Chapter 234
Chapter 234
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 234
Chapter Title: The Arctic Snow Forest, A Mystic Realm Opens
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Qiyun Mountain.
In the meeting hall of the Yu Clan Residence, Yu Daniu took out Chen Jianghe's letter and read it once more.
Judging by the crumpled paper, it was clear Yu Daniu had read it many times.
"Father, do we really have to leave?"
Seated to his lower left, Yun Siniu looked at Yu Daniu with some resignation. The Yu Clan was developing very well on Qiyun Mountain.
Their foundation was accumulating rapidly.
Even though the Yunmen Mountain Spirit Mine had been seized by the two Qinghe clans, and they had been robbed of twenty thousand spirit stones, it hadn't crippled the Yu Clan.
They could recover in a few years.
With the two Hundred Arts legacies left by Chen Jianghe, the Yu Clan already had thirteen Talisman Masters: two upper-grade, three middle-grade, and eight lower-grade.
They also had eight Puppet Masters: three first-tier middle-grade and five first-tier lower-grade.
Give the Yu Clan a few more decades to develop, and they would surely make a resounding name for themselves in the Eastern Territory.
"Grandfather, Great-Grandfather's letter says we should only go to the Immortal Gate Market City if the situation becomes unpredictable. Right now, the chaos is only in the southern regions, more than ten thousand li from us. There's no need to go to the Immortal Gate Market City at this time, is there?"
Yu Qirui sat to Yu Daniu's lower right, his eyes full of reluctance to part with their assets on Qiyun Mountain.
"Xiaoyue, what do you think?"
Yu Daniu put away Chen Jianghe's letter, a hint of determination in his eyes. Then, he looked at his daughter-in-law.
The true person in charge of the Qiyun Mountain Yu Clan, Zhou Xiaoyue.
The Yu Clan's rapid development was not only due to the reputation of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu, but more importantly, Lady Zhou's strategic planning.
"Father, since you've already made a decision, your daughter-in-law will listen to you. Besides, Eldest Uncle is a man of foresight. We won't go wrong by listening to him."
Zhou Xiaoyue looked at her father-in-law and spoke respectfully.
Yu Daniu nodded, glanced at Yun Siniu and Yu Qirui, and said in a deep voice, "If our assets are gone, we can build them again. But if our lives are gone, Qiyun Mountain will belong to others."
"It's true the turmoil is ten thousand li away, but you've all seen the latest news. More than fifteen clans are already fighting over Foundation Establishment resources in the southern regions. This storm of chaos has already formed, and I'm afraid it will sweep through the entire Eastern Territory in less than a year, becoming unstoppable."
"I have decided. The entire direct line of the Yu Clan will move to the Immortal Gate Market City. We'll rent a small cultivation town on the outskirts."
"As for the branch families? If they wish to stay, they can stay. If they don't, they can leave with the direct line."
With Zhou Xiaoyue's support, Yu Daniu made the final decision.
"Father, what about Qiyun Mountain after we leave?" Yun Siniu asked.
Yu Daniu looked at Lady Zhou and said, "If the Zhou Clan is willing to leave with us, then we'll go to the Immortal Gate Market City together. If not, Qiyun Mountain will be temporarily handed over to the Zhou Clan's care."
"Yes, I will convey Father's intentions to the Zhou Clan. Whether they stay or go, your daughter-in-law will not interfere, nor can I." Lady Zhou bowed her head and responded respectfully.
Remembering his old friend Zhou Miaoyun's friendship, and the fact that the Zhou Clan were their in-laws, Yu Daniu would naturally help them.
Especially since Lady Zhou had contributed so much to the Yu Clan.
For Lady Zhou's sake, Yu Daniu would also take care of the Zhou Clan in many ways.
They were heading to the Immortal Gate Market City to avoid disaster.
It might be an overreaction.
But it was also a precaution.
