pappabearbooks Chapter 430 - 395: Eight Immortals Monastery, Solitary Martial Arts, One Saint and Two Celestial Kings
Chapter 430 - 395: Eight Immortals Monastery, Solitary Martial Arts, One Saint and Two Celestial Kings
This is his "Combat Elite" evaluation, bringing the United University’s task system, with priority rights to "high difficulty" task dispatch.Involving the disappearance of a senior Two Limit, this difficulty is exceedingly high.
After some thought, Meng Chuan decided to give up for now and not pursue it.
"I can defeat a Two Limit, but I lack the ability to make a living person vanish into thin air without a trace.
I suspect this matter is likely the work of the Demon Path; such a task is more suited for someone like Martial Arts Master Chen Jing to handle, for assured success."
During the practice of his inner method, he opened the "task details" once more.
He reviewed the preliminary investigation results from the police station.
Moments later, Meng Chuan further confirmed his suspicions.
The disappearance of the Flying Star Hall Master is most likely connected to the forces of the Demon Path...
A vague illusion crept into his mind, that after the Demon Summoning Hall was crushed twice in Yong’an.
Could it be... that they’ve fled to develop in a small city like Fu City?
After finishing his inner method training, he shared his suspicions with Chief Long.
Suggesting he remind Fu City’s police station to investigate along the line of the Demon Summoning Hall.
On the other end of the phone, Chief Long looked a bit surprised.
In his impression, Meng Chuan had always been known for "strong power and the ability to fight and withstand."
When did he also become a bit wise like himself...
Coming back to his senses, he nodded with a smile and said:
"Rest assured, your suspicions are also part of their investigation plan.
However, there haven’t been any traces of activities by Demon Summoning Hall forces or Demon Path followers found yet."
"Alright, I just received the task dispatch from the school, and without the strength to take it on, I simply offered a suggestion."
"Haha, it’s fine, it’s good to have that willingness.
Meng Chuan, I heard you’re not far from the Two Limit, when will you break through two?"
On this end of the phone, Meng Chuan responded confidently with a smile:
"Within three days!"
...
Meanwhile, Yong’an City is preparing for the New Year.
Outside the city, at the Demon Nest, war rages on.
It truly fulfills that old saying, when you are at peace, someone must carry the burden for you.
The Cold Crow Demon Nest outside the city is nearing the end of its dealings.
Yet, the Defense Army and social Martial Artists continue to cooperate in clearing the battlefield.
The newly emerged Snow Demon Deer next to Fu City, after the death of its Nest Master, King Deer Demon.
Central Military Academy has requisitioned this demon nest for maneuvers, which will be open to the public for entry rights afterward.
As for the most dangerous "Ling Lady"...
...
Qinling winter’s foot, snow presses down on pine branches, falling with soft whispers.
The San Qin Defense Army trudges through stream banks, with thick ice crust on the water’s surface, gleaming like shards of silver.
Footprints press deep into the white blanket not far away, a dense forest enveloped in lead-gray fog.
This dense fog is precisely the entrance to the "Ling Lady."
A half-kilometer away from it, the Ling Lady’s specialized combat command room is situated here.
Pushing aside the heavy wind-blocking curtain, a white halo floats over the upper-seat facing the tent’s main entrance.
It is precisely the spiritual manifestation of the Supporting Light Great Saint Zhou Yun.
A burly man sits to the left, his head almost reaching the tent top even while seated.
Guardian of the Northern Lands, "Sky Bear Moon Rocker Lu Ang."
To the right of the Great Saint Zhou Yun, a worried old Taoist sits.
The current Palace Master of Eight Immortals Hermitage, "Xuan Weizi Wuyang."
The Eight Immortals Hermitage was established a thousand years ago and was the largest Taoist monastery in ancient Yong’an.
Inside, statues of Iron Crutch Li, Han Zhongli, and other Eight Immortals are enshrined; its incense was quite flourishing in ancient times.
