Chapter 327: This Is Not Something You Should Know (6k, Combined)

As the cultivators from the Supreme Dao Sect and Xiang Jianzong departed, the square was left only with the cultivation disciples of Ji Shi Valley and Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan; the once-crowded square suddenly felt desolate.

Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan looked up at the Dan Zu high in the sky, but the Dan Zu merely shook his head at her.

Then, as if hearing something she could not believe, Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan's expression grew grave.

The Dan Zu tossed down a token, turned, and vanished; after catching the token, Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan also left the square, troubled.

These actions were done without the slightest concealment, and naturally caught the eyes of the many Ji Shi Valley disciples, who couldn't help but wonder who this Nascent Soul cultivator was, granted a token personally by the Hehuan Laozu.

Unconcerned with the gazes around her, Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan walked out of the square.

Her view opened up.

There, floating in the sky, were many islands, large and small, each growing special spiritual herbs, all encased in arrays that adjusted their internal environments to the most optimal conditions for herb growth.

Between those islands, qi of vermilion mist rose and swirled—some alchemists were extracting the pure spiritual qi of the void.

Beneath the islands, mountains rose steeply, their towering spiritual peaks hidden in drifting mist and clouds, waterfalls cascaded fiercely, and glimpses of colorful auspicious radiance could be seen.

Thick spiritual qi condensed into mist; at the mountain's base stretched endless, neatly arranged spiritual fields.

Automated magical devices constantly moved back and forth, spraying spiritual mist over the fields, while beside the fields, Ji Shi Valley disciples recorded the growth trends of the herbs.

Some wore special null-spirit garments, covering their entire bodies, walking among the fields, occasionally bending down to examine the leaves, fruits, branches, and roots of the herbs.

This was Ji Shi Valley's "Experimental Field" zone, typically used to cultivate herbs with broad applications and mild medicinal properties.

They also attempted to improve toxic herbs that were difficult to use in medicine.

Just as the Divine Mechanism Alchemy Pavilion released annually improved alchemical materials, Ji Shi Valley sold improved spiritual herb seeds to factions across the Central Continent—this was one of Ji Shi Valley's largest sources of income.

Through generations of improvement, many ancient herbs once devoid of medicinal value had become primary ingredients in new types of pills.

Under normal circumstances, Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan would have stopped to observe this new-era scene carefully.

But today, she had no such inclination.

After walking quickly forward for a stretch, she finally reached a teleportation array, showed the token given by the Dan Zu to the disciple guarding it, and was granted passage.

As the teleportation array glowed, Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan arrived before a massive mountain.

Along the mountain's slope, many classical, elegant courtyards were arranged in orderly rows, with occasional flashes of spiritual light passing between them.

This was Ji Shi Valley's "Recovery Residence."

Many who came to Ji Shi Valley seeking healing were assigned here during treatment.

According to the Dan Zu, Gu Mo had previously sent two junior disciples here to treat injuries sustained after a failed attempt to ascend to the Dao Union realm.

She was Gu Mo's elder sister-in-law, so when the Dan Zu explained recent events, he also mentioned this to her.

The spiritual qi in the air flowed slowly, incredibly gentle, as if infused with a faint herbal fragrance, soothing and refreshing.

After leaving the teleportation array area, a few steps forward brought her to a park-like zone, where a path paved with polished spiritual stones wound its way—part of the array regulating spiritual qi.

Moreover, on both sides of the path grew special shrubs and tall healing spiritual trees, with benches placed at intervals for rest.

"Brother Bu Yu, open your mouth, ah~"

Friend Friend Friend Meng Xuan turned toward the sound and saw a lively, beautiful young girl nearby, holding a bowl of porridge, smiling at the man beside her, who looked thoroughly reluctant.

"Sister, let me feed myself."

The girl was at the early Foundation Establishment realm, and possessed a Natural Dao Foundation.

As for the man with the reluctant expression, she could not perceive his cultivation.

He was more than Soul Transformation—likely at least Return to Void.

