Chapter 40

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Chapter 40

That night, Ji Yang secretly summoned Master Yan to show him the frozen Paper Person.

Yan Fangji remembered when Gong Wu rushed up behind him and clapped her hands. Today, seeing that large ice block with the thin Paper Person trapped inside, his face turned pale.

This time, he openly observed the Jin Yan Tuo lucky formation with his fellow sect members, but he also followed Master Ancestor’s order to secretly investigate the plague.

With this Paper Person, past matters concerning Tu Xuisheng seemed ready to be uncovered.

"Let’s discuss this in detail when we return to the valley." He accepted the ice block and carefully stored the clue. "There are many eyes in the capital; we mustn’t alert the snake by stirring the grass."

Gong Wu agreed and took her leave after bidding farewell to the two elders.

She and Ji Yang closed Master’s door and could still vaguely hear Master talking to Master Yan.

"Senior brother, don’t sleep upstairs tonight."

"What for?"

"I’m so scared!!"

Yan Fangji felt both angered and amused in the room. "You’re over a hundred years old! You haven’t grown at all; you’re just like my son, afraid of ghosts!"

"Hey, that’s outrageous!"

Gong Wu looked towards Ji Yang, who shushed her, and together they walked toward the resting area.

The starry night was bright, and the light illuminated the halls like snow.

Ji Yang walked ahead, his sleeves fluttering in the wind, gradually exuding some immortal aura.

Gong Wu followed for a few steps, then suddenly stopped, watching him walk further away.

She used to not understand why her senior brother received so many marriage invitations.

Later, because of her immortality, she received a matchmaking letter herself, leading other palaces to jokingly say that Tianhua Palace should be renamed Peach Blossom Palace.

At this moment, just looking at his silhouette felt like watching him step into the depths of the starry sea.

His spine straight like bamboo, his profile graceful like the wind, mixed with some worldly charm, captivated her in a moment of daze.

Just then, Ji Yang turned around and saw Gong Wu looking disappointed. He gently asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Gong Wu came back to herself, smiling and shaking her head, pretending to feel sleepy.

"I caught a few fireflies earlier and fed them with honey water, placing them in a silk bag." She took out the prepared small firefly lamp from her sleeve and handed it to the young man. "At night, as the fireflies sway, they might bring you sweet dreams and help you sleep better."

Ji Yang accepted the gift, looking down to examine it before gazing at her again.

"I really like it."

Gong Wu smiled and nodded, bidding him good night.

The next day, at an auspicious hour, the Sect gathered in the elegant room of the Bamboo Theatre, all eyes fixed on the assistants as they presented two exquisite boxes, each containing a treasured spirit weapon of the highest rank belonging to the junior brothers and sisters.

Although Ji Yang had mentioned the general situation earlier, Hua Tingxiao was still quite surprised today.

"You, an assistant, are able to run such a shop?!"

Tu Xuixin lightly coughed and pulled him aside.

"Don’t you notice? The other assistants all appear to be decades older. Yet, this young-looking assistant can conceal his spiritual energy and bone structure, making it impossible to gauge his true depth."

"Even if he’s a hundred years old, I doubt that together, you and I could match his age."

Hua Tingxiao glanced at him a few times, hissing in surprise.

"No wonder we haven’t seen the shopkeeper here—he’s no ordinary person!"

The young assistant continued to smile as he served tea, behaving no differently from the others performing menial tasks.

"Please, both of you, open the boxes and see if the new enhancements are to your liking!"

Du Ren was too captivated by the items to pay attention to snacks or tea, exclaiming in astonishment.

"This is a spirit weapon of the highest rank!"

"Tianhua Palace not only has one but two of them!"

Looking around Moonfire Valley, the last one to possess such a high-ranked spirit weapon was the Master Ancestor!

Gong Wu focused on the umbrella box, her heart racing as she untied the strings.

Before she could lift the lid, the spiritual energy already began to merge through the gap, like a bird spreading its wings or a fish reclaiming its long tail!

