Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
A thousand years had passed, Shen Lian leisurely thought that he still wanted to meet Lu Jiuyuan.
Chen Jinchan, however, was rather worried. His cultivation experience was closely similar to that of Shen Lian’s when the latter was facing the battle with Yanxu. He had also met Lu Jiuyuan once. Thus, he was able to perceive the frightening abilities of Zhenren Xiangshan.
Whatever the honored master was planning to do, Zhenren Xiangshan would definitely not approve of it. Since there was a need to head to Xuantian Sect to attain that painting, it would be extremely dangerous.
However, he did not advice against honored master’s will, he only hoped that things would proceed smoothly.
…
The school of Xuantian Sect was not located in a common fortune land. It was formed by numerous refined abodes that were scattered around and were classically situated far away from mountains yet alongside water sources. Everywhere was a good field for vision. Every pagoda, building, and pavilion had its very own unique beauty.
At the same time, every refined abode was a representation of their respective schools in Xuantian Sect. The way Lu Jiuyuan imparted knowledge to his disciples was not merely through lecturing. He unearthed the special talents of every student, developed his teachings based on each talent. Hence, he did not restrict his teachings to Dao, Buddhism, or Confucianism. Instead, he used all the knowledge from these three sects, obtained the goods to replace the bags.
Amidst all the refined abodes, one building stood out among the others. It was situated in the middle of the mountain, amongst the luxuriance of abodes, the pagoda stood out distinctively, it had a total of nine stories. It was reputedly a pagoda with a few hundred years of age, amongst the Xuantian Sect, only the elders among the nine disciples of Xuantian knew clearly the construction period of this pagoda.
Not far away from the pagoda was a bamboo abode, that was the where Lu Jiuyuan resided, it was also the stricter area of Xuantian Sect. Other than the nine disciples of Xuantian, or disciples who were valued by Lu Jiuyuan, almost no other beings can enter this area.
Wang Shidao was kneeling outside the Lu Jiuyuan’s bamboo abode. Through a rough estimation, he had already kneeled for three days but Lu Jiuyuan was not awakened.
At this very moment, there was a soft, melodious voice of a lady that came from the top of the pagoda. The voice was as lyrical as the singing of a nightingale, yet it was also similar to the soothing sound of flowing streams. It even had the aura that was comparable to ‘Lotus flower which emerged from the clear water, decorated by the beauty of nature’. The voice said, “Old man Lu, what was the major mistake your disciple had committed that he has to kneel for such a long time?”
“There was once an almighty who wanted to fabricate an ancient celestial weapon, the Painting of Mountain, River and Country. Thus, he took a part of the unformed world, cultivated it into a painting. However, it was never completed. The painting was then found to be in the hands of Daoist Master Taiyi, drifted into the lands of Qing Xuan, it is now brought back by this disciple of mine. As the saying goes, ‘There are no gateways towards fortune or disaster, it can only be caused by oneself.’ This is indeed a treasure, but it is also a cause of chaos.” Lu Jiuyuan’s reply transmitted from the bamboo abode. The reply seemed grave and serious as if it encompassed axiomatic truths of the world.
The lady on the pagoda clapped her hands. Tith a crystal-clear voice, she said, “Good then, it seems like Shen Lian has returned.”
Lu Jiuyuan said, “Xiaoyu, you are smart indeed.”
“If it was not because of Shen Lian’s return, what else is there to make you so unsettled?” Zhao Xiaoyu who was on the pagoda mentioned softly.
Lu Jiuyuan said, “In fact, apart from this matter, there exists another matter that is more troublesome. Nonetheless, it is a fortune, not a trouble, we cannot shy away from troubles anyway. Please rise, Shidao.”
It was as if Wang Shidao was granted amnesty, he rose quickly.
Zhao Xiaoyu who was on the pagoda chuckled and said, “Old man Lu, though I see you blaming your disciple for causing this trouble, I am pretty sure that it was you who hid the designs of nature. I believe that painting matters a lot to Shen Lian, but before your disciple went to collect it, Shen Lian should have managed to perceive it. Yet, your disciple collected it with such ease, without Shen Lian knowing.”
“Xiaoyu is right, when a teacher sees his disciple committing a mistake, there is indeed a need for punishment. However, he would also protect him, moreover, he did it not for the others, but for me,” said Lu Jiuyuan.
