Xianye

Chapter 482 Blades Rise in Flames, Stone Horses Sweat Blood
The valley floor is covered with brocade, the trees are draped in the color of the sunset, and thousands of flames are scattered among the mountains and forests, spreading out in one go, illuminating the vast valley brightly and transparently.

It was clearly night, with a pale moon and few stars.

But as the monk Tansu descended from the clouds, he felt as if he were stepping into a bright light, so vivid and dazzling that it penetrated his very soul.

In the center of the valley, hundreds of colorful veils overlapped and shimmered, encircling an area of ​​about a mile, as if they were embracing each other.

From within the gauze curtains, soft, sweet voices could be heard, like the melodious singing of a new nightingale or the first bloom of a beautiful flower, stirring a burning desire within one's heart, making one wish to leap into the moment and join in.

In fact, the musicians and singers near the gauze curtains did indeed think the same way.

Regardless of gender, everyone's skin was burning hot and their blood was flowing faster. However, knowing how powerful the woman inside the tent was, they were afraid of spoiling her fun and dared not rush in.

But the guards and personal guards had no such scruples; they had long since used the sky as their blankets and the ground as their mats, indulging in a chaotic mess.

Many of them stopped what they were doing when they saw Tansu approaching, and hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects to him. Several beautiful women who had known the monk Tansu for a long time were even bolder and stepped forward to ask him about the true meaning of the union of the two.

Seeing that Tan Su shook her head and remained silent, the others did not dare to linger. They bowed slightly and were about to inform Xiao Lingji inside the gauze tent.

But before they could set off, as if sensing Tan Su's arrival, a muffled thud suddenly rang out, shaking the trees and echoing through the valley.

When she opened her eyes again, the hundred colorful gauze curtains swirled like a waterfall, then transformed into a light, flowing shawl, which was picked up by a slender, fair hand.

"Didn't you have an insight when you were looking at the Sujue Stele Forest before, and want to go back to the stele forest to practice the Shurangama Samadhi Immovable Subduing Demon Power?"

What brings you here today, little sister? Have you already accomplished your mission?

A soft, gentle female voice rang out. Although it was just an ordinary tone, it carried an indescribable allure that made the creatures in the room turn red in the eyes and gasp for breath.

Tan Su remained calm and composed, only raising her eyes to look.

Where he was looking, first came the sound of footsteps, the tinkling of jade pendants, and then the figure of a young woman came into view. Several powerful demon cultivators and their servants stood respectfully behind her, their eyes murky, as if their minds were clouded.

The woman was around twenty years old, in the prime of her youth.

She wore a deep blue palace gown that seemed to cut through clouds and mist, with a long skirt trailing on the ground. Her hair was styled in a flying fairy bun, with a gold hairpin inserted diagonally. Her hair was as black as ink, and her eyes were as bright as waves. She was extremely radiant and charming.

At first glance, the woman's demeanor was dignified and composed, like a white lotus or jade root on a mountaintop, exuding an otherworldly and noble air that made her seem untouchable and unapproachable.

But upon closer inspection, one inexplicably senses a thousand alluring charms emanating from those eyes, a natural beauty that defies description, captivating the heart.

"It seems this trip to Hong Jingtian has truly benefited you. As your brother, I should congratulate you. As for me..."

Tan Su saw a clear, gentle light emanating from her eyes, which were as clear and bright as mist. She nodded and couldn't help but praise her.

The woman who spoke just now was Xiao Lingji, a true disciple of Zhuihuan Palace.

Just as she was talking to Tan Su, the few strong medicine slaves who were standing respectfully behind Xiao Lingji suddenly exuded a pure energy from the top of their heads, then collapsed to the ground, their muscles, bones and internal organs vanishing in an instant, leaving only a thin skin that would break in the wind.

Tan Su didn't seem to mind the situation. After a pause, he simply said:
"As for me, I'm afraid I'll have no chance to take the Sujue Stele Forest right now."

Only today did I realize that the sword strike that Monk Yunjie used to cut me was perhaps more severe than I had imagined. It not only damaged my physical body at the time, but also disrupted my meditation practice and ruined my enlightenment.

