Chapter 287
Chapter 287
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 287
Chapter Title: Gathering at Muyun, the Mystic Realm Opens
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“Xiaoxuan is here. Come in with me.”
Chen Jianghe looked at Zhou Xiaoxuan, surprised by the sudden change in her demeanor. The single vermilion dot between her brows had such a striking effect.
It made the once charming and captivating woman appear somewhat cold and aloof.
Taking out the formation jade token, he opened the bronze gate of the Misty Glow Grotto-heaven and led Zhou Xiaoxuan inside.
Xiao Hei, Maoqiu, and Latiao were all within the isolation formation, so it was fine to invite Zhou Xiaoxuan in.
However, they did not enter the courtyard.
Instead, they sat down next to a peculiar landscape feature outside.
A rockery built from high-grade, first-tier spirit materials stood with a waterfall over twenty zhang high. Within the curtain of water, which resembled a cascading silver river, was a small cave.
This was the reception area of the Misty Glow Grotto-heaven.
The cave was not large. Twelve luminous pearls were embedded in the ceiling, brightly illuminating the interior and revealing the various rare flowers and spirit plants growing around.
“Uncle Chen, this place is truly wonderful.” Zhou Xiaoxuan’s beautiful eyes swept around, a gentle smile on her face as she took in the surroundings.
“It’s a pity that after I come out of the mystic realm, I’ll have to head north of the Sky-Reaching River. Otherwise, I’d really like to be your neighbor, Uncle Chen.”
“No matter how nice it is outside, it’s not as good as being in the sect,” Chen Jianghe said with a chuckle.
“The sect is good, but that was in the past.”
A look of helplessness crossed Zhou Xiaoxuan’s face. She looked at Chen Jianghe and said in a soft voice, “With Uncle Chen’s support, I am confident I can make it out of the mystic realm.”
“But as for heading north of the Sky-Reaching River, I don’t know if I can survive the tribulations there.”
“Why do you say that?!”
Chen Jianghe showed a puzzled expression. Even with the Tiannan Sect’s internal strife, there were bound to be some disciples killed or injured.
But the impact shouldn't be too widespread.
No matter what, the old Sect Master was still alive. He was a Nascent Soul True Lord, still capable of intimidating the peak lords within the sect.
“Sunset Glow Peak oversees the Immortal Gate Market City. Now that the Immortal Gate is in decline, the market city is deserted and dilapidated. This has caused Sunset Glow Peak to lose a significant amount of influence within the sect. To regain our influence and priority access to resources, we must bring Heavenly Gate Market City under Sunset Glow Peak’s control.”
“Although Heavenly Gate Market City isn’t an asset of the three main northern branches, it is jointly controlled by the five collateral northern branches. If Sunset Glow Peak tries to seize it by force, it will surely lead to casualties. A while ago, one of my Core Formation Martial Uncles fell north of the Sky-Reaching River.”
Hearing Zhou Xiaoxuan’s words, Chen Jianghe’s heart sank. No wonder Gao Peiyao had warned him not to go to Heavenly Gate Market City.
The intensity of the Tiannan Sect’s internal conflict was beyond his imagination.
To fight for influence and resource priority within the sect, even a Core Formation expert could lose their life.
It made sense when he thought about it.
Heavenly Gate Market City was originally controlled by five collateral branches. After Sunset Glow Peak moved north, they wanted to monopolize it. How could the others just let that happen?
It would be strange if they didn’t fight back!
Of course, the main reason was that the Peak Lord of Sunset Glow Peak was not a Core Formation expert. Otherwise, those five collateral branches wouldn't have dared to assassinate a Core Formation expert from Sunset Glow Peak at the very beginning of the conflict.
From this perspective, Gao Peiyao’s Silver Moon Peak was in a better position, as it managed the flying courier stations in the Tiannan Domain.
Even the flying courier stations north of the Sky-Reaching River were originally under Silver Moon Peak’s control. Therefore, when Perfected Being Lan went to Heavenly Gate Market City, she likely wouldn’t be ostracized by the Core Formation experts of the northern branches.
