Xianye

Chapter 519 A Gathering of Heroes
The gorge is filled with jagged rocks and turbulent water, winding down like a vast white python, its beginning and end barely visible. The dense vegetation on both sides further enhances the sense of the valley's depth and secluded atmosphere.

At that moment, a ball of fire fell from the sky, and Chen Heng's figure also appeared in the firelight, landing on this spot.

After taking in the scenery of the gorge, Chen Heng suddenly took out his magic seal lightly, and a cloud of green rose from beneath his feet, carrying him swiftly in all directions.

After a while, as the strong wind in the sky suddenly parted, Chen Heng returned to his original spot.

At this moment, he gazed at the sky, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, and remained silent in contemplation.

He is currently situated in one corner of the Imperial Altar Map.

What one sees is the majestic and towering Taiyue Mountains, with their precipitous peaks reaching into the clouds, making one tremble with fear. In addition, the abundant spiritual energy causes the earth's energy to surge like a tide, making this place truly a blessed land of immortals.

However, strangely enough, after Chen Heng's divination and intuition, he could only vaguely see a clear sky and earth within a three-hundred-mile radius.

The scenery beyond 300 miles was shrouded in dense white fog, obscuring one's senses and confusing one's perception, making one feel as if one were a blind man touching an elephant.

Even if one uses supernatural powers or wields magical implements, it is of little use...

Moreover, this white mist was not static, but rather moved in shape as Chen Heng fled, like some kind of sentient being.

When Chen Heng went east, the white mist followed suit; when Chen Heng went west, the white mist acted accordingly.

No matter which direction Chen Heng fled in, he could only sense the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers within a three-hundred-mile radius. Any further than that would be beyond his reach.

This also means that during a battle, if the opponent uses a certain secret technique to move three hundred miles away in one go, even if he wants to chase after them, he will be confused by the white mist and will likely find it difficult to defeat them in one fell swoop.

"Even divination using celestial secrets is subject to a severe limitation, making it impossible for me to calculate clearly..."

Is this white mist, three hundred miles away, a special layer of magical restriction set up for this Dan Yuan Assembly?

After the thought flashed through Chen Heng's mind, he stopped pondering it and simply stood there calmly, as if waiting for something.

Sure enough, after only half an incense stick's time, the small jade-like Dan Yuan talisman in his sleeve suddenly became scorching hot and glowed.

Like a ball of charcoal burning fiercely, its intense heat is overwhelming!

Chen Heng took it in his hand, and as soon as he squeezed it slightly, a spiritual message surged into his mind, which was the rules and regulations of this Dan Yuan Conference.

After Chen Heng carefully examined everything, he nodded, and suddenly understood.

With forty-two Dan Yuan True Persons gathering at the Huang Lao She Ji Tu, a fierce battle and a clash of titans are inevitable before the final champion of the Dharma Assembly can be determined.

However, to ensure there are no oversights, various restrictions have always been imposed in each competition.

Like the several deadly treasures bestowed upon Chen Heng by his teachers, which are now unusable, and like the white mist three hundred miles away.

All of these are restrictions specifically imposed on this Dan Yuan Conference.

The white mist, named "Transformation Mist," is exceptionally powerful, capable of obscuring the spiritual perception of cultivators.

Not only Chen Heng was affected by this fog, but every Dan Yuan Zhenren in the Huang Lao She Ji Tu was affected as well.

Moreover, over the next three months, ten Fire Bell Bronze Fish will descend from the Imperial Altar Map, for the Dan Yuan True Person within the map to compete for.

Only by acquiring a Fire Bell Bronze Fish can one temporarily gain a foothold in this Imperial Map.

If one did not have a bronze fish by one's side.

After three months, no matter how powerful a Dan Yuan Zhenren is, they will automatically be eliminated and expelled from this vast world by the Huang Lao She Ji Tu.

As for how to determine the champion of Dan Yuan, it is also closely related to the bronze fish. The ranking is determined by the number of bronze fish in the hands of each Dan Yuan True Person.

The one who wins the most bronze fish will naturally become the leader of the Dan Yuan sect, that's all!

After digesting all the information, Chen Heng channeled his magic power and placed it on the small jade tablet.

Before long, the jade tablet transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into his sleeve, where it was completely refined.

Only after entering the Imperial Altar Map and receiving a spiritual message can this small jade tablet truly demonstrate its power.

It is not only the certificate for Dan Yuan to enter the arena, but also the life-saving item for the forty-two Dan Yuan True Persons in the arena.

If you encounter an insurmountable enemy and face imminent death, you can activate the small jade tablet to escape danger.

Although such an action is a voluntary act of surrender and elimination, at least it can save one's life.

