The arrival of the flying ship seized the attention of most onlookers. This colossal object hovered about 150 meters above the ground, then forty cultivators from the Sect's Mountain Gate disembarked, descending toward the earth. The Golden Elixir cultivators, of course, had no problem with this. Even those like Yu Ci, who could not manipulate flying instruments, had their own means to avoid a disastrous fall.
However, at such a moment, Lichen Sect, one of the world's renowned sects, had to display some prowess. An unknown senior brother silently summoned a smoke-screening Magical Instrument, which gently lowered all forty individuals to the ground as if they were riding on clouds and mist.
This grand entrance certainly made a powerful first impression. There were a few other groups of forty around, but none were equipped like the Lichen Sect. Fifteen Golden Elixir cultivators gathered under the banner of the Lichen Sect, all of them outstanding figures, exuding an aura unmatched by ordinary people.
However, the sensation did not last long. The cultivators from the Three Mountains and Five Peaks, most of whom were accomplished in the Sword Way, were quite rebellious. When they gathered, it was truly a surge of Sword Energy. The cultivators of Lichen Sect had no intention of dominating the scene; instead, they wished to blend in.
Figures like Hua Xifeng and Li Hong might not be world-renowned, but they held significant status within specific circles. As soon as the first person greeted them, a variety of greetings poured in, both friendly and malicious. It was impressive how well Hua, Li, and others managed these interactions. Those without the patience, like Wang Jiu, simply wore a cold expression, refusing to engage with anyone.
At this moment, someone hurried over and respectfully greeted the senior brothers. Yu Ci was a bit puzzled and learned from Li You that this was a disciple sent by the sect earlier. Even though the Sword Garden had been established many calamities ago and people had been sent there, within the Broken Realm Mountain Range, the Lichen Sect was still the landlord. For such a grand event, preparations had to be made in advance.
People like Yu Ci only needed to conserve their energy. The miscellaneous tasks were handled by these disciples, who had already arranged for everyone's campsites and were now inviting them over.
Led by the disciple, they arrived at the foot of a mountain surrounded by several others. They saw a gate made entirely of jade, with the words "White Cloud Manor" inscribed in golden letters. It was very eye-catching. Passing through the gate, Yu Ci saw dozens of buildings scattered among the mountains, with clear streams and small bridges, surrounded by trees. The flickering lights made the scene very elegant, even at night.
Stunned by the grandeur, Yu Ci was at a loss for words. "This is our Sect's high-quality magic weapon, the White Cloud Map!" Li You said casually, but with a hint of pride. "This Magical Instrument can be spread out as a dwelling or rolled up as a painting. Depending on the landscape, it can be arranged differently every time. It also has a Mountain Guarding Formation, which is very handy. It's convenient and safe here, making it an essential item for traveling monks. Unfortunately, our Sect only has five such Magical Instruments. Except for grand occasions like this, we never get to use them."
Yu Ci couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the enduring sect. However, the leisurely Zhang Yan trailing behind didn't say a word. He just patted Yu Ci on the shoulder, signaling him to look at another peak on their side.
As the night deepened, Yu Ci, though sharp-eyed, could not discern clearly amidst the vast shadows of the mountains. He could only vaguely perceive the flying eaves seemingly suspended in the air on the distant peak, a few points of light suggesting some sort of structure.
“That is the Heartless Palace, the ultimate chamber of the Northern Land Demon Gate. It surpasses the White Cloud Pavilion in many ways. After the Demonic Sect split, it fell into the hands of the Ice Snow Demon Palace, a branch of the sect. The people there are heartless and unfeeling. If you encounter them in the Sword Garden, be extremely cautious.”
Yu Ci was taken aback, but he nodded in response. Zhang Yan added, “On the peak to the left, where the waterfall still flows despite the weather, that’s not seasonally appropriate. It must be the Jade Water Garden of the Jade Purification Alliance. Earlier, I also spotted the mirage of the Sea Shell Tower of Half Mountain Island. The characters here are likely to be quite formidable.”
At this point, Yu Ci understood Zhang Yan's intention. He was reminding him not to underestimate the heroes of the world because of the power of the Lichen Sect. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, a voice chuckled.
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“What Zhang Yan said is quite insightful. Ah Ci, you should take it to heart.”
Yu Ci’s heart jolted, and he turned around in shock. “Taoist Yu!”
Beneath the archway, a figure emerged. His eyebrows were white as snow, his Taoist robe adorned with a sword. His spirit was vibrant, it was Yu Zhou.
At this point, half of the disciples from the Sect's Mountain Gate had passed through the archway, yet none had noticed when Yu Zhou had arrived. Taken by surprise, they turned around. Recognizing Yu Zhou, those familiar with him greeted him warmly. Those who had joined later and had not seen him before, after being nudged by their companions, realized the identity of this Old Taoist Priest and also paid their respects.
