Chapter 516: Master Shen Views the Mountain

Chapter 516: Master Shen Views the Mountain

Given their seclusion over the years, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call the Seven Masters of Nan Hong ignorant of the outside world.

Yet, despite this, the few daoists immediately realized what Yan Chongzhang was referring to when he mentioned the mountain.

The mountain had existed for so long that it was likely already standing there before the formation of Hongze.

The Moving Mountain Sect didn't give it a name, simply referring to it as "Mountain."

The founding master felt unworthy to bestow a name upon it, as the very existence of their sect was because of this mountain.

Other forces called it Nameless Mountain to distinguish it from other mountain ranges.

Rumors claimed that the Nameless Mountain held the secrets of immortal arts, accessible only to those with great willpower and exceptional talent.

These remained rumors because, to this day, these so-called immortal arts had yet to surface.

Others didn't suspect the Moving Mountain Sect of hoarding knowledge.

Given the immense value of such secrets, their effects could only be imagined. If they truly existed, the Moving Mountain Sect would not have remained at their current level of influence.

What surprised the Nan Hong daoists was that, even now, the Moving Mountain Sect daoists maintained the tradition of observing the mountain.

Bai Wu glanced at Yang Yunheng with a sidelong gaze before withdrawing her gaze thoughtfully.

From the reaction of the Grand Elder, it was clear that even if there were no immortal arts, there was definitely something else hidden within the Nameless Mountain.

"Is there something you wish to say?"

Yan Chongzhang looked at the Grand Elder with a hint of confusion.

Inviting daoists from other sects to view the mountain was not uncommon in the Moving Mountain Sect. After all, unless one was a Tempered Body cultivator, they could only appreciate the wonders within as a spectacle.

"It's... nothing," Yang Yunheng replied, his expression complex. It wouldn't be easy to take back their offer now that their daoist had already extended the invitation.

Before he could respond to them, he noticed the ink-clad young man among the Nan Hong visitors, who was actually a decent Tempered Body cultivator.

Oh well, it's just a glance. What could he possibly discern?

There was no need to be so vigilant.

Moreover, even if the young man in ink did realize something...

At this thought, Yang Yunheng's expression eased, as he was well aware of the allure that the mountain's secrets held for Tempered Body cultivators.

If the young man got a taste of what was within, he would surely want to continue exploring, and then they could discuss the matter of recruitment.

"Since there's no issue, please follow me," Yan Chongzhang said, having apparently realized something, though he didn't elaborate. With a casual flick of his sleeve, he turned and led the way.

These Moving Mountain Sect cultivators not only maintained their rugged style in their attire, but even their gestures and strides lacked the demeanor of cultivators. They intended to traverse this towering mountain range on foot.

Wei Yuanzhou and the others were somewhat unaccustomed to this, but they also put away their translocation techniques and followed at a leisurely pace.

They weren't particularly interested in viewing the mountain, but their visit to West Hong had an important purpose, and it would be beneficial to gather more information from the Moving Mountain Sect so they wouldn't be stumbling around like headless flies.

"Friend Yan, what about the earlier incident with the Wuliang Daohuang Sect?" Wei Yuanzhou asked.

"..."

Yan Chongzhang remained silent for a moment before offering a weary smile. "I heard they saw something on that stele of theirs, but I don't know the specifics. It happened over a year ago. With their influence, we couldn't very well dismiss their claims."

Based on normal reasoning,

No matter how powerful the Wuliang Daohuang Sect was, they wouldn't dare to provoke everyone and push themselves to the brink.

After all, their main opponent was still the formidable Northern Dragon Palace.

But there were always exceptions.

What if they decided to make an example of someone to deter others? No one would want to be that unfortunate sacrificial chicken.

Moreover, the rewards they offered were quite generous.

"So, if you're here to seek aid, you might as well stay in the Moving Mountain Sect for a while. Not just our sect, but other sects as well..." Yan Chongzhang shook his head. "I'll let you know if there's any news."

His words seemed somewhat arrogant, but they weren't completely unfounded.

Currently, West Hong was much more prosperous than Nan Hong, with around sixteen or seventeen Giant Encompassment experts.

Additionally, the situation in West Hong was vastly different from that in Nan Hong.

The various Giants established their own sects, and the relationships between them were far from harmonious.

Unlike Nan Hong, where the Seven Masters were united, and their influence kept sects like the Baohua Sect in check.

In West Hong... no, in Hongze, the battles between sects could be even more ruthless than those between cultivators and demons.

There had been cases of Giant Encompassment experts perishing.