I thought that after cultivating the form of the Ucchu Treasure Canopy King, I would have healed my injuries, and I even took another step forward with the help of Yun Jie's sword.

But only my physical body has fully healed; a few sword wounds remain in the hidden spot of the lotus platform between my eyebrows, which I did not even notice immediately.

As for my belief that I had made further progress while observing the Sujue Stele Forest, that was nothing but a delusion and confusion brought about by the sword wound. If I hadn't had a sudden enlightenment and woken up in time, I'm afraid I would have been tricked by Yun Jie and gone astray..."

At this point, Tan Su smiled inexplicably, then shook his head with a sigh:
"With such skill, I think Yun Jie has already mastered the 'All Illusions' sword technique. Miaosheng Huayan Temple is truly extraordinary to have such a disciple to inherit its lineage!"

After Tan Su finished speaking, Xiao Lingji remained silent for a moment, her face showing a rare expression of emotion, and she frowned slightly.

She and the monk Tansu were originally from the same realm, and had known each other since childhood.

Having lost their fathers at a young age and been sold by their respective relatives into a mortal martial arts sect, they could only secretly pledge kinship as brother and sister, struggling to survive together.

The hardships and difficulties encountered along the way need not be mentioned further.

This also meant that even after they each became disciples of the Great Heavenly Cultivator, their friendship remained as strong as ever.

Yun Jie, a disciple of the Huayan Temple of Boundless Light, is a Dharma heir.

Xiao Lingji had heard the monk Tansu mention this name more than once.

Within the same Heaven of Boundless Light, her half-brother had always regarded Yun Jie as his greatest enemy!
Half a year before Tan Su came to Hongjingtian at Xiao Lingji's request, he had faced Yun Jie and was injured by her sword.

However, Tansu eventually took advantage of the situation to cultivate the form of the Ucchu Treasure Canopy King, turning Yun Jie's killing sword into resources for cultivation, and even gained an advantage over Yun Jie.

When Xiao Lingji heard Tan Su mention this matter, she was also impressed by Tan Su's profound virtue and wisdom.

Unexpectedly, after meeting Tan Su, who had returned from the Sujue Stele Forest, I heard such words.

In this way...

After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Lingji sighed and said:
“Brother, our sect has a kind of celestial treasure called Five Cloud Night Light Cloud Jade Water Frost. It can revive the dead, heal flesh and bones, ascend to the heavens, and decide life and death. After I ascended to the position of true disciple, I was granted a pill of Water Frost by the elders of the sect to commend my Daoist achievements.”

If you need this magical item, brother, why not come with me to the Realm of No Thought? You used to say that victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Yun Jie only defeated you by one move; you must not let this discourage you.”

Hearing Xiao Lingji's earnest words, Tan Su couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her, but her attitude was genuine.

He seemed to remember something, and a rare smile appeared on his face, bringing him a sense of relief.

Zhuihuan Palace is a powerful demonic sect within the Wuxiang Heaven. It is renowned throughout the mortal realm for its dual cultivation and the practice of absorbing the essence of the body. Most cultivators avoid it like the plague, fearing that if they are not careful, they will become the medicine slaves of this demonic sect and be plundered into nothingness.

However, Dasui Temple is not a solemn and pure land.

Because of its evil and ruthless nature, Da Sui Temple was also threatened and killed by several orthodox Chan monasteries of Wuliangguangtian. The two sides had been fighting for who knows how many years.

Otherwise, Yun Jie, who came from Miaosheng Huayan Temple, would not have harbored murderous intent towards Tan Su and wanted to send him to his death.

While Yun Jie's belligerent nature was partly to blame, the different backgrounds of Da Sui Temple were also a crucial factor.

"Over the journey, I have witnessed much deceit and treachery in order to reach my current high position. But the situation I am in now is truly rare. That pill of water frost was given to me by an elder in my sect, and I cannot accept it without feeling guilty. I appreciate the kindness in my heart."

Seeing that Xiao Lingji was about to speak again to persuade her, Tan Su waved her hand, speaking in a way that brooked no refusal:
“My Vajra of the Ucchus is not just for show. My physical body has long been healed. Although the Cloud Precepts slightly disrupt my meditation practice and temporarily make me feel dusty, if I were to make up for it with external things, it would be a step down.”