However, while activating this small jade pendant can allow one to escape from the painting, it still requires a few breaths to prepare.

If the enemy seizes this opportunity and succeeds in delivering a fatal blow, then there will be no way to reverse the situation.

As far as Chen Heng knew, during the Dan Yuan Conference between Liang Wenxian and Du Ao, Liang Wenxian used the supreme supernatural power of Beijiyuan—Gen Zhi Wu Ai—to remotely move the Dan Yuan talisman in Du Ao's sleeve to beyond the layers of green mountains, making it difficult for him to find.

This made it impossible for Du Ao to escape. In the end, he could only admit defeat in front of everyone and voluntarily owe Liang Wenxian a huge favor in order to save his life.

Chen Heng had once seen the disciples of the Beijiyuan who had achieved "Genzhi Wuya" at this Danyuan Conference, but there was not a single one among them.

Although the old Golden Core cultivator named Li Yuwei had entered the supreme divine power of the Arctic Garden.

However, Li Yuwei practiced the "Heavenly Gang Golden Light Mantra," a technique known for its fierce and domineering nature, combining offense and defense. Unlike the "Gen Zhi Wu He," which possesses the hidden ability to capture objects from a distance and take lives invisibly, this technique is different.

Therefore, without revealing the Taiyi Divine Thunder as his trump card, Chen Heng would have to find another way to teach Chen Bai a lesson.

"Chen Bai, this person truly lives up to his reputation as a true disciple of the Innate Demonic Sect. Furthermore, he has received meticulous training from Chen Yushu, and his skills are indeed quite remarkable."

At this moment, recalling how he had summoned Chen Bai's mental image in the One True Dharma Realm the day before and personally tested this person's supernatural powers, Chen Heng shook his head and smiled.

Like Lü Rong, Pei Zhi, and Sima Xiu, Chen Bai is also a veteran Golden Core cultivator of the Innate Demon Sect, with a long-standing reputation.

Although this person acts without any restraint, he first betrayed Yu Chen, then joined the Innate Demon Sect and murdered his fellow disciples and friends, showing some of the style of Chen Yushu back then.

But his position as a true disciple was earned step by step through hard work and fighting his way up, which is absolutely true!

In Chen Heng's view, among the forty-two Dan Yuan True Persons, Chen Bai, with his abilities, should be able to break into the top ten after a fierce battle and obtain a Fire Bell Copper Fish.

Therefore, even if Chen Bai is no match for Chen Heng, it is not impossible for him to hold out until he activates the jade tablet and escapes from the Imperial Map.

However, if that were the case, it would only benefit him, causing him no real harm or injury, and clearly wouldn't satisfy Chen Heng's wishes.

Chen Heng closed his eyes slightly and searched his mind.

Soon, he found a face that was somewhat familiar among the many Dan Yuan Realm cultivators.

"If I can use this person's power, even without revealing the Taiyi Divine Thunder, I can still teach this person a lesson he'll never forget before Chen Bai escapes..."

Chen Heng thought to himself.

Before he could think any further, suddenly, a loud, deafening roar erupted from the waters beneath the clouds!
As the murky fog rose, a slender vine suddenly pierced towards Chen Heng's heart with lightning speed!
That was a vine spirit lurking by the riverbank. Ever since Chen Heng landed here, this spirit had been eyeing his flesh and blood, but it dared not make a move because of the faint sense of oppression it exuded.

Seeing that Chen Heng seemed to be deep in thought after taking out a small jade token from his sleeve, the vine spirit lowered its guard.

After hesitating for a long time, the vine spirit, who had not eaten pure flesh and blood, finally could not hold back and mustered all its strength to launch a sudden attack!
thump—

To the vine spirit's surprise, a wisp of smoke drifted out just in time, firmly blocking its vine branches.

No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't advance an inch, as if they were hitting an iron mountain.

"In this corner of the imperial map, there are quite a few mountain spirits and water monsters."

Chen Heng didn't look at it much, just glanced at it and moved on.

Before the vine spirit could even be confused, a tiny spark, the size of a grain of rice, suddenly lit up and flew swiftly down the thorny vine, covering the entire vine spirit in the blink of an eye.

With a deafening roar, swathes of earth and rock exploded, bursting into a dazzling display of light!

Caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, the vine spirit hastily emerged from the ground, revealing its true form, which was tens of feet tall, and then rolled around wildly in the river.

However, this fire was no ordinary flame; it was the Nanming Li Fire.

Not only did water fail to extinguish it, but as the vine spirit panicked, the fire burned even more fiercely.

In the short time that followed, only a short, dark, charcoal-like broken vine, about ten feet long, remained in the river, gradually drifting away with the waves.