The nine southern branches needed to contend with the Beast Taming Zhou Clan and the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, so they couldn't just descend upon the northern branches directly.
But in the eyes of the three northern branches, the nine southern branches were just exiles driven south of the Sky-Reaching River, coming to compete with them for benefits.
Chen Jianghe didn't want to get involved in the sect's internal disputes, nor did he want to know too much about them.
He only wished for the Tiannan Domain to truly stabilize as soon as possible, so he could cultivate in peace.
Immediately, Chen Jianghe took out a storage pouch.
This contained the talismans and spirit pills he had prepared for Zhou Xiaoxuan.
“Xiaoxuan, inside this storage pouch are five Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans, five Second Wood Soul-Entangling Talismans, five Second Wood Green Vine Shield Talismans, six second-tier Spirit Recovery Pills, six Muscle-Growing and Bone-Mending Pills, three Jade Dew Pills for rapid injury recovery, and six Heart-Clearing and Detoxification Pills.”
As Chen Jianghe spoke, he handed the storage pouch to Zhou Xiaoxuan.
“Thank you for your help, Uncle Chen. Xiaoxuan will definitely retrieve a Core Formation spirit item for you!” Zhou Xiaoxuan’s eyes lit up with joy, and she then spoke with great solemnity.
Chen Jianghe had provided her with so many resources.
She wasn't a fool; she naturally understood what Chen Jianghe meant.
Chen Jianghe was a rogue cultivator outside the sect. Even if he participated in the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm and was lucky enough to obtain a third-tier spirit item, he would have to hand it over to the sect.
This was the case for ordinary third-tier spirit items, let alone a Core Formation spirit item.
So, in her view, Chen Jianghe's support was aimed at obtaining a Core Formation spirit item.
He was planning for his future Core Formation.
But how could Core Formation be so easy for a rogue cultivator?
For a rogue cultivator to reach Core Formation, the spirit item was secondary. The most important thing was a Core Formation secret art.
Without a secret art, you wouldn't even know how to use a Core Formation spirit item. How could you possibly form your core?
However, for a rogue cultivator to obtain a Core Formation secret art, it required a great deal of fortune.
Zhou Xiaoxuan had the sect's legacy. After reaching Perfected Foundation Establishment, she would inevitably come into contact with Core Formation secret arts.
But she could not pass them on to outsiders.
“It would be best if you can get a Core Formation spirit item, but don’t force it if you can’t. Once you enter the mystic realm, your own safety must be the top priority.”
Chen Jianghe reminded her.
“Xiaoxuan will remember Uncle’s teachings.”
Zhou Xiaoxuan stood up and bowed respectfully.
After a few more words, she left the Misty Glow Grotto-heaven.
In the blink of an eye, more than three months passed.
It was the second month, and the mystic realm was about to open.
Chen Jianghe walked out of the Misty Glow Grotto-heaven early in the morning and looked toward the western mountain range of Muyun Market City.
The Muyun Mountain Range consisted of dozens of continuous peaks, with Muyun Market City occupying only eighteen of them.
To the west, there were six more peculiar peaks, which made up a third of the Muyun Mountain Range's territory.
This was the location of the Muyun Mystic Realm.
Beyond these six peculiar peaks lay the vast and boundless Starfall Sea.
The rogue cultivators of Muyun Market City who wanted to hunt for treasure in the Starfall Sea had to go around these peaks; none dared to fly directly over them.
This was because powerful demonic beasts resided among the six peculiar peaks.
It was rumored that a third-tier demonic beast had emerged from the Starfall Sea and occupied these six peaks of the Muyun Mountain Range.
“Fellow Daoist Chen.”
Just as Chen Jianghe flew out of Muyun Market City, he heard a voice from behind. He stopped and looked back to see a sword light rapidly approaching, arriving in an instant.
Standing on the flying sword was a handsome and dashing young man, refined and elegant, with a graceful demeanor. It was Cen Linchuan.
“Fellow Daoist Cen.”
Chen Jianghe returned the greeting.
Before they had a complete falling out, there was no need for harsh words.
Besides, the one who had attacked him was Cen Linfeng, not Cen Linchuan, although Cen Linchuan certainly knew about it.