Yu Zhou was accustomed to such scenes, his expression unchanged. He flicked his robe and said, “According to calculations, the Sword Garden will open the day after tomorrow. However, this is not certain. The fluctuations of the Primordial Qi in the surrounding area have been quite intense recently. If there is a trigger, it could be activated at any time. You should prepare yourselves and go to the retreat to conserve your energy.”
Only then did Yu Ci realize that Yu Zhou was the chief steward sent by the Sect's Mountain Gate to oversee various external affairs of the Sword Garden. This was a pleasant surprise. The Sword Garden was located in the northwest of the Broken Realm Mountain Range, while the Still Heart Temple was in the southwest, a distance of more than a hundred thousand miles. It was impressive how the Sect could manage such logistics.
"Yes, thank you for your concern, Uncle Master Yu."
Hua Xifeng paid his respects to Yu Zhou very respectfully, and after bowing, he headed towards the retreat. A few disciples just looked at Yu Zhou, but were pulled away by their peers.
Yu Zhou then walked over to Yu Ci and his two companions who were lagging behind. He glanced at Yu Ci's face a few times, satisfied, he laughed, "Ah Ci, your cultivation has indeed improved. You didn't waste your time in the Sect's Mountain Gate."
He kept calling him "Ah Ci", which sounded like he was calling a girl. This was the new nickname the Old Daoist gave Yu Ci when he last visited the Still Heart Temple, making them seem closer. Yu Ci initially found it awkward, but then he found it pleasing and replied with a smile, "I dare not disappoint the expectations of my elders."
Yu Zhou looked at Li You and Zhang Yan. Both were quite familiar with him and had paid their respects. Li You was one thing, but when it came to Zhang Yan, Yu Zhou praised, "Despite the ups and downs, your ambition remains undiminished. That's rare indeed."
As he spoke, he proceeded towards the monastery with the three of them, inquiring about Yu Ci's cultivation at the Sect's Mountain Gate. Listening, he nodded repeatedly. Yu Ci didn't say much, but it was Li You who chattered away, his words flowing freely and vividly. Especially when he spoke of things he had witnessed firsthand in the Spirit Sky Pavilion, his narration was richly detailed, prompting Yu Zhou to nod in agreement:
"Mr. Zhu's expertise in Talisman is already at the master level. Junior Brother Jie has certainly contributed to earning his favor, but your destiny method is truly remarkable."
A rare interest piqued in Zhang Yan, and he voiced a question that had been on his mind: "I've heard that Old Master Zhu is not a disciple of my Lichen Sect."
"That is indeed the case."
Yu Zhou didn't attempt to hide the truth: "Mr. Zhu is actually a true disciple of a certain Northern Great Sect. That Sect was decimated by a Demonic Cataclysm in the last disaster, with nearly all its members killed. Mr. Zhu was fortunate enough to escape and sought refuge under our Lichen Sect. Unfortunately, during the Four Nine Heavy Tribulations, he was severely injured and has been bedridden ever since. His current cultivation level may not even be one-tenth of what it once was."
To Zhang Yan and the rest of the fourth-generation disciples, this was quite a revelation. Li You pondered and said, "The only Northern Great Sect that was destroyed in the last disaster would be the Shangqing Sect, right?"
"Shangqing Sect?" Yu Ci thought of the "Shangqing Star Secret Talisman Book" and remembered that Old Master Zhu had mentioned this name when he introduced it.
Li You continued: "The Shangqing Sect was indeed a major faction in the north, with a prominent reputation. Even the current leader of the Jade Purification Alliance, the Clear Void Moral Sect, was somewhat inferior to it. The extermination of the Shangqing Sect in the last disaster was a shocking event. The Shangqing Sect was famous for its spiritual preservation, talismans, and spells... Ah, that explains it."
"Yes, indeed, that explains it."
Yu Ci touched his nose and gave a bitter smile. He had been so careless as to talk about practicing swordsmanship in front of such a Master of Symbolic Arts, ignoring his good intentions, and getting a good beating for it. He certainly deserved it.
Everyone burst into hearty laughter, and even Yu Zhou, usually a dignified elder, laughed uproariously. Yu Ci always felt quite at ease around Yu Zhou, but as he was laughing, a thought struck him. Just as he was about to speak, the ground beneath them shook. Turning around, they saw a column of grey smoke rising from beyond the arch, expanding instantly into a pillar connecting heaven and earth. The rumbling sound echoed throughout the universe.
At this moment, the disciples of the Lichen Sect behind the arch, who were halfway up the mountain path, turned around in surprise at the sound.
Yu Zhou frowned slightly, then turned his gaze back to Yu Ci and the others: "There is a celestial anomaly, the Sword Garden is about to open. Are you all prepared?"
...