Chapter 555: Chapter 555

Zhouyang and "Master Xuanji" Lu Xuanji had a fateful encounter in the Kunxu Realm, and Master Cyan Yang had long known about it.

When he heard about it from Lu Xuanji, he was equally astonished and, like Lu Xuanji, attributed it to a destiny ordained by the heavens.

When he heard Zhouyang ask for his help, Master Cyan Yang hesitated.

By rights, since Zhouyang had come as promised, there was no reason, emotionally or rationally, to delay or conceal any longer.

But this matter was exceedingly important, and if leaked prematurely, it would irreparably harm the grand plan their sect had been devising for years.

Therefore, he ultimately shook his head and said, "Forgive me, young friend. It is not that this old Taoist doesn’t trust you, but this matter is of great importance, and the fewer who know before its final execution, the better."

Zhouyang, upon hearing this, couldn’t deny his disappointment.

He knew that the task Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji wanted him to help with was definitely not easy and would be very dangerous.

If he could know in advance what it was, he could make some related preparations ahead of time.

He had not only taken tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones from the Zhou Family Treasure Vault on this trip but also brought numerous unused spoils to sell in Immortal Sun City and purchase items useful to him.

With an expression of barely concealed disappointment, he softly said, "I understand your difficulties, senior, but could you guide me on what preparations I should make in advance?"

Master Cyan Yang, hearing this, relaxed slightly and smiled, saying, "There’s no need for that; our Profound Sun Immortal Sect has already prepared the necessary items. Young friend only needs to be present when the time comes."

This did not comfort Zhouyang; instead, it made him feel even more burdened.

Though both Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji treated him well, Zhouyang knew all of it was premised on his usefulness to them.

If they just wanted to use his help to accomplish something, they could entice him with benefits.

For example, the "Jade Liquid Golden Pill" and "Purple Heart Jade Marrow" he needed, or other spiritual objects that would significantly aid in his cultivation.

But Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji chose a seemingly harder path by continually bestowing him favors.

Those who give without expecting a return do exist, but these two are definitely not among them.

Thus, the more they did for Zhouyang, the more fear and worry he felt.

He couldn’t help but think of a term—Death Warrior.

In his past life, the most famous figure among death warriors was Jing Ke.

The story of Jing Ke attempting to assassinate King Qin was well known among all scholars in his past life.

The reason why Jing Ke took such a huge risk to accept Prince Pill’s commission to assassinate King Qin was because he was deeply indebted to Prince Pill’s kindness and could only repay with his life.

Zhouyang had repeatedly received the kindness of Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji and hadn’t repaid any of it so far.

Moreover, given his abilities and their status, even if he wanted to repay something actively, he had no means to do so.

He is a man of integrity and true to his word.

This means he could not bring himself to do something ungrateful or disloyal.

In this situation, even if Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji, two people who have shown him great kindness, asked him to undertake a task akin to Jing Ke’s assassination of King Qin, could Zhouyang refuse on his conscience?

Not to mention the moral hurdle, even if he did something ungrateful, as two Nascent Soul Stage cultivators, Lu Xuanji and Master Cyan Yang would not spare his life.

He couldn’t even escape because you can run from a monk but not from the monastery.

Master Cyan Yang knew all about him, and Lu Xuanji, being a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul Stage "Half-Step True Immortal," could still deal with him, even if he fled to other cultivation realms.

The fear and worry on Zhouyang’s face were plain to see, and Master Cyan Yang had no choice but to pretend he hadn’t noticed.

In truth, what they wanted Zhouyang to help with was indeed a mission of nine deaths and one life for a mere Golden Core Stage cultivator like him.

Even if he comforted Zhouyang extensively now, Zhouyang would still worry when he learned the truth.

However, as a benevolent elder, seeing Zhouyang , he sighed internally and said, "Though there’s nothing you need to prepare, if there’s anything where you’d old Taoist’s help, feel free to state it."

Hearing these words, Zhouyang’s spirit slightly revived.

