Category: I, The Man Who’ll Conquer Both the Immortal Venerable and the Demon Empress

Chapter 195: The Red Scorpion of the Underworld

Sha Lingshan pondered, “The Shen Ting Sect has so many warriors. The Poisonous Sunflower Sect must be trying to weaken them with this plague. But if we stay here, we’ll also be affected.”

Shi Hao said, “Don’t worry.” He took out a talisman.

Sha Lingshan asked, “What’s that?”

Shi Hao said, “The Plague Dispelling Talisman. The divine crystal inside is the Plague Harmonia Envoy. It can neutralize the four Plague Stars.”

Sha Lingshan was surprised, “How did you obtain such a valuable talisman, Young Master?”

Shi Hao smiled, “I didn’t ‘obtain’ it. It belonged to that Tu Baoquan. He and Huang Facai tried to kill me, but I killed them instead. I found this talisman on his body.

“I was wondering why he would carry something so… specific. It’s not very useful in most situations. But now I understand. They must have acquired the four Plague Stars.

“They were probably planning to come here and meet with the Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s elders after killing me.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “So you can cure the mountain ghosts’ plague.”

Shi Hao nodded, then added, “The only problem is, both the Plague Stars and the Plague Harmonia Envoy seem to have a limited range. If I cure the mountain ghosts, I’ll also be curing those Shen Ting Sect Daoists. And they’re not exactly… friendly.”

The white-bearded old man hurriedly bowed, “Master Shi…”

Shi Hao helped him up, “Don’t worry, I won’t abandon them. And we’re also here. We can’t let the plague spread.”

He activated the Plague Dispelling Talisman, a cooling energy radiating outwards in all directions.

After a while, he said, “That should do it.”

The old man hurried off to check on the sick mountain ghosts. Their condition was indeed improving, and in the next few hours, no one else fell ill.

But after about twelve hours, more began to show symptoms.

Clearly, someone was continuing to use the Plague Stars.

Shi Hao used the talisman again. The plague would appear every twelve hours or so, spreading rapidly, then be neutralized by the talisman. This cycle repeated five times.

Two days passed.

At noon on the fourteenth day of the eighth month, Shi Hao waited, ready to use the talisman again.

Twelve hours had passed since the last outbreak.

He suspected the Poisonous Sunflower Sect possessed at least two of the four Plague Stars.

Their plan was to release the plague every twelve hours, but the Plague Dispelling Talisman, unusually, could be used twice a day.

But this time, although the usual time had passed, he waited for three hours, and no one else fell ill.

Did the Poisonous Sunflower Sect realize their plague wasn’t working, or did their magical weapons run out of uses? Shi Hao wondered.

It was evening outside, but deep within the mountain, there was no day or night.

A loud boom echoed in the distance. Shi Hao quickly put away the talisman and went to investigate.

He followed the sound through a tunnel, the mountain ghosts scattering before him.

He easily looked over their heads, his gaze fixed on a newly created opening in the cavern wall.

A tall, curvaceous woman in a crimson robe, her hair in a high bun, emerged, her movements graceful.

“Found you,” she said, her voice cold, her hips swaying slightly, “You insignificant creatures. You’ve interfered with our plans. I should have eliminated you all earlier.”

She saw Shi Hao emerging from behind the mountain ghosts, her eyes narrowing, “You’re Shi Chongyun?”

Shi Hao smiled, “You know me?”

The woman in red said coldly, “Let’s not waste time. Some of my companions went after you. They should have returned by now. Since they haven’t, they must be dead. And they were carrying the Plague Dispelling Talisman. It seems you have it now.”

Shi Hao said, “You’re from the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, I presume. May I ask your name?”

A giggle came from behind him, “She doesn’t have a name, only a nickname.”

Sha Lingshan, accompanied by Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, approached, “Isn’t it Red Scorpion? Long time no see.”

Red Scorpion’s gaze, landing on Sha Lingshan’s beautiful face, flickered, then she sneered, “I was wondering who was hiding here, interfering with our plans. So it’s the Evil Lotus Sect. It seems your reunification has made you ambitious.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “Don’t make false accusations. We’re not interested in your affairs. We’re simply guests of this young master here and were inadvertently caught in the crossfire. Are you here to challenge us, Sister Red Scorpion?

“I wonder if your skills have improved. I would be delighted to… test them.”

Red Scorpion’s face was cold and impassive, “I’ve heard you’ve reached the fourth rank and become quite arrogant, Sister Sha. It seems the rumors are true. Unfortunately, you’re not our target.”

With a flicker, she disappeared, retreating rapidly. The sound of rushing wind came from the distance, a large number of people approaching.

Shi Hao’s face paled, “She’s brought the Shen Ting Sect!”

He quickly assessed the situation, “Sister Sha, protect the mountain ghosts. Take them somewhere safe.” He turned and chased after Red Scorpion.

Sha Lingshan sighed and turned to the white-bearded old man, “Is there anywhere safe you can go?”

The old man said quickly, “We can retreat further into the caverns and seal the passages, but it will take some time.”

Sha Lingshan said, “Then hurry!”

The old man hurried off to make arrangements.

Sha Lingshan turned and saw a middle-aged man in a purple robe embroidered with cloud patterns, followed by a large number of purple-clad warriors, approaching.

The man, landing before the shattered entrance to the tunnel, glared at her, his voice filled with rage, “You’re the ones who ambushed us!”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, said calmly, “Don’t make accusations. If it weren’t for us, your losses would have been far greater.”

The man snorted, “I don’t care who you are. Capture them!” He lunged towards her, a bolt of energy, like lightning, shooting from his hand.

Sha Lingshan, seeing the attack’s power, didn’t dare underestimate him. She spun her fan, a ring of fire erupting around her, her fan like a blade, deflecting the attack.

A loud boom echoed as the ground trembled, flames and sparks flying.

The warriors behind the man hesitated, not daring to approach. The mountain ghosts, protected by Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, had also retreated.

The man, his powerful punch effortlessly blocked by the seemingly delicate young woman, said, his voice filled with surprise, “Who are you?”

Sha Lingshan, knowing he was a fourth-rank expert, a formidable opponent, smiled, her voice melodious, “Who are you?”

The man snorted, “I am Li Zhen, the ‘Thunder King,’ one of the Four Divine Kings of the Shen Ting Sect.”

Sha Lingshan said, “One of the Four Divine Kings? My apologies. But you’ve mistaken us for someone else. It’s the Poisonous Sunflower Sect who’s been targeting you. We’re just… guests here.”

They clashed, Li Zhen unleashing a flurry of punches, Sha Lingshan deflecting each one with her fan, her movements graceful and precise.

They both sensed the other’s strength, and in the confined space of the cavern, not wanting to cause too much damage, they held back, focusing on technique and precision.

Li Zhen’s punches, fueled by his concentrated internal energy, were powerful and direct.

But the young woman, seemingly delicate, wielding only a fan, her movements were fluid and unpredictable, each strike creating a swirling vortex that deflected his attacks.

Although the Shen Ting Sect had been in hiding for years, they had kept track of the martial world’s events.

Li Zhen was familiar with most of the prominent figures, but he didn’t recognize her style. Who is she? he wondered.

---

Shi Hao, using the Soul Chasing Locking Steps, followed Red Scorpion.

She suddenly disappeared into the shadows, and a group of Shen Ting Sect warriors emerged.

Shi Hao quickly used the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations, his body shrinking, and hid in the shadow of a stone pillar. The warriors ran past him, none noticing his presence.

After they were gone, he emerged, continued his pursuit, and entered a tunnel that split into three paths.

The warriors had disrupted his senses, breaking his connection to Red Scorpion’s energy flow. He didn’t know which path she had taken.

“Young Master,” a voice called out from one of the passages. It was Little Emerald, beckoning him.

Little Emerald, her ability to appear and disappear at will, had been following him, her presence often unnoticed, even by him.

Shi Hao, relieved, followed her.

As he moved through the passage, he sensed Red Scorpion’s energy again.

He followed her twisting and turning path, and then she stopped, another person appearing beside her.

“What’s the situation?” a man’s low voice asked.

Chapter 194: Why Talk of Profit?

“Greetings, Senior! We await your command,” the two men said hurriedly.

The girl in the yellow dress asked, her voice calm, “I believe I saw you yesterday. Are you from around here? What are you doing here? And who were you with?”

Wu Shun replied, “I am Wu Shun of Dingjiang Village, and this is Ding Shan, the Mountain Tiger, of Yulin Town. We came to investigate the unusual weather in Wu Gorge. The villagers are worried.”

“We were ambushed by a group of purple-clad warriors deep in the mountains and suffered heavy losses. Four people saved us. We then guided them towards the Scripture Bestowal Platform, but they were discovered.

“During our escape, the platform collapsed, and the earth split open. The four of them fell into the chasm. We had no choice but to flee, and we encountered more enemies here. We are eternally grateful for your help, Senior.”

They bowed again.

The girl in yellow pondered for a moment, then asked, “What did those four look like?”

Ding San replied, “A young man and three women. The young man’s name was Shi Yun, and one of the women, in her twenties, was called Shi Lingsha. I don’t know the names of the other two.”

The girl’s voice was cold and distant, “Shi Yun? Shi Lingsha?”

She looked up at the sky, then back at them, “This place is dangerous. Leave immediately and return to your villages. Evacuate the people. Don’t return to Wu Gorge until after the full moon. And don’t tell anyone about meeting me here. I value my privacy.”

Wu Shun and Ding San said in unison, “Yes, Senior.”

The girl flickered, like a swallow darting into the forest, and disappeared.

Her sudden appearance and equally sudden departure left them speechless, marveling at her power.

They didn’t dare linger and hurried away.

---

Deep within the mountain, Shi Hao and the white-bearded old man discussed the situation in Wu Gorge.

The old man and the mountain ghosts knew little about the Shen Ting Sect and the Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s motives.

However, through their conversation, Shi Hao learned more about the layout of the underground caverns.

The mountain ghosts had lived here for a long time, creating a network of tunnels connecting the various caverns, cultivating strange and unusual plants within them.

