Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 466 A Hero Emerges from the Mountain, Reinforcements Arrive in Double Force (5.2K words presented, please support with monthly votes~)

Emei!

Indeed, when fortune smiles, heaven and earth lend their strength; when fortune turns, even heroes are powerless. In his heyday, no one dared to challenge him, and everyone flocked to him at the mere sight of him. Now that he is weak, the Daoist sects are attacking him from all sides, and even the Xuanmen sects have come to join the fray!

What a perfect opportunity!
Seeing this scene on Jade Rooster Mountain, Green Robe was filled with intense hatred.

To be honest, Green Robe had a clear understanding of the situation. Despite the current encirclement from four directions, the situation was still under control. The Sanxiang Daoist sect could only enter through the northeastern gateway of the Southern Wilderness, but this place was guarded by his own Rotten Peach Mountain, a complete evil acupoint located here—making it impregnable. The Miao people had two routes south: to the east was his Peach Blossom River, and to the west was the Red Water River. If they were truly pushed to the brink, even Xing Hong could stop them.

What I'm truly worried about is Yuyang and the Dianwen (Yunnanese script).
Yuyang wasn't inherently a threat. The main channel of the Xijiang River and its estuary were both located here, giving them a geographical advantage. Furthermore, Yuyang had few high-level cultivators and insufficient combat power, posing no real threat. However, what was most troubling was that in recent years, Guanghong had driven away the two fierce beasts, severely injured Qiu Po, and even attracted three dragon offspring. This shift in power represented a difference of six great cultivators!

He even designated the three dragon offspring as Jiang Bo, which is truly a detriment to a person's foundation!
The Three Dragons control the three rivers of the North, Central, and East, diverting water transport from the Pearl River and flowing into the sea at Lingdingyang, thus diverting sea transport from the South China Sea. They also enjoy a geographical advantage in Yuyang. Moreover, all three dragons are of the fourth realm, and their species are extraordinary: Crimson Brocade, Green Dragon, and Azure Dragon, each more troublesome than the last, comparable to the fifth realm in the river region. The threat has suddenly increased significantly, and Dinghu Peak alone is hardly of any use. Therefore, his second primordial spirit has always been placed at the estuary of the sea, and he dares not leave it lightly.

Secondly, there is the Yunnan script.

Yunnan was originally nothing special, just a disorganized mess, a mixed bag of people. Located in the barren southwest, it consisted of small, insignificant sects, and was easily conquered. The only thing to be wary of was the Xuanmen's constant covetousness of this land. However, this ultimately forced Yan Renying to betray his sect and join the demonic path, taking with him the Biji Mountain by the river. This greatly reduced the pressure on them, bringing over a decade of peace to Yunnan. This was a case of the heavens and earth conspiring together when the time was right.

But it was Guang Hong again who interfered, killing Lie Xingye, altering Wuliang Mountain, reclaiming Mulongzhang, and transferring the Lushan Sect to Ailao, severely weakening the Dianwen Demonic Sect. Recently, some incomprehensible "Haha Ancestor" has appeared, whom I suppressed with thunderous might. Well, now Emei is starting to act up again.

Even heroes are powerless when fate intervenes!
Lushan is formidable, and the cunning dragon sways. Old Ancestor Haha is watching closely. The situation in Yunnan was already dire, and he had planned to find time to speak with Renying. Biji Mountain, stationed in central Yunnan and controlling Dianchi Lake, held a strategically important position. He was also alone, and having broken with Emei, they needed him to guard the Nanpan River. However, the treacherous Guanghong was pressing relentlessly, his methods intricately linked, leaving him unable to spare the time, hence the delays. And now, at this crucial juncture, Emei has once again set its sights on Renying.

You absolutely must visit Yunnan.

The Peach Blossom River must be defended.

The mouth of Yuyang cannot be left unattended.

What to do?

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Redwood Ridge, atop the altar of heaven and earth.

Cheng Xinzhan received a telepathic message from Zang Faxian immediately, saying that Wanli Feihong Tong Yuanqi of the Emei Sect had arrived at Biji Mountain and wanted to talk to Yan Renying.

