There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 120 Shocking Change [Second Update]

The next three days were calm and peaceful.

Inside the Ice Condensation Residence, Chen Qing sat cross-legged, his breathing deep and focused.

Within the Niwan Palace, the indistinct lunar phase talisman shimmered with light. Though not yet solidified, it was already stable and showed no signs of disintegration, faintly resonating with some mysterious rhythm between heaven and earth.

"The true master of the Dao path has not yet truly descended." His thoughts raced. "The Taiyin Nirvana Reincarnation Scripture records that it goes all the way up to the fifth stage of the Golden Core, but even after the fifth stage, it is still incomplete. The number of stages one can achieve in one go when breaking through to the Golden Core stage represents the level of potential. The main constraint now is the degree of perfection of this cultivation method itself!"

The path to the Golden Elixir is a journey of ever-changing heights, with each transformation representing the explosion and sublimation of one's inner strength.

Those with abundant accumulation of knowledge and experience may break through several stages upon entering the Golden Core realm, soaring straight to the heavens; those with shallow foundations may exhaust their efforts and only reach the first or second stage, wasting their lives. The difference lies in many elements: talent, foundation, accumulation of knowledge and experience, and fortune, none of which can be lacking.

"Before attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage, we should take advantage of the two realms to thoroughly explore the essence of all techniques and complete this subsequent path!" Chen Qing's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "At the same time, we must accumulate boundless resources so that we can make a concerted effort and advance through several more stages!"

Just as he was pondering, Master Hanjing pushed open the door and entered. His Daoist robe was stained with cold, but his face was filled with a smile: "Junior brother, the Taiyin Sect has sent people. They heard about the strange phenomena you experienced in the Xuan Shuang Dao Realm. Elder Youchan's visit has already made it clear that they are willing to open the Netherworld Ancient Cave and give you the 'Guardian Talisman' that can break through the barriers, so that you can comprehend its true meaning!"

"Such a good thing?" Chen Qing's heart skipped a beat.

This Yin-type cultivation method for reference is exactly what he needs right now!

If one can come into contact with more complete Yin-related paths, it will greatly help in the deduction and improvement of the "Taiyin Jimie Lunzhuan Jing".

but……

Chen Qing said frankly, "Shouldn't there be conditions?"

Master Hanjing nodded and said, "That's right. They said they want to send a few talented disciples to cultivate under your guidance."

"Oh?" Chen Qingqi said, "So you don't want to join the Hidden Star Sect, but instead want to become my disciple? Is that acceptable? In that case, won't your path to cultivation be scattered among the crowds?"

Han Jing Dao Ren laughed and said, "If it were someone else, they would naturally have concerns, but if you are the one who creates the path of cultivation, then naturally the more people who cultivate the method, the better! Moreover, if you are the master of the path of cultivation, you will have an influence on those who cultivate the path of cultivation, which can prevent those who cultivate outside the sect from spreading their teachings. They can only support the initial growth of the new path of cultivation, and then return to the sect in the future, causing the inheritance of outside sects to gradually wither away. Such a method of dealing with this is also common."

After a pause, he continued, "However, some paths of cultivation are divided into several sects in order to recruit more disciples and maintain the path of cultivation. Our sect's Xuanming Ice Soul Path was originally one of the inheritances of the Guanghan Palace, and later it was also inherited by our sect, which can be considered as being tacitly accepted by the Guanghan Palace."

Just then, the Ice Soul Sword light pierced through the air and arrived. Ling Wan landed, her brows furrowed with urgency: "Fellow Daoist Ji Ming! I heard that the Taiyin Sect has come to invite you?"

“That’s right.” Chen Qing didn’t hide anything.

Ling Wan glanced at Han Jing Zhenren and said directly, "The elders in the palace, hearing of your abilities, are urgently discussing whether they can make an exception and open a path for you to study! However, the conditions are still under discussion..."

Chen Qing listened and began to ponder.

Master Hanjing said directly, "Are we still discussing this? Then let's go to the Taiyin Sect first. The path of cultivation is all about seizing opportunities every day. How can we wait idly? We can discuss the matter of Guanghan after we return from the Taiyin Sect."

