Pure Yang!

Chapter 444 Auld Lang Syne! Arrested.

The night is long, and the sea of ​​clouds churns.

Luyin Mountain, Five Old Men Peak.

The waterfall, hanging from the sky, is like a white ribbon, seemingly coming from heaven and falling to earth. The surging water droplets are like pearls scattered into the deep blue pool.

How can I forget my old friends? How can I not miss them?

"Old friends, how can we forget them? Our friendship will last forever."

……

Amidst the crashing waves, a melodious tune resounded, echoing across the Five Old Men Peaks and lingering in the long, quiet night.

At the summit, a beautiful figure stood alone on the mountaintop. She was dressed in white, with a pure and elegant temperament. She looked to be only in her early thirties. She wore no makeup, yet her stunning beauty was undeniable. Under the bright moonlight, she resembled a celestial being banished from heaven. Looking at the surging sea of ​​clouds before her, her ethereal gaze seemed to drift towards the far distance.

"We have also experienced hardships and wandered around all day long."

Long live friendship! Long live the bond between friends!

"Let's raise our glasses and drink together, and sing in unison."

"Long live friendship, may our friendship last forever."

……

The beautiful figure held a Walkman, a common sight in the last century, in her hand. The cassette tape slowly turned, playing melodious music.

"Uncle Xiangling is there alone again."

In the distance, a young girl dressed in a Taoist robe stared intently at the graceful figure atop the Five Old Men Peak.

"Senior sister, I heard that Aunt Xiangling is waiting for someone."

As she spoke, the girl looked at Zhuang Yumin beside her.

"Who told you?"

"That's what the senior brothers and sisters in the sect say in private," the girl whispered.

"You don't practice your spiritual cultivation all day long, why are you so fond of gossip?"

Zhuang Yumin turned around and flicked her forehead.

"Please, senior sister, it hurts a lot."

"Please, He Zhiyu, can you not be so irritating?" Zhuang Yumin said calmly.

"..."

He Zhiyu pursed her lips, her gaze still fixed on the beautiful figure in the distance.

"Senior sister, who exactly is Uncle waiting for?"

"I do not know."

Zhuang Yumin shook her head, her gaze slightly narrowed.

From the day she entered the sect, she often saw that beautiful figure standing alone on the Five Old Peaks in the long night, listening to the same song over and over again.

That Walkman seemed to be an extremely important object.

"If a person meets someone too amazing when they are young, they will be trapped by that person for life and ruin their future," Zhuang Yumin suddenly sighed.

Su Xiangling is the most talented disciple of Luyin Mountain in the past hundred years.

She had been stuck at the level of the Abbot for many years. If it weren't for that lingering obsession in her heart, she might have already comprehended the Heavenly Master realm and attained that supreme and profound Dao.

"So, Martial Uncle is really troubled by love?" He Zhiyu's eyes lit up.

Zhuang Yumin glanced at her out of the corner of her eye and glared at her fiercely.

"If Heaven had feelings, it too would grow old; only mortals with feelings can cultivate themselves." Zhuang Yumin murmured softly.

"Senior sister, I don't understand. If one has feelings and desires, isn't that an obstacle to cultivation?" He Zhiyu asked in confusion.

"The thoughts of passion and desire are the manifestation of the essence and function of the Great Dao, just like the image reflected in a mirror."

“Cultivation is about using the false to cultivate the true, delusion is truth, and by using the manifested images, one can see the endless mirror of emptiness,” Zhuang Yumin murmured softly.

"When there is emotion, there is awareness; the next step is the supreme state of detachment from emotion, which is not far from the Dao."

Zhuang Yumin's words made He Zhiyu fall into deep thought.

This is similar to how the more thoughts a person has, the better it is for spiritual practice and cultivation, and the better it is for suppressing the mind.

Desire is illusory; seeing illusion as a mirage, the highest state is to forget desire, where illusion is also reality.

Troubles are enlightenment.

Illusion is the ultimate truth.

