After finishing inventorying the items, Chen Sanshi put away the Purple Thunder Bow and turned his head toward the White Jade Spirit Snake, which was once again swallowing spirit stones. A sudden thought arose in his mind, and he directly grabbed it and placed it onto the bowstring.
"Hiss—!"
The White Jade Spirit Snake was utterly terrified. Its cool, smooth body coiled tightly around the bow frame, but it could not withstand its master's immense strength and was forcibly pulled straight like an arrow.
"Still not enough."
At present, Chen Sanshi's snake was only at the late stage of the first realm, Spirit Aperture, still some distance from the second realm, Mysterious Body. Even if shot out, it would have little power.
He slowly released the string and held the white snake in his hand. "Cultivate properly. If you prove useless in the future, I'll have no choice but to dismantle you for materials."
The white snake clung tightly to the bow frame, motionless.
Buzz—
At that moment, Dongfang Jingxing returned to the cave. "Your Majesty, Shangguan Siheng and the others have arrived."
"Let them in."
Chen Sanshi rose to receive them.
Several days earlier at Luoxia Mountain, Shangguan Siheng had led his subordinates to draw away Ronghua City's City Lord Jiang Shang. Only now had they returned safely.
"All matters are settled."
Shangguan Siheng spoke directly. "Our sect's personnel have all relocated to secure refuges. The disciples of Tianyong City are also safe for the time being."
From his account, Chen Sanshi also learned that Duan Silu and the others had successfully freed a large number of "cauldrons" from the brothel, quickly drawing the attention of Shengyun Sect, which then properly arranged for those people.
As for Duan Silu and the other 2, they were discovered while attempting to flee the city and were all executed on the spot. None survived.
Chen Sanshi said silently, "Fellow Daoist Duan was indeed a true hero."
"There are many such heroes within Zhuxian Sect."
Shangguan Siheng did not show excessive grief but instead said with concern, "After this incident, things will likely calm down for a while, but it will not last long. That City Lord Jiang Shang will certainly continue using this method to help Seven Kill Sect expand its disciples. And with heightened vigilance in the future, it will be difficult for us to intervene again. I wonder what Fellow Daoist Xiao thinks? And what is the view from Eastern Divine Continent?"
"There is only one breakthrough point."
Chen Sanshi informed him, "And that is the main peak of Daze.
"We must find every possible way to avoid the Golden Core cultivator, break the formation on the main peak, and then seize control of the Li family's teleportation array.
"If we can gain possession of the teleportation array, the Great Han court will be able to dispatch more cultivators and troops into Heavenly Water Isle."
But…
Easier said than done.
Leaving aside the teleportation array, the Golden Core cultivator residing in the marketplace was like an immovable mountain—impossible to shake.
In such a situation, Chen Sanshi, as a general from the military, knew that the only thing he could do was respond to all changes by remaining unchanged—holding position and waiting for the right moment.
Of course, waiting for the right moment did not mean sitting idly by. During this time, they needed to make ample preparations—on one hand striving to improve their strength, and on the other seeking ways to approach the teleportation array.
5 years…
Upon reflection, Chen Sanshi felt that while it did not sound short, for cultivators it was but the blink of an eye.
He could not guarantee that everything would proceed smoothly, so he also had to prepare for the worst—such as the court collapsing and the realm falling into ruin once the seal was broken. Where should the core personnel of the court retreat to then?
If all else failed, they could only place their hopes in Qingxu Sect.
Heavenly Water Isle was vast beyond measure, even more magnificent than Eastern Divine Continent.
It must be understood that Eastern Divine Continent did not consist solely of the territories of Great Han, Western Qi Kingdom, Southern Xu Kingdom, and Eastern Qing Kingdom; there were also immeasurable Great Wastelands beyond.
According to recorded texts and oral tradition, within Heavenly Water Isle there were 36 widely recognized righteous sects, collectively known as the Thirty-Six Immortal Sects.
Among these 36 Immortal Sects, 24 were Golden Core sects, and 12 were Nascent Soul upper sects. Among those 12 Nascent Soul upper sects, 3 were regarded as Heavenly Sects.
Due to the vast territory, though said to be within a single isle, distances between them were often immense; crossing mountains and seas was commonplace.
Qingxu Sect was one of the 24 Golden Core sects and naturally possessed many Golden Core cultivators. If they were willing to lend assistance, the situation might greatly improve.
However, the token his master had left him had specifically added the words "only as a last resort" before seeking Qingxu Sect, leaving Chen Sanshi uncertain about what attitude they would have upon seeing him.
Moreover, the Bai family seemed to have connections with Qingxu Sect as well. Previously, the Bai family head, Bai Liangbi, had mentioned sending someone to request aid. It was unknown what the outcome would be.
Shangguan Siheng said, "In the coming years, I will also try to find ways to contact seniors above the Golden Core realm and see if they can be invited here."
Chen Sanshi asked curiously, "Does your sect not maintain communication among yourselves in ordinary times?"
Shangguan Siheng shook his head and explained the current state of Zhuxian Sect.
