The mountains where many Cultivation sects were located were shrouded in fog all year round.
The Great Formation of the mountain gate was hidden in the fog.
Aoyama was the same.
So was Cloud-Dream Mountain.
The peaks here were not as precipitous and magnificent as those in Aoyama, but they were very beautiful. The slopes of the cliffs were gentle, forming valleys.
Like the nine peaks of Aoyama, Zhongzhou School was divided into twelve valleys.
The white clouds were flowing in those valleys quietly, looking beautiful and marvelous. It was like a dream, or a fairy realm in the imagination of the Cultivation practitioners.
The founding of the Center Sect thirty thousand years ago was a significant event in the Cultivation world. Apart from the Aoyama Sect and the Shui Yue Nunnery, no other sect in Chaotian had such a long history.
Such a significant event had to be celebrated, which was why the Dao Competition was held and the Fairy Book reappeared in the human world.
Even the Western Sea Sword School, which didn't have much resources, knew how to use the Flying Whale to create the raindrops and hang a rainbow on the horizon. Cloud-Dream Mountain wasn't decorated with lanterns like the human world.
It was dusk, and the stars hadn't appeared yet. A large light screen appeared in the sky opposite the setting sun.
There were flowing clouds and beautiful scenery in the light screen, looking extremely dreamy.
The Cloud-Dream Mountain had its own arrangement. For instance, hundreds of thousands of peonies bloomed overnight in the Hanshi Valley, taking the color of heaven and earth away.
Countless sword boats and cloud boats rose and landed in the deep part of the mountains, bringing the Cultivation practitioners from all over Chaotian to this place. Many free-traveling practitioners and small sects didn't have the large magic treasures to ride the swords or magic treasures. They had to land outside the second level of the Great Formation of Cloud-Dream and then walk up the mountain.
The Zhongzhou School had arranged for caretaker disciples at various mountain gates to receive these Cultivation practitioners.
A certain mountain gate was built a long time ago, so few people knew about it. No Cultivation practitioner had passed through it for a long time.
The caretaker disciple was so bored that he felt sleepy. He suddenly became alert when he found someone coming.
"Cultivationist, please register your name."
The person wore a plain white cloth and a conical hat, so his face couldn't be seen. He picked up the pen and wrote down his name on the register.
The disciple looked at the name upside down, but he didn't recognize the two characters. All he thought was that this cultivationist's name was very simple, with so few strokes.
"Fellow Daoist, please come this way. Take this jade tablet. The array formation will sense it and won't stop you."
The man took the jade token and walked into the mountain.
The disciple turned over the register and was slightly startled when he saw the name. He wondered why it was so familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.
A moment later, he suddenly remembered and opened his mouth wide.
"Ah, Aoyama Jing Jiu!"
He turned around to look at the mountain path, but the figure of the other party was nowhere to be seen. He quickly took out his artifact and informed the teachers in the mountain.
…
…
Among the twelve valleys of the Cloud Dream Valley, the Yingxian Valley had the calmest terrain. The sword boats and cloud boats of the various sects that came to attend the conference were all docked here.
There were many paths leading from the valley to the Immortal Abode at the peak, and the paths were lined with thousand-year-old pines.
It was inconvenient to fly on swords or artifacts here, otherwise, the entire mountain would be filled with sword lights and treasures. It would be extremely chaotic.
The cultivators walked among the mountains and stopped by the pavilions, greeting and exchanging greetings from time to time.
Such a grand event was rare in the cultivation world. Many people only met after many years, so naturally, they would not miss such an opportunity.
A group of cultivators was the most eye-catching. They were dressed in green robes, walking toward the peak in silence.
They were naturally from Aoyama since they could be accompanied by an elder like Yue Qianmen in person.
After hundreds of years, the sword cultivators of the Aoyama Sect showed up on the Cloud Dream Mountain again. Moreover, there were so many of them, which naturally caused a lot of discussion.
A cultivator asked his companion who was the leader of the Aoyama Sect this time. He was even more surprised when he found out that it was the two peak heads, Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang.
"The Aoyama Sect has really given us enough face this time."
The companion shook his head and said, "That's not all. I heard that Sect Master Liu will come to the conference in person."
