Chapter 508: The Arrival of the Qingming Festival

South Sea.

Upon a certain isolated island.

Boom—! Boom—!

Waves crashed against the reefs, sounding like rolling thunder, exploding one after another. Falling here, then bursting open there.

Wen Hua, with a wooden sword strapped to his waist, sat on a jagged, strange rock, focusing intently on the vast, boundless ocean where thousands of waves surged, the rear waves pushing the front ones, the momentum terrifying to the extreme.

Of course, the most eye-catching sights were the two massive water spouts, soaring fully ten zhang into the air, like two Flood Dragons emerging from the water, roaring into the sky, entangling and colliding with each other, with fierce Sword Qi spitting out from the mouths of the water Flood Dragons.

"So this is top-tier swordsmen dueling; truly..."

Wen Hua scratched his ears and cheeks, watching with immense excitement. Having no ink in his belly, he struggled for a long time before pulling out Xiaonian's words to make up the numbers: "It's a technical job, can't be rewarded; a real man should be like this."

Wen Hua naturally recognized the two people fighting on the vast sea surface.

One was Sui Xiegu, who saw that his natural talent was excellent, a peerless genius one in ten thousand, and only after kneeling, crying, and begging did he reluctantly agree to take him as a disciple.

Fond of eating swords, one-armed, sleazy.

As for the other.

Whoa, this background is extraordinary.

It is precisely the Peach Blossom Sword God, Deng Taie, who has returned from overseas after visiting immortals.

Tsk tsk, never thought he, Wen Hua, would actually be able to see this legendary figure.

And looking at this posture, his cheap master is indeed not just for show; being able to fight the Sword God Deng for so long, he has real substance.

"Haha, Xiaonian, you just wait, I, Wen Hua, am about to realize my dream of being a Sword Immortal. You kid must not slack off either, otherwise, when this older generation dies or retires, who in the world will be worthy of being my opponent? The feeling of seeking a defeat but failing to find one is not easy to bear."

Wen Hua's tone carried infinite sighs, as if he were already a Land Immortal who had reached the pinnacle of Martial Dao.

Suddenly, he saw the two water spouts flying toward the shore, roaring with sound, and was immediately so frightened that he became flustered, yelling, "Two experts, I was just boasting, it's not worth it, it's not worth it..."

As a result, the two water spouts passed directly over his head.

Boom!

The two water dragons kept entangling in the air.

There was even more interweaving of sword light and clashing of Sword Qi.

These two water dragons were about to push forward all the way, but in the empty void, it seemed as if something was blocking their path.

Wen Hua ran all the way and climbed up a large tree to look into the distance, only then discovering that this place was not an isolated island devoid of human traces.

The further one went inside, the more beautiful the scenery became; at this moment, one could even see pavilions and towers, immortal cranes and auspicious beasts, exotic flowers and rare herbs, a scene of auspiciousness, as if it were a fairyland on earth.

And an invisible Qi barrier was draped over that fairyland on earth.

But under the aftermath of the attacks from two genuine Sword Immortals, it could not help but ripple, swaying and tottering, as if it could be broken at any time.

"Enough, if you two want to fight, go fight somewhere else, otherwise don't blame me, Dantai Pingjing, for being impolite!"

A cold female voice rang out, and immediately after, a woman was seen soaring through the air, standing atop the invisible Qi barrier.

When her toes touched the Qi barrier, the previously tottering barrier instantly became stable.

Wen Hua looked closely and saw that the woman's appearance was like a newlywed bride, her skin as smooth as jade, without a single crow's foot. Her brows and eyes were charming; she was a rare beauty. It was just that her figure was particularly tall, half a head taller than men from the north, which could be described as having an extraordinarily robust physique.

"Dantai Pingjing, seems I've heard of her?" Wen Hua thought for a moment; it seemed his cheap master had told him about this person, that she was the sect leader of some sect, but he had forgotten the specifics.

