Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 395 Summer Floods Rage, Lu Duan Tai'a
May, the summer solstice.

Frequent thunderstorms and abundant rainfall, along with the arrival of summer, have brought the summer flood season to the Pearl River in Yuyang.

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, a fierce wind blew, torrential rain poured down, and the water surged high.

Baiyun Mountain, on the east bank of the Beijiang River.

This famous Taoist mountain in Yuyang changed hands several times during the war, with Taoist temples built and collapsed repeatedly. The ruins are splattered with the blood of demons, evil dragons, and Taoist heroes, the bright red stains resembling clusters of azaleas blooming on the ruins, which even heavy rain cannot wash away.

On the western slopes of the Great Mountain, a large new Taoist temple has been built on a relatively intact and flat piece of land. This temple was newly built after the Taoist sect reclaimed Baiyun Mountain from the Demonic Sect last winter, and it is currently one of the key frontline units of the Haoran Alliance in resisting the eastward advance of the Southern Sect.

In the center of the Taoist temple, there is a 33-story building. People come and go in a constant stream, running around and shouting, creating a noisy and bustling atmosphere. Everyone's face is solemn, showing that they are busy and tense.

On the Azure Dragon Eaves of the twenty-first floor, a Taoist priest sat cross-legged in the rain. A transparent spherical membrane of light shone around him, impervious to rain and wind, like an immortal riding a phoenix on the eaves, as immovable as a mountain.

The man was dressed in white, as white as snow, with a long sword with tassels slung across his back and a snow-white whisk resting on his lap.

Those who follow the righteous path within Yuyang should recognize this attire; it is none other than Shen Zhaoming, also known as Shen Jianxia, ​​a Daoist seed of the Jingming Sect and an outer town elder of the Haoran Alliance, who is also known as the "White-Robed Tai Sui."

At this moment, as he gazed ahead, he could see countless colorful talismans flitting through the rain like swifts, some stained with blood, telling tales of the fierce battle ahead.

The Taoist priest remained unmoved, waiting only for the talisman that summoned him to arrive.

At the same time, he felt a little emotional, thinking how fast time really flies. He remembered when the Haoran Alliance was first established, he was still fighting on the front line. The Pearl River had only experienced more than twenty summer floods and winter freezes, and he had already become the "Elder Jiyu" who was in charge of the cardinal.

Logically speaking, his cultivation speed should be fast enough, as he cultivated while fighting on the battlefield, breaking through realms all the way to the front lines. He had not even reached the Core Formation stage for thirty years, yet he had already opened the Purple Palace, refined his primordial spirit, undergone three purifications after the elixir was formed, understood supernatural powers, and created a Dharma image. The praise from those around him was endless, and even his serious master said that he was a cultivation prodigy who was only seen once every five hundred years.

But he just couldn't bring himself to be proud.

Shen Zhaoming didn't think he was being overly modest. He believed that those with ability could be proud. The Jingming Sect always taught its disciples to protect the territory and its people, eliminate demons and uphold righteousness, and to be loyal, filial, and virtuous; they never taught him humility or modesty. The Jingming Sect's reputation was earned, not faked.

I am not proud, simply because it is difficult for me to be proud.

With him in charge, I doubt anyone among the younger generation can be arrogant.

Especially someone like him, who actually uses "humility and prudence" as his motto and consistently lives up to it, how can others possibly develop arrogance? Anyone with a bit of ambition and drive should be desperately trying to catch up, right? Let alone surpassing, at least they should at least make sure they don't get left behind.

This year, Haoran Alliance also brought up something that left Shen Zhaoming both amused and exasperated.

Next year will mark the 28th anniversary of the founding of the Haoran Alliance. The number 28 holds special significance in Taoism, as the celestial sphere is divided into 28 constellations, and the lunar cycle lasts for 28 days, representing a major time cycle. Therefore, the Haoran Alliance plans to hold a grand celebration to commemorate the occasion, boost morale, and deter the evil forces.

The alliance proposed many methods, one of which was to select the most outstanding talents from various sects within the alliance. This selection would be based on their character, cultivation level, and battle achievements, and a group of individuals would be chosen to spread their fame, be awarded treasures, and receive prizes. The list of names has now been tentatively finalized, comprising forty-two general star ranks, including "Shen Shang," "Five Luminaries," "Seven Stars," and "Twenty-Eight Mansions."

