Chapter 414 - 227: The Three Sects, Part 2

Chapter 414: Chapter 227: The Three Sects, Part 2

Indeed. Up above, a colossal Immortal Mountain hung suspended, its roots in the sky and its peak pointing down. Even the palaces, pavilions, and towers upon it were built upside down, with foundations above and eaves below. Those with keen enough eyesight could even see Daoists and Feathered Warriors moving about the mountain as if nothing were amiss.

The two mountains, one above and one below, were like two different worlds. Though extremely close, they were polar opposites.

These two mountains—one upright, one inverted—were Upper Realm Mountain, which stood firmly on the ground below, and Lower Realm Mountain, which hung suspended from above. Together, Upper Realm Mountain and Lower Realm Mountain formed the gateway to the Spirit Treasure Sect: Inverted Mountain!

A young, tatter-clad boy, after enduring untold hardships, had finally arrived at this place and now witnessed the wondrous spectacle of an Immortal Family.

"The immortal destiny from my dream... it’s real!" Infinite joy filled the boy’s eyes, only to be replaced by hesitation a moment later.

’How do I get to that inverted mountain?’

The boy approached the Cloud Bridge for a closer look and immediately stumbled back two steps in alarm. From a distance, the Cloud Bridge had looked like a cluster of celestial clouds, but up close, it was merely a thin wisp of mist, appearing entirely impassable.

’Can I really cross this?’

After a long hesitation, the boy gritted his teeth and stepped onto it.

This scene did not escape the notice of two Daoists on the Lower Realm Mountain.

"So this is the cultivation prospect that Junior Martial Uncle Xu found while spirit-roaming through the Zeji Land?"

The scene was rather peculiar. Of the two Daoists, one was ancient and wizened, while the other was young and dashing. Yet, the old Daoist addressed the younger one as "Junior Martial Uncle."

However, this was not uncommon in the Cultivation Realm. Moreover, since a Primordial Spirit Zhenren’s appearance was born from their mind, one could never judge them by their looks.

Master Xu smiled. "Indeed. What do you think, Martial Nephew?"

The old Daoist replied slowly, "His aptitude is acceptable, and his temperament is passable. To have earned Junior Martial Uncle’s favor, I suppose his fortune can be considered profound."

While his words held no overtly negative judgment, they still betrayed a hint of indifference. Master Xu glanced at him in surprise, then suddenly said, "Although we will have to wait and see what he achieves, his aptitude and temperament are already worthy of nurturing."

Master Xu seemed to know what his martial nephew was thinking. He said slowly, "A cultivation genius isn’t just someone like Dao Miaozhi or Zhong Shenxiu. They didn’t reach their current heights in a single day. Nurturing disciples requires patience."

"Junior Martial Uncle’s teachings are wise. It is I who has been too impatient," the old Daoist sighed. "But for ten thousand years, among the three sects, the Upper Profound Sect has been called the head of the Xuan Sects, and the Tai Su Sect grows stronger by the day. Only our Spirit Treasure Sect has stagnated."

"Now, a great calamity is approaching. The Upper Profound Sect first had Xuanlan refine a Primordial Spirit, and now has Zhong Shenxiu showing his brilliance. The Tai Su Sect has had Daochen take the mantle, and on top of that, Dao Miaozhi has burst onto the scene."

"Our Spirit Treasure Sect is of the Pure Yang Dao Lineage, an orthodox sect for tens of thousands of years, yet we always fall a step behind. I cannot help but be anxious."

"I am aware of all this." Master Xu nodded slightly, but then said, "The Upper Profound Sect was not always at its peak, nor has it been without its lows. The Tai Su Sect was not an orthodox sect from the very beginning, either. You know that our Spirit Treasure Sect is of the Pure Yang Dao Lineage, a Xuan orthodox sect. This alone is enough to ensure our eternal heritage. Falling behind for a time means little in the grand scheme."

"Be patient." Master Xu repeated himself, a faint smile on his face. He pointed down and said, "Besides, the Upper Profound Sect has Zhong Shenxiu and the Tai Su Sect has Dao Miaozhi, but doesn’t our Spirit Treasure Sect have Zaidaizi?"

The old Daoist followed his gaze and saw a composed-looking Daoist, appearing to be in his thirties, sitting with a young child beneath a cascading waterfall. The roar of the falls seemed unable to disturb his mind. Lost in contemplation of the profound Dao, a faint, immersed smile graced his face.

The old Daoist’s brow twitched, a flicker of surprise on his face. Knowing what he was thinking, Master Xu said, "His progress is slow, yet he shows no discouragement. He has achieved much in the Dao, yet he shows no arrogance."

"You did well in choosing this child to nurture."

The old Daoist’s expression softened slightly. He slowly replied, "Though I am impatient, I am not so foolish as to ruin things by forcing them. Zaidao has indeed not disappointed my expectations."

