Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 995 is entirely true.
"Nine kinds of primordial spiritual pivots..."

The attic was silent, except for the torrent of golden ancient seal script flowing slowly within the invisible Nine Luminaries Spirit Lock.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Mu, who was concentrating on her deduction, suddenly had a glint in her eyes and whispered, "Senior Sister, if I point out the 'Gate of Life' node where the nine forces flow and converge, could you break this restriction in a few breaths?"

Murong Xi's eyes lit up with surprise: "Junior Brother can actually see through the workings of this?!"

She knew that the Nine Luminaries Spirit Locking Restriction was profound and unpredictable, and only those with a deep understanding of the origin of the Great Dao could grasp its secrets.

Fu Danian, who was standing to the side, was also overjoyed. He immediately realized that Chen Mu must have successfully cultivated the "Dongming Zhuzhao" technique that was personally bestowed by Ancestor Yan!

This method is wondrous; it can illuminate the source and clearly reveal truth from falsehood.

He himself had tried to understand it, but due to limited talent and being bogged down in worldly affairs, he still sees things through a fog and remains completely clueless...

"We'll do our best; perhaps it's feasible," Chen Mu replied in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of caution.

Upon hearing this, Murong Xi's spirited brows radiated confidence.

She patted her chest and said resolutely, "Junior brother, please do as you please. If you can truly point out the location of that 'gate of life,' I will definitely resolve it with a single sword strike, without fail!"

Seeing her so determined, Chen Mu felt somewhat relieved.

If he wanted to fully activate "Dongming Zhuzhao" to understand the ever-operating Nine Luminaries Spiritual Pivot, he would have to concentrate his divine sense on it, making it extremely difficult to be distracted by anything else, let alone break the seal.

With Murong Xi taking on the responsibility of breaking the restrictions, there is now hope of breaking the deadlock.

With this in mind, Chen Mu no longer hesitated.

With a slight thought, the "Eastern Bright Candlelight" Dao Seed he had obtained from Yan Kong suddenly shone brightly deep within his sea of ​​consciousness!
Om-!
Deep within his eyes, a pale golden candle flame silently ignited, its light gentle and restrained, yet carrying a supreme artistic conception that reached the very essence of existence.

In an instant, the world before his eyes seemed to shed all its appearances.

The nine dim stars, which were originally mysterious and unpredictable with complex trajectories, suddenly became crystal clear under the candlelight.

Each starlight transforms into a tangible manifestation of a fundamental Daoist principle: some are as weighty as the Kunyuan (Earth) that stabilizes the mountains, some as sharp as the Taiyi (Great Unity) that divides the light, and some as profound as the return of all laws to nothingness...

Nine distinct primordial forces, like nine ceaselessly flowing rivers of spiritual light, intertwine and flow along predetermined, mysterious trajectories in the void.

They are not chaotic; each flow, collision, and convergence follows a rhythm originating from the Great Dao...

Time seemed to be stretched out, and space was analyzed.

Finally, in that ever-changing torrent of trajectories, an extremely brief and subtle "point" was precisely captured!

Nine rivers of light converge and resonate here, forming a seemingly stable yet most delicate node in the entire cycle of restrictive power—the very "Gate of Life"!
Its position constantly shifts as the Nine Luminaries circulate, and it is impossible to pinpoint it without illuminating its origin.

"Now! The Qian position is three inches from the Xun position, seven-tenths of the Li position in the center, at the intersection of Kan and Dui! It will change in an instant!" Chen Mu's voice, clear enough to penetrate the soul, entered Murong Xi's ears with unparalleled precision.

Before she finished speaking, Murong Xi was already poised to strike.

"Clouds and water condense into silken threads, nine swords unleashed simultaneously—Break!"

A clear shout rang out, and Murong Xi did not move, but the Sheng Sheng Yun Shui Sword in her hand had already turned into a phantom.

The sword tip trembled slightly, but instead of earth-shattering sword energy, nine fine, hair-like strands of dark blue water shot out.

laugh--!
Nine lines were launched simultaneously, silently and with perfect precision, piercing the fleeting "gate of life" node of the Nine Luminaries' power!
A very faint sound, like the crisp sound of glass shattering.

The invisible restrictive light array that enveloped the golden torrent trembled violently. The dim light stars that were operating at nine points seemed to have been hit in a fatal spot, and their light suddenly flickered erratically. The interconnected Daoist spiritual light broke apart inch by inch.

hum! ! !
The invisible force binding the golden torrent instantly crumbled.

