Pure Yang!

Chapter 440 Xu Changshou of Fujiao Mountain! There are heavens beyond heavens.

Xijiang Province, Linchuan City.

In Fujiao Mountain, lush greenery provides shade, streams flow gently along the mountainside, and the occasional chirping of cicadas and birdsong echoes around.

"This is a good place."

On the narrow mountain path, the figures of Zhang Fan and Zhang Wuming slowly appeared, walking up the mountain.

Looking up, one can see half of Fujiao Mountain below. At first glance, the mountain resembles a broken sword, hanging down to the sky, piercing the deep valley of the earth. The clouds are misty, and the dragon and elephant are prominent, showing the beauty of nature.

"This is actually a blessed place."

As Zhang Fan entered the mountains, the frequency of his primordial spirit's vibrations underwent subtle changes. His mind and spirit became calm, and all thoughts ceased—characteristics of a blessed land.

The so-called blessed land makes it easier for ordinary people, and even practitioners, to enter states such as "constant stillness" and "extreme emptiness," where their own magnetic field frequency resonates with nature, and can even simulate a state of oneness with heaven and man.

This is the wonderful use of a blessed land. Cultivating in such a place makes it easier for the primordial spirit to awaken and for one's spiritual progress to be more rapid.

In layman's terms, such a place is a blessed land brimming with spiritual energy.

Great fortune and auspiciousness, a perfect and precious place.

“That’s not surprising. It is said that Xu Zu once slew a demon and subdued a dragon here, hence the name of this mountain,” Zhang Wuming explained.

Xu Zu was a renowned Taoist master during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The idiom "When one attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven" refers to Xu Zu.

He was not only the founder of the Jingming School of Taoism, but also revered as the leader of the Lushan School, with the title of Master Xu Zhenjun of Lushan. His achievements and supernatural powers were among the best in the Taoist immortal sects.

“Xu Zu’s greatest achievement during his lifetime was controlling the floods,” Zhang Wuming murmured.

Legend has it that Xu Zu led his disciples on a journey across the land, especially to the Hunan and Hubei regions and the southeastern coastal areas, where they controlled floods and slew ninety-nine dragons, earning them great prestige among the common people.

Therefore, if later generations were to practice the method of slaying dragons and subduing serpents, they would surely remember Xu Zu's supernatural powers.

“This place was once home to a dragon,” Zhang Fan murmured softly.

In this degenerate age, even the great dragon is now a legendary creature.

Back then, the demon king of the Qinling Mountains, Yin Pobai, was suspected to be a dragon that had become a demon. In this day and age, that would be an extremely rare existence, far more illustrious than ordinary great demons. Unfortunately, he died on Zhenwu Mountain.

"Of course, it is said that the evil dragon once lingered here, cultivating the True Dragon Law, stirring up storms and causing havoc in the area..." Zhang Wuming said calmly.

"Unfortunately, he met Xu Zu."

"After that dragon died, the dragon energy in this place dissipated, and what was originally a moderately auspicious place has now become a minor auspicious place," Zhang Wuming sighed.

According to the creation of heaven and earth and the feng shui pattern, auspicious sites can be divided into minor auspiciousness, medium auspiciousness, and superior auspiciousness.

Tongluo Mountain is naturally an auspicious and blessed place, and it is unique.

Zhang Wuming said that there are 108 blessed lands in Xijiang that can be contested, of which only 17 are considered the most auspicious.

“If managed well, this auspicious and blessed land could attract millions of worshippers.”

That's not the most important thing. Within this blessed land, great medicines, rare treasures, and even exotic gems are nurtured, things that cannot be found in ordinary mountains and marshes.

In addition, the "growth rate" of masters is much higher when cultivating in blessed lands.

Just like Director Sui Chunsheng, who is now making a name for himself in the Jiangnan Provincial Dao Alliance, with his talent, he can only reach the highest level of cultivation in this lifetime.

