Chapter 516: Shen Zong Master's Observation of the Mountain

Chapter 516: Shen Zong Master's Observation of the Mountain

Given that the Southern Hong Seven Sons have had little contact with the outside world for so many years, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them ignorant and uninformed.

However, even so, the Daoist priests immediately realized what Yan Chongzhang was referring to when he mentioned that mountain.

The mountain had existed for so long that it was likely standing there even before Hongze came into existence.

The Mountain Movers Sect didn't give it a name, simply calling it "Mountain."

The founding ancestor felt unworthy of giving it a name, because even the entire sect existed because of its presence.

Other forces, for the sake of convenience and to differentiate it from other mountain ranges, called it Nameless Mountain.

It was rumored that the Nameless Mountain contained Immortal Arts, and only those with great perseverance and exceptional talents could comprehend them.

The reason it was just a rumor was that, up until today, these so-called Immortal Arts had yet to appear in the world.

Others didn't suspect that the Mountain Movers Sect was hiding anything.

Such a precious thing, its use could be imagined, if there really was such a thing, the Mountain Movers Sect would not be at the level it is now.

What surprised the Southern Hong Daoists was that, even now, the Mountain Movers Sect Daoists still maintained the habit of observing the mountain.

Bai Wu gave Yang Yunheng a sidelong glance, then thoughtfully withdrew her gaze.

From the reaction of this Great Elder, it seemed that even if there were no Immortal Arts in the Nameless Mountain, there must be something else hidden there.

"What are you trying to say?"

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

Inviting other forces' cultivators to observe the mountain was not an uncommon occurrence within the Mountain Movers Sect. After all, the things inside, unless they were Body Tempering cultivators, could only be appreciated as a spectacle.

"It's... nothing."

Yang Yunheng's expression was complicated. His disciples had already spoken, so it would be unreasonable to take back their words so easily.

But before he could report back to the other party, among this group of Southern Hong visitors, there was indeed a rather capable Body Tempering cultivator.

Forget it, he was just taking a look, and he really could tell what was hidden there.

There was no need to be so cautious.

Besides, even if that young man in the black robe did figure something out...

Thinking of this, Yang Yunheng's expression suddenly improved, as he was well aware of how tempting the things hidden in the mountain were for Body Tempering cultivators.

If the other party got a taste of it and wanted to continue observing, then they could discuss the matter of recruiting him.

"Since there's nothing, please follow Yan to see the mountain."

Yan Chongzhang seemed to have realized something, but he didn't say much. He casually patted his robe and turned to walk ahead, leading the way.

Indeed, this group of Mountain Movers Sect cultivators not only maintained the aura of the Jianghu in their attire and demeanor, but even their gestures and movements didn't resemble those of cultivators. They were about to step into such a towering mountain range, one step at a time.

Wei Yuanzhou and the others felt a little uncomfortable, but they also put away their Teleportation Art and followed slowly behind.

They weren't very interested in observing the mountain, but this trip to Western Hong was for an important matter. It would be beneficial to learn more about the situation from the Mountain Movers Sect, rather than running around like headless flies.

"Yan, about the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect?"

"..."

Yan Chongzhang fell silent for a moment, but he didn't turn away. With a slightly weary smile, he said, "I heard they saw something on their stele, but I don't know the specifics. It was just over a year ago, and with their influence, we couldn't very well reject them."

In fact, if one were to deduce based on a normal person's mindset.

Even if the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect was extremely powerful, they wouldn't dare to offend everyone and put themselves in a precarious position.

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

But there are always exceptions.

What if they decided to make an example by killing a chicken to scare the monkeys? No one would want to be that unfairly killed chicken.

Moreover, this group of people was indeed quite generous in their actions.

"So, if you're seeking aid, you might as well stay in the Mountain Movers Sect for a while. Even my sect is like this, let alone other sects..."

Yan Chongzhang shook his head. "When there's any news, I'll try to inform you all."

His words seemed a bit arrogant, but it wasn't an exaggeration.

The current Western Hong, although much stronger than Southern Hong, only had sixteen or seventeen Unification Realm giants.

Moreover, the situation in Western Hong was completely different from Southern Hong.

Numerous giants had established their own mountain gates, and the relationships between them were not harmonious.

It wasn't like Southern Hong, where the Seven Sons were united, and under their intimidation, other forces like the Treasure Flower Sect were also subtly affiliated with them.

In Western Hong... no, it should be said that in Hongze, the battles between sects could be even more brutal than those between cultivators and demons.

