Chapter 406: The Noble Man Changes Like a Leopard, His Patterns Become Rich and Lush

At this moment, having exited the cave dwelling, Mi Mi Jingshi gazed upon the vast azure sky and the high-flowing clouds and waters, seeing from afar how the thousand mountains and ten thousand ravines seemed to have melted into this surging expanse of water.

The heavenly light and water color merged into a single, rumbling mass!

And in that dazzling, floating state, looking to the furthest limits, the observer could not tell which of the mountain ranges and islands at the edge of the sky lay ahead and which behind.

It was as if one's own body and spirit were swaying and rocking together with the waves of this marshland, drifting aimlessly, unable to control oneself...

"The Nine Provinces' Spirit Cave, the Xiaoming Great Marsh..."

While Mi Mi Jingshi stroked his beard and murmured in thought, another handsome Daoist, some twenty years of age with red lips and white teeth, stepped out from the cave dwelling and came to stand beside him.

That person lifted his head to gaze at the sky, and a trace of envy and sighing inevitably appeared on his face as he whispered with a sigh:

"Who would have thought that after the Dao Son sat in meditation and passed away, I, Chen Wei, would still have a day to enter the Xiaoming Great Marsh openly and honorably? The supreme scenery here is indeed something the four lower academies cannot compare to."

"A cosmic spirit cave of such grandeur, a venue for the Long Life Dao—how can a tenth-grade spirit vein compare to it?"

Hearing these words, Mi Mi Jingshi glanced sideways at Chen Wei, let out a cold snort from his nose, and showed considerable displeasure:

"If you had been more promising back then and become one of the Ten Great Disciples, would you have feared being unable to cultivate in the Xiaoming Great Marsh?

Yet now you have gone to the Outer Heavens, dragging my daughter along to suffer with you; I even swallowed my pride to beg for a Great Elixir on your behalf and taught you our ancestral Hun Qi Fa, yet you still failed to reach Qi Yun Mountain!

And the Dao Son—you listened to the Dao Son personally expound the Dao quite often back then!"

"The Dao Son?"

After so many years, hearing this name again, Chen Wei's heart suddenly felt a moment of bewilderment, an illusion as if separated by a lifetime, leaving him with a sense of loss and melancholy.

He turned his head slightly, instinctively looking in the direction of Xi Yi Mountain.

Yet he saw only an endless sky and vast, surging waves; before his eyes was nothing but a boundless expanse of white...

Chen Wei fell silent for a moment, shifted his gaze, and shook his head, saying:

"When the Dao Son was in the world, he showed all manner of care and protection toward us of the Chen clan; to speak boldly and claim a connection, I have always felt that the Dao Son was like our master... And back then, Chen Bai, Chen Yi, Chen Chen Yangsu, and I made a vow that we would certainly make a name for ourselves within Yu Yu Yuchen, carve out a world of our own, and bring joy to the Dao Son.

But who could have imagined that fate would toy with us so..."

Hearing this, Mi Mi Jingshi's eyes flashed; recalling past events, he too could not help but shake his head slightly.

Those disciples of the Chen clan who once listened to lectures under Master Junyao have long since scattered like clouds in the wind, parting like rain, no longer resembling their former selves.

Speaking only of those few who were close to Chen Wei.

Chen Yi and Chen Chen Yangsu met tragic deaths during their travels outside, perishing miserably many years ago.

As for Chen Wei, though he fared somewhat better, after failing several times to secure a position on Qi Yun Mountain and seeing no hope of becoming one of the Ten Great Disciples, he ultimately accepted the invitation of the Yuluo Immortal Prefecture, voluntarily removing his name from the White Commerce Lower Academy, and is now no longer considered a member of Yu Yu Yuchen.

As for Chen Bai, although this person possessed overflowing talent and was a rare figure who, as the offspring of Chen Chen Yushu, managed to join one of the Eight Mysterious Sects and forcibly carve out a path forward.

