Chapter 118 The Two Elders of Mount Song (Subscription 2)
Hand over your flying sword, and I'll spare your life!
Jiang Liu rolled his eyes and was about to leave when he noticed another sword light streaking across the sky, rapidly approaching. Its speed made Jiang Liu feel utterly inferior. He put his foot down, shrugged, and said, "If you don't believe me, search me. Besides this sword, what other flying swords do I have?"
The three looked at the flying sword in Jiang Liu's hand. It was just an ordinary weapon with a slight spiritual quality, and it was naturally not the immortal sword they were chasing.
The man surnamed Di didn't stand on ceremony and searched Jiang Liu thoroughly, but found nothing. He then stopped, looking utterly displeased, and said, "Senior brother, Miss Shi, the immortal sword is nowhere to be found. We've wasted our time."
"It seems this sword is not meant for us. So be it! Junior brother, you are too eager for quick success. Everything in this world has its own destiny and cannot be forced." This person was very elegant. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Jiang Liu and said, "Fellow Daoist, I am truly sorry. Yu Xiao apologizes to you."
The two men, the elder brother in the lead, was named Little Immortal Yu Xiao, the most beloved disciple of the renowned Kunlun master, Master Zhong. The other was named Iron Drum Officer Di Mingqi, originally a disciple of Zen Master Xiaoyue, who had recently joined Master Zhong's school and was very close to Yu Xiao.
Jiang Liu glanced at the sword light as it drew ever closer. Without batting an eye, he waved his hand repeatedly and said with a forced smile, "I learned sword control techniques from the sword immortal Canglang Yushi of Wudang Mountain. He passed on a book to me, but he didn't take me as his disciple."
"Oh! You learned swordsmanship from the Canglang Taoist?" Piaomiao'er asked Shi Mingzhu curiously.
Half-Nun was one of the most powerful figures in the Wudang Sect. As a disciple of Half-Nun, Shi Mingzhu naturally recognized Sui Xinyi, the Canglang Hermit, who was also a Wudang sword immortal. This person was a senior sword immortal of the same generation as Half-Nun, but lacked talent and opportunities, and was not as good as the well-known masters.
When Shi Mingzhu went down the mountain, she met Sui Xinyi and learned that he had obtained a strange beast and was preparing to go into seclusion to refine a flying sword. It was impossible for him to come out of seclusion in the short term.
Jiang Liu circled around on his sword and laughed, "My skills are lacking, please excuse my poor performance!"
The young immortal boy, Yu Xiao, nodded and said, "It's the sword control technique of Wudang! It's just that I didn't receive the true teachings, only the basics! However, the fact that the Taoist priest of Canglang was willing to teach you shows that you have some talent!"
“Since we are both members of the Wudang sect, why don’t you come with us? I can give you some pointers!” Shi Mingzhu said.
"That would be perfect. My name is Jiang Liu..."
Jiang Liu smiled slightly, realizing that he had made a preliminary comeback after a complete transformation.
As the sword light drew closer, the three of them noticed it and immediately summoned their flying swords and magical treasures, coldly staring into the air.
In an instant, the sword light stopped in mid-air, revealing an old man dressed in a Taoist robe.
"Huh! The sword light disappeared in this area, where did it go?" The old Taoist muttered, then stared at the four people at his feet, his eyes flashing like lightning, and said, "Little brats, did you see the sword light just now? If you took it, hand it over quickly!"
Upon seeing the old Taoist's appearance, Shi Mingzhu was immediately startled and stepped forward, saying, "Shi Mingzhu of Wudang greets Senior Zhuiyun Sou of the Three Immortals of the East Sea! We have come here to pursue the Immortal Sword, but we have not obtained it!"
"So he is Bai Guyi, the Cloud Chaser?" Jiang Liu thought to himself.
Of the three, only Shi Mingzhu had actually seen the two elders of Mount Song; Di Mingqi and Yu Xiao had only heard of them but had never seen them in person. Seeing this man suddenly appear, they questioned him repeatedly, filled with resentment. Just as they were about to retort, Shi Mingzhu, recognizing the formidable nature of the Cloud-Chasing Elder, stopped them with a wink.
In the blink of an eye, another sword light flashed, revealing a short, old man. As soon as he appeared, he shouted, "Have you caught up yet?"
Di and Yu, both seasoned veterans and experienced in many things, knew immediately that the newcomer was no ordinary person when Shi Mingzhu gestured with his eyes. Upon seeing the appearance of a short old man, they guessed that the newcomer might be Zhu Mei, the short old man from Mount Song. Not daring to act rashly, they could only suppress their anger.
"A disciple of the Half-Old Nun? And two disciples of the Kunlun Sect, eh! And who are you?"
