Journey to the head

Wang Yu sighed helplessly: "It's not that I remembered wrong, it's just that we're really in a bit of a bind right now. Elder Gu is representing me to participate in the martial arts competition held by Shuyu Temple in Luzhou. The only Nascent Soul cultivators left in the sect are your senior sister, Wudi Daoren, and Xiang Kong."

"A martial arts competition?" Li Sheng was somewhat puzzled. He had never heard of such a thing before, and it involved participating across states. Was it really necessary? It was probably not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

As expected, Wang Yu explained: "In recent years, the influence of the Heavenly Lord has increased, and strange events have frequently occurred in the ninety-nine states of Yuheng. In addition, with the spread of rumors and hearsay, things like the Heavenly Lord's relics, the secret realm of true immortals, the treasures of immortals, and the trials of inheritance sound incredibly tempting, making people fantasize endlessly."

"But many people only think about these vague legends and forget that immortals are terrifying. How can mortals fathom or touch them? Heavenly Lords are extremely dangerous. Even the objects they leave behind can unknowingly influence and transform the minds of mortals."

"Apart from a lucky few, most cases of people getting involved with the Heavenly Emperor end in disaster or annihilation."

"Take the Ascension Ladder that suddenly appeared in Jingzhou, south of Yuheng, five years ago. It attracted countless daydreaming cultivators to go there. And what was the result? The True Monarch of Refining Void who went to investigate Taiyi Paradise perished, the entire Jingzhou was reduced to ruins, and several surrounding states were also affected by a major earthquake. Over a billion people and more than 100,000 cultivators died there!"

"Even so, countless fools and simpletons are still drawn by the promise of immortality, all dreaming of ascending to heaven in one step. The world is becoming increasingly unstable, and the Taiyi Paradise also has limited resources. Therefore, we have strengthened our ties with other prefectures in this region and are preparing to form an alliance to help each other and protect ourselves."

"This martial arts exercise in Luzhou is just a pretext. In fact, it is the Taoist Yuji of Shuyu Temple who wants to take the lead in making this happen."

"Although I don't think Luzhou has the capability, and this attempt will only end in failure, necessary exchanges are still needed. Therefore, I sent Elder Gu with a delegation."

Li Sheng narrowed his eyes: "Uncle-Master, there's something I don't understand. True Immortal Heavenly Lords have transcended this realm, are not bound by the Five Elements, are not subject to reincarnation, enjoy eternal life, and have all their wishes fulfilled."

"Now that they've reached the pinnacle, wouldn't it be better for them to live a carefree life? What other needs do they have? Why are they so fixated on the Yuan Chen Realm? What's the point of descending to the mortal realm to cultivate their power?"

Wang Yu pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Your master and I have also discussed this issue, but our level is still too low. Even though our contact with the Heavenly Lords is far deeper than that of ordinary people, we still haven't been able to completely understand the mystery."

"What is certain is that the Heavenly Lords are not without desires or desires, nor are they indifferent to worldly affairs. They have joys, sorrows, loves, hates, and passions just like ordinary people."

"After the Heavenly Lord became an immortal, he still had to get involved in the affairs of the Yuan Chen Realm. It must be due to a variety of reasons and be very complicated. We can think of three aspects for now."

"First, there are backup plans and counter-backs. For example, the Ten Heavenly Lords left many backup plans in the Yuan Chen Realm, hoping to save themselves from the punishment of failure. Other immortals certainly have similar methods. Since everyone has laid backup plans and left a way out, counter-backs have become very important. The Yuan Chen Realm has become a battlefield for power struggles."

"Secondly, it is about mentoring the younger generation and strengthening oneself. No matter what the Heavenly Lord's origin is, there is always his own clan and settlement, and there are descendants who need care. This is especially true for the Heavenly Lords of the human race. The ancestors who ascended to immortality always have to protect the younger generation in the lower realm. As a result, the grudges and affections in the lower realm have in turn caused the struggles among the immortals."

