Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 984 Abandoning their crippled bodies, they all went to Qizhou
The sunlight and cloud shadows reflected on the white jade steps outside the main hall of Qizhen Temple.

Fu Danian, Wei Cangdong, and Song Qin walked out silently.

Fu Danian nodded to the two of them first, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity: "There is no time to lose. I will go and prepare our luggage and take stock of our protective items."

After speaking, his body flashed with light, and he transformed into a streak of light, rushing towards the distant cave.

Song Qin followed Wei Cangdong back the way they came, remaining silent the entire way. Beneath her lowered eyelids, her eyes were as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well, shimmering with an indescribable complex light.

Seeing this, Wei Cangdong sighed inwardly.

My junior sister suffered such a great calamity that her temperament became increasingly gloomy and obsessive. The pain of having her path severed is something that outsiders can hardly understand.

He slowed his pace and gently comforted her, "Junior sister, the path to enlightenment is long and uncertain. Although you have suffered this calamity, your primordial spirit is still intact. Our ancestor's methods are extraordinary, and there may be a day when you can inherit the Great Dao and reach new heights. There is plenty of time ahead, so do not lose heart."

Song Qin didn't believe such comforting words; she knew her own situation best.

Although Chen Mu showed mercy back then and did not damage her primordial spirit, her physical body was truly cut off from life.

Afterwards, the patriarch spent a lot of effort and used secret methods to reshape her body, which could barely contain her primordial spirit. It seemed like a "rebirth", but in reality, it was like a cage that locked up her remaining foundation of Dao. Not only was her vitality dimmed, but it also cut off any possibility of comprehending the profound mysteries of the Great Dao.

Therefore, this body not only does not benefit spiritual practice, but also becomes a burden.

Without extraordinary, miraculous fortune that defied the heavens, her life would have been destined to end here, merely a miserable existence.

Seeing that she remained silent, radiating an icy and deathly aura that kept people at a distance, Wei Cangdong shook his head inwardly, knowing that words of comfort were futile, and thus said no more.

The two remained silent the entire way until they returned to Wei Cangdong's hermitage.

In front of the cave, a clear spring flows gently, and exotic flowers bloom.

Song Qin, however, showed no intention of leaving and remained standing there.

Seeing this, Wei Cangdong had no choice but to say, "Junior sister, if you have nothing else to say, please go back. I am about to leave the mountain and need to prepare my magic treasures and pills. I also need to calm my mind and focus my spirit in preparation for the dangers of this journey."

Upon hearing this, Song Qin slowly raised her pale, bloodless face, her gaze fixed on Wei Cangdong. Her voice was low but carried a resolute, desperate determination:

"Senior Brother Wei, I have a request that you would like to make. I hope that you will grant it in consideration of our long-standing friendship as fellow disciples."

Wei Cangdong's heart skipped a beat, and he had already guessed what was going on. He replied in a deep voice, "Even if Junior Sister didn't say it, I was already prepared."

"This journey to the Upper Realm Immortal Sect's trial grounds is fraught with peril, yet also teeming with opportunities. I will certainly keep an eye out for you. If there are any rare and precious elixirs that can repair your Dao foundation and reshape the source of your life force, or any supreme and wondrous methods that resonate with your primordial spirit, I will do everything in my power to obtain them for you..."

He thought this promise would bring Song Qin some comfort, but to his surprise, she slowly shook her head, interrupting him.

Wei Cangdong's brows furrowed suddenly, his eyes filled with confusion: "Junior Sister, what do you mean by this?"

Song Qin took a deep breath and said clearly, word by word, "Junior sister... wishes to ask senior brother to take me with him!"

These words were like a thunderbolt from the blue.

Wei Cangdong was stunned, then his brows furrowed into a deep frown, and he said resolutely, "Junior sister, don't talk nonsense! There are only two spots available, and Fu Zhenjun and I have already made our decision."

"If you were to take his place, what would become of Fusheng's lineage? Not to mention that Senior Brother Tao and Senior Brother Luo would never agree, even Patriarch Dongzhu would absolutely not allow it!"

"Your foundation is currently unstable, and your primordial spirit and new body have not yet become one. This journey is fraught with unpredictable dangers. How much combat power can you possibly exert? Wouldn't that be a waste of a precious spot, and put yourself in a desperate situation?"

His words were urgent and realistic, each sentence hitting the nail on the head.

