Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 983 Another village has a bright future

He Zhiyun's interest deepened: "Oh? I'd like to hear more."

The disciple composed himself and whispered, "When you were in the Lifeng Hall just now, did you notice the female True Lord standing next to Senior Si, whose temperament was as aloof as a fairy in the clouds?"

He Zhiyun said, "Of course I'll keep an eye on it. That fellow Daoist has a unique aura and an inner sword intent. He doesn't seem to be a member of the Si clan."

"Immortal Envoy, please see the truth!"

The disciple nodded quickly, "His name is Murong Xi. Although he is not from Xuandu, he comes from the Biluo Chaosheng Pavilion in Dongdu. His Dao Fruit, the 'Life-Giving Cloud and Water Sword,' is mysterious and unparalleled. His strength is incomparable, and he is no less than Senior Si."

"Moreover, she also follows the path of the sword, and is a sword cultivator like True Monarch Shattered Gold. If they were to truly face off, I'm afraid... the outcome would be unpredictable, and it would surely be a fierce battle!"

He ultimately dared not make any definitive statements, after all, Murong Xi's reputation and strength were undeniable.

He Zhiyun nodded to indicate that he understood. As long as it could help him, he didn't care whether Murong Xi was from Xuandu or not.

Then, seemingly casually, he asked, "So, this person is the one you mentioned who was hesitant?"

Upon hearing this, the disciple's expression became even more complex. He subconsciously shook his head, lowering his voice to an even more subdued tone, "No... there is another... that one... is truly unfathomable..."

He Zhiyun raised an eyebrow, his curiosity fully aroused.

The disciple took a deep breath, as if to calm his mind, and slowly said, "This person and that Cloud Nether Sword Master are from the same school, both being outstanding disciples of the Azure Tide Pavilion. But if we talk about the reputation he has made in Xuandu... he is probably ten times, a hundred times, greater than True Lord Murong!"

A hint of surprise flashed in He Zhiyun's eyes: "Ten times, a hundred times? What do you mean by that?"

The disciple's eyes gleamed: "This matter happened nearly thirty years ago, but no one in the Xuandu cultivation world has forgotten it to this day."

"It is said that back then, the struggle between Fusheng and Liangyi Temple in Qizhou Three Immortal Valley should have been a crushing defeat. It was this person who, with only the initial stage of the Dao Seeking Realm, made a bold move and killed a great cultivator in the middle stage of the Dao Seeking Realm. Moreover, he fought against a senior in the perfect stage of the Dao Seeking Realm for a long time without being defeated! He managed to hold the situation and preserve the Fusheng lineage for Qizhen Temple."

He paused, his tone filled with barely suppressed emotion: "The opening ceremony of Qizhen Temple was the subject of much discussion and inquiry among countless cultivators. In just over a month, its name swept across the entire Xuandu, becoming known to everyone!"

"Even today, when people in the Xuandu cultivation world mention this person, they still admire and praise him greatly. They all say... they all say that he is an unparalleled example of overcoming the strong with the weak and defeating those in higher realms in the Dao Inquiry Realm!"

He Zhiyun listened quietly, and deep within his eyes, the profound nebula seemed to swirl slightly.

In truth, he could also achieve such a feat, but since his opponent's reputation had spread throughout Xuandu, there might be aspects where he couldn't match him...

He pressed further, asking, "What is this person's name?"

The disciple dared not conceal the truth, and with heartfelt respect, bowed and solemnly replied, "Chen Mu, True Lord Chen!"

“Chen…Mu…”

He Zhiyun repeated the name softly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, as if trying to pierce through the endless sea of ​​clouds and space to see the figure of the person.

His face still held that gentle smile, but his fingertips subtly twitched within the wide sleeves of his robe.

He asked no more questions, nor spoke any more, but simply continued forward with the disciple who was leading the way. Only those two words, like a pebble thrown into a deep pool, quietly rippled outwards in the calm lake of his heart, creating circles of elusive waves...

……

Meanwhile, Si Xuanshuang hurriedly returned to the Taiyin Si clan's territory from Lifeng Palace without lingering for long.

