Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 534 So-called Immortal Masters are not to be trifled with!

Lin Shuang and Wei Zhi exchanged a glance, both catching a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

Zhang Tong, the only male disciple among the five, also frowned slightly, a hint of confusion appearing in his eyes.

[How could this Senior Brother Zhou's reputation be so renowned outside the peak?]

Just now, he was secretly worried, wondering if Zhou Jing could get help from Qi Yunfeng's senior brother.

The three pondered for a moment, then set aside their doubts and finally made a decision.

Lin Shuang stepped forward and said, "I'll be grateful for Senior Brother Zhou's guidance during this trial."

The Xue sisters were delighted, their eyes and brows beaming with smiles.

They don't need to change Qi Yunfeng's senior brother to lead the team.

You smiled and nodded, as if the turmoil that had just occurred had never happened.

Standing to the side, Lü Qingyu glanced around, completely unaware that her junior brother Zhou had earned such prestige on Qiyun and Feilai Peaks.

At least, Yang Chen of Qiyun Peak and Qin Shi of Feilai Peak seem to implicitly regard their junior brother as their leader.

[Lü Qingyu was lost in thought, recalling the attitude of that fairy from Dao Yao Terrace towards you two years ago.]

Xiao Wan'er stood quietly to the side, a knowing smile playing on her lips, unsurprised.

After reaching an agreement, Qi Yunfeng and Fei Laifeng each organized their troops and set off for the State of Zhao.

The journey is long and requires a flying boat to cross; this matter will naturally be arranged by Qi Yunfeng.

More than a hundred disciples lined up and boarded the boat, departing the mountain in a grand and imposing procession.

[You're already quite familiar with this, having ridden the flying boat from Qiyun Peak during numerous trials.]

According to the plan devised by Yang Chen and the others, after the flying boats arrive within the territory of Zhao, the disciples of each team will need to land in different regions.

The scourge of the ghostly soldiers is far more rampant than anticipated. Not only is the capital filled with ghostly energy, but they also roam and wreak havoc in surrounding cities, wilderness areas, and forests, harming ordinary people.

This is precisely why the sect mobilized so many disciples to descend the mountain and eliminate the demon.

The disciples of the Three Peaks, divided into teams of five, dispersed throughout the Zhao Kingdom to eradicate demons, before finally reuniting in the capital.

However, with disciples scattered, the risks naturally increase exponentially.

[When Yang Chen proposed this plan, it had already received the approval of the three peak elders.]

Fangcun Mountain had previously sent people to investigate multiple times and confirmed that, apart from the capital, most of the Yin soldiers within the Zhao Kingdom were Body Shaping Realm demons, and were not to be feared.

[You, a group of six, boarded a jade flying boat.]

The boat has two decks, with carved railings and jade steps.

Also traveling on board were six people from Feilai Peak. Since the flying boat was precious, it couldn't possibly be reserved for a single team.

[A dozen or so jade flying boats simultaneously ascended into the air, like a flock of cranes spreading their wings, breaking through the sea of ​​clouds. As they passed through the protective array of Fangcun Mountain, ripples spread across the surface, and then they slowly sailed towards the Zhao Kingdom.]

You stand by the railing, overlooking the mountains and rivers below.

The clouds surged and rolled for miles, sometimes resembling ancient pine trees, sometimes white rabbits, taking on various shapes.

[Facing the gentle breeze, you slightly closed your eyes, and when you opened them again, they were shimmering with a faint jade-like luster—the Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique quietly began to operate.]

[Your cultivation has progressed significantly in the past two years, yet you remain at the fourth level—"Observing the Pivot of Mountains and Rivers," which allows you to perceive the energy and fortune of vast landscapes, locate the confluence of dragon veins, and discern the location of flowing water encircling mountains.]

The whole story is laid bare before my eyes.

[It is difficult to break through the fifth level—"Overlooking the Universe," which allows one to see the ten directions: east, south, west, north, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, above, and below; the four types of birth: viviparous, oviparous, and moisture-born; and the six realms: the realm of gods, the realm of humans, the realm of asuras, the realm of animals, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the realm of hell.]

