Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 377 Subtle Clues, Shocking Event (Part 1) (5.4K words presented, please support with monthly votes)
Two months later, during the White Dew season.

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.

Cheng Xinzhan's lotus body is located on Fire Dragon Island.

Inside the Li Yuan Fire Cave, Wu Qingbo had already found the six meridian nodes needed for the last large well, but he had not yet connected the underground fire veins to the Fire Dragon Island's earth veins with the "Nine Yang Fire Cloud Chains." He was still waiting for Cheng Xinzhan's instructions.

Under the cover of Wu Qingbo and the "Mysterious Leak-Free Talisman," Lian Shen cultivated in the fire cave, consuming earth fire to temper her body and refine her primordial spirit. The beetle remaining on Lian Shen's body had shrunk in size, and the process of refining the "Dragon-Drawing Chariot Pill" had gone smoothly and was completed ahead of schedule.

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.

Cheng Xinzhan's bamboo body is located on Hongxia Island.

A month and a half ago, Zhu Shen left Hidden Dragon Mountain, traveled in the southeast for about a month, and then returned to Hidden Dragon Mountain. Leaving the lion behind Hidden Dragon Mountain, Zhu Shen used his transformation technique to enter the sea from the back of Hidden Dragon Mountain, and then, under the cover of his true form, landed on Red Cloud Island.

From then on, the bamboo body replaced the original body and continued to plan the reconstruction of Red Cloud Island as the strategist of the Star-Picking Hall. The construction of pavilions and palaces, the improvement of the island's protective formation, and the sorting out of the sea veins and earth veins were all things that people believed in.

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.

Yin Island, where Cheng Xinzhan's physical body is located.

Half a month ago, Zhu Shen arrived at Red Cloud Island. His true form used the "Hidden Wind Corpse Cicada Curse" to transform into a dead cicada, which Zhu Shen then kept in his arms. Immediately afterward, Zhu Shen went to Earth Yin Island to report on the construction progress of Red Cloud Island to the Thin Taoist and invited the Thin Taoist to personally inspect Red Cloud Island in half a month.

The skinny Taoist priest agreed.

It was at that time that the bamboo body left the cicada's fleshy body on the Yin Island.

Meanwhile, the flesh-bodied cicada burrowed deep into the Earthly Yin Island, lying motionless beside the Chicken Egg Cave.

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.

Today, in the 469th year of the Ming Dynasty, on the third day of the eighth month in autumn, it is auspicious to remove obstacles, demolish houses, and destroy walls.

On this day, the skinny Taoist didn't consult the almanac and prepared to go out. He was going to inspect the newly rebuilt Red Glow Island. Red Glow Island was still called Red Glow Island; no one dared to change the name, because everyone knew that the name needed to be changed personally by the Lord of the Star-Picking Palace.

The skinny Taoist did indeed come up with a new name, Yuan Yi Island, which had a very good meaning. Literally, it means the first large island conquered by Yuan Fachen and guarded by the Demon King. In terms of connotation, it also signifies a brand new beginning—even without the Li King and the Qing King, Di Yin Island can still expand its territory and seas.

He plans to announce the name after inspecting Hongxia Island.

After finishing his business, the thin Taoist sent a telepathic message to Lai Youde, instructing him to prepare the welcoming entourage. He was about to leave the Star-Picking Hall and set off.

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.

Fire Dragon Island, the Fire Cave of the Abyss.

Wu Qingbo moved through the sea of ​​fire, keeping a close eye on the six meridians node to prevent himself from escaping.

At this moment, beside Wu Qingbo, the flames in the sea of ​​fire twisted and changed, outlining a human figure. Judging from its general outline and appearance, it was Cheng Xinzhan's lotus body, who had completely merged with the sea of ​​fire using a teleportation technique. He nodded to Wu Qingbo and then disappeared into the flames again.

Wu Qingbo understood that it was time to make his move, so he swung the last "Nine Yang Fire Cloud Chain," plunging one end into the six meridian nodes and connecting the other end to the bottom of the last large well on Fire Dragon Island.

The surging flames and malevolent energy immediately rushed up the treasure chain, into the fire well, and then spewed upwards along the earth veins of Fire Dragon Island.

