Chapter 335 One Lineage, Two Dynasties

A small market town at the foot of Baishi Mountain.

Inside the restaurant, diners crowded around the windows on the third floor, gazing up at the mountain peak.

They couldn't see what was happening there; they could only see the colorful clouds swirling and the wind and clouds changing on the mountain. They could only hear a deafening roar mixed with faint shouts of anger.

Half an hour later, the rosy glow faded, and everything returned to silence.

"What do you think happened up there?"

"It must be the immortal masters of the Zhang family releasing their magic."

A plump, middle-aged man said:

"Hehe, I don't think so."

Today I saw a huge spirit boat fly by; only the immortals of Yuanhe Mountain possess such a large spirit boat.

"Hiss! It's actually an immortal from Yuanhe Mountain! How did you know, brother?"

Someone asked a question, and the others stared at the man with curiosity.

The man enjoyed being the center of attention and said arrogantly:

"My brother-in-law's third aunt's second uncle's great-uncle's sister's younger brother is a cultivator from Yuanhe Mountain!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion. The waiter, who had been watching the commotion, lowered his head and carefully walked downstairs to the counter. He said:

"Shopkeeper, the guests would like apricot blossom wine."

The shopkeeper nodded slightly and pointed to the small cubicle behind him:

"Go in and get it."

"Okay."

The waiter went inside, and after a while called out again:

"Shopkeeper, I can't find it."

"How stupid," the shopkeeper said, dropping his abacus and going to the small back room.

The waiter lowered his voice and said:

"Second Uncle, the great battle on White Stone Mountain has ended, but the specific details are unknown, I observed it."

"I understand, you can go ahead and get back to work."

The shopkeeper's face was gloomy. They had been Yuanhe Mountain's undercover agents for generations, responsible for monitoring large families.

For a stronghold like theirs, a large family would typically have at least three located nearby.

Although Yuanhe Mountain is undoubtedly the behemoth of this region, many things cannot be solved by fighting and killing.

A great battle broke out after the spirit boat from Yuanhe Mountain arrived; it would be strange if things weren't going well.

The waiter took out a jar of spirit wine and went out, while the shopkeeper also went into the wine cellar and opened a hidden passage.

He took out a luminous pearl for illumination, passed through the narrow passage, and arrived at a stone house.

Inside the room was a cage containing three gray pigeons, and there was a hole in the roof about the size of a bowl through which a faint light shone in.

These specially fed pigeons, though only at the mid-stage of Qi Refining, are incredibly fast, comparable to flying at full speed in an ordinary flying shuttle.

The only drawback is its short lifespan, less than ten years.

The shopkeeper wrote down the battle situation he observed in secret, made three copies, rolled them into bamboo sections as thick as a baby's finger, tied them to the pigeons' legs, and released them all.

The pigeons emerged from the bushes and did not fly straight toward the gate of Yuanhe Mountain, but instead took a large arc.

The blazing sun shone on Yuanhe Mountain, the wind howled on Qitian Peak, and the iron horses under the eaves of Zixiao Palace made a chaotic and jarring sound.

Master Beichen's gaze was deep and serious; he always had a sense of unease.

He calmed himself down and pondered what had caused this sudden impulse.

Just as he was deep in thought, a cultivator descended from the sky on a magical artifact and stumbled into the Zixiao Palace.

His face was full of panic, and his eyes showed fear:

"The soul lamps of all the disciples accompanying the Sect Leader and the Nanshan Ancestor have been extinguished!"

"What?!"

Master Beichen felt as if a basin of water from the deepest hell had been poured over his head, and an infinite chill rose in his heart.

It's confirmed that the enemy attacked the sect's cultivators. Should we go to their aid?

Where did the accident happen? Could it be an even bigger trap?

In that instant, he thought of many things.

Master Beichen clenched his fist, took a step forward, and instantly dashed out of the main hall.

He rode his magical artifact into the sky, flying towards the sect's Soul Hall, where there was a spiritual artifact that could locate the identity jade tokens of sect cultivators.

Hall Master Liu of the Soul Palace was anxiously waiting outside the gate. Upon seeing the Ancestor, he immediately came forward to greet him.

Master Beichen asked abruptly:

"Have you located Master Nanshan's position yet?"

Hall Master Liu shook his head:

"The Ancestor of Nanshan has escaped the monitoring range of the positioning artifact. We can only confirm that he was walking in the direction of south."

Which families are in that direction?

“There are the Yun family of Baihe Mountain, the Ouyang family of Baituo Mountain, and the Zhang family of Baishi Mountain.”

The rocks in those mountains are all grayish-white, so the names all have the character "white" in them.

Master Beichen's mind raced as he calculated how long it would take to reach White Crane Mountain.

A disciple rushed out of the Soul Hall, saying in a panic:

"The flame of the ancestor's soul lamp flickered and became much weaker."

Master Beichen's expression turned anxious. He pushed aside his disciples and rushed into the main hall, with Hall Master Liu hurriedly following him in.

The disciple stumbled and nearly crashed into a pillar. He stood panting heavily at the entrance of the Soul Hall.

