Night Sabers Three Forms

    <h4>Chapter 497: The Night Saber''s Three Forms</h4>


    The unusually active demonic beasts continued rampaging for a while more before they got suppressed. There were many powerful figures among the diabolical cultivators of White-Bone Hall, so it was not a problem at all for them to deal with these demonic beasts.


    However, the unexpectedmotion had been quite loud, and the diabolical cultivators were worried it might have attracted the attention of the Night Saber Sect. Only Chu Liang and his two righteouspanions knew that there was no need to worry about that at all.


    After all, the Mount Shu Sect, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the Valley of the Three Absolutes, and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were already present... With the members of so many major forces already watching this ce, one more Night Saber Sect wouldn''t make much of a difference.


    As Chu Liang sat cross-legged to regte his breathing, he sank his divine sense into the White Pagoda.


    After he yed that giant bear, a new golden phantom appeared in the pagoda. He had some free time now, so it was the perfect moment to reward himself amid this world of ice and snow.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    He pressed the Refine button, and a red light shed.


    Chu Liang had done this many times, so he was very familiar with the process. Nevertheless, he still got excited every time.


    The item that fell into his hands was arge and thick piece of clothing shrouded in white light.


    [White Bear Cloak: When worn in a snowy area, this item can hide the wearer and their qipletely within the snow, without leaving any gaps or weak points in the concealment. Note: This cloak is only effective in snow.]


    <i>So, it''s a cloak used for concealment.</i>


    Chu Liang stroked the white fur covering the thick cloak a few times before putting it away. The condition of the cloak being effective only in the snow was rather restrictive. Nevertheless, if it could truly conceal the wearer perfectly in the snow, that meant this was an amazing item.


    A person could use typical stealth or camouge techniques to blend into their surroundings, but such techniques rarely concealed their qi as well. If a cultivator were to investigate the area carefully, they would always notice something was amiss.


    This cloak''s effect seemed to be that once this white garment covered a person, they would vanish into the snow. However, Chu Liang couldn''t test the cloak out now, so he couldn''t be certain of how good its effect was.


    While he was pondering this, amotion erupted outside again, and it was even more intense than before.


    Chu Liang swiftly opened his eyes. He got up and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Monk Pushan looked around and replied with a frown, "It''s a night parade of a hundred ghosts!"[1]


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A massive wave of yin qi surged over from afar, sweeping over the mountain peaks outside the range of Fengya Mountain. Ghostly wails rang out incessantly from within the dark wave of yin qi, and numerous ghastly creatures swarmed out from it.


    There weren''t just a hundred ghosts; it was thousands upon thousands... There were countless ghosts!


    "Granny Meng!" Ghost Face''s expression turned grim. "It must be her!"


    The members of the Dark King Sect didn''t know where the corpse of Granny Meng''s son was hidden, but they knew she had kept it on Fengya Mountain. So, they surrounded the area, waiting for her to walk into their trap. They had thought she might try to sneak up the mountain, but they had not expected she would be so audacious and do the opposite!


    Thinking about it, they realized that therge number of icefield demonic beasts they encountered earlier had likelye out of hibernation early because of Granny Meng. It seemed she nned to disrupt the defenses here and then take the opportunity to sneak up Fengya Mountain.


    As this thought crossed their minds, a massive cloud of ck fog extended toward Chu Liang''s group. At the edges of the fog, sinister ghosts stretched out their limbs as they screamed and wailed, sending chills to the soul.


    "How did she summon so many ghosts in such a short time?!" Monk Pushan eximed.


    "She didn''t need to do anything special to summon them. If that valuable item she''s carrying isn''t sealed, it will naturally attract arge number of ghosts," Ghost Face exined. "They''re just some ghastly creatures. Each of you go block off a section of the area. Do not let them pass!"


    "Understood!"


    Under Ghost Face''smand, the three undercover agents flew off in different directions to guard various sections of the mountain.


    Although there was a terrifyingly huge number of these ghastly creatures, none of them had a high level of cultivation. Most of them were lonely wandering ghosts. The strongest among them were Chimei Wangliang, which were not particrly strong inbat. There were hardly any vengeful spirits among them, so they were rtively easy to handle.


    Chu Liang arrived at the western mountain pass, looking at the wave of ghastly creatures with some excitement. He was about to reap another big harvest!


    However, just as he was about to start wiping out the ghastly creatures, a shadowy figure descended from afar.


    ...


    "I was wondering why this ce was swarming with evil entities. Turns out it''s you diabolical cultivators causing trouble again."


    The shadowy figure turned out to be a very thin youngster, who had his hair tied up[2]. He had a pair of dark eyes that gleamed frighteningly bright in the night under the moonlight. Dressed in ck, he stood out against the snowy backdrop.


    Chu Liang found the person rather familiar. He quickly recalled seeing a young hero named Guo Zhanlei from the Night Saber Sect during the Mount Shu Summit. The youngster standing before Chu Liang bore a striking resemnce to Guo Zhanlei. He was likely his twin brother, Guo Zhanfeng.


    <i>Why did I have to run into him? </i>Chu Liang thought. <i>Of all the diabolical cultivators you could go after, you chose me, a righteous cultivator that''s undercover as a diabolical cultivator...</i>


    Chu Liang''s train of thought paused there. He remembered that of the four diabolical cultivators on this mountain, three were undercover agents from righteous sects. That meant Guo Zhanfeng had not had a high chance of encountering a real diabolical cultivator.


    <i>Haaa, </i>Chu Liang sighed inwardly.


    However, the ck snow falling from the sky indicated that the Dark King Sect''s leader could be watching this ce. Chu Liang couldn''t openly reveal his identity, so he adopted the tone of a real diabolical cultivator when he spoke.


    He asked, "Who are you, thief, toe here and obstruct the Dark King Sect''s business? Do you know that our sect leader is present?!"


    Chu Liang said that in the hope that Guo Zhanfeng would recognize the danger and retreat or report to his sect elders instead of acting recklessly.


    Yet, no one could have expected what came next.


    Guo Zhanfeng narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to scare me?"


    <i>Why are you getting angry?</i>


    <i>I''m warning you of the danger you''re in...</i>


    "I''m just advising you to leave this ce quickly!" Chu Liang replied helplessly, flinging out his hand and gesturing for Guo Zhanfeng to go.


    "I''m Guo Zhanfeng. You can go ask around," the youth stared at Chu Liang. "I ain''t no scaredy cat!"


    Without any hesitation, he jumped toward Chu Liang!


    <i>Why does he have to start fighting at the drop of a hat...</i>


    Chu Liang had no choice but to brace himself and defend prudently. Compared to the ck fog of ghosts, Guo Zhanfeng was clearly more dangerous.


    He was lunging toward Chu Liang without a saber in his hand, but the warning that Ghost Face had given earlier rang in Chu Liang''s mind.


    <i>"The Night Saber''s Three Forms are the three saber forms that the members of the Night Saber Sect use the most. The first form is the Hidden Saber!</i>


    <i>"That is the first saber form their members learn when they join the Night Saber Sect. It appears as if they have no saber in hand, but they can draw a long saber at any time, catching their enemy off guard. Even if they are stark naked, they can still instantly pull out a long saber! It is nearly impossible to guard against!"</i>


    Chu Liang kept those words in mind and didn''t step forward to engage Guo Zhanfeng. However, he couldn''t summon his Dustless Sword without giving away his identity, so he had to dodge by leaping backward.


    As Guo Zhanfeng closed in on Chu Liang, he raised his right hand.


    <i>Shiiing.</i>


    Just as Chu Liang had expected, the piercing glint of a saber appeared from nowhere. When Guo Zhanfeng lowered his right hand, it was already holding a terrifying sharp ck-ded saber!


    Fortunately, Chu Liang was prepared. He turned to the side, barely avoiding getting shed!


    The typical process for summoning a weapon from a storage enchanted tool required the summoner to raise their hand and turn it over. Yet, the Night Saber Sect''s Hidden Saber form seemed to involve hiding the de in the void, allowing it to be drawn in an instant.


    If Chu Liang hadn''t been on guard, he might have been struck by that attack!


    Nevertheless, now that the saber had been drawn, it was no longer as threatening. Chu Liang flipped around and delivered a whipping kick that hit the side of the saber. Then he struck forth with his palm, forcing Guo Zhanfeng to retreat.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Guo Zhanfeng''s fist collided against Chu Liang''s palm, and the impact pushed the two of them backward more than ten zhang.


    The immense force behind Chu Liang''s palm strike shocked Guo Zhanfeng. Was this diabolical cultivator actually a martial artist or a physical cultivator? How could a casual palm strike carry the same level of power as an attack from a demonic beast?


    Bewildered, Guo Zhanfeng turned his hand over and put his saber away into his storage enchanted tool.


    Then he said, "You seem to have a high cultivation level. If you dare, stay here. I''ll go back to my sect and bring my fellow disciples here to fight you."


    "I''d be happy to," Chu Liang replied calmly.


    Guo Zhanfeng turned away, seemingly about to leave. Nheless, Chu Liang kept his gaze fixed on Guo Zhanfeng''s back.


    Ghost Face''s words continued to ring in Chu Liang''s mind.


    <i>"The second form of the Night Saber''s Three Forms is the Sheathed Saber. The disciples of the Night Saber Sect are extremely cunning. They often sheathe their sabers mid-battle, making you think they''re retreating. But just when you let down your guard, they unleash a thunderous strike on you!"</i>


    ...


    Right when Guo Zhanfeng seemed to be leaving, the ground beneath Chu Liang''s feet shook and rumbled. Then a gust of ck wind burst out of it!


    It was lucky he had remained on high alert. Chu Liang managed to see the gaping mouth of a ferocious beast just in time!


    He threw out another palm strike, knocking the ck wind away.


    <i>Thud, thud.</i>


    The ck beast tumbled a few times before swiftly getting back onto its feet. That''s when Chu Liang was able to see that the beast was a demonic hound with a glossy coat of ck fur and eyes that had flickering ck mes. It was clearly no ordinary beast.


    While Chu Liang was upied by the hound''s attack, Guo Zhanfeng flew toward Chu Liang in a twisting motion and instantly crossed a distance of more than ten zhang. With that great momentum, he sent a powerful saberlight toward Chu Liang with a whoosh!


    It turned out that the essence of the Night Saber''s Three Forms was pretty much the same and could be summed up in three words. They were all... shameless sneak attacks!


    1. This can also be tranted to Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, so I guess it''s a reference to, as stated in the name, a parade of oni and yokai in Japanese folklore. ?


    </a>


    2. In ancient China, when boys tie their hair up, it indicates they are in their adolescence. ?</a>                </a>

 Chapter 498: I Will Definitely Make Him Regret It!

    <h4>Chapter 498: I Will Definitely Make Him Regret It!</h4>


    Guo Zhanfeng''s attack was swift fast and fierce. Right after the hound''s surprise attack, he instantly drew his saber, slicing through the moonlight!


    In this moment of crisis, Chu Liang almost instinctively used Dimension Compression to evade the attack. Thankfully, his rationality prevailed, and he held back against his impulse to use righteous immortal arts.


    Unable to instantly create distance between them, Chu Liangh had no choice but to defend by fighting back.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    He had used the Green Leaf multiple times during the Mount Shu Summit, so there was a risk he might get recognized if he used it here. Ultimately, he could only summon the Giant Elephant Shield that he had obtained in Python Belly City.


    This was the advantage of having a plethora of enchanted tools. Many of the enchanted tools might remain unused in storage most of the time, but simply having them in his storage enchanted tool meant he could take them out at any time to boost hisbat power.


    A thick shield suddenly appeared between Chu Liang and Guo Zhanfeng. A ng rang out as the shield blocked Guo Zhanfeng''s mighty saber strike that was filled with murderous intent. A deep dent then appeared on the surface of the Giant Elephant Shield, showing how powerful the strike had been.


    The disciples of the Night Saber Sect were known for being exceptionally skilled at saber techniques, but their mastery of cunning schemes was even more difficult to deal with.


    After Guo Zhanfeng struck the shield with his saber, he used the recoil tounch into the air in a twisting motion. He stepped onto the top edge of the shield and looked down at Chu Liang, raising his saber high again!


    Seeing the cold gleam in Guo Zhanfeng''s eyes, Chu Liang knew things were taking a bad turn. Nevertheless, instead of panicking, he focused his attention on Guo Zhanfeng''s left hand.


    Ghost Face''s exnation from earlier continued to ring in Chu Liang''s mind. <i>"The third form of the Night Saber''s Three Forms is the Flying Saber. Everyone knows the Night Saber Sect''s saber techniques are powerful, but more of our brothers have fallen to their Flying Sabers. Despite being in the middle of a melee, they throw saber des like they''re shooting arrows! Quick as lightning!</i>"


    Just as Chu Liang had expected, Guo Zhanfeng feigned a sh with the saber in his right hand while his left hand moved at lightning speed, throwing out a ck de that was nearly invisible in the dark night. Chu Liang, fully on guard, swung out his right hand and caught the de between his fingers in the nick of time.


    His golden right hand was as hard as metal and stone. Guo Zhanfeng had thrown his de with great force, but it was not enough. The de shook twice between Chu Liang''s fingers and stayed stuck there.


    The saber de was as thin as a cicada''s wing and totally ck, almost impossible to see in the night. Its length and width were roughly the same as a finger''s, but it was coated with a potent poison. If a person were to be struck with this, it was unlikely they would survive.


    This saber de was called Shadow Gnat. It was a weapon exclusive to the Night Saber Sect.


    Few disciples of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten knew these details because they rarely crossed paths with the disciples of the Night Saber Sect. On the other hand, the diabolical cultivators of the Dark King Sect knew a lot about the Night Saber Sect, as many of their skilled members had been killed with the Shadow Gnat.


    The members of the Northern Regions'' Night Saber Sect and the Dark King Sect had spent many years killing one another and built up a deep-seated hatred. That was why Guo Zhanfeng was so relentless when he encountered Chu Liang.


    However, Chu Liang couldn''t use his full range of divine abilities in this situation, making it extremely difficult for him to deal with Guo Zhanfeng. Just as he was thinking about how he would escape, the ck fog and the tide of yin entities within it came to his aid.


    Initially, the ck fog had been nearby, and Chu Liang was there to fend it off. Then as Chu Liang and Guo Zhanfeng fought for a while, the ck mist continued rushing over.


    The countless ghastly creatures within the fogcked rationality. It did not matter to them how powerful Chu Liang and Guo Zhanfeng were; they just charged into the two youths, submerging them in the ck fog.


    In an instant, the two youths were robbed of the moonlight. All they could see were the noisy ghastly creatures passing through.


    Nheless, Guo Zhanfeng was not afraid of these ghosts.


    With a sweep of his long saber, he cleared arge area in an instant. Just a few beams of saberlight were enough to dispel the ck fog, and it was gone in the blink of an eye. Yet, when his field of vision was clear again, the diabolical cultivator was gone as well.


    "Strange..." Guo Zhanfeng muttered.


    He flew up to search for the diabolical cultivator, but all he saw was the vastnd covered in white snow.


    "Baixue," he called out.


    The ck-furred demonic hound rushed over.


    "Where is he?" Guo Zhanfeng asked.


    "<i>Awoo...</i>"


    Baixue, the demonic hound, whined softly as it circled him three times, but ultimately, it did not have an answer for him.


    "He escaped already...?"


    Guo Zhanfeng frowned and scanned the area again before turning to leave, leaving behind a vacant, messy patch of snow.


    After a while, Guo Zhanfeng went back down to that patch of snow.


    It turned out that he hadn''t actually left earlier. It had been a test to see if the diabolical cultivator was hiding somewhere nearby.


    Guo Zhanfeng did another scan of the area, confirming there truly was no one there. Then he finally left for real.


    ...


    Several hundred li south of the icefield, there was a calm body of water, shimmering under the night sky. A pavilion was floating in the center of the water.


    The hall on the first floor of the pavilion waspletely covered in a vivid red. There was a scarlet-robed woman sitting in the hall, gentlybing her hair in front of a mirror. The scene was beautiful yet also quite eerie.


    There was a second person in the hall¡ªa young woman with skin as fair as snow. She stood still, with a respectful expression disyed on her face.


    These two women belonged to the Dark King Sect''s Scarlet-Robe Hall. The first woman was the hall master, and the second was her youngest disciple and the lowest-ranked among the four great enchantresses, Yi Qiushui.


    However, Enchantress Yi''s rank had risen by one recently because her senior sister, Enchantress Liu, had disappeared. It was rumored that she had eloped with a formation specialist and taken the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm with her.


    "Esteemed Teacher, are you just going to let Granny Meng go?" Yi Qiushui asked puzzledly. "Aren''t you afraid the sect leader will punish you?"


    "There are people from the White-Bone Hall going after her. Granny Meng may not even make it to Fengya Mountain," the hall master replied slowly whilebing her hair. "Granny Meng treated me well back in the day. This is the only way I can help her."


    "Oh, so it''s because you have an amicable rtionship with Granny Meng, Esteemed Teacher, " Yi Qiushui remarked.


    In the Dark King Sect, the younger disciples did not know much about Granny Meng. They only knew her as the old woman who had been by the sect leader''s side for years and that she was an expert in alchemy. Whenever the Four Halls of Darkness needed things like pills or medicine, they would often seek her help to make them. She would agree to their requests, but they always had to pay arge fee.


    "She wasn''t like this back then," the hall master said softly, sounding as if her mind was somewhere far away. "Before the current sect leader took over, Granny Meng held a high status in the sect... because of her rtionship with the previous sect leader. Everyone in the sect knew she was the previous sect leader''s lover and that they even had a son. However, she did not want their son to get involved with diabolical sects, so she raised him elsewhere.


    "Sixty years ago, I was probably around your age. At that time, I made a grave mistake..."


    The hall master paused, recalling something.


    After a while, she continued, "That mistake vited the sect''s rules and should have resulted in my execution. But Granny Meng pleaded for leniency on my behalf, and I was spared."


    Yi Qiushui''s eyes lit up. She asked, "Is it... rted to that esteemed senior you mentioned previously¡ªthe one who sought the Divine Ruins'' scroll?"


    Her eyes shone with curiosity.


    The hall master reprimanded her. "Don''t ask about things you shouldn''t."


    Yi Qiushui lowered her head silently. "Okay..."


    As the youngest disciple of the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master, Yi Qiushui had grown up by her teacher''s side. Thus, she didn''t treat this enigmatic hall master of the Scarlet-Robe Hall with the same level of reverence her fellow diabolical disciples did.


    All these years, Yi Qiushui had known that her teacher was always thinking about someone. When her teacher sent her to retrieve the Divine Ruins'' scroll, it had been for that person. Unfortunately, an imposter who went by the ridiculous name of Dugu Qiubai had tricked her and snatched the scroll away.


    Thinking of that, Yi Qiushui gritted her teeth in anger.


    <i>That Dugu Qiubai or whatever had better not cross paths with me a second time, or else... I will definitely make him regret it!</i>

 Chapter 499: He is the One

    Chapter 499: He is the One


    "<em>Achoo¡ª</em>" Chu Liang sneezed, lifted the White Bear Cloak, and stood up.


    This treasure was indeed powerful, allowing him to merge seamlessly with the snow. When he was testing it, he was worried that Guo Zhanfeng''s spirit dog might sniff him out, but the cloak even concealed his scent.


    Guo Zhanfeng had clung to him like a leech. While he couldn''t reveal his righteous divine techniques and could only fight with his physical strength, it became all the more challenging to rid himself of this relentless presence.


    When the tide of yin entities swept over them, he took the chance to hide himself under the White Bear Cloak.


    As he draped himself in thisyer of white cloth, it felt as though the world outside had nothing to do with him.


    He kept himself hidden for another hour, just in case Guo Zhanfeng decided toe back. It wasn¡¯t until he was confident it was safe that he finally revealed himself.


    However, in doing so, he had failed his task of intercepting the tide of yin entities. He hurried back to the earlier gathering point, only to discover that Ghost Face and his twopanions were nowhere in sight.


    Using the enchanted messaging tool, he quickly contacted the Mount Shu Sect to inquire about the current situation. The response arrived almost immediately. It turned out that the ck fog and tide of yin entities had surged in with such intensity that many diabolical cultivators failed to block it. The master of the White-Bone Hallmanded all to retreat to the surroundings of Fengya Mountain to strengthen their defense line.


    If Granny Meng was carrying the Breath of the Yellow Springs, she would surely be emanating a dense aura of death, which meant that she would likely hide herself near the dark tide of yin entities as she approached Fengya Mountain.And so, the members of the diabolical sect were determined to block this tide.


    The leader of the Dark King Sect was likely waiting in the shadows on Fengya Mountain. Upon finding Granny Meng, he would probably seize the opportunity to strike without dy.


    The righteous sects and the powerful cultivators of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were also watching closely. As soon as the Breath of the Yellow Springs came into view, they would strike like a sh of lightning.


    At this point in time, all eyes were locked onto Fengya Mountain.


    The ck snow that had settled on the surrounding peaks began to cluster toward that direction. They appeared dense and resembled an extraordinary phenomenon when seen from a distance.


    Due to the dy caused by Guo Zhanfeng, Chu Liang had already fallen far behind.


    Upon learning this, Chu Liang immediately flew towards Fengya Mountain. Just as he flew out of the mountain''s range, a voice suddenly rang in his ear.


    "Oh? It''s you?"


    The voice sounded very familiar. Instantly, he remembered thest time he had heard it.


    "Mr. Whale-Riding Immortal?"


    As soon as he heard the voice, he began to trace its source, arriving at the northern ridge of a cier, where he indeed spotted two familiar figures.


    A middle-aged man with a conical hat and a ruggedly handsome, weathered face was apanied by a little girl who appeared somewhat dim-witted.


    Upon seeing Chu Liang, the little girl''s eyes lit up immediately. "Berry¡­berry..."


    Even Tuntun was able to utter many words just a few days after birth, not to mention Chu Yi, who was already Chu Liang''s most trusted ountant.


    As Chu Liang looked at the child, he couldn''t help but make a mentalparison.


    <em>It seems like this Mr. Whale-Riding Immortal is not the best caretaker here. After all this time, she still has trouble speaking in full sentences, </em>Chu Liang thought.


    "Esteemed senior, it''s been a long time!" He stepped forward and greeted him with a bow of respect.


    "Hehe, since west met at the Mount Shu Summit, you''ve gained quite the reputation worldwide," the Whale-Riding Immortal said with a heartyugh as he stared at Chu Liang.


    The northern wind roared, billowing his robe, and making him appear even more heroic.


    "It¡¯s entirely thanks to your help. I have always appreciated it," Chu Liang remarked.


    As Chu Liang looked at the middle-aged man in front of him, he could not shake off a nagging question that he felt too embarrassed to ask.


    The burning question was:<em> Is he really Senior Sister Jiang¡¯s father?</em>


    <em>If he is... then I have to make a good impression.</em>


    "Well then, it''s time for you to return the favor," the Whale-Riding Immortal suddenly said.


    "Huh?" Chu Liang nced up and asked, "Esteemed Senior, is there something you need me to do?"


    "Not quite, just... I just need to borrow your face," the Whale-Riding Immortal said with a grin.


    "Esteemed Senior, you¡¯re nning to go to Fengya Mountain?" Chu Liang immediately guessed what he was trying to do.


    "Fengya Mountain is currently packed with diabolical sect members, and with the ck snow everywhere, I can''t sneak in easily," the Whale-Riding Immortal said. "I have to borrow your identity."


    "But I..." Chu Liang hesitated, as he had the task of being an undercover agent.


    "You can inform the Mount Shu people about this; they''ll agree," the Whale-Riding Immortal replied, looking resolutely toward Fengya Mountain. "To be honest, I am determined to seize the Breath of the Yellow Springs."


    As he spoke, he gave the little girl a gentle pat on her head.


    Chu Liang didn''t ask how he knew about the Breath of the Yellow Springs and simply said, "Senior, what do you want me to do?"


    Chu Liang could tell that the Whale-Riding Immortal was waiting here with the clear intention of ambushing a lone diabolical cultivator.


    It just so happened that he encountered Chu Liang, which was why he decided to exin politely. With the cultivation level of the Whale-Riding Immortal, even if Chu Liang objected to his request, it would not change anything.


    "Just watch the child for me here; I''ll handle the rest," the Whale-Riding Immortal said. "Leave everything else to me."


    After saying this, he turned, and in a sh of light, transformed into a figure cloaked in a ck robe. He appeared exactly the same as Chu Liang with just a few strands of hair falling by the face.


    "Esteemed Senior, this..."


    At first nce, Chu Liang thought it was an illusion technique. He doubted this would not be enough to fool the diabolical sect''s detection.


    "This isn''t just an ordinary illusion; it''s the immortal art known as Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation," the Whale-Riding Immortal chuckled. "Did you really think the woman from the Celestial Charm Sect disguised herself as you and fooled the Imperial Supervisory Bureau with something simple?"


    <em>He knows about this too? </em>Chu Liang was slightly surprised. Mr. Whale-Riding Immortal clearly had ess to a vast array of information.


    As for the Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation, he had only heard of it in legends. It was said to stem from the Fox n¡¯s divine ability to transform, which was how it got its name.


    The best thing about this immortal art was how exceptionally hard it was to perceive the transformed camouge as fake. This was a secret technique that was incredibly hard to master, with only a select few in the world capable of using it.


    Given the circumstances, he had no choice but to take on the responsibility of watching the child while rying the information.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal, now disguised as Chu Liang, swiftly vanished into the vast, dark expanse of snow.


    ¡­


    At the same time, the teacher-disciple duo of Scarlet-Robe Hall arrived at Fengya Mountain.


    The slopes of Fengya Mountain were crowded with shadowy figures, diabolical sect membersing and going. Against the backdrop of the snow-covered peaks, their ck robes were starkly visible. Meanwhile, the vivid attire of the two from the Scarlet-Robe Hall attracted even more attention.


    The master of Scarlet-Robe Hall donned a crimson mask that concealed her face. At the same time, no one dared to look right at her face. Her red robe fluttered in the wind as she arrived at a mountaintop.


    "Esteemed Teacher, if Granny Meng is caught by the sect leaderter..." Yi Qiushui was worried. If her teacher helped Granny Meng in front of the sect leader, it could lead to serious trouble.


    "I''ve already helped her once; that repays my debt," the Scarlet-Robe Hall¡¯s master said calmly. "You don''t need to worry about anything else."


    Only then did Yi Qiushui let out a sigh of relief.


    As she nced around, she suddenly saw a somewhat familiar figure.


    She frowned, puzzled for a moment, then widened her eyes¡ªit was him!


    "Stop!" Yi Qiushui shouted, immediately flying forward to catch up. "You there, stop!"


    The one she called out to was none other than the Whale-Riding Immortal, who had transformed into Chu Liang. Chu Liang had mentioned a bit about the Bone Pce Hall and Ghost-Face Chamber affairs, but he had no idea of any connection between Chu Liang and the Scarlet-Robe Hall.


    In order to avoid exposing his disguise, the Whale-Riding Immortal had to stop and ask in a low, serious voice, "What is it?"


    "Heh." Seeing him act as though he didn''t recognize her, Yi Qiushuiughed angrily. "I didn''t expect you to be a disciple of our sect. Even so, you had the audacity to trick me."


    <em>Chu Liang did what? </em>The Whale-Riding Immortal blinked. <em>Chu Liang appears so serious and proper. I never knew he liked to trick young girls.</em>


    Just as he was about to unleash a divine ability against Yi Qiushui, he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind her say, "What''s happening?"


    As Yi Qiushui called out to a Dark King Sect disciple, the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall had no desire to intervene. She never intended to ask any questions.


    However, when she looked at the person, her heart unexpectedly skipped a beat, which was why she flew forward and asked the question.


    "Esteemed Teacher!" Yi Qiushui pointed at the Whale-Riding Immortal, her voice filled with anger. "He¡¯s the one who goes by Dugu Qiubai. He pretended to be that senior you know and deceived me out of... that precious item. This time, he must be punished!"


    With so many people nearby, she dared not mention the Divine Ruins'' scroll.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal looked at the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall, his gaze momentarily wavering before he hastily looked away. It was already toote.


    With her gaze fixed firmly on his, the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall remained still, her shoulders quivering slightly. After what felt like an eternity, she said, "He is..."


    "That''s right!" Yi Qiushui said. "He is that imposter!"


    "No..." The Scarlet-Robe Hall¡¯s master shook her head. "He is the one."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 500: So I Am The Other Dog?

    Chapter 500: So I Am The Other Dog?


    "No matter how much a person''s appearance and body change, their eyes, temperament, and aura will never change[1]"


    Daoist Yan once said this to Chu Liang. Back then, Jiang Tiankuo had also taken on apletely different appearance, yet Daoist Yan was able to recognize him at a nce.


    On Fengya Mountain, where diabolical cultivators swarmed and the air was heavy with diabolical qi, the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master did exactly as Daoist Yan had done.


    She flew forward and met the Whale-Riding Immortal¡¯s gaze with unwavering intensity.


    Time raced on like a flickering me, and decades disappeared in the blink of an eye. The surroundings and people had changed entirely, yet as she stared into the light in those eyes, it felt as if she had returned to the past, catching glimpses of memories long gone.


    Back then, her father was an elder of the Dark King Sect, so she joined the diabolical sect at a young age, quickly bing a gifted disciple of her generation. During a treasure hunt in a hidden realm, she was injured by ident, and coincidentally, a disciple of Mount Shu entered afterward and saved her.


    Due to her injuries, she did not reveal her background.


    She kept her identity hidden, nning to find an opportunity to kill this disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. However, after just a day of interaction, she sensed an extraordinary charm in him. So she first decided to wait until she had obtained the valuable item.


    Then, she decided to wait until they had left this ce.Then, she decided to wait until she had recovered¡­


    Then, she became more and more hesitant to kill this Mount Shu disciple.


    When the two stepped out of the hidden realm, the diabolical cultivators from the Dark King Sect, who hade in search of her, surrounded them andunched an attack.


    He wrapped one arm around her waist while wielding his sword in his right hand.


    In that moment, sword lights filled the sky, cascading down like countless shooting stars.


    The light she had seen in his eyes back then felt just like the one she was seeing now.


    Even after all this time and the countless changes in their lives, he remained exactly the same.


    He was the one she had been searching for all these years.


    As she stepped forward, the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall took off her mask, revealing a cold yet breathtaking face, with eyes that shimmered gently like rippling water.


    She wanted to say something, but the words never escaped her lips.


    However, Yi Qiushui, standing behind her, was filled with surprise. For all the years she had been with her esteemed teacher, the master had always worn a mask in public. Even though she often dressed up and applied makeup in the attic, she never allowed anyone to see her true appearance outside.


    Yet, at this moment, she had chosen to take off her mask.


    Could it be that all these decades of dressing up were just for this one person?


    So this person was not a fraud¡­


    However, amidst the swirling ck snow in the sky, the Whale-Riding Immortal appeared less emotional than the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall.


    He nodded respectfully and said, "This subordinate pays my respects to the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall. The situation is tense, and with the sect leader overseeing everything, I dare not be negligent. I will leave now, but once I secure the Breath of the Yellow Springs, we can discuss things further."


    "Ah..." The Scarlet-Robe Hall¡¯s master snapped back to reality at those words. Her hair flew wildly, and her red robe billowed in the wind. After a brief pause, she finally said, "Then I''ll allow you to leave first, but I have something to ask you... Be sure toe back."


    The two shared a nce, one that appeared to epass over a dozen years. The meaning behind that gaze felt as deep as the ocean itself.


    After that moment of connection, the Whale-Riding Immortal turned away and strode off, his figure slowly fading into the expansive shadows of the snowy mountain, bing an unnoticeable part of the surroundings.


    After a long while, the master of Scarlet-Robe Hall stood motionless in the air, as if time had stopped around her.


    Yi Qiushui flew forward and gently called out, "Esteemed teacher..."


    She was not dumb. Even as a bystander, she could tell what had happened. That person probably couldn¡¯t reveal his true identity, and her esteemed teacher couldn''t express her true feelings to him.


    After decades of searching, when they finally came face to face, her heart was flooded with emotions, yet she couldn''t find the words to express them. Clearly, her teacher was entangled in a chaos of feelings.


    Times had changed everything, yet what could one do about it?


    ¡­


    "You really haven¡¯t changed a bit," Chu Liang said, watching the little girl nibbling on a fruit with a helpless smile.


    Before the Whale-Riding Immortal left, he had already told him the girl''s name: Jiang Guo[2]... quite a straightforward name indeed.


    Fortunately, as the owner of thergest berry garden in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, Chu Liang always carried plenty of stock with him.


    On one hand, these berries, while not rich in spiritual energy, could still supplement vital energy. If one were trapped while adventuring, a few berries would be enough to maintain energy for a long duration. Otherwise, regardless of how high one¡¯s cultivation level, there was always the risk of energy depletion over time. By then, one would be at a loss.


    On the other hand, these berries were perfect for gifting whenever he crossed paths with notable figures in the world of immortality cultivation. He could share a few for them to taste, effectively promoting his products. If they liked what they tried, there was a chance they would make a big order.


    When he was at the headquarters of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, he managed to secure a long-term sales agreement.


    Although Red Cotton Peak was thriving, Chu Liang had never abandoned his berry business. After all, this was the starting product thatid the groundwork for his sess. It had not been easy managing this brand, and the profits it generated were still significant.


    In such a short while, little Jiang Guo had already eaten over ten berries and showed no sign of stopping. Chu Liang had not expected them to be this addictive.


    Unbeknownst to Chu Liang, Jiang Guo had been purified by the enchanted formation on the Holy Mountain, which helped suppress the deathly qi within her. She no longer felt apulsion to attack living beings. However, deep down, she still craved blood and qi, hoping to absorb them to boost her strength.


    As spirit nts and energy-rich pills were quite valuable, they couldn''t be given to her asmon food. The Golden Vein Berry, however, held a trace of qi, which satisfied her cravings. Moreover, it was delicious, so it became her favorite.


    Previously, the Whale-Riding Immortal had stolen arge number of berry seedlings from Mount Shu, but he only managed to cultivate a small batch on the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions. Consequently, their daily supply was limited, and the little girl couldn''t eat as much as she desired.


    Now that she had finally run into Chu Liang, the berry mogul, she naturally indulged herself in avish spread.


    In the sky, sparks of light and gusts of ck wind would pass by one after another. asionally, a divine sense would sweep over Chu Liang, but upon sensing that he was a member of the Dark King Sect, no one paid him any more attention.


    The members from different halls, who were stationed in front to intercept Granny Meng, also came to Fengya Mountain in session. It appeared that all the attempts to intercept Granny Feng had failed.


    This wasn¡¯t unexpected, as Granny Meng was a seventh-realm Eminent One and had been part of the Dark King Sect for many years. Given her familiarity with the sect¡¯s affairs, it was far too challenging to capture her with these forces.


    At that moment, a jolt vibrated through his chest.


    He took it out and saw it was the Soul Subjugator Token. Having previously informed the Violet Gold Marquess of their location at Fengya Mountain, it was likely that support from that side had now arrived.


    Indeed, it was just as he suspected.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "Where are all of you located?"


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "We¡¯re all at Fengya Mountain. The sect leader has decided to intercept Granny Meng here."


    Though Chu Liang was not present on Fengya Mountain, he had to give this answer because the Whale-Riding Immortal was currently using his identity, while he himself was now just an outsider ying caretaker.


    [Eastern-Route Guider]: "I will first scout the outskirts of Fengya Mountain. I cannot approach too recklessly, as it might alert the Four Halls of Darkness. The Marquess wishes to locate Granny Meng before she enters Fengya Mountain. Keep me updated on any changes."


    [Fifty-Ninth]: "The first wave of yin entities is swarming into Fengya Mountain right now. We¡¯re doing our best to fend them off. Granny Meng might be hiding among them or watching from the periphery. It''s great that the Marquess is here! With the Marquess here, we feel more confident. With the Marquess here, life will surely be easier..."


    [Sixtieth]: "Noted."


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "We¡¯ve been stationed around Fengya Mountain, so we don¡¯t have much information about Granny Meng¡¯s whereabouts. Sir, if you want to know more, you can try asking the other hall members. They are currently rushing here from the front and should have a better idea of her current location."


    [Guiders Eastern-Route Guider]: "I understand the situation now. Be careful in everything you do. I will see if I can capture a member from another hall on the outskirts to ask for more information."


    With those final words, the Guiders Eastern-Route Guider exited the Soul Subjugator Token.


    <em>Let the dogs eat each other.</em> Chu Liang muttered inwardly as he put the Soul Subjugator Token away.


    He sent the Eastern-Route Guider to collect intel from the other hall members with the aim of sowing discord. Naturally, the members from the other hall would never provide the information easily, which meant the Eastern-Route Guider would have to resort to using specific tactics.


    If the tension escted between the Violet Gold Marquess and the Four Halls of Darkness, the easier it would be for him and hispanions to hide in the chaos. Obviously, he hoped that the Dark King Sect would be even more chaotic.


    While he was lost in thought, a sudden whoosh caught his attention as a beam of light descended onto the top of a nearby hill.


    It was an elderly man with white hair and dressed in a ck robe. He shot a sharp nce at Chu Liang, and his divine sense swept through the area, locking onto him instantly.


    Chu Liang naturally detected the elderly man''s presence. He disyed a strong cultivation level and approached in a threatening manner, prompting Chu Liang to be on guard.


    Without saying a word, the man abruptly raised his hand and unleashed a ck light from his sleeve!


    Chu Liang instantly recognized the technique; it was the Soul-Piercing Nail, a divine skill he knew well!


    When he first ventured into the martial world, he had fallen victim to this precise technique. At that time, it was the Soul Subjugator of the Dark King Sect who had used this technique to subdue him and Song Qingyi. This was a secret technique used by the Soul Subjugators serving the Violet Gold Marquess.


    However, the Golden Core Realm Soul Subjugator from that day was significantly weaker than the ck-robed man before him. With a casual gesture, the man conjured howling shadows like ck lightning, suggesting he was at least a sixth-realm cultivator!


    <em>Wait a minute...</em>


    As soon as he recognized the origin of the divine skill, Chu Liang instantly remembered what the Eastern-Route Guider had said earlier.


    It was the conversation he remembered having with the Eastern-Route Guider. It was he himself who had sown discord, urging the Eastern-Route Guider to capture another member from the Four Halls of Darkness at the outskirts to interrogate¡­


    <em>Ah. So I am the other dog, huh?</em>


    1. Line from Chapter 302. ?


    2. ¹û(Guo) means fruit. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT


    HAPPY 500!!!!!</blockquote>

 Chapter 501: Im Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 501: I''m Sorry</h4>


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    In this crucial moment, Chu Liang had no time to worry about other matters and immediately activated Dimension Compression to dodge the iing strike. Fortunately, there was no longer any ck snow outside Fengya Mountain, which granted him more freedom.


    This sudden shift in movement, however, made the ck-robed elder suspicious.


    "Dimension Compression?" The elder¡¯s figure flickered and appeared right in front of Chu Liang. "Which hall do you belong to?"


    Chu Liang wanted to shout, "I¡¯m your dear Fifty-Eighth! We have talked in the Soul Subjugator Token for so many days. I¡¯m the only normal one¡ªhow could you not recognize me?"


    However, he understood, logically, that this was not the right action to take. After all, he had just informed the Eastern-Route Guider that all three of them were on Fengya Mountain. Additionally, he couldn¡¯t use any of the unique divine techniques of the Soul Subjugators. If he were interrogated and asked to prove his identity, he would certainly fail.


    Throughout their interactions, the Eastern-Route Guider had onlymunicated with them through the Soul Subjugator Token. He had never met them face-to-face, and who would have thought their first meeting would turn out this way?


    With no other option, he replied, "I¡¯m from White-Bone Hall. What made you attack the instant you arrived?"


    "I am the Eastern-Route Guider under the Violet Gold Marquess. If you see me and do not bow, I have the right to punish you."


    During the prime of the White Silver King and Violet Gold Marquess, they wielded tremendous power as the Left and Right Guardians of the Dark King Sect. Many of their subordinates would trample over the ordinary disciples of the Four Halls of Darkness, leading to deep-rooted grievances. But now, with the death of the White Silver King and the disappearance of the Violet Gold Marquess, these Soul Subjugators were forced to keep their heads down. How could they still strut around as if they owned the ce?


    Sure enough, the ck-robed elder was none other than the Eastern-Route Guider, intentionally picking a fight, clearly with the intention of capturing someone for interrogation.


    <i>This fucker really knows how to choose his targets. He picked someone from his own side... </i>Chu Liang couldn''t help but curse inwardly.


    He could only reply, "The White-Bone Hall has been on duty at the outskirts of Fengya Mountain the entire time, which is why I did not recognize the great Guider; please forgive me."


    Chu Liang said this to inform the Eastern-Route Guider that he had been here all along. By doing so, he wanted to convey that he had no knowledge of what was happening beyond the outskirts, hoping the Eastern-Route Guider would target someone else.


    With Jiang Guo by his side, he was not intimidated by the Eastern-Route Guider at all.


    However, the Eastern-Route Guider served as the only one that could connect them to the Violet Gold Marquess. If he were to die, their connection to the Violet Gold Marquess would be severed.


    In order to prevent the big fish from slipping away, they couldn''t kill this guider just yet. Thus, Chu Liang answered in this manner, hoping the Guider would leave them be.


    To his astonishment, the Eastern-Route Guider nodded slightly after hearing this and asked, "Who is this child, then?"


    He nced at little Jiang Guo, who was staring at him with a fierce look.


    In fact, from the moment the elderunched his attack on Chu Liang, Jiang Guo had been eager to step in. It was the way Chu Liang looked at her that told her not to make a move, so she obediently held back.


    At this moment, the aura of death that enveloped her had dissipated. Wearing a plump red jacket and holding half a fruit with juice still on her lips... she just looked like an ordinary, silly child. The Eastern-Route Guider didn''t see anything unusual.


    "I don''t know," Chu Liang replied. "She¡¯s probably a child who got lost nearby. I felt sorry for her, so I gave her a few fruits to eat."


    "How kind of you," the Eastern-Route Guider said with a chuckle. Then, without warning, he raised his hand, and a torrent of yin qi surged forth!


    "You used an immortal art that reeks of righteousness. Clearly, you are an undercover agent in our sect. Die!" the elder shouted.


    The yin qi surrounding him morphed into countless soul apparitions, surging toward Chu Liang with a deadly intent.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Gritting his teeth, Chu Liang used Dimension Compression two more times to dodge the oing soul apparitions while shouting, "Punch him!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, little Jiang Guo immediately stopped holding back her anger.


    This old man suddenly appeared, interrupted her while she was eating, and even attacked the kind person who had given her fruit.


    If she didn¡¯t give him a good punch, quelling this anger would be quite difficult.


    The little girl leaped into action, and with the hand not holding the fruit, she quickly formed a fist and hit the Eastern-Route Guider right in the face.


    It was a fierce punch, filled with her pent-up anger, equivalent to the pure strength of a seventh-realm cultivator.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    "Ah..." The Eastern-Route Guider''s scream barely reached anyone''s ears as his body wasunched into the sky, fading away into a lone star in the distance.


    As he flew off, Chu Liang vaguely heard the sound of bones cracking, and several broken teeth seemed to fall to the ground. The sight sent a shiver up his spine and made his scalp tingle.


    In terms of sheer strength alone, this little girl might be on par with his esteemed teacher.


    However, she hadn''t cultivated any divine abilities, so her power was considerably less. If his esteemed teacher had thrown a punch infused with Samadhi True Fire, this old man would never have had the opportunity to lose his teeth.


    When the old man was sent flying away, Jiang Guo turned and looked at Chu Liang with a big smile. He quickly gave a thumbs-up in praise.


    ...


    On Fengya Mountain.


    Luo Yao and Monk Pushan followed closely behind Ghost Face, standing guard at a prominent mountain pass. They had just cleared a wave of the tide of yin entities attacking the mountain, ying all the wandering souls and wild ghosts in the ck mist.


    With the arrival of the White-Bone Hall''s master, Ghost Face went off to report, leaving the two of them at their post.


    Monk Pushan couldn''t help but say, "I have no idea where Chu Liang is or how he¡¯s doing. This ce is crawling with demons and ghosts. I hope nothing bad has happened to him. I told you earlier that we should spend more time looking for him..."


    Luo Yao replied, "Didn''t he just say through the Soul Subjugator Token that he is on Fengya Mountain too? He must be fine."


    During their earlier retreat into Fengya Mountain, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t leave because Guo Zhanfeng clung to him like glue, so they left first. Being separated from Chu Liang in a ce like this left them feeling somewhat anxious.


    "Speaking of which, why hasn¡¯t there been any news in the Soul Subjugator Token for some time..." Monk Pushan murmured. "The Eastern-Route Guider mentioned he would capture someone for interrogation and then scout the area for the Violet Gold Marquess. Once that¡¯s done, the Marquess should arrive. Why is there still no update? Could he have failed such a simple task?"


    "Probably not," Luo Yao said as she shook her head.


    The two were conversing in a way where one would speak ten sentences while the other would respond with just one.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind swept in from afar. They spotted Ghost Face descending from a distance, dragging "Chu Liang" while cursing continuously.


    "Do you think this is your backyard? Wandering around like that? The sect leader as well as the masters of the four halls were all inside. Even I could only stand guard outside. If you had recklessly barged in, you would''ve lost your life on the spot! I always thought you were reliable; how could you suddenly act so recklessly..."


    "You had been assigned that mountain earlier, but your inability to handle the tide of yin entities gave the ghosts a chance to reach Fengya Mountain so quickly. The hall master scolded me again. If there are any repercussions this time, you can kiss your position as chamber master goodbye!"


    Ghost Face continued to scold for quite some time, but Chu Liang remained silent. Instead, he looked at Monk Pushan and Luo Yao, appearing somewhat puzzled.


    Monk Pushan stepped forward and said, "Old Chamber Master, please don¡¯t scold him anymore. Our chamber master didn¡¯t do it on purpose. He might not be aware of what happened since he arrivedte and was in a hurry to find us, which is why he ended up in the wrong ce."


    The scolded "Chu Liang" nced around, assessed the situation of these people, and then looked back at Ghost Face.


    "How dare you still look at me? Do you think that my scoldings were unfair?" Ghost Face continued to speak angrily.


    <i>Pah.</i>


    Suddenly, Chu Liang pped Ghost Face, the sound reverberating loudly.


    This stunned Luo Yao and Monk Pushan. Chu Liang had always been the mostposed and reliable among them; how could he lose his temper after just a few scoldings? Was he dropping the act and rebelling?


    This ce was covered in ck snow and teeming with diabolical cultivators. If a fight broke out, it would undoubtedly attract attention from all directions, especially the terrifying sect leader of the Dark King Sect. Secretly taking out Ghost Face would not be easy...


    What surprised them even more was that after the p, Ghost Face appeared dazed for a moment. Then, he turned to Chu Liang and said respectfully, "I¡¯m sorry."


    <i>Huh?</i>

 Chapter 502: He Came and Left

    <h4>Chapter 502: He Came and Left</h4>


    After being pped by Chu Liang, Ghost Face suddenly became extremely submissive, following him obediently.


    Monk Pushan watched this scene and muttered quietly, "Does he have some kind of special fetish?"


    Luo Yao rolled her eyes at him.


    This seemed to be some sort of divine ability that bewitched the soul.


    Regardless, Luo Yao thought it was odd as Chu Liang had never demonstrated this kind of technique before. Moreover, such divine technique usually required a higher cultivation level. Given Ghost Face''s strength as a sixth-realm diabolical cultivator, he definitely was not someone that Chu Liang could easily bewitch.


    <i>What is going on?</i> Lu Yao wondered.


    When "Chu Liang" came before them, they noticed some subtle differences, as if there had been a change in his temperament.


    This Chu Liang was, of course, the Whale-Riding Immortal in disguise.


    As he came before Luo Yao and Monk Pushan, he did not conceal his identity, saying, "I am a member of the Mount Shu Sect. Chu Liang has told me about you two. Follow me."


    So, this Chu Liang was indeed not the real one!


    The two quickly sent messages back to their respective sects to verify this with Mount Shu. They then received confirmation that this person could be trusted, but his exact identity had not been revealed by the Mount Shu Sect.


    Only then did Luo Yao and Monk Pushan obediently follow the Whale-Riding Immortal, watching as he strolled around Fengya Mountain. They had no idea where he intended to go.


    Along the way, some disciples from other halls came to stop them, not allowing them to continue advancing forward. Yet, with just a nce from the Whale-Riding Immortal, the eyes of the weaker disciples would dim, turning away to go elsewhere. When the light returned to their eyes, they had already forgotten what had happened.


    This incredible technique amazed the two young disciples. It was something that they had never witnessed. However, Monk Pushan seemed puzzled. "This is simr to the methods we use in our monastery, but it shouldn''t be this effective..."


    Divine techniques capable of bewitching people were usually illusory techniques, creating a false scene topel certain actions. However, the Whale-Riding Immortal clearly did not create a false scene. He was definitely controlling their souls.


    Great divine abilities like these were rarely passed down in the world of immortality cultivation. The most famous one was naturally the immortal art Brahma Sound of Wisdom from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    However, very few individuals in the Buddhist Cloud Monastery have mastered this immortal art, much less used it so effortlessly. From what Pushan remembered, aside from the legendary Sweeper Monks in the hillside area at the back of the mountain, no one else should be capable of this.


    Indeed, within the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, young monks who demonstrate exceptional skills could be appointed as Monastery Officers. The ranks above the Monastery Officers include the Monastery Supervisors, followed by the Monastery Hall Master, and finally the Chief Monk. The Chief Monk could be promoted to Head of Monastery, with those above having the chance to sweep the hillside area at the back of the mountain.


    The Sweeper Monk had always represented the legendary pinnacle of achievement within the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    "Indeed, it''s the Brahma Sound of Wisdom," the Whale-Riding Immortal said suddenly with a smile. "But I didn''t steal it; it was the Noble Dharma of a Buddhist sect who taught me."


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Pushan uttered in realization.


    Apart from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions would be the only other ce where one could learn the Brahma Sound of Wisdom. The Noble Dharma was deeply revered by numerous Buddhist disciples.


    Because in this era in which the Hallowed Ones had yet to emerge, many regarded the Noble Dharma as the greatest power in existence. Since this most powerful existence was a Buddhist, it naturally raised the status of the Buddhist sect, which had long been weak in thend of the nine provinces.


    "Esteemed Senior, you actually know the Noble Dharma! I''ve admired him for a long time. Are you his disciple? Then you must be part of the Buddhist sect! Is your true form bald as well? It''s just like the old saying. Us meeting is like meeting a friend from home in a foreignnd. We are fellow disciples meeting in this dangerous situation, you..."


    Once the Whale-Riding Immortal felt less like a stranger, Monk Pushan started babbling away.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal''s pupils contracted slightly. He stared at Pushan for a while before saying, "Let''s pretend I said nothing."


    ...


    With everything going smoothly, the Whale-Riding Immortal led them to a smooth rock face. The ck mountain wall gleamed like a polished mirror.


    Just as he reached out to press his hand against the wall, a gust of wind howled in the distance, and a ck whirlwind suddenly descended.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As itnded, a loud explosion echoed.


    When the ck wind subsided, two figures emerged.


    One of them was enveloped in ming qi. He wore a tall hat and dark armor, standing tall with tanned skin. Every movement he made gave off a powerful, intimidating vibe.


    "I originally nned to watch from the shadows and act only when Granny Meng arrived. But I didn''t expect you to injure my subordinate. The Four Halls of Darkness..." The man with the tall hat said as heughed boisterously. "I, the Violet Gold Marquess, have returned! Hahaha!"


    As heughed, the waves of qi surged around him, spreading out like ripples.


    In an instant, the mountains and fields trembled.


    Seeing this, Luo Yao and Monk Pushan felt conflicted. So this was the marquess they had never met? Should they step forward and introduce themselves?


    Next to the Violet Gold Marquess stood an old man in ck robes with half of his face sunken in. He looked like he was on the verge of death, as if he had just been beaten half to death.


    However, afternding, he still dutifully shouted, "Those under the Marquess''smand need not hide anymore. Those holding the Soul Subjugator Token, step forward and pay your respects!"


    As the creator of the Soul Subjugator Token, the Violet Gold Marquess could easily sense the presence of the Soul Subjugator Tokens nearby. He chose tond on Fengya Mountain because he detected that Luo Yao and Pushan were his subordinates.


    The first step upon his arrival was to gather his old forces.


    However, no one moved.


    The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal didn''t move, Luo Yao and Pushan were unsure whether to move or not, and Ghost Face simply couldn''t move at all.


    As a result, no one moved.


    The Eastern-Route Guider furrowed one eyebrow, stepped forward, and announced, "Your undercover mission is over! The marquess hase to restore our positions at the pinnacle! You can drop the act now!"


    At his shout, Luo Yao and Pushan remained still, but the Whale-Riding Immortal, who had been busy feeling around the mountain wall, turned around.


    "Hmm?" The Eastern-Route Guider jumped back, startled by the sight of the Whale-Riding Immortal''s face.


    He looked around and, seeing that the little girl was not there, he calmed down. "Marquess! It was this boy who injured me. He is of ordinary cultivation, but a strange little girl was following him earlier and that girl was extremely powerful."


    "Oh?" The Violet Gold Marquess narrowed his eyes at the Whale-Riding Immortal, his expression turning grim. "So you are the one who had the audacity to injure my subordinate Guider? In that case, let my first fight after emerging from closed-door cultivation be with you to reaffirm my authority¡ª"


    <i>Boom.</i>


    A sudden explosion echoed from the mountainside.


    A fierce golden light burst forth, instantly obliterating half of the Violet Gold Marquess''s body. The remaining pieces of his body were sent soaring into the sky, scattering like specks of starlight.


    The Eastern-Route Guider was directly blown apart, leaving no trace of his body, disintegrating into ashes scattered everywhere.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal retracted his finger and muttered softly, "How noisy."


    Monk Pushan and Luo Yao exchanged nces, both seeing the astonishment in each other''s eyes. It seemed that this "Chu Liang" was far stronger than they had imagined.


    The two of them saw clearly that the explosion just now, which was enough to kill a seventh-realm cultivator, had been caused by a mere flick of his finger!


    It seemed they really didn''t need to keep up the act anymore from now on.


    Immediately afterward, the Whale-Riding Immortal turned and pressed his palm against a specific spot on the mountain wall, which started shining with a brilliant light.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The ck mountain wall began to glow, emitting a blinding white light. Its mirror-smooth surface suddenly split apart, revealing a shadowy cave entrance that led into an open expanse within.


    Inside the cave, there was nothing but a simple copper sword, lodged firmly in a narrow crevice.


    In a sh, the Whale-Riding Immortal appeared before the sword.


    He knew his actions had alerted the sect leader of the Dark King Sect, so he needed to act quickly.


    <i>Shiiing.</i>


    He pulled the copper sword out of the crevice in one swift motion!


    ...


    Amid the vast, snowy expanse of Fengya Mountain, a two-story pavilion stood in stark contrast to its surroundings. Its beams and pirs were adorned with intricate carvings, while flickering candlelight cast a warm, inviting glow. The air around it was filled with a soothing fragrance, creating an aura of warmth that felt jarringly out of ce on this barren, frosty peak.


    Inside the pavilion, two people sat leisurely facing each other.


    "You sure know how to enjoy life, always so at ease even when you''re out and about,"mented the man in loose robes on the left.


    His eyes nted upward, and the cold sheen on his face made it seem as though he wore a mask, giving him a rather intimidating look.


    The man on the right, d in green, smiled and spoke in a gentle, soothing manner. "It''s a piece of cake."


    If Chu Liang saw the man on the left, he would definitely find him familiar; this person was none other than Chen Mingcang, the master of the Northern Abyss Hall.


    In thest great battle on Mount Shu, he yed a key role in ambushing the prodigious disciples of Mount Shu at Sword Sheath Peak and nearly seeded. Later, while he was locked in a fight with the Weapons Master, Di Nufeng came to assist and almost turned the cultivation he had spent almost a century building into ashes with a powerful surge of her mes.


    Chen Mingcang barely escaped with his life.


    After he returned, he learned that because he had not been present while his forces were escaping Mount Shu, every one of his men was crushed by a single palm strike from Venerable Wen Yuan.


    Since then, he found himself alone, having lost all his men and bing the only one left in his hall.


    Of the Four Halls of Darkness, the Northern Abyss Hall under him had the most meticulous personnel training. Unlike the White-Bone Hall, which epted anyone, or the Scarlet-Robe Hall, which didn''t recruit at all, Chen Mingcang had carefully nurtured his forces over several decades, with the potential to produce several seventh-realm Eminent Ones in the future. They were the elites of the diabolical sect. Yet, they were all lost on Mount Shu, leaving him somewhat disheartened ever since.


    Though he dared not say it out loud, he couldn''t help but harbor some resentment. If it hadn''t been for the decisions of the sect leader of the Dark King Sect, things wouldn''t have ended up this way.


    Regarding the situation with Granny Meng, he showed up but put in no real effort. He simply stayed alongside his friend, the master of the Vermillion-Azurite Hall.


    "It has been a day and a night and the sect leader still can''t find where Granny Meng''s son''s burial site is. Could the location of the burial site be fake?" Chen Mingcang said suspiciously.


    "When Granny Meng spoke of this before, she certainly didn''t intend to betray the sect. It''s likely that the burial site is being obscured by some tricks, but the location itself cannot be false," replied the master of the Vermillion-Azurite Hall, pausing briefly before adding, "We''ll know for sure when she arrives."


    As the two chatted, a whistling sound suddenly pierced the air from outside, followed by the boisterousughter of the Violet Gold Marquess.


    "The Violet Gold Marquess came here?" Chen Mingcang frowned. "No one informed him of this matter, so he must have spies within the Four Halls."


    "That''s not surprising. However, everyone I brought this time is a Painted Skin Ghost, so it''s impossible for any of his spies to be among them," the Vermillion-Azurite Hall Master said.


    "I don''t have any subordinates, so it is even more impossible for his spies to be in my hall," Chen Mingcang replied. "The Scarlet-Robe Hall only has those Enchantresses, so it must be that fool, the Elder of White-Bone Mountain from White-Bone Hall."


    As he spoke of this, he gritted his teeth and continued, "He always likes to make a grand disy, but it''s always him who messes up. Thest attack on Mount Shu was probably foiled by a spy among his subordinates. Otherwise, how could the n have failed so miserably?"


    Upon mentioning that failure, Chen Mingcang felt a deep sense of indignation bubbling up inside him.


    "However, he has the most subordinates, so we can''t carry out any major ns without him," said the master of the Vermillion-Azurite Hall. "After being severely injured by Immortal Jiuyi, the Violet Gold Marquess was in closed-door cultivation for a long time. It seems he''s full of resentment and is eager to make a big move now."


    "Heh, I''d like to see what grand move he can make."


    Chen Mingcang sensed the aura of the Violet Gold Marquess. Just as he was about to extend his divine sense in that direction, he was surprised to find the aura vanish almost instantly...


    "<i>Huh?</i>" The master of the Vermillion-Azurite Hall looked puzzled. "The Violet Gold Marquess left already?"

 Chapter 503: Esteemed Senior?

    <h4>Chapter 503: Esteemed Senior?</h4>


    Fengya Mountain was located amid the Northern Regions'' ciers. One side of the mountain was rugged and rocky, while the other was an incredibly smooth, vertical cliff.


    Suddenly, a drastic change urred.


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    There was a loud sound like that of rumbling thunder, and the whole mountain shook violently. The tremor causedrge amounts of snow, ice, and rocks to fall, forming an avnche in the blink of an eye.


    Amid the vibrations, a curtain of light descended between the heavens and the earth, looking as if the sky had been sliced open. The gleaming light curtain dropped next to the t and smooth side of the mountain, resembling a mirror. The reflection of Fengya Mountain instantly appeared on that mirror-like light curtain.


    Fengya Mountain had always seemed like one half of a mountain, but after merging with its reflection, it was finally whole. It now looked like a proper majestic snow-capped mountain.


    "So, that''s how it is..."


    Chu Liang, who was babysitting, watched the whole thing happen from an icy mountain nearby. As he observed the phenomenon from the external perspective of an uninvolved party, he suddenly thought that the world was intriguing and unpredictable.


    "That seems to be the entrance to a hidden realm!"


    The smooth mountain wall of Fengya Mountain had not been split in half by a sword but by a hidden realm. Once the hidden realm was opened, the two sides of the mountain wall merged, forming aplete Fengya Mountain.


    He immediately figured out why the Dark King Sect had been unable to find the corpse of Granny Meng''s son despite having sealed off the mountain for so long. It was because the corpse had been hidden in the hidden half of Fengya Mountain!


    <i>And now, has it finally been found?</i>


    Beside him, little Jiang Guo didn''t care about any of this. Shenguidly watched the shaking snow-capped mountain transform, probably thinking... <i>That thing doesn''t look yummy.</i>


    Initially, Chu Liang didn''t want to get involved. As long as the Dark King Sect found the corpse, Granny Meng would have to show up. Once she did, the three sects and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau monitoring the situation would strike like lightning, ruining the Dark Long Sect''s n. None of that required Chu Liang to take action.


    Nheless, a Buddhist chant suddenly rang out behind him. "Amitabha..."


    The voice of the speaker was melodious yet heavy. As it echoed in his mind, Chu Liang suddenly found himself unable to move.


    "Benefactor Jiang has indeed opened Fengya Mountain. We must hurry now."


    "I only hope that the Noble Dharma keeps his word."


    "Please rest assured, Benefactor Meng. My esteemed teacher does not give false promises."


    As the two people spoke, they appeared before Chu Liang.


    One of them was a short, chubby monk wearing a loose red and yellow robe. This person had not shaved his head; he had sparse short hair. There was a bald patch at the top of his head, in the middle of his sparse hair. It was a smooth, reflective surfaceparable to the smooth cliff wall of Fengya Mountain before the transformation.


    The monk had a very kind and honest-looking face. When sunlight fell on his head, it looked as though he was crowned with a halo, emanating the aura of Buddha.


    The other person had a totally different vibe. She was a thin olddy with wrinkly skin and white hair. Nevertheless, her hair was meticulously styled, and her clothes were exquisite, giving some semnce of the beautiful woman she had likely been in her youth. Her gaze, however, was grim and fierce. She was shrouded in a dense aura of death, resembling a malicious ghost.


    After hearing the monk''s way of addressing her and then seeing her appearance, Chu Liang quickly realized that the main character of this whole affair had appeared!


    <i>Granny Meng...</i>


    Chu Liang wanted to send a message to his sect right away, but he found that he was frozen, unable to budge at all. That Buddhist chant seemed to have taken control of his soul, leaving him unable to move even a little.


    The monk walked straight up to Chu Liang and picked up little Jiang Guo.


    Surprisingly, the usually short-tempered little girl didn''t resist. She just looked at Chu Liang and pointed at him.


    "He''ll be fine. He''ll recover in a while," the monk said softly, patting the little girl''s head to soothe her.


    Without sparing another nce at Chu Liang, the monk lifted his foot to take a step. Itnded on the ground when he reappeared several hundred zhang away. After a few more steps like that, the monk and the olddy headed toward Fengya Mountain, disappearing from Chu Liang''s line of sight.


    ...


    A whileter, Chu Liang finally let out a long breath, copsing onto the snow.


    "<i>Haaah...</i>"


    That monk''s cultivation level was terrifyingly high. He had cast a divine skill so casually, yet it had left Chu Liang unable to move for such a long time.


    He immediately sent the news back to his sect: <i>It''s highly likely that Granny Meng has entered the mountain with a strange and very powerful monk.</i>


    The three major sects sprang into action.


    Naturally, they were not rushing over from where their sects were based. Long before this operation began, the cultivators from the three sects had already gathered at a secret location in the Northern Regions.


    Just a short timeter, beams of light filled the sky, flying in all directions. However, by the time they came looking for him, Chu Liang had already left the area.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had entrusted little Jiang Guo to Chu Liang, but he had let the child get taken. That meant he would have to give an exnation to the Whale-Riding Immortal. So, even if Chu Liang didn''t have the power to get her back, he had to find out where she had been taken.


    Meanwhile, Fengya Mountain was undergoing dramatic changes. The one who had opened the hidden realm was, of course, the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    After pulling out the copper sword, he said to Luo Yao and Pushan, "It''s going to get dangerous here soon. You two should leave first."


    Then the Whale-Riding Immortal leaped out of the cave entrance. When Luo Yao and Pushan followed him out, they saw that the hidden realm had been opened, revealing the scene reflected in the mirror-like light curtain. It was then that they understood the Whale-Riding Immortal''s intention.


    They watched as the Whale-Riding Immortal stepped into the light curtain, sending a wave of ripples across it. Then he reappeared on the other half of the mountain.


    Momentster, all of the Dark King Sect disciples who could move freely again sprang into action. Under their sect leader''s orders, they rushed into the hidden realm.


    A man appeared high on the mountain peak of Fengya Mountain. He was dressed in a ck robe, and his hair was flying about in the wind, obscuring his face. Nevertheless, the overwhelming pressure he gave off was unmistakable.


    The imposing figure of the Dark King Sect''s leader stood up high.


    ...


    Lu Chengchou had paid a great price to have the Dark King Sect attack the Mount Shu Sect. The most important part of that price was the Jiuli Hidden Realm, which contained the Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    The Breath of the Yellow Springs could revive an ordinary person with an intact corporeal body for a thousand years and revive a cultivator for a hundred years. The higher the person''s cultivation level was, the faster the spiritual qi from the Breath of the Yellow Springs would run out... It would not be wrong to call this effect of bringing the dead back to life a miracle, but that was it.


    However, in the hands of the Dark King Sect''s leader, the Breath of the Yellow Springs could do much more than that. He could use it to revive the True Form of Ksitigarbha from the dead!


    Even if he would only be able to control the True From of Ksitigarbha for a moment, that meant he could use the power of a ninth-realm cultivator for a moment! He could destroy the mortal realm in an instant!


    Once he obtained the Breath of the Yellow Springs, the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten would fear the Dark King Sect. He could then take over the mortal realm and reform its power structure.


    When the Dark King Sect raided the Mount Shu Sect, they lost the battle and suffered major losses. It did not matter to him though, as that had been within his expectations.


    Moreover,pared to obtaining the Breath of the Yellow Springs, the loss of those low-level disciples was insignificant. As long as the top figures in the Dark King Sect remained formidable, there would never be a shortage of evildoers willing to join the sect.


    However, when the Dark King Sect''s leader allowed Granny Meng to examine the Breath of the Yellow Springs, she stole it.


    ...


    The Dark King Sect''s leader was truly furious this time. He was determined to use all the sect''s manpower to retrieve the Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    After his sect members entered the hidden realm, he waved his hand, and a ck barrier covered the light curtain, preventing anyone else from entering.


    He knew that Granny Meng''s child was her only weakness. She had stolen the Breath of the Yellow Springs to revive her son. As long as he had control over the child, he could control Granny Meng.


    By the time Chu Liang arrived at Fengya Mountain, the members of the Dark King Sect had already rushed inside. He was one stepte; the Dark King Sect''s leader had already sealed off the hidden realm.


    If he did not use force to break through the ck barrier, even Dimension Compression couldn''t help him enter the hidden realm. However, using force would alert the Dark King Sect disciples on the other side.


    Just as he was worrying about what to do to the barrier, a familiar figure suddenly appeared on the other side of the light curtain, with a sh of bright red clothing.


    She looked out the mirror and called out to Chu Liang, "Esteemed Senior?"

 Chapter 504: Stop Now

    <h4>Chapter 504: Stop Now</h4>


    The sky over the snowy region seemed to crumble, overtaken by brilliant radiance for thousands of zhang.


    Countless beams of light encircled Fengya Mountain from all directions, sealing it offpletely. The disciples of the Dark King Sect who had not entered the hidden realm in time were killed on the spot.


    Most of the Dark King Sect''s members had already followed their sect leader into the hidden realm. The sect leader had even used a divine ability to seal the entrance of the hidden realm, blocking the light curtain with a ck barrier.


    The righteous cultivators bombarded the barrier frenziedly with their divine skills and enchanted tools, but all that did was cause ripples to break out across the barrier.


    This barrier, which an eighth-realm Eminent One had conjured, seemed indestructible. But was that really the case?


    A vicious and shrill screech echoed in the sky. "<i>Caaaw!</i>"


    A giant three-legged bird shrouded in mes spiraled upward, spreading its wings to form a zing sun! It heated up the vast snowfield instantly, melting therge swaths of ice and snow below.


    Meanwhile, a glowing crescent-shaped treasure rose high into the sky, radiating bright rays of moonlight.


    The sun and moon were both in the sky!


    The Yu Dynasty had powerful cultivators under itsmand, but that was not the only reason the Yu Dynasty held a steady position as the ruling power. It was also because the Yu Dynasty had legendary artifacts for guarding the empire. The top ten artifacts in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures were in the hands of the Divine Nine and the Dark King Sect, but the imperial court controlled the three artifacts ranked after the top ten.


    The Panyang Ancient Jade was ranked eleventh and an important treasure of the Xia Family. They had used it to establish their empire, and it was not to be used lightly. The Immortals'' Talisman of Lunar Radiance and the Golden Crow''s Soul Essence were ranked twelfth and thirteenth respectively. Both treasures were enshrined in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    The two legendary artifacts soaring into the sky now were the two that the Imperial Supervisory Bureau possessed.


    The Immortals'' Talisman of Lunar Radiance contained power that was as cold as ice. It could release endless beams of moonlight as swords, turning one sword into a myriad. This was equivalent to magnifying the range of a single sword countless times. When wielded by a master of the Dao of the Sword, the talisman could be used to instantly sh across thousands of li.


    One of the three eighth-realm swordsmen in the mortal realm was in the Imperial Supervisory Bureau... and he might even be the best of the three. That person was the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, Qi Yingxuan.


    He was the one wielding the Immortals'' Talisman of Lunar Radiance. Once the crescent moon rose to the sky, there would be nothing across the four seas and the nine provinces that he could not cut down. He would be a truly terrifying force.


    The Golden Crow''s Soul Essence was said to be refined from the souls of nine Golden Crows that had been shot down in ancient times. When the Golden Crow''s Soul Essence was used, the power of the ancient Golden Crow would be reactivated for a brief period to conjure a sun to rise in the sky, burning with divine mes!


    When these two treasures rose to the sky, they swept away the dense demonic qi on Fengya Mountain!


    In the next second, two beams of light shot out simultaneously from the sun and the moon, striking the ck barrier.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The seemingly indestructible ck barrier did not even shatter; it just melted away like the surrounding ice and snow, vanishing into nothingness.


    ...


    Just before that attack, Chu Liang saw a familiar figure behind the ck barrier. The person was a stunning woman in red. She was very clearly Enchantress Yi, whom Chu Liang had encountered in the past.


    Back when Chu Liang''s cultivation power was still weak, he had tricked her with a small ploy. The problem was that Chu Liang was currently dressed the same way as back then. He got caught red-handed.


    Chu Liang was now powerful enough that he wouldn''t necessarily fear her, but he was in a hurry to find little Jiang Guo and didn''t want to get involved in a conflict.


    With the barrier between them, Chu Liang couldn''t hear how Yi Qiushui was addressing him, so he assumed she was cursing at him. After all, once she reported what happened to her teacher, she would have discovered that she had been tricked. Unless she was a fool, it was impossible she hadn''t figured it out by now.


    Thus, Chu Liang decided to avoid her and try to break through the barrier from another direction. If that didn''t work, he would let Tuntun out to take a couple of bites of the barrier.


    Nevertheless, before he could make a move, the two treasures¡ªthe sun and moon hanging high in the sky¡ªunleashed their power, melting the barrier in an instant.


    With the barrier gone, Chu Liang¡¯s gaze met Yi Qiushui''s. Chu Liang''s expression showed that he had not prepared for this.


    <i>This... How awkward.</i>


    Chu Liang''s mind raced, thinking about what he should do.


    Right then, Yi Qiushui called out, "Esteemed Senior! We meet again."


    <i>Huh?</i>


    Chu Liang had been ready for her to curse at him, so hearing her call him "Esteemed Senior" was truly unexpected.


    <i>Could it be that she still hasn''t realized I tricked her? Could she really be that foolish?</i>


    Since Yi Qiushui wasn''t being hostile, Chu Liang decided not toplicate matters.


    He put on a stern face and asked in a deep voice, "I''m looking for a little girl in a red coat. Have you seen her?"


    "Granny Meng appeared just now!" Yi Qiushui replied. "My esteemed teacher and the others have gone after her. There seemed to be a little girl by her side. I''ll take you there!"


    Chu Liang sincerely said, "Thank you."


    At the same time, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. <i>As expected, there are still many good people in the diabolical sect.</i>


    ...


    In the center of the hidden realm, there was a cave sealed with Mysterious Ice, and inside the cave was a shadowy figure.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal was the first to arrive at the cave. With a wave of his right hand, he deftly carved out a chunk of Mysterious Ice from the sealed cave. There was a ck human figure inside the ice! It had vividly detailed features and an intact form, seeming as if it were alive.


    It turned out that Granny Meng had ced her son''s corpse in this cave, inside the hidden realm opposite Fengya Mountain. She had filled the cave with water, and the water froze into Mysterious Ice in no time, preserving the body for ten thousand years.


    Before the Whale-Riding Immortal could extract the corpse from the ice, someone else descended onto the mountain peak. It was the Dark King Sect''s leader, d in a ck robe.


    He knew that the barrier he had cast wouldn''t hold for long, but all he needed was a moment to seize control of the corpse. Yet, someone had beaten him to it.


    "It''s you again," the Dark King Sect''s leader said, his tone filled with concealed anger. He stared at the Whale-Riding Immortal. "Who are you, and why do you repeatedly thwart my ns?"


    Whenever a new eighth-realm cultivator attained the Heavenly Origin, other masters of the Heavenly Origin would sense it. In other words, the eighth-realm cultivators in the mortal realm had some awareness of each other.


    Yet, the Dark King Sect''s leader did not recognize the man standing before him.


    When the Dark King Sect raided the Mount Shu Sect, the world saw the sword strike that protected Baize as Chu Liang''s doing. However, the dark King Sect''s leader knew that the true source of the power behind that strike had been the Whale-Riding Immortal.


    The failed raid had been Lu Chengchou''s problem, so the Dark King Sect''s leader hadn''t bothered looking into the matter. But now, this person was once again trying to sabotage his ns. The Dark King Sect''s leader would not tolerate it this time.


    He formed a hand seal; he was ready to summon the True Form of Ksitigarbha at any moment. The Dark King Sect''s leader intended to unleash the power of a Heavenly Origin Terminator, delivering a thunderous strike onto the person before him. He nned to leave swiftly before the righteous immortal sect members entered the hidden realm.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal noticed the movements of the Dark King Sect''s leader, but he remained unafraid.


    He just put on a small smile and replied, "You don''t know who I am, but I know who you are. Not only do I know your name, but I also know that you are an iplete person who cannot find yourself..."


    "Nonsense!" the Dark King Sect''s leader shouted.


    Yin qi surged wildly around him!


    Just as a fight was about to erupt between the two masters of the Heavenly Origin, a voice rang out from the distance. "Amitabha..."


    This Buddhist chant caused the sect leader of the Dark King Sect to halt abruptly.


    Granny Meng and the bald monk apanying her arrived at the cave. The monk was carrying a little girl in a bright red coat in his arms. Thisbination made for a rather peculiar sight.


    If it wasn''t for his monk''s robe, they might have looked like grandparents taking their granddaughter shopping for Chinese New Year''s goods.


    "Lin Poyun, do you recognize him?" Granny Meng yelled, looking at the sect leader of the Dark King Sect.


    Lin Poyun, the sect leader of the Dark King Sect, nced at the kind-looking monk beside Granny Meng. He took a couple of steps back and then asked quietly, "Who is he?"


    "Amitabha," the monk said unhurriedly. "I am but a humble monk, Wu''e¡ªa disciple of the Noble Dharma."


    "You intend to use him to disturb my Dao heart?" Lin Poyun sneered at Granny Meng. "I have treated you well all these years, yet you''re betraying me like this. How am I supposed to tolerate you?"


    "You can''t even tolerate yourself, so how could you tolerate me?" Granny Meng replied with a cold sneer.


    As she spoke, the cold wind atop the peak suddenly grew fierce. It lifted the hood of Lin Poyun''s ck robe and revealed his young face.


    Lin Poyun appeared to be less than thirty years old. He had long hair that was flying about in the wind and delicate brows that made him look rather feminine. Additionally, there was some malevolent qi around him.


    This was likely the first time that Lin Poyun¡ªthe Dark King Sect''s leader whose name shook the world¡ªwas revealing his appearance to the outside world.


    Strangely, Lin Poyun and Monk Wu''e looked quite alike. One was a young man with smooth, delicate skin and long flowing hair, while the other was a middle-aged man with rough skin and a gleaming bald head. Yet, their facial features were strikingly simr.


    Anyone observing them up close would be able to see that there was at least an eighty percent resemnce between them. They looked almost like the same person, just separated by twenty years.


    "Sect Leader Lin, listen to my humble advice," Monk Wu''e said with a sigh. "Stop now. Forces from righteous sects have gathered outside."

 Chapter 505: They Cant All Be, Right?

    <h4>Chapter 505: They Can''t All Be, Right?</h4>


    "Back then, you were just a vige boy, nearly made into a puppet by Xuan Yinzi. I saw your immense potential and, out ofpassion, persuaded him to take you on as a disciple.


    "After that, you quickly rose within the sect while the opposite happened to Xuan Yinzi. He was losing the hearts of the people. At that point, I noticed your intentions to revolt and offered to help you approach the True Form of Ksitigarbha.


    "I truly didn''t expect you to be so ruthless. To gain the recognition of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, you severed a part of yourself, discarding all your goodness and bing a vessel of pure evil. From that moment on, you earned the acknowledgment of the True Form of Ksitigarbha, severely wounding Xuan Yinzi in the fight for the Great Dao of the Profound Darkness, ultimately achieving Heavenly Origin.


    "You promised me that once youprehended the Great Dao of the Profound Darkness, you would help me resurrect my son. But when you had the opportunity to do so, you broke your promise."


    Granny Meng confronted the sect leader of the Dark King Sect with a stern and chilling look.


    "Lin Poyun, since I helped you ascend to this position, I also have the power to take you down. You probably didn''t expect that the remnant of goodness you severed back then would survive and evolve into a mortal of pure goodness,ter bing a disciple of Noble Dharma at the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions."


    The bald monk alongside her watched with eyes full of empathy andpassion.


    No one could have guessed that the kind-hearted and benevolent Master Wu''e of Holy Mountain was actually the infamous sect leader of the Dark King Sect.


    After bing a disciple of Noble Dharma, Monk Wu''e devoted himself to cultivation and attained the power of a seventh-realm Eminent One.


    If it were an ordinary seventh-realm cultivator, the sect leader of the Dark King Sect wouldn''t have any reason to fear this monk. However, he felt that this monk was more challenging to deal with than any cultivator who had attained the Heavenly Origin.


    From the first moment he saw the monk, he felt a surge of thoughts infiltrating his mind, as if another consciousness with its own reasoning was attempting to take control of his mind.


    "No... Impossible." The sect leader of the Dark King Sect shook his head vigorously. "Even if good and evil repel each other, I should be the one to devour you. How can your consciousness dominate mine? It must be Noble Dharma; that old fool must have done something somehow."


    "I promised Noble Dharma that I would give half of the Breath of the Yellow Springs to the Whale-Riding Immortal and use the other half to resurrect my son. After that, I will be a nun and cultivate on the Holy Mountain, no longer concerning myself with any affairs of the diabolical sect," Granny Meng said, her voice as cold as the biting wind. "Lin Poyun, if you do not leave now, you will die."


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.</i>


    Within the time it took to say those few words, multiple beams of light descended upon the scene. The hall masters of the Four Halls of Darkness arrived, all looking on in disbelief at what was happening.


    "Heheh..." The sect leader of the Dark King Sect chuckled softly twice.


    Today marked yet another severe blow to the diabolical sect.


    Since the battle at Mount Shu, the Dark King Sect had yet to regain its strength, and now this setback had once again plunged it back into a dire situation.


    He didn''t care about any of his subordinates; as long as he obtained the Breath of the Yellow Springs, it wouldn''t matter if all these small fry died.


    However, in light of the current situation, with the righteous sects already present and Monk Wu''e influencing from the sidelines, even with the True Form of Ksitigarbha, he couldn''t aplish much. No matter how unwilling he was, he could only ept this defeat.


    "Noble Dharma? Whale-Riding Immortal?" He directed his piercing gaze at Granny Meng, Monk Wu''e, and the Whale-Riding Immortal. "I will remember you."


    With that, the sect leader of the Dark King Sect waved his sleeve sharply, "We''re leaving!"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    In an instant, the sky behind him split open, revealing a massive ck hole that swallowed him whole. When he disappeared, the masters of the four halls were still confused. They remained uncertain about what was happening, but with the sect leader gone, they had no choice but to follow.


    As the disciples of the Dark King Sect prepared to confront the righteous sects, they gazed up at the enormous ck hole in the sky and realized that their leader had escaped once again.


    Immediately, they quickly scrambled to enter the ck hole in the air.


    In an instant, their forces fell into chaos, and the righteous cultivators pursued them closely, striking down the diabolical cultivators like a relentless rainstorm.


    The Dark King Sect had endured two significant battles, both resulting in devastating defeats. It seemed unlikely they would regroup any time soon. However, with the legendary artifact and an eighth-realm cultivator, they would certainly rise again.


    "It''s a pity that we can''t keep him here this time," the Whale-Riding Immortal said. "He will probably cause more trouble in the future."


    "It''s my fault. My cultivation level is not high enough," Monk Wu''e replied. "If I were an eighth-realm cultivator like you, we could have subdued him together."


    "He has the True Form of Ksitigarbha, making it incredibly difficult for us to hold him here," the Whale-Riding Immortal remarked. "Unless another cultivator who has attained the Heavenly Origin and has a legendary artifactes to our aid, it simply can''t be done. You shouldn''t push yourself too hard. If you forcibly use the connection between you and him to subdue him, you would also be affected. If he vanishes in that moment, you might no longer be the Wu''e you are now."


    Monk Wu''e pondered for a moment before he let out another sigh and murmured, "Amitabha."


    "There''s no need to discuss further," Granny Meng replied, her eyes filled with excitement as she fixed her gaze on the figure trapped in the Mysterious Ice[1]. "Shall we get started?"


    She retrieved a small porcin bottle from her bosom and gently opened the lid. A surge of pure and fierce yin qi rushed out, causing countless ghosts in the mountains to wail as the heavens and earth began to tremble!


    ...


    "Ah... I will have my revenge, I want you all dead!"


    On a cier a hundred li away, Violet Gold Marquessy in an ice cave with half of his body... gone.


    With just the left half of his body remaining, he had lost significantly more than before. In addition to his shoulder and chest, he had lost a leg and half of his face.


    With a seemingly casual flick of his finger, the Whale-Riding Immortalhad unleashed an unparalleled immortal art. Its destructive force was somewhat less than Immortal Jiuyi''s Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    However, the Violet Gold Marquess had managed to survive the attack of Immortal Jiuyi because he had suffered only a fraction of the damage thanks to the White Silver King, who had been in front of him and had absorbed the bulk of the impact.


    But today, he bore the full brunt of the strike.


    Countless dark purple fleshy sprouts attempted to twist and grow, but the intense golden light dissolved them away. The excruciating pain forced the Violet Gold Marquess to howl once more!


    After Immortal Jiuyi had destroyed his left half, it took him a whole year to regain full health. Yet, on this very day of his emergence, he lost the right half.


    What kind of earthly suffering was this?


    Violet Gold Marquess spat out a mouthful of blood.


    His injuries were so severe that he could barely move, making the restoration of his body seem like a distant fantasy. He urgently needed a precious herb to replenish his true essence and qi. Without immediate help, he might die right here.


    With no other choice, he could only seek help from others.


    As the creator of the Soul Subjugator Token, he possessed the highest authority over it. He could sense any token nearby and send messages to specific holders.


    At this moment, only three living individuals on the icefield still had the Soul Subjugator Token.


    They were Fifty-Eighth, Fifty-Ninth, and Sixtieth.


    Among them, Fifty-Ninth and Sixtieth stood alongside the eighth-realm cultivator who had injured him, clearly having betrayed him.


    Only Fifty-Eighth was his sole hope...


    He had personally collected every soul me on the Soul Subjugator Token to guarantee the loyalty of each of his subordinates.


    It baffled him why those two would dare to betray him. The only exnation he could think of was that they had been threatened by that eighth-realm cultivator.


    As this thought crossed his mind, he ruthlessly extinguished the soul mes of Fifty-Ninth and Sixtieth. With few Soul Subjugators remaining, he had now snuffed out two more. In doing so, the souls of those two traitors were utterly obliterated.


    <i>Two traitors are already a lot; it''s unlikely that all three of them could be traitors, right?</i> the Violet Gold Marquess thought.


    He had reviewed the past messages in the interdimensional domain of the Soul Subjugator Token and it was obvious to him that there was something wrong with Fifty-Ninth and Sixtieth.


    They were weird, disying obvious signs of betrayal.


    However, Fifty-Eighth appeared to be a calm, stable, andpletely normal Soul Subjugator.


    In reality, it was difficult for Violet Gold Marquess to fully trust a subordinate he had never met. But who else could he contact now?


    If he remained here until nightfall and encountered an icefield demonic beast or a ghost, he would surely die.


    The Violet Gold Marquess had a backup n: he would inform Fifty-Eighth of a location not far from his current position. If Fifty-Eighth arrived alone, he would disclose his actual location. However, if there were others following, he would conceal his presence.


    After a thoughtful pause, the Violet Gold Marquess sent a private message to Fifty-Eighth.


    [Violet Gold Marquess]: "I have suffered some minor injuries. Bring some pills and spirit nts to me; I will be waiting at the top of the cier, eighty li east of Fengya Mountain."


    [Violet Gold Marquess]: "The Eastern-Route Guider has died. If you seed this time, I will appoint you as the new Guider."


    [Violet Gold Marquess]: "Proceed with caution."


    1. It''s the same type of ice used to make Ancient Mysterious-Ice Coffin. Previously Ancient Profound Ice Coffin. We changed it to Mysterious-Ice Coffin because profound ice sounds weirder... ?

 Chapter 506: Big Brother Berry

    <h4>Chapter 506: Big Brother Berry</h4>


    It was a mess on Fengya Mountain.


    While the disciples of the diabolical sect rushed forward to block the attacks of the righteous cultivators, Enchantress Yi led Chu Liang in the opposite direction, heading toward the cave where the corpse was hidden.


    Some disciples of the Dark King Sect noticed Chu Liang heading in the opposite direction and were about to scold him. However, upon seeing Enchantress Yi dressed in red, they didn''t dare utter a single word.


    Without any mishaps, they arrived at the center of the hidden realm just in time to witness the Sect Leader of the Dark King Sect opening the ck void and escaping into it.


    Enchantress Yi was shocked. "The sect leader has fled... again..."


    "Then you should leave first. Thank you," Chu Liang said.


    As the disciples of the diabolical sect vanished into the ck void, pursued by the righteous cultivators, Yi Qiushui, who had just arrived, was in the perfect spot to make her escape.


    "Alright." Before she made her escape, she said to Chu Liang in a solemn tone, "Honored senior, you muste see my teacher."


    "I will," Chu Liang replied, nodding in agreement. He had no choice but to agree.


    With that, Yi Qiushui flew into the sky and left.


    Chu Liang pressed on alone. Upon reaching the peak outside the cave, he was taken aback by the scene unfolding before him.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal had already restored his original appearance, and the bald monk who had taken Jiang Guo, along with the elderly woman, were right beside him.


    At that moment, Granny Meng was gently retrieving her son''s body from the ice coffin. He appeared to be a thin and elegant young man. Then, she took half of the Breath of the Yellow Springs from the porcin bottle and slowly infused it into his body.


    The other half was handed to the Whale-Riding Immortal, who gently injected the misty vapor into the crown of Jiang Guo''s head.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    As the light radiated, the wails of ghosts from all directions intensified.


    The righteous cultivators outside, who had just driven away the diabolical sect, suddenly found themselves confronted by a massive horde of fierce and malevolent spirits.


    Immediately, they started fighting again.


    Fortunately, after a brief period, both had absorbed their respective portions of the Breath of the Yellow Springs.


    It remained uncertain whether the corpse could be revived, as it showed no signs of movement.


    Monk Wu''e then said, "He has been dead for a long time. We can''t be sure if his yang soul[1] can truly return to his body. Let''s take him back to the mountain for observation."


    "Alright," Granny Meng replied, with no choice but to agree.


    As the Breath of the Yellow Springs merged with Jiang Guo, she underwent a remarkable transformation. The yin qi that surrounded her small frame dissipated, and the dullness in her eyes vanished, reced by the vibrant and spirited gaze of a young girl.


    "Ah..." She opened her eyes and stared at the Whale-Riding Immortal, as if she wanted to say something.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal looked over at Chu Liang. He held the little girl''s hand and took a gentle step forward, appearing in front of Chu Liang.


    "Why did youe here?" he asked.


    "I was chasing after the two of them. They came and took Jiang Guo away," Chu Liang said, pointing at the two elderly figures.


    He only realized now that the Whale-Riding Immortal was with those two elderly figures.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal smacked himself on the forehead as he said, "I forgot to tell you!"


    He continued exining, "When Granny Meng visited the Holy Mountain, I happened to be there and made a deal with her. She would give me half of the Breath of the Yellow Springs, and I would help her find her son''s body."


    "And she..." Chu Liang nced at Jiang Guo again.


    The little girl was smiling brightly at him, calling out clearly, "Big Bro Berry!"


    <i>So she isn''t mentally challenged.</i>


    <i>She''s just not entirely alive?</i>


    <i>But does this little girl really think my name is Berry?</i>


    A series of thoughts raced through Chu Liang¡¯s mind.


    Before Chu Liang could correct her, the Whale-Riding Immortal spoke up, "I''m sure you''ve sensed that something wasn''t right with her. She actually died thousands of years ago. An ancestor of my family, the Jiang Family, couldn''t bear the loss of his daughter and made numerous attempts to resurrect her. In the end, he created the Ba in the Immortals'' Marsh, and her body transformed into a seventh-realm Cataclysmic Ba.


    "I have done everything I can to prevent her nature as a Cataclysmic Ba from causing disaster in the world. Yet, all my efforts have only served to alleviate and dy the inevitable. Aside from making her sleep, there was no better solution. However, with this Breath of Yellow Springs, I should be able to keep the world safe from the effects of the Cataclysmic Ba for quite some time."


    "So, you really are Jiang Tiankuo, an esteemed senior of Mount Shu. I''ve heard my teacher and Senior Aunt Yan speak of you," Chu Liang said.


    "Haha," the Whale-Riding Immortalughed heartily. "I didn''t mean to hide; I have my reasons. When the opportunity arises, I will return to Mount Shu to meet them."


    "They''re not in a hurry, but there is someone... Esteemed senior, don''t you want to meet her now?" Chu Liang said slowly. "This time, all of Mount Shu''s elite disciples are here. Senior Sister Jiang should be present as well. I know... she has a lot to ask you."


    Jiang Tiankuo''s smile faded. He looked toward the battlefield, where the righteous cultivators were battling numerous creatures of yin energy. After a moment of silence, he replied, "I''ll think about it."


    With that, he held Jiang Guo''s hand and said, "I''ll take them back first. If you encounter any difficulties, you can mention my name on the Holy Mountain at the Northern Regions."


    As he finished speaking, he and the others turned into a gust of wind and left.


    In the vast mountains, Chu Liang found himself suddenly alone.


    At that moment, the Soul Subjugator Token in his chest began to vibrate.


    He focused his divine sense into the token to check the message and saw the name of Violet Gold Marquess!


    ...


    When he first obtained the Soul Subjugator Token, his goal was to capture this big fish.


    But then, he never expected that he would thwart the diabolical sect''s evil ns through this token. The information he gained was far more valuable than the Violet Gold Marquess himself.


    Now that there was news of him, he certainly couldn''t let this opportunity slip away.


    Chu Liang quickly used the United Hearts Jade to send a message to Jiang Yuebai. Previously, all hismunications with Mount Shu happened through this jade, with Jiang Yuebai serving as his point of contact.


    Amidst the current chaos, locating the elders of Mount Shu would be challenging. The quickest way to ry the message was, of course, through Jiang Yuebai.


    [Chu Liang]: "The Violet Gold Marquess sent a message asking me to bring him precious medicine. I suspect he is severely injured. Prepare the elders. If I send a message, be ready to rush over and provide support."


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "Hmm?"


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "Are you nning to go alone?"


    [Chu Liang]: "Given how cunning the Violet Gold Marquess is, it''s very likely that the location he provided is a facade. If I bring others with me, he will know and will definitely not show up."


    After a moment of thought, Chu Liang deduced the trick the Violet Gold Marquess might be using.


    The Violet Gold Marquess imed that he was slightly injured. But with his cultivation level, would he really need to seek help from a mere subordinate for a minor wound? Most likely, he was severely injured, and his life could be at stake.


    Only then would he behave in this way.


    Following this line of thought, he would definitely be very cautious. The location he provided was likely a ruse, and he would be watching from nearby. If anything seemed wrong, he would keep himself hidden.


    When dealing with this old fox, one had to think two steps ahead.


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "But this is too dangerous..."


    After all, the Violet Gold Marquess was a seventh-realm expert, and it was natural for her to worry about Chu Liang going alone.


    [Chu Liang]: "It''s fine. As long as my identity isn''t exposed, he has no reason to attack me. This ce isn''t far. As long as youe as soon as you receive my message, I won''t necessarily be in danger."


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "Be careful."


    "..."


    After just a few words, Chu Liang soared away from the chaotic battlefield, making his way toward the cier dozens of li away. He soon arrived at the location the Violet Gold Marquess had mentioned.


    He extended his divine sense far and wide, scanning the area but finding nothing unusual.


    So he sent another message and waited patiently. As long as the Violet Gold Marquess confirmed that he held the Soul Subjugator Token and hade alone, he would likely reveal the true location soon.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Marquess, your subordinate has arrived."


    1. There is yang soul and yin soul. Yin souls are the souls of those who have passed away. Yang souls refer to the souls that leave the body through certain means while a person is still alive, hence they are called Yang souls. ?

 Chapter 507: Didnt Ask You to Come Now

    <h4>Chapter 507: Didn''t Ask You to Come Now</h4>


    The Violet Gold Marquess left peacefully.


    ...


    In the ancient cave beneath the cier, the Violet Gold Marquess felt a chill spread throughout his entire body... no, half of his body.


    He could feel his qi and blood rapidly draining from the wound, despite his best efforts to use his divine abilities to seal it. However, the foundational qi of the eighth-realm cultivator continued to consume everything within him.


    If he weren''t trying so hard to heal the wounds, he would likely be unable to preserve even half of his body.


    However, for an Eminent One like the Violet Gold Marquess, as long as they had not yet died, they could restore themselves to life, even if they were reduced to a pile of blood.


    This was the exact reason why Eminent Ones at a high cultivation level would cultivate foundational qi that could prevent healing. Of course, there were other methods. For example, Di Nufeng would just burn it away entirely.


    Even if you possess the ability of Last Drop of Blood, you still need to have a drop of blood, right?


    The injury inflicted by the Whale-Riding Immortal was even worse than the one he had previously sustained from Immortal Jiuyi. The golden energy from the strike continued to gnaw at the Violet Gold Marquess. He was already struggling to stop the injury from spreading and he could barely exert additional effort to heal his wounds.


    If he had arge supply of precious herbs to continuously replenish his qi and blood, he could use his foundational qi to fight back against the spreading injury. It would take him some time, but he would be able to stop its progression.


    However, during hisst closed-door cultivation, he had depleted all his reserves to repair his body.


    After the attacks, he barely had any Soul Subjugators left. With so few people avable to gather spirit nts and precious herbs for him, he had none remaining in reserve.


    At this moment, he could only ce his hopes on Fifty-Eighth.


    If Fifty-Eighth could bring precious herbs to save his life at this moment, the Violet Gold Marquess would be willing not only to promote him as a Guider but also to recognize him as his own "father."


    At that moment, he truly felt life slipping away from him!


    As he anxiously waited, a dark figure finally descended onto the cier outside.


    <i>He¡¯s here!</i>


    The Violet Gold Marquess was filled with joy, as if he had clutched a much-needed lifeline.


    But he didn''t act hastily. Instead, he carefully suppressed his aura and assessed the situation there with his divine sense. As a seventh-realm cultivator specializing in soul arts, his range of divine sense was significantly broader than that of other great experts.


    That''s why he was confident in using this method.


    However, what the Violet Gold Marquess saw made his heart skip a beat.


    The figure thatnded was d in a ck robe, unmistakably the same Eminent One who had nearly obliterated him with a mere flick of his finger!


    <i>Why is it him?!</i>


    The Violet Gold Marquess¡¯s remaining half of his chest heaved violently. He quickly suppressed his aura, stopping the fluctuation of his foundational qi, not daring to make any sound.


    An eighth-realm Eminent One possessed an even more powerful divine sense; he dared not make the slightest movement.


    At the same time, he silently prayed, hoping this person was merely passing by and not here in search of him. But why did he carry the aura of the Soul Subjugator Token?


    <i>He can''t possibly be Fifty-Eighth, right? Impossible... absolutely impossible! I must be mistaken; my divine soul is injured and my senses have be muddled.</i>


    Then, he saw the person take out the Soul Subjugator Token.


    Shortly after, he received a message.


    [Fifty-Eighth]: "Marquess, your subordinate has arrived."


    <i>Huh?</i> The Violet Gold Marquess''s pupils widened in despair.<i> Shit. He is Fifty-Eighth. </i>


    It felt like a non-swimmer falling into the water, clinging to a log to stay afloat, only to realize it was a fierce crocodile.


    <i>So the three Soul Subjugators I selected to infiltrate the White-Bone Hall as my undercover agents turned out to be actual undercover agents? What kind of sick joke is this?</i>


    He was so angry he wanted to punch the wall, but he neither had the strength nor dared to move.


    If he made the slightest noise and alerted this person, his life would be truly ended by a mere flick of the finger!


    At that moment, the Violet Gold Marquess could only wait for Fifty-Eighth to leave and then look for another way to survive.


    As the saying went, "If one survives a great disaster, fortune will follow." As long as he made it through today''s crisis, he would surely rise again!


    But as that thought shed through his mind, the Violet Gold Marquess felt uncertain once more. He had already faced a great disaster before, losing a whole chunk of his body previously.


    He had just emerged from closed-door cultivation! It seemed more likely that it would be surviving one disaster only to face another.


    At that moment, he recalled all the evil deeds he hadmitted throughout his life¡ªthe innocent lives he had taken, the mountains of corpses and seas of blood recorded in the Netherworld Codex. Could this be retribution?


    He couldn''t help but silently pray, <i>Heavens, if you spare my life this time, I, the Violet Gold Marquess, will surely turn over a new leaf!</i>


    As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.


    <i>Bang.</i>


    A massive wolf head came into view. The wolf stood at the entrance of the cave, furious that some creature had intruded upon its territory.


    <i>No wonder there was such a hidden cave here. So it''s their of an icefield demonic beast? </i>The Violet Gold Marquess thought.


    "<i>Roar...</i>" The giant wolf let out a low, muffled growl.


    The Violet Gold Marquess stared at it with his one remaining eye. If he were in his prime, he could have killed this demonic beast, which appeared to be between the fourth and fifth realms, with just a nce.


    But now, his strength was sapped by his severe injuries, leaving him nearly immobile. If he risked everything for a desperate counterattack, he might just seed.


    However, doing so would create fluctuations in his foundational qi, which would surely be detected by that eighth-realm Eminent One, putting his life at risk.


    So, he couldn''t move. His only chance of survivaly in the hope that this wolf demon wouldn¡¯t eat him¡ªor, better yet, that it might bring him some treasures of nature.


    Thinking this, he fixed his gaze on the wolf demon with his one eye, trying his best to show a warm and friendly smile with the remaining half of his mouth.


    Initially, the wolf demon hesitated, but now the fury in its eyes was fully ignited.


    <i>This unwee guest had not only invaded myir but had even dared to provoke me! </i>These were the thoughts racing through the wolf''s mind.


    <i>¡°Roar¡ª¡ª¡±</i>


    ...


    Dusk was approaching, and the howls of ghosts and wolves echoed all around.


    Though the human poption was low in the Northern Regions icefield, it was not without life. The icefield was home to numerous demonic beasts, making it a dangerous ce at night.


    Chu Liang had been waiting for so long that his body started to stiffen.


    He didn''t dare make any unusual movements, fearing that the Violet Gold Marquess would be suspicious. But it had already been half a day; surely any doubts should have dissipated by now, right?


    <i>You might not be in a hurry to heal, but I''m in a rush to get home for dinner!</i>


    asionally, he received messages of concern from Jiang Yuebai through the United Hearts Jade, asking about his situation. However, since the Violet Gold Marquess still hadn¡¯t appeared, Chu Liang was reluctant to leave.


    The situation remained deadlocked until almost nightfall.


    Everything at Fengya Mountain had ended, and the members of the major sects had returned home. Only the members of the Mount Shu Sect remained, waiting for news from Chu Liang.


    <i>This Violet Gold Marquess is too damn patient</i>, Chu Liang thought.


    After sending several messages without receiving a reply, Chu Liang finally decided to give up. He asked Jiang Yuebai to inform the elders of the Mount Shu Sect to carefully search within a hundred li around his location for any signs of foundational qi fluctuations.


    Streaks of light scoured the area for a while, but no discoveries were made. In the distance, a streak of light descended, revealing Jiang Yuebai''s figure on the icefield.


    "Looks like he got away. That scoundrel from the diabolical sect is truly cunning," Chu Liang said with a sense of resignation.


    "You did great this time," Jiang Yuebai said with a smile. Dressed in a gown with a ring of pure white fur around the neck, she continued, her eyes gleaming with pride, "You ruined the evil n of the diabolical sect, inflicting significant losses on the Dark King Sect. The Discipline Master mentioned that these diabolical cultivators won''t be able to cause any more problems for a while, and it''s all thanks to you."


    As she spoke, Chu Liang could see the moonlight reflecting off the vast white icefield.


    "It was our team effort," Chu Liang said with a smile. After a moment, he added, "I ran into Whale-Riding Senior again. He confirmed that he really is... Jiang Tiankuo."


    "Ah." Jiang Yuebai''s smile faltered for a moment, her gaze shifting as she said softly, "I knew it was him."


    "He said he had his reasons for not being able to show himself openly," Chu Liang exined. "I think once he''s done with all his tasks, he¡¯lle see you at Mount Shu."


    "Let him be," Jiang Yuebai said, her gaze dimming slightly.


    Seeing her expression, Chu Liang felt a sudden pang of sympathy. He didn¡¯t know what it was like to be abandoned by one¡¯s parents; he had never experienced it himself, but he imagined it must be very painful.


    However, when he saw the sorrow on Jiang Yuebai¡¯s face, he couldn''t help but step forward and gently hold her hand, saying, ¡°It''s okay; everything will be alright.¡±


    Jiang Yuebai''s shoulders trembled, and for a moment, it was unclear what thoughts crossed her mind. She remained silent and still, as if frozen in ce.


    Chu Liang¡¯s face appeared calm, but his heart pounded so hard that he felt it might burst from his chest.


    The vast icefield stretched endlessly for miles, the moonlight casting a frosty glow over everything. They stood so close that he could feel her warm breath mingling with the crisp, chilly air.


    Other than that ident on the stage, this was the first time Chu Liang had been so close to Jiang Yuebai.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang felt he needed to be braver.


    He realized this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he let it slip away now, who knew when they would have a chance to be in such an atmosphere again?


    So, he leaned closer to Jiang Yuebai¡¯s ear and whispered, ¡°I¡ª¡±


    He had barely uttered a single word when his pupils suddenly dted, and panic shed in his eyes. He stepped back immediately.


    Sensing his change, Jiang Yuebai finally looked up and said, ¡°You¡ª¡±


    She had barely uttered a word when Chu Liang stammered, "Esteemed sen¡ªah, U-uncle Jiang."


    Jiang Yuebai abruptly turned around and saw a figure standing in the moonlight behind them. She had no idea when he had arrived.


    The figure was tall and handsome, with a weathered face and aplex expression¡ªit was none other than Whale-Riding Immortal.


    ¡°I...¡± The usually carefree Whale-Riding Immortal appeared a bit nervous at that moment. He wanted to look at Jiang Yuebai but hesitated, ultimately directing his gaze toward Chu Liang.


    His gaze at Chu Liang conveyed a myriad of emotions: self-control, anger, disdain, and confusion over what to do next.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal twisted his wrist repeatedly. Was he contemting chopping someone into pieces? No one could tell.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal continued, ¡°I thought about it, and you were right. I shoulde see her...¡±


    Chu Liang¡¯s expression grew a bit numb, his eyes filled with a mix of nervousness, relief, disappointment, and a hint of regret. For a moment, he felt like crying but found no tears.


    He screamed inwardly, <i>Uncle, I asked you toe see her, but I didn''t mean now... </i>

 Chapter 508: You Wouldnt Say No, Right?

    <h4>Chapter 508: You Wouldn''t Say No, Right?</h4>


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned!¡± Chu Liang muttered, recalling his earlier words. He felt the urge to punch himself for being so unnecessary, blurting out that extra sentence.


    ¡°<i>Haaaaaa...</i>¡± He let out a heavy sigh.


    Now that the father and daughter were talking over there, Chu Liang felt like an outsider who needed to step aside... though, in truth, he was indeed an outsider.


    As he left, Chu Liang caught a glimpse of Jiang Yuebai''s expression¡ªit seemed ratherplicated. She didn''t look happy as she stared at Jiang Tiankuo. Still, Chu Liang knew she had been anticipating this meeting for a long time.


    So deep down, he was happy for her.


    If only it had happened at a different time...


    With this thought in mind, Chu Liang wandered slowly beyond the ten-mile radius. Suddenly, a series of guttural beastly roars echoed in the distance, and a faint, blood-stained aura drifted toward him on the wind.


    <i>What¡¯s going on? Something''s not right</i>, Chu Liang thought.


    Although there were quite a few demonic beasts on this icefield, their territories were clearly defined, and interactions were minimal. Large-scale gatherings and battles were rare.


    It was unusual to smell such a strong scent of blood.


    He became cautious and flew in that direction, extending his divine sense far ahead.


    As he drew near, he spotted four or fiverge demonic beast corpses sprawled messily in front of a concealed cave.


    Each corpse appeared mangled. As the scorching demon blood flowed onto the icy surface, it immediately solidified into ice, releasing wisps of steam into the air.


    The scent of blood attracted more and more demonic beasts. They arrived in search of food, fiercely snarling and biting at each other in apetition for food, resulting in a cacophony of noise.


    He cautiously approached the cave entrance, only to be met with a shocking scene.


    At the edge of the cavey a... No! It was half a corpse.


    The blood-soaked armor and half-dried blood formed a ghastly sight. Yet, the golden skeleton beneath the flesh revealed that this person was far from ordinary.


    This was the skeleton of a seventh-realm Eminent One!


    Immediately, someone came to mind. Although the battle happened today, he had not heard of another seventh-realm Eminent One dying. Could this be the Violet Gold Marquess himself?


    The Guardian of the diabolical sect who imed that he had only suffered "minor injuries."


    <i>No wonder he didn¡¯t take the bait. Was I really in a contest of patience with a dead man? Thank goodness I didn¡¯t keep waiting. If I had, I would still be stuck here even after the Ji Family''spetition ended.</i>


    All the demonic beasts lying outside the cave had likely tried to eat this dying man only to be killed by him. However, in this process, the Violet Gold Marquess must have exhausted hisst bit of qi.


    Out of caution, Chu Liang didn¡¯t immediately approach to check. He controlled the Dustless Sword and stabbed the body a few times. Given how severely mauled and gored it was, the body definitely wouldn¡¯t mind a few extra strikes.


    After observing for a while and seeing that the other remained motionless and lifeless, Chu Liang finally stepped forward to confirm the identity.


    He stood at the cave entrance and raised his hand, channeling a surge of foundational qi to flip over the body lying face down.


    The remaining half of its face was revealed. With one eye wide open, the expression conveyed a sense of resignation and an unresolved grudge in death.


    <i>How pitiful</i>, Chu Liang thought.


    Chu Liang had just let down his guard, believing the man was truly dead when, suddenly, a spark of soul me erupted from that wide-open eye!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The light quickly pierced Chu Liang''s eye!


    In actuality, Chu Liang had been cautious enough.


    Even if this body belonged to a seventh-realm Eminent One, considering the severe injuries it had sustained and the time that had passed since all its qi was depleted, it should have been dead.


    However, there was something extraordinary about this body. He was the Violet Gold Marquess. The Violet Gold Marquess of the diabolical sect had studied the Dao of Soul for a century, and in terms of soul strength, very few seventh-realm Eminent Ones couldpete with him.


    Even though his body had been dead for half a day, a wisp of soul me still lingered! The Violet Gold Marquess had indeed died, but his soul remained intact!


    Chu Liang could hear the Violet Gold Marquess''s frantic roar echoing in his mind.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! I will take you down with me!"


    ...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Chu Liang felt a tremendous force wrenching open his head as the Violet Gold Marquess''s broken form invaded his forehead, the seat of his celestial spirit.


    As the Violet Gold Marquess seized his divine soul and refused to let go, Chu Liang realized he couldn''t move at all.


    This was the first time he had ever faced such an attack. He was entirely unfamiliar with this setting. A deep blue ocean surrounded him, and both he and the Violet Gold Marquess were submerged in the water. Every ripple and movement made Chu Liang feel extremely dizzy.


    This was his Niwan Sea of Consciousness!


    At that moment, the Violet Gold Marquess''s soul was like a dying candle, on the verge of extinguishing at any moment. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, a thin, lifeless camel is still bigger than a horse. Even in his dying state, the Violet Gold Marquess was still strong enough that Chu Liang found it hard to handle.


    "I can''t believe you are this weak..." the Violet Gold Marquess shouted. "Who the hell are you?"


    The marquess was shouting hysterically. This was meant to be a final, desperate act of revenge before he died, but to his surprise, he discovered something different.


    "Marquess, I am Fifty-Eighth..." Chu Liang struggled to speak, attempting to make the marquess stop whatever he was doing.


    Though he had never seen the Violet Gold Marquess, there was no doubt about the identity of this opponent. Who else could possess such a powerful fragmented soul?


    A sh of souls was vastly different from a physical fight. The most significant distinction was that even the slightest pain could instantly plunge the mind into chaos.


    At this moment, Chu Liang couldn''t think calmly.


    "I can''t believe your Sea of Consciousness could be so calm... No matter. As long as I can destroy your soul, I can take control of your body and start cultivating again. Heaven hasn¡¯t forsaken me yet..." the Violet Gold Marquess said.


    He had slipped into madness.


    After being surrounded and attacked by demonic beasts and losing all the qi in his body, he had sunk into utter despair. Now, discovering a glimmer of hope for survival, he clung to it desperately.


    As for taking over a body, it was something he had never considered, as it seemed utterly unrealistic.


    Even with an incredibly strong soul cultivation, body possession is an extremely difficult task. Even for someone at the level of the Violet Gold Marquess, he might be able to possess a mortal or a cultivator in the first two realms, but once they reach the third realm, it''s nearly impossible.


    To seize control of someone else''s body, one must enter their Sea of Consciousness, which would be a domain controlled by the owner of the body. The invasion of any foreign soul would trigger a reaction from the Sea of Consciousness and the entire Sea of Consciousness would fight back, meaning that the invading soul would have to fight with more than just the power of the original soul.


    Typically, the Sea of Consciousness would either kill the invading soul or self-destruct. As long as the owner of the body refused to cooperate, seizing control would be impossible.


    However, when he invaded Chu Liang''s Sea of Consciousness, he discovered that this space didn¡¯t reject him. It was as if two foreign souls were fighting there while the Sea of Consciousness remained neutral.


    Thus, even though the Violet Gold Marquess was just a fragmented soul, he easily gained the upper hand, as Chu Liang''s soul was no match for him.


    Chu Liang''s mind stopped working. He felt his soul being stifled...


    When he could see everything around him clearly, he realized what was happening.


    This was the deepest area of his Sea of Consciousness, a ce where outsiders should not have been able to remain this aggressive.


    <i>But why is it so calm? Is it because I am an outsider?</i>


    <i>There¡¯s no one to help me here, so which part of this domain am I in control? </i>As Chu Liang pondered this, he focused his mind and began summoning the White Pagoda.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As a thought crossed his mind, a familiar sensation washed over him, causing his soul to sink once more into the White Pagoda.


    The Violet Gold Marquess, who had been firmly grasping him, also became momentarily dazed and found himself in a strange space.


    "Hmm?" The Violet Gold Marquess eximed with utter astonishment. "What is this ce?


    "It''s where you will die..." Chu Liang forced the words out through clenched teeth.


    "Then I''ll take my time exploring it after I kill you!" the Violet Gold Marquess retorted viciously.


    But he didn¡¯t realize that this was no longer just a battlefield between him and Chu Liang. A small creature with golden wings, previously sound asleep, slowly opened its eyes and drowsily gazed at them.


    The two figures surged with light as the Violet Gold Marquess gripped Chu Liang''s neck tightly, as if trying to extinguish his light.


    Tuntun blinked hard and furrowed her tiny brow. "Bad..."


    She wobbled into the air, flew over to the Violet Gold Marquess''s side, and sank her teeth into his arm.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    It wasn¡¯t an actual bite but more of a gentle inhtion. In an instant, the Violet Gold Marquess¡¯s form transformed into a purple stream and was drawn into Tuntun¡¯s belly.


    "Ah!" The Violet Gold Marquess let out a sudden wail.


    The chance of rebirth was right in front of him, but he could not grasp it. He could only cry out, "I am not willing to ept this¡ª"


    <i>If this isn''t fate, then why torment me repeatedly by giving me hope? Is it merely to deepen my despair?</i>


    The Guardian of the diabolical sect for this generation was finally killed.


    "<i>Phew...</i>" Chu Liang let out a long breath.


    He regted his breathing for quite a while before slowly recovering his mentalposure. As he reflected on the situation, he recognized that he had been cautious enough during the initial inspection; he simply hadn¡¯t expected that a seventh-realm Eminent One would possess such powerful vitality.


    Even with half of his body remaining and his qipletely depleted, he could still keep his soul me alive.


    That was truly terrifying.


    Looking at Tuntun, whose belly was once again bulging from its meal, he patted the little creature''s head and said with a sigh, "You''ve saved my life again, but with this meal, my three months of effort to starve you of spiritual energy had been wasted..."


    As his soul ascended from the White Pagoda, he slowly opened his eyes.


    He was still in the icy cave, facing the mauled and gored body of the Violet Gold Marquess before him. The marquess looked as if he had died a peaceful death. Now that the marquess''s soul hadpletely dissipated, Chu Liang no longer had to worry about anything.


    Chu Liang reached onto the marquess'' body, rummaged around, and discovered a jade pendant that resembled an enchanted storage tool.


    After putting away the jade pendant, he stood up, bowed to the remaining half of the body. The expression on his face conveyed that he pitied the marquess. Although the marquess had nearly killed him just moments ago, Chu Liang still intended to show the utmost respect.


    Then Chu Liang solemnly said, "Violet Gold Marquess, you were a prominent figure in the diabolical sect. To leave your corpse exposed here, reduced to a meal for demonic beasts, is something this junior cannot bear.


    "After all, the Mount Shu Sect valuespassion. Although youmitted countless evils in your lifetime, death extinguishes all. The past will not be pursued. I will take you back to the Mount Shu Sect for burial, so you may rest in peace.


    "Furthermore, you once asked me to bring you some spirit nts and precious herbs, but unfortunately, I never got the chance to do so. I will nt some treasures of nature on your tombstone to apany you in eternal slumber. s, it pains me that you did not die with aplete body...


    "I suppose you wouldn''t say no to this, right?"

 Chapter 509: Opening Another Enchanted Tool

    <h4>Chapter 509: Opening Another Enchanted Tool</h4>


    After a while, Jiang Yuebai sent a message to Chu Liang through the United Hearts Jade, telling him that it was fine for him to meet back up with them.


    Chu Liang returned to the top of the cier and saw the father and daughter standing together. They indeed looked quite alike.


    The Jiang Family''s genes were pretty good. Among the three major aristocratic families, the Jiang Family had the highest proportion of people who were born without any birth deformities. It was just that the total number was a bit lowpared to the Xia and Ji Families.


    The father and daughter both had calm expressions, and it was unclear what they had just talked about. When Chu Liang arrived, the father and daughter exchanged nces, still a bit awkward with each other.


    The beautiful scene that the Whale-Riding Immortal had interrupted was still fresh in their minds, so they probably remembered it the moment they saw Chu Liang.


    Guessing that was the case, Chu Liang quickly said, "I just discovered the corpse of the Violet Gold Marquess over there."


    However, he didn''t mention that the Violet Gold Marquess''s soul had invaded his Sea of Consciousness. It was rather strange and might involve his greatest secret, so he had to think it over carefully before revealing it to anyone.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" the Whale-Riding Immortal replied, "you mean the one I killed with a flick of my finger?"


    The Whale-Riding Immortal roughly exined what had happened earlier, and Chu Liang finally realized who the culprit behind the Violet Gold Marquess''s peaceful demise was. He couldn''t help but be amazed.


    <i>Sure enough, at the higher cultivation realms, the gaps tended to be greater between cultivators of the same realm.</i>


    Most cultivators saw a seventh-realm Eminent One as a mighty and unreachable existence. Yet, to the eighth-realm Whale-Riding Immortal, such a mighty existence was a mere ant that could be killed with just a flick of his finger.


    After hearing the Whale-Riding Immortal''s exnation, Jiang Yuebai''s expression suddenly turned rather grim.


    Chu Liang noticed it and quickly figured out what she was thinking.


    The Violet Gold Marquess was undoubtedly considered a powerful figure among the seventh-realm Eminent Ones. His swift demise showed just how difficult it was for a seventh-realm Eminent One to contend with an eighth-realm Eminent One.


    In fact, the current leader of the Dark King Sect had to rely on the True Form of Ksitigarbha to take over the sect. It was with the blessing of that legendary artifact, which was ranked among the top ten in the mortal realm, that he managed to seize control of the Great Dao of Profound Darkness from the previous leader.


    If Daoist Yan wanted to seize control of the Great Dao of Swordsmanship, it would probably be a feat as difficult as ascending to the heavens. So, Jiang Yuebai was likely worrying about her teacher.


    Chu Liang thought of his own teacher acquiring control over a Great Dao, and he wasn''t worried for her. Other cultivators had to rely on legendary artifacts to contend for the Great Dao, but his teacher only needed a heart full of filial piety. After all, others were fighting for the control of a Great Dao, but his teacher was fighting for her inheritance.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal suddenly ced a hand on Chu Liang''s shoulder and said with a smile, "Treat my daughter well. Otherwise, I can''t guarantee that my finger won''t get itchy again someday."


    Chu Liang broke out in goosebumps and nodded repeatedly. "Uncle Jiang, please rest assured that I will!"


    Jiang Yuebai looked at her father in annoyance. "What are you even saying?"


    She turned around and left, flying off in the direction of Mount Shu.


    "All right. You should go back as well." The Whale-Riding Immortal finally released his grip on Chu Liang. "We''ll meet again if fate allows."


    After bidding the Whale-Riding Immortal farewell, Chu Liang quickly flew off to catch up with Jiang Yuebai. The pair rode the wind side by side, flying at a leisurely pace.


    Chu Liang asked, "What did you talk about earlier?"


    "Not much..." Jiang Yuebai gently shook her head. "He just told me what he''s been up to all these years."


    Chu Liang looked at her expression. It seemed as calm and detached from the world as before, without any significant difference. However, he could faintly sense that something had changed. He just couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was and why it had urred.


    Nevertheless, since Jiang Yuebai didn''t want to say more, Chu Liang didn''t press further. He believed in Jiang Yuebai''s wisdom and abilities, confident that she could handle any problem on her own. She wasn''t someone who needed others to worry about her.


    ...


    Chu Liang headed down to the Hall of Weapons bright and early at dawn the next morning.


    He had an appointment with Wen Yulong. They were going to open and inspect the Violet Gold Marquess'' storage enchanted tool. It wouldn''t just be Wen Yulong this time though; Chu Liang had invited the Weapons Master to join them.


    After all, the items of diabolical cultivators were strange. There might even be some dangerous items, so someone had to be there to keep things under control.


    "<i>Hahaha...</i>" The Weapons Masterughed heartily, his blue-gold eyes shining brightly. "Who would''ve thought... There were so many of us, but we didn''t achieve much in that battle. Yet, you managed to pick up the Violet Gold Marquess."


    "I was just lucky," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "This time, the credit goes to you. If it weren''t for your undercover work in the diabolical sect, we couldn''t have thwarted their schemes twice in a row," the Weapons Master praised. "The Violet Gold Marquess'' belongings are well-deserved rewards for you."


    "Let''s hurry and open it up!" Wen Yulong eximed eagerly.


    "Okay." Chu Liang nodded. "As usual, one hand per person."


    This wasn''t their first time opening a storage enchanted tool together, so the two of them already had a routine.


    The Violet Gold Marquess'' storage jade pendant didn''t have any strict ess restrictions, but it made sense. Anyone who could snatch away his storage tool would need to be extremely powerful, so it would be pointless for him to set any ess restrictions.


    Chu Liang smiled and used his divine sense to probe into the storage jade pendant. Then he randomly pulled out an item and ced it on the table. It was a ck iron box. When he opened it, he found two neat rows of a dozen or so ck spikes inside, each about the thickness of a finger.


    Chu Liang immediately recognized the spikes. They were the Soul-Piercing Nails that Soul Subjugators often used.


    "Soul-Piercing Nails..." The Weapons Master frowned. "These are the Dark King Sect''s evil enchanted tools, and they''re extremely malevolent. These things must be destroyed."


    Chu Liang asked, "Can''t we use these?"


    The Weapons Master shook his head, "Each Soul-Piercing Nail is forged with a conscious soul that has been refined to be controlled by a diabolical cultivator. The nail drives the refined soul into a person''s body, instantly upying it and in turn immobilizing the person''s body and soul. It is too malicious; the souls inside the nails must be released and purified."


    <i>So, that''s how it is...</i>


    This was the first time Chu Liang learned how the Soul-Piercing Nails worked.


    It was normal for the exclusive enchanted tools of the Dark King Sect disciples to be strange, but the frequent use of such things was bound to attract divine retribution. Even someone as powerful as the Violet Gold Marquess had not been able to escape a tragic end.


    It was Wen Yulong''s turn. He rubbed his hands together in preparation for a while. Then he reached in and pulled out a jade slip.


    After examining it, the Weapons Master said, "This is the Dark King Sect''s orthodox cultivation arts manual. It is quite detailed and contains a few secret techniques that we have not seized before. It can be stored in the Hall of Conservation."


    Chu Liang had learned about the history of the Dark King Sect early on during his undercover mission.


    In the early days of the Dark King Sect, the sect consisted of just Xuan Yinzi and his guardians: the White Silver King and the Violet Gold Marquess. The Soul Subjugators were disciples who cultivated the orthodox cultivation arts of the Dark King Sect.


    After the current sect leader defeated the previous sect leader and took over, he expanded the Four Halls of Darkness, recruiting people from various diabolical sects. While this greatly strengthened his power, it ced the Left and Right Guardians¡ªthe White Silver King and the Violet Gold Marquess¡ªin an extremely awkward position.


    Consequently, the orthodox disciples were ostracized and suppressed by the new members. Ultimately, it was because they used to be under the directmand of the previous sect leader.


    The Left and Right Guardians initially held great power within the sect, on par with that of the current sect leader. However, after the White Silver King died and the Violet Gold Marquess was severely injured, the Four Halls openly suppressed the forces of the Left and Right Guardians. The Dark King Sect''s current leader ignored this situation since things were ying out in his favor.


    The Dark King Sect''s line of orthodox disciples had since beenpletely severed, so this issue no longer existed.


    In any case, the first two items were basically useless to Chu Liang. Even if he handed over the diabolical cultivation arts manual and the Soul-Piercing Nails, the little bit ofpensation he would receive in exchange was nothing to him. He hoped to find something he could actually use.


    So, after quietly gathering his energy, he reached out to pull out the third item.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    There was a sh of light, and in his hand was a ck iron token engraved with some strange patterns and four words, <i>Dream of Souls Airship.</i>


    "What is this?" Chu Liang asked curiously. "An airship?"


    The Weapons Master answered, "It should be. You can try to activate it, but you''ll need to do it outside."


    The three of them¡ªthe elder and the two youths¡ªwalked out of the Hall of Weapons to a clearing at the back of the mountain.


    Chu Liang then used his foundational qi to activate the token.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    There was a howl of wind, and suddenly, a massive airship appeared before them!


    The airship seemed like it had been cast in ck meteoric iron. It was a deep dark gold, carrying a great sense of mysteriousness. It was about ten zhang in length and five or six zhang in height, with arge g at the top bearing the words "Violet Gold Marquess."


    As they expected, it was the Violet Gold Marquess''s airship.


    "<i>Haaa...</i>" The Weapons Master sighed. "Back in the day, my ride was even more majestic than this..."


    "Why don''t you start a business on Red Cotton Peak? You''ll make enough money to buy it back in no time," Chu Liang quickly consoled him.


    To help the Mount Shu Sect retrieve its lost treasure, the Weapons Master had sold off nearly all of his belongings, keeping only a few essential treasures that he depended on. Nowadays, he mentioned this to everyone he met, clearly showing his regret.


    The three of them leaped onto the airship.


    As soon as the Weapons Masternded, he said, "The material used for this airship is not ordinary ck meteoric iron. It''s actually ck meteroic iron mixed with gold¡ªCrow Gold Iron. And so much of it was used... This guy must have been really was rich."


    Chu Liang smiled.<i> Why would people engage in shady dealings if they weren''t profitable?</i>


    While they were exploring the upper level of the airship, they saw a blue figure float out of the cabin and softly say, "Have you returned, Master?"


    The three of them looked over and saw a tall woman draped in a veil, wearing only a bustier and a short skirt. Her skin was so fair that it almost seemed translucent. She had a pair of deep eyes with an exotic charm. Her gaze was gentle like calm waters, naturally alluring.


    She was a remarkably beautiful woman dressed in revealing clothes.


    Chu Liang was quite surprised. <i>She seems to be a living person... But how is she living inside this airship that''s inside a storage enchanted tool?</i>


    While Chu Liang was still puzzled, the woman asked in surprise, "Are you... Master''s friends?"


    Instead of answering, the Weapons Master said, "Is the master you speak of the Violet Gold Marquess?"


    The woman nodded. "Yes."


    "The Violet Gold Marquess was filled with evil and guilty of monstrous crimes. He has already been executed by a righteous cultivator," the Weapons Master replied sternly. "You were his servant. Are you also a diabolical disciple?"


    "<i>Eh?</i>" The woman staggered back several steps, falling to her knees. "Not at all. He trapped me on this airship."


    The Weapons Master ordered her to rise. "Stand up and speak... Tell us about how you got here."


    "All right," the woman replied. She slowly got up and then said, "My name is Hun Mengji."

 Chapter 510: Hes Still Got the Desire For It

    <h4>Chapter 510: He''s Still Got the Desire For It</h4>


    Hun Mengji exined, "I was originally a dancer in Jiangnan and was even a bit famous. Unfortunately, fate was unkind to me, and I fell seriously ill. I was supposed to die.


    "But the Violet Gold Marquess happened to find me. Right when my soul left my body, he captured it and used a Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower to reconstruct my corporeal body.


    "I became a being that''s neither human nor ghost. And he ced restrictions on me, preventing me from leaving this airship. I could only stay here and serve him."


    After hearing Hun Mengji''s story, the three men nodded, believing she was telling the truth.


    Her situation was just as she described. She had a corporeal body, yet she was surrounded by an aura of death. Furthermore, there were indeed restrictions on her, which the Violet Gold Marquess had put in ce. It was impossible for her to leave.


    Having heard Hun Mengji tell them her story in a weak and tearful voice, they couldn''t help but pity her.


    The Weapons Masterforted her. "Miss, you don''t have to be sad anymore. The Violet Gold Marquess has been in, and I will now lift the restrictions he ced on you and help you regain your freedom."


    Chu Liang said, "But she is still considered a ghost even though she has a corporeal body. If she encounters righteous cultivators outside, they might treat her as an evil entity. And if she encounters bad people, she doesn''t have any cultivation power to protect herself."


    "Senior Brother Chu, are you thinking of keeping her here?" Wen Yulong asked cautiously. "Would Senior Sister Jiang allow that?"


    "W-w-why are you asking that??" Chu Liang quickly waved his sleeve dismissively. "I have no improper thoughts like that!"


    "Heeeeey," the Weapons Master said, "Little Chu, you are at the age when you''re hot-blooded with raging hormones. It''s normal for you to have thoughts like that. This airship is part of your spoils of war, so how you deal with it is none of our concern. If you choose to keep her, we''ll keep it a secret for you. However, let me give you a piece of advice. When ites to matters of the heart, it''s important to remain devoted to one person..."


    <i>Well, then. The old man is unexpectedly loyal.</i>


    Chu Liang silently expressed his gratitude to the Weapons Master and Wen Yulong,<i> Thanks, guys.</i>


    "That''s not what I meant..." Chu Liang quickly exined. "I was thinking we could let Miss Hun Mengji live on Mount Shu."


    "On Mount Shu? Our sect doesn''t have a tradition of keeping ghosts. I doubt it will be convenient for her to move around on the mountain either."


    "I can find her a job so she can save up some money. In the meantime, she could also find a cultivation art that''s suitable for her. If she has ns to do something else in the future, she can do as she wishes."


    "Oh," Wen Yulong uttered in understanding. He had figured out Chu Liang''s intentions. "You want to trick someone into working for you again."


    "How can this be called trickery?" Chu Liang nced at Hun Mengji with a serious expression. "I''m resolving her need for a job."


    Hun Mengji''s gaze shifted back and forth between Chu Liang and Wen Yulong, utterly confused by what they were discussing. However, she did grasp one point. The current owner of the airship was this young man surnamed Chu.


    So, Hun Mengji quickly bowed and said, "I, your servant, am willing to follow your orders, Young Master."


    In truth, Chu Liang was resisting a great temptation.


    Of course, this temptation was not anything anyone might have imagined. He was tempted not by the woman''s beauty but by the fact that she had fused with the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower as a ghost to make her corporeal body. She was essentially an upgraded version of a Human-Faced Xiao!


    Moreover, the Violet Gold Marquess had used his divine abilities to fuse Hun Mengji''s spirit with the Human-Faced Jade Essence Flower, so it was certain Hun Mengji would have much better qualities and abilitiespared to wild Human-Faced Xiao that consumed the Jade Essence Flower directly. Otherwise, Hun Mengji wouldn''t have such a fully intact consciousness and be entirely devoid of ferocity.


    Human-Faced Xiao were extremely rare. Chu Liang had been searching for a long time and had only managed to gather a couple of Large-Headed Dolls. If he were to cut Hun Mengji down with a sword now, he might be able to obtain a top-grade doll.


    Nevertheless, it was precisely because Hun Mengji had a fully intact consciousness and was clearly an innocent, living woman that Chu Liang couldn''t bring himself to kill her. He could only ept this new employee with a heavy heart.


    However, his reluctance was visible in his gaze when he looked at Hun Mengji.


    <i>My Large-Headed Dolls... I have to admit that my personal effort only ounts for a small part in achieving my current cultivation level. Most of the credit goes to my Large-Headed Dolls that work so hard until they give off smoke.</i>


    <i>So, how could I not be tempted to have one more Large-Headed Doll?</i>


    The Weapons Master, an old hand in the martial world, noticed Chu Liang''s lingering gaze. He smirked and whispered to Wen Yulong beside him, "See that? He''s still got the desire for it, <i>heh.</i>"


    ...


    Obviously, there was more on this airship than just one servant girl. Chu Liang, Wen Yulong, and the Weapons Master quickly explored every part of the airship they could and found that it was indeed contained a world of wonders.


    The Violet Gold Marquess had clearly put a lot of effort into this airship. The materials used for the exterior were extremely expensive and durable, and there were extremelyplex enchanted formations in the interior.


    In the bridge of the ship, there was a disk made of dark gold. It was missing a piece in the center.


    Chu Liang inserted the iron token for the airship, and it fit perfectly. The airship rumbled, shaking as spiritual energy surged within it.


    After activating the enchanted formation, Chu Liang tested the airship''s speed. It elerated steadily, taking a while to reach maximum speed. When the airship was flying at full speed, its speed was almost on par with that of a seventh-realm Eminent One riding the wind with full force!


    Of course, it couldn''tpare to divine skills like the Golden Path, but to Chu Liang, the airship''s flying speed was incredible. Additionally, the flight was remarkably stable, with no bumps or vibrations at all.


    There were various inscribed enchanted formations on the disk, and Chu Liang activated one of them.


    With a whoosh, more than ten stone statues sprung up around the deck, all resembling armored soldiers wielding weapons.


    As soon as the stone statues appeared, Hun Mengji let out a miserable cry, "<i>Ah...</i>"


    The Weapons Master immediately recognized the statues and stated, "These are Soul-Suppressing Stone Statues. They are specifically used to subdue ghosts."


    Chu Liang hurriedly deactivated that enchanted formation and then activated the one next to it.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A ck-colored hole opened on the airship. A small bronze ball shot out from the hole and exploded in the distance.


    Chu Liang recognized that bronze ball. "It''s a Shadowburst Thunder Bomb."


    "Senior Brother Chu, don''t just go trying out the enchanted formations one by one. Why not pass the airship to me?" Wen Yulong suggested. "I''ll thoroughly inspect its capabilities and modify it ording to your preferences before handing it back to you."


    "Sounds good."


    Chu Liang had also realized that the enchanted formations in the airship were tooplex. He wouldn''t be able to test them all in just a short time. He might as well just leave that task to Wen Yulong instead.


    Chu Liang added, "Obviously, the elements associated with diabolical sects need to be removed. The color scheme is not very pleasant to look at either, so it would be best to change it to a neater color."


    The Weapons Master was exploring another side of the bridge and made a discovery. "It seems this airship even has autopilot mode using spiritual energy. That''s quite novel."


    "We can''t use that." Chu Liang shook his head decisively. "The airship still needs someone to drive it, or problems could easily ur."


    The three of them flew the airship around in the sky for a while beforending it on the clearing behind at the back of the mountain. Then Chu Liang put the airship away for the time being.


    Overall, he was very satisfied with this airship. He had finally found something from among the Violet Gold Marquess'' belongings that he could use.


    After returning to the Hall of Weapons, the three of them resumed pulling things out from the Violet Gold Marquess'' storage enchanted tool.


    "Let me try to pull out something good again," Wen Yulong said with a grin.


    He reached in and pulled out a weapon. It looked like a scythe, its de radiating an eerie blue glow. They could tell at one nce that it was a weapon used for evil.


    The Weapons Master exined, "This is a Soul-Harvesting Scythe. The de is made of a special material that has been through a refining process. Just by inflicting a small cut wound on a person, the scythe can extract that person''s soul through the wound. It''s extremely malevolent."


    Chu Liang reached into the storage enchanted tool again and pulled out an extremely chilling and sinister book.


    He had seen this item before and immediately recognized it. "The Netherworld Codex!"


    When he opened the Violet Gold Marquess'' Netherworld Codex, each page emitted an aura of killing intent that soared toward the heavens. The entire room instantly filled with a chilling air, and the cries of ghosts seeped out from the pages!


    "The Violet Gold Marquess was truly heinous. He saved up refined conscious souls in this Netherworld Codex to serve as fuel for his cultivation power. Who knows how many innocent lives he took throughout his cultivation journey..." the Weapons Master said angrily.


    The Soul Subjugators used to roam the world, helping the Violet Gold Marquess collect conscious souls. Back then, there would be a monthly Soul-Gathering Meeting, where each Soul Subjugator had to hand over one conscious soul to the Violet Gold Marquess. Extra souls could be exchanged for his cultivation arts manuals or precious herbs.


    Naturally, Chu Liang, who had been an undercover agent in the Dark King Sect for a long time, had already known all about that. Nevertheless, when he saw the many resentful souls in the Violet Gold Marquess'' Netherworld Codex, it made him feel that the Violet Gold Marquess''s death had been far too peaceful. The Violet Gold Marquess¡¯ sins were so great that even descending to the eighteenth level of hell would not be enough to make up for them.


    The Weapons Master added, "This book needs to be purified immediately so that the souls in it can find peace."


    Wen Yulong reached into the storage enchanted tool again. This time, he pulled out a ck-gold token about the size of his palm, with the word "Guardian" engraved on it. The spiritual energy flowing within the token seemed to exude an imposing aura simr to that of an ancient vicious beast.


    "This... is the token of a Guardian of the Dark King Sect," the Weapons Master stated. He inspected the token and remarked, "It seems a unique secret technique was used to imbue the token with spiritual energy to signify the owner''s identity."


    "So, does that mean anyone who possesses this token can be a Guardian of the Dark King Sect?" Chu Liang asked.


    The Weapons Master replied, "Perhaps. People who have never met the Violet Gold Marquess may acknowledge whoever is in possession of this token as a Guardian."


    Chu Liang quietly put the token away as well.


    The Violet Gold Marquess had died silently, so it was likely that very few people knew he was dead. Chu Liang had no intention of publicizing that. This token mighte in handy in the future.


    Afterward, Chu Liang pulled out a bunch of bottles and jars. The Violet Gold Marquess had kept his many ghosts in them, and there were nearly a hundred in total.


    However, just like with the Soul Subjugators, the Violet Gold Marquess had imprinted his soul me on the ghosts to prevent them from rebelling. So, when he died, these ghosts perished as well.


    Hun Mengji had nobat ability whatsoever, so it was likely that the Violet Gold Marquess had not worried that she might rebel. He had not imprinted his soul me onto her soul, so they were not bound together, allowing her to escape dying with him.


    When Chu Liang reached into the storage enchanted tool again, he pulled out a letter from the few remaining items.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered. Curious, he opened the letter. "Why would the Violet Gold Marquess keep a letter?"


    Upon opening it, he found the contents of the letter to be quite astonishing.


    <i>Marquess, I heard that you''ve recovered and emerged from closed-door cultivation. I assume you are now more powerful than before. Congrattions.</i>


    <i>The Assembly of Immortal Sects is approaching, and we, the West Sea Forces, will gather in the capital of Yu. We will strike like lightning, overturning the heavens and the earth. </i>


    <i>We sincerely invite the Eminent Ones of the Dark King Sect to join us in this grand event.</i>


    The letter was signed, <i>Immortal Yuan Lu.</i>

 Chapter 511: The West Sea Diabolical Forces

    <h4>Chapter 511: The West Sea Diabolical Forces</h4>


    The West Sea Diabolical Forces had always been an important branch of the Diabolical Forces.


    In recent years, the Dark King Sect had stood out among the Diabolical Forces, the collective name for the evil factions. Most of the time, the Dark King Sect was considered the leading faction within the Diabolical Forces.


    However, the sects and factions within the Diabolical Forces were less united than those in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. After all, they shared no camaraderie ormon beliefs; they were merely a collection of individuals willing to stop at nothing for personal gain. It would be strange if they could unite.


    The reason this collective name, Diabolical Forces, existed was due to a diabolical cultivator from ancient times whose cultivation of the Dao had reached a profound level. He was the one who united the evil sects that had been suppressed by the righteous forces, gathering them together and giving them the collective name of Diabolical Forces. The onlymonality among all the sects in the Diabolical Forces was that they were all rejected by the righteous schools of thought.


    That diabolical cultivator that united them became known as the first Diabolical Emperor.


    Since then, the Diabolical Forces had remained segregated. Only when a powerful individual emerged and subdued all the sects and factions with utmost power could the Diabolical Forces unite once more. That individual would then earn the title of Diabolical Emperor. However, from ancient times until then, fewer than a handful of people had received this title.


    Without the existence of an absolute power, the Diabolical Forces would be like a pile of scattered sand. All sects would recognize themselves as part of the Diabolical Forces, but none would acknowledge anyone as the overlord of the Diabolical Forces.


    As of now, the current leader of the Dark King Sect was considered to be the one most likely to be the Diabolical Emperor of this generation.


    When the current leader of the Dark King Sect first took over the Dark King Sect, he wanted to fight for the title of the Diabolical Emperor. Yet, even as a Heavenly Origin Terminator with the True Form of Ksitigarbha, he still could not unify the diabolical sect.


    At that time, the West Sea Diabolical Forces was his greatest obstacle.


    The so-called West Sea Diabolical Forces was really a collective name for the thirty-plusrge and small evil sects scattered across the inds of the West Sea, with the sect known as Evil Dragon Mountain being the leading force.


    The Dark King Sect only became a diabolical sect after branching off from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult. Before it came into existence, the West Sea was the Holy Land of the Diabolical Forces.


    In the ancestry of Evil Dragon Mountain, there had been two Diabolical Emperors. Thus, the West Sea Diabolical Forces were really the legitimate evil forces.


    As an outsider, although the Dark King Sect rose to prominence in just a few hundred years to be the strongest diabolical sect, the legitimate sects in the West Sea Diabolical Forces still looked down on it.


    Back then, the leader of the Dark King Sect sought to subdue the other sects and ascend to the position of Diabolical Emperor. However, he faced severe resistance from the West Sea Diabolical Forces.


    At that time, he had just taken on the role of sect leader. His foundation within the sect was still unstable, and severe internal conflicts were urring. As a result, he had no choice but to put a pause on his ambitions.


    The restraints originating from within the sect were caused by the Left and Right Guardians, the White Silver King and the Violet Gold Marquess, who refused to cooperate with him. Thus, in this matter, the Violet Gold Marquess and the West Sea Diabolical Forces had, in a sense, coborated.


    After that, the leader of the Dark King Sect changed his approach. Since those from the West Sea Diabolical Forces refused to allow him to take the title of Demon Emperor, he decided to recruit all the diabolical sects into the Dark King Sect.


    He recruited the Four Halls of Darkness and gathered followers mainly for this reason.


    With the prospect of profit, diabolical sect followers from all corners of the world flocked to join the Dark King Sect, causing its power to surge to new heights.


    If the Dark King Sect Master had proposed consolidating all the diabolical sects within the Diabolical Forces, there was a chance of sess. It was a pity that he chose to postpone this n to first obtain the Breath of the Yellow Springs. In the end, he failed and suffered significant setbacks.


    Given this background, it was understandable that the West Sea Diabolical Forces would seek to instigate something significant by bypassing the leader of the Dark King Sect and contacting the Violet Gold Marquess directly.


    But... What could they be nning?


    ...


    The Sword-Hanging Kingdom of the West Sea was located on a neighboring ind to those inhabited by the Diabolical Force. The rtionship between the Sword-Hanging Kingdom and the West Sea Diabolical Force was far from harmonious; they were more like enemies, with grudges as deep-seated as the abyss, constantly engaging in bitter fights.


    Back then, an individual from the lineage of Evil Dragon Mountain, known as Immortal Yuan Lu, who had achieved the eighth realm and gained control of the Heavenly Origin, nearly destroyed the Sword-Hanging Kingdom. If it hadn''t been for the protection of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, he would have seeded. During that time, the citizens of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom lived in constant fear and were seriously considering relocation.


    It wasn''t until the Sword-Hanging Kingdom produced the Sword Emperor of the West Sea, who ughtered the nearby diabolical sects, that the situation was finally stabilized.


    One could say that the West Sea Diabolical Force can barely hold onto its own territory, so how would they have the time to meddle in the affairs of the capital of Yu in thend of the nine provinces?


    Moreover, during the Assembly of Immortal Sects, powerful members from the sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten would gather in the capital of Yu. What kind of foolish diabolical cultivator would choose that time to cause trouble?


    After discovering the letter, the Weapons Master promptly took it to Venerable Wen Yuan. Naturally, there would be furthermunication with the court.


    As for Chu Liang, this enjoyable time of unboxing hade to an end.


    Like the loot of other diabolical cultivators, most of what he uncovered consisted of sinister pills, enchanted tools, weapons, and arts manuals that Chu Liang couldn''t use at all.


    Only a few items were usable, with the most valuable undoubtedly being the Dream of Souls Airship.


    To be honest, airships ranked higher than ordinary mounts. After all, even a spirit beast was considered apex at the sixth realm, and at the seventh realm, they were deemed a god. Once they reached such a cultivation level, whether demonic beast or spirit beast, they could no longer serve as mounts.


    However, a meticulously crafted luxury airship was undoubtedly more valuable than a sixth-realm spirit beast and offered potential for further advancement.


    In Taotie City, there was a small sect known as the Cloud-Surfing Sect. Its fame across the four seas and nine provinces stemmed from its ancestral airship crafting techniques.


    It would take the entire Cloud-Surfing Sect three to five years to craft a top-quality Cloud-Surfing Airship, and owning such an airship instantly became a symbol of status and prestige.


    However, this was an exclusive secret technique. While Taotie City allowed some shops to open branches at Red Cotton Peak, they would never allow coborators of such level to establish branches elsewhere.


    Chu Liang handed the Dream of Souls Airship to Wen Yulong to tinker with, hoping he could study the airship crafting techniques.


    <i>If he can create something simr in the future... wouldn''t that be wonderful?</i> Chu Liang thought.


    After taking care of matters here, he set off for Azure Falling Peak.


    He had arranged to meet with Senior Sister Jiang.


    When their conversation reached a crucial point yesterday, the Whale-Riding Immortal suddenly appeared and interrupted him. He felt really sad about it. Now that he was back at Mount Shu, he wanted to speak with Jiang Yuebai once more.


    On the towering ancient tree of Azure Falling Peak, Jiang Yuebai stood alone in the wind, her gaze distant and mncholic.


    When she spotted Chu Liang, a slight smile gradually formed on her lips. "You''ve been quite busy."


    "Didn''t I just acquire the Violet Gold Marquess''s storage tool yesterday? I was checking out the spoils," Chu Liang replied with a grin.


    "Quite a harvest, I suppose?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "Not much¡ªjust a few usable items," Chu Liang answered. "These diabolical cultivators have all sorts of sinister things."


    Jiang Yuebai nodded slightly, and the two suddenly fell into a contemtive silence.


    The atmosphere grew a bit tense.


    After a brief pause, they suddenly spoke in unison, "Yesterday..."


    "Heh." Chu Liang chuckled, "You go first."


    It seemed that Senior Sister Jiang was not as calm as she appeared on the surface; she was probably just as nervous as he was. Yesterday, they had nearly revealed their feelings, so she must have given it a lot of thought as well.


    "Yesterday, I... thought about it," Jiang Yuebai said slowly. "I feel that now is not the right time for us to discuss personal feelings, at least not until after the Assembly of Immortal Sects. This Assembly is crucial for the Mount Shu Sect. If we fall out of the top ten again and lose our ce in the Divine Nine, we would all be considered sinners."


    "The top ten..." Chu Liang pondered for a moment before saying, "That shouldn''t be too hard, right?"


    He thought about the younger generation of the Divine Nine''s immortal sects and considered Mount Shu Sect''s current strength. Even if securing first or a top-three spot was uncertain, making it into the top ten seemed feasible.


    "It''s not that simple," Jiang Yuebai shook her head. "The Assembly of Immortal Sects isn''t only for the Divine Nine, the Terrestrial Ten, and various other immortal sects. The three great families¡ªwell, there are only two now¡ªalong with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau and kingdoms from overseas will also have their teams take part to see how strong the younger generation is. Every year, they take up several spots in the top ten, and sometimes they even fill more than half of them."


    "I see..." Chu Liang responded softly.


    Compared to the sects of immortality cultivators, the kingdoms from overseas and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would have a muchrger pool of candidates. This meant that the four selected from thisrger pool would have faced intensepetition to be chosen. Given this level ofpetitiveness, it wouldn''t be easy for the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to secure a spot in the top ten.


    Of course, the sects in the Divine Nine had their own strong foundations. Even if each generation was worse than thest, it would still be very difficult to fail to make the top ten consistently.


    It was no easy feat for the Mount Shu Sect to have fallen into such a dangerous state.


    "Before the Assembly of Immortal Sects, we will likely have a training session during which we''ll go into closed-door cultivation for some time," Jiang Yuebai continued. "We should focus on improving ourselves during this period. If we achieve good results at the Assembly of Immortal Sects, then we can continue the conversation from yesterday..."


    As she whispered, her eyes appeared somewhat misty.


    For some reason, Chu Liang felt that she had other concerns on her mind.


    He wondered if it had anything to do with the meeting with the Whale-Riding Immortal yesterday.


    Seeing her hesitant expression, Chu Liang offered her a reassuring smile and said, "I understand."

 Chapter 512: One Goal

    Chapter 512: One Goal


    "I heard that a youngdy has recently joined the Red Moon Pavilion. She performs every evening on stage and is someone with beauty and skills."


    "Oh? Then I must go and see for myself."


    "..."


    On Red Cotton Peak, the newly opened Red Moon Pavilion had already undergone an expansion. The first-floor hall was now several timesrger than before, yet it remained bustling with guests, creating a lively atmosphere. All this was due to the Red Moon Pavilion''s exceptional service and innovative approach.


    In addition to its standard dishes, it offered a selection of special hotpot ingredients daily. The spicy, vorful hotpot was already one of the Three Problems of Mount Shu. Nowadays, anyone passing by Red Cotton Peak would feel iplete if they didn''t stop for a meal here.


    The poprity of Red Moon Pavilion also inspired others as it showed that opening a hotpot restaurant in the realm of immortality cultivation could be sessful. Xu Hongqiu had already begun exploring franchise opportunities in Taotie City, but the first franchise had yet to be established.


    Perhaps it was because the Red Moon Pavilion had yet to be famous enough. If itcked enough recognition, why would people pay to use its name when they could simply open their own?


    ¡­


    As of today, some new and exciting activities started at the Red Moon Pavilion.In the center of the hall stood a stage, where performances were held in the evening. This wasn''t unusual, as many restaurants across the four seas and thend of the nine provinces offered simr entertainment.


    But the youngdy performing today was quite peculiar. She carried a faint aura of death,plemented by a beautiful face and a graceful figure. Her graceful movements during the dance were enchanting and ethereal.


    Her appearance was of the caliber found at the South Melody Conservatory, yet here she was performing in this small establishment, which felt like a waste of her talent.


    Her graceful dance, apanied by melodious string music, was a serene contrast to the bustling surroundings, leaving the crowd in awe. Sadly, this youngdy performed only once each day at this time, giving the diners just a brief moment to admire her performance.


    "Hun Mengji''s performance at this time has indeed boosted business," Xu Hongqiu remarked from the second floor, gazing outside. "The hall is always full, and there are even more people lining up outside. Since it''s working so well, why not have her perform more often?"


    "We''re still a hotpot restaurant, after all. Our focus should be on the ingredients. Other embellishments are fine, but too many might overshadow the main attraction, which wouldn''t be ideal," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "It''s just right as it is now."


    "Why haven''t I seen Jiangjiang these past couple of days?" Xu Hongqiu suddenly asked.


    "The Assembly of Immortal Sects is approaching. She''s probably focusing on her cultivation," Chu Liang replied. "As the head disciple, she bears more pressure than we do."


    "Speaking of which, I''m going back for closed-door cultivation tomorrow," Xu Hongqiu said, pping her forehead. "During these two months, every sect should be gathering their disciples for training at least once. Isn''t the Mount Shu Sect doing the same?"


    "It should be, but we haven''t been notified yet," Chu Liang replied.


    This type of closed-door group cultivation, aimed at rapidly boosting strength and teamwork, was standard practice before the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects was different from the Mount Shu Summit. It was a more intense battlefield that involved arger number of participants. Adapting to thepetition there would not be easy, especially for the younger generation who had not experienced it before.


    "Heh, we''ll be rivals then," Xu Hongqiuughed. "I certainly won''t go easy on you."


    "I''m looking forward to it," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "But I wonder if we can truly not worry about the Red Moon Pavilion while we''re all away," Xu Hongqiu said suddenly.


    Although the Whale Gang had many businesses, only a few truly belonged to her, and this was where she invested the most effort.


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang reassured her, turning his gaze to Lackey B in the back, who was evaluating food for the food category of Lackey B''s Strict Selection. "As long as he''s here, the Red Moon Pavilion will stay in business."


    ¡­


    After returning to Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang once again immersed his divine sense into the White Pagoda.


    To achieve the second stage of the fifth realm, he would still have to cultivate for some time. After all, cultivation was a gradual process. However, the Colorful Doll had already absorbed thest treasure of nature and was ready to achieve the Completion of Five Elements.


    As long as it could consume, Chu Liang naturally had an abundance of spirit nts.


    He had purchased an Earthy Lingzhi at a high price, which was an excellent material for activating thest element and achieving the Completion of Five Elements.


    As soon as he took out the Earthy Lingzhi, the drowsy Tuntun immediately perked up. Though her eyes remained closed, her nose was already twitching.


    Chu Liang turned around and handed over a fried chicken leg. "This is for you."


    He then approached the Colorful Doll, which had already activated the four colors corresponding to the four levels of the Secret Reservoir, shimmering like a giant orb of light.


    Without a word, Chu Liang immediately presented the Earthy Lingzhi to it for refinement.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The Five-Elements Puppet operated at high speed. Once the fifth level of the Secret Reservoir of the Five Elements was activated, Chu Liang would be able to wield Wu Earth Foundational Qi.


    Among the Five Elements, Geng Metal was sharp and incisive, Jia Wood possessed the power of rejuvenation, Ren Water was dense and viscous, Bing Fire was explosive, and Wu Earth was firm and solid. The Wu Earth Foundational Qi would greatly enhance the stability of his foundational qi.


    Although the Geng Metal body was hard, it was prone to breakage due to its rigidity. With the addition of Wu Earth, his defense would be significantly enhanced.


    Once he achieved the Completion of Five Elements, a cycle of elements would be established to mutually enhance each other, significantly improving their individual qualities. When the Wu Earth of the Secret Reservoir was activated, his strength would undoubtedly reach a new level.


    However, there was no smile on Chu Liang''s face.


    Instead, there was a serious expression on his face as he knew that his opponents were definitely doing their best to be stronger.


    What he had done so far was not enough. In theing days, he needed to put forth his utmost effort topete with Yang Shenlong, Zhang Chen, Ren Hongdao, and other true prodigies that stood at the pinnacle of their sects.


    <em>Keep working hard, Large-Headed Doll!</em>


    ¡­


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    With a loud rumble, golden light erupted from the vast square, filling the air with smoke and dust. From within the haze, a tall and straight figure emerged.


    "No, no, no!"


    The figure, handsome and youthful in appearance, was none other than Feng Chaoyang of the Celestial King Sect. He was currently shaking his head in displeasure.


    "If you can''t even defeat me, how do you expect topete with someone like Yang Shenlong from Peni or Chu Liang from Mount Shu? If that''s the case, our Celestial King Sect should just admit defeat!"


    "<em>Cough, cough...</em>" As the dust settled, a youth sitting up straight on the other side spoke helplessly, "Boss, I really did my best, but you''re just too strong. We shouldn''t sell ourselves short. Are those so-called prodigies really stronger than you?"


    Next to himy two others who couldn''t even speak.


    These were also disciples of the Celestial King Sect preparing to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Yet, Feng Chaoyang had easily defeated them in a one-against-three match.


    But Feng Chaoyang didn''t look proud of himself.


    He should have been pleased that he won against all his opponents... if it weren''t for the fact that these opponents were his fellow disciples and this was a sparring session within the sect itself.


    Feng Chaoyang''s expression became increasingly grave.


    Since achieving a breakthrough and bing a fifth-realm cultivator, his strength had grown at a remarkable pace. The person he was now was iparable to who he had been before.


    The fifth realm was a significant threshold for the Celestial King Sect''s Heavenly Star Unusual Art.


    Upon reaching the fifth realm, he would not have to cultivate elemental foundational qi. Instead, he could activate the Celestial King''s Supreme Body, which equated to possessing the power of the sixth realm, despite being still at the fifth realm.


    This was simr to Yang Hong from Inferno Devil Valley, whom Chu Liang had encountered before¡ªan overpowered existence that was considered extremely unfair to the others of the same cultivation realm.


    Crossing this threshold resulted in a terrifying increase in strength.


    It was likely that Feng Chaoyang had achieved a breakthrough so quickly because Chu Liang provoked him.


    "The other day, our esteemed teacher said he would open the General''s Supreme Constetion Disc for us," Feng Chaoyang announced. "Then, we can train in the secret realm of the disc. By the time we leave the hidden realm, all of you must be fifth-realm cultivators and have activated the Supreme Body!"


    "Ah?" A wave ofment echoed throughout the Celestial King Sect.


    "AH? HOW CAN YOU ALL EVEN CRY?" Feng Chaoyang frowned. "I want everyone to remember that from the moment we set foot on the path to the Assembly of Immortal Sects, we have only one goal!


    "To seize the championship!"<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 513: The Trial in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm

    <h4>Chapter 513: The Trial in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm</h4>


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    A dragon''s chant echoed through the surroundings, shattering the dense mist between heaven and earth and leaving only swirling dragon breath that filled the area.


    Xi Miaoxian, wearing a vibrant dress, stood gracefully at the edge of a peak, truly showcasing her stunning beauty.


    However, Yang Yuhu, standing beside her, was not gazing at her. Instead, his attention was focused ahead.


    In front of them, an azure-colored True Dragon with shimmering divine light on its scales soared into the sky. Its zing golden eyes reflected the figures of the group, radiating the majesty of a deity!


    This was one of the world''s oldest True Dragons, the first to coexist with humans. The Golden Dragon of the Yu Dynasty and the White Dragon of Mount Shu both appeared thousands of years after this Azure Dragon of Peni, and neither matched its cultivation level.


    Thus, it held a supreme status within the Peni Supreme Sect, and all previous sect leaders treated it with the highest reverence. For ordinary disciples, merely catching a glimpse of the True Dragon was considered a great fortune.


    But at that moment, a boy stood on the dragon''s neck, rising from the water alongside it.


    This scene was enough to shock all the disciples of Peni.


    "Hey, you¡¯re here!"


    The boy leaped off the dragon''s neck andnded gracefully on the ground. He appeared to be around twelve or thirteen years old. He was not very tall and he wore luxurious brocade adorned with gold lines and red patterns. As his eyes sparkled and his mouth broke into a grin, two sharp canine teeth resembling those of a tiger were revealed, giving him an untamed look.


    "Mm." Yang Yuhu looked at him and nodded slightly.


    As Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian nced at the boy, they disyed no hint of disdain, treating him as someone of the same seniority.


    "Yang Shenlong isn''t here?" the boy asked, ncing around and pouting his lips. "How dare he not show up when even Grandpa Azure Dragon has arrived?"


    "Senior Brother Yang has been investigating the demon race in the Southern Regions, which may have caused the dy," Xi Miaoxian exined with a smile. "However, he has already sent a message, so he should be here soon."


    "Hehe." The boy looked at Xi Miaoxian and suddenly said with a wide grin on his face, "Lady Miaoxian, you¡¯ve be even more beautiful."


    Xi Miaoxian frowned and replied, "Didn''t I tell you not to talk nonsense?"


    "I''m not talking nonsense. When I grow up, I''m going to marry you!" The boy lifted his chin defiantly. "Let''s see who dares to take you from me!"


    "First, grow tall enough to reach my shoulders before you say that," Xi Miaoxian replied, shaking her head with a smile.


    As they spoke, a sudden sound of something breaking through the air caught their attention. A flying airship, polished like blue stone, slowly descended. The surface of the airship shimmered as it glided through the air, resembling a fish swimming gracefully in water.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The airshipnded, and a handsome figure jumped off first, followed by five servants of various appearances.


    "Big Bro!" Yang Yuhu shouted immediately.


    "Senior Brother Yang," Xi Miaoxian nodded in greeting.


    "Tsk..." The boy pouted again. "You¡¯re never this polite to me."


    "Qi Lin''er, I have told you before: if you''re not willing to admit defeat, you can challenge me to a duel anytime. If you win, I will grant you the position of head disciple." The figure stepped forward, his first words directed at the boy. "However, ording to Peni''s rules, I have the right to punish you if you show any disrespect to me, the head disciple."


    The person who had just arrived approached, moving like a whisper in the wind. He appeared indifferent as he nced at the boy.


    The boy, known as Qi Lin''er, who had moments ago seemed unafraid of anything, now shivered involuntarily and, with reluctance, managed to say, "Greetings to the head disciple!"


    The person who hadnded was none other than the head disciple of the Peni Supreme Sect, Yang Shenlong.


    He stepped forward with the Wuyue Mountain ves, standing beneath the Azure Dragon, and respectfully bowed. "Disciple Yang Shenlong was dyed due to an investigation into the movements of the demon race. I seek forgiveness from Guardian Elder Azure Dragon."


    "<i>Roar!</i>" The Azure Dragon responded with another thunderous dragon chant.


    In an instant, a massive wave crashed onto the shore, enveloping everyone on the peak and sweeping them into the swirling blue waters.


    In the blink of an eye, all of them vanished.


    ...


    "The Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm?"


    On the Heaven-Reaching Peak of Mount Shu, the atmosphere was just as tense.


    Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao stood in front of the hall. Venerable Wen Yuan was present, along with several esteemed teachers and elders, as well as a few young men and women with unfamiliar faces standing side by side.


    There had been some controversy regarding the choice of the fourth participant for the Assembly of Immortal Sects, as Ling Ao''s cultivation level was rtively low. His previous sess in the Mount Shu Summit had beenrgely due to the advantage of dragon blood, but that advantage would be significantly diminished in a fight against opponents of higher cultivation levels.


    Given the significance of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the Mount Shu Sect had conducted an additional selection process some time ago.


    Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, and Xu Ziyang were all at the fifth realm of cultivation, making them the only fifth-realm disciples in the Mount Shu Sect. Their right to participate was unquestioned, and the selection process focused solely on choosing the fourth disciple.


    Several exceptional young disciples were selected topete against Ling Ao.


    In the end, however, Ling Ao emerged victorious, effortlessly defeating all his opponents.


    He initially relied on the advantage of dragon blood, which seemed to have guided him toward a path that suited him. Since then, he had stopped specially cultivating the "Divine Nine¡¯s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique" and switched to physical cultivation, practicing a technique known as the "Dragonblood Shadow Wing Technique."


    Previously, there were hardly any cultivators in the Mount Shu Sect who were masters of physical cultivation.


    The only one who followed this path was the master of Silver Sword Peak. She cultivated in ordance with fate, which meant she adapted to the flow of circumstances, whatever that flow might be. However, she rarely taught her own disciples, so no one expected her to instruct others... At best, she could only offer a few pointers.


    Thus, very few disciples of the Mount Shu Sect chose to pursue such a path of cultivation.


    However, after his sess in the Mount Shu Summit, Ling Ao recognized his potential in this area. He then began practicing physical cultivation techniques on his own, achieving remarkable results with minimal effort. His talent was truly extraordinary.


    In this selection process, he defeated the other fourpetitors at the pinnacle of the fourth realm using his fists and feet. The scene was bloody, but it proved that his status as one of the top four disciples of the Mount Shu Sect was well-earned. He was not just a ceholder.


    Even if he was not on the same level as the other three, he could still easily crush anyone outside the top four.


    At this moment, Mount Shu had arranged special training for these four.


    "These four are the senior brothers and sisters who participated in thest Assembly of Immortal Sects," the Discipline Master introduced. "They secured an impressive twelfth ce in the tournament twelve years ago."


    The standing young men and women immediately blushed, murmuring softly, "Discipline Master, there''s no need for introductions..."


    "The Assembly of Immortal Sects is a battleground for all kinds of prodigies. Achieving twelfth ce is already no small feat," the Discipline Master said, ignoring their embarrassment. "However, your goal this time is to break into the top ten, so you four must be held at an even higher standard.


    "I have invited them back this time to set up some training for you. From now on, they will be your opponents."


    Chu Liang and the others looked at the four senior brothers and sisters across from them.


    The cultivators on both sides were sizing each other up.


    These genius disciples of the previous generation had once represented the Mount Shu Sect in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and they were far from mediocre. After twelve years of cultivation, they had all reached the pinnacle of the sixth realm.


    At this moment, Chu Liang and his group were undeniably at a major disadvantage.


    However, none of them disyed any signs of fear.


    They had been able to make it this far so they were obviously not cowards.


    "It would be difficult for you to defeat them based solely on your current strength," the Discipline Master continued. "Therefore, the rules for this first trial are that you will all enter the sect leader''s Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm together..."


    Venerable Wen Yuan was the Dao Master of Primordial Chaos.


    It was a branch of the Great Dao of Space. Unlike the Great Dao of Distancelessness, which spanned the heavens and earth, Primordial Chaos focused more on chaotic transformations.


    During the battle on the day of the Mount Shu Summit, Venerable Wen Yuan had turned the world upside down with a flick of his palm.


    "Within the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm, the space will shift randomly at any moment, and you may encounter new challenges at any time. The four of them will be ced at four random locations throughout the realm and they will be hunting you down. If all four of you are captured, the trial will be considered a failure. However, as long as one of you escapes, the trial will be deemed a sess.


    "Do you understand?"

 Chapter 514: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(I)

    <h4>Chapter 514: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(I)</h4>


    "It will be very difficult to pass the first trial. Let''s see how far they can go, shall we?"


    In the vast, quiet hall of the Boundless Pce, a misty screen of light hovered beside Venerable Wen Yuan. Within this screen of light were scenes from the hidden realm.


    Typically, those at the seventh realm possessed the ability toprehend the Great Dao and refine a hidden realm. By the time they reached the eighth realm, they would all have their own hidden realms. The differences between these hidden realmsrgely depended on the individual Eminent One; some invested considerable effort into designing and constructing their realms, while others took a more rxed approach.


    Venerable Wen Yuan''s hidden realm was crafted with great care. At first nce, it appeared massive, and as the disciples entered and spread out, they quickly vanished from sight.


    "That''s not necessarily the case," Di Nufeng stated confidently."While students of poor teachers might be weaker, my disciple, along with Yan Zi''s and Uncle Sikong''s, are definitely not weaklings."


    Wang Xuanling: "?"


    Out of the four disciples who participated, she specifically selected three, clearly indicating her target.


    Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master did not indulge her. He immediately sneered and taunted, "You think you know how to teach? They''d probably only learn how to be a rebel from you."


    Di Nufeng''s previous attempts to recruit people for a rebellion had be a running joke among the peak masters of Mount Shu, which was why Wang Xuanling mentioned it to mock her.


    "Why would you say that?" Di Nufeng responded sarcastically. "I was intending to make you my grandson when the rebellion is a sess and I be the ruler!"


    "Who would want to be your grandson?" Wang Xuanling snapped.


    At that moment, the Alchemy Master tugged at Wang Xuanling''s sleeve and advised, "There''s no winning an argument with her. Say less and let it go."


    "Look at how sensible my crown prince is!" Di Nufeng praised.


    Alchemy Master: "?"


    "Enough already!" The Discipline Master turned and red at them, causing an immediate hush among the crowd.


    Their eyes were fixed on the screen of light, using their divine sense to track the figures they wished to observe. Although the four disciples had just entered the hidden realm, the situation was already starting to change.


    ...


    The moment Chu Liang stepped into the hidden realm, he felt a momentary daze and found himself in an autumn forest nketed with withered yellow leaves. The wind whistled past him, unveiling a grim and barren scene.


    He extended his divine sense as far as possible, but still couldn''t explore the entirety of the forest. With no other options, he decided to move slowly in one direction, careful not to make too much noise or emit a strong aura.


    Since he was unaware of the four pursuers'' locations, he naturally didn''t dare to fly recklessly. After walking for a while, he sensed moisture in the wind and quickened his pace.


    At the edge of the forest, he found a coastline, where a rainbow-colored pir of light shot straight up into the sky from the center of the vast sea.


    That pir of light was likely the exit they were searching for.


    However, crossing the vast sea without any protection while being chased would be extremely difficult.


    As for crossing the sea, Chu Liang had a feeling that it wouldn''t be as easy as it seemed.


    After some thought, he gently kicked a stone into the water.


    <i>Plop.</i>


    The stone plopped into the water, creating a small ssh and sending ripples across the surface.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, a giant figure surged out of the water! Its mottled scaly armor sparkled in the light, and its body was asrge as a mountain. It looked like an enormous crocodile, yet its four ws were thick and sharp, resembling those of a lion or tiger.


    It let out a roar, and a fierce glint shone in its eyes!


    "<i>Roar!</i>"


    As the giant crocodile emerged, a four-winged flood dragon leaped into the air nearby. Its gray figure ascended for a moment before plunging back into the sea.


    "<i>Aooo!</i>"


    In the distance, a gigantic tiger-head turtle surfaced, making a ssh as it broke through the water''s surface.


    "<i>Hroooh!</i>"


    A single stone sent waves crashing everywhere.


    Beneath the calm facade of the water, there existed nothing but terrifying and ferocious creatures!


    If he had the strength to fight his way through the sea, he might as well just take down the four disciples from the previous generation.


    However...


    Chu Liang nced around. Despite all themotion he had just created, there was no sign of the pursuers.


    ...


    "Damn, why are two people chasing me?"


    With his dragon blood surging, Ling Ao rushed through the towering trees of the forest, darting between the thick underbrush.


    He fled recklessly, unafraid of alerting his pursuers, because the pursuers were already chasing him! And there were two!


    Ling Ao didn''t know why, but as soon as hended, he found himself face-to-face with a senior brother from the previous generation. The two locked eyes, and Ling Ao''s instinctive reaction was not to flee but to engage in a spar with him.


    He lunged ahead, but his fist ended up missing the target.


    The senior brother from the previous generation was a cultivator at the pinnacle of the sixth realm. There was no way he would let Ling Ao get close so easily.


    He used Dimension Compression to widen the gap between them, then, with a quick flick of his hand, summoned ten thousand swords to create a prison that trapped Ling Ao.


    The prison made of ten thousand swords was created by activating the Ten Thousand Sword Seal and using the light of the swords to securely trap the target. Even the slightest movement would lead to the target being pierced by countless swords.


    But Ling Ao didn''t care one bit. As the dragon blood in his body surged, he charged forward without worrying about getting hurt, breaking through the sword prison with sheer force!


    This took the senior brother by surprise, causing him to smile slightly.


    However, after getting only a few steps away, Ling Ao stumbled upon another disciple from the previous generation. Among the four disciples from that generation, two were men and two were women, and the one standing in front of him was one of the women.


    This time, Ling Ao didn''t confront her head-on. Instead, he quickly changed direction, but the woman instantly became a blur of afterimages, encircling him with hundreds of shadowy figures.


    Gritting his teeth, he swung his fist at one of the afterimages and shattered it. However, as he charged past the afterimages, he suddenly realized that the male disciple behind him had already caught up.


    Ling Ao was pursued and surrounded by two disciples from the former generation.


    He couldn''t help but curse his bad luck. Of all the ces to be randomly teleported, how did he end up running into two of them immediately?


    <i>Is this fate?</i>


    He sprinted with all his might, moving like the wind. Meanwhile, the two behind him were merely trailing along leisurely, showing no urgency and even chatting casually.


    "No need to rush, let him run for a bit," the woman said calmly. "If there are other junior brothers or sisters nearby, he might lure them out. We can catch them all at once."


    "Hehe, I was thinking the same thing," the man replied with a grin. "But keep an eye on the time. We need to capture him before the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm changes."


    ...


    Xu Ziyang found himself in a chilling world of ice and snow.


    He stood amidst the snow, extending his divine sense to explore the area around him.


    Momentster, a shadowy figure descended from the front.


    Standing before him was a tall disciple from the previous generation, looking at Xu Ziyang with a strange expression. At this moment, he stared at Xu Ziyang with an odd expression.


    "You''re not running?" he asked.


    "Why should I run?" Xu Ziyang replied calmly, slowly unsheathing his sword. "There are four of you and four of us. If we can each take down one, that should be enough."


    "Heh." The senior brother chuckled. "Alright, you''re quite bold."


    With a swift motion, he drew a bronze longsword, dering, "But back then, I was even bolder than you!"


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The sword qi roared like a dragon, crashing violently onto the snowy in. In that sh of sword qi, it was obvious that Xu Ziyang was at a disadvantage.


    Currently, Xu Ziyang had activated two of the elemental foundational qi and was at the second level of the fifth realm. However, this senior brother was at the pinnacle of the sixth realm. Not only had he achieved Completion of the Five Elements, he had also attained the Divine Nine''s Profound Transcendent Form.


    Upon reaching the Transcendence Realm of the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique, a unique Divine Nine''s Profound Transcendent Form would be unlocked.


    The techniques of the Mount Shu Sect were righteous and harmonious, and this Divine Nine''s Profound Transcendent Form didn''t possess many mystical powers. Instead, it significantly enhanced the three energies¡ªvitality, qi, and spirit¡ªwith a particr emphasis on strengthening the foundational qi.


    Once a cultivator reached the sixth realm, they could even temporarily enter a state known as the Boundless Sea of Qi, which allowed for effortless use of any divine abilities.


    Since Xu Ziyang had not yet reached the sixth realm, he was naturally at a disadvantage in a sh of sword qi.


    The powerful rebound from the surging sword qi sent him flying back ten zhang. However, he refused to give up. Instead, he quickly adjusted his strategy.


    Taking a step back, he suddenlyunched himself forward!


    As he soared toward his opponent, his body shifted into the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form.


    He intended to engage in closebat.


    His opponent quickly figured out what he was up to but chose to stand his ground. With a swift motion, he formed a seal, and a colorful light enveloped his body in a vajra-like aura. He had also transformed into the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form!