"Ha ha ha ha--"

A burst of unrestrained laughter echoed across Fire Dragon Island, and everyone recognized it as the laughter of the island's lord, Crimson Corpse God.

"Jianlong, come out! You are a hero, and the formation should have your witness."

After the laughter subsided, Wu Qingbo received a telepathic message from the Crimson Corpse.

So he leaped up the well.

Upon reaching the ground, he saw the Crimson Corpse suspended in the air, a broad smile on its face. Moreover, the crimson clouds that had previously hovered over Fire Dragon Island had been dispersed by the Crimson Corpse, and now the full form of the dragon corpse could be seen, slowly drifting in the void.

Qingbo stood beside the red corpse.

The people on the island were also curious about the appearance of the red corpse and the dragon corpse. They stopped what they were doing, came out of the cave, and looked up in surprise.

Red Corpse naturally saw his men's movements, and he laughed loudly.
"My lads, behold today! The fire dragon will bring a new era. When the earth shakes and the mountains tremble, do not panic."

Having said that, the Crimson Corpse began to cast a spell. He made a hand seal, and the sealing restrictions on the mouths of the seven fire wells on the island simultaneously dissipated.

"boom--"

The seven loud noises merged into one, lasting for a long time.

Immediately afterwards, the earth shook violently, and the entire Fire Dragon Island began to tremble.

Immediately, everyone on Fire Dragon Island could see seven enormous crimson flames shooting into the sky, like beacon fires or a volcanic eruption. The seven massive pillars of fire rose straight into the clouds, gathering and not dissipating, clearly visible not only on the island but also a hundred miles away.

However, there weren't many capable people on the Demon Island, so few could discern the intricate arrangement of the seven pillars of fire. Wu Qingbo didn't recognize them at first either, but after Cheng Xinzhan's explanation, he understood the principles behind the formation. Now, looking down from high above, he could see them even more clearly.

The seven auxiliary wells that release subterranean fire are actually incorporating the characteristics of the Big Dipper's trajectory into the Nine Palaces, forming a Seven Stars Nine Palaces formation. These seven wells are:

Qian Palace - Tian Shu Well: A Vermilion Bird Bell hangs at the bottom of the well; Dui Palace - Tian Ji Well: A Fire Essence Plate hangs on the well railing; Zhen Palace - Tian Quan Well: A Dragon Pattern is Carved at the Well Mouth; Xun Palace - Yu Heng Well: A Wind-Aiding Flag is Inserted at the Well Side; Kan Palace - Kai Yang Well: Purple Smoke Stone is Inlaid in the Well Wall; Gen Palace - Yao Guang Well: A Glass Mirror Hangs in the Well; Zhong Palace - Yin Yuan Well: A Mountain Backing Stone is Placed at the Bottom of the Well.

"hold head high--"

At that moment, another high-pitched dragon roar rang out—from the dragon corpse on Fire Dragon Island.

The saying goes, "Even when a tiger dies, it doesn't fall from its perch; even when a dragon dies, its might doesn't diminish." There's also the saying, "Clouds follow the dragon, and wind follows the tiger." At this moment, the dragon's corpse still possesses divine might, winding and circling in the sky above the island. The seven pillars of crimson smoke are drawn and attracted by the dragon's might, crowding towards the dragon's corpse.

A new cloud of fire slowly took shape.

Once the seven pillars of fire stabilized, the Red Corpse opened the remaining two main wells, and the flames that erupted from them were even more dazzling than the other seven combined.

These two large wells are the core of the formation, namely the Kun Palace - Tianxuan Well and the Li Palace - Jingmen Well, which correspond to "Earth" and "Fire". The well openings are octagonal and engraved with secret incantations.

The fiery aura condensed at the six meridians spewed from the wellheads, pouring into the fire cloud and nearly shattering it. However, a dragon corpse guided the fire through the clouds, suppressing the flames from the two wells and merging them into the grand formation.

As soon as the grand formation was completed, earth fire continuously surged from the ground, erupting into the sky to form floating fire clouds. Nourished by the earth and fire energy, the dragon corpse's divine power intensified, emitting roars and stirring up waves of turbulent energy. Subsequently, Fire Dragon Island stabilized, ceasing its tremors, and the fire and earth spiritual energy on the island became more than three times denser than before.

