Chapter 19

Not sure if it was because of the provocation from Xie Chang’an that day, but Zhang Fanruo truly went into seclusion to cultivate. When she went out with Fang Qinglan, Zhang Fanruo was still inside her retreat.

Besides Fang Qinglan’s two disciples, Shen Xi and Yu Chunshan were also traveling together.

Shen Xi was the foremost disciple of Tianyi Peak. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he was destined to inherit the legacy of Master Shanyun and become the head of Tianyi Peak, even the leader of Chishuang Mountain. Wholeheartedly pursuing the Dao, he naturally wished to personally witness the rare opportunity of Master Canmiao’s tribulation.

Since everyone had been busy with their own affairs and hadn’t met for a while, many sensed a subtle change when Xie Chang’an appeared.

Shen Xi was the first to notice. “You’ve reached the Sword Intent realm?”

Xie Chang’an didn’t deny it, smiling and cupping his fist in response.

Shen Xi said, “Well done, congratulations.”

Zhang Fanruo had grown up on Chishuang Mountain but had yet to enter the Sword Intent realm. Xie Chang’an reached it within two years of apprenticeship, and though Zhang Fanruo’s own laziness was partly to blame, only someone with Xie Chang’an’s comprehension could live up to Zhu Xuanguang’s reputation.

In the past, Shen Xi had dismissed this junior sister as unremarkable when she first joined the sect. But now he realized how narrow-minded he had been. Simply because she was the only one on Chishuang Mountain brave enough to persevere like him, enduring six months of “Long Night Unending” cultivation, Shen Xi had long since come to admire her.

Yu Chunshan’s face lit up with joy. “This is excellent news!”

Disciples of Chishuang Mountain venturing into the secular world were required to start at the Sword Intent realm to have any chance of self-defense. He had been worried hearing that Xie Chang’an was traveling with them, but now he realized his worries were unfounded.

The two senior brothers from Zhaoxue Peak also congratulated Xie Chang’an.

Yu Chunshan said to Xie Chang’an, “Master said that when we come down from Fuguang Mountain, it will just be in time for the grand event in Limeng City, the Great Winged Immortal Gathering. We won’t return to Chishuang Mountain but head straight to Limeng City. If Brother Zhang can break through to the Sword Qi realm before then, Master will permit him to join us there.”

Senior Brother Liu from Zhaoxue Peak said, “Brother Zhang is gifted but unwilling to settle down. Hopefully, this time he has the patience and resolve.”

Senior Brother Cao, also from Zhaoxue Peak, added his usual phrase, “How about we make a bet and see if Brother Zhang can break through by the time we return?”

Xie Chang’an had been curious about the Great Winged Immortal Gathering but now had something weighing on her mind and couldn’t focus, so she only half-listened to the casual chatter.

Fang Qinglan arrived shortly.

Before coming, he had been stopped by Master Shanyun for a conversation, which delayed him somewhat.

Afterward, his expression darkened.

“On this journey to Fuguang Mountain, if Master Canmiao successfully ascends, that would be fortunate. But if she fails her tribulation, Fuguang Mountain might face serious trouble. However, these are internal sect disputes. We are outsiders here to observe the ceremony. Unless absolutely necessary, we must not intervene,” Fang Qinglan earnestly warned them.

Everyone exchanged glances, puzzled.

Senior Brother Liu couldn’t help but ask, “Master, have you heard some news?”

Xie Chang’an felt the heavy burden of Zhu Xuanguang’s remaining lifespan, less than ten years, pressing down on her. Hearing of the inner strife at Fuguang Mountain stirred a subtle anxiety within her, like a tree wanting calm but the wind never ceasing.

Compared to mortals, cultivators wield divine arts capable of crossing mountains and seas, seemingly limitless. Yet, they are still human.

Being human means bound by inseparable emotions, grudges, and desires. Even lifespan is finite.

Just as Zhu Xuanguang said, his power had long surpassed mortal limits, but the mortal body could not withstand it. Without timely tribulation, the power would burst forth uncontrollably, and the cultivator would vanish like smoke.

But becoming a godly immortal—does that truly sever mortal attachments, erasing love, hate, and grievances with a single stroke?

Thinking this, the young girl glanced back toward Chongming Peak, where she had just come from.

A figure stood atop the peak, seemingly crossing through clouds and mist, gazing in her direction.

“Fuguang Mountain is powerful but divided into two factions—Canmiao’s and Lin Mengdu’s. Their enmity began centuries ago. Both sides feared that splitting would weaken the mountain, so they barely maintained appearances. Canmiao’s faction is stronger for now and holds the upper hand, but after her, Yuzi is mediocre, inferior in talent and strength to the opposing faction.”

Hearing this, Yu Chunshan understood immediately.

“When Master Canmiao leaves, her faction cannot inherit leadership and will be suppressed by Lin’s faction?”

Fang Qinglan nodded. “Their grudges run deep. It’s likely more than mere suppression.”

It could erupt into a bloodbath.

He didn’t say that last part aloud.