He achieved fame even before Chen Heng, was listed in the New Year's Evaluation, gained Master Junyao's favor, and could be counted as an outstanding hero across the Nine Provinces and Four Seas!

But Chen Bai, lured by Chen Chen Yushu's 'Langhuan Secret Manual' and 'Human Rearing Sutra,' actually defected to the Xiantianmo Sect, becoming Chen Chen Yushu's favored claw and trusted heart.

Once this matter emerged,

it truly caused Yu Yu Yuchen to lose face...

"Chen Yi and the rest of us were simply incapable of achieving anything, wasting the Dao Son's painstaking efforts; as for Chen—"

Chen Wei's lips moved several times, but he silently skipped over the name Chen Bai, continuing instead in a low voice:

"But today is different from the past; who could have expected that among these brothers of mine, one named Chen Heng would suddenly emerge?

With dragon and tiger energies converging and his Elixir achieving First Grade, even looking across this vast world, such a figure is rarely seen. He is now about to be installed as a True Disciple, personally taken as a disciple by Ancestor Master Tongxuan, with Daoist and Mysterious True Ones from across the Nine Provinces coming to offer congratulations; his future prospects are visibly limitless!

Given time, he may well be able to occupy this long-vacant seat of the Dao Son in Yu Yu Yuchen!

It is merely a pity that the Dao Son is no longer in the living world and will never know that the expectations he held for us back then have today been fulfilled by Chen Heng..."

Hearing this, Mi Mi Jingshi was slightly stunned and did not reply.

He raised his long eyebrows and turned to look at the sky.

At this moment, following the sound of the bell, cultivators from various sects and schools who had come to witness the ceremony also received the news; each packed up their carriages and imperial processions, flying toward Zhou Xingdian.

In an instant, myriad lights of magical techniques and clouds of qi suddenly rose, numbering in the tens of thousands, overwhelming the color of the sun and sky above.

A dazzling blur, brilliant and colorful!

And Wang Yang seemed like a boundless sea, its momentum like thunderous clamor, causing the immortal island beneath Mi Mi Jingshi's feet to tremble slightly—a spectacle of immense grandeur!

"What splendid colors, what a magnificent display... It is rare for a Dao Lord to descend personally to take a disciple, especially Ancestor Master Tongxuan; no wonder every sect and clan has sent envoys to offer congratulations. This scene surpasses even the times when Ji Zhang Taichu, Zhang Shou, and the others were installed as True Disciples.

Could it be that the good karma forged back then is about to bear fruit so soon?"

Mi Mi Jingshi thought silently, his heart truly shaken, unable to avoid feeling some delight.

One must know that the status of a True Disciple is extraordinary, far surpassing that of an ordinary elder like himself.

Such individuals are all geniuses of stunning brilliance; even during the sect's most prosperous era, each generation would never produce more than ten.

They are the future masters of the Nine Halls, the lords of Yu Yu Yuchen, the true lifeblood of the sect, obtained only through immense hardship!

Even counting Chen Heng,

Yu Yu Yuchen currently has only six True Disciples.

The preciousness of a True Disciple is evident from this alone!

"And among our sect's six True Disciples, only Chen Heng has a Dao Lord Ancestor as his master; as for Ji Ji Fakai...

Although this person was favored by Ancestor Shan Xiao Jian back then, due to his noble family status, he was not taken into that Ancestor's inner circle; moreover, Ji Ji Fakai disobeyed the Dao decree and acted recklessly, suffering a major setback in Chong Yu Heaven.

Even though his age and cultivation both surpass Chen Heng's, now that he has returned, it is unlikely he can take the initiative and completely suppress Chen Heng."

Mi Mi Jingshi stroked his beard with his hand, silently organizing his thoughts.