But on the surface, Cen Linchuan was still trying to befriend him.
This man was very calculating.
“I have been looking for you for a long time, Fellow Daoist. I didn't expect to run into you in Muyun Market City. It must be fate,” Cen Linchuan said with a smile.
“Fellow Daoist Cen was looking for me?”
“Yes, I came to apologize to you, Fellow Daoist. Some time ago, my brother was passing through Qingyun Town when he was ambushed by two demonic cultivators. The ensuing battle destroyed your Clearwater Bay Villa.”
“Those demonic cultivators are despicable, attacking without cause. But since my brother was responsible for destroying your villa, I must compensate you.”
Cen Linchuan clasped his hands in apology, took out two pieces of Shangqing Jade, and added, “You are also a Grandmaster of the Talisman Dao, Fellow Daoist. Please accept these two pieces of Shangqing Jade as my apology. I hope you won’t hold it against us.”
“This… such a thing happened?!”
Chen Jianghe was startled. He accepted the Shangqing Jade and said in shock, “My Clearwater Bay is within the territory of the Immortal Gate Market City. With the Tiannan Sect still around, how dare those demonic cultivators be so audacious.”
“Is your esteemed brother alright?”
“Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Chen. My brother only suffered some external injuries. He will recover after some rest.”
“It’s good that he’s alright. Those demonic cultivators are truly detestable…”
“Brother Chen… wait for me.”
Just then, a loud shout came from afar.
Chen Jianghe looked toward the sound and saw Ruan Tieniu flying over quickly with five other cultivators, presumably for the opening of the Muyun Mystic Realm.
From Cen Linchuan’s presence, Chen Jianghe could guess that he too was sponsoring someone.
Cultivators outside the sect who wanted to obtain third-tier spirit items could only do so by sponsoring sect disciples they had good relations with.
When Cen Linchuan saw Ruan Tieniu, he maintained his smile, but upon seeing the cultivators with Ruan Tieniu, his face instantly turned ashen.
The sight of two Perfected Foundation Establishment cultivators among them, in particular, made a flash of anger appear in his eyes, though he quickly concealed it.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, I shall take my leave first.”
“Take care, Fellow Daoist Cen.”
Chen Jianghe nodded.
He didn't move, remaining suspended in the air, waiting for Ruan Tieniu to arrive.
However, he had already guessed why Cen Linchuan wanted to leave. The two demonic cultivators who had attacked Cen Linfeng were likely among the five people Ruan Tieniu had brought.
Chen Jianghe sent a mental message to Xiao Hei, telling him to be on high alert at all times.
Nowadays, whenever Chen Jianghe went out, he would bring Xiao Hei with him. It was the only way he felt secure.
Ruan Tieniu flew over with the five Immortal Officials.
“Brother Chen, was that Cen Linchuan who just left?”
Chen Jianghe nodded. After exchanging greetings with the five Immortal Officials Ruan Tieniu had brought, he said to Ruan Tieniu, “Brother Ruan, thank you for what happened at Clearwater Bay.”
“We’re brothers, no need to be so formal. It’s just a shame we didn’t manage to kill that bastard Cen Linfeng.”
As Ruan Tieniu said this, he looked at the two Perfected Foundation Establishment Immortal Officials who had acted and said disapprovingly, “You can’t even handle a simple task. Don’t ever brag in front of me again about being powerful demonic cultivators wanted by the Tiannan Sect for seventy years.”
“And you still want to ask my brother for a reward? If you’re not ashamed, I’m ashamed for you.”
“Yes, yes, Brother Ruan is right. We failed in our task, how could we dare ask Grandmaster Chen for a high-grade, second-tier escape talisman.”
The two Perfected Foundation Establishment Immortal Officials immediately responded, nodding repeatedly.
Chen Jianghe pursed his lips, thinking to himself: *What crude acting.*
They said they didn't want a reward, yet they specifically mentioned a high-grade, second-tier escape talisman.
“You can’t put it that way. Cen Linfeng reached Perfected Foundation Establishment long ago and comes from a talisman family. He must have many life-saving measures. For you two to have heavily injured him is already very good.”
