Chapter 3

Jitang sat at the table by the window.

"Just bring any two dishes." She asked the waiter, "Do you know what big things are happening in the cultivation world recently?"

The waiter scratched his head, thinking, "Big news? Many powerful people have come to our place recently, but I don't know why."

The answer is the same as that of the waiter in the teahouse.

She asked, "You didn't know about such a major event as the ascension of the Border Immortal Lord?"

"Is the Border Immortal Lord about to ascend again?"

The waiter opened his mouth wide and stammered, "No, he is indeed worthy of being called the Immortal Venerable! My grandfather heard from my great-grandfather that the Immortal Venerable survived a thunder tribulation hundreds of years ago, but unfortunately he still fell short. I didn't expect that the Immortal Venerable could ascend again. This is really..."

He clasped his hands together and looked up to the sky. "I will definitely ask for a statue of the Border Immortal Lord and place it at home to worship. I just don't know if the Immortal Lord can protect my home and family."

The people at the next table sneered.

Jitang looked over and saw two men and one woman sitting there, and they looked young.

The young monk who had laughed earlier didn't look at her. He said to his companions, "Isn't it funny that a country bumpkin asks about the affairs of the mortal world of cultivation?"

The people at the table laughed with him.

The waiter also laughed, then hurried away.

The female cultivator at the next table glanced at Ji Tang and asked, "Monk?"

Ji Tang: "A casual cultivator."

The young monk laughed again: "A wandering cultivator from the countryside."

Ji Tang pretended not to hear and asked the female cultivator, "Didn't the Border Immortal Venerable survive the ascension thunder tribulation some time ago?"

The female cultivator said, "You were too advanced a while ago." She looked Ji Tang up and down. "With a cultivation level of Kaiguang, your lifespan won't be four hundred years, right?"

Judging from Jitang's current cultivation level, he is only at the early stage of consecration.

The three of them have higher cultivation bases than Ji Tang, so they can see her level of cultivation.

This is one of the methods to check the level of cultivation. Those with higher cultivation can detect those with lower cultivation, but vice versa.

Another method is soul exploration.

Those with a higher level of primordial spirit can detect those with a lower level, but the opposite is not true.

The level of the primordial spirit is mostly improved by the state of mind and enlightenment.

Although Ji Tang's soul was severely damaged, her realm was still at the Tribulation Crossing Stage. Judging from the cultivation level of several younger generations, it was a piece of cake for her.

Ji Tang's expression froze when he heard this. "Four hundred?"

The female cultivator poured herself tea slowly and ignored her.

The young cultivator sarcastically said, "The Border Immortal Venerable overcame the ascension thunder tribulation four hundred years ago. You weren't even born then, right? What are you talking about some time ago?"

Ji Tang's emotions were churning inside her, and she felt a lump in her throat. She forced herself to calm down and asked, "I heard that Nightmare Venerable will transcend the tribulation right after Border Immortal Venerable?"

"That great demon!" the young cultivator sneered. "She's been dead for four hundred years. Nothing remains of her body, and her spirit has dissipated. I heard many evil cultivators have been searching for her soul for a hundred years, trying to make puppets, but all have returned empty-handed. I think the demon died completely four hundred years ago. What a blessing for her."

He suddenly thought, "Speaking of this, many people say that the Border Immortal Venerable once descended into the Nine Hells to search for the demon. Do you think it's true?"

The female cultivator snorted, "Is there even a need to ask? Why would the Immortal Venerable seek out that demon?"

"That's true."

When Ji Tang fell into the Nine Abyss, he used the Wanyin Cover to hide his tracks.

The Wanyin Cover has the effect of hiding the body and shielding the spirit, soul, and breath. It is an extremely precious life-saving magic weapon and also Jitang's natal magic weapon.

Although this magic weapon cannot attack, it can save her life at the critical moment.

Regardless of whether the story of the Nine Abyss Ten Thousand Feet Under the Su Jin Boat was true or not, even if it was true, he would not be able to find her.

The female cultivator looked at Ji Tang and said, "How can he know if you ask a mortal with a lifespan of only a hundred years? You don't go to the city often. Where in the countryside are you that is so isolated from the news?"

Jitang made up a lie: "Tiaotiao Village."

The three of them didn't know.

Female cultivator: "Who led you into Taoism?"

Ji Tang continued to make up stories: "My master was also a casual cultivator, he passed away decades ago."

They laughed extra loudly and exchanged glances.

The female cultivator whispered, "Passed away."

The other two laughed again.

The female cultivator smoothed her long hair across her chest. "I was wondering why you were talking nonsense. It turns out Master is a complete liar. He died decades ago, so I don't think he was a highly skilled cultivator. Yet you claim four hundred years ago was 'some time ago'. It's like anyone trying to borrow the Immortal Master's influence."

