Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 989 Nine Peaks: The Gathering of Wind and Clouds

Suddenly, a vast expanse of clouds opened up before me, with endless waves of colorful clouds surging and flowing beneath my feet.

The clouds were not formed from the vapors of the mortal world, but from the pure and boundless primordial energy of heaven and earth, rising and swirling, naturally giving rise to the Daoist charm.

Each rise and fall of the clouds seemed to contain the rhythmic breath of the beginning of time, and as the rosy light flowed, it illuminated everyone's eyebrows and beard with extraordinary brilliance.

At the edge of that sea of ​​clouds and rosy glow, the boundary between heaven and earth has long been blurred, replaced by a vast and breathtakingly beautiful fairyland.

Countless celestial palaces and jade pavilions, not situated on mountains and earth, but rather scattered like stars above this sea of ​​seven-colored clouds.

Some are as majestic as mountains, with continuous palaces and glazed tiles reflecting countless auspicious rays under the sunset; others are as exquisite as pearls, with delicate pavilions and flying eaves and brackets entwined with wisps of celestial mist and mythical birds.

Meanwhile, jade-like rainbow bridges spanning the void connect the scattered celestial palaces, their surfaces shimmering with light. Occasionally, profound cultivators would ride the wind, their robes fluttering, like immortals in a painting.

The entire world was filled with indescribable spiritual energy and Daoist charm, several times more concentrated and pure than the Floating Cloud Realm.

Keep in mind that this is only a place used to guide talented individuals from the lower realms. If they were to truly reach the immortal sects of the upper realms, who knows what kind of grandeur they would possess...

However, besides the magnificent and breathtaking scenery, what surprised Chen Mu and the others even more was the appearance and clothing of the cultivators coming and going.

They can be described as "diverse" and each has its own unique exotic style.

For example, the people closest to them were standing on a rainbow bridge not far away.

Both men and women wore uniquely styled indigo outfits, made of a material that was neither silk nor linen, but had a subtle, scaly sheen.

What is most striking is that their faces are painted with strange, pale blue, vine-like patterns.

The patterns were not inanimate objects; with their breathing, a faint spiritual light flowed around them, as if subtly echoing some profound cultivation technique or the omnipresent Daoist rhythm of this world, adding to their mystery and exotic aura.

Perhaps sensing the scrutiny and the agitation of the people from the Floating Cloud Realm upon their arrival, the cultivators all turned to look back.

The leader, with the most intricate facial markings and the most composed aura, glanced at the leaders, including Sui Jin, Dong Yi, and Si Xuan Shuang, a fleeting hint of surprise crossing his eyes before returning to calm. Clearly, he was already used to the arrival of newcomers, only slightly surprised by the large number of them.

The leader bowed from afar, his clear voice piercing through the clouds, carrying an exotic accent yet remaining polite: "Greetings, fellow Daoists. Judging from your extraordinary bearing, may I ask which realm you come from? I am Fu Zhen from the Canghai Realm. It is an honor to meet you!"

"The Boundary of the Vast Ocean?"

The people from the Floating Cloud Realm exchanged glances and shook their heads, having never heard of this realm before.

As the one with the highest cultivation, True Lord Shattered Gold took a step forward, intending to return the greeting and reply.

Just then, from the depths of the celestial palace complex ahead, a swift yet graceful beam of light shot out like a bouncing star, and in an instant, it came to a steady stop a few feet in front of everyone.

After the light faded, a young Taoist boy of about twelve or thirteen years old was revealed.

The young Taoist boy had red lips and white teeth, his hair was styled in two buns, and he wore a simple, moon-white Taoist robe. A small jade talisman hung at his waist, radiating spiritual light.

His eyes were clear, his demeanor composed, and he showed no unease in front of nearly twenty Dao Inquiry True Monarchs. He bowed respectfully, his voice clear and crisp, and asked the same question as Fu Zhen:

"Greetings, esteemed True Lords. May I ask which realm you descent from? And which immortal master of your sect has invited you to this realm of guidance?"

The Broken Gold True Lord's mind raced, and he simply replied, "This humble Daoist is Broken Gold. I, along with all of you fellow Daoists, come from the Floating Cloud Realm. The reason for our visit is to meet Fellow Daoist He Zhiyun."

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist priest's face showed a hint of understanding, and he nodded, saying, "So it is He Zhenjun's assistant."

"Master He sent a message a few days ago mentioning this matter, saying that you will be arriving soon. Unfortunately, Master He is currently dealing with an important matter within the sect and is unable to personally greet you."

"Gentlemen, you have traveled a long way and have had a long journey. Why don't you come with me to the 'Yunqi Villa' to rest for a while? Once He Zhenjun has finished his business, he will come to see you all."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Floating Cloud Realm subtly frowned.

