Chapter 445: Secret News

Several days later, Bo Lu, Angcang Mountain.

At this moment, it was barely the hour of Mao; a few scattered stars still hung sparsely across the sky canopy, and a pale moon remained faint and indistinct, yet below the clouds, ten thousand lights had already risen, their colorful brilliance dazzling the eyes, exceedingly magnificent, like a sea of glazed light, truly brilliant and variegated.

At the entrance of each of the several main roads leading up the mountain stood a vermilion gate about a zhang tall, where golden tassels hung from the bracket sets, swaying gently in the wind with a pleasant sound.

Several officers specifically tasked with welcoming and seeing off guests wore smiles plastered on their faces as they led a group of Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi in registering names, with people coming and going in great bustle.

As for the enormous hall atop the main peak of Angcang, there was not the slightest hint of coldness or desolation at this moment.

Where bright candles flickered, one could see countless shadowy figures, and everywhere were beautiful crowns and splendid robes!

"With such expressions, it seems they are harboring impure thoughts again... but Fuchan Laozu was born into the Yuanzai aristocratic clans, a figure who fought his way out of constant infighting and scheming! In terms of wealth or ability, which of you is worthy of opposing Fuchan Laozu?"

In the center of the great hall, the Angcang Sect Master, resembling a middle-aged scholar, was laughing and talking joyfully with the leaders of several powerful clans from Bo Lu, occasionally greeting guests who had entered the hall (Rudian) with bowed fists and formal salutes, every bit the image of a host in charge.

However, at this moment, he suddenly felt a resentful gaze landing on him from afar, fixing steadily upon his person, with a hint of killing intent concealed within.

The Angcang Sect Master turned slightly aside to look outward, just in time to see a procession of ceremonial guards ascending to the mountain summit.

And the owner of that gaze was none other than the nominal ruler of this Xi Ping region, Xi Ping Di Jun.

He chuckled silently, mocking coldly in his heart.

After casually handing the golden goblet to a Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi waiting nearby, he neither dodged nor avoided, nor did he descend the steps to welcome them; he merely nodded boldly, considering that sufficient as a greeting.

There had long been discord between Xi Ping Di Jun and the Angcang Sect, a situation lasting not just a day or two; since everyone present was a famous and significant figure in Xi Ping, they were naturally crystal clear about this.

However, the Angcang Sect Master's arrogance today, showing not a shred of face-saving, was blatantly displaying the discord between the two families out in the open.

To those with suspicious minds, this carried an additional layer of meaning: forcing people to choose sides.

Thus, the hall, originally filled with liveliness, fell into silence, the atmosphere becoming quite unnatural.

At this moment, two Primordial Spirit True Persons, their faces showing embarrassment, shifted their gazes and exchanged a glance simultaneously.

Although they were usually awed by the might of Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun Yan Yuan and often acted obsequiously toward the Angcang Sect, obeying their every word, both their families had maintained deep friendships since ancestral times with Qingshu Cave, from which Di Jun hailed, and had even received favors from Qingshu Cave, so under the current circumstances, they could not simply stand by with cold eyes.

However, before these two could steel themselves to step forward and mediate, the ground suddenly trembled, causing the entire mountain peak to shake.

A sharp sword intent pierced through the sky, seeming capable of splitting this enormous hall in two with a single strike, its momentum fierce and aggressive, pressing hard upon everyone!

"Di Jun is the leader of the ten thousand people of Xi Ping, a towering true king; your such disrespect—do you intend to rebel?"

A figure stepped out from behind Di Jun and rebuked in a cold voice.

The Angcang Sect Master saw that the man was about thirty years old, wearing a vermilion crown and black robes, his face bearing an unmasked air of arrogance, as if none of the cultivators before him were worthy of his extra attention.

He had already stepped forward with his hand on his sword, his eyes malicious, waiting for the Angcang Sect Master to say one wrong word before drawing his sword to strike.

Such arrogant behavior caused many people's eyelids to twitch, their expressions becoming increasingly awkward.

"Xin Chun of Fatong Sect, this fellow is still so blind to others, making a scene regardless of the occasion! Does he really think that just because he has cultivated to the sixth realm of the Sword Dao, he can run rampant freely throughout Bo Lu?"

The Angcang Sect Master felt contempt in his heart; facing this accusation, he couldn't be bothered to pay much attention, merely letting his wide sleeves move without wind as his spiritual aura gradually rose.

Just as the two confronted each other, and most of the guests in the hall tacitly stood behind the Angcang Sect Master to declare their stance,

the rest were either watching the spectacle or wore inexplicable expressions, their hands somewhat unsure of where to place them.

Seeing that the atmosphere was truly off and fearing that a real conflict would look unsightly,

an elder from a major clan in Bo Lu finally could not endure it and cleared his throat twice.