Song Qin remained unmoved. She took a step forward, lowered her voice, but became even more resolute: "Senior brother misunderstands. Junior sister does not intend to take that official spot!"

She paused, then, meeting Wei Cangdong's surprised and uncertain gaze, slowly said, "I am willing... to give up this crippled body! I only ask that my primordial spirit be allowed to temporarily reside in the 'Soul Nourishing Jade' and enter the trial grounds with you!"

"If we find a chance for a new life on this journey, then my junior sister's life is not meant to end. If we cannot find one... then let this remnant soul completely dissipate in the ruins of the upper realm, which is better than living like a walking corpse in this realm for a thousand years!"

Though the voice was soft, the intention was resolute.

Wei Cangdong was shocked and instinctively wanted to refuse sternly.

The primordial spirit leaving the body and attaching itself to another object is inherently extremely risky and requires constant nurturing and protection with one's own pure magical power.

In that treacherous "Corridor of Myriad Phenomena," the slightest mistake, whether he was in danger or unable to protect her, would cause Song Qin's primordial spirit to vanish in an instant, completely severing her chance for reincarnation!
This is simply... courting death!
However, when he saw the almost distorted determination on Song Qin's pale face, the words of refusal reached his lips but he couldn't utter them.

If I were in his shoes, and his path to immortality was cut off, leaving him in this state of neither life nor death, I would probably make the same choice, fighting for that slim chance of survival.

A long silence fell before the cave, broken only by the murmuring sound of the flowing spring.

After a long silence, Wei Cangdong sighed deeply, his voice filled with helplessness: "Junior sister... have you thought it through? This journey is fraught with peril, with no way back."

"Senior brother, please rest assured," a glint flashed in Song Qin's eyes, and her tone became strangely calm. "Since I have said this, I have thought it through thoroughly and my mind is made up. Even if my soul is scattered, I will have no regrets."

Wei Cangdong remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded and said heavily, "Fine... I agree, brother."

A faint smile finally appeared on Song Qin's pale face. She then said, "There is one more thing. I implore you, Senior Brother, not to tell Senior Brother Luo about this plan. If he finds out, he will definitely try his best to stop it under the pretext of 'preserving his life,' which may cause trouble."

Wei Cangdong recalled Luo Feng's typically steady and conservative nature, and indeed it was so.

He pondered for a long time, weighing the pros and cons, and finally could only nod again: "Alright... then we'll do as you say, junior sister. This matter... is between you and me."

……

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Sword Tomb of No Form, the Hall of Sharpening Edge.

Compared to when He Zhiyun arrived a few days ago, the scene inside the hall now includes more than ten figures with different appearances.

These new faces are all disciples of the scattered immortal lineages recommended by the Si Clan, the Ancient Thunder Pool, and the Sword Tomb of No Form. Each of them has an extraordinary demeanor and profound cultivation, and is at least at the middle stage of the Dao Seeking Realm or even close to the late stage.

As members of the same Xuandu Daoist lineage, we have met here by chance and are bound to exchange pleasantries and compliments.

For a time, the scene was filled with faint light, intertwined spiritual pressure, laughter and chatter, truly a gathering of cultivators, a magnificent spectacle.

Fu Danian and Wei Cangdong stood side by side, seemingly out of place amidst the hustle and bustle.

Fu Danian remained calm and composed, his gaze sweeping over the cultivators in the arena as he secretly assessed the situation. Wei Cangdong, on the other hand, kept his eyes closed and his mind focused, his aura restrained. Only the "Soul Nourishing Jade" hidden in his sleeve emitted a faint, chilling fluctuation, which he quietly blocked with his powerful magic.

As everyone chatted and laughed, their eyes kept glancing at the empty head seat in the hall.

They had come here without ever meeting the person in question, and were naturally very curious about the legendary celestial envoy from the upper realm. However, since there was no one to introduce them, they could only wait here with the others.

But no matter how long they waited, the person in question never appeared.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. A short while later, a venerable True Lord with a face as red as a jujube and a thick beard from the Golden Inlaid Sect, unable to contain himself any longer, stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to the Eastern Dao Master, True Lord Broken Gold, and spoke in a booming voice:

"Fellow Daoist Suijin, we have come from afar and gathered here to assist the Immortal Envoy in this important matter. Now that we are all here, may we ask the Immortal Envoy to show himself?"

