Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 272 Forbidden Area Cliff
Longshou Mountain.

A cool mountain breeze swept over him as Song Yan climbed the winding bluestone path, his steps steady, heading towards the elders' courtyard halfway up the mountain.

The Elders' Courtyard is built along the mountainside, with several main halls and a cluster of cave dwellings.

The pavilions and terraces, large and small, high and low, are magnificent yet not cluttered.

Given that a disciple of the sect had been confined to his quarters to reflect on his actions, the proper way to see Qin Xijun was to go to Yang Wenxuan.

Of course, there was no way he would go looking for that scoundrel. Not only did he have a grudge against him, but Granny Qin was the one who beat him up.

Song Yan decided to first go and sound out Elder Zhang Guangyuan.

If that doesn't work, then ask Elder Xu Ziqing.

"I am Song Yan from Bamo Peak and Gui Zong from Longtan Mountain. I have come to pay my respects to Elder Zhang."

Facing the gazes of the two disciples at the door, he politely introduced himself.

In fact, before Song Yan even got close, the two disciples guarding the courtyard had already recognized him from afar.

"Okay...okay, Senior Brother Song, please wait a moment while I go and inform you."

The disciple who spoke looked very young, and it was unclear which elder he was related to.

"Good work."

A moment later, the disciple on duty quickly came out and called to Song Yan, "Senior Brother Song, come with me."

This young junior brother was a chatterbox; he kept talking as he walked.

"Senior Brother Song, I wonder if you still remember me."

He spoke of this with great enthusiasm: "A few years ago, when you stepped onto the path of refining your heart from the outer sect, it was Senior Brother Lü and I who handled the inner sect matters for you."

"Oh?"

Is it such a coincidence?

Thinking back, the person in front of him did look somewhat familiar. After a moment's thought, a name was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't quite place it: "You are... Lian..."

"My name is Wen Lian, you can just call me A Lian, senior brother."

Looking at Song Yan, Wen Lian's eyes were full of admiration.

"So it's Junior Brother Lian."

Song Yan vaguely remembered that he was a little Taoist novice back then, and now he has grown up so much.

Children grow up quickly.

Upon entering the hall where Zhang Guangyuan was, A-Lian fell silent, still feeling a bit unsatisfied.

What came into view was a jade disc, upon which a faint spiritual light flowed.

Song Yan stared intently, and the spiritual light revealed the territory of the Chu Kingdom, with some black and white markings on it.

Parts of the neighboring states of Qi and Ning also belonged to Chu.

Beside the jade disc, there were piles of scrolls and jade slips from various places.

Zhang Guangyuan stood before the ebony table, his brows slightly furrowed as he looked at a jade slip in his hand.

He was tall and wore his elder's robes meticulously, with a hint of weariness between his brows.

"Elder Zhang, Senior Brother Song Yan has arrived."

"Disciple Song Yan greets Elder."

Song Yan stood still, his expression solemn, hands clasped in a gesture of respect, neither humble nor arrogant.

Hearing the voice, Zhang Guangyuan looked up. When he saw who it was, his furrowed brows unexpectedly relaxed, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

He put down the jade slip in his hand and said, "Nephew Song, there's no need for such formalities. Come, sit down and let's talk."

Song Yan sat down as instructed, but before he could speak, Elder Zhang Guangyuan spoke first.

"You've had a long and tiring journey back from Longtan Mountain."

Elder Zhang Guangyuan also took his seat in the main seat, looking at Song Yan with admiration in his eyes: "Although the Dragon Pool Gathering was interrupted this time, the sect will not be stingy with the rewards for the disciples."

"Especially you, the Sect Affairs Hall is already preparing to record your merits, and the relevant pills and spirit stones will be issued at a higher level."

"Elder Zhang is too kind."

Song Yan nodded slightly, his attitude humble: "It was my duty, and I was fortunate enough not to disgrace my sect. If it weren't for the sect's cultivation and the support of my teachers and fellow disciples, I might have died several years ago."

"Moreover, it is the duty of every disciple of the Xuanmen to eradicate demons. When facing a fake core demon cultivator, the disciple was able to escape danger by using a life-saving item, which came at a great cost. He is really not worthy of such praise."

Song Yan's voice was clear and steady. He briefly mentioned his near-death experience, focusing on his sect's achievements, and handled the situation with great tact.

Looking at the young man before him, who was neither humble nor arrogant, calm yet sharp-witted, Zhang Guangyuan's admiration deepened.

He originally wanted to ask Song Yan about the circumstances surrounding the extinguishing of his life lamp, but since the other party had already mentioned the "life-saving item," he didn't want to ask any more questions.

Elder Yang Wenxuan seemed to be discussing the child's identity, questioning whether Song Yan had been possessed by a demonic cultivator.

They demanded that Song Yan retrace his steps on the path of self-cultivation.

Possession is a technique that ordinary demonic cultivators cannot accomplish.

Without the aid of treasures, usually only demonic cultivators at the Nascent Soul or even the Divine Transformation realm can actively seize a body.

