Xianye

Chapter 513 Water Doesn't Compete for First Place
All around, the sound of water crashing against each other could be heard, its resonance like the clanging of bells and chimes, booming and reverberating in the ears, making one's heart tremble and one's soul sway, causing a moment of dizziness—

As soon as Zhang Shouyi stepped onto Yun Chu Island, where Shan Jian lived, a thick fog suddenly appeared, its origin unknown, darkening the sky and obscuring the sun.

Everything seemed hazy and unclear. Even with his divine eyes activated, Zhang Shou could only see the area three feet in front of him.

Beyond three feet, it was far beyond his sight; even the figure of the feathered boy was shrouded in chaos and could no longer be seen.

However, this was not Zhang Shou's first time visiting Yun Chu Island. He simply stood quietly in place without making any move.

Not long after, only a few breaths later, the voice of the feathered boy rang out from ahead:

"Senior Brother Zhang, please follow me. The Master has created a new formation this time, and it is not to be trifled with. Even when Daoist Weiling was invited to test the formation, he had to draw his divine sword. Senior Brother Zhang, you must follow the guidance closely and do not make a single wrong step!"

Zhang Shou was not surprised to hear this, but simply indicated that he understood.

The Cloud Beginning Island beneath his feet was a well-known forbidden area in the Xiaoming Great Swamp. Shan Jian was a grandmaster of array formations and also enjoyed studying new methods. He often corresponded with the three ruling Dao Lords of the Nine True Sect.

In the past, when Zhang Shou came to this temple to pay his respects, he also needed the guidance of a young attendant to enter. Other Yu Chen cultivators might feel terrified by this, but for him, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

However, the vast sound of water all around today inexplicably stirred a strange feeling in Zhang Shou's heart...

Under some kind of unseen pressure, he almost had to release his own primordial spirit form to resist the sound of water that seemed to penetrate every nook and cranny and go straight into his mind.

Zhang Shou, his hand hidden in his sleeve, secretly made a hand seal to steady himself, and asked:
"I wonder what the name of the new formation Master created is?"

"It has no name yet. According to the master, this formation is still lacking in refinement."

As the voice rang out, the Feathered Boy also cast a spell on the small flag in his hand. At that moment, a clear cry rang out in the air, and a ball of bright light rose up gracefully, illuminating an area of ​​about a mile.

"Senior Brother Zhang, please."

The boy pointed to a flying boat in front of him, indicating that Zhang Shou should go first.

As the boat rose into the air in the blink of an eye, we still couldn't see through the layers of smoke and clouds.

But the vermilion roofs and green tiles, painted railings and carved balustrades, as well as the tall trees reaching into the clouds and the green ponds and red lotuses that Zhang Shou saw along the way were all familiar scenes that he was used to seeing.

But after only half an incense stick's time, amidst the rushing water all around, Zhang Shou's vision suddenly blurred for a moment.

He suddenly saw that the peaks had collapsed and the city had fallen, a sea of ​​blood and mountains of corpses, and the earth was filled with the wailing of ghosts and gods, deafeningly loud.

Black winds and fiery rain rose from the west, sweeping across the land and sea, destroying everything in their path, turning all living beings into withered corpses and charred remains, leaving the world devoid of life!

With Zhang Shou's knowledge, he would naturally know that this was just an illusion and would not act rashly.

He simply kept his mind focused inward, his will unwavering, protecting the clarity of his spiritual platform.

Seeing that the black wind and fire rain could not harm Zhang Shou, the illusory scene changed again, suddenly transforming into mountains and rivers shaking and the sun and moon shifting.

Stars rained down like a storm, shattering the sky. Zhang Shou could even clearly feel the falling stars smashing his body into a bloody pulp, and even his primordial spirit was unable to escape.

The terrifying feeling between life and death was clearly real and undeniable, and even the pain was reproduced one by one, but Zhang Shou's face remained unmoved, and the magic seal in his sleeve remained intact.

But as the sound of water in his ears intensified, the illusion also changed faster and became increasingly difficult to resist.

Sometimes it appears as a hundred suns emerging simultaneously, a sight both awe-inspiring and terrifying; other times it is a golden palace, a sacred realm, making one feel as if ascending to a celestial palace.

Sometimes the sound of drums and music could be heard, and all the immortals from the nine provinces came to pay homage; other times, the auspicious sky opened up and the purple sun shone brightly, as if one's lifespan were as long as heaven and earth, immeasurable...

However, at the last moment, just as Zhang Shou saw the clouds in front of him part with a thunderous roar and a golden bolt of lightning descend upon him.