His eyes grew brighter and brighter, gradually blazing with divine light, feeling greatly invigorated:

"In that case, does it not mean that as long as Chen Heng secures his high position and makes no errors in conduct, with the aid of Ancestor Master Tongxuan, the honorable title of Dao Son of Yu Yu Yuchen will, nine times out of ten, fall upon him?!

It may even be that after winning the championship at the Elixir Yuan Grand Assembly and seizing that opportunity, he will enter Xi Yi Mountain and preside over Zhou Xingdian with the dignity of the Dao Son!

And to have formed a good karma with a Dao Son when he was in humble beginnings, and even to have exerted deadly effort to save his life—this, this..."

Just as Mi Mi Jingshi's mind wandered with fanciful thoughts, unable to restrain himself from pacing back and forth, attracting repeated glances from Chen Wei beside him.

Suddenly, within the island, there came the neighing of horses and the rumbling of carriages, a scene of bustling noise that brought Elder Mi Mi Jingshi back to his senses.

He raised his eyes to look, and not far away, Mi Hui stood tightly gripping a white whip atop a crimson flying carriage.

Yet the two fire steeds before the carriage, as if deliberately intending to make things difficult for him, refused to obey Mi Hui's commands; amidst the clouds, they intentionally spewed flames and exhaled smoke, charging left and right, stirring up rolling black clouds.

No matter how hard Mi Hui tried, it was difficult to make them quiet down.

Elder Mi Mi Jingshi shook his head, circulated his magic power, drew a golden bell from his sleeve and shook it, only then summoning the flying carriage down from the clouds to land beside him.

"These horses are exceedingly unruly and refuse to obey commands..."

Mi Hui's face showed embarrassment; he leaped down from the carriage, first bowing deeply to Elder Mi Mi Jingshi, then turning to Chen Wei to offer a smiling salute, before continuing:

"Second Great-Uncle, the golden bell has already chimed; should we not go to Zhou Xingdian to witness the ceremony? Let us not miss the appointed time, for that would be most unfortunate!"

Elder Mi Mi Jingshi said nothing, sizing up Mi Hui several times, before suddenly speaking:

"It has been several months since True Person Chen formed his Golden Core and returned to the sect; although he has remained at the Patriarch's Daoist grounds listening to teachings and has not returned to Changli Island, causing many high-ranking True Ones within the sect who wish to befriend him to find no opportunity whatsoever.

Yet you were personally summoned by a letter from True Person Chen while in the Lower Courtyard, and only by his invitation were you able to attend today's grand ceremony...

Let me ask one more question: for True Person Chen's grand ceremony of transmitting the true teachings today, besides inviting you, Mi Hui, has he invited anyone else?"

Mi Hui replied, "Naturally there are others; not to mention Elder Hunsu Yuan Zhi Shen Yuan and Shen Cheng, who already hold such status, among the four great Lower Courtyards, figures like He He Manzi, Shen Ming, and the Red-Eyed Daoist Peng Chu have all received invitations."

"He He Manzi, Shen Ming... oh, these people all had some acquaintance with True Person Chen within the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian; I nearly forgot."

Elder Mi Mi Jingshi pondered for a moment, lost in thought, then after a brief silence, without saying much more, he simply said joyfully:

"Let us go then, as you say; let us not miss the time!"

Having spoken, he led the two others aboard the crimson carriage and gave a sharp shout.

The fire steeds, previously so unruly and disobedient, immediately lowered their brows and behaved docilely, obediently climbing through the clouds, transforming into a streak of flame as they sped toward Zhou Xingdian.

After traveling for a long while, the carriage finally came to a halt upon an extremely vast island continent.

Mi Hui looked on curiously, seeing that within this great island continent, immortal mountains were arranged in rows, connecting high and low, while palaces and towers appeared and disappeared, truly impossible to take in fully with a single glance.

Water light floated against the sky, with clouds and sun above; when groups of misty peaks rose, they resembled thousands of white dragons manifesting, coiling through the heavens.