Chen Jianghe took out two high-grade, second-tier escape talismans and gave one to each of the two Perfected Foundation Establishment Immortal Officials.
“Thank you both, fellow daoists.”
“Hiss—this! We brothers are truly ashamed!”
“Indeed, Grandmaster Chen’s gesture makes us feel utterly disgraced.”
The two Perfected Foundation Establishment Immortal Officials talked a big game, but their eager hands didn't hesitate for a moment, smoothly accepting the high-grade, second-tier escape talismans from Chen Jianghe.
Seeing this, Ruan Tieniu raised an eyebrow at the two Immortal Officials, as if to say: *See? Stick with me, and there’s plenty of extra income.*
Then, Ruan Tieniu glanced at the other three Immortal Officials, the meaning in his eyes self-evident.
*Learn from your two Prefecture Lords.*
In the Feng Kingdom, every prefecture had an Immortal Emissary Commander who was in charge of all affairs within the prefecture.
Two Prefecture Lords assisted the Immortal Emissary Commander.
They managed the cultivators and mortals respectively.
One shouldn't think that managing mortals was unimportant or without benefits.
Quite the contrary.
The Prefecture Lord who managed mortals held a status even higher than the one who managed cultivators.
This was the case in all three great immortal kingdoms of the Tiannan Domain.
“The five of you, go to the mystic realm’s opening site first.”
Ruan Tieniu gave the order.
The five Immortal Officials acknowledged the command and flew toward the six peculiar peaks.
“Brother Ruan, do you have someone you’re supporting to enter the mystic realm?”
Seeing Ruan Tieniu making such a grand display by bringing five Immortal Officials with him, Chen Jianghe couldn't help but ask curiously.
“Old Fifth and Old Sixth are both entering the mystic realm. As their big brother, I naturally have to come and support them, haha…”
Ruan Tieniu let out a hearty laugh.
The five Immortal Officials were all Ruan Tieniu’s sworn brothers.
They were also the five Immortal Officials-in-Charge of Xichuan Prefecture, the most powerful cultivators under Ruan Tieniu.
One should not underestimate the Immortal Officials of an immortal kingdom, especially those with power.
Xichuan Prefecture was one of the largest in the Feng Kingdom, and thus possessed a massive cultivator army.
Among these cultivator armies, there was no shortage of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As the Immortal Emissary Commander of Xichuan Prefecture, Ruan Tieniu could normally mobilize one-tenth of the Xichuan cultivator army.
In times of war, with a decree from the imperial court, he could mobilize the entire Xichuan cultivator army.
The two Prefecture Lords could mobilize a thousand-strong cultivator army, including twelve Foundation Establishment generals.
The three Immortal Officials-in-Charge could mobilize five hundred soldiers and nine Foundation Establishment generals.
Individually, these cultivator soldiers were only at the Qi Refining stage, and their generals were only at the early or mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
But when they formed a battle array, their blood-fiend aura would solidify. A five-hundred-strong army led by three early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators could fight a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
This was why even powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators didn't dare to wander about recklessly during times of turmoil.
“I saw that Cen Linfeng was also heading to the Muyun Mystic Realm. He must be helping a cultivator.”
Back in Thousand Mountains Market City, Ruan Tieniu had been a mere rogue cultivator, not someone Cen Linfeng would take seriously.
But now, the tables had turned.
As a high-ranking official of the Feng Kingdom, the Immortal Emissary Commander of a prefecture, Ruan Tieniu didn't give a damn about the Cen Clan.
Even if the Cen Clan had a False Core rogue cultivator.
This was also why the two Prefecture Lords had dared to attack Cen Linfeng.
It wasn't just Ruan Tieniu who looked down on the Cen Clan; even the two Prefecture Lords did.
For a high-ranking official of an immortal kingdom, dealing with a clan without a Core Formation expert was almost too easy.
“What? Is Brother Ruan going to make a move on Cen Linchuan?”
“No, no, no, Brother Chen, don’t speak so carelessly. As an official, my duty is to bring prosperity to my jurisdiction. How could I possibly engage in wanton slaughter?”
