Xianye

Chapter 517 Opening

In the celestial palace, starlight lanterns hung high everywhere, beaded curtains were adorned with colorful decorations, and mist and smoke swirled and billowed beneath one's feet.

Being here makes one feel as if they are walking on a sea of ​​clouds, so light that they can forget the mundane world.

These forty-nine Lu Shou Palaces were a prized possession of the Old Immortal of the North Pole, and their origins are so great that they can be traced back to ancient times.

At that time, Beijiyuan and Dasui Temple were rewarded with a palace and a pot by Emperor Guangqi, who was then the Crown Prince of Daoting, for their meritorious service in the conquest of Baishui.

The Beiji Garden obtained a palace, and the Dasui Temple obtained a pot.

This palace is the Forty-Nine Palaces of Prosperity and Longevity. Legend has it that as long as one resides in the Palaces of Prosperity and Longevity for a long time, even mortal beings who do not know how to cultivate will have a rosy complexion, black hair, be healthy and free from illness, live to be three hundred years old, and die without suffering.

As for cultivators, there's no need to elaborate further.

For them, the Palace of Prosperity and Longevity can further enhance their conduct and nourish their character!
If this palace were fully revealed, it would be comparable to a small continent.

Even though only the main hall and a few palaces, gardens and parks are open to the public now, the area is vast and boundless, leaving people speechless with amazement.

At this moment, beneath a white peak made of precious jade, a young man who bore a resemblance to the Fifth Prince Ji Yang was surrounded by a crowd of admirers.

Beside him were several celestial officials from the Zhengxu Daoting and palace eunuchs, while accompanying him were several of the personal disciples of the Northern Immortal.

"This man is named Ji Xiu, the ninth prince of the Ji Clan Court. Judging from his usual words and deeds, he is not an outstanding person, nor does he seem to have any great ambitions. He just enjoys a carefree life in the forest and springs and devotes himself to the study of calligraphy."

But he happened to befriend the strong-willed Fifth Prince Ji Yang, and the two were practically inseparable, which was quite interesting…”

At this moment, Ancestor Fu Can glanced at Ji Xiu, then offered a brief explanation to Chen Heng, before adding a hint of doubt:
"Although the current Zhengxu Dao Court is just an empty shell and no longer has the imposing prestige of the ancient times, it still bears the name of 'Dao Court' after all."

A prince from the Dao Court came in person. It was one thing for the Old Immortal of the North Pole not to come and greet him, but why didn't even the important figures from the North Pole Garden come out to accompany him?
Thinking about it this way, could it be that Ji Xiu had already met with these people before, and that he didn't just come today?

But the Arctic Garden—no, it should be eight schools and six sects…

What matter does the Zhengxu Dao Court, which stands behind Ji Xiu, intend to discuss with the Eight Sects and Six Schools?

Since the collapse of the ancient times, the relationship between the Eight Schools and Six Sects and the Zhengxu Dao Court has not always been strained. In fact, there have been actions that appear to outsiders to be very close, such as the Battle of Yougan and the Yangdu Palace Coup.

In fact, it surpasses some other powerful forces that have long openly adhered to the legitimate calendar and strictly followed the etiquette of subjects.

At that time, the eight sects and six schools appeared to be loyal and virtuous officials of the Daoist court, and were praised by the Zhengxu Daoist court as the guardians of the capital and the pillars of the nation.

However, after Yang Yin, the Great Immortal of the Nine Truths Sect, stormed out of the Southern Heavenly Gate in a fit of anger, the Eight Sects and Six Schools, for reasons unknown, ceased paying tribute and no longer recognized the official calendar.

The relationship between the two sides took a turn for the worse after this incident.

Under such circumstances, Zhengxu Daoting actually sent a prince to Xudutian in person.

Even when the two sides had a good relationship, the only person who came to observe the Dan Yuan Assembly was the Grand Celestial Official of the Dao Court. For a prince to come in person was indeed a first...

"It's strange, what exactly are they discussing that I don't know? Could it be something really important that they're keeping it from me?"

At this moment, Ancestor Fu Can muttered to himself.

Seemingly finally noticing Ancestor Fu Can's gaze, Ji Xiu, surrounded by the crowd, also stepped aside and looked over.

He first exchanged a glance with Ancestor Fu Shen, slightly surprised, then turned to Chen Heng and nodded kindly.