Legends speak of Lu Dongbin, the Taoist ancestor, appearing here, making it a pilgrimage site for Taoist believers.
As of now...
Though during the Qi Blood Martial Arts Era, Eight Immortals Hermitage was restructured into the "Eight Immortals Hermitage Taoist Academy."
Yet its recruitment pool is too poor, locally in Yong’an, not as renowned as Yong’an Martial Arts University...
But Wuyang is not troubled by this. He has another matter weighing like a stone upon his chest.
The palace is unfortunate, becoming a "small force."
Even the incense enshrining the "Eight Immortals" is weakening.
Has demonic contamination... already occurred?
Wuyang does not know, nor does he dare to speculate.
He, like Lu Ang to his left, is a Six Limit Martial Arts Celestial King.
Being a century-old veteran Celestial King, his prowess exceeds that of Lu Ang.
Within the Taoist gates, a Five Limit Venerable is called True Monarch, whereas a Six Limit Celestial King is near the Tao, also known as "Dao Monarch."
But now, Old Taoist Monarch Wuyang’s form lacks the kingly spirit of Lu Ang, appearing slightly hunched and declining...
The three, one Great Saint, and two Celestial Kings, demonstrate Great Chu’s emphasis on the "Ling Lady."
To be precise, it’s sufficient attention towards the "Ultimate Darkness" beyond its node.
The Ultimate Darkness within Qinling is officially named "Ancestral Dragon."
The power of its nest master surpasses that of Celestial Demon Marshals like the Whisper of the Mountains, restricted by human rules to stay put in the nest’s depths.
But this doesn’t mean its generals can’t come through the node, and descend through the Ling Lady demon nest to the human world...
Aside from the three are the prominent figures from each surrounding force in Yong’an.
If Meng Chuan were here, he would surely recognize Principal Yang, Principal Yin, and even see Secretary Wang of Yong’an City seated at the end...
He is the top dignitary within Yong’an City, a Martial Arts Grandmaster.
Yet here, being able to sit and listen is already a boost to his status.
Look how the Yong’an City Defense Army commander, also a Martial Arts Grandmaster, stands behind Lu Ang...
All await, holding their breath in anticipation for the Great Saint at the seat of honor to speak.
The tent was silent, with a tense atmosphere spreading.
The cluster of light suddenly flickered a few times, as if the "signal" had been connected.
Upon seeing this, everyone quickly sat upright.
A few moments later, Zhou Yun’s figure did not appear, remaining a cluster of white light, with only his voice emanating.
"Secretary Wang?"
"Present!"
Secretary Wang shivered, hastily responding.
"Hmm... nothing serious, you’re sitting the farthest away, I just wanted to test if you could hear me talking."
"..."
"...It’s very clear, Zhou Sheng, please speak."
The cluster of light flickered again, and Zhou Yun’s voice gradually emerged:
"It’s easy to resolve Lingnv, just have the grandmasters present take action.
The key lies in the node, Lu Zhenshou and Old Taoist Monarch Wuyang, guard one side of the Lingnv’s node, while I destroy the node on the other side.
If any Celestial Demon General or commander escapes from [Ancestor Dragon] when I’m unprepared,
You two must first block them and hold your position until I return."
"Understood."
Everyone spoke in unison.
They had long considered these ideas, since this was Great Chu, facing a Demon Nest connecting to the ultimate dark node.
Through numerous practical screenings, this was the safest approach.
The Great Saint completely demolishing the node connection from the other side is the key to this mission.
"I have limited time and need to exchange places with Xu Sheng in Taihang.
I will only destroy the node and deal with any Great Demon escaping from Ancestor Dragon. Everything else within Lingnv will be left to you."
"Understood, Zhou Sheng, rest assured, the rest is entrusted to us."
Lu Ang spoke for everyone.
"Good, zz... Let’s act now, I’m on my way."
The signal was poor, and as Zhou Yun’s voice faded, the cluster of light dissipated.