He was somewhat surprised, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense. As long as Yan Renying was away, Emei would lose face. Yan Renying's betrayal had an extremely negative impact. After the incident, the Drunken Taoist, who had been wandering for many years, returned to Sichuan immediately. However, this learned man neither went to Biyun Temple nor Emei, but went directly to the Yan family in Pingluo, acting as a gatekeeper. This clearly showed that he did not trust Emei and feared that Emei would retaliate afterward, causing further damage to Emei's reputation and honor.

This incident directly impacted Emei's leading position within the Taoist community. Firstly, the number of young people from Sichuan seeking to become disciples of Emei decreased sharply, with more scions of aristocratic families and those with exceptional talent preferring to cultivate in Qingcheng.

Furthermore, in recent decades, as the clashes between Xuanmen disciples and the Northern Demonic Sect have become increasingly frequent, one thing has become no secret within the Xuanmen of Sichuan: the flying sword techniques of the Blood God Sect, the leader of the Northern Demonic Sect, are entirely inherited from the Emei Sect, and many of their Taoist methods also bear the shadow of the Taiqing Sect. Many things cannot withstand close scrutiny. Previously, due to the prestige of Emei, many knew the truth but dared not speak out, turning a blind eye. However, as Emei's reputation has declined, some have dared to expose this truth—the Northern Sect's leader, Blood God Child, is none other than Deng Yin, the former Grand Elder of Emei.

He is yet another traitor who has turned to evil, and before his betrayal, he also held a high position in Emei.

Some might ask, with Changmei in power, the Grand Elder Deng Yin betrayed the sect and became a demon. With Qi Shuming in power, the Grand Elder Miechenzi was stationed in a remote area for many years and could not return to the mountain. The discord between the two brothers was common knowledge in the Xuanmen sect. Now, no one knows who the next Emei sect leader will be, but the eldest brother Yan Renying has already been driven to rebellion by the destruction of his family.

What is this going to do?
Is it also a continuation of the same lineage?
Are the Emei sect leaders paving the way for their children? Are they making the villains themselves?

Various speculations and rumors have spread like wildfire.

Amidst this turmoil, a shocking secret has emerged. It turns out that all these years, the Blood God Child has been remotely controlling his disciples and various sects of the Northern School to commit atrocities, yet he himself has never shown his face. This is because the Qingcheng Earth Immortal, the Blissful Immortal, has been monitoring the Northern Lands, keeping the Blood Demon at bay!
Emei Mountain breeds demons, Qingcheng Mountain defends against them.

The superiority or inferiority is immediately apparent!
Immediately following this, Emei's leadership position within the Xuanmen sect and its position as the sect leader within the Xuantian Alliance were both threatened.

In response, Emei Mountain naturally took measures – incorporating Yunnan into Xuanwu.

Doumu Pavilion's invitation to the host to take over Weibao Mountain dashed Emei's hopes, catching Emei completely off guard. But Emei's ability to attract the voluntary entry of Buddhist sects from northern Yunnan into Xuanmen was even more unexpected by the entire nation.

This event, to some extent, revitalized the prestige of Emei. However, within the Xuanmen (Taoist sect), there were differing opinions. Some believed that Emei's actions placed Xuanmen above Buddhism, proving that Xuanmen could surpass Buddhism, and thus it was a great achievement. Others considered it a heinous act, confusing Xuanmen with Buddhism, and betraying their master and ancestors. Consequently, the former became supporters of Emei, while the latter increasingly aligned themselves with Qingcheng.

But no matter what, the era when Emei dominated the Xuanmen sect and held absolute power in the Xuantian Alliance is over.

Emei, of course, was unwilling to accept this. They attributed all of this to Yan Renying's betrayal of the sect and constantly sought to reclaim Yan Renying and Biji Mountain. However, the Green Robe had always protected Biji Mountain, preventing them from taking action.

Now, with Green Robe tied up, Emei's appearance at this time is indeed a good opportunity.