Drinking the spring water offered by the mountain ghosts, eating the small, purple fruits they cultivated, living in this hidden world… it was a strange and novel experience.

After their meal, he lay down in a small, tree-trunk hollow, furnished with a table, a bed, and a stool.

Small but cozy.

The silence here was a welcome change from the chaos outside.

However, the occasional tremors from above, the distant rumbles of the collapsing earth, unsettled the mountain ghosts.

They feared the caverns might collapse.

In another part of the cavern, water dripped from the stalactites hanging from the ceiling, forming a small pool fed by a spring flowing from a crack in the wall.

Steam rose from the water. It was a hot spring.

Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady, having undressed, were soaking in the hot spring.

Several female mountain ghosts bustled around them, attending to their needs.

“Miss,” Peach Blossom Lady, submerged in the water, couldn’t help but ask, “Are we really going to help these mountain ghosts?”

Sha Lingshan, leaning against the rock face where the spring emerged, the warm water flowing over her smooth skin, rinsed her silk fan.

She tapped the fan lightly on the water’s surface and smiled, “The Young Master made the decision. Why are you asking me?”

Peach Blossom Lady said, “But we’re demonic cultivators. What do we gain from helping them?”

Plum Blossom Lady also looked at Sha Lingshan. Having been raised in the demonic sects, where self-interest was paramount, they couldn’t understand the Young Master’s motives.

Sha Lingshan raised her left arm, rinsing it with water from her right hand, and chuckled, “If we truly followed the demonic sects’ principles, when the Young Master jumped into that chasm, you should have followed him without hesitation, risking your lives to protect him.

“But he had no obligation to save you. Yet, he did. He followed you into that chasm. That’s the kind of person he is. If it were me, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady exchanged glances.

They knew their mistress wouldn’t have abandoned them either.

But she was right. According to the demonic sects’ rules, the Young Master, as the true inheritor, had no obligation to risk his life for them.

However, seeing him jump into that chasm for them, they couldn’t help but feel a surge of… something. Gratitude, perhaps. Or respect.

Sha Lingshan waved her fan gently and said, “I don’t know if the demonic sects should change, but the Evil Lotus Sect definitely needs to. It’s said that ‘When the Dao rises one foot, the Demon rises ten feet,’ that the demonic sects are resourceful and cunning.

“But throughout history, the Daoist sects have always had the upper hand. The Evil Lotus Sect has been divided for two hundred years, the rift between the three factions deep. Our Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion is relatively neutral, but the other two have been feuding for generations, their animosity difficult to resolve.

“Now that we’ve been reunited, if our new leader were like the others, selfish and manipulative, our unity would be short-lived. We would splinter again. Always taking, never giving… the demonic sects value profit above all else, but that ‘profit’ always comes at someone else’s expense.”

“You might gain a temporary advantage, but in the long run, everyone will see us as nothing but wolves. We say the demonic sects value secrecy, but it’s simply because we’re so universally despised that we’re forced to hide.”

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, surprised by her words, remained silent, unable to argue.

Sha Lingshan continued, “Mencius said, ‘Why talk of profit?’ The Young Master helped the Nine Villages in the Ba Mountains, and then left, seeking no reward. He gained their respect and earned the nickname ‘Hidden Dragon.’

“He risked his life for you two. I naturally had to follow him. And as for helping these mountain ghosts… we have no other allies in Wu Gorge. Only by helping them can we earn their trust and gain valuable informants.”

“That’s the demonic sects’ greatest weakness. Our obsession with profit, with short-term gains, has made us pariahs. Everyone fears and despises us. Even the slightest connection to the demonic sects arouses suspicion. How can we ever hope to surpass the Daoist sects?”

“The Young Master has his own reasons, whether for righteousness or for power. We don’t need to understand. If he’s worthy of our loyalty, the Evil Lotus Sect will prosper. If not, well, we’ve been divided for two hundred years. Reunification doesn’t guarantee lasting unity.”

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady exchanged glances.

Plum Blossom Lady said, “We’ll follow the Young Master, of course. He saved our lives.”

Peach Blossom Lady said, “We’re not ungrateful. We’ll obey him.”

Sha Lingshan smiled, “Although he’s the Young Master of the Evil Lotus Sect, his true nature isn’t demonic, but righteous. The jianghu is a dangerous place, filled with schemes and betrayals. Protect him, if you must, but discreetly.”

“He’s intelligent and resourceful, his actions driven by both righteousness and a keen understanding of strategy. We can trust him.”

---

They spent over a day in the underground caverns, gathering information through the mountain ghosts.

The thunderclouds above Wu Gorge had dispersed, but the electrical energy remained, concentrated near the ground, refusing to dissipate.

From above, the scene was even more bizarre.

Sparks of electricity danced across the mountains and forests, a blinding white.

Wu Gorge, usually shrouded in mist and clouds, was now clear, the sunlight illuminating the strange, otherworldly landscape.

This unusual phenomenon suggested something big was about to happen.

The mountain ghosts, however, began to fall ill.

The illness spread rapidly, like a plague.

The sick, their bodies weak and frail, were gathered in a single location.

“Many of those Shen Ting Sect Daoists are also sick,” the white-bearded old man reported, “Like here, they’re falling ill in large numbers. They seem quite alarmed.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, frowned, “This isn’t an ordinary illness, but a plague. And it’s affecting both the mountain ghosts, whose constitutions are different from ordinary humans, and the Shen Ting Sect members. This isn’t a natural plague, but a supernatural one.”

She paused, then added, “There are four divine crystals that can cause plagues: the Eastern Plague, Southern Plague, Western Plague, and Northern Plague. They can’t be absorbed directly; the user would become the source of the plague, spreading it while also succumbing to it themselves.

“Therefore, they can only be forged into magical weapons. I suspect someone is using such a weapon.”

Shi Hao said, “It must be the Poisonous Sunflower Sect.”

Chapter 193: Walking on Air, A World Apart

The white-bearded old man shook his head, “No, that was over four hundred years ago, during the late Yang Dynasty and the early Sheng Dynasty. The demonic cultivator who tried to sacrifice those people was a high-rank expert from the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, known as the ‘Melting Sun Demon Lord.’ The one who stopped him was Bi Yingtong, an immortal of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion.

“That Melting Sun Demon Lord used a powerful technique to fill the Wu Gorge region with demonic energy, a technique called ‘World Melting Demonic Qi,’ which could supposedly connect the mortal world with the underworld, bringing forth deadly poisons.

“After Immortal Bi Yingtong defeated him, she used a mysterious method to summon sacred energy from the Celestial Realm, neutralizing the demonic energy. The purified energy then settled into the land, imbuing Wu Gorge with a rich spiritual aura.

“These mountain ghosts survive on that energy, hidden in the mountains and caves, avoiding contact with the outside world. People see them and think they’re ghosts, but they’re just victims of the demonic sects.”

“As for the Holy Jade Immortal, she did come here three hundred years ago. The Shen Ting Sect, having discovered the rich spiritual energy here, tried to claim it for themselves. They even slaughtered the mountain ghosts, using the excuse of eliminating evil spirits.

“The Holy Jade Immortal arrived, stopped them, and after a fierce battle, single-handedly protected the mountain ghosts and destroyed the Shen Ting Sect.”

Sha Lingshan asked, “And who are you, old man? Why are you living here with these mountain ghosts?”

The old man sighed, “To be honest, I was once a demonic cultivator. I won’t mention my sect. I traveled the jianghu, committing countless atrocities. One day, pursued by those seeking revenge for my crimes, I stumbled upon this place, severely injured and near death.

“The mountain ghosts saved me. Although they’re seen as monsters by the outside world, they’re kind and compassionate, always helping those in need.

“They saved me, and I stayed with them, my heart gradually changing, my past sins filling me with shame. I was grateful to be alive and decided to remain here, abandoning the jianghu. I lived with them, sharing their food and their simple lives, and I taught them how to craft crossbows and build tunnels.

“Perhaps due to the rich spiritual energy here, living with them, drinking from the underground springs, eating the fruits they cultivated, my body gradually… changed, becoming like theirs. I’ve lived here for over one hundred and seventy years.”

The old man led them to a stone cave, a brazier burning within.

Shi Hao saw murals carved on the walls. One depicted a woman standing on a cloud, identical to the painting he had obtained at the Monastery of Coalescing Truth.

The old man chuckled, “These mountain ghosts, their minds are like children’s. They don’t remember grudges, only kindness. They carve images of those who have helped them on the walls, passing down their stories through generations.

“When I first arrived, I couldn’t understand their language. It took me a long time to learn their history. The two immortals from the Taisu Immortal Pavilion are also carved on the walls. They remember them.”

At the beginning of the mural, Shi Hao saw a woman holding a willow branch, rain falling from it, and several small figures dancing joyfully below.

This woman was clearly Bi Yingtong, the immortal of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion who had saved them from the Melting Sun Demon Lord centuries ago.

Shi Hao asked, “What about those Shen Ting Sect warriors outside? Wasn’t the Shen Ting Sect destroyed by the Holy Jade Immortal?”

The old man shook his head, “I don’t know the details. Deep beneath the Scripture Bestowal Platform, there’s a chasm, a remnant of the Melting Sun Demon Lord’s ritual. Although Immortal Bi neutralized most of the demonic energy, a portion remained there.

“She warned the mountain ghosts to stay away from it. For over a hundred years, they did.

“But three hundred years ago, after the Holy Jade Immortal destroyed the Shen Ting Sect, for some reason, the demonic energy in the chasm began to surge. And then, the surviving members of the Shen Ting Sect found it. They drove out the mountain ghosts, occupied the cavern, and, posing as mountain folk, established their own community here.

“They all practice Shen Ting Sect techniques, their methods even more secretive than the demonic sects. They’ve been encroaching on the mountain ghosts’ territory, who, unable to leave, have been forced to hide in the most remote areas.”

“As for what they’re doing now… they’re all wearing Shen Ting Sect uniforms, no longer hiding their affiliation, and they’ve set up some kind of formation, causing this strange weather. And they’ve been killing the mountain ghosts. Many have already died.”

Shi Hao frowned.

