Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 335 A Mind as Vast as Clouds and Water, A Gentle Breeze and a Clear Moon

Cheng Xinzhan stared ahead, able to sense the surging undercurrents in the water, like a raging wind and fog, or an invisible wall blocking his way.

This is an underwater current caused by the Yangtze River flowing into the sea, and it is also the natural boundary between the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea.

"Master, shall we go over there?"

Xiao Liu asked cautiously.

Cheng Xinzhan did not answer immediately, his eyes flickering. After a long while, he chuckled softly and said,

"No, let's go back."

Xiao Liu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said repeatedly,
"well."

The two then turned around, and Cheng Xinzhan asked another question.
"Little Six, what's the name of the sea area we're in now? And who's guarding this place?"

“Reporting to the scribe, this place is Huainan Road, and the one guarding this place is none other than the King of Huainan.”

"Oh, I'll definitely pay you a visit when I have the chance. Little Six, now that we're back at the Dragon Palace, we're just idling around anyway, why don't you tell me more about the division of the Yellow Sea and the guardian king?"

"yes,……"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Four months later.

On the southern coast of the Qilu Peninsula lies Jiuding Tiecha Mountain.

The summer heat has passed, and the autumn wind is beginning to blow.

From early summer to mid-autumn, Cheng Xinzhan had spent the entire summer at Tiecha Mountain.

During this summer, he refined most of the "Nine Covenants Exorcising Divine Sand" he obtained from the Five Poison Heavenly King and the refined soil sand he obtained from the General of the Dragon Cave of Zhuanxu, using it to cultivate "Dutian Liuji Sha". He then used "Dutian Liuji Sha" to transform rocks and fill the void inside Iron Cha Mountain - the void burned out by the heavenly fire during his last tribulation.

Refining sand and gravel is easy, but transforming it into mountain rocks is very troublesome.

More accurately, it's troublesome to transform the existing rocks into their natural state.

To fill the void in Iron Cha Mountain, the rocks that Cheng Xinzhan creates must be made of the same material as the original rocks of Iron Cha Mountain. Generally speaking, the deeper into a mountain, the harder the rock becomes, and the fewer cracks and gaps there are. Furthermore, this change must be gradual and appropriate. In addition, the texture of the rocks must be continuous during the filling process; only then can the mountain range be considered unobstructed, allowing the earth's energy to flow, and only then can the mountain be considered revived.

Blindly piling soil and stones into the mountain will not save Lingshan; the mountain will remain an empty shell, a dead mountain.

It's said that those with great supernatural powers can move mountains, but true skill lies in manipulating the energy of the mountains. Simply pulling mountains, carrying stones, running around, and throwing them are merely brute force; they're nothing special. The real skill lies in ensuring that the original spiritual energy isn't lost or the earth's energy leaks out after the mountain is moved, and in allowing the mountain to regain its vitality at the new location without conflicting with the local energy.

For example, one's own ancestor moved a volcano from the southwest back to the mild climate of Yuzhang, connecting it with the earth's energy of the Sanqing Mountain range, and enabling the volcano to continue drawing earth fire from underground. This is a great supernatural power.

For example, last time, in order to allow the ginseng fruit kernel to take root and sprout, the sect went to great lengths, planting, moving, diverting, and guiding water in the already very stable Sanqing Mountain, to provide the ginseng fruit kernel with sufficient earth energy and spiritual power. This was equivalent to performing a ritual in a snail shell, which was also extremely remarkable.

Cheng Xinzhan is not yet able to do either of the two examples mentioned above. He has been busy all summer just repairing the hollow Tiecha Mountain.

However, he enjoyed it, because it was also a form of spiritual practice.

Besides comprehending the terrain and geography, he was also adjusting and advancing the array formations and restrictions he had inscribed here last time—he planned to continue undergoing his third alchemy tribulation here.

During the third purification tribulation, Cheng Xinzhan adjusted the blowing of the pure wind and the manifestation of the Mysterious Female Pearl, setting the time to the spring of the 468th year of the Ming Dynasty, specifically the day of the Awakening of Insects in the year of Wuzi.

