Chapter 495: Sword in Hand, Singing Under the Floating Night Air

Tian Xia saw Chen Hang seated atop the cliff, his figure veiled in drifting mist, indistinct and hard to discern.

A clear light emitted from the mist, coiling like a dragon, seemingly piercing straight to the heavens, lifting the full moon just above the clouds, radiating a majestic aura.

Yet when Tian Xia merely glanced at that clear light, within a few breaths his pupils ached painfully, as if ready to tear up.

Though within the clear light two energies intermingled, rising and sinking, colliding and rubbing against each other as if striving to forge the grand spectacle of heaven and earth, Tian Xia dared not look again.

He cautiously retreated to the cliff’s base, rubbed his eyes for a long while, cultivated his qi and adjusted his breath several times, before his spirit finally steadied.

“Your master’s cultivation is nearing a critical juncture—why would you go up there now and disturb his quiet practice?”

At that moment, the Wuqi Qiankun Ring strolled down slowly, glanced at Tian Xia, and shook its head.

In these past few days, Tian Xia had naturally learned Chen Hang’s true identity and understood his origins.

At first, Tian Xia could barely sit still in meditation, his heart pounding like a drum, his mind a blank void, his thoughts dazed and foggy.

Eventually, he figured out the key himself, gradually shedding that wild, unexpected, heart-stirring exuberance, though he could not hide his inner joy.

“Isn’t the third level of a proper immortal’s Golden Core supposed to involve form within the spirit? Given this phenomenon, is your master about to advance further in cultivation?”

Hearing the Wuqi Qiankun Ring speak, Tian Xia immediately smiled and took out food from his sleeve pouch to offer as tribute.

Though when they first met, he had received a few solid punches from the Wuqi Qiankun Ring.

But now Tian Xia knew that among the several magic treasures by Chen Hang’s side, only this plump, childlike Wuqi Qiankun Ring was easiest to approach.

As for the others, not even conversation was possible—let alone a glimpse of their faces.

As for closeness, that was out of the question…

He knew his own position: though he had entered Chen Hang’s household, given Chen Hang’s status, how many guests like himself could there not be in his household?

Not counting elders and disciples from the Yucheng sect like Xue Jing, Yang Kezhen, Sun Feng, and Shen Cheng, there were also Dao-line cultivators like Cai Qing and Wang Yun who had secretly pledged allegiance after the Xi Ping incident, not to mention the various sects and kingdoms of the Pan Water Sixteen States.

As for the latter, they were little better than household servants—far closer in intimacy than mere guests like Tian Xia!

When one added it all up, the number likely far exceeded ten thousand—perhaps even multiplied several times over?

Tian Xia also knew full well why he had stumbled upon such great fortune.

Had it not been for the Deception Scripture, a mere rat demon like him would have had no way to offer his life and loyalty, even if he tried.

If the Deception Scripture were truly some divine artifact one could freely obtain, then Tian Xia might have felt more confident about securing his place in Chen Hang’s household.

But using the Deception Scripture was like climbing a knife-edged hill or treading on sharp blades, perilous as dancing on a precarious pillar—otherwise, he would never have entertained thoughts of going to Wenzhao Heaven to seek another opportunity.

Thus, Tian Xia naturally turned his attention to the Wuqi Qiankun Ring.

He hoped the latter might offer a few words of guidance, so that in Chen Hang’s household he might avoid missteps and minimize errors.

He hoped this person might offer a word of guidance, so that in the future, within Chen Hang’s household, he could avoid missteps and minimize errors.

Seeing the box of crispy cakes Tian Xia offered—perfectly balanced in softness and firmness, tasting sweet as milk whey—

Such a snack, which left the Dunjie Suo and others uninterested, perfectly suited the Wuqi Qiankun Ring’s taste; it devoured dozens in one go, licked its lips, yet still seemed unsatisfied.

“Though you’ve entered your master’s household, you needn’t worry too much.

To put it bluntly, with your current cultivation, if you make no great progress in the future, even if you reach Xudu Heaven, you may not see your master again for a hundred years!

I suspect, barring unforeseen circumstances, you’ll end up serving in your master’s fiefdom, much like Ge Ji of Hongjing Heaven.

Which of the Sixteen States you’re assigned to will depend on Tu Shan Ge’s decision.”