Since the vine spirit's cultivation was not particularly high, Chen Heng didn't bother to collect its soul into the Netherworld True Water. He had already obtained enough powerful souls during his travels in the heavens, so he simply set it ablaze and burned it all to ashes.

This display of power frightened the wild spirits and monsters lurking deep in the mountains, forcing them to suppress their murderous intent and hastily distance themselves from Chen Heng.

In an instant, dust and smoke rose from the clouds, and the beasts fled in all directions as if their lives depended on it, like a river bursting its banks.

Seeing this, Chen Heng did not pursue them, but stood in the clouds and pondered for a moment.

Alcoholic Mist, Fire Bell Copper Fish, March as the deadline...

It is obvious that those who obtain the bronze fish will be among the top ten in this Dan Yuan Conference.

As for the final leader of the Dan Yuan sect, he should be chosen from among these people.

However, the forty-two Dan Yuan True Persons in the arena are now separated and scattered, and they will have to rely on luck to join forces.

Furthermore, due to the effects of the vaporized mist, not only is it difficult to send messages, but even if one encounters an enemy, as long as the enemy manages to escape three hundred miles away, there is generally nothing that can be done.

"Given this situation, the guidance in the talisman is probably not only pointing out the secrets of creation, but also subtly inciting the cultivators in the arena to fight each other?"

Upon realizing this, Chen Heng suddenly understood.

Just as the vine spirit was being eliminated, the jade tablet sent another spiritual message.

This time, however, it wasn't about any rules or regulations. It simply pointed out several locations to Chen Heng and stated that these were the treasures within the Imperial Map of the State, and that if he wished, he could take them for himself.

At each Dan Yuan Conference, some benefits are always left for the participants; this has almost become an unwritten custom.

This time, with the dense fog of chemical vapors blocking the way, the reason why the little jade tablet pointed out several places of opportunity was not only to follow the old exception, but also because it was probably exactly what Chen Heng wanted to do: to provoke a fight.

After a moment's thought, Chen Heng no longer hesitated. He selected the Flowing Sand Mountain, which was the closest to him, as mentioned in the small jade tablet, and then summoned his sword light, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

He is now in the Imperial Map of the State, which, though only a corner, is truly vast and boundless.

Instead of wandering around like a headless fly, why not try your luck at the locations indicated by the jade pendant?

It seems there are more than just a few who desire good fortune; he might even encounter several True Immortals of the Dan Yuan realm in the Flowing Sand Mountain and fight them.

As for dealing with Chen Bai, it would be best to find that person.

If not, it just means we'll have to put in a little more effort!
Just then, Chen Heng took flight and, following the guidance of the small jade tablet, headed straight for the direction of Liusha Mountain.

Within the Imperial Altar Map, a group of True Immortals of the Dan Yuan Realm also successively rode their escape lights, some heading to the Flowing Sand Mountain, others to other locations indicated on the small jade tablet. However, some remained unmoved, each with their own plans.

To the guests who came to witness the ceremony, the painting suddenly lit up with various colored lights, like a dazzling stream of stars passing through the sky, which was quite a sight and aroused a lot of discussion.

"Chen Heng has mastered the art of fire magic in the Southern Brightness realm, truly worthy of being a top disciple of Yu Chen. And Zhou Fujia, his swordsmanship is probably unmatched by many of his peers..."

Right now, in a flying palace in Yingjichuan, Yin Junzhenjun of the Shenyu Sect withdrew his gaze.

After witnessing Chen Heng sweep away the vine spirit with a flick of his sleeve and Zhou Fujia split the mountain in two with a single sword strike, Yin Jun couldn't help but sigh. He turned to the Ninth Prince Ji Xiu at the table and uttered a single, piercing remark, his eyes shining brightly:

"If Your Highness can recruit all forty-two Dan Yuan True Persons, in time, these vast Eight Sects and Six Schools might very well become your assistance!"

"Mr. Yin is joking. I don't have such ability..."

Ji Xiu gave a wry smile and shook her head slightly.

……

……

Inside the main hall of the Flying Palace, apart from Ji Xiu and Yin Jun, all the eunuchs were dismissed.

Even the celestial officials were all occupied with their duties and had gone to visit other places, so they were not here.

Seeing that Yin Jun was about to speak, Ji Xiu waved her hand, interrupting him:
"Sir, there is no need for further words. I know that my foundation is shallow and that I am disliked by His Majesty. I have long had no intention of coveting the throne. Moreover, because of our close relationship, you are not favored by the Divine Emperor. How can I bear to see this?"

Yin Jun remained silent for a moment, then sighed:
"Humans are not plants or trees. If it weren't for Your Highness's help back then, how could I have survived, let alone achieved my current status?"