    "Then let''s see what you''re made of."


    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang¡ª</i>


    In an instant, they exchanged over a hundred blows, but just after a few shes, cracks began to appear on Xu Ziyang''s fifth-realm Metallic Body!


    His opponent''s foundational qi strength and the resilience of their Metallic Body were far superior to his.


    Clearly, it would be very difficult to win.


    In truth, Xu Ziyang had never been confident of winning; he simply didn''t believe in running away without putting up a fight. But now, faced with his opponent''s overwhelming strength, he realized retreat was his best option.


    However, escaping wasn''t easy. The senior brother pursued him relentlessly,nding blow after blow, shattering Xu Ziyang''s defenses and seemingly intent onpletely crippling hisbat ability!


    Suddenly, Xu Ziyang''s six arms moved in unison, and he unleashed three divine abilities at once!


    The sight left the former senior brother stunned. While he could also use the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form, activating different immortal arts with each arm was an incredibly challenging skill¡ªone he hadn''t yet mastered.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Xu Ziyang first activated Dimension Compression to retreat, and a golden mist erupted before him, unleashing thousands of sword rays that shot out to cover his escape.


    This technique of using six arms to cast three spells simultaneously created a brief gap between them.


    However, the disparity in their strength couldn''t be closed by technique alone. His opponent charged through the sword rays with his formidable body, relentless in his pursuit!


    As the distance between them diminished once more, a sudden p of thunder roared overhead!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>

 Chapter 515: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(II)

    <h4>Chapter 515: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(II)</h4>


    When Jiang Yuebai entered the hidden realm, she was surrounded by a beautiful sea of flowers.


    The vibrant colors of the flowers bloomed all around her.


    Without hesitation, she activated a stealth traversal technique, blending seamlessly into the vibrant sea of flowers that surrounded her.


    Before long, a senior sister from the previous generation glided through the air, surveying her surroundings keenly.


    She was about to continue on her way when something caught her attention. Suddenly, she turned back, narrowing her eyes at the spot where Jiang Yuebai was hiding, suspicion shing across her face.


    Seeing this, Jiang Yuebai realized that the senior sister had picked up on something unusual. She knew that she could no longer remain hidden in this spot.


    While her opponent was still unaware of her exact location, she quickly lifted arge section of the sea of flowers.


    With the activation of the Heaven-Raising Sword, she thrust her weapon forward! As she was the weaker one, she knew she had to unleash her most powerful divine technique right from the start!


    Even in the face of the sudden attack, the senior sister remained remarkably calm.


    Without showing any sign of distress, she raised her hand and pressed forward, conjuring a ck hole that effortlessly swallowed the massive, fierce sword light.


    However, after deflecting the attack and raising her hand to strike at Jiang Yuebai, the senior sister suddenly realized that Jiang Yuebai was no longer putting up a fight.


    With a single swing of her sword light, the senior sister easily severed Jiang Yuebai at the waist.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, Jiang Yuebai''s figure shattered into a flurry of falling petals.


    Jiang Yuebai had always been a master of illusory techniques, stealth traversal, and transformations. As she navigated through the vibrant sea of flowers, she moved like a shadow, evading her pursuer with grace.


    Each time the senior sister lunged to attack, Jiang Yuebai skillfully slipped away, vanishing and reappearing like a whisper in the wind.


    If it weren''t for the coastal boundary, Jiang Yuebai would have likely escaped by now.


    The senior sister shifted her focus, realizing she needed to take things seriously. If she didn¡¯t give it her all, this junior sister would continue toying with her.


    Just as she spotted Jiang Yuebai again, thunder rumbled ominously overhead. A flicker of frustration crossed her face before she vanished, reappearing a secondter in a different location.


    "Our locations changed?" Jiang Yuebai muttered.


    In the very next second, the senior sister found herself in the center of a snowy, icyndscape.


    A somewhat confused young man in fine clothes appeared right in front of her.


    ...


    Chu Liang blinked a few times, staring at the senior sister who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    Confusion washed over him as he tried to make sense of the situation.


    Just moments ago, he had been contemting on the ways to reach the center of the coast without being noticed.


    Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed in the sky, and he found himself in an entirely unfamiliar location.


    And standing about ten zhang away in front of him was a senior sister from the previous generation.


    <i>What kind of surprise is this?</i>


    Given that he had no knowledge of the senior sister''s abilities or strength, he had no intention of engaging in a fight.


    Instead, the first thing he did was leap onto his sword and take off into the sky, fleeing without a second thought.


    In this vast, icyndscape with no cover, hiding was futile. Instead, heunched a swordlight straight into the distant sky, propelling himself forward.


    Only as he ascended did he catch a glimpse of the full expanse of this world.


    In this hidden realm, four massive inds stood, each representing one of the four seasons¡ªspring, summer, autumn, and winter.


    These inds encircled a central sea, and it appeared that they were periodically shifted to different locations, moving at regr intervals.


    The rainbow-colored pir of light stood as the sole constant in this hidden realm, always radiating from the center of the sea.


    Since he was already soaring through the air, he decided to go all out and dash toward the pir of light! Although it was quite a distance away, with his incredible speed, he knew it would only take him a moment to reach it!


    Upon witnessing how incredibly fast Chu Liang could fly on his sword, the senior sister was taken aback. Even when she gave it her all to chase him, she could only keep track of his movements; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t catch up!


    His sword-riding technique was so remarkable that it rendered the difference in their cultivation realms nearly irrelevant.


    At this moment, Chu Liang showcased his prowess as the champion of the Flying-Sword Race. With astonishing speed, he shot like lightning toward the center of the sea!


    However, as he soared high in the sky, his presence became far too conspicuous. Suddenly, two sword lights shot in from different directions, blocking his path with equal speed!


    To make matters worse, someone unleashed a divine technique, summoning a massive wave that surged ahead of Chu Liang, creating an imprable barrier!


    As expected, his n wouldn''t work.


    The sea''s surface was far too wide and open.


    Flying over it was nothing short of a trap. The moment anyone attempted to cross, they would find themselves surrounded and captured.


    If Chu Liang hesitated for even a moment, he would be facing all three opponents at once.


    Every possible escape route in the sky had been blocked, and it felt like he was on the edge of being cornered.


    In that moment, he suddenly dove downward, his swordlight plunging toward the sea!


    "Noooooooo!" The three disciples from the previous generation shouted in unison.


    They thought Chu Liang had no idea what was lurking beneath the sea. If he were captured, it would only mean failure in the trial. But if he fell into the sea, there was a chance that he would die.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    However, Chu Liang was obviously more clear-headed than they had expected. He glided over the water''s surface like a dragonfly, causing ripples while remaining above the surface.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    As expected, a massive dragonfish leaped out of the water! One after another, vicious creatures surged up from the sea, creating a frenzy of churning waves that sshed around them!


    The situation on the sea suddenly became very dangerous.


    Vicious beasts started leaping out of the water, attacking anything that crossed their line of sight.


    In that moment, Chu Liang and the three disciples from the previous generation were all flying in the air, instantly bing targets of these ferocious creatures.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    As the vicious beasts surged from the water one after another, the others could only dodge frantically.


    In contrast, Chu Liang deftly maneuvered in various directions, making it seem as though he was struggling far less than the other three.


    Although his attempt to reach the pir of light had failed, he sessfully made his way back to the icy, snow-covered ind.


    As they returned to the ind, it was clear that the three would not let Chu Liang off the hook easily.


    However, the three who followed him immediately noticed something extremely strange.


    The young man had vanished.


    The three searched the entire ind back and forth. The snowy expanse offered no cover; if he had used a stealth technique, there should have been some traces of his aura left behind.


    Yet, he was simply gone.


    It was odd and perplexing.


    "The disciples of this generation have some skills," one of the men remarked. "Earlier, Senior Sister Zhu and I encountered one as soon as wended and managed to capture him. Aside from that, it seems we''ve had no sess so far."


    "Take it slow," the woman said with a frown. "As long as we keep an eye on the exit, we''ll eventually track them down."


    As the three continued their fruitless search, thunder rumbled in the sky once again.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>

 Chapter 516: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(III) [End of Book 5]

    <h4>Chapter 516: The Mount Shu Sect Will Rise Again!(III) [End of Book 5]</h4>


    In an instant, the scene shifted, and everyone found themselves on inds that werepletely different from the ones before.


    In the dense forest, a stark white cloak suddenly came into view. Chu Liang quickly flipped over and tucked the White Bear Cloak away.


    This item had its limitations in certain environments, but on snowy terrain, it was exceptionally effective¡ªmuch better than any camouge technique.


    Recalling what he had just overheard, he fell into deep thought.


    After pondering for a while, he suddenlyy down on the ground and shouted, "Help!"


    The tall male disciple who had also been teleported to this ind¡ªthe one who had previously fought Xu Ziyang¡ªheard Chu Liang''s cries and immediately rushed over.


    He saw Chu Liang lying on the ground, shouting, "Senior Brother, the spider silk here is poisonous; be careful!"


    "Hm?" The tall man looked at him with indifference. "Don''t pretend. This is the sect leader''s hidden realm; how could there be poison?"


    "I don''t know; maybe it''s something new this time..." Chu Liang replied, but suddenly his face began to darken, clearly indicating that the poison was taking hold. As his body stiffened, he called out, "Help me..."


    This didn''t seem fake at all. The male disciple furrowed his brow and flew over, asking, "What kind of poison is this?"


    The moment hended beside Chu Liang, he identally got tangled in a strand of spider silk. While he was distracted, a burst of ck light suddenly shot out from Chu Liang''s hand!


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In an instant, the Demon-Binding Rope wrapped around him tightly! As the enchanted tool activated, crackling electric sparks surged over his body.


    With the current toughness of the Demon-Binding Rope, even a sixth-realm cultivator would struggle to break free from it. The only issue with the Demon-Binding Rope was that it wasn''t fast enough, which meant that it could only be used during a surprise attack.


    "Hmph." The senior brother then realized he had been tricked. He sneered and said, "Do you think you can trap me with this?"


    He immediately activated the Metallic Body, attempting to break free from the Demon-Binding Rope.


    A sudden surge of ck mist rose up, causing his body to stiffen and his qi to slow down considerably.


    "It really is poisonous..." he said with a frown.


    "It''s absolutely real; otherwise, how could I have tricked you, Senior Brother?" Chu Liang said as he struggled to his feet.


    He took out a whip andshed himself a few times, creating loud snapping noises.


    With the ck mist dissipating, he atst returned to his normal state.


    Earlier, he had poisoned himself with spider silk so that he could create a facade that intertwined truth and lies to deceive his senior brother and achieve his goal.


    Yet, if this senior brother chose to ignore him, he would be the first disciple to withdraw from the trial of his own ord.


    However, if he wanted to defeat a much stronger opponent, he had to gamble on his chances.


    "Wanna be whipped too?" he said, ncing at the Senior Brother.


    Perhaps the senior brother was feeling somewhat embarrassed as he pouted and looked away.


    However, before long, the ck mist thickened. The spider silk''s poison was potent, and the Lightning Orb on the Demon-Binding Rope continuously weakened his ability to fight back, causing the poison to flow chaotically within his body.


    This was all thanks to Wen Yulong''s design; otherwise, how could one possibly bring down a sixth-realm cultivator? Chu Liang had no idea how Wen Yulong came up with so many ingenious yet wicked ideas.


    "Give me a try," the former disciple said, realizing that the whip had a detoxification effect. He had no choice but to ask to be whipped.


    <i>Snap.</i>


    A whip cracked down, dispersing part of the ck mist.


    "Whew." His stiffness eased slightly as he exhaled before saying, "One more time."


    "No, that won''t do. Wait a moment," Chu Liang shook his head. "I''ll whip you again if you behave well."


    If all the poison in his body were cleansed, it would be difficult to restrain him with just the Demon-Binding Rope.


    Suddenly, thunder rumbled in the sky again, and Chu Liang quickly grabbed his senior brother.


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    ...


    When the scene shifted once more, Chu Liang and the senior brother he had captured found themselves together in a sea of flowers.


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang seized the prisoner, ascended into the sky, and shouted, "Senior brothers and sisters, pleasee out for a chat!"


    As soon as he appeared, the woman who had been chasing him earlier quickly approached. Seeing the tall man he had captured, she was quite surprised. "Senior Brother Liang?"


    The tall man remained silent, quietly turning his head away.


    "I had to resort to a little trick, and my senior brother fell for it because of his kind heart. I heard that you also captured one of our junior brothers, so I have a suggestion..." Chu Liang said with a smile, "How about an exchange of captives?"


    "Hmmm?" The woman looked at Chu Liang, appearing rather dubious. If they exchanged captives, it would likely benefit their side more.


    The disciples from previous generations were more capable and powerful. They could easily capture someone again at any time.


    On the other hand, it would be much more difficult for Chu Liang to use the same trick to capture another disciple from that generation.


    After giving it some thought, she said, "Of course, the exchange is possible."


    "That said, all members of your group must be present during the exchange to prevent any tricks," Chu Liang said.


    The woman nodded in agreement. "Then all of you must be present too to prevent anyone from escaping."


    "Additionally, from the end of the exchange until the next location change, you are not allowed to attack us." Chu Liang quickly set the rules.


    "Deal." The woman nodded and invoked a divine technique, eximing loudly, "Everyone! Come over here!"


    Chu Liang called out as well, "Senior Brother Xu! Senior Sister Jiang! Gather over here!"


    With the sound waves vibrating through the air, three disciples from the previous generation quickly assembled. Another female disciple approached, gripping Ling Ao firmly in mid-air to prevent him from breaking free.


    Ling Ao''s expression at this moment was simr to that of the man opposite; both of them silently turned their heads away, acting like ostriches.


    Meanwhile, Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai also arrived beside Chu Liang.


    The woman on the opposite side couldn''t help but nce at Chu Liang again. It was easy for her to summon the others over here.


    However, under these circumstances, the fact that the other two were willing to respond to Chu Liang''s call and gather here demonstrated their deep trust in him.


    With the basic rules clearlyid out, the disciples from the previous generation readily agreed to the exchange.


    The process was quite simple. Chu Liang would release the Demon-Binding Rope from the man, and the senior sister on the opposite side would naturally release Ling Ao as well.


    Then, members from both sides would bow their heads and return to their respective ces.


    At that instant, the surface of the sea seemed to ripple. A horde of fierce beasts let out another round of roars, drawing everyone''s attention upward.


    "Huh?" Senior Sister Zhu turned her gaze around, saying, "Something''s up!"


    Suddenly, everyone focused their attention, yet there wasn''t a single figure in the sky. Just as they averted their eyes, another woman cried out, "There''s someone in the sea!"


    It turned out that there was a figure in the sea, using the water escape technique to move forward at high speed.


    At this point, she was halfway across the water. Oddly enough, all the vicious beasts had congregated on the far shore, behaving as if they were insane and ignoring the figure crossing the sea.


    She was about to reach the exit!


    The figure crossing the sea was none other than Jiang Yuebai!


    Yet the Jiang Yuebai standing in front of them was equally real.


    "Immortal Art: External Manifestation!"


    "Stop them!" Chu Liang shouted as well.


    Several disciples from the previous generation immediately wanted to leave and stop Jiang Yuebai in the sea. However, her mastery of the water escape technique was exceptional, making her incredibly fast in the water.


    Moreover, with Chu Liang and the others blocking their path, how could they possibly catch up?


    Dazzling lights lit up the sky as divine techniques and enchanted tools soared through the air, causing instant chaos. While the disciples of the younger generation were no match for their opponents, their intent was merely to obstruct, which was much simpler to aplish.


    In the blink of an eye, Jiang Yuebai''s silhouette appeared under the brilliant light pir.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Enshrouded in a seven-colored brilliance, her figure quickly blurred and then vanished from the hidden realm.


    ...


    After leaving the hidden realm, several disciples of the previous generation looked a bit dejected but still quite puzzled.


    "You all actually managed to win."


    "How did you do it?"


    "Don''t me yourselves for losing; he was just too cunning," the Discipline Master interjected with a grin. "Everything was part of his n, starting with the act of pretending to be poisoned."


    The woman with the surname Zhu nced at Jiang Yuebai, looking as if she had just understood something. She then asked, "Could it be that this junior sister from the Jiang family used her blood to attract all the beasts? The blood of a Transcendent Spirit constitution?"


    "That''s correct," Jiang Yuebai said with a nod.


    The blood of a Transcendent Spirit was an irresistible temptation to demonic beasts, so it was no shock that the ferocious creatures in the sea rushed frantically to one side.


    Jiang Yuebai needed to create two additional manifestations of herself: one clone headed to the gathering point, while the second carried a vial of her blood to the shore. Meanwhile, her true self began crossing the sea from the opposite bank, using the water escape technique.


    By the time everyone realized, there was simply no way to stop it.


    The disciples from the previous generation fell for this because they thought that the vicious beasts in the sea would limit the movements of the younger disciples.


    They thought of this limitation as a rule and didn''t think that it could possibly be broken.


    "How did you execute such seamless coordination?" another woman inquired, looking at Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai. "The n was perfect, but it required constantmunication between the two of you."


    Chu Liang smiled faintly. "We share a mental connection."


    "We have our own method of sending messages," Jiang Yuebai replied honestly.


    "Oh?" another male disciple asked. "Are the disciples of this generation given such items?"


    "No," Ling Ao shook his head. "Just the two of them have it."


    The disciples from the previous generation responded with a yful, knowing tone, "Oooohhh¡ª"


    "That''s wonderful," the tall man said, looking at them with a sudden, sincere smile. "I feel... there is hope for the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Indeed," the woman with the surname Zhu added with a smile. "Mount Shu will rise."


    Although the disciples from the previous generation lost in this trial, they were all smiling with genuine warmth.


    For reasons unknown, the ambiance seemed to suggest that the legacy of the Mount Shu Sect had been passed down to the next generation.


    "The Mount Shu Sect will rise again!"

 Chapter 517: A Palace (I) [Start of Book 6]

    <h4>Chapter 517: A Pce (I) [Start of Book 6]</h4>


    "There is a saying: ''Tigers and dragons roam about on the Emperor''s Mound. Howling winds and rumbling thunder reverberate through Panyang City. Twelve years have since passed. Who will the white horses and Qinghong meet next?''"[1]


    Inside the roadside teahouse where the storyteller was speaking, there were many patrons scattered about. Meanwhile, several shouts could be hearding from outside in the street.


    The storyteller, a tall and thin old man in long indigo robes, wore a serious expression as he dropped a block of wood to grab the attention of the patrons.


    <i>ck!</i>


    He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is once again time for the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and our Panyang City is surging with activity and excitement like a gathering storm. Such a grand event must already be on everyone''s mind, so today, I will tell you all about the heroes of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten!


    "You may be thinking, ''Isn''t everything clearly recorded in <i>The Seven Stars Gazette</i>? Why do we need you to borate?'' <i>Hah</i>. There is the Divine Nine, the Terrestrial Ten, and the other immortal sects across the four seas. How could a mere gazette record the full exploits of the young heroes from all those sects?


    "Did you know that the divine dragon[2] of the Peni Supreme Sect traveled a thousand li by moonlight not to catch demons and take down monsters but to seek out the true face of an enchantress?


    "Did you also know that the fairy of the Mount Shu Sect ventured six times to Jiangnan, braving the nine doors, solving the eight formations, and charging through a sea of swords¡ªall to search for a person?


    "How about the tale of a Sword Sect disciple''s unrequited love, or the tragic love story between the two monks of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery?"


    He spoke with fervor, and the patrons of the teahouse listened with rapt attention. There were even several lines of people surrounding the teahouse, listening in from the outside and buzzing with chatter.


    "So, Yang Shenlong actually has a story with a female cultivator of a diabolical sect? I have always thought he was very prim and proper..."


    "Is that story about Jiang Yuebai true? I heard she''s involved with a fellow disciple of her sect?"


    "Isn''t that disciple the Young Hero with the Divine Whip? Chu Liang!" someone said.


    Hearing that, the people around them got excited.


    That person continued, "At thest Grand Capture Ceremony, some evil people caused trouble, but my elderly father was saved thanks to the Young Hero with the Divine Whip! In this Assembly of Immortal Sects, I''m rooting for him to win the championship for the Mount Shu Sect!"


    With a better understanding of the situation, the person sitting behind the previous speaker shook their head. "That''s difficult, really difficult... Do you not know that the Mount Shu Sect has not ced in the top ten for thest four assemblies? They are almost about to fall out of the Divine Nine.


    "This time, their goal is merely to make it into the top ten. As for Chu Liang''s rise to fame, it was only due to the Violet and Azure Twin Swords. His cultivation power may be considered first-rate among the immortal sects, but it is far from enough to win the championship."


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects did not prohibit the use of enchanted tools, pills, or talismans. After all, being able to use such items effectively was also part of a cultivator''s power. However, the use of legendary artifacts ranked in the top hundred of the <i>Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures</i> was prohibited.


    In battles among the younger generation, artifacts of that level were too powerful and would eliminate all other factors. If they were allowed, it would ultimately turn into apetition of which sect has the most powerful legendary artifacts. The immortal sects would only focus on getting their disciples to master using higher-level legendary artifacts, losing the original intent of thepetition.


    Another person else jumped out to refute. "What are you talking about? Violet and Azure Twin Swords? I bet they can''tpare to his divine whip. Even before Chu Liang rose to fame, the Mount Shu Sect already had Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai. These three youths are serious contenders. They could make the top ten even if all they take in is a dog."


    There was someone who was unconvinced. "Are they really that powerful?"


    "<i>Heh,</i> have you not heard about the Young Hero with the Divine Whip? Onesh strengthens the body, tenshes extend life, and if you get whipped for forty-nine consecutive days, you will achieve immortality!"


    Thatment immediately drewughter. "<i>Hah,</i> how is that possible?"


    Someone else loudly rebutted, "If he could achieve immortality, why would he even bother participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects? But the rumor that theshing can restore a man''s vitality¡ªwell, that one is true."


    More people turned around.


    "Really?"


    "I... I have a friend. Next time I see the Young Hero with the Divine Whip, I''ll have to ask him to give my friend a fewshes."


    The noisy crowd failed to notice the carriage that was parked outside the teahouse. The driver had gone into the teahouse to have a sip of water earlier, but he was now back in the driver¡¯s seat, and the carriage was slowly moving again.


    ...


    Inside the spacious carriage, Chu Liang''s eyes were half-closed, pretending to be sound asleep.


    Wang Xuanling, the Mount Shu Sect''s grand peak master, sat opposite Chu Liang. His expression was as calm as still waters.


    Beside Wang Xuanling was his disciple, Xu Ziyang. Sitting tall and straight with a very stable posture, Xu Ziyang wore a simrly tranquil expression, closely resembling his teacher.


    And next to Xu Ziyang sat Ling Ao, whose hair was now reduced to a short buzz cut. The hairstyle made him appear taciturn and fierce. It turned out that every time Ling Ao faced defeat, he would cut his hair as a vow to improve himself. That eventually led to his current appearance.


    Sitting across from Ling Ao was the elegant Jiang Yuebai, dressed in white. Her silky hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her eyes were bright and limpid like clear waters. She was undeniably captivating.


    When the carriage was parked outside the teahouse earlier, they had all heard the crowd''s discussions. Nevertheless, no one spoke for a while.


    It was only after the carriage had traveled some distance that Ling Ao nced at Chu Liang.


    Breaking the silence, Ling Ao asked, "Is it true?"


    Chu Liang, who was pretending to nap, appeared as if he had not heard Ling Ao''s question, but his eyebrows twitched slightly.


    "<i>Pfft,</i>" Jiang Yuebaiughed softly beside Chu Liang.


    Xu Ziyang could not restrain himself either and repeated Chu Liang''s title with a grin. "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip..."


    They had heard about Chu Liang''s heroic deeds, but few on Mount Shu knew of the title "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip." After all, Chu Liang would never hang those banners up for others to see. Who knew he had won such great admiration from the people in Yu''s capital?


    Wang Xuanling''s mouth twitched, curving up slightly, but he quickly straightened his lips again.


    "Senior Uncle Wang, if you want tough, justugh." Chu Liang covered his face in resignation. "It must be tiring to hold it in."


    "<i>Pfft.</i>"


    Wang Xuanling, who had always kept a stern expression for many years, finally cracked a rare smile.


    "Then I won''t hold back either," Ling Ao said with augh.


    "You''ve beenughing the whole time... You never stopped," Chu Liang replied helplessly.


    Had he known this would happen, he would have lent the Poison-Expulsion Whip to someone else and let them save the people instead. Now, not only would the citizens of the capital of Yu talk about him and that incident for a lifetime, but they had also spun all sorts of outrageous stories.


    <i>What a disaster.</i>


    <i>When others were mentioned, it was the "divine dragon of the Peni Supreme Sect" and "the fairy of the Mount Shu Sect." But when it''s about me, it''s "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip"...</i>


    <i>What would people think when they first hear this title?</i>


    Chu Liang wanted to exin, but he could only say things like, "This whip isn''t that kind of whip," or "It''s all rumors." However, saying all that only made the others in the carriage more amused. The carriage was soon filled with a cheerful atmosphere.


    It was rare for this group from the Mount Shu Sect to be in such a rxed mood. They had spent thest two months undergoing rigorous training in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm. So, they now disyed demeanors that were a bit different from before. They appeared moreposed, tempered, and polished, as well as a tad weary.


    The next day marked the beginning of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, but these youths were not anxious. Instead, they spent thesest few days having a good rest.


    1. This is just drumming up excitement for the Assembly of Immortal Sects. It''s just talking about how powerful figures will gather for the exciting Assembly of Immortal Sects, which urs every twelve years, that''s happening in Panyang City and asks who will be victorious and get to feast on the Qinghong. ?


    2. This is referring to Yang Shenlong. "Shenlong" trantes to "divine dragon." ?

 Chapter 518: A Palace (II)

    <h4>Chapter 518: A Pce (II)</h4>


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects consisted of three stages: the Great Selection of the Four Seas, the Competition of a Hundred Sects, and the Battle at the Imperial City.


    The Great Selection of the Four Seas involved a series of arena battles, in which hundreds of sects across the four seas and nine provincespeted to be one of the eighty-one teams that would proceed to the next stage.


    The Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were akin to seeded yers and did not need to participate in the Great Selection. However, teams from the imperial family and from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had to go through the selection process like everyone else. This showed the high status of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    In the second round, the Competition of a Hundred Sects, no privileges would be given to anyone. All representative teams wouldpete fairly to be one of the top ten teams selected to enter the final round, the Battle for the Imperial City.


    The Mount Shu Sect had been eliminated in the second round for thest four consecutive assemblies. Due to their repeated failures to advance to the Battle for the Imperial City, the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were mockingly referred to as the Gatekeepers of the Imperial City by disciples of the other Divine Nine sects.


    Nheless, the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were never resigned to ept this nickname. After all, the gatekeepers of the imperial city were supposed to be standing behind the gates, inside the city...


    Chu Liang''s team did not have to participate in the first round, but they traveled to the capital of Yu a day early anyway. They intended to use the extra day to familiarize themselves with the environment and observe their future opponents.


    At every Assembly of Immortal Sects, there were dark horses who yed thepetition and emerged victorious from the preliminary rounds, advancing onward with impressive performances. So, Chu Liang''s team could not afford to becent.


    They arrived at the gates of the capital of Yu to find people waiting there to receive them. The imperial court had arranged for Chu Liang''s group to be transported by carriage to their amodation at the Emperor''s Mound.


    ...


    The Emperor''s Mound was the site of a dragon''s rising[1] and the ce where the founding emperor of the Yu Dynasty had unearthed the Panyang Ancient Jade. It was just an unremarkable-looking hill outside the capital of Yu, but it held major significance to the Yu Dynasty.


    The Yu Dynasty''s ancestral shrine had been built at the top of the Emperor''s Mound. Every spring, the emperor would bring the imperial family and the officials of the imperial court there to hold religious ceremonies. When major events like wars or natural disasters urred, sacrifices would be made to deities at the temple.


    That was why there was a pce that served as a temporary imperial residence halfway up the hill, surrounded by many houses and lodgings. They were for the emperor, his family, and his officials to stay overnight.


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects'' second round, the Competition of a Hundred Sects, was going to be held on the Emperor''s Mound. Of course, the emperor would not allow cultivators to fight near the ancestral temple.


    Instead, the disciples of the immortal sects would be battling it out in a hidden realm. The base of the Emperor''s Mound would serve as a viewing area, ensuring that the ancestral temple on the mountaintop would remain undisturbed.


    This location was chosen for two reasons. The first was that it would be disruptive for such arge number of cultivators to gather in the city. The second was that the imperial court wanted to demonstrate that it held the Assembly of Immortal Sects in high regard.


    The imperial court gave the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten special treatment for the event. Their representative teams were allowed to settle in the lodgings halfway up the Emperor''s Mound early and rest up before the battle.


    Upon arriving at the foot of the Emperor''s Mound, the carriage carrying Chu Liang''s team went up the hill, following a straight road. The hill was not particrlyrge, so it didn''t take long for the carriage to reach the lodging area.


    When Chu Liang''s group got off the carriage, they found there was a young pce attendant already waiting to greet them.


    However, before the pce attendant could do so, the carriage driver approached the group first.


    With an embarrassed smile, he quietly asked Chu Liang, "Young Hero Chu, I found it too embarrassing to ask earlier, but does your divine whip... really have <i>that</i> kind of miraculous effect?"


    Seeing the driver''s earnest and eager expression, Chu Liang could only advise him realistically, "Elder Brother, you should be seeing a doctor for that."


    The driver left in disappointment.


    On both sides of the main road were short, simple houses that appeared rather shabby at first nce. These lodgings were, after all, for officials to rest in when they went there for the religious ceremonies at the ancestral temple. That meant they could not be luxurious; they had to be simple and modest to reflect the nature of the business being handled there.


    The young pce attendant then continued with his task of leading Chu Liang''s group to their lodgings, but first, he took the chance to speak with Chu Liang''s group while they were still standing idly on the side of the road.


    The young pce attendant greeted them formally. "Greetings, young heroes and Esteemed Cultivator Wang. I am Lao Fangrong. I''m in charge of overseeing this temporary residence. Today, I will guide you to your lodgings. Please follow me."


    Chu Liang had been puzzled that such a young pce attendant was wearing such fine clothes. It indicated that his rank was probably quite high. Nevertheless, Chu Liang figured it out straightaway when he heard the young pce attendant''s name. The young pce attendant, Lao Fangrong, was likely Warrior Lao''s adopted son.


    Wang Xuanling nodded. "Thank you, Eunuch Lao."


    As always, Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master of the Mount Shu Sect, put on a rather imposing demeanor when in the presence of outsiders. He held his hands behind his back and gazed at Lao Fangrong with a grave expression. Wang Xuanling naturally exuded the dignified air of an esteemed cultivator.


    Lao Fangrong led the group through a street of simple houses.


    Then as they walked by a courtyard with a rare pavilion and a fence, someone suddenly called out from inside.


    "Miss Jiang¡ªI mean, Young Hero Chu, has your team from Mount Shu arrived too?"


    Chu Liang''s group turned to see several robust young men standing in the courtyard. One of them was a familiar face¡ªFeng Chaoyang of the Celestial King Sect.


    It had been a while since Chu Liangst met him. Feng Chaoyang''s eyes were now bright and sharp. He had clearly undergone some intensive training.


    As for the three youths beside Feng Chaoyang, Chu Liang did not recognize them, but it did not matter. He had heard early on that the team representing the current generation of the Celestial King Sect''s disciples consisted of Feng Chaoyang and his three "essories."


    The first person Feng Chaoyang had looked at was Jiang Yuebai... which was understandable since Jiang Yuebai was the most eye-catching and always the first one that everyone looked at. Feng Chaoyang had been about to call out to her earlier when he noticed Chu Liang standing beside her, so he reluctantly switched to greeting Chu Liang instead.


    "Brother Feng, you seem to be in high spirits. It looks like you must have made great progress in your cultivation," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    Feng Chaoyangughed. "<i>Hehe,</i> I don''t know if I can beat you in the assembly, but you''ve definitely lost in picking a ce to stay. This is the only pavilion around here, and we got it first."


    Chu Liangughed too. "You sure beat us to it."


    He looked around and found that most of the houses there were indeed simple. They were not much better than his cabin on Mount Shu. The only pavilion was the one that Feng Chaoyang''s team had taken.


    "The conditions here are indeed quite modest, but it''s not that the imperial court doesn''t hold the Assembly of Immortal Sects in high regard. The ancestral temple is above on the mountaintop, so the officials do not dare to indulge in extravagance," Lao Fangrong exined. "This particr residence happens to be the residence of the Guardian Ruler[2], which is why it''s slightly more refined."


    "Cultivators don''t ce much importance on material things; these are of no consequence," Wang Xuanlingmented.


    He had been to this ce many times, starting from when he participated in the Assembly of Immortal Sects as a youth to when he apanied the representative teams there as a grand peak master. So, he was unsurprised by the amodations.


    Wang Xuanling pointed to the residence next door. "We''ll stay next to the Celestial King Sect''s team then."


    The Mount Shu Sect had a good rtionship with the Celestial King Sect. Seeing as they had already exchanged greetings, Wang Xuanling thought it was best to be neighbors.


    Unexpectedly, Lao Fangrong said, "Esteemed Cultivator Wang, I do not wish to stop you. However, the lodging for your team has already been arranged, and it is not here."


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Wang Xuanling looked at him in surprise. "Then, where is it?"


    Lao Fangrong raised his hand and pointed at the residence at the end of the road.


    He answered respectfully, "There."


    Everyone turned to look, and astonished expressions appeared on their faces.


    The residence in question had green-tiled roofs, white walls, pavilions, and grand architecture¡ªall of which werepletely out of ce in this modest setting.


    It was, unmistakably, an imperial pce.


    1. This could also be referring to the emperor''s rise to the throne or where he gained power to rise to the throne. We''re not sure since it does mention a dragon in this chapter.> here. ?


    2. The Guardian Ruler guards the Celestial Northern Prison and is a Master of the Heavenly Origin from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. First mentioned in this chapter. ?

 Chapter 519: The Incident at Jade Dragon Pond

    <h4>Chapter 519: The Incident at Jade Dragon Pond</h4>


    As Feng Chaoyang stared at the grand and imposing pce in the distance, he voiced his genuine confusion. "I don''t understand."


    The Celestial King Sect had arrived early. After thoroughly inspecting the area, they chose this residence with the pavilion, believing it to be the best lodging avable.


    <i>And it had indeed been the best avable.</i>


    <i>But why are there people who can stay in the imperial pce?!</i>


    <i>Are you part of the imperial family??</i>


    <i>Even members of the imperial family don''t just get this kind of treatment whenever they want, right?</i>


    Compared to that pce halfway up the hill and above the other lodgings, the residence with the pavilion now seemed like the small buildings by the city gates that the old fellows on night watch stayed in. The joy that the Celestial King Sect''s team had felt a moment before was gone now. Normally, cultivators wouldn''t care about such things, but nothing was worse than having something better topare to.


    It wasn''t just the Celestial King Sect disciples who didn''t understand; even the Mount Shu Sect disciples were puzzled. They looked at Lao Fangrong in confusion.


    "This isn''t inpliance with the rules, is it?" Wang Xuanling frowned. "I''ve attended the Assembly of Immortal Sects several times and never heard of anyone staying in the imperial pce..."


    "It wasn''t allowed before, but this time, His Majesty gave an imperial decree," Lao Fangrong exined. He turned to Chu Liang and bowed. "The Imperial Younger Brother is to be amodated in the temporary imperial residence."


    <i>Well, then.</i>


    <i>I almost forgot about that.</i>


    Chu Liang suddenly remembered that he did have such a title.


    It was unsurprising he had forgotten. After all, he always spent his time among immortal sects, where no one cared about the things that the imperial family or court bestowed. Thest time the emperor bestowed Chu Liang with something, it had just been a few shops. Chu Liang hadn''t even thought much about them.


    But now, after arriving in the capital of Yu, he realized that his title as Imperial Younger Brother had its uses.


    "This is rather embarrassing," Chu Liang said with an embarrassed smile. He paused before adding, "My elder brother is quite thoughtful."


    The group from the Mount Shu Sect made their way to the highest point of the lodgings area and entered the imperial pce.


    The Celestial King Sect disciples had watched them enviously. Nevertheless, the teams from the other Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects would arrive and soon enough. The Celestial King Sect would regain some sense of superiority then.


    The imperial pce on the Emperor''s Mound was rtively in and modest¡ªwell, that waspared to the grand pce halls of the imperial city. Inparison to the surrounding residences, the pce was richly ornamented, but it was not mboyantly luxurious. The courtyard of the temporary imperial residence featured rockery and flowing streams in a very serene and elegant garden.


    After escorting the group from the Mount Shu Sect to the pce, Lao Fangrong and the several pce attendants apanying him left. The pce attendants usually served the emperor in the temporary imperial residence, but they left to avoid disturbing the Mount Shu Sect disciples'' cultivation.


    The group from the Mount Shu Sect didn''t object to that. In fact, they would have felt ufortable if the eunuchs and pce maids were constantly attending to them.


    Soon after they settled in, a visitor dropped by the pce.


    "My goodness, this... You''re actually staying in this imperial pce? What a great honor for you!" the visitor eximed in surprise as he entered the pce.


    Wang Xuanling and the four Mount Shu Sect disciples received the visitor in the main hall.


    Wang Xuanling said, "Junior Brother Chen, it''s been a long time."


    The visitor was Chen Xuanlu. He was the sect leader of the Profound Mind Sect, which was located just outside the capital of Yu. Chen Xuanlu used to be a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, two generations after Wang Xuanling. That was why Wang Xuanling called Chen Xuanlu "Junior Brother."


    Chen Xuanlu replied, "Senior Brother Wang, another twelve years have passed in the blink of an eye."


    He was wearing a Daoist robe with cloud patterns and had his hair tied and pinned high on his head. He had a pure and gentle appearance, giving him a rather ethereal and otherworldly presence.


    There were three youths behind him¡ªtwo male disciples and one female disciple. All three of them seemed quite young.


    The two groups arranged their tables in the hall so they were across from the other group. Then they sat down on the floor, facing each other.[1]


    "The youths of our dear old Mount Shu Sect''s current generation of disciples are truly quite good," Chen Xuanlu praised, looking at the disciples with a smile. "I was quite worried for a while, wondering what the sect would do if the current generation of disciples failed to produce good results too. Butter on, I kept hearing news about our dear old Mount Shu Sect''s current generation. I gradually felt reassured."


    Wang Xuanling nced at the youths behind Chen and remarked insincerely, "The youths from your sect are great too."


    "<i>Hehe,</i>" Chen Xuanlu chuckled. "These mischievous disciples¡ªI''m letting them participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, but I''m not hoping for them to achieve great results. I just wanted them to experience it."


    ...


    Disciples of therge immortal sects ranked in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten often left their sect to explore the martial world and eventually ended up establishing their own sects.


    If someone were to tally them up, the sect with the highest number of branch sects would be the Mount Shu Sect. After all, it had reigned as the top immortal sect for thousands of years in the past, so it was natural that it would produce many offshoots.


    However, these smaller sects often onlysted a few generations before dying out. Even if they could persist for hundreds or thousands of years, their ties to the main sect would weaken, and they would gradually be independent entities.


    That was why the sect leaders of the branch sects typically had the closest ties with members of the main sect that were from a generation or two before them, like Chen Xuanlu and Wang Xuanling.


    Before each Assembly of Immortal Sects, Chen Xuanlu would bring the disciples of his sect to greet the representative team from the Mount Shu Sect, allowing them to get to know each other. Generally, every small sect that branched off from a main sect would do this. It was so that if their teams encountered each other during the rounds of the assembly, they could look out for one another.


    In other words, this was a routine courtesy visit.


    The Profound Mind Sect and the many other small sects located just outside the capital of Yu were not sects with long-established cultivation legacies to pass down. Nevertheless, it did not matter, as these small sects mainly catered to the offspring of officials and wealthy families who did not have much potential for cultivation.


    These youths oftencked the talent to enter the major immortal sects and could not use connections to gain entry into sects like the Ascending Dragon Academy or the Nation Guard Monastery Tower because they had strong ties to the imperial court. So, if their elders wanted them to cultivate, they had no choice but to find a small sect near the capital of Yu. If they learned basic cultivation arts and divine skills, that would be enough for them to be considered as having be a cultivator.


    They weren''t aiming for high achievements; they just wanted to strengthen their bodies and prolong their lives. Therefore, neither the disciples nor their teachers took their cultivation journeys seriously.


    Naturally, the typical cultivator wouldn''t want to waste time teaching disciples with little talent, but anything could be negotiated as long as they paid enough.


    Nevertheless, if Chen Xuanlu encountered a particrly talented youth, he would not teach them. He would rmend them to join the Mount Shu Sect instead.


    There were many cultivators like Chen Xuanlu that had hit a bottleneck in their cultivation at the pinnacle of the sixth realm. It was too difficult for them to break through to the Heavenly Gate. Even if they continued to cultivate arduously into their final years, there was no guarantee they would make a breakthrough to the next realm. They figured it was better to take in some disciples and earn some money, enjoying the remainder of their lives. They hade to terms with their situation.


    Being a cultivator was a very costly expense for aristocratic disciples; it was what they spent most of their money on. They needed to pay a substantial sum just to join one of the small sects. Then they still had to buy cultivation arts manuals and cultivation resources, but the ones the sects sold were more expensive than those being sold outside. In fact, the four disciples that each of these small sects had selected to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects might not necessarily be the best of their generation; their families might have simply given their teachers the most money.


    Of course, there were sects that were willing to foster disciples without payment, but if the youths did not have enough talent for cultivation, they would not get epted. Consequently, youths like that could only join these small profit-focused sects.


    Wang Xuanling advised Chen Xuanlu, "You can''t be too harsh on your disciples. With the Assembly of Immortal Sects soon to begin, it''s important to give them some confidence."


    "Oh, I don''t always criticize them. My disciples are reasonably talented. They''re just not very disciplined and instead quite yful," Chen Xuanlu replied with augh. "You see, I told them early on that we would be visiting you today, but when I went to gather them earlier, one of them was missing. Who knows where that one has gone off to y this time."


    The female disciple from the Profound Mind Sect quietly defended the disciple in question. "Maybe Little Liu left because something happened at home..."


    Chen Xuanlu shot her a re, and she quickly lowered her head.


    Wang Xuanling nodded in understanding. "This year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects is different from the previous ones. It may get chaotic in the capital of Yu, so it''s important to warn your disciples to be cautious."


    The Mount Shu Sect had already informed the Imperial Supervisory Bureau about the information Chu Liang had acquired¡ªthe diabolical sects of the West Sea might take this opportunity to stir up trouble. However, it was decided that they would keep this information a secret for now to avoid alerting the enemy that they were aware. It was unclear what exactly the Diabolical Forces intended to do, so Wang Xuanling could only give a warning to Chen Xuanlu.


    "That''s true." Chen Xuanlu nodded in agreement. "The Assembly of Immortal Sects hasn''t even begun, but strange urrences have been happening frequently in the capital of Yu these past few days."


    "Oh? What sort of strange urrences?"


    Chen Xuanlu nced around and then lowered his voice. "Let me tell you about something I personally encountered¡ªsomething quite bizarre."


    ...


    Chen Xuanlu slowly began telling them what had happened.


    "At the foot of the mountain where my sect is located, there''s a smallke called Jade Dragon Pond."


    Jade Dragon Pond had gotten its name because of its crystal-clear, blue-green[2] waters and its winding banks that made the pond resemble a coiled dragon. The name sounded grand, but the pond was actually quite small, much like how the Emperor''s Mound was not even close to being the biggest of hills. Compared to truly greatkes, Jade Dragon Pond was just a small puddle.


    "One day, the nearby vigers came to me and said that blood had been gushing to the surface of the Jade Dragon Pond for several days. They asked for my help to investigate."


    Since Chen Xuanlu had founded a sect in the populous area outside the capital of Yu, he often had to interact with the local vigers.


    The Jade Dragon Pond was amon resource for the neighboring vigers, so when blood kept surfacing in the pond, it had frightened many of the vigers. Seeing as there were cultivators living nearby, they didn''t bother going into the city to ask for help from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. Instead, they went straight to the Profound Mind Sect.


    Chen Xuanlu didn''t refuse their request for help and promptly agreed to investigate the pond.


    "I activated a seal and entered the water, quickly descending to the depths. I found that there was indeed a lot of blood in the water. I followed the trail of blood and discovered it was pouring out from an underwater cave. And when I went inside the cave, I found a coffin! Unending streams of blood were gushing out from the cracks in the coffin. It was so strange.


    "I thought it was the work of some ghosts, so I brought the coffin to the surface. Once it was exposed to sunlight, the blood stopped flowing out.


    "With the gathered vigers serving as witnesses, I opened the coffin. Inside it was the corpse of a woman, lifelike and intact as if she were still alive. I couldn''t tell when or how she hade to rest there, but she had a very serene expression as though she was merely asleep."


    At this point, his expression grew tense. He seemed to be recalling something that still troubled him.


    "That alone was strange enough. But one of my disciples had once attended a banquet in the imperial pce with his family, and as soon as he saw the corpse, he recognized her...


    "She looked exactly like Empress Wu!"


    1. The tables in pce halls are usually low tables, so that''s why they''re sitting on the floor. And the tables are usually individual tables, so that''s probably why they have to arrange the tables. ?


    2. Jade is often blue-green. ?

 Chapter 520: I Have

    <h4>Chapter 520: I Have</h4>


    "Empress Wu?" Everyone in the hall gasped in disbelief at the mention of her name.


    Empress Wu, the first wife of the current emperor, had been the crown prince''s consort when she was young, ascending to her role as Empress as the crown prince rose to power. How could she suddenly be found in a coffin at the bottom of Jade Dragon Pond?


    Even if Empress Wu had really died, her passing would not have gone unnoticed.


    "Of course, the Empress is fine; otherwise, there would have been news. I''m just baffled by how this corpse could look so much like her. I have already informed the Imperial Supervisory Bureau," Chen Xuanlu assured.


    Having spent many years working outside the capital of Yu, Chen Xuanlu was an experienced cultivator well-acquainted with the court''s inner workings. He knew how things worked¡ªuntil the pce officially dered Empress Wu dead, the identity of the body didn¡¯t matter. Even if the body turned out to be Empress Wu, it would still be considered a fake. There was no need for him to make any judgments.


    "Not long after, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau sent people to retrieve both the coffin and the body. I thought that would settle everything," Chen Xuanlu continued. "However, Iter learned that before anyone from the pce could examine it, a strange fire broke out at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, turning the coffin and the body into mere ashes."


    The Mount Shu Sect team stood in stunned silence, grappling with the implications of what they had just heard.


    Though the sects in the Divine Nine seemed otherworldly, they were not without their share of open confrontations, mind games, and hidden schemes. Most of their conflicts centered around the pursuit of the Great Dao. However, in Yu''s capital, the intricacies of human nature and court politics revealed a level of intrigue that was entirely beyond their understanding.


    "I was advised by the people from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to stay silent about this matter, and I obeyed," Chen Xuanlu continued. "However, the following day, the vigers living near Jade Dragon Pond began to report strange dreams...


    "In their dreams, a woman appeared, soaked from head to toe, wailing, ''Return my life!''


    "Three days have passed. And now, even the people in the capital started getting this strange dream. Countless individuals have reported having the same dream. We, the members of the Profound Mind Sect, were not the only ones who knew about the coffin being retrieved from the Jade Dragon Pond. Many vigers saw it as well, so the news started spreading like wildfire...


    "Word is spreading rapidly throughout the capital, with people iming that the Empress in the pce is an imposter and that the real Empress drowned long ago."


    "I regret pulling that coffin out of the water," Chen Xuanlumented with a regretful expression. "I''ve created quite a mess, and who knows what kind of trouble awaits us now?"


    The Profound Mind Sect gained sudden fame in the capital of Yu due to this incident, but as they said, fame was not always a blessing.


    In light of the current tensions between the emperor''s concubines, this bizarre case became particrly intriguing.


    In their younger days, the emperor and the empress were truly in love. In fact, the emperor was not even willing to take concubines. However, due to his duties as emperor, he eventually did so and expanded his court of women.


    A downside to being a cultivator was that the higher the cultivation level, the harder it became to conceive children.


    Perhaps this was a limitation imposed by the Heavenly Law, for if a powerful cultivator lived for several centuries, they could have fathered thousands of children if they so wished.


    The children of such powerful cultivators were often born with extraordinary spiritual natures. If these cultivators had been allowed to have as many children as they wanted, the world¡¯s spiritual energy could have been depleted in just a few generations.


    The emperors of the Yu Dynasty were all at least at the seventh realm, making it incredibly challenging for them to produce heirs. Historically, they often took multiple concubines, and sometimes they only feltpelled to try for more children out of a sense of duty.


    The current emperor made great efforts to have children, but he could only manage to have ten, and of those ten, only three had the Divine Fire Spirit constitution.


    Some emperors in past generations were less diligent, resulting in only one or two children.


    Despite having many concubines, the emperor remained loyal to Empress Wu, a story of love that was once celebrated in their early years.


    Three years ago, a woman named Gong Yu''er entered the pce and somehow won the emperor''s affection, quickly being granted the title of Noble Consort. Since that time, all his attention has been on her, resulting in Empress Wu being neglected.


    This was understandable. Empress Wu was in her fifties or sixties, and despite her efforts to maintain her beauty, she couldn¡¯tpete with a younger, more attractive woman. Nevertheless, her noble lineage, poprity among the people, and status as the mother of the Second Prince kept her position secure.


    What really ruined Empress Wu''s image was the rumor that she secretly consumed Eternal Youth Pills.


    The Eternal Youth Pill was a diabolical pill that could only be crafted through the sacrifice of human lives. Although it had been banned, the refinement of these pills never truly stopped as this pill was known to be the best beauty-preserving pill in the world. There had always been rumors of noblewomen in the capital using this pill, but there was never any concrete proof.


    No one knew how the rumor began, but it spread rapidly, infuriating themon people andpletely ruining the virtuous reputation she had worked so hard to build over the years. Although the pce quickly released a statement to defend her, many remained skeptical.


    After all, the idea of one of those concubines taking diabolical pills to preserve her youth in thepetition for the emperor''s affection seemed highly usible.


    In the years that followed, many people began to secretly refer to Empress Wu as the Demon Empress.


    Then came the incident with the Roupu Kingdom. Great General Wu Anmin had aimed to boost his reputation through military aplishments, but the captives he brought from the Roupu Kingdom into the pce caused chaos.


    It waster revealed that the ritual bone teeth from the Roupu Kingdom had been tampered with. Regardless, Wu Anmin, as the person in charge, was held ountable for failing to notice this. He was demoted and stripped of his military power, leading to a significant decline in his influence.


    A wave of criticism swept through the capital, with many ming Wu Anmin for the poison that infiltrated the pce. They argued that even if it was unintentional, such a chaotic disaster would not have urred if he hadn¡¯t been so eager to arrange a Grand Capture Ceremony and earn more military achievements.


    In reality, the Grand Capture Ceremony had been decided by the court long before the expedition, with the emperor himself approving it. Wu Anmin, however, couldn¡¯t me either the court or the emperor, so he had to bear the weight of the public¡¯s usations in silence.


    As a result, the Wu family¡¯s reputation became even worse.


    In light of this recent event, rumors spread rapidly throughout the capital. Many believed that the virtuous Empress Wu from back in the days had been murdered and reced by an evil demon, which would exin she had been involved in these strange events time and time again.


    ...


    Upon listening to Chen Xuanlu''s story, the Mount Shu Sect team recognized that this issue was anything but simple. Fortunately, the political games in the capital of Yu had nothing to do with them.


    They were only here to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and as for the rest of these strange events, they treated them as nothing more than interesting stories.


    As they chatted, a young man entered from outside and stopped at the doorway, saying, "Esteemed Teacher, I am sorry for arrivingte."


    Everyone present was a cultivator and could easily sense the weakness in his voice and the instability of his energy.


    "What happened to you?" Chen Xuanlu asked with a frown. "Come in and tell us."


    Only then did the disciple enter the hall.


    Wearing a brocade robe and a jade belt, he exuded a heroic charm with his high-arched brows and bright eyes. He was a rather handsome young man.


    However, he reeked of perfume and alcohol. In addition, his pale face and the fading light in his eyes suggested that he had suffered considerable injuries.


    This was likely the fourth member of the Profound Mind Sect, the disciple named Liu Yunzheng, who had not been present earlier.


    "I got into an argument earlier that led to some minor injuries..." he confessed, his head hanging low as he took a seat.


    "Minor injuries?" Chen Xuanlu''s eyes zed with anger. He clutched Liu Yunzheng''s shoulder and infused his energy throughout Liu Yunzheng''s entire body.


    Immediately, Chen Xuanlu''s face turned even grimmer as he scolded, "Most of your meridians are damaged! And you call this ''minor'' injuries? What on earth happened?"


    Liu Yunzheng couldn''t bring himself to meet Chen Xuanlu''s gaze, turning away instead. After he had been questioned and pressured, he confessed, "I left early today, thinking I¡¯d join youter, so... I went to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion first..."


    "Hmph," Chen Xuanlu snorted coldly.


    "I didn''t expect to encounter a child around eleven or twelve years old causing a ruckus in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. I tried to stop him... and, well, he beat me up..."


    Liu Yunzheng stammered, clearly embarrassed. After Chen Xuanlu scolded him and pressed for more details, he finally told the full story.


    Liu Yunzheng had a special someone at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, a woman named Yunshang. Despite her tragic past filled with hardships, she maintained her purity and virtue.


    Liu Yunzheng would frequently seek herpany.


    Knowing that he would meet up with the Mount Shu Sect teamter, he set out early. When he realized he had some time to spare, he figured he would visit Yunshang and enjoy a moment with her.


    Unexpectedly, he saw a young boy storm into the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, loudly announcing that he would reserve the whole ce for himself and make all the women his wives.


    The boy appeared to be around ten years old and was quite short, so everyone just took what he said as a joke.


    Liu Yunzheng walked over to toss the boy out of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, but to his surprise, when he attempted to grab the boy, he realized he couldn¡¯t move the boy at all. In a swift moment, the boy''s palm came flying back at him, knocking him into the street.


    With severe injuries, he had no choice but to leave in a mortified state.


    He stammered and struggled to finish his story as he felt utterly embarrassed about being injured by a child in a fight at the brothel.


    "A child?" Chen Xuanlu said with a grave expression. "What sort of child could wield such immense power? If you had been less fortunate, that palm strike might have killed you! It has to be a master pretending to be a kid."


    "He said..." Liu Yunzheng exined, "His name is Qi Lin''er. If you want to take revenge on him for my sake, go ahead and look for him."


    "No wonder!" As soon as they heard the name, the members of the Mount Shu Sect quickly put the pieces together.


    All teams sent by the sects from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects were extensively studied by everyone.


    In the team sent by Peni, there were Yang Shenlong, Yang Yuhu, Xi Miaoxian, as well as a mysterious new participant named Qi Lin''er. The addition of the mysterious Qi Lin''er took many by surprise.


    After conducting some research, only a handful of details regarding his background came to light.


    Twelve years ago, it was reported that Daoist Cangsheng ventured into the Divine Ruins and returned with a multicolored stone. When the stone was cracked open, a baby was discovered inside. Recognizing the child''s special nature, Daoist Cangsheng brought him back to Peni, where he was trained alongside the Azure Dragon.


    Of course, this was the official version provided by Peni.


    Other sects of immortality cultivation remained skeptical, with many specting that the child was merely an illegitimate son of Daoist Cangsheng, who had to fulfill his lustful desires at an old age.


    In simple terms, they believed that Daoist Cangsheng secretly had a child with someone and brought him back to be raised on the inds of Peni.


    "So he¡¯s from Peni, huh?" Chen Xuanlu grumbled, feeling even angrier.


    "If it had been a small sect, he might have sought justice for his disciple. But since it was a powerful sect like Peni, he had to swallow his grievances and stay silent."


    It wasmon for young people to be hot-headed, and conflicts like these were frequent at the Assembly of Immortal Sects. It wasn¡¯t all that unusual.


    Liu Yunzheng, seeing the anger on his teacher¡¯s face, quickly said, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll heal up fast and make sure that my injuries will not affect my match tomorrow."


    "That''s easy for you to say," Chen Xuanlu replied with a grim expression. "While your external injuries aren¡¯t severe, your meridians are heavily damaged. You won¡¯t be able to circte your energy, let alone fight. Without a spirit medicine, it will take at least three months for you to recover.


    "Ah?" Liu Yunzheng was shocked.


    If this affected thepetition happening tomorrow, the consequences would be dire. After all, everyone would only get one chance to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects in their lifetime. If he lost his chance because of this...


    But the spirit medicine Chen Xuanlu mentioned was certainly made from rare treasures of nature, making it incredibly expensive.


    Liu Yunzheng''s family had already spent a considerable amount to ensure he could take part in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and affording such a medicine would be an unbearable financial burden, even for a family of officials.


    Chen Xuanlu was well aware of this. During the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the costs of spirit medicine skyrocketed. If the prices weren¡¯t so outrageous, he would have dly covered the expense himself to ensure his sect''s sess.


    Just as Liu Yunzheng gritted his teeth in frustration, a hand unexpectedly reached out from the side, revealing a jade box.


    A voice then sounded.


    "I have it."

 Chapter 521: Famous Chef of the World

    <h4>Chapter 521: Famous Chef of the World</h4>


    "Hmm?" Chen Xuanlu and Liu Yunzheng looked in the direction of the voice and saw Chu Liang smiling as he held out a jade box.


    "Now that the Assembly of Immortal Sects is taking ce, it''s not easy to find precious medicine. Luckily, I set some aside, so you can have mine," Chu Liang exined. "Junior Brother Liu, with thepetition happening tomorrow, we can''t risk any dys."


    The Mount Shu Sect and Profound Mind Sect were on friendly terms, which was why they addressed each other as senior and junior brothers.


    The jade box emanated a powerful spiritual energy, suggesting that whatever was inside was far from ordinary.


    "This..." Chen Xuanlu quickly rejected, "I can''t ept this! It''s not some ordinary thing; it''s a precious medicine..."


    Even though Liu Yunzheng wanted it badly, he clenched his jaw and refused to ept.


    "Don''t worry about it; I have more than enough set aside," Chu Liang said casually.


    The nonchnt way he spoke left the members from the Profound Mind Sect in disbelief. Even if he had some saved up, it couldn''t be much. Rare medicines weren''t as plentiful as cabbages that could be stored away for winter.


    They didn''t know Chu Liang well enough. They only knew he was a top talent among the younger generation of the Mount Shu Sect, but they had no idea that he was the actual owner of the Red Cotton Peak.


    Previously, Chu Liang had to pay extra for treasures of nature and rare medicines from different stores. However, the imperial shops had been set up and one of those shops managed by Chu Liang was a spirit medicine shop.


    With his own supply chain in ce for obtaining treasures of nature, he didn''t need to buy spirit medicine from other ces. He could source them directly from his shop at cost price, which made the process a lot easier.


    As part of his many preparations for the Assembly of Immortal Sects, Chu Liang had made sure to gather plenty of spirit medicine.


    Whatever they could think of, Chu Liang had certainly umted a far greater amount than the duo from the Profound Mind Sect could ever imagine.


    Wang Xuanling remarked, "Our two sects have always supported each other, so it''s only natural to help in times of need. There''s really no reason to say no."


    Hearing this, Chen Xuanlu finally took the jade box and said to his disciple, "Hurry up and thank your Senior Brother Chu."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Chu!" Liu Yunzheng eximed, visibly touched. He took the jade box and added, "I''ll treat this medicine as a loan, and I promise to pay you back in the future."


    Chu Liang smiled and nodded, choosing not to say anything further.


    It was clear that Liu Yunzheng had a proud and noble heart, refusing to ept any favor without nning to give back.


    In that moment, Chu Liang''s stature soared in the eyes of the Profound Mind Sect members. Liu Yunzheng and the two male disciples, as well as the female disciple, looked at him with their eyes sparkling with admiration.


    There was perhaps nothing more charming and carefree than the act of giving freely.


    "Alright, you''d better take him back to get the medicine," Wang Xuanling advised. "We don''t want his injury to get worse."


    "Very well, we''ll take our leave," Chen Xuanlu responded as he stood up.


    Once the Profound Mind Sect members had left, Wang Xuanling turned to Chu Liang and said quietly, "Since the Profound Mind Sect is close to us, being generous is fine. However, it''s better to be more frugal when dealing with outsiders."


    The old man''s face showed a hint of pain for Chu Liang, even if he wasn''t the one spending the money.


    Chu Liang was aware that Wang Xuanling, the grand peak master with the highest number of disciples in the Mount Shu Sect, had long been used to being frugal. He was always thinking of ways to ask the sect for more money to distribute to his disciples. He was someone who knew how to n his finances.


    So Chu Liang just smiled and said with a nod, "I understand."


    In all honesty, Chu Liang was well aware of this. He didn''t need the reminder from Wang Xuanling. Even though he had an ample supply of spirit stones now, he wasn''t the type to waste them. Doing so would make him look like a fool, throwing his money away.


    However, since the Profound Mind Sect was one of Mount Shu''s few close allies near the capital, it felt right to extend them a helping hand.


    After bidding farewell to the members of the Profound Mind Sect, Chu Liang looked around and suggested, "Shouldn''t we find something to eat? It''s not every day we''re in the capital of Yu, so we ought to treat ourselves."


    As he stood, Wang Xuanling said, "You young ones go ahead and explore. I''m going to rest."


    It was clear the old man knew the younger members would feel uneasy with him present, especially Xu Ziyang, who was always so stiff and serious in front of his master.


    Once Wang Xuanling left, the group could finally feel rxed.


    "So, what should we eat?" Ling Ao asked.


    Jiang Yuebai blinked, ready to answer, but her words caught in her throat as she saw Chu Liang''s eyes fixed on her...


    "How about checking out Famous Chef of the World? We could also go to Imperial City Restaurant... or perhaps Yueya Gathering?" Chu Liang casually suggested.


    Upon hearing the names, a hint of surprise crossed Jiang Yuebai''s face as she furrowed her brows. "How did you know..."


    <i>How did he know to name all the ces I have been wanting to visit?</i>


    "Hehe," Chu Liang chuckled. "Earlier, on the carriage, I noticed you jotting something down in your notebook..."


    It turned out that during their journey to the capital, Jiang Yuebai had been diligently writing the names of the restaurants she wanted to try. She had ns to sample all the renowned spots in the capital of Yu.


    Very few people on Mount Shu were aware of Fairy Jiang''s love for food. In fact, whenever she traveled for a mission, she always did her homework in advance, ensuring she visited the most famous eateries in the area.


    Chu Liang knew this because during their first meeting, he had witnessed her heroic way of slurping noodles.


    "Aiya," Jiang Yuebai said, a rare hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "I... I was just doing some research for the Red Moon Pavilion."


    "I understand," Chu Liang replied, nodding seriously.


    "You don''t understand anything!" Jiang Yuebai shot back, yfully punching him.


    "Owh..." Chu Liang eximed dramatically as he fell to the ground.


    Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao exchanged nces, then quietly slipped out of the hall and into the courtyard. Together, they looked up at the sky.


    At that moment, the red sun was setting, stillrge on the horizon, while the moon had already risen on the other side.


    In the vast sky, two radiant celestial bodies hung in perfect bnce.


    ...


    Famous Chef of the World was a renowned restaurant located in the southern part of the capital of Yu, officially known as Xue Yipin. The restaurant was owned and run by a master chef named Xue Yipin.


    More than a decade ago, the emperor dined at Yipin Restaurant and was so impressed by the culinary skills that he bestowed a que, inscribed with his own handwriting. The words he wrote were "Famous Chef of the World."


    Xue Yipin then ced this que alongside his own name, transforming the restaurant''s title to "Famous Chef of the World Xue Yipin."


    Not only was Xue Yipin a renowned chef, but he also possessed impressive cultivation skills. His cleaver, known as The Famous Yipin Knife, came with its own fascinating backstory.


    Baili Tong, a renowned swordsmith from the imperial city, was a close friend of Xue Yipin. One day, feeling that his cleaver was no longer sharp, Xue Yipin turned to Baili Tong and requested a new one to be forged.


    Baili Tong had recently obtained a piece of high-quality Profound Aetherme Essence Iron, intending to use it to create a sword that could rank within the top hundred of the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures. However, despite his best efforts, he only seeded in forging a sword that ranked 142nd, which he named the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword.


    After forging the sword, Baili Tong had a small leftover piece of Profound Aetherme Essence Iron, which he decided to use to craft a cleaver for Xue Yipin.


    To everyone''s surprise, this cleaver turned out to be of extraordinary quality, unbreakable and sharper than the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword. It ultimately ranked 102nd in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, earning the name "The Famous Yipin Knife."


    The best work of a master swordsmith ended up being a casually crafted cleaver. It was truly a case of nting flowers with care but seeing none bloom, while an unintentional willow flourishes. This story was indeed a remarkable anecdote.


    With the precious knife in hand, Xue Yipin''s culinary skills soared to new heights. He gained fame for his Gourmet Banquet tter, which featured rare and exotic ingredients. Even Eminent Ones and members of the imperial family marveled at the extraordinary vors, dering it the finest food they had ever tasted.


    The restaurant Famous Chef of the World had thrived for many years, with reservations from nobles and officials extending far into the future. While most of the day-to-day operations were handled by Xue Yipin''s disciples, he still reserved a few tables each day for ordinary citizens, randomly cooking for a few lucky diners. This practice made him beloved not only by the elite but also by themon folk of the capital of Yu.


    Among the restaurants Jiang Yuebai most looked forward to, Famous Chef of the World was at the top of the list.


    Thus, the four of them arrived at the restaurant just in time for dinner.


    After navigating through the bustling streets, they finally stood before the grand establishment adorned with a golden que, only to find the doors firmly shut.


    "What''s going on?" Chu Liang asked, frowning. "Why would they close during dinner time?"


    "Ah..." Jiang Yuebai sighed softly, her disappointment evident. "I guess we''ll have toe another time."


    Seeing her expression, Chu Liang quickly added, "Let me ask."


    With that, he stepped forward and knocked on the restaurant door.


    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>


    Before long, a waiter appeared, his demeanor apologetic. "I''m sorry, young master, but we''re closed for today."


    "But we''ve traveled a long way just to taste Master Chef Xue''s renowned cooking. What happened today?" Chu Liang asked softly.


    "Our master chef is currently dealing with something urgent and is unavable. I''m truly sorry, young master; pleasee back another day," the waiter replied, preparing to close the door.


    Just then, a voice called out from behind them, "Young Hero Chu?"


    Chu Liang turned to see a group of officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, and the one leading them was someone he recognized.


    "Seal-Holding Official Chen," he called out.


    This man was none other than the seal-holding official that Chu Liang had paid generously to help him acquire a rare treasure of nature.


    When Seal-Holding Official Chen spotted Chu Liang, his face lit up with a warm smile.


    "Thank goodness the officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau have arrived!" the waiter eximed as he quickly greeted them.


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang turned to Seal-Holding Official Chen, asking, "Is something wrong here?"


    Given the involvement of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that something peculiar had urred. He hoped nothing unfortunate had happened to Master Chef Xue.


    Seal-Holding Official Chen nced around before replying, "Since you''re not really an outsider, why don''t youe inside with us?"


    Guided by the waiter, the group stepped into the restaurant and headed up to the second floor.


    As they made their way through the bustling restaurant, Chen revealed that while Master Chef Xue was safe, his treasured knife had gone missing.


    The Famous Yipin Knife, which held the 102nd spot in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, had been stolen from the restaurant the night before.


    Upon reaching the second floor, Chu Liang finallyid eyes on the famous chef.


    Xue Yipin was a big, sturdy man who looked very kind. However, the weight of worry hung heavily on his face at this moment.


    Behind him stood seven or eight men, some middle-aged and others younger, who appeared to be his disciples.


    On the table in front of themy an open box.


    "Seal-Holding Official Chen! You''re finally here!" Xue Yipin eximed as he stood up to greet the members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    "Master Xue, what happened?" Seal-Holding Official Chen asked urgently.


    With a sigh, Xue Yipin exined, "My knife is too sharp to be stored in an enchanted tool. Every night, I keep it in this box, and my disciples take turns guarding it.


    "Butst night, somehow, the knife vanished without a trace!"


    Seal-Holding Official Chen nced at the knife box, and Chu Liang moved in closer as well. "Hmm?"


    Chu Liang''s nose twitched as he caught a faint but familiar scent.

 Chapter 522: Never

    <h4>Chapter 522: Never</h4>


    After taking a moment to survey the scene, Chu Liang decided it was best to leave. Jiang Yuebai and the others were still waiting outside, and it was clear that the knife wouldn''t be found anytime soon. With dinner at the restaurant no longer an option, he saw no reason to stay andplicate matters further.


    Before Chu Liang could leave, Seal-Holding Official Chen pulled him aside, saying, "Master Chef Xue is feeling a bit anxious and hopes that the news of the missing Famous Yipin Knife won''t spread."


    Seal-Holding Official Chen leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Master Chef Xue is quite anxious about the situation. He fears that if the Famous Yipin Knife isn''t recovered soon, it could ruin his restaurant''s reputation and drive away customers."


    Even without the Famous Yipin Knife, the restaurant would still be making dishes.


    However, the knife was more than just a tool; it was a signature item of the restaurant. Most customers wouldn''t notice a difference in the dishes unless they were informed about the changed knife. Yet, if word spread that the knife was missing, customers might start to think that the food had changed.


    Master Chef Xue hoped the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would exert every effort to recover the knife, but if it remained lost, he preferred the issue to be quietly set aside.


    Chu Liang nodded in understanding and made his way out.


    As Chu Liang descended the stairs, the others from Mount Shu, waiting at the bottom, naturally asked about the situation.


    Chu Liang sighed and shook his head. "A strange case hase up. Looks like we''ll have to find somewhere else to eat tonight."


    Though Jiang Yuebai felt a twinge of disappointment, she had a backup list of restaurants ready to go. The group made their way toward the inner city and soon found themselves at the base of the imperial city walls.


    There stood a modest two-story building with a small entrance and a simple sign. However, the words on the sign were impressive: "Imperial City Restaurant."


    This restaurant was run by imperial chefs looking to earn a little extra on the side. Typically, there were over a dozen imperial chefs on duty, ready to whip up meals at any time.


    Thanks to the chefs'' good reputation, business at the Imperial City Restaurant had always been booming. They became so popr that they had to keep raising their prices to manage the crowd.


    Chu Liang and the others arrived right at dinner time, so they had to wait for a while before a private room became avable.


    The private room was simple and elegant, appearing quite modest. But when they opened the menu, it was anything but modest.


    Ling Ao stayed silent, while Xu Ziyang furrowed his brows.


    Even Jiang Yuebai couldn''t help but whisper, "So expensive."


    "We don''te here often, so just order whatever you like," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    He scanned the fine dishes listed on the menu and casually selected seven or eight that caught his eye. There was no such luxury on Mount Shu, so he figured it was okay to indulge a little, especially since they rarely had the opportunity.


    Ling Ao let out a sigh. "The price of this meal is outrageous..."


    "Don''t worry, it''s on me," Chu Liang replied with a grin.


    "You''re getting more and more generous," Ling Ao joked. "Soon, I won''t even dare to be friends with you."


    Chu Liangughed and replied, "I''ve never cared about whether the people I befriend have money..."


    The luxurious dinner was, of course, thoroughly enjoyable. The four of them savored each of the renowned imperial dishes, and the vors were truly exceptional.


    During the meal, Xu Ziyang suddenly said, "I should have asked my teacher toe along. He''s always so frugal, saving all his resources for the disciples. He''s probably never tasted anything like this."


    Seeing how Xu Ziyang acted as such a thoughtful disciple, always keeping his teacher in mind, Chu Liang couldn''t help but think of his own teacher Di Nufeng.


    Thankfully, he would never have to worry about her.


    His own teacher was extravagant, likely having already indulged in luxuries like these, probably spending the entire peak''s resources in a single lifetime on feasting and revelry.


    He waved his hand, calling over a servant. "Please pack up another set of these dishes." Turning to the others, he added, "We''ll take them back for Senior Uncle Wang."


    "Uh..." Xu Ziyang seemed about to say something.


    Chu Liang gave him a reassuring look.


    With his current wealth, no amount of food or drink could make him go broke. As long as he didn''t make reckless investments, there was no risk of wasting his fortune.


    After their meal, the four of them, fully satisfied, prepared to leave the city and return to their residence at Emperor''s Mound.


    Chu Liang looked back and said, "You guys head back first. I need to find Junior Brother Liu, whom we met earlier. There''s something I need to ask him."


    "What for?" Jiang Yuebai asked curiously.


    "I''ll tell youter," Chu Liang replied with a mysterious smile.


    The other three were a bit puzzled, but seeing that Chu Liang didn''t want to exin, they went ahead and left without him.


    ...


    Earlier, in the knife box at Famous Chef of the World, Chu Liang caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance. After a moment of thought, he realized it was the same scent he had smelled on Liu Yunzheng earlier that day.


    The fragrance was rather unique, not somethingmonly encountered.


    During the day, Liu Yunzheng had mentioned that his father was a general in the city patrol, and their house wasn''t far from the imperial city. With just a bit of inquiry, Chu Liang easily found the house and went to visit, announcing his name at the entrance.


    Soon, Liu Yunzheng hurried out to greet him.


    "Senior Brother Chu!" Liu Yunzheng called out, quickly approaching and personally escorting Chu Liang inside. He then turned to the gatekeeper and instructed, "The next time Senior Brother Chu visits, let him enter without needing to be announced."


    "Junior Brother Liu, very courteous of you," Chu Liang replied with a warm smile.


    Liu Yunzheng looked much better now. Thanks to the precious medicine, his damaged meridians had fully healed, and it wouldn''t really affect his performance in thepetition tomorrow. He was filled with gratitude toward Chu Liang.


    "I''vee to ask you about something, Junior Brother Liu," Chu Liang said. "Earlier today, I noticed a rather unique fragrance on you. I''m curious. Could it havee from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion?"


    "Fragrance?" Liu Yunzheng paused.


    He was now freshly bathed and no longer smelled of that same fragrance. He thought for a moment before replying, "It''s probably Yunshang''s special perfume powder. I didn''t pay much attention to it earlier, but now that you mention it, her fragrance is indeed quite unique..."


    "It''s unique to Miss Yunshang?" Chu Liang asked further.


    "As far as I know, I haven''t smelled it anywhere else," Liu Yunzheng replied, a hint of puzzlement crossing his face as he wondered why Chu Liang, being a man, would take such an interest in perfume powder.


    "Besides you, could anyone else have picked up the scent?" Chu Liang asked again.


    Liu Yunzheng''s expression grew slightly serious. "Senior Brother Chu, although Yunshang is a courtesan, she has always been virtuous and has only ever been with me."


    "I see," Chu Liang said with a nod.


    "This was not a life she wanted to live," Liu Yunzheng continued with a sigh. "Her father was executed when she was young, her mother is gravely ill, and she still needs to pay for her brother''s tuition..."


    "Truly touching," Chu Liang agreed, though his tone suggested he was somewhat absentminded.


    "So, Senior Brother Chu, if you''re thinking about pursuing Yunshang, you can forget about it. We''ve pledged our love for each other, and she would never be with anyone else," Liu Yunzheng said.


    "Rest assured, I definitely won''t," Chu Liang responded as he quickly shook his head.


    After a few more polite exchanges, Chu Liang stood up to take his leave. "I won''t keep you any longer. Rest well and make sure you''re in top condition for tomorrow''spetition."


    "Thank you for your kind words, Senior Brother Chu," Liu Yunzheng replied, walking him all the way to the residence gates before stopping to see him off.


    ...


    After leaving Liu Yunzheng''s house, Chu Liang made his way to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. The capital city of Yu sparkled in the night, its streets glowing like a flowing river of stars, and in the midst of it all stood thevishly decorated Hundred Flowers Pavilion.


    It was the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, one of the most famous brothels in the city.


    Across from the building stood a shop that sold cosmetics and perfumes, where a line of eager patrons waited outside. Clearly, a shop like this, positioned opposite a brothel, was in the perfect location.


    Upon entering, Chu Liang was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of dancers and music that filled the hall. Immediately, a brothel manager approached him. "Wee! A new face! Is this your first visit? What kind of girl do you fancy? I can introduce you to some of our lovelydies."


    "I''m here to see Miss Yunshang," Chu Liang stated straightforwardly.


    "Yunshang?" The brothel keeper chuckled softly. "She''s one of our most popr girls. It''s not easy to arrange a meeting with her..."


    With a flick of his wrist, Chu Liang tossed a pouch to her as a tip.


    The brothel manager snatched it from the air, opened it, and found it filled with spirit stones, far exceeding the worth of gold or silver and easily exchangeable in the capital of Yu.


    Her smile shone like a wild chrysanthemum in bloom. "Miss Yunshang is free right now. I''ll take you to her."


    After escorting Chu Liang to a room on the third floor, she stepped inside for a quick conversation and soon emerged with a radiant smile. "Miss Yunshang is waiting for you inside. Please, go in."


    Chu Liang stepped into the room and was greeted by the sight of a delicate, gentle woman seated by a table in front of a screen. She looked both pitiful and endearing.


    "I heard it''s your first time here. How do you know my name?" Yunshang asked softly.


    "A rmendation from a friend," Chu Liang answered in a straightforward manner as he took his seat. He was eager to get to the heart of the matter.


    This response left Yunshang looking slightly puzzled.


    "The fragrance you wear is quite unique," he continued. "Where did you get that perfume powder?"


    "You have a keen sense of smell, young master," Yunshang said with a smile. "This perfume was specially made for me by a perfume powder crafter across the street at Elegance Haven. I''m the only one who wears this scent."


    "I see..." Chu Liang nced in the direction of the street and casually asked, "It must have been quite expensive."


    "We do these things to please our guests; naturally, we put effort into our appearance," Yunshang replied softly.


    "So, Miss Yunshang, how many lovers do you have these days?" Chu Liang asked out of the blue.


    "Hm?" Yunshang paused for a moment, then smiled again. "Young master, surely you''re joking. Our dealings with guests are just friendly banter. How could there be any lovers...?"


    Chu Liang ced a heavy pouch on the table with a solid thump.


    As Yunshang opened it, her expression changed, much like the brothel manager''s earlier. Immediately, her gaze toward Chu Liang became friendlier.


    "I''ve only had three," Yunshang replied. "During the first rtionship, I was naive and easily fooled. I didn''t know much about love. My second rtionship was one of passion, but unfortunately, we ultimately realized that our personalities weren''tpatible. The third... is you, young master, and I hope..."


    <i>Well then. Memorized a standard response, huh?</i>


    Chu Liang didn''t say much more and handed her another pouch. "Please be honest."


    Yunshang nced at the pouch, remained silent for a moment, then quickly said, "Seventeen."


    "And who came to see youst night?" Chu Liang handed over another pouch.


    With three heavy pouches of spirit stones now on the table, Yunshang considered Chu Liang a true friend.


    She answered immediately, "Only Zhao Tietou from the Sword Forging Sect came to see mest night."

 Chapter 523: Sword Forging Sect

    <h4>Chapter 523: Sword Forging Sect</h4>


    As Jiang Yuebai and the others prepared to leave the city, a carriage approached from the opposite side. The person inside suddenly lifted the curtain and eximed, "Jiangjiang!"


    When they looked over, they saw that the person in the carriage was Xu Hongqiu.


    "Hongqiu," Jiang Yuebai smiled as she greeted her.


    "Ah, it''s been months since west met! I missed you so much," Xu Hongqiu eximed, jumping down from the carriage and taking Jiang Yuebai''s hand. "As soon as I arrived at Emperor''s Mound, I went looking for you guys, but I couldn''t find anyone at the residence."


    She had spent a long time hanging around Red Cotton Peak, bing very close friends with Jiang Yuebai. She had only returned to the Whale Gang because she wanted to prepare for the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    They hadn''t expected to run into each other here in the capital of Yu.


    "We just stepped out for a meal. What brings you to the city at such ate hour?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "I just arrived and was about to buy some perfume powder," Xu Hongqiuughed. "There''s an excellent shop in the capital of Yu that customizes different scents for each customer. Their craftsmanship is exceptional! I''ve been using their products for quite some time, but I haven''t had a chance to restock in thest two months. I''m running low, so I figured I''d drop by right after arriving in the capital."


    "Go ahead then, we can chatter," Jiang Yuebai said. "If you wait any longer, they might close."


    "They won''t, they stay opente," Xu Hongqiu pulled her along. "Why don''t youe with me? Have the master make one for you too. You naturally smell nice, but maybe a little perfume powder will make it even better!"


    "Me?" Jiang Yuebai hesitated.


    "Come on!" Xu Hongqiu eximed, dragging her into the carriage. "It''s no fun going by myself. The Whale Gang is full of boring men; they don''t talk for three days straight. It''s so boring!"


    Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao, standing behind Jiang Yuebai, exchanged looks, unsure whether to chime in at this moment...


    "I''ll head backter. Just let Senior Uncle Wang know," Jiang Yuebai said. She simply couldn''t reject Xu Hongqiu and could only allow Xu Hongqiu to drag her onto the carriage.


    "Okay," Xu Ziyang replied with a nod.


    The carriage took them along a brightly lit long street, where they parked, with Elegance Haven on the left and Hundred Flowers Pavilion on the right.


    "This street is lined with brothels, so there are plenty of shops selling perfume powder and tailoring clothes nearby," Xu Hongqiu exined. "Whenever my dad brought me to the capital of Yu for business, he would always leave me at home and sneak over here. He thought I was too young to understand, but I knew exactly what he was up to."


    Jiang Yuebai didn''t respond, merely ncing outside.


    "If you think about it, Chu Liang is really a great guy. Despite being so wealthy now, I never see him in any ambiguous rtionships with other girls, and he never seems to mess around. He''s totally devoted to you," Xu Hongqiu added.


    Jiang Yuebai paused for a moment and replied, "He is indeed a good guy."


    "We''ve arrived," Xu Hongqiu said.


    As they exited the carriage, they saw Chu Liang, who they considered "good," walking out of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion across the street with a slight grin, looking quite satisfied.


    As the three pairs of eyes met, the expressions on the three faces froze.


    In that moment, the bustling street seemed to swirl around them, but the three stood like rocks in a stream, utterly frozen in ce.


    Chu Liang was the first to react. He hurried across the street and greeted them with a smile. "Miss Xu, what brings you here? With Senior Sister Jiang?!"


    "Oh, really?" Xu Hongqiu red. "You have the nerve to say that? We didn''t expect to find you here either!"


    "I''m here to look into a case," Chu Liang rified. "The Imperial Supervisory Bureau is involved, and I happened toe across some clues, so I came to ask around."


    "What kind of case requires you to investigate inside a brothel?" Xu Hongqiu demanded.


    "It''s difficult to exin. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau has instructed me not to disclose anything for now," Chu Liang said. "I only parted ways with Senior Sister Jiang and the others a short while ago, and I even visited Junior Brother Liu''s home. If I had reallye here to mess around, why would I leave so quickly?"


    "Who knows?" Xu Hongqiu replied, her gaze still suspicious. "What if you are just really really fast?"


    "No freaking way!" Chu Liang immediately denied it. "Please don''t say such nonsense in front of Senior Sister Jiang."


    Jiang Yuebai replied calmly, "What does this have to do with me?"


    With that, she turned away, not wanting to pay him anymore attention.


    "Heeey!" Chu Liang took her hand and said, "I''ve uncovered some clues. Why note with me? Once you see it, you''ll get it."


    Jiang Yuebai nced back at him but didn''t refuse.


    "Alright!" Xu Hongqiu eximed, "I''ll be Jiangjiang''s eyes and ears and see if you are lying."


    "It''s quitete. Aren''t you feeling tired?" Chu Liang suddenly asked.


    "Huh?" Xu Hongqiu was taken aback by the question.


    "If you''re tired, you should head home and rest. I''ll exin everythingter," Chu Liang said.


    "Ah..." Xu Hongqiu looked to Jiang Yuebai. "Should I be tired?"


    Jiang Yuebai pondered for a moment and then nodded gently.


    "Then I guess I am tired," Xu Hongqiu conceded.


    With no other option, Xu Hongqiu stayed behind, watching Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai walk away together.


    ...


    As they made their way out of the city, Chu Liang exined to Jiang Yuebai what had happened earlier.


    While it wasn''t the best idea to share the news about the Famous Chef of the World losing his knife, telling Senior Sister Jiang in private shouldn''t be seen as spreading it. After all, she wasn''t an outsider.


    More importantly, if he didn''t exin soon, she might end up feeling like one.


    He recounted the entire story of how he ended up at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. As they approached the city gates, he finally finished his story and asked, "So you understand now, right?"


    Jiang Yuebai replied calmly, "Are you done talking?"


    "Yeah, I''m done..." Chu Liang responded weakly.


    "Now that you''re done talking, can you let go of my hand?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "Ah..." Chu Liang quickly released her hand.


    He had been so eager to exin that he hadn''t even noticed he was holding her hand the whole way.


    "I''ll go with you to the Sword Forging Sect. If we really manage to find the Famous Yipin Knife, then I''ll believe you," Jiang Yuebai said, her expression softening, indicating that she likely believed Chu Liang.


    The Sword Forging Sect.


    Twenty years ago, this sect didn''t exist, but it had be well-known throughout the capital of Yu and beyond.


    The sect leader of the Sword Forging Sect, Zhang Bailian, started as an unknown swordsmith in the capital of Yu. Despite his exceptional skills in sword crafting, he struggled to achieve fame andcked the resources to acquire high-quality materials for making renowned swords. He could only hear the world sing the praises of the three greatest swordsmiths while feeling incapable of catching up.


    Then, when Chancellor Su Qian came to power and began recruiting talents, Zhang Bailian decided to try his luck by seeking his patronage. To his surprise, Su Qian recognized and appreciated his skills.


    Su Qian supplied him with materials and support, and Zhang Bailian exceeded expectations. He crafted several renowned swords, rising to be the second most famous swordsmith in the capital of Yu, just behind Baili Tong. Su Qian then assisted him in establishing the Sword Forging Sect, which allowed him to train apprentices and establish a school.


    Today, the Sword Forging Sect has risen to be one of the sects in the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance


    As one of Zhang Bailian''s top disciples, Zhao Tietou held the highest cultivation level among his peers. Few knew that he had also mastered two divine abilities.


    In addition to being an apprentice at the Sword Forging Sect, his remarkable talent caught the eye of other sects. He even spent some time training at the Shadow Sect, one of the eight sects under the chancellor''smand.


    The Shadow Sect excelled in stealth, moving silently and leaving no traces wherever they journeyed.


    Chu Liang knew all these details because he had paid Miss Yunshang a generous sum. With the money in hand, she was eager to divulge everything, nearly including Zhao Tietou''s entire family history.


    For Chu Liang, this was an unexpected turn of events. Initially, all he wanted was for Senior Sister Jiang to taste the Gourmet Banquet tter she had longed for. However, it was because of that desire that he stumbled upon some clues, which led him to decide to investigate further.


    Now that the clues led him to the Sword Forging Sect, it also led back to the Chancellor.


    He had been unsure about getting involved, especially with the Assembly of Immortal Sects happening soon. He really didn''t need to be personally involved in this matter. All he had to do was hand the clues over to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau and let them handle it. By doing so, he would have demonstrated sufficient kindness and fulfilled his responsibilities.


    However, at this point, to prove his innocence to Senior Sister Jiang, he had no choice but to track down the Famous Yipin Knife.


    First and foremost, arge-scale search was simply not feasible.


    While the Famous Yipin Knife couldn''t be kept in an enchanted storage tool, searching the entire capital of Yu for a kitchen knife would feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.


    Secondly, since the Sword Forging Sect had the backing of the Chancellor''s residence, it would be tough to bring them to justice without solid proof.


    However, with a bit of thought, it wasn''t hard to guess how the knife would be handled.


    Whoever stole the knife likely didn''t take it home to cook. It was meant to be used as a weapon, but since it was stolen, it couldn''t be openly disyed. To use it, its appearance would have to be altered.


    The Famous Yipin Knife was a legendary weapon forged by Baili Tong and only a handful of swordsmiths in the world would have the skill to reforge or modify it.


    Without a doubt, the knife would end up in the hands of Sect Leader Zhang Bailian, who would be the one to reforge it.


    A swordsmith of his caliber would create quite a spectacle when forging a weapon, and unusual phenomena would usually happen. Unless, like Baili Tong, they had royal backing and ess to a hidden realm within the imperial city, they would have to set up their sword hut outside the city.


    The Sword Forging Sect was located fifty li outside the capital of Yu on a t mountain peak. The sword hut had now taken up the entire space of the t mountain peak. There wererge and small furnaces that were still zing brightly even at night.


    So even though Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai had never been there before, they were able to find the location fairly quickly by following the general direction.


    The sword hut was a critical location, filled with valuable weapons and materials, so it was naturally well-guarded with restrictions and enchanted formations.


    While the members of the Shadow Sect were skilled in stealth, both Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were equally adept at remaining unseen.


    Chu Liang, familiar with the process, slipped into his ck robe and instantly radiated the eerie and sinister aura characteristic of those from diabolical sects.


    Jiang Yuebai, skilled in stealth techniques, possessed a divine ability so refined that even Chu Liang would struggle to find her quickly.


    The two moved in sync, like a wisp of night wind, quietly infiltrating the Sword Forging Sect.


    It wasn''t difficult to figure out which sword hut belonged to Zhang Bailian; it was clearly thergest one, with the brightest ze flickering from its hearth.


    The two moved swiftly through the area, slipping behind the sword hut and pausing for a moment to assess their surroundings.


    The night breeze carried the hushed conversation between two disciples standing guard at the sword hut to their ears.


    One guard asked, "What mood has our esteemed teacher fallen into, forging weapons all through the night?"


    "It''s definitely a task from the chancellor," the other replied. "We need to craft a legendary weapon for the Thirteenth Prince before the Assembly of Immortal Sects starts."


    "The Thirteenth Prince?" the first guard asked, clearly puzzled. "Isn''t the Chancellor usually close to the Second Prince?"


    The other chuckled softly, "Heh, the waters here run deep¡ªthose who understand should know..."


    As the wind carried away fragments of their conversation, the words became more obscure¡ªphrases like "don''t ask if you don''t understand," "this runs deep," and "you can''t handle it" drifted through the air.


    Hearing nothing more of use, Jiang Yuebai said to Chu Liang with the use of Voice Transmission, "We can''t extend our divine sense into the sword hut. We''ll need to sneak in and investigate ourselves."


    "Right," Chu Liang agreed.


    Two figures emerged silently behind the disciples guarding the sword hut. With two quick, muffled thuds, the disciples were swiftly knocked out and dragged into the nearby bushes, hidden from view.


    Then, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai swaggered in confidently as they sneaked into the hut.

 Chapter 524: Where Did Second Leader Go?

    <h4>Chapter 524: Where Did Second Leader Go?</h4>


    It was called a sword hut, but the area that it upied was quite expansive. At the peak of the mountain, there was ake, and beside theke was a wide clearing. Standing in the center of that clearing was a massive bronze furnace, and next to it was a small hut.


    Dark gold mes were zing inside the bronze furnace, and suspended above the mes was a cleaver gleaming with golden light! A young disciple stood before the furnace and steadily fed pieces of spirit charcoal into the fire, intensifying the mes.


    This was the scene that Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai saw when they stealthily approached the sword hut. They crouched low and hid to the side, making no rash movements for the time being.


    "That must be the Famous Yipin Knife," Jiang Yuebai said through Voice Transmission.


    Stolen goods couldn''t be used openly due to the possibility of them being recognized, so they needed to be reforged.


    "It looks like the knife won''t be smelted anytime soon. Let''s see if we can snatch it away. Otherwise, we''ll notify the Imperial Supervisory Bureau," Chu Liang replied, also through Voice Transmission.


    Once they had the physical evidence, it would be much easier for the Imperial Supervisory Bureau to take action.


    A middle-aged man who looked mighty and fierce emerged from the hut. His eyebrows were sharp like swords, and his eyes were the color of bronze bells. He was brimming with abundant vitality.


    That man was likely Zhang Bailian, the sect leader of the Sword Forging Sect.


    The young disciple immediately stood up and said, "Esteemed Teacher, I''ve added the spirit charcoal as you instructed, but... isn''t it too much? We''ve never used such intense mes before. Could the furnace explode?"


    "No," Zhang Bailian replied. "When Baili Tong smelted the Profound Aetherme Essence Iron, he used the imperial family''s Samadhi True Fire. We don''t have such a powerful fire, so we have to use the Earthfire Sect''s Primordial Core Fire. This fire is gentle butcks force, so if the fire isn''t intense, we won''t be able to reforge this knife even after leaving it in the furnace for three days and nights."


    He sounded like he was quite angry about that.


    In Zhang Bailian''s mind, the only things that separated him from the top three swordsmiths of the era were external factors like his cultivation level and ess to special kinds of fire. In terms of true sword-forging skills, he believed he was second to none.


    Unfortunately, he had hit the limit of his cultivation potential. It seemed impossible for him to break through to the Heavenly Gate. Now, he only had a sliver of hope left that he would be able to reach the seventh realm.


    Nevertheless, even with the chancellor supporting him, his ess to resources was still restricted to a limited selection. He couldn''t ess the world''s divine fires at will.


    "I see," the young disciple responded with a look of enlightenment.


    "Tietou, you did very well this time," Zhang Bailian praised his disciple. "If the chancellor rewards us, the rewards will all go to you."


    Zhao Tietou, the young disciple, was overjoyed. "Thank you, Esteemed Teacher!"


    The chancellor had always been liberal with his money. Once they were done forging this legendary weapon, the chancellor would surely reward them generously.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai silently observed the disciple and teacher from the side, unable to find a good opportunity to grab the knife.


    Zhang Bailian''s cultivation level was not on par with the three great swordsmiths. Still, seeing as he had managed to be the leader of his sect, he had to be at least at the pinnacle of the sixth realm.


    The Heavenly Gate was like an insurmountable chasm, blocking countless people from the next realm. While many saw that as the end of their cultivation path, it didn''t mean theirbat power couldn''t improve.


    That was why the cultivators at the pinnacle of the sixth realm had levels of power that varied greatly. For example, Zhang Juque from the Great Astral Sect was known as the strongest sixth-realm cultivator and had the power to challenge the Dao Attainment Realm. Zhang Bailian had been famous for years, but it was hard to gauge his exact strength.


    This was the heart of the Sword Forging Sect. If Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were to make a move and get discovered, it wouldn''t take long for the members of the Sword Forging Sect to surround them. It would be difficult for them to escape then.


    Chu Liang watched the zing furnace as Zhao Tietou continued to feed spirit charcoal into it. Then a thought sparked in his mind.


    He quietly told Jiang Yuebai through Voice Transmission, "I have an idea."


    ...


    "That Baili Tong obtained arge piece of Profound Aetherme Essence Iron but failed to grasp its true essence. What a waste," Zhang Bailian said, staring into the furnace. "He did not realize that the material contained sulfur, indicating that the iron waspromised. This meant that to forge an exceptional sword, he needed to add other top-grade materials to filter out the sulfur. [1]


    "So, he ended up forging the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword, made purely with the Profound Aetherme Essence Iron. That sword made it onto the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, but it was practically a failure.


    "As for this cleaver that he just casually made¡ªit surpasses the sword in quality simply because there wasn''t enough Profound Aetherme Essence Iron left after making the sword, so he added in some other materials. It was purely by chance that he ended up with a great result."


    "Baili Tong''s skills are far inferior to yours, Esteemed Teacher," Zhao Tietou chimed in. "As for those so-called swordsmiths of the imperial city, they''re just frauds¡ªfooling the world and robbing renown from those who deserve it."


    Every swordsmith had their preferred materials and techniques. Zhang Bailian''s knowledge of this particr iron did not necessarily make him better than Baili Tong; it just meant he was more familiar with this material. Zhao Tietou probably understood this, but he also knew that just belittling thepetition would be enough to make his teacher feel better.


    As expected, Zhang Bailian vowed, "One day, I will forge a legendary sword that makes it into the top one hundred of the catalog. I''ll let those who say I''m inferior see what a true swordsmith is!"


    "That''s right! We''ll smack their faces swollen with the facts!" Zhao Tietou echoed.


    While Zhao Tietou was busy praising his master, he suddenly noticed Zhang Bailian''s flow of qi fluctuate.


    At the next moment, a ck-robed figure leaped out from the side and formed a hand seal in midair.


    "<i>Raaaaar!</i>"


    Apanying the roar of a beast, a winged tiger with multicolored stripes and a soaring flood dragon appeared overhead. The two creatures descended from the sky, pouncing toward the master and disciple!


    "Who dares to cause trouble in my Sword Hut?!" Zhang Bailian bellowed.


    He raised his hand, and...


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Zhang Bailian did not use any fancy divine skills. With just one palm strike, he smashed the tiger and flood dragon to pieces, their bodies dissolving into light and shadow.


    "It''s an illusion," Zhang Bailian realized. He turned back, and his gaze hardened. "What are you doing?!"


    It turned out that while the master and disciple had been distracted by the illusion, a second ck-robed figure had emerged and tossed a shower of golden sparks into the furnace!


    "Retreat!" Chu Liang shouted.


    The things he had thrown into the furnace were Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds.


    ...


    The Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seed, which had been refined in the Phoenix Sheep Hidden Realm, was the spark of the Phoenix-Spirit Fire¡ªthe fire second only to the Samadhi True Fire. It had once been Chu Liang''s primary choice of fire for alchemy.


    Later, he obtained the cultivation legacy of the Inferno Dragon and could summon the Divine Dragon Fire, which was no less powerful than the Phoenix-Spirit Fire. It was much more convenient for him to use the Divine Dragon Fire, so he seldom used those consumable Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds.


    When he was watching the fire in the furnace earlier, he recalled the Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds. Since it was pointless for him to keep them, he decided to just throw them all into the furnace. Then he fiercely injected a wave of foundational qi into the fire.


    The amount of foundational qi he injected wasn''t necessarily enough to ignite all the Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds. Nheless, there was plenty of spirit charcoal and the other fire burning fiercely in the furnace.


    As soon as the many Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seeds were thrown in, they ignited.


    Each Phoenix-Spirit Fire Seed could turn into a huge Phoenix-Spirit Divine Fire. Consequently, with so many of them piled up in the furnace and igniting simultaneously, the result was... a massive explosion.


    <i>BOOOOOOM!!!</i>


    Sensing something was wrong, Zhang Bailian quickly grabbed his disciple, intending to flee. However, they could not outrun the explosion.


    The crimson-gold sea of fire from the explosion sted the master and disciple away, sending them crashing into ake. Half of theke evaporated instantly with a loud sizzle.


    The thunderous boom of the explosion was so loud that even the people in the distant capital of Yu could hear it clearly. Anyone looking in the direction of the explosion saw what seemed like the rise of another sun! It illuminated the sky for a brief moment before fading away.


    Having been prepared for the explosion, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai had already moved quite a distance away, so the explosion did not hit them hard.


    Just like they had nned, Jiang Yuebai locked her divine sense onto the Famous Yipin Knife in the furnace. As chaos ensued, Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang took the opportunity to seize the knife.


    Chu Liang had given Jiang Yuebai a rough idea about how intense the explosion would be, but it still exceeded her expectations. The massive explosion sent the Famous Yipin Knife flying into the sky like an arc of light, streaking through the air like a shooting star!


    "Let''s go," Chu Liang said.


    By the time the members of the Sword Forging Sect rushed over in confusion to see what had happened, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai had already left calmly, going after the Famous Yipin Knife.


    ...


    Meanwhile, there was a group of people somewhere nearby, heading toward the capital of Yu.


    A middle-aged man was leading the group. He had a malicious gaze and a dark yellow-bronzeplexion, with a glossy sheen to his skin.


    The man flew in silence.


    There were four youths behind him. One of them had striking red hair and simrly glossy skin, as if cast from bronze.


    "When we arrive at the capital of Yu, you must all be cautious," the middle-aged man warned. "Don''t let those mountain habits show. This ce is different. If our identities are discovered, we will all die."


    "Got it, Second Brother," the red-haired youth replied with augh. "If the sky falls, the people of Evil Dragon Mountain will hold it up. We''ll just treat it as we truly dide here topete with those righteous immortal sects."


    The three underlings beside him chimed in.


    "<i>Heh,</i> with Second Leader leading us and Third Leader participating in the battle, we at Bronze Demon Ridge will surely crush the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten!"


    "Right! With Second Leader leading us, we will stomp on the Peni Supreme Sect, beat up the Endless Sword Sect, and head straight to the pce for the Qinghong Banquet!"


    "By then, our names will spread across the world. When people hear we''re from Bronze Demon Ridge, won''t everyone flock to the West Sea to learn from us?"


    "<i>Hahaha!</i>"


    Their lively chatter continued as they approached the capital of Yu.


    The middle-aged man gave another warning. "It''s good to have high morale, but you must be cautious. Old Third, your transcendent form is iplete, so be careful when fighting those prodigies of the righteous path. You''re not like me. I''ve already advanced to the sixth realm and possess the Invincible Bronze Demon Body. Even legendary weapons can''t wound me¡ª"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    At that moment, there was a massive explosion in the distance, drawing all of their gazes to it. They saw a crimson sun rise from the mountaintop nearby.


    However, they didn''t notice an arc of light sh overhead like a streak of lightning. It was so fast that it was barely visible to the naked eye.


    "What just happened? Those are such powerful mes!" the red-haired youth eximed in shock.


    "Yeah, they''re terrifyingly mighty..." one of the underlings echoed.


    "That looks like the Phoenix-Spirit Divine Fire. I identally entered the outskirts of Divine Phoenix Ind in the West Sea once and saw this divine fire..." another underling said. He gasped. "Could it be that a divine phoenix has descended upon the capital of Yu?"


    The third underling patted his chest in relief. "Good thing we''re far enough from the explosion."


    "Forget about it. It''s got nothing to do with us. But the capital of Yu is indeed a ce with hidden dangers. Second Brother, you''re right¡ª" The red-haired youth turned his head, wanting to say something to the middle-aged man. But he froze mid-sentence. "Where''s Second Brother?"


    "Yeah, where''s Second Leader?"


    The underlings turned and froze in surprise as well.


    <i>He was leading the way just a moment ago. How did Second Leader, a fully grown man, suddenly vanish from our midst?</i>


    <i>Huh?</i>


    1. See trantor¡¯s thoughts. ?

 Chapter 525: Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 525: Provocation</h4>


    "Crap."


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai followed the trajectory of the Famous Yipin Knife, chasing after it hastily. However, when they finally caught up with it in a remote forest, they couldn''t feel happy about it.


    The good news was that they had found the knife.


    The bad news was that there was a face under the knife...


    A middle-aged man with bronze skiny stiffly on the ground, with the Famous Yipin Knife embedded in his face. Most of the de had sunk into his head. He was probably dead.


    It was the middle of the night, in the deste wilderness of a mountain. How on earth did they end up killing someone? It was truly unfortunate.


    "Let''s search his belongings and see if we can figure out where he''s from. Let''s send him home first," Chu Liang said.


    There was no one around, so they could have just left the body there and taken the knife with no one ever knowing. Nevertheless, that was clearly not something Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai would do.


    The two of them searched the corpse, only to find that the corpse was strangely hard... It wasn''t the stiffness that came after death. Rather, it was the hardness of metal. There was even a metallic ng when they tapped the corpse.


    It seemed the man had been a cultivator, and he likely had a high cultivation level. A corporeal body of this level would normally be very difficult to pierce.


    However, when the Phoenix-Spirit Divine Fire erupted, the explosion had sent the Famous Yipin Knife flying with immense force. Furthermore, the knife was an incredibly sharp and almost indestructible legendary weapon... It meant the strike that killed the man had been terrifyingly powerful.


    There was no vicious beast that could withstand the cutting power of the Famous Yipin Knife; it could cut through all kinds of scales and shells. Now, it seemed that humans were no different from the vicious beasts.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai quickly found a storage ring on one of the man''s fingers. They sent their divine sense into it, searching for anything that might identify him.


    Nheless, all Chu Liang saw were jars filled with body parts, along with other eerie objects emanating diabolical qi. They all looked rather sinister. It appeared that this middle-aged man wasn''t a righteous cultivator.


    Chu Liang found something familiar among the eerie items¡ªan envelope.


    "This letter..."


    He took out the envelope from the storage ring. The envelope looked the same as the one he had found in the Violet Gold Marquess'' storage enchanted tool.


    Chu Liang opened it to take a look.


    <i>First Leader of Bronze Demon Ridge, your divine abilities are extraordinary. You are far too great to remain confined to one ce. We at Evil Dragon Mountain sincerely invite all ourrades from the West Sea to gather in the capital of Yu during the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Together, we will unleash thunderous force, overturn the heavens and the earth, and cooperate in this grand event!</i>


    Like the other letter, this one was also signed off with "Immortal Yuan Lu" at the bottom.


    "So, he was a member of a diabolical sect," Chu Liangmented.


    The guilt weighing on his heart suddenly lifted.


    <i>What a grand event, indeed.</i>


    <i>Before even getting to the capital of Yu, one has been killed intentionally, and another unintentionally.</i>


    <i>Kind of feels like Immortal Yuan Lu''s letters might be... cursed?</i>


    After flying through such a vast night sky, a cleaver somehow managed to strike the middle-aged man right in the face with such precision. If someone were to say it wasn''t retribution for being a diabolical cultivator, it would be very hard to believe that to be true.


    Since the middle-aged man was a diabolical cultivator, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai could handle his corpse casually.


    After looting the middle-aged man''s enchanted storage tool, they searched his body but found nothing of value. Then they left the corpse by the roadside. They were going to wait until someone discovered it before deciding what to do next.


    Since the matter of the stolen cleaver involved the chancellor, the fewer people who knew, the better it would be. Chu Liang didn''t even n to go through the Imperial Supervisory Bureau; he decided he would return the cleaver straight to Xue Yipin in private.


    Done with the corpse, Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai flew off, heading back to the capital of Yu.


    However, they hadn''t noticed the several pairs of eyes watching them silently from a distance. They were the four young members of the Bronze Demon Ridge.


    After looking around in midair for a while earlier, they had ultimately confirmed that something had happened to Second Leader. Theynded and found him very quickly.


    Unfortunately, they got there one step toote and found Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai searching Second Leader''s corpse.


    Third Leader, the red-haired youth, immediately wanted to rush over and fight Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai, but the three underlings held him back with all their strength.


    "Third Leader! Don''t be impulsive!" one of the underlings urged seriously. "If they killed Second Leader so easily, how could we possibly be their match?"


    "Exactly!" another underling added. "Second Leader had already cultivated the Invincible Bronze Demon Body, yet he was killed in an instant. I can''t even imagine what methods they used to kill him!"


    "They could probably kill the four of us in an instant as well," the third underling chimed in.


    Third Leader suppressed the fury surging in his chest.


    After a moment, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Remember those two. We must seek revenge for Second Leader!"


    "Revenge!" the three underlings shouted in unison.


    "Let''s go!" Third Leader ordered.


    "Yes!"


    The three underlings immediately turned and ran after him.


    The four of them left together without looking back.


    ...


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai returned to the pce at the top of Emperor''s Mound and checked the contents of the storage ring together. They decided to deal with the matter at hand first.


    After all, there was no rush to return the knife, so they could do it the next day. It would be fine if they just dropped by the Famous Chef of the World when they had some free time.


    Meanwhile, the other members of their team went over to them and asked what was going on. There was no need to hide anything from them, so Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai briefly exined what had happened.


    The dead diabolical cultivator seemed to have a high level of cultivation, but he did not have many valuable items in his enchanted storage tool. It was likely because the West Sea was quite remotepared to the nine provinces.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai pulled the jars of body parts from the storage ring and ced them out for the others to see. The organs seemed to belong to some exotic beasts.


    Ling Ao said, "This diabolical cultivator was probably from the Bronze Demon Ridge in the West Sea. These are materials used for cultivating their transcendent forms."


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered, looking at him in surprise.


    The letter had indeed mentioned Bronze Demon Ridge.


    Chu Liang asked, "You know about them?"


    "When I decided to take the path of physical cultivation, I studied the physical cultivation legacies of the four seas and the nine provinces," Ling Ao exined. "The Bronze Demon Ridge''s Invincible Bronze Demon Body is quite formidable as a divine technique. But it''s not well known because it requires resources that are difficult to obtain. That''s why this sect hasn''t been able to expand its influence."


    Ling Ao picked up one of the jars. It contained a huge purple-ck eyeball.


    He continued, "The Invincible Bronze Demon Body requires each part of the body to be specially fortified. This is probably the eye of a Kui [1], which is a rare exotic beast. Its eyes are used to fortify the cultivator''s eyes.


    "This is the tendon of a Flying Dragon, used to fortify the cultivator''s muscles and bones.


    "This is the hoof of an Ancient Thunder Mountain Bull, used to fortify the cultivator''s feet.


    "This is the penis of a Mountain-Splitting Tiger, used to¡ª"


    Ling Ao suddenly paused there.


    "Let''s just save these for hotpot," Chu Liang said, quietly putting the jars away.


    Aside from the jars, the storage ring had some jade slips containing cultivation arts manuals. They browsed through them briefly and confirmed it was pretty much just as Ling Ao had described.


    The cultivation arts of the Bronze Demon Ridge had never really been a big secret. The necessary cultivation materials were so difficult to obtain that even if outsiders knew the techniques, they wouldn''t bother trying to cultivate with them.


    There were also some diabolical weapons in the storage ring, but being righteous cultivators, none of the team from the Mount Shu Sect cared much for them.


    After sorting through everything, the most valuable items ended up being the exotic beasts'' organs.


    "All right. it''s time to rest," Wang Xuanling told the team. "The Assembly of Immortal Sects begins tomorrow, so let''s get there early and have a look."


    Then he shifted his gaze to Chu Liang and smiled. "The two of you did very well today, but be more careful next time. If the person you identally killed had been a good person, you would have to bear the consequences."


    "I understand, Senior Uncle. I was too reckless," Chu Liang replied.


    "No worries. Just be more careful next time."


    Still smiling, Wang Xuanling waved his sleeve and left.


    "Why is Senior Uncle Wang being so weird?" Jiang Yuebai whispered.


    "Indeed." Chu Liang nodded. "He seems unusually gentle. He''d normally scold us in situations like this. But even if he doesn''t, he would at least give us a stern warning."


    Xu Ziyang guessed, "It''s probably because of the food you brought back from our meal. It seems like my teacher really enjoyed it."


    Hearing that, Chu Liang realized what the reason was.


    <i>So, it''s because he ate the food that he''s not saying much now.</i>[2]


    Chu Liang could already picture the scene. <i>The old fellow must have been grumbling about why I wasted money on such expensive food. But he probably ate it with a huge, satisfied grin.</i>


    ...


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects began the next day, kicking off with the first round¡ªthe Great Selection of the Four Seas.


    Over six hundred sects of various sizes were participating this time. The imperial court had set up over a dozen arenas outside the capital of Yu. The n was to have three consecutive days of elimination matches, resulting in eighty-one teams selected for the next round.


    The rules were simple. Each representative team would send three members to participate in a match of three duels. For a team to win the match, two of their three members had to win their duels. The losing team would be eliminated, and the winning team would have another match the next day. Any team that won three days in a row would advance to the second round.


    The process was straightforward but brutal. Life-and-death battles were daily urrences for every sect, so everyone was bound to give it their all. The more powerful sects could crush their opponents without even sending their main fighters.


    In any case, the duels were sure to be intense.


    The people of the capital flocked in droves to watch the matches. Each team only had one match per day, but with over three hundred matches on the first day alone, each arena had dozens of matches lined up. That ensured it would be a full day of exciting matches.


    When Wang Xuanling and the Mount Shu Sect''s team arrived, they caused quite a stir. After all, the Mount Shu Sect was considered a heavyweight in this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    The crowd erupted with screams and yells. Most of the people screamed "Jiangjiang" or "Fairy Jiang," but there was a small group of people that yelled "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip." There were even some people who called out "Xu Ziyang."


    Only a few voices scattered among the crowd shouting Ling Ao''s name. However, they were mostly saying things like... "Little Baldy, move to the side a little! Don''t block our view of Jiangjiang!"


    After a bit of searching, the group from the Mount Shu Sect finally spotted the Profound Mind Sect team sitting by the side of an arena. They quickly went over there.


    "This ce was hard to find, so we''re a bitte," Wang Xuanling said. Then he realized that the whole team from the Profound Mind Sect were sitting there. "Weren''t you supposed to be in the first match? Has it not started yet?"


    Chen Xuanlu looked up and replied, "Senior Brother Wang, it''s already over."


    Wang Xuanling looked at the Profound Mind Sect disciples and their ashen faces.


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    He was a little surprised.


    The Profound Mind Sect''s team wasn''t particrly strong, but their members had at least reached the fourth realm¡ªa decent level for their age group. Liu Yunzheng, in particr, was considered one of the more outstanding young cultivators in the capital''s circle.


    Based on the standard from the previous assemblies, the team from the Profound Mind Sect had a fair chance of making it into the Competition of a Hundred Sects.


    So, how did this happen?


    It had only taken them a short while to get there, yet the match was already over. That could only mean it had been aplete defeat.


    "We faced the team from Fuyao Kingdom," Chen Xuanlu exined, sounding stunned and dejected. He raised his gaze and directed it to the opposite side of the arena. "They were too strong."


    This wasn''t Chen Xuanlu''s first time participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects. In fact, he had participated in it many times as a disciple and a sect leader, so losing was nothing new to him. That made it quite strange that Chen Xuanlu seemed so shocked by the result.


    Chu Liang followed Chen Xuanlu''s gaze and saw a youth in ckbat attire with a knife on his back.


    The youth wore a sinister smile as he looked at Chu Liang. He had clearly recognized Chu Liang.


    As their eyes met, the youth raised his hand and made a throat-slitting gesture.


    <i>Whoa,</i> Chu Liang thought. <i>How arrogant.</i>


    1. A one-legged creature from ancient Chinese mythology. There are two possible versions: one is shaped like an ox, with a blue-green body and no horns; the other has a snake-like form that resembles a dragon. See trantor''s thoughts for illustration. ?


    2. This is referring to the Chinese saying "³ÔÈË×ìÈí£¬ÄÃÈËÊÖ¶Ì", which trantes to means that once you''ve epted someone''s generosity, you''ll be more amodating toward them, overlooking their ws/mistakes. ?

 Chapter 526: Grudges

    <h4>Chapter 526: Grudges</h4>


    "Strange," Chu Liang muttered. "Is there a grudge between us?"


    <i>Why is he provoking me for no reason?</i>


    At that moment, Wang Xuanling beside him spoke with a meaningful tone, "You don''t have a grudge with him, and the Mount Shu Sect has no grudge with the Fuyao Kingdom either."


    "Now I get it," Chu Liang immediately understood. <i>Say no more. It must be another grudge caused by my esteemed teacher back in the day.</i>


    Wang Xuanling pointed to the opposite side of the arena, where the leader of the Fuyao Kingdom team stood. She was a tall, middle-aged woman with a stern expression and snow-white skin, dressed in a fitted ck outfit. Her hair fell just past her ears, partially covering one of her eyes.


    "That''s Han Lingshuang from the Fuyao Kingdom''s Royal Wave Bureau," Wang Xuanling exined. "She has been managing the bureau''s internal affairs in recent years and wields significant power. Back in the day, she and your esteemed teacher participated in the same Assembly of Immortal Sects, where your teacher beat her up so badly that she burst into tears on the arena stage."


    The Fuyao Kingdom''s Royal Wave Bureau operated much like the Yu Dynasty''s Imperial Supervisory Bureau, both serving as cultivator institutions under the authority of their respective courts. However, the Royal Wave Bureau had a closer connection to the royal family, being nearly entirely controlled by them. For a woman to attain such a high-ranking position there, she must have remarkable skills and abilities.


    Chu Liang observed the woman, who exuded an air of aloofness and coldness. It was hard to picture her in tears, breaking down in public.


    <i>It''s just losing a fight on the arena stage. What''s there to cry about? </i>Chu Liang thought.


    But then he realized something¡ªhis teacher was Di Nufeng. He couldn''t help but imagine that she had likely taunted Han Lingshuang during the fight, hurling insults and teasing the poor girl while mixing physical attacks with psychological torment. Otherwise, how could he, a disciple of the next generation, be caught up in this grudge?


    "Be mentally prepared," Wang Xuanling warned. "Your teacher made quite a few enemies back then, and many of them are now core figures in various immortal sects. If they see you, they might take a special interest in you."


    Chu Liang pped his forehead in realization. No wonder he had felt so many hostile stares the moment he stepped into the arena.


    At first, he thought it was due to his close rtionship with Senior Sister Jiang. But now, it seemed that his teacher was the main reason.


    He couldn''t help but sigh and say, "How could she possibly make so many enemies just by participating in one Assembly of Immortal Sects..."


    "The Di Nufeng you see today is much more mature," Wang Xuanling exined. "When she was younger, she was probably a hundred times worse."


    "..." Chu Liang fell silent for a moment.


    <i>Was she even human back then? Did she p every old man she passed on the street? Did people from three streets away flee in fear when they heard hering? Were even the dogs within ten miles terrified of her?</i>


    With a sigh that seemed to carry a thousand thoughts, Chu Liang finally said, "Senior Uncle Wang, you must have had a difficult time all these years."


    The old man had been fighting the dark forces within the Mount Shu Sect alone for years, and it had been tough for him.


    "<i>Haaaaaa!</i>" Wang Xuanling responded with a sigh as well.


    During this time, Chen Xuanlu provided a brief overview of their uing match against the team from the Fuyao Kingdom.


    Fuyao Kingdom was a powerful enemy that would surely secure a spot in thepetition of the hundred sects, which meant that their team would most likely face off against the Mount Shu Sect. Therefore, it was crucial for the Mount Shu Sect to gather as much information as possible.


    Unfortunately, Chen Xuanlu didn''t have much information to provide.


    He only knew that the young cultivators from the Fuyao Kingdom practiced some unusual divine techniques. As the most skilled cultivator in the Profound Mind Sect, Liu Yunzheng was naturally chosen to fight first, aiming to secure the first victory for their team.


    However, he faced a towering cultivator from the Fuyao Kingdom, whose body resembled solid metal¡ªimmune to sabers, spears, and divine techniques. The man charged forward and threw a powerful punch.


    Liu Yunzheng, quick on his feet, swiftly dodged behind the opponent. However, to his shock, two more arms suddenly emerged from the man''s back, grabbing him and kicking him off the stage in a single fluid motion.


    The remaining two contestants from the Fuyao Kingdom were both women. One was petite and skilled in stealth techniques, making her movements unpredictable even on the open stage. The other was tall and could transform into a crane and send her feathers flying like sharp arrows.


    Each of the three fighters far outmatched the disciples of the Profound Mind Sect, all of whom were defeated within three moves.


    As for the youth with the saber on his back who had taunted Chu Liang, he hadn''t even entered the match. Judging by his demeanor on the sidelines, he was likely the strongest member of their team.


    The first day''s matches proceeded at a fast pace. The winners advanced, while the losers left, and the second round of matches immediately followed.


    The members of the Profound Mind Sect lost interest in watching and decided to leave. Meanwhile, the Mount Shu Sect team was searching for their next target when they heard amotioning from the other side.


    They all turned their attention in that direction.


    ...


    Not far away, a crowd had gathered around an arena, people standingyer uponyer, all staring at the person on stage. However, their gazes were not filled with admiration, but rather with a hint of curiosity, as if they were watching for entertainment.


    On the stage was a woman holding a longsword, engaged in battle.


    She wore crimson-gold armor over a neatly fitted white dress, her hair pulled back into a high ponytail that entuated her sharp, determined aura. With high-arched brows and almond-shaped eyes, her skin was as smooth as white jade, radiating a vibrant glow.


    The longsword in her hand was equally striking, measuring four and a half chi in length, with red inscriptions etched along its de. When she channeled her foundational qi into it, the sword erupted into roaring mes.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The woman swung her sword, and the longsword shed through the wind with a scorching ze!


    Her opponent was a young cultivator in a Daoist monk robe. Seeing the fierce strikeing his way, he quickly formed a seal, and a shield wall of chaotic wind and thunder gathered in front of him, blocking the woman''s path.


    But the woman remained undeterred. With determination in her eyes, she raised her sword high and brought it down with force onto the shield wall!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With a thunderous crash that reverberated throughout the arena, the wall of wind and thunder shattered! The Daoist monk behind it quickly altered his stance, thrusting forward with a palm strike that roared with the power of dragons and tigers.


    The woman''s sword strike had justnded, and her qi was momentarily depleted, making it impossible for her to raise her sword again. Yet she did not back down; instead, she charged forward, seemingly ready to meet the palm strike head-on!


    But just as the wind from the palm strike approached, the woman''s eyes suddenly lit up, and her armor burst into zing purple-gold mes!


    "Samadhi True Fire!" the Daoist monk eximed in shock, quickly pulling back his palm.


    The foundational qi in the wind generated by his palm instantly dissipated the moment it came into contact with the purple mes. As the woman advanced, the Daoist monk found himself forced to retreat,pletely unable to fight back.


    Fortunately, the purple-gold mes around the woman quickly faded, disappearing within a breath.


    At this point, the Daoist monk had backed away to the edge of the arena. With the longsword in her right hand filled with qi, the woman closed in and shed downward once more!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The sword qi sliced through the air with a thunderous roar!


    The Daoist monk could only twist his palms together, raising them in defense.


    In his rush, he barely had time to form aplex seal, managing only to create a basic green barrier to shield himself from the fiery sword qi.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    This was clearly wishful thinking, as the woman''s sword qi shattered the barrier effortlessly. With no room left to retreat, the Daoist monk had no choice but to leap off the stage to escape the strike.


    The winner of the match was instantly decided.


    The woman spun gracefully, holding her longsword in reverse, and strode back to the center of the stage with an air of authority.


    With her ming sword, she appeared heroic and carefree.


    "Bravo!" Cheers erupted from the surrounding crowd.


    This Daoist monk was a top disciple from Cold Cloud Temple, known for his strength among local cultivators. Yet, against the woman''s divine fire and sword qi, the fight had been swift and one-sided.


    Even those who had initiallye just for entertainment were now captivated by the woman''s heroic presence.


    She swept her eyes across the crowd and caught sight of the Mount Shu Sect team. In a sh, her gaze sharpened, targeting Chu Liang like an arrow.


    Chu Liang quickly lowered his head to evade her piercing gaze.


    This was actually the first time he had seen this woman, but considering her identity, he wasn''t shocked by the intensity of her re.


    Among the three children of the imperial family currently possessing the Divine Fire Spirit, the Second Prince was the eldest and had already participated in the previous Assembly of Immortal Sects. Consequently, the Sixth Princess and the Thirteenth Prince from the Xia imperial family participated in this year''s assembly.


    The one who had just ascended the stage, wielding the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword, was none other than the Sixth Princess, Xia Shu.


    Until now, she had seldom appeared before the citizens of the capital. The most well-known tale about her was how she had been rejected twice when the Emperor attempted to arrange marriages for her, turning her into a subject of gossip and jokes across the nation. However, her participation in the Assembly of Immortal Sects drew many curious spectators eager to see her in action.


    Her remarkable strength was unexpected and the crowd responded with genuine cheers.


    Chu Liang lowered his head, thinking to himself, <i>Thepetition of the hundred sects hasn''t even started, and I''m already making enemies left and right. Is my name simply unlucky? Can I change my name to Chu Pengyou</i><i>[1]</i><i>? Or is it toote?</i>


    1. Pengyou means friend ?

 Chapter 527: Returning the Knife

    <h4>Chapter 527: Returning the Knife</h4>


    In fact, the strongest aspect of the Sixth Princess was not her treasured sword, but the fact that she had already mastered the control of Samadhi True Fire.


    While she couldn''t control it as effortlessly as Di Nufeng, even a short burst of her divine fire against equally matched opponents could serve as a formidable weapon of annihtion.


    The next contestant was the Thirteenth Prince. At merely sixteen years of age, he had a youthful appearance. His smooth, fair skin and warm, kind smile made a favorable impression on everyone present.


    His weapon was a gold-edged folding fan, and his entire demeanor was refined and cultured.


    Because of this, the second Daoist monk from Cold Cloud Temple underestimated him. He figured that even with their strongest senior brother already defeated, a win in the next two matches would still mean victory for them. To him, the Thirteenth Prince''s presence felt significantly less imposing than that of his sister.


    With the confidence that he would win this fight, the Daoist monk didn''t hold back as his senior brother had andunched into an aggressive attack right from the start! As he leaped into action, an apparition of a mighty tiger sprang forth from behind him!


    The Thirteenth Prince''s eyes suddenly narrowed, and with a swift snap of his fingers, a burst of purple-gold mes ignited in the air before him.


    He had also mastered Samadhi True Fire!


    Although he possessed the Divine Fire Spirit, to have mastered Samadhi True Fire at such a young age was considered an extraordinary talent even among the imperial family.


    While this single spark couldn''t do much, he unfolded his fan and gently waved it.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The tiny spark instantly transformed into a raging me!


    As the mes roared to life, the fierce tiger apparition charged ahead, only to be caught off guard and engulfed by the fiery st in the blink of an eye!


    "Ah¡ª" the Daoist monk immediately let out a scream.


    Before the guardians around the arena could intervene, the Thirteenth Prince quickly stepped forward, flipped his fan, and extinguished the divine fire.


    Fortunately, the mes flickered out quickly. The Daoist monk''s robes were scorched and his skin burned, yet the Samadhi True Fire hadn''t reached his inner body. The Thirteenth Prince quickly snuffed out the fire and channeled qi into him to alleviate his injuries.


    "I apologize for not holding back during the match," he said gently, cing a small jar on the table. "This is a rare healing medicine for treating burns. I hope you''ll ept it as my way of making amends."


    "You''re too kind, Thirteenth Prince. Injuries are a normal part of the fight; there''s no need to me yourself," a member from Cold Cloud Temple that went onto the stage to help the Daoist monk down the stage responded courteously.


    It was just as the members of the Cold Cloud Temple had said. Even if there weren''t a thousand people injured today, there would be at least a hundred. And given how polite the Thirteenth Prince was, they naturally held no resentment.


    "In that case, I wish this Daoist master a speedy recovery," the Thirteenth Prince said, offering a slight bow before stepping off the stage.


    With two wins out of three, the imperial family team had already secured their victory.


    However, the opportunity to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects was very rare as the assembly was held only once every twelve years. The defeated side had the option to either ept or decline a third match, and many sects took the chance to allow their disciples topete for the experience. Just like the Profound Mind Sect had earlier, they continued to fight in the third round to learn more about theirpetitors, despite the oue already being clear.


    But this time, the Cold Cloud Temple team chose not to fight again, likely because they recognized the power of Samadhi True Fire and wanted to prevent any further injuries to their members.


    "It''s impressive how even a flicker of Samadhi True Fire holds such power. No wonder Senior Aunt Di Nufeng is considered unbeatable by anyone else at the seventh realm," Ling Ao said to himself after witnessing the fight.


    As a practitioner of physical cultivation at the Mount Shu Sect, Ling Ao naturally took an interest in Di Nufeng.


    But through his research, he discovered that Di Nufeng''s Fiery Divine Phoenix constitution was something only she could cultivate. Only those with a truly exceptional Divine Fire Spirit couldmand an endless flow of Samadhi True Fire.


    Ultimately, her entire cultivation strength could be summed up in just two words: sheer talent.


    Her power was pure talent,pletely unattainable through hard work or imitation. No one could learn from her. Upon realizing this, Ling Ao gave up the idea of following her path and set out to find his own practice methods.


    Even so, he had a point. Without Samadhi True Fire, Di Nufeng''s seventh realm cultivation wouldn''t have ranked among the best. It was the immense power of her divine fire that granted her unmatched dominance at the seventh realm.


    Hearing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but nce at Wang Xuanling.


    The more matches he watched, the more he realized how tough the old man''s life had been.


    Wang Xuanling once again let out a sigh, "<i>Haaaaa!</i>"


    ...


    The first day''s matches came to an end, but many spectators were left wanting more. As usual, the opening day of the Assembly of Immortal Sects had the busiest schedule of arena matches, making it the most exhrating day for spectators.


    Throughout the day, many dark horses emerged, and quite a number of fights had surprising endings.


    In a stunning turn of events, a renowned team from the capital of Yu was defeated by a little-known sect from a remote region. Such unexpected oues were not umon during every Assembly of Immortal Sects and would remain a hot topic for the next twelve years.


    Having spent the day as a spectator, Chu Liang quickly made his way back.


    There was still work to be done today.


    The massive explosion outside the capital of Yu from the previous night had sparked much discussion. After their investigation, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau found that a duo of thieves, one male and one female, were responsible for the chaos at the Sword Forging Sect.


    It turned out that the thieves had thrown an enchanted tool into the Sword Forging Sect''s furnace, causing a powerful explosion. The sect leader, Zhang Bailian, was slightly injured, while the disciple, Zhao Tietou, was severely wounded. During the chaos, the thieves managed to steal numerous valuable materials and weapons, resorting to particrly unscrupulous methods to carry out their theft.


    However, no one at Sword Forging Sect had seen the thieves'' faces, which made it impossible to put out a wanted notice. Even when the Imperial Supervisory Bureau used the Shadow of Radiance technique to recreate part of the scene, they only saw two shadowy figures in ck robes moving suspiciously.


    The only conclusion they could draw was that these two were experienced criminals.


    Of course, the Assembly of Immortal Sects was always the time when thieves were most rampant, and the citizens of the capital were used to it. Especially since this time the target was a sect and not the people, the news of the explosion was swiftly overshadowed by the buzz of the second day of the assembly.


    No one cared.


    In an unnoticed corner, Chu Liang quietly slipped into the Famous Chef of the World.


    He avoided the front door, not wanting anyone to tie him to the recent chaos. Sneaking in seemed like a good idea; after all, with the restaurant having lost its most precious cleaver, there was little chance they''d have increased their security, right?


    When he reached the second floor, Chu Liang decided to stop hiding and approached one of Xue Yipin''s disciples, requesting to see the master.


    The disciple, having seen Chu Liang with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau earlier, didn''t hesitate and immediately went to inform Xue Yipin.


    The renowned chef of Yu soon appeared, his steps heavy with sorrow. Upon seeing Chu Liang holding the knife he had lost, he nearly fell to his knees in gratitude.


    Concerned that the floorboards might break under the weight, Chu Liang quickly stopped Xue Yipin from kneeling.


    "No need for such formalities, Chef Xue! I only happened to discover a couple of clues and tried to recover the knife¡ªit''s hardly anything," Chu Liang said quickly.


    "Young Hero Chu, your effort in retrieving my beloved knife is truly a generous act. I honestly don''t know how I can ever repay you," Xue Yipin admitted, visibly moved.


    "There''s no need for grand gestures of repayment. I have a fellow disciple who adores good food and has long been eager to try your famous Gourmet Banquet tter. If you could prepare a meal for us, that would be more than enough," Chu Liang replied.


    "Absolutely, that''s no problem whatsoever," Xue Yipin said with a grand wave of his hand. "I''ll arrange it right away. From now on, every time Young Hero Chu visits my restaurant, all dishes will be on the house¡ªfree for life! And for all Mount Shu Sect disciples, everything will be half-off!"


    "You don''t have to go to such lengths," Chu Liang quickly added. "I just hope that you don''t publicly mention that I was the one who found the Famous Yipin Knife. After all..."


    Since Chu Liang had already exined how he retrieved the knife, Xue Yipin quickly grasped the reason behind his request.


    It was clear that Chu Liang wanted to avoid any additional trouble. And so, he nodded and assured, "Will do."


    With a grin, he added, "I''ll have my disciples get the ingredients ready for an exquisite Gourmet Banquet tter, just for you, Young Hero Chu!"

 Chapter 528: If I Called You Elder Brother, Would You Dare Answer?

    <h4>Chapter 528: If I Called You Elder Brother, Would You Dare Answer?</h4>


    A familiar voice echoed from the street corner. "Speaking of this notorious pair of thieves¡ªone male and one female, they seem to appear out of nowhere¡ªruthless and merciless, killing without hesitation! But even the boldest bandits wouldn''t daremit such crimes right outside the capital of Yu. Do you know what they stole from the Sword Forging Sect? It was none other than the legendary Yin-Yang Union Cord of the Universe!


    "This cord is a true treasure for dual cultivation. If a man and woman each tie one end around their waists during intimate union, they can exchange and circte each other''s foundational qi, delving into the profound mysteries of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians[1] to seek the Great Dao of Heavenly Intimacy."


    At some point, the old storyteller had slipped into the city, and now, he stood before a gathered crowd, weaving his tales once more.


    Since the people in the capital of Yu had already witnessed the Assembly of Immortal Sects with their own eyes earlier that day, the old storyteller decided to captivate the crowd with a different tale¡ªone about the mysterious explosion that shook the night before.


    In his tale, the notorious pair of thieves¡ªone male and one female¡ªhad terrorized the southwest regions for years. Their journey to the capital of Yu, he imed, was driven by just one purpose: to obtain the elusive dual cultivation treasure. It was this very pursuit that had sparkedst night''s daring raid on the Sword Forging Sect.


    Even the members of the Sword Forging Sect had no idea of the full truth behindst night''s events, yet this old storyteller "somehow" knew. Without a hint of shame, he spun outrageous details, weaving scandalous and exaggerated twists into the tale. He fed his audience perverted, wild fantasies, all with the sole aim of holding their attentionpletely devoid of any sense of decency.


    As Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai passed by, the snippets they overheard made them both frown deeply.


    The exaggerated tale was enough to stir frustration, but there was little they could do. After all, the story was about a notorious pair of thieves¡ªit had nothing to do with the Mount Shu Sect''s esteemed head disciple and the champion of the Flying-Sword Race.


    But at that moment, Chu Liang suddenly realized something: sometimes, when an old man gets beaten, the me doesn''t always rest with the one doing the beating.


    With that thought, he and Jiang Yuebai continued down the street until they arrived at the Famous Chef of the World restaurant.


    Earlier, Chu Liang had returned the renowned knife to Xue Yipin and, as a reward, requested the restaurant''s famous Gourmet Banquet tter. To his surprise, Xue Yipin had immediately agreed and arranged for the feast to take ce that very night.


    Chu Liang had returned to the pce to wait for a while, and now, with Jiang Yuebai by his side, he arrived at the restaurant.


    They hadn''t invited the others to join this meal. After all, it was a special treat from Chef Xue. Bringing along the elder and juniors wouldn''t leave the best impression as it might give the wrong idea, making it seem as though the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were always on the lookout for free meals. And so, Chu Liang and Senior Sister Jiang decided to try the banquet themselves first.


    Indeed, the Famous Chef of the World restaurant had been closed for some time, and tonight it waspletely empty, with only one table specially prepared for them. As soon as they stepped inside, they were ushered upstairs to a private dining area, where they were warmly weed. The atmosphere was quiet and intimate, making it feel as though the entire restaurant had been reserved just for them.


    Jiang Yuebai sat there with sparkling eyes, and although she didn''t say anything, her anticipation was clear.


    Soon, the kitchen staff brought out the first dish. When the lid was lifted, it revealed a fragrant, perfectly cooked long fish.


    "The Pikefish is nearly boneless, with its hard, armor-like scales acting as its skeleton. Only my teacher can skillfully remove every scale without damaging the tender flesh, creating this signature Braised Pikefish," Xue Yipin''s disciple exined with enthusiasm as he presented the dish.


    He then introduced the main course, Eight Treasures Dragon Tendons. "Though this dish doesn''t contain the meat of a true Flood Dragon, the tendons are from draconic demonic beasts. Few chefs today can handle such ingredients as creatures of dragon descent are rare and fierce, and their scales and bones are notoriously difficult to process. But my teacher has mastered this technique over many years. Calling this heavenly dragon meat is no exaggeration. Please, enjoy."


    "..."


    The Famous Chef of the World restaurant truly lived up to its name¡ªeach dish was a masterpiece. The vors were so exquisite that with every bite, it felt as though a warm glow spread through your body, filling you with an energy that made you feel as if you could soar into the sky.


    As they savored the meal, the soft creak of the door opening caught their attention. They nced up, and a group of people entered the dining hall.


    The people who walked in were dressed in fine clothes with ck hats, clearly pce attendants. Leading them was an older eunuch, and as he approached, one of Xue Yipin''s disciples immediately went to greet him.


    "Eunuch Tao, you''re here?" the disciple greeted with a polite smile. "We haven''t opened for business today."


    Eunuch Tao sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    "This is clearly food prepared by Chef Xue himself," he said, his tone carrying a hint of suspicion. "Yesterday, I came on behalf of the Second Prince to request a banquet, and I was informed that Chef Xue was unwell and unable to cook. The Second Prince was concerned, even sending me with a few imperial physicians to check on him. But from the looks of things tonight, the chef seems perfectly fine. Were we, perhaps, given an excuse to brush us off?"


    It turned out that Eunuch Tao was the head eunuch in the Second Prince''s residence, entrusted with managing all of his affairs.


    The Second Prince had nned to host a grand banquet and had specifically sent Eunuch Tao to arrange it with Chef Xue. However, Chef Xue had declined the request, iming that he was feeling unwell. And so, Eunuch Tao was asked to visit with imperial physicians to check on Chef Xue''s condition.


    Yet, upon their arrival, they discovered that a banquet was, in fact, taking ce in the restaurant. The sight of the feast, after being told that Chef Xue was unwell, left them feeling understandably upset.


    Xue Yipin''s disciple quickly stepped forward with an apologetic smile. "We wouldn''t dare! My teacher wasn''t seriously ill. He just needed a day of rest. After feeling better today, he agreed to host a small banquet."


    "Since he''s recovered, why were we not informed?" Eunuch Tao asked coldly, his brow furrowed in displeasure. "Who, exactly, is so important that they take priority over our Second Prince?"


    Xue Yipin''s Gourmet Banquet tter was usually booked far in advance. However, for someone of the Second Prince''s stature, if there was an urgent request, it would usually take precedence without question.


    As Eunuch Tao mulled over the fact that someone had taken precedence over the Second Prince''s request, his displeasure only grew.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai, enjoying their feast upstairs, couldn''t help but hear themotion below.


    Immediately, Chu Liang signaled for Jiang Yuebai to remain calm and walked downstairs to see what was going on.


    "Are you from the Second Prince''s residence?" Chu Liang asked with a smile as he stepped forward.


    Seeing how young Chu Liang was, Eunuch Tao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Which sect do youe from that Chef Xue would consider you of higher status than our Second Prince?"


    "You don''t have to make things difficult for Chef Xue. I''ve met the Second Prince before," Chu Liang said with a smile. "I am Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Mount¡ª" Eunuch Tao seemed ready to rebuke him, but after uttering just one word, he suddenly stopped, his words catching in his throat.


    After a brief pause, his expression shifted to one of fear and caution. "Are you the Imperial Younger Brother?"


    Among the younger generation of disciples from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects, none had such an elevated status. Even the head disciple of Peni, with all his prestige, couldn''tpare with the Second Prince in terms of rank within the capital of Yu.


    But there was one exception¡ªthe Imperial Younger Brother, a title recently bestowed by the Emperor himself.


    Regardless of how much weight the title carried, it was officially recognized by the court. Technically, this made Chu Liang the Second Prince''s honorary uncle.


    In the imperial family, where the respect of ranking was of high significance, this distinction was critical. Any sign of disrespect from the Second Prince toward such an honorary elder could lead to serious consequences.


    "It''s just a title granted by the Emperor," Chu Liang said with a grin. "In truth, the Second Prince is much older than I am. Next time we meet, I should call him Elder Brother."


    "You mustn''t say that!" Eunuch Tao immediately dropped to his knees, saying, "So, you are His Majesty¡¯s imperial younger brother here. This lowly servant was disrespectful earlier. It is my fault for disturbing your meal. Please forgive me, Your Highness."


    "Hey, what are you doing?" Chu Liang quickly reached out to help him up. "We martial folk don''t stand on such ceremonies. Elder Brother Tao, please get up."


    <i>Oh shit. </i>This was the only thought racing through Eunuch Tao''s mind.


    He didn''t dare to stand. All he wanted to do was to lie t on the ground.


    While the martial world might overlook such matters, anyone in the pce who dared to respond to Chu Liang''s greeting of "Elder Brother" would likely find themselves scrubbing the dusty corners of the forsaken pce, where the abandoned concubines lingered.


    "I, this lowly servant, deserves to die a thousand times for disturbing Your Highness. I shall take my leave at once. Please forgive me."


    As he kept apologizing, he crawled backward with surprising speed, quickly retreating through the door of the Famous Chef of the World.


    Chu Liang stood there in disbelief. <i>Wow, who knew this guy had put in so much practice?</i>


    Chu Liang had done this on purpose, of course. Those who relied on wealth would shrink back when confronted by someone richer, while those dependent on status would grow timid in the presence of someone of higher rank. People tend to respect what they depend on.


    So, when dealing with those from the pce, he didn''t need to argue. All he had to do was ask if they would have the courage to answer when he addressed them as "Elder Brother."


    After Eunuch Tao left, one of Xue Yipin''s disciples turned to Chu Liang in astonishment and remarked, "Young Hero Chu, I had no idea you had such a distinguished status."


    Though the court had officially dered Chu Liang as the Imperial Younger Brother, this news hadn''t spread far and wide, so it was no surprise that many remained unaware.


    "It''s just a title," Chu Liang replied.


    "Let''s get back to the meal, then. If the food cools down, it''ll affect the taste," the disciple surnamed Li said. "I''ll continue serving the dishes."


    "Alright," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Thanks for the trouble, Elder Brother Li."


    "Oh¡ªjust call me Little Li," the disciple quickly raised his hand, flustered.


    ...


    Aside from a minor hup, the entire Gourmet Banquet tter was a delight. With just the two of them, they chose not to burden Chef Xue with too many requests. After savoring several, they said their goodbyes.


    On the way back, Jiang Yuebai was clearly in a much better mood.


    Seeing this, Chu Liang smiled and said, "It''s rare to see you this happy. Let''s visit more ces in the future and try some foods we haven''t tasted before."


    Jiang Yuebai paused for a moment, then responded, "Alright."


    When they returned to the pce, they found someone waiting for them¡ªa messenger from the pce delivering a letter.


    Chu Liang noticed the golden seal, a sign of its formal importance. As he opened it, he discovered it was from the Second Prince.


    The letter announced that the Second Prince would be hosting a banquet at Heavenly Street''s Celestial Observatory Pavilion the following evening, inviting talented individuals from various immortal sects, and Chu Liang was cordially invited.


    1. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are unique energy pathways in Traditional Chinese Medicine that regte and store qi, protect the body, and support developmental and constitutional bnce. These meridians include: the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), which oversees all Yang meridians and maintains the flow of Yang qi; the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), which governs the Yin meridians and is linked to reproduction and nurturing functions; the Chong Mai (Prating Vessel), known as the "Sea of Blood," which regtes blood cirction and heart functions; the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), which encircles the waist and impacts the movement of Qi in the lower body; the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), which governs the control of Yang energy and bnce; the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), which influences the flow of Yin energy and works alongside the Yang Qiao Mai; the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), which coordinates the body''s defense systems; and the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), which regtes internal bnce, emotions, and metabolism. ?

 Chapter 529: Unnecessary?

    <h4>Chapter 529: Unnecessary?</h4>


    It was not unusual for princes to invite prodigies from the immortal sects to banquets during the Assembly of Immortal Sects. After all, these princes might one day ascend to the throne, and the prodigies would be the pirs of their respective sects.


    By making these connections early on, future coboration could be facilitated.


    Moreover, unlike court officials who had to navigate theplexities of factional politics, disciples of the immortal sects were much more carefree about such matters.


    Typically, princes would begin by inviting people they already knew and gradually expand their social circle through introductions. However, Chu Liang and the Second Prince were not exactly acquaintances.


    The prince had likely heard about tonight¡¯s incident at the Famous Chef of the World. Out of fear that Chu Liang might hold a grudge due to Eunuch Tao, he extended the invitation as a way to smooth over any possible tensions.


    Chu Liang took up a brush and penned a reply to the Second Prince, confirming his attendance at the banquet the next evening. Given the prince''s effort to build goodwill, there was no reason for Chu Liang to act aloof.


    The next morning, the preliminary battles of the Assembly of Immortal Sects resumed with great fervor.


    Compared to the back-to-back matches of the previous day, the number of matches today was reduced by fifty percent, but each fight showcased a much higher level of skill and intensity.


    The ones fighting today were the victors from the matches yesterday, which meant that there were fewer one-sided fights, and severalpetitors were forced to reveal the divine abilities they had been holding back.


    When Chu Liang arrived at the venue, he unexpectedly ran into some old acquaintances.


    "Elder Yin?" he asked, slightly surprised as he looked at the team in front of him.


    Waiting by the arena were none other than the people from the Sun and Moon Pavilion whom Chu Liang had met in Python Belly City. Elder Yin still sat in his small carriage, but it seemed he had since received medicine that replenished his blood and qi, as he no longer appeared deathly pale.


    In front of Elder Yin, ready to take the stage, were his four adopted sons, whose names represented the broad vast sky.


    "Young Hero Chu?" Elder Yin smiled faintly upon seeing him.


    Despite their previous conflicts with Chu Liang in Python Belly City, they had escaped thanks to his help, so they held no grudges against him. The four brothers greeted him with smiles when they saw him.


    After some friendly conversation, Chu Liang learned why they were participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    After leaving Python Belly City, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had questioned them about several matters before allowing everyone to go their separate ways. More than half of the members of the Sun and Moon Pavilion left. These adopted sons, having grown up in Python Belly City, had never ventured outside and found themselves without a ce to go.


    Elder Yin brought them along with ns to establish the Sun and Moon Pavilion outside of the Python Belly City. With their collective strength, they had the potential to be a mid-sized sect in the world of immortality cultivation.


    However, to establish a new sect, the first step was to make a name for themselves, as this would attract both cultivators and resources.


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects was a golden opportunity for this.


    Small sects that could make it to the second round of thepetition of the hundred sects would be qualified to have their names in the top hundred sects in thend of the nine provinces. And so, participation in the Assembly of Immortal Sects was a great way to build a reputation.


    Thus, Elder Yin brought his adopted sons to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Chu Liang looked at them with some confusion. The Assembly of Immortal Sects had strict age limits, allowing participants to be around twenty years old, with anyone over twenty-eight deemed ineligible.


    The other three young men seemed young enough, but could someone like Yin Guang, who looked like a middle-aged man, really participate?


    Noticing Chu Liang¡¯s gaze, Yin Guang, perhaps ustomed to such skepticism, immediately responded, "I''m twenty-five."


    "Ah?" Chu Liang blurted out in surprise. Realizing that his reaction was rather impolite, he quickly added, "Elder Brother Yin is indeed... mature for his age."


    "My big brother just looks a little older," Yin Laosi chimed in with augh. "He has looked this way since he was eight."


    <i>Whoa.</i>


    Chu Liang was surprised but quickly shifted his gaze to the opposite side. He had joined his team to observe this match primarily because of the opponents that the Sun and Moon Pavilion would be facing today.


    Their opponents were the team from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom of the West Sea.


    Historically, the Mount Shu Sect and the Sword-Hanging Kingdom had kept to themselves, with little interaction. However, Daoist Yan had recently gone into closed-door cultivation, likely preparing for a breakthrough to the eighth realm. If sessful, she would fight with the Emperor of the West Sea for the control of the Great Dao.


    While the people of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom had confidence in their Sword Emperor, it was only natural for them to feel some resentment toward Daoist Yan, and this hostility had inevitably spilled over to the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect.


    As a result, shes between the two teams were bound to happen during thepetition of the hundred sects. This was why Wang Xuanling had brought his disciples to watch the Sword-Hanging Kingdom team in action ahead of time.


    Yesterday, the Sword-Hanging Kingdom faced off against the team from the Yunan Sect. The fight ended with just a few sword strikes and barely any divine techniques used, revealing little information about the ability of the team from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom.


    Thus, the Mount Shu Sect team hoped that today, the Sun and Moon Pavilion could force the team from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom to reveal more of their abilities, allowing them to analyze their strengths.


    ...


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With the use of the Heaven-Raising Sword, Yin Kuo was sent flying out of the arena. Elder Yin''s expression darkened slightly. He let out a resigned sigh, "This is as far as we go. After all, we are the weaker ones."


    Yin Guang, who went up first, and Yin Kuo, who followed, both suffered swift defeats.


    Despite their cultivation levels not being weak and even being slightly stronger than their opponents, the oue was still unfavorable.


    However, the two disciples from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom disyed overwhelming mastery of swordsmanship. The sheer force of their sword qi effectively closed the gap in cultivation levels.


    Chu Liang could sense the familiar Dao essence of Cloud of Determination emanating from their swords.These disciples had actually grasped that elusive Dao essence. They were indeed powerful opponents.


    As the Sword-Hanging Kingdom disciples left, they all nced toward the team from the Mount Shu Sect, their gazes unmistakably filled with hostility.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, especially Chu Liang, were used to this.


    After enduring countless res the previous day, Chu Liang had grown unfazed by the attention.


    The Sun and Moon Pavilion team left feeling dejected. It was such a pity. Considering the past Assemblies of Immortal Sects, with their skills, they would have been able to participate in thepetition of the hundred sects. It was simply bad luck that they faced such powerful opponents early on.


    Before leaving, Elder Yin cast a meaningful nce at Chu Liang and said with a smile, "Young Hero Chu, until we meet again."


    Chu Liang had always thought Elder Yin was rather odd. It was as though Elder Yin was hiding some secrets. Still, he kept this feeling to himself. After all, he couldn''t ask about it.


    Immediately, he responded, "Until we meet again."


    By evening, it was time for the Second Prince''s banquet.


    The Celestial Observatory Pavilion on Heavenly Street was a well-known restaurant in the capital of Yu, though it didn¡¯t quite match the prestige of the Famous Chef of the World. Since it was on Jiang Yuebai''s list of ces to visit, Chu Liang decided to ask her if she wanted to join him.


    Jiang Yuebai shook her head, saying, "They didn¡¯t invite me, so why should I go?"


    "You coulde as mypanion," Chu Liang teased with a smile.


    Jiang Yuebai responded with an elegant yet dismissive roll of her eyes.


    It was nighttime now, and Heavenly Street buzzed with life. The Second Prince had reserved the finest private room on the top floor of the Celestial Observatory Pavilion. As one looked out through the windows, they would find a stunning view of the capital, glowing brightly under the night sky.


    When Chu Liang arrived, he found only a few attendants and the Second Prince himself¡ªnone of the other guests had shown up yet.


    Dressed in fine yet casual robes, the Second Prince still looked as elegant and handsome as ever. He personally descended to the first floor to greet Chu Liang, saying, "Young Hero Chu, it¡¯s been a while since west met in the pce."


    "Haha, Your Highness is looking even better," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    It was worth noting that both princes Chu Liang had met so far demonstrated a remarkable ability to engage with others¡ªclearly well-versed in the art of emotional intelligence.


    As they ascended the stairs, they exchanged pleasantries, both intentionally trying to foster a closer rtionship. The Second Prince mentioned that tonight''s guest list was small, consisting only of a few acquaintances.


    Among the guests were Zhang Chen from Ascending Dragon Academy, Feng Lei from Monastery Tower, and Shen Qingyan from South Melody Conservatory.


    Chu Liang quickly pieced together the situation.


    Both Ascending Dragon Academy and Monastery Tower were local sects in the capital of Yu, meaning the Second Prince would have been familiar with their disciples. He certainly wouldn''t need to go through the trouble of arranging a special banquet just to invite them.


    This guy set up this entire banquet just to invite Shen Qingyan from South Melody Conservatory!


    As for the disciples from Ascending Dragon Academy and Monastery Tower, they were clearly invited aspany to avoid any awkwardness. No wonder the Second Prince was so eager to reserve the Famous Chef of the World''s Gourmet Banquet tter.


    He wanted to impress thedy with the Gourmet Banquet tter!


    <i>Hehe. Just like me I guess.</i>


    Thinking this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the Second Prince.


    As for this restaurant, it was clearly the Second Prince¡¯s second choice after failing to book the Gourmet Banquet tter. It appeared that the invitation to Chu Liang was ast-minute addition, serving as a convenient way of apologizing.


    Having sorted out the situation, Chu Liang rxed. Tonight, he wouldn''t be the center of attention. Instead, he would sit back and enjoy watching the Second Prince work his charm.


    He settled into an inconspicuous corner seat by the table.


    "Young Hero Chu," the Second Prince quickly said, "You''re still my elder¡ªhow can you sit there? Please, take the main seat."


    Chu Liang waved his hand and said with a smile, "You''re the host today; I can''t outshine you. Since it''s just disciples from the immortal sects, let''s not bother with court formalities."


    The Second Princeughed in agreement and sat down.


    Right then, an attendant announced, "The two youngdies from South Melody Conservatory have arrived."


    "They''re here? Young Hero Chu, sit tight for a moment¡ªI¡¯ll go greet them." The Second Prince sprang from his seat and dashed downstairs, moving ten times faster than when he had greeted Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang found it amusing. As he sat alone in the banquet hall, he suddenly felt a warmth in his chest and an inexplicable sense of unease.


    <i>Huh?</i>


    He rummaged through his belongings and discovered it wasn¡¯t a messaging enchanted tool but the half-piece jade pendant engraved with the character "Shen" that he had kept for a long time. It was glowing faintly and heating up unexpectedly.


    He had found this pendant in the abandoned Shen Family Residence, unsure of its purpose. He had kept it on him out of a reluctance to waste anything, but now, it was reacting for some reason.


    As he was pondering this, he heard the Second Prince¡¯s voice drift in from downstairs.


    "Only Young Hero Chu from Mount Shu has arrived so far. Do you two know him?"


    "Chu Liang? I know him," came a clear and gentle voice.


    Looking up, Chu Liang saw two youngdies enter through the door.


    The one on the left wore a light blue dress, her skin as white as snow, tall and graceful. It was none other than the Xue Lingxue whom Chu Liang had met before.


    The one on the right wore a pale red gauze dress. Her face looked as fair as jade, with delicate features that seemed painted. Her gaze was misty and ethereal, exuding an air of mystery.


    She looked like a living painting.


    Xue Lingxue was already a stunning beauty, but standing next to this youngdy, she was surprisingly easy to overlook at first nce.


    The strangest thing was that the moment Chu Liang saw this youngdy, the agitation from the jade pendant in his possession grew even stronger.


    The youngdy seemed to feel it too. She nced over, locking eyes with Chu Liang. Then, her eyes lit up as she started walking toward Chu Liang with Xue Lingxue.


    "Oh, it¡¯s rare for the two of you to ept the invitation," the Second Prince said as he entered. "Since Miss Xue is an old friend of Young Hero Chu, why don¡¯t you sit next to him, and Miss Shen can sit beside me¡ªehh?"


    The Second Prince had everything arranged in his mind, aiming to seat Xue Lingxue away so he could sit closer to Shen Qingyan. But before he could finish, the two young women had already taken their seats.


    Xue Lingxue, understanding the Second Prince¡¯s intent, sat beside Chu Liang. However, Shen Qingyan, for reasons unknown, casually took the seat on Chu Liang¡¯s other side. As she sat down, her gaze was fixed on him, keenly observing every detail.


    With the three of them huddled together in the corner, the space around the Second Prince¡¯s main seat felt remarkably empty.


    In fact, the main seat seemed... somewhat unnecessary.

 Chapter 530: I Was Meant to Be the Star of the Show Today!

    <h4>Chapter 530: I Was Meant to Be the Star of the Show Today!</h4>


    Xue Lingxue was also a bit surprised.


    The idea of a marriage between the Second Prince and Shen Qingyan started when the chancellor suggested it. When the imperial family talked to the South Melody Conservatory about the union, both sides seemed to agree.


    However, the South Melody Conservatory never had the tradition of bestowing marriages. And so, they arranged for Shen Qingyan to meet up with the Second Prince during the Assembly of Immortal Sects in the capital. If there was mutual interest, things could move forward from there.


    This meeting was essentially a formal matchmaking event.


    To avoid awkwardness for both himself and Shen Qingyan, the Second Prince used a banquet for the prodigies from other immortality cultivation sects as an excuse. He invited several cultivators from the capital he had befriended, hoping that the lively atmosphere would make his first meeting with Shen Qingyan morefortable.


    The arrangement was reasonable overall.


    He only made one mistake, which was to extend an invitation to Chu Liang to smooth things over out of fear that his attendant could have offended Chu Liang. After all, this would only add another person to the banquet and make things even merrier.


    Since Xue Lingxue knew Chu Liang and wanted to avoid sitting near the main seat, she chose to sit next to him. This arrangement allowed Shen Qingyan to sit next to the Second Prince, giving them a chance to converse privately. It all made sense.


    But unexpectedly, Shen Qingyan chose to sit on Chu Liang''s other side, as if she wanted to discuss something with him. This was certainly unusual.


    The three of them huddled together, creating a small group that ultimately isted the Second Prince, the host of the banquet.


    Xue Lingxue smiled and asked, "Qingyan, do you know Young Hero Chu?"


    Shen Qingyan gently shook her head and paused for a moment. She felt something very peculiar.


    That throbbing feeling that Chu Liang felt¡ªShen Qingyan felt it too.


    She had been raised by her teacher and possessed only half of a pendant engraved with the character "Shen" to prove her identity. After all these years, it was the first time the jade pendant had reacted. She couldn''t help but wonder if Chu Liang had the other half.


    Driven by intense curiosity, she sat next to Chu Liang. Sure enough, as they drew closer, the jade pendant in her possession became increasingly restless, as if it were ready to leap out on its own.


    Feeling the same abnormality from his own jade pendant, Chu Liang began pondering as well.


    When Chu Liang had visited the abandoned Shen Family Residence, he learned about the tragic events that had befallen the Shen family and found out that the sole survivor, a baby, was taken away by the Master of the South Melody Conservatory. Could that baby be Shen Qingyan?


    But if that were the case, why hadn''t she returned to the Shen Family Residence all these years? Even though it was haunted, the South Melody Conservatory should have easily been able to handle an abandoned residence.


    Unless the Master of South Melody Conservatory had never told her about her true identity.


    Why would that be?


    Although he felt puzzled, he knew that this would be far more important to Shen Qingyan than to him, which was why he could remain very calm.


    The main character of tonight''s gathering was supposed to be the Second Prince, and the atmosphere was starting to feel awkward. If the Second Prince had a bad temper, he might get angry at Chu Liang for this situation. On the other hand, if he was a good person, then Chu Liang certainly shouldn''t steal the spotlight.


    Chu Liang knew he needed to find an excuse to slip away.


    As for the half-pendant, if Shen Qingyan was truly the rightful owner, he would simply return it to her.


    He just hadn''t figured out whether he should say anything at all¡ªif even the Master of the South Melody Conservatory hadn''t told her about her origins and background, should he?


    As Chu Liang was deep in thought, he suddenly heard a loud voice at the door: "Is Big Sis Shen Qingyan here? Let me see just how beautiful South Melody Conservatory''s number one beauty really is!"


    A lively girl jumped into the room, looking to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in a schr''s robe lined with red gauze. She hadrge, bright eyes, fair and delicate features, and an air of yful cleverness about her.


    A refined schr in white robes stepped firmly behind her¡ªit was none other than Zhang Chen from Ascending Dragon Academy.


    As he entered, he softly chided, "Fangling, behave yourself."


    As soon as the girl entered the room, she greeted the Second Prince, "Greetings to Your Highness, the Second Prince."


    Then her gaze immediately locked onto Shen Qingyan. "This must be Big Sis Shen, right? You truly look like a fairy descended from heaven."


    Shen Qingyan was undoubtedly as beautiful as Jiang Yuebai and Xi Miaoxian. Wherever she went, she was always the first person you noticed.


    Previously, when the Mount Shu Sect team attended the arena matches, they often faced hostile stares. This was partly because Jiang Yuebai was so striking that she was the first person people noticed.


    But no one dared to stare directly at Jiang Yuebai¡ªonly at the people around her.


    The girl quickly moved to Shen Qingyan''s side, sitting right next to her in an effort to cozy up to the beautiful older sister.


    Zhang Chen, who had followed her in, surveyed the scene and silently noted how strange the entire seating arrangement seemed.


    The Second Prince sat alone at the main seat, while the three young women and Chu Liang were gathered together on the other side, forming a semi-circle around him. If Zhang Chen joined his junior sister, they wouldpletely iste the Second Prince.


    So, Zhang Chen chose to sit next to the Second Prince, joining him in observing the group of women across the table.


    "Young Hero Chu, this is my little junior sister from Ascending Dragon Academy, Xu Fangling." Since they had met before, Zhang Chen took the initiative to introduce her. "The headmaster dotes on her quite a bit, so she''s a little spoiled. I hope you''ll be patient with her."


    "Haha, it''s no problem at all," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    After the two from the Ascending Dragon Academy arrived, another guest soon came in.


    The person who arrived was a burly man. Although he wore a loose monk''s robe, his muscr physique was still very much visible. He was bald, with thick eyebrows and fierce eyes, exuding a powerful and domineering demeanor.


    His name was Feng Lei, a warrior monk from Monastery Tower.


    Unlike the monks of the Southern Buddhist Sects represented by the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the monks of the Northern Buddhist Sects led by the Monastery Tower were known for being tough and taciturn. Feng Lei, being particrly silent, simply nodded to the Second Prince before quietly sitting beside him.


    By now, the room had been divided into two groups: three men on one side and Chu Liang with three women on the other.


    Chu Liang was feeling increasingly awkward.


    Feng Lei seemed puzzled as well. He nced at Shen Qingyan and then at the Second Prince, not quite understanding the situation.


    It wasn''t just Feng Lei who looked confused as he nced at the Second Prince. The guests who arrivedter on all appeared confused as they nced over at the Second Prince.


    The Second Prince was equally baffled, inwardlymenting, <i>I''m just as confused!</i>


    <i>They''ve been talking about matchmaking us for months, and now this happens on our first meeting?</i>


    He had so many things to say, but all those words were summed up into one sentence. The Second Prince could only wave his hand helplessly and say, "Let''s order food first."


    ...


    The atmosphere at the table wasn''t exactly quiet, thanks to the chatty Xu Fangling. It was clear that she came with a mission. While she was getting to know Shen Qingyan, she kept praising the Second Prince.


    "Big Sis Shen, you should visit the capital more often. The Immortals'' Square is really bustling these days," she said with a smile. "It''s all thanks to the Second Prince. When he was twenty, he was tasked with revitalizing it, and he truly turned the ce around. Now, besides Taotie City and the rising Red Cotton Peak, our Immortals'' Square is the liveliest of all."


    She was obviously referring torge marketces that were exclusively for cultivators.


    Aside from Taotie City and Red Cotton Peak, the Immortals'' Square was the only other major marketce of its kind.


    Chu Liang quickly added, "The Second Prince''s talents are well-known, both within the court and beyond. Many merchants have praised him."


    "Right!" Xu Fangling turned to him. "The Red Cotton Peak on Mount Shu is really lively. Does Young Hero Chu have a shop there?"


    "I have a little something," Chu Liang replied modestly with a smile.


    "How much is a little something?" Xu Fangling asked curiously.


    Chu Liang was unsure how to respond when Xue Lingxue chuckled and said, "The whole peak."


    Most outsiders didn''t know that Chu Liang had leased Red Cotton Peak, but those from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten like Xue Lingxue were aware of it. After all, many immortal sects had opened shops there and had dealt directly with Chu Liang.


    "Wow..." Xu Fangling''s eyes widened. "You own the whole Red Cotton Peak?"


    "Not really, not really," Chu Liang quicklyughed. "I''m just in charge for a while, handling some tasks for the sect. My fellow disciples focus on cultivation, so these mundane matters fall to me."


    <i>Come on, just keep praising the Second Prince! Don''t shift the focus to me,</i> he thought to himself.


    "As cultivators, we should focus on training first. After all, we have limited energy," Zhang Chen added, steering the conversation back. "Even though the Second Prince is often burdened with state affairs, his cultivation level is no less than that of the immortal sect prodigies. I heard he nearly broke into the top ranks in thest Assembly of Immortal Sects, and a few years ago, during his northern patrol, he even slew a descendant of Hundun.[1]."


    "Yes! I heard that too!" Xu Fangling chimed in. "That descendant of Hundun could have be a true vicious beast after a few more hundred years of cultivation, one of the Four Great Vicious Beasts! The Second Prince killed it before it could reach that level. This kind of achievement definitely makes him a prodigy among the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. After all, at his age... huh..."


    As she spoke, she suddenly turned to Chu Liang. "They say you became famous for ying the Taowu with your sword. Is it really true? I''m curious¡ªcan it really be done?"


    Chu Liang thought to himself, <i>How did thise back to me?</i>


    He quickly responded, "It was just luck, aided by our sect''s legendary swords. Any of my fellow disciples could have done it."


    Xue Lingxue said with a smile, "I heard that the Violet and Azure Twin Swords are extremely selective in choosing their master, but both swords chose you. That''s not something just anyone can achieve, is it?"


    "Heh, I''m not sure why either," Chu Liang replied casually, then quickly added, "There are plenty of people in the Mount Shu Sect with far superior cultivation and virtue."


    "Speaking of which, virtue is the most important quality for both ordinary people and cultivators like us," Zhang Chen continued. "Our headmaster often praises the Second Prince''s virtue. He made a deep impression on all his teachers during his years at the academy."


    "Yes, yes! Our headmaster shared stories about the Second Prince," Xu Fangling added. "He often helped his less fortunate ssmates and once saved a girl from being assaulted by criminals. Those are all good deeds that build merit and virtue."


    "Oh, right." On this topic, Xue Lingxue turned to Chu Liang and said, "Back when you saved those hundreds of innocent women in South Gate City, some of them had nowhere to go, so South Melody Conservatory took a few of them in. They wrote some thank-you letters and asked me to give them to you. I almost forgot to mention it."


    As she spoke, she took out a stack of letters and handed them to Chu Liang.


    Back then, some of the women sold from the Southern Regions were taken in by South Melody Conservatory, since most of their staff, from servants to performers, were primarily women.


    "How thoughtful of them..." Chu Liang could only force a smile as he epted the letters.


    The atmosphere was bing increasingly weird. <i>I''m supposed to be the side character today¡ªcan''t I just stay out of this?</i>


    At this moment, Chu Liang realized that he could not stay here any longer.


    As he sat there, he felt as if a light was shining on his back.


    Without bothering toe up with a proper excuse, he immediately stood up and said, "The Grand Peakmaster has instructed me to return early tonight for some important matters. I''ll take my leave now. Thank you, Second Prince, for your hospitality. Goodbye, everyone."


    He finished his string of farewells and swiftly exited the room.


    Just as the Second Prince noticed that Chu Liang had finally left, he sighed in relief and was about to smile and resume the pleasant conversation.


    At that moment, Shen Qingyan, who had remained silent the entire time, suddenly stood up and said, "Apologies, I''m not feeling well, so I''ll be leaving as well."


    The Second Prince''s smile froze as he stared nkly at Shen Qingyan''s departing figure, his once-upturned lips quickly drooping down.


    <i>What is happening? Did they arrange to leave together? This is nothing like what I imagined... I was meant to be the star of the show today! </i>the Second Prince shouted inwardly.


    1. "Hundun" (»ìãç), described as resembling a bear but without a head or tail, and with wings. In the <i>Shen Yi Jing</i> (ÉñÒì¾­) or the <i>ssic of Divine Wonders</i>, depicts Hundun as having the form of a dog with long hair, four feet, a bear-like appearance without ws, eyes that cannot see, ears that cannot hear, a human-like disposition, a stomach without internal organs, and a straight intestine through which food passes without digestion. It repels virtuous people but seeks out those with malevolent traits. (Refer to <u>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundun</u> ) ?

 Chapter 531: The Most Shocking Turn of Events

    <h4>Chapter 531: The Most Shocking Turn of Events</h4>


    As Chu Liang stepped out of the Celestial Observatory Pavilion, a wave of relief finally washed over him.


    Originally, all he''d nned to do was enjoy the banquet, say a few nice words, and make some connections. That would''ve been enough to wrap up his evening. Yet somehow, the night had spiraled out of control, leaving him feeling as if he''d just been grilled over hot coals.


    He hadn''t taken more than a couple of steps when he suddenly heard a voice calling from behind, "Young Hero Chu."


    The sound made Chu Liang''s back stiffen. He turned slowly, and just as he''d expected, it was Shen Qingyan. A faint, wry smile tugged at his lips as their eyes met.


    <i>What now? Why did you follow me out?</i>


    "I know this is a bit abrupt," Shen Qingyan said, "but there are things I need to ask you..."


    "It''s about this jade pendant, isn''t it?" Chu Liang raised his hand, holding out his half of the jade pendant.


    "That''s right." Shen Qingyan responded, her fingers opening to reveal the other half of the pendant in her palm.


    As they brought the two halves together, they clicked into a perfect, seamless fit.


    The two halves of the pendant fused together in an instant, as though made of living flesh. When it fell back into Shen Qingyan''s palm, it began to emit a soft glow.


    A realization dawned on Chu Liang¡ªit was no ordinary pendant. This was an enchanted tool, likely used to verify bloodlines.


    Wealthy families sometimes crafted such artifacts to confirm their lineage and avoid potential scandals, a safeguard against pretenders.


    "I only came across this pendant by chance..." Chu Liang said, ncing at her.


    Although Shen Qingyan was incredibly beautiful, Chu Liang had no intention of being too involved with matters rted to her. And so, he decided to reveal everything he knew about the abandoned Shen family residence.


    But before he could speak, a sudden gust of ck wind burst from the shadows, snatching the jade pendant from Shen Qingyan''s hand in an instant and left at lightning speed!


    Someone dared to rob them in broad daylight on the streets of Yu!


    Moreover, this person had an exceptionally high level of cultivation and had been able to conceal their presence so skillfully that neither Chu Liang nor Shen Qingyan noticed anything, even with their strong cultivation levels.


    "Who''s there?"


    In that moment, Shen Qingyan felt a surge of shock and fury. This pendant was her only proof of identity from birth. As soon as the two halves werebined, it was taken from her. Without hesitation, she rushed forward to chase after it.


    With a burst of speed, she raced forward, her red dress swirling around her, and in no time, she had traversed the long street.


    Chu Liang was reluctant to get involved in this, but the thief''s high cultivation level made him anxious about Shen Qingyan''s safety. Therefore, he had no choice but to leap forward and pursue her.


    The ck wind rushed through the streets and alleys, finally soaring out of the city, with both of them in close pursuit. The shadowy figure darted nimbly, asionally blending into the shadows, and in the ckness of night, they could easily lose track of him.


    Now that they were out of the city, Shen Qingyan had no further reservations. She immediately took out a flute and brought it to her lips.


    The sharp notes of the flute resonated like ten thousand arrows raining down from the sky. Suddenly, the forest was filled with rustling noises, leaves shattered, and trees copsed. It was a sweeping attack that affected everything in its path.


    The sudden and powerful divine technique caught Chu Liang off guard. Earlier, when he saw Xue Lingxue, he thought the members of the South Melody Conservatory yed a supportive role in battles. But now, he realized that even musicians could unleash strong attacks.


    Despite this, the shadowy figure showed no sign of retreat, breaking past the attacks of her divine technique and swiftly moving through the dense brush.


    By the time Chu Liang caught up again, the battered forest was marked with bloodstains scattered across the ground, suggesting that the thief had been injured.


    <i>Who is this person, and why would they steal Shen Qingyan''s jade pendant?</i> Chu Liang wondered. <i>Moreover, the pendant was stolen right after the two halvesbined, which means that the person has been tracking them all along. But who was the actual target¡ªShen Qingyan or me?</i>


    This left Chu Liang somewhat puzzled. The thought of someone so well hidden trailing him around day and night was undeniably eerie.


    As Shen Qingyan nced back, she looked a bit downcast. Chu Liang then went on to exin everything he had seen at the abandoned Shen Family Residence that day.


    Shen Qingyan, after hearing his words, felt a wave of mncholy wash over her.


    Thus, her parents were indeed dead long ago, and her mother had remained a ghost for many years. But why hadn''t her teacher shared this with her? Was it to shield her from the harsh reality that the Shen family had met their end because of greed and desire?


    After the matter concerning the Shen Family was settled, Chu Liang found himself with some unanswered questions. Now, with the sudden appearance of the shadowy figure, everything was bing increasinglyplicated.


    Fortunately, this matter no longer concerned him. After handing over all his doubts to Shen Qingyan, he could finally rest easy and head back.


    As they made their way back to Emperor''s Mound, Shen Qingyan turned to Chu Liang before they parted and said, "Regardless of everything, thank you, Young Hero Chu, for telling me everything. If you hadn''t, I would still be in the dark about the origins of my identity after all these years."


    "Oh, it was no bother," Chu Liang said nonchntly.


    With a look of sadness and loss, Shen Qingyan appeared quite pitiable. But on this night, she wasn''t alone in her feelings of sorrow.


    As the Second Prince''s carriage left the Celestial Observatory Pavilion, his face was also filled with sadness.


    The Second Prince grumbled inwardly, <i>What was this all about? </i>


    In truth, he had always been resistant to the idea of an arranged marriage. But as the future crown prince, he knew his marriage would never be under his control. So, when the chancellor proposed the name Shen Qingyan, the Second Prince was overjoyed.