The flame of Master Nanshan's soul lamp grew weaker and weaker, until finally it suddenly burst into light as if in a final burst of light.

It then went out completely, with a wisp of smoke rising gently.

Master Beichen's eyes widened in horror, and his bones cracked and popped.

"Pass down the order: activate the mountain-protecting formation and recall all sect disciples except those from Qingyun Immortal City."

Furthermore, take my sect leader's seal and use the teleportation array to visit the leaders of various sects, inviting them to Yuanhe Mountain.

Master Zhengyang entered the Zixiao Palace, sat down next to Master Huoyun with a puzzled look on his face, and questioned him with his eyes.

Master Huoyun shook his head slightly; he was also unaware of what had happened.

With a sorrowful expression, Master Beichen said in deep grief:

"Gentlemen, our sect's True Man Nanshan was attacked while collecting tributes from various families, and his soul lamp went out."

My junior brother has a secret spell that can pinpoint the location of his killer.

I implore you two to accompany me to the Baihe Mountain area to investigate the situation and then hunt down the murderer.

After the matter is accomplished, Yuan Heshan is willing to use a portion of the profits from Qingyun Immortal City as a token of gratitude.

His words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the minds of the other two.

Master Zhengyang instantly analyzed many things. He exchanged a glance with Master Huoyun and solemnly said:

"The three clans are of the same blood and share the same responsibility."

I'll go back to my sect to give some instructions, and I'll be back soon.

If the enemy can launch a sneak attack on the cultivators of Yuanhe Mountain, they can certainly launch a sneak attack on the Jinling Sect as well; it just so happens that they chose Yuanhe Mountain.

Previously, we couldn't find the enemy's location. Now that we can locate the enemy, we must eliminate this threat forever!

Master Huoyun's face turned fierce as he said:

"Could it be the same enemy who ambushed my junior brother Qingxu?"

According to intelligence gathered from various sources, the Golden Core level enemies hidden in the heart of the Western Continent consist of only one late-stage Golden Core demon cultivator and two early-stage Golden Core demon cultivators.

The demonic cultivator was severely injured and completely disappeared.

Only demons and cultivators remain elusive, stirring up trouble in the shadows.

Master Beichen shook his head and said:

"I can't draw any conclusions, so our first destination is the place where my junior brother was attacked. We can analyze the enemy's methods by examining the remaining battlefield."

A cold glint flashed in Huoyun Zhenren's eyes as he said:

"Fellow Daoist Beichen, can you guarantee that you can track down the enemy? Will the enemy realize they've been tricked?"

Master Beichen nodded and said with conviction:

"This secret incantation works on the soul and is extremely well hidden. Unless one is a Nascent Soul cultivator, the chance of discovering it is extremely slim."

The secret incantation was obtained by the second-generation Yuanhe Mountain Patriarch when he explored a certain ruin, which was left behind by a Nascent Soul Grandmaster who had been lost to time.

Master Huoyun nodded solemnly, "After I return, I will bring all the Golden Core warriors of Falling Maple Valley with me."

We must achieve victory in this battle, otherwise we will be subjected to endless retaliation from the enemy.

Fellow Daoists, what do you think?

Master Beichen spoke through gritted teeth, his tone chilling:

"Yuanhe Mountain also possesses a secret treasure armor, which, once activated, provides the defense of a late-stage Golden Core demon beast."

I am willing to risk my life to hold off the enemy; fellow cultivators, please proceed with the attack."

The crafting method for this secret treasure is unique, and the materials are rare, but it is quite worn.

If it were to undergo another fierce battle, it would likely be completely destroyed.

But if they don't do this, these allies might not necessarily go all out.

He was also worried that the enemy, who had been meticulously targeting Yuanhe Mountain, might have further schemes planned.

If the enemy cannot be completely defeated, Yuanheshan will face a very difficult future.

Yuanhe Mountain can no longer withstand any more setbacks. His lifespan is limited, and if he cannot protect the legacy of his ancestors, the lineage will be broken.

Master Zhengyang pondered and said:

"Both of you fellow Daoists have the will to punish the traitors, and the Golden Spirit Sect is willing to accompany you."

My junior brother, the earth dragon beast, and I will fight together.

"good!"

Master Beichen said fiercely, "I will also bring the sect's guardian spirit beasts."

At this very moment, in the Wulong Ridge Valley, six thousand miles northwest of Yuanhe Mountain, black winds blew, and a green dragon appeared and disappeared.

It swallowed a body cultivator at the sixth level of the Golden Core stage and found it very nourishing.

The bright moon shines among the pines, and a blue dragon coils on the rocks, its mouth opening and closing, strands of moonlight condensing into lines that enter its throat.

The black demon core pulsed in and out from time to time, bathed in moonlight.

Suddenly, the Azure Dragon felt a jolt in its heart, sensing that danger was approaching.

It immediately released its divine sense, and its expression changed drastically as enemies at the Golden Core level approached from all directions.

"It's spotted us! Charge!"

Master Beichen's body swelled several sizes, and at the same time, he activated the secret treasure. Golden armor enveloped his entire body, making him look like a celestial being descending to earth.

