Chapter 401: The Yellow Path Deity

Above Yangrang Mountain, a patch of chaotic dark qi drifted and hovered in the sky; above and below, water orbs and flames surged and chased one another, like a school of carp at play, brilliantly dazzling and overwhelmingly majestic.

At this moment, Chen Wei looked up in awe, only to see a handsome Daoist in a lacquered crown and coarse hemp robe, his wide sleeves lightly draped, also glancing over with a smile and a nod.

"Elder Brother..."

Seeing the Daoist upon the clouds, his eyes like dots of lacquer, his figure like a jade tree, his wide sleeves hanging and fluttering.

His face appeared exceedingly young, yet he naturally exuded a brilliant and imposing dignity, like a being among immortals, compelling involuntary awe and reverence.

Chen Wei hesitated no longer; in panic, he prostrated himself upon the ground, his face revealing an expression of exhilaration and joy.

"Since you are no outsider, why perform such a grand ceremony?"

Chen Chen Xiangxian glanced at Chen Wei, extended a hand to virtually lift him, and spoke with a gentle and pleasant expression.

In an instant, within a thousand li of the sky, the cloud qi swept once and retracted once; all strange phenomena vanished entirely.

At the place where True Person Daojun Fu Yu faced the table, the light and shadow flickered, and an additional figure appeared.

"Gazing at the wind and moon, brewing tea and boiling wine, a thousand years as one day; True Person, your elegant tastes remain as ever."

Chen Chen Xiangxian accepted the teacup handed over by True Person Daojun Fu Yu, gave a faint laugh, and said.

"This old one has never harbored great ambitions; I only wish to be an ordinary carefree wanderer within the universe, for nothing is more wonderful than enjoying freedom without restraint." True Person Daojun Fu Yu, gazing at the mountains, rivers, water, and land, spoke with profound implication: "Yet although the years in the mountains are quiet and leisurely, they lack the complexity of worldly affairs; what does Chen Xiangxian think?"

"True Person is compassionate by nature; I am not."

"These words of yours... are exactly the same as a thousand years ago."

After letting out a soft sigh, True Person Daojun Fu Yu did not pursue the matter further, but simply began chatting casually with Chen Chen Xiangxian about anecdotes of cultivation and magnificent sights of the world.

This scene left Chen Wei, standing aside, somewhat baffled.

Although his heart was filled with various doubts, he dared not speak up; he merely stood respectfully with hands hanging at his sides, his mind racing.

The name Chen Chen Xiangxian was, to him, thunderous in his ears!

The arch-enemy of Chen Chen Yushu, a ruthless figure who had once charged directly into Rongcheng Rongcheng Duming's Fan Fan Dongtian within the waters, his fame was widespread!

And his visit to pay respects at Tai Fu Palace this time was also due to the decrees of Chen Chen Runzi and Master Master Yuanji from the Immortal Palace, specifically to request a divine pill for Chen Chen Xiangxian.

But as for exactly what Chen Chen Xiangxian was like.

Chen Wei's knowledge was limited solely to the words of others.

Yet now, facing the True Person directly and witnessing his magic power and divine abilities, it was truly astonishing beyond measure, even evoking a hidden sense of heart-pounding terror.

In Chen Wei's view.

Chen Chen Xiangxian should still be heavily injured, his primordial energy not yet recovered, nurturing his physical shell in a secret realm, hoping for the divine pill from Tai Fu Palace to aid him in repairing his origin.

Who would have expected that before the pill could truly be obtained, Chen Chen Xiangxian had already broken through his seclusion and emerged, at some unknown time.

And judging from the meaning in True Person Daojun Fu Yu's earlier words.

He seemed to have arrived in Xudu Heaven long ago, and regarding that battle between Chen Chen Yushu and Chen Heng, he also knew the situation clearly in his heart.

This discovery made Chen Wei feel solemnly cautious, daring not to be careless...

"Judging by this scene, True Person Daojun Fu Yu of Tai Fu Palace was an old acquaintance of my elder brother a thousand years ago; could it be he also wishes to recruit him?"

