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A party of three hurried along a night road, the mountain stream gurgling, its sound ethereal and pleasing to the ear.

An elderly Daoist, tall and gaunt, with piercing eyes, wore a wide Daoist robe of silk. The robe’s style was archaic and elaborate, still retaining twelve hidden pleats, corresponding to the twelve months of the year, each with exquisitely embroidered patterns.

He carried a peach wood sword on his back and a string of bronze bells at his waist.

Walking in the moonlight, the old Daoist exuded an air of immortal grace.

Next was a handsome young master, leaning on a bamboo staff and wearing straw sandals, clad in white robes and carrying a golden-sheathed short blade.

Lastly, a slovenly-dressed fellow carried a knapsack, appearing to be a servant of the young man.

Suddenly, the three stopped in their tracks. In the distance, by the stream, they could vaguely see someone sitting on a rocky outcrop, back to them, seemingly studying something by the moonlight.

The burly man glanced at the bells on the old Daoist’s waist, but they remained silent.

The trio breathed a collective sigh of relief.

This string of bells was a rare spiritual artifact of considerable origin, a Pagoda Bell, originally hung under the eaves of an ancient temple in the Great Yuan Dynasty. Later, the Great Yuan Emperor, in order to expand the scale of the Chongxuan Department’s Taoist temples, demolished several great halls of the ancient temple. During this process, the Pagoda Bell was lost to the common world, changing hands several times, before finally disappearing. By chance, the current owner found it on the corpse of a skeleton in a deep mountain cave, along with a large serpent’s true form carcass. The sale of the serpent yielded a profit of two hundred snowflakes (silver coins), while the Pagoda Bell was kept.

It wasn’t a matter of being unable to sell it for a high price, but rather an unwillingness to part with it. Truly exceptional treasures are always priceless.

This bell was personally recorded in the book “Silent Collection” by Yu Yuan, the owner of the Heart-Sound Pavilion, who had collected countless bells. However, on the illustrated catalog, this Pagoda Bell ranked relatively low.

Yet, any bell recorded in this book never lacked buyers.

With this bell, cultivators journeying through mountains and rivers would no longer require many essential talismans, such as the Barrier-Breaking Talisman, the Aura-Observing Talisman, and the Mind-Cleansing Talisman. One or two ventures into the wilderness wouldn’t be noticeable, but over time, these talismans would become a significant expense. Furthermore, the bell could be sold at any time, with any Immortal family shop at a ferry willing to spend generously. The best option, of course, was to directly approach the Heart-Sound Pavilion and sell it face-to-face to Yu Yuan, the Nascent Soul cultivator who best appreciated its value.

Buddhist bells carry three meanings: awakening, joy, and preaching. This is, of course, a fanciful notion. For cultivators, the most important function of the Pagoda Bell is a use that is barely related to “awakening,” that is, whenever demons or ghosts approach, the bell will ring on its own. The heavier the filth and baleful energy, the higher the cultivation of the demon or ghost, the more urgent and deafening the sound. Spirits and monsters below the Dragon Gate Realm cannot withstand the warning of this string of bells. In addition, it also serves to break barriers. Many landscape illusions that make people “ghost-blinded”, with the bell protecting them, cultivators can see clearly and calm their minds, not being deceived.

The young master communicated with his two companions through mental speech, “We three are all skilled in close combat, but we lack someone with offensive techniques and treasures. Why not try our luck?”

The gaunt old Daoist thought it feasible.

His elaborate Daoist robe and the peach wood sword on his back were merely a smokescreen.

He was actually a wild hermit who had stayed in a small local Taoist temple for over ten years. The greatest regret of his life was not that he failed to learn any Taoist arts in that dilapidated temple, but that he failed to purchase a Daoist registration through the temple and the court. Originally, based on seniority, it should have been his turn to spend money to buy a registration, but he never expected his master to secretly sell the slot to a纨绔 disciple from a wealthy family, telling him to wait another three years. In the end, it was three years after three years. After breaking his promise once, the temple master said that it would definitely be his turn next time, but he died and passed the position of temple master to a younger brother from a well-to-do family. In a fit of rage, he left the temple and embarked on the path of a rogue cultivator, secretly taking away the temple’s treasured artifact, a secret manual carefully treasured by past temple masters, but which no one could comprehend any method of immortality.

The burly man, however, felt it was inappropriate. Heaven knew where that fellow came from. Temporarily piecing together a team, adding a strange guy to the group, was likely to invite disaster.

The young man smiled, “We’ll play it by ear. If it works out, that’s best. If not, we lose nothing. Besides, when we split the spoils, it’s three against one. We might even get an extra share of wealth, right?”

The gaunt old Daoist stroked his beard and smiled.

Only then did the burly man nod in agreement.

The young master smiled, “Allow me to test the waters. Daoist Sun and Brother Huang, please wait here.”

The young man walked forward alone. After taking a few steps, the black-robed figure by the rocky outcrop, still facing away from them, remained motionless.

As the young man slightly quickened his pace and took another dozen steps, the black-robed figure suddenly turned his head, stood up, and stared intently at the young man, who seemed like a son of a noble clan.

