Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 406 Winter and Spring Waters Drained, Upstream Flow Slow, Downstream Flow Rapid

Meiling Mountain divides Yuzhang and Yuyang.

Meiling, also known as Yuling, is located south of Lingnan, also known as Yuyang.

Just as winter was giving way to spring, Cheng Xinzhan rode a lion out of Sanqing Mountain, south to Yuyang, and across Meiling, where he was fortunate enough to experience the breathtaking scenery of "flowers falling on the southern branches and flowers beginning to bloom on the northern branches".

In southern Jiangxi, on the northern slope of Meiling Mountain, plum blossoms bloom proudly on the branches in the cold wind, making it difficult to distinguish whether the mountain is covered in flowers or snow from a distance. After crossing the summit of Meiling Mountain and arriving in northern Guangdong, on the southern slope of Meiling Mountain, the plum blossoms have already withered, replaced by green plum fruits.

Back then, after Cheng Xinzhan crossed over to Tianqiao Mountain, he spent nearly five years in Yuyang training to eliminate demons in the form of a lotus flower. Later, under the reprimand of his master Wen Sukong, he stopped his practice of splitting his spirit into incarnations and returned to the mountain gate. The past is still vivid in his mind, but upon careful thought, it was all more than thirty years ago. The flowers of Meiling have bloomed and withered, withered and bloomed again, more than thirty times.

Cheng Xinzhan patted the lion, signaling it to descend into Meiling.

Mu Longzhang, who was standing next to the lion, was unaware of what had happened, but dared not ask, and then fell down.

Relying on his memory, Cheng Xinzhan arrived at an ancient plum grove at the foot of the southern slope of Meiling, amidst a jumble of rocks. He searched carefully and soon found a green ribbon tied to the base of a plum tree that was as thick as two people could hug.

This is it!

The Taoist priest made a hand seal, pointed it to the ground, and chanted...

"point!"

Then, a crack slowly appeared in the ground.

This "Separate" spell was inspired by the "Crack" spell of the Five Elements Metal Spell and was created by Cheng Xinzhan. This spell transcends the meaning of metal; it can not only shatter gold and split stone, but also separate water and fire, and cleave earth and sever waves. Just like the "Entangle" spell, which originated from the Wood element, with Cheng Xinzhan's current skill in spells, summoning ghosts and entangling spirits would not be a problem.

In his "Study on the Sounds and Meanings of All Taoist Scriptures," he recorded this unique insight into how to extract the meaning from a particular incantation and transcend its form.

Mu Longzhang looked at the ground curiously, wondering if the master had buried some treasure underground and had come here specifically to retrieve it.

The ground parted, revealing what was buried inside, but to Mu Longzhang's great disappointment, it turned out to be just a few jars of wine.

Mu Longzhang looked down on it, but Cheng Xinzhan was delighted. He took out a jar and then read it aloud again.
"combine!"

The land was thus restored to its original state.

This was the plum wine he and Shen Zhaoming had brewed from plums grown in Meiling when they came to Yuyang years ago, and they buried it there. Four jars were buried in total. The two had agreed that if they both continued to exorcise demons in Yuyang, they would share one jar every half-cycle of sixty years. The reason they only buried four jars was that they both firmly believed that, no matter what, they would be able to drive the demonic forces out of Yuyang within two cycles of sixty years.

Now, half a century has passed. Yuyang has stopped its continuous decline and has firmly occupied Beijiang, but the recapture of Xijiang and the expulsion of the Southern Demons still seem a long way off.

For the past thirty years, Shen Zhaoming has remained steadfast in Yuyang, but Cheng Xinzhan has never come again. They had agreed to drink together, so Cheng Xinzhan was not surprised that Shen Zhaoming had never come to collect the wine.

It just so happens that I've come to Yuyang this time, although I'm a little late by two or three years, it can still be considered as keeping my promise of half a century. I'm determined to have a good drink with Zhaoming.

Cheng Xinzhan put away the wine jar and set off again, heading straight for Baiyun Mountain.

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Baiyun Mountain.

The lights were like woven fabric, and the flying boats were like shuttles, creating a scene of grim desolation.