"Your approval, Senior, is so valuable. I know I’ve already benefited greatly from your kindness and shouldn’t ask for more."

"However, this time I have come to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm not only on my own; I have also brought my Dao companion and several juniors along. One of my disciples is now about to open up the Purple Mansion. Therefore, I boldly ask you to help me obtain a purchasing quota to buy a [Purple Heart Jade Marrow] from your sect as assistance."

Zhouyang opened his mouth and immediately stated his request.

Since Master Cyan Yang was still unwilling to reveal what he wanted help with, Zhouyang thought it was not the right time to request a "Jade Liquid Golden Pill" for his Dao companion, Xiao Ying.

He planned to bring it up after Master Cyan Yang disclosed everything to him.

In this way, even if he were unfortunately to fall, as a kind of compensation, he believed Master Cyan Yang would not be stingy with a "Jade Liquid Golden Pill."

"This is simple. Take this handwrite of the old Taoist to the Profound Sun Pavilion. They will naturally hand over the item to you. I have also instructed them to arrange a suitable cave mansion for you to stay temporarily,"

Master Cyan Yang said, waving his hand, and gave Zhouyang a jade scroll inscribed with his words.

After Zhouyang stored away the jade scroll, he continued, "The Grand Elder is currently not within the sect. It would be best for you not to leave Immortal Sun City for the next few years. When the Grand Elder returns, that matter should almost commence."

"Understood, senior. Please rest assured, I will stay within Immortal Sun City, awaiting your summons,"

Zhouyang cupped his hands in salute and readily agreed on the spot.

At this point, he should have taken his leave, as even Master Cyan Yang thought.

But he did not move his steps, instead standing there with a hesitant expression, seemingly unable to make a decision about something.

This piqued Master Cyan Yang’s curiosity.

"What’s the matter? It seems like there’s something you’re finding difficult to decide?"

He looked at Zhouyang with surprise, voicing his inner doubt.

"Senior, with your insight, junior has come to visit you this time not only to honor a previous agreement but also to report something significant to Master Xuanji."

"However, since you mentioned that Master Xuanji isn’t within your sect, and this matter is indeed of great importance and can’t be delayed, I am unsure whether to inform you first!"

Zhouyang looked at Master Cyan Yang with a face full of hesitation, his words increasing Master Cyan Yang’s curiosity.

He waved his sleeve and said, "If you have something to say, go ahead. Even if this old Taoist can’t solve it, I will pass it on to Senior Brother Lu without delay."

"Since senior has said so, then junior has nothing more to worry about."

Zhouyang, looking relieved, nodded and then told the story of discovering a spatial rift in the "Sea of Death."

After he finished speaking, he clapped his hand, and the remains of the demonized "Sand Worm" he had slain at the time, along with the demon pill, were taken out.

"Senior, please look. This is the remains of the [Sand Worm] Demon Beast that was corroded and mutated by demonic qi."

"If it weren’t for the [Profound Sun Purple Sky Divine Thunder] jade talisman bestowed by Master Xuanji, I’m afraid it would have been me who fell!"

Master Cyan Yang was speechless, utterly stunned by the shocking news coming from Zhouyang’s mouth.

Zhouyang might not know what great matter they were about to engage in, but he was fully aware.

And now, before they could even act, a spatial rift had appeared in a place like the Boundless Desert Sea, connecting with the Demon Realm, which made his mood suddenly become heavy.

As for whether what Zhouyang said was true or false, there was no need to doubt it; the demonic "Sand Worm" corpse on the ground was the best evidence.

Master Cyan Yang had also visited the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm, and he naturally had heard of the native Tier Five Demon Beast "Sand Worm" in the Boundless Desert Sea.

Furthermore, Zhouyang had no benefit in deceiving him about this matter.

"Are you sure that spatial rift only had demonic qi seeping out and no demonic creatures from the Demon Realm crossing over?"

He asked Zhouyang with a tense expression, his eyes filled with concern.

A spatial rift and a space passageway that allows demonic creatures from the Demon Realm to cross into the "Spirit Realm" are entirely different concepts.

