Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 1005 A Treasure Land Appears in the Far West

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, the phantom of the Soul Ancestor Banner swayed gently, and on the banner's surface, a refined and profound shadow appeared—it was Tai Xuan.

Its form is more solid and clear than before, and the divine soul fluctuations it emits have reached the fifth level of perfection, seemingly only one step away from the sixth level.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, it's been a long time." Tai Xuan's voice carried a sigh, but also a hint of joy at being reborn. "I never imagined that after falling into depravity and experiencing annihilation, I would have the day to meet and converse with you again..."

In the past, in order to help Chen Mu escape, he took a direct hit from the Purple Chen Immortal Venerable, and his soul and body were shattered. If it weren't for the fact that his original imprint was still in the core of the Soul Banner, he would have been completely annihilated in the world long ago. How could he have the opportunity to break through and rebuild today and to reach a higher level of cultivation?

As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune are interdependent; this is certainly true.

Chen Mu also clearly sensed the immense power and refinement of Tai Xuan's soul at this moment, a qualitative change, and sincerely praised, "Fellow Daoist, your rebirth is a blessing from the Great Dao, a cause for celebration. On the path of the Soul Dao, you have already glimpsed a higher level."

"Congratulations, congratulations," Tai Xuan said with a smile. "Your aura is deep and profound, your magic power is perfectly integrated and unimpeded, and your progress is also incredibly rapid."

Chen Mu waved his hand, then composed himself and focused his attention back on the present, his tone becoming serious: "What you just said, Fellow Daoist... was True Monarch Wei asking for the Netherworld-Suppressing Jade Talisman for a female cultivator's primordial spirit?"

“Indeed.” Tai Xuan’s voice was firm and solemn. “You may not be able to detect it because of the concealment of its secret treasure, but I am most sensitive to the fluctuations in the essence of the soul.”

"There is indeed a female cultivator's primordial spirit hidden within the soul-nourishing treasure in Wei Cangdong's arms! Just now, when the jade talisman was taken by her, the fluctuations of that primordial spirit suddenly became active, and the desire was almost revealed... There is no mistake about it."

Chen Mu nodded slowly, his doubts instantly dispelled.

In the realm of the divine soul, Tai Xuan's judgment is an authority.

Therefore, the identity of that female cultivator's primordial spirit... combined with the upheaval at Qizhen Temple... is actually quite obvious...

“Song Qin…”

Chen Mu's gaze fell once more on Wei Cangdong, who was carefully putting the black jade talisman into his robes. His eyes held a newfound understanding and a touch of utter indifference.

Regardless of why Song Qin came here or what her purpose was, now that Tai Xuan has seen through her true nature, her existence no longer poses any real threat to him.

Having figured out the reason for Wei Cangdong's strange behavior, coupled with the great surprise brought by Tai Xuan's awakening, Chen Mu felt much more at ease.

Meanwhile, Si Xuanshuang seized the opportunity and, together with everyone, distributed the remaining treasures on the jade platform.

Just as Wei Cangdong had predicted, the terrifyingly powerful broken immortal artifact, Broken Spear, was taken by Si Xuanshuang, and the scroll of the Zhenyou Dao Law, which was floating with dark gold runes, fell into Murong Xi's hands.

Fu Danian initially withdrew from the priority selection because Wei Cangdong had taken the jade talisman, but under the strong insistence of everyone, he finally took the "Nine Netherworld Jade Marrow," a deep blue jade containing pure Netherworld energy, into his possession.

Chen Mu then took the opportunity to retrieve the "Mysterious Yin True Qi" that was constantly changing shape and emanating the pure Yin essence. This item might be helpful for his understanding of the Yin-Yang transformation and the Yin-Yang transformation of the Water Element Law.

As for the three heroes of Cangshan, who were "ambitious beyond measure," they could only watch helplessly as Si Xuanshuang put away the broken halberd and finally received a few "Soul-Suppressing Ink Crystals" that were jet black and shiny with mysterious patterns naturally formed on their surface. At least they did not leave empty-handed.

Even so, the three brothers still gathered together, commenting on the black crystal in their hands, laughing so hard their eyes were practically closed.

"Hehe, second brother, look at this one of mine. It's shiny black, and the patterns look just like a fierce tiger coming down the mountain! Isn't it impressive?" Pang Yuanba proudly showed off a piece of black crystal to Hou Tong.

"Bah! How can a fierce tiger compare to my dragon-like pattern? Soaring straight to the heavens! Third brother, don't you agree?" Hou Tong retorted, raising his own dragon-like pattern and spitting as he spoke.

Zhu Mancang scratched the back of his head sheepishly, looked at his eldest brother, then at his second brother, and earnestly compared the black crystals in his hand: "My eldest and second brothers' are both good, but mine... um, it looks like a big eyeball! Staring wide open, it looks quite spirited!"

