Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 456 Prepare
Luoqing, the Sutra Repository.

This pavilion is located between the two peaks of Tianqing and Caiyun in the mountains, standing on a floating island. The clouds and mist swirl around it, forming a road. Cultivators travel back and forth on the wind, creating streaks of light around them.

The Sutra Repository has been rebuilt and is now even more magnificent. It is constructed entirely of Jia Guang Ling wood and presents a solemn bluish-black color.

The four eaves are carved with red birds, vermilion fruits, and mysterious patterns, which are beautiful and ethereal. Thunder flows on the black plaque in the center, which condenses into four large characters with vigorous sword energy: "I Visit the Mysterious."

All those who enter to seek the Dharma are subject to the laws of the Primordial Order. If they harbor any intention to divulge the Dharma, heavenly lightning will strike, bringing down calamity and punishment.

Inner disciples reside in Luoqing, making it very convenient for them to exchange for cultivation techniques and secret arts. However, outer disciples are mostly located in the north and south of Chiyun, and only have two opportunities to enter the inner sect each year.

A red cloud descended from the horizon. Liu Xiaowen's gaze turned solemn as he looked at the magnificent pavilion, his heart filled with emotion.

'Our own sect's Daoist scriptures are numerous and cover a wide range of topics, but only the one related to the element of Bing Fire can truly be considered complete.'

He stood amidst the heavenly light, his figure hidden from view, difficult for those around him to discern. Yet, a streak of flame flew from the top of the pavilion, flickering brightly, and landed on the clouds.

A fire crane emerged from the flames, transforming in an instant into a beautiful girl in a red dress, with subtle, dancing flames around her.

It was Liu Yanyu, whose true form was the fire spirit [Liaozai Crane] produced by the Earth Fire Wuyuan Tree. He shared a connection with Liu Xiaowen's life and was a true fire. However, he had only reached the ninth level of Qi Refining in recent years and had been unable to establish his foundation.

"My lord, someone has already successfully connected with the [Flame Root], showing considerable talent in cultivating the Guangmu Dao."

Liu Yanyu took a section of black wood root that was burning with flames and respectfully presented it.

Liu Xiaowen accepted the Guangmu token with a sense of joy.

Compared to other Taoist traditions, this one is extremely practical, with many ingenious uses in building palaces and raising spirit beasts. Like the Gen Earth, it can be used by any sect.

More importantly, there is the [Zhuolin] on the plain, which contains a dead tree nest containing rare spiritual wood such as [Wuyi Jinmu], which can only be neutralized by [Jichou] to obtain.

"It's a joyous occasion. This tradition, which has been neglected for so long, finally has a place to go."

His gaze shifted to Liu Yanyu, and he simply smiled:
"I've transferred you to the Sutra Repository, instead of the Waiting Hall. Are you settling in well?"

Liu Xiaowen looked at the other party. This Fire Crane was originally in charge of the Houhuo Hall, but since Wang Chengyan established his foundation, there was enough manpower and no shortage of a demon at the ninth level of Qi Refining, so she was transferred to the Scripture Pavilion.

"It's quite peaceful in the pavilion, there's not much to do. This pavilion is under the management of Elder Fayan, who finished organizing the Daoist scriptures long ago. My disciples and I are just doing some proofreading."

When Liu Yanyu spoke of this elder, her tone was half fear and half respect. Perhaps it was her keen senses as a spirit that allowed her to sense something was amiss.

'Fayan, I know not when, will return to the mountains.'

Liu Xiaowen's gaze sharpened slightly. The surrounding light was bright. He looked at the black wood spirit root in his hand and asked:
"Who is this person who has cultivated this vast wood, and what is its origin?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yanyu smiled slightly and respectfully replied:

"She is a woman from the Liu family of the Plain. She is now in the late stage of the Fetal Breathing stage and is about to refine Qi. She works at the Qi Sea Pavilion."

"The Liu family?"

Liu Xiaowen's heart stirred. Now, many disciples of the Liu family have joined the sect. This family is quite talented in the Wood Virtue path and can now cultivate this Guangmu technique.

