Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 987 Crossing the Void Star Chart
Just as the awkward atmosphere was about to engulf Lei Heng, Dong Yi, who was standing to the side, finally couldn't stand it anymore.

He cursed Lei Heng's stupidity in his heart, but on the surface he had no choice but to step forward and clean up the mess.

He stepped forward, bowed deeply to He Zhiyun high in the sky, and his loud voice broke the silence:

"Immortal Envoy! Fellow cultivators have been summoned and gathered here. May I ask if you have any further instructions or instructions? If there is nothing else, shouldn't we set off back to the Sword Tomb to discuss the trial plan together?"

He deliberately steered the conversation back to the main topic, attempting to divert everyone's attention.

He Zhiyun took in everything below, his gentle, spring-like smile unchanged, as if the little farce had never happened.

He nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Chen Mu, and said gently:
“What Fellow Daoist Dongyi said is quite right, but why go through all this trouble again? Fellow Daoist Chen,” he turned to Chen Mu, his tone respectful and consultative, “you fellow Daoists have come from afar and gathered at the foot of this precious mountain. I would like to ask if it would be alright for you to stay here for a while, meet with you all, get to know each other, and exchange pleasantries.”

If he finishes his business here as soon as possible, he can leave early to prepare for his trip to the "Corridor of Myriad Phenomena".

Chen Mu remained calm, as if all the commotion just now had nothing to do with him.

He smiled slightly, and with a flick of his sleeve, the invisible barrier enveloping Huiyan Mountain quietly dispersed like a water curtain, revealing the serene and elegant mountain path and pavilions below.

"True Lord He, you flatter me. Cold Mountain is simple, but we are grateful for the kindness of all fellow Daoists. Please—"

The word "please" is simple and understated, yet it exudes a sense of composure and ownership.

In an instant, the crowd below felt as if they had been granted a pardon and descended from the clouds.

Whether they were filled with awe, curiosity, or hidden thoughts, they temporarily put them aside, put on sincere or polite smiles, and after bowing to Chen Mu, the host, they walked in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, along the mountain path into the beautiful and spiritually rich Huiyan Mountain.

High in the sky, only Lei Heng remained, his face shifting between pale and flushed, appearing particularly desolate and wretched in the biting wind.

He glared fiercely in the direction Chen Mu had disappeared, but in the end, he could only grit his teeth, transform into a somewhat hasty streak of lightning, and slink away to catch up with the main group...

……

On a wide viewing platform halfway up the mountain, the snow has been swept away by an invisible force, revealing the warm, smooth bluestone ground.

As the group searched for the table, some sat and some stood. He Zhiyun, as the core, spoke privately with each of the Xuandu True Lords who came, exchanging names and expressing their expectations.

The atmosphere, though deliberately created, actually felt quite harmonious.

After a long while, He Zhiyun looked around, his gaze sweeping over the nearly twenty Xuandu True Lords with different auras before him. He silently assessed them and couldn't help but nod in approval.

While this elite force of this size is still not comparable to those fellow disciples with deep roots in the Upper Realm, it is still quite remarkable. Moreover, those among them, such as Sui Jin, Dong Yi, Si Xuan Shuang, Murong Xi, and even the unassuming Chen Mu before us, are all formidable opponents.

If used properly, one might one day break through the encirclement in that "Corridor of Myriad Phenomena" and achieve one's wishes.

Thinking of this, He Zhiyun was in a great mood. With a wave of his plain white robe sleeve, three points of light as bright as stars flew out and landed in the hands of Suijin, Dongyi, and Sixuanshuang, respectively.

Everyone stared intently at the object, which was a uniformly shaped hexagonal star disk. It was neither gold nor jade, and it was cool to the touch. The surface of the disk was naturally covered with complex and mysterious star trails. At its core, a faint light flickered, emitting strange spatial fluctuations and an indescribable ancient aura.

“This is the ‘Crossing the Void Star Chart’,” He Zhiyun explained in a gentle voice, his voice clearly reaching everyone’s ears. “The coordinates of the ‘Ferrying Realm’ that my Jiuyi Immortal Sect prepared for this trial have been anchored on it.”

"When you all set off in the future, all three of you need to do is activate this disc at the same time. The power of the disc will naturally envelop the disc holder and those they bring, creating a temporary passage to safely transport you to the realm of salvation. At that time, I, He, will personally welcome you."