The old woman Zhu Mei's gaze fell on Jiang Liu.
“This is a disciple of the Wudang Canglang Taoist!” Shi Mingzhu said on behalf of Jiang Liu.
"Canglang Yushi? He's so lucky to have such good disciples! The sword isn't on them, how strange, how could it just disappear? Zhu Mei, let's expand the search area, this sword cannot be lost!"
"These are turbulent times, let's do our best!"
In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared again, transforming into sword light and flying away.
"Hush!" Jiang Liuan breathed a sigh of relief and thought to himself: As expected of the Three Immortals and Two Elders, their strength is indeed strong enough. If it were just one of them, I could still fight, but if the two of them appeared at the same time, I would definitely not even have a chance to escape.
Seeing the two fly away on their swords, the three of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Especially Di Mingqi, who was originally a disciple of Zen Master Xiaoyue. After the battle at Ciyun Temple, Zen Master Xiaoyue had completely broken ties with Emei and torn off all pretense of civility. Now, facing these two head-on, how could he not be terrified? His back was already soaked with sweat.
Only Shi Mingzhu, the Misty Fairy, was not worried at all. Master Banbian was on good terms with Emei, and she also knew that people like the Three Immortals and Two Elders would never stoop to the level of a junior like herself.
Shi Mingzhu and the other two had come in pursuit of the Seven Cultivation Sword without any clear purpose. Now that the Seven Cultivation Sword "Howling Sky Sword" had been taken by Jiang Liu, and the two elders of Songshan were also searching for the sword, the three knew that there was no hope of obtaining the sword, and their interest waned immediately.
We found a place with decent scenery and settled down.
This place is called Xiuhuang Ridge. It is surrounded by thousands of green bamboos, with leisurely clouds obscuring the sun. White stones and clear springs reflect each other. The mountain is deserted and the scenery is beautiful and serene. It is a good place for cultivation.
The three of them mainly focused on sparring and cultivation every day, while Shi Mingzhu would occasionally give Jiang Liu some pointers on sword control.
Jiang Liu didn't expose him, pretending to be a novice and gladly accepting guidance. He spent the rest of his time diligently cultivating, waiting for news of the treasure's theft.
As time passed day by day, Jiang Liu realized that he was getting closer and closer to his second primordial spirit, and knew that he had successfully stolen the treasure.
Stealing the treasure from the sacred tomb isn't a true success. Even if Jiang Liu hadn't appeared, the Three Corpses could have stolen the treasure, but in the end, they would have only benefited others. Not only would they have lost the treasure, but they would also have lost their lives, and thousands of years of cultivation would have been destroyed in an instant.
The treasure of the Sacred Mausoleum has become a whirlpool. The two elders of Mount Song are confirmed to be wandering around this area, Yang Jin, a disciple of Shenni Fentuo, has been waiting for a long time with the Buddhist treasure, and the other juniors of Mount Emei should also be eager to try their luck.
Jiang Liu had been pondering how to leave this whirlpool quietly, and now it seemed he had some ideas.
"It seems the fate of our safe and stealthy escape rests on the shoulders of the three of you!"
Chapter 119 Infiltrating the Enemy's Base (Subscription 3)
As expected, Yu, Di, and Shi received a message from their sect a day later, saying that two treasures had been found in the Xuanyuan Sacred Mausoleum and stolen by a demon from Baiyang Mountain. Currently, some members of the Emei Sect have gone to steal the treasures and exorcise the demon, but it is unknown whether they will succeed.
The letter stated: If the opportunity arises, I will do it!
After pondering for a long time, Shi Mingzhu finally said, "I heard from Master that the Emei Sect is currently at its peak, with many new talents and extraordinary individuals joining its ranks. Since they have already made their move, it is best to remain silent and not interfere, so as to avoid causing trouble and creating animosity between the two sects, which would not be good."
Because of his grudge against Zen Master Xiaoyue for his defeat at Ciyun Temple, Di Mingqi immediately sneered upon hearing this: "The sacred tomb's treasures have been stolen by the demon corpse and are now ownerless. Slaying demons and eliminating evil is the duty of all cultivators. Treasures belong to those with virtue and ability, not to the Emei sect. However, Baiyang Mountain is high in the clouds, isolated from the world, and we have never been there. We also do not know the true nature of the demon corpse's tomb. If we obtain some useful information and get there first to take the two treasures, even if the Emei sect is arrogant, it will be of no use. Do you think they can take them by trickery or force? Do you think they should monopolize all treasures? Even if they do try to seize them by force, we should still rely on our skills and cultivation to determine who is stronger and who is weaker. They can't stand to see us as inferior."
These words, however, lacked conviction.