Nine-colored qi light drifted vaguely, suddenly dimming and brightening, making it impossible for one to fathom!

The magnificence of this spectacle truly crowned the Eastern Region!

While Mi Hui was rendered speechless by the awe-inspiring sights before him, Elder Mi Mi Jingshi did not linger either; the carriage flew toward the mountain peak with the highest elevation on the island continent, subsequently descending into the palace city that dominated the summit.

As the saying goes, a mortal paradise, an immortal source beyond the world; the marvel and grandeur of Zhou Xingdian need hardly be mentioned.

And before Elder Mi Mi Jingshi's arrival, many high experts had already arrived first and were currently inside the hall conversing and laughing with one another, making the scene quite lively.

"There is no need to mention the high True Ones of our own sect, whose great names you all know; setting aside those too busy to spare time, half of the nine Hall Masters have arrived, which is rare indeed! Let us speak of high experts from other sects instead...

That one there is Chang Xiao Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun of the Yinjing Sect; although Yinjing is likewise one of the Eight Great Daoist Sects, since ancient times, the great authority of this sect has been alternately controlled by the three families of Chang, Xiang, and Ning; Chang Xiao Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun is an outstanding figure of the Chang family, and his status is most extraordinary!

Elder Mi Mi Jingshi fixed his gaze upon a person in the hall and transmitted his voice to introduce him to Chen Wei and Mi Hui.

Mi Hui saw that Chang Xiao Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun had hair hanging down to his eyebrows, wore a green Daoist robe patterned with cranes, and carried fine jade at his waist.

Between his eyebrows, a trace of radiant light flickered faintly, resembling a brilliant heavenly eye capable of piercing through illusions and falsehoods, revealing his divine strangeness completely.

Mi Hui took only one glance before suddenly feeling an inexplicable palpitation in his heart; he hastily withdrew his gaze.

At that moment, a man and a woman entered the hall hand in hand, their demeanor intimate.

The man's appearance was utterly ordinary; he wore plain, clean clothes and had a long sword hanging at his waist.

The woman, however, possessed beautiful features, dressed in feathered robes with emerald ornaments, rivaling the brilliance of flowers.

"True Person Pei of the Zhongyi Sword Sect and Palace Master Zhe of the Zhongtian Dou Shu Sect... Did not this couple travel to the Zhengxu Ji clan? How is it they have come today?"

As soon as this man and woman entered the hall, many people rushed forward to pay respects and exchange greetings after long separations; Elder Mi Mi Jingshi was particularly startled and spoke in surprise.

"That one is Mountain Master Yuxing of the Jiuzhen Sect; in years past, when the Zhongtian Dou Shu Sect attacked Wu Liuli Tian, he went to lend assistance, and the Fifth Master and Seat Master of the Great Kong Que Wang Temple were defeated and perished by his hand!"

An old Daoist with a black face and long beard was speaking with others on the western side of the hall, his laughter rumbling loudly.

Lying at his feet was a Western Geng-Metal Bai Hu, which looked exceedingly gentle and cute, currently chewing on its paw out of sheer boredom.

This scene made several Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi who had accompanied their elders to the hall look on with intense envy and longing, wishing they could reach out and touch that round, plump tiger head.

"Senior Wei Xian of the Beiji Yuan; since our parting at Changwen Tian Yi, it has truly been a long time since we last met... Has Senior finally managed to acquire that academy?"

A Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi with an overly mature air stood with hands behind his back, laughing heartily as he flew into the hall, causing Chang Xiao Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun in the distance to immediately step forward to welcome him, appearing extremely familiar with him.

And after exchanging a few pleasantries with Chang Xiao Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun, the Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi shifted his gaze to Elder Mi Mi Jingshi, nodded with a smile, causing Mi Mi Jingshi to also bow respectfully with a kowtow, daring not to show any negligence.

"That Elder Wang of the Taifu Palace is skilled in refining Great Longevity Pills."