As for which of the sixteen states it might be, that depends on the will of Tu Shan Ge.

Tian Xia perked up his ears and asked urgently: “Who is this person?”

“Tu Shan Ge is no ordinary figure—I dare not underestimate him!

He has been by your master’s side since before your master rose to power; even now, with your master’s wealth and influence vastly expanded beyond what it once was, his favor toward Tu Shan Ge remains unchanged.

Currently, in your master’s household, external affairs are mostly handled by Elder Xue Jing, but private matters fall under Tu Shan Ge’s control—he is, in effect, the superior over both you and Ge Ji!”

Tian Xia was startled upon hearing this and immediately assumed a solemn expression.

“No need for that—Tu Shan Ge is actually quite easygoing. As long as you don’t offend him by committing evil deeds, he won’t harm you.”

The Wuqi Qiankun Ring offered this reassurance, then muttered under its breath:

“Still, your true form is a rat, while Tu Shan Ge’s true form is a fox—I wonder if foxes eat rats?”

Grateful for the tribute just offered, the Wuqi Qiankun Ring patiently continued its discourse.

Tian Xia, listening beside him, alternated between thoughtful silence and sudden enlightenment.

Just as the Wuqi Qiankun Ring was speaking enthusiastically, a clear cry suddenly pierced the sky from the cliff’s edge, like a waterfall plunging a hundred ren, swift and clear, sweeping the heavens clean!

Both the Wuqi Qiankun Ring and Tian Xia turned to look: in the sky, the light and aura slowly retracted, and amid swirling gales, Chen Hang stepped out calmly.

His face now bore a layer of clear qi, his eyes brighter than the stars in the night sky.

“Twenty-four years of winter and summer have worn away—finally, I’ve pried open a sliver of the mysterious threshold…”

Chen Hang turned inward, smiled to himself.

He had now grasped a faint thread of the mystery; with further deepening and careful comprehension, he should be able to perceive the subtleties of the inner landscape.

Calculating with his fingers, the Dan Yuan Assembly was still about twenty years away.

This time was neither ample nor urgent.

The reason the third Golden Core stage, Inner Landscape, is called the “Minor Manifestation” is because it, too, requires attunement to heaven and earth, harmonizing with true qi.

Thus, many Golden Core True Persons from great sects, upon reaching this stage, often undergo trials in the mortal world to temper their hearts, using this method to transform and enter the mysterious, finally reaching the true realm.

Now that Chen Hang had pried open that sliver of the threshold, he too had begun to entertain such thoughts.

But since other matters still lay ahead, he did not wish to delay them until the last moment.

He would first brush away the dust before him, then proceed with careful study—there was no rush.

Since it was nearly time to meet the old Chi Dragon, Chen Hang pondered briefly, then swiftly summoned a sword light that vanished into the deep azure sky.

Mountain mist had risen, mountains blurred in the distance—

Only two incense sticks later, at a mountain range shaped like a crouching lion.

Chen Hang pressed his sword light in the clouds, standing in the night sky, arms crossed, waiting.

Earlier, he had sent two talisman letters: one to the Huangwu Zhou clan, the other to the old Chi Dragon.

The Huangwu Zhou clan, delighted that Chen Hang intended to resolve the matter of Shuigong Zhi, were more than willing—even without Tian Xia’s financial compensation.

The reply from the old Chi Dragon, however, was ambiguous.

Though he had not explicitly agreed to accept Tian Xia’s compensation and let the matter drop, he had not outright refused either; instead, he had written a long personal letter.

Strip away the flowery courtesies, and its meaning was simply this: he wished to meet Chen Hang tonight.

And since the old Chi Dragon was the local power in this wondrous land, with deep roots here,

Chen Hang might indeed need his aid to track down the Dao-line traitor named Qian Lie.

Qian Lie had once been an elder of Yunting Mountain, a Dao-line sect; after being exposed for murdering his senior brother and scheming for power, he had gone all out, purged Yunting Mountain, then fled hastily with treasures.

His last known appearance was in this very wondrous land.

Yunting Mountain was a minor sect, founded casually by a former Yucheng elder while wandering beyond the heavens, lacking deep foundations.

