282 - Elasia Saga

The venue for this grand tournament of the Immortal Sect was set on Yun Ni Terrace, located in the southeastern region of Zhongdu. Legend has it that this place is an ancient celestial platform, surrounded by towering mountain ranges that reach into the clouds. From a distance, it appears shrouded in mist, imbued with a profound spiritual energy. It's said that if there were any place on the continent resembling a heavenly paradise that had fallen to the mortal realm, it would be here. In the foreground lies a vast lake, its surface shimmering like a naturally formed mirror, referred to as the Heavenly Lake of the mortal realm. The spiritual energy within the Heavenly Lake is extraordinarily dense, and a winding, long corridor bridge stretches before it. Cultivators feel a surge of spiritual energy flowing through them as they pass by. This path is also the only entrance to Yun Ni Terrace. Perhaps everyone arrived early to avoid the crowds from other sects and families converging on the Terrace, lest they face prolonged waits at the Heavenly Lake. Yun Ni Terrace itself is a peculiar place, akin to a unique secret realm. It has no other tangible entrances and is not open to the public year-round. Otherwise, such a prized location would have long been claimed by top-tier powers eager to establish their own sects here. Fu Yan and Lu Xiaowen, leading the people of Shuanghua Palace, arrived at the outskirts of Heavenly Lake at dawn. As the first ray of morning sunlight pierced Yun Ni Terrace, it revealed a landscape of verdant mountains and jade waters. The celestial mist enveloping Yun Ni Terrace was occasionally sliced by the silhouettes of cranes soaring in the sunlight, adding yet another layer of mystery and enchantment to the place. The spectacle left everyone in awe, silently appreciating the marvel before them. Lu Xiaowen stood at the prow of the boat, his white robe fluttering gracefully in the breeze. From behind, he truly embodied a sage-like presence, making the disciples below hesitate to gaze directly upon his celestial visage. Emerging from her chamber, Fu Yan caught sight of him in this manner, his gaze fixed firmly ahead on the distant Yun Ni Terrace. Pausing briefly, Fu Yan couldn't help but walk over. "Yun Ni Terrace, it's been ages since I last came here," Lu Xiaowen said, hands clasped behind him. Though he did not turn around, he was aware of Fu Yan's approach. His eyes remained set on the scenery ahead as he slowly spoke. Being a reincarnated immortal, there were likely few places on this continent Lu Xiaowen hadn't visited. Fu Yan wasn't surprised by his nostalgic remark. She stopped beside him, offering a slight smile, and inquired, "Have things changed much here over the millennia?" While the surroundings hadn't changed much, his mindset surely had. Lu Xiaowen retracted his gaze, turning slightly to look at Fu Yan, his tone seemingly calm yet tinged with certainty. "Earlier, when you took Chu Heze out, did you make a visit to Shen Shu Palace?" Lu Xiaowen had been curious about whom Fu Yan intended to seek help from. Yet, during their journey here, the thought of Chu Lingling's Shen Shu Palace occurred to him. As he knew, apart from Chu Lingling, the only other immortal Fu Yan was acquainted with was his own consort, Bai Yue Li. Clearly, Bai Yue Li, being a demonic cultivator, was not suitable to pose as an immortal to enter Yun Ni Terrace. After contemplating this, the conclusion was obvious. Furthermore, Lu Xiaowen had overheard an intriguing tale along the way: the ordinary cultivator Chu Heze was actually Chu Lingling's elder brother reincarnated. Fu Yan's decision to take him out, then, was perfectly understandable. "Yes," Fu Yan nodded, without any intention of concealing her actions. She realized Lu Xiaowen would deduce this himself. The number of immortals Fu Yan knew was indeed limited, so she had naturally made her way to Shen Shu Palace. Besides, long ago, Chu Lingling had deliberately entrusted her with a token, the meaning of which was unmistakable. Of course, Fu Yan and Chu Lingling weren't particularly close, and the willingness to assist likely stemmed from the matter of the Linglong Sword. Moreover, the help given wasn't without expectations. These thoughts brought back memories of a few months ago, when Chu Heze accompanied her to the secluded Shen Shu Palace. Though it was also located in the southern domain, Shen Shu Palace was elusive, its location as mysterious as a hidden dragon. Without a personal guide, none could find its true stronghold. Knowing this, Fu Yan specifically brought along Chu Heze. "I don't know too much myself," Chu Heze explained, guiding Fu Yan, "I only know that Lingling's Shen Shu Palace doesn't recruit disciples openly. In the southern domain, hardly anyone is aware of its existence." This didn't surprise Fu