[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-123":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262428,4415,"Chapter 123: The Immortal-Pulling Platform","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-123",123,"\u003Cp>“The Immortal-Pulling Platform?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered for a moment, then nodded. “It’s indeed far, but if there’s a spiritual orifice, the effort is worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Climbing mountains in this Great Xuan Dynasty was nothing like his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, every famous mountain and river had been developed; no matter how treacherous or remote, they were always packed with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you didn’t want to walk, cable cars shuttled you up and down in a day trip; if you were willing to hike, wide mountain paths awaited you—just wear out your knees a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With technology’s aid, even Mount Everest was overcrowded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing to watch out for was various street scams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jin Gate’s “Ghost and God Swindle,” the Yan Gate’s “Immortal Jump,” the Ma Gate’s “Fake Antiquities,” the Feng Gate’s “Divine Scheme”…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just changed names; the essence remained the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it was different—every stretch of path, every plank trail, had been carved out by human lives; many places were outright deathtraps, not to mention the wild beasts within the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Immortal-Pulling Platform could be called the highest point in eastern Shenzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was undoubtedly hard to reach, but since it had a name, there must be a way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Li Yan’s words, the White Steward hesitated, glancing at Yu Linzi. “Young Master, you don’t know—distance is the least of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In June, melting ice on the Immortal-Pulling Platform caused rockslides, exposing these two spiritual orifices. But because the journey was so long and the palace was still building the Star-Observing Platform, there was no time to reinforce or repair it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we finally had the chance, I sent my junior brother Yu Xiangzi to investigate how to arrange it, but we found several corpses—all pilgrims with too much curiosity, eager to tour the Immortal-Pulling Platform.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s more to this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Linzi looked surprised, shaking his head. “Lately, besides morning and evening rituals, I’ve been helping Master observe and record the stars. I haven’t paid much attention to palace affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, how did those pilgrims die?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Killed by demons…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Sha Li Fei exclaimed in shock: “This is a grotto-heaven and blessed land, a Daoist altar—how can there be evil spirits or demons?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Linzi shook his head. “It’s not as simple as you imagine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shenzhou is steeped in divine spirit. The Three Dragon Veins crisscross, and places where primordial gangsha form into patterns are as countless as stars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The orthodox Daoist sects and major lineages occupy these grotto-heavens and blessed lands, backed by the imperial court, and are also responsible for guarding regional peace. But the mountains are vast—even with troops patrolling, they can’t cover every spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, grotto-heavens and blessed lands naturally attract spiritually attuned beings seeking cultivation. Heaven favors life, and some spirits are inherently benevolent, even aiding lost travelers in the mountains—naturally, we can’t kill them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But some are extremely vicious, and we must capture them too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Bai, what kind of demon is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Steward spoke gravely. “An unusual earth centipede—large in size, capable of burrowing, hiding its aura, and fond of sucking living human blood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This thing is also extremely cunning. When several junior brothers set up altars and mobilized forces to capture it, it simply hid motionless. We stationed men for days and never saw a trace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With the Winter Solstice Grand Rite approaching and the palace short on personnel, we had no time to keep watch, so I reported to Chang’an—they sent a demon hunter to handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re far more skilled at dealing with this kind of demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon hunter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan exchanged glances and immediately guessed who it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the White Steward glanced outside, clearly anxious, and rose. “That place isn’t on the itinerary. If you insist on going, just give five hundred taels—that’s enough. But be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than he hurriedly took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and the other two were left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good heavens—even a remote, dangerous place demanded five hundred taels. This White Steward must be desperate for cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their expressions, Yu Linzi also shook his head slightly and sighed. “That’s the situation. In my opinion, you’d better wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Recently, some evil entities have been causing trouble in Guanzhong. For this Winter Solstice Grand Rite, Daoist sites on Zhongnan, Lishan, and Huashan will coordinate, deploying troops to patrol the Qinling Mountains and hunt down evil spirits—afterward, it’ll be much safer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “After the Winter Solstice, won’t the orifices be unusable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Linzi nodded. “Heaven and earth follow their own rhythms. Grotto-heaven spiritual orifices have cycles of intake and release. After the Winter Solstice, yang energy recedes and yin energy rises; cultivating inside becomes harmful. It won’t return to normal until after the Beginning of Spring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Li Yan hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we rely on your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan suddenly bowed and smiled at Li Yan. “Don’t worry about me. Cultivation