Journey to the head

Chapter 855 True Dragon Heavenly Monarch Immortal Temple (Updates resumed)
The Immortal Fall Islands form a world of their own, with naturally unique customs and charm.

Before them lay a sizable market town. The architecture was distinctive, completely different from that on the mainland, mostly constructed from a mixture of white coral stone, massive animal bones, and seaweed with spiritual soil. The two- or three-story buildings were often covered with bright blue glazed tiles, reflecting shimmering light under the sun, as if the entire city was gently swaying with the waves.

As far as the eye could see, most of the male monks working on the docks wore short shirts and shorts or loose trousers. The monks strolling on the streets wore sleeveless leather vests or open short jackets, their style rugged. Some wore wide robes, slung over one shoulder, fastened with a shell button on one side, while the other side was open, revealing their strong, bronze arms and chests.

What's even more eye-catching are the female cultivators with their bold and fiery style.

The climate here is hot and humid, and the culture is open, with clothing that prioritizes coolness and beauty. Many nuns wear short, midriff-baring blouses that only reach below the chest, revealing their slender waists and small navels. Some even wear only a strapless top made of shimmering silk, boldly displaying their curves, whether full or petite.

She wore a high-slit long skirt that wrapped around her body, with the slit reaching all the way up to her thighs. As she moved, glimpses of her curves were revealed, showcasing her voluptuous figure and exuding charm.

Both men and women love colorful decorations, using colorful pearls, shells, and coral branches to adorn clothing, braid hair, or as necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and forehead ornaments. As they walk, the ornaments jingle and sparkle.

Moreover, unlike the majority of male and female cultivators on the mainland who value fair skin, the female cultivators here maintain their snow-white complexions. The men and women here are a diverse array of beauty: some are unadorned, their skin tanned by the sea breeze and sun; others, partially exposed to sunlight, have skin as red as satin; and still others possess flawless, fair, and radiant skin.

Most of the Immortal Fallen cultivators are slender and tall, and coupled with their natural pride and confidence, they are truly charming and eye-catching when they stand tall and hold their heads high.

Hearing Bai Tao's teasing, Lu Qian quickly looked away: "You're just a kid, what nonsense are you talking about? This is local custom and culture, how does wearing clothes make you a witch?"

Bai Tao scoffed, "Shuang Yao wouldn't dress like that. The female cultivators here are shameless. Senior Brother kept staring at her; he's shameless too."

Lu Qian retorted confidently, "The Hai family is a special case. Ice Lan Island is all ice and snow, so naturally they need to wear heavy coats and jackets to cover themselves up. Besides, I wasn't staring at anyone else. I was surveying the landscape of the Immortal Meteor Islands to see if there was any business to be done here."

Bai Tao looked incredulous: "Then what did Senior Brother Sect Leader see?"

"How could it be so fast? We'd have to go deep into the island's markets to find out. But these Immortal Fallen cultivators are truly different." Lu Qian wasn't about to let this little girl lead him by the nose, so he calmly and decisively changed the subject. "The proportion of high-level cultivators here is much higher than on the mainland."

The group was slightly surprised. They had been so engrossed in watching the spectacle that they now noticed the difference upon closer inspection. This market town was somewhere between a large and a medium-sized market town on the continent, and compared to their own, it was similar in size to Frostleaf Market Town, which had already undergone several expansions.

However, upon closer inspection, there were quite a few Golden Core cultivators, and Nascent Soul cultivators were also scattered among the crowd.

Jiang Baitao couldn't help but click her tongue in surprise. Thinking about her late-stage Golden Core realm, even without considering her seniority as Junior Uncle Yunshan, she would be treated like a star in any ordinary market. But here, while she couldn't be said to have become just another face in the crowd, there was nothing special about her.

Jiang Qingfeng exclaimed, "The Immortal Fall Islands, a paradise for cultivation, truly live up to its name."

More than 20,000 years ago, a great war between true immortals caused the calendar to be restarted. During the final battle, the Kaiyang Continent shattered and transformed into islands at sea. More than ten immortals perished there, and a massive amount of immortal energy poured in and scattered. Since then, the Immortal Fall Islands have had extraordinary spiritual veins, abundant spiritual objects, and rare treasures as numerous as the stars.

The six continents, including Yuheng Continent, have similar average resource levels and cultivator levels. However, the Immortal Fall Islands possess cultivation resources far exceeding those of the other continents, thus the average level of cultivators is a whole step higher.

However, the Immortal Fall Islands are not large in area, and their population is far less than that of the mainland. In terms of the total number and overall combat strength of cultivators, they cannot compare with the massive mainland.

The group hovered in mid-air, observing the scene. Their attire differed from that of the local cultivators, naturally attracting attention. In the short time it took to exchange those few words, a group of cultivators rose up from the market and approached Lu Qian and his companions. The leader was a Golden Core cultivator.

Upon seeing Lu Qian and the others' attire, the Golden Core cultivator knew their origins. Although he was somewhat arrogant, he couldn't underestimate them because of the fact that Lu Qian and his group consisted of three Nascent Soul cultivators and one Golden Core cultivator. Ultimately, due to their cultivation levels, he had no choice but to bow in respect.

