Chapter 622

Chapter 622: Immortal Mountain Beyond the Heavens

"I see," Fang Lie nodded. "Where is Wuxiang Immortal Palace? I want to visit."

"It’s not that simple," Mo Qianxun chuckled. "The Seven Great Abysses are all mysterious. You can’t enter whenever you wish – timing is crucial. Wuxiang Immortal Palace resides in the Western Regions, having crashed down to create bizarre chaotic lands with distorted space and shattered earth forming floating islands above endless void. Violent spatial storms rage there daily. Even I would face danger entering with Ninth-Rank Treasure. Though damaged, it maintains immortal majesty – doors stay shut normally. Not even Semi-Immortals can force entry. We can only enter when it opens spontaneously."

"It opens by itself?" Fang Lie exclaimed. "Is someone alive controlling it?"

"Certainly no living beings," Mo Qianxun smiled. "We believe it’s the item spirit of some Immortal Artifact causing this. Likely incomplete, only following set patterns without other functions."

"When does it open?" Fang Lie pressed urgently.

"Unclear. Sometimes remaining closed for millennia, sometimes opening twice within decades," Mo Qianxun said wryly. "Duration varies too – expelling everyone after hours, or staying open over a century once. That long opening caused frenzy – countless treasures emerged. At least a hundred renowned Eighth-rank Treasures were forged from materials obtained then."

"Seems I’ll have to wait," Fang Lie sighed resignedly.

"Patience. The Dragon Palace approaches," Mo Qianxun grinned. "Opening within two years – we’re preparing! Actually, this explains why Zhu Xian and major sects haven’t fully engaged in war yet!"

"Why?" Fang Lie pressed.

"Dragon Palace ruins lie not in human territory, but Northern Sea demon domains," Mo Qianxun explained. "Northern Sea’s vast demon clans – strongest being Yaksha Sea Tribe, Jade Turtle Tribe, Overlord Tiger Sharks – all have Semi-Immortal-level Great Demons. Each rivals major sects in strength."

"These scoundrels claim descent from Dragon Palace generals, still calling themselves palace retainers. Thus they treat Dragon Palace as royal tomb. Though they plunder it themselves, outsiders are forbidden!" Mo Qianxun laughed. "Hence humans must gather massive power before daring approach Dragon Palace ruins!"

"Sounds like grave-robbing," Fang Lie remarked dryly.

"Nonsense!" Mo Qianxun retorted. "Dragon Palace was built by Dragon Clan! What claim do fish and turtles have? Truthfully, we humans have better inheritance rights!"

"How?" Fang Lie blinked. "Mo Sect ancestors had dragon blood?"

"Of course not. But Lanyun possesses a Dragon Turtle!" Mo Qianxun’s eyes twinkled. "Half-dragon bloodline gives better claim than sharks or turtles, no?"

"Fair point!" Fang Lie chuckled.

"But sea demons don’t negotiate. Before Dragon Palace openings, they assault human outposts near Wanxing Sea," Mo Qianxun turned serious. "Previously Mo Sect stayed distant, but since you established Qingyu Island outpost, it’s our responsibility. Since you’re free, guard Qingyu Island against sea demon assaults."

"Merely ‘guard’?" Fang Lie scoffed. "I’ll slaughter all invaders!"

"Child," Mo Qianxun rolled eyes. "Don’t make boasts you can’t fulfill."

"Boasts? With my strength and Qingyu Island’s defenses, I could withstand Semi-Immortal Great Demons!" Fang Lie retorted.

"Sea demons overwhelm through numbers, not quality. Their Semi-Immortals won’t bother with such trivialities," Mo Qianxun said gravely. "But their hordes will overwhelm you. Concentrated attacks on Qingyu Island would challenge even me without Wisdom Token! Imagine millions of Sixth-rank beasts – Nascent Soul True Immortal equivalents!"

"What?" Fang Lie gasped. "Millions of Sixth-rank beasts? Impossible!"

"Oceans dwarf landmass. Abundant resources sustain endless demons," Mo Qianxun shrugged. "I understate. Single major sea tribe with vassals brings such numbers. Multiple tribes united could topple major sects. Overseas Three Immortal Mountains survived attacks only through formidable protective arrays and mainland support."

"Impressive. I’ll witness this myself!" Fang Lei grinned. "After 25 years’ closed-door training, time for action!"

"First settle accounts with Xuan Sect," Mo Qianxun reminded. "They requested you collect items last year."

Fang Lie brightened. "The Netherworld Ghost Fire large treasure weapon?"

Decades prior, Fang Lie stole Ghost Realm Sect’s Eighth-rank Treasures. After returning others, remaining dozen Ghost Realm specialty treasures were given to Xuan Sect for fusion into single Eighth-rank large treasure weapon.

Xuan Sect’s Three Great Semi-Immortals personally undertook this twenty-year project. Fang Lie had nearly forgotten until now.

"I’ll visit home first, then Xuan Sect. Wait – where is Xuan Sect?"

Mo Qianxun chuckled. "Xuan Sect’s mountain gate isn’t ground-bound. Their Immortal Mountain Beyond the Heavens floats above Ninth Heavens amidst Fierce Heavenly Winds."

"Impossible!" Fang Lie cried. "Super sects need vast territories for Spiritual Energy and mountain-protection formations!"

"You underestimate Xuan Sect," Mo Qianxun laughed. "Their domain spans three million li, hovering beyond Ninth Heavens’ tempests."

"Astounding! How do I find it?"

"Use this." Mo Qianxun offered jade talisman. "Xuan Sect’s immortal talisman guides you. Channel Magic to sense direction, then fly endlessly."

"Pointless secrecy," Fang Lie snorted. "After visiting once, I’ll know their location."

"Impossible," Mo Qianxun countered. "The mountain shifts constantly under formations. Many Cultivators harvest Ninth Heavens winds yet none spied it."

"Then I’m privileged to witness this legend," Fang Lie grinned.

"Indeed. Even I lack invitation," Mo Qianxun admitted ruefully.

"Work harder then," Fang Lie teased, rising. "Time to reunite with siblings."

"Go. Mao Mao awaited you three years. Where does your romantic luck originate?" Mo Qianxun glared, displeased at his granddaughter’s husband dallying with his Core Inner Gate Disciple.

Fang Lie laughed heartily. "Must be my dashing looks! Many offer granddaughters – right, Sect Leader?"

"Begone!" Mo Qianxun roared, telekinetically hurling Fang Lie outside before anger overcame restraint.