[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-path-of-immortality":3,"chapter-the-path-of-immortality-the-path-of-immortality-chapter-516":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Path of Immortality",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2271666,4436,"Chapter 516: Change of Expression","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-516",516,"\u003Cp>At this moment, the true form forcibly revealed by the sword light was a solemn yin spirit, wearing a Tian Ding crown, a neckband, golden armor, red robes, and green shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This yin spirit stood three zhang and seven chi tall, each foot crushing a black snake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though towering, its body was shriveled, like a dried corpse, radiating chilling dread that struck fear into all who beheld it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s earlier barrage of sword qi had split its golden armor, laid bare its bones, and nearly pierced it clean through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as the black snakes beneath its feet exhaled thick black mist, in the blink of an eye, the yin spirit teleported several li away before the next wave of sword light could strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it reappeared, its wounds were fully healed, its armor restored to perfect condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In its left hand it held a Zhi Sheng Wheel; in its right, a Bao Sheng Whip; its face revealed boundless killing intent, fierce and terrifying!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aware of Chen Hang’s formidable sword art, the yin spirit dared not challenge him directly; instead, it rode its snakes into the sky and sped toward several distant Dan Yuan True Persons, unwilling to linger near Chen Hang for even a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang made no move to pursue; his gaze shifted slightly, and the name surfaced in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the Huang Lao She Ji Map, upon seeing the yin spirit’s true form, all cultivators were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They promptly warned their companions, urging them to shift their attention from other parts of the Huang Lao She Ji Map to Liusha Mountain, their voices buzzing with lively discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tie Wei Mountain lies at the mysterious heart of Xuan Zhong, the secret pivot, governed by the Ling Tang Yao Great King of the Yin Department—it is the axis of yin and yang, the gate between upper and lower realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colossal Tie Wei Mountain spans hundreds of millions of li, encompassing the vast cosmos, capable of holding infinite beings like dust in empty space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the mountain are six palaces; beneath each palace’s lord stand spirits such as the Eliminating Disaster Spirit King, the Soaring Void Great God, the Breaking Evil Heavenly Dragon, the Guiding Immortal Vajra, and flying beasts and ferocious animals—all Tie Wei Divine Lords aiding the Xuan governance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang, it is one type among the Soaring Void Great Gods…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Qi Shang shifted his gaze from Lu Rong and fixed it on Liusha Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent for a moment, then turned to Fu Can Lao Zu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We both know that without the Tie Wei Jie Yue, even if we capture any Tie Wei Divine Lords or obtain their crafting methods, we cannot preserve them for more than three days—after three days, they become nothing but useless scrap iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Dao Court collapsed, the Ling Tang Yao Great King has vanished from the world, and no word has reached us since; half of the Hei Yao Tian Jun and the Ten Killing Generals have perished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the nine Tie Wei Mountains, three were destroyed by calamities; the remaining six have been seized by various powerful factions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Can Lao Zu scratched his head: “Old Qi, why are you bringing up all this now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve been old friends for years—tell me one honest truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Shang’s expression turned unusually solemn:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang hiding so perfectly within the Huang Lao She Ji Map must be due to the Tie Wei Jie Yue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You—no, rather, you all…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which of the six Tie Wei Mountains have your Eight Sects and Six Clans seized?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tie Wei Mountain is not merely a passage connecting the Yang World’s myriad heavens to the Underworld—it also holds another kind of mystery, otherwise the Dao Court would never have stationed elite troops to guard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors that the Eight Sects and Six Clans control one of the Tie Wei Mountains have never ceased within this universe of heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since no concrete proof has ever been found, over the years it remained merely a rumor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet today, before all eyes, the Eight Sects and Six Clans unveiled a Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was tantamount to a direct declaration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rumor is not false; it is true!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Can Lao Zu shook his head, paused in thought, then spoke the truth to his old friend:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but since those above have already displayed this divine general at the Danhui Assembly, there’s no point hiding it anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, we have indeed seized one Tie Wei Mountain—but not one of the six.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?” Qi Shang sensed the implication but asked anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are nine Tie Wei Mountains in total. Everyone knows three were utterly destroyed by calamities—but is that truly the case?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Shang’s expression changed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s it—during the rebellion against Heaven, it was said those rebels destroyed the first three Tie Wei Mountains, shattering the Underworld’s order, and your Eight Sects and Six Clans intervened to preserve one? But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not a complete Tie Wei Mountain—but sufficient, just barely enough.