In an instant, under the eager gaze of the three, the golden torrent composed of countless profound ancient inscriptions, like a raging dragon breaking free from its ancient shackles, erupted with a thunderous roar.

The unrestrained torrent of characters, like dazzling golden fluff, carried an indescribable Dao rhythm. In an instant, it broke free from the three-foot radius and spread out to cover the entire ancient pavilion in a vast and boundless manner. Golden light flowed and Dao rhythm permeated the air, dyeing the figures of the three people with a layer of sacred golden radiance.

With lightning speed, Chen Mu used his magic to create an invisible hand, drawing down a torrent of golden characters brimming with spiritual energy.

The characters were not physical entities, but rather a torrent of spiritual energy containing immense information and profound truths, which instantly flooded into his sea of ​​consciousness.

A torrent of information rushed past him, and Chen Mu closed his eyes, focused his mind, and quickly digested it.

A moment later, he suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with undisguised astonishment and admiration: "This method... is truly remarkable! What a powerful and ingenious method of deduction!"

It turns out that this method is called the "Great Evolution Zhou Tian Deduction Technique", and its grade is actually the first level of immortal technique!
Unfortunately, what I have now is only a fragment, and it is quite incomplete.

Its vast, star-like ability to fully deduce, plan, and strategize has been almost entirely lost, with only one-tenth remaining of its "insight into weaknesses" function.

"Unfortunately, this effect coincides with 'Dongming Zhuzhao'..."

Chen Mu sighed inwardly, but he was not disappointed.

This incomplete manual can greatly enhance a practitioner's ability to perceive with their divine sense. Amidst the complexities of spells, supernatural powers, restrictions, and even the flow of qi, it can directly target the weakest point in their operation, much like a skilled butcher carving up an ox, finding the gap and achieving twice the result with half the effort.

Although it lacks the immense power of a complete immortal technique to calculate the secrets of heaven and plan the universe, this ability to "see through flaws" is already an unparalleled weapon for breaking through restrictions in battles and facing enemies in the face of battle!
"The Great Evolutionary Cycle Deduction Technique? Insight into the flaw?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Danian and Murong Xi could no longer suppress their curiosity and longing. They each took action, capturing a torrent of golden characters and incorporating them into their divine senses for comprehension.

The attic fell silent for a moment, with only the flowing golden light illuminating the focused faces of the three. However, as Fu Danian and Murong Xi deepened their understanding, their expressions became increasingly complex...

Just as the three were immersed in the profound mysteries of the remnants of the Golden Immortal's technique and awaiting the manifestation of a new Golden Immortal's Daoist beacon due to the breaking of the seal—

Deep within the vast, shattered starry sky, more than ten streaks of light darted about like shooting stars.

They marched with great order and composure, and the leader was none other than Shen Liangcai, who was wearing a crimson brocade robe with flowing clouds.

The people behind him all possessed considerable auras, clearly indicating that they were also carefully selected experts.

Wherever they went, there were fragments of broken stars, which would surely be perceived by many divine senses.

As expected, the dusty-looking star fragment where Chen Mu and his two companions were located would also suffer the same fate.

During the journey, Shen Liangcai suddenly stopped and looked ahead.

The people behind him also sensed the faint Daoist energy emanating from the depths of the fragment almost simultaneously, and their faces revealed expressions of surprise and delight.
"Although the fluctuations here are subtle and restrained, the energy here is pure and vast, which is extraordinary. Perhaps a Dao beacon will manifest here!"

"Indeed, there must be a great treasure or heirloom within!"

As they spoke, the group tacitly changed direction and quickly moved toward the fragment of the star.

As it drew closer, an even more powerful and refined divine sense surged forth like a tide, once again probing into the fragmented space, attempting to penetrate the spatial barrier and peer into what lay within.

However, the golden light flowing within made it difficult for them to see clearly; they could only vaguely sense... the aura of a cultivator.

"There's someone inside!" Almost simultaneously, the expressions of Shen Liangcai's followers changed, their joy instantly turning into vigilance and hostility.

With such a treasure at hand, and someone else getting there first, conflict is almost inevitable.

“True Lord Shen,” a cultivator with a sinister face immediately turned to look at Shen Liangcai, a murderous glint in his eyes, “would you like to go in and ‘take a look’? Lest the opportunity be snatched away by someone else!”

Shen Liangcai just then withdrew his probing divine sense.

There was no anger on his face, he just shook his head slightly and said calmly, "Why bother? They... will come out eventually."

...Inside the dilapidated attic.

Chen Mu and the other two also noticed that many divine senses were probing into this place, and their expressions darkened.