It's simply impossible for a Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator to possess a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

I don't know what Elder Yang was thinking, insisting on going through this process.

He stroked his short beard and smiled, "Not arrogant or impatient, good, very good! This level of self-cultivation is truly commendable."

"By the way," he changed the subject, his tone tinged with concern, "you haven't seen Junior Sister Qin yet since your trip, have you?"

Upon hearing Qin Xijun's name, Song Yan's heart stirred slightly, and his expression finally revealed a hint of urgency and worry: "This disciple was just about to ask the elder for guidance."

"In the mission hall, the elder in charge mentioned that Master seemed to have had some disagreement with Elder Yang because of the extinguishing of her disciple's life lamp, and was punished for it."

"I don't know what Master is..."

"That is indeed the case." Zhang Guangyuan nodded slightly, his expression showing neither blame nor disapproval, but rather a degree of understanding.

"Hehe, Junior Sister Qin has always been like this."

"He was strong-willed and extremely protective of his own."

Zhang Guangyuan perhaps recalled some things that had happened in the past, and shook his head with a smile.

“During the days when your life lamp went out, she happened to emerge from her meditation retreat and was deeply worried when she heard the news from the disciple in charge.”

"I wanted to go to Dragon Pool Mountain to find you, but the Demon Ruins have invaded, and the sect has issued an order that Foundation Establishment cultivators are not allowed to act without authorization."

"She went to find Elder Yang again, and in a fit of anger, she stormed into the main hall where Elder Yang usually handled his official business, causing quite a commotion."

"This has certainly caused Elder Yang to lose face in front of many disciples. According to the sect rules, it is inevitable that elders will be confined to their quarters for reflection if they fight."

Zhang Guangyuan picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and continued, "Originally, this matter should have been handled by Elder Yang Wenxuan himself, but he was injured by Junior Sister Qin and is still recuperating."

"Later, after Xiao Xu returned to the sect and explained the situation and reasons, the sect leader came forward and discussed with several senior elders to temporarily confine Junior Sister Qin to the front of the forbidden area, which is the Sky Falcon Cliff, for a period of one year."

"This was because we took into account her high level of understanding and important responsibilities, and we did not criticize her too harshly."

"However, Junior Sister Qin is a reasonable person, and I imagine that her anger has gradually subsided over the past few days."

Knowing the exact location, Song Yan felt somewhat relieved, but still asked, "The front mountain of the forbidden area... Elder, may I go and visit them now?"

I've never encountered anything like this before, and I'm worried that the rules are too strict and I might not be able to get a meeting.

"Naturally."

Zhang Guangyuan put down his teacup and smiled gently: "Seclusion within the sect is also a form of cultivation, not an isolation from the outside world."

"Junior Sister Qin was originally an elder of the sect, with a esteemed status. According to the rules, her direct disciples, servants in her cave, and relatives such as her Daoist partner can apply to visit her after reporting to the sect. This is in accordance with the sect's rules."

"Disciple understands."

Upon receiving this reply, a heavy weight was finally lifted from my heart.

"Are you going now? How about this, just tell Wen Lian at the door and you can go directly there."

After thinking for a while, Zhang Guangyuan said, "Now that the demonic cultivators have invaded and the situation is turbulent, let's stop reporting back and forth and going through all those complicated procedures. Let's keep everything simple."

Anyway, Elder Yang Wenxuan is currently recovering from his injuries, so it's just a small matter. I might as well stand up for the child.

Song Yan was overjoyed: "Thank you, Elder Zhang."

Zhang Guangyuan waved his hand: "Go quickly, Junior Sister Qin must be thinking of you, her precious disciple."

"If she asks about the sect's movements, you can truthfully tell her that the recent disturbances in the Demon Ruins have intensified and that some disciples have been transferred to Northern Chu to guard the area, so that she can rest assured and recuperate."

"And you too, once you've recovered from your injuries, we might have to ask you to go to the front lines again." Zhang Guangyuan chuckled; this was no polite remark.

Song Yan and Li Yi are now both disciples of Bamo Peak, and in principle, they should be under the full command of the sect leader.

As an elder in charge of foreign affairs, without the sect leader's written order, I really have to "invite" someone to come.

Normally, elite disciples who can enter the Demon-Slaying Peak would not refuse such an opportunity to hone their skills.

"it is good."

Song Yan nodded.

After leaving the Elders' Council, without further delay, they followed Zhang Guangyuan's directions and headed towards the forbidden area.

The so-called forbidden area is actually not a special place.

This title is also a common name for disciples within the sect.

In reality, it's just that the sect leader sometimes cultivates in seclusion in this mountain behind Dragon Head Peak, and usually no one dares to approach it.

The so-called place of reflection, Tianjun Cliff, is also located here.

Placing disciples who have made mistakes near the sect leader's secluded cultivation area ensures that no one dares to cause trouble.

As they approached the forbidden area, a noticeable suppression of spiritual energy emanated from the air.

Song Yan took out his disciple token and infused it with a wisp of spiritual power.

The sky ahead rippled slightly like the surface of water.

A cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage stepped out. He was dressed in a plain-colored Daoist robe, appeared to be middle-aged, and had a stern face.

Holding a jade array plate in his hand, he looked solemnly at Song Yan.

"who?"

"Disciple Song Yan, a disciple under Elder Qin Xijun, requests a visit."

Song Yan handed over the token given to him by Zhang Guangyuan: "I have already informed Elder Zhang."

Upon hearing Song Yan's name, the man paused slightly, as if he had thought of something.

His originally solemn expression softened slightly, but he remained rigid: "Passage is permitted without error; the visit is allowed for two hours."

His voice was calm and even, and the jade array plate in his hand was activated.

"No flying, no loud noises, and no attempts to damage any natural or rune-formed barriers within the restricted area."

"After the visit, you must return here by the same route to report back. Please proceed."

"Thank you very much... Uncle Master."

"No need. Everything is in accordance with the rules."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly glanced at Song Yan.

“Zhengfu once told me about you… You respect your teachers and value the Way; you are a good child.”

Song Yan was slightly taken aback. Upon closer inspection, he realized that his senior brother's face did indeed bear a resemblance to Sun Zhengfu.

"You are his..."

The cultivator nodded: "Let's go, don't keep Elder Qin waiting."

The array plate rotated, and a channel was opened in the restriction barrier.

Song Yan nodded in greeting and stepped inside.

The passage behind him closed silently the moment he stepped in.

As soon as you step into the territory of Tianjun Cliff, you can feel the sharp mountain wind and the biting cold.

As we climbed to the top of the cliff, the wind howled even more fiercely.

The platform at the top of the cliff is extremely open, with a sheer cliff on one side and a bottomless valley on the other, and jagged rocks and howling winds on the other side.

The spiritual energy here is exceptionally violent and chaotic, making it difficult for ordinary disciples to absorb and cultivate here. However, it has a remarkable effect on tempering one's will and stabilizing one's mind.

Above the cliff, three or five falcons of different plumage circled in the sky.

Song Yan's gaze was quickly drawn to a familiar figure.

The woman sat cross-legged on a huge black rock protruding over the edge of the cliff, with her back to him.

She wore an extremely simple moon-white cloth dress, and her long hair was casually tied up with only an ebony hairpin.

Two falcons were perched around, occasionally lowering their heads to preen their feathers.

The woman's figure was graceful, blending into the gale-force winds on the cliff and the fierce aura of the falcon, her back view exuding loneliness.

She raised her hand and gently stroked the young white falcon, her arm twitching slightly.

A wisp of spiritual energy supported it, and it hovered steadily in the air in front of her for a while before falling back into her arms.

"Chirp—"

The young falcon is too young to fly.

Perhaps hearing the very faint sound of footsteps behind her, Qin Xijun turned around.

Her expression remained bright, without any joy, anger, or grievance on her face.

Only a pair of eyes, upon seeing Song Yan, rippled slightly, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, before quickly returning to stillness.

"Oooh!"

Qin Xijun stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over Song Yan again and again.

It seemed they needed to confirm that the young man before them was unharmed and a real person made of flesh and blood.

As she looked him over, she said, "Isn't this our Dongyuan Sect's newly promoted genius youth, the Cloud Sword Immortal, Master Song Yan?"

Qin Xijun's tone rose slightly: "You've really made something of yourself, your fame has soared, you're incredible..."

"I'll leave my grandmother here alone in this desolate wilderness to feed the birds."

"hey-hey……"

Hearing Qin Xijun's familiar sarcastic and veiled words, Song Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He chuckled foolishly, "Not at all, it's all thanks to Master's guidance."

Qin Xijun lifted her skirt and kicked him, saying, "I was praising you!!"

"Hey, no, no, please calm down."

Qin Xijun turned around, a slight smile playing on her lips.

She wasn't actually angry; she was just still upset about Xiao Song's supposed resurrection at Longtan Mountain.

The immense joy of having one's beloved apprentice standing alive and well before one's eyes makes one overlook many other trivial matters.

"sit."

"Yes," Song Yan responded, glancing around. "Where should we sit?"

"Sit on the ground."

"..."

"Tell me about what happened when the life lamp went out."

Song Yan sat on the ground next to Qin Xijun, speaking slowly and deliberately.

The explanation of "turning the tide" is too complicated, so I just casually mentioned that it was a secret technique I had accidentally obtained in the past, and that was that.

I didn't go into details about my inner demons, so as not to worry my mother-in-law.

Qin Xijun looked at her disciple. There was no lingering fear in the young man's eyes, only a clarity and composure tempered by having truly experienced death.

“Master, so it is true that the life lamp went out at that time.”

In Qin Xijun's eyes, Song Yan's words sounded like a child trying to defend himself.

"This disciple truly had a brush with death."

Qin Xijun snorted lightly: "You're lucky to be alive, kid."

It is fortunate that the foundation of life was not damaged.

Where is Yang Wenxuan?

She suddenly changed the subject, her tone dropping to freezing: "Is this related to him?"

(End of this chapter)