The Path Toward Heaven

Many Cultivation sects were located in mountains that were shrouded in fog and mist all year long.

The Great Formations of mountain gate were usually hidden in the fog and mist.

It was the case with Green Mountain.

So too with Cloud-Dream Mountain.

Though the peaks on the Cloud-Dream Mountain were not as steep and grand as those on Green Mountain, they were rather elegant, and the cliffs there had slopes that turned into valleys

Like Green Mountain with its nine peaks, the Center Sect had twelve valleys.

The white clouds floated amid the valleys, lingering there all the time. The scenery was so amazing that onlookers would feel like they were in a dream, and it was also like the fairy realm that usually occurred in the imaginings of the Cultivation practitioners.

The founding of the Center Sect thirty-thousand years ago was definitely a significant event for the Cultivation world. Besides the Green Mountain Sect and the Water-Moon Nunnery, there was no other sect in Chaotian that had a history as far-reaching as the Center Sect.

The Center Sect would have to celebrate such an important event as much as they could. As such, the Dao Competition would take place as a part of the celebration, and the Fairy Book would be presented to the world.

The West Ocean Sword Sect, though they lacking historical resources, knew to utilize their flying whale to create the raindrops and make a rainbow on the horizon. Likewise, the Center Sect would do something similar, though they wouldn’t hang up the lanterns and streamers as the mortals usually did in their festivals.

By dusk, and before the stars appeared in the sky, there appeared a huge screen of light in the sky across from the setting sun.

One could see the flowing clouds and wonderful sceneries on this light screen; it was amazing and mesmerizing at the same time.

There were similar arrangements inside the Cloud-Dream Mountain; for instance, tens of thousands of peonies blossomed overnight in the Hanshi Valley, and they were so colorful that heaven and earth seemed to be colorless in comparison.

Countless sword boats and cloud ships touched down and rose up constantly, bringing in Cultivation practitioners from all over the Chaotian. Many free-traveling practitioners and those of the smaller sects had to come by riding their swords or magic treasures, since they didn’t have the large flying magic treasures to carry them; so they had to land outside the second level of the Great Formation of Cloud-Dream and then walk up to the mountaintop.

The Center Sect had the caretakers at all the mountain gates to receive these Cultivation practitioners.

One such mountain gate had a very long history, which few practitioners even knew about; so no Cultivation practitioner had passed through this gate for a long time.

The caretaker responsible for this gate felt quite drowsy with boredom. Suddenly, he lifted his spirit when he saw someone was approaching.

“Cultivationist, please register here.”

That person wore a white cloth of the common style and a conical hat, behind which existed a hidden face. He picked up a brush pen as told and wrote down his name in the register.

The caretaker looked at his name upside down, so he didn’t recognize the two words written. But he mused that this cultivationist’s name was very simple and composed of only a few strokes.

“Cultivationist, please come this way. When you hold this jade board, the formation will be able to sense it and not block you.”

That person took the jade board and headed to the inside of the mountain.

The caretaker turned the register around and looked at the name again. He felt a bit startled when he saw the name, wondering why he was familiar with the name and where he had heard of it.

A moment later, he suddenly remembered and opened his mouth wide.

“Ahh, he is Jing Jiu of Green Mountain!”

He turned around to look at the mountain path; he could still see the figure in the distance. The caretaker took out the magic treasure hastily to inform the masters on the mountain.

…

…

Among the twelve valleys on the Cloud-Dream Mountain, the Yingxian Valley had the smoothest ground; as such, the sword boats and the cloud ships of various sects bringing in their participants all parked here.

There were many paths leading to the immortal residences on the peak top from the valley. By the paths were surrounded by ancient thousand-year-old pine trees, giving off a lush and greenish feel.

Riding the swords or magic treasures was not allowed here; otherwise, the entire mountain would be covered by the sword lights and treasure glows. It would be quite chaotic.

The Cultivation practitioners were treading on the mountain paths, taking breaks in one of the pavilions, greeting others and exchanging some pleasantries.

A big celebration like this was rare in the Cultivation world. Many of them hadn’t seen each other for many years, so they didn’t want to miss the opportunity to catch up

A group of Cultivation practitioners were rather noticeable. They all wore the green clothes, heading to the cliff top silently.

They were evidently from Green Mountain since they had Elder Yue Qianmen accompanying them.

After a couple of hundred years, the sword practitioners of the Green Mountain Sect came to the Cloud-Dream Mountain again, and there were so many of them. This fact naturally drew a good deal of discussion.

