Chapter 164: The Answer

Enter the Yulu Immortal Mansion to avoid disaster.

Marry into the Qiao clan of Mishan and use them as a foundation.

Or perhaps.

Make a trip to Qiaoming Gorge and gamble on that thirty percent chance of hope?

……

Chen Hang's gaze flickered. Although he had already made up his mind, he still bowed deeply, prostrating toward the main seat in the hall, and said:

"Chen Hang is thick-skinned. I ask the Zhenjun to teach me once more regarding the pros and cons, and point the way for this junior!"

On the jade dais.

Qiao Yubi laughed and spoke in a gentle voice:

"This choice concerns life and death after all. One wrong step could be the cause of eternal damnation in the future. That you are able to deliberate after asking for advice is truly a sign of maturity and prudence; how can you call it thick-skinned?

Very well.

Let us speak of the Yulu Immortal Mansion first.

From my words just now, you should have gained some knowledge regarding both Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji."

Chen Hang nodded upon hearing this and replied that he had.

These two, Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji, were like Chen Xiangxian; the names and surnames of their birth mothers were both unknown.

It is said that after Chen Yushu arrived at Xudu Tian, he secretly produced offspring with a divine maiden, and they were fostered in the South Sea Carp Tribe before they could even remember events.

In their youth, they already possessed the appearance of heavenly beings and talent for cultivation, and were doted upon and trusted by the Lord of the Carp Tribe.

Disregarding the distinction between human and demon, the Carp Lord entrusted them with various major affairs of the state, repeatedly seeking their counsel at court, and even appointed them as generals on night duty in the palace, entrusting them with the safety of his own family to show his closeness.

During their tenure in the Carp Tribe, the two quelled the demon rebellion in the Nine Mountains, defeated the Flood Dragon General Kong Shirong, were incorruptible regarding wealth, skilled at soothing soldiers, outstanding in strategy, ambitious, and studied the arts of the hundred schools, not restricted by any single sect or family.

They were great sages of the state, praised by all the people for their good governance.

However, what truly made the two famous throughout the Nine Continents and Four Seas was when Chen Xiangxian attacked and entered the "Water-Dwelling Rongcheng Duming" Fan Dongtian.

Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji joined forces and actually managed to block the "Four Difficulties Water and Fire Slaying Void Array" of the Innate Xiantian Xiantian Mo Zong, revealing the existence of the "Yulu Immortal Mansion" and catching the Zhenjun Zhuang Si, who was watching from the sidelines, off guard.

Although Chen Xiangxian lost by a narrow margin and was hurriedly rescued by the Great Saint Candle Dragon.

Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji also fled to beyond the heavens, no longer manifesting their tracks within the Nine Continents and Four Seas.

But the "Yulu Immortal Mansion" in their hands still caused the Nine Continents to look sideways and the Four Seas to be in an uproar, stirring up countless undercurrents!

The Yulu Immortal was the fourteenth disciple under the seat of the Tribulation Crossing Immortal Ancestor, later passing away due to wounds and illness.

And that Yulu Immortal Mansion.

Was precisely the proud creation specially crafted by the Yulu Immortal before his passing!

It is said that the interior of the Immortal Mansion is not only vast, enough to transport several boundary spaces inside without appearing the least bit crowded.

Moreover, it also contains all the Daoist scriptures, elixirs, divine sand, and fighting artifacts left behind by the Yulu Immortal; the resources are truly abundant.

If any cultivator could occupy it and enter, it would undoubtedly be a step to the heavens!

And after Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji took control of the Yulu Immortal Mansion.

Over these years, they have also spared no effort in snatching those bloodline descendants from Chen Yushu.

While protecting their lives, they also taught them how to cultivate and enter the Dao, to illuminate their true spirits.

This act is not only secretly weakening Chen Yushu's power, but also a display of a benevolent heart.

It is just that Chen Hang does not know why entering the Yulu Immortal Mansion would be greatly disadvantageous to one's cultivation.

Is there some hidden secret to this, and how should it be interpreted?