She took out the gray jade token; the blade intent sealed within seemed to stir…

Yes, these were Gu Mo's two junior disciples—Mo Bu Yu and Liu Yingying.

Their actions were intimate; their relationship was clearly unusual.

Foundation Establishment and Return to Void…

The age gap was considerable.

But they were cultivators; such things did not matter.

…………

Xiang Jianzong.

The speed of the Dong Zhen Sword Cultivators was, of course, beyond words; as the sword light swept them up, the many Xiang Jianzong cultivators felt their vision darken.

It seemed only an instant had passed, yet it felt as if a long time had gone by.

Their sense of time had blurred.

As a sword light appeared from the void and landed at the foot of the mountain housing the Xiang Jianzong's Hall—the same square where they had departed—

The figures of the many Xiang Jianzong cultivators reappeared, their eyes filled with lingering confusion.

For them, this cultivation trial had ended too suddenly, without the slightest warning.

What exactly… had happened?

Li Ke landed ahead, glanced at the group, and said: "This trial encountered an anomaly—it ends here. Return to your quarters."

"…"

Zhou Kongming, the highest-ranked among them, was the first to recover and stepped forward respectfully:

"May I ask, Xiao Shu Zu, what was this anomaly…?"

Li Ke's expression was calm, his voice devoid of inflection: "This is not something you are meant to know. Return."

The scene fell utterly silent; an inexplicable unease settled in the hearts of all.

But since Li Ke had said so, none dared ask further; they all bowed and turned away.

Soon, the square was emptied of all cultivators except Chi Jiu Yu and Zhang Yunlu.

Chi Jiu Yu, of course, was intensely curious.

Zhang Yunlu, meanwhile, had not left because her senior sister had not yet departed.

"Everyone, go back." Li Ke sat down on the stone steps, straight and towering, leading to the Xiang Jianzong's Hall, and sighed. "This matter is truly not for you to know."

Chi Jiuyu looked at Li Ke, who seemed weary ahead, and suddenly felt uneasy, gripping the Qilin egg tighter.

Even when she suffered Heavy injuries in the starry sky, Sister had never shown such an expression—could something truly have happened?

No, no, there's still Master and Uncle, they're both so powerful…

She wanted to ask, but didn't know where to begin.

Suddenly, Li Ke looked up at Zhang Yunlu, who also looked uneasy: "By the way, Yunlu, if you have time, go visit Uncle Ji."

Visit Uncle Ji?

Zhang Yunlu froze, but finally nodded obediently.

Uncle Ji was always kind to her; she had planned to visit her after this cultivation expedition anyway.

"By the way, Sister, do you know when my Master will emerge from seclusion? This is the gift I brought for her." After holding it in for so long, Chi Jiuyu finally spoke, holding up the Qilin egg.

"Keep it yourself," Li Ke shook her head slightly. "Master and Uncle Ji have gone out. They won't be returning for a long time."

Huh?

Master and Uncle have gone out?

Chi Jiuyu scratched her head, wanting to ask more, but Li Ke cut her off directly: "You've trained for so long—you must be tired. Go rest."

With a casual wave, Chi Jiuyu felt darkness engulf her vision.

"Spend some time pondering Soul Transformation."

The last voice echoed in her ears; when her vision cleared again, she found herself outside her inner sect dwelling.

Really sent back?

Chi Jiuyu's unease deepened, but she knew asking Sister again would yield nothing.

She stepped forward, infused a trace of magic power to open the dwelling's gate.

She casually set the Qilin egg aside, kicked off her shoes, pulled out her phone, logged into the Spirit Net as she walked inside.

If Sister couldn't answer, she'd find out herself!

She refused to believe she couldn't uncover even a single clue!

…

…

On the other side, Zhang Yunlu felt the same as Chi Jiuyu.

One moment darkness, the next light.

But she didn't appear in her outer sect courtyard—instead, she stood deep within a quiet bamboo grove,

Similar to the bamboo grove Master had taken her to when she first became a disciple, yet the light here was far brighter.

