Chapter 21

Fang Qinglan showed signs of fatigue as he sat facing the others from Chishuang Mountain.

Since serving as the protector for Master Canmiao, his spiritual power and energy had been greatly depleted, and after several days, he had only managed a slight recovery.

Everyone remained shaken by Master Canmiao’s tribulation, their spirits hardly uplifted.

“Uncle Fang, yesterday near Qingping Peak, we saw some disciples from Fuguang Mountain clash, including Zhe’er and Wang Ting,” Shen Xi reported.

Zhe’er was a disciple under Master Canmiao, while Wang Ting was a student of Daoist Wen Qin, belonging to the Lin Mengdu lineage. With Master Canmiao’s passing, the long-suppressed discord between these two factions immediately erupted.

Due to the bonds formed during their travels, Shen Xi and Xie Chang’an, though merely passing by, could not ignore the conflict. At that moment, Zhe’er was outnumbered three to one and already faltering. Seeing Xie Chang’an arrive, Wang Ting’s expression changed sharply before he called his brothers and left.

Xie Chang’an was momentarily stunned. She had come to Fuguang Mountain prepared to confront Wen Qin and Wang Ting, but unexpectedly, they avoided the confrontation entirely.

This indicated that the crisis within Fuguang Mountain was on the verge of exploding, and Wang Ting and others had likely been warned not to cause any external disturbances.

Typically, with such a clash resolved, Zhe’er would have mocked Wang Ting’s reaction and teased Xie Chang’an, but with their master recently deceased, Zhe’er looked haggard and disheartened, offering only a brief greeting before hastily departing.

“Zhe’er’s meaning is clear: we should leave as soon as possible. Judging by his words, a factional conflict is inevitable,” Fang Qinglan said.

Since Lin Mengdu, protector of the Lin lineage, was gravely injured and had retreated into seclusion after Master Canmiao’s death, the affairs of Fuguang Mountain were now managed by the senior disciple Zhou Linlin. However, his limited experience made it hard for him to command respect, and Daoist Wen Qin was sure to cause trouble.

“I gathered you all today to discuss this matter. Indeed, you should leave,” Fang Qinglan nodded. “The city of Limeng will soon open. You can go straight there. The Great Feathered Immortal Tour is a rare cultivation opportunity you cannot miss. If fate allows, you might even breakthrough your realms.”

Senior Brother Liu quickly asked, “Master, won’t you come with us?”

Fang Qinglan replied, “My divine sense was damaged that day and needs time to recover, so I will stay here. The Great Feathered Immortal Tour is your own opportunity; only you can face it. Others can’t help.”

Shen Xi caught the subtle implication.

“Uncle Fang intends to intervene for Master Canmiao’s faction?”

Fang Qinglan sighed.

Though he had warned Shen Xi and the others not to get involved, Master Canmiao could have ascended without care for Fuguang Mountain or its people but chose another path to protect them all. Ultimately, everyone owed her a debt of gratitude.

Her greatest concern in life was the sect. Fang Qinglan’s presence was a small favor, a repayment of that kindness.

“We won’t interfere directly, but with me here, for Chishuang Mountain’s sake, they won’t dare make too much trouble.”

Of course, his presence was only a temporary measure. If Zhou Linlin could not hold his own, no help would suffice. Fang Qinglan would not remain at Fuguang Mountain forever.

Xie Chang’an considered a possibility. “Could Lin Mengdu have foreseen this situation and thus gone into seclusion?”

If there was still some sentiment between Lin Mengdu and Master Canmiao, their disciples no longer shared such restraint. Seclusion was tacit consent, allowing Wen Qin and his faction to wreak havoc until everything settled by the time he emerged.

Senior Brother Cao clicked his tongue. “He’s a true old fox, never sullying his reputation, just waiting to reap the benefits!”

Senior Brother Liu said, “Regardless, with Wen Qin and Wang Ting’s previous behavior in Chishuang Mountain, I stand with Zhou Linlin. He has to step up—I’m eager to see him become Fuguang’s leader and trample Wang Ting beneath his feet!”