is always like this—if there were no trials, wouldn’t everyone succeed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Li Yan feared for his safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered again. “Then we’re in your hands, Elder. Also, we’d like to purchase some incense, candles, and ritual implements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Building the Tower of Observation isn’t just about sitting in meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It requires not only the spiritual orifice of a grotto-heaven and blessed land, but also the proper rituals and matching ritual implements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, each higher level becomes increasingly difficult. Starting from the fourth floor, you’ll need to consume celestial treasures and earthly gems—costs rise sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the first three levels use only ordinary ritual implements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Premium incense and candles, Lotus Soul-Keeping Lamps, talismans, rootless water… Doumugong has all these, and they’re permanently offered on the ritual altars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grotto-heavens and blessed lands, combined with these disposable low-grade ritual items, are one of the orthodox sects’ income sources. A little silver easily secures everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After resting one night at Doumugong, under the guidance of a young Daoist acolyte, the three packed their gear and headed deeper into Taibai Mountain…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful, everyone—just ahead!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the mountain ridge, the cold wind howled, making it hard for them to stand steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To reach the Immortal-Pulling Platform from Doumugong, you must first descend, then climb again—temperature shifts violently, the path crosses mountains and rivers, filled with strange sights and ancient ruins of indeterminate age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were manageable. The real test began once you started climbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain winds howled, numbing their heads; even Li Yan, who trained daily, felt slight chest tightness and shortness of breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the scenery grew ever more majestic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vast mountains, boundless seas of clouds, glaciers, mossy ground, strange fractured strata—it felt as if they had returned to the primordial ancient age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one Yu Linzi sent to guide them was his disciple, whose Dao name was Dian Shu; if he ever achieved cultivation success, he’d be called Dian Shuzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This young Daoist was lively and warm-hearted. Sha Li Fei easily charmed him with a few words, and he chattered nonstop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look over there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to a ridge across the valley. “That place is called the Ten Thousand Immortals Array. Legend says that when the Grand Duke summoned the gods to the Immortal-Pulling Platform, many immortals and deities stood there, waiting to be enfeoffed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei gasped. “Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu scratched his head and grinned. “Just a legend. No one knows for sure—Daoist records are vague about such ancient times. Just enjoy the story.” As he spoke, ahead appeared a jutting ridge, like a pile of massive rocks—broken stones, soil, and solid ice mixed together, faintly revealing a narrow path leading straight to the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu pointed to the other side. “The newly discovered spiritual orifice isn’t on the Immortal-Pulling Platform itself, but in the crack across the mountain. Are you going straight there, or do you want to circle the Immortal-Pulling Platform first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan, though his lips were purple and blue from cold, had adjusted and his spirits had lifted. He smiled. “Since we came, how could we miss it? Let’s climb up and take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one with the weakest stamina had spoken—Li Yan naturally didn’t object. Fortunately, the distance wasn’t far. Even with icy, slippery ground, they reached the Immortal-Pulling Platform in less than two sticks of incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Immortal-Pulling Platform was covered in vast expanses of weathered rubble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These stones were pale in color, piled into an altar, but after centuries, only ruins remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing here, one felt heaven high and earth wide, a vast, majestic aura rushing over them. The setting sun illuminated the sea of clouds, creating countless spectacles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan glanced around and nodded slightly. “This place is truly extraordinary. The terrain gathers energy, overlooking the Dragon’s spine—perhaps it truly was the site of the Divine Enthronement and Immortal-Pulling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan activated his spiritual sense and felt it even more deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taibai Mountain was the highest peak of the Qinling range; this spot was its highest point. Primordial gangqi converged from all directions, as if countless gods were lifting the ritual altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the energy surged so violently it made him dizzy and blinded him—he staggered, quickly formed the Yin Seal, shut off his spiritual sense, and only then did he recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu chuckled. “Resident, don’t use spiritual senses here. Once, one of our ancestors tried to set up an altar here and nearly blew up the altar and passed out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Grand Duke’s seat—gods retreat. Do not offend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Are you mocking me?” Li Yan sighed, shaking his head with a wry joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already dusk. After a brief tour, they descended the Immortal-Pulling Platform before darkness fell, circling the ridge to reach the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu pointed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked up and saw two fissures on the mountainside, below them piled with broken rocks—like the mountain’s breathing holes, strangely fascinating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu walked as he spoke. “All grotto-heaven spiritual orifices are named according to the Nine Palaces. This spot on Taibai Mountain is in the Qian position, so these two orifices are called Qian One and Qian Two…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Li Yan grabbed him and pulled him back. His Guan Mountain Saber clanged out, shielding everyone behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the pile of rocks ahead, a “rock” slowly writhed, then peeled open—it was a cloth disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure rose from within—the female demon hunter known as Red Yecha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face remained cold. She glanced at them, then at Dian Shu, and said gravely: “Didn’t I say not to disturb me while I work? Why are you bringing people here again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist looked embarrassed and bowed quickly. “Resident Luo, these people came to build a tower and cultivate at the orifice—they’ll leave in a day. And if that demon appears, they can help too…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Yecha’s voice brimmed with anger. “That demon is cunning, excels at ambushes, and after sucking blood, won’t show itself for days. More people just make things harder!