In the air, the white rooster and the jade rabbit entwined their necks, chirping softly.
Cheng Xinzhan stared in astonishment while Zhou Qingyun blushed, gazing vacantly.
Meanwhile, Daoist Jianxian was holding a thunder talisman, utterly perplexed.
"Who is causing a ruckus?"
A female voice echoed down from the high peak, and soon, radiant light transformed into a gigantic hand that scooped up the three of them, along with their two swords, lifting them to the summit.
The pine forest atop the high peak was modest, with only about a hundred trees, yet each seemed to twist like a dragon, every needle gleaming with a jade-like luster.
In this forest, there stood a small wooden cabin.
Across from the cabin lay an ancient pine tree, as thick as a water vat, and seated cross-legged on its trunk was a Kun Daoist.
This Kun Daoist wore a robe of red and crane-like clouds, a heavy crown atop her head.
She appeared to be in her forties, and at that moment, her eyes were slightly closed.
She held a green feather law fan, waving it gently, exuding an aura of grace and elegance.
The three people and their two swords fell to the ground.
"Master!"
The girl immediately recognized where she was, her soul tethered to this place day and night, and the figure before her was the one she yearned for constantly.
As Zhou Qingyun knelt on the ground, the heartfelt call was imbued with layers of longing.
The Kun Daoist abruptly opened her eyes and locked onto Zhou Qingyun.
"Yun'er!"
Tears streamed down Zhou Qingyun’s face as she bowed repeatedly.
Daoist Jianxian and Cheng Xinzhan could only see a flash of light as the person vanished from the tree, then she suddenly appeared before Zhou Qingyun, helping her up.
"It really is you, Yun'er!"
The Kun Daoist’s voice trembled slightly.
Jianxian and Cheng Xinzhan stood up as well.
Jianxian was surprised; just this feat made him deduce that this person was at least at the third realm, possibly even at the fourth realm.
He had no strength left to resist, realizing that the Yellow Mountain was indeed a place where dragons hid among the tigers.
Once emotions calmed, the Kun Daoist turned her gaze towards the two.
Jianxian made a gesture of courtesy, holding the Three Pure Ones Seal, and recited their usual introduction, "I, Tao Jianxian of Three Pure Mountain, bring my disciple Cheng Xinzhan to greet Daoist, wishing you eternal longevity. We mistakenly stumbled upon your sacred ground, please forgive us."
The Kun Daoist appeared surprised and returned the courtesy, "Ah, so you are fellow Daoists from Three Pure Mountain. My apologies; I was disrespectful just now. Please do not take offense."
Jianxian quickly said it was no trouble, then inquired, "May I ask if there was some misunderstanding earlier? Why did you suddenly...?"
Zhou Qingyun, now red-eyed and blushing, shook her head as the sword "Yuepo" reformed into its shape and hid behind her.
"I really don’t know why 'Yuepo'..."
As she spoke, it seemed she remembered something and glanced at the other sword that also hid behind Cheng Xinzhan, then suddenly looked at Cheng Xinzhan’s face.
"'Taodu' sword! Are you the one who stole Yingqiong's flying sword?!"
Cheng Xinzhan raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Is that what she told you?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Zhou Qingyun felt something off.
How could a person of integrity, who could compose poetry, do such a thing?
"There must be some misunderstanding."
She quickly added.
Daoist Jianxian felt lost, as if everyone was speaking in riddles, and after a long conversation, he still couldn’t understand.
His master and he were merely passing by and now faced inquiries, accusations, and misunderstandings, which left him unhappy.
So he spoke frankly,
"This fellow Daoist might clarify the matter; we at Three Pure Mountain have rules and conduct ourselves properly wherever we are."
Zhou Qingyun felt a pang of urgency upon hearing this and realized her rudeness, about to explain.
"My fellow Daoist, forgive me. I believe we are destined to meet, so why not sit down and talk?"
At this moment, the Kun Daoist opened her mouth.
With a flourish of her sleeve, a set of stone tables and chairs appeared, and on the table were four steaming cups of tea.
"My fellow Daoists' timing is quite perfect; this is fresh tea I made just this year. And you must try the Mao Feng while visiting Huang Mountain. Please."
As hosts, the two had no reason to refuse the tea, so they took their seats.
"Let us enjoy the tea before discussing matters."
The Kun Daoist said once more.
The two lifted their cups, and Cheng Xinzhan gazed down, witnessing the mist enshrouding the cup, the liquid a clear green with a hint of yellow, the tea leaves radiant and the fragrance floral.
He took a sip, and the tea was refreshing and flavorful, particularly after going down, allowing a surge of spiritual energy to integrate into his meridians, bringing immense comfort.
"This is excellent tea!"