Si Xuanshuang and the others suddenly realized that they knew the dangers and difficulties of interdimensional teleportation, and that only a powerful being could protect them.

Now that He Zhiyun has already prepared such a safe method, it not only saves them the huge expense of preparing their own cross-border methods, but also avoids the unknown risks along the way, which is the best possible outcome.

Seeing the three of them carefully put away the astrolabe, He Zhiyun had nothing else to do.

His gaze swept over the crowd below, as if to remember these "assistants" who would soon fight alongside him. Finally, he looked at the three leaders holding the plates, straightened his robes, and gave them a formal bow.

The Broken Gold True Lord's heart stirred, and a rare flicker of emotion appeared on his usually cold and hard face: "Immortal Envoy, are you about to return?"

He Zhiyun nodded with a smile, his tone calm: "I had already informed Immortal Lord Wuya before I came."

He paused, then said with a hint of solemnity, “The opening of the ‘Corridor of Myriad Phenomena’ is approaching, and the Star Chart’s guidance will take some time to reach the guidance realm. If you fellow practitioners have no other matters to attend to, it is best to set off soon to avoid missing the appointed time.”

There was no need for further instructions. Everyone had been preparing for this trip for a long time, and there was no problem with setting off now, let alone departing soon. So they all nodded solemnly in agreement.

Seeing this, He Zhiyun said no more.

He turned slightly to face the crowd, his clear voice carrying a strange penetrating power, as if reaching straight to people's hearts: "Fellow Daoists, though the road ahead is treacherous, fortune awaits you."

"This journey is not only to assist me, but also a good opportunity for you all to explore higher paths. I hope that we can work together to seek the Great Dao and live up to this opportunity!"

After speaking, his body suddenly became ethereal and transparent, transforming into a pure and ethereal white light. It first soared to the highest point of Huiyan Peak, and then, like a drop of water merging into the ocean, silently vanished into the void, disappearing in an instant.

Its speed and the mystery of its escape techniques far exceeded the knowledge of the Xuan Du cultivators present, drawing another murmur of amazement and longing from the crowd.

Once the celestial messenger's aura had completely dissipated, the atmosphere in the arena relaxed slightly.

Taking this opportunity, the three of them whispered a few words and quickly reached a consensus. Then, True Lord Suijin stepped forward, and his voice echoed throughout the Cloud-Viewing Platform:

"Gentlemen, the celestial messenger's orders are clear. This gathering is no easy feat. According to the three of us, we will depart together at the gate of my Wuxiang Sword Tomb in ten days from now, at the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), and be guided by the celestial plate. What do you all think?"

"It's all up to the three True Lords!" Everyone knew this was the safest arrangement, and they all bowed in agreement.

After this matter was concluded, most people did not linger. They transformed into various colored streaks of light and soared into the sky, scattering in all directions. Some returned to their sects to make final preparations, while others went directly to the Sword Tomb Mountain Gate to adjust their condition.

With a smile on his face, Fu Danian walked a few steps to Chen Mu, cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Chen, now it's good that we can fight side by side again..."

Seeing Fu Danian and Chen Mu chatting and laughing together, Wei Cangdong felt slightly embarrassed.

He had no personal relationship with Chen Mu, and given the events at Qizhen Temple, he felt he had nothing to say. So he simply looked away and stood silently to the side, waiting for Fu Danian.

However, though his mind was free of distractions, a cold snort suddenly echoed in his mind: "Truly, the ways of heaven are unjust; all the good things have happened to this person..."

Wei Cangdong's heart skipped a beat; how could he not sense Song Qin's jealousy?

He initially didn't want to pay attention to the resentment, but then he thought that this trip was fraught with danger and that since they were all on the same team, they would inevitably have some involvement and cooperation with Chen Mu.

If my junior sister is blinded by jealousy and harbors unnecessary thoughts, wouldn't that ruin the overall situation?

Thinking of this, Wei Cangdong suppressed his worries and addressed her directly: "Junior sister, what do other people's opportunities and fortunes have to do with us? Your only priority on this trip is to find rare and precious elixirs that can repair your Dao foundation and reshape your life force. Do not worry about anything else..."

Song Qin's spiritual energy fluctuations paused for a moment, then she sneered, "Senior brother is overthinking it. In my current state, what can I possibly do?"