When a Cultivation practitioner asked another practitioner by his side who the leader of the Green Mountain group was, he was surprised to learn that there were two leaders for the group, Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang, both the peak masters.

“The Green Mountain has paid a great respect to the Center Sect this time.”

The other practitioner shook his head and said, “No, this is not all. I heard that the Sect Master Liu will come in person when the meeting starts.”

“Why?” the first practitioner asked, not believing his ears.

As two leaders of the orthodox Cultivation circle, the relationship between the Green Mountain Sect and the Center Sect had always been delicate, even awkward.

The Center Sect didn’t send anybody to Green Mountain back when the Immortal Jing Yang ascended, and this was a proof of their awkward relationship.

In the Cultivation tournament at the Plum Meeting several years ago, the only daughter of the Center Sect Master Bai Zao was saved by the Green Mountain disciple, Jing Jiu; as a result, their relationship grew warmer.

But due to the contention for the emperor’s position in Zhaoge City, the relationship between the two sects became tense again. Why would the Green Mountain Sect have suddenly shown such a friendly gesture?

…

…

The disciples of major sects who knew the situation in the Cultivation world had a good deal of sentimental feelings when they saw the group from Green Mountain. Yet, for many free-travel practitioners and the disciples of small sects, their feelings were much simpler: excitement and thrill. What they saw were all the figures in the rumors. They had only heard of them before, but now they could see them with their own eyes. They had never thought that they would have such an opportunity in their lifetime.

“That immortal master with the composed bearing must be the principal disciple of Green Mountain, Guo Nanshan!”

Someone said excitedly, “Back then he killed seven vicious demons in a row in the Muddy River. It was sketched by a painter on a piece of cloth, the painting auctioned off by the Precious-Tree House for a case of crystals!”

“Which one is Gu Han? Did Immortal Master Jian Ruyuan come?”

“That smiling and amicable immortal master must be Gu Qing of Shenmo Peak. He looks exactly like they described. Looking at him is like being blown over by the spring breeze.”

“Immortal Master Gu Qing and Immortal Master Gu Han are blood brothers. The Gu family is truly formidable, which is how they have spread their influence throughout Zhaoge City lately.”

More discussions occurred in the valley. Soon, these Cultivation practitioners had figured out the identities and backgrounds of the Green Mountain disciples.

More and more gazes were fixed on a spot in the Green Mountain group.

Most of the Cultivation practitioners were good-looking, tall, and muscular; but this person in particular was a bit short and looked more like a common folk.

His appearance was also ordinary. No matter how long one had looked at his face, they would soon forget what he looked like once they moved their gazes away.

When someone was ordinary to such an extent, it actually became extraordinary.

It was said that even the Curtain Rollers didn’t have an accurate description of his appearance in their documents.

That person also had an ordinary bearing. He had drooping eyelids, as if he hadn’t fully woken up, displaying a low spirit.

However, no one would feel that he kept a low-profile intentionally; instead, one would feel that he was arrogant, to the point where he didn’t even bother lifting his eyes to take a look at anybody.

“Is he Zhuo Rusui?”

Some soft gasps echoed through the valley.

Looking at the young Cultivation practitioner, the others’ eyes were full of curiosity and surprise.

As all of Chaotian knew, h Rusui was the personal disciple of the Green Mountain Sect Master.

It was almost legend that he started staying behind closed doors right after he entered the inner gate.

No matter what changes had occurred in the world or what had happened on the Green Mountain, he always stayed on the top of Tianguang Peak, and had never stepped out of his manor cave in twenty years.

He suddenly came out from behind closed doors a few days ago.

It was said that a rainbow appeared on Green Mountain that day.

Then.

Zhao Layue was defeated by his sword.

…

…

“She is nonetheless Zhao Layue!…I simply can’t fathom how he did it.”

“Don’t forget that he is also somebody with natural Dao quality.”

People discussed this while gazing at Zhuo Rusui in the group.

If the glory of Green Mountain was mostly related to Shenmo Peak and Liangwang Peak before, Zhuo Rusui had gained all the attention now as he came out from behind closed doors.

Sensing the admiring gazes from all directions, Guo Nanshan let out a faint smile.

He had no quarrel with Shenmo Peak, but this young brother could indeed help him lessen the burden on his shoulders.

Soon after, he found something was out of place, because those gazes fixed on his young brother had moved somewhere else…

He followed the gazes to take a look, and found that they all looked at a mountain path at the bottom of the cliff.

