Chapter 473: 472. Unexpected Smooth Sailing

Chapter 473: 472. Unexpected Smooth Sailing



The world of Sappho was connected to the human realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, allowing for frequent interactions. Although Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion disciples rarely ventured into the human world, after the Taoist School replaced Buddhism, people from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms often came to pay homage.

Additionally, news gradually spread in Sappho due to the interactions between the Spirit Mountain Sorcerers and the Later Han Zhenwu Temple's successors.

Qin Cuwei witnessed and heard about these events, and Bai Mei also became aware of them.

However, when she suddenly mentioned the Great Measure, it caught Lei Jun's attention.

It was clear that she was looking at the cracked world of Sappho, which led her to think about the Great Measure.

"As far as I know, it is true," Lei Jun said. "But currently, there is no stable void connection between the Great Measure and the war-torn human realm."

Bai Mei withdrew her gaze and once again focused on the enormous cracks that appeared and disappeared in Sappho. "Before the human realm split, I had heard that the Great Measure had cracked."

Lei Jun asked, "Wasn't it caused by the Great Cataclysm at the end of Han?"

Bai Mei nodded, "Yes, before that, the Great Measure should have already been damaged."

Lei Jun wanted to speak but stopped.

Bai Mei seemed to understand his question, "It's true that the Great Measure experienced a struggle between Confucian cultivators and warriors, but the overall cracking and damage to the world happened even earlier.

Each successive ruler tried to repair it, but to no avail. There are rumors that the cracks there are quite unique."

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged as he heard this. "I've heard that the end of Han had a deep connection with the old Heavenly Palace."

Bai Mei said, "I've also heard about it, but the details aren't clear. I only know that your sect's Grand Master Zhuang killed the last ruler of the Great Measure, the Immortal Warrior Yan Rizhong."

"Our sect's Ancestor Master Zhuang..." Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged, but his heart acknowledged that what Bai Mei said matched the situation in the Great Measure.

The Well of Time there was indeed very different from the cracks on this side of Sappho.

Here in Sappho, it only involved the mysteries of space.

On the other side, it involved the secrets of time.

Not only Xu Yanzhen, but Lei Jun was also curious about that place.

However, he had other matters that required his attention.

Venerable Wise Wisdom, Zhou Tian Daoist, and Kunpeng Demon Sage were still present, and Venerable Puguang had also withdrawn from Sappho earlier.

Even without considering others, these were potential threats, either heavy or light.

Currently, Wang Guiyuan was researching the former site of Thunder Sound Temple, specifically targeting Venerable Puguang and the Thunder Sound Temple lineage for further analysis.

Lei Jun, after completing his own recuperation and treasure refining in the Yellow Springs, had come to Sappho with similar intentions.

............................................................................................................................................

While Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan were delving into Buddhist teachings in Sappho, Tang Xiaotang was already approaching the Canghuan Gate.

She stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes scanning left and right with great enthusiasm.

Under her feet, she rode on clouds and mist, no longer a golden glow, but a pale white, almost transparent cloud.

On the cloud, there was another person, a female Daoist in a purple robe, none other than Qin Cuwei.

Flying alongside the cloud was a blue phoenix.

"Zhusun, is your clan brother coming out of Canghuan to meet us?" Tang Xiaotang asked curiously, turning her gaze back to Zhusun.

Zhusun opened her mouth, "Indeed, Brother Feng Ming sent this message to me. He wants to meet your sect's Qin Daochang."

Qin Cuwei stood behind Tang Xiaotang, "Junior here only has these insignificant skills."

Tang Xiaotang turned and patted Qin Cuwei's shoulder, "Well done!"

Qin Cuwei's heart raced, thinking of her love for tending to plants and animals, and how it had unexpectedly led to an invitation from a spiritual beast in Canghuan.

This made her heart beat with anticipation.

She loved plants and animals, and not only was she skilled in this area, but she had also received guidance from Bai Mei.

With Bai Mei absent, she had to rely entirely on herself.

However, her previous interactions with Zhusun had already benefited her greatly, and now, hearing that her clan brother was even more skilled, Qin Cuwei's heart yearned to meet him.