Unification Realm giants had also fallen.

For example, the Unification Realm Sacred Lands of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect weren't all developed by them.

It was more convenient to directly take over someone else's Sacred Land than to cultivate their own forces to form a covenant with the heavens.

After all, the total number of Unification Realm giants remained the same. If one fell, a White Jade Capital cultivator could immediately take their place, without affecting the standoff with the Dragon Palace.

It was just a matter of changing the sect's name.

"So, you really want to rely on luck to slowly find those Demon Celestial Prodigies?"

Wei Yuanzhou furrowed his brows, and this was indeed a bit troublesome.

The Western Dragon Palace had clearly discovered the actions of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, which was why they had the resources to assist the Southern Dragon Palace. No wonder they were so bold and unconcerned about any potential issues.

But for the Southern Hong Seven Sons.

The Dragon Palace had already made their move, and they were now facing a situation where they couldn't keep up.

If they had to rely on their six Sect Masters and the other Unification Realm elders to fight against two Dragon Palaces... it was estimated that their hard-earned wealth would be halved, and their chances of victory were extremely limited.

"I can understand your thoughts."

Yan Chongzhang stopped walking and closed his eyes. "I am indeed a bit tired."

When those eyes opened again, they had a hint of impatience. "Since they want something better, I don't mind fighting for it, as long as they can pay the price."

"There are indeed many good things around the Mountain Movers Sect, but they are quite difficult to deal with."

The demons and monsters that even the Mountain Movers Sect Daoists find challenging would not be considered a small force anywhere.

Wei Yuanzhou and the others exchanged glances, each coming up with an idea.

"...”

Shen Yi quietly followed behind the group, silently memorizing all this information.

Demons were unclaimed, and if the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect was vying for them, then he would naturally do the same.

Although in the Western Hong region, without the reputation of the Southern Hong Seven Sons, many conveniences were lost, but likewise, many concerns were also reduced.

However, one had to be even more cautious and careful when taking action.

If something happened in the Western Hong region, there would be no chance to escape back to the Nanyang Sacred Land.

Initially, he thought that with the help of Xuan Qing's purple aura and the eleven layers of the Heavenly Palace, such a rich foundation would make him a rather exceptional existence within the White Jade Capital.

But he never expected that the moment he stepped out, his horizons would be broadened.

The methods of the Boundless Dao Emperor Palace earlier could not be described as domineering, but they were extremely bizarre. Shen Yi couldn't even capture the aura of the other party's true body, and he couldn't even see the person. Even the Unborn Palm, as powerful as it was, had no chance to be used.

It seemed a bit too specialized, and when facing these unorthodox methods, it was somewhat inadequate.

Shen Yi pondered, then suddenly raised his head.

In his line of sight, there appeared a rather ordinary mountain, not particularly steep, and even shorter when compared to the other mountains, like a young child standing next to a burly man.

But for some unknown reason, it inexplicably drew people's attention.

Shen Yi took a closer look, and suddenly realized where this feeling originated from. It was the same as the earlier Boundless Dao Emperor Palace, the silhouette on the meditation cushion, and the landscape painting that seemed so out of place.

The mountain before them also did not belong to this place.

"The young friend has a keen eye."

Yan Chongzhang turned and glanced at Shen Yi, but he didn't notice that as soon as he called him 'young friend', the faces of the other Daoists showed a hint of strangeness.

"This mountain is indeed not a part of the Unification Realm Sacred Land. It was forcibly moved here by our founder after he achieved Dao Union, and it took him a full eighteen thousand years."

"Even if you search throughout Hongze, there may not be anyone who can form a covenant with heaven and earth and claim ownership of this mountain."

"Please follow me!"

Even though Yan Chongzhang had already guessed Yang Yunheng's concerns, he still extended his hand in invitation without hesitation.

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

Since entering the Divine Transformation Realm, Yan Chongzhang had been observing this mountain, and now, having opened three cities, he had spent at least fifty to sixty thousand years, with only a barely satisfactory harvest.

However, it was precisely this barely satisfactory harvest that solidified his position as a stable Daoist Elder.

Yan Chongzhang had returned at an inopportune time, and he didn't know what had happened in the sect that had almost caused Elder Yang to lose face in front of these esteemed guests and try to stop him.

But the problem should not be too serious.

"So this is Nameless Mountain."

Bai Wu also put aside his usual eccentric behavior and looked longingly at the short mountain ahead.

