Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 611 The Fifth Elder's Sorrowful Clouds Obscure the Moon and Her Fall: A Discussion to Invite the Nine True Ones to Break Through Yue Mountain

——Ten days later, Shanbei Road, Wumu Mountain
To outsiders uninvolved in the battle, the passing of Master Yueyin might just be a topic of conversation. However, for the thousands of disciples of Mount Wumu, it was a devastating blow.

It should be understood that whether or not a Nascent Soul is protecting them is a completely different matter for disciples of major sects.

For the past ten days, the wailing on Wu Lao Mountain has never ceased. The sorrow seems to have gathered into dark clouds on the mountaintop, and it is unknown when it will fall like a rain of blood.

In short, as the outside news said, Bai Canhong was once again misled by Taiyi Temple and changed the rules with Feng Wen, the demon officer of the Lishan lineage within the barrier of Hanya Mountain.

Afterwards, the barrier of Cold Crow Mountain opened again, releasing the old demon officer who had fought alongside the demon clan venerable and the great ancestor of David. Caught off guard, the Moon Concealed True Man died in the formation.

As a result, since the high-ranking officials of the Immortal Dynasty had no ability to conceal the news, the death of a Nascent Soul cultivator was a major event even in the entire Great Wei Immortal Dynasty.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Wei was furious and sent the Immortal Shadow Stone to the north of the mountain. The Northern King Kuang Zefu, Duke of Qin Kuang Liuting, Immortal Jiangxue, and Shen Lingfeng lined up to welcome him.

The fact that it was difficult for outsiders to see its true appearance only caused panic among the troops in the northern mountain camp.

The cultivators below had no idea that True Immortal Yueyin's lifespan was short; even if he didn't die in the formation this time, he wouldn't have many more years to live. The fact that he was able to injure Bai Canhong by detonating the Five Old Mountain's protective spiritual treasure at the moment of his death was, in a way, quite worthwhile.

Everyone knew that even the immortals on their own side, who had lived for thousands of years, could hardly protect themselves on this battlefield, so they couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Correspondingly, the morale of the disciples of Zhaixinglou and Yuejianshan soared, and in just a few days they broke through several strong formations of the Qin State Duke's Mansion, achieving a feat that had not been accomplished in the past few years.

Since Kuang Liuting moved his official residence to Fengming Prefecture in Shanbei Road, Master Yueyin, who originally did not understand the meaning of appeasement, became increasingly ruthless in his treatment of the various families under his jurisdiction.

Wu Laoshan treated the Duke of Qin's mansion with such deference that even though Kuang Liuting was dissatisfied, he considered the bigger picture and did not intervene. The Hehuan Sect was, after all, a heretical sect; its ability to wreak havoc on the local area was beyond question.

Furthermore, the war has been raging for several years now. During this time, what wouldn't two Nascent Soul Grandmasters need: provisions, able-bodied men, wealth, and women?!
No one knows for sure how many of them actually fought on the front lines, but just by looking at the fact that many Golden Core cultivators from both families have died over the years, while the total number of cultivators who have advanced has remained unchanged, one can easily guess the reason behind it without much thought.

Under such immense pressure, even with three True Immortals above them to keep things under control, the various families of Shanbei Road couldn't help but feel a little smug and harbor some wicked thoughts.

Of course, while the families in the northern part of the mountain region lived under the heavy pressure of war and danger, it does not mean that the families in the southern part of the mountain region were not living in dire straits.

Bai Canhong was not a kind person as always. Apart from the hundred or so disciples of Zhaixinglou, he didn't even care about the lives of peak cultivators like Pu Honggu.

Both sides are living off human lives, the only difference being that the various families in Shannan Road, led by the "Three Managers" under the jurisdiction of Zhaixinglou, have now seen a glimmer of hope.

However, this could be considered a good thing for both sides of the cultivators.

Some powerful families in Shanbeidao, who have been established for thousands of years, are probably still secretly looking forward to this day. They were able to survive the period of dynastic change when the old dynasty collapsed. They may have already made plans on how to pass on their lineage to Bai Canhong Ansheng.

Kuang Liuting and the three True Immortals may have foreseen this situation from the moment True Immortal Yueyin passed away.

At this moment, everyone sitting in the tent had their brows furrowed, and even the usually waited-for Master Jiangxue was all alone.

When the Northern King Kuang Zefu stood before the crowd, his eyes were filled with silence as he glanced at everyone in the tent.

To outsiders, he appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a face as smooth as jade but without a trace of effeminacy. His sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards into his temples, and a faint scar at the peak of his eyebrows swept diagonally to the end of his eyebrows.

