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

Chapter 136 This Place Is Fated to Be With Me [Second Update]

"Uncle-Master! Someone from outside the mountain requests an audience!"

A few more days passed, and Chen Qing had largely stabilized his Yin Spirit realm at the late stage. Early in the morning, Fang Da'ao sent a message outside the door.

Chen Qing composed himself and casually asked, "Who is it?"

"It's Senior Anning who escorted you back last time. She also brought a female senior I haven't seen before."

Chen Qing's heart stirred slightly.

peaceful?

She came at the right time; I also needed to talk to her about something.

Lead them to the front hall.

An Ning was still dressed in an elegant palace dress, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.

The woman beside her was quite different. She was tall and wore a practical dress that allowed for easy movement. Her eyes held a hint of curiosity as she looked around at the furnishings in the hall and said in a low voice, "This mountain gate is indeed as simple as you said."

"The food here in the mountains is simple and rustic; please excuse my poor appearance."

Chen Qing's voice came from outside, and then he stepped into the hall.

An Ning stood up and bowed, saying, "Sect Leader Chen, I apologize for disturbing you."

"Fellow Daoist An, you're too kind." Chen Qing's gaze swept over the curious woman. "And who is this?"

"This is Liu Shuang'er, the deputy commander of the Demon-Slaying Guard of the Patrol Division," An Ning introduced formally.

Liu Shuang'er clasped her hands in a fist salute, her movements crisp and efficient: "Greetings, Headmaster Chen."

Chen Qing then asked, "What brings you two here together?"

An Ning nodded and got to the point: "Sect Leader Chen must have heard that the destruction of Haiyuan Temple has made its land and resources a focal point of contention among various factions in Nanbin."

"I've heard a bit about it; they're saying they're going to redraw the boundaries of influence." Chen Qing nodded in response, then instructed Qu Xiaoyao, who had come to watch the commotion, to prepare tea.

“This matter is not that simple.” An Ning’s tone was slightly somber. “The vacancy left by Haiyuan Temple is just the beginning. The real eye of the storm is that the hand in the south wants to take this opportunity to stir up the waters of the southern shore of Dongling Continent and bring it into its grasp.”

"South?" Chen Qing's gaze sharpened. He naturally recalled the words of the two mountain explorers from a few days ago, and then, thinking of An Ning's identity, he immediately understood: "The one that collects blood taxes? The Crimson Flame Dynasty?"

“Exactly!” Liu Shuang’er interjected, her voice icy. “The Crimson Flame Dynasty harbors wolfish ambitions. Taking advantage of the shifting of the Five Elements and the fluctuation of fortune in the Eastern Spirit Continent, they sent secret envoys to infiltrate and secretly collude. This so-called redistribution of territory in Nanbin is actually their attempt to use this as a shell to establish an alliance in Nanbin that is completely subservient to the Crimson Flame, or to elect an alliance leader who is controlled by them.”

As she spoke, her tone grew increasingly somber: "Once it takes shape, it will be like boiling a frog in lukewarm water, gradually eroding and absorbing various forces, ultimately turning Nanbin into its vassal outpost, and one day invading our Great Yan!"

Chen Qing remained silent for a moment, then said bluntly, "With the power of the Great Yan Dynasty, banning sects is a simple matter of a word. Under the thunderous force of the court, what alliances and alliance leaders would be reduced to ashes? Moreover, there are major sects like the Xuanji Chess Academy. How can we allow minor sects to form alliances?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuang'er raised her eyebrows slightly: "Sect Leader Chen, you are mistaken. The authority of the imperial court is not to be abused! It is easy to shut down a sect, but the dissatisfaction and resentment in the hearts of cultivators will not disappear. They will only go underground, either joining the Crimson Flame Sect or wandering around causing trouble, ultimately benefiting others. Moreover, to carry out slaughter based on mere rumors and without any factual basis is contrary to the laws of the dynasty and the very foundation of the nation!"