This level of attainment is truly profound; even if you break through to the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao, you'd likely find it difficult to achieve.

[As you gaze into the distance, you can take in the vast expanse of feng shui stretching for thousands of miles. The surrounding spiritual veins of Fangcun Mountain are like golden threads, coiled like dragons and crouching like tigers, bringing boundless blessings and good fortune.]

However, beneath this magnificent scene, you can sense a hint of unease.

Although spiritual energy is abundant, it is not inexhaustible; its resources are limited.

Fangcun Mountain governs a territory spanning tens of thousands of miles, yet eight or nine out of ten of the spiritual energy in this land is absorbed and drained by the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Blessed Land.

[Fangcun Mountain, including all disciples and elders, has a population of just over ten thousand.]

[And the common people living on this land number eighty million.]

[One person is supported by thousands or even tens of thousands of people.]

It's no wonder that in the eyes of ordinary people, immortal masters are high and mighty, and that enslaving mortals is simply common sense in the human world.

[According to the historical records of the mortal realm, thousands of years ago, the King of Yan said...]

"The world belongs to all people, not to one person."

As you were deep in thought, the Xue sisters approached you.

"Senior Brother Zhou," said Xue Ruyi, holding a book while her younger sister Xue Ruxin held a pen, their bright eyes filled with expectation, "we have encountered many difficulties in our cultivation, and we hope that Senior Brother will guide us."

The unfolded book was filled with dozens of questions.

[You snapped out of your reverie, glanced at it, and nodded. With your current level of cultivation, observing the cultivation of the Solidifying Spirit and Dao Embryo realms was indeed like having a commanding view, seeing things clearly as if from a high vantage point.]

Both women wore expressions of joy.

[He walked to the stern deck, found a small open space, and began to speak.]

From noon until the sun began to set, the golden sunset painted the clouds.

Your clear, gentle voice remained calm and measured throughout.

The two girls initially listened attentively, but later became somewhat distracted, secretly glancing at Zhou's profile. For a moment, they were almost mesmerized, thinking, as if by unspoken agreement, "Today, we're so close to Senior Brother." and "Senior Brother, you smell so good!"

[You said, "Actually, breaking through from the Solid Spirit Realm to the Dao Embryo Realm depends on accumulation; it can't be rushed. Xiao Qingfeng's 'Five Elements Escape Techniques Sword Manual' includes the Geng Metal Sword for beginners, and then the Kui Water Sword."]

"Although you are twins, you do not share the same spiritual roots. Xiao Qingfeng has a book called 'Twin Profound Body Technique,' which you can cultivate together, saving you a lot of effort. If you cultivate different sword techniques, they can complement each other. I will copy it for you later."

[You speak slowly. Wei Zhi, watching from the second floor, has a rather strange expression.]

[This Senior Brother Zhou's cultivation level is only at the late stage of the Solidification Realm, yet he's teaching the Xue sisters, who are also at the late stage of the Solidification Realm.]

[Especially that line, "The foundation of the Divine Realm lies in accumulation... it cannot be rushed."]

It all sounds absurd.

Dressed in a close-fitting outfit, Wei Zhi, who possessed a somewhat masculine air, couldn't help but find it amusing. "A senior brother who has been in the sect for four years, and a junior sister who has reached the Solidified Spirit Realm after only two years of guidance?"

Lin Shuang, however, felt that Zhou Jing was not as simple as he seemed.

At least, the cultivation of the "Five Elements Escape Technique Sword Scripture" that you just mentioned, and the Five Elements Sword Principles you mentioned earlier, have many similarities to the teachings of her parents.

Seeing that the Xue sisters were lost in thought and their eyes were slightly lowered, you stopped talking and said gently, "Let's stop here for today."

Xue Ruyi and Xue Li, as if waking from a dream, hurriedly rose, bowed gracefully, and said in unison, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother."

You nodded slightly, turned and entered the quiet room on the second floor, closed your eyes, sat cross-legged, and your breathing gradually became deep.

