Immortals of the End Times

The voice of the sect leader of Penglai Sword Pavilion drifted from the jade sword, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity.

“Fellow Daoist Tiannan, in fact, it’s not just the spiritual veins of Yizhou in the East Sea that are showing signs of disturbance; the same is true for all parts of the Nine Provinces.”

According to my observations at Penglai Sword Pavilion, signs of a spiritual energy resurgence may appear within the next ten years.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji's heart stirred slightly. He thought to himself that he hadn't noticed anything unusual yet, and it seemed he would have to use the Earth Vein Spirit Pivot Diagram to carefully observe the condition of the spiritual veins later.

The jade sword trembled slightly and continued to emit a voice: "However, the revival of spiritual energy will not be a complete revival in an instant. It will inevitably begin gradually from the Central Plains and some places in other states where spiritual energy is abundant."

In the coming years, some of the senior Daoist practitioners who had previously sealed themselves away will surely awaken one after another.

But they are most likely cultivators from modern times; those from much earlier times would probably find it difficult to survive this long period of decline. As for you, fellow Daoist…

At this point, the jade sword suddenly trembled slightly.

A hazy spiritual light emanated from the sword, and a powerful divine consciousness spread silently like a tide, quietly enveloping Zhao Wuji.

That divine sense was as condensed as silk, yet it concealed a sharp edge, as if trying to probe the truth within the gray mist.

In the gray mist, Zhao Wuji's lips curled slightly beneath his black robe. The four core divine senses within his sea of ​​consciousness suddenly resonated, their divine senses surging upwards like an abyss, gently touching the divine sense of the Penglai Sect Master.
"Buzz!"

Invisible ripples seemed to spread out in the void.

The spiritual light on the jade sword suddenly froze, and the sword itself trembled slightly. The Penglai Sect Master withdrew his divine sense as if he had been electrocuted, and his tone became more solemn: "Fellow Daoist's divine sense... is indeed astonishingly powerful."

The spiritual sense of an ordinary early-stage Golden Core cultivator is far more condensed and substantial than that of a cultivator.

The jade sword suddenly turned, its tip retracting. The sect leader of Penglai Sword Pavilion spoke with a probing tone: "I wonder who you are, fellow Daoist? It's already astonishing that the Southern Region could produce even one old monster like Huang Shang. How could someone like you appear here?"

Zhao Wuji smiled but did not answer, instead asking, "Sect Master, you've come here today for more than just these words, haven't you? What is your true purpose?"

The jade sword drew an arc in the air, and the voice of the Penglai Sect Master was somewhat sincere: "Fellow Daoist, why don't we join forces?"

My Penglai Sword Pavilion is willing to provide a level four spiritual vein as a place of refuge for you, fellow Daoist, to help you stabilize your cultivation realm.

"I only ask that you, fellow Daoist, lend a hand when needed in Sword Pavilion in the future."

Zhao Wuji's heart stirred.

The fourth-level spiritual vein is indeed tempting, but compared to that, the Wang family is more suitable for him to lie low.

There are not only more secrets to explore there, but also the profound significance of Xiang Yu's head.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master."

His hoarse voice came through the gray fog, "But I'm used to being alone, so I won't bother you any longer."

The jade sword remained silent in the air for a moment, before finally letting out a soft sigh: "Since that's the case, I won't force you. Take care, fellow Daoist."

As soon as he finished speaking, the jade sword turned into specks of spiritual light and dissipated.

Seeing this, the Penglai people on the distant spirit boat all sailed away and quickly disappeared into the vast sea fog.

Within the gray mist illusion array, Zhao Wuji stood with his hands behind his back, his double pupils flashing with a sharp light.

He secretly noted down the information revealed by the sect leader of Penglai and decided to pay more attention to the unusual movements of the spiritual veins in the future.

However, now that he has already formed the Lesser Golden Core, his immediate priority is to return to the Wang family as soon as possible and continue his plans.

If he secretly absorbs some of the Wang family's fourth-level spiritual veins every day, as long as he doesn't disturb the Spirit Monitoring Hall, it can help him stabilize his inner golden core.

After several spirit ships broke through the sea fog and sailed away, the purple-robed elder couldn't help but ask through divine sense, "Sect Master, what is the origin of this Ancestor Tiannan? Judging from the strength of his divine sense, he can actually rival you."

The residual spiritual light of the jade sword flickered slightly, and the voice of the Penglai Sect Master was tinged with contemplation: "I cannot see through this person's background either."

The sea breeze swept the waves past the bow of the ship, and the spirit boat slowly rose into the air, the protective shield rippling on the waves.

The elder was startled upon hearing this and was about to ask for details when the sect leader suddenly changed his tone: "But in any case, this old monster's strength is indeed comparable to mine."

If a real fight were to break out, either of the two elders in seclusion within the sect could suppress him. However, with the spiritual energy revival imminent, making more powerful enemies would be unwise.

The elder gazed at the long-vanished deserted island in the distance and nodded thoughtfully.

The jade sword's brilliance gradually dimmed, and finally a meaningful sigh rang out: "Our position as the overlord of Yizhou in the East Sea, Penglai Sword Pavilion, has never relied on ruthless extermination."