    Compared to the numerous aristocratic women with impressive backgrounds but less-than-appealing appearances, Shen Qingyan was practically perfect. If all arranged marriages were with women like her, the Second Prince wouldn''t mind having a few more.


    So, he had eagerly awaited this meeting with Shen Qingyan. But somehow, a mishap happened and the spotlight was stolen by someone else.


    He couldn''t honestly say there was no resentment in his heart, but he realized it was not right to me Chu Liang. After all, Chu Liang never intended to take the spotlight. The situation just unfolded that way.


    He could only say that he felt deeply aggrieved, very much so.


    As the carriage made its way forward, a loud, boisterous voice suddenly rang out from the roadside.


    "Speaking of that Young Hero with the Divine Whip, Chu Liang, ha! His romantic adventures are not few," an old man continued to chatter on the street. "Everyone''s heard the tales of his love for Jiang Yuebai, but what they don''t know is how many hearts this handsome young hero has won..."


    The Second Prince tapped on the carriage window, and a servant quickly approached.


    "I want someone to give that old man a beating tonight," the Second Princemanded, his voice filled with anger. "And make sure they wear masks."


    ...


    In a sh, the Great Selection of the Four Seas had reached itsst day. After today, the eighty-one chosen teams would be confirmed and wouldpete with the sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten in the Competition of the Hundred Sects, marking the officialmencement of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Although there weren''t many duels today, a grand opening ceremony was set to follow the matches, and it promised to be quite spectacr. Many spectators had rushed here to witness the event.


    The teams still in thepetition were all extremely powerful. All the matches today were contests between some of the most formidable participants.


    As soon as Chu Liang and his group arrived, they observed that most of the spectators were clustered around a particr stage.


    At the center of the stage stood a dark golden me giant, towering about seven to eight zhang. With each swing of its fists and legs, it radiated an immense destructive power!


    "Primordial Earth Core Fire!"


    Chu Liang instantly recognized the me as the same furnace fire he had encountered that night at the Sword Forging Sect. It was clear that the contestant on stage was a disciple of the Earthfire Sect.


    The Earthfire Sect, which had a close affiliation with the Sword Forging Sect, was part of the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance.


    It was a strong sect that appeared out of nowhere and had recently risen to a position of prominence.


    The contestant facing him was a disciple of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    The young disciples raised by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were few, yet they were all incredibly gifted and no less impressive than the brilliant prodigies from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Based on historical records, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau was recognized as stronger than the sects within the Terrestrial Ten. Their team would often make it to the third round¡ªBattle at the Imperial City¡ªand would stand shoulder to shoulder with the immortal sects in the Divine Nine.


    However, from the conversations around him, Chu Liang discovered that both the Imperial Supervisory Bureau and the Earthfire Sect had won one match each, and this final duel would be the decisive round to determine which side would advance.


    If the Imperial Supervisory Bureau lost, they would be eliminated in the first round!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Earthfire Giant lunged fiercely, delivering a punch that cracked the ground at the center of the stage. At the same time, the young disciple of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau leaped into the air, his sword transforming into a dazzling array of shimmering light shadows.


    <i>Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª</i>


    The figure dressed in white zipped back and forth, thrusting his sword into the Earthfire Giant until it was filled with holes. His divine technique resembled that of Li Chengfeng, indicating that he must be his disciple.


    Yet, in the blink of an eye, the Earthfire Giant healed all its injuries and lunged at him with even greater strength!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The disciple of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau shed the air with his sword, creating this ck rift in the void. When the Earthfire Giant punched into it, a deafening roar echoed.


    However, the giant did not back down; instead, it charged forward with even greater ferocity.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With most of its arm engulfed by the ck rift, the hole started to tremble with fierce intensity!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With a thunderous boom, the Earthfire Giant''s fist broke through several zhang beyond the ck hole!


    This was sheer power, overwhelming enough to break the limits of the disciple''s divine technique and pierce right through it!


    <i>Rumble¡ª</i>


    The Earthfire Giant, undeterred by the ck hole, punched the Imperial Supervisory Bureau disciple, sending him flying through the sky like a shooting star!


    "Roar!" With a proud roar, the giant''s mes swirled away, unveiling the tiny, thin figure of a young boy.


    A wave of shocked gasps swept through the audience!


    <i>He won!</i>


    Twelve years ago, the Earthfire Sect didn''t even exist. This was their first timepeting in the Assembly of Immortal Sects following the establishment of their sect. Although each Assembly of Immortal Sects brought its fair share of unexpected endings, there hadn''t been one this shocking in years.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau, in whom the audience had ced such high hopes, was unexpectedly eliminated in the first round, defeated by the Earthfire Sect!

 Chapter 532: Conflict

    <h4>Chapter 532: Conflict</h4>


    In the quiet room of the chancellor''s residence, faint wisps of smoke still lingered in the air.


    A masked figure in ck stood respectfully before the table. "As per your order, Chancellor, I have retrieved the jade pendant," he said, cing the pendant engraved with the character "Shen" on the table.


    "Last night, I sustained some minor injuries and had to find a ce to treat my wounds before returning, which was why I came backte. I hope you will forgive the dy."


    Su Qian still maintained the appearance of a middle-aged schr. With his delicate features and gentle demeanor, he looked rather feminine. Yet, when his brows arched, the subtle shift in his expression revealed a hidden and unyielding authority.


    "You''ve done well. Why would I me you?" Su Qian replied with a faint smile. "Shen Qingyan managed to wound you with her divine skills? It seems her cultivation is truly impressive."


    The man in ck froze for a moment. <i>Why does he sound pleased that I was hurt?</i> <i>By that logic, would he be overjoyed and praise her strength even more if she had beaten me to death?</i>


    Though these thoughts raced through his mind, he didn''t dare voice them.


    Instead, he nodded and said, "Indeed. Even setting aside her musical prowess, Shen Qingyan''s cultivation alone ranks her among the finest in the members of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten."


    "Hehe," Su Qian chuckled softly, shaking his head before continuing, "You''ve aplished a great deed this time, so you deserve a reward. I''ll personally see to it that the materials for the Night-Traversing Armor you requested are gathered, and I¡¯ll have the Sword Forging Sect craft it for you. Don''t you worry about this."


    "Thank you, Chancellor," the man in ck quickly expressed his gratitude.


    "As for the Assembly of Immortal Sects, more than half of the eight major sects participated. However, the Shadow Sect, to which you belong, could not. I know this must have upset you, even if you haven''t said so aloud," Su Qian added. "Therefore, I owe you anyway."


    "As your subordinate, I would never dare harbor such thoughts," the man in ck replied immediately. "It is only through the Chancellor''s favor that the Shadow Sect was able to rise again. How could I ever disobey your orders?"


    Unlike the Sword Forging Sect and Earthfire Sect, which were both established and nurtured under Su Qian¡¯s guidance, the Shadow Sect was an ancient sect with a history spanning thousands of years.


    This sect, renowned for its mastery of stealth and concealment, had always walked a fine line between righteousness and darkness. Over a century ago, under the leadership of an evil sect leader, the Shadow Sect strayed from its original path and ventured into darker dealings, engaging in theft and assassinations for hire.


    This dark business was a perfect fit for their skills in stealth and concealment. Naturally, the Shadow Sect thrived, growing more prosperous through these shady activities.


    But within a few decades, the Shadow Sect stirred up too much trouble, drawing the attention of the imperial court. They were wiped out, with only a few survivors left, and the sect''s legacy was nearly erased.


    At that critical moment, it was Su Qian who found the few remaining members of the Shadow Sect. He provided them the resources and support they needed to rebuild and grow stronger. After more than ten years of development, the sect was brought back to life.


    Even though they still carried out shady dealings, things naturally changed when they had someone powerful backing them.


    "It''s good that you think this way," Su Qian said calmly. "The Assembly of Immortal Sects may bring fame, but it isn¡¯t the right stage for your sect. A sect like the Shadow Sect thrives in the shadows, and if your methods be too well-known, you''d lose your greatest advantage. Besides, for the tasks I need you to handle, it¡¯s best if people know as little about your sect as possible."


    "I understand," the man in ck replied. "The Shadow Sect will follow your orders without question, Chancellor."


    "Good. Now, continue to keep an eye on Shen Qingyan. Report any unusual activity to me immediately," Su Qian instructed. "However, she¡¯ll be more alert after yourst encounter, so you must be even more careful now."


    "As youmand," the man in ck responded before silently slipping away.


    After the man in ck had left, Su Qian slowly reached out and picked up the jade pendant from the table.


    In his palm, the pendant began to glow softly, its faint light flickering in the dim, shadowy room, making it all the more striking.


    <i>Snap.</i>


    With a swift motion, Su Qian flipped his hand and clenched his fist. The jade pendant shattered instantly, crumbling into fine powder.


    Then, a look of relief spread across his face.


    ...


    "Brother Chu!" a voice called out from a distance.


    A group of familiar faces approached Chu Liang. All of them were beaming with smiles.


    "Brother Yun?" Chu Liang uttered as he turned to look behind him.


    Sure enough, Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect was leading the group. Behind him were the ever-silent Ren Hongdao, the stern-faced Li Fujian, and the adorably naive Tang Shi.


    At the back of the group was Zhang Juque, the one apanying the Great Astral Sect¡¯s representative team this time. He had been silently watching from behind, which exined why Li Fujian was so nervous.


    "Heheh, it''s been a while," Yun Chaoxian said with a grin.


    Chu Liang greeted them before asking, "Why did you all arrive sote?"


    Over the past few days, disciples from the sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had been arriving one after another at the residences on the Emperor''s Mound. The Great Astral Sect, however, was among thest to arrive.


    Yun Chaoxian began to exin. "We were doing some closed-door cultivation to prepare for the Assembly of Immortal Sects¡ª"


    But before he could finish, Tang Shi chimed in from behind, "We got the date wrong."


    "Haha," Chu Liang chuckled.


    The young girl was certainly honest, but Chu Liang was still puzzled.


    He said, "But there are so many of you..."


    "We all got it wrong," Yun Chaoxian admitted.


    <i>Impressive,</i> Chu Liang thought. <i>As expected of the Great Astral Sect disciples, they really do share one brain.</i>


    "And I was the one who remembered the date closest to the real one," Yun Chaoxian added, looking rather proud of himself.


    "Brother Yun, you''re truly wise and brave," Chu Liang couldn''t help but praise.


    Looking again at the disciples of the Great Astral Sect, Chu Liang noticed a clear change in their demeanor. Their qi and blood were now more refined, giving them a calm andposed presence. Typically, martial cultivators radiate their vitality outward, but it was evident they had learned to contain it.


    It was clear that their special training had been intense.


    As Chu Liang was chatting with the Great Astral Sect disciples, a smallmotion arose behind him.


    At this moment, the Great Selection of the Four Seas was nearing its end, and themencement ceremony was about to begin.


    Disciples from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had gathered, their presence appearing rather dazzling in the moment.


    The names that people had only read about in the news or heard through rumors were now standing right before them, drawing all attention away from the arena and toward the gathering of disciples below.


    Suddenly, a child darted in front of Jiang Yuebai.


    The child, appearing around eleven or twelve years old, was rtively short for his age, making him seem even younger. However, his face held a strange, sinister charm that didn¡¯t match his youthful appearance.


    "You must be Jiang Yuebai from Mount Shu, right? You¡¯re really beautiful," the child said boldly. "Marry me and be my wife."


    The crowd immediately turned their attention to the scene. Many may have shared the same thought, but few would have dared to say it aloud¡ªlet alone to Jiang Yuebai¡¯s face.


    Seeing that it was a child who made the bold statement, the crowd chuckled, treating it as nothing more than a lighthearted joke.


    "Whose foolish child is this? Don''t his parents watch him?" some of Jiang Yuebai''s supporters angrily shouted.


    "Wait, that¡¯s... Qi Lin''er from the Peni Supreme Sect!" someone in the crowd recognized the child.


    Jiang Yuebai could sense that the child''s cultivation was not weak, but since he was a child, she couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with him. She merely frowned slightly and turned away, choosing to ignore him.


    But Qi Lin''er wasn¡¯t finished. He quickly darted in front of Jiang Yuebai again, this time speaking with a serious tone. "Xi Miaoxian was here first, so she¡¯s my first wife. You cameter, so you¡¯ll be my second wife. Don¡¯t worry, I promise I¡¯ll treat you both well. Hehe,e with me."


    Seeing that Jiang Yuebai remained unmoved, Qi Lin''er spread his hands and added, "What future do you have in a lousy ce like the Mount Shu Sect? Marry me, and you can live on Mirage Mountain. I advise you not to be ungrateful."


    At this moment, Chu Liang noticed the situation and stepped forward, ready to chase away the brat who was clearly lost in delusions.


    But Jiang Yuebai grabbed his wrist and said softly, "I¡¯ll handle this myself."


    With a swift step forward, her figure blurred as she appeared right in front of Qi Lin''er, extending a single finger.


    <i>Bang.</i>


    She jabbed Qi Lin''er on the forehead with just one finger.


    Qi Lin''er, still wearing a smug, dismissive smile, seemed unconcerned as Jiang Yuebai made her move. But then came a dull thud, and his entire body was flung into the air, somersaulting before crashing to the ground.


    As he looked up again, his face was now covered in dust.


    "You dare hit me?" Qi Lin''er''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    He wasn¡¯t exactly shocked by Jiang Yuebai¡¯s act of hitting him. What truly stunned him was the fact that she had actually managed to move him.


    As someone born with copper skin and iron bones, he had reached a high level of cultivation since a young age. Since young, he had never suffered. Given his age, he could have waited another twelve years to join the next Assembly of Immortal Sects. None would have been able to beat him by then.


    But he believed that even now, no one could match him, which was why he insisted on joining this assembly.


    He hadn¡¯t expected to face a setback from this woman before thepetition had even begun.


    For a moment, he waspletely stunned.


    Even Jiang Yuebai was slightly surprised. She had sensed that the child¡¯s cultivation was extraordinary, so she had used seventy percent of her strength in the initial jab.


    Still, that force exerted could not even move the child. It was only when she had exerted her full power that she was able to send the child flying.


    The fact that the Peni Supreme Sect had sent this child to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects clearly showed that he possessed extraordinary mystical abilities.


    But in this situation, Jiang Yuebai now had the upper hand, and that was enough.


    With a slight flick of her sleeve, Jiang Yuebai coldly said, "As the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, I can forgive your disrespect toward me because of your young age. But since you insulted my sect publicly, I cannot let it go without punishing you."


    She stood proudly as her white dress fluttered gracefully in the wind.


    "You¡ª"


    Qi Lin''er, his face covered in dust, was about to erupt in anger when he suddenly felt someone press down on the back of his neck. The moment he felt the pressure, his anger was immediately stifled in his throat.


    A team from the Peni Supreme Sect emerged from the crowd, led by a man whose face was as aloof as cold jade. His eyes gleamed with divine light, and he looked so handsome that he appeared otherworldly. This was none other than Yang Shenlong, the head disciple of the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Behind him were his brother Yang Yuhu, Xi Miaoxian, as well as the ves of the Five Sacred Mountains[1], each with their own distinct and unique presence. As this group walked forward, their aura radiated a silent warning, urging others to keep their distance. Both cultivators and ordinary people in the crowd instinctively backed off.


    It was Yang Shenlong who had grabbed Qi Lin''er by the neck and pushed him down. Instantly, Qi Lin''er was overwhelmed with fear, unable to speak,pletely subdued by the presence of someone senior in his own team.


    "This child was naughty. It¡¯s our fault for not disciplining him properly. I hope the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect can forgive him," Yang Shenlong said calmly. He paused briefly before adding, "We can settle any conflicts between us during the Competition of the Hundred Sects. How does that sound?"


    The surrounding crowd burst into murmurs, and the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.


    The first half of Yang Shenlong¡¯s words seemed like an apology to the Mount Shu Sect, but the second half felt more like a challenge. Though his tone was polite, there was a clear hint of provocation.


    In reality, Yang Shenlong''s first sentence was meant for Jiang Yuebai, asking for forgiveness. The second sentence, though, was a message to Qi Lin''er. As the head disciple, he couldn¡¯t always protect his own people without good reason, or others would stop trusting him. But if he only controlled his peers without standing up for them, he¡¯d lose respect.


    Making such a decision in that instant was already a perfect response.


    Sure enough, after Yang Shenlong spoke, the restless Qi Lin''er immediately calmed down. He knew that once the Competition of the Hundred Sects began, he could settle his grievances then.


    Now, all the pressure fell on Jiang Yuebai. If she backed down in the face of this provocation from one of the strongest immortal sects, it would destroy the Mount Shu Sect¡¯s reputation. But if she epted the challenge, could the Mount Shu Sect team really handle being targeted by the Peni Supreme Sect during the Competition of the Hundred Sects?


    Chu Liang, Xu Ziyang, Ling Ao, and even Wang Xuanling gathered around Jiang Yuebai, yet none stepped forward and helped Jiang Yuebai as they knew that it was the head disciple''s responsibility to handle this.


    Facing the tense atmosphere and strong presence of qi, Jiang Yuebai''s expression remained unchanged. She simply replied in a calm andposed manner, "We shall see."


    1. We had this as Wuyue Mountain ves previously. Realised btedly that it refers to five mountains that Daoists hold sacred. ?

 Chapter 533: The Commencement

    <h4>Chapter 533: The Commencement</h4>


    By responding this way, Jiang Yuebai managed to protect her dignity without escting the conflict. However, the two sides remained locked in a tense standoff. It was as if two opposing auras of different colors shed, freezing the atmosphere for what felt like an eternity.


    The tension only grew when the members of the Great Astral Sect arrived. Having noticed Chu Liang''s sudden departure, they were unsure of the situation, but upon seeing the confrontation, Yun Chaoxian was the first to step forward.


    "Are we fighting now?" he shouted loudly. "One-on-one or a group fight?"


    With a thud, he mmed the World-Dominating Halberd into the ground.


    Behind him, Ren Hongdao red coldly at Yang Shenlong, looking eager to challenge him as well.


    Even though little Tang Shi appeared timid, she stood firmly behind Chu Liang, ready to support him.


    Li Fujian nced at his esteemed teacher and saw Zhang Juque ring at him, his expression clearly saying, <i>With these bastards from Peni, what are you hesitating for?</i>


    "Yes..." Li Fujian muttered, immediately stepping forward to join Mount Shu Sect''s side.


    Chu Liang felt quite moved as he watched. Of course, it was the brothers from the Great Astral Sect he could count on. They always stepped up when it mattered most.


    By now, the standoff had drawn the attention of nearly everyone around, but the Peni Supreme Sect had backup too. The team from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals quickly sided with Yang Shenlong. However, Zhuge Guanxing, who was on friendly terms with Chu Liang, chose not to step forward from the crowd.


    In fact, the rtionships among the immortal sects were alwaysplex, with many personal connections intertwined. Chu Liang had previously gotten along well with both Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian, making it difficult for there to be a clear-cut opposition between the two sides.


    However, conflicts between sects often overshadowed personal ties. None of them would hold back if they faced each other in the actualpetition.


    As more and more people gathered to watch, Feng Chaoyang shouted, rallying another group of supporters to their side.


    Even if the Celestial King Sect did not share a rtionship with the Mount Shu Sect, they would always support anyone willing to take on the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Meanwhile, on the Peni Supreme Sect''s side, the team from Fuyao Kingdom had also joined. The people on both sides continued to expand.


    Just as the confrontation was about to extend to the entire arena and the Competition of the Hundred Sects seemed to be on the brink of starting ahead of schedule if someone said something, a stern voice rang out, "What do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    A figurended on the ground¡ªit was Ji Zidian, a celestial official from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    All the important matters of the Assembly of Immortal Sects were overseen by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    At this moment, it was understandable why Ji Zidan felt irritable. He had just seen the team representing the Bureau lose in the first round, and now he was watching the disciples of the immortal sects gathering.


    Immediately, hended and scolded out loud, "If you have issues with one another, resolve them during the Competition of the Hundred Sects. Step into the illusory realm and fight to the death if you must, but stop causing trouble here!"


    His words were rather effective as both sides dispersed in response, and the chaos subsided.


    Ji Zidian nced around and then fixed his gaze on Chu Liang, calling out, "You,e here!"


    Chu Liang, feeling puzzled, stepped forward and heard Ji Zidian asking with the use of Voice Transmission, "Was that incident at the Sword Forging Sect your doing?"


    Chu Liang¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Could Xue Yipin have given him away? But upon thinking it through, he figured it was unlikely. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau must have discovered some clues from elsewhere.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau had been assisting the Famous Chef of the World in the search for the missing knife. They had considered the same matters as Chu Liang but they did not act fast enough.


    On one hand, there were only a few swordsmiths capable of refining the Famous Yipin Knife, and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had narrowed it down to a few around the capital of Yu.


    On the other hand, the fragrance from the knife box had also caught their attention, leading them to eventually identify Miss Yunshang.


    This made it almost certain that the Sword Forging Sect was involved.


    But by then, two days had passed. If the Sword Forging Sect had already started refining the Famous Yipin Knife, this amount of time would have been enough to forge a new weapon, leaving no evidence to prove that they were the culprits.


    Fortunately, at this stage of the investigation, they discovered that on the same night the knife was stolen, a massive explosion had urred at the Sword Forging Sect, and the precious knife had been returned to the Famous Chef of the World.


    Although the matter of the Famous Yipin Knife was resolved, the Pair of Male and Female Thieves had caused an uproar.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau members connected the dots and came to a conclusion. Considering that Chu Liang had sought out Miss Yunshang to ask about the fragrance and had enjoyed the Gourmet Banquet tter at the Famous Chef of the World, it seemed likely that he was the culprit behind both the theft and the explosion.


    That was why Ji Zidian hade to ask.


    Chu Liang kept quiet, putting on a puzzled expression. "What case? Are you speaking of the Pair of Male and Female Thieves who were really righteous vigntes? I don¡¯t know anything about that."


    Upon hearing his answer, Ji Zidian immediately knew it was him for sure.


    "You handled it well, but you still need to be careful. After all, you''re a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, and certain things can easily bring trouble to your sect," Ji Zidan cautioned. "If something like this urs again, make sure toe to me directly."


    A wry smile crossed Chu Liang''s face. He had shared the same concern, but everything had spiraled out of control that day. If he hadn''t gone to retrieve the knife himself when he connected the dots, things would have ended badly...


    At the same time, he wanted to ensure that as few people as possible were aware of his involvement, which was why he did not let the Imperial Supervisory Bureau know.


    "Thanks for the reminder, Celestial Official Ji. Even though I don¡¯t quite understand what you¡¯re referring to, I will be more careful in the future," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "Very well," Ji Zidian replied with a slight nod, feeling assured that his questions had been answered."Themencement ceremony is about to start. Make sure to perform well."


    ...


    When Chu Liang came back, Jiang Yuebai asked, "What did he want with you?"


    She was still thinking about what had happened that day, so a sense of worry lingered in her mind.


    "Nothing major," Chu Liang chuckled as he spoke. "He just asked if I was involved in the Sword Forging Sect case and even pressured me to name my aplice, but I told him, ''You can kill me, but I¡¯ll never betray the head disciple of Mount Shu Sect!''"


    "<i>Pfft...</i>" Jiang Yuebai burst intoughter, rolling her eyes at him with yful annoyance.


    The fact that he was still in the mood to joke suggested that nothing serious had urred.


    Before long, the third day of the Great Selection of the Four Seas came to a close. Naturally, some teams were filled with joy while others were steeped in sadness, and as always, there were more losers than winners. The eighty-one sects ultimately selected were exceptionally formidable, with participants in this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects demonstrating significantly higher cultivation levels than in previous years.


    This was closely linked to the rapid growth and prosperity of the entire realm of immortality cultivation in recent years.


    After that, arge group of pce guards arrived to maintain order. They quickly dismantled the arena and erected a new high tform, arranging the members from the various sects in the right sequence. Naturally, the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were positioned at the front while the audience was kept at a respectful distance.


    Once everything was set, a gong resonated through the air. Shortly after, a procession of Celestial Golden-Winged Horses approached, elegantly surrounded by Golden Luan beasts. The entire spectacle was truly breathtaking.


    "His Majesty has arrived!" Warrior Lao announced loudly, standing tall on the yoke of the carriage drawn by the most celestial horses.


    Themencement ceremony of the Assembly of Immortal Sects was always attended by the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty, apanied by the Chancellor, Great General, Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, and other important ministers in the carriages behind him.


    Before long, the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty, dressed in his majestic dragon robe, ascended the high tform.


    As Chu Liang gazed at his "elder brother," he felt that he seemed different from when he saw himst time in the imperial pce.


    In the pce, the emperor hade across as an imposing yet more approachable figure. However, as he ascended the tform now, his aura of authority was fully unleashed. His presence radiated solemnity and grandeur.


    As he stood alone on the tform, it felt as if there was a golden dragon coiled behind him.


    It was clear that some divine technique was being used to exert pressure and authority. Otherwise, the feeling of pressure wouldn¡¯t have been so intense.


    The emperor''s speech carried a formal tone, dering that the Assembly of Immortal Sects was the most significant event in the Four Seas and Nine Provinces. He emphasized that the young heroes present would be the pirs of the mortal world for the next century and beyond. He also expressed his hope that everyone would perform exceptionally well.


    The only useful part of his speech was the final few sentences.


    "At each Commencement of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, we invite esteemed seniors to spar and showcase their skills, inspiring the younger generation to cultivate diligently. This time, it is our honor to have invited the Sword Emperor of the West Sea for a duel with the Sword Saint of the Nine Provinces!"


    This announcement was met with an immediate wave of cheers.


    In the history of Commencement sparring among the Eminent Ones, these two were undoubtedly among the most distinguished guests.


    After all, there were few Eminent Ones willing to spar in front of an audience, and even fewer who demonstrated such high cultivation levels. For many years, the invited participants had usually been at the seventh realm, and their sparring matches had tended to be more symbolic than serious.


    However, these two had dueled years ago. Back then, the Sword Emperor of the West Sea was just starting out and lost to the more experienced Sword Saint of the Nine Provinces.


    Yet it was through that defeat that he had gained enlightenment. Now, he returned with renewed strength. Surely, this would be a real fight.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea was a truly inspiring figure. His real name was Chen Erniu, and he had been born into a farming family in the Sword-Hanging Kingdom.


    In the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, swordsmiths and sword cultivators held the highest status. From a young age, Chen Erniu aspired to be a sword cultivator. Despite growing up with almost no resources, he relied solely on his fighting spirit to challenge opponents wherever he could.


    He eventually defeated all the powerful enemies within the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, bing a Sword Emperor and even breaking through to the eighth realm, mastering the Heavenly Origin.


    His greatest strength was his ability to improve after every defeat.


    This meant that he would undoubtedly return even stronger, a hundred steps ahead of the person he had been when he lost the challenge against the Sword Saint.


    The members of the Mount Shu Sect were particrly interested in this duel, as once Daoist Yan emerged from her closed-door cultivation, she would inevitably have to fight the Sword Emperor of the West Sea.


    As the emperor stepped down from the tform, a figure with a sharp aura, powerful enough to tear through heaven and earth, soared into the air from the side. Even from a distance, his presence was blinding. This was the Sword Emperor of the West Sea.


    On the opposite side stood the Sword Saint of the Nine Provinces from the Endless Sword Sect, presenting himself as an elder d in white robes.


    If one referred to this duel as a fight between the Sword Emperor of the West Sea and the Sword Saint of the Nine Provinces, it would sound awe-inspiring.


    However, if one referred to this duel as Chen Erniu versus Old Li Ba, it would seem like two farmers bickering over a canal at the vige entrance.


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    The thunderous sound of the cannon rang out three times.


    The duel between the two eighth-realm swordsmen had officially begun!

 Chapter 534: The One Who Stood at the Pinnacle of the Dao of the Sword

    <h4>Chapter 534: The One Who Stood at the Pinnacle of the Dao of the Sword</h4>


    Though it was summer, snow began to fall suddenly over the capital of Yu.


    The snowkes fluttered down, growing denser by the moment, almost obscuring the view of the onlookers witnessing the ceremony. Each snowke thatnded on people''s skin caused a slight sting, imbued with the profound intent of a sword.


    This snowfall was caused by the two sword masters hovering in mid-air. Though their duel had yet to begin, the cold aura they exuded had already pierced the heavens, creating a deadly tension that spread in every direction.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea stood among them. He appeared as a sturdy, unassuming middle-aged man, with a broad, square face, dark, weathered skin, and a few wrinkles. His height was average and he looked like a in and simple man.


    His entire demeanor suited his humble name perfectly.


    Even though he appeared in and even slightly old-fashioned, the moment he ascended into the air under the gaze of countless onlookers, the awe-inspiring presence of a grandmaster radiated from.


    "Esteemed senior, it has been fifty years since ourst battle. I have not dared to ck for even a single day and have finallyprehended the true essence of your sword," the Sword Emperor of the West Sea said, his voice low enough for only the two of them to hear as he braved the fierce wind. "I seek your guidance once more."


    Opposite him hovered Old Li Ba, a short and chubby elder. His white robes only entuated the ws in his physique. When he smiled and squinted his eyes, there was something unsettling about him, almost perverted, like one of those old rascals who spent their days lounging by the door, leering at passing women.


    In the minds of the people, sword cultivators were always seen as figures in white robes, carrying swords and moving swiftly like the wind¡ªsharp and dashing. But with these two standing at the pinnacle of the Dao of the Sword, that image of sword cultivators in the immortal realm hit rock bottom. Not even the simrly aged Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, who stood nearby, could do anything to salvage the situation.


    "Heheh, no need for pleasantries," Old Li Ba said with a grin. "After ourst fight, I gained some insights too. Even though I''ve spent most of these years raising flowers, ying with birds, fishing, spanking my grandsons, and doting on my great-granddaughter... I''ve still made some progress. Just don''t cry when you lose this time."


    "You needn''t worry about that, esteemed senior. I have been practicing the art of sword my entire life and lost countless times. Even so, I''ve never once lost motivation," replied the Sword Emperor of the West Sea.


    "Then draw your sword and show me how far you''vee in these past fifty years," Old Li Ba said, gesturing with his hand.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea remained silent, but he didn''t reach for his sword. As a matter of fact, he had no sword at all. Instead, he raised his hand and gently plucked a snowke from the air.


    That tiny, crystalline snowke solidified in his palm, and with a flick of his finger, he sent it flying.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    With just a light flick, the snowke, barely visible to the naked eye, sliced through the air and instantly swept away all the surrounding snow. The clouds above parted, and the skies of the four domains emerged once more. The world suddenly became bright and clear.


    It was the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination!


    At that moment, every cultivator in the audience¡ªJiang Yuebai, Chu Liang, and all those who had mastered or even glimpsed the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination¡ªfelt a jolt in their hearts. For some reason, their blood suddenly boiled within their veins, surging with an inexplicable force.


    This was the power of those who had attained the Heavenly Origin. He was the absolute Dao Master of this Great Dao. He was the one in absolute control. Just a simple disy stirred the hearts of those who had merely glimpsed this path.


    Anyone who tried to oppose him using the same Great Dao would only suffer a powerful bacsh.


    In a sh, the snowke had reached Old Li Ba. His expression turned slightly more serious as he swept his right sleeve, forming his hands into the shape of a sword and shing through the void.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The sound of wind echoed, yet it seemed as though nothing had happened.


    The crystalline snowke quivered in mid-air, as if another force was trying to redirect its path. After a few flips, it shattered with a sharp bang.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea''s pupils dted slightly, and he let out a slow breath, clearly ufortable.


    This was the Great Dao of the Severing Void.


    Unlike the grand and overwhelming sword qi of the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination, the Severing Void focused on refining sword intent to such precision that it could cut through anything unnoticed.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea had suffered from this technique fifty years ago, and though he was still at a disadvantage right now, at least he managed to hold his ground.


    As he opened his hand and grasped the void, a nearly transparent swordlight appeared in his palm. After a brief probe, he finally drew his sword.


    The Sword-Hanging Kingdom was a small nation in the West Sea. Though It was an ind rich with sword culture, there was ack of resources. Their finest swordsmith, Baili Tong, only became famous aftering to the capital of Yu.


    In the Sword Emperor''s hand was the finest sword of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, ranked seventy-first in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures¡ªthe ancient sword, Shadow-Bearer.


    It was said that this sword was nearly invisible, revealing only a trace of its form at dawn and dusk. The sword qi it emitted was also transparent, making it impossible to guard against.


    "If I used the Chunyang Ancient Sword, that would be truly bullying," Old Li Ba said as heughed heartily. "Little Shiyi, lend Great-Grandpa your sword!"


    With a wave of his hand, a swordlight flew up from below and into his grip.


    In the audience, Li Shiyi from the Endless Sword Sect let out a surprised "Ah!"


    Her sword had already flown off from her back and into the sky. Her Taoshan Spirit Sword, ranked one hundred sixty-second in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, was a famous sword, though still a tier below the ancient sword Shadow-Bearer.


    However, at this level of a duel, such a difference in swords wouldn''t be enough to alter the oue.


    With swords in hand, the auras of the two masters of the Heavenly Origin<strong> </strong>immediately changed.


    They unleashed a fierceness that pierced the heavens, creating two dark holes in the once-azure sky, as if the sky itself couldn''t bear the overwhelming pressure.


    In fact, they had deliberately directed the overflow of their qi upward. Had they allowed it to spread in all directions, countlessmoners and low-level cultivators below would have been crushed to death.


    The Sword Emperor of the West Sea raised the Shadow-Bearer to the sky. The ancient sword floated before him, transforming into a massive swordlight!


    He performed the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    This was an immortal art that Chu Liang was familiar with, but it didn''t look like the version he knew.


    The way the Sword Emperor of the West Sea executed the technique seemed far too simple. There was no massive swordlight tearing through the sky, nor a trace of overwhelming sword qi. It was merely a slightly erged swordlight that was slowly pressing forward.


    It looked weakcking power, and moving at a sluggish pace.


    But for the first time, Old Li Ba''s expression turned serious.


    The slow-moving sword appeared as if it could be easily dodged with a simple sidestep, yet Old Li Ba found himself unable to escape its path. He had no choice but to sh head-on, swinging the Taoshan Spirit Sword in his hand to meet the attack head-on.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    When Old Li Ba struck with his sword, there was no change in light or shadow, yet it felt as if a portion of the sky had suddenly disappeared.


    The audience below suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over them, and countless people copsed to the ground. Even after regaining their senses, they were left confused, unable to grasp what had just happened.


    When they looked up again, they saw that the swordlight emitted by the Sword Emperor of the West Sea had been cleanly severed in half.


    Yet, the remaining half of the swordlight continued to advance toward Old Li Ba, undeterred by the earlier strike.


    With a sweep of hisrge sleeve, Old Li Ba absorbed the remaining swordlight into his sleeve. However, a sharp ripping sound followed, and half of his sleeve was torn apart, exposing his chubby arm.


    "Not bad," Old Li Ba said with a smile. "Your sword strike has improved greatly since thest time we fought."


    "I still lost," replied the Sword Emperor of the West Sea, though his eyes shone brightly, as if he were pleased. "Your sword intent can now slice heaven and earth... it resembles the momentum of Tai''a."


    "All Great Dao are without limits, especially among the Three Great Dao of the Sword," Old Li Ba chuckled.


    "Esteemed Senior, you are right," the Sword Emperor of the West Sea nodded, as though a new understanding had dawned on him.


    With that, he turned and descended onto the tform, dering, "I have lost."


    It was only then that the bewildered audience below grasped the oue of the duel. <i>The Sword Saint''s sleeve was torn, but he was the one who won?</i>


    They were not to be med for the confusion. In a duel between sword cultivators, victory or defeat could be decided in an instant. Not only could ordinary people fail to grasp what had happened, but even some Eminent Ones at the seventh realm might struggle toprehend the deeper mysteries behind such battles.


    Sitting beside the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner grasped the situation clearly. He said leisurely to the emperor, "Old Li Ba has made progress in his cultivation since hisst duel with the Sword Emperor. His improvement is just as impressive as the Sword Emperor''s."


    Old Li Ba''s attack and defense had just demonstrated two key points. On one hand, the Sword Emperor could not intercept Old Li Ba''s sword strike. On the other hand, Old Li Ba could handle the Sword Emperor''s sword strike.


    If Old Li Ba''s sword strike hadn''t been aimed at severing the swordlight but instead directed at the Sword Emperor himself, the Sword Emperor would have been injured at the very least. The fact that Old Li Ba could still absorb the remaining swordlight afterward showed that the Sword Emperor''s attack posed no threat to him at all.


    With this exchange, the Sword Emperor wisely chose to concede. After all, the Sword Emperor of the West Sea was the junior. Fifty years ago, Old Li Ba had already surpassed him in the cultivation of the Sword Dao. Even though both had made progress since then, the Sword Emperor was still outmatched. However, there was no shame in his defeat.


    Most of the audience below were citizens of the capital of Yu, and they naturally feel more supportive of the Endless Sword Sect of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. When the Sword Emperor of the West Sea lost, the crowd burst into cheers.


    Though most didn''t understand what had happened, they knew it had been something amazing. If they didn''t cheer now, it would be like admitting they didn''t get it, which would be embarrassing.


    The younger spectators were filled with excitement, watching these figures who stood at the pinnacle of the mortal world. Though they knew they couldn''t reach such heights themselves, their hearts still yearned for it.


    ...


    The long-anticipated sword duel ended rather quickly, but such was the nature of battles between sword cultivators. The winner was often determined by that one decisive strike. If these two Eminent Ones of the Heavenly Origin Realm had wanted to make the fight shy and spectacr, it wouldn''t have been difficult, but they had risen beyond the need to for such disys.


    Next, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner announced that the immortal sects would have three days of rest. The Competition of the Hundred Sects would begin at noon in three days. By then, everyone would be able to witness the entire event from the base of Emperor''s Mound.


    The following day, the family and friends of the Mount Shu Sect arrived.


    The imperial court had arranged amodations for the disciples participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, but not for those attending as spectators, so friends and family had to find their own lodgings. Since there hadn''t been anypetitions involving the Mount Shu Sect in the previous days, their fellow sect members hadn''t arrived yet.


    With the Competition of the Hundred Sects about to begin, disciples from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects also began arriving in the capital of Yu.


    Among them was Wen Yulong.


    Chu Liang hadn''t seen him in several months. Before the special training at Mount Shu had begun, Wen Yulong had gone into closed-door cultivation to work on modifying the airship.


    Now, as he emerged from his seclusion, he appeared noticeably thinner, but his eyes shone with a startling brightness.


    The moment he saw Chu Liang, he eximed excitedly, "Senior Brother Chu, your airship modifications are done!"

 Chapter 535: The New Airship

    <h4>Chapter 535: The New Airship</h4>


    In the wilderness near the outskirts of the capital of Yu, Chu Liang gazed excitedly at the massive airship before him.


    But as he continued to stare, his excitement faded into silence.


    With Chu Liang''s full support, Wen Yulong had worked tirelessly for months on the airship modifications, sparing no expense to achieve the vision he had in mind. Now, its exterior had beenpletely transformed.


    But...


    "Junior Brother Wen, I remember asking for... a color that looks neat," Chu Liang said slowly.


    The enormous airship before him was a patchwork of red, green, and purple,ing together like the colorful winter coats worn in the Northern Regions, making it particrly eye-catching.


    Compared to this, the previous dark, ink-ck color seemed much neater and more refined.


    "Heheh, Senior Brother Chu, you don''t quite grasp the secret behind these patches of colors," Wen Yulong said with a grin. "The original material, Crow Gold Iron, is already top-tier for airships, so altering it wasn''t an option. If I simply painted over it, the result would have been too in and simple. After giving it some thought, I added ayer of Mystical Hundred-Flower Paint on the surface. It''s a treasure that Taotie City had most recently produced and put up for sale!"


    "Just watch!" Wen Yulong eximed and then rushed into the cabin, clutching the activation medallion.


    With a loud rumble, he triggered the airship''s enchanted formation.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the spiritual qi surged, the airship''s colorful patchwork began to ripple, morphing into a smooth, water-like surface.


    Wen Yulong''s voice came from above, "As soon as you activate the spiritual qi, you can change the color to anything you like. It can even change to match the environment!"


    As he finished speaking, the airship''s exterior started to blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, gradually merging into thendscape. From a bird''s-eye view, it would be nearly impossible to detect. If it were soaring through the sky, it could shift to the blue of the heavens, rendering itpletely invisible to the naked eye.


    After the demonstration, Wen Yulong proudly jumped down. The moment the spiritual qi stopped flowing, the airship reverted to its original patches of color.


    "Well? What do you think?" asked Wen Yulong.


    "I didn''t expect such mystical abilities..." Chu Liang paused for a moment before replying, "Not bad."


    As long as the airship was powerful, its garish colors were something Chu Liang could live with. After all, a strong expert wearing shy clothes was still an expert, and a colorful luxury vehicle was still a luxury vehicle¡ªno need to be too picky. At least no one would recognize this airship as the one that once belonged to the Violet Gold Marquess. Even Hun Mengji wouldn''t be able to find her way back home, so the goal had been achieved.


    As Chu Liang boarded the airship with Wen Yulong, he asked, "What name did you give it?"


    Wen Yulong would name every enchanted tool he made. It was a tradition that had formed between the two of them. Now that the Dream of Souls Airship had been modified, it naturally needed a new name.


    Wen Yulong smiled and said, "Thanks to your support, Senior Brother Chu, I was able to modify it so freely. To show my gratitude, I''ve taken a character from each of our names. I''m calling it... the Lianglong!"


    <i>Pfft.</i>


    Oddly enough, the name of this second-hand airship matched its colorful design.


    The inside of the airship had undergone aplete transformation.


    Wen Yulong gestured with pride, exining, "As you requested, I''ve removed all the high-damage enchanted tools... and reced them with even more powerful ones."


    As he spoke, he pressed the medallion onto the enchanted formation and the airship came to life.


    "Those Soul-Suppressing Stone Statues are quite effective against ghastly creatures, so I left them onboard... and made a few enhancements."


    <i>Rumble.</i>


    With a loud rumble, four stone statues rose from the bow and stern, giving off a powerful aura that no ghastly creature could infiltrate.


    Then, Wen Yulong activated another mechanism.


    The stone statues'' eyes opened at the same time. This was something they couldn''t do before. Now, their eyes glowed with crimson gems, and with the activation of the enchanted formation, they opened their mouths and spewed ck Soul-Burning mes!


    <i>Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª</i>


    The mes spread across the sky, their intensity so fierce that Chu Liang''s heart raced. Anyone caught in those mes would have their soul scattered in an instant.


    With another quick gesture from Wen Yulong, the airship became encircled by golden electric dragons, crackling purple-ck lightning, and zing crimson-gold mes. The mes expanded into a protective sea of fire around the airship but could condense into a raging sword that thrust forward with deadly force!


    As the mes gathered, a thick pike extended from the bow of the airship.


    "This me Pike at the bow may only be ten zhang long, but if this pike were to ram into something while the airship was at full speed, it could hurt even a seventh-realm demonic beast," Wen Yulong said with confidence.


    Hearing this, Chu Liang caught something in his words. "You mean this airship could actually ram into a seventh-realm demonic beast when it''s at full speed?"


    If even a seventh-realm demonic beast couldn''t avoid it, just how fast could this airship be?


    "Heheh, now wee to the key part," Wen Yulong said with a grin. "To meet your request for more speed, I sought out several masters who specialize in these types of enchanted formations. In the end, I took it to a whole new level."


    <i>Rumble, rumble, rumble.</i>


    Wen Yulong activated the enchanted formation, and the airship began to lift off. "This formation operates in three tiers," he exined. "The first tier is powered by your own spiritual qi, giving it a speed simr to your usual wind-riding. The second tier would exhaust arge number of Spiritual Qi Jade Talisman, allowing the airship to almost reach the wind-riding speed of a seventh-realm Eminent One. As for the third tier, it instantly uses up all the stored jade talismans for a brief burst of extreme speed, covering a long distance."


    As he spoke, he elerated the airship, which shot forward with incredible speed, howling through the air.


    "That already requires a Spiritual Qi Jade Talisman?" Chu Liang asked, momentarily surprised.


    As the name suggested, the Spiritual Qi Jade Talisman stored spiritual qi within talismans, which enchanted tools could then consume.


    However, these talismans had to be specially crafted by cultivators and were quite expensive. Chu Liang had wondered how such powerful effects were achieved¡ªit turned out it was all thanks to the talismans.


    In other words, increasing the speed of this airship was essentially burning money¡ªand at an rmingly fast rate, too.


    It wasn''t that Chu Liang minded spending money, but a single Spiritual Qi Jade Talisman could buy a heap of Soul Ambrosia Incense. Under normal circumstances, he''d much rather ride Old Fei than waste talismans on the airship.


    "If you ever reach the seventh realm, you could power it with your own spiritual qi. But for now, that''s not possible," Wen Yulong added.


    "That''s enough testing. Let''s stop," Chu Liang said, abruptly shutting down the enchanted formation and pulling out the medallion.


    "No, don''t!" Wen Yulong suddenly shouted.


    "Hmm?"


    "I left a failsafe¡ªif you shut down the formation, the airship will assume that the operator has lost consciousness and immediately switch to the third-tier escape mode!" Wen Yulong exined.


    "Escape mode?" Chu Liang instantly recalled some unpleasant memories. "Could it be likest time...?"


    "Exactly like that!" Wen Yulong confirmed.


    As the two spoke, the top of the airship mmed shut with a thunderous noise, plunging them into darkness. The entire vessel, now resembling a shy multicolored coffin,unched forward with a bang!


    Back when Wen Yulong crafted the Green Leaf Enchanted Tool, it had a defensive mechanism that wrapped the user like a zongzi and propelled them into a high-speed escape. It seemed he had applied that same concept to the airship.


    He had certainly taken it to the next level.


    Fortunately, they hadn''t adjusted the direction beforehand, meaning the airship was likely flying downward and wouldn''t travel far before crashing into the ground.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    With a roar of wind and thunder, the airship abruptlyunched, sending the two aboard tumbling through the air. Momentster, it came to a halt.


    ...


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    After the airship''s lid popped open, Chu Liang climbed out, looking rather disheveled. He nced around and was relieved to find they were still in the wilderness. That was a relief¡ªhe had worried about crashing into some important ce, like the Imperial Family''s Ancestral Temple or even the capital of Yu itself. Surely, they would then think that he was a member of a diabolical sect.


    But soon, he heard a surprised voice, "Chu Liang?"


    Turning his head, he saw Xu Hongqiu, standing by the airship in her striking scarlet robes, staring at him in stunned disbelief.


    Chu Liang and Wen Yulong climbed out and jumped to the ground.


    "Miss Xu, what are you doing here?" Chu Liang asked.


    "This is the hill area behind my house..." Xu Hongqiu answered nkly. "My esteemed teacher said he was going to teach me a new formation, so he brought me here to practice..."


    So this was the hill area at the back of the Giant Whale Mountain Manor. Chu Liang had been here before.


    This ce was indeed close to the capital of Yu. Considering the distance, it made sense that the airship hadnded here.


    "Miss Xu, could it be that your esteemed teacher is none other than the world''s top formation specialist, Dong Futu?" Wen Yulong asked excitedly. "I''ve been wanting to meet him for a long time! Is he here?"


    As Chu Liang''s friend, Wen Yulong had naturally interacted with Xu Hongqiu before and was well aware of her prestigious background. For artificers like him, formations were crucial. In fact, the inscriptions for enchanted formations were arguably the most important part of any tool. After all, while materials were provided by the heavens, formation inscriptions had to be carefully crafted by one''s own hand.


    Thus, artificers held formation specialists in very high regard.


    During his work on the airship, he had even sought advice from several well-known formation experts.


    Upon hearing his words, Xu Hongqiu''s gaze slowly dropped to the airship, now half-embedded in the ground.


    Chu Liang and Wen Yulong followed her gaze downward. Their pupils dted simultaneously, and they exchanged a nce, each seeing a flicker of dread in the other''s eyes.


    Immediately, the airship began to rumble.


    <i>Puff¡ª</i>


    The brightly colored airship slowly rose, revealing a battered figure in the pit below¡ªa short middle-aged man who, after today, might appear even shorter. His already dark face was now cker than usual.


    Chu Liang had seen this man before. This was the man who had nearly killed Jiang Shenting using an evil and despicable formation.


    It was none other than Formation Sage Dong Futu!


    Dong Futu lifted the airship with one arm, forcing out a few words through his clenched teeth.


    "You little rascals... better sleep with your eyes open from now on..."

 Chapter 536: Competition of the Hundred Sects

    <h4>Chapter 536: Competition of the Hundred Sects</h4>


    "It was an ident, a total ident."


    Chu Liang and Wen Yulong stood with their backs straight, looking extremely well behaved as they faced the furious Dong Futu.


    With an even darker expression than before, Dong Futu threw the airship aside and glowered at the two unwee guests in front of him.


    He had been enjoying the breeze as he taught Xu Hongqiu. Then suddenly, this giant object came smashing down on him. No one would be in a good mood after that, especially not the famed Formation Sage¡ªa man who was treated with great respect wherever he went.


    Dong Futu looked at Chu Liang and furrowed his brows slightly. "You''re... Di Nufeng''s disciple?"


    "That''s right," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "We met herest time."


    "I''ll let you off. But it''s not because I''m not afraid of your teacher. It''s because you''re sworn brothers with Old Xu," Dong Futu grumbled.


    Then he turned his gaze to Wen Yulong.


    Chu Liang introduced Wen Yulong to Dong Futu. "Junior Brother Wen is the grandson of the Mount Shu Sect''s leader. He was the one who inscribed all the enchanted formations on the airship. Esteemed senior, if you find anything unsatisfactory, feel free to punish him."


    Dong Futu felt stifled again.


    After a long moment, Dong Futu waved his sleeve and said, "Forget it. I can''t be bothered to argue with you two."


    He hadn''t been hurt anyway, just startled when the airship crashed down on him. What he didn''t know was that he had Chu Liang to thank for retracting the powerful enchanted tools from the airship''s bow earlier. Otherwise, they would have gotten an unintended test of the destructive power of the airship''s third-tier formations against a seventh-realm Eminent One.


    Dong Futu swept his gaze over the massive airship. With his high mastery of enchanted formations, a quick nce was enough for him to understand all of the formation inscriptions.


    He let out a small gasp of surprise. "You inscribed all of the enchanted formations on this airship?"


    Dong Futu looked at Wen Yulong with a slightly doubtful expression.


    "Most of them..." Wen Yulong replied. "I''ve erased almost all of the original formation inscriptions."


    "<i>Hmm,</i> that''s quite interesting. The formations themselves are quite basic, but thebinations are quite ingenious," Dong Futu remarked, slowly breaking into a smile. "You''ve got some real talent, kid."


    Wen Yulong beamed with joy at receiving Dong Futu''s recognition. "Thank you for your praise, esteemed senior."


    Seeing that the timing was right, Chu Liang spoke up for Wen Yulong. "Junior Brother Wen is truly gifted, but unfortunately, we don''t have any formation specialists at Mount Shu, so Junior Brother Wen has no one to learn from. Esteemed senior, if you see potential in him, perhaps you could offer him some guidance in the future?"


    Dong Futu snorted. "<i>Hmph. </i>You sure are quick to seize the moment. You just hit me with that thing, and now you want me to teach him?"


    "Esteemed senior, you''re such a magnanimous person. Since you said you''d let us off, you naturally wouldn''t dwell on what happened earlier," Chu Liang replied with a bow.


    "<i>Haha,</i>" Dong Futu chuckled and shook his head. Then he turned to Wen Yulong and said, "I''ll be in the capital of Yu during the Assembly of Immortal Sects, so you cane find me. I''ll teach you some formations that are useful for tool-making... so we can avoid this kind of ident in the future."


    Naturally, Dong Futu was excited that he had met a prodigy with the same interest as him. The Formation Sage had many disciples, but they were mostly like Xu Hongqiu and only used enchanted formations to assist them in battle. It was rare to find someone with such exceptional talent and a desire to delve deeply into the art of enchanted formations. Upon meeting this creative genius Wen Yulong, Dong Futu felt inclined to impart his knowledge on enchanted formations to the prodigy.


    In any case, Dong Futu was a rogue Eminent One. Since he did not belong to a sect, it wasmon for him to spread his teachings to disciples in various immortal sects. It wouldn''t be an issue for him to teach Wen Yulong.


    Dong Futu wasn''t exceptionally powerful andcked a strong sect behind him, but he had a vastwork of connections within the immortality cultivation world. If the need ever arose, he could garner assistance from those connections.


    Wen Yulong quickly expressed his gratitude. "Thank you so much, esteemed senior!"


    Who would''ve thought that crashing the airship would help him gain a formation master as a mentor?


    Seeing that, Chu Liang smiled. Wen Yulong usually spent his time meticulously researching all kinds of crazy and bizarre things, rather than focusing on conventional cultivation. That was why his cultivation level andbat ability hadn''t improved much. If he could build a bond with Dong Futu and learn from him, there was no doubt that it would be immensely beneficial for Wen Yulong.


    After Dong Futu let the two young men leave, Chu Liang told Wen Yulong, "When the timees, I''ll cover the costs. You should buy some expensive gifts. Don''t visit him empty-handed."


    "Senior Brother Chu..." Wen Yulong replied, deeply moved. "Seriously. Thank you so much."


    "No problem. Once you''re sessful, I''ll just deduct it from your future earnings," Chu Liang said casually.


    Wen Yulong uttered, "Oh."


    ...


    A few days passed by. Di Nufeng, Shang Ziliang, Lin Bei, and the rest of the family and friends of the Mount Shu Sect team arrived in the capital of Yu. The second round of the Assembly of Immortal Sects was finally about to begin!


    Midway up the Emperor''s Mound, spectator stands with canopies had been set up for the officials of the imperial court and members of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Meanwhile, manymoners had brought stools and nkets to watch the event from the foot of the mountain. Some even brought their elders and children over too, forming a sea of people.


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects had three rounds, each with entirely different rules. The first round, the Great Selection of the Four Seas, was a simple elimination tournament. The second round, the Competition of the Hundred Sects, was a wild and intense battle inside a hidden realm, where they would fight to kill.


    Immortal Jiuyi of the Fog-Hidden Sect would activate the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, a legendary artifact, and transform the event venue into an illusory realm. The mirror had a mystical power¡ªeverything reflected in it could be real inside the illusory hidden realm.


    All the participants would be reflected in the mirror and sent into the illusory realm, where they could fight and kill without holding back. Anyone who got killed would not actually die; they would just be eliminated from the illusory realm. Their soul would suffer some minor damage, but that was about it.


    They would not leave a corpse behind in the illusory realm. Instead, there would be a drop¡ªa soul crystal.


    The Competition of the Hundred Sects wouldst for seven days, with two possible oues for the end.


    The first oue was that thepetition would end early if the number of teams had reduced to ten before the seven days were up. The second oue was that if more than ten teams remained at the end of the seven days, the top ten teams would be determined based on the number of soul crystals they collected. The ten teams with the highest number of soul crystals would advance to the third round.


    Nevertheless, it was rare for thepetition to end early. The illusory realm was vast. As long as there were a few teams that were more powerful than the rest, most of the other teams would likely choose to y it safe and hide from them.


    In short, they would lie low. This strategy dyed the conclusion of thepetition.


    However, if most teams were of simr levels in strength and actively sought out prey, the fights would be extremely intense and bloody. That could then lead thepetition to an early end.


    An extreme case of the first oue had urred at an Assembly of Immortal Sects sixty years ago.


    At that time, the Mount Shu Sect''s team was overwhelmingly strong, with even the second-ce team being far weaker than them. Almost all the teams chose to hide. What was meant to be a free-for-all became more like a game of hide-and-seek, with the Mount Shu Sect team as the hunter.


    Numerous teams tried to form an alliance to take on the Mount Shu Sect team together. However, their alliance broke on their first encounter with the Mount Shu Sect team. Ultimately, they were left with no choice but to flee in defeat and go back into hiding. Whichever team the Mount Shu Sect team found first would be the first to get eliminated.


    By the end of those seven days, many of the cultivators from that generation emerged traumatized. At night, they would often dream of Di Nufeng''s sinisterughter and wake up in terror.


    After that Assembly of Immortal Sects, the Mount Shu Sect''s representative team was always "well taken care of" by the other sects. Otherwise, they probably wouldn''t have experienced such miserable results in the four consecutive assemblies that followed.


    ...


    Everything that was reflected in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was projected onto a light curtain, allowing spectators to view thepetition from Immortal Jiuyi''s perspective. They could watch everything that transpired inside the illusory realm.


    The spectators were buzzing with anticipation, and excited chatter filled the air at the foot of the Emperor''s Mound.


    Midway up the Emperor''s Mound, Immortal Jiuyi stood up with the watchful eyes of the massive crowds focused on him. He wore flowing white robes with wide sleeves that fluttered in the wind. His long hair flew freely, framing his thin, middle-aged face. He had long, narrow eyebrows and bright eyes, highlighted by the faint glow of divine light shrouding him. There seemed to be an ethereal quality about him.


    Among the sect leaders of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, he was by far the most popr. It was due to his entric and unrestrained personality, which had remained unchanged since his youth.


    It was said that as a child, he enjoyed leaping through valleys without clothes on, seeking the ways of ancient deities¡ªa habit that he continued to this day. He also loved music and often volunteered to sing at the performances of South Melody Conservatory students, despite being tone deaf and extremely unpleasant to listen to. He wielded the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, yet he treated it with far less caution than the other sect leaders did with their treasures.


    Immortal Jiuyi would often travel the world, drinking with strangers. When he was in a good mood, he''d let them have some fun in the illusory realm. He was also known to pull pranks¡ªlike tugging on the beards of Daoists or tapping on the bald heads of monks. Then when they got angry, he would hide in the Divine Mirror and have a goodugh at them...


    Countless stories like these had spread over the past hundred years.


    Seeing Immortal Jiuyi stand up, the spectators erupted in excitement, as they knew this meant the illusory realm was about to be opened!


    Sure enough, with a wave of his sleeve, a golden, glowing apparition of the Divine Mirror appeared above the Emperor''s Mound. As the apparition gradually solidified, the fog swirling within it dissipated, revealing a bird''s-eye view of a vastndscape.


    In the past, participants in the Competition of the Hundred Sects were randomly sent into the illusory realm. However, the sects realized that luck yed too big a role. Those whonded near stronger teams were at a severe disadvantage.


    As a result, the rules were changed. Now, thendscape would be revealed first, allowing the teams to see the terrain and choose which area they wanted tond in. Luck would still y a role, but at least the decision of where tond would be their own.


    Additionally, the areas reflected in the Divine Mirror were different each year. It could perhaps be a grasnd, a mountain range, or even a city. This ensured that no one would be able to prepare for the second round by relying on prior experiences. The teams only had a short time to choose the area they wouldnd in.


    On a clearing on the side of the Emperor''s Mound, the teams of disciples were ready to go. The representative disciples of the hundred sects sat cross-legged, holding their breath and focusing their minds as they waited to be summoned by the Divine Mirror.


    As they gazed at thendscape reflected in the mirror, everyone began to contemte their choices.


    "This map..." Chu Liang stared at the scene before him, feeling a sense of familiarity. "It looks like Misty Waters City near the East Sea."


    Xu Ziyang nodded. "Indeed, it''s quite aplex area."


    To the east of Misty Waters City was the East Sea, and slightly to the north was ck Whale Mountain. Then on the west side, it was a stretch of hills and ins. The map included all these diverse terrains.


    Everything reflected in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was a true representation of the real world. In this case, it was identical to Misty Waters City, except for the absence of people.


    Ling Ao said, "The strong teams will probably choose the city. We''ll be in there for seven days after all. It would be morefortable in the city. The fights will definitely be the fiercest in the city."


    "The weaker teams might just choose the sea," Chu Liang joked. "They could spend all seven days soaking in the water."


    Jiang Yuebai suggested, "Then we should choose a hill."


    There were many hills to the west of Misty Waters City, making that area a rtively neutral and safe option. After all, this Assembly of Immortal Sects was crucial for the Mount Shu Sect. Their top priority was to secure a spot in the top ten. Therefore, everything had to be done with caution.


    After deciding on their n, they waited a moment longer. Then the Divine Mirror emitted hundreds of beams of golden light, enveloping all of the participants.


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    A golden scroll slowly unfurled before their eyes.

 Chapter 537: Encounter With a Loner

    <h4>Chapter 537: Encounter With a Loner</h4>


    "It''s starting, it''s starting! The betting window is closing soon. If you don''t ce your bets now, you''ll miss out!"


    At the foot of the mountain, a betting stand had been set up by a reputable bookmaker[1] from Taotie City, specifically for the cultivators of the immortal sects.


    A hundred wooden paddles were hung on the wall behind him, inscribed with the names and odds of the sects participating in the Competition of the Hundred Sects. The bets were on which teams would make it into the top ten.


    At that moment, a young man with thick eyebrows and an aura filled with exuberant yang qi strolled over, ncing at the odds on the wall.


    He eximed, "Wow! You''ve got the Peni Supreme Sect at 30-to-1 and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals at 10-to-1... but Mount Shu Sect is at 3-to-1? That''s crazy! And Earthfire Sect is even worse at 1-to-1."


    "<i>Heheh</i>, we base our odds on past performances and the current disciples'' potential. The Mount Shu Sect hasn''t made the top ten in four consecutive assemblies, and with so many strongpetitors this time, their odds of winning are naturally lower," the bookmaker exined. "But if you believe in the Mount Shu Sect, you''re wee to ce a bet for an upset!"


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" The young man grinned. "Of course, I will. I''m just worried you won''t be able to pay up when the timees."


    "Don''t worry. We''ve been running the Azure Dragon Betting Parlor for two hundred years. Our reputation is solid," the bookmaker assured. "We have arge establishment in Taotie City. If we can''t pay, we''ll give you the whole betting parlor."


    "All right." The young man nodded and handed over a jade talisman. "I''ll bet it all on the Mount Shu Sect."


    The bookmaker was very experienced, yet when he held the jade talisman, he was so shocked that his gaze wavered. "This... this much?"


    "Yep, that much. Do you dare take it?" the young man asked.


    "Well... let me check," the bookmaker said, cing the jade talisman down.


    He rushed to the back and used an enchanted tool to contact someone.


    After a while, he ran back to the young man with a smile. "Our boss says we''ll take any amount. If you win, we guarantee that you''ll be paid in full."


    The bookmaker then handed the young man a bamboo slip marked with a seal.


    The young man turned and walked away. There were many eyes on him, curious about the identity of the young man who had surprised the bookmaker.


    A beautiful female cultivator approached the young man and struck up a conversation. "Young hero, which sect are you from? That bet you ced really startled the bookmaker!"


    "<i>Heheheh,</i>" the young manughed. "It''s just a bit of pocket money. I''m just ying around."


    "As for me..." he said, flipping his hair back, "I''m known in the martial world as the Mount Shu Sect''s most romantic man¡ªLin Bei."


    ...


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    When the summons of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams ended and the golden light dissipated, the four representatives from the Mount Shu Sect truly did find themselves on a lush, green hillside.


    Recalling thendscape that had shed in their minds earlier, they confirmed that this was indeed the hill in the rolling ins that Jiang Yuebai had chosen.


    "Let''s proceed ording to the n. I''ll go scout the area," Chu Liang told his teammates. "You three follow me but keep a safe distance. Be ready to support me at any moment. We''ll clear the area around this hill first."


    "Got it," Jiang Yuebai replied with a nod. Gazing at Chu Liang, she said, "Be extra careful."


    Chu Liang smiled. "Don''t worry."


    With that, he leaped into the air and darted off.


    The four of them had trained many times in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm for situations like this. They had also sparred with senior disciples of their sect and learned many valuable lessons from them.


    In the Competition of the Hundred Sects, it was crucial for the participants to gather information on their surroundings. A cultivator''s divine sense had its limits, and the range of detection was roughly the same for cultivators at the same realm. Once someone spotted their opponent, it usually meant their opponent had spotted them too.


    This was why experienced teams would send out a scout to act as the team''s arrowhead, scouting ahead in every direction they intended to go. Doing that extended the team''s range of detection. If the scout encountered strong enemies or unforeseen danger, they could ry the information back in time, allowing most of the group to avoid the crisis.


    These insights had been passed down through generations of disciples. This was one of the advantages of being from an established immortal sect. New sects participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects for the first time often suffered due to not having that advantage.


    For instance, there was a team like that not far ahead of Chu Liang.


    The Wandering Deities Temple was an ancient Daoist temple just outside the capital of Yu. A thousand years ago, this temple enjoyed a brilliant reputation and renown. However, the temple''s reputation had since been in decline for a long time, with no powerful cultivators emerging in nearly a millennium.


    This year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects was different though. Ten years ago, one of the temple''s disciples discovered a hidden realm behind a statue and unearthed the long-lost second volume of their sect''s cultivation manual, the Wandering Deities Art. With theplete cultivation manual, the current generation of disciples made soaring progress in their cultivation and charged into the Competition of the Hundred Sects for the first time.


    When the Wandering Deities Temple''s team chose theirnding spot, they had opted for safety and selected a hill in the ins¡ªthe same one Jiang Yuebai had chosen. It wasn''t umon for multiple teams to choose the samending spot.


    The four Daoist monks from the Wandering Deities Temple had the same idea as the Mount Shu Sect team¡ªto first clear the area around the hill first. However, unlike the Mount Shu Sect team, the four Daoist monks chose to move together.


    Soon after, they detected a figure approaching them swiftly.


    "Someone''s all alone?" one of the younger Daoist monks chuckled. "That''s practically a free soul crystal being delivered to us!"


    "Do not underestimate the enemy," the team''s leader cautioned. "Get into formation. We''ll start things off with him!"


    ...


    As the scout, Chu Liang naturally detected the presence of the four Daoist monks within the range of his divine sense. Nevertheless, instead of alerting his teammates, he decided to face them alone.


    The Wandering Deities Temple served the Day and Night Wandering Deities. Their cultivation art, the Wandering Deities Art, allowed their monks to call upon the power of those deities, giving them vastly different abilities during the day and night.


    During the day, they invoked the Day Wandering Deity. They would be monstrously ferocious and immensely strong and muscr. At night, they invoked the Night Wandering Deity. They would gain heightened senses and the ability to move stealthily without a trace.


    Since it was currently daytime, they received a boost inbat power from the Day Wandering Deity.


    Yet, Chu Liang showed no fear. He flew straight toward them. In the blink of an eye, he arrived before the four Daoist monks.


    <i>I''ve waited so long for this day. It''s finally here. I''ll start this Competition of the Hundred Sects with you!</i> Chu Liang thought.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Seeing Chu Liang charge at them alone, the Daoist monks from the Wandering Deities Temple were surprised. They assumed he was merely bait and that his teammates would spring out once he got close. As a precaution, two of the Daoist monks positioned themselves on the sides to guard against an ambush.


    However, Chu Liang simply charged over,nding right in front of the two Daoist monks in the middle with a resounding crash.


    Chu Liang was shrouded in zing qi mes. It was clear that he was running his Qi-Cirction Technique at full force; his foundational qi was circting at the maximum cirction speed!


    "How bold!"


    The two young Daoist monks in front of Chu Liang furrowed their eyebrows and activated the hand seals they had prepared in advance.


    <i>Thud, crack.</i>


    Thunderous sounds rang out from them as they transformed into incarnates of the Day Wandering Deity, growing taller andrger. They each thrust a hand toward Chu Liang in unison, attacking with a palm strike¡ªTwo Spirits Strike the Gate!


    Blood mes and whistling winds curled around theirs. If their strikes were tond, even a small mountain would tremble from the massive force they contained.


    Yet, Chu Liang didn''t dodge at all.


    <i>So, you think you''re strong? Let''s see who''s stronger.</i>


    He threw his fists forward, meeting the Daoist monks'' palm strikes head-on. Chu Liang was taking the two monks on alone!


    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>


    The hill they stood on did indeed tremble, and the ground cracked beneath them. Chu Liang''s fists mmed against the iron palms of the two Day Wandering Deity incarnates, yet he didn''t take a single step back.


    On the other hand, a tremor ran up from the hands of the two Day Wandering Deity incarnates to their shoulders, apanied by the cracking sound of shattering bone. They lost.


    Over the past few months, Chu Liang had made further progress in the White Dragon''s cultivation legacy, advancing to the third realm. His strength had now reached a level that no physical cultivator at the same realm could ever reach.


    The Day Wandering Deity incarnates were extremely strong, but they could not subdue this humanoid True Dragon!


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    With just one strike, Chu Liang severely injured the two incarnates of the Day Wandering Deity.


    As the other two Daoist monks closed in, crimson-gold mes suddenly ignited all over the two injured Day Wandering Deity incarnates. This was Divine Dragon Fire!


    It turned out that when Chu Liang punched their palms earlier, his fists had been enveloped in mes.


    He had learned this move from Di Nufeng. It was abination of divine fire and overwhelming strength. If the punches were not enough to kill the opponent, the fire would. If the fire didn''t work, then the punches surely would in the end...


    At this point, Chu Liang''s fighting style was like the poor man''s version of Di Nufeng''s fighting style.


    Many cultivators might use their foundational qi to defend themselves against the divine fire. However, the impact of a heavy strike would often disperse the foundational qi and allow the fire to burn the cultivators even more quickly, crippling theirbat abilities.


    As the two injured Day Wandering Deity incarnates cried out in pain from the Divine Dragon Fire, Chu Liang followed up with another punch, sending them crashing to the ground.


    By the time the remaining two Daoist monks arrived, theirpanions had already burned to death and disappeared.


    Chu Liang was once again facing two opponents alone, but no one would think he was at a disadvantage.


    He roared as he swung his right fist at the Day Wandering Deity incarnate on the left. The punch caused the Daoist monk to explode in midair, dying the grass red.


    Seeing that Chu Liang had his back turned, the Day Wandering Deity incarnate on the right thought it was his chance to attack. He raised his iron fist, wrapped in zing blood mes, and swung it at Chu Liang.


    But in the next moment, Chu Liang vanished.


    Instead, a figure that was like the god of devils appeared behind the young Daoist monk. The terrifying heat and pressure at his back made him realize what had happened.


    <i>It''s Dimension Compression.</i>


    <i>That''s quite shameless.</i>


    <i>Weren''t wepeting with our strength and trading punches? Why did you suddenly use an immortal art?</i>


    <i>This isn''t very fair.</i>


    As that thought crossed the young Daoist monk''s mind, a deafening explosion rang out. He did not get to hear it though.


    The Wandering Deities Temple team was eliminated. The four Daoist monks hadn''t evensted a quarter of an hour in the Competition of the Hundred Sects.


    Chu Liang had wiped them out alone. They were swift and clean kills. There were no bodies left on the ground, just four gleaming purple soul crystals.


    Chu Liang withdrew his Divine Dragon Fire and shook his hands.


    <i>My teacher''s methods are simple, crude, and brutal, but they are undeniably effective.</i>


    Right then, Chu Liang received a message on the United Hearts Jade. His teammates had likely sensed themotion on his end.


    [Jiang Yuebai]: "Is everything okay? Need any help?"


    [Chu Liang]: "No need. I ran into four guys out here alone. I''ve already taken care of them."


    1. A person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets ?

 Chapter 538: Whats There to Talk About

    <h4>Chapter 538: What''s There to Talk About</h4>


    Although Chu Liang had performed excellently by eliminating an entire team on his own, it did not stir up too big of a wave. After all, he was not the only one who had made such achievements. Many strong teams had efficiently eliminated those around them the moment theynded.


    This included the team from the Peni Supreme Sect.


    As the most powerful immortal sect in the world, the Peni Supreme Sect had obviously made choices that aligned with their status. With a sh of brilliance, the four of them appeared on the main street of Misty Waters City.


    At the end of the street, the silhouettes of people from another team could be seen, and atop a nearby pavilion, figures also emerged.


    In this eastern section of Misty Waters City, within visible range alone, there were already three teams gathered.


    It was unclear whether the other two teams were confident enough to fight their way out of Misty Waters City or if they were simply gambling on the chance that no one else would also make a sneaky move andnd here. Regardless of the reasons, when they saw the team from the Peni Supreme Sect, they were stunned.


    "Go on," said Yang Shenlong. "You may do whatever your heart desires."


    "Heh," Qi Lin''er chuckled wickedly, a gleam of excitement and cruelty shing in his eyes.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    In the blink of an eye, he shot forward like an unleashed wild dog, racing toward the team at the end of the street. In just a few shes, he had arrived before them!


    One against four!


    The team on the rooftop wanted to seize this opportunity to turn back and escape.


    But then, they saw Xi Miaoxian alreadynding on the rooftop with her robes fluttering in the air. She was beautiful as always. With a gentle smile, she sent forth a talisman brimming with deadly intent.


    It was the Talisman of Life Destruction, a powerful talisman she had acquired from the Celestial Talisman Master''s Hidden Realm. After countless rituals to refine it, she could finally unleash the talisman''s exceptional power, and nothing could stand in its path!


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    She swept past with the Talisman of Life Destruction, and it grazed the cultivator who couldn''t dodge in time. Instantly, the cultivator copsed, leaving behind only a soul crystal on the ground as his lifeforce was snuffed out in a sh.


    The remaining three tried to flee, but the green tiles beneath their feet seemed to stretch endlessly, turning the rooftop into an inescapable path. No matter how they leapt or struggled, they couldn''t break free from the confines of the roof!


    When they turned, swords in hand, ready to fight Xi Miaoxian to the death, they found that she had vanished, reced by the Talisman of Life Destruction. It dawned on them that Xi Miaoxian had swapped ces with the talisman¡ªshe was now standing where the talisman had been. Through the masterful execution of this illusion, they werepletely trapped.


    Xi Miaoxian came from Yingzhou, one of the three inds of Peni. She was always great at using illusion, stealth, and maniption techniques, but when it came to direct fighting and killing, she wasn''t as strong. This Talisman of Life Destruction perfectlypensated for this weakness.


    In no time, she trapped the remaining three cultivators and took them down with the Talisman of Life Destruction. The fight was over in seconds.


    By the time she returned, Qi Lin''er was already back at the original spot, waiting for her.


    "Let''s clean out this city first," Yang Shenlong said calmly.


    It was as if the two victories they had just secured were barely worth mentioning.


    In truth, for him, they probably weren''t.


    Before Yang Shenlong even spoke, Yang Yuhu had already unleashed a swarm of white Mirage Flutterbugs, glowing like tiny stars as they drifted on the wind. These bugs, native to the ind of Peni, spread swiftly through the entire city in mere moments.


    "There are sixteen teams in the city," Yang Yuhu then reported. "Nine are now fighting. The rest are hiding."


    "We''ll split up," Yang Shenlongmanded. "First, track down the ones in hiding. As for those fighting, let them finish their fights. We''ll collect their soul crystals afterward."


    At hismand, the three moved in perfect harmony, each shooting off in a different direction.


    Meanwhile, Yang Shenlong casually strolled down the street.


    ...


    In the Competition of the Hundred Sects, each immortal sect went with different strategies.


    Some teams began by aggressively hunting for soul crystals, while others chose to lie low amid the chaos, quietly observing and conserving their strength, waiting to fight for the soul crystals at ater time.


    By then, defeating a single team would be enough to im all the soul crystals they had gathered, essentially letting others do the hard work while they swooped in to reap the rewards in one decisive strike.


    Earlier, Chu Liang had mentioned that weaker teams might head to the sea, but strong teams could make the same choice. At this moment, the four members of Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals were quietly drifting on a small boat across the calm waters.


    In addition to Zhuge Guanxing and Situ Guanhai, whom Chu Liang had met before, the other two were Li Guanlong, the leader of this team, and Song Guanchao, the youngest member of the team.


    Li Guanlong wore yellow robes, with a broad forehead and strong features that gave him a sturdy look. His hair was tied up in a topknot with a yellow ribbon, and he sat facing away from his junior brothers.


    At the back of the boat sat Song Guanchao, who had just turned seventeen. He was a fair-skinned and thin young man, appearing young and naive.


    Song Guanchao muttered, "Isn''t this a bit embarrassing? We''re one of the Divine Nine immortal sects, and yet we''re hiding out at sea..."


    "We''re just saving our strength. What if we rushed out and ran into the team from the Peni Supreme Sect right away?" Li Guanlong calmly replied. "No need to rush. Let me check the surroundings first."


    With that, he closed his eyes and ced two fingers on his forehead.


    A long moment passed.


    "Senior Brother, how''s it looking?" Song Guanchao asked.


    "Maybe things are bad," Situ Guanhai remarked.


    After a moment of silence, Zhuge Guanxing suddenly said, "Did he fall asleep again?"


    Situ Guanhai quickly moved forward to check. "Damn, he really did."


    When Li Guanlong was young, he had a fortuitous encounter and identally swallowed a Curse Insect of Dreams that had existed since ancient times. ording to legends, this was a spirit curse insect that could take immortals on divine, dreamlike journeys. However, it had been sealed for countless years, and its mystical powers were now uncertain.


    Because of this curse insect, Li Guanlong learned to cultivate in his dreams, which led to rapid progress in his cultivation. However, the side effect was quite obvious. He would just fall asleep at any time.


    "Senior Brother, wake up." The junior brothers teamed up to shake him awake.


    "Huh?" Li Guanlong jolted awake, blinking in confusion. "Why are you guys pushing me?"


    The other three were left speechless. After a moment of awkward silence, one of them finally spoke up, "Weren''t you supposed to be checking the surroundings?"


    "No, there''s nothing around here," Li Guanlong said, shaking his head. "I''ve already checked almost half of the illusory realm. We''repletely safe for now. All the intense fighting is happening elsewhere. Let''sy low for two or three days before we start hunting for soul crystals."


    "Wait here for two or three days?" Song Guanchao groaned. "That''s way too boring!"


    "No worries, I came prepared." Li Guanlong pulled out a square box and opened it to reveal neatly arranged mahjong tiles. "No wonder the Mount Shu Sect loves this game. I tried it out¡ªit''s actually pretty fun. Once we start ying, two or three days will fly by."


    "Speaking of which..." Zhuge Guanxing smiled slightly.


    "Don''t use any of your divination tricks here. Let''s rely on skill," Situ Guanhai quickly interrupted.


    And so, the four disciples of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals set up a small table on the boat and started ying mahjong.


    "Senior Brother, put out a tile already. Why are you taking so long?"


    "He fell asleep again!"


    "..."


    "Wait, no rush to wake him up. Let''s take a look at his tiles first," Situ Guanhai suggested.


    ...


    Through the giant mirror of light atop the Emperor''s Mount, Immortal Jiuyi first checked on the situation of the teams from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. When the crowd saw the team from the Peni Supreme Sect, they all gasped in amazement, which was expected. But when they saw the team from the Mount Shu Sect, they reacted with surprise, clearly not expecting them to be so strong. Then, when the team from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals showed up, the crowd couldn''t help butugh.


    Immortal Jiuyi remained unfazed, showing no concern over the public disy of his sect members'' embarrassing actions¡ªor perhaps he didn''t see them as embarrassing at all.


    However, the two elders from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, sitting nearby, were grinding their teeth in frustration.


    <i>Of all times to y mahjong, did they really have to choose the once-in-twelve-years Competition of the Hundred Sects? Was it really that urgent?</i> <i>Do you not realize the entire world will be talking about this? And you''re ying so terribly on top of it!</i>


    On the same row as the seats reserved for the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, just a short distance away, were the seats for the members of the imperial court.


    To the emperor''s left sat a noblewoman adorned with pearls and jade, graceful and poised¡ªit was none other than Empress Wu.


    Perhaps in an effort to dispel the recent swirling rumors in the capital of Yu, the emperor and Empress Wu attended the event hand in hand, appearing deeply affectionate.


    The Competition of the Hundred Sects wouldst for seven days, but the emperor usually only attended the first andst days, and there was no need to bring his family along. However, this time he was apanied by the empress, which was likely a deliberate choice.


    Not far away sat the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, his expression calm andposed. Behind him, officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau were constantly on the move, frequentlying forward to report updates.


    For those familiar with previous Assemblies of the Immortal Sects, it would be clear that there was a noticeablyrger presence of personnel from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau and Night Dragon Hall around Emperor''s Mound this year¡ªand that was just what was visible on the surface.


    Due to an earlier report from the Mount Shu Sect, the imperial court had learned that the West Sea Diabolical Forces might try to disrupt this Assembly of the Immortal Sects, and it would be a significant move. As a result, the imperial court had been on high alert. Though everything appeared normal on the surface, powerful undercurrents were stirring beneath.


    At first, they suspected that the diabolical cultivators might strike during the earlier sword duel between the Eminent Ones, given the longstanding blood feud between the West Sea Diabolical Forces and the Sword-Hanging Kingdom. It was highly likely they would attempt to ambush the Sword Emperor of the West Sea.


    Thus, the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had specifically warned the two Eminent Ones not to overexert themselves to avoid being caught off guard in a weakened state.


    However, the diabolical cultivators did not make a move that day.


    From that point onward, it became difficult to predict when the diabolical forces would make their move. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau could only respond by increasing their personnel and tightening security in the surrounding area.


    The members from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, seated in the spectator stands, had also noticed something was off. Even those unaware of the specifics could sense the growing tension in the atmosphere.


    Amidst the seats reserved for the members of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, two elderly men exchanged nces.


    One of them, being a schr dressed in traditional robes with a round belly, muttered softly, "Something feels off, doesn''t it?"


    The other man, with a ruddyplexion and a warm smile, waved it off. "The Imperial Supervisory Bureau is on high alert. Even if something is wrong, nothing bad will happen."


    These two were none other than Old Sun and Old Huang, who had previously shown up at the Mount Shu Summit.


    Old Sun was a distinguished figure from Ascending Dragon Academy, while Old Huang served as an elder of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion. Both were highly regarded individuals with many years of experience. Now, seated in the spectator stands, they found themselves surrounded by others. Every gesture they made attracted attention, so theymunicated discreetly through voice transmission.


    At that moment, someone nearby jokingly asked, "So, Old Huang, which sect do you think will win this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects?"


    "Haha..." Old Huang stroked his beard with a smile. "Well, if you''re asking me, I''d naturally want my own sect, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, to win. But aside from that, I''m quite fond of Jiang Yuebai from the Mount Shu Sect, Xi Miaoxian from the Peni Supreme Sect, and Shen Qingyan from the South Melody Conservatory..."


    "They are asking who you think will win, not who you think looks good," Old Sun interrupted sarcastically.


    "What''s the difference?" Old Huang shrugged. "I want them to win, don''t I? But if you''re asking about strength, everyone already knows the Peni Supreme Sect will win. There is nothing to debate about this."


    "Have you already forgotten the lesson you learned at the Mount Shu Summit? And you''re still making such bold ims?" Old Sun retorted. "I think the Mount Shu Sect might just surprise everyone this year."


    "Let''s see if the Mount Shu Sect team even makes it to the top ten first," Old Huang said as he shook his head with a chuckle. "I''d love for Jiangjiang to restore the Mount Shu Sect''s glory as the head disciple, but we can''t ignore the power of the Peni Supreme Sect. You clearly don''t know Yang Shenlong well enough."


    "I guess I''ll just have to see for myself..." Old Sun started, but his gaze suddenly shifted. "<i>Huh?</i>"

 Chapter 539: The Sharpest Sabers

    <h4>Chapter 539: The Sharpest Sabers</h4>


    The sky was clear, scattered with white clouds. Without warning, dark clouds gathered, and a storm swept in with fierce winds and heavy rain.


    The weather in the illusory realm shifted wildly¡ªwind, frost, rain, and snow striking without warning, likely designed to force the disciples of the immortal sects to fight in every kind of environment


    Thunderstorms had little effect on cultivators of this cultivation; at most, walking in the rain was mildly ufortable.


    Chu Liang pushed forward through the rain. After dealing with the Daoist monks from Wandering Deities Temple on the hilltop earlier, he and his team pressed on, sweeping through nearby hilltops as they moved farther from Misty Waters City.


    If they kept to the t ins, they''d be easily spotted by the enemies ahead. Chu Liang slowed his pace, careful not to miss anything, while Jiang Yuebai and the others followed at a distance, keeping their formation.


    At that moment, Chu Liang detected another figure through his divine sense.


    It was a young man in ck, sprinting across the ins. The moment Chu Liang spotted him, the young man seemed to have noticed him as well.


    They reacted simultaneously.


    Chu Liang sped toward him, while the ck-d youth turned back and retreated, moving away like a whirlwind.


    It was unclear whether the youth retreated because the sight of people made him scared or if he recognized Chu Liang. But the moment Chu Liang saw him sprinting away so quickly, he summoned his sword and leaped into the sky. A brilliant arc of light followed, slicing just above the ground as he gave chase.


    <i>Whoosh</i>¡ª


    Once Chu Liang took to the skies on his sword, few at his cultivation realm could match his skill. And this youth, at the pinnacle of the fourth realm, was someone with a cultivation level much lower than that of Chu Liang.


    In an instant, Chu Liang closed the gap, the youth''s back now clearly within sight.


    The youth darted into a nearby valley.


    Chu Liang knew immediately that it was an ambush. Still, he didn''t stop and went on pursuing the youth into the valley.


    With such a short time, Chu Liang doubted that they could set up anything tooplicated. At best, the youth might have a few teammates waiting. But knowing he was more than capable of taking down an entire team by himself, Chu Liang felt no fear.


    It was a circr valley. The moment the youth crossed the entrance, Chu Liang closed in from behind. Desperate, the youth spun around and formed a hand seal, causing Chu Liang''s movements to suddenly slow.


    It appeared to be some kind of controlling divine technique.


    Even so, though his movements slowed, Chu Liang was already close enough to draw his sword.


    Chu Liang raised both hands and pointed.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The Dustless Sword transformed into a dazzling streak, piercing through the youth''s body and turning him into a soul crystal that dropped to the ground. Since Chu Liang was a level higher in cultivation, he was able to kill the youth easily with a simple sword technique.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The soul crystal hit the ground, but Chu Liang didn''t bother picking it up.


    All around the valley, several figures emerged¡ªeleven in total.


    Typically, a team from an immortal sect consisted of just four members, but seeing eleven gathered together was not unusual. Alliances often form both inside and outside the illusory realm.


    However, the imperial court has strict standards for determining alliances in the Competition of the Hundred Sects. These standards are based on whether participants have formed alliances aimed at securing victory for their own sect.


    If ten sects formed an alliance to eliminate all the participants of the other sects so that they could be in the top ten of thispetition, that would be allowed.


    However, if ten sects formed an alliance and members of nine of themmitted suicide, transferring all their soul crystals to thest sect to secure its ce in the top ten, that would not be allowed.


    The entire illusory realm was under constant surveince, and any such behavior detected would result in the sect''s immediate elimination.


    At that moment, it was clear that Chu Liang was up against an alliance of three sects.


    ...


    They were the Divine Movement Sect, the Five Poisons Sect, and the Mountain-Shifting Sect.


    All three were part of the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance , so they quickly regrouped upon entering the illusory realm. It was here that they began to set their trap.


    The weakest disciple of the Divine Movement Sect was sent out as bait, luring enemies into the valley where they nned to ambush them. With this tactic, they were confident they could gather enough soul crystals.


    However, they made a slight miscalction. Despite being a disciple of the Divine Movement Sect, he couldn''t escape this young man''s pursuit and was killed by a single sword strike the moment he entered the valley.


    "Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect?" one of them eximed, recognizing his identity.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang recognized the figures standing before him. The members of the Sixteen-Faction Alliance were no ordinary individuals. He had some impression of them after watching the matches over the past few days.


    One of the advantages of being a disciple from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten was the exemption from the three rounds of arena matches, allowing them to keep some of their trump cards hidden. However, most disciples from these sects had grown up in the spotlight, which meant they had fewer secret techniques.


    The three on the left, dressed in ck like the youth from earlier, were likely all members of the Divine Movement Sect.


    The four in front were tall and muscr, clearly burly men who likely belonged to the Mountain-Shifting Sect.


    The four on the right had their faces concealed, wore ck gloves, and bore chilling gazes. Based on their appearance, they were likely members of the Five Poisons Sect.


    Amidst the intermittent thunder and rain, several disciples from the Five Poisons Sect circled around, blocking the valley entrance and making their intentions clear: they aimed to cut off Chu Liang''s escape route.


    Given the speed he had just demonstrated, if he chose to flee suddenly, they might not be able to stop him.


    "Heh," Chu Liang chuckled. "No need to worry. Even with all of you here, I have no intention of running."


    "Then leave your soul crystal behind!"


    One of the burly men from the Mountain-Shifting Sect shouted loudly, and all four leaped into action simultaneously.


    Immediately, Chu Liang sensed a faintwork of qi weaving behind them, connecting their energies and binding them together.


    The art and techniques of the Mountain-Shifting Sect were quite peculiar. The techniques they practiced enabled practitioners to connect with one another, allowing for the transfer of energy and qi. This energy could converge on a single individual at any time.


    Thus, the sect did not depend on high individual cultivation levels; the greater the number of members, the stronger they became. If they were truly united as one, even the weakest among them could summon enough power to shift mountains.


    At that moment, Chu Liang stood against the four. The first manunched a punch at him, but Chu Liang fearlessly met the blow head-on.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    After the sh, Chu Liang staggered back two steps, while the four opponents trembled in unison.


    Under the relentless assault of the four, their punches and kicks were like a torrential downpour, each strike fueled by thebined strength of all four. For a moment, Chu Liang struggled to keep up.


    Then, no longer holding back, he summoned the Divine Dragon Fire to envelop his fists, diving into the fierce exchange. With a single punch, he severely injured the lead attacker.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The man was struck, half of his body charred ck, and he cried out in pain.


    Seeing Chu Liang''s fierce and bold fighting style, the members of the Divine Movement Sect could no longer stand by. In unison, they formed hand seals, pointing at him from the air.


    As a sect renowned for its speed, the Divine Movement Sect didn''t rely solely on retreating topete in the Competition of the Hundred Sects. The deceleration technique they were using now was one of their specialties.


    After all, slowing down the enemy was akin to speeding themselves up.


    As the effects of the divine technique started, Chu Liang felt himself slowing down. He had initially been winning the fight against the four opponents, but now, with his reduced speed, he began to take hits in rapid session.


    Fortunately, his physique was as robust as a dragon''s. While the members of the Mountain-Shifting Sect would be crippled by a single hit from him, Chu Liang could withstand several blows without much trouble.


    <i>Swoosh¡ª</i>


    Seeing the situation unfold, he swiftly activated Dimension Compression, appearing in a sh behind one of them to deliver another fiery punch, severely injuring yet another opponent


    Even though he became slower, he could still execute immortal arts, moves that caused the members of the Mountain-Shifting Sect to feel overwhelmed.


    The other two disciples from the Mountain-Shifting Sect quickly flew backward, creating some distances away from Chu Liang. They turned out to be the first to retreat.


    Just as Chu Liang prepared to repeat the maneuver, he felt a surge of qi and blood as he circted his foundational qi, followed by a sudden ache in his chest.


    <i>Poison?</i> He nced up at the rain falling from the sky and swiftly activated ayer of qi around his body, creating a shield that kept himpletely dry.


    "Heh, you''ve caught on. Unfortunately, it''s toote. You''ve already been poisoned by our Five Poisons Sect''s Meridian-Severing Poison," one of the disciples said with a sneer. "If you try to forcefully circte your foundational qi, your meridians will¡ª What?" His tone shifted to shock midway through.


    Chu Liang pulled out a long whip, but instead of directing it at his opponents, heshed himself twice.


    <i>Crack! Crack!</i>


    With eachsh, a mist of ck qi was expelled from his body, instantly curing him of the poison.


    The technique of poisoning someone through the rain was undeniably clever, but unfortunately for them, they had crossed paths with the Young Hero wielding the Divine Whip. They could only me themselves for their bad luck.


    Realizing they were on the verge of defeat, the disciples from the Divine Movement Sect joined the fight, drawing their sabers as they soared down, leaving a dazzling trail of afterimages.


    Meanwhile, the disciples of the Five Poisons Sect drew weapons that gleamed with a sinister ck light, as venomous creatures¡ªsnakes and scorpions¡ªcoiled around their bodies, readying themselves for an all-out attack on Chu Liang.


    Initially, they had stayed back to guard against the other disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, but now they had no choice. They couldn''t even handle Chu Liang on his own, let alone concern themselves with his fellow disciples.


    Confronted by so many troublesome foes, Chu Liang smiled slightly and said, "So, everyone''s here, huh? I suppose it''s time to call for some help."


    "Hmph, you might as well summon Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, or anyone else from the Mount Shu Sect for a fight with us," the lead disciple of the Divine Movement Sect retorted.


    "Them?" Chu Liang shook his head, "To deal with you lot, I don''t need them to step in."


    Chu Liang formed a hand seal and lightly tapped the air. In a sh of light, another figure identical to him materialized beside him.


    <i>A clone made with a puppet? No, he''s using the immortal art: External Manifestation!</i>


    The External Manifestation was an immortal art capable of creating a clone that matched the true form''s cultivation level for a short duration. This technique was far more powerful than those clones produced using puppetry techniques.


    So the helper that Chu Liang was going to call for turned out to be none other than himself.


    One Chu Liang was already challenging enough to handle, but with two now present, everyone''s expressions grew tense in an instant.


    In that moment, despite being outnumbered, Chu Liang seized the initiative andunched his attack!


    Chu Liang and his clone dashed in opposite directions, undeterred by the venomous creatures.


    With his top-tier cultivation, strong physical bodies, and versatile divine techniques, a massacre was about to start.


    The first two disciples from the Mountain-Shifting Sect were quickly beaten up, followed by the few members of the Five Poisons Sect.


    The disciples of the Five Poisons Sect felt aggrieved. While their cultivation wasn''t top-tier, they had always held their ground within the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance, thanks to their elusive poison techniques.


    Unexpectedly, they encountered someone immune to poison, rendering all their techniques useless.


    How could their cultivation and divine techniques possiblypare to Chu Liang''s?


    After just a few exchanges, Chu Liang incinerated all of them with his Divine Dragon Fire.


    Recognizing the dire situation, the disciples from the Divine Movement Sect quickly resorted to their specialty¡ªrunning away.


    The three of them bolted in different directions at lightning speed!


    Chu Liang and his clone pursued each of the fleeing disciples, unleashing sts of Divine Dragon Fire that took down one each. However, thest disciple from the Divine Movement Sect managed to escape the valley.


    When thest disciple from the Divine Movement Sect realized he was about to escape, a look of joy spread across his face. But then, he saw Chu Liang, having just incinerated his fellow disciple,unch a green streak of light up into the sky.


    Seeing that, the disciple from the Divine Movement Sect couldn''t help but wonder, <i>Who is he trying to hit?</i>


    He felt puzzled for just a moment, but in the next instant, a sharp pain pierced through his back.


    <i>Huh? I was the target?</i>


    Everyone knew the Razor Leaf was fast, but its deceptive nature was the most important trait. If Chu Liang had aimed directly at him with a divine technique, he could have dodged the attack. But if the saber was aimed right up at the sky, would he have expected the hit? Absolutely not!


    With a thud, the disciple fell to the ground.


    Before he could get up, Chu Liang''s shadow had already loomed over him.


    "<i>Haiya!</i>" Chu Liang''s fists, wrapped in Divine Dragon Fire, came down in quick session.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    Amidst the explosions, thest person was also tragically turned into a soul crystal.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the spectator stands, Old Sun and Old Huang observed with grim expressions.


    "It seems like Chu Liang would always pull out something new every time. He might just work a few miracles," Old Sun murmured.


    Chu Liang''s ability to swiftly and decisively handle so many opponents on his own certainly exceeded the spectators'' expectations.


    "Forget about whether he might work miracles or not. Why does this technique look so familiar to me?" Elder Huang said, his gaze fixed on Chu Liang as memories from sixty years ago began to resurface.


    At that moment, it wasn''t just the two elders who struggled to catch their breath; countless other older spectators felt the same way.


    This moment was exactly like that moment from long ago.


    It was the same move¡ªDivine Firebined with immense strength, wielded by the sharpest saber of the Mount Shu Sect.


    "Truly terrifying," the two elders spoke in unison.

 Chapter 540: Dont Attack! Its Me!

    <h4>Chapter 540: Don''t Attack! It''s Me!</h4>


    "<i>Slurp</i>."


    "Girls should eat more gracefully."


    "Who are you to tell me what to do?"


    "..."


    Within the imperial city, numerous restricted areas existed, some heavily guarded while others were so exclusive that even the guards were forbidden to enter. One such ce was the Divine Fire Hall. Aside from the emperor, no one else was allowed to step foot into the hall or its surrounding grounds.


    The Divine Fire Hall was the residence of the guardian for each generation of the Xia imperial family. Being an eighth-realm cultivator and the Dao Master of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven, the guardian held a status within the imperial family that, in some respects, surpassed that of the emperor. Even the emperor required an important reason to enter this sacred space.


    But at this very moment, a beautiful andmanding woman sat casually in the center of the Divine Fire Hall, using a copper cauldron to prepare a hotpot. With her chopsticks, she picked up some thin noodles from the steaming pot, slurped them loudly, and let out a satisfied sigh.


    Across from her sat a handsome middle-aged man d in a purple-gold robe, radiating a deep and refined aura. Yet, despite his dignified appearance, his expression was one of helplessness.


    This man was none other than the Crown Prince Mingde from back then. He was now the guardian of the Xia imperial family and also Di Nufeng''s father.


    After a moment of silence, Mingde sighed and said, "It''s been eighty years, and this is the first meal I''ve shared with you."


    "Yeah, what a memorable meal this is, yet you won''t even catch a Qinghong bird for me to eat," Di Nufeng said, shaking her head.


    "Honestly, if you really wanted to eat it, it wouldn''t be impossible," Mingde said with a wry smile. "But using a Qinghong bird for a hotpot? Isn''t that... a bit of a waste for such a rare delicacy?"


    "<i>Slurp.</i>" Di Nufeng responded by slurping another mouthful even more delightfully.


    A few drops of oil sttered onto Mingde''s robe, causing the veins on his forehead to bulge visibly. Yet, all he could do was sigh again, "<i>Haaaaa</i>."


    "That''s just how we people from Mount Shu are," Di Nufeng said after swallowing. "How can you know it won''t taste good in a hotpot if you don''t try it?"


    "If you are willing to leave Mount Shu ande back and stay with me in the imperial city, I''ll catch one for you," Mingde suggested again.


    "Don''t even think about it," Di Nufeng said, wiping her mouth. "It all depends on whether my disciple can win the Assembly of Immortal Sects. If he does, I''ll bepeting with you for control of the Great Dao."


    "<i>Heh</i>," Mingde chuckled softly. "I still don''t understand the sudden ambition."


    "Didn''t I tell you? Things aren''t going well for Mount Shu, and Yan Zi is preparing topete for control of the Dao," Di Nufeng replied. "I can''t afford to ck off for her sake..."


    She cleared her throat and spoke seriously. "My n is to first fight for control of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven and attain the eighth realm. Then, I''ll kill the Sword Emperor of the West Sea so that Yan Zi can smoothly take control of the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination."


    "Doesn''t your n sound a bit tooplicated?" Mingde asked. "It''s almost as convoluted as the scheme you had when you wanted to start a rebellion just to save your disciple."


    Di Nufeng red at him and said, "How did you find out about my top-secret n?"


    "The top-secret n that even those talking spirit beasts of the Mount Shu Sect know about?" Mingde said with augh and a sigh.


    "We have a traitor among us..." Di Nufeng muttered in a serious tone.


    "You really aren''t suited to be emperor; otherwise, I''d have no problem helping you ascend the throne," Mingde said solemnly. "While people say you''re unruly, you actually have a strong sense of justice. You''re just not good at managing affairs, which makes you perfect for the role of a guardian¡ªfree to do as you please and only stepping in when necessary."


    "That sounds pretty much like what I do on Silver Sword Peak..." Di Nufeng nced around, eyeing the cold, chilling hall. "But you call staying here for eighty years free to do as you please?"


    "It''s different. I am¡ª" Mingde paused, leaving the sentence unfinished.


    <i>I am atoning for my sins</i>, Mingde finished the sentence inwardly.


    For him, every day he lived was a form of penance, and it would only end with his death.


    "I don''t care what you''re doing. Anyway, you called me here for a meal, and I''ve finished eating," Di Nufeng said suddenly as she stood up. "Now I''m going to watch how my disciple wins the championship."


    ...


    "Counting the previous batch, that makes a total of sixteen. If we can gather the same amount over the next six days, we should be in a good position."


    A shining pearly on the ground, emitting a soft, bright glow.


    At this moment, Chu Liang took advantage of the night to tally up the day''s gains with his teammates.


    After the initial chaos, the illusory realm settled into a calm, and at night, few teams dared to act recklessly.


    The Competition of the Hundred Sects had always been this way. The first day after arrival brought the most significant wave of eliminations.


    Having just arrived in the illusory realm, the participants were unfamiliar with their surroundings and would inevitably encounter enemies nearby, which would then lead to these chaotic fights.


    Once the initial chaos subsided, the surviving factions would secure a decent number of soul crystals and establish rtively safe zones, bringing the situation under control.


    The cultivators inside the illusory realm couldn''t see the full picture, but the audience outside could. By the end of the first day, nearly forty teams had been eliminated, and many of the remaining teams had suffered significant losses.


    Nearly half of the participants had already been eliminated.


    The next wave of eliminations wouldn''t ur until the seventh day, when teams with insufficient soul crystals could no longer afford to hide. They would have to emerge and fight for an opportunity, while also giving others a chance.


    In the five days that followed, aside from the most powerful teams continuing their hunts, there would typically be only sporadic shes.


    The Mount Shu Sect was naturally prepared to sweep through those teams.


    By thest day, time would be running out, and every cultivator in the illusory realm would be desperate. The risks would be unpredictable, and every year, strong teams would falter at thest moment. Those teams would want to avoid scrambling for soul crystals when the time came.


    Fortunately, on the first day, the team from the Mount Shu Sect encountered an ambush from the three sects, resulting in a significant haul of soul crystals. This was basically a gift from Mother Nature.


    This significantly reduced the workload for theing days.


    If they could take down one team a day, they would have thirty-six soul crystals by the seventh day, which would then allow them to easily secure a spot in the top ten. At that point, they couldy low during the most turbulent period without taking any risks.


    "You''ve worked hard," Jiang Yuebai said softly.


    Chu Liang had only briefly described his encounter earlier in the day, but defeating three teams single-handedly was no easy feat no matter what.


    "It''s nothing," Chu Liang smiled.


    "Be careful," Xu Ziyang, who was on guard duty at the perimeter, warned suddenly in a low voice.


    Chu Liang and the others immediately rose to their feet, sensing the approaching presence. They spread out their divine sense and saw a shining orb floating toward them from a distance.


    "This looks a bit familiar," Chu Liang remarked.


    As they drew closer, they realized it was a young monk, his bald head reflecting the moonlight with a bright sheen.


    This monk was none other than Pushan from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    "Young Hero Chu?" Pushan called out from afar, having recognized the team from the Mount Shu Sect. He waved and shouted, "Don''t attack, it''s me!"

 Chapter 541: On One Additional Condition

    Chapter 541: On One Additional Condition


    "Great, great, great! After wandering all day, I finally ran into some familiar faces. You have no idea¡ªmy fellow senior and junior brothers said this scout task requires intelligence, courage, bravery, and wit, and they unanimously nominated me for the job. I''ve been roaming this wilderness all day. Aside from getting into one fight, I didn''t do anything else. I was bored to death, but now that I''ve seen you all, I feel so much better¡­"


    Chu Liang had no intention of attacking Monk Pushan. While they wanted soul crystals, they weren''t desperate enough to go after just this one. Monk Pushan, unguarded and carefree, sat down with the team from the Mount Shu Sect and immediately began delivering a long-winded speech.


    Listening to him pour out his grievances after a whole day of boredom, Chu Liang and hispanions exchanged nces. They couldn''t help but think, <em>Maybe we should just finish him off, not for the soul crystal, but for some peace and quiet.</em>


    Chu Liang seriously suspected that Monk Pushan''s teammates from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery had sent him out as the scout simply to free themselves from the torture of keeping him around.


    Noticing that Pushan showed no signs of stopping, Chu Liang quickly interrupted, "Have you been in this area all day?"


    "No, we came from the eastern coast and didn''t encounter many people along the way," Monk Pushan replied gloomily. "When we passed Misty Waters City, we saw people fleeing, but they didn''t escape before being ughtered by Peni. It was a brutal scene. By the time we arrived in this area, the fight was over, and we ran into the team from the Earthfire Sect¡­"


    "Earthfire Sect?" Chu Liang recalled the dark horse from the Great Selection of the Four Seas, "Did you beat them?"


    "No, we just fought a little, but when we saw that they had more people, we retreated," Pushan said as he shook his head.


    After listening to Pushan, Chu Liang realized that the Earthfire Sect and the Five Poisons Sect were at odds with each other, despite both being part of the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance. Each had formed its own alliance within the illusory realm.The Five Poisons Sect was cunning and elusive, making them difficult to defend against. They had formed alliances with the Divine Movement Sect and the Mountain-Shifting Sect.


    The Earthfire Sect specialized in fire techniques and had allied with the Puppetry Sect and the Kuimu Sect to hunt for soul crystals across the in.


    The alliance of these three forces was quite formidable.


    In truth, the Five Poisons Sect was not weak; they were simply unfortunate to encounter someone like Chu Liang¡ªan existence impervious to poison. It was like an animal meeting its primary predator. As long as the poison wasn''t something particrly unique that the Poison-Expulsion Whip couldn''t cure, it would be nothing more than harmless probiotics to the Young Hero with the Divine Whip. What could they possibly do about that?


    If it had been anyone else from the Divine Nine or the Terrestrial Ten, the Five Poisons Sect likely wouldn''t have been so easily defeated. But fate had other ns.


    The legacy of the Earthfire Sect was not particrly powerful. The only reason this team was strong was that there was a pair of twin brothers in this generation of disciples, both of whom possessed the rare Fire Spirit Meridian constitution.


    The Fire Spirit Meridian enabled one to cultivate fire techniques with half the effort and double the results. While it ranked below the Divine Fire Spirit, it was not bound by any specific bloodline, making it one of the strongest innate talents in the world.


    Because the two brothers had each won a match on the arena stage, their team was able to win the one from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. If these brothers worked together, their powers wouldplement each other, unleashing an even more extraordinary force.


    "Three sects¡­" Chu Liang pondered. "Do you know their exact location?"


    "I only know the general area, but I''m not sure if they''ve moved," Monk Pushan replied, looking at him. "You n to take them on? It won''t be easy."


    "Why don''t we form an alliance and take down these three sects together?" Chu Liang suggested.


    "Oh?" Pushan raised an eyebrow. "You have a n?"


    "They may be strong, but we can outsmart them," Chu Liang exined. "I''ll act like I''m scouting and let them spot me, then I''ll lure them into a valley. You can wait there and ambush them. Justunch a sudden attack to catch them off guard."


    "Great idea," Pushan nodded. "It''s got to be you. How do youe up with so many ns off the top of your head?"


    "Maybe it''s because I''ve been through a lot..." Chu Liang chuckled.


    "I''ll head back to find my fellow brothers Pucheng, Puyou, and Pujing to ask for their opinions," Pushan said. "I''m sure they''ll agree with a little persuasion."


    "Of course," Chu Liang responded.


    <em>With your "little" persuasion, who wouldn''t agree?</em>


    ¡­


    Compared to themotion at the coast and mountain peaks, Misty Waters City was eerily quiet under the night sky.


    The truth was that the Peni Supreme Sect team''s overwhelming presence had scared everyone away. Many teams had dared to fight for the city during the day, but they soon realized that they couldn''t even escape.


    Since then, no one had dared toe near Misty Waters City.


    This huge city was now empty.


    Under the bright moon, Yang Yuhu guided a richly dressed young man to the tallest pavilion in Misty Waters City.


    "Big Brother, City Lord Junior Huyan wants to see you," Yang Yuhu announced, leading him to the spot.


    The young man was none other than Huyan Bin, the City Lord Junior of Taotie City.


    While everyone else avoided Misty Waters City, the team from Taotie City went the opposite direction. If not for Huyan Bin''s connection with Yang Yuhu, he and his other three team members would have surely been torn apart by Qi Lin''er.


    "City Lord Junior?" Yang Shenlong, who had been meditating in his room, slowly opened his eyes and stepped out.


    "Young Hero Yang! I''ve heard a lot about you, but we''ve never actually met. It''s great to finally meet you today," Huyan Bin said with a smile.


    "City Lord Junior, you''re too courteous," Yang Shenlong said with a slight nod, inviting him inside.


    Since the visitor hade to negotiate, Yang Shenlong wasn''t in a hurry to turn him into a soul crystal. With a moment''s thought, he quickly deduced the reason behind the team from Taotie City''s visit.


    "Taotie City would like to form an alliance with the Peni Supreme Sect," Huyan Bin said with a smile. "What do you think, Young Hero Yang?"


    In response, Yang Shenlong asked, "What''s the price?"


    This wasn''t the first time Taotie City had taken such an approach. Whenever their own disciplescked sufficient cultivation power, they sought alliances with stronger forces, effectively purchasing soul crystals with their wealth.


    This kind of behavior warranted scrutiny. While it didn''t vite the fundamental rule of forming alliances in this illusory realm, it did involve certain external factors.


    After extensive discussions among the sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, they concluded that money was indeed a form of strength. As long as the alliance was established for legitimate reasons to secure victory, the specific methods of forming that alliance shouldn''t be overly scrutinized.


    The people who set the rules still wanted to give the disciples within the illusory realm with as much freedom as possible.


    After all, Taotie City wasn''t asking other sects to give up their chances to advance to the next round. Instead, they wanted to team up with stronger groups and have those groups share their extra soul crystals. Plus, buying soul crystals usually costs a lot, making it hard for others to do the same.


    "The usual price of two thousand Vermillion-Bird coins per soul crystal," Huyan Bin said directly.


    "Five thousand," Yang Shenlong replied tly.


    "This..." Huyan Bin''s expression tightened.


    To secure a spot in the top ten, he would need at least thirty to forty soul crystals. At two thousand Vermillion-Bird coins per crystal, it was already expensive. If it were five thousand per crystal, the cost would be at least a hundred thousand coins.


    But thinking about the importance of his mission, Huyan Bin gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, five thousand per crystal, but I want to add one condition... You have to eliminate Mount Shu Sect in this round!"<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 542: Thunderbolt Stronghold

    Chapter 542: Thunderbolt Stronghold


    The sharp cry of a bird pierced through the air. "<em>Keeew!</em>"


    A shadowy creature loomed over a hillside, descending toward it at the very next second.


    Four disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold were sitting on that hillside, deep in a discussion.


    Their team leader was, of course, the Thunderbolt Stronghold''s eldest disciple of the current generation, Du Wuhen. He was dark-skinned, tall, and slim with limbs as long and agile as an ape''s, giving him a rather unusual appearance.


    At this moment, Du Wuhen stood up, his hands almost reaching his knees. He raised his arm, and the shadowy creature shrank in midair,nding on his arm.


    "Misty Waters City is filled with people from the Peni Supreme Sect. There''s no way the Mount Shu Sect team is there," Du Wuhen said quietly.


    Right then, the shadowy creature''s true appearance was finally revealed. It was a spirit bird with feathers that were colored a deep shade of azure and covered in intricate patterns. The beautiful spirit bird had a pair of lively and animated eyes like those of a human. Despite being the average size of an ordinary bird, the spirit bird exuded the arrogant air of the mighty.


    This was Du Wuhen''s tamed beast, the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird.


    In the Assembly of Immortal Sects, restrictions were applied to members of beast-taming sects like the Thunderbolt Stronghold, greatly reducing theirbat power. The assembly rules only allowed tamed beasts that were bound by a soul contract to participate in thepetition.A soul contract was a method that beast tamers used to control their beasts, simr to how a Soul Subjugator controlled the souls under theirmand. Limitations were imposed on the target to ensure their obedience.


    There was one key difference between the beast tamers'' soul contract and the Soul Subjugators'' soul control¡ªthe parties in a soul contract shared the benefits and drawbacks. The death of the beast tamer would result in the death of the soul-bound tamed beast. On the other hand, the death of the soul-bound tamed beast would result in damage to the beast tamer''s soul.


    Additionally, their cultivation journeys were mutuallyplementary. If one party made a breakthrough in cultivation, the other would benefit from it too.


    Initially, there were no issues with this rule. Without it, everyone would just take their sect''s guardian celestial beast into the events.


    The problem was that many of the spirit beasts of the Thunderbolt Stronghold''s beast tamers were not controlled through soul contracts. This was because a person''s soul could only amodate a limited number of soul contracts¡ªtypically three and at most five or six as they raised their cultivation level. The beast tamer would be unable to bear any more soul contracts than that.


    Moreover, soul contracts could not be easily removed. They could only free up a spot when one of their soul-bound tamed beasts died. However, the death of a soul-bound tamed beast would permanently damage the beast tamer''s soul.


    Therefore, beast tamers were extremely cautious when imprinting their souls with soul contracts. They only formed soul contracts with spirit beasts that met their high standards of talent andbat ability.


    There were limitations for soul contracts. Usually, a tamed beast could not exceed its master''s cultivation level by more than half a realm, at most a full realm. Otherwise, the soul contract could not be formed.


    Therefore, the disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold relied more on emotional bonding to tie their tamed beasts to them. They helped their tamed beasts cultivate by giving them sufficient resources. In turn, the tamed beasts would aid their tamers inbat. The beast tamers treated their tamed beasts the same way they would a friend or family member, rather than depending on the traditional method of soul contracts.


    For spirit beasts with long lives, they did not mind spending decades apanying a genius cultivator in exchange for resources they might not find even after searching for several hundred years.


    This was one of the reasons why the Thunderbolt Stronghold was stronger than any other beast-taming sect in history.


    For example, Huang Ling''er oncemanded a Mammothdagon to stomp the young master of the Inferno Devil Valley to death. However, that Mammothdagon was actually her father''s tamed beast and had followed Huang Ling''er around as her pet. Under the rules of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, she wouldn''t be allowed to bring it in.


    Fortunately, the Thunderbolt Stronghold also ced great focus on the cultivation of the beast tamers. Even if the core disciples could not take their tamed beasts into the events, they would still have highbat power, and that had allowed the sect to perform well in the past Assemblies of Immortal Sects.


    Consequently, the Thunderbolt Stronghold had high hopes for this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects as well. The three core disciples representing their sect this year were all exceptionally talented and had great reputations among the younger disciples of the immortal sects. Their tamed beasts had been training with them since they were young children, allowing them to have outstandingbat power and perfect synergy.


    Du Wuhen''s Azure Mysterious Wind Bird, Wei Tiandi''s Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle, and Deng Yixiao''s Five-Fire Divine Ape¡ªall of them were spirit beasts of extremely powerful bloodlines.


    Those spirit beasts were all sitting beside their masters, painting quite a lively scene.


    ¡­


    "We searched all the way from the northern coast to here. There is an area of ins to the west of Misty Waters City that is a forbidden area in Peni. If the Mount Shu Sect hasn''t been eliminated yet, that is probably where they are," Du Wuhen surmised.


    Deng Yixiao replied, "The Mount Shu Sect''s team isn''t weak. Jiang Yuebai, Chu Liang, and Xu Ziyang are among the top in strength. It''s very unlikely they would die right afternding."


    Wei Tiandi frowned. "I think so too, but those hilly ins are huge. It will be difficult to search for them."


    "Let''s be patient for a little longer. We still have six days anyway. We''ll find them eventually," Du Wuhen said calmly.


    "Why do we have to find the Mount Shu Sect''s team? Can''t we just advance without doing that?" Huang Ling''er asked, sounding quite bored.


    She had run away from home and been gone for quite a while. Huang Hanshan, the Lord of the Thunderbolt Stronghold, had expended great efforts to find and take her home. He had to coax her with kind words and promise to let her participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects. That was the only reason she obediently stayed home to cultivate for a period.


    Anyway, the Thunderbolt Stronghold knew that their representative team for this Assembly of Immortal Sects was a three-plus-one deal. Aside from the three core disciples, no other disciple in the current generation had a higher cultivation level than Huang Ling''er, so they might as well let their sect leader''s beloved daughter gain some experience.


    Huang Ling''er was rebellious, but she was indeed quite powerful. She had been diligent in her daily cultivation, after all. Huang Ling''er had always wanted to roam the martial world. How could she do that if she was weak? Moreover, her tamed beast was quite strong too.


    Huang Ling''er was currently hugging and ying with her tamed beast Hua Hua, arge ck dog. It was the only tamed beast she had formed a soul contract with.


    Hua Hua was a legendary Snow Mountain Divine Hound. It was capable of tracking over great distances, understanding the bnce of yin and yang, and had mystical abilities.


    Guo Zhanfeng of the Night Saber Sect had a white dog named Baixue from the same lineage of Snow Mountain Divine Hounds. However, Baixua was just his pet. He did not have a soul contract with it, so he couldn''t bring it with him to the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Du Wuhen exined, "Our most important task is to eliminate the Mount Shu Sect team in this round. As long as the Mount Shu Sect fails to make the top ten again, they''ll lose their ce among the Divine Nine. That spot will naturally be filled by one of the Terrestrial Ten sects. Ascending Dragon Academy isn''t interested, so the contenders are our sect and Taotie City. Our sect has always performed better than Taotie City."


    With a serious expression, Deng Yixiao added, "In other words, if the Mount Shu Sect team is eliminated, our sect has a great chance of ascending into the Divine Nine."


    The three core disciples knew how critical this mission was¡ªso much so that it could determine the future of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. The pressure was immense.


    However, Huang Ling''er, their sect leader''s daughter, wasn''t as aware of these stakes.


    Huang Hanshan had always doted on his daughter and never forced her to get involved in sect affairs. Their rtionship had been very strained recently, and he knew that pushing her would only backfire. That''s why he had instructed these three senior brothers to exin things to his daughter once they were in the illusory realm.


    After hearing their exnation, Huang Ling''er''s expression became serious, and she stopped joking around.


    Huang Ling''er was quite stubborn and rebellious, but she understood what was at stake now. Having dealt with Chu Liang before, she didn''t really want to target the Mount Shu Sect team, but now that she understood the situation, she no longer objected to it. Friendship was one thing, but her sect''s interests were another.


    To be fair, Huang Hanshan and Xu Bashan of the Whale Gang were sworn brothers. Xu Bashan had also sworn brotherhood with Chu Liang, so that made Huang Hanshan and Chu Liang two practically brothers as well. Nevertheless, in the face of the Thunderbolt Sect''s future, all these personal ties had to be set aside.


    Huang Ling''er stood up and said seriously, "All right, I''ll do my best with you all!"


    Before she finished speaking, Hua Hua suddenly jumped to its feet and urgently barked twice. "<em>Woof! Woof!</em>"


    Right after that, the tamed beasts of the other three disciples swiftly got up.


    Huang Ling''er could tell from Hua Hua''s barks that something was wrong. She tried to jump aside, but it was toote.


    A hand suddenly shot up from the ground and grabbed Huang Ling''er by the ankle. The hand was small, but it was very strong.


    A short figure with a sinister grin burst out of the ground and punched Huang Ling''er, causing her to explode!


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ¡­


    "Little Junior Sister!"


    Huang Ling''er''s three senior brothers flew into a rage.


    Someone had killed their little junior sister right in front of them. How could they tolerate such terrible humiliation?


    Du Wuhen struck first. His Azure Mysterious Wind Bird spun in the air and instantly transformed into a massive ck scythe that was almost as tall as him. With it in hand, he looked like the Grim Reaper.


    "I''m going to take your life!" Du Wuhen roared.


    He swung the scythe, swiftly stirring up gusts of ck wind!


    The short figureughed loudly. "<em>Haha!</em>"


    The person that killed Huang Ling''er turned out to be a child who looked barely over ten years old and wore a wild and sinister grin.


    Despite facing Du Wuhen''s scythe, the child just lifted his leg and used it to block the de of the scythe!


    <em>ng.</em>


    The sound of colliding metal rang out.


    The child leaped back several times to create some distance between him and Du Wuhen, beforestly doing a somersault andnding on the ground.


    The only child in this Competition of the Hundred Sects was, of course, the Peni Supreme Sect''s Qi Lin''er.


    Afternding, he twisted his left leg slightly, revealing a shallow bleeding wound on his calf.


    Both Qi Lin''er and Du Wuhen were surprised by the sh.


    Du Wuhen was astonished that his scythe, which had an extremely sharp de, hadn''t severed Qi Lin''er''s leg.


    Qi Lin''er, on the other hand, was surprised because he had rarely been injured to the point of bleeding. He was quite astonished that Du Wuhen''s weapon could break through his defense.


    Nevertheless, before Qi Lin''er could think much about that, the attacks of the other two members of the Thunderbolt Stronghold team were already upon him.


    Wei Tiandi''s Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle moved extremely quickly, appearing as a streak of lightning as it rammed into Qi Lin''er.


    He could not react in time to block the attack. Blinded by the sh of light, he had quickly raised his left arm to block, but what followed were stabs of sharp pain. The Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle''s fangs sank several inches into Qi Lin''er''s forearm.


    Meanwhile, the Five-Fire Divine Ape arrived with a whoosh, shrouded in raging demonic mes.


    Seeing that, Qi Lin''er let out a strangeugh, "<em>Hah!</em> You''ve got more people. I won''t fight you. I''ll just take one of your soul crystals as a toll!"


    Then he drilled into the ground and fiercely struck the Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle''s head with his right palm. He pried it off his left arm, causing a stream of blood to spurt out. Shockingly, the blood wasn''t red but gold!


    "You think you can leave?" Du Wuhen said, turning his hand over and folding his fingers into a hook-like form as if beckoning something.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    A fierce gust of wind flipped over the surface of the ground, and countless wind des danced wildly on the ground, revealing Qi Lin''er.


    Even though they found Qi Lin''er quickly, he escaped underground just as swiftly. The three members of the Thunderbolt Stronghold chased after him.


    In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the outskirts of Misty Waters City, where they could see the towering city walls in the distance.


    "If you dare,e and chase me!" Qi Lin''er shouted.


    "Stop! Don''t chase him," Du Wuhen yelled, waving his hand to call off his two junior brothers.


    "Why?" Wei Tiandi asked urgently, "I was just about to catch that brat!"


    "He''s from the Peni Supreme Sect," Du Wuhen said quietly.


    "So what if he''s from Peni?" Wei Tiandi replied angrily. "He killed our junior sister. Aren''t we going to avenge her?"


    "Our priority is to take down the Mount Shu Sect team. Let''s notplicate things."


    "But..." Wei Tiandi uttered frustratedly.


    He nced at Misty Waters City, unwilling to let Qi Lin''er off.


    Deng Yixiao tried to persuade Wei Tiandi as well. "Second Senior Brother¡­ the Peni Supreme Sect is powerful. If we sh with them, it might not end well for us. We could end up ruining the n for our sect. How about we deal with the Mount Shu Sect team first? We can juste backter to avenge Little Junior Sisterter."


    Wei Tiandi red at the city walls. "<em>Hmph.</em> Fine, we''ll settle thister. We''lle back for what they owe us in a couple of days."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 543: Sincerity Is the Ultimate Strategy

    Chapter 543: Sincerity Is the Ultimate Strategy


    When the spectators outside the illusory realm saw that scene, they marveled at the Peni Supreme Sect''s strength. A mere child had killed someone in front of the three senior brothers of the Thunderbolt Stronghold and even escaped from them. Furthermore, it seemed like those three senior brothers didn''t dare to pursue the child into Misty Waters City.


    In fact, they weren''t Qi Lin''er''s first victims. After clearing out Misty Waters City, the Peni Supreme Sect''s team already had enough soul crystals to enter the top ten, but they didn''t stop hunting. Instead, they expanded their hunting grounds.


    Xi Miaoxian, Yang Yuhu, and Qi Lin''er roamed outside the city. Whenever they saw a team passing by, they would strike. Each of them had the power to take down entire teams alone, and several more teams perished.


    The fact that the Thunderbolt Stronghold team had only lost one person to a shameless ambush actually showed that they were strong.


    Schr Sun, who was sitting amid the spectators, muttered, "This child¡­ has some mystical abilities."


    "I heard Daoist Cangsheng carried him out from the Divine Ruins. He certainly has an impressive background," Elder Huang remarked. "There''s even a rumor in the martial world that this child is Daoist Cangsheng''s illegitimate son, but it doesn''t seem like it."


    The offspring of cultivators inherited some of their parents'' spiritual qi, and that spiritual qi manifested as the offspring''s exceptional talent. However, even if Qi Lin''er had been born from two eighth-realm cultivators, the amount of talent that he had was rather excessive.


    "If he''s from the Divine Ruins, he might even be a descendant of some ancient Hallowed One," Schr Sun spected.


    Elder Huang sighed. "<em>Haaa¡­</em> Extremely gifted but hot-tempered, wild, hard to tame, and has no manners¡­ Are all kids that are found outside and brought into sects like that?"Schr Sun nced behind him. Then he suddenly sat upright and shouted, "Who are you referring to? Stop talking nonsense!"


    "Who else but Ah Feng?"


    Schr Sun shook his head. "I think Ah Feng is a pretty good kid, quite courteous and amiable."


    "<em>Hah,</em> she didn''t evene today. What are you afraid of?" Elder Huangughed. "What, is she going to suddenly pop out and punch me?"


    <em>Boom.</em>


    There was a sudden explosion in the spectator stands, drawing the attention of the various immortal sects.


    Through the smoke and dust, they saw glimpses of a woman in a fire-red dress roughly lifting an old man off the ground and beating him repeatedly.


    It was a very bloody scene. Yet, no one dared to intervene.


    Those seated there were all senior cultivators of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, so they obviously recognized Di Nufeng.


    What kind of person was she? She had spent her whole life eating well and going broke from drinking alcohol, and she had a great fondness for beating up old men. No one would dare to provoke her without good reason.


    After a moment, the dust finally settled.


    "Ah Feng, when did you get here? Why didn''t youe say hello..." Elder Huang said, his eyes now bruised ck and blue.


    He straightened out his robes and sat upright.


    "I just got here." Di Nufeng flexed her wrist. "I just ate and felt quite full, so I wanted to move around a bit."


    Schr Sun chuckled. "Well, that''s some great timing."


    Elder Huang stared at him furiously. "You saw her and didn''t tell me. Instead, you even fanned the mes."


    "Utter nonsense," Schr Sun replied with a righteous expression, waving his sleeve dismissively.


    Uninterested in their bickering, Di Nufeng sat down and asked, "How''s the situation now? Is my sect doing all right?"


    "It''s a pretty good start," Schr Sun told her. "Your little disciple is quite simr to you from back in the day."


    "Then it''s settled," Di Nufeng said with a grin. "As long as he has at least thirty percent of my power from back then, it won''t be a problem for my sect to win the Assembly of Immortal Sects this time."


    Elder Huang smiled as well. "Of course."


    Nearby in the seating area for the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, Immortal Jiuyi sat with his arms folded in his sleeves. He seemed to sense that something was off and turned his gaze to the side.


    Immortal Jiuyi was a bit worried.


    ¡­


    "Keep watch around us."


    On the totally secluded shore of a coast, there were four ck-d men gathered in the middle of some piles of rocks.


    They were members of the Sea Dragon Gang from the Western Regions. Their sect was a new presence in the Assembly of Immortal Sects; they had no history of ever participating in it.


    Their journey in the Assembly of Immortal Sects so far had been full of twists and turns. During the elimination tournament of the first round, they had fought all three duels in each match for three days in a row, narrowly qualifying for the Competition of the Hundred Sects. Despite achieving such a difficult feat, the Sea Dragon Gang did not attract much attention. That meant that their team would likely go fairly unnoticed in the second round.


    Their actions seemed to strive for precisely that, as they had chosen tond on this deste coastline that no one else would choose tond. It looked like they nned to hide until thepetition was over. They were gambling on the likelihood that there would be fewer than ten sects at the end and that they would be lucky enough to advance.


    Many small sects had the same idea in the past assemblies, but most of them never survived past the fifth day, as hunters would eventually find and kill them.


    One of the men, a young man with an ordinary face, ordered his teammates with a serious expression, "Notify me immediately if anything happens."


    After hispanions spread out to keep watch, he sat cross-legged on the ground and began performing some strange cultivation technique.


    Before long, his hands were covered with pitch-ck dragon scales. Then in the blink of an eye, the scales spread to his arms and legs¡­ Eventually, he waspletely covered in ck dragon scales, even his eyes.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    There was a sudden change in the transformation process, and he shook violently, falling backward onto the ground.


    Quite a whileter, the dragon scales covering his eyes fell off, and he opened his eyes. His expression was drastically different from before. It was cold and sinister¡­ like he had be a totally different person.


    The scales on his face slowly fell off next, followed by the scales on his hands, feet, and then the rest of his body. With his face visible once more, it was now clear that he had truly be someone else.


    He lookedpletely different from before; he had taken on someone else''s appearance!


    From an ordinary-looking young man, he had transformed into a middle-aged man with a cold expression and sinister eyes, dressed in loose robes with wide sleeves.


    The middle-aged man, who had taken the ce of the ordinary young man, looked around with a strange smile and muttered, "The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams..."


    ¡­


    It was quite a while before Chu Liang appeared on the Divine Mirror''s projection screen again.


    That wasn''t Immortal Jiuyi''s fault for not giving him screen time though. The Mount Shu Sect''s team just hadn''t done much during that time. After allying with the Buddhist Cloud Monastery team, they had stayed hidden in a valley.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang went out alone, wandering in the direction that Pushan had mentioned where the Earthfire Sect team might appear.


    The vast ins were totally empty.


    After flying for a while, Chu Liang finally spotted someone. It was a young man in a coarse hemp robe, carrying a huge wooden box on his back. The box wasrger than him and seemed to be very heavy.


    Upon noticing Chu Liang, the young man was immediately on guard.


    Without any hesitation, the two of them charged at each other!


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Brimming with intense murderous intent, Chu Liang threw a punch at the young man. Yet, he only used twenty percent of his strength.


    Eight holes opened up in the young man''s box, and a long wooden whip shot out from each one. Every section of the whips was engraved with intricate enchanted formations that made the whips incredibly flexible and agile, like the tentacles of a living creature.


    Some of the wooden tentaclesyered over each other to form a shield and protect the young man. Meanwhile, two more swung toward Chu Liang.


    <em>Thud, thud.</em>


    Two dull sounds sounded when Chu Liang''s fist struck the defensive tentacles and the two remaining two tentacles struck Chu Liang.


    Right then, two screams rang out in unison. "<em>Aaah!</em>"


    One of the screams was Chu Liang''s. He pretended to be overpowered by his opponent and turned to flee, hoping to lure the opponent into his trap.


    Chu Liang quickly retreated several dozen zhang, only to realize btedly that his opponent had screamed as well earlier. Instead of chasing Chu Liang, his opponent had fled in the opposite direction.


    Chu Liang stopped in his tracks and looked at the hemp-robed young man in the distance.


    Meanwhile, the young man in the hemp robe was retreating, seemingly because he was injured. However, realizing that Chu Liang was not reacting as expected, the young man turned back to face him.


    Both of them felt a bit embarrassed.


    Chu Liang was mentally stronger, so he broke the silence with augh."<em>Haha.</em> Brother, you¡­ were trying to lure me too?"


    "Yeah." The young man in the hemp robe awkwardly scratched his nose. "What a coincidence, <em>huh?</em>"


    This was quite the situation. They had used the same trick.


    It was Chu Liang''s first time using this trick, so he had not expected this to happen. He obviously wouldn''t be able to lure his opponent into his trap now.


    After thinking about it for a moment, Chu Liang ultimately just asked, "So¡­ are youing with me, or should I go with you? Let''s not waste this trip for both of us."


    "<em>Huh?</em>" The young man in the hemp robe was stunned for a moment. He clearly had not expected such an offer and did not know if it was genuine. Nevertheless, he decided to just give it a try and ask, "How about youe with me? I''ve been out here all day. If I don''t lure anyone back soon, my senior brothers will scold me."


    "Sure." Chu Liang nodded. "I don''t have as much pressure as you to perform well, so I''ll go with you first. Just fly ahead like normal, and I''ll follow as if I''m chasing you."


    "<em>Uh¡­</em>" the young man in the hemp robe uttered, dumbfounded by Chu Liang''s words. After a long pause, he said, "Thank you."


    "Hey, there''s no need to be so polite."


    Chu Liang waved his hand, motioning for the young man to get going.


    In actuality, Chu Liang had no other choice. It was impossible for him to lure his opponent into his trap anymore. To begin with, they were all in the same line of work; who would have fallen for such a trick?


    Nheless, Chu Liang''s goal was to collect soul crystals. So, if he could find a ce with arge number of soul crystals, what difference did it make whether he lured the enemy or if they lured him? As long as his team could win, there was no difference.


    The hemp-robed young man flying ahead probably hadn''t considered that at all. In fact, he was in disbelief when he saw Chu Liang sincerely follow him at a distance of several dozen zhang, without the slightest intention of shamelessly pulling a sneak attack on him.


    <em>Who said the Assembly of Immortal Sects was all about life-and-death struggles? It turns out there are still people who were willing to talk things out nicely.</em>


    <em>Sincerity truly is the best strategy.</em><blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 544: Lets Have a Meal Together Next Time

    Chapter 544: Let''s Have a Meal Together Next Time


    The next day, the emperor did not show up at the spectator stand reserved for him on the Emperor''s Mound.


    After all, the im that he was upied with a million national affairs each day was no exaggeration. If he were to sit idly here like amon street loafer for seven days straight, the entire court mighte to a standstill.


    This was also why Mingde said Di Nufeng was not suited to be an emperor. A serious emperor was always busy. If she had to attend the morning court session daily and deal with national affairs afterward, she would likely give up within a short time.


    Of course, if she didn''t quit, things might be even worse.


    Even though the emperor was busy, the court officials still attended after the morning session. Some were there out of genuine interest, while others likely ced bets using their own belongings.


    With the emperor gone, everyone on the viewing tform appeared more rxed. They gathered in small groups, chatting loudly, much like themoners below the Emperor''s Mound.


    There were tworge groups present. The first consisted of military officers from the court. Although their leader, the Grand General of the Nation, was absent, the soldiers still gathered, creating a noisy scene.


    The second group was led by Chancellor Su Qian, the head of all officials. Most of the civil officers gathered around him, engaging in lively conversation andughter.


    Many of the individuals present were of such low rank that they wouldn''t have been able to clearly see whether the chancellor was even wearing clothes during the usual court sessions. However, in this rxed setting, they had the rare opportunity to exchange a few words with the chancellor, and naturally, they went out of their way to tter him.Theirpliments mainly revolved around praising the chancellor''s talent for recognizing capable individuals.


    Before Su Qian became a court official, he was just amoner with no connections. The sects and ns in the Sixteen-Faction Alliance that he helped promote were mostly unknown before he gave them a chance. They were people who had nothing prior to joining his alliance.


    But under Su Qian''s leadership for over a decade, twelve of these factions managed to participate in the Great Selection of the Four Seas, with six making it to the Competition of the Hundred Sects.


    Considering that half of these factions managed to make it to the second round, it showcased the value of the newer generation within the Sixteen-Faction Alliance.


    As the officials around the chancellor talked about the Sixteen-Faction Alliance, they were obviously praising the chancellor for having a keen eye to recognize talent.


    To be honest, this was not mere ttery.


    It was truly remarkable that Su Qian, a man with no background, was able to build such arge faction on his own, even with the position and resources of a Chancellor. After all, many past chancellors ended up in pathetic circumstances, regardless of their status.


    Even with such achievements, there was no trace of joy on Su Qian''s face; instead, he faintly furrowed his brows.


    "This Chu Liang from Mount Shu..." he murmured softly.


    Chu Liang had single-handedly taken down over ten opponents yesterday, eliminating the alliance of three sects led by the Five Poisons Sect. Now, it appeared he was set to target the alliance of three sects led by the Earthfire Sect. Naturally, this caught Su Qian''s full attention.


    Hearing the chancellor''s tone, someone nearby immediately whispered, "This Chu Liang is truly too much. He''s always targeting the sects under the Chancellor''smand. It''s obvious he''s doing it on purpose."


    "Yesterday, the Five Poisons Sect was limited by their techniques. The Earthfire Sect will definitely send him back in defeat!"


    "He always wears a fake smile. I''ve found his face repulsive for a long time."


    "..."


    "Although Chu Liang held the title of Imperial Younger Brother, most people only recognized him for his achievements in the capital of Yu. He had no real official rank or power, and ultimately, he was just another figure from the martial world. To curry favor with the chancellor, they naturally didn''t hold back their criticisms.


    Unexpectedly, Su Qian changed his tone and said, "This Chu Liang is indeed extraordinarily gifted¡ªa true dragon among men. Losing to him wouldn''t be shameful."


    "Haha, yes indeed!" The people around him nodded enthusiastically. "He truly is a dragon among men, deserving of the title of Imperial Younger Brother bestowed by His Majesty."


    "He and the members of the Chancellor''s Earthfire Sect are well-matched opponents"


    "''I''ve long thought he has striking features, quite pleasing to the eye"


    "..."


    The ways of officials, with their constant flip-flopping, might seem ridiculous to outsiders, but within this circle, it was nothing out of the ordinary.


    But soon, their focus shifted once again.


    "What are the people from the Thunderbolt Stronghold doing?!"


    ¡­


    Du Wuhen, Wei Tiandi, and Deng Yixiao had just lost their junior sister, and they were filled with frustration and dissatisfaction.


    However, even if they wanted to charge into Misty Waters City, they were still intimidated by the powerful Yang Shenlong.


    After all, their junior sister hadn''t truly been killed¡ªshe had simply been eliminated. Though they were angry, they had no choice but to endure for now.


    They still carried a heavy burden on their shoulders.


    They searched further away from Misty Waters City. The Azure Mysterious Wind Bird soared through the sky like a divine breeze, whistling past before quickly returning.


    It thennded back on Du Wuhen''s shoulder.


    "My bird has located Chu Liang of Mount Shu. He''s about a few dozen li to the northwest, and the others shouldn''t be far from him," Du Wuhen said. "Let''s go!"


    The three brothers quickly elerated, skimming low as they rushed in the direction the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird had indicated. Before long, they spotted a concealed valley.


    The Azure Mysterious Wind Bird returned once more, bringing more news.


    "Chu Liang is heading this way. Let''s hide in this valley and ambush him. We can catch him off guard and take down one of his men first," Du Wuhen suggested.


    His two brothers followed his lead without question, and the three of them stealthily entered the valley.


    The valley was thick with trees and foliage, abundant in spiritual qi, and with a bit of stealth, it was hard to be noticed. It was the perfect ce to hide. However, as soon as the three brothersnded, they sensed that something was off.


    Unfortunately, Hua Hua, the Snow Mountain Divine Hound, had been eliminated along with Huang Ling''er. Otherwise, it would have sniffed out the chaotic qi inside the valley before they even approached.


    As soon as theynded, Deng Yixiao''s Five-Fire Divine Ape was the first to react, letting out a sudden roar, "<em>Raaar!</em>"


    The ape''s body expanded to several times its original size, transforming into a massive fire ape nearly ten zhang tall. It roared ferociously in one direction.


    "It sensed the presence of another kind of me," Deng Yixiao said.


    At the same time, several figures gradually emerged from the depths of the valley, and cultivators appeared on both sides.


    More than ten people surrounded the three disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    The group was led by two boys who looked very simr. They seemed to be twins. The one on the left was a bit taller, with long, fine hair and a sharp look, while the one on the right was shorter and stockier, wearing a wicked grin.


    The three brothers from the Thunderbolt Stronghold recognized them as well. These were the Ling family brothers, the dark horses from the Earthfire Sect who had made a big impression during the Great Selection of the Four Seas just a few days earlier.


    The one on the left was the older brother, Ling Xiao, while the one on the right was the younger brother, Ling Yan. The mes of the powerful Primordial Earth Core Fire flickered in their hands.


    Alongside them were two fellow disciples, who also appeared to be from the Earthfire Sect.


    To the left was a group of three cultivators, each carrying arge wooden box on their backs. They were likely from the Puppetry Sect of the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance.


    They believed that puppets refined and sacrificed held a semnce of life, so it was a strict rule in their sect never to store these life-bound puppets in enchanted tool storage.


    The group on the right looked even more peculiar. Each of them had only their upper bodies exposed, while their lower halves were fused with trees and vines. Their qi harmonized perfectly with the forest, making them undetectable unless they chose to reveal themselves.


    These were undoubtedly members of the Kuimu Sect from the Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance that had specially cultivated the wood-based art of the Five Elements. The sect itself had their own unique mystical arts and techniques.


    Although the three brothers had no fear of these individuals, their main target was still the members from the Mount Shu Sect, and they wanted to avoid any unnecessaryplications.


    Since Chu Liang was nearby, they didn''t want to make a rash move that might alert him.


    Thus, Du Wuhen sped his hands and said, "We apologize for the intrusion. We mean no hostility. Since you''ve imed this spot first, we''ll take our leave."


    "Heh." Ling Xiao from the Earthfire Sect chuckled. "I know you guys, the brothers from Thunderbolt Stronghold¡ªquite the reputation you have. Do you really think we''re hiding here for no reason? We''re waiting for someone, of course."


    Du Wuhen''s expression darkened, and his gaze turned as sharp as a saber. He shot a nce at Ling Xiao, making him instinctively step back half a pace.


    "You won''t be able to take us down. We''re not after you either, so it''s best for both of us to take a step back," Deng Yixiao chimed in.


    However, the hot-tempered Wei Tiandi was already itching for a fight. He stroked the head of his Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle, looking ready to strike at any moment.


    "Whether we can or can''t, we''ll only find out once we try. If no one dares to make a move, why are we even here?" Ling Yan shouted as he stepped forward. "Attack!"


    At hismand, a deafening roar echoed through the valley.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang was a dozen li away from the valley, leisurely following the disciple of the Puppetry Sect who had been sent to lure enemies but was, in reality, acting as a guide for him.


    As the outline of the valley came into view ahead, a sudden series of loud booms echoed from within, indicating that a fierce battle had started.


    "Huh?" The disciple stopped mid-air, muttering to himself in confusion. "I haven''t even returned yet. Who are they fighting?"


    "This is the valley, right? It seems quite lively," Chu Liang remarked as he caught up, walking alongside him.


    "This ce is so far from everything else. How could anyonee here?" The disciple remained confused but added, "Since someone is here, we might gain something today. You should really leave. You seem like a decent guy, and if you follow me into the valley, you''ll be killed."


    "I haven''t gained anything yet, so how could I leave?" Chu Liangughed. "You seem like a good guy too. How about we grab a meal together next time?"


    "Sure," the disciple said with a chuckle.


    Just then, Chu Liang caught hold of a tentacle that attempted a sneak attack.


    "Why are you attacking while we''re still talking?" he asked with a smile.


    The disciple awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Well, it''s apetition after all."


    "No worries, I understand," Chu Liang said with a nod. "We''re on the same page."


    Unbeknownst to the disciple from the Puppetry Sect, Chu Liang''s clone had appeared behind him. At that moment, the clone swung his fist at the disciple.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The wooden box on the disciple''s back suddenly burst open, revealing a disc-shaped object with ten tentacles extending from it, resembling a giant octopus.


    Chu Liang''s sneak attack was intercepted by the puppet, and his punch struck the disc with a thunderous sound, leaving only faint cracks behind.


    The octopus then coiled around Chu Liang with its ten tentacles, as if it was trying to restrain him.


    But in the next instant, Divine Dragon Fire ignited in Chu Liang''s palm.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The crimson-gold mes immediately engulfed the wooden puppet and the disciple. Amidst a painful scream, the entire figure vanished into thin air, leaving only a soul crystal falling to the ground.


    Chu Liang caught the soul crystal tightly in his grip before continuing heading toward the valley.<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 545: I Will Give You the Time of One Incense Stick

    Chapter 545: I Will Give You the Time of One Incense Stick


    <em>Rumble¡ª</em>


    In that instant, the valleyy in ruins, its once-dense terrain shattered as mes erupted violently from the earth. In the blink of an eye, the three brothers of Thunderbolt Stronghold were swallowed whole by the raging Primordial Earth Core Fire.


    The members of the Earthfire Sect had been lying in wait for a long time, meticulously preparing their ambush. Hundreds of fiery channels had been set beneath the ground, ready to ignite and engulf any unfortunate prey that stepped into their trap.


    Ordinary cultivators might have been reduced to ashes in an instant, but the three from Thunderbolt Stronghold were far from ordinary.


    Du Wuhen gripped the massive scythe, transformed from the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird, and swung it with immense force. In an instant, the air was filled with the howl of wind as tens of thousands of wind des tore through the sea of mes, shredding everything in their path and engulfing more than a dozen disciples from the surrounding sects.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    The three members of the Puppet Sect moved in perfect synchronization, almost as if they shared a single mind. In one fluid motion, they summoned their puppets from the wooden boxes strapped to their backs.


    The three puppets were a fearsome sight: a towering giant with the head of an ox and the head of a horse, a three-eyed deity forged from solid steel, and a massive bird with wings that spanned wide.


    After deflecting countless wind des, the puppets wasted no time and charged forward with relentless speed,unching a fierce counterattack. On the other side, the disciples of the Kuimu Sect avoided direct confrontation, opting instead to cast spells. From the dense forest, countless vines and branches surged forth, twisting and weaving together to ensnare and trap the three brothers from Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    Of course, the vines alone couldn¡¯t hold the brothers for long. But the Earthfire Sect was quick to follow up, unleashing their divine techniques. Raging mes surged along the vines with the intensity amplified tenfold!


    It turned out that they were coordinating. The spirit wood of the Kuimu Sect was specially designed to fuel the mes, making the sea of fire¡¯s encirclement even fiercer and more solid.


    Seeing themselves trapped in the fire once again, Wei Tiandi roared, "Charge with me!"


    Before his words could fully escape his lips, the Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle became a blinding streak of lightning, cutting through the sea of fire with a sharp, sizzling sound. Regardless of how dense or solid the blockade was, it stood no chance against the Divine Turtle¡¯s relentless charge.


    As the Divine Turtle sessfully cleared a path through the mes, a two-headed giant descended from above, mming down with immense force. The ground shook under the impact as the giant attempted to drive them back into the inferno, its massive fists ready to push them once again into the raging sea of fire.


    <em>Sizzle¡ª</em>


    At that moment, Du Wuhen made his move once more, his saber gleaming with a sharp, lethal light as it cut cleanly through the puppet, slicing it in half at the waist!


    The three of them worked together in perfect coordination.


    As Du Wuhen¡¯s strikended, the Five-Fire Divine Ape surged ahead, barreling toward the disciples of the Puppetry Sect. Deng Yixiao moved in perfect sync with his beast, their actions flowing seamlessly as if they were a single entity, ready to overwhelm their opponents with theirbined strength.


    Meanwhile, the Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle darted toward the Kuimu Sect disciples, who vanished into the dense forest in a sh of light.


    But the Divine Turtle wouldn''t give up! It crashed through the trees with reckless force, shattering everything in its path as it relentlessly pursued the fleeing disciples.


    The battlefield split into three distinct sections. In one, Du Wuhen stood firm, saber in hand, facing the strongest fighters of the Earthfire Sect. His gaze was steady, showing not a trace of fear.


    Meanwhile, the Ling brothers, Ling Xiao and Ling Yan, pressed their hands to the ground in perfect synchronization. With a thunderous boom, the earth trembled, and a towering pir of fire erupted into the sky, taking shape as a massive Earthfire Giant.


    Behind Du Wuhen, a dark and fearsome manifestation took shape. It was the Form of the Heavens and the Earth!


    The small valley erupted into chaos, barely able to contain the fierce shes, reminiscent of a battle between dragon and tiger.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    Among the Thunderbolt Stronghold brothers, Deng Yixiao was the first to finish his fight.


    Deng Yixiao, alongside his Five-Fire Divine Ape, battled fiercely against the three members of the Puppetry Sect and their puppets. Though it seemed like a fight of two against six, the disparity in power was unmistakable. The gap between each member of the Puppetry Sect and Deng Yixiao¡ªor his mighty Five-Fire Divine Ape¡ªwas far too great.


    The three-eyed puppet unleashed beams of divine light from its eyes, but the Five-Fire Divine Ape responded with a powerful st of me. In the next moment, the puppet was engulfed in a fiery explosion.


    Seizing the opportunity, the two-headed giant charged forward, mming into the Five-Fire Divine Ape with immense force, knocking the ape to the ground. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the ape sprang back up, grabbed the giant and, with one mighty pull, ripped its ox and horse heads apart


    The flying bird puppet swiftly coiled around its master, merging with him to give the appearance of enormous wings. With these wings, the puppet master soared into the air at incredible speed,unching intobat with Deng Yixiao.


    But Deng Yixiao was no ordinary opponent. Having once fought Feng Chaoyang head-on, his physical cultivation had reached the fifth realm. Cloaked in a radiant golden light, Deng Yixiao showed no sign of losing ground as he fought against the Puppeteer Master.


    In an instant, the Five-Fire Divine Ape obliterated the remaining enemies and turned back to help its master deal with the Puppeteer Master.


    Seeing the overwhelming strength of the Five-Fire Divine Ape, thest remaining disciple of the Puppet Sect panicked and attempted to flee. But before he could escape, the ape leaped into the air and snatched the fleeing disciple back down from the sky.


    <em>Thud¡ª</em>


    The Puppetry Sect disciple was mmed violently into the ground. A massive foot then came crashing down upon him. With a resounding crash, his body was obliterated, leaving nothing behind but a gleaming soul crystal amidst the dust and debris.


    Meanwhile, on Wei Tiandi''s side of the battle, it was pure domination. The Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle charged after the fleeing Kuimu Sect disciples, crashing into them with unstoppable force. They had no way to fight back.


    The Kuimu Sect was never skilled at directbat, and it was already fortunate for them to have made it this far in the Competition of the Hundred Sects. They relied heavily on the Earthfire Sect¡¯s offensive strength to carry them through battles. But now, with the Earthfire Sect fully engaged elsewhere, the Kuimu Sect disciples were utterly overwhelmed.


    The disciples of the Kuimu Sect did try to fight back. Some of them targeted Wei Tiandi with their divine technique and tied him up with countless wooden vines.


    But they quickly realized that Wei Tiandi was even fiercer than his tamed beast. With a thunderous roar, he shattered the vines in an explosion of raw power, sending splinters flying in all directions.


    Without hesitation, he followed the trail of divine energy back to the spellcaster. In an instant, Wei Tiandi closed the distance and unleashed a devastating punch.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    After a series of deafening explosions, the Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle''s fight had ended.


    Only on Du Wuhen''s side did the fight still rage on. The Earthfire Sect, as the ace among the Sixteen-Faction Alliance, was indeed a force with fiercebat power. The Earthfire Giant towered over him, forcing Du Wuhen¡¯s manifested form to continuously retreat and dodge.


    However, the Ling brothers were growing impatient. Despite having the apparent upper hand, the prolonged battle was taking its toll. They knew that being stalled here meant their allies were being picked off one by one. As Du Wuhen continued to skillfully deflect their attacks and avoid fighting directly, they grew increasingly frustrated and desperate for the fight to end as quickly as possible.


    It was clear that Du Wuhen had the strength to fight back, yet he was deliberately holding back, stalling for time to aid his fellow disciples. Rather thanunching a full assault, he chose to focus on evasive maneuvers, skillfully avoiding the Earthfire Sect¡¯s overwhelming attacks while keeping the fight drawn out.


    Finally, as Du Wuhen continued to buy precious moments, Deng Yixiao and Wei Tiandi, having finished their own fights, rushed to his side. With theirbined strength, they joined the fight against the Earthfire Sect.


    The Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle and the Five-Fire Divine Ape swelled to enormous sizes, their forms towering like mountains. They charged forward with Du Wuhen, and the Earthfire Giant was forced to retreat repeatedly, unable to hold its ground.


    Ling Xiao let out a furious roar, "Then we¡¯ll die together!"


    In response, the Earthfire Giant¡¯s color began to shift, darkening and bing more solid, as if it were gathering an immense, destructive energy within.


    Seeing the Earthfire Giant''s transformation, Du Wuhen''s expression shifted to one of rm. He immediately shouted, "Retreat! It''s going to self-destruct!"


    "No, I¡¯ll block it!" Wei Tiandi bellowed, as the Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle shot forward with incredible speed. The enormous creature lunged at the Earthfire Giant, its massive shell closing tightly around the giant.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The explosion rocked the entire battlefield, reverberating like a violent earthquake.The world went dark, and only a ck sun rose from the ground. In an instant, the world was plunged into darkness with only a massive ck sun rising from the ground.


    ¡­


    The Ling brothers, seeing their defeat looming, made a desperate final move. They activated the Earthfire Giant''s self-destruction, intending to die with their enemies.


    The giant, filled with boundless earthfire, detonated with immense power, ttening the entire valley and the surrounding area, leaving only a scorched crater..


    At the critical moment, thanks to Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao using their tamed beasts to suppress the Earthfire Giant, they managed to reduce the explosion¡¯s force to some extent and saved themselves from the full destructive force of the detonation.


    with the soul-wrenching pain of losing their tamed beasts, left them in a dire state. They were battered, and their internal injuries were quite serious.


    The three struggled to get up, with only Du Wuhen doing slightly better. However, his fight with the Earthfire Giant had drained much of his foundational qi, leaving his Sea of Qi severely depleted.


    "Let¡¯s collect the soul crystals quickly and find a ce to heal," Du Wuhen urged. "Such amotion could easily attract others."


    "Right, Chu Liang is nearby. I wonder if he¡¯lle," Deng Yixiao added, ncing around.


    Just then, a leisurely voice called out. "Did I hear my name?"


    Chu Liang hadn¡¯t just arrived¡ªhe had been there for quite some time. He had been watching since the three disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold started fighting.


    As Chu Liang observed the fierce battle, he couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer power of the Earthfire Sect. They were far stronger than the Five Poisons Sect he had faced before. If he had to face the Earthfire Sect alone, he knew he wouldn¡¯t stand much of a chance.


    However, despite the overwhelming power of the Earthfire Sect, Thunderbolt Stronghold¡¯s strength was undeniable. Even against a greater number of opponents, they had managed to emerge victorious.


    When the Earthfire Giant self-destructed, the resulting st was so powerful that it reached far beyond the valley¡¯s borders, forcing Chu Liang to retreat a great distance to avoid being caught in the explosion. He only flew back when the explosion subsided.


    Upon his return, he saw the severely injured three brothers and the scattered soul crystals.


    "You..." Du Wuhen raised his saber once more as he said, "In the end, you still came."


    Beside him, Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao struggled as they forced themselves to stand up. They were prepared to face Chu Liang in another fight, even if it meant battling to their deaths.


    "Hold on," Chu Liang said seriously. "Miss Huang saved my life once, and I have some connection with your Lord as well, so I consider you members of the Thunderbolt Stronghold my friends. Although the Competition of the Hundred Sects is ultimately apetition, I have no desire to take advantage of your current weakness. I''ll give you the time of one incense stick[1]. Sit down and heal now. When you''re better, we can start our fight."


    Hearing Chu Liang''s righteous words, the three disciples of Thunderbolt Stronghold exchanged nces before they nodded in unison.


    "Thank you," they said before they immediately sat back down and started circting their qi, seizing the precious moments to recover their strength.


    As they meditated, the thought crept into each of their minds: if not for their rivalry with the Mount Shu Sect, they wouldn''t want to make an enemy of someone like Chu Liang. In these times, it was rare to find someone so honorable.


    Soon, the time of one incense stick had passed.


    The three brothers, having recovered slightly, slowly stood up and cast their gaze toward the "honorable" Chu Liang¡­. only to notice therge group of people who had just rushed over and were now standing behind him.


    Aside from the members of the Mount Shu Sect, there were also four young monks from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    "..."


    <em>So he figured it wasn¡¯t safe to handle three injured enemies alone and decided to wait for his teammates to arrive? Seriously¡­ In times like this, there are no honorable people</em>, the disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold thought.


    1. Around fifteen minutes ?

 Chapter 546: Old Injuries Acting Up

    Chapter 546: Old Injuries Acting Up


    "Shameless scoundrel!"


    The cry of outrage came from the audience at the Emperor''s Mound, who had an omniscient view of the entire scene as it unfolded. Unlike the three brothers of Thunderbolt Stronghold, who were caught in the heat of battle, the spectators had a front-row seat to the tragedy.


    It all began with Chu Liang encountering a disciple from the Puppetry Sect who had been sent as bait. At first, there was nothing remarkable about the encounter. But when the Thunderbolt Stronghold brothers unknowingly walked into the Earthfire Sect''s ambush in the valley, things started to get interesting.


    While the fierce battle raged on, Chu Liang stood on the sidelines, quietly observing for a long time. In many ways, he was no different from the spectators watching from the spectator stands.


    Meanwhile, his teammates followed at a measured pace, maintaining a safe distance behind him. This allowed them to avoid drawing attention while ensuring that they could arrive quickly when needed.


    The more intense the head-on sh between the Earthfire Sect and Thunderbolt Stronghold grew, the more cunning Chu Liang''s scheme appeared.


    As Chu Liang allowed the three heavily injured brothers from Thunderbolt Stronghold to sit and heal, his teammates, who had been trailing at a distance, suddenly began to elerate. At this point, even a fool could see what he was nning.


    Clearly, Chu Liang was using the excuse of letting them heal to buy time for his reinforcements to arrive.


    "Taking advantage of someone''s weakness is one thing, but bringing in so many people? That''s just too much!" one indignant spectator eximed, his voice echoing across the spectator stands."Chu Liang, Chu Liang, heartless and cruel!" shouted another spectator. It was likely that this spectator had attended the Mount Shu Summit in the past and remembered that familiar chant.


    "It''s no surprise he would do something like this. His teacher is none other than Di Nufeng!" added a more knowledgeable spectator, pinpointing the source of Chu Liang''s cunning behavior.


    "Truly a shameless scoundrel!"


    "¡­"


    The crowd''s rising anger wasn''t just fueled by the stark contrast between the honorable, head-on battle earlier and Chu Liang''s scheming tactics.


    Most of them were furious because they had ced their bets on the Thunderbolt Stronghold advancing to the next round¡ªthe Battle at the Imperial City. After all, the disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold that joined this assembly were very powerful and fierce.


    This unexpected disaster took everyone by surprise.


    In the Assembly of Immortal Sects, such upsets were not umon, but the fallout was often dire. Whenever a major upset urred, many corpses would be fished out of the rivers surrounding the capital of Yu the following day, as there were many who gambled everything in hopes of striking it rich overnight.


    Compared to the anger and disdain of the majority, a small group of individuals seemed out of ce, quietly reveling in their happiness.


    These were either locals from Mount Shu or the few who ced bets on the Mount Shu Sect, hoping for something unexpected to happen. Even though they were happy, they only dared to smile subtly, careful not to reveal their joy amidst the crowd.


    After all, the Assembly of Immortal Sects was also notorious for being a time when fights and brawls erupted most frequently in the capital of Yu.


    However, among them was an eighty-something-year-old woman who looked remarkably young and beautiful, standing out with her especially brazen demeanor.


    She pped her hands andughed heartily as she said, "As expected of my disciple! He hasn''t learned much over the years, but he has inherited two-tenths of my wisdom. Hee-hee-hee!"


    Old Sun and Old Huang, standing beside her, exchanged knowing nces, thinking to themselves, <em>If you had two-tenths of his wisdom, there''d be no ce for us in this world.</em>


    But, of course, they didn''t dare voice their thoughts aloud.


    Instead, Old Sun simply mused, "Thebined strength of those Earthfire Sect brothers was truly terrifying. And for the three young men of Thunderbolt Stronghold to survive such a self-destruction shows their incredible resilience. If Chu Liang had acted recklessly on his own, they might have escaped. By dying slightly, he managed to trap thempletely. That was truly a clever n."


    "Indeed," Old Huang nodded in agreement. "You make a good point. As expected of Ah Feng''s disciple. He has a great chance of winning the championship this time."


    Old Sun nced at Old Huang, who had be notably more obedient after being reprimanded, and smiled. "Weren''t you the one who didn''t think highly of Mount Shu?"


    "What are you talking about?" Old Huang quickly retorted, "I''ve always been a loyal fan of the Mount Shu Sect! Every time I see Jiangjiang and Chu Liang together, I feel happy. Jiangjiang! Jiangjiang! A national beauty! And Chuchu! Chuchu! With a big brain and muscles¡­"


    "Disgusting," Old Sun grumbled, unable to bear the sight of him cheering like that.


    ¡­


    While storms raged outside the illusory realm, Chu Liang and the others inside the illusory realm remained blissfully unaware.


    As soon as Monk Pushannded, he immediately noticed the ground littered with soul crystals and the three severely injured brothers of Thunderbolt Stronghold. Pushan had grown used to such scenes. His fellow monks, however, were taken aback by the sight before their eyes.


    Whenever he would go on a mission with Chu Liang, he knew he wouldn''t just be getting easy spoils. More often than not, the spoils would just fall into hisps¡ªopportunities he couldn''t even avoid!


    Their formidable opponents, the members of the Earthfire Sect, had been decisively wiped out, and now the even stronger Thunderbolt Stronghold brothersy severely injured, waiting to be finished off. The team from the Mount Shu Sect was, of course, delighted. The monks from Buddhist Cloud Monastery, who hadn''t done much, were also happy to see the bounty lying all around.


    The only ones who weren''t happy were likely the three mbs" waiting to be ughtered.


    "I don''t care how many of you are here, I''ll take you all on today!" Wei Tiandi roared. "Big Bro, Third Bro, you two go quickly!"


    "The Five-Fire Divine Ape is dead. I am of no use staying here.," Deng Yixiao shouted, struggling. "I''ll hold them off. Second Brother, Big Bro, you two go!"


    "Don''t let them look down on Thunderbolt Stronghold!" Du Wuhen shouted boldly, his voice filled with determination. "Second Brother, Third Brother, take care!"


    As Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao charged toward the enemies, Du Wuhen turned and fled.


    He was the only one going against the tide of battle.


    It wasn''t that Du Wuhen feared for his life¡ªafter all, what was death in the illusory realm, anyway? The truth was far more significant: the future of Thunderbolt Stronghold rested squarely on his shoulders. If they all died and the Mount Shu Sect managed to secure a ce in the top ten, it would take the Thunderbolt Stronghold another sixty years to fight for a position in the Divine Nine again.


    The reason the three brothers didn''t flee together was due to the deep understanding built from years of fighting side by side.


    The Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle and Five-Fire Divine Ape had both died in the earlier explosion, leaving Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao significantly weakened. In their current state, it was far more strategic for them to use up their remaining strength to help their senior brother escape. They knew that if they all tried to escape together, none of them would make it out alive.


    Naturally, no one wanted to let Du Wuhen escape, and the enemies closed in quickly. But as soon as Deng Yixiao charged forward, he activated his Form of the Heavens and the Earth, which resulted in his body suddenly erging. With a powerful punch and a fierce kick, he forced back the two who tried to go after Du Wuhen.


    At the same time, Wei Tiandi charged forward recklessly without a care of any injuries or perhaps death.


    Both of them were on the verge of death, having given up all defenses. All they cared about was attack. Fueled by the determination to die with their opponents, they poured every ounce of strength into their punches, kicks, and divine techniques.


    When one fought without regard for their life, they would be an unstoppable force; not even the strength of ten could stop them. In that moment of reckless bravery, Wei Tiandi and Deng Yixiao managed to hold off everyone around them for a brief but crucial moment.


    It was only for a moment.


    As lights shed and a myriad of swords hovered in the air, the two massive figures were in by the group, transforming into soul crystals that fell to the ground.


    However, that brief moment created a gap that allowed Du Wuhen to escape, flying away on the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird. He soared through the air with such incredible speed that he was soon out of sight.


    "What a shame," Chu Liang said, gazing at the distant sky. "One of them still got away."


    "It''s still a great harvest," Jiang Yuebai replied, his eyes scanning the soul crystals scattered across the ground. There were over ten from the Earthfire Sect alone, plus the ones they had collected earlier. Even after giving half to the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the Mount Shu Sect would still have over twenty crystals.


    That brought them very close to their goal.


    The past two days had gone exceptionally well for the Mount Shu Sect. Each encounter had resulted in significant victories.


    On the other hand, the monks from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery felt a bit embarrassed. Monk Pushan scratched his head and smiled, "How could we ept this? We didn''t do anything, and we''re getting half of your soul crystals. Why don''t you take the bigger share and just give us a few?"


    "Ah," Chu Liang said with a smile, "there is no need to calcte everything so clearly in a coboration. It''s about us helping each other. I may have put in more effort this time, but you can pitch in more next time."


    "Alright," Monk Pucheng of Buddhist Cloud Monastery said, "Then Young Hero Chu, you can rest for a while, and we''ll let my junior brother Pushan be the scout."


    "That would not be..." Chu Liang was about to refuse.


    Jiang Yuebai suddenly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Let him go."


    Chu Liang looked at Jiang Yuebai and saw a hint of pleading in her eyes.


    "Alright then," he said with a smile. "We''ll let Pushan be the scout."


    "Huh?" Monk Pushan looked around at everyone, feeling a bit aggrieved. "Then Chu Liang,e with me, so I''ll at least have somepany."


    "Um..." Chu Liang suddenly clutched his chest, feigning difort. "I think I am slightly injured, so I''m afraid I can''t apany you."


    "In that case, Little Junior Brother, you cane with me..." Pushan turned to his fellow monk, Pujing.


    "Uh..." Pujing clutched his chest as well. "I think I''m also..."


    "You didn''t even do anything earlier!" Monk Pushan shouted in exasperation.


    "It''s an old injury acting up!" Pujing dered seriously.<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 547: Fierce Flames

    Chapter 547: Fierce mes


    On the first day, Misty Waters City was filled with wails, but by the second day, it had be peaceful and serene.


    After the first day, when the reckless individuals who dared to enter the city were thoroughly eliminated, no one dared to challenge the Peni Supreme Sect''s might again.


    Yang Shenlong remained in the city, while his three fellow disciples spread out to hunt. Although their gains couldn''t match those of the previous day, they were still quite substantial.


    On the evening of the second day, a new figure stepped into Misty Waters City.


    This man was tall and thin, with dark skin marked by traces of blood and charred wounds¡ªit was none other than Du Wuhen of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. His breathing was slightly uneven, suggesting he had recently suffered serious injuries and was still in the process of recovering. His cultivation power had not yet been fully restored.


    He walked along the empty main street of the city until he reached the center, where someone finally appeared to block his path.


    This individual was dressed in ck, with a saber strapped to his back and half of his face concealed. He was a young man from the Royal Wave Bureau of the Fuyao Kingdom, who had allied with the Peni Supreme Sect at some point.


    However, the Peni Supreme Sect had always been the power behind the Fuyao Kingdom, so their coboration was of no surprise.


    "You¡¯re the first one bold enough to enter Misty Waters City today," the disciple from the Fuyao Kingdom said coldly."I''m not here to fight. I have something I want to discuss with Yang Shenlong," Du Wuhen replied.


    The disciple from the Fuyao Kingdom stared at him for a moment before stepping aside, gesturing for him to pass. He wasn¡¯t the least bit concerned about Du Wuhen having ulterior motives¡ªafter all, he was heading toward the strongest person here.


    Du Wuhen slowly ascended to the highest tower in the city, and as soon as he entered, he saw a familiar short figure in the main hall.


    "Haha! You really dared toe for revenge!" Qi Lin''er cackled as he leaped up, clearly surprised that Du Wuhen had the nerve to actuallye.


    "I''m not here for you. I need to speak with Yang Shenlong," Du Wuhen repeated.


    "You want to see him? Then you¡¯ll have to get through me first!" Qi Lin''er wasn¡¯t going to let him off so easily. He lunged forward, swinging a kick at Du Wuhen.


    The brothers from Thunderbolt Stronghold had injured him before, and he was still holding a grudge.


    <em>ng¡ª</em>


    A metallic ng rang out as Du Wuhen¡¯s scythe blocked the kick once again. Fortunately for Qi Lin''er, he quickly adjusted his direction, kicking the side of the de. If not, he would have been injured.


    Using the momentum, Qi Lin''er flipped in midair, his palms descending with the force of copsing mountains.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Du Wuhen met him with one palm, his feet sinking one chi into the ground before he stopped.


    Qi Lin''er was also thrown back,nding on the ground again.


    "Back off!" Amand suddenly came from upstairs.


    Hearing that voice, Qi Lin''er was still disgruntled but dared not act recklessly anymore. He had no choice but to let Du Wuhen pass.


    Du Wuhen ascended to the top floor and saw a figure standing on the open balcony, facing away from him.


    Even among the prodigies, there were differences in ability.


    If Du Wuhen was considered one of the top prodigies of his generation, then Yang Shenlong was unparalleled. Among the young disciples of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, Yang Shenlong was the only one Du Wuhen had no confidence in defeating.


    That was why he came to seek out Yang Shenlong.


    "The eldest disciple of Thunderbolt Stronghold, what brings you here?" Yang Shenlong didn¡¯t turn around but asked calmly.


    "I''d like to ask for your help," Du Wuhen said. "I need your help to eliminate Mount Shu''s team. Once it''s done, I¡¯ll give you all twelve soul crystals I¡¯ve collected so far."


    "Do you think I need your soul crystals?" Yang Shenlong asked.


    "I will also form an alliance with you on behalf of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. Although I¡¯m the only one left, in this illusory realm, I will obey your everymand," Du Wuhen continued.


    Yang Shenlong finally turned around. With calm, deep, and unfathomable eyes, he said, "It seems Qi Lin''er killed one of your teammates earlier. So, we are enemies, aren''t we?"


    Du Wuhen remained silent.


    It was true.


    But the fact that they were enemies was less importantpared to the urgent task of eliminating the team from the Mount Shu Sect. Teaming up with the enemy was no longer a big deal.


    This was the hardest path for him.


    From what he had observed, the rise of the Mount Shu Sect seemed inevitable. Aside from this move, he couldn''t think of any way to change the situation.


    "Heh." Yang Shenlong smiled slightly. "I ept the alliance, but I don¡¯t need your soul crystals. Just your presence here is sufficient. I¡¯ve already promised someone else that I¡¯d handle the Mount Shu Sect, so I don¡¯t need any extra payment."


    Du Wuhen hesitated for a moment before saying, "Thank you."


    As he turned to leave, Qi Lin''er stood at the stairway and stared at him with a taunting gaze.


    "You came toote. Taotie City and Fuyao Kingdom have already arrived long ago. Your Thunderbolt Stronghold will only be ranked fourth in this city.


    "Even before you came here, we were already nning on obliterating the team from the Mount Shu Sect."


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, within the illusory realm, there was another area where the fighting was just as fierce as in Misty Waters City.


    It was the ck Whale Mountain.


    Unlike the one-sided ughter by the Peni Supreme Sect in Misty Waters City, there were numerous teams on the ck Whale Mountain near the coast. There was not a huge difference in strength between these teams, which was why the battle continued even after two days and one night.


    There were only five or six teams remaining, all hiding in the corners of ck Whale Mountain, taking a break to recover.


    It appeared they were prepared for a prolonged standoff. No one intended to leave until they had established dominance over the area.


    At this moment, a strange-looking team arrived on the scene.


    The leader was a cold-looking middle-aged man with an eerie glint in his eyes. Without hesitation, he led his teammates up ck Whale Mountain.


    One of the resting teams thought that their territory was being invaded. Instantly, all four members jumped up, prepared to fight. The middle-aged man merely nced at them and raised his hand lightly.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    Suddenly, ck light erupted from the chests of the four young men. In an instant, they swelled up and then exploded with a thunderous bang!


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    The series of explosions caused the ck Whale Mountain to tremble, sending the teams that had just begun to catch their breath into a panic as they hurriedly gathered to prepare for battle.


    Whenever the middle-aged man spotted someone within his line of sight, he raised his hand and effortlessly exploded them.


    As for the soul crystals that fell to the ground, he didn¡¯t even nce at them.


    He soon reached the peak of the ck Whale Mountain.


    There was also a team here, led by a red-haired youth. Although his team came from a small, unknown sect, the youth himself was extraordinarily powerful. After two days and one night of fighting, his presence caught the attention of the surrounding teams. All of them were aware that his body was as indestructible as a living vajra, impervious to divine techniques and weapons alike.


    When they saw the middle-aged man¡¯s figure, the red-haired youth and his threeckeys reacted very differently. Instead of leaping into battle, they immediately grew tense and bowed deeply, saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader Yuan!"


    The middle-aged man gave them a second nce. Instead of attacking, he asked, "From the West Sea?"


    "I¡¯m the Copper Demon Ridge''s Third Leader. Five years ago at the Evil Dragon Mountain Assembly, I had the honor of meeting you," the red-haired youth said, all his usual arrogance reced by respect. "You even praised my exceptional talent. Today, I¡¯vee in response to your call, Sect Leader Yuan. We are ready to join this grand event!"


    The middle-aged man nodded and said, "Good, you¡¯vee at the right time."


    "Sect Leader Yuan, our second leader was killed on the way here!" the red-haired youth continued, his voice pleading. "Please, help us avenge him!"


    "Hmm." The middle-aged man nodded again, though he didn¡¯t seem overly concerned. He stepped on the mountain beneath his feet and murmured, "I can only enter this illusory realm with the body of a seventh-realm cultivator, which I thought would be troublesome... but I didn¡¯t expect the battle to be centered on ck Whale Mountain. This saves me a lot of trouble."


    As he spoke, he crouched down and pressed his palm to the ground.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    Endless ck light surged forth, like a geyser erupting from the earth. In an instant, the ck light spread across the majority of the mountain like dark ink, gradually seeping downward.


    As the ck light expanded, the massive mountain began to rumble loudly, shaking violently.


