Chapter 389

Third Uncle!

So, Fang Qiuyu is actually a member of the Qing Kingdom's royal family?

As a Yuan Ying Cultivator, even a major power like the Qing Kingdom couldn't possibly allow Fang Qiuyu to join another faction, right?

Even the famously neutral Hundred Knowledge Tower.

Yunhe glanced at Ji Li Yun, but Ji Li Yun couldn't explain here, because the convoy had already stopped, and a middle-aged cultivator bearing dignity and nobility emerged from it.

He wore a scarlet ceremonial robe, his long beard reaching his chest, a smile on his face, his gaze sweeping around before landing on Fang Qiuyu, and he laughed and scolded:

"You little girl, you haven't returned home for decades—do you know what your father says about you?"

Fang Qiuyu pursed her lips and muttered, "Who cares about him."

"Greetings, King Jinling." Ji Li Yun and the others, including Yunhe, all performed a respectful salute.

Regardless of their relationship with Fang Qiuyu, the fact that the other party is a Mid Yuan Ying Cultivator is enough for them to take seriously.

Jinling Wang's smile faded, and he also returned a salute to Yunhe and the others.

Finally, Jinling Wang's gaze fell on Yunhe, his eyes slightly brightening as he said, "Is this Fellow Daoist Yunhe?"

Speaking of which, among the four of them, Yunhe was the only one who had never met Jinling Wang.

However, upon careful thought, array masters are originally rare; what's more, Yunhe is both a Yuan Ying Cultivator and a Fourth Level Array Master, plus, during the Battle of Listening Fragrance Tower, he maintained the Listening Fragrance Tower's Protective Sect Grand Array—it's not hard to accept.

"The King of Gold Hill overpraises me." Yunhe said with a composed smile.

"If I find the time, I will certainly come!" Yunhe said, clasping his hands.

"I have heard that Daoist Yun is quite skilled in array formation; coincidentally, our Celebration State has an array that has long been neglected. If you have the leisure to help, our Celebration State will surely reward you handsomely." The King of Gold Hill suddenly said.

Yunhe was somewhat surprised.

In the world of cultivation, cultivation base is supreme; those with higher cultivation base naturally stand above others, but when someone like Yunhe has strength exceeding their cultivation base, strength is taken as the standard.

After all, cultivation base is merely one of the most direct manifestations of strength.

"Hahaha! I, the king, rarely praise others; on this point, just ask Qiuyu that girl and you'll know." The King of Gold Hill laughed heartily.

Does a power like the Celebration State not have its own array master?

"Daoist Yun, your divine abilities truly impress me." The King of Gold Hill once again showed a smile.

Upon hearing her say that, the King of Gold Hill couldn't help but laugh and scold.

But the King of Gold Hill's words were more like a friendly gesture, an invitation for him to visit.

As for that, no one felt anything was wrong.

After this, the originally distant relationship among the few people gradually became much friendlier, and Yunhe couldn't help but smile.

"You girl!"

The two from the Hall of a Hundred Knows, Ji Liuyun and Fang Qiuyu, need no extra words; as the Master of the Listening Fragrance Tower, Feng Qingdan naturally cannot avoid having some contact with the Celebration State.

Fang Qiuyu then nodded, saying seriously: "Uncle San is stricter than me and his royal brother; everyone is strict. The people in the Celebration State's army are terribly afraid of him."

Everyone could feel that the King of Gold Hill did not treat Yunhe with the attitude reserved for early Yuan Ying Cultivators, but rather with the attitude of an equal realm.

In fact, in the eyes of Ji Liuyun, Fang Qiuyu, Feng Qingdan, and others, Yunhe is an existence that can be considered equal to a mid‑Yuan Ying Cultivator.

"Good, hahaha!" The King of Gold Hill laughed loudly, and simultaneously sent a covert voice transmission via divine sense: "If Daoist Yun can bring along Qiuyu that girl, that would naturally be the best."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing that, Yunhe showed a look of sudden realization, and the two shared a knowing smile.

"Since that's the case, I will not disturb you further; we'll meet again in the city."

"Good!"

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, the King of Gold Hill bade farewell to Yunhe and the others, returned to his carriage, and continued onward to Supreme Mystery City.

Meanwhile, Fang Qiuyu showed a doubtful expression.

Just now, the King of Gold Hill had used a divine‑sense transmission; given the strength of his and Yunhe's divine senses, although it did not completely conceal its traces, it was also not something Fang Qiuyu could discern.

After the King of Gold Hill had left, Ji Liuyun said:

"Let's go as well."

Inside Supreme Mystery City.

Nowadays, because too many forces have arrived, the city contains many outposts; the Hall of a Hundred Knows, as an information power spread across the lands, naturally has its own branch in Supreme Mystery City, and Yunhe and the others, including Feng Qingdan, have all taken up residence in that branch.