Sha Lingshan asked, “Besides these Shen Ting Sect warriors, is there anyone else here?”

The old man said, “There is another group, hiding, but the mountain ghosts have noticed them. They’re likely from the Poisonous Sunflower Sect. It seems the Shen Ting Sect has a traitor among them, helping the Poisonous Sunflower Sect infiltrate.”

“There was a powerful tremor earlier. Those Daoists were quite alarmed. Perhaps the Poisonous Sunflower Sect did something.”

He sighed, “Whether it’s the Poisonous Sunflower Sect or the Shen Ting Sect, they don’t care about the mountain ghosts. They see them as insects, their lives worthless. I don’t know what will become of them.”

Shi Hao, after a moment of thought, said, “Can we stay here for a while, observe the situation, and see what they’re planning? If they threaten the mountain ghosts, we won’t stand idly by.”

The old man quickly said, “Of course, of course! Please stay. I’ll have the mountain ghosts gather information.”

---

Wu Shun and Ding San fled through the forest, lightning flashing around them, trees splitting and burning.

The thunderclouds above were thinning, and sunlight peeked through the gaps, but the ground was cracked and scarred, sparks of electricity dancing across its surface, a terrifying sight.

Six purple-clad warriors suddenly appeared, blocking their path, their swords drawn, electricity crackling along their blades.

They attacked.

Wu Shun and Ding San knew they were in trouble. They were exhausted, and facing these six fresh opponents, they had little chance of survival.

A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, illuminating the path before them.

With a series of whistling sounds, a cold light flashed.

The six warriors stumbled backwards, clutching their throats, blood seeping through their fingers.

They looked at each other in shock and disbelief, trying to find their attacker.

But Wu Shun and Ding San hadn’t seen anything either.

The six warriors collapsed, their bodies convulsing, then lay still.

Wu Shun and Ding San, their hearts pounding, knew they had been saved by a powerful expert.

Wu Shun called out, “Who is this benevolent hero? Please show yourself!”

A fragrant breeze, and bathed in the sunlight, a young girl, her feet seemingly touching the air itself, descended gracefully, like a celestial being.

She appeared to be about twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in a yellow pleated dress that fluttered around her, her skin fair, her features delicate, her appearance ethereal, like a figure from a painting.

A bolt of lightning, as if not daring to touch her, split apart above her head.

She floated towards them, stopping a few feet away, her pink embroidered shoes six feet above the ground.

Walking on air… such a miraculous ability, Wu Shun and Ding San had only heard of it in stories. Was this truly possible? Or was it… magic?

Although just a young girl, her power was clearly extraordinary.

They had seen her yesterday with the other three, the young woman with the sword, the hunched old man, and the disheveled woman.

But they hadn’t realized she was so powerful.

Now, having single-handedly killed six warriors, her figure bathed in sunlight, walking on air, she truly seemed like a celestial being.

Wu Shun and Ding San, awestruck, bowed deeply, “May we know your name, honored immortal? We will never forget your kindness.”

Although small, floating above them, she looked down at them, her gaze cold and distant.

Her hands clasped behind her back, her voice like ice, she said, “I am Ming Yueshu. I have some questions for you.”

Wu Shun and Ding San’s minds went blank… Ming Yueshu?

Ming Yueshu, the “Divine Infant,” number three on the Blacklist?

Then, they understood… who else could it be?

Such power, such skill, at such a young age, walking on air… only the Divine Infant.

But figures like those on the top ten of the Blacklist were like legends to them. They had never imagined meeting one in person.

Chapter 192: Mountain Ghosts

Wu Shun and Ding San didn’t dare hesitate. They fled as fast as they could, lightning flashing and thunder roaring around them.

Bolts of lightning struck the ground, the earth cracking and splitting.

The thunderclouds above were dissipating, but the electrical energy on the ground intensified, sparks dancing everywhere, illuminating the desolate landscape.

Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, and Little Emerald looked up at the swirling white clouds above, the lightning contained within, like a swarm of snakes, a terrifying sight, as if the sky itself was about to collapse.

The sound of approaching footsteps, and they quickly hid, pressing themselves against the cliff face, using the rocks and trees for cover.

A group of purple-clad warriors hurried past, their gazes also fixed on the sky above.

After they were gone, the four, and the small doll, continued their journey.

Unfamiliar with the layout of this underground realm, unable to navigate by the usual landmarks, they stumbled through the darkness.

They passed through several chambers that seemed to be living quarters, then a dense forest of strange, twisted trees.

Although they encountered several people along the way, they managed to avoid them.

Reaching a darker area, the lightning above seemed further away.

And there were no purple-clad warriors here.

Shi Hao frowned, “There must be some kind of pattern to this place, but wandering around blindly like this isn’t getting us anywhere.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan gently, said, “The Poisonous Sunflower Sect must be planning something. Let’s wait and see what happens.”

Shi Hao nodded, “If there’s no other option…” He suddenly turned his head.

Sha Lingshan, her fan pressed against her chest, also turned, following his gaze.

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, seeing them both staring at the wall, exchanged glances.

Little Emerald flew towards the wall, “Young Master, there’s a crevice here. It looks like someone went inside.”

Shi Hao approached the narrow opening, almost invisible in the dim light. He had sensed someone watching them, his Primordial Energy extending outwards, alerting him to their presence.

He focused his Primordial Energy, peering into the crevice, “There seems to be a passage on the other side.”

Sha Lingshan said, “But it’s too narrow. If someone’s waiting on the other side, they can attack us the moment we emerge.”

Little Emerald said, “I’ll go and check.” She flickered and disappeared into the crevice.

After a moment, the sounds of fighting came from the other side, followed by a flicker of movement as Little Emerald reappeared, “Young Master, there were two people there… or maybe ghosts. I knocked them unconscious.”

Shi Hao asked, “People or ghosts?”

Little Emerald said, “They looked like ghosts, but they were weak. There’s a passage there, but I don’t know where it leads.”

Shi Hao said, “Let’s go and see.” Using the bone-shrinking technique of the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations, he slipped into the narrow crevice.

The passage, about ten feet long and winding, led to a small chamber where two figures lay on the ground… perhaps they really were ghosts.

They were incredibly small, like children, no taller than an adult’s waist, their ears pointed, their skin dark, their hair so short that their scalps were visible, their appearance grotesque.

They held fish spears as long as their bodies, their eyes closed, unconscious.

The rustling sound of fabric, and Sha Lingshan, struggling to squeeze through the narrow passage, emerged.

Shi Hao had used the bone-shrinking technique, but Sha Lingshan, not having learned it, had to rely on her flexibility, the final stretch proving difficult.

Shi Hao pulled her through.

“That was tight,” she said, looking at the two small, unconscious figures, “I sensed someone watching us from the crevice, but…” She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, with Shi Hao’s help, also emerged, their clothes covered in dust.

“Are they… dwarfs?” Peach Blossom Lady asked.

Shi Hao, looking at the passage leading downwards, said, “Let’s go down. Be careful.”

Sha Lingshan brushed the dust from her robe, her movements still graceful. She smiled, “These two and the purple-clad warriors are clearly not allies. And this passage seems to have been built in secret. This is becoming more and more complicated.”

They descended into the passage.

A small brazier, filled with burning oil, provided a faint light in the darkness.

As they rounded a bend, a small figure emerged from the shadows, then, seeing them, screamed and fled.

Shi Hao whispered, “After them!”

They gave chase, emerging from the passage into another cavern.

A volley of small, metal darts, fired from hidden crossbows, whizzed towards them.

Sha Lingshan stepped forward, waved her fan, and a powerful vortex of energy appeared before them, drawing the darts inwards.

The metal darts, pulled towards the center, twisted and merged, forming a ball of scrap metal that clattered to the ground.

She had used the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art and the Violet Vortex Blade Technique.

Before the reunification of the Night Charm Demonic scriptures, these two techniques had been separated. Even Sha Lingshan hadn’t been able to learn them both.

It was only after Shi Hao’s appearance, and the restoration of the complete scriptures, that she had been able to master them.

The Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art was a seventh-rank technique, easily mastered by Sha Lingshan, now a fourth-rank expert.

And with her higher cultivation, its power was even greater.

Shi Hao, having also learned the technique, knew he couldn’t achieve such effortless control, drawing those darts together and crushing them with a mere flick of his wrist.

Small figures, holding crossbows, hid behind pillars and rocks. They stared in disbelief as the darts they had fired were transformed into a ball of scrap metal.

As the metal ball hit the ground, they scrambled back in fear.

As they retreated, their small figures flickered, becoming translucent, like ghostly flames, their expressions filled with terror.

“Who are you?” an old voice, tinged with surprise, asked, “You’re not those Daoists?”

Shi Hao realized they had been mistaken for the purple-clad warriors.

After all, they had emerged from the passage near their base.

This also indicated the extent of their fear of those warriors.

The small figures flickered, becoming more and more translucent, like will-o’-the-wisps.

Shi Hao lowered his voice, “We’re not Daoists. We stumbled upon this place. What’s going on here?”

A short, wizened old man with a white beard, leaning on a walking stick, emerged from behind a rock.

He sighed, “Follow me,” and slowly shuffled away.

Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, and Little Emerald, who had materialized on Shi Hao’s shoulder, followed him.

Shi Hao noticed that this old man, although short and hunched, was different from the others.

The others had dark skin and, when afraid, would become translucent, flickering like green flames, their appearance more like ghosts than humans.

This old man, however, although small and his back severely hunched, looked human.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” the old man asked, “You’re not with the Shen Ting Sect. Why did you come from that direction?”

Shi Hao said, “They attacked us. Then the ground shook, and we fell into a chasm. We were trying to find a way out when we found that passage.”

The old man sighed, “That passage… it was originally just a small hole, used by the mountain ghosts to spy on those Daoists. The tremors widened it. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to get through.”

They followed him through another passage and arrived at a large cavern with a giant tree in the center, where several small figures were busy working.

Here, there were also women, as small as the men, but their skin was a darker yellow, their hair long, their ears less pointed, their clothes simple hemp garments.

Seeing them, both men and women scurried away, their fear evident.

