Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 468 A Hero's Choice, A Pact to Battle (5.6K words, please vote at the beginning of the month~)

Xuanzhenzi choked upon hearing this. Yes, he was Master Cheng from the host city, the master of ten thousand laws from Sanqing Mountain. Several immortal sects in the Eastern Dao Capital could ask him for anything. What could he possibly give him?
Seeing his silence, Cheng Xinzhan chuckled softly and, without another word, attacked again on her sword. Xuanzhenzi blindly followed Qi Shuming and his wife, committing many shameful acts on their behalf. Now, he even plotted to ambush and capture Renying—truly a shameless man. Having witnessed this today, even if she couldn't kill him, she would certainly teach him a lesson.

The moment Cheng Xinzhan made a move, the green-robed man beside him immediately became conflicted. Which one should he help?

Xuanzhenzi, Qi Shuming's senior brother and Changmei's eldest disciple, has countless Southern Sect members' blood on his hands; he absolutely deserves to die. Cheng Guanghong, the Grand Master of the Eastern Dao, is now leading the Eastern Dao in the siege of the Southern Sect's leader; he poses a far greater threat than Xuanzhenzi and should be killed even more. It's just a pity that he only came in an avatar, so killing him wouldn't be very meaningful. Therefore, it seems that keeping Xuanzhenzi alive would be the most worthwhile outcome.

However, once I join the battle, will these two turn around and attack me together?

Green Robe seemed somewhat undecided.

However, his hesitation on the sidelines directly affected the two combatants. Cheng Xinzhan was alright; as Green Robe had thought, he was only present as an avatar and wouldn't suffer much loss. Moreover, with his current mastery of the void, if he wanted to leave, it would be difficult for anyone to stop him. Xuanzhenzi, however, wasn't as calm as Cheng Xinzhan. If Green Robe and Guangfa joined forces, he would be severely injured, if not killed. As for Yuanjue, since Cheng Guangfa had imprisoned him but not killed him, his life was temporarily safe; they could only try to rescue him later.

After only a few rounds of fighting, Xuanzhenzi suddenly shouted...
"A sword for loyalty and courage, a heart to vanquish demons and save the world. Renying, do you still agree with these words?!"

Yan Renying, who was suddenly called out, glanced at Xuanzhenzi and remained silent.

He certainly knew those words; they were the doctrine of the Emei Sect, a motto he had recited countless times. But at this moment, he found it difficult to answer, and could not answer.

"Renying, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but turning back is the shore. Don't go further and further down the evil path!"

Xuanzhenzi shouted loudly, then used his magic to wrap himself in the invisible sword energy, and immediately broke through the air and flew north.

Seeing Xuanzhenzi flee in disarray, Cheng Xinzhan sheathed his weapon and did not pursue him. After all, this was Dianwen, and further north lay Xuanmen territory; venturing too far would easily lead to encirclement. Moreover, today's gains were already substantial. Not only had he obtained Zhong Yuanjue's Nascent Soul, but he had also taken advantage of Xuanzhenzi's eagerness to save people, gaining a slight advantage in the offensive and causing him some hidden losses—a form of interest for Uncle Gu. Furthermore, he had discovered that the Green Robe possessed another Asura Dharma Body as a backup plan, and had also helped Ren Ying out of a predicament. This trip had been truly worthwhile.

Meanwhile, the man in green robes shared the same sentiment. Absorbing Zhong Yuanjue's physical essence had both established his authority and brought him benefits. Moreover, discovering the extent of the discord between Guanghong and Emei was an unexpected delight. The only drawback was that Guanghong had taken Zhong Yuanjue's nascent soul, getting a bargain. However, his trip to help Ren Ying had done him a great favor, making his exposure of this avatar worthwhile.

Both of them were satisfied, and then they both looked at Yan Renying.

But at this moment, Tong Yuanqi was still on the field, right in front of Yan Renying. When he saw the two of them looking at him, he felt a tremor in his heart and whispered something to Yan Renying again.
"treasure."

Immediately, the person transformed into a rainbow and fled, not daring to linger for even a moment longer.

Cheng Xinzhan considered Tong Yuanqi a friend and naturally wouldn't stop him. The green-robed man could also tell that this Emei disciple was different from the others, and seemed to have a good relationship with Yan Renying, so he didn't stop him either, letting him escape.

