Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 342 Dragon Resides in Thunder Pool, Poyang Welcomes Guests

When the nine dragons entered the Huai River side by side, it looked as if nine continuous mountain ranges were floating on the river. However, these huge objects floated and swam on the river surface without making any sound or stirring up any waves.

The stark contrast between movement and stillness is particularly striking.

These nine dragons were carefully selected from the Yellow Sea, chosen for their most dignified appearances. If it weren't for the influence of the Imperial Uncle Gu, which attracted a large number of Shu dragons to join them, finding all nine pure-colored dragons would have been quite a challenge. Nevertheless, they still inevitably instilled fear in the people on both sides of the river. Even the cultivators on the mountain were horrified when they saw these nine dragons radiating the power of the Third Realm.

Fortunately, the gentle breeze and rain continued to fall from the sky, reminding these people that the dragon in the river was not some ruthless monster.

A dragon was pulling a huge palace, outside which was a corridor. At this moment, the palace maids in the corridor were scattering flower petals outwards, carrying flower baskets.

The flower petals were truly magical. The palace maids' delicate hands were so small that each time they reached into the flower basket, they could only grab a tiny bit of petals. But when they let go and scattered them, one petal multiplied into ten, then ten into a hundred, scattering petals all over the sky. The flower basket was no ordinary object either. No matter how many times the palace maids scattered the petals, the banks of the Huai River were filled with the fragrance of flowers, yet the number of petals in the basket did not decrease in the slightest.

The imperial procession's flying petals covered the Huai River, complementing the three-colored glazed lotus flowers used by the Taoist gates as a welcoming procession on both banks, as well as the shimmering waves of the river reflecting the rising sun.

After the dragon chariot, there came the whale chariot.

People on both sides of the strait, as well as some low-level Taoist priests who have never traveled far, have seen pictures of dragons even if they have never seen one. However, this enormous whale is the first time many people have ever seen one, and they can't help but exclaim in surprise.

Following the whale-shaped carriage, a massive crimson lion and a sandalwood palanquin pulled by two enormous white carp walked side by side, equally breathtaking.

Liu Wenfeng, the most powerful among the welcoming guests, tried his best to remain calm and not show any surprise or disrespect. Only he could see that the aura of each of them, whether it was the coachman who rode the dragon or those following closely behind the imperial carriage, was far more profound than that of the nine third-realm dragons in front.

However, the true master of the imperial procession, the Dragon King, sitting in the magnificent palace, did not exude any imposing aura at all.

As the imperial procession passed, a procession of officials from the Huanghai Kingdom followed closely behind: officials from the two ministries and three departments, Hanlin scholars, Attendant Scholars, Secretariat Drafters, Imperial Diarists, and Grand Master of Ceremonies...

These dignified officials all sat in wooden carriages pulled by colorful fish, dressed in loose robes and wide belts, some holding seals, some holding scriptures, some holding jade tablets, and some waiting to be consulted.

Following the array of officials in charge of ceremonies was the array of officials in charge of state ceremonies, which dazzled Liu Wenfeng.
A gilded and engraved cloud and dragon patterned gift box; a rosewood box inlaid with mother-of-pearl and decorated with eight auspicious symbols; a vermilion lacquer box with gold-inlaid phoenix and sun design; a jade box with openwork dragon and chilong design; a black lacquer box with gold-painted nautical chart; an ivory box with relief carvings of the Penglai fairyland; a red lacquer box with peony and auspicious symbolism; a jade box carved from a single piece of agate with five bats holding a longevity symbol; a purple bamboo sutra cabinet with kesi (silk tapestry) edging…

There are many more materials and patterns that Liu Wenfeng simply cannot recognize.

These boxes, chests, and containers, the smaller ones were carried by bare-chested, tattooed strongmen from the sea kingdom, while the larger ones were pulled by colorful, scaled seahorses several meters tall, striding proudly across the Huai River.

The contents of these gift boxes cannot be seen, but the precious light emanating from these vessels alone seems to be more dazzling than the sun in the sky.

The procession for state ceremonies is longer than the combined processions of flags, music, imperial entourage, and officials in charge of ceremonies.

The Wanfa School will be renamed the Wanbao School from now on...