They clearly remembered He Zhiyun's promise when he left, stating that he would personally welcome him.

They have arrived, but their master has not yet appeared. He says it is an urgent matter, but what could be more urgent than the trial before them? Or is there some other trouble within the Immortal Sect?
Doubts swirled in their hearts, but in this unfamiliar sacred ground of the immortal sect, everyone remained calm and composed.

"In that case, we'll trouble you, Immortal Boy, to lead the way." True Lord Shattered Gold, representing everyone, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his tone calm, suppressing his doubts.

The young Taoist smiled slightly, clearly accustomed to receiving guests from all sides, and bowed again: "True Lord, you are too kind. Please follow me."

After speaking, he turned around and rode a gentle cloud, leading the people of the Floating Cloud Realm towards the depths of that floating immortal palace complex.

Before leaving, the people from the Floating Cloud Realm also bowed to Fu Zhen and the others from the Vast Ocean Realm from afar.

Fu Zhen and the others returned the greeting with smiles, watching the large group disappear into the shimmering light of the celestial palace.

Only after the figures of the cultivators from the Floating Cloud Realm had completely disappeared into the shadows of the continuous palaces did a slightly younger-looking cultivator behind Fu Zhen click his tongue in a low voice:

"Sect Leader, such a large number of people... This True Lord He is truly generous!"

Their group from the Canghai Realm consisted of only seven people.

Fu Zhen gazed intently at the direction where the people from the Floating Cloud Realm had disappeared, and slowly nodded: "The number of people is only one factor. Judging from their aura, several of them are hiding their true abilities and are definitely not ordinary people."

"Fellow Daoist Sun once said that this trial is no small matter, and all parties are doing their best to recruit talents... It seems that this is true."

He changed the subject abruptly and said in a deep voice, "Let's go quickly and find Fellow Daoist Sun. We must find out whether this 'He Zhiyun' is acquainted with us. If we can befriend him, we might be able to help each other. If there is any discord, we need to take precautions in advance to avoid being caught off guard!"

Without further delay, the group transformed into several streaks of indigo light and swiftly headed towards the depths of the celestial palace, following another path.

……

Meanwhile, Chen Mu and the others, following the Daoist boy, passed through layers of celestial palaces and jade towers, finally arriving at a huge courtyard complex called "Yunqi Villa".

The courtyard is built against the mountain, with pavilions and towers scattered in a well-organized manner. It is more spiritually rich than the outside world, and the environment is quiet and elegant.

The young Taoist arranged for each person to have their own quiet room or courtyard. Although the furnishings were simple, the floor was paved with spiritual jade and the beams were made of sandalwood, revealing the Taoist essence.

After making the arrangements, the young Taoist did not leave immediately. Instead, he stood respectfully in the courtyard and reminded everyone, "Esteemed True Lords, there are still several months before the official opening of the 'Myriad Phenomena Corridor'."

"If you need anything for your cultivation, or if you are short of spiritual materials or elixirs, just activate the communication jade talisman in the courtyard, and a servant will come to answer your commands."

He paused, a lively smile appearing on his face, "And if you True Lords feel restless and bored, you may go out for a walk."

"The realm of the 'Exile' gathers heroes from the lower realms, with diverse customs and traditions, and a plethora of rare treasures. In the southeast corner of the courtyard, some well-meaning individuals have spontaneously established a small 'Ten Thousand Streams Market,' specifically for fellow Daoists from different realms to exchange goods and share their experiences."

"Although this market is not large, it is quite interesting and has attracted many fellow practitioners to come and broaden their horizons. Even some of the immortal elders in my Jiuyi Immortal Sect often go there in their spare time to browse and find some rare items."

The people of the Floating Cloud Realm marveled upon hearing this. Although they did not know the details of the trial rules, they knew that there might only be one winner, so most of the people who came this time were their competitors.

With only a few months left, the fact that such a marketplace has sprung up...aren't you afraid that this coincidence might be helping your future rivals?

Regardless of what others think, everyone is quite interested in this, since even if they don't gain anything, they can take this opportunity to examine their future opponents.

And perhaps it is precisely because everyone held this thought that the market flourished... which makes perfect sense.

After the young Taoist bowed and withdrew, the crowd did not disperse immediately.

The key figures, including Sui Jin, tacitly gathered under an ancient tree in the courtyard, which was shrouded in a hazy spiritual light.

“Fellow Daoist He has been late. Although he said he has important matters to attend to, but…” Dong Yi spoke first, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Don't worry about it."

The Broken Gold True Lord interrupted in a deep voice, “Since the Immortal Envoy has already sent a message to the boy, revealing our identities, it is clear that he knows we have arrived.” “The internal affairs of the Immortal Sect are complex and beyond our comprehension. Since we are here, let us make the best of it.”

