Chapter 960 - 45: Zhong Shan Domain! Cheers to Third Young Master Mu (Third Update)

Chapter 960: Chapter 45: Zhong Shan Domain! Cheers to Third Young Master Mu (Third Update)

Mu Qingge and Zhuang Shan entered the Young Palace together on Young Palace Mountain.

After sitting down, Mu Qingge took out a bottle of wine and said to Zhuang Shan, "Brother Zhuang Shan, I don’t have any tea here, so we’ll have to use wine instead."

Zhuang Shan laughed and said, "Usually people use tea in place of wine, but with you, it’s the other way around."

Mu Qingge poured for him, teasing, "Could it be that Brother Zhuang Shan prefers tea?" They had had drinks together before, so she naturally knew Zhuang Shan was someone who enjoyed wine.

After the two had a drink, Zhuang Shan wiped the wine stain from the corner of his mouth and said to Mu Qingge, "Back to the point, I’ll tell you what the Four Divine Domains Debate is all about."

"Eagerly listening," Mu Qingge nodded slightly.

Zhuang Shan said with a serious tone, "What we call the Four Divine Domains Debate is actually a tradition of the Divine Land. It occurs throughout the Four Seas Divine Land, just at different times. Here in the East Divine Land, we hold the Four Divine Domains Debate every hundred years. The hosting venue rotates among the four Divine Domains. Last time, it was hosted by our Huan Yue Domain, and this time, it’s the Zhong Shan Domain’s turn. The Four Divine Domains Debate is actually a chance for disciples from the four Divine Domains to compete and exchange, a kind of rivalry between the four Divine Domains."

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows and couldn’t help but think internally: ’The Huan Yue God Emperor is really carefree! Such a competition involving strength and status would be a top priority in other Divine Domains, but in the Huan Yue Domain, Mu Qingge doesn’t feel any tension at all. It’s surprising how a grand event that happens once a century is so casually arranged by him, without even sending any elders.’

"Since it’s such a big deal, why does the God Emperor seem unconcerned?" Mu Qingge asked out loud.

Zhuang Shan laughed, "I knew you would ask. Our God Emperor doesn’t care much for fame and fortune, he has a tranquil nature and rarely bothers with affairs. Moreover, our Huan Yue Domain is the foremost among the four Divine Domains of the East Divine Land, with strength evident. So the God Emperor doesn’t care much about events like the Four Divine Domains Debate."

"Shouldn’t he care more? Otherwise, if we lose, wouldn’t it be embarrassing?" Mu Qingge asked curiously. Her words likely echoed what most people would think.

"You’re not wrong," Zhuang Shan nodded, "But our God Emperor simply doesn’t care. Furthermore, the God Emperor has always focused on nurturing our abilities, so for nearly a thousand years, during each Four Divine Domains Debate, he sends only the top ten disciples, and each time, the Eldest Young Master also routinely asks if any elders are accompanying. We’ve already grown accustomed to it."

"What are they going to compete in for the Four Divine Domains Debate? How did the Huan Yue Domain perform in previous times?" Mu Qingge inquired. She truly wanted to know how, under the God Emperor’s laissez-faire management, the Huan Yue Domain maintained its position as the top in the East Divine Land.

"The Four Divine Domains Debate involves the Daoist Technique and Magic. Dao refers to Daoist Technique, and the competition is about everyone’s understanding of the Daoist Technique. This time, our Huan Yue Domain has you, a prodigious talent, so losing will be difficult," Zhuang Shan said half-jokingly. He vividly remembered when Mu Qingge first entered the Huan Yue Domain and during her assessment, her Daoist Golden Lotus blossomed into a magnificent scene.

"And Magic, this involves competing in cultivation, seeing whose Magic is more refined and proficient, and who knows more," Zhuang Shan continued.

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, having a basic understanding now.

Zhuang Shan added, "If after two rounds of competition, participants can make it into the top hundred, they then have the opportunity to be immersed in the Dao Light."

"Dao Light?" Mu Qingge asked, puzzled.

Zhuang Shan nodded, "Yes. Dao Light is an extremely rare and mysterious light. Bathing in it helps in comprehending Daoist Technique and sensing the essence of Dao. If one is highly talented and fortunate, they might even develop their own Magic. Generally, among the top hundred, aside from the top three, everyone can bathe in it for three days. The top three can soak for ten days."

Mu Qingge’s eyes brightened, showing interest in Dao Light.

Any opportunity to enhance her strength, she didn’t want to miss. Since she knew there was still a gap between her and Mu Tianyin, she had tasks to complete and responsibilities to shoulder, which required her to possess even greater power.

"We only have ten people from Huan Yue Domain, but that hundred-participant slot..." Mu Qingge frowned.