The young man stopped and smiled, “My name is Qin Juyuan, from the state of Jiayou. The two companions behind me are my friends. Daoist Sun’s place of cultivation is the Thunder God Residence on Infant Mountain in the East Sea. His mentor is the Immortal Master Jingming Zhenren, one of the Immortals of the Thunder God Residence! Unfortunately, Daoist Sun is still a registered disciple and has not yet entered the ancestral hall’s lineage. Daoist Sun admires travel and has been travelling east, vanquishing demons and exterminating monsters, accumulating several great merits. After a joint monster slaying, we became close friends. Having heard that an ancient cave abode has appeared in the mountains of the Beiting Kingdom, we wanted to see if there were any opportunities for us to obtain.”

By the stream, near the rocky outcrop, stood a black-robed old man, his hands hidden in his sleeves, with wisps of ripples flowing from within.

He was clearly full of vigilance towards the three uninvited guests encountered in the mountains.

The black-robed old man narrowed his eyes and asked, “Infant Mountain Thunder God Residence? What a coincidence, I just happened to have heard of it. Rumor has it that the Thunder God Residence’s unique thunder talismans can command thunder and lightning, summon wind and rain, and are extremely powerful. Not only that, but I happen to have a secret thunder talisman from the Thunder God Residence.”

The old man plucked out a thunder talisman woven with lightning from his sleeve, held it high, and sneered, “I wonder if this Daoist Sun can recognize whether the Infant Mountain talisman is the Yin-Suppressing Ghost Talisman or the Pestilence-Expelling Temple-Razing Talisman?”

The young master stood with his hands behind his back, one hand open and the other clenched into a fist.

He signaled the two behind him to act according to the situation.

When he pressed the hilt of his blade, it would mean that they could backstab the guy early.

However, that was the worst-case scenario.

The quality of the other party’s talisman was too good, making them wary. For the time being, it should be a case of passing by each other, superficially keeping out of each other’s business.

But in reality, both sides had already formed a grudge.

Given a good opportunity, they would eliminate the roots.
The esteemed Register Immortal Masters of the mountains naturally have no need for such things.

This young swordsman, however, is from a fallen noble family, not someone from the Jia You Kingdom. Qin Juyuan is also an alias. The real Qin Juyuan is a contemporary from Jia You Kingdom who made his life difficult.

His true name is Di Yuanfeng. His swordsmanship was wholeheartedly taught by a family retainer, a descendant of a general from the frontier. His sword is an ancestral immortal weapon. He hasn’t been traveling the martial world for many years and can’t be considered a true rogue cultivator, but he has already experienced the scheming nature of rogue cultivators down the mountain twice. Once, he met the crude-looking “Big Brother Huang,” and another time, he turned an enemy into an ally, forming an alliance with “Daoist Sun.”

The tall, thin old Daoist took a few steps forward, casually glanced at the talisman in the black-robed cultivator’s hand, and smiled, “Fellow Daoist need not test me so. The talisman you hold is undoubtedly a lightning talisman, but definitely not the ‘Day Wraith’ or ‘Temple Slaying’ talismans secretly passed down by our Thunder God Abode. The wonder of our Infant Mountain’s lightning talismans lies in an ancient well. Through the resonance of heaven and earth, it nurtures a lightning pool of plasma. The divine brush refined with this plasma results in a talisman light that is pure and slightly reddish in color, something no other talisman mountain sect can replicate. Moreover, the five Ancestral Hall talismans of the Thunder God Abode have a secret that is not passed down. You have clearly passed by the mountain but failed to ascend it. It is a pity. If you have the opportunity in the future, you can return to Infant Mountain with me, and then you will know the mysteries within.”

The black-robed elder nodded, tucked the lightning talisman into his sleeve, and performed a Daoist salute to the Register Immortal Master from Infant Mountain’s Thunder God Abode, “Greetings, Daoist Sun.”

The young nobleman breathed a sigh of relief.

*Damn it*, these mountain and swamp rogue cultivators are all slippery and cunning.

They are truly difficult to please.

The tall, thin old Daoist was, of course, not a Daoist of the Thunder God Abode. That is a major sect with two Nascent Soul elders overseeing it, one of the leading Daoist sects located where a great river flows into the sea. This Daoist Sun certainly didn’t have the good fortune to become a high-ranking disciple of one of Infant Mountain’s five Realized Ones. Although Perfected Jingming is the last-seated Golden Core Earth Immortal of the Thunder God Abode, not as skilled in thunder magic as the other four, he is still an unreachable old immortal in the eyes of those down the mountain.

Fortunately, since this Daoist Sun dared to travel down the mountain under the guise of the Thunder God Abode, he had some understanding of their talismans.

But if the other party had truly produced a secretly transmitted talisman from the Ancestral Hall of the Thunder God Abode, Daoist Sun would probably be dumbfounded, because the latter had only heard rumors that the five major talismans of the Thunder God Abode had great significance, but what that significance was, Daoist Sun was not qualified to know. Luckily, even if the other party dug to the bottom, Daoist Sun wouldn’t need to answer, because if he were truly a Register Immortal Master, how could he casually reveal the secrets of his “own Ancestral Hall?”

Therefore, Daoist Sun’s response was reasonable and empathetic. Even the young nobleman himself would have dispelled most of his doubts.

Just then, the black-robed elder suddenly said something out of the blue, “Divine General Iron Chains, suppress the mountain’s cry.”

The tall, thin Daoist laughed heartily, “Five Thunder decrees issue from the Crimson Palace!”