Instead of appearing ferocious, it added a touch of sharpness. His eyes were extremely dark, usually concealing his spiritual power, as calm as a cold pool.

He was born into a distant branch of the Kuang family, but because of his bravery and fearlessness, he was an outstanding member of the imperial clan who was willing to serve the country and disregard his own safety. This is why, due to an accident, he received Emperor Wei's favor all the way.

However, due to the low quality of the elixir, even though he made countless contributions on the battlefield and obtained more resources than ordinary people, Kuang Zefu's cultivation could not be considered smooth.

It wasn't until he was 520 years old that Emperor Wei, defying public opinion, appreciated his exceptionally resolute character and suppressed a group of key figures in the imperial clan, granting him an opportunity to become a true immortal.

Thanks to Emperor Wei's discerning eye, the extremely declining state of the Kuang family clan was somewhat salvaged, at least preventing the entire clan's Nascent Soul members from falling into a state of utter crisis.

However, due to the inferior quality of the elixir, the Northern King found it difficult to even study one or two of the several wonderful methods left by the Great Ancestor, let alone grasp their true meaning.

Therefore, if it weren't for the treasures and spiritual artifacts that the Great Ancestor had collected from the world, this Prince of the North, who had been in the Nascent Soul stage for over two hundred years, would be considered a low-ranking figure among the True Immortals, and would be far from being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with True Immortal Jiangxue, who had been in the Nascent Soul stage for many years.

Despite being a member of the imperial family, he started from nothing as a soldier's son, seeking advancement through hardship. Such a powerful figure, who risked his life to climb to a high position, naturally wouldn't waste words when he spoke.
"What His Majesty just said has been heard by all fellow Daoists. The situation in the Southwest has deteriorated to the point that His Majesty himself has to take charge, which is our fault. In your opinion, what remedial measures should we take to address Bai Canhong's act of defying the world and secretly opening a protective barrier?!"

"remedy?"

Master Jiangxue murmured softly, yet she adopted a serene demeanor, as if saying, "Eyes looking at the nose, nose looking at the mouth, mouth looking at the heart, heart looking at freedom."

After all, to be honest, she was the only outsider in the tent at the moment. This was all about the Kuang family's affairs; why should she, as the Supreme Elder of the Hehuan Sect, be in such a hurry to speak?
"If we had known earlier that Taiyi Temple would dare to instigate Bai Canhong to disregard the common people and open a barrier privately, we would have preferred to have granted Bai Canhong's request and allowed him to enter the Shannan Road."

Half a year ago, he clearly didn't want to fight this messy war anymore, and the peace agreement had already been presented to the emperor. The emperor made it clear that he wanted Shannan to join forces with Yuejianshan to govern Huangpi, and so the fighting ended.

Even if rebellions break out in the vicinity in the future, the Duke of Qin's mansion can still mobilize the people from both directions. These conditions are already quite generous, but when the Emperor inquired, my brother-in-law and Liu Ting refused to accept amnesty and insisted on fighting.

You must understand, right now it's a case of one door closing while another opens. Bai Canhong has no patience to wait any longer; he'll only be able to get Fellow Daoist Yueyin to join him once the Taiyi Temple makes another move.”

Shen Lingfeng, the Silver Knife Prince Consort, was no longer as spirited as when he first arrived. He had fought against Nascent Soul stage cultivators before, but he had never seen anyone as fierce as Bai Canhong before.

Whenever I think back, I feel that when I was pacifying the Shanrong in Shannan Road, I was constantly on the verge of life and death.

Because of his exceptional talent, Shen Lingfeng was greatly favored by Emperor Wei when he was in Xuanqiong Palace, and after hundreds of years of cultivation, he had almost never heard a word of reprimand from him.

Therefore, at this moment, he dared to speak frankly and without embellishment, as if he had no fear that his two relatives surnamed Kuang would really take their anger out on him.

Kuang Zefu was already used to his arrogant nature, so he didn't show any unusual expression.

Kuang Liuting, who made the move, showed some dissatisfaction in his eyes, but he hesitated because there were outsiders present. Otherwise, even if he were facing a Nascent Soul cultivator, he would probably have argued back.

Kuang Zefu naturally noticed the strange look in Kuang Liuting's eyes. Although he also had some dissatisfaction with Shen Lingfeng, since he attained the Nascent Soul stage and rose to a high position, his horizons broadened and his temperament became much more accommodating.

Therefore, he did not argue with Shen Lingfeng, but asked again in a deep voice: "Does anyone have any suggestions?!"

Upon hearing this, Kuang Liuting struggled for a moment before stepping forward and saying, "Uncle, it seems we must go and invite Master Jiuzhen again." Kuang Zefu sighed inwardly, glanced at Master Jiangxue's face, and then said slowly, "Yes, I will go tomorrow."