Everyone rose and acted according to Zhou Sheng’s arrangement.
With a slow rise, Wuyang exchanged a glance with Lu Ang, and both of their figures vanished simultaneously.
The surrounding scene changed, and Lu Ang’s voice came through:
"Old Taoist Monarch, what does your temple think about revising the Martial Shrine?"
"..."
Wuyang remained silent all the way, only speaking after reaching the node.
His voice was first suppressed, then somewhat excited:
"An old Taoist understands reason; regarding the [Temple], though it’s yet uncertain whether all Eight Immortals were corrupted, they must still be completely nailed down regardless, old Taoist..."
Seeing Wuyang’s emotions gradually stir, Lu Ang quickly interrupted:
"The words of Taoist Monarch are heavy, isn’t the heritage of the Eight Immortals still intact? The Eight Immortals Temple wasn’t seized and dismantled, just... no longer receiving incense offerings. However, the Martial Dao fortune remains, and perhaps one day in the future..."
Upon hearing this, Wuyang was silent for a moment before nodding heavily...
With things being as they are, he needed to consider the bigger picture.
The great situation involved "corruption."
Even for a force behind the Great Saint, compromises had to be made.
No one knows whether the Eight Limit Martial God could withstand the Celestial Demons in the depths of the [ultimate darkness].
But, stopping their strength from further enhancing is the baseline the current human Martial Arts realm must adhere to.
...
The next day, a warning line was already drawn at a corner of the Qinling Mountains.
Within Yong’an City, two to three hundred kilometers from Qinling.
Having just finished cultivating his mental technique, Meng Chuan reviewed some news about Yong’an, and the latest [Demon Nest Recruitment] task pushed again by United University’s task system.
He pondered in his heart:
"Three Qin Defense Army, issuing a recruitment collaboration to Northern United University, with a limit of seven days, substantial rewards..."
This assistance to the Defense Army to clear out the exterior Celestial Demons of Lingnv’s Demon Nest.
Battle merits were all settled at the standard 120%, supplemented by Great Chu’s military department.
It’s unfortunate that he would breakthrough the second limit just over these days.
Even if he did breakthrough, he’d have to rest after the body’s transformation ends, missing the chance.
"But Xu and the others could grab it, seven days would yield considerable merits, plus school task credits..."
Xu Qingfeng and the three brothers of Dragon and Tiger must have been stimulated by his impending breakthrough, choosing to stay behind for additional practice.
"New Year? What New Year! I want to practice martial arts!"
Hard to imagine these words came from the formerly "slothful" Xu Qingfeng...
Now with the opening of Lingnv Demon Nest recruitment, it’s considered a reward for the three who persevered at Lishan Mountain.
"When Arlong comes out of the Demon Nest, he probably won’t be far from the second limit either..."
Currently, Chu Yanlong’s five apertures are complete, the sixth is connected, leaving another two to three hundred Qi Blood for the apertures to be filled without leaks.
Having heard from the other party, his [Martial Arts Program] is at first limit maximum.
When the three flowers coordinate to Qi Blood perfection, then breakthroughs could be attempted.
Probably won’t take much longer than himself.
Yet Meng Chuan harbors no other thoughts, after all, they were comrades, especially he who wanted to pioneer with "Tiger Models" first...
A person’s life isn’t solely isolated to martial arts.
Just like climbing a mountain, if someone can mutually support, perhaps they could climb even higher.
Meng Chuan sincerely hopes his friends could grow stronger until they catch his pace.
As for those falling behind on the martial path yet wish to climb, Meng Chuan is willing to lend a hand.
For those unwilling to continue upward, Meng Chuan holds an understanding attitude.
After all, for most people, martial arts aren’t their entire life.
"Martial arts are like ascending to heaven, some are willing to step upon clouds together, while others prefer to lower their heads and observe the dust. I walk towards the peak, not obstructing others’ paths."