Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 370 Recognizing Lineage and Returning to the Clan, Tianyi Zidong
Langshan Mountain runs from northeast to southwest, and the Fuyi River flows alongside it, from southwest to northeast. Therefore, the Ximing School defined the place where the Fuyi River enters the mountain as the mountain's head and the place where it exits the mountain as the mountain's tail.

In addition, there is another reason for this arrangement: Nanhuang is located in the southwest of Hunan, and Langshan is on the border of Hunan. Therefore, placing the mountain in the southwest also indicates that it faces the enemy and protects the border and the people.

The Ximing sect erected two towering white jade pillars on the green hills on both sides of the Fuyi River at the place where the river enters the mountain, as the mountain gate, with seal script inscribed on the jade pillars.

The first line reads:
Liangshan Mountain, a celestial formation, with its verdant peaks gathering energy that connects to the mysterious female aspect;
The second line reads:
The water is suitable for the Kun trigram, and the blue waves contain the true Yin of the Dao.

Beyond the mountain gate, towering pavilions rise atop the green hills on both banks, their buildings reaching for the clouds. Numerous covered walkways and arched bridges span the Fuyi River, connecting the high-rises on both sides, with pedestrians bustling about. On the river itself, bamboo rafts and small boats glide swiftly beneath the covered walkways.

In short, the Ming faction, which had only been established for three months, was already bustling with activity and displaying the grandeur of a major clan.

At the first bend after the Fuyi River enters the mountain, the Ximing Sect built a grand hall, nestled against the mountain and overlooking the water, directly facing the mountain gate. This is the Ximing Sect's place to entertain distinguished guests, named the Yingzhen Hall, and it is also one of the halls that has been used most frequently in the past few months.

Cheng Xinzhan's residence was in the Tianyi Hall in the center of the mountain. After receiving Shi Tongxuan's message, he immediately rushed forward. Now that the sect was newly established, a fourth-realm corpse immortal had come to visit. He had to be polite, and it was only right that the sect leader and vice sect leader accompany him. Perhaps they could keep him here.

When he entered the main hall, he found that the patriarch had already led the distinguished guest to his seat and served him tea.

"I was unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me."

As Cheng Xinzhan walked inside, he bowed to the distinguished guest and apologized, while at the same time observing the guest.

This was a female Taoist priest, around thirty years old, with fair skin and delicate features. She had an oval face, without makeup, with dark eyebrows and bright eyes that seemed to sparkle with wisdom. A faint smile often played at the corners of her lips, and she naturally exuded a scholarly air.

Looking at her figure, she was neither too tall nor too short, with sculpted shoulders and a slender waist, perfectly proportioned. She wore a light blue silk robe, the color of fresh bamboo after rain, exceptionally elegant. Over this, she wore a dark blue half-sleeved garment, the collar embroidered with honeysuckle and vine patterns. Below, she wore a moon-white six-panel silk skirt, which moved like moonlight shimmering on emerald waves, truly beautiful.

As for her attire, it was quite simple: her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with only a jade cloud-shaped hairpin, and a pair of jadeite pendants with pearls hanging from her earlobes. She wore a jadeite bracelet on each wrist. A white jade hibiscus pendant hung from her left waist, and a blue satin sachet with gold trim was draped from her right. That was all.

Overall, this person was dressed in an elegant manner, with bright and clear eyes, and seemed to be a bright and intelligent person, worthy of the title of Fairy of the Green Bag.

Moreover, even with Cheng Xinzhan's skill, he couldn't detect any corpse aura on this person at such close range. Could it be another corpse of the Wood element?
Cheng Xinzhan was sizing up the distinguished guest, while the distinguished guest was also sizing him up. At this moment, Cheng Xinzhan's status had changed; he was now the deputy leader of a sect, in charge of important affairs in the mountains. It was no longer appropriate for him to wear casual clothes, so he had changed into a formal robe.

This formal robe was specially made for him by the skilled craftsmen of the Yinshan sect. He has been wearing it since the founding ceremony of the Ximing sect and has never changed it.

The robe was predominantly blue, like the sky after rain and tender pine trees in the mountains, giving one a sense of vitality at first glance. The front was simple, without any patterns or designs, except for long strips of green mountains and clear water embroidered on the left and right sides of the collar. Upon closer inspection, they perfectly matched the appearance of Langshan and Yishui, making it quite approachable and pleasant.

