Chapter 535: What Was Before is Child's Play, Now We're Talking Real Grudges (Apologies, it's a bit

Chapter 535: What Was Before is Child's Play, Now We're Talking Real Grudges (Apologies, it's a bit late)



From a distance, one cannot fathom the height of a mountain. Only by treading the treacherous path upwards does one understand the true difficulty of the climb.

With his previous experience and the foundation of the Divine Mountain's true intent, Shen Yi's absorption of the demons' lifespan became faster and his rest periods shorter.

If the first climb felt like an overwhelming oppression, as if mired in quicksand, this time, his experience was akin to those endless swamps converging into a towering mountain. Then, the mountain shrunk until it was palm-sized, finally crushing down on the climber's spine.

It was a sensation that felt like one's soul was scattered to the winds.

In An Yi's eyes, Shen Yi sat cross-legged outside the small mountain, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably, his black robe already soaked through, sticking uncomfortably to his skin.

No matter how she wiped, she couldn't erase the fatigue between his brows.

Then, a streak of light appeared in the sky.

Yan Chongzhang had just arrived at Wuming Mountain when he saw Elder Yang, looking dazed and lost.

The elder's expression reminded him of himself the last time Shen Xiaoyou had viewed the mountain.

This bold thought made Yan Chongzhang temporarily forget about Pan Boyang. He urgently sought out Shen Yi's figure, unable to contain his impatience.

Upon spotting the familiar silhouette, a look of astonishment appeared in Yan Chongzhang's eyes.

He knew how dearly Wuming Mountain cherished Shen Xiaoyou and had been trying to come to terms with the events of the three days prior. Just when he was about to convince himself, this new development arose.

How long had it been? An afternoon? Judging from his appearance, Shen Yi had clearly gained quite a bit.

What was going on? Was Wuming Mountain afraid that he'd tire himself out and not come again, so it went out of its way to give him a leg up?

"Take it easy... At least he viewed the mountain himself, it wasn't the mountain actively seeking him out." Elder Yang patted the shoulder of his fellow disciple and offered a word of comfort. "By the way, has that person been taken care of?"

"Hmm."

Yan Chongzhang rubbed his temples forcefully, forcing himself to look away from Shen Yi. Otherwise, he feared he wouldn't be able to restrain himself from rushing over and grabbing the young man by the throat.

"And who is this?" He gestured towards the little girl beside Shen Yi.

"A little friend Shen Daoist brought along. She's well-behaved, just a bit cold in demeanor, much like him."

Elder Yang smiled, then noticed the worry lurking in Yan Chongzhang's eyes. "What's wrong? Surely that Pan fellow won't cause trouble here, will he?"

"Never mind, just be careful with your words." Yan Chongzhang didn't hide anything, directly telling his fellow disciple about the previous incident in the grand hall. "Fortunately, Shen Xiaoyou gave me another surprise. You go deal with it first. I'll take him away once he's done viewing the mountain."

"..."

Elder Yang took a deep breath. He never would have imagined that the personally taught disciple of the Wu Liang Dao Sect's Sovereign would utter such shameless words, blatantly shifting the blame to the Moving Mountain Sect.

However, the name Xue Yan resonated throughout Hongze, and it was best not to offend him if possible.

"I'll go." The old man nodded and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing into the horizon.

Yan Chongzhang retracted his gaze, only to notice that Shen Yi's silhouette had stopped trembling.

In the next moment, Shen Yi's pitch-black eyes slowly opened, reflecting a tall stele within their profound depths. On the stele were the crudely written characters 'Zheng Yue'—the Mountain Suppressing Technique.

[Harmony (Rare) - Mountain Suppressing Technique: Uninitiated]



[Remaining Demon Lifespan: 230,000 years]



"It's... over?"

Yan Chongzhang stood rooted to the spot. He had climbed for so many years and had never fully grasped the Mountain Suppressing Technique, only reaching the introductory stage. Yet, Shen Xiaoyou had effortlessly imprinted it into his mind.

Even without the issue of Pan Boyang, he couldn't suppress the urge to send Shen Yi away from the Moving Mountain Sect.

This was just too infuriating!

Why was this mountain so harsh on its own disciples?

Yan Chongzhang took a few deep breaths and quickly walked over, taking out a precious pill that nurtured the spirit. "Shen Xiaoyou, quickly take this to nourish your soul and avoid damaging your foundation."

"Thank you, Yan Daozi."