The crane umbrella retained its original form, but the painted designs were now finely detailed with gold, and spirit jade had been carved into delicate feathers attached to the crane’s wings, with the red dot on its eye particularly striking.

All the talismans and formations were cleverly hidden in inconspicuous places; although the umbrella’s ribs and frame had been reforged, they remained light and easy to handle.

It was as if frost and mist surrounded her; when she unfurled the umbrella, her surroundings became refreshingly cool.

"It feels slightly heavier than before," the assistant remarked, clearly pleased with the finished product. "But if you use it for a few days, you’ll definitely notice the difference."

"Each rib has been modified into a hidden weapon, and it can be triggered multiple times by your spiritual energy."

"When faced with distant foes, this umbrella can help you release your magic and block danger."

"If you are ambushed, the umbrella can spin to become both a shield and a weapon, capable of slicing through half a cow with one turn!"

Gong Wu hugged the spirit umbrella tightly and kissed it, so enchanted she could hardly speak.

It seemed like a perfect match for her, their spiritual energies syncing flawlessly.

After she admired the crane umbrella, the assistant turned to Ji Yang with eager anticipation.

"Dear guest, please take a look at your fan."

Ji Yang raised his hand to open the box, and Ji Kai, intrigued, laughed heartily, "You junior brothers and sisters look quite well-matched."

"One with an umbrella, the other with a fan—did you plan to enjoy some shade together this summer?"

Hua Tingxiao stepped on his foot, "Your junior brother Ji Yang follows the Path of Emotionless—quit the teasing!"

Du Ren silently gazed over, her heart filled with envy for Tianhua Palace… Their bonds seemed so harmonious.

Ji Yang offered no rebuttal; with ease, he retrieved the qilin fan and unfurled it before the gathered crowd. Indeed, every corner and spine of the fan had been meticulously enhanced, with arcane inscriptions subtly woven into its fabric, amplifying its ability to shatter barriers and vanquish foes.

With a few effortless flicks, the spiritual energy was unleashed with such precision and ferocity that it conjured a gust more formidable than ever before. This magical fan, already of celestial grade at its inception, had garnered accolades from the artisans of the Demon Realm, who lauded the spirit-enhancing craftsmanship of the Bamboo Theatre in the human capital. They had even entrusted Ji Yang with the remnants of the meteorite stone to deliver.

"Behold, behold!" exclaimed the assistant, proudly presenting the frost and fire spirit weapons side by side. "Those meteorite fragments are of unparalleled quality; I ensured they would yield this magnificent effect!"

The frost crane umbrella and the qilin fan each radiated their own spiritual luminescence, but when united, they shimmered with a dazzling starlight, as if the artisan had whimsically scattered stars upon them.

"Individually, each spirit weapon can exhibit a faint starry brilliance, though it’s barely perceptible under the sun’s glare," the assistant explained, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the spectacle before him.

He counted himself fortunate to have intercepted the young cultivator before the esteemed guests departed, securing their consent to enhance the spirit weapons, thus crafting a pair of timeless treasures.

"When these two spirit weapons are aligned, one can witness the celestial river’s glow; such a pair is unparalleled in history!" he proclaimed.

"Imagine the spectacle if you were to strike in unison; your magical prowess would likely amplify manifold, with the might to level mountains!"

"Enough," Master Hua interjected with a sigh. "You’re making me salivate."

"This is simply too exquisite…" Du Ren murmured, leaning in to scrutinize the intricate craftsmanship along the edges. "What would it cost to craft a spirit weapon like this?"

The assistant gestured with both hands, indicating a substantial sum. "This much."

Du Ren turned to Master Hua, her eyes pleading. "Master!!!"

Master Hua tugged at her sleeve. "Don’t look at me!! I desire one as well!!"

Over the past fortnight, the group had roamed the capital, finalizing arrangements for the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly. Bao Pu Mansion had openly extended its friendship, while Satin Red Workshop had warmly welcomed all. Moonfire Valley, a once obscure sect, had secured a prestigious position to observe the proceedings.