But when he turned around, one could see on the back of his robe an embroidered image of the Heavenly Venerable Taiyi Jiuku ascending to heaven on a nine-headed lion. The Heavenly Venerable was solemn and dignified, his eyes closed in deep thought, his face compassionate. The lion was majestic and extraordinary, with all nine heads and eighteen eyes wide open, its divine power as imposing as a mountain.

If you look more closely, you can see a three-finger-wide black stripe around the hem of his robe. On this narrow black border, the scenes of the Twenty-Four Realms of Azure Hell are densely embroidered in dark red thread. As he walks, the hem of his robe flutters, and the scenes of the Twenty-Four Realms of Hell seem to come alive, a truly exquisite work of art.

Such a magnificent robe, coupled with a jade lotus crown with a purple stamen, finally compensated for the excessively young Taoist priest's lack of the dignity befitting a deputy leader of a sect.

"This must be Mr. Guangfa? Please forgive my intrusion."

The woman stood up to return the greeting.

"You're too kind, fairy. Please have a seat."

Cheng Xinzhan gestured for the guests to sit down. After Hua Yaosong sat down, he followed suit and sat down to Shi Tongxuan's left.

At the same time, Cheng Xinzhan used his inner voice to inquire about the mysteries of time.

"Master, what is this person's background? A Corpse Immortal of the Fourth Realm?"

Cheng Xinzhan was naturally surprised. Cultivation among the Corpse Clan was extremely difficult. Reaching the third realm was considered a great stroke of luck, let alone the fourth realm.
Currently, there are only two well-known Corpse Sects in the world: the Ximing Sect in the orthodox world and the Three Corpse Sect in the demonic world. However, even combined, these two sects have no more than three hundred Yin Corpses at the third realm, and only three above the third realm, all of whom are demonic corpses. It should be understood that this is not just the number of high-ranking cultivators within a single lineage, but the number of an entire clan!

That's why Cheng Xinzhan was surprised that a fourth-realm corpse immortal who cultivated the Ling Shan Zheng Fa would suddenly come to his door.

Upon hearing this, Shi Tongxuan replied,

"After the Corpse Immortal passed through the tribulation lightning and entered the fourth realm, his lifespan increased greatly. So don't be fooled by the young age of the fairy; she is actually my senior. This one became famous very early. His Daoist temple is located on Yunlu Mountain in Nanyang County of Heluo. He has excellent medical skills and often travels between Heluo to treat the sick and save lives. He was already famous when he traveled to the Southern Song Dynasty and is a well-known benevolent corpse."

"Legend has it that this man carried a flying sword in a green pouch at his waist, named 'Green Pouch,' capable of both taking lives and curing ailments—truly miraculous. However, he secluded himself in the mountains during the mid-Southern Song Dynasty, never again concerning himself with worldly affairs or venturing out, and his fame gradually faded. There are even rumors that he has passed away, so it's normal that your generation doesn't know about him."

Cheng Xinzhan thought to himself, "So that's how it is," and then asked,

"Does this fairy's visit today indicate her intention to join us?"

"We've only just met and exchanged pleasantries; we haven't even gotten down to business yet. Let's hope so."

The grandmother and granddaughter communicated telepathically, exchanging these words in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, after Hua Yaosong sat down again, she took the initiative to speak, bringing up a topic that surprised both of them.
"Master Shi is of the Tong generation, and Master Guangfa is of the Xin generation. These are both extremely high seniority ranks in Sanqing Mountain, aren't they?"

The grandfather and grandson exchanged a glance, unsure of the fairy's meaning in asking that question, but they nodded nonetheless.

Then, the fairy said again,
"I've also heard that the two leaders seem to be of the same lineage, both being well-versed in the Dao of Yin and Yang and the art of the living dead. Could they be from the Meiji Mountain lineage in Lotus Paradise?"

The grandfather and grandson were surprised once again. The internal Daoist lineage and lineage of Sanqing Mountain had never been made public. Mingzhi Mountain was always referred to as Qingshen Mountain. Although these things were not secrets if someone paid attention, this reclusive Corpse Immortal was a rogue cultivator from afar in Heluo. Why would he be interested in these things?

Could it be that he has a past connection with a senior member of the sect?

Shi Tongxuan's smile widened. If that was the case, it would be much easier to talk to him. He nodded in reply.
"Exactly."