Shen Yi adjusted his state of mind, striving to maintain a calm expression. His voice was hoarse as he expressed his gratitude.

At this moment, An Yi reached out and took the pill, walking over to Shen Yi. Without a word, she wiped the sweat from his brow with her sleeve, just as she had done before, and then placed the pill in his hand.

Although she didn't know what Shen Yi had just experienced, she remembered how she had felt in that eerie grand tomb—lonely and helpless. At that time, she had wished for someone to comfort her with a gentle touch.

And so, she did the same for him.

"..."

Shen Yi glanced at the little girl, suddenly realizing that with a Harmony-level guardian stone by his side, he now had some backing.

He closed his eyes again, and when he reopened them, the forced calm in his eyes had given way to agitation and resistance.

Who would enjoy enduring the pain of a crushed spine as they climbed a treacherous mountain, especially when that climb spanned nearly 400,000 years?

At this moment, he wanted nothing more than to kick Wuming Mountain to pieces!

Shen Yi gulped down the soul-nourishing pill, his actions conveying his frustration. Yan Chongzhang was left bewildered, having never seen such an expression on Shen Xiaoyou's face before.

"What's wrong? Did you have a falling out with the couple of Wuming Mountain?"

Yan Chongzhang shook his head, dispelling the strange thought. He spoke with a hint of hesitation. "I'm afraid I have some matters to attend to and won't be able to accompany you for long. If you don't have any other plans, I'll send you off now. We can have a proper gathering next time and drink until we're content."

"Okay."

Shen Yi nodded.

In fact, he had overheard their conversation earlier and had a rough idea of what was going on.

Although he believed in cutting problems off at the root, Shen Yi also understood boundaries. Killing a disciple of the Wu Liang Dao Sect within the Moving Mountain Sect would bring no end of trouble for these cultivators.

What he hadn't expected was Pan Boyang's impatience.

No matter, there would be other opportunities in the future.

"This way, please."

Yan Chongzhang heaved a sigh of relief and, as usual, led the way down a small path, escorting Shen Yi out of the sect.

"Shen Xiaoyou, please excuse our negligence this time. Do come again when you have the time, and don't be a stranger."

Yan Chongzhang escorted Shen Yi a great distance, ensuring that there were no disciples from the Wu Liang Dao Sect lurking around and that it was safe for them to part ways.

Only then did he bid farewell with a helpless wave of his hand.

None of the things his master had taught him had been of any use today.

"Wait a moment."

Shen Yi held a jade slip in his hand and did not rush to leave.

"Is there something else, young friend? Please speak freely." Having come this far, Yan Chongzhang was too lazy to bother with his master's usual tricks. He didn't like the feeling of mutual scheming, and judging from Shen Yi's demeanor, he probably wouldn't fall for it anyway.

Shen Yi was about to raise his palm when he paused and glanced back.

Yan Chongzhang also sensed something and his expression changed drastically as he turned around.

At the edge of the sky, a majestic landscape painting rapidly extended, instantly filling the space between the azure sea and sky with the bustling atmosphere of a marketplace.

A figure from outside the painting leaped over mountains and rivers and weaved through streets and alleys, covering the vast distance as if it were but a few steps.

Until he finally stood above the two of them.

Pan Boyang casually crumpled and threw away his handkerchief, then lightly clapped his hands, looking down at the two figures below with a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "As expected of a disciple of the Moving Mountain Sect, you really know how to keep your cool. Clearly, the person I'm looking for is right here in your sect, yet you still managed to act as if nothing was wrong."

"If I hadn't thought things through and left a trace of my presence on you, you really would have fooled me today."

"May I ask, am I still making baseless accusations?"

A smile curved Pan Boyang's lips, but his eyes turned icy cold. "The Moving Mountain Sect agreed to our request but went back on their word, colluding with evil cultivators and ruining my senior brother Xue's grand plans. You should carefully consider how you're going to appease my anger."

It was clear that this gentleman was no stranger to such situations, as he effortlessly pinned the blame on the Moving Mountain Sect with just a few words.

"As for you, things will be much easier."

Pan Boyang shifted his gaze to the other figure in the black robe, slowly losing his smile. "You just need to prepare yourself to die."

With just a few words from this man,

Yan Chongzhang's breathing became heavier, and he never expected that the North Hong's schemes would be so profound that he hadn't sensed anything at all.

Now that the truth was out, he could almost foresee the trouble the Moving Mountain Sect would face. If Pan Boyang's words were true and the capture of the Demon Taming Prodigy was related to Xue Yan, this matter might even implicate his master, a giant at the Harmonious Spirit Realm.

