https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-745-The-Three-Paths-of-the-Divine-Dynasty/13466294/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-747-What-If-I-Insist-on-a-Share-/13466296/
Chapter 746: A Rocky Start
Chapter 746: A Rocky Start
North Continent, Half-Fallen Cliffs.
The cliff’s peak, sharp like an eagle’s beak, cradled the fiery red sun.
Below lay boundless mountains, lush and green, enveloped in ethereal mist, a magnificent sight in the human world.
This place was the home of the Spirit Void Grotto. The grotto’s master, Spirit Void Master, was a disciple of the Supreme Clarity Patriarch, having cultivated to the rank of Second-Grade Great Daoist Immortal. He had five disciples, two child attendants, and countless other followers, all residing within this sacred ground.
It was evening, and in the immortal mountain and grotto.
A middle-aged man with regular features and a goatee that reached his chest, dressed in a purple cloud robe, his eyes clear and ethereal, exuded a dignified and otherworldly aura.
He calmly looked ahead, seeing a young woman in a peach-pink silk gown rush into the grotto. Her beautiful face was adorned with a cinnabar dot between her eyebrows.
Cinnabar was a symbol of enlightenment, a rite of admission. This young woman was clearly a cultivated adept, capable of founding her own lineage and being called an ancestor. Yet, she still wore this red dot, for she was the most pampered junior sister in the sect, known as Ling Su.
Before she even stood still, she poured herself a cup of clear tea, sipping it to soothe her throat. “Elder Brother, do you remember when we met Crane Child from the Clear Light Grotto a few days ago? He mentioned that two refugees from the South Continent had taken refuge under Senior Master Clear Light.”
“I remember.”
Only after she finished her tea did Yun Miao Zhenren respond softly.
“These fallen nobles accomplished nothing in their own territory and now they’ve come to our North Continent to sponge off us.” Ling Su placed her teacup down, spitting in disgust.
“The South Continent’s Southern Sumeru Mountain is vast, and they were already living under others’ roofs. Moreover, they are too far from our sect to receive great teachings. Your words are somewhat biased.”
Yun Miao Zhenren shook his head, not entirely agreeing with his junior sister’s view. However, he had no intention of arguing over such trivial matters and changed the subject: “Why bring this up now?”
“What else, they’ve come to sponge off us here.”
Ling Su pouted, her tone filled with disdain: “Just now, a disciple reported that someone from the South Continent, claiming to be of the Heavenly Void Lineage, has come to Half-Fallen Cliffs and wishes to meet Master.”
“The Heavenly Void Lineage?” Yun Miao Zhenren furrowed his brow, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
“It’s that lucky Six-Winged Silkworm.”
Ling Su sat on a jade chair, tapping the armrest with her index finger: “A monster’s lineage, at best it would be a child attendant in another grotto. Yet, it has founded its own lineage and calls itself an ancestor, using the name of our Three Immortal Sect. It’s utterly shameless, and its disciples are likely a den of snakes.”
“...”
Yun Miao Zhenren pondered for a moment, not contradicting her this time.
The sect valued its reputation, and it was unnecessary to keep such a person around and invite ridicule from fellow disciples.
Thinking of this, he asked, “How have you arranged this?”
Hearing this, Ling Su chuckled and raised an eyebrow: “I ordered the disciples to take him to a random grotto for a few days. By neglecting him, he’ll likely feel embarrassed and return to where he came from, without trying to take advantage.”
Seeing her smug expression, Yun Miao Zhenren sighed with a smile.
He knew what was on her mind.
The many disciples of the North Continent had worked hard to complete their strategic plans, and it was now time to reap the rewards. Every additional person meant a smaller share of the benefits for the others.
As for Senior Master Clear Light’s side, it was a different matter. After all, when Crane Child went to the South Continent to deliver the imperial decree, those fellow disciples were essentially working for the Clear Light Grotto. If they received any benefits, the Clear Light lineage would naturally take the lion’s share. If issues arose, they should also bear some responsibility.
Moreover, those two were genuine disciples of the immortal sect, different from the one below their mountain.
Additionally, if Master were to take on another disciple, Ling Su would no longer be the youngest junior sister.
It was no wonder she had grievances.
“Understood, handle it as you see fit.”
Yun Miao waved his hand, no longer inquiring further: “By the way, how are your own matters progressing?”
At this, Ling Su immediately became enthusiastic: “I’ve discussed with fellow disciples from other grottos, and they’ve agreed to cede the area around Heavenly Tower Mountain in Kaiyuan Prefecture to me as my own grotto.”
“I’ve already sent disciples to distribute Eternal Rice and a Jade Bottle to provide relief for a few years. Then, I’ll arrange for a powerful monster to settle the matter. Once the Ling Su True Lord Shrine is established, that area will be mine.”
Though the place wasn’t too large,
Given her seniority and cultivation, securing a territory in the midst of this calamity was no small feat. Moreover, once it became her grotto, it would ensure perpetual support, a steady stream of resources that would be enough for her to advance to the Second Rank.
“Excellent.”
Yun Miao sighed, his own situation more troubling compared to his junior sister’s.