Cheng Xinzhan was somewhat unaccustomed to the tense front line in Yuyang after coming from the peaceful Yuzhang.

Looking around, he saw that the summit of Baiyun Mountain was now a ruin. He remembered that thirty years ago, it was a bustling Taoist temple, the site of the Anqi Temple of the Lingnan Dan Ding School. The Anqi Temple was said to have been a lineage passed down by the disciples of Zheng Xian, which could be traced back to the Qin and Han dynasties. This ancient Taoist temple, though gradually declining in the long river of history and losing its fame, had always maintained a continuous stream of worshippers. He never imagined that it would be destroyed in the demonic tide.

At this time, a new Taoist temple was built on the western slope of Baiyun Mountain. Cheng Xinzhan knew that it was Wengyu Temple. Shen Zhaoming said in his letter that Wengyu Temple was one of the important frontline hubs of the righteous path in Beijiang, Yuyang, and was jointly built by the Haoran Alliance and the remnants of Anqi Temple. There was a tall building in the temple that reached into the clouds. On the roof was a mirror that emitted white light, illuminating all directions and visible from a great distance. This building was named "Baiyun Zhenhai Tower" and was an important hub for regulating the waters and rivers within a radius of a hundred miles.

Shen Zhaoming was on duty here.

Cheng Xinzhan rode the lion and landed.

The lush temple was a key frontline stronghold, heavily guarded with patrols on all sides. Cheng Xinzhan was immediately detected as soon as he approached. However, this time he had brought a lion with him. Upon seeing a magnificent snow lion carrying a young Taoist priest, the guards immediately recognized him, quickly approached to greet him, stopped before the lion, respectfully bowed, and inquired…
"May I ask if you were Mr. Guangfa in person?"

Cheng Xinzhan sat on the lion's back, forming a hand seal in return.

"It is indeed I, fellow Daoist, who greets you. May I ask who is currently in charge of Wengyu Temple?"

The man answered,
"Currently, the temple is managed by Daoist Qianxi of Bingfeng Mountain, with Master Lu of Anqi Temple as his deputy."

Cheng Xinzhan nodded. "Master Qianxi has been working in the alliance for a long time; we've met before," he said.
"I wonder if you have any important business to attend to, and if you have the time to take me to see Master Qianxi."

"When you have time, please."

The man responded repeatedly.

However, at this moment, the spiritual realm on the top of Baiyun Zhenhai Tower suddenly shone brightly red, shining down like a red sun, and a dazzling crimson rainbow fell on the Mulong Staff next to the lion.

"Enemy attack!!!"

The cultivator who was about to turn around to lead Cheng Xinzhan saw this scene and was first stunned, then his expression suddenly changed. Crimson light? That was a fourth-realm demon! He didn't have time to think and immediately shouted at the top of his lungs.

Seeing this, Mu Longzhang looked at Cheng Xinzhan, spread his hands, and showed an innocent expression. He hadn't done anything and had already obediently concealed his aura and demonic energy.

Cheng Xinzhan was also somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected the magic mirror to be so powerful, able to detect things even when the Dragon-Slaying Staff had actively concealed its aura. But thinking about it, it made sense. Wengyu Temple was on the front lines and an important command center, so it was definitely a thorn in the side of the Demonic Sect. If they weren't careful, and the demons were to sneak up on them, the losses would be enormous.

However, this way, I don't need to go and pay my respects myself; the person in charge will probably be here soon.

The junior cultivator who was originally supposed to lead the way is now on high alert. He has even brought out his magic weapon. Although he did not attack immediately, he did not panic and run away. He just stared at Cheng Xinzhan nervously, his hands trembling as he made hand seals.

Cheng Xinzhan didn't know how to explain anything to him, so she just smiled apologetically.

However, this was a crucial frontline location, and Baiyun Mountain was the command center, with countless people coming and going. The spirit mirror's warning, coupled with the young cultivator's shout, alerted the surrounding cultivators. Moreover, unlike the young cultivator, they weren't as close or tense, and under the crimson rainbow's light, they hadn't noticed the Taoist riding a lion beside the demon locked by the crimson rainbow. Almost all of them acted instinctively.