This is the "Three Elements Nine Palaces Seven Stars Grand Formation" of the Crimson Corpse, which combines the advantages of the terrain, magical treasures, and dragon corpses. It uses the Li Yuan Fire Cave as its foundation, Fire Dragon Island as its pillar, and Brocade Dragon Corpse as its main beam. The three elements are combined into one, connecting heaven and earth, which is in line with the meaning of "Earth generates fire, and heaven completes it with seven".

"The divine lord has manifested his divine power, which is boundless!"

Wu Qingbo led the shouting.

"The divine lord has manifested his divine power, which is boundless!"

"The divine lord has manifested his divine power, which is boundless!"

"The divine lord has manifested his divine power, which is boundless!"

"..."

The demons on the island rejoiced and praised loudly.

Although Chi Shi was usually stern and rarely smiled, he couldn't help but show a smile now that the great formation was completed and people's hearts were at ease.

"The divine formation is complete. My lads, practice and cultivate diligently! Long live I, Li Huohai!"

"Red Corpse!" Red Corpse shouted.

Behind the crimson corpse were surging red clouds and roaring brocade dragons, making him seem like a god descended to earth.

"How magnificent is Li Yi's departure from the sea of ​​fire!"

"How magnificent is Li Yi's departure from the sea of ​​fire!"

"..."

Another round of cheers erupted.

Red Corpse patted Wu Qingbo on the shoulder and said,
"All things considered, it took less than six months to see the dragon, which is quite an achievement."

Wu Qingbo then replied,
"It is all thanks to the Divine Lord's strategic planning that this formation was achieved; I dare not take credit for it." Upon hearing this, the Crimson Corpse smiled. He had seen how diligently Wu Qingbo had built the great formation, spending half a year in the underground fire cave with almost no sleep. Coupled with his achievements in conquering Calabash Island, subjugating all sides, and establishing the Imperial Envoy's Office, his doubts about Wu Qingbo's outsider status had been largely dispelled.

He thought for a moment, then flipped his hand and produced a treasure.

This treasure, no more than three inches in size, floated in the crimson corpse's palm, emitting a blood-red light. At first glance, it appeared to be a lotus flower, but the petals were extremely thin, densely layered with thousands of layers, each layer containing more than ten petals, totaling an estimated tens of thousands of petals.

At the center of the flower is a lotus pedestal, a deep purple color with thirteen holes, inside which float purple-gold lotus seeds. Below the petals are eight emerald green sepals, with veins that shimmer with the light of water.

The Crimson Corpse shook his hand, and a burst of blood-red light emerged from the flower before merging into his palm. He handed over the lotus and said...

"Merit must be rewarded. This treasure is called 'Purple Lotus Calyx with Blood Stamen,' and it was made by fusing a spiritual root with the Five Elements True Gold. It is an extremely convenient and easy-to-use hidden weapon, which can be used for both one-on-one combat and group battles to break formations."

"The lotus platform can unleash bone-piercing Yin Thunder, thirteen in a row, causing tens of thousands of petals to fall off and scatter into a rain of flying knives. The lotus calyx can also transform into flying wheel blood droplets, capable of taking a person's head from a hundred miles away. This magic weapon has accompanied me in battle for many years, and I will give it to you today. I have already erased my own aura from it, so you can refine it once you take it."

Wu Qingbo didn't answer immediately, only saying,

"My Lord, this is a great gift."

At the same time, he was thinking to himself that this red corpse had so many magical treasures on him. Since he came, he had obtained the Buddha's bowl, the fire elemental, and the lingzhi mushroom. In addition, there was the fire cloud chain used to set up the formation. Now he had such a high-quality hidden weapon, which was given away just like that. He really didn't know how rich this person was. No wonder he was able to kill the red-haired patriarch, and no wonder his benefactor was so wary of him.

The red corpse shook its head and said,

“Jianlong still doesn’t understand me. I don’t have the habit of taking back what I’ve given. From now on, there’s no need for you to be polite and refuse me. You will be rewarded for your contributions.”

So Qingbo accepted it.

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 skinny Taoist priest led his men away from Earthly Yin Island and headed towards Red Cloud Island.

