Chapter 264

He didn't believe that sound was the Nujiang.

Bai Long and Zhao Li didn't speak, but their expressions clearly revealed what they were thinking.

Tan Bai Sanshen said nothing more, merely leading Cheng Cheng Xinzhan and his two servants forward.

The eagles in the sky were larger than oxen, yet they never flapped their wings, simply drifting as they soared, calling out loudly, their cries echoing the thunder like the solemn cry of a phoenix.

But Zhao Li had already asked, and these were merely ordinary mountain eagles, not spiritual birds.

This only deepened Cheng Cheng Xinzhan and his servants' curiosity about this land.

After crossing the Yalongjiang, they began to sense a distant, muffled thunder. Cheng Cheng Xinzhan initially paid no mind, assuming it was a storm ahead, but after flying for a long while without seeing any rain, yet the thunder never ceased and grew ever louder, he began to suspect—then Zhao Li, unable to contain her curiosity, asked before he could.

Tan Bai Sanshen smiled and said that was the sound of the Nujiang.

All three of them were puzzled—it clearly sounded like thunder, and the Nujiang lay west of Kangxi; they had only just crossed the Yalongjiang, so how could its sound already reach them?

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan cultivated both thunder and water arts—how could he not tell the difference between thunder and water?

But could it truly be the Nujiang?

He knew Tan Bai Sanshen had no reason to deceive him, so he was uncertain—but he naturally wouldn't let his doubts show on his face like two children.

Yet this place was nearly uninhabited, utterly silent except for the booming rumble, which only made him more certain it was thunder—he decided to stop dwelling on it and instead raised a new topic.

"Tan Bai, along our journey, I've noticed few ordinary people here—mostly cultivators, both Daoist disciples and demonic sects, with the latter appearing even more common."

"The demonic forces in Kangxi haven't even been cleansed yet. The saying goes, 'To repel outsiders, first secure the interior.' Yet the Xuantian Alliance merely claims it will guard the Nujiang—isn't that dangerously exposing their flanks?"

Throughout Kangxi, there were hardly any flat lands—snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, drops of ten thousand ren. Under such terrain, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan noticed almost no traces of ordinary human habitation, only occasional horse caravans crawling like ants along mountain paths, no large towns or cities.

Here, cultivators outnumbered ordinary people, for the terrain posed no obstacle to those who could fly or tunnel. Moreover, the high altitude and absence of mortals made the spiritual energy denser and purer.

Along this journey, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan frequently encountered cultivators flying through the air, and on the ground, he saw numerous major and minor sects far more densely packed than in the east.

When he used his Qi-Viewing Art, he could easily discern that those radiating pure, righteous qi were few, while those exuding blood-demon and demonic aura were many.

Tan Bai Sanshen replied:

"The Xuantian Alliance intends to seize this opportunity to completely eradicate the demonic plague in Little Xikang and fully incorporate this chaotic region, long unruly for a thousand years, into the Ba-Shu territory."

"Thus, Yan Renying, as the eldest disciple of Mount Emei, his first disciple, faces the most perilous position—doesn't that only highlight his noble character?"

Tan Bai Sanshen's tone was resentful.

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan listened, and grew even more convinced that this Mount Emei True Person was truly extraordinary.

Here, Tan Bai Sanshen began voluntarily explaining the demonic sects of Little Xikang to Cheng Cheng Xinzhan.

"There are no fifth-rank demonic lords in Little Xikang—this you may rest assured of," said Tan Bai Sanshen.

"When the Longmei Patriarch slew the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva in Kangxi, he declared, 'Any fifth-rank demon who enters Kangxi shall die.' Since then, not a single fifth-rank demon has dared set foot in Kangxi."

"Who was the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan asked.

"He was a demonic lord of his time, at the peak of the fifth rank, said to be one step from transcendence—slain by Longmei True Person just before his ascension. Now, Little Xikang has two fourth-rank demonic lords: the Piercing Monk and the White Bone Bodhisattva, both disciples of the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan nodded—he now understood there had once been such a figure.