Green Robe's actions were entirely self-inflicted; he overreached. The River of Harmony traverses four regions, displaying an ambition to unify the southwest. He truly dared to dream, and once he gained power, he forgot even his own identity. If Green Robe had initially focused his efforts on the eastern part of the Southern Wilderness and the western part of Yuyang, steadily cultivating Rotten Peach Mountain and his own River-Walking Territory, things would have been far more relaxed, and the righteous path would have faced much greater difficulties in penetrating. This is also why, when Cheng Xinzhan achieved Dao, the sacred mountains of Shenzhou responded enthusiastically, while he only targeted Redwood Ridge.

The principle is simple: too much of a good thing is bad.

So at this moment, Cheng Xinzhan was also a little curious about how Green Robe would respond. Now that the Daoist sect was besieging the Southern Wilderness from all sides, and he was busy with the Dao Integration and Jiang, could he still spare a soul to take over?

Regardless of how Green Robe responds, Cheng Xinzhan will not sit idly by. Yan Renying's choice and the fate of Biji Mountain not only affect the Xuanmen and Momen, but are also crucial to the Eastern Daoist sect's arrangements and future actions in Dianwen. Cheng Xinzhan still has plenty of energy; his true body is presiding over the altar, and his inner vision is refining Peach Blossom River—this is far from his limit, so naturally he wants to go and see for himself.

With a thought, he separated a primordial spirit and a qi body. The primordial spirit entered the qi body, took a flying sword from the main body, and then tore through the void and left.

The Qi Body is mysterious. It is formed from the innate Qi of the original body, which is condensed into a Qi Seed, and then constructed into a body with spiritual power. It has the same supernatural powers and methods as the original body. The realm of the Qi Body is completely determined by the realm of the original body, but there are certain limitations in its quantity and a certain weakening in its magical power.

The number of restrictions and the reduction of magical power vary from person to person, ranging from one to three, and the reduction of magical power ranges from 30% to 70%. This mainly depends on the practitioner's understanding of the One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones method and the degree of purity of the innate Qi in their body. Cheng Xinzhan learned this method and cultivated three Qi bodies, each with 70% of the cultivation of the original body.

It's a pity that two of his Qi bodies were scattered by the green-robed man before he entered the fifth level, reverting to Qi seeds. It will take quite some time to rebuild his Qi body. If he had been able to hold on a little longer, his Qi body could have entered the fifth level immediately upon his entry into the fifth level, and he wouldn't have been scattered on the spot, and he wouldn't be in this situation where he only has one Qi body available now.

The Qi Body is extremely convenient to use. If it is only near the physical body, it can be directly manipulated. If it is thousands of miles away, it can be commanded as easily as an arm by entrusting a wisp of thought. However, in such cases, there is a risk of falling into some dangerous situation, such as a secret realm or ambush, where the enemy has a spell or magic weapon that can sever the connection of thoughts. In that case, one might accidentally lose the Qi Body.

Therefore, when Cheng Xinzhan went to Wumeng Mountain last time to protect the Dao with his Qi body, he hid his primordial spirit in the Qi seed. The two bodies he left in Hongmu Ridge were directly controlled by him.

This trip to Yunnan will involve directly confronting the Xuanmen and Momen sects, so it's naturally safer to rely on the Yuan Shen (primordial spirit) for control.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yunnan script.

The battle cries at Fuxian Lake were deafening. Led by the Lushan Sect and aided by the Wuliang Sect, they attacked from the southwest of Fuxian Lake. And the one in charge of Fuxian Lake was none other than Cao Jin, the famous Eight-Armed Dragon King of the Southern Sect.

This Cao Jin is no ordinary being; he is a rare eight-clawed dragon with the bloodline of the Purple Dragon, a top-tier even among dragons. This demon was originally a Shu dragon, but unable to withstand the Xuanmen's conquests, he went south and joined the demonic path.

Once this dragon entered the demonic path, it immediately began practicing demonic methods, engaging in blood-feeding, cannibalism, soul refining, and sacrifices—committing all sorts of evil deeds and daring to follow any crooked or evil path. Demonic cultivation methods are inherently quick to master, and coupled with this demon's extremely high talent, its cultivation level continued to rise. It quickly caught the eye of the Green Robe, who took it in as his second adopted son, imparting all sorts of demonic techniques to it. Now, it has reached the sixth level of cultivation.