The old man visibly relaxed and performed another Daoist salute, “I was impolite. I apologize to Daoist Sun.”

The black-robed elder clearly didn’t care much for the young man and the slovenly man.

Di Yuanfeng was full of complaints. As expected, the golden signboard of a Register Immortal Master from the Thunder God Abode works wonders everywhere. During their travels, in several vassal kingdoms and third-rate mountain sects, both Di Yuanfeng and the slovenly man had benefited from being treated as honored guests.

The old man seemed to want to descend the stone cliff to treat the three of them with courtesy. He had only gone halfway when he suddenly asked, “Why doesn’t Daoist Sun wear the standard Daoist robe of the Thunder God Abode when traveling down the mountain?”

Di Yuanfeng was furious.

Is this ever going to end?!

He almost couldn’t help but reach out and grip the hilt of his sword.

Such a cautious old thing probably meant that there were still many variables in this alliance, and it wouldn’t be so easy for them to kill him.

The tall, thin Daoist stroked his beard and smiled, shaking his head, “Wearing the mountain’s Daoist robe and parading it around would only tire me out with social engagements. Is cultivation supposed to be done at banquets with flowing cups and clinking glasses?”

The black-robed elder smiled slightly, finally deigning to step down the stone cliff, and said with emotion, “Daoist Sun is truly a high-ranking expert from Infant Mountain. This cool-headed detachment from worldly riches is truly admirable. Presumably, this return to the Thunder God Abode’s ancestral mountain will allow you to advance further and become a direct disciple of Perfected Jingming and the Ancestral Hall.”

Then, this old fox rogue cultivator in the eyes of the three of them showed a bit more respect, still only looking at Daoist Sun, and said with a smile, “My surname is Chen, and I come from the Five Mausoleums Kingdom, a land barren in Daoist arts. My cultivation is meager, and my sect is even more insignificant, a sad tale indeed. I accidentally learned a method of drawing talismans, a mere trick, a laughingstock. I would never dare to show it off in front of a talisman immortal master like Daoist Sun. I tried to test you with a talisman earlier, and now that I think about it, I am extremely ashamed. Daoist Sun, you are truly magnanimous, please don’t hold it against me.”

Daoist Sun smiled, “Being cautious when traveling is never wrong. Brother Chen need not feel guilty.”

Daoist Sun took the lead in walking towards the black-robed elder, with Di Yuanfeng and the slovenly man naturally following behind.

In fact, among the three of them, Di Yuanfeng had always been the leader, so he could take 40% of all the spoils, with the other two taking 30% each.

The black-robed elder yielded the small path on the stone cliff. When Daoist Sun “ascended” it, he cut in, following closely behind Daoist Sun, not giving Di Yuanfeng and the slovenly man any face.

Di Yuanfeng and the man carrying the baggage quickly exchanged a smile.

That’s the style of mountain and swamp rogue cultivators.

Cautious at first, then adept at changing course.

He should be a fellow traveler.

Good.

The four of them sat together on the stone cliff.

Daoist Sun asked with a smile, “Are you also here for the mountain’s cave dwelling?”

This black-robed elder, who wore a blue cloth package slung across his shoulder, probably believed in Daoist Sun’s identity as a Register Immortal Master from Infant Mountain, and after the three previous tests, he had no more doubts. At this moment, he showed a hint of helplessness and said frankly, “Of course. It’s just that I haven’t obtained the local government’s geomantic map. After entering the mountain, I’ve been wandering here for a long time. Otherwise, I should be in the deep mountains hundreds of miles away by now. If I’m lucky, I might even find that secret cave dwelling where the gate restrictions have already been broken.”

Daoist Sun looked at the noble son Di Yuanfeng, who was dressed in bamboo shoes and a straw hat. The latter smiled slightly and took out a neatly folded map of the county from his bosom. It was a copy.
The geomantic charts of various regions have always been taboo objects for the imperial courts and officialdom of all countries, absolutely forbidden from being leaked or disseminated. It was only due to Daoist Sun’s status that Di Yuanfeng and the others were able to successfully copy them. However, that prefect was no simpleton either, requesting Daoist Sun to display a bit of immortal magic, along with a dozen or so Daoist talismans that could be posted in the yamen.

The tall, thin Daoist was actually inept at drawing talismans. He had only glanced at a few rudimentary talismans from Infant Mountain and could only draw them with a 70-80% resemblance. The secret manual he stole from the Daoist temple didn’t have a single talisman recorded on it. However, the talisman’s core, as drawn by the old Daoist, did possess a trace of spiritual energy, enough to ward off the not-so-dense yin and baleful energy of the marketplace.

Those talismans, of course, wouldn’t actually be pasted on the public doors of the government office. Instead, the old prefect would take them and sell them to those wealthy local gentry who cherished their lives, feared death, and didn’t lack money.

The black-robed elder offered a word of thanks, reached out, and accepted the geomantic chart. He carefully examined it, saying, “As expected of Daoist Sun, to be able to copy this item.”

The tall, thin Daoist stroked his beard and smiled, saying nothing.

The unkempt man, who claimed his surname was Huang and his given name was Shi, remained silent.

The black-robed elder hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Di Yuanfeng knew that this person had finally taken the bait.

Unfortunately, whether it was him or Daoist Sun, neither would proactively say a single word.