"The most important thing right now is to calm our minds, conserve our energy, and wait for Fellow Daoist He to appear. In the meantime, we must be careful in our actions and avoid causing trouble or adding any unforeseen complications."

His gaze swept over the crowd, carrying an invisible pressure.

Si Xuan Shuang nodded slightly, her clear and cold voice ringing out: "What Fellow Daoist Sui Jin said is absolutely right. This place is a mixed bag, full of hidden talents and powerful figures, unlike Xuan Du. Since we are here to assist you, we should remain calm and wait for the arrangements made by the person in charge."

No one objected. After a few words of discussion, they returned to their assigned quiet rooms and courtyards, some meditating to regulate their breathing, some packing their belongings, and others pondering the "Wanliu Marketplace".

Time slipped away quietly while we waited.

Within the extradition zone, there is no alternation of sun and moon; only the ever-changing clouds and rosy dawns signify the passage of time.

During this time, new air currents occasionally broke through the air, indicating that other groups of cultivators from different realms had arrived and were being led by the boy to various separate courtyards.

The Cloud-Dwelling Villa, where the Floating Cloud Realm is located, occasionally sees newcomers move in, but they all maintain a tacit distance and vigilance towards each other.

While Chen Mu was meditating on the Dao in the quiet room, he also went to the "Wanliu Market" in the southeast corner by himself.

The market town sits atop a massive, suspended jade platform, surrounded by churning clouds and radiant sunlight.

The stall owners and customers have different appearances and are dressed very differently.

There were burly men clad in animal skins, their blood and energy like that of a wild dragon; mysterious female cultivators shrouded in a veil of starlight, their figures appearing and disappearing indistinct; dwarf old men manipulating intricately crafted puppets to sell their wares; and even several alien races whose bodies were covered in fine blue scales... It was truly a gathering of "all streams," a bizarre and wondrous sight.

The items sold at the stalls were even more bizarre and unusual.

Minerals shimmering with different laws of energy, fragrant herbs and fruits, bone fragments and animal hides inscribed with unknown runes, strangely shaped fragments of magical artifacts, and even crystal balls sealing strange beasts or insects...

Many of the items emitted an aura that even Chen Mu found unfamiliar, clearly originating from different laws of heaven and earth.

However, as the Daoist boy said, treasures that can truly have an immediate effect on combat power in the Dao Inquiry Realm are almost extinct in this place.

The stall owners were selling mostly rare items that were collectible or could aid in spiritual practice.

Chen Mu had extremely high standards. As he traveled, his gaze swept calmly across the landscape, but he did not find anything that could move him. Instead, he silently observed the aura and behavior of various people, memorizing some special energy fluctuations and cultivation techniques.

He also keenly sensed that several pairs of eyes had briefly lingered on him in the shadows, scrutinizing and assessing him...

In the blink of an eye, two months have passed quietly in the waiting.

On this day, Chen Mu was meditating in his quiet room, comprehending the mysteries of the Water Element Universe. The Xuanhuang Yin-Yang Flag in his sea of ​​consciousness rose and fell slightly according to his will, and his energy became increasingly harmonious with Chen Mu's.

Suddenly, a communication jade talisman at her waist vibrated slightly, and Murong Xi's clear, cold voice came through: "Junior brother, Fellow Daoist He has arrived."

Chen Mu opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them, and stood up.

When he pushed open the door, he saw that there were already several people in the courtyard. Murong Xi, Fu Danian, Wei Cangdong and others had all rushed over after hearing the news. Everyone's eyes were turned towards the main hall of the detached courtyard.

A familiar figure in white robes strode out of the main hall.

He stood tall and his demeanor remained gentle and refined, but compared to the projected clone, his true form was now present, and his aura was even more profound and restrained, like a vast starry sea returning to calm, making it impossible for anyone to fathom its depths.

As soon as he stepped out of the hall, his gaze fell on Chen Mu and the others. With a sincere apology on his face, he cupped his hands from afar and said, "Fellow Daoists, please forgive me for being late. I have kept you waiting for a long time. I am truly sorry for my rudeness. I hope you will forgive me!"

The crowd remained calm and returned the greeting with clasped hands: "True Lord He, you flatter us. We have arrived safely and will wait patiently. As long as we do not miss the trial, there is no question of negligence."

"That being said, it is ultimately I who have broken my promise. I made a promise to personally welcome you back that day, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, a clear and melodious laugh came from inside the hall, interrupting He Zhiyun's words: "Hahaha, Senior Brother He, you really can't be blamed for this."

"Who could have predicted that Uncle Zhou would choose this exact moment, the perfect time, to send you, Senior Brother, on that arduous journey to the 'Stardust Sea'? It's obvious he timed it perfectly and did it on purpose!"