"Uncle-Master, doesn't she understand this principle?" He Zhiyu couldn't help but ask.

“Of course she knows,” Zhuang Yumin exclaimed.

"Unfortunately, the principles of this world are easy to know but hard to do. Knowing is one thing, doing is another."

"The highest state is one of detachment from emotions, and the Dao is one of complete truth... Throughout history, how many people in this world have been able to comprehend this realm?"

Zhuang Yumin gazed at the solitary figure atop the Five Old Peaks, her eyes unfocused.

She was in the prime of her life, yet she had not yet experienced the devastating power of "love," nor had she ever met anyone who could amaze her.

"What kind of charm does a person like Martial Aunt Xiangling possess that could make her so devoted and go through so many twists and turns?" He Zhiyu asked in confusion.

"I don't know," Zhuang Yumin shook her head.

"I only heard that it was an opportunity that Uncle Xiangling had when he was young."

"At that time, she was still in her prime, and he was also young. They came from afar to seek the sword in the mountains!" Zhuang Yumin said softly.

"Going into the mountains to seek the sword?" He Zhiyu's heart stirred, and she couldn't help but ask.

"Could it be..."

“That’s right, it’s the ‘Three Inch Spiritual Light’ from the Immortal Cave. This person’s desire is for this sword.” A strange light shone in Zhuang Yumin’s beautiful eyes.

In the Luyin Mountains, there is a cave called Immortal Cave, which is said to be the place where Lu Zu secluded himself for cultivation and ascended to immortality.

Later, the patriarch of Luyin Mountain discovered a patch of mist and rosy light in this cave that never dissipated, which was quite strange. So he set up an altar and offered incense and prayers to it.

Over hundreds of years, the clouds and rosy light underwent changes, their essence condensed, and their sharpness gradually emerged. This was regarded as a rare treasure by the sect's founder and called the Three-Inch Spiritual Light.

“That’s a treasure of our sect.” He Zhiyu’s expression changed slightly.

She had heard of this treasure's great name when she first entered the sect. It was as unpredictable as the wind, as formless as the clouds, as sharp as a sword, and as immeasurable in its brightness.

She had never had the chance to see him despite her cultivation, and she never imagined that he was no longer in Luyin Mountain.

"Who is that person? How could they possibly take away this treasure?!" He Zhiyu became increasingly curious.

The person who was able to take away the "Three Inches of Spiritual Light" and make the young Su Xiangling fall in love at first sight, thus ruining her life, must be extraordinary and have a great background.

"I don't know." Zhuang Yumin shook her head and whispered, "Later, that person came to Luyin Mountain many times to cultivate the Three-Inch Spiritual Light."

"Those were the days of the past, many years ago."

call……

The mountain wind howled, and the sea of ​​clouds swayed.

On the Five Old Peaks, Su Xiangling's dress fluttered in the wind, and as she sang a melodious song, her gaze gradually became unfocused.

The light and shadow of the past flickered before her eyes, and she seemed to see that young man again, standing before the Immortal Cave, his figure moving freely, sword in hand.

"A thousand miles of lightning flashes as it vanquishes demons, a white dragon soars through the sky. I once wielded this sword to slay evil spirits, now I give it to you to banish all your troubles."

"It was here that Lu Zu met the Fire Dragon Immortal and received the method of inner alchemy cultivation and the art of flying swords with fire."

"Ah Zong, your Three Inch Light Dance is getting better and better."

"Xiangling, this should be the last time I come to Luyin Mountain."

"Are you leaving?" the girl asked anxiously.

"I received a letter from home. My eldest brother had a son. I need to go back and see him."

"How old are you? You're already someone's uncle?"

"Hehe, my elder brother's son is quite remarkable. The old man said he has already given him a name, Zhang Sheng. I have to rush back to see him."

"Will you come back?"

"He should be back... Oh, by the way, I'll leave this Walkman with you. You can listen to it when you're bored in the mountains."