She paused, then changed the subject slightly: "The Great Yan territory is vast, and there are countless places like Nanbin where undercurrents are surging. If every matter requires the central government to unleash its thunderous power, what use are our local government offices? Our duty is to nip problems in the bud, eliminate them in the bud, and maintain stability in our region! As for the Xuanji Chess Academy, they don't value Nanbin at all."

Chen Qing understood; Liu Shuang'er was the one in charge of handling this matter.

He decided to be frank: "So, the purpose of your visit, you two, is to send me, Chen, to cause trouble? To infiltrate your ranks?"

An Ning continued, "It's not about disrupting the situation, but about breaking it! We would like to ask Sect Leader Chen to participate in the name of Mingxia Mountain, and ideally, seize the position of Alliance Leader! If that's not possible, we should at least try our best to disrupt the alliance, making it a mere shell and unable to gain any real power! As long as Chiyan's claws don't reach in, the various factions in Nanbin will have their own way of fighting or making peace, and the imperial court will not interfere too much."

She paused, then emphasized, "After this is accomplished, there will be a generous reward! The sect leader can use this merit to choose any three items from the exchange jade talismans, whether it be the True Understanding of Life and Death, or magical treasures and elixirs!"

Chen Qing's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm on the surface and said, "This alliance is a mixed bag, and I, Chen, alone, may not be able to control the situation."

Liu Shuang'er smiled and said, "Don't worry, Sect Leader. I won't let you fight alone. When necessary, the Inspection Division will provide you with maximum support within the limits of the rules. Besides, we have other helpers who will cooperate with Sect Leader Chen."

Chen Qing then asked, "When will this alliance meeting be held?"

“There are still seven days left, so the various factions in Nanbin are making quite a stir, forming alliances and using threats and coercion,” Liu Shuang’er said, adding, “If Sect Leader Chen agrees, we will arrange a suitable reason so that he can attend the Alliance Conference smoothly.”

After explaining all this, Liu Shuang'er clearly wanted to leave. It was obvious that her visit was for official business. However, An Ning found an excuse to ask Liu Shuang'er to leave temporarily.

Liu Shuang'er glanced at Chen Qing, then decisively clasped her hands in a fist salute and left through the door.

With only the two of them left in the hall, An Ning whispered, "As far as I know, there might be another big fish jumping out at this alliance meeting. For the sect leader, it might be an opportunity to solve the problem once and for all."

"My troubles?" Chen Qing's gaze sharpened.

An Ning then said, "The Yin God who you killed, who was at the peak of Rainbow Transformation, had a younger sister named Hong Feihuang. This girl's talent surpasses her brother's, but her temperament is more extreme and violent. Her master is the infamous Blood Slaughter Master, who specializes in the Path of the Berserker Blood Demon! Moreover, there are recent rumors that she is on the verge of reaching the Golden Core stage. This revenge is to settle her karma and break through to the fourth realm!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing naturally took notice: "Is she also coming to the Nanbin Alliance?"

An Ning nodded and said, "Very likely! This woman has been inquiring about the news before and after her brother's death. This alliance gathering has brought together heroes from Nanbin, and she will not let this opportunity pass! Sect Leader Chen, since you can slay Hong Huajin, you have the strength to subdue this woman! If you take advantage of the alliance gathering and fight for the alliance, you can kill this woman on the arena in a fair and square manner. This will not only eliminate future troubles, but also ensure that no one will directly associate Hong Huajin's death with you. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Chen Qing shook his head and said, "Killing Hong Huajin has brought forth Hong Feihuang. If we kill this woman as well, won't we attract her master here?"

"Don't worry, Sect Leader. Blood Slaughter Master is being hunted down. She's just waiting for her disciple to advance so she can help. If Rainbow Flying Phoenix dies, Blood Slaughter Master will also perish!" An Ning smiled, then changed the subject. "Moreover, this woman is also a wanted criminal! Killing her would be a great achievement! At that time, based on your merits in the Alliance Contest and Demon Slaying, I can use my authority to help you apply for some valuable items that are difficult to exchange for with ordinary merits!"