"I am not here today to pour out my grievances to my junior sister or to ask for favors. I simply have a strange feeling in my heart and an unresolved question."

Xiao Lingji, puzzled, asked, "What is it that you have doubts about, Senior Brother?"

The reason why Xiao Lingji and Tan Su came to Hongjingtian together was that the former liked the vigorous blood energy of the demon cultivators and wanted to recruit more excellent alien medicine slaves here to cultivate a supreme divine power of Zhuihuan Palace.

The latter, under the guidance of his master at Dasui Temple, learned that the Buddha of Thunder Sound Staff in Wua Cave had personally left behind a forest of merit steles called "Sujue". If one gains insights while viewing the forest of steles, one can increase one's wisdom.

Although most of the Sujue Stele Forest was destroyed in subsequent calamities, the remaining ones were buried deep in the continent of Mowu. Under the later instruction of the Buddha of Thunder Sound Staff, they were left only for those with affinity in the Chan school. Now, Tansu suddenly appeared here and said the following words.

Xiao Lingji naturally assumed that her brother was misled by Yun Jie's "all delusions" and was unable to continue to comprehend the Sujue Stele Forest. Therefore, he had the intention to return to the mountain gate and expel the sword wound as soon as possible.

"All delusions" are the accumulation of afflictions and obstacles. If one falls into this trap, one will see mountains as not mountains and water as not water, which will ruin one's meditation practice.

Beyond that, she felt that Tan Su might also be implying that she would help him.

After all, the frost on his body was no ordinary substance...

At this moment, Tan Su's monk robe shifted, and he looked at Xiao Lingji, speaking solemnly:
"Because of Yun Jie's sword, there is no use for me to stay in the Forest of Predestined Fate. However, since I have seen through Yun Jie's methods, I have also made some progress in my understanding of destiny due to my increased merit. Fortune and misfortune are interdependent."

When I used my Destiny Affinity to look into your future, little sister, I was horrified to see flames rising from a forest of blades and blood-sweating stone horses. If you remain in Hongjingtian any longer, I fear you will face considerable hardship.

"Suffering? Actually within the Mowu Continent of Hongjingtian?" Xiao Lingji's expression turned slightly grim.

"Exactly."

Tan Su frowned:

"Think carefully, in this Mowu Continent, which powerful force have you inadvertently offended recently?"

……

……

A gentle night breeze rustled softly, adding to the chill of dusk even amidst the bright lights and candles.

After Tan Su uttered those words, the room fell silent; the guards and musicians around him wished they could cover their ears and bow their heads, no one daring to utter a word.

Xiao Lingji frowned for a long time, thinking through everything she had done since arriving in Mowu Continent, and finally shook her head gently.

She said;

"Brother, you are wise. Although I have taken in quite a few medicine slaves for cultivation, most of them are powerful rogue cultivators without any real background. The powerful figures of the Demon Kingdom and the Qiaoshan Sect naturally don't bother with them. As for the details..."

Xiao Lingji seemed to realize something, gave a slight cold laugh, and continued:
"The only one in this Mowu Continent who truly has a deep-seated grudge against me and knows my identity is probably Lü Rong, the true disciple of the Blood River!"

This man had tried to kill me several times before, but because we were always close by, forming a pincer movement, he saw that it wouldn't be easy for him to succeed and thus withdrew temporarily. My brother should also know this.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Su remained noncommittal, only displaying a thoughtful expression on his face.

The true lineage of the Blood River Sect, Lü Rong.

He had personally experienced this person's extraordinary abilities and skills. He truly lived up to his reputation as a hero among the eight sects and six schools of martial arts.

However, being from the same Great Heavenly Court, Tan Su was by no means an unknown person, and with Xiao Lingji present, it was a two-on-one situation.

No matter how powerful Lü Rong is, he would probably find it difficult to fight two opponents at once.