After Xin Chenzi ambushed Tianzhen Chengtai but was instead seriously injured and forced into seclusion, Cao Jin's status in the Southern School rose even higher, essentially becoming the number one person below the various four realm demon kings. Previously, he served under the demon dragon at Dinghu Peak in Yuyang. After the change of control of Ailao, Green Robe transferred him to Dianwen to guard Fuxian Lake.

The depth of Fuxian Lake was extremely tempting to the Lushan Sect, but at the same time, the Jiaolong clan could fully utilize their innate supernatural abilities there. Therefore, Cao Jin held a geographical advantage at Fuxian Lake, and his combat strength should be considered at the fourth realm. This Jiaolong indeed lived up to Green Robe's expectations, leading his sworn brothers and a group of demonic Jiaolong soldiers to defend the deep lake to the death, and even under the combined attack of the Lushan and Wuliang sects, he did not lose a single point.

On this day, Zang Faxian, the deputy leader of Lushan Sect, once again led his Daoist troops to attack the lake. Cao Jin was also a man of strength and opportunity. In his early years, he had obtained a book of Dragon Clan Altar Techniques and built an altar in Fuxian Lake. Under the blessing of the altar, his own strength and that of his dragon soldiers were greatly enhanced, and he fought the Lushan Sect to a standstill, not falling behind.

As the battle raged on, Zang Faxian and Cao Jin, locked in combat, sensed a connection and both looked north towards Biji Mountain, not far from Dianchi Lake. Biji Mountain had been sealed off for over ten years. Ever since Yan Renying, the Gentleman Swordsman of Emei, came and killed the Emei elder who guarded the mountain, taking control of Biji Mountain, no one had ever entered or left. Although Yan Renying had been bestowed the title of King of Dianning by the Green-Robed Ancestor, granting him control over a thousand miles around Dianchi Lake, he had never exercised this right and had never shown his face.

However, while Biji Mountain remained unmoved, none of the various sects of Yunnan dared to ignore it. The Xuanmen sect was eager to reclaim it, the Daomen sect hoped it would reform, and the Momen sect feared it was just an act and tried every means to make it completely side with the Southern School.

The righteous path is now making a major eastward advance, aiming to reclaim Fuxian Lake, but Doumu Pavilion has not taken any action. Its duty is to keep a close eye on Biji Mountain and remain unchanged in the face of all changes.

At this moment, Zang Faxian and Cao Jin were fighting, both of them keeping a glimpse of Dianchi Lake in the distance. Suddenly, a crimson rainbow appeared from the north, landing atop Biji Mountain, transforming into a red-robed hero who opened his mouth and said…

"Renying, may I have a meeting with you?"

Tong Yuanqi?
Zang Faxian recognized the newcomer. Although Lushan had migrated from Fujian, since he planned to establish himself in Yunnan, he had to thoroughly study the Xuanmen sect. Zang Faxian immediately recognized the newcomer as Wanli Feihong, one of the Seven Immortals of Shushan. He had a mentor-student relationship with Yan Renying, and before Yan Renying betrayed the sect, he had been stationed at Jian Ge for decades, always accompanied by Wanli Feihong.

Did Emei send him here to offer kind words of advice?

Would Yan Renying agree?

Zang Faxian quickly sent a telepathic message to his clan leader and Master Cheng.

Cao Jin, too, immediately transmitted the message of the green robe.

Behold, at Biji Mountain, after a moment of silence, a streak of silvery sword light flew out, transforming into a human figure that stood opposite Tong Yuanqi in mid-air—it was Yan Renying, with his white hair. Yan Renying's face was still haggard, his eyes devoid of any spirit, a stark contrast to the once spirited senior disciple of Emei. However, judging solely from the elusive and unpredictable silvery sword light he wielded, it was clear that he had not wasted these past ten years.

"Uncle-Master, what advice do you have for me?"

Yan Renying said.

Tong Yuanqi forced a smile and said with difficulty,
"It's kind of you to come out and see me, and it's kind of you to call me 'Uncle-Master'."