If everything was peaceful after a year, they would return from the Immortal Gate Market City. During that time, all profits from Qiyun Mountain would go to the Zhou Clan.
If the Zhou Clan also wanted to leave, Yu Daniu would naturally find a safe place for them as well.
Over the years, the Yu Clan had accumulated a considerable foundation and could afford to rent a small cultivation town on the outskirts of the Immortal Gate Market City.
"Siniu, make a trip to Mirror Moon Lake. Inform them that the Yu Clan is moving to the Immortal Gate Market City and try your best to persuade the Yun Clan to go as well."
"If the Yun Clan doesn't leave, you must still bring a portion of the Yun Clan's direct descendants with you. Just say it's my order."
Yu Daniu was a Grand Elder of the Yun Clan, his status second only to Yun Bufan.
"I understand, Father," Yun Siniu said.
Yu Daniu waved his hand, dismissing them to busy themselves with the migration. He remained alone in the meeting hall.
He took out Chen Jianghe's letter again.
"Big Brother must still look the same as when he left. But I am already white-haired and old."
In a flash, twenty years had passed since Chen Jianghe left Qiyun Mountain.
Yu Daniu was already one hundred and three years old.
But because he had cultivated the Cold Pool Body Tempering Art to the third level in his prime, his complexion was still ruddy.
Coupled with the three Life Extension Pills from Chen Jianghe.
Yu Daniu's eyes were bright and full of spirit, and he seemed to grow more imposing with age.
——
Spirit Thief Teahouse.
Chen Jianghe, Gao Peiyao, and Luo Xiyue landed in front of the building, looking at the fifty or so cultivators who had already arrived.
According to Gao Peiyao, not all of the eighty-one previously confirmed cultivators would enter the mystic realm.
Sometimes one or two would be missing.
Other times, more than ten would be absent.
The cultivation world was ever-changing; no one could be sure what would happen in a year.
Take Yan Ling'er, for example.
She definitely wouldn't be able to make it.
Chen Jianghe saw Cen Lincuan among the crowd of cultivators. He was talking with a Core Formation Seedling from the Tiannan Sect.
As if sensing Chen Jianghe's gaze.
He looked over at Chen Jianghe and nodded with a smile.
Chen Jianghe nodded back, then looked at the other cultivators. There was no one else he recognized.
Perhaps they hadn't arrived yet.
After half an hour.
He saw Lu Qingming following a Core Formation Seedling from the Tiannan Sect, arriving outside the Spirit Thief Teahouse.
Behind Lu Qingming was a handsome young man in brocade robes. He was likely a direct descendant of the He Clan, He Lingchuan.
The Core Formation Seedling from the Tiannan Sect was Yuan Chenyu, a disciple of Cuiyun Peak. He had a second-tier late-stage fire-attribute spirit beast.
Chen Jianghe remembered him quite well.
A second-tier late-stage fire-attribute spirit beast could handle most dangers.
After another fifteen minutes.
Chen Jianghe saw Ruan Tieniu and Liu Zhining arrive together, but there was no one else with them.
The confirmed list could not be changed midway.
You could choose not to go, but you couldn't send a substitute. This was a rule set by the Tiannan Sect; they wouldn't conduct another investigation for just one person.
"Brother Chen, have you heard? Of the eighty-one confirmed cultivators, at least ten won't be able to make it this time."
Ruan Tieniu sent a voice transmission to Chen Jianghe.
"Ten? That many!"
"Yan Ling'er was taken away by a great power from overseas. Something must have happened in the Southern Territory; two direct descendants and one branch descendant from the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan have all left Thousand Mountains Market City."
"And the Artifact Refining Immortal Chen Clan, one of their direct descendants has also left."
"In addition, several descendants from Core Formation Immortal Clans have also left Thousand Mountains Market City one after another, no longer participating in this mystic realm trial."
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe glanced at Ruan Tieniu without a change in expression, then looked away.
He relayed this news to Gao Peiyao and Luo Xiyue.