The purpose of spreading fame and prestige is naturally to promote the fame of cultivators below the fourth realm. Those at the fourth realm and above are all regional leaders, well-known throughout the world, so there's no need for further promotion. Within this system, "Shen Shang" is bestowed upon cultivators at the upper three tribulations of the third realm, "Five Luminaries" upon those at the middle three tribulations, "Seven Stars" upon those at the lower three tribulations, and "Twenty-Eight Constellations" upon cultivators who haven't yet undergone the Core Formation process, including those at the third realm who have recently formed their core, as well as some exceptionally outstanding cultivators at the second realm.

Shen Zhaoming's Core Formation occurred in the same year that the Haoran Alliance was established. He served in the alliance immediately after achieving Core Formation, accumulating numerous military achievements. He had deep connections and good relationships within the alliance, so a high-ranking member revealed that he would definitely have no problem entering the "Seven Stars." However, if he could put in a little more effort this year and find a way to undergo the Four Cleansings, he would have a great chance of entering the "Five Luminaries," and the fame and treasures he would gain would be on an even higher level.

Which hero wouldn't want to spread his fame and glory? Shen Zhaoming was naturally interested as well. He said he knew and then asked a follow-up question.
Is Xin Zhan a sure bet on the "Five Elements"?

Shen Zhaoming remembered clearly that when the vice leader heard this, he was silent for a while before speaking softly.

"Mr. Guangfa will not participate in the selection of generals."

I was stunned for a moment before I came to my senses and looked at the vice leader in surprise, only to see him nod slowly.

Then Shen Zhaoming realized that he was preparing to advance to the fourth grade?

Surprised, he was happy for his friend, but at the same time, he immediately lost interest in the selection of this star. Let alone the "Five Luminaries," even if he were to enter the "Orion and the Tiger," there would still be a huge gap between him and the person he longed to stand shoulder to shoulder with.

Fine, if we can't catch up at the third realm, let's wait until the fourth realm and see!

Shen Zhaoming was not discouraged; on the contrary, his mind became more open. Since he was destined not to catch up in the short term, he might as well calm down, cleanse his golden core of impurities, and strive to form a good infant.

"call out!"

Just as he was meditating, a talisman shot towards him.

Shen Zhaoming reacted quickly, pinching the talisman between his fingers. Looking down, he saw that it read:

"A dragon has emerged from Pingsha Island; Xiqiao Mountain is in danger; reinforcements must be sent immediately."

Shen Zhaoming narrowed his eyes. This evil dragon, seeing such a heavy rain, finally couldn't hold back anymore. However, since it dared to show its face, it should be prepared to turn around!

A white light emanated from the Taoist priest, and he then transformed into a rainbow and vanished.

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.

"My heart is with my friend, and seeing his words is like seeing him in person."

I received your letter on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. At that time, the battle was raging, and I was unable to reply in time. Please forgive me.

Your prediction was correct. This summer, the flood season arrived, bringing torrential rains and fierce winds. The Pearl River surged with furious waves, its waters reaching the heavens. Taking advantage of the opportune moment, the Southern Demon Dragon launched its attack like a tidal wave. The dragon advanced eastward from the West River, riding the floodwaters, its waves surging a thousand feet high, crashing down with the force of a collapsing mountain. Black mist filled the river, turning the rain into ice, causing the soil to rot and the trees to wither, a chilling cold that pierced to the bone. Amidst the thunder and rain, crimson eyes shone like stars and torches, and the roars of the dragon and the howls of the beasts shook the surrounding land.

However, do not worry. We firmly guard the North River, casting stone rhinoceroses, iron lions, golden oxen, and other water-suppressing and apotropaic objects into the river, making it difficult for the dragon clan to cause floods. Furthermore, we have built countless bridges across the major and minor rivers, mostly arch bridges, covered bridges, and sluice bridges, large and small, to both suppress the water and divert the flow for flood control. We have suspended sharp weapons such as iron swords, hooks, and rakes under the bridges, letting them plunge directly into the water, to prevent the dragons from invading along the waterways and causing floods. The results have been remarkably effective.