In the case of the former, although there is a risk of demonic creatures from the Demon Realm coming to the "Spirit Realm," it is almost impossible to pass through a spatial rift to reach the "Spirit Realm."

Demonic creatures capable of doing so with ease typically have a cultivation realm so high that it is difficult for them to descend into a world with a lower limit like the "Spirit Realm."

On the other hand, demonic creatures with a low cultivation realm often do not possess the ability to survive within a spatial rift.

But if it’s a space passageway that allows demonic creatures from the Demon Realm to cross into the "Spirit Realm" with ease, the danger would be great!

Even one mistake could lead to countless demonic creatures from the Demon Realm invading the entire "Spirit Realm!" Follow current novels on novel-fire.net

Such a major issue is something that even a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator like Master Cyan Yang cannot ignore, causing him to worry visibly.

"As a junior, I dare not guarantee anything. I can only say that when I saw that spatial rift, I did not notice any demons coming through, nor were there any particularly powerful demons guarding the area."

Zhouyang shook his head, not wanting to be too definite with his words.

In fact, he knew in his heart that it was just a spatial rift, or else he wouldn’t have survived and returned to the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm.

But he was also very clear that every word he spoke now would be scrutinized if anything went wrong in the future, so he naturally dared not say everything absolutely, leaving himself a way out.

"Ah! You should have come earlier to inform us of this. If by any chance..."

Master Cyan Yang let out a long sigh, feeling quite angry about Zhouyang’s delay in coming to inform him of this matter after several years.

This is Zhouyang. If it were a disciple of the Profound Sun Immortal Sect dared to delay reporting such a major event, he would have thrown them directly into the ’Sealed Demon Cave.’

However, Zhouyang was not their Profound Sun Immortal Sect disciple, and moreover, they had to rely on Zhouyang to help with that big matter, so even though they were angry, they couldn’t vent their anger on Zhouyang.

In the end, he could only shake his head and say, "Forget it, I’ve got the matter, I will immediately inform Senior Brother Lu of the news, you don’t have to worry about it, just patiently wait for our summons!"

As the saying goes, when the sky falls, tall figures will hold it up.

The Profound Sun Immortal Sect, in the cultivation realm, is undoubtedly a tall figure.

Even if the spatial rift connected to the Demon Realm isn’t on their turf, they are definitely responsible for dealing with it.

And for Master Cyan Yang, who knew the ins and outs, anything related to the Demon Realm at this time was a sensitive matter.

If by any chance they undertook that matter, and a powerful entity from the Demon Realm came to the ’Spirit Realm,’ the consequences would be unimaginable.

Therefore, after Zhouyang obeyed and left, he immediately used a secret technique to notify the outside Grand Elder of the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, Master Xuanji, of the news Zhouyang reported.

"The junior’s news has been received, I will personally go to the site to check the situation, you must keep an eye on that kid, don’t mess up the big matter!"

Inside Cyan Yang Cave, Master Cyan Yang looked at the words floating on the copper mirror in his hand and let out a sigh of relief.

Since Master Xuanji was willing to personally go to the Boundless Sea of Sand to inspect the spatial rift, it seemed that there was temporarily no problem with this matter. Next, he could just wait for Master Xuanji’s preparation to be complete to bring Zhouyang along.

On the other side, after Zhouyang returned to Immortal Sun City from the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, he immediately went to the Profound Sun Pavilion, found the Head Shopkeeper, presented Master Cyan Yang’s handwritten note, and then exchanged fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones for a piece of ’Purple Heart Jade Marrow,’ and even got a complimentary Tier Five Cave Mansion with a serene environment in the city as his residence.

Once Zhouyang obtained the items, he had his disciple Lu Xuewei enter the cave mansion for seclusion training.

As for Zhouyang himself, he wandered through the major shops in Immortal Sun City, began selling various treasures he possessed.

He had quite a few Tier Five Spiritual Artifacts which were not of use to him. These items did not impress him, and since there was no one else in the Zhou Family other than him who could refine and use these artifacts, it was better to sell them and exchange them for spirit stones.