"At the same time, if they can successfully cultivate their own descendants and let them ascend to immortality and join their own camp, they will become even stronger. We speculate that the 'Four Heavenly Lords' of Taiyi Paradise may be like this."

"Thirdly, it may be out of sheer boredom and done on a whim. Perhaps the immortals have reached the highest level of life and have nothing better to do than meddle in the struggles of the mortal realm, setting up some pawns, just like we play with ants and incite ant colonies to fight. It's just to pass the time and have some fun."

The disciples, who had been listening attentively, almost burst out laughing when they heard such an absurd reason. But when they glanced out of the corner of their eyes, they saw that Wang Yu looked serious and Li Sheng was completely absorbed, treating the explanation as if it were true.

Wang Yu continued, "These are all we can think of, but we always feel that this is only a part of it."

"Perhaps the ultimate answer lies hidden in that incredibly terrifying yet incredibly mysterious catastrophe of the True Immortals back then."

"Knowing the cause of the calamity of the true immortals will allow us to fully understand the desires of the immortals."

Li Sheng kept all of this in mind, his leaden eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

After a moment of silence, Wang Yu waved the urgent document in his hand, bringing the topic back on track.

“You don’t need to think too much. There are always us, your teachers, here to help. In short, right now, your senior sister is staying at Biluo Peak to wait for Lin Le to come out of seclusion. As for the unruly cultivators in Qingzhou, I’m worried that there might be other forces behind them. If we only send Xiang Kong, a Nascent Soul cultivator, I’m afraid it won’t be enough.”

"The only option is to send a letter to the Bottomless Taoist, asking him to make a trip to Qingzhou first, intimidate a few troublemakers, and then return."

He paused again: "Tianci is more fierce than resourceful. Wudi Daoren and Xiang Kong are both upright people, but not good at adapting. They may not be able to govern Qingzhou by being straightforward. I should contact Jiyang Manor again and ask Zhaixing to come and assist us. Then we will be safe."

Wang Yu quickly wrote two letters and handed them to his disciple to deliver. Just as he was about to continue reviewing official documents, a disciple suddenly knocked on the door with an urgent report.

"Sect Leader Wang, the Immortal Scroll is shining brightly, a message has arrived from the Taiyi Paradise!"

A moment later, the elders who had rushed over listened to the message from Taiyi Paradise.

The message came from the Five Turbid True Lord. She briefly relayed the changes on the Starry Sea, but her few words were enough to shock everyone into silence.

Dao Haijun ascended to immortality and nearly wiped out all the top experts of the Immortal Fall Islands.

The Dragon Clan forced the four continents of Tian Shu, Yao Guang, Tian Ji, and Tian Quan not to interfere, and then mobilized tens of millions of elite troops to attack the Immortal Fall Islands!
Among the six immortals who perished, the Heavenly Market Palace's Immortal Spirit Cave was destroyed and completely annihilated; the Suspended Sea Sect chose to break out immediately, but under the attack of the two Sea Clan Immortal Lords, it lost most of its elites, the Immortal Spirit Cave was in ruins, and the only Dao Integration Realm cultivator was also seriously injured, but it managed to escape to the Tianquan Continent, and its subsequent fate is unknown.

The other two factions were surrounded by hundreds of dragon and sea race cultivators at the Void Refinement stage, each making their own moves, creating a tense and volatile situation.

"Don't worry, Lu Qian has already entered the Dragon Palace and will not be affected by this great battle."

"Our Taiyi Paradise has neither signed an agreement nor just reached a truce with the underground races. The Azure Dragon Seven Constellations believe that now is a golden opportunity to gather our strength for an important mission."

"But I will be going to sea during this time and will be unable to take care of the mainland. You should be careful and not touch any so-called immortal opportunities. If anything unusual is discovered, you should leave immediately and wait for the Taiyi Paradise to investigate."

Huaiyou Commandery, Huanggen Gate.