They had been caught red-handed.

Even with Yan Chongzhang's extensive experience, he didn't know what to do.

Unless... he killed this fellow? Despite the temptation, and the fact that they were on the Moving Mountain Sect's territory, where they could easily take action without repercussions, if they really dared to make a move, Pan Boyang would be dead without a doubt.

But the fact that he dared to stride over so boldly already indicated that this was not a viable option.

A personally taught disciple of the Wu Liang Dao Sect, his whereabouts were known to all. If he were to perish in South Hong, there would be no way to cover it up.

And to maintain their deterrence, the Wu Liang Dao Sect would definitely not let this slide.

In this situation, perhaps being forced into seclusion like the South Hong Seven was the best outcome the Moving Mountain Sect could hope for.

"What's the matter? Now that you've seen my true self, you don't seem as arrogant as before."

Pan Boyang stared at Shen Yi, finding his silence intriguing.

"... "

Shen Yi glanced at the jade slip in his hand, the impatience in his eyes growing more pronounced. He said softly, "Close your eyes."

Both Pan Boyang and Yan Chongzhang froze for a moment.

A moment later, Yan Chongzhang reacted and realized that those words were meant for him.

Close... close my eyes?

For a White Jade Jing cultivator with a spiritual soul, this action was as futile as stealing the bell to bury it.

But it represented Shen Yi's stance.

First, to dissociate the Moving Mountain Sect from this matter, and as for what exactly to dissociate...

Yan Chongzhang abruptly turned and stared at the young man next to him, astonished. "Shen Xiaoyou! Don't be impulsive! Let me discuss this with him further."

Killing a personally taught disciple of the Wu Liang Dao Sect was no laughing matter, and now that the other party had arrived in person, his strength was far beyond what he had displayed the last time.

"Close them."

Shen Yi was too lazy to say more and simply waved his palm, sending a Tian Yan Forty-Nine towards Yan Chongzhang.

In the instant that the Moving Mountain Sect disciple was stunned,

Shen Yi finally raised his eyes, casually glancing at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure above him. A dangerous aura crept into his calm voice as he said, "I think I mentioned before that I don't like people standing above me and talking down."

Hearing those familiar words and seeing the same casual attitude on Shen Yi's face,

Pan Boyang's expression finally twisted with rage, losing the calm he had maintained during his conversation with Yan Chongzhang.

Once bitten by a snake, one fears the well rope for ten years.

Even though he had come in person this time, he still subconsciously refrained from summoning his chained dao treasure.

He just glared fiercely and said in a low voice, "So what?"

Shen Yi held the jade slip in one hand and slightly awkwardly pressed it with his left hand, responding to the other party.

The perfected Shen Yue Law exploded out.

Before Pan Boyang could react, he was like a bird with broken wings, suddenly falling from the sky and crashing into the water!

He never expected Shen Yi to have such a bizarre technique up his sleeve.

For a moment, he frantically struggled in the deep water, like a big white fish that had its lip hooked. He finally managed to reach out his hand, as if grasping the last straw of salvation, and his five fingers clenched tightly.

From the landscape painting in the sky, a jade ruler covered in crimson lightning slowly emerged.

Thunder raged wildly, causing even the sky to change color.

The thirty-ninth entry in the Dao Treasure Records, the Tian Yuan Illusionary Thunder Ruler.

Unlike the last time, it finally appeared in the world in its complete form.

Finally holding it in his palm, Pan Boyang steadied himself and roared as he smashed some of the invisible mountains on his body, then rushed towards the water!

But just as he was about to leave the water, he couldn't return to the Jiangshan map as he had imagined.

A long boot gently stepped on his shoulder, and the ink-clad figure seemed incredibly thin. But under his feet, Pan Boyang felt a pressure even more terrifying than before.

Half of his body sank into the water, and no matter how he struggled, he couldn't move away.

He looked up in horror and met Shen Yi's indifferent gaze. That handsome face showed a lack of interest, and he didn't even bother to look at him directly.

"Go."

Shen Yi took out a jade slip and casually threw it to An Yi.

As Pan Boyang watched in confusion, the little girl, who had no aura at all, took a step and disappeared from the spot.

It was also at that moment that a ripple of energy made him twist his entire face, and he deeply suspected his own perception.

How could this be?!

"Get out of my way!"

In his shock, Pan Boyang roared and swung the Tian Yuan Illusionary Thunder Ruler in his hand towards the figure on his body!