Before reaching the agreed-upon location, Tang Xiaotang's eyes flashed, and her gaze turned towards the distance.

After a long while, Qin Cuwei, looking far into the distance, could vaguely see colorful lights shimmering among the mountains.

Within the colorful lights, a figure appeared and disappeared.

As they drew closer, she could make out a bird-like figure within the colorful lights.

Compared to the blue phoenix beside the white clouds, this bird was significantly smaller.

According to ancient records, it had a golden body that shimmered with five-colored radiance, standing in mid-air at a height of about six feet, with an unusually long tail, and bearing five characters.

It was the legendary Phoenix.

At this moment, the Phoenix was also quietly observing the two of them and the phoenix.

Its gaze rested on the faint white cloud beneath Tang Xiaotang's feet for a moment, but it made no further movements.

"Zhusun."

The Phoenix turned its gaze to Zhusun, its call clear and pleasant to the ear.

"These two are Tang Zhenren and Qin Daochang from Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion," Zhusun introduced them. "This is my clan brother, Feng Ming."

Strictly speaking, they were not absolutely of the same clan, but their relationship had always been close.

"This Qin Daochang is the one I mentioned earlier, who successfully cultivated the Yaolin Tree from a withered seed..."

As Zhusun introduced Qin Cuwei, Tang Xiaotang's gaze openly scanned the Phoenix, Feng Ming, with curiosity.

Qin Cuwei, standing beside them, felt her heart pounding. She forced herself to remain calm, "Senior Zhusun, you flatter me. The successful cultivation of the Yaolin Tree was made possible with the guidance of other teachers in our sect."

Feng Ming, the Phoenix, seemed unaware of Tang Xiaotang's gaze, and after listening to Zhusun's introduction, he nodded and asked, "I see that Qin Daochang has brought a Yaolin Tree seedling with her?"

Although the question was simple, Qin Cuwei was impressed!

She did have a Yaolin Tree seedling with her, but it was stored in a shrinking bag, hidden from view. She hadn't expected the Phoenix to see through it with just one sentence.

"Senior Qingluan Zhusun mentioned that Canghuan was in need, and with Tang Shishu's permission, I brought the sapling here."

Qin Cuwei smiled. "It's not some rare and precious life seed, Senior Feng Ming, please don't take offense."

"Not at all," Phoenix Feng Ming said. "It's I who should thank you both for your generosity. Although the current situation in Canghuan is not peaceful, I've already been impolite by receiving guests outside of Canghuan. If you two don't mind, please enter the abode in Canghuan, and allow me to properly entertain you as a form of apology."

Upon hearing this, Qin Cuwei was surprised.

However, Qingluan Zhusun remained calm.

The current situation in Canghuan was complex, and it had just opened up to the human realm.

Their understanding of the outside world was limited, and out of caution, Phoenix Feng Ming had personally left Canghuan to meet Tang Xiaotang and Qin Cuwei in the human realm.

Although the Yaolin sapling was rare and precious, it was not enough to make them lower their guard, as greed could cloud one's judgment.

It was Phoenix Feng Ming who had a unique ability, even in Canghuan, that was rarely known to the outside world.

He could discern good from evil and avoid danger.

From what he could see, the two from the Celestial Master Mansion had no ill intentions, and they had successfully passed his brother's test... Qingluan Zhusun thought to herself.

If it weren't for this, what Phoenix Feng Ming had said would have been a different matter.

Qin Cuwei was a bit surprised.

If it were just her alone, it would be easier to accept the invitation, as she was currently at the Seventh Heaven cultivation realm, which was easy to handle.

However, Tang Xiaotang was a completely different matter.

At the Fifth Layer of the Ninth Heaven, she had already reached the Great Vehicle of the Taoist cultivation, with the Five Qi converging towards the Profound.

In fact, even the cultivators at the Fifth Layer of the Ninth Heaven couldn't be used to measure her strength.

At the moment, with the standoff between the two great immortals, Haoyang Sage Lord and Huaming Sage Lord, inside Canghuan, Tang Xiaotang's entry into Canghuan might even influence the overall situation.

In such a situation, if they easily allowed her into Canghuan, it could be a trap set by the other party, or perhaps they had invited her to help with some ulterior motive.