Luo Xiyue was indifferent to such matters. Her phoenix eyes were slightly closed as she waited for the mystic realm to open, as if the affairs of the Tiannan Domain were beneath her notice.
On the way here, Gao Peiyao had mentioned that because of the Beast Taming Zhou Clan's disloyalty, the Tiannan Sect was going to reorganize the powers within the Tiannan Domain.
A major event that would affect the entire Tiannan Domain was about to unfold.
Any other cultivator would have been moved upon hearing this.
But Luo Xiyue showed no reaction at all.
"With so many direct descendants from top immortal clans leaving, we'll have much less pressure."
Gao Peiyao, on the other hand, was delighted to hear such news.
She wished for as few direct descendants from top immortal clans as possible.
It would be best if they were all independent cultivators serving as cannon fodder.
"It's not just the direct descendants of those top immortal clans who have left. Three disciples from our sect have also left Thousand Mountains Market City and headed south of the Tongtian River."
"There will be some changes to this mystic realm trial. I don't know the details yet, but we'll find out when Perfected Chengtian arrives."
Gao Peiyao suddenly sent a message to Chen Jianghe.
Just then, Xiao Chen arrived at the Spirit Thief Teahouse, accompanied by a direct descendant from the Alchemy Immortal Ji Clan and one from the Artifact Refining Immortal Chen Clan.
And they were walking toward them.
"Junior Sister Peiyao."
"Fairy Peiyao..."
Xiao Chen approached with a gentle smile and greeted Gao Peiyao. The two direct descendants from the top immortal clans behind him also greeted her.
As direct descendants of the four great immortal clans, they tended to look down on ordinary sect disciples.
But they didn't dare to underestimate Gao Peiyao.
Her master was a Core Formation Elder of the Tiannan Sect.
And she had an admirer like Xiao Chen, who had the potential to reach Core Formation. They didn't dare to offend her.
"Senior Brother Xiao, and you two fellow cultivators~"
Gao Peiyao chuckled lightly in response.
Xiao Chen looked at Chen Jianghe. He noticed a subtle detail: Chen Jianghe's position relative to Gao Peiyao and Luo Xiyue was a bit different.
Although Chen Jianghe stood between the two women.
He was a bit closer to Luo Xiyue, and slightly farther from Gao Peiyao.
"Fellow Cultivator Chen, we meet again. We'll need to look out for each other once we're inside the mystic realm."
"Fellow Cultivator Xiao is absolutely right."
Chen Jianghe nodded, agreeing with Xiao Chen's words.
But he remained wary. Inside the mystic realm, he wouldn't truly trust anyone.
He only trusted himself and Xiao Hei.
The two direct descendants from the top immortal clans with Xiao Chen, however, didn't greet Chen Jianghe.
But when they saw Luo Xiyue, they couldn't help but look at her a few more times, their faces showing astonishment.
Clearly, they paid no mind to an old man like Chen Jianghe who had reached Foundation Establishment at such an advanced age.
Seeing this, Ruan Tieniu sent a voice transmission to Liu Zhining, "Fellow Cultivator Liu, do you believe me now? Brother Chen is so well-liked that even Senior Brother Xiao, whom you admire, is willing to befriend him."
"Hehe~ If it weren't for Junior Sister Gao, Senior Brother Xiao wouldn't give this Fellow Cultivator Chen a second glance."
Liu Zhining pursed her lips and smiled, sending a voice transmission back.
"Heh~"
Ruan Tieniu didn't argue. With a faint smile, he glanced at Liu Zhining beside him and fell into deep thought, his mind on other matters.
"Brother Ruan, after entering the mystic realm, you must be careful of that Cen Lincuan. He has at least twenty second-tier upper-grade talismans on him."
At that moment, Chen Jianghe sent a voice transmission to Ruan Tieniu, revealing a piece of information.
He didn't want Ruan Tieniu to perish in the mystic realm.