Liu Wenfeng couldn't help but think this way.

Following the formation of state gifts was the formation of martial guards, their swords and halberds gleaming coldly.
The imperial procession proceeded with the sound of whips and the imperial banners leading the way, followed by leopard-tailed spears and flags, and ceremonial swords and sabers. Then came the archers and crossbowmen, the armored guards, the silver-spear bearers, and the golden maces and axes, all serving as personal guards...

His martial virtue was abundant.

Then came the dance formation, the sea beast formation, the food and clothing formation, and the water-stroking formation...

The entire imperial procession stretched for over fifty miles, with more than thirty different formations.

What's even more astonishing is that this massive procession moved without making a single mistake. The vocal and dance music, which are most prone to errors, never faltered even for a moment, and even the sea monsters' steps never faltered.

The flying petals in the sky were still dancing on the vast river surface, and the sound of Buddhist music from upstream could still be faintly heard, but at this moment, the entire procession had already left Sheyang County and headed upstream to Funing County.

This is Haiwei, the land of dragons!

Liu Wenfeng watched the imperial procession depart into the distance, remaining motionless for a long time. Not only him, but also the Taoist priests and common people on both sides of the river stared intently in the direction the procession had gone, as if everything that had just happened was a dream of immortals.

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.

The Shangqing School's Sanyuan Palace was connected to Yandu.

The Xuanmiao Temple of the Jingming School is located in Huai'an.

The Shangqing School's Tianqing Temple is located in Zhenjiang.

The Shangqing School's Zhuhu Palace received the Heavenly Response.

The Lingbao School's Jingshan Temple connects to Wuhu.

The True Origin Palace of the Divine Firmament Sect connects to Yicheng.

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.

When the Taoist priests of Zhenyuan Palace escorted the imperial carriage of the Dragon Kingdom upstream along the Yangtze River and arrived at the border between Qingzhou and Yuzhang, Poyang Lake was already clearly visible on the south side of the Yangtze River.

However, the sun had already set, and the evening glow spread across the vast expanse. According to the previously planned itinerary, the Taoist priests of Zhenyuan Palace led the chariot into the Leichi Marsh on the north bank of the Yangtze River. The imperial procession would stay there for one night and set off again at dawn the next day to enter Poyang Lake and then enter the territory of Yuzhang.

By this time, the sun had set, and only six hours had passed since the imperial carriage of the Dragon Kingdom landed in the southeast of China. Although it had only toured Jinling and Qingzhou, the entire Eastern Taoist community was already in an uproar.

Since the Ao family went into seclusion and returned to the demonic realm overseas, the Xiu family on land has not seen the grandeur of the overseas dragon kingdom for far too long. The founding of the Yellow Sea Kingdom two thousand years ago has given everyone a pleasant surprise.

The Yellow Sea Kingdom was established quietly, and has remained dormant in the seabed ever since. There are many people and sects on land who still believe that the Yellow Sea is merely a barbaric land, vast but spiritually barren. Although it is not as evil as the East Sea, it should still be considered a barbarian and demonic kingdom.

But today, the Dragon Kingdom, with its grand procession and imperial regalia, clearly tells the world that the Yellow Sea Dragon Kingdom is a virtuous and prosperous nation with a strong military!

Therefore, when the imperial procession was proceeding, no one dared to ram or intercept it, and the thorough security on both sides of the river prevented them from doing so. However, after the procession stopped at Leichi, countless visiting cards from various powerful factions of Emperor Sejong flooded into Leichi like a storm.

Of course, this is allowed.

Or perhaps this is one of the reasons why the Dragon Kingdom landed and stayed at Leichi. Otherwise, why would they need so many officials in the ceremonial procession for the alliance?
In short, Leichi Marshland is going to be lively tonight.

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.

Just before sunset, the setting sun illuminated Poyang Lake, making it look like a burning sea of ​​fire.

On the northwest shore of the lake, at the foot of Mount Lu.

Two tall, upright young men stood side by side by the lake, gazing at the magnificent Leichi Lake across the Yangtze River.

"Fellow Daoist, you have done a great thing."

One of them, dressed in a royal blue robe and carrying two swords, spoke.

