A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

Chapter 189 A Guest Arrives, Named Xuanmeng

The Xuanyuan Dao Sect is named after its location at the Northern Spirit Xuanyuan.

Near the territory of the Five Elements Sect, there are three dangerous places: Black Wind Lake, Green Scale Mountain Range, and Broken Snow Cliff, while there is only one near the Xuan Yuan Dao Sect.

Li Weizhou stood on the edge of a black cliff, his moon-white robe clinging to his body in the wind. As far as the eye could see, there was only thick, impenetrable black mist surging upwards from the bottom of the cliff, year after year, day after day, like a giant beast that had been awakened, swallowing the sun, swallowing the moonlight, and swallowing countless cultivators.

The wind, carrying a chill that seemed to have been seeping into the bottom of the cliff for thousands of years, raged wildly. Li Weizhou looked down at the black stone beneath his feet. The stone surface was smooth as if it had been polished, yet it was embedded with countless tiny, needle-like indentations...

The people of Zhongzhou comparing the Northern Spiritual Domain to a barbaric wasteland is not without reason...

The black mist was still rising, from the bottom of the cliff upwards; you wouldn't even need special effects to film a ghost movie.

But occasionally, a glimmer of light would still appear through the fog.

It was an extremely pale ice blue, and as soon as it peeked out, it was swallowed up by the surrounding blackness.

That must be the shimmering scales of the Xuan Yuan Dragon Fish...

Looking into the distance, the Lingze Mountains suddenly break off here, with a huge abyss stretching for countless miles, like a crack in the sky and earth cleaved by a giant axe.

This is the Northern Spirit Profound Abyss.

Looking out from the black cliff where Li Weizhou stood, the cliff mouth was over a thousand feet wide, with its east and west ends hidden deep in the clouds and mist. Even birds dared not fly over the edge of the cliff. Only the gray mountain gate of the Xuanyuan Dao Sect was reduced to a dot on the edge of the abyss, like a piece of stone embedded in the edge of the giant abyss, making the Xuanyuan Abyss even more deep and mysterious, as if it could swallow up the entire Northern Spirit Domain.

Black mist surged up from the bottom of the abyss, and the continuous black waves rose up to a height of hundreds of feet in the sky before slowly dispersing into light ink-colored clouds, making the sky above look heavy.

The cliff face is vertical and sheared, with no vegetation on the dark blue-black rocks, only vertical lines carved by water over millions of years, like the rings of time etched by heaven and earth, stretching from the cliff mouth all the way to the bottom of the fog, with no end in sight.

Looking down into the abyss, the black fog was so thick it seemed to swallow the light, and there were sounds and echoes, like the breathing of a sleeping ancient beast.

Li Weizhou took two steps forward, his fingertips touching a sword mark several meters deep on the cliff face.

The blade is smooth and clean, and the rocks on both sides are tinged with dark blue, a color that has been imbued with ancient spiritual energy for thousands of years. Legend has it that this is the sword mark of Xuan Yuanzi Mingye Zhenjun, the founder of the Xuan Yuan Dao Sect. When he slew the invading giant demon here, he struck the cliff with his sword, which made this mark immortal for thousands of years.

Li Weizhou glanced down into the abyss again, thought for a moment, and then decided not to go down.

Although my skills have improved significantly recently, I should still avoid doing things that could lead to my death.

The Grand Tournament of the Seven Sects will begin in just over two years.

The entrance to the Kunpeng Secret Realm is said to be at the bottom of the abyss.

The wind swirled around the black mist, and suddenly a series of light footsteps came from the dense forest on the cliff edge not far away, rustling as they stepped on the dead leaves.

Li Weizhou glanced to the side and saw a cultivator in a blue robe emerge from behind a tree, carrying a harpoon made of cold iron on his shoulder, the tip of which was still stained with a few streaks of silvery blood...

The cultivator had a wound on his forehead and a deep, bone-revealing scratch on his arm. Black blood dripped down his forearm and landed on the black stone, where it instantly condensed into fine frost by the cold air in the mist.

Upon seeing Li Weizhou, he first gripped the harpoon tightly, his eyes wary. But when he saw that Li Weizhou's aura was only at the early stage of the Spirit Origin realm, he loosened his grip and moved closer to the edge of the cliff, his gaze sweeping into the mist.

"Fellow Daoist, are you also here to search for the dragonfish?"

The cultivator spoke first, his voice a little hoarse, as if he had been choked by the fog, saying, "The fog has been too thick these past few days. The dragonfish only shows its head around 3 AM, and if you're not careful, it gets swept into the fog."

Tsk, it's rare to meet such a kind person.