Wang Shidao replied rapidly, “Honoured master, you’ve taken this too seriously. After three days of kneeling, I understand your concern. This incident does have certain aspects of recklessness, after analyzing the designs of nature, this was indeed not a favorable matter.”
Lu Jiuyuan smiled as he said, “It is good that you have understood it. Given that I have lived for so long, I am not someone who is timid nor someone afraid of challenges, I do not even have to wait for people to search for me. Bring that painting to Shen Lian, convey this message on behalf of me. I am old. Hence, my movements are no longer adapt. Therefore, I would not be able to attend Buddha’s Birthday Celebration and listen to his lectures. Invite him to arrange a suitable timing to visit and have a chat with me.”
Suddenly, a key query previously buried within Wang Shidao’s heart was answered, he immediately understood the honored master’s intention. He said, “I shall head to Qing Xuan this very moment.”
Wang Shidao did not hesitate when it comes to getting the work done. Hence, he immediately started his journey to Qing Xuan.
After his leave, Xiaoyu who was on the pagoda was silent for a moment before she said, “Old man Lu, you made Wang Shidao travel over, but Shen Lian would definitely come to you. I am both happy and fearful at the same time.”
Lu Jiuyuan said, “You are afraid that Shen Lian would also be locked up in this pagoda by me? If that is the case, you should be glad.”
Zhao Xiaoyu replied slowly, “Shen Lian would never let you entrap him, I am afraid that he might not like seeing my wan and sallow appearance.”
Lu Jiuyuan burst into laughter, a melodious tune of a zither echoed out from bamboo abode.
The ingenious tune of zither was crisp and clear as the bright moon. Although Zhao Xiaoyu had listened to it countless times, the tune still sounded extremely melodious.
The tune of the zither was a reflection of one’s true emotions. Anyone nearby who had heard it would be able to imagine the meaningful message hidden within the melody, this was Lu Jiuyuan’s contentment. Amidst the tunes of zither, one would be able to form sentimental, imaginary sights of ‘Mighty and colossal aura of mountains, the vivacity of the flowing streams of water, ringing sound of wood chopping, the melody of sailing amidst the creaking sound of a moving boat’ in his mind.
However, Zhao Xiaoyu only thought of Shen Lian in her heart, murmuring deeply, “Reminiscing you made me aged, it was too late for time had passed. Our lives were born within the earth and sky as if we were visitors from a far-away site.”
The lyrical singing was as usual, similar to the clouds and mist of Qing Xuan. It did not fade away even after a long long time.
…
A thousand years ago, the Yin of Yin Mountain had become the restricted area for life. The mighty Underworld Demon Sect who was once prosperous had vanished within a day, with their tracks all eradicated. No one knew where they went, but within the earth and sky, there was completely no trace of the Underworld Demon Sect.
Moreover, since then, those who had the intention to intrude into the Yin of Yin Mountain had died violently after coming out of the mountain, there was no exception. No one managed to survive more than a day, at the same time, the way of their demise were bizarre and queer. The only trace they had in common was they all experienced a brutal death.
That day, however, the area outside Yin of Yin Mountain, appeared a young lady appeared beside the Netherworld spring that flowed continuously. She faced the spring water, tidied her hair. If it was not because of the peculiar environment, whenever other people saw such a sight, they would definitely say, “Oh my lover, she stands at the other side of the water stream.”
The young lady was not anyone, she was Qianmo, also known as Kui Li and the world-known great demon who was innately born with the Qi of Five Elements.
Suddenly, the water of Netherworld spring started to quiver, the earth trembled. Far away, a bull-headed, human bodied demon who wore black armor, stepped on the land as he headed over.
Kui Li turned, stared at the demon with her pair of clear eyes, smiled as she said, “You are late.”
“No, you arrived early,” said the demon.
“That is because I cannot bear to wait any further, have you brought me the item?” asked Kui Li softly.
The demon smirked and said, “No, I did not.”
Kui Li snorted softly and said, “Even if you did not bring it, do not expect that I will keep you alive.”
“Such a coincidence, I also had that in mind. Five colored divine lights are indeed impressive, but you are still too young, how dare you challenge me? Do not assume that just because a few monks were not able to suppress you, you can claim to be invincible in this world,” the demon spoke coldly.
Kui Li laughed with despise, she jumped into the air and vanished to the point where her shadow was nowhere to be found.
The demon was the Bull King. He felt an extremely deadly innate force, aimed directly at the spot between his brows and attacked murderously.