Another person, dressed in a lake-blue Taoist robe, replied,
"It wasn't my doing. The Yellow Sea Dragon Kingdom has been accumulating strength for a long time, and it was bound to come ashore sooner or later. My sect has accumulated good deeds and thus reached an alliance with the Dragon Kingdom. I was just a catalyst."

The man laughed upon hearing this.
"Fellow Daoist has always been humble, unchanged for decades. However, even now, does Fellow Daoist still intend to say that the talents within Sanqing Mountain are as numerous as carp in the river, and that they are all people like you?"

The Taoist priest smiled upon hearing this, knowing that Lan Yuqing was referring to the very words he had spoken when they first met.

“The Three Mountains Scripture Master, what a resounding name.”

Lan Yuqing looked at Cheng Xinzhan and said with a smile. It is an old saying that Wanfa Jingshi of Sanqing Mountain also serves as the chief lecturer outside the mountain of Juqu Mountain and the chief guest lecturer of Sanyuan Mountain.

Cheng Xinzhan replied with a smile.
"The title of 'Master of the Three Mountains' is merely a favor bestowed upon me by a few elders. Fellow Daoist, the title of 'Swordsman of the Three Mountains' is something I truly earned by subduing demons and monsters, and it is what I admire most."

Since the rise of the demonic calamity, righteous cultivators have devoted themselves to the massive wave of demon-slaying, and many exceptionally talented individuals have emerged.

In the West, there is the story of the Seven Heroes of Shu Mountain; in the East, there are also the stories of the Swordsmen of the Three Mountains and the Swordsmen of the Five Sacred Mountains.

The Three Mountains refer to Huangshan, Lushan, and Yandangshan, while the Five Sacred Mountains refer to Taishan, Huashan, Hengshan, Songshan, and Hengshan. Among them, Lan Yuqing is the swordsman of Lushan, one of the Three Mountains Swordsmen, a name that commands respect.

Lan Yuqing laughed heartily upon hearing this.

"Hahaha, different, different. Your Three Mountains is much more famous than mine. But in that sense, we are really destined to meet. We share the same classics and swords, but our names both contain the words 'Three Mountains.' I can say that I've benefited from this."

Cheng Xinzhan smiled and shook his head.

At this moment, Lan Yuqing's expression suddenly turned solemn. Facing Cheng Xinzhan, she bowed respectfully and said,
"Thank you so much, fellow Daoist, for saving my life!"

Cheng Xinzhan helped him up, knowing he was still concerned about the Longhu Mountain seal, and said,

"We are both from the Yuzhang Immortal Sect, separated only by a narrow strip of water, and of the same breath. Why say such things? Besides, I was just passing on a message. You and your sect have already expressed your gratitude. Please don't mention it again in the future."

"Yes, we are separated only by a strip of water and share the same breath, but some people don't understand this principle and are short-sighted!"

Lan Yuqing gritted her teeth and said, "If it weren't for the delay caused by going to the printing shop, why would I have wasted so many years of my life?!"

Cheng Xinzhan also shook his head. Longhu Mountain's move was truly foolish, causing them to lose all support in Yuzhang while simultaneously placing themselves in a position of overwhelming influence. Now in Yuzhang, apart from the Celestial Master's Mansion's own branches, everyone else has joined the Haoran Alliance, including even the Shenxiao Sect, which had sought guidance from Longhu Mountain, and the Lushan Sword Sect, which had always been independent. The outside world was already buzzing with discussion.

"It will be paid back, sooner or later."

Cheng Xinzhan said in a deep voice. During that Dragon-Tiger Dharma Assembly, he almost fell into an abyss of no return and became someone else's puppet. Furthermore, his elders in the sect were harmed by villains, and he was still in the sect's secret realm cleansing his primordial spirit. He would never forget such a grudge.

Lan Yuqing nodded slowly, concealing the hatred in her eyes.

"Thank you for your help these past few days, fellow Daoist and the Immortal Mountain, for accompanying us on our repeated journeys around Poyang Lake."