Zhuang Shan laughed, "It’s only us at Huan Yue Domain with ten people, while disciples from other domains often send hundreds to participate each time."

Mu Qingge inhaled deeply, clearly confused, "If Dao Light is so beneficial, why doesn’t the God Emperor send more people to compete for a spot in the top hundred?"

"The God Emperor doesn’t stop other disciples from going; it’s just that any who go on their own don’t have their results counted under the Huan Yue Domain," Zhuang Shan said with a bitter smile.

"..." Mu Qingge was stunned. What exactly is the Huan Yue God Emperor thinking? Is he really that indifferent to fame and fortune?

"Alright. You know what you need to know; I’ve said most of what needs saying. This is your first time going to participate in the Four Divine Domains Debate. In the Zhong Shan Domain, you should stick close to me, don’t cause trouble, and don’t let trouble find you," Zhuang Shan said as he stood up, giving Mu Qingge some advice.

It seemed like he was preparing to leave after discussing the matter.

"Take care, Brother Zhuang Shan," Mu Qingge said, seeing Zhuang Shan off.

She stood on the steps in front of the palace, gazing out at the sea of clouds beyond the mountains, her eyes slightly squinting. ’The Four Divine Domains Debate is indeed a rare opportunity. Not only can it potentially enhance cultivation and strengthen power, but it also provides a chance to make a name!’

Mu Qingge’s eyes hardened with determination as a faintly smiling arc appeared on her lips.

She believed that if she achieved outstanding results, or even clinched the top spot in this debate, the name ’Mu Qingge’ would resound throughout the East Divine Land. If Mu Tianyin was in the East Divine Land, he’d surely find out that she had arrived!

With a flick of her sleeves, Mu Qingge left Young Palace Mountain and headed towards the small lodge atop the mountain peak.

About to depart for the Zhong Shan Domain, she wanted to seek advice from the mysterious elder once more before leaving to increase her confidence.

Unfortunately, when she reached the small lodge at the mountain peak, the mysterious elder was not there. She waited at the peak for a long time but never saw him return, leaving with no choice but to go.

Who was the elder? What was his identity?

This question had always been hidden inside Mu Qingge’s heart. Sadly, the elder had never been upfront, so she was unable to ascertain.

Three days later, the ten disciples of Huan Yue Domain boarded the airship, heading towards the Zhong Shan Domain.

The Zhong Shan Domain is in the northern part of the East Divine Land.

They could choose to traverse the continent or take the airship into Xinghai. To save time and arrive earlier at the Zhong Shan Domain, Li Chao chose to take the airship into Xinghai.

Ten days later, when their airship arrived at the Zhong Shan Domain, Li Chao smiled and said to the other nine, "Luckily, this time it’s the Zhong Shan Domain, we can travel via Xinghai. If it were the Wei Yi Domain, we’d have to travel by land, which would slow us down considerably."

Ten days, with the airship’s rapid speed, allowed them to peacefully cultivate during this time without the fatigue of travel. If traveling by land, it would take over twenty days to reach the Zhong Shan Domain.

"The Zhong Shan Domain, haven’t visited for quite some time!" the Fourth Young Master said with a smile at the sight ahead.

Mu Qingge was visiting the Zhong Shan Domain for the first time, and the enchanting views before her filled her with curiosity. The Zhong Shan Domain in front of her was different from the Huan Yue Domain.

The Zhong Shan Domain seemed like a gear tilted between heaven and earth, with mountains undulating and scenic beauty. Occasionally, one could see pavilions and towers nestled in the wind and snow.

Here, is a world of pure whiteness!

Yet the ground connected to it is lush and vibrant with spring. Among the wildflowers and grass, small animals occasionally leap and roam. The outline of the city also sketches a gray undulating line between heaven and earth.

"This Zhong Shan Domain, unlike our Huan Yue Domain, is divided into Snow City and Spring City. Spring City is similar to our Lower City, both are inhabited by divine beings dependent on Zhong Shan Domain. As for Snow City, it is like our Upper City, where disciples of the Zhong Shan Domain reside." Zhuang Shan whispered an introduction to Mu Qingge beside her.

Mu Qingge nodded, understanding in her heart.

"Let’s head to Spring City first; disciples of the Zhong Shan Domain will be there to receive us," Li Chao turned his gaze to the others and said.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The ten of them walked towards Spring City.

On the way, Mu Qingge asked Zhuang Shan, "Brother Zhuang Shan, is there anything particular we should be mindful of during this time?"

Zhuang Shan replied, "Nothing particularly special, just follow me. Usually, disciples from other domains first arrive at the subordinate cities where they are hosted by disciples, rest for a few days, and then enter the domain together when everyone has arrived."

