Chapter 52
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Chapter 52
The old woman was not jesting.
Declaring her intent to dig for bamboo shoots, she transformed leaves into a long shovel with a flick of her hand, targeting the tender shoots that thrive after a thunderstorm.
Night had fallen, and though the monk had not lit any lamps, the courtyard was bathed in moonlight. In the twilight, several spiritual fires hovered nearby, casting a soft blue glow on the mountain mist.
Kan Jixuan fashioned the mountain mud into a bright yellow lantern, instructing Gong Wu to carry it for illumination.
The monk’s carefully cultivated purple bamboo stood tall and elegant, while the tender shoots appeared fresh and succulent.
These were undoubtedly treasures meant to be stir-fried with cured meat on the very day of their harvest; even a day’s delay would mar their perfection.
The young pair dared not disturb the monk’s bamboo shoots.
But Kan Jixuan was extremely efficient; with a few strong pulls, she uprooted and tossed a large basket of thunder bamboo shoots. The old monk called from behind the wall, “Leave some for me!”
“Old monk,” Kan Jixuan wrinkled her nose, “With such good thunder bamboo shoots, you don’t even invite your guests to taste them?”
“I didn’t know you were coming,” Wang Jin recited, “Amitabha.” “You, a demon, keep coming to me, a monk, to mooch food—what nonsense!”
Gong Wu spotted a kite flying back and quickly ran over to borrow it.
The old lady focused on digging bamboo shoots and turned her back to her, saying, “What did your Master Ancestor say?”
Gong Wu was still opening the letter when the monk chimed in again, “They have prepared fried meat and rice wine, waiting for you to enjoy.”
“You should thank them for saving the disciple with the surname Ji and for leading them into the mountains to train.”
The letter unfolded precisely as written.
Although Gong Wu felt happy with the outcome, she exchanged a surprised glance with Ji Yang.
—Why had the Sect suddenly lifted the restrictions and dared to interact with her?
Although it seemed that few people knew that Grandma Kan was the owner of Northern Soul Abyss…
The entrance to Soul Cliff, along with any movements within, has always been tightly sealed and existed amid various chaotic tales in the martial world.
The old lady felt satisfied.
“This earth stove of yours can’t even touch pig fat; cooking anything is pointless.”
“I’m going down the mountain; you can focus on your chanting.”
She picked up the bamboo basket and waved her sleeve to return the large turned-over soil back to its place.
“Monk, how much longer will you stay in here?”
“As long as it takes for it to forgive me,” Wang Jin said calmly. “Drawing bamboo as a prison, being able to give you a basket of thunder bamboo shoots is still a good karma.”
Kan Jixuan snorted and waved her hand to leave.
As they headed down the mountain, they also carried the Night Poison Bird playfully. When they reached a suitable height, they called upon their magical artifacts and flew straight toward Moonfire Valley.
Before they got too close, Ji Yang already saw many disciples running around busily, constantly transporting and unloading goods.
“That is…”
“Are those people here to deliver gifts?” He clearly saw the silken pastries the disciples were carrying and the long line of vehicles outside the valley. His tone turned unfriendly, “Which family is here to propose marriage again?”
“Do you think,” Kan Jixuan laughed, “that your little valley suddenly became the leader of the Immortal Sect? It seems the threshold will soon be trampled.”
Gong Wu exclaimed, “Is it because of that Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly?”
“Power and influence,” Kan Jixuan said gently, as if teaching her daughter, “when forces come together, their status rises.”
Even though she was from the Demonic Sect, she had received news days ago, learning that this year’s Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly had two unexpected turnarounds.
One was that Moonfire Valley unexpectedly took the top prize in the southwest, far surpassing several famous sects.
Whether in strategy or spells, they won cleanly and impressively, even publicly defeating many grievances from Southern Abyss.
The second was that Guanling Mountain secured fourth place in the northeast, overshadowing Ba Jing Tower and Zhi Bai Guan, even surpassing Great Wuxiang Temple.
Guanling Mountain was said to be an old clan dedicated to Hu Huang Bai Liu Hui, quietly guarding the pass for hundreds of years without often coming to the capital.
As for Moonfire Valley—a place many had never heard of—it suddenly rose to fame across the land, riding the wave of the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly!
Whenever practitioners of the Dao crossed paths, they couldn’t help but whisper about the secrets of this mysterious sect.
“I heard this valley is the retreat of the Medicine King Sun Simiao! Every disciple must prove their ability to bring the dead back to life before they’re allowed to enter!”
“Wow, did you know? My second aunt’s neighbor’s little sister’s brother is from Moonfire Valley! It’s incredible! Everyone gets to enjoy a jade dew plum, a spiritual fruit worth a fortune on the black market!”
