After the Great Dao died

Chapter 90 First Encounter with the Vast World!

On the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the imperial concubine entered the city; on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the imperial concubine left the city to explore the mountains.

Chen Lingxi also left Qiaoji Mountain and returned to Yuanjiang Prefecture.

Once the imperial carriage departed, all the guards and retainers of the city went to escort it, leaving Yuanjiang Prefecture empty.

The Imperial Concubine was visiting the mountains, and it was possible that she might go to Qiaoji Mountain. Chen Lingxi was unsure whether his methods of going up to the third floor would be able to detect her location, but to be on the safe side, he put away the Qingmiao Pivot Qi Formation, left Qiaoji Mountain, and came to Yuanjiang Prefecture.

He found an inconspicuous inn in the south of the city and asked for a room to stay in.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, calmed his mind, and his consciousness entered a state of tranquility.

He saw that the supernatural powers of the traveler had been activated.

Immediately, Chen Lingxi's mind stirred.

"Lin Suri has returned; he's in Yuanjiang Prefecture."

He was also in another inn in the city, only seven or eight streets away from the inn where Chen Lingxi was staying.

The inn was much grander, with upturned eaves, red railings and green tiles, built by the river, and one could see the vast Yuan River from the window.

Through Lin Suri's perspective, Chen Lingxi saw what he looked like at that moment.

This usually composed and calm young master of the Marquis's mansion was now pale and weak, sitting cross-legged on the bed, his chest heaving more rapidly than usual.

"He was injured, and seriously injured."

Chen Lingxi's heart skipped a beat: "Lin Su Ri is very likely also involved in the ambush of Consort Chun."

Just like the letter Lin Su wrote to Wu Mohe, the purpose was naturally for that Mirror Listening Treasure Mirror.

Lin Suri focused on healing his injuries. Just as Chen Lingxi was about to withdraw her visit, Lin Suri suddenly opened his eyes.

He raised his right hand, palm up, fingers slightly spread.

A faint light shone from his palm. At first, the light was very faint, but in an instant it became bright and transformed into a lamp.

The lamp was about the size of a palm, made entirely of jade, and covered with intricate patterns that were intertwined, resembling some kind of magic array.

In the center of the lamp, a small green flame burned. As the flame burned, tiny specks of light emanated from it, like countless fireflies flying out of the flame and drifting slowly in the air, swirling and circling.

The spiritual light did not dissipate, but instead surrounded Lin Suri, like a thin veil woven from starlight.

Immediately afterwards, a surge of spiritual energy burst forth from the lamp flame, like water bursting its banks, and poured wildly into Lin Suri's body.

Lin Suri closed his eyes and activated the Six Qi True Method. The spiritual energy was gradually gathered, refined, and incorporated into his Qi Sea.

His complexion regained its color at a visible speed, and his listless aura gradually returned.

"This forest has another opportunity; I wonder what kind of treasure this jade lamp is."

Chen Lingxi watched with awe.

This lamp was no ordinary object; the spiritual energy it contained was no less abundant than the spirit stone he obtained from Xi Mu.

He patiently continued to observe from Lin Suri's perspective.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Lin Suri's injuries had recovered considerably.

He opened his eyes, exhaled a long breath, and with a wave of his hand, the lamp disappeared.

Instead, a jade slip was used.

The jade was about the size of a palm, pure white, and had a warm, smooth texture.

Lin Suri held the jade slip in his palm, and a golden light appeared in his eyes!

The golden light burst forth from the depths of his pupils, initially just a faint glimmer, but in an instant it spread like wildfire, turning his entire eyes into a dazzling golden hue.

Immediately afterwards, a golden light surged from between his eyebrows, solid and almost tangible, leaving a very faint golden trace in the air before falling into the jade slip.

"Sixth Floor of Spiritual Qi, Golden Blood Spirit."

Chen Lingxi was secretly surprised. Just then, Lin Suri's perspective suddenly distorted, and so did Chen Lingxi's perspective!

He felt as if the world had turned upside down, and the light and shadows were distorted. It was as if an invisible hand had grabbed his consciousness, dragged him out of the guest room, and thrown him into a completely unfamiliar place.

When Chen Ling came to her senses, the scene Lin Su Ri had seen had changed, transforming into a pool.

The pool wasn't very large, about ten feet square. The water was milky white, as thick as cow's milk, and a very thin layer of mist swirled around its surface.