While Ling Su could secure a small territory, his cultivation and strength made him feel somewhat reluctant to settle for less. However, if he were to step forward and contest for something, his Master’s position in the sect was not enough to command respect.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, this was the most vexing situation.
As the two siblings chatted,
At the base of Half-Fallen Cliffs, a tall figure in pristine white robes, guided by a disciple of the Three Immortal Sect, slowly stepped into the boundless mountains.
...
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Ling Su took this opportunity to ask her Master Brother numerous questions about cultivation. She gained some insights into transformation, now only a step away from mastering the Six-Six Number. Combined with the recent influx of Imperial Qi, she felt her breakthrough was imminent, which put her in high spirits.
"Master Brother, I must take my leave. I need to check on my own cultivation ground to avoid drawing the attention of those who don't know the rules."
She turned and bowed, preparing to use a magical artifact to teleport away.
Just then, a clear crane call echoed from the sky, accompanied by the sound of flapping wings. A streak of light descended, transforming into a youth dressed in black and white feathers, with rosy lips and white teeth.
"Greetings, Venerable Immortals."
The youth bowed politely, a far cry from his former lazy and casual demeanor in the South Continent.
"Child, you are too courteous."
Yun Miao nodded and returned the bow.
Though the youth was of the demon race, he was not a disciple but a child servant under Master Qingguang, which was the best path for most demons. Furthermore, with his long years of cultivation and advanced realm, he was on par with Yun Miao. His master, being Yun Miao’s Master Uncle, held a higher status within the sect than even their own Master.
Yun Miao, mindful of this, remained humble and asked, "Child, have you come to Spirit Void Grotto with a message from Master Qingguang?"
Ling Su pouted, though she was eager to return to Kaiyuan Prefecture and somewhat impatient, she didn't dare act rashly in front of her Master Brother. She forced a smile, secretly stomping her foot behind his back.
"Not a message, just a question. Have any cultivators from the South Continent visited Spirit Void Grotto recently?" the Crane Child looked toward the mountain.
"South Continent?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Su was taken aback and instinctively glanced at her Master Brother.
"Indeed, a cultivator did visit, claiming to be of the Heavenly Void Lineage. Is he an old acquaintance of Clear Light Grotto?" Yun Miao, being the eldest disciple of Spirit Void Grotto, was quick to respond without revealing too much and instead asked a counter-question to gauge the situation.
"Not really, he has no connection to our True Man." The Crane Child smiled and shook his head. "I was just curious. How is he now?"
"Hmm."
Relieved to hear that the person had no connection to Master Qingguang, Ling Su interjected, "I kindly provided him shelter for two days to recover from his injuries. As for now, I'm not sure, but he's probably already gone. Surely, Child, you don't expect me to involve Spirit Void Grotto with a demon silkworm?"
She gave him a forced smile.
She suspected the Crane Child had visited the South Continent and met the cultivator, so she preemptively blocked any further questions. Even if he had a thick skin, he would likely be too embarrassed to continue.
"Of course not."
The Crane Child understood Ling Su's implication but maintained his smile. "I merely chatted with Yu Chi and Shen Shan in the South Continent and heard much about the region. They say a young prodigy has emerged from Southern Sumeru Mountain, known as the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Bodhisattva."
"This person is ruthless, willing to kill fellow Bodhisattvas from the same sect to secure incense offerings. He single-handedly faced six Third Rank cultivators from two sects, two of whom were armed with magical artifacts bestowed by True Men."
"All the Bodhisattvas perished, and Shen Shan and Yu Chi would have met the same fate if not for a great demon, who had reached the pinnacle of the Six-Six Transformations, passing by and diverting the Dragon Subduing's attention, allowing them to escape."
"..."
Yun Miao listened quietly, a complex expression crossing his face. "Thank you for the information, Child."
The North Continent only occupied a quarter of the Divine Dynasty's territory, and the Three Immortal Sect, with its vast number of disciples, couldn't spread its influence everywhere. If someone like him faced setbacks in the North, they might have to look elsewhere for opportunities.
It was good to have some advance knowledge of the monks' strength.
Ling Su, however, was somewhat distracted, as these matters didn't directly concern her.
At this moment, the Crane Child shook his head again. "Venerable Immortal Yun Miao, you misunderstand. There's more to what I wanted to say."
Under the puzzled gazes of the two, he became more serious.
"According to Yu Chi, among all the Venerable Bodhisattvas in the Great Southern Continent, apart from her and Shen Shan, the only one who managed to escape the Dragon Subduing's clutches is the Grandmaster of the Void Heavens from Shen Xu Mountain."
"Moreover, this Grandmaster of the Void Heavens is also a young prodigy, making rapid progress. According to the two from the South Continent, his talent might not be inferior to the Dragon Subduing. The only reason he might be lagging behind is due to the distance from our sect, while the Dragon Subduing has the support of Southern Sumeru Mountain."
"I noticed he didn't come to Clear Light Grotto, so I assumed he might have come to the more closely aligned Spirit Void Grotto."
"..."
Yun Miao vaguely understood the Crane Child's meaning but didn't rush to a conclusion. "So, you mean Master Qingguang wants to take this person as a disciple and has sent you to guide him here?"