After suffering such a devastating blow, it was powerless to deal with Qian Lie and could only jointly report the matter to the Yucheng main sect, hoping its superiors would deliver justice.

For Chen Hang, killing Qian Lie was not difficult.

But if he had to expend great effort tracking him down, it would inevitably slow his own cultivation.

Thus, if he could leverage the old Chi Dragon’s power, he could save himself considerable trouble…

At that moment, Chen Hang noticed clouds at the horizon churning like furious waves, vast and hazy.

Within them, a wave of water was faintly visible; before it even reached him, a voice rumbled forth, complex and layered:

“Such great spiritual power, such heavy malevolence… May I ask, True Person, how many dragon-kind have you slain?”

At that moment, Chen Hang caught sight of the clouds at the sky’s corner churning like furious waves, vast and hazy.

Within them, a ripple of water could faintly be seen; even before the wave drew near, a rumbling sound arose, complex in tone:

Soon, darkness deepened all around, and the water wave surged forward, carrying murky mist and damp wind.

At its crest stood a burly old man with crimson scales on his forehead, his gaze unfriendly.

Yet for the old Chi Dragon’s intimidating display, Chen Hang merely smiled, activated his mystery arts, and a clear qi shot from behind him, striking straight toward the clouds!

Though the clear qi appeared light and insubstantial, it was forged from Chen Hang’s profound magic power; the moment it was released, it shook the water wave, sending torrents flying and revealing its instability.

The old Chi Dragon pondered, engaged in a subtle struggle for a moment, then withdrew the water wave with a hand seal; Chen Hang likewise retracted his clear qi.

In an instant, the wind fell silent, the mist dispersed, and the sky returned to its original clarity, as if nothing had happened.

“I am Xun Jian. I offer my respects. I observe your spirit and aura, radiant as daylight—my disciple’s earlier words were indeed an underestimation!”

At this, the old Chi Dragon named Xun Jian bowed respectfully.

“I have long heard of your great name, Elder Xun. Today’s meeting surpasses even my expectations.”

“I am Xun Jian, paying my respects here. I observe that your True Person’s spirit and qi are profound and clear, bright as day—my disciple’s earlier words were indeed an underestimation!”

Before coming to this wondrous land, Chen Hang had visited Cangqiu Land, a remote and desolate region where monstrous hybrids ran rampant.

After completing the sect’s talisman order on the Zhengbu Yushu, Chen Hang had also cleared out a number of these monstrous hybrids, easing the survival pressure on the human population of Cangqiu Land.

Of those hybrids slain by Chen Hang’s sword, over sixty percent were related to dragon-kind—sorts of “dragon-kind” in their own right.

Xun Jian, being a dragon-kind monster himself, naturally possessed a subtle resonance with his kin; without Chen Hang deliberately concealing his aura, he could not help but sense the anomaly.

Yet this one was not rigid or obstinate.

After a brief test, seeing his opponent was not easily dealt with, he quickly withdrew, pretending nothing had occurred…

And Xun Jian’s conduct gave Chen Hang greater confidence in securing the upcoming deal.

But this one was not the type to cling stubbornly to principles.

After just a brief probe, seeing the other side was not easy to deal with, he quickly withdrew, as if nothing had happened…

And Xun Jian’s actions gave Chen Hang renewed confidence in securing the upcoming deal.

Soon, after a round of polite formalities, Xun Jian cut straight to the point without further delay:

“Your Eminence has gone out of your way to come today, and I am deeply grateful—but forgive this old man for speaking plainly: I am no pauper, and as for wealth, my household has no lack.”

“The only thing I cannot do without is Water Lord’s Fungus—it benefits our dragon-blooded cultivation, and cannot be lightly discarded!”

As he spoke, Xun Jian’s expression darkened slightly, his tone growing solemn.

Chen Hang merely smiled at this and said:

“If the Daoist texts are correct, Water Lord’s Fungus may aid dragon-blooded cultivation, yet it also damages the foundation. Using such external elixirs carries grave long-term risks, does it not?”

Xun Jian frowned slightly, about to speak, when Chen Hang’s voice rose again:

“I have come today only to show you one thing.”

With that, Chen Hang opened his palm, revealing a blood-crystal the size of a pigeon’s egg, plump and lustrous, with faint crimson radiance swirling around it, dazzling to behold.