But his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Shen Yi's empty left hand, which now held a straight golden-patterned black blade.

The blade casually swept by.

The black blade with golden patterns slashed into the red lightning, touching the translucent jade ruler covered in blood vessels.

Crack!

Without any hesitation, just like true iron smashing against a piece of jade, the jade ruler didn't even last a breath before it completely shattered into countless jade fragments.

The long blade fiercely cut through Pan Boyang's fragile neck.

Puff!

A fresh head flew into the air!

"... "

Shen Yi slightly felt the warm bloodstain on his fingertips, his expression unchanged, and he put away the long blade.

At this moment, the Jiangshan map in the sky suddenly rolled down and took away the headless corpse in front of him.

Shen Yi turned to look.

In the Jiangshan map, a Taoist priest ruthlessly twisted his own neck, then jumped high and caught Pan Boyang's head with his neck.

The next moment, Pan Boyang came back to life on the old Taoist's body and frantically started running through the streets and alleys.

At the same time, the entire Jiangshan map quickly rolled towards the Wu Liang Dao Palace.

"Tsk."

Shen Yi frowned slightly. He finally understood why these Northern Hong cultivators were so arrogant.

Aside from the Dao artifacts, these methods, even if they weren't immortal techniques, were still shocking.

He retracted his gaze and lightly tapped his waist with his fingertips.

There hung a delicate jade pendant, displaying a mixture of black and white, like a yin-yang fish.

As the jade pendant swayed.

A tiger's roar turned into an invisible ripple that penetrated the entire Jiangshan map.

This scroll, which was formed by the aura of heaven and earth, was like a real painting when touched by the tiger's roar, devoured by flames, and disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The old Taoist priest wailed and knelt on the ground, instantly swallowed up.

The head fell again.

Held in that slender palm, Pan Boyang's voice now had a hoarse cry: "I admit defeat! I admit defeat! Spare my life, Taoist friend!"

But his tear-filled, blurry vision saw Shen Yi's white face, and his expression was not much different from the last time.

Equally calm and decisive.

As his five fingers suddenly clenched!

This fragile head exploded with a bang.

The field fell silent again.

Shen Yi washed the bloodstains from his fingertips with his aura and put away Pan Boyang's remains, then removed the Tian Yan Forty-Nine that had been placed on Yan Chongzhang earlier.

An Yi had somehow returned to his side and handed him the jade slip.

Shen Yi walked to the stunned Yan Chongzhang, placed the two jade slips in his hand, and said softly, "Thank you for your hard work, Taoist Yan. Shen has other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

As he finished speaking, he didn't intend to explain further and turned to leave, transforming into a purple and white rainbow that flew away.

"Gudong."

Yan Chongzhang finally snapped out of his daze from breaking free of the Tian Yan Forty-Nine. He stood dumbfounded, and it was only when his peripheral vision swept over the still dark red water surface that he seemed to realize something, and he looked up at the sky in shock.

The sky was clear, and there was no trace of the Wu Liang Dao Palace.

"Young Friend Shen..."

Yan Chongzhang suddenly felt his heart beating faster and faster, to the point of being distracted.

He instinctively held up the jade slip in his hand and carefully infused his soul into it. After seeing the contents, his gaze became even more scattered.

The first jade slip contained what he had always longed for, a complete set of the Mountain Suppressing Technique!

As for the second jade slip, the contents were equally shocking.

It was a simple scene.

The golden-patterned black blade easily shattered the Tian Yuan Illusionary Thunder Ruler and effortlessly cut off Pan Boyang's head, no more difficult than smashing a block of tofu.

The jade slip did not record the attacker's face, but it was enough to prove many things.

For example, such a powerful Dao artifact was obviously not related to the Moving Mountain Sect.

Moreover, with such a long distance, Pan Boyang was completely defenseless, and the Moving Mountain Sect couldn't extend their aid, only managing to record some information about the killer...

Although there were still many loopholes.

But in an instant, this might have been the best that Shen Yi could do.

Yan Chongzhang held the two jade slips, still standing in place, and for a while, he couldn't say a word.

He couldn't imagine what kind of terrifying power could nurture such a talented and meticulous cultivator like Shen Yi.

Shen Yi seemed indifferent and ruthless in his actions, but he was more worthy of friendship than anyone Yan Chongzhang had ever met.

The Moving Mountain Sect Taoist stood dumbfounded, staring into the sky.

His last action might have been even more correct than his master imagined.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end