Lin Suri's perspective soared out from the pool, like a fish leaping out of the water.

My vision suddenly opened up!

"Where is this?"

Chen Lingxi was extremely surprised.

"Is there really such a wondrous place in this world?"

He saw countless mountains, layer upon layer, stretching to the horizon, majestic and towering, each one much larger than Cuojin Mountain and Qiaoji Mountain.

Rivers connect the mountains to the sea, their waters clear and blue like jade, shimmering in the sunlight.

In the sky, cranes cried out in unison, flying in a line across the clouds. In the forest, deer ran about, their antlers adorned with vines. As they ran, the small flowers on the vines fluttered down and scattered all over the ground.

Further away, palaces floated in mid-air, their eaves soaring and their golden splendor gleaming. Supported by clouds and mist, they resembled fairy islands floating above a sea of ​​clouds!

Chen Ling watched so intently that she almost forgot to breathe.

"Could this be...?"

"The Daoxia Academy?"

Chen Lingxi had a hunch!

However, if this were an academy, it would be far too large!

He had originally thought it was just a possibly magnificent academy, at most a bit grand.

But this place before them was no academy; it was clearly a small world, a true fairyland.

Just as he was surprised.

From his perspective, Lin Suri's consciousness transformed into a human figure and landed at the foot of a mountain.

At the foot of the mountain lies a dense forest, through which a winding path leads deeper into the woods.

Lin Su Ri's consciousness then slowly walked along this path.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the forest suddenly opened up, revealing a clearing.

In the center of the open space, there is a blue stone, on which sits a person playing the zither.

The music was melodious, like the babbling of a spring or the sound of wind through a pine grove, clear and far-reaching, making one feel completely relaxed.

Lin Suri stopped three zhang in front of the man, bowed deeply to the ground respectfully, and said, "Uncle-Master."

As soon as he finished speaking, the mist in the forest suddenly dissipated.

The face of the person playing the zither was then clearly revealed.

It was a woman.

She was stunningly beautiful, with long, arched eyebrows, eyes like autumn water, a high nose bridge, and well-defined lips, like a jade figure meticulously carved from the finest mutton-fat jade.

She wore a crimson robe, the fabric of which was unknown, but it shimmered with layers of rosy light in the sunlight, making her appear like a burning flame.

But her eyes were extremely cold; her eyes, as clear as autumn water, revealed no trace of joy or anger, only a bottomless calm.

She flicked her sleeve slightly, and the music stopped abruptly.

The wide sleeves of the robe fluttered gently in the wind, like a red cloud passing by.

"Have you detected that [immortal molt]?"

Her voice was clear and melodious, like jade striking each other, beautiful and pleasant to hear.

Immortal transformation?

Chen Lingxi's heart skipped a beat.

Lin Su came to this grotto a few days ago in order to seek the truth and attain the pinnacle.

The so-called "seeking truth" is to search for the cauldron and its artifacts.

The so-called "contending for the cauldron" refers to competing with cultivators from all sides for ownership of the cauldron.

But what exactly is this "immortal molt"?

It doesn't sound like an ordinary object; it seems even more mysterious than a bronze vessel.

Lin Suri replied respectfully, his voice steady: "There is still no news."

The woman in red frowned slightly.

Her frown was extremely subtle; her brows furrowed only slightly, yet her stunning face gained an air of dignified authority.

She remained silent for a few moments before speaking: "The opportunity of immortal transformation is hidden, but the Quexing Xi family is unaware that there is another immortal transformation in that Qiless Cave Heaven."

"You should search diligently, and once you find even the slightest clue, report back to the academy."

She paused slightly, a faint glint of light flashing in her cold eyes: "The Pool Master will consult the Daoist Master, who will borrow the cauldron [Projection of Myriad Realms], which will allow the academy's members to project themselves to that grotto-heaven and retrieve the immortal molt."

Multiverse Projection —

Chen Lingxi silently recited these four words in her heart.

It is another tripod vessel.

He now knows that the cauldrons are extremely precious treasures in the world, and each one has incredible power.

The Candle of Time can exchange lifespan for spiritual energy, the Beast Fighting Palace can exchange life sacrifice for opportunity, and the Star Stone can create nemesis, kill them to seize opportunity.

And this projection of myriad worlds—

"It seems that these powerful beings from the Great World cannot freely enter and exit the cave heavens and still need to rely on the wonders of the cauldron."

Chen Ling thought to herself.

Lin Su Ri respectfully agreed.