He finally blinked unconsciously, his mind momentarily in turmoil.

A colossal Dharma image rose into the sky from behind him, stirring up wind and clouds for hundreds of miles, its power unparalleled, heading straight to meet the lightning!

Halfway through, Zhang Shou suddenly pressed the Dharma image down into the air, a hint of sadness appearing on his face.

He sighed softly, letting the dazzling bolt of lightning fall unimpeded upon his head. There was no sign of anything terrible happening afterward; the lightning simply vanished without a trace, like a gentle breeze.

Almost at the same moment the lightning disappeared, the rumbling sound of water in Zhang Shou's ears also stopped.

"..."

He sat quietly for a long time before silently getting up.

The flying boat had landed in a large lake, and the boy who had guided him had disappeared without a trace.

After Zhang Shou stepped off the flying boat, all he saw was a scene of high-flying mist and bright sunshine.

The clouds that had just covered the sky had all disappeared, and the world was now clear and bright. A gentle breeze brought a sense of comfort and joy.

Upon arriving here, Zhang Shou was already quite familiar with the place.

He gave a bitter smile to himself. After leaving the lake and winding around the towering pines stretching for dozens of miles, he finally saw a cluster of palaces and pavilions, with elegant terraces and terraces, nestled in the forest.

An old Taoist priest, dressed in a star-studded crown and crane-feather cloak, with his hair and beard as white as silver, sat upright on a prayer mat in the main hall. A group of servants dressed as scholars respectfully attended to him, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere, much like an academy.

"Disciple pays homage to teacher."

As Zhang Shou bowed to Shan Jian, who resembled an old Taoist priest, his gaze also fell upon the half-open array diagram beside him.

The array seemed to contain nothing but a vast expanse of shimmering water.

But upon closer inspection, the water ripples, originally drawn with ink, seemed to suddenly undulate, and the sound of water could be clearly heard.

"This is a new formation I've set up recently. Although I haven't had time to name it yet, you've probably already seen its power," Shan Jian said, noticing Zhang Shou's gaze.

"What a profound array for cultivating the mind and refining the spirit! In my humble opinion, this array may not only be able to cultivate the mind, but also be used to kill enemies and achieve victory."

Zhang Shou pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"When I tested you just now, I only limited this formation to the primordial spirit level, but you still failed at the last moment. Your heart is flawed. What do you want?"

Shan Jian said calmly:
"If you can't even get past this hurdle, you still want to ask me for half of the Immortal Jade Fruit? Aren't you afraid of dying in that illusion, your internal organs turning to ash and your flesh and bones turning to mud?"

Startled that his thoughts had been exposed, Zhang Shou looked up, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. He seemed about to say something, but in the end, he lowered his head and gave a helpless, bitter smile:
"Teacher, you are truly insightful. Yes, that is exactly what I thought."

Shan Jian shook his head:

“In recent years, you have been distracted, even when you are listening to lectures. How could I not see that?”

"You've hesitated to speak, perhaps because you feel the Immortal Jade in my possession is far too precious, and you are merely a nominal disciple, not someone I personally instructed. To rashly ask for it would only bring you humiliation?"

These words were spoken very bluntly, without any attempt to conceal or hide anything.

Rao Zhangshou had already prepared his words, but he was still slightly taken aback by such words.

Just then, Shan Jian suddenly threw something out.

Zhang Shou subconsciously took it, and upon closer inspection, he realized that what he was holding was the half of the Immortal Jade Fruit that he had been dreaming of for so long.

This precious elixir looks like a round, plump fruit, its entire body green and translucent, smooth to the touch like solidified fat, with specks of ethereal light swirling around it, showcasing the wonders of creation.

However, since it was only half a piece, this Immortal Jade was only half standing upright, with a clean break, as if it had been split in half by some kind of sharp weapon.

The moment the Immortal Jade Fruit was grasped, an indescribable fragrance filled the hall, bringing a sense of clarity and comfort to the mind, and even making one's thoughts run a little faster.

"Teacher, why is that?"

Zhang Shou did not put it away at the moment, but asked in confusion.

Immortal Master Jade Fruit —

In ancient times, the monk Ju Tuo, who was the head of the Dan Yuan sect, created five types of elixirs that could transform life and death and reach the depths of creation.

Just like the Dongqing Wang Baoling Ao Dan that Master Fu once took, and like the half of the Xianbo Yu Shi in Zhang Shou's hand.

The former can help the spirit break through its innate limitations.