This person has a grudge against Lan Canghai, yet he hasn't harmed any of my Sword Pavilion disciples. Maintaining this goodwill might offer more room for maneuver in the chaos of the future.

"Boom."

Suddenly, a rumble of thunder rolled across the sky. Before the jade sword completely dissipated, the sect leader's voice drifted down, mixed with the sound of thunder: "After all, the world is about to change, and many old monsters will emerge from the mountains. The cultivation world will undergo a transformation, some forces will collapse, and new forces will rise."

Whether it's a dragon or a snake, who can say for sure?

Eleven days later.

Zhao Wuji rode the wind back to the Wang family, returned the travel token at the Affairs Hall, and that was considered his return to the Wang family to report back.

During this trip, he had already ordered Bai Chengshang to return to Tiannan Wushang Cave Heaven to recuperate and oversee the rear base camp.

As he changed into the dark blue robes of a guest elder of the Wang family and traversed the misty mountain path of Minglong Mountain, several members of the Wang family saw his figure in the distance and stopped to pay their respects.

"Greetings, Guest Elder!"

"Fellow Daoists, please."

Zhao Wuji nodded and smiled, then returned directly to the Sword Rain Tower cave.

As soon as they arrived outside the courtyard, they saw Wang Yutang, their personal attendant, dressed in a pale yellow silk dress, who had been waiting for them for a long time.

Seeing him return on the wind, her eyes curved into crescent moons as she hurried forward and gave him a graceful bow: "Senior Zhao, having heard of your return today, Yu Tang cleaned the Sword Rain Pavilion inside and out yesterday and even prepared Snow Peak Spirit Tea to welcome you back."

"Yes, Not Bad."

Zhao Wuji nodded approvingly, his gaze gentle.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yutang smiled slightly, about to respond with a sweet smile.

Laughter came from the next cave, and another guest elder, Wang Mingyang, tossed a jar of wine over from a distance: "Fellow Daoist Zhao, a month ago you said that my 'Drunken Dragon's Roar' was not quite right. Now I have added a hundred-year-old jade marrow to brew it again. Fellow Daoist, please taste it!"

The wine jar arced through the air before Zhao Wuji caught it steadily with a flick of his sleeve.

"Fellow Daoist Wang spends his days scheming to brew wine; he certainly has a refined taste."

Zhao Wuji patted open the clay seal and took a sniff. The aroma of the wine carried a hint of spiritual energy. "This century-old jade marrow is indeed the finishing touch."

"Hehe." Wang Mingyang rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming. "I wonder how it compares to Fellow Daoist Zhao's treasured wine?"

Zhao Wuji glanced at him, secretly amused.

Ever since Wang Mingyang tasted his Renbao Wine at Jianyu Tower, he couldn't forget it and would come every few days to ask for a drink. Little did he know...
He's still hiding that even more precious Earth Treasure Wine!
After exchanging a few more polite words, Zhao Wuji casually rewarded his attendant Wang Yutang with a few source crystals before turning and stepping into the cave.

As soon as they entered the inner room, the sound transmission jade talisman at their waist suddenly lit up with a ghostly light.
Wang Shouyue's voice came from within: "Fellow Daoist Zhao, I heard you've returned! Master Lin said he wanted to see you three days ago, but you weren't in the clan, and he's already somewhat displeased. Come to Balong Mountain immediately."

Zhao Wuji frowned almost imperceptibly.

Three days ago, Wang Shouyue did send a message urging him to return as soon as possible.

However, at that time he was still on his way back from Yizhou in the East China Sea, and there were still five days left before the one-month deadline mentioned by Wang Shouyue.

Unexpectedly, Master Lin is now putting on airs.

"This person is indeed as Wang Shouyue described, quite arrogant."

Although he thought this in his heart, Zhao Wuji showed no sign of it on his face, and calmly replied, "Alright, I'll go over now."

With Wang Zheng as the puppet, it wouldn't have mattered whether or not the formation master was present.

But since he had asked Wang Shouyue to act as a go-between, he had already given Wang Shouyue face. If he didn't go, it would seem like he didn't know what was good for him.

After tidying up briefly, he took out a jade box from his storage bag, containing three ounces of dragon-patterned blood sand as a small gift, and then stepped out of the cave.

Balong Mountain is shrouded in mist and clouds, and its steep slopes are as if carved by a knife and axe.

Wang Shouyue was already waiting at the foot of the mountain. When he saw him arrive, he stroked his beard and sighed, "This Master Lin has an eccentric temperament. I warned you before. Alas, now he refuses to see any guests, not even to my face."

Zhao Wuji smiled calmly, bowed, and said, "It's alright. Elder Wang is busy with affairs, there's no need to linger here. I'll wait for you myself."

Wang Shouyue hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "Very well. If he makes excuses again, I will think of another way. This is the order to go up the mountain, Fellow Daoist Zhao, please keep it safe."

After saying that, he cupped his hands and left, his face gloomy, clearly unwilling to make a fool of himself any further.