Ji Liuyun and Yunhe came to a secret room in this branch of the Hall of a Hundred Knows.

The two sat on opposite sides of a table, and the attendant had already served brewed tea.

Meanwhile, Ji Liuyun began to recount to Yunhe some details of this alliance meeting; what he naturally related was far more and more detailed than what Feng Qingdan knew.

"The Dao Alliance, the Weapon Alliance, the Demonic Alliance, and the Five Capitals City?" A hint of scorn flickered in Yunhe's eyes.

That's just how humanity is.

Even under the pressure of tremendous external forces, their internal factions can never be completely eliminated.

"Yes. This time, our Hall of a Hundred Knows also cannot remain completely aloof." Ji Liuyun said with a long sigh.

Yunhe nodded and did not find it surprising.

Normally, an existence like the Hall of a Hundred Knows could, with some effort, avoid getting involved in the struggles of the various sects and powers.

But now, when all human cultivators of the Eastern Border must form an alliance, if the Hall of a Hundred Knows still tries to stay out, it will inevitably invite criticism.

"Therefore, what you, Daoist Yun, need to consider now is your identity issue." Ji Liuyun said again.

"Identity?"

Yunhe stared blankly, then quickly reacted.

"That's right."

He is not only a guest elder of the Hall of a Hundred Knows, but also a supreme elder of the Ice Immortal Pavilion, and he had previously pledged to ally with the Snow Sword Sect.

This made Yunhe involuntarily furrow his brows.

At first, however, Ji Liuxyun said it wouldn't affect him much, and only then did he agree to become a Guest Elder of Hundred Dawn Pavilion.

Translation: "At first, however, Ji Liuxyun said it wouldn't affect him much, and only then did he agree to become a Guest Elder of Hundred Dawn Pavilion."

At first, however, Ji Liuxyun said it wouldn't affect him much, and only then did he agree to become a Guest Elder of Hundred Dawn Pavilion.

Although for him now, neither the Ice Immortal Pavilion nor the Snow Sword Sect is very important, but since a promise was made, he naturally still needs to fulfill it.

Translation: "Although for him now, neither Ice Immortal Pavilion nor Snow Sword Sect is very important, but since a promise has been made, it naturally still needs to be kept."

Otherwise, no one will later believe him on this point, and more importantly it will obstruct his thoughts.

Some so-called promises, he knows in his heart are merely to placate the other party, so he doesn't really care about them, such as his agreement with the Heavenly Corpse Gu.

Translation: "Otherwise, not only will no one later believe him on this point, but mainly it will cause his thoughts to be obstructed."

Some promises that he made after serious thought initially are things he truly wants to do; if now, due to some circumstances, he cannot fulfill them, it will inevitably obstruct his thoughts.

Some so-called promises he knows are just made to placate the other person, so he doesn't take them seriously—for instance, his agreement with the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu'.

Translation: "Some so-called promises, he knows in his heart are merely to appease the other party, so he doesn't pay much attention, for example, his agreement with the Heavenly Corpse Gu."

In that case, he will inevitably need to make some choices.

But some promises he made after careful thought are ones he truly intends to keep; if circumstances prevent him from fulfilling them now, it will inevitably leave his mind uneasy.

Translation: "But some promises made after serious consideration at the beginning are what he truly wants to do; if now, due to some matters, he cannot fulfill them, it will inevitably cause his thoughts to be obstructed."

Then it's obvious that Hundred Dawn Pavilion, which failed to fulfill its undertaking, will become the first thing he needs to give up.

Translation: "In that case, he will inevitably need to make some choices."

Seeing Yunhe's brows tightly furrowed, even faintly showing displeasure, Ji Liuxyun, as a person of essence, obviously understood what he was thinking.

Translation: "Then it is obvious that Hundred Dawn Pavilion, which failed to fulfill the undertaking, will become the side he first needs to abandon in his heart."

He hurriedly waved his hand and laughed: "Yun Dao friend, don't worry; since I, Ji Mou, have proactively brought this up, naturally I will resolve it together with you, Dao friend, and make your thoughts smooth."

Translation: "Seeing Yunhe frown tightly, even faintly showing some displeasure, Ji Liuxyun, as a human essence, clearly also understood what he was thinking."

Yunhe narrowed his eyes and slowly said: "I don't know what method you, Ji Dao friend, have."

"Very simple." Ji Liuxyun's smile widened: "Please, Dao friend, help Hundred Dawn Pavilion make a choice."

Translation: "He hurriedly waved his hand and laughed: 'Yun Dao friend, don't worry, since Ji Mou himself brought this up, naturally we will solve it together with you, Dao friend, and make your thoughts smooth.'"

This time, Yunhe was genuinely somewhat startled.

Help Hundred Dawn Pavilion make a choice?