“Call her over and bring her to the scripture pavilion to transmit the sacred texts.”

"Yes."

The flamingo respectfully agreed and immediately fled, heading towards Henghong Peak to bring the person back.

Liu Xiaowen went straight into the pavilion, which was brightly lit and exuded the smell of old paper. Many disciples greeted him, and he responded to each of them. He then went straight up the wooden steps to the top.

After passing through a portal entangled with lightning and sword light, one enters an elegantly furnished treasure room, filled with scriptures and other artifacts, all radiating light.

The "Yangsui Scroll of the God of Fire", "Kunwu Refining Essence Scripture", "The Daoist Outline of Heavenly Punishment", "The Primordial Thunder Void Law", and so on, are all here.

After searching for a short while, Liu Xiao soon found a dark black Daoist book with wood energy on it. It was the "Cultivation of the Heavenly Gods Scripture," a fifth-grade wood cultivation method that only reached the Foundation Establishment stage. It contained many secret methods to complement the Immortal Foundation, mostly related to construction and beast raising.

"The 'Guangmu' tree represents a nest, a palace, a place of rest and protection."

He flipped through the scripture and felt that it contained many mysterious things. This method was not only very useful, but also quite powerful in combat. It was only afraid of water, fire and thunder, but not afraid of metal.

At this moment, Liu Xiaowen walked out of this secret room and entered another room next to it. After waiting for a while, he saw Liu Yanyu leading a girl in a green dress.

He recognized the other party's Liu family lineage at a glance; indeed, in terms of appearance, it was practically the Liu family's trademark.

The woman was dressed only in a blue dress. She was only sixteen years old, but her beautiful face was rare in the mountains. She had arched eyebrows and a calm and composed air about her noble family background.

"Greetings, Elder. My name is Liu Lingxin, and I currently work at the Qi Sea Pavilion, where I am responsible for Qi gathering."

She was poised and graceful, remaining calm and composed even when she saw someone at the Foundation Establishment stage, without ever losing her composure.

"Qihai Pavilion is currently under Xingfang's management. He's out in the east slaying demons, so he doesn't have time to deal with your affairs."

Liu Xiaowen's voice echoed in the room, mentioning Liu Xingfang, which caused the woman in the green dress below to change her expression slightly.

Her eyes were lowered, and she said respectfully:

"Elder Xingfang is a senior disciple, but he never shows favoritism. The treatment of the disciples of the Liu family is no different from that of all the other disciples."

Liu Xiaowen nodded slightly, took out the scroll of "Cultivating the Divine Scripture," the [Flame Yin Root], and a wisp of spiritual energy, and handed them to the other party, saying in a deep voice:
"From this day forward, this [Flame Yin Root] will be given to you. With this spiritual object, your cultivation of Guangmu will be unimpeded. This scroll of cultivation technique is as high as the fifth grade, so you should pay more attention to cultivating it."

"I am grateful for your guidance and nurturing."

Her expression was somewhat moved at this moment. Although the clan had the "Avoid Wood" technique, it was not something that just anyone could master. Only a handful of people in each generation could master it.

In the past, the remaining members of the Liu family mostly sought out low-grade cultivation techniques of the A and B paths as a substitute, but now they are all joining the sect to seek the path of cultivation, and the clan leader also strongly supports this move.

This fifth-grade cultivation technique was the foundation of the Wu family's existence in the past, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she was never able to cultivate it. Now, however, the sect has easily resolved the problem, leaving her somewhat dazed.

“From this day forward, you no longer need to work at Qihai Pavilion. You may enter Zhuolin, where the energy of the trees is abundant and will enhance your cultivation.”

Liu Xiaowen immediately decided where the other party should go. This forest was very valuable, but it was not yet ready for exploitation, and only cultivators of the Guangmu Dao could dispel the death energy.

"Yes."

Liu Lingxin accepted the order and retreated under Liu Yanyu's leadership. At this time, only Liu Xiaowen remained in the room. He slowly stepped out and looked down at the scene below.