“That little girl must possess extraordinary skills to have beheaded the Abyss Master and even earned the title of ‘little benefactor’ from the master of Satin Red Workshop…”
The favor of two major immortal sects, the top honor at the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly, and the countless embellished tales from the martial world spurred numerous sects to rush in with gifts.
—What are you waiting for? Send gifts!! Build connections!!
If they didn’t forge closer ties now, they’d miss out on even a taste of the feast when others feasted!
Many sects had also formed friendships with Yan Fangji during the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly and sent gifts specifically to celebrate his victory.
Kan Jixuan dispersed the fog and turned to ask, “Where is your Master Ancestor?”
Gong Wu hesitated, “Wouldn’t it be impolite to barge in unannounced?”
“It’s fine,” Kan Jixuan replied, glancing ahead. “Oh, look, they’ve come to greet us.”
From the clouds, the Palace Lord of the Six Palaces approached to welcome them.
The Old Celestial Ancestor stood at the forefront, cupping his hands in a distant salute to Kan Jixuan.
“I’ve heard of the upheaval at Soul Cliff, but I haven’t yet had the honor of meeting you in person.”
Kan Jixuan waved her hand, passing a basket of bamboo shoots to a young disciple beside her.
“We’re just passing through. Since this little girl wanted to introduce us, it’s a good opportunity to meet.”
The Old Celestial Ancestor smiled and nodded, guiding the three individuals to Liu Jia Palace for a conversation.
From their vantage point High Up, they could see most of Moonfire Valley illuminated, as well as the peaks and valleys beyond.
Though night had fallen, the high and low mountain peaks were dotted with flickering lights.
In the distance, multiple strands of spiritual energy converged from the horizon, carried by visitors arriving under the cover of night.
“Let me be clear,” Kan Jixuan said, tucking her hands into her sleeves. “I’m only here by chance to see my son and visit Night Poison Mountain.”
I’m not like those sycophants who come running to flatter you!
“Of course,” Hao Chengzi said, casting an approving glance at Ji Yang and Gong Wu. “These two young ones are exceptionally talented and have brought great pride to our valley this year.”
“Since the Abyss Master has brought such fine bamboo shoots, why not try our valley’s mountain flower chicken, raised on medicinal herbs? A pot of fresh bamboo shoot chicken soup is excellent for the spleen.”
Kan Jixuan replied boldly, “Careful, or I might decide to stay here indefinitely.”
“You’re always welcome,” the Old Celestial Ancestor said with a smile.
While the elders exchanged pleasantries, Gong Wu quietly slipped to the back of the group with Ji Yang and whispered, “Senior Brother, doesn’t your defensive formation still have several hours left?”
The day had felt endless.
After receiving the blessing at noon, they had ventured into the Rare Secret Realm, retrieved the blue fire seed, and hurried back to the valley, spending the entire evening atop Night Poison Mountain.
“Probably four or five hours remain,” Ji Yang murmured, his gaze fixed on the stars above.
“It might only be this once in a lifetime, to reach the pinnacle of fortune and have all your wishes fulfilled.”
“Then it’s the perfect time to make a wish,” Gong Wu smiled. “Think about it, what do you desire most right now?”
Ji Yang pondered quietly for a moment.
“How many wishes can I make?”
“Perhaps three.”
“For the first wish… I hope Moonfire Valley can prosper for generations and alter the destinies of more abandoned babies.”
Without the Master’s care, he might not have survived to this day.
Year after year, Moonfire Valley has performed countless acts of kindness, deserving of enduring prosperity.
“For the second wish, I hope all three of us from our sect can cultivate without hindrance and ascend to great heights together.”
With the Master here, and both of us present, we can all reach the highest realms.
Gong Wu gazed at the flickering lights scattered across the mountains and asked, “And the last one?”
“It seems there aren’t too many people I need to consider,” Ji Yang thought carefully and said, “I hope all your troubles vanish.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered something and turned to look at her.
“Do you still have that little booklet?”
Gong Wu blinked: “Are you talking about the one where I remember grudges?”
“Of course.”
“It’s always been here,” Gong Wu retrieved the little ledger from the depths of her bag and handed it to him. “Look, I’ve recorded every detail of those who have wronged us.”
Some deliberately monopolized the medicine sources, making life difficult for Moonfire Valley.
There were sects that labeled her a demoness and pressured her Master to kill as proof of their Dao.
Or they insulted her along with her Senior Brother, attempting to tarnish Moonfire Valley’s reputation…
Dozens of incidents, each remembered with crystal clarity.
The gatekeeping disciples, with nothing better to do, loved to gossip; after growing accustomed to the little pastries Gong Wu brought, they would tell her anything. Seeing her jotting things down in her little book didn’t deter them.