Little did he know that Sui Jin was also puzzled, but since Palace Master Wu was in charge of this area, he couldn't speak out. Now that someone had brought it up, he couldn't hold back any longer.

He stood up and looked around, but did not see Wu Sanxiong. He frowned, beckoned to a Nascent Soul disciple on duty outside the hall, and asked, "Where is Hall Master Wu?"

The disciple quickly bowed and reported, "Reporting to True Lord, the Palace Master went to the Ancestor's place of seclusion early this morning to discuss matters. I have already sent someone to inform him, and I believe that the Palace Master will return as soon as he learns that all the True Lords have gathered."

Upon hearing this, Sui Jin could only nod. Since they were with the patriarch, it was not appropriate to urge him.

He pondered for a moment and then instructed, "In that case, go quickly to the 'Listening to the Waves Pavilion' where the Immortal Envoy is staying and inform him that all the fellow Daoists have arrived and respectfully request the Immortal Envoy to move to the Sharpening Peak Hall to discuss the overall situation."

Unexpectedly, the disciple's face immediately showed a troubled expression. After hesitating for a moment, he truthfully reported, "Reporting to True Lord, this... I'm afraid it won't work."

"About an hour ago, Envoy He left the mountain gate, saying before he left that he was going to invite a fellow Daoist to join in the grand event... Palace Master Wu also knows about this."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, not only was True Monarch Shattered Gold stunned, but everyone present was also secretly moved.

Invite like-minded people?

Who could be so worthy of the Celestial Envoy's personal invitation from the mountain? Could it be that the Celestial Envoy has some old acquaintance or friend hidden in this realm?
For a moment, the dozen or so Dao Inquiry True Monarchs in the hall looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment, and a hint of indescribable... injustice and bitterness.

Which of them isn't a high-ranking and renowned figure in their respective lineages? They have already gone to great lengths to obtain this opportunity and have received considerable favors from the three major immortal sects.

Who would have thought that the person in charge would not only not be waiting here, but would leave the mountain early to invite someone else... The difference in treatment is too great!
Murong Xi stood quietly beside Si Xuanshuang, observing coldly.

Although she didn't say anything, she understood perfectly.

The cultivators inside the hall maintained their composure on the surface, but the displeasure and hidden resentment in their eyes were already completely exposed...

Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Wu Sanxiong appeared at the door.

"Palace Master Wu!" Everyone greeted him, and the atmosphere eased slightly.

After exchanging pleasantries, someone finally couldn't contain their curiosity. It was none other than the Golden-Bearded True Lord of the Golden Inlaid Sect who had spoken earlier, who asked again, "Palace Master Wu, the immortal envoy is going to invite fellow cultivators... I wonder who this invited person is?"

Wu Sanxiong's eyes flashed like lightning as he scanned the expressions of everyone in the hall, and he understood immediately.

He laughed loudly, stroked his long beard, and said in a clear, pointed voice, "Haha, fellow Daoists, please don't take offense. The person invited by the Immortal Envoy is far more renowned than any of you here, and even I... am probably far inferior to him!"

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, everyone's curiosity was piqued even more.

"Could it be the 'True Lord Xihua' from Yuzhou, who has cultivated diligently for three thousand years and reached the state of perfection?"

An elder of the Chongxiao Sect speculated.

Xi Hua Zhenjun is a leading figure among independent cultivators, possessing formidable strength and a far-reaching reputation. He seems to be the most suitable candidate to be "not from one of the three major immortal sects yet renowned."

Wu Sanxiong shook his head with a smile: "No, no."

"Who else could it be?" The crowd discussed animatedly, urging each other on.

Only a handful of people, including Murong Xi, furrowed their brows almost imperceptibly, and a name instantly came to mind.

Seeing that the time was right, Wu Sanxiong stopped teasing him, chuckled, and glanced at Fu and Wei, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally:

"Have you all forgotten that twenty-eight years ago, outside the Three Immortals Valley in Qizhou, the one who, with only the initial stage of the Dao Seeking Realm, killed a mid-stage cultivator and even shook a perfected cultivator, making his name famous throughout Xuandu—Chen Mu, True Lord Chen?"

"Chen...Mu?!"

A chorus of low gasps and gasps of surprise filled the hall.

Everyone had different expressions, but they all subconsciously looked at Fu Wei and his companion.

Outsiders may not know the inside story, but those present were all key figures in their respective lineages, and they had all heard about Qizhen Temple's efforts to promote Chen Mu's name to enhance its prestige back then.