A winding path of green stone slabs led forward, faintly revealing the corner of a building.

This was Uncle Ji's residence.

Zhang Yunlu understood at once—Sister Li had sent her here directly.

Without hesitation, she walked along the stone slab path to its end—a small, somewhat ancient courtyard.

The door was carved with auspicious cloud patterns, now faded, their peeling traces telling of time's passage.

Though it was not the right season, a plum tree bloomed fiercely.

"Come in."

The voice from within was crisp and sharp, like the ring of a sword drawn from its sheath.

Zhang Yunlu paused, pushed open the door—and a faint sandalwood incense filled her nose.

A landscape painting hung on the wall, ink blurred and flowing.

In the corner stood a delicate incense burner, wisps of blue smoke rising slowly, blending with the air's sandalwood scent, calming the spirit.

The room glowed with soft light; several simple meditation cushions sat in the center, upon which sat a woman, vigorous and sharp-eyed.

On her knees rested a pure white longsword, its pommel tied with a sprig of plum blossom.

Dappled light streamed through the paper window, falling upon her, making her porcelain skin seem almost translucent.

Her beauty was exquisite, yet as her bright eyes turned toward her, an immense weight pressed down.

"…" Zhang Yunlu felt her breath grow heavy; after a long pause, she hesitantly asked, "…Uncle Ji?"

"It's me," Ji Yue smiled gently, the heavy pressure dissolving.

"Sit down, child."

It really was Uncle Ji!

Zhang Yunlu felt dazed.

She simply could not reconcile this breathtakingly fierce beauty before her with the frail, hunched old woman she remembered.

Watching Zhang Yunlu sit down in a daze, Ji Yue sighed inwardly.

Originally, the backlash from failing the Immortal Gate trial would have fully faded in a few years—but this forced intervention has undone all her prior cultivation…

To fully recover might take decades, perhaps centuries.

But the worst was not this.

"How was your outer realm expedition?" Ji Yue asked softly.

Her tone was the same as before, yet perhaps because of her changed appearance, Zhang Yunlu felt nervous.

"Everything went well—and… I gained something."

"That's good."

With Ji Yue's eyes, she could not fail to see that Zhang Yunlu was now only a step away from Foundation Establishment completion.

Barely…

The assistance from Foundation Establishment is indeed great, but it becomes much less obvious at the Golden Core Stage.

"Don't rush the formation of the Golden Core; spend more time in the Scripture Hall reviewing past masters' experiences, and ask me anytime you don't understand something."

"Mm."

"Remember to pass these words on to your senior sister too."

With the Sword Lord absent and the Xiang Jianzong's disciples busy handling the aftermath, she naturally had to take on the responsibility of guiding both of them.

That boy Qiu Yu may be mischievous, but his heart isn't bad, and right now he's at a critical stage—if he stumbles at this step, she would be utterly unworthy of the Sword Lord.

"Alright, I'll deliver these words to my senior sister."

By the way, my senior sister… seems afraid of Master Ji. Will she come to find Master Ji?

Their voices echoed continuously within the ancient little courtyard; most of the time, Ji Yue was giving instructions while Zhang Yunlu listened.

Contrary to her crisp demeanor, Ji Yue went on at length with many reminders.

Only when the sun sank beyond the horizon and twilight painted the bamboo grove, casting golden light through the paper windows to glow the room, did Zhang Yunlu step out.

Looking up, the twilight stained the horizon in brilliant hues, and the distant mountains were gilded with Jin Guang.

After a long while, she withdrew her gaze.

Huh~

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yunlu walked away along the winding green stone path through the bamboo grove.

Inside the room.

Ji Yue still sat cross-legged on the mat, her snow-white longsword now coated in the colors of twilight.

One half of her body was lit by the light, the other half hidden in darkness.

"Sigh~"

!. read

In her sigh, Ji Yue gazed out the window, her eyes brimming with a trace of sorrow.

That day's events came suddenly; she didn't actually know what had transpired.

