Chapter 802: Hiding Deep in the Old Mountains and Forests?

Qingguang Mountain, an old man in a pure white Daoist robe walked slowly.

He clearly did not use any teleportation technique, yet the entire immortal sect’s restrictions meant nothing to him, and the passing disciples sensed not the slightest trace.

Only when the old man had already reached the hall’s entrance, passing by in a flash, did the crane attendant suddenly snap back to awareness and whirl around.

He froze for a moment, then quickly bowed low: “Little attendant pays homage to Spirit Void Great Immortal!”

“Mm.”

The old man uttered only a single emotionless syllable, his pace unbroken, walking straight into the hall.

The crane attendant’s voice reached the hall first, and those inside reacted differently.

On the main seat, Qingguangzi slowly opened his eyes, saw the questioning gaze from Youyao, and slightly smiled, shaking his head gently to signal no need for concern.

His younger brother, Spirit Void, though also a disciple of the Shangqing Patriarch, had no other notable abilities beyond this skill of concealing his aura.

His personality matched his technique: politely called quiet and reserved, but in truth, he was as silent as a stone—three blows wouldn’t elicit a single grunt.

The one with the strongest emotional reaction in the hall was Yunmiao True Person, seated behind Youyao; upon hearing the honorific title of Spirit Void Great Immortal, his face paled, and he leapt from his chair, exclaiming loudly: “Disciple did not know Master had returned, failed to await you at the gate—please forgive this disciple’s fault!”

The next moment, the old man in pure white Daoist robes stepped silently into the hall.

He gazed silently at Yunmiao’s position, the faint weariness in his eyes deepening further.

After returning to Spirit Void Cave and finding no trace of his eldest disciple, he knew the rumors among the disciples were likely true.

The great disciple of Spirit Void Cave had lowered himself to join Youyao’s retinue, greatly boosting the prestige of Qingguang Cave’s first disciple.

Now seeing it with his own eyes, Spirit Void felt an inexplicable sorrow.

He could accept his disciple’s mediocrity—after all, he himself was no standout in the sect—but only after striving and realizing the path was hopeless, then stepping back.

Not by fleeing straight into another’s protection the moment he descended the mountain, having faced not a single setback, unwilling to endure even the slightest hardship.

Worse still, the one shielding him was another junior… how could the gap be so vast?

Spirit Void ignored his own eldest disciple and walked straight ahead.

“Spirit Void Uncle, please.”

Youyao True Person welcomed Spirit Void to the secondary seat, then quietly returned to her original position.

“In these past few years, your cultivation has made great progress.”

Spirit Void forced a smile toward the girl—this great tribulation seemed tailor-made for such juniors; in mere days, she had already begun to catch up to his generation.

“Thank you, Uncle,” Youyao bowed respectfully, showing no trace of pride.

Seeing this, Spirit Void’s smile grew tinged with sigh.

“The Dao is myriad paths; each cultivator’s journey differs, each has their own future. Younger brother, do not cling too tightly.”

Qingguangzi offered a light reassurance: “Yunmiao has been helping Youyao quite a bit lately.”

Yunmiao True Person, already sensing his master’s displeasure, was already flustered; now hearing someone speak for him, he quickly bowed gratefully: “Master’s praise is excessive.”

But as he raised his head, Yunmiao sensed something wrong—the faint smile still clinging to his master’s face had now darkened into barely suppressed gloom.

Upon closer reading, this was nothing but an implication: Spirit Void Cave’s path was meant to serve Qingguang Cave, forever bowing low and serving as a subordinate…

“It is only right, since Youyao oversees the investigation of the Bodhi Sect, and my disciple Lingsu is also involved; Yunmiao, as the eldest disciple, should lend a hand.”

Spirit Void’s weariness upon arriving stemmed from having recently been investigating those monks after receiving the news.

Bringing up this matter now gave Yunmiao a face-saving excuse.

“Younger brother, you are too modest; our two branches have always been close. As long as Yunmiao works diligently, Youyao will not let him down.”

Qingguangzi leaned back calmly; Spirit Void clenched his fist slightly, clearly struggling to suppress his inner rage.

This matter could be a lifelong grievance.

In the hall, Yunmiao True Person trembled with fear, yet even at this point, he refused to sever ties with Qingguang Cave.

After descending the mountain, he had finally come to understand the true state of the Northern Continent.

It was nothing like he had imagined—not every cultivator who reached the Nine-Nine Transformation could claim a sufficient territory.

North of Shenzhou, excluding the dead lands caused by the great drought, there were twenty-nine prefectures.

The disciples of various branches had claimed six-tenths among themselves; the remaining ten-odd prefectures were tightly held by only three people, and Youyao was one of them.

Several fellow disciples at his own level could claim only a single prefecture, while Yunmiao had suffered the disadvantage of descending too late.

Even though recent vacancies from the Bodhi Sect affair had freed up many territories, they were swiftly taken by fellow disciples; those with lower cultivation clung tightly together, one branch supporting another.