The year of Wuzi (戊子) is the year of Zi (子) in the Earthly Branches, marking the beginning of a new cycle and a time of renewal. The arrival of spring thunder and vibrant life during the Jingzhe (惊蛰) season goes without saying. Even more remarkably, the Jingzhe day in the Wuzi year falls exactly on the second day of the second lunar month, known as "Dragon Raising its Head" (龙抬头), a highly auspicious sign.

So after calculating the dates, Cheng Xinzhan set the date for that day, which is now less than sixteen months away.

Four months ago, after listening to Xiao Liu's introduction, Cheng Xinzhan stood on the north side of the East Yellow Boundary, looking at the turbulent undercurrents on the seabed. In fact, he felt the same way. In that short moment of contemplation, countless thoughts surged in his mind, wanting to cross the East Yellow Boundary to the Demon Sea and stir up trouble.

But in the end, he suppressed all those surging thoughts.

The reason is simple: the tribulation is approaching. At the same time, the "mercury" in the kidneys has stopped flowing and has all turned into "true clouds," so further cultivation of the "flying clouds" method is needed.

At such a critical juncture, he could only temporarily suppress his restless heart, put aside his military ambitions, and bide his time.

After returning to the Yellow Sea Dragon Palace that day, he decided to continue his tribulation at Iron Cha Mountain on the shore of the Yellow Sea. This place had all five elements, towering mountains overlooking the sea, with clouds gathering and thunder swirling around it. Moreover, there was no reason to use all the runes and restrictions he had inscribed last time. Furthermore, he now had a close and deep friendship with the Yellow Sea, and with the Yellow Sea acting as a natural barrier, ordinary villains would not dare to disturb him. It was the perfect place to continue his tribulation.

He spent only two days at the bottom of the sea before heading up the mountain alone. After the entire summer, he finally restored Ironclad Mountain to its original state. Moreover, he also took the time to expand and renovate the cave dwelling halfway up the mountain, complete with halls, meditation rooms, alchemy rooms, scripture pavilions, guest rooms, and more.

This is similar to the Guanxuan Temple on Kanli Mountain, which can also be considered a separate residence outside the main sect.

Cheng Xinzhan also heard from Feng Jihu that the Xuan Temple on Kanli Mountain in Xikang had not been demolished by the Xuanmen. He wondered if the Xuanmen were too lazy to undertake a major operation, fearing that forcibly destroying the magic array would damage the landscape, or if they themselves felt that doing so would be too petty. In any case, the sacred mountain and the Taoist temple were still safe and sound, which was a good thing; as long as the place remained, there would always be a time to return.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

This day marks the end of summer.

The group landed on the Yellow Sea, chatting and laughing all the way, creating a lively atmosphere.

Cheng Xinzhan stood on the shore to greet him.

There was no way around it; once this group of people learned that they had renovated the cave and were planning to stay there for a while, they insisted on arranging an opening ceremony for themselves and setting a special date to come and celebrate.

Without needing Cheng Xinzhan's consent, they made their own arrangements and agreed to meet on the day of the Autumnal Equinox, only informing Cheng Xinzhan, their master.

On the day of the Autumnal Equinox, the west wind brings relief from the heat, and the harvest is plentiful. It is an auspicious day to move into a new house and install a door.

Xin Shu, Third Sister, Feng Jihu, Pu Jixuan, Lion, Bai Yongliang—all of these close friends from their sect came. In addition, to Cheng Xinzhan's surprise, Uncle Gu, the Prince of Laodong, and Commander Ni also arrived.

The key point is that everyone was still carrying a gift box.

"Gentlemen, we are all acquaintances. It's enough for us to get together and have some fun. Why bring gifts?"

Cheng Xinzhan continued.

"These are just small gifts, nothing special, just for fun."

Ni Wenyu smiled.

Having no other choice, Cheng Xinzhan led everyone into the cave.