The other party had to show some sincerity and capital.

This black-robed elder in the midst of a “heavenly-human conflict” was, of course, Chen Ping’an with a disguise mask.

His face was aged, he carried a long sword on his back, a package slung across his shoulder, his expression was weary, and his eyes were turbid.

Chen Ping’an hadn’t believed from the beginning that the man was a registered disciple of the Jingming lineage of Thunder God’s Abode on Infant Mountain.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have used those crude methods to test the other party’s authenticity.

Because Infant Mountain was an important mountain gate at the estuary west of the Great Channel, he had learned about it before coming to the Northern Majestic Continent, and later he had inquired in detail about the purpose of the Thunder God’s Abode’s talismans with Qi Jinglong.

Although Qi Jinglong came from the Taihui Sword Sect, everyone in the continent knew that this terrestrial dragon’s talisman realm was very high.

Chen Ping’an even knew that the true key to the Thunder God’s Abode’s ancestral hall’s five thunder talismans was the need to imprint the five ancestral seals, including “Jade Mansion Grand Commander,” “Five Directions Patrol Envoy,” and “Direct Palace Great Supervisor,” separately. Not only that, Qi Jinglong had personally drawn talismans to demonstrate the five thunder methods to Chen Ping’an. The power was naturally not as good as that of a Thunder God’s Abode’s earth immortal, after all, the crucial five thunder department seals were missing, but Chen Ping’an believed that apart from the five seal-holding immortals, no other direct descendant of the ancestral hall on Infant Mountain could match Qi Jinglong, an outsider, in the true meaning of their own talismans.

Comparing people is infuriating.

Besides, being angry is useless.

The reason why he deliberately believed the other party’s identity was that Chen Ping’an hoped to use the three of them to give himself an extra layer of hidden identity, instead of exploring the cave alone.

As for how to deal with mountain and swamp rogue cultivators, Chen Ping’an, after all, had engaged in intrigue with Liu Laocheng and Liu Z茂, so he had some experience.

Although each continent had its own local customs, mountain and swamp rogue cultivators were, in the end, mountain and swamp rogue cultivators.

White wine reddens the face, gold blackens the heart.

Rushing thousands of miles for wealth, profit comes first.

After a seemingly careful weighing of pros and cons, Chen Ping’an cautiously asked, “I wonder if Daoist Sun needs a helper here?”

Daoist Sun thought about it and then pretended to nod in agreement.

Because he knew that someone, “Di Yuanfeng”, would stop him.

Sure enough, without any exchange of thoughts between the two sides, Di Yuanfeng asked, “Old Brother Chen, we’ve only just met. If it were you, would you casually accept a companion whose name you don’t even know?”

Chen Ping’an gritted his teeth and slowly pulled out a stack of yellow paper talismans from his sleeve. He sorted them into categories and arranged them in front of him. In addition to the Celestial Tribunal Thunder Division Talisman, there were also two Great River Rushing Talismans and two Clod Moving Talismans, as well as several Mountain and Water Obstacle Breaking Talismans. All of them were drawn with gold and silver powder. Compared to the fifty talismans sold by Cloud Top City’s general store, apart from the fact that the material was the most ordinary yellow paper, everything else, whether it was the brushwork, the quality, or the power, was worlds apart. The prices were even incomparable.

The art of drawing talismans has many rules.

Just talking about the “dipping of ink” for the brush is divided into ordinary cinnabar, gold and silver powder, and immortal alchemical sand. And immortal alchemical sand is a bottomless pit of disparity.

So it is said that for Qi Refining practitioners who cultivate the art of talismans, drawing talismans is burning money. The more orthodox the master’s talisman, the more divine immortal money it consumes. Fortunately, as long as a talisman cultivator enters the hall and ascends the chamber, they can immediately earn money and support their mountain. However, talisman cultivators are too tested on aptitude. Whether they can succeed or not, the weight of the first few brush strokes in childhood will indicate the goodness or badness of their future. Of course, nothing is absolute. There are also those who mature late and suddenly have an epiphany, but they are often rogue cultivators who have been abandoned early by registered immortals.

The talismans that Chen Ping’an took out were all yellow paper gold line talismans made by grinding official gold ingots. Compared with worldly cinnabar and silver powder talismans, the quality and value were naturally better.

Daoist Sun glanced at the talismans and then looked at the black-robed elder. This high immortal master from Thunder God’s Abode just smiled and said nothing.

Chen Ping’an then smiled awkwardly and took out the first Celestial Tribunal Thunder Division Talisman drawn with the vermilion sand from Spring Dew Garden Mountain and gently placed it on the ground.

Di Yuanfeng asked with a smile, “Old Brother Chen, where did you buy these treasured talismans? They look quite remarkable. I would also like to buy some to protect myself.”

The black-robed elder said rather proudly, “Although I am not a registered immortal and have no talisman master lineage, I am quite talented in the art of talismans…”

Speaking of this, the old man immediately restrained his smug expression and said embarrassingly, “Of course, in front of Daoist Sun, it is no different from the games of ignorant children in the countryside.”