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…” Dian Shu looked troubled. “They’ve come all this way—can we really make them turn back now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Resident Luo, we’ll only stay one day. Won’t interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Yecha took a deep breath and said gravely: “Then do as you wish. If anything happens, I won’t come to your rescue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she walked to the other side of the rocks, pulled out a mountain goat from behind, ignored everyone, and headed toward another area—clearly to set traps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu shivered and led them toward the fissures, whispering as they walked: “Don’t mind her. Though she’s harsh, she’s a good person—she’s helped many villagers capture demons and suppress evil…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having interrupted others’ affairs, Li Yan and the others felt they were in the wrong, so they said nothing more and were soon drawn to the acupoint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called acupoint was, in fact, a cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these two caves were most peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The caverns were shallow, only a dozen meters deep, with smooth rock walls as if naturally carved, coated in a thick layer of solid ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering the cave, Li Yan’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly smell the primordial gangqi circulating within, interwoven with the yin energy of the earth veins, surging up and down like a natural forge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a “formation” formed by primordial gangqi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A “force” must have a root—like the mountain’s momentum or aura—but a “formation” is a self-contained micro-realm where gang and sha qi flow within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In such a place, if a master used the “formation” to lay an array, outsiders might never notice it even if they stood right before it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two caves were nearly identical in size, differing only in that one was wider, resembling a stone chamber, instantly visible upon entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was more winding, with scattered piles of broken rocks in places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dian Shu grinned warmly: “Every acupoint of a celestial paradise is a sacred site for our sect. Ideally, we’d build proper altars and meditation chambers, but lately we’ve been short on hands—we’ll have to wait until next year. For now, please make do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was already impatient, turning to Wang Daoxuan: “Master, who goes first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and smiled: “You’re building the first level—it’s relatively simple. I still need to prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.” Li Yan nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the sun had already set. The group ate some dried rations and began setting up the altar for Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the ghost-and-spirit method, the Luo Feng Scripture, was relatively simple to set up for the first level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twelve lotus lamps for guiding souls formed a circle below, symbolizing the Twelve Earthly Branches; incense, candles, rootless water, and ritual seals were used to attract the primordial gangqi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After completing this, Li Yan remained inside the cave, while Sha Lifei and the others worked together to haul in massive stones and seal the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In simple terms, if the spiritual acupoint is a forge, this is sealing the furnace, and the ritual is the act of igniting it, drawing in the gang and sha qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the entrance was sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei and the others would wait outside until after midnight, when they would know whether Li Yan had succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three did not stray far; they found a sheltered spot outside, lit a bonfire, warmed themselves, and waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei unhooked his wine skin from his waist, intending to take a sip, but seeing the young Daoist Dian Shu beside him, he quickly offered it: “Master, have a few sips to warm yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist clearly wanted some, but hesitated: “But… we’re still on guard duty. What if that demon appears…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei grinned proudly, pulling two bamboo tubes from his waist and handing one to Wang Daoxuan: “Young Master Li gave us these treasures for protection—any demon or monster that shows up dies on the spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true: before entering the cave, Li Yan had given them the Spirit-Fire Musket for protection; these demons were merely beasts with spiritual awareness, and with this weapon, a single blast would kill them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Sha Lifei’s description, the young Daoist grew somewhat reassured, took a few sips, and his face immediately flushed red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan chuckled at the sight, then suddenly asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Daoist, what exactly is that earth centipede demon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2576,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","031cf21891045a7345bbbcca669f5dbe9f6e27ba4b6e94ad2e56a92e88339949","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-124","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-122",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]