Thus, only three people remained on Biji Mountain, and the world was utterly silent.

"Thank you very much, Ancestor, and Brother Yunlai for saving me."

A moment later, Yan Renying broke the silence.

“Emei is despicable; Renying need not pay them any mind.”

The old man in green robes replied with a smile, his amiable manner making it impossible to tell that he had just devoured the flesh of an Emei disciple.

At the same time, Green Robe was also surprised to see Yan Renying. In just over ten years, his cultivation level had increased so rapidly. In a few more years, he might be entering the fourth level.

Indeed, he was originally the senior disciple of Emei in this generation, the leader of the Seven Cultivators, and a cultivation seed that the shameless Qi Shuming had shamelessly snatched from Biyun Nunnery. He was a true prodigy, a genius among men, and indeed lived up to his name. Now, bearing the lineage of the Yan, Biyun, Emei, and Biji families, and carrying a deep-seated blood feud, it's not surprising that he has made such progress in his cultivation.

Thinking about it this way, it becomes even more incomprehensible what the Emei Miaoyi couple are thinking. They want to recruit the best talents in the world for their own use, but they don't want these talents to overshadow their own children. They want both, which is really shameless.

Cheng Xinzhan didn't say much, only nodding in response, everything was understood without words.

Then, Biji Mountain fell silent once again.

All three knew perfectly well that what was to come was difficult to say, and what was to be done was also difficult. Green Robe wanted Yan Renying to step in and protect Nanpanjiang, while Cheng Xinzhan wanted Yan Renying to continue his seclusion as before and not to interfere in the affairs of Nanpanjiang.

As for Yan Renying, he might not have wanted to interfere in the righteous path's extermination of demons, but he had voluntarily pledged allegiance to Green Robe, who had taken him in and saved his life. Especially since he had been living in seclusion on Biji Mountain for over a decade, receiving titles and land, he had never been actively summoned by Green Robe, enjoying immense autonomy—a truly benevolent act. Now, with people from Emei attempting to abduct him, and given his predicament of being unable to spare any resources, Green Robe still chose to come to his aid, regardless of his motives, only considering the outcome. To say that his gratitude was as heavy as a mountain is no exaggeration.

The fact that Green Robe didn't leave but instead gazed intently suggests that he was struggling under the pressure of being surrounded on all sides and had something he wanted. Yan Renying couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Similarly, my former friend who fought alongside me against demons, now the leader of the righteous path in the Eastern Taoist sect who raises the banner of demon elimination, has also taken time out of his busy schedule to come and resolve my crisis. Can I say to him that I have abandoned good for evil?

Yan Renying is once again forced to a crossroads and faces a choice.

After a long silence, he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the man in green robes and slowly said,
"My ancestor, you are wise. I owe my survival to your grace. It is only because my cultivation is shallow and my abilities limited that I can do little for you. But Biji Mountain is located on the west bank of the Nanpan River, and Dianchi Lake flows north to the Pudu River and into the Yangtze River, serving as the northwest gateway of the Nanpan River. Therefore, even if I am incompetent, I will surely lead my fellow practitioners on Biji Mountain to guard the northwest defense line of the upper reaches of the Nanpan River and Dianchi Lake for you, and I will never allow anyone to lay a finger on it. I swear this oath by Dianchi Lake!"

After Yan Renying finished speaking, both the Green-Robed Ancestor and Cheng Xinzhan's expressions changed slightly, as they had not expected Yan Renying to make such a choice.

Those present were all intelligent and could naturally understand that Yan Renying meant he was willing to let the Green Robe guard the section of the Nanpan River from its source at Maxiong Mountain to Dianchi Lake, and would establish a defensive line relying on Dianchi Lake and the Pudu River, specifying that it was guarding the enemy in the northwest—that is, the Kang-Shu Taoist sect and the Buddhist sect in northern Yunnan. As for the section east of this point—referring to the Miao Taoist sect, and the middle and lower reaches of the Nanpan River south of Dianchi Lake—referring to the Yunnan Taoist sect, he had no energy to deal with them.

Green Robe fell into thought. Although this was somewhat different from his expectations, it was not unacceptable, because the main enemy on the Nanpan River, upstream of Dianchi Lake, was the Xuanmen. Yan Renying, who came from Emei and had a good reputation in the Xuanmen, was also familiar with the Xuanmen's techniques. His intervention would indeed be twice as effective.