However, if one can enter that auspicious and blessed land for quiet meditation, there is hope for becoming a great master, and one can also try to become the first to observe the fast.

In addition, blessed lands are far from the mundane world, and the effect will be much worse when there are too many people.

A superior blessed land can accommodate far more practitioners than an ordinary blessed land.

Just like Tongluo Mountain, there are probably hundreds of natural caves suitable for Taoist meditation.

Previously, the precious acupoint where the ancestors of the Lingbao Sect refined elixirs was one of them.

"We must take Tongluo Mountain; it is the foundation upon which our Fan Clan will stand in the future," Zhang Fan said in a deep voice.

“You should know that Tongluo Mountain is the most auspicious and blessed land in Xijiang, and the competition for it will inevitably be extremely fierce.” Zhang Wuming gave Zhang Fan a deep look and said in a solemn voice.

"We must take it down."

Zhang Fan has his own considerations; now, he is not alone.

As the remaining flame of the Southern Zhang clan, he also had Zhang Lingzong and Zhang Sheng behind him.

Not to mention people like Li Miaoyin and Li Yishan.

Zhang Fan may face more than just Bei Zhang and Baihe Temple in the future.

Once Longhu Mountain reopens, all sorts of backlash, both overt and covert, will come rushing in. To gain a foothold in Xijiang and face an unpredictable future, he must take Tongluo Mountain into his possession.

"If we can take Tongluo Mountain, it will naturally be of great benefit to the development of the Fan Clan." Zhang Wuming also hoped to see such an outcome.

“One Tongluo Mountain isn’t enough. It would be even better if we could take over more Shangji Blessed Lands,” Zhang Fan murmured.

When the mortal sect was first established, its members were all independent cultivators from various places, a scattered mess. They were only brought together by circumstances, but their hearts were not united.

If we can capture Tongluo Mountain and acquire more blessed lands at this Danyuan Dharma Assembly, then the mortal sect will have hope, and those people will truly follow the mortal sect wholeheartedly.

“It’s difficult,” Zhang Wuming said in a deep voice.

"Of the seventeen auspicious burial sites, Tongluo Mountain alone will consume most of our resources. I'm afraid there aren't enough people left to compete for them," Zhang Wuming said, shaking his head.

The foundation of the mortal sect is still too shallow and cannot compare with famous mountains and sects such as Sanqing Mountain, Gezao Mountain and Magu Mountain.

In the struggle for the auspicious blessed land, those at the Celestial Master level certainly wouldn't intervene.

The number of powerful figures at the level of abbot is also limited, as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. They probably won't show themselves, and even if they do, they will likely be concentrated in Tongluo Mountain, so they won't have much impact on the competition for the remaining sixteen auspicious lands.

"You can come with me to Tongluo Mountain," Zhang Fan said in a deep voice.

Currently, the five strongest members of the mortal sect are Xiang Nantian, Ling Du, Chang Jinzhi, Xiao Xiaole, and Hua Wuhuan. If they were freed up, forming groups of two or three, they should be able to compete for one or two auspicious and blessed lands.

The five highest levels of spiritual attainment are a feat that even most Taoist sects cannot match.

Although the individual cultivators are scattered, when they gather together, they become a force to be reckoned with.

During each Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, many Taoist sects would try to recruit independent cultivators to provide assistance, which could be considered as external support.

For example, Pei Buqi had previously been courted by Sanqing Mountain, and Chang Jinzhi had also been close to Gezao Mountain for a period of time, but it all came to nothing because of Zhang Fan's domineering nature.

"No wonder you came to visit Fujiao Mountain," Zhang Wuming said suddenly.

Fujiao Mountain, Pure Land Temple, Abbot Xu Changshou.

Of the seven powerful figures Zhang Wuming visited in Xijiang, only Pei Buqi, who had "died unexpectedly," had not yet shown up.

This man kept a very low profile in Xijiang, and he often claimed to be ill and never went out. Those who didn't know him thought he was long dead.

“Xu Changshou is a master,” Zhang Fan murmured.