Zhenjiang Towers were built on the sandbars in the river and on both banks of the main river. They served both to suppress the water flow and as the hub of a grand formation, connecting the bridges, the sharp objects beneath the bridges, and the water-based suppressing devices, thus linking their energy and preventing damage and theft. The combined structure of these objects, bridges, and towers formed a formation as solid as a mountain or wall, capable of protecting against wind and waves.

I am now known as Elder Jiyu, under the command of the Cardinal of Baiyun Mountain on the Jiangbei front, specifically tasked with preparing emergency reinforcements. Yesterday, the Xiqiao Mountain stronghold on the front line was in dire need of reinforcements. I was ordered to rush to its aid, and after a day and night of fierce fighting, I slew one Sixi Demon Dragon, two Xiaxi Water Beasts, and countless other minor demons and monsters. After slaying the vanguard general, I led the troops in a counterattack on Xijiang, and at dawn today, we swiftly sank four thousand acres of sandbars north of Pingsha Island, greatly boosting morale.

Alas! Though the demonic flames are fierce, the righteous light shines even brighter; the rampant dragons and serpents are but a temporary threat. We are well prepared, and with everyone united, we will surely drive the demons away beyond the Beijiang River. You are in Dianwen, a place also teeming with demons; I urge you to take care and not worry about Yuyang. When you return one day, you will surely see the great river calm and the bright moon shining as before.

Furthermore, the demonic dragon of Pingsha Island has a three-colored scale on its forehead, which emits a mesmerizing rainbow light when exposed to sunlight, a truly rare sight. I took it to commemorate this battle. I was delighted to receive your letter, so I am enclosing this scale with it as a gift to my friend. I hope you will reply when you have time.

This letter is short, but my thoughts are deep; please take care. Written hastily on a stormy night, a thousand words are contained in a single thought:
The vast universe is filled with righteous spirit that endures forever.

Zhao Ming hastily wrote this at Zhenjiang Tower on Baiyun Mountain.

The sixth day of the fifth month of the Ren Chen year.

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 vast universe is filled with righteous spirit that endures forever."

Cheng Xinzhan gently folded the letter, carefully put it away, and repeated the last sentence of Shen Zhaoming's reply. He felt his heart surging with emotion and his heart warmed by the sun.

Then, he picked up the dragon scale that had been included with the letter. The scale was only the size of a palm. Cheng Xinzhan knew it was a small scale from his brow bone, one of the hardest scales on a dragon's body. Just as Zhao Ming had said, this scale only displayed red, green, and blue colors in the dark, but when placed in light, it emitted a seven-colored glow. If the scale was rotated, the light continued to change, dazzling and mesmerizing, truly a rare sight.

Upon receiving the reply and the dragon scale, Cheng Xinzhan felt a great weight lifted from his heart. Although the battle in Yuyang was fierce, as Zhaoming had said, the alliance had accumulated experience in fighting the Southern Sect over the years, employing a comprehensive range of methods to suppress water, defend against dragons, and stop waves. Although Zhaoming hadn't mentioned it in the letter, Cheng Xinzhan could guess that most of these methods originated from the Jingming Sect, as only the Jingming Sect would be so proficient in slaying dragons and controlling water.

The Jingming Sect acted selflessly, providing effective remedies and manpower; the Haoran Alliance was fearless, with each sect contributing resources and manpower. With such unity and concerted efforts, how could they possibly fail to suppress the demonic tide?
At the same time, Cheng Xinzhan also felt a sense of urgency. His fellow Daoists were fighting on the eastern front, and he certainly couldn't remain silent on the western front. The Southern School was now taking too big a step. Green Robe was based in Xijiang and spanned across Dianwen, Nanhuang, and Yuyang. Since he was fighting upstream in Dianwen, he was naturally helping downstream.

However, Wuliang Mountain is located in the southwest, and it is separated from the Nanpan River by two demonic strongholds, Ailao Mountain and Fuxian Lake. We cannot attack it rashly, otherwise we will be cut off from our rear and attacked from both sides. The newly established Wuliang Sect may even perish.

Cheng Xinzhan thought it over carefully. Considering his current cultivation level, Ailao Mountain and Fuxian Lake weren't exactly formidable strongholds or dangerous traps. One was guarded by a cultivator at the early stage of the Fourth Realm, yet to experience the Three Calamities; the other was a bandit's den where a group of Third Realm demons roamed. It didn't seem worth his time to devise any schemes or long-term plans. Since they were blocking his way, he might as well push through and reach the Nanpan River.