Translation: "Yunhe narrowed his eyes and slowly said: 'I don't know what plan you have, Ji Dao friend.'"

It means that as his Guest Elder, and moreover a Guest Elder who has only recently joined, he would decide the future direction of a power like Hundred Dawn Pavilion?

Translation: "Very simple." Ji Liuxyun's smile widened: "Please, Dao friend, help Hundred Dawn Pavilion make a choice."

Whether it's the Weapon Alliance, the Dao Alliance, or even the Demon Alliance and the Five Cities, would he make the decision?

Translation: "This time, Yunhe was truly somewhat startled."

"I, Yun Mou, am merely a Guest Elder." Yunhe said seriously.

Translation: "Help Hundred Dawn Pavilion make a choice?"

Ji Liuxyun anticipated his reaction, nodding slightly and said:

Translation: "It means that as his Guest Elder, and moreover a Guest Elder who has only recently joined, he would decide the future direction of such a power as Hundred Dawn Pavilion?"

"Indeed. But, Dao friend, you have already made many correct decisions before, haven't you?"

Translation: "Whether it's the Implement Alliance, the Dao Alliance, the Demon Alliance, or the Five Capitals City, would he make the decision?"

"Whether it was choosing not to act in the Floating Cloud Senior's cave dwelling, or choosing the breakout direction at the Listening Fragrance Tower, or even escaping when facing the Thousand-Wing Blood Mosquito, all show that you have considerable foresight."

Translation: "I am merely a Guest Elder." Yunhe said seriously.

Yunhe shook his head.

Translation: "Ji Liuxyun anticipated his reaction and nodded."

"Ji Dao friend, everything has its reason, but the reasons you speak of are not enough to convince Yun Mou."

Translation: "Indeed. But you, Dao friend, have already made many correct decisions before, haven't you?"

To let someone who just joined not long ago as a Guest Elder decide a power's "direction"—who could believe that?

Translation: "Whether it was choosing not to act in the cave abode of the Floating Cloud Superior Person, or choosing the breakout direction at Listening Incense Pavilion, or escaping when facing the Thousand-Wing Blood Mosquito, all show that you, Dao friend, have considerable foresight."

"Do you know what our Hundred Dawn Pavilion cultivators primarily study as a secondary discipline?" Ji Liuxyun didn't give Yunhe an answer, but instead asked back.

Translation: "Yunhe shook his head."

"The Way of Divination and Correlation." Yunhe said without hesitation.

Translation: "Ji Dao friend, everything has a reason, but the reasons you speak of are not enough to convince Yun Mou."

"That's right." Ji Liuxyun continued: "Whether it's our master 'Sheng Banzi' or my junior brother, the current 'Bai Xiao Sheng', they are all skilled in this way. My senior brother ordered me to participate in this assembly together with my junior sister and you, Dao friend, which signifies this meaning."

How could anyone believe that a guest elder who just joined not long ago would decide the direction of a faction?

Translation: "To let someone who has just become a Guest Elder not long ago decide a power's 'direction'—who would believe that?"

Yunhe furrowed his brows.

Translation: "'Do you know what auxiliary cultivation the cultivators of Hundred Dawn Pavilion practice?' Ji Liuxyun didn't answer Yunhe but instead asked back."

He knows that those who cultivate the Way of Divination and Correlation like to speak in half-sentences; in Buddhist terms, that's "striking the point".

Translation: "'The Way of Divination and Correlation.' Yunhe said without hesitation."

"Are you sure you didn't misunderstand your senior brother's meaning?"

Translation: "'That's right.' Ji Liuxyun continued: 'Whether it is our master Sheng Banzi or my senior brother, the present Bai Xiao Sheng, they are skilled in this way. My senior brother ordered me to jointly participate in this assembly with my junior sister and you, Dao friend, which signifies this meaning.'"

He couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Yunhe furrowed his brow.

Translation: "Yunhe furrowed his brows."

"Let's speak frankly to you, Dao friend. Whether it's me or my two senior brothers, we all hope you truly join our Hundred Dawn Pavilion. But we won't force you on this; we merely express our sincerity this way." Ji Liuxyun finally said.

Translation: "He knew that those who practice the Way of Divination and Correlation like to speak in halves; in Buddhist terms, that is 'striking the point'."

In Ji Liuxyun's view, if Yunhe truly joins Hundred Dawn Pavilion and drops the two characters "Guest", his influence within Hundred Dawn Pavilion will grow ever greater.

"Are you sure you didn't misinterpret your senior brother's meaning?"

Bai Xiao Sheng has little lifespan left, and his passing is not far off; Guang Chengzi is only slightly better off than Bai Xiao Sheng.

Once both of them pass away, there is no doubt Yunhe will become the foremost in strength within Hundred Dawn Pavilion, and he will sooner or later possess some ability to sway Hundred Dawn Pavilion's direction.