The majority of Zhuxian Sect disciples were essentially in a state of "free range," receiving almost no assistance. The concentrated strength of the sect was directed southward to fight against the demon race and the demon beasts.
"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave first."
Shangguan Siheng turned to go, then seemed to recall something and turned back. "By the way, does Fellow Daoist Xiao have any intention of joining our Zhuxian Sect?"
"There is no need for that."
Chen Sanshi declined politely. "Xiao is a wandering cultivator, accustomed to drifting like idle clouds and wild cranes. My actions this time were merely due to a grudge against the Li family."
"Very well."
Shangguan Siheng nodded without saying more, stepped onto his flying sword, and soared into the air, soon disappearing from sight.
"Next, we must prepare for matters concerning the Nine Nether Forbidden Land."
Chen Sanshi instructed, "Little Zhu, arrange for another group from Tianyong City to enter Heavenly Water Isle, just as before, and have them await orders."
Not long ago, the Nine Nether Forbidden Land had experienced a disturbance. It was impossible to say whether it contained great peril or great opportunity, but preparing in advance was always wise.
"This servant obeys."
After giving his instructions, Chen Sanshi used the Art of Disguise to assume the appearance of a junior member of the Bai family. Stepping onto a flying boat, he left the cave and headed straight for Dusk Valley.
When he was still a few miles from the mountain gate, he sensed that something was wrong.
Outside Dusk Valley, a large number of cultivators had gathered—by estimation at least 500. The majority were from the Demon-Suppression Division, with the rest from Ronghua City.
The Bai family disciples, regardless of age or gender, were all assembled before the mountain gate, holding various weapons and standing ready.
Among the Demon-Suppression Division, the Eighth Prince of Great Song, Zhao Xun, sat astride a beast entirely golden in color. Its body resembled a fierce tiger, its surface covered in golden feathers.
A Zouwu.
Unlike the exotic beasts of mortal mountain ranges, this was a true spirit beast, and its realm had already reached the second realm, Mysterious Body.
Ronghua City's City Lord Jiang Shang stood with his hands clasped behind his back and spoke with killing intent, "Step aside!"
"Jiang Shang!"
The Bai family head, Bai Liangbi, pointed at him and rebuked, "Dusk Valley is the territory of our Bai family. What right do you have to say that?!"
"Must I repeat myself?"
Jiang Shang narrowed his eyes. "By order of the Great Song court and Shengyun Sect, we are thoroughly investigating the bandit cultivator incident at Luoxia Mountain. The ringleader is named 'Xiao Feng.' He was once your Bai family's resident alchemist. We now suspect that he is hiding within your Dusk Valley!
"Perhaps this entire affair was orchestrated by your Bai family!
"This is a crime punishable by extermination of the clan!
"If you wish to prove your innocence, then step aside and allow us to enter and search. If we confirm that you are innocent, we will naturally withdraw."
"Zhao Xun!"
Bai Liangbi turned toward the Eighth Prince at his side. "You go too far! Are you not afraid of pushing people to desperation, so that we all perish together?!"
"Family Head Bai, this prince does not wish to make matters ugly."
Zhao Xun tightened the reins. "But public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters. If Dusk Valley remains stubborn and refuses, do not blame us for showing no mercy."
"Fine!"
A bamboo sword appeared in Bai Liangbi's palm. "Then I would like to see just how you intend to show no mercy."
At the moment when swords were drawn and tension reached its peak, Bai Linxun hurried over. "Elder Brother, do not act rashly. They only wish to search. If they find nothing, they will naturally leave. There is no need to escalate the situation."
"Yes, Family Head. They outnumber us greatly. If we truly start fighting…"
"Cowards!"
Bai Liangbi rebuked them. "If our Bai family is as cowardly as you, will we not be trampled upon at will in Northern Yang Dao in the future?
"Jiang Shang!
"If I do not make your blood spill here today, then I, Bai Liangbi, am unworthy of being the Bai family head!
"Die!"
Thud!
Before his words had even finished, he was already wrapped in a gust of clear wind, drifting forward.
City Lord Jiang Shang showed no fear. With a flick of his sleeve, 36 pure golden flying knives circled around him. They then merged into one, transforming into a giant blade.
A second-tier upper-grade magic artifact—the Golden Profound Mother-and-Child Blade. With one further step, it could become a magic treasure used by Golden Core cultivators.
Judging by the power it emitted, the bamboo sword in Bai Liangbi's hand was no weaker. It was likewise a second-tier upper-grade magic artifact, forged from a mixture of various thousand-year spiritual bamboos. Though of the wood element, its sharpness was no less than any metal magic artifact.
With a single clash, heaven and earth trembled.
The two each retreated dozens of meters and were about to continue their fight.
"Stop—!"
At that moment, a stern shout resounded from the sky.
Immediately afterward, another group of cultivators arrived riding flying swords. They were uniformly dressed in pure white long robes, embroidered with faint cloud patterns.
Disciples of Shengyun Sect!
The man at the front had sharp brows and star-like eyes, and every gesture he made exuded a fierce and commanding aura.