The lights were bright, and monks came and went.
-

Dajingyuan, located in the east. This place is near Wuhuang, and was once the site of Qinghuang Temple. It is also quite close to Biyeshan of the Liu family. It is mostly hilly and low mountains, with a landscape of green and yellow.

The earth's veins shifted and trembled, revealing huge, menacing cracks. Yellowish earth energy surged, from which many demonic spirits emerged.

Its nature is mostly broad wood, some are earth, its color is greenish-yellow, its shape is like a giant bird, some with one wing, some with one leg, all are broken and incomplete, its cultivation level ranges from embryonic breathing to foundation building, and there are quite a lot of them.

On the hilltop, Liu Xingfang held a large five-colored seal in his hand. He raised it high, and the Five Elements Mountain pressed down, making it impossible for the bird monsters in this area to escape.

Below, a dozen or so Qi Refining cultivators formed their own formations and methodically killed off the monsters one by one.

The leader was a man wielding a golden sword. He had already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining. Every time he made a move, bright golden Geng metal Qi burst forth, and with a single thrust of his sword, he would cleave these monsters in two.

It was Jiang Yuehong, who was already the most accomplished cultivator in the Jiang family, practicing the "Tiger's Seal Breaking Formation Scripture" of the Geng Metal path.

Geng (庚) represents metal used in warfare and killing, like swords, spears, and halberds. In the heavens, it is the autumn moon; on earth, it is the sharp edge of a military force. Nowadays, Geng metal is prominent in the world, and we are in a time of war and chaos. Those who cultivate this path will benefit greatly.

Liu Xingfang watched silently. He was quite satisfied with this disciple and had him train more in the portal formed by the [Free and Unfettered Sword Journey]. Now, he showed some signs of sword essence.

The sword cultivation within the sect relies on that sword gate, which was one of the three scenic spots of the former Crimson Bright Palace. In terms of progress in swordsmanship, it surpasses even the Great Wilderness Sword Pool of the former Empty Sword Sect.

Jiang Yuehong's talent wasn't top-notch, but thanks to the convenience of his cultivation path and the fact that Geng metal could nourish his swordsmanship, his cultivation progressed smoothly. Few in the sect were as successful as him.

"Master."

Jiang Yuehong sheathed his sword, then stepped forward to report, respectfully saying:
“The changes in the earth’s veins are becoming more and more intense, and there are more of these spirits than ever before.”

Liu Xingfang seemed to be deep in thought. Coming from the Liu family, he naturally knew what was buried beneath this plain. When Emperor Shu Wang fell, he transformed into a black bird and fell from the red clouds.

When the Qi Kingdom was about to fall, the last crown prince of the Great Qi, the Daoist Ye Lingxiao of Tianguang, was buried here. The grave was made of broad wood, and the coffin was made of wood. The formation within was so strong that even the Purple Mansion would find it difficult to break.

"We will make a decision after the master returns to the mountain. If things are beyond our control, we may have no choice but to open this tomb and find out where these monsters came from."

Liu Xingfang sighed. His clan had made a pact with the tomb spirits below, but they lost contact after the last demonic chaos and were unaware of the situation below.

His gaze swept across the area, and the monster bodies on the ground began to gradually dissipate, transforming into pure spiritual objects for the cultivators to collect.

“I have asked Protector Kongkong to keep watch here. If there are any changes, he will take action. I will go to Biye first. You all stay here and guard the place.”

"Yes."

The disciples readily accepted the order, and a faint breeze swept through the sky, dimming the sunlight for a moment.

Liu Xingfang felt a little relieved after placing the Five Elements Mountain here. Now he needed to go home to inquire about the changes to the large tomb below.

With a thought, he transformed into silver lightning and instantly headed towards Biye Mountain, landing directly on the main peak and in front of a small, verdant courtyard.

When the Liu family members in the mountains saw the newcomer, most of them were respectful and bowed. Liu Xingfang did not linger and went straight into the main courtyard.

Inside, a soft, shimmering blue light flickered. Liu Baiyuan sat at a stone table and chairs beneath a green willow tree. Upon seeing the newcomer, he seemed to have anticipated it, his expression remaining calm. He simply said:
"Xingfang".

"Brother."