Outsiders may not know the extent of Xu Changshou's abilities, but Zhang Wuming possesses detailed intelligence and information from the Northern Zhang.

Xu Changshou's cultivation level is no less than Xiang Nantian's.

"He's from the Xu family of Chunyang!?" Zhang Fan's gaze sharpened.

“Very few people know about his identity,” Zhang Wuming said in a deep voice.

"It is said that he wandered around when he was young and did not receive the true teachings of Xu Zu. Later, he received the favor of the Zhang family and was able to gain a foothold in Xijiang. He cultivated his skills on Fujiao Mountain, refined his inner elixir, and achieved great success in his life cultivation, thus entering the realm of Zhaishou."

"It is possible that he received the Dharma teachings of Master Xu in this mountain."

"After all, this is the place where Xu Zu subdued the dragon; he was a member of the Xu family," Zhang Wuming sighed.

"Interesting." Zhang Fan couldn't help but smile.

Zhang Fan had dealt with many of the Chunyang families, including the Wang, Ge, and Qiu families, with whom he had grudges.

The Xu family was the most special. The Maoshan senior he had met in Huizhou Province, Xu Xuanguan, also came from the Xu family. He had left home at a young age and entered Maoshan to cultivate. Later, he joined the Coffin Carrying Society and became one of the nine founding members, ranking sixth.

Now, Xu Changshou is in a similar situation, his life trajectory is quite similar to that of Xu Xuanguan.

“The Xu family produces talented people, but why do all these talented people seem to be leaving?” Zhang Fan couldn’t help but say.

Not to mention someone of Xu Xuanguan's caliber, even Mo Ranchen, the fifth master of Qiyun Mountain, had to be wary of him.

Xu Changshou was at the Zhai Shou realm, which would make him a core member even within the Chunyang family.

It's truly a sad state of affairs that such talented people cannot be retained and are left to wander aimlessly.

"It's nothing. In a big forest, birds will always fly away," Zhang Wuming said casually.

However, such cases are rare and will not affect the inheritance of a behemoth like the Chunyang family in the slightest.

Just like Ge Shuangxiu, who entered the Sanqi Orphanage at a young age, but he was so talented that he mastered the true teachings of the Ge Ancestor and even invited thirty-six great immortals.

But so what?

We're missing Ge Shuangxiu, but we still have Ge Chang'an.

Moreover, the Chunyang family has been able to pass down its traditions from generation to generation because it possesses the Chunyang magic weapon and has a Celestial Master overseeing it. This shows the profound foundation of such a family, which is truly blessed by its ancestor.

The fact that the Ge family, who acted so perversely on Zhenwu Mountain and plotted to harm the Transcendental Master, were able to temporarily escape the great calamity is truly due to their gratitude for the teachings passed down by Ancestor Ge.

“You’re right. The Chunyang family has its own mechanism for cultivating talent. The fact that they produce Celestial Masters generation after generation is proof of that.” Zhang Fan nodded.

From this perspective alone, this talent cultivation system is almost perfect. The occasional appearance of one or two exceptions like Xu Xuanguan or Xu Changshou does not prove anything.

“Speaking of which, you really have a connection with the Xu family,” Zhang Wuming suddenly said with a smile.

"How so?" Zhang Fan asked instinctively.

"Isn't your ex-girlfriend from the Xu family?" Zhang Wuming smiled wickedly.

"Who...who told you that?" Zhang Fan asked with a strange expression.

“Li Miaoyin…” Zhang Wuming said in a low voice, “I heard her muttering about it when we were in the Ten Thousand Mountains.”

"What was your ex-girlfriend's name again? Xu...Xu Zhixia?"

"What was she muttering about?" Zhang Fan couldn't help but ask.

"It's nothing, just that you can't stand the sight of your ex-girlfriend."

"..."

"Not bad, how did you get involved with the Xu family?" Zhang Wuming chuckled.

"That was my ignorance and naivety during my university years," Zhang Fan said casually.

"In college, you..."