Fu Danian subconsciously tightened his grip on the Xuan Yang Greatsword and whispered, "Judging from the strength and number of these divine senses... there are probably no fewer than ten people outside, and... they are definitely not ordinary!"

Murong Xi's expression was equally solemn. If there were four or five, or even six or seven people, with her and Chen Mu's methods, plus Fu Danian's newly acquired Xuan Yang Sword, they might be able to break through the encirclement if they fought to the death.

But more than ten True Monarchs of the same level... This is not something that can be done by simply trying one's best; a direct confrontation would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

She turned her gaze to Chen Mu and transmitted her voice, saying, "Junior brother, although the remnant Golden Immortal technique and the Dao mark are important, life is even more important. If the situation is truly hopeless... we should 'sacrifice the pawn to save the king,' giving up what we have gained here in exchange for a safe departure."

Chen Mu nodded slowly, her eyes calm and composed, showing no sign of panic: "What Senior Sister says is quite right."

They are not inflexible people.

If the outsiders only seek opportunities and treasures, and do not intend to kill us all, then sacrificing one's Golden Immortal Dao Beacon or even some incomplete techniques to ensure a safe escape is a wise choice.

"Sigh!" Fu Danian sighed dejectedly, "What bad luck..."

Having finally stumbled upon this incredible stroke of luck with the "Golden Immortal's Remnant Technique," it's hard to imagine having to hand it over to someone else before you've even had a chance to enjoy it. It's a truly unpleasant feeling.

At this moment, the three of them no longer had any feeling of appreciating the profound mystery of the incomplete technique.

Chen Mu made a decisive move, waving his sleeves and transforming his magical power into an invisible vortex, gathering all the golden ancient seal torrent flowing throughout the pavilion, as well as the golden immortal Dao mark that had finally manifested in this space.

Then, the three exchanged a glance, adjusted themselves to their best condition, and without further hesitation, turned around and stepped out of the ancient pavilion, passed through the spatial rift, and returned to that broken and desolate vast starry sky.

"It's...it's her?!"

As soon as he appeared, Chen Mu clearly heard several suppressed gasps from the crowd in front of him, filled with obvious surprise and a hint of... apprehension?
He couldn't help but frown, his gaze sweeping across the empty space in front of him.

About a thousand feet away, more than ten figures stood in mid-air, their auras forming a unified whole, like an invisible mountain stretching across the starry sky.

The leader, dressed in a crimson brocade robe, had a handsome face with a youthful air, and a faint smile on his lips. Who else could it be but Shen Liangcai, whom He Zhiyun had repeatedly warned him to be wary of?

Chen Mu's heart sank: "Why him of all people?!"

At this moment, a hint of surprise flashed through Shen Liangcai's mind, but this surprise was quickly replaced by a deeper sense of amusement.

Unlike the crowd behind him who kept their surprised and uncertain gazes fixed on the aloof and outstanding Murong Xi, Shen Liangcai's deep eyes were directed at Chen Mu, who had left a deep impression on him on the banks of the Weak Water.

Their gazes met silently, without sparks flying, yet it was as if an invisible string had been instantly taut.

Behind him, the sinister-looking cultivator, upon recognizing Chen Mu and the other two, felt an even greater greed in his eyes, and suddenly let out a cold, sneer:

"Ha, I thought that someone else had beaten me to it, and I might have missed out on this opportunity, but I never expected... such a pleasant surprise!"

His gaze swept over Murong Xi and Chen Mu as if they were fish on a chopping board.

“True Lord Shen,” the sinister cultivator turned to Shen Liangcai, his voice tinged with urgency, “these three are none other than cultivators under He Zhiyun’s command. If we can capture them, we can not only seize their opportunity, but also cripple He Zhiyun! Such a golden opportunity must not be wasted…”

After he finished speaking, everyone nodded slowly, making Fu Danian almost want to seize the initiative and fight to the death.

However, just as things were about to escalate, Shen Liangcai gently waved his hand, stopping everyone's thoughts.

His gaze remained fixed on Chen Mu, and he said loudly, "I still don't know this fellow Daoist's name? May I ask?"

Chen Mu remained unmoved: "This humble Taoist, Chen Mu, greets True Lord Shen."

“So it’s Fellow Daoist Chen,” Shen Liangcai said calmly with a slight smile. “Forgive my bluntness, but I observe that you have a composed demeanor, a restrained Daoist aura, and a foundation that is truly rare. I imagine your character is also of noble character.”

"Why would such a person... stoop to help He Zhiyun, that hypocrite with honeyed words but a treacherous heart and a narrow mind?"