If he charged in blindly without understanding the situation, he would easily invite a united attack.

In other words, the promise Youyao had made him was likely the best outcome he could ever achieve through blood and struggle.

Yunmiao True Person simply could not bear to let go.

Fortunately, Master Qingguang finally stopped dwelling on the matter and changed the subject: “Younger brother, have you heard the recent rumors within the sect about the Supreme Immortal?”

“Brother, you jest—how could such a thing be within my reach?”

Spirit Void forced a crooked smile; though he spoke thus, his gaze fixed on empty air flickered restlessly.

True enough, if the Patriarch truly chose twelve Golden Immortals to oversee the affairs of the Four Continents, he would never be among them.

But the current situation was clear: even among Golden Immortals who had transcended both realms, there must be a hierarchy—and that hierarchy would determine how much incense each branch could claim after the tribulation.

Given Spirit Void Cave’s current state, it would likely be the very edge of the edge.

Spirit Void did not seek to rise further, yet how could he willingly sink to such a depth?

“I have matters to instruct my disciples; I shall not disturb further.”

He slowly rose, bowed respectfully to his elder brother, then walked out of the hall with a hollow expression.

Yunmiao True Person quickly bowed upward, then hurriedly chased after his master.

Qingguangzi watched the master and disciple depart, then calmly lowered his hands and turned to Youyao: “What were you about to say?”

“Nothing.”

Youyao True Person shook her head gently; after Spirit Void’s interruption, she chose to conceal Shu Yu’s matter.

After all, this younger brother’s actions showed no regard for his master’s reputation; suffering this hardship was deserved.

Moreover, she had no proof—only suspicions—and since there were already monks causing trouble in the Northern Continent, revealing it would make her seem incompetent, as if she could not handle the Bodhi Sect and was blaming a low-cultivation soft target to save face.

Better to solve the matter first, bring the madman’s head, and then give her master a proper account.

…

The two walked back to Spirit Void Cave in silence, one ahead, one behind.

Arriving at Half-Fallen Cliff.

Spirit Void stood with his hands behind his back at the cliff’s edge; before he could turn, Yunmiao True Person had already fallen to his knees with a thud, bowing repeatedly: “Master, please calm your anger—this disciple truly had no other choice!”

“...”

Spirit Void’s face was cold and stern; he still did not look at the man, speaking calmly: “Explain—how exactly were you left with no options?”

He wanted to know what in the Northern Continent could force a third-rank perfected cultivator to shamelessly switch allegiance to a junior.

“This matter all stems from Qingguang Cave.”

Yunmiao True Person, still bowing, smoothly shifted all blame outward, full of grievance: “They were the ones who sought to meddle in the Southern Continent’s affairs; then that insect demon disciple barely escaped here, and Master Qingguang refused to take responsibility, sending that crane attendant to Spirit Void Cave… You weren’t at the gate, so how could this disciple defy your authority?”

“Reluctantly, we kept the insect demon disciple, but this man had great ambitions—he was unsatisfied with just one cave; after discussing with my sister, we could only grant him part of Tian Ta Mountain.”

“But this brat knew nothing of contentment—he openly and covertly sought to oust my sister, which led her to leave for a stroll, where she fell victim to the Bodhi Sect’s treachery.”

“As the eldest disciple, I was eager to avenge her, but alone, I was utterly powerless; to avenge my little sister, I was forced to seek aid from Qingguang Cave—please, Master, understand!”

By this point, Yunmiao’s eyes were slightly red; caught between Qingguang Cave and the Bodhi Sect, he seemed truly trapped, struggling alone.

“Huh.”

Spirit Void finally turned slowly, gazing down at his disciple.

He sighed inwardly.

Had Yunmiao not been raised by his own hands, had he not known his disciple’s true nature, he might have believed these words.

“Rest assured, Master—I have entered the world, and I will never let anyone look down on Spirit Void Cave.”

Seeing his master’s attitude soften, Yunmiao lifted his head: “My territory matters are secondary; what I truly care about is my sister’s vengeance. Those monks are still missing, but the insect demon disciple from the Southern Continent drove my sister away, and upon hearing of her death, he immediately erected a divine shrine.”

“How can my sister’s Tian Ta Mountain fall into the hands of such a despicable worm? With such a character, he dares to aspire to join your discipleship—I have already agreed with Sister Youyao that in a few days, we will act to expel this scoundrel utterly!”

Looking at Yunmiao, his face flushed with righteous fury, swearing solemnly,

Spirit Void felt a final, utter despair. If what the man claimed were true—that the Southern Continent cultivator had killed Lingsu—then Yunmiao, as the eldest disciple, even against a cultivator far beneath him, still needed to borrow others’ hands.

Such a character seemed harmless and obedient in ordinary times, but under this great tribulation, his true nature was exposed—he was utterly unreliable.

“Do as you wish. Go ahead.”

Spirit Void waved his sleeve, turned wearily, and resumed gazing at the clouds.