\" Fu Can Lao Zu offered a brief explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Qi Shang still had questions, he could not press further now; he sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Eight Sects and Six Clans have quietly grown rich for years—why reveal your secrets now? Is this tied to the Dao Court’s Ninth Imperial Prince, Ji Xiu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What pact are your Eight Sects and Six Clans seeking to forge with the Zheng Xu Dao Court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now that you’ve exposed the Tie Wei Mountain, what benefits are you aiming to gain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words touched upon the secret dealings between the Eight Sects and Six Clans and the Zheng Xu Dao Court; Qi Shang did not expect Fu Can Lao Zu to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old friend, you hold a high position at Xiangjin Mountain—I don’t believe you can’t see the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yuan Zai Three Clans plot to invade Yu; Wu Xiang’s Lu Cun launches a western campaign; the Lele and Wuliangguang sects clash over sudden versus gradual enlightenment; the Tai Chang Dragon Clans seek to reclaim their ancestral legacy; and above all, the matter of Fa Sheng Tian…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though reeking of alcohol, Fu Can Lao Zu’s eyes held no trace of drunkenness—unusually clear, his gaze sharp and bright:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When a great calamity rises and heaven and earth are overturned, who can remain untouched?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All under heaven hustle for profit; all under heaven scramble for gain… but in the end, it boils down to just two words: ‘survival.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Shang fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, inside the flying palace’s main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Xiu and Yin Jun exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former’s expression remained unruffled, as if he had anticipated this; the latter’s eyes flickered, clearly startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the rumors are true—Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang has appeared here. The Eight Sects and Six Clans truly seized a Tie Wei Mountain…” Yin Jun sighed, his emotions complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How fierce must that ancient battle have been? The Eight Sects and Six Clans have real depth!” Ji Xiu mused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though this move by the Eight Sects and Six Clans aims to gain more leverage in the upcoming negotiations, if viewed inversely, doesn’t it suggest they too wish to form an alliance with the Dao Court?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Xiu smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If both sides truly reunite, the stronger the Eight Sects and Six Clans become, the more secure we should feel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Ji Xiu so untroubled, Yin Jun had nothing to say and swallowed his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This treaty and alliance involves great stakes. I won’t pretend to be above embarrassment, Your Highness—I’m merely a idle imperial prince; how could I truly represent the Dao Court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m merely a foot soldier. My father sent me here only to sound out the Eight Sects and Six Clans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Xiu made no concealment, openly spreading his hands:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether this succeeds or fails, the outcome is far beyond my control. If so, why burden myself with needless worry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness underestimates yourself too much,” Yin Jun smiled bitterly. “In truth, with your status—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I cannot speak for the Dao Court, my journey to Xudu was not merely to be a spectator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yin Jun revert to his old habits, Ji Xiu swiftly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To recruit retainers for the Fifth Prince?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Ji Xiu’s guarded demeanor, Yin Jun felt a touch of helplessness and sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness reads minds like a seer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Xiu laughed loudly, his gaze fixed on the Huang Lao She Ji Map spanning the heavens, his eyes deepening as he murmured:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if the Dao Court truly forms an alliance with the Eight Sects and Six Clans, we will inevitably have to deal with these Dan Yuan True Persons—they are the elite among the Eight Sects and Six Clans, the future pillars of their sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such figures gathered, who will rise above the rest and claim the title of champion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Dan Yuan Assembly is no ordinary event, especially now—many high officials of the Dao Court will surely fix their gaze on the Dan Yuan Champion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They will gauge the strength of the Eight Sects and Six Clans’ next generation by observing the champion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Yin Jun’s expression grew solemn, as if recalling something, and he slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yin Jun’s thoughts drifted elsewhere, Ji Xiu’s gaze settled on Chen Hang within the Huang Lao She Ji Map, and he recalled Ji Rang’s final instructions before his departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression grew heavier; his fingers tapped lightly against the green table beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth Brother, you insisted on recording this Chen True Person’s name in the Shang Huan Yun Shu, exhausting favors to do so—yet you still hit a wall before Father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why go to such lengths? What did you truly see?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Xiu thought silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, as outside voices buzzed with speculation and hidden motives, Liusha Mountain erupted into fierce combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All manner of divine arts flared, churning the yellow sands, shaking the earth and mountains!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Chang Fa Su Xiao Shen Jiang had seemed capable of battling many, it had merely relied on its swift evasion to put on a hollow display of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that it had provoked them, the Dan Yuan True Persons present had no interest in single combat; they struck together, aiming to crush the Tie Wei Divine Lord with overwhelming force and break the final seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuan Fayan unleashed his magic power, the primordial heavy water in the sky surged even more violently; with a single sweep, it knocked the yin spirit head over heels, hurling it from the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the yin spirit struggled to rise, another barrage of sword light slashed toward it, forcing it to raise its weapon and duel the flying swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still trying this trick?