Both Jianxian and Cheng Xinzhan marveled together.
Seeing this, the Kun Daoist smiled, "I am Canxia; it is a pleasure to meet both of you. This is my disciple, Zhou Qingyun."
Jianxian's expression changed as he looked at the Kun Daoist, "I have heard that Huang Mountain has established a Huang Mountain Governance in recent years, greatly enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the mountains. They say there is a pinnacle figure of the fifth realm in the Governance, yet the instigator is a kind-hearted Kun Daoist of the fourth realm named Master Canxia?"
The Kun Daoist chuckled lightly, "I am indeed Canxia; 'Master' is just a term of praise from others and not something I take for granted."
Jianxian clasped his hands respectfully, "Establishing a mountain governance is no small feat; it is a significant merit, so you deserve to be called Master."
Master Canxia waved her hand, her expression beaming with joy, "I wonder what prompted the draw of swords down in the valley? I heard the clash of metal before I acted."
Zhou Qingyun, with her face flushed, placed the sword "Yuepo" on the table.
The "Yuepo" sword had a blue blade and white hilt, resembling ice crystal, radiating a chill.
Seeing this, Cheng Xinzhan also placed "Taodu" on the table.
The two swords began to resonate with each other again.
"It was not that we drew our swords; the flying swords have their own spirits and emerged from their sheaths in recognition, crossing paths and singing together, which we did not anticipate."
Master Changmei from Mount Shu personally forged seven flying swords before his ascension, three yang and four yin.
Among these, 'Taodu' is the principal yang sword while 'Yuepo' is the principal yin sword, embodying the true forms of sun and moon, symbolizing the white rooster and jade rabbit - a pair of male and female swords.
"As Zhou Qingyun spoke these final words, her voice was faint, her face dripping with red. Uncertain of the situation, as she realized that 'Taodu' and 'Yuepo' were a pair of male and female swords, she breathed a sigh of relief knowing the yang sword was taken by Li Yingqiong. Otherwise, if those three men had taken it, rumors would surely fly. Yet how did it end up in a man's hands?"
When Master Miaoyi distributed the seven swords, I received 'Yuepo', while 'Taodu' was given to Li Yingqiong.
But later, I heard it was snatched outside the mountain, and its whereabouts became unknown...
"At this point, Cheng Xinzhan took the lead in speaking,"Qingyun, you mentioned flying swords having spirits.
Do you think if 'Taodu' recognized Li Yingqiong as its master, someone of my level could forcibly seize it?
"Zhou Qingyun shook her head upon hearing this. 'Taodu' was personally bestowed upon Yingqiong by Master Miaoyi; in such a case, it would not accept her so easily. Clearly, it must have encountered a being it truly resonated with and chose its owner."
There are complexities in this matter that I do not wish to explain further; it is neither theft nor robbery.
I took the sword with a clear conscience.
However, Li Yingqiong is bloodthirsty, and if 'Taodu' were to bond with her, it would eventually turn into a fierce sword!
"Cheng Xinzhan asserted this with certainty. Hearing such a remark, although they were fellow sect members, Zhou Qingyun couldn't help but nod slightly, recalling Li Yingqiong's nature. Master Canxia seemed to have grasped the situation, and as long as no conflict arose, she continued asking,"Then Qingyun, how did you meet the Dao friends from Three Pure Mountain?
""My disciple returned to the mountain today and happened to meet the two Daoists who were here enjoying the scenery.
I heard this friend, Xinzhan, composing poetry to praise the landscape, so I revealed myself, which led to the meeting of our swords.
""Oh?
"Master Canxia turned to Cheng Xinzhan. Zhou Qingyun glanced at Cheng Xinzhan and added,"Friend Xinzhan even praised our Literary Peak for its 'Dream Brush Unfolding Flowers' scenery!
"Seeing that Cheng Xinzhan showed no displeasure, she quickly recited his words describing 'Dream Brush Unfolding Flowers' and the respective poem."
Hahaha～"Master Canxia laughed heartily,"A good poem, a fine couplet; little friend, you possess great talent.
"Cheng Xinzhan humbly replied,"Master overstates, the poetry is but mundane; the scenery is of celestial quality.
"Upon hearing this, Master Canxia laughed even harder, her gaze toward Cheng Xinzhan growing increasingly approving. Her eyes swept over the two flying swords on the table, and after pondering for a moment, she said,"My Literary Peak has been praised by your poetry, yet I cannot let you flatter me for free.
I happen to have a technique for wielding flying swords to express my gratitude.
"With that, she took a jade slip from her possession and handed it to Cheng Xinzhan, inscribed with"The Sword Classic of Rapid Fire by Tieguai Li.
