Chapter 435

Mu Kingdom, a land of overlapping mountains.

Translation: "Wood Country, Layered Peaks Mountain."

Inside the Hall of Listening to Fragrance sect lies the reception hall.

Translation: "Inside the Listening Fragrance Tower sect, the reception hall."

Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Feng, I'll entrust those junior disciples of mine to you.

Translation: "Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Feng, I'll hand over those junior disciples of mine to you."

A hearty laugh echoed from within the reception hall.

Translation: "The hearty laughter echoed within the reception hall."

A middle-aged cultivator wearing a luxurious deep blue robe sat in the hall, smiling as he took a sip of spiritual tea.

Translation: "A middle-aged cultivator wearing a luxurious deep-blue robe sat in the hall, smiling as he took a sip of spiritual tea."

That's natural, Fellow Daoist Chu; you can rest assured.

Translation: "That's natural, Fellow Daoist Chu, just rest assured."

Feng Qingdan, clad in light gauze, bore a smile like a flower; looking at the cultivator before her, she wondered what he was thinking.

Translation: "Feng Qingdan, clad in light gauze, wore a smiling face like a flower, looking at the cultivator before her, wondering what she was thinking."

The blue-robed cultivator seated before her was an early Nascent Soul cultivator of little renown, formerly also the Supreme Elder of the Nether Shadow Sect within the Demon Realm.

Translation: "The blue-robed cultivator sitting opposite her was an Early Yuan Ying cultivator of little renown, formerly also a Supreme Elder of the Hidden Shadow Sect in the Demon Realm."

Due to the Yuan clan uprising, its mountain gate was destroyed, and, like the Hall of Listening to Fragrance, it was forced to relocate east of Tianling Mountain.

Translation: "Because of the Abyss Clan Rebellion, its mountain gate was destroyed, and like Listening Fragrance Tower, it had no choice but to relocate east of Heavenly Ridge Mountain."

Nowadays, the Nether Shadow Sect's mountain gate is not far from Mu Kingdom.

Translation: "Now the Hidden Shadow Sect's mountain gate is not too far from Wood Country."

It originally also had.

Translation: "It originally existed as well."

However, as an external sect, even with him presiding over it, the Nether Shadow Sect's days are not easy now, far worse than before.

Translation: "However, as an incoming sect, even with him presiding over it, the Hidden Shadow Sect's days are not easy, far worse than before."

Of course, many still hope to maintain good relations with it, such as this Supreme Elder of the Nether Shadow Sect.

Translation: "Of course, many also wish to stay on good terms with it, such as this Supreme Elder of the Hidden Shadow Sect."

By then, what rank could he achieve among late Nascent Soul cultivators?

Translation: "By then, what rank could it achieve among Late Yuan Ying cultivators?"

Given such an existence, even if one does not seek friendly relations, one should at least avoid offending him.

Translation: "Such an existence, even if not on friendly terms, should at least not be offended."

Certainly.

Translation: "Certainly."

In fact.

Translation: "In fact."

If the juniors they send could gain his favor, even be taken as attendants, then their relationship with Yunhe would become much closer.

Translation: "If the juniors they send could gain his favor, even be taken as attendants, their relationship with Yunhe would become much closer."

Even a late Nascent Soul great cultivator would likely find it difficult to achieve that.

Translation: "Even a Late Yuan Ying great cultivator would likely find it difficult to achieve."

The difficulty and danger involved go without saying.

Translation: "The difficulty and danger involved go without saying."

Moreover.

Translation: "Moreover."

Otherwise, there would be no need for outsiders; the many female cultivators of the Hall of Listening to Fragrance, Hundred Flower Valley, and Ice Immortal Pavilion would be nothing more than a word from Yunhe.

Translation: "Otherwise, there would be no need for outsiders; the many female cultivators of Listening Fragrance Tower, Baihua Valley, and Ice Immortal Pavilion would be at Yunhe's mercy with just a word."

The Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator of the Nether Shadow Sect is not the first to send juniors to join the Hall of Listening to Fragrance.

Translation: "The Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator of the Hidden Shadow Sect is not the first to send juniors into Listening Fragrance Tower."

Feng Qingdan naturally observed this, and she tacitly understood the deeper meaning behind their actions.

Translation: "Feng Qingdan naturally saw all this, and she also tacitly understood the deeper meaning of their actions."