Sigh.
Crane Child couldn’t help but let out a light sigh as the other party continued to probe.
This eldest disciple of Spirit Void Grotto was quite capable, but he was too slick, somewhat indecisive, and no wonder his reputation didn’t match that of other disciples at the same level.
"True Lord values his reputation and has no intention of taking on more disciples."
He outright denied it, "I’m just here to inform you. The specifics are up to you, Immortal Master."
"..."
Before he finished, Yunmiao True Lord’s expression had already turned somewhat gloomy.
Crane Child’s words seemed polite, but the meaning was clear.
This person was a promising talent.
But Clear Light Grotto didn’t want him because of his questionable background, yet they hoped Spirit Void Grotto would take him in.
After all, with Senior Uncle Clear Light’s status, he had the right to be selective and didn’t lack for a few disciples. As for Spirit Void Grotto, which was neither high nor low, they should snatch up promising talents whenever they could, rather than risk offending anyone.
As for why Crane Child had come, it was probably because he had delivered a decree to the South Continent, and now that there was a problem, letting it go unchecked would be detrimental to Senior Uncle Clear Light’s reputation. So, they were leaving it to Spirit Void Grotto to handle.
"Very well."
Yunmiao True Lord nodded and waved his hand to dismiss him.
"Goodbye, then."
Crane Child bowed again, transformed into a white crane, and vanished into the horizon.
"Wait, even a mere child is so arrogant now!"
Once he was gone, Ling Su gritted her teeth, clearly annoyed. She then turned to look at Yunmiao, "Senior Brother, you’re not really taking him seriously, are you? His master is a bug demon, and now he’s under our Master’s name. Where would that leave Spirit Void Grotto’s reputation?"
"Hush."
Yunmiao True Lord’s expression turned cold. He could tolerate Ling Su’s mischief and understood her feelings, but Crane Child’s words made him consider Senior Uncle Clear Light’s intentions.
After a moment’s hesitation, he finally turned around, "Take me to see him."
"Hmph!"
Ling Su took a deep breath, her chest heaving rapidly. Under her senior brother’s gaze, she could only huff loudly and reluctantly summoned a magical tool.
...
Amid the lush, verdant immortal mountain, there was a relatively simple grotto.
It was usually unoccupied, used to accommodate guests.
The Spirit Void Grotto disciple looked at the two seniors and respectfully said, "He hasn’t left or lost his temper. Since he arrived, he’s been staying quietly, waiting for the Ancestor to receive him. He hasn’t come out."
"Thick-skinned!" Ling Su spat.
"..."
Yunmiao True Lord had already made up his mind and ignored his junior sister’s petulance, stepping forward.
He stood outside the grotto and didn’t enter directly, but first sent a message.
When he received a response, he led his junior sister inside.
Inside the grotto, everything was as it was, with only the tea set showing any signs of use. The cup contained only clear water, no tea leaves.
The young man’s hair was neatly tied with a jade band, his bangs falling over his shoulders. He wore a fitted white robe made of silk, and sitting there, he exuded a sense of purity and transcendence, untouched by the world.
As for his face... it was clearly concealed. At first glance, it seemed smooth and refined, but a closer look at his features left one with a sense of indistinctness.
This was the effect of the Heavenly Void Dao Fruit.
If not for knowing his true background, even Ling Su might have been fooled, thinking he was a senior disciple of the sect with deep cultivation.
She frowned, "Why the secrecy?"
Yunmiao True Lord raised his hand to stop her, speaking gently, "What is this, Daoist friend?"
Shen Yi sipped the clear water, moistening his lips, "I came here to escape, so caution is necessary. Please bear with me."
At his level of the Heavenly Void Dao Fruit, this illusion could only fool those at the Six Six Transformations stage, and even then, only if they didn’t actively investigate. Once one reached the level of the Southern Emperor, it would be easily seen through.
But this technique wasn’t meant to guard against people from the Northern Continent; it was to avoid accidentally encountering the Jade Pool Ancestor and the Shen Mountain Ancestor, who had seen the true form of the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Bodhisattva.
"Of course, I understand."
Yunmiao looked through the illusion at the fair and handsome face, smiling as he sat down, "Daoist friend, this is your first time in the Northern Continent. Are you comfortable here?"
"Thank you for your hospitality. I am quite comfortable", Shen Yi responded politely.
"Please, no need for formalities. We are fellow disciples. If you need anything, feel free to choose any grotto in the Spirit Void Grotto or even open a new one."
"Given your current predicament, Spirit Void Grotto cannot stand idly by. You can stay as long as you like, and come and go as you please."
Yunmiao True Lord smiled, his manners impeccable.
But as he said these words, Shen Yi slowly raised his eyes, looking at him thoughtfully.
On the other hand, Ling Su was taken aback, but a smile gradually spread across her displeased face.
So that’s how it is. No wonder, Senior Brother.
Clear Light Grotto didn’t want him, and neither did Spirit Void Grotto, but out of respect for Senior Uncle, they were offering him a place to stay. This way, they wouldn’t offend Clear Light Grotto and would preserve their Master’s dignity.
(End of Chapter)
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