He was still hoping to trade with Ruan Tieniu after they got out.
"What? At least twenty second-tier upper-grade talismans! Brother Chen, are you telling the truth?"
Ruan Tieniu's downcast eyes suddenly widened in astonishment.
Twenty second-tier upper-grade talismans were equivalent to a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator unleashing their strongest spell twenty times.
It was no exaggeration to say...
If they were all offensive talismans, triggering them all at once could instantly kill three late-stage second-tier demonic beasts.
It could even annihilate a second-tier perfected demonic beast.
"It's absolutely true. Some time ago, the Talisman Master Alliance summoned all the Talisman Dao Grandmasters to create second-tier upper-grade talismans for Cen Lincuan."
"I can confirm that Cen Lincuan has over twenty second-tier upper-grade talismans."
This sudden piece of news from Chen Jianghe left Ruan Tieniu stunned. He secretly glanced at Cen Lincuan.
A deep sense of dread appeared on his face.
"Fellow Cultivator Liu, after entering the mystic realm, we must be extremely careful of Cen Lincuan. He has over thirty second-tier upper-grade talismans."
Ruan Tieniu sent a voice transmission to Liu Zhining, informing his 'team leader' of this news.
Liu Zhining's almond eyes narrowed. She first looked puzzled, then her heart pounded with shock, clearly thinking of Cen Lincuan's family background.
"Senior Sister Liang, after we enter the mystic realm, we must be careful of that Cen Lincuan. He has nearly forty second-tier upper-grade talismans. The information is reliable."
"..."
"Fellow Cultivator Yuan, I've received reliable information that Cen Lincuan, the direct descendant of the Cen Clan in Thousand Mountains Market City, possesses over forty second-tier upper-grade talismans."
"..."
"Brother Jianghe, Sister Xiyue."
Gao Peiyao sent a simultaneous voice transmission to Chen Jianghe and Luo Xiyue. In a low tone, she revealed a piece of very unfavorable news.
"Senior Brother Xiao has received confirmed information that Cen Lincuan from Thousand Mountains Market City has over fifty, nearly sixty, second-tier upper-grade talismans. We must be careful of this person once we enter the mystic realm."
"What?!"
Hearing Gao Peiyao's transmission, even Luo Xiyue was a little shaken.
Sixty second-tier upper-grade talismans were equivalent to a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator casting their strongest spell sixty times.
In an instant, it could slaughter several second-tier perfected demonic beasts.
Even a defensive Talisman Treasure might not be able to withstand such an attack.
"Sixty?"
Chen Jianghe frowned. Although he was doubtful, he believed Gao Peiyao's news.
After all, the information came from Xiao Chen.
It had a very high degree of credibility.
"I still underestimated the Cen Clan's resources. To provide Cen Lincuan with sixty second-tier upper-grade talismans... Cen Lincuan is definitely the strongest among all the cultivators entering the mystic realm this time."
Chen Jianghe took a deep breath.
He suppressed the restlessness in his heart.
He glanced at Ruan Tieniu. He had to share this news with his 'close friend'.
"Brother Ruan, my previous information was incorrect. I've received confirmed news from Fellow Cultivator Xiao Chen that Cen Lincuan actually has sixty second-tier upper-grade talismans. Once inside the mystic realm, you must not get into any conflict with him."
"What? Sixty!"
Ruan Tieniu was greatly alarmed. His first reaction was disbelief. This was sixty second-tier upper-grade talismans.
Not lower-grade ones.
Even if Cen Lincuan was a Talisman Dao Grandmaster and the Cen Clan was a Talisman Dao Immortal Clan, they would still need the materials to create so many second-tier upper-grade talismans!
But since this information came from Xiao Chen, its accuracy was beyond doubt.
Since it was a matter of life and death, Ruan Tieniu didn't dare to delay and immediately sent a voice transmission to Liu Zhining.
She was a sect disciple, after all.