Chen Wei's expression shifted slightly, thinking silently:

"First the Regent Crown Prince of Xu Huang Tian, now such favor from Tai Fu Palace; my elder brother truly lives up to his reputation! Yet with such a background, he still could not overcome Chen Chen Yushu, and instead had his physical body shattered?

If so... then who exactly is Chen Chen Yushu's true human calamity?"

Leaving aside how uneasy Chen Wei felt in his heart.

Not far away, due to the magnificent atmosphere created by Chen Chen Xiangxian.

Throughout Tai Fu Palace, fierce clouds also rose, and misty vapors churned and rolled.

Many of the True Ones of Tai Fu Palace, who had been in seclusion contemplating the mysteries, rode dragons and carp to come here one after another to pay respects to Chen Chen Xiangxian and recount old friendships.

After about an hour had passed, seeing True Person Daojun Fu Yu nod slightly, the True Ones of Tai Fu Palace understood, smiled, bowed with fists joined, turned, and took their leave.

"Elder Brother, then I shall take my leave first."

Seeing this scene, Chen Wei realized these two must have important matters to discuss.

Naturally, this person dared not disturb them; after a respectful bow, he carefully withdrew.

At this moment, True Person Daojun Fu Yu gazed at Chen Chen Xiangxian; after a moment of silence, he shook his head slightly:

"Chen Xiangxian, although you have now reshaped your physical shell, your severe injuries have not yet healed; why take such a risk?"

"Indeed, it is difficult to deceive True Person's dharma eyes."

"The Chou Bo Shi Sheng Art of Xiantian Mo Zong... this technique is renowned within Xudu Heaven; how could this old one be unfamiliar with it?"

True Person Daojun Fu Yu sighed: "Chen Xiangxian, it is one thing for your true body to come to Xudu Heaven, but previously, when you passed through the layer of fierce qi without first coming to Yangrang Mountain to see me, this old one only assumed you were busy retrieving several of your separate residences left behind in Xudu Heaven, and thus had no attention to spare.

Who would have thought you would be so bold, not only lingering without departing, but even going to Nanchan Province to engage in combat with people from Xiantian Mo Zong?

Although Chen Chen Yushu is currently confined to his own territory, do you not fear he might take a desperate gamble, joining forces with people from Xiantian Mo Zong to surround and kill you!"

The Chou Bo Shi Sheng Art is a supreme great divine ability of Xiantian Mo Zong.

Not only can it treat the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the qi of the six voids and the obscure darkness, as food upon its dining table to perfect Mei Mei Gongxing and achieve the essence of the supreme Dao.

But it is also a great art of slaughter, extremely adept at attacking enemies!

The status of this great art within Xiantian Mo Zong is equivalent to the Twelve Divine Abilities under the North Pole Gate or the Supreme True Talismans within Tai Fu Palace; it is not transmitted except to true disciples of the sect!

At this moment, although a layer of lustrous dharma light covered Chen Chen Xiangxian's body, purifying it without defilement.

In True Person Daojun Fu Yu's eyes, beneath that dharma light lay a turbid yin qi, transformed into an ugly Shouzun Shouzun Moshen clad in yellow robes and a purple crown, its murderous energy surging to the heavens, merely suppressed by the dharma light so as not to cause chaos.

"After witnessing the battle at Gan Liu Medicine Garden, I also wished to go to Xiantian Mo Zong to test his current capabilities, but unfortunately, I was intercepted halfway by Zhuang Si and several Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun; this woman seems to share a deep friendship with Chen Chen Yushu, and her methods are equally formidable."

Noticing True Person Daojun Fu Yu's gaze, Chen Chen Xiangxian paid it no heed.

With a sweep of his wide sleeve, the Shouzun Shouzun Moshen in yellow robes and purple crown suddenly let out a painful, miserable shriek, its demeanor becoming increasingly withered.

"It is just that this Chou Bo Shi Sheng Art truly deserves its reputation as a supreme divine ability of Xiantian Mo Zong; although it cannot harm me, it is by no means something that can be eradicated in merely San Wu Ri Gong; driving it away without dispersing it is also a considerable trouble," he said.