"Their lineage is neither Buddhist nor demonic, yet both—its methods are strange. Tracing its roots, it originated from the Mahayana Sect, and after falling to darkness, was classified under the Northern School."

"When Longmei True Person slew the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva, it took great effort. Moreover, these two disciples of his are nearly at the fifth rank. Before his ascension, Longmei True Person, fearing they would grow too powerful, sought to seal them away."

"The White Bone Bodhisattva transformed into a pile of withered bones and evaded Longmei True Person's detection, escaping his fate—but the Piercing Monk was captured and sealed. Yet recently, he broke free."

"After Longmei True Person's ascension, the White Bone Bodhisattva reappeared, establishing his sect on Queer Mountain in northern Kangxi, calling it the White Bone Zen Courtyard."

"After breaking his seal, the Piercing Monk returned to the former lair of the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva, on the upper reaches of the Nujiang at Bai Guai Mountain, and rebuilt his sect as the Hanging Heart Temple."

"Now, in Kangxi, less than half the demonic forces are outsiders from the Northern and Southern Schools; the majority are disciples and descendants of the Eight Sufferings Bodhisattva and these two."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan memorized each detail, then asked:

"Where is the Xuantian Alliance's western outpost located?"

Tan Bai Sanshen answered:

"On the eastern bank of the Jinshajiang, atop a high mountain. Because it lies to the west, facing the river, it is called Xichuan Sword Pavilion—just ahead."

Indeed, soon Cheng Cheng Xinzhan saw a great river ahead, shimmering with golden light. Without Tan Bai Sanshen's explanation, he recognized it as the upper reaches of the Yangtze, the Jinshajiang, flowing north-south through Kangxi before turning east.

After leaving Bai Longqi Mountain, they had flown almost entirely westward; now, seeing the golden thread of the great river in the distance, Tan Bai Sanshen turned Cheng Cheng Xinzhan northward.

Within five hundred li, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan saw atop the snow-capped mountains along the eastern bank of the Jinshajiang a tall pavilion, radiating sharp sword qi that shattered falling snowflakes into fine fragments.

As they neared the pavilion, Tan Bai Sanshen pointed westward and said:

"Six hundred li away lies the Nujiang. Directly opposite this city, on the banks of the Nujiang, is the Piercing Monk's Hanging Heart Temple. We'll enter the pavilion first; later, I'll take Yunlai to see the Nujiang, whose sound roars like thunder—this river deserves a grand entry in the 'Banana Leaf Anthology.'"

Six hundred li away lies the Nujiang River; directly west of this city, across the river, is the Xuexin Temple of the Chuanshin Monk. Let's enter the pavilion first; later, I'll take Cheng Yunqi to see the Nujiang, whose roar echoes like thunder—this river deserves to be lavishly praised in the Jiaoye Collection.

"Four hundred li north of here lies Queer Mountain—the home of the White Bone Zen Courtyard. Its thousand-zhang glaciers gleam like jade, a wonder of the mortal world—but alas, defiled by demons; now the ice is filled with Sensen white bones."

"Placing the Sword Pavilion here serves primarily to monitor and deter the Hanging Heart Temple and the Mahayana Sect, preventing them from crossing the Nujiang. Greater attention is paid to the White Bone Zen Courtyard. Northward lies the Green Thread Sword; the two pavilions form a pincer. If we can break the White Bone Zen Courtyard, then sweep southward against the demonic hordes, that would be perfect merit."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan studied the surrounding terrain, recalling the military stratagems from the 'Bird Divination' text, pondering carefully.

This high mountain, overlooking the river, stood at a strategic chokepoint, neither too near nor too far from the two great demonic temples—able to guard against the Hanging Heart Temple's eastward advance and the White Bone Zen Courtyard's southward push. If coordinated with Zhou Zhou Qingyun at Baihe Port, it could form a pincer attack on the White Bone Zen Courtyard; should either temple launch an assault, it offered both reaction time and defensible terrain—truly an excellent location.

This high ground overlooks the river and commands a strategic pass, neither too near nor too far from the two great demon temples—it can guard against Xuexin Temple's eastward advance and also block the White Bone Chan Monastery's southward push. If coordinated with Zhou Zhou Qingyun at Baihe Port, it can launch a pincer attack on the White Bone Chan Monastery; should either temple launch a surprise assault, it offers ample time to respond and allows defense from natural fortifications—truly an excellent location.