Another young cultivator who had remained silent the entire time asked: "How can they talk about the Immortal Lord?"

The talkative one continued, "That's right. He always mentions the Immortal Venerable in everything he does, without even considering his own worth."

Ji Tang poked his head out: "Have you met the Immortal Venerable?"

Disappointment flashed in the female cultivator's eyes, and she rolled her eyes: "Do you think it's easy to meet the Immortal Venerable? He is the bright moon in the sky, how can we..."

She changed the subject and said, "You won't have the chance to see it, so don't be curious."

Ji Tang thought thoughtfully: "It's better not to meet."

The female cultivator looked speechless. "What kind of master is what kind of disciple."

After breakfast, Jitang also knew the names of the three people.

The female cultivator was called Ning Qiyao, and of the two young male cultivators, the talkative one was called Pu Yuanheng, while the quieter one was called Zhuang Cheng. Both were disciples of the Qianjian Sect.

Jitang had never heard of this sect, but he had heard the word "sword" in it. Seeing that the three people were also wearing swords, he guessed that they must be sword cultivators.

The one with the highest cultivation level among them is Ning Qiyao, who is in the late fusion stage. Pu Yuanheng and Zhuang Cheng are both in the middle fusion stage.

Pu Yuanheng's eyes rolled around, and when he paid the waiter, he also paid for Jitang's table.

He said condescendingly: "No need to thank me. Since you are also practicing, why don't you go up the mountain with us?"

Ji Tang clasped his fists towards him and said, "I wonder if you could also settle the bill for accommodation. I would be very grateful."

She was really poor and was worrying about how to pay for the bed, and now here comes the sucker.

Pu Yuanheng: "..."

Jitang checked out of the room that the waiter had prepared for her and cleared all ties with the inn.

She followed the three of them up Kite Mountain.

The small town is called Kite City. Just a hundred miles west of the city is Kite Mountain.

When the four of them arrived at the foot of the mountain on their swords, many monks had already arrived.

Jitang looked up the mountain and asked, "Is there any opportunity on Zhiyuan Mountain?"

The three ignored her and walked towards the crowd, bowing to the two young men inside, "Brother Yu, Brother Wen."

The two turned around and bowed, "Fellow Daoists are here too."

The two men wore moon-white disciple uniforms, covered with light gauze robes, and tied half-finger-wide bamboo-patterned brocade belts around their waists. On one side of the belts hung storage sachets and jade pendants.

Jitang knew that the disciples were inner disciples of Suxuan Sect by looking at their uniforms.

After listening to a few words, I learned that one was called Lang Yu and the other was called Tan Wen, both of whom were handsome young men.

Pu Yuanheng spoke politely. He suggested, "I heard that the monks who came down the mountain were seriously injured. The mountains are dangerous. Why don't we go up together so we can look after each other?"

Lang Yu readily agreed: "Okay, then let's go together."

He noticed Jitang and said with a bow, "This fellow Taoist looks unfamiliar."

Pu Yuanheng said first: "It doesn't matter."

Jitang smiled, bowed in return, and stepped back consciously.

Lang Yu glanced at her briefly and went up the mountain with the others.

They were only halfway up the mountain when they encountered several groups of monks.

Ning Qiyao ran towards one of them, "Master!"

Ji Tang followed behind and saw a beautiful female cultivator wearing a bright red brocade gauze skirt. She looked only five or six years older than Ning Qi Yao.

The purpose of cultivating Taoism is to seek immortality. The higher the level of cultivation, the less likely one’s age will be detected.

The female cultivator asked, "Why did you come up just now?"

Ning Qiyao bowed politely, "I ran into two senior brothers from Su Xuanzong at the foot of the mountain, so I'm late coming up."

The female cultivator looked over, and Lang Yu and Tan Wen called out, "Senior Sang Niao."

Sang Niao nodded.

"Now that everyone is here, let's go up the mountain."

Jitang followed a few young men up the mountain.

She was wearing cloth shoes with soft and thin soles. She didn't feel anything when walking on the flat roads in the city, but it became uncomfortable when walking on the mountain roads.

Her cultivation had fallen to the Kaiguang stage. If she used nightmare energy to pretend to be spiritual power to protect her feet, there was a risk of being discovered by the female cultivator, so she gave up the idea.

She looked at the rolling hills and asked, "Why don't you just fly up the mountain on your sword?"

Thousands of years ago, the Wanfu Sect created the Sword Controlling Talisman, which allowed low-level cultivators before the fusion stage to travel by sword.

Ji Tang hadn't used the Sword Control Talisman before; given her Soul Level, she had no need for it. But in front of everyone, she had to pretend to be at the early stages of enlightenment. She remembered she still had a few in the corners of her storage bag, but they were badly damaged and she wasn't sure if they were still usable.