Although Chen Chen Xiangxian spoke these words in a plain and calm manner, they caused True Person Daojun Fu Yu to frown slightly and shake his head helplessly.

Daring to enter an enemy's cultivation ground with injuries still unhealed, he fought alone against several Pure Yang Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun, including Zhuang Si, without falling behind, and took a direct hit from Elder Chou's Life-Devouring Art without suffering the slightest harm.

In the end, had it not been for the Xiantianmo Sect's Guangying Guangying Xue Xuan Yi Daojun releasing his qi aura to intimidate from afar.

Those few Pure Yang Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun who jointly besieged Chen Chen Xiangxian would inevitably have been left behind, becoming souls lost beneath his sword!

Such courage! Such methods!

Looking across the vast Nine Provinces and Four Seas of today, among Pure Yang Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun capable of achieving this.

Apart from Chen Chen Yushu.

There is likely only Chen Chen Xiangxian!

"I know you dared to come to Xudu Heaven to gauge his true strength because you must have prepared backup plans, but matters of life and death ultimately require even greater caution."

Daojun Fu Yu spoke:

"And on this trip of yours, besides wanting to gauge Chen Chen Yushu's true strength, you surely have another intention, do you not?"

"Indeed so." Chen Chen Xiangxian nodded frankly.

"Because of Chen Heng?"

"Chen Heng?"

"A member of the Chen clan who joined Yu Yu Yuchen, earned the favor of my old friend, and defeated Chen Chen Yushu in a battle within the same realm; only he is worth your trouble, Chen Xiangxian, to make a special trip to Xudu Heaven."

Daojun Fu Yu glanced toward the place where Chen Heng was in closed-door cultivation and smiled:

"So, do you wish to recruit him, or to befriend him?"

"Chen Heng..."

Chen Chen Xiangxian pondered only briefly, then gave a faint laugh and shook his head:

"Daojun is mistaken; apart from ascertaining Chen Chen Yushu's true strength, my purpose this time was solely to see you. As for Chen Heng, I did not know beforehand that he would come to Yangrang Mountain to borrow land for cultivation; it was truly a coincidence."

"To see me? Could it be that you, Chen Xiangxian, have changed your mind and are finally willing to join my Tai Fu Palace?"

Daojun Fu Yu stroked his beard in thought and said, "But what matter brings you to see me? Is it for the elixir of Daoqing the Ascetic Monk?"

"Although the Yuanjiao Great Suppressing Longmen Jin Dan is a divine pill, to speak arrogantly, given the friendship between Daojun and myself, there was no need to make a special trip for it."

Chen Chen Xiangxian looked at the old man before him and said sincerely:

"To speak shamefully, I wish to request Daojun to act as an intermediary, persuading that Daoqing the Ascetic Monk to refine one pill of the Perfect Circulation Great Dharma Pill for me."

"This matter..."

Daojun Fu Yu hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded in agreement:

"The medicinal power of this pill is even greater than that of the Yuanjiao Great Suppressing Longmen Jin Dan; refining one will require the Ascetic Monk to pay a heavy price. However, since you are eager to heal your Dao body, I will negotiate with all my strength on your behalf; you need only prepare all the necessary precious materials."

Having received this verbal promise, Chen Chen Xiangxian's face showed no sign of relief.

Instead, he rose from his seat, adjusted his robes, and bowed with a solemn expression: "And besides the Perfect Circulation Great Dharma Pill—"

"Is there a second request?"

Daojun Fu Yu helplessly interrupted, glanced at Chen Chen Xiangxian, and waved his hand:

"Speak first."

Chen Chen Xiangxian said sincerely: "Daojun also knows that Chen Chen Yushu's tribulation-breaking period is approaching; if we allow this old demon to achieve the Dao, what face would I, Chen Chen Xiangxian, have to live in this world? Those in the Yuluo Immortal Prefecture would be in peril morning and evening."

"What do you mean?"