The Crimson Snow Immortal, who had been instrumental in bringing this matter to fruition, did not share the smug expression of "it should have been this way all along" that the Silver Knife Prince Consort Shen Lingfeng displayed beside him.

She raised her eyelids, her gaze as clear as water, and swept over the complex expression on Kuang Liuting's face before gracefully stepping forward to the front of the hall:
"With Fellow Daoist Yueyin now deceased and the Star-Picking Tower receiving strong reinforcements, the rebels on the other side are launching their fiercest and most ruthless counterattack. Perhaps only by launching another major offensive across the entire territory can this urgent crisis be resolved."

Kuang Liuting frowned upon hearing this, and seeing that Kuang Zefu was deep in thought, he stepped forward and said, "Senior Jiangxue may not know, but according to the officials of the Duke's mansion, the situation below is already at the point of no return. If we issue another levy, I'm afraid there will be some discord."

Jiangxue Zhenren was slightly surprised. After all, when Kuang Liuting forced the Golden Core cultivators of Wu Laoshan and Hehuan Sect to commit suicide rather than retreat, he did not have such a compassionate heart.

"What's being said outside isn't wrong. This fellow is just like Emperor Wei in temperament, and he believes in that stupid talk of 'promoting the poor and humble.' A top-grade pill? He's still young, naive, and laughable."

Jiangxue Zhenren suppressed her inner turmoil and smiled faintly: "What the Duke of Qin said is quite right." After affirming this, she turned to Kuang Zefu and said, "Then perhaps His Highness the Northern King should inquire with the Northern Army whether it is possible to request reinforcements again?"

The latter forcibly suppressed his dissatisfaction, but in his heart he was thinking that it was the obedient and docile Moon Shadow Master who died on the battlefield, while this beautiful scorpion was left behind.

However, at this moment, he, the Prince of the North, was already grateful to have a true talent who could be of use to the royal family, so he wouldn't say anything more. He simply shook his head for a moment and replied in a calm voice:

"Zang Chunzhong was originally going to come over, but the Taiyi Temple instigated a rebellion in the two river channels, which delayed us. For now, we still have to rely on ourselves."

"If we fight well, His Majesty will have plenty of elite troops at his disposal, and reinforcements will be scattered throughout the surrounding areas; but if we fight poorly, the Xuanqiong Palace will also be in trouble. Alas, the entire court is useless, causing the Emperor to be so controlled—they deserve to die a thousand deaths!"

The cultivators in the hall were probably already aware of the situation, so they weren't surprised. However, after hearing Kuang Zefu's rejection, they all gave up on the idea. As for Kuang Zefu's so-called words about being sentenced to ten thousand deaths, they completely ignored them.

Kuang Liuting, like Kuang Zefu, felt the same urge to die for his lord's honor. He bowed again and said loudly, "Uncle, perhaps the best course of action now is to attack what they will surely come to their aid."

The Northern King was a seasoned veteran of battle. Without needing to ask, he understood Kuang Liuting's meaning after a moment's thought: "Yuejian Mountain? How far away is it from the ancient Xuandao? Who can shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

Without hesitation, the latter bowed and said, "The Marquis of Fengcheng is courageous in taking on responsibilities, and the Marquis of Wuning is resolute and unyielding; they are both good choices."

"That old bird?" Kuang Zefu clearly overlooked another person mentioned by Kuang Liuting.

He and Fei Tianqin had been on the same side several times, so he knew how capable this old bird was. But just as he was about to make a move, the Crimson Snow Immortal spoke up to remind him: "But if Marquis Fengcheng leaves, the Northern Mountain Camp will lose a strong ally."

What the beautiful woman said was true. When it came to the battle, the Golden Core cultivators of the Star-Picking Tower were often more horrified than when they saw Fei Tianqin appear than when they saw a Nascent Soul cultivator.

No one but Kuang Liuting can replace him in this role, so it would be a great loss to turn back now.

However, at this moment, Shen Lingfeng, who had always shared the same opinion as Jiangxue Zhenren, also spoke up in support of Kuang Liuting. He temporarily put aside his previous dissatisfaction and simply spoke in a calm voice:
"It doesn't matter. Jiuzhen will definitely respond. Otherwise, wouldn't we be sitting here in vain for several years? My direct lineage will only lose some face in front of that dragon monster and give Jiuzhen more supplies."

Don't act impulsively now; the bigger picture is more important. If we weren't so short-handed, even I would want to go to Yuejian Mountain with that old bird.”