"Master Jing's excellent cave dwelling faces southeast, overlooking the sea and welcoming the sunset. It is directly opposite Laodong Road. From now on, you and I will be neighbors."

A middle-aged man carrying a sandalwood box with gold lacquer trim smiled and handed over the gift.

Cheng Xinzhan took it and smiled.

"I will have to trouble Prince Zhen many more times in the future."

"Hey, don't say you're bothering me, we should visit each other more often."

The middle-aged man said with a smile.

This man was handsome and upright, with a tiger-like head and a swallow-like chin, eyebrows like sharp swords, eyes like red cinnabar, a high nose bridge, and a rugged face. He was tall and strong, like a solitary peak. He was none other than Yan Zhengyang, the Prince of Laodong Road in the Yellow Sea Kingdom. This Prince of Zhen was different from the Palace Commander Ni Wenyu, who looked like a civil general. This Prince of Zhen had the distinct air of a border king and military general, with an imposing aura that commanded respect without anger. However, since he was visiting a friend in private, the Prince of Zhen was dressed in casual clothes, wearing a dark blue gauze robe with auspicious floral patterns, a black turban on his head, and a silk sachet hanging from his waist. He looked wealthy and relaxed, which softened his menacing aura. In addition, the Prince of Zhen was laughing heartily at the moment, making him seem extremely approachable.

Ni Wenyu then handed over a gold letter and a jade box, and said with a smile,

“Last spring I met the Master here for the first time. I never imagined that in just two short years, our two families would become such good friends. Now the Master has opened a villa on the shore of the Yellow Sea, becoming a close neighbor, which adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the Yellow Sea. The Emperor was very pleased to hear this and specially asked me to bring a token of his appreciation.”

The two boxes were stacked on top of each other, with the gold box on top and the jade box on the bottom. Needless to say, the Dragon King's gift was the gold box on top, and the jade box on the bottom was the gift from the Palace Commander.

Cheng Xinzhan took it and said repeatedly,

"Thank you for your concern, Dragon Lord."

Immediately, Gu Yi also presented a gift—a small green pouch, its contents unknown. He saw that Cheng Xinzhan was extremely pleased and delighted, and simply said…

"This is a very nice villa. Please come and stay here more often, and visit the Yellow Sea more often."

Cheng Xinzhan accepted it and smiled, agreeing.

Xin Shu followed behind Gu Yi, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter. She also presented a gift, which was also kept in a cloth bag, but its shape resembled a scroll.

Afterwards, Ji Hu, Ji Xuan, San Mei, and Yong Liang all presented gifts and said auspicious words of celebration. Even the lion spat out a jade box.

The group sat on the stone benches at the entrance of the cave, chatting idly, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze, eating unidentified herbs from Baiyongliangsan, gazing at the sea and sky, and savoring their leisure time between cultivation and affairs.

It was a crisp autumn day, the sun was bright but not scorching, and large, solitary clouds drifted across the sky, somewhat resembling the mountains of the southern wilderness—separate, unconnected, neither forming ridges nor clusters, yet quite magnificent.

The clouds weren't still; driven by the wind, they looked like mountains racing—it was quite interesting. Meanwhile, the sun shone on the clouds, casting large shadows on the sea. These shadows followed the clouds, like a migrating pod of whales—it was truly fascinating.

Everyone forgot their idle chatter and just watched until the sea breeze carried the clouds, mountains, and whale shadows far away, until the clouds and shadows merged into one.

A group of people suddenly realized what was happening.

"I've lived in the Yellow Sea for so many years and never noticed that there was such scenery."

Yan Zhengyang broke the silence and sighed.

Ni Wenyu nodded, then looked at Cheng Xinzhan and smiled as she continued,

"Such a beautiful sight is rare and precious; we are fortunate to have met the Master."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan smiled and waved his hand, saying,
"When there is nothing to do, one cannot be at ease; the joys of the four seasons are shared with all. The Way extends beyond the tangible world; thoughts wander into the ever-changing winds and clouds."