And if Wen Hua truly knew this woman's identity and age, he would likely be shocked to the point of dropping his jaw, tsk-tsking and calling her a female monster.

Qi Practitioners, those who cultivate longevity, can even manipulate Luck and possess all sorts of incredible means; placed in the mundane world, they are no different from Gods.

There are Qi Practitioners who live in deep mountains, building huts to Ask for Longevity.

There are also Qi Practitioners who serve monarchs, enjoying the wealth of human Luck.

During the Spring and Autumn wars, Qi Practitioners each served their own masters, gradually forming two factions, North and South.

The Northern faction, led by Taian City and the Qintian Bureau, with everything north of the Guangling River having fallen into becoming vassals of the Imperial Court, diligently observing Qi and phenomena for the Zhao Family emperors, has long been criticized. The South is relatively withered and scattered, with the South Sea White Vase Guanyin Sect as the most respected, dwelling on isolated overseas islands, conducting themselves like scattered immortals.

And the woman before him is precisely the Guanyin Sect leader, Dantai Pingjing.

It is said that this sect leader entered the First Grade Finger Profound realm at sixteen, and since then her realm has been stable, a smooth path all the way; now she is a hundred years old, but her appearance remains forever young.

Watching the two water spouts still fighting in the air, Dantai Pingjing's slender brows furrowed.

Although her cultivation is high, the two people before her are both top-tier Sword Immortal figures; in terms of killing methods, the Northern Barbarians and Liyang combined have few who can compare. But if these two were allowed to continue fighting, the sect-protecting array would not be guaranteed, and the mere spilling of Sword Qi could cause severe damage to the sect.

Dantai Pingjing raised her slender fingers, and runes emerged from the void, surrounding her entire body.

No matter what, she had to drive these two uninvited guests away.

Just at this moment, a clear and bright voice rang out: "Sect Leader Dantai, why don't we make a deal? I will drive these two guys away, and you lend me the 'Water Moon Heavenly Well' for a few days?"

Dantai Pingjing was suddenly startled, turning around abruptly, and saw a slender figure, black robes fluttering, standing with hands behind his back. He was looking at her with a smile on his face.

The Guanyin Sect leader frowned slightly, saying in surprise and suspicion: "You, you are Murong Tonghuang?!"

Apart from the world-famous Murong Tonghuang, she really could not think of anyone else in the world who could get within three feet of her without being discovered. What's more, this black attire had become Murong Tonghuang's signature outfit, not to mention that peerless, elegant temperament.

"It is I." Yu Liancheng smiled and nodded: "How about it? Does Sect Leader Dantai agree?"

Dantai Pingjing regained her composure, her expression indifferent as she said: "I suppose Murong Wudi knows that this 'Water Moon Heavenly Well' is my Guanyin Sect's heavy treasure for suppressing the sect; it can suppress Land Immortals, and even the four words 'worth a city' are far from enough to describe its preciousness. It absolutely cannot be lost."

"I know." Yu Liancheng nodded: "That's why I only want to borrow it for a while. Once the Great Snow Meeting ends, I will return it to you."

Dantai Pingjing was silent for a long while, then said: "Fine, I agree."

Yu Liancheng looked at Sect Leader Dantai carefully, his brows raised slightly, appearing somewhat surprised: "So straightforward?"

Dantai Pingjing said indifferently: "One Sui Xiegu and one Deng Taie are already enough to give me a headache; if another Murong Wudi were to come, my Guanyin Sect would likely face a catastrophic disaster. Moreover, since Murong Wudi has said it is a loan, then naturally there is borrowing and returning. I still trust the reputation of the Murong Twin Leaders."

"Truly straightforward, worthy of being a heroine among women; no wonder that old man Sui Xiegu likes you." Yu Liancheng held up a thumb.

Dantai Pingjing's expression was calm as she said: "I would like to see how you intend to stop these two."