As the words were spoken, a figure followed He Zhiyun out of the palace gate.

The newcomer appeared to be about thirty years old, with a face as handsome as jade, three wisps of fine beard under his chin, and a nine-petaled lotus crown carved from green jade on his head. Runes flowed on the lotus petals, radiating a bright spiritual light.

He wore a light blue Taoist robe embroidered with cloud and water patterns, with an ancient Bagua jade pendant hanging at his waist, and casually playing with a jade bone fan in his hand.

Although not as unfathomable as He Zhiyun, he had reached the level of the intermediate stage of the Dao Inquiry Realm. However, his sharpness was slightly exposed, lacking some of He Zhiyun's tactful restraint and showing more of his shrewdness.

At this moment, he wore a perfectly appropriate friendly smile, his gaze sweeping over the people in the courtyard with a hint of inquiry.

Upon hearing this, a flash of cold light flickered in the depths of He Zhiyun's eyes, so fast that no one noticed, but a helpless, bitter smile appeared on his face as he turned to the lotus-crowned Taoist:

“Uncle Zhou…is in charge of criminal law, and his actions are based on his own considerations.”

He paused slightly, then became sincere, "However, I really have to thank Junior Brother Sun for your timely help and for helping me out; otherwise, I really wouldn't have had any time to get away."

"Hahaha!"

Sun Daoren unfurled his jade-bone fan with a "whoosh" and laughed loudly, "Senior Brother He, you're being too polite. We're fellow disciples, and in this immortal sect, we're all like rootless duckweed, without any towering tree to shelter us from the wind and rain. Shouldn't we help each other and stick together for warmth? Today I'm helping you, Senior Brother, but who knows if I won't need you to lend me a hand someday?"

His words were blunt, clearly indicating his intention to attach himself to and form an alliance, and he looked at He Zhiyun with eager eyes.

What kind of person is He Zhiyun? How could he not understand the deeper meaning behind it?
His smile remained unchanged, and he nodded meaningfully: "Junior Brother Sun is absolutely right... We are fellow disciples, and we should work together with one heart and one mind."

Seeing He Zhiyun agree, Sun Daoren's smile grew even brighter. He lightly waved his folding fan, appearing spirited and exuding confidence: "What Senior Brother says is true, but time is of the essence. There are less than two months left before the 'Corridor of Myriad Phenomena' opens..."

"Do you think we should pay a visit to Senior Sister Qu of 'Purple Bamboo Pavilion' and Senior Brother Li of 'Golden Spear Hall'? If we can get one or two more strong allies, our chances of success on this trip will increase even more!"

He Zhiyun nodded immediately: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

He turned to Chen Mu and the core figures of the Floating Cloud Realm who had gathered around him, and solemnly said, "Fellow Daoists, in the coming days, I need to visit some fellow disciples with Junior Brother Sun to discuss the matter of cooperation in the trial."

"You can rest here with peace of mind and study the Dao. If there are any changes or if I need your help, I will inform you immediately. Please rest assured that I will take care of everything."

His tone was calm and steady, carrying a convincing power.

Upon hearing this, most of the restlessness and doubts that had arisen from waiting dissipated in everyone's hearts.

True Monarch Shattered Gold stepped forward, took out the Star Compass of Crossing the Void, and presented it with both hands: "Fellow Daoist He, this item was bestowed upon us by you. Now that we have arrived safely, it is only right that we return it to its rightful owner."

He Zhiyun's gaze fell on the star chart, but he did not reach out to take it. Instead, he shook his head and smiled, saying gently, "Fellow Daoist Suijin, please accept it. Now that this item has been given to you, it belongs to you."

"Once this matter is settled, and you all retire successfully and return to your homeland, you will still need to rely on the power of this plate to cross the Void Heaven."

After speaking, He Zhiyun did not linger any longer and exchanged a glance with Sun Daoren.

Master Sun closed his folding fan and nodded and smiled at everyone.

With a slight movement, the two transformed into two streaks of light, one white and one green, and in an instant, they had already rushed out of the courtyard and disappeared into the shimmering light of the floating immortal palace in the distance. They were obviously going to pay their respects to the so-called "Senior Sister Qu" and "Senior Brother Li".

The people of the Floating Cloud Realm remained where they were, gazing in the direction where the two had disappeared, and then looking at the still warm and smooth Crossing Void Star Disc in Sui Jin's hand, each with their own thoughts.

Within the Cloud-Dwelling Courtyard, tranquility returned once more. Only the silent rhythm of the churning sea of ​​clouds in the distance and the eternally flowing rosy light of the Boundary of Transmission silently illuminated this immortal land where the winds and clouds of myriad realms converge.

The real storm has yet to begin, but invisible undercurrents are already quietly surging beneath the calm surface...

……

(End of this chapter)