Once the elders in charge of the clan had gathered, they explained in detail He Zhiyun's request for more manpower, and also revealed their plan to recommend Qizhen Temple and other scattered immortal sects.

Upon hearing that the number of slots had changed from scarce to plentiful, and that Si Xuan Shuang held some power in selecting candidates, the clan elders weighed the pros and cons and finally gave their approval.

After all, it's good for the Si clan to both curry favor with emerging powers and diversify risks.

Having received the clan's approval, Si Xuan Shuang did not rest for a moment. She immediately transformed into a dazzling silver-blue streak of light, tearing through the sky and heading straight for Qizhou.

She pushed her speed to the limit, her heart filled with urgency. Her body transformed into a streak of light, and wherever she passed, the clouds parted and the howling winds retreated. In just a day and a half, the scene of the Three Immortal Valley bathed in rosy light came into view.

The gate of Qizhen Temple is majestic, and the three characters "Qizhen Temple" on the lintel of the Xuanyu Gate exude a Taoist charm.

Tao Fengbian and Luo Feng, who were in charge of daily affairs, were both surprised by the sudden visit of Si Xuanshuang, a direct descendant of the Taiyin Si clan.

"Si Xuan Shuang? Why would she come in person?" Tao Feng put down the jade slip in his hand, his brows furrowing slightly.

Several months ago, he visited the Si clan with a personal letter from Dongzhu Xianjun, speaking earnestly, asking only to secure a chance for Qizhen Temple to participate in the selection process.

Although Si Xuanshuang was polite at the time, her refusal was very clear. She said that the number of places was limited and there were too many monks and too few porridges even within the three major immortal sects, so it was really difficult to allocate them.

Although the people of Qizhen Temple were unwilling, they had no choice but to secretly give up this idea.

Luo Feng's eyes also flickered, and he said in a deep voice, "There must be a reason for this unusual situation. Lord Fu, please welcome him and do not be impolite."

Upon hearing this, Fu Danian immediately stood up and strode out to greet him.

Taking advantage of this lull, Tao Feng turned to Luo Feng and transmitted his voice, "Si Xuan Shuang's identity is extraordinary. Since she has come in person, should we ask True Monarch Qi to come out of seclusion and oversee the meeting?"

Luo Feng pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "Uncle Qi is in seclusion at a critical juncture, and we must not disturb him easily. Moreover, Si Xuan Shuang's purpose in coming here is unclear, and it is still unknown whether it will bring good or bad fortune. Let's observe the situation first and act accordingly."

Not long after, Fu Danian led Si Xuanshuang into the main hall of Qizhen Temple.

Tao Fengbian and Luo Feng dared not be negligent and quickly rose to greet him with the courtesy due to equals:
"Fellow Daoist Si's presence is a great honor to our humble abode. We apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality and hope you will forgive us."

Si Xuanshuang returned the greeting with a smile, her clear and cold voice like shattered jade striking ice: "Fellow Daoist Tao and Fellow Daoist Luo, you are too kind. I am sorry to have taken the liberty of visiting you and disturbing your cultivation."

As the host and guests took their seats, a young boy served them fragrant tea.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Si Xuanshuang put down her teacup, glanced at the three True Lords in charge of Qizhen Temple, and got straight to the point: "To be honest, the reason I came here today is to address the unfinished matter that Fellow Daoist Tao mentioned when he visited last time."

Upon hearing this, Tao Feng and the other two were all shocked. Their eyes lit up instantly, and countless thoughts flashed through their minds, eventually converging into an unbelievable guess: "Could it be... that there has been a change in this matter?"

Tao Feng, having grown stronger, suppressed the surging excitement in his heart and maintained a calm demeanor, tentatively asking, "Oh? What do you mean by that, Fellow Daoist Si? Could it be that the selection process... has undergone a new change?"

His voice was steady, but his fingertips unconsciously caressed the warm, smooth jade armrest.

Si Xuan Shuang smiled slightly, calm and composed: "Indeed, Immortal Envoy He has already descended upon the Sword Tomb of No Form, but..."

