Pure Yang!

Chapter 395 The Three Venerables Who Saved from Suffering! Successor of Zhongnan Mountain

Two days later, at Maoshan.

It is one of the ten famous Taoist mountains in the world, and also one of the three major Taoist talisman schools. Many great Taoist alchemists in history have practiced here, such as Ge Hong, the ancestor of the Ge family, and Tao Hongjing, a great Taoist priest of the Southern Dynasties.

"I've lived in Jiangnan Province for so many years, and I've never been to Maoshan before!"

Upon reaching the summit of Maoshan, Zhang Fan gazed at the towering peaks in the distance and couldn't help but sigh in awe.

Maoshan is not particularly high in altitude, but it is a blessed land of Taoism and a celestial paradise. Although it does not have steep and unique peaks, it still has an extraordinary atmosphere, with clouds and mist like fairy robes and greenery like beads.

"This is a good opportunity to show you around," Fang Changle said softly.

"This is such a rush! We're heading to Zhenwu Mountain the day after tomorrow."

Zhang Fan brought back fragments of the [Blazing Fire Seal], and upon his return, he asked Fang Changle to help him refine the [Majestic Spirit Suppressing Demon Golden Seal] through Maoshan, absorbing the incense and spiritual power of the former.

A single fragment is not enough to upgrade the [Mighty Spirit Suppressing Demon Golden Seal] to the level of the [Azure Feather Magic Treasure], but it can enhance its foundation and save time.

After all, besides the [White Bone Relic], the only thing Zhang Fan could truly use was the [Powerful Spirit Suppressing Demon Golden Seal], not to mention that it was originally a Dharma Seal of Longhu Mountain, so it was naturally worth the effort.

"Do I have to wait until tomorrow?" Zhang Fan couldn't help but ask.

The ability to absorb the spiritual energy of incense offerings and refine magical artifacts is a skill possessed only by celestial masters.

Therefore, it is easy to imagine how difficult it is to upgrade a magical artifact through external forces.

"Well, this is a small job. It shouldn't take much effort tomorrow," Fang Changle said casually.

Depending on the materials provided, the amount of incense and spiritual energy that can be absorbed varies, and the difficulty also varies. If the level of the magic weapon is to be upgraded, it will take even more effort.

For someone like Zhang Fan, who only has a fragment and limited spiritual energy, making advancement impossible, this is at most a "minor surgery," or at best a minimally invasive procedure.

Such a "minor surgery" is something that even a Celestial Master wouldn't normally perform. It was only because of Fang Changle's influence that Zhang Fan was allowed to use such a back door.

After the Demon-Suppressing Golden Seal of Mighty Spirit is reforged, Zhang Fan should head to True Martial Mountain.

"Get some rest today. It should be your turn tomorrow afternoon," Fang Changle said.

"Tomorrow afternoon?"

"There's a big job tonight." Fang Changle's eyes narrowed as he looked in the direction of Refining Treasure Peak.

"A big deal!?" Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat, as if he had guessed something.

"Are you alright!?"

“That’s right, this successor of Zhongnan Mountain is on the mountain right now.” Fang Changle nodded and said, “You should know that he brought two big items this time.”

Thunder City Demon-Imprisoning Golden Seal!

Jingming Dongyang Dharma Seal!

These two fragments are both Dharma seals of Longhu Mountain. Now they have both fallen into An Wuyang's hands and will be used as materials to be burned into fuel for his magic treasures, saving him the trouble of working over time.

"With these two great seals refined, An Wuyang's magic weapon's advancement is almost a certainty," Fang Changle exclaimed.

An Wuyang was a very famous man, but he rarely went out. Some people said that his talent was comparable to that of Li Changgeng of Baihe Temple.

Have you heard...?

Fang Changle looked at Zhang Fan, hesitating to speak.

"What did you hear?" Zhang Fan asked.

"There are rumors that the last disciple that the Transcendental Master will be taking on this time is An Wuyang." Fang Changle's gaze darkened slightly.

Now that Zhang Fan is known as a disciple of Zhenwu Mountain, if Xia Weisheng hadn't personally confirmed that the last disciple chosen by the Transcendental Master was not Zhang Fan, he would almost have accepted it.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Zhang Fan said softly, “but you also know about my background.”