It was best to leave a huge problem like Cen Lincuan for this group of sect disciples to handle.
Sixty second-tier upper-grade talismans completely broke the balance of power. Any Foundation Establishment cultivator who confronted Cen Lincuan would not only have no chance of winning, but it would be questionable if they could even survive.
Fifteen minutes later.
Many sect disciples glanced at Cen Lincuan, intentionally or not, a flicker of apprehension in their eyes.
They remained outwardly calm.
Half an hour passed.
An elegant and small spirit boat flew over from the horizon. A dignified middle-aged man stood at its bow.
This was a Core Formation great power from the Artifact Refining Immortal Chen Clan, Venerable Qingmu.
When the spirit boat stopped in the sky above the Spirit Thief Teahouse, all the Foundation Establishment cultivators, including the Core Formation Seedlings from the Tiannan Sect, bowed in respect.
"Greetings, Venerable Qingmu."
Venerable Qingmu looked imposing. With a wave of his hand, a gentle force lifted everyone up. He said faintly, "There is no need for formalities."
After about the time it takes to burn half an incense stick.
A cloud banner flew in from the southern sky. A young man sat cross-legged on it. He looked to be about Chen Jianghe's age, but his actual age was over three hundred.
This was a Core Formation great power from the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan, Venerable Yunie.
Chen Jianghe glanced at the cloud banner, a sense of envy rising in his heart. It was a treasure refined from the hide of a third-tier demonic beast.
The crowd of Foundation Establishment cultivators respectfully greeted Venerable Yunie.
Another half an hour passed.
A streak of fiery light flew in from the western sky, like a fire phoenix spreading its wings. It entered the market city in an instant and arrived at the Spirit Thief Teahouse.
On this fire phoenix sword light stood a woman of dignified beauty, like a celestial fairy. Her bearing was graceful, her bones like jade and skin like ice. She was a national beauty, with elegantly curved eyebrows and a slender, willowy figure.
A Core Formation great power from the Western Territory's Alchemy Immortal Ji Clan, Perfected Yunhua.
But most cultivators called her Fairy Yunhua.
Core Formation great powers were divided into Perfected and Venerable. It seemed like a mere title, but behind it lay the foundation and potential of their Core Formation.
Most of the Core Formation Elders in the sect were Perfected.
This was because their foundations were profound, and the inner cores they formed were pure in magical power, possessing greater spiritual might and containing wondrous properties.
Venerable, although they had also succeeded in Core Formation, had formed impure and relatively inferior inner cores, with limited potential.
For Fairy Yunhua to be called Perfected, one could imagine that not only was her strength formidable, but her potential was also higher than the other Core Formation great powers present.
"Greetings, Fairy Yunhua."
The crowd of cultivators greeted her respectfully.
Fairy Yunhua gently waved her jade-like arm, and a soft magical power lifted everyone up. Then, she stood on the fire phoenix sword light and closed her eyes to rest.
An hour passed.
But the Core Formation great power from the Beast Taming Zhou Clan still hadn't arrived.
Even the Core Formation great power from Thousand Mountains Market City hadn't appeared, which prompted Chen Jianghe to send a voice transmission to Gao Peiyao.
"Peiyao, isn't Thousand Mountains Market City supposed to send a Core Formation great power to escort us as well?"
"Thousand Mountains Market City has three Core Formation great powers. Two of them have gone south of the Tongtian River, and the remaining one must stay to guard the market city. Perfected Chengtian has allowed him to be excused from escort duty."
"What about the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan?"
"The Zhou Clan won't be coming. Their direct descendants have already left the lands north of the Tongtian River and won't be participating in this mystic realm trial. As for the Zhou Clan's Core Formation great power... I'm afraid they won't be coming."
During Gao Peiyao's transmission.
A thirty-foot-long green treasure gourd flew over. Two cultivators, a man and a woman, both youthful in appearance, sat on it.