“Renying is neither heartless nor treacherous. My uncle has been kind to me by protecting my path and imparting the Dharma, so naturally he is my uncle.”

A glimmer of light appeared in Tong Yuanqi's eyes, and he asked expectantly,

"What about your master? He taught you the way, guided you through your doubts, and raised you to adulthood. Do you still acknowledge him?"

"Yes, of course I acknowledge it."

Yan Renying nodded and said,

"My master guided my cultivation, taught me to be a decent human being, loved me, and cherished me. I lost my parents and my family was trapped in an enemy country. I was powerless to protect and care for my family, but my master protected my home. I may never be able to repay my master in this life. If my uncle has the time, please tell my master that I wish to be his disciple again in the next life, and that I will repay his kindness in the next life!"

Tong Yuanqi's body trembled, his face turning bitter. How could he not understand that Yan Renying was referring to the Drunken Taoist, not his senior brother, the sect leader? His mouth was full of bitterness as he said,
"Renying, do you consider Shu to be your enemy state?"

"How could it not be?"

Yan Ren's tone was calm, yet it concealed a deep-seated hatred.

Hearing this, Tong Yuanqi was heartbroken and said again,
“Renying, you may not know, but the main branch of the Xun family has been wiped out by you, and the remaining collateral branches have also received what can be described as the most severe punishment. Even your wife has been… Alas, Renying, can you let it go? Come back to the mountain gate with me, and the mountain will surely give you a satisfactory explanation.”

"lay down?"

Yan Renying smiled, but said,
"Uncle-Master, if we could let go of everything, why would we both need to cultivate swordsmanship? We might as well cultivate Buddhism instead."

Tong Yuanqi was speechless upon hearing this. At the same time, he could also sense that Ren Ying had truly changed. The former Gentleman Sword would never have uttered such hurtful words, especially since he was addressing an elder while also taking the opportunity to satirize Yunnan's Buddhist community.

but--

That's good. This is what a swordsman should be like—unrestrained, fearless, and displaying their full sharpness. The heroes of the past were too sensible and cautious, not like swordsmen. "Gentleman's Sword," "Gentleman's Sword"—it doesn't sound like a good title. What kind of sword would a gentleman use?

If Ren Ying was previously hidden in his sheath, then Ren Ying now reveals his full brilliance. Moreover, after witnessing Ren Ying's initial sword strike, Tong Yuanqi dares not say he can defeat him now.

Indeed, hatred is the best whetstone for sword cultivators.

Tong Yuanqi thought to himself.

"Does Uncle-Master have any further advice? If not, please leave."

Yan Renying said.

Tong Yuanqi looked hesitant and conflicted. He opened his mouth several times, then swallowed his words, seemingly wanting to say something but stopping himself. Finally, he only uttered one sentence.
"Renying, how have you been all these years?"

Yan Renying fell silent upon hearing this. After a long while, she suddenly smiled, two lines of clear tears streaming down her face, and she lamented,

“The artemisia is lush and green, but it is not artemisia, it is wormwood.”

My dear parents, you toiled so hard to give me life.

The luxuriant grass is my vine, but it is not my vine, it is my vine.

My dear parents, you toiled so much to give me life.

The bottle is empty, a disgrace to the wine vessel.

"The lives of the Xian people are worse than a long death."

Hearing Yan Renying's mournful cries, Tong Yuanqi felt a pang of heartache and was speechless. Even this fiery-blooded man, known for his forthrightness, couldn't help but shed tears. He turned his head away, only uttering a single word...
"treasure!"

Having said that, he transformed into a rainbow of light and prepared to flee.

"Tong Yuanqi! What nonsense are you spouting! Did you call me here just to talk about this?!"

At that moment, a furious shout came from the void, followed by a burst of golden light.

"Renying, watch out!"

At the same time, two voices rang out from the east in unison.

Immediately afterwards, to the north of Biji Mountain, a portly man in a golden robe leaped out of the air and blocked Tong Yuanqi's path. To the east of Biji Mountain, a Taoist priest in blue robes and a man in green robes also appeared almost simultaneously, tearing through the void, and, without prior arrangement, launched attacks at the menacing man in golden robes.

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(End of this chapter)