Fang Qinglan had agreed to help protect Master Canmiao during her tribulation but refused to meddle in the internal affairs of her disciples. The old grudges at Fuguang Mountain were complex, and rash involvement could entangle him, so he instructed Xie Chang’an and the others with grave seriousness.

Everyone naturally agreed.

Though there was some distance between Chishuang Mountain and Fuguang Mountain, with the head of Zhaoxue Peak present, they could conserve much energy. Fang Qinglan activated the Thousand-Mile Array at Zhaoxue Peak to send them swiftly to the mountain’s base. Leaving Chishuang Mountain’s protective barrier, they entered the mortal realm, located in the Hedong Circuit of the Great Tang. Traveling north lay Beizhu Mountain, and beyond that, Bingxu. Heading east on horseback for over ten days would lead to Fuguang Mountain.

Naturally, they could have chosen to fly on swords, but after stepping into the mortal world and beholding the mundane fireworks of life, their feet seemed less willing to move. So they agreed to travel first by horseback, then switch to sword flight when the time was right. With ample time ahead and Fang Qinglan waiting in Yong’an Town, he did not rush them, allowing everyone to drift in small groups.

At this time, the An Lushan Rebellion had been raging for over two years. The realm was chaotic, with countless lives lost. Even the birthplace of the Li clan’s uprising was not spared. The bustling human prosperity they sought was nowhere to be found—only desolation and the wails of the suffering.

Taiyuan Prefecture, due to its vast territory and long-standing commerce, fared somewhat better. Although besieged multiple times by rebel and Tang troops, the surviving townsfolk still eked out a living, setting up scattered stalls and shops.

Yu Chunshan and company wore bright, clean clothes, some carrying long swords, others bearing an ethereal demeanor—not common folk, nor nobility—drawing frequent stares along the road.

Senior Brothers Liu and Cao of Zhaoxue Peak separated from them, and Yu Chunshan noticed Xie Chang’an was missing.

“Where’s Junior Sister Xie?”

“She said she wanted to visit Bei Huifeng Mountain first and would catch up with us later in Yong’an Town,” Shen Xi replied.

Bei Huifeng Mountain was near Yong’an Town, just a slight detour.

This ancient divine mountain was hidden among ordinary peaks, shrouded in clouds and mist with heavy barriers. Ordinary people could neither see nor enter it, and even cultivators had to go through great effort to gain access.

Shen Xi understood Xie Chang’an’s impulse. When he first ventured down the mountain, he had to visit Bei Huifeng Mountain to glimpse the Celestial Inscription Scripture—a rare treat reserved for the supreme cultivators of the world.

“Senior Brother, your expression looks like you want to go too?” Yu Chunshan teased.

Shen Xi shook his head slowly. “One visit to the Celestial Inscription Scripture is enough.”

Repeated visits would reveal only a mountain wall inscription. Standing beneath it, one could only feel their own insignificance.

Too many visits wouldn’t make one immortal; it would only disturb the Dao heart.

Originally, Xie Chang’an was not particularly curious.

But Zhu Xuanguang’s ascension related to the Celestial Inscription Scripture, Shen Liu’s secret involved it, and the upcoming tribulation of Master Canmiao at Fuguang Mountain was also tied to it.

How could she not come see it?

Shrouded in clouds and mist, surrounded by seals with yin and yang intertwined, and occasionally visited by strange beasts, the place was unlike anywhere else.

Ordinary folk could never find it. Those who stumbled in by accident would likely fall from great cliffs, shattering to dust without a drop of blood remaining.

At this moment, Xie Chang’an’s feet did not touch the ground. Her flowing robes billowed as if moved by the wind. She neither walked nor flew by sword but drifted like a celestial being among the mist, arriving at the mountainside in moments.

The blue phoenix of heavenly fragrance soared faintly; her icy skin and jade-like form shimmered beneath clouds like sheer silk.

Two years ago, when she was still a fragile palace maid teetering on the edge of disaster, she could never have imagined such a fate.

Suddenly, a strong wind blew from all directions—east, south, west, and north. Those with weaker cultivation would be swept away. Thanks to her solid foundation cultivated during the “Long Night Unending,” Xie Chang’an maintained her form despite the bizarre gale.

She had thought she could ascend directly upon entering the mountain, but found something strange halfway up. A great river blocked her path, beyond which lay a vast, indistinct expanse. No matter how she tried to cross, she was always led back to her starting point.

Following the river’s end, she came upon a soaring waterfall. Above it stood a towering solitary peak, piercing the clouds so high its summit was unseen.

The face of the mountain before her looked as if a smooth panel had been carved away, gleaming like a mirror, cloaked in white mist. From a distance, it was impossible to discern details.

Attempting to fly closer, she suddenly felt a tremendous weight pulling her down. She instinctively retreated, her feet skimming the water basin beneath the waterfall until she reached a protruding rock and stopped.

Looking up, she could barely make out inscriptions on the cliff through the dense mist.

The characters flowed like dragons and phoenixes dancing, seemingly born of the mountain itself, crafted by divine hands, faintly glowing amidst the fog.