Daoist Sun felt that the timing was about right and said with a calm expression, “Brother Chen, don’t underestimate yourself. To be honest, although this poor Daoist has cultivated on Infant Mountain for many years, Brother Chen should know that our Thunder God’s Abode Daoists, apart from the direct disciples of the five immortals, can be roughly divided into two types. Either they focus on cultivating the Five Thunder Orthodox Method, or they study talismans, hoping to be granted a secret transmission of a direct descendant talisman from the ancestral hall. This poor Daoist is the former. Therefore, if Brother Chen is truly a master proficient in talismans, we are actually willing to invite you to visit the mountain together.”

The unkempt man, who claimed to be Huang Shi, opened his mouth and said, “I wonder, Old Brother Chen, what is the power of the talismans you carefully draw?”

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment, picked up a Great River Rushing Talisman, made a hand seal with one hand, seemingly chanted incantations, and after a moment, threw it into the stream. He softly shouted and quickly made hand seals with both hands, dazzlingly.
The talisman melted upon contact with the water, yet its essence scattered, causing the stream to shimmer with faint, interlacing threads of light, like ethereal fishing lines.

The three onlookers watched the black-robed elder emit a soft cry. Ceasing his hand seals, he brought two fingers together, uttering a single, resonant “Rise!” With a gentle sweep, a serpentine dragon composed of stream water erupted from the gully. It circled the rocky cliff once before, guided by the elder’s fingers, returning to the stream. The elder clearly intended to flaunt his talisman mastery, and indeed, he possessed ample power to do so. The talisman was of high quality, and this display was not its limit, for a significant portion of the glowing threads remained in the stream.

The black-robed elder raised his sleeves, and pillars of water shot up from the ground, rapidly swirling around the four figures near the cliff face, creating a mist-filled environment with a bone-chilling cold.

Di Yuanfeng used telepathy to inquire with Master Huang, who replied using his warrior’s skill of focused sound transmission: “He has some ability, but lacks potent killing power. These tricks look impressive, but a few punches would shatter them. However, if he can control all those talismans, he could be a decent asset, as we lack a long-range cultivator. Besides, a talisman cultivator is ideal for breaking barriers and clearing paths.”

The black-robed elder retracted his talisman magic, the stream returning to its placid state, the glowing threads of talisman essence vanishing from the water. The elder took a deep breath, his face flushed a little.

Sun Daoren spoke telepathically to the other two: “Even with an added cultivation realm, he’s probably at the Cave Abode Realm. Even if he’s concealing his true power, attempting to deceive us, I’m still confident he’s not a Dragon Gate Realm immortal. So, let’s treat him as a Cave Abode cultivator, or perhaps a Sea Contemplation Realm cultivator who isn’t adept at close combat – just right for our needs, not a threat, and quite useful. Aside from that lightning talisman he revealed, he definitely has a few trump cards hidden away. We need to be cautious.”

Huang Xi suddenly focused sound transmission, saying to the others: “That black robe he’s wearing might be a magical robe.”

Di Yuanfeng chuckled: “No rush. Let’s observe as we go, consider things carefully, and reach a decision later.”

Sun Daoren said to Chen Ping’an: “If our mountain visit goes smoothly, Fellow Daoist, you can return to Infant Mountain with me. I’ll try to introduce you to some people there.”

The black-robed elder froze for a moment, then his eyes burned with fervent desire, his lips trembling, too overwhelmed to speak.

For a wandering rogue cultivator, joining a celestial sect like Infant Mountain, with a Nascent Soul Grandmaster overseeing it, was akin to being reborn into a privileged life.

Di Yuanfeng took all of this in, then smiled: “I wonder, Brother Chen, could you elaborate on the functions of these talismans?”

Chen Ping’an pointed to the talismans on the ground, explaining them one by one. He didn’t say much about the barrier-breaking talisman, only that it was a unique bridge-crossing talisman he had learned, since ordinary barrier-breaking talismans didn’t have many variations. He was even more concise about the water talisman he had already displayed. However, when it came to the lightning talisman and the clod-of-earth talisman, he meticulously described their offensive power. To the other three, it sounded like a boastful self-aggrandizement, but they still raised their estimation of the black-robed elder a little.

He recounted the general origins and related powers of the two important talismans.

It was both sincerity and a show of strength.

This was the kind of tactic a wandering rogue cultivator would use.

It was similar to Di Yuanfeng deliberately taking out the copied strategic map of the Prefecture Lord’s hidden collection.

That was the kind of foundation a registrar immortal of the Thunder God Residence should possess.

After some pleasantries, the four set off on their journey.

Di Yuanfeng saw the black-robed elder, ingratiating himself, closely following the lean Daoist.

Walking a little behind, Di Yuanfeng shook his head slightly. Huang Xi’s gaze was indifferent, but she glanced at the black robe more than once, seemingly with veiled interest.

Chen Ping’an asked softly: “Daoist Sun, this ancient, reopened cave abode in North Pavilion Kingdom, we know about it, will the Cloud Ascent City and the Colorful Sparrow Prefecture join forces to occupy it, drive away all outsiders, and then divide the spoils between themselves?”

Sun Daoren chuckled inwardly. After all, this was just a rogue cultivator who had traveled from afar, not daring to get too close to the authorities, and therefore missed many old stories.