"Are you seniors from the mainland?"

Lu Qian grabbed the jade dragon whose eyes were darting around, seemingly up to no good, and nodded to the golden core: "Exactly. We came from the Jade Balance Continent across the ocean to visit an old friend. We accidentally lost our way on the vast sea and would like to rest here for a while and check the nautical chart."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Core cultivator cupped his hands and led the way, saying, "Please follow me."

Before landing at the market, the group saw that the market gate was made of a huge fish bone, shaped like an archway, with three large characters hanging on it: "Fritillaria Market".

In the Immortal Fall Islands, markets were called "Market Markets." As Lu Qian and his companions passed through the Market Market's magic array, a cacophony of voices, mixed with various strange fragrances, rushed towards them, accompanied by billowing spiritual energy. This clearly indicated that the spiritual veins there were of a very high quality, far surpassing markets of similar size on the mainland.

Look closely, what a bountiful and fertile land!

Shops lined both sides of the street, vendors gathered, and all kinds of exotic items from the ocean possessed extraordinary spiritual qualities, with shouts rising and falling.

"Millennial blood coral, a top-grade spiritual material for refining water-attribute magical treasures!"

"The demon core of the Thunder-Patterned Lightning Ray I just hunted contains a trace of heavenly lightning power. Don't miss it!"

"The trained pearl maiden's singing can calm the mind and aid in cultivation. She only requires five hundred spirit crystals!"

"The profound and heavy true water of the deep sea, even a single drop has the power of a thousand pounds!"

The streets were crowded with people, and among the brightly colored and boldly styled crowd, one could even see sea creature cultivators with distinct auras, carrying scales, tails, and limbs that had not yet been fully transformed, trading openly with human cultivators, and the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious.

Sure enough, regardless of the disagreements at the higher levels, there was still plenty of interaction among the humans, dragons, and sea creatures of the Immortal Fall Islands at the grassroots level.

The group was quite intrigued, and Yu Jiao was especially dazzled. He jumped over to touch the smooth, jade-like giant giant clam shell, and then hopped over there to tug at the jellyfish umbrella-shaped cap that emitted a rainbow of colors.

Seeing this Nascent Soul Spirit Lord shouting and acting like he'd never seen the world before, the Golden Core cultivator leading the way couldn't help but show a smug and arrogant expression. He thought to himself that these people from the mainland were indeed all bumpkins; even if their cultivation was impressive, they were just country bumpkins.

Lu Qian's divine sense was extremely sharp; even the subtlest expression on the Golden Core cultivator's face could not escape his notice.

He shook his head inwardly, thinking to himself that immortal cultivators, possessing heaven-sent resources and occupying blessed lands, often considered themselves the center of this world and frequently exhibited arrogant behavior of closing themselves off and guarding their own islands.

However, the world is constantly changing, and a great era of strife is about to arrive. If immortal cultivators cannot abandon their arrogance and be humble and cautious, disaster may not be far away.

Lu Qian had no intention of arguing with such a nobody. He followed behind with his hands behind his back, simply looking at the products of the archipelago and pondering that if he could establish a friendship with the Hai family this time, he might be able to gradually expand his business and trade routes to the archipelago.

The Golden Core cultivator led the four to an inn, briefly located the current island for Lu Qian, calibrated the sea chart, and said before leaving, "Seniors, you might as well take a stroll around the market and see for yourselves. Such a prosperous scene is probably not commonly seen on the mainland."

Such arrogance and presumption! Anger flashed across Jiang Qingfeng's face, Jiang Baitao snorted coldly, and Yu Jiao was about to jump up, but was pressed down by Lu Qian.

The nascent soul's spiritual pressure suddenly rose and spread, towering like a canopy, its power astonishing, causing the entire inn to groan and tremble.

Lu Qian slowly spoke: "Is that so? Then where would you recommend so we can broaden our horizons?"

A faint light shone in Lu Qian's eyes. The golden core felt as if every word Lu Qian spoke was being struck wildly in its mind like a giant bell. Its spiritual power was frozen, and its protective magic treasures were completely useless!

Upon hearing this, he tasted a metallic sweetness in his mouth, his vision blurred, and his body went limp, about to collapse.

But then he felt his body being lifted up, and a ray of bright and majestic spiritual energy was injected into him, dispelling the darkness in his heart.

He barely managed to steady himself and met Lu Qian's calm gaze, instantly filled with fear.

This person's methods are unfathomable! Although their cultivation levels are the same, the Nascent Soul cultivator guarding the market town is far from being his match!
The golden elixir finally came to its senses, his face filled with panic. He immediately knelt down, admitting that he had spoken out of turn and begging for forgiveness.

A little punishment sent him away, and the group felt much better. The innkeeper, who had witnessed this, was alarmed and immediately went to greet him with utmost care. Yu Jiao was even more pleased.

"Junior brother, shall we set off for Jiling Island now?" Jiang Qingfeng asked.