The moment the blood-crystal was revealed, a faint dragon’s roar echoed through the air, reverberating among the mountains, causing Xun Jian’s expression to shift slightly.

As soon as the blood crystal was released, a faint dragon’s roar echoed through the mountains, causing Xun Jian’s expression to shift slightly.

Though Xun Jian had anticipated something, seeing it firsthand still made his pupils contract:

“This Dragon Essence is remarkably pure!”

“Water Lord’s Fungus benefits dragon-blooded cultivators—so too does this Dragon Essence. But since it comes from a hybrid body, for human cultivators like us, using it requires complex secret elixirs to purify its impurities first, making it hardly worth the cost.”

“Water Gong Zhi benefits dragon bloodlines; is not the dragon essence the same? But since this dragon essence comes from a hybrid body, for us human cultivators, using it requires auxiliary secret medicines to first purify its impurities—making it somewhat not worth the effort.”

“But you, Xun Gong, are of dragon-blooded lineage—your essence is one and the same. Surely, you face no such limitations when using it?”

“How much of this… do you have in your possession?”

Xun Jian shifted the topic smoothly, a hidden glint of greed flashing in his eyes.

“Enough for you to use. What do you say?” Chen Hang smiled.

“Excellent! Very excellent!”

Xun Jian’s face brightened into a warm smile. After a moment’s thought, he urged enthusiastically:

“This is no place for proper talk. I have a water palace nearby—please, Your Eminence, do not disdain my humble abode; come, let us move there and speak further!”

“Coincidentally, I have a favor to ask of you as well.”

Chen Hang, with his keen eyes, had seen the fleeting greed on Xun Jian’s face, but he paid it no mind, replying calmly:

“Not even ten favors would be too much!”

Seeing Chen Hang nod, Xun Jian immediately puffed out his chest and made a grand promise.

Before long, as the two rode the wind, they beheld a vast, roaring river, boundless and mist-shrouded, its sight filling the heart with openness.

When Xun Jian dispelled the seals and led Chen Hang into the underwater palace beneath the river, the main hall was already prepared with a banquet.

Exquisite dishes and rare wines were arranged upon jade tables; a host of turtle ministers and dragon generals appeared to accompany them, while dancers and musicians performed below, earnestly pouring wine.

A scene of opulence so overwhelming it stirred involuntary admiration!

After several rounds of polite refusal, the two finally took their seats.

As wine flowed through several rounds, Xun Jian noticed Chen Hang remained unimpressed by his meticulously decorated palace.

Whether it was the jeweled golden halls, the exotic aquatic flora, the soft silks below, or the chorus of celestial instruments, Chen Hang gave them barely a glance before moving on.

Unable to glean any insight from Chen Hang despite his efforts, Xun Jian sighed inwardly, set down his jade cup, and asked:

“What was it you meant earlier, Your Eminence? If I can assist, I shall not spare my strength!”

“I merely wish for you to help me find someone.”

Chen Hang raised his gaze and named Qian Lie.

He also knew Qian Lie, after fleeing to Miaobao Land, might have abandoned his true name, so he produced a portrait as well.

“So that’s who it is—the Accumulated Thunder True Person? You’re looking for this alchemist too? But he’s always wandering; I don’t know if he’s even in his palace now.”

At first hearing Qian Lie’s name, Xun Jian paused thoughtfully.

Then, upon seeing the portrait—even though Qian Lie had deliberately altered his appearance—he could not deceive Xun Jian’s primordial spirit eyes, so he merely shook his head with a faint smile.

“Wandering everywhere?” Chen Hang’s gaze sharpened.

Later, upon seeing the portrait, though Qian Lie had deliberately altered his appearance, he could not hide from Xun Jian’s eyes as a Primordial Spirit great demon—so Xun Jian merely shook his head and smiled.

Xun Jian, eager to display his influence before Chen Hang to gain leverage in the coming trade and secure more Dragon Essence, laughed heartily and declared:

“As long as the Accumulated Thunder True Person remains within Miaobao Land, within three to five days—or at most half a month—I will uncover his whereabouts!”

With that, Xun Jian gestured, and a towering, gill-faced spirit stepped forward.

After being given brief instructions, the burly spirit left the main hall and flew swiftly outward.