Furthermore, as far as the Divine Imperial Sect is concerned, I am just a half-baked monk. The Divine Imperial Immortals are unwilling to accept me, so how can this matter be related to Your Highness?

Your Highness is exceptionally talented and has not looked down on me because of my low cultivation level. Right now, I only regret that I am alone and powerless, unable to offer Your Highness much assistance!

Both of them revealed some genuine emotion in their words.

Ji Xiu was silent for a moment, then changed the subject:
"Mr. Yin is also a member of the Eight Schools and Six Sects. In your opinion, who will make it into the top ten at this Dan Yuan Conference?"

"Does Your Highness intend to recruit retainers for the Fifth Prince Ji Yang?"

After asking this question, seeing that Ji Xiu did not answer, Yin Jun sighed inwardly.

He knew that if Ji Xiu really wanted to know about this matter, she wouldn't ask him. Right now, she just didn't want to bring up the matter of vying for the throne again, so she changed the subject.

Knowing this was the case, Yin Jun pondered for a moment and said seriously:
"I am actually a member of the outer court of the Divine Guard. I was able to enter the Jade Cliff of the Three Realms because of my recent progress in cultivation. I do not know much about the talents of the various sects. If there are any omissions, I hope Your Highness will not be offended."

Seeing Ji Xiu wave her hand with a smile, Yin Jun pondered for a moment and said:
"As the saying goes, there is a sequence to learning the Dao. In my opinion, those veteran Golden Core cultivators who have long since perfected their cultivation naturally have superior skills and should not be underestimated."

"Please try to explain it."

"Chiming Xie Tan, Beiji Li Yuwei, Taifu Pei Zhi, Jiuzhen Tang Xuan, Yinjing Chang Qingjue, Doushu Jia Xiu, Huzhao Xuan Yin, Xuehe Cen Ti, Xiantian Mozong Chen Bai, Shenyu Sima Xiu, Ling Shouming, Xuanfeng Wang Xiu, Hu Xu, and Wenhuang Kuang Bao."

After rattling off more than a dozen names in one breath, Yin Jun paused slightly and said:
"There may be differences in strength among these people, but they should not be too far apart. Even if their methods are slightly inferior to Zhou Fujia, Lü Rong, and that Yu Huangshang, they can still be considered to be talented and promising individuals whose future achievements are limitless!"

Yin Jun's explanation was largely the same as what Ji Xiu had heard before, so Ji Xiu nodded in agreement.

"Besides that, are there no outstanding individuals among those who have not yet achieved the elixir of immortality?" Ji Xiu asked with a smile.

"Of course! Wei Lingjiang, Gu Yi, and perhaps He Lizi should also be included, but the most outstanding one is..."

Yin Jun paused slightly, then his tone suddenly rose:
"Naturally, it can only be Chen Heng and Yin Wuji!"

"If Your Highness can gain the service of these two, you will have secured powerful allies for the future. Even if you cannot become the crown prince, you can still rule a region and live a carefree life!"

After saying this, Yin Jun fixed his gaze on Ji Xiu, only to find that the latter's expression remained indifferent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Yin Jun concealed his disappointment and said with a calm expression:
"Now, in the Imperial Altar Map, although there is a mist of chemical vapors obscuring the form and confusing the senses."

Since the jade tablet points out several places of great fortune, it will likely attract many Dan Yuan Realm cultivators to rush there, and a fierce battle is inevitable.

Who knows, a few more might emerge as unexpected leaders during this period, beyond the scope of my discussion, and that remains to be seen.

Just as Ji Xiu was about to agree, she suddenly heard a series of exclamations coming from below the clouds, as if it were quite lively.

He glanced at the sky, slightly surprised:

"There was clearly a vapor of chemical transformation present, yet Chen Heng has already run into the mist of Huzhaoxuan in such a short time?"

Yin Jun opened his mouth and chuckled.

And at this time.

Within the Imperial Altars of the State.

Chen Heng suddenly pressed down on the sword light in the clouds, without making a move.

Where he was looking, a Taoist priest with large ears, standing on a huge lotus leaf, also stopped his escape and his eyes flashed slightly.

He himself found it rather unbelievable that he had bumped into Chen Heng halfway through the journey.

"How long have I been in this Imperial Altar Map, and yet I've already encountered such a powerful enemy? In this vast world, am I considered lucky or just unlucky?"

Xuan Yin, who looked like a Taoist with big ears, chuckled, then his expression turned slightly cold. With a wave of his hand, a hundred water curtains rose up behind him, rumbling as if ten thousand horses were galloping!

"Master Chen, please come in!"

Xuan Yin shouted loudly.

(End of this chapter)