In fact, most of the time, cultivators are rather indifferent.

Li Weizhou shook his head, turning his gaze away from the sword marks on the cliff face, and smiled slightly, "I was just passing by to see the scenery of Xuanyuan. Have you just suffered a loss, fellow Daoist?"

The cultivator smiled wryly and raised his injured arm, the black blood still seeping from the scratches, and said, "The dragonfish, which is about ten feet long, is already comparable to the late stage of the Spirit Origin Realm."

Li Weizhou didn't ask questions like "Why don't they eat meat porridge?" Not everyone is as lucky as him, with a world behind them as a resource pool.

The man didn't say much and left in a hurry.

But not long after, two cultivators dressed in the robes of the Xuan Yuan Dao Sect arrived...

Li Weizhou didn't press the matter further, turned around, offered his sword, and departed.

Over the next five days, he went to Mingyu Tower twice more and sold twenty-five Ice Soul Pearls.

Now everyone can be certain that this person is, or is connected to, the person behind the Ice and Snow Secret Realm.

Unfortunately, just as the Xuan Yuan Dao Sect dispatched an inner sect elder at the Spirit God Realm and several outer sect elders at the late stage of the Spirit Origin Realm to "invite" this person back to the sect for questioning, despite having laid a tight net, they found no one there.

There is no trace of this person within the territory of the Xuanyuan Dao Sect.

However, it wasn't all for naught.

Soon, based on the image in the image stone provided by Lingyun Baoshe, someone recognized who this person was...

……

Xuanlei Sword Sect.

Thunderclap Peak.

Therefore, the world is full of wonders.

Thunder is unlikely to last long in the world, and so are thunderclouds.

However, thick thunderclouds accumulate above Jinglei Peak year-round.

Even when the surrounding sky is clear, lightning often flashes on this peak.

If it were a valley where shady spots gather, it would be easier to explain, but this is a solitary peak, which is truly rare.

On Thunderclap Peak stands a golden-roofed hall called Purple Cloud Hall.

A small purple sword floats above the main hall, echoing the thunderclouds in the sky...

Inside the main hall, Sect Leader Lei Yuntian's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked at his disciple Qi Zhenkun and asked, "Are you sure?"

Qi Zhenkun looked thinner recently, which suggested that the Spirit Realm was not as easy to navigate as the mortal world. He replied, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, this disciple is certain. This disciple had dealings with this person in the lower realm. If this person's appearance has not been altered using spiritual energy, then this disciple can confirm that this person is... Xiao Yichen."

An elder standing nearby said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader, this person is a disciple of Xingluo Temple."

Upon hearing this, another elder frowned silently and said, "That doesn't make sense."

The elder shook his head and said, "The Xingluo Temple has always acted strangely, which is incompatible with my magnificent thunder magic."

After pondering for a moment, Lei Yuntian asked, "Can Lingyun Treasure House assure you that this person's appearance is not a manifestation of spiritual energy?"

The inner sect elder nodded and said, "That can be assured."

Lei Yuntian slowly shook his head and said, "It's not this person... He's only been up from the lower realm for two years, how could he have such cultivation?"

The story isn't about Xiao Yichen slaying the Ice Dragon, but about how he flew on a sword.

Qi Zhenkun lowered his head in shame; he had already reached the second level of the Spirit Realm.

To be honest, it's not slow at all, considering it's only been two years of cultivation.

Moreover, he possessed astonishing talent in swordsmanship, which earned him high regard within the sect; even the sect leader knew of such a disciple.

But the worst thing is comparing yourself to others.

Even Xiao Yichen can fly on a sword, so how could he...?

Hey, that’s not right!
No matter how extraordinary Xiao Yichen is, he could never reach the Spirit Origin Realm. Even that beast from the Five Elements Sect is only at the ninth level of the Spirit Transformation Realm.

Then the sect's punishment elder coughed and said softly, "Sect leader, you may not know, but this boy is quite lucky. After coming here, not only is he exceptionally talented, but he has also won the favor of the beloved daughter of Abbot Li of Xingluo Temple. It is said that the female Daoist master of Xingluo Temple personally protects the two of them, and they cultivate together in the Xingluo Temple's immortal-grade magic artifact, the Star-Fixing Plate."

Qi Zhenkun couldn't help but glance at Sect Leader Lei Yuntian, thinking to himself: Look how he treats his disciples!
Another elder said with a gloomy face, "Xingluo Temple also has the method of observing stars and summoning lightning. Very well! Xingluo Temple is quite something! Li Qingyi is quite something!"