Lang Yu turned slightly and explained, "Since the past month, cultivators have been coming up the mountain one after another. There are many traps on the mountain, and it is easy to get into trouble when flying with a sword."

Ji Tang: "What opportunities are there on the mountain?"

Lang Yu: "There is a Nightmare Master magic weapon."

Ji Tang had a strange expression on his face: "Nightmare Lord's magic weapon."

These cultivators are really interesting. They are the ones who call for the death of Nightmare Lord, and they are also the ones who search for Nightmare Lord's magic weapon.

If you really don't like it, don't covet her magic weapon!

Jitang had no memory of ever being at Zhiyuan Mountain, so whether the magic weapon on the mountain belonged to her was another matter.

Ji Tang: "Do you know what kind of magic weapon it is?"

Pu Yuanheng interrupted: "Don't worry about any magic weapon. With Uncle Sang Niao here, the magic weapon must belong to Senior Sister."

"That's not necessarily true." Ji Tang said in a low voice.

Pu Yuanheng tripped her.

Jitang saw this little trick and stepped on it.

Pu Yuanheng gritted his teeth in pain, made a hand gesture, and a wind blade mixed with spiritual power appeared in front of his hand.

Sang Niao turned around.

Jitang loosened his hands that were hidden in the sleeves of his cloth clothes, then he held his head with both hands and ran upwards, shouting, "Ouch, help!" and hid behind Lang Yu.

Lang Yu had no choice but to join in this farce and used his skills to block Pu Yuanheng's wind blade.

"Brother Yuanheng, I think this fellow Taoist is still weak and may not be able to withstand your wind blade, so don't compete with her." These words gave Pu Yuanheng a way out.

Pu Yuanheng said coldly: "It is important for people to know themselves. She is just a casual cultivator in the early stage of enlightenment. She shouldn't covet my senior sister's magic weapon!"

Ji Tang poked his head out from behind Lang Yu and said, "I haven't even seen the magic weapon yet, and it's already your senior sister's. You're really too overbearing!"

"You!" Pu Yuanheng changed the spell in his hand, and the wind blade turned into a fireball. "You are so ungrateful and don't know how to be grateful! We took pity on you and paid for your hotel and meals, and yet you're thinking about the magic weapon. With your level of cultivation, you can't control the magic weapon even if you get it!"

"If you have the ability to get the magic weapon, then you can say this again!" Jitang said and hid behind Lang Yu.

Lang Yu had no choice but to block the fireball again.

Sang Niao: "Nonsense!"

Pu Yuanheng was furious, suppressing his anger and sheathing his sword. "Uncle Master, this guy really deserves to be punished. I..."

"Shut up. I brought you here to find magic weapons, not to cause trouble." Sang Niao glanced at Ji Tang with cold eyes, "You must distinguish between the primary and the secondary, and don't let insignificant people affect your mind!"

Pu Yuanheng swung his sleeves: "...Yes."

Everyone continued to climb the mountain.

Ji Tang walked beside Lang Yu, treating him as a support, and asked as he walked: "I see that all the people climbing this mountain are young people. Sang Niao is clearly using his strength to suppress others. Aren't you afraid of being criticized?"

"Senior Sang Niao has always treated Fellow Daoist Qi Yao like his own daughter. Fellow Daoist Qi Yao has now reached the late stage of fusion cultivation, only one step away from the heartbeat stage. It is said that this magic weapon of Nightmare Lord has the effect of clearing the mind and calming the spirit, which is just right to stabilize Fellow Daoist Qi Yao's spirit as she improves."

Ji Tang recalled what magic weapons she had to calm her mind. She had so many of them that she couldn't think of any at the moment.

Ji Tang: "It means the other juniors will have come here for nothing."

Lang Yu smiled: "Aren't we of the same generation?"

Jitang immediately changed his tone: "Yes, yes, peers."

He said, "You're quite interesting. Sometimes you speak like an elder, but the things you do are..." He probably wanted to say childish, but was too embarrassed to say it directly, so he said it in a tactful way, "A bit childish. You should call Sang Niao Senior."

Lang Yu: "We don't know where the magic weapon is yet, and everyone wants to try their luck. If we are lucky enough to get it, Senior Sang Niao won't say anything."

Ji Tang responded, "I see she's more friendly towards you than the other juniors. Do your two sects interact often?"

Lang Yu suddenly got stuck: "This..."

"Because Senior Sang Niao has a very good relationship with our Border Immortal Lord." Tan Wen had been listening to the two of them talking, and now he said.

Ji Tang was surprised, "How good is that?"