"Simple." Yu Liancheng chuckled, turning his gaze toward the two Sword Immortals fighting in mid-air, and said loudly: "Sui Xiegu, you are at such an old age, and after fighting for so long, you still can't even take down a repressed junior carrying peach blossoms; it's truly shameful. I think you might as well find a piece of tofu and bash your head in. Haven't you seen Sect Leader Dantai's gaze? It's full of disdain; you're completely useless, old man."

"Deng Taie, I see you are also the world-renowned Peach Blossom Sword God; returning from overseas after visiting immortals, I thought you had been reborn, but it turns out it takes you so long to deal with a sleazy one-armed old man. Your fame is greater than your reality; you're a completely useless middle-aged man."

The two water spouts in mid-air turned, fiercely pouncing toward Yu Liancheng, filled with murderous intent.

"Heh, you all are getting anxious; just hearing a few home truths and you're already anxious. And two against one, have you no shame? But to think that you two, who trade on empty reputations, could actually defeat me—it's nothing but a pipe dream." Yu Liancheng laughed heartily, his heroic spirit soaring to the heavens, and then he turned and flew off in the direction of the open sea.

"If you want to fight me, you'll have to catch me first. As for now, go eat dirt."

The two water spouts accelerated, and even more wild, piercing sword lights shot out; every single sword light was enough to kill an ordinary First-Rank Expert.

"My goodness, who is this guy? He's too arrogant, isn't he? Dressed all in black, and so handsome it's unbelievable—could it be Murong Wudi?"

Wen Hua patted his own face. Although he had met Yu Liancheng once in the Capital, that was when the latter was in disguise; how could he recognize him now?

At the thought that this might be the invincible Murong Tonghuang, Wen Hua became extremely excited and ran wildly, determined to catch a glimpse of this person's demeanor no matter what.

Old Man Sui, Sword God Deng, you two must hold on; you cannot lose too quickly.

The momentum on the sea surface grew increasingly vast; waves like dragons collided, and tsunamis dozens of zhang high erupted, venting violent energy in all directions.

"I'm done playing with you all. Remember to come to Huishan on the Qingming Festival."

That clear, resonant voice sounded once more. The black shadow broke free from the wind and waves, flicked his sleeves, and objects flew out; two of them were caught by Sui Xiegu and Deng Taie.

Wen Hua also vaguely saw something flying toward him. Unable to dodge, he reached out and grabbed it. Opening his palm, it was a bronze token inscribed with "Great Snow Order."

"Great Snow Order? This is the Great Snow Order!?"

Wen Hua was stunned for a moment, then immediately overjoyed: "Hahaha, so I, Wen Hua, am also a person of status. If I hang this token around my neck, heroines will surely throw themselves into my arms, and I won't even have to pay when I go to a tavern."

Dantai Pingjing also had a "Great Snow Order" appear in her hand. She glanced down at it and then paid it no more mind.

The female Sect Master cast her gaze toward the direction where Yu Liancheng had disappeared, her eyebrows slightly furrowed: "Isn't he here to take the Water Moon Heavenly Well? Why doesn't he want it anymore?"

Her mind stirred, and she looked down to see a disciple flying up. The disciple first bowed hurriedly and said in a panic: "It's bad, Sect Master, the 'Water Moon Heavenly Well' is gone."

Dantai Pingjing was speechless.

That guy, he likely stole the Water Moon Heavenly Well before coming to make a deal with her. Regardless of whether she agreed or not, he was going to take the Water Moon Heavenly Well away.

She could only hope that guy truly keeps his word.

……

East Sea.

Wudi City.

Inside a secret chamber.

The World's Second, Wang Xianzhi, and the Forget-Worry Heavenly Human, Gao Shulu, sat facing each other.

Over these past few months, the two supreme experts had been exchanging insights on martial arts without a moment's pause.

They hailed from different eras and were both figures standing at the peak; this unreserved exchange allowed their inspiration to burst forth, each grasping that elusive spark of the Dao. A few short months were worth ten years of secluded, bitter practice. This was one of the reasons why Wang Xianzhi had taken the initiative to seek out Gao Shulu.

