The world was a vast expanse, with no distinction between up, down, or any direction.
"Ahem, ahem."
The guiding Taoist coughed twice, snapping everyone out of their daze.
He then chuckled and said, "Young friends, follow me forward. There's no need to be afraid."
The Taoist opened the gourd at his waist, and a wisp of green cloud flowed out.
Under the astonished gazes of the group, he stepped forward and firmly planted his foot on the green cloud.
Standing on the cloud, the Taoist hovered a zhang (about 3.3 meters) away from the cliff and looked back.
"Young friends, step forward. The clouds will form beneath your feet."
The group exchanged uneasy glances.
The howling mountain wind and the light rain that swept into the hall chilled their faces and hearts.
No one dared to move.
Cheng Yunqi, however, was still immersed in the world of white mist, his mind swaying.
When the Taoist called out, he thought he heard his own name.
Without thinking, he instinctively took a few steps forward.
Suddenly, he stepped into empty air, and the sensation of falling jolted him awake.
His heart leaped to his throat, and just as he was about to scream, the feeling of solid ground beneath his feet made him sigh in relief.
His heart settled back into his chest.
Looking down, he saw a green cloud beneath his feet.
Perhaps everything had happened too quickly.
Yunqi's expression hadn't caught up with the rapid changes in his heart, and he still wore the dazed look of someone lost in a fairyland.
But to others, his calm demeanor seemed almost serene.
The Taoist stroked his beard and smiled.
"Since one of you has already taken the first step, why don't the rest of you follow?"
With that, the Taoist turned and faced the immortal mountain.
The cloud beneath his feet carried him swiftly into the distance, and the cloud beneath Cheng Yunqi's feet seemed to follow, as if pulled by an invisible force.
The others in the Ge Xian Hall grew anxious.
Many stepped forward, closing their eyes as they took that first step.
Shouts of surprise erupted, but soon, as green clouds formed beneath their feet, the cries turned into cheers.
Some of the younger ones even shouted:
"I can fly!"
"Father! Mother! I've become an immortal!"
The Taoist's voice floated back: "You may speak, but do not shout."
Hearing this, the group fell silent, not daring to even whisper.
A line of over a hundred clouds formed, quickly leaving the Ge Xian Hall and those who hadn't dared to take the step far behind, plunging into the vast sea of clouds.
It was only later that Yunqi realized how extraordinary it was for the guiding Taoist to summon so many clouds and carry so many mortals through the sea of clouds at this level of cultivation.
Cheng Yunqi was closest to the Taoist and heard him ask, "How old are you, young friend? And when did you first absorb the pure spiritual energy?"
Yunqi first bowed respectfully before answering, "I turned fifteen this September. If I remember correctly, it was when I was five that I suddenly felt as light as a swallow. Since then, I've worn only a single layer of clothing, unbothered by the cold or heat."
The Taoist's eyes flickered with surprise.
He asked again, "What is your name, young friend? Where do you live? Are your parents still healthy?"
"My surname is Cheng, as in Cheng Bofu. My given name is Yunqi, like the clouds beneath my feet. I live south of the Jinsha River, in a town called Zhangxiang. My parents passed away peacefully in their old age."
The Taoist nodded.
"You have an extraordinary aura, young friend. Calm in the face of danger, humble and polite. In my eyes, you are not just the 'clouds beneath your feet,' but the 'clouds that float above the world.'"
The young man replied, "You flatter me, Immortal. But my name was given by my parents, and I only hope to live up to their expectations."
The Taoist nodded again and said no more.
Cheng Yunqi looked around, but as far as he could see, there was only white cloud.
No sky, no earth, no sense of direction or boundaries.
The group traveled through the clouds for half an hour before the scene suddenly opened up before them.
Green and lush.
It was as if they had stepped from a snowy winter plain into a vibrant summer landscape.
Before them stretched layer upon layer of mountains, thousands of peaks rising into the sky, countless valleys winding through the land.
Green pines clothed the mountains, and thin mist veiled their peaks.
Among the pines, colorful deer strolled, and white foxes leaped.
In the mist, yellow cranes danced, and golden butterflies spread their wings.