Emei has indeed always been known for its cunning and forceful methods of seizing power, and its strength is formidable. Generally speaking, Emei disciples are considered superior in terms of skill level.
Shi Mingzhu and Yu Xiao were not reckless people. They thought that since they did not know the true nature of the demon corpse, it would be difficult to succeed. They might even lose their lives instead of succeeding.
Therefore, everyone shook their heads.
Jiang Liu leaned against the purple bamboo, holding his sword. He listened to the three of them discuss for a long time without reaching a conclusion, and he shook his head inwardly.
Suddenly, the purple bamboo rustled, as if someone was coming, and the wind stirred the bamboo leaves.
Sure enough, in an instant, a short old man appeared before the three of them. It was none other than the short old man Zhu Mei. As soon as he appeared, he laughed loudly, "The two treasures of the Sacred Mausoleum are still with the demon corpse. Anyone with virtue and ability can take the treasures and eliminate the demon. Moreover, I also tell you that the demon corpse's luck is about to end, at most three days. If you are late, the two treasures of the Sacred Mausoleum will definitely be taken by the Emei Sect. At that time, no matter what, it will be the Emei Sect that is strong and takes the lead. If you are confident in your abilities, you can go there before those three demon corpses are subdued, eliminate the demon and obtain the treasures."
Seeing that Shi Mingzhu and Yu Xiao remained unmoved, the short old man Zhu Mei continued, "The two treasures of the Sacred Mausoleum are timeless treasures, governed by cause and effect. They cannot be obtained by force alone; there is a predetermined fate at play. If I hadn't had the opportunity to ascend in this life, you youngsters wouldn't have had the chance to make a move... Aren't you afraid to enter the Demon Corpse Tomb because you don't know its true nature? Although I am not talented, I have been there several times in the past. I am confident that I know the way well and can tell you the truth without any falsehood. What do you think?"
"Having accumulated karma from the Holy Tomb, has your path to ascension been severed?" Shi Mingzhu asked pointedly.
"Haha, you can just undergo another life after your physical body disintegrates. Your master, the old nun, cultivated for three lifetimes to achieve such strength. Do you, little girl, really think you can ascend in just one lifetime?"
Hearing him say this, Shi Mingzhu was somewhat tempted.
At this moment, the Cloud Chaser also appeared and stepped forward, saying, "The choice of master for a divine object is determined by Heaven. However, the demon corpse is truly formidable, unlike any other. You should decide quickly. If you are willing to exorcise the demon, I am willing to assist you. Victory would be best, but even if you fail, the two of us can guarantee your safe return."
This is the Six-Earth Hidden Form Innate Taiyi Escape Talisman. Although outsiders can only use it once and its effects are only temporary, it contains hidden interactions of mutual generation and restraint, allowing you to launch a surprise attack without being detected.
The three exchanged a glance, and Shi Mingzhu asked in a deep voice, "If that's the case, why don't the Emei disciples exorcise the demons?"
"Hehe... This is your opportunity. If you don't cherish it, then we've wasted our breath!"
Yu Xiao frowned, his greed rising within him. He said in a deep voice, "Please wait, elders. We are all righteous people. We will not stand idly by when a demon corpse wreaks havoc. We are willing to go and eliminate the demon. Whether we can obtain the treasure is another matter; it all depends on fate."
Zhuiyun Sou laughed and said, "Good! You have insight. If you and your companions encounter danger on your way to Wuhua Ancient Tomb, you can flee to the northwest. I will be waiting for you on the Taiwei Peak, which is thirty miles away from Baiyang Mountain, to ensure your safety."
"Alright, you all hurry on your way. We have important business to attend to, so we won't delay you any longer!"
After the two elders explained in detail the various layers of hidden restrictions and the routes to and from the demon corpse's tomb, a flash of light appeared, and they disappeared without a trace.
Seeing that the three men had no intention of taking him along, Jiang Liu said with a forced smile, "Well, how about you take me with you? I'd like to see the world too."
Di Mingqi glanced at him sideways and sneered, "With your strength, we won't have the energy to protect you if you go."
"No need, no need. Although my strength isn't great, my sword-wielding speed is pretty good. Maybe I can even lure the demon corpses away for you!"
Di Mingqi's eyes darted around, and he thought to himself, "Perhaps I can use you as bait!"
With this in mind, he said, "Alright! Then I'll take you with me. More people mean more help. Senior Brother Yu, let's take him along!"
Jiang Liu pleaded again before Yu Xiao finally nodded, and the four of them flew off on their swords towards the Wuhua Ancient Tomb.
After the four people left, the Cloud Chaser and the Shorty reappeared.