Translation: "He couldn't help but mutter to himself."

Since this will inevitably happen sooner or later, why not delegate authority now?

Translation: "'Let me speak frankly to you, Dao friend. Whether it is me or my two senior brothers, we all hope you, Yun Dao friend, will truly join Hundred Dawn Pavilion. But we will not insist on this; we merely express our sincerity.' Ji Liuxyun finally said."

He feels this is more reliable than entrusting Hundred Dawn Pavilion's future to Fang Qiuyu.

Translation: "In Ji Liuxyun's view, if Yunhe truly joins Hundred Dawn Pavilion and drops the two characters 'Guest', his influence within Hundred Dawn Pavilion will grow ever greater."

If Yunhe were to know Ji Liuxyun's thoughts, he would surely can't help but praise: top-notch understanding.

"Since I have promised you, Dao friend, that joining Hundred Dawn Pavilion will not affect your original identity, naturally I must follow through."

Translation: "Bai Xiao Sheng has little lifespan left, not far from passing away, and Guang Chengzi is only slightly better off than him."

Yunhe fell into silence.

He couldn't help but admit that Hundred Dawn Pavilion's and Ji Liuxyun's actions made him feel very comfortable.

Translation: "Once both pass away, there is no doubt Yunhe will become the strongest person in Hundred Dawn Pavilion, and he will sooner or later possess some ability to sway the direction of Hundred Dawn Pavilion."

At least.

Translation: "Since this will inevitably happen sooner or later, why not delegate authority now?"

He could feel Hundred Dawn Pavilion's importance placed on him.

Translation: "He felt this was more reliable than entrusting Hundred Dawn Pavilion's future to Fang Qiuyu."

Moreover, he could indeed feel Hundred Dawn Pavilion's sincerity.

"Furthermore." Ji Liuxyun smiled: "You, Dao friend, must make a choice for the Ice Immortal Pavilion; then Hundred Dawn Pavilion following suit is the same, and if this can reduce your pressure a bit."

We need to keep the period? We'll just translate.

Yunhe's expression froze slightly, then he couldn't help but laugh and scold:

Translation: "'Since I have promised you, Dao friend, that joining Hundred Dawn Pavilion will not affect your original identity, naturally I must follow through.'"

"Ji Dao friend, you've got Yun Mou figured out."

Translation: "Yunhe fell into silence."

"Perhaps Hundred Dawn Pavilion is also a good choice?" Yunhe couldn't help but think.

Translation: "He couldn't help but admit that Hundred Dawn Pavilion's and Ji Liuxyun's approach made him feel very comfortable."

Being a rogue cultivator is certainly good and free, but if he could rely on a power and not be subject to excessive restrictions and constraints, it would definitely be greatly beneficial for his future cultivation improvement.

Translation: "At least."

Moreover, an information power like Hundred Dawn Pavilion would certainly be able to provide him with much assistance in this regard.

Translation: "He could feel Hundred Dawn Pavilion's emphasis on him."

"It's just how it feels to step by step walk into an invisible 'net' woven by Hundred Dawn Pavilion?"

Translation: "Moreover, he could indeed feel Hundred Dawn Pavilion's sincerity."

Yunhe silently muttered to himself.

Translation: "'Furthermore.' Ji Liuxyun smiled: 'You, Dao friend, must make a choice for Ice Immortal Pavilion, and my Hundred Dawn Pavilion following suit is the same; if this can reduce your pressure somewhat.'"

Yunhe's expression froze for a moment, then he couldn't help but laugh and scold:

Translation: "Yunhe's expression froze slightly, then he couldn't help but laugh and scold:"

"Daoist Ji, you've got Yun figured out, haven't you."

Translation: "'Ji Dao friend, you've got Yun Mou figured out.'"

"Perhaps the Hundred Dawn Tower is also a good option," Yunhe thought.

Translation: "'Perhaps Hundred Dawn Pavilion is also a good choice?' Yunhe couldn't help but think."

Being a lone cultivator is certainly good and free, but if he could rely on a power without being overly constrained, it would definitely be more beneficial for his future Cultivation Base improvement.

Translation: "Being a loose cultivator is certainly good and also free, but if he could rely on a power and not be subject to excessive restraints, for his future cultivation base improvement, it would definitely be better."

Furthermore, an information power like the Hundred Dawn Tower would naturally be able to give him considerable assistance in this regard.

Translation: "Moreover, an information power like Hundred Dawn Pavilion will certainly be able to provide him with much assistance in this regard."

"It just feels like I'm gradually stepping into an invisible net woven by the Hundred Dawn Tower."

Translation: "'It's just how it feels to step by step walk into the invisible net woven by Hundred Dawn Pavilion?'"

Yunhe silently cursed.

Translation: "Yunhe silently muttered to himself."

(End of chapter)