The cultivator was puzzled and asked, "Why?"
As the two leaders of the orthodox Cultivation world, the relationship between the Aoyama Sect and the Zhongzhou School had always been delicate, or even awkward.
Back when the Immortal Jingyang ascended, no one from the Zhongzhou School went there, which was the proof.
In the Cultivation tournament of the Plum Meeting a few years ago, the only daughter of the Sect Master of the Zhongzhou School, Bai Zao, was rescued by the disciple of the Aoyama Sect, Jing Jiu. The relationship between the two sects had improved a bit.
However, the relationship between the two sects had become tense again in recent years because of the fight for the throne in Zhaoge City. Why did the Aoyama Sect suddenly show such kindness?
… …
… …
These disciples of the major sects who were familiar with the general trend of the world felt sentimental about the arrival of the people of the Aoyama Sect. As for many free-traveling practitioners and disciples of small sects, their feelings were much simpler; they were excited and thrilled. They had only heard about the figures in the legends, but they didn't expect to see them in person in their lifetime.
"That calm immortal master must be the principal disciple of the Aoyama Sect, Guo Nanshan!"
Someone said excitedly, "Back when he killed seven ferocious beasts in the Muddy River, he was painted on a cloth by a painter in the human world. Later, the Precious-Tree House sold it for a box of crystals."
"Who's Gu Han? Is the Immortal Master Jian Ruyun here? "
"That smiling and amiable immortal master must be Gu Qing of the Shenmo Peak. He's indeed as rumored, making people feel like bathing in the spring breeze."
"The Immortal Master Gu Qing and the Immortal Master Gu Han are blood brothers. The Gu family is really powerful. That's why they have extended their influence to Zhaoge City in recent years."
The discussions in the valley grew louder. Soon, the Cultivation practitioners had figured out the identity and background of these disciples of the Aoyama Sect.
More and more gazes fell on a spot among the crowd of the Aoyama Sect.
Most of the Cultivation practitioners were handsome and tall, but that person was a bit short, looking more like an ordinary mortal.
That person's appearance was also very ordinary, so ordinary that no matter how long one looked at him, one would forget his appearance as soon as one moved one's eyes away from him.
If he was so ordinary, then it would be unusual.
It was said that even the materials of the Curtain Rollers didn't have an accurate description of his appearance.
That person had an ordinary temperament, with drooping eyelids. He looked lethargic, as if he hadn't woken up yet.
However, one wouldn't think that he was low-key; instead, one would think that he didn't even want to lift his head to take a look at you; he was extremely arrogant.
"Is he Zhuo Rusui?"
Many faint cries rang out in the Yingxian Valley.
Looking at the young Cultivation practitioner, the people's eyes were full of surprise.
All of Chaotian knew that Zhuo Rusui was the personal disciple of the Sect Master of Aoyama.
What was more, he had stayed behind closed doors after he entered the inner gate of Aoyama.
No matter how the world had changed and what had happened in Aoyama, he had always stayed on the top of Tianguang Peak. He hadn't stepped out of the manor cave for twenty years.
He suddenly came out from behind closed doors a few days ago.
It was said that a rainbow had appeared in Aoyama that day.
Then.
Zhao Layue was defeated by his sword.
…
…
"That's Zhao Layue … I really can't imagine how he did it."
"Don't forget that he is also someone with natural Dao quality."
Looking at Zhuo Rusui in the crowd, the people kept talking about him.
If the glory of Aoyama was focused on Shenmo Peak and Liangwang Peak, Zhuo Rusui had broken through the closed doors, he had gained the attention of the world.
Sensing the admiring gazes from all directions, Guo Nanshan let out a faint smile.
He had no objection to Shenmo Peak, but his Young Brother coming out from behind closed doors had relieved a lot of pressure on him.
In the next moment, he felt something was out of place; it was because the gazes on his Young Brother had all moved away …
Following the gazes, he found that they were all looking at a mountain path at the foot of the cliff.
The mountain path was old, and it was obvious that it hadn't been used for a long time. Judging from the sign, it should lead to the mountain gate.