"Xi Lang of the Beiji Yuan, whose mysterious arts astonish the masses and whose virtue surpasses all!"

"Palace Master Xiangwang of the Chiming Sect has also come? It is indeed rare to see this elder manifest his holy presence..."

"Eh, why have several people from the Xuehe Sect come as well?"

As the grand ceremony was about to begin, not only did Daoist True Ones from various sects gather here, but even informed individuals from the Four Seas and lands beyond the realm arrived one after another, all coming to join in this lively event.

Zhou Xingdian was originally an extremely spacious place, with a total of nine layers of hall platforms above and below, connecting layer upon layer, possessing a majestic presence.

But at this moment, one could see lights of various colors illuminating every corner of the seats, unceasing and undying.

From time to time, Daoist cultivators wrapped in mist and rosy clouds would enter the hall under the guidance of Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi and begin exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances.

This solemn and regulated place had now become quite lively, resembling a mundane literary gathering or elegant assembly, adding much vitality...

"If this were not a grand ceremony for the Patriarch personally accepting a disciple, under ordinary circumstances, where would one ever have the opportunity to see so many great divine ability practitioners?"

Elder Mi Mi Jingshi sighed with deep emotion:

"Just with the manpower in this single hall, if they were to unite their strength in one place, it would be sufficient to attack and destroy a lower-grade Xudu Xudu Tianyu, eliminating all rebels and disobedient ones within the realm! Our Dao flourishes greatly, the Immortal Dao flourishes greatly!"

He called out to Mi Hui, who was still standing dazed nearby, and gestured for Chen Wei to follow, preparing to lead the two of them to pay respects to the great powers within the hall, if only to become familiar faces.

But just as he had walked a few steps, as if suddenly sensing something, he turned his head to look outside the hall.

He saw only the violent winds swirling in the sky, while sounds of discussion suddenly erupted within the hall.

Afterward, as the crowd parted to form a line, Gongshu brothers and a handsome Daoist in black robes and a golden crown were seen slowly entering the hall, led by a Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi.

The Gongshu brothers wore grinning faces, still appearing frivolous, frequently waving enthusiastically to acquaintances within the hall, seemingly in high spirits.

Between the two, that Daoist in black robes and a golden crown had clear, moist brows and eyes, enveloped in a layer of ethereal pure Qi, illusory yet real, hazy and indistinct, making him unforgettable at a glance, clearly indicating profound Dao foundations.

His demeanor was also extremely polite, showing no arrogance or self-satisfaction; he exchanged formal bows and thanks with each cultivator who approached him in the hall, the corners of his lips slightly smiling.

"True Person Chen has arrived..."

Mi Mi Jingshi felt a stir in his heart, and a smile appeared on his face.

Just as he was about to step forward to strike up a conversation, he saw that in an instant, that person was already surrounded tightly by various cultivators, like an iron wall, leaving no gap for water to leak through.

"..."

Mi Mi Jingshi opened his mouth wide, surveyed the situation in the arena for a moment, then helplessly stopped his steps.

"Why is Chen Chen Shidi in such a hurry? They are eager to befriend True Person Chen to gain favor before the Ancestor; as for you and me, we share an old friendship with True Person Chen!"

At this moment, a hand patted Mi Mi Jingshi's shoulder; he turned to see Luan Shuo standing in a composed manner, with a small black ink dragon about three feet long resting on his shoulder.

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Luan, I wish you well; wait, your appearance..."

Mi Mi Jingshi glanced at Luan Shuo a few times, his face showing suspicion.

Although the person opposite appeared complete in spirit and full of vital essence, upon closer inspection, a faint demonic Qi lingered within his five viscera, refusing to disperse.

Hearing this, Luan Shuo felt no embarrassment and waved his hand, saying:

"Before the New Year, I went beyond the heavens to refine star sand and encountered people from the Xiantian Mo Zong; relying on their superior numbers, they tried to rob my treasures, but I killed them all; although I took a hidden strike during the fight, it is no matter; such a minor injury is far from capable of breaking my Dao body!"