Others may not know Yunhe, but Feng Qingdan has had relatively more contact with him; she knows that while he is not shy about female beauty, he is not particularly enamored by it.

Translation: "Others may not know Yunhe, but Feng Qingdan has had relatively more contact with him; she knows he is not shy about female beauty, yet he is not particularly enamored."

Under the pretext that the Nether Shadow Sect's cultivation methods are unsuitable for these juniors, they hope they can join the Hall of Listening to Fragrance to train.

Translation: "They claim it's because the Hidden Shadow Sect's cultivation method is unsuitable for these juniors, hoping they can join Listening Fragrance Tower to train."

"If I happen to meet Fellow Daoist Yun, please ask Fellow Daoist Feng to convey my greetings; I will surely visit again in the future."

Translation: "\"If you see Fellow Daoist Yun, please ask Fellow Daoist Feng to pass on my greetings; I, Chu, will certainly visit again! \""

Given that even the disciples of the Hall of Listening to Fragrance are accustomed to visits by Nascent Soul cultivators, one can tell how many such cultivators have come over the years.

Translation: "Regarding visits by Yuan Ying cultivators, even the disciples of Listening Fragrance Tower are used to it, showing just how many such cultivators have come over the years."

The reason many believe is that, since Yunhe has taken under his wing powers like the Ice Immortal Pavilion, Hundred Flower Valley, and the Hall of Listening to Fragrance, he must have a preference for female beauty.

Translation: "After all, many still think that since Yunhe has taken in Ice Immortal Pavilion, Baihua Valley, and Listening Fragrance Tower, he must have some preference for female beauty."

However, after Yunhe accomplished another great deed, such existences have become far more numerous.

Translation: "But after Yunhe accomplished another great deed, such existences have become far more numerous."

Moreover, he did so while facing two opponents.

Translation: "Moreover, he did it against two opponents."

Under Yunhe's protection, the Hall of Listening to Fragrance has not only recovered to its former state at the fastest pace, but also shows a trend of even better development.

Translation: "With Yunhe's name as protection, Listening Fragrance Tower has not only recovered to its former state at the fastest speed, but even shows a trend of better development."

This is a mid-tier fourth-rank demonic beast!

Translation: "This is a Mid Fourth Level demon beast!"

Compared to ordinary human mid-stage cultivators, it is far stronger.

Translation: "Compared to ordinary human cultivators of the middle stage, this existence is even stronger."

Winning and slaying are two completely different concepts.

Translation: "Winning and slaying are two completely different concepts."

It's merely because his fame recently soared; half a month ago he performed a 'heaven-shaking feat', slaying two mid-tier fourth-rank demonic beasts—Yunhe, the old demon!

Translation: "It's merely because his fame recently soared; half a month ago he even performed a heaven-shaking feat, slaying two Mid Fourth Level demon beasts—Yunhe, the Old Devil Yun!"

He doesn't even need to break into late Nascent Soul; merely reaching mid Nascent Soul makes him, in many eyes, comparable to a late Nascent Soul cultivator, and even stronger in slaying opponents.

Translation: "Even so, he need not break through to Late Yuan Ying; merely reaching Middle Yuan Ying makes him, in many eyes, no different from a Late Yuan Ying cultivator, and indeed stronger in slaying ability."

That's right; these 'juniors' are mostly female cultivators of exceptional beauty.

Translation: "Well, these 'juniors' are mostly female cultivators of outstanding beauty."

Feng Qingdan escorted them all the way to the sect's gate.

Translation: "Feng Qingdan escorted them all the way to the sect gate."

Moreover, there were ten of them, each not only of outstanding appearance but also similar in age and cultivation level.

Translation: "Moreover, they came in a group of ten, each equally beautiful, with similar ages and cultivation levels."

Nowadays, Yunhe even faintly bears the title of 'the foremost below late Nascent Soul great cultivators'.

Translation: "Yunhe now even faintly bears the title of 'Number One Below Late Yuan Ying Great Cultivator'."

But the Nether Shadow Sect is still struggling with the loss of its mountain gate.

Translation: "But the Hidden Shadow Sect still struggles with the matter of the 'Fallen Mountain Gate'."