Then all sorts of spells, talismans, and magical artifacts rained down from the sky.

"Certainly!"

Seeing this, Cheng Xinzhan formed a hand seal in front of his chest and chanted a spell. Spiritual light burst forth from his hand seal, shining in all directions like a lamp, forming a sphere of light in the void. All the attacks coming from the sky, whether tangible magical treasures, talismans, or intangible spells, were frozen in place by this light.

He has made a new advancement in the art of incantation. Previously, he needed to use hand seals as a guide, casting spells only in a specific direction or towards a particular person or object, resulting in a singular focus of his incantation. But now, his incantations can radiate in all directions and land on multiple people or objects without any restrictions or limitations. As for the cultivation of the Void Technique, he has been diligently studying it, and after exchanging and learning from the sect leader, Huanzhu Louzhu, Huanghai Longjun, and Qu Zu—all top figures of the era—he has now reached a new level, achieving a height that even Qu Zu has taken notice of.

This "fixation" spell is a void spell. When he cast it, it immediately shocked everyone, as if even the casters were frozen in place by the spell's power.

"Wait!"

Just after Cheng Xinzhan cast the spell, the void fell silent, and then a loud shout was heard. It was unclear whether it was directed at Cheng Xinzhan or at the cultivators of Baiyun Mountain.

Immediately, a bolt of lightning flew out from Zhenhai Tower at great speed, arriving in front of Cheng Xinzhan in the blink of an eye. It solidified into a human form, transforming into a middle-aged Taoist priest with a tall crown and purple robe.

In fact, from the moment the precious mirror warned us, to the moment the group of cultivators took action, and then to the moment this person appeared, only two breaths had passed.

The frontline response provides a glimpse into the situation.

The middle-aged Taoist priest, of course, recognized Cheng Xinzhan, and he was the first to bow.
"I have met Mr. Guangfa."

Cheng Xinzhan, being an exceptionally intelligent man, saw that the crimson rainbow had not yet dissipated and knew that Daoist Qianxi still had doubts. Therefore, he returned the greeting with a lightning seal, and lightning began to gather in his palm, forming a lightning eye. He said,

"Greetings, Daoist Qianxi."

Upon seeing the thunder incantation, the middle-aged Taoist priest breathed a sigh of relief. The incantation was the "Heavenly Thunder Penetrating Subtle Technique" from the Five Thunder Orthodox Method, which could only be performed by a person of righteous heart who was proficient in thunder magic. A demon could fake his appearance and aura, but he could never fake his thunder magic.

"Sir, what is this?"

The middle-aged Taoist priest put away the magical light from the magic mirror and then looked at the Dragon-Bathing Staff.

At this moment, Mu Longzhang had already removed his crown and dragon robe, and was only wearing a dark indigo long robe, with a pair of plain black cloth shoes with round toes, and a large lotus leaf-shaped headscarf, also dark indigo, covering most of his face. Dressed like this, standing next to Cheng Xinzhan, anyone who didn't know him would think he was just a lion-leading attendant.

Jiang Qianxi was a key figure in Bingfeng Mountain, having undergone six purifications in recent years and possessing profound knowledge of thunder magic. Only someone of his caliber was qualified to hold a pivotal position at Baiyun Mountain. However, at this moment, Jiang Qianxi was surprised to find that he could not see through this attendant. Remembering the red light emitted by the spirit mirror as a warning, he dared not relax his guard in the slightest.

"Don't worry, it's a demon that has already surrendered."

Cheng Xinzhan answered, then said softly,
"The outside is not the place to talk."

"Oh, yes, yes. Please come in, sir."

Jiang Qianxi realized what was happening, stepped aside to let Cheng Xinzhan enter the lush temple, and shouted loudly at the same time,
"It's nothing. It's just that Mr. Guangfa has arrived. The demonic artifact he confiscated triggered a warning from the spirit mirror. Everyone, disperse!"

Upon hearing this, the group of cultivators erupted in uproar.