They all thought it was just a little girl amusing herself; who would take it seriously?
Ji Yang read through the entries in the grudge book and asked, “May I show this to Master Ancestor?”
Gong Wu hesitated, “Master Ancestor should already know.”
“True, but perhaps not in such detail,” Ji Yang followed his first intuition from the Spiritual Sea and spoke with clarity: “The world isn’t simply black and white. There is good and evil, kindness and grudges.”
“In the past, we were looked down upon, and they tormented us for their own pride and status.”
“We can’t pretend to be magnanimous and erase the debts they owe.”
Gong Wu murmured softly, “I’ve always wanted an explanation, but there were too many people.”
During those dark months, many had come to demand answers.
Until she was taken by the fox family, she was kept hidden, not allowed to step beyond the mountain gate.
Some wanted to kill her, some wanted to burn her alive, and others cursed her Master and her valley.
She always remembered the pain etched deep in her heart.
“Among the clan families here to deliver gifts today, there might not be any of those from before.”
Ji Yang tightened his grip on the little booklet and said in a solemn tone, “I want to ask Master Ancestor to issue an Invitation.”
The Invitation can only be sent by those who have achieved Ascension to Immortality.
Any clan or sect with a history of Ascension can receive such a widely distributed letter in their ancestral hall.
Although it is convenient, the higher one’s status, the more cautious they are with their words, especially the immortals.
This method is typically reserved for grand occasions like the Peach Blossom Festival or birthday celebrations.
Over time, its use expanded, and even immortals’ lost pets or those seeking a reincarnated benefactor would use this method to seek help.
When Ji Yang suddenly mentioned this, it sounded almost like a fantastical tale.
“Impossible…” Gong Wu turned to the Celestial Ancestor, who was surrounded by six Palace Lords, feeling both awe and hesitation.
She knew that learning about her origins would still bring her hidden sorrow.
She wasn’t sure if the monk’s words were true, but…
If it were all true, she would have been a being akin to a demon.
She might have died many times over, growing up in hatred and bitterness, ultimately used by those who summoned her.
“Gong Wu, what are you thinking?” Ji Yang asked abruptly.
“I…”
“Do you think it’s not worth doing this?”
The Senior Brother, who was usually gentle, suddenly spoke with a sharp edge.
“Little Wu, are you thinking that with Master Ancestor’s status and your background, it’s not worth it, that you shouldn’t do this?”
Gong Wu forced a bitter smile.
“You underestimate yourself,” Ji Yang said, looking at her intently.
Blessed with good fortune today, he spoke with clarity, no longer mincing his words.
“I should have told you this long ago.”
“You always hide in the back row during meals, speaking and acting cautiously, never daring to compete with anyone.”
“But Gong Wu, you were raised by the Master and me; you should have confidence.”
“You should have the confidence to ascend to immortality and shine brighter than anyone with a smile.”
Ji Yang stepped forward, his long lashes lowering slightly.
“When wronged, you deserve justice; when bullied, you must return it twofold.”
“As disciples of Tianhua Palace, we are not pitiful creatures who suffer both inside and out.”
Gong Wu felt overwhelmed by his words, suddenly wanting to hold him tightly.
In that moment, it felt as though she didn’t need to worry about anything else; all she needed to do was trust him and move forward together.
She glanced at the many senior sisters and brothers behind Ji Yang, mindful of etiquette, and refrained from extending her hand.
Instead, Ji Yang gently wiped away the tear stains at the corners of her eyes, his calloused fingertip brushing against her lashes.
“I believe you understand now,” he said softly.
Ji Yang released her hand and spoke calmly, “I will now report to Master Ancestor.”
At that moment, the large group had just descended from the clouds and returned to the hall.
Cultivators do not confine their rest to nighttime; moreover, the two sect leaders were engaged in a lively conversation, and the disciples remained cautious in their presence.
Everyone sat with proper decorum, speaking only when addressed by Master Ancestor, and otherwise maintaining silence.
In this atmosphere, Ji Yang swiftly emerged from behind the screen and bowed deeply to the seated Master Ancestor and Kan Jixuan.
“Master Ancestor, esteemed elder, I humbly request your attention.”
Tu Xuixin, who had been casually nibbling on sunflower seeds nearby, straightened up, his expression turning serious and concerned.
Kan Jixuan glanced toward the screen behind him, as if she could see the many disciples gathered outside through it.
Hao Chengzi raised his long brows and smiled, “Speak.”
“I wish to ask Master Ancestor to issue an announcement to clear old grievances, express gratitude for generous gifts, and uphold the honor of Qinggu.”