"I beg Daojun for compassion: lend me those sixteen Shangqing True Talismans to study for a hundred years, to lay the foundation for my stabilizing the world!"

At these words, Daojun Fu Yu's expression immediately changed; his gaze became heavy and solemn, and he remained unusually silent for a long time.

The seventy-seven Shangqing True Registers are the cornerstone upon which Tai Fu Palace was founded.

In a certain sense.

They are also the crucial reliance allowing Tai Fu Palace to look down upon all true cultivators and dominate an entire province.

These items are not only born of heaven and earth and immensely precious.

But each Shangqing True Register possesses inconceivable mighty power; when activated by one who understands the Dharma, it can easily shatter a provincial continent to teach Tai Chu a lesson!

They are both a great fortune and a great weapon of slaughter!

During the past Zhong Langzhou Catastrophe, when the Dao-Rebel Lu Lu Yusheng suddenly rose in rebellion, fighting many alone, he held Zhong Langzhou in his palm and fled from Xudu Heaven.

At that time, it was the then-patriarch of Tai Fu Palace who boldly acted, forming a killing move with thirty-three Shangqing True Talismans, forcibly slicing away half of Lu Lu Yusheng's Dao fruit.

Such a severe injury nearly caused Lu Lu Yusheng to die on the spot!

Even to this day, although Lu Lu Yusheng's immortal karma has advanced, he has not fully healed his wounds, and his Great Dao remains flawed.

And while the patriarch of Tai Fu Palace did not possess cultivation superior to Lu Lu Yusheng and was by no means his match, he relied on the power of the Shangqing True Talismans to cause Lu Lu Yusheng to suffer a massive setback.

From this, the importance of the Shangqing True Talismans can be seen!

Now Chen Chen Xiangxian has openly requested to study the Shangqing True Talismans, and sixteen of them at that.

There has never been a precedent for such a matter among cultivators outside the sect.

Even if Daojun Fu Yu values Chen Chen Xiangxian highly.

He finds it difficult to decide alone and agree to this matter...

"You wish to use sixteen Shangqing True Talismans to assist your cultivation; although risky, this is indeed a brilliant strategy... After all, without yet having studied our sect's great scriptures, you can already resonate with those sixteen Shangqing True Talismans; such heavenly talent can be called rare in the world, which is precisely why this old one repeatedly invited you to join our sect in the past.

And with your heavenly talent, if you were to further study our sect's doctrinal meanings.

Given time, you might even wield the thirty-three True Talismans, or progress even further; one cannot say for certain..."

After pondering for a long time, Daojun Fu Yu sighed lightly and said helplessly:

"But you have not joined our sect and are not a disciple of Tai Fu Palace; there has never been a precedent for this matter... Although this old one wishes to help you, the hope is slim."

Those sixteen Shangqing True Talismans naturally resonate with Chen Chen Xiangxian, perfectly matching his true nature, blending above and below.

If he can obtain them, it will surely be of immense benefit to Chen Chen Xiangxian's cultivation, their value incalculable!

However, the Supreme Pure Talisman is the foundational asset of the Supreme Talisman Palace and has never leaked out even a shred.

In that case...

"This old man knows your thoughts; Chen Chen Yushu's momentum is already formed and aggressively pressing forward. You fear he will attain the Dao before you, leaving you at a disadvantage from then on, yet..."

Daoist Fu Yu extended a finger toward the location where Chen Heng was in seclusion, shifted his gaze, and said with an unmoved expression:

"Nowadays, the signs of Chen Chen Yushu's human tribulation are gradually appearing; as long as Chen Heng still lives in this world, Chen Chen Yushu shall not have a single day of peace. Sooner or later, these two will inevitably confront each other and decide life and death.

Since that is so, why need you worry?"

Daoist Fu Yu gazed at Chen Chen Xiangxian:

"Moreover, even if Chen Chen Yushu beheads Chen Heng, breaks through his tribulation, and ascends, with that Divine King present, you can simply enter the Void Emperor Heaven, sit in quiet cultivation, and await the heavenly timing.