Furthermore, given his current level of cultivation, even with the Immortal Sword in hand, this is all he can do. Moreover, in the eastern section upstream, the Wumeng Mountains and Niangniang Mountains provide support, temporarily holding off the Miao region, so it shouldn't be a major problem. As for the middle and lower reaches south of Dianchi Lake, he'll have to figure that out himself; expecting Yan Renying and Biji Mountain to guard over a thousand miles of river is unrealistic.

So, the man in green robes smiled and nodded, saying repeatedly...

"That must have been really tough for Renying."

Opposite the green-robed figure, Cheng Xinzhan nodded slightly. Although Renying still chose to leave the mountain to protect the demon, he chose to confront his former master directly, focusing on defending against the northern Xuanmen. He wouldn't defend against the east, meaning he wouldn't interfere with attacks from the Miao Jiang Daoist sects; nor would he defend against attacks from the downstream, meaning he wouldn't interfere with attacks from the Yunnan Daoist sects—for example, the ongoing battle at Fuxian Lake, located south of Dianchi Lake. This way, his encirclement strategy would indeed have virtually no impact.

It's truly a difficult situation for a hero like him. He has given satisfactory explanations to both himself and Green Robe, yet he chooses to face his fellow disciples and old friends directly, bearing the infamy.

Cheng Xinzhan cupped his hands in greeting and simply said,
"Heroic and righteous."

Yan Renying was speechless and did not answer either of them. He turned around and landed back on Biji Mountain.

Cheng Xinzhan and the green-robed man exchanged a glance, sparks flying between their eyes. The former said,

"Dragon King, since you have all come here in your avatars, would you dare to come with me to the heavens for another contest? Let us all set aside our geographical advantages and our reservations. In the last battle at Wumeng Mountain, my cultivation level was slightly inferior to yours, Dragon King. Although I am convinced of my defeat, I did not have a satisfying fight."

Upon hearing this, the latter raised an eyebrow. He didn't know if Cheng Xinzhan was genuinely itching for a fight, or if he simply wanted to send one of his avatars to the heavens to distance himself from the ground battle. But regardless, at this moment, a Taoist was challenging him to a duel in public, and he couldn't back down under any circumstances. He had to at least show the world that the Southern School hadn't fallen yet.

So the man in green smiled proudly and replied,

"Why don't you dare?"

Immediately, Cheng Xinzhan set off first, and the two of them transformed into streaks of light and soared into the sky.

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.

In central Yunnan, there is Weibao Mountain and Doumu Pavilion.

Fa Wujiu, who was sitting atop Star Peak, kept a close eye on the movements above Dianchi Lake. Upon hearing that the two had agreed to a duel in the sky, he was immediately filled with a burning desire. He activated his primordial spirit, escaped into the void, and flew towards the heavens.

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.

In southern Yunnan, in the Ailao Mountains, at the Bottomless Cave Altar.

Huang Faming was constantly monitoring the celestial changes in eastern Yunnan and the unusual demonic aura in the southern wilderness. At this moment, he also saw two streaks of light flying straight into the sky, and he was equally curious. He summoned a stone doll, chanted incantations, and then wrote a talisman in mid-air, embedding it into the doll. Immediately, the doll flashed with spiritual light, suddenly enlarged, and transformed into a human form—Huang Faming himself.

"go with!"

Huang Faming formed a hand seal, then pointed to the sky, and the puppet-like figure flew out of the bottomless pit and followed it up into the sky.

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.

A little further away, in the Wumeng Mountains, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, stands a high peak where the Demon Ancestor sits cross-legged.

Just moments ago, three powerful cultivators of the Fifth Realm were engaged in a battle on Dianchi Lake, causing changes in the spiritual atmosphere of heaven and earth. How could the Demon Ancestor not have paid attention? His Dharma Eyes were watching this place, and his Dharma Ears were listening to it. Now, knowing that Master Cheng was to duel with the Green-Robed Ancestor in the heavens, how could he remain seated? The Demon Ancestor reached into his robes, pulled out a black feather, and with a flick of his wrist, sent the feather flying straight into the sky. Not long after leaving the mountain, the feather suddenly multiplied, forming a ball, and then scattered with a whoosh. A large-eyed owl flew out from the ball of feathers, flapped its wings, and soared into the heavens.