When they reached Willow Leaf Island—a small island about two hundred miles from Red Glow Island, named for its slender shape resembling a willow leaf—it was the first island where the Three Corpses established their religion at sea and expanded the Sea of ​​Ten Thousand Corpses. It served as the boundary between the Sea of ​​Ten Thousand Corpses and the Sea of ​​Big Belly. Later, the Sea of ​​Ten Thousand Corpses was renamed the Sea of ​​Yin, but this island remained the boundary.

However, after the incidents of the Ming Sect's attack and the sea corpses fleeing to the mainland, Earth Yin Island closed down, and Willow Leaf Island was occupied by the people of Red Cloud Island. After the Three Corpses stabilized the situation and reopened the island and expanded the sea, the Thin Taoist led his people to seize the island again.

Anyway, it changed hands several times, and the sand was stained with blood.

Now that even Red Glow Island has been conquered, the ownership of this island is self-evident. Therefore, when the Thin Taoist flew over Willow Leaf Island again, he couldn't help but sigh...
"Offense is always the most effective way to defend."

"Your Highness is absolutely right."

"Your Highness's divine might makes seizing islands and expanding the seas as easy as turning one's hand."

"..."

His men immediately echoed his sentiments.

Just as the skinny Taoist was feeling smug, his heart suddenly skipped a beat. A huge sense of crisis enveloped his primordial spirit, causing his expression to change. Without thinking twice, he directly summoned the dark archway magic weapon.

At the same time, on Willow Leaf Island directly below him, a beam of light shot out, like a shooting star chasing the moon, and instantly struck the archway of the thin Taoist.

"boom!"

With a loud bang, the thin Taoist was blasted more than ten feet away, and those around him were scattered by the aftershocks of the collision of the magical artifacts.

Fortunately, the thin Taoist had used his magic weapon in advance to block the attack, so he only suffered from a surge of qi and blood, dizziness, and tinnitus, but was otherwise unharmed. At this moment, he looked at his magic weapon and noticed that a crack had appeared on the archway, which caused him great heartache.

Then, he went to look at the streak of light that was hurtling towards him, to see who was attacking him and what kind of treasure could damage his archway.

His expression changed immediately upon seeing it; it was clearly a bead.

A multicolored bead, shimmering with light and emitting a unique fragrance, flew up from Willow Leaf Island, leaving a ripple-like mark in the air.

This is a magical artifact from Hidden Dragon Mountain that I saw just two months ago!

Has Hidden Dragon Mountain gone mad? It was Aunt Hong who stole her pearl, not herself, and Aunt Hong has already been arrested. Why are they causing trouble for her?!

The thin Taoist priest had a hundred questions in his mind, but at this moment, he had no time to think about them. The precious pearl spun in mid-air and then came flying back at him.

The skinny Taoist was not one to suffer losses, but today's events were truly bizarre, and he didn't want to linger. They were already too far from Earthly Yin Island, while Red Glow Island was right before them. He wanted to get to the island as soon as possible, where at least a powerful formation could offer some protection.

However, when he wanted to leave, the others wouldn't let him go.

Another precious pearl flew out from Willow Leaf Island. It was a hazy, transparent blue color, like a glass ball. It flew to the path in front of the thin Taoist priest and then shone brightly.

The light seemed almost tangible; when the thin Taoist bumped into it, it was as if he had hit a wall, and he was bounced back into the air.

That wasn't all. Immediately afterward, a third precious pearl flew out. The pearl was entirely crimson and blazing with intense fire, and it smashed towards the back of the thin Taoist.

The thin Taoist priest was both surprised and angry. Although the three precious pearls were different in color and power, they were exactly the same size and their Buddhist light blended together, so they were obviously a set.

What's going on? Even Aunt Hong, who collects five or even six "washings" (a type of precious pearl), only used one pearl. Why is she using three? Is she trying to kill me? What kind of grudge is this?
The thin Taoist was completely baffled. At this moment, both the Five-Colored Pearl and the Crimson Flame Pearl came flying at him. He continued to use the archway to block the Crimson Flame Pearl. He had already suffered a loss with the Five-Colored Pearl and knew that it was powerful and heavy, so he summoned the banner and used it to roll up the pearl.

The thin Taoist was no ordinary person, and this move was indeed effective. The two items in his hands were also treasures. The archway temporarily blocked the Crimson Flame Pearl, while the banner completely wrapped the Five-Colored Pearl.