"Are there any fourth-rank cultivators inside this Xichuan Sword Pavilion?"

Tan Bai Sanshen shook his head:

"None inside. The pavilion master is Yan Renying himself. Whether his master secretly assigned a fourth-rank guardian—he doesn't know."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan believed there must be one—if not, what if the Piercing Monk and White Bone Bodhisattva came personally? Would they not easily crush the pavilion and kill everyone?

Unless Yan Yan Renying possessed an immortal weapon like Zhou Zhou Qingyun's.

But Cheng Cheng Xinzhan had seen the Green Sword's power firsthand—truly an invincible blade; in his view, even at Mount Emei, such weapons must be exceedingly rare.

Yet from another angle—perhaps the Piercing Monk and White Bone Bodhisattva also firmly believed this place was guarded by a fourth-rank cultivator—or that the famed Mount Emei eldest disciple wielded an immortal weapon—and thus dared not act lightly?

After all, both had once been broken by Mount Emei.

Then, was Yan Yan Renying, as a pawn and bait, part of the Mount Emei True Person's plan?

"Have there been demonic attacks on the pavilion?"

He asked.

"At first, there were probes—but none could breach the pavilion's defensive array."

Tan Bai Sanshen said.

"What was the highest realm among those who attacked?"

"Fourth or fifth purification."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan nodded.

As they spoke, they arrived.

Tan Bai Sanshen pulled out a talisman, raised it into the air—the pavilion's protective array shimmered, then parted, forming an opening. The two entered.

After landing inside the Sword Pavilion, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan noticed not a single brick seam visible on floor or wall; beams, pillars, brackets, and arches showed no joints whatsoever. The entire structure was gray-white, as if carved from a single massive stone.

He immediately understood: this pavilion was a single, forged magic treasure—but he wondered whether it could withstand a fourth-rank assault.

The tall pavilion had four sides and thirteen stories—not tapering like a pagoda, but uniform in width, roughly five hundred paces square. Its base bore a platform, two thousand paces square on each side, surrounded by railings—effectively a courtyard or plaza.

The plaza held many people, mostly clad in two types of robes: one with green base and bamboo patterns, the other white base and lotus patterns. Cheng Cheng Xinzhan guessed they were disciples of Zhan Biyun Nunnery and Mount Emei Sect.

Clearly, Tan Bai Sanshen was somewhat known here. Mount Emei disciples recognized him but pretended not to notice; Zhan Biyun Nunnery disciples, however, showed him great respect, nodding and bowing respectfully.

The pavilion had doors on all four sides. Tan Bai Sanshen now led Cheng Cheng Xinzhan to the western entrance, which appeared to be the main gate, bearing a plaque inscribed:

The pavilion has doors on all four sides; now, Tanba Mingding Sanren and Cheng Cheng Xinzhan have landed on the western side, which appears to be the main gate, bearing a plaque inscribed:

At the very top of the thirteenth story hung another plaque, inscribed:

"Xuanguang Yao Can."

"After you," said Tan Bai Sanshen, gesturing for Cheng Cheng Xinzhan to enter.

"After you," replied Cheng Cheng Xinzhan.

Both entered the pavilion together, and Cheng Cheng Xinzhan asked:

"Which floor is Yan Renying on?"

"The very bottom floor."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan smiled inwardly—he was a clever man.

Tan Bai Sanshen led Cheng Cheng Xinzhan and his two servants to a tea chamber.

"Yunlai, wait here. I'll go summon Yan Renying to meet you."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan stopped him:

"Yan Renying is the pavilion master—he's busy. I'm a free agent. I'm here on your account, and I'll follow your lead in eliminating demons. No need for him to know."

Tan Bai Sanshen shook his head:

"That's not how it works. Though you came because of me, the true beneficiary is Yan Yan Renying—he must come to thank you."

Before Cheng Cheng Xinzhan could reply further, Tan Bai Sanshen hurried out.