She paused deliberately, and seeing the three of them holding their breath, she continued, "The celestial envoy made it clear that the dangers of this trip far exceed our expectations. To ensure our safety, the number of people needed has greatly increased, and the previous limit on the number of participants has been lifted."

She didn't fully reveal He Zhiyun's specific demands within the Lifeng Hall and the considerations of the three major immortal sects. She only selected key information, frankly stating the result of a significant increase in the number of places, and casually adding:

"I am grateful for the trust of the Immortal Envoy, and I am also grateful for the good relationship between your temple and my Si clan. Furthermore, I remember the sincere heart of Fellow Daoist Tao on that day. Xuan Shuang happens to have some power of recommendation. After much consideration, I have come to think of the Qizhen Temple, which has a newly established lineage and is full of outstanding talents. This is the perfect opportunity."

"Therefore, Xuan Shuang took it upon herself to come immediately."

These words not only highlighted the "good news" of a significant increase in the number of places, but also cleverly attributed Qizhen Temple's ability to obtain this opportunity to his own initiative in "remembering old friendships" and "valuing Qizhen's potential," thus subtly increasing the weight of this favor and making the three people in Qizhen Temple feel grateful and fortunate.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Tao Feng and the other two were instantly overjoyed.

It is true that when you think there is no way out, you will find another village with willows and flowers!
Just when they had been desperately seeking it and had given up, this incredible opportunity unexpectedly came knocking on their door!

Could it be that Qizhen Temple is truly blessed with good fortune and favored by Heaven?

Tao Fengbian suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Si Xuanshuang, his tone extremely sincere: "Fellow Daoist Si is so righteous. The entire Qizhen Temple will never forget this kindness and affection!"

"I have seen that the three 'Nine-Turn Jade Marrow Fungus' that I promised, as well as the many other gifts, remain unchanged, and the delivery can be completed immediately!"

"From this day forward, Qizhen Temple is willing to form an eternal alliance with the Taiyin Si clan and support each other!"

He reiterated and increased his stakes without hesitation, and also expressed a strong intention to form an alliance.

Luo Feng and Fu Danian followed closely behind, bowing respectfully to express their gratitude.

Si Xuan Shuang accepted the gift without hesitation, her smile deepening. This was the affection and promise she wanted.

After the three of them calmed down a bit, she nodded and said, "Fellow Daoist Tao, you flatter me. Helping each other is the duty of cultivators in Xuandu."

She changed the subject, returning to the main point: "I wonder how many fellow Daoists your esteemed temple intends to send this time?" Tao Feng's mind raced, suppressing his excitement, he tentatively asked in a low voice: "The number of slots has increased significantly... but I wonder if the Immortal Envoy and Fellow Daoist Si have permitted us to send a few?"

Si Xuanshuang's arrival was preordained. She extended two slender fingers and replied with a smile, "If your temple is willing, we can send two Daoist True Lords to accompany us this time."

"Two people?!" Tao Feng and the other two exchanged glances, all beaming with joy.

This is much better than they had hoped to achieve a result that would have been considered a stroke of luck.

He immediately nodded in agreement, "I'm willing! Of course I'm willing! Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist Si!"

Having achieved her goal with great success, Si Xuan Shuang still had another loose immortal sect she needed to contact, so she could not linger.

She rose gracefully: "In that case, Xuan Shuang will take her leave first. Please make sure to meet at the Lifeng Hall of the Wuxiang Sword Tomb five days from now at Chen Shi (7-9 AM). Do not delay."

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Si, we will definitely meet the deadline!"

Tao Feng and the other two hurriedly saw them off, being very attentive all the way to the outside of the mountain gate. They watched the cold, clear moonlight disappear into the horizon in an instant before turning back.

Back in the council hall, the three men still had a flushed, excited look on their faces.

Luo Feng instructed his standing disciple, "Quickly summon Junior Brother Wei Cangdong!"

A moment later, steady footsteps could be heard outside the hall.

Wei Cangdong, dressed in a dark blue Daoist robe, exuded an aura even more refined and sharp than before. He stepped into the hall, cupped his hands, and said, "Senior Brother Tao, Senior Brother Luo, what brings you here?"