At this moment, sensing the abundant spiritual energy contained within the five-colored pearl, his greed rekindled. He recited an incantation, then formed a hand seal and pointed it at the banner. The taotie pattern on the banner came to life, emitting a tremendous suction force from its mouth, seemingly trying to swallow the pearl whole!
"How brave!"

A woman's angry shout rang out from Willow Leaf Island, and then the fourth precious pearl flew out.

The precious pearl emitted a crimson glow, heading straight for the Taotie Banner. As soon as it touched the banner, it emitted a burst of light, and the banner involuntarily opened up, releasing the five-colored pearl again.

Not only that, the thin Taoist was greatly shocked. The glow emitted by this pearl had an effect almost exactly the same as Aunt Hong's Treasure-Dropping Divine Power, and the effect was even stronger. He was unable to control the banner and it was about to fall.

The thin Taoist leaped to catch the flag, employing an extremely strange footwork, like a zombie leaping, but with each leap he moved a great distance horizontally in the air, like a wandering ghost flying across, leaving a series of afterimages in the air, and then snatched the flag that had just fallen into his hand.

At this moment, all four precious pearls struck him, causing the void to ripple like water and emit a roaring sound like the tide.

Faced with these four magical treasures, all of which were above the level of alchemy and artifact crafting, the thin Taoist was terrified and sweating profusely. He roared and frantically waved his banner, from which black smoke and malevolent spirits surged out rapidly, like ink mixed with water, quickly spreading and staining the area. The thin Taoist turned in mid-air, dispersing into a cloud of gray mist, which then merged into the black smoke, causing the precious pearl to miss its target.

"Hidden Dragon Mountain! What grudge do we have that you would dare to kill us like this! Do you know that my master is Yin King Gu Chen! If you harm me today, the Yin Sea will never let you off the hook!"

The skinny Taoist's hoarse voice came from the black smoke.

"I'll kill you, you little devil!"

A response came from Willow Leaf Island. At the same time, the Crimson Flame Pearl suddenly emitted a bright flame. The flame condensed and did not dissipate, and transformed into a fire dragon holding the pearl, which shuttled and swam in the black mist, making a hissing sound.

The hazy, transparent pearl emitted magical light, locking down the void. This area seemed to be frozen, the watery void turning into ice, preventing the black mist from spreading further.

The five-colored beads moved freely in the black mist, killing any wandering souls or corpses that came near them or bumped into them.

The thin Taoist priest, hiding in the black mist, saw that the Crimson Flame Pearl and the Five-Colored Pearl were extremely fierce, and that the void was locked by the transparent pearl. He knew that he could not hide for long, so he hardened his heart and recited a spell.

Therefore, all the evil spirits in the black mist that had formed their golden cores would actively try to block the beads, and just before touching them, they would self-destruct their golden cores.

For a moment, thunder rumbled incessantly within the black fog.

The sound rang out a dozen or twenty times, and the black mist was blasted apart, making it difficult for the thin Taoist to use his escape technique. He then jumped out of the black mist again. But at this moment, as soon as he appeared, the four beads came at him from all four directions. He looked closely and saw that none of the four beads were damaged at all!
What kind of magical artifact is this?!

In his haste, he summoned another set of magical artifacts: nine dripping nails. Though called nails, each was two feet long and resembled a flying sword, which he used to meet the precious pearl.

However, the pearls were truly ingenious. The transparent pearl locked onto the void, slowing down the nails. After the crimson pearl emitted a burst of light, the nails could barely fly steadily. Then, the five-colored pearl and the crimson flame pearl struck the nails, knocking them down one by one.

The skinny Taoist lost a set of magical treasures, but only managed to buy himself a dozen or so breaths.

Yuan Fachen had experienced many near-death situations, but this was definitely one of the most dangerous predicaments he had ever encountered.

However, I will not surrender without a fight.

The thin Taoist steeled his resolve, about to unleash his magical powers, when suddenly a streak of black light flew swiftly from the north, so fast that even the eyes couldn't keep up. He only saw the black light rise from that direction before it landed right in front of him in the blink of an eye.
"Esteemed nuns, instead of staying in the mountains to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures, what treasures have you brought to my Yin Sea?"

Upon hearing this, the thin Taoist felt relieved; his master had arrived.

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(End of this chapter)