Chapter 1285 - 914: Meeting Zhong Xiang Again

"Bones? I haven’t seen any bones along the way." Zhang Chen pondered as he circled around the stone monument, and soon he understood:

"Indeed! Celestial Thunder and Earth Fire reside here. No matter how strong a corpse’s body might be, it would be reduced to ashes by such forces, so not seeing bones is normal. As for the treasures unearthed by the court, it makes sense now—they are all the magical artifacts, life items, and indestructible bones left behind by the fallen Innate Spirits."

What surprised him the most was the Great Victory Dynasty’s ability to traverse the Celestial Thunder and Earth Fire to pick up various items, which was truly astonishing to Zhang Chen.

Such a place would reduce even those who have attained Fruit Position to ashes once they enter, yet the Great Victory Royal Family can scour for treasures within, showcasing extraordinary methods.

"The court’s techniques are truly unfathomable." Zhang Chen completed a circle around the stone monument, which was the last writing of the Innate Spirits, nothing much to see.

"I wonder which layer of the Thirty-Three Heavens this world barrier connects to?" Zhang Chen turned his gaze to the world barrier, but the swirling waters, winds, and fires obscured his view of the opposite side.

"I still need to repair the Feng Shui Grand Array and leverage the power of the Great Victory court to open the Two Realms Passage. This passage is beyond my current ability to open, unless I ascend to the Dao Fruit realm. Until I understand the great trend of Heaven and Earth, I will not push my boundaries." Zhang Chen extinguished the thought of breaking his world barriers and entering the opposite Spiritual World through his own breakthrough. Until he can surpass the Queen Mother of the West and reach the Heavenly Creation Daluo level to tear the Great Thousand Worlds and enter Chaos, he will adhere to the principle of ’prudence first.’

Having seen nothing of interest, Zhang Chen turned back and retraced his steps, moving from the realm outside of Heavenly Fire, out of the underground tomb, and to the exit of the seventy-second underground world passage. There, Bu Er was waiting for him.

"Why are you here?" Zhang Chen asked Bu Er with surprise.

"I am the bookboy responsible for serving your living arrangements. Except for the restricted areas deep in the tomb, wherever you go, I must follow you and take orders." Bu Er replied respectfully.

"If I stay in the depths of the tomb, will you continue to wait here?" Zhang Chen inquired again.

Bu Er nodded, "That’s correct."

"Lead me to my residence then." Zhang Chen requested.

"Your residence is at the top." Bu Er led Zhang Chen out of the seventy-two-layer underground pavilion, then began climbing from the ground floor upwards: "Your pavilion is situated on the one hundred and eighth floor, the very top, allowing you to gradually descend after earning merits."

Upon reaching the one hundred and eighth floor, Zhang Chen was greeted by a pavilion spanning thousands of square meters, consisting of numerous small rooms arranged in a certain pattern.

"On the one hundred and eighth-floor pavilion, you can choose any unoccupied room to settle in, but I have selected a large Three Yang room for you, which has the best lighting in the entire pavilion. It’s illuminated for twelve hours a day." Bu Er led the way.

Following Bu Er to a southern-facing pavilion, Zhang Chen saw that the views were expansive and sunlight was abundant, making it a suitable place for cultivation and self-care.

The Mysterious Power flowing through the air was so thin it was nearly unnoticeable—only Zhang Chen, with his extraordinary perception, could detect the Mysterious Power here.

"Why does it seem like no one lives on the one hundred and eighth-floor pavilion?" Zhang Chen asked with a hint of curiosity.

"You’re right; all disciples of our Mysterious Inner Courtyard move to the underground world to live after achieving merit. Only when they feel too confined below, or during the three days of monthly teachings when they come up to listen to sermons, do they return. Otherwise, they always reside below." Bu Er replied.

"Such ruthless individuals!" Zhang Chen murmured, "It’s too intense."

"How do you arrange the daily meals?" Zhang Chen asked.

"Servants will deliver it to you via ropes." Bu Er answered, "You don’t have to worry. I am your servant and will deliver meals to you three times a day on schedule."

With a nod, Zhang Chen cast his eyes over the distant scene. The Inner Courtyard was nestled in the valleys of eight grand mountains, and he could barely see the foothills from his position, surrounded entirely by mountains without any scenes to admire.

"It’s strange! This place is surrounded by mountains, yet sunlight still manages to penetrate. Truly curious." Zhang Chen remarked with a face full of wonder.

"I heard that there is a Feng Shui Grand Array here, and its power to overturn Heaven and Earth allows sunlight to reach in." Bu Er replied.

Zhang Chen nodded. He had already sensed the power of the Feng Shui Grand Array here. In the past, the White Ape chose this place to set up the Feng Shui Grand Array, so naturally, there was something peculiar about it.

"You go rest; I’ll take a stroll around the academy myself." Zhang Chen instructed Bu Er.