Whether it be the Void Emperor Heaven, the Yi Luogong, or the abode of Master Master Kongkong, if you wish it, any can serve as your place of refuge, guarding you from harm.

Given this... why involve yourself in danger? Could it be that you are unwilling to lag behind others?"

Chen Chen Xiangxian shook his head and said:

"Unwilling to lag behind? Perhaps it is so; I clearly entered Southern Chan Province personally, yet I saw no reaction from Chen Chen Yushu, only being blocked by Zhuang Si and the others. This is likely because Chen Chen Yushu's tribulation punishment grows heavier, making it difficult for his true body to appear.

But I know this villain's mind; I fear that after that battle back then, Chen Chen Yushu no longer viewed me as a grave threat, regarding me merely as a strong enemy!

If not so, why would the various Daoist Lords of the Xiantianmo Sect react in such a manner?"

After a momentary pause.

Chen Chen Xiangxian followed Daoist Fu Yu's earlier gaze and could not help but smile:

"As for Chen Heng, although this person is outstanding, could it be that the Daoist Lord wants me to pin my future path of cultivation on a junior? Expecting him to defeat Chen Chen Yushu to resolve my perilous predicament?"

"That indeed does not match your nature."

Daoist Fu Yu fell silent for a moment.

"Whether it be Chen Heng, the Void Emperor Heaven, the Yi Luogong, or Master Master Kongkong... Daoist Lord, from beginning to end I have known that heavenly fate cannot be relied upon, kin cannot be relied upon, and external forces likewise cannot be relied upon!

I, Chen Chen Xiangxian, have cultivated the Dao until today; the only thing I can rely on is the blade and sword in my palm, using them to carry out slaughter!"

As these words left his mouth, a surge of high-spirited and generous intent immediately erupted, soaring into the sky!

Boom—like the Thunder Duke striking a bell, a vast sound like a tidal wave spread out, surging over more than a hundred li!

"..."

Daoist Fu Yu stroked his mottled long beard beneath his chin, lost in thought.

"I share a deep hatred and bitter feud with Chen Chen Yushu; if I do not kill him with my own hands, how can I comfort the spirits of the dead? As for the Supreme Pure Talisman..."

Chen Chen Xiangxian shifted his gaze, meeting Daoist Fu Yu's eyes:

"Although I already have a master and do not wish to change sects, I can establish a sworn oath to devote my life to the great affairs of the Supreme Talisman Palace."

"Our sect's great affairs?" Upon hearing this, Daoist Fu Yu inadvertently frowned.

Chen Chen Xiangxian stated: "The Supreme Talisman Palace is a great sect inherited from the era of the ancient Dao Court; within the sect, listed immortals gather and various truths exist side by side, inferior to none of the other Bapailiu Sects. Why then has it not established many branch academies or separate residences, even abandoning much of its territorial domain beyond the heavens, instead concentrating and contracting its power solely within Mount Yangrang?

If one says the Supreme Talisman Palace is like the Northern Polar Garden, where the sect's classics make cultivation difficult and emphasize karmic affinity.

Then why is it that most of the Supreme Talisman Palace's ancestral masters throughout the ages have rarely left Mount Yangrang for long periods, mostly building simple huts to dwell in the mountain's secret lands?"

Daoist Fu Yu's expression changed slightly, a rare occurrence: "How much do you know?"

"The Yellow Path Deity, a magnificent creation of the Dao Court Emperor, a god manifesting from primordial times!"

Chen Chen Xiangxian likewise straightened his expression and said solemnly:

"Although I do not know much about Him, I am aware that this deity is closely tied to the Supreme Talisman Palace, and the reason most of the Supreme Talisman Palace's ancestral masters do not roam freely among the various universes is to facilitate guarding and suppressing this god manifesting from primordial times. Is this not so?"

"Whether it is the Divine King or that Master Master Kongkong... never mind; although this matter is secret, it cannot be hidden from those with great supernatural powers."