Fang Changle remained silent.

He was well aware that Zhang Fan was a direct descendant of the Longhu Mountain lineage, the last remaining line of the Southern Zhang, and was even more authentic than the Northern Zhang.

Such a background is indeed unsuitable for becoming a disciple of Zhenwu Mountain.

An Wuyang is different. Although he is a descendant of Zhongnan Mountain, the lineage of Zhongnan Mountain has not been severed. If he inherits the mantle of the Transcendental Master, he can be considered to have passed on two sects to the world, which would be a great story for the Taoist community.

"Moreover, An Wuyang and the Transcendental Master have a deep connection." Zhang Fan changed the subject.

"You know too?" Fang Changle's heart skipped a beat.

Zhang Fan nodded.

Many years ago, Chu Chaoran traveled the world and adopted many orphans. An Wuyang was one of the children he sent to Zhongnan Mountain at that time.

Zhang Fan heard this news from Xiao Changfeng when he was in Chang'an and wanted to buy the [Thunder City Demon-Imprisoning Golden Seal].

Given this coincidence, and the fact that it happened at this time, it seems that the idea that An Wuyang would become the last disciple of the Transcendental Master is not entirely unfounded.

“This person has received the true teachings of Daoist Kongchan and is highly regarded by Master Ye. If he becomes the closed-door disciple of Immortal Chaoran, the Daoist sect will likely have to respect him in the future,” Fang Changle said solemnly.

Talented people emerge in every generation, each leading the way for hundreds of years. The older generation will eventually retire, and new talents will surely rise to prominence.

The Battle of the Ten Thousand Mountains was the first clash of forces in the new era, and the future landscape was beginning to take shape. The once invincible Li Changgeng perished in the Ten Thousand Mountains.

He was once regarded by outsiders as the future leader of the Taoist sect, but in the end he was buried in the waves of the changing times.

Now, An Wuyang is gradually emerging.

"Just watch," Zhang Fan murmured softly.

Just then, the two arrived in front of a palace, where incense smoke was wafting. They saw the three large characters "Salvation Hall" written on the palace plaque.

Inside the hall, on the altar, are enshrined three deities, all in the form of Taoist priests. The Taoist priest in the center wears a crown and a robe of rosy clouds, and sits on a nine-colored lotus throne. Beneath him are nine lions that breathe fire. This is none other than the famous Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun.

The Taiyi Dharma that Zhang Fan cultivates takes the [Taiyi Salvation from Suffering Heavenly Venerable] as its master.

As for the two Taoist priests beside him, one rode a dragon, looking solemn and dignified, while the other rode a phoenix, exuding extraordinary majesty.

Taiyi Saves from Suffering!

Zhu Lingdu's destiny!

Huang Hua's form was swaying!

These are the three famous saviors of suffering in Taoism, also known as the three saints who save from suffering.

"Let's offer a prayer. The Salvation Hall of Maoshan is very efficacious." Fang Changle took out three sticks of incense.

Zhang Fan took the item, and with a surge of real fire, lit it. He then stepped forward and bowed three times.

"Seeking out the cries of suffering and relieving pain, with great compassion and mercy..." Zhang Fan looked up at the images of the Three Mercys of Salvation and murmured softly.

He had heard before that the Maoshan Salvation Hall was very efficacious, and many people would come to pay their respects and offer incense every year, especially those who were suffering from illness and misfortune, who were most fortunate to receive such a gift.

"When my master was young, he used to watch over the incense offerings at the Hall of Salvation from Suffering..." Fang Changle recalled a past event.

His master is Chen Zhuoqing, the current leader of the Maoshan Sect.

At that time, he was still a novice Taoist, with low cultivation level, and served in the Salvation Hall for three whole years.

One night, he fell asleep leaning against the altar. In his dazed state, he heard a strong wind outside the temple, so he got up and went out. Under the cover of night, he followed the wind and saw a Taoist priest searching for something in the crevices of the rocks in the mountains...

Young Chen Zhuoqing saw a dark shadow hidden in the crevice. He went up to ask and heard the Taoist say that sixty years had passed since the flowers bloomed and withered, and only today did he see his old friend.