That mountain path appeared very old and obviously hadn’t been used for a long time. Judging by its signs, the path should lead to a mountain gate.

Only those free-travel practitioners and those of small sects without a flying boat would come over from there; but why did that person draw so much attention?

A person was walking on the mountain path, with a conical hat on, his face covered as his white cloth tousled about. The onlookers had a sense that this person had a fairy aura about him, as if he could float away with the wind in the next moment.

Though nobody knew who that person was, the sensation of floating above the mortal world he passed to the onlookers had naturally gained attention of these Cultivation practitioners.

Gu Qing displayed a thrilled expression on his face and came out from the group, rushing to the bottom of the cliff to meet the person.

Seeing Gu Qing’s behavior, those with a quicker mind had guessed who that person in white was; and then the news spread out.

“Is that man actually him?”

“Is he the rumored Jing Jiu?”

“Is he really very handsome?”

The discussions broke out, and the voices grew louder. A barrage of buzzing sounds echoes in the valley.

Yue Qianmen frowned slightly, seemingly not so pleased with the noise.

Guo Nanshan let out a wry smile on his face. He turned to Zuo Rusui and found his young brother’s eyelids were still lowered, showing no reaction.

Countless gazes were fixed on Jing Jiu.

Some female disciples of other sects rushed to the railings of the pavilions, their eyes gleaming.

Nobody looked at Zhuo Rusui anymore.

Jing Jiu’s fame was truly awesome.

Everybody knew that he was very lazy… and also very handsome.

There were many legendary stories about him, like the Go game he played with Tong Yan, and the Cultivation tournament at the Plum Meeting.

The story about him and Bai Zao had spread all over Chaotian a while ago.

This was the Cloud-Dream Mountain; would the two meet again here?

“Whoa! You have finally showed up, Jing Jiu!”

A crisp voice rang out in the valley.

Along with the sound of bell that was as crisp as her voice, a young woman drifted to the bottom of the cliff like a young bird flying toward the forest. She was the young master of the Hanging-Bell Sect, Sese.

At the bottom of another cliff in the distance, a monk of the Fruit Formation Temple wanted to lift his head, but he lowered his head eventually. His figure appeared lonely.

…

…

Jing Jiu lifted his head and shot Sese a glance, the implication of which was obvious.

Sese turned around and returned to the cliff like a bird, grunting angrily.

Gu Qing met him on the mountain path. He started talking to Jing Jiu as quickly as possible in a low voice before he could find time to bow in courtesy.

It was because there were too many people in the valley and also because the masters like Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang had a profound Cultivation state, so they could hear his words easily if he talked in a normal voice.

Gu Qing accompanied Jing Jiu to the top of the cliff and had finished what he had to say to him; then Gu Qing backed up.

Jing Jiu walked toward the Green Mountain group.

Since he was a Green Mountain disciple, this was a normal thing to do.

But for some reason, many Green Mountain disciples, including Guo Nanshan and Gu Han, revealed an odd expression on their faces.

An awkward and nervous atmosphere took form on the cliff.

Seeing the scene and sensing the atmosphere, the Cultivation practitioners of other sects didn’t quite understand what was going on.

Then, they remembered that Zhuo Rusui had defeated Zhao Layue after he came out from behind closed doors.

Everybody knew the relationship between Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue.

He was an exceptional swordsman recognized by all. And he won the first place in the Cultivation tournament of the Plum Meeting before. Moreover…they heard that he was very vindictive.

What would happen next?

…

…

Jing Jiu walked to the front of the Green Mountain group.

Many people glanced sideways at Zhuo Rusui to check his reaction.

After a glimpse of Jing Jiu, Zhuo Rusui returned to his former demeanor, with those same drooping eyelids and same drowsy appearance.

It was evident that he thought Jing Jiu was not worth his attention.

Some people noticed that Zhuo Rusui didn’t actually look at Jing Jiu, but the iron sword behind him.

The iron sword was still on his back. This revealed enough information.

The crowd couldn’t help but become sentimental.

Back when Jing Jiu rescued Bai Zao in the snowland, his Cultivation state had stagnated. It had been ten years since, and he still hadn’t broken through the state yet.

Was it possible that this exceptional swordsman would languish?

Jing Jiu didn’t know what were on others’ minds. He turned to Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang, cupping his hands to show his courtesy carelessly.

“What are you doing here?” Nan Wang asked while raising her eyebrows.

Jing Jiu replied, “Bai Zao asked me to come. I’m here to participate in the Dao Competition.”