Yan. If Shen Shu Palace accepted disciples openly, its reputation would have spread across the entire southern domain by now. Soon they reached the southernmost part of the region, where stronger winds and snow concealed even the shadows of magical beasts. After traversing a massive snow-capped mountain, they beheld a vast, blanketed snowfield. The true location of Shen Shu Palace lay within a unique secret realm. Chu Heze nimbly unlocked the entrance, and Fu Yan, glancing briefly, stepped forward, passing through with him into Shen Shu Palace. The palace was not as extensive as Fu Yan had imagined, divided instead into four sectors: one teeming with blossoming peach blossoms, another with lush mountains and lotus-filled ponds. Behind lay a fiery maple forest and snow-laden mountain peaks. The four sectors exhibited different seasons and landscapes, stunning in their variance. The uniqueness of this place was impossible to ignore. Fu Yan, unfazed by these marvels, quickly followed Chu Heze into a grand immortal residence, recalling that she hadn't seen Chu Lingling in quite some time. Chu Lingling wasn't surprised by Fu Yan's visit. She waved away everyone in the residence, focusing on Fu Yan. Unhesitant, Fu Yan explained her purpose directly. Unexpectedly, Chu Lingling agreed calmly but added, "However, once it's accomplished, you must do something for me." Fu Yan was startled not by the request itself but by the notion that someone of Chu Lingling's standing required her help. Nonetheless, Fu Yan, pondering this, didn't refuse. "Alright." Thus, the arrangement was easily settled. According to Chu Heze, Shen Shu Palace had four to five powerful immortals capable of effortlessly sending two to Zhongdu to support Shuanghua Palace, without requiring Chu Lingling’s personal involvement. Having concluded her business, Fu Yan was about to return when Chu Lingling called her back. "There's a pool behind Shen Shu Palace. If you're free, you should take a dip," Chu Lingling suggested nonchalantly, though Fu Yan sensed there was more to it. Indeed, after visiting the pool herself, Fu Yan realized its incredible value. Within half a day of immersion, she felt her meridians undergo a thorough cleansing, akin to an intense battle that enlivened her entire being. After soaking for three days and nights, when Fu Yan opened her eyes, she noticed the bottleneck that had hindered her cultivation efforts had begun to loosen. In that moment, she felt herself only a step away from ascending to immortality! It seemed Chu Lingling must have discerned Fu Yan's bottleneck long ago, prompting the suggestion to cultivate here, with extraordinary results. Later, on her journey back, Fu Yan received news about Bai Yue Li, prompting a solitary visit to the demonic realm. ... As her thoughts returned to the present, Fu Yan noticed their spiritual vessel was now hovering above the Heavenly Lake. Gazing down, she saw a family passing below. Seeing this, Fu Yan called for Yuan He and Liu Bei, instructing them to begin organizing the disciples for disembarkation. After the family crossed, they would continue over the Heavenly Lake. "Yes," the two responded promptly. After some time, Fu Yan heard Lu Xiaowen sigh gently beside her, his expression touched with a hint of resignation. Understanding instantly, Fu Yan's face betrayed nothing as she calmly inquired, "Senior Lu, do you think we shouldn't have sought Shen Shu Palace’s assistance?" Fu Yan had some inkling of the fraught history between them. In response, Lu Xiaowen returned to himself, glanced at Fu Yan, shook his head, and explained, "Since it's for the sake of Shuanghua Palace, there's no matter of should or shouldn't." He wasn't someone bound by outdated notions and understood the necessity. They spoke no further, as the disciples of Shuanghua Palace, led by Yuan He and the others, were already orderly stepping onto the corridor bridge over the Heavenly Lake. With their large spiritual vessel then retracted, they descended together. Despite there being only one bridge across the lake, it didn't take long for hundreds of cultivators to cross it. Within a quarter of an hour, the group had successfully entered Yun Ni Terrace. Ahead, Yi Tu, who had arrived a day earlier, approached them promptly. "Palace Master, over here," Yi Tu called out hastily. The mountains around Yun Ni Terrace were continuous, allowing sects and families attending the grand immortal gathering to rest wherever they pleased. This was why Fu Yan had Yi Tu come in advance to find a suitable spot. Soon, the group arrived at the foot of a mountain. Due to the grand gathering, people from other sects and families were everywhere around. While Shuanghua Palace was somewhat well-known in the Southern Domain, cultivators from other regions likely hadn't heard of it. Many looked over out of curiosity. "Shuanghua