This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 436 Queen Mother of the West

The Lower Abyss.

The sky hung low, and the air was thick with the gloom of dusk.

The air was thick with turbidity, like a heavy haze covering the land. Even under a clear sky, not a single cloud could be seen. Looking up, the sky was still gray, as if the sunlight itself was dim and gloomy.

The mountains were covered in dust, the rivers were like ink stains, and although the grass and trees grew, it was hard to see any new green. The main color of the whole world was a somber and gloomy one.

Like the dark filters used by some TV stations, it makes people feel uncomfortable just by looking at it, and can easily cause physical discomfort.

It is similar to the Realm of No Life, but completely different.

"The air is toxic..."

Xiang Yuan took a breath and frowned slightly.

Whether it's poisonous or not, Xiang Yuan doesn't care. He's had a constitution that makes him immune to all poisons for a long time. He accepts all kinds of colorful mushrooms, whether they're ripe or not, and shows them off without hesitation.

Later, poison could also be regarded as an external tonic.

Xiang Yuan glanced at the towering wall in front of him. The entire wall was as black as ink, made of an unknown black stone, and the top of the wall was covered with layers of black tiles, which gleamed with a cold, hard metallic luster in the dim light.

The wall is over five zhang high, like a natural chasm, standing in front of people and inspiring awe.

The most striking feature is the enormous bas-relief animal heads on the wall. Some have wide-open, angry eyes and bared fangs; some breathe fire and have flying manes; and others have two horns on their heads and distorted faces.

These animal head reliefs are so lifelike, as if they might come to life at any moment, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.

Although the exact location is unclear, according to the rules of Jambudvipa, the Relic of Reincarnation is placed behind the wall.

According to the rules of the Yanfu Gate, the upper limit of the cultivation level of Xiang Yuan, the gatekeeper, in this realm is the Tongyou stage Grandmaster. Without interference from external realms such as the Heavenly Court, the Demon Realm, and the Blood Sea Realm, Xiang Yuan can pass through the realm without injury and easily pick up the Reincarnation Relic.

Bai Wuyan stood to the side, her white-clad figure fading away. She closed her eyes and remained silent, pondering the laws and principles of this world.

"Senior Sister Bai Feng, I'm going in."

Xiang Yuan made a sound, asking Bai Wuyan's opinion.

Bai Wuyan simply nodded, remaining silent with her eyes closed. She was not Xiang Yuan's nanny; she had come to this realm only as a precaution, to prevent the furnace she had raised from encountering forces from the upper realm.

The sunk costs are too high and must be guarded against.

However, as of now, there is no ascension passage between heaven and earth, nor is there any aura of the upper realm.

In that case, Xiang Yuan can go find the Reincarnation Relic himself.

Seeing that Bai Wuyan showed little interest, Xiang Yuan stopped inviting her. He then flashed through the wall, intending to clear the level in the shortest possible time.

Whatever the opportunities in this world may bring, let's put them aside for now. First, I need to get my hands on the Reincarnation Relic. Once I've completed the mission, I can freely enter and exit the Jambudvipa Gate. No matter what dangers I encounter, I'll be invincible.

These are experiences I've summarized from previous tasks!
When Xiang Yuan first did a mission, he was just a lowly henchman clinging to a powerful figure, and his teammate was the dignified Senior Sister Bai Long.

Although he's still clinging to a powerful figure, he's no longer a nobody; he's now living off a woman and has been promoted to gigolo.

Of course, these are not the main points.

The key point is that as the number of times Xiang Yuan crossed the Gate of Hell increased, he combined his bloody history with a series of experiences, and the strategy for the mission changed accordingly.

At the beginning, Xiao Lingyue told Xiang Yuan not to blindly search for the Reincarnation Relic. There were powerful beings guarding the Relic. She advised him to analyze the laws of the world and determine whether he had been weakened and by how much. She suggested that he analyze the specific situation and formulate a mission plan after gathering intelligence.