Hearing the first part, one could sense a hint of affection.

But when they heard the last part of what Jing Jiu said, the atmosphere grew even more awkward and nervous.

Zhuo Rusui defeated Zhao Layue in the Sword Trial, and as a result became the only disciple representing Green Mountain in the Dao Competition.

Did Jing Jiu mean to challenge Zhuo Rusui for the spot of participating in the Dao Competition?

“The participant has already been selected,” Nan Wang said. “Don’t make a fuss.”

Jing Jiu asked, “Who is the winner?”

Many Green Mountain disciples reflexively looked at Zuo Rusui in the rear.

Jing Jiu shot Zhuo Rusui a glance.

His face was ordinary and unexceptional; but it was different from that of Guo Dong.

Jing Jiu was aware that this appearance was the result of a certain Cultivation method, but he didn’t care that much about it. He retrieved his gaze and said to Nan Wang, “It will be settled after I defeat him.”

Nan Wang snapped, “Why should he accept your challenge?”

The Sword Trial on Green Mountain had finished; and Zuo Rusui was the final winner.

If someone could challenge the winner later on, the Sword Trial on Green Mountain would be meaningless.

Jing Jiu didn’t say a word.

If Zhuo Rusui was unwilling to accept his challenge, he could do nothing about it.

Gu Qing suddenly took a few steps forward and entered the crowd. “Accept it,” Gu Qing said while looking at Zhuo Rusui.

He had to do what his Master was unwilling to do.

“Are you crazy?!”

Gu Han stared at his own little brother with an expression of disbelief.

How could Jing Jiu defeat his Young Brother in his current Cultivation state?

All those on Shenmo Peak were incredibly arrogant!

Gu Qing ignored Gu Han, as he looked at Zhuo Rusui calmly.

The calmer the eye expression was, the more pressure those eyes exerted.

His intention was clear. If Zhuo Rusui was not afraid of losing, he should come out and have a fight against his Master.

Zhuo Rusui still had the drooping eyelids, paying no attention to Gu Qing.

It was because nobody would think that he was afraid of Jing Jiu, so Zuo Rusui didn’t fall for Gu Qing’s pressure.

His nonchalant expression gave others the impression that he didn’t accept the challenge because he felt Jing Jiu was too weak and the suggestion too ridiculous.

“You didn’t participate in the Sword Trial, so you automatically forfeited that right. Even if you beat Zhuo Rusui, it’s impossible for you to represent Green Mountain in the Dao Competition.”

Fang Jingtian’s voice suddenly bellowed out.

Guo Nanshan and others felt relieved, thinking that Senior Master Fang made the decision to avoid the fight between the colleagues and thus a potentially awful consequence.

Yet, Jing Jiu knew that Fang Jingtian made the decision for another reason.

Even though Fang Jingtian didn’t know why he wanted to obtain the Fairy Book of Longevity, Fang didn’t want to give him the opportunity to.

It was quiet among the group.

Jing Jiu suddenly turned around and walked out of the crowd.

The crowd felt astonished, wondering if Jing Jiu was taking off in rage.

What had happened next was not expected by anybody.

Jing Jiu came to the spot where the disciples of the Water-Moon Nunnery were and stood before the small green curtain sedan.

Inside was the Great Grandmaster of the Water-Moon Nunnery.

Those girls were nervous and more likely confused, wondering why he came to their group.

That was the affair of the Green Mountain Sect, they thought, even the Great Grandmaster couldn’t help him.

But they didn’t know that Jing Jiu had lived in their nunnery not long ago.

Nobody knew what Jing Jiu intended to do.

Fang Jingtian frowned a little.

Jing Jiu said to the small green curtain sedan, “Let me do it.”

Upon hearing this, an uproar occurred in the Yingxian Valley.

It turned out that Jing Jiu wanted the Water-Moon Nunnery’s spot of participating in the Dao Competition.

A girl of the Water-Moon Nunnery had a peculiar expression on her face; it was because she was the one selected by the Water-Moon Nunnery to participate in the Dao Competition.

This was about having the opportunity to obtain the Fairy Book of Longevity. Even Zhuo Rusui would come out from behind closed doors to contend for it, so who would in their right mind give the sole quota to a disciple of the different sect?

In the eyes of all those present, Jing Jiu’s idea was both incredible and delusional; there was no way the Water-Moon Nunnery would agree to his request.

Unexpectedly, a voice came out from the small green curtain sedan.

“It’s better this way.”