As if seeing through his confusion.

At this moment.

Qiao Yubi offered guidance, saying:

"Even if they are 'Divine Water True Gold, wondrous and peerless immortal seeds', how could they possess such great fortune to obtain the legacy mansion of an ancient immortal?"

"Does the Zhenjun mean?"

Chen Hang's pupils shrank slightly.

"The Yulu Immortal and the Kongkong Daoist both came from the sect of the Tribulation Crossing Immortal Ancestor, and your father's 'Scripture of Raising Humans' inheritance was also created by the Kongkong Daoist..."

When he spoke to this point.

On the jade dais.

The sword at Qiao Yubi's waist suddenly trembled slightly, emitting a clear, resonant sound.

He seemed to sense something, raised his head, and looked toward the void of the universe.

After a long while.

He gave a light laugh and withdrew his gaze.

And in the hall.

Chen Hang only heard Qiao Yubi's voice stop abruptly.

After a long time, it sounded again faintly, continuing:

"If you head toward the Yulu Immortal Mansion, you can live in temporary peace. Although there are some schemes behind the scenes, it is not fatal, and it is always better than being captured and taken back to the Innate Xiantian Xiantian Mo Zong.

But you are destined to lose one thing, and you will not be able to be carefree in the future.

We who cultivate the Dao, are we not seeking to be unconstrained and possess eternal life in freedom?

In my view, the Yulu Immortal Mansion can only be the icing on the cake, but it cannot be treated as a life-saving straw. The current Daoist of the Huang Ting Sect, Chen Juan, why does he not enter the Yulu Immortal Mansion to avoid disaster? This is precisely the reason.

If you truly wish to achieve success in cultivation, you must learn from the actions of this elder brother of yours; perhaps you can carve out a world of your own, and Chen Runzi and Chen Yuanji would also be happy to see that happen..."

Chen Hang guessed that Qiao Yubi might be wary of something, and there was still more left unsaid.

But since he had already received the hint.

He naturally would not be tactless and insist on getting to the bottom of the hidden secrets.

He performed a salute, indicating that he already understood.

"As for the second path, marrying into my Mishan Qiao clan."

When speaking to this point.

Qiao Yubi's voice sank slightly, saying:

"Zhijie left words before he died: whoever could break his arrangements and take his Yin-Corroding Yin Shi Hong Shui would be his worthy son-in-law.

However, although the Qiao clan is one of the Twelve Great Families, it is ultimately incomparable to the Eight Sects and Six Factions. Our foundation is far inferior, like fireflies compared to the bright moon.

And even if you marry in, I fear those clan elders would not pass on the truly superior classics of the clan to you. Viewed this way, it would be another layer inferior."

"Are the Eight Sects and Six Factions actually this strong?" Chen Hang asked.

"Back then, if it weren't for the expedition against the rebel party of the Great Hui Sheng Monk and Tian Yi Yan, the Dao Court would not have moved the Eight Sects and Six Factions to Xudu Tian to act as guardians. Do you know that half of the current Eight Sects and Six Factions migrated from other universes?"

Qiao Yubi shook his head and said:

"The Twelve Great Families have managed with great painstaking effort, and in the end, it has seen some results, but it seems that ambition has gradually grown, and the Mishan Qiao clan is no exception.

But in my view, there is truly a profound distance between them and the Eight Sects and Six Factions.

If it weren't for the remaining shadow of the Xuanji Tianzun, and out of respect for the Xuanji Tianzun's past feelings, the Eight Sects and Six Factions wiping them out would at most take a bit of effort, and it would be far from damaging their foundations."

Suddenly hearing such secret news.

Even Chen Hang could not help but be surprised in his heart.

He lowered his eyelids slightly, covering his gaze, and was speechless for a time.

"And if you marry in, it is equivalent to being tied to the big ship of the Mishan Qiao clan. Every move you make in the future will inevitably be branded with the family's mark, and you will have to consider the family's interests.

This matter is truly difficult to resolve, and even I cannot be an exception..."