Things like this, born before Hongze, should be treated with utmost seriousness.

Led by Yan Chongzhang, the group quickly followed a mountain path to the foot of the short mountain. After obtaining permission, they lightly touched the rough mountain wall with their palms.

Wei Yuanzhou raised his eyes, Su Hongxiu gently tapped twice with her fingertips, and Bai Wu shook his head.

Sure enough, there was a reason why this Treasure Mountain had remained with the Mountain Movers Sect all this time.

Ordinary people truly couldn't discover the profound mystery within.

It wasn't that they were disappointed, after all, this seemingly ordinary stone wall had endured far more years than one could imagine, and being able to touch it personally was a special experience in itself.

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

Perhaps even the members of the Mountain Movers Sect didn't know that if Shen Yi hadn't taken action earlier, even without opening the Immortal City, she would not have feared those few people.

Although the Reincarnation Sword Body was not meant for killing, her Body Tempering Realm was far superior to those of the direct disciples.

However, Su Hongxiu still withdrew her palm.

The heavy intent contained within the mountain body conflicted with her sharp nature.

The sword was too heavy, making it less agile.

This technique was not suitable for her, and there was no need to force it.

"Indeed, a worthy disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, always clear about what he wants."

Yan Chongzhang sighed softly, and couldn't help but feel a bit more appreciative of this woman who was no less beautiful than many immortals, yet kept a cold and pretty face, not hiding her sharp nature.

When the Southern Hong Seven Sons were born, the Heavenly Sword Sect only had to bear the responsibility of slaughter, and throughout the changes of the world, they had never concerned themselves with other matters.

This Heavenly Sword Daoist Elder before him, however, seemed to have inherited the legacy of his predecessors, and his Dao Heart was likely very stable.

Moreover, just a light touch was enough for him to discern the profound mystery of Nameless Mountain, which also showed how profound his understanding of Body Tempering was.

"Tsk."

Yang Yunheng couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. He had been paying attention to the black-robed youth earlier and had almost overlooked this Heavenly Sword Daoist Elder.

The Southern Hong Seven Sons had not appeared for many years, and now that they had just emerged, it was quite surprising.

Oh yes, where was that black-robed youth?

Thinking of this, Elder Yang subconsciously turned to look back, and he saw Shen Yi standing at a distance, his hands hanging by his sides, with no intention of approaching closer.

Seeing this, he was taken aback.

He hadn't realized that this young friend was quite perceptive, probably understanding the taboos of the Mountain Movers Sect, and even when faced with the temptation of Nameless Mountain, he could remain steadfast.

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

"No need for formalities, my surname is Shen." Shen Yi calmly gazed at the mountain.

"Daoist Shen, why don't you try touching it?" Yan Chongzhang invited again, not wanting to appear as a hypocritical petty person in the eyes of others.

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

Su Hongxiu didn't pay too much attention to it. Whether he could comprehend it or not was another matter, after all, this was not something that could be accomplished overnight. Simply sensing Nameless Mountain, if he could do it, then Shen Yi would definitely be able to as well. However, since he cultivated the sword body, there was a high probability that he would also reject this heavy intent.

But at this moment, she was surprised to turn and look back.

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

"Prepare?"

Bai Wu reached out and patted the mountain wall again, not quite understanding what there was to prepare for on this Nameless Mountain. It wasn't like it would bite them.

Wei Yuanzhou's attention, however, was focused on the two from the Banshan Sect.

"..."

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

Yan Chongzhang stood silently in his original spot, his eyes flashing with intense light, fixed on Shen Yi's pale face. Even his breathing became heavy.

What he had mentioned earlier was 'Mountain Watching'.

Watching didn't require any physical action.

Of course, this didn't mean that simply looking with the eyes was enough. It was about establishing a connection with this Nameless Mountain while observing it.

This was definitely not something that could be achieved the first time one saw the Nameless Mountain. Even in his heyday, he had carefully caressed this mountain wall for three days before he became slightly familiar with it and truly began to watch the mountain.

And now Shen Yi said he needed to prepare...

This could only mean one thing.

It meant that the other party had already established a connection with the Nameless Mountain the moment they saw it and had sensed the barriers within!

Yan Chongzhang's eyes narrowed slightly, finally turning to look at Elder Yang.

He finally understood what their Senior Elder was apprehensive about.

