Chapter 1564 - 168: The Great Mountain Holding the Sea of Clouds (Part 2)

Chapter 1564: Chapter 168: The Great Mountain Holding the Sea of Clouds (Part 2)

The silver light caught up with the carriage, circled around in the sky, and then the sword light gathered from all directions, forming a cluster of clear cloud-like aura. Emerging from within was a graceful and fair-skinned woman, approximately twenty years old, with a slender figure and a delicate waist, her eyebrows lightly groomed and her hair styled in a Flying Immortal Bun. She wore a Wave-Riding Lotus Robe, and her flowing sleeves danced in the breeze, giving her an ethereal appearance, while atop her head was a radiant emerald Gang Cloud.

She made a curtsey towards the carriage, speaking in a pleasant voice, "I am Ping Xiangzhu, a disciple of Shaoqing Sect’s Golden Water Jade Platform. Following my master’s orders, I am here to welcome True Master Zhang and his Dharma Chariot."

Zhang Yan raised his hand to return the gesture of respect and said, "Thank you, True Master Ping."

Ping Xiangzhu then exchanged greetings with Miao Kun and several Purple Light Institute elders behind him, then ascended on the cloud to accompany the carriage on its journey.

After traveling a thousand miles, the sound of a sword suddenly rang out, followed by a dazzling tunneling light sweeping across the sky. In an instant, the Heavenly Cloud turned cold, piercing the soul with its chill. A chilling sword light tore through the clouds, descending abruptly, finally landing in front of the carriage.

The two Ink Flood Dragons seemed slightly uneasy, growling several times as if ready to leap and attack, but the driver repeatedly soothed them until they calmed down.

The sword light rotated, revealing a short-statured, middle-aged Daoist with a lotus-adorned crown, his sharp eyes scanning like a hawk, surveying the front and back of the flying carriage. He bowed and said, "Shaoqing Sect, under the command of Jingxiao Ling Platform, Gu Tunan welcomes the Mingcang Envoy. The path ahead is clear, you may proceed without worry."

He appeared to have a cold demeanor; after greeting, like Ping Xiangzhu, he moved to the other side of the carriage without speaking, guarding the passage.

Another thousand miles passed, and suddenly, from an unknown direction, a vibrant light leaped out, lively and agile. Within moments, it sprang around the carriage, circled once, then emerged as a youthful man full of vitality in loose white robes, a green belt at his waist, a handkerchief on his head; smiling broadly, he performed a courteous bow and said, "I am Chen Yuanning, a disciple of Heart-Origin Platform, greetings to True Master Zhang."

Zhang Yan maintained his decorous manner and returned the courtesy.

At this moment, Miao Kun approached, whispering, "Junior Brother Zhang, Shaoqing welcomed us with three thousand miles, showing utmost respect, yet also demonstrating their power. Be cautious later."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly and said, "Were it not so, it wouldn’t be Shaoqing."

After a while, the carriage finally arrived at the Main Mountain Gate of Guan Yang Mountain Platform. From afar it wasn’t clear, but upon closer inspection, two towering peaks stretched high towards the sky, slightly leaning forward, as if they might topple over at any moment.

Chen Yuanning pointed at the two mountains with a hint of pride, saying, "True Master Zhang, these two peaks—Chuiyun and Jianri—were originally one high summit. Our Ancestor Master, finding it obstructive, cleaved it with a single sword strike, creating what you see now."

Zhang Yan looked up; the two mountainous peaks reached the height of Gang Cloud, majestic and sky-piercing. Master Hong He could split them with a casual swipe, indicating extraordinary divine skills.

On the top of the peak, a lean Daoist suddenly flew down to welcome them. Chen Yuanning proactively approached and exchanged a few words, after which the man returned to the mountain peak.

Ping Xiangzhu made a bow nearby and said, "Please, honored guests, wait a moment. The Mountain Gate Formation’s prohibition is being lifted, and then you may enter."

Miao Kun, curious, asked, "Does your sect not have a dedicated Array Gate for entry and exit?"

Ping Xiangzhu smiled lightly and replied, "Daoist Miao, you may not know, but our Shaoqing Sect doesn’t need to use the Great Array unless no disciple remains within the mountain. However, since an envoy from Mingcang has arrived, as a principal sect of the Xuanmen, we are activating it out of earnest respect."

Miao Kun couldn’t help but be taken aback, glancing at the Mountain Gate, his smile slightly diminishing.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly. The Shaoqing Sect, being a community of sword cultivators, conducts itself differently from others. For the three major Xuanmen sects, whether or not there is a Mountain Gate formation is nearly inconsequential as long as a Cave Heaven True Master presides within.

After a moment, a rumbling sound was heard, the Mysterious Array dissolved, clouds parted, revealing a hanging path with a majestic Heavenly Gate at the end, akin to a mighty roc spreading its wings, beak facing east, head raised towards the sun, seemingly ready to soar on the wind.

Alongside the path, however, fierce Gang Qi howled, its fierce winds felt even miles away, making the path sway continuously.

Chen Yuanning pointed again and said, "That place is known as Qufeng Pass; the Gang Winds are drawn down from the Second Realm Heaven. Those from outside the mountain, if they can pass through here, may be considered esteemed guests of Shaoqing. But as True Master Zhang is a Mingcang envoy, you naturally won’t need to break through. I’ll go have the prohibition lifted." Despite his words, he didn’t move an inch.

Zhang Yan smiled and glanced at Miao Kun, who, catching the cue, said, "In that case, fellow Daoist, please have the prohibition lifted quickly."

Chen Yuanning was momentarily stunned, feeling a bit dissatisfied as a Shaoqing disciple with Zhang Yan. Now, amidst this rare opportunity, he wanted to test this person’s ability but didn’t expect the other party not to rise to the challenge at all. Scratching his head, he had to reluctantly turn to lift the prohibition.

Zhang Yan’s expression remained calm; as the leader of Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples, and the victor of the Eighteen Sects’ swordfight, he had long surpassed needing such tests to prove his prowess; regardless of whether he breaks through this Gate, none would doubt his ability to surpass it with mana.

Not long after, the Gang Winds gradually dispersed, the driver on the carriage pulled the soft ropes, and the two Ink Flood Dragons arched their bodies, tugging the carriage forward. Within moments, it traversed the hanging path, passed through the roc-headed Heavenly Gate, revealing a bright sky; within sight floated a towering mountain, seated amidst the sea of clouds, surrounded by countless floating islands, blue sky stretched wide, clouds drifted and swirled, the air grand and awe-inspiring. Sword lights occasionally sped back and forth, with the ringing of swords reaching the distant horizon from time to time.

At this time, a streak of Clear Light swept swiftly across, seeming to leap through the void itself, flickering a few times mid-air before approaching closer, from within the sword light emerged a green-robed Daoist with distinct features and a prominent nose.

Chen Yuanning and the other two approached to salute, saying, "Brother Xun."

Xun Huaiying pointed at Zhang Yan and said, "This is a friend of mine. With me here to welcome, you may all withdraw."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read further.)