On the first of June, a lengthy scroll was displayed at the entrance of Satin Red Workshop, listing all participants. Thirty sects from across the realm had each sent three representatives, totaling ninety individuals vying for their sect’s honor.

Two weeks prior, various sects had begun arriving in the capital, most lodging in the specially prepared estate of Satin Red Workshop, while a few sought their own accommodations, initiating early assessments of each other’s strengths.

On the day of the assembly, Satin Red Workshop hosted a grand evening banquet, inviting the thirty immortal sects to partake in a toast. From noon onwards, disciples of various masters entered the workshop and were escorted to their designated positions in the main hall, where old friends and acquaintances engaged in lively conversation, rekindling connections.

The Moonfire Valley contingent arrived half an hour early for the feast, only to find themselves among the later arrivals, gazing in awe at the illuminated streets. Everywhere, cultivators in diverse robes mingled, and occasionally, monks in various cassocks could be seen.

Heroes from across the world had converged here, creating a scene reminiscent of a bustling evening promenade of hundreds of Daoists!

Before their departure, Master Yan had meticulously reviewed every detail, emphasizing the importance of upholding Moonfire Valley’s reputation. The little black phoenix, emitting a faint demonic energy, was safely ensconced within the barrier of the inn room, spared from the need to be carried along.

Master Yan had scrutinized everyone’s attire and accessories, ensuring they were neither overly lavish nor unduly modest, and had even rehearsed their responses in advance.

Fortunately, the situation was not as complicated as they had anticipated.

Thirty Immortal Sects had gathered at the scene, and most of them were unfamiliar with one another; even exchanging greetings was awkward due to the uncertainty of seniority.

The smaller sects, aware of their role as mere supporting players, were content with the prospect of making it into the top sixty, which they considered a stroke of great fortune. Their minds were at ease.

In contrast, disciples from the six major sects arrived in large groups, making them easily recognizable.

Bao Pu Mansion, Zhi Bai Guan, Jin Yan Tuo, Ba Jing Tower, Great Wuxiang Temple…

But the true highlight was the beautiful female cultivators from Satin Red Workshop.

Whether they practiced dance or music, their graceful figures and flowing garments caught everyone’s eye, their vibrant presence resembling a field of blooming flowers.

The banquet was a joyous occasion for both guests and hosts. After several rounds of drinks, Qin Cuohua, the owner of Satin Red Workshop, stepped forward once more and offered a ceremonial bow to the assembled crowd.

“At noon tomorrow, the competition will begin. I trust everyone has been preparing for this moment for quite some time.”

“Here, I, Qin, have the honor of announcing the rewards for this year’s event, as entrusted by the elders of various sects.”

“The top ten sects will receive a secret edition of the ‘Nine Flower Array Manual’ from Jin Yan Tuo, a set of ‘Grand Ascension Pill’ scriptures from Bao Pu Mansion, and a blessed pearl bracelet from Great Wuxiang Temple.”

These rewards were already rare treasures, but the hundreds in attendance held their breath, eagerly awaiting the announcement of even greater prizes.

Qin Cuohua, noticing their anticipation, continued with a graceful smile, “In addition to the above, the top five sects will also receive a measure of South Sea fish oil, a scoop of Tianshan ice jade, and a single flower from Night Poison Mountain.”

Before her words had fully settled, the crowd could no longer contain their excitement.

“What?! Even the top five will receive such treasures?!”

This year’s rewards were truly generous, and it seemed the challenges would be even more daunting than in previous years!

Amid the lively chatter, the three Palace Lords sat together, whispering to their disciples.

“Let’s show some determination,” Master Hua encouraged. “Let’s aim for the top five. Ren, that Tianshan ice jade is an exceptional material for crafting weapons!”

Du Ren’s smile faltered slightly. “But you told me yesterday that participation was what mattered.”