Ruan Tieniu waved his hands dismissively.
“Not only can I not act, but within Xichuan Prefecture, anyone who dares to commit wanton slaughter is making an enemy of me.”
“I came to the Muyun Mystic Realm this time for two reasons. First, because Old Fifth and Old Sixth are entering the mystic realm, and second, to maintain order.”
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe felt a bit bewildered.
Could these words really have come from Ruan Tieniu?
“It seems this is related to the so-called ‘fortune’.”
Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
He didn't say much more and proceeded toward the Muyun Mystic Realm with Ruan Tieniu.
The mystic realm was about to open, and he had sponsored Zhou Xiaoxuan with a large number of talismans and spirit pills.
He was counting on Zhou Xiaoxuan to bring back some good spirit items from the mystic realm.
Of course, there was also Yun Bufan, whom he had also sponsored with some talismans and spirit pills.
They arrived at the highest of the six peculiar peaks. Looking east, they could faintly see Muyun Market City hidden in the valley.
Looking west, there was the vast, boundless sea.
They could also see massive ships sailing on the sea, and many cultivators flying on swords in the sky.
But this was all on the fringes of the Starfall Sea.
As for venturing deep into the Starfall Sea?
That required both strength and courage.
When Chen Jianghe and Ruan Tieniu arrived, they found that several hundred cultivators had already gathered there.
Most of them were escorting the trial-takers who were about to enter the mystic realm.
Upon seeing Chen Jianghe and Ruan Tieniu, many of these cultivators came forward to greet them.
A small number were greeting Chen Jianghe.
The vast majority were greeting Ruan Tieniu, and their words were extremely respectful.
Many cultivators were very cautious when facing Ruan Tieniu, afraid of offending the immensely powerful Immortal Emissary Commander of Xichuan Prefecture.
One had to know that Xichuan Prefecture had a thirty-thousand-strong cultivator army, and even in normal times, Ruan Tieniu could mobilize one-tenth of it at will.
Three thousand cultivator soldiers and thirty-two Foundation Establishment generals.
With a single command, he could wipe out any clan below the level of a Core Formation Immortal Clan.
Seeing this, Chen Jianghe felt a bit emotional. The demon hunter of the past had actually become a high and mighty Immortal Emissary Commander.
The once arrogant and untouchable members of Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans were now so submissive and sycophantic before him.
Even the descendants of Core Formation Immortal Clans showed a look of reverence when they looked at Ruan Tieniu.
It was clear how high Ruan Tieniu's status had become.
Of course, Ruan Tieniu's own cultivation was not low. He was at the Perfected Foundation Establishment stage and possessed a powerful spirit pet.
This was just his strength on the surface.
Chen Jianghe knew that Ruan Tieniu had more trump cards than that.
“Brother Ruan is truly basking in glory!”
Chen Jianghe sent a mental message.
“Brother Chen, you’re mistaken. As the Immortal Emissary Commander, I only wish to bring prosperity to my jurisdiction, to allow the cultivators under my rule to cultivate in peace, and the mortals to live and work in contentment.”
“Uh? Brother Ruan’s ideals are truly lofty.”
“It’s not about lofty ideals. If you were to become the Chief Grand State Master of the Feng Kingdom, you would become just like me.”
“Hm? Why is that?!”
“Brother Chen, you are not yet an Immortal Official of the kingdom. There are some things I cannot explain to you.”
Ruan Tieniu did not elaborate.
But Chen Jianghe was certain that this was definitely related to the so-called ‘fortune’.
*‘Could it aid in cultivation? Or perhaps increase one’s luck, allowing one to stumble upon opportunities just by going out?’*
While Chen Jianghe was lost in thought, Yun Bufan arrived at the peculiar peak. He looked around and then walked towards him.
“Brother Chen.”
“Brother Yun.”
After exchanging greetings, Yun Bufan stood beside Chen Jianghe, in a way borrowing his influence.
Anyone who wanted to deal with Yun Bufan inside the mystic realm would have to consider the relationship between him and Chen Jianghe.