Behind him followed a female cultivator who appeared rather slender.

The woman was dressed in a plain white Taoist robe and wore a lotus crown. Her face still showed traces of her former beauty, but her complexion was as pale as paper and bloodless, as if she had just recovered from a serious illness or had not seen the light of day for a long time.

Although her aura also belonged to the Dao Inquiry Realm, it exuded an indescribable emptiness and coldness, and deep in her eyes, there was a lingering obsession and resentment.

If Chen Mu were to see this, he would be astonished. This woman was none other than Song Qin, whom he had swiftly and decisively killed outside the Three Immortals Valley, leaving only her primordial spirit!
Unexpectedly, he is now standing here alive and well. Although he shows no signs of life, he is no different from a living person.

The fact that he could be brought back to life demonstrates the extraordinary abilities of the Immortal Lord Dongzhu.

Unfortunately, this reborn body ultimately had an irreparable rift with its original Dao foundation and divine soul, its vitality dimmed, and its path to enlightenment tarnished...

"Junior Brother Wei." Luo Feng spoke first, but upon seeing Song Qin behind Wei Cangdong, his expression changed, and he stood up with concern:
“Junior Sister Song? Your primordial spirit and new body are not yet firmly integrated, and your foundation is still weak. Why did you come here? You should be cultivating quietly in the ‘Nourishing Essence Cave’.”

When Tao Fengbian and Fu Danian saw Song Qin, a complex and awkward feeling swept through their hearts. Therefore, they remained expressionless and only nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Song Qin waved her hand, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hoarseness and weakness, yet also a deliberate sharpness:
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. Junior Sister is fine. I heard that distinguished guests from the Si Clan have come to visit. Could it be... that there has been some progress in the selection process in the Upper Realm?"

Seeing her insistence, Luo Feng didn't try to persuade her any further. He turned to Wei Cangdong and smiled again: "Exactly! Heaven blesses Qizhen! Fellow Daoist Si Xuanshuang has come in person and said that the number of places has increased significantly. I think we can send two people to participate. I summoned Junior Brother Wei here to instruct him on this matter."

After nearly thirty years of development, Qizhen Temple, relying on the rich legacy of Sanxian Valley and the presence of Dongzhu Immortal Lord, has already cultivated a considerable number of newly promoted Daoist True Lords.

However, the true lineage, those who truly earned the trust of Dongzhu Immortal Lord and were regarded as the core of the Daoist tradition, were still the original people from the time when Fusheng and Liangyi Temples were merged.

Such extraordinary opportunities that lead directly to the upper realms should not be allowed to be touched by newly promoted elders with shallow foundations.

The candidates could only be selected from Tao Fengbian, Luo Feng, Fu Danian, Wei Cangdong, and the newly emerging Song Qin.

Among them, Qi Yunsu's seclusion in search of a breakthrough is crucial to the future top combat power of the sect and must not be taken lightly.

Tao Fengbian and Luo Feng, as the actual leaders of the temple, were burdened with worldly affairs and their own potential in the path of cultivation was nearing its limit. Participating in such a dangerous trial would not be cost-effective, so they were excluded.

That leaves Fu Danian and Wei Cangdong as the most suitable candidates.

Upon hearing this, Wei Cangdong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he stepped forward: "Is this true? Fellow Daoist Si, did you say when we will depart?"

His voice was steady, yet it couldn't hide a hint of anticipation.

The path to enlightenment is long and arduous; who wouldn't yearn for such an opportunity?

Luo Feng replied, "We shall meet at the Sharpening Hall of the Sword Tomb of Wuxiang five days from now."

"Five days?" Wei Cangdong raised his eyebrows, slightly surprised. "So urgent?"

He had thought that the selection process for the celestial envoys would take a long time to prepare, but he never expected that they would set off within just a few days.

Luo Feng didn't explain much, but took a deep breath and looked at Wei Cangdong with an extremely solemn expression. He said in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Wei, this trip is no small matter. It involves the immortal sects of the upper realm. Its dangers are unpredictable and far beyond those of the secret realms of the lower realm."

