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

Chapter 580 Peak Master Bestows Treasures Along with Sect Master!
It was still early; the agreed-upon meeting point in the mountains was still at noon.

But you must first go to Little Green Peak.

[You will first go to the cemetery halfway up the mountain to bid farewell to Xiang Nian Wu Bei. This journey to the Eastern Sea may take many years, perhaps even a year or two.]

[Your current cultivation level has reached the mid-stage of the Dao Embryo realm. Although it's still not impressive, it can be considered "gradual progress."]

[In reality, you have mastered thirteen profound techniques. With each mastery, you broke through the Dragon Court and achieved the Great Dao Golden Core breakthrough, a total of fifteen times.]

But that was ultimately not your path. So you sealed your cultivation thirteen times, suppressing yourself to the Dragon Court realm.

In the blink of an eye, you unleashed your sword technique and landed before the gates of the Spirit Garden.

The old man in the garden seemed to know you were coming; he stood in the courtyard early, turning back to look at you with a gleam in his eyes.

You tilted your head, "Old man, why are you so serious!"

[Nian Wubei gazed at you for a moment, then slowly said, "Do you know what kind of place the East Sea is? The Heavenly Emperor's Treasury will attract countless forces vying for it. Let alone the Great Dao Golden Core, even the supreme grandmasters who suppress the world would be tempted."]

"The East Sea is the ancestral land of the Dragon Clan, and the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury is coveted by the three factions: the heretical sects, the righteous sects, and the demonic sects."

You shrugged, looking relaxed: "So?"

"Young Jing, I know your cultivation is far beyond what it appears to be. But on this journey to the East Sea, even a Great Dao Golden Core cultivator will find it difficult to protect themselves. Ordinary disciples can manage, but you know a little about the secrets within Little Green Peak. That sect leader has never been fond of our lineage."

"How can I just stand by and watch you go to your death alone in such a dangerous place!"

"So, is the old man planning to stop me... or does he want to test his skills against me?"

[Nian Wubei's aura was already surging, his mid-stage Dragon Court cultivation suppressed within this small garden. His power was condensed and unleashed, and even the leaves of the spiritual herbs in the garden remained unmoved.]

After you removed the Seven Killings Sword Qi from Nian Wubei's body, he unleashed his accumulated power, advancing his cultivation again within two years to reach the mid-stage of the Dragon Court Realm.

He had already thoroughly understood the principles of sword repulsion in the "Taiyuan Yiyang Sword," and even grasped some of the true essence of the sword-swallowing technique.

[Nian Wubei possessed exceptional swordsmanship talent, having studied numerous sword manuals in the mountains, and thus possessed profound knowledge.]

[The old man possessed extraordinary swordsmanship talent, having mastered many sword manuals found in the mountains. Now, his magic sword suddenly appeared in his hand, pointing directly at you—the entire spirit garden instantly darkened, as if a storm was about to break; the air stagnated, and a chilling aura permeated the surroundings.]

A flash of sword light, faster than a fleeting afterimage, and the old man's sword was already upon him.

But then a calm voice rang out: "Old man, if you don't use the Taiyuan Yiyang Sword, you won't even have a chance to draw your sword..."

[Nian Wubei reappeared, retreating several feet, his expression grave. Just a moment ago, he sensed an extremely dangerous aura emanating from you, as if any further attack from him would invite a catastrophic blow.]

At this moment, your aura is profound and unfathomable, like an abyss descending upon the world. As a sword cultivator, he never doubts his intuition.

[But how is this possible? Just what level has Jing reached?!]

Two points of spiritual light, one black and one white, suddenly appeared in his hand.

The black dots struggled to coalesce, yet they emanated an even more terrifying pressure than before—

[Rejecting all things, devouring everything—two completely opposite energies are beginning to merge.]

The spiritual energy in the garden was instantly drained by the black dots, while a chilling aura of destruction emanated from the white dots.

"From black to white!"

[Nian Wubei channeled his magical power to its limit. This move was the combined attack of the black and white swords from the "Taiyuan Yiyang Sword," and it was also his strongest killing move at the moment, which could only be executed with the help of the magical sword in his hand.]

The next moment, a terrifying sword beam shot out from the old man's hand.