Ling Wan was speechless and could only say, "In that case, allow me to report back." The sword flashed again, and she hurriedly left.

Before long, Master Jiyue and Ling Wan arrived together.

Master Jiyue wore a gentle smile: "Senior Brother Hanjing is as decisive as ever. Very well, the agreement was made beforehand. You all came here with the Great Sun Path to choose one from among several sects. Since your fellow disciples want to go to the Taiyin Sect, we naturally won't stop them, but..."

She changed the subject, her expression becoming slightly more serious: "Recently, the northern lands have been unsettled, with frequent disturbances from the various tribes. The area north of the mountains is particularly dangerous and unpredictable. To ensure our safety, Senior Sister Yun Shu and I have discussed that Wan'er and I will accompany them on this journey."

Master Han Jing's gaze swept across Master Ji Yue's face with lightning speed. He knew that this "escort" also contained an element of "care," but since it concerned Chen Qing's safety, he was unwilling to presume and nodded, saying, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Junior Sister."

Outside the mountain gate, the Xuan Shui Shuttle Boat hovered in mid-air, where Elder You Chan and the sixteen-year-old girl had been waiting for a long time.

As soon as Master Han Jing arrived, he said to her, "Fellow Daoist, I've been waiting for you."

Elder Youchan's gaze lingered briefly on True Person Jiyue before turning to Chen Qing and smiling, "Fellow Daoist Jiming, please board the boat."

Chen Qing looked at the flying boat, then at the crowd around him, and his heart sank. He said, "We might as well split up and ride separately. There might be inconvenience if there are too many people."

Elder Youchan smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist, do not worry. This flying boat may look small, but it contains a universe within. It has many caves that can be divided into for you to rest. Please!"

Now that things had come to this, Chen Qing could no longer refuse, lest people misunderstand.

"Perhaps this time it will go smoothly, after all, there are three Golden Core cultivators on this ship!" Chen Qing stepped onto the deck of the Xuan Shui Shuttle, feeling a little more at ease. As soon as he stepped inside, the view opened up before him.

Inside the boat was a secluded courtyard, with winding paths, streams, and exquisite rockeries.

Several small cave dwellings had their entrances half-closed, revealing glimpses of jade beds and cushions.

Elder Youchan led everyone to choose quiet rooms to settle in.

A few breaths later, the shuttle shuddered and transformed into a streak of dark blue light, flying northward.

The gale-force winds, sharp as knives, crashed against the invisible protective walls of the shuttle boat, producing a series of sounds.

Chen Qing stood at the bow of the boat, gazing into the distance.

On the icy plains, a horde of armored demon lizards surged forth like a tide, stirring up snow dust that blotted out the sun, and a fierce, demonic aura soared into the sky.

Footsteps sounded behind them; it was Elder Youchan.

Chen Qing withdrew his gaze and couldn't help but ask, "Elder Youchan, your sect's main altar is located on the front line north of the mountain, directly facing the onslaught of the hundred races. When the hundred races charge through the pass, won't you be the first to bear the brunt?"

Elder Youchan smiled and said, "That's only if they can find it."

She paused, then continued, “The power of Taiyin that our sect wields is the mastery of the origins of ‘emptiness’ and ‘yin’. It can conceal itself in the crevices of the Nine Netherworlds. The differentiation of the cave heavens within this ship, and even the foundation of our sect’s mountain gate, are all based on this path. The location of the mountain gate is not fixed in one place; its form and position are like the moon hidden behind the clouds, ever-changing and unpredictable.”

She seemed to be getting into the conversation, and then said, "Our sect's founding patriarch brought the sect's most important artifact to the north to protect the peace of the Central Continent. He left behind the sect's legacy to pass on this grand ambition. For thousands of years, we disciples have relied on the power of the Taiyin to deal with the various races, and that's how we have achieved our current status."

Chen Qing listened with awe and thought of the tragic inscription in the Remnant Scroll Pavilion. He tentatively asked, "I wonder if the elder has noticed anything unusual in the north recently?"