"This Master Lin inherited the mantle of the array master whose lifespan was nearing its end, and is also the head array master of Balong Mountain. He probably thinks he's of high status, and doesn't even give face to Wang Shouyue, the second branch elder."

"However, it's partly my fault. He had at least given me some face before, but I happened to be away from the mountains, which angered him instead."

Zhao Wuji climbed the mountain alone with the order, deliberately lingering on Balong Mountain to secretly observe the terrain and formations.

There were few cultivators in the mountains, but those who were encountered were all direct descendants of the Wang family, and of illustrious status.

Moreover, the security was extremely tight, and even he, as the guest elder holding the order, was questioned twice by the patrolling cultivators.

Before long, he arrived at Master Lin's cave. After paying his respects via telepathy, he stood quietly like a pine tree, patiently waiting.

The formation shifted slightly, and a boy in green robes stepped out slowly, cupping his hands and saying, "Guest Zhao, my master has been exhausted from repairing the formation recently and is not receiving guests at the moment. I hope you will come again another day."

Zhao Wuji's gaze swept over the faint array patterns behind the boy, a slight smile playing on his lips. He flipped his hand and took out a jade box: "It's alright. I will wait here for you, Master, until you have rested properly before I pay my respects. This is just a small token of my appreciation; I hope you will accept it."

The boy was taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to be so persistent. He had no choice but to accept the jade box and turn around to report back.

A mountain breeze swept by, causing Zhao Wuji's sleeves to flutter slightly. After waiting a moment, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

He immediately made a hand seal and used the Dream Marriage Technique. His divine sense transformed into an invisible dream intent like the wind, quietly sneaking into the cave and attaching itself to the boy.

Master Lin was leaning against the jade couch, playing chess with himself while holding a teacup, showing no sign of "wasting his mind".

He even glanced at the jade box in the boy's hand, and without raising his head, waved his hand and said, "A mere three taels of dragon-patterned blood sand is indeed a small gift."

He didn't come to see me for three days, but now he's suddenly become so attentive. Is this how he asks for advice on formations? Tell him to keep waiting.

"What an arrogant fellow."

Zhao Wuji snorted coldly, showing no mercy. He suddenly clenched his five fingers in his sleeve, switching from the Dream Marriage Technique to the Technique of Setting Up an Array and Breaking Restrictions.

Four strands of divine thought burst forth from his fingertips, piercing the array nodes like blades.

With a tearing sound, the protective array of the cave was ripped open as easily as paper.

Zhao Wuji narrowed his eyes slightly, flicked his sleeves, and stepped into the inner room, gray mist billowing from the corner of his robe.

"Who dares to break the formation of my cave dwelling?"

Master Lin suddenly looked up, slamming his teacup onto the chessboard with a "clatter": "Who is it?"

"it's me!"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Wuji was already standing three steps away. His dark blue robe fluttered without wind as he bowed slightly and said with a smile, "I have heard that Master Lin's mastery of formations is unparalleled in Balong Mountain. I am a newly promoted guest elder and have come here to learn a thing or two from him."

"You! Who gave you permission to break through the formation and enter without authorization?" Master Lin roared. "Get out of here!"

"Don't show any shame!"

Zhao Wuji snorted coldly and clasped his hands together, activating both the array formation technique and the scene-shifting technique simultaneously.

Boom!
It felt as if the earth was shaking.

The ground of the cave seemed to have suddenly cracked open with countless ravines.

The four walls collapsed, turning into a blood-red sky, and in the blink of an eye, it became an ancient battlefield. All around, tattered flags fluttered, corpses littered the ground, and in the distance, warhorses neighed like thunder!
"Casually setting up an array?"

Master Lin's pupils contracted sharply, then he grinned maliciously, "What power could an illusion array that doesn't even use array flags possibly have?!"

"boom!!"

He angrily flung his sleeve, and the entire tea table shattered!
Three hundred and sixty black and white chess pieces on the chessboard spun in the air. With a series of taps of his finger, twelve Breaking Formation Pieces transformed into streaks of light and shot out, drawing a piercing shriek in the air!
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Just as the chess piece was about to pierce through the blood mist
"Zheng!"

A cold glint broke through the mist!

A warrior clad in black armor leaped out of the dust on horseback, his long sword flashing like a moon, crashing down with the force to split mountains and cleave peaks!
"boom!"

The twelve chess pieces exploded in mid-air!
The aftershock swept across, and Master Lin's protective aura shattered instantly. His robe tore open with a "rip," and a bloody gash ran diagonally from his collarbone down to his abdomen!

"This is impossible!"

He staggered backward, his face drained of color. "How could such a carelessly arranged illusion array possibly harm my true form?!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Suddenly, thunderous war drums resounded from the depths of the battlefield, their sound like a roar!
Amidst a vast army, Zhao Wuji rode out on his horse.

Behind him, a million ghost soldiers stood in formation like a forest.

A phantom head appeared on his face.

Xiang Yu's eyes blazed with fury, his beard bristling, his imposing presence like the collapse of the heavens!
Master Lin trembled violently at just one glance, overwhelmed by the powerful shock. His knees buckled, and he knelt on the ground, looking up and stammering, "King Xiang... no... this junior greets King Xiang."

(End of this chapter)