Ji Xiu was about to come over and speak, but the eunuch beside him suddenly stepped forward and whispered a few words in his ear. Ji Xiu thought for a moment and then did not move. He simply cupped his hands in greeting from afar as a sign of farewell.

"It's quite interesting that although Emperor Xuan Yan Ji Huan has many children, none of them have caught the eye of this Heavenly Emperor, so the succession is still undecided."

There were rumors in the past that Ji Huan wanted to establish a benevolent and virtuous ruler for future generations, and therefore secretly favored Ji Xiu. But having seen him in person today, I think those rumors are probably just nonsense.

After seeing Ji Xiu walk away, Ancestor Fu Can shook his head secretly and said to Chen Heng.

"Please enlighten me, Ancestor," Chen Heng said with a smile.

"Among Ji Huan's sons, Ji Jing lacked virtue, Ji Can lacked courage, Ji Hao was violent, and Ji Yin lacked decisiveness."

While the Fifth Prince Ji Yang was indeed a man of great talent and ambition, his rigidity made him prone to breaking. The Seventh Prince Ji Xia, though a great talent in cultivation, lacked the heart to govern the world.

The rest, such as Ji Xiu and Ji Hui, are all of average appearance. They are unlikely to attain the Great Dao of Immortality, nor do they have the ability to navigate between different parties. As such, the position of heir apparent is naturally vacant..." Ancestor Fu Can slowly shook his head and replied.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Heng asked, "Who is the current Heavenly Emperor?"

"He is a man of mediocre talent and ability, with the will to rise up but lacking the strength to do so. It is like placing a giant alligator on a dragon's throne; in the end, the position exceeds its capabilities..."

After pondering for a long time, Ancestor Fu Can inexplicably sighed:
"At this point, I'm afraid not only me, but most cultivators in the universe can no longer tell whether this person is still lying low, or whether he has simply given up and left things to fate due to exhaustion and lack of ideas?"

Not to mention outside the True Void Heaven, many immortals, Buddhas, and saints have long been plotting their own schemes and have not obeyed the Dao Court's golden edict.

Even within the Dao Court, the various factions were vying for power, with undercurrents swirling beneath the surface.

Given this situation...

"With the government of the world gone, only a great and capable ruler of the age can take it back."

After a moment of silence, Chen Heng spoke softly.

"A powerful ruler? Who is this powerful ruler?"

Ancestor Fu Can shook his head and said, "Given the current situation, I'm afraid that no matter who emerges, it will be difficult to turn the tide. Even Crown Prince Changming and Ancestor Jiexian will find it difficult to resist the overwhelming trend."

However, with the emperor far away, such matters are still a bit premature for us. For now... let's enjoy ourselves first, and then think about the future!

After saying this, Ancestor Fucan continued forward with Chen Heng.

Today is a special occasion instructed by the Old Immortal of the North Pole to prepare a welcoming ceremony for all the guests.

Although the banquet has not yet officially begun, there is no shortage of fine wines, delicacies, and rare fruits. Female attendants and fairies flit about like butterflies among flowers, making it a feast for the eyes.

Before long, the Old Immortal of the North Pole, along with the judges and elders of the Dan Yuan Grand Competition, arrived and entered the main hall.

Fu Can, the old ancestor, was already drowsy and leaning on Chen Heng's shoulder, barely able to stand.

"Ancestor, don't drink yourself to death. I still haven't learned the second half of the Dragon Wheel Hook Talisman..."

Seeing this, Yu Tan's eye twitched, and he whispered a word of advice.

"Even if you die, the ancestor, this ginseng leaf incarnation, might not be able to die. Kid, you're always worrying about trivial matters!"

Fu Shen Lao Zu shrugged. He was just about to remark to Chen Heng that Bei Ji Lao Xian had really gone all out today, as he had rarely had the chance to drink such a rare brew before.

But as the words were about to come out, Ancestor Fu Can suddenly sensed something amiss.

Chen Heng had clearly arrived at the main hall and was greeted by the attendants who were lined up on both sides of the palace gate. However, he paused for a moment before continuing forward without faltering.

Although it was only a brief moment, it did not escape the perception of Ancestor Fucan.

However, when he rubbed his eyes and saw Chen Heng's seating arrangement in the hall, he immediately understood and didn't know what to say.