Elder Youchan sighed, “The Northern Darkness is bitterly cold, and the hundred races are like a carbuncle clinging to the bone, sweeping away and returning again and again, in an endless cycle. We have never seen much of anything unusual.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing had no choice but to give up, as the inscription on the stele was of an unclear date and it was difficult to determine which year it was from. Chen Qing then asked, "Elder, is there a sea near your sect's location?" According to the records in the Remnant Scroll Pavilion, the Taiyin Sect was ultimately wiped out in order to block the sea eye, which shows that the sea eye was related to demons.

"The sea?" Elder Youchan laughed and asked, "What is the name of this place?"

Chen Qing was taken aback, then replied, "Bei Ming." He then realized what was going on.

As expected, Elder Youchan continued, "Beneath this ice layer lies the sea! The entire Northern Underworld is bound to the Xuanbing ice, with the Nether Sea below! It is because of this that the Central Continent was able to unite with the Northern Cold Continent, giving the Hundred Races an opportunity to take advantage of the situation!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing felt a chill run down his spine. If there were seas everywhere, then it would be even closer to what the stone tablet said!
"In that case, the so-called extraterrestrial demons may very well have come from beneath this mysterious ice!"

The two exchanged a few more words before it grew dark.

Chen Qing thought about returning to the cabin to calm down and sort out the events, but suddenly his feet stopped, and the ethereal talisman suddenly trembled as a warning!
Elder Youchan's expression also darkened, and she abruptly raised her head!

The rolling snow clouds ahead were suddenly cleaved apart by a beam of cold moonlight!

A crescent-shaped flying boat, radiating a bright halo, drifted in along the path of moonlight, exuding an ethereal aura.

The airship's cabin door opened, and an elderly man with a flowing beard stepped out, bathed in light.

His gaze fell on Chen Qing, and he cupped his hands and laughed heartily: "Fellow Daoist Jiming, I am Chen Guang, the head of the 'Yingyue Hall' of Yuehua Mansion. I have heard that you have drawn upon the legacy of the sages in the Guanghan Palace and developed supernatural powers on your own, truly a genius! The 'Hanyue' and 'Liuyue' paths of Yuehua Mansion are profound and mysterious. If you could spare some time to grace my humble abode with your presence, we can discuss the Dao under the moon and you will surely gain new insights! I extend this invitation, and I hope you will not refuse."

Before Chen Qing could speak, Elder You Chan stepped forward and stood in front of him.

She sneered, "Chenguang! How shameless you are! News of the sneak attack on Guanghan Palace by Dianhengzi and his disciples has already spread, and the matter is still unresolved! Now you want to steal our thunder? Fellow Daoist Jiming has already accepted the invitation of my Taiyin Sect to go to the Netherworld Ancient Cave to comprehend the true methods. Is the face of your Yuehua Mansion carved from ice? So oblivious to the cold and warmth!"

Her words were sharp and merciless, directly exposing Dian Hengzi's shameful deeds.

Daoist Chenguang's smile remained unchanged as he sincerely said, "Junior Brother Dianheng acted rashly, and the Prefect is already aware of this and will certainly punish him severely. But precisely because of this, it is all the more necessary for you to come to Yuehua Prefecture in person, so that our prefecture may extend its hospitality and make amends for its past transgressions..."

He took out an ice crystal that shimmered with a ghostly light from his sleeve and continued, "Secondly, my manor has a rich collection of Daoist treasures, and the forbidden Cold Moon Heavenly Pool is even better than the Netherworld Ancient Cave. It will surely have a miraculous effect on your comprehension! I hope that you, Fellow Daoist Youchan, will do me a favor, considering that we are both from the Northern Lands and are united in governing the Hundred Races."

After a pause, Daoist Chenguang picked up the shimmering ice crystal: "This is the Heart-Illuminating Stone. Holding it will prevent one from being affected by the restrictions of the Cold Moon Heavenly Pool, and one can see through any path of cultivation!"