The Taoist priest with the sword paused here, and after a moment of contemplation, he continued:
"Perhaps you have forgotten, Yun Fu is indeed courting death by colluding with the rebels, but we cannot be certain that the true leader of Yuejian Mountain, Master Huquan, is truly dead. If we can capture Yuejian Mountain, then..."

Kuang Liuting never expected that Shen Lingfeng, an elder from another clan who had been complaining ever since he arrived in Shanbeidao, would actually think of this.

His words clearly had a decisive effect. Even without mentioning the life or death of Master Huquan, this strategy of attacking the enemy and forcing them to defend is a classic military tactic.

The three parties, Yunfu Zhenren, Bai Canhong, and Fengwen Yaowei, were originally united by mutual interests, but their internal conflicts were far greater than those of their own side. How could they possibly work together with one heart?

If a fire were to break out in his home, how could Master Yunfu dare not offer assistance?
Even if Fei Tianqin returns to Shannan and causes a huge disturbance, and fails to conquer Yuejian Mountain after destroying the Liangyi Sect, Kuang Liuting's proposed exchange will still be worthwhile.

Kuang Zefu quickly agreed to Kuang Liuting's advice. The latter summoned Su Chen to give instructions, watched as Su Chen prepared the silk scroll, and then the scroll was stamped, thus finalizing the matter of Fei Tianqin's return.

After all the outsiders had left the tent, Kuang Zefu's face hardened, and he addressed Kuang Liuting solemnly:
"Time is running out. As an elder, I shouldn't be saying things like 'pulling up seedlings to help them grow,' but time really is running out. Liuting, you really need to hurry up so that you can take control of my Kuang family's empire."

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.

Vermilion banners were planted day and night throughout the cities, prefectures, and counties of the northern mountain route, and the drums of conscription made people tremble. Even the dogs in the deep alleys curled up in corners and dared not bark.

The rogue cultivator, who couldn't even afford to rent a house in the market, had just pulled muddy spirit millet from his privately cultivated field when, the moment he looked up, he was grabbed by the back of the collar and dragged away by fierce-looking soldiers in black uniforms.

An old man rushed forward and grabbed the soldier's clothes, begging him to spare his only son. Instead, he was struck on the forehead by the back of a knife, and blood dripped onto the newly harvested millet.

Both daughters-in-law were kneeling on the ground, holding their babies and crying. The baby's cries were completely drowned out by the drumbeats. A soldier kicked over a clay pot of porridge, splashing hot porridge onto the baby's hand, and the baby's cries suddenly became shrill.

The rogue cultivator was soon no longer alone. A fellow villager from a small sect in the crowd had just wiped his ancestral wooden sword clean. After glancing at him, he was forced to wear a cobbled-together iron breastplate. The rust on the edges of the armor plates made his collarbone ache.

Many cultivators were in the same predicament as him, finding it difficult to live a peaceful life. They had lost their ordinary days and were forced to give everything for those important figures in the clouds.

While traveling, they saw a group of defeated soldiers who seemed to have come from nowhere, rushing through the town like stray dogs. Some had broken arms, and some had their armor charred black, with the exposed flesh raw and red.

These routed soldiers were hardly human, and naturally, they lost their humanity as well.

A beautiful woman was dragged into the street. Before her husband, who was standing beside her, could say anything, he was beaten to death by the fleeing soldiers. The woman cried incessantly, but as her clothes became less and less and more covered with figures, she fell silent in an instant.

The shops in the town, regardless of whether they belonged to immortals or mortals, were all emptied out. More and more women blocked the street, and the cries of children grew louder and louder. The sound was so loud that even Fei Tianqin, who was passing by and traveling on clouds, couldn't help but stop and take a quick look.

It recognized this place as a former sanctuary of Mount Wumu, and several prominent figures seemed to still bear the insignia of Mount Wumu, yet they too had been killed by these fleeing soldiers.

Upon further reflection, he noticed that the towns and counties he had seen along the way, which were being ravaged by defeated soldiers, seemed to be directly under the jurisdiction of Wu Laoshan. He immediately realized something was amiss.

It should be understood that while the situation at the front is certainly dire, it is not as chaotic as it appears. It would not believe this was done without someone allowing it to continue.

Fei Nanying, standing to the side, mistakenly thought that the old bird had taken pity on him and was about to do so when the latter stopped him, saying, "Let's go. If the Fei family's situation doesn't change, when my brother dies, the Yingzhou clan territory will suffer the same fate."

Fei Nanying fell silent upon hearing this. The man and the bird, accompanied by the city's cries, disregarded the fact that the clouds below had turned into a sea of ​​fire, and without any sorrow or joy, they continued their journey.

(End of this chapter)