"When the heart is at ease, the scenery comes into view. The beauty of heaven and earth is present in all four seasons, but we busy people are blinded by mundane affairs and can only see it when we have a spare moment."

Everyone present, except for the lion, had their eyes light up upon hearing this.

"A profound and insightful discussion!"

Gu Yi praised.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"By the way, does Xinzhan's villa have a name?"

Feng Jihu suddenly said.

Xin Zhan shook his head. Before he could finish, he looked at Feng Jihu and said,

"Could it be that you have already chosen a good name for me, fellow Daoist?"

Feng Jihu laughed.
"I did think of one, but I don't know if it will suit your taste."

Cheng Xinzhan also smiled and said,
"What you think, fellow Daoist, must be to my liking. Please bestow a name upon me, fellow Daoist."

"I've proposed the name 'Yun Guang' (Cloud and Light). What do you think? It evokes the image of 'a heart as vast as clouds and water, a gentle breeze and a clear moon,' which perfectly reflects Xinzhan's breadth of vision and talent. What do you all think?"

"Good name."

"Exactly, exactly!"

Everyone praised it.

Cheng Xinzhan naturally thought it was good, but knew he wasn't worthy of such an assessment. However, he greatly admired and longed for it, so he said...
"Then I will accept your praise, fellow Daoist, and I will inscribe these words as a memento."

After speaking, Cheng Xinzhan raised his hand, and sword energy burst forth, carving three large characters in cloud-script script on the cave entrance.

"Yunguang Cave".

Everyone stood up and applauded.

Thus, this leisurely gathering came to a close. Everyone came with high spirits and left with great enjoyment, bidding farewell to Cheng Xinzhan with smiles.

Ni Wenyu and Yan Zhengyang descended the mountain and returned to the Yellow Sea.

Feng Jihu and Pu Jixuan rode the clouds westward, intending to return together to the Badong Medicine Cottage. Feng Jihu had already tested the medicine to stabilize the pregnancy and ensure the safety of the child for the Dragon Consort, and had been observing her for so long, so he felt relieved to leave now.

Lion, Third Sister, and Bai Yongliang rode the wind southward. The summer heat had subsided, and it was time to return to the mountain gate to focus on cultivation.

Xin Shu did not return to the mountain, but went back to Huanghai with Gu Yi. However, she stayed not for fun, but to learn dragon spells and supernatural powers from her father.

Cheng Xinzhan watched them leave one by one.

Once he was alone on the mountain, he gazed at the sea quietly for a while before beginning to open the gifts everyone had given him. The value of the gifts wasn't what Cheng Xinzhan cared about; what he truly appreciated was the sentiment and thoughtfulness behind them.

The gift boxes were laid out in a row on the table, and he opened them one by one.

The first gift was from Yan Zhengyang.

The beautiful sandalwood lacquer box, inlaid with a jade clasp, isolated the spiritual energy from the outside. He unfastened the jade clasp, and immediately a mellow fragrance wafted out. Upon opening the lacquer box, he discovered a dragon and phoenix tea cake inside.

This tea cake is dark green, with patterns resembling dragons and phoenixes soaring, lifelike and exuding a unique and intoxicating aroma.

Cheng Xinzhan was overjoyed and quickly closed the lacquered box and fastened the jade clasp to prevent the tea aroma from dissipating. He enjoyed wine when traveling and tea when sitting quietly, especially when reading scriptures, he couldn't be without tea. This gift truly touched his heart.

He placed the lacquer box in the void and then opened the second gift.

This is a gift from the Dragon King, a heavy golden box.

The gold box was not locked, only sealed with a seal. The seal had no writing on it, only a stamp that read:
"Controlling the vast ocean and restraining wind and rain."

He broke the seal, opened the golden box, and immediately it shone with brilliant light, accompanied by a dragon's roar. He looked closely and saw a scripture inside, with three lines of text on its cover:
"The Supreme Cavern Divine Incantation Scripture - Volume Thirteen - Dragon King Chapter".

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(End of this chapter)