There are no shortcuts to spiritual practice; it requires daily accumulation, like streams flowing into the sea, eventually becoming vast and boundless.

For the next six days, the Xue sisters visited every day, either asking about the essence of the sword technique or inquiring about the key points of the mental cultivation method.

[Lin Shuang and the others initially kept a close eye on you, but seeing that what you taught was all orthodox and greatly beneficial to the two women's cultivation, they gradually stopped paying attention.]

Wei Zhi didn't seem to care, but Lin Shuang would sometimes stop and listen, lost in thought. [However, in the past few days, when the six from Feilai Peak were chatting, they inadvertently mentioned your past, which revealed a few old stories to Lin Shuang and the others.]

Two years ago, two sensational events occurred at Fangcun Mountain: first, the Fairy of Yaotai and the Sword Master Yaoxia visited Fangcun Mountain.

[Legend has it that the Fairy of Yaotai once searched far and wide for someone who saved her life, and that person was none other than you.]

[Furthermore, during a trial trip down the mountain, you single-handedly saved more than ten fellow disciples, yet you never publicized it. If it weren't for a disciple from Feilai Peak mentioning it by chance, this matter would probably still be unknown to everyone.]

Zhang Tong, a burly man, frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "It seems that this Senior Brother Zhou does indeed possess some real skill."

Wei Zhi, however, showed no sign of concern. "So what? By next year, our cultivation levels will be above his."

"Senior Sister Qi Ling, who entered the same sect as him, is already in the late stage of the Dao Embryo realm. If she succeeds in this seclusion, she will likely directly enter the Heavenly Gate realm."

When Qi Ling was mentioned, her eyes shone brightly, and her voice unconsciously rose three octaves: "Senior Sister Qi Ling is undoubtedly the number one person in our Little Green Peak!"

Zhang Tong nodded. In the past two years, Qi Ling's reputation had soared. She was not only at the height of her fame on Xiao Qing Peak, but also frequently heard of on the main peak, Qi Yun Peak. This prodigy, respectfully called "Fairy Qi," was indeed captivating.

[Four days later!]

The cloud boat has finally entered the territory of the Zhao Kingdom. According to the sect's arrangements, you must part ways here with the trial teams from Feilai Peak.

"Junior Brother Zhou, farewell."

You simply nodded.

The leader of the Flying Peak was a handsome man whose cultivation had reached the Dao Embryo realm. After glancing at Lin Shuang, Wei Zhi, and Xue Ruyi, he took his leave.

Lin Shuang seemed to sense the meaning in the man's eyes, and her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

[The four individuals from Feilai Peak each unleashed their magical treasures, transforming into four streaks of light as they leaped off the cloud boat.]

Only six of you, Xiao Qingfeng, remain on the flying boat.

~

Hundreds of miles away.

Feilai Peak and his group were descending on the wind, heading towards the border city of Zhao.

A yellow-robed cultivator in the group suddenly leaned closer, winking and saying:
"Senior brother has changed his ways today? The junior sisters of Xiaoqing Peak are all rare beauties, especially Junior Sister Lin and the two sisters from the Xue family. You can enjoy the blessing of having multiple wives."

He rubbed his fingers together, a meaningful smile on his face. "Senior Brother Fan, you've managed to refrain from making a move all this way? Such adherence to the rules."

“A declining mountain like Xiaoqingfeng only has the Solid Spirit Realm. Senior Brother can easily defeat it.”

This senior student leading the team at Feilai Peak is notoriously "womanizing".

Fan Yi, who was leading the team, also looked regretful. Such junior sisters were rare in Fangcun Mountain, and they were all newcomers.

He looked toward the direction of the cloud boat that was no longer visible, "Do you think Zhou Jing is an ordinary Solidifying Spirit cultivator? He is not simple."

"The leader? Could it be that Senior Brother is afraid of him?"

The man pondered for a moment. What was so unusual about that seemingly ordinary young man named Xiao Qingfeng?
Fan Yi nodded solemnly.

"Hiss, senior brother is actually scared. Junior brother is too dull to see anything special about it."