The woman in red looked Lin Suri up and down, her gaze sweeping over him for a moment before she suddenly shook her head.

Her head-shaking motion was very light, yet it carried an undisguised sense of regret.

"You have the potential to enter the Golden Palace."

"It is an injustice to make you walk to that Pool of Rebirth."

However, the opportunity to transform into an immortal is of paramount importance, and we are truly uneasy about entrusting it to ordinary disciples of the Dao Palace.

Chen Lingxi's heart stirred.

Xi Mu once said that walking through the Pool of Rebirth would damage one's life and foundation.

If one does not find the cauldron or obtain other great opportunities, it will be difficult to establish a foundation for the Dao in the future, and one will never regain freedom.

The price paid was considerable.

The woman in red continued, "It's just that you arrived too late. Only two years have passed, which is somewhat behind other seekers of truth and the pinnacle. And that cauldron—"

She paused slightly: "The tripod is extremely precious. Even many prominent figures in the Golden Palace have never had the opportunity to possess one."

If you obtain the cauldron from that grotto-heaven, it will be a great opportunity, and your future path will be much broader. If you do not obtain the cauldron, but still perform meritorious service in the quest for immortality, I will petition a Daoist master to use the [Heaven-Fixing Brush] to determine your path, setting a path of [cultivating all methods] for you!

Lin Suri remained calm and responded in a low voice.

He kept his eyes down, his face showing no emotion.

The woman in red nodded slightly, a faint trace of gentleness finally appearing in her cold eyes: "I know it's rare for you to return to the Great World once in your life, so you may leave now."

As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding mist began to rise again, engulfing her figure inch by inch.

The crimson robe gradually blurred in the mist, until only a faint red shadow remained, like a flickering flame that had been extinguished for a moment before disappearing completely.

Lin Suri straightened up and looked up at the void.

A white crane was descending from the clouds, its wingspan exceeding ten feet. Its feathers were as white as snow, and its beak as red as cinnabar. When it landed beside him, it simply flapped its wings gently and stood firmly.

Lin Suri stepped onto the crane's back. The white crane let out a long cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky, carrying Lin Suri's consciousness avatar. It flew over mountains, rivers, and seas, past palaces floating in the clouds, and flew straight into the distance.

Chen Lingxi's perspective followed the white crane, taking in the entire fairyland.

The more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

The vastness and mystery of this fairyland far exceeded his imagination.

Mountains and long rivers!

Palaces float in the sky, resplendent in gold and jade, supported by clouds and mist, like celestial cities floating above a sea of ​​clouds.

The palaces are connected by rainbow bridges.

Further away, the sky and earth stretched out in a vast expanse, seemingly boundless and endless.

Chen Lingxi felt as if her mind and spirit were completely captivated by this world.

"This is the real world."

He murmured to himself as the white crane flew for a long time before finally landing on a suspended mountain.

The mountain was extremely high, and its summit was as flat as if it had been cut, resembling an inverted bowl.

Lin Suri dismounted from the crane and came to the highest point of the suspended mountain, looking out into the distance.

Chen Lingxi followed his gaze and saw another mountain opposite.

That mountain was opposite the suspended mountain beneath Lin Suri's feet. Its summit was also flat, but it was several times larger than the mountain beneath his feet.

A sea of ​​clouds surged atop the mountain, and a person sat cross-legged atop the clouds.

The person was dressed in a green robe, which fluttered gently in the wind. He had a slender figure, and his black hair was tied back with a green jade hairpin, revealing half of his fair neck.

She faced the sea of ​​clouds, her back to Lin Suri, so her face was obscured, only a graceful silhouette was visible.

Lin Su Ri stared at it for a long time.

He stood there, motionless, like a stone sculpture.

The mountain wind made the hem of his brocade robe flutter and his hair into disarray, but he was completely unaware.

Those deep eyes reflected the silhouette of the person in green on the opposite mountain peak. There was no ripple or wave in those eyes, only a profound, almost frozen calm.

His eyes seemed calm, but beneath that calm lay a deep and complex emotion.

"Who is this? The person from Lin Suri's dreams?"

Chen Lingxi made malicious speculations.

As he was pondering this, another person suddenly appeared on the sea of ​​clouds on the opposite mountain peak.

It was a man, tall and slender, wearing a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist, handsome face, and a captivating aura.