Of course, for some truly precious artifacts, even though they did not impress him, he wouldn’t exchange them for spirit stones, but rather keep them for future use.

Even so, after he sold those artifacts and some miscellaneous items, the number of spirit stones he owned exceeded the three million spirit stone mark, not counting the top-grade spirit stones he possessed!

Holding millions of spirit stones, Zhouyang certainly wouldn’t leave them in his storage ring gathering dust.

Though Master Cyan Yang stated everything was prepared, there was no need for him to prepare more, how could he possibly not prepare at all?

Spending a full one hundred and fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones, Zhouyang bought the "Yuqing Immortal Talisman" from the Yuqing Immortal Pavilion set up by the Yuqing Daoist Sect in Immortal Sun City.

"Yuqing Immortal Talisman" is a unique secret spirit talisman exclusively passed down by the Yuqing Daoist Sect, only capable of being made by Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators from the sect.

Every cultivator of the Yuqing Daoist Sect, upon advancing to the Golden Core Stage, would receive a "Yuqing Immortal Talisman" from a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator of the sect as a life-saving item.

And the function of this "Yuqing Immortal Talisman" is similar to the life-saving item "Wood Replacement Life Token" Zhouyang obtained in the Kunxu Realm, which can avert a fatal attack at a critical moment.

Spending one hundred and fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones to buy a chance at survival is naturally worthwhile to Zhouyang.

Spirit stones can be earned again, but if life is lost, then truly everything ceases!

If the Yuqing Immortal Pavilion only had one "Yuqing Immortal Talisman" as its treasury treasure for sale, he definitely wouldn’t hesitate to use the remaining one hundred and fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones to buy another.

Master Cyan Yang certainly kept a clear eye on Zhouyang’s actions in Immortal Sun City, but as long as Zhouyang didn’t leave the city, he would act as if he knew nothing, without interference.

In his heart, he didn’t wish Zhouyang to die; it’s just that the reality was fraught with danger, and once anything went wrong, a Golden Core Stage cultivator like Zhouyang would almost certainly perish.

Zhouyang was also well aware of this and had no intention of stepping out of Immortal Sun City.

After purchasing the "Yuqing Immortal Talisman," he, along with his Dao Companion Xiao Ying, leisurely toured the sights within Immortal Sun City.

As for the three Zhou Tongxuan individuals he brought to Immortal Sun City, they were still in the cave mansion perusing various intelligence reports on the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, preparing for their future journey in the cultivation world.

Half a year later, Lu Xuewei emerged from seclusion and successfully established her Purple Mansion, advancing to become a Purple Mansion Stage Cultivator.

Lu Xuewei’s successful establishment of the Purple Mansion was a momentous occasion.

Although due to being in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, it wasn’t possible to hold a Purple Mansion ceremony for her, Zhouyang nevertheless took her to the most luxurious restaurant in Immortal Sun City for a grand meal to celebrate.

Moreover, as a reward for this disciple’s successful establishment of the Purple Mansion, Zhouyang gave her all the "Ice Crystal Snow Lotus" seeds he had obtained in the Kunxu Realm. Once she stabilizes her cultivation, she can refine these seeds to rapidly enhance her cultivation.

Zhouyang estimated that if all eighteen seeds were refined, Lu Xuewei’s cultivation would reach the Third-Layer of the Purple Mansion within ten years without issue.

The decades she delayed during the Foundation Establishment Stage would be completely made up by this.

Apart from the "Ice Crystal Snow Lotus" seeds, Zhouyang also handed over several Tier Four ice attribute magical artifacts and numerous ice elemental Spiritual Objects to Lu Xuewei, which he had obtained after killing the Xuechan Palace cultivator Beigong Bai Feng, leaving them for her to dispose of as she wished.

Only that drop of "Cold Jade Essence" was left in the clan’s secret vault on Lingxi Peak.