Just as he was about to urge reconciliation, a surging pressure suddenly attacked, heavy in its approach!

The faces of all cultivators present changed simultaneously; they felt as though trapped in a deep swamp, unable to lift their feet, their shoulders bearing a weight Ban De Chen Zhong as a mountain range.

Even those among the Primordial Spirit found their breath obstructed and their bodies uncomfortable.

"Yan Yuan!"

Xin Chun gritted his teeth secretly.

Under Yan Yuan's intentional exertion, the pressure he bore was naturally the greatest, and a chill instantly rose to his heart.

Just as Xin Chun could no longer endure it and was about to initiate sword flight to withdraw and temporarily avoid this might, a hearty laugh rang out, and that pressure vanished without a trace.

Looking up, they saw a brilliant golden cloud descending; Yan Yuan wore a slight smile on his face, holding a Bai Yu tablet, while two Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi carrying incense burners followed behind him, the furnace smoke curling upward, filling the ground with a misty atmosphere.

"It was not easy to invite True Person Taihe and several heroes to visit this time; this is a rare fortune, so why must you few make such a huge fuss over some trivial matter?"

Yan Yuan glanced upward and rebuked the Angcang Sect Master:

"Di Jun has specially taken time out of his busy schedule; as the host, why do you not quickly welcome the guests!"

Although Yan Yuan's words were scolding his own people, from beginning to end, he had not glanced once in the direction of Xi Ping Di Jun, Xin Chun, and the others, as if that place contained nothing but tiny dust particles, not worth a sneer.

A smile floated onto the Angcang Sect Master's face; he obediently agreed, performed a bowed fist salute, and then actively extended his hand to welcome them.

Although Xi Ping Di Jun was extremely resentful, since Yan Yuan had provided a way out, he dared not refuse; after exchanging a few hypocritical words with the Angcang Sect Master, he also entered the hall (Rudian).

Seeing that even their own Di Jun adopted this approach, the remaining people, such as Xin Chun and others, though furious, had no choice but to follow suit and step forward as well.

"Do you really think that by leaning on the great tree of Mo Li Jiao, you can contend with me for the governing power of Bo Lu? Even when your father was alive, he had to bow and scrape before me, let alone you! Back then, selecting someone from Qingshu Cave to be Di Jun was merely to facilitate my planning behind the scenes.

Had I known this, after achieving success and returning to the Void in the past, I should not have returned to the Yuanzai main family to pay respects (Baishan); instead, I should have first crippled your father, otherwise the position of Di Jun would never have been passed down to a fool like you!"

Seeing that among the group brought by Xi Ping Di Jun, there were not only Primordial Spirit True Persons like Xin Chun, but also a young girl wearing a white satin pleated palace skirt with a stole draped over her shoulders, her appearance delicate and charming, straight like a tree of pear blossoms.

Yan Yuan recalled that rumors suggested that True Person Taihe of Yu Yu Yuchen did not yet have a concubine, let alone a Dao companion.

He let out a slight cold laugh, finally understanding the intentions of this Di Jun of his.

Xi Ping Di Jun currently had two daughters.

The eldest daughter had married Xin Chun, the master of Fatong Sect, a sixth-realm Primordial Spirit sword cultivator famous throughout the entire land.

It was precisely because of this move that Xi Ping Di Jun had gradually won over Xin Chun, taking him as an assistant.

As for the younger daughter, she was the palace-skirted young girl in the hall.

Although Yan Yuan did not care much about the younger generation, during casual chats with fellow sect members, he had learned that Di Jun's younger daughter was an elegant and famous beauty, talented and beautiful, always regarded by Di Jun as a treasure in his palm.

In past years, countless high-born families and great sects had sent gifts to propose marriage, but all had been politely rejected one by one.

Yet now, Di Jun had even brought this younger daughter out.

His intention in doing so...

Meeting the probing gaze of the Angcang Sect Master, Yan Yuan merely shook his head slightly at this junior, indicating there was no need to interfere.

After exchanging brief pleasantries with several sect masters who eagerly approached to greet him, he strode across the threshold and, surrounded by a cluster of cultivators, made his way to his seat.

As Yan Yuan raised his wine vessel, calls to friends and companions rang out incessantly; lofty discussions resumed in the hall, stirring up another wave of liveliness.

Having learned that a true disciple from a Great Heaven was arriving today, every major power that had received Yan Yuan's invitation hastily summoned their own Fuchan Fuchan Laozu to attend in person and keep company, hoping to become familiar faces.

Not only Bolu, but even several sects in Donglu that had not received invitations from Yan Yuan somehow caught wind of the news and likewise arrived uninvited.