Liu Xingfang then took his seat, directly opposite Liu Baiyuan. His expression was slightly solemn, and without any pleasantries, he asked directly:

"Has there been any changes to the underground tomb? There have been many changes on the plains recently, with spirits and monsters appearing frequently. This is probably the reason."

Upon hearing this, Liu Baiyuan's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice:

"The tomb beneath this vast plain has indeed changed."

When Liu Baiyuan talked about this matter, his expression was somewhat complicated. Although he was the head of the Liu family, if we were to talk about the foundation of the Liu family now, it would still be based on this cousin who held an important position in the Purple Mansion Immortal Sect.

Therefore, he was somewhat cautious in his speech, fearing that he might offend the other party. He carefully considered his words before continuing slowly:
"Dajing was originally the place where Emperor Wang's lifeblood remained, and it was already mysterious. Later, when the Qi Kingdom was about to perish, Emperor Gong of Qi perished along with Yinguang Palace. However, his own son plundered many palace treasures and died in this place."

When Liu Baiyuan talked about this matter, his face was filled with emotion. He had died in the blood of two generations of kings, which was quite rare in this place.

"I've heard that the most precious item buried with this person was a Blessed Spirit Pearl, which is used to preserve one's destiny. His body was hidden in a mysterious place and placed in a sacred coffin made of inauspicious wood."

"Something has changed now. Perhaps his body was found, but his fortune was incomplete, and he was averse to the essence of wood. Two imperial clansmen fell here one after another, which is why there are spirits from the Wu and Guang paths."

Liu Xingfang knew that what the other party said was true. There were many records of this matter in the clan's records. The spirit in the tomb was precisely the one that was protected by wood.

"In this way, when the real person returns, we can truly open this tomb and see what's inside."

A thought flickered in his mind: if the body were truly found, the spiritual treasures within would likely have been swept away long ago, and this was the most likely target.
It was naturally the Song family. The current imperial advisor cultivated the path of Blessing Qi, and his methods were unimaginably advanced.

When Liu Baiyuan saw that he had this idea, he did not stop him. These monsters came out every day, and they had to find a way to cut them off. Moreover, the situation of the tomb below was unknown, and the Liu family would not feel at ease staying on the plain.

The Liu family patriarch's expression was somewhat subtle at this moment. He seemed to want to speak but hesitated, as if he had a secret matter he wanted to discuss with his cousin, yet he also felt it was absurd.

Liu Xingfang naturally noticed that the other party's expression was off. Her gaze sharpened slightly, sweeping over him with an extremely piercing look. She simply said in a deep voice:
"Brother, is something on your mind? If there are any difficulties in the clan, you can tell me. As long as it is within the rules, I will help you."

Liu Baiyuan sighed and slowly took out a willow leaf that looked like green jade, covered with a layer of Taiyin Frost Essence.

Liu Xingfang recognized this thing, and after a quick glance, he noticed something was wrong.

"【Hanging Moon】is what transformed from a fallen creature? No, why is its vitality so abundant?"

Liu Baiyuan's gaze was deep and unfathomable as he looked at his cousin and whispered:

"I suspect that my father is still alive and has not perished."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xingfang was stunned. At first, she thought that the other party was lovesick and his mind was in turmoil, but then she thought of what happened to her senior brother Xiaowen and felt that it was somewhat possible.

Liu Baiyuan looked at the other party with a pleading expression, almost begging:

"It must be the work of Jade Flow Demon Mountain and White Green Cave. Xingfang, could you please ask the sect to intervene? My family's reputation is truly unacceptable."

Liu Xingfang stood up and looked towards the distant Jade Flow Demon Mountain. Over the years, the sect had been adjacent to these two demon kings, yet they had remained completely silent, which was truly strange.

“When the Master returns to the mountain, I will definitely report this matter to him. Our two families were on good terms in the past, and the Master will not sit idly by.”

Liu Baiyuan thanked him repeatedly, but a sense of desolation lingered in his heart. He thought to himself:
'Aunt Qingyun has also disappeared. The clan has completely severed ties with Yuliu. Father...'

(End of this chapter)