Lei Yuntian said slowly, "This matter will be kept secret for now. I will send a letter to Abbot Li to find out the reason before we make a decision."

"good."

However, before Lei Yuntian could send a letter to Xingluo Temple, the rumor that Xingluo Temple's Xing Lei Zhenren was the instigator of the Ice and Snow Secret Realm spread like wildfire.

Xiao Yichen happened to be a disciple of Xinglei Zhenren... This news exploded like a spark falling into a frying pan.

The disciples of the Xuanlei Sword Sect were outraged and demanded that the sect uphold justice for Elder Lei Qianjue!

……

Located 30,000 li away from the territory of the Five Elements Sect, Xingluo Temple sits on Lanxing Ridge.

The entire temple was hidden in pale blue clouds, except for the Star-Picking Platform behind it, which was visible outside the clouds.

The top of the platform is inlaid with a bronze star-fixing plate about ten feet long. The surface of the plate is engraved with star patterns, and the silver light flows, reflecting the phantom image of stars even in the daytime.

Six star-patterned stone pillars stand on the side of the platform, their silver patterns shifting with the brightness of the stars and moving even without wind.

The abbot, Li Qingyi, stood before the star-fixing plate, his slender hands constantly forming hand seals, as if he were calculating something.

Behind him, Master Xinglei Liang Shucheng, dressed in a dark red Taoist robe, said in a deep voice, "Master, this matter was absolutely not done by me, and Xiao Yichen is even less capable of doing so."

"It's obviously a frame-up."

Li Qingyi pointed her fingertip at the star chart, the North Star pattern in the center of the chart turning red, and said calmly, "This plan is crude and has many flaws."

Footsteps approached from the platform, and his daughter, Li Lingyue, rushed over, the hem of her moon-white dress sweeping across the stone steps. She said angrily, "Father, who exactly is slandering Xingluo Temple and Yichen? I will not let this go!"

Li Qingyi remained noncommittal and asked, "What did Xiao Yichen say?"

Li Lingyue seemed a little puzzled as well, and after hesitating for a moment, she said, "Yichen said that this must have been the work of that scoundrel Li Weizhou from the Five Elements Sect!"

Li Qingyi gave a curious "Oh," and asked, "Is there any evidence?"

Li Lingyue shook her head, and Liang Shucheng laughed angrily, "That is the current sect leader of the Five Elements Sect, who is in charge of the Five Elements Grand Formation and killed two members of the Sin Clan at the Spirit God Realm. Without any evidence, how can you just say such things?"

Li Lingyue blushed and couldn't speak.

Li Qingyi chuckled softly, "It's alright. Xiao Yichen has his reasons for saying that. That young sect leader does have some skill. However, he doesn't have the cultivation to do such a thing."

Li Lingyue whispered, "Father, what if Tao Xixing really breaks through to the Immortal Spirit Realm... he can definitely do it."

Liang Shucheng laughed and said, "A Celestial Spirit Realm cultivator fooling around with a kid from the lower realm?"

Li Qingyi also laughed and said, "Tao Xixing is a gentleman swordsman; he wouldn't do such a thing."

Li Lingyue asked curiously, "Who did it?"

Li Qingyi's gaze fell on the star chart, his eyes seemingly reflecting the rising and falling stars. He smiled and said, "There's no need to care too much about who did it; it's ultimately a righteous immortal sect. This person discovered the secret of that small secret realm, eliminated the scourge in advance, and saved the Northern Spirit Region from a catastrophe. Apart from the Xuanlei Sword Sect being somewhat displeased, most people should actually be grateful to this person."

Li Lingyue exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? He framed us, and now he's the good guy?"

Li Qingyi smiled and said, "There may be some minor shortcomings, but nothing deviates from the greater good. Coincidentally, the Five Elements Sect has sent a message to all sects, saying that they want to reopen their mountain gates. I will take you with me to take a look."

Li Lingyue hurriedly said, "And Yichen too!"

Even with Li Qingyi's composure and self-control, she couldn't help but twitch her eye slightly at this moment...

Liang Shucheng cautioned, "Sect Leader, we still cannot be careless. Once the Sin Clan hears this news, they will surely come looking for us. We must guard against the calamity that may befall Qingshui City."

Li Qingyi scoffed and said, "How can our righteous immortal sects fear cowards like cowards hiding their heads and tails? This time, it is the founding ceremony of the Five Elements Sect. Our seven sects can also discuss forming a standing joint battle team to hunt down the remnants of the criminal race."