Chen Qing pondered for a moment, feeling that this might really be an opportunity, and said, "Fellow Daoist An, I want two things now. If you can provide them, I can consider this matter!"

"Please speak, Sect Leader."

"First," Chen Qing said without any hesitation, "I want a true explanation of the Golden Core Dao path belonging to the Sun or Pure Yang! The higher the grade, the better!"

An Ning frowned, her face showing difficulty: "The Sun, the Pure Yang Path? Sect Leader Chen, such supreme Yang paths are the foundation of any sect, as precious as life itself! Even the imperial court has extremely few of them, and the merits and good deeds required to exchange for them are enormous! For this mission alone, I'm afraid..." Chen Qing had anticipated this and probed: "What if it's not a path that is still circulating in the world and has a lineage? Those ancient paths whose lineage has long been severed, existing only in ancient books or ruins! The Great Yan Dynasty should not lack the superior-grade ones, right? And the exchange price for such inanimate objects should be different, right?"

Upon hearing this, An Ning gave Chen Qing a deep look: "Sect Leader Chen already knows the secrets of the Dao."

Her words undoubtedly confirm that the path still needs people to "walk" it in order to maintain it!

After a moment of contemplation, she said, "If it is just a true explanation of the ancient path that has been severed from its lineage, its value is indeed greatly reduced. But the specific value depends on its completeness and grade. Tell me about the second item."

Chen Qing didn't mince words, stating directly, "I need something that can suppress the true essence of demonic intent."

"The essence of demonic intent?" An Ning was taken aback, then seemed to understand. "It seems that Sect Leader Chen has been worried about the demonic sect seeking revenge. Actually, your information has not been leaked. However, items that suppress demonic intent are also very precious..."

She was talking.

But suddenly, a divine voice entered Chen Qing's ears.

"To suppress and control the true essence of demonic intent, it's better to ask me than her."

Chen Qing's heart tightened as he recognized the owner of the voice.

You have boundaries!
"What did you say to him alone, away from me just now?"

On the way back from Mingxia Mountain, Liu Shuang'er finally couldn't help but glance at An Ning beside her, her eyes filled with inquiry: "Speaking of which, you really care about this Sect Leader Chen. You even specially recommended him for this mission. Originally, with the two I chose, it would have been enough to control the situation. Tell me, what is your relationship with him? Why are you taking such good care of him?"

An Ning looked dazed, her thoughts still on Chen Qing's two requests.

The true path of the severed lineage is mostly used as a reference for the foundation of major sects, and is actually of little significance. For a Yin Spirit cultivator, it is even less valuable, so what use is it?

As for the method to suppress demonic intent...

As she was pondering, she heard Liu Shuang'er's words and sighed helplessly, saying, "Sect Leader Chen's heart is as firm as iron, and his talent is innate. If you establish good karma now, you will surely reap good rewards when you soar to the heavens in the future."

Liu Shuang'er curled her lips, and her escape light rose again: "It is indeed not easy for a junior sect leader to cultivate into a Yin God. But the true geniuses are all in the heart of the Eastern Spirit Realm, where they are nurtured by major sects with all their might. They have everything they need: pills, cultivation techniques, and renowned teachers. Their starting point is high, and their upper limit is immeasurable, which is why they can soar to the heavens..."

As she spoke, as if afraid of offending An Ning, she changed the subject: "Of course, if Sect Leader Chen can achieve extraordinary merit this time, surpassing the two I have chosen, I will certainly recommend him for credit, and perhaps he can even win the favor of a major sect..."

An Ning gazed at the sea of ​​clouds ahead, saying nothing more and offering no explanation.

Some things are difficult to see the true nature of without experiencing them firsthand.

At the foot of Mingxia Mountain, a thin mist had not yet dissipated.