Hearing the sharpness in her words, yet also recognizing her own powerlessness, Wei Cangdong felt a slight sense of relief, but still uneasy, and added in a more somber tone:
"It's good that you understand the pros and cons, but let me make this clear from the start: Chen Mu has a debt of gratitude to Qizhen Temple for protecting the Dao, and is also a key figure personally invited by the Immortal Envoy. If you are truly blinded by resentment and make even the slightest mistake, committing an irreparable error, then neither you nor I will blame you for not being able to protect you out of consideration for our shared sect!"

The last sentence was resolute and unwavering, carrying an unquestionable determination.

Song Qin gave a muffled reply, then fell completely silent, without making a sound...

At this point, Fu Danian and Chen Mu's small talk came to an end.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, Junior Brother Wei and I will return to the temple first to take stock of the pills and talismans, and make up for any omissions. We will meet again at the Sword Tomb in ten days!" Wei Cangdong also cupped his hands to Chen Mu in acknowledgment.

Chen Mu nodded: "Please do as you wish, fellow Daoists. See you in ten days."

After watching Fu Wei and his companion disappear into the light, only Murong Xi, Si Xuanshuang, and another True Monarch of the Si Clan, Si Tengxiao, remained on the Cloud Viewing Platform. The group had already become acquainted in the Third Heaven Secret Realm, so their reunion this time was naturally even more cordial.

After catching up, Si Xuanshuang and the other woman tactfully went to wait aside.

Murong Xi approached Chen Mu, her eyes filled with concern, and asked in a low voice, "Junior brother, you clearly refused before, and even your senior sister thought you were determined to go. Why did you suddenly change your mind and decide to go?"

Chen Mu's eyes flickered slightly, but this was difficult to explain...

He hesitated for a moment, then vaguely said, "It is also because I am too still to think about anything else. When I was in seclusion, I used a secret method to send a message to my master to inform him of this matter. He also advised me not to miss such an opportunity... So after thinking it over and over, I finally changed my mind."

Upon hearing this, Murong Xi nodded in understanding.

Since it was Master's wish, it was only natural for Chen Mu to change his mind.

She didn't press further, instead saying, "I see. But this decision was ultimately hasty. Will Junior Brother be able to prepare everything in ten days? If there are any shortages, Senior Sister can help you..."

Chen Mu smiled and interrupted, "Senior Sister, don't worry. Junior Brother is all alone and has no worries. He has accumulated the necessary pills and magic treasures, so there's no need for too many extra preparations. However..."

He changed the subject, looking towards the depths of the mountains and forests, "My return is uncertain, and the dangers are unknown. My two spirit birds are currently undergoing arduous cultivation and are not suitable to accompany me on this journey, so I plan to leave them behind."

"But unfortunately, this mountain is located in a remote area, and I fear that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of the situation and cause trouble..."

"What's so difficult about that?" Murong Xi understood his meaning before he could finish speaking and readily replied:

"If you trust me, Junior Brother, why not entrust them to me to take to the Si Clan? Just tell Fellow Daoist Si, and I will protect them and wait for your return."

Chen Mu had the same thought in mind, and upon hearing this, he nodded happily and said with a smile, "That's very good, then I'll trouble Senior Sister to explain it to me."

As soon as he had a thought, his consciousness stirred slightly.

Before long, an elegant and swift blue figure broke through the air and arrived. It was Chen Lan, followed by Chen Bai, whose demonic energy was tightly concealed.

Chen Lan landed and respectfully bowed to Chen Mu and Murong Xi.

Chen Mu gently instructed the two birds: "I am going on a long journey and my return date is uncertain. You two will accompany True Lord Murong to the Taiyin Si Clan. You must be careful to keep to your duties, focus on your cultivation, and not cause any trouble..."

"Yes……"

Chen Lan bowed again, and with Chen Bai, obediently flew down behind Murong Xi, folded her wings, and stood quietly.

Murong Xi looked at the two birds' clever appearance and a smile appeared in her eyes. She said to Chen Mu, "Then I'll go ahead first."

Chen Mu cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister."

Murong Xi didn't delay any longer. After nodding to Chen Mu, she led the two birds toward Si Xuanshuang and the other person.

She whispered a few words to Si Xuanshuang, who naturally agreed with a smile.