According to the North Pavilion Kingdom prefect’s drunken confession, he claimed to have heard insider information from the capital’s nobles. Only then did the three know that the Cloud Ascent City Earth Immortal of the neighboring Water Soar Kingdom, Shen Zhenze, and the said-to-be stunningly beautiful Prefecture Lord of Colorful Sparrow Prefecture, harbored an old grudge. The two celestial sects had not been in contact for many years. This seemingly insignificant piece of news was actually the most valuable, even more so than the strategic map.

If Cloud Ascent City and Colorful Sparrow Prefecture joined forces to dominate the cave abode, resisting outsiders, there would be no chance for rogue cultivators like them. They wouldn’t even get scraps. Going there and not getting killed would be a stroke of luck, let alone talking about natural treasures, spirit beasts, or immortal secrets. Only if the two families were at odds would there be a great opportunity. It was not uncommon for registrar immortals to fight over magical treasures, splattering each other’s brains. Many feuds and battles were even less restrained than those of rogue cultivators, completely disregarding the consequences. Mountains collapsed, lands shattered, and local fortunes were affected, but that was nothing, as they had the support of their sects. Local officials wouldn’t dare to say much, and could only reluctantly clean up after those high and mighty registrar immortals.

The lean old Daoist smiled: “Regarding this matter, Fellow Daoist can rest assured. If we really encounter these two immortal sects, I will reveal my identity. I believe Cloud Ascent City and Colorful Sparrow Prefecture will show me some respect.”

However, the old Daoist quickly reminded: “But in that case, I won’t be able to rely on my own abilities to seek opportunities, so even if I see those two groups of registrar immortals, unless the misunderstanding is too great, I won’t reveal my identity.”

Naturally, Sun Daoren was unwilling to easily reveal some insider information to this person.

However, the black-robed elder beside him had clearly been won over, praising: “Daoist Sun is seasoned and meticulous. I, a rootless, wandering cultivator, used to eating from the hands of many factions, thought I had some experience in the world, but I didn’t expect to be far inferior to Daoist Sun. I’m ashamed, ashamed.”

The old Daoist stroked his beard and smiled.

The other party was clearly not a truly sincere person, but he had said a few sincere words.
This Northern Pavilion Kingdom, beneath the feet of the four, was a small nation, and the Lotus Hibiscus Kingdom was even more lacking in cultivators. Its flowering glory was enjoyed more abroad than at home. The only asset they could boast of was a female cultivator blessed with great fortune, rumored to have long since left her homeland, offering some support to her family from afar. Moreover, given her current illustrious lineage and personal standing, even if she heard of the opportunity here, she would likely be unwilling to join the fray. This so-called immortal abode, whose first mountain gate restriction could be broken by a mere Grotto Realm cultivator, could not possibly hold treasures of great value.

Countless Grotto heavens and earth-shaking magical treasures have appeared in the world.

People like Di Yuanfeng, even if they received the news, would never dare to court death without the authentic credentials of a recorded immortal master. The temperaments of disciples from great sects were not known for their gentleness.

In the early years, the Northern Entire Reed Continent had a widely circulated manual called “A Collection of Cautions” that almost every rogue cultivator possessed. It swept across the continent.

However, the book was later banned and destroyed within a short year for unknown reasons. The Jade Forest Sect, which had profited immensely from it at the time, even took the lead in sealing the book, ordering all stores opened at the various immortal ferries not to sell it. Some speculated that several great Sword Immortals had jointly proposed it, and the Jade Forest Sect, renowned for “hands that never touched money, and iron shoulders bearing righteousness,” took the lead, and the book was never printed again.

Di Yuanfeng had always yearned for this book.

He only heard that the book was written by a foreign cultivator named Jiang, whose writing was not only exquisite but also filled with golden advice.

For example, Di Yuanfeng had heard Sun Daoren mention that the book reminded rogue cultivators traveling abroad that if they dared to snatch food from the tiger’s mouth, they must be careful of those disciples from great sects accompanied by immortal maidens. The younger they were, the more wary one should be. Because once a dispute arose, the young man would spare no effort in his attacks, unleashing layer upon layer of magical treasures. He would use the force of killing a Golden Core Earth Immortal to kill a Grotto Realm rogue cultivator, not caring about the slightest spiritual energy consumption. As for the rogue cultivator who opposed him, he would naturally die a beautiful death, like a blooming flower.

At the same time, the “Collection of Cautions” also had countermeasures. If one felt they were truly about to die, they should never stubbornly utter threats, but instead quickly kneel and kowtow, not begging the young man, but pleading for the mercy of the immortal maiden beside him. The kowtows should be loud, and the cries to the female Bodhisattva should be loud, perhaps offering a glimmer of hope.

Even having only heard fragments about the “Collection of Cautions,” Di Yuanfeng still felt that this Senior Jiang truly understood the human heart and possessed great insights.

He walked along the mountain path with the other three.

Chen Pingan looked up at the sky and suddenly felt a sense of self-mockery.

Compared to searching for opportunities alone, he seemed to prefer interacting with people. Even when associating with those with ulterior motives, he still found it becoming a habit.

However, he had always been awed and fearful of this vast world. He felt this way the first time he walked out of the Lishui Grotto Heaven, and he still felt this way now.

Otherwise, with his current cultivation and methods, why would he necessarily need to travel with others to feel slightly at ease?

This wasn’t good.

But he could only change it slowly.

In fact, Lu Tai had seen through and spoken about this point many years ago, offering Chen Pingan some heartfelt advice.