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan couldn't stop him, so he waited.

The thunder still rumbled, but not from the nearby Jinshajiang—it came from farther west.

"You think that's really water?"

Listening to the muffled sound, Zhao Li was no longer so certain.

Bai Long was also uncertain—how could thunder remain so steadily loud?

"Maybe it is."

Bai Long was also unsettled; how could thunder remain so steadily ringing?

"Maybe so."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan now fully accepted it, only marveling at the wondrousness of heaven and earth's creation.

While waiting idly, he glanced out the window; the cold wind atop the mountain stirred snowflakes into a blurred shape. He instinctively wished to use bird divination to foretell the fortune or misfortune of this journey, but he stopped himself the moment he realized.

He thought to himself:

As it is said: "A gale does not last till morning; a sudden storm does not last till night." Bird divination, though wondrous, must be used at the proper time. If one divines for every matter, seeking fortune and avoiding misfortune, the heart loses its edge—and that is not good. The Ancestor wrote in the "Bird Divination": "When used too often, the spirit grows weary; when weary, it no longer responds." The sages likewise said beforehand: "By doing nothing, all is accomplished."

A fleeting glimpse, a momentary insight—Cheng Cheng Xinzhan felt a quiet joy, sensing his spirit altar clear and bright, his skill in divination further refined.

Seizing this idle moment and a fragment of insight, he closed his eyes and sank into contemplation; the inner vision of his "Wind-Listening Bird" drew one step closer to formation.

"Yunlai!"

Suddenly, a voice called out. Cheng Cheng Xinzhan opened his eyes.

Six figures entered in sequence.

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan smiled upon seeing them—the Six Companions of the Wine Cup, reunited once more.

Drunken Dispersed Man stepped forward and seized Cheng Cheng Xinzhan's hand.

"Yunlai! Why did you come here?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan patted the wine flask at Drunken Dispersed Man's waist.

"You all tricked me—were you afraid I'd drink too much, or disgusted by my drunken ugliness? You left without a word and came here to enjoy peace."

Drunken Dispersed Man heard the reproach in his tone—Cheng Cheng Xinzhan blamed him for leaving without notice—and he waved his hands in apology.

"I was foolish. I was inconsiderate."

Seeing the old man about to say more, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan cut him off and looked around at the others.

"Let it be agreed: I've come once, and from now on, none of you may leave without telling me."

All six agreed.

After the others sat down, only Yan Yan Renying remained standing. He bowed deeply to Cheng Cheng Xinzhan. Zhan Zhan Baibai had already told everyone the full story, so there was nothing left to hide.

"Yan Renying thanks Yunlai for your aid."

The man who had come was a Jin Dan cultivator who had bested the Female Flying Bear in a sword duel at a banquet—and more importantly, a righteous man who dared face peril on nothing but the spirit of his cup. He deserved this bow.

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan rose, raised his hand in a Xutuo gesture, and sent forth a stream of magic power to lift Yan Yan Renying up.

"Yan Renying, no need for this. If you wish to thank me, just prepare more wine."

"Of course!"

Yan Yan Renying laughed.

When he too sat down, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan said:

"I'm a man with no duties. Recently, besides drinking, I've had only one thought: to compile my 'Banana Leaf Collection.' This task cannot be done without Zhan Zhan Baibai, but Zhan Zhan Baibai is preoccupied here—so I came myself. It's a win-win: Zhan Zhan Baibai can lend his strength, and we can jointly complete the travelogue of Little Xikang. Meanwhile, I can kill demons and accumulate merit. What's not to like?"

The others listened, awed. Drunken Dispersed Man said:

"Yunlai truly lives in freedom!"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan added:

"I've never been here before and don't understand the situation. So don't expect me to volunteer. If you think I can help with anything, just call me—don't make me come for nothing."

Yan Yan Renying agreed.

At that moment, Wu Mei clapped her hands and said:

"Yunlai's arrival is perfect! Last time at the feast, I lost to you in a game—I've been thinking about it ever since. Now, let's rematch, and the winner takes the demon leader's head!"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan nodded with a smile.

"As you wish."

(End of Chapter)