With so many masters of Daoist lineages gathered in one place, this was truly a rare and magnificent occasion.

Looking back, only the grandeur displayed when the Xi Ping Di Jun was enthroned back then could compare!

"Do you say... can this matter truly succeed?"

Unlike the bustle around Yan Yuan, only a handful of people approached to offer greetings at the Xi Ping Di Jun's location.

A flash of shame and anger crossed the Xi Ping Di Jun's eyes, and he hurriedly transmitted a voice to Xin Chun beside him.

"In this world, no one rises early without profit; the Moli Sect ultimately fears the Yan clan and is unwilling to exert too much effort. If we rely solely on them to help us expel Yan Yuan, I fear that is wishful thinking... If the Di Jun wishes to truly become the True King of Xiping, he must make his move outside the board!" Xin Chun transmitted in a heavy voice.

"But... but..."

The Xi Ping Di Jun hesitated several times, wanting to speak but stopping himself, until finally he sighed, shook his head, and remained silent.

Although he often acted timidly before outsiders, deep in his heart lay an ingrained arrogance that he could never erase; he had always been unwilling to submit to others.

Especially after witnessing in his youth how his father fawned and curried favor with Yan Yuan in every possible way, he had secretly resolved to expel Yan Yuan from Bolu and seize control of authority for himself!

Otherwise, he would not have suddenly turned against Yan Yuan and abandoned his former attitude of respectful caution the moment he luckily attached himself to the Moli Sect.

Yet Yan Yuan had ultimately dominated Bolu from behind the scenes for thousands of years, accumulating immense authority and awe.

To openly oppose Yan Yuan completely in the main hall—

To speak the truth, he actually lacked the courage for such a thing.

Moreover, regarding whether Chen Heng would take an interest in his young daughter and the benefits he had offered, he was even more bewildered...

Just as the Xi Ping Di Jun's thoughts were swirling, several hours passed unnoticed, until suddenly the sound of drums and music drifted over, melodious and clear.

Upon hearing this sound, everyone in the hall from Yan Yuan downward changed expression; without prior agreement, they all exited the hall and straightened their robes and caps.

Looking out, brilliant light shone from the edge of the sky; amidst a throng of countless halberds, long spears, iron armor, and plumed helmets, one could dimly perceive a golden carriage crushing through the cloud peaks, flying forth with majestic openness.

"Yuanzai Yan Clan, Yan Yuan, Master of Angcang Mountain in Bolu, pays respects to True Person Taihe!"

Under the gaze of all, meeting the astonished looks of many cultivators, especially the Xi Ping Di Jun, Yan Yuan, despite his status as a Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun of the Return to Void, took the lead in bowing and laughed loudly.

Candlelight blazed brilliantly, and the fragrance of incense was rich and dense.

After descending from the golden carriage and exchanging formal greetings with Yan Yuan, the host of Bolu, Chen Heng and the others were eagerly ushered into the hall; after declining the seat of honor several times, they finally took their places in order.

Yan Yuan attached great importance to today's banquet; not only had he invited masters of various Daoist lineages to keep company, but the dancing, music, and beautiful maidens were also distinct from those of the mortal world, unlike the pleasures found in the Di Lu.

After several rounds of wine and dismissing wave after wave of guests,

Chen Heng exchanged glances with Xu Zhi and Yuan Yuan Yangsheng, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Although today's banquet appeared harmonious on the surface, any perceptive observer could immediately see the contradiction between Yan Yuan and the Xi Ping Di Jun.

In fact, the two had previously enjoyed a period of harmony, but ever since the Moli Sect from Xuyan Heaven inexplicably intervened, their relationship had grown increasingly cold.

Were it not for concerns over whether the Moli Sect would intervene to assist, Yan Yuan would long ago have raised arms and replaced the Di Jun with someone else.

"Speaking of which, it is amusing; has True Person Yan Yuan now raised a tiger only to invite disaster? If not for his help back then, how could the person sitting in the Di Jun's position be the one before our eyes?"

Yuan Yuan Yangsheng's voice suddenly sounded in Chen Heng's ear via voice transmission, carrying a hint of mockery:

"However, in this current hidden struggle, both parties seem to regard Brother Chen as the killing move outside the board. What are Brother Chen's thoughts? I must say, that Di Jun's daughter is quite elegant and beautiful!"

Chen Heng shook his head slightly; as he raised his eyes, he met the gaze of the palace-skirted young girl looking at him.

She immediately flushed crimson, her eyes filled with shy embarrassment; daring not to meet his gaze again, she only tightly clutched her sachet with her slender hands.

This sight greatly delighted the Xi Ping Di Jun.