Yu Jiao jumped up immediately: "Didn't Miss Hai tell us to meet on the fifteenth of January? Jiling Island is only two days away from here, there are still so many days to go. Since we've come all the way to the Immortal Meteor Islands, let's stay and play for a few days. I just saw that shop selling sea creatures, there was a fat starfish wearing five pairs of pants!"

Lu Qian was still thinking about the business plan, so he nodded and smiled, "We're about to enter dangerous territory, and this is a rare opportunity. It's best to balance work and rest. Let's relax for a couple of days. How about we go for a stroll in the streets?"

Yu Jiao cheered and shouted that his lord was wise. Jiang Qingfeng's eyes lit up slightly, and he nodded with a smile. Jiang Baitao jumped up and waved her pink fist: "Then why don't we hurry up and go?"

Surrounded by the three, Yu Jiao returned to the street and blended into the flow of people. With a turn of his head, he disappeared without a trace, leaving his senior sister and Tao Tao by his side.

She had only taken a few steps when Bai Tao approached the stall, picked out several brightly colored seashell necklaces, and showed them off to her sister, her youthful energy and radiant smile shining brightly.

At this moment, Lu Qian was in a daze, recalling the story he had experienced in the market with his senior sister and Tao Tao more than a hundred years ago when he was still in exile.

Ah, back then, there was also Xuanjizi.

In the blink of an eye, so much time has passed.

Lu Qian paused slightly, and Jiang Qingfeng, sensing the turmoil in her lover's heart, gently took Lu Qian's arm, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Lu Qian squeezed his senior sister's hand: "I'm fine. It's just that I haven't been to the market in all these years."

Jiang Qingfeng looked at Bai Tao, who had just entered a clothing store, and smiled: "Yes, look, Tao Tao hasn't been this happy in a long time. This girl has grown up, but she's not as lively as before. She always seems to have a lot on her mind. Today, she's let go of her constraints and forgotten her identity, which is why she's showing her playful side and returning to the past."

"It's so great that we have the opportunity to go out and explore today."

"What's on Tao Tao's mind?" Lu Qian raised an eyebrow. "Have we been too strict with her?"

Jiang Qingfeng shook his head: "There are some things I can guess, but there are others I can't."

Just then, Jiang Baitao poked her head out of the shop window and called out, "Sister, come quickly and see if this dress looks good on you?"

Lu Qian chuckled inwardly. This little girl had just criticized the Immortal Fall female cultivator for dressing too revealingly and being indecent, but after all, everyone has a love of beauty, and influenced by the local trend, she also wanted to give it a try.

However, when the two sisters came out of the shop, their faces flushed, they were still wearing their old clothes, and it seemed that they were too embarrassed to change into these daring outfits for a while.

The three strolled around, taking in all sorts of strange and wonderful spiritual medicines, magical artifacts, spiritual materials and minerals, various jewelry and ornaments, and even rare sea creatures and spirit pets. They also enjoyed the unique seafood delicacies of the Starry Sea and felt very comfortable.

Unbeknownst to them, the three had slowly walked along the road to the highest point of the island. When Lu Qian turned his gaze from the market to a tall temple in front of him, he couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation.

It was a very tall and magnificent temple. The eaves and corners were carved not with ordinary auspicious beasts, but with various lifelike dragons. A plaque hung above the temple gate. Jiang Qingfeng was startled and whispered the words: "Temple of the True Dragon Heavenly Lord".

This is the celestial temple of the eleventh Heavenly Lord, the True Dragon Heavenly Lord who overturns oceans and seas!
Jiang Qingfeng still has the immortal blood of the True Dragon Heavenly Lord flowing through his veins!

But wasn't the True Dragon Heavenly Lord already annihilated and completely perished?

"Junior brother." Jiang Qingfeng became nervous. Lu Qian gripped her hand tightly, and the mental net had grown to its maximum size.

He carefully observed the temple, the endless stream of people coming and going to worship, and the wisps of incense wafting from the temple, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The True Dragon Heavenly Monarch perished on the Jade Balance Continent. Perhaps the most powerful forces in the Yuan Chen Realm know about this, but how could ordinary cultivators know? They would never even think of it in this way.

Although the True Dragon Heavenly Lord is a member of the dragon race, he is also highly revered by the human race as one of the twenty-three leaders who rebelled against the Ten Heavenly Lords. In the territory of the True Dragon Heavenly Lord, there are many celestial temples dedicated to him, which are worshipped and paid homage by the human, dragon, and sea races.

This one in front of us is probably just one of them; there's nothing special about it.

The monks entered to pay their respects merely as a form of spiritual solace, praying for the Heavenly Lord's blessing and for everything to go smoothly at sea.

Lu Qian asked several other cultivators who were paying their respects, and it was indeed the case. One of them, seeing that Lu Qian and the others were not local island cultivators, enthusiastically suggested, "Is this your first time here, seniors? Since you are traveling on the Starry Sea, you must pay your respects to the True Dragon Heavenly Lord."

"Moreover, our True Dragon Heavenly Monarch Immortal Temple is renowned for its accurate divination and fortune-telling!"

"If you have a plan, senior, why not draw a fortune stick to inquire about its auspiciousness or inauspiciousness?"

(End of this chapter)