At this moment, in the main hall of the Shoulu Palace, more than 30 of the forty-two Dan Yuan Zhenren had arrived, leaving only a few vacancies.

Chen Heng's seat happened to be sandwiched between Wei Lingjiang and Gu Yi.

Upon seeing him enter the hall, both men simultaneously raised their eyes, their expressions differing.

Today, Gu Yi wore a gold-embroidered pomegranate-patterned dress, with a sandalwood-colored beaded shawl draped over her shoulders.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a gold hairpin inlaid with jewels and a butterfly-shaped flower. The hairpin's color was vibrant and beautiful, like a rosy sunset, making her already radiant face even more alluring and captivating, almost too beautiful to look directly at. Beside her, Wei Lingjiang wore white robes with a gold belt and a silver lotus crown. A thin, misty veil draped over her head, and apart from her jade earrings, she appeared as elegant and refined as if piled with silver and snow.

Yet, from the most understated beauty emerges a radiant glow; her beauty, like that of a celestial goddess, is so dazzling that it makes one feel ashamed in her presence…

"This Master Chen is truly blessed with good fortune in love."

Not far away, Ning Fengqi of the Yin Jing faction smiled and said to Zuo Pengzong of the Chi Ming faction sitting next to him:
"I've heard that Master Zuo is also about to have good news? Then I'll offer my congratulations in advance. Congratulations, congratulations."

"When have I ever had anything good coming of it?" Zuo Pengzong frowned deeply.

"Shenyu Sect, Sima Xiu?" Ning Fengqi teased, "Hasn't this man been getting quite close to Master Zuo lately?"

Shen Xingcui, who had been listening intently to the commotion, turned his gaze to the beautiful woman with her hair styled in a single bun and surrounded by layers of misty clouds.

Sima Xiu was also looking at Chen Heng and the other two, but there was an undisguised fear and solemnity in her eyes. Her back was slightly tense, and there seemed to be starlight in her eyes, flashing and disappearing.

"Master Ning is truly skilled at joking. My relationship with that Master Sima is merely one of discussing Dao and battling magic. Please do not speak in jest."

Zuo Pengzong shook his head in response to Ning Fengqi's teasing. Then he glanced at Sima Xiu, his eyes slightly sharp, but he didn't say anything for a moment.

Others may not know, but as Sima Xiu's defeated opponent, Zuo Pengzong boasted that he understood Sima Xiu's methods better than most people in the arena.

"This year's Dan Yuan Competition is truly full of hidden talents. The fact that even Sima Xiu showed such apprehension is enough to demonstrate its strength."

Chen Heng, Wei Lingjiang, Gu Yi… these three alone will likely occupy three of the top ten spots.

Zuo Pengzong sighed inwardly, feeling somewhat helpless:

"Previous Dan Yuan Conferences were probably not as intense as this one."
I don't know what the rules of this Dan Yuan Conference are. I'll only find out when the competition starts. Fortunately, it shouldn't allow for excessive grouping. Otherwise, if Chen Heng and the other two teamed up, I wouldn't need to participate in the Dan Yuan Conference.

However, judging from the situation, it seems that Master Wei and Gu Yi might not be willing to join forces, which is indeed…

Zuo Pengzong pondered for a moment, then found it inexplicably amusing. He shook his head, stopping the thought from running through his mind.

At this moment, Chen Heng walked towards her side under the guidance of a waiter, his eyes calm and composed as usual.

Gu Yi glanced at Wei Lingjiang's expression.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she smiled and beckoned to Chen Heng, gesturing for him to sit down beside her. Her voice was soft and gentle.

"That old bastard is taking advantage of his seniority and no one can control him. Now he's really becoming more and more outrageous..."

At this moment, the Northern Immortal, who was in the main hall, was talking with Ji Xiu, but he also glanced sideways at her, not wanting to miss out on this lively scene.

When Ancestor Fu Can caught a glimpse of this scene, he couldn't help but secretly grumble to himself.

……

……

The fragrance of incense wafts through the air, and the precious candles glow softly.

At this moment, the banquet had already begun in the main hall. Following the old immortal of the North Pole, he laughed and raised his cup first. The guests from all sides and the Dan Yuan Zhenren below also returned the toast. The melodious flutes and pipes could be heard in the room, and the sheng and dizi played together, creating a lively scene.

