Chapter 811
by fanqienovelChapter 811: Discussion on the Laws
"Mortals are often foolish and dull," Mo Han remarked with a sigh to Wang Chen at the entrance of Qinyun Palace on Taiwu Mountain. "And their greed makes it difficult to guide them across the threshold of immortality."
A towering mountain gate stood before them, severing the long path and marking the boundary between the mortal and the immortal realms.
In front of the gate, a dense crowd of seekers knelt in solemn silence, many appearing wretched and desperate.
Mo Han had come to welcome Wang Chen.
He had also witnessed Wang Chen’s act of healing the little girl.
Wang Chen smiled faintly and replied, "Perhaps so."
The two did not delve further into the topic. Guided by Mo Han, Wang Chen ascended the stone steps and soon reached the summit of Qinyun Peak.
The peak of Taiwu Mountain, as if carved flat by a divine blade, was the site of Qinyun Palace.
Qinyun Palace was a grand and imposing structure, divided into four main halls with various pavilions and buildings scattered throughout. It was said that hundreds of cultivators practiced their arts within its walls.
When Wang Chen and Mo Han entered the main hall of Qinyun Palace, they found two to three hundred people seated on the floor, listening intently to a lecture. The atmosphere was solemn and reverent.
The speaker, a cultivator, stood high upon a cloud platform, clad in a flowing Daoist robe and holding a whisk, exuding an air of immortal grace.
"Master Ji Yun…"
Mo Han stepped forward and announced, "Fellow traveler Wang Chen has arrived."
As soon as he spoke, all eyes in the hall turned to Wang Chen, including those of Master Ji Yun on the platform.
Curiosity, indifference, confusion, disdain…
Wang Chen appeared far too young, and many of the onlookers regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Very well," Master Ji Yun said with a gentle smile and a nod. "Fellow traveler Wang, please take your seat. Allow me to conclude my lecture before we proceed further."
Wang Chen bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."
He and Mo Han found seats, though they were relegated to a corner of the hall.
Master Ji Yun’s lecture continued for a full two hours.
Wang Chen found himself struggling to stay awake.
The master’s words sounded profound and esoteric, but much of it seemed deliberately obscure, with little practical value—hardly worth the time.
Out of courtesy, Wang Chen endured the lengthy discourse.
However, he did not leave entirely empty-handed.
During the lecture, the little fox quietly peeked out from his robes and whispered, "I sense the presence of the Mysterious Fox Order."
After her transformation, Hu Jiao Jiao had gained the ability to speak, no longer needing to communicate with Wang Chen through writing.
Her sensory abilities had also greatly improved!
Wang Chen gave a subtle nod in response.
Finally, after a long wait, Master Ji Yun concluded his discourse and announced, "Fellow travelers, today we welcome a new companion among us. His name is Wang Chen. Despite his youth, his talent is remarkable. I propose his inclusion in the Qinyun Alliance. Does anyone object?"
The cultivators exchanged glances, and a heavy silence filled the room momentarily.
Soon, a middle-aged cultivator rose to his feet, declaring, "Master, while the Qinyun Alliance is inclusive, we must ensure the quality of our members. May we request Wang Chen to demonstrate his skills to affirm his status as a cultivator?"
Master Ji Yun turned his gaze to Wang Chen, inquiring, "Wang Chen, what is your response?"
"Agreed."
Wang Chen stood up without a second thought.
He harbored no particular interest in the Qinyun Alliance, but the presence of the Mysterious Fox Order, as sensed by Hu Jiao Jiao, changed everything.
"Hold on!"
Just as Wang Chen was about to perform, the middle-aged cultivator interjected, "Rather than mere spellcasting, let’s engage in a friendly duel. Wang Chen, since today is the discussion meeting on the laws, shall we test our skills against each other?"
"Agreed!"
"Let the duel begin!"
His words sparked cheers from the surrounding cultivators, and the atmosphere in the main hall became electric with excitement.
Master Ji Yun observed silently, offering no intervention.
Mo Han quickly stood and whispered to Wang Chen, "Friend Wang, Hong Yuan is highly skilled, nearly at the threshold of entry into the path. You…"
Wang Chen waved off the warning and addressed the middle-aged cultivator confidently, "Since you wish to duel, I shall not disappoint. Let us exchange spells, but let’s keep it civil."
The middle-aged cultivator laughed heartily, "Excellent!"
Mo Han shook his head with a wry smile.
In his view, Wang Chen’s youthful arrogance would surely lead to a harsh lesson.
However, he believed it wouldn’t escalate to anything fatal, so he stepped aside.
A large area in the center of the main hall was swiftly cleared for Wang Chen and Hong Yuan’s duel.
Moreover, a faint white light emanated from the floor, forming a protective barrier!
Before stepping into the circle, Wang Chen gently placed Hu Jiao Jiao on the cushion where he had been sitting.
The appearance of the white fox immediately captivated everyone’s attention!
Hong Yuan, momentarily stunned, pointed at the white fox and asked, "Wang Chen, is this your transformed pet beast?"
"No."
Wang Chen shook his head and replied, "She is my friend in cultivation."
The hall erupted in murmurs!
Wang Chen’s regard for his pet beast as a friend was unconventional.
Yet, considering the white fox was a transformed beast, it seemed somewhat justified.
One could only marvel at Wang Chen’s extraordinary fortune, which naturally stirred envy and jealousy among the onlookers!
Hong Yuan’s eyes gleamed as he proposed, "Wang Chen, a simple duel lacks excitement. Shall we set some stakes?"
Wang Chen smiled, "What stakes do you propose?"
Hong Yuan pointed at the white fox, "If you lose, this fox beast…"
"Speak with caution!"
Wang Chen’s expression darkened, "I have already stated, she is my friend in cultivation. She cannot be part of any stakes. Hong Yuan, do not mention this again!"
Hong Yuan, caught off guard, awkwardly conceded, "If you refuse, then let’s forget it."
But inwardly, he vowed to teach Wang Chen a lesson later!
"Let’s consider something else."
Wang Chen removed the Xumi Ring from his ring finger and said lightly, "This ring can hold all things, containing endless mysteries. It is the most suitable stake."
As he spoke, he reached into the Xumi Ring, retrieved a robe, and returned it to demonstrate its capabilities.
The Xumi Ring!
All the cultivators’ eyes lit up, including Master Ji Yun on the cloud platform, who showed keen interest.
No one had anticipated that Wang Chen possessed such a treasure!
Hong Yuan was even more excited, "Excellent! Let’s use this treasure as the stake…"
"And what is your stake?"
Wang Chen interrupted, "If you lose, what will you offer?"
Hong Yuan was momentarily stunned.
Only one thought crossed his mind—how could I lose?
But voicing such arrogance would be unbecoming.
Wang Chen waited briefly, and upon hearing no response from Hong Yuan, he sneered, "Nothing? Then why propose stakes?"
Hong Yuan’s face instantly turned bright red!