Shen Xi thought: … This is their turf, and you already speak so brazenly?

Fang Qinglan, annoyed by their chatter, promptly sent them all down the mountain.

With Fuguang Mountain in chaos, no one stopped their departure except a single ordinary disciple sent to escort them to the foot of the mountain.

---

“To all senior brothers and sisters, I can only accompany you this far. If you still wish to go to Limeng City, you can bypass Yong’an Town, avoid the official post road, and take the path beneath Bei Huifeng Mountain. Using a magical artifact or sword flying, it takes just one day—very convenient.”

The escorting disciple was of modest cultivation but cheerful, enthusiastically introducing the scenic views of Fuguang Mountain along the way.

“Recently, with the sect leader’s accident, no one has time, so they sent me. If you return someday, you can explore more thoroughly. Each peak has its own distinct beauty, well worth seeing.”

Shen Xi asked, “Thank you. May I know your name?”

The disciple smiled, “My name is Wu Qifeng. Just call me Little Wu. I have a small request: since you are going to Limeng City, if we meet again, could you share your experiences with me? I’ve long yearned to see it but lack the cultivation to enter.”

Shen Xi naturally agreed.

Wu Qifeng beamed and bowed. “Many thanks, senior brothers and sisters!”

After walking a few steps, Xie Chang’an suddenly turned back, beckoning Wu Qifeng over.

“Here are three wordless talismans. You know how to use them—consider this a gift for seeing us off.”

Wu Qifeng had seen wordless talismans before, but disciples of his level rarely had such treasures and felt awkward.

“No, no, thank you, Senior Sister, but these are too precious…”

“These aren’t precious to Chishuang Mountain. We won’t need them on the way to Limeng City. Take them as thanks for accompanying us.”

Xie Chang’an didn’t wait for further refusal, pressing the talismans into his hand before turning away.

After they left, Yu Chunshan looked back to see Wu Qifeng still standing there, staring blankly after them.

“Senior Sister Xie is truly kind-hearted!” Senior Brother Liu remarked.

Wordless talismans were common in Chishuang Mountain, mere ordinary defensive tools for those who had reached the Sword Realm. But for novices like Wu Qifeng, they were life-saving treasures.

“It’s nothing,” Xie Chang’an said lightly, recalling how she had once been besieged alone in Chang’an City and would have died then if Zhu Xuanguang hadn’t appeared.

With Fuguang Mountain now in turmoil, anyone could see a great disaster was imminent. Wu Qifeng’s level made him vulnerable, so if she could offer some shelter, she would.

The journey continued in silence.

When they reached Limeng City, two days remained before its gates would open, so they found an inn nearby.

Like Chishuang Mountain, Limeng City was a realm for cultivators, surrounded by a special barrier allowing only cultivators to enter. The gates opened once every ten years, remaining closed otherwise.

Those arriving had to wait outside, and over time, a small town had formed, equipped with all the necessities of life and bustling with activity.

“This town imitates Chang’an City, with east and west markets, though much smaller. The East Market mainly sells magical treasures and artifacts—mostly fakes, though some genuine ones. You’ll need to discern for yourself. The fakes are very convincing; I once… cough… had a friend who bought several items, only to find they were all fake!”

“The West Market sells daily necessities. Some ready-made clothes use Beihai silver sand, which can serve as talismans or fabric with protective properties. If you need anything, you might want to take a look.”

Senior Brother Liu spoke enthusiastically, as if recounting treasured knowledge.

Senior Brother Cao asked curiously, “You’ve been here before?”

Liu nodded honestly, “I was very curious when the gates last opened, but I didn’t dare enter. I only toured the town outside, fearing I wouldn’t be able to leave if I went in.”

Cao scoffed, “Don’t be so eerie. What kind of monsters could be inside? Surely nothing like the six-faced men we encountered in the Lone Wood!”