To be frank, when Feng Qingdan learned that Yunhe had slain two mid-tier fourth-rank demonic beasts, and even done so while facing two opponents, her heart was filled with shock.

Translation: "To be frank, when Feng Qingdan learned that Yunhe had slain two Mid Fourth Level demon beasts, and done so against two opponents, her heart was also filled with shock."

After all, they are both Nascent Soul cultivators, and she dare not offend them.

Translation: "After all, they are both Yuan Ying cultivators, and she dare not offend him."

And today, this Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator sent ten so-called juniors to join the Hall of Listening to Fragrance.

Translation: "And today, this Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator has sent ten so-called juniors to join Listening Fragrance Tower."

As fellow sects forced to flee the Demon Realm due to the Yuan clan turmoil, the treatment and development of the Hall of Listening to Fragrance and the Nether Shadow Sect serve as the best proof.

Translation: "Both sects, forced to flee the Demon Realm due to the Abyss Clan Rebellion, the treatment and development of Listening Fragrance Tower and Hidden Shadow Sect serve as the best proof."

As for the reason,

Translation: "As for the reason,"

It's actually quite simple.

Translation: "It's actually quite simple."

If the Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator had only one or two such juniors, it might be plausible, but sending ten at once is a bit far-fetched.

Translation: "If the Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator had only one or two such juniors, it might be plausible, but ten all at once is a bit far-fetched."

Feng Qingdan suspects that, most likely, these female cultivators are not adopted daughters taken by the Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator, but rather adopted daughters or granddaughters taken by his family.

Translation: "Feng Qingdan suspects that, most likely, these female cultivators are not adopted daughters taken by the Chu-s cultivator, but rather adopted daughters or grandsons taken by his family."

And this 'foremost below late Nascent Soul great cultivators' is merely an early Nascent Soul cultivator, under four hundred years old!

Translation: "Yet this 'Number One Below Late Yuan Ying Great Cultivator' is merely an Early Yuan Ying cultivator, under four hundred years old!"

For someone of his stature, breaking through to late Nascent Soul is seen by many as a foregone conclusion.

Translation: "For such individuals, breaking through to Late Yuan Ying is seen by many as a foregone conclusion."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator rose to take his leave.

Translation: "After they exchanged pleasantries for a while, the Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator rose to take his leave."

"With Fellow Daoist Feng presiding, I naturally have nothing to worry about." The Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator said cheerfully.

Translation: "\"With Fellow Daoist Feng presiding, I naturally have nothing to worry about, \" said the Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator cheerfully."

Feng Qingdan nodded slightly.

Translation: "Feng Qingdan nodded slightly."

Thereafter, the Chu-surnamed Nascent Soul cultivator turned into a streak of light and vanished.

Translation: "Thereafter, the Chu-surname Yuan Ying cultivator turned into a streak of light and departed."

Watching his departing figure, Feng Qingdan let out a soft sigh.

Translation: "Watching his departing figure, Feng Qingdan let out a soft sigh."

With so many people coming back and forth to visit, their aim is to cultivate good relations with Yunhe; since they cannot find Yunhe, they can only seek her out, or go to the Hundred Dawn Pavilion.

Translation: "So many people have come back and forth to visit, seeking to establish good relations with Yunhe; unable to find him, they can only seek her out, or go to the Hall of Hundred Dawn."

However, these people do not realize that she, too, is just as unaware of Yunhe's whereabouts as they are.

Translation: "Yet these people do not realize that she, too, is just as unaware of Yunhe's whereabouts as they are."

Hidden Shadow Sect's Chu Lao Guai.

Suddenly.

A voice drifted gently toward her.

Upon hearing the voice, Feng Qingdan's whole body tensed.

She is a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator, yet she failed to notice a presence that came so close!

That is extremely dangerous.

But she quickly realized the voice was so familiar.

"Daoist friend Yun!"

Recognizing the voice, Feng Qingdan's tense body immediately relaxed, and she looked toward the source with delight.

She saw that familiar young man hanging nearby, resting his chin in a thoughtful pose.

It was none other than Yunhe.

Feng Qingdan's phoenix eyes shimmered; she called out again in a soft voice, then fluttered to his side like a little girl and asked brightly, "Daoist friend Yun, when did you return?"

Yunhe smiled faintly, "About half a teacup's time later than Chu Laoguai."

Hearing this, Feng Qingdan was startled.