His thoughts were clear and concise; he briefly outlined the cause and effect before presenting the booklet written by his Junior Sister.
This was indeed the most opportune moment.
Many sects and clans were seeking alliances, and rumors were swirling through the streets.
It was essential to address past matters, disseminate the announcement widely, and clarify the situation for all.
Hao Chengzi, having already achieved Ascension to Immortality, saw through the matter with clarity and had anticipated Ji Yang’s request even before he spoke.
Upon seeing Gong Wu’s meticulous records, he smiled thoughtfully.
Some found the proposal inappropriate and shook their heads in disapproval.
Others deemed it overly presumptuous, their expressions darkening with displeasure.
In contrast, Tu Xuixin remained composed and steady, lending his silent support to his disciple.
The elderly woman nearby, having listened to the entire exchange, chuckled with a hint of mischief.
“If this were one of those hypocritical sects, they would have already dismissed a naive child like Ji Yang, sparing him the embarrassment.”
“Hao Chengzi, what do you think?”
As she spoke, the faint murmurs of discussion instantly fell silent.
—This was the Master of Soul Cliff, who had, inexplicably, become Ji Yang’s mother!
But her tone was ambiguous—was she supporting him or not?
Hao Chengzi continued to leaf through the pages of the book, and after a moment, he looked up and said unhurriedly, “Since the clan elders and Palace Lords are gathered here today, why not engage in a debate?”
“Should old grievances be dismissed with a laugh, or should they be accounted for in full?”
The moment he posed the question, an impatient elder swiftly countered.
“I, from Moonfire Valley, have lived in obscurity for many years, always seeking harmony and avoiding conflict with others.”
“Although Ji Yang is exceptionally gifted, he still possesses the heart of a child. How will he manage in the future if he cannot tolerate others?”
“Indeed! It’s not easy for him to start showing his talents, and now we are dredging up old grievances. This will make him a laughingstock for being overly petty!”
“Celestial Ancestor, our reputation now spreads far and wide, with everyone eager to send invitations and forge alliances. There won’t be such troubles in the future!”
The old woman listened with amusement, savoring her roasted chicken, chewing even the bones without spitting anything out.
Hao Chengzi spoke gently, “If we repay resentment with virtue, how then shall we repay virtue?”
The elders’ faces turned pale, while several Palace Lords smiled faintly.
“Ji Yang’s reminder was well-timed.”
He had gathered a few strands of immortal aura into an ink brush, painting in the air.
Ji Yang stood nearby and saw the immortal aura for the first time, instinctively trembling slightly.
It was the presence of the highest realm, like a distant, ethereal dream.
Mortals cannot perceive magical symbols or formations, and cultivators rarely catch a glimpse of true immortals; the experience is similarly profound.
And that wisp of immortal aura… was a soft, radiant gold.
Each person’s spiritual energy varies in color depending on their innate aptitude, its brilliance shifting between round and sharp.
But only the immortal aura possesses this pure, ethereal light golden hue.
It was the most dazzling gold in the Dragon and Phoenix Hall, the luminous glow above the Southern Heavenly Gate.
As the Old Celestial Ancestor painted, Ji Yang felt as though he were rooted to the spot, transfixed until the final stroke was completed.
Then Hao Chengzi blew gently, and the immortal aura scattered like birds in flight, instantly reaching the ancestral halls of various Immortal families.
“Clarifying grievances, expressing gratitude, and upholding honor—you articulated these well,” Hao Chengzi said, retracting the immortal brush with a faint smile. “This Northern Lucky Formation is indeed extraordinary; it has even emboldened a reserved child like you to step forward and make a request.”
Only then did Tu Xuixin step forward and kneel, reminding, “Shouldn’t you express your gratitude?”
Ji Yang, snapping out of his reverie, bowed deeply to his Master.
“Thank you, Master Ancestor!”
The news quickly spread across the mortal realm, and even the clans of the Monster Realm that had once been associated with Immortals saw it clearly.
Like a thunderclap, it shattered the peaceful dreams of many sects.
An invitation!!!
Moonfire Valley had actually sent invitations to all the clans!!!
And it explicitly stated that those with past grievances should come forward to state their cases and settle accounts face to face!!
The phrase “settling accounts” carried the weight of impending conflict, evoking images of blades and bloodshed!
Those who had feigned ignorance, pretended to sleep, or acted oblivious could no longer remain idle upon receiving the notice?!
By sheer coincidence, the notice was sent out in the dead of night, and many clan elders rushed through the darkness to drag the offenders from their beds.
Look, look, look!!!
Didn’t I warn you not to provoke that little girl back then?!
Now the enemies are at your door—what are you waiting for? Go and apologize!!