Knowing that some principles were good, but difficult to put into immediate action, was a common experience for countless people in the world, and Chen Pingan was no exception.

Now, besides following the Great River to scout the waters for Chen Lingjun, Chen Pingan naturally couldn’t delay his own cultivation. Reaching the Golden Body Realm had been his top priority in recent years.

In addition, he planned to save more money to buy one or two imitation flying swords from Hate Sword Mountain.

At the Bone Beach, Chen Pingan had still learned a lot from Yang Ningxing of the Chongxuan Department.

That scholar, the incarnation of Yang Ningxing’s evil thought, had displayed an imitation flying sword from Hate Sword Mountain, exuding a powerful aura, very capable of intimidation.

Even Chen Pingan, who was no stranger to flying swords, had been fooled.

So, as long as he successfully refined them on the first and fifteenth of the month, although not the natal flying swords of a sword cultivator, they could be refined into the cultivator’s natal object, similar to Gu Mo of the Tai Xia lineage, essentially adding two more offensive magical treasures.

If he had two more imitation flying swords from Hate Sword Mountain, the enemy would face more unexpected and difficult-to-defend attacks in battle.

First, he would unleash an imitation sword from Hate Sword Mountain, then the first. The third time, he would unleash another imitation sword, and finally, the fifteenth.

Presumably, the enemy’s state of mind would be quite turbulent.

The martial world was treacherous, and the mountain wind was strong. This kind of deceptive trick was, of course, as plentiful as possible.

The mountain path beneath their feet was winding and twisting.

There were still over a hundred miles of mountain road to go to reach the grotto.

Just then, Huang Xi took the lead in slowing down, and Di Yuanfeng stopped afterward, his hand reaching for the hilt of his saber.

Then, Sun Daoren also realized something was amiss, focusing his gaze. In the distance, there was a dilapidated mountain pavilion, overgrown with weeds, appearing very abrupt, and there were also signs of trees being cut down by human hands.

Chen Pingan was naturally the first to sense the strangeness at the pavilion.

Those who dared to light a bonfire so openly in the night could only be recorded immortal masters, and those of considerable stature.

A burly man walked out from the pavilion, and Chen Pingan recognized him at a glance.

It was Gao Ling, a military general of the Lotus Hibiscus Kingdom.

Gao Ling, who wore the divine armor, had descended from the ship brandishing his spear when Chen Pingan was fishing with the Tide-Filling True Immortal, only to be pushed back onto the ship by Chen Pingan with a single palm.

Besides Gao Ling, who was temporarily not wearing the Dew-Receiving Armor, there was also an unfamiliar martial artist, whose aura was passable.

Probably another Golden Body Realm expert.

However, it was unclear whether he was a local grandmaster from the Northern Pavilion Kingdom or a martial artist from the Lotus Hibiscus Kingdom, although the latter was less likely. The Lotus Hibiscus Kingdom was not large, and observing its local customs along the way, it seemed to value scholarship over martial prowess, so its martial fortune should be limited.

As for the woman on the bow of the ship who had Gao Ling as her guard, she was undoubtedly a female cultivator. Later, at the teahouse in Rainbow Finch Prefecture’s Peach Blossom Ferry, Chen Pingan chatted with the female shopkeeper and learned that the Lotus Hibiscus Kingdom had a woman from a prominent family named Bai Bi, who had been accepted as a direct disciple by a sect in the Northern Entire Reed Continent at a young age. Chen Pingan estimated her age since leaving home, her appearance, and her approximate realm, and concluded that the woman returning home on the ship was likely Bai Bi, the closed-door disciple of the Water Dragon Sect’s Jade Purity Realm sect master.

Then Chen Pingan

Asked a rather awkward question, “Daoist Sun, shall we just walk past the pavilion?”

Daoist Sun remained expressionless, unhurried, and silent, with an immortal demeanor.

Di Yuanfeng, however, felt a bit of a headache.
Chen Pingan turned his head to look,狄元封 frowned slightly, but Huang Xi, carrying his luggage, remained as calm as ever.

Chen Pingan understood.

It seemed that this old immortal Sun, the Thunder God of Leisure, and “Qin Juyuan of Jia You Kingdom” still hadn’t figured out who among the three allies was the true hidden master.

Huang Xi’s breathing, and the lightness of his footsteps, all suggested he was merely a Fifth Realm pure martial artist.

However, Chen Pingan was quite the expert in such matters. Having traveled this road, he was certain that the other man was also deliberately suppressing his cultivation… a fellow traveler.

Alas, there’s an order to comprehending the Dao, and compared to Chen Pingan, who was young in age but had traveled far in the world, Huang Xi, during his long trek, still revealed some traces.

Golden Body Realm.

Perhaps even a solid Seventh Realm, not just some paper tiger.

Truly, this grandmaster’s display of humility was quite the effort.

As for himself, Chen Pingan felt that as a Third Realm Qi Refiner, no amount of humility was too much.

Gao Ling and the other martial arts grandmaster walked out of the roadside pavilion, standing there, not retreating into the pavilion where the firelight flickered.

So Chen Pingan considerately said, “Daoist Sun, I think that fellow is not to be trifled with. His face looks unkind. Should we take a detour?”

Daoist Sun nodded, relieved. “We cultivators of the Dao do not engage in petty squabbles.”