Only half a teacup later than Chu Laoguai?

So she and Chu Laoguai both failed to notice Yunhe's presence!

Does that mean, if Yunhe wanted to kill them, he could have done so just now?

Wait.

Her communication with Chu Laoguai, and the female cultivators Chu sent, must have seen it too?

Before she could speak, Yunhe waved his hand, turned, and flew toward the gate of the Tingxiang Building.

Seeing this, Feng Qingdan was puzzled but followed immediately.

Soon.

Yunhe landed before several female cultivators dressed in light silk skirts.

These women were the "juniors" previously sent by Chu Laoguai of the Shadowy Sect.

It must be said, the female cultivators Chu sent were indeed beautiful, and most possessed Cultivation Base ranging from late Qi Refinement to early Foundation Establishment.

These women were startled when Yunhe appeared suddenly, but once they recognized his appearance, they realized who had come; Chu Laoguai had naturally shown them Yunhe before.

Yunhe's gaze swept over the women and finally rested on a slightly charming female cultivator dressed in a violet sheer veil.

Feng Qingdan arrived a bit late, landing beside Yunhe; seeing his actions, she pursed her lips with a complex expression but said nothing.

The female cultivator showed great joy, but quickly composed herself, forced her emotions down, bowed, and shouted, "Yun, Ancestor Yun."

The other women also quickly responded, hurriedly bowing, and said:

"We have seen Ancestor Yun."

But Yunhe ignored them, glanced again at the violet‑veil cultivator, and said, "Follow me."

"Yes!"

The cultivator rejoiced and promptly replied.

The other female cultivators looked at her, each subtly showing strong jealousy, envy, even lingering resentment.

Even Feng Qingdan thought Yunhe favored this woman.

But Yunhe said to her, "You come as well."

He then gathered his spiritual power and flew toward the interior of the Tingxiang Building.

Hearing this, Feng Qingdan was momentarily stunned, as if recalling something, and a blush rose on her fair face.

She still followed.

However, to their surprise, Yunhe brought the two women to a forest on the back hill of the Tingxiang Building.

Wilderness?

Without waiting for the women to speak, Yunhe snapped his fingers; a five‑colored silk‑like ribbon flew from his fingertip, and under the women's astonished gazes, it bound the violet‑veil cultivator.

It traced a graceful curve, a body half hidden, half revealed.

"Yunhe likes this taste?"

Feng Qingdan almost instinctively thought that.

In fact.

The violet‑veil cultivator thought the same, so she only twisted a few times symbolically; her resistance was weak.

But Yunhe's next words made both of them pause.

"Could it be that I must personally invite you?" Yunhe said lightly.

Invite whom?

Feng Qingdan and the violet‑veil cultivator were confused.

But the next second,

the violet‑veil cultivator's expression changed dramatically, her body twisted oddly, and a bizarre, corpse‑like aura rose around her.

Feng Qingdan's expression instantly hardened, and spiritual power surged around her.

At that moment, the chaotic thoughts in her mind vanished instantly.

Yunhe reached out and stopped her, indicating she need not be overly nervous.

"Hehe, junior brother, long time no see."

The violet‑veil cultivator returned to normal, but her face showed an expression not her own, and she emitted a voice not hers.

Heavenly Corpse Gu!

"Every time you do this, it gives me a headache," Yunhe said calmly, though his true feelings were unreadable.

Heavenly Corpse Insect

Speaking, it glanced at Feng Qingdan again, a hint of teasing appearing on its face, and it joked: "Not as fortunate in love as you, junior brother."

But Yunhe didn't heed its words at all, merely stared at it for a while, then suddenly said:

southern side

Upon hearing that, the Heavenly Corpse Gu blinked slightly, then its smile grew even wider.

southern side

(none)

Although it didn't give an answer, its reaction made Yunhe's heart skip a beat.

He had reason to suspect that the southern 'Demonic Alliance', and even the matters of the 'Southern Border', might be related to the Heavenly Corpse Gu as well.

But what exactly the relationship is, obviously one cannot expect to get an answer from the Heavenly Corpse Gu.

Meanwhile, Feng Qingdan looked completely bewildered by what they were saying.

However, she was still tactful enough not to speak.