Then Hua Yaosong's smile became even more sincere, and she said,

"Thanks to the guidance and instruction of the thirteenth generation ancestor of your mountain, Master Yuan Miaoling, Yao Song is able to be where he is today. Today, I have come to acknowledge my ancestors and return to my roots. If you do not mind, I am willing to become a disciple of Xi Ming and perform good deeds of saving people and things."

Hua Yaosong's voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, but these words were like a thunderclap, completely stunning the grandfather and grandson opposite her, leaving them speechless for a moment. A fourth-realm corpse cultivator had come to surrender willingly, and it was even a legacy from their ancestors?

Is there really such a good thing in the world?

Shi Tongxuan quickly recalled that Mingzhi Mountain was based on the Yin-Yang Dao, encompassing all five elements, wind, and thunder, with each generation focusing on different aspects. For example, Su Kong specialized in Yin-Yang Xuan Guang, Su Xing specialized in Yuan Shen, and he himself specialized in wind and thunder. Although he knew the art of corpse control, he only had a basic understanding and could not be considered an expert. Thinking further back, according to the mountain records, Ancestor Yuan seemed to have specialized in the art of corpse cultivation. Could this person be one of the Yin Corpses created by Ancestor Yuan?

A smile spread across Shi Tongxuan's face, and he said with delight,

"So the fairy has a past connection with our ancestors? If the fairy is willing to submit herself, Langshan will naturally reserve a place for her!"

Hua Yaosong smiled and nodded, and said,
"To say I have a past is truly an overstatement of my status. Back then, I was nothing but an ignorant and ignorant person. It was my benefactor who enlightened and taught me the law, which is why I am who I am today."

"There is such a predestined connection; may we discuss it in detail?"

The time leads to the profound truth.

Hua Yaosong nodded, understanding that Sanqing Mountain, as a contemporary immortal sect, valued the inheritance of its lineage above all else. It was impossible for them to accept this connection based solely on her words, even if she was only a fourth-realm cultivator. Therefore, she said...

"Back then, my benefactor was traveling the world when he saw me wandering aimlessly in the birch forest on the left side of the road, so he took me in and raised me, passing on his teachings and instructing me in the way of 'life, death, decay, prosperity, and decline.' One day, my benefactor took me to the Heluo area, where we unintentionally stumbled upon a secret realm, a verdant and sacred mountain, a treasure land of Yi wood, where the legacy of the Medicine King was also found."

"My benefactor said this was my destiny, so he placed me in the mountains and instructed me to cultivate diligently here. I can leave the mountains after I have survived the first tribulation lightning, at which time I can go to Sanqing Mountain and Mingzhi Mountain to find her."

"However, I am a little curious. Back then, my benefactor said that if she was still traveling and had not yet returned to the mountain, one could go to the dragon's den and tiger's lair of Mount Meiji to find her, where she left an incarnation. At the time, I asked why she was given this name, but my benefactor just laughed and did not explain."

Upon hearing this, Shi Tongxuan and Cheng Xinzhan exchanged a smile, confirming Hua Yaosong's words: the Dao of "Life, Death, Withering and Flourishing" was indeed a secret method of Mingzhi Mountain. And the "Dragon's Pool and Tiger's Den" of Mingzhi Mountain was known only to its true disciples.

Cheng Xinzhan explained,

"There are no dragons on Mount Meiji, but there is a deep pool called Dragon Pool. There are no tigers on Mount Meiji, but there is a saying in the world, 'Knowing there are tigers in the mountains,' so the disciples of Mount Meiji also call Mount Meiji 'Dragon Pool and Tiger Den.' This term is known only to the disciples of Mount Meiji."

"These four words that the patriarch told the fairy are the proof of her recognition of her ancestral lineage. If the patriarch is not present when the fairy returns to the lineage, the disciples on the mountain will still guide her into the sect based solely on these four words."

"That's it, that's it."

Hua Yaosong nodded slightly, her tone wistful.

Cheng Xinzhan wondered,
"Fairy, why don't you return to Sanqing Mountain sooner to acknowledge your lineage?"

Shi Tongxuan had the same question in mind and looked at Hua Yaosong.

Hua Yaosong then continued,
"I spent two hundred years in seclusion in Yunlu Mountain. After entering the third realm and undergoing my first tribulation, I thought of leaving the mountain to visit my benefactor. But at this time, I heard that my benefactor had already passed away."

Hua Yaosong's voice was low, and his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.

Shi Tongxuan and Cheng Xinzhan remained silent. Both of them were well-versed in mountain records and naturally knew that Master Yuan had passed away in the mountains before the lightning disaster had passed.