“Thank you, Master, for your understanding.”

Seeing this, Yunmiao True Person finally exhaled—he could see the disappointment in his master’s eyes, but at least he had passed this crisis; he could make up for it later.

After all, avenging his sister was surely right.

Thinking of this, his mind returned to that revolting figure—disciple of the insect demon, arrogant and rude… he had only pretended to agree with Youyao, but Youyao’s plan to strike at Kaiyuan Prefecture was real.

Under the command of such a prodigy famed across the Northern Continent, the Tai Xu Pill Emperor was likely just another dead insect—no more than a few days of squirming left.

…

Shenzhou, Imperial Capital.

In a quiet, secluded garden, Ye Lan, led by a maid, quietly arrived at the wine pool.

The man had submerged his entire body in the pool, leaving only his head exposed, leaning lazily against smooth stones, while Lin Shuya of the Immortal Department stood respectfully beside him.

Ye Lan had seen such high-ranking figures before, yet still felt somewhat restrained.

After all, unlike Shen Yi, she had grown up in the Three Immortal Sect—how could she not recognize one of the Six Sovereigns who governed the mortal realm, the Lord of Ten Thousand Beings?

“Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from afar.”

She stood at a distance, refusing to let the maid touch it, and used tribulation power to envelop the letter, delivering it straight to the Emperor’s side.

Shen Yi had instructed that this letter could only be passed among the three of them; even the head of the Immortal Department, the nominal superior of Regional Commander Zhenan, was forbidden to touch it.

Lin Shuya stared silently at the envelope.

He didn’t understand how a cultivator who had abandoned his post and ignored the people’s suffering could still claim access to the imperial court’s intelligence channels, paid for with lives.

“You may leave,” the Emperor muttered.

Lin Shuya paused, his eyes flickering with complex emotion, but said nothing. He turned and left with the maid.

Ye Lan watched them go, equally surprised.

Everyone knew the Immortal Department was the Emperor’s most trusted bureau, and Lin Shuya was the man closest to this Emperor. Yet now, in the Emperor’s eyes, Shen Yi’s letter was far more important than Minister Lin?

The Emperor watched them depart, then suddenly shook his head and chuckled.

Even a ruler who revived the dynasty could misjudge a man. He had thought the boy he’d pulled from the corpses of northern drought-stricken lands, after witnessing divine and buddhist power firsthand, would be the one person who truly understood him. But now it seemed he was wrong.

Yet now, as Emperor, he had become a dragon trapped in a shallow pond, unable to even leave it—and too late to replace him.

But it didn’t matter.

The situation was settled. With Lin Shuya’s meager abilities, he couldn’t even stir up a ripple. It was truly insignificant.

The only regret was losing someone who could speak his true thoughts.

Fortunately, he’d recently found a new amusement.

A man whose path was utterly different from his own, with no connection whatsoever, whose actions never interfered with his, yet who remained in constant contact.

It could help the Emperor relieve his inner vexation.

The man slowly unfolded the letter.

“Is he… is he well?” Ye Lan knew this was grossly disrespectful, but she couldn’t help asking.

Fortunately, the Emperor had a carefree nature. After reading the letter, he raised an eyebrow: “He’s probably about to die.”

A fugitive being hunted by Nan Xumí, yet he still couldn’t settle down even after reaching the Northern Continent.

Was this a dispute you, a man afraid to reveal your identity, had any business meddling in?

“What do you mean, Your Majesty?” Ye Lan’s face turned instantly pale.

“He’s asking me for advice,” the Emperor rolled his eyes, turning to stare at the girl, then casually flicked the letter in his hand. “Tell him my only advice is to crawl back into the mountains and stay there. Where does he get such audacity?”

All living beings struggle for life and death. Here’s one who doesn’t have to labor or worry—and he doesn’t even appreciate it.

In the end, he’ll achieve glory and renown anyway. Why rush these fleeting days? What difference could a single Kaiyuan Prefecture make to the time it takes him to become a Buddha, a Patriarch?

“He won’t listen to me…” Ye Lan finished, biting her lip tightly. She’d been gentle. Shen Yi didn’t just ignore her—he once made up his mind, even the Emperor’s words were nothing but wind.

The man seemed speechless. He looked at Ye Lan, then at the letter in his hand.

After much hesitation, as if unwilling to lose this sole amusement.

He frowned, then waved his hand and tossed her a token: “Deliver this along with the letter. If he’s in danger, and it doesn’t involve the lives of any Grand Generals, they may save him once. But only once… Since his identity as Regional Commander Zhenan is exposed, he can’t stay in the Northern Continent. When the time comes, he should find a remote mountain to hide in himself.”

Ye Lan nervously took the token. The Emperor knew Shen Yi’s cultivation level—and the so-called generals who could save his life could only be the Second-Rank National Protecting Grand Generals, whose bodies were saturated with imperial qi.

“Thank you, Your Majesty…”

(End of Chapter)