Fan Yi said in a serious tone, "You don't need to see through it, just remember that there are some people you can't afford to offend, and Zhou Jing is one of them."

Seeing that his junior brother didn't seem to care, he didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, his gaze drifted away as he recalled an old story he didn't want to think about.

Years ago, during a trial down the mountain

In the "Netherworld Cave", they unexpectedly encountered that great demon at the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gate realm.

He watched helplessly as his fellow disciples died tragically at his feet, while he himself was stiff and cold, unable to move.

The demon's fangs dripped blood, its killing intent overwhelming; he had already closed his eyes in despair.

That feeling of fear, of being on the verge of death, still lingers in my mind.

It wasn't out of fear of their cultivation level—there were quite a few elders at the Heavenly Gate Realm of Fangcun Mountain, and even a peak master at the Great Dao Golden Core Realm was in charge.

It was the oppressive feeling of death being so close at hand.

Unexpectedly, the ferocious creature suddenly fled in panic, as if it had encountered its natural enemy.

Before the relief of surviving the ordeal had faded, he turned around and ran into Zhou Jing.

He still remembers the boy's eyes, like a calm and deep pool.

Later, I heard that the Fairy of Yaotai was secretly searching for someone, and it was this Zhou Jing who was involved.

But where in this world are there so many coincidences?

~

Another day passed, and the flying boat descended through the clouds.

[The vast river surged eastward, and on its bank stood a majestic city—the capital of the Zhao state.]

Although this city is not a large metropolis, it is still a prosperous place capable of accommodating 100,000 people. Moreover, its location at a crucial crossroads of land and water transport should make it a bustling hub of commerce and trade.

However, at this moment—

Standing atop the cloud boat, you activate the Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique. The entire city is shrouded in a thick aura of death; inky black mist swirls and coils above the city walls, blocking out the bright sunlight and draping the city in a veil of twilight.

Despite the bright, sunny day, the entire city was shrouded in dark clouds, as if twilight had fallen.

There wasn't a single pedestrian in sight, inside or outside the city gates.

Every house was tightly shut, the long streets were deserted, the city gates were closed, and only the mournful howl of the wind could be heard, whipping up the stalls' banners and creating an eerie atmosphere.

You landed on the flying boat, and six people stood atop the city wall.

The city walls, their bricks and stones cold and hard, should have been guarded by soldiers, yet not a single person was in sight.

The entire city was silent.

Having just settled down, Zhang Tong frowned and said, "There seems to be something strange about this Wancheng. Could it be a magic array?"

He looked up at the sky, where a gigantic, dark red spiderweb seemed to engulf the entire city.

The group also noticed that not only their spiritual senses but also their magical power were somewhat obscured upon arriving in this place.

However, all of them were cultivators at the Solidifying Spirit Realm, and they practiced the profound techniques of Fangcun Mountain. They only needed to adapt slightly, and within a few breaths, they dissolved the suppressive force into nothingness.

Lin Shuang sensed her surroundings and discovered dozens of crimson-armored ghostly soldiers standing menacingly at the city gate.

Dark red bloodstains still clung to the rusty armor, gleaming eerily in the dim light.

As if noticing you, all the ghostly soldiers suddenly opened their eyes.

These Yin soldiers possessed weak auras, not even reaching the Body Shaping Realm, and were not worth fearing.

Lin Shuang and the others channeled their magical power, awaiting the onslaught of these sinister creatures—

Unexpectedly, the leader of the crimson-armored ghost soldiers suddenly leaped onto the city wall, their rusty armor emitting a harsh scraping sound.

It actually clasped its hands in a respectful greeting to the crowd, a smile forced across its decaying face, which, combined with its appearance, was quite eerie and unsettling.

"Esteemed Immortal Masters, why are you so late?" A hoarse voice seemed to be squeezed out from a broken bellows. "The Master's banquet has been underway for quite some time."

The ghostly soldier spoke, eerie green flames flickering in its rotting eye sockets, staring intently at the crowd, awaiting a reply.

(End of this chapter)