Those legendary achievements of "slaying mid-level enemies" and "shaking perfect opponents" are probably more exaggerated than substantial in the eyes of the public!
At that moment, a True Lord surnamed Li couldn't help but jokingly say:
"Palace Master Wu has been negligent in this matter. Why don't you explain this clearly to the Celestial Envoy?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Fu and Wei, his eyes filled with mockery.

Wu Sanxiong smiled but remained silent, appearing unfathomable.

Lei Heng, who was standing to the side, seized the opportunity and said with a smile, "True Lord Li, you are mistaken. The name of that True Lord Chen Mu may be a bit exaggerated, but the ability to kill a mid-level cultivator in battle is undeniable. He does have that skill."

His words, though seemingly fair, actually carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Li laughed and said with a hint of flattery, "True Monarch Lei flatters me. It was just the killing of an ordinary mid-stage cultivator who had not even condensed a Dao Fruit."

"Such a record, let alone True Lord Lei, even I, Li, believe that I could probably achieve it if I went all out! So what is there to mention?"

Upon hearing this, several suppressed chuckles echoed in the hall, and the faces of the two men from Qizhen Temple instantly turned ashen.

Whether it was bringing fame to Chen Mu or Song Qin being killed by Chen Mu, these were all matters concerning their Qizhen Temple. To be discussed like this clearly showed that they were not taken seriously...

Just then, a clear, cold voice suddenly rang out, carrying a sharp, piercing edge that instantly drowned out the laughter in the hall:

"Fellow Daoist Li!"

Murong Xi stepped out from the crowd, her face as cold as frost. Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, were coldly locked onto the True Lord Li. Although her sword intent had not yet been unleashed, it had already caused the surrounding temperature to drop several degrees.

"Judging from your eloquent speech just now, every word you uttered seemed to show considerable disdain for the disciples of the Azure Tide Pavilion? Since you look down on my junior brother's meager achievements, why don't you..."

She sneered, her voice suddenly rising, sharp and undeniable: "You and I have already had our duel right here in this hall! Let me see just how much you're really capable of, aside from your ability to gossip behind people's backs! Do you dare?"

The final "Dare you or not?" was like a sharp sword being drawn from its sheath, piercing straight into the mind of the True Lord Li!
The smile on Li Zhenjun's face froze instantly, turning bright red like a rooster being choked.

He considered himself to be quite strong, but facing this renowned disciple of Biluo Pavilion, whose Dao Fruit "Life-Giving Cloud and Water Sword" was mysterious and unpredictable, he didn't even have a 30% chance of winning. Wouldn't going up there be humiliating himself?
"This... True Lord Murong, you flatter me! I... I have absolutely no intention of belittling your esteemed establishment! It's just... it's just..."

He stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. Under Murong Xi's icy gaze, he retreated repeatedly, finally shrinking back into the crowd in a disheveled state, never daring to show his face again.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost suffocating.

Murong Xi hadn't even drawn her sword yet, but she had already stunned the entire audience.

Seeing the atmosphere become tense, Wu Sanxiong quickly chuckled and tried to smooth things over:
"Alright, alright, it's all a misunderstanding. True Lord Murong, please calm down. Fellow Daoist Li meant no harm. Since Immortal Envoy He has only recently departed, fellow Daoists, rather than waiting here and having your minds unsettled, why don't you..."

He glanced at everyone and suggested, "Why don't we all set off together towards Qizhou to greet them? That way we can fulfill our proper etiquette... What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, Murong Xi snorted coldly, exchanged a glance with Si Xuanshuang beside her, and together they rushed out of Lifeng Hall, tearing through the sky and heading straight for Qizhou!

Immediately afterwards, Fu Danian and Wei Cangdong also clasped their fists in a salute to Wu Sanxiong, their bodies surging with light as they followed him out of the main hall.

Seeing the two groups of people leave, the remaining people in the hall immediately became restless.

Curiosity, resentment, a desire to watch the spectacle, and even a desire to curry favor or test the waters... all sorts of thoughts intertwined.

It's unclear who started it, but more than ten streaks of light of different colors lit up almost simultaneously, rushing out of Lifeng Hall in a frenzy.

In an instant, all sorts of colorful streaks of light, like a dazzling rain of stars, ripped through the sky above the Sword Tomb of No Form, shooting off towards Qizhou in a mighty torrent...

……

(End of this chapter)