Sha Lingshan said, “These are the mountain ghosts? I’ve heard of them in stories, but I didn’t expect them to look like this.”

The white-bearded old man shook his head, “They’re not actually ghosts, but victims of a demonic ritual. Their ancestors were sacrificed by a powerful demon. Thousands died. But an immortal from the Taisu Immortal Pavilion interrupted the ritual.

“Although the ritual was stopped, those who were sacrificed became… ghost-like, their souls fading. The immortal, taking pity on them, used a magical weapon crafted from the ‘Houtu’ divine crystal to create new bodies for them.

“She had hoped to give them a chance to live, and unexpectedly, they were able to reproduce, creating a hidden community here in the mountains. They are the mountain folk of this region.”

Shi Hao, a thought striking him, asked, “Was that immortal from the Taisu Immortal Pavilion… the Holy Jade Immortal?”

Chapter 191: Thunder Sound Universal Transformation

The Scripture Bestowal Platform faced Goddess Peak across the river.

According to legend, it was here that Yu the Great, bowing before the goddess on Goddess Peak, received the divine scriptures that taught him how to control the floods.

The swirling thunderclouds seemed to be concentrated above the platform, spreading outwards.

Suddenly, a light flickered on Flying Phoenix Peak.

Shi Hao said, his voice low, “We’ve been discovered.”

Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li looked around, puzzled.

Sha Lingshan said, “It’s someone on Flying Phoenix Peak. They’re probably using some kind of magical device.”

Shi Hao said, “Let’s go!”

They fled, moving away from the river. A rush of wind, and figures emerged from the surrounding forest, surrounding them.

A figure landed before them, blocking their path. He wore a purple robe and a matching crown, his hair and beard white.

The other purple-clad warriors they had encountered wore simple tunics and no headwear.

This man’s attire clearly indicated a higher status.

His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned them, “No matter who you are, you’re not leaving this place.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “We’ll see about that.” Her figure flickered.

With a thud, the man in purple was thrown backwards, a look of surprise on his face. He hadn’t expected this seemingly young woman to be so powerful.

Sha Lingshan, pressing her advantage, unleashed a wave of flames with her fan, her left hand striking out with a finger, a streak of light aiming for his heart.

The man in purple, however, although retreating, maintained his composure. He raised his hands, and with a thunderous clap, a burst of energy erupted from his palms.

This “Palm Thunder” technique blocked Sha Lingshan’s attack.

At the same time, the other martial artists, clearly the elite among the purple-clad warriors, all wielding sabers, attacked.

Their saber strikes were swift and precise, like flashes of lightning, each one a potential fatal blow.

Even Sha Lingshan had never seen such speed and precision.

More and more attackers surrounded them.

“Follow me!” Shi Hao shouted, his sword flashing, cutting a path through the encirclement.

His sword strike, like the rising sun piercing through the darkness, was powerful and unstoppable.

The attackers, their confidence momentarily shaken, were forced to retreat.

Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li, knowing the situation was dire, followed closely behind, unleashing their own attacks.

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, wielding soft swords, their blades intertwined, formed a protective barrier, deflecting the attacks from behind.

Sha Lingshan, her movements a blur, left a trail of fallen bodies in her wake.

The man in purple leaped into the air, unleashing another Palm Thunder attack.

Seven or eight more martial artists, some jumping from the trees, others rolling on the ground, attacked in a coordinated assault.

Sha Lingshan, however, with a light laugh, danced through their attacks, her movements graceful and effortless.

Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li, following Shi Hao, although facing attacks from the sides, weren’t under much pressure.

Although only one man was before them, it felt like they were following a powerful war chariot, his presence reassuring.

Although numerous enemies blocked their path, the young man before them, like a raging torrent breaking through a dam, effortlessly pushed them back, his power overwhelming.

Before this unstoppable force, walls and buildings were as fragile as twigs.

Ding San looked back. The two women behind them, their swords swirling, wove a tapestry of starlight.

And further back, Sha Lingshan’s figure flickered, a blur of motion, bodies flying as she moved, the sounds of impacts echoing.

The man in purple, enraged, leaped and roared, his attacks relentless, yet he was constantly being pushed back by the woman with the fan, unable to stop their escape.

A sudden explosion echoed from the Scripture Bestowal Platform, a wave of energy erupting, spreading outwards.

The man in purple quickly turned and saw a chaotic aura rising from the platform, swirling and twisting, transforming the thunderclouds above.

He frowned, thinking, It’s too early. Why are they starting the Thunder Sound Universal Transformation now?

Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li looked up and saw the thunderclouds churning, lightning bolts striking down, crisscrossing the sky.

The earth trembled beneath their feet, the sight terrifying, as if the world itself was ending.

The thunderclouds, previously confined to the sky, their lightning hidden within, now unleashed their full fury, bolts of lightning striking the mountains, the ground exploding, debris flying.

The world was a blinding white.

Another explosion, like the shattering of the universe, and the Scripture Bestowal Platform split apart, the ground around it cracking.

Thunder roared above, and the earth groaned below.

Two screams, and a chasm opened beneath Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, who fell into the darkness.

“Go!” Shi Hao’s voice rang out.

Before Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li could react, he had leaped into the chasm.

“Young Master!” Another figure followed him, Sha Lingshan.

The three men, their faces pale with fear, stared into the chasm, a seemingly bottomless abyss.

Around them, the purple-clad warriors, also startled by the lightning and the collapsing earth, stopped attacking, their attention focused on the chasm.

The man in purple, however, rushed towards the Scripture Bestowal Platform.

---

Shi Hao fell through the darkness, his head pointing downwards, his eyes, however, fixed on the figures above.

He suddenly twisted his body, a gust of wind erupting, slowing his descent, and he landed softly on the ground, along with Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady.

“Young Master,” Little Emerald materialized beside him.

She had been following them, her presence concealed.

Sha Lingshan also landed gracefully, relieved to see they were unharmed.

“Young Master,” Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady said, their voices filled with concern.

He shouldn’t have followed them.

In the demonic sects, the lineage of the sect leader was paramount. He was the chosen one, their status far exceeding theirs. He shouldn’t have risked his life for them.

Shi Hao, understanding their concern, simply smiled, “It’s alright. I was planning to come down here anyway.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, looked around, “Where are we? I didn’t know there was a place like this beneath Wu Gorge.”

They were in a large cavern.

Lightning bolts, like snakes and dragons, snaked across the walls, illuminating the space with an eerie, flickering light.

Hearing footsteps approaching, they quickly hid. They saw the purple-clad warriors running frantically, their faces filled with fear.

“What happened? Why is this happening?” someone asked.

“Silence!” a voice boomed, silencing them.

Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, and Little Emerald knew this was a powerful expert.

If they were discovered here, in the heart of the enemy’s territory, with no escape route, they would be killed.

They held their breath, hiding among the debris of the collapsed buildings, the tremors having caused considerable damage.

“Lord Huo Lei!” the purple-clad warriors said in unison.

The booming voice said, “Listen carefully. General Shui Lei has betrayed us, colluding with the demonic sects, disrupting the formation, triggering the premature activation of the Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Array. But the situation is still under the control of the Divine Venerable and the Four Divine Kings.

“Don’t panic. Remain vigilant, and watch out for intruders. The Divine Venerable and the Four Divine Kings will handle the rest.”

“Yes, Lord Huo Lei!” the warriors replied.

The voice continued, “The enemy who colluded with General Shui Lei uses poisonous techniques. He’s cunning and dangerous. Use ranged weapons. Don’t engage him in close combat. If you find General Shui Lei and her accomplices, restrain them and report to the Divine Kings immediately.”

“Yes, Lord Huo Lei!”

The warriors dispersed, and “Lord Huo Lei” also left.

Hidden in the shadows, Shi Hao whispered, “Poisonous techniques… a demonic cultivator. It seems the Poisonous Sunflower Sect has infiltrated them. No wonder the Purple Robe Venerable tried to stop us. He was afraid we would interfere with their plan.”

Sha Lingshan pondered, “But what is this Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Array? And who are this Divine Venerable and the Four Divine Kings?”

Shi Hao looked up, “Whatever it is, it’s clearly something big.”

---

At the same time, Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li were running through the mountains.

Although they knew their four saviors had fallen into the chasm, and they shouldn’t have abandoned them, they also knew they were too weak to help.

They didn’t even have the courage to approach the chasm.

Lightning bolts crackled around them, flashing through the sky.

One struck Zhao Li.

Wu Shun and Ding San turned around and saw Zhao Li’s body glowing, illuminated by the lightning.

The electricity, like a spiderweb, spread outwards from him, into the earth.

“Go!” Zhao Li cried out, stumbling forward, then collapsing, his body smoking, his skin charred black.

Chapter 190: The Young Girl “Senior”

Shi Hao and the others escaped the purple-clad warriors and hid in a ravine.

A middle-aged man in simple clothes, carrying a steel saber, bowed to them, “Thank you for saving our lives.”

The others also expressed their gratitude.

Shi Hao saw that they were all men, their numbers reduced from over a dozen to just eight after the encounter with the purple-clad warriors and Sha Lingshan’s fire attack.

“Where are you from?” Shi Hao asked.

The man with the saber, his square face, burly build, thick calloused hands, and corded muscles evidence of his external martial arts training, said, “I am Ding Shufeng, but they call me Ding San, the ‘Mountain Tiger,’ because I’m the third son in my family, and I often roam the mountains. We’re all locals from Wu Gorge. I’m from Yulin Town. This is Brother Zhao Li from Wuli Village, and this is Chief Wu Shun of Dingjiang Village…”

He introduced the others, all martial artists from the villages and towns around Wu Gorge.

Ding San continued, “The weather in Wu Gorge has been strange these past few days, thunderclouds filling the sky but no rain. We were worried, so we gathered some men and decided to go to Flying Phoenix Peak to investigate.

“It seemed like the thunderclouds originated from there. But before we even reached the peak, we were ambushed. Many of our brothers were killed.

“Thank you for saving us. May we know your names? We will remember your kindness and repay you if we ever have the chance.”