    At that moment, everyone within the illusory realm could feel it...


    A fierce me from the ancient primordial wilderness swept across the heavens and the earth!<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 548: Something Strange

    Chapter 548: Something Strange


    A delicatedy, dressed in ice-blue robes, gently strummed a guqin[1] as swallows frolicked in the ck bamboo grove.


    The heavenly sound of the guqin flowed from her fingertips, filling the ck bamboo grove with music. The melody was so beautiful that it calmed the mind and pleased the spirit of whoever listened in, transporting their minds to the realm of immortals.


    Four men dressed in ck stood nearby, watching the blue-robeddy in silence.


    They had been passing by the bamboo grove when they heard the enchanting music. Unable to resist, they entered the bamboo grove to find out who was ying the guqin, and what they saw was that mesmerizing scene.


    The blue-robeddy looked like a celestial being as she sat on the ground, ying her guqin in the breeze. Her music and visualsbined to make such a captivating and harmonious scene that it made the men feel as if they had stepped into a paradise in the immortal realm. So, they stood there for a long time, unwilling to disrupt her.


    When the blue-robed youngdy¡¯s song was about to end, she finally raised her gaze and looked at the four men.


    Suddenly, another person emerged from the dense forest beside them¡ªa towering, muscr woman. She was so burly that she looked like two strong men put together.


    With a wide nose and face, fierce eyebrows, andrge eyes, this shockingly mighty and domineering woman charged toward the four men.


    The four men were startled, and the tranquility of the scene was shattered. It reminded them of where they were¡ªthe battlefield of the Competition of the Hundred Sects!The burly woman carried a huge drum in her left hand. She even brought a stand to hold it up.[2] Yet, the drum looked like a mere toy in her hand.


    She set it up on the ground with a bang.


    In response, the four men made hand seals and tried to activate them, but the moment they circted their foundational qi a little, they felt weak all over. Their Sea of Qi was blocked, and they couldn''t muster any strength to fight.


    The burly woman pulled out a thick purple-gold mallet with her right hand and struck the drum fiercely.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The sound of the drum was like a p of thunder, and in that moment, it was like an earthquake had struck. The burly woman smashed the purple-gold mallet down onto the Kui Ox Drum[3] with earth-shattering force.


    The four men were sent flying dozens of zhang. With battered muscles and broken bones, blood poured from their orifices.


    Before they could even think of fleeing, the notes of a flute rang out swiftly and fiercely, sending countless razor-like sonic des flying with the wind. The sonic des instantly sliced the four men to shreds, turning them into soul crystals.


    "<em>Heheheh!</em>" The burly womanughed loudly as she strode forward and collected the soul crystals. "With the addition of these four, we''ve gathered twenty soul crystals in just three days. The effect of Lingxue''s ''Drunken Immortal Melody of Spring'' was amazing!"


    The blue-robeddy put away her guqin and walked over slowly. "It''s all thanks to your Kui Ox Drum. I was merely supporting from the side."


    Two more women emerged from the bamboo grove.


    These four women were the South Melody Conservatory''s core disciples: Xue Lingxue, Shen Qingyan, Yu Xiang''er, and Tie Chui[4], who had been specially trained to be abat musician.


    During the three days that these four women had spent in the illusory realm, they had been using the illusion effects of the "Drunken Immortal Melody of Spring" to lure people into the ck bamboo grove and then swiftly kill them.


    The South Melody Conservatory team had seamless teamwork, and their tactic was simple and straightforward. If Tie Chui''s attack and Shen Qingyan''s follow-up attack didn''t finish off their opponents, Yu Xiang''er would wait for the right timing tounch a surprise attack on them from the dense forest.


    Themon perception was that musicians weren''t skilled inbat, but truly gifted musicians were terrifying existences. Regardless of whether they cultivatedbat-type or support-type divine skills, most of those divine skills were meant to be used in groups. The more people there were involved in the battle, the more powerful the effects would be.


    "Okay, Lingxue, no need to be so modest," Shen Qingyan said with a smile. "You''ll always be our best support member that we can never do without."


    "Especially when you''re going for a matchmaking session, right?" Xue Lingxue replied with a grin.


    "Oh,e on." Shen Qingyan blushed. "I didn''t have a choice."


    Xue Lingxue teased, "So you had to make me the bad guy and get me to offend the future crown prince."


    The four young women walked back into the bamboo grove, chatting andughing.


    As it turned out, Shen Qingyan and Xue Lingxue were the closest among the four core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory. When their sect arranged for Shen Qingyan to attend the banquet at the Celestial Observatory Pavilion to meet the Second Prince, Shen Qingyan had been unable to refuse, so she brought Xue Lingxue along.


    She had specifically asked Xue Lingxue to help stop the Second Prince from getting too close to her. If Xue Lingxue could not do it, then Shen Qingyan would need an excuse to leave without disrespecting the imperial family or cing herself in a difficult position.


    ¡­


    After the South Melody Conservatory''s team concluded their battle, the scene that was being shown on the projection shifted to another location.


    The spectators at the foot of the mountain shouted with dissatisfaction.


    "We want to see Shen Qingyan!"


    "Just stay focused on the South Melody Conservatory! Who wants to watch those big men fight?"


    "It would be nice even if we''re just listening to Xue Lingxue y the guqin!"


    The screen time for the South Melody Conservatory team had been pitifully short. Their fans made up arge proportion of the crowd, and many of them had been waiting for days just to catch a glimpse of their beloved youngdies. It was no surprise that they were disheartened when the focus shifted.


    However, the South Melody Conservatory was not the main attraction in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, so Immortal Jiuyi paid no attention to thoseints. After all, there were plenty of chances to see beautiful women. Right now, he had more pressing matters to attend to.


    No one had noticed that Immortal Jiuyi¡¯s expression grew increasingly tense as the Assembly of Immortal Sects progressed into its third day.


    At this moment, the team from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was still drifting out at sea, casually ying mahjong.


    Li Guanlong, their eldest senior brother, had covered his face with white strips of paper. He was sitting there, dozing off with mahjong tiles in his hands.


    His junior brothers exchanged nces and sneakily craned their necks to peek at his tiles.


    Suddenly, Li Guanlong opened his eyes and yelled, "I knew you''d try to peek while I was asleep! Caught you red-handed!"


    His junior brothers panicked, scrambling their minds to defend themselves.


    Right then, a thunderous voice rang in their ears. "Enough!"


    "Sect Leader?"


    As soon as they heard the voice, the disciples of Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals fell quiet, bing more well behaved.


    The voice in their ears belonged to their sect leader, Immortal Jiuyi.


    However, sect elders were strictly forbidden from getting involved in the second round of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. As the master of the Divine Mirror, Immortal Jiuyi was supposed to be a mere observer. Just speaking to his disciples was a vition of the rules.


    "ording to the rules, I shouldn''t be speaking to you, but there''s an urgent matter I need you to handle," Immortal Jiuyi said. "I suspect someone has infiltrated the illusory realm. They are capable of evading my detection, so I can''t see what they''re doing. Go search for any strange urrences. Notify me immediately if you find anything."


    Immortal Jiuyi had sensed something was amiss from the start, but now that feeling was growing stronger. He used his senses to scan all of the illusory realm in an instant, yet he still couldn''t detect anything unusual.


    If there were indeed strange urrences, it could only mean one thing: the person causing them was capable of blocking his senses. That meant they were at least as powerful as he was.


    Immortal Jiuyi did not want to prematurely interrupt the Assembly of Immortal Sects, so he decided to send his sect''s disciples to investigate. This way, he could confirm if something strange was happening without avoiding rming the intruder.


    If the intruder truly was a powerful cultivator of Immortal Jiuyi''s level, that would exin why they could evade Immortal Jiuyi''s detection. However, since the intruder was inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, their cultivation level was probably suppressed by a realm due to the maximum cultivation level that was allowed inside the illusory realm. So, even though Immortal Jiuyi couldn''t see the intruder from outside the illusory realm, his disciples who were inside the illusory realm might be able to.


    If some evil force intended to cause trouble on the Emperor''s Mound during this time, it would be sheer suicide. Powerful cultivators of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had gathered there for the Assembly of Immortal Sects. This union of righteous forces was powerful enough to make any force of evil tremble in fear.


    Nheless, since this illusory realm was constructed inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, the intruder could be interfering with the event from a remote location. If Immortal Jiuyi hastily and aggressively intervened, the intruder could easily escape by swiftly leaving the illusory realm.


    Upon hearing Immortal Jiuyi''s instructions, the disciples of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals stopped ying around and became serious. Once their sect leader was done talking, they all stood up.


    They had been ying mahjong on the sea for days, but they weren''t weaklings who had retreated to the sea out of fear. If they needed to act, they would do it without much hesitation.


    Li Guanlong said, "Sect Leader has given us an order. We mustn''t ck off. Let''s check the entire illusory realm quickly."


    "Eldest Senior Brother, I don''t think we need to go to all that trouble," Zhuge Guanxing replied, raising his hand and pointing toward a shore in the distance. "We should start by checking there."


    A massive ck monster was rising on that distant shore.


    1. A stringed instrument simr to a zither. ?


    2. See trantor''s thoughts for pic. ?


    3. It''s a legendary drum that the Yellow Emperor was said to have made from the hide of a Kui (that mythical one-legged creature that might look like a dragon or an ox that you probably don''t remember me talking about some chapters ago) Ox (which apparently could also be a wild yak or buffalo. It''s not very specific in Chinese, as the same character is used for all bovine.). It''s supposed to be a very powerful drum, capable of reverberating its sound for very long distances, inciting fear and awe. Have a look here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kui_(Chinese_mythology)#Shanhaijing for more info. ?


    4. This means iron hammer. She''s the drummer. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD


    The Kun Ox Drum probably looks something like this.


    </blockquote>

 Chapter 549: The Diabolical Forces Scheme

    Chapter 549: The Diabolical Forces'' Scheme


    "I just knew it would be best if it''s the two of us. My senior and junior brothers are either injured or ill. But us¡ªwe have gone through life-and-death experiences together. We''re true friends! If you ask me what true friends are¡­ Well, it''s just like what people say. The gain or loss of power and influence will reveal whether your friendship is genuine, and your loyalty will be tested in the face of death¡­[1]"


    Chu Liang and Pushan skimmed low over the ins, flying side by side. Throughout the journey, Pushan kept up his usual chatter, causing Chu Liang''s brain to quiver incessantly.


    Chu Liang had agreed to apany him because no one in the Buddhist Cloud Monastery was willing to join Pushan as a scout. Having already been coldly ignored for a day, Pushan just looked so pitiful.


    Seeing that, Chu Liang felt sorry for Pushan. Furthermore, seeing as he couldn''t rest easy if someone else did the scouting anyway, Chu Liang reluctantly agreed to apany Pushan. However, he regretted it soon after.


    He couldn''t help but wish Luo Yao were there. She had a way of shutting down Pushan''s chatter at just the right moments. Thinking about that now, Chu Liang realized that was a skill in itself.


    He couldn''t help but hope for enemies to appear¡ªanything to interrupt Pushan''s relentless chatter.


    At the next moment, someone appeared in the distance, entering the range of his divine sense. It was as if the heavens had heard Chu Liang''s prayer.


    Chu Liang quickly said, "Someone''sing,"


    Chu Liang and Pushan sped forward, swiftly entering the range of the other party''s divine sense. Unexpectedly, the other party didn''t intend to fight.


    Instead, they turned and fled, shouting, "It''s Chu Liang from Mount Shu!"


    They bolted away into the distance.


    "Heeey!" Chu Liang called out.


    He and Pushan hurriedly gave chase.


    When Chu Liang was flying on his sword, it was difficult for anyone within his line of sight to escape. Yet, he only managed to catch that person and secure his soul crystal. As for that person''s teammates, they had long since scattered without a trace.


    "Why did they run off¡­?" Chu Liang wondered. "Since they sent someone to scout ahead, they must''ve been looking to hunt for soul crystals. But the moment the scout saw me, he bolted. I guess he must''ve recognized me."


    "Indeed." Pushan nodded. "You''ve made quite a name for yourself; you''re as well known as the top prodigies of the immortal sects. The members of ordinary small sects would definitely be cautious if they recognized you."


    This was based on his reputation from before the second round of the assembly started. If word were to get out that Chu Liang had single-handedly defeated three teams, even more people would fear him.


    If the opposing teams kept fleeing at the sight of Chu Liang, that meant he would only be able to catch and kill the scouts, not wipe out entire teams. That was, of course, the whole reason they sent scouts in the first ce.


    "<em>Hmm...</em>" Chu Liang murmured, thinking for a moment. Then he said, "I guess we should disguise ourselves."


    He put on a ck robe with a habitual swiftness. Seeing that, Pushan put on his own ck robe.


    Their ck robes, specially made of Aura-Concealing Muslin, instantly made them look like members of a diabolical sect. The righteous aura of the young heroes was reced by something far more sinister. They were true professionals.


    Chu Liang exined, "This way, they won''t recognize us from afar. Once arge group surrounds us, the soul crystals will be ours."


    Pushan chuckled. "Haven''t worn this robe in a while. Feels kind of nostalgic."


    They continued scouting the area in their ck robes, flying for a long time before finally encountering another person. This time, it was a woman. Her slim and graceful figure was visible even from a distance. Chu Liang thought that the woman looked rather familiar, but he couldn''t remember who she was.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t dwell on it. After all, he had many acquaintances in the various immortal sects. It was possible they had met at the Mount Shu Summit or another event. Regardless, now that they were in the Competition of the Hundred Sects, anyone who wasn''t an ally was an enemy.


    Chu Liang and Pushan went straight over to the woman. She did not flee; instead, she moved toward them.


    Chu Liang was just about to make a move and pretend to be overpowered.


    Unexpectedly, when the woman saw him, she called out, "Esteemed senior!"


    "Hm?" Chu Liang uttered, taken aback by the woman''s form of address for him. He stared nkly at her for a moment before hesitantly yelling back, "It''s you?" ???????¨§?


    ¡­


    Actually, Chu Liang had no idea who the woman was.


    Nheless, when they moved closer to talk, Chu Liang finally recognized her face. It was Enchantress Yi from the Scarlet-Robe Hall.


    Yi Qiushui''s physique hadn''t changed, but she had put on some makeup, and her skin was a different shade. She looked significantly different from thest time he saw her; it was like she was a different person. Yi Qiushui wasn''t using an illusion technique though. She had simply used makeup to change her appearance, and she had be nearly unrecognizable.


    Participants in the Assembly of Immortal Sects had to undergo strict inspections, so the imperial court officials and sect elders overseeing the events would have detected any use of illusion techniques early on. However, the method Yi Qiushui used made it easy for her to deceive them.


    The simplest infiltration tasks only needed the most basic disguise.


    Yi Qiushui she had only recently emerged into the martial world and hadn''t made many public appearances yet. There were only a few righteous cultivators knew who she was, so it was easy for her to slip in unnoticed.


    Chu Liang was curious about her purpose for being there.


    "Esteemed senior, why haven''t you gone to see my teacher?" Yi Qiushuiined. "You promised to visit her. She has waited for you for so long."


    Pushan blinked. "Something like that happened?"


    Pushan had seen Yi Qiushui before and knew she was the disciple of the Scarlet-Robe Hall''s master, but this was a total surprise...


    Chu Liang felt rather awkward. <em>I did agree to meet her, but she''s expecting someone else. How am I supposed to exin that to you?</em>


    So, all he could say was, "I''ve been busytely."


    "<em>Hmph...</em>" Yi Qiushui scoffed, angry on her teacher''s behalf. She wasn''t going to let him off so easily.


    Chu Liang quickly changed the subject. "What are you doing here?"


    "My teacher sent me here. We received word that the West Sea Diabolical Forces are plotting to seize the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams! She sent me to check things out."


    Pushan gasped. "<em>Eh?</em>"


    Chu Liang was just as surprised, but he didn''t show it.


    Instead, he calmly asked, "You know about this too?"


    "Esteemed senior, you know about this too?" Yi Qiushui asked right back. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "Of course, it makes sense. With your remarkable divine abilities, it''s only natural you''d know."


    Chu Liang shot Pushan a nce.


    Then Pushan said, "This is a serious matter. Enchantress Yi, what information do you have? Perhaps you could confirm the intel with... our esteemed senior."


    The three undercover agents¡ªChu Liang, Pushan, and Luo Yao¡ªhad worked together for so long that they could understand each other with just one nce.


    Yi Qiushui shared the information with them. "The West Sea Diabolical Forces are making a big move this time. Immortal Yuan Lu contacted many sects, urging them to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects to infiltrate the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. He ns to invade the illusory realm and seize control of the Divine Mirror from within it."


    That sounded far-fetched, so Chu Liang exchanged another nce with Pushan.


    Pushan asked, "The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams is no ordinary treasure. Can it really be taken like that?"


    Yi Qiushui exined, "That involves one of the Diabolical Forces'' secrets."


    She then shared more details, and Chu Liang and Pushan finally understood how Immortal Yuan Lu was going to take control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    The "Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures" had only mentioned that the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was a treasure that had fallen from the immortal realm. However, it didn''t exin that when the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals discovered it, it was just a damaged Eight Trigram Compass that could connect the real and illusory worlds. Although thepass was mysterious and profound enough to be considered a legendary artifact, it didn''t possess the immense power that made it worthy of being ranked third in the catalog.


    At that time that the Eight Trigram Compass was discovered, Evil Dragon Mountain was at the height of its power within the Diabolical Forces. A second Diabolical Emperor emerged from that sect, wielding the Diabolical Divine Mirror¡ªan absurdly powerful artifact capable of reflecting everything in the world.


    After the second Demon Emperor perished, the new sect leader of Evil Dragon Mountain used the Diabolical Divine Mirror to fight against the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals and their Eight Trigram Compass. Ultimately, the wielders of the two artifacts both perished in the battle, and the two artifacts fused together before falling into the illusory realm.


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortalster recovered this fused artifact, known now as the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. With the artifact upgraded to legendary status, the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals flourished.


    Evil Dragon Mountain, on the other hand, fell from glory and failed to rise back up again. The biggest reason was losing their most powerful legendary artifact.


    Since then, whenever eighth-realm righteous cultivators carried legendary artifacts to the West Sea, the West Sea Diabolical Forces would run like the wind, as they had been unable to regain their former strength.


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals didn''t want their legendary artifact to be associated with the Diabolical Forces, so they kept it a secret. Once enough time had passed, there wouldn''t be anyone left who knew about it.


    By the time the Celestial Pivot Pavilion established the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures, the battle between the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals and the Evil Dragon Mountain had be ancient history, and no records had been made of it.


    The Evil Dragon Mountain never publicly revealed that they had lost their legendary artifact, but they had always harbored the desire to reim their Divine Mirror. Now, they wanted to seize the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams by infiltrating the illusory realm inside it. That meant that they had likely found some way to reim control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    However, if Evil Dragon Mountain were to regain possession of the Divine Mirror, the Dark King Sect''s already unstable position as the most dominant sect in the Diabolical Forces would be in jeopardy. That was why the Dark King Sect sent someone to investigate the situation.


    Chu Liang frowned.


    <em>Why is this happening during this Assembly of Immortal Sects?</em>


    This n to infiltrate the illusory realm inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams and seize control of the mirror¡­ sounded far-fetched, but it didn''t seem impossible.


    The Great Dao of Reality and Illusion was profoundly mysterious. This situation sounded like a hacker nting a virus in aputer to take it over. The difference was that a hacker couldn''t physically steal theputer. However, if someone had control over the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, it would be an easy feat for them to instantly summon the mirror from thousands of li away.


    While the three people were talking, a deep rumble reverberated through the ground from afar, and an ancient and malevolent aura surged into the sky.


    Chu Liang looked up and saw a massive ck shadowy form rise from the distant shore!


    It was a mountain.


    Yet, as the mountain rose higher, the rocks, earth, and trees on it quickly fell off. The mountain was shaking¡­ No, it wasn''t simply shaking¡ªit was shaking off the earth and rocks clinging to it.


    <em>Boom! Rumble, rumble¡­</em>


    As the rocks and earth rained down, a part of the mountain''s core was revealed. It was pitch-ck as if it had been forged from iron.


    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble...</em>


    More and more of the mountain''s massive core was unearthed until most of it was visible. It looked like an enormous whale rising into the sky. The whale was covered in countless wounds. The deepest one was an injury that ran through its head.


    <em>Is that ck Whale Mountain?</em>


    Chu Liang suddenly recalled a legend he had heard a long time ago. It said that ck Whale Mountain had been formed from the corpse of the ck Devil Whale.


    <em>Could the legend really be true?</em>


    That very mountain had returned to life inside this illusory realm!


    The enormous ck Devil Whale hovered overhead, stretching across the sky. Finally seeing daylight again after so long, the ck Devil Whale unleashed the fury that had been silently umting within it for thousands of years.


    <em>"RAAAAAAR!!!"</em>


    1. I tranted this assuming that this is the full saying: Ò»ËÀÒ»Éú£¬ÄËÖª½»Ç顣һƶһ¸»£¬ÄËÖª½»Ì¬¡£Ò»¹óÒ»¼ú£¬½»ÇéÄ˼û¡£ The author only used two parts of it. There''s a third part: The gain or loss of wealth will reveal how deep your friendship is. The saying is much more eloquent in Chinese. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 550: How Noisy

    Chapter 550: How Noisy


    When Li Guanlong and his teammates arrived at the coastline, the massive ck whale had already risen into the sky, leaving behind a colossal crater in the ground, casting a terrifying shadow.


    Beneath the giant whale, about a dozen figures had gathered. They were the factions of the West Sea Diabolical Forces who had been summoned to infiltrate the illusory realm.


    Immortal Yuan Lu descended from the sky and was saying something to them.


    This scene, however, could not be seen by those outside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. If Immortal Jiuyi were to observe ck Whale Mountain right now, he would see it as barren and unchanged.


    Fortunately, Immortal Jiuyi was vignt enough.


    At this moment, he was looking at the scene through Li Guanlong¡¯s perspective. Immediately, he recognized the instigator of this upheaval. "Immortal Yuan Lu?"


    Immortal Jiuyi said in a calm and deep voice, "Hecks true understanding of the Great Dao of Reality and Illusion. The fact that he managed to infiltrate the illusory realm showed that someone more powerful must have helped him. Clearly, he infiltrated the illusory realm to awaken the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror that has long been suppressed and reim control of the Divine Mirror. I will find ways to crack his defense so that my power can manifest within the mirror. Until then, you must do all you can to stop him..."


    "Understood!" Song Guanchao shouted as he leaped into the air.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>He transformed into a streak of swordlight, flying toward the enemy as he yelled, "Die, devil!"


    Immortal Yuan Lu nced up nonchntly at the approaching swordlight and, with a calm gesture, raised his hand.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Song Guanchao erupted in mid-air like a falling meteor, his body obliterated in an instant, leaving only a small soul crystal that slowly drifted to the ground.


    "I wasn¡¯t finished..." Immortal Jiuyi continued. "Immortal Yuan Lu wields the power of a seventh-realm cultivator within this illusory realm, so facing him head-on would be a death sentence. However, while he''s awakening the spirit of the mirror, he must focus and circte qi within his body, rendering him unable to move. That is your moment to strike from the side. His diabolical followers will likely be guarding him during this process. Your mission is to eliminate them when he starts circting qi in his body."


    "As long as you can disturb him and slow down the awakening process, giving me enough time to channel my power into the illusory realm, we can destroy him. But if he manages to awaken the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror before then, there is a risk of us losing the Divine Mirror¡­"


    When the legendary artifact, the Eight Trigram Compass, and the Diabolical Divine Mirror merged, their spirits were equally matched in strength.


    However, since the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals retrieved the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams first, they suppressed the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror, transforming thebined artifact into a righteous legendary treasure.


    If Immortal Yuan Lu were to sessfully awaken the suppressed spirit, there would indeed be a chance that the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams could transform into a diabolical artifact.


    This had been a closely guarded secret within Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    It was precisely because of this risk that they kept the true origin of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams a secret.


    For Immortal Yuan Lu to achieve this, it was likely that an Eminent One skilled in the Great Dao of Reality and Illusion had assisted him. There must have also been someone with deep knowledge of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, providing him with inside information. ???¨®£Â§¦??


    Immortal Jiuyi didn¡¯t expect his disciples to truly stop Immortal Yuan Lu; even though Immortal Yuan Lu''s power was suppressed to the seventh realm, he was still an existence that they could not challenge.


    The main fight was between Immortal Jiuyi and the Eminent One who had kept reality hidden with an illusion.


    At this moment, even those who had attained the Heavenly Origin had no means to help as there was simply no way for them to take part in the battle happening inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    Only those disciples of the immortal sects within the illusory realm could help. If all the disciples joined forces andunched a coordinated attack, it would be far more effective than relying solely on the members of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. Though it would cause significant disruption to the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the risk of losing the sect¡¯s legendary artifact was a far more pressing concern.


    At that moment, Situ Guanhai suddenly shouted, "Isn¡¯t that cheating?"


    It turned out that Immortal Yuan Lu had leaped into the air and vanished into the gaping mouth of the ck Devil Whale!


    In response, a streak of swordlight shot up from the ground, streaking into the distance with blinding speed.


    When the enormous ck Devil Whale was alive, it had been a ferocious creature of the eighth realm. Even though it had been dead for over ten thousand years and was now revived within this illusory realm, it still retained near-seventh realm strength, and its physical durability remained unmatched.


    It seemed that Immortal Yuan Lu would soon begin awakening the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror.


    It would have been manageable if they only had to deal with the diabolical cultivators protecting Immortal Yuan Lu.


    But how could they even disturb him if he had hid himself inside the belly of the ck Devil Whale?


    <em>Damn it, why did we choose this ce for thepetition¡­</em> Immortal Jiuyi cursed inwardly.


    At the same time, he swiftly started sending a message to all the immortal sect disciples within the illusory realm.


    Previously, Immortal Jiuyi had only summoned the disciples of Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, as they were the ones facing the imminent risk of losing the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. For the other righteous sects, this loss might not have been seen as a terrible oue.


    If Immortal Jiuyi spread word of the situation, there was no guarantee that some wouldn''t seize the opportunity to implement their own schemes. But with the situation so dire, he had no choice now but to call upon every avable force, despite the risks.


    "To all disciples participating in the Competition of the Hundred Sects..."


    ¡­


    Moments earlier, Chu Liang, Pushan, and Enchantress Yi had arrived at ck Whale Mountain, just in time to witness the massive beast soaring into the sky.


    Enchantress Yi''s eyes widened as she gazed at the figure descending from the ck Devil Whale. "It really is Immortal Yuan Lu!" she eximed.


    Chu Liang fixed his gaze on the indifferent-looking middle-aged man. <em>So, that''s the sect leader of the Evil Dragon Mountain from the West Sea?</em>


    "What is he trying to do?" asked Monk Pushan.


    Seeing that Immortal Yuan Lu was speaking to the surrounding diabolical cultivators, Chu Liang leaped forward, saying, "We''ll know once we ask."


    "Huh?" Enchantress Yi was startled. Although both were from diabolical sects, the Dark King Sect and the West Sea Diabolical Forces had never gotten along, and she didn¡¯t dare to approach.


    How could <em>he</em> dare?


    Out of a blind sense of trust, Enchantress Yi and Pushan followed him.


    Had it been a righteous cultivator approaching, Immortal Yuan Lu would have obliterated them with a mere nce. But as Chu Liang drew closer, he made no move to stop him.


    When righteous cultivators spot anomalies, they usually rush over with stern faces, shouting, frowning, and acting in haste.


    But these individuals approached with shrouded faces, eerie auras, and a calm, unhurried pace.


    Their demeanor clearly marked them as fellow members of the diabolical path.


    Sure enough, as Chu Liang drew near, he cupped his hands and said, "Greetings to Sect Leader Yuan. I am a Fiend under the Violet Gold Marquess, sent here as an envoy to assist you."


    Yuan Lu finally smiled. "It¡¯s good that the Violet Gold Marquess is willing to help."


    Behind him, Enchantress Yi''s pupils dted in shock. So, Immortal Yuan Lu had managed to recruit the Violet Gold Marquess as well?


    That would be a major move, causing internal strife within the sect and fracturing the power of the Dark King Sect from within.


    Even though she was from the Dark King Sect, she hadn¡¯t known about this, yet her esteemed senior was already aware. How could anyone casually pose as a member of the Dark King Sect in front of the West Sea Diabolical Forces unless they had prepared thoroughly?


    No wonder he was the man her teacher loved.


    Clearly, his capabilities knew no limits.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that Chu Liang had simply searched through his database of identities and chosen one that fit the situation perfectly.


    It seemed so natural because... it was nothing but familiarity and practice at work.


    Just when they thought they had sessfully infiltrated, a voice suddenly called out: "Sect Leader Yuan! Don¡¯t trust him! He¡¯s definitely ackey of the righteous path!"


    All three of them felt their hearts skip a beat.


    A red-haired youth leaped out from the side, shouting, "I remember him! He¡¯s the one who killed our Second Leader! I¡¯d recognize him even if he turned to ashes!"


    "Hmm?" Immortal Yuan Lu¡¯s gaze shifted sharply back to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang looked at the red-haired youth, feeling a bit confused.


    <em>When did I kill your Second Leader¡­ Wait a minute¡­ Could it be¡­ </em>


    He suddenly recalled the unlucky fellow he had hacked to death with a cooking knife a few nights ago. That man had seemed like a diabolical cultivator from Bronze Demon Ridge in the West Sea.


    <em>What a mess¡­ There was a witness?</em>


    If he hadn¡¯t been wearing this robe, the red-haired youth might not have recognized him. But dressed like this, he looked exactly as he had that night, making it easy for him to be identified.


    After a brief pause, Chu Liang said with a sneer, ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ve killed too many people to remember. Who are you even talking about?¡±


    ¡°That night, I saw him and a woman kill our Second Leader and take a letter written by you, Sect Leader Yuan,¡± the red-haired youth pressed on. ¡°He must have gotten the information from that!¡±


    "A fake one?" Yuan Lu''s gaze sharpened as he looked at Chu Liang again.


    <em>Am I about to be exposed?</em>


    Hearing Chu Liang being questioned, both Pushan and Enchantress Yi exchanged nervous nces behind him, already contemting whether tounch an attack.


    At that moment, a sudden shout rang out from the distance: "Devil, meet your death!"


    It was Song Guanchao, charging straight toward them.


    Song Guanchao shot toward them fiercely on his glowing sword. Immortal Yuan Lu nced at him casually, and with a mere flick of his hand, he effortlessly exploded him into nothingness.


    Thispletely shattered any thought Chu Liang and hispanions had of making a move right away.


    Chu Liang paused for a moment, then suddenly let out augh.


    "If you hold a grudge against me, there''s no need to make a scene here. I will settle it with you once we are out of the illusory realm. We should not dy Sect Leader Yuan from more important matters.


    "Sect Leader Yuan, if I had learned of this matter elsewhere, how could I have known about the letter you wrote to our marquess? Even if one could fake an identity, could this be faked?"


    As he spoke, he raised a token. It was none other than the golden token of the Violet Gold Marquess.


    Immortal Yuan Lu recognized the token instantly, and Chu Liang¡¯s exnation made sense. He nodded in agreement and said, "That¡¯s true. The Violet Gold Marquess has clearly put thought into this."


    With that, Immortal Yuan Lu turned away, preparing to awaken the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror.


    But the red-haired youth refused to give up, shouting, "Sect Leader Yuan! He''s definitely from the righteous sects. Our Second Leader died responding to your call, and you can''t¡ª"


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    Before he could finish his sentence, his entire body suddenly erupted into a sh of ck light, instantly obliterated.


    "How noisy," Immortal Yuan Lu muttered, lightly furrowing his brow.


    In truth, the red-haired youth was just another diabolical cultivator meant to guard him, someone of little importance. These people existed solely to buy him more time.


    However, with the ck Devil Whale present, they were no longer important.


    On the contrary, the envoy of the Violet Gold Marquess held great value, representing a significant force within the Dark King Sect.


    When countering a formidable enemy like the Dark King Sect, internal attacks were a far more effective way to cripple the sect than external assaults.


    Immortal Yuan Lu then said to the remaining people, "I need absolute peace to awaken the spirit of the Diabolical Divine Mirror. Once sessful, I will have control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. Your task is to kill any enemies that approach and guard this ce. Do not let anyone disturb this area."


    With that, he leapt into the mouth of the ck Devil Whale.


    The remaining diabolical cultivators, seeing him disappear, quickly scattered and vanished. After all, they were no fools. What good would it do for them to stay and guard Immortal Yuan Lu? Even if he sessfully reimed control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, his true form was far away at the ends of the earth, while they were right here, exposed at the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    If they had openly supported Immortal Yuan Lu, they would still be eliminated once everything was over.


    So, they could only continue pretending to be righteous disciples participating in the Competition of the Hundred Sects, pretending to hunt for nearby soul crystals while secretly carrying out the task of guarding.


    Pushan turned to Chu Liang and asked, "What should we do?"


    "We have to stop him¡­" Chu Liang murmured.


    Monk Pushan nced up at the colossal ck Devil Whale looming in the sky, its body seemingly forged from meteoric iron, and couldn¡¯t help but say, "You''re not joking, right?"<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 551: Collision of Heaven and Earth

    Chapter 551: Collision of Heaven and Earth


    "What''s with this¡­"


    Murmurs of dissatisfaction started sounding from the audience seats on the Emperor''s Mound and at the foot of the hill.


    The grumbling began as the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams'' light screen continued to show only the South Melody Conservatory team. It started with Xue Lingxue ying the guqin, then Yu Xiang''er on the flute, Shen Qingyan with her own flute performance, and now Tie Chui beating the drums...


    The crowd couldn''t take it anymore.


    <em>What is this all about?</em>


    Although the fans of the South Melody Conservatory were happy to see this, most of the audience hade to watch the exciting and intense fights at the Competition of the Hundred Sects. If they liked seeing this, they could have attended the tour set up by the South Melody Conservatory instead.


    Since the ck Devil Whale appeared in the illusory realm, many teams had lost their grasp on what was truly happening and had been acting strangely. However, if the audience had seen these scenes, it would inevitably cause chaos.


    This was why Immortal Jiuyi had instructed the South Melody Conservatory team to perform, keeping the screen focused solely on them.


    The audience had no idea of the earth-shattering changes happening elsewhere.At the heart of the swirling vortex loomed the massive ck Devil Whale, suspended ominously in the sky. Many teams dared not approach, yet all kept a close watch on its every move.


    Everyone was busy specting. Had a new mechanism been introduced in this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects? Or had they added wild monsters to the map?


    But isn''t it a bit too powerful?


    Who would even dare fight it?


    Monk Pushan, who was right beneath the ck Devil Whale also had the same question. As he was very near, he could feel the immense pressure radiating from the colossal creature with startling rity.


    As Immortal Yuan Lu disappeared into its massive mouth, the ck Devil Whale turned slowly, seemingly preparing to dive into the sea.


    Chu Liang immediately recalled the legends he''d heard about the ck Devil Whale. If this colossal beast returned to the sea, dealing with it would be even more troublesome.


    Immortal Yuan Lu would then likely be able to fight for control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams undisturbed within the creature''s belly.


    With that thought, he no longer hesitated and dered, "Whether it works or not, we have to try. We can''t just sit back and do nothing."


    In truth, if Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals lost the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, it might actually benefit the Mount Shu Sect. Among the sects in the Divine Nine, they wouldn''t be the only ones without a legendary artifact, and much of the burden wouldn''t rest solely on the Mount Shu Sect.


    But if the West Sea Diabolical Forces obtained the legendary artifact, it would be a terrible catastrophe for the righteous world.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    Chu Liang suddenly took off on his sword, creating some distance between himself and the others.


    Monk Pushan was momentarily stunned by this move. <em>How can he say "whether it works or not, we have to try," and then turn around and run? Is he messing with me? </em>


    However, because he trusted Chu Liang, he decided to just wait and see.


    Sure enough, after Chu Liang flew some distances away, he suddenly summoned an airship¡­ one with colors beyond description.


    The overly modern design made both Pushan and Enchantress Yi frown.


    But in the next instant, an immensely terrifying power erupted from the airship.


    Previously, Wen Yulong had informed Chu Liang that a collision with this airship could pose a significant threat to seventh-realm demonic beasts. Of course, this would only be effective against massive demonic beasts, as people would simply move out of the way.


    Even sixth-realm cultivators would try their best to dodge if an airship was barreling toward them, not to mention seventh-realm Eminent Ones. Thus, this wasn''t the most effective method for attacking human cultivators.


    But demonic beasts, with their massive size, were easier targets.


    It was simr to how Chu Liang could y the Taowu with the Violet and Azure Twin Swords, yet he might not have been able to do the same to seventh-realm Eminent Ones who, despite their great power, could not kill the Taowu.


    Demonic beasts gained advantages from theirrge size, but naturally, there were many downsides as well.


    For example, right now.


    The enormous ck Devil Whale attempted to dive into the sea, but just as it turned its head, the airship Lianglong had already begun a relentless charge from afar.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The entire airship suddenly ignited in a zing inferno, and a pike made of the finest ck gold rose from its tip, moving so quickly it became a blur in an instant.


    Inside the cabin, Chu Liang lost his bnce momentarily, struggling against the force that threatened to throw him back.


    However, he wasn''t afraid. After thest incident, Dong Futu had advised Wen Yulong to make a small modification that would make the airship safer.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    Just as they were about to collide with the massive beast, a tremendous force surged up from beneath his feet,unching Chu Liang out of the airship!


    That''s right¡ªthis "safety" feature was designed solely to ensure the pilot''s survival.


    The airship''s vast reserves of Spiritual Qi Jade Talisman burned out in an instant, adding even more momentum to intensify the force of the collision.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    The airship itself wasn''t small, butpared to the ck Devil Whale, it was like a mere toy. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the two collided.


    The "little toy" plunged deep into the body of the ck Devil Whale.


    Immediately, a bright light burst from the hole left by the airship''s collision with the ck Devil Whale.


    This was one of Dong Futu''s "small" modifications.


    He had argued that simply ramming wouldn''t be powerful enough. Since it hade down to the final step, why not just blow it up?


    By crushing the medallion while the airship was on the third tier, the final self-destruction mode would be initiated.


    It would be a self-destructing airship.


    The explosion of this airship was equivalent to the destruction of the entire wealth of a mid-tier immortal sect. It was a huge loss for Chu Liang as well.


    Òª²»ÊÇÔÚÐé¾³Ö®ÖУ¬Ëû¿Ï¶¨ÊÇ»áÓÌÔ¥µÄ¡£ If they hadn''t been in the illusory realm, he would have definitely hesitated before making such a costly move.


    The explosion from the enchanted formation that Dong Futu added was so powerful that even Chu Liang, who had just been ejected from the cabin, couldn''t escape the impact of the shockwave. Just a minor ripple from the st flung him high into the sky, where he became a tiny, distant figure against the vast horizon, like a speck of starlight in the night.


    The ck Devil Whale''s carcass crashed heavily to the ground. Although it appeared mostly intact, a massive hole gaped in its side, with muffled explosions still rumbling from within.


    Its insides were blown to pieces.


    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble¡ª</em>


    At that moment, Immortal Jiuyi''s words finally reached his ears.


    Immortal Jiuyi wanted to order everyone to stop the fight temporarily and attack the diabolical cultivators invading the illusory realm. It was undoubtedly a difficult decision, so he spoke slowly.


    He had only managed to say half a sentence when he witnessed this shocking scene unfold before him.


    <em>Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect?</em>


    Despite being only a fifth-realm disciple, he had managed to kill a vicious seventh-realm beast using a heavily enhanced airship.


    It was simply beyond belief.


    If one had to exin how this happened, perhaps it was the sheer power of wealth?


    It was like witnessing a collision of heaven and earth.


    Not only did it kill the ck Devil Whale, but it also seemed that Immortal Yuan Lu inside had suffered severe injuries. It was unknown as to whether he survived, but it was clear he had lost the ability to awaken the spirit in the Diabolical Divine Mirror.


    Immortal Jiuyi felt the pressure ease considerably and he started focusing on breaking through the barrier that was blocking his power from entering the realm.


    As for the other disciples in the illusory realm, he simply followed up with one more sentence.


    "To all disciples participating in the Competition of the Hundred Sects..." He paused briefly, then slowly added, "Good morning."


    ¡­


    This sudden twist left everyone dumbfounded. He alerted everyone only to say those two words?


    <em>He''s saying good morning at this hour?</em>


    <em>Huh?</em>


    Of course, most people were oblivious to the earth-shattering events happening elsewhere; they had only seen the ck whale rise and fall, unaware of what had actually happened.


    In actuality, they did not care at all. The teams remained focused on their own victories and losses, their attention locked on thepetition at hand.


    The teams from Mount Shu Sect and Buddhist Cloud Monastery had been trailing behind Chu Liang and Pushan, keeping a safe distance. However, when Chu Liang attempted to contact them before crashing into the ck Devil Whale, they didn''t respond.


    This was because the team had encountered trouble of their own.


    Though, in this case, the trouble came in the form of a single person.


    Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, Ling Ao, and three young monks from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery were following Chu Liang when a figure suddenly descended in their path.


    The person wore brocade robes with a jade belt, his hair flowing in the wind. He stood with a graceful posture and an indifferent expression.


    With sparkling eyes, he nced around and said slowly, "My target is the team from the Mount Shu Sect. The people from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery may leave."


    "Yang Shenlong..." Jiang Yuebai stepped forward.


    The person was none other than Yang Shenlong, the head disciple of Peni.


    He stood alone before thebined forces of the two teams.


    "Young Hero Yang, you''re underestimating Buddhist Cloud Monastery." Pucheng stepped forward as well. "We''ve allied with the Mount Shu Sect. If you strike against them, we won''t stand idly by."


    Yang Shenlong nced at him again, his tone calm and breezy. "Don''t misunderstand. I''m not afraid of you helping the Mount Shu Sect in a fight against me. I''ve simply gathered enough soul crystals, so there''s no need for me to end you all here."


    His words sounded gentle, but on closer inspection, they carried a strong air of disdain, causing Pucheng to furrow his brows deeply.


    Jiang Yuebai whispered, "Master Pucheng, since we''re his only target, there''s really no need for you to intervene."


    "Miss Jiang, there''s no need to say that," Pucheng replied, shaking his head. "Since we''ve formed an alliance and pledged to advance and retreat together, how could we back down first? Even if the Peni Supreme Sect is strong, they can''t ignore the strength of my senior brothers and me."


    <em>Hah¡ª</em>


    As he spoke, the three monks of Buddhist Cloud Monastery had already taken their stances, hands sped in prayer, with their qi mes surging, exuding the might of Vajra Arhats!


    "Alright then." Jiang Yuebai said no more.


    When she turned her gaze back to Yang Shenlong, his expression remained calm, as he quietly observed them discussing their n.


    Only when all six of them had assumed their stances to face him did Yang Shenlong ask with a slight nod, "Ready?"


    With that, he took a step forward.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The ground erupted with roaring wind and rumbling thunder, as though a dragon and tiger were soaring into the sky!

 Chapter 552: Worry Not, Ah Feng

    Chapter 552: Worry Not, Ah Feng


    "What happened?" the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner asked as he approached.


    When the screen was showing the team of the South Melody Conservatory for too long, the members of the immortal sects watching thepetition naturally sensed that something was off. They realized that there might be trouble within the illusory realm.


    Immortal Jiuyi opened his eyes and smiled. "Everything is fine now."


    Just moments ago, Immortal Yuan Lu had infiltrated the illusory realm, and someone had created a barrier between reality and illusion, blocking any outside power from entering. They had tried to take control of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. It was a truly dangerous situation.


    Unexpectedly, before Immortal Jiuyi could break through the barrier, someone inside the illusory realm had already solved the crisis.


    Now, with his power restored in the illusory realm, Immortal Jiuyi had effortlessly erased all traces left by Immortal Yuan Lu. If he was not busy now, he would have taken the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams along the boundary between reality and illusion to hunt down anyone daring enough to covet the legendary artifact of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    And all of this was thanks to that disciple from the Mount Shu Sect¡­


    Immortal Jiuyi made a mental note of Chu Liang''s name. Though this matter shouldn''t be publicized, he needed to deny the fact that there was this debt of gratitude.


    Yet, the incident could only have been caused by someone with profound mastery of the Great Dao of Reality and Illusion. Immortal Yuan Lu could never have managed it alone.Immortal Jiuyi couldn''t help but frown slightly as he wondered who had helped Immortal Yuan Lu.


    If this matter remained unresolved, they would have to prohibit any outsiders from entering the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    This would mean that, for all future Assemblies of Immortal Sects, such unrestricted battles would no longer be possible as the disciples could no longer fight in the illusory realm created by the Divine Mirror.


    Most people were already growing dissatisfied with the prolonged musical performances, though some die-hard fans of the South Melody Conservatory were thoroughly enjoying every moment.


    For example, a certain Mount Shu Sect disciple with thick brows and big eyes.


    "Qingyan! Qingyan! She is beautiful and has a sweet voice![1]" Lin Bei cheered.


    "How can you be so rxed?" Shang Ziliang asked. "Didn''t you ce a bet?"


    "Of course I did," Lin Bei replied. "Chu Liang gave me his spare money to bet with, so I naturally put in some of my own."


    "Aren''t you worried they might not make it to the next round?" Shang Ziliang asked, full of concern.


    He had also bet his entire fortune on the Mount Shu Sect, and though he had confidence in their team, he couldn''t shake the anxiety as thepetition unfolded.


    "With Chu Liang present, what is there to worry about? Just wait until thepetition ends¡ªit''ll be another victory," Lin Bei said, his expression conveying an inexplicable confidence in Chu Liang.


    Although Shang Ziliang also had faith in Chu Liang, he couldn''t help but feel a bit of regret when he thought about his entire fortune.


    He absolutely couldn''t make such a foolish move again in the future.


    A small bet might only harm the body, but a big one could cost one''s life.


    Turning his head, he saw that Lackey A''s face had turned green¡ªclearly frozen with anxiety.


    "You bet everything too?" Shang Ziliang asked.


    "I bet a full fifty Vermillion-Bird coins," Lackey A replied through gritted teeth.


    Shang Ziliang rolled his eyes. "Then why are you so nervous..."


    "I heard the river outside the capital of Yu is really cold this season¡­" Lackey A muttered.


    "Losing fifty isn''t worth jumping in a river for!" Shang Ziliang snapped.


    "It''s just¡­ pity for my never-before-seen wife and my unborn child¡­" Lackey Amented.


    "Which means there''s no one to pity at all!" Shang Ziliang sighed, rubbing his forehead.


    "Rx," Lin Bei said. "How much do your life savings even amount to? Compared to Chu Liang, it''s nothing. If he''s confident, what are you so worried about?"


    Hearing this, Shang Ziliang nodded. "True enough."


    Lackey A added, "Anyway, all my money was earned with Big Bro; even if I lose it all with him, it''s no big deal."


    "Can the guy who only bet fifty just stay quiet!" Shang Ziliang yelled.


    Meanwhile, Di Nufeng watched with delight.


    "Oh my, these little sisters are so beautiful," she said with an infatuated look. "The more I watch, the more I wanna eat them up! Yum!"


    "Ah Feng, control yourself a bit," the elderly Sun and Huang said, shivering beside her.


    "But why have we been watching the South Melody Conservatory team for such a long time?" Schr Sun pondered. "Something must have happened in the illusory realm."


    "It probably isn''t anything major; otherwise, Immortal Jiuyi would have taken action," Elder Huang spected.


    Di Nufeng replied, "I just hope it doesn''t affect the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Don''t worry, Ah Feng," Elder Huang seized the moment to tter her. "Jiangjiang will surely lead Mount Shu to great sess."


    Just as he finished speaking, a sudden uproar erupted from the crowd!


    ¡­


    The scene suddenly changed to Yang Shenlong, who was now fighting alone against the teams from the Mount Shu Sect and Buddhist Cloud Monastery. After such a long period of calm, the abrupt switch to this intense scene left the audience feeling a bit unprepared.


    They saw a figure with a zing and fierce silhouette sh by, leaving an afterimage before Yang Shenlong.


    With a roar like thunder, he mmed his fist toward Yang Shenlong!


    It was none other than Ling Ao from Mount Shu Sect!


    After months of special training, Ling Ao''s cultivation level remained at the peak of the fourth realm. However, even without a breakthrough, his physical strength had significantly improved. With this strike, he exuded the faint power of a True Dragon.


    Yang Shenlong responded with a sudden gleam in his eyes. A spark of divine fire lit up in his pupils and his irises turned a brilliant gold.


    "<em>Roar¡ª</em>"


    An apparition of the coiled Azure Dragon appeared behind him. As the dragon''s authority was unleashed, Ling Ao''s fierce mes instantly weakened.


    This was the breath of a True Dragon!


    As Yang Shenlong lifted his left hand, three azure scales could be seen beneath his wrist.


    Yang Shenlong had inherited the legacy of the Azure Dragon and cultivated it to the third realm. With the power of the True Dragon now revealed, Ling Ao''s dragon-blood physique became significantly weaker.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    Yang Shenlong extended his palm and caught Ling Ao''s powerful punch mid-charge, his stance as immovable as a rock. Then, a green light emanated from his palm, causing Ling Ao to shrink under his grip, reducing him to the size of an insect in moments.


    With a forceful press, he mmed down.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    With a resounding st, Ling Ao turned into a soul crystal.


    Yang Shenlong had used the Immortal art, World Within One''s Sleeve.


    This was a technique of the Great Dao of the World, capable ofpressing the enemy along with the surrounding space, capturing thempletely. Yang Shenlong was truly wielding the world in his palm.


    In an instant, he had eliminated one person, and the situation on the field had dramatically shifted.


    Ling Ao had not charged forward blindly; he was trying to buy time for the others. He just hadn''t expected to die immediately after making his move.


    As his body dissipated, the three monks from Buddhist Cloud Monastery appeared behind Yang Shenlong, while the two from the Mount Shu Sect nked him on either side.


    With a ng of swords, Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai drew their des and struck simultaneously.


    Before Chu Liang appeared out of nowhere, these two had been regarded as the two pirs of the Mount Shu Sect and the standout disciples of the younger generation.


    With Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang stealing the spotlighttely, Xu Ziyang had taken a step back. However, he hadn''t cked off; instead, he harbored a quiet determination, dedicating himself to intense cultivation.


    Now, his qi surged skyward, sword qi swirling around him with the roar of a dragon, showcasing the full extent of his cultivation power.


    It was the fourth level of the fifth realm!


    At the Mount Shu Summit, he had only reached the first level of the fifth realm, which had already amazed everyone. Now, in just over half a year, he had advanced three levels?


    Those who had witnessed his performance at the Mount Shu Summit were shocked.


    Though resources were crucial in the fifth realm, even with abundant supplies, one needed to fullyprehend their arts to make progress in cultivation. How had he managed to break through so quickly?


    As Wang Xuanling watched from the sidelines, he felt a deep sense offort as he realized it was finally time for his disciple to showcase his prowess to the world.


    Wang Xuanling had witnessed every step of Xu Ziyang''s journey.


    In fact, by the time of the Mount Shu Summit, Xu Ziyang had already attained the fifth realm for some time, and shortly after losing to Chu Liang, he advanced to the second level of the fifth realm.


    But he didn''t rest or indulge himself. He paused all non-essential tasks to focus entirely on cultivation, reaching the third level before the special training even started.


    After these months of special training, he had advanced to the fourth level while he was in the pce at Emperor''s Mound.


    As he was born a prodigy, his cultivation had always been the pride of the Mount Shu Sect. Prior to losing to Chu Liang at the Mount Shu Summit, he had never tasted defeat before. Some might have been crushed by this sudden defeat, but not Xu Ziyang.


    A legendary sword could only be forged through repeated polishing and refining. He had remained silent, patiently waiting for the moment to reveal himself to the world.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    By reaching the fourth level of the fifth realm, he now possessed four types of foundational qi: metal, wood, water, and fire.


    As his sword qi surged fiercely, even his teammates shuddered, not daring to approach.


    He unleashed the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    The enormous swordlight bore down on Yang Shenlong, its reflection glimmering in his golden eyes.


    Suddenly, Yang Shenlong grasped the air with his right hand and pulled out an azure beam of light measuring three chi in length. Everyone watching could see it clearly. It was not a sword, but a section of azure and ck bone.


    It looked like a dragon bone.


    Holding the beam of azure light, Yang Shenlong appeared to unleash his full strength, the aura around him intensifying as ayer of azure jade radiance enveloped his skin.


    He then aimed the beam of azure light in his palm directly at Xu Ziyang''s sword qi.


    At this moment, he revealed his cultivation power entirely and a hush fell over the entire crowd.


    It was the sixth realm.


    1. This is an exact same chant used in chapter 71. /novel/young-noble-be-monster-ying/yns-chapter-71 ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 553: The Fight with the Pure Jade One

    The Pure Jade[1] Transcendent Form of the Peni Supreme Sect.


    This wasn''t a form attainable at the fifth realm; one had to reach the sixth realm, the Transcendence Realm, to unlock it. With the Pure Jade Transcendent Form, cultivators could connect to the heavens and earth. This not only granted them invincible defense but also allowed their Sea of Qi to expand as vast as the heavens, bing nearly inexhaustible.


    This was why the higher one''s cultivation, the more challenging it became to fight someone of a higher realm.


    The reason prodigies were called such was not only due to their rapid advancement in cultivation but also because of their ability to challenge individuals of higher cultivation realms. This extraordinary trait was something ordinary people could never demonstrate.


    However, this only applied when prodigies faced ordinary cultivators.


    If Xu Ziyang or Jiang Yuebai faced an ordinary cultivator at the sixth realm, there was a chance they could win even when fighting alone. However, if they were to fight another prodigy at the sixth realm, the situation would be different, as that prodigy would also be an extraordinary existence.


    <em>Swoosh¡ª</em>


    Xu Ziyang unleashed the Heaven-Raising Sword with full force, but his attack was split apart by the beam of azure light in Yang Shenlong''s palm, dissipating into the air.


    At this moment, the attacks from the monks of Buddhist Cloud Monastery arrived. The three monks coordinated perfectly; two of them formed seals and summoned apparitions of glowering Vajras, each standing three zhang tall, delivering powerful punches from the left and right toward Yang Shenlong.The third monk sped his hands in prayer, summoning a ripple-like apparition that enveloped the other two, as Buddhist chants echoed within the waves.


    This was a divine technique that enhanced the attack. As these ripples continued, the power of all Buddhist arts was doubled.


    Yet Yang Shenlong appearedpletely unconcerned by the two heavy strikes, making no move to dodge. However, if he were actually hit by these punches, he would not be able to withstand them, even with the sixth-realm transcendent form.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    But when the two heavy punches struck his body, they suddenly missed, as if he were made of air, causing the Vajra fists to collide with each other instead.


    Each monk staggered from the impact.


    Jiang Yuebai''s eyes shed as she thrust her longsword toward a specific spot. "Here!"


    The overwhelming swordlight swept forward, and in the next instant, Yang Shenlong''s figure appeared in that very spot.


    This was a technique Jiang Yuebai had also mastered.


    Thebination of Shadow of Radiance and Dimension Compression allowed one''s body to vanish momentarily, creating the illusion of standing still even while closing in on the enemy.


    At this moment, Yang Shenlong''s first target was Jiang Yuebai.


    Since it was a fight of one against many, he decided to eliminate the strongest first, which was why he targeted Jiang Yuebai first. Ling Ao would likely feel a sense of pride in this brief moment, as he was, after all, the first to be eliminated.


    <em>Swish, swish, swish¡ª</em>


    Jiang Yuebai formed a seal with her left hand, raising her longsword in front of her chest. In an instant, it transformed into dozens of des, encircling her like a fence, while the surging sword light formed a protective barrier around her.


    The sword qi barrier was seamless. Any attack from any direction would be instantly deflected by the swordlight.


    However, against such a defense, Yang Shenlong''s response was simply to attack head-on.


    He thrust his right arm forward, the three-chi beam of azure light piercing directly into the sword qi barrier. The barrier concentrated at a single point, enveloping Yang Shenlong''s body in intense sword qi.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    After a blinding explosion of light, both figures disappeared.


    A momentter, Jiang Yuebai''s figure reappeared over ten zhang away, having narrowly escaped using the same technique as Yang Shenlong. However, her right chest was soaked in blood. Clearly, she had been severely injured.


    Meanwhile, Yang Shenlong''s figure materialized behind the three monks from Buddhist Cloud Monastery.


    "Hm?" Pucheng reacted first, but it was already toote.


    <em>sh¡ª</em>


    Yang Shenlong''s azure light shed down, splitting a glowering Vajra apparition along with the monk beneath it.


    At that moment, Puchengunched a full-body palm strike. A massive Buddha''s Palm imprint glowed with a colorful light bearing down on Yang Shenlong. While attacking, he activated the form of Transcendent Dharma Mirror, rendering him invincible to all divine abilities.


    When facing the monks of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, divine techniques and abilities were not very effective; one had to rely on physical strength. Yang Shenlong was clearly aware of this, as he lifted his left hand, which had transformed into a massive azure dragon w.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    With a single swipe, the dragon w mmed Pucheng down into the dust.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    Xu Ziyang''s sword qi, apanied by roaring thunder, swept down. Yang Shenlong''s robes fluttered as his shadows suddenly split in two. His true form remained in ce, effortlessly catching Xu Ziyang''s strike.


    Meanwhile, the clone formed through the immortal art External Manifestation appeared in front of thest monk from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery and pierced him with a dragon w.


    A gust of wind swept through the battlefield.


    Suddenly, only the two Mount Shu Sect disciples and Yang Shenlong remained, and Jiang Yuebai was severely wounded.


    In fact, Yang Shenlong hadn''t emerged unscathed. Just moments ago, Jiang Yuebai''s sword qi barrier had nearly pierced his Pure Jade Transcendent Form, leaving a sword wound on his shoulder.


    His original n had been to trade a minor injury for a kill, eliminating the strongest, which was Jiang Yuebai, first. But when that attack failed, he quickly shifted his focus, taking out the monks from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery instead.


    But now, he was faced with the most troublesome two of the five. Though, they were only slightly troublesome to him.


    Looking at the two Mount Shu disciples, Yang Shenlong ced his left hand over the sword wound on his shoulder. With a flicker of azure light, the wound healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    In the blink of an eye, he was as good as new.


    Though Jiang Yuebai also possessed Yi Wood foundational qi of the fifth realm, which sped up healing, she could never heal that fast. The sword qi from Yang Shenlong''s strike continued to aggravate the wounds, making recovery extremely difficult.


    But Yang Shenlong not only had the support of fifth-realm foundational qi but also the Azure Dragon legacy of the third realm, which provided miraculous healing effects.


    Once an Azure Dragon matured, its mystical powers rendered it nearly invincible, either unscathed or unkible. As long as it wasn''t struck down in a single blow, it could fully recover in an instant. The eighth-realm Azure Dragon of the Peni Supreme Sect was said to be eternally undying.


    As long as its own lifespan didn''te to an end, there was hardly anyone in the world who could kill it.


    At this moment, the two from Mount Shu had witnessed this firsthand.


    Given the situation, there was nothing left to say. Yang Shenlong and his cloneunched their attack together, darting toward the two Mount Shu disciples.


    Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai had no intention of fleeing, knowing that escape was impossible in this scenario. While the odds looked grim, they believed that if they could defeat Yang Shenlong, the path ahead would be clear.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    Sword light shed through the air as Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai unleashed their most powerful sword qi, channeling all their cultivation energy into the attack. The sword qi roared like thunder, as if the might of heaven itself had descended upon them.


    It seemed as if each was attacking a separate target, but halfway through, Xu Ziyang suddenly changed direction, and both focused on the same figure as Jiang Yuebai.


    This move meant Xu Ziyang had to endure an attack from the other figure.


    They shared a tacit understanding in their coordination. Neither of them was strong enough to face Yang Shenlong alone. However, if theybined their efforts to kill one of the two together and that one turned out to be the true form, there would be a chance of winning.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang''s endless swordlight converged on one figure, sting it apart in an instant¡ªeven the Pure Jade Transcendent Form couldn''t withstand it.


    But Xu Ziyang was cleaved in half by the azure light from the other figure, vanishing into thin air.


    As the dust settled, only Yang Shenlong remained, facing an injured Jiang Yuebai.


    "That was very dangerous. If you two had guessed correctly, I might have really been killed," Yang Shenlong said with an indifferent expression. "Unfortunately, you guessed wrong."


    Jiang Yuebai''s gaze held no despair, showing only determination. Her longsword froze over, glinting with a cold light as she moved swiftly


    She transformed into sword light, seemingly trying to escape. Yang Shenlong leaped after her, but the sword light suddenly reversed direction! It was a back-thrusting sword attack!


    <em>Swoosh¡ª</em>


    They passed by each other in an instant.


    When they reappeared, Jiang Yuebai stood where Yang Shenlong had been, and Yang Shenlong upied the spot where she had been, their backs facing one another.


    In the next moment, Jiang Yuebai''s figure shattered.


    Soul crystals were scattered across the battlefield, numbering in the dozens. All the soul crystals that Chu Liang had previously collected were entrusted to Jiang Yuebai for safekeeping¡ªhe likely hadn''t expected that most of the members in his team would be killed when he, being a scout, would survive.


    A deep bloodstain appeared across Yang Shenlong''s waist; if it had been three cun deeper, he would have been severed in half by the waist.


    He frowned slightly, cing his left hand over the wound and started the slow process of healing.


    ¡­


    Far out on the sea, a group of four sat in a small boat, fishing rods in hand, enjoying their time together.


    "Senior Brother," one of the young disciples asked, "we''ve been fishing for three days without catching anything. Do you think there are no fish in this sea?"


    "How could that be?" replied the senior brother. "Our esteemed teacher told us that as soon as we catch a fish, we can go out and fight others."


    "Could it be that..." the junior brother said hesitantly, "our esteemed teacher doesn''t want us to fight anyone at all?"


    The senior brother shot him a nce and replied, "If I were you, I wouldn''t say that out loud."


    "..." The junior brother immediately covered his mouth.


    "We''re not that strong; going out to fight would just be asking for death," another senior brother chuckled. "Let''s just wait out the seven days here. Maybe by then, there''ll be fewer than ten teams left, and we can advance without lifting a finger."


    "Let''s hope the others out there are battling fiercely," another added with augh.


    As they chatted andughed, the youngest brother suddenly eximed, "Huh? Senior Brother, I think I''ve caught a fish!"


    "How could that be?" the senior brother asked, surprised. "There are no living creatures in this sea¡ªhow could there possibly be a fish?"


    "And it''s pretty big too!"


    <em>Ssh¡ª</em>


    The junior brother tugged hard on his rod, flinging his catch into the air before itnded with a thud on the boat.


    It was only then that they realized it wasn''t a fish at all, but an unconscious young man with a handsome face, clearly injured.


    "That''s no fish! This must be one of the disciples in the Competition of a Hundred Sects," one of them eximed. "How did he end up floating all the way out here when we are already hiding so far away from the others?"


    "Huh?" another said, "Does that mean we might be able to get a soul crystal?"


    "Exactly!" their leader chuckled. "Thank Mother Nature for this gift."


    He raised his palm, preparing to strike the young man down.


    But just then, the injured young man opened his eyes.


    <em>Bang, bang, bang, bang¡ª</em>


    After several explosive sounds, the young man collected the four soul crystals, dried the seawater from his clothes with his qi, and smiled. "What a bounty to wake up to! Mother Nature is truly generous."


    This person was none other than Chu Liang.


    Earlier, he had crashed his airship into the ck Devil Whale. Although he had been ejected, the explosion was so powerful that it sent him flying a second time.


    It sted him far out into the sea, leaving him dazed for a moment.


    Fortunately, his injuries weren''t severe; after a quick cirction of his qi and blood, he recovered fully.


    Just then, he felt something vibrate in his pocket. He took it out and saw that it was a message from Jiang Yuebai on the United Hearts Jade.


    The message had just been sent moments ago and there were only three words on it.


    "Yang Shenlong."


    1. This represents the Pure Jade One. It is a title for Yuanshi Tianzun, who is also known as the "Lord of Primordial Beginning" or the "Primal Celestial One." He is one of the highest deities in Daoism. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT


    Note from GLTD: Hey guys, we noticed we incorrectly tranted one of our terms.


    There were mentions of "physical form" in chapters 340, 524, and 525. We realized that this "physical form" should really be tranted as "transcendent form" as this form is associated with the sixth realm, which is the Transcendence Realm or the longer version as mentioned in chapter 4: "The transcendence of the physical form."


    We have corrected the mistakes in 340, 524, and 525. Sorry for any inconveniences caused!!</blockquote>

 Chapter 554: Youre Joking, Right?

    <em>What does this mean?</em>


    Chu Liang stared at the name. It gave him an ominous feeling.


    That feeling was right. He tried to reach out to Jiang Yuebai, but his half of the United Hearts Jade had already lost connection to its other half. This meant that the other half of the jade had disappeared from the illusory realm.


    <em>Senior Sister Jiang and the others must have encountered the Peni Supreme Sect''s team¡­</em>


    Chu Liang was well aware of how strong his team was.


    <em>Senior Brother Xu has reached the fourth level of the fifth realm. Senior Sister Jiang is at the third level of the fifth realm and is proficient in many powerful immortal arts. They''re outstanding even among all the talented young cultivators participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects. In fact, our team should be able to secure a spot in the top ten for the second round even if we have a dog tied to us.</em>


    <em>Moreover, they were apanied by our ally, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery team. Even if they met a formidable foe and lost, they should have been able to escape and kept their soul crystals. However, they couldn''t flee¡­ Does that mean the Peni Supreme Sect team has a powerful sixth-realm cultivator?</em>


    <em>That person is most likely Yang Shenlong. If he has indeed reached the sixth realm, he must be incredibly powerful.</em>


    <em>As the head disciple, Senior Sister Jiang held all the soul crystals. If there had been any chance to escape, Senior Brother Xu and Ling Ao would have ensured her escape first. If even Senior Sister Jiang couldn''t get away, then the others wouldn''t have survived either.</em>Chu Liang thought it over and concluded that he had likely be an orphan.[1] Of course, he could also be called a lone wolf.


    As he pondered his next steps, he got a pleasant surprise. He had earned a golden imprint from killing the ck Devil Whale.


    It seemed that everything within the illusory realm was indeed as real as reality itself. Even ying a resurrected ck Devil Whale could yield an imprint. The ck Devil Whale had been a formidable creature, so that likely meant a great treasure awaited him.


    <em>When in doubt, reward yourself.</em>


    Chu Liang promptly entered the White Pagoda and pressed "Refine."


    <em>Boom.</em>


    There was a sh of red light, and a small, lustrous white orb floated out. Chu Liang caught it in his hand.


    [Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale: An ancient great pill that contains the real soul of a devil whale. Upon consuming the pill, the cultivator''s Sea of Qi will be as vast and endless as a devil whale''s consumption capacity. This effectsts for a quarter of an hour.


    Note: The effect of this pill is great, but it should not be used in excess. Use in moderation.]


    As Chu Liang read the description, he thought deeply about the pill.


    The pill''s effect was very simr to the legendary immortal art Boundless Sea of Qi, which had been lost a long time ago. It was said that when a cultivator used the Boundless Sea of Qi, they would have ess to an unlimited reserve of cultivation energy. They could use any divine techniques or skills freely without concern that they might deplete their foundational qi.


    However, the issue was that it did not enhance the quality of the cultivator''s foundational qi or deepen theirprehension of their Great Dao. The Boundless Sea of Qi certainly had a powerful effect, but as for how much it could boost a cultivator''sbat strength, that depended on how it was used.


    For example, even if a cultivator at the Spiritual Awareness Realm were given unlimited foundational qi, their attacks would still struggle to break through Chu Liang''s defenses. Meanwhile, Chu Liang would still be able to easily cause them to explode with a single punch.


    In other words, only cultivators who had already learned a powerful divine skill but couldn''t use it yet due to their limited cultivation energy could fully benefit from the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale.


    If Chu Liang had the Violet and Azure Twin Swords in hand tobine with the use of this pill, he could wipe out everyone in the illusory realm within a quarter of an hour. Without the pill, he wouldn''t have enough cultivation energy to do that even if he drained his cultivation energy reserve two hundred times over. R?


    As for the warning about using the pill in moderation¡ªwell, that seemed unnecessary. After all, he''d only been given one pill; how could he possibly use it in excess?


    After rewarding himself, Chu Liang''s train of thought cleared up. He spent another moment in deep thought, then he got up and flew toward drynd.


    Initially, he''d thought he''d collected enough soul crystals and could take things easy. He was bound to meet with danger as the team''s scout, so he had entrusted all the soul crystals to Jiang Yuebai in the rear.


    <em>Who knew I''d go from being the scout to the main team in the blink of an eye?</em>


    Currently, he only had the four soul crystals he''d "picked up" when he resurfaced from the sea. That amount certainly would not be enough for the Mount Shu Sect team to make it into the top ten, so he couldn''t just wait out at sea until thepetition ended. That''s why he decided to return tond and hunt down a few more teams.


    As he soared through the air, he felt a dull ache in his muscles and bones. The airship had exploded with incredible force earlier. Dong Futu''s handiwork was indeed extraordinary.


    However, the power ratio of the two enchanted formations wasn''t quite right. The force that flung him away hadn''t been strong enough to allow him to escape the explosion''s aftershock. He''d have to mention this to Dong Futu.


    Still, Chu Liang was grateful that he had the chance to test the explosion function out in the illusory realm. He wouldn''t have dared to blow up his airship just to see how powerful the explosion would be.


    ¡­


    By the time Chu Liang reached the center of the sea, the sky had turned dark.


    A monk in white robes flew toward him.


    Chu Liang recognized him instantly. "Pushan?"


    "Chu Liang!" Monk Pushan''s voice was filled with urgency. "I''ve finally found you! We''re doomed, doomed, doomed..."


    Sensing that Pushan was about to unload a huge stream of words, Chu Liang quickly interrupted him. "Where''s Enchantress Yi?"


    Monk Pushan hurriedly exined, "After you got blown away, I received a message from my brothers saying there was an emergency. So, Enchantress Yi and I split up. She went to look for you, and I went back to check on our teams.


    "But by the time I got there, it was toote. I used my Heavenly Eye to check on them from afar and saw Yang Shenlong single-handedly kill all six of them! I''m the only one left from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery team, and I don''t dare to go back there. We''re doomed; we''re both orphans now¡­"


    The Heavenly Eye was one of the Six Great Divine Abilities of Buddhism. It briefly granted a Buddhist monk vision that was simr to the Ji Family''s irvoyant Vision, which allowed their sight to bypass yin and yang and into the Vault of Heaven.


    Nevertheless, the Heavenly Eye couldn''t be used for extended periods, making it unsuitable for regr scouting. It was, however, quite useful in this situation, where they needed quick scans for potential danger.


    Chu Liang patted Pushan''s shoulder. "It''s okay. As long as I''m here, you''re not an orphan."


    "<em>Eh?</em>"


    Pushan blinked, sensing something was off in that statement.[2]


    After a pause, Pushan continued, "Once the battle between Yang Shenlong and our teams was over, I rushed to find you. I have no idea where Enchantress Yi went."


    "Let''s not search for her now; we have more pressing matters to handle," Chu Liang said.


    Chu Liang and Pushan flew toward drynd together.


    On the way, Chu Liang added, "Now that each of our sects has only one person left, the two of us must stick together. As long as you''re with me, we can gather enough soul crystals to advance."


    Monk Pushan replied, "I trust you, but we''re already on the fourth day. Thepetition is in its second half, and only the strongest teams remain. The fights will be more intense than ever. I''m not sure we''ll be able to find suitable targets."


    Judging from the past assemblies, the final days of the Competition of the Hundred Sects were often the most thrilling. Teams without a single soul crystal could gain enough to advance just by taking down one person, while some strong teams, weakened by earlier fights, might find themselves outnumbered and eliminated¡­ Anything was possible.


    However, those possibilities depended on their strength. Chu Liang and Pushan''s group was down to just two people, and they were from different sects, so that meant they needed twice the number of soul crystals to advance.


    If they both wanted to secure stable positions in the top ten, they needed at least seventy or eighty soul crystals in total.


    In the first half of thepetition, many participants had managed to wipe out entire teams alone because there had been many weak teams. Now, only strong teams remained, so it was very difficult for anyone to achieve such a feat again. It was no wonder Pushan was apprehensive about their situation.


    "Is it really that hard to find a target?" Chu Liang asked puzzledly. "Isn''t there a huge target right over there?"


    Pushan followed Chu Liang''s gaze to the other side of the shore. With the ck Whale Mountain gone, all that remained was a massive hole in the ground. Looking past it, he could make out the outline of a city in the distance. It was massive yet quiet, with only a few scattered lights glowing within.


    Pushan realized that he had unknowingly followed Chu Liang all the way to the only city within this illusory realm¡ªMisty Waters City.


    The faint moonlight shone down on Pushan''s bald head, shrouding it in a soft, slightly bewildering glow.


    He asked in disbelief, "You''re joking, right?"


    1. In the sense that he''s lost his whole family/team. ?


    2. Chu Liang was probably implying that he would take over the "dad" role and help Pushan. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 556: I Even Bought You a Meal Once

    On the high tform on Emperor''s Mound, the elders of the immortal sects sat in small groups. For those with keen eyes, much could be inferred just by observing the seating arrangements.


    Generally, the members of the sects in the Divine Nine sat together, while the members of the sects in the Terrestrial Ten clustered with their own. It was rare for an elder of a sect in the Divine Nine to lower themselves to sit with any member of a sect in the Terrestrial Ten, just as it was umon for an elder of a sect in the Terrestrial Ten to mingle with any member of a sect in the Divine Nine, as doing so could tarnish their reputation andbel them as social climbers.


    Among the higher-ups of the sects in the Terrestrial Ten, Huyan Dong, the City Lord of Taotie City, Huang Hanshan, the Lord of the Thunderbolt Stronghold, and Xu Bashan, the Chief of the Four Seas Whale Gang, were seated together.


    It was rather interesting that these three were sitting together.


    Huyan Dong, with a square face, broad features, and graying temples, appeared to be in his forties or fifties. He seemed like the kind of person who could give off an air of authority without ever raising his voice.


    Dressed in wide-sleeved robes, he looked like a simple man. However, as he had been the wealthiest man in the realm of immortality cultivation for a very long time, he naturally exuded a noble aura.


    His life story was legendary. He was not a member of the direct lineage of the Huyan Family, nor was he a resident of Taotie City. Instead, he was part of a distant branch of the Huyan Family, living in a vige outside the city. If this were a tale of an emperor with poor rtives, he would certainly y the role of those poor rtives.


    But through his own grit and talent, he wed his way up, eventually managing most of the Huyan Family''s enterprises. His cultivation level and acumen far surpassed those of the Master of the Huyan Family at the time. After the family elders "begged" him multiple times, he finally agreed to take over the supervision of Taotie City, allowing his family to be the rightful lineage of the Huyan Family.


    He married the most beautiful woman from the Ascending Dragon Academy, who was sixty years younger than him. He was truly the winner in life.Now, his biggest wish was to help his city rise to the ranks of the Divine Nine while he was still the city lord. Judging by the progress of this Assembly of Immortal Sects, it seemed he was closer than ever to realizing that dream.


    After Yang Shenlong killed most of the members from the Mount Shu Sect team, no one believed Chu Liang could pull off aeback on his own. Thus, Huyan Dong''s biggestpetitor became Huang Hanshan.


    Huang Hanshan shared the same thought.


    Huang Hanshan sat to the left. With his broad face, bushy beard, and fierce eyes, he resembled a bandit chieftain.


    Huyan Dong, with his noble bearing, sat on the right, wearing a faint smile.


    Between them sat Xu Bashan, appearing calm as a pond.


    He sat between them because he had good rtions with both. He had sworn brotherhood with Huang Hanshan. Obviously, this was a bond that was one of life and death.


    Meanwhile, the Whale Gang and Taotie City maintained close business ties. The Whale Gang had established shops along nearly an entire street in Taotie City, creating an inseparable rtionship of mutual interest between the two.


    Additionally, the Whale Gang, like Ascending Dragon Academy, was rooted in the Four Seas and Nine Provinces, with no ambition topete for a position among the Divine Nine. As a result, they had no conflict with either side.


    Thus, when Taotie City and Thunderbolt Stronghold were at odds, he naturally became the ideal mediator between the two.


    As the disciples of Taotie City entered Misty Waters City, Huang Hanshan remarked with a sneer, "City Lord Huyan, what a cunning n... Latching onto Peni''s support is surely a clever way to step into the ranks of the Divine Nine."


    By saying this, he was implicitly mocking that the Taotie City was acting like apdog to the Peni Supreme Sect, but Huyan Dong ignored hisments.


    When Du Wuhen entered Misty Waters City, Huyan Dong smiled and replied, "The head disciple of Thunderbolt Stronghold sure has guts, going out of his way to ally with enemies."


    Huang Hanshan red. "Considering the situation, why not? Nothing wrong with that."


    "True, it''s certainly the move of a real man," Huyan Dong replied sarcastically.


    "Alright, alright," Xu Bashan interjected. "Neither of you has much room to talk. The disciples are the ones fighting in the illusory realm¡ªwhat good does it do for you two to argue here?"


    Huang Hanshan and Huyan Dong both let out cold snorts in response.


    At this rate, it looked like both Taotie City and Thunderbolt Stronghold could make it into the top ten by relying on Peni. From what they had shown in the past, Thunderbolt Stronghold had a slightly better track record, but not by much.


    If the Mount Shu Sect actually lost their ce in the Divine Nine, Taotie City could rely on its vast wealth and make generous contributions to the imperial court as well as other sects in the Divine and they might actually end up being the one to take Mount Shu Sect''s ce.


    Huang Hanshan, observing the situation in the illusory realm, couldn''t help but furrowed his brows.


    Du Wuhen was on his own, so he wouldn''t be able to eliminate the entire team from Taotie City, especially since Taotie City was protected by the Peni Supreme Sect team. Huang Hanshan began strategizing his next moves so that his sect could be the one to take Mount Shu Sect''s ce.


    Huyan Dong didn''t have absolute confidence either; in terms of sect heritage and legacy, the Thunderbolt Stronghold was certainly more legitimate than Taotie City.


    At this moment, he started scanning the high tform, contemting how best to bribe the elders of the other immortal sects.


    "What? Already thinking about whom to bribe?" Huang Hanshan''s words hit the mark.


    "Lord Huang, these are interesting wordsing out of your mouth!" Huyan Dong replied. "If there truly is an empty spot in the rankings of the Divine Nine, do you really think it could be bought with money? Your sect has often epted gifts from my city. If bribery worked, would your sect have stepped down frompeting for this spot?"


    "That just means you haven''t offered me enough," Huang Hanshanughed. "If you offered a tempting price, why wouldn''t we consider giving you the rank of the Divine Nine?"


    "Lord Huang, you speak as if it''s already decided that your sect will take Mount Shu Sect''s ce," Huyan Dong retorted.


    "I think there''s a point to what you''re saying," Xu Bashan interrupted the argument with a steady voice. "Why are you both talking as if that seat is already empty? As long as Chu Liang lives, neither of your sects stands a chance."


    "Even if your little brother is exceptionally gifted, what can he do by himself? Wipe out two teams like Yang Shenlong did?" Huang Hanshan scoffed.


    "Just take a look at what he''s doing," Xu Bashan suddenly remarked.


    As he gazed at the disy in mid-air, his calm demeanor finally broke into a genuine smile.


    ¡­


    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble¡ª</em>


    A sudden barrage of Thunderfire Pills shook Misty Waters City, leaving its residents stunned.


    This was Peni''s territory, one that its members had cleansed and purged. Who would dare to cause trouble here?


    Near the eastern part of the city, a few disciples of Taotie City emerged into the streets amidst the rumbling shockwaves. Huyan Bin, both shocked and enraged, yelled, "What''s going on?"


    "City Lord Junior, let''s get out of here first," urged the Taotie City disciples around him.


    "The entire Misty Waters City is blowing up! Where do we hide?" Huyan Bin snapped. "Raise the shields!"


    At hismand, three disciples behind him raised twenty-four talismans, which immediately transformed into massive golden shields in the air.


    Together, the seventy-two shields created a barrier across the sky, deflecting the iing Thunderfire Pills. Despite the intense explosions, the shields only wavered slightly.


    Taotie City might not have the strongest cultivation legacies, but they certainly had wealth.


    Each talisman was worth a fortune and could only be used once, yet these disciples didn''t hesitate to use seventy-two of them.


    From a bird''s-eye view, it appeared to be an attack of Thunderfire Pills met with a defense of talisman shields. But in reality, it was more like a sh of Vermillion-Bird coins and sword coins.


    But in the next instant, a shadowy figure streaked through the street, arriving in a sh.


    "Who''s there?" A disciple of Taotie City quickly raised an enchanted tool, summoning a wall of raging fire to block the path.


    However, the figure seemed to have felt nothing, charging straight through the wall of divine fire andnding a punch as it reached the ground!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The disciple who had summoned the wall of divine fire was obliterated by a single punch, disintegrating into a soul crystal.


    Only then did Huyan Bin finally see clearly¡ªit was Chu Liang who hadunched this night raid.


    Huyan Bin''s heart skipped a beat.


    Huyan Bin''s bribery was the main reason why Yang Shenlong had gone to attack the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. Now, as Huyan Bin saw Chu Liang descend from the sky like a god, he naturally felt a twinge of guilt.


    Especially since Chu Liang, with mes raging behind him, resembled a vengeful deitying to wreak havoc!


    "Retreat! Find the people from Peni!" Huyan Bin shouted.


    Even though they outnumbered Chu Liang three to one, he didn''t hesitate to order a retreat.


    He made a wise choice, but he was not wise enough. If they had fled upon hearing the explosions, they would have had a chance to escape. And now, with Chu Liang closing in, where could they possibly go?


    The three disciples from Taotie City summoned a pair of massive golden wings behind them, their gleaming feathers shimmering with light. With a single p, they transformed into streaks of light, flying hundreds of zhang in an instant.


    They were so fast, even their afterimages were barely visible.


    Taotie City possessed a new legendary artifact ranked among the top hundred, named the Golden Wings That Brush Against the Clouds. What they now summoned was a high-level replica of this artifact.


    Yet, no speed could match the all-epassing rain of swords.


    The moment they raised their golden wings, Chu Liang unhesitatingly drew his flying sword and hurled it into the air.


    With a piercing sound, the sword split into countless streams of sword light, slicing through the sky and raining down like a storm!


    <em>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!</em>


    That was the Myriad Talismanic Sword!


    Chu Liang used the swiftest talismanic script, the Talismanic Script of Wind, causing the endless sword light to descend instantly.


    Once more, the area was engulfed by sword qi, bringingplete devastation to Misty Waters City that night.


    The explosions from the Thunderfire Pills had already reduced much of the city to rubble. Now, as the attacks from the Myriad Talismanic Sword rained down on the remnants, even the rubble was obliterated, leaving half the district in dust.


    The two Taotie City disciples didn''t even have time to scream before the sword light overtook them, turning them into soul crystals.


    Only Huyan Bin survived the rain of swords, as a gentle light suddenly enveloped his entire body, protecting his life and instantly transporting him ten zhang away.


    "The Salvation Bodhi Mantra?"


    Chu Liang instantly recognized it as a highly valuable Buddhist relic in the realm of immortality cultivation¡ªa life-saving talisman for critical moments.


    "Brother Chu¡­" Huyan Bin smiled bitterly. "It''s been a while. There''s no need to rush; we could sit and talk this through. Spare me, and I can give you money¡­"


    "Brother Huyan, you''re not short on money, and neither am I," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "I''m pressed for time right now, so let''s catch up another day."


    Before Chu Liang finished speaking, he had already appeared in front of Huyan Bin.


    Huyan Bin raised his hand, summoning four fierce and intimidating Vajra Puppets to block Chu Liang''s path.


    But Chu Liang wielded the Dustless Sword, its sword light surging as the Geng Metal foundational qi from his two Golden Cores filled the sword. With a single strike, he cleaved through two of the puppets at the waist!


    Every sect provided their disciples with numerous pills, enchanted tools, and useful items before entering the illusory realm. However, there was a limit to what one person could manage, and carrying too much would only be a burden.


    Huyan Bin clearly seemed to be panicking as Chu Liang drew closer.


    He didn''t dare block with his cultivation energy. In fact, he had lost all sense of judgment, wildly throwing enchanted tools and hoping that one would be enough to block Chu Liang''s advance.


    Chu Liang even saw him throw out a worn boot and someone''s embroidered dudou. Huyan Bin''s frantic scrambling suggested that there were simply too many things in his storage tool, resulting in a mental overload.


    But no matter the tool, Chu Liang sliced through each one with a single stroke!


    Indeed, wealth was part of one''s strength, but beyond that, Chu Liang''s own power was truly elite. Inparison, Huyan Bin fell far short.


    <em>I have money, and so do you.</em>


    <em>But I possess top-tier talent forprehending immortal arts, do you?</em>


    <em>I have two ultimate-tier Golden Cores circting within me, do you?</em>


    <em>I have two times the foundational qi of the fifth realm due to my two Golden Cores, do you?</em>


    <em>I have Large-Headed Dolls tirelessly working for me, do you?</em>


    <em>I have Senior Sister Jiang, do you?</em>


    <em>I have inherited more than one dragon legacy, did you?</em>


    As the sword light drew nearer, Chu Liang shattered not only Huyan Bin''s enchanted tools but also Taotie City''s hopes of ascending into the Divine Nine.


    As Huyan Bin watched Chu Liang descend with demonic swordlight, he suddenly realized that it might have been a grave mistake to go against the Mount Shu Sect!


    In despair, he managed onest shout, "Brother Chuuu! I even bought you a meal once!"


    <em>sh!</em><blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 555: Attack the City

    "<em>Waaaaah!</em>"


    In the spectator stands where members of various immortal sects sat, Shang Ziliang and Lackey A clung to each other and let out heart-wrenching wails.


    Shang Ziliang bawled. "Why are you crying?"


    "It hurts!" Lackey A answered, crying even louder.


    "You only bet fifty Vermillion-Bird coins! What do you have to feel hurt about?" Shang Ziliang''s face scrunched up in agony. "I''m the one who''s really hurting!"


    "It''s too painful!" Lackey A said. "I heard it''s very nice and warm with beautiful scenery at theundry river just outside the capital of Yu. Ornamental boats and leisure boats often pass by, and you can see courtesans ying around on the boats. Maybe we should just go pick out a spot there."[1]


    "I think that''s a great idea!" Shang Ziliang replied.


    Shang Ziliang and Lackey A weren''t the only ones wailing. As thepetition reached the midway point, some of the stronger teams were eliminated in session, and cries of despair became amon urrence in the spectator stands.


    However, when Yang Shenlong wiped out the teams from the Mount Shu Sect and Buddhist Cloud Monastery, there were more peopleughing than crying.That was because few people had bet on the Mount Shu Sect or the Buddhist Cloud Monastery. The Mount Shu Sect hadn''t ced in the top ten for several assemblies in a row, and the Buddhist Cloud Monastery had a weak team this time. They did not even have one outstanding prodigy in their team, so the public didn''t have a good impression of them.


    Thus, only Shang Ziliang and Lackey A were crying for the Mount Shu Sect team.


    In contrast, Yang Shenlong''s explosive sixth-realm cultivation power stunned all of the spectators. He had been renowned for a long time as a powerful cultivator, but he had seldom shown his strength publicly, so this performance shocked everyone.


    The appearance of a sixth-realm cultivator at the Assembly of Immortal Sects was a rare event that had not urred for a century. Cultivators at Yang Shenlong''s age would need both unparalleled talent and extreme dedication to reach such a high level of cultivation.


    This pretty much erased any suspense there was about which team was going to win. If the Peni Supreme Sect team had been the favorite before, it now seemed like an absolute certainty that they would be the winning team. Those who had hoped for a safe win and bet on the Peni Supreme Sect could now rxpletely.


    The atmosphere in the spectator stands was generally joyous and celebratory. Only the Mount Shu Sect''s area was enveloped in a depressing mood reminiscent of cold winds and gloomy rain.


    It wasn''t just one member who got defeated; Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao had all gotten killed. That meant Mount Shu had lost all of the soul crystals they had collected. If the Mount Shu Sect were to fail in this assembly too, they would lose their right to stay ranked in the Divine Nine.


    That was in stark contrast to the Thunderbolt Stronghold team.


    With three core disciples in their team, the Thunderbolt Stronghold had held the highest hopes that their team would achieve sess in the assembly this time. However, the Mount Shu Sect team had crushed the Thunderbolt Stronghold team and their hope, leaving them with one remaining member.


    Now, seeing the Mount Shu Sect team meet the same fate, the members of the Thunderbolt Stronghold felt pleased that revenge had been served.


    Lin Bei, on the other hand, just seemed confused about why his fellow disciples were wailing. "What are you two doing?"


    Shang Ziliang looked at him. "Do you not have a heart? Are you not upset?"


    "I''m sad Jiangjiang was eliminated, but our sect''s team hasn''t been eliminated yet," Lin Bei replied puzzledly. "Isn''t Chu Liang still in there?"


    "This¡­" Shang Ziliang uttered, trailing off.


    He didn''t believe Chu Liang could pull off a miracle. Nheless, seeing Lin Bei''s confident expression, Shang Ziliang couldn''t bring himself to dampen Lin Bei''s faith in Chu Liang.


    Ultimately, Shang Ziliang just mumbled, "Let''s just hope Big Bro can find a chance to gather some soul crystals and hang on until the end."


    "It''s not a hope; Chu Liang will definitely turn the tables," Lin Bei stated with absolute conviction.


    ¡­


    There was another person who was equally confident that Chu Liang would seed¡ªDi Nufeng.


    Old Huang had just finished saying that the Mount Shu Sect team would produce good results under Jiang Yuebai''s leadership¡­ Then Yang Shenlong single-handedly crushed that idea, leaving Old Huang quite angry.


    Old Huang could only add, "There shouldn''t have been any major obstacles for the Mount Shu Sect team. But who would''ve guessed that Yang Shenlong would reach the sixth realm at his age¡­ It''s frankly unbelievable. It seems there''s no doubt the Peni Supreme Sect will win this year."


    Old Sun remarked, "It''s a pity for the Mount Shu Sect. The Mount Shu Sect team is very strong this year. If it wasn''t because Yang Shenlong targeted them, they would very likely have advanced."


    Di Nufeng asked in confusion, "But isn''t my disciple still in there?"


    "Well, that''s true¡­" Old Huang forced a smile. "He might be able to hold out alone in thetter half of the Competition of the Hundred Sects, but it''s too difficult for one person to gather enough soul crystals to advance¡­"


    "What''s wrong with one person?" Di Nufeng still sounded puzzled. "Why does it make a difference whether he has teammates or not?"


    Just then, another wail rang out from the Mount Shu Sect''s seating area. "What''s Big Bro doing???"


    Shang Ziliang clutched his head, staring at the figure that appeared on the projection.


    He''d just been hoping Chu Liang wouldy low and find a way to collect some soul crystals, then maybe he would have a shot at advancing as a lone wolf. Why did he end up outside Misty Waters City instead?


    Had Chu Liang lost hisposure and gone there to throw everything all away?


    ¡­


    At this moment, Monk Pushan had the same thought.


    "It''s not that I want to stop you, but you need to think this through! We''re the remaining members of our teams¡ªthe final beacons of hope for our sects. If you just end things for yourself like this, how will you justify your actions to your team members and sect? Do you think sacrificing yourself to get revenge for Jiang Yuebai would move her? She''d just ask you: does that make any sense? Does that make any sense? Does that make any sense¡­" [2]


    Chu Liang looked at him, feeling baffled. "Weren''t you the one saying it''s hard to find enough targets for soul crystals? There are plenty avable in the city. There will definitely be enough soul crystals for both of our teams to advance, so why not go take them?"


    Stupefied, Pushan said, "Yes, everyone knows that. So, why hasn''t anyone else gone to take them? Is it that no one wants them?"


    "Maybe," Chu Liang replied without much thought. He then reassured Pushan, "Don''t worry; I''ll handle it alone. You just stay on the outskirts and keep watch. If things go south, I''ll run."


    "Yang Shenlong is at the sixth realm! Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai couldn''t escape. How will you?"


    Chu Liang suddenly turned to Pushan and asked seriously, "Do you trust me?"


    Monk Pushan fell silent, recalling everything that had happened since the first time.


    He nodded. "I trust you."


    Chu Liang smiled. "Then rx."


    "Okay!" Pushan eximed. "If you''re going to attack Misty Waters City, at least let me help. I can''t just watch you go alone."


    "There''s definitely a task for you," Chu Liang said as hended on a nearby hill.


    They were only a few hundred zhang from Misty Waters City. They were close enough that if there were any night watchmen on the walls, they would have already seen him.


    Standing tall on the hill, Chu Liang raised his hand and pulled out a gourd from his storage tool. He opened the gourd and scattered its contents into the air, making a cascade of Puppet Pills.


    These were the Puppet Pills specially made to be used with the immortal art Army of Beans.


    If random materials were used with Army of Beans to make soldiers, the summoned puppets would have a weak spiritual nature and littlebat power. Using these Puppet Pills instead would allow the cultivator to summon much stronger and more capable puppets.


    The problem was that¡­ Puppet Pills were very expensive to make. At thest Mount Shu Summit, Chu Liang had made only four pills, but that small number was enough to impress everyone.


    This time, he had a great number of the pills¡ªaround two hundred of them. He used all of them to summon puppets, draining all of his cultivation energy in one go.


    In an instant, an army appeared before him.


    Unexpectedly, he swallowed an expensive Qi Replenishing Pill instead of the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale. Then he sat down and meditated for a while. With his Large-Headed Dolls circting his qi as well, his Sea of Qi was quickly replenished, bing full again in just a while.


    Seeing that Chu Liang seemed to be done, Pushan took the opportunity to ask, "Where did you get so many Puppet Pills? Did you stay up day and night these past few months just to make these?"


    It took nearly a full day to concoct one Puppet Pill, so it would have taken ages for one person to make that many pills.


    "I can make the pills, but there''s no need for me to make them all by myself, right?" Chu Liang replied. "For arge batch like this, I put out a request at a high price. Dozens of alchemists were eager to take on the work."


    Hearing that, Monk Pushan finally remembered that Chu Liang''s way of thinking was on a whole other level.


    For ordinary cultivators, if they had an enchanted cauldron, they would concoct whatever pills they knew how to concoct. They would only seek the services of others for pills they couldn''t concoct.


    Chu Liang, however, operated differently. His principle was that if others could do it, then he didn''t need to. That allowed him to save his time for things that only he could do.


    It was a totally different mindset.


    After summoning the two hundred puppets, Chu Liang arranged them into several groups. Then he finished meditating and pulled out a few gourds from his chest pocket. These gourds likely stored a different kind of pill, not the Puppet Pills that Chu Liang had already used earlier.


    He handed the gourds to the puppets, making Pushan curious once more. Did the puppets need to take pills too?


    Pushan couldn''t resist asking, "What are those?"


    "Thunderfire Pills," Chu Liang answered.


    "<em>Huh?</em>" Monk Pushan''s pupils dted. "That many of them?"


    Thunderfire Pills weren''t for consumption; they weremonly used explosives. Nevertheless, high-level cultivators rarely used those pills, as they could easily unleash a simr level of force with a divine skill. That meant they simply did not need such items. Furthermore, if they used the pills instead of their skills, they would have to spend money to acquire the pills, which were pretty expensive.


    "Taotie City, Red Cotton Peak, the capital of Yu¡­ I bought every Thunderfire Pill that was avable in those shopping districts, and they''re all right here," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Looking at the many puppet soldiers and Thunderfire Pills, Pushan felt even more confident in Chu Liang now. It seemed that Chu Liang wasn''t acting out of blind impulse; he had made ample preparations beforehand.


    Thunderfire Pills were not very effective against cultivators at the higher realms, but that was when they were used in small numbers. If it were just one pill exploding, Pushan would be unfazed. However, just one of these gourds seemed to contain almost two hundred Thunderfire Pills¡­


    <em>Sure, you can use them freely in the illusory realm without any regret since you''d still have them in the real world, but the fact that you even have so many of these pills is astonishing. Who could bear to spend that much on this thing?</em>


    It was clear that Chu Liang had gone all in, draining his hard-earned money for this Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    As Chu Liang gazed at Misty Waters City in the distance, his eyes lit up with determination and fury.


    Chu Liang had indeed gone all in for this assembly, splitting his entire savings to serve as two funds. He used one fund to buy various materials and items, and he used the other to bet on the Mount Shu Sect''s advancement.


    If the Mount Shu Sect were to sessfully advance to the third round of the assembly, he would not only break even but make a profit. However, if the Mount Shu Sect were eliminated, he would lose everything.


    Cutting off a person''s source of ie was like taking their parents'' lives, and the Peni Sect was currently cutting off his source of ie. Furthermore, Yang Shenlong had even killed Jiang Yuebai¡­


    All things considered, it was tantamount to wiping out Chu Liang''s whole family. How could he possibly wait till the next day to get revenge for such an atrocious act?!


    Chu Liang looked at Misty Waters City and swung his hand wide. "Aim at the ces with lights on. Throw the pills!"


    The over two hundred puppets simultaneously hurled the Thunderfire Pills like synchronized peashooters. [3]


    <em>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.</em>


    The first wave of Thunderfire Pills hit Misty Waters City, followed by a continuous chain of explosions.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom.</em>


    The rumble of thunder reverberated throughout the city as a huge fire spread! The city was set alight in an instant!


    This night of rumbling thunder and raining fire had only just begun.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom.</em>


    After two waves of bombarding the city with fire, Chu Liang instructed Pushan, "Use your Heavenly Eye to keep an eye on the city and tell the puppets where to throw the Thunderfire Pills. Just focus the attacks on ces with people. If anyonees to find you and it seems like you can''t handle them, run away immediately."


    "I''m directing the puppets?" Pushan said in surprise. "Then what about you?"


    "I''m going to attack the city!" Chu Liang said firmly.


    In the blink of an eye, he turned into a shadowy figure, flying speedily over the city walls of Misty Waters City.


    Stunned, Pushan had a nk expression as he watched Chu Liang''s figure disappear into the distance.


    Chu Liang''s n had sounded quite absurd, but since Chu Liang was the one carrying it out, Pushan thought that it might just work.


    Pushan activated his Heavenly Eye and scanned the city for signs of the panicked teams that were in alliance with the Peni Supreme Sect team. Once he found them, he ordered the puppet army to bombard them with the Thunderfire Pills.


    After a few rounds of that, Pushan felt a rush of exhration.


    <em>I have to admit¡­ this feels pretty awesome.</em>


    1. Ornamental and leisure boats are simr, but leisure boats are meant to be simpler, more functional. See the trantor''s thoughts for what the boats might look like. Ornamental boats in particr were often used by nobles and schrs for social gatherings and entertainment, so that''s why Lackey A mentions courtesans. ?


    2. Yes, he repeated it three times lol. ?


    3. This seems to be referring to the peashooters from PvZ. Not 100% sure if it is since I''m not the author, but those were the top results when I googled the term. XD For those who have never yed PvZ, just imagine a machine gun but with peas instead of bullets. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD


    The ornamental/leisure boats probably look something like this.</blockquote>

 Chapter 558: Hu Sanlang

    The youth with a saber on his back left peacefully.


    ¡­


    When the youth with a saber on his back heard Chu Liang saying such arrogant words so casually, his hair flew up and a fierce gleam red in his eyes.


    <em>Hiss¡ª</em>


    With a swift motion, the saber unsheathed, sending a dazzling cascade of starlight across the air.


    A sharp whoosh filled the air as Chu Liang activated Dimension Compression once more, narrowly evading the saber¡¯s sudden strike.


    A cold, intimidating light reflected from the saber. Had it struck, even with his physique, he wouldn¡¯t have endured it.


    ¡°Keep this in mind. The one who will eliminate you members of the Mount Shu Sect is named Hu Sang!¡± the youth with the saber on his back shouted in a final roar.


    He swung his saber down like a crashing wave. The de glinted sharply in the light.<em>What a ruthless strike!</em>


    Seeing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel shocked. No wonder Hu Sang always had that wickedly charming expression¡ªhe really had the skills to match it.


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang channeled his cultivation energy at full force, lifting his Dustless Sword to block the saber.


    When dealing with the team from Taotie City, every move Chu Liang executed felt ruthless, though he hadn¡¯t unleashed his full cultivation energy at the time. Now, standing before Hu Sang, he quickly circted his qi to the max, revealing his true cultivation level.


    He was at level two of the fifth realm.


    Not long before he started the special training organized by the Mount Shu Sect, Chu Liang had achieved a breakthrough into the fifth realm.


    After a few months of training in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm, he reached level two of the fifth realm.


    Even before attaining the fifth realm, he had achieved Completion of Five Elements, thanks to the Colorful Doll, granting him control over all five elements. The recent breakthrough in his cultivation level just allowed him to channel both metal and wood foundational qi from both of his Golden Cores[1].


    Hu Sang, who was opposite him, was merely at level one of the fifth realm in cultivation, yet the force behind his saber swing radiated a killing intent that surpassed typical cultivation power.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    When the second strike fell like a dragon''s tail, it shattered the long street, splitting it apart. In an instant, a massive trench several dozen zhang long formed in the center. ?


    As Chu Liang raised his Dustless Sword, the Ten Thousand Swords Seal instantly formed a shield of swords. It managed to deflect the sharp saber, yet the dazzling saber light still sent him stumbling back over ten zhang..


    He flipped backward,manding the myriad swords in the air, andunched a counterattack with the Myriad Talismanic Sword.


    This time, he unleashed the Talismanic Script of Fire, which descended like a fiery meteor shower from the sky, engulfing the entire street and surrounding buildings.


    It was unavoidable!


    But Hu Sang did not dodge.


    ¡°<em>Haah¡ª</em>¡± With a step of his right foot and a half spin, the saber light swept around him like a whirlwind, clearing away the fiery swords in all directions.


    Seeing this, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel dubious.


    Although the cultivation of the fifth realm was not weak, the glint reflecting off his saber was really too sharp for his cultivation level. This kind of saber qi and knife glint was sharp for even a sixth-realm cultivator.


    While the cultivation of the fifth realm was formidable, the glint reflecting off his saber was exceptionally sharp for his level. This kind of saber qi and de glint could challenge even a sixth-realm cultivator.


    Before he could think any deeper, Hu Sang had already soared into the air, a sweeping cold light blocking out the sky, determined to not stop until Chu Liang was in!


    As the saber strike loomed down like the weight of the sky, leaving him nowhere to evade, Chu Liang had no choice but to lift his Dustless Sword and face it directly.


    He unleashed the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    A massive sword light erupted from the ground, shing with the saber light in midair. The solid sword light collided with the cascading saber light, producing crackling sounds of thunder and lightning, before merging into a chaotic mass that scattered around them.


    Both Chu Liang and Hu Sang felt the impact, retreating ten zhang away from each other.


    Chu Liang felt a bit more recoil, as he had been at a disadvantage during the sh earlier. Even with the Heaven-Raising Sword, he was unable to prate the saber.


    However, his body was exceptionally strong, and with the protection of the Jiuli Soul Armor, the damage he sustained was minimal.


    Meanwhile, Hu Sang, pushed back by the dispersed sword qi, now had blood streaks across his body and face.


    Yet, this level of injury didn¡¯t weaken his fighting spirit; instead, it only fueled his ferocity.


    As Chu Liang witnessed the fierce qi mes zing, he finally connected the dots and asked, ¡°Could this be the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike from the Fuyao Kingdom?¡±


    The cultivation system of the Fuyao Kingdom, derived from Peni Supreme Sect, primarily focused on ancient mystical techniques. They had only a few cultivation legacies, with the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike being one of the most well-known.


    ording to legend, on the day the Fuyao Kingdom was founded, countless sea monsters gathered, attempting to seize the new nation¡¯s fate and fortune. The first king of Fuyao was said to have in countless demons with a single saber, parting the sea for three days and instilling fear throughout the East Sea region.


    Yet, the legacy of the Wave-Cleaving Saber remained exclusive to the royal family, with only its members granted the privilege to learn it.


    Chu Liang thought to himself, <em>Is Hu Sang part of the Fuyao Kingdom¡¯s royal family?</em>


    ¡°For eight years, I fought in the Tiger¡¯s Den until my esteemed teacher rescued me. She broke the rules when she taught me the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike.¡± Hu Sang said, looking down and focusing intently on the de of his saber. He continued, ¡°And all of this is to take revenge on all you tyrants from Mount Shu!¡±


    With his deration, the saber light surged anew, growing even more powerful!


    This resolute fighting spirit caused Chu Liang to frown slightly. ¡°Tyrants?¡±


    <em>How did I suddenly be the viin?</em>


    ¡­


    On the high tform, at the seats reserved for the members of the Peni Supreme Sect, Han Lingshuang sat alone, with no one within several zhang of her.


    In her ck attire, her snow-white skin stood out even more.


    As she watched Hu Sang relentlessly strike at Chu Liang and push him to retreat, her usuallyposed eyes finally betrayed a flicker of excitement.


    <em>This day has finally arrived</em>, she thought.


    Everyone in the Royal Wave Bureau knew Han Lingshuang as cold and distant, but few were aware that she had once been the most beloved little princess of the Fuyao Kingdom¡¯s royal family. Sixty years ago, she had been a talented and sweet girl, like an innocent little flower that had never left the greenhouse.


    It wasn¡¯t until that year, when she traveled to the capital of Yu to participate in the Assembly of Immortal Sects¡­


    At first, the journey went smoothly. The Fuyao Kingdom¡¯s team easily passed the Great Selection of the Four Seas, advancing to the Competition of the Hundred Sects. In the midst of their celebrations, they started dreaming of making it to the round of the Battle at the Imperial City.


    Then, the teams from the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten made their appearance. That year, the Mount Shu Sect sent a team consisting of Jiang Tiankuo, Yan Zi, and Di Nufeng.


    Among the younger generation, these three were perhaps the equivalent of this year¡¯s Yang Shenlong. The difference was that, unlike this year, there were three of them¡ªall on the same team.


    They dispersed and hunted down other teams one by one, not just wiping out individual teams but effortlessly crushing alliances of several teams. The immortal sects were so thoroughly defeated that, in desperation, teams of four had to split up to minimize the risk of total annihtion.


    In those days, it was said that whoever was spotted by the Mount Shu Sect team first would be eliminated and the remaining fortunate ones would then advance to the next round.


    If encountering a member of the Mount Shu Sect team was unfortunate, then crossing paths with Di Nufeng would be the epitome of misfortune.


    The Fuyao Kingdom team had been hiding in an underground sand cavern when they were discovered by Di Nufeng.


    Han Lingshuang could never forget that scene.


    Crouching in the underground cavern, she focused on hiding her qi, not daring to reveal even the faintest hint. Meanwhile, Di Nufeng was outside burning the sand with her divine fire, heating the ground until it was almost molten.


    As the horrifying, eerieughter echoed, her teammates fell one by one, unable to endure, dragged out and left screaming in pain.


    Suddenly, everything went quiet outside.


    Han Lingshuang didn¡¯t dare extend her divine sense, so she strained her ears to listen carefully to the sounds outside. After a while, she thought Di Nufeng had finally left and raised her eyes to look out.


    At that moment!


    A head appeared upside down at the entrance of the underground cavern!


    ¡°<em>Hee-hee-hee¡­</em>¡± the voice cackled. ¡°Little beauty, you wouldn¡¯t want your Fuyao Kingdom to end here, would you¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª¡±


    In that moment, Han Lingshuang made the choice to end her own life.


    With a single nce, she resolutely drew her saber and ended her own life, finally bringing an end to that terrifying ordeal. For years afterward, she couldn¡¯t bear to sleep; whenever she drifted off, nightmares haunted her, transporting her back to that underground cavern, where the horrifying, sinisterughter echoed outside¡­


    Her act of taking her own life out of fear at the Assembly of Immortal Sects turned her into aughingstock among her peers in the royal family. The once-beloved princess felt, for the first time, the cold harshness of life.


    So, shemitted herself to seeking vengeance.


    Since this grudge began at the Assembly of Immortal Sects, she was determined to settle it there. She focused on oveing her weaknesses, training with all her might until she eventually secured the lead position at the Royal Wave Bureau.


    She then discovered a child who had been taken in and raised by a tiger demon from a young age. This child possessed a rare natural disposition for developing saber intent, so she brought him into the Royal Wave Bureau and made an exception to teach him the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike, a technique that only members of the royal family could practice.


    Everything she did was for the Assembly of Immortal Sect this year.


    If the Mount Shu Sect were eliminated in the Competition of the Hundred Sects for five consecutive years, they would lose their ce among the Divine Nine. If her disciple could personally eliminate the team from the Mount Shu Sect, Han Lingshuang would finally be free from her inner demons.


    <em>Hu Sang, I¡¯m counting on you for everything! </em>she cried out inwardly.


    How simr was the saber light of the youth within the light screen to Han Lingshuang¡¯s gaze outside it? Both shone with equal intensity and determination.


    When she turned her gaze toward Di Nufeng in the distance, she saw that terrifying woman sitting at ease, engaged in conversation with two old men. Several jars of winey at her feet, and she held a bowl of beef offal, casually skewering pieces with a bamboo stick as she spoke and ate.


    She appearedpletely at ease, with no awareness whatsoever that her own disciple was on the verge of elimination.


    <em>Surely, you¡¯re just feigning calmness¡­ </em>Han Lingshuang thought to herself. <em>When your disciple causes the Mount Shu Sect to lose its ce in the Divine Nine, I doubt you would still remain this carefree.</em>


    But as she observed Chu Liang¡¯s expression on the light screen, she realized it closely resembled that of his teacher.


    Both of them were effortlesslyposed.


    Han Lingshuang felt a rush of panic grip her unexpectedly.


    1. Some exnation about this cultivation. It¡¯s important to remember that he possesses two Golden Cores. The five elemental foundational qi generated through the Colorful Doll originate from the Golden Core within the Golden-Core Puppet. This particr Golden Core can produce all five elemental foundational qi. In contrast, his actual Golden Core has only mastered the metal and wood foundational qi. As a result, only these two types of foundational qi have two sources: one from his actual Golden Core and the other from the Puppet''s Golden Core. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 557: All of You Should Attack Me Together

    "Hahaha!" Huang Hanshan''sughter echoed across the high tform, sounding shrill and irritating¡ªa stark contrast to the livid expression on Huyan Dong''s face.


    Xu Bashan couldn''t bear to watch anymore and whispered, "No need tough so loudly¡­"


    "I''m simply happy for our little brother," Huang Hanshan dered loudly. "Since he''s your sworn brother, that makes him my brother too."


    No one had expected Chu Liang to suddenly attack the Misty Waters City under the cover of night.


    It was usually quieter at night during the second round, so none of them expected Chu Liang tounch an attack on Misty Waters City alone!


    This choice was so bold it seemed almost suicidal.


    In fact, most of the onlookers thought the same. They thought that Chu Liang had a mental breakdown upon finding out that all his teammates had died while he was scouting alone. In their eyes, this was a desperate, all-or-nothing move¡ªa decision to go out in a ze of sacrifice.


    More and more people started saying he''d chosen to die with Jiang Yuebai out of love.


    The only question now was how many he could take down before he fell.This thrilling nighttime show stopped many viewers who were about to leave; they gathered below Emperor''s Mound once more, with most spontaneously cheering Chu Liang on.


    After all, it was rather tragic but brave of him to make this move.


    When they saw him single-handedly take down a squad from Taotie City, a massive cheer erupted across the field, though a few cries of anguish could also be heard.


    This year''s assembly was a dangerous one for the Mount Shu Sect. Many crazy gamblers believed that a wealthy power like Taotie City would go to great lengths, offering hefty bribes to both the higher-ups and the disciples to secure a path and position in the Divine Nine.


    To these gamblers, blinded by their bets, anything seemed possible¡ªeven a staged oue¡ªso they ced enormous wagers on Taotie City.


    Thepetition had indeed yed out just as they had predicted. Taotie City had allied with Peni, leading to the elimination of most of the Mount Shu Sect team members.


    At that point, gamblers were still smugly insisting they''d guessed the inside scoop all along.


    But who would have thought that Chu Liang would appear out of nowhere andpletely change the story?


    Even if he could eliminate the Taotie City team, could he advance to the next round on his own? Could he take down Peni on his own? Why go through all this trouble?


    In the brief moment when Chu Liang chased after Huyan Bin, some forced themselves to say calmly, "It must be because the price wasn''t settled. Chu Liang can''t possibly mean to kill him."


    The gamblers who lost everything wailed in despair, but there were even more who admired Chu Liang''s bold move, cheering enthusiastically for his spectacr performance.


    For a moment, the night outside the capital of Yu boiled with excitement, all because of Chu Liang.


    "This kid..." Elder Huang said in amazement, "I thought he was a cunning prodigy for his age. But now it''s clear¡ªat heart, he''s just like Ah Feng."


    Schr Sun nodded in agreement, then shot him a sidelong nce with a smirk. "So... you''re saying Ah Feng isn''t smart?"


    Elder Huang jolted upright. "I never said that! Don''t be an instigator¡ª"


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Thankfully, before Elder Huang finished speaking, he had already leaped to a distant section of the spectator stands.


    Di Nufeng withdrew her foot as she muttered, "You clearly said it. I heard you loud and clear."


    "But your disciple truly takes after you. Most of the time, he seems indifferent, but when ites to those he cares about, he can unleash extraordinary strength," Schr Sun said with a sigh. "One day, he''ll shine among the brightest on Mount Shu, just like you."


    "Heh, you tter him, Elder¡­" Di Nufeng chuckled. "My disciple''s good, but he''s still got a long way to go before he catches up to me."


    <em>Alright then, </em>Schr Sun thought to himself. <em>I thought you were finally being humble, which rarely happens, but it turns out you were only being humble for your disciple.</em>


    "That definitely meant the same thing as what I said¡­" grumbled Elder Huang as he crawled back.


    "Heh." Schr Sun chuckled. <em>Now you know the value of reading a book titled Emotional Intelligence?</em> he thought to himself.


    ¡­


    The explosions in Misty Waters City paused momentarily, only to resume soon after.


    Chu Liang guessed that someone in the city might have gone after Pushan. But Pushan wasn''t the type to be easily eliminated. He should be able to handle himself. After all, he had over two hundred high-level puppets helping him.


    After swiftly eliminating the members of Taotie City, Chu Liang flew forward, crossing two streets before spotting another figure ahead.


    Amidst the zing firelight, a youth in ck, tight-fitting clothes stood tall at the end of the long street, a saber strapped across his back.


    He had been waiting for Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang immediately figured out the youth''s intention.


    <em>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</em>


    Suddenly, several sharp white feathers shot out from the side, their icy edges so lethal that even Chu Liang felt a jolt of danger despite his resilient body.


    In an instant, hepressed the space beneath his feet, dodging ten zhang away.


    The feathers struck nearby rubble, piercing and melting the stones instantly.


    The type of peculiar poison coating the feathers remained unknown.


    Chu Liangnded, but before he could stand firmly, he sensed a shadowy figure slipping out from the shadow beneath him.


    It was a petite woman. With only half her body visible in the shadow, she stealthily drew two icy des, aiming them at Chu Liang''s legs.


    Chu Liang seemed oblivious, but suddenly he stomped his foot fiercely!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    In an instant, the ground cracked, and the woman emerging from the shadow was flung several zhang away. She twisted mid-air,nding nearby, then swiftly kicked arge stone toward him with a sharp whoosh.


    Just as the stone was about to strike Chu Liang, it transformed mid-air into a burly figure resembling a vajra warrior, roaring as heunched a punch downward!


    If it was apetition of strength, Chu Liang had no fear. He met the punch head-on with his own.


    <em>Boom! Thud¡ª</em>


    As their fists collided, the giant was sent crashing into the rubble, the impact echoing like thunder through the air.


    In a heartbeat, Chu Liang had already faced off against three shadowy figures dressed in ck.


    They were the members of the Royal Wave Bureau from the Fuyao Kingdom.


    As Chu Liang gazed at the figures before him, he realized the fight was inevitable. The Fuyao Kingdom was an ally of the Peni Supreme Sect, like a loyal hound serving its master. If he didn''t take down the dog, how would he ever get the chance to meet the master?


    At the end of the street, a youth with a saber on his back approached slowly. His voice was low but clear as he said, "You truly are skilled. From the beginning, my esteemed teacher instructed us to keep an eye on the team from the Mount Shu Sect. They told me that Jiang Yuebai is the head disciple. Yet, I have always thought you were the strongest."


    "Then you''ve got it wrong; Senior Sister Jiang is indeed stronger than me," Chu Liang replied.


    "Yang Shenlong told us earlier that he would deal with the Mount Shu Sect team. When we offered to help, he said it wasn''t necessary and instructed us to focus on protecting Misty Waters City. I really regretted it as I thought I had lost my chance to personally avenge my esteemed teacher by killing a Mount Shu disciple. So, I''m very grateful you came to me."


    As the youth with the saber spoke, he continued advancing closer.


    <em>Snap.</em>


    He stopped five chi in front of Chu Liang; for cultivators, this distance was close enough to determine life or death in a single breath.


    Chu Liang''s flow of qi locked onto him, just as his qi flow locked onto Chu Liang. In truth, their confrontation had begun the moment he approached.


    "Out of gratitude, I''ll grant you a fair duel," said the youth with a saber on his back,manding hispanions, "Step back! No matter the oue, do not interfere in this fight."


    "Forget that," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head. "I suggest you alle at me together."


    "Are you looking down on us?" The youth with a saber on his back said with a sneer, "You''ll regret your arrogance."


    "Not at all. I have great respect for people from Fuyao Kingdom," Chu Liang replied sincerely, "I''m just worried that if they leave, I won''t have enough soul crystals."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 559: Don’t Announce Your Big Moves Next Time

    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The buildings in Misty Waters City had already been reduced to ruins by the relentless carpet bombing of Thunderfire Pills. Now, wherever Hu Sang¡¯s saber light touched, even the rubble crumbled into dust.


    This saber technique basically swept up the entire street. It was so scary that even his teammates hid far away, not daring to approach.


    In the middle of the whirlwind, Chu Liang moved quickly, dodging every attack and never letting himself get hit. Even when Hu Sang trapped him again and again, Chu Liang used his Dimension Compression skill to slip away, always staying just out of reach.


    After attacking nonstop for fifteen minutes, Hu Sang finally stopped, holding his saber and catching his breath.


    "Tired?" Chu Liang looked at him.


    Chu Liang had thought it was weird how Hu Sang could unleash a saber power that seemed stronger than his actual cultivation level.


    After realizing his opponent was using the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike, Chu Liang figured out the secret. During their special training in the Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm, they had studied techniques from different immortal sects and major factions, including the Fuyao Kingdom''s Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike.


    The secret to this saber technique was to build up saber intent over time and strike only asionally. The longer the intent was stored, the stronger the attack when it was finally released.This was also why they decided to team up with the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Hu Sang had to limit how often he attacked so he could save up enough power for when he really needed it.


    But this stored saber intent would eventually run out. The energy would weaken over time, and in the long, drawn-out fight that Chu Liang nned, Hu Sang¡¯s saved-up saber intent was finally weakening.


    Hu Sang stood with his saber, staring at Chu Liang across from him and feeling just as shocked.


    <em>Sure, it is true that my stored saber intent is limited and will eventually run out. But is your Sea of Qi endless? Does Dimension Compression really use only a tiny bit of foundational qi?</em> These questions filled Hu Sang''s head.


    In just that short fifteen minutes, he¡¯d seen Chu Liang nearly engulfed by the light from his saber countless times. But each time, in the blink of an eye, Chu Liang managed to escape using Dimension Compression.


    <em>This divine skill is still an immortal art, after all. Are you really using it so freely?</em> Hu Sang wondered.


    Hu Sang thought his saber intent wouldst longer than Chu Liang¡¯s foundational qi. Once Chu Liang couldn¡¯t dodge anymore, he¡¯d bring the fight to an end with one decisive sh.


    Who would have thought that Chu Liang¡¯s foundational qi would seem endless...


    Hu Sang couldn¡¯t tell if Chu Liang had an enormous Sea of Qi or a monster-like recovery speed. All he knew was that his own saber intent was already drained.


    Meanwhile, Chu Liang remainedpletely unscathed.


    The teammates watching nearby, along with the audience outside, began to realize that although Hu Sang had held the upper hand, his strength was now waning.


    This situation was, in fact, exactly what Chu Liang had intended.


    Had he shed head-on with the full force of the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike, he might not have been defeated, but both him and Hu Sang would have ended up both severely injured. Now that he was on his own, he needed to secure victory at the lowest possible cost. ???


    Fortunately, he possessed both an enormous Sea of Qi and a rapid recovery speed.


    With the strength of three Large-Headed Dolls, two ultimate-tier Golden Pills, and foundational qi harmonized by the Completion of Five Elements, hisbinedbat power was unmatched by anyone else in his realm.


    Even as he was of the fifth realm as Hu Sang, he was different. If ordinary cultivators were rated one-star, and immortal sect prodigies rated two-star, then Chu Liang could be considered a three-star cultivator at the fifth realm¡ªan exceptional state.


    As long as it wasn¡¯t a divine ability or enchanted tool requiring a much higher cultivation realm, he could use his techniques freely¡ªjust as casually as spending spirit-stone coins.


    "I won¡¯t rest until you¡¯re cut down by my saber," Hu Sang replied.


    "Your saber is clearly not as sharp as your words," Chu Liang smirked.


    "You think you¡¯ve already won?" Hu Sang suddenly retorted.


    It seemed he had made his decision. Raising his saber high, he formed a gesture with his left hand, and the low, rumbling sound of surging waves filled the air.


    "Hu Sang!" his teammates from the Fuyao Kingdom couldn¡¯t help but shout.


    "Tongshi[1], Baihe[2], Ying[3]¡­" Hu Sang said slowly, "I will give my all; the rest is up to you."


    "No matter how much you look at them, they can¡¯t save you," Chu Liang said. "There was no grudge between us¡ªI had no reason to kill you. But you chose to side with Peni, and I really need soul crystals today. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t let any of you go."


    "Heh." Hu Sang gave a coldugh.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Suddenly, his saber swung¡ªnot at Chu Liang, but at his own wrist, slicing it with a sharp hiss.


    Blood spurted forth.


    As his saber absorbed his blood and essence, the saber light took on a deep crimson hue. He leaped into the air, shing down from above with renewed force!


    The typical approach with the Wave-Cleaving Saber Strike was to build up saber intent over a long period, then release it all in a single, powerful strike.


    But in desperate situations, there was another way.


    What if the saved saber intent was exhausted? The answer was to draw upon power one didn¡¯t yet possess.


    The user could tap into saber intent from future reserves, but at a steep cost: severe damage to their meridians. Pushing this technique too far could even lead to instant death.


    The power behind this fatal strike was, predictably, immense.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    This time, the saber light wasn¡¯t a crashing wave from above but a vast ocean rising from the ground, leaving no room for escape. Even Dimension Compression couldn¡¯t slip him out of the reach of that crimson glow.


    <em>Hiss¡ª</em>


    Chu Liang¡¯s figure was engulfed in an instant.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    After the thunderous crash, everything fell into silence.


    "Hu Sang!" A few teammates rushed over.


    They found Hu Sang half-kneeling, blood staining his body as he leaned on his saber for support. It was clear he wouldn¡¯t survive.


    "Heh¡­" A faint smile appeared on his face. "I¡¯ve finally avenged my esteemed teacher¡­ I¡¯ve eliminated the Mount Shu Sect¡­"


    Moments ago, the saber light had engulfed Chu Liang like a vast ocean, a blow that would mean certain death for any enemy. Hu Sang turned his gaze toward the distant horizon, wondering if his esteemed teacher outside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams had witnessed this¡­


    It was unknown as to whether Han Lingshuang had witnessed it, but in that moment, Hu Sang saw something terrifying.


    He saw Chu Liang calmly walking out of the rubble nearby, a flicker of lingering fear in his eyes. "That strike was no joke; it was brutal."


    "You¡­" Hu Sang¡¯s pupils trembled. He tried to speak, but blood filled his mouth. After a long pause, he uttered, "Sacrificial Substitute?"


    In that instant when he struck down with his saber, he had clearly sensed that Chu Liang had no chance to dodge and he felt Chu Liang¡¯s life slip away. Yet now, he stood unscathed. He had likely used the Sacrificial Substitute technique to escape death.


    "Correct," Chu Liang smiled, "Consider it a lesson¡ªdon¡¯t announce your big moves next time."


    ¡­


    "Sacrificial Substitute, huh," Schr Sun remarked in a leisurely tone. "At thest Mount Shu Summit, he hadn¡¯t mastered that skill, had he? This kid really does surprise us every time."


    "His talent and perception are both exceptional. Now that his cultivation level is higher, mastering immortal artses even easier to him," Elder Huang added. "His potential is boundless."


    "Weren¡¯t you the one who doubted him back then?" Schr Sun chuckled.


    "It¡¯s not my fault I misjudged him," Elder Huang replied, a hint of resentment in his voice. "Who would have thought someone with such extraordinary talent would have such a low cultivation level? Did he only begin cultivating a year or two ago? What was he doing before that?"


    Schr Sun smiled. "In any case, his aplishments today are surely thanks to Ah Feng¡¯s guidance."


    Di Nufeng, in the middle of enjoying her beef stew, swallowed a bite and looked up with a grin. "You can¡¯t say that. At least seven percent of Chu Liang¡¯s sess is due to his own efforts¡­ my contribution is, at most, ny-three percent."


    "Speaking of which, these young ones from the Fuyao Kingdom are something else," Elder Huang sighed. "One after another, they keep charging forward, even after their strongest has fallen. Anyone watching might think they were sworn enemies with the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Who knows? No grudges in the past, no resentments now. What¡¯s all this even for?" Di Nufeng shook her head.


    A short distance away, the three bigshots from the Whale Gang, Taotie City, and Thunderbolt Stronghold sat together, their expressions changing noticeably.


    At first, Huyan Dong from Taotie Cityughed, while Huang Hanshan and Xu Bashan remained expressionless.


    Then, Huang Hanshan from Thunderbolt Stronghold startedughing as Huyan Dong and Xu Bashan kept their stoic expressions.


    Now, it was Xu Bashan from the Whale Gang whoughed, while Huyan Dong and Huang Hanshan stayed stone-faced.


    Indeed, the smiles never truly vanished; they simply passed from one face to another.


    Initially, both Taotie City and Thunderbolt Stronghold held high hopes of advancing to the next round, making Huang Hanshan the most nervous of the three. Later, when Taotie City was eliminated, he was brimming with joy. But who could have guessed that Chu Liang wouldn¡¯t stop there? After defeating Taotie City, he went on and took out the Fuyao Kingdom¡¯s team too!


    <em>What¡¯s he doing? </em>


    If Chu Liang continued pressing forward, he would meet thest remaining member of the Thunderbolt Stronghold.


    Although Huang Hanshan had confidence in his eldest disciple, Chu Liang¡¯s unstoppable momentum was daunting. From the looks of it, he truly intended to fight his way straight to Yang Shenlong to seek vengeance. <em>Is this really necessary? When will this cycle of vengeance ever end?</em> Huang Hanshan wondered.


    Meanwhile, Huyan Dong, whose face had been ashen since Taotie City¡¯s elimination, now had a spark of hope in his eyes. Watching Chu Liang¡ªwhom he had seen as an enemy just moments ago¡ªhe whispered inwardly, <em>Keep it up.</em>


    1. meaning bronze lion ?


    2. Meaning white crane ?


    3. meaning shadow ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 560: The Dark King Sect and I Cannot Co-Exist

    The evening breeze gently brushed against ck Whale Mountain as white waves chased the sandy beach. The barrage of Thunderfire Pills raining down on Misty Waters City finally stopped, and Du Wuhen could remove the protective enchanted formation surrounding him.


    The sudden bombardment had almost razed Misty Waters City to the ground.


    Earlier in the night, Du Wuhen had scanned the area with his divine sense and noticed Chu Liang killing his way into the city. He had initially intended to ambush and eliminate this lone wolf from the Mount Shu Sect team, crushing their final beacon of hope.


    However, Yang Shenlong unexpectedly issued an order for all the Peni Supreme Sect allies in the city to remain in ce and stay on guard, forbidding them from taking any proactive action.


    It seemed that the arrogant saber-wielding guy from the Fuyao Kingdom had been insistent on having a one-on-one with Chu Liang. Despite having previously denied his request, Yang Shenlong agreed to it this time.


    As a result, they watched Chu Liang defeat the arrogant saber-wielder, Hu Sang.


    Du Wuhen could see that Chu Liang was clearly superior to Hu Sang¡ªbe it his cultivation level, divine abilities, or enchanted tools. If Chu Liang hadn''t minded taking a little damage, he could have ended the battle very quickly.


    Despite being filled with resentment and coughing up several loads of blood, Hu Sang died peacefully. Chu Liang then swiftly took care of the remaining small fry from the Fuyao Kingdom team, quickly making his way to the street Du Wuhen was guarding.


    Du Wuhen couldn''t help but feel a surge of anger. It was fine that Yang Shenlong had not intervened. But if Yang Shenlong had just let him fight Chu Liang alongside the team from the Fuyao Kingdom, the Mount Shu Sect team might have already been eliminated along with the Taotie City team.Now, what was he supposed to do with the immense responsibility weighing on his shoulders?


    However, there was nothing else he could have done. Since he was seeking shelter under Yang Shenlong''s wings, he had to follow Yang Shenlong''s orders. The teams in Misty Waters City might seem like allies, but the harsh truth was that they were just the Peni Supreme Sect''s essories. Simrly, the Peni Supreme Sect was more like Yang Shenlong and his essories. Thus, Yang Shenlong was the absolute authority in Misty Waters City.


    When Du Wuhen chose to enter the city, he had already anticipated he would have a tough time there, but he did not have any other options.


    Before this Assembly of Immortal Sects, everything had been improving steadily¡­ The wheels of the Thunderbolt Stronghold were rolling forward, while the Mount Shu Sect''s performance declined year after year. They were barely hanging onto their position in the Divine Nine. It was just a matter of time before the Thunderbolt Stronghold would take their ce. Furthermore, it just so happened that the team of disciples they selected to participate in this Assembly of Immortal Sects was their strongest ever.


    No one could have anticipated the unexpected turn of events that forced Du Wuhen to resort to joining the enemy camp.


    Chu Liang was to me for all of it.


    Du Wuhen shifted all hisints and anger onto Chu Liang.


    <em>If it wasn''t for that shameless scoundrel eliminating my brothers, how could I have fallen to such a state?</em>


    <em>It''s just as well that he''se. I can get revenge right here!</em>


    Just as that thought crossed his mind, he saw what seemed like a meteor ze through the air from up ahead and crash onto the ground right in front of him. ?


    <em>Bang!</em>


    In the blink of an eye, the dust settled, and the mes died down, only to reveal Chu Liang standing there. Like a brisk autumn breeze sweeping away fallen leaves, he had collected the soul crystals of the team from the Fuyao Kingdom and then rushed over to Du Wuhen without pausing.


    "Young Hero Du, so you joined the ene¡ªthe Peni team''s alliance too," Chu Liang said.


    He was quite shocked to see Du Wuhen. He hadn''t anticipated this at all.


    Chu Liang hadn''t been surprised that Taotie City had allied with the Peni Supreme Sect. However, he found it surprising that even Du Wuhen, with his thick eyebrows andrge eyes, had allied with them too.


    Seeing Chu Liang''s astonished expression only fueled Du Wuhen''s anger. <em>Is it so strange that I''m here? Isn''t this all because of you??</em>


    "There''s no need for us to say much more," Du Wuhen replied, waving his hand decisively. "Whether the Mount Shu Sect will be driven out from the Divine Nine or the Thunderbolt Stronghold will climb the ranks into the Divine Nine, that all depends on this battle between us!"


    Chu Liang frowned. "Those two aren''t really valid options, though?"


    "Enough with the nonsense. Let''s fight to the death!" Du Wuhen dered.


    He summoned his massive scythe, and his murderous intent instantly surged to its peak.


    Chu Liang remained calm even in the face of Du Wuhen''s intense intent to fight. "You''re the eldest disciple of the Thunderbolt Stronghold. Your esteemed teacher is the sworn brother of my sworn brother¡­ It''s not inappropriate if I call you ¡®nephew,'' right?"


    Chu Liang maintained a degree of courtesy toward the Thunderbolt Stronghold because of his rtionship with Xu Bashan.


    "Let me give you a piece of advice, nephew. You''re thest remaining member of the Thunderbolt Stronghold team. Do not stand in my way."


    <em>Boom.</em>


    Du Wuhen''s response to Chu Liang was immediate and lethal. He swung his massive scythe in the air, producing a crescent-shaped streak of light that instantly transformed into countless birds that seemed to cover the sky. They shot straight toward Chu Liang!


    ¡­


    A flock of birds rose from a mountain forest, scattering across the sky.


    There was dark purpleva flowing all over Soul me Ind in the West Sea. Some of theva had pooled into a volcanic crater, forming a deepva pond that swirled with the hues of destruction.


    The dark purpleva did not give off any heat and appeared unremarkable. However, if any birds or beasts touched it even slightly uponnding, they would instantly perish in theva, swallowed up in the blink of an eye. Theva ravenously devoured all lifeforms. Yet, there was a huge shadowy figure submerged in thatva pond.


    On the edge of theva pond, there was a middle-aged cultivator in ck robes sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed. He looked just like the person who had almost stirred up a storm in the illusory realm earlier¡ªImmortal Yuan Lu.


    Suddenly, Immortal Yuan Lu opened his eyes.


    Theva before him boiled, and a ball of fire with a pitch-ck core emerged from theva pond. The ball of fire turned over slightly, revealing a divine glow.


    It seemed to be an eyeball!


    "It failed¡­" Immortal Yuan Lu said quietly.


    As theva bubbled, a voice slowly rang out from the depths of theva pond. "I did my best. To begin with, I''m not in my peak condition. The most I could do was dy the master of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams for a moment."


    "It has nothing to do with you, Nightmare Demon King. When I was in that illusory realm, someone managed to destroy the ck Devil Whale and my avatar."


    Immortal Yuan Lu''s tone was calm, but it was just concealing the rage he felt.


    From what Immortal Yuan Lu said, it was clear that the entity at the bottom of theva pool was the Nightmare Demon King, who had been sleeping for thousands of years in the Deep Pool of Dreams!


    "Those immortal sect disciples?" asked the Nightmare Demon King in a booming thunder-like voice from the depths of theva pond.


    "No¡­" Immortal Yuan Lu replied, sounding exasperated. "It was someone from the Dark King Sect."


    Several thousand years ago, the Nightmare Demon King was inflicted with a near-fatal injury. However, thanks to its unusual divine abilities, it managed to survive and escape to the Deep Pool of Dreams, where it recuperated for several thousand years.


    At present, the Nightmare Demon King had regained some of its cultivation power, but it still had not fully recovered from the severe injury. Thus, even though the Nightmare Demon King had awakened, it still needed to find a ce where it could restore its soul.


    Soul me Ind was one such ce.


    Theva on Soul me Ind devoured living creatures, but it also contained powerful spiritual energy that had been umted since ancient times. So, theva pond was akin to a medicinal bath for the Nightmare Demon King.


    However, Soul me Ind had always been under the control of the West Sea Diabolical Forces, and the demons did not have enough power to seize it. It was only with the Demon King of Qingqiu''s mediation that the Nightmare Demon King and the West Sea Diabolical Forces coborated this time.


    The West Sea Diabolical Forces lent Soul me Ind to the Nightmare Demon King for recuperation, while the Nightmare Demon King agreed to help Immortal Yuan Lu seize the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    The demons upied the Far West, and a significant portion of the West Sea served as a buffer zone between the Far West and the nine provinces. Unlike the elderly chancellor of the previous dynasty, diabolical sects did not abide byws or morals, so they had always worked with demons.


    When the righteous sects purged the West Sea Diabolical Forces from the nine provinces, the demons had sheltered many fleeing diabolical cultivators, allowing the diabolical sects to survive time and time again despite almost getting wiped out.


    This coboration between the Nightmare Demon King and the West Sea Diabolical Forces could kill three birds with one stone. It could significantly weaken the strength of the righteous sects in the nine provinces and allow the Nightmare Demon King to recover. Then once the Nightmare Demon King had fully recovered, the West Sea Diabolical Forces would gain a powerful ally.


    Unfortunately, their n failed due to an unexpected factor.


    "The Violet Gold Marquess of the Dark King Sect pretended to cooperate with me, but in reality, it was his people who sabotaged my n. Otherwise, how could those immortal sect disciples have stopped me?" Immortal Yuan Lu gazed up at the sky. "He deliberately painted the airship with weird colors, but I still recognized it. The airship that destroyed the ck Devil Whale was the Violet Gold Marquess''s airship. Since he even gave his airship to that person, that can only mean he had already nned to ruin my n long in advance!"


    "Dark King Sect¡­" Immortal Yuan Lu became increasingly furious. "Though we have our conflicts, I have always maintained a facade of friendship. After all, life is hard for diabolical sects. Even when your members act brazenly, I never treated them as enemies.


    "However, from today onward, the West Sea Diabolical Forces and the Dark King Sect cannot co-exist!"<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 561: What Business Do Children Have Speaking Here?

    <em>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh.</em>


    The massive flock of birds, which seemed to cover the sky, produced wind des that sliced everything in their path cleanly in half. They were sharp enough to rival Hu Sang''s saberlight.


    Of course, Chu Liang didn''t dare toe into contact with them. While evading the wind des, he pushed forward and charged toward Du Wuhen with the Dustless Sword in hand.


    Despite having already fought two battles, Chu Liang showed no signs of fatigue. Instead, he seemed to be even more invigorated the more he fought.


    Battles weremon urrences for Chu Liang. However, he rarely battled against prodigies in his peer group, and his disy of such an intense fighting spirit was an even rarer urrence than that.


    As Chu Liang swung his longsword, a vast and mighty wave of Cloud of Determination sword qi surged forth, making Du Wuhen''s heart tremble in fear. There was a clear reason why Chu Liang''s status in the world had been rising during this past year¡ªhis strength was indeed terrifying.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The wave of sword qi and the wind des revolving around the scythe collided. The impact of the collision sent both forces flying in all directions, leaving countless small cuts on Chu Liang and Du Wuhen. The sound of ripping fabric rang out incessantly.


    Many bloody wounds appeared on Du Wuhen''s skin, staining it red.Meanwhile, Chu Liang was protected by the Jiuli Soul Armor, so his torso was unaffected. Only his clothes had been ripped. His limbs and face were wounded, but they healed soon after.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom.</em>


    After several exchanges of attacks, Du Wuhen was wounded all over. However, Chu Liang''s wounds had already healed, leaving only fresh scars.


    Seeing that, Du Wuhen felt perplexed. Like Chu Liang, Du Wuhen was at the second level of the fifth realm and possessed the Jia Wood Foundational Qi. So, why was Chu Liang''s recovery speed so much faster than his?


    Of course, Du Wuhen had no idea that Chu Liang''s Jia Wood Foundational Qi was from two Golden Cores. Moreover, he was also at the third realm of the White Dragon''s cultivation legacy, making his physique as strong as a that of celestial beast.


    In other words, Chu Liang''s physique wasparable with that of Du Wuhen''s tamed beast Azure Mysterious Wind Bird, while his cultivation power was on par with Du Wuhen''s. With the two aspectsbined, Chu Liang was undeniably formidable.


    ¡­


    The scene of Chu Liang overwhelming Du Wuhen so swiftly left the spectators outside the illusory realm dumbfounded.


    Unable to understand the intricacies of the fight, the non-cultivators simply enjoyed the exciting fight.


    They had seen Hu Sang suppress Chu Liang for so long in the previous fight, so they had thought the two young men were on par in terms of strength. Chu Liang had won in the end, but they had assumed it had been a narrow victory. They had not known that it had been because of Chu Liang''s strategy to minimize the damage he received.


    It was obvious to the spectators that Du Wuhen''s strength surpassed that of Hu Sang, so most of them had believed this would be a tough battle for Chu Liang. To their surprise, Chu Liang took the offensive right when the fight started, unleashing a storm of attacks that left Du Wuhen overwhelmed.


    The eldest disciple of the Thunderbolt Stronghold was being beaten to a pulp.


    Lackey A and Shang Ziliang, who had been wailing in despair just before, forgot about their bets for now. They stared fixedly at the screen, feeling their sect might have grasped a glimmer of hope.


    "Chu Liang''s switch has been flicked!" Lin Bei eximed. "Senior Sister Jiang''s death must have triggered his battle mode. I''ve never seen his fighting spirit this intense!"


    The other disciples of the Mount Shu Sect nodded in agreement. Chu Liang was always smiling; who had ever witnessed him this fierce?


    <em>Bam, bam, bam!</em>


    Drenched in his own blood, Du Wuhen finally had enough. If Chu Liang''s barrage of attacks continued, Du Wuhen would essentially be subjected to death by a thousand cuts. Their exchanges of attacks were only hurting Du Wuhen; Chu Liang¡¯s physique was totally fine, yet Du Wuhen was reaching his limits. ?


    Du Wuhen bellowed, "You''ve taken your bullying too far!"


    <em>Boom!</em>


    He swung his scythe fiercely, creating some distance between him and Chu Liang. Then he raised his hand and transformed his scythe back into its spirit beast form, the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird.


    The Azure Mysterious Wind Bird spun and transformed again. This time, it became a beam of green light and entered Du Wuhen.


    It was the divine ability Tamed Beast Possession!


    This divine ability was rarely used by the beast tamers of the Thunderbolt Stronghold, as it inflicted major harm to the beast tamer. The power of a spirit beast could destroy the human beast tamer''s corporeal body. The best case scenario was a serious injury, and the worst was that they would shatter to bits. The chances of getting a bad side effect was high if the tamed beast was a spirit beast of the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird''s caliber.


    Nevertheless, when the tamed beast and its tamer became one, their power was greatly amplified.


    After the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird possessed Du Wuhen''s body, Du Wuhen grew in size, and his eyes ignited with azure divine fire.


    He let out a sharp cry, "<em>Keeew!</em>"


    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble!</em>


    A violent whirlwind rose from the ground of the street. In an instant, half of Misty Waters City was engulfed in a massive whirlwind, with a vast wave of divine light surging upward and illuminating the night sky!


    Amid the violent winds, Chu Liang felt an immense force pulling at him, threatening to tear him apart!


    <em>It''s so powerful¡­</em>


    All Chu Liang could do was concentrate on circting his foundational qi, barely managing to remain standing stably on the ground.


    In mere moments, the whirlwind had grown so much that it now epassed all of Misty Waters City, and it was still gaining velocity and force!


    Within the blinding chaos, all Chu Liang could see was Du Wuhen in the eye of the whirlwind. He was enveloped in azure light, resembling a star. As the heart of the whirlwind, Du Wuhen had control over an unimaginable amount of force.


    While watching Du Wuhen, Chu Liang''s eyes lit up with divine light. He activated a divine skill, and two heads and four arms suddenly sprouted from his torso.


    It was the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form!


    Chu Liang did not use this divine skill to directly attack Du Wuhen. Instead, he nned to use his six hands to simultaneously draw six trigram talismans andbine them into three hexagram talismans.


    He was going to make the hexagram Xun As Wind![1]


    Several of the disciples that had journeyed into the Celestial Talisman Master''s Hidden Realm hadprehended the Eight Trigram Talismans and learned to draw them with both hands, mastering the method ofbining trigrams. Just that was already quite formidable.


    However, Chu Liang did some further research and found that while two talismans was the limit for regr bodies, he didn''t have the same limit. When he used the Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form, he could draw talismans with all six arms simultaneously andbine six trigram talismans.


    If Situ Guanhai were to witness this scene, he would likely find it unbelievable. Chu Liang had learned how tobine trigram talismans from Situ Guanhai, yet Chu Liang did it in a totally different way now.


    Chu Liang''s six hands each drew a Xun-Character Talisman and instantlybined them into three pairs, making three hexagrams.


    "Xun As Wind!"


    A powerful talismanic force emerged, but it was not meant to stop Du Wuhen''s whirlwind. On the contrary, Chu Liang''s intention was for the power of Xun As Wind to increase the velocity and force of the whirlwind.


    The raging winds intensified sixfold!


    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble.</em>


    Du Wuhen was already under a lot of strain trying to manipte the whirlwind. He persisted with gritted teeth, trying to use the whirlwind to rip Chu Liang apart.


    However, the raging winds suddenly intensified, and he lost control. Something exploded inside him.


    Chu Liang had deliberately intensified the whirlwind, giving it more force than Du Wuhen could handle.


    Du Wuhen burst open, and a fountain of blood sprayed out. Without any energy left to resist, he transformed into a soul crystal.


    Right then, the violent, raging whirlwind exploded, sending a massive st of wind through Misty Waters City, which had already been reduced to ruins, and razing it to the ground. After that, only piles of rubble remained.


    ¡­


    The st hurled Chu Liang dozens of zhang away. The injures he suffered this time were quite significant, but he had sessfully countered and killed Du Wuhen.


    "<em>Huuu¡­</em>"


    After taking a moment to catch his breath, he didn''t heal his wounds. Instead, he got up and continued walking forward.


    The streets and buildings were gone now, so there was nothing in his way. He could see the people waiting for him up ahead.


    Yang Shenlong, Yang Yuhu, Xi Miaoxian, and Qi Lin''er¡ªthe team of four from the Peni Supreme Sect stood in a row amid the rubble, gazing at Chu Liang with shocked expressions.


    Qi Lin''er broke the silence with a strangeugh. "<em>Heheh</em>."


    Then he leaped in front of Chu Liang. "I didn''t expect you to make it here. Since you''re so eager to court death, I can only¡ª"


    Qi Lin''er didn''t finish his sentence.


    Chu Liang was suddenly enraged, and an aura of indescribably immense power burst out from him, shrouding him. Taking a step forward, Chu Liang turned his hand over and struck Qi Lin''er''s celestial spirit with his palm.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    That one palm strike obliterated Qi Lin''er!


    The gazes of the remaining members of the Peni Supreme Sect team wavered in fear, even Yang Shenlong''s. Their expressions immediately turned grave.


    On the other hand, Chu Liang smiled nonchntly as if he had merely swatted a mosquito to death.


    He shook his head and said, "What business do children have speaking here?"


    1. This "Xun" refers to the trigrambo/hexagram "Xun". They are the same character, which means it''s basically wind x2. This hexagram could be interpreted in various ways, including a gentle/prating wind or obedience. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 562: About to be Sucked Dry

    Chu Liang''s sudden move stunned many people.


    The audience outside the screen didn''t know much about Qi Lin''er, only that he was a naturally gifted kid. Initially, they assumed he was just there for the experience due to his connections, tagging along with Yang Shenlong to im victory¡­ Most of them thought they could take his ce themselves.


    Later, they realized Qi Lin''er was indeed powerful, having the most solo victories among the Peni team, giving him ample reason for his arrogance. Yet, without enough strong opponents, his true power remained somewhat vague.


    But the three remaining members of the Peni Supreme Sect team were the most shocked.


    As his fellow disciples, they knew well that Qi Lin''er was born with mystical abilities. His skin was made of bronze and bones made of iron. He had the strength of a dragon and his qi flowed as boundless as the ocean. He was terrifyingly gifted.


    Among the Peni team attending the Assembly of Immortal Sects, only Yang Shenlong held a firm advantage over him; Xi Miaoxian and Yang Yuhu were weaker byparison.


    Qi Lin''er was actually Peni''s second strongest!


    With his powerful physique, even Yang Shenlong couldn''t defeat him so cleanly. To kill him in one p?


    This was simply astounding.How could this be possible?


    If Chu Liang had this strength before, he wouldn''t have needed to waste his time with Hu Sang and Du Wuhen. He could''ve just ttened everyone with one smack; who could withstand that?


    "Fall back!" Yang Shenlong barked, his killing intent surging.


    He sensed it clearly¡ªChu Liang''s aura had suddenly surged, drawing the surrounding spiritual qi into a vortex, flooding into his body and leaving other cultivators with almost no spiritual qi to ess.


    This level of cultivation power was something he had never seen among his peers.


    It was no longer the feeling of facing an opponent; it was a deep sense of danger.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    In the void, the collision of qi created a sound like thunder.


    Xi Miaoxian and Yang Yuhu stepped back immediately, their expressions equallyplex. Xi Miaoxian had encountered Chu Liang before; at that time, he was already remarkable, but to say he could rival Yang Shenlong would have been an exaggeration. Yet, he had reached this level in just a few short months?


    Yang Yuhu recalled his first encounter with Chu Liang. Back then, Chu Liang was merely at the beginning stage of the Golden Core Realm, but was still able to defeat someone of a cultivation level higher. It was truly an impressive feat.


    Back then, he had thought Chu Liang was extraordinary and even mentioned that Chu Liang could one day rival his older brother, though he had really said it with a hint of ttery.


    He never thought this day would actuallye.


    From Chu Liang''s point of view, this day came sooner than he had expected.


    Originally, the Mount Shu Sect had no intention of confronting the Peni Supreme Sect in the Competition of a Hundred Sects; they only aimed to safely secure a spot in the top ten to avoid being expelled from the Divine Nine. Yet, unexpectedly, Yang Shenlong had taken the initiative to attack, killing three of Chu Liang''s teammates.


    If that were all, Chu Liang might have chosen to endure the humiliation, finding a way to gather enough soul crystals to survive till the end, as Mount Shu Sect''s future was much more important than settling such petty disputes.


    But at this point, he couldn''t help but be grateful to his "good friends" from the West Sea Diabolical Forces.


    After the airship Lianglong detonated and killed the ck Devil Whale, it granted him a Boundless Swallowing Whale Pill, essentially a fifteen-minute pass to experience a Boundless Sea of Qi.


    Since he had gotten this item from an imprint in this illusory world, there was a chance that he would lose it upon leaving this illusory world. It would be a waste if he didn''t use it here.


    For a typical cultivator in the fifth realm, even with the aid of this pill, there was a limit to how much stronger they could be. Without an improvement in the quality of their foundational qi, it would still be extremely difficult to perform formidable techniques.


    But Chu Liang was different.


    He had so many treasures.


    The Talisman of Life Restoration that he obtained in the Celestial Talisman Master''s Hidden Realm had the ability to bestow life upon beings, but doing so came at a great cost. Bestowing life drained an enormous amount of his cultivation power. When he had once used it on a single berry, it nearly exhausted half of his foundational qi. The task of bestowing life on beings with immense spiritual energy would be even more taxing.


    But now, fueled by the Boundless Swallowing Whale Pill, he could revive everything in his hands.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    A radiant light erupted as the Dustless Sword rose into the air, its spiritual energy gleaming with brilliance,ing to life in an instant.


    Nearby, the Crimson Executioner Sword, glowing red like mes, also levitated with a fierce aura.


    The Five Elements Formation Diagram: Celestial Trap, the Razor Leaf Saber¡­


    The biggest difference between legendary artifacts and regr enchanted tools was that legendary artifacts possessed a spirit, capable of controlling themselves when necessary. While Chu Liang¡¯s tools had not yet reached the level of legendary artifacts, they seemed to carry a spirit simr to that of such legendary items.


    "Dustless Sword, awaken¡­"


    "Crimson Executioner, awaken¡­"


    Chu Liang silently recited their names, and more enchanted tools rose to fly around him. Hidden from others'' view, the Blue Dragon''s Orb was also spinning furiously.


    This was the very reason he had been able to obliterate Qi Lin''er with a single strike.


    The Blue Dragon''s Orb couldmand the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, inheriting part of the authority of a Blue Dragon at the eighth realm. However, due to Chu Liang''s previously low cultivation level, many of its powers had been unusable.


    But now, he had no such constraints. He immediately channeled the power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, directly borrowing the strength of the Blue Dragon, infusing himself with the qi of the entire hidden realm.


    "<em>Raaaaar!!!</em>"


    In the ethereal depths, a shadow of a True Dragon loomed over the area, and Chu Liang''s figure began to take on a divine, ethereal quality. He could sense a resonance with the enchanted tools surrounding him.


    The sharpness of the Dustless Sword, the fury of the Crimson Executioner, the lively mor of the Razor Leaf Saber¡ªas if each enchanted tool held multiple spirits¡­ and the profound ancient aura of the Jiuli Soul Armor¡­


    At this state, Chu Liang suddenly had a bold idea.


    <em>The White Pagoda¡­</em>


    <em>Awaken!</em>


    ¡­


    Immortal Jiuyi''s expression became more and more terrible.


    As the master of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, everything inside, except for invaders like Immortal Yuan Lu, consumed his foundational qi. Although the illusory realm appeared incredibly realistic, it was maintained through Immortal Jiuyi''s cultivation.


    This was also why eighth-realm cultivators, and even many seventh-realm cultivators, could not exist within this illusory realm. A gathering like the Assembly of Immortal Sects, filled with cultivators at the realms of the Earthly Gate, posed no strain on Immortal Jiuyi.


    At least, that had indeed been the case up until now.


    But when Immortal Jiuyi watched Chu Liangunch a night raid on Misty Waters City, he was initially puzzled.


    Immortal Jiuyi didn''t understand why Chu Liang acted so impulsively. Since Chu Liang had helped avert a crisis for him, he wouldn''t have minded giving him a little support in secret.


    While he couldn''t help Chu Liang kill anyone, he could assist by making him invisible on screen, letting him see everyone''s positions, masking his qi so others couldn''t sense him, or ensuring his abilities hit with perfect uracy¡­ These small favors were feasible.


    After all, if the Mount Shu Sect were eliminated, it might have been due to the fact that Chu Liang had been helping fight the diabolical forces, so it would only be fair to offer some support in return.


    Yet, Chu Liang had charged into Misty Waters City just like that. It appeared vengeful, but in the eyes of others, it seemed somewhat suicidal.


    Even though he fought his way to Yang Shenlong, shocking many, few believed he could actually defeat him. Most thought he was simply drawing closer to his own demise.


    Meanwhile, it became increasingly difficult for Immortal Jiuyi to assist him. With so many eyes watching, it was nearly impossible to perform any subtle maneuvers.


    But at that moment, Chu Liang suddenly unleashed a surge of power, his cultivation skyrocketing, like a vortex devouring spiritual qi, absorbing all the energy from the entire illusory realm.


    <em>What is he doing? </em>Immortal Jiuyi quickly channeled more foundational qi into the illusory realm.


    He felt bewildered as he wondered, <em>How is a fifth-realm cultivator achieving this?</em>


    This amount of spiritual qi Chu Liang was using was enough to kill someone at his level eight hundred times over.


    <em>Wait¡­</em>


    A terrifying force of absorption suddenly swept over, demanding such an immense amount of qi that even Immortal Jiuyi became terrified. Despite being at the eighth realm, with a seemingly boundless Sea of Qi, the color drained from his face in an instant.


    <em>Something''s wrong. I can''t give anymore. Otherwise, this kid will suck me dry!</em> Immortal Jiuyi screamed inwardly.<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 563: Love and Peace

    Chapter 563: Love and Peace


    After a brief attempt, his effort to awaken the White Pagoda failed, as if the spiritual qi in the world had suddenly been cut off, leaving Chu Liang rather disappointed.


    He had hoped to use this chance to awaken the spirit of the White Pagoda and perhapsmunicate with it, learning about its origins.


    The effects of the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale effects were supposed to be reliable; with a Boundless Sea of Qi, he shouldn''t still becking qi.


    It had to be that the spiritual qi supplied by Immortal Jiuyi in this illusory realm was finally running out.


    Even with Immortal Jiuyi''s cultivation energy, it was not enough to revive the White Pagoda, which furthermore indicated the iprehensible power of the spirit in this enchanted tool.


    Chu Liang stopped trying. With the limited time, he couldn''t bother wasting it all on this.


    Because he was concerned about a sudden attack from the members of Peni, he had taken the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale just before meeting them, allowing him to deliver the blow that instantly killed Qi Lin''er.


    With only a fifteen-minute duration, there wasn''t much time left.


    He needed to act now.Across from him, Yang Shenlong had already taken action. A three-chi azure light appeared out of nowhere in his hand, and though he stood in ce, Chu Liang could feel the killing intenting from behind him.


    Thebination of Shadow of Radiance and Dimension Compression, a divine technique he was familiar with thanks to Jiang Yuebai''s mastery of both.


    Yet, he didn''t need to make any moves; the Dustless Sword''s senses were far sharper than his own. With a ringing sh, the Dustless Sword surged with sword qi, blocking the strike.


    Of course, it was still draining Chu Liang''s foundational qi, but that was the one thing he currently had more than enough.


    After the Dustless Sword made its first move, the other enchanted tools swirling around also closed in,unching their strongest attacks on Yang Shenlong.


    <em>Boom, boom, boom, boom!</em>


    Yang Shenlong''s sneak attack had failed, and now he found himself surrounded by enchanted tools. Though it was a one-on-one fight, he suddenly felt as if he were being swarmed from all sides.


    He instantly moved. Shrouded in a jade-colored glow, he was evidently activating his Jade Pure Physical Form. His foundational qi surged as he struck back the enchanted tools one by one.


    At that moment, the actual Chu Liang arrived. "<em>Haah¡ª</em>"


    With a clear shout, Chu Liang punched forward, carrying the immense power of the Blue Dragon.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    Yang Shenlong countered with a backhanded strike, transforming his palm into a massive azure dragon w, shing against Chu Liang''s blow.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Yang Shenlong was hurled backward, crashing into the surrounding rubble. The sh sent him flying with swift, decisive force!


    Never in his life had Yang Shenlong encountered a peer so evenly matched, let alone one that made him suffer such a setback. Though his Azure Dragon legacy had not primarily enhanced his physical body, the fortification it provided was still incredibly powerful.


    Apart from a natural monster like Qi Lin''er, there was no peer with a stronger physique than his, not even among those with physical cultivation or martial arts training.


    The power in Chu Liang''s punch...was definitely beyond what anyone below the realms of the Heavenly Gate could possess!


    And indeed, that was the case. Chu Liang''s punch carried the power of the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. With his White Dragon legacy at the third realm, even without fortification, his physique was already slightly superior to Yang Shenlong''s; with this added boost, it was unmatched.


    Yang Shenlong, who had been hurled into the air, could only fully activate the power of his Azure Dragon legacy to alleviate the pain.


    When he was about to crash on the ground, he rebounded to counter attack¡­ because Chu Liang was already charging at him!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Enveloped in Divine Dragon Fire, he roared forward, his ming fist crashing down once more!


    Yang Shenlong spun around and suddenly, three identical forms of him appeared in ce.


    There were three Yang Shenlongs!


    He had used the Immortal Art: External Manifestation!


    This immortal art allowed him to create clones with the same cultivation level and physique as his own. Each additional clone was a significant threshold, and most who mastered the External Manifestation art could only create one clone. Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang, in his normal state, were no exception.


    Yang Shenlong, however, had managed to create two clones¡ªa feat even some seventh-realm Eminent Ones couldn''t achieve.


    In fights among peers, having additional clones almost guaranteed a crushing victory.


    When Yang Shenlong single-handedly defeated most of the members in the team from the Mount Shu Sect, he did not create three clones, if not any.


    He wanted to reserve his full power for the next round, the Battle at the Imperial City, and did not want to reveal all his techniques.


    But now, he couldn''t hold back anymore. He even suspected that three of himself might still not be enough against Chu Liang.


    This overwhelming feeling of despair was something he had always inflicted on others, yet he never imagined he''d experience it himself.


    In truth, he shouldn''t have used this technique.


    Because it reminded Chu Liang that he could use this technique too!


    <em>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    With a series of explosive sounds, twelve Chu Liangs appeared, surrounding the three Yang Shenlongs.


    At that moment, Yang Shenlong felt a hint of absurdity.


    <em>If you create four, or even five clones, I might admit you''re stronger. But isn''t creating twelve a bit too much? </em>


    <em>Most people can''t even create twelve mindless puppets using Army of Beans, and here you are with twelve full-powered clones?</em>


    <em>Something is definitely off.</em>


    Yang Shenlong even thought of Immortal Jiuyi, wondering if Immortal Jiuyi had helped Chu Liang cheat. In the illusory realm, only Immortal Jiuyi could achieve something like this.


    But if Immortal Jiuyi is helping him, that would be too much.


    <em>Can''t you at least pretend?</em>


    <em>How on earth is he doing this¡­</em>


    While he was deep in thought feeling confused, the twelve Chu Liangs simultaneously swung fiery fists, causing a series of explosive sounds.


    Amid the roaring noise, Yang Shenlong''s two clones burnt up all their cultivation energy, raising a fierce whirlwind that temporarily forced the surrounding Chu Liangs back a few chi.


    The actual Yang Shenlong was instantly cloaked in golden light, transforming into a beam of light that shot straight toward the sky!


    This time, he used the Golden Path!


    This was the most powerful flying immortal art in the world that could allow the user to teleport across big distances. By using this immortal art, one could cross vast distances in a blink of an eye. Yang Shenlong realized he had no chance of defeating Chu Liang and prepared to escape.


    But in the next instant, Chu Liang was already in pursuit.


    Yes, although he didn''t know the Golden Path, he still managed to keep up.


    He was using Dimension Compression.


    Certainly, the Dimension Compression couldn''t match the Golden Path over long distances. But that was only because Dimension Compression wasn''t designed for long-range use.


    It was like a sprinter chasing a long-distance runner. While the sprinter might not be a long-distance expert, he could break the thousand of meters into several hundreds of meters and sprint each segment at full speed.


    The only drawback was that it might be exhausting.


    But Chu Liang wouldn''t get tired.


    He only worried about running out of time.


    <em>Smack.</em>


    Yang Shenlong never expected to be caught by the ankle while using the Golden Path.


    In that moment¡­ he was so shocked like a living person seeing a ghost.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    With a single-arm swing, Chu Liang hurled Yang Shenlong back into Misty Waters City.


    <em>Thinking of escaping?</em>


    <em>Not a chance.</em>


    If Chu Liang let him escape, it would be his own death in just moments.


    Chu Liang mmed Yang Shenlong to the ground, then leapt down, stomping on his chest and leaning in to deliver a powerful punch!


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The punch aimed directly at his face, and if it hit, even an Eminent One would perish. But Yang Shenlong still had strength left; mes ignited in his eyes as he opened his mouth, transforming his head into that of a dragon, and actually caught Chu Liang''s fiery fist in his jaws!


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    While he was in the dragon form, he inhaled, producing this powerful force twisting the Great Dao of the World.


    He wanted to shrink Chu Liang and swallow him whole.


    Once again, he was using the World Within One''s Sleeve technique, a move he usually used with a single palm to suppress opponents. Who would have thought he could apply it with his mouth?


    But at this moment, Chu Liang was simply unbeatable.


    He fought back by giving another punch with his left hand.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Then another punch!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    And then continuously...


    <em>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    The heavy fiery punches rained down on Yang Shenlong''s body relentlessly. No matter how powerful the Azure Dragon''s regenerative physique was, it couldn''t keep up with the speed of Chu Liang''s punches.


    By the time Chu Liang had enough of the smashing, he noticed that nothing remained beneath him except a small soul crystal.


    "<em>Hah¡ª</em>" Chu Liang exhaled deeply and leaped up.


    When he looked over at Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian, he found them both staring nkly, looking somewhat dazed.


    It wasn''t that they didn''t want to help, but there was simply no way for them to intervene in this fight.


    They wanted to run, but if Yang Shenlong had not even been able to escape with the use of the Golden Path, how could they possibly escape?


    Yang Shenlong had always been an invincible figure in their minds, yet seeing him fall so utterly, defeated in such a brutal manner, left them bewildered and lost.


    Then, Chu Liang took a step forward and suddenly stopped.


    After a slight pause, a smile appeared on his face. "Brother Yang, Miss Xi, there''s no need to be tense. Your elder brother killed my teammates, so I came to seek revenge. Since I know you two, I don''t n to end your path forward."


    "Leave behind all the soul crystals Peni has collected these days, and you may go."


    "Brother Chu¡­" Yang Yuhu was even more stunned upon hearing this. "You''re letting us go?"


    "When will revenge ever end?" Chu Liang said calmly, "I came here to stand up for my teammates. I am not here to make the conflict with Peni worse."


    In that moment, his smile seemed noble, radiating the light of love and peace.


    Xi Miaoxian was quicker to react; upon hearing this, she ced a bag of soul crystals on the ground, saying, "Thank you, Young Hero Chu, for your noble act. We won''t forget this kindness."


    Saying this, she pulled Yang Yuhu along, and they swiftly took flight.


    The two of them fled like startled birds, clearly frightened out of their wits.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    A gentle breeze swept over the rubble-strewn remains of Misty Waters City, leaving only Chu Liang standing there, his gaze distant as if savoring the thrill of the fierce fight.


    Momentster, Monk Pushan approached, his face filled with shock. "Oh my goodness, you actually won! I knew you were strong, but I never expected this level of strength. You even let them go! Even us disciples of Buddhism might not have had the same heart. It''s truly admirable¡­ huh? Why aren''t you moving?"


    "Keep your voice down¡­" Chu Liang replied weakly, "Use your Heavenly Eye to check if there''s anyone around."


    "Hmm?" Pushan sensed something was wrong, immediately scanning the area. "No one''s here."


    "Then pick up that bag of soul crystals and quickly take me somewhere safe," Chu Liang instructed.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Pushan looked at Chu Liang in surprise. He had observed the fight from afar; Chu Liang had emerged unscathed and had easily overpowered his opponents, so he shouldn''t be injured.


    Chu Liang didn''t respond; he suddenly stiffened and fell straight back with a dull thud.


    <em>Thud.</em><blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 564: Any Kind of Blade Will Do

    Chapter 564: Any Kind of de Will Do


    As Chu Liangunched his night raid on Misty Waters City, a surge of multicolored clouds gathered over Emperor''s Mound, lighting up half the sky with brilliant hues.


    The audience, absorbed in the battle, was momentarily distracted as a figure in a deep blue Daoist robe descended gracefully from the heart of the clouds.


    "Daoist Cangsheng!" someone called out.


    Everyone looked up, eager to catch a glimpse of the world''s foremost righteous figure.


    Though the Assembly of Immortal Sects was a grand asion, cultivators at the seventh or eighth realms of the Heavenly Gate would often spend years¡ªor even decades¡ªin a single closed-door cultivation session. This twelve-year event wasn''t something they always attended.


    And the leaders of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten sects rarely appeared in public, so seeing them wasn''t easy. Especially Daoist Cangsheng, the sect leader of Peni¡ªhe hadn''t been seen for years.


    <em>He showed up for this Assembly of Immortal Sects?</em>


    Unfortunately, the clouds surged for a moment before retracting, and the figure vanished atop Emperor''s Mound, so those who reacted slowly saw nothing.


    The fight between Chu Liang and Du Wuhen was reaching a critical point on the screen, and everyone turned their attention back to the match.However, Daoist Cangsheng''s arrival sparked murmured discussions.


    Meanwhile, the people on Emperor''s Mound stood up to wee him.


    "Daoist Master Cangsheng, it''s been over forty years since youst attended the Assembly of Immortal Sects, hasn''t it?" Immortal Jiuyi said with a smile. "What brings you here in the External Manifestation of your true form today?"


    The man who sat beside him wore a blue Daoist robeyered over white, his hair secured with a bamboo hairpin. His sharply arched brows and bright, piercing eyes gave him amanding presence, while his fair face and soft, wispy sideburns lent an air of wisdom and solemnity, making him seem like a dignified and austere Daoist elder.


    Immortal Jiuyi could instantly tell that this Daoist was a clone of Daoist Cangsheng. For eighth-realm cultivators who had attained the Heavenly Origin, the cultivation required toprehend the Dao was time-consuming, making it rare for them to travel freely. Most remained in closed-door cultivation for years, only going out as a clone of their true form when necessary.


    For instance, the Venerable Wen Yuan, who was always busy in the Boundless Pce on Mount Shu, was not the actual Wen Yuan. It was just a clone.


    For these powerful figures, showing up even as a clone already indicated that something important had urred. If they actually showed up with their true form, it meant that the situation was serious, and a fight was about to happen.


    "Just here to see Lin''er," Daoist Cangsheng replied. "It''s his first time away from Peni, and the Assembly of Immortal Sects is quite important, so I wanted to see how he''s doing."


    Upon hearing his straightforward answer, Immortal Jiuyi couldn''t help but feel curious. He wondered, <em>Are the rumors about Qi Lin''er being Daoist Cangsheng''s illegitimate son true? Otherwise, why would he show such open affection for Qi Lin''er?</em>


    Meanwhile, he continued, "Qi Lin''er has performed exceptionally well in the Competition of a Hundred Sects, achieving several solo team-wipe victories. At his age, this is truly remarkable, even among top-tier prodigies¡­"


    His words abruptly stopped.


    On the screen, it showed the exact moment Qi Lin''er leaped in front of Chu Liang, taunting him, only to be pped dead in an instant.


    The air became thick with tension.


    Daoist Cangsheng was the first to break the silence. "This young man is quite excellent. Which immortal sect does he belong to?"


    "He''s Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect," Immortal Jiuyi replied. "He''s been outstanding in thispetition, though he''s likely no match for Yang Shenlong."


    "That''s to be expected," Daoist Cangsheng said with a slight nod, appearing reluctant to discuss Yang Shenlong further.


    Immortal Jiuyi didn''t say much more, but he was aware of some internal matters within Peni. The Yang Family held a prominent position within the Peni Supreme Sect, much like the Lu Family whose status was glorious in the Mount Shu Sect. These were families with legacies in the immortal sects.


    Their ancestors carried the bloodline of Hallowed Yang, a revered figure among humans. Three of the sect leaders of Peni hailed from this lineage, with thest being Daoist Cangsheng''s own teacher.


    However, after Daoist Cangsheng assumed leadership, he intentionally sought to diminish the Yang family''s influence, both covertly and overtly. When Yang Bujue betrayed Peni to join the Celestial Charm Sect, rumors spread that Daoist Cangsheng had plotted against him out of fear that another exceptional young talent from the Yang family would threaten his position.


    Large family factions within the immortal sects were indeed a chronic issue for many sects. Even the best-managed sects found that these rtionships hindered growth. To avoid theplexities of familial ties, many secluded immortal sects even preferred to take in orphans.


    As Daoist Cangsheng''s cultivation progressed and his position within the sect became more secure, his efforts to suppress the Yang Family became more rxed. In the wake of this change, outstanding talents like Yang Shenlong and Yang Yuhu emerged in this generation.


    Then came the moment when Immortal Jiuyi sensed the tremendous force of absorption from Chu Liang, followed by a brutal disy as Chu Liang beat Yang Shenlong up.


    Finally, Daoist Cangsheng could no longer bear to watch. He turned to Immortal Jiuyi and asked, "Does this seem normal to you?"


    It was no surprise he asked; anyone observing might be wondering if the Mount Shu Sect and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had made some under-the-table deal.


    They would surely wonder if Venerable Wen Yuan had sent gifts to Immortal Jiuyi. With what had urred, Chu Liang was clearly cheating. Otherwise, how had he possibly thrashed Yang Shenlong, who was of a higher cultivation level?


    Daoist Cangsheng did not suspect that Inmortal Jiuyi would do such a thing. But since Immortal Jiuyi was the overseer of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, he should provide some exnation to this.


    Yet, Immortal Jiuyi was equally puzzled.


    He could sense that Chu Liang had unleashed an immense vortex of force that nearly absorbed all his qi, but he had no idea about its source.


    Using his divine sense to sweep over Chu Liang, he detected that Chu Liang had taken some kind of pill, though he remained unsure of the exact nature of this pill.


    With Daoist Cangsheng''s skeptical gaze upon him, Immortal Jiuyi suddenly had an idea.


    He replied, "It seems he''s taken a pill to enhance his power. This doesn''t break the rules."


    As the overseer of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, his words carried significant weight. If he deemed that the pill had not broken any rules, there would be no issue. However, if he questioned its legitimacy, it would necessitate an investigation into Chu Liang.


    After all, like legendary artifacts, any item that could significantly alter the bnce of power beyond normal cultivation levels would be scrutinized, as such things could render the contest meaningless.


    Everything had to stay within certain limits.


    However, since Immortal Jiuyi had made his judgment, it indicated that while the pill was powerful, there was a limit to it, leaving no room for further debate.


    As for whether this was truly the case, no one else''s words held more credibility than Immortal Jiuyi''s.


    Daoist Cangsheng remained silent, appearing calm andposed, but he was likely far from pleased. After traveling so far to witness Qi Lin''er''s performance, he ended up watching him get defeated brutally. And now, the Peni Supreme Sect team was on the brink of elimination. Anyone would be in a foul mood if something like this urred to them.


    ¡­


    The losers weren''t the only ones feeling awful.


    As the victor, Chu Liang wasn''t feeling great.


    Following Chu Liang''s instructions, Monk Pushan gathered the soul crystals, located a secluded valley near the coast, and summoned the great bell to hide there.


    Chu Liang''s body was rigid; he couldn''t move a muscle. Forget channeling qi¡ªeven lifting a pinky was out of the question. It felt as though des were tearing through his insides, causing relentless agony.


    <em>So this was why the description of the pill advised using it with moderation? </em>Chu Liang thought.


    In that fleeting moment after taking the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale, he had wielded his power without limits and it felt awesome. But for every bit of foundational qi he had overdrawn, he now felt the fierce bacsh. This was the price ofcking self-control in his youth.


    At this moment, Chu Liang could see both a good side and a bad side to his situation.


    The good news was that Pushan was right beside him. Thanks to the monk''s help in fleeing and hiding, he didn''t have to lie there exposed, waiting to be picked off.