He exchanged a glance with Xin Chun, whereupon this sword path talent, renowned throughout Bolu, raised his wine cup and solemnly approached Chen Heng.

"May the True Person be well."

Xin Chun hurriedly forced a smile onto his face.

Although Xin Chun was proud of his sword path cultivation and possessed an unruly temperament, before Chen Heng he secretly exercised extreme caution, far from daring to act presumptuously.

After all, he had attained the sixth realm of the sword path at the Primordial Spirit stage, an achievement that already shocked people and earned him the reputation of being a sword cultivator who might one day forge his own path in Bolu.

Yet the person before him had achieved such a feat while still only in the Golden Core Realm, and furthermore could employ sword techniques to reach an even higher level.

Even setting aside status and power,

toward Chen Heng himself, Xin Chun felt both respect and fear, daring not to act rashly.

After a few words of polite exchange, Xin Chun suddenly sent over a strand of sword intent, then bowed respectfully and retreated to the side of the Bolu Di Jun.

After digesting the information within the sword intent, Chen Heng's expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of emotion on his face.

It was not until another half-hour had passed that he nodded slightly to Xu Zhi, Yuan Yuan Yangsheng, and the others, bid farewell to the various cultivators, and was then led by an attendant to an extremely secluded waterside pavilion.

Upon arriving here, Chen Heng swept his gaze around and understood immediately.

He did not allow the female attendants to serve him; going straight to the couch, he sat down and began closing his eyes to regulate his breath.

Just as he had anticipated, before long a light knocking sound gently arose; after Chen Heng said, "Please enter," Yan Yuan's figure appeared in the courtyard.

"True Person Yan need not stand on ceremony; I had no intention of interfering in the Bolu dispute to begin with. Moreover, having received such a great elixir as the Heaven-Fallen Grass, I still have urgent matters to attend to and will soon depart beyond the cosmos..."

Seeing Yan Yuan enter and about to perform obeisance, Chen Heng, unwilling to accept it, simply stood up and stated:

"Regarding the affairs of Bolu, please, True Person, do not concern yourself with my opinion."

Hearing Chen Heng's frank words, Yan Yuan paused briefly in surprise, then, as if relieved of a heavy burden, exhaled a long breath, his entire body relaxing.

His lips moved; after repeatedly expressing his thanks, a token talisman suddenly flew from his waist, from which a resonant laughter transmitted:

"Good, good! A mere struggle over a snail's horn truly does not warrant the attention of True Person Taihe!"

Seeing this, Yan Yuan smiled slightly and departed through the door.

"May I ask who you are?" Chen Heng asked, showing no surprise.

"The Yan clan, Yan Yan Qianzhi."

That person laughed and said, "Initially, I worried the True Person's ambitions were too great, and that my humble assets would be insufficient to meet them; unexpectedly, the True Person possesses such noble righteousness, which is truly an unexpected joy."

Hearing this, Chen Heng realized that this Yan Yan Qianzhi must be a member of the Yan clan's direct lineage.

Judging by his recent conduct, True Person Yan Yuan likely now seeks shelter under Yan Yan Qianzhi's branch.

While Chen Heng was pondering this, Yan Yan Qianzhi seemed to hesitate for an instant before speaking again:

"Since True Person Chen is so straightforward, saving Elder Yuan and myself a great deal of trouble, I, Yan, might as well return the favor by sharing a piece of information concerning your Yu Yu Yuchen true disciples as repayment..."

"However, just listen to this and do not take it too seriously; consider it merely idle chatter after wine!"

"Our sect's true disciples?" Chen Heng frowned slightly.

"Regarding the incident where True Person Ji Ji Fakai became trapped in the Suiyu Heaven, True Person Chen must have heard rumors, yet the full story remains a matter of conflicting accounts with no definitive version circulating; as it happens..."

Yan Yan Qianzhi paused briefly, then spoke slowly:

"The one who became trapped in the Suiyu Heaven in the past was not only Ji Ji Fakai, a True Person of Yu Yu Yuchen; my third elder brother was also among them."

"Did your honorable brother also manage to escape from the Suiyu Heaven?"

Chen Heng expressed surprise.

"Not exactly; only True Person Ji escaped alive, while other formidable figures such as Yan Han of Wushan, Xu Xu Longzhu of the Yi Luo Palace, Chan Master Master Lingci of the Great Sumeru Temple, You Zhong of the Fasheng Heaven, and Tao Qingya of the Qingmu Divine Kingdom... all these powerful individuals remain trapped within the Suiyu Heaven, and it is currently unknown whether they are dead or alive."

Yan Yan Qianzhi sighed with deep emotion:

"As for my third elder brother, his physical body has been destroyed and his primordial spirit clouded; only a single divided soul managed to flee by a narrow margin."