Shi Hao smiled and returned their bow, “Don’t mention it. We were also being pursued by those men and sought refuge in the forest. We happened to see you being attacked. Those purple-clad warriors, their origins unknown, attacked us without provocation. We couldn’t just stand by and watch.”

He continued, “My name is Shi Yun. And this is my older sister, Shi Lingsha.”

Sha Lingshan, holding her fan, bowed slightly.

The men, mostly rough and uneducated martial artists, unaccustomed to such refined beauty and elegant manners, fumbled their responses, some bowing clumsily, others with exaggerated gestures.

Wu Shun, the chief of Dingjiang Village, more worldly than the others, observed them closely.

The young man, Shi Yun, was handsome and refined, and the woman with the fan, her beauty elegant and ethereal. But their features were completely different; they were clearly not siblings.

And the two women behind them, also quite beautiful, their silence and their elegant attire suggesting they weren’t mere servants.

He concluded that these four were no ordinary people.

Especially the woman with the fan.

When the fire had started, he had assumed a large number of rescuers had arrived. But only four had emerged, and it was this woman who had set the fire.

Wu Gorge was shrouded in mist, the air heavy with moisture. Even in drier seasons, starting a fire in such conditions was difficult.

Yet, this woman had effortlessly set the forest ablaze, the flames spreading rapidly, creating a barrier between them and their pursuers.

Even a sixth-rank expert couldn’t achieve that, let alone a lower-ranked martial artist.

Wu Shun, now even more respectful, bowed deeply and asked, “You’re not from around here. Have you also come because of the strange weather?”

Shi Hao shook his head, “To be honest, we didn’t know about the weather. We’re looking for some friends.”

Wu Shun asked, “Who are you looking for? Perhaps we can help.”

Shi Hao said, “A young woman with a sword, an elderly man, short and hunched, and a woman with… messy hair…”

Before he could finish, the men began discussing amongst themselves.

Ding San, the Mountain Tiger, said, “And a young girl, about twelve or thirteen, very pretty, but with a rather cold demeanor?”

Shi Hao asked, surprised, “You’ve seen them?”

Ding San said, “Yes, just yesterday, near Holy Spring Peak. They seemed to be heading towards Flying Phoenix Peak or Goddess Peak, but the young girl refused to travel with us. Although she was young, for some reason, the other three addressed her as ‘Senior’ and deferred to her.”

Shi Hao was stunned, “You mean, the other three called the youngest one ‘Senior’?”

Wu Shun nodded, “That’s right. It was quite strange, but the jianghu is full of eccentric people. We didn’t pry. And the girl did seem… unusual. Before they left, I saw her looking at the thunderclouds above, and her eyes… it was as if lightning flashed within them.”

“Although I’m only seventh-rank, my skills limited, I know that’s something only a truly powerful expert can do.”

Shi Hao was puzzled. Why were Yuejiao, Hou Bomin, and Xiang Gu following a young girl? And why had they come to Wu Gorge?

Sha Lingshan asked, “Those purple-clad warriors… there seem to be quite a few of them. Such a large and organized group can’t have just appeared out of nowhere. Do you know anything about them?”

The men exchanged glances. Ding San said, “There are many mountain folk living in the remote areas of Wu Gorge. They rarely interact with outsiders, occasionally coming down to trade animal hides and herbs for necessities.

“We’ve seen them before, but we assumed they were just ordinary villagers. After all, it’s not unusual for people to live in seclusion in these mountains. There are many such communities in Lingnan and Shu.

“But I recognized one of those warriors. He’s one of the villagers we’ve seen in town before. I didn’t know he was a martial artist.”

Shi Hao thought for a moment, “We were heading to the Scripture Bestowal Platform on Flying Phoenix Peak. We were traveling by boat, but we were attacked on the river. Now we’re lost in the forest. Could you guide us?”

Ding San quickly said, “Don’t worry, we know these mountains well. Even in the forest, we can navigate by the shape of the peaks. We’ll guide you.”

Several of the men were injured.

The others left, leaving only Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li to guide them.

—

Wu Shun and his men, having gathered a large group of martial artists and hunters from the surrounding villages, had gone to investigate the strange weather, not knowing what to expect, only that strength in numbers was always an advantage. They had been ambushed.

Now, only three remained. In the rugged terrain of Wu Gorge, avoiding the purple-clad warriors was easier with a smaller group.

But they were still troubled by the ambush. They hadn’t done anything to provoke such an attack, yet many of their companions had been killed.

And with the strange weather, who knew what other dangers awaited them? They were all locals, their families and friends living in the surrounding villages; their worry was understandable.

In these chaotic times, countless families, even entire clans, outside Wu Gorge had been destroyed.

Living in these remote mountains, they had thought they were safe. They had been looking forward to celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with their families, but now…

“Stop!” Ding San heard the young man’s voice.

It was low but firm, commanding, despite its softness.

They stopped, and after a moment, the sounds of rapid movement came from the forest ahead.

Wu Shun, Ding San, and Zhao Li hid behind a tree and looked out. In the dim light, they saw a dozen purple-clad warriors moving swiftly through the trees.

The warriors, as they moved, scanned the surroundings, clearly searching for intruders.

Ding San glanced at the young man… The purple-clad warriors had been moving stealthily, their movements muffled, only audible at close range.

And with the dense forest and the dark, swirling clouds above, it would have been difficult to detect them, just as it would be difficult for them to detect others.

The young man’s timely warning had prevented a potentially disastrous encounter.

Ding San was impressed by his sharp senses.

After the warriors were gone, they continued on their way, cautiously avoiding several other groups.

“How many of them are there?” Zhao Li couldn’t help but ask.

The mountains and forests were vast, yet these patrols were surprisingly frequent.

They must have a large number of men stationed in the area.

They reached the western side of Flying Phoenix Peak.

Looking up, they saw a relatively flat area on the mountainside.

And across the river, on the north bank, stood Goddess Peak, its summit a towering rock formation resembling a young woman.

Of course, the “goddess” rock, usually shrouded in mist and clouds, its form barely visible, only added to its mystique.

But now, with the low-hanging thunderclouds obscuring most of the peak, the “goddess” was hidden from view.

Chapter 189: Shen Ting Sect

The explosion echoed from downriver, the water surging back, pushing the pleasure boat upstream.

More explosions followed, mingled with shouts and the clash of weapons.

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan exchanged glances, then went outside and looked ahead.

The warship, listing precariously, was stuck in the middle of the river, flames and smoke erupting from its decks as projectiles rained down from the cliffs on either side.

In this era, fire weapons were primarily used for defense, things like flaming projectiles and poison smoke bombs, most effective when launched from above, offering little advantage in offensive operations.

But the narrow confines of Wu Gorge, with its steep cliffs, created a perfect opportunity for such a tactic.

A thick iron chain, stretched across the river, blocked the warship’s path. Caught by surprise, the ship, unable to stop in time, had crashed into it.

There were no known rebel forces in this area. The barbarian patrol clearly hadn’t expected an ambush, their response chaotic and disorganized.

Although there were skilled archers among them, hitting targets on the cliffs above was difficult, the projectiles raining down on them far more effective.

Only the officer, with his powerful iron and stone bow, managed to return fire, each arrow finding its mark, bodies falling from the cliffs.

But he alone couldn’t suppress the attack.

Flames and explosions rocked the warship, and thick smoke billowed from its decks.

Although the ship’s hull was partially protected by iron plates against fire, they were designed for naval battles, not attacks from above.

The poison smoke, however, dispersed quickly in the strong winds of the narrow gorge.

The flaming caltrops, however, were far more effective, exploding and scattering their sharp barbs across the deck, leaving little room to dodge.

Those who sought shelter below deck were met with explosions as the projectiles pierced the roof, setting the ship’s interior ablaze.

“Abandon ship!” the officer, seeing the situation was hopeless, shouted.

The soldiers jumped into the river, many cut down by arrows as they swam towards the shore.

Then, with a series of clangs, ropes with grappling hooks were fired into the cliff face, and martial artists in purple, their movements swift and agile, descended, attacking the soldiers in the water.

“Who are they?” Shi Hao asked, puzzled.

The martial artists wore identical purple tunics with a lightning bolt symbol embroidered on the back, similar to, yet also distinct from, Daoist robes.

Their hair was short, not styled in the traditional topknots of Daoist priests, yet their techniques seemed to be based on Daoist principles.

They were clearly from a martial arts sect, but Shi Hao had never seen such attire before.

Sha Lingshan, also puzzled, shook her head, “I don’t recognize them. They seem to be Daoist cultivators, but I’ve never heard of a sect that dresses like that.”

Little Emerald materialized on Shi Hao’s shoulder, “Young Master, they look like members of the Shen Ting Sect.”

“Shen Ting Sect?” Shi Hao asked.

Little Emerald said, “The Shen Ting Sect was once a powerful Daoist sect. But during the late Yang Dynasty, most Daoist sects, under the leadership of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion, sided with the Li family of the Sheng Dynasty. The Shen Ting Sect, however, supported the Xiao family of the Great Liang Dynasty. After the Liang Dynasty’s fall, they were almost completely eradicated by the Sheng, forced into hiding, their fate even worse than ours.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, said, “Now that you mention it, I do recall such a sect. But they never regained their former glory, even with the Sheng Dynasty’s support of Daoism. And then, three hundred years ago, they vanished completely.”

Little Emerald said, “It was that woman who destroyed them.”

Shi Hao asked, “The Holy Jade Immortal? She destroyed the Shen Ting Sect? Why?”

Little Emerald snorted, “Not only the demonic sects engage in infighting. The Daoist sects are just as bad. Perhaps the Shen Ting Sect threatened the Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s dominance, or perhaps that woman simply disliked them.

“Young Master, the Daoists are all hypocrites. Don’t trust them, especially that woman…”

Shi Hao said, “I know, I know.” Little Emerald never missed an opportunity to criticize Ye Zi Yin.

But during his first visit to the Primordial Grotto Heaven, Su Mei had used him as bait, attacking him to force Ye Zi Yin to protect him, leading her into a trap.

If Ye Zi Yin were truly despicable, Su Mei wouldn’t have used that tactic.