As Qin Cuwei wondered about this, she heard Tang Xiaotang beside her laugh and say, "In that case, we won't stand on ceremony."

...No, Master Tang, are you really going to be so unceremonious?

Qin Cuwei turned to look at her master, feeling surprised once again.

Tang Xiaotang, however, maintained a calm expression.

Just as she hadn't felt any ill intentions from Phoenix Feng Ming, she also didn't sense any malice or any impending danger ahead.

Since this was the case, she had nothing to hesitate about.

Tang Zhenren had long wanted to enter Canghuan to take a look, but Wang Guiyuan had warned her repeatedly about the potential misunderstandings that could arise from her sudden entry.

Now, she could enter without any concerns.

Phoenix Feng Ming nodded to Qingluan Zhusun, and they took the lead, with Tang Xiaotang following closely behind with Qin Cuwei.

The two birds and the two humans arrived at the void entrance that connected the human realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms to Canghuan.

At this moment, they saw other strange birds circling outside the entrance to Canghuan.

Tang Xiaotang and Qin Cuwei first spotted two flame crows, and there were also two strange birds that resembled the rare species of Bi Fang as described in ancient books.

Seeing Phoenix Feng Ming, they didn't approach but called out from a distance, "Mountain Lord of Biwu, who are these two?"

Phoenix Feng Ming didn't stop and flew straight into Canghuan.

The flame crows and Bi Fang didn't ask further, but watched as Tang Xiaotang led Qin Cuwei and Qingluan Zhusun into Canghuan.

Inside Canghuan, the sky was clear and bright, and from a distance, it seemed as if an extremely tall divine tree stood at the center of the world.

The tree's canopy was vast, and sunlight radiated from above, spreading in all directions, illuminating the heavens and earth.

Tang Xiaotang looked on with great interest. "Is that the cave abode of Haoyang Sage Lord?"

Qingluan Zhusun introduced, "Yes, it is."

Golden Crow Haoyang had been in charge of Canghuan for many years, even before the Great Cataclysm at the end of the Han Dynasty, and until now.

However, in recent years, he had encountered a new challenger.

The True Dragon Huaming.

Although the Golden Crow was proud, he was not without tolerance, and he allowed the rise of a new immortal.

But he would not allow anyone to challenge his position as the master of Canghuan.

"Speaking of which, if Huaming Sage Lord had been in charge of Canghuan all this time and was also unafraid of the rise of a new immortal, he would not have submitted to a higher existence."

Although Qingluan Zhusun was a spiritual bird, she spoke calmly when mentioning Huaming Sage Lord, "He once said that he was grateful for Haoyang Sage Lord's magnanimity in the past, so he would leave Canghuan to Haoyang Sage Lord. He would find another place to establish his own cave abode, but it would definitely surpass that of Haoyang Sage Lord."

Golden Crow Haoyang's reaction couldn't be described as furious, but rather, he seemed to be telling the other party to bring it on.

The two ancient beings, both at the level of great immortals, had not yet officially started a war, but the atmosphere in Canghuan was already quite tense.

Phoenix Feng Ming, however, remained quite calm.

He led Tang Xiaotang and Qin Cuwei southward.

Gradually, another strange tree caught Tang Xiaotang's attention.

The tree wasn't tall, but it stood out among the surrounding hills, its entire body shimmering with colorful divine light, and its life force was incredibly dense.

"The Phoenix Tree?" Tang Xiaotang's eyes lit up.

Phoenix Feng Ming introduced, "This is Senior Chaoyang."

The shimmering divine tree's branches and leaves swayed slightly, and a voice, slightly aged but elegant, came from within, "It's been many years since I've seen fellow Taoists from Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion. Today, I have the honor of meeting the rightful heir of the Taoist Talisman School, Senior Chaoyang greets you."

Tang Xiaotang performed a Taoist bow. "Senior, your words are too kind."

Phoenix Feng Ming landed on the branch of the Phoenix Tree.

He said, "Since Tang Daochang and Qin Daochang have kindly offered their help, we should also reciprocate. However, I have some preparations to make in the near future, and my resources are limited. I can only ask for Senior Chaoyang's assistance."