The three of them marveled at the "treasure" in their hands, as if they had received a great fortune, completely disregarding the opinions of others.

Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but chuckle, and suddenly found the three men's frankness quite amusing, instantly lightening the atmosphere in the group...

About half a cup of tea later, the entire Zhenyou Pavilion trembled slightly, as if it had completed its final mission.

The lingering Daoist energy on the white jade platform seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, blending seamlessly with the ancient spiritual energy that permeated the pavilion for millennia, silently intertwining and coalescing in the void.

The mysterious trajectories revealed themselves, ultimately giving rise to nine golden immortal symbols, each radiant with Taoist charm, which floated quietly above the jade platform, emitting a soft and sacred glow.

"Nine!" Fu Danian's eyes flashed with excitement, his voice brimming with anticipation. "If we can get a few more, perhaps all six of us can gather enough to break through to the third level..."

He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, his gaze unconsciously sweeping over the three heroes of Cangshan who were still grinning foolishly while holding the black crystal.

If the profits are shared with them, this wish will likely be difficult to fulfill.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the three heroes of Cangshan chuckled, exchanged knowing glances, and said in unison, "Fellow Daoists, please put your minds at ease! This so-called Golden Immortal Dao Marker sounds troublesome enough, and we three brothers have absolutely no interest in it. You can just take it and share it! Don't be shy!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback and looked at each other in bewilderment.

The core item of the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect's trial, yet some cultivators are avoiding it like the plague? This is simply unheard of.

Little did they know that the three heroes of Cangshan came here by sheer coincidence. They were dazzled by the vague concept of "immortal destiny" and entered without really intending to compete for any immortal sect inheritance.

The journey had been fraught with danger. If they hadn't felt that falling into the water at the very first hurdle was too humiliating, they would have turned back immediately. Now that they had obtained the Ink Crystal, they were already overjoyed and didn't care about the road sign anymore. They only felt that it was a hot potato.

The three did not explain the reason, and although Chen Mu and the others found it strange, they were happy to see it happen.

Fu Danian pondered for a moment, then laughed heartily: "Haha, you three fellow Daoists are truly righteous! In that case, I will give you this piece of 'Nine Netherworld Jade Marrow' in my hand, as a way to establish a good relationship and make amends!"

Without hesitation, he took out the deep blue jade marrow and handed it over.

The three heroes of Cangshan's eyes widened instantly, becoming even rounder than the black crystal in their hands. They were so overjoyed they almost jumped up: "Fellow Daoist, is what you say true?!"

"Of course! My word is my bond!" Fu Danian nodded with a smile.

Fearing he might change his mind, Pang Yuanba rushed forward and accepted the azure jade marrow with both hands as if it were a sacred object. Upon touching it, he felt a pure, chilling energy penetrate his very bones. Overjoyed, he whispered to his two brothers:
"Good treasure! Good treasure! Now that's great, let's go back to He Xian City and see if those arrogant fairies still dare to look down on us brothers for being poor... Hehe!"

Both parties get what they need and everyone is happy.

After Si Xuanshuang carefully put away the nine Dao Beacons, she surveyed the empty and silent ninth floor one last time to make sure nothing was missed, then led everyone back the way they came. They returned to the vast starry sky, where countless stars twinkled like grains of sand in the Ganges.

After a brief rest, everyone was in high spirits.

Si Xuanshuang lightly tapped the star map that appeared in front of her with her jade finger, her cold gaze sweeping across the star field, just about to choose the next place where spiritual energy gathered to set off.

But the three heroes of Cangshan rolled their eyes around a few times. Instead of saying goodbye and leaving, they followed closely behind the group, their faces full of almost fawning smiles.

They could clearly see that this group of people was not only ridiculously strong, but also acted with propriety and prioritized integrity, making them a hundred times better than the treacherous individuals they had encountered before who could stab them in the back at any moment.

If you can cling to this incredibly powerful figure, not only will you be safe, but you might even reap some unexpected benefits...

And how could the others not see through their little scheme? Their smiles grew even wider.

Such companions, who do not compete for the right path but only seek to "share the glory," and who may even serve as qualified human shields in critical moments, are naturally the more the better.

As for being slightly weaker? It's good to cheer them on and boost their morale.

Si Xuan Shuang's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, her cool voice carrying a hint of laughter: "It is fate that we have met. If you three have nothing else to do, why don't you travel with us for a while?"

"Excellent! We couldn't be happier! Fairy Si is truly kind-hearted!" The three heroes of Cangshan were overjoyed, nodding and bowing repeatedly, their flattery flowing like a never-ending river. "We are willing to serve you like dogs and horses!" "Fairy, just give the order, and we'll brave mountains of knives and seas of fire without batting an eye!"

Everyone smiled and didn't take these colloquialisms seriously.

As their eyes met, they transformed into streaks of dazzling light of various colors, breaking through the silent stardust and speeding away in the direction Si Xuan Shuang had just chosen.