"Back then, when Lü Rong fought against Ruan Youchong of Shayu Heavenly Palace, although Ruan Youchong was victorious, he was also seriously injured. My sister happened to pass by, and at that time she secretly had a thought and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to seize Lü Rong's primordial yang for cultivation. Unfortunately, Lü Rong was prepared and fled when he saw that things were not going well."

From then on, the feud between Lü Rong and his younger sister became irreconcilable…

Recalling the past, Tan Su shook her head secretly.

In his view, some things should either not be done at all, or once a decision is made, one should use any means necessary and give it one's all to achieve a decisive victory!
To end up in this situation is truly a poor choice...

"It may be difficult for my ability to foresee the 'flames rising from the forest of swords and the blood-sweating stone horses' by Lü Rong alone, but if he finds help in this Mowu Continent, then things will change!"

Tan Su thought for a moment and then said.

Although Xiao Lingji couldn't imagine who Lü Rong could find to help him on this Mowu Continent, she wouldn't take Tan Su's seriousness lightly.

After saying a few more words, Tan Su suddenly changed the subject and said:
"What are your plans, little sister, regarding the Yuanzuo Wangzhi tree on Fish Lake Mountain?"

Xiao Lingji smiled: "I came to Mowu Luzhou only to find some medicine slaves, but I didn't expect to find out this information. As you know, Yuanzuo Wang Zhi is of great use to my cultivation of supernatural powers, so there is no reason for me to miss this opportunity."

"Judging from your tone, it seems you already have a plan?"

Upon hearing this, Tan Su chuckled for a moment, then swallowed back the words he was about to say.

During his previous journey through Guangyang Lake, Tan Su accidentally subdued a Lin fish.

Later, due to his improved understanding of destiny, he saw through the hidden tricks left by Yun Jie. When he had some free time, he thought of Xiao Lingji's desire to enter Yuhu Mountain. After some consideration, Tan Su realized that he could use the Lin fish in his hand to make a move and secretly target Yu Xiaoyu of the Leyang Duke's Mansion.

However, it seems that Xiao Lingji has her own plans now, so there's no need to mention his schemes.

"To be honest, I have a foolproof plan for how to infiltrate Fish Lake Mountain. Brother, don't forget that even the demon cultivators stationed at Fish Lake Mountain were kept in the dark about Yuan Zuo and Wang Zhi's affairs. How come I, an outsider, know everything?"
Although I cannot match my brother's divine might in magical combat, I have my own methods, which my brother will soon discover." Xiao Lingji appeared confident.

"That would be for the best. But to avoid any unforeseen complications, you should marry Wang Zhi as soon as possible."

Tan Su nodded and said:

"However, after this is over, we should still leave this place. If we remain here, the omens will inevitably come true."

Xiao Lingji had no objection, but at the end she suddenly said:

"If Lü Rong has indeed found a capable assistant, brother, who do you think that person should be?"

"The Demon Kingdom, the Qiaoshan Sect, the Panming Palace... No, the native beings probably wouldn't lend Lü Rong a hand. Could it be an extraterrestrial cultivator? At this moment, someone from the Blood River Sect has arrived in Mowu Continent? That doesn't make sense either. How could a sect possibly produce another peerless disciple like Lü Rong..."

After pondering for a moment, Tan Su still couldn't come up with a definite answer.

He shook his head and sighed softly:
"If the Prediction Master is correct this time, you and I will meet sooner or later. Let's see what happens next!"

While Tan Su and Xiao Lingji were pondering and discussing, Chen Heng, thousands of miles away, also received a reply.

The steward he had previously sent out delivered it personally without delay, not daring to waste a moment.

“The Prince of Yong’s mansion has already replied, granting me permission to enter the mountains to gather Ganoderma lucidum.”

After a moment, Chen Heng waved the letter in his hand and shouted to the many demon cultivators who were staring at him expectantly:

"You all must pack your things quickly and set off immediately. I must hurry to Fish Lake Mountain!"

Seeing that they could finally escape from Guangyang Lake and no longer be scolded and whipped, the group of demon cultivators were overjoyed. Fearing that they would be even a little slow, they readily accepted the order!
"It's finally done."

Amidst the bustling crowd, Chen Heng's eyes flickered, and he thought to himself.

(End of this chapter)