Qin Cuwei had previously discussed with Qing Luan Zhusun about searching for rare spiritual seeds and exotic flowers, and she was also tasked with finding heavenly treasures that were rich in vitality for her sect's elders.

It was evident that Phoenix Feng Ming was preparing for the possible changes that might occur in Canghuan.

It wasn't entirely about the potential battle between the Golden Crow and the True Dragon.

It also involved the unexpected opening of the Canghuan portal.

In a way, it was precisely because the Golden Crow and the True Dragon were about to clash that Phoenix Feng Ming paid more attention to the suddenly opened Canghuan portal.

However, he wouldn't take it upon himself to seal off the Canghuan portal.

As the Phoenix Tree's branches swayed slightly, one of its divine branches immediately detached from his body and flew towards Tang Xiaotang and Qin Cuwei.

Qin Cuwei was even more surprised.

This was far more precious than her Yaolin tree seedling.

The first thought that came to her mind was the Phoenix Feng Ming, another spiritual bird, who might lend a hand to the Golden Crow Huoyang.

But Phoenix Feng Ming simply said, "I also have a fondness for various spiritual plants and exotic flowers. I hope the Dragon Tiger Mountain's fellow cultivators can help me search and transplant them. I'd like to express my gratitude in advance. If there's anything inappropriate, I ask for your forgiveness, fellow cultivators."

He wasn't worried about Tang Xiaotang entering Canghuan and possibly harming herself, and he wasn't afraid that Tang Xiaotang, whom he met for the first time, would take his Phoenix Tree branch and run off without a word.

Tang Xiaotang spoke casually, "It's our sect that should be thanking you, fellow cultivator. Regarding the spiritual plants, our sect will entrust this matter entirely to Junior Sister Hua Wei. If there are any difficulties, you can report them to the Celestial Master's Mansion, and we will support all your needs."

"Yes, Master," Qin Cuwei replied promptly, but she glanced to her left and then to her right.

Was it that simple to settle this matter? Although her previous conversation with Qing Luan Zhusun went smoothly, the agreement between Tang Xiaotang and Phoenix Feng Ming was reached even faster.

Qin Cuwei knew that her Master Uncle Tang was always outspoken.

The ancient spiritual seed in front of her was elegant and pure, and when it came to discussing matters, it was no less impressive...

Qin Cuwei was surprised, but seeing the situation, she quickly cleared her mind of all distractions.

Around the Phoenix Tree, the surrounding mountains were filled with countless exotic flowers and plants, making her feel overwhelmed.

If not for her concerns about her sect and Elder Bai, she would have asked Phoenix Feng Ming to allow her to settle down here for a few years.

"Is it possible for you to introduce me to the other cultivators in Canghuan?" Tang Xiaotang asked with a smile.

Phoenix Feng Ming's voice was calm, "There's no reason why not."

Tang Xiaotang then instructed Qin Cuwei to first bring the Phoenix Tree branch back to Sappho and deliver it to Lei Jun. After that, she would gather a batch of spiritual plants from the human realm and bring them to Canghuan.

Phoenix Feng Ming specifically asked Qing Luan Zhusun to accompany her.

After expressing her gratitude, Qin Cuwei left Canghuan with Qing Luan Zhusun.

Lei Jun received the Phoenix Tree branch and, for once, stared wide-eyed with his senior brother Wang Guiyuan.

...The smoothness of the matter completely exceeded his expectations.

"Master Uncle Tang has left a few leaves, saying that Master Uncle Wang doesn't need to worry about her expenses," Qin Cuwei said.

After listening to Qin Cuwei's description of the events, Lei Jun finally understood and guessed the situation.

"That's actually quite good," Lei Jun said, playing with the Phoenix Tree branch in his hand.

Wang Guiyuan chuckled, "Such an encounter is a rare opportunity for both parties. Usually, we should be more cautious, think more, and be better prepared."

Lei Jun nodded and turned to Qin Cuwei, "As Master Tang said, this matter is entrusted to you, Junior Sister Hua Wei. Here in Sappho, I'll arrange for other sect members to take over your duties, so you don't need to worry."