    The bad news was also that Pushan was right beside him.


    "At first, I thought you were going to get yourself killed! But wow, you actually managed to defeat Yang Shenlong. No wonder you looked so confident when you went in¡­" Pushanmented.


    "Uh-huh," Chu Liang replied.


    Pushan continued, "If Yang Shenlong hadn''t wiped out most of the members in our teams, I bet you would''ve kept your ability hidden until the Battle at the Imperial City. How cunning of you¡­"


    "Mhm," Chu Liang replied.


    "I take it Jiang Yuebai''s elimination really got to you," Pushan said. "You rushed into battle out of anger for a beautiful maiden? Honestly, when you charged into Misty Waters City, I thought you were so lost that you were ready to follow Jiang Yuebai to death in the name of love."


    "Oh, screw you," Chu Liang retorted.


    Pushan continued his enthusiastic monologue while Chu Liangy there in silence, unable to resist. Eventually, he even lost the will to respond.


    It was like a relentless background hum.


    After a long while, Chu Liang finally spoke up again. "Pushan, do you have a saber?"


    "I don''t use that kind of weapon¡ªjust a knife for cutting fruit. What do you need it for?" Pushan asked.


    "As long as it can give me a quick end¡­" Chu Liang said with a helpless sigh. "Any de will do."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 565: These are Friends and These are Enemies

    An eerieugh echoed, "Hee-hee-hee..."


    With Yang Shenlong''s crushing defeat, reactions varied¡ªsome cheered, some mourned, and othersughed with a devilish thrill.


    Di Nufeng leaned back on the tform, a faint smirk curling her lips as she nced at the two elders on either side. "Now <em>this </em>is what is meant by the saying, ''A great teacher that produces a disciple of such brilliance,'' eh?" Schr Sun looked astonished. "Yang Shenlong was already remarkable for being at the sixth realm of cultivation, yet Chu Liang managed to overpower him and win. It''s downright terrifying! I know I''ve said this before, but your disciple never ceases to amaze. He''s truly extraordinary!


    "This night raid on Misty Waters City will no doubt be remembered in the Assembly of Immortal Sects for years toe. Chu Liang seems more like a devil that had descended from the heavens¡­ a Heavenly General of Tai Sui[1] in the mortal world¡­"


    Schr Sun shook his head, clicking his tongue in admiration, while Elder Huang looked bewildered, struggling to find words.


    As a descendant of the Heaven Observer from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, Elder Huang''s senior brothers always made urate predictions. He, however, seemed cursed to consistently get it wrong, suffering countless misjudgments over the centuries. Still, he believed that a true Heaven Observer needed to make bold predictions.


    These days, he could ept being wrong most of the time, but there were some things he simply couldn''t ept.


    <em>How on earth did Yang Shenlong lose?</em> No matter how much Elder Huang thought about it, he couldn''t make sense of it.


    After a long, awkward silence, he could only manage to utter two words, "Fucking powerful."Not far away, Chief Xu Bashan of the Four Seas Whale Gang had a wide smile on his big and fierce face. Leaning back, he looked around and chuckled. "Now this is what it means to have the wisdom to recognize true talent, eh?"


    "When I first swore brotherhood with Chu Liang, none of you understood why," Xu Bashan said with a sigh. "Now, perhaps, you see his strength. Though he''s young, he never fails to impress. Whatever he sets his mind to, he aplishes. Python Belly City, Red Cotton Peak, the Assembly of Immortal Sects¡­ This isn''t the first time I''ve seen him in a scene like this."


    Meanwhile, Huang Hanshan and Huyan Dong looked as if someone from their family had just died, their faces dark with silent frustration.


    After a moment, Huyan Dong finally said, "Something''s definitely off. I''m reporting this to the imperial court and the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. We need a thorough investigation. How is it possible that a fifth-realm cultivator could unleash such a power? There must be some trickery involved."


    "Give it a rest," Huang Hanshan scoffed. "If there were really an issue, Immortal Jiuyi would have mentioned it already. What makes you think you can question it now? Besides, doubting this isn''t just questioning the Mount Shu Sect; it''s questioning Immortal Jiuyi himself."


    "You were eliminated too, weren''t you?" Huyan Dong pressed. "Don''t you want to kick the Mount Shu Sect out of the Divine Nine?"


    "Of course I do," Huang Hanshan shrugged. "But when my disciple was eliminated, there was no issue. The truth is, my disciple was simply weaker than Chu Liang. So what can I say? Sure, I want Thunderbolt Stronghold to ascend to the rankings of the Divine Nine, but I won''t drag others down to make it happen."


    "You¡­" Huyan Dong''s frustration spiked.


    <em>Everyone here is thinking about how their sect would fail to rise. How can you take the moral high ground and act as if you are above it all? </em>Huyan Dong muttered inwardly.


    However, the reality was that he and Huang Hanshan were fundamentally different.


    At its core, the Thunderbolt Stronghold was a cultivation sect that respected strength, and Huang Hanshan epted his disciple''s loss without any resentment.


    On the other hand, Taotie City had turned into a business entity at its core, willing to use any means to achieve its goals and prioritizing profits over honor. Thus, his mind was open to various approaches.


    Below the stage, where the Mount Shu Sect disciples were seated, Lackey A and Shang Ziliang were hugging each other and crying loudly.


    "This is unbelievable! It''s all thanks to Big Bro¡ªno one else could''ve done this¡­" Shang Ziliang said.


    "He really did it¡­ I''m bawling my eyes out¡­" Lackey A sobbed, overwhelmed by joy.


    "I told you all, but no one believed me," Lin Bei leaned back, ncing around with pride. "Now this is what it means to be the best bro, eh?"


    "If he''d lost just now, I can''t imagine how cold the river would''ve felt tonight," Shang Ziliang said, his voice trembling.


    "But we can''t rx just yet; my fifty sword coins are still at stake," Lackey A pointed out. "Big Bro''s situation doesn''t look good."


    "Believe in Chu Liang!" Shang Ziliang said firmly.


    ¡­


    Chu Liang and Pushan''s hiding spot in the mountain hollow was certainly secluded, and they had both nearly perfected concealing their presence, yet they were still discovered. ??


    A group of four approached, all dressed in ck with sabers at their sides, surrounding the entrance of the hollow, two of whom were familiar faces.


    They were the team from the Night Saber Sect.


    The leaders among them were none other than the brothers Guo Zhanfeng and Guo Zhanlei, whom Chu Liang had met before.


    Guo Zhanfeng rubbed his nose and chuckled, "Good thing I imprinted Baixue''s sense of smell onto a spirit talisman beforeing here; otherwise, how would we have found people hiding so well?"


    The Snow Mountain Divine Hound he kept, named Baixue, was the same breed as Huang Ling''er''s Hua Hua.


    The dog was not here, but its nose was present.


    "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect and Monk Pushan from the Buddhist Cloud Monastery." Guo Zhanlei muttered upon recognizing them. He continued, "You''ve gathered together here, so doesn''t this mean we can eliminate two sects of the Divine Nine at once?"


    This person seemed to harbor a unique hostility toward the immortal sects in the Divine Nine. During thest chaotic brawl at the Mount Shu Summit, he had mindlessly helped the sects in the Terrestrial Ten against the sects against the immortal sects in the Divine Nine.


    He seemed to very much enjoy the thrill of drawing his saber against stronger opponents.


    Monk Pushan suddenly stood up, facing the group. "I advise you not to act rashly. Chu Liang just killed Yang Shenlong."


    "Hm?" Hearing this, Guo Zhanfeng''s eyes lit up. "He killed Yang Shenlong. If I kill him, doesn''t that mean I''m even stronger than Yang Shenlong?"


    Chu Liang was momentarily speechless.


    <em>How can you say that while I''m lying here paralyzed? Don''t you think that''s a bit heartless?</em>


    Just as it seemed a brawl might break out, the whistling of wind announced the arrival of four figures nearby.


    One of them was a petite girl in a ck robe, with white hair and a cold expression. While her figure didn''t stand out in the crowd, the other three clearly formed a protective formation around her.


    It was none other than Luo Yao from the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    By now, it was the fifth day of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and the various sects, which had initially been cautious, were now actively hunting for soul crystals. Unlike in the early days,ing across a single "fat sheep"[2] could yield enough soul crystals to ensure their advancement to the next round.


    The team from the Valley of the Three Absolutes had likely heard themotion ande to investigate, arriving just as the Night Saber Sect team was about to sh with Pushan.


    Spotting Luo Yao, Guo Zhanfeng quickly eximed, "Luo Yao! These two just imed they killed Yang Shenlong and are now seriously injured. They must have arge number of soul crystals. Let''s capture them together and split the crystals fifty-fifty. What do you say?"


    "Oh¡­" Luo Yao replied with a slight nod, drawing her curved saber.


    <em>ng¡ª</em>


    In the next instant, she appeared right in front of Guo Zhanfeng with her huge saber. If Guo Zhanfeng hadn''t drawn his saber in mid-air just in time, that strike would have nearly cleaved him in two!


    He stumbled back a few steps and shouted, "What are you doing?"


    "These are friends¡­" Luo Yao said, gesturing toward Chu Liang and Pushan with her saber, then pointing it at the Night Saber Sect team. "And these are enemies."


    After exining this to her teammates, she immediately gave a clear shout: "Attack!"


    1. ording to Chinese astrology, there are altogether 60 Tai Sui, and they are in charge of humans'' fortune in turn once every 60 years. In that year, the on-duty Tai Sui, also named Liu Nian Tai Sui, is regarded as the guardian God for everything, including one''s health, wealth, career and marriage. ?


    2. fat sheep (·ÊÑò, f¨¦i y¨¢ng) is a Chinese ng term that typically refers to a person or group seen as an easy target for exploitation, scams, or profiting from. It can imply someone who appears wealthy, naive, or vulnerable, making them a prime target. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 566: Encounter

    The eaves were like cliffs, and the wind chimes like the vast sea.


    The high walls of the inner pce courtyard divided the sky into square fragments; birds soared with the wind and vanished in an instant.


    A woman dressed in a crimson-purple pce gown sat by the water¡¯s edge, gazing at the fish drifting across the water¡¯s surface. Her face radiated an otherworldly beauty and purity that was almost indescribable. Wherever she appeared, the scene seemed to transform into a living painting.


    ¡°The ancients spoke of beauties who made fish sink and birds fall, and our imperial consortdy is no less,¡± one pce maid whispered with augh. ¡°Every time she sits here, these fish swim over and blow bubbles as if they want to get close to her.¡±


    ¡°Watch your words,¡± another pce maid replied.


    The teasing pce maid was younger and didn¡¯t quite understand the decorum, so she simply stuck out her tongue, unbothered.


    ¡°You two go inside first and let me have some peace alone,¡± the beautiful woman referred to as the imperial consort said, turning to them.


    ¡°Yes, mydy,¡± the two maids curtsied and stepped back.


    However, they didn¡¯t dare leave entirely, instead watching from a short distance. If anything happened to someone of such status due to theirck of attention, they would surely lose their heads.The maids could only see the imperial consort sitting alone by the water, unaware that the fish surfacing in the water were making sounds.


    "That maid can''t be kept alive," It was a chubby five-colored koi that spoke. Even though it looked very pleasing to the eyes, its voice sounded very aloof and cold.


    "Give it a few days. I can¡¯t keep having people disappear from my pce every other day. It¡¯s bound to raise suspicion." The imperial consort seemed to be gazing into the distance, replying casually, "Besides, it¡¯s rare to find a maid who can''t seem to hide anything. At least I know she¡¯s not a spy sent by another consort."


    "If she slips up outside one day and the wrong person overhears, it could kill both of us," the chubby koi continued.


    "Then we¡¯ll make her fall ill someday. When she recovers, she¡¯ll be mute." The imperial consort spoke lightly.


    "That will do." The chubby koi said and no longer mentioned this anymore. It then said, "The Celestial Master has instructed us to prepare for action. Did you make your selection out of the two people?"


    "Hmm..." The imperial consort hesitated slightly. "The second prince is weak in character and easy to manipte, but he¡¯s upright by nature, so it may take some time to get him to cooperate. The thirteenth prince is ambitious, but he¡¯s cunning and won¡¯t obey us easily."


    "Then choose the thirteenth prince," the chubby koi immediately replied. "It will work as long as he has ambition and desire... the Celestial Master can fulfill anyone¡¯s desires."


    "Very well," the imperial consort said with a gentle nod.


    "You must be careful in theing days, and avoid making any moves except when contacting me," the chubby koi continued to warn. "Ever since we have started making a move against Empress Wu, many have turned their eyes on you. Ever since that incident eighty years ago, the court has kept a strict watch over the pce. This time, their response to what we stirred up was even faster and more intense than before."


    "I¡¯ll be careful," the imperial consort replied, "You all¡ª"


    Just as she was about to say more, a young pce maid hurried over, ¡°Mydy, Warrior Lao has arrived.¡±


    The chubby koi ducked underwater, disappearing from sight. The imperial consort quickly rose and asked, "What is it?"


    ¡°He mentioned that the Assembly of Immortal Sects has been quite spectacr recently, and His Majesty is interested in attending and wants to bring you along to observe,¡± the young maid reported as she walked.


    The imperial consort''s eyes sparkled, and she replied, ¡°I¡¯ll go at once.¡±


    The pce had strict rules. If the emperor summoned several imperial consorts to attend a ceremony, Warrior Lao would first visit the Empress Wu''s pce, and it would be an ordinary eunuch paying a visit to the imperial consort. If Warrior Lao himself arrived, it meant the emperor had called only her.


    Sure enough, when she followed Warrior Lao to the Night Dragon Hall, she saw the emperor approaching with just a few pce attendants.


    ¡°Haha, I hadn¡¯t nned on this, but I heard this Assembly of Immortal Sects has been quite exciting, so I couldn¡¯t resist going to see it,¡± the emperor said as he took the consort¡¯s hand. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind apanying me on this trip.¡±


    "I¡¯m delighted to be traveling with Your Majesty," the consort lifted her eyes with a tender yet slightly aggrieved look. "However, Your Majesty¡¯s frequent closeness to me could make the other consorts unhappy. It¡¯s one thing if the court officials and citizens outside call me a beauty that will ruin the country¡­ but if the sisters in the pce refuse to associate with me, how will I survive? I only ask that Your Majesty bring along a few more consorts, rather than just me."


    ¡°For this trip, I won''t be wearing the clothes of an emperor. I will be traveling light and avoiding the burden of arge entourage,¡± the emperor replied with a wave of his hand. ¡°So go with confidence, and let them talk if they dare¡ªI¡¯ll tear their mouths to shreds!¡±


    ¡­


    This year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects was indeed far more thrilling than previous ones. The shocking loss of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau in the first round was just the beginning, but it was the nearplete defeat of the Peni Supreme Sect in the second round that truly stunned everyone. News of these dramatic events spread like wildfire throughout the capital of Yu, and it was only a matter of time before it reached every corner of the nine provinces.


    Yang Shenlong single-handedly wiped out two teams, while Chu Liangunched a night assault on Misty Waters City in revenge, breaking through four defenses and ttening the entire city, grinding the supposedly invincible Yang Shenlong into the ground... The whole storyline was filled with dramatic ir.


    It was rumored that a storyteller in the capital of Yu, who had recently been beaten up on ate-night walk, couldn¡¯t resisting out to tell this tale despite his injuries. After all, he wasn¡¯t going to die immediately, and if he didn¡¯t ride this wave now, it would soon be toote.


    People loved listening to this old storyteller because his tales were always different from everyone else''s.


    His story exined why Yang Shenlong was really aiming to eliminate the Mount Shu Sect.


    These were the storyteller''s own words: "Is it really because of Taotie City''s bribery? That would be absolutely wrong. He had harbored a secret love for Jiang Yuebai for years, and since he couldn¡¯t have her, he sought to destroy her. But Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were deeply in love, leading Chu Liang to fight for his beloved."


    Only someone who had been secretly watching these three for over a decade could unravel thisplex web of love and hate in such vivid detail.


    At this moment, the light screen was disying the fierce battle between the Night Saber Sect team and the Valley of the Three Absolutes team.


    It was another extraordinary sh.


    The Night Saber Sect was infamous for their treachery, while the Valley of the Three Absolutes prided themselves on their deceptive methods. When these two forces shed, they truly breathed life into the word "cunning."


    As soon as Luo Yao made a move, the four from the Night Saber Sect turned and fled. The Valley of the Three Absolutes team had just begun their pursuit when the Night Saber Sect members turned mid-air, and Guo Zhanfeng''s Shadow Gnat, instantly closed in.


    <em>Swish¡ª</em>


    Arge, plump white ghostly figure appeared in front of Luo Yao, blocking all the sneak attacks aimed at her.


    At that moment, the attacks from the Valley of the Three Absolutes also reached them. Though they showed no visible action, several small, swift ck insects had somehow crawled up to the feet of the Night Saber Sect members.


    "Watch out!" Guo Zhanfeng yelled.


    His nose twitched as he swung his saber toward hispanions, killing the small ck insects crawling on them. Even with brief contact, the legs of his twopanions had begun to emit dark energy¡ªif those insects had burrowed into their skin, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    These seemingly insignificant insects were, in fact, one of the curse poisonous insects that the Valley of the Three Absolutes had carefully created and nurtured[1].


    At the same time, Guo Zhanlei emerged from behind the Valley of the Three Absolutes disciples. It turned out that the one who had fled with his teammates was merely a clone; his true self had hidden underground and now emerged tounch a surprise attack.


    But when his saber struck down on the Valley of the Three Absolutes disciple, what burst forth was not blood but a cloud of dark mist.


    <em>Puff¡ª</em>


    He almost inhaled the poisonous mist, but his quick reaction saved him as he flipped away; however, Luo Yao''s curved saber was already following closely.


    A ck-d ghostly figure held Luo Yao, moving as fast as lightning, leaping twice to catch up with Guo Zhanlei,unching several swift saber strikes in session.


    Among the three ghosts that always apanied Luo Yao, there was the strongest one, the ghost kid dressed in red, and he had now been released as well.


    While Luo Yao chased down Guo Zhanlei herself, the ghost kid dressed in red went after the other three members of the Night Saber Sect. His aura of killing intent soared skyward, and his strength was immense.


    Guo Zhanfeng stepped forward, swinging his long saber, only for the ghost kid d in red to catch it barehanded! Fortunately, he swiftly drew another saber from thin air, managing to force the ghost kid back.


    The Night Saber Sect wielded an array of hidden weapons, while the Valley of the Three Absolutes employed venomous curses and deadly poisons. Though the fight didn''t seem fierce, each strike was cunning and lethal.


    After a brief sh, the Night Saber Sect team found themselves at a disadvantage. They were, after all, the youngest and weakest of the sects in the Terrestrial Ten, so losing to the Valley of the Three Absolutes was not surprising.


    But just then, another team appeared from afar, their arrival marked by a fiery ze streaking across the sky like a meteor!


    It was Samadhi True Fire!


    1. A reminder of what the curse poisonous insects in this trantion really mean. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu_(poison) The process is that they would seal several venomous creatures and the strongest one thates out would then be the curse poisonous insect. Technically, it might not actually be an insect but a creature of thebinations of different forms. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 567: Alliance

    <h4>Chapter 567: Alliance</h4>


    The Sixth Princess had been in a foul moodtely, something her brothers were well aware of. Ever since entering the illusory realm, she had been hunting down opponents wherever she could find them. When she encountered enemies, her brothers wouldn''t dare to intervene. However, opponents were hard to find on the first day, so she hadn''t had many chances to show her skills.


    Finally, on the fourth day, the teams that had been ying it safe earlier began to make their moves, and the Sixth Princess seized her opportunity. After wiping out an entire team on her own, she reveled in the thrill of her victory.


    Then, they encountered two groups locked in battle ahead.


    This kind of situation was a favorite in the illusory realm, as teams engaging inbat would often fail to watch all angles, making it easy for a third team to swoop in and eliminate both.


    So, the imperial family''s team moved in to investigate.


    Observing from a distance, the Thirteenth Prince whispered, "I think I see Chu Liang. He seems to be injured. One team wants to kill him, while another is trying to protect him."


    "We can''t let this opportunity slip by," the Sixth Princess whispered back as she raised her hand immediately. "We have to help no matter what!"


    "Help who?" a younger member of the imperial family asked from the back, only to be red at by the Thirteenth Prince.


    He deftly took out a bow and ced it in his Sixth Sister''s hands.


    The Sixth Princess, d in her Scarlet me Chainmail Armor and with the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword slung across her back, raised the bow with her left hand. With her right hand, she nocked an arrow and pulled the bowstring back, stretching it tight like a crescent moon before releasing the arrow.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The moment the arrow left the string, it ignited with violet-gold divine fire, surging forward with the force of wind and thunder, heading straight for Chu Liang in the distance!


    "There''s an ambush!"


    Strictly speaking, it wasn''t much of an ambush, since the powerful arrow could be heard approaching from several hundred zhang away.


    Monk Pushan, who had been protecting Chu Liang, sprang into action, summoning a massive Vajra apparition behind him. With a swift motion, the massive Vajra tried to catch the fiery arrow with one palm.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    However, the fiery arrow easily pierced through the Vajra''s massive palm and hurtled toward Pushan in an instant.


    With the Samadhi True Fire as its arrowhead, the arrow was nearly unstoppable. In a desperate move, Pushanmanded the Vajra to swing its other palm, breaking off a section of the cliff above him. Massive boulders came crashing down, trying to block the arrow''s path.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The arrow shattered the boulders with a single strike, embedding itself deep into the Vajra''s chest beforeing to a halt.


    "What a powerful arrow. Who could it be?" Monk Pushan muttered, lifting his gaze to see the approaching figures.


    The imperial family''s team, led by the Sixth Princess, charged forward with a fierce shout, "Kill Chu Liang! Seize the soul crystals!"


    The Valley of the Three Absolutes, which had been dominating moments earlier, was suddenly overwhelmed by the imperial family''s team, which was clearly much stronger than the Night Saber Sect.


    The Sixth Princess was the core of their strength.


    The Thirteenth Prince''s strength wasparable to Guo Zhanfeng and Guo Zhanlei, cing him on the level of a genius from a small, ordinary immortal sect.


    As for the Sixth Princess, wielding the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword and wearing the Scarlet me Chainmail Armor, her power rivaled that of the top prodigies.


    The Sixth Princess, a blur of fiery red, charged forward suddenly. She swept her longsword upward, creating a zing dragon that stretched over a dozen zhang, soaring through the air. In that moment, she cut through the battlefield with such force that no one dared to stand in her way.


    A disciple from the Valley of the Three Absolutes tried to block her fiery sword with a ck cloth cloak, but the violet-gold mes surrounding the sword surged suddenly. In an instant, they incinerated the cloak and burnt him into ashes as well.


    In this level ofbat, the Samadhi True Fire was nearly an unstoppable force, making any defense useless. The Valley of the Three Absolutes had already lost one member at the start of the fight. Two disciples rushed to Luo Yao''s side, speaking urgently in low voices.


    "Head disciple, we should leave; we can''t save him."


    Luo Yao frowned but immediately responded, "Take the soul crystals and go. I''ll stay and retreat with them."


    "Head disciple..." one of the disciples tried to persuade her further.


    But the Sixth Princess didn''t give them a chance to hesitate. Although she couldn''t wield the Samadhi True Fire with the same ease as Di Nufeng, she was still unstoppable when she merged the use of it with her weapons.


    At the sight of such powerful reinforcements, the members of the Night Saber Sect began to panic. They weren''t sure if this formidable team would turn on them after dealing with the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    At that moment, the Sixth Princess called out sharply, "Fight together, and we''ll split the soul crystals!"


    Hearing this, the Night Saber Sect members immediately stopped hesitating and resumed attacking the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    As the Valley of the Three Absolutes was forced into retreat, Monk Pushan carried Chu Liang on his back and quickly turned to flee. Luo Yao and her two remainingpanions followed, but they didn''t simply run¡ªthey asionally turned to fend off their pursuers.


    One side chased, the other fled, and in the blink of an eye, they had covered a considerable distance.


    Suddenly, a burly man leapt forward, brandishing a halberd and shouting, "This road was paved by me! This tree was nted by me! If you want to pass, leave your life behind![1]"


    Monk Pushan stood there, momentarily dumbfounded, unsure if that meant they could pass or not.


    From behind, Chu Liang called out, "Brother Yun!"


    "Brother Chu?" Yun Chaoxian looked over at the sound, spotting Chu Liang peeking out from behind Pushan.


    "How did you end up in this state?" Yun Chaoxian asked, his voice filled with surprise.


    "It''s a long story; we''ll talkter," Chu Liang replied. "We''ve got pursuers on our tail, and could use some help. Are your fellow disciples here?"


    "All here!" With a sharp whistle from Yun Chaoxian, Ren Hongdao, Li Fujian, and Tang Shi swooped down from the sky.


    "Senior Brother Yun''s been here luring people for days, and when he finally manages to lure someone, he gets Young Hero Chu?" Li Fujian remarked, feeling speechless.


    "There are plenty of soul crystals! Follow us!" Monk Pushan shouted, leading the Great Astral Sect reinforcements as they turned to counterattack.


    Luo Yao, along with a few from the Valley of the Three Absolutes, was covering the rear and was now trapped in a dire situation.


    Suddenly, several mighty figures descended from above, disrupting the formation of the Night Saber Sect and the imperial family teams.


    The four core disciples of the Great Astral Sect were paragons of might from neck down. Their fierce assault was unstoppable.


    If the Night Saber Sect''s sabers were merely sharp des, Ren Hongdao''s saber was a true cutting edge. It was at an entirely different level.


    With a swing of his long saber, he unleashed a roaring crimson whirlwind, nearly cutting the four Night Saber Sect members in half. The attack sent them retreating dozens of zhang in fear.


    Meanwhile, the Sixth Princess, wielding the Profound Aetherme Iron Sword, faced off with Li Fujian, who wielded a broad, heavy iron sword well-suited for defense. Though the Sixth Princess could easily destroy her enemies with the Samadhi True Fire, Li Fujian blocked her attack with ease using his thick and heavy sword as well as his superb martial arts skills.


    Tang Shi intercepted the remaining three members of the imperial family with her long spear. With sweeping arcs, her spear moved relentlessly, cutting through the air like a force of nature. A sh of icy light flickered as she followed up with a thrust as fierce as a dragon, sending anyone who dared block her flying through the air.


    Yun Chaoxian, both clever and courageous, circled the field with a keen eye. Whenever he spotted a faltering opponent, he would swiftly dive in, mercilessly targeting the weakest. With this strategy, he became the first of the four to im a soul crystal.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</i>


    The three men and one woman of the Great Astral Sect unleashed thunderous attacks that immediately shifted the battlefield''s momentum.


    The Night Saber Sect and the imperial family teams, once the pursuers, were now stunned. In their haste, they turned to flee.


    Meanwhile, the Great Astral Sect and Valley of the Three Absolutes closed in, eliminating two more members and collecting an additional two soul crystals. Monk Pushan followed closely behind, shouting wildly to boost morale.


    As Chu Liang watched the fierce members of the Great Astral Sect chase their opponents like hunting dogs after rabbits, he couldn''t help but think, <i>It''s always the Great Astral Sect brothers you can rely on.</i>


    They only stopped after nearly half a day of relentless pursuit, when the dusk began to fall.


    Upon tallying their collection, they found they had acquired four soul crystals¡ªtwo from the Night Saber Sect and two from the imperial family. The members of these two teams, who had weaker cultivation levels, escaped slower and were swiftly taken down by the brothers of the Great Astral Sect.


    Holding the soul crystals, Yun Chaoxianughed heartily and said, "Didn''t I tell you my n would work?"


    The other three broke into wide smiles, looking as joyful as if they were celebrating the New Year.


    "We owe you a great deal. If not for you, I don''t know if we''d still be alive," Chu Liang said as he stepped forward to thank them. Then, unable to hold back, he asked, "But it''s only four soul crystals. Is there really a reason to be this happy?"


    "Only four?" Tang Shi looked at him, puzzled. "Soul crystals are hard toe by. Our collection has doubled now!"


    "Huh?" Chu Liang and the others exchanged surprised looks.


    <i>The powerful members of the Great Astral Sect had only managed to collect four soul crystals after all these days?</i>


    A quick inquiry revealed what had happened.


    It turned out that Yun Chaoxian, as the team''s strategist, had yed a significant role. On the first day, he suggested a location, reasoning that the ind areas were mountainous and the waters difficult to navigate. Only the coastal in offered a clear view, making it ideal for an ambush.


    So they decided to head to the coastal in!


    The problem, however, was that everyone knew the coastal in offered no cover, so no one thought to venture there. They spent half a day searching before finally stumbling upon an unlucky team that had also ended up in the same area.


    The next day, when they found nothing, Yun Chaoxian proposed another idea.


    "Perhaps we''re too strong, and everyone who sees us gets scared and runs away. Why don''t you all hide, and I''ll act as bait? When they attack me, you can all jump in."


    So, Yun Chaoxian decided to lure the enemies out on the deserted in.


    They baited enemies for three days until Chu Liang finally appeared.


    After hearing their story, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel a bit concerned for Yun Chaoxian''s safety. If the Great Astral Sect were eliminated in this way, Yun Chaoxian might end up being kicked out from his sect when he returned.


    Just then, Ren Hongdao sighed and said, "Thanks to Junior Brother Yun''s n, we''ve obtained these eight soul crystals. If our Great Astral Sect can advance this time, it will be all because of Junior Brother Yun."


    "Heeh," Yun Chaoxian chuckled humbly. "Eldest Senior Brother, there''s no need to say that. This was just a small contribution."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang felt so speechless.


    After a moment of thought, Chu Liang sighed and said, "Pushan, take out the soul crystals we collected at Misty Waters City. You can divide them among your sect and the other two sects."


    Monk Pushanplied, taking out the bag of soul crystals. At a nce, it appeared there were more than a hundred of them.


    The four members of the Great Astral Sect stared, their eyes widening in disbelief.


    <i>Are soul crystals actually this easy to get?</i>


    Back in Misty Waters City, there were four teams, including the Peni Supreme Sect. The total number of soul crystals needed for all four teams to advance was around one hundred and sixty.


    It was unknown as to whether they hadn''t gathered enough or if Xi Miaoxian had withheld some, but there were just under one hundred and twenty here.


    This meant that there were only enough soul crystals to guarantee that three sects could advance to the next round.


    Chu Liang continued, "Divide them among yourselves; there''s no need to save any for me."


    "That won''t do," Monk Pushan replied. "This year''s assembly is especially critical for your sect. No matter what, your sect must make it to the next round. It doesn''t matter for the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, so I''ll give you my share."


    "No need," Chu Liang said, shaking his head with a smile. "These are just soul crystals; I can always gather more."


    Luo Yao nced at his immobile form and gave him a look that clearly said, <i>Don''t be stubborn if you can''t manage it.</i>


    "Even if I can''t move right now, you all can," Chu Liang quickly added. "The reason I want you to divide them now is because, in theing days... I''m hoping we can form an alliance!"


    1. This references a famous line said by a character in Chu Renhuo''s historical novel Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties. ?

 Chapter 568: Soul Crystal!

    <h4>Chapter 568: Soul Crystal!</h4>


    Chu Liang had no choice but to form an alliance.


    As he continued this weakened state, he became increasingly aware of his body''s condition. His Sea of Qi was nearly shattered, and his tendons and bones were almost entirely broken. The fact that he could survive was simply thanks to his strong physique. Regardless, he couldn''t possibly recover within a few days.


    Thus, he needed to find trustworthy allies. Luo Yao and Pushan, the two who went on undercover missions with him, were not weak, but they were not strong enough.


    Although he had enough crystals to divide between the three teams, there was no knowing as to whether they could protect these soul crystals and hold onto them during thest few days of thepetition, in which things would be the most intense.


    The brothers and sister from the Great Astral Sect had outstandingbat skills. They were obviously very loyal and were ideal allies. They were perfect to join the alliance.


    Chu Liang could only rely on his mind, as the rest of his body was useless. Meanwhile, the brothers from the Great Astral Sect were skilled at everything except thinking. Together, they would make a greatbination.


    The reason Chu Liang offered to share all the soul crystals, keeping none for himself, was straightforward.


    Since he was proposing an alliance, he had to show the attitude of willing to form an alliance. In his current state, even if he had ten thousand soul crystals, could he protect them?


    They were willing to help him because they considered him a friend, but he couldn''t expect them to help without getting anything in return. As the saying goes, "To take, you must first give." He had to show sincerity to earn their friendship.


    After Chu Liang said this, Yun Chaoxian waved his hand and said casually, "Then let''s leave these soul crystals as they are. We''ll be sure to gather enough for all four of our teams in the end."


    "Exactly," Ren Hongdao added. "We have the fewest soul crystals. If you offer to split these soul crystals between us right now, we would be bringing shame to the Great Astral Sect. If we''re forming an alliance, that''s fine. All that matters is that our sects can make it to the next round in the end."


    To the team from the Great Astral Sect, this was an excellent choice.


    They recalled how much they had suffered during the first four days. However, when Chu Liang arrived, he showed them many soul crystals. This meant they would find even more if they followed him.


    They had learned this principle long ago.


    Even if Chu Liang had only his brain left, as Yun Chaoxian put it, "Brother Chu''s wisdom is just as great as mine; forming an alliance with him will be very beneficial."


    Pushan had no objections either. Like Chu Liang, he was alone, and now he finally had the chance to team up with others. He was more than happy to agree.


    Luo Yao was naturally reclusive and didn''t care much for alliances. However, with the shiny soul crystals before her and Chu Liang and Pushan as familiar allies, she had no reason not to say yes.


    Thus, the four teams decided to form an alliance to gather enough soul crystals to ensure that all of their sects could advance to the next round together.


    Naturally, the paralyzed Chu Liang became the leader of the alliance.


    "We can still use the enemy baiting strategy, but we need to change how we do it," Chu Liang said. "Some people might fall for it on the first or second day, but the teams that survived until now have been through so many fights and are extremely vignt. It''s unlikely they would fall for something so obvious."


    He paused to think and then continued, "Having just one person as bait is too obvious. However, if it were a fight between two people, it would likely attract nearby teams."


    As everyone thought about it, they agreed.


    In the current situation, if someone were strutting down a main road by himself, it would be obvious they were setting a trap, and others would be cautious about approaching.


    However, if two sides were fighting, many teams would be tempted to jump in as opportunistic onlookers, hoping to benefit as third parties.


    "I''ll be one of them!" Yun Chaoxian volunteered first. "Baiting the enemy is something I can handle."


    "Our Great Astral Sect should contribute more," Li Fujian said, nodding. "I''ll be the second."


    "I''m in, too," Ren Hongdao and Tang Shi both chimed in.


    "..." Chu Liang was silent for a moment before saying, "The people acting as bait can''t all be from the same sect. They will recognize you..."


    "Exactly, I thought the same," Yun Chaoxian said, nodding. "Senior brothers, just sit back and watch me in action."


    "There''s no rush in choosing the bait. Our main goal is to leave this ce," Chu Liang said. "This in may be open, but... our luck here might not be great."


    "Indeed!" Yun Chaoxian agreed wholeheartedly.


    ...


    The four teams moved a good distance away and reached the edge of a dense forest. Luo Yao took out a ck gourd, removed the lid, and released a swarm of flies.


    These curse insects couldn''t fly far, but they were very sensitive to human scent and could quickly indicate the direction of any nearby individuals.


    Before long, the flies returned one by one, and Luo Yao collected them. She then pointed northwest and said, "There are people in that forest."


    Chu Liang observed their surroundings for a moment and then said, "The mountains are high, and the forest is dense. You should lure the enemies outside of the forest. If a team is inside, they''ll likelye out."


    "Got it!" Yun Chaoxian nodded firmly.


    This time, Yun Chaoxian and Luo Yao took on the role of bait, while the others concealed themselves nearby, trailing far behind the two.


    Luo Yao dashed forward, acting as if she were fleeing.


    As they reached the edge of the forest, Yun Chaoxian charged forward, swinging his World-Dominating Halberd and shouting, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Competition of a Hundred Sects was filled with experts, so simple acting wouldn''t fool anyone. The two had agreed in advance to make it look real, as long as they avoided lethal moves.


    Yun Chaoxian swung his halberd with full force, showing no mercy as he attacked Luo Yao with a fierce, whistling wind.


    Luo Yao responded with equal intensity, her curved saber slicing through the air as she leaped like a ghost, fighting while retreating toward the forest.


    As they got closer to the forest, they didn''t see any teams trying to take advantage of them. Instead, they heard the soft melody of a guqin. The sound was soft. If they had been farther away, they would not have heard the melody clearly. As they approached, they felt that the melody made them feel slightly intoxicated. There was this strange and alluring pull to this melody.


    With their cultivation levels, Yun Chaoxian and Luo Yao were naturally unaffected by the illusory technique. Knowing that a team was inside, they fought with even greater intensity, trying to get the team toe out.


    The fight became thunderous and chaotic, creating quite a ruckus.


    Yet, despite their fierce fighting, the melody of the guqin inside remained soft and continuous, showing no signs of stopping, as if it were tempting them to enter the forest.


    So, they continued, fighting outside while the guqin yed inside for quite some time.


    Finally, Yun Chaoxian grew impatient and said to Luo Yao with the use of Voice Transmission, "Why don''t we stop waiting for them toe out? We know they''re inside, so let''s just go in and take them out."


    "That''s exactly what''s been on my mind" Luo Yao, who was already feeling frustrated from waiting, replied.


    The two exchanged nces, and Luo Yao quickly darted deeper into the forest while Yun Chaoxian pretended to chase her. As they continued their game of pursuit, they spotted a gentle-looking woman sitting in the bamboo grove, ying a guqin, likely the source of the music.


    The woman had skin as fair as ice, giving her an ethereal aura. She gently yed the guqin beneath the rustling bamboo, creating a scene of remarkable beauty.


    Even Luo Yao, a woman herself, was momentarily captivated, thinking to herself, <i>How beautiful.</i>


    Yun Chaoxian, holding his halberd upside down as he approached, saw the scene and couldn''t help but beam with excitement.


    Heughed loudly and eximed, "Soul crystal!"

 Chapter 569: Her Name is Tie Chui

    The woman ying the guqin in the bamboo grove was Xue Lingxue.


    The team from the South Melody Conservatory had been lying in ambush in the bamboo grove for days. Initially, they achieved good results. However, for the past couple of days, they hadn''t gotten much as there weren''t many teams nearby anymore.


    On this day, Xue Lingxue finally sensed movement outside and quickly started ying her guqin.


    But even as she continued ying and ying, the people outside were not stepping inside the bamboo grove.


    If Yun Chaoxian and Luo Yao didn''t charge into the bamboo grove in the next second, the team from the South Melody Conservatory was going to lose patience ande out themselves.


    Xue Lingxue, a core disciple of the South Melody Conservatory, was someone Yun Chaoxian recognized. After all, prodigies from immortal sects had all crossed paths before. Still, he didn''t care.


    To a true warrior, beauty didn''t matter. All he saw were walking soul crystals. Without hesitation, he swung his halberd and charged forward.


    "Your Grandauntie Tie Chui[1] is here! Who dares cause trouble?"


    A thunderous shout rang out as a bold figure burst from the bamboo grove. Holding a massive drum and brandishing mallets, a burly woman appeared. As she shouted, it felt like the sun and moon had lost their light and the sky had darkened.Seeing this, Yun Chaoxianughed heartily and said, "Good timing!"


    The person who arrived was none other than Miss Tie Chui, the current battle musician of the South Melody Conservatory.


    She struck the drum with her mallets in rapid session, each beat sending thunderous waves that echoed and made Yun Chaoxian''s ears ring.


    Yun Chaoxian leaped into the air, swinging his halberd down to pierce the drum.


    But Tie Chui lifted the drum with one arm, pulling it back, and swung her right arm to bring the mallet down fiercely. Yun Chaoxian''s halberd missed, and he had to block it horizontally.


    <em>ng¡ª</em>


    As the sh of metal echoed, both of them stepped back over ten paces. When they looked at each other again, there was a hint of surprise in their expressions.


    Yun Chaoxian was surprised by the woman''s immense strength. She actually managed to force him back.


    Tie Chui was equally astonished. She was surprised that this man had a powerful physique; any ordinary person struck by her would either die or be crippled.


    Both felt the urge to test their strength. Yun Chaoxian stepped forward, twisted his waist, andunched a sweeping sh with his halberd, creating a terrifying gale.


    Tie Chui hurled her drum firmly on the ground, sending it tumbling into the distance with a crash, and then pulled out a pair of mallets.


    These mallets were no ordinary mallets; they were known as the Drumming Urn Golden Hammers, each the size of a gourd. When she swung them, they conjured the apparitions of a dragon and a tiger!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The powerful wind from Yun Chaoxian''s halberd collided with the golden hammers, creating an explosive impact that sent both of them retreating over ten zhang. Theynded and, without pausing to catch their breath, charged at each other again, clearly enjoying the intense fight.


    In that instant, it was like thunder shing with fire, a tiger descending a mountain meeting a dragon emerging from the sea. The thunderous drumbeats and the whistling halberd created a deafening roar.


    The melody from Xue Lingxue''s guqin filled the air, boosting Tie Chui''s vitality and qi while subtly disrupting Yun Chaoxian''s divine soul, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow that had a strong impact.


    Watching from the sidelines, Luo Yao stepped forward with her curved saber.


    But then, sharp notes from a flute echoed as Shen Qingyan appeared and joined the fight.


    She unleashed a whirlwind of sonic des at Luo Yao, but Luo Yao summoned the white-d ghost to block the des as she dashed toward Xue Lingxue''s guqin.


    But Xue Lingxue wasn''t weak or defenseless. As she lifted her slender hand, the strings on the guqin released a wave of force, sending Luo Yao flying back several zhang.


    Then, Yu Xiang''er appeared, ying her long flute and creating a swirling vortex of fallen leaves that were as sharp as des.


    Shen Qingyan, Xue Lingxue, and Yu Xiang''er yed their instruments together, attacking with coordinated sound. Though they appeared to fight separately, their harmony created aplete melody.


    At that instant, Luo Yao found herself trapped in the midst of the three musicians, with danger surrounding her on all sides.


    Their music wasn''t just trapping Luo Yao; it was also affecting Yun Chaoxian and Tie Chui nearby.


    With the support of the melodies from the three instruments, Tie Chui fought with increasing strength, even starting to overpower Yun Chaoxian.


    Seeing this, Yun Chaoxian let out a loud roar, "<em>Hah¡ª</em>"


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Without another word, he ripped his shirt, revealing his chiseled, muscr physique, glistening like forged steel.


    But just as he ripped off his shirt, Luo Yao, carried by her ck-d Ghost, flew over and shouted, "There are too many. We need to retreat!"


    "Huh?" Yun Chaoxian was stunned. <em>I literally just ripped my shirt¡­ You couldn''t have said that sooner?</em>


    Because of this moment of distraction, he nearly got hit by one of Tie Chui''s massive hammers. With his ally calling for retreat, he swung his halberd to create some distance and quickly withdrew from the area.


    "If you''ve got guts, stay here and don''t run!" Yun Chaoxian shouted before leaving.


    Tie Chui stood with her hammers and drum,ughing loudly, "Ohoho! Coward! You didn''t even leave your name!"


    Yun Chaoxian promptly shouted back, "Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect! I''lle back one day to settle this in a deathmatch with you!"


    ¡­


    Both of them flew out of the bamboo grove one after the other, just in time to meet up with the main group. Chu Liang asked, "Why did you go inside? Weren''t you supposed to be luring the enemy out from outside?"


    "They weren''ting out, so I figured I might as well go in and take a look," Yun Chaoxian replied, scratching his head with a grin.


    Seeing the look on Yun Chaoxian''s face, Chu Liang could guess that they hadn''t been able to kill the team inside. He then asked, "It seems the opponents are quite strong?"


    Yun Chaoxian and Luo Yao were both capable of eliminating an entire team on their own. If they couldn''t eliminate this team together, it had to be a strong one.


    "It''s the South Melody Conservatory team," replied Luo Yao.


    "Oh, them¡­" Chu Liang hesitated upon hearing this.


    He had originally thought of charging inside with the entire group and eliminating the entire team in the bamboo grove.


    However, the members of the South Melody Conservatory were people he knew. Among the members in the South Melody Conservatory team, Miss Xue had even helped him more than once. It felt wrong to storm in with the huge group of people to fight a team of four. It felt like bullying.


    In past Assemblies of Immortal Sects, the South Melody Conservatory rarely advanced beyond the Competitions of a Hundred Sects. Furthermore, the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory in this generation were much stronger than those in the past. Chu Liang felt there was no need to end their journey here.


    If he tried to get them to join the alliance¡­ that might not be feasible.


    This alliance of four teams already needed a substantial number of soul crystals. If another team joined, this alliance would take up half the ten advancement slots. This might provoke other teams in the illusory realm to join forces to eliminate them.


    Currently, the members of the Great Astral Sect were their primarybat force. Their alliance was not strong enough, which meant that they would need to keep a low profile while collecting more soul crystals.


    <em>We should just leave</em>, Chu Liang concluded.


    After thinking it over, he said, "I consider the members of the South Melody Conservatory as friends, so let''s find somewhere else and avoid taking their soul crystals."


    "Huh?" While everyone had no objections, Yun Chaoxian suddenly looked reluctant. "We''re leaving already? Can''t we go back for a bit?"


    "Hm?" Chu Liang looked at him, puzzled. "Is there something else, Brother Yun?"


    "Heheh." Yun Chaoxian chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "I met a girl there¡­ She is special... I promised I would go see her again."


    "What?" Hearing this, everyone''s interest was piqued, and they crowded around, asking, "Which girl? What''s her name?"


    "The core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory in this generation¡­" Chu Liang said as he pondered. "Shen Qingyan, Yu Xiang''er, or Xue Lingxue? Brother Yun, not bad at all."


    <em>Who would''ve thought? Yun Chaoxian, with his thick brows and big eyes, managed to charm a girl in such a short time?</em>


    With a bashful look on his rugged face, Yun Chaoxian replied, "Her name is Tie Chui[2]."


    1. Her name means iron hammer ?


    2. Imagine. Your bro tells you he has a crush on someone and you ask what''s her name and he says The Rock. Same concept. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 570: Of Course, There Is!

    Hearing what Yun Chaoxian said, everyone couldn''t bother about anything else. They all cheered as they went with him to fulfill his agreement. They were all eager to see just how "special" this Miss Tie Chui was.


    In any other immortal sect, Tie Chui''s talent and strength would have already earned her fame. But at South Melody Conservatory, reputation hinged more on beauty and artistry thanbat prowess, which was why she had remained rtively unknown even after years in the sect.


    Of course, without South Melody Conservatory''s dedicated training, she likely wouldn''t have achieved her current level.


    Chu Liang had someone cut wood and bamboo to make a small cart for himself to sit in, with Pushan pushing him along. All hecked was a feather fan, and he would have resembled the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang[1].


    The group ventured into the bamboo grove, only to find no one in sight. It seemed the disciples of South Melody Conservatory had detected them and hidden themselves in advance.


    Yun Chaoxian stepped forward and called out, "Tie Chui! Didn''t you agree to meet me here? Have you chickened out?"


    "Nonsense!" a booming voice echoed as arge figure burst from the shadows andnded with a thud. Tie Chui''s fierce gaze swept over them. "So what if you have more people? Come at me¡ªall of you!"


    "Hm?" Her words left everyone bewildered.


    <em>Isn''t Yun Chaoxian supposed to meet the love of his life here? Could this be Tie Chui? The situation felt oddly intriguing, but that wasn''t the main issue at hand. The real question was¡­ is this something that everyone should do together?</em>"No need for anyone else! In a fair one-on-one, I can take you down easily!" Yun Chaoxian dered as he swung his halberd. While his voice was still loud and clear, he ripped his clothes.[2]


    This scene left the others stunned.


    By ripping his clothes right away, he seemed a bit too eager for you-know-what.


    But the way he undressed¡­ Well, it was certainly unusual.


    "What exactly did they arrange to meet for?" Chu Liang turned to ask Luo Yao.


    "They had a fight earlier," Luo Yao exined. "There were too many people from the South Melody Conservatory at the time, so I told him we needed to leave. He promised toe back and duel her again."


    <em>Ah, so that''s how it was. So that''s what happened. The special thing about Tie Chui was her especially good fighting skills</em>, Chu Liang muttered inwardly. <em>One should never harbor romantic fantasies about these rugged warriors.</em>


    It was like a sh between a dragon and a tiger. As Miss Tie Chui wielded her two golden hammers, the thunderous rhythm of her drums unleashed a terrifying aura.


    On the other hand, Yun Chaoxian swung his halberd with such force that it seemed to shake both thend and sky, clearly on par with the attacks unleashed by Miss Tie Chui.


    After a few rounds, the two had already cleared out the surrounding bamboo trees. Without her fellow disciples to support her with the instrument''s melody, Tie Chui gradually began to fall behind.


    Though Tie Chui possessed great innate strength and had trained diligently, Yun Chaoxian was a martial prodigy from the Great Astral Sect. With a physique like a fierce beast and equally refined martial skills, he had the upper hand in their sh.


    After several exchanges, Tie Chui began to show signs of exhaustion.


    This demonstrated the power of Xue Lingxue''s music. Previously, with her ying in support, Tie Chui was basically beating Yun Chaoxian up.


    Seeing Tie Chui being at a disadvantage, her teammates could no longer hold back.


    The melodies of instruments began to y from the depths of the bamboo grove, shifting the bnce of the fight once again.


    "Stop fighting¡­" Chu Liang, recognizing the familiar melody, called out, "Miss Xue, pleasee out so we can talk face-to-face."


    This situation was unexpected. He had initially nned to leave without meeting the members of the South Melody Conservatory, but they had ended up here anyway due to a misunderstanding of Yun Chaoxian''s intentions. It would be impolite to leave without saying a word now.


    If they thought he hade solely to take their soul crystals, it would be even worse.


    Clearly, Chu Liang was seen as a trustworthy figure. Upon hearing his words, Yun Chaoxian withdrew and stepped back into the group, while the three core disciples of the South Melody Conservatory gradually revealed themselves.


    The appearance of Xue Lingxue, Yu Xiang''er, and Shen Qingyan transformed the beauty and elegance of the scene, taking it to a whole new level.


    "What happened to you? How did you turn out like this?" Xue Lingxue asked in surprise upon seeing Chu Liang.


    "A minor injury," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "We didn''te here to seize soul crystals¡­ There was a misunderstanding. We thought Brother Yun had arranged a meeting with Miss Tie Chui for something else¡­ turns out it was to fight."


    "We nned to leave as soon as we were discovered, but Tie Chui insisted on staying here to fight him again, so we had to hide," Xue Lingxue said with a resigned smile.


    <em>Oh, goodness. So they really do share mutual feelings for each other with this agreed duel.</em>


    Shen Qingyan looked at the mixed group across from her and asked, "Young Hero Chu, are you all allied?"


    "Yes," Chu Liang nodded, "Since we all met here, we agreed to support each other."


    Shen Qingyan''s eyes sparkled as she asked, "Then can the team from the South Melody Conservatory join your alliance?"


    She had asked this for the sake of her sect. Although they had managed to gather some soul crystals through some schemes in the beginning, the same strategy was bing less effective.


    As the Competition of a Hundred Sects progressed, it truly came down tobat power. Even with an abundance of soul crystals, one misstep could lead to total defeat.


    South Melody Conservatory hadn''t yet gathered enough soul crystals to make it to the next round, and it was bing increasingly difficult for them to make further progress on their own. If they ventured out to hunt for more soul crystals, they''d likely be prey themselves.


    Over the past day or two, she had already been considering forming an alliance. When Chu Liang and his well-prepared team appeared¡ªand as they were familiar¡ªshe naturally asked about joining forces.


    Upon hearing her request, Chu Liang smiled.


    Before he asked Xue Lingxue to step out, he had done his calctions.


    Since their paths had crossed, the team from the South Melody Conservatory might as well join them in the alliance.


    Although he had mentioned some disadvantages previously, there were advantages.


    Firstly, South Melody Conservatory wasn''t weak, especially in a support role. While their individualbat strength might not be top-tier, their contributions in group battles could rival those of the Great Astral Sect brothers.


    Secondly, theirbat strength was limited. Once they advanced to the next round, the Battle at the Imperial City, he would be happy to fight opponents like them.


    It was like how the Peni Supreme Sect had intended to ally with factions like the Fuyao Kingdom and Taotie City so that they could be the stronger ones in the next round.


    The weaker the allies now, the weaker the opponents in the next round.


    If the team from the South Melody Conservatory joined...then the Great Astral Sect could serve as the warriors, the Valley of the Three Absolutes as assassins, the South Melody Conservatory as support, Pushan as the cheerleader, and he himself could take on the role ofmander...


    With this strength, they could temporarily dominate the illusory realm.


    Initially, he had two concerns.


    First, he worried that the number of soul crystals needed would increase. However, since the South Melody Conservatory had been here for a while, they likely had an umtion of soul crystals and shouldn''t be needing too much.


    Second, he was concerned that if this alliance grew toorge, it might attract unwanted attention. However, given the current situation, they would just need to act as discreetly as possible.


    So, faced with Shen Qingyan''s inquiry, he didn''t hesitate for long and promptly replied, "That would be ideal."


    ¡­


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    The court officials visiting Emperor''s Mound that day suddenly noticed a figure at the highest point of the stands. They jolted in surprise and quickly approached to pay their respects. The emperor on the high tform waved them off with a cheerful smile, allowing his officials to enjoy themselves freely.


    It was clear that the emperor was in high spirits.


    The emperor''s good mood had its reasons.


    Although he hadn''te to this ce in recent days, news from the Competition of a Hundred Sects still reached Night Dragon Hall promptly. Yesterday, he received two updates: one was that Daoist Cangsheng had arrived, and the other was that Yang Shenlong had been eliminated.


    The rtionship between the imperial court and the sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten had always been a blend of cooperation and rivalry, with both sides constantly seeking to suppress one another. As the foremost immortal sect, the Peni Supreme Sect stood as the primary adversary of the court and other immortal sects. Although they maintained cordial rtions on the surface, covert confrontations were frequent.


    For instance, the Peni Supreme Sect''s open support of the Fuyao Kingdom in the East Sea was a clear act of defiance against the Yu Dynasty.


    One could easily imagine the emperor''s delight upon receiving these two pieces of news.


    The emperor thought to himself, <em>Ah, Chu Liang, Chu Liang¡­ You are truly my dear Imperial Younger Brother.</em>


    Since it was nighttime, he thought that showing up at Emperor''s Mound immediately would be too conspicuous. So, he held back his excitement and came the next day, eager to see Daoist Cangsheng''s frustrated expression.


    Unfortunately, Daoist Cangsheng had already left.


    Since he was already there, the emperor sat for a while, enjoying some quiet time with his consort.


    However, it wasn''t long before the Second Prince arrived as well.


    "This humble son of yours pays my respects."


    The Second Prince stepped forward, made a gesture of respect, and then took a seat beside the emperor. While his gaze remained fixed on the scene in the light screen, he asionally nced to the side.


    The emperor nced at him and quickly guessed what was happening.


    It was clear that the Second Prince was here on a mission.


    The emperor hade with only his consort to watch thepetition. If people saw this, who knew what rumors might spread?


    Clearly, Empress Wu was not pleased, but she felt too embarrassed toe herself. Instead, she had sent her son to keep an eye on the emperor and the consort, ensuring they wouldn''t be overly affectionate.


    The emperor couldn''t help but give a wry smile. After many years of cultivation and at an old age, he hardly indulged in such romantic sentiments anymore.


    The main reason he had shown favor to this consort in recent years was that his sons were growing older, and it was time to make a decision about the heir. Although the Second Prince was initially the clear choice for Crown Prince, the Thirteenth Prince had disyed exceptional wisdom and intelligence, leading to some hesitation on the emperor''s part.


    Empress Wu inevitably grew anxious. Whenever they met, she would quickly bring up the topic of session. Since they had been together for many years, she spoke freely, without holding back like others might. Although the emperor wouldn''t scold her, he didn''t like hearing it. The more she pressed the issue, the less he wanted to visit her.


    Conveniently, this imperial consort was beautiful, gentle, and understanding¡­


    She was really like a sweet little sister.


    This contrast only made his wife seem all the more unpleasant.


    This subtle atmosphere lingered for a while until the Second Prince''s attention was suddenly drawn to the scene disyed in the light screen.


    At that moment, the scene disyed showed the South Melody Conservatory team.


    The emperor couldn''t help but smile and say, "The one I rmended to you before, that would be Miss Shen from South Melody Conservatory, right?"


    The Second Prince nodded slightly, "That''s right."


    "How''s it going?" the emperor asked again.


    Seeing his son''s expression, he didn''t bother asking for his opinion on her. It was clear he was satisfied.


    "It''s going alright," the Second Prince replied.


    <em>I''ve already agreed¡­ I am just waiting for her</em>, he silently added to himself.


    "That girl is smart, knowing to ally with Chu Liang," the emperor chuckled. "Maybe this time, the team from the South Melody Conservatory will advance to the next round."


    Since Chu Liang had taken down Yang Shenlong, the emperor was finding him more and more likable.


    At the mention of this, the Second Prince''s expression suddenly tightened.


    After a pause, he said angrily, "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect is already injured this badly; what could he still aplish? I think Miss Shen made a poor choice in choosing him as an ally."


    "Oh?" asked the emperor. "Besides Chu Liang, does she have a better option?"


    "Of course she does!" the Second Prince blurted out instinctively.


    The pce attendants below were startled, unsure why the alwaysposed Second Prince had suddenly lost his temper¡­ especially in front of the emperor.


    The emperor''s words had been casual, but it was clear the Second Prince''s mind had wandered elsewhere.


    The emperor was momentarily taken aback by his shout. After a pause, he said sternly, "Why are you shouting like that?"


    1. Someone important from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. A Chinese statesman, strategist, and inventor who lived through the end of the Eastern Han dynasty (c. 184¨C220) and the early Three Kingdoms period (220¨C280) of China. Refer to this link. ?


    2. How many shirts does he have? He ripped one already earlier. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 571: Three Alliances in a Standoff

    In theter stages of the Competition of a Hundred Sects, forming alliances was quitemon. Once an alliance was formed, other teams would need to find allies to counter it.


    This was essentially a disy ofpetitiveness.


    For example, on another hillside, the remaining members of the team from the imperial family¡ªthe Sixth Princess and the Thirteenth Prince¡ªwere standing with Guo Zhanfeng and Guo Zhanlei from the Night Saber Sect.


    In addition to them, there were four warrior monks who looked especially formidable.


    Although the imperial family and the Night Saber Sect didn''t have a close rtionship, they had just been pursued by the Great Astral Sect together, which created a sense of camaraderie.


    Furthermore, they soon encountered the forces from Monastery Tower.


    As the Nation Guard Monastery Tower, it had always maintained a close rtionship with the court, making its ties to the imperial family undeniable. The Night Saber Sect inherited martial traditions from the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions, while the Monastery Tower inherited the Buddhist teachings from the Holy Mountain in the Northern Regions. The two factions shared amon origin.


    With Monastery Tower acting as the mediator, the three factions quickly formed a close connection and promptly decided to create an alliance.


    The leader of the team from the Monastery Tower, whose Dharma name was Feng Yan, had a resolute expression and bronzed skin. He seemed like someone with a body forged from iron.He looked at the Sixth Princess and said, "We recently encountered the team from Ascending Dragon Academy. If we can get them to join us, we will be even stronger."


    Since the Ascending Dragon Academy was another sect in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten that sided with the imperial court, they likely would not say no to joining the alliance.


    The only concern was that Zhang Chen had previously rejected the Emperor''s offer of marriage to the Sixth Princess, leaving it uncertain whether she held any grudge against him.


    "That sounds excellent," the Sixth Princess agreed without hesitation.


    She bore no resentment toward Zhang Chen. When he had refused the marriage proposal, it was the emperor who had made the announcement publicly at Ascending Dragon Academy, and Zhang Chen had refused with honesty. It was entirely reasonable, and he hadn''t spread word of it.


    This matter hadn''t affected the Sixth Princess at all.


    The reason she felt resentment toward Chu Liang was that the emperor had privately raised the proposal in the Night Dragon Hall, without any outsiders present. Yet, someone from the Mount Shu Sect spread the news far and wide, even publishing it in the Seven Stars Gazette. Since this was the second time the princess had been rejected in marriage, the Sixth Princess became the subject of much ridicule.


    Who wouldn''t be furious about that?


    The person who angered her the most was her father. If he hadn''t been bestowing marriage proposals to anyone he met without consulting her, she wouldn''t have had to endure such humiliation.


    As a result, she had recently appeared grumpy whenever she faced the emperor.


    For this Assembly of Immortal Sects, the emperor had given her several valuable treasures from the imperial family, clearly intending to appease his daughter.


    The entire group retraced their steps to search, and when they found the Ascending Dragon Academy team, they saw how disheveled the members of the Ascending Dragon Academy looked. They seemed to have just survived a fight. As of now, there were only three left in their team.


    When they saw the team from Monastery Tower, Zhang Chen, along with his junior sister Xu Fangling and his junior brother, stopped walking.


    "Which group did you encounter?" Feng Yan asked.


    The Ascending Dragon Academy was not weak, so it was surprising to see them lose a member and retreat so miserably. It was unclear what powerful enemy they had faced.


    "We just encountered the alliance led by the Celestial King Sect," Zhang Chen replied calmly after giving a polite bow. "The Celestial King Sect, Sea King Sect, and Celestial Pivot Pavilion have joined forces. The alliance they formed is quite powerful."


    "I see," everyone understood atst.


    "With the current situation, teams have no choice but to form alliances. Brother Zhang, why don''t youe with us?" Guo Zhanfeng suggested. "Let''s hunt for soul crystals and advance to the next round together."


    Zhang Chen nodded lightly in agreement.


    ¡­


    Not far from here, another group had just stopped in their tracks.


    "Stop the chase; they''ve regrouped with the Monastery Tower," spoke a slender youth in white with his eyes closed.


    This was none other than Ye Yongxing, the disciple of Enlightened Wulou from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    He was a peerless prodigy from the Heaven Observer lineage. After obtaining the Killing Talisman in the Celestial Talisman Master''s hidden realm, his power skyrocketed, making him the undisputed leader of his generation at the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Beside him stood Feng Chaoyang from the Celestial King Sect, along with four disciples from the Sea King Sect, a faction in the Terrestrial Ten.


    The Wenren Mo that Chu Liang had met was not here. Instead, the leader of the Sea King Sect team was his younger brother, Wenren Yan.


    Wenren Yan was a handsome young man in green robes. He had a jade-likeplexion and captivating peach-blossom eyes, with a smile that was always present on his face.


    These three groups were all factions that had split off from the Heavenly Star Divine Cult in the past. Since their sects branched out from the same source, these teams immediately allied upon encountering one another. They were one of the earliest alliances formed in thepetition, which was why all their members were still alive.


    In this fierce Competition of a Hundred Sects, keeping a full team at this stage was rare, achievable only with abination of strength and luck.


    Even if they had the luck to encounter one of those weaker teams, it would be useless if they still were not strong enough to win. On the other hand, if they had only strength, they could end like the powerful Peni Supreme Sect, which was unfortunately reduced to just two remaining members.


    "What a pity," Wenren Yan said with reluctance. "Zhang Chen is incredibly powerful; he managed to escape while protecting two members. If we don''t eliminate Ascending Dragon Academy now, it will only be harder to take them down once they team up with the others."


    "Isn''t that a good thing? The more people there are, the more soul crystals we can collect," Feng Chaoyang said eagerly.


    "At this point, we should focus on finding scattered teams to gather enough soul crystals to advance to the next round," Wenren Yan said. "We should avoid strong teams whenever possible."


    "We''re aiming for the championship anyway, so isn''t it better to eliminate the powerful opponents early?" Feng Chaoyang responded.


    Feng Chaoyang was always eager to challenge tough teams, while Wenren Yan preferred to y it safe. This was the only conflict within their alliance.


    Thus, Ye Yongxing would always end up being the one to make the final decision.


    With his eyes closed and his hands tracing patterns in the air, Ye Yongxing appeared to be performing divination. After a moment, he pointed in a direction and said, "There''s a team over there. We''re only a few soul crystals short, so let''s focus on securing our advancement first."


    Although Feng Chaoyang was eager for a challenge, he trusted Ye Yongxing''s judgment and reluctantly followed the others.


    In this alliance of teams, Celestial King Sect had the best fighters, with Feng Chaoyang as their topbatant. As the strongest fighter in the alliance, he was irreceable.


    As they walked, Wenren Yan smiled and asked, "I''m really curious about the South Melody Conservatory team. I''ve admired those renowned beauties for a very long time."


    Ye Yongxing replied, "The South Melody Conservatory recently allied with the Mount Shu Sect. They''re currently traveling with Chu Liang."


    "Oh?" Feng Chaoyang''s eyes lit up. "I heard Chu Liang defeated Yang Shenlong¡ªI''d love the chance to encounter him."


    "I''m sure the opportunity wille," Ye Yongxing replied calmly. "They''ve allied with many teams, so they''ll need arge number of soul crystals to advance to the next round. They''ll have to go out hunting."


    ¡­


    Ye Yongxing wasn''t the only one keeping an eye on the broader situation within the illusory realm. On a boat at sea, Li Guanlong awoke from his dream.


    The team from Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had lost a member due to an earlier ident. However, Immortal Jiuyi hadn''t used his privilege to resurrect Song Guanchao, so the team from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals was now hiding in the sea with one less member.


    "Eldest Senior Brother, what''s the current situation?" Situ Guanhai asked eagerly.


    "Right now, it''s three alliances in a standoff," Li Guanlong replied with a smile. "Things are getting interesting."

 Chapter 572: Chen Kaitai

    "I heard that Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect had conquered the Misty Waters City and eliminated a few allies of the Peni Supreme Sect in session. He even killed Yang Shenlong," said a youth in a conical hat and white robes with a sword strapped to his back.


    "That was why there was a wave of foundational qi surging from the direction of the Misty Waters City that night?" another person remarked in surprise.


    This was a hidden cave, where several youths dressed simrly as sword cultivators hid. They were the team from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom of the West Sea.


    News traveled slowly within the illusory realm. It was already the sixth day, and they had only just heard about Misty Waters City''s fall. They had yet to learn that Chu Liang was now paralyzed.


    "It seems it will be tough to eliminate the Mount Shu Sect in this Assembly of Immortal Sects," another person said with a sigh.


    "How can you speak of defeat when you haven''t even started fighting? What kind of attitude is this?" a rebuke sounded in the deepest areas of the cave.


    A tall young man strode out from within, revealing that his entire left arm was missing.


    There was only one arm.


    "Crown Prince!" "Crown Prince, is your injury alright?"


    "¡­"


    This youth looked in and honest. He looked like a reliable and trustworthy person. As soon as he emerged, the others seemed to rx, as if they had regained their backbones.


    "The divine technique of the Greater-Yin Cult is sinister. It was constantly eating up my tendons and muscles so I had to peel away the cold poison with my sword qi. And now, I ampletely fine," the young sword cultivator who was referred to as the Crown Prince said calmly.


    His words left his teammates momentarily stunned.


    The cold poison clung to his bones and flesh, and removing it with his sword qi felt like scraping it from his very bones. Within the depths of this illusory world, the pain was just as intense as it would be in reality.


    Did he really do this alone in the deepest area of the cave during this time? Without even making a single grunt?


    "But in doing this, won''t your left arm¡­" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "I naturally lost my left arm. But if I want to recover quickly, this is the only way," the young sword cultivator shook his head. "Once we leave the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, everything will return to normal, so it''s no big deal."


    His casual attitude only made his teammates admire him more, marveling at what a true warrior he was.


    This young man was none other than the only son of the West Sea''s Sword Emperor Chen Erniu[1], and the current Crown Prince of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom. When he was born, the Sword Emperor had intended to name him Chen Sanyang[2], but the ministers collectively objected, as the name made him sound like the emperor''s younger brother.


    The Sword Emperor was quite disgruntled, thinking, <em>That''s just how we name people in our family. My father was even named Chen Dagou</em>[3]<em>, and no one ever said we sounded like brothers!</em>


    Fortunately, he wasn''t a tyrant who refused to listen to advice, so after some discussion, he changed his son''s name to Chen Kaitai.


    Perhaps it was because his son was born after he had reached the eighth realm that Chen Kaitai nearly perfectly inherited his father''s talent in the Dao of the Sword, achieving a cultivation far beyond others his age.


    Though he was unrivaled among the youths of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, upon entering the stage of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, he still encountered formidable opponents.


    Recently, they had encountered the Greater-Yin Cult''s team. Although they managed to kill two of its members, the disciple who looked more beautiful than most women severely wounded Chen Kaitai. As he was the backbone of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom team, his teammates had to abandon gathering soul crystals to retreat with him in a hurry.


    "Time is indeed running out, so it''s no wonder the Crown Prince is so anxious," a sword cultivator said. "With only two days left, there aren''t many teams left in the illusory realm, and we still need quite a number of soul crystals. We must hurry."


    Someone else then added, "Though few teams remain, each one likely possesses arge number of soul crystals. We might only need to defeat one team to gather enough to advance to the next round."


    "Indeed." Chen Kaitai nodded. "Let''s go out and hunt for soul crystals."


    He took the lead, stepping out of the cave and transforming into a streak of sword light that shot through the air with a sharp whistle. Three more beams of sword light followed closely, not daring to fall behind.


    By transforming into sword light, they could move with incredible speed. However, this method of travel was highly conspicuous. If time had not been so pressing, they would have avoided scouting the surroundings in such an conspicuous manner.


    But before they had flown far, Chen Kaitai sensed amotion ahead. He quickly descended to the ground, raised his hand, and said, "Stop."


    The three beams of sword light behind himnded in quick session.


    All four of them extended their keen divine senses and detected a powerful surge of foundational qi surging ahead. It was a clear sign of an intense battle taking ce.


    "It''s just like the saying goes: you wear out iron shoes searching, only for what you seek toe effortlessly," Chen Kaitai said with a slight smile. "This is an opportunity blessed upon us by the heavens."


    ¡­


    At the center of the battlefield ahead, two fierce-looking martial arts cultivators were pursuing three delicate-looking women. The women, adept in the art of music, were far from weak as they worked together. However, without a strong and muscr fighter to protect them, they would be in grave danger if the two martial arts cultivators managed to get close.


    One of the martial arts cultivators wielded a long saber, while the other brandished a massive halberd. Both had cultivation on par with the prodigies who stood at the pinnacle.


    In that moment, they unleashed an overwhelming momentum, exuding a truly imposing presence.


    As they fought and moved, they gradually drew closer to where the Sword-Hanging Kingdom had set up an ambush.


    "We''ll take down those two men first, then deal with the three women," Chen Kaitai quickly decided.


    As the fight drew nearer, Chen Kaitai suddenly leapt forward, forming a sword seal with one hand. He directed his longsword to surge ahead, unleashing a torrent of sword qi that poured forth like rivers and oceans.


    His teammates joined in, wielding their swords simultaneously. In an instant, a torrent of sword qi was unleashed, covering the sky.


    Yet, the two martial arts cultivators under attack showed no signs of panic. As if they had anticipated the ambush, they swiftly turned their weapons and together deflected the iing torrent of sword qi.


    Simrly, the women did not seize the opportunity to strike the martial arts cultivators. Instead, they turned andunched their attacks toward the hiding spot of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom.


    Chen Kaitai instantly sensed something was wrong.


    In that moment, swarms of ck curse insects rose around them, encircling the members of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, as several figures descended from above.


    <em>So we were the real targets? </em>Chen Kaitai thought.


    By the time he realized it was a trap, it was already toote. Several disciples from the Great Astral Sect lunged at his group like ravenous wolves, killing his three teammates in an instant.


    Though Chen Kaitai managed to hold them off briefly on his own, he knew he couldn¡¯t endure for long. In his final moments, he caught sight of a monk pushing a small cart through the crowd, seated atop it was a disciple from the Mount Shu Sect, who looked gentle, delicate, and elegant.


    "It''s you!" Chen Kaitai shouted.


    If the Sword-Hanging Kingdom had any sworn enemy in this Assembly of Immortal Sects, it was the Mount Shu Sect. They didn''t expect to still fall for a trap set up by a member of the Mount Shu Sect. This was truly a bitter pill for the Crown Prince of the Sword-Hanging Kingdom to swallow.


    With a final surge of power, he wielded his longsword single-handedly, sword qi swirling around him like a dragon, making it nearly impossible for anyone to approach.


    Chu Liang responded with a smile.


    <em>You think you are good at fighting? So what if you are good at fighting? In this world, it''s about who your allies are!</em>


    <em>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª</em>


    After a series of deafening explosions, Chen Kaitai still copsed after being attacked by the members of the Great Astral Sect. His body shattered, leaving scattered soul crystals on the ground.


    After collecting the crystals, they counted only a dozen or so. It appeared that Chen Kaitai''s group had taken a cautious approach, gathering a few crystals with the intention of hunting more aggressively in the final days.


    Now that there were a total of five sects in Chu Liang''s alliance, they needed at least two hundred soul crystals to make it to the next round. Although all members here were quite strong, they still had a significant gap to close.


    "It seems that it will be too slow if we continue taking down these scattered teams. By then, we really need to take down tougher opponents," he mused.


    Just then, Monk Pushan, who had been using his Heavenly Eye to scan the surroundings, suddenly reported, "Two groups are approaching, and both haverge numbers! One is the Imperial Family with the Night Saber Sect, while the other is the Celestial King Sect apanied by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion!"


    1. Erniu being ¶þÅ£ with ¶þ (Er) meaning Second and Å£ (Niu) meaning Cow. ?


    2. Sanyang being ÈýÑò with Èý (San) meaning "Three" and Ñò (Yang) being Sheep. A simr naming style as his dad''s name Erniu. ?


    3. ´ó¹· (Dagou) means Big Dog with ´ó meaning Big and ¹· meaning Dog. ?

 Chapter 573: I Sat on the Tower, Gazing at the Mountain Scenery

    The alliance of teams from the imperial family, Ascending Dragon Academy, Monastery Tower, and Night Saber Sect was currently led by the Sixth Princess.


    Since Zhang Chen had joined, his opinion carried equal weight. However, due to his modest and gentle personality and his reluctance to be in the spotlight, he rarely spoke.


    Some time before, someone delivered them a letter.


    "It''s Ye Yongxing from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion," the Sixth Princess said to the group after reading it. "He invites us to join forces in an attack against the alliance led by the Mount Shu Sect."


    "Celestial Pivot Pavilion?" Guo Zhanfeng responded. "They''re likely allied with the Celestial King Sect and the Sea King Sect, both of which are powerful teams. If we can join forces with them, we should have no trouble taking down the alliance of the Mount Shu Sect, Great Astral Sect, and their allies."


    "Chu Liang secured arge number of soul crystals from the Peni Supreme Sect. If we divide his loot between our sects, it should be more than enough to guarantee our advancement to the next round," added Feng Yan from Monastery Tower.


    "But¡­" Zhang Chen hesitated slightly. "The Celestial King Sect has always maintained friendly ties with the Mount Shu Sect. At such a crucial moment, would they really be willing to trample on the Mount Shu Sect?"


    "Feng Chaoyang is all brawn and no brains. He probably won''t even consider such matters," Guo Zhanfeng said. "Feng Chaoyang has always seen himself as a rival to Yang Shenlong. With Chu Liang having killed Yang Shenlong, he''ll naturally want to test his own strength against him."


    "While Yang Shenlong was alive, no one dared topare; now that he''s dead, all these so-called ''equals'' are crawling out of the woodwork," Guo Zhanlei scoffed.The Sixth Princess passed the letter around before saying, "It''s precisely because Chu Liang had the power to eliminate Yang Shenlong that they fear him now. The letter from Ye Yongxing mentions that he has divination abilities and he foresaw that the Mount Shu Sect would win the championship in this Assembly of Immortal Sects. This is our only opportunity to kill Chu Liang. If we let him advance to the round of the Battle of the Imperial City, it will be even more difficult to eliminate him."


    For those participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, everyone''s ultimate goal was victory. Even if two sects had good rtions in ordinary times, it was normal to disregard that at such a moment.


    The Thirteenth Prince said, "Opportunities like this are rare, and missing it might mean it won''te again. We should act. If we''re concerned about any ambush or deception, we can take precautions and make preparations."


    "¡­"


    After a brief discussion, the group gathered their forces, raised their sabers, and began advancing.


    As they charged toward the location provided by Ye Yongxing, they spotted a young monk in white robes, standing on a hillside and patiently pushing a small wooden cart.


    In the cart sat a delicate-looking young man with a serene smile on his face, softly humming, "I sat on the tower, gazing at the mountain scenery[1]..."


    Everyone instantly recognized him. "Chu Liang!"


    "Brother Zhang, long time no see," Chu Liang greeted Zhang Chen with a smile before calling out loudly to the group below the hill. "Forgive me, I''m injured and unable to rise to greet you, so please,e up on the hill and let''s all have a chat."


    His calm demeanor, however, made everyone pause in their tracks.


    It was only recently that people began to learn of Chu Liang''s existence. He had quickly risen to fame across thends of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, gaining a reputation for his exceptional cunning.


    At this moment, as he faced the huge group of fierce people, he didn''t hide or flee but instead invited them up on the hill. Could this be some kind of trap?


    "Hmph, he''s just bluffing," Guo Zhanfeng scoffed, readying himself to strike.


    At that moment, Pushan, standing beside Chu Liang, suddenly lifted his robe, causing Guo Zhanfeng to pause.


    Then, they watched as Monk Pushan pulled out a feather fan and began fanning himself casually, a sly, wicked smile spreading across his face, as if he was saying, "Come on up."


    "¡­" This provocative attitude instantly enraged the crowd.


    Not only did Guo Zhanfeng move forward, but the warrior monks of Monastery Tower also strode ahead, ready to attack.


    Just then, Monk Pushan lifted his robe once more and abruptly turned around, as if reaching for something.


    The crowd halted once more.


    When Pushan turned back, they saw he was holding an orange, which he began peeling calmly before taking a bite.


    "¡­" The group was speechless.


    <em>If you are just taking out an orange, why are you being so dramatic? </em>


    At this moment, the Thirteenth Prince shouted, "Clearly, their main force is upied fighting the Celestial Pivot Pavilion; they''re just putting on an act to stall us. Move up quickly and finish them off!"


    No one disagreed with his statement. Without hesitation, they surged forward, each one leaping up the hillside.


    ¡­


    As the alliance led by the team from the imperial family flew up the hillside, a deep rumbling filled the air. The skies darkened abruptly, and a force as ancient as the primordial wilderness descended, pressing down with an overwhelming intent to crush everything in its path.


    Suddenly, arge number of men leapt out from both sides.


    <em>So, it really is an ambush after all?</em> This thought shed through the minds of everyone in the imperial family''s alliance.


    They were surrounded by members of the Great Astral Sect, South Melody Conservatory, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes...


    In addition to the teams in the alliance led by Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect, there were also teams from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, the Celestial King Sect, and the Sea King Sect.


    These teams, who should have been allied with the imperial family, now stood alongside Chu Liang''s alliance.


    The powerful formation that now trapped the imperial family and its allies was, in fact, crafted by Ye Yongxing.


    The genius from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was also well-versed in the art of formations.


    If the forces of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, the Celestial King Sect, and the Sea King Sect had suddenly attacked, the members of the imperial family''s alliance might still have had a chance to escape. But now, they were trapped within this formation. Their movements were restricted, and it was toote to flee.


    The men from the Great Astral Sect and the Celestial King Sect charged into the imperial family and its allies like unleashed wild dogs, crashing through with ferocious intensity.


    The forces of South Melody Conservatory and Celestial Pivot Pavilion provided support that worked like magic. On the other hand, the Sea King Sect and the Valley of the Three Absolutes yed simr roles, nking andunching ambushes with precision.


    Ye Yongxing stood beside Chu Liang, smiling as he said, "If you hadn''t devised this clever strategy to lure them into our trap, capturing all of them in one sweep wouldn''t have been so easy."


    "It''s all thanks to Brother Ye''s divination calctions. Your foresight in predicting the enemy''s moves in advance was far more crucial," Chu Liang replied, returning thepliment.


    "It''s all thanks to your cleverness," Ye Yongxing said.


    "Brother Ye yed an important role," Chu Liang replied with a grin.


    Monk Pushan watched the two of them exchange smiles andpliments, and the phrase "partners in crime" immediately popped into his mind.


    He chuckled and said, "Both of you yed a crucial role in the sess of this operation; there''s no need to be modest."


    Unexpectedly, Ye Yongxing, who had been chatting freely with Chu Liang, nced over at Pushan and suddenly wore an expression of difort, as if he couldn''t bear to look at Pushan''s face. Without saying a word, he quickly turned his face away.


    "¡­" Pushan had grown used to it.


    Ye Yongxing usually only spoke normally with Chu Liang. When he spoke with other Celestial Pivot Pavilion members, he tended to retreat into silence, so Pushan knew that Ye Yongxing was not targeting him.


    The battle on the other side was quickly nearing its end, with most of the teams in the alliance led by the imperial family wiped out, leaving only the Thirteenth Prince standing.


    He simply dropped his weapon, sat on the ground, and smiled.


    "Huh?" Chu Liang looked at him curiously. "Why is Your Highness smiling?"


    "Iugh because you are still not wise enough," the Thirteenth Prince said as he shook his head. "We expected that this might be a trick, so we entrusted all the soul crystals to someone else. Even if you kill us here, you won''t gain much."


    Chu Liang had noticed this from the start.


    Of the men sent to attack the alliance led by the Mount Shu Sect, only Zhang Chen from the Ascending Dragon Academy and Guo Zhanfeng from the Night Saber Sect were present. Additionally, one warrior monk from the Monastery Tower was absent.


    It was normal for some members to be absent. Clearly, they were worried that the main forces might face danger, so they assigned one member from each team to hold onto most of the soul crystals. This ensured that their sects had a chance to advance to the next round.


    The imperial family likely didn''t care about advancing, which exined why both the Sixth Princess and the Thirteenth Prince were here.


    "Then let''s wish them luck," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    ¡­


    On a rocky shore by the coast, Xu Fangling, Guo Zhanlei, and a warrior monk from Monastery Tower were gathered together, each feeling somewhat disheartened.


    Fearing that this mission might be a trap, they had entrusted most of the soul crystals to these three, instructing them not to participate in the battle and to survive at all costs.


    Although the three were the weaker fighters in their respective groups, they still wanted to participate, so naturally, they felt disgruntled.


    "What''s that?" Xu Fangling suddenly noticed a glimmer over the distant waves and gazed at it with curiosity.


    Then she saw clearly¡ªa cultivator appeared to be walking across the waves, his entire form glowing with a radiant light.


    "An enemy?" The three immediately stood up, their senses on high alert.


    In the blink of an eye, the radiant figurended before them. It was a tall young man with a slightlyzy demeanor, as though he had just woken up.


    "<em>Ah¡­</em>" he yawned, then looked at the three of them and said, "Apologies, everyone, but your soul crystals will be mine."


    "Who are you?" Guo Zhanlei roared. "You certainly have a lot of nerve."


    The young man responded leisurely, "I am Li Guanlong from the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals."


    1. Script from Beijing opera Empty Fort Strategy. Talks about how the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang tricked the enemy into thinking that an empty location is full of traps and ambushes, and therefore tricked the enemy into retreating... ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 574: Are You Done Changing Your Mind

    The alliance led by the Mount Shu Sect and the alliance led by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion had just finished cleaning up the battlefield, and indeed, they found only a few soul crystals from the fallen.


    However, no one was disappointed, as with Ye Yongxing present, locating those hiding wasn''t an issue.


    Ye Yongxing closed his eyes in meditation, forming a seal with his left hand, his fingertips trembling slightly, as if pulling invisible strings. After a moment, he furrowed his brows slightly.


    "They''re at the coast, but someone got to them first," he said slowly.


    In this illusory realm, the power of Heavenly Law was not that strong. While Heavenly Law reigned supreme in the outside world, Immortal Jiuyi stood as the ultimate authority in this illusory realm. With the Heavenly Law that restricted divination weakened here, divination casters were several times better at performing divination than they could in the real world¡ªa lesson learned over many Assemblies of Immortal Sects.


    However, no matter how quick divination could be performed, it still required a certain amount of time. In contrast, Li Guanlong''s dream-watching ability allowed him to traverse this world in an instant, making it a much faster technique.


    Thus, when Ye Yongxing pinpointed the group''s location, all he saw was a blurred, chaotic scene.


    A battle was already happening there.


    Guo Zhanlei, Xu Fangling, and the Monastery Tower warrior monk Feng Chen were not weak. They had simply been selected by their teams as the individuals keeping the soul crystals safe.Li Guanlong, however, had arrived alone, seemingly disregarding the three of thempletely.


    Xu Fangling struck first, raising her hand and invoking the Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law. She chanted, "Every move will be as heavy as a thousand jun!"


    But as Xu Fangling spoke, Li Guanlong remained unaffected. Instead, Xu Fangling''s body trembled, and blood seeped from her nose and mouth, as if she had suffered a serious injury.


    This was a clear sign of a vast power disparity. The Spoken Divine Law that she invoked had no effect on Li Guanlong, and she was instead inflicted with severe bacsh.


    As her technique failed, Guo Zhanlei and Feng Chen both rushed forward, charging at Li Guanlong.


    Feng Chen went for a head-on attack, driving a powerful punch toward Li Guanlong''s chest, while Guo Zhanlei circled around to his back, drawing a long saber in a swift motion.


    <em>Ssssh¡ª</em>


    Yet both of their attacks struck only empty air.


    Li Guanlong felt like air. Their punches and attacks passed right through him, leaving no sense of impact, as if they hadn''t struck anything at all.


    <em>An illusion?</em>


    Just as this thought surfaced, another figure had silently appeared behind Xu Fangling.


    With a calm expression, Li Guanlong ced his palm on her head.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    In an instant, her body shattered, scattering into a pile of soul crystals.


    "It''s an illusion." Feng Chen instantly recognized the technique. He bit down on his tongue, spitting out blood, and shouted, "Break!"


    Immediately, the hazy shadows shattered, and the real scene reappeared before them. Moments earlier, it was as if they had all been pulled into a grand dream.


    As Li Guanlong faced the two, he formed a seal with his left hand and raised it forward.


    With a thunderous rumble, a massive wave rose from the sea, shaping itself into a colossal hand that came crashing down upon them.


    Feng Chen showed no fear as he leaped upward, his muscr physique slicing through the waves as he lunged forward with another powerful punch aimed at Li Guanlong.


    Li Guanlong was about to dodge, but Feng Chen summoned an even greater force, elerating his strike andnding a direct hit on Li Guanlong.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    The punch felt solid, yet in the next instant, Li Guanlong''s body exploded, dispersing into a spray of seawater.


    It was yet another clone!


    Back where he stood, Guo Zhanlei swung his saber, slicing through the massive wave in the form of a hand. But just then, Li Guanlong''s figure appeared behind him, delivering a powerful strike with his palm.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    But this time, it wasn''t so easy; the Guo Zhanlei beneath Li Guanlong''s hand was also a clone.


    In that instant, the clone transformed into a ck talisman and shattered. Simultaneously, the real Guo Zhanlei burst through the waves, driving his de toward Li Guanlong''s waist.


    Li Guanlong frowned, his hand flipping out to catch Guo Zhanlei''s saber in a firm grasp!


    <em>Swish¡ª</em>


    Though his grip stopped the de in its tracks, blood spurted from his palm.


    Yet, even so, Guo Zhanlei failed to gain the upper hand, as Li Guanlong''s blood sttered and instantly ignited into zing mes,tching onto Guo Zhanlei''s body.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    Guo Zhanlei was engulfed in mes. He hurled his saber backward and leaped away.


    Still, Li Guanlong would not stop pursuing. With a twist of his hand, the saber caught in his palm rotated and unleashed, deflecting the Shadow Gnat flying saber that Guo Zhanlei had released in his hurried retreat, ringing out with a sharp <em>ng.</em>


    Li Guanlong''s entire body began to take on a metallic sheen as he activated the fifth-realm Metallic Body. He had assumed this form specifically to withstand the punching toward him from behind.


    Indeed, Feng Chen had already leaped back,nding another punch.


    <em>Bam¡ª</em>


    The heavy punch struck his back, and despite having activated his Metallic Body, Li Guanlong''s entire body trembled, blood spilling from his mouth.


    As he absorbed the force of the punch, Li Guanlong had already closed in on Guo Zhanlei. Violet lightning crackled around his right hand as heunched another strike.


    Lightning and fire intertwined, resulting in an instant explosion. <em>Boom!</em>


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had a deep legacy with numerous cultivation techniques, and its disciples practiced various arts. Zhuge Guanxing specialized in star-gazing divination, Situ Guanhai focused on talisman arts, while Li Guanlong trained in innate dream techniques and various stealth traversal methods.


    Having killed two of them at the cost of only minor injuries, Li Guanlong now turned his attention to the warrior monk Feng Chen, who felt an overwhelming pressure.


    But havingnded a sessful strike, Feng Chen knew that he had to seize this opportunity and continue his attack without retreating even half a step.


    And so, he stepped forward again and delivered another forceful punch.


    Lightning continued to radiate from Li Guanlong, expanding to envelop a one-zhang radius around him, creating this pool of lightning!


    Li Guanlong was now using the immortal art¡ªthe Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!


    This divine technique had been used by Jiang Yuebai against Chu Liang at the Mount Shu Summit. If one hadn''t dodged in time, one would be impaled by the surging pool of lightning.


    But as a warrior monk, Feng Chen had finally closed the distance. If he backed off now, he would surely lose his advantage and might never get the opportunity to close in again.


    So, he made the same choice Chu Liang had back then¡ªhe advanced instead of retreating!


    Using his powerful physique, Feng Chen surged forward, crashing heavily into Li Guanlong!


    <em>Sizzle!</em>


    As Feng Chen struck Li Guanlong''s chest with a resounding bang, he felt his body being pierced by the Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!


    <em>Rumble!</em>


    Amidst the explosive noise, Feng Chen''s body was reduced to ashes by countless bolts of divine lightning. The power of Li Guanlong''s Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky far surpassed the one unleashed by Jiang Yuebai at the Mount Shu Summit.


    Even with Feng Chen''s formidable physique, it was unbearable.


    "<em>Phew¡ª</em>" Li Guanlong exhaled deeply, feeling the energy and blood in his chest surging, nearly ready to spurt out. Those two punches had done quite a bit of damage.


    Just as he was rushing to leave this ce, he heard a light footstep behind him.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    ¡­


    <em>Shit. I was too focused on the fight that I forgot to watch out for movements in the surrounding area with my divine sense. Regardless, someone that is able to approach without making sound must be a powerful enemy, </em>Li Guanlong thought.


    When he turned around, he saw a slightly disheveled young swordsman standing behind him.


    The young swordsman wore a simple linen robe, his unkempt hair tied high, with a sword wrapped in hemp rope slung across his back. His features were in, and his eyes squintedzily. His rxed demeanor even bore a striking resemnce to Li Guanlong himself.


    With just a single step, the pressure from his qi was stronger than thebined force of the three opponents Li Guanlong had faced earlier.


    Li Guanlong couldn''t help but be serious. "Who might you be?"


    Given his current injuries, he was in no condition to fight anyone, especially not someone as powerful as this individual. Yet, how was it that he didn''t recognize such a formidable cultivator?


    "Sword Sect, Xu Bao," the youth replied simply, his gaze drifting to the soul crystals scattered across the ground.


    The Sword Sect he referred to was, of course, the Endless Sword Sect. And now, it all made sense to Li Guanlong.


    The Endless Sword Sect was known for its peculiar yet exceptionally strong individuals, with disciples who dedicated themselves entirely to the Dao of the sword. It was likely that many of them trained on the mountain for decades without ever descending, which exined why they were not widely recognized by others.


    "You want the soul crystals?" Noticing the expression in Xu Bao''s eyes, Li Guanlong let out a sigh of relief. With a wave of his hand, he gathered all the soul crystals from the ground and continued, "There are over ny soul crystals here. Let''s split them fifty-fifty so we don''t have to fight. How does that sound?"


    Originally, these were all the soul crystals that the alliance of four teams led by the imperial family had saved up. The siblings of the imperial family had decided to forgo saving any for themselves, dividing all the soul crystals into three portions and entrusting each of the other teams with one.


    The amount would be enough for each team to advance to the next round.


    If the two split them now, it would be more than enough; there was no need to fight.


    But after hearing this, Xu Bao frowned without saying a word, as if he was calcting something.


    <em>Seems very greedy¡­</em> Li Guanlong thought.


    Seeing how silent Xu Bao was, Li Guanlong thought that he was one of those ruthless and taciturn characters.


    Li Guanlong''s expression grew slightly grim as he spoke slowly, "You and I are at simr cultivation levels. Even though I''m a bit injured, there''s no telling who would win in a fight. I''m simply unwilling to take unnecessary risks... I can take a step back and let you have sixty percent while I settle for forty."


    Even with just forty percent of the soul crystals, it should be enough for advancement. Since the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had no allies, Li Guanlong was fine with giving out the extras.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Bao''s frown deepened.


    He still remained silent.


    <em>Is that not enough? </em>Li Guanlong thought.


    At this point, Li Guanlong felt quite displeased with how greedy Xu Bao was.


    The moment of readjusting his breathing had settled his qi and blood somewhat, and he no longer feared a fight. While his injuries would still affect him, there were other factors that woulde into y during a fight between the powerful ones. Oftentimes, such injuries were not the decisive factor.


    He straightened up and issued a final ultimatum, "Seventy percent for you, and I''ll take thirty. This is myst concession. If you keep pushing, you won''t get a single one!"


    Just because the team from Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals had been drifting at sea for days didn''t mean they had no soul crystals. With thirty percent from this haul, they would have enough to advance to the next round.


    Li Guanlong was ready to fight if he couldn''t secure even thirty percent of the soul crystals.


    It wouldn''t be easy to find so many soul crystals elsewhere at this point. After all, it had taken him a significant amount of time spent in dream-watching to finallye across such a prime opportunity.


    Unexpectedly, Xu Bao, who had been frowning, erupted in fury upon hearing that Li Guanlong was willing topromise again.


    "Are you done changing your mind?" Xu Bao shouted, his eyes zing with anger. "Every time I finish calcting, you switch things up¡­ What''s seventy percent of ny? Just give me the damn number!"<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 575: The Final Day

    While Li Guanlong was squaring off with the "mathematical genius," the team from the Greater-Yin Cult was facing a crisis in a distant location.


    Aside from the Mount Shu Sect, the only other sect in the Divine Nine that had historically performed poorly in the Assembly of Immortal Sects was the Greater-Yin Cult.


    The performance of the teams during the assembly generally reflected the actual strength level of the sect. While some teams might achieve surprising results in a few assemblies, it was the long-term performance of the teams sent by the sect that ultimately determined their actual strength.


    Given the long-term performance of the teams from all participating sects, these two sects were currently considered the weakest.


    However, the Greater-Yin Cult was not at risk of being expelled from the Divine Nine, so the disciples of this generation were not under too much pressure.


    Upon entering the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, the Greater-Yin Cult''s team had been moving cautiously and steadily, collecting soul crystals bit by bit. Every move they made was very steady.


    However, as thepetition progressed to itster stages, the stronger teams started to make their moves, and thepetition became more intense. Just yesterday, they faced a team from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom and lost two members.


    Now, only Luo Xiaoyong and a female disciple remained.


    Both were dressed in ck, and Luo Xiaoyong had a particrly refined appearance, which made the female disciple seem less striking byparison."We still need quite a few soul crystals to advance to the next round, and at this point, the other teams have started forming alliances. It''s going to be tough to secure more," Luo Xiaoyong said thoughtfully. "However, the fiercepetition in this Hundred Sect Competition means there''s a chance that only ten teams will remain."


    "Right, we should just try to protect the soul crystals we already have," the female disciple agreed.


    Just as their conversation ended, a figure descended from the sky, locking onto their hiding spot among the trees with a surge of qi.


    <em>Looks like we can''t hide anymore</em>, Luo Xiaoyong thought. When he realized that they had been detected, he stepped out from the woods, deciding not to hide anymore


    The person who appeared was a young man in a coarse linen robe, carrying a sword on his back. He had in features and a slightly disheveled appearance.


    "Sword Sect?" Luo Xiaoyong asked, instantly sensing the aura of the Dao of the Sword from the young man.


    The aura radiating from the young man felt even purer than that of the disciples from the Sword-Hanging Kingdom, which was why Luo Xiaoyong knew that he had to be a disciple of the Endless Sword Sect.


    "Sword Sect, Xu Hu," the man replied coldly.


    "The Endless Sword Sect must have gathered quite a few soul crystals by now, right?" Luo Xiaoyong asked tentatively.


    "..."


    Unexpectedly, Xu Hu fell silent for a moment before answering truthfully, "Not a single one."


    Luo Xiaoyong blinked, then quickly turned and shouted, "Run!"


    This guy looked absurdly strong and it wouldn''t benefit them if they tried to fight him. Only a fool would choose to fight. At hismand, the two members of the Greater-Yin Cult quickly turned and ran.


    But with a flick of his fingers, Xu Hu''s sword shot from its sheath, and in an instant, he was already behind them, riding the sword light at a speed that would make even Chu Liang marvel...


    Now <em>that</em> was skill.


    The moment Luo Xiaoyong turned back, he felt the crushing pressure of the sword qi behind him and quickly realized that it was impossible for him to escape. He shouted, "You go first!" £Ò


    In most teams, soul crystals weren''t carried by the strongest member due to the high risk they faced. Instead, they were usually entrusted to an ordinary disciple, who would hide and escape when danger arose.


    The Greater-Yin Cult used this strategy as well.


    However, they had clearly underestimated Xu Hu.


    With a single gesture in mid-air, he came to a halt while his sword surged forward, multiplying into ten, then a hundred, a thousand, and finally ten thousand...


    With a thunderous roar, ten thousand swords filled the sky!


    He casually unleashed the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, and each wave of sword qi crashed together like a turbulent storm!


    Luo Xiaoyong changed his hand seals, and in an instant, an icy aura enveloped him, freezing and blocking the Ten Thousand Swords Seal.


    But Xu Hu fixed his gaze on the fleeing female disciple''s back, then suddenly opened his mouth and spat out a sharp glint!


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    It was a small, icy sword light, unleashed at such speed that Luo Xiaoyong''s divine sense could barely catch it. Instantly, the icy sword light pierced a female disciple''s back.


    With a soft tearing sound, a shower of soul crystals scattered through the air.


    Luo Xiaoyong was enraged, forming a hand seal and unleashing the Lunar Deity''s Finger forward!


    <em>Poof¡ª</em>


    Xu Hu was suddenly forced to emit a cloud of crimson-gold qi, his face turning deathly pale as his body temperature plummeted to freezing levels.


    What Luo Xiaoyong had just done was expel all yang energy from him, leaving only the yin energy behind.


    With all his yang energy expelled, Xu Hu couldn''t activate his cultivation energy, regardless of how powerful he was. Yet he disyed no panic; instead, his eyes shed with divine light, and that small life-bound sword shot toward Luo Xiaoyong once more.


    Luo Xiaoyong didn''t turn around. In an instant, he encased himself in a block of Mysterious Ice.


    <em>Sizzle.</em>


    In the blink of an eye, the small sword had pierced his back, but due to the thickness of the Mysterious Ice, the three-cun-long de couldn''t prate any further. As it became embedded in the ice, the true form of the de was revealed.


    It looked like a tiny silver toy sword, suspended within the ice, appearing crystal clear.


    With his body severely weakened and his weapons under control, Xu Hu appeared to be on the verge of defeat. But then, he quickly formed his fingers into a de, shed his left arm, and shouted, "Open!"


    The moment Xu Hu shed his arm, the small sword grew stronger. It began to glow with a red hue and, with a swift motion, shot through the Mysterious Ice, piercing Luo Xiaoyong along with it.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    Xu Hu crashed heavily to the ground, and the small sword returned to him. Instead of swallowing it back, he took out a gourd filled with liquid and ced the sword inside to nurture it.


    After readjusting his breathing for a while to recover, he finally walked over and picked up the soul crystals scattered on the ground.


    ¡­


    After that battle, Chu Liang and his group parted ways with the alliance led by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.


    Just because they had worked together didn''t mean they would be allies.


    At this point, both alliances still needed soul crystals. If they became allies, they would only be burdens to one another. Once the final day arrived, there was no guarantee that they wouldn''t turn on each other.


    The Competition of a Hundred Sects was approaching its final day. Teams with enough soul crystals would go into hiding, while those without would embark on a frantic hunt across the realm, making the situation even more unpredictable.


    As evening approached, Monk Pushan unexpectedly detected someone with his Heavenly Eye.


    It was a girl who was by herself.


    As the entire group hurried over, Chu Liang realized that it was someone he knew.


    The girl was wearing a white sword dress. She looked cute and pale, appearing frightened by the group of burly men around her, trembling as she clutched her sword tightly.


    She looked as if she would burst into tears if something else popped out and frightened her.


    It was Li Shiyi from the Endless Sword Sect.


    "Miss Li?" Chu Liang said, looking at her in surprise. "Why are you wandering here alone?"


    "I¡­" As soon as Li Shiyi saw Chu Liang, her lips quivered, and she couldn''t hold back her tears any longer. "I got separated from my senior brothers!"


    Chu Liang kindlyforted her before asking what had happened.


    It turned out that, in addition to Li Shiyi, the Endless Sword Sect had also sent the three brothers of the Xu Family: Xu Long, Xu Hu, and Xu Bao.


    Since they were young, these three brothers had been learning the art of the sword at the back of the mountain. Like Li Shiyi, they rarely descended from the mountain, which was why not many people knew of them. Nheless, all three were exceptionally talented.


    However, there was one drawback. Though the three were triplets, they did not share a close bond. In fact, they consider each other as enemies or rivals.


    As the heir of the Li family, Li Shiyi was expected to lead the team. However, since she was not strong enough, she struggled to hold her ground. Although the three brothers had promised her before entering the illusory realm that they would not fight, the moment they entered the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, they began arguing over the camp location and travel direction.


    In the end, all three of them decided to settle their dispute with a sword fight to determine who would be the eldest brother.


    In the first few days within the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, they spent their time in constant internal strife and sparring. Finally, by yesterday, Li Shiyi could no longer tolerate it and told the three to stop fighting and go their separate ways. If they continued wasting time like this, the Competition of a Hundred Sects woulde to an end.


    The three brothers quickly agreed, each forming their own separate team to see who could collect the most soul crystals. Whoever gathered the most would be the eldest brother.


    But while the three rushed off topete, poor Li Shiyi was left behind.


    After days of watching them fight with each other, they finally stopped. But just as soon as they did, they all ran off, leaving her suddenly all alone.


    She was alone and afraid. As nightfall approached, a sense of dread settled over her.


    Fortunately, it was near the end of the Competition of a Hundred Sects. With fewer teams remaining, Li Shiyi had managed to wander this far, trembling in fear, without encountering any enemies.


    "I told them I didn''t want toe, but they made me¡­ and now they won''t even stay with me," she sobbed, hugging her knees.


    "How pitiful..." Chu Liang remarked, feeling amused and sympathetic at the same time.


    Li Shiyi rarely descended the mountain, and when she did, it was never a pleasant experience.


    Chu Liang offered, "If you''re scared, you can join us. No one would dare target you then. But just so you know, we''re also short on soul crystals, so we don''t have any extras to share."


    "Can I? Oh, thank you so much!" She broke into a smile through her tears. "I don''t need any soul crystals; I just want to stay with you all!"


    Since she was just a lone, fragile girl without any extra soul crystals, the group decided to take her in.


    Although it was nighttime and they normally wouldn''t venture out, they were short on soul crystals and couldn''t afford to be picky. They searched along the coast but couldn''t find any of the remaining members from the alliance led by the imperial family. It seemed, as Ye Yongxing had said, that someone else had beaten them to it.


    Before long, it was the next day, with the arrival of dawn.


    Suddenly, the voice of Immortal Jiuyi echoed throughout the illusory realm.


    "Fellow disciples of the immortal sects, today is the final day of the Competition of a Hundred Sects. Currently, there are... eleven teams left in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 576: The Final Effort

    "The remaining eleven immortal sects consist of the ones in your alliance¡ªthe Mount Shu Sect, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the Valley of the Three Absolutes, the Great Astral Sect, and the South Melody Conservatory..." Ye Yongxing continued, "and the ones in my alliance¡ªthe Celestial Pivot Pavilion, the Celestial King Sect, the Sea King Sect. Then there''s the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, the Peni Supreme Sect, and the Endless Sword Sect."


    Chu Liang nodded. That was pretty much what he knew as well.


    Now that the Competition of a Hundred Sects had reached this point, the strength of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten was clear. All of the remaining teams were part of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten, with eight of the eleven teams representing sects in the Divine Nine.


    Some teams'' survival was certainly due to alliances, but the alliances between the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten formed onlyter on. Shortly after entering the illusory realm, many smaller sects had formed alliances, yet none of those hadsted until now.


    Overall, this year''spetition had a high level of strength and intense rivalry.


    Many dark horses that emerged when the illusory realm opened had been eliminated, including Yang Shenlong, who was once regarded as the strongest of the younger generation. By the seventh day, the end of thepetition was drawing near.


    "One more team to eliminate, and this Competition of a Hundred Sects will be over," Chu Liang said.


    He hade to find Ye Yongxing precisely for this reason.


    "Brother Chu, are you suggesting¡­" Ye Yongxing looked at him."The remaining scattered sects should already have enough soul crystals and have started hiding to wait out the seventh day," Chu Liang exined. "However, the two alliances we''ve formed don''t have enough crystals to guarantee that all the sects in both alliances can advance to the next round. If things continue like this, we''ll have to eliminate one of the sects in either alliance, and that would be a very difficult decision."


    Chu Liang was discussing a very realistic problem. Although all the teams in the alliances worked well together, there would eventually be an issue of distribution. How could they decide who to take more and who to take less if there just was not enough soul crystals? Even if someone volunteered to give up their share, they wouldn''t be happy about it.


    The scheming wouldn''t just ur within the alliances themselves. The two alliances led by the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and the Mount Shu Sect would also be plotting against each other, trying to get the other alliance to eliminate a sect in their own alliance.


    The original purpose of forming alliances was topete against external forces, but with limited resources, they could quickly fall into a vicious cycle of internalpetition.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion was all too familiar with this kind of infighting. It was due to such internal conflict that the once-powerful Heavenly Star Divine Cult fell apart and split up into different factions.


    "If we don''t want things to end up like that, the best solution is for us to work together to eliminate another faction," Chu Liang continued. "That''s why I came to you, Brother Ye."


    "Alright." Ye Yongxing nodded in agreement. "Then let''s join forces and search again."


    Those who had collected enough soul crystals were undoubtedly hiding by now. The ones that weren''t hiding would be the brothers of the Endless Sword Sect, who had scattered to different ces and were difficult to handle.


    Eliminating a team at this point would be much harder than before.


    However, if the alliance led by Chu Liang and the alliance led by Ye Yongxing were to work together, theirbined strength would be overwhelmingly powerful. At this stage, thepetition had essentially turned into a game of hide-and-seek, and they were the seekers.


    After Chu Liang and Ye Yongxing reached an agreement, both teams immediately split up. Since everyone else was hiding as best they could, even Ye Yongxing''s divination couldn''t pinpoint exact locations¡ªonly a few general directions. As a result, the teams divided to explore each of those directions.


    They scoured the mountains and searched the seas.


    For the alliance led by Chu Liang, they were fortunate that all the teams were friends willing to risk getting eliminated so that they could all seed. If they were more selfish, they could simply just kill the one paralyzed person in the alliance, instead of going out to fight more people. With Chu Liang gone, there would be more than enough soul crystals for all the remaining teams in the alliance.


    ¡­


    While the others scattered to search throughout the illusory realm, Monk Pushan stayed back on the mountaintop with Chu Liang, pushing his small cart and keeping watch. No one feltfortable leaving Chu Liang alone, and they didn''t feel safe with Pushan going along with them. So, they decided to have the two of them stay behind to keep watch.


    "It''s definitely worrisome," Monk Pushan mused. "Ye Yongxing''s divination is strong, but the teams that remain aren''t pushovers either. The Peni Supreme Sect and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals are skilled in stealth, and the Endless Sword Sect... well, they''re monsters. Even if we find them, there''s no guarantee we''ll win. In the end, it''lle down to luck.


    "If we can''t make it in the end, I will just give up on taking my portion of the soul crystals. After all, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery made it into the top ten thest two rounds. If our abbot hears me saying this, he''ll definitely scold me, saying, ''Does that make any sense? Does that make any sense? Does that make any sense¡­''"


    Chu Liang took a deep breath and said, "I hope it will end well."


    Monk Pushan was about to respond when they noticed a cloud of qi descending from the distant sky. As the cloudnded and dispersed, it revealed members of the Sea King Sect.


    The person leading them was Wenren Yan.


    Even though Chu Liang didn''t know him, he knew Wenren Yan''s elder brother.


    Wenren Yan was the youngest among his family of four brothers, but he was the most capable one, with both cultivation and intelligence far surpassing his siblings.


    "Brother Wenren, what brings you back?" Chu Liang greeted him.


    "We searched in the direction Brother Ye suggested, but we found nothing, so we returned to protect you, Brother Chu," Wenren Yan replied with a smile.


    "Protect?" Chu Liang repeated, eyeing him with a hint of amusement.


    Wenren Yan''s expression changed, and he said with a sigh, "Brother Chu, I''ll be honest with you. Our alliance doesn''t have enough soul crystals for all teams, and in terms of distribution, our Sea King Sect is unlikely to stand up against the other two sects in the Divine Nine. We''re at the greatest risk of elimination¡­ so I want to take a chance."


    "Understandable," Chu Liang replied.


    "If we could find enemies, of course, we would prefer fighting them," Wenren Yan continued. "But this illusory realm, while not vast, isn''t small either. When three or four people arepletely hidden, how are we supposed to find them? We searched for over half a day and found nothing."


    "So, Brother Wenren, are you here to deal with me? To wrap things up a bit early?" Chu Liang asked.


    "If Brother Ye and Feng Chaoyang return, they definitely won''t let me kill you," Wenren Yan said as he gritted his teeth. "But at this point, I can''t worry about friendship. In the worst case, I''ll just apologize to you afterward."


    "No need for formalities, Brother Wenren. The Assembly of Immortal Sects is just a test of our abilities," Chu Liang said with a slight chuckle. "Whether we win or lose, it won''t affect our friendship outside."


    Monk Pushan stepped forward, positioning himself between them.


    "Pushan, you are the only surviving member of the Buddhist Cloud Monastery team. Are you really going to risk your life to protect him?" Wenren Yan warned with a frown. "If you just step aside, this will all be over."


    "Amitabha..." Monk Pushan pressed his hands together and replied, "Benefactor Wenren, as the saying goes¡ª"


    "Alright, alright, stop talking."


    Having dealt with Monk Pushan before, Wenren Yan was aware of how he would start rambling once he opened his mouth. If he kept going, others might return before they could kill Chu Liang.


    Wenren Yan quickly waved his hand andmanded, "Attack!"


    From his point of view, Chu Liang was essentially useless. Pushan was all alone, while he had his full team at his disposal. With only Pushan fighting, there was no way he could win against him and his three teammates, no matter how hard he tried.


    The four members of the Sea King Sect closed in on Chu Liang and Pushan, unleashing their techniques with powerful motions that created a thunderous roar simr to crashing waves.


    Pushan, who was all alone, looked like a small boat caught in the chaos of a turbulent sea.


    Suddenly, a soft, crisp sound pierced through the deafening roar.


    <em>Snap.</em><blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 577: Truly Wonderful

    There were many kinds of Heavenly Star Unusual Arts. The kind that the Sea King Sect cultivated focused on the immeasurable expanse of the ocean and its unending torrential waves. Once theyunched their offensive, they would release an unrelenting wave of attacks.


    The four members of the Sea King Sect team activated their qi cirction together, generating vast and mighty waves of qi that were about to engulf Monk Pushan and Chu Liang.


    Then a crisp crack rang out, and the raging torrent of foundational qi suddenly dissipated.


    Meanwhile, the radiance of seven-colored light enveloped Monk Pushan. He was using an immortal art¡ªthe Transcendent Dharma Mirror.


    When Monk Pushan met Luo Yao and Chu Liang for the first time, Monk Pushan had the appearance of a mysterious powerful cultivator going undercover in a diabolical sect. Luo Yao fought him and discovered that her shamanic spell Forbidden Ground had no effect on his Transcendent Dharma Mirror.


    Since then, the undercover trio had used thisbination to their advantage, as Pushan was the only one who could still use his divine abilities when Forbidden Ground was active.


    At this moment, it was indeed Forbidden Ground that restricted the Sea King Sect team.


    There was a crushed jade talisman in Chu Liang''s hand.


    Wenren Yan quickly realized that Chu Liang had activated a jade talisman containing Forbidden Ground, working in tandem with Monk Pushan''s Transcendent Dharma Mirror. This was clearly a tactic they had prepared well in advance.Nevertheless, that didn''t stop Wenren Yan.


    He circted his foundational qi even more fiercely and shouted, "Circte your qi at full power! I''ll hold him off. You three kill Chu Liang!"


    Even though Forbidden Ground was powerful, there were still limits to its effects. The more people it restricted and the stronger their cultivation, the shorter its duration would be.


    Thus, despite his restricted abilities, Wenren Yan didn''t retreat and instead advanced. He turned over his hand, pulled out arge banner from his storage tool, and charged toward Monk Pushan with it.


    The banner unfurled and pped about, producing loud gusts of wind. Wenren Yan was unexpectedly strong, and his attack was extremely fierce.


    Monk Pushan maintained his Transcendent Dharma Mirror form and made a hand seal,pleting it with a flip of his hands. A three-zhang-tall apparition made of golden light rose behind him and struck down with a palm strike.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    Wenren Yan blocked the strike with his banner, but he sank halfway into the ground, clearly taking significant damage.


    The other members of his team charged toward Chu Liang, but they were also repelled by Monk Pushan''s golden apparition.


    Nevetheless, the Sea King Sect team were circting their qi at full power, and the Forbidden Ground was already on the verge of breaking. It seemed that the power stored in one talisman could only hold them off for a short time. Once they regained all of their cultivation power, Monk Pushan would no longer be able to hold them off alone.


    Just as they were about to recover the use of their divine abilities, another crisp sound rang out.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Chu Liang had pulled out another jade talisman and crushed it.


    The Forbidden Ground descended once more.


    <em>Again??</em>


    Wenren Yan leaped up and yelled, "Charge!"


    At hismand, his team members unleashed raging mes of qi, burning their qi and blood to gain immense physical power!


    This wasn''t quite the same as the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique. They were using a self-sacrificial technique that inflicted severe damage to the cultivator while immensely boosting their physical strength. Nheless, they didn''t care much about that at this critical moment.


    They just needed to break past Monk Pushan to Chu Liang, who was no threat to them.


    <em>Crack, crack, crack¡­</em>


    Right then, they saw Chu Liang pull out a whole bunch of jade talismans. He crushed them nonstop like he was addicted to crushing them.


    Those jade talismans, which contained the spell Forbidden Ground, were a crucial part of his reserve of battle supplies.


    <em>Fuck.</em>


    Wenren Yan was enraged.


    <em>How many did you prepare? </em>


    <em>Did you not have to pay money for those things?</em>


    Seeing that the effects of Forbidden Ground were not going to end anytime soon, the other three members of the Sea King Sect team went all out and made a desperate charge toward Chu Liang. However, Monk Pushan''s golden apparition blocked their attacksing from the left and right, fending them off with rtive ease.


    Meanwhile, Wenren Yan stepped back, jumping out of the Forbidden Ground''s range.


    He let out a long shout, "<em>Haaaaah!</em>"


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    In an instant, the surrounding spiritual qi rushed madly into him, causing him to swell like an inted balloon until he became a giant over three zhang tall.


    After using a divine skill to enhance his physique, he charged back into the Forbidden Ground and threw a punch at Pushan''s golden apparition.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The two giants collided thunderously.


    Monk Pushan''s golden apparition unleashed another palm strike, but Wenren Yan didn''t dodge it. Instead, he met it head-on with his chest!


    It was all just to buy time.


    He finally managed to stall Monk Pushan for a moment¡ªjust enough for his team members to burn their qi and blood to charge over to Chu Liang!


    As they looked at Chu Liang seated in his small cart, their eyes went red with determination.


    Since the founding of the Sea King Sect, there had been very few opportunities for them to make it into the top ten of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Now, a historic moment was right before them. In fact, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for every disciple participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    The three members of the Sea King Sect let out intense battle cries, determined to kill Chu Liang.


    Right then, Chu Liang, who had seemed too weak to protect himself, suddenly¡­ stood up.


    He''d been in a state where he couldn''t even lift his arm. It was very surprising that he''d even managed to crush the talismans earlier, but now he could stand up as well¡­?


    Of course, that didn''t make much of a difference.


    However, Chu Liang then turned his hand over and took out a golden brick from his storage tool. He smashed the golden brick down on the Sea King Sect disciple nearest to him.


    <em>Wham.</em>


    Although the Sea King Sect disciples had burned their qi and blood to enhance their corporeal bodies, they were still no match for Chu Liang physically.


    He moved slightly and brought the brick smashing down again on another Sea King Sect disciple.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    While the third Sea King Sect disciple was stunned, Chu Liang mmed the brick onto him too.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    In the blink of an eye, the three Sea King Sect disciples, who had finally managed to break past Monk Pushan to Chu Liang after such great difficulty, were defeated with three hits of a brick.


    Meanwhile, Wenren Yan had been holding off Monk Pushan with all his might despite his injuries, but he had reached his limit too. Monk Pushan''s golden apparition struck Wenren Yan with another palm strike, sending him flying dozens of zhang away.


    After spitting out arge mouthful of blood, Wenren Yan got back onto his feet and looked at Chu Liang in shock. "You¡­ you''ve recovered?"


    "Not quite. Only my corporeal body has recovered." Chu Liang shrugged. "I still can''t use my Sea of Qi."


    He spoke the truth.


    Chu Liang had been inflicted with severe damage from overloading his Sea of Qi for fifteen minutes. It left his Sea of Qi pretty much useless and his muscles and bones battered and shattered. However, his corporeal body was as strong as a True Dragon''s, so it was incredibly powerful.


    Having a powerful physique meant that in addition to possessing physical attributes like great strength and speed, he had one very important thing¡ªa great healing ability.


    It was difficult for his Sea of Qi and meridians to heal, but three days had been enough for him to recover from his physical injuries. So, although Chu Liang couldn''t use any divine abilities, he had recovered all of his physical strength, and that was all he needed to take out ordinary disciples of immortal sects.


    Moreover, in the domain of Forbidden Ground, these Sea King Sect disciples couldn''t use their divine abilities either, so that basically made it Chu Liang''s domain.


    "You¡­" Wenren Yan uttered as he shrank to his original size. There was blood seeping through thepel of his robe, and his face was as pale as paper. "Have you been faking this helpless act the whole time these past few days?"


    "It''s just a bit of deception. If I didn''t show that I was weak, how could I lure anyone into taking the bait?" Chu Liang replied with a small smile.


    However, in Wenren Yan''s eyes, that smile looked utterly evil.


    He seemed to see a dark figure with vertical horns on its head rising behind Chu Liang.


    It let out an eerie and menacingugh. "<em>Kekekekekekeke!</em>"


    ¡­


    With Wenren Yan''s death, the Competition of a Hundred Sects finally came to an end. The hundreds of young cultivators at the event venue on the Emperor''s Mound opened their eyes.


    The venue quickly erupted with noise. There were expressions of joy, anger, excitement, and amazement¡­


    When the cultivators died in the illusory realm, their souls had not been able to return to their corporeal bodies right away. Instead, they fell into a dream-like state, watching everything that happened within the illusory realm as a spectator. They continued like that until Immortal Jiuyi opened the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, allowing all of their souls to return to their corporeal bodies.


    The moment Chu Liang opened his eyes, he was met with his fellow disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, whom he hadn''t seen for quite a few days.


    "You actually got us to advance!" Ling Ao eximed excitedly.


    He pulled Chu Liang into a hug and gave him a couple of hearty punches.


    Then came Xu Ziyang, who also wore an excited expression for once. He fiercely wrapped his arms around Chu Liang and Ling Ao, sandwiching Chu Liang in the middle.


    The other Mount Shu Sect disciples who had arrived early on to watch over him all rushed in. Lin Bei, Shang Ziliang, and Lackey A¡ªall of Chu Liang''s friends jumped on him, burying him under the pile.


    "<em>Woohoo!!!</em>"


    They all cheered loudly, with bursts of "<em>Heheheh!</em>" in the mix.


    It was like the scene of a group of people making a grand return to their ancestralnds.


    When Yang Shenlong eliminated Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao, he had seemed so overwhelmingly powerful that the members of the Mount Shu Sect fell into despair and thought that there was no hope left for their sect.


    Yet, Chu Liang unexpectedly pulled through once more against all odds! He overcame so many challenges and brought Mount Shu back from the brink. It was nothing short of a miracle.


    The outpour of emotions went on for quite a while before Chu Liang''s friends finally released him. And when Chu Liang could see what was in front of him again, he found Jiang Yuebai standing there.


    Her eyes were filled with joy as a smile lit up her face.


    "<em>Hehe,</em>" Chu Liang chuckled.


    He walked over with a grin, intending to say something.


    However, he was thrown off by Jiang Yuebai''s fragrance as she stepped forward and hugged him gently. His mind went nk, and he couldn''t remember what he had wanted to say.


    "Thank you." Jiang Yuebai''s voice carried the tremor of a sob, showing she wasn''t as calm as she appeared. "This is truly wonderful."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 578: We Cant Keep Everyone Waiting, Right?

    While the disciples from the Mount Shu Sect celebrated joyfully, the members of the many other sects were shrouded in gloom.


    Du Wuhen, Wei Tiandi, and Deng Yixiao returned to the Thunderbolt Stronghold camp, feeling quite guilty as they looked at the stern-faced Huang Hanshan.


    Despite being the representative team of the Thunder Stronghold''s most promising generation of disciples, they had gotten eliminated in the second round. They had failed their mission of taking the Thunderbolt Stronghold into the ranks of the Divine Nine. The four of them felt an indescribable sense of guilt.


    Yet, despite his usual stern demeanor, Huang Hanshan surprisingly did not utter a word in reproach of their failure.


    Instead, he just said softly, "You worked hard."


    Du Wuhen wanted to say something. "Esteemed Teacher¡ª"


    Huang Hanshan shook his head and interrupted Du Wuhen. "Victory and defeat aremon in life, and you will face them again. I hope you''ll learn from this failure and know how to handle defeat in the future."


    The three disciples'' gazes gradually became firm with determination, and they nodded seriously. "Yes, Esteemed Teacher! We understand!"


    After the three young men left, Huang Hanshan turned to his daughter, Huang Ling''er, with a fawning smile. "Ling''er¡­""I leave home all the time, and I''ll definitely do it again," Huang Ling''er stated with a displeased expression. "Next time, I hope you won''t make such a big deal out of such a small matter. Everyone knows about it. It''s really embarrassing."


    "All right, all right. I understand." Huang Hanshan chuckled. "Let''s just stay at home and be happy. You won''t run off anymore, right?"


    "That''ll depend on what you do," Huang Ling''er replied with a scoff. Then she turned and added, "After the Assembly of Immortal Sects, I''ll enter closed-door cultivation for a while. I probably won''t be going anywhere for some time."


    She nced at the Peni Supreme Sect''s camp.


    The youngdy had always prided herself on her outstanding talent, believing she could still be a pretty powerful cultivator without putting much effort into cultivation. However, once she stepped onto the stage of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, she realized her pride was entirely unfounded.


    She didn''t say it aloud, but deep down, Huang Ling''er had a great desire to excel, especially since she was Huang Hanshan''s daughter. This defeat hit her even harder than it did the three core disciples.


    The Taotie City camp, on the other hand, had a much more stifling atmosphere. It was perhaps because one sect leader had a daughter, and the other had a son.


    Huyan Bin stood before his father, Huyan Dong, with his head bowed, remaining silent for a long time.


    Huyan Dong wore a somber expression and did not say a word.


    After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Do you know where you fell shortpared to Chu Liang?"


    Huyan Bin''s mind raced. He thought about it, but he didn''t know what to say.


    <em>There are too many things¡­</em>


    Huyan Dong continued, "You have ess to the best resources, but in the end, the most important thing for a cultivator is their cultivation power. I can give you the resources he has, but the strength he possesses can''t be acquired out of thin air."


    "I''ll definitely cultivate more intensely when I return home," Huyan Bin replied.


    The Thunderbolt Stronghold and Taotie City bore no personal grudge against the Mount Shu Sect. They only opposed the Mount Shu Sect because they wanted to seize a spot in the Divine Nine.


    The Fuyao Kingdom''s team, however, harbored a longstanding grudge against the Mount Shu Sect, making their loss even harder to bear.


    Hu Sang and the other members of the team knelt before Han Lingshuang and said gravely, "Esteemed Teacher! We have failed you!"


    "Get up! Quickly!" Han Lingshuang hurriedly helped her disciples up. "You did your best. This is not your fault."


    "Damn it. In the end, we still lost to those wicked people from the Mount Shu Sect," Hu Sang raged through gritted teeth.


    His desire for revenge and his helplessness to achieve it were written all over his face.


    "Perhaps this is our fate."


    Han Lingshuang thought of all the effort she had put in over the years and felt just as defeated as her students.


    She looked behind her, ncing in Di Nufeng''s direction again.


    The notorious she-devil was walking toward her disciples and passed by Han Lingshuang.


    Right then, Di Nufeng looked her way, and their eyes met.


    "Hey!" Di Nufeng locked eyes with Han Lingshuang, stepping toward her with an icy expression. "Woman, I noticed you snuck quite a few nces at me. Are you¡­"


    Seeing that familiar face, Han Lingshuang''s heart jumped to her throat as a long-forgotten fear washed over her. <em>If this old rival realizes I''ve harbored a grudge against her all these years, will she want to get rid of me?</em>


    Di Nufengughed and said, "Are you secretly in love with me or something? We could get to know each other. You look about my age. Maybe we''ve met before. What''s your name? Where do you live?"


    ¡­


    Yang Shenlong was lost in thought as he gazed in the direction of the Mount Shu Sect disciples.


    After quite a long while, he turned back to find Xi Miaoxian and Yang Yuhu waiting for him. However, Qi Lin''er had disappeared.


    Xi Miaoxianmented, "He''s not as strong as you. He probably used some special method in that fight¡­"


    Yang Shenlong shook his head, not wanting to talk about that. "I owe you both."


    Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian looked a bit abashed.


    When Chu Liang fought Yang Shenlong, Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian had been so intimidated by Chu Liang''s astoundingly courageous and bold disy that they hadn''t dared to make a move. Later, they realized something was off and heard from other teams that Chu Liang had nearly lost all mobility after his battle with Yang Shenlong.


    If they had taken action instead of leaving, they might have been able to take Chu Liang down right there and then. Yet, who would have dared take the risk at that moment?


    So, Yang Yuhu and Xi Miaoxian let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Yang Shenlong acknowledge their efforts, instead of reproaching them.


    Xi Miaoxian, in particr, felt very relieved. Hailing from Yingzhou, one of the three Peni Inds, she wasn''t on the same progression pathway as the other two, who were from Peni, the main ind. The Peni Supreme Sect was full of talented disciples, and Yingzhou didn''t always get the chance to send representatives to the Assembly of Immortal Sects. That meant that if Xi Miaoxian performed poorly in this assembly, it could very well prevent Yingzhou''s disciples from getting selected to represent the sect in the future.


    "Young Master!"


    Yang Shenlong''s ves of the Five Sacred Mountains[1] crowded around him.


    The ve of Mount Hua, who looked like an elderly man, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It seemed like that Mount Shu Sect disciple used some powerful pill that exhausts the cultivator''s cultivation power, qi, and blood in excess. A pill like that should be counted as a vition of the rules, yet Immortal Jiuyi said nothing. It''s possible he has ties to the Mount Shu Sect¡­


    "However, using such a pill would sever a cultivator''s meridians. That Mount Shu Sect disciple dared to use it in the illusory realm, but he won''t dare use it in the real world. So, there''s no need to worry about him in the Battle at the Imperial City."


    "A loss is a loss," Yang Shenlong said nonchntly.


    He turned and left with his team members and the ves of the Five Sacred Mountains trailing behind him. Yang Shenlong maintained a calm and collected expression, giving no indication of what he was thinking.


    The ve of Mount Hua was right. Chu Liang certainly wouldn''t use the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale outside the illusory realm. Regardless of whether it was worth consuming a pill that would destroy his meridians just for this Assembly of Immortal Sects, Chu Liang didn''t have one now anyway.


    The golden imprints he had obtained within the illusory realm and the rewards they brought only existed within that realm.


    After Chu Liang returned to the real world, all the consumables he''d used in the illusory realm remained except for the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale.


    He had spent a lot to acquire these supplies, but as long as the Mount Shu Sect made it to the top ten in the assembly this time, he would win enough from the bet to cover all of his expenses and gain some profit too.


    Furthermore, he could put the supplies up for sale on Red Cotton Peak after the assembly. This was the advantage of having a shop of his own. If he had bought the supplies from unscrupulous shops and tried to sell the items back to them after the assembly, they would certainly offer to buy the items back at significantly lower prices than what they had sold for.


    Chu Liang had bet half of his avable funds on the Mount Shu Sect''s advancement to the third round of the assembly. The odds of that happening had been considered as a minor upset, and that upset had indeed urred. That meant Chu Liang had just won a huge sum of money.


    Now, besides major forces like Taotie City and the Divine Nine sects, few could rival his wealth. On the individual level, it would be hard to find anyone wealthier than him apart from the emperor of the Yu Dynasty and Huyan Dong.


    Of course, in the world of immortality cultivators, wealth was not the most important thing; cultivation power was always of paramount importance. If Chu Liang didn''t have the Mount Shu Sect supporting him, his wealth could easily belong to someone else the next day.


    Chu Liang had achieved an overwhelming victory in the battle against the Peni Supreme Sect in the illusory realm, but back in the real world, Yang Shenlong remained an unbeatable foe. How Chu Liang would handle him in the uing Battle at the Imperial City¡ªwell, that was indeed a great conundrum.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang didn''t want to think about any of that for now.


    In Jiang Yuebai''s embrace, Chu Liang tossed all those worries to the back of his mind. After so many days of battle, he deserved to rx and indulge a little.


    Just as he was about to open his arms and return the hug, someone coughed loudly beside him.


    "<em>Ahem!</em>"


    Wang Xuanling''s aged face appeared in Chu Liang''s line of sight. "I didn''t want to interrupt, but they''re calling all the teams advancing to the Battle at the Imperial City to head over there¡­


    "We can''t keep everyone waiting, right?"


    1. We had this as Wuyue Mountain ves previously. Realised btedly that it''s referring to the five mountains Daoists hold sacred. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 579: The Corridor City

    <em>So what if they wait a little longer? Even if they say time is money, it''s not like I can''t pay them¡­</em>


    As Chu Liang followed his team up to the high tform, he felt a twinge of resentment. The other nine immortal sects that had advanced to the next round, the Battle at the Imperial City, were already gathered there. The emperor of the Yu Dynasty, members of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, and leaders from the sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten were all seated.


    Young disciples from the immortal sects stood on the tform, facing a crowd of hundreds of thousands who erupted in waves of celebration, their cheers reaching toward the heavens.


    The sects advancing to the next round included the Peni Supreme Sect, the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, the Endless Sword Sect, the Great Astral Sect, the Mount Shu Sect, the Celestial King Sect, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, the Buddhist Cloud Monastery, the South Melody Conservatory, and the Valley of the Three Absolutes.


    This year, all ten of the top sects were from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, with the Divine Nine sects iming eight of the spots.


    This rarely happened. It could be said that, in this era of flourishing techniques, these long-standing sects with strong foundations disyed explosive power.


    Among them, the South Melody Conservatory and the Valley of the Three Absolutes from the Terrestrial Ten rarely made it to the top ten. The Valley of the Three Absolutes were stronger, but the South Melody Conservatory seldom reached the Battle at the Imperial City, asbat strength was not their strong suit.


    They were able to advance to this round all because of one person.


    "Chu Liaaaaang!!!"The loudest cheers were reserved for a disciple from the Mount Shu Sect, who had shone brightly in this year''s Competition of a Hundred Sects. His heroic act of saving his sect from danger had earned the admiration of nearly every spectator.


    The South Melody Conservatory had a greater number of supporters, but all of them had to thank Chu Liang for the fact that the South Melody Conservatory made it to the next round. So, the fans were more than happy to cheer for him too.


    The rest of the spectators cared little for the finer details, as they were there for the exciting events. All they knew was that before thepetition, everyone believed Yang Shenlong was leagues ahead of his peers in strength. Yet, Chu Liang had managed to defeat him.


    The audience was now convinced that the Mount Shu Sect would take home the championship in this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    At the center of it all, Chu Liang stood, basking in boundless glory.


    From the elevated tform, officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau announced the rules for the Battle at the Imperial City. While the disciples of the immortal sects were well aware of the rules, the announcement was made for the new spectators.


    Nestled within the imperial city was the Corridor City, constructed specifically for the Assembly of Immortal Sects. With its vast and imposing walls reaching three zhang high, it enclosed an entire world. Though it seemed like a mere corner of the imperial city, once inside, one would find it nearly as expansive as the entire imperial city.


    There were forty entrances in the Corridor City, and each disciple would be randomly assigned to one. Each pair of doors led to the same corridor, leaving them uncertain about who they will meet upon entry.


    The two disciples who entered the same corridor would have to fight until only one was left standing. Only then would the door at the end of the corridor open, permitting the winner to advance to the next corridor.


    This series of fights would continue until only two remained, who would then fight for the ultimate victory.


    In the Corridor City, time was the most crucial element. Fighting until the end could require participants to go through four or five grueling battles with no breaks in between.


    One had to end the fight before the next opponent stepped in, enabling them to use the waiting time to regain strength and heal any wounds. Those who were even a bit slower would find themselves going up against a well-rested opponent.


    The rounds were held in session, going from forty to twenty, then twenty to ten, and finally ten to five, with no breaks allowed.


    After the round from ten to five, the first victor was offered the opportunity to advance to the next round without a fight, while the other four had topete to determine the final two.


    In the round from four to two, the fastest victor was granted the opportunity to advance to the next round, while the slower victor had to face the first victor from the previous round of ten to five.


    This meant that if a participant did not win fast enough, they would need to go through an additional fight to reach the end.


    For these top-tier talents, an extra fight would demand an immense amount of energy.


    Overall, while the format of the Battle at the Imperial City seemed like a typical one-on-one tournament, the tight schedule made thepetition even more intense and unpredictable. But one thing remained unchanged: the strong would always prevail.


    Following a round of celebrations, the teams scattered, with the Battle at the Imperial City set tomence in seven days.


    They had remained in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams for seven days. Even though they were in an illusory realm, they still felt a significant mental strain. All the disciples from the various sects needed to rest and rejuvenate.


    There was no need for the members from the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to leave the Emperor''s Mound, as their amodations were already set up there.


    The Mount Shu Sect team had just returned to their quarters when a guest arrived.


    Upon seeing the guest, Wang Xuanling bowed in greeting, saying, "Sect Leader Jiuyi."


    Standing outside in a wide, flowing white robe with an air of grandeur was none other than Immortal Jiuyi, the sect leader of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    It was unexpected that he would visit the pce where the Mount Shu Sect team resided.


    "I wish to meet Chu Liang from your sect," Immortal Jiuyi said. "Would that be convenient?"


    Wang Xuanling was astonished. "You want to see him? May I ask why?"


    "He was of great help to me, and I''d like to thank him personally," Immortal Jiuyi replied with a smile.


    Wang Xuanling was even more astonished. "Huh?"


    Since no one outside had seen the events rted to Immortal Yuan Lu in the illusory realm, they werepletely unaware of what had happened.


    At first, Wang Xuanling thought that Immortal Jiuyi had helped Chu Liang in hiding his potential use of a rule-breaking medicine, but it became clear that Chu Liang had, in fact, helped Immortal Jiuyi.


    He felt shocked and quickly responded, "Of course, it''s convenient."


    He called for Chu Liang, guiding him to meet Immortal Jiuyi in the grand hall.


    Chu Liang was just as surprised to see Immortal Jiuyi in person, not expecting someone of such high status toe in person.


    "Greetings, Esteemed Senior Jiuyi," he said with a respectful bow.


    "No need for formalities. Please, have a seat," Immortal Jiuyi said, gesturing with a raised hand.


    Chu Liang then took the seat across from him.


    "I am truly grateful for your help in the illusory realm. We conducted a search for the diabolical cultivators who infiltrated, but it''s likely that we didn''t catch all of them. The ones we did capture were merely small fry. Immortal Yuan Lu is really somewhere far away, so dealing with him will take some time," Immortal Jiuyi said slowly. "You must be wary of their retaliation."


    "Esteemed Senior, I understand," Chu Liang replied. "Thank you for the warning."


    "If not for you, the situation would have been very difficult. Everyone at the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals owes you their gratitude," Immortal Jiuyi said. "However, it''s best not to disclose this matter publicly, though we will remember what you did for us."


    "Esteemed senior, you speak too highly of my actions," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Your sect provided ess to the Divine Mirror of the Trigrams, an excellent battleground for the Competition of a Hundred Sects, which benefits all immortal sects. The wicked members of the diabolical sect intended to seize this opportunity to create chaos. It was obviously our responsibility to help with all our might; otherwise, all righteous forces would also suffer."


    Hearing his words, Immortal Jiuyi smiled with satisfaction.


    <em>You are young, but you are good at seeing the big picture.</em>


    "Still, a token of gratitude is still needed," Immortal Jiuyi said. "Though I may not be able to assist you directly during the Battle at the Imperial City, I will do everything in my power to strengthen your skills. You only have seven days, but spending those seven days in the hidden realm of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams should give you significantly more time."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Liang''s eyes lit up.


    Some top immortal sects possessed hidden realms created through the integration of the Great Dao of Time, allowing them to alter the flow of time.


    It was simr to the painting they saw in Wu''an City, where a year outside equated to just a day within. Of course, that only slowed time, and reversing it would be far more difficult¡ªperhaps even impossible to that degree.


    ording to Immortal Jiuyi, within the hidden realm of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, time could flow up to ten times slower. This meant that seven days outside the hidden realm would equal seventy days inside.


    The Master of the Great Dao of Infinity within time, Daoist Cangsheng of the Peni Supreme Sect, definitely possessed such a hidden realm. He could surely alter the flow of time within his hidden realm to an even greater degree.


    It would have been impossible for Yang Shenlong to achieve his sixth realm of cultivation in a world where time flowed normally.


    It would only be possible if it was in a time-altered hidden realm.


    Of course, even if he were training in a hidden realm with the flow of time altered, the change would not be too drastic. This was because he would still be growing ording to the time spent within the hidden realm, not the time outside of it. If he exceeded the age limit, he would be disqualified from participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    This was one of thesting consequences of Mount Shu Sect losing its legendary artifact. Without its support, the current generation''s strength would inevitably fall short¡ªunless, like Di Nufeng''s generation, they possessed overwhelming talent. As for other immortal sects that still held legendary artifacts, they certainly wouldn''t use them to nurture potential rivals.


    This was why Immortal Jiuyi''s assistance became especially invaluable at this moment.


    Immediately, Chu Liang stood up and said, "Thank you, esteemed senior!"


    "Of course, there''s something else that might be a bit inappropriate to say now, but I will just bring it up since I am here," Immortal Jiuyi continued after settling the matter. "Your talent is remarkable, but I believe your intelligence and cleverness surpass even that. No matter which immortal sect you belong to, your future is boundless."


    "However, the Mount Shu Sect, as it stands today, may no longer hold an absolutepetitive edge and could limit your potential." He paused before continuing, "After the Assembly of Immortal Sects, would you consider joining the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals? I can promise¡­ to cultivate you as my future sessor."


    "Your favor is overwhelming, esteemed senior, and I am deeply humbled," Chu Liang replied with a quick smile. "But I owe everything I am today to the training from my esteemed teacher and sect; how could I ever abandon them? No matter the circumstances, I would never dare entertain such a thought."


    "That''s understandable. If you were a disciple of anyone else, I wouldn''t have asked, but since you are part of the Silver Sword Peak of the Mount Shu Sect, I thought I''d try." Immortal Jiuyi said with a nod, seemingly unsurprised by Chu Liang''s refusal.


    He then remarked casually, "After all, your esteemed teacher is none other than Di Nufeng."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 580: Top-Tier Connections

    Immortal Jiuyi''s intention to recruit Chu Liang was not particrly surprising, especially since after the Assembly of Immortal Sects, young disciples trained by the various immortal sects generally entered another phase in their lives.


    A small portion of them, favored by their sects, received more resources for intensive training and were entrusted with significant responsibilities. However, the majority, who were not as highly regarded, needed to seek out their own cultivation resources and venture into the world for experience.


    They had all essentially arrived at a phase that resembled graduation.


    It was not unusual for young cultivators to join another sect at this stage. However, at this point, it felt more like being hired by the sect to work as mercenaries, which was different from being one of the core disciples that the sect had nurtured since young.


    For instance, someone like Shang Shuwen of the Mount Shu Sect[1]would have attained the apex of his efforts upon rising to the rank of peak master.


    If they had not been nurtured in the sect from a young age, it was unlikely they would attain high positions such as sect leader or guardian elder.


    However, for a distinguished member like Chu Liang, nurtured thoroughly by his sect and destined for significant responsibilities, it was rare for him to switch allegiance.


    Thus, Immortal Jiuyi''s invitation to train him as a sessor challenged the norms both inside and outside the sect. It was quite a significant offer.


    If every disciple from previous generations had remained within the sect, the sect''s power would grow to be immensely powerful, but this would result in two very practical problems.The first problem was having many capable individuals with nowhere to apply their skills.


    This was not a time of warfare between gods and demons; there were only asional disturbances from evil spirits. With arge number of fifth and sixth-realm experts present in the sect, there simply wouldn''t be enough tasks to put them to use.


    The Sword Exchange Pavilion of the Mount Shu Sect offered so many missions, but most of these missions could be easily handled by individuals at the third or fourth realm.


    Since Chu Liang had reached the fifth realm, he no longer epted tasks from there.


    The second issue had to do with affordability.


    The resources needed for cultivation at the fifth and sixth realms were enormous. If these disciples stayed on the mountain, the sect would need to bear these costs, but in reality, no sect could fully support the cultivation needs of all its disciples.


    Therefore, it becamemon practice among immortal sects for disciples who reached this stage to venture out and forge their own paths.


    In times when the sect truly needed them, they could be summoned back with the Sword-Gathering Order.


    As independent individuals at that point, those disciples could return to offer their strength, repaying the sect for the training they had received in their earlier years.


    As a carefree individual, Immortal Jiuyi didn''t mind the refusal and smiled lightly before rising to leave. Before departing, he reminded Chu Liang to prepare with his fellow disciples by tomorrow, as he woulde back to guide them into the hidden realm.


    After he left, Chu Liang went to the back of the main hall to find his fellow disciples. There, he spotted Wang Xuanling conversing with Chu Liang''s team members.


    "While the Competition of a Hundred Sects is brutal, it ultimately assesses the overall strength of the team, whereas the Battle at the Imperial City assesses individual capabilities. In this regard, the Peni Supreme Sect is still the strongest.


    "With just seven days left, a rapid breakthrough in cultivation level is nearly impossible. Therefore, we will concentrate on refining each of yourbat experiences as thoroughly as we can. I''ll be here to guide you through these final days.


    "Honestly, by reaching this level, you''ve secured the Mount Shu Sect''s rank within the Divine Nine. For at least the next sixty years, our position there will no longer be at risk. As for seizing the championship, there''s no need to feel pressured, as long as¡ª"


    "Senior Uncle Wang," Chu Liang called out.


    "Hm?" Wang Xuanling nced over and said, "Since you''re here, you might as well listen. I was just about to exin the special training n I''ve prepared for everyone."


    "Senior Uncle Wang, before you go over the n with us, I have a small suggestion," Chu Liang said.


    "Go ahead," Wang Xuanling replied.


    If this had happened on his own Jade Sword Peak, a disciple interrupting his teacher like this would have surely faced a severe scolding.


    But this was Di Nufeng''s disciple, and it was Chu Liang¡­ No matter what, Wang Xuanling couldn''t lose his temper.


    Di Nufeng was known to be widely disliked, and he carried a personal grudge against her. Losing his temper with her disciple would undoubtedly be interpreted as personal bias. Furthermore, Chu Liang was well-liked, mature, and responsible; he was unlikely to act unreasonably.


    "Sect Leader Jiuyi just mentioned that he could lend us the hidden realm within the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams for cultivation," Chu Liang said. "Seven days outside would be equivalent to seventy days inside."


    "The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams?" Wang Xuanling asked, astonished and struggling to believe it. "The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals is also participating in the Battle at the Imperial City; how could they possibly open the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams for us at this time..."


    Chu Liang smiled slightly. "Perhaps Sect Leader Jiuyi is just kind."


    ¡­


    Chu Liang didn''t exin in detail what happened within the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams to his fellow disciples; he only briefly mentioned that there was trouble caused by the diabolical sect and that he helped handle it.


    After hearing his words, the others were left amazed by Chu Liang''s impressive capabilities.


    The fact that he could get Immortal Jiuyi to help and give them ess to a hidden realm was unbelievable. This was a different caliber of connections. Even if Venerable Wen Yuan had made the request, it might not have been granted.


    After all, the Mount Shu Sect and the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals werepetitors in every sense.


    If Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals weren''t participating in the Battle at the Imperial City, it would be different. But since they were, lending the hidden realm was like training a rival.


    In terms of legendary artifacts, the Mount Shu Sect had suffered a major disadvantage.


    Although their strength did improve rapidly during the two months of special training in Venerable Wen Yuan''s Primordial Chaos Hidden Realm, it was still iparable to hidden realms found within legendary artifacts, which had been meticulously crafted and refined over a millennium.


    The Competition of a Hundred Sects clearly showed that the disciples from various immortal sects, whom they were once familiar with, had made substantial progress. Byparison, the progress of the Mount Shu Sect''s disciples appeared rtively modest.


    At this moment, they had only seven days remaining. With the hidden realm provided by Immortal Jiuyi, they would be able to close the gap slightly.


    Wang Xuanling was somewhat excited as he said, "If we can cultivate for two months within the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, we can adjust our strategy to focus specifically on improving your cultivation levels. Your cultivation has already been solidified; with enough time and resources, I believe each of you could easily break through to the next level."


    "For the uing two-plus months of cultivation, I have a small idea," Chu Liang mentioned.


    While speaking with Immortal Jiuyi, he had already thought of ways to make the best use of this extra time.


    "Go on," Wang Xuanling said.


    "If we can achieve Perfect Qi Cirction during these two months and keep that pace in our cultivation, we might progress faster than we expect," Chu Liang suggested.


    "Two months of continuous Perfect Qi Cirction?" Wang Xuanling was stunned. "Is that possible?"


    Two months of continuous, sleepless cultivation would not be impossible for cultivators at the fifth realm. This wouldn''t be an issue, as cultivation essentially involved absorbing spiritual qi. They wouldn''t feel hunger or thirst; at most, they would need to prepare some pills and asionally take one to replenish their vitality if needed.


    But the issue was with Perfect Qi Cirction¡­


    It was outside of Wang Xuanling''s expertise.


    "Once Perfect Qi Cirction is initiated, it''s possible to maintain it without interruption," Jiang Yuebai nodded. "But initiating Perfect Qi Cirction isn''t easy¡ªit requires a unique opportunity."


    "It''s not that difficult," Chu Liang replied. "Three of us have activated Perfect Qi Cirction before and understand it well. With a bit of support to help us, entering that state again shouldn''t be too hard."


    "Support?" Jiang Yuebai looked at him. "You mean¡­?"


    "Exactly." Chu Liang said as he exchanged a knowing nce with her and smiled. "The first time I achieved Perfect Qi Cirction was with the help of Miss Xue from South Melody Conservatory. If we have musicians from South Melody assisting, entering that state shouldn''t be too difficult."


    "But the South Melody Conservatory is also participating in the Battle at the Imperial City," Wang Xuanling said with a deep frown. "Would they even be willing to help us with our cultivation?"


    "I can try asking," Chu Liang replied with a smile. "The musicians from South Melody Conservatory are good people too."


    1. A Confucian from the Noblemen''s Hall ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 581: Nothing but a Source of Noise

    <h4>Chapter 581: Nothing but a Source of Noise</h4>


    When Chu Liang arrived at the South Melody Conservatory, he found itpletely empty. Just as he was about to leave, a figure quietly emerged from the shadows¡ªit was Shen Qingyan.


    While her expression conveyed wariness, she rxed the moment she saw that it was Chu Liang.


    "Miss Shen, what¡¯s going on?" Chu Liang asked curiously. "Why are you the only one here?"


    "The South Melody Conservatory rarely has the chance to participate in the Battle at the Imperial City, so they all went out to feast and celebrate," Shen Qingyan replied.


    She invited Chu Liang to take a seat, and they spoke face-to-face.


    "Why didn¡¯t you join them?" Chu Liang inquired, then added, "From your expression earlier, it seemed like you were wary of something."


    "<i>Haaaaaaa</i>," Shen Qingyan sighed softly.


    After a brief pause, she replied, "I guess it doesn''t matter if I tell you. After all, you are the one who told me about my origin."


    As she exined, Chu Liang realized that she had been filled with doubts ever since she obtained the jade pendant engraved with the character "Shen" and learned of her origin. Eventually, she questioned her esteemed teacher.


    It was then that the Master of the South Melody Conservatory revealed the truth¡ªShen Qingyan was indeed a descendant of the Shen Family.


    The ancestor of the Shen Family was a high-ranking official during the previous dynasty. When the dynasty was on the verge of copse, they prepared a contingency n by collecting treasures from the state treasury into one hoard, with the intention of using them to restore the empire someday.


    Eventually, as the chancellor of the previous dynasty fled south with the young emperor, fully aware that they would be pursued, he entrusted the treasure to an ancestor of the Shen Family. Only he knew its whereabouts and the method to ess it.


    The Shen Family eventually settled in Shaonan Town, hiding their identities and passing down their legacy for centuries. As the years went by, the existence of the treasure became forgotten.


    Everything changed when certain events took ce, and someone reported the Shen Family¡¯s secret to the imperial court.


    The officials of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau did not go there to confiscate a precious bottle containing a wish-fulfilling spirit; they were there to investigate the ancient treasure. This ultimately led to the massacre of the Shen Family, with the master of the South Melody Conservatory taking away the surviving infant as she passed by.


    Had this matter not been associated with the previous dynasty, how else could a mysterious case from a small town have garnered the attention of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner?


    At that moment, the master of the South Melody Conservatory struck a deal with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, ensuring that nothing about the child''s past would be revealed, treating her as an innocent infant. Thus, the matter of the Shen Family was buried in the dust of history.


    Who would have thought that after only a little over ten years, the seal would be broken, bringing those old events to light once more?


    While Shen Qingyan knew nothing of the Shen Family¡¯s legacy or the treasure from the previous dynasty, once her identity was revealed, it would inevitably draw the attention of scheming individuals. Thus, the master of the South Melody Conservatory had always kept the truth from her for her own protection.


    Now, Shen Qingyan believed that there must be others, apart from the master of the South Melody Conservatory and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, who were aware of her background.


    "Last time, the person who appeared out of nowhere and took the jade pendant clearly had a cultivation level well above ours, yet he simply fled without making a counterattack. I believe that person hiding in the shadows has been keeping an eye on me the entire time," Shen Qingyan exined.


    Chu Liang agreed with her on this.


    The ck-d figure who suddenly appearedst time was clearly at the sixth realm of cultivation, perhaps even at the peak of the sixth realm. If he had fought back even slightly, it would have been impossible for Shen Qingyan to injure him. Yet, he chose to endure attacks and simply fled.


    It was indeed strange.


    If his goal was solely the jade pendant, it made little sense. Chu Liang and Shen Qingyan had met by chance that night; no one could have predicted he would give her the pendant then.


    It could only be called a coincidence.


    So, what was all of this for?


    It was quite perplexing.


    Now, considering Shen Qingyan''s origin, Chu Liang suddenly spected that someone might have long known her identity and was keeping watch to find clues rted to the treasure.


    But if they knew her well, they would also know she had no knowledge of her own origins.


    In any case, it was very strange.


    "For a long time, I¡¯d sensed something was amiss, like I was being observed whenever I went out." Shen Qingyan frowned. "Yet, I hadn¡¯t been able to find any evidence.


    "But when that person stole the jade pendant, that affirmed my suspicions."


    The feeling of being tracked and watched by a highly stealthy individual must have been unsettling.


    Fortunately, Shen Qingyan was not a weak woman without any background. She possessed a strong cultivation level and had the support of her sect and esteemed teacher. In addition to the cultivators at the South Melody Conservatory, many others throughout the world would be eager to assist if the South Melody Conservatory reached out for help.


    No one would dare to take action against her lightly.


    "I have an idea," Chu Liang said as he contemted. "So far, the only individuals aware of your origins are your esteemed teacher and the officials of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, neither of whom would have a reason to track you. If there¡¯s a third party involved, it could be the one who reported the Shen Family to the bureau. That thief must have known about the Shen Family and your origins. That person is likely still alive..."


    "Ah." A sudden realization shed in Shen Qingyan''s eyes as she quickly eximed, "Yes! If this person is still alive, they must know everything... But who could it be?"


    "The Imperial Supervisory Bureau should have documentation of this case. Miss Shen, you can look into itter," Chu Liang said.


    Given his connection with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to inquire, but since this was someone else¡¯s affair, it would be inappropriate for him to dig too deeply.


    The main reason for his visit was to seek help from the South Melody Conservatory.


    After listening to Chu Liang¡¯s analysis, Shen Qingyan asked, "Young Hero Chu, what brings you to us?"


    It was at that moment that Chu Liang shared why he hade.


    "I¡¯d like to request assistance for our cultivation."


    ...


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were somewhat surprised when Chu Liang came back with fourdies from the South Melody Conservatory.


    They assumed he would simply ask Xue Lingxue for another performance of "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves<i>,</i>" but instead, he returned with a whole ensemble. One might not even see such a lineup during a South Melody Conservatory tour.


    In reality, Chu Liang hadn¡¯t intended for it to be so extravagant; he simply wanted Miss Xue to perform a single piece.


    Upon hearing his request, Shen Qingyan quickly agreed, saying that she would join in as well, along with Miss Xue.


    When the otherdies returned from their celebrations and learned of Chu Liang¡¯s request, they all eagerly volunteered.


    Xue Lingxue and Yu Xiang¡¯er, old acquaintances of Chu Liang, were more than willing to join.


    While Tie Chui hadn¡¯t known him before, she had fought alongside him in the illusory realm. She struck her chest proudly and proimed, "Good sisters are loyal to one another! If Young Hero Chu needs help, I¡¯ll be the first to step forward!"


    They truly embodied the bold spirit of the martial world.


    Their act of loyalty had little to do with past friendships. Unless that rival had helped them advance, even the closest friends wouldn¡¯te to the aid of a rival with the Battle at the Imperial City happening soon.


    Looking back at theter stages of the Competition of a Hundred Sects, it was clear that if Shen Qingyan had not chosen to ask the question and join Chu Liang¡¯s alliance, the South Melody Conservatory would not have had the opportunity to advance to the round of the Battle at the Imperial City.


    Since that¡¯s the case, they naturally wouldn''t fuss over these things with the members of the Mount Shu Sect.


    With their guqin, drum, flute, and pipe, thedies immediately positioned themselves and started ying the uplifting "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves."


    With a sweep of hisrge sleeve, Wang Xuanling set up a restriction, ensuring that the sounds and sights within would remain contained, thereby preventing the other immortal sects from learning about it.


    Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, and Xu Ziyang sat cross-legged in the back courtyard, immersing themselves in their cultivation. Their Sea of Qi swelled more vigorously than before, and as their qi circted through their meridians, it reached a boiling point.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The ensemble''s performance of "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves" had a far greater effect than when Xue Lingxue yed alone. Shortly thereafter, the cirction of qi reached its peak, and smokes of five colors began to swirl out.


    Ling Ao sat at the entrance of the main hall, vigntly watching for anyone passing by. He had never attained Perfect Qi Cirction before, and as a physical cultivator, he would not benefit from it. Thus, he assumed the role of a guard to ensure no one intruded on their cultivation.


    As the saying went, people experience joy and sorrow in their own ways. To him, the lovely melody was nothing but a source of noise.

 Chapter 582: Nine Suns

    <h4>Chapter 582: Nine Suns</h4>


    The next day, when Immortal Jiuyi returned to the pce where the Mount Shu Sect team was staying, he was greeted by an astonishing sight.


    He saw three figures sitting calmly, with smoke from the Transformation of Five Qi into Essence Phenomenon filling the sky.


    Without Wang Xuanling''s restriction barrier, the smoke would have drifted across the capital of Yu, making it visible to everyone.


    For someone like Immortal Jiuyi, the urrence of Perfect Qi Cirction was certainly not unusual. His rise to the position of sect leader meant he was regarded as a prodigy among his peers, someone at the peak of cultivation.


    However, while it was impressive for one or two prodigies in a sect to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction, having three attain it at the same time was truly remarkable.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for the "street loafer" squatting in front of the entrance, Immortal Jiuyi might have suspected that the Mount Shu Sect had discovered some extraordinary method that even allowed dogs to achieve Perfect Qi Cirction. In that case, he would have gone straight to question Venerable Wen Yuan.


    In fact, after Jiang Yuebai''s lecture, they hade up with a few "tricks" to slightly lower the threshold for achieving Perfect Qi Cirction. However, it hadn''t reached such an absurdly low level yet.


    "Three disciples achieving Perfect Qi Cirction. This generation of the Mount Shu Sect is truly filled with talented figures," Immortal Jiuyi said with a smile, keeping his surprise in check so as not to appear as if he had never seen such a scene before.


    Wang Xuanling responded with a smile, "It¡¯s all thanks to the disciples'' diligence. Perhaps it¡¯s Heaven rewarding hard work."


    Upon hearing this, Immortal Jiuyi thought to himself, <i>Does this mean the disciples of Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals don¡¯t work hard?</i>


    After a moment of reflection, he reluctantly admitted that it might actually be true.


    The head disciple, the current generation''s eldest senior brother, was known for napping all day, which didn¡¯t do much to foster good habits within the current generation of disciples.


    Even Li Guanlong cultivated in his dreams, and his junior brothers all followed suit.


    Seeing the Mount Shu Sect disciples'' dedication, Immortal Jiuyi decided to give his sect''s disciples a stern scolding when he returned.


    Originally, when he offered to help the Mount Shu Sect team improve, it was merely to repay a small favor. It never even urred to him that the Mount Shu Sect team might be able to challenge the Peni Supreme Sect team after training in his hidden realm just for dozens of days.


    After all, the Peni Supreme Sect also had a hidden realm, with better training results and longer periods of practice than the Mount Shu Sect.


    Yet, witnessing this scene, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if these young disciples of the Mount Shu Sect might truly deliver some surprises.


    Immediately, he decided not to waste any more time.


    Immortal Jiuyi swept his broad sleeve, and a screen of light rose from the ground, resembling a vast, multicolored mirror. It slowly moved toward the figures of the disciples.


    <i>Whizz</i>¡ª


    As the light screen swept over the disciples, it moved and settled in the distance. To the naked eye, the young disciples had disappeared from their original spots, leaving only the standing light screen behind.


    Looking through the mirror-like surface of the screen, an identical area appeared on the other side, where the three disciples, who had activated the Perfect Qi Cirction, could be seen practicing the cirction of qi calmly and steadily.


    "I''ll leave this entrance here so that you can enter and exit as you please," said Immortal Jiuyi.


    "Thank you, Sect Leader Jiuyi! The Mount Shu Sect will never forget your help today," Wang Xuanling said, expressing his gratitude with sincerity.


    "I am merely repaying Chu Liang for helping me," Immortal Jiuyi said as he waved dismissively. He seemed so carefree as he said, "With such a promising youth, I believe the Mount Shu Sect will surely rise in theing decades."


    Having left the entrance to the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, he did not linger further and turned, drifting away gracefully.


    Only after this did Wang Xuanling turn and nce at Ling Ao, who had been watching the interactions between Wang Xuanling and Immortal Jiuyi.


    Ling Ao looked back at Wang Xuanling.


    They exchanged brief nces before Wang Xuanling frowned. "What are you standing around for? Go inside and start training as well!"


    Ling Ao gazed at the misty brilliance of the hidden realm and let out a soft sigh. <i>What horrible things have I done in my past life to end up being stuck hanging out with these prodigies? </i>


    ...


    The hidden realm inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams mirrored the outer courtyard of the pce, reflecting every detail as if it were an exact replica.


    However, as soon as they began practicing the cirction of qi, they realized that the concentration of spiritual qi in the hidden realm was far greater than in the outside world. This realm contained more spiritual qi than anywhere across the nine provinces. Even if Immortal Jiuyi hadn¡¯t slowed the flow of time here, they would still have achieved better results in their cultivation than if they had practiced in the real world.


    As soon as Chu Liang stepped inside, he sensed strange movementsing from within the White Pagoda.


    Although the Perfect Qi Cirction required more mental focus than usual, it did not leave thempletely unable to split their attention.


    Chu Liang split his divine sense, sending one thread into the White Pagoda to investigate.


    At this moment, the scenes inside and outside the White Pagoda were strangely in sync.


    Outside the White Pagoda, three youngsters were performing the Perfect Qi Cirction, surrounded by swirling colorful mist. Inside the White Pagoda, the Heavenly Qi-Cirction Phenomenon was also happening because of the three Large-Headed Dolls. The mist generated was so dense and colorful, filling the space everywhere.


    The noise was clearly caused by Tuntun in her human girl form. With her eyes closed and still in a daze, she was bumping into walls, trying to find a way out.


    It reminded him of the time when they were in the Blue Dragon hidden realm, when she caught the scent of a treasure and insisted on leaving, only to swallow the Blue Dragon''s Orb in one gulp.


    It seemed she had once again caught the scent of some precious item...


    <i>Wait a minute... </i>Chu Liang''s eyebrows twitched immediately.


    Was there even any need to guess what precious item lies outside? They were now inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, a treasure ranked third in the Catalog of the Mortal World¡¯s Ten Thousand Treasures!


    <i>Goodness. Is this little one nning to go out and gnaw on the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams?</i>


    Whether or not she could actually bite into the Divine Mirror was debatable, but if she showed even the slightest intent to attack, Immortal Jiuyi would immediately notice.


    <i>He would probably say, "I generously lent you my hidden realm for cultivation, and you dare try to damage my sect¡¯s legendary artifact? Prepare to die, you little thief!"</i>


    At this thought, Chu Liang felt as if he could almost feel the chilling edge of a knife at his neck. He quickly tried to stop Tuntun, saying, "Be a good girl and stay home. Let¡¯s not go outside."


    "<i>Owh...</i>"


    He quickly pinned down Tuntun, who pouted and stared up at Chu Liang with herrge eyes, as if silently pleading for his sympathy.


    "If there''s anything you want to snack on, I¡¯ll get it for you," Chu Liang offered, trying to cate her.


    As he spoke with the little one, a sudden rumbling noise erupted from outside, as though the entire White Pagoda was being squeezed through a jagged cavern, shaking and apanied by scraping roars.


    <i>What''s going on? </i>


    Chu Liang was momentarily distracted, giving little Tuntun the opportunity she needed. She suddenly bolted, crashing headfirst into the exit of the White Pagoda.


    "Hey!!!" Chu Liang quickly followed after her.


    But as soon as he stepped out, he was stunned.


    When he opened his eyes again, he found himself no longer in the courtyard where the Mount Shu Sect disciples had been peacefully cultivating but in the middle of a vast desert. Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao were nowhere to be seen. The air around him was hotter than fire, scorching his body and making it difficult to breathe as soon as he arrived.


    As Chu Liang looked up, a wave of dizziness hit him.


    There were nine suns zing in the sky!


    <i>Where am I? Am I still inside the Divine Mirror? Is this another illusory realm created by the legendary artifact, like Misty Waters City before? But why is this happening?</i>


    <i>But Immortal Jiuyi shouldn¡¯t be interfering with our cultivation, so did the Divine Mirror do this on its own?</i>


    <i>Legendary artifacts of this level typically had spirits, and it wasn¡¯t rare for them to act without amand. But what could be the reason for this?</i>


    Before he could make sense of it, he saw little Tuntun,pletely unfazed by the scorching heat, p her wings and fly forward.


    Chu Liang had no choice but to follow. Perhaps she would find something.


    The nine zing suns in the sky radiated intense heat, making the environment nearly unbearable. However, as a fifth-realm cultivator, he could circte his qi and dissipate the oppressive warmth.


    Even when he fully expanded his divine sense, he couldn¡¯t find the boundaries of this realm, which felt deeply unsettling.


    He followed Tuntun forward, unsure of how much time had passed¡ªthere was no cycle of day and night in this world; the nine suns hung perpetually in the sky.


    Atst, just as Chu Liang was beginning to grow impatient, the desert finally ended.


    There, before him, stood a mountain.


    Atop the mountain was a temple.

 Chapter 583: Theres One Missing

    <h4>Chapter 583: There''s One Missing</h4>


    The mountain, which was so tall it reached through the clouds, stood majestically at the edge of the desert. Jagged cliffs protruded from the face of the mountain, leading up to a peak shrouded in clouds. It looked like something out of the immortal realm.


    Strangely, when Chu Liang scanned the area from afar with his divine sense, he hadn''t been able to detect the mountain. Yet, when he got closer, he could see it clearly with the naked eye.


    In the dense mountain forest, spirit beasts roared from time to time, and white cranes emerged from the treetops, soaring into the sky. This was unmistakably an otherworldly paradise¡ªa mountain belonging to immortals.


    <i>There are living beings here?</i>


    Chu Liang was stunned.


    The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams could not reflect living beings into the illusory realm. The only exceptions were resurrected corpses, such as the ck Whale Mountain.


    If life existed in this world, could it be that Chu Liang was not in the Divine Mirror''s illusory realm and had instead been transported to an unknown ce?


    There appeared to be a Daoist temple on the mountain peak, though it was unclear if it was inhabited. Chu Liang hesitated for a moment over whether he should check it out. Even speaking with an exotic beast or spirit bird might offer him some insight into his current situation.


    However, before he even took a step, a deafening thunderp rang out.


    <i>Crack!</i>


    A stream of purple-gold lightning suddenly streaked across the Vault of Heaven, and thick, multicolored haze cascaded down like floodwaters from a burst dam.


    The lightning hadn''t simply streaked across; it had actually split open the Vault of Heaven!


    The nine suns in the sky seemed to have a spiritual nature. Faced with this scene, they withdrew discreetly into the background.


    Astonishingly, the lightning''s destination was the Daoist temple.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    A gust of wind swept past as a figure in a green Daoist robe emerged from the temple. That bolt of lightning was so massive it seemed like judgment from the heavens, yet the person faced it fearlessly without the slightest intention of retreating.


    Chu Liang was too far away to see the person''s face, but the person seemed to have the nonchnce of a being from the ancient primordial wilderness.


    The person raised his sword and shed down.


    The modest-looking white sword light cleaved through the immense bolt of lightning. However, it did not stop there; it continued straight upward, widening the gap in the Vault of Heaven with a resounding whoosh.


    He sliced through the sky with his sword!


    Chu Liang watched the scene unfold in stunned silence. Overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of awe, he couldn''t form any coherent thoughts.


    The sky had transformed into a ck abyss. Within it, there was a vague outline of a giant standing on the clouds, wielding an enchanted tool in its massive hand.


    The white sword continued shing into the abyss, severing that massive hand at the wrist. A blood-curdling scream rang out as the severed hand fell from the sky.


    <i>Booooom!!!</i>


    The hand wasparable in size to a mountain, so when it fell to the ground, it produced the deafening noise and shockwaves of an unimaginable scale.Yet, they did not overshadow the battle raging above in the slightest.


    Chu Liang noticed that the giant hand was clutching what appeared to be an ancient Eight Trigram Compass...


    Before he could take a closer look, a furious shout erupted from the heavens, and a bronze pagoda that gave off the stateliness of an ancient era long passed descended from the sky.


    The moment Chu Liang saw it, he recognized it! It was the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda!


    No disciple of the Mount Shu Sect had seen the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda in generations, but they all knew what it looked like.


    The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda was the legendary artifact that had brought glory to the Mount Shu Sect for several millennia. Now, it was being used to suppress just one person.


    Nevertheless, the person in the Daoist robe remained unfazed. He did the same thing as before, raising his sword once more.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    He unleashed another sword strike. The sh wasn''t directed at the pagoda but the giant behind it.


    As the swordlight shed the sky, a beast-like roar ripped through the air.


    "<i>RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!!</i>"


    If this were the human realm, people across all nine provinces would have heard it.


    The force of the roar threw Chu Liang into the air, flying backward over ten zhang before crashing to the ground.


    In a battle of this magnitude, his level of strength was no different from that of an insect. Just approaching the battle would ce him at immense risk.


    Right after that roar, the descending bronze pagoda seemed to lose control. It plummeted to the ground.


    <i>BOOOOOOOM!!!</i>


    The pagodanded on the ground with a force that was a hundred times more powerful than the giant hand, unleashing a massive sandstorm that engulfed everything in an instant.


    Chu Liang''s vision went dark, and he lost consciousness.


    ...


    The sound of drums and gongs filled the air. Firecrackers crackled, and red gs fluttered in the wind. Surging crowds flooded the city.


    Seven days passed in the blink of an eye, and after much anticipation, the citizens of Yu''s capital finally weed the final chapter of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    It was time for the Battle at the Imperial City!


    Commoners could not enter the Imperial City, but they could watch the battle unfold from beneath the Dragon Terrace outside. Cultivators would cast spells there to project the scenes of the battle for all to see.


    The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams had a fixed perspective for the projection, but that wasn''t the case for the venue of the third round. The scenes in every winding corridor would be projected, so viewers could freely choose what they wished to watch.


    Restaurants and inns lining the main street raised their prices dozens to hundreds of times over, yet they were still packed with people. Young women waved vermilion and emerald silk handkerchiefs, ready to toss them from the balconies to catch the attention of the prodigies below.


    Men hoisted banners andrge gs adorned with names and cheers of encouragement. Of course, most of them were directed at the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory.


    It had been many years since the South Melody Conservatoryst advanced to the Battle at the Imperial City. Regardless of their performance in the battle, their fans were satisfied with just being able to see them.


    A line of horses and carriages approached the main street.


    Someone shouted, "The Peni Supreme Sect''s procession has arrived!"


    The Imperial City had sent envoys and celestial horses to escort the disciples of the immortal sects over from the Emperor''s Mound.


    Yang Shenlong was the first to enter the main street, riding on a tall pure-white horse that seemed incredibly spirited.


    There were multitudes of immortal sects in the mortal realm, so it was no small feat for a sect to make it into the top ten. This ceremonial parade through the city was a special honor bestowed upon the sects that managed to achieve that feat.


    "The Celestial King Sect''s procession has arrived!"


    The Celestial King Sect''s procession was next. Feng Chaoyang rode in with high spirits, ncing around with eyes shining with divine light.


    Any youth would find such a scene exhrating.


    "The Endless Sword Sect''s procession has arrived!"


    Unlike the previous two sects where the team members rode in one after the other, the Endless Sword Sect''s procession consisted of Li Shiyi riding alone, followed by three people riding on three celestial horses side by side. The Xu Family''s three brothers¡ªknown as the Tiger[1]-Dragon[2]-Leopard[3] Brothers¡ªrefused to fall behind one another, so they had to ride together. None of them made any move to conceal theirpetitiveness; they openly persisted in trying to outdo each other.


    As they vied for the leading position, they nearly collided with Li Shiyi''s horse.


    Li Shiyi covered her face with her hands, silently wishing this embarrassing parade would end soon.


    Li Shiyi vowed never to leave the mountain with those three brothers again once this assembly was over.


    "The Buddhist Cloud Monastery''s procession has arrived!"


    Leading the Buddhist Cloud Monastery''s procession was none other than Pushan.


    Normally, the oldest monk in the team would be the one leading it. However, it was thanks to Pushan''s solo efforts that they turned the tide and advanced in the Competition of a Hundred Sects, so his teammates unanimously chose him to be the first to appear.


    Pushan sure was amicable. As he rode his horse in, he waved and greeted the crowd. "Ah, benefactors, you''vee early! Hey, child, don''t climb that tree! I''m telling you, you''re in for a treat this time..."


    There was another shout. "The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals'' procession has arrived!"


    The Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals entered next. In stark contrast to the boisterous monk, their leader was much quieter.


    His mouth was shut. But so were his eyes.


    Situ Guanhai was second in the procession and noticed the crowd sniggering at them. It didn''t take long for him to figure out why.


    "Fuck," Situ Guanhai cursed. "Eldest Senior Brother fell asleep on the horse again."


    Next was the Great Astral Sect''s procession. Like Pushan, they were very amicable and wore warm, sincere smiles.


    The Celestial Pivot Pavilion''s procession followed next, but they were not that well received. They were more reserved and not widely recognized. Even Ye Yongxing, who was leading the way, was unfamiliar to most of the crowd.