Though several names popped into his mind, Daoist Fu Yu had no heart to dig to the root of the matter; after pondering for a while, he asked again in a deep voice:

"What is your meaning?"

"If I can obtain those sixteen Supreme Pure Talismans to study and comprehend, I can swear a Dao oath that after attaining the Dao, I will contribute my efforts to the matter of suppressing the Yellow Path Deity and serve for ten thousand years," Chen Chen Xiangxian said.

"Serve for ten thousand years?"

The elder Fu shook his head, then looked deeply at Chen Chen Xiangxian:

"Chen Xiangxian, the matter of suppressing the Yellow Path Deity is no small affair; with your knowledge, you should also know that even within our sect, those Daoist immortals participating in the affairs of the Yellow Path Deity were selected due to various reasons, most doing so reluctantly. You still have a bright future ahead—"

"In the end, I have never studied the fundamental scriptures of the Supreme Talisman Palace; I am merely using the Supreme Pure Talisman to glimpse my path ahead. Although there will inevitably be some hindrance, I can bear it."

Chen Chen Xiangxian's expression remained unchanged:

"Furthermore, if I can behead Chen Chen Yushu, seize the trunk by taking the branches, and take this villain's Dao fruit... what does such a sacrifice amount to!"

Once these words were spoken.

The scene fell into complete silence, with no sound spreading for a long time.

"Since your mind is made up, I cannot advise you further; I will naturally do my utmost to assist you and fulfill your wish. However, the matter of the sixteen Supreme Pure Talismans is of great importance and is not for me alone to decide; you must wait quietly for some time... During this period, simply accompany this old man in playing chess and engaging in pure conversation."

After a while, it was finally Daoist Fu Yu who spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Thank you, Daoist Lord, for granting my wish." Chen Chen Xiangxian felt a weight lift from his heart and bowed deeply.

"The Yellow Path Deity, the Supreme Pure Talisman... very well, very well; since you have this intention, how could I stop you?" Daoist Fu Yu shook his head, then shifted the topic to bring up another matter with implied meaning:

"But speaking of which, Chen Xiangxian, you rarely come to Xu Capital; since you also view Chen Chen Yushu as a sworn enemy, why not meet him?"

"Chen Heng? Even if the Daoist Lord had not mentioned it, I also had this intention."

Chen Chen Xiangxian lifted his eyelids, lost in thought:

"However, he is currently in the process of condensing medicine and forming pills; it would not be good for me to disturb him. Let us discuss this after he breaks through the seclusion gate."

Chen Chen Xiangxian had also witnessed the battle at the Gan Liu Medicine Garden with his own eyes, seeing every detail clearly.

And a figure capable of slaying Chen Chen Yushu's divine descent body within the same realm was naturally no ordinary character.

No wonder Chen Chen Yushu would regard him as a grave threat, repeatedly devising schemes, eager to kill him first to satisfy his desire...

"Such a figure has entered Yu Yu Yuchen to study the Dao but has not entered the Immortal Mansion? Good, good; this avoids a future karmic entanglement; this is indeed the proper path of the Immortal Dao."

At this moment, Chen Chen Xiangxian recalled Master Master Yuanji's earlier words.

A smile unconsciously touched his heart, divine light flaring intensely in his eyes as he thought silently:

"The heroes under heaven are truly like carp leaping up the river; how could they number merely two or three? Yet when the day comes for wind and thunder to clash, for yin and yang to rise and fall, how many among them will actually pass through the Heavenly Gate and accomplish the transformation from fish and insect to dragon?

As for the discourse on heavenly numbers and grand trends, half is fate destined, but the other half must be the doing of men!"

……

……

As the saying goes, within the mountains there is no calendar; the cold exhausts itself, and one knows not the year.

In the blink of an eye, seven years of time had rotated and passed away.

On this day, Chen Heng, who had been in meditative absorption, suddenly felt his spirit float upward; all the qi mechanisms of his body converged into one place, striking open the Wang Qizhen spiritual aperture, and he opened his eyes, a faint trace of joy upon his face.

"Serene, void, and refined qi."

He said.

(End of Chapter)