"If the Divine Nun Fentuo wants to take the treasures of the Sacred Mausoleum, then the two treasures should fall into Xue Hong's hands, and the righteous sects have no objections. However, Xue Hong's reincarnated body is not strong enough, and that demonic corpse is incredibly powerful. Now that it has obtained the treasures, even the two of us would find it difficult to defeat it!"
The short old man watched the receding sword light and said, "Yu Xiao and Di Mingqi obtained Hou Yi's Sun-Shooting Divine Bow and the demon Xu Jingjuan's Three Yin Divine Lead Extinguishing Yang Bullet in the North Sea. These are both nemesis of demon corpses and can be used to help us slay demon corpses and steal treasures. Master Kunlun Zhong is about to face a great calamity. It would be a great opportunity for you and me to guide Di and Yu to the Emei Sect. Killing two birds with one stone is the best possible outcome!"
The Cloud Chaser sighed deeply, his face showing hesitation: "However, the Seven-Headed Howling Sky Sword is nowhere to be found. It was a rare treasure specially crafted by the Long-Browed Immortal, and it will be of great use in the future. Even though the two of us chased after it together, it still managed to escape. It's hard to say what will happen to Old Qi!"
The old man's lips twitched slightly as he said, "He made a mistake in his own planning, so how can he blame you and me? Emei is in a terrible mess right now. They've lost their most precious treasure, the Ten-Thousand-Year Warm Jade, and four immortal swords have escaped. We absolutely cannot afford any more mishaps when we retrieve the treasure from Yuanjiang! And then there's Ling Hun, your brother-in-law. He painstakingly plotted to obtain the Guangcheng Heavenly Book at Qingluo Valley, but in the end, he failed. Now, even the White-Haired Dragon Girl is nowhere to be found. The secrets of heaven are becoming increasingly unpredictable! We should be careful and not let ourselves be caught off guard."
Zhuiyun Sou frowned and said, "Cui Wugu sent Ling Yunfeng to Baiyang Mountain, but she herself disappeared without a trace. I went to check and there were signs of a battle, but... there must be very few experts in this world who could kill her and even obliterate her primordial spirit! And it's impossible for her to have made a move against her. After this matter is over, you and I will investigate thoroughly!"
"Absolutely!"
Chapter 120 Acacia Lotus
Entering the Wuhua Ancient Tomb again, we stepped into the dimly lit tomb and followed the passageway.
Yu Xiao held a large bow, as big as himself, with a bow arm as thick as an arm, emitting a dark red color. A quiver of arrows was slung across his back, with arrows seven or eight feet long and as thick as teacups, eight in total, the arrow chain gleaming with a dark light, shooting several feet away.
It was the "Hou Yi's Divine Bow that shot down the sun" that the short old man had mentioned.
Di Mingqi carried a flying sword in his hand, and a bulging leather bag hung at his waist. Inside was the "Three Yin Divine Lead Extinguishing Yang Bullet," the most vicious and filthy weapon forged by unorthodox sects.
Shi Mingzhu was carrying a dark blue sword, which, according to Jiang Liu's judgment, should be of mid-grade spiritual weapon level.
Jiang Liu walked at the very back, passing the stone tablet, which was now shattered, and the spirit-bearing stone bird on it was dead. Clearly, a great battle had taken place here, evident from the scattered rubble, the ravines on the mountainside, and the signs of erosion.
"Jiang Liu, your strength is a bit weak. Step back for a while and don't get involved in the fight! We're barely able to protect ourselves, so we might not be able to help you." Shi Mingzhu said to Jiang Liu in a low voice before continuing on her way. She didn't ask anything of Jiang Liu, nor was it because he was handsome or strong that she had taken a liking to him. She was simply offering him a little help as a fellow Wudang disciple.
A hint of warmth appeared in Jiang Liu's eyes as he thought to himself: Since you have such a heart, I will definitely protect your safety.
Upon entering the tomb, Shi Mingzhu activated the "Six Wu Hidden Form Innate Taiyi Escape Talisman" bestowed upon her by Zhuiyun Sou. The surrounding light distorted, and her figure, aura, and even footsteps were concealed.
The four of them quickly entered a dark room, where an ancient cauldron stood in the center, its three legs supporting countless patterns carved on its surface.
The cauldron has a lid, and on the lid lies a monster with the head of an ox and the body of a snake, the trunk of an elephant and the tail of a lion, six legs and four wings. Its forelegs are raised high, and its last four legs gradually lower down. Its appearance is extremely fierce and its divine power is ferocious, as if it wants to fly away.
Upon seeing the Nine Doubts Cauldron, Jiang Liu's head buzzed, and he was immediately overcome with a thirst that seemed to come from his very soul, as if he wanted to devour the entire cauldron.
"The one that disappeared has reacted again?"
Suppressing his thoughts, he looked away from the cauldron.