The magnificent rocky peaks, shrouded in rain and mist, looked like a vast ink painting.
On the towering peaks, palaces and temples were embedded in the rock.
High-ranking Taoists rode clouds and cranes, calling out to friends atop the mountain peaks.
It was a scene of pure immortality, a true celestial abode.
Beyond the vast sea of clouds, the Three Pure Immortal Mountains lay behind the walls of the Yulin Temple.
Yet, throughout the ages, countless seekers had wandered the beautiful mountains without ever finding the trail to the Three Pure Mountains.
The young men and women were all captivated by the immortal scenery.
Having nearly made a fool of himself earlier, Yunqi quickly regained his composure.
He looked around and soon noticed something strange.
While traveling through the clouds, it had felt as though the clouds were endless, blocking out the sky and the earth.
But now, looking back, the clouds seemed ordinary.
Looking ahead, the immortal mountains were still shrouded in a layer of cloud, forming a distinct step from the clouds behind them.
It was truly bizarre.
The Taoist, kind-hearted and flying through the ink-painted landscape, gazed at the scenery he never tired of and began to explain to the young men and women.
"Everyone, our Three Pure Mountains possess the grandeur of Mount Tai, the elegance of Mount Huang, the steepness of Mount Hua, the misty clouds of Mount Heng, and the tranquility of Mount Qingcheng. They are the pinnacle of immortal mountains in this world."
Look ahead.
This mountain is called Zhongling Mountain, sharing roots with Yuxiu Mountain.
It is the gateway to our Three Pure Mountains.
The range to the left is called the Wanhu Chaotian Peaks, also known as Little Wan Mountain.
It is where the registered disciples reside.
If you pass the test set by Master Sukong today, you will find a cave here to cultivate.
"As he spoke, the group passed through another expanse of white mist. When they emerged, Cheng Yunqi was startled to see a massive serpent, as large as a mountain, standing tall before them. The group flew past it like ants, unsure what terrifying creature it was. Those behind also saw it and gasped in shock. Some nearly fell from their clouds. The Taoist quickly reassured them,"Do not be alarmed.
Lord Kuishan has been in meditation for half a cycle (30 years) and has not moved.
We will simply go around him.
"So, the group detoured to the east of the giant serpent. Cheng Yunqi couldn't help but take a few more glances. The creature, known as Lord Kuishan, remained motionless, covered in dust. Plants had grown on its body, vines hung down, and birds perched on it. In some places, the dust hadn't covered it completely, revealing dark purple scales, each larger than a grown man."
Ahead lies a wondrous sight called 'Three Dragons Emerging from the Sea.' At sunrise, when the sea of clouds churns, it looks as if dragons are rising from the ocean, their rocky forms vying for a pearl.
""Brother Jihu, are these new disciples?
"As the group marveled at the scenery, Taoists riding clouds and flying swords occasionally passed by, greeting the guiding Taoist. The Taoist named Jihu responded to each,"Yes, these are young friends I've just brought from outside the mountains.
I'm taking them to Mingzhi Mountain.
""Ah, Mingzhi Mountain!
"Someone exclaimed in surprise. After flying for another quarter of an hour, the mountains grew denser, and a peculiar ridge came into view. The ridge stretched from southeast to northwest, with little variation in elevation, resembling an endless stone screen.
Green pines and red firs dotted its sides, like carvings of red jade and green emerald. But the ridge was so high, even taller than the clouds, that Taoist Jihu had to ascend further to cross it. Once again, the group broke through the clouds.
Above the white clouds, countless rainbow bridges shimmered with iridescent light. Upon closer inspection, Yunqi realized these were not rainbow bridges but countless sword immortals flying on their swords, leaving trails of dazzling light! Taoist Jihu explained,"There are restrictions below the clouds, limiting flight speed.
But above the clouds, you can practice flight techniques, escape arts, and cultivation methods.
Stay on the clouds, and you'll be safe.
"The group nodded repeatedly, huddling together to avoid the sword lights. The top of the ridge was bare yellow rock, with a yellow stone road stretching across the sea of clouds, its end unseen. The group now flew along the yellow stone road, moving much faster than before. Below, they could see Taoists in various robes walking along the road, with temples and palaces lining its sides, like a celestial marketplace."