He activated a secret technique and covered several miles in an instant.

He must do everything in his power to hold off the enemy and buy time for his other allies.

A fiery cloud lit up the night sky as Master Huoyun arrived with his junior brothers.

The Xuanhuang Pagoda was filled with auspicious energy, its yellow light shining brightly, protecting the True Man Zhengyang and the True Man Yuxiao.

Under the control of Jade Cloud Immortal, the Flame Banner fluttered, and fiery clouds filled the sky.

Several Golden Core stage spirit beasts moved from underground to the edge of the scene to prevent the enemy from escaping by earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic or magic).

That night, the roar of the Azure Dragon echoed through the mountains, the rumbling lasting for half the night.

The demonic beasts within a radius of dozens of miles were frightened away by the overwhelming force and fled under the moonlight.

The fire surged down like a raging river, burning down dense forests and causing mountains to collapse, turning Wulong Ridge into a red lava depression.

Yuanhe Mountain, Zixiao Palace.

The neatly arranged pieces of the Azure Dragon, including its scales, tendons, bones, core, and essence, were placed in the main hall.

The several real people all bore serious injuries, but their faces were filled with ecstatic joy.

The enemy was a demon cultivator at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage, which was undeniably strong. However, with the tacit cooperation of eight Golden Core cultivators, the demon ultimately met its end with resentment.

Master Beichen stood up and smiled:

"Haha, today my great revenge has been achieved. I thank all my fellow Daoists for risking their lives to help me."

"Including the demon core, you will each take 35% of the spoils, and the remaining 30% will go to Yuanhe Mountain. How about that?"

Master Huoyun nodded:

“I agree. If you hadn’t risked your life to hold back the Azure Dragon, it would have escaped.”

"If that happens, we'll all be unable to eat or sleep properly."

The demon cultivators' power exceeded everyone's expectations. If the enemy takes the final step, the Western Continent will be completely transformed.

This discovery left all the real people terrified.

Master Zhengyang echoed:

"The Golden Spirit Sect agrees to this distribution plan."

During the battle, Beichen Zhenren repeatedly used his body to shield his allies from attacks, and Yuxiao Zhenren also benefited from his kindness.

Master Beichen bows respectfully:

"Alright, the demon core can be kept by True Person Huoyun. We'll trade together when the merchant ships of the Central Continent cultivators arrive."

Please choose the other materials first.

He was in a much better mood. With his biggest threat gone, he could now focus on dealing with his vassal forces.

When they arrived at White Stone Mountain, they found that many families had abandoned their cultivators, leaving only ordinary people behind.

For him, the occurrence of such a situation in the Yuanheshan area was an utter disgrace.

The next day, the news of the killing of the demon cultivator at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage was released by the three sects, causing a huge uproar.

The rogue cultivators once again felt the power of the three sects, and those who had the intention to use demonic cultivation methods to establish their foundation or advance to the Chaoyuan stage immediately lost interest.

They warned themselves that they must never resort to this method unless absolutely necessary.

Beneath a desolate hill, Chen Sheng laughed wildly:

"Haha, with the Azure Dragon killed, doesn't that mean I'm the only one in the Heavenly Demon Alliance with the Golden Core cultivation level!"

He can accept all the resources left behind by the Azure Dragon and use them for his own cultivation.

Wu Long cupped his hands in greeting: "Congratulations, Master!"

Chen Sheng's gaze darkened, and he said:

"Pass on my order: all lurking forces of the Heavenly Demon Alliance, proceed to the Hundred Thousand Mountains as soon as possible to converge."

When Qingjiao killed Nanshan Zhenren, some families were exposed. Now that the three sects have freed up their resources, they will definitely focus on investigating them.

"Yes, sir!"

Five days later.

Inside the cave at Ningcui Cliff, Ge Ying looked at her disciples and said excitedly:

"I never thought that what I dreamed about would actually come true! Good, good!"

She felt she had no more worries, and even if she were to pass away now, she could rest in peace with a smile in the afterlife.

Ji An smiled and said:

"Congratulations, senior brothers and sisters!"

Both of them went into seclusion at the same time, and both achieved perfect merit, successfully breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage.

For the sect, this means two more cultivators who have the potential to reach the Golden Core stage.

The fact that Ningcui Cliff now has two cultivators at the Chaoyuan stage is a great event in the sect.

"Haha, I've finally caught up with my junior brother."

Liu Yu felt a surge of pride and satisfaction, and Ge Luoying nodded in agreement.

Ji An chuckled twice and changed the subject:

"Several major events have occurred in Xizhou during the days you were in seclusion."

The Nanshan Zhenren of Yuanhe Mountain perished; the one who attacked him was a demonic dragon at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage.

The azure dragon was then found and killed by a joint effort of several sects.

It is said that this demonic cultivator was the murderer who attacked Master Qingxu of Falling Maple Valley, and also the mastermind behind the events in the Azure Mist Secret Realm.

Liu Yu was stunned, feeling that the world had changed in just a few days.

(End of this chapter)