Only when Zhang Yunlu was brought to her by Li Ke did she learn what Tian Xuan had done that day.

Four…

The Xiang Jianzong, the Sword Lord, Xiang Yuanjun, Hong Zun.

Four human True Immortals had been schemed against and cast beyond the realm, their return unknown.

"May the four return soon…"

Now, she could do nothing but guard the Xiang Jianzong, waiting for the four Immortals to come back.

As she pondered, she closed her eyes, her breath long and steady.

The twilight on the horizon gradually faded; the sun had finally sunk.

When the silver moon rose and stars dotted the night sky, a streak of seven-colored sword light emerged from the void and landed within the Xiang Jianzong.

Lin Ji, the Master of the Seven Emotions Sword, had returned.

…………

In the following days, everything was as usual.

When Tian Xuan arrived on the Central Continent and clashed with the Immortals, the commotion was so immense that every living being witnessed it.

Only after all the Immortals joined forces were the events of that day erased from the hearts of every living being on the Central Continent.

Understanding the concept of 'Cang' is far too dangerous for cultivators below the Dao Union stage.

Yet the entire Xiang Jianzong… or rather, the entire Central Continent, remained shrouded in a suffocating atmosphere.

The confusion after disaster can only be soothed by time.

Chi Jiu Yu's investigations yielded nothing; there was not a single suspicious clue on the Spirit Net.

She even discovered that her former master and senior uncles, who had always been online, were now offline—finally realizing something was wrong.

For this reason, she asked many people who might know the truth.

But every answer she received was the same—

"This is not something you should know."

Almost everyone told her to leave it alone and focus on her cultivation.

But the more they said that, the more uneasy she felt.

After several restless nights, she finally slipped out one night, planning to sneak into the Sword Lord's Hall.

But how could she, with only Nascent Soul Completion cultivation, possibly accomplish this within the Xiang Jianzong?

The bright moon hung high; the night wind was cold and bleak.

Even her breath was visibly visible.

Chi Jiu Yu held her breath and focused, suppressing her aura as she slowly climbed up the steep cliff.

Around her neck hung a small yellow duck pendant—a gift from Bie Xuening when she won first place in the Xian Sect Grand Competition.

The Sword Lord's Hall and the Xiang Jianzong's Hall were under strict lockdown; she dared not take the main path, knowing she could never ascend that way.

Perhaps this route wouldn't work either, but the chance was still greater.

She climbed for who-knew-how-long, until the mist around her thickened.

She dared not use spiritual techniques or extend her spiritual sense, so everything around her—the surroundings, her target, even her footing—was blurred.

Gradually, she began to feel cold, though she was already a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Her upward progress slowed; just as her limbs began to stiffen—

"Dead fish, can't you ever listen?"

The thick mist vanished, and Chi Jiu Yu felt her vision blur.

She found the steep cliff had vanished; she stood on a straight, upward stone staircase, while Li Ke sat on several higher steps, silently watching her.

She no longer wore silver armor, but a black robe, making her figure seem frail.

"Go back quickly, and focus on your cultivation."

"I'm going up!" Chi Jiuyu clenched her fists, her eyes reddening, "What happened to Master!"

She had been picked up by her Master.

"..." Li Ke fell silent for a moment, "Your Aunt is unharmed, she simply cannot return for now."

"Where did she go?!"

"... This is not something you should know."

Again, that phrase!

"Why?!"

Li Ke still gave no answer, only said, "Go back."

Saying this, he prepared to send her away.

But a steady voice suddenly came from beside him: "Let her go see for herself."

A tall, upright middle-aged man with rugged features stepped out of the void—it was Jing Hai.

Chi Jiuyu froze: "Senior Brother..."

Jing Hai glanced at her coolly: "So she won't spend her days lost in wild thoughts."

"..." Li Ke sighed, stood up, "Fine."

"Thank you, Senior Brother..."

Chi Jiuyu had never expected that this extremely rigid Senior Brother would speak up for her.