For example, the Wuliang Daohuang Sect's collection of Giant Encompassment blessed lands wasn't solely due to their own development.

It was much easier to cultivate influence and form a covenant with the world than to do it themselves.

As long as the total number remained unchanged, if a Giant Encompassment expert fell, they could immediately be replaced by another White Jade Capital cultivator, without affecting the standoff with the Dragon Palace.

It would merely result in a change of the sect's name.

"So, you're really going to rely on luck and slowly search for those demon prodigies?" Wei Yuanzhou furrowed his brows. This didn't bode well.

It was clear that the West Dragon Palace had only been able to assist the South Dragon Palace because they had noticed the Wuliang Daohuang Sect's actions. No wonder they were so bold and unconcerned about potential repercussions.

However, for the Seven Masters of Nan Hong,

The Dragon Palace had already made their move, and they were now in a difficult position to respond.

If they had to rely solely on their six sect masters and the few other Giant Encompassment elders, the battle against two Dragon Palaces would likely deplete most of their accumulated resources, and their chances of victory were slim.

"I understand your concerns," Yan Chongzhang said, halting his steps and closing his eyes. "I'm feeling a bit weary as well."

When his eyes reopened, there was a hint of impatience within them. "Since they want something better, I don't mind giving it my all. As long as they can pay the price."

"There are quite a few good things around the Moving Mountain Sect, but they're not easy to deal with," he added.

For the cultivators of the Moving Mountain Sect to find something challenging, the demons and monsters involved were definitely not a minor force.

Shen Yi quietly trailed behind the group, silently committing all this new information to memory.

Demons and monsters were fair game for anyone; if the Wuliang Daohuang Sect wanted them, he would compete for them too.

Although their reputation as the Nan Hong Seven didn't precede them here in West Hong, making things less convenient, it also meant they had fewer concerns and could act more discreetly.

They would have to be extra cautious from now on.

If they got into trouble in West Hong, they wouldn't have the option to flee back to Nanyang Baodi.

With the purple qi bestowed by Elder Xuan Qing and the full eleven layers of the Celestial Palace, Shen Yi had believed he was already quite a formidable existence in the White Jade Capital.

But now, he realized how much more there was to discover.

The Wuliang Daohuang Sect's earlier display couldn't be considered overly domineering, but it was extremely bizarre. Shen Yi couldn't even capture the aura of their true bodies, let alone see them, rendering his Invincible Palm useless.

He was a bit too specialized; when faced with such unorthodox methods, he felt a bit constrained.

Shen Yi pondered this as he suddenly lifted his head.

In his line of sight was a plain and unassuming peak that didn't stand out as particularly steep or tall compared to the rest of the mountain range; it seemed like a child standing among adults.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, it drew one's attention.

Shen Yi took a closer look and suddenly realized why it felt so out of place. The person sitting on the cushion in the Wuliang Daohuang Sect and the landscape painting had the same incongruous quality.

This mountain didn't belong here either.

"You have a keen eye, young friend."

Yan Chongzhang turned to glance at Shen Yi, but he didn't notice the slightly odd expressions on the faces of the other three daoists at his use of this term of address.

"This mountain is indeed not a part of the Harmonious Treasure Land. Our founding master forcibly moved it here after achieving unity with the Dao. It took a full eighteen thousand years."

"Perhaps no one in all of Hongze could form a pact with the heavens and claim ownership of this mountain."

"Please, follow me."

Even though Yan Chongzhang had already guessed Yang Yunheng's concerns, he still extended the invitation with open arms.

This was partly due to his straightforward nature, but there were other factors at play as well.

Yan Chongzhang had been observing this mountain since he entered the Transformation God Realm. Now, having reached the Three Palaces realm, he had spent at least fifty to sixty thousand years on it, and his gains could only be described as barely passable.

But it was these barely passable gains that solidified his position as a daoist.

Yan Chongzhang's return was ill-timed; he didn't know what had happened in the sect to make Elder Yang almost lose his composure in front of these esteemed guests and try to stop him.

However, the issue probably wasn't too serious.

"So, this is the Nameless Mountain."

Bai Wu also set aside her usual eccentric behavior and gazed longingly at the short mountain before them.

Anything that predated Hongze was worth taking seriously.

Under Yan Chongzhang's guidance, the group quickly made their way along a mountain path until they reached the short mountain. After receiving permission, they gently placed their palms on the rough mountain wall.

Wei Yuanzhou lifted his eyes, Su Hongxiu lightly tapped her fingertips together, and Bai Wu shook her head.