Know thyself, ever-victorious.

In the first few worlds, Xiang Yuan did indeed do this: he would first gather intelligence after traveling through time, then infiltrate and gradually take action, focusing on a steady approach.

This trick stopped working later.

After one's cultivation level increases, the likelihood of encountering beings from higher realms increases. For example, in the Void Realm, Xiang Yuan did not immediately seek out the Reincarnation Relic but instead gathered intelligence in the surrounding area. As a result, when he finally found the Reincarnation Relic, it had already been sacrificed by the Hundred-Eyed Demon Cave and sent to the Demon Realm.

If he had been just five minutes earlier, he could have made it to the sacrificial ceremony.

Back in the Desolate Ancient Realm, Bai Wuyan, confident in her second-time playthrough, planned to undergo tribulation first before searching for the Reincarnation Relic. This attracted extraterrestrial demons, causing the lightning tribulation to be amplified dramatically, and then…

It's impossible to say that the White House Chief Executive doesn't regret his decision.

With numerous lessons learned, we've refined our mission strategy for Xiang Yuan. We'll focus on finding the Reincarnation Relic first, and put aside things like opportunities and the laws of heaven and earth for now. We can study those later once we're more free to come and go as we please.

That being said, Xiang Yuan was well aware that there was no absolutely perfect strategy, only constantly improving versions. The current strategy would change with future version updates.

The Yanfu Gate opens according to the holder's own realm. With his efficient cultivation progress, he will most likely be able to directly cross over to the upper realm next year.

If you were to transmigrate to the Celestial Realm, it would be fine; you could cling to Master Jingyun's coattails and complete the mission with a little influence. But if you were to transmigrate to another Heavenly Court, or even directly to the Demon Realm, searching for the Reincarnation Relic would be tantamount to suicide.

Perhaps he'll have to pick up his old undercover job again and pretend to be a villain to infiltrate the enemy.

Half an hour later, Xiang Yuan saw Bai Wuyan by the wall. Her expression was solemn and not very pleasant.

Bai Wuyan slowly opened her eyes, not sensing any changes in the Yanfu Sect. She asked in confusion, "What's going on? Why didn't you find the Reincarnation Relic? Why do you need to come to me for divination over such a small matter?"

Xiang Yuan shook his head and took out two Reincarnation Relics from his bosom.

Bai Wuyan's pupils suddenly contracted, flashing with an ambiguous light, and her expression became solemn.

The Reincarnation Relics have been found, and there are two of them, but the Yama Gate has not indicated that the mission is complete, and Xiang Yuan and Bai Wuyan are still unable to leave this world.

Xiang Yuan had never encountered a situation like this before.

There have been cases where two Reincarnation Relics existed in the same realm before, such as the Wusheng Realm, which is known as the 'Realm of Joyful Journey'. First, team up with Xiao Lingyue, then team up with Chan'er, and obtaining one Reincarnation Relic is considered the completion of the mission.

Xiang Yuan thought he had grasped the rules of the Yanfu Sect, but today, Xiao Dao from the Yanfu Sect opened his eyes and let him know that in addition to the main quest of the Reincarnation Relic, the Yanfu Sect also has side quests or hidden quests.

"Does Senior Sister Bai Feng know the reason?"

"Some speculation."

Bai Wuyan narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of joy flashing across her somewhat solemn face: "These two Reincarnation Relics... have you asked clearly where they were unearthed from?"

"I've found out, and a kind steward has told me the details."

Xiang Yuan pointed behind him. This was the imperial palace. The owner would be furious if something was stolen. This was not a place to stay. They should find another place to talk.

Bai Wuyan showed no intention of moving. The White Palace Princess was so arrogant that she would not avoid others. So what if it was the Imperial Palace? Since she had come, it was only right that the Emperor should avoid her.

Xiang Yuan coaxed her, saying that she was beautiful, kind-hearted, and magnanimous, and finally persuaded Bai Wuyan to leave.