This fourth-level sacred mountain, which serves as the mountain gate, is full of spiritual beauty and vitality, and has nothing to do with the word "desolate and barren".

As a result, the fierce and ruthless nature of the cultivators who had settled here seemed to have softened somewhat.

Today, the cultivators of the desolate wilderness are gathered in the main hall, listening to music, which was a very rare sight in the past.

Compared to this kind of simple "music" without any other performances, the Wilderness Cultivator preferred to watch a dance. However, at this moment, because of the distinguished guest sitting at the head of the table, he could only patiently sit here and accompany him, though he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and scrutinize him from time to time.

The Bottomless Taoist completely ignored these gazes. He sat upright, earnestly appreciating the stirring music of "A Thousand Armies Break Through" in the hall, with only a cup of tea in front of him.

Sitting next to him, Ye Xiao's posture was much more casual. She leaned against the armrest of the wide chair, her head resting on the glossy leopard skin, her fingers gently tapping out a rhythm in the thick fur, revealing her curvaceous figure.

Hearing the stirring parts, Ye Xiao seemed to see a single rider breaking through the enemy lines on the battlefield, which pleased him greatly. His eyes gleamed with golden light, and he unconsciously changed his posture, stretching his long legs toward the Bottomless Taoist, almost putting them on him, but then abruptly stopping.

"Sorry, sorry," Ye Xiao mouthed to the surprised-looking Bottomless Taoist, then sat up straight and continued to enjoy the music.

The Bottomless Taoist smiled helplessly. He moved slightly to the side, a little further away from Ye Xiao, but the intense fragrance seemed to linger around his nose.

The music grew louder and louder, reaching its climax, but the Bottomless Daoist was lost in thought. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ye Xiao's profile: a high, straight nose, full red lips, smooth, honey-colored skin, and wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, radiating a fiery vitality. He was about to become Ye Xiao's Daoist partner, and suddenly his heart felt unsettled.

It was fifteen years ago, on a night when the Chongming Alliance held a banquet on Biluo Peak. As usual, Wudi Daoren only sat for a short while at the beginning of the banquet before taking his leave and returning to his courtyard to meditate and cultivate.

Unexpectedly, the usually quiet courtyard gate was knocked on.

Upon opening the door, the Bottomless Taoist was stunned.

It was Ye Xiao. The Supreme Elder of the Huanggen Sect, one of the founding members of the Chongming Alliance, she swept away the villains and established the Tieyuan Sect, and has her own legendary heroine story.

We haven't had much contact before, so why the sudden visit today?

The Bottomless Taoist, not understanding her intention, welcomed her into the room and entertained her. But Ye Xiao pushed away the tea he poured and placed two jars of Tieyuan liquor on the table.

“Fairy Ye, I don’t like drinking.” The Bottomless Taoist frowned.

But Ye Xiao laughed heartily, casually breaking the mud seal and pouring the amber wine into the large bowl. The aroma of the wine spread, and her skin glowed warmly in the shimmering light of the wine, her curly hair trembling slightly with the movement.

She raised her wine bowl: "I have a favor to ask of you. If I didn't have strong liquor to embolden myself, how could I, a mere Golden Core cultivator, dare to face you, a Nascent Soul Spirit Lord?"

Before the words were even finished and before the Bottomless Taoist could react, Ye Xiao had already raised her head and decisively downed the strong liquor in her bowl. A few drops of liquor slid down the corners of her mouth, leaving a glistening mark on her graceful neck.

The Bottomless Taoist stared in astonishment; he had never seen a woman like this before.

It took him a long while to react: "I dare not accept such praise. Since Fairy Ye is an ally of ours, please feel free to ask if you need anything. As long as Sect Leader Lu agrees, I will naturally do my best to help."

Ye Xiao tossed her wavy hair and smiled slightly: "Sect Leader Lu naturally agreed, otherwise he wouldn't have sent me to find you."

A blush gradually rose on her face, her eyebrows were like crescent moons, and her beautiful eyes were piercing. That gaze made the Bottomless Taoist suddenly feel his face burning.