"Convenient?" Elder Youchan's aura intensified. "The Taiyin Sect never needs to consider the opinions of others! Nor does it need your Yuehua Mansion to instruct it! Get out of the way!"

Master Jiyue and Ling Wan had already reached the bow of the ship.

Master Jiyue's face was ashen, and she said coldly, "Senior Brother Chenguang, Fellow Daoist Jiming is an honored guest of my Guanghan Palace. He is being escorted by my fellow Daoists from Guanghan and Taiyin Sect. Your Yuehua Mansion intercepted him halfway and forcibly invited him to your residence. Where is your respect for the rules among fellow Daoists from the North? Leave immediately and do not damage our harmony!"

Despite the oppressive aura of the two Golden Core cultivators, Chen Guang Zhenren remained unmoved and ignored them, instead looking at Chen Qing and saying, "Fellow Daoist Ji Ming, this is a rare opportunity! You must know that a single misstep could lead to the loss of the Great Dao. My Yuehua Mansion is sincerely sincere, and we hope you will reconsider!"

A flash of cold light appeared, and Master Hanjing stood silently beside Chen Qing, his cold aura contained to the extreme, but his gaze was fixed on Master Chenguang, as if he were about to launch an attack at the slightest provocation.

"I appreciate your kind offer, fellow Daoist," Chen Qing said directly, "but let alone the fact that I have already agreed to the Taiyin Sect's agreement and cannot be fickle, even if I hadn't, the actions of your sect's people have already disgusted me greatly, and I have already decided not to associate with your sect!"

"That's truly a pity." Chen Guang's smile remained unchanged, showing no sign of annoyance. He stroked his beard and nodded, "In that case, I wish you a safe journey and continued progress on your path!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he actually stepped aside to let the Moonlit Flying Boat pass, allowing the Mysterious Water Shuttle Boat to break through the wind and snow and continue heading north.

As the boat sailed further away, Chen Guang's figure disappeared into the snow.

“Unsolicited kindness is always suspicious.” Master Hanjing stood beside Chen Qing, his brows furrowed. “This person’s cultivation is no less than that of Dian Heng. His easy retreat must mean he has a backup plan. Be careful.”

Master Jiyue spread her divine sense like a net: "Indeed, Yuehua Mansion has always been meticulous and calculating. The matter between Master Dianheng and his disciple is not yet settled. How could they let it go so easily? Everyone must be on high alert."

Elder Youchan snorted coldly, and the Xuan Shui Shuttle Boat shone even brighter, increasing its speed by another three points: "Who cares about demons and monsters? Once they enter my sect's territory, even dragons have to coil up!"

Like a streak of deep blue lightning, the shuttle tore through the swirling snow and wind, its speed so great that it left even the shrieks behind, creating several rings of air currents! It continued its journey through clouds and mist, passing over frozen lakes, icy abysses, and icy plains.

The anticipated ambush and interception did not occur.

Three hours later, the night was deep, and the wind and snow ahead suddenly stopped.

A strange sight came into view.

Above the dark, icy lake, floated numerous pitch-black islands of varying sizes.

Between the islands, the mysterious water flows and meanders like ribbons, forming waterways.

A pitch-black island shaped like a ferocious beast's head floats in the center of the icy lake.

On the island, palaces and pavilions are built against the mountain, with a cold and austere style, exuding a chilling and majestic aura.

"This is the mountain gate of my Taiyin Sect, Obsidian Island."

Elder Youchan explained, steer the Xuan Shui shuttle boat, and follow a wide Xuan Shui "river" towards the huge gate on the beast-headed island.

The gate was like the mouth of a giant beast, its interior dark and deep.

The boat shuddered slightly as it passed through an invisible barrier.

In an instant, the world spun around!

The envisioned scene of bright lights and disciples welcoming guests did not materialize.

What they saw sent chills down their spines!

A foul stench filled the air!

Blood smeared the walls of the plaza in front of the palace!
The corpses of hundreds of disciples lay stiff, each with empty eye sockets, and bloodstains winding down from their seven orifices, congealing into dark red ice crystals on the ground.

　Damn it! I don't believe it! Let's go for another one! There will be another update later!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)