He walked slowly out of the sea of ​​clouds, as if stepping on flat ground, and walked to the woman in green. He stood with his hands behind his back and they looked at the sea of ​​clouds together, chatting and laughing.

Lin Suri's eyes finally moved slightly, then he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

That consciousness vanished in that instant.

The perspective is shattered, and the world turns upside down.

Chen Lingxi's perspective returned to the guest room at Linjiangxian Inn.

Lin Su Ri remained seated cross-legged on the bed, putting away the jade slip.

The sun outside the window had already begun to set in the west, and the river surface shimmered with countless golden sparkles. Occasionally, a small boat would paddle by, stirring up a splash of water.

Lin Su Ri was lost in thought.

Chen Lingxi's thoughts were still on that fairyland.

Fairyland — Immortal Metamorphosis —

As he was pondering this, there was another commotion in Lin Su Ri's guest room.

A wisp of black mist seeped out from an inconspicuous crack in the corner of the wall, and as it surged, it transformed into a human figure.

The humanoid figure emerged from the black mist. It was thin, dressed in a black robe, and had a mask covering its face, revealing only its eyes.

Those eyes had no pupils; instead, they were completely white, like two white porcelain beads frozen in ice, looking extremely eerie.

It was the same Chao-surnamed cultivator who had traded with Lin Suri.

He appeared more composed this time than before, as if he had known Lin Suri for a long time.

He walked to the opposite side of Lin Su Ri, and without any formalities, sat down cross-legged.

Lin Suri opened his eyes, glanced at him, nodded slightly, and said nothing.

The cultivator surnamed Chao spoke without any formality, saying, "It will still be some time before the Ancestral Mountain Mother Qi is revealed. It is highly likely that Consort Chun's visit to Yuanjiang Prefecture is not for the Ancestral Mountain Mother Qi."

He paused, a faint hint of doubt flashing in his pale eyes: "The Imperial Concubine is unfathomable, and her Mirror Listening Cauldron is extremely strange."

"With her here in Yuanjiang Prefecture, our plans will become much more unpredictable."

Lin Suri frowned slightly: "You mean—Consort Chun also came for that fragment of the killing cauldron?"

The cultivator surnamed Chao nodded slightly: "A fragment of the Killing Power Cauldron is a rare find. Even if you can only use it once or twice, you will eventually be able to kill beyond your realm. Not to mention in this cave, it is a rare opportunity even in the greater world."

It is highly likely that Consort Chun came here for this reason.

Lin Suri nodded: "I understand."

The black-clad cultivator said no more, stood up, and his figure dissipated into the air inch by inch, like dissolving black mist.

Lin Su Ri pondered for a moment, then stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.

A river breeze blew in, making his brocade robe flutter and causing the lamp flame on the table to flicker suddenly.

He stood with his hands behind his back by the window, his eyes gleaming with golden light.

Chen Lingxi had seen this golden light before. Long ago, Lin Su Ri used this golden light technique to see the swordsman assassinate Crown Prince Ying Chi.

Lin Suri's perspective soared out at this moment, passing over the river, through the city walls, through the vast mountains and forests, and landing straight in the far distance.

Chen Lingxi's perspective also widened accordingly.

He saw the imperial concubine's carriage.

The carriage was traveling along the Yuan River, the sound of its wheels mingling with the sound of the water, making it difficult to hear clearly. Surrounded by armored soldiers, ceremonial guards, and attendants, the procession stretched for a good half-mile.

The carriage traveled westward for more than half an hour before finally stopping at a certain place.

That place is precisely the border between the Yuanjiang River and the Zhuzhao River.

The Yuanjiang River is a tributary of the Zhuzhao River. It is much wider than the Yuanjiang River, but its water is deeper and darker, like a ribbon of ink.

At that moment, at the boundary, the surface of the Zhuzhao River was somewhat dark, as if something was sinking at the bottom of the water, swallowing up all the light of the sky.

Consort Chun slowly stepped out of the jade carriage.

She stood on the riverbank, the glow of the sunset shimmering on her robes, making her appear like a celestial being descended from the heavens to the mortal world.

She gazed at the murky river surface for a long time.

Then, a slight smile appeared on her lips, carrying an indescribable meaning.

It's like a hunter finally finding the tracks of his prey in a dense forest.

Lin Su's magic dissipated.

The golden light in his eyes slowly faded, and his perspective returned to normal.

Lin Suri stood by the window, gazing at the vast expanse of the Yuan River outside, lost in thought.

The journey was thus shattered.

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