Master Xu smiled and nodded. After a moment of thought, he suddenly beckoned with his hand, and He Zaidao and the young child appeared before them in an instant.

Noticing the change in his surroundings, He Zaidao showed no alarm. His brow merely twitched as he opened his eyes and glanced around. He rose slowly and bowed, neither obsequious nor arrogant. "Disciple He Zaidao greets Master Xu and Master Shang."

An inscrutable expression appeared on Master Xu’s face. He said, "Zaidao, have you heard the recent rumors circulating in the Divine Continent?"

He Zaidao replied, "I have not."

Master Xu was not surprised. With a casual point of his finger, He Zaidao felt a stream of information flow into his mind, and a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

Master Xu asked, "What are your thoughts?"

He Zaidao replied, "Great reputations are not built on lies. This disciple is truly captivated by Dao Miaozhi’s brilliance."

Master Xu chuckled. "Good. You may go."

The sudden summons ended with this baffling exchange. He Zaidao couldn’t help but ponder Master Xu’s true intentions, but on the surface, he simply bowed and announced his departure.

Master Xu merely gave a slight nod, letting him leave. He Zaidao flicked his sleeve, nearly knocking over the young child who seemed to be meditating. The boy awoke as if from a dream, wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, and called out, "Master, is our lesson over?"

He Zaidao said coolly, "Get up and pay your respects to the Grandmasters."

The boy was startled and scrambled to his feet to bow. Master Xu and Master Shang, of course, wouldn’t hold it against a small child and accepted his respects with a smile. Only then did He Zaidao lead the boy away.

After leaving that place, the boy looked around at the unfamiliar scenery and asked, "Master, which way should we go?"

He Zaidao wore a thoughtful expression and did not answer, simply walking on without pause. The boy followed closely at his heels. After walking for nearly ten minutes, He Zaidao suddenly stopped and announced, "Down the mountain."

"What?" The boy was first surprised, then overjoyed. "Down the mountain? Where are we going?"

He Zaidao said slowly, "Tai Su. Upper Profound."

"The Tai Su and Upper Profound Sects!" The boy nearly shot into the air. "’Inheriting the profound, born to the world in flawless form; a thousand years of immortal style, the singular Dao is Miao!’ ’Creation’s grace is gathered in Zhong Shenxiu; a natural born Dao Zhen!’ Master, are you going to challenge them?"

Before He Zaidao could respond, the boy was already chattering nonstop. "When are we going? How are we getting there?"

It was a strange sight: a composed and established Daoist like He Zaidao having such a flighty disciple. Furthermore, while He Zaidao was unaware of the rumors in the Divine Continent, the boy knew them like the back of his hand and spoke with great authority:

"There’s been no news of Zhong Shenxiu for a long time, so he’s probably in secluded cultivation. Venerable Dao Miao is currently holding the fort in the Nanzhan Treasure Continent, so you can’t just show up at his doorstep. If you want to challenge them, Master, you have to send a formal challenge letter first..."

He Zaidao just glanced at the boy, who immediately fell silent. He rubbed his head and gave a seemingly simple-minded smile. "Of course, it’s still up to you to decide, Master."

He Zaidao said coolly, "We are just going for a walk down the mountain, and while we’re at it, we will witness the brilliance of the Tai Su Orthodox Sect and the Upper Profound Orthodox Sect."

"I intend to travel on foot to measure the mortal world. You will come with me."

"We will return to the grotto-abode shortly. Pack anything you need to bring, and make sure not to leave anything behind."

"What?" The boy’s face turned pale as a sheet. "Travel on foot? Measure the mortal world?"

The Zeji Land was immensely vast. Even for cultivators, who were different from ordinary mortals, how long would it take to cross it on foot without using Daoist arts? Ten years? Twenty?

"Master, this disciple has only just begun his studies! I still have my outer sect assignments..."

"The rich tapestry of the mortal world is the perfect place to grow," He Zaidao said. "Along the way, I will personally instruct you in your cultivation. You have nothing to worry about."

’Is that what I’m really worried about?!’ the boy wanted to scream.

But He Zaidao had no intention of saying more. With a wave of his sleeve, he swept up the boy and flew toward their grotto-abode...

——

The great fog dispersed, revealing the Treasure Continent once more.

He held the Gate of Life, repelling demons for a hundred li.

In a single battle, he slew three Demon Sons, struck a heavy blow to the Demon Sect’s fortune, and hunted down Ye Xuanzhang...

Despite all the turmoil, only a little over ten days had actually passed. As the storms gradually subsided, even with Xuan Sect cultivators coming and going, Xuzhuang simply sat upon the Magic Altar, continuing his practice. Time seemed to pick up its pace, and soon, the seventy-nine days set by Daochen Zhenren had slipped away.