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far away, Pei Hanzhang shook his head slightly, pinching his fingers together. The yin spirit, which had been about to vanish with a spell, suddenly stiffened—as if struck by lightning—frozen in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing the moment, Tian Fang’s silver ring arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it neared the yin spirit’s face, its light flickered, instantly splitting into two, each loop encircling the neck of one of the two black snakes beneath its feet, pinning them tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew the ring’s true mystery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the moment it clamped down, the two black snakes instantly withered, as if drained of all essence, struggling even to lift their heads or blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two snakes were the yin spirit’s greatest asset—without them, it could not heal its wounds or replenish its primordial energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Fang’s move had severed one of its arms, leaving it with no escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After casting his magic treasure, Tian Fang didn’t bother watching how the yin spirit would respond; he merely smiled at Wang Xiu nearby and remarked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the Iron Enclosure Divine Lord—what a grand gesture!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xiu said nothing, his gaze fixed on the yin spirit puppet known as Chang Fa Su Xiao General, then shifted it to Chen Hang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wide sleeves stirred without wind, gently swaying—as if something within was stretching its limbs, slowly coming to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Wang?” Tian Fang mused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, a grand gesture!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Wang Xiu finally returned his focus and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the yin spirit in the arena was struggling to hold out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the several Dan Yuan True Persons attacking him had not yet unleashed their true methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before such an assault, few in the same realm could truly withstand it—they usually met a gruesome end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, after Guo Shaomi summoned a golden flower to strike, the yin spirit barely raised its Bao Sheng Whip to block it before being flung sideways, bones shattered, tendons torn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it struggled to rise, a sharp crack echoed—the very Bao Sheng Whip that had just blocked the golden flower snapped into several pieces, its armor now riddled with cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden flower didn’t merely damage its body and soul; it deliberately targeted magical artifacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the yin spirit’s appearance, Xie Tan, who had been watching calmly, now abandoned his leisurely stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his hand, and a pair of Long Que Golden Spears shot forth, tearing the yin spirit to shreds, then plunged into the sandflow, severing the final seal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing a fissure open in the Sandflow Mountain’s belly, dust scattering, dozens of spiritual lights shot out—six of them directly toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Tan caught them and saw they contained a spiritual circulation technique and several Bao Sheng talismans for prolonging life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not supremely precious, they were still remarkable for a man of Xie Tan’s standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the others, all gained something—none left empty-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet though the seal had been broken, the atmosphere grew no lighter; instead, it grew heavier, more oppressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if a storm was coming, making one feel breathless for no reason!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this about to turn into a fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xingcui gripped his sword, whispered a message to Yuan Fa, a flicker of anticipation on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, Chang Fa Su Xiao General—today I’ve truly seen something new!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the silence, Wang Xiu suddenly laughed aloud, fixing his gaze on Chen Hang:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder, True Person Chen, what are your plans after this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang, intrigued, replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does True Person Wang intend?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True Person Chen, your spiritual power I’ve witnessed firsthand. Unless absolutely necessary, I truly have no desire to clash with you now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xiu stroked his beard with a humble smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll surely meet again someday—let us part ways today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Wang Xiu turned to Xie Tan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Tan said nothing, his gaze deep and unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xingcui, seeing this, realized something was amiss and raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as he called out to Yuan Fa and was about to rise into the clouds, voice ready to speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a clear, metallic chime arose, distant yet approaching, carried by the wind like a tide washing over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a wondrous sight appeared in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of li away, amid misty incense and radiant auspicious light, a copper fish, entirely cast in bronze, mouth holding a fire bell, swam merrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind it trailed a long, shimmering stream of rosy clouds, like a silken ribbon slowly gliding over the mountain peaks…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fire Bell Copper Fish?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All cultivators present were astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nearly at the same moment, a blade of light erupted violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!” Clouds and mist exploded skyward, thundering across the heavens!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? How dare he?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xiu finally frowned, his face showing surprise for the first time—as if he couldn’t believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the howling gales, atop the snowy azure sky, a young Daoist in black robes and a golden crown was sheathing his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his palm, only a struggling copper fish, its mouth still clutching the bell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fire Bell Copper Fish… is this what it looks like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang murmured to himself, then lifted his eyelids, slowly scanning the ground beneath the clouds, and spoke softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I now intend to take this. Whoever opposes me, step forward and fight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon these words, all the Dan Yuan True Persons present turned pale, stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>",2717,"2026-06-19T22:30:06.574Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5f6ce2f248e888a7e064bfcbf898af8d4cc58888a1d2c792570d6d4bb2a7dad0","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-517","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-515",545,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-path-of-immortality-cover.jpg"]