Qiao Yubi sighed lightly and said:

"Compared to this, even the Yulu Immortal Mansion seems to be a step better. For you, it is truly not a very good choice.

As for the third path.

Making a trip to Qiaoming Gorge is extremely difficult and a life-and-death ordeal.

Since the Zhongyi Sword Sect came to Xudu Tian, only about two generations have been able to break through Qiaoming Gorge.

And nearly half of those who exited the gorge only did so to temper their own hearts, without the intention of joining the Zhongyi Sword Sect. Do you know why?"

Chen Hang said in a deep voice: "I am just about to ask the Zhenjun for guidance."

"The Zhongyi Sword Sect establishes its Dao through the sword. The reason they established the rule that 'those who cannot comprehend Ten Steps One Kill before sixteen cannot enter my sect' is also because the three great sword canons of the sect all have entries regarding this.

But if one is already over sixteen and only then cultivates Ten Steps One Kill, it means their sword bone is slightly late, and they cannot cultivate the three great sword canons of the sect, nor can they receive the transmission of the sect-protecting absolute arts..."

Chen Hang's expression paused slightly upon hearing this, his gaze flickering.

Qiao Yubi added: "However, besides the three great sword canons, the sect also possesses other scriptures. Ancestor Huang Yun split the sea with one sword and cut out Qiaoming Gorge, also to recruit talents from all over the world, so that the remaining scriptures would not gather dust on the shelves.

If you can walk out of Qiaoming Gorge, it will be exactly in line with the wishes of the predecessors. At that time, I will come forward, and I believe there should be hope for you to join the Zhongyi Sword Sect!"

After this sentence.

The scene was silent for a while.

"I understand..."

After a long while.

Chen Hang suddenly spoke, smiled, and said:

"Even if I cannot cultivate the three great sword canons, I am still willing to make a trip to Qiaoming Gorge. I ask the Zhenjun to fulfill my wish!"

"Are you truly daring enough to risk your life?"

"Of the three paths, the first two are nothing more than avoiding disaster for a while. In the end, one cannot obtain carefree eternal life, and I have set my ambition on the path of the Dao—"

Chen Hang laughed loudly and said:

"It is to seek the unconstrained and carefree eternal life that the Zhenjun spoke of! Even if I die halfway, I will have no regrets or hatred!"

These words rumbled in the hall, revealing a heroic spirit of cutting through thorns and tearing off shackles!

No one could stop it, nothing could block it!

On the jade dais.

Qiao Yubi's eyes brightened, and he revealed a slight smile:

"Very good. Since you have this ambition, how can I not fulfill your wish!"

He pointed a finger, and instantly a ray of light shot out of the cave, like a brilliant star stream, dazzling the eyes and forcing Chen Hang to look away.

And after the flames faded.

It could be seen that three yellowed talisman papers cut into the shape of small swords were floating in the air, an inch long, light and fluttering, as if they would be blown away by a breeze at any moment.

"This trip to Donghun Prefecture is long and difficult. Although I cannot send anyone to escort you due to the sect rules regarding the trial at Qiaoming Gorge, you must go yourself.

This is also the meaning set by Ancestor Huang Yun, to measure the breadth of the sea and land with one's own body, to temper one's character, and I should not violate the ancestor's wishes.

But these three sword talismans each contain a sword qi I personally infused. Even if Yue You's true body arrives, he will definitely not get any advantage. Once issued, I will definitely sense it. If things truly go wrong, even if I have to break through the barrier again, it will not matter."

Qiao Yubi's voice came slowly:

"And the jade pendant left by Zhijie in your hand is not only a token, but also has the function of concealing heavenly secrets.

It was a secret artifact specially requested for him by the clan leader after he achieved the Golden Core, called 'Zhan Yan Fa Yu', which is just right for blocking Chen Yushu's calculations of the Central Heaven Dou Shu.

He is now trapped in the Fan Dongtian, drawing a circle as a prison, and his calculations have already been disturbed quite a bit. With the 'Zhan Yan Fa Yu' secret artifact, it is even harder for Chen Yushu to calculate, which is enough for you to safely reach Dongmi Prefecture."