Only those free-traveling Cultivation practitioners and the Cultivation practitioners of small sects would come from there. Why did it attract so many people's attention?
A man was walking on the mountain path. He was wearing a conical hat, and his face couldn't be seen. His white robe fluttered slightly, giving people a feeling that he was an immortal, as if he would fly away with the wind in the next moment.
Yes, no one knew who that man was. But how could the Cultivation practitioners not be moved by such a feeling of being away from the mortal world?
Gu Qing was pleasantly surprised. He walked out of the crowd and walked to the foot of the cliff.
Seeing this scene, some people who were quick-witted guessed who the man in white was, and then spread the news.
"Is it him?"
"Is this the rumored Jing Jiu?"
"Is he really so good-looking?"
The discussion became louder and louder, and the Yingxian Valley was buzzing.
Yue Qianmen frowned slightly, as if he didn't like the noise.
A self-mocking smile appeared on Guo Nanshan's face. He looked at Zhuo Rusui, and found that his Young Brother still had his eyelids drooped, without any reaction.
Countless gazes fell on Jing Jiu.
Some female Cultivation practitioners even rushed to the railings of the pavilions, their eyes shining.
Nobody looked at Zhuo Rusui anymore.
Jing Jiu was indeed very famous.
Everybody knew that he was very lazy, and also very good-looking.
He had many legendary stories, like the chess game with Tong Yan and the Cultivation tournament at the Plum Meeting.
The story of him and Bai Zao had spread throughout Chaotian a long time ago.
This was the Cloud-Dream Mountain. Were the two of them going to meet again?
"Hey! Jing Jiu, you've finally come! "
A crisp voice rang out in the valley.
Along with the crisp ringing of the bell, a young woman flew down the cliff like a young bird flying to the forest. She was the young master of the Platanus Sect, Sensei.
Under a distant hut, a monk of the Guocheng Temple lowered his head in the end, as though he intended to raise his head, his figure looking a bit lonely.
…
…
Jing Jiu lifted his head and shot a glance at Sensei, the meaning of which was clear.
Sensei turned her body slightly and returned to the cliff like a bird, grunting angrily.
Gu Qing met Jing Jiu on the mountain path. He didn't have time to bow to Jing Jiu. He started talking as fast as he could in a low voice.
However, there were too many people in the valley, and the masters like Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang had a profound Cultivation state, so they could definitely hear what he said. As such, he didn't say too much.
Jing Jiu accompanied Jing Jiu to the top of the cliff and retreated to the rear after he had said what needed to be said.
Jing Jiu walked toward the crowd of Aoyama.
He was a disciple of Aoyama, so it was normal for him to do so.
Yet, for some reason, many disciples of Aoyama, including Guo Nanshan and Gu Han, had a strange expression on their faces.
An awkward and nervous atmosphere had developed on the cliff.
Seeing the scene and sensing the atmosphere, the Cultivation practitioners of other sects were baffled.
Then they remembered that Zhuo Rusui had defeated Zhao Layue after he came out from behind closed doors.
The relationship between Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue was obvious.
Jing Jiu was recognized as a talented swordsman, and he had won first place in the Cultivation tournament of the Plum Meeting. And it was said that … he held grudges.
What was going to happen next?
…
…
Jing Jiu walked to the front of the crowd of Aoyama.
Many people were paying attention to Zhuo Rusui's reaction through the corners of their eyes.
Zhuo Rusui took a glance at Jing Jiu, and then returned to his original posture, his eyelids drooping, indicating that he was very sleepy.
It was evident that he didn't think Jing Jiu was worthy of his attention.
Some people noticed that Zhuo Rusui wasn't looking at Jing Jiu, but at the iron sword on Jing Jiu's back.
The iron sword was still there, which explained many things.
The crowd couldn't help but feel sentimental.
Back when he rescued Bai Zao in the snowland, Jing Jiu's Cultivation state had stagnated. It had been ten years since then, but he hadn't broken through yet.
Was this talented swordsman going to die?
Jing Jiu didn't know what was on their minds. He turned to Fang Jingtian and Nan Wang, cupping his hands and bowing to them casually.