And Ye Zi Yin had been injured while protecting him during their first encounter. No matter what Little Emerald said, he wouldn’t doubt her.

But for even Ye Zi Yin to destroy them, what had the Shen Ting Sect done? And why had they reappeared now?

These martial artists in purple, their numbers in the hundreds, their movements disciplined and coordinated, were clearly a formidable force.

The barbarian soldiers on the warship, caught by surprise, had been unable to mount an effective defense. Their ship ablaze, forced to abandon it, they were being slaughtered.

The barbarian officer, however, his courage unwavering, remained on board, firing arrows with his powerful bow, each shot finding its mark.

Although he killed several of the attackers, two of the purple-clad martial artists, their movements swift and powerful, leaped onto the ship, engaging him.

A flurry of blows, explosions of energy, sparks flying, staining the river red.

“Let’s go,” Shi Hao whispered.

Martial artists were sliding down the ropes from the cliffs, heading towards them.

It seemed they weren’t just targeting the barbarian soldiers, but anyone in the area.

Arrows, propelled by powerful bows and crossbows, whizzed towards them.

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan were unconcerned, but the attackers’ indiscriminate violence, without even bothering to identify them, was reminiscent of the demonic sects’ ruthlessness.

Plum Blossom Lady, with a powerful stroke of her oar, turned the boat and headed towards the shore.

Sha Lingshan, with a flick of her wrist, her fan swirling, deflected the incoming arrows.

The boat reached the shore, and Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady leaped onto the land, using their movement techniques to escape into the forest.

The terrain here was rugged, the mountains rising steeply. The chain that had trapped the warship had been stretched between two cliffs, leaving the soldiers with no escape.

Having stopped their boat further downstream, in a narrow canyon between two mountains, they were able to quickly reach the forest, avoiding being surrounded.

As they entered the trees, an explosion rocked the boat, flames erupting as it was engulfed in fire.

“How rude,” Sha Lingshan said, waving her fan, her voice soft.

Looking back, she saw their pursuers were still following them.

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “It’s not rudeness, but caution. They’re eliminating any potential threats. With the strange weather in Wu Gorge, keeping people away, anyone entering the area now is seen as a potential enemy.”

Sha Lingshan, after a moment of thought, said, “You’re right, Young Master. But this makes me even more curious about their purpose here.”

She looked up at the dark, swirling clouds above.

Lightning flashed between the clouds but didn’t strike the ground, a strange and unsettling phenomenon.

On the river, it hadn’t been so bad, but now, in the forest, with the trees blocking even the faint moonlight, and the sky obscured by the clouds, it was difficult to even tell day from night. The air was dark and oppressive.

The sounds of fighting and screams echoed from the distance.

They exchanged glances and headed towards the commotion.

Crossing a hill, they saw a small group of people being surrounded by the purple-clad martial artists.

Numerous bodies lay scattered around them, and the remaining defenders, outnumbered, were clearly losing.

Plum Blossom Lady said, “There were hundreds of them attacking the warship. If they have so many men in this area…”

Shi Hao whispered, “Let’s rescue them first and find out who they are.”

Sha Lingshan said, “I’ll create a diversion.” She floated away.

Moments later, flames erupted on the hillside above, black smoke billowing down towards the battlefield.

Like Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan cultivated the Prismatic Illusion path and had also learned the Mysterious Charm Technique.

With her fourth-rank cultivation, projecting demonic fire, she easily set the forest ablaze.

Shi Hao seized the opportunity and, with Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, charged towards the besieged group.

Although they had suffered heavy losses, the surviving defenders, seeing the sudden change in the situation, knew reinforcements had arrived.

Their spirits lifted, hearing the screams of their attackers, and they fought their way towards Shi Hao.

Shi Hao reached them, “Follow me!” he shouted, and led them away, turning and fleeing into the forest.

The smoke provided cover, and the defenders, unsure of his identity, followed him, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady, desperate to escape.

Shi Hao led them around the fire, towards higher ground. Their pursuers followed, but a wall of flames suddenly erupted before them, blocking their path.

Several of the more skilled martial artists tried to leap over the flames, but Sha Lingshan, appearing before them, unleashed a series of palm strikes, knocking them back into the fire.

Shi Hao turned, leaped into the air, and, combining the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique with the Profound Wind Technique, fueled the flames, creating a raging inferno that engulfed several of their pursuers.

But more of the purple-clad warriors were circling around them.

“Let’s go!” Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan, running side by side, led the rescued martial artists out of the encirclement.

Chapter 188: Purple Robe Venerable, Interception on the River

A single river flows through ten thousand majestic peaks, a strategic gateway to Jingxiang, its power speaks!

The river wound through the mountains, the peaks towering on either side, the landscape constantly shifting, a narrow passage opening into a wide expanse, towering cliffs giving way to gentle slopes.

Jagged rocks, steep cliffs, winding valleys, and towering peaks lined the riverbanks.

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan sat facing each other in the cabin of the pleasure boat, Little Emerald perched on a corner of the low table between them.

Peach Blossom Lady, her movements graceful, poured them tea, then retreated quietly.

Shi Hao sipped his tea, gazing out the window at the passing scenery.

Having lived in the mountainous region of Shu since his arrival in this world, he was accustomed to such landscapes.

But even so, the towering cliffs of Wu Gorge, seemingly piercing the heavens, made him feel small and insignificant, a stark reminder of the power of nature.

Dark thunderclouds gathered above, lightning flashing, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

Sha Lingshan said softly, “As the saying goes, ‘Anything unusual is demonic.’ And there’s also the saying, ‘When a nation is about to fall, demons and monsters will appear.’ With the world in chaos, strange and inexplicable phenomena are becoming more common.”

Shi Hao said, “The jianghu has always been filled with eccentric individuals and powerful, monstrous figures. But in the past, with the Supreme Emperor’s overwhelming power, they remained hidden.

“Now, however, I’ve heard that Lie Zunyi hasn’t been seen for several years. And even he, despite his power, can’t live forever. Three hundred years is a long life. And with the barbarian court’s decline, those who have been biding their time are starting to make their moves.”

As he spoke, he looked towards the cliff ahead. A figure in purple robes descended rapidly, using his internal energy to control his descent, the billowing robes slowing his fall.

Against the backdrop of the dark thunderclouds, he looked like a celestial being descending from the heavens.

He landed on the water in front of the boat, facing Sha Lingshan. She, following Shi Hao’s gaze, saw the descending figure and, waving her fan, smiled, “It seems he’s here for us.”

A wave of force pressed down on the water, rocking the boat.

The man in purple stood on the water’s surface, the ripples spreading outwards.

Plum Blossom Lady, losing control of the boat momentarily, was pushed back half a zhang.

Little Emerald snorted, “What an arrogant old man.”

Sha Lingshan smiled, “I’ll go and greet him.” She stood up gracefully, exited the cabin, and stepped onto the bow of the boat, her light footwork stabilizing it.

The old man in purple, standing on the water, said, “Are you Pavilion Lord Sha of the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion?”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “And you, sir, with your imposing aura, are you Venerable Li Shanwen, the Purple Robe Venerable, of the Poisonous Sunflower Sect?”

Li Shanwen, the Purple Robe Venerable, his eyes flashing like lightning, stared at her. Sha Lingshan, unfazed, her left hand holding her sleeve behind her back, her right hand gently waving her fan, met his gaze.

Li Shanwen said, “The Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion has been quiet for a long time. I heard you recently reached the fourth rank and reappeared in the martial world, first slaughtering an entire family in Huo Prefecture, then defeating Li Ximing and Ghost Howl of the Ghost Extreme Sect at Changbai Mountain. You’ve become quite… notorious.”

Sha Lingshan said, “We demonic cultivators prefer to operate discreetly. I wouldn’t dare be so arrogant. The incident in Huo Prefecture was just an… unavoidable part of my advancement ritual. As for the… disagreement with the Ghost Extreme Sect, it was just a minor misunderstanding. Surely you, a respected elder of the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, wouldn’t interfere on their behalf?”

Li Shanwen snorted, his eyes fixed on her, “I’m not interested in your conflict with the Ghost Extreme Sect. I just want to know why you’re here in Wu Gorge.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “Is Wu Gorge your Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s territory now?”

Li Shanwen’s voice was low and serious, “I’m simply curious. Although our sects have had our disagreements in the past, there’s no real animosity between us. I just want to know if your presence here… conflicts with our own interests.”

Sha Lingshan looked up at the swirling thunderclouds, “Are you… responsible for this weather?”

Li Shanwen snorted, “We don’t have that kind of power… Are you here because of it?”

Sha Lingshan smiled, “What if I said we’re just passing through, not involved in whatever you’re doing here, and not interested in knowing? Would you believe me?”

Li Shanwen laughed, “With your word, I have nothing to worry about.” As he spoke, a black aura emanated from his feet, spreading across the water towards the boat.

Sha Lingshan’s voice was soft and melodious, “It seems you don’t trust me entirely.” She flicked her wrist, and a ring of fire appeared around the boat, spreading across the water’s surface.

Li Shanwen sneered, “I’m simply reminding you, although we demonic cultivators aren’t exactly allies, we shouldn’t be hindering each other.” He leaped onto the cliff face and disappeared.

Dead fish floated to the surface around the boat.

Sha Lingshan returned to the cabin and sat down across from Shi Hao, “I didn’t expect that old man to appear. The Poisonous Sunflower Sect has two elders, the ‘Evil Venerable’ and the ‘Poison Venerable,’ both fourth-rank experts. Although not widely known in the martial world, they’re infamous within the demonic sects.

“With the ‘Evil Venerable’ here, the ‘Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable,’ He Longcheng, can’t be far. The Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s recent activities suggest they have… ambitious plans.”

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “The Danyang Society is controlled by the Poisonous Sunflower Sect. They already control the upper Hanyang River. If they also control the Three Gorges, they’ll control the entire upper reaches of the Long River. Perhaps that’s their strategy.”

Sha Lingshan, however, shook her head, “Although ‘Huang Facai’ was one of theirs, Xiong Wanghu, the ‘Tiger Roaring Saber Hero,’ wouldn’t dare openly associate with the Poisonous Sunflower Sect. His reputation is his greatest asset. If his connection to the demonic sects was revealed, everything he’s built would crumble, just like Sheng Menghui.”