    Then came the South Melody Conservatory''s procession. They were weed by a tsunami of cheers. Tie Chui was leading the way, and she had to cover her ears because of the overwhelming noise.


    After the long line of teams entered the city, many children ran after them, hoping to absorb a bit of their spiritual qi.


    Some time passed after the children left, but the crowd remained in ce.


    A hush fell over them, followed by a rising murmur.


    They were all discussing one thing.


    "Isn''t there one missing?"


    "Where is the Mount Shu Sect''s procession?"


    1. His name is Xu Hu, with the Hu meaning tiger. ?


    2. His name is Xu Long, with the Long meaning dragon. ?


    3. His name is Xu Bao, with the Bao meaning leopard. ?

 Chapter 584: Im Here

    <h4>Chapter 584: I''m Here</h4>


    "Chu Liang..."


    Inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, Chu Liang''s teammates surrounded him with worried expressions.


    Chu Liang remained seated on the ground cross-legged, with two fingers on his left hand extended like a sword. A faint yet powerful sword qi swirled around him. The invisible force attacked anything that entered within a three-chi[1] radius of Chu Liang.


    Jiang Yuebai and the others were afraid they would disturb him, so they did not even dare try approaching.


    The group had entered this hidden realm together to cultivate, and after tens of days of Perfect Qi Cirction, their cultivation levels had advanced considerably. Furthermore, Chu Liang had already prepared the treasures of nature they needed for their breakthroughs early in advance. That meant they could advance once they reached the critical point of their level.


    When the seventy days were over, they prepared to leave the hidden realm. However, that was when they discovered that Chu Liang had fallen into a strange state.


    His Perfect Qi Cirction had long since stopped, reced by a mysterious sword qi infused with Dao essence. Anyone who approached instinctively sensed there was something threatening about it.


    Immortal Jiuyi and Wang Xuanling rushed over. With one nce, they figured out what was happening to Chu Liang.


    "He''s in a state of enlightenment."


    Nevertheless, it was precisely because they understood what was happening that they were even more shocked than Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao.


    This state of enlightenment was not a simple moment of sudden insight. It was a mysterious state that only those pursuing a Great Dao would experience, achieving Unity Between Person and Dao.


    For cultivators at the realms in the Heavenly Gate, this was a rare state that they might experience but could not seek out. Usually, the lowest realm a cultivator might experience this state of enlightenment was the sixth realm. That was because they needed enlightenment to open up the Heavenly Gate and advance to the seventh realm.


    After reaching the seventh realm, it was highly unlikely they would be able to make further progress in their cultivation through traditional cultivation methods. They had to depend on moments of enlightenment to advance their cultivation.


    In the Human Gate phase of cultivation, the focus was on strengthening the cultivator''s physique. In the Earthly Gate phase, the focus went beyond the cultivator''s corporeal body. In the Heavenly Gate phase, the focus was on a Great Dao.


    Chu Liang was only at the middle stage of the fifth realm. How could his understanding of a Great Dao have reached such a high level?


    Sensing the flow of Dao essence around them, Immortal Jiuyi mused, "He is experiencing enlightenment for the Great Dao of Severing the Void. This Dao essence does not belong to one of the Mount Shu Sect''s cultivation legacies, nor is it associated with my sect. What triggered this enlightenment?"


    Wang Xuanling was equally bewildered, but he quickly recalled the matter at hand. "The envoys from the Imperial City are already waiting outside. If he doesn''t emerge from the state soon..."


    The state of enlightenment couldst mere moments, or it could stretch across decades. By then, Chu Liang would emerge to find himself in an extremely different world.


    It was simply not an option for them to wait indefinitely for him to emerge from that state.


    "Then it''s up to you to decide what''s more important."


    If it were a disciple of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, Immortal Jiuyi would have made the decision without hesitation. Nevertheless, this was a matter for the Mount Shu Sect; it was not his ce to interfere.


    There were only two possible choices. The first was to let Chu Liang continue receiving enlightenment. That would grant him tremendous benefits and possibly change the course of his life. However, this would mean that he might not make it in time for the final round of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Chu Liang was undoubtedly the Mount Shu Sect team''s ace. Without him, their performance would suffer.


    The second option was to forcibly pull Chu Liang out of his state of enlightenment. This was a feat that both Wang Xuanling and Immortal Jiuyi could aplish. Doing that would prematurely end Chu Liang''s precious opportunity to gain enlightenment, but he would then be able to participate in the final round of the assembly.


    Faced with this decision, Wang Xuanling did not hesitate in the slightest.


    He stated definitively, "His future is more important, of course."


    The Mount Shu Sect had already made it far enough into the Assembly of Immortal Sects; they wouldn''t regret it even if they advanced no further. A disciple who could attain enlightenment at the fifth realm was the true hope for the sect''s future resurgence.


    Wang Xuanling turned around and spoke to Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Ling Ao. "You three head to the Imperial City. I''ll stay here and ensure Chu Liang finishes attaining his enlightenment."


    Jiang Yuebai and the others nodded. "Understood."


    "In that case, I''ll let him remain in the hidden realm," Immortal Jiuyi said. "Time flows faster here, so he may still make it in time for the Battle at the Imperial City."


    "Thank you, Sect Leader Jiuyi!" Wang Xuanling eximed, sincerely expressing his gratitude.


    Chu Liang''s enlightenment might be linked to him entering the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, so it was very important that he had Immortal Jiuyi''s assistance.


    Wang Xuanling gazed deeply at Chu Liang and the sword qi circling him. The old man seemed to have gotten a glimpse of what the Mount Shu Sect would be like a century from now.


    ...


    The vicinity of the Imperial City was buzzing with bustling crowds.


    The imperial court and the higher-ups of various immortal sects were seated atop the city walls, whilemoners crowded around the Dragon Terrace, watching the clouds and fog ascend from midair, rising into the sky.


    The clouds and fog gradually parted, revealing the Water-Moon Mirror Flower''s projection of the scenes within the Corridor City.


    The Battle at the Imperial City should have already begun by now, but the ceremonial parade wasn''t over yet. Just as some people in the crowd threw out curses andints, thest procession finally slowly entered the main street.


    The person in the lead had fair, radiant skin that seemed to glow like jade. As she rode in silently on a celestial horse, she resembled a fairy appearing among mortals. Her presence alone brought quiet to Heavenly Street.


    She was the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect¡ªJiang Yuebai.


    Behind her was Xu Ziyang, sitting tall and perfectly upright. The eldest senior brother of Jade Sword Peak had a determined gaze and striking features.


    Before Chu Liang''s sudden rise in status, Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai had long been known as the twin pirs of the Mount Shu Sect¡ªtheir top two disciples.


    Xu Ziyang even had some fans. As the procession moved through the streets, he drew the attention of many young single and married women.


    Riding on a horse behind Xu Ziyang was a short-haired youth who was not well known.


    <i>Huh? Is that it?</i>


    After seeing thest person in the procession, the same question popped into the minds of those in the crowd.


    <i>Where is the Young Hero with the Divine Whip?</i>


    Previously, only a small proportion of the capital''s citizens knew about Chu Liang. However, after making a name for himself in the Competition of a Hundred Sects, he was now one of the most celebrated figures among the immortal sects. Many people had gathered there just to see him.


    Someone yelled, "Where is the Young Hero with the Divine Whip?"


    "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip! The Young Hero with the Divine Whip!"


    "..."


    Hearing the crowd''s chants, those within the Imperial City looked puzzled too.


    During thest seven days, the teams preparing for the Battle at the Imperial City would have been cultivating intensely. Nevertheless, they would have done it in a way that ensured their safety, preventing any mishaps that might lead to their absence in the final round. It was extremely rare for anyone to miss such an important event.


    After the Mount Shu Sect''s procession entered Corridor City, a pce attendant approached the city wall. "Your Majesty, all ten teams have arrived. Shall wemence the Battle at the Imperial City?"


    On the city wall, the emperor was seated in a throne, surrounded by members of the imperial family and officials of the imperial court.


    He asked, "Why has my younger brother not arrived? Did something happen to him?"


    Warrior Lao said, "Your Majesty, there is news from the temporary imperial residence..."


    Then he stepped closer to the emperor and whispered the rest.


    The emperor furrowed his brows slightly. "Enlightenment..."


    It was, of course, a tremendously wonderful thing that Chu Liang was experiencing a state of enlightenment, but there was no telling how long it wouldst. It was unlikely he would be able to make it in time for the Battle at the Imperial City, marking the end of his participation in this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Nheless, right when the emperor was about to dere the start of the final round, a tall, gorgeous woman with an aggressive and domineering demeanor in the Mount Shu Sect''s seating area jumped to her feet.


    She yelled, "Hang on!"


    The emperor looked at Di Nufeng exasperatedly.


    Given that they were in a public setting, he refrained from addressing her as Second Aunt and simply asked, "What is it?"


    Di Nufeng spoke casually, with her arms folded into her sleeves. "My disciple hasn''t arrived yet. Can we wait for a bit longer?"


    Before the emperor could reply, someone in the Peni Supreme Sect''s seating area stood up. This man had bronze skin, a cold, steely expression, and a tall and muscr physique that strained against his crimson Daoist robe. He was none other than Daoist Chi Niu of Peni.


    After the second round of the assembly, many more people had gone there to watch the Battle at the Imperial City. The Peni Supreme Sect now had two more rows of spectators in their seating area¡ªhigher-ups who were there to observe the battle.


    Daoist Chi Niu had previously shed with the Mount Shu Sect over the purchase of one of the six demon-ying treasures. Chu Liang had outyed him and won the bid for the treasure.


    Despite failing to acquire the treasure, Daoiust Chi Niu had thought that he had inflicted major financial damage onto the Mount Shu Sect. However, Chu Liang''s subsequent sess in managing Red Cotton Peak turned the Mount Shu Sect into a wealthy newmercial powerhouse in the world of cultivators, with riches rivaling even Taotie City. The money they had lost in the auction was likely of little consequence now.


    So, when Daoist Chi Niu saw that the Mount Shu Sect was trying to dy the start of the Battle at the Imperial City due to Chu Liang''s absence, he couldn''t just stay silent.


    He jumped up and shouted, "The start time for the Battle at the Imperial City was set long in advance. If someone hasn''t arrived, it counts as he has withdrawn from the battle. How can we dy the entire event for one person?"


    "What''s the rush?" Di Nufeng shot a nce at him. "Are you in a hurry to pay respects at your parents'' graves?"


    "You¡ª!" Daoist Chi Niu red at her. "How insolent! Are all members of the Mount Shu Sect this rude?"


    "It''s just me; don''t drag the whole of the Mount Shu Sect into this," Di Nufeng replied calmly. "Just because you look like a pile of cow dung in a humanoid form doesn''t mean everyone from Peni is ugly, right?"


    "What?!!" Daoist Chi Niu uttered, his face flushed with anger. He raged, "You shrew¡ª"


    "So what if I''m a shrew? Didn''t a shrew give birth to you?" Di Nufeng rolled her eyes and then shook her head. "I just said a few words, and your face turned so red. Do you have a screw loose? You might as well change your Daoist title. <i>Hm,</i> you''ve got a big head and a thick neck. You don''t seem like a red bull; you''re more like a wild pig."


    Daoist Chi Niu rolled up his sleeves angrily. "I¡ª"


    Di Nufeng interrupted. "You what? Did you suddenly realize you''re too ugly and want to say ''I''m sorry'' to everyone here? Let me tell you, it''s toote! The damage is done.


    "If you n to atone for the damage you''ve inflicted to the mortal realm by taking your own life, you should find a dark and deserted ce. After all, if you scare some kids with your corpse, your merit points, which have already been deducted until there''s nothing left, will have to be deducted even further when you get to theherworld."


    Daoist Chi Niu pointed at Di Nufeng. "You¡ª"


    Di Nufeng interrupted him again. "What about me? Do you want to ask why I''m scolding you and going overboard with my insults? Well, do you know why you''re angry? It''s because lies don''t hurt. It''s the truth that cuts like a knife. You''re only angry because my words hit you where it hurts."


    Daoist Chi Niu looked around at everyone, his hands trembling with rage. "She¡ª"


    "What? You''re a full grown adult, yet you''re looking for someone to help fight your case like a child? Matters of the martial world should be handled the way it''s done in the martial world. Are you even a man?" Di Nufeng pressed on. "It''s pointless for us to just keep talking. I propose we add an extra segment¡ªan exhibition match. The two of us will have a duel. How about that?!"


    Daoist Chi Niu was so infuriated that it looked like smoke was going toe out of his ears. "Aaaaaaah!!!"


    At that moment, someone pressed their hand firmly on Daoist Chi Niu''s shoulder. It was a slim man in ck robes¡ªDaoist Xuan Lu.


    He calmly held Daoist Chi Niu back and said, "Don''t waste time with her."


    Daoist Xuan Lu stepped forward and ignored Di Nufeng. He directed his gaze at the emperor and the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner instead.


    He said, "The time for the Battle at the Imperial City was set early in advance. We''ve already dyed the start of the battle for too long. The sects of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten are all present. Why should everyone wait for one person who iste? Is he being given special treatment because he''s Your Majesty''s younger brother?"


    The emperor''s expression darkened at those words.


    He had no choice but to say, "Since Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect still has not arrived even after the long dy, the Battle at the Imperial City shall¡ª"


    Right then, a beam of swordlight streaked across the sky at tremendous speed, descending like a meteor into Corridor City.


    Apanying the meteor''s descent was a loud, drawn-out yell.


    "I''m heeeeeeere!"


    1. Basically around one metre in total. ?

 Chapter 585: The Elegance of That One Sword Strike

    <h4>Chapter 585: The Elegance of That One Sword Strike</h4>


    Outside Corridor City, the disciples of various immortal sects had already arranged their formation.


    <i>Boom! </i>


    As Chu Liangnded, many people around him turned to look. When the dust settled and his figure was revealed, several disciples furrowed their brows.


    <i>Did he really need to make such a shy entrance?</i>


    However, the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were clearly pleased. Jiang Yuebai, standing at the rear of the formation, looked back and saw Chu Liang. She saw nothing but confidence in his eyes.


    At that moment, Chu Liang might not have realized how piercing and intense the divine light in his eyes had be.


    He had just experienced this peculiar and remarkable state of enlightenment.


    Inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, he and Tuntun had arrived in a mystical realm where nine suns shared the sky.


    He saw a Daoist temple atop an immortal mountain, with a Daoist inside capable of severing the heaven with a single strike. The Daoist then struck the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, causing it to copse, and the impact knocked Chu Liang unconscious.


    While unconscious, Chu Liang seemed to slip into a dream.


    As the image of the Daoist severing the heaven reyed in his mind, Chu Liang felt as though there were wisps of Dao essence swirling around him.


    He immersed himself in the wisps of Dao essence and suddenly grasped the meaning of "Severing the Void."


    At the Endless Sword Sect, many marks left by the strikes of swordmasters from previous generations still contained lingering Dao essence, allowing disciples to meditate on them for centuries.


    If even the marks left by the powerful swordmasters from previous generations could leave such an impact, how much more impactful would it be to witness the strike of a powerful one that could sever the heaven?


    That proud figure floating in the sky exuded the aloofness of the ancient primordial wilderness... "Be it gods, ghosts, or demons, all are but illusions in the void¡ªI will sever them with a single strike!"


    This was Severing the Void.


    Unlike his earlier glimpse of the Cloud of Determination essence, this time heprehended the entire Great Dao of Severing the Void. Had he been at the peak of the sixth realm, this insight might have allowed him to ascend directly to the Dao Attainment Realm!


    The power of that one sword strike was terrifying.


    That strike that severed the heavens reyed thousands of times in his dream. When he finally understood the Great Dao, he slowly began to awaken. It was only then that Chu Liang realized he had entered a state of enlightenment.


    When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Wang Xuanling''s aged face, filled with anxiety.


    "How did it go?" Wang Xuanling asked.


    "It''s done," Chu Liang replied.


    "I have never once heard of a fifth-realm attaining Dao!" Wang Xuanling said excitedly. "In the future, as long as you choose a suitable Great Dao, I know the attainment of the eighth realm will not be a mere dream for you."


    Over the past centuries, countless prodigies have emerged among the immortal cultivation sects, but only a few have managed to reach the eighth realm, primarily due to the difficulty of the Heavenly Gate. No matter how outstanding a cultivator''s performance is during the cultivation of the Human Gate and Earthly Gate, it would be irrelevant once they reach the peak of the sixth realm. At that point, they had to rely on a different set of skills to continue making progress.


    To attain this state of enlightenment, a cultivator needed more than just greatprehension; they needed to have incredible luck or achieve a breakthrough that was so elusive it seemed almost impossible to achieve. The fact that Chu Liang managed to do it meant that if someone were to say he wasn''t destined for greatness, no one would believe that to be true.


    "Has the Battle at the Imperial City started?" Chu Liang asked.


    "ording to the schedule, it should have started. But if we hurry, there may still be a chance, " Wang Xuanling said as he gazed far into the distant Imperial City. "Your teacher is there. With how she can make a fuss and act unreasonably, I am sure the Battle at the Imperial City would not start that smoothly."


    "Alright!" Chu Liang nodded.


    Wang Xuanling immediately summoned his flying sword and took off with Chu Liang.


    It had been many years since this old man, who had always carried himself with such seriousness, dignity, and respect, had flown at full speed on his sword, especially above a city under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers. But for Chu Liang¡¯s sake, he couldn¡¯t bother anymore.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    Like a meteor, they shot up from Emperor''s Mound and arrived above the Imperial City in an instant.


    Sword-flying over the Imperial City was usually forbidden, but no one cared at this moment. As Wang Xuanling dropped Chu Liang into Corridor City, he made a quick loop and casuallynded at the back with the Mount Shu Sect members, as if nothing had happened.


    His presence was only acknowledged when Di Nufeng stepped back amidst the group of Mount Shu Sect members. She gave Wang Xuanling a nod of approval and said, "You old man, it''s rare to see you actually do something useful."


    Though it was apliment, it sounded off. Regardless, it was already very rare to get any kind ofpliments from Di Nufeng.


    Wang Xuanling merely responded with a cough.


    ...


    "All disciples of the immortal sects, proceed to Corridor City and choose your entrance gate!"


    The guards of the Imperial City oversaw the proceedings below, directing the disciples of the immortal sects one by one through the towering walls of Corridor City. Behind the main gate were four separate directions, each with ten gates.


    Generally, the disciples of each sect would discuss beforehand, ensuring each of their four representatives chose different directions to avoid facing each other in the early rounds.


    Once each disciple entered and selected a gate, that gate would be marked and unavable to those who cameter.


    As nned, Chu Liang chose a gate on the northern side.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The massive gate then mmed shut.


    The tall walls surrounding him were engraved with intricate formations, cutting off all external senses so that they wouldn''t be aware of anything happening beyond the walls..


    Suddenly, the area fell intoplete silence. All that remained was the sliver of blue sky above and the long corridor stretching ahead.


    Then, a loud voice from outside announced, "Let the battle begin!"


    Only then were the disciples allowed to act.


    Chu Liang wasted no time, swiftly advancing forward. In an instant, he reached the midpoint of the corridor and saw his opponent.


    It was a young man wearing a conical hat, a sword strapped to his back. He appeared indifferent and seemed as eager to end the fight quickly as Chu Liang.


    "A disciple of the Sword Sect?" Chu Liang asked as he drew his sword. "Which one are you?"


    It wasn''t that he didn''t recognize him; among the disciples participating in the Battle at the Imperial City, there were only a few, and they all knew of one another, whether closely or not.


    But the three brothers, Xu Hu, Xu Long, and Xu Bao looked very simr and it was hard to identify them.


    "Xu Bao," came the curt reply.


    It''s the younger one.


    Chu Liang confirmed inwardly and raised his Dustless Sword.


    Xu Bao likewise drew his ancient-looking longsword, adorned with bronze cloud patterns.


    The two did the same exact move, raising their swords as they closed the gap of a dozen zhang between them.


    <i>Sizzle¡ª</i>


    Their swords fell!


    A surge of sword qi erupted, reaching its peak in an instant. With a single strike, the world darkened, and the sun and moon seemed to lose their light.


    Compared to the sword qi of grandeur generated through the Cloud of Determination Great Dao, the sword qi generated through the Great Dao of Severing the Void was more condensed. It was like a coiled dragon, but with a glint that was much sharper and more terrifying.


    In the blink of an eye, the two streams of sword qi, like flood dragons, shed and twisted together, each carrying an unstoppable, fearless aura.


    For a moment, Xu Bao was surprised.


    He had initially thought Chu Liang was reckless to dare cross swords with a Sword Sect disciple.


    But he soon noticed something was amiss.


    He and his brothers had spent ten years studying the sword marks left by generations of masters on the back mountain of the Endless Sword Sect. Even havingprehended only half, their mastery of swordsmanship was unrivaled among the younger generation.


    This was his greatest pride.


    Yet, how did this Chu Liang possess a sword intent equal to his own?


    The Cloud of Determination Great Dao was a cultivation of sword qi, while the Great Dao of Tai''a was a cultivation of sword force and the Great Dao of Severing the Void was a cultivation of sword intent.


    This sword intent conveyed the message, "Whatever it is, just cut and be severed from it." It was the principle of the Great Dao of Sword, Severing the Void. Xu Bao knew that there was no way he would be mistaken. This scene was eerily simr to sparring with his brothers.


    <i>Where did he learn this? Xu Bao wondered. Moreover, his sword intent was so pure... In fact, it''s even stronger than mine!</i>


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    After a brief stalemate, the flood dragon formed by Chu Liang''s sword qi devoured the one created by Xu Bao''s sword qi. Xu Bao then felt Chu Liang''s sword qi surge forward, whistling past him.


    A strand of Xu Bao''s hair was sliced off, drifting down, and the conical hat on his head was blown into the air.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang''s sword qi struck a nearby wall, leaving countless scratches. However, the wall seemed almost alive, rapidly healing before his eyes.


    Xu Bao stood stunned for a moment before sheathing the sword in his palm, returning it to the scabbard on his back.


    In a duel between swordmasters, victory or defeat could be decided in the span of a single breath.


    If Chu Liang had not redirected his sword qi at thest moment, it would have been Xu Bao, not the wall, engulfed by the Flood Dragon. In that case, serious injury or even death would have been inevitable.


    "I''ve lost," he said softly.


    As a disciple of the Endless Sword Sect who had been mastering the art of the sword since childhood, admitting defeat wasn''t difficult. However, it was hard to ept that he had been defeated using the very skill he excelled at.


    Xu Bao''s eyes flickered.


    "Well fought," Chu Liang said, cupping his hands in salute before leaping forward.


    <i>Creak¡ª</i>


    A door on the side of the corridor creaked open as Chu Liang stepped through. Reaching the next level sooner meant more time to recover.


    Though the strike seemed simple, both he and Xu Bao had drawn upon their entire Sea of Qi, leaving nothing in reserve. Had either of them held back, defeat would have been inevitable.


    Although Chu Liang''s recovery speed was extraordinary, it still required time.


    At that moment, an announcement echoed from the high walls: "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect has defeated Xu Bao of the Endless Sword Sect!"


    The spectators outside had a clear view of all the fights, so the announcement was not for them. It was intended for the disciples of the various immortal sects inside Corridor City, as this was their only way of knowing what was happening beyond the walls.


    Hearing the announcement, the disciples within Corridor City were stunned.


    <i>It''s over?</i>


    <i>That fast?</i>


    <i>The fight had just begun!</i>

 Chapter 586: Ling Ao of the Mount Shu Sect

    <h4>Chapter 586: Ling Ao of the Mount Shu Sect</h4>


    "That is the Endless Sword Sect''s Great Dao of Severing the Void. I can''t believe he hasprehended this much? He didn''t show any signs of knowing this during the Competition of a Hundred Sects. Was he saving it for the Battle at the Imperial City to catch opponents off guard?" High above the Imperial City, Old Li Ba, the Supreme Elder of the Endless Sword Sect, seated with the other onlookers, gave a genuine evaluation of Chu Liang''s strike. "This boy is truly terrifying."


    "Oh?" Immortal Jiuyi, seated nearby, smiled. "Old Sword Saint, your evaluation of Chu Liang is quite high. Has his mastery of the Dao of Sword reached a level that even you find remarkable?"


    "If he were a swordmaster with sixty years of cultivation, it wouldn''t be surprising to have attained such insight. But to grasp the Great Dao of Severing the Void to this level at such a young age is truly remarkable. Even in my youth, I was far from achieving this level of understanding," said Old Li Ba. "It is truly something to marvel at."


    "But based on what I know, Chu Liang had never once performed any techniques rted to the Great Dao of Severing the Void. He only came to understand this Dao a few days ago," Immortal Jiuyi added.


    "That''s impossible," Old Li Ba said as he shook his head firmly.


    Immortal Jiuyi was an eighth-realm cultivator who had attained the Heavenly Origin and stood at the pinnacle of the world, but in terms of swordsmanship, Sword Saint Old Li Ba was the undisputed authority. And so, he spoke withplete confidence.


    "Impossible?" Immortal Jiuyi questioned again.


    "Our forefather, Hallowed Li, left sword marks on the walls of the mountain behind our sect. Even our most talented disciples had to meditate on these sword marks for three years to fullyprehend the Great Dao of Severing the Void," Old Li Ba said gravely. "And such genius is seen only once in centuries. For ordinary sword talents, it could take a decade.


    "Even if you im Chu Liang''s talent surpasses every disciple in our sect''s history, could he have found a source of insight more powerful than Hallowed Li''s Dao essence?"


    Upon hearing Old Li Ba''s words, Immortal Jiuyi suddenly became silent for a moment.


    He hadn''t understood how Chu Liang attained enlightenment in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, but after hearing Old Li Ba''s words, everything started making sense.


    ording to legends, the origin of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was linked to Hallowed Li.


    It was said that Hallowed Li once battled celestial beings and struck down numerous legendary artifacts from the sky. Among those was the Eight Trigram Compass, which eventually became the current Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams.


    Could it be that Chu Liang saw an echo of Hallowed Li within the Divine Mirror and achieved enlightenment as a result?


    The Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams was said to connect the real world and the illusory realm, reflecting both ancient and present eras, perhaps even preserving the silhouette of Hallowed Li. However, these ancient projections could not be triggered at will; something specific was required to activate them.


    <i>Could it be that Chu Liang possesses some kind of ancient artifact?</i> Immortal Jiuyi wondered.


    As he pondered, Old Li Ba sighed again, "It''s a pity that Chu Liang isn''t a disciple of our Sword Sect. Such unparalleled talent is going to waste."


    "Mount Shu Sect''s swordsmanship has also been renowned throughout the world; it would hardly be wasted, don''t you think?" Immortal Jiuyi replied with a lightugh.


    "The swordmasters of Mount Shu Sect have traditionally cultivated the Cloud of Determination Great Dao. Both the Cloud of Determination and the Great Dao of Tai''a are enriched with countless exceptional swordmasters. It has always been said that talented figures are shaped by great teachers, and this is not dependent on the sect," Old Li Ba exined.


    He then continued, "However, with the Great Dao of Severing the Void, only those who are part of our sect can attain the Heavenly Origin. Do you know why?"


    "Why?" Immortal Jiuyi asked, intrigued and ying along.


    Old Li Ba exined, "Because a cultivator of the Great Dao of Severing the Void had ascended to the ninth realm. The most powerful essence of the Severing the Void Great Dao is on the Chunyang Ancient Sword that used to belong to Hallowed Li.


    "No matter how much one gains from observing sword marks, it cannotpare to the experience of observing the Chunyang Ancient Sword and meditating in the presence of the Chunyang Ancient Sword. That''s why the Dao Master of the Severing the Void Great Dao will always be a member of the Endless Sword Sect."


    "I see!" Immortal Jiuyi remarked with a hint of emotion in his tone.


    "So, even though Chu Liang has fullyprehended the Great Dao of Severing the Void, if he chooses to continue pursuing this Dao when he reaches the seventh realm, he''ll be at the end of his path," Old Li Ba exined. "Unless he chooses another Dao or..." He smirked, "switches allegiances."


    "I may ask him one day," he mused aloud. "If he is willing to leave the Mount Shu Sect after the Assembly of Immortal Sects and join the Endless Sword Sect. If so, I would dly let him observe the Chunyang Ancient Sword... perhaps I would even train him to be a sessor to the sect leader. Considering how unreliable his teacher might be, I think he will surely be tempted."


    Immortal Jiuyi merely chuckled, "Heh."


    ...


    Inside the Corridor City, the fights raged fiercely, and while Chu Liang was the fastest to secure victory, he wasn''t entirely alone in achieving swift wins.


    Although it was widely acknowledged that there were no weak contestants in the Battle at the Imperial City, everyone was aware that there were still a few "easy targets" among the contestants.


    For example, the teams from the Valley of the Three Absolutes and the Celestial King Sect. Aside from the leading disciples, Luo Yao and Feng Chaoyang, the others were somewhat weaker. When facing such opponents, the stronger ones would often opt for quick victories to save time for the uing battles.


    The fact that Chu Liang defeated an opponent like Xu Bao in record time showed that his speed was on an entirely different levelpared to those who were merely cutting down weaker opponents.


    However, this wasn''t because Chu Liang had overpowered Xu Bao. In matches between sword cultivators, victories were always decisive, with no room for hesitation.


    It would always be either the east wind overpowering the west wind or the west wind overpowering the east[1].


    Had Xu Bao''s swordsmanship been even slightly stronger, the result would have been a swift victory for him instead.


    While Chu Liang was fighting Xu Bao, Ling Ao was engaged in a fierce battle with a formidable opponent not far away.


    His opponent appeared to be no more than a child of about ten, yet he carried himself with a haughty air, his gaze condescending and his lips curled into a sinister grin.


    "A disciple of the Mount Shu Sect..." Qi Lin''er sneered. "Before I get my revenge on Chu Liang, I''ll take my anger out on you."


    "Do you really think you''ll get to challenge Chu Liang?" Ling Ao retorted coldly. "He swatted you away with one strike, like brushing aside a fly."


    "Hmph!" Qi Lin''er scoffed. "They told meter on that Chu Liang must have used some pill that burns through his Sea of Qi and lifespan. I doubt he''d dare use something like that here. In a fair fight, I''ll make him beg for mercy."


    At that moment, an announcement echoed from the high walls: "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect has defeated Xu Bao of the Endless Sword Sect!"


    Upon hearing the announcement, Qi Lin''er fell silent for a moment.


    Ling Ao shrugged. "See the difference?"


    Qi Lin''er was so furious that his brows furrowed. He stomped his right foot hard,unching himself forward like an arrow released from a bow!


    He aimed to end the battle swiftly!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Ling Ao was ready. Golden mes erupted around him, taking the form of a dragon behind him, with zing eyes of fire!


    As Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, and Xu Ziyang rapidly advanced in strength, Ling Ao continued his steady progress. Though he may havegged slightly behind, he never faltered.


    ording to Heavenly Law, the diligent ones would be rewarded. Hard work would never be in vain.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Qi Lin''er started looking blurry as heunched a punch with blinding speed, but Ling Ao countered with a punch of his own. The impact of their sh echoed through the long corridor.


    <i>Thud¡ª</i>


    The difference was that Qi Lin''er staggered back a few steps uponnding, while Ling Ao was hurled back a dozen meters, crashing to the ground. Yet, they both rebounded simultaneously and shed fists once more!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In terms of speed and power, Ling Ao, whose power was enhanced by the burning blood, was on par with Qi Lin''er. The only difference was that Qi Lin''er had a weaker physique.


    This wasn''t something that could be improved through cultivation of arts alone; it required actual replenishment and physical training to strengthen his body. While his current physique was strong enough topete with others, it fell short against cultivators with particrly powerful bodies.


    Once again, Qi Lin''er was pushed back a few steps.


    Meanwhile, Ling Ao was sent flying, crashing into the ground with such force that it left arge crater.


    "Hah..." Ling Ao sprang up again, exhaling deeply. "I really can''t fight you head-on."


    Qi Lin''er was born with bronze skin and iron bones, while Chu Liang and Yang Shenlong benefitted from the power of their draconic bloodlines. Achieving such monstrous physical strength required extraordinary fortuitous circumstances.


    But Ling Ao was an ordinary cultivator. The greatest fortuitous encounter he had was a drop of dragon blood he had begged for from the dragon in the Dragon-Fishing Pool. Apart from that, everything he had achieved was the result of his relentless hard work.


    But who said hard work couldn''t lead to sess?


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    When Qi Lin''er''s fist came crashing down again, Ling Ao decided to dodge.


    With a swift pivot of his foot, he sidestepped the punch, mping down on Qi Lin''er''s wrist with his left hand. At the same time, he formed a saber-like strike with his right index finger and his middle finger, aiming straight for his opponent.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Due to Qi Lin''er''s small stature, Ling Ao''s strikended squarely on the back of his neck, sending him hurtling face-first toward the ground. But before he could hit the floor, he was met with Ling Ao''s rising knee, which stopped his momentum abruptly.


    <i>Smack¡ª</i>


    The knee strike, delivered with precise power, bent Qi Lin''er''s neck at an almost right angle, leaving him momentarily stunned and dazed.


    Reeling from the heavy blow, Qi Lin''er instinctively shoved Ling Ao away, sending him flying several zhang. He then leapt backward, and when hended, his vision spun for a moment.


    If Qi Lin''er hadn''t possessed such a resilient physique, he wouldn''t have survived. Any ordinary cultivator struck with such force would have had their skull shattered multiple times over.


    Even so, Qi Lin''er was left dazed for a while before he could barely make out Ling Ao''s figure.


    These moves were martial arts techniques. The grip and strike seemed simple, but they were clearly the result of immense hard work. However, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect shouldn''t be good at these techniques.


    Qi Lin''er wanted to say something but paused for a moment. After a brief struggle to remember, he finally gritted his teeth and asked, "I don''t think I know your name?"


    The young man with a buzz cut across from him gave a faint smile, extending one arm and taking a fighting stance as he answered, "Ling Ao of the Mount Shu Sect!"


    1. This means that one side will always end up having the upper hand. It''s a way of saying that in any rivalry or fight, one will eventually win. ?

 Chapter 587: If Theres a Next Time, Ill Beat You Up Again.

    Chapter 587: If There''s a Next Time, I''ll Beat You Up Again.


    ¡°This¡­ isn¡¯t this the Great Astral Sect¡¯s Tiger-Breaking Technique?¡±


    Among the spectators, some knowledgeable ones immediately recognized the technique¡ªit was the secret martial arts technique only that belonged to the Great Astral Sect and was renowned for its strength and effectiveness.


    It was true that the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect rarely studied martial arts. In fact, most disciples that followed the school of Daoism did not learn martial arts. Even physical cultivators typically concentrated on strengthening and fortifying their bodies rather than honing martial techniques.


    The core logic of physical cultivation often came down to this statement: "So what if you cultivate your shy techniques? I will be faster and stronger than you. My fist will just be more powerful than yours."


    This was basically the fundamental approach to physical cultivation.


    However, before the recent closed-door training in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, Chu Liang had a conversation with Ling Ao.


    With only seventy days left, focusing further on refining his physical cultivation or advancing his current realm wouldn''t have given Ling Ao a significantbat boost. After all, any kind of cultivation eventually reaches a point of diminishing returns.


    In martial arts, however, Ling Ao had very little experience. Even the techniques he had learned were primarily aimed at enhancing speed and strength, with little focus on actualbat skills.


    Having practiced the Brick Combat Technique himself, Chu Liang knew that martial arts could provide a significant edge in many situations. Martial arts allowed the practitioner to achieve great impact with minimal effort, making them invaluable inbat. Since Ling Ao¡¯s experience in this area was limited, focused training over this period would surely lead to substantial improvements.To learn martial arts, one needed the right manuals. While the Mount Shu Sect had a decent collection, choosing the most suitable one was another challenge.


    At this point, Chu Liang once again showcased the power of his extensivework.


    He called Yun Chaoxian overte at night to evaluate Ling Ao¡¯s physical attributes and help select the most suitable martial arts technique.


    The disciples of the Great Astral Sect were often said to share a single brain, having devoted all their intellect to mastering martial arts. In this respect, Yun Chaoxian was undoubtedly a genius.


    After careful assessment, Yun Chaoxian concluded that Ling Ao¡¯s speed, explosive power, and reflexes were top-tier, but his physical resilience wascking. Therefore, he rmended techniques that emphasized offense and agility over defense.


    In the end, Yun Chaoxian left the Tiger-Breaking Technique with Ling Ao to practice.


    The Tiger-Breaking Technique emphasizes close-quartersbat, relying on swift, decisive strikes and precise maneuvers, making it a formidable weapon in melee encounters.


    Now, Ling Ao was demonstrating the results of his seventy days of grueling practice with the Tiger-Breaking Technique.


    "<em>Ha!</em>"


    While Qi Lin''er was still in a daze, Ling Ao seized the opportunity, charging forward with relentless speed.


    His movements were so fast that they left a blur of afterimages. Qi Lin''er twisted and dodged, but Ling Ao was relentless, closing the gap with every step.


    <em>Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª</em>


    Thanks to the spacious corridor, the chase continued, but it didn¡¯t take long before Ling Ao caught up to Qi Lin''er.


    <em>Thwack.</em>


    Qi Lin''er spun and threw a punch, but Ling Ao intercepted it with a sharp chop to the wrist, quickly following up with a knee strike.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    The strikended hard on Qi Lin''er''s waist, sending his small physique crashing into the corridor wall. Before he could recover, Ling Aonded another punch!


    <em>Crash¡ª</em>


    Each of these blows would have killed an ordinary person, yet Qi Lin''er managed to endure them all, despite his small and slender physique.


    As Ling Ao prepared to seize the opportunity and deliver another strike, Qi Lin''er suddenly opened his mouth and roared, "Aaargh¡ª!"


    His roar was like the cry of a celestial beast, and his eyes zed with fierce light!


    The force of the roar sent Ling Ao flying, crashing into the opposite wall!


    "<em>Cough¡­</em>" Qi Lin''er dropped to the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood. He sounded raspy as he said, ¡°I originally nned to use this move to defeat Chu Liang, but since it''se to this, I''ll settle things with you first¡­¡±


    As he spoke, his pupils started looking different. They became vertical, glowing with golden mes. Azure scales began to emerge, spreading across his skin, while horns sprouted from his forehead. His body twisted and reshaped, transforming into a terrifying dragon-human hybrid.


    This was... the Dragon Soul Possession!


    Ling Ao had studied dragon techniques extensively¡ªperhaps even more so than Chu Liang¡ªand he immediately recognized that this transformation was a gift of a higher level than the legacy of the dragon scale.


    The gifts of power granted by dragons were strictly tiered, ranging from dragon blood to dragon breath, and finally to dragon soul¡ªeach representing a distinct level of power and mastery.


    Dragon blood was often bestowed upon subordinates or servants, using a drop of True Dragon blood essence to refine their physical body. This granted a temporary boost in power, but it ended up limiting their potential.


    The gifting of dragon breath was reserved for juniors or disciples, involving the bestowal of a dragon scale imbued with Dao essence. This granted them the presence of dragon breath. While it might not result in immediate increases in strength, it held immense potential and the highest upper limit over time, serving as a form of legacy or cultivation inheritance from the True Dragon.


    The dragon soul was even rarer and more valuable, as it required the True Dragon to weaken themselves and bestow a fragment of their soul to another. This allowed the recipient to tap into the dragon soul when needed, borrowing some of its immense power. This gift was typically given by mature True Dragons to their pure-blood offspring to protect them from being killed by enemies.


    It could be said that dragon blood served as an enhancement, dragon breath as a legacy or cultivation inheritance, and the dragon soul as a form of protection.


    At this moment, Qi Lin''er had activated the protective power of the Azure Dragon.


    "Roar¡ª" Fully transformed into a dragon, Qi Lin''er exuded immense pressure, releasing an enraged dragon chant that echoed through the sky.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    With a sudden burst of speed, he charged forward. The air cracked with explosive sounds, and he seemed to teleport, appearing instantly before Ling Ao.


    <em>Break, redirect, strike. </em>


    Ling Ao silently recited the essentials of the Tiger-Breaking Technique, his body bracing for impact. But when his palm made contact with the opponent''s fist, he was met with an immovable force.


    <em>Bang¡ª</em>


    Even though he blocked Qi Lin''er''s fist with his left hand, Ling Ao was still struck on the shoulder.


    In retaliation, he smashed his right elbow into Qi Lin''er''s temple, causing the mes in thetter''s vertical pupils to flicker.


    However, dragon scales covered Qi Lin''er''s entire body, including every vulnerable spot. After the hit, he quickly turned his head back.


    <em>Boom boom boom boom crash¡ª</em>


    When Ling Ao executed the Tiger-Breaking Technique again, he found that he could no longer inflict significant damage to Qi Lin''er. Although he couldnd three strikes for every one of Qi Lin''er¡¯s, the difference in their physical strength had be insurmountable¡ªthis gap was beyond what martial arts techniques alone could ovee.


    After exchanging blows, Qi Lin''er''s dragon scales cracked, and the mes in his eyes flickered weakly. Clearly, this form of Dragon Soul Possession was very exhausting. Meanwhile, Ling Aoy copsed on the ground, gasping for breath, his body worn from the intense battle.


    "The fact that you forced me to use my dragon soul shows just how powerful you are," Qi Lin''er said. It hadn''t been an easy win, which was why he acknowledged the opponent before him.


    With that, he turned and walked into the open portal.


    "Qi Lin''er of the Peni Supreme Sect has defeated Ling Ao of the Mount Shu Sect!"


    The announcement echoed through the corridors as Qi Lin''er stepped forward, his gaze lifting to meet the figure he had long anticipated.


    "Chu Liang?" A cruel smile spread across his dragon-scaled face. "So it''s you after all."


    Since Qi Lin''er and Chu Liang had entered from different directions, the chances of them encountering each other in the first two rounds were very small. However, with five participantsing from each direction in the second round, a one-on-one matchup would inevitably leave one person without an opponent.


    And now, unexpectedly, they had encountered each other.


    Ever since Chu Liang had pped Qi Lin''er unconscious during theirst encounter, Qi Lin''er had been unable to let it go. He felt humiliated, believing he had been ambushed unfairly and had not even gotten the chance to use his divine techniques.


    When had he ever suffered such humiliation in his entire life?


    If he had the chance to face Chu Liang openly in a fair fight with real des and spears, he would never have suffered such a humiliating defeat, nor would he have be theughingstock of the immortal sects.


    Thus, Qi Lin''er had harbored a grudge, waiting for the opportunity to seek revenge on Chu Liang during the Battle at the Imperial City.


    He didn''t think that this moment woulde just like this!


    "I just defeated your fellow disciple, so it seems I¡¯m destined to reach the top by trampling the members of your sect. I hope I can meet Jiang Yuebai in the next round. If she agrees to be my wife, then I..."


    While Qi Lin''er was still rambling, Chu Liang had already drawn the Dustless Sword.


    He didn''t particrly dislike children, but for a brat like this who seemed poorly disciplined, some lessons had to be taught.


    If once wasn¡¯t enough, then twice.


    Last time, Chu Liang had needed the aid of the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale to instantly defeat Qi Lin''er. This time, with a full grasp of a Great Dao, he struck again. With a single swing of his sword, a dragon-shaped burst of sword qi roared forward with unstoppable force!


    Qi Lin''er hadn''t even finished speaking when he saw Chu Liang strike. He nned to endure it with his formidable body, but the moment the dragon-shaped burst of sword qi materialized, a wave of dread washed over him.


    <em>No! This sword qi is too dangerous for me. I have to dodge! Chu Liang must have used some despicable, underhanded technique again; this attack doesn¡¯t match his cultivation level.</em>


    The warning rang in his mind, but Qi Lin''er found himself unable to avoid it in time. Desperation surged through him, and he dove into the earth, burrowing underground!


    But the sword qi generated through the Great Dao of Severing Void relentlessly pursued him, slicing through the earth and splitting the thick ground in an instant... <em>Boom!</em>


    When the dazzling sword qi finally dissipated, a massive pit nearly a zhang deep had formed where Qi Lin''er had been standing.


    Chu Liang slowly approached the edge of the pit, his gaze fixed on Qi Lin''er, whose dragon scales were shattered, and blood streaked across his body. The child trembled, struggling to climb out of the massive hole.


    "You..." Blood filled his eyes as he gritted his teeth. "You snuck up on me again..."


    "Who told you to run your mouth so much, kid?" Chu Liang looked down at him without a trace of emotion. As he watched Qi Lin''er struggle to the edge of the pit, Chu Liang slowly lifted his foot and added, "Many admire Senior Sister Jiang, and I don¡¯t mind. But I don¡¯t want to hear you say her name again... You''re not even of age."


    As Qi Lin''er was about to climb up, he saw a patterned shoe sole descending from above, stamping onto his face.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    With all his strength, Chu Liang delivered a powerful kick to Qi Lin''er''s face, smashing it inward and sending him tumbling back into the pit, unconscious. It was fortunate that Qi Lin''er''s skin was thick¡ªhad it been another child of his age, they would have died eight hundred times over from such a blow.


    Nevertheless, it was uncertain if Qi Lin''er could hear Chu Liang''sst words to him.


    "If there''s a next time, I''ll beat you up again."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 588: I Will Have to Win With My Intelligence(I)

    Chapter 588: I Will Have to Win With My Intelligence(I)


    "YASSSSSSS! STEP ON HIS FACE!"


    Di Nufeng on the spectator stand cheered wildly, baring her teeth and ws in excitement at her disciple''s impressive performance.


    In stark contrast, the members of the Peni Supreme Sect fell silent. While they still believed Yang Shenlong would secure the final victory, Qi Lin''er''s humiliating defeat was not something to be celebrated.


    The Peni Supreme Sect had expected to overpower all the other teams. Even without Yang Shenlong, they had full confidence in their other disciples'' abilities to match the top prodigies.


    But they didn''t expect that Qi Lin''er, whom they regarded as the second most powerful member of their team, would be so swiftly defeated by Chu Liang.


    And not just once.


    When it happened the first time, they could me it on Qi Lin''er being unprepared, not activating the form of Dragon Soul Possession, and Chu Liang using a pill tounch a surprise attack.


    But this time, the sword strike Chu Liang unleashed shattered Qi Lin''er''s defenses right before everyone''s eyes. There was no excuse to make this time.


    Daoist Chi Niu furrowed his brows and spoke in a deep voice, "That boy... he actuallyprehended the Great Dao of Severing the Void. Truly absurd.""There must be a reason why Chu Liang from the Mount Shu Sect suddenly rose to fame," Daoist Xuan Lu remarked. "I''ve studied his past feats. Do you know what the most incredible part is?"


    "I certainly don''t know," Daoist Chi Niu replied.


    "What he has aplished in one year is something most people would not even be able toplete in ten. The trials, the Mount Shu Summit, and managing Red Cotton Peak¡ªall of these tasks would have taken up all his time and energy.


    "If an ordinary person were to do all those things, they would have no time left for cultivation. Yet, despite this hectic schedule, his cultivation has advanced at an astonishing rate. I''ve often wondered how he finds the time to cultivate. Sometimes, I even suspect he possesses a hidden realm that slows the flow of time."


    As Daoist Xuan Lu spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the light screen showing Chu Liang heading into the next corridor, his eyes filled with intrigue.


    Daoist Xuan Lu continued, "If he can aplish such feats with scraps of time, how strong would he be if he fully dedicated himself to cultivation? And why has such a peerless genius been so obscure until now?"


    "Are you suggesting..." Daoist Chi Niu looked at him.


    "I suspect he has some heaven-defying stroke of luck, or perhaps he was born with great karmic fate as a Hallowed One," Daoist Xuan Lu concluded. "If only we could recruit such a disciple into the Peni Supreme Sect."


    Though Daoist Xuan Lu had no knowledge of the Large-Headed Dolls that were working tirelessly for Chu Liang, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off. He knew that even if he himself had dedicated all his time and energy to cultivation, his cultivation level wouldn''t be much higher than it was now... So how was Chu Liang progressing this quickly? Daoist Xuan Lu had a gut feeling that something was amiss.


    "Recruit?" Daoist Chi Niu scoffed. "I¡¯d rather snap his head off his neck."


    Clearly, he had redirected his frustration from being roasted by Di Nufeng onto Chu Liang.


    "This is where your narrow-mindedness lies. If everyone thought like you, how could the Peni Supreme Sect have developed into its current glory?" Daoist Xuan Lu said leisurely.


    Daoist Chi Niu snorted twice before responding, "Still, being taught a lesson by him twice may not be such a bad thing for Qi Lin''er. On Mirage Mountain, no one dares to provoke him, and he''s nearly be a little tyrant. Who knows what his true origins are."


    As for Qi Lin''er''s origin, even the elders of the Peni Supreme Sect knew little. The rumors surrounding him being the illegitimate child of Daoist Cangsheng were nothing more than baseless gossip.


    "The matters rted to the Divine Ruins are not to be discussed recklessly," Daoist Xuan Lu said calmly.


    Daoist Chi Niu curled his lip in slight disdain but said nothing more.


    Daoist Chi Niu, being one of the senior members of Mirage Mountain, had attained the seventh realm many years ago, while Daoist Xuan Lu was a recently promoted elite.


    Daoist Chi Niu was nearly a generation older than Xuan Lu, possessing the seniority, cultivation, and wisdom that came with his long years of experience.


    However, Daoist Xuan Lu had quickly gained favor with the higher-ups after his promotion, and his influence on Mirage Mountain now far surpassed Chi Niu''s. This shift in power naturally stirred some underlying resentment in Chi Niu.


    ¡­


    While Chu Liang continued his streak of swift victories, there were others still engaged in prolonged battles, holding their ground in the first corridor.


    Xu Ziyang was one of them.


    His opponent was also a fellow disciple of the Endless Sword Sect.


    It was Xu Hu, one of the Tiger-Leopard-Dragon Brothers[1].


    As the eldest senior brother of Jade Sword Peak faced this rtively unfamiliar disciple of the Endless Sword Sect, he unleashed his most powerful strike, the Heaven-Raising Sword, which roared through the air.


    Likewise, Xu Hu, unfamiliar with the disciple of the Mount Shu Sect before him, did not hold back at all.


    As the overwhelming sword light bore down, Xu Hu chose a tactic simr to Chu Liang''s¡ªhe condensed his sword intent and struck with a single, powerful sh.


    <em>Hiss¡ª</em>


    Where the sword rose, a cold glimmer erupted.


    This exchange of sword strikes was a sh between the sword qi generated through the Great Dao of the Cloud of Determination and the sword intent of the Great Dao of Severing the Void. Though the light of the sword intent created through Severing the Void seemed much smaller, it was denser and sharper, splitting the Heavenly Sword Seal cleanly in two.


    However, the sh imbued with the Great Dao of Severing the Void waspletely dissipated at that moment.


    The two were evenly matched in this exchange of sword strikes.


    Although this appeared to be a sh of powerful divine techniques, both were merely testing each other''s limits. When they figured out the extent of each other''s strength, they immediately adjusted their tactics.


    Recognizing the intensity of his opponent''s sword intent, Xu Ziyang lowered his stance and charged forward, aiming to close the distance and engage Xu Hu in closebat.


    Seeing this, Xu Hu swung his longsword, instantly shrouding the surrounding five-zhang radius in sword intent. Anyone who dared enter would be met with a torrent of swordlight crashing down.


    But Xu Ziyang paid it no mind and charged straight in.


    <em>Swishhhhh¡ª</em>


    Suddenly, the sword light descended like a torrential rain, converging on him from all directions.


    Xu Ziyang''s figure suddenly shed forward with a swift motion, appearing right in front of Xu Hu, closing the distance for closebat.


    He used Dimension Compression!


    Just as the spectators thought Xu Ziyang''s tactic had seeded, Xu Hu suddenly opened his mouth and spat out a dazzling de of sword light!


    <em>Swish!</em>


    Caught off guard, Xu Ziyang barely dodged the attack, and the de narrowly missed his face. Thankfully, he reacted quickly and summoned ayer of golden light around his hands, pping them together mid-air.


    He gripped the sword that had been sent his way, the weapon struggling fiercely in his grasp.


    At the same time, Xu Hu swung his longsword directly at Xu Ziyang¡¯s chest!


    <em>Boom! </em>With a resounding explosion, Xu Ziyang transformed into a Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form. His second pair of hands wielded swords to block Xu Hu''s attack, while the third pair formed seals, summoning a swirling pool of lightning around them.


    <em>Crackle¡ª</em>


    He performed the Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky!


    Xu Hu¡¯s flying sword swept horizontally, once again expanding into a five-zhang sword domain. In an instant, the space within several zhang was flooded with overwhelming thunder and crisscrossing sword qi.


    Both Xu Ziyang and Xu Hu activated their fifth-realm Metallic Bodies, enduring each other''s attacks with sheer resilience.


    However, as Xu Hu became injured, his life-bound flying sword suddenly glowed crimson, and a surge of intense energy erupted, as though Xu Hu had be one with his sword.


    Xu Ziyang''s hands were forced apart, struggling to maintain control.


    He had no choice but to summon divine lightning, shaping it into chains to bind the small flying sword. The concentrated spiritual energy erupted in a deafening boom.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    Both were flung apart by the force, flipping through the air beforending on their feet.


    When their eyes met again, their gazes were like that of a lion meeting a tiger.


    1. This was exined before but the Xu Brothers have the name Xu Long, Xu Hu, and Xu Bao with Long meaning Dragon, Hu meaning Tiger, and Bao meaning Leopard ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 589: I Will Have to Win With My Intelligence(II)

    While Xu Ziyang and Xu Hu were locked in battle, Chu Liang had already entered the third corridor. After a brief moment of rest, he encountered his third opponent.


    "<em>Wahahahahaha!</em>" A heartyugh came from the other side. "Brother Chu, I can''t believe it''s you!"


    It was none other than Yun Chaoxian.


    As Chu Liang stared at the dude across from him, who wasughing heartily, he couldn''t help but let out a bitter smile. He hadn¡¯t expected to run into one of his closest brothers from the Great Astral Sect.


    However, of the ten teamspeting in the Battle at the Imperial City, five of them had been Chu Liang''s allies. Therefore, the odds of encountering one of the allies were fairly high.


    "Brother Yun, since it hase to this, I guess I''ll have to fight you," Chu Liang said. Even though it was against Yun Chaoxian, Chu Liang had no choice but to draw his sword.


    Having reached this stage, even if it was his closest friends, he would have to engage in a fierce fight, like the sh of a dragon and tiger.


    <em>Boom!</em>Yun Chaoxian mmed his World-Dominating Halberd heavily on the ground and spoke earnestly, "I''ve never had a real fight with you."


    Chu Liang concentrated his sword intent, the edge of the Dustless Sword gleaming sharply as a way to warn Yun Chaoxian to stay on guard.


    Despite his rxed demeanor, Yun Chaoxian was fully alert. He raised his halberd high, a grin spreading across his face. "Here Ie!"


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The massive halberd tore through the air, apanied by the sound of wind and thunder.


    Chu Liang¡¯s response was swift and decisive¡ªhe met it head-on with a single, powerful sword strike!


    <em>Hiss¡ª</em>


    Sword light red once again, and a dragon-shaped sword qi erupted, carrying the full might of the Great Dao of Severing Void. The force was overwhelming, nearly unstoppable.


    As Yun Chaoxian charged forward, he immediately felt the immense power of the strike. When he realized it was indestructible, he instinctively tried to change his path to dodge the attack.


    Even as he did that, he had a gut feeling that no matter where he went, this sword would follow and he would never be able to escape this strike.


    In that fleeting moment, Yun Chaoxian relied on his instincts to make the best possible choice.


    He swung his halberd with precision, meeting the sword light head-on. As the overwhelming sword intent rushed toward him, he twisted his halberd, redirecting the sword light to the side just in time.


    This move was called Redirecting the Dragon to the Sea!


    This was one of the martial arts techniques of the Great Astral Sect. It was a move that relied on the precise control of foundational qi to redirect powerful attacks that would otherwise be impossible to withstand. This technique allowed the user to deflect a forceful strike with the least amount of strength. ?


    This technique demanded precise control over qi, as it involved redirecting sword qi with the force of a halberd without activating its sharp edge. This was a highly challenging move.


    Yet, in the hands of a core disciple of the Great Astral Sect, it appeared effortless.


    As he redirected the attack, it caused Chu Liang''s sword light to crash into the wall, shattering a section of the corridor.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    But Chu Liang could already tell something was off.


    As soon as Yun Chaoxianpleted that move, Chu Liang immediately followed up with another wave of attacks.


    Although another strike generated through the Great Dao of Severing the Void couldn''t happen in quick session, Chu Liang easily switched to other sword seals.


    As Yun Chaoxian looked back, he saw a rain of sword light flying toward him.


    Chu Liang had used the Ten Thousand Swords Seal!


    Having just used the technique of Redirecting the Dragon to the Sea, Yun Chaoxian was momentarily caught off guard by the Ten Thousand Swords Seal. He couldn''t raise his weapon in time to block the torrent of swords. With a stomp of his left foot, a surge of augmented qi erupted from him, expanding over a zhang and forming a protective barrier around his body.


    Augmented qi, of course, was a specialty of the Great Astral Sect disciples.


    An etherealyer of augmented qi enveloped Yun Chaoxian, creating a swift gust of wind. As the countless sword lights rained down upon him, ripples formed on the surface of the shield, but none could prate Yun Chaoxian¡¯s defense.


    Following the Ten Thousand Swords Seal, Chu Liang had already closed in!


    "Be careful, Brother Yun!" With a clear shout, two clones of Chu Liang closed in, attacking Yun Chaoxian from both sides.


    Yun Chaoxian was slightly surprised. Even though he hadn''t expected that Chu Liang would engage in closebat, it was fine.


    Using the Immortal Art: External Manifestation, Chu Liang created two clones. One clone wielded a sword, while the other clone held a brick, and both attacked Yun Chaoxian together.


    Yun Chaoxian swung his halberd fearlessly, taking on both of the clones without hesitation.


    In truth, the Brick Combat Technique was a martial arts technique Yun Chaoxian had created for Chu Liang on a whim. When it came to martial arts, Chu Liang stillgged far behind this core disciple of the Great Astral Sect.


    Yun Chaoxian defended from both directions, spinning his halberd with precision and unleashing three consecutive strikes at the brick-wielding Chu Liang. As the wind of augmented qi howled, he swiftly redirected his halberd to block the sword-wielding Chu Liang.


    In terms of physical strength and resilience, Chu Liang was on a higher level than Yun Chaoxian. His physique, fortified through various means, surpassed even that of fifth-realm martial cultivators.


    However, sheer physical strength alone was not enough to ovee the vast difference in their martial arts techniques.


    With two resounding booms, both of Chu Liang''s figures were shattered by Yun Chaoxian''s halberd.


    But as soon as the explosion rang out, both Chu Liangs transformed into Puppet Pills, falling to the ground.


    <em>They were both fake? </em>Yun Chaoxian was momentarily stunned.


    He had thought Chu Liang had used the immortal art External Manifestation, but it turned out to be a simple Army of Beans technique.


    But the question remained. <em>Where is the real Chu Liang? </em>


    He soon got his answer.


    A figure erupted from the ground, d in intricate scales. As it emerged at close range, mes erupted from the armor!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    When Chu Liang had first obtained the Inferno Devil Armor, he had considered using it to counter martial cultivators, and now it was proving its worth.


    mes engulfed a two-zhang radius, forcing Yun Chaoxian to retreat. Though he was not particrly afraid of the Divine Dragon Fire, prolonged exposure would inevitably lead to injuries.


    An unusual scene then unfolded.


    The martial arts cultivator Yun Chaoxian was pursued down the corridor by Chu Liang, a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, with a sword in hand.


    He gripped his halberd upside down and sprinted down the long corridor as fast as he could.


    Unfortunately, the corridor came to a dead end. Realizing there was nowhere left to run, Yun Chaoxian suddenly spun around, thrusting his halberd backward over a zhang!


    Back-thrusting halberd strike!


    It turned out that Yun Chaoxian had been pretending to flee.


    His escape had been nothing more than a facade, a way to set up this sudden strike.


    When the brothers of the Great Astral Sect fight, they certainly know how to use their brains!


    Fortunately, Chu Liang was well aware of this. He had witnessed Yun Chaoxian''sbat prowess years ago when he defeated a high-ranking demon envoy, so he never underestimated him.


    While Yun Chaoxian''s back-thrusting halberd strike was immensely powerful, it came as no surprise to Chu Liang. With quick reflexes, he swiftly dodged back, dodging the attack just in time.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Yun Chaoxian¡¯s upper garments tore apart, his body radiating a fierce aura as qi mes surged around him. The wind of augmented qi swirled, and he swiftly shifted into counterattack mode!


    He had ripped his shirt!


    This was the moment that Chu Liang had been waiting for!


    He knew that Yun Chaoxian was now going to exert his full strength. And so, he immediately moved a step back.


    The tables had turned. Now, it was Chu Liang who was escaping, while Yun Chaoxian was pursuing.


    The chase continued down this end of the corridor to the other end.


    The spectators, watching the entire scene unfold, couldn''t help but feel a sense of absurdity. The chase added a surprisingyer ofedy to the otherwise ancient and solemn azure-colored corridor.


    As Yun Chaoxian chased Chu Liang to the opposite end, Chu Liang suddenly spun around.


    Though he didn''t know how to perform a back-thrusting sword strike like Yun Chaoxian, he had another move prepared.


    Sword Strike of Severing Void


    It was truly difficult for Chu Liang to fully unleash the power of the Great Dao of Severing the Void. As a result, this strike drained a significant amount of his vitality, qi, and spirit. He could only use it once within a short span of time.


    The reason he had engaged Yun Chaoxian in closebat earlier was to buy time to restore his Sea of Qi.


    Thanks to the Large-Headed Dolls circting qi frantically, his Sea of Qi was nearly replenished in mere moments. Without hesitation, Chu Liang swung his sword again!


    <em>Hiss¡ª</em>


    Yun Chaoxian did not think it was possible that Chu Liang could unleash such a powerful strike a second time within such a short period.


    This might have felt short to Yun Chaoxian, but for the Large-Headed Dolls, it likely felt like an eternity.


    This time, Yun Chaoxian found it even harder to defend.


    During the first Sword Strike of Severing Void, he had enough time to use the technique of Redirecting the Dragon to the Sea, but now, there was no time for that¡ªhe could only face the attack head-on.


    For the first time, a trace of doubt crept into his mind.


    He couldn''t help but think, <em>Can I really withstand this?</em>


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The sword qi, taking the form of a dragon, shed directly with Yun Chaoxian¡¯s World-Dominating Halberd, unleashing a deafening explosion. The sword qi scattered in all directions, and Yun Chaoxian, covered in wounds, was sent flying through the air before crashing violently to the ground.


    <em>What a vicious strike! </em>


    After a long moment, as the dust settled, Chu Liang approached to check on him. "Brother Yun?"


    "I''m fine," Yun Chaoxian replied firmly, hearing Chu Liang''s concern. "I just suddenly feel like lying down for a bit."


    "Then... can you still fight?" Chu Liang asked again.


    Yun Chaoxian paused and replied, "Rest for a bit."


    "If you can fight, then fight; if you can''t, then you can''t. What does rest for a bit mean?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Then... let''s say I can''t," Yun Chaoxian exhaled deeply, sighing. "I once thought we were evenly matched in both wits and courage. But now, it seems your strength surpasses mine... I''ll just have to win with my intelligence from now on."<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 590: Xu Ziyangs Decision (I)

    "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect has defeated Yun Chaoxian of the Great Astral Sect!"


    When this announcement rang out, the people in Corridor City disyed expressions of surprise. They were shocked to hear that Chu Liang had defeated Yun Chaoxian, but it had not been entirely unexpected. They had known that Chu Liang was likely to be overwhelmingly strong, but it was his methods that always caught them off guard.


    Chu Liang had achieved three victories in a row, each in a remarkably short time¡­ In fact, Chu Liang¡¯s first two opponents had not even managed to withstand a single strike from him.


    Yun Chaoxian had only managed to withstand two strikes. If his halberd were as firm as he was in speech, perhaps he might havested a bit longer.


    This meant that Chu Liang was, without a doubt, the first to make it into the top five, granting him the first bye.


    The whole purpose of Corridor City¡¯s mechanism was to elerate the pace of thepetition while minimizing luck as a factor. The first three rounds of the Battle at the Imperial City were different from the final round.


    In the first three rounds, the participants advancing to the next corridor in the same direction would have to battle whoever entered the same corridor shortly after them, making it unlikely for the strongerpetitors to encounter the weakerpetitors for three consecutive rounds.


    Thepetitors that won their battles quickly would have to face other swift victors, while those that took longer to win their battles would go on to face other slow victors. In other words, thepetitors of a simr level would be matched up.


    This could lead to some strongpetitors being eliminated earlier than the weaker ones, but it was unavoidable. Nevertheless, the rankings in the first three rounds of the Battle at the Imperial City were not that significant; only the final round mattered.Even if a weakerpetitor was lucky enough to somehow reach the third round, they would have to face a formidablepetitor that had fought their way there. That meant it was nearly impossible for one of the weakerpetitors to advance to the top five just because they had good luck.


    There could be instances where the fastestpetitors in each direction who, despite leading by a wide margin, ended up getting slowed down because they had to wait for their next opponent to arrive. However, that reduced the chances that matchedpetitors would have an overwhelming gap in level, causing the battles to end too quickly. Furthermore, if they had to wait for their next opponent, that likely meant their opponent was up against another strongpetitor in long and grueling battles, cing their opponent at a disadvantage.


    Of course, the fasterpetitors held a huge advantage to begin with. After all, they would be well rested, whereas their next opponents would be exhausted from having been stuck in prolonged battles.


    That was why the fastestpetitor was given the first bye.


    However, thepetitor that defeated their opponent the fastest in the semifinals would advance straight to the final duel. The other victor from the semifinals would then have to duel thepetitor that had won the first bye topete for the remaining spot in the final round. This ensured that both finalists would likely have had to fight in four duels.


    There had been two times in which the final winner turned out to be the slower victor, despite having fought five, instead of four, battles to get to the finals. These were exceedingly rare urrences in the history of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    Ultimately, thisplicatedpetition boiled down to a focus on five words¡ªfairness, fairness, and more fairness.


    To the spectators who were familiar with the Assembly of Immortal Sects, they hade to a simple realization¡ªspeed equaled strength.


    Chu Liang had been the fastest to reach the top five, making him the man who defeated his opponents the fastest in Corridor City. Did that mean he was also the strongest?


    Then what about Yang Shenlong?


    ¡­


    At this moment, Yang Shenlong was engaged in his duel for the third round.


    His opponent was the Great Astral Sect''s eldest disciple, Ren Hongdao.


    The eldest senior brother of the Astral Sect stood proudly with a me-colored long saber in his right hand. Despite facing Yang Shenlong, who was known to be the top immortal sect disciple of their generation, Ren Hongdao showed no fear. Rather, his gaze was zing with determination. ?


    When it came to fighting, the disciples of the Great Astral Sect were never afraid, no matter who they had to fight.


    Yang Shenlong''s expression remained indifferent, his gaze deep.


    Ever since losing to Chu Liang, much of Yang Shenlong¡¯s arrogance had faded, reced by a restrained but intense determination. It seemed that it had not been a bad thing for him to experience defeat once.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    Ren Hongdao raised his saber and exuded an intense murderous intent, instantly bing extremely imposing. As a martial arts cultivator at the pinnacle of the fifth-realm, his qi and blood surged to terrifying levels. He was pretty much akin to a celestial beast.


    His saber, Soaring Serpent, measured five chi and three cun[1]. It was forged from Heavenly Fire Meteoric Iron and ranked 168th in the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A thunderous noise resounded as crimson augmented qi and its scorching mes struck down heavily toward Yang Shenlong.


    Yang Shenlong swiftly dodged the attack. Despite being a sixth-realm cultivator, he did not dare underestimate a martial arts cultivator whose cultivation level was a little lower than his. The two followed different cultivation paths, but once they engaged in closebat, Ren Hongdao would pose a major threat.


    <em>Whoosh. </em>


    After using Dimension Compression to evade Ren Hongdao¡¯s strike, Yang Shenlong followed up with a hand seal. There were only several zhang between them, yet when Ren Hongdao chased Yang Shenlong and tried to attack again, he realized he could not close the distance even with two leaps.


    It was the Great Dao of Primordial Chaos.


    The normal spectators outside were puzzled by the scene, but the higher-ups of the immortal sects promptly recognized what Yang Shenlong was doing.


    He wasn¡¯t using a divine skill or an immortal art but the Great Dao of Primordial Chaos. His deep understanding of it allowed him to instantly alter the spatial distance between him and Ren Hongdao.


    This was another manifestation of the World Within One''s Sleeve¡ªa demonstration of Yang Shenlong''s excellent, albeit iplete, mastery of the Great Dao of Primordial Chaos.


    If Ren Hongdao had no way of countering it, then he would never be able to close in on Yang Shenlong.


    While Ren Hongdao continued to leap, Yang Shenlong formed more seals with his hands. Countless streams of green qi emerged from the ground and into the sky, transforming into vines that looked like dragons and snakes. They rushed toward Ren Hongdao, aiming to entwine around him.


    Ren Hongdao¡¯s response to this series of continuous attacks wasparatively straightforward.


    <em>You have a world within your sleeve? Then I¡¯ll just sh your world apart!</em>


    <em>You have vines? Then I will just sh through them!</em>


    The strategy for his counterattack was just one word¡ªsh.


    The Soaring Serpent Saber flew through the air, and an apparition of a long saber apparition in midair. Then it descended toward the ground with explosive force.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The ground split open, forming a deep trench as raging mes surged toward Yang Shenlong''s feet. He turned his palm downward, extinguishing the fiery saber wind with his hand.


    Ren Hongdao pressed on relentlessly, shing through the space that the World Within One''s Sleeve had altered. With a leap, he closed in on Yang Shenlong and directed a sh at him.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    The saber¡¯s frigid wind pressed against Yang Shenlong¡¯s face, yet he remained calm and collected. He turned his right hand over and drew out a three-chi-long[2] Dragon Bone Jade de, blocking the saber with a ng.


    His legs sank into the ground up to his knees, the force of the collision driving him downward.


    Right then, another figure emerged from behind Yang Shenlong. He used External Manifestation!


    The clone leaped up high and transformed its right arm into a massive dragon w. The w swiped down toward Ren Hongdao!


    Caught off guard, Ren Hongdao pushed the Soaring Serpent Saber harder, forcing Yang Shenlong, who was still in front of him, to retreat. With a fierce swing of his saber, Ren Hongdao summoned strong winds to defend him!


    <em>Rumble!</em>


    The explosive collision shook the earth, sending shockwaves in all directions. The summoned winds quickly swept away the dust from the collision, revealing Yang Shenlong''s clone clutching the Soaring Serpent Saber with its dragon w. The clone held the saber firmly in ce, refusing to let it go even as his golden blood sprayed out.


    Meanwhile, Yang Shenlong stepped forward, thrusting the three-chi-long Dragon Bone Jade de toward Ren Hongdao.


    Faced with attacks from above and below, Ren Hongdao unleashed the valor of the Great Astral Sect¡¯s eldest senior brother.


    He roared, "DIE!"


    Ren Hongdao ripped his shirt to shreds and emitted an indescribably intense murderous intent.


    Rather than abandoning his saber, he intensified the augmented qi on the de to maximum power, intending to sh both Yang Shenlong and his clone in half!


    The Soaring Serpent Saber rose and fell, and Yang Shenlong''s clone exploded to bits in midair. Faced with the Dragon Bone Jade de, Ren Hongdao did not retreat. Instead, he advanced fearlessly, undeterred by the prospect of mutual destruction.


    He stopped his fierce sword strike when the saber was just an inch from Yang Shenlong''s face. Tension filled the air.


    The Dragon Bone Jade de in Yang Shenlong''s hand was pointed at Ren Hongdao''s chest, a mere motion away from piercing his heart. Meanwhile, Ren Hongdao''s saber hovered over Yang Shenlong''s head, a slight descent away from killing him.


    Was it going to be mutual destruction?


    The spectators were astonished by this scene.


    Yet, it was at this very moment that another Yang Shenlong emerged from the void.


    "You''ve lost."


    The clone in front of Ren Hongdao shattered with a resounding boom.


    There had been two clones!


    Yang Shenlong''s mastery of External Manifestation had already advanced to the point where he could have two clones simultaneously, while he had stayed concealed the whole time using the Shadow of Radiance. All of Ren Hongdao''s efforts had been focused on the two clones.


    This scene left the spectators eximing in admiration and letting out sighs of relief. Just moments earlier, they had feared that the two young men had entered a deadly stalemate. Had either one lost control, it could have ended with two deaths.


    Fatalities like that had indeed urred in past Battles at the Imperial City.


    Amid the mor, an announcement rang out.


    "Yang Shenlong of the Peni Supreme Sect has defeated Ren Hongdao of the Great Astral Sect!"


    ¡­


    1. Around 1.6m. ?


    2. About a metre. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 591: Xu Ziyangs Decision (II)

    Of course, not all the battles were that bloody and intense.


    Nearby, an extremely calm and peaceful duel had begun between Ye Yongxing of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion and Li Guanlong of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals.


    Ye Yongxing gave a slight bow in greeting, and Li Guanlong responded with a nod.


    Their gazes met, and upon seeing the light in the other person''s eyes, they immediately recognized the other person''s mystical ability.


    Ye Yongxing had the Netherworld Eye, which he had developed while in his mother''s womb, and Li Guanlong had the expired Curse Insect of Dreams that he had swallowed[1]. It was a sh of two total opposites.


    "I suppress you instantly with my Talisman of Life Destruction. You struggle to counter it," Ye Yongxing said, his eyes glowing with a concentrated divine light.


    Despite what he said, he made no movements.


    Seemingly in eptance of the scenario Ye Yongxing depicted, Li Guanlong spent a moment in silence. Then his eyes lit up as well. "Using my illusory technique, I disguise my real self and let you attack my fake self. While you''re distracted by the decoy, I draw you into a dream."


    Light flickered in their eyes, as if the scenarios they described were already unfolding before them.Ye Yongxing furrowed his brows slightly. "I have been drawn into your dream, but I perceive the secrets of heaven within the dream and am able to take control of it."


    "Oh, no," Li Guanlong uttered softly and took two steps back. He fell silent for a moment and then said, "You may be able to fight for the control of the dream from me, but my cultivation level is higher than yours. And even if we were of the same cultivation level, you would still be no match for the secret techniques of my sect.


    "I use the Heavenly Grand Formation of the Nine Pces and Eight Trigrams to surround and destroy you. You have no way of escaping."


    Ye Yongxing replied calmly, "I, too, am skilled in enchanted formations. The three enchanted formations of the Seven Killings Star, Ruinous Star, and Greedy Wolf Star can instantly break your Nine Pces and Eight Trigrams Formation."


    Li Guanlong quickly countered, "But you have fallen into my trap. With the Curse Insect of Dreams''s support, I can replenish my qi, blood, and true essence within the dream. The longer you linger in the dream, the more your qi, blood, and true essence will be drained. If you do not concede your loss, your divine sense will be severely damaged."


    Ye Yongxing pondered for a moment. "The only way I could break the dream is with overwhelming cultivation power, but my cultivation power is inadequate for that. It seems that there is no way for me to break the dream."


    Li Guanlong wore a small smile. "So, you''re letting me win."


    A whileter, the divine light in Ye Yongxing''s eyes finally dimmed. He shook his head sadly. "In the end, this is as far as I can go."


    "Victory and defeat aremon in battle. There is no need to dwell on it, Brother Ye."


    The two young men had decided on the oue after merely speaking for a short while. This left the spectators utterly bewildered.


    <em>What was that all about?</em>


    <em>Were the two of you fighting with civility and decorum?</em>


    <em>If all it took was words to win, then wouldn''t you be invincible if you brought in that old storyteller who tells erotic stories?</em>


    <em>Is this really not a case of collusion for mutual benefit? I suggest that those two be thoroughly investigated for match-fixing.</em>


    ¡­


    "Jiang Yuebai of the Mount Shu Sect has defeated¡­ Tie Chui of the South Melody Conservatory!"


    Earlier, while those two young men were in a battle of wits, two young women were locked in a fierce and violent battle.


    Tie Chui swung her two golden mallets with great force, producing fierce, whistling winds. For a moment, it seemed as though Jiang Yuebai was in grave danger. However, she had intentionally dyed taking action. She spotted an opening in Tie Chui''s defenses and quickly subdued her.


    Tie Chui was not weak, but she was still a notch weaker than Jiang Yuebai. The battle between Jiang Yuebai and Tie Chui paled inparison to Jiang Yuebai''s previous battle against Xi Miaoxian, where Jiang Yuebai had disyed much greater power.


    Two of the three opponents Jiang Yuebai had faced so far had been women.


    In the second round, Jiang Yuebai faced Xi Miaoxian of the Peni Supreme Sect. Both women were contenders for the title of the Number One Beauty of their generation. Nevertheless, neither of them were simply beautiful young women; they both exhibited astonishing power in the duel.


    Xi Miaoxian was proficient in the Peni Supreme Sect''s stealth traversal arts, making her movements unpredictable. However, that would not have been enough to earn her a spot in the team representing the Peni Supreme Sect in this Assembly of Immortal Sects. After all, there was an abundance of talented disciples within the Peni Supreme Sect, and many of them were just as good as her in stealth traversal arts.


    The reason Xi Miaoxian was able to rise above them was the Talisman of Life Destruction that she had obtained in the Celestial Talisman Master''s Hidden Realm. Coupled with her unpredictable arsenal of stealth traversal arts, her offensive capabilities were drastically enhanced, eliminating her weakness ofcking attack power. In fact, Xi Miaoxian was able to use the Talisman of Life Destruction even more effectively than Ye Yongxing.


    Unfortunately for Xi Miaoxian, Jiang Yuebai was just as adept in stealth traversal arts and far surpassed her in other immortal arts. No matter how many times they fought, Jiang Yuebai would always emerge victorious. Perhaps this gap in power was simply the difference between those that had a Transcendent Spirit and those that didn¡¯t.


    After defeating Tie Chui, Jiang Yuebai entered the next corridor. Momentster, she saw Xu Ziyang enter, covered in blood.


    Xu Ziyang''s path had been arduous. It began with a fight against Xu Hu of the Sword Sect, followed by victories over Luo Yao of the Valley of the Three Absolutes and Feng Chaoyang of the Celestial King Sect.


    He had fought his way there through fierce battles and was covered in wounds, yet his eyes gleamed brightly like a sharp sword. His fighting spirit was indomitable.


    By this point, the top five contenders had been decided. Chu Liang, who had earned a bye, had been the first to advance. He was followed by Yang Shenlong of the Peni Supreme Sect, Li Guanlong of the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals, and the Mount Shu Sect''s Jiang Yuebai and Xu Ziyang.


    The Mount Shu Sect imed three of the top five spots! Without a doubt, this generation of disciples was the strongest the Mount Shu Sect had produced in the past sixty years!


    Now that Xu Ziyang had gotten matched with Jiang Yuebai, it seemed like this should be the end point of his mission.


    Normally, when two disciples from the same sect got matched up, one of them would concede defeat to allow the other disciple to avoid an unnecessary battle and instead conserve their energy for the next one. This wasn''t considered cheating; this was a legitimate advantage of having multiple disciples sessfully advance to theter rounds.


    In this case, Jiang Yuebai was the Mount Shu Sect''s head disciple and in peak condition, while Xu Ziyang was covered in blood and clearly exhausted. By all ounts, he should withdraw from the duel.


    If Xu Ziyang were to concede defeat, Jiang Yuebai would advance straight to the finals. This way, even if Yang Shenlong won his fourth duel, he would be thest to advance. That meant he would first have to face Chu Liang and then Jiang Yuebai, creating a situation where he would be trapped between Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai.


    This situation was highly advantageous for the Mount Shu Sect. It was undoubtedly the overwhelming strength of their representative team that allowed them to defeat powerful opponents and secure this advantage.


    However, just as everyone was waiting for Xu Ziyang to concede defeat¡­ he straightened his bloody back.


    Filled with an intense fighting spirit, he looked Jiang Yuebai in the eye and said, "I wish to fight."


    <em>Huh? </em>The spectators watching were stunned by his decision. <em>Is he going to engage in an internal fight, giving up the Mount Shu Sect''s advantage of having three members in the fourth round?</em>


    As Wang Xuanling watched his disciple, he let out a quiet sigh.


    From a strategic standpoint for the Mount Shu Sect, it would certainly have been better for Xu Ziyang to concede defeat. Nevertheless, on a personal level, the Assembly of Immortal Sects was a once-in-a-lifetime stage. Wang Xuanling didn''t wish for his disciple to hastily leave the stage in such a manner either.


    Furthermore, Xu Ziyang and Jiang Yuebai had never dueled each other before. Xu Ziyang had just experienced several bloody battles in a row. Despite getting injured, he emerged tempered and with a soaring fighting spirit. It wasn''t for certain that he would lose.


    This decision was a critical turning point for Xu Ziyang. Regardless of the oue, he needed this duel to satisfy his Dao heart. If Xu Ziyang were to voluntarily leave thepetition now, his future progress might be limited by mediocrity.


    Yet, as the grand peak master of the Mount Shu Sect, Wang Xuanling couldn''t wholeheartedly support Xu Ziyang''s decision. He fell into a deep silence.


    Di Nufeng, on the other hand, furrowed her brows at the puzzled murmurs around her. "What''s so strange about this? Isn''t it just a fight?"


    As the one being challenged, Jiang Yuebai showed no displeasure. Instead, she smiled,mending Xu Ziyang''s decision.


    The twin pirs of the Mount Shu Sect had been admired by many even before the Mount Shu Summit, but they had never been given the chance to fight each other. Now, they were finally about to have their long-awaited duel.


    Jiang Yuebai cupped her hands together respectfully. "Then, please enlighten me, Senior Brother Xu."


    1. This was first mentioned in chapter 538. Li Guanlong identally swallowed an ancient Curse Insect of Dreams when he was young. The insect had been sealed for countless years, so that''s probably why the author called it ¡°expired¡±. ?<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: LD</blockquote>

 Chapter 592: What Good Would That Do!? (I)

    "A fight should happen now," the Sword Saint, Old Li Ba, said as he watched with his arms folded. Though his disciples had all been eliminated, it didn''t bother him. After hundreds of years in the martial world, he had seen countless battles; the oue of any single tournament no longer concerned him.


    As long as his sect didn''t repeatedly fail in the second round like the Mount Shu Sect, someone of his status wouldn''t be too bothered. Now that all his disciples were eliminated, he was content to settle into the role of a spectator and enjoy the show.


    He continued saying, "Xu Ziyang has fought through three fierce battles. Though his Sea of Qi is depleted and he''s severely injured, his vitality, qi, and spirit are all at their peak. If he were to draw his sword against an opponent now, it would strengthen his resolve for the Dao. If he stops here due to a bit of scheming, he will miss a valuable chance to improve himself.


    "There''s a saying among sword cultivators: sword qies easily, but a true heart for the sword is hard to find. A chance to refine one''s heart for the sword maye only once in a lifetime."


    "But in doing so, he may lose the chance to advance straight to the finals," Immortal Jiuyi replied, his expression equally calm. "Originally, if Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai took turns fighting Yang Shenlong, they might have had a good chance of defeating him."


    "What''s this? You don''t have faith in your own disciple?" Old Li Ba chuckled. "Can''t Li Guanlong win?"


    "There''s hope," Immortal Jiuyi replied with a nod, "but it''s slim."


    "Oh?" Old Li Ba was slightly confused.


    He had been joking; no one seriously believed Li Guanlong could defeat Yang Shenlong. But seeing Immortal Jiuyi''s demeanor, could it be that Li Guanlong truly had some hidden trump card that could lead to victory?¡­


    The attention shifted to the screen where this meeting of two dragons had just begun.


    Normally, at this stage, disciples from the immortal sects would rush to secure victory and advance straight to the finals. However, upon hearing that both contestants in the other match were disciples of the Mount Shu Sect, Yang Shenlong assumed Xu Ziyang would concede and decided to take his time.


    "Brother Li," he greeted first.


    "Brother Yang," Li Guanlong politely returned the greeting.


    The two were not well-acquainted, but they remained respectful with each other due to the longstanding friendly rtions between the Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals and the Peni Supreme Sect.


    Li Guanlong smiled and added, "Since I''ve encountered you, it seems my journey ends here."


    "You''re too modest, Brother Li," Yang Shenlong replied calmly, golden mes flickering in his eyes.


    Suddenly, a faint popping sound echoed through the air.


    It was as if something had shattered.


    Li Guanlong forced a wry smile. "So, you saw through this little trick after all."


    It turned out that Li Guanlong had tried to quietly draw Yang Shenlong into a dream, but Yang Shenlong had detected the attempt. The difference in cultivation levels created an overwhelming gap in vitality, qi, and spirit.


    Li Guanlong stopped smiling and said in a serious expression, "It seems defeating you with ordinary methods is impossible. I''ll have to gamble everything."


    The Assembly of Immortal Sects was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and everyone who entered sought victory. No one came simply to y. Now, facing what was likely the strongest opponent he had ever encountered, Li Guanlong knew he had to stay fully alert and no longer act casually as he had before.


    He had prepared a trump card specifically for thispetition.


    However, this trump card could only be used once within a certain period, which was why he had held back from fighting with full force until now. But now that he had reached this stage and was face to face with Yang Shenlong, there was no avoiding it.


    At this point, it was a matter of win or go home.


    Li Guanlong sped his hands, forming a seal.


    He closed his eyes and stood still, focusing quietly.


    <em>Is he really going to take a nap in front of Yang Shenlong? </em>The audience wondered. But honestly speaking, they didn''t actually think that such an absurd thing could happen during a match of the Battle at the Imperial City, so they watched in silence, waiting for the next change.


    Meanwhile, Li Guanlong''s fellow disciples from Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals were worried, as they knew their Eldest Senior Brother was, in fact, capable of taking a nap even in such a critical moment.


    Li Guanlong truly had the great divine ability to drift into dreams at any time and ce.


    Fortunately, it did not happen this time.


    As Li Guanlong closed his eyes, golden light began to radiate from beneath his feet.


    In the blink of an eye, threads of golden silk spun around his feet and legs. Then, the shimmering threads began to envelop the upper part of his body.


    In an instant, he was enveloped in a massive golden cocoon!


    Immediately Yang Shenlong sensed something amiss.


    The moment Li Guanlong started performing his divine ability, he flew over and attacked with his three-chi long dragon bone, piercing into the cocoon before it had evenpletely enclosed Li Guanlong.


    But then, golden threads started wrapping around his dragon bone, releasing an eerie and disorienting energy.


    Yang Shenlong, sensing the danger, reacted swiftly, retreating just in time to escape the energy''s grasp.


    In that brief moment, the golden cocoon sealed shut.


    Yang Shenlong formed a hand seal with his left hand and unleashed another strike. In an instant, a massive dragon w descended from the sky, mming into the golden cocoon.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The cocoon was sent flying, embedding halfway into a wall.


    But that was all. The golden threads remained intact, shimmering as though unaffected by the impact.


    Yang Shenlong''s eyes narrowed. He formed another hand seal, and his three-chi long dragon bone erupted with dazzling green light, as brilliant as a thousand stars converging in one ce.


    <em>Whoosh¡ª</em>


    In this very moment, he unleashed an explosive surge of cultivation power that sent chills down everyone''s spine.


    Since the Competition of a Hundred Sects, he had once again showed improvement!


    <em>Rip¡ª</em>


    As the tearing sound echoed, the dragon bone in Yang Shenlong''s hand pierced straight into the massive golden cocoon.


    Burning, golden-colored blood began to flow from the cracks in the cocoon.


    Then came the sound of crackling from within, as the cracks spread and the cocoon started to break apart.


    A figure emerged once more.


    Li Guanlong, shrouded in golden light, kept his eyes closed.


    Even with his eyes shut, he had begun to move.


    A jade-colored dragon bone spike protruded from his shoulder, which Li Guanlong gripped with one hand. With a forceful pull, he yanked it out, ignoring the blood pouring from the wound.


    Yang Shenlong could not press forward at all.


    With no other option, he was forced to fly back.


    Li Guanlong appeared to be in a sleepwalking state, yet he was showing such terrifying strength that intimidated even Yang Shenlong.


    Yang Shenlong had to be careful.


    "The Curse Insect of Dreams possesses many mystical abilities. One could even be an immortal within a dream," Immortal Jiuyi exined with a smile. "Under normal circumstances, when Li Guanlong uses his dream-watching ability, he struggles to differentiate between the real world and the dream world. Because the boundary between dream and reality bes blurred, he has to remain conscious and alert. He never truly dares to fall asleep. If he were to enter a real slumber, the Curse Insect of Dreams would take control of his body. While this would grant him immense power, he would also then no longer have control of himself¡­"


    As if to prove Immortal Jiuyi''s exnation, the screen now showed Li Guanlong leaping recklessly from high up without a care of the risk of injury, and striking down hard with his palm.


    The palm strike appeared simple and straightforward, but from Yang Shenlong''s expression, it was clear he felt intimidated, as if he had encountered an extremely powerful enemy.


    He even transformed his hand into a dragon w to block the strike.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    As Li Guanlong crashed to the ground, Yang Shenlong was forced back more than ten steps.


    It was such immense power.


    Thest opponent to suddenly unleash such monstrous strength was Chu Liang. Facing yet another opponent in a berserk state inevitably brought back some unpleasant memories for Yang Shenlong.


    "<em>Haah¡­</em>" Li Guanlong exhaled sharply and lunged forward once more.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    A series of powerful blows sent Yang Shenlong stumbling backward. He kept being pushed back repeatedly.


    At this moment, Li Guanlong was as strong as a celestial beast.


    In addition, the faint golden aura surrounding his entire body absorbed much of the damage from Yang Shenlong''s attacks, giving him a clear advantage for the moment.


    Each of Li Guanlong''s strikes that hit the nearby solid walls left deep dents, showcasing their devastating power. The fact that Yang Shenlong was able to withstand each blow was already very astonishing.


    <em>Could Yang Shenlong be defeated once again?</em>


    The same thought echoed in the minds of all the spectators.


    Yang Shenlong remained unusually calm andposed as he faced Li Guanlong, who was in a berserk state. He even took some time to observe Li Guanlong closely.


    Just as another powerful palm strike sent Yang Shenlong flying, his figure suddenly flickered, and in the blink of an eye, three versions of him appeared at the same time.


    He had used the Immortal Art: External Manifestation.


    The three Yang Shenlong surrounded Li Guanlong, trapping him in the center.


    Each of them formed a hand seal simultaneously and pointed toward Li Guanlong.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    Three streams of azure qi converged and struck at Li Guanlong, who was trapped in the center.


    Flickers of light and mes erupted, but Li Guanlong charged through the mes, nearly unscathed, andnded a punch squarely on the face of one of the clones.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The punch was so powerful that the clone was instantly crushed and vanished.


    As of now, Li Guanlong was like a wild beast that had gone crazy. The instant he sensed any hostility, he responded with a swift attack that would instantly kill his opponent.


    Yang Shenlong''s eyes gleamed sharply as the other clone didn''t dodge. Instead, it stepped forward, raising one arm.


    Suddenly, Li Guanlong was enveloped in an azure light with a radius of several zhang.


    Yang Shenlong had just used the Immortal Art Ring of Confinement.


    While the Immortal Art: The Spoken Divine Law could sometimes produce a simr effect, it was nowhere near as powerful.


    At that moment, Li Guanlong found himself suddenly trapped within a circle with a radius of three zhang.<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 593: What Good Would That Do!? (II)

    <em>Bam!</em>


    Li Guanlong kept mming himself onto this barrier of azure light that was barely visible in the air.


    With how the azure light flickered and shook, the Ring of Confinement clearly would not be able to trap Li Guanlong for long.


    But even if it was only fifteen minutes, it was more than enough.


    The actual Yang Shenlong had transformed himself. His head had be a dragon head.


    As he opened his mouth wide, it revealed fangs of a dragon that were as sharp as swords and halberds.


    Then, he released an earth-shaking roar!


    "<em>ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR</em>"


    A deep, resonant dragon chant suddenly erupted from the depths of his throat.The sound was like a thunderous vibration, carrying with it a power that seemed to clear the mind.


    Technically, this was not an attack. This sound was meant to dispel evil influences and purify the mind.


    But as soon as Li Guanlong heard this sound, he started struggling and became visibly distressed. The golden light that enveloped his body started flickering erratically.


    "In the end, he found the w with the Curse Insect of Dreams," Immortal Jiuyi said with a sigh, a trace of regret in his voice.


    "The Curse Insect of Dreams resides within the host''s dream. Therefore, there''s no way an opponent can win by attacking the host''s physical body. The only way to end this is by targeting the dream and ending the dream," Old Li Ba murmured as he spected. "Am I right?"


    "Esteemed Senior, you are indeed correct," Immortal Jiuyi confirmed.


    This Awakening Dragon Chant was like the Great Buddhist Thunderp, capable of awakening the mind and shattering any illusory dreams.


    Since the Curse Insect of Dreams had imnted itself within the dream world, it would lose its foothold the moment the host awakened. The power of the Curse Insect would then dissipate, forcing Li Guanlong to regain control of his body.


    As long as Li Guanlong remained asleep, he would continue to be invincible in the fight. But if he were to wake up, he would then lose that godly power.


    It was no surprise that Old Li Ba, with his vast experience and countless battles, quickly figured out the answer.


    However, it was truly remarkable for Yang Shenlong to show such maturity at his young age.


    Ultimately, there was still a gap in cultivation between Yang Shenlong and Li Guanlong. Had it been anyone else, they would have been defeated by the first round of attacks. Even if they knew how to counter, they wouldn''t have survived long enough to awaken Li Guanlong.


    "<em>Ugh¡­</em>" Li Guanlong slowly opened his eyes, struggling to do so. His gaze was still cloudy and dazed, as if he had just awakened from a deep dream.


    At this moment, a massive dragon w descended upon him.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It was that one strike.


    Li Guanlong was sent flying, and the winner of this match was decided.


    "Hah." Yang Shenlong exhaled, wasting no time to readjust his breathing and rest as he rushed to the next corridor.


    ¡­


    While Yang Shenlong and Li Guanlong were still locked in battle, the duel between the twin pirs of the Mount Shu Sect had already ended and the winner had been decided. ?


    As Xu Ziyang faced Jiang Yuebai, he shouted and focused all his vitality, qi, and spirit into this one strike.


    As his longsword pierced the air, the light of the sword took on the form of a dragon. It was a simple and straightforward thrust!


    This was a strike that contained the Cloud of Determination Great Dao, which was one of the most popr Great Daos of Sword on the Mount Shu Sect.


    The sword qi generated through this Cloud of Determination Great Dao could move mountains and cause waves to surge!


    Jiang Yuebai responded with equal directness. She countered with a reverse strike and countered with the exact same thrust.


    As she struck, her sword qi surged like a sea of clouds.


    This was a disy of the deep mutual understanding between the two prodigies of Mount Shu Sect. Though they had to fight, both of them knew it was best not to prolong the fight, which was why they opted for a single decisive strike to determine the victor.


    Xu Ziyang''s sword qi zed like the midday sun, radiating with fierce intensity. In contrast, Jiang Yuebai''s sword qi flowed like an ethereal sea of clouds, intertwined with biting cold winds.


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The collision was so intense that the residual energy nearly shattered the surrounding walls. The swirling mes created by the sword qi obscured the view, slowly dispersing after a long moment.


    <em>Who won? </em>The spectators wondered as they craned their necks to see.


    <em>ng.</em>


    As the dust settled, Xu Ziyang stood alone amidst the ruined corridor. Blood dripped from his right arm, and his longsword ttered to the ground with a sharp ng.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuebai''s figure had already vanished into the distance.


    In the end, the head disciple remained the head disciple. Xu Ziyang had lost.


    Though it seemed Xu Ziyang was at a disadvantage, having fought through numerous fierce fights to reach this point while Jiang Yuebai had been able to rest and conserve her strength.


    But Xu Ziyang understood that, in this exchange, he had actually held the initial advantage. Having fought his way to this point, his vitality, qi, and spirit were at their peak¡ªthis was when his sword intent was at its strongest.


    If the fight had been drawn out, Jiang Yuebai, in a better state, would have had the upper hand. But in a sh of single sword strikes, being calm and collected wasn''t always a good thing.


    Yet, even under these conditions, her sword qi felt overwhelming. It felt like a vast ocean thatpletely engulfed him. This could only mean that her strength was on an entirely different level.


    The results of the previous Mount Shu Summit had not been a coincidence.


    Yet, in this moment, he had no regrets in his defeat.


    ¡­


    When Chu Liang saw that the approaching figure was Yang Shenlong, a smile slowly spread across his face.


    <em>This feels right, </em>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    Yang Shenlong walked slowly into the corridor. He stared at Chu Liang with a calm gaze that flickered with a hint of fighting spirit.


    As Yang Shenlong faced the only person of his generation who had ever defeated him, no matter howposed he was, he could not suppress the rekindling desire to win.


    Chu Liang, however, remainedposed, gazing at him calmly with a smile. "We meet again."


    "I don''t know what trick you used inside the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams, but I admit my defeat. I truly hope to win this time," Yang Shenlong confessed earnestly.


    "Say no more," Chu Liang replied curtly.


    Due to the Pure Jade Transcendent Form and the Azure Dragon legacy, Yang Shenlong had an incredibly fast recovery rate. If more time passed, Chu Liang would lose his advantage of having rested and conserved his strength.


    With that, his qi and blood ignited fiercely, surging skyward!


    This was the nature of the Battle at the Imperial City. The fights woulde one after another, and the contestants never knew who would walk in next. All they knew was that only one would walk out!


    Yang Shenlong''s eyes red as his dragon bone swept through the air, sending waves of azure light to block Chu Liang.


    With a sharp swoosh, Chu Liang used Dimension Compression to close the distance, gearing up for closebat.


    Yang Shenlong immediately understood Chu Liang''s strategy.


    If they engaged in a long-range fight of divine techniques, the difference in cultivation levels would likely lead to Chu Liang''s defeat without himnding a single blow.


    But in closebat, even if Chu Liang lost, he could still inflict injuries and deplete Yang Shenlong''s energy, potentially improving Jiang Yuebai''s chances in the next round.


    Yang Shenlong took half a step back, seemingly remaining in ce. But as Chu Liang shed with his sword, the figure in front of him turned out to be nothing more than an apparition. The real Yang Shenlong had already retreated several zhang away.


    As Chu Liang''s first attack missed, Yang Shenlong made his assessment, noting that Chu Liang''s cultivation level was at the third stage of the fifth realm. His cultivation power would not be as crazy as it had beenst time.


    With this, he felt reassured.


    In this case, he no longer needed to retreat and could focus on ending the fight as soon as possible.


    But just as he made that decision, Chu Liang''s next attack came. It was the Heaven-Raising Sword!


    As Chu Liang wielded his Dustless Sword, he didn''t use his strongest move, the Sword Strike of Severing Void. Instead, he used the Immortal Art: Heaven-Raising Sword, bringing it down on Yang Shenlong with overwhelming sword qi.


    Yang Shenlong raised his palm, pulling in both the Dustless Sword and its sword qi into his palm using the technique, A World in One''s Palm.


    There they became like fishes swimming on his palm.


    Without a pill to boost his cultivation, the difference in their cultivation levels was clearly immense.


    But in the next instant, Chu Liang was already upon him.


    It turned out that the use of the Heaven-Raising Sword was merely a distraction. Using Dimension Compression, Chu Liang closed the gap and suddenly activated his Three-Headed and Six-Armed Form. All six arms shot forward, locking Yang Shenlong in a firm embrace.


    "Huh?"


    Spectators who had attended the Mount Shu Summit immediately recognized the scene.


    Back then, Chu Liang had done the same thing to Jiang Yuebai.


    <em>So he doesn''t just hug girls? He''s fine with hugging guys too? Hey, this is a fight¡ªwhat are you doing?</em>


    Yang Shenlong, however, immediately sensed the danger and prepared to use a divine ability to shake Chu Liang off.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The effect of the Forbidden Ground was activated.


    When Chu Liang crushed the jade talisman in the illusory realm, Yang Shenlong had witnessed it with his own eyes. Now, a deep sense of foreboding arose within him.


    It was just as Yang Shenlong had expected.


    However, as Yang Shenlong''s cultivation level was much higher than Chu Liang''s, this single jade talisman could not restrict Yang Shenlong for long. The effect of the Forbidden Ground on him was greatly diminished, and within the span of a single breath, its influence began to fade.


    But Chu Liang had plenty of jade talismans to spare.


    A series of crisp "<em>pop, pop, pop</em>" sounds echoed, reminiscent of firecrackers during New Year celebrations.


    As the effects of the Forbidden Ground umted and settled upon Yang Shenlong, he was once again trapped for another two breaths.


    Meanwhile, behind them, a figure retrieved the Dustless Sword that had fallen to the ground. He gripped it firmly and concentrated deeply, focusing his sword intent.


    It was a clone that had been created through the Immortal Art: External Manifestation!<blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>

 Chapter 594: What Good Would That Do!? (III)

    When that clone appeared, Yang Shenlong immediately figured out what Chu Liang wanted to do.


    Chu Liang intended to attack while he himself was holding Yang Shenlong down, meaning that he would beunching a strike that targeted both himself and Yang Shenlong.


    After all, Chu Liang''s most powerful technique was the Sword Strike of Severing the Void. To defeat Yang Shenlong, he would need to use this technique. However, when he had used it normally, even Yun Chaoxian had been able to counter it¡ªlet alone someone like Yang Shenlong.


    But the span of two breaths was enough for the other Chu Liang to raise the Dustless Sword from behind!


    The sword was raised!


    And the sword fell!


    <em>Shing¡ª</em>


    A familiar arc of sword qi sliced through the air!


    The six-armed Chu Liang twisted his body with all his might, striving to lock Yang Shenlong in his embrace, ensuring that both he and Yang Shenlong would bear the full force of the sword strike from the side.<em>Boom!</em>


    The sword qi erupted, sending both of them flying and crashing hard to the ground.


    Amidst the dazzling sword light, a streak of azure energy shot out like a mighty Azure Dragon, piercing straight through the chest of the other Chu Liang wielding the sword.


    With a loud bang, the clone exploded and vanished.


    The moment Yang Shenlong was sent flying into the air, he was finally able to use his divine abilities and immediately seized the opportunity to use a divine technique. He quickly drew the dragon bone and struck down at the other Chu Liang wielding the sword, delivering a decisive and lethal blow.


    But what he didn¡¯t expect was that the Chu Liang he had killed was the clone!


    Yang Shenlong had been certain that the person holding him in an embrace, ready to bear the attack with him, had to be the clone. He had been convinced that the real Chu Liang was the one wielding the sword.


    This wasmon sense¡ªwho would use their real body as the target and have the clone do the attacking?


    But Chu Liang had deliberately done the opposite.


    Sure enough, amid the smoke and dust, the Chu Liang who had been sent flying a few zhang away andnding on the ground suddenly leaped up with such explosive force!


    This was Chu Liang''s first time experiencing the power of the Sword Strike of Severing the Void. Even with his formidable physique, he felt the sword qi pierce through the right side of his body, leaving it bloodied and sttered.


    Yang Shenlong was in a simr state, though his left side was the one that had been injured.


    The two were so close that Yang Shenlong couldn¡¯t activate any divine abilities in time. Chu Liang charged forward, striking him in the face with a brick in his left hand. ?


    <em>Thud¡ª</em>


    As Chu Liangnded the strike, Yang Shenlong swatted him away with his right dragon w, sending him flying.


    Chu Liang crashed into the wall but rebounded instantly, following up with another strike using the brick.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    At this point, both of them were bleeding profusely. In fact, Chu Liang''s injuries were even worse than that of Yang Shenlong. Yet, he charged forward relentlessly, as though he feared nothing, not even death.


    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>


    As Chu Liang smashed down with his brick, Yang Shenlong swung his w to block. In the end, the two were locked in a fierce closebat struggle.


    This chaotic situation was precisely what Chu Liang had nned.


    In terms of cultivation, Chu Liang was far inferior to Yang Shenlong. But in closebat, the situation would be different.


    Yang Shenlong carried the legacy of the Azure Dragon, but Chu Liang wielded the power of the Blue Dragon, White Dragon, and Inferno Dragon.


    Yang Shenlong could activate the Pure Jade Transcendent Form, while Chu Liang had the Large-Headed Dolls.


    Though Chu Liang would still be at a slight disadvantage, he wouldn¡¯t lose by much.


    As long as he could close the distance and initiate a close-rangebat with Yang Shenlong, even if he lost, he wouldn¡¯t let Yang Shenlong leave the fight unscathed.


    Chu Liang firmly believed that if he could drain enough of Yang Shenlong¡¯sbat strength, Jiang Yuebai would ensure his efforts weren¡¯t in vain. With this determination, heunched wave after wave of relentless attacks.


    ¡°<em>Hraaah¡ª</em>¡±


    Aside from that time in the illusory realm, when had Yang Shenlong ever suffered such severe injuries? One side of his body appeared bloodied and mangled. His eyes gleamed with a ferocious light as he swung his dragon w, determined to obliterate Chu Liang with a single blow!


    But Chu Liang''s vitality radiated with the intensity of the sun, making it incredibly difficult to defeat him.


    In truth, had all of Yang Shenlong¡¯s attacksnded cleanly, the severely injured Chu Liang might have already copsed. However, Chu Liang was wearing the Jiuli Soul Armor, which reflected part of Yang Shenlong¡¯s strikes back onto him. This created a strange stalemate between them.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    The two continued exchanging relentless blows, each strikending with heavy force.


    The spectators outside were dumbfounded. The sheer resilience of these two fighters surpassed all expectations. Time and again, they thought one would finally copse, only for them to stagger back to their feet.


    And yet¡­ why in the world had these two ended up fighting like this?


    After exchanging several devastating strikes in quick session, Yang Shenlong realized that defeating Chu Liang in closebat was impossible. A portion of the force he unleashed seemed to rebound onto him, worsening his injuries.


    Without hesitation, he flipped his right palm, drawing power once again from the Great Dao of the World, aiming topress Chu Liangpletely.


    Feeling the crushing pressure around him, Chu Liang began to shrink under its weight. Just as he was about to bepressed into Yang Shenlong¡¯s palm, he let out a thunderous shout, "<em>Ahhhhhhhhhhh¡ª</em>"


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Chu Liang ignited his vitality and qi, forcibly breaking free from the grip of the Great Dao of the World. The cost was his blood erupting from his body and hot dragon blood sttering everywhere. He copsed backward, crashing heavily to the ground.


    If he didn¡¯t want to bepressed within the Great Dao of the World, he had no choice but to pay this price.


    It seemed as though Yang Shenlong was on the verge of winning, yet he didn¡¯t rx. He raised his hand and conjured a barrier of azure light.


    Sure enough, the golden blood droplets in the air suddenly coalesced and formed into a sharp sword, shing downward with blinding speed.


    Chu Liang had just used the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light.


    Through thisplex technique, Chu Liang had refined his blood, imbuing it with powerful spiritual energy. During the Mount Shu Summit, he had used this very move to feign defeat and severely injure Xu Ziyang.


    Yang Shenlong had specifically studied the techniques and moves used by Chu Liang. Naturally, he knew better than to let his guard down now.


    <em>Screech¡ª</em>


    The Spirit Blood Sword struck the barrier, shattering it with a single blow. As the barrier crumbled, the sword dissolved into droplets of blood, which fell to the ground, forming a puddle.


    <em>Huff¡ª</em>


    A gentle breeze swept through.


    Yang Shenlong stood tall, his body drenched in blood.


    Chu Liangy on the ground, soaked in blood.


    It was unknown if he was dead or alive.


    The oue seemed obvious.


    Yet Yang Shenlong¡¯s brows were tightly furrowed, showing no sign of joy.


    For someone of Chu Liang¡¯s cultivation level, the power he unleashed was far too overwhelming. A person of his level shouldn¡¯t have been able to put Yang Shenlong in such an embarrassing state.


    Nevertheless, he was an opponent worthy of respect.


    ¡°You should be proud of yourself for injuring me this badly,¡± Yang Shenlong said slowly.


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    Jiang Yuebai was waiting for him in the next corridor.


    At this moment, Yang Shenlong had no idea whether he could defeat her in his current, severely injured state.


    "Yang Shenlong of the Peni Supreme Sect defeats¡ª" the announcer began, but then abruptly stopped.


    The blood-soaked figure on the ground was trembling as he slowly rose once again.


    "You should be proud of yourself for beating me to such a state," Chu Liang said with great difficulty. "Unfortunately, you haven¡¯t won yet..."


    Chu Liang lifted his head high.


    Yang Shenlong nced at him in astonishment, baffled by how Chu Liang could still stand after losing so much blood.


    In the next moment, Chu Liang threw his head back and let out a deafening roar as his face morphed into that of a dragon!


    ¡°<em>Hraaah¡ª</em>¡±


    Taking on the form of a dragon was Yang Shenlong¡¯s signature move! Yet here it was, suddenly demonstrated by Chu Liang.


    But Chu Liang''s dragon head was a striking blend of three colors: one side blue-ck, the other pure white, with fiery red whiskers.


    <em>A tri-colored dragon? </em>The audience thought.


    Then, Chu Liang opened his mouth and unleashed a crimson-gold me.


    The mes caught Yang Shenlong off guard, and he was instantly engulfed by the raging fire!


    <em>Boom¡ª</em>


    The spiritual power within the me was so intense that even Yang Shenlong, with his invincible body, couldn¡¯t endure it. As he was already gravely injured, he was forced to retreat in a panic.


    But Chu Liang quickly pursued,unching another attack.


    He grabbed Yang Shenlong by the waist with his massive dragon w. At the same time, his right hand zed with fire as he formed a fist, ready to strike again.


    This was indeed Yang Shenlong¡¯s technique, but now it was being used by Chu Liang, who demonstrated far greater power.


    After all, Yang Shenlong only carried the legacy of one dragon. What good would just one legacy do?


    <em>Boom¡ª</em><blockquote>


    GLTD Alternate Universe''s Thoughts


    Trantor: GT</blockquote>


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 595: Champion of the Assembly(I)

    <h4>Chapter 595: Champion of the Assembly(I)</h4>


    Yang Shenlong left peacefully.


    ...


    The White Dragon had only recently arrived on Mount Shu, while the Azure Dragon had been guarding the fate of the Peni Supreme Sect for several thousand years.


    Over these several thousands of years, the disciples of the Peni Supreme Sect had developed numerous secret techniques rooted in the dragons'' cultivation legacy, such as Dragon Soul Protection and the Physical Dragon Transformation.


    It was the first fight with Yang Shenlong that sparked Chu Liang''s curiosity in this physical transformation ability.


    He wondered how Yang Shenlong was able to perform the divine ability that transformed part of himself into a dragon.


    He had never seen such an ability before, so he even asked Wang Xuanling about itter on.


    However, Wang Xuanling knew very little about it. After all, few sects in the world had close ties to dragons, and the Mount Shu Sect still had much to explore in this field.


    After some thought, Chu Liang reasoned that if Yang Shenlong, with only the cultivation legacy of the Azure Dragon, could wield such divine abilities, then with three dragon cultivation legacies, he should have no reason not to.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The issuey in not having the proper method.


    However...


    There were three ces where their fate was suppressed by a dragon.


    In addition to Mount Shu and Peni, there was one other ancient and legendary location that might provide him with the proper method.


    This was naturally the imperial court of the Yu Dynasty.


    The Golden Dragon, symbolizing the imperial family''s fate, had guarded the Imperial City for millennia.


    In terms of raw power, it was likely the most formidable entity serving under the imperial court.


    However, the Golden Dragon was loyal only to fate, not to the imperial family.


    If a dynasty embodied the great destiny of the Nine Provinces, the Golden Dragon might then fight for it.


    If the emperor were tyrannical and had lost the Mandate of Heaven, the imperial family''s karmic luck would fade, and the Golden Dragon would ruthlessly abandon its master, disappearing without a trace.


    It would only reappear once a new dynasty was established.


    The Yu Dynasty had coexisted with the Golden Dragon for centuries. If any secret techniques existed, the members of the Yu Dynasty were likely the ones who had mastered them.


    On the night before they entered the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams for intense cultivation, Chu Liang not only helped Ling Ao seek Yun Chaoxian''s guidance in martial arts but also visited the imperial pce to request a technique for himself.


    By the end of the day, these words were what truly mattered: top-tier connections.


    With the imperial family members already eliminated, and the Mount Shu Sect being the only hope to defeat the Peni Supreme Sect, the emperor readily agreed to Chu Liang''s request. Without hesitation, he issued a decree to consult the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch, Yao Dengxian, and soon received the requested answer.


    The technique of Physical Dragon Transformation was really a form of immortal art. Only those who carried the cultivation legacy of the dragons could perform it, so very few people had learned it throughout history. Compared to moremon immortal arts like Dimension Compression, it could be considered a secret technique.


    However, Yao Dengxian also mentioned that mastering the Physical Dragon Transformation within seven days was nearly impossible.


    In contrast to immortal arts, which relied on a deep understanding of the Great Dao, the challenge of mastering Physical Dragon Transformation depended more on the type of dragon legacy bestowed upon the individual.


    For instance, the gift of dragon blood that Ling Ao had received could be considered a dragon cultivation legacy, but there was too little of the dragon blood. Because of this, mastering the immortal art would be as difficult as reaching the heavens for someone like him.


    For someone gifted with dragon breath, the difficulty of mastering this secret technique would beparable to that of mastering ordinary immortal arts. This was how Yang Shenlong was able to master the technique.


    For someone gifted with a dragon soul, mastering the technique would be even easier. In a few short years, when Qi Lin''er had mastered it, dealing with him would be even more challenging.


    Apart from these dragon cultivation legacies, Chu Liang had inherited a legacy that no human could everpletely master¡ªthe Dragon Orb.


    Technically, acquiring the Dragon Orb could not be considered as having received a legacy; it was more like seeding a position. The Blue Dragon''s Orb granted him not only the physical form of a dragon but also the full authority of a True Dragon.


    Although Chu Liang could not yet fullymand the Blue Dragon''s Orb, having the dragon orb within him made him ny-nine percent dragon. Thus, with only a minimal exertion of qi, he was able to master the Immortal Art of Physical Dragon Transformation.


    Yao Dengxian assumed that the White Dragon of Mount Shu had only gifted him the cultivation legacy of dragon breath, hence why he said it was impossible for Chu Liang to master the Immortal Art of Physical Dragon Transformation within seven days.


    Just moments ago, the emperor had beenmenting, thinking it would have been better if Chu Liang had sought the technique earlier.


    But then, right before his eyes, Chu Liang formed a seal and activated the technique, instantly transforming one of his hands into a dragon''s w.


    "Hmm..." the emperor muttered. Had he not been concerned with maintaining the dignity of his position, he might have blurted some words of astonishment that people of his pedigree shouldn''t have said.


    ...


    Originally, Chu Liang''s ability to transform into a dragon would have made him stand out already in the matches in the Battle at the Imperial City. However, he soon attainedplete understanding of the Great Dao of Severing the Void. Inparison to the profound power of the Great Dao, immortal arts seemed somewhatcking.


    With the Sword Strike of Severing the Void, he progressed decisively and smoothly all the way to this point.


    Throughout his battle with Yang Shenlong, he had been patiently searching for an opening, waiting for Yang Shenlong to lower his guard so he could unleash this technique with maximum effect.


    It was only after his stealthy strike¡ªexecuted with the Blood-Refinement Technique: Divine Light¡ªwas sessfully blocked that Yang Shenlong assumed Chu Liang had no strength left to fight back. Rxation began to settle in.


    When facing certain enemies, even the slightest rxation could provide them with the chance to turn the tables.


    For ordinary cultivators, having their blood scattered across the sky would have left them incapable of continuing the fight.


    But even in this near-death moment, Chu Liang had a trump card. As he activated the Physical Dragon Transformation, his body surged with vitality. The remaining blood in his body transformed into the blood of the dragon, and an overwhelming torrent of power coursed through him once more.


    This was the might of the dragons.


    This was Chu Liang''s final burst of strength!


    If Yang Shenlong could withstand this counterattack, Chu Liang¡¯s defeat would be inevitable.


    Unfortunately for Yang Shenlong, he had also reached his limit.


    A zing fist smashed into Yang Shenlong''s face, sending him sprawling backward. In the next instant, his right arm morphed into a dragon w, swiping desperately to push Chu Liang away.


    To his shock, he realized that Chu Liang''s strength still far surpassed his own!


    As Chu Liang had mentioned, he had the cultivation legacies of the Blue Dragon, White Dragon, and the Inferno Dragon. Upon transforming into a dragon, the power of these three legacies surged within him, far surpassing the might of the Physical Dragon Transformation from one dragon cultivation legacy.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Chu Liang leaned forward, pinning Yang Shenlong down with his left w while driving his right fist into him once more.


    How simr this scene was to when he first defeated Yang Shenlong in the illusory realm!


    The difference was thatst time he relied on the Great Pill of the Endlessly Devouring Whale, but this time, it was his own strength.


    Both were prodigies of immortal sects, yet the gap between the fifth realm and the sixth realm was immense. Through his wisdom, strength, and willpower... he had forcibly closed this gap!


    Yang Shenlong, battered and dazed from repeated injuries, felt his mind growing muddled. Yet, a burning refusal to admit defeat still lingered. With his left hand, he lifted the Dragon Bone Jade de, channeling a sharp surge of sword qi into it, and thrust it toward Chu Liang in a desperate strike.


    <i>Swish.</i>


    Chu Liang was too exhausted to dodge and could only shift slightly to protect his vital points. As the Dragon Bone Jade de pierced his shoulder, he had lost so much blood that barely any remained to flow freely.


    Both sides had fought to theirst drop of blood.


    "Ah..." Chu Liang growled softly, twisting his shoulder to wrench the Dragon Bone Jade de from Yang Shenlong''s grasp. Without hesitation, he leaned forward again, his right fist igniting in mes as he struck.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Another punch.


    After three devastating blows, Yang Shenlongy motionless beneath Chu Liang''s hand.


    His dragon scales were shattered.


    He looked like a wreck, his body covered in blood and wounds.


    He exhaled onest time and no longer inhaled.


    The fight was over.


    Chu Liang raised his head and unleashed an angry roar, echoing the chant of a dragon.


    <i>ROARRRRR¡ª</i>


    At this moment, the winds howled, and the clouds churned in response!


    Dense clouds started gathering in the sky above.


    It was just as the saying goes: The wind follows the tiger, and the clouds follow the dragon.[1]


    At this moment, his dragon chant reverberated through the heavens and earth, shaking the very fabric of the world!


    It was as if announcing the birth of a new king!


    <i>Whiz¡ª</i>


    He yanked Yang Shenlong''s jade-green dragon bone free, letting it tter to the ground as he stumbled forward. Every step seemed heavier than thest.


    Behind him came an announcement tinged with astonishment.


    "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect has defeated Yang Shenlong of the Peni Supreme Sect!"


    1. The phrase "wind follows the tiger and clouds follow the dragon" originates from the The Book of Changes (Refer to <u>Link</u>.) Dragons are associated with water, and where dragons go, clouds, which are formed from water vapor, are said to gather. This saying talks about how things of the same kind resonate and attract one another. ?

 Chapter 596: Champion of the Assembly(II)

    <h4>Chapter 596: Champion of the Assembly(II)</h4>


    "He actually won?"


    On the spectator tform, Elder Huang couldn''t believe what had just happened.


    Although Chu Liang had once defied the odds during the Competition of a Hundred Sects, that was an exception. The audience hadter witnessed the immense price he paid.


    In the illusory realm, his meridians had been severed, and his Sea of Qipletely destroyed.


    It seemed nearly impossible for him to continue cultivating.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The same method couldn¡¯t possibly work again during the Battle at the Imperial City.


    Although Elder Huang had a strong emotional connection to the Mount Shu Sect, he had always firmly believed that Yang Shenlong would win.


    At that moment, Schr Sun chuckled beside him and teased, "What was it you said previously? Upsets like this happen once, but can they happen a second time?"


    "Upsets can''t happen twice..." Elder Huang muttered. "If he wins again, it means his raw strength is on a higher level, and he truly deserves this victory."


    "It truly is unbelievable," Schr Sun remarked. "Back at the Mount Shu Summit, he appeared out of nowhere as a dark horse. Nobody thought he could win. But he became the one who led the Mount Shu Sect, upheld its status in the Divine Nine, and once again secured the championship for them."


    "Jiangjiang, as the head disciple, won¡¯t be fighting him. He''ll let Jiangjiang im the championship. Yet still..." Elder Huang said with a deep sigh, shaking his head, "Chu Liang is really a legend."


    Jiang Yuebai was indeed the head disciple of this generation.


    However, during this Assembly of Immortal Sects, Chu Liang had been the one turning the tides in the Competition of a Hundred Sects,unching a night raid on Misty Waters City and winning the first round of the assembly, and now defeating Yang Shenlong again in Corridor City, securing championship for the sect.


    It would not be wrong to say that he led them to victory.


    It wasn¡¯t just the two elders thinking this; countless spectators in the capital of Yu thought the same.


    At this moment, deafening cheers erupted like waves crashing against the mountains.


    "Mount Shu! Mount Shu!"


    "The Young Hero with the Divine Whip! The Young Hero with the Divine Whip!"


    "Jiangjiang, I love you..."


    "Chu Liang! Chu Liang!"


    "Mount Shu Sect wins the championship!"


    "..."


    Countless voices merged into a tidal wave that shook the heavens, scattering the clouds that had just gathered. Even the supporters of other immortal sects now found themselves cheering for the Mount Shu Sect.


    It was as though time rushed by like a fleeting white horse across the imperial city.


    As the eighty-year-old Di Nufeng stared at the current Chu Liang, she felt as though she was looking at herself when she was eighteen.


    She couldn''t help but offer Chu Liang her highest praise, eximing, "Truly worthy of being my disciple."


    "Ah..."


    "We''re number one!"


    "We have won the Assembly of Immortal Sects!"


    Lin Bei, Shang Ziliang, and Lackey A embraced each other, their faces wet with tears of joy and excitement.


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>" Lin Bei''s eyes brimmed with tears. "My brother won the championship! I''m so proud!"


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>" Shang Ziliang cried out, "All the money I won from the Competition of a Hundred Sects¡ªI bet it all on Peni to win this time!"


    "<i>Ahhhh¡ª</i>" Lackey A cried like he had lost a loved one. "I also bet fifty on Peni!"


    "Ah... it¡¯s fine," Lin Bei said, wiping away his tears. "The betting parlor from Taotie City where you ced your bets now belongs to Chu Liang."


    "Ah?" The two froze in shock.


    "Before the Competition of a Hundred Sects started, Chu Liang bet half his fortune on the Mount Shu Sect winning. He wagered so many spirit stones that the smaller bets couldn¡¯t cover the payout. The owner knew he couldn¡¯t simply refuse to pay Chu Liang his winnings. In the end, he had no choice but to hand over the entire betting parlor to him," Lin Bei exined casually. "I went with him to settle it the night thepetition ended."


    "My goodness." Shang Ziliang stopped crying and couldn¡¯t help but marvel, "How many things has Big Bro aplished in just a few days?"


    ...


    After Chu Liang defeated Yang Shenlong, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers, whichsted until he stepped into the next corridor to face Jiang Yuebai. Only then did the spectators remember that the Battle at the Imperial City was not yet over.


    Jiang Yuebai looked at Chu Liang standing before her.


    His clothes were torn to shreds, and his body was a patchwork of blood and bruises. Thanks to his incredible regenerative powers, most of the wounds had begun to heal, but the cuts and gashes were rmingly deep.


    Just by looking at him, one could tell how fierce the fight was.


    If anyone else of his cultivation realm had suffered even a single one of these injuries, they would have lost the ability to fight.


    After all, Yang Shenlong was one cultivation level higher, giving him an overwhelming advantage.


    Yet Chu Liang had won.


    The first victory merely showed that he had won against a stronger opponent. But if it happened again, it would prove that he was truly strong.


    Like everyone else, Jiang Yuebai was unaware of Chu Liang''s Large-Headed Dolls or the elemental foundational qi powered by two Golden Cores. She didn''t know that the difference between him and the other ordinary fifth-realm cultivators was as great as the distance between heaven and earth.


    However, she knew that this wasn''t the first time Chu Liang had achieved a seemingly miraculous victory.


    Chu Liang possessed a kind of inexplicable power.


    For some reason, she suddenly recalled the first time she met Chu Liang.


    Back then, he was just a young disciple in the third realm, riding a Baize youngling, and had suddenly appeared, barging into her small world.


    If someone had told her back then that this person would soon rise to prominence, lead the Mount Shu Sect to prosperity and strength, and reim the championship at the Assembly of Immortal Sects...


    Jiang Yuebai would never have believed it.


    For quite a long time, she thought of Chu Liang as a little junior brother who needed her care, and she had even been resentful that his cultivation speed surpassed her own.


    He had still lost to her at the Mount Shu Summit.


    She didn''t know when it had started, but gradually, she had begun to ept that he might actually be stronger than her.


    "Hey," Chu Liang said, looking utterly battered as he walked over slowly.


    As he was walking, he suddenly smiled.


    "Hehe," Jiang Yuebai smiled gently in return.


    She stepped toward him, stopping a few paces away, and softly asked, "Still want to fight?"


    "Of course," Chu Liang replied with such faint breathing. "I lost to you at the Mount Shu Summit and held a grudge for a long time. If I lose to you again this time, won''t I be bullied by you for the rest of my life?"


    "Then let''s fight," Jiang Yuebai said with a bright smile.


    For someone who usually carried a cool and aloof expression, her smile was surprisingly bright, and there were even tears welling up in her eyes.


    It seemed like Chu Liang wanted to say something, but before he could, he suddenly copsed forward, losing consciousness. Jiang Yuebai quickly caught him, holding him gently in her arms.


    As she touched Chu Liang, she could feel how icy cold he was. Clearly, every bit of his strength was drained.


    "Wow¡ª"


    Amotion erupted outside as everyone saw Jiang Yuebai holding Chu Liang. From their earlier exchange, they had expected a fight to break out, but now it seemed it had all been yful banter.


    How could they possibly fight now?


    Those who had witnessed the Mount Shu Summit found this sequence of events oddly familiar. Chu Liang had defeated the strongest opponent, only to lose to Jiang Yuebai once again.


    The title of champion for the Assembly of Immortal Sects, like the head disciple position of Mount Shu, was seemingly handed over to Jiang Yuebai.


    <i>Didn''t the same exact thing happen? Is this the same script?</i>


    <i>Did someone n for the Mount Shu Summit and the Assembly of Immortal Sects to end this way? Did the sects in the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten work with the imperial court to elevate Jiang Yuebai¡¯s status?</i>


    These spections spread everywhere, but they did not reach Corridor City.


    Under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, Jiang Yuebai held Chu Liang in her arms for a long time.


    Finally, an announcement echoed throughout the corridors.


    "Chu Liang of the Mount Shu Sect is unable to continue fighting, so...."


    "Wait..." At this moment, Jiang Yuebai suddenly said as she raised a hand. "I concede."

 Chapter 597: The Names Sung at the Dragon Terrace

    <h4>Chapter 597: The Names Sung at the Dragon Terrace</h4>


    The majestic Dragon Terrace gleamed with a golden radiance, its brilliance mirrored by swirling clusters of clouds that adorned the sky.


    An immense crowd gathered below, their eager gazes burning with the intensity of the midday sun. Behind the Dragon Terrace stood ten towering pirs, each adorned with carvings of coiling dragons and carrying the banner of one of the ten sects participating in the Battle at the Imperial City.


    As thepetition progressed and sects were eliminated, the pirs were taken down one by one. Now, only a single banner remained¡ªa white g embroidered with gold¡ªfluttering elegantly in the wind.


    "Mount Shu Sect!"


    As the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty ascended the Dragon Terrace, the deafening cheers for the Mount Shu Sect came to an abrupt halt. Traditionally, a high-ranking official from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would make such announcements, but this time, the emperor himself stepped forward to announce the names. Clearly, the emperor was in an exceptionally good mood.


    "After many days of fiercepetition, the winning sect of this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects is... the Mount Shu Sect!" The emperor''s voice resonated with amanding blend of authority and delight.


    The emperor was happy not just because Chu Liang held the title of Imperial Younger Brother. The main reason was that the reign of the Peni Supreme Sect hadsted for far too long. Any sect that could defeat Peni Supreme Sect and take the championship was sure to bring him joy.


    "Ling Ao! Xu Ziyang! Jiang Yuebai!" He called out each name slowly and clearly. "And my Imperial Younger Brother, Chu Liang!"


    "He is the champion of this year''s Assembly of Immortal Sects!"


    Each time a name was called, the twelve great drums on the city walls thundered in unison, and the crowd erupted in cheers and apuse. Even the auspicious clouds above seemed to join in the celebration of these young champions.


    These were the most dazzling names of this generation!


    In no time, their names would echo across the nine provinces and beyond, known far and wide. No matter where life took them, the glory they achieved today would be a source of pride for a lifetime.


    The entire capital of Yu buzzed with excitement!


    At this moment, hey peacefully with his eyes closed in Jiang Yuebai''s arms.


    Jiang Yuebai sat beside him in the Imperial City''s medical hall, letting him rest his head on herp as they waited for the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner to personally tend to his injuries.


    "Strange..." The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner frowned and said, "I''ve used my foundational qi to stabilize his life force. Although his wounds appear serious, they are only skin-deep. For someone as strong as him, the major injuries should already be repaired. It doesn''t make sense for him to still be unconscious."


    "Did you hear that?" Jiang Yuebai said, gently patting Chu Liang''s face. "It''s time to wake up."


    "Mm..." Chu Liang''s eyelids fluttered, but he still didn''t open his eyes.


    "If you keep this up, you will miss the moment when they announce your name at the Dragon Terrace. Stop faking it," Jiang Yuebai added.


    Chu Liang opened his eyes immediately.


    "Owh..." he groaned, rubbing the back of his head. Still sounding groggy, he added, "If you say I was unconscious, I guess I was. But even then, I swear I heard a voice... like the sound of heaven calling me back.


    Jiang Yuebai smiled faintly and said in a helpless tone, "What should I do with you?"


    As Chu Liang gazed at her face, he couldn''t help but reflect on how some beauties appeared stunning from a distance but lost their charm up close. Jiang Yuebai, however, was different. From afar, she looked breathtaking, and up close, she was even more radiant.


    "Why did you concede?" he asked.


    Hearing this, Jiang Yuebai rolled her eyes at him in annoyance, thinking, <i>So, he heard that too. Which means he was never actually unconscious. He just tripped, fell, and conveniently let me catch him. This guy was faking it the whole time.</i>


    "That is what you deserve." After a brief pause, she stood up and pointed toward the city walls outside. "Listen, everyone''s calling your name."


    Chu Liang was severely injured, but as the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had noted, they were merely wounds to his skin and flesh. For a cultivator¡ªespecially one with Chu Liang''s exceptional regenerative abilities¡ªthe vital damage had already healed in no time. The remaining injuries would mend with rest and posed no serious threat. While he couldn''t engage inbat for now, his movements were unaffected.


    Several chambers lined the corridor, each dedicating to treating injured disciples from the Battle at the Imperial City. Yang Yuhu stood at the entrance of one of these rooms.


    He stood there, listening to the sounds from outside, seemingly lost in thought.


    When he saw Chu Liang emerge from the room, a hint of awkwardness crossed his face. Chu Liang, however, was the first to smile and greet him. "Brother Yang, how is your brother doing?"


    "My elder brother... he''s fine. A few days of rest, and he''ll be back to normal," Yang Yuhu replied. After a brief hesitation, he added, "Congrattions."


    Since Yang Shenlong''s Azure Dragon cultivation legacy specialized in recovery, his healing process was undoubtedly as quick as Chu Liang''s.


    "Thank you," Chu Liang said with a slight nod.


    He then leaped into the air alongside Jiang Yuebai,nding gracefully atop the high walls of the Imperial City. Ling Ao and Xu Ziyang were already there, waiting for them. With everyone gathered, they were ready to ascend the Dragon Terrace together.


    The moment Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang showed up together, the already thunderous cheers grew even more intense.


    In the past, whenever Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai were seen together, the crowd would mock Chu Liang with cries of "Scoundrel!" But now, those jeers had be cheers of "A perfect match," and no one dared to oppose it anymore.


    Even if a few die-hard Jiangjiang fans refused to ept reality, someone would immediately step forward to admonish them, "He''s talented, and she''s beautiful¡ªthey''re a match made in heaven! What right does a monster like you have to object to this?"


    "Come forth!" the emperormanded with a grand wave of his hand.


    Chu Liang and the other three ascended the Dragon Terrace together, where pce attendants promptly stepped forward to dress them in golden crowns, jade belts, vibrant ribbons, and robes embroidered with red patterns. In an instant, the four were transformed, radiating dazzling splendor.


    Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai stood in the center, looking like a bridegroom and bride. Xu Ziyang gave off the image of a valiant and dignified best man, while Ling Ao... looked like the unwilling younger brother of the bride, forced to step in after their father passed out drunk and couldn''t escort her.


    Amid this atmosphere of universal celebration, the emperor sped Chu Liang''s hand and said, "Champion, say something to everyone."


    As the new champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, this was Chu Liang''s moment to speak. From atop the Dragon Terrace, even the softest words would echo across the entire city and be etched into everyone''s memory.


    He stepped forward, cleared his throat, and stood tall under the radiant glory of the moment. Even someone as ustomed to the limelight as him couldn''t help but feel a surge of emotion.


    Chu Liangposed himself briefly before finally speaking, his voice filled with excitement: "My dear friends...


    "Red Cotton Peak of Mount Shu is proud to announce the opening of new shops in the Immortal''s Square of the capital of Yu! To celebrate our championship this month, everything will be fifty percent off!"


    ...


    While the citizens of the capital of Yu gathered outside the Imperial City, caught up in the excitement of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, a boy remainedpletely indifferent to it all.


    People did not share the same joys and sorrows.


    He cradled a tiny turtle in his hands, its head hanging lifelessly. The boy sat on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed quietly.


    Just then, a kind and gentle voice spoke nearby.


    "Little one, why are you so sad?"


    The boy lifted his gaze and saw an elderly man with long white hair and a beard, wearing in, coarse robes.


    It was hard to tell how old he was, but he seemed very kind. Most of his face was hidden behind his flowing white hair, yet a warm smile shone through.


    "My little turtle died..." the boy said sadly, his voice trembling. "Everyone was running over there to watch the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and my turtle identally crawled onto the road and got stepped on!"


    "Then... do you wish for it toe back to life?" the kind elder asked suddenly.


    "Huh?" The boy looked up with a strange expression. Though he was young, he knew that the dead could not return to life. "Is that even possible?" he asked.


    "If you sincerely make a wish, I can help you bring it back to life," the elderly man said with a gentle smile.


    Hearing this, the boy quickly closed his eyes and whispered his wish. "I sincerely wish for my turtle toe back to life."


    As the words left his lips, the elderly man gently waved his hand over the turtle''s lifeless body. In that moment, something miraculous happened.


    The turtle''s once drooping head slowly lifted, and it began moving from side to side again.


    "Huh?" The boy''s eyes widened in astonishment. "My turtle really came back to life!"


    He gazed at the elderly man with awe, as if he were a divine being. "Grandpa, you''re amazing!"


    "Heheh." The elder chuckled softly and asked, "Are you happy?"


    "Yes!" The boy nodded eagerly.


    "Since I helped fulfill your wish, would you be willing to help me with something in return?" the elderly man asked gently.


    "Yes!" The boy nodded again and asked, "What can I do to help you?"


    "Help me by singing this bad to your little friends, okay?" There was something unusual about the elderly man''s voice, as though it carried a hidden power that engraved the words deeply in the boy''s mind.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The bad was long, yet the child remembered every word after hearing it just once, as though the lyrics had been etched into his soul.


    The melody lingered in his mind as he hopped and skipped through the streets and alleys, eager to find his friends and sing it to them. "When the Purple Star retreats from sight,


    "And Celestial Charm ascends the night,


    "The Celestial Masteres from realms on high,


    "To cut through demons beneath the sky. "Chaos stirs in the Dragon Pool,


    "The Divine Fire Fades and Cool,


    "Through mountain strife and shadowed fray,


    "The Dragon-ying Sabery."

 Chapter 598: Father and Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 598: Father and Daughter</h4>


    With the announcement of names on the Dragon Terraceplete, the ceremony took a brief pause and the members of the immortal sects dispersed.


    Those from the immortal sects who had no interest in staying began their return journeys, while those in the mood to look around could explore the areas around the capital of Yu.


    The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect returned to the residence prepared for them by the imperial court. However, their celebration was far from over.


    The next evening, they would enter the pce to join the emperor at the Qinghong Banquet, famed as the finest feast in the mortal world.


    Their names had been proimed upon the Dragon Terrace, but the championship ceremony would only beplete after they were honored at the Qinghong Banquet.


    Not only would the disciples of Mount Shu Sect be invited to the Qinghong Banquet, but the event would also feature musical and dance performances. The finest musicians and dancers of the Yu Dynasty had already been invited in advance.


    In past years, the South Melody Conservatory would have already selected an exceptional disciple to perform at the banquet. This year, however, they hadn''t, as they were one of the rare top ten sects to participate in the Battle at the Imperial City. Such an urrence was rare, and there had even been a faint hope they could seize the championship.


    Anyone eligible to sit at the Qinghong Banquet would naturally not perform as a guest artist. Therefore, it wasn''t until after the champion''s name was proimed on the Dragon Terrace that the leading elder of the South Melody Conservatory team decided that Shen Qingyan would perform at the pce.


    The imperial court had always shown favor toward Shen Qingyan, openly expressing their hopes for her to marry the Second Prince and be the future empress. While the South Melody Conservatory was willing to create such opportunities, they remained respectful of their disciple''s decision. Sending her to perform at the pce was just another chance for her to interact with the Second Prince.


    Shen Qingyan herself was not particrly keen on interacting with the Second Prince again, but this was a task assigned by her sect. Traditionally, only the most exceptional disciples were selected for this honor, and refusing it would only create unnecessary awkwardness for everyone.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Besides, having participated in the Battle at the Imperial City and achieving the best results in decades, the sisters of the South Melody Conservatory were in high spirits and eagerly nned to celebrate together that evening.


    However, the city remained swept up in the excitement of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. The streets were bustling with activity, and if the disciples of the South Melody Conservatory ventured out, they would undoubtedly attract a mob of onlookers.


    Thus, they took a carriage out of the city to an estate in the countryside, a familiar and quiet ce where they could rx, eat, drink, and enjoy themselves without worry.


    The carriage slowly rolled out of the capital,ing to a halt before a garden estate adorned with a que that read "Serene Elegance Vi."


    What was meant to be a pleasant outing took an unexpected turn the moment Shen Qingyan stepped down from the carriage!


    A shadowy figure emerged stealthily from the bamboo forest surrounding the estate, creeping closer with each passing moment. The girls remained blissfully unaware until a sudden,manding voice rang out from within the carriage, "Who dares lurk here?"


    Ever since Shen Qingyan had been the target of a stealthy attack, the South Melody Conservatory had assigned an experienced elder to join the team as an additional safeguard alongside the supervising elder. It was this battle-hardened elder that immediately detected the stealthy enemy.


    A sharp, resonant twang of strings echoed through the air, and the shadowy figures crawling along the ground were suddenly flung back, as if colliding with an invisible wall.


    With a few sharp cries of pain, the ck-d figures were flung into the air, crashing heavily onto the ground.


    As the core disciples exited the carriage, they immediately went on high alert, grabbing their instruments and surveying the area with sharp focus.


    In an instant, a whirlwind of dust and debris swirled into the air. A streak of yellow wind shot past, and a shadowy figure surged forward like a violent gale, suddenly materializing before Shen Qingyan.


    "How dare you!" The elder inside the carriage bellowed, leaping into action without hesitation!


    Shen Qingyan raised her hands in an attempt to defend, but the shadowy figure''s palm strike came as swift as lightning, giving her no time to dodge.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    Shen Qingyan was hit with overwhelming force, flung through the air as blood spurted from her lips before she crashed heavily to the ground.


    Silently, the shadowy figure turned and vanished into the darkness, retreating without a trace.


    The elder of the South Melody Conservatory swiftly plucked her strings four times, unleashing four sonic des that shot toward the retreating figure. However, with a sweep of his wide sleeve, the shadowy figure conjured a ck vortex that swallowed the des whole, causing them to vanish without a trace.


    He delivered a single strike and departed without any intention of continuing the fight.


    "As a seventh-realm Eminent One, how shameless of you tounch a stealthy attack on a disciple of my sect!" the elder spat furiously.


    The opponent''s ghostly movements made it clear he was also at the seventh realm. In such a situation, with one attacking and one defending, it was exceedingly difficult for her to fully protect all the disciples.


    She could only watch him leave, shifting her focus immediately to check on Shen Qingyan''s condition.


    The elder ced her fingers on Shen Qingyan''s wrist, checking her pulse. With a slight frown, she said, "Fortunately, the attack only injured your meridians. It''s not serious; rest and proper medicine will ensure a full recovery."


    At the same time, a sense of puzzlement arose as she thought to herself, <i>What could these men be after? Why would a seventh-realm Eminent One be sent to harm Shen Qingyan? Could it possibly be some crazed admirer of Xue Lingxue or Yu Xiang''er?</i>


    The thought urred to her because such absurd incidents had happened before¡ªinstances where an obsessive fan of one core disciple attacked another. These urrences, while unusual, were not unheard of. However, it was very rare for someone of such high cultivation to be involved.


    "I''m fine, don''t worry," Shen Qingyan said weakly after taking a moment to regte her breathing and confirming her injuries weren''t severe. "But I probably won''t be able to perform at the pce tomorrow."


    ...


    <i>"Slurp. "</i>


    <i>"Slurp."</i>


    In the always-empty Divine Fire Hall, a copper hotpot bubbled and steamed at its center. Two figures sat facing each other, each taking up vermicelli noodles from a bowl and slurping it down with enthusiasm.


    <i>"Ss-haaa."</i>


    <i>"Ss-haaa."</i>


    "Why are you copying me all the time?" Di Nufeng shot an annoyed re at her father across the table.


    "I''m not," Mingde replied as he set down his chopsticks. "It''s just... really tasty."


    "Right?" Di Nufeng said confidently. "With the bond we share, would I ever lie to you? With our Mount Shu broth base and my secret dipping sauce, it''s impossible for anything not to taste amazing."


    "Agreed," Mingde said with an approving nod.


    "This is a family secret passed down through generations," Di Nufeng proimed. "It''s taught only to the daughters in the family and never to the sons. If I didn''t need something from you, I wouldn''t even be sharing it today."


    Hearing this, Mingde couldn''t help but feel puzzled.


    Traditionally, shouldn''t he, as the father, be the one passing down family secrets? Yet here she was, saying things that contradicted the very tradition she was describing.


    But he still asked, "What do you need?"


    "With this delicious sauce, I need you to sneak into the Qinghong Aviary tonight and steal a Qinghong bird. Tomorrow, we''ll have hotpot, and I guarantee it''ll be delicious," Di Nufeng answered.


    "..." Mingde was stunned into silence for a moment. "You''re still hung up on that?"


    "If I''d never tasted it, fine. But I had it once back then, and the vor was unforgettable," Di Nufeng said, smacking her lips in fond remembrance.


    "The Qinghong Banquet has been a tradition for years," Mingde chuckled. "Aside from the emperor, I''ve never heard of anyone trying to sneak back for seconds."


    "That''s true." Di Nufeng suddenly paused, lost in thought. "If I became the emperor, I could rightfully eat it every twelve years."


    "That''s entirely unnecessary," Mingde quickly interjected, cutting off her train of thought.


    The idea of wanting to be emperor just to eat the Qinghong Banquet might sound absurd, but knowing Di Nufeng, she could very well be serious.


    "Hehe, don''t worry," Di Nufeng said with augh. "I gave up on wanting the emperor''s position a long time ago..."


    Just as Mingde began to breathe a sigh of relief, she added, "What I want is yours."


    "<i>Haaaaa...</i>" Mingde couldn''t help but let out a sigh.


    <i>Such misdeeds!</i> the words echoed bitterly in his mind.


    Di Nufeng said, "You agreed, didn''t you? You''re not nning to go back on your word, are you?"


    She was, of course, referring to their agreement¡ªshould the Mount Shu Sect win the championship at the Assembly of Immortal Sects, she would have the right to challenge him for control of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heavens.


    "Of course," Mingde replied with a bitter smile.


    In truth, no one believed Di Nufeng would seed in fighting for control of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heavens.


    The members of the imperial family tried to stop Di Nufeng because they were worried that Mingde, ovee by fatherly love, would willingly hand over the Great Dao of Incinerating Heavens. After all, Mingde''s past as the guardian of the imperial family showed that he wasn''t particrly reliable.


    Fortunately, the emperorter confirmed with Mingde that he had no such intentions.


    As long as he didn''t willingly relinquish it, no matter how many people tried to contend for the Great Dao¡ªbe it ten or ten thousand¡ªthey would never seed.


    This was why the emperor had no reservations with assisting Chu Liang, even going so far as to gift him immortal arts to enhance his strength. He wasn''t worried about the Mount Shu Sect winning the championship, because as long as Mingde didn''t want to give up control of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heavens, Di Nufeng''s efforts to take it were meaningless.


    It was nearly impossible for a seventh-realm cultivator to challenge and seize control of a Great Dao that already had a master.


    Seeing Di Nufeng''s smug expression, as if she had already won, Mingde couldn''t help but feel helpless.


    This daughter of his truly was...


    He couldpletely understand why her reputation in the immortal cultivation world was so terrible.


    After all, not everyone would put up with her as if they were her father.


    She was even willing to take on her own father in a fight. Truly, she spared no one.


    "When the timees, don''t hold back or go easy on me," Di Nufeng said firmly. "We''re family, but we''ll settle this fair and square. No mercy."


    "..." Mingde felt a vein throb at his temple.


    As he grappled for a response, a resounding dragon''s roar suddenly echoed from outside.


    <i>"Raaaaaaaar!"</i>


    The dragon chant carried immense spiritual energy, shaking the entire Imperial City, including the Divine Fire Hall. The resulting tidal wave of energy rippled outward, toppling countless pedestrians in the streets.


    Mingde stomped his foot, grounding himself like an unshakable pir. A powerful force surged from him, halting the tidal wave before it could sweep through the entire capital of Yu.


    "What''s going on?" Di Nufeng squinted, looking in the direction of the dragon chant.


    Mingde had already risen abruptly. "It''s the Dragon-Keeping Pool!"

 Chapter 599: The Dragon-Keeping Eunuch

    <h4>Chapter 599: The Dragon-Keeping Eunuch</h4>


    "The reason Chu Liang won the Assembly of Immortal Sects was because of that crucial immortal art, Physical Dragon Transformation. If His Majesty were willing to request that immortal art for you, with your talent, how could you possibly lose to him?"


    A stunning woman in a pce dress moved gracefully, like a willow swaying in the breeze. Beside her walked a refined young man, their steps in sync as they chatted.


    "Your praise is unwarranted. My talent could neverpare to the champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects," the young man said with a light smile. "While you may not ept my loss to Chu Liang, I, however, do."


    He spoke with calm detachment, his voice devoid of emotion, appearingpletely unbothered by his loss at the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    "His Majesty oftenpliments you in front of me, Thirteenth Prince. He says that you are humble and neverpete with others. You are the one who gives him the most peace of mind," the woman in the pce dress said softly. "It seems that¡¯s truly the case."


    "Oh? Father oftenpliments me?" The refined young man blinked, as if about to ask something, but then thought better of it. Instead, he said, "That¡¯s all thanks to His Majesty¡¯s excellent teachings."


    "Of course, His Majesty speaks of you the most," the imperial consort said with a light chuckle. "He sees everything clearly¡ªhow his sons handle things and interact with others. He knows who is most capable, talented, and ambitious. He knows it all. Our emperor is wise and perceptive. If there is something good for you, how could he overlook it?"


    "Father is truly a wise and enlightened ruler," the young man said with a smile.


    "Alright, you should go in and see him now." When they arrived at the Night Dragon Hall, the imperial consort gestured toward it. "I won¡¯t interrupt your audience with your father."


    "Thank you, Consort," the young man said, offering a slight bow.


    The two in question were, of course, Gong Yu¡¯er, the current favorite imperial consort, and the Thirteenth Prince, who had just returned from participating in the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    After the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the Sixth Princess and the Thirteenth Prince, as participants in this year¡¯s assembly, were required to present themselves before the emperor to report and receive his guidance.


    Gong Yu¡¯er just so happened to be heading in the same direction and walked with the Thirteenth Prince for part of the way.


    Later that night, the Thirteenth Prince emerged from the Night Dragon Hall. As he walked alone, he couldn¡¯t help but lose himself in thought, drifting into deep contemtion.


    The imperial consort¡¯s words had taken root in his heart, gradually sprouting and intertwining into tangled vines.


    Just moments ago, his father had indeed praised him. He hadn¡¯t reprimanded him for hisckluster performance at the Assembly of Immortal Sects, and even mentioned arranging future duties for him.


    If his father had, as the court and the public believed, already decided to make his second brother the Crown Prince, he wouldn''t have shown such an attitude.


    He had always presented himself as someone who doesn¡¯tpete. However, he knew he needed to show his father his ambition. He had to gradually present himself as someone who wouldn¡¯t let the emperor feel too at ease, ensuring that his father wouldn¡¯t favor his second brother entirely.


    If he wanted to demonstrate his ambition after this assembly, he knew just the way to do it¡ªthe Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.


    While the Dragon-Keeping Pool was a forbidden area within the pce, the emperor¡¯s children were permitted to seek the Golden Dragon¡¯s cultivation legacy. However, the Golden Dragon could not be forced to share its knowledge.


    Like Ling Ao, who sought the gift of cultivation legacy at the Dragon-Fishing Pool on Mount Shu, showing genuine sincerity could earn one the blessing of a True Dragon.


    However, out of every hundred kids of the imperial family who went to the Dragon-Keeping Pool, ny-nine woulde back with nothing.


    However, if even one seeded, it meant they possessed great destiny and gained significant recognition.


    For the children of the imperial family, seeking the gift of cultivation legacy at the Dragon-Keeping Pool was often like a gamble.


    The Thirteenth Prince, wishing to present himself as someone who didn''t care about the throne, had never gone before.


    But the imperial consort''s words that day stirred something within him.


    He thought it was time.


    And so, he went straight to see the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.


    The Dragon-Keeping Eunuch was tasked with all matters rted to the care of True Dragons and originally held little power.


    But ever since Yao Dengxian was promoted to the position of Dragon-Keeping Eunuch and reached the eighth realm of cultivation, everything had changed.


    Having a monster who had attained the Heavenly Origin to protect the imperial court was of immense importance to the entire imperial city.


    Since then, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch¡¯s status had risen to the highest echelons, bing one of the most influential figures in the imperial court.


    Yao Dengxian eventually rose to be the foremost of the Four Great Warriors, and a single cough from him could make half of the imperial city tremble.


    Having attained the Heavenly Origin, Yao Dengxian was no longer bound by the hierarchy of emperor and subject. If he chose to remain in the imperial city, his status would be that of a guardian of the imperial family, iparable to that of ordinary officials.


    Thus, before the Thirteenth Prince even went to seek the gift of cultivation legacy at the Dragon-Keeping Pool, he needed to pay Yao Dengxian a visit.


    After waiting briefly outside the pce pavilion, a young eunuch emerged with a message from the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.


    "My grandfather[1] says you may proceed on your own to seek the gift of cultivation. It¡¯ste, and he is already resting..."


    "Then I won¡¯t disturb Warrior Yao any further. I¡¯ll go in myself," the Thirteenth Prince replied politely.


    Led by the young eunuch, he stepped through the gate inscribed with the words "Dragon-Keeping Pool."


    Though it was called a pool, upon entering, one found it to be a world unto itself. With a single step, a vastndscape of towering mountains unfolded. The air buzzed with spiritual energy, celestial birds soared overhead, and thend was rich with the scent of heavenly treasures.


    It was truly a rare and extraordinarily blessed mountain range.


    This was the dwelling of the Golden Dragon. The Thirteenth Prince slowly made his way into the mountains.


    Within the mountains, a golden-scaled waterfall cascaded down, behind whichy the Golden Dragon¡¯sir. If the seeker was blessed with fate, they would only need to circle the hill, and the Golden Dragon would appear. Without such fortune, however, the seeker would be left to depart on their own. Making noise or causing a disturbance was strictly forbidden.


    It had been over a century since any child of the imperial family had received the Golden Dragon¡¯s teachings. The Thirteenth Prince had no real expectations for himself. This act was simply a way to show his father that he possessed ambition, and that alone was enough.


    However, as soon as he stepped into the mountains, a thunderous p echoed through the air, as if the secrets of the heavens had been unlocked.


    With a deafening crack, golden light erupted from the waterfall on the mountain. A mighty dragon''s roar followed, and the Thirteenth Prince was stunned, copsing unconscious on the spot.


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    ...


    The night before the Qinghong Banquet was filled with joy and celebration. The Mount Shu Sect team gathered at the pce atop the mountain, and all of Chu Liang¡¯s friends and family who were in the capital of Yu came to join in the festivities.


    The only one absent was Chu Liang¡¯s teacher. Di Nufeng had already greeted everyone before eagerly heading to the Imperial City to dine with her father.


    Knowing about the bet between Di Nufeng and her father, Chu Liang understood that the dinner with Mingde was not about food, but rather a deration of war.


    Yet after three rounds of drinks, Jiang Yuebai suddenly disappeared from the banquet.


    Chu Liang looked around, puzzled, before standing up and leaving the table. Eventually, he found Senior Sister Jiang sitting alone on the pce rooftop, gazing at the moon.


    "Why are you here?" Chu Liang asked softly.


    The frosty moonlight bathed their figures in an icy glow.


    "Just needed some fresh air," Jiang Yuebai replied gently.


    Chu Liang sat down beside her, nced at her, and said, "You don¡¯t seem to be in a good mood."


    "Hmm..." Jiang Yuebai hesitated before answering, "I didn¡¯t tell you before, but I¡¯ll be leaving after the Assembly of Immortal Sects."


    "You¡¯re leaving Mount Shu too?" Chu Liang asked in surprise. "But you¡¯re the head disciple."


    It wasn¡¯t unusual for young disciples to leave their sect after the Assembly, but for a head disciple, the usual expectation was to eventually be a peak master. So, there was really no reason for her to leave.


    "This was decided long before the assembly," Jiang Yuebai said after a moment of silence. "It was decided when I met with my father. He said... he¡¯d be willing to take me with him from now on."


    <i>Huh? </i>The Whale-Riding Immortal¡¯s face shed across Chu Liang¡¯s mind. <i>So that old rascal¡¯s nning to take Jiang Yuebai away?</i>


    He frowned and asked, "But he¡¯s always wandering aimlessly. What could you¡ª"


    "He was never wandering aimlessly. He¡¯s been searching for a way to rescue my mother," Jiang Yuebai replied.


    "Your mother?"


    Chu Liang recalled that her mother was someone who had walked out of the Divine Ruins but waster taken back by the people from the Divine Ruins Monastery, who then annihted the rest of the Jiang family...


    "Both of you are going to the Divine Ruins?" he immediately asked.


    Anyone who entered or interacted with that ce would be in grave danger. It was no surprise that the Whale-Riding Immortal, despite being at the eighth realm, still acted with such caution in all his endeavors.


    "Going to the Divine Ruins isn¡¯t difficult," Jiang Yuebai said. "But the Divine Ruins isn¡¯t a small realm. It¡¯s farrger than the Nine Provinces and the Four Seasbined. It¡¯s a ce with countlessyers of danger and hidden worlds. Without a precise route to navigate through these dangers, locating the Divine Ruins Monastery would be impossible."


    "But even if you find the Divine Ruins Monastery..." Chu Liang asked, "can you really save your mother?"


    "We have to try," Jiang Yuebai turned her gaze to him. "If it were me trapped in the Divine Ruins Monastery, what would you do?"


    Chu Liang fell silent.


    If Senior Sister Jiang were taken, he would stop at nothing to find her, no matter what, even if the heavens copsed.


    "Then..." After a long pause, he finally asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"


    "When I leave, you¡¯ll be the head disciple," Jiang Yuebai said, looking at him intently. "As the champion of the immortal sects, you¡¯re far more suited for the position than I am. You must strengthen Mount Shu¡¯s power. When I find my mother, I¡¯lle back to find you, and then¡ª"


    Jiang Yuebai didn¡¯t finish her sentence.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Because, at that moment, Chu Liang suddenly leaned in and kissed her.


    This was the first time he had been so bold. If they were destined to part, he could only savor this fleeting moment.


    After what felt like an eternity, they finally pulled apart.


    "You¡ª"


    Jiang Yuebai was about to say something.


    Suddenly, a beam of golden light shot across the sky, crashing into Chu Liang with a deafening roar. His vision went dark, and in an instant, he lost consciousness.


    1. This really says adoptive grandfather in the raws. ?

 Chapter 600: The Little Golden Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 600: The Little Golden Dragon</h4>


    "<i>Owhhh...</i>" Chu Liang groaned as he clutched his head in pain, feeling it both physically and emotionally.


    The headache was tolerable, but the emotional blow was far worse.


    He couldn¡¯t help but scream inwardly, <i>Who is it this time? Why does something always go wrong whenever I finally manage to spend some quiet time with Jiangjiang? Last time, it was the pavilion on my peak blowing up, and then her dad showing up. Now, a meteor falls on me out of nowhere. If thismotion draws others here, then... wait?</i>


    As he looked up, he suddenly realized that something was off.


    He found himself in a dazzling pce, surrounded by splendor. The entire structure appeared to be made of pure gold, with intricate scaly patterns adorning the surfaces.


    "Where is this?" he muttered in confusion.


    "This is the Golden Scale Hall," a childlike voice suddenly chimed from behind him, crisp and cheerful. "It''s my personal hidden realm and you are the first human to step in here."


    Chu Liang turned around and saw a young boy in a yellow robe standing behind him. The boy had a bright, adorable face, faint outlines of golden-scales on his skin, a pair of horns on his head, and a short tail behind him.


    Clearly, he was a little dragon boy.


    "What kind of little dragon are you?" Chu Liang asked aloud.


    Having interacted with many True Dragons, Chu Liang no longer held the dragon race in such high regard. After all his training, by bloodline standards, most draconic descendants weren¡¯t as pure as he was.


    "Show some respect," the boy said, trying to appear stern. "I am the great Golden Dragon!"


    "Little Golden Dragon?" Chu Liang teased.


    "Don''t call me little!" The boy puffed out his chest as he spoke. "I am the supreme Golden Dragon!"


    "Alright, Little Golden Dragon," Chu Liang nodded. He then asked, "But how did you bring me here? This... Golden Scale Hall, right? Can you let me out now? I have urgent matters to attend to."


    The Little Golden Dragon looked more serious than before.


    "You can leave, but only after you hear me out," he said solemnly, "Otherwise, I won''t let you go, no matter what."


    Chu Liang studied the little dragon boy for a moment, noticing that while the child gave off no obvious aura. However, since he could still control this hidden realm, it meant that his cultivation was likely higher.


    There was a high chance that he was at the seventh realm.


    If he wanted to leave but the little dragon disagreed, there was no way he could force his way out.


    So, he had no choice but to say, "Fine, just get on with it."


    "<i>Ahem ahem...</i>" The Little Golden Dragon cleared his throat dramatically. "I am the great Golden Dragon of the imperial city, tasked with suppressing the fate of the nation. However, that despicable Yao Dengxian has stolen the teachings of Dao that should have been passed down to me, and I need someone to help me."


    "Alright," Chu Liang agreed immediately. "You''ve found the right guy! The emperor''s my buddy, and I''m having dinner with him tomorrow. I''ll bring it up during the meal, and it¡¯ll be resolved. Just let me out first, and I''ll make sure it¡¯s done by tomorrow."


    "No!" The Little Golden Dragon replied firmly. "This is something only you can do!"


    "Huh?" Chu Liang asked, confused. "You''re asking me to take on someone who''s at the Heavenly Origin level? An eighth-realm cultivator?"


    "<i>Haaaaaa...</i>" The Little Golden Dragon let out a heavy sigh. "This is a long story."


    "Make it short!" Chu Liang said ruthlessly.


    The Little Golden Dragon then began recounting its life story, and after a while, Chu Liang finally understood why he had made such a request.


    The original five-wed Golden Dragon of the imperial city had existed since the era of the Dragon God, making it one of the oldest dragons in human history.


    However, about two hundred years ago, its lifespan was finallying to an end.


    Though it had reached the eighth realm, near the pinnacle of the world, it could not achieve a breakthrough and be a Hallowed Dragon, transcending life and death. In the final moments of its life, the ancient golden dragon decided to pass on everything it had.


    Itid a dragon egg, within which rested a supreme dragon hatchling that would be the seventh realm upon hatching. This dragon hatchling would also get the ancient golden dragon''s hidden realm, true essence, dragon orb, and teachings of Dao...


    Once the dragon hatchling emerged, it only needed to consume its mother¡¯s dragon orb and absorb the Dao essence left behind to naturally inherit its mother''s Great Dao and be an eighth-realm existence from birth.


    Starting from such an elevated point, it would have the potential to reach heights far greater than those of its mother.


    While the Golden Dragon suppressed the fate of this imperial dynasty, it was also using the fate of the dynasty to cultivate. The Golden Dragon had also passed on this mission to its offspring, leaving the hatchling in the Dragon-Keeping Pool.


    In a way, this dragon egg was the Golden Dragon''s way of passing on the legacy of its life.


    The day the Golden Dragon died was also the day the dragon egg hatched.


    But at that moment, Yao Dengxian, the newly appointed Dragon-Keeping Eunuch, appeared. This ambitious chief eunuch used cunning methods and stole the Golden Dragon''s teachings of Dao.


    For dragons to ascend to the eighth realm, they had toprehend the Great Dao. Some Great Daos were particrly attuned to dragons, but it did not mean that intelligent humans would not be able to understand them.


    When the Golden Dragon died and the Little Golden Dragon hatched, there was only a fleeting moment when it was at its most vulnerable.


    But at that moment, Yao Dengxian suddenly appeared, seizing the Dao essence of heavens and earth. Since he was already at the pinnacle of the seventh realm, he managed to steal the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion that the ancient Golden Dragon had left for the dragon hatchling.


    Yao Dengxian then became the Dao Master of the Cloud Dominion Great Dao.


    From that moment on, Yao Dengxian ascended to the eighth realm, reaching unprecedented heights. He suppressed the Golden Dragon''s Dragon Orb, preventing the Little Golden Dragon from consuming it and fully inheriting its mother''s power. Meanwhile, the Little Golden Dragon remained trapped in the Dragon-Keeping Pool and forced to continue suppressing the fate of the Yu Dynasty.


    And the pitiful Little Golden Dragon grew up in that Dragon-Keeping Pool and was still trapped there today.


    Earlier today, someone brought a mysterious power that shattered Yao Dengxian¡¯s restraints, allowing the Little Golden Dragon to seize the chance and escape.


    But he couldn¡¯t just leave without doing anything. He needed to reim his mother¡¯s Dragon Orb.


    "Wait..." Chu Liang interrupted. "You¡¯ve said all this, but how does it exin why you came to me?"


    "Because no one else can help me," the Little Golden Dragon replied. "You were the person with the strongest dragon aura that I sensed when I was near the capital of Yu. I thought you were one of my kin, so I sought you out."


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I¡¯d like to help, but I¡¯m honestly not capable enough. That¡¯s why I thought of informing the imperial family about Yao Dengxian¡¯s despicable actions," Chu Liang said.


    "They already know!" The Little Golden Dragon frowned and huffed angrily. "They¡¯re all in on it! Otherwise, there¡¯s no way I could have been locked up for so long without anyone noticing."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang thought for a moment and quickly understood.


    The court needed a Golden Dragon to stabilize the nation''s fate and an eighth-realm expert to protect the imperial city.


    Yet, despite all the changes, nothing had truly been resolved.


    Furthermore, to the court, the Golden Dragon wasn''t entirely loyal. The moment the fate of the current dynasty faded, the Golden Dragon would depart without a second thought.


    Yao Dengxian had likely struck some kind of deal with the court, pledging his service and perhaps even promising to pass down the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion to the dynasty after his own lifespan had run its course.


    In this way, the emperor wouldn¡¯t risk opposing an eighth-realm expert for the sake of a Golden Dragon that was still fulfilling its role.


    Moreover, it was likely this powerful cultivator had closer ties to the imperial family than the Golden Dragon did.


    Realizing this, Chu Liang spread his hands helplessly. "While I sympathize with your plight, there¡¯s really nothing I can do to help."


    "Hmph, you¡¯re not truly a noble dragon after all," the Little Golden Dragon said as he snorted twice before adding, "I promise, if you help me retrieve the Dragon Orb, I¡¯ll grant you a great reward."


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang raised his head at this. "While I may not be able to help, I wouldn¡¯t mind hearing about this reward."


    "If you help me retrieve the Dragon Orb, you will gain..." the Little Golden Dragon said seriously, "my friendship!"


    Hearing this, Chu Liang immediately stood up, rolling his sleeves up as he retorted, "There must be a door or window in this damned hall of yours! Watch me smash a hole in your hidden realm!"

 Chapter 601: The Friendship That One So Desired (I)

    <h4>Chapter 601: The Friendship That One So Desired (I)</h4>


    Chu Liang thought sarcastically, <i>Help me take back the Dragon Orb from the forbidden ground in the imperial pce and regain my strength, and you will gain my friendship... Yeah, not even a vige fool would fall for that!</i>


    "Ehhhhhhhhhh????? Hey, hey, hey!" The Little Golden Dragon watched Chu Liang roll up his sleeves and began to panic. He then pouted and scolded loudly, "Foolish human, do you even understand what it means to earn the friendship of a True Dragon?"


    "What does it mean?" Chu Liang asked, casting him a sidelong nce.


    "It means," the Little Golden Dragon began, "you will earn the honor of speaking with me as an equal, the chance to dine at the same table with me, and the privilege of addressing me without honorifics..."


    He listed them one by one.


    Chu Liang couldn¡¯t be bothered to listen any longer. He nced around the hall and decided that he¡¯d better summon Tuntun to solve the issue.


    But then he remembered¡ªif this was a hidden realm, Tuntun wouldn¡¯t be able to leave either.


    "Along with my great friendship," the Little Golden Dragon said loudly once again, "I will also provide a few trivial gifts to assist you in retrieving the Dragon Orb."


    <i>So the great reward was sharing a meal?</i> Chu Liang couldn''t help but scoff, having already given up on this poor kid. Hezily raised his eyelids and replied, "What is it?"


    "I¡¯ll teach you the method us dragons use to refine Dragon Orbs, so you can harness the full power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb," the Little Golden Dragon exined. "It¡¯s just a small technique, but it might be of use to you. I can sense an unrefined Blue Dragon''s Orb in you..."


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Little Golden Dragon paused, muttering to himself, clearly struggling to think of anything else to offer.


    "Hmm?" Chu Liang frowned, his gaze sharpening as he scrutinized the Little Golden Dragon with renewed interest.


    "I..." The Little Golden Dragon froze, blinking rapidly as he stammered, "I really don¡¯t have anything else. As soon as I was born, that evil Yao Dengxian stole my teachings of Dao, and he suppressed my dragon orb... I¡ª"


    "The method you mentioned for refining Dragon Orbs is indeed trivial," Chu Liang said thoughtfully, slowly sitting back down. His expression grew more serious as he added, "But upon further consideration, the friendship of a Golden Dragon is truly something desirable."


    "Right?" The Little Golden Dragon grinned widely. "In ancient times, it might take a thousand years for even one person to earn this honor, and this honor would be celebrated by their kin and remembered for generations."


    "So, this method for refining the Dragon Orb¡ªwhat exactly is it?" Chu Liang asked.


    Though Chu Liang had been epted by the Blue Dragon''s Orb as its master, true control remained out of his grasp because he hadn¡¯t refined it. Each time he sought to use the orb, he had to pour an immense amount of foundational qi into it. Yet, he could never tap into the inherent spiritual energy within the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    If he could refine the orb, there was a chance he could then unlock its spiritual energy and powers linked to this authority. If this could be done, he would then be no different from a True Dragon.


    The method to refine a Dragon Orb was something that the Little Golden Dragon had inherited directly from the memories left by its mother. This was the dragons'' standard way of passing on cultivation legacy. Chu Liang, however, didn¡¯t have a dragon mom to teach him such critical knowledge.


    The Little Golden Dragon wasn¡¯t dumb. Seeing the friendly smile on Chu Liang''s face, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "You have to promise to help me first. Otherwise, I won¡¯t teach you."


    In truth, Chu Liang had been contemting whether he could help the Little Golden Dragon or not.


    He had to first consider the current situation.


    Yao Dengxian had taken away the teachings of Dao that belonged to the Golden Dragon, and the imperial family had turned a blind eye to it. Now, the Little Golden Dragon had escaped. None of these matters directly concerned him, nor could he do anything to change them.


    He didn''t have the ability to drag the Little Golden Dragon back to suppress the Yu Dynasty¡¯s fate. Instead, he was the one trapped here by this little dragon.


    It would be even more difficult for him to force Yao Dengxian to relinquish the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion he had already imed. If he had that kind of power, it would be far easier to simply capture the Little Golden Dragon and return it.


    The current situation was that the Golden Dragon had fled, and the Yu Dynasty had lost the celestial beast that suppressed the fate of the nation.


    This was an undeniable fact.


    The task before him was to help the Little Golden Dragon retrieve the old Golden Dragon''s Dragon Orb. For the imperial family and Yao Dengxian, the orb was of little use, and taking it wouldn¡¯t have much impact.


    If he could get the method for refining a Dragon Orb by epting this task, it would be a worthwhile deal.


    The only question was...


    "Can I even do it?" Chu Liang asked doubtfully. "Yao Dengxian has been the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch for over a hundred years and is a powerful monster at the eighth realm. You¡¯re asking me to steal something from his doorstep?"


    "The Dragon Orb isn¡¯t in the Dragon-Keeping Pool," the Little Golden Dragon said indignantly, seemingly outraged by the shameless act. "It''s suppressed beneath the imperial pce¡¯s Spring of Virtue so that people can drink water infused with dragon aura."


    "I see." Chu Liang nodded slightly.


    He had heard a little about the Spring of Virtue, reputed as a famousndmark within the pce.


    Coincidentally, he would be feasting at the Qinghong Banquet in the pce tomorrow. He could find the chance halfway during the feast to steal a dragon orb. This didn''t seem like a very difficult task, as long as no one was watching him closely.


    Given his current status and his rtionship with the imperial family, even if he were caught, it probably wouldn¡¯t cost him his life.


    As the saying went, "Good fortune favors the bold..."


    "Let me be clear upfront: I¡¯ll do my best," Chu Liang said. "But if I fail and get caught, they¡¯ll interrogate me about you. I won¡¯t let them have the chance to torture me¡ª"


    "You¡¯d rathermit suicide?" the Little Golden Dragon asked, a bit surprised.


    "I¡¯ll spill everything about you to negotiate a lighter sentence," Chu Liang replied ruthlessly. "So, before that happens, you''d better hide somewhere even I don''t know. It might keep you a little safer."


    The Little Golden Dragon pouted, unsure of whether this human could be trusted or not.


    ...


    Meanwhile, a storm was brewing deep within the imperial pce.


    An elderly man, draped in a heavy white sable cloak, his hair like that of a crane yet with youthful features, strode leisurely into the Night Dragon Hall.


    "Your servant greets Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply.


    "Rise quickly, Warrior Yao," the emperor said at once.


    The man before him was none other than Yao Dengxian, the chief eunuch and the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.


    Back when Yao Dengxian had seized the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion, he disyed no arrogance and continued to regard himself as a servant, maintaining absolute loyalty to sessive emperors of the Yu Dynasty. This might be why the Dragon-Keeping Eunuchs held such an unshakeable position.


    "Something chaotic happened in the Dragon-Keeping Pool, and the Golden Dragon escaped. The fault is mine," Yao Dengxian said as he rose. "I beg Your Majesty to punish me."


    "That Golden Dragon has barely over a hundred years of cultivation. How did it manage to escape?" the emperor asked in a deep voice, not in a rush to use Yao Dengxian of anything.


    "Because of this," Yao Dengxian replied, raising his hand to reveal a jade pendant.


    The pendant was intricately carved in the shape of a fish, with a small "Luo" character engraved on its back.


    It was the given name of the Thirteenth Prince.


    Aside from the exquisite craftsmanship, the pendant appeared unremarkable. However, the emperor, being a seventh-realm cultivator, activated his foundational qi and focused his gaze. His eyes glowed with divine fire, and he immediately noticed something unusual.


    Deep within the pendant, hidden beneath its surface, was a vast and intricately concealed spiritual energy inscription.


    "This is..." the emperor muttered, his voice tinged with slight astonishment.


    "I remember this one night eighty years ago, I was fighting with a member of the Celestial Charm Sect. His cultivation was higher than mine, and his methods were bizarre and unpredictable. The injuries I got that night have kept me healing in seclusion ever since," Yao Dengxian said slowly. "I recognize the spiritual energy in this pendant very well. It¡¯s that man¡¯s handiwork."


    Yao Dengxian continued, "Members of the Celestial Charm Sect call him the Celestial Master."


    "The Celestial Master of the Celestial Charm Sect?"


    The emperor fell silent.