"Cheng Xinzhan's heart jolted. A legacy from an immortal? He quickly clasped his hands,"This is merely a spur-of-the-moment sentiment, how can it be considered such a precious offering?
Master, please do not bestow such a burden upon a junior.
"Master Canxia smiled at this,"Reciting poetry is merely a casual thought for you, gifting a classic is just an easy gesture for me.
What is there to distinguish between heavy and light?
"Daoist Jianxian’s brow raised in astonishment, pondering what kind of person Master Canxia really was. However, this perspective greatly resonated with Cheng Xinzhan. Indeed, how could his poetry possibly weigh more than a sword classic? He prided himself on being relaxed, but at this moment, he found himself wanting in comparison to Master Canxia's nonchalance. Thus, he accepted the sword classic and said,"Master, I will learn from you.
"Master Canxia's smile widened."
One matter should not involve two masters, so I would ask Xinzhan to carve the four characters 'Dream Brush Unfolding Flowers' on the southern cliff of this Literary Peak.
This way, I can say our Literary Peak has a stone inscription too.
"Cheng Xinzhan readily agreed, his thoughts racing; 'Taodu' soared out of the peak, the sword gliding gracefully, talcum-like stone dust cascading as it engraved the four large characters. Dream Brush Unfolding Flowers. The atmosphere was one of mutual joy. At this point, Master Canxia casually asked,"You two crossed over from Three Pure Mountain, did you come specifically to admire Rain Mountain?
"Daoinst Jianxian fell into contemplation. Master Canxia was the instigator of Huang Mountain Governance; clearly, she was insightful, exuding auspicious light with heavenly heritage. Thus, she would certainly have a significant background. He thought that since they were investigating at Huang Mountain, it might be truly beneficial to get her support. After some deliberation, he said,"Master, we practice thunder arts.
Some time ago, my disciple looked into the annual spring thunder occurrences and found that the spring thunder in the Qingshou area in February has been decreasing steadily.
This is a sign of ominous energy encroaching upon the earth's veins.
Therefore, we have come here to investigate, as Huang Mountain is the source of Qingshou's mountains, we sought clues.
"Master Canxia was startled upon hearing this and stood up directly. The other three also stood up. Realizing her slip, Master Canxia smiled awkwardly, encouraging everyone to sit down. She drained the tea in front of her in one gulp. Zhou Qingyun had never seen her Master drink tea this way."
Could you please elaborate, fellow Daoist?
"Daoist Jianxian looked at Cheng Xinzhan."
Xinzhan, you arranged all this; you ought to explain.
"Cheng Xinzhan nodded and began detailing the counts of the spring thunders across Qingshou for the past ten years. As Master Canxia listened, her brow furrowed deeper. After finishing, she sighed heavily,"I have been so occupied preparing the Governance that I have only focused on this mountain, yet I failed to notice such a major issue with spring thunder deficiency in Qingshou!
"Daoist Jianxian reassured,"Master need not be troubled; it is but a matter of specialization.
"Master Canxia nodded before asking,"Do you and Xinzhan have any discoveries?
"Daoist Jianxian shook his head,"We are newcomers and have yet to discover anything.
Master, you have stayed long on Huang Mountain; do you perhaps possess some techniques to investigate the earth's veins?
"Master Canxia knitted her brow tightly. Since she practiced the Cloud and Peach art, she truly lacked knowledge on how to investigate earth veins."
Never mind, never mind, we shall search further.
"Seeing that Master Canxia had no superior method either, Daoist Jianxian spoke out. Master Canxia replied,"I can search with you, or I can inform the Governance, so together with the scattered Daoists in the mountains, we may also explore.
""That would be unwise!
"Both Jianxian and Cheng Xinzhan said in unison."
If this ominous entity is naturally formed, that would be one thing.
But if it is deliberately orchestrated by someone, regardless of whether you use your fourth realm cultivation to search the mountain source, or gathering all the scattered cultivators, such a commotion would easily alert those with ill intentions.
"Daoist Jianxian elaborated. Master Canxia nodded at this,"You are right.
I was too hasty.
Hence, Qingyun, you shall search alongside the Dao friends from Three Pure Mountain.
If you happen to wander into the cave of any scattered cultivators, just explain that these two are my guests here to admire the mountain.
"Zhou Qingyun instantly agreed. Daoist Jianxian and Cheng Xinzhan exchanged glances and also agreed. After all, they had already made an unintentional entrance into Literary Peak. Luckily, Master Canxia was amiable; had they encountered an unreasonable person, it could have been troublesome."
Please wait a moment while I explain a few things to my disciple,"Master Canxia said. The two naturally concurred. Master Canxia led Zhou Qingyun away from the stone table, walking to the cliff's edge, where green pines separated the two pairs of disciples.