But after a moment of contemplation, Yan Chongzhang still stepped aside and said softly, "The first time watching a mountain is quite important. Don't be impatient, take your time... But there's also no need to be too cautious. When you can't bear it anymore, you'll naturally be pushed out. At most, your spirit soul will be a little weak, and there won't be any serious consequences."

After saying this, he turned to Yang Yunheng and instructed, "Go and get a treasure pill that nurtures the spirit soul, the kind I usually use."

Elder Yang's face stiffened slightly.

Not only did he have to show the Nameless Mountain to outsiders, but now he also had to offer such a precious treasure pill.

He wasn't being stingy.

It was just that he was treating Shen Yi so well now, and if he wanted to recruit him later, he would have to pay an even greater price.

But a Daoist Elder's command was second only to the Sect Master's.

Moreover, although Yan Chongzhang had a good character, he wasn't a fool who would use his own things to feed outsiders.

Probably just this once.

"I'll go right away."

Yang Yunheng walked away without hesitation, leaving the others staring at each other.

"Can he see something we can't?" Bai Wu widened her eyes, trying 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, the Sect Master, had most likely touched upon the true secrets of the Banshan Sect.

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

Even with Wei Yuanzhou's temperament, he couldn't help but feel a little shaken at this thought.

This was too terrifying. With such talent, he could walk anywhere and find treasures everywhere. No wonder he was so calm...

If this got out, it was estimated that the various forces would have to keep a close eye on Shen Yi, the Sect Master, to prevent their cultivation techniques from being stolen.

"Hmm."

Shen Yi exhaled lightly, feeling that the others seemed to have misunderstood something.

He did indeed see the profound mystery of this Nameless Mountain at a glance, but only because he had immersed himself in Body Tempering for too many years, almost making it an instinctive reaction, coupled with the nature of this mountain... It was truly too similar to his own cultivation board.

It was impossible not to recognize it.

Inside seemed to be another world, only allowing the spirit soul to enter.

Shen Yi's preparation meant that he suddenly realized he seemed unable to bring the demon souls with him, so he was still trying.

It was fine to rely solely on himself to comprehend...

Never mind, even without the Demon Crystal back then, he had walked this path and even comprehended the Demon Subjugation Positive Yang Blade. Who didn't have some talent?

【Remaining Demon Lifespan: 1,180,000 years】

Shen Yi glanced at the demon lifespan on his cultivation board, feeling more confident.

Fortunately, after opening two cities, he still had some left, and later he even gained a little from the Dragon Palace messenger.

Now that he had seen a treasure mountain with his own eyes, there was no reason not to take a look.

With this in mind, Shen Yi sat down cross-legged, finally no longer resisting the pull of the Nameless Mountain, and the brilliance in his eyes gradually faded.

Yan Chongzhang, if not for the need to maintain some face in front of these guests, almost couldn't resist the urge to wipe his forehead.

To be able to enter the mountain with his spirit soul on the very first attempt, and so smoothly... Fortunately, he had only agreed to once. If he had let the other party watch indefinitely, in at most two to three hundred thousand years, the cultivation technique he had painstakingly watched over would have become the collection of the Southern Flood Seven Sons.

Thinking of this, Yan Chongzhang forced a reluctant smile towards the others, "Although I haven't made any progress in many years, I haven't given up on watching the mountain. Perhaps it's because I'm still not willing to give up, placing my hopes on the slim chance of sudden enlightenment... Forgive me for making a fool of myself, please continue, everyone."

After saying this, he also sat down.

Although he was usually skilled at entering with his spirit soul, at this moment, his state of mind wasn't calm, and it took some time.

The several Southern Flood Daoists didn't leave.

Bai Wu and Wei Yuanzhou wanted to know what was hidden inside and whether it was the legendary immortal art, and how much Shen Yi, the Sect Master, could glimpse.

Su Hongxiu, on the other hand, remembered Bai Wu's previous words, saying that Shen Yi relied on his talent to do as he pleased. She had been a little displeased then, but now she also began to acknowledge it.

Only someone with such self-confidence could completely disregard cultivation conflicts and want to see and learn everything.

Could she learn it all?

Before her thoughts could dissipate, she suddenly saw Yan Chongzhang's body tremble, and his attempt to enter with his spirit soul had failed.

The reason was that this Banshan 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 fell to the ground.

In Yan Chongzhang's eyes, it was heavier than a mountain! Not only had Shen Yi entered, but he had actually started to comprehend?!

What a joke.

Only someone who had experienced it personally would understand how terrifying this was.

What kind of monster had this old Yang brought in!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end