He had arranged with Zhou Guangxiang that if he didn’t return, Lu Xuewei would be allowed to retrieve the item only after her cultivation reached the Ninth-Layer of the Purple Mansion.

The true purpose of his journey to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm was currently only known by Zhou Guangxiang; even his Dao Companion Xiao Ying was unaware.

Xiao Ying and Lu Xuewei both believed that he brought them to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm to help them acquire treasures to achieve breakthroughs in their cultivation.

And he had no intention of revealing the true situation to the two women before his mission was complete.

He had already made plans; if he returned safely, then everything could be treated as if nothing had happened.

If he were to unfortunately perish, the entrusted Master Cyan Yang would naturally hand over his possessions and last letter to Xiao Ying, revealing the truth to her.

In any case, based on what he knew about Xiao Ying, telling her this in advance would undoubtedly cause an uproar.

And he was already too deeply embroiled to extricate himself easily!

Time flew by, and soon the ten-year agreement Zhouyang had made with Lu Xuanji had arrived.

On this day, after receiving a message from Master Cyan Yang, his face showed varying expressions before finally letting out a long sigh, calling his Dao Companion Xiao Ying and disciple Lu Xuewei into the quiet room together.

"Ying’er, Xuewei, I just received a message from Elder Qingyang; there’s chaos caused by a demon in the Sealed Demon Cave within the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, and I need to help subdue it for a while."

"You’re aware, Elder Qingyang has been greatly kind to me, and I cannot refuse this favor!"

In the quiet room, Zhouyang looked seriously at the somewhat puzzled Dao Companion and disciple he had suddenly summoned and explained the reason.

This excuse was something he had tailored long ago, spoken now, it successfully prevented Xiao Ying from suspecting anything.

She looked at Zhouyang with her beautiful eyes, a flash of concern in her gaze, but quickly concealed it, softly advising, "Since it’s a communication direct from Elder Qingyang, the matter is likely significant. Even though you have Divine Techniques to restrain demons, you should be cautious and prioritize your own safety above all."

Hearing this, Zhouyang immediately replied confidently, "Rest assured, even though some formidable demons might be hiding in the Sealed Demon Cave, they’re surely not at the Nascent Soul Stage; given the methods of your husband, even if I can’t match them, there’s no risk to my life."

After saying this, he turned his gaze to his silent disciple Lu Xuewei, instructing, "While I’m away, Xuewei, accompany your teacher’s wife well; wait for my message before you travel through the Cultivation Realm!"

"Disciple will obey, I will certainly stay and accompany Master’s wife well. Master, be at ease to go,"

Lu Xuewei nodded immediately, complying.

Seeing this, Zhouyang turned his gaze back to Xiao Ying, instructing, "And Ying’er, if you find yourself bored, you can study the Core Formation insights I left for you; this time, while helping Elder Qingyang, I’ll ask him about the Jade Liquid Golden Pill matter; I’m sure he will be willing to lend his assistance."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ying instead looked at him with concern as she said, "As long as you can return safely, dear husband, it’s fine if I’m delayed in Core Formation."

As the saying goes, husband and wife are of one heart; although Zhouyang’s excuse was flawless, she seemed already to have sensed something, never straying from the topic of Zhouyang’s safety.

Zhouyang remained emotionless on the surface, but inside, he felt a deep pain and sorrow.

For a moment, he truly wanted to confess everything.

But as soon as the thought arose, he immediately dispelled it.

His face twitched slightly, suppressing the pain in his heart, forcing a smile as he said, "You’re speaking nonsense again; your husband is waiting for you to form your Core quickly so that we can increase the lineage of our Zhou Family’s main branch!"

Indeed, upon hearing him say such words in front of the disciple, Xiao Ying’s face immediately flushed red; embarrassedly glaring at him, she retorted, "You bully! Xuewei is still here!"

Beside her, Lu Xuewei also blushed, lowering her head without daring to speak.

"Hahaha, I’m leaving; you just wait patiently for the good news."

Zhouyang laughed heartily as he exited the cave mansion, flying directly towards the Profound Sun Mountain Range.