Qin Cuwei bowed and took her leave, "Yes, Master Uncle."

Soon, Lei Jun received further news from Tang Xiaotang: "There are many spiritual birds, including the Phoenix, the Luan Bird, the Bi Fang, the Double Bright Bird, the Flame Crow, and many more. There are also numerous spiritual plants and trees that have attained sentience.

I've met both the Golden Crow Huoyang and the True Dragon Huaming. They are definitely going to test each other's strength, but whether it will be a life-or-death battle, I'm not so sure.

I quite like the atmosphere in Canghuan."

The longer she stayed there, the more Tang Xiaotang learned about the situation.

Phoenix Feng Ming could be considered the third-ranked powerful being in Canghuan, below the True Dragon and the Golden Crow. In terms of cultivation realm, he was equivalent to a human cultivator at the peak of the Ninth Heaven. He was gifted and exceptionally strong.

Both the Golden Crow Huoyang and the True Dragon Huaming praised him highly.

The Phoenix Tree that accompanied him was the oldest living being in Canghuan, second only to the Golden Crow Huoyang. Its foundation was deep and solid.

However, both the bird and the tree preferred tranquility and disliked movement; they were peaceful and non-confrontational.

"It can be confirmed that it's not the spiritual beasts of Canghuan that opened the portal to the void."

Tang Xiaotang said, "But during the instability of the void realm, it's possible that objects from Canghuan may have accidentally fallen into the outside world, giving outsiders the opportunity to open the Canghuan portal."

"Oh, I see..." Lei Jun said, nodding slightly.

He shook his head slightly, gathering his scattered thoughts, "Will the battle between the Haoyang Sage Lord and the Huaming Sage Lord happen soon?"

Tang Xiaotang replied, "It hasn't been decided yet. They will publicly set a formal battle agreement, and then all the living beings in Canghuan will witness their contest."

Lei Jun said, "They are indeed both very proud, to the point where it sounds a bit unbelievable."

Tang Xiaotang laughed, "You guys have a lot of thoughts. Think more, because what's useless inside Canghuan might be useful outside."

Lei Jun nodded, "That's true.

"Oh, I've been to the Haoyang Sage Lord's Fusang Ancient Tree, but although the great sun's radiance shines brightly in all directions, there is no ready-made Solar Essence."

Tang Xiaotang knew that Lei Jun had ascended to the Taiji Bodhimanda, and currently lacked the two treasures of the sun and the moon. She had paid attention during this trip but had yet to find anything.

Lei Jun smiled, "Heavenly treasures cannot be forcefully pursued. It's best for us to follow the flow of fate."

"Okay, I'll continue to keep an eye out for you." Tang Xiaotang decided to stay in Canghuan for the time being, preparing to return after the two Immortal Spirits set a date for their battle. The environment there didn't affect her daily cultivation.

Lei Jun, on the other hand, remained in Sappho, first putting away the Phoenix Tree branch.

He plucked a few Phoenix Tree leaves from the branch and calmly refined them.

After unfolding the Great Vehicle Dao Scenery's Yellow Universe, Lei Jun sat cross-legged within it, quietly breathing and meditating, visualizing the storage of his spirit.

Around his body, a large amount of Qingling Nine Qi constantly circulated and accumulated.

Through the Qingling Nine Qi, Lei Jun cultivated a large amount of Nine-Colored Radiance.

Both the Qingling Nine Qi and the Nine-Colored Radiance were further nourished by the Phoenix Tree branch and leaves.

However, at the same time, as Lei Jun's Yin-Yang Immortal Body circulated, a massive black and white Yin-Yang Taiji diagram spread out within the Yellow Universe.

Through the circulation of the Yin-Yang Taiji diagram, another mysterious existence began to stimulate the Qingling Nine Qi from a different angle.

This existence originated from one of the Ten Earths, Luo Yuan.

The storm in Luo Yuan's Abyssal Sea constantly surged towards Lei Jun's Qingling Nine Qi at this moment.

This existence was well-prepared, corresponding to the opposite spirituality of the Nine-Colored Radiance, but it required the treasures of Canghuan to shine together in order to succeed.