The light and shadow of the past are like the gathering and dispersing of clouds before my eyes.
Who could have imagined that that farewell would lead to such a dramatic change in their lives?

No one could have imagined that returning home would lead to the destruction of their family and the great calamity of Nanzhang!
“Ah Zong…”

On the Five Old Peaks, the bright moonlight spilled down, making that graceful figure appear even more beautiful and lonely. "If one severs the threads of love with the sword of wisdom, the path to pure yang can be expected."

Zhuang Yumin looked at her junior uncle, who was trapped in the cage, from a distance and murmured softly.

Perhaps she will never understand that state of mind in her life: meeting someone amazing in her youth, her heart longing for them, yet they are worlds apart, only able to gaze at the moon from afar, her obsession difficult to understand.

"let's go."

Zhuang Yumin turned and left.

He Zhiyu turned around, glanced again at the poignant figure under the moonlight, and then followed after her.

"We once spent our days carefree, rowing on the green waves."

But now, they have parted ways.

"Separated by vast oceans and seas."

……

The waterfall cascades down from the sky like an inverted Milky Way, its surging waters accompanied by a melodious and expansive song.

……

Two days later, at Tongluo Mountain.

Entering this blessed land again was clearly different from the last time.

At the main entrances and exits around Tongluo Mountain, experts from the Xijiang Dao Alliance were stationed, and Zhang Fan's vehicle had to be checked when traveling together.

The meeting over there has ended, and the real Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly will begin at the moment of dawn.

According to Zhang Wuming, the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly would officially end in seven days.

The seven-day period was dedicated to the competition for the bestowed land and its incense offerings.

The major sects and factions of Xijiang had already set their sights on this target and dispatched their experts there.

Of the 108 blessed sites, most are considered minor or moderately auspicious.

Zhang Wuming also selected experts from among the rogue cultivators who joined the mortal sect, but Zhang Fan did not have high expectations for them.

After all, the mortal sect is currently weak and has few experts at the grassroots level. Facing the disciples of those famous sects, their chances of winning are slim.

He still pinned his hopes on the six powerful leaders of the sect.

Of the seventeen auspicious burial sites, aside from Tongluo Mountain, securing two or three would be a tremendous victory.

Zhang Fan and Zhang Wuming discussed this and ultimately divided the six top experts of the sect into four groups.

Xiang Nantian and Xu Changshou each led a group.

The two of them are strong enough to stand alone and go to compete for Floating Cloud Mountain and Black Bat Mountain respectively.

These two auspicious sites are only considered to be above average among the seventeen most auspicious sites, so the competition shouldn't be too fierce.

Ling Du and Hua Wuhuan, the two ancestors, went to compete for Jade Talisman Mountain.

Xiao Xiaole and Chang Jinzhi's group went to compete for the Dry Old Mountain.

These two auspicious sites are considered to be of medium to low quality among the seventeen most auspicious sites; whether or not one can acquire them depends on luck.

Zhang Fan and Zhang Wuming then arrived at Tongluo Mountain.

This first blessed land is destined to be the most fiercely contested battlefield in this Danyuan Dharma Assembly.

Sanqing Mountain, Gezao Mountain, Magu Mountain, Luyin Mountain, Xiling Mountain... any prominent sect or clan would send experts to come.

"To compete for the blessed land is to seize the Dragon Pearl," Zhang Wuming said in a deep voice.

The so-called "Dragon Pearl" is not a real pearl, but the essence nurtured by the dragon vein. Just like the "Dragon Bone" that Yu Xuanji fused and refined, it is not the real bone of the dragon. Both are treasures created by the dragon vein.

A land where dragon veins give birth to yang energy, a realm where essence crystallizes into pearls.

The Danyuan Dharma Assembly is held every five years, during which the dragon veins of various blessed lands can nurture and condense new dragon pearls.

The struggle for blessed land is like trying to extract pearls from oysters.

This practice can also prevent the essence of the dragon vein from accumulating and not dissipating for a long time, allowing the dragon pearl to nurture and form a naturally born spiritual embryo.