“Participation is important,” Master Yan interjected with a solemn tone. “But you three must take care of your health. Don’t end up like my disciple, who carelessly strained his energy.”

Ji Kai chuckled bitterly, his envy evident.

If only he had achieved a breakthrough at the right time, he would surely be competing tomorrow!

What a pity!

Before the murmurs could die down, Qin Cuohua raised her sleeve, signaling for silence.

“For those who secure third place, Satin Red Workshop will personally present a pair of Heavenly Grade Double Swords!”

The crowd erupted in excitement, their enthusiasm palpable.

Heavenly Grade spirit weapons!! Crafted by Satin Red Workshop’s finest artisans!!

Goodness, the ninety participants must be ready to fight tooth and nail for this!

Gong Wu, curious, tugged lightly on her master’s sleeve.

“Didn’t the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly offer rewards in the past? Why is everyone so thrilled this time?”

“Each host has their own style when it comes to rewards,” Tu Xuixin replied casually. “When I arrived, I asked your Grandfather Yan about it. Apparently, when Zhi Bai Guan hosted last time, they handed out several bottles of spiritual pills, but the winners were too cautious to consume them recklessly.”

“And before that, Jin Yan Tuo simply offered heaps of gold. That was truly extravagant. Even now, friends from other sects still reminisce about it with a hint of envy.”

“But when it comes to thoughtfulness, Satin Red Workshop truly stands out.” He glanced at Qin Cuohua in the hall, his expression filled with admiration. “This time, she borrowed flowers to offer to the Buddha; several of the rewards were the result of negotiations with various sects, yet she managed to satisfy everyone.”

Amid the clamor, Qin Cuohua continued, “The runner-up will receive a pair of Celestial realm spirit frogs, perfect for refining medicine or enhancing spirit weapons.”

“As for the first place…” She took a deep breath, aware that the hundreds present were on the edge of their seats, “Jin Yan Tuo will personally bestow a lucky formation. All necessary formation treasures and tools are ready and will be set up in front of the hall tomorrow to aid the champion!”

Her announcement sent the sober disciples to their feet, cheering wildly.

Each reward, if merely written down, might only stir quiet admiration.

But as Qin Cuohua announced them, the rewards seemed almost within reach, tantalizingly close!

With such treasures at stake, who wouldn’t be tempted? Who wouldn’t strive with all their might to win?

Most of those not competing enjoyed a hearty feast that night, eagerly discussing the topic.

Meanwhile, the ninety competitors for the next day wore varied expressions; many felt the pressure, their faces betraying their anxiety.

—If it were just about claiming a title, smaller sects might have participated half-heartedly.

This year’s Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly took the rewards to a new level, making it the most remarkable in centuries.

Not only was there the Supreme Fortune formation for the first place, but the second prize of a pair of living Celestial realm spirit frogs was a treasure many sects could only dream of!

That night, many buildings remained lit, as strategic discussions went on late into the night.

The Moonfire Valley team stayed at the inn, having overindulged at dinner and spent half an hour admiring lanterns at Satin Red Workshop before returning.

Master Yan advised, “Get to bed early; a good rest is crucial.”

Palace Lord Hua remained optimistic, “Children, aim for the top ten tomorrow! Make your Master and Uncle proud!”

Tu Xuixin chuckled, “I told you to eat less! Don’t forget to take a hot bath tonight; I’ve already tipped the waiter!”

The next morning, the grand hall of Satin Red Workshop opened wide. Thirty teams of disciples stood in order according to the roster.

Other masters and disciples stood at the periphery, still trying to understand the day’s challenge.

Once the lineup was set, those adorned with Celestial Stairs spirit weapons stood out.

—After all, those were glowing treasures!

Observers both inside and outside the hall counted and discussed.

“Bao Pu Mansion is truly impressive… they’ve brought a disciple with a Celestial Stairs spirit weapon!”

“Hey, what about Jin Yan Tuo’s team?”