"This aura of demonic miasma resembles the methods of the Yuanshimo Sect? Such homeless dogs are truly detestable." Mi Mi Jingshi suddenly understood, then smiled again:

"This matter is easy; I possess a Ten Heaven Net Worm that can consume all evils; after the grand ceremony, I will lend this worm to Xiao Xiao Shixiong to heal your injuries."

"Good, good, then many thanks!"

Luan Shuo's face showed joy; he nodded in agreement, bowed with hands clasped, and expressed his gratitude.

Although this injury was not particularly severe, to fully recover would take at least San Wu Nian Gong.

However, with the aid of Mi Mi Jingshi's Ten Heaven Net Worm, the time Luan Shuo needed for healing could be shortened by more than half, which was indeed a good thing.

Just as Mi Mi Jingshi and Luan Shuo were exchanging pleasantries, the hall became increasingly lively, with various voices continuing without cease.

While conversing with Mi Mi Jingshi, Luan Shuo secretly observed the situation within the hall.

He did not know what he had recalled, but suddenly a slight smile added itself to his face.

"There are even junior disciples from the lower courtyard present? It seems this True Person Chen indeed cherishes old sentiments; in that case, my risk of offending Xie Xie Yingyuan back then to specifically inform Chen Chen Shidi Mi was not in vain...

I have studied the art of physiognomy for half my life; even my Master repeatedly scolded me for neglecting my proper duties, and fellow disciples secretly mocked me, saying that my choice of the 'Zhu Nang Ming Shu' was overreaching.

But looking at it now, who exactly is the one with short sight?!"

Just as Luan Shuo's thoughts raced and his emotions surged, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

He hastily raised his eyes to see that under the gaze of all, Chen Heng had already stepped forward, first bowing with hands clasped toward their location, and spoke with a smile:

"Elder Mi, Elder Luan, I wish you both well."

Mi Mi Jingshi and Luan Shuo subconsciously exchanged a glance, then hurriedly returned the bow, their faces full of smiles.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while and exchanging bows with Mi Hui and Chen Wei in sequence,

Chen Heng had not yet had time to say much when suddenly a mysterious sound shook the ears, rumbling like a waterfall pouring down.

Its sound pierced through the nine heavens, directly invading the azure firmament, possessing the momentum of circulating through the finest autumn hairs while encompassing the Grand Void!

The cultivators in the hall felt a chill in their hearts and unanimously looked up and out, only to see infinite brilliance suddenly erupting, brighter than the sun and moon, cutting off all demonic darkness.

This light seemed born from the four wilds, yet also appeared to originate from the Milky Way, transforming into various forms such as flowers of rain from all heavens and flames illuminating the clouds.

Solemn and supremely wonderful, it was truly something one could sigh at as never before witnessed!

A Dao Lord is the secondary ruler of the three realms and the chief steward of the Primordial Cavern.

Such a figure is already nearly of the rank of Immortal Sages.

Above, they can ascend to the Hall of Supreme Clarity; in the middle, they can roam the Palace of Great Polarity; below, they are sufficient to govern the lands of the ten directions; their Dao nature is solid, rarely subject to birth or destruction.

When traveling, if they do not deliberately act to conceal themselves, they will inevitably cause heaven and earth to resonate, auspicious signs to appear in profusion, and stir the myriad spirits of creation!

At this moment, within that auspicious light, several figures appeared and disappeared, extremely exquisite, high, and ethereal.

In Zhou Xingdian, from the masters of the nine halls downward, regardless of their origin in any Xudu Xudu Tianyu or sect, all bowed deeply, addressing them as "Dao Lord" or "Ancestor" among other titles, with attitudes of reverence.

"Please rise, everyone; why so many formalities?"

From the depths of the extreme clouds, someone spoke with a faint smile.

(End of Chapter)

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