However, this time, the entire group came to a slow stop in tacit agreement after traveling for less than half a day.

It wasn't an enemy attack, but rather the atmosphere permeating the starry sky that seemed exceptionally strange.

"Huh? Something seems off?" Fu Danian frowned, looking around with a puzzled expression.

It turned out that along their journey, they had encountered no fewer than ten groups of cultivators riding streams of light, which emerged from different directions, but all seemed to be attracted by an invisible magnet, rushing toward the same place—the deep star field in the far west.

These cultivators had different expressions: some were solemn as if facing a formidable enemy, some were excited and greedy, and some were eager to fall behind. But without exception, they all had a clear goal and a consistent direction, as if the deepest part of the Western Starfield was radiating some kind of irresistible, deadly attraction that could change everything.

Before they explored the Zhenyou Pavilion, the starry sky was a place where everyone was exploring on their own and occasionally fighting.

How long has it been? Could it be that something earth-shattering has happened deep within the star field during this time?
"Oh no!" Si Tengxiao's expression suddenly changed, and he exclaimed, "Could it be... that the entrance to the third level has appeared ahead of schedule?!"

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines; this guess was highly likely.

But they quickly realized something was amiss. If the entrance to the third level had truly appeared, He Zhiyun, as the core of the team, would normally have contacted them immediately through the Mother and Child Jade. Why had they remained silent until now?

Si Xuan Shuang frowned slightly, suppressing the restlessness rising in everyone's hearts, her eyes sweeping across the distance like lightning.

Just then, a group of extremely fast streaks of light, carrying a familiar aura, were flying towards their location. Judging from their path, they seemed to be joining the westward-flowing tide as well.

Si Xuan Shuang had a sudden thought and took the initiative to step forward, wanting to find out the reason.

The light arrived in an instant, then faded, revealing a man with a face like jade, wearing a lotus-shaped Taoist crown and holding a warm, jade-shaped bone fan. His demeanor was calm and elegant; who else could it be but Sun Daoren? Behind him, the cultivators of the Canghai Realm followed closely, their auras heavy and focused.

Only then did Chen Mu and the other two realize that after Sun Daoren entered the second level, he had temporarily separated from He Zhiyun because they were exploring in different directions.

Our meeting here at this moment may well mean that this stage of the process is nearing its end.

As Chen Mu had expected, when Sun Daoren saw the direction they were heading, a clear look of surprise crossed his face. Upon asking, he learned that they had just come out of a hidden space.

After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, Si Xuanshuang got straight to the point and inquired about the unusual activity in the west.

"Fellow Daoist Si, you all just missed a truly astonishing scene!" Daoist Sun gently waved his folding fan, his eyes still filled with amazement. "About an hour ago, deep within the far western star region, a burst of spiritual light suddenly shot into the sky, illuminating millions of miles of void! Its brilliance almost made the stars pale in comparison!"

"In my humble opinion, the last hundred Dao markers in the second level of the Golden Immortal's Legacy should most likely be found at the place where the spiritual light erupted! If you fellow Daoists search elsewhere now, I'm afraid... you will find little to gain."

Upon hearing this, Si Xuanshuang and the others nodded slowly, understanding in their hearts.

Si Xuanshuang asked, "Does True Lord Sun intend to explore that place?"

"Of course!" Sun Daoren replied readily, snapping his folding fan shut and pointing firmly to the western star field where the lingering spiritual light still lingered. "This humble Daoist is still lacking some guiding principles; how could I possibly miss such a crucial opportunity?"

"Moreover, such an earth-shattering phenomenon, even if it is not a sign of the Dao, is enough to make cultivators all over the world yearn for it and flock to it!"

His gaze swept over Chen Mu and the others, his warm smile carrying an invitation: "Fellow Daoists, don't hesitate any longer. Opportunities are fleeting. Why not come with me? By the way, where is Senior Brother He now? I'm sure he's also heading there."

Si Xuanshuang did not answer immediately, but instead took out the warm and smooth jade pendant and infused it with her magical power.

Before long, a rapid and clear fluctuation came from the jade stone in the palm of their hands. It was a message from He Zhiyun, asking everyone to immediately converge on his location. The urgency of the flashing light was unprecedented.

Si Xuan Shuang's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself, "Just as I thought."

She looked up at Sun Daoren and said decisively, "True Lord He is urgently summoning us to join him. Judging from the unprecedented urgency of his message, it must be closely related to the strange phenomena in the West. If True Lord Sun is not in a hurry, you may come with us."

The two families had a prior alliance and shared the same goal, so Sun Daoren had no objection. He clapped his hands and laughed, "That's exactly right. Since Senior Brother He has already taken the lead, then we'll trouble Fellow Daoist Si to lead the way. Let's hurry over and meet up to explore this last place of opportunity together!"

……

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(End of this chapter)