“Are you kidding? Jin Yan Tuo isn’t participating this year; they secured the sixth place with that formation!”

“Wow! Look, the top disciple from Satin Red Workshop also wields a Celestial Stairs spirit weapon!”

The crowd buzzed as they counted from the front, spotting only four spirit weapons in the first half of the team.

Then, they reached the three from Moonfire Valley.

—Are you serious?!

Who are these three?! Why do two of them have Celestial Stairs spirit weapons?!

Not only did the spectators notice this rarity, but the competing disciples also couldn’t help but focus on Gong Wu and Ji Yang’s spirit weapons.

Half their minds were on the upcoming challenges, while the other half was captivated by the gleaming weapons.

—Is that truly a spirit weapon?! Which sect could be so ruthless as to deploy such a thing?

This year has indeed seen the arrival of many formidable figures; it’s truly extraordinary!!

The Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly has always maintained strict secrecy, with all participants bound by spiritual bonds to prevent any leakage of the topics discussed at each gathering.

Moreover, with each change of host, the method of presenting topics also shifts, rendering even knowledge of topics from one or two centuries ago largely irrelevant today.

Qin Cuohua stood at the eastern position, her voice amplified by spiritual energy, clear and resonant.

“An elder once taught that the diligent pursuit of the immortal path is for the purpose of saving the world and aiding others.”

“The incantations have chronicled numerous instances of gods and buddhas descending to the mortal realm to fulfill their destinies; I’m certain you’ve all heard of these tales.”

“I have specially unveiled a spiritual treasure for all the sect disciples to behold: the ‘Origins of Various Immortals’!”

With a graceful wave of her hand, a scroll ascended from the offering table and gradually unfurled, expanding from a mere half-arm’s width to encircle half the hall.

The painting flowed like a river, each scene a masterful depiction of historical events, with characters rendered in both spirit and form.

“This painting records many events; what I present to you now is the ‘Yun Jun Dragon’s Chart.’”

“Celestials often assume mortal forms to assist those destined for the throne, repeatedly achieving great deeds.”

“I invite you all to immerse yourselves in this painting and experience it firsthand, aiding the imperial cause as if you were immortals guiding the way!”

“Master Qin,” the Daoist from Zhi Bai Guan interjected loudly, “Yun Jun lived to the age of eighty-nine; do you expect these disciples to endure within this painting for ninety years before emerging?”

“Indeed, indeed…”

“How can we judge this? There’s no way to compete!”

Qin Cuohua smiled slightly, well-prepared for such questions.

“Please allow me to continue.”

With a flick of her sleeve, a long scroll unfurled, revealing four interconnected images.

“The previous dynasty’s Yun Jun endured four great tribulations and thirty-two minor tribulations in his lifetime.”

“I have selected the four most poignant great tribulations from his life for all of you to experience.”

“I will now elucidate each one in detail.”

The four images flowed seamlessly together, their ink strokes creating a cohesive narrative.

‘Woodshed Night Candle,’ ‘Hanging Pot Calamity,’ ‘Thousand Armies Crossing Life,’ ‘Cutting Emotion Tyrant Chart.’

In the first image, a child diligently studies beneath the woodshed while an immortal holds a candle and speaks with confidence, capturing a moment of enlightenment.

“The favored concubine of the old dynasty was consumed by jealousy and cruelty, leading to the deaths of many heirs.”

“Only a maid gave birth in the woodshed, carefully concealed by other concubines, and the child grew up disguised as a little eunuch.”

“At that time, the immortal transformed into a eunuch, secretly instructing him in lessons and imparting the Dao’s teachings and poetry, enabling the young prince to achieve success.”

“Later, when the emperor discovered he had another young son, he embraced him and joyfully questioned his studies, filled with surprise and tears of admiration.”

This is the ‘Woodshed Night Candle Chart,’ which illustrates the tribulation of a childhood deprived of education.