Cheng Xinzhan thanked Lan Yuqing. As everyone knows, there are no major sects in Poyang Lake, so the Lushan Sword Sect on the west bank of the lake carries considerable weight. The sect had decided to welcome guests at Poyang Lake, and there were too many things to prepare. With Lushan's full assistance, things became much easier.

Lan Yuqing smiled and replied,

"Given the current relationship between our two families, it would be too formal to say such things. Besides, the Dragon King's arrival is a major event for the entire Yuzhang, and it must be celebrated in a grand manner. We cannot allow Yuzhang to lose face."

"Moreover, my family should thank your family for choosing Poyang Lake as the venue for the welcoming ceremony. My family is close to the lake and can also benefit from it. You don't know, as soon as the Dragon King's entourage entered the Thunder Pool, my elders sent their invitations and followed him in, thus seizing the initiative."

Lan Yuqing chuckled, then lowered her voice.
"As for your family inviting the various sects of the East but not Longhu Mountain, that's even more satisfying!"

The two hadn't seen each other for many years and chatted for a while. When the moon rose high in the sky, Lan Yuqing took the initiative to speak.

"Alright, we'll talk again another day. You go ahead and get busy. You'll be the ceremonial officer tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to seeing your performance."

Cheng Xinzhan nodded with a smile.

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.

The next day, at dawn, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

"Dong dong!"

Two thunderous drumbeats echoed from the depths of the Thunder Pool Marsh, signaling that the imperial entourage of the Dragon Kingdom, having rested for a night, was about to set off again.

Inside the Nine-Dragon Jade Carriage, the Dragon King, who had been listening to good news all night, was in high spirits and could not hide his smile.

Upon seeing this, the Dragon Consort shook his arm.
"My husband, tell me, was this trip worthwhile?"

"It's worth it, of course it's worth it."

The Dragon King responded with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Princess raised her chin.
"Who was it that initially suggested going ashore to Sanqing Mountain?"

The Dragon King embraced the Dragon Queen.
"This is all thanks to Li'er."

Princess Long was overjoyed and giggled.

Just then, the sound of thunderous drums was heard. The Dragon Consort knew that they were setting off again, so she pushed the Dragon King aside and ran all the way to the Jade Carriage Palace. She quietly pushed open a small crack and peeked through the door.

Throughout the journey, the Dragon Princess looked at her in this way.

"Shh—shh—"

The clear, crisp sound of the zither rang out softly, blending with the footsteps of the imperial carriage as it moved forward.

"Husband, why is there only the sound of rattles today?"

Without turning her head, the Dragon Princess asked.

The Dragon King then explained,
"We are currently crossing the Yangtze River and will soon enter Poyang Lake. Sanqingshan is holding a welcoming ceremony there, and they will play music. Our musicians just need to respond and not steal the spotlight."

"That's it."

The Dragon Princess responded, then ignored the Dragon King and continued looking ahead.

"My lord! What a vast lake! It's just like our Yellow Sea!"

However, the quiet didn't last long before the Dragon Princess started shouting again.

"Lotus! My husband, they have planted blue lotus flowers in the lake! My husband, come and see, the lotus flowers are blooming in front of our carriage, as if they are leading the way!"
"Trees grew on both sides of the ceremonial carriage, shiny trees!"

"And another thing, how come there are jade mushrooms growing in the ruts made by the snail cart in the lake? How cute!"

"Wow! There are fountains on both sides ahead!"

The Dragon King looked at his Dragon Consort with doting eyes, listened attentively, a satisfied smile on his lips, and explained.

"This is a Taoist ritual, very elaborate. 'Green Lotus Opens the Way' means 'The Water's Manifestation is Bright'; 'Jade Mushroom Welcomes Guests' means 'Virtue is Abundant and Blessed'; 'Golden Branch on the Left' means 'Immortal's Preservation and Longevity'; 'Jade Tree on the Right' means 'Great Fortune and Everlasting Blessings'. The one in front isn't called a fountain, it's called a Sweet Spring. 'Sweet Spring as the Gate' means 'Heaven's Mandate Endures Forever'."

"Sanqing Mountain is very thoughtful; this is the ancient custom of welcoming the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. However, according to ancient tradition, this is only the first welcoming ceremony. The second welcoming ceremony will only take place after passing through Limen."

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(End of this chapter)