Another day of manipulating rich women.

……

The capital city, in its western suburbs.

Mountains and forests, broken walls and ruins, dilapidated Taoist temples.

Xiang Yuan stood in front of the dilapidated low wall, peered inside for a moment, and only after confirming that this was not some kind of petty moralistic place did he feel at ease and went inside.

Bai Wuyan was unaware of Xiang Yuan's thoughts, and given his somewhat eccentric nature, she assumed he was just being silly again and didn't ask any further questions.

Xiang Yuan entered the dilapidated temple and saw that weeds grew all around and the dilapidated house was about to collapse. He waved his hand and stirred up a breeze to sweep away the dust and weeds. Then he set up a spatial restriction, took out two futons, and invited Bai Wuyan to sit down and talk slowly.

"This realm is called the Lower Abyss, which unified the world last week..."

Xiang Yuan explained the information provided by the kind person with a serious face: Qianyuan Realm and Xiayuan Realm seem to have a connection at first glance, but it is a bit far-fetched to link the two realms together.

But if the only kingdom in this world were named 'Last Week', it wouldn't be far-fetched at all.

The Qianyuan Realm existed for a week before collapsing. For many years, the feudal states fought each other, experiencing several rises and falls, eventually forming the current tripartite balance of power between the Northern Qi, Western Chu, and Southern Jin.

The fact that the Lower Abyss Realm did not collapse last week and that the dynasty has been passed down to this day makes Xiang Yuan suspect that last week, like the Shaolin Temple, has its own name in parallel universes.

In terms of spiritual practice, there are two relatively plausible answers.

First, this country is not simple. It has powerful figures who have spread its influence throughout the world, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline, destruction and demise.

Secondly, cultivators in the Tongyou stage can enter the Three Thousand Worlds in their dreams. There was once a powerful figure born in the Zhou Dynasty who spread the name of the Zhou Dynasty to all realms.

Regardless of the type, the calculating nature of it all is very strong.

At this point, Xiang Yuan looked at Bai Wuyan with an expression of 'I admire Bai Wuyan so much.'

Bai Wuyan was extremely disgusted. That bastard wanted to make her vomit blood again. She had said it was the last time; how could he do it again and again?

"Get lost, that doesn't count!" Looking around, it was indeed inappropriate. The White House Master was not only a germaphobe, but also an obsessive-compulsive; he only showered in his own bathroom. There was no secluded paradise here, and even if he vomited blood, there was nowhere to wash himself. This divination couldn't be forced.

Once we return to Qianyuan Realm, we'll do the calculations while we wash up.

"Last week, the Zhou unified the Xiayuan border, but the nation's strength is waning, making it difficult to suppress the surrounding vassal states. These past few years have been far from satisfactory..."

Xiang Yuan commented on the situation in the Abyss Realm last week, saying that Wang Xiaoer's New Year celebrations were getting worse every year.

It hasn't collapsed yet, but it's close.

Even a centipede with a hundred legs will not fall down when it dies, let alone a country that was not destroyed last week. In recent years, although it has allocated funds from all over the country, either to appease the surrounding vassal states and to seek peace, or to build wonders to satisfy the appetites of the commissioners, its foundation is still strong, and the palace still holds many treasures.

This is also why Xiang Yuan told Bai Wuyan to leave quickly; what the palace lost today wasn't just the Reincarnation Relic, it wouldn't be long before it went awry.

"These two relics of reincarnation come from the West. According to the records in the palace, they were given to King Mu of Zhou by the Queen Mother of the West when he traveled to the Western Kunlun Mountains..." Xiang Yuan slowly recounted the secondhand information, his face expressionless, but his heart was full of doubts.

Xiang Yuan had heard about the story of King Mu of Zhou meeting the Queen Mother of the West at Yaochi before he traveled through time.