Yun Junxi lived under the shadow of death from an early age, never daring to cry out in sorrow. From the time he could remember, he had worn the garments of a little eunuch.

He was barred from the study room and unable to attend private school, relying solely on his mother to teach him the basics of reading and writing.

But with an immortal secretly guiding him, he was able to keep pace with any royal child.

He read extensively and was highly perceptive; when he first met his biological father, he spoke with such eloquence that it was clear he was a capable child destined for greatness.

From that point onward, Yun Junxi’s fate ascended rapidly, bringing blessings to both his birth mother and adoptive mother, allowing them to enjoy their later years in peace.

Qin Cuohua lifted her sleeves, causing the spiritual scroll on the table to transform into a jade pendant that landed in her hand.

“This jade pendant only requires a surge of spiritual energy to repeatedly reveal the specific details of Yun Jun’s four tribulations.”

“Since none of the disciples here have achieved Ascension to Immortality, they will form teams of three individuals to enter this painting and personally experience the Emperor’s four tribulations, aiding him in his life’s journey.”

“If anyone feels they have resolved matters early, they can chant the spell to have the scroll automatically simulate the subsequent events.”

“If the tribulation is successfully navigated ahead of time, the scroll will guide you into the second, third, and finally the fourth tribulation, leading you out of the painting.”

A Master from an outside sect raised his voice,

“So, each team is timed separately to see who can help the Emperor succeed the fastest?”

“Yes.”

“Can the three disciples assume any roles they choose within the illusion?”

“Correct,” Qin Cuohua smiled. “If there are overly bizarre or erratic actions, the scroll will be unable to simulate the subsequent events and will expel the three disciples from the painting prematurely.”

“But if a tribulation isn’t successfully completed, can we go back and assist him again?”

“No, there is only one chance.”

After several rounds of questions and answers, Hua Tingxiao had grasped the situation clearly.

“What she means is that if we accompany the Emperor through the tribulations at a normal pace, we can adjust our responses as needed until everything is settled before moving on to the next tribulation.”

“However… there is also the option to swiftly handle everything and then let the scroll accelerate the simulation.”

“If we truly resolve matters early, the speed-up will allow us to skip over irrelevant events, saving a great deal of time.”

“—The team with the shortest time spent navigating the tribulations wins!”

“Acceleration doesn’t allow for turning back,” Yan Fangji said, frowning and shaking his head. “Pursuing speed alone could lead to failure, causing us to be ejected from the scroll prematurely.”

He glanced toward the long line of teams, his concerns deepening.

“At present, it doesn’t seem too perilous, but the Dragon’s four tribulations… that is a task meant for gods.”

When the time arrived, thirty jade pendants transformed from the spiritual scrolls and landed in the hands of the leaders of each team. The painting dissolved into a swirling whirlpool of ink that slowly expanded.

“Each team may enter at their own pace,” Qin Cuohua said with a smile. “The total time limit is fifteen days. If you exceed that, I will personally bring you out, so there’s no need to worry about being trapped in the painting.”

With a wave of her hand, several teams of disciples eagerly rushed into the painting, unwilling to waste even a moment.

Other teams found quiet spots to discuss strategies, their expressions serious.

They opened the spiritual scrolls in advance to confirm the specifics of the Emperor’s four tribulations, contemplating the fastest and most reliable assistance methods.

Amidst the clamor, Du Ren adjusted her sword and checked her medicine pouch to ensure everything was in order.

Gong Wu gazed at the swirling ink of the ancient painting and tightened her grip on the jade pendant, taking a step forward.

“Let’s enter first, identify the crux of the matter, and then decide on our strategy.”

Ji Yang quickly scanned the spiritual scroll and murmured, “I have a risky idea.”

“You say,” Du Ren nervously rubbed her hands, “should we just chop off that wicked concubine’s head?”

“No,” Ji Yang tilted his head slightly, looking at Gong Wu. “I think the young prince can pass the first tribulation through hard study on his own.”

“A good teacher is merely the icing on the cake.”