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.

Northwest of the Wumeng Mountains, not far away, lies Qionghai Jiange.

Pavilion Master Zhou Qingyun was using the Mirror Flower Water Moon technique to reflect the scene above Dianchi Lake when he saw the two dueling in the sky. Without saying a word, the woman transformed into a streak of azure sword light, flew out of the window, and soared upwards.

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.

……

Across the southwestern lands, heroes and masters from all walks of life, drawn by the news, sprang into action, soaring into the heavens. Among them were many who called upon their friends and acquaintances, attracting even more onlookers, and thus, the skies over southwestern China were abuzz with activity.

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.

The Three Heavens.

Baiyujing, Bailing City in the southwest.

Both are named "Bailing," but Bailing City in the southwestern realm of Heaven and Bailing Valley in southwestern Guizhou, Miao territory, are not the same place; the name coincidence is purely accidental. Bailing Valley, which has been removed from the list by Cheng Xinzhan, got its name because the silkworm maiden's healing and Gu-prescription techniques were infallible, and she also controlled the Bailing Love Gu. As for Bailing City in Baiyujing in Heaven, it's because before the Mu family ascended to Heaven, they did business in the southwestern part of Shenzhou, making their fortune with a unique herb that could cure all poisons, named "Bailing Grass." After ascending to Heaven, the Mu family used the lark as their totem, hence the city's name.

On this day, City Lord Mu was diligently cultivating in the city when he suddenly sensed a shift in the spiritual energy of this celestial realm, with winds and clouds rising and surging. He immediately spread his thoughts, probing the vast area. Soon, he detected two supreme auras ascending from the ground to the sky. One was magnificent and ever-changing, the other possessed divine might like a dragon; both were no less than the fifth realm. Following these two supreme auras, several other auras followed them into the sky, none of them being ordinary mortals!
Are they here to fight in the heavens? Who are they? And how did they attract so many experts to follow them?

He activated his divine eye to examine the two powerful auras directly in front of him.

Green-Robed Ancestor?

Mu Guanghan's eyelids twitched. That emerald green silk robe was truly eye-catching and indeed had a great reputation in the cultivation world, so he recognized it at a glance.

This demonic dragon is now quite formidable; who can rival him?
Then, he shifted his gaze to the other person standing beside him.

A Taoist priest.

Huh? !

It's Mr. Cheng!
Mu Guanghan was energized.

Master Cheng rarely visits Baiyujing, but his famous battle at a young age took place there, which is common knowledge! All the city towers of Baiyujing are proud of him. The mirage pearl, which shows Master Cheng's three sword duels in Peacock City, is still being reproduced and sold to this day. Mu Guanghan would never mistake his handsome appearance.

Since these two went to heaven together, there's no doubt that they came to heaven to arrange a magical duel.

The story of the Green Robe Merging with the Great River is widely known, and the story of the Great Master Merging with the Qi of Miao Territory has also recently spread widely. Although people were shocked at first, they gradually accepted it over time and became more and more respectful of his character and true nature. With the Great Master's talent, merging with the celestial phenomena must have been easy for him. Choosing to merge with the Qi of Miao Territory could only be for the purpose of eliminating the Great Demon of the Southern Wilderness.

At this moment, the two rivals of the Fifth Realm who were in harmony with the earth's energy came to the sky, probably wanting to have a thorough and enjoyable battle. This has always been the practice in the cultivation world. In order not to offend the heavens and earth, those who are in harmony with the Dao always change the location when they fight.

In addition, the first heaven is the place where clouds, rain and thunder are generated, and the second heaven is the place where the outer winds rage. The spiritual energy in both is very chaotic and it is not suitable to manipulate spiritual energy. The third heaven is rainless and windless, with clear skies for thousands of miles, white clouds like snowfields, excellent visibility, and far enough from the ground. Therefore, it has become an excellent arena for high-level combat.