Nan Wang arched his eyebrows and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Jing Jiu said, "Bai Zao asked me to come here. I'm here to participate in the Dao Competition."
The first half of what Jing Jiu said sounded a bit ambiguous.
But the second half of what Jing Jiu said made the atmosphere even more awkward and tense.
Zhuo Rusui had defeated Zhao Layue in the Sword Trial, so he was the only candidate from Aoyama to participate in the Dao Competition.
Did Jing Jiu intend to challenge Zhuo Rusui?
Nan Wang said, "The winner has been chosen. Don't make a fuss."
"Who is the winner?" Jing Jiu asked.
Many disciples of Aoyama looked at Zhuo Rusui in the back.
Jing Jiu shot a glance at Zhuo Rusui.
His face was ordinary, but it was different from Guo Dong's ordinary face.
Jing Jiu knew that this was a kind of magic method, so he didn't mind it. He pulled back his gaze and said to Nan Wang, "I can defeat him."
Nan Wang was slightly annoyed, "Why should he accept your challenge?"
The Sword Trial in Aoyama was over, and Zhuo Rusui was the final winner.
If one could challenge the winner at any time after the competition, the Sword Trial in Aoyama would be meaningless.
Jing Jiu didn't say anything.
If Zhuo Rusui didn't want to accept the challenge, he couldn't do anything about it.
Gu Qing suddenly took a few steps forward and came to the middle of the crowd. He said to Zhuo Rusui, "Accept it."
He had to do what his Master couldn't do.
"Are you crazy?!"
Gu Han looked at his younger brother, his face full of disbelief.
Jing Jiu wanted to defeat his Young Brother in his current Cultivation state?
Was everyone on the Shenmo Peak as arrogant as him?!
Gu Qing didn't pay attention to him. He looked at Zhuo Rusui in Silence.
The calmer his eyes were, the more pressure he felt.
What he meant was clear: If you are not afraid of losing, then you should come out and fight with my Master.
Zhuo Rusui didn't respond to him with the drooping eyelids.
Nobody would think that he didn't accept Gu Qing's provocation because he was afraid of Jing Jiu.
His indifferent expression would only make people think that he didn't want to accept Jing Jiu's challenge because he was too weak.
"You didn't participate in the Sword Trial, so you are disqualified. Whether you can defeat Zhuo Rusui or not, you can't represent Aoyama to participate in the Dao Seeking Conference."
Fang Jingtian's voice suddenly sounded.
Guo Nanshan and the others felt relieved, thinking that Senior Master Fang had made such a decision in order to avoid the conflict between the disciples of the same sect, which might lead to an ugly scene.
But Jing Jiu knew that was not the case.
Fang Jingtian didn't know why he wanted to get the Fairy Book of Longevity, but he didn't want to give him the chance.
It was quiet.
Jing Jiu suddenly turned around and walked out of the crowd.
People were surprised, wondering if he was going to leave in a huff.
No one expected what happened next.
Jing Jiu walked to the place where Shui Yue Nunnery's disciples were, and stood in front of the small green curtain sedan.
The Great Grandmaster Shui Yue Nunnery was in the sedan.
Those young girls were a bit nervous, but they also felt puzzled, wondering what he was doing here.
This was the affair of the Aoyama Sect; even the Great Grandmaster couldn't help him.
What they didn't know was that Jing Jiu had been living in the nunnery not long ago.
Nobody knew what Jing Jiu was going to do.
Fang Jingtian furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
Jing Jiu said to the small green curtain sedan, "Let me do it."
Upon hearing this, there was an uproar in the Yingxian Valley.
Did he want the quota for Shui Yue Nunnery to participate in the Dao Seeking Conference?
The expression on a young girl of Shui Yue Nunnery's face turned a bit odd, because she was the one selected by Shui Yue Nunnery to participate in the Dao Seeking Conference.
It was related to the ownership of the Fairy Book of Longevity, and even Zhuo Rusui had come out from behind closed doors to compete for it; who would give the quota to a disciple of another sect?
In everybody's eyes, Jing Jiu was indulging in a wishful thinking. Shui Yue Nunnery of course wouldn't agree to this request.
Unexpectedly, a voice came out from the small green curtain sedan.
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