“And if they wanted to help Xiong Wanghu control the Three Gorges, the two elders of the Poisonous Sunflower Sect wouldn’t appear so openly. Although most in the martial world don’t know them, the demonic sects certainly do.”

The two elders were well-known figures within the demonic sects, their past actions making them easily recognizable.

“I don’t think the Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s actions here in Wu Gorge are related to Xiong Wanghu.”

Shi Hao, after a moment of thought, nodded, “That makes sense. The Poisonous Sunflower Sect must have other motives.”

Sha Lingshan waved her fan and smiled, “Regardless, their recent activities suggest they’re planning something big. We have to be careful.”

Suddenly, Plum Blossom Lady called out from outside, “Young Master, Miss Sha! A warship is approaching!”

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan looked out the window.

The river, although winding, was wide enough for them to see a warship emerging from around the bend.

Its oars churning, the warship quickly approached.

Sha Lingshan said, “Move to the side.”

Plum Blossom Lady steered the boat towards the riverbank.

The warship, a two-decker with a ram and oars on both sides, could carry eight hundred men. Although smaller than the massive troop transports, it was still a formidable vessel.

Its reinforced bow, covered in iron plates, could easily crush smaller ships. Flags and weapons adorned its decks, its appearance menacing and intimidating.

It was a barbarian patrol ship.

The warship, much faster than their small pleasure boat, quickly caught up to them.

Soldiers lined the deck, and a barbarian officer in armor, a scar on his forehead, carrying a bow, stood at the front.

He waved his hand, and the soldiers aimed their bows at the pleasure boat.

The officer shouted, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

Plum Blossom Lady, prepared for this, called out, “We are servants of the Marquis of Le Shan. Our young lady and master are inside. They were visiting Guangling and are now returning home, hoping to admire the scenery of Wu Gorge. We don’t know what’s happening here, with this strange weather. We’re just passing through.”

She had subtly altered her accent, adopting the speech patterns of the “royal” families, her voice soft but carrying clearly, hinting at her martial arts training.

The officer looked towards the pleasure boat. Sha Lingshan had closed the curtains, but his sharp gaze, piercing through the mist and the thin fabric, saw three figures inside, a young man and a young woman sitting by the window.

Although he couldn’t see their faces clearly, he wasn’t entirely convinced they were from a noble family.

He waved his hand, and the soldiers lowered their bows, their movements precise and disciplined, clearly elite troops.

The officer shouted, “Wu Gorge is dangerous now. Leave quickly, and don’t linger.”

Plum Blossom Lady said, “Thank you for the warning, General. May I ask what’s happening here? Why is the weather so strange?”

The officer snorted, “We’re investigating. Don’t ask questions.”

The warship continued on its way, quickly leaving them behind.

Sha Lingshan opened the curtains again and said, “It seems even the barbarian army doesn’t know what’s going on.”

Shi Hao said, “If they were involved, they would have sealed off Wu Gorge and evacuated the area long ago.”

Plum Blossom Lady said, “Young Master, Miss Sha, we’re approaching Flying Phoenix Peak and Goddess Peak.”

Shi Hao said, “Yes…” He didn’t finish his sentence.

A sudden explosion echoed from ahead, and everything changed.

Chapter 187: The Goddess in the Clouds

They arrived at the Monastery of Coalescing Truth. It was an old, somewhat dilapidated building, although parts of it had been renovated. It was nowhere near as grand as the temples in the larger cities.

Shi Hao, having changed his appearance with the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique, led the Yingzhao beasts into the monastery courtyard.

A Daoist nun approached them, “Are you here to offer incense, or are you seeking lodging? We don’t accommodate men. There are inns at the foot of the mountain.”

Sha Lingshan said, her voice melodious, “We’re not here for incense or lodging.”

The nun asked, “Then what is your purpose?”

Sha Lingshan said, “We’re here to appreciate the sunrise.”

The nun said, “I’ve heard of people coming to Wu Gorge to admire the clouds, but never the sunrise. With the mountains and the mist, it’s not a good place for that.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “That’s precisely why we’re here. If we could see clearly, it wouldn’t be as interesting.”

The nun said, “Please follow me.”

She led them, not to the main hall, but to the back garden, where two elderly women took the Yingzhao beasts to be stabled.

Shi Hao observed the nuns. Most were either old or plain-looking, a few relatively average, considered attractive by local standards.

This wasn’t surprising. Although this was a Black Lotus Realm base, it was a remote location. They wouldn’t station their more skilled or attractive members here.

And having beautiful women in such a remote and isolated place would only attract unwanted attention.

They were led to a side hall, where, after a while, a middle-aged nun in a light purple Daoist robe and a Maoxi hairpin, holding a horsetail whisk, entered.

She knelt before Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan, “Young Master, Branch Leader Sha, I am Yuan Rong. Greetings.”

“Rise,” Shi Hao said.

Yuan Rong stood up.

Sha Lingshan asked, “Have you found them?”

Yuan Rong replied, “They were last seen heading towards the Scripture Bestowal Platform.”

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “Scripture Bestowal Platform?”

Yuan Rong explained, “It’s located west of Flying Phoenix Peak, across the river from Goddess Peak, one of the Three Platforms and Eight Scenic Views of Wu Gorge. Legend says that Yu the Great received divine scriptures there from the Goddess, teaching him how to control the floods.”

Sha Lingshan asked, “Still the same four? No changes?”

Yuan Rong said, “That’s right. Miss Du Yuejiao, Hou Bomin, the Monkey Thief, that strange woman with the sack, and the young girl. No one else.”

She lowered her voice, “There have been reports of unidentified martial artists entering Wu Gorge recently. And the Six Gates and the barbarian army are also investigating the strange phenomena here.”

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan exchanged glances.

Sha Lingshan went to the window, opened it, and looked up at the dark, swirling thunderclouds, “I’ve been meaning to ask, why is the weather like this in autumn?”

Yuan Rong said, “Branch Leader, we’ve never seen weather like this in Wu Gorge, not even in summer. I’ve been stationed here for sixteen years, and this is the first time.”

Shi Hao also went to the window, “When did it start?”

Yuan Rong said, “Three days ago, at noon. These thunderclouds suddenly appeared, covering the entire Wu Gorge region in just half a day. Everyone is worried, wondering what it means.”

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “Such unusual weather often signifies a coming disaster. Have the local villagers been evacuated?”

Yuan Rong said, “Young Master, most of the people here are mountain folk. With the unrest in Wu Gorge, and the situation outside even worse, they don’t dare to leave.

“Staying here, at least the soldiers don’t bother them. If they leave, they’ll be treated as refugees, their fate even worse. But many factions are investigating this strange phenomenon. And the other villages and settlements in the surrounding mountains are also concerned.”

Sha Lingshan looked at Shi Hao, “Young Master, could Miss Yuejiao’s sudden appearance here be related to this?”

Shi Hao shook his head, “It’s hard to say.”

He turned to Yuan Rong, “We’re tired from our journey. Please arrange some rooms for us, and have some food and hot water prepared. We’ll rest for two hours, then head to the Scripture Bestowal Platform.”

Yuan Rong said, “Yes, Young Master,” and led them to the back of the monastery, not to the guest rooms in the west wing, but to several empty bedrooms.

Shi Hao said to Sha Lingshan, “Sister Sha, you and your companions should rest as well.”

Sha Lingshan smiled and waved her fan, “Very well.” She left with Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady.

Shi Hao wandered around the nunnery.

The main hall housed statues of the Three Pure Ones, as expected. A large incense burner, filled with ashes and burning incense, stood before a side hall.

He entered the side hall. An altar stood before him, a statue of a goddess behind it.

The goddess statue, better maintained than the Three Pure Ones in the main hall, depicted a beautiful woman in flowing robes, her figure tall and slender, her features delicate, her appearance ethereal.

Shi Hao, looking at the statue, felt a sense of familiarity. He stared at it, the resemblance uncanny, then left the hall and called for a nun, “Ask your abbot to come here.”

Yuan Rong arrived and bowed, “What are your orders, Young Master?”

Shi Hao led her back into the side hall and pointed at the statue, “Are all the goddess statues in Wu Gorge like this?”

Yuan Rong smiled, “Not at all. The goddess statues in different temples vary. After all, no one knows what the goddess truly looks like, so they’re all based on imagination. And the people don’t really care about her appearance, as long as it’s a goddess.”

Shi Hao said, “Then there must be a reason why this particular statue looks like this.”

He looked at the statue, its resemblance to the Holy Jade Immortal striking.

It couldn’t be a coincidence.

Yuan Rong said, “There is a story behind it. Three hundred years ago, a great disaster struck the Wu Gorge region, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

“Then, a beautiful woman appeared in the clouds above. And the tremors and storms suddenly ceased. A local artist painted her portrait.

“After the artist died, his son, following his father’s wishes, donated the painting to our monastery. At that time, this wasn’t a Black Lotus Realm base yet. The abbess then had a statue carved based on the portrait, and the monastery began to prosper.”

Shi Hao said, “Three hundred years ago? Is that painting still here?”

Yuan Rong said, “Yes, it’s in my room. Please wait, Young Master. I’ll retrieve it for you.”

Shi Hao waited. Yuan Rong returned with a long box, which she opened, revealing a scroll. She presented it to him.

Shi Hao took the scroll and slowly unfurled it. A beautiful woman, dressed in flowing robes, her figure ethereal, stood amidst the clouds.

If the statue had merely aroused his suspicion, the painting confirmed it. It was Ye Zi Yin.

Sister Zi Yin has been here as well? he wondered.

Three hundred years ago, during the conflict between the Daoist and demonic sects, Ye Zi Yin had traveled throughout the martial world. It wasn’t surprising that she had visited Wu Gorge.

He said, “May I keep this painting?”

Yuan Rong quickly said, “Of course, Young Master.” She was afraid he wouldn’t accept her gift.

Shi Hao nodded, rolled up the scroll, placed it back in the box, and dismissed Yuan Rong.