[Nian Wubei was extremely confident in this sword strike—within the Fencun Mountain, below the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao, absolutely no one could withstand this sword!]

However, the next moment, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets:

[You simply extended your slender fingers, made a swift grasp in mid-air, and seized the earth-shattering sword into your palm. Then, you closed your fingers—the sword's aura shattered instantly, scattering like glass!]

You recited with a smile: "Pure Yang is refined, Yin demons are extinguished; the elixir is ripe, and one must transform into a mortal body."

[Nian Wubei was suddenly shocked and exclaimed, "This is the 'Pure Yang Skill' of the heretical Pure Yang True Man! You brat... how do you know it!?"]

"Old age, I know you deeply admire and yearn for the Ancestor of the Imperial Homeland. But you must understand, in this vast world, there are those who can rival the Ancestor of the Imperial Homeland."

"Climbing mountains and gazing upon their majestic grandeur is certainly important. But with countless mountains and valleys standing between heaven and earth, how can we, as cultivators, merely be spectators? We should strive to be those who create and establish these mountains."

The old man's breathing subsided upon hearing this, a clear light appearing in his eyes. He then pursed his lips and said, "Alright, alright, this old man has crossed more bridges than you've walked roads."

"You little brat, now you're lecturing me!"

"...Fine, the old man won't stop you."

"I'm getting old, farewell."

[Nian Wubei laughed and cursed: "Get out of here! Get out of here!"]

You rose into the air on your sword, your green robes fluttering in the wind, leaving behind only a solitary, upright figure as you disappeared into the depths of the clouds.

[Nian Wubei stood rooted to the spot until the sword light completely disappeared, then let out a soft sigh. He had never taken on any disciples nor had any children, yet in his heart he had long regarded Zhou Jing as his disciple and successor.]

A strange premonition flickered in the old man's eyes. He had a feeling that when Jing returned from the East Sea, he would no longer be the same Jing.

"Perhaps... this small green peak, this tiny mountain, ultimately cannot contain a true dragon."

You ride your peachwood sword, piercing through the clouds, the wind whispering past your ears, the green mountains drawing ever closer, slowly descending towards the bamboo forest behind Little Green Peak.

[The forbidden area in the back mountain has always prohibited flying.]

You step onto a bamboo path, your eyes gleaming slightly, and activate the Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique. Looking up, you see a wisp of black smoke rising from the bamboo forest, its malevolent aura swirling around it, appearing even more sinister and imposing than before.

That was precisely the malevolent energy condensed by the Peak Master as he cultivated the Seven Killings Sword Manual.

[It cannot be seen with the naked eye, nor can it be perceived by the unworthy eye. Only when you break through to the fourth level will you be able to glimpse it.]

Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing is hard to say; it's like a sword hanging over the entire Little Green Peak.

[Stepping into the bamboo forest, a familiar scent greets you. Looking up, you see a young woman in purple gracefully approaching from the morning mist.]

"Senior Brother Zhou, you've arrived so early today too."

You greeted her with a smile, "Junior Sister Qi Ling."

"Today's matter is of great importance, and we dare not be negligent."

The two walked side by side toward the back mountain, the bamboo shadows swaying gently in the quiet. Qi Ling, unusually, began to chat, reminiscing about her past cultivation on Little Green Peak—a behavior quite different from her usual aloof nature.

"Speaking of which, Senior Brother Zhou and I entered the sect at the same time, and we both come from the Little Green Peak lineage. If we have the opportunity to enter the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury this time, we will naturally look after each other."

"That's only right."

"Senior Brother Zhou, what do you think might be hidden in the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury?"

You shook your head slightly: "I don't know."

"Seeing how impressively you performed at the Star-Picking Gathering, I initially thought you went there for some treasure."

"To even catch a glimpse of the Heavenly Emperor's treasure trove is already a stroke of good fortune."

As they talked, the two had already entered the depths of the bamboo forest behind the mountain. Without needing to announce their arrival, they walked straight ahead.

Today, only the two of them remained in the bamboo grove. Before the thatched hut, Nie Qingzhu, unlike her usual carefree self, displayed a dignified and elegant demeanor.