Furthermore, Chen Jianghe was currently standing with Ruan Tieniu. The news that the two were as close as brothers had long spread throughout the Tiannan Domain.
Today, it was once again confirmed.
Seeing this, Cen Linchuan thought about the two pieces of Shangqing Jade he had given Chen Jianghe and felt as disgusted as if he had swallowed a fly.
“Brother Chen, you can have Fellow Daoist Yu’s clan come to Xichuan Prefecture. They can start by gaining experience in a small commandery, and then they can take charge of the Muyun region.”
Ruan Tieniu transmitted his voice.
“This… isn’t that inappropriate!”
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe was actually a little tempted.
The Yu Clan was not doing well in the Qing Kingdom.
Donghai Commandery was the former territory of Ferry Market City. Once a war broke out between the north and south, the Yu Clan would be the first to be affected.
If they moved to Xichuan Prefecture in the Feng Kingdom, under Ruan Tieniu’s care, taking charge of the Muyun region in the future would be very feasible.
As for the issue of taking sides between the two Nascent Soul powers?
A minor Foundation Establishment clan didn't have the qualifications to take sides.
*‘When I get back, I can write a letter to Daniu and see what he thinks.’*
Ruan Tieniu’s development had truly exceeded his expectations. The most crucial thing was that after becoming an Immortal Emissary Commander, Ruan Tieniu seemed to have become a different person.
The man had actually become benevolent!
How utterly absurd!
“What’s there to be inappropriate about? Fellow Daoist Yu is your brother, Brother Chen, which makes him my brother too.”
Ruan Tieniu transmitted his voice magnanimously.
“Then thank you, Brother Ruan. I’ll write to Daniu when I get back to ask him,” Chen Jianghe replied.
Clang! Clang!
A sword cry, resembling the cry of a phoenix, resounded.
From the northern sky, a fire phoenix sword light several dozen zhang long pierced through the clouds. Several figures stood upon it, led by the peerlessly beautiful Fairy Yunhua.
Behind her stood Ji Yanfeng, Ji Ziyan, and other disciples of the Ji Clan.
Chen Jianghe saw that Fairy Yunhua was as radiant as ever, not at all like the rumors that claimed she had been severely injured by a demonic beast.
It seemed her injuries had fully healed.
Back then, after the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm ended, six Core Formation experts had battled a third-tier demonic beast in the Arctic Snow Forest.
Later, they drew out a third-tier demonic beast from the depths of the Arctic Snow Forest, and three Core Formation experts fell.
Perfected Being Chengtian escaped with the heavily injured Perfected Being Mingjing and Fairy Yunhua.
Ever since then, rumors of a fourth-tier great demon in the Arctic Snow Forest began to circulate.
Others thought it was just a rumor.
But Chen Jianghe believed it to be true, because the information Luo Xiyue had left for him stated that the Arctic Snow Forest was the former site of the Snow Sect.
How could a place that served as a natural barrier between the Tiannan Domain and the Tiannan cultivation world not have a fourth-tier great demon?
“Brother Chen, the people from the Zhou Clan are here.”
Ruan Tieniu sent a mental message.
Immediately after, the roar of a dragon was heard.
From the eastern sky, a massive Fire Scale Flood Dragon flew over. It was ten zhang long and emanated a terrifying pressure.
The flood dragon’s head had a single horn, and two long whiskers extended from its nostrils. With a single roar, it terrified the demonic beasts on the peculiar peak into prostrating themselves on the ground.
A Fire Scale Flood Dragon was what a Red Scale Fire Python became after breaking through to the third tier.
However, the Red Scale Fire Python had an upper-grade, third-rank bloodline, which generally made it impossible to break through to the third tier.
Unless it encountered a great opportunity.
On the head of the Fire Scale Flood Dragon stood a dignified middle-aged man wearing a four-clawed dragon robe. He was the only surviving younger brother of the Beast Taming Zhou Clan's patriarch.
He was also the only surviving member of the same generation as the Zhou Clan's patriarch.
Under the siege of the Tiannan Sect, ninety percent of the Zhou clansmen had died. The remaining survivors were all from the younger generation.