“By the way, the Accumulated Thunder True Person is no ordinary figure. Last year, when he visited my palace, I sensed his magic power—he had already reached the third layer of Golden Core.”

Watching the spirit depart, Xun Jian turned back to Chen Hang with a casual smile:

“With such cultivation and his mastery of alchemy, it’s no surprise the Hundred Demons Palace took notice. Given time, I suspect the Accumulated Thunder True Person will become a new power in Miaobao Land.”

“The Hundred Demons Palace?” Chen Hang’s interest stirred.

“You didn’t know? Last year, after the Accumulated Thunder True Person cultivated his Inner Landscape, he was personally recruited by an Elder of the Hundred Demons Palace and made a court alchemist. With that status, even I must treat him with respect.”

“The Hundred Demons Palace is an immortal sect within Wenzhao Heaven—they are inherently superior to us land-bound cultivators…”

Seeing Chen Hang inquire, Xun Jian smiled and explained slowly.

This time, the burly spirit returned less than half an hour later.

After whispering a few words to Xun Jian, his face slowly broke into a smile as he turned to Chen Hang:

“Fate is kind! The Accumulated Thunder True Person is currently in Liang Kingdom, not far from here!”

“Since you wish to visit him, why not send a formal invitation first? With me to introduce you, the Accumulated Thunder True Person will surely personally brew you a fine elixir!”

“I’m not seeking him for an elixir.”

Chen Hang shook his head.

“There’s no time to waste—I wish to see him now.”

“Now?” Xun Jian blinked.

“Tonight, the wind and moon are perfect—for killing.”

Chen Hang smiled, casually set his wine cup on the table, and seized Xun Jian’s arm:

“Please, Xun Gong, guide me.”

As Chen Hang grabbed him, Xun Jian instinctively tried to pull away.

But the immense force jolted his footing, making him stagger—his hesitation slowed his reaction.

In the space of a single stunned moment, he was wrapped in a blade of light and shot upward from the riverbed, straight into the highest heavens!

The change came as swiftly as lightning.

Before the palace’s ministers could move to aid him, their lord had vanished from sight.

The demonic cultivators stared at each other, speechless…

At the same moment.

Miaobao Land, Wen City, Liang Kingdom.

Qian Lie stepped out of the warm pavilion after reveling with several beauties. Standing in the courtyard, he straightened his robes, feeling an inexplicable sense of relief.

At first, after stealing treasures and fleeing Yunting Mountain, he had lived in constant dread, like a rat fleeing the street, terrified that Yunting Mountain would report him to Xiao Ming Marsh, bringing down the legendary Yuchen disciples to capture him.

But months passed, and no Yuchen disciples came.

On the contrary, Qian Lie’s fortunes had grown ever brighter—he had broken through to the third layer of Golden Core and now clung to the mighty Hundred Demons Palace. With time, even Primordial Spirit seemed within reach!

If that day came, Qian Lie, though a latecomer to cultivation, could openly join the Hundred Demons Palace and become one of its members!

“Miaobao Land truly is my fortune! Had I known this, I should have betrayed Yunting Mountain long ago!”

“I only regret not killing more of them then—but it’s not too late. When my cultivation advances further, Yunting Mountain—I’ll return, and with the Hundred Demons Palace’s backing, I’ll crush them with a single gesture!”

“What of the Yuchen Dao Line? I don’t believe they’d waste effort on such trivial matters!”

As Qian Lie indulged in these grand visions, a faint thunderclap sounded in the sky—sudden, then gone.

Gazing upward through layers of clouds, he saw two figures riding a rainbow.

He could not tell what kind of cultivation technique the rainbow was, but its edge felt razor-sharp—even motionless in the highest sky, it radiated a terrifying sense of cleaving through all things!

“Qian Lie?” A voice drifted down from the rainbow.

Looking upward through layers of cloud, he glimpsed two figures riding rainbows as they approached.

Hearing his name after so long, Qian Lie froze, instinctively replying.

Before he could finish speaking, a blade of light flashed across the sky—gone in an instant.

The next moment.

A fine head shot skyward.

Hearing that name again after so long, Qian Lie was momentarily stunned and involuntarily chimed in.

Before his words were finished, a blade of light flashed across the sky and vanished in an instant.

The next moment.

A fine head shot upward into the sky!