With the conditions now complete, as Lei Jun's spiritual power transformed into the rotating black and white Taiji diagram, in addition to the Nine-Colored Radiance, a new kind of existence gradually emerged.

Compared to the flashing nine-colored radiance, this new mysterious existence was dark and gloomy.

Currently, there was only a single strand, but it had already taken on a sharp appearance.

It seemed like a dark and mysterious gust of wind from the deepest part of the Netherworld.

"This mysterious existence, in contrast to the Nine-Colored Radiance, can be called the Shadow Net Gale." Lei Jun nodded slightly.

With his foundation and skills in place, he could now calmly accumulate and cultivate.

…………………………

As Lei Jun calmly cultivated, in the human realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, someone else's mood was gloomy.

One of the Ten Sorcerers of Spirit Mountain who had guided the descent of Canghuan, Wu Zhen Jia Xianting, sat quietly in one of his cave dwellings.

This place was extremely far from the gateway to Canghuan, but Jia Xianting still stared fixedly in that direction.

Originally, he had hoped that the spiritual beasts in Canghuan would intervene in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, causing the overall situation in the human realm to change.

However, the final result was not as satisfactory as expected.

The beings in Canghuan were neither like the Buddhist monks in Sappho nor the witches in Spirit Mountain, nor like the Buddhist monks in the Great Ming realm of Sumeru, the great demons of Guiyu, or any other place.

As far as Jia Xianting knew, Canghuan was not lacking in powerful spiritual beasts.

But they seemed to have little interest in the human realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

At least, that was the case for now.

With the return of Canghuan, the human realm had not undergone much change.

It seemed that it was still because there were two ancient beasts of the Immortal Spirit level existing simultaneously there.

Under the rule of the Haoyang Sage Lord for many years, it was surprising that new Immortal Spirits had emerged from among the spiritual beasts other than the Golden Crow.

After his initial disappointment, Wu Zhen Jia Xianting quickly calmed his mind.

The battle between the two Immortal Spirits was also good news for him.

It was an even better opportunity than he had initially anticipated.

Whether he could seize it or not depended on Jia Xianting himself.

After offering sacrifices in his cave dwelling, he continued his preparations.

…………………………

Time flew by.

Xu Yanzhen also obtained a few Phoenix Tree branches and leaves from Lei Jun, nurturing her own Qingling Nine Qi.

After listening to Lei Jun's description of the situation in Canghuan with great interest, she rarely showed some regret:

"The battle between the Immortal Spirits sounds interesting, but the timing is always uncertain. I don't have the leisure to wait like Xiaotang.

After hearing your account of the news about the Great Measure from that White Zhenjun, I'm actually more interested in going there first."

She raised the stone knife in her hand, notified Chu Kun, and then headed straight for the Great Measure.

Lei Jun couldn't help but smile at this.

Wang Guiyuan, who had manifested the form of the Dharmapure Monk, stood by his side, also with a nonchalant expression.

"Senior Sister's changing interests are not as fleeting as Sister Tang's."

Wang Guiyuan held an alms bowl in his hand, "She is firm in her decisions, and her determination is unwavering, which is somewhat similar to the Buddhist Zen spirit."

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Xu Yanzhen rarely changed her mind once she was focused on something.

On the other hand, once she put something aside, she generally stopped caring about it.

For example, the current situation in Sappho.

"Any news about the whereabouts of the Thunder Sound Temple monks?" Lei Jun took the alms bowl from Wang Guiyuan and examined it, his eyes filled with the circulating Heaven Penetrating Earth-Through Talisman.

Wang Guiyuan shook his head, "We only have a vague lead so far. Although Chonghui has perished, there are still Baoneng and Duoming, both with perfected Dharma bodies.

And Venerable Puguang has even cultivated the Buddhist Golden Body. If we find them, they will sense it and cut off the connection."

Lei Jun seemed not to have heard Wang Guiyuan's words, appearing unmoved, "Brother, can you provide more leads?"

Dressed in the Celestial Master's attire, he held the alms bowl in one hand and extended the other hand towards Wang Guiyuan.

"..." Wang Guiyuan looked at Lei Jun and swallowed the rest of his words, then took out a Zen staff and placed it in Lei Jun's outstretched hand.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end