Indeed, there was a good reason why this treasure mountain had remained with the Moving Mountain Sect all this time.

Ordinary people truly couldn't discover its mysteries.

It wouldn't be right to say they were disappointed, though. After all, this seemingly unremarkable stone wall had endured far more years than one could imagine, and being able to touch it was a special experience in itself.

Su Hongxiu's feelings were clearly different from the others.

Perhaps the members of the Moving Mountain Sect didn't know that if Shen Yi hadn't intervened earlier, even without opening the Immortal City, she wouldn't have feared those few people.

Although the Cyclic Sword Body wasn't meant for killing, her Tempered Body realm far surpassed that of the others.

However, Su Hongxiu still withdrew her hand.

The thickness contained within this mountain conflicted with her sharp edge.

The sword was too heavy, and it hindered her agility.

This method didn't suit her, and she didn't need to force it.

"As expected of a daoist from the Celestial Sword Sect, always knowing what you want."

Yan Chongzhang sighed softly, his appreciation evident as he regarded this woman, who, despite her stunning looks that rivaled many immortals, wore a cold expression and didn't hide her sharp edge.

When the Nan Hong Seven were born, the Celestial Sword Sect had only been responsible for taking on killing duties. Through the changing times, they had never bothered with anything else.

The Celestial Sword daoist before him seemed to have inherited this legacy, carrying on the traditions of his predecessors. His Dao heart was undoubtedly firm.

Moreover, with just a touch, he could discern the mysteries of the Nameless Mountain, which also spoke volumes about his profound attainment in Tempered Body.

"Tsk."

Yang Yunheng couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He had been so focused on the ink-clad youth earlier that he had almost overlooked this Celestial Sword daoist.

The Nan Hong Seven had been secluded for so long, and now that they had emerged, they were already surprising people.

Speaking of the youth, where had he gone?

As this thought crossed his mind, Yang Yunheng subconsciously turned to look, only to see Shen Yi standing at a distance with his hands clasped behind his back, showing no intention of approaching further.

Yang Yunheng paused at this sight.

So, he hadn't noticed before, but this young friend was quite perceptive and knew when to retreat. Perhaps he had sensed the Moving Mountain Sect's taboo and, even in the face of the allure of the Nameless Mountain, could maintain his composure.

"What's your surname, friend?" Yan Chongzhang also noticed the oddity.

"No need for courtesy. I'm Shen," Shen Yi replied calmly as he gazed at the mountain.

"Friend Shen, why don't you give it a try and place your hand on the mountain?" Yan Chongzhang invited again; he didn't want others to think he was a hypocrite who went back on his word.

Wei Yuanzhou and Bai Wu also turned to look, curious to see if Shen Yi could sense the mystery of the Nameless Mountain.

Su Hongxiu wasn't too concerned. Whether or not one could comprehend it was another matter, but just sensing the Nameless Mountain wasn't difficult for her, and she was sure Shen Yi could do it too. However, since they both cultivated sword bodies, he would likely feel the same aversion to the thickness contained within the mountain.

Just then, she turned her head in surprise.

Shen Yi was still looking at the mountain, shaking his head slightly. "Wait a moment. I'm not ready yet."

However, Wei Yuanzhou's attention was focused on the two members of the Moving Mountain Sect.

"...!"

Yang Yunheng's eyes twitched slightly, as if he had just thought of something extremely exaggerated.

Yan Chongzhang, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes sparkling as they fixed onto Shen Yi's pale face. Even his breathing became heavier.

Earlier, he had mentioned "observing the mountain."

To observe didn't require the use of hands.

Of course, that didn't mean simply looking at it with the eyes. It entailed establishing a connection with the Nameless Mountain while observing it.

This wasn't something one could achieve the first time they saw the mountain. Even he, back then, had earnestly caressed this mountain wall for three days before he became somewhat familiar with it and truly began to observe the mountain.

And now, Shen Yi was saying he needed to prepare...

This could only mean one thing.

Shen Yi had already established a connection with the mountain and sensed the mysteries within just by looking at it!

Yan Chongzhang narrowed his eyes, finally turning to look at Elder Yang.

He now understood what his elder was wary of.

But after a moment's hesitation, Yan Chongzhang stepped aside and said softly, "The first time observing the mountain is quite important. There's no need to rush. Take your time... However, there's no need to be overly cautious either. If it's too much for you to handle, you'll naturally be expelled, and the worst that can happen is some weakness in your soul. There won't be any serious consequences."