Thus, the four prepared to leave this narrow path.

Unexpectedly, a dashing, well-dressed young man walked out from the other side, a crystal-clear mutton-fat jade flute hanging from his waist. Despite the winter season, he still carried a folded fan, lightly tapping it against his palm, smiling as he looked at the four on the road. “Fate brings us together. Why rush on your way? Why not join us in the pavilion for a chat?”

Seeing the handsome young man with the flute at his waist, Chen Pingan couldn’t help but think of He Lu, whom he had encountered at Cangyun Lake, the hidden disciple and legitimate son of the City Lord of Huangyue City, Ye Han. He Lu and Yan Qing of the Bao Tong Immortal Realm had once been a golden couple, renowned across several kingdoms.

Di Yuanfeng lowered his voice and said, “Judging by appearances, that’s the most famous young Marquis of the Beiting Kingdom.”

Zhan Qing, the only son of the Xiongyi Marquis of Beiting Kingdom, was a notorious womanizer, his reputation a mix of praise and condemnation throughout the court.

If he seduced a lady from a prominent family in Beiting Kingdom, he would be fiercely criticized by the literati. But if he enticed a noblewoman from another kingdom, such as Shuixiao or Fuqu, the entire Jianghu of Beiting Kingdom would cheer.

As for the young Marquis himself, there had never been any rumors of him practicing martial arts or cultivation.

At this moment, no matter how Sun Daoist and Di Yuanfeng scrutinized him, they couldn’t discern his true depth. They only observed that his steps were light and unsteady, and his speech lacked vigor. He was likely a playboy from a royal family, enjoying himself amidst the pleasures of women.

Chen Pingan also couldn’t see through the depths of this young Marquis of Beiting Kingdom.

That made it even more necessary to be careful.

The young Marquis darkened his expression and said, “What? Do you four mountain immortals, relying on your status and cultivation, refuse to show me any respect? Do you want me to kneel and beg you before you’ll grace me with your presence?”

Chen Pingan felt some emotion. If it weren’t for the fact that the other party had powerful backing, then the fact that he had lived until today must be due to ancestral blessings.

However, from this, it could be seen that Yunshang City and Caique Mansion of Shuixiao Kingdom were indeed benevolent mountain sects.

Otherwise, if the recorded immortals of these two sects had acted arrogantly for centuries, how could these powerful nobles near the mountains have the audacity to act so presumptuously? They would have long suffered and learned to behave themselves. At the very least, they shouldn’t be so forceful in front of a group of unfamiliar cultivators encountered on a narrow path; this was practically posting a “seeking death” sign on their foreheads.

After Sun Daoist and Di Yuanfeng exchanged thoughts silently, they decided to take a detour to avoid him.

If they were still pursued, they would simply have to fight for their lives. Did this young marquis really think that mountain wild cultivators were vegetarian buddists?

Just then, a graceful young female cultivator emerged from the dilapidated pavilion that had been abandoned for countless years, followed by a hunched old man who seemed to barely breathe.

The woman glanced at the four on the road, who were unsure of what to do, and smiled at the young Marquis, “Forget it, just a group of wild cultivators trying their luck. Let them pass.”

Zhan Qing nodded and returned to the pavilion with the woman. Gao Ling and the Marquis’s retainer also made way.

The four continued on their way, and as they passed the pavilion, Sun Daoist felt a chill run down his spine.

Everyone kept their eyes forward, not daring to glance at the scene within the pavilion.

Di Yuanfeng felt somewhat heavy-hearted. This unexpected variable was no small matter for their treasure hunt.

After the four had gone far, Zhan Qing, in the pavilion, showed a different face. He used a withered branch to stir the campfire and said calmly, “These wild cultivators aren’t the problem. The real trouble is the two direct disciples of Shen Zhenze of Yunshang City. Even if Shen Zhenze isn’t personally protecting them, he should have dispatched that Dragon Gate Realm retainer. Especially Wu, the Law Enforcement Ancestor of Caique Mansion, has a notoriously bad temper. Ultimately, the concern lies in the aftermath. We must be careful not to antagonize these two neighbors; the focus shouldn’t be solely on the opportunity within the cave.”

The woman smiled charmingly. “The aftermath? Why don’t I take a trip to Caique Mansion and Yunshang City for you?”

Zhan Qing raised his head, helpless. “Sister Bai, things aren’t that simple. We seek long-lasting peace and stability. There’s no point in guarding against thieves for a thousand days.”

Then Zhan Qing smiled slightly. “However, it’s a different matter once Sister Bai reaches the Earth Immortal Realm. I can then rest easy.”

It turned out that this young Marquis had met Bai Bi of the Water Dragon Sect, a female cultivator whom even the Emperor of Fuqu Kingdom treated with respect, when she returned home last time.

Since then, the two had been corresponding by letter.

Bai Bi’s interest in the cave opportunity was, as the trio had guessed, lukewarm, even within the territory of Fuqu Kingdom. She had only come to see Zhan Qing, making this visit to the mountains a search for the ancient and hidden, and inadvertently acting as the protector of this young Marquis of Beiting Kingdom. Zhan Qing was also a cultivator, and his teacher was quite remarkable. However, his master was a capricious Nascent Soul wild cultivator, and Zhan Qing had undergone many hardships to become his disciple in his early years, a fact that had been folded.