Bu Er responded with a respectful bow: "I’m staying on the first floor. If you need anything, feel free to call me."

After Bu Er left, Zhang Chen stood by the window for a while, gazing at the distant scenery. He looked at the rushing water in the canyon below, then slowly descended the tower and began to wander around the surrounding mountains and rivers.

It must be said that as the leader of the Literary Dao in the world, the academy’s architecture is quite unique. Not only are the beams and columns decorated, but there is also a seamless blend between human craftsmanship and nature, combining the beauty of both.

Zhang Chen walked through the Inner Courtyard and suddenly stopped in his tracks at a certain moment, gazing into the distance with a peculiar color in his eyes: "How strange!"

Do you wonder why?

He actually sensed the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation in the distance.

"There is actually the presence of the Six Paths of Reincarnation within the academy?" Zhang Chen’s eyes revealed a trace of surprise. He stepped forward and followed the trail of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.

Now he had already obtained four paths of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, leaving only the Celestial Human Reincarnation’s whereabouts unknown. Feeling the breath of the Six Paths of Reincarnation again, Zhang Chen was certain that it must be the Celestial Human Reincarnation.

Zhang Chen walked along, and faintly heard laughter coming from afar. It seemed there was a gathering. After navigating around a stone wall, the vista broadened. In the distance, a pavilion housed a gathering of young people. They were all dressed in luxurious attire and appeared quite extraordinary.

The most crucial thing was that Zhang Chen saw a familiar face: Zhong Xiang!

At that moment, Zhong Xiang was surrounded by people in the center, like stars crowding the moon, looking quite full of himself.

In that pavilion stood a Golden Cicada. The Golden Cicada was crafted from jade, standing two meters tall. Everyone was gathered around it, discussing something.

"Wasn’t Zhong Xiang claiming to have swallowed a celestial fire recently, forcing him to retreat into seclusion at Chongzheng Academy? How come he’s out here now?" Zhang Chen walked toward the mountain, with a look of surprise on his face.

Zhong Xiang stood before the Golden Cicada, with his back towards the path where Zhang Chen arrived. The group surrounding him was engaged in debate. A young man, handsome and noble-looking, wearing a python robe, stood beside Zhong Xiang pointing at the Golden Cicada: "This Golden Cicada can absorb sunlight and condense Sun True Flame. I sought it out specifically. With heavenly fire causing chaos within you, let this Golden Cicada devour it; your danger will naturally be resolved."

"Chai Wenxin, is this Golden Cicada reliable? Can this thing really guide Sun Essence Qi to form Sun True Flame? I find it hard to believe!" Zhong Xiang eyed the Golden Cicada in front of him, a hint of suspicion in his gaze.

Upon hearing this, Chai Wenxin became agitated: "How could I deceive you? Wait for the sun to reach noon; you’ll naturally witness the miracle."

"If you truly can resolve my peril, what reward do you want? I must inform you, I have no treasures to offer!" Zhong Xiang said.

"What reward do we need between us? As long as you are safe, that’s my greatest wish." Chai Wenxin looked at Zhong Xiang with a tender and affectionate voice, stepping forward to place his hand on Zhong Xiang’s shoulder, only for Zhong Xiang to swat it away: "Keep your paws to yourself!"

The onlookers were not surprised by this scene. Although Zhong Xiang dressed in men’s wear, her female nature was not a secret to them. After all, they were all noble in Kyoto, and knew well who had sons and daughters.

Third Prince Chai Wenxin pursuing Zhong Xiang was not secret within the Kyoto circle, especially after Zhong Wubai’s ascension as Yang God. Chai Wenxin’s pursuit intensified, yet despite his relentless chase, Zhong Xiang was indifferent, always keeping a deliberate distance.

Zhong Xiang mercilessly brushed off Chai Wenxin’s hand, causing Chai Wenxin’s demeanor to stiffen, chilling the atmosphere. Chai Wenxin gave an awkward smile to dispel the discomfort, but some people nearby were displeased. Little Princess Chai Wenji saw this, her expression turned gloomy.

Her third brother was one of the three outstanding Princes of the Great Victory Dynasty, with hopes to inherit the throne. Despite his relentless pursuit of Zhong Xiang, she showed no interest. It was highly disrespectful to the royal authority. What would people think?

Moreover, they were both women; she was the most favored woman in the Great Victory Dynasty yet overshadowed by Zhong Xiang, which made her uncomfortable. This constant annoyance was compounded by seeing her brother lavishing effort on acquiring this Exotic Treasure, yet Zhong Xiang showed no gratitude, deepening Chai Wenji’s gloom.

Thus, Chai Wenji coldly eyed Zhong Xiang and said, "Zhong Xiang! Keep yourself in check. My third brother’s noble status, offering you affection, is a courtesy which you should not ignore."