"You must always remember to prioritize the preservation of your own life and conduct, never be greedy for quick success or rash, and never trust others too easily!"

He paused, lowered his voice even further, and said with a profound meaning that only a few could understand: "If there is an opportunity... pay close attention to whether there is a lineage of immortal techniques from the upper realm that aligns with the lineage of my sect... This is the unspoken instruction of our patriarch."

Qizhen Temple is ultimately just a newly emerging loose immortal lineage in Xuandu, with a shallow foundation. Although Dongzhu Immortal Lord Yan Kong is strong, he is limited by his loose immortal status, and his path to immortality is already close to its peak.

However, if one wishes to go further, truly join the ranks of the top forces in Xuandu, and even glimpse higher realms and obtain a more complete immortal inheritance, then there is no other way.

This trial, involving the Upper Realm Immortal Sect "Nine Peaks Immortal Sect," is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

After saying that, Luo Feng suddenly remembered that Fu Danian was also among the candidates, and turned to him and said, "The same goes for True Lord Fu, so please be careful."

This subtle difference in order and address, though Fu Danian's expression remained unchanged, couldn't help but elicit a cold sneer in his heart.

Nearly thirty years have passed, and the old members of Fusheng and Liangyi have jointly upheld the lintel of Qizhen Temple, seemingly having long since merged into one.

However, when it comes to the true core interests and the will of the founder, the invisible barriers and differences in closeness and distance remain as clearly discernible as the undercurrents beneath the ice.

Perhaps, only when the next generation or even the generation after that grows up will it be possible to completely erase the traces of the two sects and truly establish a unified temple...

Fu Danian and Wei Cangdong exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity and determination in each other's eyes, and nodded in unison: "We understand!"

The atmosphere inside the hall became solemn for a moment.

Song Qin, who was standing to the side, seemed not to care much about these instructions and the so-called "inheritance of immortality".

On her slightly eerie, pale face, only resentment at the severing of her own path and deep-seated hatred for a certain name lingered.

Now that the important matter was settled, the long-suppressed resentment finally found a crack and transformed into a snort of laughter:
"Heh... What is meant to be ours will eventually belong to us."

"Seeking help from outsiders? And what was the result? It was only through our honest interactions with our fellow disciples that we gained the favor of the Si clan and earned this opportunity! And yet... and yet our sect went to great lengths to promote him, which only made him famous and renowned as 'Invincible in the Dao'... It's truly laughable!"

Her voice was not loud, but every word was like an ice pick, piercing the brief silence in the hall and pointing directly to the name that Qizhen Temple had deliberately promoted—Chen Mu!
Luo Feng's expression changed drastically, and he shouted sternly, "Junior Sister! Stop talking nonsense!"

He was greatly alarmed. The strategy of making Chen Mu famous was personally devised by the ancestor Dongzhu Immortal Lord, who intended to use the power of Biluo Chaosheng Pavilion to intimidate all sides. How could Song Qin presume to guess the deeper meaning behind it?

Not to mention that if such a direct expression of resentment were to get out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Tao Fengbian's expression also darkened, and his sharp gaze swept towards Song Qin.

Startled by Luo Feng's stern rebuke, and seeing Tao Feng's displeased expression, Song Qin realized that she had spoken out of turn and violated some taboo.

She shut her mouth reluctantly, but her eyes, filled with resentment and unwillingness, still revealed that her inner anger had not subsided.

If it weren't for Chen Mu, how could she have ended up with her Dao body destroyed and her Dao foundation damaged, forced to live in this inhuman and ghostly state? And the sect even needs to borrow that person's name!
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the atmosphere was heavy and subtle.

Tao Fengbian, Luo Feng, Fu Danian, Wei Cangdong, and Song Qin stood in the hall, each with a different expression.

The sunlight streaming through the palace gates cast their long shadows across the smooth, mirror-like ground, intertwining yet clearly distinct.

The wisps of smoke rising from the incense burner blurred the complex and unspoken expressions on everyone's faces. Only the silent undercurrents, beneath the joy of this newly acquired opportunity, flowed quietly...

……

(End of this chapter)