In the Eastern Taoist community today, who doesn't know the name of Master Guangfa? Moreover, since Master Guangfa rose to fame, he has vanquished countless demons without ever suffering a defeat. In recent years, he has also slain the Five Poisons, driven away the Red Corpse, and slain the Poison Dragon. He is a figure who has repeatedly achieved victories in battles against those from all four realms. For such a person to come to Yuyang, to Baiyun Mountain, is truly wonderful news!
Yes, it's no wonder that a character like him could trigger a warning from the spirit realm with the demonic artifacts he seized. Only someone like him could halt everyone's offensive with a single word.

So, all the cultivators in the sky gathered around and formed a huge circle. Then they could clearly see the young high cultivator riding on the back of the divine snow lion.

Cheng Xinzhan smiled and waved to them.

"Mr. Guangfa!"

"Mr. Guangfa!"

"Mr. Guangfa!"

"..."

Among the disciples of the alliance on duty at Baiyun Mountain were many from the Wanfa Sect, Jingming Sect, and Shangqing Sect. Cheng Xinzhan already held a special place in their hearts. When they saw the True Man waving to them, they were very excited and took the lead in raising their arms and shouting to praise his name.

With them taking the lead, the rest of the people followed suit, and the shouts grew louder and louder, attracting people from even further away.

Seeing that the commotion was too great and fearing it would affect the normal combat readiness of Baiyun Mountain, Cheng Xinzhan quickly stopped it, saying,
"Fellow Daoists, I'm withdrawing my spell now. You can take back your treasures and continue with your work."

All the cultivators agreed.

Cheng Xinzhan then withdrew his magic, and the magical artifacts scattered throughout the sky began to fall. However, thanks to Cheng Xinzhan's prior warning, these treasures did not fall and were all retrieved by their owners. Led by Jiang Qianxi, Cheng Xinzhan also landed in Wengyu Temple and went directly to the top floor of Zhenhai Tower.

The thirty-third floor of Zhenhai Tower has no walls, doors, or windows; only dozens of large, vermilion-lacquered pillars support the roof. The design is ingenious, offering an extremely expansive view. Looking westward, Cheng Xinzhan could see the vast expanse of water stretching for miles.

"Where is Zhaoming?"

Cheng Xinzhan asked why he hadn't told Shen Zhaoming about his trip to Baiyun Mountain, intending to surprise him. However, the commotion was quite big because the spirit mirror had detected it, but Zhaoming hadn't come out despite the commotion. He must either be in seclusion or have gone out.

Jiang Qianxi answered.

"Master Shen is currently in Humen. It's winter now, and the water level is low, so the Xijiang Demon Dragon, led by Huding Mountain in the Southern School, will be quieter. However, at this time, the momentum of the Yangtze River rushing into the sea also weakens. The South China Sea demons, led by Jiulong Island, will then go upstream from Lingdingyang to attack Humen, aiming to occupy the Beijiang and Dongjiang Rivers from the bottom up. At this time, those of us upstream need to send manpower to support those downstream."

"I see."

Cheng Xinzhan nodded, then asked,
"I know that the South China Sea's Two Fiends are in charge of Kowloon Island, both of them are dragon-descended demons. So who's on our side?"

Jiang Qianxi replied,

"Master Zou of Luofu Mountain is stationed at Yinping Mountain, confronting the two villains of the South China Sea and guarding the Tiger Gate. At the same time, he is leading his disciples to attack Kowloon Island and recover lost territory."

It turned out to be Leader Zou, and he even had a letter from the sect leader on him.

Cheng Xinzhan thought for a moment, then said,
"There's no time like the present, Daoist Qianxi. Since the situation here is still good, I'll head straight to Humen now to relieve some of the pressure on my fellow Daoists there. I'll return another day to ask you about thunder magic."

Jiang Qianxi naturally had no objection, and he replied,
"No, please do as you please, sir. We can discuss this further another day."

So Cheng Xinzhan bowed and took his leave. As soon as he entered the building, he rode the lion out of the building and headed south along the Zhongjiang River.

Jiang Qianxi watched Cheng Xinzhan leave, still with unresolved questions in his mind. He frowned and thought to himself,

Who could that person be?

　Requesting monthly votes and recommendations! Comments and messages are welcome!
　　P.S.: The Pearl River system map and the Pearl River Delta map are too complicated; they give me a headache.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)