The only concern is that it might damage the landscape, so we need to prepare contingency plans in advance.

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.

June, the Great Heat.

Two months have passed, from late spring to midsummer. Cheng Xinzhan has completely rebuilt the protective array of Wuliang Mountain. Now the array firmly grasps the roots and veins of Wuliang Mountain and connects to the Lancang River through underground rivers, truly achieving the saying: "River mist surrounds the secluded mountain, and the miasma dissipates and returns."

As long as the mountain remains and the water flows as before, the great formation covering Wuliang Mountain will not be easily broken or dispersed.

Within Wuliang Mountain, the various disturbances subsided. Those who survived the "judgment of punishment" process all received Cheng Xinzhan's newly compiled *Minor Five Elements Spiritual Elixir True Scripture*, categorized by their cultivation level and crimes. Since everyone was a cultivator, few were truly foolish; upon receiving the new scripture, their eyes lit up, as if they had found a priceless treasure. At this point, even if they were whipped to practice the old, poisonous scriptures, no one would be willing to do so.

Seeing that Wuliang Mountain was beginning to get back on track, Cheng Xinzhan consulted the almanac and found that the seventh day was an auspicious day for travel, logging, and construction. So on that day, without telling anyone, he left the bamboo body and Shuangling Yuanshen in the mountain to take charge of the sect in his place, and then rode a lion out of the mountain alone, transforming into a streak of green light and heading east.

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.

Looking from the sky, the Ailao Mountains and the Wuliang Mountains resemble two large, fat, side-by-side serpents lying on the land of southwestern Yunnan, their heads facing northwest and their tails southeast. If one's eyesight is even better, one can also see three slender green vines growing alongside these two serpents—to the west of the Wuliang Mountains is the Lancang River; to the east of the Ailao Mountains is the Pushui River; and between the two mountains is the Babian River.

Cheng Xinzhan found it very familiar; this place had a unique topography of folds and mountains and rivers, stretching from central Xikang all the way south to southern Yunnan.

Ailao Mountain and Wuliang Mountain are very close; they are just across the Babian River. He rode a lion to Ailao Mountain, and then, at his signal, the lion stood still high in the sky. He sat on the lion's back and used his Qi-gazing technique to look down. He discovered that the wood element of Ailao Mountain was dense, mixed with a chilling, bloodthirsty demonic aura, and the densest wood and demonic energy was concentrated in the same location.

That is the highest peak of the Ailao Mountains, and also the location of the demon's lair in the narrow sense. It is located in the northwest part of this mountain range, which is exactly the vital spot of this serpent.

Cheng Xinzhan identified his target, raised his hand and formed a Five Sacred Mountains Seal in front of his chest, chanting incantations. Then, a flash of light appeared in his abdomen, and he summoned a magic sword.

This is a magnificent sword, with a black hilt and scabbard, standing tall in the air like a solitary peak.

The sword's guard is square with rounded corners, resembling the cloud shape of a ruyi (a traditional Chinese scepter), thick yet smooth, simple yet not rigid. The hilt is rounded and divided into five sections, each engraved with mountain patterns, perfectly forming the shapes of the Five Sacred Mountains. The pommel is a disc-shaped piece, with a ruyi pattern at the top that echoes the guard.

The scabbard is relatively square, with round-headed, straight-bodied ruyi patterns adorning the scabbard opening, the tip of the sword, and the hilt. It appears dignified but not too sharp, giving people a sense of moderation and all-encompassing nature.

Cheng Xinzhan changed the Five Sacred Mountains Seal into a sword manual.

"Om-"

The sword, which had been silent for far too long, was finally drawn, emitting a deep, earth-shaking hum, and a heavy, mountain-like aura spread out, shattering the flowing clouds.

The sword began to fall, plummeting like a mountain, and at the same time, it grew larger.

The sword grew faster, heavier, and larger until it reached a height of a hundred feet, transforming into a real, falling mountain that seemed poised to crush the sky, emitting a deafening roar like a landslide.

By this time, the four inscriptions on the blade alone were already over ten zhang wide, resembling a huge cliff carving on a famous mountain, and were titled:
"Lu Duan Tai A".

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(End of this chapter)