Beside him stood Wang Jun, whose appearance was plain and unremarkable.
"Heh, so it's Fellow Daoist Zhang!"
The Eighth Prince Zhao Xun clasped his fists atop his mount. "It has been a while."
"Mm."
Zhang Jinchen merely gave a slight nod, then directly ignored him.
This action caused the faces of the Demon-Suppression Division members to darken.
This Zhang Jinchen was a disciple of Shengyun Sect's Second Elder and the most talented of his generation. Forming a Golden Core was practically certain for him, and the sect had placed high hopes upon him.
Even so, Zhao Xun was a prince of the Great Song court. Even if the sect master of Shengyun Sect himself arrived, he would have to show a measure of courtesy, let alone merely a disciple.
"This fellow is far too rude."
A Silver Medallion Commander was about to speak, but Zhao Xun stopped him.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang?"
Jiang Shang withdrew his natal magic artifact and accused, "You've come at just the right time. By order of the upper sect, we are here to search for fugitives, yet the Bai family repeatedly obstructs us. They must have something to hide!"
"Family Head Bai."
Zhang Jinchen walked directly up to him. "Xiao Feng has connections with the Eastern Divine Continent court and led bandits in burning and looting throughout Northern Yang Dao. The matter is grave. I hope you will cooperate properly."
"Heh."
Bai Liangbi only sneered.
"What?"
Zhang Jinchen's gaze grew even sharper as he emphasized his words. "Does your Bai family intend to rebel?!"
"Hmph!"
Facing the aggressive Shengyun Sect disciples, Bai Liangbi ultimately had no choice but to compromise. With a heavy wave of his arm, he ordered everyone to step aside.
The mountain gate of Dusk Valley lay completely exposed before them. Numerous cultivators, including the Shengyun Sect disciples, poured into Dusk Valley.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang."
Bai Linxun followed beside them and explained, "The matter of Xiao Feng absolutely has nothing to do with us. Years ago, after he killed someone and seized a pill at Little Bamboo Peak, he never returned."
"Rest assured."
Zhang Jinchen replied coolly, "Shengyun Sect will not wrong anyone unjustly."
The Demon-Suppression Division, along with the people of Ronghua City, quickly turned Dusk Valley upside down. In the end, only the Medicine Valley remained unsearched.
"The Medicine Valley shall be exempt!"
The Bai family ancestor, Bai Xifeng, appeared at the entrance of the valley at some unknown moment. The empty sleeve over his severed arm fluttered gently in the breeze. "Little Friend Zhang, the herbs planted in this Medicine Valley are intended for True Person Lingyu of Qingxu Sect. These medicinal plants possess spirituality and are extremely delicate. If outsiders intrude and disrupt the airflow, it could very likely cause them to perish."
"I will compensate."
Zhang Jinchen calmly uttered two words.
"What did you say?"
Bai Liangbi frowned.
"I said that if any spiritual plants suffer damage due to the search, I will bear full responsibility."
Zhang Jinchen spoke cleanly and decisively. "Therefore, Senior Bai, please step aside. Otherwise, this junior will have no choice but to act without courtesy."
"Surnamed Zhang!"
Bai Lao Si roared in anger. "That medicinal herb is something rarely seen in 1,000 years, and we've already told you it is for True Person Lingyu. You won't even give that much face?!"
"If she has objections, she may come to me directly."
Zhang Jinchen did not yield an inch.
"A Heavenly-grade spiritual root combined with an innate sword bone."
Bai Xifeng swept his gaze over the young disciple and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Indeed a fine seedling—and not merely Golden Core caliber, but Nascent Soul caliber.
"However, Little Friend Zhang, this old man must remind you: do not let your edge be too exposed. It is not a good thing."
"There is no need for Senior to trouble himself."
Zhang Jinchen walked directly past the one-armed elder and led the Shengyun Sect disciples forward in a surge.
"You cannot let so many people enter!"
Bai Linxun hurriedly protested. "It will truly disrupt the formation!"
"Enough nonsense. Who knows whether there are ambushes inside?"
"Move aside!"
No matter how the Bai family tried to block them, it was useless. The Demon-Suppression Division and Ronghua City—more than 100 people in total—filed into the valley one after another.
Within the valley, spiritual energy was abundant. Birds sang and flowers bloomed, low-grade spiritual plants could be seen everywhere, and vitality flourished.
The Bai family's Medicine Valley was built at the deepest part of the valley. At the entrance stood 2 spirit beasts that resembled leopards, their bodies entwined with vines as they guarded the passage.
They roared at the crowd ahead, instinctively preparing to attack.
Clang—
Zhang Jinchen paid them no heed and raised his hand in a single strike.
Sword qi flashed past. The 2 spirit beasts cried out and fell dead.
"Zhang Jinchen, isn't this excessive?!"
"Stop your nonsense. Your spirit beasts attacked first. Senior Brother had no choice but to defend himself!"
With no further obstacles ahead, the group proceeded into the interior of the Medicine Valley.