The authorities are very sensitive to this kind of thing, which is why there is a saying among the people that geological surveys are actually for "slaying dragons".

"Do you think Yu Xuanji will come?" Zhang Wuming asked.

"She will definitely come!" Zhang Fan whispered.

At this point, he remained calm and composed, without the slightest ripple in his heart.

"You go ahead and wander around the mountain for a bit, then I'll meet up with you later."

Zhang Fan also wanted to go to Lingbao Cave to see Xu Jinian and Shan Jun; he hadn't forgotten about the man and the tiger.

"Okay." Zhang Wuming didn't ask any more questions and went into the deep mountains alone.

Before the Dragon Balls were born, all parties had to lie low.

Following the previous path, Zhang Fan arrived at the Lingbao Cave shortly afterward.

Inside the cave, everything was in ruins. The walls had collapsed, the ancient alchemy furnace had been destroyed, and Xu Jinian and Shan Jun were nowhere to be found.

"Gone? They've left the pass?"

Zhang Fan frowned slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

The pills Xu Jinian took were extraordinary; they were transformed from calamity into pills, a method akin to stealing from the heavens and stealing secrets—in other words, it was like having a cheat code.

However, cheating comes at a price; if you can't overcome the tribulations, you won't receive good fortune.

dong... dong... dong...

Just then, a series of light footsteps came from behind.

"Who?"

Zhang Fan turned around and saw a bright and beautiful figure walking in from among the weeds and rocks. It was none other than...

"Zhuang Yumin!?"

"It's you?" Zhuang Yumin's beautiful eyes lit up when she saw Zhang Fan.

"I invited you several times, but you declined. I never expected to meet you here on the very first day of the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly," Zhuang Yumin said with a light laugh.

"Fate." Zhang Fan pursed his lips.

Ever since he heard Zhang Wuming recount a story about his father's past, he felt somewhat awkward and strange whenever he saw the disciples of Luyin Mountain.

"It's truly fate that we discovered this place together, fellow Daoist." Zhuang Yumin looked around and said, "It seems that this is the place where the founder of the Lingbao Sect once refined pills."

"The alchemy furnace is all broken; what a pity for the pills inside."

"It's not a pity." Zhang Fan shook his head subconsciously.

"What?" Zhuang Yumin was stunned.

"I mean... this place looks like it's been abandoned for a long time, so maybe there were never any pills inside," Zhang Fan said casually.

"Maybe."

Zhuang Yumin remained noncommittal, then looked at Zhang Fan: "Brother Dao, are you also here to compete for this blessed land?"

"Even a rogue cultivator needs a place to live," Zhang Fan murmured.

"I think Tongluo Mountain is quite nice."

"So, we're competitors now." Zhuang Yumin's gaze sharpened.

"Competitive relationship!?"

“Indeed, the end of the Dharma has arrived, the Dharma is difficult to transmit, and the Dao is difficult to see. In another hundred years, I fear that all the Dharma will wither away, and how many incense offerings will be left in the Xuanmen?” Zhuang Yumin sighed.

The current struggle for blessed lands is tantamount to gathering a wisp of fortune for our sect's lineage in this degenerate age, and seizing a sliver of heavenly secrets.

When the Dharma truly perishes and the Way is extinguished, even a wisp of incense may remain.

"At the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, everyone who steps into Tongluo Mountain is in competition with each other," Zhuang Yumin said softly.

"You're right, that reminded me." Zhang Fan nodded.

"What do you mean, 'remind you'?" Zhuang Yumin was taken aback.

Rumble…

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Fan took a step forward and was already in front of him. A terrifying pressure surged forth, like a river bursting its banks, with wind and rain raging.

Zhuang Yumin's face paled. Before she could react, her brow trembled slightly. Her primordial spirit had been forcibly extracted by Zhang Fan and held in his palm.

"Of course, it's to remind me to arrest you!"

(End of this chapter)