Master Canxia gazed into the distant rain and mist, clasping her hands behind her back, softly saying,"Qingyun, why did you return from Emei?
"Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingyun knelt down, weeping,"Master, the disciple does not wish to cultivate at Emei; I only want to serve you at Literary Peak!
"Master Canxia’s eyes narrowed sharply,"What’s the matter, was Emei not good?
Did Master Miaoyi not treat you well?
"Zhou Qingyun slightly shook her head, her eyes welling with tears,"Emei is wonderful, but it cannot compare to Huang Mountain.
Master Miaoyi has never wronged me, but he cannot compare to Master.
Do you not know...
"Master Canxia interrupted her, nodding,"I know.
"Zhou Qingyun gazed at her Master, stunned."
From the moment I sent you to Emei, I knew you would become Master Miaoyi’s disciple.
Today, with outsiders present, you should not call me Master, and I should not refer to you as my disciple.
Yet, you forgot, and so did I.
Although those two from Three Pure Mountain may learn about it later, they should not spread any rumors.
"Master Canxia spoke on leisurely."
But Master, at that time, didn’t you say you were only sending me to learn the law? You never mentioned I would belong to another sect.
Did you not want me as your disciple long ago…
"Zhou Qingyun’s throat was choked with emotion. Master Canxia’s heart twisted painfully; she forced a wry smile,"Foolish child, where in the world do you find a law learned for free?
Do you think Emei is just anywhere? If I had not shared this with you directly, would you ever agree to stay at Emei?
""But I do not want to learn the methods of Emei!
"Zhou Qingyun could no longer hold back, throwing her arms around Master Canxia’s legs and weeping loudly. Master Canxia crouched down, stroking her disciple’s flowing hair, painfully uttering,"Silly child, your master once walked the path of a scattered cultivator one step at a time.
Though I was fortunate enough to inherit the teachings of the Eight Immortals and made a name for myself in this mortal realm, a scattered cultivator is always like a drifting weed! There is never a person in the heavens; becoming an immortal is incredibly arduous! How would I wish for you to tread my old path?
""That day, Master Miaoyi suddenly sought me out, saying you are a person of great potential from Emei, a heavenly spirit.
He urged me to let you go, promising to impart everything to you.
He is about to ascend; why would he deceive or waste my time? Tell me, how should I choose! If you follow me, it will only delay your future!
"As Master Canxia said this, tears flowed down her face. A disciple she had raised for many years about to be handed over; her heart ached as if it were being shredded. She bore the pain and mustered a smile to comfort her disciple,"Qingyun, listen to me.
The strength of Emei lies not only in the mortal world but also in the heavens.
Focus on your cultivation at Emei, prove your heavenly spirit, and perhaps you will surpass me.
At that time, no matter if my lifespan has come to an end or I am in the twilight of my life, you may come and help me cross over.
When that time comes, if my lifespan has ended and you come to find me reborn, I might even call you Master!
"Zhou Qingyun, wiping her tears, nodded, finding happiness in this thought. As long as she knew her Master did not wish to abandon her, it was enough. She now had another reason to stay in Emei."
Nevertheless, what brings you back to Huang Mountain this time?
"Zhou Qingyun, hearing this, became serious, leaning close to Master Canxia’s ear, shielding her mouth with her hand to whisper a few words. Master Canxia’s expression changed repeatedly, and eventually, she slowly nodded."
When you return, tell Master Miaoyi that I am aware.
"Zhou Qingyun nodded."
How long are you planning to stay this time? Did Master Miaoyi say anything?
"Zhou Qingyun shook her head,"There was nothing specific.
He urged me to stay for a while longer to ease my longing.
"Master Canxia smiled at this."
That sounds good.
However, put on a worried face quickly.
In the coming days, follow the Dao friends of Three Pure Mountain to investigate the earth's veins.
Once the issues are found, our master-disciple conversation can wait.
How could the earth veins of Qingshou have issues? Alas, it is truly a time of troubles.
"Zhou Qingyun acknowledged,"Understood.
""Take this.
"Master Canxia handed her a jade slip."
My disciple is starting to create flying swords.
How can she not have a sword classic?
"Zhou Qingyun looked down, and clearly displayed on it was"The Sword Classic of Soft Water by Tieguai Li.
""Master, this?
"Master Canxia smiled."
This is paired with the one for that young man.
This sword technique can be practiced separately and together.
Your two flying swords, one yin and one yang, can merge using this technique, significantly increasing their power.
However, you need not disclose this to him; wait until the time comes to use it.
""And the fiery sword technique is fierce and unmatched, swift as fire, yet cannot escape the soft nature of the kan water.
If one day he dares to harm you using this method, you could easily counter his sword with the kan water sword technique!"
With that, the large chapter is presented.
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(End of this chapter)