Suddenly.

Gao Shulu raised his eyebrows.

He sensed a marvelous change in Wang Xianzhi, one difficult to describe. It did not originate from the physical shell, but from the heart, mind, and soul.

Wang Xianzhi naturally also perceived the change in his own heart and mind; it was the most brilliant and magnificent flower blooming, nourished by countless martial arts.

"My martial arts talent is indeed inferior to yours; you are the one who reached the change of a deeper realm first." Gao Shulu stood up, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Wang Xianzhi stood up, his expression solemn, and bowed slightly to Gao Shulu.

"I style myself a Forget-Worry Person, so in this battle, I do not seek victory, only to fight to my heart's content."

Gao Shulu smiled slightly, looked through the window at the East Sea, and looked at this magnificent Central Plains: "The final battle, I leave it to you."

Gao Shulu, who four hundred years ago was a Edo unto himself, brushed past Wang Xianzhi, but did not pass him; instead, he dissipated right there.

I am, by nature, a Forget-Worry Person.

Only death, not fearing death.

Seeking longevity, not begging for longevity.

No worries when arriving, no worries when departing.

From this day forth, there is no longer a Forget-Worry Person, Gao Shulu, in the world.

Wang Xianzhi bowed once more toward the direction where Gao Shulu had previously stood.

Feeling this surging physique, the World's Second let out a long breath.

He pushed open the door, hands clasped behind his back, and gazed toward Huishan, as if he saw that handsome figure once again. Instantly, a deep, burning battle intent that pierced the heavens ignited in his eyes.

The unprecedented flower of the mind, the formidable physique of two Heavenly Humans combined.

Murong Tonghuang, come again and let us decide the outcome.

……

The fifth day of the third lunar month.

Qingming.

Auspicious for opening businesses, forming alliances, and breaking ground.

Inauspicious for burials, lighting fires, and felling trees.

Huishan.

Originally, this mountain belonged to the Xuanyuan family. Later, Murong Wudi killed experts such as Xuanyuan Dapan and Xuanyuan Guoqi, took control of Huishan, and styled himself the Master of Huishan. That was also the battle that made Murong Wudi famous, allowing him to gradually enter the vision of the people of the world.

Boom—!

The six-layered waterfall cascaded down like a heavenly river, carrying a force of ten million jun as it crashed down, emitting an earth-shattering roar, yet it could not drown out the noisy human voices.

Since the middle of the second lunar month, wave after wave of martial artists had arrived here, one after another. As of today, there were already over several thousand people.

The forces deployed by the Imperial Court in Jianzhou had long noticed this massive momentum, and many lackeys had even mixed into the crowd, ready to inquire about the situation at any time.

"I always feel that this Huishan looks a bit different now."

Some martial artists who had been to Huishan before looked up; the mountain body of Huishan clearly hadn't changed, yet they felt it was towering ever higher into the clouds, with layers of peaks and deep, hidden spiritual energy.

And at this moment, Huishan seemed even more shrouded in a layer of mist, becoming increasingly unfathomable. It was precisely because of this that everyone was waiting at the foot of the mountain, not daring to trespass.

"The fifth day of the third lunar month, the time has arrived; I invite the honored guests to enter."

Half an hour later, a voice seemed to descend from the horizon, ethereal and vast, yet carrying a sense of awe-inspiring righteousness.

Immediately following, a gust of wild wind surged, blowing away all the mist on Huishan.

The martial arts experts at the foot of the mountain looked at one another, and finally, someone walked up the Yushi Yongdao.

The Yushi Yongdao had three hundred steps in total, leading to a ceremonial gate inscribed with four characters: Great Snow Covers the Sky.

The brushwork was like dragons and snakes, the spiritual energy elegant, as if written by an Exiled Immortal, yet it contained a domineering air, as if even the sky were covered by the snow.

That ethereal voice from before sounded once more.

"Those holding the token may enter."