As for the latter's function, it is to enhance the cultivator's natural talent, making them wise and exceptionally gifted!
Such a mysterious and miraculous elixir could help people achieve enlightenment, and that would not be an exaggeration at all!
After consuming the Immortal Jade Fruit, cultivators must endure a period of illusory torment. If they cannot overcome it, everything will be reduced to ashes. Moreover, the Immortal Jade Fruit is only suitable for juniors and is useless to senior cultivators.

However, cultivators in this world are also eager for it, and such divine pills have always been priceless and unavailable!

However, Zhang Shou knew that Shan Jian possessed half of the Immortal Jade Fruit.

now……

"I am not a stingy person, but you are underestimating me far too much, considering it merely half a pill that is of no use to me," Shan Jian said calmly.
"As for the so-called 'making the best use of things,' among the six true disciples of the sect, Ji Fakai has achieved the first grade of elixir and the highest level of Dharma appearance. His innate nature has been refined to the extreme, so this elixir is of little use to him."

As for Chen Heng, I think there is a 70% chance that he will achieve the highest level of enlightenment.

The others are all about as talented as you, so why not give them to you?

Zhang Shou was still unsettled after hearing these words, feeling as if he were in a dream.

But just as he was about to bow in thanks, Shan Jian repeated, "What do you desire?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shou hesitated for a moment before speaking.

In that instant, Shan Jian's expression changed drastically, and he raised his finger to rebuke:
"Foolish child! Do you, in your appearance, also desire immortality?"

……

……

Among the three patriarchs of Yu Chen who governed the world, Tong Xuan was profound and steady, Wei Ling was simple and silent, and Shan Jian was solemn and dignified.

Everyone thought that among these three, Wei Ling was the most hot-tempered. After all, he was a great sword cultivator who had achieved the tenth level of mastery, and most sword cultivators in the world were all cut from the same mold.

However, for disciples like Zhang Shou who knew the inside story well...

Of the three patriarchs who brought peace to the world, the one with the most fiery temper was not Wei Ling, but Shan Jian!

This person is truly endowed with the power of thunder; when he moves, he is completely unrestrained, enough to make the entire universe tremble in fear!
Because of old grudges, he repeatedly infiltrated Changwen Heaven to fight to the death with those few Daoist masters. If it weren't for the fact that there was still a Great Master residing in Changwen Heaven, Shan Jian would probably have hired people to attack Changwen Heaven at any cost, and all the forces in the heavens would have suffered a bloodbath.

Seeing Shan Jian's anger, Zhang Shou quickly adopted a respectful demeanor. At this moment, Shan Jian asked:

"What is your purpose in seeking the Immortal Master's Jade Fruit?"

"For the sake of cultivating the Tao and achieving longevity."

"Bullshit!"

Shan Jian's Cold Drink:

"You already have this item in your hands, yet you still won't tell me the truth?"

Zhang Shou sighed, remained silent for a moment, and then truthfully replied:
"I have heard that Ji Fakai is currently conquering Yuqi Heaven. I am worried that after defeating Mu Changzhi of Xuanfeng Cave, he will return with a great victory. At that time, no one among our true disciples will be able to stop him, and he will completely take over Xiyi Mountain."

"At the Nascent Soul stage, I am destined to be no match for Ji Fakai... This disciple wishes to borrow the power of Immortal Master Yu Shi to gain the upper hand during the Void Returning stage and fight him once more!"

"It's true that I don't want to be subordinate to others."

Shan Jian's expression softened a bit, but he still shook his head: "But there's still more to say."

"..."

This time, Zhang Shou felt a rare moment of inner struggle, but in the end, he pushed the ground with his hand and silently bowed, saying, "It's all because of Chen Heng."

"Chen Heng?"

“Chen Heng has achieved the first rank in Dan Yuan and is also a direct disciple of Master Tong Xuan. I am worried that after he achieves a high position in the Dan Yuan Conference and cultivates the Supreme Dharma Aspect in the future, Master Tong Xuan will push him to the next position.”

"Finally, you've told the truth."

After saying this, Shan Jian ignored him completely.

After a long silence, Zhang Shou had just raised his head when he suddenly saw Shan Jian grab the array diagram and throw it at him. He didn't dare to dodge and just let it hit his shoulder.

"Foolish child, you idiot! You can't achieve immortality without becoming a Daoist?"

Shan Jian suddenly became angry:

"You are insecure about your current position and feel that you need more power to feel at ease? How absurd!"
If you can't become a Daoist, then was I one back then? And your situation is hundreds of times better than mine was back then.

Shan Jian remained expressionless:

"You've always wondered why I'm so determined to fight Chang Wentian to the death. Today I'll tell you: I wasn't originally a cultivator of the immortal path, but rather a human being from Chang Wentian."