Mu Qingge nodded to show she understood.

The ten from Huan Yue walked into Spring City and immediately felt the bustle. In these cities of divine beings, there isn’t much difference from those inhabited by mortals.

Flourishing markets, pavilions, and towers with bustling crowds and trade.

The difference is the additional Spirit Mountain Cave Mansions opened up, available for divine beings to cultivate within. For example, upon entering the city, after paying sufficient Divine Jade, one can exchange for a cave mansion within the city that has spiritual energy and continue to rent it by paying divine jade at regular intervals.

"Are you from the Huan Yue Domain?"

Just after entering the city, a disciple wearing a Zhong Shan Domain token came up to them.

Judging by their appearance, it was the disciple mentioned by Li Chao to receive them.

Li Chao nodded, "Indeed."

Upon confirming, the Zhong Shan Domain disciple smiled more broadly, saluting amongst disciples, and then said, "May I ask your name? Do you have a decree from the Huan Yue God Emperor?"

Li Chao replied, "I am Li Chao, one of the top ten disciples in front of the Huan Yue Domain palace." He then presented the decree from the Huan Yue God Emperor, confirming his identity.

"So it’s the Eldest Young Master of Huan Yue!" The Zhong Shan Domain disciple was a bit surprised, but after checking the decree, he returned it to Li Chao.

Li Chao also said to him, "It’s the same for all ten of us."

The Zhong Shan Domain disciple smiled and said, "I’ve heard, every time there’s a Dao discussion, those from Huan Yue Domain are always the top ten disciples from the palace, the Ten Young Masters of Huan Yue. Looks like this time is no different."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the nine others.

After a couple of sweeps, he showed a hint of surprise and asked Li Chao, "Hmm? May I ask, Eldest Young Master. The fame of the Ten Young Masters of Huan Yue is long known, and most divine beings in the East Divine Land are aware to some extent. I matched everyone else, but one seems to be... different." He chuckled before continuing, "I heard the third young master Qian Shui of Huan Yue is gentle and fair in appearance, but I don’t see anyone who matches that description."

His words made Mu Qingge look up at Li Chao.

Li Chao replied to the Zhong Shan Domain disciple, "That was in the past. Qian Shui is no longer the third young master of Huan Yue. The current third young master of Huan Yue is another person."

Then he pointed to Mu Qingge and said, "This is Mu Qingge. Now, he is the third young master of our Huan Yue Domain."

The Zhong Shan Domain disciple’s eyes narrowed sharply as he assessed Mu Qingge several times. His voice, slightly surprised, asked Li Chao, "Eldest Young Master, previously there was news from the East Divine Land that the Huan Yue’s third young master accomplished a great achievement by returning the ancestral Divine Emperor’s lost relic, which was missing for thirty-eight thousand years, to the Huan Yue Domain, allowing the ancestral Divine Emperor to rest in peace. Could it be the third young master who achieved this is the one before me?"

He couldn’t help his surprise.

Mu Qingge’s accomplishment would be admired and envied in any divine domain.

Because such a merit represents a tremendous favor towards the affiliated divine domain. In the future, moving within the domain, one’s identity and status would be significantly elevated. If the person leveraged this to request something from the Divine Emperor, it might be granted.

In summary, it meant many benefits and universal envy.

Originally, when the news spread, people from other divine domains thought it was Qian Shui. Yet they didn’t expect Huan Yue’s third young master to change to an unknown figure.

"Indeed, it is this one." Li Chao nodded in affirmation.

Receiving confirmation, the Zhong Shan Domain disciple regained his composure. He saluted Mu Qingge and kindly said, "The third young master Mu has indeed made a sensational impact within the Four Divine Domains with this miraculous achievement!"

Mu Qingge slightly smiled and modestly replied, "I don’t deserve such praise. It was all due to everyone’s joint efforts."

"The third young master Mu is so humble," remarked the Zhong Shan Domain disciple.

After verifying the identities of all ten, the Zhong Shan Domain disciple led them toward the prepared cave mansions within the city.

"Hehe, this trip to the Insect Abyss really did let the third young master score a bargain." Fifth young master said to fourth young master.

The fourth young master chuckled and replied, "That’s also the third young master’s fortune."

Fifth young master sighed, "Alas, it’s a pity for Qian Shui. If he had still been the third young master of Huan Yue and went to the Insect Abyss with them, judging by his speed, this great merit would also have been credited to him."

"Let bygones be bygones," the fourth young master warned.

He indeed wanted to maintain a good relationship with Mu Qingge now. After all, a Holy Level Alchemist is indeed rare.

"Do you think the Divine Emperor knows about his ability in alchemy?" the fifth young master curiously asked.