Even more surprisingly, standing beside Nie Qingzhu was a woman in white, with a cool and aloof demeanor, like a celestial being from Mount Gusha.

You two immediately bowed in respect.

"Greetings, Peak Master, Elder Nie."

[Upon closer inspection, you realize that the peak master before you is also an avatar. Though not the true self, he is indistinguishable from the real person, possessing an imposing presence.] [Ordinary cultivators would naturally find it difficult to discern the mysteries within.]

[Nie Qingzhu glanced at you briefly, then said in a deep voice, "Today, the Peak Master has specially broken through his cultivation for you."]

"This journey to the East Sea is extremely dangerous. Have you two thought this through? If you change your minds now, the Peak Master can inform the sect to select other candidates to go."

Jiang Yingxue nodded slightly and replied, "It's not too late to regret it now."

"You are all the most outstanding disciples in the peak over the years. If you cultivate step by step, you will surely become elders of this peak in the future, and it will not be difficult for you to replace me as the leader of a peak. Your future is very promising."

"However, the journey to the East Sea... is fraught with peril. At best, it will result in serious injury or damage to one's cultivation; at worst, it will lead to death and the annihilation of one's cultivation. In the past, there have been many precedents of our disciples from Fencun Mountain perishing while exploring other ancient ruins."

Jiang Yingxue's gaze swept over you both, noticing that their expressions remained calm and unwavering.

"Qi Ling is willing to go."

"Zhou Jing is willing to go."

Jiang Yingxue nodded slightly. "Your resolve is indeed firm."

"Although extremely dangerous, ancient ruins also hold great fortune and opportunities. If one can obtain them, one can soar to the heavens. Throughout history, countless cultivators have emerged from these ruins, becoming renowned throughout the world."

Whether it's a blessing or a curse depends on individual circumstances, but also on your own ability to seize opportunities.

"Since you are disciples of my Little Green Peak, I should naturally prepare some protective items for you."

[Having said that, a radiant light flowed from her palm, revealing four objects—two of which were spiritual talismans that shimmered with a clear glow and faintly exuded a mysterious aura.]

[There are also two wooden puppets holding swords, their bodies swirling with spiritual energy, almost as if they were alive, faintly exuding a sharp sword intent.]

"This talisman is called the 'Restriction-Breaking Talisman.' It can break any array set up by a typical Golden Core cultivator, and it can even help you teleport thousands of miles in an instant."

"These puppets were meticulously carved by me over three months. Each one contains three of my sword energies—the first two are equivalent to the full-force attack of a cultivator at the peak of the Dragon Court Realm, and the last one... contains thirty percent of my power."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Qi Ling's eyes. The power of thirty percent of a Great Dao Golden Core cultivator who had survived the Nine Heavenly Tribulations was something even a Dragon Court Realm cultivator would find difficult to withstand; this was truly a priceless treasure.

[While the barrier-breaking talisman is precious, it pales in comparison to the astonishing power of this puppet.]

[You noticed, however, that the puppets were made of extraordinary material, with fresh sword marks on them, clearly indicating they were only recently made. This peak lord was truly willing to spend three months of painstaking effort preparing protective items for them.]

This peak master is truly a devoted person, going to such lengths for his disciples.

As for her earlier statement that "if you regret this, you can still decline"—in reality, given the current situation, the sect would never allow you to back down at the last minute. However, you could tell that when she said that, it wasn't just empty talk, but came from the bottom of her heart.

"Thank you, Peak Master." The two of you respectfully accepted the treasure and bowed deeply.

Jiang Yingxue gave her final instructions: "Be extremely cautious on your journey to the East Sea. Do your best with the tasks assigned to you in the mountains; there's no need to push yourself too hard."

[After speaking, she transformed into a streak of light and vanished in an instant.]

[Nie Qingzhu said solemnly, "I hope you two will not let the Peak Master down."]

"Let's go, I'll take you to Qiyun Peak now. We'll set off today."

"Fangcun Mountain is more than 80,000 li from the East China Sea, and the journey alone will take two months."

[The matter of today's departure was only told to you by Nie Qingzhu a few days ago. This matter was extremely secretive; only a handful of people on Xiaoqing Peak knew about it, and neither Lü Qingyu, Xiao Wan'er, nor others came to see you off.]