Chen Hang was surprised and said with a solemn face: "Zhenjun—"

"No need to decline, and no need to thank me. The reason I am helping you is firstly because your character suits my temperament, and secondly, because you actually broke Zhijie's arrangements and took his Yin Shi Hong Shui inheritance, which adds another layer of fate."

Qiao Yubi said:

"If you can truly leave Qiaoming Gorge, even if you cannot cultivate the three great sword canons, with the protection of the sect, Chen Yushu will not be able to take action against you at will. I hope you will boost your ambition and not feel cold-hearted because of this reason."

"This junior will keep it in mind and will definitely not think that way."

Chen Hang bowed and said.

"As for the dangers of Qiaoming Gorge, I have already told you. Although the difficulty is determined by the cultivation of the person entering the gorge, it is equally difficult. However, since you already have this ambition in your heart, I will not say more.

If there is nothing else.

Go to Cui Jingzhong and take a 'Cleansing Gold Ship' to Donghun Prefecture as soon as possible.

This object can help you escape the turbid barriers and Yin currents of the Earth Abyss and return to the ground."

Chen Hang said: "This junior understands. The Zhenjun's great kindness is hard to repay even in death."

He composed his expression, bowed respectfully toward the cave again, took the three sword talismans in his hand, and was about to turn and leave.

But he had not walked many steps.

Suddenly.

He was called back by Qiao Yubi.

"There is one more thing, which I think should be useful to you. After parting today, I do not know when we will meet again, so I will say it all at once."

"Is it related to Chen Yushu?" Chen Hang's gaze sank.

"This person's ambition is wild and violent. I suspect that he has been drawing a circle as a prison for many years, not just to avoid the lightning tribulation, but I fear he has other plans. However, what I want to tell you is not him, but the Yin-Corroding Yin Shi Hong Shui.

You have obtained Zhijie's inheritance, so you should already know that this water is one of the three child waters of the You Ming Zhen Shui."

Chen Hang nodded.

Qiao Yubi said: "Having obtained the three child waters, if you want to cultivate the true You Ming Zhen Shui, you still need the method of combined refining to finally achieve it."

"The method of combined refining—"

"That method of combined refining true water is in the hands of your grandfather, Chen Yu, and only he possesses it..."

Qiao Yubi paused before speaking slowly:

"If you want to cultivate the You Ming Zhen Shui in the future, you will still have to make a trip to Xu Huang Tian. I will stop here, you go!"

Chen Hang was still pondering this information.

His vision suddenly blurred, followed by a sense of the world spinning.

When he came to his senses again.

He was already standing at the entrance of the palace.

In the golden drum not far in front of him, the yellow-pus Great Ghost God was still roaring and cursing with all its might, its appearance extremely ferocious.

The wind blew past.

The branches and leaves rustled, and the tree shadows were mottled...

He stood for a moment in the rippling bright light, his back motionless, his thoughts slightly dazed.

The confusion that had troubled him for so long was resolved in one day, but the result was not entirely joy.

More of it.

Was a complex emotion that was hard to describe.

"Chen Yushu, Innate Xiantian Xiantian Mo Zong, Xu Huang Tian... Even a trapped beast thinks of fighting, let alone me?"

His brow slowly smoothed, and a sharp, bright light flashed in his pitch-black eyes.

Immediately, he laughed loudly, bowed toward the palace, and strode down the mountain, his expression relieved, all melancholy swept away.

"If I am lucky enough not to die, Chen Yushu, I will definitely ask for your advice in the future. Do you really think you are always the hand holding the chess piece? Just wait and see!"

He thought to himself, his expression calm.

……

……

And at this time.

In the palace.

Qiao Yubi on the jade dais raised his eyes and said: "You have been listening in secret for so long, have you gained anything?"

The hall was silent, and no one responded.

After a long time.

A female voice sounded with complexity:

Only then did a woman's voice, sounding conflicted, ring out:

"I still do not understand, why did you kill my father? And why did you help him?"