During a lecture at the academy, several families, jealous of my outstanding performance, secretly undermined my literary talent and tarnished my reputation, leading to my expulsion from the academy. Later, by chance, I came to Xudu.

"teacher?"

Zhang Shou was genuinely surprised, as he had never heard of this before.

"Back then, I didn't enter the lower academy. I was just taken in as an attendant by an elder. Because of my hard work in slaying demons for sixty years, the sect made an exception and granted me a simplified version of the Five Classics after the elder strongly advocated for it."

However, due to my age, I was not qualified to visit Mount Qiyun. Instead, the elder introduced me to a disciple of the Jade Emperor's household, where I became a retainer.

At this moment, Shan Jian ignored Zhang Shou, put his hands behind his back, and said to himself:
"From servant to retainer, from retainer to steward, and then sent to the mainland to start working for the faction."

Later, due to my meritorious service in the battle against Wuxiangtian, I narrowly escaped death and was finally able to enter Yuchen and have a proper identity.

Am I a disciple of the Dao? No, I'm not even a true disciple.

Zhang Shou, but where are those Daoist disciples and true inheritors from back then?
After attaining enlightenment, I personally stormed Changwen Heaven and wiped out those families who had plotted against me years ago. And where are those talented individuals who once mocked me on the Cloud Altar, treating me like a spineless dog?

"..."

Zhang Shou was speechless at this point.

In all the years he had studied under Shan Jian, this was the first time he had ever seen his mentor get angry at him and then reveal his innermost thoughts. He was suddenly at a loss.

"Water does not strive for momentary speed, but only for continuous flow, thus making its competition eternal!"

At this moment, Shan Jian rose from the prayer mat, placed his hand on Zhang Shou's shoulder, and shouted:

“You are a true disciple, my student. So what if you can’t become a Dao Child or compete with those two?”
If I had let a temporary setback discourage me, I would have died long ago in Changwentian. How could I be where I am today?

Zhang Shou remained silent for a long time, until he felt a sudden chill that made his scalp tingle, but then he felt relieved.

"Teacher, I misunderstood..."

He sighed and said frankly.

“You are too eager to cultivate the Void Great Luo Dharma. Not only have you failed to fully comprehend the principle of ‘boundless body and complete auspicious marks,’ you have also been misled by this principle, which has disturbed your mind. I have not pointed it out to you in order to extinguish your raging fire.”

Shan Jian said calmly at this moment:
"Take a look and see if your Void Great Luo Technique has reached a new level of mastery."

After a quick internal examination, Zhang Shou's face lit up with satisfaction.

He simply shrugged his shoulders, and several layers of hazy light, like an overturned net, enveloped him, making Zhang Shou's figure appear both real and illusory, hazy and indistinct.

It is clearly standing in the hall, yet it inexplicably gives people the strange illusion that it has already drifted away from this world, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion, and difficult to find its form.

At this point, Zhang Shou was finally convinced and completely let go of his pride. He bowed and said:
"Its body is boundless, its features numerous, it can appear and disappear, it arises naturally... I must thank my teacher for teaching me the true meaning and relieving my worries!"

“With your current temperament, you are still a step short. It’s not too late for you to consume that Immortal Jade after a few years,” Shan Jian said calmly.

At this moment, Zhang Shou felt all his worries disappear and simply nodded.

He followed Shan Jian's gaze toward the direction of Beizhou and smiled as well:

"Since we can't compete with those two right now, let's discuss it later! But in your opinion, teacher, who will ultimately be chosen as the successor to this position?"

“The last time Ji Fakai sent a letter, he wanted to take all three prefectures of Yu, Qi and Jing, hoping to use this achievement to get an opportunity to ask three Daoist masters from the same sect for advice in person.”

"If he takes over all three prefectures, wouldn't he have to confront the Dragon Elephant Ao Yue? This man's methods are by no means inferior to those of Mu Changzhi, the Daoist of Xuanfeng Cave." Zhang Shou was surprised.

"One wants to conquer all three states and defeat the two powerful forces, while the other wants to win the Danyuan championship and become famous throughout the world."

Junyao, Ji Fakai, Chen Heng… they all say that the demons are growing stronger and the immortals are waning, but look at my Yu Chen, it seems that heroes are emerging one after another.”

Shan Jian's gaze pierced through the mountains and rivers, finally landing on Chen Heng. After a moment's contemplation, he shook his head and said:

"Movement and stillness follow rules, and rise and fall in accordance with circumstances."

In such a world of great strife, let's wait and see what happens!

(End of this chapter)