Palace? I've never heard of such a sect; it must be a new and small one." "Wait, isn't Shuanghua Palace the name of a sect relic from the Southern Domain? What's going on?" "I heard the Sword King Sect and Flower Spirit Valley are on those nearby peaks. Let's go check them out. It wouldn't be a waste to make acquaintances with a few geniuses!" The crowd cast a few curious glances, chatting quietly among themselves before moving on. The disciples of Shuanghua Palace, however, did not hear any of it as they began climbing the mountain to settle temporarily. Fu Yan didn't have to concern herself with these arrangements. She glanced around, determined that the area was adequately quiet, turned, and descended the mountain. Participating in the grand immortal gathering required formal registration, so Fu Yan headed to the registry first. "Southern Domain's Shuanghua Palace?" the elder in charge of registration inquired. He was at the Mahayana stage, stroking his long beard with a puzzled expression as he looked at Fu Yan, his white eyebrows slightly furrowed in confusion. Although the opening of the Shuanghua Palace relic was known in Zhongdu, he hadn't expected a reincarnated immortal to rebuild and re-establish the sect. With composure, Fu Yan replied, "That’s correct." "And you are...?" the elder prompted further. "The Palace Master of Shuanghua Palace," Fu Yan answered calmly, without any hint of emotion. This caught the elder by surprise again. Why would the palace master be at the Mahayana stage? Could the rumors of an immortal reincarnated to rebuild the sect be unfounded? "Are you aware that only supreme grade powers on the continent can participate in the tournament?" the elder questioned, skeptical about Shuanghua Palace having such strength after being so recently rebuilt. "I understand," Fu Yan replied. His life's experiences stopped the elder from underestimating Fu Yan. After a pause, he said, "In this case, please have the immortals of your sect come by to verify matters." Only sects with three powerful immortals could be deemed supreme. Fu Yan found this request reasonable, not lingering any longer than necessary before leaving the registration area. With a month to spare before the gathering commenced, there was no rush. The two immortals from Shen Shu Palace would likely arrive at Yun Ni Terrace in a few days, joining her and Lu Xiaowen by the deadline. After departing, Fu Yan didn't immediately return to her sect members but sought the location of the Tong family in Zhongdu instead. Such a grand event surely wouldn’t be missed by them, though she wasn't certain if Tong Zhen would be present. From the time Fu Yan left Zhongdu, she hadn't had the chance to return and see how Tong Zhen had fared over the years. Zhongdu housed many renowned noble families, making the Tong family's location easy to find. Soon, Fu Yan reached where they were staying. She presented a token Tong Zhen had previously given her and requested the guards inform the Tong family of her visit. Despite possessing the token, with so many people around, outsiders couldn't casually enter. Unfortunately, the guard soon returned alone, informing Fu Yan, "Miss Tong Zhen is currently out with some business to attend to. You can try visiting again later." Putting away the token, Fu Yan left, intending to try again another time. Three days later, the two immortals from Shen Shu Palace successfully joined them. The delegates sent by Chu Lingling were both women, Zixu Fairy and Xuewu Fairy, each having recently ascended to immortality. They seemed approachable. "Thank you both for coming to aid Shuanghua Palace," Fu Yan said, clasping her hands with a smile. After arranging accommodations for the two fairies, Fu Yan conveyed their arrival to Lu Xiaowen, as the three of them would need to approach the gathering together. With everything proceeding smoothly, the eighteen spots previously secured by Shuanghua Palace were successfully documented, now it was just a matter of waiting for the grand tournament to officially begin. Half a month flew by swiftly. Throughout this time, Yun Ni Terrace bustled with activity. Everywhere one turned, representatives of various prominent sects and families could be seen. Though the tournament had yet to commence, discreet challenges were already emerging, unimpeded as long as they didn't cause trouble. In these days, Fu Yan remained on the mountain in deep meditation. Having overcome her bottleneck, she found herself gaining newfound insights. It felt as though only a small trigger was needed for her to break through. One day, she finally received news of Bai Yue Li. Though only a bit over two months had passed outside, over half a year elapsed within the Xu You jade seal. Bai Yue Li's energy had stabilized, allowing her to emerge from the seal. "That's wonderful, as long as you're