 Chapter 602: The Friendship That One So Desired (II)

    <h4>Chapter 602: The Friendship That One So Desired (II)</h4>


    In recent years, the Celestial Charm Sect had be increasingly active, with frequent reports from various regions, including the chaos during the Grand Capture Ceremony in the capital of Yu. As the reigning emperor, he was deeply aware of this grave threat.


    The Celestial Charm Sect thrived on chaos, as it fueled their power. Their leader was the Dao Master of the Great Dao of Chaotic Separation. Whenever the world descended into disorder and murderous energy filled the air, his strength would peak. However, during times of peace, the Celestial Charm Sect would fade into obscurity, the power of the Chaotic Separation Great Dao would diminish, and his source of power would vanish.


    This Celestial Master was extremely mysterious. No one knew how long he had led the Celestial Charm Sect, nor did anyone know his true origins. What was certain, however, was that even the most ruthless, evil, and powerful individuals within the sect followed hismands without question.


    He seemed to be a master maniptor, often achieving his goals through cunning and deception rather than brute force. At its height, the Celestial Charm Sect had gained the trust of the emperor and his officials, and the court paid a heavy price for it.


    And yet, he had not shown himself in the past eighty years.


    "So, this is his handiwork?" After a moment of contemtion, the emperor asked, "This is the Thirteenth Prince''s jade pendant?"


    "Indeed," Yao Dengxian replied. "When the Thirteenth Prince brought this pendant into the Dragon-Keeping Pool, the formations within the jade pendant activated, disrupting the pool¡¯s restrictions and allowing the Golden Dragon to escape. This is likely part of the Celestial Charm Sect¡¯s scheme, aimed at releasing the Golden Dragon, which stabilizes the fate of the empire."


    "Once again, they¡¯ve meddled within the imperial city. How bold of them!" the emperor remarked, his expression calm, though his heart grew heavy with concern.


    From ancient times onward, the greatest fears of rulers were the dangers closest to their thrones.


    After all, thest time the Celestial Charm Sect caused chaos, it nearly led to regicide.


    Yao Dengxian continued gravely. "Releasing the Golden Dragon is likely just the beginning. They won¡¯t stop here."


    The Golden Dragon, as the celestial beast that suppressed the dynasty¡¯s fate, shared a symbiotic rtionship with the imperial family¡¯s fortune. The rise and fall of both were intricately linked.


    The fate of the dynasty was not solely shaped by the Golden Dragon, but its departure could lead to a decline or halt the upward momentum of the nation¡¯s fortune.


    While the Golden Dragon yed a crucial role, the nation¡¯s karmic fate was also shaped by many other factors.


    Moreover, the consequences of losing the Golden Dragon would not be immediately apparent but would likely unfold over hundreds or even thousands of years.


    The biggest danger of the Golden Dragon escaping was that the people might lose faith in the current imperial family. If the people found out, it could lead to widespread unrest, and ultimately, the dynasty¡¯s fortune could begin to decline, just as was predicted.


    If the goal was to destroy a nation by releasing the celestial beast that suppressed the nation¡¯s fate, it would be like trying to harm someone by making them an alcoholic.


    Theoretically, it might work, but the impact would be unpredictable.


    "The members of the Celestial Charm Sect are always meticulous in their nning," the emperor said. "There is likely more to their scheme. We must stay vignt while we search for the Golden Dragon."


    "Your Majesty!"


    At that moment, the voice of a pce attendant echoed from outside.


    A guard from the Dragon-Keeping Pool entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Prince has awoken."


    "Have hime here immediately!" the emperor ordered.


    While the Thirteenth Prince may not have directly caused this incident, it had been set in motion by his actions, and the emperor couldn''t help but feel a hint of resentment.


    Momentster, the Thirteenth Prince, appearing pale and visibly weak, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "This humble son pays my respects to you, my father. Greetings to Warrior Yao..."


    With that, he fell to his knees. "It was because of me that we lost the nation¡¯s celestial beast. Father, please punish me!"


    "Enough!" the emperor said irritably. "Get up and exin where this jade pendant came from!"


    "This jade pendant..." The Thirteenth Prince hesitated, seemingly unwilling to exin.


    "What are you hiding?" the emperor frowned. "Could it be that you¡¯re colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect, trying to protect their allies?"


    "I would never dare!" the Thirteenth Prince replied hastily. "It¡¯s just that..."


    After a pause, he exined, "This jade pendant was a protective talisman that my mother gave me before the Assembly of Immortal Sects happened. How could my mother collude with the Celestial Charm Sect? There must be more to this..."


    The mother he spoke of was, of course, Empress Wu. Though all the princes referred to her as mother, her only biological child was the Second Prince.


    Upon hearing this name, the emperor''s suspicion deepened. "The empress?"


    ...


    After Chu Liang discussed and finalized the n with the Little Golden Dragon, he asked to be released. The Little Golden Dragon flicked his finger, and Chu Liang¡¯s eyes opened.


    "You''re awake?"


    The first thing Chu Liang saw when he opened his eyes was Jiang Yuebai¡¯s concerned gaze.


    A wave of relief washed over him.


    "I''m just d you''re still here," he said, pulling her into a hug. "What happened just now?"


    "A golden light suddenly shot toward you and struck you. After that, you lost consciousness," Jiang Yuebai exined. Her shoulders tensed slightly in his embrace, but she didn''t pull away.


    "I''m fine. Just passed out for a moment," Chu Liang reassured her.


    "A moment?" Jiang Yuebai asked. "You''ve been unconscious the whole night."


    "What?" Chu Liang eximed in surprise.


    <i>I was just having a quick conversation with that Little Golden Dragon and a whole night had passed?</i>


    Looking around, he saw that it was indeed broad daylight.


    He didn¡¯t just see the bright sky; he also saw Wang Xuanling, Xu Ziyang, Ling Ao, Lin Bei, Shang Ziliang, and Lackey A. In fact, everyone in the temporary imperial residence that could breathe was there.


    "Ah..." Chu Liang snapped out of it, awkwardly releasing Jiang Yuebai. "Everyone¡¯s here."


    "No worries," Lin Bei waved dismissively. "Carry on. Pretend we are not here."


    Chu Liang nced out the window and sighed. <i>What is there to carry on? It was almost time to enter the imperial pce.</i>


    It seemed the Golden Scale Hall had some power to alter the flow of time¡ªwhat felt like less than half an hour inside had actually been an entire night outside.


    <i>That Little Golden Dragon is really a troublemaker.</i>


    Sure enough, Wang Xuanling cleared his throat and said, "I checked your pulse earlier and found nothing wrong¡ªyou were just asleep. So, we let you rest while Yuebai stayed by your side all night..."


    Chu Liang nced at Jiang Yuebai beside him, feeling a warmth in his heart.


    "However..." Wang Xuanling added slowly, "It''s almost time to enter the imperial pce. We mustn''t bete for the Qinghong Banquet. Whatever you have to say, perhaps you could save it forter?"


    "Haha." Chu Liang chuckled lightly. <i>I¡¯d like to say no, but can I?</i>


    The imperial pce sent a convoy, led by the Celestial Golden-Winged Horse at the forefront, to fetch them. The long procession stretched from the pce to the base of the Emperor¡¯s Mound, a grand spectacle befitting the champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As they rode toward the imperial city in their carriages, Wang Xuanling suddenly raised his eyebrows.


    "The imperial city feels... unusual today," he remarked.

 Chapter 603: A Rainfall

    <h4>Chapter 603: A Rainfall</h4>


    "The fates of all living beings are predetermined. Look at how they are walking on the street with barely visible threads on their shoulders, pulling them toward an unknown path."


    "When you see that thread, you will understand the meaning of the Celestial Charm. We do not alter their fates; we merely guide them toward their destined ends."


    "The vast heavens and earth remain constant over time, but chaos and separation arise from the hearts of humans."


    On a long embankment adorned with peach blossoms and willow trees, with bustling streets on either side, an elderly man sat leisurely by the riverside.


    Dressed in simple, coarse cloth, with hair as white as snow, he exuded the gentle kindness thates with old age.


    With a fishing rod in hand, he muttered softly to himself as he waited patiently for a catch.


    Rather than talking to himself, it seemed he was conversing with the fish in his basket.


    The bamboo basket held a single fish¡ªa plump, five-colored koi of exceptional quality. Not long ago, a wealthy passerby had offered hundreds of taels for it, but the old fisherman had turned down the offer.


    "The Celestial Master''s cultivation is supreme, nearly reaching the Hallowed One. We look up to you," the chubby koi gurgled, poking its head out of the water and speaking in clear human words.


    If one of the pce consorts'' maids had seen this, they might have recognized it. This was the same fish that had once swum in the imperial pce pond.


    "Hallowed?" The old fisherman sighed and shook his head. "Far from it."


    He continued speaking slowly, "Every Great Dao has its limits. The Heavenly Origin for the Great Dao of Chaos and Separation is stronger than all the other Heavenly Origins of Great Daos. However, the price is that it is almost impossible to ascend to the Profound Realm."


    This principle was widely known.


    Ascending to the Profound Realm through Great Daos with lower entry barriers was much more difficult, while those with easier ascension often came with weakerbat power. Ultimately, the bnce of the Great Daos in this world was maintained.


    "The Hallowed One appears only once every several thousand years. That no other eighth-realm cultivator can surpass the Celestial Master is already impressive enough," the chubby koi added quickly, its words dripping with ttery.


    As they spoke, a thinyer of clouds began to gather in the sky.


    "Looks like rain ising," the old fisherman remarked, gazing upward. "There''s something familiar about the scent in these clouds."


    "Probably Yao Dengxian''s doing," suggested the chubby koi.


    The most famous power of the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion was its ability tomand wind and rain. When the Golden Dragon held mastery over this Dao, the emperor could offer incense to summon it during times of drought, floods, or unfavorable weather, asking it to change the weather conditions in that area.


    However, the Golden Dragon, as a noble and exalted being, could not be summoned lightly. It only intervened in major disasters, leaving minor weather disturbances unresolved, which meant the people still struggled to livefortably.


    Over the past hundred years, with Yao Dengxian in control of the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion, he had secretly intervened whenever weather conditions were unfavorable across the Nine Provinces or at the court''smand. His efforts brought about unprecedented harmony in the Yu Dynasty''s weather.


    However, the court could not publicize his achievements, fearing that people across thend would begin building temples to worship and pray to him.


    As a light drizzle began to fall, ripples danced across the water in the bamboo basket.


    "It''s definitely him," the chubby koi dered confidently. "He must be casting spells to search for the Golden Dragon after its escape. Everything is happening just as we nned. Your calctions are wless. We will surely seed tonight!"


    "The members of the Heavenly Observers lineage are the ones that can do wless calctions. We merely observe people," the old fisherman said. "But oftentimes, the hearts of people are even harder to predict than the will of the heavens. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. Since Yao Dengxian is monitoring so extensively, you should return for now."


    With that, he slowly rose to his feet, lifted the fish basket, and tipped it over, releasing the koi into the river with a soft ssh.


    The people chatting at a nearby teahouse couldn''t help but be astonished.<i> That old man had refused to sell the koi for a hundred taels of silver, yet he just let it go back into the river?</i>


    Watching the chubby koi vanish beneath the water''s surface, the old man muttered to himself, "We failed eighty years ago. Let''s hope that it will be different this time. We don''t have anymore time left to set the stage for another attempt."


    ...


    "We have plenty of time. You can rest for now. Later, the pce attendants wille to help us get acquainted with the banquet arrangements," Wang Xuanling assured.


    The convoy, led by the Celestial Golden-Winged Horse, entered the imperial city, escorting the Mount Shu Sect team to the pce. They were dropped off at a grand hall, where Warrior Lao and a group of pce attendants awaited their arrival. With warm greetings, they guided the group inside.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Qinghong Banquet was scheduled for the evening, but they arrived in the morning to familiarize themselves with the venue, prepare their attire, and rehearse the process¡ªall tasks that demanded considerable effort.


    The Qinghong Banquet was a grand asion. While only a select few would be able to taste the meat of the Qinghong bird, the banquet still hosted imperial family members and countless civil and military officials. As a once-every-twelve-years event, it was taken very seriously.


    The winning disciples of the Assembly of Immortal Sects were the stars of the Qinghong Banquet. As such, their preparation was of utmost importance.


    As Chu Liang watched the pce attendants bustling about in precise formation, he couldn''t help but wonder, "It''s just a meal. Does it really take an entire day to prepare?"


    "<i>Haaaaaa</i>," a pce maid sighed. She then exined softly, "I heard from my seniors that the rules weren''t always thisplicated. Sixty years ago, one of the victors of the Assembly of Immortal Sects behaved in such an uncouth manner and caused a huge scene at the Qinghong Banquet. Ever since then, disciples are required to arrive much earlier to..."


    "Stop talking nonsense," Warrior Lao''s voice came from behind. He red at the maid and said, "What sixty years ago? Don''t spread lies. That banquet went perfectly well. There were no ill-mannered people. You must have remembered it wrong."


    "Ah..." The maid seemed to suddenly realize something and quickly nodded. "Yes, I must have remembered the wrong time."


    "Haha." Chu Liang gave a polite smile.


    The maid definitely did not remember wrongly.


    Among thest ten Assemblies of Immortal Sects, and likely the next ten toe, no one came close to surpassing <i>that person</i> in being called "uncouth."


    Speaking of which, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel a little concerned.


    His esteemed teacher had mentioned attending the banquet at the pce, but she hadn''t returned yet. Could it be that she had already started fighting for the control of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heavens?


    Although her opponent was her own father, duels over the control of Great Dao were inherently dangerous. Could she truly be safe?


    But no matter how worried Chu Liang was, it wasn''t something he could help with.


    While he was lost in thought, he was escorted to their temporary resting room. Each room in the pce wasvishly adorned with gold and jade. Each bedroom was huge, nearly half the size of a pce. Even the screen frames were gilded, making the entire ce dazzling.


    Chu Liang entered the room, opened the window, and saw that a soft rain had begun to drizzle outside.


    The rain was infused with dense spiritual qi, and Chu Liang quickly deduced it was Yao Dengxian''s doing. He was not actually familiar with Yao Dengxian''s techniques. He only knew because the Little Golden Dragon had warned him about this.


    As the Dao Master of the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion, Yao Dengxian excelled in manipting clouds and rain. The Little Golden Dragon had nned to leave five golden scales outside the capital of Yu. Once Yao Dengxian sensed its aura, he would undoubtedly venture out personally to capture it.


    This would allow Chu Liang to use the opportunity to sneak into the Spring of Virtue and steal the Golden Dragon''s Orb. Even if there were guards, they would likely be the subordinates of the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch, whose cultivation wouldn''t surpass the peak of the sixth realm.


    With the power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb at his disposal, Chu Liang stood a strong chance of sess.


    After hearing the n, Chu Liang was quite surprised. For a dragon as small as the Little Golden Dragon, it hade up with a n that was surprisingly reasonable.


    Chu Liang asked two questions. The first one was whether the Little Golden Dragon could escape Yao Dengxian''s pursuit and dy him long enough?


    The second one was whether Chu Liang is really able to steal the power of the dragon orb after refining the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    The Little Golden Dragon''s answer to the first question was that he just needed to keep luring Yao Dengxian with his aura. With how big the world is outside, even if he is an Eminent One at the eighth realm. The Little Golden Dragon''s answer was that as long as it kept emitting its aura to draw Yao Dengxian''s attention, the vast open world would make it difficult for even an eighth-realm powerhouse to catch a True Dragon that could traverse the cosmos.


    As for Chu Liang, he would know for himself upon refining the Blue Dragon''s Orb and feeling the power of a True Dragon.


    If Yao Dengxian detected the Golden Dragon''s aura, he would undoubtedly cast spells to search for it, causing rain to fall. That would be when the Little Golden Dragon would start to lure the Yao Dengxian away, and Chu Liang would make his move.


    Seeing the rain outside, Chu Liang immediately strode out of his room and, in front of all the pce attendants, walked straight into Jiang Yuebai''s room.


    "What''s wrong?" Jiang Yuebai, who had just sat down, asked as Chu Liang entered.


    "I need to take care of something," Chu Liang said. "If anyone askster, you need to say I''ve been here the whole time."


    Jiang Yuebai immediately understood¡ªhe was asking her to provide him with an alibi.


    "What are you going to do?" she asked.


    This was the inner pce, fraught with danger for those who wandered carelessly. She couldn''t help but feel worried.


    "I''ll exin when I''m back," Chu Liang said, not wanting to waste time. Draping a ck robe over himself, his figure flickered and transformed into a wisp of wind, disappearing through the window.


    This was one of the powers of the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    The Blue Dragon, as an ancient True Dragon, had attained the Heavenly Origin, and it had the control of the wind. For Chu Liang, who had now fully refined the Blue Dragon''s Orb, he could easily transform into the wind.


    "Then you''d bettere back soon. If you stay here too long and people think that you are here with me for a long time..." Jiang Yuebai''s words trailed off as Chu Liang vanished, leaving her to murmur to herself, "What would they think?"

 Chapter 604: What Business?

    <h4>Chapter 604: What Business?</h4>


    Chu Liang had heard of the Spring of Virtue, but he didn''t know its location. Fortunately, the Little Golden Dragon had used the dragons'' method for imparting their cultivation legacies to imprint a map of the imperial city in Chu Liang''s mind.


    The high walls surrounding the Inner Imperial Garden were tall and imposing. Furthermore, the imperial city was heavily patrolled by guards, so Chu Liang had to tread carefully. He was moving through the city in the form of a cool breeze, but someone with a keen divine sense might still detect traces of his qi.


    Chu Liang climbed over the wall and roamed through the garden like he was taking a stroll in his own backyard. He soon arrived at a hugendscape garden where the famous Spring of Virtue was located. This was just one corner of the immensely vast Imperial Garden.


    There was a massive artificial rock formation that resembled a small mountain. Crystal-clear spring water flowed into thendscape garden from the mouth of the spring, winding around the little mountain in a narrow stream before ending up in a pond.


    It was drizzling at that moment, and the raindrops created ripples in the stream. However, not a single raindrop fell into the pond.


    The water flowing into the pool had already been infused with dragon breath, and it was protected by an enchanted formation. The enchanted formation prevented ordinary water from contaminating it.


    The process of infusing dragon breath into the water urred in the golden eddy[1] between the stream and the pond.


    Chu Liang walked around thendscape garden briefly before entering the pond, only stirring up small ripples.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    Once he was underwater, he could no longer maintain his disguise as a cool breeze. His true form became visible as he activated the Water-Repelling Seal and dove downward. The seemingly shallow eddy was actually iprehensibly deep, and it took Chu Liang quite a while to reach the bottom.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    When he finallynded on the bottom, there was a dull thud, and weak currents swirled around him.


    The pressure at the bottom of the pool was immense. Even with his powerful corporeal body, every movement he made felt strenuous. An ordinary person would have been crushed into paste in an instant.


    The source of the pressure was the three-chi-tall[2] pedestal in the center of the underwater space, and on top of it sat a golden orb the size of a fist. A square enchanted formation about one zhang wide surrounded the base of the pedestal.


    This golden orb was the object Chu Liang hade for!


    Everything had gone smoothly so far, but he did not dare to let his guard down.


    Despite only being just outside the reach of the enchanted formation, he was already subjected to such immense pressure that he had a very difficult time moving. However, the Golden Dragon''s Orb was being suppressed <i>within</i> the enchanted formation. It would not be easy for Chu Liang to take the orb out.


    Now, it would all depend on Chu Liang''s abilities.


    He circted his qi and gathered the strength of the Blue Dragon''s Orb. Bracing himself against the overwhelming pressure of the enchanted formation, he took a step inside its range.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The tremendous pressure weighed down on him, causing him to hunch over and press his hands onto the ground for support.


    "<i>Ugh...</i>" Chu Liang groaned in pain, clenching his jaw as he tried to keep going.


    He knew that without the immense power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, this one step would have snapped his spine. Refining the Blue Dragon''s Orb had brought him benefits beyond his imagination. It was, after all, the most important thing that the Blue Dragon, an eighth-realm True Dragon, had left behind¡ªwell, aside from its Great Dao.


    If Chu Liang were to repeat his fight against Yang Shenlong right at this moment, he would be able to crush Yang Shenlong effortlessly with the power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb and emerge totally unscathed.


    Yet, even with all that strength, Chu Liang was having a hard time withstanding this overwhelming water pressure. He managed to keep moving toward the pedestal, but when he got within three steps of it, he could go no further.


    Chu Liang quickly activated a technique, and blood mes ignited all over him. A boom reverberated through the water as he was filled with immense power once again.


    If he had the choice, he would have avoided using such a conspicuous divine technique. It would leave traces of his qi, and others could use that against him.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang had no other choice at this point.


    The power he got from using the Divine Dragons'' Great Blood-Burning Technique allowed him to take two more steps, leaving him just one step away from the Golden Dragon''s Orb.


    "<i>Ah...</i>"


    The overwhelming water pressure threatened to crush him to bits. Chu Liang could even hear his bones crack as his chest rose and fell.


    Clenching his jaw, he partly transformed into a dragon and swiftly extended a tri-colored dragon w.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The moment the dragon w was right above the Golden Dragon''s Orb, the pressure of the water surrounding Chu Liang intensified dramatically. He couldn''t withstand it and spat out a mouthful of blood, staining the water red.


    <i>Damn it.</i>


    With a swift motion of his left hand, he collected the blood-stained water to prevent leaving any evidence behind. Leaving any traces of blood would make things far too obvious that someone had been there.


    The injury ignited Chu Liang''s ferocity and determination. He gripped onto the Dragon Orb with his dragon w, but he couldn''t pull it out. It seemed like it was embedded in the pedestal.


    Chu Liang spat out another mouthful of blood and steeled himself. He tightened his grip on the Dragon Orb and unleashed the tremendous power of a True Dragon.


    "<i>Hah!</i>" he roared, yanking the Golden Dragon''s Orb free!


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The pressure in the water suddenly dissipated, and the pool water, which had been held down by the immense pressure this whole time, erupted in towering waves.


    Chu Liang swam up swiftly, aiming to escape before themotion drew people over.


    <i>Ssh.</i>


    Yet, the moment he emerged from the water, arge golden was cast over the top of his head!


    "Warrior Yao was right. There really is a thief here to steal the Dragon Orb!"


    Eight guards in uniform surrounded the pond, each with a Dragon-Keeping Pool token hanging at their waist. These were Yao Dengxian''s trusted men.


    They had been lying in wait there for a while. Chu Liang''s entry into the pool had initially gone unnoticed, but the activation of the underwater enchanted formation alerted them, prompting them to set up their own enchanted formation outside the pool.


    The golden crackled with spiritual qi. The moment Chu Liang touched it, he felt an electric shock and immediately plunged back into the water!


    ...


    Earlier...


    After Chu Liang left, Jiang Yuebai muttered to herself for a while. Then she hurriedly set up enchanted formations in the four corners of the room to ensure that no qi would be leaked out.


    Just as she finished, there was a knock at the door.


    "Senior Sister Jiang," Ling Ao called out.


    "What is it?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "Senior Uncle Wang asked us to gather in the hall once we''re done setting up our rooms. He said he has something to tell us."


    "Please let Senior Uncle Wang know that I''ve got some business to attend to and will go downter."


    "Some business to attend to?" Ling Ao wondered.


    They had just arrived at the imperial pce. What business could she possibly have to attend to?


    "In any case, I''ll go over a whileter. Just inform him for me, thanks."


    "All right," Ling Ao replied. "I''ll go fetch Chu Liang then."


    Jiang Yuebai frowned. She quickly twirled two of her fingers and tapped her neck.


    "I''m here too," she said in an altered voice.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Ling Ao uttered.


    He was surprised to hear Chu Liang''s voice. <i>So, Chu Liang''s here too?</i>


    Fortunately, Jiang Yuebai had trained in numerous divine arts and skills, so she could use this trivial divine skill.


    Ling Ao blinked. He took a breath and then suddenly disyed an expression of realization.


    <i>Oh...</i>


    <i>And here I was wondering what business she was talking about.</i>


    <i>This... this... this...</i>


    <i>Doing this in the imperial pce? This is just too... Ah...</i>


    "Well... um... you two should hurry up with... whatever you''re doing. I''ll... I''ll inform Senior Uncle Wang a bitter," Ling Ao stammered before dashing off with a trail of smoke.


    Jiang Yuebai let out a breath of relief. "<i>Phew...</i>"


    <i>I managed to brush him off, but the way that yed out felt a bit weird...</i>


    <i>It''s all Chu Liang''s fault. He just had to make me cover for him. Why couldn''t he just share whatever he''s doing with everyone?</i>


    In truth, Chu Liang couldn''t be med for wanting to keep it a secret. The fewer people who knew about this matter, the better it would be. After all, Chu Liang was conducting a theft in the imperial pce.


    If Wang Xuanling had found out, that serious and respectable old fellow might not have allowed him to proceed. And if Xu Ziyang had found out, it would have been very difficult to convince him to keep it from his teacher. Thus, Chu Liang had no choice but to rely on Jiang Yuebai for help.


    Fortunately, the others didn''t have time to consider what Chu Liang might be up to.


    However, just as Jiang Yuebai let out a sigh of relief, there was another knock at her door.


    "Junior Sister Jiang?"


    "Senior Brother Xu?" Jiang Yuebai frowned again. "What''s the matter?"


    "Esteemed Teacher has asked us to gather in the main hall. Since you and the others haven''t arrived, I was sent to check on you."


    "I... I thought I already told Ling Ao that I had something business to attend to and would go downter?"


    "Ling Ao? He left earlier to call everyone but never returned. That''s why Esteemed Teacher sent me to find you all too."


    Jiang Yuebai told Xu Ziyang the same thing she had told Ling Ao. "In that case, I''ll go downter. Please inform Uncle Wang for me, Senior Brother."


    "All right." Xu Ziyang nodded. "I''ll go find Chu Liang then."


    <i>Oh, no...</i>


    Jiang Yuebai sighed helplessly and cast the voice-altering divine skill again.


    "Senior Brother Xu, I''m here."


    "Junior Brother Chu?" Xu Ziyang asked puzzledly. "Are the two of you working on something together?"


    "..." Jiang Yuebai gritted her teeth. "Let''s just say it''s inconvenient to leave right now..."


    "How strange," Xu Ziyang muttered in confusion.


    Nevertheless, he eventually turned to inform his teacher.


    Jiang Yuebai clenched her fist.


    Her eyes filled with rage as she mmed her fist onto the table. <i>Wham!</i>


    <i>Chu Liang!</i>


    1. Swirling water. ?


    2. Around one meter. ?

 Chapter 605: Stealing a Fowl

    <h4>Chapter 605: Stealing a Fowl</h4>


    <i>Boom.</i>


    At the Spring of Virtue, Chu Liang sank back down into the pool without even the slightest ssh. The only trace of his presence was a ripple on the surface of the water.


    The eight guards stepped forward in unison. Instead of retracting the golden, they extended their divine senses into the water to track Chu Liang''s movements.


    The golden hadn''t injured Chu Liang. However, he''d realized he wouldn''t be able to break through it in one attempt, so he did a flip and swam back down to the bottom of the pool.


    Before arriving at the Spring of Virtue, he had already expected the Golden Dragon Orb''s location to be guarded and had a contingency n in mind.


    So, Chu Liang acted without any hesitation. Knowing that the Spring of Virtue wasn''t connected to other bodies of water, he immediately used the divine spell Underground Escape Route to escape through the dirt wall of the pool.


    The guards'' divine senses quickly locked onto him and detected that he was using the divine spell Underground Escape Route. One of them swiftly flipped his hand and retracted the golden back into his storage tool.


    The guards then each summoned a golden pestle and leaped backward into the air. They formed a circle with a diameter of dozens of zhang in midair.


    <i>Bam, bam, bam.</i>


    As theynded on the ground, they drove their eight golden pestles into it, sealing off the earth within that circle. The earth surrounding Chu Liang, who was moving underground, suddenly became hard like metal and stone, preventing him from advancing even half a cun[1] further.


    Not one to stubbornly persist, Chu Liang immediately changed direction. Redirecting his qi upward, he used the immortal art <i>Dimension Compression.</i>


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <i>Whoosh!</i>


    Chu Liang disappeared from several zhang underground and instantly reappeared in midair<i>.</i> The eight guards shouted in unison, swinging their golden pestles at him simultaneously.


    Chu Liang didn''t engage them in battle. Instead, he charged forward and used his back to receive two of the golden pestles'' strikes.


    <i>Wham! Wham!</i>


    The strikes left Chu Liang shaking, but they also propelled him forward another dozen zhang[2], bringing him to one of the walls of the Imperial Garden. Without pausing for even a second, he used <i>Dimension Compression</i> again¡ªthis time to pass through the wall and make his escape.


    Seeing that, the eight guards shouted, "Catch the flying thief!"


    They pursued him closely, leaping over the high wall of the Imperial Garden. However, Chu Liang had already vanished without a trace in just the blink of an eye.


    The guards scanned their surroundings and followed the faint trail of residual qi in the air. No matter how amazing Chu Liang''s transformation into wind might be, all usage of divine abilities would leave behind traces of qi. The Dragon-Keeping Eunuch''s eight guards chased after Chu Liang''s trail of qi, alerting the patrolling imperial guards along the way.


    The group of guards chased the trail all the way to an exquisite flower garden,ing to an abrupt halt there. They looked through the archway before them and saw a smallke in the courtyard. There was a woman sitting by theke, dressed in pce robes. She was gazing at the water, seemingly lost in thought.


    The earlier drizzle had ceased, leaving the water crystal-clear. It showed a reflection of her stunningly delicate and beautiful face.


    The guards bowed deeply in unison as they greeted her. "Your Highness!"


    "What is the matter?" the imperial consort asked, raising her gaze.


    One of the guards sounded a bit confused as he exined, "There was a thief in the imperial pce just now. We tracked the trail of qi all the way here..."


    The trail of foundational qi had abruptly vanished upon reaching this courtyard, without even the slightest trace of where the thief might have gone.


    Could the thief have vanished into thin air?


    The guard paused for a moment, then he continued, "For Your Highness''s safety, we must search the garden."


    "I see." The imperial consort nced around. "Go ahead, but be careful not to damage anything in my chambers. Otherwise, I''ll report you to His Majesty."


    "We wouldn''t dare," the guards replied.


    They hastily spread out to search the area thoroughly. Yet, the trail of qi truly ended there. They couldn''t find any signs of where the thief might have gone.


    Upon finding nothing, the lead guard turned his gaze toward the imperial consort who was still sitting by theke.


    He asked, "Your Highness, did you notice any disturbance in the water earlier?"


    Though the thief''s stealth technique was exceptional, it couldn''t entirely erase their presence. If they had gone into hiding underwater, it would exin why the trail of qi had cut off there. Nevertheless, the thief would have certainly made a sound when they entered the water.


    "I''ve been staring at thiske water the entire time. If there had been any movement, I would have noticed. But there was nothing at all," the imperial consort answered bewilderedly. "Could you have made a mistake?"


    "This<i>...</i>" the guards uttered. They exchanged nces and then apologized, "Our apologies for disturbing you, Your Highness."


    They were fortunate to be under themand of Yao Dengxian, whose high status had given them the confidence to act as they had done. If it had been the ordinary imperial guards, the fruitless search would likely have resulted in punishment.


    After the guards left, the imperial consort gazed at the water and muttered like she was talking to herself. "What a daring little fish indeed."


    ...


    The Imperial City was vast, and on the other side of the Imperial Garden was the Beast Taming Park. It housed countless exotic beasts from across the nine provinces, with the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch''s office located on the edge of the park.


    To the east of the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch''s office, past severalrgendscape gardens, was the Qinghong Aviary. It was home to thest remaining flock of Qinghong, divine birds known to be the most delicious in the world.


    Aside from when the Assembly of Immortal Sects was being held, no one was permitted to disturb the Qinghong birds'' mating and nesting, as the goal was to grow their poption. Normally, only the pce attendants tasked with maintaining the aviary dared set foot inside.


    However, today, two heads peeked out from behind a rock garden in the aviary.


    The head on the left belonged to a handsome middle-aged man in flowery robes. He carried an air of nobility and stood with his hands held behind his back.


    The middle-aged man repeatedly shook his head and sighed. "This is a sin..."


    The head on the right belonged to a tall, elegant woman in red robes. She was a gorgeous woman of unparalleled beauty, but her eyes gleamed like those of a sparrow in a granary or a weasel in a chicken coop.


    Inside the Qinghong Aviary, brightly colored wings fluttered as sharp cries rang out incessantly. asionally, arge green bird would fly across therge aviary. Most of the Qinghong birds were perchednguidly in the woods.


    The woman''s eyes darted back and forth. "That fat one¡ªlet''s just go with that one. Oh, no, that one''s even fatter. But it''s a female... Better leave it... Oh, there are eggs! Can we eat the eggs? No? <i>Ah...</i>"


    The middle-aged man sighed again. "I spent the first half of my life as Crown Prince and the second half as the Dao Master of Incinerating Heaven. I''ve lived my life in an upright manner¡ªor at least, in an open and honest manner. To think that I would end up sneaking around and stealing a fowl..."


    "Oh, please. If you''re a good man, how did you end up having me? You''ve got some nerve saying that," the woman retorted, giving him a shove. "I want that one."


    She pointed decisively at the Qinghong bird with the most beautiful feathers.


    These two people were, of course, Di Nufeng, the peak master of the Mount Shu Sect''s Silver Sword Peak, and Mingde, the guardian of the imperial family.


    Taking advantage of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, Mingde had hoped to spend some quality time with his daughter and rekindle their bond as parent and child. Yet, Di Nufeng''s mind was filled with dreadful schemes.


    She would frequently share her outrageous ideas with him at the drop of a hat¡ªlike how she wanted to be emperor, or how she wanted to seize the Great Dao from him, or how she wanted to make hot pot... with Qinghong birds. In short, all of the things she wanted to do were capital offenses.


    Left with no other choice, Mingde could only let her do the least harmful thing. He brought her to the aviary to catch one Qinghong bird in the hope that having a good meal might cate her for a while.


    Mingde was the guardian of the imperial family, but he couldn''t openly flout ancestral rules. Thus, he opted to secretly catch one of the birds and then quietly inform the emperorter. After all, stealing a bird wasn''t an honorable deed, so it wasn''t something he wanted to publicize.


    Yet, just as he moved toward the colorful and radiant Qinghong bird, he noticed a heavy aura of death emanating from behind a nearby rock.


    Mingde immediately sensed something was amiss. He extended his divine sense behind the rock and found a corpse!


    It was the body of a woman with snow-white skin, dressed in pce robes. She seemed to have been dead for some time, but her face was still intact and in good condition as if she were still alive.


    Mingde recognized that face.


    Though the pce was filled with beauties, few couldpare to this woman.


    Her name was Gong Yu''er.


    1. An inch. ?


    2. Over 30m. ?

 Chapter 606: I’ll Be Damned

    <h4>Chapter 606: I¡¯ll Be Damned</h4>


    "What a disgrace..."


    "A blow to decency..."


    "In broad... Ugh, in broad daylight..."


    In the empty pce hall, Wang Xuanling frowned deeply, muttering to himself.


    After Xu Ziyang returned and briefly exined the situation, Old Wang¡¯s face darkened, the fine wrinkles on his forehead furrowing with confusion.


    <i>What is wrong with young people these days? This is the imperial pce! Even if they don¡¯t respect the solemnity of the pce, they should at least understand that this is someone else¡¯s home... and it''s still broad daylight!</i>


    Out of concern for the dignity of the two outstanding young talents from Mount Shu Sect, he was not in a rush to interrupt their business. He decided to wait until they emerged to give them a stern lecture.


    Yet, they still hadn¡¯te out of the room...?


    After waiting for a long time, Wang Xuanling finally lost patience. With a flick of his sleeve, he stood abruptly and dered, "I¡¯ll fetch them myself."


    Xu Ziyang followed behind him, but after only a few steps, Wang Xuanling stopped him. "You stay back."


    When Wang Xuanling reached Jiang Yuebai¡¯s door, he took a few steps back and let out a heavy cough. "Ahem!"


    But he didn''t hear any sounding from inside.


    Wang Xuanling thought it was weird. Immediately, he called out, "Chu Liang? Jiang Yuebai?"


    "I¡¯m here!"


    "Me too!"


    Two voices answered in quick session from within.


    They indeed belonged to Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai.


    "I called for a meeting in the hall. Why have you still note over?" Wang Xuanling asked with a stern voice.


    Jiang Yuebai replied, "Senior Uncle, we had pressing matters to attend to, which caused the dy. Please forgive us."


    "What could be so urgent?" Wang Xuanling¡¯s tone grew louder. "Let me see for myself!"


    "Ah..." Jiang Yuebai hesitated for a moment before saying, "Senior Uncle, please wait a moment."


    "I¡¯ming in!" Wang Xuanling dered, his voice firm. "I¡¯ll give you the time of three breaths. Then I¡¯m breaking down the door."


    <i>Three, two, one...</i>


    Assuming that he had given them enough time to get dressed, Wang Xuanling strode forward and flung the door wide open.


    "Senior Uncle Wang!"


    Wang Xuanling immediately saw Chu Liang sitting at the table. His face was pale, and his breathing seemed weak.


    Jiang Yuebai stood to the side, appearing perfectly normal.


    The old man nced at Chu Liang and shook his head. "Young people... I understand, but you mustn¡¯t overdo it. You need to exercise some self-control..."


    "<i>Cough, cough</i>," Chu Liang coughed twice before saying, "The injuries I sustained yesterday have red up again, so I asked Senior Sister Jiang to help treat me. What exactly is Senior Uncle Wang referring to?"


    "Hmm?"


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The old man examined Chu Liang closely, cing a hand on his shoulder. It didn¡¯t take long for him to realize that Chu Liang¡¯s qi cirction was indeed blocked due to his injuries.


    Everyone had seen the extent of Chu Liang¡¯s injuries yesterday, so there was no reason to doubt their severity.


    However, after seeing him appear to be in normal condition after a night¡¯s rest, they had assumed he had fully recovered.


    But it seemed that wasn''t the case.


    "<i>Haaaaa</i>," Chu Liang sighed and said, "Senior Uncle, though you usually keep your emotions hidden, I can see clearly that winning first ce for the Mount Shu Sect this time brought you more joy than anyone else. Your love for our sect runs deeper than all of oursbined! You¡¯ve lived a life of frugality and hard work, dedicating yourself to our sect for decades without ever asking for anything in return. Seeing you experience such rare moments of happiness, we can¡¯t help but share in your joy!"


    "My injuries ring up is nothing major," Chu Liang continued, gently taking Wang Xuanling''s hand. "If I had mentioned it, it would have only worried you. As long as I can endure it, how could I bear to disturb your rare moment of happiness?"


    "You... this child..." Wang Xuanling''s aged face twitched slightly.


    <i>Such a thoughtful child, and yet I actually thought they were doing something improper behind closed doors... Oh, I¡¯ll be damned.</i>


    Old Wang felt deeply moved but said no more. He silently circted his foundational qi, helping Chu Liang smooth out the blockage in his cirction of qi.


    Wang Xuanling then said, "Next time, juste to me directly. As your elder, any shorings in taking care of you are my responsibility!"


    ...


    In reality, the injuries Chu Liang suffered were from the guards of the Dragon-Keeping Pool in the Imperial Garden. As for his wounds from the previous day, those had mostly healed after a night''s rest.


    With a physique as formidable as a True Dragon, he endured two powerful strikes before fleeing. He eventually made his way to the consort¡¯s courtyard, diving into the water right in front of her.


    Beneath thekey an underground waterway. He swiftly swam through it and emerged at a different location.


    He had carefully nned out this escape route in advance.


    What he hadn¡¯t expected was the presence of a consort by theke. She had likely seen him dive in. Even if she were an ordinary person, she would have noticed something unusual.


    The Dragon-Keeping Guards should have caught up with him soon after.


    Yet, after diving into the water and fleeing, he detected no pursuers.


    <i>Could it be that the consort hadn¡¯t reported seeing me dive into the water? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    Strange as it was, it worked out for the best¡ªthe mission was a sess. Now, he only had to enjoy the Qinghong Banquet and wait for Little Golden Dragon to seek him out afterward.


    Once the Little Golden Dragon recovered and fully refined the final legacy left by his mother, he might still fall short of reiming the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion, but his strength would be greatly amplified.


    Upon reaching adulthood, he was destined to be one of the strongest seventh-realm entities.


    At the very least, he would be much more powerful than the White Dragon of the Mount Shu Sect.


    The Golden Dragon lineage ensured that his aplishments in adulthood would far outshine those of ordinary True Dragons.


    Although helping the Little Golden Dragon with this was risky, it allowed Chu Liang to learn how to refine the Blue Dragon¡¯s Orb, granting him a substantial power boost in a short period. It was a fair trade.


    When Chu Liang rushed back, he narrowly avoided being caught by Wang Xuanling, who pushed the door open just as he stepped inside. Quickly, he sat at the table, making sure to hide any signs of what had just happened.


    Old Wang then brought Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai to the main hall, where Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao were already waiting. Finally, the five of them were gathered.


    "I summoned you here because, upon entering the imperial city today, I noticed something strange," Wang Xuanling said seriously. "There is a powerful flow of qi in the city, and it feels like it''s just waiting to attack.."


    Since Wang Xuanling had devoted most of his cultivation in the art of sword, he could be considered an experienced sword cultivator. Being highly attuned to the flow of qi, he immediately sensed the anomaly upon entering the city.


    It felt like the calm before the storm.


    "It feels like a great battle could break out at any moment," he said slowly. "I must warn you. Don¡¯t wander around today. I don''t know what happened in the pce, but it has nothing to do with us. Let¡¯s attend the Qinghong Banquet, fulfill our obligations, and leave right after. Don¡¯t interfere in other matters."


    As he spoke, Jiang Yuebai nced at Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang gave a faint smile and said, "Understood."


    Based on his deduction, the unusual flow of qi was most likely caused by the Golden Dragon''s escape. With the loss of the fate-suppressing celestial beast, the imperial city was bound to take action. This came as no surprise to him.


    As they spoke, the sound of marching troops suddenly echoed from outside. Several units of the imperial guards had surrounded the entire pcepound!


    "What¡¯s happening?" Wang Xuanling asked sharply as he stood and hurried outside.


    A flicker of doubt crossed Chu Liang''s eyes. <i>Could they have discovered what I did? If so, they got here much faster than expected.</i>


    As Chu Liang pondered the situation, a leader of the imperial guards stepped forward, cupping his hands in a respectful salute. "Grand Peak Master Wang," he said, "my apologies for the interruption. By the emperor¡¯smand, all pce halls are now under lockdown, and major routes have been sealed. We appreciate your cooperation."


    Wang Xuanling asked, "What major event has urred?"


    After a brief hesitation, the guard captain lowered his voice and said, "I suppose I can tell you... The imperial consort has been assassinated!"


    "Who could be so daring?" Wang Xuanling eximed in disbelief.


    "We don¡¯t know who the killer is," the guard captain replied frankly. "Her body was left in the Qinghong Aviary for hours. If someone hadn¡¯t happened to pass by, it wouldn¡¯t have been discovered until moments before the banquet."


    These people from the Mount Shu Sect had only just entered the pce, so they were naturally not suspects in the murder. Thus, he saw no need to conceal the details of the case.


    A wave of murmurs swept through the hall, filled with disbelief and curiosity.


    The others were astonished that the beloved imperial consort had been murdered in the pce.


    But Chu Liang was shocked for a different reason. He had clearly seen that imperial consort with his own eyes earlier!


    During the opening ceremony of the Immortal Sect Assembly at Emperor¡¯s Mound, he had seen the consort¡¯s face. There was no way he would mistake her for another person. The woman by theke in the consort¡¯s courtyard had definitely been her.


    Yet the body found in the pce could not possibly be someone else either.


    Then who exactly had he encountered by theke?

 Chapter 607: In the Night Dragon Hall

    <h4>Chapter 607: In the Night Dragon Hall</h4>


    In the great hall, the air was thick with spection as voices rose and fell. The events of the day had ignited a storm of questions, and naturally, the discussion drifted toward the mystery of the Qinghong Aviary.


    Chu Liang sat among the crowd as he analyzed and shared his thoughts. "No matter who the victim was, in a ce like Qinghong Aviary, the prime suspect is always the person who discovers the body. Even if they aren''t the killer, there''s usually some connection. After all, there are countless ways for cultivators to dispose of a body, yet someone deliberately left it there. Why?"


    He let the question linger for a moment. "The only logical reason is that they <i>wanted</i> the body to be found. "


    "And then there''s this supposed coincidence," Chu Liang added, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Trespassing into Qinghong Aviary is a capital crime, yet someone just happened to be there, at that exact moment? What were they doing¡ªstealing a fowl? Ha. That is a bit too absurd."


    "Uh..." The head of the imperial guards in the hall was also listening to their conversation and he couldn''t help but interject. "Your Highness, based on our findings, the individual who discovered the body really was there to steal Qinghong birds."


    "Even a three-year-old wouldn''t believe that excuse," Ling Ao remarked dryly, shaking his head in disdain. "In centuries past, how many people have dared to set foot in the Qinghong Aviary to hunt? Let alone risking their life for a fowl? Are they really hungry? And why today, of all days? Why just happen to stumble upon a corpse? The entire situation reeks of improbability."


    "We''re not entirely clear on that either." The guard''s minor rank meant he only knew the general details and little about the fowl thief''s identity.


    In fact, apart from the emperor and a select few high-ranking officials like the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, no one else in the imperial city knew the identities of those involved. None of them were punished for it.


    As they conversed, a suddenmotion broke out outside the hall. Looking up, they saw a fiery figure striding in.


    "Yo, old man, still alive, huh?" The fiery figure greeted Wang Xuanling before brazenly seating herself in the main chair of the hall.


    Who else could it be but Di Nufeng?


    "Esteemed Teacher? What brings you here?" Chu Liang asked, surprised by her sudden appearance.


    "Don''t get me started! Let me tell you, I just achieved something big," Di Nufeng said, pouring herself a cup of tea. She downed it in one gulp and continued, "You''ve heard about the consort''s murder, right? That body dumped in the Qinghong Aviary? Who knows how long it would''ve gone unnoticed. Haha, I found it!"


    She proudly gave a thumbs-up, pointing at herself.


    "Ohhh." Everyone let out a sound of understanding.


    With that exnation, everything suddenly made sense.


    "I happened to pass by that area. At a nce, I noticed the garden shrouded in a deathly aura, as if something ominous was at hand," Di Nufeng said, gesturing dramatically. "I immediately pointed toward it and said, ''I want this one¡ª'' Ah, no, ''I want to go take a look.'' After going forward to investigate, I indeed found the body."


    "Esteemed Teacher, your instincts are as sharp as ever," Chu Liang nodded in agreement.


    After the corpse was discovered, Mingde reported the matter to the emperor, while Di Nufeng came directly to see the team from the Mount Shu Sect.


    "It''s just strange..." she mused, appearing puzzled. "If I were the one who killed someone in the pce, I''d burn everything to ash without leaving a trace. How could anyone discover it? Leaving such arge corpse out here is just sloppy..."


    Her nonchnt tone sent an involuntary chill through the imperial guard leader. The way she spoke, it sounded less like a hypothetical and more like she actually had done something like that before.


    "What time do people normally go to the Qinghong Aviary?" Chu Liang asked.


    "On regr days, someone enters once a day to deliver food. For today''s Qinghong Banquet, someone was supposed to enter two hours before the banquet to catch a Qinghong bird and deliver it to the imperial kitchen," the guard leader replied. This was a question that he could answer.


    "So, if Esteemed Teacher hadn''t uncovered this crime..." Chu Liang said as he pondered, "the corpse would have only been discovered two hours before the banquet? At that time¡ª"


    Jiang Yuebai interjected thoughtfully, "ording to the Qinghong Banquet schedule, an hour before the banquet, all members of the imperial family and court officials would already be in the pce, preparing to attend."


    "If the corpse were discovered then, the pce would undoubtedly go into lockdown for a full investigation," Chu Liang continued, his expression sharpening. "The banquet would be forced to end temporarily. Could the culprit have discarded the corpse there to disrupt the banquet?"


    Before the words had fully settled, a pce attendant entered to announce, "Your Highness, the emperor requests your presence."


    ...


    When Chu Liang arrived at the Night Dragon Hall, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.


    The emperor sat behind his desk, his expression as dark and unreadable as still waters, exuding an undeniable sense of authority. Normally, Chu Liang regarded him as a kind and gentle elder, but in this moment, the emperor''s sudden sternness reminded him of the unyielding majesty of the throne.


    Two elders were seated on either side of him.


    On the left was an elder in a long robe, his demeanor elegant and approachable. Chu Liang recognized him immediately¡ªit was the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, someone he was quite familiar with.


    On the right sat an elderly pce attendant d in ornate robes. Chu Liang didn''t know him by face, but the man''s imposing presence far surpassed that of even Warrior Lao. It didn''t take much deduction to realize this was Yao Dengxian, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch and leader of the Four Great Warriors.


    Yao Dengxian''s gaze was sharp and prating, carrying a weight that seemed to see through to one''s very core. With just a nce, Chu Liang instinctively turned his head slightly to avoid meeting his eyes.


    "Your Majesty summoned me?" he asked, stepping forward cautiously.


    "The matter of the Golden Dragon''s Orb... that was your doing, wasn''t it?" the emperor asked bluntly.


    "Uh..." Chu Liang''s shoulders stiffened, and his mind raced, desperately searching for where his n might have gone awry.


    Before he could formte a response, Yao Dengxian stepped forward and raised his hand. Resting in his palm was a radiant golden halo of light, within which a small dragon appeared to be struggling.


    The World In One''s Palm was a move that Yang Shenlong was good at so Chu Liang obviously knew.


    But when Yao Dengxian used it, its power was exponentially greater. Trapped in his palm was a young dragon with the cultivation level of the seventh realm.


    <i>FUCK.</i>


    No matter how many scenarios he had considered or how carefully he had crafted the n, there was one crucial detail Chu Liang had overlooked: the Little Golden Dragon''s overconfidence in its ability to hide from Yao Dengxian. He had been caught far too easily.


    <i>WHAT ABOUT THE PROMISE OF BEING ABLE TO KEEP YAO DENGXIAN OCCUPIED FOR A WHOLE DAY WITH THOSE FIVE SCALES? </i>Chu Liang screamed inwardly.


    "Chu Liang!" the Little Golden Dragon, trapped in Yao Dengxian''s palm, shouted desperately. "I didn''t rat you out!"


    "He didn''t reveal your name, but he did mention locating a Mount Shu Sect disciple who inherited the cultivation legacy of the dragons," the emperor said calmly.


    <i>You might as well have just said my name¡ªit would''ve been simpler... </i>Chu Liang thought, feeling a little speechless.


    "Hehe." After a brief pause, he chuckled. "It told me that the Dragon Orb wasn''t of much use in the pce and asked me to help take it out..."


    Seeing his mischievous grin, the emperor couldn''t help but shake his head. "Indeed, the dragon orb wasn''t of much use. Warrior Yao only kept the Golden Dragon''s Orb here to lure out the Golden Dragon."


    "Warrior Yao is quite the strategist," Chu Liang remarked as he stepped forward, cing the Golden Dragon Orb on the desk and giving the elder eunuch a thumbs-up.


    Yao Dengxian remained silent.


    The emperor nced at Yao Dengxian and, in a tone that seemed to carry a deeper meaning, said, "I don''t think it''s unreasonable to release this dragon. With the Yu Dynasty''s flourishing destiny, divine phoenixes and qilins will fight to safeguard our fate, even if we no longer have the Golden Dragon to suppress the fate of our dynasty. Since the Golden Dragon is still young, there is no need to force it to remain here."


    "Your Majesty is wise. I will release it once I return," Yao Dengxian replied, turning his palm to put the Golden Dragon away.


    The emperor added, "Just have the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner set it freeter on."


    Chu Liang nced between the two of them, sensing an undercurrent of tension.


    The emperor''s words were true. Suppressing the fate of a dynasty was not a burdensome task; on the contrary, it was a coveted opportunity for a celestial beast.


    In ancient times, the old Golden Dragon had imed this role among many celestial beasts through sheer strength. Since then, as dynasties rose and fell, it had continued to suppress the fate of the dynasty, reaping immense benefits for its cultivation and growing ever stronger.


    That was why, even after its fall, it wanted to pass this opportunity on to its offspring.


    However, after Yao Dengxian seized the Great Dao from it, the Golden Dragon could no longer leave, even if it wished to.


    But with enmity already established, whether the Little Golden Dragon stayed to suppress the dynasty''s fate or was directly killed, either oue would be preferable to letting it go.


    With how long the dragons live, there was no guarantee as to whether it might take revenge in the future.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    If the court and Yao Dengxian remained united, there was no chance the dragon would be set free¡ªunless some hidden conflicty between the emperor and Yao Dengxian...


    Chu Liang looked at the elder eunuch''s humble demeanor and understood. Warrior Yao might not be as submissive behind the scenes as he appeared on the surface.


    The matter of seizing the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion and imprisoning the Golden Dragon was bound to spread sooner orter. By then, not only the Golden Dragon but the entire dragon race would harbor hatred toward the Yu Dynasty. Although the dragon race had remained hidden for years, once they gathered, they would still be a formidable force.


    It could be said that Yao Dengxian''s act of seizing the Great Dao back then had also been an act of creating enemies for the Yu Dynasty. Yet, with his ascension to the eighth realm, his skyrocketing strength, and his steadfast loyalty to the court, the Yu Dynasty had chosen to overlook it.


    Now, with Yao Dengxian capturing the Golden Dragon and the emperor ordering its release, all the resulting enmity would fall squarely on Yao Dengxian alone.


    If Warrior Yao''s loyalty remained unwavering, then making a few enemies would be a small price to pay for a dragon capable of passing down a Great Dao. However, if he harbored ulterior motives, the court could easily sever ties with him if the dragons retaliated in the future.


    This move could be considered a subtle warning.


    However, Chu Liang was unaware of the deeper intricacies of the situation. The matters of the imperial city were as opaque as deep waters. Whatever conflicts existed between the emperor and Yao Dengxian would undoubtedly remain hidden, fought behind closed doors and never openly revealed. It certainly wasn''t his ce to intervene, so he simply feigned ignorance.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, much like Chu Liang, remainedposed and detached, keeping his thoughts and expressions carefully guarded, refraining from getting himself involved.


    The emperor continued, "Do you know how it escaped?"


    "I don''t know," Chu Liang replied, shaking his head.


    "Someone infiltrated the Dragon-Keeping Pool in the pce, instructed it on how to escape, and told it how to retrieve the Dragon Orb afterward," the emperor said. "The chaos at the Dragon Pool was no coincidence. Someone had nned for it to happen."


    "I see."


    No wonder. With the Little Golden Dragon''s limited intellect, it could never havee up with such a thorough n on its own. Too bad that even with the n handed to it, it still failed to execute it properly.


    "Do you know who that person is?" the emperor asked suddenly.


    Chu Liang blinked and replied, "Her Highness the Imperial Consort?"

 Chapter 608: The Imperial Decree

    <h4>Chapter 608: The Imperial Decree</h4>


    "Huh?"


    Chu Liang''s response left the emperor, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, and Yao Dengxian visibly stunned.


    The emperor had asked the question casually but hadn''t expected him to actually know the answer.


    "How do you know this?" the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner asked.


    "Just a little guesswork," Chu Liang said with an awkward smile.


    The truth was moreplex. During his daring escape through the imperial consort''s garden, the guards stopped pursuing him. It wasn''t a coincidence; someone had intervened. And given the circumstances, it seemed likely that the consort herself had helped him.


    At that time, he hadn''t revealed his dashing and elegant appearance, appearing only as a stranger in a ck robe. To the imperial consort, he should have been just a faceless fugitive. Why, then, would she help him?


    Unless, of course, she somehow knew about it¡ªor worse, had orchestrated the entire event herself.


    This train of thought led Chu Liang to suspect her, and judging by their reactions, he was probably right.


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Your Majesty, didn''t I say he''s exceptionally clever? He''s undoubtedly the best candidate for this."


    "What the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner said is absolutely true," the emperor remarked, nodding with quiet approval.


    <i>Hmm?</i>


    Chu Liang furrowed his brow, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. Something felt off. Their words seemed to imply more than they let on.


    <i>Best candidate... for what?</i>


    "First, there was this mess at the Dragon-Keeping Pool. Then, the imperial consort died. One incident after another¡ªeach pointing to traitors stirring unrest within the pce. And it''s clear their schemes do not end there," the emperor said, leaning forward. His sharp and prating gaze locked onto Chu Liang. "I need someone to investigate the imperial consort''s case."


    Under the weight of the emperor''s gaze, Chu Liang couldn''t help but feel a slight unease. He hesitated for a moment before replying, "Warrior Yao possesses unparalleled cultivation and exceptional intellect. Surely, he is the stabilizing force of the imperial pce."


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It is inconvenient for the members of the pce to investigate matters that happened in the pce," Yao Dengxian replied immediately.


    "This falls squarely under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau," Chu Liang said, trying once more to deflect responsibility.


    "It is unsuitable for outsiders to meddle in the affairs of the pce," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner replied.


    Chu Liang was at a loss. If pce insiders couldn''t investigate, and outsiders weren''t allowed to intervene, then who could handle it? Did the consort need to die on the imperial city walls before anyone would take action?


    "When the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner first mentioned you, he described you as exceptionally clever and capable of handling great responsibilities. I was hesitant," the emperor said. "But now, I see he was right. As my Imperial Younger Brother, and someone unconnected to any factions within the pce, you are the perfect person to take on this case."


    "But..." Chu Liang began, trying to think of another excuse to refuse.


    The emperor raised a hand, cutting him off. "You needn''t concern yourself with anything else. Others will handle the rest. Your sole responsibility is to investigate the imperial consort''s case. There are six hours until the Qinghong Banquet begins. If you can uncover the real murderer within that time, I will pardon your theft of the Golden Dragon Orb¡ªand allow you to take it with you. But if you fail..."


    Chu Liang raised his eyes, meeting the emperor''s gaze.


    The emperor felt a little troubled.


    <i>Even if Chu Liang couldn''t solve the case, what could I really do to him? </i>The thought lingered in the emperor''s mind. <i>After all, my Second Aunt is still in the pce. If even a single hair on her disciple were harmed, she would undoubtedly cause havoc and turn the pce upside down. It''s hard toe up with anything that could truly threaten him.</i>


    After a brief pause, the emperor finally spoke. "Then I will strip you of your title as Imperial Younger Brother, sever all cooperation between the imperial family and Red Cotton Peak, and forbid you from doing business in the Immortals'' Square."


    "What?" Chu Liang''s face twisted in shock. "Please! Noooooooo!"


    "Then do me this favor," the emperor said, picking up a brush. At his gesture, Warrior Lao immediately unrolled a silk scroll. "I will grant you an imperial decree. For the next six hours, anyone inside or outside the imperial city must treat this decree as if I am present in person."


    "I''ll have Chengfeng apany you," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner added. "If anything arises, you can rely on him for assistance."


    "I''ll also assign you a young eunuch," Yao Dengxian chimed in. "If you encounter any issues with pce matters, he''ll provide guidance."


    Chu Liang''s face darkened.


    <i>I was just a thief. How did I suddenly be an imperial envoy?</i>


    ...


    Chu Liang was familiar with Li Chengfeng. The jade-faced celestial official carried himself with the same elegance and upright demeanor as always. His expression was serious, fully aware of the challenges this mission entailed.


    Yao Guang, in contrast, was an inconspicuous young eunuch. His in features were unremarkable, and years of bowing in pce service had left him slightly hunched, making his already short stature appear even smaller.


    "Gentlemen, we''re short on time and face a difficult mission. Let''s work together," Chu Liang said earnestly as he greeted the two.


    "Don''t worry. If there''s anything you need, you can count on me," Chengfeng Li assured.


    "I will also fully cooperate with Your Highness the Imperial Younger Brother," Yao Guang replied respectfully.


    Looking at these two, both willing to assist yet unwilling toe up with ideas, Chu Liang sighed softly.


    In truth, he understood all too well why this case had been thrust upon him.


    The imperial consort was dead. And who was the most obvious suspect?


    Naturally, it was Empress Wu.


    Yao Dengxian and the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner were both figures deeply rooted in court politics. Even with their status, they had to consider the Empress Wu and the powerful Wu family backing her and would have no choice but to handle such matters with utmost caution.


    This was exactly why an outsider was needed¡ªsomeone who could act without being entangled in the web of pce power struggles.


    But that person also needed to be capable enough. It wasn''t surprising that the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner had thought of him. Chu Liang suspected that even without the matter of the stolen Golden Dragon Orb, they would have sought him out anyway.


    "Since this is a murder case, the first step is to examine the body," Chu Liang said decisively. "Is the corpse still at Qinghong Aviary?"


    "It''s already been moved," Yao Guang replied immediately. "I''ll take you both there."


    The three of them set out without guards. With Li Chengfeng''s cultivation level, there was no danger in the pce. Armed with the imperial decree, they moved unimpeded through the pce and soon arrived at the ce where the consort''s body was kept.


    The corpsey peacefully, its face as lifelike as it had been in life, with almost no visible changes. It still wore the same elegant pce gown, identical to the figure Chu Liang had seen by theke.


    The pce staff had determined the time of death based on the lingering traces of her aura, a method unlikely to be mistaken. This meant that the person Chu Liang had seen earlier by theke was someone else.


    He suddenly recalled the story he had heard just days ago¡ªhow Chen Xuanlu had discovered a corpse identical to Empress Wu at the bottom of ake.


    <i>Could there be a connection? What''s with the trend of doppelgangers in the imperial pce? </i>Chu Liang wondered.


    After mulling it over for a moment, he asked, "Has the body been identified?"


    "The emperor himself saw it and confirmed it was the imperial consort," Yao Guang replied.


    "What was the cause of death?" Chu Liang pressed further.


    "There are no visible injuries on the surface," Li Chengfeng replied. "A thorough autopsy might be necessary to uncover the cause."


    "Well..." Chu Liang hesitated. An autopsy would require a far more invasive examination. "I don''t think it''s appropriate for me to perform it."


    "I have a wife, so it''s even more inappropriate for me," Li Chengfeng immediately added.


    Yao Guang nced between the two of them, sighed heavily, and said, "Alright, I''ll do it."


    But as he approached the body, his movements were hesitant.


    To channel the flow of qi throughout the corpse, one would have to remove the clothing, and dissect the body. These steps were inevitable for a proper examination. If it were an ordinary corpse, it might not matter, but this was the body of a consort. Naturally, there were concerns.


    "We really should have brought a woman along. This was an oversight," Li Chengfeng remarked.


    "Agreed," Chu Liang added with a sigh. "Being a man is hard."


    Li Chengfeng added with a deep sigh, "Being a man with a family and responsibilities is even harder."


    "Ahem." Yao Guang couldn''t help but clear his throat. "Gentlemen, let''s not say such things in front of me... This humble eunuch feels that not being able to be a man is the hardest of all."

 Chapter 609: Elimination Method

    <h4>Chapter 609: Elimination Method</h4>


    <i>sh.</i>


    Yao Guang carefully sliced open the consort''s chest and abdomen with his de. No blood flowed out. Instead, a faint, delicate fragrance escaped into the air.


    At first, the scent seemed harmless. But in an instant, Chu Liang felt suffocated! The fragrance was poisonous, preventing him from breathing.


    Chu Liang''s physical resilience was on par with that of a True Dragon at the same cultivation realm. For any poison to affect him, it would usually require a quantity as vast as a mountain. Yet, just one inhale of this faint, lingering fragrance nearly suffocated him. The sheer potency was truly terrifying.


    It felt as though an invisible membrane had sealed his nasal passages, cutting off his ability to draw air. Fortunately, the scent wasn''t too strong and dissipated after a few moments. Chu Liang quickly channeled his foundational qi, breaking through this blockage in an instant with a surge of energy.


    Even Li Chengfeng, a celestial official at the seventh realm, was affected by the fragrance. A fleeting difort crossed his face. However, as his cultivation level was much higher than Chu Liang, he recovered instantly without the need of doing anything.


    Yao Guang had it the worst. Being the closest to the body and having the lowest cultivation, he struggled to breathe. His de slipped from his trembling hand, ttering to the ground as he staggered backward, clutching his chest in pain.


    Li Chengfeng stepped forward and swiftly pressed his palm and finger onto two acupoints on Yao Guang''s chest, unblocking the eunuch''s constricted meridians. Immediately, a surge of qi flowed through and Yao Guang exhaled a big breath of air.


    "What kind of poison is this?" Chu Liang asked, still shaken. "It''s terrifying."


    "It''s the Dreamweave Breath-Sealing Fragrance," Li Chengfeng replied.


    "You recognize it, Celestial Official Li?" Chu Liang and Yao Guang immediately turned to him.


    The Imperial Supervisory Bureau handled all kinds of strange cases across thend, so Li Chengfeng''s knowledge of such matters was undoubtedly broader than theirs.


    "This poison is highly lethal," Li Chengfeng exined. "Inhaling it causes immediate suffocation, but as long as one moves away in time, it''s typically not fatal. That''s why it''s often paired with a sophisticated illusory technique. The illusion traps the victim, preventing them from realizing they''re suffocating until it''s toote. Those who sumb to this poison often die with serene expressions, making it nearly impossible to identify the cause of death."


    He paused briefly before continuing, "The person most skilled in using this poison is Xiao Wuyan, an assassin from the Celestial Charm Sect. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau only came to understand this poison after investigating several bizarre cases linked to her."


    "I see," Chu Liang said. It was the first time he had heard of such a poison. "But wasn''t Xiao Wuyan already captured?"


    "Correct," Li Chengfeng replied. "She is currently imprisoned in the Celestial Northern Prison, so this couldn''t have been her doing. As for who else might possess this poison, that remains unknown. The only thing we can be certain of is that the culprit is likely an expert in illusory techniques."


    "Let''s finish examining the body first," Chu Liang said with a nod, motioning for Yao Guang to continue.


    The faint lingering fragrance earlier had been nothing more than residual traces of the poison within the consort''s body¡ªyet even that had been so potent. It was no surprise this poison had been the cause of her death.


    This made Chu Liang feel a trace of awe. The world was full of strange poisons, and the Poison-Expulsion Whip was not a cure-all. Without sufficient caution, he might not even have the chance to wield the whip before falling victim to such a poison in the future.


    Yao Guang carefully resumed his examination of the corpse and eventually confirmed that the cause of death was indeed the inhtion of the Dreamweave Breath-Sealing Fragrance.


    Chu Liang fell silent for a moment, his brows furrowed in thought. Then, without warning, he said, "Let''s head back to Qinghong Aviary."


    Time was of the essence, and he couldn''t bother with the formalities of the imperial city. He shot forward like an arrow, soaring ahead. Li Chengfeng and Yao Guang exchanged a nce before quickly following, their movements equally swift. The trio moved in unison, reaching Qinghong Aviary in no time.


    Neither Li Chengfeng nor Yao Guang knew exactly what Chu Liang was looking for, but revisiting the ce where the body had been found was a logical step.


    With practiced ease, Chu Liang leapt over high walls and scaled the garden''s intricate artificial hills. He headed straight to the location where the consort''s body had been discovered¡ªthe spot where his teacher imed to have "coincidentally"e across the corpse.


    Chu Liang crouched down, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath and let his senses expand. After a moment, his gaze fell on a patch of withered nts and flowers nearby. Their decay stood out starkly against the lush surroundings.


    "This is where it happened," he said decisively. "The imperial consort must havee here willingly, only to be poisoned under the influence of an illusory technique."


    "What was the consort doing at Qinghong Aviary?" Yao Guang asked, clearly puzzled.


    "That...is something only she can answer" Chu Liang paused, ncing at the scene once more before taking off without further exnation.


    "Hey, hey, hey! Wait for me!" Yao Guang called out, scrambling to keep up. Turning to Li Chengfeng, he huffed, "Celestial Official Li, do you have any idea what Imperial Younger Brother is up to?"


    Li Chengfeng gave him a sidelong nce, his expression one of faint condescension. "You don''t know?"


    "That''s why I''m asking," Yao Guang replied, spreading his hands as if stating the obvious.


    "He''s going to..." Li Chengfeng dragged out the words, then added firmly, "Investigate the case!"


    "Oh." Yao Guang nodded slowly. Then, with a deadpan expression, he thought to himself, <i>You say that like it exins everything. But it''s all words and no substance. Just air.</i>


    ...


    Momentster, the three of them arrived at the imperial consort''s courtyard.


    Chu Liang had been here just recently. The consort, who should have already been dead, had been sitting calmly by theke. He was not the only one who had seen her; the Dragon-Keeping Guards could testify to that as well.


    That false consort must have imitated the real one using some sort of illusory technique. Chu Liang''s thoughts turned to the Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation, one of the strongest transformation immortal arts. With this line of reasoning, there was a ny-nine percent chance that the imposter was the murderer.


    But why? Why would the murderer go to the trouble of disguising themselves as the consort after killing her?


    Simply to sit by theke and look at the water? That seemed highly unlikely.


    If the goal was to create the illusion that the consort was still alive, it didn''t seem necessary. After all, her body wouldn''t be discovered in Qinghong Aviary for some time, and no one had been aware of her whereabouts.


    Chu Liang stood by theke, staring at the water as he asked Yao Guang, "Have the consort''s maids been questioned?"


    Yao Guang acted swiftly, and before long, the two maids of the imperial consort were brought to the courtyard.


    Given the consort''s status, it was unusual for her to be attended by only two maids. However, she had always valued peace and quiet and had requested special permission from the emperor to limit her attendants to just two.


    Both maids were sobbing pitifully.


    "Her Highness..." The older maid spoke through sobs, her voice trembling. "She wasn''t particrly warm to us and often didn''t let us apany her. When she wanted to be alone, she wouldn''t allow anyone near her... We... we truly didn''t know much about her personal affairs."


    The younger maid, tears streaking her face, added with a choked voice, "Her Highness was always so kind to us. She was nothing like the other consorts who treated their servants poorly. How could someone as good as her be killed..."


    Listening to theirments, Chu Liang suddenly asked, "Did Her Highness have any unusual habits?"


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The two maids thought for a moment before the younger one spoke. "If there was anything strange, it was that she often liked to sit by theke alone and talk to herself... almost as if she were speaking to the fish."


    Chu Liang nodded and looked at the water again.


    "This waterway leads outside the imperial city..." Li Chengfeng mused aloud. "Could the consort have been in contact with someone beyond the city walls?"


    "She helped release the Golden Dragon and went to Qinghong Aviary alone on the eve of the banquet. Something is definitely off," Chu Liang replied. "Before we can identify the murderer, I think we need to search this consort more thoroughly."


    There was no need for a physical search, as the consort had alreadyid everything bare for them.


    But Chu Liang thought the consort''s pce needed a more thorough search.


    "Where does the consort sleep?" he asked.


    "This way," the two maids quickly pointed. "Her Highness was a light sleeper and never allowed us near her bedroom."


    "Then there''s even more reason for us to check her bedroom," Chu Liang replied, his expression unreadable as his mind raced.


    <i>Bang.</i>


    He pushed open the door to reveal a modest bedroom. There wasn''t much furniture: a screen, a bed, a table, some chairs, and a bronze mirror...


    "If I were the imperial consort, where would I hide something I couldn''t let anyone see or carry with me?" Chu Liang muttered to himself.


    The consort didn''t have any enchanted storage tools on her. As a member of the imperial harem, possessing such items would raise suspicions, so most consorts refrained from having them.


    "With a room this size, searching it thoroughly could take quite a while," Yao Guang said.


    "Search?" Chu Liang repeated.


    "Huh?" Yao Guang exchanged a puzzled look with him.


    Then, Chu Liang ced his hand on the floor, and Divine Dragon Fire spread rapidly from his palm!


    He was setting the room on fire!


    "What are you doing?" Even Li Chengfeng widened his eyes in disbelief this time.


    "A thorough search of this room would take too much effort. We will just use the method of elimination," Chu Liang exined. "The ce the consort used to hide something secret would definitely be immune to fire."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Li Chengfeng stared at Chu Liang in astonishment. It only then hit him... <i>He really is Di Nufeng''s disciple</i>!

 Chapter 610: How Far Has It Gone?

    <h4>Chapter 610: How Far Has It Gone?</h4>


    In the Night Dragon Hall, the emperor unrolled a small scroll, his brow furrowed as he read its contents.


    "What is the Celestial Charm Sect trying to achieve? Disrupting the Qinghong Banquet, forcing a lockdown in the pce..." he murmured. "Could they be nning to attack the imperial city?"


    Behind him, Warrior Lao chuckled lightly and said, "You¡¯re overthinking it, Your Majesty. Unless a Hallowed One emerges, no one could possibly stir trouble in the capital of Yu."


    This wasn''t blind confidence; the capital of Yu was a fortress of power.


    Within the imperial city, there were two cultivators who had attained the Heavenly Origin: the Guardian and Yao Dengxian.


    Alongside them were the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner and the Left Deputy Commissioner of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    Beyond the city walls stood the Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison, as well as Gongyang Qi and Shentu Yang, the headmaster and vice-headmaster of the Ascending Dragon Academy. Additionally, there was the National Master of the Nation Guard Monastery.


    Everyone knew that there were eight powerful cultivators at the Heavenly Origin. Together, these eight powerful cultivators, aligned with the imperial court, formed a force unrivaled by even the Supreme Sect of Peni or any other top-tier immortal sect.


    Minor disruptions would barely register with experts of this caliber, but if real chaos were to erupt, their response would be swift and devastating.


    Who could possibly stir up major chaos?


    The emperor, of course, knew that this was highly unlikely. No matter how much trouble the Celestial Charm Sect stirred up, it could only be in secret.


    However, their actions were truly peculiar.


    The discovery of the imperial consort''s body earlier than expected was definitely not part of their n. Normally, the body would have been found just two hours before the Qinghong Banquet, triggering a lockdown in the pce.


    This would have left the civil and military officials attending the banquet trapped within the city, unable to leave for a period of time.


    Anyone drawing these conclusions might naturally assume that the n was to kill the Yu Dynasty''s imperial family, along with the entire court.


    However, that was simply impossible.


    The emperor shook his head and said, "Or perhaps the one who killed the consort wasn''t from the Celestial Charm Sect, but someone who uncovered their scheme and decided to stop them. And the consort... was actually a member of the Celestial Charm Sect..."


    With how he was emotionally connected with the imperial consort, he didn''t want to believe this possibility.


    Although the imperial consort had previously infiltrated the Dragon-Keeping Pool to teach the Little Golden Dragon the escape n, if the perpetrator could mimic her appearance, it was possible that it had been the murderer in disguise all along.


    This consort had been by his side for years, and the emperor was reluctant to think ill of her.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But everything would ultimately depend on the final investigation results.


    He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then asked, "How far has Chu Liang gotten in his investigation?"


    "He''s already at..." Warrior Lao squinted into the distance, as if he were observing something far away, and then answered, "The step where he''s setting Yuhua Pce on fire."


    The emperor''s eyebrows twitched inexplicably.


    <i>Is setting things on fire really part of a normal investigation process?</i>


    ...


    "What are you doing?" Yao Guang asked anxiously. "Imperial Younger Brother, Celestial Official Li, you can leave once you''re done investigating, but I still have to live and work in the pce! If you set this fire, I''ll be punished!"


    "If we find something, who would dare hold you ountable?" Chu Liang replied.


    "But what if you don''t find anything?" Yao Guang countered.


    "Then I''ll exin to His Majesty. What are you afraid of? Rx..." Chu Liang reassured him, patting his shoulder. "We''re all in this together."


    The Divine Dragon Fire roared in front of them, unstoppable and spreading quickly. Within moments, the entire bedroom was reduced to ashes, not even leaving behind a ruin.


    Amid the charred remains, something emerged.


    It was a jade-green ring, likely hidden in a secretpartment within the wall. Now, with the wall andpartment destroyed, only the ring remained, lying on the ground.


    Chu Liang stepped closer for a better look. Sure enough, it was an enchanted storage tool, but without the correct hand seals, it couldn''t be opened.


    He tried burning it with Divine Dragon Fire, but it remained intact.


    It seemed his destructive techniques were stillckingpared to his teacher''s.


    That fire had clearly been unleashed in his teacher''s style. Though reckless at times, Chu Liang had to admit, it was effective.


    "Let me handle this," Li Chengfeng sighed, drawing his sword.


    <i>sh¡ª</i>


    A sharp sound split the air as the ring shattered.


    The items stored inside the ring spilled out onto the ground.


    "What''s this?" Yao Guang eximed.


    They picked up the items one by one, carefully inspecting them.


    Thergest item was a silk scroll. When they unrolled it, they found a detailed map of the imperial city. Marked on it were the visible buildings, but more intriguingly, secretyouts were included¡ªhidden areas, forbidden grounds, and hidden realms that contained a whole other world.


    "<i>Ah!</i>" Yao Guang yelped, quickly covering his eyes and refusing to look any further.


    Seeing Chu Liang still staring at it, he warned, "Imperial Younger Brother, possessing or even looking at the map of the imperial city privately is a capital crime."


    "Oh, then I won''t look anymore," Chu Liang replied, sneaking onest nce before rolling the scroll up.


    <i>You''ve memorized it, haven''t you?! </i>Yao Guang trembled in silence, too afraid to speak.


    The next item was a tightly sealed red porcin bottle, its lid secured with engraved enchanted formation seals. Chu Liang carefully removed the seals and opened the lid.


    Inside was a thick red liquid that resembled moltenva.


    "Fireflow Poison!" Li Chengfeng eximed, his expression changing immediately.


    <i>Another strange poison? </i>Chu Liang looked at him in confusion.


    Li Chengfeng quickly sealed the bottle again and said in a low voice, "Keep this poison bottle in your hand. May all three of us be witness to the fact that none of us are storing it away."


    "What kind of poison is this that you are acting with such caution?" Chu Liang asked.


    "This is Fireflow Poison, a deadly toxin that spreads with fire. It can fuse with divine fire. Anyone touched by the toxic mes will suffer corroded bones and a pierced heart, dying instantly," Li Chengfeng exined.


    He paused briefly before continuing, "If ordinary people consume this poison, there''s a chance that nothing will happen, since it only activates upon contact with fire. However, anyone with the qi of divine fire will die immediately upon ingesting it."


    "The Divine Fire Spirit," Chu Liang added.


    "Indeed," Li Chengfeng replied. "That''s why this poison is absolutely forbidden in this dynasty. Both crafting and possessing it are capital crimes."


    So this poison was clearly meant to target the imperial family. No wonder Li Chengfeng reacted with such fear upon seeing it.


    It was truly terrifying that an imperial consort managed to get her hands on such a poison.


    Next, they picked up a golden hairpin, its body engraved with intricate enchanted formations. Li Chengfeng immediately recognized it. "The patterns... this is the Spell Disruption Formation. This is the Spell-Disrupting Golden Hairpin, capable of disrupting divine ability defenses. It''s ranked over two hundred on the Catalog of the Mortal World''s Ten Thousand Treasures."


    Looking at the items, Chu Liang quickly connected the dots in his mind.


    The Fireflow Poison... the Spell-Disrupting Golden Hairpin. This was clearly a plot designed to kill a strong cultivator with the constitution of Divine Fire Spirit. The answer seemed obvious.


    The emperor, being a cultivator at the seventh realm, wouldn''t die just from ingesting Fireflow Poison¡ªhe would likely suffer severe injuries. But if the Spell-Disrupting Golden Hairpin was then used to assassinate him, the consequences would be dire.


    This was a highly targeted scheme.


    As they examined the next item, Yao Guang''s face suddenly turned ashen.


    It was a gold token, engraved with the insignia of the Dragon-Keeping Pool.


    "This is themand token of the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch..." Li Chengfeng said slowly, recognizing the token. "It belongs solely to Warrior Yao."

 Chapter 611: I Didnt Do It!

    <h4>Chapter 611: I Didn''t Do It!</h4>


    "There must be some misunderstanding!" Yao Guang eximed hurriedly. "This token couldn''t possibly..."


    "Of course, it''s a misunderstanding," Chu Liang said calmly, patting Yao Guang''s shoulder. "The fact that this token is here likely has nothing to do with Warrior Yao."


    "And how can you be so sure?" Li Chengfeng asked.


    "First, we can''t yet confirm whether these items were left behind by the real consort or nted here by the imposter to frame someone," Chu Liang exined. "Second, even if these do belong to the real consort, consider this: if Warrior Yao were conspiring with her, she would have had free ess to the Dragon-Keeping Pool without the need for a token. The fact that she possessed this token actually proves she wasn''t connected to Warrior Yao and needed it to gain ess on her own."


    "That makes sense," Li Chengfeng agreed.


    Yao Guang let out a visible sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for Your Highness'' sharp insight."


    If someone less perceptive were handling this, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch might have been implicated. While a full investigation would likely never touch Yao Dengxian, every minor wrongdoings of his underlings could certainlye to light.


    Chu Liang''s attention shifted to a porcin bottle nearby. Unlike the tightly sealed poison vial, this one was closed with a simple wooden stopper, suggesting it was less dangerous.


    He carefully removed the stopper, revealing a crimson liquid with faint golden undertones, radiating a subtle spiritual energy. The liquid swirled like living blood, infused with a strange vibrancy.


    He handed it to Li Chengfeng, who examined it closely and said, "This appears to be Spirit Fox Blood."


    "Spirit Fox Blood?" Chu Liang repeated. He had heard of it before.


    The fox n was renowned for their mastery of transformation techniques. Upon attaining Dao, a fox demon could assume human form so wlessly that it left no trace of demonic aura unless deliberately revealed. Their transformation abilities far surpassed ordinary camouge, making them true masters of deception.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The immortal art Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation was a mimicry of the fox n''s divine technique, capable of achieving a wless disguise that could deceive even the keenest senses.


    As the saying goes, "The antidote would always be seven steps away[1]," the most effective way to counter such transformations came from the fox n itself.


    If one could acquire the blood essence from the heart of a fox demon that had attained Dao and refine it through sacrificial rituals, it would produce Spirit Fox Blood.


    Even a single drop of the Spirit Fox Blood was enough to unravel any disguise or transformation.


    However, Spirit Fox Blood was an exceedingly rare item. Fox demons who had attained Dao and reached a cultivation level of the seventh realm or higher were few in numbers anyway.


    Most of these powerful beings resided in the Far West and over the past few millennia, only a handful of such fox demons had been seen within thesends.


    To harvest the blood essence from the heart of a seventh-realm fox demon, one would first need to y it. Yet with fox demons being legendary masters of transformation and divine abilities, how much more daunting would this already difficult task be?


    Even after sessfully refining a Greater Fox Demon at the seventh realm, one would only be able to extract this small bottle of blood essence.


    Calling the Spirit Fox Blood rare would be an understatement. In truth, this item had likely not surfaced for thousands of years. Li Chengfeng had only been able to identify it due to the unmistakable scent unique to fox blood.


    "Now we can conclude that these items do indeed belong to the consort," Chu Liang said decisively. "It couldn''t have been items that belonged to the imposter as the imposter would never have left something that could counter their own divine abilities."


    "True," the other two agreed in unison.


    The three of them simultaneously turned their gaze to the final item on the ground, falling silent for a moment.


    It was a red silk garment, adorned with gold embroidery and intricate patterns in vibrant colors. There were two delicate ties at the top and sides.


    The clothing looked very delicately made.


    This item wasmonly known as a <i>dudou</i>.


    Chu Liang stared at it, his expression nk. For a moment, he wondered why he kept encountering such items.


    "This is the consort''s personal belonging," Yao Guang whispered. "Even if her reputation is now in question, she''s still a noble consort. We shouldn''t touch it."


    Chu Liang raised an eyebrow. "Eunuch Yao, would you carefully hide a <i>dudou </i>inside a storage artifact?"


    "Huh?" Yao Guang jolted as if struck by lightning. Jumping back a step, he raised his hands defensively and eximed, "What are you saying? I didn''t! I didn''t! I didn''t!"


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but exchange a nce with Li Chengfeng, a flicker of surprise crossing their faces.


    <i>Well, well... This was an unexpected discovery...</i>


    Yao Guang, afterposing himself, straightened his back and forced a nervous smile. "Gentlemen... why are you looking at me like that? Is something wrong?"


    Chu Liang turned to Li Chengfeng and asked casually, "Celestial Official Li, would you hide a dudou in your storage artifact?"


    "Of course not," Li Chengfeng replied, spreading his hands in mock disbelief. "Why would I even have such a thing?"


    Chu Liang mimicked the gesture and turned his gaze back to Yao Guang. "Don''t you think that''s the normal reaction to my question?"


    "Ah..." Yao Guang froze, his expression stiff.


    <i>Didn''t expect you to be a dudou thief in the imperial pce. Truly, appearances can be deceiving.</i>


    "Don''t worry," Chu Liang said calmly. "Such matters in the pce have nothing to do with us. Our priority is solving the consort''s case. Anything she kept in the storage artifact must hold some special significance, right?"


    With that, he unfolded the <i>dudou</i> to examine it.


    On the front of the <i>dudou </i>was a delicate illustration of autumn waters blending into endless skies, with a pair of mandarin ducks nestled closely together. Beside the image were two finely embroidered lines of poetry:


    "Water and sky, emotions untold,


    "Each to their longing, distant and cold."


    Li Chengfeng read the lines aloud, his gaze lingering on the garment before shaking his head. "It doesn''t seem like there''s anything special about this <i>dudou</i>."


    "It does seem that way," Chu Liang agreed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he carefully put it away.


    By now, all of the consort''s scattered belongings had been thoroughly examined. While they revealed many of her hidden secrets, none seemed to provide a direct clue to the murderer.


    Yao Guang hesitated before turning to Chu Liang. "What should we investigate next?"


    Chu Liang fell silent, thinking for a moment before replying, "It seems the only clue we can use is that token."


    ...


    Chu Liang, Li Chengfeng, and Yao Guang once again entered the Night Dragon Hall, stepping before the emperor.


    The emperor gazed at the itemsid out on the table, lost in thought.


    The imperial city map, the bottle with the poison, the Spell-Disrupting Golden Hairpin, the token, the dudou...


    Earlier, Chu Liang had presented the consort''s belongings, exposing her hidden intent to assassinate the emperor.


    His most beloved consort had harbored malicious intent all along, scheming to take his life. While the emperor had long suspected that her identity was not as simple as it seemed, he hadn''t expected her ns to have advanced this far.


    After a long silence, the emperor sighed and said, "Enough. She has died; there''s no point dwelling on it. Issue an order to investigate how the consort was selected and who she was closely associated with. These people must have been plotting for a long time to extend their reach into the pce. Even if we cannot uproot them entirely, we must sever this hand that has now reached into the pce."


    "Your Majesty," Chu Liang interjected, "those connected to the consort may not all be within the pce. Some could be operating from outside."


    "Oh?" The emperor raised his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Are you suggesting there is a path linking the imperial pce to the outside world?"


    "The smallke in the consort''s garden has an underground waterway that leads directly outside the imperial city," Chu Liang exined. "The consort often sat by theke. It''s possible she was using it tomunicate with her allies."


    "I see." The emperor nodded thoughtfully before turning to Warrior Lao. "Go. Inspect the area around theke. If you find no activity after waiting for a while, seal it offpletely."


    Hearing this, Chu Liang''s eyes flickered as a realization struck him. He seemed to understand what the fake consort had been doing by thekeside aftermitting murder.


    However, since the matter wasn''t fully resolved, voicing his guess wouldn''t help just yet.


    "Your Majesty summoned me?" At that moment, Yao Dengxian strode into the hall and knelt before the emperor.


    "Warrior Yao, rise quickly," the emperor said calmly. "I summoned you to rify something. The token of the Dragon-Keeping Pool is supposed to be carried by you personally. How did it end up in the consort''s hands? She must have used it to enter the Dragon-Keeping Pool and conspire with the Golden Dragon to n its escape."


    Yao Dengxian''s brow furrowed deeply as he stared at the token. "This token..."


    "Did she ask you for it?" the emperor asked again.


    "Someone did request the token from me," Yao Dengxian said, "but it was not the imperial consort."


    He paused briefly before finally revealing, "It was the Second Prince."


    1. The author really wrote antidote would be five steps away. But the actual idiom is seven steps. This refers to how when you get bitten by a venomous snake, you can often find nts that can treat it seven steps away. ?

 Chapter 612: A Test

    <h4>Chapter 612: A Test</h4>


    "The Second Prince?"


    If anyone else had taken the token from Yao Dengxian, it might not have raised suspicion. But the Second Prince? That was truly unexpected.


    Everyone in the pce knew that Empress Wu viewed the consort as a thorn in her side.


    The Second Prince was Empress Wu''s actual son.


    How did his token end up with the consort?


    Without hesitation, the emperor ordered the Second Prince to be summoned. It wasn''t long before he arrived, stepping into the hall with urgency.


    "Father," he greeted, pausing as he felt the oppressive atmosphere in the room. His apprehension grew immediately.


    "Was it you who took the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch''s token?" the emperor asked bluntly.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the Second Prince replied without hesitation. "I borrowed it from Warrior Yao the other day. I went to the Dragon-Keeping Pool seeking for a cultivation legacy but had no sess. I thought I''d try again a few times and didn''t want to trouble Warrior Yao repeatedly, so he lent me the token, saying I could return it after a few days. When my attempts proved fruitless, I instructed a pce attendant to return it."


    "But the token was not returned to the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch," the emperor said gravely. "Instead, it ended up in the consort''s hands. And because of that, the Golden Dragon escaped yesterday."


    "What?" The Second Prince was startled and immediately knelt. "I had no knowledge of this matter. I will summon the pce attendant at once for questioning."


    The emperor exchanged a nce with Warrior Lao, who immediately understood. He promptly ordered someone to bring in the pce attendant who had acted on the Second Prince''s behalf.


    An important item like the token wouldn''t have been entrusted to a mere underling. The person in question was the head eunuch of the Second Prince''s house, a figure of considerable standing.


    Chu Liang stood quietly to the side, quietly thinking that this inquiry was unlikely to yield any meaningful answers.


    For powerful cultivators, it was easy to act without leaving any trace. This was precisely why solving the consort''s case had been so difficult.


    Sure enough, it wasn''t long before the news returned.


    "Your Majesty, the pce attendant who returned the token for the Second Prince has gone missing," Warrior Lao reported quietly.


    "When did this happen?" The emperor''s expression darkened.


    "It seems it happenedst night. We''ve just looked for him and found that he hasn''t been seen all day," Warrior Lao replied.


    "These people have so much power in the pce, killing whomever they wish!" the emperor muttered grimly. "Whose subordinate is he? Summon his superior immediately!"


    "He''s Cheng Hu''s godson," Warrior Lao replied.


    Cheng Hu, one of the Four Great Warriors, was a trusted confidant of Empress Wu. He had previously had a minor sh with Chu Liang, which ended up with him being beaten up by Di Nufeng.


    The emperor waved his sleeve and ordered them all to be summoned.


    But this time, it wasn''t only Cheng Hu who appeared; he came with a full entourage. Leading the group was none other than the empress herself, draped in an elegant pce gown and exuding this dignified aura.


    "Mei''er, why have youe?" The emperor''s tense expression softened slightly upon seeing her.


    From her days as the crown princess to her current position as empress, she and the emperor had shared a deep, unshakable bond for decades. No number of favored consorts could ever threaten her position.


    "With such a major incident happening in the pce, how could I note to witness it myself?" Empress Wu said.


    As soon as she arrived, a pce attendant swiftly ced a chair beside the emperor''s. The emperor and empress sat together, side by side, facing the gathered officials and guests.


    "Cheng Hu, the head eunuch of the Second Prince''s household is your godson. Do you know where he is?" Empress Wu was the first to ask the question.


    "Your Majesties," Cheng Hu replied, his usual arrogance reced with utmost deference in the presence of the emperor and empress. "Although Cheng Lu is my godson, since he became head of the household, I''ve had little contact with him and am unaware of his daily activities."


    Looking at Cheng Hu''s expression and behavior, the emperor knew that there was no way that no matter how many questions they asked, they wouldn''t get any useful answers from him.


    He turned to Chu Liang and asked, "There''s still over two hours left. Where do you n to investigate next?"


    <i>With all the leads exhausted, where else could I go? </i>Chu Liang thought to himself.


    His mind raced. Though there was still time, every clue had led to a dead end, leaving him feeling uncertain.


    He clenched his teeth and resolved, <i>If ites to that, I''ll have to take a gamble!</i>


    ...


    In response to the emperor''s inquiry, Chu Liang pulled out the imperial decree and asked, "Your Majesty, you said that anyone, inside or outside the imperial city, who sees this decree must respond to me as if they were responding to you. Is that still valid?"


    "Of course it is," the emperor replied, puzzled as to why this question was asked.


    "So, apart from you, Your Majesty, everyone present here must obey my orders, correct?" Chu Liang pressed further.


    "Yes," the emperor affirmed once more.


    Chu Liang nodded, then turned his gaze toward the empress and suddenly said, "Then I must ask Her Majesty the Empress to stand up!"


    "Huh?" Everyone present was taken aback.


    Even the emperor himself wouldn''t have spoken to the empress in such amanding tone.


    The empress was taken aback.


    Even the emperor jolted back in shock and quickly added, "The decree grants you authority equal to mine, but only for matters concerning the investigation. Anything unrted is not permitted."


    <i>Especially not right in front of me, </i>the emperor mused.


    "Rest assured, Your Majesty, the questioning that is about to happen is directly relevant to the case. However, since the Empress is seated beside you, I cannot proceed without the utmost respect. Therefore, I request that she step down from the dais," Chu Liang said.


    "Hah." Empress Wu smiled faintly, rising with grace. As she walked slowly toward Chu Liang, she asked, "Imperial Younger Brother, do you suspect me?"


    <i>Do I suspect? You don''t say? Ever since this case surfaced, the entire pce knows that you are the prime suspect.</i>


    But after uncovering the consort''s cause of death and true identity, the case had be even more confusing. Still, Chu Liang had a bold theory of his own.


    "May I ask, Your Majesty, where were you at dawn today?" Chu Liang asked, his voice steady.


    "Of course, I was resting in the pce. The attendants here can testify," Empress Wu replied.


    "Them?" Chu Liang gestured toward the attendants behind her.


    "Hm?" Empress Wu turned to look over her shoulder.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang raised his hand, and three streaks of starlight shot toward the empress from point-nk range.


    With a sh of movement, the empress evaded the attack with a speed that seemed almost like teleportation, narrowly dodging the streaks of starlight.


    <i>Sizzle.</i>


    The three streaks of starlight struck the wall with a sharp hiss, the impact releasing a faint, eerie sound. While no visible damage was done, they left behind a strange, blood-like residue.


    "How dare you!" Cheng Hu roared, fury shing across his face. As he spoke, heunched a palm strike toward Chu Liang.


    Warrior Lao stepped forward, shielding the emperor, while Yao Dengxian also prepared to intervene. Chu Liang''s sudden attack on the empress had caught everyone off guard.


    Seeing that he was about to be subdued, Chu Liang spoke quickly, his voice ringing out across the hall, "As we all know, Her Majesty the Empress is not particrly gifted and has a low cultivation level. So how does she possess such agile reflexes?!"


    His loud question jolted everyone present. The way Empress Wu had narrowly dodged the streaks of blood-like starlight at such close range had been quite impressive.


    Yao Dengxian sneered coldly but made no move to act. However, Cheng Hu, who had just attacked Chu Liang, suddenly staggered back, his face contorted in pain as his blood surged chaotically within him. He took three unsteady steps backward, clearly unable to advance any further.


    With an eighth-realm cultivator present, it was clear that the situation would not escte intoplete chaos.


    "What is the meaning of this?" the emperor demanded, his voice rising with authority. "Burning down Yuhua Pce was already a serious transgression, but I allowed it in the name of the investigation. Now you act so recklessly here in the Night Dragon Hall¡ªwhat justification do you have for this?"


    "There is one item I didn''t present earlier because I was waiting for the right moment to use it," Chu Liang exined. "Among the consort''s belongings was a vial of Spirit Fox Blood, capable of unraveling the secret art of the Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation. It seems Her Majesty was particrly fearful of it just now?"


    The empress''s gaze darkened.


    "Your sudden actions startled me, as they would anyone," she said coldly. "Do you suspect that I am an imposter?"


    "That''s impossible," the emperor insisted, shaking his head with firm conviction. "The empress and I have supported each other for decades. I would recognize her in an instant. No disguise, no matter how perfect, could fool me."


    "Your Majesty..." Chu Liang began. He paused for a moment before continuing, "What if the disguise began before you even met her? What if the one who supported you all these years was never real from the start?"


    "This..." The emperor was suddenly at a loss for words.


    He remembered his early days as one of the many princes, not particrly favored. Back then, the daughter of the Wu Family had married him. When he was named crown prince, she had be the crown princess; and when he ascended the throne, she had be the empress.


    If that were the case, he would never have been able to tell. However, the possibility of such a meticulous plot, spanning decades, seemed too borate and too intricate. More troubling still, the empress had shown no signs of inconsistency in her role all these years.


    Under normal circumstances, Chu Liang would never have considered such an extreme possibility. But recent events¡ªrumors about the empress, the method of killing with Dreamweave Breath-Sealing Fragrance, and the connection to the Spirit Fox Blood¡ªpulled at his thoughts.


    Threads of suspicion wove together in his mind, forming an intricate web, all leading back to one figure at the center.


    The clock was ticking. If he didn''t act quickly and resort to extreme measures to confirm his theory, he would have little chance of uncovering the truth.


    Seeing how the emperor reacted, Empress Wu startedughing instead of showing anger. "Your Majesty, are you doubting me as well?" Empress Wu asked. "Fine, let him use this so-called Spirit Fox Blood and see if I am real or not!"


    None of the onlookers had foreseen the situation escting to this point. Yet without conducting the test, there would be no way to conclude today''s events.


    The emperor nced at Warrior Lao, who immediately understood and stepped forward. Taking the vial of Spirit Fox Blood from Chu Liang''s hand, Warrior Lao turned toward the empress with a respectful bow.


    "Your Majesty, I apologize in advance," he said.


    With a fluid motion, Warrior Lao extended his finger, allowing a drop of the Spirit Fox Blood to gather at its tip. He then carefully reached toward the empress''s forehead.


    <i>Swish.</i>


    The dropletnded softly on her forehead, like a drop of red vermilion. But as it touched her skin, nothing remarkable happened. The empress''s appearance remained unchanged.


    "<i>Phew...</i>" The emperor sighed, clearly relieved. "It goes to show¡ªhow could the empress possibly be an imposter?"


    Chu Liang was the only one who looked slightly disappointed.


    "Hmph," Empress Wu snorted coldly. "Since I am no longer a suspect, I wish to leave and not remain here to be humiliated any further. May I have Your Majesty''s permission?"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Though phrased as a question, her tone was unmistakably sharp with anger. Without waiting for a response, she turned and began striding toward the hall''s exit.


    As she passed by Yao Dengxian, the old eunuch suddenly spoke up, "Your Majesty, please wait."


    "Hm?" Empress Wu turned to him. "What is it, Warrior Yao?"


    "This servant dares not offend Your Majesty," Yao Dengxian replied, his aged eyes burning with intensity. "However, I must trouble Your Majesty to remove the concentration of foundational qi from your forehead so that we can test it again."


    The empress''s tricks might have fooled the emperor and Warrior Lao, whose cultivation levels were simr. But to Yao Dengxian, whose cultivation level was much higher, such feeble deceptions wereughable.


    The drop of Spirit Fox Blood had never truly touched her forehead! It had been blocked by the concentration of foundational qi she had gathered, which she had integrated with a subtle spell to conceal any discrepancies.


    Upon hearing his words, Empress Wu first chuckled, then, in an instant, her body blurred as she leapt into the air, moving with the speed of a gust of wind, almost as though she had teleported. In the blink of an eye, she was in midair!


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    But Yao Dengxian extended his hand with precision, grasping at the air. Immediately, the sound of thunder cracked through the hall, and the sky seemed to warp as her fleeing figure was yanked back into the great hall by his powerful palm!


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The empress fell heavily to the ground, back in the great hall. As Yao Dengxian''s thunder technique coursed through her, her divine ability lost its effect, and the drop of Spirit Fox Blood finally made contact with her skin.


    In that instant, an entirely unfamiliar face appeared in the great hall!

 Chapter 613: This is Goodbye

    <h4>Chapter 613: This is Goodbye</h4>


    As the flowers faced thete evening, their brilliance drifted away.


    In a decaying world, fate had be unbearable.


    A woman in a pce dress sat quietly in the deste hall. The once lively and luxurious empress''s chambers were now devoid of maids, with not even a single candle lit. As the sky darkened, shadows shrouded the room.


    The emperor stepped in slowly, each step heavy with burden. Though he had been at the seventh realm for years and even though he no longer had the time to focus on cultivation right now, he remained far stronger than that of an ordinary person. Yet, it was the first time he felt such physical exhaustion.


    Within a day, he realized that the two women he loved the most each had ulterior motives. While his affection for the imperial consort was merely physical, he had genuinely considered the empress as his lifelongpanion.


    To think even she was an imposter.


    At this moment, as he stood before her, he couldn''t even recognize the person before him.


    The empress had always been graceful and slightly plump, yet the woman before him bore sharp, thin features and her face devoid of warmth. Politely speaking, she was not very attractive.


    Even as the emperor could not recognize the person before him, his thoughts churned.


    He gazed at her white attire, which was what she would always wear, and her expression, which appeared icy and distant.


    After a long silence, he finally spoke, "You have been with me since I was still a prince, back when I held no power. How did you know I would be the crown prince and ascend the throne? If I didn''t, wouldn''t you have sided with the wrong person?"


    "The Celestial Master can see everyone''s destiny." This most familiar stranger before him finally spoke, "You were destined to be emperor. I knew it even before you did."


    Before the emperor''s arrival, she had refused to utter even a single word.


    "So, it turns out in the end that you are really a member of the Celestial Charm Sect." The emperor took a deep breath and held it for a long time.


    When Li Chengfeng had mentioned it earlier, he had been unwilling to believe it.


    This face was unfamiliar to him, but the senior officials of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau recognized it. Thest time Xiao Wuyan had been personally apprehended by the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, she had reverted to her original appearance after being captured¡ªand it was identical to this one.


    Earlier, Li Chengfeng had personally gone to the Celestial Northern Prison to check, confirming that Xiao Wuyan was still detained there. Even if the woman before him was not Xiao Wuyan, she was undoubtedly closely connected to her.


    Yet, even so, the emperor held onto a sliver of hope.


    Until she spoke the words herself.


    If her origins were from elsewhere, he might still have hope of sparing her. But if she was a member of the Celestial Charm Sect, there would be no chance for redemption.


    "Your Majesty, you need not hold onto any kindness toward me. You may im that a member of the Celestial Charm Sect assassinated the empress, disguised herself as the empress, but was exposed and executed by you," she said, shaking her head. "Only Hai''er is innocent. Over the years, I have never revealed the truth to him. I hope you can treat him as usual. Even if you don''t let him ascend the throne, please don''t let my actions affect him..."


    "Rest assured," the emperor interrupted her. "Regardless of who his mother is, he will always be my child."


    The Hai''er she referred to was naturally the Second Prince.


    After a pause, the woman finally said, "Thank you."


    The emperor then asked, "What is your real name?"


    "Xiao Wuyin[1]," the woman replied. "The Xiao Wuyan who was captured earlier is my twin sister."


    "You two certainly have mastered transformation arts," the emperor sneered, then leaned on a nearby chair as if tired from standing, and gently sat down. "Tell me about yourself."


    "I..." Xiao Wuyin hesitated before continuing. "I was born a daughter of the Xiao family and prepared from childhood to cultivate the ancestral Spirit Fox Illusory Transformation technique. But when I was twelve, the Xiao family was annihted... The Celestial Master saved my sister and me."


    She recounted slowly, from her childhood to joining the Celestial Charm Sect, event by event. Many had no connection to the imperial court, yet the emperor listened quietly, showing no impatience.


    "That year, the Celestial Master suddenly announced an important task that one of us sisters had to undertake, which could mean losing our freedom for many years," Xiao Wuyin continued. "As the elder sister, I naturally volunteered."


    "I never imagined that the task would involve recing the daughter of the Wu family and marrying a prince of the reigning dynasty.


    "Since the court upheaval eighty years ago, the imperial court has strictly scrutinized those entering the pce. At the time, you had already established a residence outside, which was much easier to infiltrate than the pce itself.


    "The Celestial Master said it was to set up a long-term n."


    "Heh." The emperor chuckled again. "Truly a scheme carefully crafted with meticulous effort."


    "I spent several months secretly observing the Wu family''s daughter before recing her on the day before she was to marry you, thus bing your wife. The Celestial Master merely instructed me to live in peace, rarely assigning me any tasks. Years would pass before they contacted me, and only my sister kept in touch with me.


    "My life suddenly became tranquil. For decades, I almost forgot my true identity. Many times, I would wake up thinking I was truly the empress of the dynasty."


    At this point, she gave a bitter smile.


    "Three years ago, when the Celestial Master ordered me to arrange for someone to enter the pce, I finally realized that my identity would never see the light of day. I almost refused at the time, but my sister and my identity... all of it was in their hands. I didn''t dare. Having controlled the imperial pce for years, it was naturally easy for me to bring a woman in."


    "Gong Yu''er?" the emperor asked.


    "Yes, you indeed took a liking to her at first nce," Xiao Wuyin raised her eyes. "The Celestial Master instructed us to create the illusion of pce strife, making everyone think we were at odds. But in truth, the fights were merely the schemes of the Celestial Charm Sect."


    The emperor held his hand to his forehead, appearing somewhat unable to ept it.


    "Afterward, they repeatedly targeted the Wu Family, intending to mislead the court into thinking that the Celestial Charm Sect sought to weaken the Wu family and my factions. This, in turn, strengthened my position."


    "It was very effective," the emperor said. "If not for this recent blunder, you would have seeded."


    "Blunder?" Xiao Wuyin chuckled upon hearing this. "The Celestial Master doesn''t make blunders. What happened today is because I no longer share the same goal as them."


    "Oh?" The emperor turned his gaze back to her.


    "Ever since my sister was captured, I have been struggling," Xiao Wuyin said, her eyes drifting to the pce ceiling as she spoke in a daze. "I have lived in the pce far longer than I ever did in the Celestial Charm Sect. I am only attached to my sister, but now she is in the Celestial Northern Prison. Why should I continue helping them?"


    She looked the emperor in the eye again. "And the rtionship we''ve shared as husband and wife all these years... it wasn''t fake."


    The emperor silently shifted his gaze elsewhere.


    Xiao Wuyin continued saying, "The Celestial Master had been plotting for years, and when it was finally time to act, he began contacting me more frequently, recing my messenger with the pce consort. However, I have many spies in the pce, so it was easy to discover how the Celestial Charm Sect was passing messages to her.


    "I once considered killing the pce consort to be a true empress and sever all ties with the Celestial Charm Sect," Xiao Wuyin continued. "But on that very day, I received a letter from the Celestial Master, instructing me to prepare to destroy something.


    "Then, the real Wu Family daughter''s corpse was dug up from the bottom of theke. They had preserved her body all these years, which sent chills down my spine. The Celestial Master was demonstrating his power, showing me that he could still destroy me with ease if he wished.


    "In recent days, I''ve helped them ce many people in the pce. Although they didn''t inform me, I learned from the pce consort that a major n was to beunched during the Qinghong Banquet, and it included an assassination attempt on you."


    "So, you killed her and dumped her body at Qinghong Aviary to stop the banquet?" the emperor asked.


    At this point, the situation had be clear.


    "Yes," Xiao Wuyin admitted. "I didn''t dare exin it to you, so I used this method to stop the Qinghong Banquet and trigger a thorough investigation of the pce, giving me the chance to eliminate all the people the Celestial Charm Sect had nted."


    "You were still trying to protect me?" The emperor''s tone carried a hint of mockery.


    "I can''t tell anymore whether I wanted to protect you or myself," Xiao Wuyin sighed. "But such is life¡ªwhen one does something, the reasons are not always clear."


    "If your n had seeded, with the pce consort discovered before the Qinghong Banquet, the banquet was put to a pause, and the pce would be thoroughly investigated..." The emperor mused, "It wouldn''t have been a bad oue."


    "Unfortunately..." Xiao Wuyin said, "there were still things I couldn''t foresee."


    She could never have predicted that the imperial guardian would bring his daughter to Qinghong Aviary that day to steal the Qinghong birds and stumble upon the corpse of the imperial consort... nor could she have foreseen that the Di Nufeng''s disciple would piece the clues together and trace them back to her in just over two hours.


    "If not for Chu Liang, this might have all passed unnoticed," the emperor said.


    "He was another miscalction in the Celestial Master''s n," Xiao Wuyin said. "In his predictions, the ones entering the pce at this time were supposed to be people from the Peni Supreme Sect, and the person the Golden Dragon sought should have been Yang Shenlong."


    "Isn''t he supposed to see everyone''s destiny?" The emperor sneered.


    "Perhaps... not everyone and not at all times," Xiao Wuyin said with a self-deprecatingugh. "Take me, for instance¡ªhe didn''t predict me correctly, did he?"


    "If everything went as he predicted, the world would already be his, and they wouldn''t have failed eighty years ago," the emperor said coldly.


    "Perhaps," Xiao Wuyin said. "He prides himself on being able to predict the hearts of humans, but he could never truly understand the feelings experienced by humans."


    What followed was a long silence.


    The two sat silently¡ªone on the chair, the other on the ground¡ªuntil the sound of drums and music echoed from afar.


    "The Qinghong Banquet is about to begin," the emperor said as he stood up. "Mei... heh, how should I address you?"


    "Call me Xiao Wuyin," the woman said with a sorrowful smile. "We, the daughters of the Xiao Family, were voiceless and faceless from the moment we were born.[2]... We were destined to have nothing of our own, living under someone else''s identity...


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Now that it''se to this, I wish to be myself."


    "Very well," the emperor replied, nodding in agreement. Then he said, "Xiao Wuyin, I will have your words verified. If you are not lying, I will give you a chance to see your sister."


    Xiao Wuyin stood up as well, stepped forward, and, as if it were a normal day, adjusted the emperor''s dragon robe cor and sleeves.


    In a soft voice, she said, "I am at the end of my road and can no longer apany you. The future is fraught with storms; I only wish for Your Majesty''s safety."


    1. Xiao is the surname. And Wuyin means no voice or not having a voice of her own. ?


    2. Wuyin means no voice. Wuyan means no face. This means they do not have a face or voice of their own. ?

 Chapter 614: The Start of the Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 614: The Start of the Banquet</h4>


    On the way back to the pce where the team of the Mount Shu Sect dwelled, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner said leisurely to Chu Liang, "We owe it to you for what happened this time. Who could have expected that the empress would actually be a member of the Celestial Charm Sect? However, this must remain confidential."


    "I understand," Chu Liang replied.


    "The Golden Dragon and its Dragon Orb are now yours," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner said, raising his hand to reveal the golden orb and the Little Golden Dragon swimming within his palm. "You saved it this time, so it will surely remember you for this."


    "You¡¯re asking me to set it free?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Once you leave the pce, you may handle it as you see fit," said the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner as he turned his hand and took out a jade bowl, sealing the Little Golden Dragon inside. "When the timees, break the jade bowl to release it."


    "Thank you, Imperial Supervisory Commissioner," Chu Liang said with a smile.


    With this, he could bring the Little Golden Dragon back to Mount Shu and ask if it was willing to stay. If it agreed, it would certainly be a great boon to Mount Shu.


    After all, the fate of a sect could notpare to the fate of a dynasty, and it wasn¡¯t easy to attract a celestial beast.


    "The Golden Dragon has safeguarded the dynasty¡¯s fate for years, contributing to thend and its people," said the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner. "When Yao Dengxian seized the Golden Dragon''s teachings of Dao, I found it hard to ept. However, he has risen to power and remains loyal to His Majesty, working tirelessly over the years. Stripping him of his Great Dao now would seem unreasonable. Properly settling this little dragon would be a way to give it closure."


    From his tone, Chu Liang gathered that it wouldn¡¯t be particrly difficult to strip Yao Dengxian of his control of the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion.


    After all, instead of something like "I am not capable," he said it would seem unreasonable.


    So he curiously asked, "Are there differences in strength between the various Great Daos?"


    "Of course there are. This is something I should exin to you," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner replied patiently, as he had always done with Chu Liang. "Generally, Great Daos with even higher difficulty in ascension would have greaterbat power. For instance, the three Great Daos of Swords require practitioners to fight their way through countless sword experts and possess unparalleled perception. As a result, their ying techniques are always top-notch... and this is not me bragging."


    In truth, he didn¡¯t need to add that statement¡ªChu Liang already knew the old man had no need to boast. The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner of the Yu Dynasty could be regarded as the actual Eminent One who held sway over the nation.


    If one were to name the strongest experts of the current era, he would certainly be on the list. How could someone like that be ordinary or mediocre?


    "Some Great Daos focus more on profound abilities and are not particrly suited forbat. Although no one at the eighth realm could be considered weak, a duel between equals would immediately reveal their shorings. The Great Dao of Cloud Dominion is an example of this. It excels in changing the weather conditions to make people''s lives better and my Great Dao of Tai¡¯a cannotpare in that regard."


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner didn¡¯t say the rest, but Chu Liang could infer it himself.


    In terms ofbat, the Great Dao of Tai¡¯a was undoubtedly much stronger.


    "The depth of understanding and cultivation level in a Great Dao also influencesbat strength at the eighth realm. Take Venerable Wen Yuan of your sect, for instance. His Great Dao of Primordial Chaos is not one known for itsbat prowess, yet his profound cultivation and mastery allow him to rival top-tier experts. This is why he could face the True Form of Ksitigarbha barehanded when the Mount Shu Sect was under attack by the Dark King Sect. This itself speaks volumes."


    When mentioning Venerable Wen Yuan, the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner¡¯s tone carried great admiration.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time Chu Liang had seen such reverence. Many powerful figures admired Venerable Wen Yuan, believing that supporting the Mount Shu Sect was an immense burden that far exceeded the capabilities of his Great Dao.


    "Of course, the greatest influence onbat poweres from legendary artifacts. If someone wields one of the top ten artifacts and attains the Heavenly Origin, the gaps in cultivation andprehension can then be easily bridged. This is one reason the sects ranked in the Terrestrial Ten changed often, while the immortal sects in the Divine Nine remained the same as always."


    Chu Liang had heard rumors about this before.


    "<i>The court establishes the Terrestrial Ten, and the Divine Nine establish the court.</i>" This saying had long circted in the immortal realm.


    Through the passage of time, the immortal sects in the Divine Nine remained strong because of their legendary artifacts. However, a sect with just one eighth-realm cultivator could still dominate thend of the nine provinces.


    "With your talent, ascending to the seventh realm shouldn¡¯t be an issue," the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner continued. "But you must be especially careful when choosing your Great Dao for the seventh realm. Although the Dao Attainment Realm allows for the study of other Great Daos, eighty percent of The cultivators who have attained the Heaven Origin experts became the Dao Master of the Great Dao that theyprehended upon when they entered the seventh realm.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "If you wish to be the strongest, you can¡¯t take the easy route. Choosing a simple Great Dao toprehend now may mean no hope of advancing to the eighth realmter. As for the Great Dao of Severing the Void that you haveprehended, it is a powerful Great Dao. But ascending with this Great Dao would mean that you would have to fight the members of the Endless Sword Sect for control to ascend to the eighth realm. That would be extremely difficult.


    "When you reach the sixth realm, you should start considering these things. That way, when you reach the pinnacle of the sixth realm, you won¡¯t end up wasting any time."


    His advice to Chu Liang was thorough and all-epassing. The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner was really treating Chu Liang as if he were his own junior.


    Chu Liang was deeply moved and said, "Thank you, Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, for your guidance. I have truly learned much. You have helped me so much, and I have no way to repay you. I heard you have no kids. How about I care for you in your old age? We can be sworn brothers¡ª"


    The Imperial Supervisory Commissioner¡¯s response was short.


    "Get lost."


    ...


    Joking around with the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner was all in good fun. Since Chu Liang had already sworn brotherhood with the emperor, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to recognize anyone as his godfather.


    However, asking the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner to be sworn brothers with him would be wrong in terms of the generational hierarchy.


    However, since he really had nothing else to offer the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner in gratitude, Chu Liang merely joked andughed it off before returning to the pce resided by the team from the Mount Shu Sect.


    As soon as he entered, he saw Di Nufeng sitting with her arms crossed, a sulky expression on her face.


    Meanwhile, Wang Xuanling sat on the other side, his face dark with anger.


    It was obvious¡ªthey were at it again.


    Chu Liang had seen such scenes countless times growing up and was no longer surprised.


    Not daring to approach them directly, he first tugged on Jiang Yuebai¡¯s sleeve and asked softly, "What happened?"


    Jiang Yuebai replied, "Your esteemed teacher wants to attend the Qinghong Banquet and suggested recing Senior Uncle Wang as Mount Shu Sect''s representative to lead the team to the imperial hall."


    "How is that even possible?" Chu Liang said.


    <i>There¡¯d be a miracle if Old Wang agreed to that.</i>


    Unlike Di Nufeng, who had already attended the Qinghong Banquet once, Old Wang hadn¡¯t tasted it yet. Although he had participated in the Assembly of Immortal Sects in his youth, he never had the chance to win the honor and dine there.


    Now that he finally had the chance to attend as the leader of the team, there was no way he would give it up.


    "Senior Uncle Wang naturally refused, so your esteemed teacher suggested having two leaders," Jiang Yuebai continued.


    <i>Heh, that must have been her true intention, right?</i>


    First, propose somethingpletely uneptable, so that people couldpromise on something more reasonable.


    "Looks like Senior Uncle Wang didn¡¯t agree either?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Exactly," Jiang Yuebai nodded. "So now your esteemed teacher ns to drag you along, form a separate team, and head to the imperial hall on your own. She¡¯s nning to establish another Mount Shu Sect!"


    ...


    At the same time, outside the imperial city.


    The overcast sky cleared by evening, and many fish surfaced to breathe. Among them was a particrly chubby koi.


    The riverside was sparsely popted, with only an old man sitting there, gazing at the sky with a calm expression.


    "Xiao Wuyin has indeed betrayed us. She killed Gong Yu''er, and the people we nted in the pce are being purged," the chubby koi said in a human voice. "Fortunately, you prepared two escape routes for me to get away."


    "People are bound to one another by ties. After Wuyan was captured, our ties to her were severed. I don¡¯t me her for turning against us. Even now, her contributions are undeniable," the old man said softly.


    "Celestial Master, your schemes are beyond herprehension," the chubby koi ttered. "She thought she had disrupted his n, not realizing she was merely a part of yours."


    "That is their fate, one I ampelled to follow," the old man said, shaking his head. "If it were possible, I would wish for none of the Celestial Charm Sect¡¯s followers to die or leave. Together, we could enter the era of chaos and separation. But s, unforeseen changes always ur."


    "Speaking of unforeseen elements, that boy from Mount Shu Sect is one," the chubby koi said. "If not for him, Xiao Wuyin might not have been exposed so soon. Had the Golden Dragon chosen Yang Shenlong, the Peni Supreme Sect would certainly have kept it, raising it alongside their Azure Dragon to one day challenge the court, perhaps even helping it reim Yao Dengxian¡¯s Great Dao. But instead, the Golden Dragon chose Chu Liang. While he also won the Assembly of Immortal Sects, by some twist of fate perfectly recing Yang Shenlong, the results still fell a bit short."


    "There aren¡¯t many whose fates I cannot see, but that boy from the Mount Shu Sect is one of them," the old man said, a faint smile crossing his face. "If he survives, he may be a force against the era of chaos and separation. His fate intrigues me."


    "Perhaps it¡¯s because he¡¯s about to die and his fate has already been severed?" the chubby koi said in a chilling tone.


    "You should return now. By my estimation..." The old man turned to gaze toward the imperial city. "The Qinghong Banquet should be starting."

 Chapter 615: Then Stay Behind Me

    <h4>Chapter 615: Then Stay Behind Me</h4>


    The Qinghong Banquet was held in the main hall of the imperial pce. Two hours before the feast began, civil and military officials had already arrived to prepare for entry into the imperial city. This grand event, held once every twelve years, carried greater significance and grandeur than even the New Year''s pce banquets for both the imperial family and officials.


    However, this time, the atmosphere in the pce felt grim, with an unmistakable sense of unease. The more cautious officials avoided looking around and walked silently, while the bolder ones whispered inquiries, though the answers they received were vague.


    Within the pce, a purge was underway. Xiao Wuyin had revealed theplete list of spies that the Celestial Charm Sect had nted. The Night Dragon Hall guards were fully mobilized, executing any resistance on the spot. Cleanup crews followed closely behind, restoring the surroundings to their pristine state in the blink of an eye.


    In just two hours, the entire operation ended.


    By the time the officials entered the grand hall, all they saw was a scene of opulent splendor.


    The main hall of the imperial city was vast, divided into two tiers of steps. The first broad step beneath the dragon throne was reserved for the winning immortal sects to dine. Below that was the hall where nobles and officials, while not partaking in the meat of the Qinghong bird, enjoyed their fine wine and delicacies.


    The imperial family and officials took their seats first, followed by the team from the Mount Shu Sect, which was next to enter the imperial hall.


    Due to recent events, Chu Liang had been temporarily reassigned and was unfamiliar with the Qinghong Banquet''s ceremonial procedures. The pce attendants responsible for this had anticipated some difficulties but never expected the source of the problem to be someone else entirely.


    "Esteemed cultivators of the Mount Shu Sect, please follow me," Warrior Lao personally arrived to escort the group into the hall.


    Then two groups stood up in the hall.


    On the left was Di Nufeng, leading Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai.


    On the right was Wang Xuanling, apanied by Xu Ziyang and Ling Ao.


    "Um..." Warrior Lao hesitated to point out that there was an extra Di Nufeng and could only say, "Is there an extra person in your group?"


    "There''s no extra," Di Nufeng dered, waving her hand. "The Mount Shu Sect is splitting into two teams this time."


    "We are Mount Shu Team One," Wang Xuanling interjected.


    Di Nufeng turned and red at him. "THEN WE ARE MOUNT SHU TEAM ZERO!"


    "Hmph!" Old Wang huffed, flicking his sleeves angrily.


    "Hmph!" Di Nufeng retorted, spinning around indignantly.


    The two had been arguing over this issue long before Warrior Lao arrived. If they weren''t in the pce, they would have started fighting already. Meanwhile, the four juniors behind them stood nervously, too frightened to utter a word.


    "Uh..." Warrior Lao wiped the sweat from his forehead and forced a smile. "This is the first time I''ve heard of a Team Zero and a Team One... Please wait here while I report this to His Majesty."


    With that, the old eunuch scurried back to the main hall to inform the emperor of the situation.


    By right, as the second-ranked member of the Four Great Warriors and the emperor''s personal steward, Warrior Lao''s authority in pce affairs surpassed even that of Yao Dengxian. There was no need to bother the emperor about such a matter¡ªespecially when the emperor had just endured the betrayal of not one but two wives. The emperor''s mood was undoubtedly sour.


    Under normal circumstances, Warrior Lao would have simply waved it off, denying the request. After all, the immortal sects had already submitted the number of attendees for the banquet long ago. Since when was it reasonable to add extra people just because they had won the Assembly of Immortal Sects?


    But the person trying to join the feast was someone he dared not offend, so he hurried back to report the matter.


    "Hah..." The emperor furrowed his brows upon hearing the situation. "This Second Aunt of mine... Forget it, let her be."


    "Your Majesty, that would break the tradition that the ancestors has set," Lao Santai reminded him.


    "She''s closer to our ancestors than I am¡ªgo ask her about it!" the emperor said irritably. "I already have enough headaches. Don''t trouble me further with this. Oh, and since there''s one more person, let''s ughter an extra Qinghong bird for this year''s banquet."


    "Your Majesty, it takes five people to finish one Qinghong. Do we really need to kill another just for one more person?" Lao Santai asked in shock.


    "Five people? Maybe that''s enough elsewhere," the emperor chuckled. "Sixty years ago, when I was still young, I clearly remember that no one ate a full meal during that Qinghong Banquet..."


    He shook his head. "Enough. This Second Aunt of mine has done great service today. If not for her early discovery of the corpse, the Qinghong Banquet wouldn''t have happened at all. Her disciple has also worked hard. One more Qinghong bird is no big deal."


    "But this..." Lao Santai hesitated. "If we make an exception and kill an extra Qinghong bird this year, the next Assembly of Immortal Sects..."


    "Who would know if you don''t tell them?" the Emperor frowned. "The Qinghong bird is only presented briefly before it is divided and servedter. Just tell them that this year''s Qinghong bird was well-fed so it''s nothing weird if it has a bit more meat."


    "Understood, Your Majesty," Lao Santai said. "This year''s Qinghong bird has been well-raised. A couple of extra legs or wings won''t hurt."


    As he was about to leave, the emperor suddenly raised his hand and added, "Oh, and for this year''s Qinghong Banquet, change the wine to something with less alcohol."


    ...


    Momentster, a long procession of drum music echoed through the square outside the main hall. At the center of the grand parade were two teams, striding forward with pride and vigor.


    It was the two teams of the Mount Shu Sect.


    The six of them reached the main entrance of the hall, only to be stopped.


    Di Nufeng asked, "Hasn''t the banquet started? Why won''t you let us in?"


    "Before the Qinghong Banquet, you must y the Four Evils," Jiang Yuebai whispered.


    "y the Four Evils?" Chu Liang asked, puzzled. "What''s that?"


    "You weren''t present when the pce attendants exined earlier. It''s part of the Qinghong Banquet ceremony," Ling Ao said. "The four members from the team that won the assembly must y four types of evil spirits¡ªdemon, devil, ghost, and monster¡ªbefore entering the banquet to showcase the martial virtues of humanity."


    Wang Xuanling looked at Di Nufeng. "Your disciple wasn''t there during the exnation, but weren''t you there?"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Di Nufeng puffed up her chest and raised her head high. "I forgot!"


    Chu Liang thought to himself, <i>You don''t have to be so proud of that.</i>


    Then he leaned over to Jiang Yuebai to quietly inquire further, gradually piecing it all together.


    It turned out that this ritual originated from theing-of-age ceremony of the imperial Xia family, back when they were one of the Three Aristocratic Families and brimming with martial virtue.


    During the ceremony, the family would arrange a battle for their disciples, typically against local evil entities or spirits. If the young participant seeded in ying the evil, they would return triumphant to a grand victory feast.


    Of course, those who failed were granted the honor of burial in the ancestral tomb.


    After the Xia family''s rise to power and the establishment of the Yu Dynasty, this ritual was incorporated into the Qinghong Banquet''s proceedings.


    The symbolism was clear: the young heroes who won the Assembly of Immortal Sects were not only victors among their peers but also defenders of humanity that would y evil spirits to protect their kin.


    Naturally, the chosen evil spirits for this ceremony weren''t powerful demons requiring life-and-death battles. They were typically recently captured troublemakers of moderate strength, selected and delivered here by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau.


    It was a mere formality: y the evil, enter the hall, and bask in the cheers of civil and military officials lining the grand hall, draped in glory.


    As they spoke, the prison carts holding the four evil entities were wheeled in.


    In the first cart was a boar demon with one broken tusk, d in armor. Its crimson eyes glowed fiercely, and it reeked of bloodlust.


    "The boar demon ravaged viges and ughtered innocents on the Western Regions'' borders. By its crimes, it deserves execution."


    A young eunuch beside the cart read aloud from a scroll.


    The second cart held a pitch-ck devil ape. It looked seventy percent human but had lost all divine intelligence. Even within the cart, it furiously tore at the surrounding seals.


    "The devil ape was created by a diabolical sect cultivator, existing solely to kill. This creature was released into Changling City in the Northern Regions to massacre the people, and disaster was averted only thanks to the timely intervention of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau''s cultivators."


    The third cart contained a nearly transparent ghostly creature resembling a child in size and stature, with bulging, terrifying eyes and sharp fangs.


    "The Human-Faced Xiao is a rare and cunning ghostly entity with a vicious temperament. It caused numerous deaths in the Western Regions and evaded capture for over seventy days before being apprehended by the Imperial Supervisory Bureau."


    The fourth cart held a demonic monster that was jet-ck in color. It resembled a leopard, but it had four wings and three tails and exuded an imposing presence.


    "The Three-Tailed Winged Leopard originally lived in the sea. Aftering ashore in the Eastern Regions, it wreaked havoc across more than ten cities before being captured."


    After reciting the details of the Four Evils, the young eunuch loudly announced, "Will the four disciples of the winning sect please step forward and y the Four Evils in turn!"


    The first cart was slowly pushed forward. Sensing its impending death, the boar demon began violently ramming the cart, causing loud thuds.


    Jiang Yuebai nced at Chu Liang with her bright eyes. Naturally, the first person to y an evil and enter the hall should be the champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.


    To her surprise, Chu Liang gently took her hand and said, "You should go first."


    "Hmm?" Jiang Yuebai looked puzzled.


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "You are the head disciple of Mount Shu, representing the face of our sect. That so-called champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects was something you gave to me. I''ve already enjoyed more than enough glory thanks to you. Without your leadership, winning the immortal sectspetition would have been impossible. No matter what, the honor of ying the first evil and entering the hall first today belongs to you."


    Jiang Yuebai smiled faintly. "Alright."


    With that, she stepped forward as the seals on the prison cart were released. The boar demon lunged out, roaring and disying such ferocity.


    "<i>Raa¡ª</i>"


    But its roar was cut short as a brilliant sword light split it cleanly in two.


    Jiang Yuebai, untainted by a speck of dust, floated gracefully into the hall.


    The imperial family members and civil and military officials in the hall cheered and apuded her.


    However, some were curious as it was unusual for the champion of the assembly not to be the first to enter the hall.


    Judging by the earlier scene, not only was Chu Liang a prodigy, but he also disyed remarkable humility, which was such a rare characteristic.


    Jiang Yuebai walked the length of the grand hall, ascended the steps, and took her seat, signaling that it was time for the second person to act.


    Before that could happen, Chu Liang turned to Xu Ziyang. "Senior Brother Xu, you should be the second to enter."


    "How could I possibly?" Xu Ziyang responded immediately. "It''s understandable for the head disciple to go first, but among the rest of us, you''ve contributed the most. Without you, our sect would not have won..."


    "Senior Brother Xu!" Chu Liang grasped Xu Ziyang''s arm and said earnestly, "You are older than me and have guided me countless times. I do not have a senior brother at my Silver Sword Peak so I''ve always considered you my own. You are someone I respect the most! If not for you, our sect would not have won at the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Each one of us yed a crucial role! No matter what, you must go ahead of me!"


    Seeing him so passionate and sincere, Xu Ziyang was deeply moved. He patted Chu Liang''s arm and then strode forward confidently.


    As the devil ape was released from its prison cart, Xu Ziyang dispatched it cleanly with a single strike¡ª<i>shing!</i>


    This time, his entry into the hall caused even more surprise.


    Chu Liang not only yielded to Jiang Yuebai but also to Xu Ziyang? This was no mere humility.


    Chu Liang had demonstrated true nobility.


    When Chu Liang turned back, Ling Ao opened his mouth to speak. "I¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Chu Liang nodded slightly and said, "Then stay behind me."

 Chapter 616: The Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison

    <h4>Chapter 616: The Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison</h4>


    The Human-Faced Xiao wasn''t a very powerful ghostly entity, but it was very elusive. It could only form when a series of rare coincidences urred. This creature was notoriously cunning, making it extremely difficult for people to capture it even if they encountered one.


    Chu Liang had put up high bounties for the creature in ces like Taotie City and Red Cotton Peak, but the bounties were never fulfilled. After all, whether a Human-Faced Xiao could be caught was entirely dependent on luck. Some people had the luck to encounter one, and some simply didn''t. It wasn''t worth the effort to actively hunt for them.


    To Chu Liang''s surprise, he had found one in the imperial pce. It was truly like searching high and low for something, only to stumble upon it effortlessly.


    For Chu Liang, ying a Human-Faced Xiao was far more profitable than any major evil spirit. The enchanted tools that the White Pagoda gave him had their limits, but he could get limitless returns from a Large-Headed Doll. As long as Chu Liang supplied the Large-Headed Dolls with enough pills, they could operate indefinitely.


    Chu Liang yed the Human-Faced Xiao and entered the hall. He received even louder cheers and apuse than the previous two members of his team.


    Just as everyone thought the Qinghong Banquet was about to officially begin, Ling Ao entered the hall too.


    That was when the officials present remembered that there had been one more person left on the team. They had just assumed the Four Evils Ceremony was over when Chu Liang entered. Consequently, they gave Ling Ao some perfunctory apuse, marking the sessful conclusion of the Four Evils Ceremony.


    Once all four members of the Mount Shu Sect team were seated, the banquet began with some appetizers, apanied by a performance of song and dance. This time, the musician was Xue Lingxue from the South Melody Conservatory. Originally, it was supposed to be Shen Qingyan, but she had been attacked and injured, forcing the musician to be reced at thest minute.


    Chu Liang, of course, had no interest in watching the performance. Even in that crowded hall, he saw no reason to dy rewarding himself.


    He had already sunk his divine sense into the White Pagoda space to greet his most beloved Human-Faced Xiao. Its imprint hovered inside an iron cell, and Chu Liang eagerly pressed "Refine."


    <i>Boom!</i>


    There was a sh of red light, and a familiar glow floated out. Chu Liang carefully caught it in his hands.


    [Transcendent Form Puppet: This puppet is used to refine the host''s transcendent form and aid in their cultivation. It consumes one Primordial Spirit Pill during the day and two at night, enabling continuous cultivation throughout the day. All developments made toward forming a transcendent form will be transferred to the host. Please be aware that this puppet is to be used strictly as a cultivation aid, and there is a risk of damage if used inappropriately.]


    <i>It''s this familiar description and this familiar feeling again.</i>


    After receiving the information contained in the cluster of light, Chu Liang felt extremely fond of his puppets. The reason was that the innate talents of his corporeal body were only slightly above average. Without the fortuitous encounters he had experienced, he would likely only be on par with Lin Bei, no matter how hard he worked on his cultivation.


    Chu Liang''s efforts could probably only ount for at most 7% of the hard work needed to achieve his current cultivation level. The efforts of the Large-Headed Dolls ounted for the remaining 93%. Without them aiding his cultivation, he wouldn''t have had the energy or time to travel extensively. Additionally, his assets would likely be significantly reduced.


    Looking at the Large-Headed Dolls circting qi until clouds of smoke swirled around them, Chu Liang was filled with gratitude.


    <i>Keep working hard and circting qi for me. Every ten years, I''ll give you one day off! And you can even schedule it for whenever you want. If you go seventy years without a break, you''ll get a seven-day vacation!</i>


    Chu Liang ced the new Transcendent Form Puppet on the ground and then pulled out a book he had prepared in advance¡ª<i>The Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of the Transcendent Form</i>.


    He circted his qi ording to the qi cirction route detailed in the book, imparting the cultivation method for a Transcendent Form to the new doll. Chu Liang was already well-versed in this process.


    Even before reaching the fifth realm, he had already obtained fifth-realm foundational qi through his Colorful Doll. His cultivation puppets were always one step ahead of him.


    After a while, the new Large-Headed Doll lit up with a brilliant radiance. It circted its qi using the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique, cultivating at a paceparable to Chu Liang''s. This meant it would take only a few months for the Transcendent Form Puppet to cultivate aplete transcendent form.


    Normally, a fifth-realm cultivator with only above-average talent would take around a year to cultivate a transcendent form, assuming they had sufficient resources and smooth progress. However, the Transcendent Form Puppet could work tirelessly day and night, all year long without ever taking a break. This made the process significantly faster.


    Once the puppet''s Transcendent Form wasplete, Chu Liang would be able to enjoy the benefits of a sixth-realm transcendent form earlier, greatly enhancing all his physical attributes. Then when he advanced to the sixth realm, he would be able to enjoy the benefits of having two transcendent forms.


    Chu Liang pondered this for a moment.


    <i>I could try figuring out a way to teach the Transcendent Form Puppet a different cultivation technique. I can only cultivate the Divine Nine''s Profound Transcendent Form, but the Transcendent Form Puppet doesn''t have the same limitation. I may be able to get even better effects if I have two different transcendent forms.</i>


    <i>By then, with two ultimate-tier Golden Cores and two different transcendent forms... Well, I don''t even dare dreaming that I might be able to defeat opponents of a higher realm than me, but at the very least, I would be unbeatable among those below the seventh realm.</i>


    ...


    While Chu Liang''s divine sense was immersed in the White Pagoda''s space, amotion broke out around him, snapping him to attention.


    A pce attendant announced in a shrill voice, "The Guardian Ruler has arrived!"


    A towering man stepped in through the doorway. He was tall and well-built, with long, dexterous arms like those of an ape and a muscr lower back like that of a wolf. His wide face was highlighted by a high forehead and long sword-like eyebrows, bearing a striking resemnce to the reigning emperor. These were facial features thatmonly ran in the Xia Family.


    The man''s eyes glowed like sparks of fire. As he looked around the hall, the civil and military officials averted their eyes. None of them dared to meet his gaze.


    This was the Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison!


    His title was extremely well known across thends, so Chu Liang had, of course, heard of him too. It was said that the Guardian Ruler had been born into the imperial family, but he did not have the Divine Fire Spirit. In the hierarchical structure of the Xia Family, having the Divine Fire Spirit made a world of difference.


    For instance, the Second Prince, Sixth Princess, and Thirteenth Prince were well-known to all. However, few knew of the other imperial princes and princesses who did not have the Divine Fire Spirit. Nevertheless, the Guardian Ruler was naturally proud and independent, and he was determined to be superior to everyone else in everything.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In his youth, he had been known as the strongest among the imperial descendents of the same generation, even crushing his brothers who possessed the Divine Fire Spirit. Despite this, people had said that he wouldck power when he was older and that his future achievements would inevitably fall shortpared to those with the Divine Fire Spirit.


    The Xia Family''s ancestral rules forbade anyone without the Divine Fire Spirit to seed the throne. Consequently, the Guardian Ruler had not been included in the selection process for the position of the crown prince.


    In anger, the Guardian Ruler had left the imperial family and roamed the martial world for decades. It wasn''t until he advanced to the seventh realm that he returned to the imperial court. Nevertheless, his rtionship with the imperial family remained distant.


    Afterward, he ventured deep into the Divine Ruins and narrowly escaped death many times. During that time, he observed an ancient Golden Crow and gained enlightenment for the Great Dao of the Ultimate Yang, allowing him to attain the Heavenly Origin.


    Most of the various Great Dao originated from the Divine Ruins. For instance, that was where the founder of the Greater-Yin Cult had observed an ancient Kun[1] and gained enlightenment for the Great Dao of the Ultimate Yin, leading to the creation of the Divine Nine. The Great Dao of the Ultimate Yang and the Great Dao of the Ultimate Yin were iparably powerful.


    So, the fact that the Guardian Ruler had attained the Heavenly Origin for the Great Dao of the Ultimate Yang was a huge p in the face for those who had looked down on him. From then on, no one dared to speak ill of the Guardian Ruler.


    His status within the imperial family became equivalent to that of the Imperial Guardian[2], but he still remained unwilling toe into close contact with the imperial family. He voluntarily took on the responsibility of guarding the Celestial Northern Prison, holding the position for the past century.


    The Guardian Ruler had never attended any imperial banquets or imperial court assemblies. Nevertheless, his presence at the Celestial Northern Prison was enough to suppress countless powerful figures, striking fear into the hearts of dissenters across the mortal realm.


    Why, then, had he suddenly appeared at the Qinghong Banquet today?


    "Guardian Ruler." The emperor immediately rose to greet him, showing him the utmost respect. "Why didn''t you tell us in advance that you were intending to attend the banquet?"


    The Guardian Ruler rarely associated with the imperial family, but it was undeniable that he was unmatched in power and status. Furthermore, in terms of seniority within the Xia Family, he greatly outranked the reigning emperor. He was also a few generations older than Imperial Guardian Mingde. Naturally, no one dared show him the slightest disrespect.


    The Guardian Ruler halted at the steps leading to the throne and bowed in greeting. Then he raised his head and said, "Your Majesty, forgive myst-minute decision to attend the banquet, disrupting it."


    The emperor quickly waved his hand dismissively. "Your presence here is a great cause for joy. How could it possibly be a disruption?"


    The Guardian Ruler turned around to face the civil and military officials behind him. His icy gaze was so intimidating that they all lowered their heads.


    The Guardian Ruler exined, "I heard news that some malicious evildoers want to wreak havoc within the pce. I came to see for myself. I don''t know who it is that''s so ridiculously bold... but you''d better not let me catch you."


    1. öï Kun is a legendary giant fish that can transform into a giant bird, Peng ùi. More info https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peng_(mythology) here. See trantor''s thoughts for a couple of cool illustrations posted on the Baidu entry. ?


    2. Di Nufeng''s dad, the guardian of the imperial family. We''re giving him a proper title now so that he doesn''t get mixed up with the Guardian Ruler of the Celestial Northern Prison. ?

 Chapter 617: Lets Eat the Qinghong Together

    <h4>Chapter 617: Let''s Eat the Qinghong Together</h4>


    The moon had just risen, and its light shone through the windowttice, casting a grid of light and shadow across the spacious and vacant floor.


    A man dressed in the long robes of a schr sat calmly on the floor.


    There was a teapot and cups on the table in front of him. Someone picked up the teapot and poured the tea out in a steady stream, filling the cups slowly. A delicate aroma rose from the tea with the steam.


    The man in schrly robes gazed out the window and remarked casually, "The Qinghong Banquet should have started by now."


    "You suddenly said that you''re sick and can''t attend the banquet. Won''t that arouse His Majesty''s suspicion?" asked the man sitting on the other side of the table.


    He appeared to be of a simr age to the man in schrly robes. He was a slim middle-aged man dressed in ck, almost blending into the darkness.


    The man in schrly robes replied slowly, "At first, I thought something major would happen. Unexpectedly, the imperial pce resolved the matter so swiftly. Now, Her Majesty has been captured, and the imperial consort is dead. That should put an end to the rising disturbances. What can His Majesty suspect me of when there''s nothing happening?"


    The man in schrly robes was none other than Su Qian, the chancellor of the imperial court.


    The person sitting across from him was Gu Shanfeng, the best fighter among Su Qian''s subordinates. He was also the head of the Mystic Wind Sect, one of the sects in The Chancellor''s Sixteen-Faction Alliance.


    Compared to the other sects and factions in the alliance, the Mystic Wind Sect wasn''t particrly prominent, as they didn''t have any outstanding disciples. However, Gu Shanfeng was the most powerful among the leaders in the alliance. He was a genuine seventh-realm Eminent One.


    In the past, Gu Shanfengmitted a grave mistake, resulting in the Greater-Yin Cult hunting him down. Su Qian mediated between the two parties and saved Gu Shanfeng''s life.


    Gu Shanfeng had been apanying Su Qian loyally ever since.


    "Miss Shen suffered a palm strike from me for nothing," Gu Shanfeng said with a chuckle. "A truly unfortunate event for her."


    "It may end up being a good thing. Initially, I wanted her to enter the pce because it seemed like His Majesty had decided on the Second Prince for the position of crown prince. But in recent days, it seems His Majesty is wavering on that."


    Gu Shanfeng added, "Especially now that Empress Wu has been exposed, the Second Prince''s chances of bing the crown prince seem even slimmer."


    Su Qian shook his head. "His Majesty won''t take such things into consideration in selecting his sessor. He will focus more on the abilities of the two princes. The Second Prince has a mild disposition and is decently talented, so it initially seemed like had the demeanor of a ruler who would carry on the good work of his predecessors. Thus, His Majesty didn''t even bother considering anyone else.


    "However, in recent years, evildoers have been running rampant, and omens of disaster have appeared repeatedly. It''s clear that even greater storms lie ahead. At such a time, the Yu Dynasty needs an intelligent and capable ruler that can open up new horizons for the dynasty. Inparison to the Second Prince, the Thirteenth Prince is young, but he is far more ambitious and skilled.


    "That is the root of the emperor''s hesitation. A ruler doesn''t only think about the imperial pce; he takes all of the nine provinces into consideration."


    Su Qian deduced the emperor''s thoughts as if he were experiencing them firsthand.


    "Your foresight is simply incredible, Chancellor. I am but a pale shadow inparison to you," Gu Shanfeng said, praising him at just the right time.


    A ck swallownded on the windowsill outside and tapped the windowttice with its beak. The window opened, and the swallow flew in. There was a sh of light, and the swallow transformed into a letter¡ªck ink on white paper.


    After reading the letter, Su Qian raised his head to speak.


    "Elder Brother Gu, it''s only because you''re not in my position. For everyone in a position like mine, it is essential that we''re able to deduce His Majesty''s intent. The Guardian Ruler has made a move as well. It seems he, too, caught wind of tonight''s developments."


    "Wow," Gu Shanfeng uttered in surprise. "If that legendary figure is stepping in, there''s no chance of anyone making unexpected movements at tonight''s Qinghong Banquet."


    Su Qian made another conjecture. "The Guardian Ruler hasn''t entered the imperial pce for a very long time, so many have spected that he''s at odds with the imperial family. This move is likely to prove to everyone that he still stands with the Xia Family."


    "In that case, should we be supporting the Thirteenth Prince instead once the situation stabilizes?" Gu Shanfeng asked.


    Su Qian shook his head again. "The Thirteenth Prince is still too young and immature; his morals and conduct arecking. He may be able to bear the heavy burden of a ruler, but his youth means it will be easy for the power to get to his head. He may not be a viable choice for the long term."


    "Then does that mean we''re sticking with the Second Prince?"


    "The Second Prince..."


    Gu Shanfeng''s question made Su Qian hesitate, his gaze darkening slightly.


    ...


    The legendary Guardian Ruler took a seat at a table near the emperor''s throne, serving as proof of his high status.


    Since the Guardian Ruler was sitting on the upper level, that meant that he would need to be served the Qinghong bird as well. The emperor felt relieved that he had ordered an extra Qinghong bird to be prepared in advance, as it was much toote to prepare another one now.


    It was said that even the emperor could not kill a Qinghong bird just to indulge his cravings. From thedies of the harem to the civil and military officials, everyone would oppose it as a breach of tradition. However, if the Guardian Ruler expressed the desire to eat a Qinghong bird, few would dare to object.


    This prince, who had been made an outcast in his youth, had ousted all his peers and elders who had scorned him. The current members of the imperial family were juniors who had grown up hearing tales of his prowess, so none of them dared show him disrespect.


    Of course, the Guardian Ruler wasn''t the type to covet a bite of the spirit bird. In fact, he paid no mind as to whether he would get to eat it.


    After sitting down, the Guardian Ruler said, "When I entered the imperial pce, I heard that something''s already happened. Is that right?"


    The emperor let out a sigh, "<i>Haaa...</i>"


    Then he recounted the events of the day.


    The Guardian Ruler furrowed his brows. "Those evil people from the Celestial Charm Sect are indeed cunning. To think that they actually had someone infiltrate the imperial pce so many years in advance! They should truly be killed!"


    The emperor and the Guardian Ruler had been conversing quietly thus far. However, after hearing about the events of the day, the Guardian Ruler flew into a rage, his voice ringing loud and clear like a flood bell. He yelled thatst sentence with such ferocity that even those outside the hall heard him.


    The banquet had only just begun, but the sound of his fury made everyone put down their chopsticks.


    The Guardian Ruler turned and told them, "Keep eating!"


    Everyone immediately lowered their heads to their bowls and tes, swiping at them with chopsticks even if they were empty.


    "Fortunately, they''ve been exposed. The imperial city will increase its vignce in the future to ensure there are no more infiltrators," the emperor said.


    The Guardian Ruler grumbled, "I already said back then that Mingde was unfit to be the Imperial Guardian. The imperial pce is in such chaos. Just what exactly has he been protecting? He''s utterly useless."


    The emperor smiled but said nothing.


    Both men were his elders, and both of them were at the eighth realm. What could he possibly say?


    Nevertheless, there was someone who dared to speak.


    A shout rang out, "You''re full of shit!"


    The rebuke stunned both the emperor and the Guardian Ruler.


    This was the Golden Throne Hall. How long had it been since anyone dared to curse at someone here?


    The Guardian Ruler, in particr, was very surprised. It had been at least a century since someone had dared to scold him to his face.


    He shifted his gaze to the speaker and saw a stunning and imperious woman standing with her hands on her hips, ring at him with a fierce expression. The Guardian Ruler could tell that the woman possessed the Divine Fire Spirit, indicating she was part of the imperial family.


    Instead of getting angry, the Guardian Rulerughed. "<i>Hah. </i>Were you cursing at me?"


    "That''s right," Di Nufeng admitted without the slightest hesitation.


    "Second Aunt... Guardian Ruler..." The emperor raised his hands, trying to calm the situation as he spoke in a controlled tone. "We''re all family. Let''s not ruin the harmony here."


    Both Di Nufeng and the Guardian Ruler replied in unison, "Who''s family with you?"


    That was when they realized they were both renegades of the imperial family.


    The Guardian Ruler asked, "Are you rted to Mingde?"


    Di Nufeng held her head high and answered, "He''s my father."


    "<i>Hah,</i>" the Guardian Ruler sneered. "Even he wouldn''t dare speak to me like this here."


    "But I''m the one here!" Di Nufeng retorted, showing no sign of backing down. "I can criticize him, but you can''t!"


    "I''ve already done it. What are you going to do about it?" the Guardian Ruler fired back, totally unconcerned with his image.


    "You''d better sleep with your eyes open. I might just burn your house to the ground one day!"


    Di Nufeng was fully riled up now. She rolled up her sleeves, getting ready to fight.


    Stuck between the two, one of the emperor''s eyebrows twitched uncontrobly.


    <i>What a disaster...</i>


    <i>Just what kind of cursed day is today? I lost my two wives that I loved the most, and now at the Qinghong Banquet, there are two people acting like a pair of fools shouting insults at each other in the street.</i>


    <i>Maybe I should just retire.</i>


    Right then, the sound of gongs rang out, and a box was carried into the hall. It contained the huge Qinghong birds, freshly cooked and piping hot.


    "Your Majesty, the Qinghong birds are ready to eat!"


    "Wonderful!" the emperor eximed. He then tried to mediate between Di Nufeng and the Guardian Ruler. "Second Aunt, Guardian Ruler, this is a rare day that we get to have a family reunion, so let''s stop the fighting. Let''s eat! The! Qing! Hong!"


    <i>Bang!</i>


    What the emperor got in response was the Guardian Ruler mming his hand onto the table.


    He told Di Nufeng, "Considering you''re my junior, I''d lose my prestige if I fight with you. So don''t push your luck!"


    "<i>Hah,</i>" Di Nufeng sneered. "Then let''spete in something else. Do you dare?"


    "What do you want topete in? Not daring to do so would make me my grandson!"


    "Even your grandson is more senior than her..." the emperor muttered quietly on the side.


    "Bring the wine!" Di Nufeng yelled, cing one foot on the chair. "If you can outdrink me today, I''ll respectfully call you Elder Brother. But if you lose, you''ll recognize me as your grandauntie!"


    The emperor turned to Di Nufeng. "What kind of logic is that?"


    "Lose?" The Guardian Ruler burst intoughter. "I haven''t gotten drunk in the past two hundred years, and it''s been a long time since anyone dared to challenge me."


    The emperor looked at him in shock. "You''re agreeing to this?!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Today, I''ll teach you what happens when you insult someone''s father!" Di Nufeng eximed.


    She grabbed a jar of wine and drank straight from it.


    "But don''t you insult others all the time?" the emperor muttered, with dark creases running across his forehead.


    The Guardian Ruler replied, "Win first before you say that!"


    He raised a jar of wine to his lips as well and poured in a steady stream of wine into his mouth.


    "Even if you win, we don''t gain anything!" the emperor cried out, about to give up all hope of stopping them.


    Warrior Lao whispered to him, "Your Majesty, what should we do?"


    "Do I look like I know?"


    Exasperation was written all over the emperor''s face.


    The two monsters had already started their contest, and the officials on the lower level watched them with great interest.


    The emperor let out a deep sigh. "Forget it. Let''s just treat this as entertainment. Keep the music ying! Keep the fooding!"


    ...


    Chu Liang was used to this. Di Nufeng treated everyone the same way; she bullied those weaker than herself and was just as domineering toward those who were stronger than her. Apart from the Discipline Master, Chu Liang had never seen Di Nufeng back down from anyone, inside or outside the Mount Shu Sect.


    <i>The cowardly draw their des against the weak, while the brave draw their des against the strong... But my teacher doesn''t belong to either of those groups. She swings her de at anyone she sees.</i>


    Di Nufeng had a knack for dragging others down to match her intelligence and character. Then she would use her copious amounts of battle experience to defeat them. This certainly wasn''t her first time doing that.


    After the cooked Qinghong birds were presented to the emperor, the birds were taken back to the kitchen and cut up for serving. The maids brought out tes of Qinghong meat to some of the tables.


    The Qinghong meat gave off a deliciously enticing and fragrant aroma that stirred the soul, proving that Qinghong meat truly deserved its reputation as one of the world''s finest delicacies.


    Just as Chu Liang picked up his chopsticks to try some of that delicacy, a tiny voice suddenly said, "Give me a bite too!"

 Chapter 618: My Best Friend

    <h4>Chapter 618: My Best Friend</h4>


    Chu Liang ced the jade bowl on the table and saw the small golden dragon inside frantically circling along the edge of the bowl. It seemed it, too, had caught a whiff of the Qinghong meat''s aroma.


    "You want some too?" Chu Liang asked with a smile.


    "Yes, yes, yes!" The Little Golden Dragon cried out anxiously.


    "We''re good friends. If I get a bite of meat, of course, you''ll get one too," Chu Liang teased, testing the waters. "Right?"


    "Of course, of course," the Little Golden Dragon immediately replied.


    Although it was currently suppressed, it was fully aware of what had happened in the outside world¡ªfrom the emperor ordering Yao Dengxian to release it to the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner handing it over to Chu Liang.


    Chu Liang carried the strongest dragon aura... though it was slightly mixed, its concentration was on par with that of a True Dragon. This made the little dragon feel very secure in Chu Liang''s presence.


    Only now did it have the luxury of craving some meat.


    Having been in the pce for years, it had, of course, heard of the legendary Qinghong meat.


    "We''re best friends, so I should set you free soon, right?" Chu Liang asked.


    "Of course!" The Little Golden Dragon nodded repeatedly. "We''re the best of friends."


    "Where do you n to go once you''re free?" Chu Liang inquired.


    "Uh..." This question stumped the Little Golden Dragon.


    Although it was a member of the dragon race, ever since the Dragon Lair was shattered, dragons had scattered across thends, and all had be loosely connected with one another.


    Even therger dragon ns were now hidden deep within the Abyss of the Hidden Dragons, a ce it had no way of locating.


    Moreover, the older Golden Dragon had spent years suppressing the fate of the dynasty, leaving it with no friends, connections, or "dragon connections" to rely on.


    Its initial n had been to regain its freedom and steal the Golden Dragon''s Orb¡ªsomething the imperial consort had encouraged. Beyond that, it had no idea where to go next.


    Seeing its troubled expression, Chu Liang chuckled. "I figured you hadn''t thought it through..."


    "We''re good friends. If you have nowhere to go, isn''t it only right that I offer you a ce to stay?" Chu Liang continued to coax.


    "Yes, yes!" The Little Golden Dragon nodded again.


    "Our Mount Shu is beautiful, with abundant spiritual energy. Countless spirit beasts and divine birdspete to cultivate there, and eventually, a White Dragon seized the opportunity and is now helping us suppress our sect''s fate. If you''re willing, you can live with us from now on. There are others of your kind on the mountain, so you won''t be lonely," Chu Liang said.


    "That would be amazing!" the Little Golden Dragon said excitedly.


    "Then tell me..." Chu Liang chuckled slyly, "If you have a friend who treats you this well, is it right to not return the favor at all?"


    "Uh?" The Little Golden Dragon froze, its expression turning nk as it feigned ignorance.


    "Don''t you think you should give me something in return?" Chu Liang said directly.


    "You could have... my friendship," the Little Golden Dragon offered.


    "What do you mean? I already gained your friendshipst time when I helped you steal the Golden Dragon''s Orb. Is your friendship something that can be handed out in installments?" Chu Liang''s face darkened.


    "You could gain... a deeper level of friendship," the Little Golden Dragon said.


    <i>Alright then.</i> <i>Do you have a friendship meter or something?</i> <i>Do I have to max it out to unlock new storylines?</i>


    Chu Liang dropped the pretense and said outright, "Don''t you dragons have something called Dragon Soul Protection? Can you give me one?"


    He already had the scales of the White Dragon and Inferno Dragon and the Blue Dragon''s Orb. The only thing hecked was a cultivation legacy of the dragon soul. Last time, when he saw Qi Lin''er using it, he noticed how extraordinary the power was, so he wanted to try it out for himself.


    As for the cultivation legacy of the dragon blood, which was of a lower tier, that was not worth mentioning.


    "Well..." The Little Golden Dragon circled twice, hesitating. "All dragons would only be able to bestow three Dragon Soul Protections. As for the legacy of the Dragon Scale, it can be given to seven. While a spot opens up if a host dies, the total number remains limited..."


    "So, I am not even worthy of being one of the three?" Chu Liang nodded knowingly. "And you still want to eat Qinghong meat? Maybeter, I''ll make you a sashimi with therge intestine of the Qinghong bird instead."


    As he spoke, he began to tuck the jade bowl back into his robes.


    "EHHHHHHHHHH!" The Little Golden Dragon cried out urgently. "Fine, I''ll give it to you, okay?"


    "Hehe." Chu Liang grinned with satisfaction. "That''s why you''re my best friend."


    "I can give it to you now. Just find a quiet ce," the Little Golden Dragon said.


    Chu Liang quickly wolfed down a couple of bites of meat, fed two pieces to the Little Golden Dragon, and finished the te. Then, he stood up, left his seat, and exited the Golden Throne Hall through a side door.


    At the start of the banquet, proceedings were a bit formal, with the emperor offering toasts alongside his officials. But as the evening progressed, the atmosphere became more rxed, and people were free to move about.


    But today''s Qinghong Banquet was unlike the others. With the presence of the Guardian Ruler and Di Nufeng, chaos had erupted from the start. The emperor had no mood to celebrate with his officials, so the banquet took on a casual tone.


    The Golden Throne Hall was bustling with activity, and no one paid attention to his departure.


    Chu Liang walked a considerable distance along the pce''s main road until he reached a secluded garden.


    Only then did he take out the Little Golden Dragon and ask, "Will this ce do?"


    "As long as no one disturbs us, it''s fine," the Little Golden Dragon replied.


    Then, its body shed with golden light, and its fiery golden vertical pupils reflected Chu Liang''s figure.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    In an instant, a surge of immense mental power flooded Chu Liang''s mind.


    Although the Little Golden Dragon didn''t seem particrly bright, it was still a celestial beast that had attained the seventh realm at birth, and even a fraction of its soul power was not something ordinary people could endure.


    If Chu Liang''s cultivation level were any lower, he might have fainted on the spot.


    It took him a good while to shake off the dizziness. When he opened his eyes again, he realized his vision had changed.


    His pupils were now aze with golden mes!


    Feeling the surging power of the Dragon Soul coursing through him, he tried to suppress it and gradually retracted the golden irises.


    The power of the Dragon Soul Protection was indeed far stronger than the cultivation legacy of the Dragon Scale. Only the Dragon Orb was more powerful.


    "How is it?" the Little Golden Dragon asked eagerly.


    This was its first time granting the cultivation legacy of the Dragon Soul, so it wasn''t sure what to expect.


    "We will be best friends forever," Chu Liang responded enthusiastically.


    As Chu Liang sensed the power of the Dragon Soul surging within him, he felt exhrated. He felt a sense of regret that he couldn''t test it immediately.


    With the Qinghong Banquet still ongoing, Chu Liang headed back toward the Golden Throne Hall.


    As he passed by a pond, he noticed a figure standing there.


    It was a handsome young man gazing at the water. For some reason, his demeanor struck Chu Liang as oddly familiar.


    As Chu Liang approached, the young man turned and asked, "You''re back?"


    "Thirteenth Prince?" Chu Liang greeted him with a smile. "What a coincidence."


    "Not a coincidence," the Thirteenth Prince said, shaking his head. "I was nning to invite you for a chat, but since you came out on your own, I waited here for you."


    "Waiting for me?" Chu Liang''s expression turned cautious. "What''s the matter?"


    The Thirteenth Prince smiled. "I just have a few questions for you."


    "About the imperial consort?" Chu Liang asked abruptly.


    "Oh?" The Thirteenth Prince raised his eyes to meet Chu Liang''s. "You''ve figured it out."


    "Just a guess," Chu Liang replied with a smile.


    "You''re too clever," the Thirteenth Prince said, nodding. "So clever, it''s frightening."


    "I know what you''re afraid of, but I won''t say a word about it," Chu Liang said. "These matters have nothing to do with me, and the imperial consort is already dead. No one cares about this anymore."


    "Really?" The Thirteenth Prince''s gaze turned sharp and sinister.


    Earlier, Chu Liang had found a dudou at the imperial consort''s residence.


    It was embroidered with two poetic lines:


    <i>Water and sky, emotions untold, Each to their longing, distant and cold.</i>


    At first nce, it seemed like a simple love poem, but on closer inspection, the first word of each poetic line came together to resemble the meaning of the character "Luo." [1]


    And the Thirteenth Prince''s given name was Luo.


    Chu Liang hadn''t dwelled on it and handed the dudou along with other items to the emperor, who didn''t examine them closely and instead entrusted everything to Lao Santai for careful disposal.


    That should have been the end of it.


    "I''m telling the truth. Coming to me now isn''t the smartest move," Chu Liang said with a grin.


    "Actually..." The Thirteenth Prince paused briefly before continuing, "It wasn''t me who wanted to see you."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang caught a dangerous undertone in the prince''s expression.


    "It''s me!"


    With a loud ssh, a fiery, menacing figure leapt from the pond. Though humanoid in form, it was covered in multicolored scales, resembling a terrifying fish demon!


    This was beyond Chu Liang''s expectations. He hadn''t imagined that after the recent pce upheaval, someone would dare make such a brazen move. And judging by the fish demon''s aura, it was no ordinary opponent.


    <i>Where had the Thirteenth Prince found such a powerful entity?</i>


    In an instant, Chu Liang''s mind raced, piecing everything together. The Thirteenth Prince''s rtionship with the imperial consort wasn''t as simple as gifting a dudou¡ªhe had used her as a bridge to make connections.


    The origins of this fish demon were now clear.


    It was the Celestial Charm Sect!


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    1. The poem wrote <strong>Ë®</strong>Ìì¼ÄÇéÄÑ£¬<strong>¸÷</strong>ÍùÏà˼´¦. If you take the first character of each poetic line, which is Ë® and ¸÷, you would get something simr to Âå (Luo). The ãßis the "water" radical in Chinese characters and this ãß+ ¸÷ = Âå ?

 Chapter 619: Killed

    <h4>Chapter 619: Killed</h4>


    <i>Danger iing!</i>


    The fact that this fish demon even dared tounch an attack in the imperial pce was truly beyond Chu Liang''s expectations.


    Even if it had the cultivation level of the seventh realm, with the pce''s defenses being far tighter than usual and with the surrounding area sealed, could it even escape after revealing its aura?


    The fish demon lunged, unleashing a multicolored spiritual energy that condensed into a formation resembling fish scales, instantly engulfing Chu Liang.


    Even though Chu Liang had just gotten the gift of the Dragon Soul Protection, he was still a cultivator at the realm in the Heavenly Gate. When facing a cultivator at the realm above the Heavenly Gate, there was no chance he could win.


    In this life-or-death moment, Chu Liang wasted no time. He flipped his hand, pulling out the jade bowl. "Come out, my best friend!"


    <i>Crack.</i>


    When facing an opponent of levels higher and much more powerful, any attempt to fight back would be futile. The best course of action was to call for reinforcements¡ªonly someone of equal strength could even the odds.


    Fortunately, Chu Liang happened to have just such an ally on hand.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The jade bowl shattered, releasing a burst of radiant light. A magnificent golden-scaled dragon soared into the sky! Its dazzling brilliance illuminated the night as a thunderous dragon roar shook the air.


    "<i>RAWRRRR!!!</i>"


    Had the fish demon not preemptively set up a restrictive barrier to block sound and aura from going out, this dragon roar alone would have shaken the imperial city to its core.


    The fish demon unleashed a divine light of five colors, striking the massive Golden Dragon. With a resounding sh, the light was deflected by the dragon¡¯s sturdy golden scales. Though the force pushed the dragon back, it remained unharmed.


    The golden-scaled dragon¡¯s greatest strength was its defense. Even though the fish demon was of a higher cultivation level, there was no way it could win with one attack.


    "Take this!" Chu Liang tossed the Golden Dragon¡¯s Orb, and the Little Golden Dragon caught it in one swift gulp.


    He had intended to release the dragon and return the orb after leaving the pce. But in this moment of crisis, there was no time for such considerations.


    "My barrier can¡¯t hold back the Golden Dragon. Let¡¯s strike together and finish this quickly! If we don¡¯t kill him, you¡¯ll never be the emperor!" the fish demon shouted, turning to the Thirteenth Prince.


    The Thirteenth Prince clenched his teeth, seething with frustration.


    The Thirteenth Prince¡¯s affair with the imperial consort was real. He couldn¡¯t exin why he had been so captivated by her, but with just a little seduction, he had fallenpletely under her spell, unable to break free.


    Not long ago, the imperial consort introduced him to the fish demon, iming it could help enhance his cultivation.


    He was well aware of their dubious origins, suspecting they were connected to the infamous Celestial Charm Sect. Yet the improvements to his cultivation were undeniable, and their promise to aid him in seizing the throne was too tempting to refuse.


    If he refused to cooperate, his affair with the imperial consort might be exposed.


    With the Second Prince, the eldest son, backed by Empress Wu, the Thirteenth Prince had no choice but to align himself with these dubious allies if he wanted a chance at the throne.


    His visit to the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch was no coincidence. After receiving a signal from the imperial consort, he went there and released the Golden Dragon.


    What he hadn¡¯t expected, however, was that the Golden Dragon would wander about and end up in Chu Liang¡¯s hands!


    The Thirteenth Prince was among the first to hear of Empress Wu¡¯s true identity being exposed. Though he felt some sorrow over the imperial consort¡¯s death, the event brought him far more relief than grief.


    With the imperial consort gone, he no longer had to worry about their affair being exposed. Furthermore, Empress Wu turned out to be a spy of the Celestial Charm Sect. This meant that the Second Prince¡¯s status, as her son, was bound to plummet.


    With only two candidates for the throne and the Second Prince losing his chance at bing the crown prince, the Thirteenth Prince was confident that he was the only choice left.


    But his excitement didn¡¯tst long. The fish demon returned, demanding that he use the Qinghong Banquet as a chance to lure Chu Liang out so it could kill him.


    Why would the Thirteenth Prince agree to help at this point? As long as he behaved himself, he would surely be the crown prince.


    Unexpectedly, the fish demon revealed that the imperial consort had left evidence of their affair¡ªa dudou. If this were brought to the emperor¡¯s attention, the Thirteenth Prince''s near-certain im to the throne could crumble in an instant.


    Thus, the Thirteenth Prince reluctantly agreed.


    All he had to do was lure Chu Liang out. As a seventh-realm existence, the fish demon could kill Chu Liang in an instant and flee. No one would suspect him.


    But to his utter surprise, Chu Liang had brought along the little Golden Dragon!


    With the fish demon entangled by the Golden Dragon, the effect of the restriction that the fish demon had set up began to falter, and the demon''s aura would leak within moments. If that happened, the powerful cultivators in the pce would arrive, and all would be lost.


    These thoughts raced through the Thirteenth Prince¡¯s mind, culminating in a shoutedmand: "Hand over your life!"


    ...


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Seeing the Little Golden Dragon block the fish demon, the Thirteenth Prince lunged at him, but Chu Liang remained calm.


    He had seen the Thirteenth Prince make a move in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams before. Although he was among the best of the younger generation, he was still far from being a top-tier prodigy. Moreover, with the fortification of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, Chu Liang¡ªthough not yet at the sixth realm¡ªalready possessedbat strength that was considered exceptional even within that level.


    But as soon as they exchanged blows, he noticed something was wrong.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A thunderous roar erupted as the Thirteenth Prince unleashed a sweeping wave of purple-gold mes.


    It was the Samadhi True Fire!


    The most outstanding among the younger generation of the imperial family was the Sixth Princess. Even then, she could only control sparks of the Samadhi True Fire, which she had to use carefully to achieve results.


    During that time, the Thirteenth Prince had been weaker than his elder sister. But he had made such incredible progress since then!


    Obviously, it had to be the work of the evil people from the Celestial Charm Sect.


    Faced with the overwhelming divine fire, Chu Liang''s expression turned grave. As a disciple of Di Nufeng, he had a deep understanding of the power of Samadhi True Fire.


    His esteemed teacher often used this fire to dominate; those who came into contact with it died, and those who touched it perished. There was no escape!


    Facing such a fierce attack, Chu Liang could only risk everything. He gathered all his foundational qi, transforming it into a Severing the Void sh and struck with all his might!


    At the same time, the Blue Dragon''s Orb operated at full power. A roaring hurricane descended, sweeping the Samadhi True Fire away to prevent it from touching him. However, faced with such a massive amount of divine fire, the fierce winds dissolved on contact, barely dying its approach.


    Meanwhile, the Sword Strike of Severing the Void had already reached the Thirteenth Prince.


    If this strike could bring him down, the threat of the divine fire would be resolved. If not, Chu Liang, enveloped by the Samadhi True Fire, would be in grave danger.


    At the critical moment, the sword qi descended first.


    The Thirteenth Prince clearly hadn¡¯t expected that, while the cultivation of the divine fire had greatly increased with the Celestial Charm Sect''s help, Chu Liang¡¯s power had also grown so much stronger in just one daypared to the Assembly of Immortal Sects!


    <i>This makes no sense...Even if he has the gift of the Dragon Soul Protection, how can he be this powerful?</i>


    The Little Golden Dragon''s gift to Chu Liang had been within the expectations of the Celestial Charm Sect and the Thirteenth Prince. However, the Blue Dragon''s Orb was something they had no knowledge of.


    <i>Swish¡ª</i>


    The Sword Strike of Severing the Void finallynded on the Thirteenth Prince!


    The infused sword qi instantly extinguished the divine light.


    Although his divine fire cultivation had been significantly boosted, he remained at the same cultivation realm, which meant that the improvement wascking. Against the Sword Strike of Severing the Void, he was nearly powerless.


    "Ugh..."


    As the Thirteenth Prince fell, his eyes were filled with unwillingness.


    <i>I am just one step away from the position of crown prince, only a hair¡¯s breadth from the throne¡ªhow could it all end here? </i>


    <i>I paid such a hefty price to obtain the power of Samadhi True Fire, yet why am I still no match for Chu Liang?</i>


    <i>Isn¡¯t this... unfair? </i>


    ...


    As the sword strikended, Chu Liang was still feeling tense.


    It wasn¡¯t that he intended to kill the Thirteenth Prince, but the prince had struck with the intent to kill him in a single blow, unleashing his full cultivation power without holding back. This was, in fact, a highly unrefined technique, revealing that the Thirteenth Prince was inexperienced in life-and-deathbat.


    At that moment, Chu Liang had only one choice¡ªsh head-on with the prince.


    Either he would die in an instant, or the Thirteenth Prince would.


    In such a situation, no matter how much he considered the prince''s imperial status, Chu Liang had no way to hold back.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    As he watched the Thirteenth Prince fall lifelessly to the ground, Chu Liang felt a heavy weight in his heart. Looking up, he realized that the fish demon had already vanished.


    It turned out that after being blocked by the Little Golden Dragon¡¯s attack, the fish demon had called for the Thirteenth Prince to strike before turning and escaping into the pool!


    The Little Golden Dragon had given chase, but it too had disappeared without a trace.


    The Celestial Charm Sect clearly had more than one waterway within the pce!


    In fact, ever since they discovered the waterways in the imperial consorts'' courtyards, everyone had spected that there might be others within the pce. However, due to the tight schedule, there was no time to inspect all of them thoroughly. The investigation had primarily focused on the areas extending outward from the imperial consort''s and Empress Wu¡¯s pces. No one had expected a waterway to exist so close to the Golden Throne Hall.


    The Celestial Charm Sect¡¯s demons had spent decadesying their ns, and their infiltration of the imperial pce was far deeper than anyone had imagined.


    Suddenly, Chu Liang was the only one left in the area. Before he could make any move, the sound of rushing wind heralded someone''s arrival. After the fish demon fled, the effect of the restrictions on this location had dissipated, allowing the aura to leak out. It was no surprise that experts from the pce had arrived.


    The first person tond was dressed in brocade robes, his expression fierce. Chu Liang turned his head and frowned.


    It was Cheng Hu.


    He had always been Empress Wu''s close confidant, but he knew nothing about the Celestial Charm Sect¡¯s schemes and had not done anything to aid in rebellion over the years. As such, he was released after a brief interrogation.


    This leniency was also due to Empress Wu¡¯s repentance, as she had voluntarily exposed all the Celestial Charm Sect spies she had nted. Consequently, others associated with her were not heavily implicated.


    However, with his support gone, Cheng Hu¡¯s status was certainly not what it once was, and at this moment, he was filled with resentment.


    Seeing Chu Liang and the scene before him, Cheng Hu acted without thinking and shouted, "Audacious traitor! You dare assassinate a prince in the depths of the pce!"


    As he spoke, heunched a fierce palm strike without hesitation!