Seeing Liang Shucheng still worried, he chuckled and said, "Eight hundred years ago, the Sinful Clan ravaged the world, causing immense harm. However, thanks to the relentless hunting by the righteous immortal sects for three hundred years, they can only eke out a living now, hiding in the deserts of the Western Spirit Domain. Although they have resurfaced in recent years, they have ultimately failed to amount to anything. There is no need to worry about intensifying our crackdown now. Moreover, as for other sects, it's one thing, but as for the methods of seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, and using the stars to protect oneself, should my Star Luo Sect be overly concerned?"

Liang Shucheng was relieved and laughed, "I was overthinking it. I was only thinking that the rise of the Sin Clan would be impossible to guard against... In that case, Xiao Yichen's guess is not without reason. If they were from the Spirit Realm, they would understand that diverting trouble would not lead to the Star Luo Temple."

Li Qingyi chuckled and said, "It will be revealed sooner or later, let's wait and see."

……

The territory of the Five Elements Sect.

Whether it was psychological or not, after going out for a stroll and returning, Li Weizhou felt that the mountains and rivers of Shanmen were beautiful and that nowhere was as good as his own.

Kunwu slowly descended onto Qingmu Peak.

As far as the eye can see, there is a vast expanse of forest.

Upon his arrival, all the trees bowed down.

The Jianmu tree grew to nearly twenty zhang tall, and the imperial aura emanating from it became increasingly intense.

It's only because the Tai Chi symbol is partially obscured that it's even more noticeable.

Strands of spiritual energy from the countless spiritual trees drifted out and flew into Li Weizhou's body.

He felt exceptionally relaxed and at ease here.

However, he did not linger and flew to Hunyuan Peak and the Five Elements Hall on his sword.

"Brother is out of seclusion!"

Every time he went into seclusion, Xi Mei would wait outside the meditation room for him to emerge.

Li Weizhou smiled and rubbed his younger sister's head. Now, Ximei has grown into a beautiful young woman with her ever-smiling peach blossom eyes, which even her teacher's wife, Tian Ru, praises.

Li Weizhou said, "Make something delicious for dinner!"

Xi Mei cheered, but first asked with concern, "Did brother succeed?"

Li Weizhou felt a warmth in his heart and nodded with a smile, replying, "It's settled. I'll take you out to play in a few days. Now, your brother can protect you."

Xi Mei spun around a few times with Li Weizhou's hand, made a small wish, and said, "I want to go to Qingshui City to eat spirit jujube cake. Senior Sister said that kind of spirit jujube cake is extremely fragrant and sweet, hehe!"

Li Weizhou laughed heartily and said, "Great! I'll take you there tomorrow!"

Watching Xi Mei walk away happily, Zhou Yueniang, who was in seclusion in the Golden Spirit Hall next door, came out and laughed, "You just spoil her... Is she stable now?"

Li Weizhou nodded, stretched, and chuckled, "Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief."

Feng Biwu complained, "I told you there's no rush, we've only been here for two years. Why are you pushing yourself so hard?"

Li Weizhou said, "We can't keep the whole family cooped up in this turtle shell forever, can we? Your 'All Streams Return to the Source' technique requires you to visit more watery places; Hidden Water Peak alone isn't enough. I'll take you somewhere in a couple of days... and Second Aunt too."

Situ Qingyue laughed and said, "The Spirit God Realm, is it really that strong?"

Li Weizhou didn't speak, but his figure flashed repeatedly within the Five Elements Hall.

Situ Qingyue's smile vanished instantly. She used the Void Step!

Having advanced to the Spirit God Realm, can you now use the Void Step at will?

Li Weizhou nodded and said, "Yes, not only that, but I can also use that sword strike from the Sin-Slaying Clan's Spirit God Realm expert even outside of the Five Elements Formation."

Of course, it wasn't without a price; a single sword strike could take away half of his life.

However, he has a sea of ​​blood behind him, a real sea of ​​blood. As long as he still has soul power in his sea of ​​consciousness, that kind of "sword" is comparable to the "sword" of a Celestial Spirit True Monarch. He can unleash far more than just one sword...

Zhou Yueniang laughed, Situ Qingyue laughed, and Feng Biwu and Qi Erniang laughed along with her.

The four then discussed finding some time to go shopping in Qingshui City...

Just as they were having a lively discussion, Li Weizhou suddenly saw a small sword fly over and stop in front of him. Hou Haikun's voice came from it: "Sect Leader, there is a guest outside the mountain gate who wants to see you. He says he is an old friend of yours named Xuanmeng."

"oops!"

Zhou Yueniang exclaimed in surprise, "Xuanmeng is here!!"

Even Situ Qingyue's face showed surprise. The family stopped talking and raised their respective magic swords, flying towards the mountain gate.

……

(End of this chapter)