After saying this, he instructed Yang Yunheng, "Go and get the precious pills that nurture the soul. Get the kind that I usually use."

Elder Yang's face stiffened.

Great, not only do we have to show this Nameless Mountain to outsiders, but we also have to bring out such precious pills.

He wasn't being stingy.

It was mainly that giving Shen such good treatment now would likely result in a higher price to recruit him later.

But the order of a Daoist was second only to that of the sect master.

Moreover, although Yan Chongzhang had a good character, he wasn't a fool who would feed their possessions to outsiders.

This would probably be a one-time thing.

"I'll go right now."

Without another word, Yang Yunheng strode away, leaving the others to stare at each other in bewilderment.

"Can he see something that we can't?" Bai Wu widened her eyes, trying hard to discern something from the mountain wall, only to be pulled back by Wei Yuanzhou.

From Yan Chongzhang's expression, Wei Yuanzhou could easily deduce that Shen Yi had most likely touched upon the Moving Mountain Sect's true secret.

It was just unclear how much benefit he could gain from it.

Thinking of this, even someone with Wei Yuanzhou's temperament couldn't help but feel a sense of shock.

This was too terrifying. With such talent, he would find treasures everywhere he went. No wonder he could remain so calm...

If this got out, major forces would probably keep a close eye on Shen Yi, fearing that their cultivation techniques would be stolen.

"Huh."

Shen Yi exhaled softly, feeling that the others had somehow misunderstood something.

It was true that he had instantly seen through the wonders of this Nameless Mountain, but only because he had immersed himself in Tempered Body cultivation for too many years, to the point where it had become second nature. Moreover, the essence of this mountain... was truly similar to his panel simulation.

It was hard not to recognize it.

It seemed to contain another world within, only permitting the infiltration of one's soul.

Shen Yi's preparation referred to his sudden realization that he couldn't bring his demon soul into this world, and so he was still trying to figure it out.

If he had to rely solely on himself to comprehend it...

Well, he had walked this path before without the help of demon magic crystals, and he had even deduced the Demon Subduing Righteous Yang Blade. Who didn't have some talent?

[Remaining Demon Lifespan: 1,180,000 years]



Shen Yi glanced at the demon lifespan on his panel, feeling much more confident.

Fortunately, he had some left over from opening two cities in succession, and he had also earned a bit more from the Dragon Palace envoy.

Now that he had seen this treasure mountain, there was no reason not to go in and take a look.

With this in mind, Shen Yi sat down with his legs crossed and finally stopped resisting the pull of the Nameless Mountain. The light in his eyes gradually faded.

Seeing this, Yan Chongzhang almost couldn't help wiping his forehead, barely managing to restrain himself in front of these esteemed guests.

To be able to immerse one's soul in the mountain on the first try, and so smoothly... Thankfully, he had only promised one attempt. If he had let Shen Yi continue observing indefinitely, it would have taken at most two to three thousand years for all the insights he had painstakingly gained through observation to become the collection of the Nan Hong Seven.

Thinking of this, Yan Chongzhang forced a smile at the others. "I haven't made any progress in many years, but I haven't given up the habit of observing the mountain. Perhaps it's because I'm unwilling to give up, pinning my hopes on luck, waiting for that moment of sudden enlightenment... I apologize for my foolishness, everyone. Please, go ahead."

With that, he also sat down.

Although he was usually skilled at immersing his soul in the mountain, his mindset wasn't calm at the moment, and it took him some time.

The Nan Hong daoists didn't leave.

Bai Wu and Wei Yuanzhou wanted to know what was hidden inside—whether it was the legendary immortal arts—and how much Shen Yi could comprehend.

Su Hongxiu, on the other hand, recalled Bai Wu's previous words about how Shen Yi relied on his talent to do as he pleased. She had been somewhat displeased at the time, but now she was starting to agree.

How arrogant must one be to completely disregard the compatibility of cultivation techniques, wanting to see and learn everything?

As these thoughts ran through her mind, she suddenly saw Yan Chongzhang's body tremble, and his attempt to immerse his soul in the mountain had failed.

The reason was that this Moving Mountain Sect daoist had suddenly seen a bead of sweat on Shen Yi's forehead.

That bead of sweat slid down his handsome face and gently landed on the ground.

In Yan Chongzhang's eyes, that single bead of sweat weighed more than a mountain! Not only had Shen Yi entered the mountain, but he had also started to gain insights?!

What nonsense was this?!

Only he, who had experienced it himself, knew how terrifying this was.

What kind of monster had Elder Yang brought in?!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end