In his words, He Zhiyun was belittled to the point of being worthless.

Chen Mu's eyes narrowed slightly, knowing that the other party was trying to sow discord, and he replied calmly: "If Fellow Daoist He has the opportunity in the future, he may also ask about the fellow Daoists behind you regarding what True Lord Shen said."

The implication is that you, Shen Liangcai, may not be a good person either. We're all equally bad, so why laugh at each other when we're both equally bad?
Upon hearing this, Shen Liangcai was not angry at all; instead, he gave Chen Mu a deep look.

After a moment, he slowly said in a low and meaningful tone: "Fellow Daoist Chen, you... have probably been deceived by him. He Zhiyun is best at luring people with benefits and intimidating them with power. The promises he makes often conceal evil intentions."

He paused, then said, "If one day you suddenly realize the truth, see through their true colors, and change your mind... perhaps I can reserve a place for you here. A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a bright pearl should not be cast into the dark."

After saying that, without waiting for Chen Mu's reaction, he waved his sleeve and gestured to the crowd behind him: "Make way."

"True Lord Shen! This—" The sinister cultivator was extremely anxious and couldn't help but speak up.

The others were also filled with astonishment and resentment, not understanding why the cooked duck had to be released.

"No need for further words." Shen Liangcai's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable decisiveness. His gaze swept over the person behind him. "Get out of the way."

Although the crowd was full of confusion and even resentment, they dared not disobey Shen Liangcai under his accumulated power. They could only suppress their unwillingness and reluctantly parted to the left and right, making way for a smooth path leading to the depths of the starry sky.

Looking at this sudden path to survival, Fu Danian felt his heart was about to jump out of his throat.

In a short span of time, his emotions went from despair to ecstasy, then back to the suffocating despair of being trapped. Now, things took another dramatic turn... The huge emotional fluctuations made his head buzz, and he couldn't think of what Shen Liangcai was up to. His only thought at that moment was: Get out of here! Before the other party changes his mind!

"Brother Chen? Fairy Murong?" Seeing that Chen Mu and Murong Xi were both standing still with solemn expressions, seemingly deep in thought, Fu Danian couldn't help but urge them in a low voice.

Chen Mu was pulled back to reality by Fu Danian's voice, temporarily suppressing the doubts surging in his heart. He glanced at Shen Liangcai, as if trying to etch the man's expression into his mind.

He then bowed again, his voice calm and unwavering: "Lord Shen, your kindness today is deeply appreciated. We shall take our leave."

Shen Liangcai smiled without saying a word, but simply turned slightly to the side and made a "please go ahead" gesture.

Chen Mu and Murong Xi exchanged a knowing glance and then left without further ado.

Three streaks of light suddenly lit up, flashing past the passage cleared by Shen Liangcai and the others like startled swans, and instantly disappeared into the distant cluster of floating star fragments.

Only after the three figures' escape lights completely disappeared into the depths of the starry sky did the sinister cultivator behind Shen Liangcai finally lose his composure. He stepped forward, his tone filled with intense incomprehension: "True Lord Shen! With such a golden opportunity, why did you let the tiger return to the mountain?"

The smile on Shen Liangcai's face gradually faded. He gently smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on his crimson brocade robe, his voice calm and even:

"Even if we keep these three alive today and take away their opportunities, in terms of the overall situation, what kind of crippling blow can it deal to He Zhiyun? It's just losing a few of his henchmen and gaining some external things."

"Furthermore, I observe that Chen Mu's position in He Zhiyun's camp is not low. If we can make him harbor resentment, or even secretly alienate him... this would be a much greater blow to He Zhiyun than killing three of them today and seizing some inanimate objects. This is... the best strategy to win hearts and minds."

Upon hearing this, the sinister cultivator frowned, still finding it too idealistic: "How could someone who has reached this level be a stupid and easily deceived person? Shen Zhenjun's few words... might not be enough to convince him?"

Shen Liangcai stood with his hands behind his back and slowly said:

"A lie, of course, requires worrying about whether the other party will believe it; it needs to be carefully crafted and corroborated by evidence..."

“But what I just said about He Zhiyun’s ‘evaluation’…” He paused slightly, a cold sneer flashing in his eyes, “was absolutely true, every word was piercing to the heart, and it was not an exaggeration.”

"If it's the truth, why worry about whether he believes it or not? Time... will prove everything."

Shen Liangcai turned his gaze back to the endless, shattered starry river, as if he could already see the ripples on the future chessboard caused by today's move. "Let's go, our guiding light... is still ahead."

……

(End of this chapter)