To put it simply, there was once a traveler named King Mu of Zhou who rode eight divine steeds capable of traveling ten thousand miles a day. When he arrived at the territory of the Queen Mother of the West, he was warmly received. At the dinner table, they exchanged glances and fell in love.

These kinds of historical records, which are tinged with mythology, are mostly ancient people's fantasies about the world beyond their borders, and also reflect people's yearning for immortality. Just listen to them and don't take them seriously.

However, the same legend exists in the Lower Abyss Realm, especially the two genuine Reincarnation Relics, which forces Xiang Yuan to re-examine this myth.

Perhaps, most likely, possibly... this unofficial history isn't entirely fabricated.

Furthermore, the little broken planet he was on before his transmigration had absolutely nothing to do with the Lower Abyss Realm, yet it shared remarkably similar mythological stories…

Oh, we already have the True Martial Emperor, so there's nothing strange about it.

Just as Xiang Yuan was deep in thought, Bai Wuyan suddenly stood up: "Go to West Kunlun, that's the place Yanfumen pointed to."

"Senior Sister Bai Feng, I haven't finished speaking yet!"

"Talking as we walk."

"I'm afraid this won't work..."

Xiang Yuan shook his head and continued, "I checked the records in the palace, and West Kunlun no longer exists. King Mu of Zhou retraced his steps several times, and he did not give up searching for West Kunlun last week either, but West Kunlun, like the Queen Mother of the West, just vanished into thin air and never appeared again, as if it had never existed."

"Where are the scriptures? Come with me to the palace."

Bai Wuyan's voice was as cold as ice, demanding to verify these records with her own eyes.

"There's nothing much to see. The record is short, just a few lines, mostly describing the mutual affection between King Mu of Zhou and the Queen Mother of the West," Xiang Yuan shrugged.

"impossible!"

Bai Wuyan's face instantly turned ashen, her cold eyes fixed on Xiang Yuan, her killing intent erupting, the surrounding temperature plummeting, and a layer of frost spreading rapidly.

A layer of frost covered Xiang Yuan's body, and he subconsciously shivered, clearly sensing that Bai Wuyan had murderous intent.

It wasn't directed at him, but at the story of King Mu of Zhou and the Queen Mother of the West's mutual love.

Why are you so agitated?
Xiang Yuan tilted her head, flicked the frost off her clothes, and reminded her, "Senior Sister Bai Feng, you've lost your composure."

Bai Wuyan closed her eyes, slowly sat down, regulated her breathing and calmed her mind. After a while, she said, "Come with me to the palace to consult the records and search for traces of West Kunlun."

……

The scene shifts to the treasure vault of the imperial palace.

At the end of the deep underground palace corridor, a massive bronze gate stands majestically, carved with ferocious beast head patterns, its eyes inlaid with luminous pearls that gleam with a cold, eerie light in the darkness.

Thirty-six golden-armored guards stood at the gate, wielding halberds. In the shadows, there were seventy-two intricate traps and mechanisms. Not to mention a person, even a mosquito flying by would be stopped and interrogated three times about its ancestors.

Then, following the clues, we played the "Nine Clans Elimination Game" until all mosquitoes disappeared.

For Bai Wuyan and Xiang Yuan, such strict security was completely ineffective. The two of them moved through the layers of restrictions as if they were in an empty place, and the traps and mechanisms did not react at all, as if they were just a wisp of air.

"This is it."

Xiang Yuan stopped in front of a row of black iron scroll shelves, tapped his fingertip, and a yellowed ancient book flew out on its own. He casually unfolded it, and it contained records about King Mu of Zhou and the Western Kunlun Mountains.

Bai Wuyan snatched it away, her gaze sweeping across the contents like lightning. The record briefly described King Mu of Zhou's westward journey with his eight steeds and his banquet with the Queen Mother of the West at Yaochi. The rest…

Spending the night atop Kunlun Mountain, amidst morning clouds and evening rain.

The little words were quite tactful.

Click!