Seeing Yunhe's expression change, the Heavenly Corpse Gu chuckled, waved its hand, and said:

junior brother

elder brother

As for the Heavenly Corpse Gu's words, Yunhe always remains skeptical.

At least, half of what it says cannot be believed.

(none)

Speaking, Yunhe waved his palm, and the silken ribbon entwining the purple-clad female cultivator drew tight.

Having interacted with Yunhe several times, the Heavenly Corpse Gu apparently had some understanding of his character, and hastily sent a mental message:

(none)

"Since you've come, junior brother, you're probably about to break through to mid-Yuan Ying, right? Are you interested in exploring the Vermilion Bird Secret Realm together with me, elder brother?"

"Junior brother, you ought to have the 'Southern Bright Vermilion Bird Token', right?"

Vermilion Bird Secret Realm

Yunhe

The Vermilion Bird Secret Realm spoken of by the Heavenly Corpse Gu is naturally the cave dwelling left behind by the Vermilion Bird True Venerable, and the Vermilion Bird True Venerable is indeed a genuine incarnate cultivator!

Back then, in the cave dwelling left behind by the Floating Cloud Senior, Guang Chengzi and Bloodless fought fiercely over a single "Southern Bright Vermilion Bird Token".

As for the cave dwelling of a Nascent Soul cultivator, Yunhe is naturally interested.

In his storage pouch lay a piece of the "Southern Bright Vermilion Bird Token", and it is said that possessing this token grants one the qualification to enter the Vermilion Bird Secret Realm.

He simply never knew when this secret realm would appear or when it would open.

From the Heavenly Corpse Gu's tone, it seems to know when that secret realm will begin.

However, an event as major as the opening of the Vermilion Bird Secret Realm will surely spread quickly throughout the Eastern Border cultivation world, so Yunhe need not rush; with the capabilities of the Hundred Dawn Tower, he will surely obtain accurate news soon.

Heavenly Corpse Insect

This is certainly not a good choice.

After saying that, the Heavenly Corpse Gu stared intently at Yunhe, seemingly trying to discern something from his face and reaction.

However, Yunhe had no intention of wasting more words with it, anyway he had already obtained the result he sought to find.

So he waved his hand without hesitation, the silken ribbon shattered instantly, and the purple-clad female cultivator's expression stiffened abruptly.

(none)

From its body flew out a slender black worm.

gu worm

Upon seeing this worm, Feng Qingdan beside them finally spoke.

In the battle at the Fragrant Incense Tower, Yunhe had previously pulled out an identical worm.

Now seeing it again, and from their previous interaction, we can see

Yunhe, gu worm

senior brother, junior brother

As for the relationship between Yunhe and the Heavenly Corpse Gu, Feng Qingdan is a bit curious, but she doesn't really understand the content of their communication.

After the Heavenly Corpse Gu was detached, the purple-clad female cultivator went limp and fell to the ground.

"Yin Shadow Sect, Old Monster Chu, let's cut off contact from now on."

After commanding the Corpse Soul Gu to devour the Heavenly Corpse Gu's offspring, Yunhe said:

Upon hearing that, Feng Qingdan nodded without hesitation, "Understood."

The presence of such a worm on the purple-clad female cultivator indicates that other cultivators of the Yin Shadow Sect, and perhaps even Old Monster Chu himself, might also have them.

Although Feng Qingdan still doesn't know what that worm is, the Heavenly Corpse Gu's ability makes her feel chilled.

Silently attaching and infecting, even Yuan Ying Cultivators find it hard to escape; such a worm is too terrifying.

Fellow Daoist Feng

"Fellow Daoist Feng, the time has come to fulfill your promise." Yunhe said solemnly.

(none)

Feng Qingdan, Yunhe, mid Nascent Soul

She quickly recalled the promise she had made when she sought Yunhe's protection: to assist him in breaking through to mid-Yuan Ying.

Mid Nascent Soul!

When Yunhe was at early Nascent Soul, he could already slay two Fourth Level mid-stage demon beasts in succession; she dares not even imagine how terrifying Yunhe's strength would be if he broke through to mid Nascent Soul.

But for her, for all forces under Yunhe's name, it is undoubtedly a very good piece of news.

Nevertheless, she thought of a way to help Yunhe break through, and even her face couldn't help but blush slightly.

She replied in a feeble mosquito-like voice: "Hmm".

(End of chapter)