"Remember to report to Silutang for your punishment."

After saying this, Jing Hai turned and left.

Chi Jiuyu said nothing, raising her eyes to look ahead at Li Ke.

"Follow me."

Her vision blurred again; she found herself standing inside the Sword Lord's Hall, in Bie Xuening's usual meditation ground.

The meditation ground held nothing—identical to its usual state.

The wall shattered that day had long been repaired.

Chi Jiuyu, unwilling to give up, activated her Grand Void Penetrating Golden Gaze and observed for a long while, yet still found no anomaly.

"Where is Master?!"

"I said your Aunt is not in the Xiang Jianzong; she and your Master cannot return for now."

"... Really, I cannot know why?!"

"No." Li Ke paused, then finally explained, "Your realm is too low. This is not something you should understand."

Realm too low...

This was the first time Chi Jiuyu had learned the reason in this period.

"Is it... merging with the Dao?"

The Sect Master must merge with the Dao; entering the Hall of Sages requires merging with the Dao—so does uncovering the truth of this matter also require...?

Li Ke gave no answer, only looked at her.

"I understand."

She realized it clearly, said nothing more, and turned to walk out of the hall.

"Mind your limits," Li Ke warned.

Chi Jiuyu paused, but did not turn back: "I know."

Her figure quickly vanished within the hall.

Li Ke could not help but smile bitterly.

She did not know whether this was good or bad for her little junior sister, but she still hoped she could become more composed.

That night, after leaving the Sword Lord's Hall, Chi Jiuyu returned to her cave dwelling.

But the next day, she acted as if nothing had happened, invited Zhang Yunlu along, and went to Silutang to receive her punishment.

Due to her status, ordinary Silutang disciples or clerks dared not lay a hand on her; eventually, they summoned a Deputy Head to carry out the punishment personally.

The punishment for violating the curfew order was severe; after three strokes of the Law Whip, Chi Jiuyu was left half-dead, unable to move.

It was Zhang Yunlu, who had come with her, who carried her back to her cave dwelling.

After hearing of this, Lin Ji sent her some healing spiritual items, and with Zhang Yunlu's careful care, her injuries healed quickly.

As soon as her injuries mended, Chi Jiuyu went straight to the Scripture Tower to study all the Soul Transformation insights.

She also frequently visited Ji Yue to ask about matters related to Soul Transformation, and no longer acted out as before.

Those in the Xiang Jianzong who saw this sudden change in the little junior auntie felt it was strange.

Is this really the little junior auntie?

In normal times, Du Ruoheng would have been deeply pleased to see this—but now he had no such thoughts.

Currently, in the Xiang Jianzong, besides the several Sword Masters of Cave-True realm, he was the busiest.

Ever since the Xiang Jianzong's incident, his duties had never ceased.

First and foremost was the "Xiang Jianzong Battle Network"; now that it had lost the support of the Ancestral Sword, it could only rely on the few Sword Masters and their swords.

But the results were far inferior to before, so many functions requiring heavy resources, such as "Void Immortal Realm," had to be shut down.

Not only the Xiang Jianzong, but the Supreme Dao Sect's Spirit Net has also been affected.

Of course, since its development, the Spirit Net has relied on more than just the ancestral mirrors, except for the starry sky portion.

The spirit energy base stations built across the lands alone are more than sufficient to meet the basic needs of the Central Continent.

But the starry sky portion…

Like the Xiang Jianzong, it requires each True Void cultivator and their artifacts to hold it up.

Secondly, there are the Ascended ones, the deployment of defenses on the starry sky frontlines, calming the emotions of the sect's disciples, and welcoming a True Immortal elder from the starry sky…

The Xiang Jianzong is far too vast; now that matters have erupted all at once, even Du Ruoheng, as a Dao-Union Great Expert, who sent out numerous sword-intention spiritual bodies to handle issues across the lands, still felt utterly drained, gasping for breath.

Sometimes he even thought: why not let Little Master Uncle take over as sect leader? (End of chapter)