Chen Qing stood at the edge of the mountain gate formation, his gaze piercing through the mist and landing on the figure outside the formation.

Jun Youbian looked relaxed, as if he had only come to enjoy the scenery.

"Incredible, Sect Leader Chen." He suddenly spoke, his voice gentle. "I've suddenly had a thought: I wish to take you as my disciple. What do you think?"

Chen Qing shook his head and said, "When you first came to Cold Mountain, you said you wanted to become my disciple. Now you've changed your mind and want to take me as your apprentice? But my knowledge has its own roots, and I'm afraid you are not up to the task."

"As expected." Jun Youbian clapped his hands and chuckled. "You have something to rely on, so you're not afraid of Golden Core cultivators. I admire you even more." He paused, his tone becoming somewhat detached. "This mountain is serene, and although the spiritual energy is thin, it has its own unique wild charm. I was looking for a quiet place to cultivate, so I'd like to temporarily borrow your esteemed place to stay. What do you say?"

Chen Qing narrowed his eyes slightly: "The dignified demonic cultivator, the True Man of the Ink Book, Jun Wuyai, actually condescends to live in my desolate mountain retreat? What exactly are you plotting?"

Jun Youbian's smile remained unchanged as he said, "Sect Leader Chen has excellent judgment."

He frankly admitted, "The demonic path is merely one path to seek the Great Dao. Cultivation techniques are neither righteous nor evil; it is people's hearts that are divided into good and evil. I ask myself, am I not the kind of person who indiscriminately kills the innocent? I simply seek a peaceful place to cultivate and seek the Dao in seclusion." He then changed the subject with sincerity, "To increase mutual trust, I will bestow upon you a predestined opportunity!"

He flicked his finger, and a point of light, as condensed as ink, pierced through the array barrier, hovering in front of Chen Qing, and then unfolded with a bang, separating the words in mid-air!
"Didn't you want a method to suppress the true essence of demonic intent?"

Jun Wuyai calmly said, "This is the fundamental essence of the Blood River True Form Great Technique. It can use the true essence of demonic intent as a guide and the Blood River as a means to trace back to the source and sever a Blood River True Body from the origin of demonic intent! This body is formed by relying on the master of demonic intent, without harming oneself in the slightest. On the contrary, it tears apart the opponent's cultivation, harming others for one's own benefit! After being refined, this body exists between reality and illusion, derived from blood light. It can be like hundreds of rivers flowing into the sea, absorbing all evil spirits and demonic thoughts into one's own body!"

He paused for a moment, then said, "If you want to suppress the true essence of demonic intent, why not make use of it?"

Blood River Immortal?
External incarnation?

Chen Qing's pupils suddenly contracted.

The method he had painstakingly searched for had suddenly appeared before his eyes!
However, this technique is domineering and unpredictable, and is by no means an ordinary demonic art.

However, Chen Qing did not accept the gift. Instead, he said, "Fellow Daoist Jun, you have offered such a generous gift, yet all you ask for is a quiet place? That is far too simple."

"Yes, and no." Jun Wuyai stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the sky, his robes fluttering, his demeanor becoming increasingly detached: "The cause and effect of this place are intertwined with mine. Staying here temporarily and observing the changing world may help me resolve some of the obsessions in my heart."

He looked at Chen Qing, his gaze deep and his smile mysterious: "Sect Leader Chen, shall we go through with this deal or not?"

A mountain breeze swept by, swirling up a few fallen leaves.

Chen Qing looked at Jun Wuyai, a thought suddenly struck him, and he said, "Your cultivation is profound, even if I don't allow it, it's difficult to drive you away. Why don't you rest here at the foot of the mountain for a while and see if it's suitable before we talk about anything else?"

After saying that, he reached out and grabbed the Blood River Essentials into his palm, then turned and went up the mountain.

"..."

Jun Wuyai stood with his hands behind his back, his long hair flying in the wind.

　I'll try to finish the third update soon...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)