Not long after, Chen Heng's eyes met those of the same young man.

The two exchanged glances for a moment before parting ways without saying much.

"That's Chen Bai. You want to kill him?"

Just then, Gu Yi's voice suddenly rang out from the side.

Before Chen Heng could speak, she continued, speaking to herself:
“That’s right. Chen Bai betrayed Yu Chen and joined Chen Yu Shu. You were saved by Jun Yao, but you are also sworn enemies with Chen Yu Shu. Logically and emotionally, you should also harbor resentment towards him.”

"It seems you know a lot."

"I've gone to great lengths to deal with you. However, killing someone at the Dan Yuan Conference is no easy feat. No matter how powerful your supernatural abilities are, you'll still need some assistance, like Liang Wenxian captured Du Ao back then..."

At this point, Gu Yi deliberately paused:

Do you want my help?

Seeing that Chen Heng only looked at him without saying a word.

Gu Yi sighed at Commander Jiang, then turned her gaze to Chen Heng, resting her chin on her hand, and suddenly smiled radiantly:
"Hey, as long as you call me Senior Sister, I will do everything in my power to help you kill Chen Bai."

"..." Ancestor Fu Can was just watching the show from the sidelines, but he also found the scene quite a headache.

In the past, he would have been clapping and laughing, but given his current relationship with Chen Heng, he couldn't just sit back and enjoy the show. He could only pretend to be drunk and simply close his old eyes.

"Junior brother." Wei Lingjiang's voice rang out at just the right moment.

Gu Yi raised an eyebrow and looked over with great interest.

But Wei Lingjiang simply stood up solemnly, her gaze revealing an unusual seriousness and earnestness, and curtsied.

"I have kept your kindness in my heart ever since I returned from Xiping. If there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Chen Heng knew that Wei Lingjiang was talking about the Wind and Fire Futon.

He stood up, shook his head, and smiled silently.
"The Great Dao can be sought, and immortals are not born... Senior Sister, since we are fellow Daoists, this is only natural."

Wei Lingjiang looked up at him and saw that his eyes were clear and bright, with a slight smile, like a sliver of moon hanging on the treetops, hazy and indistinct.

Wei Lingjiang remained silent for a moment, then smiled and nodded inexplicably.

Neither of them spoke. For a moment, only the green branches gently flapped their wings. The sounds of string and wind instruments still filled the air, but suddenly they seemed distant, as if separated by a veil.

Gu Yi watched this scene, but for a moment she couldn't figure out what kind of veiled meaning the two were exchanging. She frowned and snorted coldly in her heart.

……

"Old Immortal...you really are in high spirits."

Seeing the old immortal of the North Pole's enthusiastic appearance, Pei Shuyang, the head of the Jade Palace Sect sitting next to him, was at a loss for words.

At this Dan Yuan Conference, he was elected by the immortals of the Nine Provinces as the judge, and it was he who was in charge of handling all the details of this competition.

Initially, in the Qian Yuan Si Chen Palace, the various sects' ruling Dao Lords had set the venue for the conference in the West Sea. However, the Old Immortal of the North Pole said that his own Daoist temple had been deserted for a long time and needed some people to liven up Ying Ji Chuan. Moreover, since this place was indeed a blessed land, the conference venue was finally decided to be here.

This incident reveals just how capricious the Old Immortal of the North Pole is in his actions.

"I'm not just doing this out of a playful mood, but out of good intentions. However, Fellow Daoist Tongxuan has truly taken on a fine disciple, with such supernatural abilities and such methods..."

The Old Immortal of the North Pole gave a thumbs-up, his gaze lingering on Chen Heng for a moment before suddenly shifting to Pei Shuyang:
"Come, come, drink this cup. Judging from your cultivation, you will surely become one with the Dao sooner or later. After you break through the tribulation in the future, don't forget to invite this old man for a cup of wine at Xiaoming Great Swamp!"

"I don't have much to offer the old immortal," Pei Shuyang said with a smile, raising his glass.

"Who knows?" The old immortal of the North Pole chuckled and stroked his beard.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for the Dan Yuan Conference to begin.

On this day, under the watchful eyes of all the cultivators, Pei Shuyang slowly emerged from his Dharma carriage, and with a flick of his finger, a ball of bright light rose into the sky.

(End of this chapter)