 Chapter 620: I Want to Eat Fish

    <h4>Chapter 620: I Want to Eat Fish</h4>


    "The Thirteenth Prince has colluded with the Celestial Charm Sect..." Chu Liang wanted to exin, but before he could finish, Cheng Hu''s full-force palm strike had alreadye down!


    Chu Liang immediately understood that Cheng Hu might not be ignorant of the truth; rather, he was simply using this as an excuse to kill!


    Chu Liang had made significant contributions to Empress Wu''s downfall. So, that might have left Cheng Hu, a member of her faction, filled with resentment toward him.


    Or perhaps Cheng Hu himself had ties to the Celestial Charm Sect!


    Otherwise, why was he the first to arrive? There were plenty of other powerful cultivators in the Golden Throne Hall, including eighth realm cultivators.


    In any case, tonight had been full of twists and turns, and the real life-or-death crisis was only beginning now!


    He only needed to hold on for a moment; he trusted that other experts would arrive in an instant, giving him a chance to reveal the truth.


    However, Cheng Hu was, after all, a renowned seventh-realm cultivator, had gained the position of the Four Great Warriors not solely because of his allegiance to Empress Wu but also because of his overwhelming strength that made him her trusted aide.


    As this palm strike descended, it carried a majestic force like a storm of wind and thunder!


    It was clear that his mastery of the Yin-ying Sutra had reached its peak. At this moment, he was attacking with all his might, trying not to give Chu Liang any chance to exin.


    After all, killing a prince within the deep pce would always give him a valid justification for action.


    There was no avoiding or escaping. As Chu Liang felt himself being targeted by the flow of qi unleashed by a seventh-realm cultivator, he immediately realized that his belief of himself as powerful was an utter mistake. In this very moment, he couldn''t even use Dimension Compression because, as long as he couldn''t break free from that flow of qi, this palm strike wouldnd on him no matter where he fled.


    All he could do was summon all his cultivation energy, activating every defensive divine technique he possessed in an attempt to withstand the attack.


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    But the moment Cheng Hu''s palm wind made contact with Chu Liang, theyers of foundational qi surrounding his body shattered entirely, leaving only his heavily fortified physical body to take the blow.


    As the shockwaves of wind and thunder swept over, Chu Liang''s bones emitted loud cracking noises.


    "Ah¡ª!" he roared in agony.


    The power of the Blue Dragon''s Orb was fully unleashed, spinning and glowing within the Sea of Qi. Yet, Chu Liangmented that his transcendent form had not yet been achieved. Without the enhancement of the Divine Nine¡¯s Profound Transcendent Form, he couldn¡¯t wield the Blue Dragon''s Orb to its fullest potential.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    As the palm strikended on him, Chu Liang felt as though he was in the very heart of a storm. Overwhelming forces surged from every direction, threatening to crush every bone and muscle in his body.


    <i>Spat. </i>Chu Liang could no longer suppress it and spat out a mouthful of blood. By the time Cheng Hu''s palm truly struck his chest, he had no foundational qi left to resist.


    All that remained was his body.


    At the critical moment, the Golden Dragon¡¯s Dragon Soul Protection shone brightly. Large patches of golden scales spread across his chest, radiating dazzling light!


    <i>Thud.</i>


    Chu Liang finally copsed to the ground.


    It all happened in an instant. From the moment Cheng Huunched his ferocious attack to the moment Chu Liang¡¯s defenses shattered and he fell, it had taken no more than a blink of an eye. He had already lost all ability to resist.


    At this moment, Chu Liang had lost consciousness. Blood drenched his body, and the golden scales on his chest were shattered. This injury was different from the wounds he had suffered in his battle with Yang Shenlong. Injuries from opponents of equal strength could heal naturally, but the crushing force of a seventh-realm cultivator left behind a ck qi flowing through his wounds, intensifying the damage and preventing his body from healing.


    This was the power of the Dao Attainment Realm. With just one full-force strike, Chu Liang, having lost ny-nine percent of his qi, was nearly dead.


    He could survive only because of the Dragon Soul Protection. If not for theyer of golden scales that had provided some defense, Chu Liang would have been dead twice.


    "<i>Ha¡ª</i>"


    Cheng Hu, however, had no intention of letting Chu Liang go. He raised his hand for another palm strike!


    <i>Boom!</i>


    "Stop!" Just as his palm was about to strike, a thunderous shout rang out from the side.


    Yet, the ferocity in Cheng Hu¡¯s eyes intensified. He had no intention of stopping and mmed his palm to the ground!


    Light erupted, and wind and thunder roared!


    ...


    In the Golden Throne Hall, the Guardian Ruler and Di Nufeng were originally having a drinking contest, and the imperial hall was filled with noise and merriment.


    When the flow of qi leaked from a nearby location, a sharp glint shed in the Guardian Ruler¡¯s eyes. "There is indeed some disturbance."


    "Is it someone from the Celestial Charm Sect?" Di Nufeng asked with rising interest.


    She immediately leapt into the air, transforming into a streak of fire as she sped away. Meanwhile, the Guardian Ruler took a single step and, though slower to act, arrived first at the poolside.


    Though he had rushed there as quickly as possible, Cheng Hu was even faster, striking at Chu Liang the moment the restriction disappeared.


    Thus, when the Guardian Ruler arrived, he saw Cheng Hu preparing to deliver a finishing blow to the unconscious Chu Liang and shouted, "Stop!"


    But Cheng Hu, consumed by his bloodlust, ignored the Guardian Ruler¡¯s warning and struck down with his palm!


    A red glint shed in the Guardian Ruler¡¯s eyes, and the moment Cheng Hupleted his second strike, he was overwhelmed by an invisible force and fell to the ground.


    He shouted, "Chu Liang assassinated the prince. I only took action to kill the perpetrator!"


    The Guardian Ruler naturally noticed the Thirteenth Prince¡¯s corpse nearby. He furrowed his brows deeply.


    He was about to question Cheng Hu further, but suddenly, a burst of fire crashed down beside him.


    "What did you say?" A fiery figure with wings spread wide and zing mes descended beside him. "Where is Chu Liang?"


    As the woman questioned, she swung her fist and mmed it down heavily!


    The punch was wreathed in raging purple-gold mes!


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    "Ah..." Cheng Hu¡¯s chest caved in under the punch, his internal organs nearly destroyed. Blood gushed from his mouth as he murmured, "I don¡¯t know..."


    "Don¡¯t know?" Di Nufeng¡¯s fiery fist burned brightly. "You¡¯re the only one here, and you say you don¡¯t know?"


    <i>Bang¡ª</i>


    The second punch.


    Cheng Hu¡¯s head was smashed t, with only half remaining intact while the other half was charred and deformed.


    "I really don¡¯t know..." Cheng Hu whispered weakly. "I missed..."


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    The sound of wind roared as Di Nufeng¡¯s third punch was about tond.


    "Stop!" the Guardian Rulermanded again, using an invisible force to control Di Nufeng entirely. "The prince is dead, and the culprit is still unknown. Let¡¯s wait until the matter is investigated thoroughly."


    Di Nufeng turned to re at him. "If something happens to my disciple, not even the lives of a few princes would be enough topensate."


    At the same time, another force swept in from the side, relieving Di Nufeng of the Guardian Ruler¡¯s suppression.


    "Since this just happened, we might be able to recreate the scene with the Shadow of Radiance," Mingde said as he stepped forward. "Feng¡¯er, Guardian Ruler, please both remain calm."


    He had been in the Divine Fire Hall, which was farther away, so he arrivedter than the others.


    These three standing together represented the strongestbat power of the Xia Family. Of course, they were also the most rebellious members of the family.


    As Mingde countered the Guardian Ruler, Di Nufeng¡¯s fist, which had been hanging over Cheng Hu¡¯s face, was freed.


    She asked one final question, "Who ordered you to kill him?"


    "No one..." Cheng Hu managed to utter with difficulty. "Chu Liang assassinate the prince, and I¡ª"


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The third punch.


    Cheng Hu¡¯s head waspletely smashed, leaving only a charred and mangled half of his body.


    A powerful cultivator who had seemed like a deity or demon to Chu Liang was defeated by Di Nufeng in just three punches.


    This was when arge number of pce guards finally appeared at the scene. The emperor arrived as well, nked by pce attendants. When he saw the corpse of the Thirteenth Prince, he trembled as if he was struck by lightning.


    The Guardian Ruler red at Mingde. "You knew she would kill Cheng Hu."


    "Cheng Hu¡¯s attack on Chu Liang was witnessed by you personally. If she hadn¡¯t been allowed to vent her anger, the entire imperial city would have suffered," Mingde replied calmly. "I will now use the Shadow of Radiance."


    With that, he formed a seal with his hands, conjuring a halo resembling a full moon.


    The halo cast down a cascade of white light, illuminating the entire area. Since the events had only just urred, everything was reyed.


    The Thirteenth Prince had been waiting here for Chu Liang when a fish demon suddenly appeared. Chu Liang released the Little Golden Dragon to block it. The Thirteenth Prince then fought desperately, only to be killed by Chu Liang.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Finally, Cheng Hu arrived and, without a word, delivered a palm strike that nearly killed Chu Liang. Hisst strikended, and Chu Liang disappeared.


    "Yu Tuoluo." The Guardian Ruler recognized the fish demon immediately. "On the list of Celestial Charm Sect members we obtained, he is ranked highly. He is a trusted aide of the Celestial Master of the Celestial Charm Sect. He was once a cultivator of the immortal sects but carried traces of demon blood. Later, that demon blood resurfaced, transforming him into a half-demon, for which he was expelled from his sect. In a fit of rage, he ughtered his sect and joined the Celestial Charm Sect."


    "So, the Thirteenth Prince was colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect to plot against Chu Liang," Mingde said gravely. "The pce has been infiltrated to this extent."


    "So that fish escaped from here, right?" Di Nufeng nced at the pool before tilting her head to look at Mingde. "I want to eat fish now."

 Chapter 621: What Does It Have to Do With Me?

    <h4>Chapter 621: What Does It Have to Do With Me?</h4>


    Yu Tuoluo left peacefully.


    ...


    From a certain perspective, the Little Golden Dragon was a very reliable friend.


    When Chu Liang instructed it to deal with the seventh-realm fish demon that suddenly appeared, it focused all its efforts on the task.


    The fish demon fled into the waterways, and the Little Golden Dragon became even more eager.


    <i>Isn''t this the perfect terrain for us dragons to show our might?</i>


    Compared to the sky andnd, the underwater environment was indeed where the dragons could better showcase theirbat prowess.


    In truth, the environment didn''t make the dragon stronger. It was really because most cultivators or demons would be greatly weakened underwater.


    With this imbnce, waterbat became the dragon race''s specialty.


    But the Little Golden Dragon simply forgot, for a moment, that its opponent was a fish.


    As soon as it entered the waterway, the fish demon''s speed multiplied several times, moving as swiftly as a bolt of lightning under the surface.


    The Little Golden Dragon followed closely, but when it emerged from the waterway, the enemy had already vanished from its sight.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Golden Dragon burst out of the water, realizing it had arrived at an unremarkable river in the capital of Yu. It was already nighttime, and the riverside was sparsely popted, preventing a majormotion.


    Just as the Little Golden Dragon was about to return the way it came to find Chu Liang, a figure suddenly caught its attention.


    Beneath the drooping willows by the river stood an elderly man dressed in coarse hemp clothing. His hair and beard werepletely white, making his age hard to determine.


    However, he appeared full of vitality and in good spirits.


    He stood there, smiling as he looked at the Little Golden Dragon.


    For some reason, the Little Golden Dragon suddenly sensed a powerful and dangerous aura from this inconspicuous old man¡ªan innate sense of crisis unique to the dragon race.


    <i>Not good.</i>


    It turned around, intending to flee.


    But at that moment, the old man spoke. His voice was gentle: "Are you the descendant of the Golden Dragon that has suppressed the dynasty''s fate for several thousands of years?"


    "You must have mistaken me for another dragon," the Little Golden Dragon replied perfunctorily before turning to dive into the water.


    Unexpectedly, the old man waved his hand lightly, and the Little Golden Dragon suddenly shrank to the size of a child, falling to the ground. Its current appearance was exactly the same as when Chu Liang first saw it.


    "Ouch." The Little Golden Dragon fell to the ground with a wail, stood up, and rubbed its rear. It tried to return to its dragon form but found itself unable to take flight again.


    It was then forced to look at the old man. "What do you want?"


    "I simply wish to have a good talk with you," the old man said slowly. "The imperial family of this Yu Dynasty seized the teachings of Dao left behind by the previous Golden Dragon. That was rightfully yours. Don''t you want to take it back?"


    "Of course I do," the Little Golden Dragon replied.


    "I can help you reim the Great Dao of Cloud Dominion, allowing you to once again be a mighty eighth-realm True Dragon and dominate thend of the nine provinces," the old man said with an enticing tone.


    "Hmm?" The Little Golden Dragon raised its head, its golden irises flickering like mes. A faint veil seemed to obscure its eyes as it responded slowly, "You can help me reim the teachings of Dao?"


    "This is our Celestial Master of the Celestial Charm Sect," said the fish-scaled demon, who reappeared behind the old man, full of reverence. "As long as you have a wish, the Celestial Master can surely help you fulfill it."


    "Celestial Master..." The Little Golden Dragon murmured in a daze, as if sleepwalking. It felt as though something was being imprinted into its mind.


    "Come with me," the Celestial Master said softly, yet his words roared like thunder in the Little Golden Dragon''s ears. "Follow mymand, be my follower, and I can grant all your desires."


    Just as the mes in the Little Golden Dragon''s eyes were about to be extinguishedpletely, a terrifying explosion suddenly came from the direction of the imperial city.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    The Little Golden Dragon was jolted awake.


    And it wasn''t the only one awakened. That night, the entire capital of Yu saw the sun rise.


    ...


    When Di Nufeng said those words to Mingde, his expression shifted subtly.


    First, it was the request to steal fowls. Then, it was the request to fight for control of Dao. After that, it was the request of wanting to be the emperor.


    What Di Nufeng had just said was the fourth request. It was the only one that could be considered a legitimate request.


    Mingde''s expression, which had always been calm and unchanging for decades, suddenly appeared tense, as if his face was shrouded in an extraordinary radiance.


    "You want that fish, don''t you..." he said as he began to ascend into the sky. "Guardian Ruler, I must trouble you to watch over the imperial city for me."


    zing light erupted from his body, and the violet-golden divine fire surged outward in torrents. If Di Nufeng''s Samadhi True Fire was astonishing in its sheer volume and intensity, then Mingde''s could only be described as... infinite.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Above the imperial city, a massive fireball suddenly appeared, like a sun rising in the night! The surrounding thousand-mile radius was illuminated by its brilliance, leaving not even a mosquito the chance to escape.


    "Yu Tuoluo..."


    The zing sun seemed to be issuing a summons.


    Even among the imperial family, many had never witnessed the Imperial Guardian in action, knowing only his name but not his face. Yet as they gazed at the fireball in the sky, they suddenly grasped the true essence of the Great Dao of Incinerating Heaven.


    Among all the Great Daos, it was perhaps the simplest and most brutal.


    The Great Dao of Incinerate the Heavens!


    Celestial Master and Yu Tuoluo were illuminated by the sunlight, leaving them with no ce to hide.


    "Mingde has gone mad¡ªthis is the Mingde I know," the Celestial Master remarked leisurely. "It seems we must leave."


    But by now, it was toote to flee.


    A massive purple-golden fireball suddenly descended from the heavens, diving straight toward the two of them! It resembled a colossal meteor from the sky, engulfed in a divine fire that could obliterate everything.


    All living beings beneath the fireball could only suffocate.


    In this critical moment, the Celestial Master let out a soft cough: "<i>Ahem.</i>"


    A dragon''s chant erupted!


    For some unknown reason, beams of white light suddenly shed from the eyes of the Little Golden Dragon that was in front of them. The Little Golden Dragon transformed back into the form of a dragon and let out a mighty roar as it coiled in front of the two and blocked the fireball.


    But how could it possibly withstand the divine fire of the Imperial Guardian?


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    At the critical moment, the fireball was instantly dispersed by the wind, revealing Mingde''s figure. He grabbed the Little Golden Dragon and, with a single motion, pressed it into the waterway, sending towering waves into the sky.


    Before the water sshed down, he was already in front of the Celestial Master.


    "This meticulous scheme... it''s your handiwork again," Mingde said, his voice sounding deeper as he stared at the old man before him. "After all these years, you still cling to your treacherous ambitions."


    "Heh, long time no see," the old man chuckled, his eyes suddenly glowing with a radiant white light.


    A faint ripple seemed to spread outward.


    At that moment, all the residents of the capital of Yu felt a wave of dizziness, as though a dream realm had suddenly descended upon them.


    "You''ve grown much stronger, strong enough to possibly kill me," he continued speaking to Mingde. "But you still can''t do it."


    Mingde frowned as he gazed at him, the divine fire surging in the sky like an apocalypse.


    For an eighth-realm expert, cities and mortals were far too fragile.


    If he were to unleash heavenly fire, he could easily destroy the entire capital of Yu. But the old man before him had the same ability¡ªonce his Song of Chaos began, every citizen in the city would march to their deaths for him.


    If a battle between eighth-realm cultivators were to begin, regardless of who won or lost, themon people would inevitably face catastrophe.


    Eighty years ago, Mingde might have attacked his enemy without hesitation, but now he held back.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He was now the Imperial Guardian and could no longer act recklessly.


    "Very good, you''ve grown," the Celestial Master said with a smile as he prepared to take off into the sky with Yu Tuoluo.


    Just then, a sharp whistling sound echoed, like a de slicing rapidly through the air.


    In the blink of an eye, a figure with fiery wings descended like a divine phoenix, crashing down before them with a thunderous impact!


    Before Yu Tuoluo couldprehend what had happened, the figure stomped him to the ground, pinning him underfoot!


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    As the figurended, the Celestial Master intended to act, but Mingde''s piercing re forced him to stand down. He sensed that any action against this person would immediately provoke Mingde''s unrelenting assault.


    At that point, even the lives of the city''s citizens would no longer be leverage against him.


    The Celestial Master immediately deduced who this person was.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    As the smoke and dust cleared, Di Nufeng''s figure emerged. She nted her foot firmly on Yu Tuoluo''s chest, causing him immense pain, while raising her eyes to the nearby Celestial Master. "So, you two are the ones trying to kill my disciple?"


    "Chu Liang?" the Celestial Master replied calmly. "I always felt that he was somewhat threatening, so I wanted to end his destiny and fate. But it seems I''ve failed."


    Hearing Yu Tuoluo''s agonized screams as the Samadhi True Fire scorched him, he continued, "So I hope you''ll release my follower as well. Your father knew that our destinies are now tied to the lives of every citizen in this city."


    "<i>Heh.</i>" Di Nufeng suddenly chuckled, then raised her right foot high into the air.


    Just as Yu Tuoluo thought Di Nufeng was about to let him go and attempted to escape, her foot, imbued with divine fire, came crashing down again! He could only let out a final scream: "<i>Ah¡ª</i>"


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    The impact triggered a tornado of mes, rising from her foot and spreading for dozens of zhang. At the center of the fiery whirlwind, Yu Tuoluo was utterly defenseless as her stomp pierced through his chest, and Yu Tuoluo was consumed by the divine fire.


    After finishing him off, Di Nufeng turned to the Celestial Master and coldly spat out: "What does it have to do with me?"

 Chapter 622: Healing Wounds

    <h4>Chapter 622: Healing Wounds</h4>


    As Di Nufeng''s zing phoenix wings spread open, divine fire filled the sky, making it look like the end of the world.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "<i>Hah,</i>" the Celestial Master chuckled, his aged face revealing an amused smile. "Why don''t youe with me? You seem like you were born to wreak havoc unto the world."


    "Why?" Di Nufeng retorted coldly. "Are you missing a mother?"[1]


    The Celestial Masterughed again. The cruder Di Nufeng''s remarks became, the more delighted he was. Then, without another word, he turned and left swiftly.


    "You think you can leave?" Di Nufeng said, scowling.


    She leaped into the air again, transforming into a soaring phoenix. Then she threw a vicious punch toward the Celestial Master!


    However, the Celestial Master took one step, and he vanished into the void.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Di Nufeng''s fully charged punch struck nothing but air in the end.


    Her ying technique reigned supreme in the seventh realm, but she was unable to utilize her power against the Celestial Master¡ªa top eighth-realm cultivator and the master of a Great Dao.


    Afternding back on the ground, Di Nufeng looked at her father.


    Mingde could tell that Di Nufeng was ming him for the Celestial Master''s swift escape.


    So, Mingde preemptively exined, "The Great Dao of Chaos and Separation is enigmatic and unpredictable. He has tied his fate to that of the city''s popce. I can''t take action against him¡ªat least, not here in the capital of Yu."


    "But how will you track him down once he leaves the capital?" Di Nufeng asked.


    Mingde could only let out a sigh.


    ***


    Ever since that night eighty years ago, he harbored hatred for the Celestial Charm Sect that ran deep into his bones. Then after he became the Imperial Guardian, he had been working hard in secret, pushing for the Celestial Charm Sect''s eradication.


    Mingde''s role as the Imperial Guardian prevented him from leaving the imperial city, but the Seven Guards of the Night Dragon Hall had been scouring everywhere for traces of the Celestial Charm Sect. Whenever leads surfaced, they acted immediately, executing the members of the Celestial Charm Sect without mercy.


    Many years had passed since that fateful night, and the Seven Guards of the Night Dragon Hall had managed to eliminate some of the Celestial Charm Sect''s outer members. However, its core members remained untouchable. On the contrary, the imperial city¡ªthe base of the Seven Guards of the Night Dragon Hall¡ªhad been infiltrated again, nearly leading to another catastrophe.


    Ultimately, it was simply impossible to defend against the Celestial Master''s maniption ability. It would be extremely difficult to put an end to his influence as long as people continued to exist.


    The Celestial Charm Sect eventually amassed enough power and began stirring up chaos again in recent years. That was when the identities of some of its core members were exposed, and the Seven Guards of the Night Dragon Hall finally managed to deal the sect some substantial damage.


    Lu Chengchou, Chi Menshen, Empress Wu, Yu Tuoluo¡ªthe downfall of these key members of the Celestial Charm Sect could truly be credited to two people.


    They were the teacher-disciple duo of the Mount Shu Sect''s Silver Sword Peak.


    ***


    After a moment of silence, Mingde added, "At the very least, he probably didn''t lie to you that Chu Liang''s still alive. That much should be true."


    "Then, where did he go? Even you and the Guardian Ruler couldn''t find any traces of him."


    "Perhaps he used a secret life-saving method."


    "I am his esteemed teacher. What life-saving method does he have that I don''t know about?" Di Nufeng said. Yet, she suddenly paused in a moment of realization and then muttered to herself, "It seems I truly don''t know about it."


    She wondered, <i>How did I end up stumping myself with my own question...</i>


    Mingde found his daughter''s expression amusing and couldn''t resist letting the corners of his lips raise into a small smile.


    "What are youughing at?" Di Nufeng snapped, looking at him with a fierce gaze. "My disciple is missing, and you''reughing?"


    Mingde wiped the smile off his face. "I''m not."


    "You certainly were!" Di Nufeng insisted.


    "I just thought of something happy..." Mingde said, turning away.


    "<i>Hmph.</i>" Di Nufeng leaped into the air, intending to fly back to the imperial city. "In any case, this happened in the imperial pce, so the imperial family must bear full responsibility. If anything happens to Chu Liang, I won''t let you guys off!"


    ...


    "I''m done for."


    Chu Liang felt something sharp sweeping back and forth across his face. His first reaction was that he was dead.


    <i>Am I being punished in theherworld?</i>


    <i>I created jobs for so many people. Surely, I umted enough good karma to avoid going to theherworld, right?</i>


    Chu Liang finally opened his eyes and found that a stocky little Winged Draconic Beast, about four chi tall[2], was licking his face. Its tongue was covered with sharp barbs. They scraped his face with every lick, causing him a lot of pain.


    "Little Winged Draconic Beast..." Chu Liang muttered as he gradually recalled what had happened.


    ***


    When Cheng Hu''s second strike descended earlier, Chu Liang truly thought he was done for. With the restriction gone, they were essentially in full view of all the powerful cultivators in the imperial pce. So, Chu Liang did not expect that Cheng Hu would actually dare to kill him.


    Yet, Cheng Hu struck anyway.


    This was Chu Liang''s first time facing a seventh realm Eminent One in a fight to the death, and he lost.


    Just as he thought his death was imminent, the Blue Dragon''s Orb in his Sea of Qi refused to let him die. It spun frantically.


    Even if Chu Liang had fully refined the orb, he was still too weak to activate some of the powers of the Blue Dragon''s Orb¡ªlike Shattering the Void and Return to the Lair From Afar.


    The orb''s greatest life-saving method was the ability to instantly return to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm from any location. However, this required immense power, far beyond what Chu Liang could manage in his current state.


    In the past, the Blue Dragon''s Orb had sacrificed more than half of the draconic descendants in the hidden realm to summon the Dragon God''s throne into the realm. That meant the spiritual energy in the remaining draconic descendants was not enough for another summoning.


    Since the amount of spiritual energy within the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm remained the same, where had the additional energy been sourced from?


    It was the Dragon God''s throne.


    In that critical moment when Chu Liang had been on the verge of death, the massive bronze throne, which loomed like a lofty mountain in the hidden realm, erupted with immense spiritual energy and transferred it to the Blue Dragon''s Orb.


    That was how the Blue Dragon''s Orb was finally able to activate in the instant before Chu Liang''s death, transporting him thousands of li away to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    ***


    "<i>Ahhh...</i>"


    Chu Liang tried to get up, but he was struck by a wave of excruciating pain that rendered him immobile. It felt as if his body no longer belonged to him. The only part of his body he could move was his head, and even that was extremely difficult to do.


    He had experienced this before. This was no ident. He was paralyzed again.


    Thest time this happened, it had been in the illusory realm of the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. This time, however, it was in the real world, and his injuries were likely much more severe.


    When it happened in the illusory realm, it had been due to the bacsh of drawing in and using an immensely excessive amount of spiritual energy. His corporeal body had recovered quickly then, but that wouldn''t be the case this time.


    Chu Liang had been injured by a seventh-realm Eminent One. He could feel many streams of powerful spiritual energy wreaking havoc inside him, hindering his recovery by repeatedly re-opening his wounds.


    With his current abilities, Chu Liang couldn''t repair these injuries. Nevertheless, there was an external force doing that for him.


    Chu Liangy on his back on top of an ice-cold, massive bronze throne. Sparks of lightning shed and darted across the surface of the throne like roaming golden dragons. There was an enormous number of them, and they eventually all converged on Chu Liang, injecting him with spiritual energy.


    The Blue Dragon''s Orb had paid a tremendous price to summon the Dragon God''s throne, and now the throne''s value was finally showing.


    Chu Liang recalled that time in Baxia''s tomb and how the Dragon God''s throne had spent countless years reassembling Baxia''s shattered soul. This indicated that the throne likely possessed some sort of healing power.


    As Chu Liang thought about it some more, he remembered that the Dragon God was an ancient Hallowed One. That meant the Dragon God couldn''t possibly have made Baxia carry around such a massive throne every day simply as a show of extravagance.


    It was highly likely that the Dragon God''s throne was a legendary artifact with restorative and healing effects. That would exin why the Dragon God valued the throne. It had likely used the throne to recover after battles.


    As for Chu Liang, he had inherited the cultivation legacy of four kinds of dragons, allowing him to produce dragon breath that was so pure it rivaled that of a True Dragon. That pure dragon breath was likely why the throne was helping him.


    As the true master of the Blue Dragon''s Orb, Chu Liang could sense the will of both the orb and the Dragon God''s throne now that he was inside the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm. The orb and the throne were inanimate objects, but they had developed a will of their own a long time ago. It was probably simr to how legendary artifacts had spirits.


    Chu Liang could sense that the Blue Dragon''s Orb''s will was quite aligned with his own, while the throne had an arrogant and imposing will. Even as the throne healed him, it maintained an air of superiority.


    After all, it once belonged to the Dragon God. It didn''t matter that the throne was a little arrogant as long as it could save Chu Liang''s life.


    Chu Liangy there quietly, waiting to be healed. The golden dragons of lightning from the throne shed and flickered over him, channeling spiritual energy into his corporeal body. They gradually expelled Cheng Hu''s spiritual energy and began healing Chu Liang''s broken limbs and shattered meridians.


    These were severe injuries like those he had suffered in the Divine Mirror of the Eight Trigrams. His corporeal body might be able to recover, but the damage to his Sea of Qi would be permanent, effectively ending his cultivation journey.


    If not for the Dragon God''s throne, that would likely have been Chu Liang''s fate. The throne''s lightning seemed to be injecting boundless vitality into Chu Liang. It restored his devastated Sea of Qi, letting it grow anew. This amazing recovery shocked Chu Liang greatly.


    If he remained conscious throughout, this long recovery process would be unbearably boring. Nevertheless, his corporeal body required vast amounts of spiritual energy for the recovery. So, fortunately for him, he was forced into a prolonged state of slumber, only waking briefly once in a while before drifting back into deep sleep.


    The Little Winged Draconic Beast dropped by every now and then to lick him awake and feed him a few plump, juicy fruits to meet his basic sustenance needs.


    Chu Liang had given it some berries in the past, and now it seemed the Little Winged Draconic Beast was returning the favor.


    There was no distinction between day and night in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, so the recovery process seemed to go on for an indeterminate amount of time.


    Then one day, Chu Liang woke to find that the corporeal outer parts of his body had healedpletely. All that was left were the incorporeal inner parts of his body, which were the most difficult to heal. The recovery process for his shattered meridians would be long and slow.


    Nheless, Chu Liang stood up excitedly. His heart was filled with gratitude as he gazed at the engravings of the dragon race on the backrest of the throne.


    Yet, before he could utter a word of thanks, the Dragon God''s throne suddenly lit up with a white glow. Then a bolt of lightning shot down from the clear sky, striking his head.


    <i>Crackle!</i>


    The chaotic lightning that had appeared unexpectedly sent Chu Liang sprawling to the ground, knocking him unconscious once again.


    In his unconscious state, a crimson-gold mark slowly spread across his forehead...


    1. Yeah, that¡¯s what it said in the raw. I assume she¡¯s just showing her dominance or something. ?


    2. Around 133 cm ?

 Chapter 623: When the Wind Rises

    <h4>Chapter 623: When the Wind Rises</h4>


    Night Dragon Hall.


    The emperor leaned back in his chair with his eyes shut as his mind wandered elsewhere. He looked quite tired.


    Cultivators at his level rarely experienced physical fatigue unless they had been engaged in a great battle of life and death. That meant the emperor''s tiredness was likely to be due to emotional exhaustion.


    Before the Qinghong Banquet, he was already heartbroken because of the two women he loved most. Then the chaos during the banquet just added to his problems. His son''s death became the final straw that broke the camel''s back.


    The emperor had been sitting there silently for a long time.


    In the meantime, Di Nufeng had gone to Mount Reticence to ask someone from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to help do a divination reading to find out Chu Liang''s location. If that yielded no results, she would surely return to the imperial city to demand answers.


    Guards from the Night Dragon Hall and officials from the Imperial Supervisory Bureau had already gone out to look for Chu Liang, but it remained uncertain as to whether Chu Liang could be found. It was foreseeable that more troubley ahead.


    "<i>Haaa.</i>"


    A thousand of the emperor''s unspoken words were condensed into a single sigh.


    "Your Majesty, why not return to your chambers and rest for a while?" Warrior Lao said as he emerged from the shadows. The elderly walked over in a stooped posture, looking a little worried. "It''s almost daybreak. The morning court session will begin soon."


    "No, I''m fine," the emperor replied, shaking head. After a moment, he ordered, "Summon Hai''er for me."


    Heeding the order, Warrior Lao left.


    Soon after, the Second Prince hurried over.


    Given the magnitude of what had just urred, few in the pce could sleep unless they were ordinary mortals who absolutely had to, so the Second Prince had been awake and quick to respond to his father¡¯s call.


    The Second Prince bowed and greeted the emperor respectfully. "Father."


    Like the emperor, the Second Prince looked troubled. The Thirteenth Prince''s death meant that the Second Prince''s greatest rival for the position of crown prince had been eliminated. However, his mother''s fate remained uncertain, and her imprisonment in the inner pce weighed heavily on his mind.


    The emperor had issued strict orders to keep it a secret that Empress Wu had been a long-term undercover agent for the Celestial Charm Sect. This was to avoid rming the remaining undercover agents in the pce and facilitate their eradication, as well as preserve the imperial family''s dignity.


    The official exnation for Empress Wu''s imprisonment was simply that she had killed an imperial consort. Homicides over power struggles in the harem were neither unprecedented nor umon. However, the high status of both the perpetrator and the victim made this case particrly shocking. It wouldn''t be long before the story spread throughout the territory of the Yu Dynasty¡ªthough likely only as a topic of idle gossip.


    If news that the empress was affiliated with the Celestial Charm Sect were to leak, it would greatly undermine the imperial court''s authority.


    The emperor stared at the Second Prince intently for a long moment before asking, "What do you think of your mother''s situation?"


    The Second Prince fell to his knees abruptly, pleading, "Father! Mother killed a noble consort; her crime is indeed grave. But I beg you, on ount of all your years together, please spare her life!"


    "Is that all you know? That she killed an imperial consort?" the emperor asked.


    The Second Prince raised his gaze, with a genuinely dumb look of surprise. "There''s more?"


    The emperor could tell at a nce from the Second Prince''s expression that he was indeed unaware of his mother''s true identity.


    The emperor had watched the Second Prince grow up. This child of his was rather soft-hearted and less capable than the Thirteenth Prince, but the Second Prince''s pure nature andck of schemes were redeeming qualities. If Empress Wu had disclosed everything to him, it''s unlikely he would have managed to remain in his current state of mind.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Your mother is a rebel¡ªa member of the Celestial Charm Sect. All the rebels that were purged from the imperial pcest night were working for the Celestial Charm Sect, and she was the one who let them in here! This includes that imperial consort and the Thirteenth Prince. They were both under the influence of the Celestial Charm Sect. Empress Wu was the cause of it all!" the emperor said firmly.


    "What?" The Second Prince fell to the floor. "Father, how is this possible? There must be some misunderstanding, right? Mother, she¡ª"


    "She does show a willingness to repent, so I will not kill her," the emperor said, his tone softening slightly. "Moreover, I will appoint you as the crown prince. Once your cultivation reaches the seventh realm, I will pass the throne to you."


    "Father..." the Second Prince murmured in shock, not daring to lift his head.


    It seemed his mind was overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information; he was unable to process it all at once.


    The emperor continued somberly, "I told you all this so that you''ll understand... that it''s not easy to be a ruler. From now on, you must temper yourself diligently."


    ...


    Celestial Tome Cave, Mount Reticence.


    "Ah Feng, you need not be anxious," Elder Huang said, swinging his hand with faltering movements. "Regardless of whether he''s alive or dead, the Omniscience will always provide an answer. We can afford to wait a little longer."


    "I''m not anxious," Di Nufeng replied.


    "Then can you let go of the back of my cor?"


    "Oh."


    Di Nufeng released her grip.


    ...


    <i>Earlier...</i>


    She arrived in the form of a zing fireball, crashing right onto Mount Reticence. At the time, the sky was still dark, so the Celestial Pivot Pavilion thought they were under attack.


    The disciples of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion swiftly gathered to fight... Then they saw Di Nufeng pulling Elder Huang, who was still sound asleep, out from under the rubble of his copsed house.


    <i>Oh, it''s Di Nufeng.</i>


    Upon realizing who it was, the disciples quickly dispersed.


    Di Nufeng urgently said to Elder Huang, "I''m here to ask for your help."


    Hearing that, the still-groggy Elder Huang was rather dumbfounded.


    <i>Is this how people ask for favors nowadays?</i>


    Nevertheless, this was Di Nufeng after all. Elder Huang was so used to seeing her strange behavior that this didn''t seem strange at alling from her.


    Di Nufeng then told him that Chu Liang was missing, and Elder Huang realized the gravity of the situation.


    Chu Liang had just been crowned the champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. If the Celestial Charm Sect had killed him in the imperial pce the very next day, it would not only be a blow to the imperial court but also to the prestige of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Of course, those blows would be abstract, but the enraged Di Nufeng standing before Elder Huang was all too real.


    Elder Huang quickly led Di Nufeng to the Celestial Tome Cave, where the Omniscience was housed. With Elder Huang''s status within the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, he had the right to use it.


    In truth, the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was reluctant to use the Omniscience to help outsiders because there were countless people in the world with unresolved concerns. If they were to open their doors to such requests, who knew what troubles they would be letting flood in.


    Moreover, revealing too many secrets of the heavens could affect a person''s lifespan and karma, so they outright refused most of the requests to use the Omniscience. This way, those with truly critical issues would still go to the Celestial Pivot Pavilion to seek their help, but those requests would be significantly lower in number.


    Elder Huang led Di Nufeng into the Celestial Tome Cave. After walking through the deep and dark tunnels of the cave, they saw a stone wall that looked like white jade, radiating with a lustrous glow.


    This wasn''t Di Nufeng''s first time seeing it, so she wasn''t particrly amazed... However, thest time she was here¡ªthat had been for Chu Liang''s sake too.


    The Celestial Tome was not a book at all but rather a massive jade wall imbued with heavenly insight, capable of producing projections of the events urring in the world. Since it was able to cast a light on all matters under the heavens, it earned the name Omniscience.


    Elder Huang adjusted his robes and stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "I¡ªHuang Wuren, a descendant of the Heaven Observer¡ªhumbly seek counsel from the Celestial Tome regarding a critical matter. Please bestow us a revtion."


    He formed a hand seal with both hands and closed his eyes slightly.


    <i>Whoosh.</i>


    The jade wall lit up brightly with a chaotic and blinding radiance. Threads of qi flowed from Elder Huang, connecting him to the jade wall.


    As he exhaled, the wind and clouds projected on the wall dispersed chaotically in the blink of an eye, reced by two lines ofrge words.


    <i>The fish lies hidden at the bottom of the river, Awaiting the wind that will transform it into a dragon.</i>


    Di Nufeng looked closely at the wall and muttered, "These are... words?"


    "Yes, they are words," Elder Huang replied, opening his eyes with a slightly awkward smile. "These words of guidance likely mean that the person you seek is lying low somewhere. When the time is right, they will have an opportunity to ascend and transform into a dragon."


    "I asked you if he is dead or alive and to find out where he is. Yet, <i>this</i> is your answer?"


    "He''s alive, of course!" Elder Huang chuckled. "How could a dead person transform into a dragon?"


    "Reincarnation?" Di Nufeng said skeptically.


    <i>Starting over, huh...</i>


    Elder Huang cursed inwardly, shaking his head helplessly.


    "In any case, Chu Liang''s safety is assured, and this is likely a fortuitous opportunity for him. However, his current location is hidden from the heavens. It''s possible he''s inside an enchanted formation or a hidden realm. When he returns, he will undoubtedly be stronger than before."


    Di Nufeng asked, "Then, is there an estimate of when he will return?"


    Elder Huang answered slowly, "Naturally, it is when the wind rises."

 Chapter 624: The Divine Ruins Scroll [End of Book 6]

    <h4>Chapter 624: The Divine Ruins'' Scroll [End of Book 6]</h4>


    Beneath the ancient tree of Azure Falling Peak, Jiang Yuebai stood alone.


    It had been a month since Chu Liang disappeared. Although Di Nufeng brought back optimistic news from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion, Jiang Yuebai couldn''t rest easy without seeing him in person.


    She sent many messages to Chu Liang through the United Hearts Jade. The light on the other end remained lit, indicating he was likely still alive. However, there had been no response, leaving her unsure of his current state.


    As she was lost in thought, a figure quietly appeared behind her.


    "It''s about time," said the Whale-Riding Immortal, his voice faint and distant.


    Jiang Yuebai turned her head, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Father..."


    She had never met her parents before, so saying this felt strange. Yet, the Whale-Riding Immortal''s gaze trembled slightly.


    "Still worried about Chu Liang?" he asked again.


    "Yes," Jiang Yuebai admitted.


    "That boy has the look of someone blessed with great fortune. I believe he''ll find his own opportunities," the Whale-Riding Immortal said. "We also have our destination."


    "Where are we going?" Jiang Yuebai asked.


    "I haven''t exined this in detail before. Searching for the Divine Ruins'' scroll is a long journey," the Whale-Riding Immortal replied. "From what I know, the scroll originally came from the demon race of the Far West. Itter fell into the hands of a senior from Mount Shu. Using this scroll, he likely found the true Divine Ruins Monastery and obtained what he desired from it.


    "Heter divided the scroll into four parts, falsely iming them to be the pieces of an Immortals'' Hidden Map scattered all over the world of mortals, causing a storm of bloodshed and chaos across thend."


    Jiang Yuebai wasn''t aware of this story, so she quietly listened.


    "Your mother..." The Whale-Riding Immortal''s expression softened as he spoke. "She emerged from the Divine Ruins back then to resolve this matter. Her goal was to gather the scattered pieces of the Divine Ruins'' scroll to prevent further chaos and to stop anyone from disturbing the Divine Ruins Monastery again. That''s when she met me.


    "When I first saw her, she stood alone in a crowd, radiantly beautiful..."


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jiang Yuebai wouldn''t have minded hearing more about her parents'' love story, but the Whale-Riding Immortal, after a brief moment of immersion, suddenly remembered he was discussing important matters and quickly steered the conversation back on track.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal continued, "When she left the Divine Ruins Monastery, she carried with her the deduced whereabouts of the Divine Ruins'' scroll. I had heard her mention some of it before. After those events unfolded, I spent another ten years attaining the Dao. Sinceing out of seclusion, I''ve only had enough time to locate one piece.


    "There are still three more pieces of the Divine Ruins'' scroll, and we must find them together. One piece is suspected to have been taken by the Soul Destroyer Sect, but the sect''s cultivation legacy has since ended, making it exceedingly hard to trace.


    "Another piece is in the possession of Jin Mucuo, an Eminent One that resided in the Southern Regions. He was once a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect like me, so we should have been able to get it easily. Unfortunately, he has been missing for years, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The final piece wasst seen in Muzhi City located in the Northern Regions, but it vanished after a fleeting appearance.


    "I don''t know how long it will take for us to gather these three pieces, which is why I said that the journey with me will be very long."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal added, "You are the head disciple of the Mount Shu Sect. If you were to stay at Mount Shu instead, your future prospects would be bright."


    "As a daughter, how could I turn a blind eye to my parents'' affairs?" Jiang Yuebai said as she shook her head. "Once I''ve rescued Mother, it won''t be toote to return to Mount Shu."


    The Whale-Riding Immortal looked at his daughter and could only sigh softly.


    This temperament, seemingly gentle yet truly stubborn, was so strikingly simr to her mother''s.


    ...


    On a distant mountain peak in the Southern Regions, another meeting was taking ce.


    A young noble, dressed in green robes with a jade-like face, ascended the summit apanied by a beautiful woman in a colorful dress. At the peak, an elderly man with a radiant divine light in his eyes awaited them.


    "Celestial Master." The young noble bowed respectfully before introducing, "This is the Celestial Master of our Celestial Charm Sect, and this is the Demon King of the Verdant Foxhills, Lady Caiyi."


    This young noble in green was none other than Young Noble Xunyang, who had lived in the Far West for many years.


    At that time, he had fled to the demons'' territory to avoid trouble. Later, when arge number of fox demons traveled to thend of the nine provinces, he came along with them. This meeting with Caiyi was arranged under the orders of the Celestial Master.


    "I have long heard of the Demon King''s great name. It is an honor to meet you today," the Celestial Master said with a gentle smile.


    "Your Celestial Charm Sect is equally well-known," Caiyi replied with a subtle nod, maintaining a reserved demeanor.


    "Our sect''s followers who traveled to the Far West owe their safety to your protection," the Celestial Master said with a smile. "I understand that not all parts of the Far West are weing to humans, but the Verdant Foxhills is an exception. Your wisdom is truly extraordinary."


    "Whether it''s humans or demons ruling over the four seas and nine provinces, neither canpletely eliminate the other," Caiyi said with a thoughtful tone. "In the end, coexistence is inevitable. I don''t reject humans; I simply wish for demons to have their share of this prosperous world."


    "In this regard, we share the same vision," the Celestial Master said.


    "I''ve heard that the Celestial Charm Sect seeks chaos and separation, aiming to purge all beings under heaven," Caiyi remarked. "That is very different from what I hope for."


    "Ah," the Celestial Master said with a smile, shaking his head. "Our ultimate goals may differ, but in seeking the demon race''s return to the nine provinces, we do share amon objective. At least for this first part of the journey, we need each other''s help."


    He added, "You wish to restore the Demon God and bring about the resurgence of the demon race. Well, I share that same goal."


    "Oh?" Caiyi asked with a smirk. "And can the Celestial Master truly help restore the Demon God?"


    "Yes," the Celestial Master replied firmly.


    "But why have I heard that things aren''t going so well for the Celestial Charm Sect?" Caiyi remarked. "Word has spread about what happened in the imperial city recently¡ªyears of your nning werepletely ruined. The spies you spent so long nting were wiped out, and some of your top generals were lost. If not for this major setback, I doubt you''d even consider working with us."


    "A major setback?" The Celestial Master kept his smile. "There were indeed some unexpected events, most of which were caused by a Mount Shu Sect disciple whose fate and destiny remain unclear to me. Still, the ultimate goal was achieved."


    "Chu Liang, isn''t it? I know of him," Caiyi said. "I also heard that the Thirteenth Prince, whom you supported in the pce, was killed by Chu Liang."


    "Sending the Thirteenth Prince to kill Chu Liang was ast-minute decision on my part," the Celestial Master said slowly. "I sensed a hint of danger from that boy. Unfortunately, the n failed, and it cost Yu Tuoluo his life... but these are trivial matters."


    Young Noble Xunyang, who had been silent until now, added, "Indeed. The Thirteenth Prince was ambitious. Someone like that could be controlled temporarily but never permanently. That''s why his death was always part of the Celestial Master''s n."


    "Oh?" Caiyi raised her eyes, locking onto the smiling old man in front of her.


    Young Noble Xunyang continued, "The Second Prince has always been the key to the Celestial Master''s n!"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 625: The Strange Encounters in Three Dreams[Start of Book 7]

    <h4>Chapter 625: The Strange Encounters in Three Dreams[Start of Book 7]</h4>


    "<i>Grrrrrr.</i>"


    In the wild jungle, exotic beasts roamed freely.


    A massive bird soared through the sky, its broad wings momentarily blotting out the sun. Its sharp gaze fixated on a small blue dragon hidden below.


    The blue-scaled dragon hatchling struggled as it tried to dodge.


    At the same time, it summoned the spiritual energy of the Blue Dragon and unleashed a wind that shed like des toward the bird. The attack tore countless feathers from the giant creature, yet the bird remained unscathed, its body as if made of steel. All it lost were its feathers.


    After unleashing the des of wind, the Blue Dragon let out a piercing cry and turned to flee. With the control of the wind, it glided at incredible speed. Using its small size to its advantage, it wove through the dense forest like a fish in water, while the massive bird struggled to maintain its pursuit at such a low altitude.


    As the bird pped its wings to ascend once more, a colossal w descended from the heavens. Inparison, the once-imposing bird suddenly seemed no more than a tiny chick. The massive w extended from the side of a towering mountain, seizing the bird before turning to reveal its entire back.


    It was a winged beast resembling a tiger. An exotic beast with its two saber-like fangs jutted toward the sky as it gazed upward.


    Beside this monstrous beast, the Blue Dragon appeared extremely tiny¡ªso much so that it managed to escape unnoticed.


    The Blue Dragon dove to the bottom of ake, finally stopping its desperate escape, only to be hit by a wave of disorientation.


    This Blue Dragon was none other than Chu Liang.


    When he woke up that day, he realized that he had been saved by the Dragon God''s throne in the Blue Dragon¡¯s Hidden Realm. Just as he was about to act, a bolt of lightning summoned by the throne struck him down instantly. When he woke up, he found himself in a wild jungle teeming with celestial beasts and demons. To his dismay, he had been transformed into a tiny Blue Dragon hatchling, forced into a relentless struggle for survival.


    He could sense the presence of the primordial Great Dao of the Heavens and Earth, and despite being in the body of a Blue Dragon hatchling, he was capable of wielding immense power. However, his opponents were equally terrifying entities.


    The experience was utterly harrowing.


    As Chu Liang paused to catch his breath at the bottom of theke, the water around him suddenly began to boil. The ground quaked violently, as though a great upheaval was unfolding.


    Sensing danger, Chu Liang tried to poke his head out of the water, only to see a massive fireball hurtling toward him. Behind it, countless more ming meteors rained down from the sky like an apocalyptic storm.


    These meteors weren¡¯t just searingly hot and unimaginably heavy, carrying tens of thousands of <i>jun</i> of force; they were also made of extraordinarily hard extraterrestrial steel. The legendary ck meteoric iron[1], prized by cultivators in the immortal realm, was refined from such celestial phenomena.


    Each meteor was capable of crushing a mountain upon impact, obliterating everything in a vast surrounding area.


    And now, they were falling like a relentless downpour.


    "Oh shit."


    Chu Liang only had time to let out a wail of despair.


    ...


    The scene then changed as Chu Liang found himself within a shattered nest.


    As Chu Liang examined himself again, he found that his body was now shimmering with golden light¡ªhe had transformed into a massive golden-scaled dragon.


    Unlike the form of the Blue Dragon hatchling he had taken on before, this golden-scaled dragon was fully grown. While this golden-scaled dragon had yet to take control of a Great Dao, his cultivation at the peak of the seventh realm made him nearly invincible against anyone who had yet to attain the Heavenly Origin¡ªprovided he didn¡¯t face some truly monstrous entities.


    This time, Chu Liang finally felt a sense of reassurance. Although he still didn¡¯t fully grasp what was happening, the immense power of his new form gave him a semnce of confidence.


    <i>Who could possibly kill me now?</i>


    Whether it be that giant bird or the tiger with the dragon fangs, regardless of how massive they were, they would be restricted by their innate bloodlines. Even at their peak, they could never rival a True Dragon of the seventh realm.


    So he coiled his body as he peeked out their. He still hadn¡¯t gotten used to the change from walking upright in a human form to soaring as a dragon. Fortunately, thanks to the training he had undergone earlier, he had be adept at controlling his dragon body.


    However, as his dragon head emerged from their, his zing golden irises suddenly froze in shock.


    He was stunned.


    Outside their, the sunlight had vanished entirely.


    A colossal shadowy figure loomed in the sky, blocking all light. The moment Chu Liang emerged, it descended like the heavens copsing, apanied by a deafening roar that shook the earth.


    In his final moments of consciousness, Chu Liang saw the true form of the monster.


    It was a massive ck fish, suspended in the sky like an endless ocean. The dark cloud that had shrouded the entire dragon¡¯sir was merely one of its fins.


    That single fin shook the heavens and the earth.


    <i>Kun Fist.</i>


    These two words surfaced in Chu Liang''s mind just before everything went dark.


    ...


    When he opened his eyes again, the scene had changed.


    Now, his body was covered in deep blue scales with a golden sheen, each etched with ancient patterns that seemed to embody the essence of the Great Dao. He coiled atop a sky-piercing throne as vast as a mountain as he felt this surging power pulsating within him.


    It felt as if the entire world rested in the palm of his hand.


    <i>What is this? </i>Chu Liang looked around in astonishment. <i>Did I be the... Dragon God? </i>


    The world before him no longer looked the same. Intricate, glowing patterns marked thendscape, each representing a Great Dao. Countless interconnected Daos wove together, forming the fabric of the mortal realm.


    To a Hallowed One at the ninth realm, the mortal world was too small.


    By moving these Great Daos, he could effortlessly manipte the lifelines of the Four Seas and Nine Provinces, determining life and death in an instant.


    Even the legendary ancient Kun, which once struck fear into him, was now beneath his notice. Though the legendary Kun Peng fed on dragons, it would never dare to target the Dragon God.


    It would not even dare to take a bite if the Dragon God, being a ninth-realm entity, offered as a prey.


    As Chu Liang prepared to ascend into the skies to fully experience the power of a being at the ninth realm, a sudden p of thunder rang out. A cascade of heavenly light poured down without warning, its blinding radiance causing the fiery glow in his eyes to falter and fade.


    <i>What is this?</i>


    Within the blinding radiance, a faint silhouette seemed to take form¡ªa person, shrouded in light.


    ...


    "Ah..."


    A sharp pain jolted through him, and Chu Liang regained consciousness once more.


    His mind was a chaotic blur. Clutching his head, he sat in a daze for what felt like an eternity before his memories began to return and he finally remembered where he was.


    The Blue Dragon hidden realm, the Dragon God''s throne.


    All those seemingly vivid experiences had been conjured by the Dragon God¡¯s throne, brought forth by a single bolt of summoned lightning.


    It had allowed him to truly live the lives of a Blue Dragon, a Golden Dragon, and even the Dragon God. Yet, the throne¡¯s purpose remained a mystery to him.


    Chu Liang shifted slightly, and his joints creaked as though they had rusted¡ªhe had no idea how long he had been lying there. But with that single movement, he felt a surge of dragon breath coursing through his entire body, It felt powerful and vibrant.


    Moreover, he quickly realized that his body now brimmed with five distinct streams of dragon breath.


    The breaths of the White Dragon and Inferno Dragon had been there from the start. After refining the Blue Dragon''s Orb, he gained the Blue Dragon¡¯s breath. When Little Golden Dragon granted him Dragon Soul Protection, he acquired a trace of Golden Dragon¡¯s breath.


    Now, the most powerful stream within him was the fierce and explosive thunder dragon breath¡ªa force Chu Liang was not unfamiliar with.


    It was the Dragon God''s breath!


    It was this very power that had coursed through him when he had taken the form of the Dragon God.


    Raising his hand to his forehead, he felt a slight protrusion. There, a deep purple mark with a golden sheen had appeared, resembling a third eye.


    <i>Is this a mark bestowed by the Dragon God''s throne?</i>


    Chu Liang turned his gaze to the massive throne. It stood there silently, having had no direct interaction with him. Yet it had been the Dragon God¡¯s seat for countless years, likely absorbing the Dragon God¡¯s aura. This mark on his forehead had likelye from it.


    <i>But why did it bestow this mark to me? Is it because...I am handsome? </i>


    Chu Liang chuckled at the absurd thought and decided not to dwell on it. Though he felt disheveled and grimy, he didn¡¯t bother cleaning up. Leaping into the air, he was ready to leave the hidden realm and return to Mount Shu.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He had no idea how much time had passed, but it must have been considerable. By now, the people at Mount Shu were surely growing anxious.


    Senior Sister Jiang had mentioned she would leave after the Assembly of Immortal Sects. With this dy, who knew if she was still at the mountain?


    As Chu Liang soared into the air, he realized that his Sea of Qi felt somewhat clogged, likely a result of his flow of qi not being in cirction for too long.


    The Large-Headed Dolls within his body had also stopped working as they hadn''t been paid their usual supply of pills. Clearly, they had been on an extended vacation.


    Chu Liang sighed silently.


    <i>Very unreliable! How much precious cultivation time had been wasted because of this? Refusing to work just because they weren''t paid? Is there no justice left in the world?!</i>


    Fortunately, even though the Large-Headed Dolls had collectively gone on strike, the dragon breath within his body had grown exponentially stronger, and the power of the dragons'' cultivation legacy had advanced by leaps and bounds.


    Previously, after refining the Blue Dragon''s Orb, Chu Liang had been able to wield its power to fight with those at the sixth realm Now, with just a clench of his fist, he felt as if he could shatter a mountain with a single punch.


    This strength was likely at the peak of the sixth realm.


    Did suffering an injury lead to such immense progress? It felt as though he had simply taken a night''s sleep and woken up leagues ahead!


    As he began to circte the dragon breath within him, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but wonder, <i>How far has my Physical Dragon Transformation progressed?</i>


    The immortal art of Physical Dragon Transformation relied heavily on the purity of dragon breath; the purer the breath, the moreplete the transformation. Previously, Yang Shenlong had used the Azure Dragon''s cultivation legacy to achieve a transformation of just one head and one w.


    With the strength of three dragon cultivation legacies, Chu Liang had already surpassed him.


    At this moment, the percentage of dragon within Chu Liang was astonishing¡ªhis body likely contained more dragon blood than human blood. If he were to fully unleash the power of the dragon...


    The thought stirred him to action. Without hesitation, he formed a hand seal, activating the spell. In an instant, his form began to change.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    With a thunderous roar, a five-colored True Dragon soared into the sky within the Blue Dragon¡¯s Hidden Realm!


    Though it was only about ten zhang in length, resembling a young True Dragon, its aura was as imposing as that of a fully grown one.


    Chu Liang had achieved aplete Physical Dragon Transformation. This was something unheard of, something no one had ever aplished since the birth of this immortal art.


    Riding on the momentum of this unstoppable force, Chu Liang felt full of vigor. He burst through the gateway of the Blue Dragon¡¯s Hidden Realm and soared out in his dragon form.


    Although he had entered the hidden realm through the use of Shattering the Void from the imperial city''s inner pce, he had to exit through the proper gateway. Now, he found himself back at the ruins of the Ancient Dragon Lair, the very ce where he had arrived when he entered the hidden realm for the first time.


    This ce had always been deste, with few signs of life. Chu Liang wasn¡¯t worried about startling anyone as he leapt out into the open.


    Thanks to his training in the dream realm, he could control his dragon body with ease. Just as he prepared to soar high into the sky, the sharp hum of a sword pierced the air.


    <i>Whoosh¡ª</i>


    A streak of brilliant light tore through the sky, apanied by a thunderous shout.


    "Demonic dragon! Give me back my princess!"


    1. The Weapon Master''s hand is made of this ?

 Chapter 626: The Four Overlords of Mount Shu

    <h4>Chapter 626: The Four Overlords of Mount Shu</h4>


    The streak of sword light was as dazzling as a star and as swift as lightning, carrying a fierce and unstoppable momentum!


    Chu Liang spotted the attack, halted mid-air, and with a flick of his long tail, struck the longsword with a crisp ng, scattering the spiritual energy imbued within it.


    The attackers were instantly stunned.


    They were three young men and women. The two young men wore coarse short robes. One had a headband tied around his dark, tanned skin and a sturdy build, while the other, slightly taller, had a broad forehead andrge eyes.


    The young woman, the tallest among them, had thick golden wavy hair, amber-colored eyes, and snow-white skin, clearly identifying her as a woman from the Western Regions.


    The headband-wearing young man had been the one tounch the sword attack. Seeing his full-force Sword Maniption Technique so easily neutralized by the evil dragon, his expression changed. Without hesitation, he formed a hand seal, summoning rolling clouds to obscure the surroundings¡ªa divine technique meant to confuse vision.


    Chu Liang let out a low growl: "<i>Grrr.</i>"


    With that single sound, the mist around him instantly dissipated.


    The three youths, sensing the dragon¡¯s overwhelming strength, prepared to unleash their divine skills in a desperate bid.


    Chu Liang quickly shouted, "Stop!"


    In an instant, he shifted his form, transforming into his human appearance as hended lightly on the ground.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The three stared at him, stunned by his transformation into a human. Their suspicion, however, remained.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m human,¡± Chu Liang said, smiling and spreading his hands. ¡°I was merely practicing a divine skill when you stumbled upon me and attacked out of nowhere.¡±


    Yet, to his surprise, his tried-and-true harmless smile¡ªone that had never failed to win goodwill¡ªdidn¡¯t work this time.


    The three continued to stare at him with wary, hostile eyes, as if he were a demonic creature.


    Chu Liang was slightly puzzled by their reaction. After a brief hesitation, he took out a bronze mirror and looked at his reflection. The reason for their wariness became immediately clear.


    His clothes were tattered and stained with blood, his hair disheveled, and his matted beardpletely obscured his face.


    The sudden transformation into a dragon after such a long time caused his entire body to radiate a ferocious qi, making him appear even more terrifying than he had in his dragon form. It was no wonder they were so intimidated.


    Without hesitation, Chu Liang formed his fingers into a saber and neatly trimmed his unruly beard and hair. He then condensed water from the air to thoroughly cleanse his face. Finally, he discarded his tattered outer garment and changed into a pristine brocade robe.


    After this transformation, he waved at the young men and woman. "See? I¡¯m really a good person."


    The three finally appeared to trust him a little, whispering among themselves.


    "Ah..."


    "He really does seem to be human."


    "When he transformed into a dragon earlier, there was indeed no demonic qi."


    Watching them murmur amongst themselves, Chu Liang smiled and said, "No need to panic. I am a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, one of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, named Chu... Liuxiang. I mean no harm."


    At thest moment, he gave a false name.


    After all, having won the Champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the name Chu Liang had likely spread far and wide. The entire world probably knew he was the champion, and by extension, who his esteemed teacher was.


    He had suffered enough because of his teacher in the past.


    "Mount Shu?" Hearing those words, the three brightened instantly and said in unison, "So you¡¯re an esteemed senior from the Mount Shu Sect. We were terribly disrespectful earlier!"


    "No need to be so formal," Chu Liang said, smiling as he waved his hand.


    He had never realized how useful the name of the Mount Shu Sect could be. He then sat close to the three and prepared to talk with them in detail.


    With the misunderstanding cleared up, the three young men and woman apologized to him and exined the purpose of their visit.


    ...


    The Ancient Dragon Lair was located in the Deste Wilderness in the northeast, long outside the borders of the Yu Dynasty. The territories closest to the Ancient Dragon Lair were the kingdoms in the Western Regions. One such kingdom in the Western Regions was the Gaoyue Kingdom and these three youths were disciples of the Grand Wind Hall in the Gaoyue Kingdom.


    Chu Liang nodded thoughtfully upon learning this. No wonder their appearances carried an exotic air.


    In recent years, the Far West had experienced frequent disturbances, and the kingdoms in the Western Regions often suffered from demonic cmities. Just days ago, a shocking event had shaken Gaoyue¡ªthe kingdom¡¯s princess had been abducted by a demonic dragon during an outing.


    The incident sent waves of outrage throughout the kingdom. The furious king immediately ordered the cultivators of Grand Wind Hall to search for the princess. Their investigation revealed that a demonic dragon, notorious for abducting women, was said to reside in the Ancient Dragon Lair. Thus, they came to investigate.


    However, they found no trace of the demonic dragon along the way. Instead, they encountered Chu Liang in his dragon form and mistook him for the culprit.


    "A demonic dragon?" Chu Liang pondered.


    The Ancient Dragon Lair had been abandoned for centuries, bing like a deste wilderness. Chu Liang had never heard of any dragons still inhabiting the area. When had such a creature appeared?


    He recalled hearing of the Gaoyue Kingdom before. One of the many minor kingdoms in the Western Regions, the Gaoyue Kingdom was renowned for its unique herb, Crimson Moon Celestial Grass¡ªa vital ingredient in many healing pills. Thanks to this rare resource, Gaoyue Kingdom was rtively wealthypared to other kingdoms in the Western Regions.


    However, this wealth was significant only within the context of the Western Regions.


    The kingdom could afford only one institution for cultivators, the Grand Wind Hall, whose function was simr to the Imperial Supervisory Bureau of the Yu Dynasty. However, its size and scale were more akin to a small sect. These three were disciples of the Grand Wind Hall.


    The sturdy youth with the headband was named Qi Lingshan. The taller young man was Qi Lingmu, and the golden-haired young woman was Qi Lingyue.


    They were all around eighteen or neen years old, with cultivation levels at the peak of the fourth realm. This was quite impressive, making them likely the most outstanding youths of the Gaoyue Kingdom.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Chu Liang found it odd. The kingdoms in the Western Regions also participated in the Assembly of Immortal Sects. Why didn¡¯t they recognize him?


    So he asked, "Your cultivation levels are quite good. Didn¡¯t you attend the Assembly of Immortal Sects?"


    "The Assembly of Immortal Sects?" Qi Lingshan paused, thenughed. "Esteemed senior, you must be joking. The Assembly of Immortal Sects won¡¯t start for another six years."


    "Six years?"


    Chu Liang frowned.


    The next Assembly was six years away, which meant thest one had taken ce six years ago.


    <i>What...</i>


    <i>Have I really been lying in the Blue Dragon hidden realm for six whole years?!</i>


    <i>No wonder I feel like my body has rusted inside and out. It turned out so much time had passed.</i>


    He was momentarily dazed, unsure of what to say as his thoughts swirled in confusion.


    For cultivators, it wasn¡¯t unusual for a closed-door cultivation session tost years or even decades. But for Chu Liang, this was his first experience with such a drastic passage of time.


    "By the way, esteemed senior," Qi Lingyue asked, "since you¡¯re a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, you must know the Four Overlords, right? Are you familiar with White Jade Fan and Mountain Tiger? They¡¯re supposed to visit our kingdom in a few days!"


    "Who are they?" Chu Liang asked, puzzled.


    "The Four Overlords of the Mount Shu Sect!" Qi Lingyue eximed in surprise. "They¡¯re the most influential and dazzling figures of the Mount Shu Sect. Even the kingdoms in the Western Regions know of their prowess. Countless girls dream of marrying them¡ªyou don¡¯t know them?"


    Chu Liang¡¯s face darkened.


    The Four Overlords of the Mount Shu Sect...


    That name was ridiculously arrogant. On Mount Shu, he only knew one person bold enough to pull that off.


    "White Jade Fan and Mountain Tiger are just nicknames. Maybe the esteemed senior isn¡¯t familiar with them," Qi Lingmu interjected, trying to smooth things over. "But if I said Jiang Huaixu and Meng Shouyang, surely you¡¯d recognize them¡ªthey¡¯re famous!"


    Chu Liang froze.


    The three stared at him in silence.


    <i>Jiang Huaixu, nicknamed White Jade Fan, and Meng Shouyang, nicknamed Mountain Tiger, were two of the Four Overlords of Mount Shu¡ªrenowned as the most domineering figures of the sect in recent years.</i>


    <i>This "senior" doesn''t look that old. If he doesn''t know this, he must be a fake Mount Shu Sect''s disciple.</i>


    Even Chu Liang himself began to doubt himself.


    Scratching his head, he muttered, "Maybe I am in a fake world?"

 Chapter 627: The Current Landscape

    <h4>Chapter 627: The Current Landscape</h4>


    "Esteemed senior, with your cultivation level so high, you really don''t have to pretend to be a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect," Qi Lingshan said consolingly.


    "Why would I pretend to be a disciple of Mount Shu?" Chu Liang replied helplessly. "If I were to fake it, wouldn''t pretending to be from one of the other sects in the Divine Nine make more sense?"


    As soon as he said this, the others looked at him with even more bewilderment.


    "Perhaps you are not pretending," Qi Lingmu suggested. "Maybe it''s just that you have been away from Mount Shu for a long time and haven''t ventured into the martial world?"


    "That''s true," Chu Liang nodded.


    "Since the rise of Red Cotton Peak and the victory of the Mount Shu Sect in the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the sect has grown rapidly over the past few years, with its disciples being treated much better than before," Qi Lingmu exined. "Although other immortal sects tried to emte this sess, none could create a second Red Cotton Peak. The Mount Shu Sect, despitecking a legendary artifact, could now offer its disciples far better benefits than the other sects of the Divine Nine."


    "Better than Taotie City?" Chu Liang asked.


    "When we were younger, we heard that Taotie City was thergest market in the world of immortality cultivators. Now, it''s almost dropped to third ce," Qi Lingshan replied.


    "Third?" Chu Liang said, puzzled. "Being surpassed by Red Cotton Peak is one thing, but who else couldpete with Taotie City?"


    "The Immortals'' Square," Qi Lingyue added. "Ever since the Sixth Princess of the Yu Dynasty took charge a few years ago and made big changes, it has quickly be a surprising sess."


    Through his chat with the three, Chu Liang got a clear picture of the recent changes in the business world of immortality cultivation.


    At first, Red Cotton Peak became popr and took a share of the Southern Regions'' market. Taotie City didn''t think much of it and even invested in Red Cotton Peak, earning them big profits in return. From a financial standpoint, it was a great deal for Taotie City.


    But when considering other factors, the decision might not have been so smart.


    At first, Red Cotton Peak just copied Taotie City''s business model and couldn''t outdo them because Taotie City had the advantage of being the first in the game. Butter, Red Cotton Peak changed its approach and focused on offering high-end services.


    They trained a team skilled in sword-flying techniques specifically for door-to-door delivery.


    Any registered sects within the Yu Dynasty, big or small, as well as nearby minor kingdoms, could use Red Cotton Peak''s exclusive delivery service.


    On top of that, Red Cotton Peak kept track of each client''s cultivation level and technique needs, offering personalized cultivation ns tailored just for them.


    In the world of immortality cultivation, independent cultivators willing to spend on expensive resources were already a rare group, as most resources were used by sects and factions. By focusing on these high-end clients, Red Cotton Peak captured arge portion of the market, expanding beyond the Southern Regions and starting to encroach upon thend of the nine provinces.


    Eventually, even cultivators who weren''t associated with any sects could spend enough to qualify for personalized services.


    In the past, disciples of immortal sects would have to travel to Taotie City to buy items, often wasting time and effort searching through its massive marketce. As Taotie City expanded, finding what they needed became even harder, not to mention the risks to their safety.


    Now, Red Cotton Peak delivered items straight to their doorstep, making it possible to get what they needed without stepping outside. Sometimes, they even guessed what customers might want before they even realized it themselves by sending a letter with the rmended products.


    Physical stores took a major hit. Shops partnered with Red Cotton Peak could adapt and change their business models, but those in Taotie City struggled greatly, and many ended up shutting down.


    As a result, Taotie City became less attractive to immortal sect disciples, who now only visited asionally for leisure or sightseeing.


    Even in terms of leisure, though, Red Cotton Peak outshined them. They moved away from focusing on shopping and instead emphasized entertainment, hosting grand celebrations, fireworks shows, and festive events during major holidays. They even introduced mascots like the five-colored koi and the celestial beast Baize, drawing crowds of tourists every day.


    Red Cotton Peak had transformed into a massive hub thatbined dining, entertainment, and shopping all in one ce.


    From every perspective, cultivators no longer felt the need to visit Taotie City, leading to the rapid decline of the once-mighty city of the Northern Regions.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    If Red Cotton Peak had been the only rival, it might not have been enough to bring about Taotie City''s rapid downfall. After all, Taotie City had umted vast resources over the years and still offered many products that Red Cotton Peak couldn''t provide.


    But then, the Immortals'' Square suddenlyunched its own wave of reforms.


    Under the leadership of the Sixth Princess of the Yu Dynasty, the Immortals'' Square abandoned most of its high-end market and focused on affordable goods, such as highly demanded pills, talismans, and replicas of high-grade enchanted tools. Using the imperial court''s strong supply chains, they quickly took over the low-cost market in the world of immortality cultivators.


    Withpetition from both the high-end and low-end markets, Taotie City was nearly pushed out of existence.


    Taotie City didn''t give up without a fight. Three years ago, the city lord dered war on Red Cotton Peak, ordering all shops in the city to operate only within Taotie City and cut all ties with Red Cotton Peak. The city worked aggressively to gather resources across the nine provinces, believing that rare resources were limited¡ªif Taotie City got them, Red Cotton Peak couldn''t. To do this, they even offered to buy these resources at an extremely high price.


    Using a "hurt the enemy more, even if it hurts us" strategy, Taotie City stubbornly held on, relying on its strong foundation to oust Red Cotton Peak.


    Red Cotton Peak fought back byunching an advanced credit system called Red Cotton Credit.


    Even if you didn''t have money now, you could shop at Red Cotton Peak. Based on your sect''s background and your previous spending, you were assigned a credit limit. If you couldn''t repay on time, you could settle the debt with other resources or items.


    This system let many cultivators stuck at bottlenecks get the resources they needed for breakthroughs right away and pay backter. Since there was no interest, it was a huge advantage, which naturally encouraged even more spending.


    Of course, for those who chose not to repay their debts, Mount Shu had plenty of professional "debt-collecting teams" ready to handle the situation.


    With this move, the Mount Shu Sect managed to hold its ground against Taotie City''s destructive tactics.


    Over the three years ofpetition, neither side had an easy time. However, for suppliers like the High Moon Kingdom, it was a golden era.


    Originally, their Crimson Moon Celestial Grass was sold at a fixed price, no matter who the buyer was. Now, with both sides fighting to outbid each other, the price kept going up every year, bringing them huge profits.


    A new batch of Crimson Moon Celestial Grass would soon mature, and both Red Cotton Peak and Taotie City considered it a big deal. They each sent top representatives to negotiate with the High Moon Kingdom.


    ...


    Listening to their exnation, Chu Liang wasn''t particrly shocked.


    Most of these strategies were ones he had originally set in motion and had discussed with the members of Silver Sword Peak. However, the idea of targeting the low-end market had somehow ended up being adopted by the Immortals'' Square.


    After a brief moment of thought, he realized it was a brilliant move.


    Taotie City had decades of resources built up, making it far too powerful for Red Cotton Peak, which was still new and growing, topete with directly. To level the ying field, Red Cotton Peak gave up part of the market and even helped Immortals'' Square grow stronger so they could work together against Taotie City.


    It was like teaming up with a smaller ally to take on a much stronger opponent, simr to how forces once joined the Kingdom of Wu to fight the warlord Cao Cao.[1].


    However...


    With the intelligence of his oldpanions, continuing the strategies he left behind would already have been challenging enough. To build upon them and innovate further? There had likely been a business expert guiding them behind the scenes.


    He couldn''t help but ask, "Who''s in charge of Red Cotton Peak now?"


    "The main affairs are managed by the Four Overlords of Mount Shu," Qi Lingyue replied. "The person ranked above them and overseeing everything is Di Nufeng, the peak master of the Silver Sword Peak of the Mount Shu Sect!"


    As Qi Lingyue mentioned Di Nufeng, her eyes sparkled with admiration. Clearly, she greatly envied such abination of beauty and brilliance.


    But Chu Liang immediately and decisively said, "That''s absolutely impossible."


    He knew exactly what his teacher was like. Having her physically defeat Taotie City? That wouldn''t be difficult. But having her outmaneuver opponents in business? That would most likely devolve into a physical conflict eventually.


    If Qi Lingyue told him that Di Nufeng led a debt-collecting team, Chu Liang would believe it. But leading all of Red Cotton Peak? Chu Liang wouldn''t believe that no matter what.


    Just as he was about to ask more questions, a dragon''s roar echoed from afar.


    <i>Roar¡ª</i>


    The roar was filled with a chilling aura of death and violent qi.


    "A demonic dragon!"


    The three from the High Moon Kingdom instantly became alert upon hearing the dragon''s roar.


    "Esteemed senior, we''re here to investigate the princess''s whereabouts. We must attend to this urgent matter, so we''ll have to continue our conversation another day," Qi Lingmu said, gazing into the distance.


    Hearing the demonic dragon''s roar, Chu Liang sensed that its qi wasn''t weak. These young people likely wouldn''t be able to handle it. Having just emerged from seclusion, he was eager to test the power of the dragon cultivation legacy.


    "Fine," he said, rising abruptly. "Since we''re getting along so well, let me give you a hand."


    1. The author used a Chinese idiom that trantes to allying with Wu to resist Cao and originates from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms ?

 Chapter 628: United Hearts Jade

    <h4>Chapter 628: United Hearts Jade</h4>


    The Ancient Dragon Lair was and of ruins.


    Back then, a great battle happened for some reason, causing the underground channels of spiritual qi to copse and severe leakage of spiritual qi. Cultivation became extremely difficult in this ce. This was likely the main reason the dragons had relocated. In the years that followed, few demons or monsters ever appeared here.


    However, after countless years of recovery, the Ancient Dragon Lair had regained about thirty percent of its former vitality. At the very least, its spiritual energy was nowparable to that of ordinary regions in the outside world. While it wasn''t ideal for cultivation, it was enough to sustain life.


    It was surprising, however, that a demonic dragon would choose to return to this ce now.


    ording to the three from the High Moon Kingdom, the Far West had been unusually chaotic in recent years, with frequent demonic disasters affecting the kingdoms in the Western Regions. This demonic dragon was probably from the Far West.


    Thus, Chu Liang proceeded with extreme caution.


    He instructed the three youths to stay behind and follow stealthily. Then, he turned into a gust of wind, slicing through the sky and reaching the source of the dragon''s roar in no time.


    On a distant cliff, a massive tree branch jutted out, shaped into a nest-like structure with vines and greenery. It was asrge as a pce.


    At the edge of the nest crouched a ck-winged draconic descendant, its wings outstretched. Its crimson eyes, inky ck scales, and menacing demonic aura sent chills down the spine. The strong scent of blood emanating from the nest revealed it to be a wicked and corrupted creature.


    In the middle of the nest was a pile of bones, and nearbyy several unconscious women.


    It was clear that the dragon responsible for abducting young women was right in front of him.


    As Chu Liang drew closer, the dragon seemed to catch his scent. It froze mid-stretch, narrowing its eyes as it scanned its surroundings cautiously.


    "<i>Grrr¡ª</i>"


    Seeing this, Chu Liang decided to reveal himself. With a powerful leap, he transformed into a five-colored True Dragon and shot into the sky!


    The dense, overwhelming power of his dragon breath made the ck-winged dragon shudder at first. But its ferocious instincts quickly took over, and it bared its fangs at Chu Liang with a vicious roar.


    "<i>Roar¡ª</i>"


    Chu Liang responded with a dazzling burst of light from his twin horns.


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    Lightning and fire struck the ck-winged dragon at the same time, mming it to the ground. It howled in pain, writhing in agony.


    With just one strike, one of its wings was burned to a crisp, and the other was broken. It would never be able to fly again.


    It was furious. It raised its head and spat a blood-red beam toward Chu Liang. Yet with a sharp whistle of wind, Chu Liang twisted slightly and dodged the attack. Enhanced by the breath of the Wind Dragon, his speed far surpassed that of the ck-winged dragon.


    Chu Liangnded and unleashed a powerful burst of Divine Dragon Fire from his mouth.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    "RAAAAAAAR!" The ck-winged dragon let out a gut-wrenching wail as the fire burned through its scales, reducing them to ash with loud crackling sounds.


    At this point, the ck-winged dragon hadpletely lost the will to fight. It just wished that it could escape with its life.


    Despite the searing pain, it rolled over and made a desperate attempt to flee, leaping dozens of zhang in a single bound.


    Meanwhile, after transforming into a dragon, a slim, purple-gold, scale-shaped mark appeared on Chu Liang''s forehead.


    At this moment, the scale on Chu Liang''s forehead started shing brightly. Then, a massive divine thunderbolt of extreme thickness descended from the heavens. It was Chu Liang''s first time using the Dragon God Mark. As he was unsure of the power of this Dragon God Mark, he unleashed it at full strength.


    <i>Crack¡ª</i>


    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>


    A series of deafening explosions rocked the mountains, making the entire cliff shake violently.


    The ck-winged dragon, already weakened with its scales destroyed by the Divine Dragon Fire, was instantly engulfed by the lightning strikes. Its defenses crumbled, and its body was torn apart.


    Like the legendary Five-Lightning Heart of the Sky, when the divine lightning finally dissipated, all that remained were countless scales raining down to the ground with a crackling sound.


    The massive demonic dragon had beenpletely reduced to dust by the lightning.


    Such terrifying divine lightning.


    Even Chu Liang was shocked by the strength of the Dragon God Mark. Although the attack had drained almost all his energy, thebination of divine lightning and fire created an unbelievably destructive force.


    "Esteemed senior!"


    As the dust settled, the three youths rushed to the battlefield. Hearing the thunderous noise ahead, they grew worried and ran straight toward Chu Liang, not bothering to stay stealthy.


    But upon arriving, they saw only Chu Liang standing there.


    The three surrounded Chu Liang, their faces tense as they warily scanned the area. "Where''s the demonic dragon?"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Chu Liang replied calmly, "It''s everywhere."


    ...


    After Chu Liang reassured the three youths that they weren''t surrounded, they quickly leapt into the air and climbed up to the dragon''s nest, calling out loudly for their princess.


    Chu Liang followed, only to see their faces fall with disappointment.


    Their was filled with the stench of blood, and piles of bones told of countless innocent lives lost. The few young women who had survived sat trembling, their eyes filled with fear, clearly traumatized by the horror they had endured.


    Qi Lingmu shook his head and said, "Our princess isn''t here."


    Qi Lingyue frowned, her gaze fixed on the pile of bones. "Could she have..."


    "She wouldn''t!" Qi Lingshan said firmly. "The princess is blessed with good fortune. There''s no way she ended up as food for the demonic dragon."


    "Exactly," Chu Liang agreed. "You mentioned she''s only been missing for two days. Judging by the condition of these bones, they''ve been here for months. It''s likely she wasn''t taken by this dragon at all."


    "You''re right, esteemed senior. We can''t give up hope," Qi Lingmu said. "We''ll go back and continue investigating, and we will find the princess."


    He then turned to Chu Liang and said, "We''re deeply grateful for your help, esteemed senior. Why note back with us to Grand Wind Hall and let us host you?"


    Chu Liang was tempted to decline. He had been away for too long and wanted nothing more than to return to Mount Shu.


    However, Chu Liang remembered that before disappearing, he had killed the Thirteenth Prince of the Yu Dynasty. He wasn''t sure how things had yed out since then. If the Celestial Charm Sect had managed to pin the me on him, going back unprepared could cause trouble.


    It was safer to gather information before showing up again.


    Moreover, the High Moon Kingdom held a critical position. With Red Cotton Peak and Taotie City fiercelypeting for its Crimson Moon Celestial Grass, forming good rtions there could be helpful for the Mount Shu Sect.


    But most importantly, there was the message he saw in the United Hearts Jade inside his storage artifact.


    With that in mind, Chu Liang nodded slightly and said, "That works."


    Qi Lingmu raised his hand, summoning a small airship into the sky. It was a sleek and elegant craft, big enough to seat four or five people.


    He turned and gestured, saying, "Esteemed senior, please."


    Qi Lingshan chimed in, "Take the esteemed senior and the girls back on the airship. I''ll fly back with Ah Yue[1]."


    He added wistfully, "I wish I had one too."


    Qi Lingyue chuckled, "That''s what you get for not winning the grandpetition. If you had, that airship would''ve been yours."


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "Why not take mine? It''s a bit bigger, and we can all fit."


    With that, he raised his hand and summoned the Lianglong.


    With a thunderous roar, a massive airship appeared in the sky, its size overshadowing even the nest nearby. Though its colorful design was a bit garish, its materials and craftsmanship were unmistakably top-notch.


    Compared to this, Qi Lingmu''s small airship looked like it had disappearedpletely.


    <i>You call this "a bit bigger"?</i>


    Chu Liang had once been among the wealthiest in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, let alone whenpared to youths from a small kingdom in the Western Regions. Their jaws dropped at the sight of suchvishness, and they looked at him with even greater admiration.


    Qi Lingshan said in surprise, "I never would''ve guessed! Your clothes looked so shabby, but you turned out to be so impressive."


    "Ahem," Chu Liang chuckled awkwardly. "It''s called ''beggar chic.'' You wouldn''t get it."


    As Qi Lingyue boarded the airship, sheughed and said, "Esteemed senior, you''re amazing. Your beggar chic really makes you look just like a real beggar."


    Once aboard, they were even more astonished.


    Not only was the airship''s exterior crafted from premium materials, but the interior was also equally remarkable. The interior was adorned with intricate formation patterns and equipped with top-tier enchanted tools. Its level of luxury was beyond anything they could imagine, even if they spent their entire lives exploring the Western Regions.


    "Guide me to the destination," Chu Liang said with a slight smile, and the Lianglong roared to life.


    While piloting the airship, Chu Liang extended his divine sense elsewhere.


    Earlier, he had noticed that the United Hearts Jade was packed with messages¡ªdozens of them, all from Jiang Yuebai over the years.


    It seemed she had sent a message to him through the United Hearts Jade every time she arrived somewhere new, even though she never received a reply.


    <i>I''m leaving Mount Shu... where are you? When will you return?</i>


    <i>I''ll be traveling across the Southern Regions with my father...</i>


    <i>We''re heading to Muzhi City...</i>


    Six years'' worth of messages flooded into Chu Liang''s heart all at once.


    The most recent one read: <i>We''re going to the Western Regions.</i>


    1. Referring to Qi Lingyue ?

 Chapter 629: Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form

    <h4>Chapter 629: Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form</h4>


    After six years, the Lianglong was once again soaring through the skies.


    The three youths, who were likely considered the pride of the High Moon Kingdom, explored the luxurious airship like curious children. This wasn''t surprising¡ªthis airship, built with the full resources of Mount Shu Sect''s wealthiest individual, far surpassed ordinary airships in quality and grandeur.


    Chu Liang let them wander freely while he quietly sat meditating at the prow.


    The first thing he needed to do, of course, was reply to Senior Sister Jiang''s messages.


    Although he had briefly awakened a few times in the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm, the hidden realm had blocked the messages from showing up in the United Hearts Jade. He had no idea that he had been getting these messages. Only after leaving the hidden realm did he realize that Jiang Yuebai had never stopped caring for him all these years.


    After pondering for a while, he replied slowly.


    Chu Liang: <i>I''m back. I was healing in a hidden realm all this time. I had a dream that went on for several years. I''m in the Western Regions now. Where are you?</i>


    Chu Liang: <i>I''ve missed you.</i>


    After sending the messages, he waited for a moment, but no response came.


    He figured Jiang Yuebai might be busy or perhaps in a hidden realm herself, unable to receive messages from the jade. Such things couldn''t be rushed, so he set it aside for now.


    Next, he directed his divine sense into the White Pagoda.


    Several dimly glowing Large-Headed Dolls sat in a row,pletelycking their former vibrancy. The sight filled Chu Liang with heartache.


    <i>Six years. </i>


    <i>Six whole years... All the cultivation progress I could have made during this time had beenpletely wasted.</i>


    Fortunately, he had some pills stored on him. Without hesitation, he fed them to the Large-Headed Dolls. The puppets immediately sprang back to life, their energy restored, and they resumed their operations.


    Among them, the Qi-Cirction Puppet, Golden-Core Puppet, and Transcendent Form Puppet had all required regr pill supplements to function. Without these, they had effectively gone on strike over the past few years.


    Only the Five-Elements Puppet had managed to hold out for an extra year. Unlike the others, it consumed treasures of nature instead of pills. A single spirit herb could sustain it for a long time, allowing it to produce a substantial amount of elemental foundational qi for Chu Liang.


    At this moment, Chu Liang''s elemental foundational qi was abundant. With a little focused cultivation and enough resources, he could likely achieve a breakthrough soon.


    His current cultivation level remained at the third stage of the fifth realm, but the Divine Nine''s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique was no longer his primary cultivation legacy. Now, with the legacy of the dragons, hisbat strength wasparable to someone at the pinnacle of the sixth realm.


    Rather than being called a cultivator, he was better described as a humanoid True Dragon.


    Tuntun had been in a deep, hibernation-like sleep nearby, seemingly trying to conserve spiritual energy.


    When Chu Liang arrived and the Large-Headed Dolls started working, the noise woke Tuntun from her deep sleep.


    The little creature groggily opened her eyes, and when she saw Chu Liang, her round eyes widened in disbelief. She rubbed them to make sure she wasn''t imagining things.


    Once she confirmed it was really Chu Liang, she bolted forward like a blur and leapt straight into his arms.


    "Whoa!" Chu Liang eximed as he staggered slightly, surprised by how strong the little creature was.


    Looking down, Chu Liang saw Tuntun gazing up at him with a pouty face. Her big, teary eyes sparkled as she softly murmured, "Hungry..."


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The moment she spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks. It was clear that the poor creature was truly starving.


    Thankfully, Tuntun was an abnormal creature with strong innate spiritual energy. An ordinary spirit pet wouldn''t have survived this long without any food.


    Chu Liang quickly rummaged through his storage artifact for food. Most of the ordinary items from six years ago were likely spoiled, and he didn''t dare give her treasures of nature. Fortunately, he found some berries sealed in jade boxes, which should still be safe to eat.


    Chu Liang gently coaxed little Tuntun and fed her several boxes of berries. Once she seemed satisfied and full, he carefully ced her back to rest.


    With that, the matters within the White Pagoda were finally taken care of.


    ...


    Chu Liang approached the imprint he had gotten from killing the ck dragon, and a sudden wave of disorientation washed over him.


    It had been six years since hest imed a reward.


    Though the passage of time in the hidden realm had blurred in the haze of his long dream, standing here now felt strangely unfamiliar. Thankfully, this process was second nature to him¡ªsomething so deeply ingrained that it was impossible to forget.


    He stepped forward, raised his hand, and pressed the character for "Refine."


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    A burst of red light erupted, and the massive imprint disappeared, transforming into a glowing orb of light that hovered in front of him.


    [Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form: This transcendent form can be learnt by those at the fifth realm who also inherited the legacy of the dragons. This form would grant the abilities of Dragon Breath Transformation into Wings, Mystic Scales as Enveloping Armor, Lightning-Fast Speed of Wind, Mountain-Crushing Strength, and Indestructible Metallic Scaled Armor.]


    As Chu Liang looked at the jade slip containing the cultivation technique, he couldn''t help but feel that saving up six years'' worth of karmic luck had finally paid off.


    This transcendent form was exactly what he needed at the moment.


    He had yet to reach the sixth realm of cultivation, which meant that he was technically not at the level to cultivate and refine a transcendent form. Thankfully, the Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Form conveniently had no such cultivation restriction; as long as one was at the fifth realm and possessed the legacy of the dragons, it could be learned. It was just like some unique transcendent form he had seen before, which could be cultivated before the sixth realm.


    With his currentbat strength, he didn''t care whether he could ascend to the sixth realm. However, if he wished to continue ascending to the cultivation realms in the Heavenly Gate, he would have to put enough effort into cultivation.


    He could cultivate the Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form with his real body while assigning the Transcendent Form Puppet to cultivate the Divine Nine¡¯s Profound Transcendent Form. By then, he would possess two transcendent forms simultaneously.


    The Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form fortified speed, strength, and defense¡ªpurely at the physical level. Meanwhile, the Divine Nine''s Profound Transcendent Form enhanced foundational qi, divine sense, and casting speed, offering immense benefits in the realm of divine abilities.


    Once he mastered two transcendent forms, he would be a true all-rounded warrior.


    Moreover, the Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form drew its power from dragon breath, perfectly aligning with the high concentration of dragon lineage within him. He was an absolutely ideal match.


    With this thought, Chu Liang quietly studied the Mystical Winged Divine Dragon Transcendent Form. As the dragon breath circted within him, he started cultivating and refining this transcendent form.


    For someone with the legacy of the dragons, refining this transcendent form would normally take some time.


    After all, it required dragon breath to suffuse the entire body, transforming every part of one''s physical vessel.


    However, for Chu Liang, refining this form was like a world champion athlete enrolling in college to major in the sport they had already masteredpleting the curriculum was merely a matter of moments.


    The journey from the Ancient Dragon Lair to the High Moon Kingdom was rtively short.


    After some time, the three disciples of Grand Wind Hall approached Chu Liang, intending to let him know they were nearing their destination.


    Suddenly, from the once quietly seated Chu Liang, a pair of pitch-ck scaled wings burst forth, resembling those forged from ck Meteoric Iron. Each wing spanned more than ten zhang, zing with an ominous, inky me.


    His entire figure rose into the air, standing solemnly aloft, exuding an aura like a god of devils!


    "Ah!"


    The youths, who had been about to step forward, recoiled several steps in fright, nearly falling to the ground.


    The moment this transcendent form manifested, the surrounding air grew palpably heavier. The Dragon God Mark on Chu Liang''s forehead began to glow, and within a hundred-li radius, all demonic beasts bearing dragon lineage felt an inexplicable fear, as thoughpelled to kneel in submission.


    With his wings spread in midair and dragon breath surging, Chu Liang felt an overwhelming urge to let out a roar, announcing his return.


    Fortunately, he noticed the group behind him in time and restrained the impulse.


    He quickly deactivated the transcendent form, reverting to his elegant, brocade-d figure as hended lightly on the ground. With a smile, he addressed the group: "My apologies. I got a little carried away while practicing my technique and startled you all."


    Though several years had passed, his appearance remained mostly unchanged. With his naturally innocent-looking, baby-faced features, Chu Liang still didn''t appear particrly mature.


    His disarming smile quickly put the group at ease.


    Qi Lingmu said, "Esteemed senior, we''ve arrived at the capital of the High Moon Kingdom."


    "Very well," Chu Liang said with a slight nod. "I''ll pay a visit, then."


    The Lianglong soared above the city, drawing the attention of the capital''s citizens. Unlike the expansive Yu Dynasty, the High Moon Kingdom was norger than a single province within thend of the Yu Dynasty. Its capital was rtively small, and even the slightestmotion quickly captivated the entire city.


    Chu Liang promptlynded the airship. Guided by the disciples of Grand Wind Hall, he apanied the rescued women as they made their way to the pce.


    ...


    The imperial pce of the High Moon Kingdom consisted of more than ten halls, surrounded by lush greenery, clear springs, white walls, and golden tiles, exuding an elegant atmosphere. While it was no match for the imperial city in the capital of Yu, it was a wealthier kingdom than the other kingdoms in the Western Regions.


    Qi Lingshan and Qi Lingyue went ahead to report their mission and arrange amodations for the rescued women, while Qi Lingmu escorted Chu Liang directly to the pce to meet the ruler of Gaoyue.


    The structure of such minor kingdoms was far less rigid than that of the dynasties in the Nine Provinces. The emergence of a powerful individual often led to usurpation of the throne. To counter this, the royal family tightly controlled cultivation resources, and all cultivator factions within the nation were directly under their jurisdiction.


    Children identified at a young age as having cultivation talent were directly taken into the Grand Wind Hall, given the royal surname, and treated as members of the royal family, enjoying elevated status. The Grand Wind Hall was led either by the king himself or a close confidant of the royal family, ensuring that all cultivators in the country remained under the king''s control.


    The king was often one of the nation''s strongest individuals¡ªif not the strongest, then at least among the top few. Otherwise, the throne was vulnerable to being usurped.


    Despite these measures, regime changes in the Western Regions remained frequent. The smaller the kingdom, the harder it was to establish a bnce of power among factions, making it easier for powerful individuals to seize the throne.


    The High Moon Kingdom was rtively better off, thanks to its valuable resource production, which made the immortal sects keen to ensure the region''s stability.


    "Your Majesty," Qi Lingmu said as he entered the imperial hall and bowed. "We did track the demonic dragon''s whereabouts at the Ancient Dragon Lair and rescued several women who had been abducted, but the princess was not among them."


    "<i>Haaaaaa.</i>" The man on the throne, appearing to be in his fifties or sixties, with a chubby face full of good fortune, let out a sigh before turning to Chu Liang. "And this is?"


    "This is Senior Chu Liuxiang, whom we encountered at the Ancient Dragon Lair," Qi Lingmu replied. "He is from Mount Shu and single-handedly killed the demonic dragon. He was of great help to us. We invited him to the capital to express our gratitude."


    He emphasized the name Mount Shu slightly as he spoke.


    It seemed this young disciple, despite his age, had some cunning. His effort to align with Chu Liang wasn''t entirely out of gratitude.


    "A disciple of the Mount Shu Sect?" The king''s eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Our kingdom has coborated with the Mount Shu Sect often over the past two years. Young Hero Chu, please stay in the capital for a couple of days. Tomorrow, the White Jade Fan and Mountain Tiger of Mount Shu will arrive in my capital. It will be a great opportunity for all of us to have fun together."


    "Then I thank Your Majesty for your hospitality," Chu Liang said. "I came here because I heard that the princess had been abducted by a demonic dragon, and you were deeply concerned. I have some knowledge of draconic descendants and might be able to help, so I thought I''d take a look."


    "Oh?" The king''s smile widened. "Our small kingdom in the Western Regionscks skilled experts. If Young Hero Chu is willing to help, that would be wonderful. I entrust this matter to you. Qi Lingmu, inform your fellow disciples in Grand Wind Hall to fully support Young Hero Chu."


    Although the ruler of the kingdom wasn''t required to reach the seventh realm of cultivation, he was still at the peak of the sixth realm. Without such strength, his position on the throne would be unstable. From his point of view, there was little reason to hold Chu Liang, whose aura only revealed a fifth-realm cultivation, in such high regard.


    The reason for such respect likely came from the powerful Mount Shu Sect backing Chu Liang.


    As they chatted pleasantly, a loud announcement suddenly echoed from outside:


    "The Royal Uncle has arrived¡ª"


    For some reason, the moment those three words were spoken, the king''s chubby face froze, and his expression immediately fell.

 Chapter 630: Isn’t All That Impressive After All

    <h4>Chapter 630: Isn¡¯t All That Impressive After All</h4>


    No sooner had the announcement been made than the sound of footsteps echoed, and a tall man strode into the imperial hall without waiting for the king¡¯s permission.


    The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with sword-like brows and piercing eyes, appearing to be around forty years old. He wore a crimson robe with a pure ck cloak flowing behind him, exuding an imposing aura as he walked.


    Chu Liang immediately sensed that this man was at the seventh realm and quickly understood the subtle tension in the hall.


    The disciples from Grand Wind Hall hadn¡¯t had a chance to exin the kingdom¡¯s situation to him earlier.


    The royal uncle of High Moon Kingdom was the brother of the previous king, and he was around the same age as the current king. Back when they contended for the throne, the current king had been the stronger contender, both in ability and cultivation, and thus ascended the throne.


    Perhaps due to the current king''s focus on governing affairs, his cultivation progress had stalled. Meanwhile, the royal uncle, having experienced defeat, seemed to have gained enlightenment and became the first to achieve a breakthrough and stepped into the realm of the Heavenly Gate.


    With the royal uncle bing the only seventh-realm expert in the kingdom, the king¡¯s position had be somewhat awkward.


    The king had, on asion, suggested abdicating and giving the position of king to the royal uncle, though it was unclear as to whether such a suggestion was sincere. However, the royal uncle, having attained the seventh realm, now focused his attention more on cultivation and declined the chance to be king.


    This led to a stable arrangement where the king managed affairs of the kingdom while the royal uncle oversaw Grand Wind Hall. As they were both part of the royal family, the arrangement worked.


    However, the royal uncle often showed ack of deference to the king, and though the king refrained from openly expressing displeasure, tensions inevitably built up over time.


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the royal uncle stepped forward, giving a slight bow before stating, ¡°The envoy from Taotie City has arrived, and I have specially brought him here to see you.¡±


    ¡°Taotie City?¡± The king frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t the officials of the royal court already decide on the day before yesterday that we would work with the Mount Shu Sect this year?¡±


    ¡°The envoy from Taotie City has traveled a great distance, and they have offered equally generous conditions. Your Majesty should at least hear them out before deciding,¡± the royal uncle insisted.


    ¡°But the Mount Shu Sect had not only offered us a good price, but they had allowed us to send a disciple of the Grand Wind Hall to their sect each year to learn their skills and techniques. That is something Taotie City simply cannot match,¡± the king said, his expression turning slightly displeased.


    Listening from the side, Chu Liang couldn¡¯t help but blink in surprise. <i>The Mount Shu Sect even offered to ept a disciple from the Grand Wind Hall? That is quite a clever move.</i>


    For a small kingdom like the High Moon Kingdom, purchasing cultivation resources with spirit stones was important, but having enough powerful experts was even more critical. Cultivators raised in their environment would never match those trained in the immortal sects ranked in the Divine Nine.


    In the past, neighboring kingdoms might not have valued the Mount Shu Sect as much. However, six years ago, Mount Shu¡¯s decisive victory at the Assembly of Immortal Sects had left a profound impact.


    This meant that the disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were the strongest of this generation.


    Such influence was the reason disciples of various immortal sects were willing to risk their lives for glory.


    If the youths of the High Moon Kingdom had the chance to cultivate and study at Mount Shu, they would returnpletely transformed. One disciple per year was no small opportunity, and the king would undoubtedly prioritize sending his own children. Upon their return, they would easily outshine their peers at Grand Wind Hall.


    Even if the price of Crimson Moon Celestial Grass continued to rise, the benefits of this arrangement far outweighed the cost.


    For Mount Shu Sect, there was no need to spend any extra resources. This was an advantage that the Taotie Citycked.


    After careful consideration, the civil and military officials of the High Moon Kingdom decided not to work with Taotie City this year, choosing instead to build a favorable rtionship with Mount Shu Sect.


    Yet now, the royal uncle had stepped in to interfere.


    The king could easily guess that Taotie City, realizing they had no chance with the royal court, had likely bribed the royal uncle. While their offer to the High Moon Kingdom might not have been particrly generous, the bribe to the royal uncle was surely substantial.


    The royal uncle frowned and said, ¡°It¡¯s only natural topare offers in business. Why limit ourselves to just one option? Even if Your Majesty meets with them, how would the Mount Shu Sect ever find out?¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡± The king cast a nce at Chu Liang.


    ¡°I can pretend I didn¡¯t hear anything,¡± Chu Liang said seriously.


    ¡°You¡¯re from Mount Shu?¡± The royal uncle turned sharply to look at him.


    ¡°Heh.¡± Chu Liang smiled. ¡°I¡¯m just passing through and don¡¯t represent Red Cotton Peak. I haven¡¯t returned to Mount Shu in years, so there¡¯s no need to worry.¡±


    ¡°As I thought...¡± The royal uncle said, turning back around. ¡°If someone like White Jade Fan or Mountain Tiger hade personally, that would be another story. If the Mount Shu Sect actually sent some nobody, that would be looking down on us and the High Moon Kingdom!¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡± the king said with a wave of his hand. ¡°Bring in the envoy from Taotie City. Let¡¯s hear what he has to say.¡±


    ...


    An attendant immediately brought two people into the hall.


    On the left stood a middle-aged man dressed in a long robe with a jade belt. An embroidered insignia on his chest marked him as a second-rank honored ally of Taotie City.


    In recent years, Taotie City, eager topete with Red Cotton Peak and the Immortals¡¯ Square, had been rapidly promoting its members. As a result, the number of ranked honored allies increased and the title was no longer as valuable and prestigious as before.


    The middle-aged man had a pale face with a faint mustache, and his sharp, bright eyes revealed the cunning of an experienced merchant.


    Beside him stood a young man with messy, shoulder-length hair and pitch-ck eyes. His wary gaze swept across the room, observing everything in an odd, cautious manner.


    ¡°I am the Second-Rank Honored Ally Tian Mingtai of Taotie City,¡± the middle-aged man said. ¡°Greetings to the King of High Moon Kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Shopkeeper Tian, there¡¯s no need for such formalities,¡± the king replied. Though he had seemed reluctant earlier, his tone remained polite. ¡°You¡¯ve traveled a long way, and if High Moon Kingdom has not weed you properly, I ask for your understanding.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Shopkeeper Tian smiled and said, ¡°The royal uncle has already shown great hospitality, so how could there be any neglect? Today, I¡¯vee to discuss the matter of the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass.¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± The king mused, ¡°You may share Taotie City¡¯s proposal.¡±


    ¡°We are aware of the price Red Cotton Peak offered you,¡± Shopkeeper Tian began. ¡°On that basis, Taotie City is willing to increase the price by another ten percent. The condition remains the same: all the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass produced must be exclusively supplied to us.¡±


    ¡°<i>Haaaaa.</i>¡± The king let out a long sigh. ¡°Neither of your sides is willing to share the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass, which puts us in a tough spot. As a small kingdom in the Western Regions, how could we dare offend either a faction in the Divine Nine or Terrestrial Ten?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re aware of Mount Shu Sect¡¯s offer to ept disciples from Grand Wind Hall,¡± Shopkeeper Tian continued. ¡°In response, we can promise that if High Moon Kingdom partners with us, we, too, will ept one disciple from Grand Wind Hall each year. However, not to Taotie City¡ªbut to the Peni Supreme Sect.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± At these words, the king¡¯s eyebrows immediately rxed. ¡°Is this true?¡±


    The others in the hall, upon hearing this, showed visible astonishment.


    Although the Mount Shu Sect had seen tremendous growth in recent years through Red Cotton Peak, offering top-tier benefits for its disciples, it had only managed to win a single Assembly of Immortal Sects. The unshakable dominance of Peni Supreme Sect as the leader of the righteous path remained unmatched.


    If a choice had to be made, Peni Supreme Sect would undoubtedly be the far superior optionpared to Mount Shu Sect.


    In the past, if any kingdom in the Western Regions managed to produce a disciple epted by Peni Supreme Sect, the entire nation would prosper once that disciple rose to prominence.


    However, such urrences were extremely rare.


    The king had been merely going through the motions earlier, but now he was genuinely tempted.


    ¡°Of course, the Peni Supreme Sect wouldn¡¯t agree without a price,¡± Tian Mingtai continued, ¡°but the cost will be entirely covered by Taotie City. And to be frank with Your Majesty, Mount Shu Sect¡¯s current strength is nothing but a sh in the pan. Red Cotton Peak... won¡¯tst much longer.¡±


    ¡°Well then...¡± The king chuckled. ¡°The conflicts between the factions in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten are none of our concern. But as for the matter of the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass, we can certainly discuss it further.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished yet,¡± Shopkeeper Tian continued. ¡°When we arrived, we heard about the disappearance of your princess, and I was deeply concerned. So, I specially brought along a third-rank Honored Ally, Han Lu, from our city. He¡¯s an expert at locating people and objects and will certainly help Your Majesty find the princess.¡±


    As he spoke, he gestured toward the young man beside him.


    The young man named Han Lu raised his eyes to nce at the king and gave a slight nod, appearing rather aloof.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve already entrusted this matter to Young Hero Chu...¡± The king nced at Chu Liang, looking troubled.


    ¡°Just have this Mount Shu Sect''s disciple leave,¡± the royal uncle said firmly.


    Upon hearing that Chu Liang was a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, Shopkeeper Tian¡¯s eyes flickered. His sources had informed him that Mount Shu¡¯s representatives were only expected to arrive tomorrow; he hadn¡¯t expected that one would already be here in the main hall of the High Moon Kingdom.


    If this information were to reach the Mount Shu Sect ahead of time, the Red Cotton Peak might then have time to prepare a counteroffer, potentially causing unexpectedplications.


    Chu Liang saw through the situation instantly. He understood why the king had allowed him, a disciple of Mount Shu, to stay and listen for so long. The king likely wanted him to ry this information back, so that when Red Cotton Peak¡¯s representatives arrived tomorrow, they could present a stronger offer.


    In essence, the king was subtly ensuring the message got passed along.


    Chu Liang smiled but hadn¡¯t yet responded when Shopkeeper Tian suddenly spoke up, his tone sharp.


    ¡°This disciple of the Mount Shu Sect is only at the fifth realm. What use could he possibly be? How dare he take on the task of finding the princess? If something happens to her, can you bear the responsibility?¡±


    As he finished, he suddenly struck out, unleashing a powerful pressure that crashed down on Chu Liang like a towering mountain.


    Chu Liang immediately understood his intention.


    This seasoned schemer wouldn¡¯t lose his temper for no reason. It was clear he was trying to provoke Chu Liang into retaliating so he¡¯d have an excuse to strike back. While he wouldn¡¯t dare kill him, he could at least injure him badly enough to knock him out for a day or two. That way, the Mount Shu Sect would lose any chance to gain the upper hand before their representatives arrived tomorrow.


    As Chu Liang was a cunning fox as well, he naturally would not be fooled by such schemes.


    Instead, Chu Liang simply smiled and calmly asked, "Shopkeeper Tian, what is your cultivation level?"


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell?¡± Tian Mingtai sneered, intensifying his pressure until it surged like an unstoppable tide. ¡°I am but a humble cultivator. After over forty years of effort, I have reached theter stage of the sixth realm.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Chu Liang replied with a slight nod.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    In the blink of an eye, Chu Liang appeared exactly where Shopkeeper Tian had been standing, calmly retracting his right foot.


    As for Tian Mingtai, he had been sent flying by Chu Liang¡¯s kick, crashing straight through the pce wall, soaring across several wide corridors, and finallynding with a thud in another hall far away.


    On the other side, pce maids and attendants screamed in panic, their shrieks echoing through the chaos.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Everyone in the hall stared at Chu Liang in stunned silence, including the king and the royal uncle. None of them had expected a fifth-realm cultivator to strike so boldly against someone at the sixth realm.


    Even more shocking was the fact that Chu Liang had nearly taken him out with a single blow.


    <i>This doesn¡¯t make sense, right?</i> That was the thought on everyone¡¯s mind.


    Under everyone¡¯s gaze, Chu Liang nonchntly pulled back his foot and resumed his calm, smiling expression.


    ¡°The sixth realm...¡± he said with a casual shrug, ¡°isn¡¯t all that impressive after all.¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 631: Seeking the Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 631: Seeking the Dragon</h4>


    In the end, it was the royal uncle who first returned to his senses.


    His expression darkened with rage as he looked at Chu Liang. "Young Hero Chu! You openly attacked someone in our pce hall. That is rather improper."


    The royal uncle activated his seventh-realm cultivation power. His aura was dozens of times more powerful than Tian Mingtai''s earlier disy.


    Chu Liang, however, seemedpletely unfazed.


    He withdrew his foot and put on a small smile. "I merely wanted to show Shopkeeper Tian that I am fairly skilled. I had no idea this would happen. Before I even exerted any strength... he went flying."


    Despite facing the oppressive aura of a powerful seventh-realm cultivator, Chu Liang stood firm.


    Of course, the great amount of strength he had gained over the past six years was part of the reason for that, but the main reason was that his experiences ranged far and wide like great rivers and seas. He had seen a lot and encountered many powerful cultivators¡ªmonstrous seventh-realm beings like his teacher. He had even encountered some eighth-realm Hallowed Ones, so the pressure from the aura of a mere seventh-realm cultivator was not enough to faze Chu Liang in the slightest.


    Moreover, even if they did end up fighting for real, he wouldn''t be afraid. It didn''t matter if he wasn''t a match for the royal uncle. He now had the ultimate trump card for survival¡ªthe Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm.


    If it were in the past, he wouldn''t have been able to use Shattering the Void even if he used up all of his cultivation power, but things were different now. Chu Liang possessed much greater spiritual energy. If he exhausted all of his power, he could sessfully return to the dragonir once. In other words, he could return to the Blue Dragon''s Hidden Realm at any time and from anywhere.


    As long as he wasn''t fighting until he was utterly drained or facing an opponent capable of killing him instantly... Chu Liang didn''t have much to worry about regarding his safety. That meant he could act boldly even against a stronger opponent.


    Of course, the royal uncle didn''t dare to attack Chu Liang. In terms of power, the Grand Wind Hall was roughly on the same level as the average mid-sized sect, cing them at an absolute disadvantage when facing sects from the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten.


    Han Lu, who had apanied Tian Mingtai there, was rmed as well. He red at Chu Liang and inhaled fiercely, condensing two white dragons of smoke in his nose. It seemed that he was preparing to unleash them on Chu Liang.


    Nevertheless, Chu Liang had no intention of attacking Han Lu again, and Han Lu didn''t dare provoke him either.


    Tension filled the air.


    The king of the High Moon Kingdom finally broke the deadlock and said, "Young Hero Chu and Shopkeeper Tian, I know both of you mean well. I do not wish to disappoint either of you. I''ll entrust the task of finding the princess to both of you. No matter who finds her, you will be doing a great favor for the High Moon Kingdom."


    A group of pce attendants busied themselves rescuing Shopkeeper Tian, while Chu Liang stepped back.


    Tian Mingtaiy limp amidst the rubble. His chest had caved in, as his ribs were heavily broken. The sky seemed to spin around him, and he fainted. However, after being rescued, he quickly regained consciousness.


    Chu Liang''s kick had been powerful, but he hadn''t used anything to boost the force of the kick. If the target of the kick was strong enough to survive the kick, then it wouldn''t cause them significantsting harm.


    Tian Mingtai returned to his residence to recover by cultivating. By evening, more than half of his injuries had healed.


    When he emerged from his residence, his face was filled with hatred. "So, Di Nufeng''s not the only boorish and barbaric person in the Mount Shu Sect. They are truly detestable! The City Lord has already secured the Peni Supreme Sect''s cooperation. I''d like to see how long they can remain so arrogant."


    Upon returning to the residence, Han Lu informed Tian Mingtai, "I''ve already collected the traces of qi in the pce. We can begin the search now."


    "Then, hurry up and get going. It will be bad if that guy finds the princess first and secures an alliance with the High Moon Kingdom," Tian Mingtai said grimly.


    In the past, he worked as a shopkeeper for Taotie City, but he didn''t have much authority in the city, as he only managed a fewrge stores. Many mid-level managers like him were only promoted in the recent years, during Taotie City''s aggressive measures tobat their decline in poprity.


    If Tian Mingtai could find the High Moon Kingdom''s missing princess, then he would gain significant authority in the Western Regions. He would get to oversee the business operations in more than a dozen small kingdoms.


    With the terms he offered, this shouldn''t have been a difficult task for him to gain the king''s favor. However, no one could have expected that a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect would suddenly interfere, throwing a wrench in his ns and even giving him a beating.


    Nevertheless, Tian Mingtai had to push forward with his n¡ªfinding the princess and securing the deal for the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass. He couldn''t afford even the slightest mistake.


    At Tian Mingtai''smand, Han Lu opened a small bottle. A fragrance wafted out. It was mixed with the faint smell of something greasy.


    Han Lu inhaled deeply with his eyes closed, then his nose twitched slightly. He turned in a certain direction and opened his eyes.


    Han Lu told Tian Mingtai, "It seems to be over there. Follow me."


    Leaping forward, he shot out of the residence.


    Tian Mingtai ignored his remaining injuries and led his men to follow Han Lu.


    ...


    During the time that Tian Mingtai spent tending to his injuries, Chu Liang had already arrived at the outskirts of the High Moon Kingdom''s capital, where the princess hadst been seen.


    The princess had snuck out of the pce to have some fun roaming around, but her carriage had gotten attacked at the outskirts, and she disappeared.


    ording to the people passing by, a demonic dragon had descended from the sky at the time of the attack.


    Chu Liang carefully examined the site of the attack and found that much of the surrounding grass had withered, scorched dry without the slightest sign of life. This wasn''t the result of getting burned by mes; it had been caused by dragon breath.


    That was the main reason Chu Liang had dared to take on the task. His ability to sense dragon breath was now exceptionally strong. Although he couldn''t track down the princess'' qi, he could detect the dragon''s breath.


    As Chu Liang detected the traces of dragon breath on the ground, the Dragon God Mark on his forehead flickered slightly. He found traces of dragon breath on the surrounding nts and living creatures, extending the trail of dragon breath.


    Chu Liang flew forward, following the trail all the way to the edge of a seemingly endless desertnd.


    The Western Regions were mostly deserts and dry, rocky barrennds. The cities of the various kingdoms in the Western Regions were established around oases, so Chu Liang didn''t fly too far before reaching a boundary zone.


    At this point, the trail of dragon breath that he was following had be very faint.


    Chu Liang pondered for a moment, then he closed his eyes. The purple-gold mark on his forehead flickered into a radiant glow, and he unleashed a wave of intense pressure.


    It swept out like ripples on the surface of the water, and in an instant, the draconic descendants within a hundred-li radius felt an innate fear that ran through their blood. All of them prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to move.


    Chu Liang then took off, flying straight toward the strongest presence he sensed.


    With a whoosh, he arrived at a deste hill in the quicksand, but the hill was trembling continuously, shaking off the sand to reveal a gloomy, scaled form beneath.


    Chu Liang stood suspended in mid-air. He looked down from above and said, "Lift your head."


    The response he got was a creature''s timid cry. "<i>Rawr...</i>"


    Cracks rang out as the deste hill turned and stretched out its massive head.


    It turned out that the hill was actually a massive, lizard-like demonic beast! It disguised itself as a hill to catch its prey. The demonic beast would wait for prey to pass by and then devour them in one bite.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Unfortunately, under Chu Liang''s keen perception, there was nowhere the lizard-like demonic beast could escape to.


    "You are the strongest draconic descendant within a hundred li. I assume you''ve lived here for a very long time, so you must be familiar with the area. I have a question to ask you. I hope you can answer it," Chu Liang said.


    Trembling in fear, the lizard draconic descendant replied in humannguage, "Exalted True Dragon, I will tell you everything I know."


    Like Tian Mingtai, this lizard draconic descendant was at the sixth realm. However, the difference was that it could sense the power of the dragon breath that Chu Liang exuded, so it knew just how powerful Chu Liang truly was.


    "Is there a descendant of the lightning dragon bloodline in this desert?" Chu Liang asked.


    He asked that because the dragon breath he had been tracking earlier carried some lightning spiritual qi.


    The lizard draconic descendant thought for a moment and then answered, "There is a sand cave two hundred li to the west. Inside it lives a draconic descendant with quite a pure bloodline, and it seems to carry the lightning bloodline."


    Chu Liang nodded politely. "Thank you."


    Then he leaped into the air and disappeared like the wind.


    The lizard draconic descendant stood still like a tower for a moment, watching Chu Liang leave. Once Chu Liang was far into the distance, the lizard draconic descendant suddenly stood on all fours and ran off at full speed! This massive sand-colored creature caused the earth to shake and rumble with every heavy step, looking like arge fleeing mountain.


    It wasn''t running away because it had lied; rather, it was because it was worried that i t might have made a mistake. What if Chu Liang didn''t find the lightning dragons'' descendant? The lizard draconic descendant wasn''t certain it had remembered the location urately.


    What if that humanoid True Dragon were to return to get revenge for that mistake? His wrath was not something that this "tiny" hill could withstand.


    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom.</i>


    The lizard draconic descendant was weak, pitiful, and helpless.


    But it ran incredibly fast.


    ...


    Chu Liang traveled westward two hundred li.


    This area was near the Ancient Dragon Lair, and the descendants of many dragon bloodlines had been left there during ancient times. However, no True Dragons had appeared there for a very long time, so the bloodlines gradually diluted overtime with each new generation, leaving very few descendants with pure bloodlines.


    The dragon breath of the lightning dragon was significantly more intense than that of most other dragons, making it even rarer. That was why Chu Liang decided to investigate the lightning dragons'' descendant. A being that powerful should be known among its fellow draconic descendants living nearby.


    As Chu Liang flew, his divine sense detected a fairly concealed sand cave.


    Chu Liang suppressed his aura and shot down toward the cave with a whoosh, swiftly arriving at the entrance of the sand cave.


    Just as he stepped inside, he heard an angry yell.


    "Fine! If you won''t leave, I will!"

 Chapter 633: A Re-Encounter

    <h4>Chapter 633: A Re-Encounter</h4>


    "White Jade Fan, Jiang Huaixu?" Chu Liang asked.


    Lackey A nodded.


    Chu Liang continued, "Mountain Tiger, Meng Shouyang?"


    Lackey B offered an awkward, embarrassed smile.


    Chu Liang felt a strange sense of disillusionment. It wasn''t just the passing of time that threw him off¡ªit felt as if he had been transported into another life altogether.


    For a moment, he didn''t know what to say.


    Lackey A and Lackey B just stood there grinning foolishly.


    The royal family and subjects of the High Moon Kingdom, standing in front of the grand hall, were equally dumbfounded. Moments ago, they had already been shocked beyond words.


    Just earlier, the massive airship owned by the Four Overlords of Mount Shu had appeared in the skies over the High Moon Kingdom for the very first time. The entire capital had looked up in awe, marveling at the grandeur of the arrival of the representatives of the Red Cotton Peak.


    Two legendary figures had then descended from the ship, nked by powerful experts, only to suddenly freeze, wearing expressions of disbelief the moment they entered the hall.


    The king, along with the royal uncle and other members of the royal family, quickly stepped forward to greet the neers. While these two were technically juniors in terms of age or cultivation, the immense power behind them demanded that the High Moon Kingdom show proper respect.


    "The arrival of the two esteemed young heroes brings great honor to our humble High Moon Kingdom," the king said warmly, taking the lead.


    But White Jade Fan and Mountain Tiger didn''t seem to hear him at all. Their eyes were locked on one spot in the hall. Without another word, they suddenly dashed forward.


    While everyone else looked on in utter confusion, the two of them shouted in unison, "Big Bro!"


    They moved like the wind and stopped in front of Chu Liang, appearing so excited and agitated.


    The crowd turned to look, and there was Chu Liang, standing calmly with a faint smile, waiting for them. His demeanor truly matched that of an older brother.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was well known that the Four Overlords were among the most powerful and influential figures in the Mount Shu Sect in recent years.


    To outsiders, even a peak master of the Mount Shu Sect might not carry the same weight. After all, peak masters generally stayed out of external affairs. But the Four Overlords of Mount Shu managed Red Cotton Peak, whose wealth and influence spread across the world. Their power far exceeded what most could imagine.


    Furthermore, with Di Nufeng of the Silver Sword Peak backing them, who could possibly outrank them as a "big brother"?


    The royal uncle of the High Moon Kingdom, in particr, had assumed that someone of Chu Liang''s age was merely an unremarkable disciple who had left Mount Shu. He never expected that Chu Liang would hold such a high status.


    Had he known earlier, he never would have spoken so openly in front of him, supporting Taotie City and badmouthing Red Cotton Peak.


    Unfortunately, it was toote for regrets.


    "If I''m not mistaken, I know the other two Overlords as well?" Chu Liang said with a smile.


    Lackey A scratched his head sheepishly and replied, "Hehe, it''s just our boss and Lin Bei. All that Four Overlords stuff is just the martial world giving us too much credit."


    <i>Fragrant Tiger, Lin Bei.</i>


    <i>Cloud-Turning Book, Shang Ziliang.</i>


    <i>White Jade Fan, Jiang Huaixu.</i>


    <i>Mountain Tiger, Meng Shouyang.</i>


    Hearing these familiar names, Chu Liang felt a wave of nostalgia. Those silly, clueless kids from back then had somehow grown into famous figures in the world of immortality cultivators.


    Although... they still didn''t look particrly bright.


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but ask, "With yourbined intelligence... I imagine turning Red Cotton Peak into what it is today must not have been easy. Who''s actually running things?"


    Lackey A chuckled and replied, "Of course, it''s your esteemed teacher."


    Chu Liang responded, "Then it must have been even more difficult."


    "<i>Cough,</i>" Lackey A lowered his voice and nced around cautiously. "Big Bro, it''s not convenient to talk about this here. We''ll exin everything once we get back."


    With thatment, Chu Liang immediately understood.


    At first, he wondered if someone like Venerable Wen Yuan or one of Mount Shu''s Guardian Elders might be running things. But seeing how hesitant Lackey A was to say anything, it confirmed a surprising suspicion Chu Liang had.


    It was quite unexpected.


    Chu Liang smiled and said, "We''ll catch up another day. Let''s settle the matter with the High Moon Kingdom first."


    ...


    In the grand hall of the High Moon Kingdom, threerge chairs were immediately arranged, a stark contrast to how Chu Liang had been treated on his first day.


    Lackey A and Lackey B initially tried to get Chu Liang to sit in the center, but he casually stepped to the side and said with a smile, "You handle the business; I won''t interfere."


    The two exchanged nces and nodded firmly, clearly determined to give their best performance in front of him.


    Chu Liang hadn''t shared what he knew about Taotie City''s dealings, as he could see they were confident and well-prepared. He didn''t want to steal their spotlight.


    It was also a great chance to see just how much they had improved over the years.


    Lackey A and Lackey B might be grinning foolishly in front of Chu Liang, but the moment they turned to the royal family of the High Moon Kingdom, their demeanor changed. They exuded boldness and confidence and appeared sharp andposed.


    "Your Majesty," Lackey A began in a calm, steady voice that immediately drew everyone''s attention. "On our way here, we heard that Taotie City made a special effort to arrive early. I imagine they must have presented you with quite a generous offer."


    "Young Hero Jiang, I was not not informed of Taotie City''s visit in advance," the king of the High Moon Kingdom replied with a smile. "However, since they are part of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten and they had worked with us for many years, we couldn''t refuse to meet them. Young Hero Chu witnessed everything. Their offer was indeed tempting, but our friendship with the Mount Shu Sect is much stronger, so we never seriously considered working with them."


    "That''s the right attitude," Lackey A said with a smile. "At Red Cotton Peak, we''ve always believed in mutual support and shared benefits with our allies. As long as the High Moon Kingdom stands with us, I can guarantee that the conditions we offer will always be unmatched."


    "Of course, the High Moon Kingdom has always considered the Red Cotton Peak as our closest ally," the king said, nodding repeatedly.


    "This time, we havee here specifically to discuss this matter," Lackey A continued. "In addition to the original offer and epting disciples from Grand Wind Hall, we have another proposal."


    "Your Majesty may already be familiar with some of our franchise businesses on the Red Cotton Peak, which are well known for their sess. For example, the Red Moon Pavilion has opened branches across thend of the nine provinces of the Yu Dynasty and has thrived in every location. Now, we''re looking to expand beyond the Yu Dynasty''s borders, and we''d like to choose the High Moon Kingdom as the location for our very first store. What are your thoughts?"


    "That would be more than wonderful!" The king nearly jumped up in excitement.


    The franchise businesses from Red Cotton Peak were never limited to a single restaurant. Wherever they opened, they always came with surrounding shop renovations. It could be said that wherever Red Cotton Peak developed, the ce would immediately be a bustling hotspot and a veritable money tree.


    If Red Cotton Peak invested this much effort into the High Moon Kingdom, their rise to prosperity would be just around the corner, and they would undoubtedly pull ahead of the neighboring small kingdoms of the Western Regions.


    "Your Majesty, what is your opinion on this?" Lackey A asked again.


    "It''s settled then! The High Moon Kingdom and Red Cotton Peak shall forge a friendship tost a thousand years!" The kingughed heartily.


    Lackey B nodded and said, "Then I will start scouting for a location in the city today."


    At that moment, the royal uncle turned his head and whispered to the attendant behind him, "Where are the representatives from Taotie City?"


    "I went to look for them. They weren''t at the guesthouse. It''s said they went outst night to search for the princess and haven''t returned yet," the attendant behind reported.


    The royal uncle nced at the cheerful scene unfolding before him and snorted coldly, "Well, there''s nothing I can do for them now."


    Chu Liang smiled to himself as he watched Lackey A and Lackey B. It was clear that the two had grown significantly; they were no longer the clueless juniors they had once been.


    With the deal settled, the two quickly huddled beside Chu Liang, their excitement bubbling over. "Big Bro, we''ve been looking for you for years! Once you''re back, everyone will be so happy!"


    "I miss you all, too. I''ve long wanted to return and reunite with everyone," Chu Liang said.


    Just as he was about to say more, he felt a faint vibration.


    He immediately took out the United Hearts Jade and, sure enough, saw a message from Jiang Yuebai.


    "I am in the Blossom Barbarian Kingdom."

 Chapter 635: If You Are The One Handling It, I Have No Worries

    <h4>Chapter 635: If You Are The One Handling It, I Have No Worries</h4>


    When Jiang Yuebai had been listening to his father talk about her mother, she didn''t cry.


    Even when she had been worried about not being able to see her esteemed teacher, she did not cry.


    When Chu Liang had been heavily injured and missing and she had no idea if he was alive, she never cried.


    But at this very moment, she suddenly felt an uncontroble urge to cry.


    <i>What is this? </i>She thought. <i>My father and I searched across thend of the nine provinces, hoping to find just one piece of the scroll. Yet, Chu Liang just casually pulled out two? Had we shown him earlier, we would have saved six years of effort?</i>


    The Whale-Riding Immortal''s face was filled with sadness and frustration as he carefully took the scroll pieces Chu Liang handed over. Comparing them to his own piece, he found that they fit together perfectly.


    He looked at Chu Liang, then back at the scroll pieces, and asked softly, "Where did you get these scrolls?"


    <i>WHERE DID YOU GET THESE SCROLLS...</i>


    Chu Liang recounted in detail how he hade across the two scroll pieces. After listening intently, the Whale-Riding Immortal fell into deep thought.


    The Whale-Riding Immortal murmured, "Years ago, I had arranged to meet Jin Mucuo, but he vanished without a trace. Later, I found a message he left behind, saying he was being hunted by Xuan Yinzi of a diabolical sect. He mentioned nning to seek refuge with the Mount Shu Sect. The golden skeleton you encountered was likely his... s, it seems he met a tragic end, but at least he managed to keep the scroll out of the diabolical sect''s hands."


    He then nced at Chu Liang and asked, "The Soul Destroyer Sect''s scroll piece¡ªyou obtained that as well? The members of Scarlet-Robe Hall must have mistaken you for me, which is why they let you go unharmed."


    Then, a moment of silence followed as the Whale-Riding Immortal scrutinized Chu Liang from head to toe. Though he had always thought highly of the young man, he hadn''t truly regarded him as a significant figure due to hisparatively weaker strength.


    But now, as he looked again, a flicker of envy crept into his eyes. He had spent over twenty years searching in vain, while Chu Liang had managed to stumble upon the scroll pieces purely by chance. It was hard not to attribute this to a stroke of extraordinary destiny.


    The realization was enough to make one''s teeth itch with frustration.


    Chu Liang said, "I only me myself for not asking earlier. If I had rified things back then, it would have saved both you and Senior Sister Jiang a lot of effort. This is indeed my responsibility."


    "How could this be your fault?" The Whale-Riding Immortal replied with a faint,plex smile. "No matter how you look at it, this is a good thing."


    "With these two pieces, you will only need to find thest one," Chu Liang said reassuringly. "I believe you''ll be reunited with your wife soon."


    "Thank you so much," the Whale-Riding Immortal said solemnly.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You saved my life back then, an act of immense kindness and grace I could never repay. What are two scroll pieces inparison?" Chu Liang said earnestly.


    "No need to mention that," the Whale-Riding Immortal replied with a smile, waving his hand. "Just treat Yuebai well."


    "Father..." Jiang Yuebai furrowed her brows and lightly scolded him.


    Chu Liang smoothly responded, "That''s only natural."


    After some lighthearted banter, the Whale-Riding Immortal''s tone shifted. "As for thest piece of the Divine Ruins'' scroll, we actually have a lead."


    "Oh?" Chu Liang''s eyes lit up with anticipation.


    "Years ago, a piece of the map to the Immortals'' Storehouse appeared in the border city of Muzhi, sparking fiercepetition among the city''s major families. The result? Overnight, four prominent families of the world of immortality cultivators left Muzhi City," the Whale-Riding Immortal recounted solemnly.


    "Yuebai and I have already investigated two of them recently," he continued. "That leaves only the Lei Family of Cliffhold Bastion and the Gu Family of Blossom Barbarian Kingdom. If that piece of the map is indeed a piece of the Divine Ruins'' scroll, it''s most likely in the hands of one of these two families."


    "In that case, looking into whether these families possess the Divine Ruins'' scroll will require some effort," Chu Liang said thoughtfully. "I believe I can lend a hand."


    "Alright," Jiang Yuebai agreed with a nod. "Father, you can investigate the Gu Family, and leave the Lei Family to the two of us. You already know how capable Chu Liang is¡ªthis will save us a lot of time."


    "Very well, but remember to act discreetly." The Whale-Riding Immortal said as he patted Chu Liang on the shoulder. "If you''re the one handling it, I have no worries."


    ...


    High Moon Kingdom, Crimson Moon Valley.


    Under the cover of night, the valley glimmered faintly with starlight. Scattered across its expanse were countless slender leaves of Crimson Moon Celestial Grass, their upright forms glowing with an otherworldly red hue. The veins on each leaf pulsed rhythmically, as if blood flowed within them, and with every pulse, a tiny bead of starlight seemed to flicker at the tips of the leaves. The moonlight spread over the valley like a frosty veil, drawn into the grass as though absorbed by its very essence.


    This nt with multiple leaves along its stem was none other than the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass. Highly selective about its growing environment, it was nearly impossible to cultivate even a single stalk outside its natural habitat. Only in Crimson Moon Valley could it grow in such abundance. Despite its rarity, this grass was famous for its powerful healing abilities and was essential for making top-quality healing medicines.


    Thanks to this grass, the High Moon Kingdom had be the prized jewel among the kingdoms of the Western Regions.


    Because of its value, the kingdom guarded it with utmost care. Cultivators from the Grand Wind Hall patrolled the valley''s entrance and sides in shifts, ensuring this vital resource was well-protected.


    But tonight, a deadly threat silently crept into the valley, carried by the wind.


    <i>Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª</i>


    Suddenly, streaks of ck light tore through the air at incredible speed, striking down the cultivators guarding the upper valley before they could even react.


    With a series of muffled thuds, the guards on the opposite cliff realized something was wrong. But as they turned to respond, they were ambushed by a group of ck-d attackers.


    The ck-d attackers wielded glowing enchanted tools, their brilliance slicing through the darkness as they swiftly overpowered the guards, leaving them copsed and motionless on the ground.


    "Move quickly!" Tian Mingtai''s voice rang out sharply.


    He stood at the forefront, gripping a shimmering silver crossbow, his expression dark with resentment.


    "The Mount Shu Sect and the High Moon Kingdom have gone too far," he snarled through clenched teeth. "Deceiving us, cutting deals behind our backs! Today, we''ll destroy everyst stalk of Crimson Moon Celestial Grass in this valley and burn the rest to ashes. If we can''t have it, the Mount Shu Sect won''t get a single leaf either!"


    If this had been just a failed business negotiation, Tian Mingtai might not have been so bitter. But wasting time on a wild goose chase after High Moon Kingdom''s so-called missing princess, only to return and find that the kingdom had already begun hosting a celebratory banquet with the representatives of the Mount Shu Sect, stoked a fury he could no longer contain.


    A wave of humiliation surged through him.


    The thought of those arrogant young men from the Mount Shu Sect¡ªWhite Jade Fan and Mountain Tiger¡ªonly made it worse. To him, they were merepdogs riding on the coattails of Red Cotton Peak''s sess.


    In Taotie City, they probably wouldn''t even be considered worthy enough to find wives.


    <i>Today, I''ll show you how ruthless the martial world can be! </i> Tian Mingtai roared inwardly, his face twisting with malice as he prepared to carry out his "if I can''t have it, no one can" philosophy.


    But just as he moved, a sudden burst of brilliant light illuminated the sky, like a full moon descending to hover over the valley.


    "Tian Mingtai!" boomed the voice of the High Moon Kingdom''s royal uncle, shaking the air like thunder. "So, you dare harbor such malicious intent, plotting to destroy the foundation of my High Moon Kingdom!"


    Shopkeeper Tian trembled as he looked up, his eyes widening in disbelief. Alongside High Moon Kingdom''s royal uncle, an airship hovered silently in the sky. Though modest in size, its pitch-ck exterior was inscribed with intricate stealth formations, making it almost invisible in the darkness.


    Onboard the airship stood representatives from the Mount Shu Sect alongside members of the High Moon Kingdom''s royal family, including the king himself, who stood with his hands sped behind his back, observing the scene with a calm yet authoritative demeanor.


    Tian Mingtai''s supposedly covert operation had, in fact, unfolded entirely under their watchful eyes.


    "This..." Tian Mingtai stammered, his voice trembling as fear set in. "This is a misunderstanding... let me exin¡ª"


    "Exin it to the King of the Netherworld!" the royal uncle bellowed, cutting him off.


    With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a palm strike of terrifying power.


    <i>Boom¡ª</i>


    Being the only seventh-realm cultivator present, his attack was utterly unstoppable.


    In an instant, the massive moonlight descended with crushing force, and Tian Mingtai could only let out a desperate scream: "Aaaaah!!!"


    The High Moon Kingdom''s king let out a sigh of relief and said, "Thanks to the two of you for your warning. I would never have imagined Taotie City capable of such a heinous act. Had they seeded in destroying the Crimson Moon Celestial Grass, my kingdom would have been gravely weakened for the next century."


    "Heheh," Lackey A said, unfurling his White Jade Fan with a lightugh. "It''s all thanks to our Big Bro''s foresight. Even though he was in a rush before departing, he specifically reminded us to be cautious of any desperate measures by Taotie City."


    "Young Hero Chu is truly wise and resourceful," the king said with admiration. "At first, he used an alias, and I assumed he was just an ordinary cultivator. I couldn''t understand how someone so young could possess such skill and insight. Later, I learned he was none other than Young Hero Chu, who nearly single-handedly led his sect to victory at the Assembly of Immortal Sects years ago. Everything made sense after that."


    "Exactly," Lackey B chimed in with a nod. "The sess of Red Cotton Peak over the past six years isrgely thanks to the foundation he built back then."


    "Young Hero Chu possesses both intelligence andbat prowess," the king continued, his voice full of praise. "As expected of Di Nufeng''s disciple¡ªan exceptional teacher raising an exceptional student."


    Lackey A and Lackey B exchanged nces and then let out an awkwardugh: "Aha... ahahaha..."

 Chapter 636: Fierce Draconic Colt

    <h4>Chapter 636: Fierce Draconic Colt</h4>


    The Cliffhold Bastion stood atop a towering cliff, overlooking a vast, deste abyss teeming with countless demonic monsters.


    Back when the humans fought against the Demon God, a bastion had been built here.


    As the years passed, the bastion fell into disuse, leaving behind only a handful of descendants from its original gatekeepers.


    The story of this bastion bore some simrities to that of Taotie City.


    Since these fortresses were located at key geographic hubs, they were highly convenient for developing trade.


    Over time, a bustling market took shape at the base of Cliffhold Bastion.


    This market wasn¡¯t just for cultivators¡ªcitizens from over a dozen nearby minor kingdoms in the Western Regions often came here to trade and exchange goods.


    Today, the market was bustling once again.


    A middle-aged man in a dark blue robe strolled confidently down the main street, nked by four or five attendants dressed like servants.


    Wherever he went, vendors on both sides greeted him warmly:


    "Steward Wang, you¡¯re here!"


    "Steward Wang, what can I get for you today?"


    "..."


    He walked with an air of arrogance, paying no mind to the greetings as he led his group to a crowded spot along the street.


    At the roadside, a group of people squatted idly, clearly waiting for odd jobs. As soon as they saw him approach, they stood up in a hurry. Clearly, all of them recognized this Steward Wang.


    In the crowd, a young man with delicate features remained sitting in confusion until an elderly man beside him tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Young man, you must be new here. That¡¯s the steward from the Lei Family. If you¡¯re hired by him, you¡¯ll have steady work and better pay than most. You¡¯re young and would have a better chance of being hired. Don¡¯t miss this chance!"


    "Thank you, sir," the young man said, quickly rising to his feet.


    Though the young man looked fair and handsome, his tattered clothing and dirt-smudged face made him look worse off than most. Dust clung to his disheveled figure, giving him a pitiful and downcast appearance.


    "<i>Ahem</i>," Steward Wang cleared his throat in front of the crowd and then announced, "Today, the Lei Family is hiring, but we are looking for someone who isn''t scared of death."


    "Huh?"


    The announcement caused a stir among the gathered crowd. Many of those who had eagerly stood moments earlier now squatted back down, unwilling to take the risk. Only four or five individuals remained standing.


    After squatting back down, the old man nced at the young man, who was still standing, and urgently whispered, "What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"


    "Didn¡¯t you say the Lei Family offers good pay?" the young man asked, looking genuinely puzzled.


    "That¡¯s for the regr jobs," the old man exined hurriedly. "The Lei Family earned their wealth by raising demonic beasts and monsters, so most of their jobs involve handling those creatures. When he says he¡¯s looking for someone who isn''t afraid of death, it means the job is feeding and tending to the most vicious of those beasts. One mistake, and you¡¯re done for¡ªor worse, there won¡¯t even be anything left of you to bury!"


    "Is that so?" The young man nodded in understanding but made no move to squat back down.


    "<i>Haaaaaa...</i>" The old man let out a long sigh. Seeing that the young man looked just a little dim-witted, he wanted to dissuade him further.


    But before he could say anything, Steward Wang pointed to the few who were still standing andmanded, "Step forward."


    The young man, of course, was no fool¡ªhe was Chu Liang, who hade here from afar specifically to infiltrate the Lei Family. How could he fall behind at such a critical moment? Without hesitation, he stepped forward with the others.


    "Our family is hiring just one person this time," Steward Wang began. "The pay is excellent, but you must have no fear of death. Life and death are up to fate, and the heavens decide if we should get riches and honor. I hope you¡¯re all prepared. Since so many of you want this, I¡¯ll pick the one who¡¯s the least afraid of death."


    The few who stepped forward were all burly men, eager to prove themselves, and immediately began shouting over each other.


    "I¡¯m the least afraid of death!"


    "No one fears death less than me!"


    "Then prove it," Steward Wang said, narrowing his eyes. "I¡¯ll pick the one who¡¯s truly the least afraid of death."


    "I¡¯ll go first!" one of the men roared as he stepped forward. Drawing a sharp de from his waist, he shed across his wrist with a swift motion.


    <i>Stter¡ª</i>


    A fountain of blood sprayed into the air, hissing as it sttered everywhere.


    The man raised his arm high, letting the blood spray wildly toward the crowd. People scrambled to dodge, horrified by the scene, while he grinned smugly.


    "Who dares to top this?!" he shouted.


    The onlookers gasped in astonishment.


    This was a ruthless man.


    But the second man sneered. He pulled out a long rope, expertly flung it over a nearby tree branch, and looped it tightly.


    To everyone¡¯s shock, he slipped the rope around his neck and let his body dangle, hanging himself.


    He hung himself!


    Even as his tongue lolled out and his face turned red, he managed a strained, breathlessugh. "Who dares to match this?!"


    The crowd clicked their tongues in shock and murmured nervously.


    This was also a ruthless man.


    "Hahaha! You¡¯re all still afraid of death!" The third burly man suddenly burst into maniacalughter, then bolted off in the opposite direction at full speed.


    The crowd was utterly baffled, their collective thoughts echoing the same question:


    <i>What is he doing? Is he running away?</i>


    But judging by his wild, manicughter, he didn¡¯t seem scared at all.


    Under the puzzled stares of the crowd, the man dashed off into the distance. After running a great length, he reached the edge of a towering cliff¡ªand leaped off without hesitation.


    Only his shout echoed faintly in the wind: "Who dares¡ª"


    "<i>Hiss...</i>" The spectators collectively drew in a sharp breath.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This one was even more ruthless than the others.


    All eyes turned to thest man.


    As the crowd saw his delicate features, they wondered if he would back down.


    The young man was, of course, Chu Liang.


    Unlike the others, he showed no trace of fear. Instead, he strode forward with calm confidence, stopping directly in front of Steward Wang.


    Just as Steward Wang was wondering what he was up to, Chu Liang swung his arm and delivered a resounding p across Steward Wang¡¯s face.


    <i>p!</i>


    The crisp sound reverberated through the air, leaving Steward Wang stunned and the crowd utterly dumbfounded.


    <i>Does he have a death wish?</i>


    <i>What is he thinking?</i>


    <i>He wants to work for the Lei Family, yet he dares to offend Steward Wang.</i>


    Steward Wang was, of course, furious. "You dare p me!"


    At that moment, Chu Liang turned back and asked, "Who dares?"


    <i>Whoa¡ª</i>


    The crowd finally understood. This one truly had no fear of death.


    A few of the Lei Family¡¯s servants stepped forward, eager to teach Chu Liang a lesson, but Steward Wang raised his hand and barked, "Stand down."


    "But Steward, he dared to hit you!" one servant protested.


    "I¡¯ll take him," Steward Wang dered, pointing at Chu Liang. "You,e with me."


    "Huh?" The servants were baffled. "Not only won¡¯t you punish him, but you¡¯re giving him the job?"


    "Nonsense!" Steward Wang snapped, pointing at the other applicants sprawled on the ground. "Do you see anyone over there still breathing?"


    ...


    The Lei Family originally came from Muzhi City, which was located near the border of the Yu Dynasty. It was once a prominent local family known for their expertise in taming beasts. Their trade focused on dealing with demonic beasts and monsters.


    Later, for some unknown reasons, the entire family relocated to Cliffhold Bastion. Being near the Abyss of Barbarian Wilderness made restocking convenient, and being outside the jurisdiction of the Yu Dynasty freed them from its legal restrictions. This allowed the family to grow significantly in power and reputation across the Western Regions.


    The family kept arge number of demonic beasts and monsters. Since the family disciples couldn¡¯t manage them all, they hired many mortal servants.


    Steward Wang was one of the minor leaders among the servants.


    "Although you¡¯re new, your task is quite important," Steward Wang said as he strolled ahead casually. "You¡¯ve been assigned to care for the Fifth Young Master¡¯s prized beast, a Fierce Draconic Colt. It¡¯s only about a hundred years old¡ªa mere child among demonic monsters. It has an extremely vtile temper. Even the slightest mistake can send it into a frenzy. So, be especially careful when feeding it."


    There were numerous enclosures on both sides, each housing a demonic beast with its own designated area. The size of the area varied based on the creature''s level of spiritual nature. The Fierce Draconic Colt, being of draconic lineage, was highly valued by the Lei Family and had an entire garden to itself.


    From the outside, the enclosure appeared serene, with only green trees and yellow rocks in view¡ªthere was no trace of the Fierce Draconic Colt.


    "We have set up restrictions and formation around this area for the sake of protecting the people outside. When you feed it, you must stand outside this area," Steward Wang reminded. "As for grooming it... well, that depends on your luck."


    "Can these formations really lock the Fierce Draconic Colt up?" Chu Liang asked, ncing around with a hint of feigned nervousness.


    "They can... but notpletely," Steward Wang replied, shooting him a sharp look. "If they could, we wouldn¡¯t need to hire you."


    <i>Got it.</i>


    Chu Liang nodded repeatedly.


    "By the way, I still don¡¯t know your name," Steward Wang asked before leaving.


    "This humble servant is called Chu Liuxiang[1]," Chu Liang replied.


    "A mere servant with a name fancier than mine," Steward Wang sneered. "The young master and miss don¡¯t have the time or patience to remember your name. Once you¡¯re in the Lei Family, you¡¯d better pick something simpler."


    "Then I¡¯ll go by Wang Fugui[2]," Chu Liang replied without hesitation.


    "My name is Wang Fugui!" Steward Wang snapped, raising an eyebrow.


    "Then I¡¯ll be Liu Bo[3]," Chu Liang said again.


    Steward Wang stared at him for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "Well, aren¡¯t you thorough. First time I¡¯ve seen someone casually change their surname like it¡¯s nothing."


    After giving a few more instructions on what to pay attention to, Steward Wang added, "The Fifth Young Master will being to see the Fierce Draconic Colt shortly. Find it quickly, and if it¡¯s dirty from ying around, clean it up. I¡¯ll go wait for the Young Master."


    With that, he strutted away with an air of arrogance.


    Chu Liang was left with a few other servants who were tasked with tending to the creatures. However, their gazes toward him carried a noticeable hint of pity.


    Chu Liang thought to strike up a conversation, but the moment he opened his mouth, the others scattered in all directions, as if even speaking to him might bring them bad luck.


    "Is it really that dramatic?" Chu Liang muttered with a faint smile, shaking his head.


    Luckily, this ce wasn¡¯t just filled with people. Compared to the servants, perhaps the demonic beasts and spirits would provide more useful information.


    So he strolled to the enclosure, disregarding Steward Wang¡¯s earlier warning, and directly used the key to open the gate, stepping into the garden.


    As soon as he entered, a wave of scorching heat enveloped him, carrying an undercurrent of wild hostility.


    It seemed the Fierce Draconic Colt was indeed not one to be trifled with.


    Chu Liang had barely begun spreading his divine sense to locate the creature when a shrill neigh pierced the air. A fiery ze shot out from behind a fake hill! It had been lying in ambush!


    A gust of wind surged toward him with deadly force, but Chu Liang stood firm, showing no fear. He calmly released a faint trace of the Dragon God Mark¡¯s aura.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The zing fire that had surged toward Chu Liang instantly crumbled, copsing to the ground and kicking up a dense cloud of dust. When the dust finally settled, the true form of the Fierce Draconic Colt was revealed.


    It was an imposing stallion at the height of eight chi and with a crimson mane that seemed to burn like fire. Its body was a striking blend of fur and scales, split evenly between the two, giving it a unique and fearsome appearance. A single horn jutted from its forehead, while one of its golden irises flickered with fiery brilliance.


    The horse¡¯s draconic lineage was not particrly strong. However, it also descended from the ancient and ferocious Fiery Celestial Horse, a breed renowned for its aggressive andbative nature, which exined its intimidating appearance.


    Unfortunately for it, as long as it carried even a trace of draconic bloodline, it couldn''t act ferociously in the presence of Chu Liang''s Dragon God Mark.


    "You are really filthy," Chu Liang frowned and softly said. "Go wash up."


    This wild, murderous draconic descendant immediately turned and trotted to the pond near the fake hill. Without hesitation, it began rolling around in the water to clean itself.


    It only stopped once Chu Liang gestured that it was clean enough. With cautious steps, it approached him, lowering its head and lying down submissively on the ground, as if offering itself to be mounted.


    Chu Liang¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as he leisurely climbed onto its back. Stroking its fiery mane, he said, "I¡¯ll only be here for a few days. You seem to enjoy your freedom. If you behave and work with me, I might just take you with me when I leave."


    "<i>Neigh¡ª</i>" The Fierce Draconic Colt immediately leaped up in excitement.


    Chu Liang was about to ask the beast a few more questions when the sound of approaching footsteps and voices interrupted him.


    "Fifth Young Master, why are you here this early?" Steward Wang''s fawning voice carried through the air. "You¡¯ve seen the temper of your Fierce Draconic Coltst time¡ªit¡¯s truly wild and untamed. Just yesterday, it killed a servant, and we¡¯ve just recruited a new one. He might not yet..."


    His words abruptly stopped.


    As Steward Wang led the group of people to the fence area, they saw the once-untamable Fierce Draconic Colt lying obediently, allowing the new servant to sit atop its neck.


    To add to their shock, the beast was even wagging its tail, its wide-open eyes brimming with a fawning affection that not even Steward Wang could hope to replicate.


    "Huh? What''s going on here?" Steward Wang asked in astonishment.


    Among the group trailing behind him was a burly, tigerish-looking teenager dressed in ornate sword attire. His sharp eyes took in the surprising scene, and he eximed, "The Fierce Draconic Colt looks perfectly tame to me. Why were you iming it¡¯s wild? Could it be that you weren¡¯t feeding it properly?"


    "Exactly, exactly," Chu Liang chimed in, nodding earnestly from behind the fence. "This little guy couldn¡¯t be more obedient."


    1. Chu being the surname. And Liuxiang meaning the fragrance that stayed. ?


    2. The term "Íõ¸»¹ó" (W¨¢ng F¨´gu¨¬) is an inte meme and popr ng often used humorously or sarcastically when naming a child. Regardless of the actual surname, calling someone "Íõ¸»¹ó" implies that the husband or father in question has been cuckolded or cheated on. ?


    3. Another meme character. He''s a well-known gaming streamer. As with any public figure, not everyone liked him, and he asionally faced verbal abuse during his live streams. In response, many of his loyal fans started defending him whenever he was attacked or criticized. This collective action to support and protect him eventually gave rise to the meme or phrase "±£»¤Áõ²¨" ("Protect Liu Bo"). ?

 Chapter 637: Wheres the Bull?

    <h4>Chapter 637: Where''s the Bull?</h4>


    Lei Hou, the fifth young master of the Lei Family, was only fifteen years old¡ªthe age when boys were bold and reckless.


    Seeing the Fierce Draconic Colt so obedient, it immediately caught Lei Hou''s interest. "Can I take it for a ride?"


    Steward Wang hurriedly intervened, "Absolutely not, Fifth Young Master."


    Lei Hou''s cultivation realm was only at the third realm. Even though he had some beast-taming divine abilities that were passed down in his family, there was no way he could control this Fierce Draconic Colt that was already at the fourth realm despite being a child.


    Steward Wang thought, <i>The colt won''t care if you''re a servant or a young master. Once it gets mad, it will certainly kick you at least once.</i>


    <i>If the Fifth Young Master gets injured... That kick might appear tond on him, but that would actually be a hit on my lifeline! If Master gets angry, I''ll get skinned alive!</i>


    Yet, at the next moment, Chu Liang nodded nonchntly. "Sure."


    "How dare you!" Steward Wang snapped. "You''re new here. You don''t know anything! How dare you speak so recklessly? If the Fifth Young Master suffers even a slight... uh, injury... <i>huh?</i>"


    His voice gradually weakened.


    Instead of responding to Steward Wang''s questioning of his skills, Chu Liang just pressed his palm lightly on the Fierce Draconic Colt and said, "Sit."


    The Fierce Draconic Colt immediately bent its hind knees and sat down on the ground obediently.


    The horse was sitting in the standard seated posture... and even crossed its legs. When in his life had Steward Wang ever seen such a thing?


    "This is way too absurd," Steward Wang muttered, his face darkening with disbelief.


    Chu Liang raised his hand again and produced a ming steel hoop out of thin air.


    He yelled, "Jump through!"


    "<i>Neeeigh!</i>"


    On Chu Liang''smand, the Fierce Draconic Colt jumped through the hoop.


    Lei Hou watched in awe, his eyes gleaming with excitement. This was no longer the vicious and uncontroble Fierce Draconic Colt from before. The Lei Family rarely had such a docile demonic monster.


    Steward Wang covered his face with his hand, utterly baffled. "Where did the ming hoop evene from?"


    The show wasn''t over yet.


    Chu Liang waved his hand again. "Give your greetings for the New Year."


    The Fierce Draconic Colt actually stood on its hind legs and held its front legs together as though it was really bowing. It waved its legs repeatedly, doing its best to gain Chu Liang''s favor.


    "How is this even possible??" The Fifth Young Master said in astonishment.


    Steward Wang held his head in his hands, struggling to process what he was seeing. "It''s way past the New Year now, and it''s still giving greetings for the New Year?"


    Chu Liang let the Fierce Draconic Colt rest, allowing the farce to finally end for the time being.


    Then he cupped his hands toward Lei Hou. "Fifth Young Master, do you now believe the Fierce Draconic Colt is well-behaved?"


    Lei Hou chuckled, "<i>Haha,</i> I''ll try riding it then."


    He leaped onto the back of the Fierce Draconic Colt.


    The Fierce Draconic Colt raised its head slightly, seemingly with the intention of throwing Lei Hou off. However, upon seeing the sharp glint in Chu Liang''s eyes, the Fierce Draconic Colt lowered its head back down.


    The Fierce Draconic Colt let out a loud neigh and bolted forward. Without a saddle or bridle to hold onto, Lei Hou simply grabbed the colt''s mane, and in a split second, they were moving like the wind.


    The colt galloped around the park in the form of a zing ball of fire.


    Lei Hou jumped off the colt''s back and eximed excitedly, "That was exhrating!"


    "Hahaha!" heughed heartily. Then he said to Chu Liang, "Come with me to im your reward."


    Lei Hou turned to Steward Wang and ordered, "Handle things here. Clean this ce up; make it nice and tidy. Tomorrow, I''ll bring my brothers and sisters to see the demonic beast!"


    After that, Lei Hou left with a smiling Chu Liang, leaving the dumbfounded Steward Wang alone there.


    A long whileter, Steward Wang finally turned to look at the imposing Fierce Draconic Colt lying on the ground, suspicion still lingering in his gaze.


    He picked up the ming hoop that Chu Liang had discarded earlier and slowly raised it up high.


    Then he called out to the Fierce Draconic Colt, "Jump through?"


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The sound of an explosion reverberated from the park as a human figure shot up, bing a tiny speck in the sky.


    The people below could faintly hear his drawn-out one-syble scream.


    "<i>Aaaaaahhhh!!!</i>"


    ...


    The Lei Family''s estate upied a vast area. Most of thend consisted of parks used as enclosures for raising demonic beasts and monsters. In contrast, the residential quarters in the rear courtyard were not particrlyrge. The servants tending to the demonic beasts in the front courtyard were generally not allowed into the rear courtyard.


    Lei Hou brought Chu Liang to the ounts room, ordered his wages to be doubled, and gave him a few words of praise before dismissing him.


    After leaving the ounts room alone, Chu Liang did not return to his station straight away. Instead, he transformed into a whistling gust of wind and swiftly circled back to the rear courtyard.


    The challenge of searching for the remaining part of the Divine Ruins'' scrolly in the uncertainty of the lead. They had a piece of information that seemed likely to be true, but ultimately, it was just a suspicion. Despite the Whale-Riding Immortal''s incredibly high cultivation level and power, he couldn''t rely on forceful measures to obtain the remaining part of the scroll.


    Even if the Whale-Riding Immortal''s party tied up every member of the Lei Family and threatened them, the family could simply insist they didn''t have it. What could the Whale-Riding Immortal''s party do then? Moreover, they were not from an evil sect, so they couldn''tmit atrocities with the mindset of "it''s better to wrongfully kill someone than to make a mistake in letting them go."


    Thus, the Whale-Riding Immortal often employed a strategy of "luring the snake out of its hole".[1]


    A cool breeze drifted into the study of the Lei Family''s patriarch. The study was empty at the moment, but Chu Liang did not search through it. After all, no one would leave a map that led to hidden treasure out in the open. Instead, Chu Liang just did a quick sweep with his divine sense. That revealed nothing, so he didn''t bother doing a physical search. Furthermore, rummaging around would leave traces that someone had been searching for something there.


    In the end, Chu Liang just ced a letter on the desk.


    The letter read:


    <i>I am aware that a part of the map to the Immortals'' Storehouse is in your possession. The map is fake information that a malicious party released. It actually leads to an ancient perilous site that once caused great upheaval. The map part you hold is an ominous object. I am willing to pay a high price for it. I hope you will consider this offer carefully, patriarch of the Lei Family.</i>


    Chu Liang could not confirm if thest part of the Divine Ruins'' scroll was in the Lei Family''s possession. If it wasn''t, the letter would simply cause some confusion. However, if it was, there would inevitably be some unusual movement within the family.


    Of course, if the Lei Family''s patriarch was truly willing to sell the map part, Chu Liang wouldn''t mind spending money to buy it.


    While Chu Liang quietly busied himself, an incessant string of wails rang out from the stewards'' quarters in the front courtyard.


    "<i>Ooooow!</i>"


    Several of Steward Wang''s subordinates carried him on a stretcher to his bed. They surrounded him with concerned expressions.


    "Fortunately, I''ve cultivated some martial arts techniques. My cultivation level isn''t high, but I did develop a sturdy physique," Steward Wang said with anguish. "Otherwise, that Fierce Draconic Colt''s charge would''ve ended my life!"


    "The Fierce Draconic Colt has always been vicious and uncontroble. How could it have suddenly be so tame?" one of Steward Wang''s subordinates wondered. "Maybe that new guy did something?"


    "That''s very likely!" another servant chimed in. "If not for him, Steward Wang wouldn''t have gotten injured. He even sucked up to the Fifth Young Master, causing the steward to lose face!"


    The rest of the servants showed disgruntled expressions.


    "Should we teach him a lesson?"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Have you all got pigs for brains?" Steward Wang snapped angrily. "If it''s not because of something he did, then that''s fine. Just forget about it. But if he really does have the skill to tame the Fierce Draconic Colt, what could we possibly do to retaliate? Or are you saying that one of you is able to withstand a kick from that colt?"


    His subordinates quickly agreed with him. "Yes, you are right, Steward Wang."


    "However, our facilities here are quite old and in disrepair. It wouldn''t be surprising if a vicious beast <i>identally</i> escaped," Steward Wang said with a sinister smirk. "Neers don''t know how things work here, and people sometimes get injured or even killed. Go inspect the enclosures thoroughly. After all, we wouldn''t want any ''idents.''"


    ...


    Chu Liang returned to the Fierce Draconic Colt''s enclosure, only to find the surrounding enclosures absent of people. It seemed that all the other servants had left.


    He was a bit puzzled. <i>Are they all attending a meeting without me?</i>


    Nevertheless, he didn''t think much of it. He just wanted to stay there quietly until nightfall. After that, he would head to the study of the Lei Family''s patriarch again to see if he could get some information.


    However, when Chu Liang passed by one of the enclosures, a muffled roar rang from inside. Looking up, he noticed that the enclosure''s fencing had copsed.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    A massive vicious beast, two zhang tall[2] and covered in jet ck hair, charged out. It resembled a wild bull with upward-pointing saber teeth and eyes brimming with ferocity.


    Judging from its appearance, this vicious beast was every bit as aggressive as the Fierce Draconic Colt. With its four hooves pounding the ground, it rushed furiously toward Chu Liang!


    Yet, Chu Liang stood motionless. Just as the vicious beast''s horns were about to ram into him, he raised a finger and lightly tapped the beast''s forehead.


    <i>Tap.</i>


    That one tap effortlessly brought the vicious beast to a halt. Then a ball of Divine Dragon Fire burst forth from Chu Liang''s finger.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    The Divine Dragon Fire engulfed the vicious beast with a whoosh, reducing it to ashes in an instant.


    A cool breeze dispersed the ashes in the blink of an eye. It was as though the vicious beast had never existed.


    Chu Liang was deeply moved by how the beast had delivered itself to him.


    <i>What a pleasant surprise.</i>


    A short whileter, Steward Wang rushed over with a group of cultivators working for the Lei Family. Naturally, the cultivators held a much higher status than the servants who did odd jobs around the estate. Thus, Steward Wang spoke to them with an extremely respectful attitude.


    As they approached the enclosure of the massive bull-like vicious beast, Steward Wang said, "It''s here. I heard that one of the vicious beasts escaped its enclosure. My ipetence in handling matters has inconvenienced all of you¡ª"


    He abruptly stopped talking mid-sentence.


    The enclosure and the surrounding area were totally empty. There wasn''t even a trace of the escaped vicious beast.


    The ground was level, and the buildings undisturbed; there were no signs at all of a rampaging vicious beast.


    The only person around was Chu Liang. He was sitting outside the Fierce Draconic Colt''s enclosure with his eyes closed, dozing off.


    Steward Wang walked over to him and asked, "Where''s the Rampaging Devil Bull?"


    Chu Liang shook his head. "I don''t know."


    Steward Wang said furiously, "You''ve been here the whole time, and you don''t know?"


    "The Fifth Young Master called me away earlier, so I just got back," Chu Liang replied. "Besides, I''m not responsible for tending to Rampaging Devil Bull."


    "Then, who <i>is</i> responsible for the beast?" asked one of the Lei Family cultivators behind Steward Wang.


    His displeasure was clear in his tone.


    Steward Wang had been worried that the Rampaging Devil Bull''s escape would cause excessive damage to the estate, potentially jeopardizing his position. So, he had estimated how long it would take for the Rampaging Devil Bull to harm Chu Liang once he entered the area with the enclosures. Then Steward Wang preemptively summoned the cultivators responsible for suppressing vicious beasts. This way, he could minimize the damage.


    Yet, things had turned outpletely different to what he had expected.


    <i>Why isn''t there even a single bit of damage?</i>


    The servant responsible for tending to the Rampaging Devil Bull was dragged out and thrown to the ground.


    Under the intent stares of the Lei Family cultivators, Steward Wang had no choice but to question the servant loudly. "Ah Wei, you''re responsible for tending to the Rampaging Devil Bull. Where is it?"


    "That''s right, Steward Wang," Ah Wei said, looking at him with a baffled expression. Ah Wei trembled and pulled away from Steward Wang as he asked in return, "Where''s the bull?"


    1. This idiom basically means to lure a bad person into a trap that reveals the truth. ?


    2. Approx 6.6m ?

 Chapter 638: Eavesdropping in the Lei Family Estate

    <h4>Chapter 638: Eavesdropping in the Lei Family Estate</h4>


    The Rampaging Devil Bull was, after all, a fourth-realm demonic monster. Now, they didn''t know if it was dead or alive, as they hadn''t seen it or its corpse. So, the servant responsible for tending it to it was taken away for intense questioning.


    If the enclosure''s formation had been damaged and the vicious beast escaped, there would undoubtedly be traces of that. Yet, it seemed to have disappeared into thin air, which made this situation very strange.


    If they were to investigate thoroughly, they might eventually suspect Chu Liang had something to do with it. Nevertheless, Chu Liang never nned to stay there for long, so he wasn''t concerned.


    Before leaving, Steward Wang gave Chu Liang a wary nce, the apprehension in his eyes growing visibly. Chu Liang, however, harbored no hostility toward him.


    After all, the bull hadn''t harmed Chu Liang; it was more like a gift that had been delivered to his door. Still, Steward Wang likely wouldn''t dare orchestrate such a thing again. If the fencing of another enclosure were to be found damaged, he would have to kiss his position as steward goodbye.


    After themotion subsided, Chu Liang resumed resting with his eyes closed and let his divine sense sink into the White Pagoda''s space. He was taking advantage of the moment to reward himself.


    The imprint of the Rampaging Devil Bull hovered inside a cell.


    Chu Liang stepped forward and pressed "Refine." It was followed by a sh of crimson light.


    <i>Boom.</i>


    The reward floated out of the cell and into his hand. Once the light faded, the reward was revealed to be a pair of ck horn-like items.


    [Mother-Child Voice Transmission Horns: This item was crafted from the horns of a mother and child ck rhinoceros. ce the child horn anywhere within a hundred-li radius of the mother horn, and the mother horn can receive the sounds around the child horn.


    Note: These horns are for voice transmission only and cannot be used for other purposes.]


    <i>This item...</i>


    Chu Liang couldn''t help but smile.


    <i>Isn''t this a bug?</i>[1]


    He had initially nned to leave a clone in the front courtyard after his shift while he went to the patriarch''s study to eavesdrop. That n did carry some risk though. It would be much simpler if he ced this covert listening tool in the study.


    With just a thought, he used External Manifestation. He left his clone there to guard the Fierce Draconic Colt''s enclosure and avoid suspicion. Meanwhile, he turned into a gust of wind and slipped into the patriarch''s study.


    Like before, there was no one in the study. Chu Liang nced around before cing the child horn inside a porcin vase on a shelf.


    He had previously even considered using a Talisman of Life Restoration to give life to an ornament and have it serve as his eyes and ears. However, such creationscked intelligence and emitted a faint aura of life that powerful cultivators could easily detect. Consequently, Chu Liang dismissed the idea.


    He truly acquired the Mother<strong>-</strong>Child Voice Transmission Horns at the perfect time.


    Thinking about it, Chu Liang had to thank Steward Wang for this gift. Otherwise, it would''ve been difficult for Chu Liang to break into the tightly secured enclosures and kill those well-behaved, darling little demonic beasts and monsters.


    Just as he finished cing the child horn inside the vase, he heard footsteps approach. Chu Liang hurriedly transformed into wind and slipped out the window, returning to the Fierce Draconic Colt''s enclosure.


    He then sent his divine sense into the mother horn, ready to eavesdrop on the secrets that were about to be discussed in the patriarch''s study.


    Yet, what he heard was a moan.


    "<i>Huh?</i>" Chu Liang uttered with a frown, realizing something unexpected was happening.


    A delicate voice of a woman said, "Mr. Fang, you''re so bold. This is Master''s study."


    "<i>Heheh,</i>" a male voice chuckled. "If we''re seeking thrills, we might as well go all the way."


    Chu Liang''s expression darkened in shock as he put down the mother horn. He had not expected such a scandalous scene.


    After a while, he picked up the horn again and found that it was silent on the other end. It seemed that those two thrill-seekers had chosen not to indulge for too long.


    ...


    When dinner was servedter that evening, Chu Liang joined the other servants in resting in the servants'' courtyard. He didn''t hear any more soundse through the mother horn.


    It wasn''t until the moon was high in the sky that the child horn transmitted sounds from the study again.


    There were two sets of footsteps.


    "Someone''s been in my study!"


    It was the deep voice of a middle-aged man this time.


    A second person uttered, "<i>Ah?</i>"


    It was the voice of Mr. Fang, now shaking noticeably. Although Chu Liang wasn''t present, he could imagine Mr. Fang''s face as he frantically tried to figure out where he had slipped up, fearful that the truth would be discovered.


    "Otherwise, how did this letter end up here?" the middle-aged man asked.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Mr. Fang let out a long sigh of relief. "So, Master''s referring to a letter."


    "What else would I be talking about?"


    The middle-aged man was none other than Lei Ren, the current head of the Lei Family.


    "I thought Master had lost something important," Mr. Fang said smoothly with augh, making his change in mood seem very natural.


    "You know me; would I ever leave anything important out in the open?" Lei Ren paused. There was the rustling of paper, which was likely the letter. Then he gasped. "It''s about this!"


    "Master, is it something important?" Mr. Fang asked.


    "You''ve been working as an advisor for my family for over a decade, haven''t you? But I''m sure you don''t know why the Lei Family moved to the Cliffhold Bastion."


    "Wasn''t the move from Muzhi City to the Cliffhold Bastion to make it easier to capture demonic beasts?"


    Lei Ren exined, "That was just the front we used. The truth lies in a confidential matter from back then..."


    He lowered his voice and continued, "A rumor had spread in the martial world that four pieces of the map to the Immortals'' Storehouse were scattered across the nine provinces. Whoever gathered them all could uncover the legendary Unending Immortals'' Storehouse and attain eternal youth. For a time, every immortal sect and aristocratic family was searching for these map parts.


    "Back then, one was discovered in Muzhi City. My family was one of the major aristocratic families in Muzhi City, so we became one of the contenders to acquire the map part. At the time, the head of the family was my father. For that map, he fought with his life on the line against other aristocratic families and factions multiple times, until he finally..."


    Lei Ren paused there.


    "Got it?" Mr. Fang asked.


    "...Until he finally got so gravely injured that he was dying. I was then able to take over as the head of the family."


    Both Mr. Fang and Chu Liang grumbled inwardly. <i>Well, that pause really wasn''t necessary. And you sound rather pleased about your father dying and you taking over...</i>


    Lei Ren continued, "When my father died, the first thing I did as the new head was to move the entire family. At the time, everyone in Muzhi City thought we were fleeing trouble, trying to escape the chaos, but what they never could have guessed was that..."


    "That the map part was already in our possession?"


    "No, they could never have guessed that my wife was already pregnant at the time," Lei Ren said.


    Mr. Fang and Chu Liang''s thoughts were once again perfectly in sync.


    <i>What difference does that even make even if they guessed it?!</i>


    <i>Nobody cares!</i>


    Lei Renughed, "Haha, my child was born on the day my father passed away. Before my father died, he imprinted the map part onto my child''s back using a secret technique. That''s why it hasn''t been discovered all these years. The map part has always been in my family''s possession!"


    "<i>Haa.</i>"


    Mr. Fang and Chu Liang sighed simultaneously.


    <i>You could have just said that earlier.</i>


    It turned out that thest part of the Divine Ruins'' scroll was imprinted on the back of a child in the Lei Family. Chu Liang quietly memorized this crucial piece of information.


    Then Mr. Fang asked, "Master, do you intend to do as the letter says and trade with that mysterious person?"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Of course not," Lei Ren replied. "That''s the map to the legendary Immortals'' Storehouse. He called it an ominous object. Does he really think he can fool me? Why would he be racking his brains to obtain it if it were truly ominous?"


    "Indeed. In that case, Master, your intention is...?"


    "You must have guessed by now. Since this person wants the map part in my possession, it means he must already have a map part!"


    ...


    Chu Liang had already obtained the important information, so after listening to Lei Ren''s n, he transformed into a gust of wind and left.


    Jiang Yuebai had been outside the Lei Family''s estate this whole time, waiting to provide support for Chu Liang. The two had stayed in contact throughout. Now that Chu Liang had vital information on where the map part was, it was better to discuss the next steps with her face-to-face.


    However, while Chu Liang had been busy eavesdropping, Jiang Yuebai encountered a group of unexpected visitors.


    She had been hiding on a secluded cliffside near the Lei Family''s estate. It was an ideal ce to conceal her presence. However, just moments ago, over ten beams of divine light descended rapidly, upying the cliffside.


    Like Jiang Yuebai, they were observing the Lei Family from a distance. They red like a tiger watching its prey, clearly harbouring ill intentions.


    Just as Jiang Yuebai was about to flee, she recognized a familiar figure among the group.


    She called out, "Feng Chaoyang?"


    "<i>Eh?</i>"


    That person turned around, revealing a strikingly handsome face. It was none other than Feng Chaoyang, the Celestial King Sect''s head disciple.


    Six years had passed since theyst met, and Feng Chaoyang had grown significantly taller. He had made considerable advances in his cultivation as well.


    Seeing Jiang Yuebai again, Feng Chaoyang broke into a delighted smile. "Yuebai! You''re here too? It''s been so many years since Ist saw you. How¡ª"


    "What are you nning to do with the Lei Family?" Jiang Yuebai asked bluntly, showing she didn''t have even the slightest interest in catching up with him.


    "<i>Ah...</i>" Feng Chaoyang uttered, hesitating to answer her question. Then he replied, "We heard that people from the Thunderbolt Stronghold areing here to trade with the Lei Family..."


    Jiang Yuebai nodded slightly. She had heard bits and pieces about the ongoing conflicts between the Thunderbolt Stronghold and the Celestial King Sect in recent years.


    Before Jiang Yuebai could respond, Feng Chaoyang said, "We all heard about what happened to Chu Liang. I know you''re probably really heartbroken, but Yuebai, you need to move on, look toward the future. Chu Liang hasn''t appeared for years; he''s likely dead. You need to find someone new and stop dwelling on the past¡ª"


    Wearing an unimpressed smile, Jiang Yuebai interrupted him. "I suggest you take a look behind you."


    "<i>Hm?</i>" Feng Chaoyang blinked, then he smiled. "Don''t joke around. I''m being serious here. Back then, I was still young, and probably still immature, but now I can tell you that my feelings for you are definitely real, Yuebai¡ª"


    "<i>Ahem.</i>" Someone suddenly coughed behind Feng Chaoyang, interrupting his heartfelt confession. "So you''re the one spreading rumors about my death?"


    1. As in a covert listening device. ?


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