They were Core Formation Elders from Tiannan Sect's Cheng Tian Peak, the junior brother and sister of Perfected Chengtian: Perfected Mingjing and Fairy Qingxin.
After everyone paid their respects.
They saw Perfected Chengtian fly over.
"Greetings, Perfected Chengtian."
When the other Core Formation great powers saw Perfected Chengtian, they also cupped their hands and said, "Greetings, Perfected Chengtian."
"Fairy Yunhua, Fellow Cultivator Qingmu, Fellow Cultivator Yunie."
Perfected Chengtian nodded and greeted them.
"Senior Brother."
Perfected Mingjing and Fairy Qingxin both bowed to Perfected Chengtian.
"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Junior Brother and Sister."
"For this trip to the Arctic Snow Forest, we will ride on Junior Brother's treasure gourd."
"We will follow Senior Brother's arrangements."
Perfected Mingjing said with a cupped-fist salute.
Perfected Chengtian looked at the crowd of Foundation Establishment cultivators and announced, "All of you, board the treasure gourd. Junior Brother Mingjing will take you to the entrance of the Arctic Snow Forest's mystic realm."
As Perfected Chengtian's voice fell.
Perfected Mingjing formed a hand seal, and the thirty-foot-long treasure gourd instantly expanded to several hundred feet in size.
One by one, the Foundation Establishment cultivators flew onto the treasure gourd.
They felt the power of the magic treasure up close.
Even without being intentionally targeted, they could feel the pressure of a magic treasure emanating from the gourd.
It was like a great mountain, impossible to surmount.
The treasure gourd turned into a streak of green light and flew toward the Arctic Snow Forest, where the sky and earth were one color. Upon entering the great snowy mountains, its speed didn't decrease in the slightest, moving with exceptional boldness.
It paid no mind to the demonic beasts in the outer regions of the Arctic Snow Forest.
Perfected Chengtian stood at the front with his hands behind his back, while the other Core Formation great powers flew in a circle around the treasure gourd.
Seeing this formation, the flying demonic beasts fled from a great distance.
They were ferocious and violent, but not stupid.
Clearly, these cultivators were not to be trifled with.
When they were two thousand li deep into the Arctic Snow Forest, they could see the figures of powerful second-tier demonic beasts in the distance.
As they went deeper, they could even see second-tier perfected demonic beasts.
However, upon sensing the auras of the cultivators around the treasure gourd, they all fled as far as they could.
The treasure gourd stopped in the sky three thousand li deep into the Arctic Snow Forest.
Looking north, the sky and earth were a single color, with no end in sight.
It seemed that even ten thousand li deeper, there would still be endless snowy mountain forests, a boundless expanse of white as far as the eye could see.
Roar~
Just then, the roar of a tiger echoed, filled with a terrifying pressure that made the hearts of the Foundation Establishment cultivators tremble.
It was a third-tier snow tiger.
"Fellow Cultivator Chengtian, I'll go."
Fairy Yunhua said, and her fire phoenix sword light shot toward the rapidly approaching third-tier demonic white tiger.
The cultivators standing on the treasure gourd could see the blurry outline of the white tiger from a distance.
Its body was a hundred feet long and thirty feet tall.
Truly terrifying.
Below the treasure gourd, in the snowy forest, a long and narrow valley faintly appeared and disappeared.
It seemed unreal.
It was as if it were illusory, yet they could see the scenery within the valley.
Perfected Chengtian flew to the front of the illusory valley. He first sized it up, then signaled to Perfected Mingjing.
The latter understood.
He had the Foundation Establishment cultivators disembark from the treasure gourd, then formed a hand seal, and the gourd shrank to three inches, which he tied to the jade belt at his waist.
"This is the entrance to the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm. Next, I will tear open the realm's restrictive barrier to let you in."
"Remember, return to this spot in half a year. I will bring you out. Those who fail to arrive on time will have to wait until the next time the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm opens for a chance to get out..."
(End of this chapter)