safe, Senior Sister," Fu Yan said cheerfully into her communication mirror to Bai Yue Li. Bai Yue Li spoke briefly, mentioning she would arrive at Yun Ni Terrace the following day. Fu Yan was nonetheless a bit worried, considering the multitude of immortals gathered there. If Bai Yue Li's identity slipped, it would cause significant issues. Yet she understood that Bai Yue Li wouldn't want to miss supporting her during the tournament. True to her word, Bai Yue Li arrived early the next morning at Yun Ni Terrace. As Fu Yan went out to meet her, she unexpectedly encountered Shui Liuqing and Ji Qingjue, who seemed to have just returned from an outing, beaming in discussion. Fu Yan smiled, choosing not to interrupt. The duo had ventured outside to ease Ji Qingjue’s nerves ahead of the event. "Don’t worry, just do your best, even in competition your safety comes first," Shui Liuqing consoled Ji Qingjue softly, holding her hand. Ji Qingjue gave a reluctant smile, "Years have passed, and you're still saying the same things?" Since their return from training in the Western Region, both had been busy preparing for the tournament, having met only seldom, mostly communicating through puppet messengers. Ji Qingjue seemed ready to turn back when Shui Liuqing suddenly hugged her tightly, speaking in a muffled voice, "It’s just..." Shui Liuqing paused, then whispered into Ji Qingjue’s ear, "After the gathering, will you come with me to the Northern Region... to visit my family?" Ji Qingjue was taken aback. … After greeting Bai Yue Li, Fu Yan was surprised by the transformation. Bai Yue Li was now unrecognizable, wearing an ordinary robe and face, concealing her aura down to the Harmony stage. Her disguise was so meticulous that without her profound connection to Bai Yue Li, Fu Yan might have doubted her own recognition. "Senior Sister, your disguise..." Bai Yue Li smiled at Fu Yan's reaction, "How is it?" "Perfect!" Fu Yan nearly gave a thumbs up, her eyes brimming with laughter. Amongst the tens of thousands of participants in the tournament, Bai Yue Li’s current demeanor wouldn't attract any attention. No immortal would suspect anything amiss amid the crowd. "Let’s go," Bai Yue Li said with a hint of resignation, shaking her head. Fu Yan returned to her senses, and the two crossed the Heavenly Lake, entering Yun Ni Terrace together. With so many people around, they walked side by side without holding hands, maintaining a normal posture. As they spoke, a figure suddenly darted over. "Fu Yan!" It was their long-unseen acquaintance, Tong Zhen. Surprised to see her, Fu Yan called out, "Tong Zhen?" When Tong Zhen was out previously, Fu Yan had been meditating on the mountain, later preoccupied by Bai Yue Li’s arrival, inadvertently forgetting to visit the Tong family again. Little did she expect Tong Zhen to seek her out instead. Tong Zhen stopped in front of them, catching her breath before continuing, "When the guards mentioned it, I knew it must be you." Not knowing which sect Fu Yan had joined, Tong Zhen had been wandering around the area in hopes of a chance encounter. To her surprise, she actually found them. As they spoke, Bai Yue Li was taken aback, staring at Tong Zhen for quite a while before saying, "I hadn't realized so much time had passed." Looking at Fu Yan and Tong Zhen before her, Bai Yue Li felt a fleeting moment where it seemed like their days at Shui Ling Sect in the Northern Region were just yesterday. Though much had changed in the world around them, the bond between the three felt as if nothing had altered. Hearing Bai Yue Li's remark, Tong Zhen noticed her presence and scratched her head, feeling slightly embarrassed. She turned to Fu Yan, asking, "And who is this?" Fu Yan understood that Tong Zhen hadn't recognized Bai Yue Li in her disguise and chuckled. Rather than explaining immediately, she suggested, "This isn't the best place for a conversation. Let's head back and catch up there." Tong Zhen readily agreed. Soon, the three of them were settled in Fu Yan's residence. "You joined Shuanghua Palace?" Tong Zhen exclaimed, having heard a bit about the Southern Domain's Shuanghua Palace ruins, but finding this revelation about Fu Yan quite surprising. Fu Yan nodded, without hiding anything. She succinctly explained how she inherited Shuanghua Palace’s legacy and rebuilt the sect. Tong Zhen was genuinely astonished at first but soon broke into a delighted grin, "I always knew you were destined for great things, Fu Yan!" While the two conversed, Bai Yue Li listened quietly. Despite her memories of Shui Ling Sect growing vague over time, watching them interact brought clarity and fondness back. She remembered those days when Fu Yan was still so young and green. She recalled their first meeting in a dilapidated temple, where a single glance was all it took for her to remember Fu Yan's name.