The ancient book froze under Bai Wuyan's hands with a thick layer of frost, and then shattered inch by inch.

Bai Wuyan's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and the ground three feet around her was instantly covered with a layer of crystal-clear ice, even the air itself made a cracking sound as it was about to collapse under the weight.

Xiang Yuan's eyelids twitched, and he waved his hand to set up a spatial restriction, firmly locking in this chill.

If this accidentally triggers the alarm mechanism in the underground palace, alerting the guards outside, the imperial guards will swarm in...

It wasn't a question of whether he could win or not, but rather that many shelves were already empty, leaving him speechless and unjustly accused of being a petty thief.

Thank God, when he came in, these shelves had already been taken; it really wasn't him.

As for why the shelves were empty, Xiang Yuan said he was new and had no idea. He suggested a thorough investigation of Li Xianyuan, including cross-border pursuit, as this guy was highly cunning and prone to petty theft, making him a prime suspect.

Bai Wuyan tore up the ancient book, but she was still not giving up. She searched around and found a square gilded painting album.

Upon opening the box, one finds portraits of past emperors.

Bai Wuyan quickly flipped through the pages and soon found a picture of King Mu of Zhou. The man in the picture wore a black robe, had delicate features, and a plain-looking face, appearing somewhat harmless.

The air suddenly solidified.

Bai Wuyan was struck dumb, and when she came to her senses, her face turned pale and she was completely distraught.

The White House official doesn't show many expressions; he usually has an icy demeanor and is arrogant. His expressions only become more varied when he mentions the Sword Master Su Ran.

Xiang Yuan noticed her expression change drastically and, full of curiosity, leaned closer.

"let me see."

Snapped!
Bai Wuyan closed the picture book, and a chill emanated from it, freezing the entire book into frost, which then scattered into a shower of ice shards with a wave of her hand.

"Ah this..."

Xiang Yuan reached out and scooped up some ice jelly, looking speechless: "Senior Sister Bai Feng, you were too fast! I didn't even see it!"

Bai Wuyan didn't reply, but glanced at Xiang Yuan indifferently, then turned around and said, "Find all the records related to West Kunlun. If you say another word, I'll kill you!"

When he talked about killing, he emphasized the word very heavily, as if he wasn't joking.

Xiang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine, unable to understand why Bai Wuyan's attitude had suddenly changed today. She had been speaking with a resentful tone before he entered the room, but after he abandoned his young wife, she immediately started shouting for violence.

"Sure enough, things that are too easily obtained are not cherished..."

Xiang Yuan muttered in a low voice, not daring to speak loudly because he was a kept man. He obediently searched for records related to West Kunlun to see if he had missed anything.

Bad news: Not found

Good news: I was very careful beforehand.

As Xiang Yuan searched, he felt a chill on his neck, as if a sharp sword was hanging there, ready to fall at any moment.

But every time he turned to look at Bai Wuyan, he would see a beautiful back of her head, and the chill would dissipate.

Rich women are so hard to please!
Xiang Yuan searched for a long time, and although he did not find any records of West Kunlun, he did not come away empty-handed.

After King Mu of Zhou, the emperors of the previous dynasties all longed for the fairyland of West Kunlun, fantasizing that they, like their fathers, grandfathers, and the late King Mu of Zhou, could enter West Kunlun and have intimate moments with the Queen Mother of the West. Therefore, they never gave up their westward exploration.

We didn't find West Kunlun, but we found another sacred mountain.

Youshan.

According to records, there was a group of unteachable barbarians in Youshan who claimed to be descendants of ancient gods. They worshipped gods but did not respect imperial authority. They were all ugly and resembled wild beasts, yet they were also incredibly strong and invulnerable to weapons. They were born with extraordinary beauty.

Even a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, wielding a magic weapon, would find it difficult to defeat a barbarian.

The deity worshipped by these descendants of the ancient gods is named Ru Shou!
(End of this chapter)