“I understand, I understand, I understand the tricks college students use.” Zhang Wuming nodded, a knowing look on his face.

"What do you know?"

"First, send milk tea; then flowers; after the sausage, eat chicken..."

"Shut up!"

Zhang Fan glared at him fiercely, forcing Zhang Wuming to swallow the last word.

"If we can win over Abbot Xu, our chances of success at the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly will be much greater," Zhang Fan said softly.

According to Zhang Fan's estimate, if they could win over Xu Changshou, they would have six powerful experts at the Zhai Shou realm.

Both Xiang Nantian and Xu Changshou possess exceptional strength.
Chang Jinzhi, Xiao Xiaole, Hua Wuhuan, and Ling Du can form two groups of four.

In this way, if you're lucky, you can win auspicious land in all four directions.

"This arrangement is a bit risky."

If Xiang Nantian and Xu Changshou each lead two people, then it would be quite safe, and the two auspicious and blessed sites would be secured.

"We still need to discuss this further." Zhang Fan shook his head.

All of these plans must be based on the premise of winning over Xu Changshou.

Thinking of this, Zhang Fan shook his head and looked at the Taoist temple hidden in the hazy incense smoke on the mountaintop.

"Let's go!"

As he spoke, he took a step and disappeared into the desolate mountain path.

……

At this very moment, at the foot of Mount Fujiao.

A car with a golden figure logo, silver and black, was parked by the roadside. The door opened, and a man and a woman got out.

“Senior brother, although Xu Changshou is a powerful expert at the Zhai Shou realm, you are still the senior brother of our Gezao Mountain. In the future, the mantle of the Lingbao Sect will surely be passed down to you…”

"You coming to invite me in person, isn't that a bit..."

A woman with a ponytail, possessing a graceful and spirited appearance, spoke. Her skin was fair, and a glimmer of light seemed to flash between her brows, disappearing in an instant—clearly a sign that she had cultivated her spiritual light and entered the realm of a great master.

Such a person would be considered outstanding even among the ten most famous Taoist mountains.

"Lin Shu, the struggle for this blessed land concerns the future of our Gezao Mountain, and we cannot afford to lose it," Shen Mingchan said, shaking his head.

"Moreover, this Xu Changshou is no ordinary expert. He comes from the Chunyang Xu family and his status is extraordinary. I came to invite him personally to show my sincerity."

"Senior brother, haven't we already gotten in touch with Baihe Temple?" Lin Shu changed the subject.

“You’ve been in Tongluo Mountain for so long, you might not have come back at this time. The Danyuan Dharma Assembly is here, and so are we.”

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Mingchan raised her hand to interrupt him.

"It's better to rely on yourself than on others."

"Being strong yourself is the most important thing," Shen Mingchan sighed.

"Huh? Senior brother, what's wrong with you? You've been acting strange ever since you came back from Tongluo Mountain," Lin Shu said absentmindedly.

"It's nothing, I just feel that the world is too big, there are always things beyond things, and we should never be arrogant or conceited."

"Hehe." Lin Shu couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

Normally, her senior brother is extremely arrogant and doesn't think much of anyone. He doesn't even consider Yu Xuanji from Sanqing Mountain to be inferior to him. It's surprising that he would say such a thing today.

"Senior brother, have you been possessed? You've lost all your ambition. There's always someone better. Your talent is already the best among your peers. Is there any sky above you?" Lin Shu teased.

"Yes... I guess so!" Shen Mingchan's eyes trembled slightly, a complex expression rising within them.

"I hope I never encounter something like that again..."

"what?"

Lin Shu was stunned for a moment, only to find that his senior brother had changed. Since returning from Tongluo Mountain, he had become taciturn, as if he had become depressed.

"nothing."

Shen Mingchan shook her head, suppressing all the memories of light and shadow that suddenly surfaced in her mind.

"Go up the mountain!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the senior disciple of the Lingbao Sect stepped onto Mount Fujiao.

(End of this chapter)