Legends about Limeng City were varied and confusing, each person telling a different tale. Cao found it increasingly bewildering.

Liu sighed, “If only it were that simple. With our numbers, we could draw swords and hack our way through. But the strangeness of Limeng City lies in its perfection.”

He struggled to explain further, leaving everyone puzzled. Since Shen Xi was the senior disciple of the sect leader and knew more, she took over.

“Before entering, everyone receives a lamp. You infuse it with your spiritual power, and it becomes your life lamp inside Limeng City. You must leave before it goes out,” Shen Xi explained. “When entering, silently hold the lamp and think of your wish. You don’t have to say it aloud. Once inside, your wish will come true.”

Yu Chunshan asked, “Any wish?”

Shen Xi nodded. “Master was vague but said it would be fulfilled. I suspect Limeng City still abides by mortal rules—no transcendence beyond the Sword Immortal realm—but people, ghosts, demons—all exist there. Even if you wanted to enter as a wandering spirit, you could.”

Master She Yun would not deceive disciples, but this raised more questions.

“What if I wish to be a Sword Immortal realm expert inside?”

“Then inside, you will be a Sword Immortal realm expert.”

Senior Brother Liu’s eyes widened. “Does that mean I could kill freely inside?”

Shen Xi’s pale, translucent gaze looked at him as if he were an imbecile.

“Do you think just being a Sword Immortal realm expert means you can easily pass Limeng City’s trials?”

Liu: … Isn’t that so?

Senior Brother Cao slapped his thigh, inspired.

“Exciting! Can I only make one wish, or what if I have three?”

Shen Xi retorted coldly, “So, you want to be a human, a ghost, and a pig?”

Cao: …

Liu chuckled with schadenfreude, “I bet he’ll become a gambler in there, betting day and night!”

Shen Xi ignored them and continued.

“Limeng City is not what you think. It’s not a single place where everyone exists. It’s like the Buddhist concept of three thousand great worlds containing three thousand smaller worlds.”

“From start to finish, you might never encounter old acquaintances. Those you meet may not be alive. Sometimes, that world might contain only yourself. Other beings are bizarre illusions, like dreams or phantoms. Remember, whether you lose your memory inside or not, you must keep your spirit clear and never become trapped.”

“But if you make a wish beyond your own ability, the world inside will match that.”

“I see. The Great Feathered Immortal Tour changes with the person and time, manifesting in thousands of forms and infinite mysteries. Limeng City truly deserves its reputation as the greatest trial place in the world!”

Yu Chunshan suddenly understood.

“So if I, like Senior Brother Liu, want to be a Sword Immortal realm expert inside, I’ll encounter a world full of Sword Immortals with weak hearts? If I’m not greedy, wishing only to be a mortal, I’ll experience ordinary life, making it easier to pass the trial and escape?”

Shen Xi said, “Good question. But mortals have their own sufferings. You can ask Senior Sister Xie.”

Most present had been disciples since childhood, growing up on Chishuang Mountain, some from long lines of cultivators, admitted solely on talent, without major hardships. They all looked to her.

Xie Chang’an understood Shen Xi’s meaning.

“To be trapped in mortal suffering—daily struggles for food, oil, salt, and disputes—even if you reach high office, wealth, and status, you cannot escape political strife, sudden death, or even the ruin of your family and reputation. You might forget transcendence. Opportunities and enlightenment will be few. Without gains, it’s meaningless. Our journey is not just to leave safely but to improve our cultivation. So the identity you wish for should allow you to be tested without becoming hopelessly trapped.”

Shen Xi nodded approvingly at Xie Chang’an’s insight and explanation.

“Though the master did not explicitly say so, I have pondered it, and I agree. But since it is a place of trial, it naturally contains hidden dangers and pitfalls. It can confuse the mind, injure the body, or even cause death. After entering, you will inevitably separate. I hope you all take care, hold fast to your will, and remember Senior Uncle Chang’s lesson.”

The group fell silent for a moment.