After she left, Little Emerald materialized on his shoulder, “Young Master, Ye Zi Yin is Master’s enemy, and therefore, also your enemy…”

Shi Hao said, “I know,” and turned, walking towards his room.

Little Emerald followed him, “Young Master, that woman is cunning and manipulative. Don’t be deceived by her. Master has been so kind to you, teaching you everything she knows. You should be loyal to her, not that Daoist prude…”

Shi Hao said, “I know, I know.”

He returned to his room, rested for a while, then ate the meal brought by the nuns, took a hot bath, and rested again.

He then rejoined Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady, giving the painting to Peach Blossom Lady to carry in their luggage.

Sha Lingshan said, “Young Master, the thunderclouds above seem to be disrupting the Yingzhao. They can’t fly. And in this mountainous terrain, horses are useless.

“The Scripture Bestowal Platform is on the south bank of the river, near Flying Phoenix Peak, across from Goddess Peak. It’s quite a distance. I’ve had Yuan Rong arrange a boat for us. Shall we travel by river?”

Shi Hao smiled and nodded, “As you wish, Sister.”

They descended the mountain and reached the riverbank, where a small, elegant pleasure boat awaited them.

It wasn’t very large, the kind used by scholars and travelers for leisurely river trips, its cabin furnished with a tea set and refreshments.

Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan entered the cabin, Little Emerald following them. Plum Blossom Lady poled the boat, while Peach Blossom Lady brewed tea.

The small boat glided across the water, the current carrying them downstream—

Chapter 186: Wu Gorge Thunderclouds, Heaven-Shrouding Darkness

Shi Hao marveled inwardly at the demonic sects’ methods.

An eleven-year-old girl, planted as a spy… it was a chilling thought.

From Dragon Girl’s report, he had a clearer understanding of the current situation.

As he had predicted, rebellions had erupted across the land, the barbarian court, despite its strength, unable to contain them all.

Their main focus was on suppressing the uprisings in the central plains, northern Qin, northern Yi, and Liaoyang provinces.

They were struggling to control the rebellions in the southern provinces of Chu Yin and Jiangzhe, where the resistance was growing stronger.

Shu, however, had always been relatively peaceful, and Lingnan, although nominally a province under barbarian rule, was practically independent.

The situation in Chu Yin, due to Sheng Menghui’s actions, had become chaotic, the barbarian court essentially abandoning the region.

The rebellion in Jiangzhe, although gaining momentum, would struggle to advance north. Ultimately, expelling the barbarians depended on the northern rebellions.

But those rebellions, although numerous, were still small and scattered, a nuisance to the barbarian court but not a serious threat.

After Dragon Girl left, Shi Hao turned to Sha Lingshan, “Congratulations, Branch Leader, on reaching the fourth rank.”

Sha Lingshan smiled, “If not for you, Young Master, I would still be stuck at the fifth rank. I owe my breakthrough to you.”

She paused, then asked, “Are you planning to visit Wu Gorge, Young Master?”

Shi Hao nodded, “Yes, I’m worried about Yuejiao.”

Sha Lingshan said, “Then allow me to accompany you. I’ll prepare the Yingzhao beasts.”

Shi Hao said, “Thank you.”

Sha Lingshan, along with Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, left to make the arrangements.

The Emerald Beauty, however, remained, kneeling on the table, “Young Master.”

Shi Hao asked, “Is it time?”

The Emerald Beauty, looking slightly embarrassed, said, “If you please, Young Master.”

Shi Hao smiled, “There’s no need for formalities. And may I call you Little Emerald, like Master does?”

The Emerald Beauty said, “As you wish, Young Master.”

Shi Hao said, “Then let’s begin, Little Emerald.”

Being male, he felt slightly uncomfortable performing this task on the doll. He would have preferred Su Mei to handle it.

But she was still in the Primordial Grotto Heaven, and the Emerald Beauty’s essence was fading, her soul weakening within the doll. Without his help, she might not survive until the next full moon.

So, with a mix of resignation and embarrassment, he began, the doll lying naked on the table, its small legs together.

Although just a doll, its lifelike appearance made him hesitate.

But Su Mei had specifically instructed him to do this.

He held the doll in his left hand and, with his right hand, traced its body with his fingers, from its face to its neck, across its small chest, downwards.

Soon, the Emerald Beauty began to make soft, involuntary sounds, a strange mixture of pleasure and pain.

Although she seemed to be trying to resist, her moans became a steady stream.

Shi Hao thought, So the Butterfly Flower Finger works on her as well.

The next morning, Shi Hao woke up, the doll nestled in his arms.

The room was dim, the candle on the tall, bronze lampstand by his bed extinguished, the crystal lamp on the table covered with a silk cloth, its light dimmed.

Little Emerald lay curled up beside him.

Last night, as he had continued, she had writhed and cried, “I’m sorry, Master,” like a virtuous woman struggling to maintain her composure amidst a storm of passion.

He had even wondered if he was betraying Su Mei.

And Little Emerald was surprisingly… sensitive.

He had only been trying to help her, to strengthen her soul.

Why did it feel like he had… violated her?

As he got up, Little Emerald, carefully putting on her rainbow robe, still looked embarrassed.

After washing up and having breakfast, Plum Blossom Lady arrived, “The Yingzhao are ready, Young Master.”

Shi Hao nodded, changed into fresh clothes, picked up Little Emerald, and went outside.

Four Yingzhao beasts awaited them. They were difficult to tame, and the barbarian court controlled them strictly. He wondered how they had obtained them.

Sha Lingshan, holding her fan, approached gracefully, “Young Master.”

Shi Hao said, “Branch Leader Sha.” He paused, then smiled, “Calling you ‘Branch Leader’ outside the sect might attract unwanted attention. If you don’t mind, I’ll just call you Sister.”

Sha Lingshan bowed, her fan fluttering, “You honor me, Young Master.”

Shi Hao chuckled, “Your cultivation and skill surpass mine, Sister Sha. It’s I who am honored. And it’s more convenient when traveling.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “In that case, I’ll accept your offer.”

They mounted the Yingzhao, Shi Hao carrying Little Emerald, with Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady following behind.

The four Yingzhao took flight, heading towards Wu Gorge.

Along the way, Shi Hao and Sha Lingshan chatted, Little Emerald nestled in his arms.

The Qinling Mountains formed the watershed between the Long River and the Yellow River.

Wu Gorge was one of the Three Gorges of the Long River.

As they flew east, the air grew colder, likely unbearable for ordinary people.

But as martial artists, they were unaffected.

From above, the devastation below was evident.

Refugees were everywhere, fleeing their homes, while barbarian soldiers searched for them, even venturing into the mountains, capturing men for forced labor, the women’s fate unknown.

Farmers, shackled, harvested the fields under the watchful eyes of barbarian soldiers.

And yet, amidst this poverty and suffering, luxurious manor houses, with their elaborate gardens and pavilions, stood like islands of prosperity.

Beyond Wu Gorge lay the Ba Shu region.

Wu Gorge, located east of the Ba Mountains, was a land of towering peaks and deep canyons, its landscape shrouded in mist and clouds due to the lack of sunlight.

The “Twelve Peaks of Wu Mountain, all shrouded in mist,” their peaks often hidden, seemed to touch the heavens.

They traveled for over a day, finally approaching Wu Gorge… The journey through the mountains would have been much longer without the Yingzhao.

Of course, traveling by boat along the river would have been a different story.

The famous verse, “From both river banks, the monkeys’ cries incessantly rise, as my light raft glides past a thousand towering skies,” referred to this region.

According to the information from Dragon Girl, Yuejiao, Hou Bomin, Xiang Gu, and the mysterious girl had traveled by boat.

The Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge were divided into six on the south bank and six on the north.

The six on the south bank were Flying Phoenix Peak, Emerald Screen Peak, Gathering Crane Peak, Pure Altar Peak, Rising Cloud Peak, and Ascending Peak.

The six on the north bank were Ascending Dragon Peak, Holy Spring Peak, Morning Cloud Peak, Goddess Peak, Pine Peak, and Gathering Immortals Peak.

Beneath Ascending Dragon Peak was a Daoist nunnery called the Monastery of Coalescing Truth, also known as the Goddess Temple, dedicated to the goddess Yao Ji, who, according to legend, had assisted the mythical Yu the Great in taming the floods.

Being a nunnery, its inhabitants were naturally all women.

But no one knew that these nuns weren’t exactly… Daoist cultivators.

This was a Black Lotus Realm stronghold.

The Chongxian Sect, claiming to be the orthodox leader of the Daoist sects, naturally considered this remote nunnery “unorthodox,” but there were many such sects, too many for them to control.

And the worship of the Goddess Yao Ji had a long history in this region. There were many “Goddess Temples” in the Wu Gorge area, as common as Earth God temples elsewhere.

Any temple or shrine dedicated to the goddess, regardless of its affiliation, was called a Goddess Temple. It was a local custom.

For the common people, the distinctions between orthodox and unorthodox, between legitimate worship and folk practices, were irrelevant.

Their faith was simple. The goddess protected them; she was their benevolent protector.

The Three Pure Ones of Daoism were distant, abstract figures, not as important as their local goddess.

The four Yingzhao descended towards Ascending Dragon Peak.

Shi Hao looked up and saw dark clouds swirling above, lightning flashing.

“Is this normal weather for Wu Gorge?” he asked, holding Little Emerald.

Sha Lingshan shook her head, “Clouds are common here, but thunderclouds like this, especially at this time of year, are unusual.”

It was almost the Mid-Autumn Festival. Summer thunderstorms were normal, but such dark and ominous clouds in autumn were unsettling.

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady also found it strange. Peach Blossom Lady said, “I’ve been to Wu Gorge many times, but I’ve never seen weather like this.”

Plum Blossom Lady said, “These thunderclouds, covering the entire sky, obscuring the mountains… I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else.”

The four Yingzhao, also seemingly alarmed, descended further, landing on the ground, refusing to fly any higher.

The swirling clouds above seemed to radiate a menacing, ominous aura.

They dismounted and, leading their reluctant mounts, continued towards the Monastery of Coalescing Truth.