Chapter 404

Chapter 404: Unknown Assault

The Jinyun Continent centered on the Jin Yun Domain, with the remaining eight domains surrounding it like stars encircling the moon.

So traveling from the Qinyuan Domain to the Jin Yun Domain wasn’t extremely long, but since it spanned two domains, their party of four took a full twenty days to arrive.

At a distance, they saw a vast, boundless mountain range seated on the land, shimmering with a hazy glow all around; white clouds drifted across a clear blue sky, creating a grand and majestic aura.

Within the mountain range, whose end was not visible at a glance, towering mountains stood dense as a forest, with peaks rising like Chengtian pillars from the earth; each peak was shrouded in mist, gleaming with light, radiating immense power and grandeur.

An ordinary person might never have climbed to the peak of any mountain there in their entire lifetime.

Master Ling An steered the flying boat, landing slowly before two massive peaks.

Those two peaks stood like gate pillars, silent and imposing, with a mountain gate positioned between them.

This mountain gate was located between the twin peaks, featuring a long staircase at its center.

The stairs, built of blue bricks, bore the memories of bygone years; the faint footprints silently recounted a glorious history.

Zhou Luo and his wife and daughter arrived at that mountain gate, where the air was clearer than it had been outside.

On both flanks of the peaks, they could see mountain streams, spirit birds singing, and even layered terraces growing spiritual rice and grains, resembling a paradise on earth.

This was still the outermost zone; entering deeper would likely reveal even more magnificent sights.

It was said that beneath the Wan Gu Sect lay a medium-sized spiritual vein, but this spiritual vein was Fourth Level, higher than the Qinyuan Sect’s Third Level.

The branches of that spiritual vein spread across the entire mountain range; in the outermost areas, one could likely only perceive First Level spiritual energy, but the more one moved inward, the thicker the spiritual energy became.

The group walked with steady steps toward the mountain gate, and the guarding disciples saw Master Ling An, each bowing respectfully.

"Take them to register," Master Ling An stated calmly.

"Yes, master."

Whoever it was, as long as they were entering the Wan Gu Sect for the first time, they had to undergo registration.

After the registration ended, Master Ling An raised his hand grandly, and a cloud manifested before him; he swiftly stepped onto it: "Let’s go."

Zhou Luo and his wife and daughter stepped onto that soft white cloud.

Huu—

The next instant, wind arose spontaneously, and the white cloud surged out, flying toward a single peak.

The surrounding scenery drifted slowly backward; Zhou Shixin blinked her beautiful eyes with curiosity, watching the spirit birds gliding through the misty clouds, the Spirit Beasts leaping across the mountain slopes, and the cultivators soaring through the air, her heart throbbing with excitement.

She spent her days in Zhou Fu, with nearly no exposure to the outside world.

Now, gazing upon such a vast expanse, her restless heart could no longer be suppressed.

The thought that she would now study cultivation in this broad region filled her with immense excitement.

Compared to her joy, Zhou Luo and Yao Wu looked more serious.

If Master Lieyang were still present, they wouldn’t have needed to be so grave; after all, regardless of circumstances, their lineage would have an elder figure for protection.

But now, Yao Wu’s lineage consisted solely of her as the last survivor, and even her own daughter had joined Master Ling An’s line.

Though the advantage this offered was that she held a Golden Core master’s protection for the time being.

But what about in the long run?

After all, the other party wasn’t from their branch, so who could guarantee he wouldn’t covet Yao Wu’s faction’s advantages?

One could say Yao Wu’s faction now resembled a little girl without clothes.

If you throw her before a group of rugged men, driven by human nature, who could stay composed?

Thus this journey proved far more arduous than anticipated.

Yao Wu involuntarily tightened her grip on Zhou Luo’s right hand and leaned closer to him.

Moments later, the white cloud drifted down, landing atop a mountain peak.

A cluster of buildings stood there. After Master Ling An touched down, a disciple who had been waiting for some time bowed respectfully: "Master."

This peak was likely Master Ling An’s spiritual abode. Zhou Luo turned his gaze towards the myriad mountains shrouded in dense mist, wondering if every peak here housed a Golden Core master.

If so, this Wan Gu Sect’s power would be truly terrifying.

Upon second thought, Zhou Luo felt it impossible.

If this were true, the Wan Gu Sect could rival the Huoyun Country’s imperial family.

"Xuanqing, find lodgings for these two," ordered Master Ling An, before turning to address Zhou Luo and the others: "You must accompany me to see the sect leader. We must await the final decision."

Yao Wu nodded respectfully.

Master Ling An then waved his hand, transforming into a streak of light that whisked Yao Wu away, flying off towards the main peak veiled in dense immortal mist.

After his departure, the disciple named Xuanqing looked at Zhou Luo. Sensing Foundation Establishment energy emanating from him, Xuanqing clasped his hands respectfully: "May I inquire of the unknown friend’s honorable name?"

For those within Foundation Establishment, it was customary to address one another as friends.

Despite being a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, Xuanqing remained remarkably humble before Zhou Luo, devoid of any arrogance.

"I am Zhou Luo. Friend Xuanqing, we greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter," Zhou Luo responded.

Xuanqing smiled faintly: "Since Master entrusted this task, I shall fulfill it. Both of you, follow me."

Having spoken, he turned and strode towards that cluster of buildings.

Zhou Shixin edged closer to Zhou Luo, whispering: "Father, where did Mother go?"

Zhou Luo reassured her gently: "No need for worry. She went to settle certain matters. We’ll wait for her there."

This cluster of buildings was immense. Ancient-style structures met the eye—some single-floored, others five or six stories tall.

Disciples garbed in Wan Gu Sect attire occasionally traversed the area, Gu artifacts hanging at their waists. Some even had Gu insects crawling on their shoulders, radiating ominous energy.

Zhou Luo observed these structures while brushing past Gu masters. An unusual odor lingered in the air—not harsh, but potent enough for a First Level Gu master like him to detect its subtle influence on one’s psyche.

This signified these Gu masters habitually handled mind-confusing Gu insects, prompting Zhou Luo to heighten his vigilance.

"Friend Zhou, come this way," said Xuanqing, gesturing invitingly.

It was an unremarkable residence, sprawling in size with inner and outer courtyards.

Zhou Luo acknowledged with a nod and led his daughter inside.

Beyond the outer courtyard corridor lay a garden. Zhou Luo traversed a path paved with plain blue bricks, walking towards the inner courtyard.

Just then, alertness flared within him. He froze, instinctively unleashing his mental strength.

Through his senses, he glimpsed an imperceptible figure darting stealthily towards him.

It was a top-tier Gu insect.

Zhou Luo’s eyes darkened; he’d planned to intercept it. But abruptly recalling something else, he dissipated the force gathering within, allowing the Gu insect’s approach.

Moments later, the Gu insect latched onto him, slipping through his clothing seams and vanishing.