"After my benefactor passed away, I was overwhelmed with grief and had no desire to acknowledge my lineage. I was also afraid of being disturbed by old things, so I only traveled around the Heluo area, practicing the ways of decay and prosperity and the Qingnang Dao. I followed my benefactor's teachings, enlightening the wicked to do good, subduing corpses and ghosts, and healing the sick and saving people. Later, I closed myself off in seclusion and was fortunate enough to enter the fourth realm. I rarely left the Daoist temple, and my desire to acknowledge my lineage gradually faded away."

"Until a few months ago, when I was practicing my magic in the mountains, I heard the proclamation of the sect leader, which mentioned 'transmitting the way of Yin and Yang, teaching the method of the living dead, and enlightening the wisdom of benevolent corpses.' I guessed that it was the successor of the benefactor's lineage who was establishing a sect."

"At that time, I was refining a medicine, a medicine specifically for treating the low-level, stiff, and easily decaying physical body. When I heard the proclamation of the sect leader, I thought that perhaps it was the will of Heaven that I, a lone seedling from outside the mountains, should be recognized and returned to the sect. So, today the medicine is completed, I have come to offer the prescription and pray to return to the sect."

After explaining her purpose, Hua Yaosong stood up and bowed to the two of them.

The grandfather and grandson quickly stood up and stepped aside to allow the bow. Meiji Mountain did not have the tradition of treating corpses as slaves, so although Hua Yaosong was not included in the genealogy, legally speaking, he was still a disciple of Master Yuan and a true senior to both of them.

Time connects to the profound Dao,

"Your Highness is too polite, making this humble Taoist feel uneasy. May I ask, does Your Highness intend to join the Three Pure Ones Sect or inherit the Ming Sect?"

Hua Yaosong then said,
"As a spirit corpse, I have long been guiding spirit corpses towards good, so naturally I wish to follow the Ming faction. Moreover, following the Ming is also a double entendre, meaning 'inheriting the Meiji era,' right? Could I be considered an outsider of the Meiji lineage? By joining the lineage of my benefactor, I can fulfill my wish."

Shi Tongxuan remained expressionless and said repeatedly,
"Yes, yes, you are most welcome!"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan was puzzled. The patriarch had clearly stated that the name of the sect meant "to do good and save people, and to inherit the light." When did it become a double entendre of "inheriting the Meiji Restoration"? However, seeing the patriarch's natural and confident demeanor, Cheng Xinzhan was unsure whether the patriarch truly intended this or was simply going along with it.

Shi Tongxuan was in high spirits and couldn't wait to finalize the engagement. He said repeatedly,

"Fairy, what do you think of this arrangement? Our Ximing Sect wishes to emulate the Three Pure Ones Sect, establishing a leader and several deputy leaders in charge. Currently, I am the sect leader, overseeing all sect affairs. Xinzhan is currently the deputy leader of the Tianyi Hall, in charge of rituals, sermons, and precepts. Now that you have arrived, you will take charge of the Zidong Hall, also serving as a deputy leader, in charge of recruitment, selection, and support. From now on, as sect leaders, we will decide minor matters ourselves, discuss major matters together, and treat each other as equals. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan immediately looked at Hua Yaosong with expectant eyes. This was great; it would take away half of her business at once.

Hua Yaosong was extremely surprised upon hearing this, and exclaimed repeatedly,

"Master Shi, there's no need for that. I'm new here, so I'll start as an elder!"

Shi Tongxuan and Cheng Xinzhan, grandfather and grandson, shook their heads simultaneously. The one who came was one of their own, and a renowned Fourth Realm Corpse Immortal with a long-standing reputation for virtue. Wouldn't it be a waste of his talent to appoint him as an elder? Cheng Xinzhan was even more impatient.

“Fairy, there is no such thing. I am only at the third level of cultivation and I am still shamelessly serving as the deputy instructor. If you were to condescend to serve as an elder, how could I possibly hold such a position? Furthermore, if you were to serve as an elder, the world would condemn me for blinding myself, and no expert would be willing to come and serve me. Please do not refuse; it would be more appropriate for you to take charge of the Zidong Hall from this day forward.”

Shi Tongxuan, of course, saw right through his grand-disciple's thoughts, and at this moment he smiled and said...
"Indeed, indeed, then please grant my request, Fairy!"

　Requesting monthly votes and recommendations! Comments and messages are welcome!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)