This mountain is called Dongping Mountain, and this road is called Dongtian Road.
Similarly, there is Xiping Mountain and Xitian Road within the sect.
Dongtian Road offers views of sunrise over the sea of clouds, while Xitian Road offers sunset views.
These mountain roads, located above the sea of clouds, are excellent places for sect members to absorb spiritual energy and practice cultivation.
"Taoist Jihu explained. After flying along Dongtian Road for another quarter of an hour, the cloud's speed slowed, and its altitude decreased. They passed through the clouds again, but this descent took much longer than the ascent."
Huh?
"Yunqi felt a force beneath his feet and looked down to see that they had landed. But they were still within the clouds."
Follow me, young friends.
Don't get lost.
"So, the group walked through the clouds. After about a hundred steps, the white clouds dispersed. Cheng Yunqi looked around and found himself on a mountain path, flanked by green bamboo. The mountain wind rustled through the bamboo sea, creating a soothing sound."
Follow me.
"The group followed Taoist Jihu through the bamboo sea. Along the stone path, bamboo shoots were everywhere. The green bamboo, moistened by the spring rain, looked even more vibrant, casting a green hue over everything. The mountain breeze brushed their faces, making them feel refreshed. After walking for another quarter of an hour, the path opened up. The first thing they saw was a tall vertical stone tablet inscribed with seven large characters:"Zhan Biyun's Bamboo Grove.
"The group stopped at the tablet. Behind it was a bamboo pavilion, its sides hung with bamboo curtains. Inside the pavilion sat a woman in purple robes adorned with bat patterns. She was beautiful but stern, her age hard to guess—somewhere between twenty and thirty. In her arms, she held a red-yellow glass ruyi scepter, its light flowing like water, as if alive. Taoist Jihu stepped forward and said,"Master Sukong, I've brought the outsiders.
"The woman opened her eyes, glanced at Taoist Jihu, and nodded."
Thank you.
Please wait outside the mountain and return here in an hour.
"Taoist Jihu immediately bowed and left. When the woman's gaze swept over the group, everyone felt a pang of nervousness but tried to remain calm."
Everyone, I will conduct a test.
Those who pass may become my registered disciples.
You should all know this.
"The group nodded, not daring to speak."
I will extract your Shuangling—what mortals call the Earth Soul, one of the three souls and seven spirits.
But don't worry, it won't harm your bodies.
"The woman, who seemed so serene, spoke words that sent chills down their spines."
I will scatter your Earth Souls around.
Through their connection to your Human Souls, you will naturally find your way back.
Those who return will be chosen as my disciples.
But remember, you are mortals.
If your Earth Soul is separated from your body for more than an hour, it will disperse.
While your Earth Soul is out, your senses will be heightened.
You can ascend to the heavens or descend to the earth, witnessing countless wonders.
Do not linger.
"Hearing this, the young men and women paled."
If anyone does not wish to take the test, speak up now.
You may come to me for a grass ginseng pill and return to the mortal world.
"Master Sukong's words carried a clear test of resolve. Cheng Yunqi remained unmoved, as did some of the older ones. But a few of the younger children, around seven or eight years old, hesitated. Was the entrance exam for cultivation really so terrifying? Though these children were frightened, seeing no one step forward, they dared not act, their feet shuffling uncertainly as countless thoughts raced through their minds. Seeing this, the woman changed her approach. She pointed, and a nearby incense burner began to emit smoke."
Time begins now.
When the incense burns out, an hour will have passed.
If your Earth Soul does not return before then, not even the gods can save you.
Those willing to take the test, step forward and sit on the mat."
As soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Yunqi was the first to step forward, sitting on a large green-white bamboo mat in front of the pavilion.
A flicker of amusement passed through Master Sukong's eyes, but she acted swiftly.
She pointed the ruyi scepter at Cheng Yunqi, and his head immediately drooped, as if he had fainted.
The others were startled.
Those who had been about to step forward froze, too afraid to move.
New book release! Please leave comments and feedback.
(End of Chapter)