From right to left, the names Zhu Xuanguang appeared first, then Canmiao.

Indeed, two names.

Suddenly the mist shifted, obscuring the inscriptions again.

So this was the Celestial Inscription Scripture.

Frowning, Xie Chang’an pondered how to get closer for a better look when an abrupt shout rang out.

“Today, I want to see what right you have to stand here!”

Xie Chang’an turned in confusion and saw a sword intent slash coming straight at her!

The sword intent was like a rainbow, cleaving the mist, at least at the peak of the Sword Intent realm. Instinctively, she dodged aside, summoning the Ling Tian Sword with a thought.

The mist parted under the sword intent but quickly closed again, restoring the obscurity over the inscription.

A figure flew up from below, dripping with waterfall spray, seemingly intent on striking the inscription twice, but upon seeing Xie Chang’an standing there, he let out a surprised “Huh.”

The man was soaking wet without using spiritual power to shield the water, appearing somewhat disheveled. Yet his expression was fierce, his eyes radiating killing intent as if trying to pierce her very soul.

“What is your name, honored sir?”

“Xie Chang’an of Chishuang Mountain.” She cupped her fist, not insisting the other reveal his name first. “Passing by, I came here out of curiosity.”

“Xie Chang’an?” The man furrowed his brow as if recalling something. “Are you the Xie Chang’an who defeated Wang Ting at the apprenticeship ceremony?”

“That’s right...”

Before she could ask his name, the man laughed heartily.

“Good! Just the person I wanted to meet!”

Xie Chang’an was baffled.

Another sword intent slash came, fiercer than before!

Annoyed, she dodged and struck back immediately, aiming to end the fight swiftly. The Ling Tian Sword blazed with golden light, brilliance intertwining with grace, the sword and wielder becoming one as she charged.

The other party seemed surprised by the lethal move and took a half-step back, exposing an opening. The Ling Tian Sword swiftly struck for his neck.

He cried out as a sword light barrier sprang up before him, but the Ling Tian Sword’s intent shattered it, a grim aura of death descending.

Sword Intent realm wielders truly possessed terrifying sword intent!

For the first time, shock appeared on the man’s face. Disregarding pride, he raised his sword as a shield, stepping on the water basin and retreating three to four yards.

“Enough! Enough! This isn’t a life-or-death duel, are you mad?!”

He shouted, relaxing slightly when Xie Chang’an ceased attacking.

“I only wanted to spar and test if your reputation was deserved!”

“To me, every fight is life or death, so I treat it seriously,” Xie Chang’an said slowly, sheathing her sword. Though calm, she had given her all. Had he endured that, the outcome would have been uncertain.

The man was intrigued yet incredulous.

“I heard that two years ago you defeated Wang Ting with a single stroke at the apprenticeship ceremony, just after entering Sword Qi realm. How have you advanced so rapidly in such a short time?”

He considered himself at the peak of Sword Intent realm and generally had no trouble traveling alone unless encountering Sword Heart realm masters. Yet here at Bei Huifeng Mountain, he had met defeat.

This was the second time he mentioned the apprenticeship ceremony and Wang Ting. Xie Chang’an didn’t answer but instead asked, “You haven’t told me your name. Are you connected to Wang Ting?”

“Oh, I forgot. I’m Zhe Dao-you. Same sect as Wang Ting—Fuguang Mountain…”

Standing on the rock above the waterfall pool, with clouds, mist, and roaring water around, their conversation was intermittent. Xie Chang’an caught his name vaguely and nodded.

“So you are Brother Zhe. Are you here to avenge Wang Ting?”

Zhe laughed mockingly. “You’re mistaken. Though from the same sect, we are not from the same branch. I’m actually hoping to see him fail. Since losing face to you two years ago, he’s been working day and night. I don’t know what rare treasures his master found for him, but now he’s at the peak of Sword Intent realm, one step from Sword Heart realm. You’d better avoid him before you reach Sword Heart!”

Xie Chang’an recalled Fang Qinglan’s warning about the internal strife at Fuguang Mountain. Since Zhe Dao-you was from a different branch than Wang Ting, he must be from Master Canmiao’s faction. The feud was so open that even disciples didn’t hide it, explaining Fang Shishu’s stern admonition to avoid involvement.

“Thanks for the warning, Brother Zhe. But this time, the elders of my sect have been invited to Fuguang Mountain; I don’t have much choice.”

Zhe understood. “You came to see the Celestial Inscription Scripture too, right?”

He was also returning hurriedly to his sect after receiving a summons, and since he was here at Bei Huifeng Mountain, he thought he might as well see the legendary scripture.

Zhe was known for his arrogance. Seeing the scripture did not inspire awe but rather a desire to test if the mountain could be cleaved. Surprisingly, his rebellious intent matched Xie Chang’an’s.

The two quickly found themselves eager to try.

“How about I lend you a hand?”

Zhe was stunned, then laughed loudly.

“Deal!”

At that moment, as if by unspoken agreement, both drew their swords and struck toward the mountain wall!