Tan Wen was also surprised: "You didn't know? Everyone guessed that Senior Sang Niao would be the immortal's Taoist partner in the future. Everyone knows that Senior Sang Niao aspires to be an immortal. Someone saw -"

"Talk about the news!" Lang Yu interrupted him, "Don't discuss these things."

Tan Wen shrugged.

Ji Tang was shocked and couldn't help gossiping: "What did you see?"

Lang Yu stopped him: "Fellow Daoist, please stop talking! Besides, the title of Immortal Venerable is not something you and I can call."

Although he is young, he speaks with great authority.

Ji Tang didn't care much, "It's just a name."

Lang Yu shook his head helplessly.

Tan Wen stepped forward and said, "I finally understand why you could make Brother Yuanheng so angry."

Ji Tang spread his hands innocently, "He's just a bit angry, what does it have to do with me?"

Lang Yu: "Brother Yuanheng is a very nice person. Didn't he even pay for your room and food? Don't bully him."

"Who's bullying who? He obviously had some bad intentions in mind when he asked me to follow him up the mountain. Well," she said, noticing Lang Yu's disagreement, "At worst, I can just compensate him with a magic weapon."

She still had quite a few magic weapons in her storage bag. Although they were not comparable to those used to overcome tribulations, they were still rare among these young people.

Lang Yu reminded her: "You should change your habit of talking nonsense. Be careful that your soul will be unstable when you practice and upgrade in the future."

Ji Tang nodded in response: "Yes, fellow Daoist is right."

Seeing that she responded obediently, Lang Yu smiled and was about to speak when the spiritual communication stone in his arms began to feel slightly hot.

He glanced around, gave Tan Wen a look, and the two of them fell behind the crowd and walked into the woods.

Jitang followed them.

Lang Yu turned around, not knowing what to say: "My fellow Taoist, you..."

Tan Wen blasted her: "You have to be more considerate. We came out here to do something."

Ji Tang smiled secretly, these two people complement each other very well.

Lang Yu was reserved and embarrassed to say many things. Tan Wen spoke frankly, which allowed him to say everything he was embarrassed to say.

Ji Tang said with grievance: "You guys saw what happened just now. If I were there alone, I would probably be bullied by Pu Yuanheng again!"

She added, "You guys are busy, I won't get close, I'll just follow from a distance, okay?"

Lang Yu had no choice but to say, "That's it."

The two of them moved away from Jitang.

Lang Yu took out the spiritual communication stone, and the image of the Border Immortal Lord appeared before him.

Su Jinzhou was in seclusion in the cave. He waved his hand and asked the two juniors who were bowing to stand up.

He said coldly, "Have you already reached Kite Mountain?"

Lang Yu answered politely, "Yes."

"Have you seen Nightmare Lord's magic weapon?"

Lang Yu lowered his head and said, "No. Senior Sang Niao is here too this time. I'm worried that I'll be late and won't be able to retrieve the magic weapon."

Su Jinzhou lowered his eyes slightly, "Make sure to get it back."

Lang Yu couldn't help but straighten his back, his whole body tense: "Yes!"

Su Jinzhou glanced behind the two of them.

Lang Yu's body stiffened, and his tone was a little weaker than before. "This is the fellow Taoist who went into the mountains with me to search for the Nightmare Lord's magic weapon. His name is, his name is..."

Ji Tang was hiding in the dark, but was still discovered by Su Jinzhou.

In her impression, Su Jinzhou was always dressed in moon-white. After not seeing him for four hundred years, she knew that he had changed his habit at some point. The moon-white clothes on his body were replaced by black clothes. The bright moon in the sky was dyed with thick ink, and it always felt a bit evil.

Seeing him again felt like a lifetime ago.

I didn't expect that he looked exactly like in my dream.

Ji Tang's mind raced, and he took the initiative to say, "My name is Jiu Shui Shen."

Su Jinzhou's gaze only fell on her for a moment before he looked away.

He looked at Lang Yu and said, "Go and bring back the magic weapon."

Lang Yu bowed respectfully: "Yes, Immortal Venerable."

Tan Wen stepped forward: "Immortal Lord!"

Su Jinzhou: "What else?"

Tan Wen also became reserved and obedient: "When will you come out of seclusion? Master has been wanting to play chess with you!"

"A few days later." He said, waved his sleeves, and the image disappeared.

Lang Yu put the spiritual message stone back into his arms and urged the two of them: "Let's go, let's go up the mountain quickly!"

Ji Tang was in a trance.

The Su Jinzhou in the video is very different from the one in the dream.

Comparing the two, dreams are false and images are real.

Compared to four hundred years ago, he had become remarkably cold and indifferent. Just by looking at the image, one could sense the chill emanating from him, making one shiver uncontrollably.