As he spoke, the Taoist turned around and smiled slightly at Chen Zhuoqing. Only then did he see that a large dragon was coiled in the crack in the mountain rock. It soared into the sky, carrying the Taoist into the clouds, and disappeared into the vast night.

Just then, Chen Zhuoqing suddenly awoke to find himself still inside the Hall of Salvation from Suffering, surrounded by a strange fragrance. Looking up, he saw the three statues of Salvation from Suffering, especially one of them, which was riding a dragon and had a solemn and dignified appearance, which felt particularly familiar.

"Zhu Ling Du Ming Tian Zun!?" Zhang Fan revealed a strange expression.

He had never heard of the Maoshan sect leader having such a mysterious background, which sounded like he had been enlightened by a deity, adding to his mystique. "That's why Master comes to the Salvation Hall every year for fifteen days of fasting and seclusion!" Fang Changle said solemnly.

Even for cultivators, Chen Zhuoqing's experience is rare and bizarre, which may be one of the reasons why he became the fastest Celestial Master in Maoshan's history.

"How many Celestial Masters does your Maoshan sect have?" Zhang Fan suddenly asked, changing the subject.

"This……"

Fang Changle hesitated for a moment, but then said, "Including Uncle Xu, there are four in total."

Xu Xuanguan, born into the Chunyang Xu family, cultivates Taoism in Maoshan, but he is rarely at the mountain gate.

In addition, there was an elder, whose seniority was even greater than Chen Zhuoqing's. Fang Changle had to address him as Grandmaster Uncle. That elder was almost always in seclusion and rarely went out anymore.

Chen Zhuoqing, needless to say, is the leader of Maoshan Sect, and even among the Celestial Masters, he is among the top-tier.

"And there's another one, who will help you refine your magic weapon tomorrow, a senior uncle from the Mao family!"

"Mao Xiaoyun!?"

Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly remembered the old man wearing a baseball cap on the plane.

"It was him!?"

Zhang Fan seemed to be deep in thought; he and this Taoist master from the Mao family truly had a connection.

“My master, Uncle Xu, and Uncle Mao are of the same generation,” Fang Changle said softly.

The three of them cultivated together in their youth. Xu Xuanguan came from the Chunyang Xu family, but he had an eccentric personality and disliked interacting with others. Mao Xiaoyun was a direct descendant of the Maoshan lineage and held an extraordinary position.

These two were considered outstanding and held a special position among the disciples at the time.

However, no matter how special they were, Chen Zhuoqing's appearance ultimately suppressed everyone's sharpness.

If we use reading as an analogy, Xu Xuanguan and Mao Xiaoyun belong to a family with a long history of scholarship, and their ancestors even produced a top scholar. They were born with the talent to study, and in fact, their grades were among the best in their class.

Chen Zhuoqing came from an ordinary family; his ancestors were mostly farmers. However, once he entered the class, his grades surpassed everyone else's, including those two students from prestigious academic backgrounds.

“Competition among peers is indeed quite interesting.” Zhang Fan couldn’t help but smile as he listened to these old sayings from his predecessors.

Everyone has a different background, personality, opportunities, and so on, which determines their different paths.

Just like Fang Changle, Qi Delong, Qi Dongqiang, Xia Weisheng... these are all the many people Zhang Fan has met. They are all the main characters in their own lives. Ten, twenty, or even thirty years later, they may also be like Chen Zhuoqing and Xu Xuanguan, high above and becoming the subject of conversation for future generations.

"Let's go, rest for the night. Maybe I can take you to see Uncle Mao refining treasures tonight," Fang Changle said in a low voice.

The two had just stepped out of the main hall when they bumped into a group of people.

Zhang Fan's gaze was instantly drawn to the leader, a young man dressed in a Taoist robe, with long, flowing hair, distinct features, delicate eyebrows, and a noble air of a celestial being hidden in his deep eyes.

Beside him were two familiar figures, one of whom was Mao Baifeng, whom he had met just two days ago.

The other one was Xiao Changfeng, whom I had met in Chang'an.

"You are safe and sound!" Fang Changle suddenly said.

Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, the young man was An Wuyang, the successor of Zhongnan Mountain.

"Brother Fang Dao".

Just then, An Wuyang stopped and bowed to Fang Changle. Fang Changle returned the bow, indicating that the two knew each other.

"Why are you here?"

Suddenly, Xiao Changfeng cried out, his suspicious gaze sweeping over Zhang Fan from head to toe.

"Hmm!?" An Wuyang looked at Xiao Changfeng, whose expression turned slightly serious. Xiao Changfeng whispered a few words in An Wuyang's ear.

"Meng's friend!"

An Wuyang spoke softly, without any change in expression on his face, and bowed to Zhang Fan in a very amiable manner.

"I am safe and sound."

"Zhang Fan."

Seeing that the other party was so polite, Zhang Fan introduced himself.

"It's quite interesting that Fellow Daoist Zhang, a disciple of Zhenwu Mountain, is making a living in Jiangnan Province."

Just then, Mao Baifeng spoke, a half-smile playing on her beautiful face.

With just one sentence, it was as if they had figured out Zhang Fan's background. In fact, given the relationship between the Mao family and the Jiangnan Provincial Dao Alliance, it wouldn't have been difficult to find out about Zhang Fan.

"What you said, fellow Daoist, is even more interesting..."

“Those who cultivate the Dao have a broad mind; is there anywhere in the world they cannot go?” Zhang Fan said with a light laugh.

As soon as she finished speaking, Mao Baifeng's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Alright, you guys go ahead with your business, we're leaving."

Fang Changle interrupted their conversation and pulled Zhang Fan away.

"See you!"

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Xiao Changfeng finally couldn't help but speak up: "Senior brother, there's something wrong with this Zhang Fan. He's not well-known, yet he's able to associate with people like Meng Qiwu and Fang Changle..."

"When things go wrong, there must be a monster."

"The flourishing and withering of all things are predetermined; life is but a busy, aimless journey. I laugh at those fools who are not content with their fate, yet insist on seeking winter thunder and summer frost." An Wuyang spoke softly and leisurely, his voice like a morning bell, resounding and enlightening.

“Junior brother, you are too attached to external things, I'm afraid you will find it difficult to make any progress in this life.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Changfeng's expression changed drastically.

An Wuyang slowly walked out and stood in front of the Hall of Salvation from Suffering, feeling the compassionate atmosphere. The incense was strong, and he felt that his Daoist heart was vast, all-encompassing, and omnipresent.

Subtly, a refined aura emanated from An Wuyang's body, as mysterious and all-encompassing as a sword.

"This……"

Mao Baifeng was startled and couldn't help but say, "Wu Yang, your Taoist skills don't seem to belong to Zhongnan Mountain..."

"This is a sword style created by Uncle Ye based on the Taoist methods of Zhongnan Mountain, called Taiyi Sword," An Wuyang said softly.

Mao Baifeng's expression was solemn. She knew that the Uncle Ye that An Wuyang mentioned was Ye Beichen of the Zhongnan Feather Sword.

There is a pure Yang magic weapon in Zhongnan Mountain called the Taiyi Magic Sword. The fact that this Taoist art is named after it shows its great ambition.

“When my uncle was young, he encountered a formidable enemy. That person was terrifying in his methods and carried the most dangerous spirit in the world,” An Wuyang said calmly.

"The most ominous thing under heaven, the sacred embryo of gods and demons!?"

Xiao Changfeng and Mao Baifeng found themselves on the same path.

“Although that person’s supernatural powers were strong, my uncle turned misfortune into blessing. In this calamity, he used gods and demons as a guide to pass on the Taiyi Sword,” An Wuyang said calmly.

"He created this method to suppress the Divine Demon Holy Embryo!"

As he finished speaking, a look of melancholy appeared on An Wuyang's face.

"It's a pity that after my uncle mastered his supernatural powers, his old friend passed away and disappeared without a trace."

"Though the art of slaying dragons has been mastered, there are no dragons left to slay in this world, which is truly a tragedy."

An Wuyang spoke softly and leisurely, his aura suddenly dissipating. He turned around and looked in the direction Zhang Fan had gone, a meaningful glint flashing in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)