“Fellow Daoist Wudi, you specialize in the Earth Element Dao, and so do I.”

"Now that my cultivation of the Kunpin True Body has reached a bottleneck and it is difficult to make progress, it just so happens that Sect Leader Lu gave me the supreme profound skill 'Qiankun Harmony and Intercourse Divine Skill'."

"Looking across Cangzhou, in terms of cultivation of the Earth Element Dao alone, you must be number one. Moreover, I have long known that you are upright, elegant, and loyal, and I admire you very much."

"Then I request that you become my Daoist partner, and together we shall cultivate the True Body of the Female and practice the Divine Art of Harmony and Intercourse of Heaven and Earth. Our cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds, and in the future we will reach the supreme realm together. What do you say?"

The Bottomless Taoist suddenly stood up. He was speechless, his ears burning, and his handsome face instantly turned red.

He has never encountered anything like this in all his years of arduous cultivation!
"You...this is...a bit too fast."

Even the Nascent Soul Spirit Lord, who had long since understood his own heart, was now speaking haltingly and incoherently.

Ye Xiao laughed heartily: "Understanding the profound and comprehending the Dao, how can one wait? Fellow Daoist Wudi, don't be shy, it's not shameful for the sake of the Great Dao!"

She suddenly tossed her curly hair, and a strong fragrance wafted towards me: "Could it be that you look down on my Golden Core cultivation, or do you think I'm ugly and uncouth, and not good enough for you?"

The Bottomless Daoist's heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath and finally calmed down before quickly refusing.

Ye Xiao didn't say much, turned around and left, but turned back as she left the hospital and gave a bright smile.

"I won't give up easily, you'd better prepare in advance!"

The Bottomless Taoist felt his heart race.

For the next fifteen years, Ye Xiao relentlessly pursued the matter, and the Bottomless Taoist was exhausted from defending himself. Lu Qian was also happy to facilitate this, creating many opportunities for them.

"We have become Daoist partners, but we are not lovers. We do not discuss lust or romantic relationships, and we are not lovers," Ye Xiao concluded. "We simply adopt the ancient meaning of 'Daoist partners' to cultivate the Great Dao together and comprehend its mysteries."

This time, the Bottomless Taoist agreed as if possessed.

He told himself that he was just afraid of Ye Xiao's entanglement, and at the same time, he could use the "Heaven and Earth Harmony and Intercourse Divine Skill" to speed up his cultivation, which would naturally be beneficial in every way.

There's nothing wrong with that; it's devoid of lust and romantic entanglements, just companions on the path of enlightenment.

But now, everything is gradually slipping out of my control.

Huang Genmen, Ye Xiao.

She believes in the principle of "not competing with others, not seeking high positions; not competing with Heaven, the path is not far." The word "compete" perfectly encapsulates her true intentions.

She always exudes a vibrant life force that "fights against people and against nature," which makes her previously calm and desolate world different.

The Taoist couple ceremony will be held soon.

Even the Bottomless Taoist himself didn't notice that he was looking at Ye Xiao's profile and a smile appeared on his face.

"What's wrong?" Ye Xiao asked, raising an eyebrow. The Bottomless Daoist quickly shook his head. Just as things were getting a little awkward, a disciple suddenly entered to report.

Wang Yu of the Yunshan Sect wrote a letter and delivered it to the Bottomless Daoist. The Bottomless Daoist composed himself, quickly opened the letter, and frowned slightly after reading its contents.

After a moment's thought, he handed the letter to Ye Xiao, saying apologetically, "Since Yunshan has summoned me urgently, I have to go. I'll get back as soon as possible and won't delay the ceremony."

Ye Xiao read the letter, a thought struck him, and he smiled.

“Since it’s official business, I certainly won’t stop it. However, this matter could be big or small, and it might take quite a while. There’s no point in me just waiting here.”

"How about I accompany you?" (End of Chapter)