Si Tengxiao, standing to the side, patted his chest and laughed loudly, "Brother Chen, you can rest assured. In my Si clan's Moonflower Valley, let alone petty thieves, even a fly from outside would have to ask the thousands of Moonblades in the valley if it wanted to disturb your precious spirit bird!"

Chen Mu cupped his hands in greeting, and then the three of them, without lingering any longer, transformed into three streaks of cold, clear light, carrying the blue and white birds, and vanished into the sky in an instant.

After everyone had left, Huiyan Mountain returned to silence, with only the cold sunlight after the snowfall shining on the snow-covered peaks.

Chen Mu stood alone on the Cloud-Viewing Platform, gazing at the distant, flowing clouds with a deep and thoughtful expression.

This trip was decided hastily, so there's no need to prepare anything else. However, some handy magical treasures need to be nurtured and refined to make them more harmonious and compatible with one's own Taoist practices.

With that thought in mind, he turned and stepped back into the cave.

In the quiet room, a simple and ancient flag with ever-flowing black and yellow energy flew out from his sleeve and hung in front of him, exuding a deep and heavy aura. It was the Xuanhuang Yin-Yang Flag, an excellent spiritual treasure obtained from the old world.

Chen Mu slightly closed his eyes, his fingertips emitting spiritual light, and began to nurture and communicate with it in the final stages using his own pure water element and the Daoist essence of the Ze Ding...

……

For the Daoist True Lord, a few days is but a fleeting moment.

Chen Mu opened his eyes in the quiet room, his eyes gleaming with inner light, and his aura was perfectly harmonious and flawless.

He silently calculated the time, then stood up, rolled up his sleeves to put away the Xuanhuang Yin-Yang Flag that he had just finished nurturing, and without any lingering, he took a step and his figure disappeared into the quiet room like green smoke.

When he reappeared, he was already outside the majestic and imposing gate of the Wuxiang Sword Tomb.

The enormous black iron sword stele pierced the sky, its sword energy soaring into the heavens.

The square in front of the mountain gate was already bustling with people.

The core figures of the three major immortal sects, including Suijin, were already standing and waiting. Fu Danian and Wei Cangdong were also present. More than ten True Lords from the scattered immortal sects such as Jincuomen and Chongxiaopai had also arrived.

Some people closed their eyes to rest, while others talked in hushed tones. The atmosphere was solemn, yet tinged with a sense of tension before departure.

Chen Mu's arrival did not cause much of a stir; only acquaintances such as Murong Xi and Fu Danian nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

He stepped into the ranks and stood quietly waiting like the others.

A mountain breeze swept across the square, stirring up fine snow dust, carrying the unique, sharp, and piercing aura of the Sword Tomb.

About half a day later, the last few streaks of light from different directions landed one after another, and the people finally arrived.

Without needing to say anything more, Suijin, Dongyi, and Sixuanshuang exchanged a glance and took a step forward simultaneously in tacit agreement.

The three of them flipped their hands, and the "Crossing the Void Star Plate" obtained from He Zhiyun appeared in their palms. At the same time, they poured their pure and powerful magic power into it.

Om-!
Three thick, condensed beams of starlight shot into the sky from the star chart, converging and merging hundreds of feet above everyone's heads!

In an instant, a huge silver light curtain, composed of countless rotating star trails, appeared out of thin air, covering the entire square.

Above the light screen, the starry river swirls, and a profound and vast aura permeates the air, as if connecting with the endless and distant beyond the void.

Inside the mountain gate, in front of the Lifeng Hall, Wu Sanxiong stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze piercing through space as he watched the magnificent scene on the square.

"Set off!" True Monarch Shattered Gold shouted in a low voice, his voice still clear amidst the starlight vibrations.

The next moment, the three fused into one powerful stellar forces suddenly sank downwards.

Swish!
The enormous starlight curtain that enveloped the plaza, along with the nearly twenty top True Monarchs of Xuandu within it, vanished instantly as if wiped away by an invisible giant hand. There was no earth-shattering roar, only a brief ripple left after the space was smoothed out, and a chilling wind blowing across the plaza...

Before the Lifeng Hall, Wu Sanxiong gazed at the rapidly calming spatial ripples for a long time before slowly exhaling a long breath and turning to enter the solemn hall.

Outside the mountain gate, only the whistling of sword energy remained, as if the grand journey across realms just now was merely a fleeting illusion...

……

(End of this chapter)