[It was nearly noon when Nie Qingzhu led you to a hidden palace on the back mountain of Qiyun Peak.]

As soon as the three landed, an elder guarding the temple came forward to greet them.

"Junior Sister Nie, how have you been?"

Elder Xin of Qi Yun Peak looked intently at Nie Qingzhu, his voice trembling with excitement.

[As you observe Elder Xin's expression, it seems increasingly familiar—just like the previous elders, he's probably another admirer of Nie Qingzhu, isn't he?]

[At this Star-Picking Gathering, you already saw how renowned Nie Qingzhu was within the sect, with many admirers from various branches. It certainly broadened your horizons.]

Nie Qingzhu asked with some doubt, "Senior Brother Xin? You were transferred to the Punishment Hall many years ago and disappeared without a trace. I thought you had already left Yuzhou in the Central Plains."

"This is a long story... I've been working for the mountain sect in the East Sea for years, Junior Sister Nie, please stop here."

Nie Qingzhu frowned slightly, knowing full well the gravity of the matter. This trip to the East Sea might be led personally by the sect leader, indicating the sect's high regard for it.

She turned to the two of you and said softly, "Go inside."

"Be cautious and prudent on your journey to the East Sea."

You then followed Elder Xin into the hall.

[Nie Qingzhu watched you leave, her gaze lingering for a moment on Zhou Jing's retreating figure, before she sighed softly, "I wonder what the journey to the East Sea will hold..."]

"If I'd known this would happen, I should have let him participate in the Star-Picking Gathering in the first place!"

[Enter the hall.]

[Seven people were already standing quietly inside the hall. Upon seeing you enter, they all turned their gazes towards you.]

These are all familiar faces—the top nine disciples at the Star-Picking Gathering.

Yuan Shujian smiled and gestured to you, and you nodded in response.

The purple-haired girl, Feng Qingge, standing with her sword in hand, nodded slightly to Qi Ling; there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between them.

Ji Heng, Chen Xiao, and Cheng Jin of Qi Yunfeng were originally from the same sect, so they naturally stood together.

Xie Mosheng of Danhe Peak had an ordinary demeanor, while Ziwei of Five-Colored Peak wore a palace dress and carried the sword embryo "Zhenwu" on her back. The two stood quite close to each other.

The two peaks have always been on good terms, and their disciples are even closer.

Their eyes met briefly, but there was no exchange of pleasantries.

The top eleven disciples from the Star-Picking Gathering are all going to the East Sea, but two are still missing: Sun Miao from Fangcun Mountain and Fu Dongcheng from Guangxuan Peak.

Shortly after, footsteps sounded from the back hall, and three figures appeared one after another.

The nine people inside the hall all showed slight changes in expression, seemingly not expecting this, and bowed in unison, saying, "Greetings, Sect Master."

Sun Miao and Fu Dongcheng stood to the left and right, respectively, while the solemn-looking old man in the middle was none other than Nong Mu, the sect leader of Fangcun Mountain.

Facing a cultivator who has survived the Second Heavenly Tribulation at such close range, you couldn't help but feel a sense of caution.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that what lay before him was not the original, but an avatar.

[You remain calm. Your cultivation has been sealed multiple times, and you've also mastered over a dozen profound techniques, making your aura perfectly concealed. Unless you make the first move, even the sect leader himself would find it difficult to discern your true strength.]

[You also noticed that since the emergence of agriculture and animal husbandry...]

The invisible fire phoenix that had perched on Qi Ling's shoulder when they were on Little Green Peak had quietly disappeared into the space between her brows after she entered Qi Yun Peak.

Yuan Shujian's aura was more composed than usual.

Feng Qingge's fingers tightened unconsciously around her sword.

A glint of light flashed in Xie Mosheng's eyes.

The "True Martial" sword embryo behind Ziwei was completely concealed, utterly silent.

You couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly; it seemed these people were no ordinary individuals.

Standing beside the farmers and herders, Fu Dongcheng's gaze immediately fell upon you.

P.S.: At the beginning of the month, please vote with your monthly tickets, my darlings and gentlemen!
(End of this chapter)