Although Baiyujing is also in the Third Heaven, there's no need to worry about the aftershocks of a high-level battle harming it. The heavens are vast; how much space could a small place like Baiyujing's twelve towers and five cities possibly occupy? Besides, the heavens are full of people in the Second Realm seeking the Divine Qi, the Third Realm waiting for thunder, the Fourth Realm seeking celestial phenomena, the Fifth Realm merging with the Dao, immortals who have ascended but haven't passed the Heavenly Gate, and scattered immortals who failed their tribulation to become immortals—all of these people prefer to stay in the Third Heaven. Furthermore, without these people, Baiyujing's business wouldn't be able to continue.

Even the most numerous and largest celestial beings and cities are still sparsely populated compared to the vast expanse of the heavens. Therefore, a duel between highly skilled individuals here wouldn't affect others. On the contrary, because high-level duels are so rare, they always attract onlookers from nearby areas. Furthermore, unlike the earthly realms, the Third Heaven is filled with snow-covered plains, devoid of mountains, forests, dust, and grime, resulting in exceptionally clear air and excellent visibility. Consequently, when a high-level duel occurs, the resulting noise and light are immense, easily drawing people over. Those who come to watch don't need to get too close; they can see clearly from afar.

Having made up his mind, Mu Guanghan disembarked, then flew through the air to the west gate of Bailing City, where he gazed into the distance, intending to observe the battle from there.

Such an opportunity to observe a battle was something Mu Guanghan, who was also at the fifth realm, longed for, and he didn't want to miss it.

Sure enough, after ascending to the third heaven, about 1,600 miles west of Bailing City, he saw the two people stop and stand facing each other.

Immediately afterwards, a flash of light appeared before Mu Guanghan's eyes, and a white-haired man dressed in a star-patterned robe came to stand in front of him.

Mu Guanghan recognized the person at a glance, and was somewhat surprised and delighted. He cupped his hands and said...

"Fellow Daoist."

Fa Wujiu, who had wandered here in spirit, smiled and returned the greeting.

"Master Mu, I apologize for disturbing you."

Upon hearing this, Mu Guanghan waved his hand and said,

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. You are too kind to bother me. I wish you could stay in the heavens for a long time. However, you are busy with your teachings and leave in a hurry each time. I cannot keep you any longer."

Fa Wujiu chuckled and then said,
"Please lend me a shadehouse to provide some shade. I left in a hurry this time and did not bring an umbrella. The sun is really too bright."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Mu Guanghan quickly led Fa Wujiu's primordial spirit to the west gate tower of Bailing City, found a private room to sit down, and could see the movements a thousand miles away through the window.

The way these two met is quite interesting. Fa Wujiu enjoyed venturing out in the night to explore the starry sky, a habit he maintained even after arriving in Dianwen. Mu Guanghan, located in the southwestern sky, shared this hobby. One day, the two met by chance, exchanged names, and discussed astrology, discovering they shared similar interests, thus becoming friends.

"Fellow Daoist, what is that?"

Mu Guanghan looked out the window and asked in a low voice.

The law is without fault, so the answer is given.
"My master and the Green-Robed Demon fought several battles underground to a draw. This time, the two of them met in Dianwen in their incarnations and agreed to settle their differences in heaven."

"Avatar?!"

Mu Guanghan was extremely surprised. Such an earth-shattering aura was just two avatars?
Fa Wujiu smiled and nodded, feeling honored. He then said...
"This commotion is quite significant, with many spectators. Your Hundred Spirits City is the closest, and after the battle, many cultivators will likely want to stay here. Do you have enough Hundred Spirits Immortal Wine in stock?"

Mu Guanghan laughed heartily and said repeatedly,

"Enough is enough, enough is enough."

Immediately, the city lord conjured two more flasks from his person, placed them on the table, and said,

"We can't afford to invite too many people, but inviting just one Fellow Daoist is not a problem."

Fa Wujiu laughed loudly upon hearing this; that was exactly what he meant.

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.

Baiyujing, Haiqingcheng.

Eleventh Sister is reviewing and approving the accounts.

Just then, she heard the magic bell at her waist jingle. She continued writing, using her mind to break the magical seal, only to hear Mu San Niang from Bai Ling City urgently calling out from within.

"Eleventh Sister! Where are you! Come to me quickly! Your master has made an appointment with someone to have a magical duel in the heavens!"

"Snapped--"

The vermilion brush in Shiyi Niang's hand fell onto the account book, but before the ink could spread, the room was already empty.

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(End of this chapter)